[mooz49]

Hi chickies just a quick call on Paul's computer before he heads back to Belfast for the week. All is well here. I sold a painting yesterday at Country Markets which just started in our town yesterday so I am thrilled about that. Eating is going well and I am still walking.

[Nita]

HalGal -- Thanks for the Mother's Day card. Today is not a good day for me because none of my daughters are here. Mother's Day is always stressful for me but only three more weeks and I will get to go back home.

Mooz -- I really needed your words of wisdom today because I have slipped off my plan and I need to get back on track! I did go bowling today but it is way too hot to do the treadmill.

Well I will say goodbye for now -- take care and have a "super" Sunday!

Anita

[1day@atime]

Hello Ladies,

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day. Went over to my sister and ate way to much. This week I will have to work extra hard. Last week I had a .6 gain. I know why too. I did not journal at all. I tried to keep it in my head & of couse, couldn't keep track. This week I am back to journaling.

Nita - I know it is hard to stay on track, especially when you are not motivated, but you had done so well.

[Nita]

Hi Patty:

It looks like it is just you and me. Thanks for your words of wisdom. Yesterday I had to have another tooth pulled--it was abscessed but had not erupted until the dentist went to pull it. As a result I could only have liquids, and I believe that is going to get me back on track.

Tonight I am attending an American Idol viewing party at one of our malls. Also, the new arena, which is 5 minutes from where I live, called me in for an interview this afternoon. This is just a part-time position as a Guest Service Rep. Most of the events are in the evening. I hope I pass the interview process.

Since I couldn't really eat--I made a milkshake with 1 cup of skim milk, one frozen bananna and about 3/4 cup of strawberries and some sweetner. It was so good, I made another one for breakfast today. I do believe one way of sticking to our programs, no matter which one we are following, is to keep it interesting. We need to take the time to try different foods and not just eat the same thing every day.

Hopefully the rest of you ladies are busy and will post when you get a chance.

Take care,
Anita

[1day@atime]

Hello Ladies,
Just got back from my walking. This is twice i've walked today..I am hoping to show a loss this week to make up for my small gain last week. I am still having a hard time with the water. I am drinking about 6 cups a day & 1 diet drink, by Ww standards i'm drinking enough, but I'm trying to get in 8 cups.

Nita - Ouch... i can just feel your pain. I do not like going to the dentist. Your right though, since your only drinking that is one way to get back on track. I am trying a new recipe, or a new food each week. I always get in a rut and eat the same foods. So my promise to myself is to try something new. It may not be new to all but for me it is. This week I have been eating vanilla yogurt 1 cup (3pts) and adding 3/4 cups of Kashi go lean to it. It makes a tasty breakfast that has lots of protein. Last week I tried boiled summer squash & zucinnie & instead of grilling it, then I topped it off with pinch of shredded cheese...

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Keep me in your prayers, we're suppose to know something next week 5/18 about our job situation...

[HalKetchum'sGal]

Bumping us up a bit girls. I hope everyone is doing well. I am just fine. Counting the days! Diet is good, and thus I feel good. I love the new low carb tortillas. Anyone else using these. Now to walk and exercise.

[1day@atime]

Evening Ladies,

Hal - I haven't tried them yet are they good? I started back on Weight Watchers & i'm trying to somewhat stay away from carbs, other than veggies & fruits. I'm limiting my fruits to just apples, pears & maybe every 3rd day a banana. Eating lots of veggies though... cucumbers, squash. etc.

[1day@atime]

Hello Ladies,
Had a really good day today. Stayed OP and even drank my water. Tomorrow is my weigh in so hopefully I'll have a loss.

Hope everyone is doing ok... Hope to hear from you all soon.

[mooz49]

Hi there chickies - just a quick call fron the library. I have still not go a computer that I can use with the internet.............. hopefully soon I will.
I still have not lost any more weight but I am walking most days so I feel I am doing a bit to get fit.
It is a beautiful sunny day here today and that make me feel good.
Have a great Saturday all.

[Catlover777]

Hi, Chicks. Took forever to get puter back on line. We called the cable company, and they kept saying it should be working, and it did work for other people in the family but not for me. Anyway, hope it's fixed now.

Done pretty well on the fruit/veg goal, and think it makes me feel better. (Good for the arthritis.)

Not time to catch up on everyone, but hope you are all doing well. Mooz--WTG on selling the painting. I got the proof on my poetry book, and was so excited. Will let you know when it's published.

Back to work.

[mooz49]

I was at Orla's leaving mass during the week and one of the parents, who is also a teacher at the school read out "Reflections of a Parent" It was very moving especially as his voice got very emotional at the end and he could only whisper the last two lines. I thought I would share it with you ………..

REFLECTIONS of a PARENT.

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can take you to Church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but can't make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honour.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you about alcohol & drugs, but I can't say "No" for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life
……………..and I will. !!!

[Nita]

Hi All,

Another hot day in Phoenix, but I am overjoyed with life. Although some unpleasant things have happend on the whole life is good! I am not sure I told everyone but I did get the position at the Arena. It doesn't pay a whole lot --$6.50 and a 50 cent raise after 90 days--however, I believe it will be an exciting thing to do. I will get to meet a whole lot of different people and see hockey games. I am not really a hockey fan but who knows, I can always become one. Dietwise, I am not doing too bad and I feel good that it has been over 1-1/2 years that I have kept off 50 lbs. I most definitely would like to take off at least another 10 but if it doesn't happen, I am not going to beat myself up. Perhaps when I start my new job that will give me more exercise.

Yesterday I entertained my friends who are vegetarians and I served veggies wrapped in whole wheat tortillas. My husband is great about making the wraps just right. What I did was saute onions, celery, yellow and red peppers and cooked them until they were thoroughly cooked. I then added milk salsa and my friends said they were very good. I also made a large salad with all of the veggies I had cooked and added carrots, broccoli and some peacans.

Mooz, I live the saying at the bottom of your message--it is a very true statement. Since we are only human it's very easy to slip up, however, by getting back on track asap we eventually will attain whatever goal we want!

Take care all and have a "super" day!
Anita

[Nita]

Sorry everyone I see I made an error in my recipe. It was mild salsa that I added and not "milk".

[HalGal]

Greetings Movers and Losers...!!

I trust everyone had a wonderful weekend! I was glued to the book, "Passing For Thin". While it falters, is a tad on the poetic and difficult to follow at times side - the story is riveting. I have about 40 pages left to turn, and have a feeling after my shower, I'll read until I am ready to sleep.

This is the last full week of classes. Another year has yet rolled by us. Final exams begin on Friday and wrap up the following Tuesday - which is the last day for students.

My diet is good. Something about spring/summer time just makes it easeir to stay OP. I made tuna salad this evening, and have a new package of the Mission low carb tortiallas, some cherry tomatoes and black grapes to snack on. The grapes are sweet and mostly seedless. I added some celery and sweet onion to the tuna salad.

Do you know the girl in the book I am reading lost 188 pounds and did not begin exercising until after this point? I just got to that part... like I said parts of the book are vague and it is difficult to follow. I guess that is why I want to finish it so I can get the big picture. She joined Overeaters Annoynmous.

Have a great OP week everyone... Congrats Nita on the new job, Mooz thanks for the writing you posted... hugs and good thoughts to all!!!

[Nita]

Halgal,

Thanks for getting into the book. I, myself, found it very difficult reading and sort of put it aside for another time. I also remember when I joined WW back in the early 70's they advised us to exercise when we got to within 10 lbs. of our goal. I agree exercise is great, however, the weight comes off a lot slower. I remember one time at WW I got down to my lowest weight--108 lbs.--at 5 feet and only 35 this was okay. I really didn't exercise during my weight loss except to go bowling and walking. Back then we didn't have all this exercise equipment available and if it was available, I was not in a position to buy it.

I hope everyone else is looking forward to a very "special" week!

Take care,
Anita