a quick greeting to all courtly challengers! my friend who has thryroid cancer does at least have the most treatable form, fortunately. she is frightened of course, but is seeing more specialists this week and gathering info. before any next step. i have been op and exercising, but staying the course has not felt too easy the past few days. well, have a good evening, one and all. take care.

Hello all!!

I cannot believe I am behind on reading posts!

WSW- I am sending strong vibrations for you and your friend.... Sometimes we are more upset for the friend then ourselves when faced with the same issues. At least, I know I tend to discount when it happens to me...

Arabella- YES, me too!! Am tempted to try over the counter "aids" in hopes of some relief but last time I tried them, it brought the cycle back IMMEADIATELY and in full force.... and I am not sure I am interested in dealing w/ that and hormone flooding too......
Any thoughts?? I think (for me at least) excercise needs to go back up to top of the list....

Wish I had more time but don't so am speaking in general:

Speech went ok but I got a little emotional at the end... Felt like I began like a lion and ended on a whimper... but ... I did have them laughing at one point...

Thursday!!

We are doing it!

Seems like so many of us are sharing the same thing the past few weeks... extra stress...
Buying homes, surviving teenagers, battling illness, packing/moving, job changes....

Somehow, I got the idea that extra coffee "was a necessity" because I didnt feel rested ....
Big mistake.. you know what happened then...

I also started relying on SF Hot Chocolate ... I am finding that it also makes me just want more of the same taste...

So... I feel like I was driving up on the shoulder of the road for a couple weeks now instead of on the pavement...
But... I see what I've been doing... and am trying to steer myself back...

I really believe if I didnt come here to share and listen I wouldnt have realized what I was doing... to myself!!

So....

Let's all take a deep breath...

In
hold it for 4 seconds
1 and 2 and 3 and 4
now out
1 and 2 and 3 and 4...

repeat
and
repeat again....

We are doing the best we can !!

And this too will pass!!!!

***

Thought of the day :

It's never the end of the world. It's already tomorrow in Australia.

- Charles M. Schultz


Question of the day :

"Would you rather it be very cold or very hot?"

***


Kettle is on!


PS-- Punkin! I am aleady wondering what great buys and finds I am missing !
Its amazing how I much I love yard sales!

PSS_ Cerise-- YES !YES! YES! I agree with you totally and just saw a study that PROVES we're right... and if the AMA recognizes the study, then you KNOW the food companies have known from their own studies much longer...
This is why for so many of us, moderation is NOT the key... its really the poision...

Big hug to everyone... I really do miss you all!

Amarantha, did your vet say why you shouldn't give Old Dog canola oil? I never would've thought it either---maybe your vet's wrong? BTW, I recently learned that one shouldn't give a dog grapes or raisins!
My Jubal [dog!] had to have some minor surgery Monday. He had a sudden growth on his ear and our vet said it was most unusual in an older dog so we had it removed and now it's being analyzed. Hope all's okay. I love that crazy dog.

Amarantha, I thought about you all day yesterday and have new respect for you. We [and 30 others] went on a trip to the Fine Arts Museum in Richmond. VA. This was for work. It was a 3 1/2 hour trip [one way] and we stopped at a few convenience stores and they make even junk look so inviting. Tell me, is it true that they test-market new things in convenience stores--'cause we saw things there we've never seen anywhere else. And between that and the snacks I provided for the travelers and lunch at the museum it wasn't a good food day. What is it about traveling? I was hungry all day long! And I don't mean emotionally hungry, I mean, truly physically gut-hungry!!! How do you do it when you travel so much?
On the up-side I feel nourished by visiting the museum and want to go back soon because we didn't have enough time to see it all. The main exhibit had some paintings by van Gogh and Gauguin and the van goghs were powerful indeed, but I loved the antiquities best. Actually got all teary with the Tibetan and Indian sculptures---those symbols that I love so much! How expressive they are. Garry got to go along too and I have a feeling this has opened up new day-trip possibilities for us. We had'nt gone to a "real" museum in such a long time. So if any of you live close to a big museum--GO!

Ahhhh. Quick breeze through. Work=really busy. But hello!

QOD: cold. You can always put on more clothing but you can only take off so much. I guess that it why I live in Minnesota.

Hello loves and happy Friday eve!

I've decided to make an extra sign for all the yard sale stuff - "dust and bug corpses are free!". Goodness what a mess!!!! Then, to make it all really pretty, it started pouring down rain yesterday while I was trying to get some things set up - so now it's wet dust and soggy corpses... ew.

scale is being nice to me. I'm back on the wagon so of course now I'm checking weight almost daily (bad, but a good sign that I'm watching again) and I'm down almost 3 pounds from Monday. Feel MUCH less bloated... looking forward to getting into my summer clothes - only 10 pounds before they're really comfy again.
(note to self: must remember to profusely thank any/all deities for ability to lose weight easily!)

Eydie, I hope everything's ok with Jubal's ear diagnosis. Ya know, I was told that even dogs need to worry about the sun - maybe it was just a "sun spot" - like a mole or something?? Keep us posted.

WSW, that is encouraging news about your friend. I'm sure she's scared and the waiting for treatment to start is the *worst* part by far. Once they figure out how to treat her I'm sure she'll feel better - like she's finally doing *something* about it! My thoughts are with her...

Ceara, I'm with ya on the "food-aholic" thing. I used to talk about it when I worked for WW - how alcoholics, drug addicts and gamblers can QUIT their addiction - we have to eat to live, and must try to live with an addiction "under control". But, of course, we keep doing what we must....

Kaylets, ooooh, the stuff we've got out there!!!!! I can't believe we've accumulated SO much c-rap!!!! Well, actually, I can believe my mom has - she's got a lot of years on me to accomplish the task, but ME??? Geeez!!! Fingers crossed that it all finds a good home and I make some money for much needed stuffs... Come on out and have a look!!
I agree too that a lot of times I don't even realize what's going on with me until I sit here and type it up to tell you guys. You all are the best, cheapest therapy a girl could ask for!

Amarantha, Zadie and Arabella!!!!!

Well, should get some work done... blech!

Terri

Yo, flybye postie as I worked all morning and can't be expected not to have a nap now that I'm done ...

Eydie, my vet is always pontificating about how old and overweight Old Dog is and it's depressing me. I don't know why he thinks canola oil is not ok for dogs and thank thee :queen Ceara for the pm and the info that some dog food actually has canola in it. I'm giving her the canola AND some flax oil capsules I found as well ...

Eydie, sorry thy Jubal had to have surgery ... I wouldn't worry too much (although I know it's hard not to as it's impossible not to be so attached to these guys ... or in my case gals ... that you'd kill for them ... at least I would for Old Dog!) ... er, as I was saying, I've often heard of growths on dogs' ears, but hoping it all comes out ok!!!

PUNKIN!!! Happy Friday Eve and congrats on the weight loss!!!! Have fun with the yard sale!!!

Wsw, that's great news about the form of thy friend's disease ... here's to the situation coming out in the best possible way!!! I don't know the smilie for crossed fingers (I can't see the list from here) but consider it here!

Kaylets, I've been eating sugar free stuff and doing ok on it but I have read that sucralose (Splenda) in particular kind of acts like sugar in the body (except for the calories), so that might account for the craving the sf hot chocolate is giving you. Occasionally the sf white choc ice cream bars (made with Splenda) that I often eat (too often) have that effect on me ... usually they don't.

I'm still on my pb cup NOT 21-dayer, but had TWO Midnight Milky Ways today and hope I'm not developing a fixation on those.

QOD: I'd rather be too hot ... in fact too hot is status quo where I live and it's not too bad because in the summer, everyone leaves town and one can get parking spaces and treadmills at the gym!

Zadie: Minnesota sounds nice!

I have pmd Cerise as she disappeared from the 21-day challenge and from this thread as well. Haven't received a reply and am just wondering if she went away on a vacation and is basking somewhere.

Likewise am wondering where Wildfire is! These absences from the palace cannot be tolerated, s, the towel boys get concerned.

There's a few other folkettes gone missing as well.

Sigh.

Bye!

Hoorah! Just talked to the vet and Jubal's okay!
Speaking of doctors and vets and such, today I found out that when I tried to switch my insurance to something cheaper I was rejected---because of that damn false cancer diagnosis from 2 years ago. I'm appealing it and my insurance guy seems to think that it'll work out, that I just have to jump thru a hoop or two. So today I was scrambling around gathering up documents that attest to the fact that I'm healthy as a government mule. We shall see....I've got to admit, I was pretty livid about being rejected. Not to mention how it brought back the truama of it all;I thought it was all behind me. I'm making every effort to not let it get to me---chances are good that I'll 'win' this one.

Where are you, Cerise and Wildfire?

have been catching up on posts. eydie-glad to hear jubal is ok. the insurance situation must be frustrating indeed. good luck with it. it's so hot here, and the heat reeks havoc on my ms, so for qod, i would definitely say cold is the best/favorite for me. appreciate all the good thoughts for my friend's health problems. hi amarantha, kaylets, ceara, punkin! trying to hang in there with my food plan and not use the heat or anything else as reasons or excuses to de-rail. as always, kaylets, your reminder to everyone to breathe deeply helps me greatly! hi to all the royal court, mentioned or unmentioned. wishing you all a good evening. you are the best! take care.

Hello all!

Have to admit that again, the scale shows another pound increase yet I really know its not been food.... but did catch a few minutes of a cortisol informecial and can't help but think that STRESS is part of the reason....
I usually pay no attention to the "facts" presented in informercials but I have seen other cortisol info and some of it makes sense to me....Cortisol is triggered by stress and a sympton is middle body/torso weight gain...
Scale is up a few and my size 8's a little snug ...

So... it is a relief to know THIS IS THE LAST DAY!!!
Many people are being very very kind in their goodbyes which is also hard...
Clearing the desk in between feels good but up until about 4 :30 last night, felt as though there was no end...
Also had my exit interview which is an interesting procedure.... not sure why its really done... I understand the premise but am not sure if any one really believes folks are either really honest and /or clearheaded in them....
Especially when not annoymous.....
No matter...

Empress-- one thing I learned the hardway was giving our one beagle the fish oil capsules .... the package said it was for "larger dogs" but the vet thought because the beagle was overweight would be ok.... We came home to intense diareaha...fishy smelling too...
I have wondered how much Vitamin E would help but its so expensive compared to canola oil, I like your way better...

Punkin!-- of course it will rain and make you second guess your sale! Bet Saturday morning comes dry and sunny! And your invite sounds great... I must be obsessed to consider going cross country for a yard sale... but then again!!!

WSW- I'll try if you'll try!! After all, the old ways havent worked so I guess this is the real test... Doing the changes when things have sped up, when we are under the gun...

Eydie--yes, noticed in the local store last weekend how so many "offerings" of even cut fruit, assorted salads were available. Even with calories,etc listed... even saw a clear platic cup full of pepporni and cheese w/ saltines... calories listed as well... but for two people to share ( if so inclined ... I never could digest those types of meats so...) it would have been an interesting snack.... yes... somethng about different environment, impulse purchases, and pretty packaging that makes me lose my common sense....

I miss the missing too!


Anagram! Thought this storm was supposed to pass by now! dogs came in wet ! could you do something about this please!

****
Here's a thought of the day :

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."
--The Beatles

Question of the day :

"How many movies on tape/disc do you own?"

******

ok all....

Time to put

KETTLE ON!

Happy Friday!

Must be quick, it's only 8:30am, and our signs say the sale starts at 12 noon, but we've already had 3 people show up this morning - and 2 YESTERDAY!!!! Since I was out there setting up yesterday I let them browse - browsing turned into $45 in sales... Wahoooo!

Eydie, I'm SO happy that Jubal is going to be ok! So what was it???
Oh, the joys of health insurance.... I'm uncovered right now because, get this, the insurance company says "my height and weight ratio are at a level that is deemed unhealthy and uninsurable" - basically saying "you're too fat for us to insure". I'm heavy, yes. I have about 75 pounds to lose, sure. But I bet I could race 80% of the population of those they cover up a flight of stairs and be *equally* out of breath! They'll insure you if you smoke, but not if you're overweight. Oh, the genius of it all....

Amarantha, I have a bunch of "your" people up here right now because of your wonderful heat! The group that came yesterday afternoon was from Mesa and were complaining about how cold it was - it was 60! I bit my tongue and didn't say "too cold?, then go home!" - that would've been ruuuuude!

Kaylets, yea, I've heard of the cortisol thing too, but the commercial still makes me leery... something about that woman just bugs me.
Congrats on the last day!
Oh, and the weather is beeeeautiful today! The sun's out, no breeze.... perfect yard sale weather!!

WSW, I've heard of the heat in the south east. My surrogate granny is from Florida and besides the horrid humidity, she said the bugs are really something to be reckoned with too! Stay cool down there!

Well, must get some work done. Not expecting it to be busy at work because of President Reagan's funeral, etc. and a lot of work we do is in Simi Valley...

Have a great weekend everyone! Will report on yard sale success on Monday!

Terri

Betcha don't remember me!!

I am doing quite well. Let me give you the cliff note version. As you all might remember I got pregnant. Was quiting my job. (Did that.) Now to bring you up to speed. Just starting working for a new company that is totally family oriented and although I am on a client site in DC I can take a commuter train and be to and from work and hour each way. (YEAH THAT!!!) I'm also being paid $12,000 more a year and have better benefits all around. My DH is now working security and we are fighting his meat dept. job for back paychecks (they stopped paying him while he was working there and owe him 3 paychecks). The only downside is he is working the graveyard shift We have three months to go until the baby is born. Found out it's supposed to be a little girl (I have ultrasounds which I will need to post once I get them on this computer). We're due September 20th.

Love to all my chickies, maybe I'll post more regular now. How the heck is everbody???

Gotta be brief again here as stuff to do, but:

Yo! Welcome back, Frogger, we missed thee!!! So glad thou be doing well and have a better job AND a little girl on the way! That's exciting!!!!

Punkin, sorry about our Mesa folks complaining about the cold! Hmmm. I could say lots more about that topic but ...

Kaylets, on another section of the board there was a discussion of a cortisol suppressing (so-called) supplement ... I posted there because I'd used it ... I do think excessive cortisol play a role in the weight we gain around the middle ... my trainer (who's a med student) says that cortisol also does good things in the body, that it's a necessary hormone and not a villain ... dunno ... wish I had more time to talk about this ... gotta go!

Hello all!!

So ...

Went to bed by 6:30 pm and slept nearly all the way thru, woke a couple times to use the bathroom but went right back to sleep....
Sometimes we really only do see what is happening to us AFTERWARDS.....

but.. enough of that...

FROGGER!!!!! TA DA!!! I am thrilled that things are so much better for you in the job department!! That is a wonderful increase, never mind how much the benefits are worth .... and public transportation is really such a benefit... even if you CHOOSE to drive, to have the alternative always there is so great.... that is the biggest thing I miss about living in a bigger city setting... so.... how do you feel? are you really showing? you must show a little by now! We've been sending good vibes your way.. glad to know you recvd them!

**
coritsol... I am waiting for the results from the jury... remember the " fat/vs no fat" .. and of course, the "carb/no carb" debates....
I only brought it up to point out that perhaps there is some truth to the claims but in my opinion, if its the body's natural instinct to produce this chemical to PROTECT the body, perhaps we need to think of other ways or reducing the cause .... Hmmmmmm...

Amazing how so much can stay the same but seem like a new idea when it finally sinks in .... oh boy...sometimes I really feel like I must have cement instead of brain cells....

Anyway...
DH is ready...

I'll be back later for thought of the day and to say hello.


oh and by the way...

YOU"RE ALL THE BEST!

Flyby this a.m.

Kaylets, what a relief, eh? Good going though and hope you enjoy your two 'tween days and good feelings for Monday as well.

Welcome, Frogger, and how great to hear all your good news. Glad you and wee one are doing well and that job circumstances for both of you have so improved. You've no doubt been through a dark time but the sun has come out again.

Hi to all others - am off this morning to visit with the Crown Prince and his bride so must get organized. Too early in my morning for that but here goes.