Good morning...
Welcome Suetalks - I'm new here, too and really enjoying the community. Checking in here helps me focus my thoughts around what healthy activities I am going to to do today. Kind of like mini-mini goals. It's also fun to read where everyone else is at and be cheered by their success.

Marti - sorry about your tooth -what a drag. Can you see a DDS and get some pain relief? That link on Oregon was fun. My little corner of the world is Multnomah, which is in the southwest corner of the Portland map.

Susan - welcome back - have fun at Bookbaggers tonight, good luck getting any sleep Here's some coffee for you for tomorrow morning. Note: Susan and I have children who attend the same neighborhood school Bookbaggers is an annual sleepover at the school centered around literature activities. DS is too young (it's for 2-6 graders) I think Susan said she's volunteering at it this year. Sorry the X is annoying. hope the situation has improved.

Christi - Your lawn experience sounds like a nightmare - I hate waiting around for anything, so if I had been your shoes I doubt I would have been as gracious. We've (or rather DH) seeded a stretch of our side yard with some very expensive eco-lawn blend. It's supposed to be drought tolerant, attractive, needs mowing rarely. We were excited about it, but its not looking very good, in fact, it's downright ugly. Sigh. THis fall, I think DH is going to re-do the whole thing.

I was able to walk yesterday and it felt good! I'm going to get out early today because it is supposed to be hot again. I was a dripping mess yesterday afternoon. This weekend is insane. DS has a sleepover tonight - so that means no one is sleeping DH is off to Eugene for a track meet in the very early a.m. Sat. - gone all day. Sunday after church the kids are going to a friend's house so David (DH) and I can go to the Portland Art Museum and maybe a light dinner. Yay! Grown-up time! I'm going to ban shop-talk.....

Marti~I did feel like telling them where to go, but it is exactly like Jana said. This is two companies already and it didn't seem to be any better. We called around to some other places and were told the soonest anyone could get out was in 4 weeks and that was pushing it. Also, that that is getting late in the season to do the seed, the sod would be fine, but the seed it is best to do before the middle of May. So we just stuck with these people. I am going to go check out your site, even though I have been to Oregon, but it is BEAUTIFUL! Of course if you go to a Kansas site you won't see anything. There is NOTHING in Kansas,(well in Wichita) unless of course you go up by Kansas City or St. Louis.

Okay, I need to go somewhere for a few minutes but will be back in about an hour or so. I hate getting started on a post and then having to leave, oh well. I'll be back...

Have a great day ladies!!

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I will post a bio. I hope to read here and learn a little about all the "Jaded Ladies." Now, if I can just figure out where I am supposed to post every day.


suetalks

I'm baaaaacccck!

Hi Suetalks~we usually post daily in the Chit Chat #__ thread, right now it is #45. Once it reaches about 50 posts though we start a new Chit Chat #__ thread. But we also have the stickies for recipes, laugh lines, inspiration, of course the bio's and throw in different threads along the way. But always look for the newest Chit Chat thread. And please do a bio so we can get to know a little more about ya.

Jana~I am going to go back to that site as soon as I am finished here, and then I am off to Oregon. I went there last night but didn't have much time to spend there. And your garden sounds wonderful-wow, a lot of veggies and fruit. There is nothing like home grown. You reminded me I need to get some new white sneakers. Of course DD keeps reminding me that she wants some new puma's. And you are right about not telling the guy where to go. See above post.

RosieKate~believe me, the yard experience has turned into a nightmare, but one that will soon be over! Didn't know there was an eco-lawn blend, you learn something new everyday. Drought tolerant would be good here. Seems it rains terribly for a little while then just stops, no more rain for a good long while. I wish they would have gotten the sod in yesterday with the rain we are having today, it would have been perfect, and soaked it really good.

Susan~sorry to hear about you and the ex fighting, that's never fun and can be very stressful. I'm talking like I know-I don't have an ex, but only imagine from what my friends go through with theirs. Try not to get stressed about it and check in when you can.

Marti~I too have thought about some of the others who were here when I joined up. Michelle I believe was the one going to start the doggie daycare. But I do remember both Michelle and Mel and wonder what is up with them.

Hi to everyone else, Shanna, Angie, Katie, Rita, Kathy and anyone I missed.

For some reason did my weekly shopping today. I normally do it on Wednesdays, oh that's right, I sat around waiting all day Wednesday for the grass guys. Glad I didn't have much to get,a s the store was a little busy. Of course I forgot it was the end of the month. Then DS#1 and I went to lunch, I had already had lunch but went with him anyway and had a diet coke and some chips and salsa. Not very often he wants to spend time with his mom so I take advantage of every moment I can. He's just really busy with school and work and is hardly ever home. Then went to Hallmark to get a couple of cards, an anniversary and graduation card, oh and some (wedding) tea lights. Now I need to catch up with some laundry. Well, that was my day so far. Now I will do some laundry, get dinner cooked and relax the rest of the evening and try to figure out what to get dh for our anniversary and ds for his graduation-have no clue. Anyway, hope everyone is having a great day. See ya later, I am off to IN and OR.

Hi ladies, long time no post!

Holy cow, it's been grueling lately. Looks like Mom's Medicaid mess in Montana (sounds like the title of a bad C&W song, hmmm?) is finally getting straightened out. I finally contacted a nice person from the ombudsman's office, and they helped Mom fill out the required forms -- and it looks like they will backdate everything. I'm still going to Montana on the 12th to help Mom out with some other things, and it will be good to see her. My sister will be there, too, and haven't seen her for over a year.

For everyone who gave their condolences, thank you. I did feel sad when Grandma Mary died, but really felt more relief than anything. She was so ready to go. In the last few years she had lost most of her hearing and her sight, couldn't watch TV or read or even visit with anyone anymore. She didn't remember much, and was hurting a lot. She used to crochet and did beautiful work, but even before she lost her sight her hands were so crippled with arthritis that she couldn't do that anymore, and it just seems like nothing really gave her any pleasure. I know that she's happy now, and no longer in any pain.

Marti, I am so sorry to hear about your tooth! When you have a toothache, it seems like you can't really do anything else but feel miserable. I hope you are able to get it fixed very soon...and I'm glad that it seems to have eased up a bit in the meantime. It's really good that you got to see your grandma, and that you live so close to her. I'll be praying for her.

Angie, how exciting that you got the audition! I'm sure you'll let us know right away if you got on the show. Wish it was something that aired down here in the states...

Jana, hang in there! You've been doing so great, and you've been so upbeat and such an inspiration to us...plateaus suck, plain and simple. I've gone to WW 3 times in the last 20 years, and every time it was the plateau that got me, made me lose my motivation. Don't quit! You're more than a third of the way to your goal, and we are all so proud of you! ok, let's see...38 3/4 lbs...that's...155 STICKS OF BUTTER GONE!!!

Susan, did you find a good sitter for Gaby? Hope things work out with your ex...I can say from experience, it's a lot better to be getting along with them than not! And a lot easier for everyone...

Glad you're getting your yard in, Cristi. It's so fun when it's starts coming together the way you want it to look. I have to go out and deadhead my roses today, maybe cut a few to bring inside. Everytime I read your posts, I'm overwhelmed by the desire to go shopping! You are dangerous, woman!

Nice to meet you RosieKate and Suetalks, and hi Rita and Kathy Where the heck is Kayecee??? She did mention at one point that she was having computer problems. I didn't realize her B-day was 5/5...I'd send her a card, but don't think I have her home address. Kayecee, if you're out there, PM me your address, ok?

OK, off to prune the roses, and then I should probably clean something around here...maybe the bathroom? Or maybe I should...(insert scary music here)...organize the hall closet?

See you soon,
Katie

Okay, I am back AGAIN! One would think I didn't have a life.

Just a quick note to RosieKate and Suetalks~we exchange cards for birthday's and such and wanted to let you know so that we may include you. If you ladies wouldn't mind sharing your address with us...you could pm us all or anyone of us and then we could pass it on, also maybe include your email address if you like.

Hi Katie~sorry I know it seems like all I do is shop but I don't, really. Although, dh sat down and did some figuring and I was a bit shocked at how much we have spent the last month, of course he include the bills so that made it seem a little better. Just here lately it seems like we have, but it is all going into the house, well, except for the few trips to Hallmark and the scrapbook store. It definitely needs to stop if I am going to meet Jana in July. I may have to hitchhike if the gas prices keep going up! Glad to hear you and your mom are getting things straightened out. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your mom and sis next week, oops the week after. I really need to break down and go visit my family, maybe on the way back from IN.

Marti~I visited Cottage Grove today and must say you live in a very BEAUTIFUL city!! WOW, I love the mountains and the covered bridges, so cool!

Okay, I am really outta here for now. See you ladies tomorrow.

Oh, and good luck to everyone on their WI tomorrow! I'm hoping the scales are good to us all.

Good evening ladies,

Marti - hey thanks for the Oregon link... I will check it out!

RosieKate - what am I, chopped liver?? lol.... I know it's hard to say hi and not miss anyone! Your weekend sounds really crazy but fun. I have to go to a faculty dinner with Neal tomorrow evening and I don't really want to, but it's a recognition dinner and so I will go.

Cristi - glad you like the Holiday Inn. I will go ahead and reserve Katie's and my room soon and may try for poolside, 1st floor. You are right, it will be noisy, but that's okay with me. I just don't want to walk around the hotel with my swimsuit on even though I have a cover up. I think if you call them at 1-800-HOLIDAY, you can request whichever you want. I don't know why, but I don't really like to make ressies over the internet. I've given my cc numbers many times for other stuff, so go figure!

KatieCat - glad the medicaid snafu is working out... that has to be a big relief to you and your mom. Thanks for the weight loss encouragement ... 155 sticks of butter, wow!! No wonder I feel so much lighter! So did you tackle the hall closet? Wouldn't blame you if you skipped it, lol.

Did I find shoes? Cause I didn't look!

Did I clean the back porch? Cause I had better stuff to do!!

But I DID pay the bills, and I also found some recliners. Neal likes a wall-hunger that does not rock, and I like a rocker/recliner. I have been looking for 2 that match and finally found them in a nuetral color. YAY!! Neal picked them up in his truck and we saved 10% off the bill!

Btw, I am getting ready to post the Crock Pot SW chicken stew in the recipe thread for those who wanted it...

See you tomorrow! Wish me luck with the scale ...

Jana

WoW!!! Look at this place growing!! That means more people to "listen" to my ramblings on!!!

Well...I got my test back in accounting and I was THRILLED!! I got a borderline B!! Meaning it was borderlining the A/B area!! 88.5 out of 100. I could have done a table dance right then, but the guy next to me would have probably laughed his arse off!! Just knowing that the first term that I took accounting and FAILED each and every test I took......this is just a turn around for me. (tells you that I have a better instructor doesn't it?)

RosieKate--Looks like you're in for a busy weekend girl!! That should be enough for weight to just fall off!!

Cristi--Ok..I understand where you're coming from with the grass guy, I guess I just wanted to throw a tizzy fit for you!! And I did!! Don't you feel better?

Suetalks--Just stick with this ChitChat thread and you'll be in a good place. This is where we post everyday. Yap about anything and everything. The girls here probably know more about me than my own family!!

Katie--Come on over...I have things you can do here!! I even have a "closet" for you to go explore in!!!

Jana--I had to go back and read what RosiKate posted to see what you were talking about with this "chopped liver"......then it was like ahhhh...I see. I thought it was something to do with your diet! I suppose I need to slow down when I read eh?

Cristi--Visited Cottage Grove did ya? Well...I think the site made it more attractive than what it actually is. But it does have some beautiful country sides that I love to go drive in during the fall......my favorite time of year!!

Stephanie--Welcome...and come over to the chitchat thread!!! We'd love to get to know ya!

Hello to Shanna-Kayecee-Angie-Susan-Kathy-Rita------who else??? Wow...we have a lot of K names a few Sue's on here!! Anyone else named Marti?????

Ok...time to go spend some time with my HUSBAND!!! Hee-hee...Love saying that!!

You all have a great evening and I will chat with you later

Marti

Oh well looky there....Cristi got two chats from me...don't you feel special??? I think I'm going to have to start a head count here.....I'm forgetting whose who and who I've talked to already!! Silly me!

Hi-

I did read about the passing of your grandmother,Katie. I am sorry I didn't offer my condolences before- I am sure she will be missed in your family. It is great to see you posting!

Welcome suetalks....I talk too.....lol
haha-
Anyway- hope you enjoy it here and do fill out a Bio!!

WOW- Cristi- sorry about trying to get workers out to actually work in your yard. It IS the busy season and you probably do have to keep on their butts in reminding......
I know I worked with a lot of different contractors over the years- they were all pretty good and I even lived in a small town.
Anyway- sorry you have had a difficult time this week

RosieKate- ahhhh, didn't make Bookbaggers. Rebecca didn't have any friends going so she didn't want to go and with all the *crazies* at work I couldn't take off.
It has been beautiful in the city though!! I took Gaby up to my sisters in SE for tonights babysitting.
The older girls are going to the community center with their friends.
Might head to Astoria in the morning to get away-
Hope you and your husband have a nice time out

You are waaaaaaaay too young to be a mother to us Jana ...lol- you are more like an older sister Can't believe you had a hippie type ex??
My ex and I are doing fine now- we have a rocky relationship though.He is so much older and always wants to treat my like a child. That one night he got out the calculator and wanted to go over my budget........that is what started that fight- lol

Anyway- I found a nice lady in SE to watch Gaby - only about 4 miles away.She cares for a 3 yr and 8 week old- brothers. I hope it will be ok
I was going to let the ex do it but I need to wean myself away from him.Besides the older girls keep him busy and this was Gaby has lil ones her age to play with--

So I start Monday full time and am VERY happy!!!!! Noon to 9pm are my hours-

I better go- sorry another quicky!!! Hi to Marti-Shanna-Rita-Kathy-Kayecee-Carree-.......Stephanie?? I am going to forget someone - sorry.......

oh ya.......Angie!!!! Hey sweety.......- best of luck on that show!!! You are so pretty and shoe in I am sure!! If not they aren't too smart......lol
just a side note- Angie and I have known each other for 4 years- that is why I tease her and call her sweety-- she really isn't my type or anything...lol

Ok-- need to get to work!!

Wow...don't know how I will keep everyone straight here until I learn your names. I won't even try to list messages to each of you...yet.
I had an up and down day today. Went out for breakfast and kept it simple, eggs, canadian bacon and 1 slice of wheat toast. I walked 45 minutes this afternoon, which I am hoping to get that up to over an hour next week. Then I made lasagna for dinner...bad move. I did use fat free cottage cheese instead of ricota and low fat cheeses with very little meat sauce. I am just not sure how many exchanges I used and/or how to figure it. I ate less than I wanted and filled up on a salad with fat free dressing. I even baked my hubby a cake tonight and only tasted it. (Luckily it was not chocolate or I would have not been able to resist.) I am trying to keep providing good meals for him while dieting for me. He isn't dieting right now, although he could lose a few more pounds. lol..
I know I need to push more veggies and fruit, so that is what I am shooting for tomorrow.

suetalks....and talks, and talks

Hi suetalks and talks and talks

I think it took me a week or so to learn everyones names. Use to write notes as I read the post because I couldn't remember.......you'll get it though!!

Gaby is my 2 year old and she LOVES low fat cottage cheese, she also loves all her veggies and pickled beets.

Anyway-back to work!

Susan

Hi again-

see - now you can't get rid of me- lol

Caught up somewhat-

Marti- Prayers for your grandma. I hope you,James and Jhanai have a great weekend.

If you look on the link to Oregon I am in the Nob Hill district. It is very pretty here- also I am about a mile from the Rose Gardens and 3 miles from the zoo.....great place for the JL to meet next year!!

Happy you got a free membership to the gym ,Angie!!! YAY- you are so ........smart I am going to go ahead and join the Y tomorrow- been putting it off because of $$$ but with the extended hours I should be able to afford it- plus I can go in the mornings before work-

Just thinking about it I already miss Gabrielle!!!!

Hello girls--

I just got finished with the vacuuming of the house!! Boy did it need it. And James washed the dogs, so now they smell all pretty for company tomorrow!! Yep Shanna, we have good smellin' dogs here!! Just for your visit.---ok, so they needed a bath anyways......

Sue--(I will shorten your name to Sue and keep Susan as Susan) There is nothing wrong with fixing meals that you and your hubby can both eat and enjoy. WW has a cookbook with ALL kinds of great recipes that you could make and I'm sure your husband would love them too.(I hope I'm not sounding like I'm pushing you to do WW....just making a suggestion so you can BOTH enjoy good foods) I just got in the mail another cookbook (don't know when I ordered that?!) and there are so many dessert recipes that look great in there!! Sounds like a great walk you had today!! 45mins? Wow....20mins for me and I'm back home! Only because I usually walk with my daughter and that's about all she can handle.

Susan--You're back!! How are you liking the extra hours? Are they hard to get used to after working less? If I had to go to work tomorrow....I think my body would be in shock! It has been a year since I worked. (OMG....has it been that long?!) The weather has been very nice out lately.....did you see that it's suppose to rain again by Wednesday??? What's up with that?

I just wanted to stop by and say "HI"......so HI!!! I think I better get off of here and get some rest.

Have a good night.
Marti

Good Morning Ladies,

Marti - you always say the kindest things about my weight loss efforts! Thank you for that! WTG on the accounting grade! I am so proud of you! Have fun with Shanna today. Are you going to scrapbook? Btw, I think you girls out there should have a Slumber Party this year, too. Chances are it will be too expensive for some of the JLs to get there next year, so why wait? There are several of you who could join in.... Acually, I will probably fly in for it whenever you do meet up, if someone will pick me up at the airport... I couldn't even think of driving in a big city like that. Cluck cluck

Susan - my ex wasn't a hippie type til after Viet Nam. That kinda ruined his life and he let it. He was the "boy next door" type til then. Too sad, really. Glad you found a babysitter for Gaby, and yes, I agree it's good for you to be less dependent on your ex. You are making all kinds of positive changes in your life, aren't you? YAY for you!!

Sue - I also will call you Sue if that's okay? I cook regular meals for my family and me. But gone are the days of macaroni and cheese, pots of noodles, etc. They don't need it any more than I do, and of course I haven't fried anything for a long long time, except fresh bluegill. My DH Neal was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol and already has high blood pressure, so I feel even better about healthier cooking. Our desserts, when we have them on Sundays, is mostly based on fruit. There is a Dreamsicle cake receipe that is so goooooood but low in points! Look for it in the recipe thread. if you want.

Cristi - I am getting so excited about our meeting and Katie is looking forward to meeting your DD. If she ever gets on AIM (aol instant messenger, I will PM you Katie's nickname there so they can "talk") Just call when you feel comfortable doing so... or PM me your number and I will call you on my cell phone, and it won't cost anything.

Well, ladies, I maintained once again on the scale. I am trying to stay positive about it, but I really want to smack somebody, lol. My body was at this weight for a long, long time up til a few years ago, and I know it is comfortable here. I promised myself that if the scale didn't move this week either, I would be very diligent about drinking enough water and also about doing the Walk Away the Pounds video.

I want you guys to know, though, that I consider giving up is NOT an option. I feel the same way about this weight as I did when I quit smoking: if I give up, I will have to start at point zero again, and there is no way I will go back to that! I am truly dedicated to losing 100 pounds and I will do it.

Today I have the recognition dinner with Neal once again, and want to be there to support him, but it will be soooooo boring. It's as though the speakers go out of their way to put you to sleep, lol. The good news is, they will have healthy foods available.

This was longer than I meant it to be, lol. <----- for the others who are weighing in today!!!

Jana

Can I say "Phooey" on scales?

I did my weigh in and I'm UP 2 lbs.!! What?! So here I have been doing crunches and some other exercises, eating WAY better than I have been, drinking tons of water and the scale decides to go UP!! I even calibrated the scale to make sure I wasn't off and it wasn't. So I was a bit disappointed this morning........ I have even noticed the bloatiness of my belly going down so I must be doing something good.

But hey, what's 2lbs right??? Whahhhhhhhh!! Alright. I let that out. I felt I needed to just share with everyone my gain. I almost decided to not post it at all for fear of failure but what's that going to do for my motivation??? And if I can't post my pitfalls alongside with my successes....then I'm not doing much good for myself. (did that make sense???? too early in the morning!!)

Well, instead of sulking into a big donut, I think I'm going to make myself an english muffin!! I'll check back in later tonight.

Marti