Hello Ladies. Another new month. I woke up this morning with a determination to get and stay "good." I am still going to do the exchanges but rev up the exercise and water. As Dr. Phil would say I have decided to "get real."
I quit smoking several years ago and it was very easy for me when I made up my mind to do it for health reasons. Why can't dieting be that simple for me? Others have trouble quitting smoking but yet can diet easily. Different strokes as they say.
The good news is I didn't gain any weight the last few days so I am starting today at 170. (I don't tell my weight often, so this is my first step in getting real) Less than I have been, but much more than I want to be. Now, I need to set a goal for this month and go from there.
Today is rainy, so no walking yet. I hope it clears up, but if not I will force myself to do the treadmill.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

suetalks....*you can call me Sue*

OK - I've had alot of THIS this am! DS' sleepover went great - the kids even went to bed at a decent hour - then I couldn't sleep. I was so ticked! I was reading Under the Banner of Heaven and I think I managed to get 100 pages in before I could finally doze off. Now DH is MIA all day and won't be home 'til late tonight (track meet in Eugene)...maybe I'll be able to get the kids to bed early and catch up my sleep then. I have a bunch of fresh produce from my Manic Organic delivery, so my mini goal for the day is to try a new vegetable recipe. There were some purple potatoes and purple garlic in this order so maybe I'll whip something up out of those.

JANA! - OK I get 100 lashes with a wet noodle! You are far from chopped liver. I'm still getting used to this format, I'm afraid. And I get interrupted by a crazy toddler periodically, so forgive me if I come across as erratic. I'll try to do better. Way to go on your weight loss success! You are my role model! Before DD, I managed to lose 40 lbs ( through the Zone and TOPS), then I got pregnant and it all came back and then some. So I'm trying to get back in that groove I have been in before. You keep the good work!

Marti- Don't let the scales get you down. Right after I started posting here on 3FC, I gained two pounds and I was tempted to just disappear or lie in my posts, but I decided not to and I 'm so glad because seeing my numbers in writing reminded my of my determination. Then the next week, I was -1. When I was in TOPS, I used to do a program on progress. I would encourage people to view their weight loss as if you are going down a flight of stairs bouncing a ball. Your weight is the ball. There may be lots of little ups and downs, but if the general direction is down, then you are a success! Always remember where you've been, and to keep your eye on the prize! You're doing great!

Christi - Sounds like the grass guys threw your whole week off. I can relate to the grocery store experience. I went to Costco yesterday, forgetting it was Friday AND the last day of the month I managed to get it all done before DD had a little toddler meltdown. I try to plan ahead and only go to Costco once a month, 'cause I just don't like the crowds there. Today I may take on the once-a-month Winco trip. But it's Saturday and I'll have to take both kids, so I may just wait..... Hey when's your anniversary? Mine's coming up, too. We'll be 14 years on 6/16...been together 18 - yikes! that's a long time....

Susan - I just love your neighborhood. I had some friends who lived at the Envoy for many years. They threw me a baby shower for DS at their place - just a great old building. Read someplace that it's going condo. Great views of the city. Best wishes on going full time next week. Sounds like your DD is in good hands and all this is happening at a good time for you. Hope you have a fun in Astoria - should be lovely weather. A good friend lives in Hammond - sweet little place.

Sue - I still haven't figured out who everybody is yet, but don't let that stop you from posting here. These gals are a very welcoming bunch, even if I can't remember their names I have a great cookbook called Stealth Health which focuses on taking some family favorites and making them healthier yet still tasty.

And to those of you I neglected to mention - keep up the good work and have a great Saturday....If today is your weigh in day I am sending loser vibes (the good kind) your way!
RK

Good Morning!

Come smack me Jana!!! If that will help you.......lol

CONGRATS on maintining!!!! YAY-

CONGRATS on your 2 pound gain Marti!!! YAY- cause you are STILL here and you are still determined!! YAY-

Ang and I knew a lady named Melissa on another board.It took her forever to lose weight but I got more from her *the little engine that could attitiude*- she never gave up and provided me at least with inspiration

That said I lost 7 pounds this month!!! lol--- jk---

Made me feel better though........lol

I weighed in at 147 this AM- I started at 148 on the first but was down to 144!!! waaaaaaah..........so , back to wadder.......kind of let that go by the wayside.

ENVOY?? Is that above in the hills?? Kind of a pink color?? I think the name is right on the building??? Anyway - at Hillsdale library trying to head out of town-
LOVE Hammomd- I was in Warrenton just up the road. ......I get to go visit today!! YAY_ lived near the Warrenton city park- managed the Alder Court Apts..........

Better go!!

Gaby is rowdy!!!!

darn-

TTFN

Just popping back in for a minute -

Marti - yes, lets ban all scales, lol!! I hope you will always share your frustrations here like I do because it is so helpful, and we will always consider each other one of the family no matter what the scales says!! Right?? And we are your cheerleaders, lol, inept though we may be, lol.

Sue - I love your new attitude for the new month!! I need for you to PM me your snail mail address if you want a card. I will be mailing them soon, and don't want to leave anyone out!

RosieKate - same goes for you, could you PM me your snail mail addy? Btw, with the purple potaoes and onions, how about making a dish and calling it the Barney Special , lol!!! Oh I crack myself up, lol!! I'll skip the 100 lashes with a wet noodle this time, missy, just don't let it happen again, lol!

Susan - I could never smack you, Susan, but thank you so much for the offer, lol. What a true buddy!

Hi to the others.

Regarding Michelle (Elle) who wanted to start the doggy daycare, I did send her an email a long time ago, asking if she was okay... she never answered.... but if she is reading this, I hope she comes back! We miss you, Michelle!!

Had Lean Cuisine for lunch today since I don't know exactly what will be for dinner. Anyway, it was steak tips Dijon,with roasted potatoes and green beans and mmmmm it was de-lish! Try it!

Gotta get, but wanted to stop in and ask Sue and Rosie Kate for their addys... bbl,
Jana

What?! No post today? Am I the only one?

Actually I'm just popping in real quick to chat for a min.

I helped some friends move in to their house today and let me tell ya, I gotta work out!! I did lifting, squatting and drank tons of water!! All good.

Then I went to see my grandma and only stayed for a little bit. I was close to tears. We're thinking she may not last the rest of the week. Breaks my heart but our whole family is torn up seeing her suffer. The father from her church came over today and read her rights of passage. (am I calling that right?) So, she is very close to the end.

I will be visiting her as often as possible before she goes. So I may or may not get a chance to log on......just so you know what's going on.

Please, keep her in your prayers.....

Marti

Marti....I will keep good thoughts and prayers for your grandmother. Spend as much time with her as you can. We will be here when you have time.

Today I was able to keep OP and also walked. The only exercise I got otherwise was stripping the bed and doing laundry.
I made biscuits for my hubby, baked a dozen and froze a dozen. Also made him a pan of cornbread and froze half. That way he can eat those things and I don't have to bake every day. Win win for both of us.

Sue

marti my sweetie friend, you are in my prayers and thoughts this week as always. You know I have been through what you are going through and I am hear to talk or lend my shoulder if you need me. Just give me a jiggle or stop by. You and James are the best friends. Keep the faith and your grandmother close to your heart as always.

Good evening ladies,
Welcome to all the new Jaded Ladies
one more week this show will be done...*sigh thank goodness.
I have been doing great with the heathly eating. Will start the work outs soon. Work was insane last week, had to recal some beer and there is a beer strike in the next province.

Ok Mothers,,,any of you fed up with the fighting between your kids? Me too,,,I just literally wigged out on both of them a few minutes ago. There is now silence,,,ahhh peace. I usually have to wig out every few months to have them stop the arguing they do over every little thing.

I took Skittles for a nice walk,,,so many other doggies out...unforunately shes not a friendly dog so we have to avoid them. I wish she was nice.

I will find out about the show in 10 days and counting,,,if I hear nothing then I didn't get in. And some of you asked me to talk about the 3FC, I did,,,believe me I did...lol

Well I need to get going,,,clean up and finish reading my book...night all.

ps Susan,,,we have known each other 4 yrs? I swear its been longer.

Angie

Evening-

Ang- I seperated in Feb 2000 and I started writing on RA in Nov 1999- so I guess 4 1/2 years???
You were always so sweet and nice..........I guess you still are!!! lol

You are. I am teasing- so 4 1/2 .... I stand corrected.

Hi to Jana- Sue and Shanna

Thoughts and prayers for you Marti- so sorry about your beloved Grandmother.

Gabrielle and I need to head home. Laundry is in the dryer---

Night all

Good Monday Morning, chickies,

Marti - awww.... ... so sorry about your grandma, yet it is a time of celebration, too, because she will be in a better place. It's just so hard on those who are left behind. Wish I could help you in some way, Marti.

Sue - way to go getting all that baking done!! I do the same thing with soup and have individual servings frozen for when I have a craving for it, lol. Around here we call the laundry "Mount Washmore", lol. Goodness knows there is no end to it!

Shanna - good to see you popping in, and I hope you are feeling happier.

Angie - I thought my daughters would kill each other, and was afraid they would hate each other forever! But now that they are older, they're the best buddies ever! They spend lots of time together and are very close. It makes my heart swell with love and amazement when I see them together like that! I'm sure your kids will grow close, too. Just give it time. It's really cool that you talked about us to the show people! I SO hope you get in!

Susan - sheesh, everyone was doing laundry yesterday... somebody needs to come over and do mine, lol!

Cristi - where are you, my friend? Look for a PM from me about the trip.

Hi to the others.

Okay, I really am going to clean the back porch today. I bought a new chaise lounge and want to have a nice clean place for it, lol. The weather is chilly here, but it's supposed to warm up real good and hit the 80's tomorrow! Yay!

BBL,
Jana

Good "EARLY" morning ladies--

This is early for me! James had to get up at 5:00 this morning. His first "official" day on the job!! Did I tell you that he got 100% on his Final, Final?? He was very happy with that. (Final final....they had so many finals, I thought final meant Last!) Anyway, he passed with flying colors. So he trains at the local station, then he moves onto Albany for two weeks (40 min. drive) and then it's off to Salem for two weeks (1hr. drive-give or take) and then he has conductor school for two weeks which he has no idea where that'll take him. I guess on group of guys had their schooling in Texas!! So he could be anywhere!! (but I think conductor school in Texas would be crazy in July---HOT HOT HOT! Us Oregonians are not used to weather like that!)

Thank you all for the prayers! (thanks for the PM Angie!!) I have come to know that when she goes she'll be feeling so much better! Hard to let her go, but that's what we all need to do. She's done SO much for the whole family!

As for muscles today.....didn't realize how much I squatted yesterday!! My legs are feeling it!! I thought about taking a walk when I got up, but it's still too dark at 5:00 am!! I may take one here in a few minutes. But I'm still so tired, didn't sleep well, my body ached! (wow--excuses for not walking!)

Did everyone have a good weekend? Must have, we had late posting yesterday!! Mine being the first! (well, Jana with her HILARIOUS EBay post!!!)
It was beautiful here. VERY warm. Watched the news and saw that they are already having wildfires in California!! Katie......I hope you don't live anywhere near the wildfires they had! Let us know how you're doing.

Ok, I need to freshen up and think about getting ready for school. (although I still have 3hrs. before class starts. You all have a great Monday.

Marti

Okay, I don't have much time to post so can't do individuals but did want to check in and say Hi.

Friday evening we had a bad storm and took a power hit which knocked out our computers, ours and DS and also the tv in the living room. I don't know when it will be up and running. We have been working like crazy trying to figure out what is wrong. We could sign on but after being on for a few mintues a window pops up telling us it is going to shut down in 1 minute and restart. Right now I am at the library and can't come everyday, but sure will try. The only thing is they only let you on for one hour a day-bummer! And it is about 12 miles away so not something I want to do everyday, but possibly could. I am hoping we get it fixed soon, but am afraid it may take a few days, or longer. We'll see. If I have to we will sign up for MSN-tv-whatever it is called.

The good news is, I am down 1/2 pound this week.

So HI to EVERYONE, take care and have a good week if I don't get back to the library sooner.

Good morning! Had a busy weekend, but now I am in a quiet house, DD is quietly amusing herself, and I am surrounded by the messiest abode you have ever seen. As of about 6pm last night, I pooped out on everyone and said "I'll catch up tomorrow" Well, tomorrow is today and I have to start wading throught the debris. I swear I have 5 loads of laundry piled up! Did I mention TOM?! So my weigh-in (surprise, surprise) no change. As we used to say in TOPS - a turtle. Since I tend to gain, you know, I'll consider it a successful weigh-in and focus on drinking lots of water.

DH and I spent yesterday afternoon at the Portland Art Museum which is hosting the Rau collection. It was very impressive. This painting by Mary Cassatt particularly moved me.
http://www.arts-studio.com/cgi-bin/s...ifunction=form
It hasn't been that long since I was nursing mom, and this painting just really reminded me of how it felt to be a new mother.

Marti - you are in my thoughts and prayers today. Hope your grandmother is pain free and your family is finding peace during this difficult time.

Jana - unfortunately the Barney potatoes didn't happen. The day got away from me and I was too strung out from lack of sleep, so the kids had good ol' mac n' cheese for dinner. Today is Barney potato day - but I can't think of any other purple food besides the taters and garlic. I'm growing some purple green beans in my garden, but it's too early for those

Sue- I like your baking and freeezing idea. I tend to buy and freeze, especially when I buy from Costco. This helps me keep lots of healthy options around, and it's easier on the food budget to buy in bulk. My little freezer has paid for itself many times over!

Angie - good luck on the TV show!

Christi - Sorry about your computer problems...hope it's up and running again soon

Susan- How was Astoria? Good luck on your first week of full time.

Have a great Monday, everyone!
RK

Good afternoon.
Whew, I have been busy. Right now I have a dreamsicle cake chilling in preparation for the topping. It smells sooo good. We are invited to a neighbors house for dinner and I told her I would bring a surprise. She and her hubby are dieting, so it will go over great. She is my walking buddy...we have logged many miles over the years.
I went to the grocery and the library this morning and visited also with a brother-in-law who stopped by. When I get done here I intend to finish the cake and clean the kitchen.
Jana- I also freeze soup and anything else I can think of. There are just two of us here now, and I can't learn to cook smaller portions, so I have to freeze. Luckily we do eat leftovers. Some people don't. (imagine)
Christi- Hello, glad you could make it here, even if you had to go to the library to do it. Nothing worse than computer problems. My hubby used my printer this morning and when I went to use it to print off the cake recipe it wouldn't work. Grrr....I finally got it going and had to change the ink, but it is frustrating not knowing what is going on. Hope your problems are short lived.
Marti- Since I am new here I don't know about your husband's new job. Care to share? What are you studying in school? I have a son in law school and a grandson who will enter college in the Fall.
RosieKate-I don't buy in bulk very much with just the two of us, but I do watch for good sales and use coupons. Retirement income screams out for frugality.

Off to finish the cake...and probably lick the spoon.

By the way..hello to all others and hope you have a sunny day.

Sue

Afternoon ladies---

I just got back from my grandma's.....she was resting nicely. My aunt and cousin were there so I got to visit with them also. It's nice knowing there is always a family member there to help my grandpa out.

Sue--Silly me, I forgot you were new and had no idea what I was talking about! My husband, I love saying that, (btw, we just got married in March) recently was selected to work for Union Pacific Railroad. And he just finished three weeks of testing (which he passed every one with high scores) and today is his official on the job training. He's been waiting to here from them since January, so it's nice that he was chosen. As for me, I am currently going to school to update my computer skills. I had received a office assistant (fancy name for secretary!! ) certificate years ago, but never went to a job to use it. And when Sony (where I last worked) closed last April, I figured I would finally use it only to find that I'm outdate and needed a refresher coarse.

Whew! I tried to make that short so you wouldn't be tired after you finished!

RosieKate--Love the painting. Some day I may go visit an Art Museum. And you know, there is nothing like having a weigh in day when TOM is around...really puts a stall on things doesn't it. But at least it didn't go up, so maybe once TOM is out of the picture you'll see a drop since we usually gain some water weight around that time.

(too much information??)

Cristi--Glad you were able to pop in for a minute to let us know you're ok. I hope you get the bug out of your computer soon so you can chat a little longer. I'll be thinking of ya!

Jana--I want you to come out and clean up my back patio once you're finished with yours!! It needs a little straighting up.

Susan--Hope you got your laundry out in time!! How have you been liking this warm weather? I've heard it's suppose to cool down a bit this week....not looking forward to that!

Angie--Your skittles sounds like my cocoa. I don't take her out for walks for that reason. Poor dog. But she does have a big yard to roam in when I take them out.

Hi to the rest of you girls.

I better get some things done around the house. I will chat with you later..

Marti