CG, good luck at school today. I had a patient die a couple of years back, I brought it up b/c Extreme Homemaker had a guy who was quadriplegic on it Sunday night and it reminded me of him.

GH, I am glad you are feeling a little better. I hope that you get your workout in. You asked how I calculate my fat percentage. Well this isn't as accurate as underwater weighing but I use my scale which calculates it through bioelectrical impedence. The problem is you have to be really hydrated when you weigh or it will read higher. I have a problem staying too hydrated b/c since I am on the road all day it is hard finding a clean restroom, so I try too not drink too much water on the road. This is hard for me b/c I am used to drinking tons and tons of water. Anyway, the scale gives me a clue as to how much fat I am losing.

Red, I am so glad you were able to ride. This patient who died, passed away when he went out to feed his horses. He was out in the pasture and his wheelchair b/c stuck in the mud. It was a very hot day and he could not get out of the mud. He suffered from a heat stroke and was found dead. This is the tough part of my job. I tend to get close to many of my patients and it is hard to not get close to them emotionally b/c I work with them through some of the toughest moments of their lives. Plus, I spend so much time with them. On Home Makeover, a team of decorators, contractors, etc. go in and redo or rebuild people's homes. Often it is a family who have been through very tough times. In Sunday's episode they went into the house of a guy with quadriplegia. They tore done the existing house, built two houses (one for his family who helps to take care of him), and made everything handicapped accessible. It was great. Anyway, I am proud of you for making it to the gym again. You are on a roll. We are going to have to start a countdown to the 14th. Are your cats okay, or did they just have checkups?

Jacque, I know what you mean about being on a budget. Plus, eating healthy really drives up the grocery bill. Hopefully, you are able to make good choices at Boston Market. Be sure to stock up on good stuff when you finally get to the store.

NBK, what does your bf do for a living? Helicopters...does he work offshore? How often is he gone? How are you doing? Sounds like you are doing a pretty good job working out. I think that it is easy to over do working out. Have you been working out for several years or did you just get into it?

Ok girls, I'm joining a gym today :D I decided that I NEED NEED NEED something more than just myself... so I'm going to log off the computer after I click "Send" and go join a local gym! Although...my husband thinks it's a waste of money :( Poo on him! But I'm debating if I want to go for the 3 month membership of $40/month or the 12 month at $30/month... I'm probably going to be stuck with the 3 month since we're hoping to move within six...

As for eating, I've stayed fairly healthy!! I've had the occasional munch, but even that was either low fat cheese and whole wheat crackers... or cookies baked with sugar substitute :D So I'm proud of myself there!

Well girls off to join the gym :D Sorry I haven't responded directly to everyone... I'm so crazy busy that it's tough lately!

wednesday morning here. . .
 

Good morning, everyone. I slept in later than I had planned. All the working out must have played havoc. I went to bed early last night and was walking up at odd hours. I didn't do any work yesterday on these manuscripts I have and I didn't prepare my interview for today. So I have that to do in the next few hours. I don't mind the interviews themselves so much it's the preparation and getting a bit dressed up and such that tires me out. Also, I can't just lug my stuff around for the gym and so for afterward. . . whine, winge, I'm feeling so torn and hating it. People, help me with some advice, will you?

That job at the publishing house looks set. I'm bascially getting what I'd want but still dreading the thought of it. I am such a person who wants the banter, the camraderie of a workplace and I know this place won't have that. I picture it as the boring Japanese office, with people quiet and bent over their work. Not only because it's Japanese but because that's the way publishing houses tend to be. I worked in one before. And I'm already missing that part of the newspaper, which, on top of me loving the newspaper as it COULD be, I did love interacting with the diverse bunch of people we have on our desk at the paper. That is, in fact, what has kept me there, that and knowing I could goof of. When no one cares about you and your work, you don't care back. It makes for a very responsibility-free environment. Now, I'm thinking that it is like the trap of any group in which you feel comfortable but one that takes you no where. I do think the present environment of the paper, apart from the other foreigners, is hurting me, souring me, making me ever more cynical and sarcastic, which I don't like to be. The publishing environment is not anywhere near ideal and never will be. I need to be talking and interacting with the world, with life. Though I love books, making them seems to be in direct proportion inversely to what they do, bring the world to the reader. Making them isolates you. I suppose I should think of the finished product more than the process. In newspapers it's never the article itself that gives me a boost. It's getting the article. In publishing, unless I'm writing my own book (which is a thought but would be extra to my work in the office) I am the editor, not the creator and I have never been a happy editor. Do you think I can look at the potential for development in the areas I want to develop in, being there in the midst of book world and can justify the pain of the world itself? I don't know. I'm scared and feeling a LOT of anxiety. At the paper, however, I feel, because of the present management, abused, ignored and belittled and I think that does nothing for my talents. perhaps I can keep my hand in to the paper, by writing from the outside, one or two shifts a week inside. . . sorry to bother you with this but I need someone to talk to about it and don't have anyone. I want to keep this totally hush at the office. I've only told one guy but he's not so available to talk. Besides, he's not as objective as I think you would be.

Over to you. . at last!!

**********

Not much action here, has there been. I was expecting a lot more. It's hard being so out of the time loop with you all. It seems like when I have time there is little here. When I have no time the posts pour in!

grasshopper -- Did you get your workout in? I hope so. Why were you feeling crappy? Physically, or emotionally, both? Do you know why you were feeling that way? Is it from the chocolate perhaps? 138 pounds. And you're pretty tall, aren't you. I had to figure it in kilos, just under 63. I would love to be there and I'm only just over 5 feet. You must look great. No wonder you are having trouble losing more. These last few are always the hardest. I see people in bodybuilding contests trying to get those last pounds off to get ripped and they do SO much work it's unbelievable. And they are barely eating. All the guys are lightheaded before the contests and still working out hard to keep the muscle. I'm not saying you have to knock yourself out. It sounds like you already work out hard but maybe you can find a bit of solace in reminding yourself that losing weight is not easy at all, especially in the stages you're in. The body wants to maintain the fat, it is doing its utmost to maintain it in order to help you survive in the case of famine or long marches across the desert or being holed up in a cave for weeks during a siege by hostile tribes. I think those people who can stay at an extremely low bodyfat level would all have been dead years ago. Today they can always find food. Our bodies are more suspicious of the fickle ways of the world. :lol: I mean, seriously, I hear the stories of people having survived 10 days after the recent tsunami. There was that boy who survived up in a tree with nothing to eat. And you have to wonder how he could do that. He was already thin. But he was probably one of the people with a "survivor's" body. He would be one of the people in the WW meetings, bemoaning how he couldn't lose weight. Well, here it meant his life. Something to remember, don't you think, when you're feeling frustrated. At least we have the choice.

Crime girl -- glad you could pop in and thanks for explaining things. Well, don't know if I want to exactly kick you but that was part of my reason for asking. I noticed you weren't writing so much about yourself and that usually signals . . .!!. . you know what!! ;)

Thanks too for your encouragement about my riding. I think the other people at the club who ride the horse (I really have no say in it) are doing it totally wrong for her. I think she merely learns to rebel more and more when people just kick and whip her as they do. But then, I have to learn to and my timing is off when I kick or whip her (these aren't as bad as they sound) but I have to learn and at least I think I am getting better. I do think she is smart enough to differentiate between the riders and be more cooperative with a better rider. I think she has already learned so many tricks, though because she was used for beginners all along. Also, she is just totally uncooperative. I mean, can't she be more forgiving of our sins? Of course, she doesn't know what I am doing for her, and the hardships I endure to pay her bills, but sometimes, a lot of times! I just want to give up. I don't think she is loyal to me because I can only get there three times a week and I am not the only influence in her life. However. I do bring her apples and carrots and sugar, which the others don't, so I know she likes me for that. I'm hoping she can feel the affection I have for her, which I know the others don't have either. She always gives me nickers and whinnies when she seems me coming and I can see her eye pressed up against the stall door as she tries to look down the barn row to see me coming. OK, it's probably just because I mean snacks, but maybe it's more. I mean, what is affection, really? Someone makes you feel good, whatever form that takes. Anyhow, I just ask the gods of the animals to help me out.

stormy -- Oh, stormy, that story of your ex-patient is horrible. Why did he have to go that way? Why didn't someone hear him, why couldn't he have crawled away (maybe not able even to do that, right?) why didn't he have a phone, a beeper, something? Questions like this must have plagued you when it happened, no? I am so sorry. How can you NOT get emotionally involved with your patients. I would think it's this very ability that would make you a good therapist. You must become very strong.

My cats are not well, none of them are and they are all chronic. Two of the gum and throat inflammation that is apparently incurable and I can only take them in for steroid shots. Two others, who suffered terribly at some point in their lives, one from starvation, the other from being hit by a car, are weakened and have chronic colds, running noses and sneezing. Also, I don't have the money to be giving them constant care. Still I think it's better than their alternative. The state for animals in this country is appalling. I think it's killing me though, caring for all these animals. And I see that the ones I took for shots are not even better this morning, which has never happened before. Usually the shots work right away. If they're not working right away I don't think they're going to work. It's so depressing.

Jacque -- I am so glad to hear that you are joining a gym! And don't just join, USE it!! Making gyms a part of my life was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was the reason I finally got my weight down when I first came to Japan. I can't believe your husband says they are a waste of time. All I can think is that he is the type that can exercise outside or at home. I don't like doing that and know I won't do as much as I would at the gym. The gym has been a sanctuary for ME and me alone. It is also a socializing place that doesn't mean food and drink is a part of that socializing, which it almost always is. I never think about the money for the gym and that's not because I have ample stores of it. It is a necessary investment, a necessary expense, like electricity or gas. That's the way I think of it. I'm glad you're sticking to your guns about this. How awful that your husband is not doing everything he can to help you in your weight loss endeavor. Since I'm single this is something I don't have although I have had boyfriends who were not totally supportive. They are no longer my boyfriends, not because of that I would say, but it was probably a large part of it and indicative of other things in the relationship I didn't like. I think that for me the encouragement and cheering-on aspect of a relationship, the making me laugh and feel alive, is the only reason I have them. I am so independent otherwise that these are my only real needs, not looking for completion through someone else, but looking for something more, something added. So if that aspect, the fun, the lifting-up when down, the sharing when I'm up, isn't there, I see no reason to continue the relationship. It becomes a burden. Everyone is different I guess and though I find it hard to fathom at times I understand it is apparently so. So, good luck to you. Maybe your husband is afraid of you becoming stronger and more attractive. He may feel threatened, like he is losing a bit of "control" over you, When people start doing things to please themselves it is a very scary prospect for many. I don't know. I just say to those type, "deal with it, I'm not here to carry you. You've got to carry yourself." Toughie, aren't I? :lol:

Hi Ladies,
Well I didn't make it to the gym last night as when I got home, my flat was in an absolutely revolting mess, so I spent all evening ironing, cleaning, doing dishes and vacuuming. Not to mention all the normal stuff I do at night.. so I suppose that has to be equivalent to at least 10-15 min of cardio! and weights with all the furniture moving I did. My flatties seem to think if you put stuff under or behind the lounge suite it just disappears! he he.. oh well. the joys of communal living. but YAY YAY my boy is back home and I get to see him at lunchtime. Only 1hour to go he he...

Red - Sorry I didn't mean to depress you, I was just wondering how your training was coming along, if you were still working on bend and getting the horse up into the bridle, or if you had started lateral work like leg yields, half pass, shoulder in.. I spent 6 months trying to teach my horse to canter slowly once so I understand. The worst part was my instructor would say things like " oh i rode H bareback in a halter yesterday back from down the road, and you know I realised how uncomfortable his canter must be for you without it being controlled" in otherwords "you're ****!" he he. As for the overhang on johdpurs, well i now wear rugby jersey's. They're not bulky but they are warm, esp with a pair of thermals underneath and they still hide the overhang as you can't tuck it in. I remember in winter I used to always be accused of not sitting up straight as I would have my back protector on as a wind stop under my jersey and that thing made me look like a slouching turtle! he he

As for the overtraining thing I just get really macho about my weights and refuse to drop them even when it hurts so bad the next day I can't reach for my mouse at my computer! he he. My pulse rate of 44 would be in conjunction with lots of exercise, but that's about what it was before I went on my 5 year exercise hiatus. And I ate heaps then and didn't put on any weight! But 44-48 i think would be my ideal range. I just need to be really fit and healthy to make up for my mutant blood!

Jacque - Great work to join the gym. I love it and find it heaps better than exercising at home by myself.. also that is kind of where I met my boy too so it had added benefits for me. Good luck.

LGH - I hope you get some time to relax!

Stormy - My BF is a operator technician on one of our company's oil and gas platforms. So he works offshore on an oil rig.. He does mechanic stuff as well out there. He's away for 2 weeks then back for 2 weeks and it's been like that since we have been together. It's ok as I get my time to myself, but I do miss him heaps! he he the poor company's phone bill must get a hammering when he rings me on my cellphone in the weekends if I'm out! he he. He's back for 6 weeks this time tho so that's going to be awesome (although it will be the first time he's around for TOM and I am seriously considering taking my pill so I don't get it while he's here. He doesn't need to see that side of me yet! he he)

I have been going to the gym for about a year now. i started doing weights in may last year and have been really enjoying it. I am now doing the same if not heavier weights than my instructors in pump class so yay! But yeah.. I had 5 years of Not Doing any exercise at all.. that's how I got so fat. So I figure it should take me about 2-2.5 years to get the body I want and fix all the damage I did. (weight loss + metabolism+body fat+pulse rate)

CG-YOU have all that stuff and still don't do anything! lol you sound like me. I like buying stuff but using it is always the harder part. he he here's a *KICK* in the butt for you. Get out your equipment and make it work for you!!

Well off to bugg some people in my office about my boy being back.. yaya ya ya
Tiff

morning, NBK!
 

HI there NBK, someone from my neck of the woods. When is your hunk of a boyfriend getting in, by the way? I forgot if you said. Oh, now I see, in an hour!! Wow, well, you guys have fun. Oh, I need a new boyfriend in my life. When is he coming along. Someone I can have FUN with! I need it so much. I am sick of all the serious guys I meet. I am serious but I love to have fun. I play as hard as I work, and that's pretty intense!

NBK, after I wrote that post I was a little worried you might read it as my wishing you hadn't asked. On the contrary! I welcome your questions but sometimes questions bring up things we don't know how to answer without getting depressed about. I don't consider getting depressed a bad thing. Often it's the only way to bring about change, in things we do or the way we look at things. When you asked about movement, I just immediately thought of half passes and flying changes and it was like, dream on! but now I see that that is my stupidity. As you say in your reply, things like working on bend and getting the horse up to the bridle are very, very legitimate things, the basics that if you don't have you can't do any of the "tricks." And that's what we're doing. My horse is very stiff to one side and, not being forward, very hard to get on the bit. A lot of horses give their riders so much that the riders never learn at all how to do the basics. My girl is forcing me to learn the basics. It's just hard on my teacher and my teacher is very short on praise, VERY short and encouragement is nonexistent. I don't think she's a good teacher except for the fact that her eye is very good and that is so important in riding. She maybe can't tell me HOW to do something, even a lot less than most teachers, but she can tell me what is wrong and that is really valuable. I know that many rich Japanese buy horses from Europe and ruin them. Within a year the horse needs to have some trainer come over to "fix" it. Well, that's how the rider thinks. It's because they're such **** riders but don't have the humility to try to learn the basics. They want the horse to "perform" and don't realize that it takes two to do a good tango, right?! Please keep telling me more of your struggles in riding. Why are teachers so hard on students? Maybe it makes them feel better? Your teacher's comment is so passive-aggressive, isn't it? Rugby shirts, yes, they're great. The fabric is heavy enough to cover things up! Unfortunately, when riding we have to have everything tucked in so that isn't an option.

Well, NBK, it sounds like you're really ready to whip your bod into shape. having a doll for a boyfriend must be great incentive too. Hope you two have a great time together!! Don't forget about us though!

Red - he he i hear you about rich people ruining good horses. It happens everywhere! lol.. ooh 20 mins to go I am soo excited (i know I am being an immature dick here but eeeh..). As for riding instructors.. lets just say ALOT of my self esteem issues are related to my riding instructor I had for 8 years. For various reasons I was subjected to a lot of verbal and emotional abuse.. but I'll talk about that another time.

As for finding a man.. I too am a serious person who loves to kid around.. I miss that a bit in my office at the moment, but I get my fix by organising team building events and working in with the social club for the whole company (my department is a quiet one!!).. anyway I was going to say, that it was kind of when I was happy with who i was and where I am going and had worked out a couple of strategies (like the gym) to get where I wanted that I found my man.. being happy in yourself makes it heaps easier I reckon!! Maybe go on a few dates with a group of people and you never know who you might meet. I made myself go to parties andbbq's whenI didn't even feel like it just so i could meet more people and this is what pretty much led to my current happy situation. I hope I have made sense.

And I won't ever forget about you girls! lol
Tiff

God, you must be excited, NBK!
Thanks for your advice. I agree with you totally. I'll just have to keep working on the things I know will make me feel better, happier with my self, my world, like getting the body I want!
And, yes, I think, with work, I will just have to force myself to go out and CREATE the things I want instead of passively sitting around hoping to find it where I am, then being bummed when I don't.

Have fun!!

P.S. As for your self-esteem issues, if you realize how they came about and why, then I think you're well on way to conquering them. Good luck!

hi guys. I did't make it to the gym. I keep thinking I should go and then telling myself I really don't have any business going.

I use to be on the BC patch and I came off it. I'm remembering how horrible my TOM was before! It's been 2 1/2 days of cramps in my back too and now I have an awful nerve headache shooting into my brain. Yoga helps it and I think I'm finally going to have to take something. I hate taking it because it makes me all groggy the next day but I'm going to have too. I missed an apt today. I had one first thing this morning and I just wasn't thinking straight and convniced myself I didn't have one. I left the poor girl waiting for me and hte worst part is that she scheduled it with ME yesterday because she was in so much pain! I felt horrible - I've never done that before. Hard to tell her I screwed up because I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN TOO.

Anyway, I am not going to the gym, despite the fact that I feel like I should. It wil only make me feel worse at this point. I did sleep today. Eventually my neck and hips will pop and it will all release - until then it's going to suck.

RED - this is the whole pain thing...sorry if I didn't explain it. I'm 5'5" with a small bone build...long legs and arms...porker torso. So I'm looking lean in the legs and arms and strangly plump in the torso :)

okay guys, I'm reading along but I don't have it in me to respond to everyone yet. I'm eating okay. Not much really. I guess that's a good thing - at least I won't gain weight.

Red, I hope that everything goes well for oyu in your job situation. I know it must be a tough decision. Have you made a pro and con list? I do that often when I am trying to decide what to do. The one with the most pros wins. As far as my patient was concerned he could not crawl, he only had a little use of his upper extremities, he could not use a phone for the same reason. It is a very sad situation. Your poor cats! I hope that they all make it okay. I am sure that you take very good care for them. I can tell you are very loving from the way you take care of your horse and cats. Now about this guy who you still love? Since you broke up with him I guess that the relationship was not good, but to know that you love him enough to buy him all that stuff you said that you would if you could, is pretty amazing.

Jacque, congrats on the gym membership. Now you just have to use it!

NBK, your guy must have a great bod. Being from the coast, 75% of the guys I knew worked off shore. It sucks that he does 2 and 2. My brother in law works 7 weeks on and 7 off. He and my sister really like that.

Hi stormy, the pro and con list I've been making up in my head, but with me, the emotional part always seems to come out ahead, in my head, so I think writing it down will also help. That I haven't done. And I should add, it's the positive emotions that I remember, not the negative ones, so I have to remember that too.

I thought your patient might have had more use of his upper body since you said he was going to feed the horses, though you said he was quadriplegic. It's too tragic. All I can hope is that he died in the midst of the horses that he must have loved. Small solace. Grasping-for-straws kind of solace.

Oh, I don't know if my wanting to do something for the ex is so amazing. I mean, it wouldn't be me doing it, it would be like magic, right? I always have a lot of affection for exes, whether they hurt me or I them, even if necessarily. As for this guy, he is/was an angel but I'm not such an angel. I need someone who can laugh along with my rough edges and even enjoy them. He was just too angelic. It taught me an awful lot but over the long run I just felt so suffocated. I like my bluntness, my anger, my irritation ALONG with everything gentle and harmonic. I like my punk rock hard rock hardass attitude along with the beautiful strains of classical music of a more mellow genre that also are part of me. My seemingly contradictory aspects of personality are what make me up and with him I was always feeling apologetic for the rougher ones. It's no wonder Rob Zombie and Claude Debussy stand side by side as two of my favorites! ;) Now, find me a guy who understands that, loves that and even encourages it and that'll be my kind of guy! Oh, and he has to look like George Clooney. . .!!!

Red! You crack me up!! he he..A George clooney classical metal fan. he he he.. But I sooo hear you! he he The disco boy drove me nuts with his music... My lovely boy, who I must say I have just had the most fantastic "lunch" with is about as schizo as I am about music and stuff. he likes latin, african, jazz, cuban as well as all the hard rock stuff that i do too! we are freaks.. but we have each other. We will also do weird things, like on the extremely rare occasion we get pizza have a 1/2 meatlovers with extra bbq sauce and 1 side vegetarian with extra toppings...

Stormy - he does have a nice body.. well he has awesome shoulers and arms and that's my big thing so yay!! he he.. working offshore is a toughy.. I don't know if I could cope with 7/7 I get edgy enough with 2 but in some ways it does make life really easy to plan, I mean you always know when one of you has time off or is going to be around all the time.

LGH - you poor thing. I am so sorry to hear you are in so much pain! Have you gone off the patch because you are trying to concieve? or is it another part of your holistic treatment - reducing the levels or artificial hormones in your body? Why not try hugging a wheat pack to your stomach and lying in the fetal positon? I can understand your reluctance to take pain killers, they have a similar effect on me (which my doctors think is weird.. but I think they just don't understand that people can be sensitive to sedatives!)

Take care all...
Tiff

whoops! grass, I missed your post. Gosh, so sorry to hear about all the pain!?! I'm late out the door now. Interviewing some racing official. Will be in touch later. Hope you feel better real soon!!

NBK, 7 and 7 as 7 days on and 7 days off. I must have said weeks, I apologize. My mind is a little burnt out.

Red, he was giving the horses sugar cubes. He did have finger flexion which allowed him to grasp a little. You will eventually find the right guy. I think that everyone has a soulmate, the tough thing is finding them.

Ahhh Stormy, that sounds heaps better. Actually BF went for a job, in a slightly different discipline last year that would have meant 7/7.. he had it too from the sounds of things, but due to internal company politics and I think being too good at what he does now (no one to replace him) he didn't get it.. but management have offered him the chance to move into another way later on this year, so hopefully we will get the 7/7 ideal! he he.. the nice thing is that he wants to be home just as much as I want him there! (home means my flat.. he lives at home with his mum at the moment)..

Stormy, that is so sad about your patient, especially as he ws going out to give them sugar cubes, thats so sweet and the enjoyment he must have got from his horses..I am just about to cry.. oh..

I know a while back people were talking about extreme home makeover..we get that programme here and on monday there was this one for a solo mum who had taken in two drug addicted babies and brought them up, and had had her house ruined by a contractor.. it was so sad, and I DID cry at the end, with the reaction of the kids..but mostly at how excited they were for their mum being able to have her own room more than anything else.. I mean that was their first instinct. what sweet kids... and then the building crew gave the kids scholarships for college.. wow. I was wondering if anyone knows if they have an "update" page or something so you can find out how the families are finding life in their new house.

Hi all....

I'm still here, although really busy. You guys are posting machines, I can't even keep up!

I am doing great with my eating, but sucking it up at working out. My alarm went off this morning and I just couldn't do it. I think part of that is because I had that extra day off this week, and my schedule was all thrown off. I'm hoping that tomorrow morning I can do it, because I need to stay on track. Someone kick my butt, ok???

Gotta go - you are all doing fabulously, keep it up!!!!

Kelly

KJK, get your rear in gear! C'mon girl you can do it.

NBK, there is a show on Mondays here that gives an update plus behind the scenes info on how they get it done. I have not seen it though and I am not sure what it is called. It is a new series that just started a couple of weeks ago.

Stormy - thanks!!! I actually got my butt in gear after that post. I decided that if I was just going to be watching TV, I might as well work out too. So I walked for 20 minutes and then did a 25 minute weight routine.....so I'm sort of back on track. Thank you for your encouragement!!!

Ladies - the show is called Extreme Makeover: How'd They Do That? It shows a lot of the projects that they don't show on Sundays, as well as some of the other neat things that the cast does while on location. I watched last night, and it showed the British carpenter guy going on a tour of a gang neighborhood with the sheriff, very eye-opening. And it showed how they planned the wedding for the disabled young man and his wife....so cute!!! That show makes me cry EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! But I continue to watch....because Ty rocks!

Ok, watching Law & Order: SVU......I'll check in some time tomorrow.

Kelly :D

KJK - welcome back! nice to see you again..and well done on the working out! I am off to the gym now. Then hopefully a nice evening in with my boy.. but we'll see.. knowing my luck the surf will be awesome and he'll be out till 9

Anyway I hope everyone has an OP evening and I'll catch you alligators later!
Take care
Tiff

Hey Girls, this ones quick... it's been one heck of a day :(

I joined a gym!! And spent 30 minutes of cardio and made arrangements to meet with a trainor on Monday!!

Then on my way home I got pulled over for... an out headlight...and if that's not bad enough... my insurance had expired :( So I freaked out... and ate 4 rice krispy bars :( Oh well... back on track now...

Originally Posted by :
Ladies - the show is called Extreme Makeover: How'd They Do That? It shows a lot of the projects that they don't show on Sundays, as well as some of the other neat things that the cast does while on location. I watched last night, and it showed the British carpenter guy going on a tour of a gang neighborhood with the sheriff, very eye-opening. And it showed how they planned the wedding for the disabled young man and his wife....so cute!!! That show makes me cry EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! But I continue to watch....because Ty rocks!

Did I hear Ty?!?!? I Tivo all the shows (including the How'd they do that's!!) Ty is my boyfriend ;) But as I explained to my husband the thing that is so darn attractive about Ty is how much he helps out these people! And I cry so hard at every episode... This time I bawled through the monday night show too because this poor guy just broke my heart :(

KJK, you did great! Glad you decided to work out.

Jacque, good for you for working out. So you sound like an emotional eater just like me. Well let it go and move on.

NBK, have fun with your bf!

Hi people, just trying to catch up here. Had that interview. Didn't go to well. The guy wasn't used to interviews and went on and on and I didn't want to interrupt and get him talking about things I could use so it may be hard making an article out of this. Ah, it usually is with racing officials. They've very reluctant to say anything that expresses an opinion as they're afraid it could be used against them or something. Racing is government here so it's highly regulated. On top of that there's always other people sitting in on it so I get nervous and don't ask the right questions or phase out and can't remember what he was saying. It'll be so hard going through this tape and trying to figure out what to use. But, I will try hard NOT to use this to stuff my face, which I often do, sitting here eating candy and ****. . . :ink: Oh well, not eating very well today but the day isn't over yet so I will salvage it. Think though that I'll take off from the gym today. Have too much work to do.

grasshopper -- how are you feeling now? I hope you're doing better. :crossed: Wow, I guess I'm lucky. I'm never in pain, not that I can remember, nothing like what you're experiencing. Now I see why you're trying to detox and all that. If it'll help you, you must be desperate to stop this pain. :headache:

NBK -- so, what'd you have for lunch? OH, I get it. . . . :o . . .No, actually when I first read it I was wondering what you were doing eating lunch after how many weeks apart and then next time I saw the quote marks and was glad to realize you were not all that weird! :dizzy: And you shouldn't begrudge him surfing till 9. After all, this is where the bod comes from, right? :cloud9:

I went and looked up this Extreme Makeover show that everyone is talking about and found that episode about the mom and her two kids and them having their house done. Saw the before and after pictures. There is a similar show here but without the emotional impact. There is one where the people are paying everything to have the house remodeled. There is another where people get cosmetic makeovers that is more moving. I sometimes cry at that too but not too much because they try to drag it out a bit too much and you know that at every chance they can get they will break for a commercial right at an interesting point. It makes me angry and sometimes I turn it off. Anyhow, those shows are very moving. I sure would like to hear how they're doing a few months/years down the road.

stormy -- I just stepped out to go to the store and met this guy I see a lot in the neighborhood, young guy in a wheelchair. He only really has use of one arm. Was hit by a truck while he was on his motorbike when he was 18. Now he's about 30. I've been out drinking with him. Real nice guy. The other day I came out of the convenience store and he was in the street talking to himself pissed off and I asked him what was wrong. He said the driver in the car that had just passed was talking on his cell phone, which is now illegal here. He said it makes him so mad because that's how the driver hit him. I said I understood but he'd better watch it, getting mad at the cars and then not seeing the other ones coming up behind him. Here, there are no sidewalks, except on some main roads, so people are out in the streets walking or, as in his case, pushing their wheelchairs and sometimes it's very hard to see. Anyhow, he made me think of the patient of yours again. Yes, if he was giving the horses sugar then I can only hope that they would have been there for him when he died. They surely would have helped him in his last moments. As for my soulmate, stormy, I wish I shared your faith. I think I gave up on that long ago. It's hard to keep thinking what you want when you've never found it, or everyone time you think you've found it it turns out to have been a mistake. Sigh.

kji -- great save on the exercise there, I mean a save for the day and the TV time. Good for you for eating right too. I'm so glad people actually do exercise and eat right on this thread or are trying to and come here with their successes as well as their failures, but more often than not, not their failures, but just a cry for help before the failure. So often just a "come on, you can do it!" can save the day. Here, there is still that feeling of focusing on our goals. So many threads lose that and it just becomes an everything-but kind of thread. Come on, kjk, :coach: get that butt up tomorrow and walk!!

jacque -- ooo. you're having a bad day, aren't you? Well, partly bad. Four rice krispy bars? What does that add up to? Did you stop there? I hope so. But the good part, and see, YOU made that happen! is the gym. Congratulations for joining AND for working out. What kind of place is it? A chain or a private place?

Tell me what "tivo" is? Is this some recording thing? I found pictures of this ty guy to see who you were talking about. It's hard to tell from the photos alone but he has a real kind face and is probably really sweet. No wonder your husband is telling you gyms are useless. Here you are saying some guy on TV is your boyfriend. :?: :lol3: What are you going to do when you start sweating side by side with some hunk at the gym who comes over and starts correcting your form!! :rofl: Maybe your hubby knows something we don't?!!?!? . . . :lol3:

Good morning all. It's cold outside! Very cold. My poor car didn't wnat to go, but I'm sure it will feel better when it's warm :)

I'm feeling somewhat better today. I took something last, had crazy dreams and slept pretty well. I have to be up and moving very early everyday this week. My one day to sleep in, the office scheduled a meeting. Those crazy things never cover anything important but we have to have them anyway...so I will go to the office, go back home..then 3 hours later go back for all my clients. :)

Red - Tevo (I can't give a detailed answer as I have no details :) ) is a device that lets you record tV programs. You program it to record the show, the whole series, or only new airings...it's pretty neat! I have it and love it. I never had to watch commercials anymore :)

okay, I'd better head out the door. I am planning on hitting the gym today. Eating yesterday was very good. Maybe too light but not cheating all over either. Talk to everyone soon. lg

Good morning,
Well I just got through a 55 min workout, but according to the evil scale I am up two pounds. Last night we watched "The Forgotten" and I ate two cookies. These were two from the ones over the weekend. I felt guilty but I am over it now. That is exactly why I do not keep it in the house. My self-control is sometimes poor.

Red, sometimes I wish that cellphones were outlawed for drivers here. It drives me crazy! Sorry your interview did not go well. By the way, don't give up on love yet.

GH, I hope that you make it to the gym today. Try not to wear yourself out, though.

Okay, I need to go and get ready for work. I hope everyone has a great day.

Finally back!
 

Hey everyone!
I am going to go ahead and apologize for the length of this post because I know it is going to be really long! Sorry- I think I am waiting too long and when I finally get on you guys have cranked out about a million posts. I hate to be left out so I go back and read so I can respond.

Anyway- school yesterday was horrible and I almost came home and stuffed my face because of stress. Luckily I got distracted by the thousands of things I have to do everyday and forgot to eat more than a sandwich. :lol:

stormy-how is school going for you? Didn't you say something a long time ago about a project? When do you have to travel and go to class next?
The story about your patient made me tear up and then I was fine until I got to Red's comments about the horses and that made me cry. :stress: So- I am sitting here crying at my computer when a friend drops by and I had to go to the door. Then I couldn't explain to her why I was crying because I began to hiccup and cry and then laugh at myself. Man- I am a mess. :rofl:
I feel so bad for that guy- it must have been hard to feel like he had no control. I am such a control freak that people amaze me at the ways that they adapt and move on. Anyway- thanks for sharing that- it puts my life in perspective.
I was laughing when I read about your pro and con list because I am always doing that when I have to make a tough decision. Sometimes it helps to see all the reasons for and against all written out in black and white.

Jacque- Great job on eating and getting a gym! :cp:
Just make sure you go- I pay money every month to the YMCA and never go so don't be like me!
Sorry about your mishap with the police. I hate being pulled over ( as I am sure you all do) but I always cry and get out of tickets. I know- it is a step back for women's lib but screw it! At least I don't get a huge ticket and it always works in my town. The men here are "good old boys" so they think women are weaklings and need to be protected. :lol:
You have a TIVO too?? Love my TIVO!!

red- Let me answer your question about TIVO first. TIVO is a digital recorder with a hard drive that you can program to tape shows. The cool thing about it is you can set up season passes and it tapes all the showings of that particular TV show. TIVO also allows you to pause it and fast forward through commercials. I love my TIVO. I don't watch TV during the week so I program TIVO to tape the things I just don't want to miss. Also- TIVO makes suggestions according to your tastes and periodically tapes shows on its own that it thinks you might like. :D

As for changing jobs-don't judge an office on how it looks when you come into it to interview or meet a new potential boss. Where I work now seemed stuffy and rigid when I came in and once I started working there I found out that it was opposite of that and everyone is laid back and easygoing.
I understand what you mean about less responsibility and comfort in where you work- I wouldn't want to work in a high stress job either. If that is how you think it will be you may want to keep looking. Keep in mind you spend a lot of your day working so you need somewhere you aren't going to dread going to in the morning. ;)

You are very perceptive to catch on to the fact I am not doing well with eating or exercise. Thought I would slide by! :lol: Anyway- i am horrible when I am under stress so this past week has been awful. I am going to try to get back on track!
I have a question from a past post- other people ride your horse?? Do they take her out for exercise? or are you sharing her with others? I don't understand; I can see where that would be really stressful. Don't downplay being the one with the goodies- animals know that if you care enough to give goodies that you are wonderful in their book.

NBK-Thanks for the kick in the butt! It was much needed and I promise I am going to try to get back with it!
You are without your bf a lot- I am jealous. Can I ship mine up to you after he returns from getting an attitude adjustment on food portions with red? :lol: I know it must be hard- at least you have good blocks of time with him instead of time here and there that you can't do anything major in. Have fun!
You guys are really into Extreme Makeover. I can't watch it- it makes me cry and I get all depressed. :( Ty is cute though. :D

Little Grasshopper- How are u today? I wanted to tell you about some heating pads that you can buy at the store that are just for one day. They are made for TOM (you probably already know this but..) They are called ThermaCare and you can find them where they keep Bengay and such..
they help me a lot and I have awful cramps.

kjk- I know what you mean about getting up in the morning but you are my inspiration to get up and walk so you have to keep with it. :lol:
Good job going after you got up though! You are so kicking my butt!
I didn't know you watch Law and Order SVU- love that program. I Tivoed it last night and I can't wait to watch it since it was new. Was it a good one?

Okay - I think that catches me up somewhat. I am going to try to hop on more often so I can comment in the flow of conversation.

Anyway- today I am off work and school. I have to apply for graduation and I just got back from getting a haircut so I am getting a lot done on my "to do" list.
Hope you are all having a great day! Today is "what in the heck have you been eating?" day so let us know how you are doing. Is anyone here recording what they eat every day? Do any of you keep a food and emotion diary? Just curious how you keep up with your calories or amounts.

Question of the day: This may be a cruel one but I am curious-
If you could make any one food calorie free, fat free, and instead full of vitamins and things good for your body- which food would you choose? why?

Okay I am outta here for now- back later

Hi guys. Man have I had an adventure. We had an unexpected snow storm today. You'd think as rarely as we get snow they'd know it was coming for days! But not this storm.....They were calling for the 40's and light rain...it's 21 and that's our high for today! I left work as it was starting and before I could get to the bridge and the damn on my lake the roads were so bad that people couldn't get up the hill (the bridge is between two hills). People were stacked on both sides and sliding all over the place. I ended up turning around and calling BF to come get me - but then I had to walk 3 miles in 19 degree cold and pouring snow to get to the furtherst place he could reach!! I didn't make it to the gym but I did get a workout. Luckily I left one of my coats at the office yesterday so I had two today..i needed both!! It's freaking COLD out there when the wind blows!!!!!

I'm feeling much better. Head is still wacky but otherwise I feel good. I was looking forward to working out today. I'll have to do some at home.

I will catch up on reading to night - see you guys soon!

CG, I go back to school Thursday. I flight out (since my car is still in the shop!!!) at 7:15 PM. So I'll be MIA for a while. I was able to complete everything that I have due this weekend. Since I finished work early secondary to two cancellations I have a little me time. So I am checking my email,etc. and then I have to hit the books. You will make it this semester. You are so lucky that it is your last.

GH, enjoy your cold day off. I dread going back to school b/c of the cold. One of my friends up there called and told me that there is supposed to be a snow/ice storm this weekend, so I am not looking foward to it. I hate the cold. This morning I work up and it was sleeting and Saturday night and Sunday there is supposed to be snow so I am hoping that I will not be delayed in getting back. Well at least you got a nice walk in. By the way, you probably burnt more calories b/c of the cold!

Ladies, I really want to apologise for my lack of participation lately!! I've been so crazy busy with work (it's inventory month) but after this week I should be back to normal participation :D (meaning you'll get sick of me again!) I promise!

Good morning, people. This day is not getting off to a good start. I turned on the TV just in time to catch the horoscope that said my sign was the worst for today. I know it's stupid but I turned it on and there it was and it's pissing me off because I have not seen a "good" horoscope in like two weeks. Then, I decide to just hop on the scale because I figured I'd have had to have lost and it looks like it's up higher than ever. ?!?! :?: I tell you, I don't think I can take any more of this constant disappointment, constant frustration. I am so sick and tired of it. :cry: People say wait, and wait, and it will get better but it's NOT getting better. So, what to do?!?!I can't do anymore than I'm already doing. I mean, I am not near my goal weight or anything and even my goal weight would be heavy. What is wrong with my body? Why does it hold on to the fat like this? It's really unbelievable. Screw it. That's the way I feel. Maybe I should just give up, stop letting this whole weight thing make me so angry. I'm certainly not enjoying this and I really, really am trying. Maybe I do have to just keep at it. They say it's not rocket science, but it sure ain't simple arithmetic!!

Red - two words. Water weight. When you start exercising after a break or change your routine or your diet you body gets scared and starts hoarding water.

Will catch up later ladies.. work is mad today!
Tiff

Yeah, NBK, you may be right. But I was running to the bathroom for two days straight, that's why I thought I was sure to see a drop. I mean, that, and all the other things I've been doing right. However, I did drink a lot of mugi cha (barley tea, no caffeine, not a diuretic) last night and some Italian sparkling water all before going to bed and I didn't get up all night. I did work my legs the day before last and though they're not hurting (which is odd because I thought I went heavier than usual) maybe that has something to do with it. It's just I am so stuck. My weight just does not fluctuate, downward that is, it's always stuck. I mean, I am still much higher than when I started this year off. Oh well, I'm working all the time but it's not physical work. As far as my body is concerned I've done nothing. But, I hear everyone else losing and I can't understand how it can be so hard for me. I mean, if this doesn't do it, how can I ever be thin and work and do everything else I need to do just to pay the bills? It's like I'm condemned to this position in life.

OK, well, I'm going to just move on. I am still so utterly pissed off. I shouldn't get on the scale at all probably. But, I need some reward. The weight loss, if there is any, is too small to register with clothes. Maybe I have to literally knock myself out with exercise in order to lose. I mean, really, I walk so much in a day just going to work and things. I probably only need about 1,000 calories a day to exist. That's the problem I guess. I'm short and have this screwed up body so I can't eat at all probably. Anyhow, I'm healthy and I am very strong so I guess I should learn to accept it. The problem is, no one accepts it. Everyone around me, except the bodybuilders, act like for a woman to be strong is a bad thing, a freakish thing. I think the fact that these guys are so weak is a freakish thing and the fact that they think women are is freakish. Then again, I'm up against Asian women, who are built like sparrows. It's like a French bull looking at a Mexican hairless and feeling like a freak.

Red, i haven't moved down all year.. i've been stuck in my 73.9-75.8 kg rut too! don't sweat it! just relax.. i find as soon as i stop stressing about my weight things actually start to happen.. now if only i could do that right now.

As for living in asia.. man that would screw with my head! i have enough problems feeling like a giant sometimes here.. last night there was a women who would be a us size 0 or less in the hips infront of me in pump class. i swear her waist is the same as my thighs if not smaller! ugh.. but yuo know what, she doesn't really look like a woman. she had tiny hips and broad shoulders.. and she was shorter than you..so don't stress. I think being strong rocks! just think of all those pathetic weedy men you can snap in two with your bare hands! he he...

NBK, really? you haven't lost either this year. Ok, that makes me feel better. And thanks for understanding what I go through here in the land of the reeds and sparrows. Yes, to me these women don't look like women. They look like children, worse, because they're not cute like children. I don't see what the foreign guys see in them but they love them, at least the ones who stay here. And yet these guys are out picking up girls all the time, so it's probably something else they're looking for, in other words, a certain ease . . .

You know, actually I love strong. I think it's cool. It's just that I would like to be in an environment where it's not so odd. Then again, what the heck, I probably will never be that. When i'm in the States, people say I'm so short and small and I sure don't feel small, though I do feel short. I guess you just have to know what you are and accept it and be happy with it. And you're right about the pathetic weedy men. I am sick of them. I am not attracted to them in the least, in fact they make me ill to look at their pathetic scrawny, soft bodies. The only guys I like are the builders in the gym. It's just, I'm not so rude as to say it to them, like the guys do about the women. Oh bother!

Ok, really got to move on this time. I started that last post out determined to get off the pity express and look at your posts and then I didn't. !!

grasshopper -- I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. That's really not fair that you have to attend a meeting on your sleep-in day. Do you get paid to go in? Can't you get out of it, say you're feeling ill but are going to try to make it in later? I would.

Thanks for the Tivo explanation, you and some others. I looked it up on the Net, see it's something that started up 5 years ago. So, you mean you don't need videotapes? How cool! I need something like that. The tapes are a pain. I go to bed so early so all the interesting (well, that is a relative word!) are on later, or I'm thinking maaaaaybe they're on later because there sure is nothing interesting on before 9 p.m.! Japanese TV sucks. Late at night you tend to just get some sort of sick semi-porn all putting down women. Have a good workout today, grass, if you get there. Congrats for getting through yesterday with just light eating!

stormy -- sounds like you and I are kind of going through the same thing. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that the scale starts dropping. I was thinking about that interview yesterday. The reason it didn't go well is because this one guy writes up questions he wants me to ask and they're crap questions and I feel I have to ask them and then the interview gets out of hand. Oh well, I'll salvage something out of it and next time this other guy insists on sitting in on it I'll just ignore him and his stupid questions. Those cookies you ate, are they giant or something. I mean, don't sweat a couple cookies. :bravo: on the workout!

Crime girl -- Please stop apologizing for long posts. I for one love long posts. You shouldn't apologize. And please keep writing really long ones. I love it! If someone doesn't want to read it she can just glance through it anyhow. You did great not stuffing your face after a stressful day! Kudos to you! :strong:

Sorry my comment got your crying. I even looked back to see what it possibly could have been and couldn't figure it. I don't know. People often say my writing makes them cry. I'm starting to think it must be really bad! ;)

Thanks too for the Tivo explanation. Don't know if I'd like it making suggestions for me. But, I guess, if you can erase it quickly or it doesn't mess up another recording it could be great. I still don't understand just where it is doing the recording. Is it a tape or totally digital, like limitless? I see they're very expensive too!

The work situation is driving me nuts. I dream about it. I'm all confused as to what to do. I don't have a good feeling about the new place but don't know how I can find out more without working there. I may do just that, go in for once a week at first while saying I can't quit the other yet. They said I could. Then maybe I can get a better reading on it. Japanese companies are usually no fun at all. The paper is Japanese too but the crowd I work with are mostly foreigners. I don't think I'm going to find anything better than this though, not with the hours I want and so, so maybe I should just buckle down and do it, in and out and screw feeling happy or good about it. Just do it. Try to work toward something bigger. If I write a couple of books and start getting royalties it sure would help me break away from this hourly wage **** that is so limited. At one point I worked with a jockey over here and my pay was a percentage of his earnings. So, if he won a race my pay would leap. There was always the possibility of hitting paydirt and that was fun. Of course, it turned out in the end to just get me by okay but it was fun, addictive anyhow, very rollercoaster-like, just like any gambling I guess.

I can certainly understand you slacking on the weight loss efforts. You can't do everything. As long as you didn't pig out too much and didn't gain. Maintain when the pressure's on. That should be our motto.

Thanks for saying I'm more to my horse than a carrot. I would like to think so but . . . what they heck, she could say the same about me. As for the situation at the riding club, it sucks there too. So much in my life, in fact, most of it, is very far from what I want. But, I see it as making the best of the situation, a tradeoff, a compromise. Yes, other people get to ride my horse even though I'm paying for everything. These are the workers at the stable and the owner puts them on. I don't like it because I don't agree with the way he handles my horses but it is his place and if I don't like it I have no say whatsoever. The only say I have is to leave and I don't know a better place for now. when I do I will go. Also, my teacher (his wife) seems better. I like the way she rides and I am trying to learn from her, which means I will become like her and THEN I can go off on my own with my horse. I cannot handle my horse on my own now because my skills are not good enough. So much compromise here. In any case, the care I think is good and the girls riding my horse are not really bad riders. They just are slaves to the owner and do everything he tells them to, which the horse rebels at because there is no affection in it. I think maybe she does like me. I hope I am enough for her to get through the other days without going anymore sour than she already is.

As for your question, maybe I would say ice cream or nuts, particularly cashews and peanuts, my favorites.

Ok, I've got to run. Anyone I missed, I'll catch up later. Ciao for now!

hmm for me it would be cheese.. lovely lovely cheese..

FYI- calcium can assist weight loss! Apparently in the interests of your bones, if you aren't getting enough calcium in your diet, your body will start storing fat.. therefore that slice of cheese or glass of milk isn't really all that bad for you. In fact they did a study where people were on a restricted calcium diet and also an increased calcium diet along with a placebo diet.. all the same except for that mineral and the increased calcium people lost like 15-35% more weight than any of the others. People in the restricted group actually gained as a whole. Something to think about anyway...

Red - I have not really lost since the new year either. Not based on the scales. I've been bouncing in the same 5 pounds up and down for a month. It drives me crazy but what can I do?? True my jeans do fit but not the way I want them too and I'd have thought by now they would, but they don't. I can't think too much about it or I'll make my health goal a weight loss goal and I'll just give up. I just wanted you to know that several of us are bouncing around with the same freaking weight!! I get up and hope to see a loss and the same damn numbers show up - one day 2 up the next 2 down, the very next day I'm right back up again. I'm blaming it on the silliest things...that 1 rice cookie I had...the bite of steak I had with the seasoning salt I'm allergice too....the extra rice milk in my detox shake....I can't even blame something yummy on it, and yet I'm not giving up the rice cookies or extra milk either.

Change your focus. Make it to be as healthy as you can be. To eat only foods that will make you strong and healthy - and yes, strong is SEXY! Exercise in ways that make you age beautifully!!! Ride your horse, build strong core strength and enjoy the fact that you're eating healthier than you ever have in your life and the rest will start ot fall into place!! Take care of YOU - not just the number on that damn scale.

I'm so sorry life is frustrating! I can understand it completely!!! Having a job you hate and not having a clear path to leave it can take the shear life out of you...I'm proud of you for not looking to food as the reward. It's my number 1 reward...and when I skip the reward I EXPECT that a lower number on the scale will be my gift for skipping my reward. But NOPE....none for me. I'm stuck.

I'll be thinking about you and hoping you're finding some peace very soon!! You deserve it girl!!

My food would be brownies...They are the perfect, yummy dessert to me. I love them straight from the oven and I love them cold!! I could eat a whole batch right now!!!! Thanks a lot CG!! :)

I am eating prunes again. My new candy. What a sorry excuse for a candy substitute. At least they don't stay around long :) :)

I'm trying to cut back on my dinners. I tend to eat the most food in my day from 5:00 pm through to bedtime. I'm trying to change that! We'll see.

okay guys - snow has stopped falling. I have to go get my car tomorrow. I left it at an outdoor adventure place, of all things. BF's work van is not wanting to run either....we may be sharing a car tomorrow too. I have the most clients in one day tomorrow and I'm betting they all cancel. We just aren't prepared for snow at all here. That's a lot of money out the window. I hope they don't cancel!!

I'm late out the door, now that they posts are pouring in! NBK, grasshopper, I glanced through your posts. Thank you so much!! You've given me just what I needed, knowing I'm not in this alone. I didn't realize you guys were going through the same thing. And grass, thanks for your kind and inspirational words. If you can stick this out, with all your pain issues, then I will give it my best too! Hope your day is a good one too! Talk to you later!!

Ha ha prunes! I love them.. I was in a rush this morning so had 1/2 a bag for breakfast. You're right tho LGH, they really don't last long.. now hopefully the weird feeling in my stomach is due to the chicken nuggets and cheeseburger I had last night (bad tiff I know but.. eh.. I have no willpower sometimes..at least no coke or fries.).