I had a bad headachy day yesterday, too...Maybe barometric pressure changes with the weather, eh?

Do any of you watch Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservations on the Travel Channel? He's so informative, irreverant and funny; the production is top-notch, too, with great filming. Don't know what brought him to mind, other than the fact that we just watched the show. He was in Vietnam this time. Look it up -- bet you'll like it!

Hey, has anyone hear from Sarah (lessofsarahtolove)?

Kimberley - I haven't... I noticed a post Howie started.. has she been MIA for a while now? I sure hope things are alright on her end..

So I attempted to put streaks in my hair, it did NOT work, and now I have to fork over a few bucks to get it fixed and have PROPER colour in it. I suspect my brother will pay to get it done, it's like 95 bucks!! Insane, huh? But I have chunks in the back of my head which are just no good, so it's gotta be done. And that was my adventure for the day!

I just watched Along Came Polly, it was cute, very funny... some dirty humour, heh. Well I am off to bed now, have a good night!

-Aimee

Aimee--You're right...we ARE very different! Jeff and I use the store brand of dandruff-control shampoo (less than 2 bucks a bottle at Walmart!), and I use whatever conditioner I grabbed that happened to be on sale at whatever store I happened to go to when I remembered I needed it (walmart, grocery store, pharmacy, target...). I didn't even actually use conditioner this morning. I just forgot. That's how out of it I am lately. I scrubbed with shampoo, then rinsed, and that was that for my hair! Luckily, I don't actually do my hair anyway, so it shouldn't matter (I just brush it and leave it down to air-dry). I DO use sunscreen whenever I'm out in the sun for more than like 5 minutes at a time (minimum SPF 30, the water and sweat-proof kind for my body, the neutrogena for sensitive skin for my face) because not only do I agree with you that this is the best time to take care of our skin, but I also fry like an egg in the sun and have had plenty of super-bad sunburns in my life already (not usually on my face, but I remember one summer of having purple on the backs of my legs and another of blisters all across my shoulders/upper arms--can we say melanoma by age 30?). So yeah, my health and beauty products consist of cheap shampoo and conditioner, economy-sized Suave lotion, some wet 'n wild and Jane makeup (which I almost never use), and stick of Blistex

On the diet front, I've got bad news to report. I have been out of control! I have been eating graham crackers like there's no tomorrow. I don't know what my problem is! I know graham crackers really isn't the worst binge in the world, but seriously, I'll eat a whole package at time, which is between 5-600 calories I have eaten 3 packages in the past 2 days--that's a whole additional day's worth of calories! I sit down at home and watch tv or use the computer, and it's like this force, like I know they are there in the cabinet, and I an compelled to eat them! It's quite frustrating, because I know it's bad while I'm doing it, I feel guilty afterwards, and yet I can't just seem to say no. My scale at home has been saying 287 for the past few days. I know I haven't gained 7 pounds of fat this week (even having eaten fast food, pizza, and a milkshake this past weekend, I'm sure I haven't consumed 24,500 calories more than I have burned), but things are all off in me lately. My hormones are somewhat off--I took my pill later than usual a few days this week because I forgot to take it when I got up (which has lead to spotting, which is very unusual for me). I also know I am retaining water (my ankles tell all!), and then there's these mysterious headaches (though yesterday was okay and nothing so far today). I did hit the gym yesterday--I did 40 minutes on the elliptical (burned over 500 calories), then came home and ate a whole package of graham crackers, felt guilty, so I went for a little walk, but it started POURING while I was out, so I only walked about a half mile and came home SOAKED, so I put in my Advanced Tae Bo tape (couldn't find my Basic one) and only did maybe 15-20 minutes of that (I could hear the floor squeaking, and I didn't want my downstairs neighbors to think there was an earthquake ). I just was SO close to getting below 280, and now it seems like that'll be weeks away, so I get frustrated and I eat, then feel guilty and workout...not a healthy cycle What bothers me most of all is that I have to weigh-in at TOPS tomorrow. I have jeans that I fit into that I haven't worn since college, and yet I have to announce my 6 or 7-pound gain to the group for the week. I love their support and everything, but I feel like a failure when I don't lose. Bah, c'est la vie--live and learn. I've survived worse.

I've had those days, too, Jill. Since I've gotten off the pill, it's like my TOM has saved up its fury the last 13 years and is cruelly doling out the worst of it each month now...it's heavy and it's painful. And the last two months I have craved carbohydrates something fierce! I've stayed within my calories or close to them, but too much of them has come from bread products on those craving days.

Sometimes it takes loudly and firmly saying "STOP!" when those thoughts come. I call it *****-slapping your brain. Back on track, you. Me, too!

Well, it's been a quiet night in Lake Woebegon...Err, this thread.

My mom cleaned out her closet yesterday and gave me first dibs on some shoes and clothes she no longer wants. They were nice, dressy shoes, but heels which I know would result in my tearing a ligament again. No thanks! The clothes I liked were too big, and the things that would fit were not really items I'd wear anymore. I didn't realize until tonight how much my style really has changed. It's a good thing, but still kind of a surprise even to me.

I survived yesterday--I had strawberries, peaches, and pineapple all day and only water to drink. Then when I went to work, I had about a handful of onion tanglers (or onion straws or whatever you want to call them--thise skinny little onion ring string things), and that was it for the day. I drank water while I was there and had a glass of sugar-free kool aid when I got home. Well under 1000 calories--probably even under 750. I know that's not good for every day, but to get me back on track just for a day, I feel much better I feel like I have at least made an effort to compensate for my bad habits the past few days, plus I have proven to myself that getting back on track is not that difficult. Today, I will have eggs for breakfast (plain), a turkey burger patty for a snack, and a frozen fish thingy (stuffed sole--stuffed with crab and shrimp, so still very low in carbs) for lunch. For dinner on Thursdays, I always have Subway after my TOPS meeting. I still don't want to weigh in there tonight. I know I'm up a few pounds, which will likely be gone by next week (plus some, as seems to be my bi-weekly routine--up 3 pounds one week, down 6 the next ). My thing is that when people are trying to be supportive, they kinda hurt my feelings. When I announce that I had a gain, I can't tell you how many people say things like, "Oh, and you were doing so well..." WERE? I am still doing well--just because I had a gain one week doesn't mean I'm not still down nearly 30 pounds overall, which I would call well! And just because I had a gain doesn't mean I didn't learn something about myself and my body and my dieting needs this week, which I would call well! And just because I had a gain this week doesn't mean I'm not going to lose it and then some next week, which I would call well! Just because I had a gain this week doesn't mean I didn't do my cardio exercise to increase my stamina and better my cardiovascular system, which I would call well! Whew, how's that for a rant? But I just try to keep in mind that they are going through the same struggle, so they do not mean to be offensive or anything at all. They are just there to try and help

On a different note, I have a big ol' list of apartments to call today after I go to the gym after work. I even made a list of questions so I remember to ask all of them the same things (washer/dryer in unit, pets allowed, # of parking spots, income requirements...). I am hoping to find a place well in advance of our moving in October so that things aren't so rushed and stressful--last time I moved, I had 2 weeks to find a place, sign a lease, move in, and start my new job It was pretty hectic, but being in the area should make this transition easier

Hey Ya'll
Sounds like everyone is doing great.I have been busy trying to get everything done to start my job. I start training classes next week.The school buses here are like luxury tour buses and are driven by the Japanese. They must have an American monitor on the bus. It pays 12.50 an hr which is great here because the pay on base is low due to the fact that the Okinawans will work for less and they work harder.The hours will be 5 in the morning till 9 then I am off till 1 then I work till 4. So, If I or the boys need a doctor appt I can get it done in the middle of the day. There are also things that you can't do after 5.
Teus I started this step class that is run by this big muscle guy. It is an hour and I had it tonight too. I am soooo hurting but I have to work through it. This guy runs a weightloss boot camp for 500.00.I have lost 37 pds in ten weeks without paying someone 500.00.
Well, Hubby comes back from Hawaii in two days and I have done great with my food this week. I have had a bad habit as a navy wife. When he would go away in the past I would eat to deal with it. No more of that.
Well,
My inlaws have thier tickets to come here of all days Sept.11th. It will be nice to see them and have them see hubby and me since we have lost weight.
Well,
TTYL,Vicki

Goodmorning!! I work today, but have tomorrow and Saturday off, and I'm looking forward to it! I'm spending the better part of my birthday in the salon, I'm getting my hair fixed/dyed/cut, and then am getting a manicure. The bf set this up on purpose because he has to work most of the day, and ALL of my friends are working... spending your birthday alone just seems wrong, yah know?

Kimberley - I sometimes look at old pictures of my different styles over the years, sometimes I cringe, or wonder HOW my mom let me out of the house dressed like that, and then there is the hair... oh my. Working retail has been interesting, I've learned a lot about style. Like, a colour that looks great on you NEVER goes out of style.

Jill - It's a good thing that being different is a GOOD thing, eh? Sunscreen = good! I wear it everyday because a doctor once told me that UV rays can still come thru the clouds, and I'm really not into the idea of wrinkles. Glad to hear you are back on track, although your graham crackers have inspired me.... I've been eating digestive cookies with a chocolate coating on one side.

Vicky - Thats a pretty nice job! I don't know how you do it, being away from the husband, I barely make it a week without my bf. He's my best friend, so sometimes I feel lost without him. It sounds completely sappy, and I'm not normally like that.. it's amazing how love can change a person!

So this morning I woke up at 5am with a weird gurgling in my stomach, I thought it was hunger, so I ate a granola bar, and managed to go back to sleep for an hour before it woke me up again. I took some acidophlolis, and will continue that, but I also have this nasty headache. Seriously girls, my body feels like it's falling apart!! I feel like I'm constantly sick and complaining about it... infact, I'm starting to annoy myself with it!! I'll get this all sorted out, hopefully sooner than later. In the mean time, I am off to get ready for work! Have a great one!

-Aimee

We got some rain! Hope more comes through tonight.

Jill, good for you - back on plan like a trooper. I know what you mean about people saying un-encouraging stuff when you tell them you've had a gain.

Vicki, that would be good pay here, too. Are the busses for military families' kids?

Aimee, your day of pampering sounds wonderful.

Whew, getting back on plan certainly helped--I posted a 1.25-pound gain at TOPS last night as opposed to the 6-pound gain I was thinking it would be 1.25 is certainly easy enough to lose by next week (plus some, of course), so it doesn't bother me much--even makes me glad it was so much less than I had anticipated

Vicki--37 pounds in 10 weeks is AWESOME! And worth much more than $500, IMO. You're smart to keep your money in your purse and stick to what works for you with no added fees

So, I called a bunch of apartments that were listed in the Washington Post, but all of the ones I called were already rented out! So then I moved on to actual apartment complexes. After multiple calls to multiple rental offices, I know of at least 2 places we can afford that have units available in October and that have a washer/dryer in unit. This eases my stress slightly, though the floorplans certainly leave much to be desired. However, I did find another place online that I need to call today--they have a 1-bedroom with den that we can afford (we want a 2-bedroom), but there's no reason that den can't be a bedroom just because it doesn't have a closet. Still works for guests, as long as it holds a bed! So I will call them today to find out pricing (their price on their website does not include the optional washer/dryer in unit, which I REALLY want because I'm spoiled ).

Well, it's FRIDAY! Hope everyone has a great weekend (especially you, Aimee--a Friday AND a Saturday off in retail is AWESOME!)!

Hey!! I am having a great day, I got up super early, went to the salon for 4 hours and emerged with a new-ish hair colour, fancy french manicured nails, all over, it was great! I did wake up with a headache, which I just can't shake, hopefully with this tylenol it will go away completely! I got the presents from my mom today too, I unwrapped them all, didn't even space it out... hehe, I am greedy, but I admit it! Serously, birthdays are the best

Something odd happened on our way home though, we were at the lights waiting, and this car behind us wouldn't stop honking, it was fairly annoying. So we pulled out, and they fingered us, so of course, we did the same. Well, it only went bad from there, we were driving our regular way home, and they were going that way too... probably thought we were following them. Somehow we ended up ahead of them (they pulled over to fight I assume), and they followed us, it was pretty scary. Josh drove around for a bit, and when we stopped at a stop sign, a guy got out and came over and punched Josh!!! Lightly, it didn't even leave a mark... so being a man, Josh pulled the e-brake and was going to get out and punch him back.. and he ran off!! Which was just FINE for me, so Josh continued our way home. It was completely scary, and for some reason I'm mad that they hit Josh and he didn't get out to beat the little 17 year old up!! Ugh, what is WITH kids these days? We are safe, thats what matters... maybe with a little damage to the bf's ego.. he wouldn't have stopped to fight with me in the car anyways.. I'm just babbling.. it was such a weird experience!

Jill - Good job with the weigh in! I'm sure next week the pound will be gone! You are doing so great, I'm so happy for you (and secretly jealous, even tho I'm not even TRYING to lose weight these days). Keep it up girl!

-Aimee

Jill, hope everything works out great for you home-hunting. We're fortunate to live in an area with a fairly wide range of places available, but I have friends who are looking in busier locales like you are. Have you thought about putting an ad in the paper saying you're looking for a place? You might have an individual homeowner who is looking for a tenant.

Ohh, Aimee, I'm glad you guys are okay! There are some weird-a$$ people out there. One time I made the mistake of twirling my finger (like "whoopie") when a guy was hot-dogging on his motorcycle and cut in front of me. He was looking in his rearview mirror and saw me do it. He let me pass, then rode my bumper for miles. Very freaky!!

Just got home from a looong evening out. Nothing earth-shattering, just the farmer's market, coffee shop, grocery shopping and Wal-Mart. I tried on probably 30 bras there, but did one fit just right? Nooooo. It's so confusing, even after measuring and trying on what supposedly would fit. If I get the band size right, the cup size is funky - even trying various cup sizes in the same band size. I was looking at Playtex original comfort strap bras, which had the most support out of any. I think I need to go to a plus-size store and look. :P

We're going to a game night at some friends' tomorrow and I'm bringing -- you guessed it -- mango salsa. They specifically requested it, so they must like it. I bought some white peaches at the farmer's market and find they're quite ripe, so I think I'd better use 'em up and make some peach salsa while I'm at it. Hope they eat it up, because it's not very good after a day or two.

Oh -- almost forgot, I'm down a pound now, in a new decade at 209. We bought a Taylor digital scale today, one that does body fat and water % (?). It weighed me dead-on with my MIL's scale. Howie wanted one that didn't wiggle between numbers like the analog ones do. I caved.

Goooooooooood morning ladies! Well, Saturday we went and looked at 3 apartment places in Alexandria (where we want to move). I had called all 3 during the week to make sure they would have a floor plan we wanted available in October, which is when we want to move. They all did, so I asked if they had a similar floor plan they would be able to show us on Saturday if we stopped by, and they all said yes. Well, we got to the first place, and they didn't have one to show because someone unexpectedly showed up and move in on Friday, so we didn't get to physically see an apartment there, but the office was actually made outof an old apartment, so we got to see what the kitchen would be like--SO SMALL! As soon as we left I told Jeff I couldn't handle that kitchen. He agreed it seemed more like a closet with some appliances Strike one...

The second place we went to, they had said there were 2 different floorplans available in October (both 2-bedroom, which we wanted). One was much more expensive, so we decided to take a look at the cheaper one. Of course, upon arriving at the place, they told us that that one had already been rented out for October! Jeez, things go fast around here! Strike two...

So we went to a third place. We got to see a model--not bad. It had 2 bedrooms, L-shaped living/dining combo, a bigger kitchen, plus 2 bathrooms. The only problem was that there wasn't really any place for our computer desks--a major necessity! We put it in the "maybe" pile and called it a day.

Sunday, we went to look at a place that was a little more expensive, but still not unreasonable for the area. It had 1 bedroom and a den (which we would use as a guest room anyway--it just didn't have a closet). The living/dining area was a little bigger so (by my imaginary calculations) we would at least be able to fit Jeff's desk in the living room--I really didn't care if mine was in the bedroom (since I obviously do most of my computer stuff at work anyway ). It was also in a really cute neighborhood--lots of trees and lots of people out walking and biking and even a "botanical reserve" right around the corner. They were garden-style apartments that backed to a lightly wooded area, so it didn't seem like we were in the city, which was nice. There was also a shopping center within walking distance that had a grocery store, CVS, Subway, McDonald's (not that that interested me ), and Blockbuster. We had a new top contender!

Then we visited Tower 2000. Just sounds all futuristic and high-tech, doesn't it? Well, we almost didn't even go in to look because parking was SO ridiculous! All of the "Leasing Office" spots were full, so I parked right by the door and went in--she told us to park in the back. I told her we had already driven around in the back, and there were NO empty spots! So they gave us a swipe card to get into the secure parking lot for the residents. Upon returning to the building after parking, the lady at the desk gave us a few floorplans to look at and a price list, at which I gasped. Their "small studio" at 410 square feet was listed at $1105 per month We were looking for either a 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom with den. These were listed as starting at $1500 and $1350 (respectively). We had to wait for a leasing representative. Jeff and I contemplated leaving based solely on that price list. We were really trying to stick to around $1200 a month (I know, it's high, but normal for this area), possibly a little more (the aforementioned garden-style apartments would have been $1250). Well, wen the leasing lady finally came out, she told us that they were running a special until Tuesday of $300 off the rent. I asked if it was just off the first month, as this is usually what the specials are, and she said no, it's for the entire duration of the lease. Woohoo! So we looked, we loved, we got applications, we went home. I am calling this morning to make sure the one is still available for October, then I will go over there this afternoon to drop off the applications and application fee. Here's the one we decided on: it's a 2-bedroom called the Rembrandt. 2 bedrooms AND a den--perfect! Table in the dining area, couch/tv in the living area, desks in the den area, and guest room in the second bedroom! I am so relieved! It's oner 1,000 square feet and comes to $1206 per month plus water (which is capped at $35 per apartment per month). So, it's actually less even with water than the previous place we had looked at! Whew, what a weight off my shoulders! I was getting worried after Saturday's disappointments that everything for October would be filled by Sept. 1!

So that was my weekend--high-stress followed by relief and now excitement I also did pretty well food-wise until last night--I had made lasagna on Friday for dinner (one of my pplanned meals that day was pasta). I ended up haveing 2 pieces of it yesterday plus some of Jeff's pistachio ice cream However, I was so good for the rest of the weekend AND I am totally PMS-ing, so I didn't beat myself up over it. Even PMS-ing, I was down half a pound according to my scale this morning (down 1/2 a pound from my previous lowest, not from my gain on Thursday, so actually down 1.75 since Thursday, I guess--fruit and water work wonders ).

Now, how's THAT for a novel

Hey! Phew, my birthday weekend is over... it should always be my birthday though. I was totally spoiled rotten by my brother, he bought me a ton of presents and THEN took me shopping to the Gap, where I bought a track suit, 2 3/4 sleeved sweaters for work, and a very nice purple tank top. I really do have the best brother in the world, he's going to order me some things off the Gap website, I just couldn't find my size in the store. I got an INSANE amount of makeup, which I love, most of it was from the bodyshop, but I also got some mascara and lip venom from Sephora. Thats about half of what I got, and I won't bore you with all the details, just know I'm a very happy girl! My brother and his gf came down for the weekend, and left Sunday, while I love having my family around... I'd prefer them not to be in the same tiny apt! My mother arrives on Sept 2nd, and we'll head to Seattle for a couple days (which I'll pass off as a birthday trip, hehe, I'm so greedy ).

Jill - you are totally become a scale wh*re!! I love it! Glad to hear you found a place, it's totally stressful trying to find something suitable, because no one (but me) likes to move. The second to last place you mentioned would have won me before, I'd love to live in a nice area with things within walking distance... living up a mountain SUCKS!

Kimberley - where are you?

Well, I better go eat some dinner.. my stomach has stopped being so sickly, and because of that I'm feeling more awake... that gravol (which is a drug which calms the stomach, prevents barfing) was making me SO sleepy all the time. I started in with these weird headaches though, I've had one everyday since Friday, so thats only 4 days.. but I just don't get headaches anymore (except sinus ones when the weather changes)... I swear, this 26th birthday has aged me!! hehe Have a good night!

-Aimee