E, your menu looks perfect (I wouldn't eat the banana, it's high glycemic and not allowed on Sugar Busters unless it's very green, but most people think they're healthy :) ) ... your cals are good, your GI is good, your exercise is good. I just think you're at a plateau. Normally I tell people to eat peanut butter when at a plateau (oddly enough, more fat helps in unstalling weight loss, but you have to account for the added cals), but you ARE eating peanut butter. It's just gonna take a little time for the body to know what it wants to do (it wants to GAIN weight, E, that's just a fact, our female bods ALWAYS wanna gain weight 'cause they think we need it to trek across the tundra and bear children or something and they worry that a famine might be coming or that we might need energy to fight off the cavefolk from the next village ...).

The main thing is NOT to get frustrated and try too hard. That doesn't work, IMO. You might try leveling off of the exercise and getting in more rest and (I know this will shock ya) you COULD try to actually eat a little treat with refined sugar and white flour, followed by a hot bath, a good novel and a day long nappie time! :)

Truthfully, that can work ... the bod needs to be shaken out of its routine and you've been consistent with a healthy lifestyle for awhile .... EVEN if you had a period of slacking off, that was when you were in a stressed situation and doesn't really count as true rest ... the primitive bod mind wants STASIS and if you give it what it wants, it'll start dropping the weight ... really, it will.

Not to be construed as a license to take a three-week nap with a box o' chocolates ...

Hello all.....

Eydie... Empress is right...shake it up...My best guess is you should be eating a little more...or do less...or as the Empess says, do both....
You'll figure this out!


I had a meltdown at the office first thing this morning. Something I had been told was just fine last night was waiting for me to correct. It was like a kick in the b....First time in the longest I cried from frustration.... unfortunately, another coworker witnessed it and I had to swear him to secrecy.... and of course, the minute the boss showed up... he told her.... Well, since she had ok'd the issue in the first place, she went into action but the whole experience was too much .... I was drained but on edge on all day..

And just a couple of days ago, I thought I could lick this....Sure doesnt seem like it.....just not a good fit....

so my friends... I am not very upbeat....

Hope all is well your way...

at least Will and Grace first show is on tonight....

Sorry work is a bummer, K. Can't tell ya the number o' meltdowns in front o' coworkers I've had in me life ... heck, a few months ago I had one in front o' the whole town (in print, that is, when I told off the council) ... sorry, not meanin' to make this about ME, just wanted ya to know I really understand how ya feel ... and it's awful when you can't swear someone to secrecy in this world anymore as they are all full o' perfidy 'n evil ways and will stab ya in the back as soon as look at ye.

The world sucks, Kaylets, and people at work suck the most o' all. Shun them as they are evil!!!!

But, hey, K, I'm just here to cheer ya up! :)

Seriously, hope you feel better and get some TV time and relaxation tonight.

If the job doesn't get better, tell 'em to take it and ...

Hello all...

Thanks Empress....

I went to bed very early, in the middle of Will and Grace actually .... taped most of the nights shows... Thanks for your support and you're right, I'd been mortified if I my meltdown was in print or on tape.... YIKES...
and yes, for about 20 seconds, all I could think of was grabbing my radio and bolting ( its always about the music for me.... you'd think I'd have put my lunch at the top of the list...)

The bright side is that DH is being very supportive...but no, as someone else suggested, I cannot "quit and find something later..." unfortunately I discovered that friend assumed my job was ' extra income'..... when I said I couldnt afford not to work, the remark was " well, since you're a 2 income family'..... in other words, I got distinct impression that this friend believes that I am "doing this to myself" when I there is no real reason ....

and Empress, just as an aside, the coworker thought he was being protective.... and taking action for me his way....although I don't know if Ic an trust that he won't tell the rest of the office about my meltdown, he was afraid if I wouldn't speak up for myself to the boss....

Its freeing to share and I thank all of you..... So I will readjust the crown, smooth out the wrinkles in the royal garment and reapply the royal smile.....

and by the way,

isn't it Friday??

Oh, dear, K, the WORST blabbermouths are the ones who aren't malicious and think that by passing the word they are helpin' us! I've also encountered that kind ...

People also assume my job is something I do just for fun or extra income or because I am in love with journalism or something (yeah, right). It's a pain when others make these kinds of assumptions.

Hang in, K! If anyone says anything today, just give 'em a Mona Lisa smile and don't say anything. It's really not worth it to try to make things "better" at work by thinking we can talk these things out with coworkers ... in fact, it's more often than not a good idea to not even go there as far as talking to coworkers ... beyond being friendly and sometimes appearing to share ourselves by exchanging info about how our weekends were or whatever.

Re Friday, I'm afraid that Friday is more or less my Monday as I tend to have to work all weekend.

Oh well. We soldier on. :)

I think we should reinstate quote o' the day:

"All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough; they will say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.
AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES." ~ Nike ad

Kaylets, sorry about the work meltdown. Yes, those are THE WORST! I can't wait till this weekend is over--I'm making dinner for 100 tonight, singlehandedly. We're having our big Native Amer. Powwow and this is the welcoming dinner for the dancers, drummers, vendors. And if last year is any indication, when they get here, by God, they mean to EAT! So pray that I have prepared enough....

Amarantha, your advice is very tempting, but makes my blood run cold! Since stopping sugar I feel like what I imagine a recovering alcoholic feels like. Avoid the offending substance at all costs! So I don't think that I'll seek out sugar any time soon, but you never know.... :o

I'm thinking of trying that caloric cycling thing. Still researching.

Lookit that penguin go!
 

OMG, two posties in whilst I was mid-post!

Eydie, may the Great Spirit guide and protect you and lend you a hand in the kitchen!

Amarantha, love the quote! Sometimes, for me, it feels almost like flipping a switch in my head from "No" to "Yes." Gonna tape that thing in place, this time :yes:

Hello everyone!
Hahaha I love the quote, Amarantha!
I also do often have the opposite feeling as well, and it goes as follow, lol: "All of your life you are told the things you have to do. And you will then tell them NO".

Aria, that is also an inspiring and useful quote :lol:

Hello all!

well, not that today was so much better than yesterday but I certainly felt better about lots of things.......

and believe it or not.... at the end of the day.... the director came to me and said " need you to fix something......sweetie".... and it was a tiny thing, I made someone's date of birth in 2005 instead of 1945 or whatever but the fact that the woman said "sweetie" which I have never heard say to anyone b/4 ( very quietly, I nearly didnt hear her).... which made me feel that maybe, just maybe... I need to give myself more credit for what I'm doing and quit comparing myself to folks who been doing the job 3, 5, 7 yrs....
Hmmmmmm

Almost believe that yesterday was almost a "letting go of steam" kind of meltdown....

Could it be that if I did some more physical activity I'd feel more balanced...

HMMMMMM ..... wonder how I know that song so well......

Hmmmm....

Yes, I miss the thought of the day too...

Lets do it all together this time.....

As you can see, its tough for me most mornings to get here and it began to seem silly to me to post the thought of the day at 8 pm......

I do like that Nike quote... very much....

in fact.... might tatoo it somewhere..... hmmmm....

just kidding!

See, I told you I was seeing things in a different perspective....

TIme to make the lentils!

:smug:
Thanks for all of your support....

"My writing group, likewise, when I get fed up with job, suggest that I quit and find something that fullfills me more completely, follow my bliss Too bad I've got to follow the $$ instead ..." ~ Arabella

Me, too, Wood Nymph! :)

K, I'm glad things went a little better Friday and hope you're havin' a good weekend so far!

:queen: s, dost thou realizeth that we've had not a single postie today in the palace? The Towel Boys are gettin' depressed and are mutterin' amongst themselves in the larder. They need more to do (being a dedicated lot, they live to serve).

I am the worst offender at not being in the palace much. Seems the depression monkey's been on me back again today. Hmmm, had another three pieces o' Cerretas candy ... wrote about this in the journal in the land far far ... mustn't keep lettin' that refined sugar back in me life.

A little brain dead right now ... really think we DO need to start up the qod thingie and have everyone contribute as K saith. Doesn't have to be first thing in the a.m., IMO, just any ol' time would seemeth to me to be ok. :)

Here's a mystery quote (sorry for the depression theme, but that's where I am) ... I can't remember where this comes from ... a book, but which?

"It ought to be the easiest thing in the world to be happy. I wonder why it isn't."

Dunno. Might not return to the palace until I have somethin' cheerful to say ... not sure where all this blah stuff comes from ... send in the clowns ... hello?

It's awfully quiet in this here palace, guys!

I've heard that quote before too, Amarantha. Can't remember where though.

The powwow dinner Friday night went well, lots of leftovers because there weren't as many people as I was told. Close though. Yesterday was the actual powwow and I didn't get to participate much because I was busy preparing for the art show reception that's happening today. Have I mentioned that next week we're going to the beach for a couple of days. I can't wait!

Hi, E!!! I saw ye over in me journal in the land far far ... yea, I will heed that advice about the "gateway" chocolates!!! :lol: Thou be wise!!!

I've decided the quote must be from one o' the Anne of Green Gables books, in fact I'm sure of it. Not sure which one. I read Anne a lot when I was a child ...

Congrats on thy impendin' trip to the beach ... be careful, though. Saltwater taffy could be lurkin' 'round there. Aaaaaaaccccck!

Got up early to work on stories, decided not to.

WHO HAS A QUOTE OF THE DAY!!!

Let's liven up this PALACE and have a Sunday party!!!!!! Or even a gripe 'n gloom fest.

Hello all

Gorgeous weather yesterday and today... cool, sunny, no humidity, light breeze.... I was so impressed w/ how much I got done by 9 am I kept moving from 15 minute time chunk to the next 15 minute. Much of my efforts were concentrated in the kitchen so the outcome was instant gratification as the results were instantly obvious.... And so much of it was just simple rearranging...
and really putting to good use of "everything has a place"....instead of just a
"for now postion".....


At the end of Friday, a very important person in the office hierarchy came to me to make a correction....I have worked w/ this person for years but do not know her well socially...... The mistake I made was one that is very common....
I listed someone's date of birth as 2005. But the acturials were seeing stars...
Her approach about it was so kind and thoughtful .... one word was used that made me stop and rethink the entire job situation....
So.... I am rethinking....

But meanwhile, Dh is again at work today so I continue w/15 minute tasks w/ 15 minute "breaks" .... I am inspired by a friend's home that I saw last weekend... nothing fancy, but obviously all well loved.... The bottom floor of the townhouse had been setup as the living room and a big, big kitchen.... There was no "pretending to be a tiny dining room" as I attempted here in my similarly designed home. Instead, the "Dining table" with an attracitve cloth covered by heavy duty plastic....was for both eating AND to use as a group meeting table....very close to the computer, fax, large filing credenza, and bookcase. In short, the room said " This is what I am..... and these occupants are comfortable here"....

So, I have been inspired to get over the "ideal" setup for a house and arrange things as I use them.
For the longest time, it didnt make sense to me that a computer should be part of the kitchen area but.......doesnt it make sense?? Isnt that where we have our phones???
I guess I was trapped in the "traditional " mode....

And guess what, the longer I sat in this man's ( I was w/ DH .... believe it or not, this was a business meeting)... "kitchen/office" the more I liked it....
I enjoyed the the fact that he there was "tilted" floor towards one corner...which he never explained nor seemed to be bothered when he went to the fridge to get me a glass of water.... I enjoyed the obviously worn "linoleum" floor, the plants in the windows.... the baskets of fresh tomatos and peppers, the prominent display of a few special photos....
It was a wonderful, wonderful lesson in comfort and "less is more"......

hmmmmmmm.......

There's the timer.....

;)

K, I like your idea about 15/15. I will employ that today to get my last (long) story of the weekend done for the paper ... I am so massively burnt out with journalism and was goin' to bag it until Monday but really need to do it and that's a great idea you have ... BTW, my office was in the kitchen for years and years until I dedicated a room to it ... it's an excellent place for a computer, IMO!!!

Empress.... did you even have trouble w/ kitcheny stuff sticking to the machine, keys, etc. and ???
I don't know why I think this would be an issue.... I smoked around ours for years and never gave a second thought...

Guess now that I'm not smoking, I can see how much just general cooking tends to deposit itself on things....

hmmm
.

Nay, :queen: K, just wasn't an issue. Having it in the kitchen worked great. And for a few years I didn't even have an AC unit in that kitchen ... and this is Arizona ... go figure! No problems.

But mine wasn't right next to the stove or anything. I had a desk in the corner.

Hello all!

Entire weekend sped by w/o a single nap... This morning that's the first thing that came to mind! But the kitchen still shows my efforts so I will continue to do 15 minutes at a time in other areas and hope consistent effort will add up and make a difference.

*******

Thought of the day :

"If you say yes to yourself, if you let your imagination fly, if you open
one stuck, fear-warped door, other doors you never even noticed fly open,
pushed by a spirit strong as a hurricane."
--Beverly Donofrio


Question of the day :

"Do you mind flying ?"


*****


Here's to a great day for all!

Kaye

Good Morning Ladies!!

Party went smashingly. She loves all of her presents. The only hitch is that my MIL didn't show up until the end of the party. My FIL came and was bewildered as to why his wife was not there since she left hours before he did. Apparently she had made plans with her girlfriend as well for the same day. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOUR GRANDCHILD????? :?: And of course when she got there, it was ALL about her. Not about Sydney's birthday or anything.

Anyway...I have pictures to post that we got done at a studio, but I have to scan them first. I forgot to do that.

Oh, and I lost 1/2 a lb. I'm never going to make 30lbs by Halloween!

Let's see if this works...

Oh, my goodness! Isn't that birthday girl SWEET!!!

What a cutie!! And I really do mean Sydney!! You can tell she's a royal right away!


:) :o

Sydney is one cute little princess, Froggie!!!! :)

So cute! I LOVE those little pig tails!

Sydney is just beautiful and charming, frogger!
Thanks for sharing!

frogger-little princess sydney is soooo cute!!!!

I'm off to the beach for a couple of days, so I'll see you this weekend! :) Love!

Hello all!

Isnt it interesting how so many things are exactly the same yet can be so entirely different with a different perspective???

Yes, I know this is one of the my constant refrains.... Guess its a lesson I'm trying to learn....hmmmmm.....

My point is this.....

Things are heating up both at work and at home again but somehow its not so overwhelming .....or at least not the past couple days.....

Because DH worked very late last night, I again tried to do 15 minutes at a time and put together a thick red sauce w/ lots of veggies for the crockpot,
big pot of brown rice that is now frozen in meal size servings, etc, etc....

Feeling very much like the ant in the story who was always looking ahead....

So, Q Eydie, I am w/ you at the beach vicariously.... enjoy...

And to all... Greetings of the day....

Anyone for tea??

****************
Thought of the day:


Wind against your face

The faster you move forward, the more the wind blows against your face. When you encounter much difficulty and resistance, it is because you're in the process of making significant progress.

Those who have no problems are those who never venture out to accomplish anything. Those who face the most challenges are those who end up creating the most value.

When a particular problem arises, it is because you have progressed to the point where you can deal with it. When a challenge comes along, that's because you are truly ready for where it can bring you.

See the obstacles as gateways and you'll see their true value. Each new challenge is a stepping stone, a waypoint on the journey to real and meaningful accomplishment.

Feel the stiff wind as it blows against your face. And know that what you're feeling is your rapid movement forward

**********
( I believe this is by Ralph Martson but not sure)


KETTLE IS ON!

Have fun at the beach, E!!! :wave:

Thought o' the day very appropriate for me right now, K! Thanks.

I am up to work on stories but decided not to so am aimlessly puttering around until it's time to go to gym. I will rest and putter the rest of the day as it's likely to be one of the few days off I'll have for awhile.

Need to start my decluttering challenge again. I am dysfunctional when the house and yard are in chaos.

So many are missing in action in this palace, seemingly! :)

It's active, but I miss so many o' the :queen: s who don't post as much or not at all, or the :queen: s who have wandered in out of the cold and then wandered out again.

The Towel Boys are missing 'em, too.

Can we have a Halloween Hijinks Houseparty and will all :queen: s PLEASE sign in and report on thy wanderings!!! :)

Else, Amarantha might think thou be mad! :lol:

I got that way today ... coworker I see only on some Mondays and Tuesdays was all friendly in the a.m., turned cold, curt 'n distant by afternoon ... I kept examining it mentally and wondering what I'd said or done to make her angry, decided nothing and that it must be her problem and even if she were mad at ME, it wasn't my problem 'cause I didn't DO anything.

My blood sugar is extremely stable right now but I am hungry ... it's the middle o' the night, though, and I'm going to hang on and not eat for awhile just to see.

Wish I could sleep like normal folks.

Oh, normal, what is that?

Ah, my question indeed! Still trying to figure out what "normal" will be around here.

Have been hitting lots and lots of food this last two weeks so trying at least to scan and hope that others successes will impel me back to at least checking the schedule for the wagon! Wouldn't be strict with me yet at this point but at least not as wild as I've been. Mostly I've been concerned about dh's food but some restrictions have eased a bit so it's time to work on me a little too.

A dh update would be so me-me at this point and so downing that I leave that for some appropriate time. We celebrated our 47th anniversary yesterday - and celebrate was the word. I did make me a crabcake for the occasion and we shared a Little Debbie cupcake (he likes those) but it was just the joy of having him here that made it momentous.

I have learned something about me these past few months. I don't mean I haven't had my really bad days, I have. But overall I have found out that I am a happy person. Even on the bad days, some sunshine would sneak in here and there and I feel that, in my core, I am happy no matter what. Yes, I know. Pollyanna. But it's a nice thing to know about me.


So, if ya hear of a wagon trailing through central PA any time soon, let me know so I can think about hitching on. I think I'll go clean some celery. That always makes me think I'm eating healthy, esp. w/ pb.

have fun at the beach, eydie!

kaylets-loved the thought for the day, thanks. good timing--something i needed to be reminded of too.

anagram-happy anniversary!!

amarantha-"normal" is a relative term, alright. sorry your sleep patterns are challenging. i sure sympathize with that, empress, believe me.

thinking about all in the royal court. i am hanging on to food program by a dainty fingernail. sometimes i wonder when it will ever feel like smooth sailing on this front. ah well! the point is to keep forging ahead, and i plan to do just that. portion control better so far today. one thing i do hang on to, no matter what, is my exercise, and that feels good. well, take care, all.

The Wild One returneth! :wave: Hello everyone!

Anagram, belated Happy Anniversary to you and your beloved! So glad to hear he is home at last.

So, this is the weekend I am supposed to meet my Irishman. Supposed to. I had to cancel our plans because my cousin is getting married on Friday and I will have loads of family in town, and of course there is a huge Thanksgiving family dinner now...*sigh*...my original plan was to go to the wedding Friday and fly out Saturday morning, but apparently others had different plans. It is a weekend-long festivity now. I know it is the right thing to do, but I so want to just hop a plane anyway. BUT we have agreed he will come here instead for the weekend of December 9. Between both our schedules, that is the first opening. So I just have to be patient a while longer. I don't do patient well...especially after nine years of waiting. :D

I don't remember what my challenge was for this thread, it's been so long since I was here. I have lost 12 pounds since then, though. This is usually the point where I falter, having had some success I get comfortable and before I know it, I'm back where I started. So, now that I have a good start I thought it would be a good time to check back into my room at the palace where I can be accountable. 65 more days until Dec 9th...I'm going for another 15lbs and I'm going to need ALL of you to keep me on track!

I've missed too much to even try to catch up, so I'll go forward from here. I am going to check in daily. My wagon is headed west...anyone want to join me on this journey?

Dear Wildfire - hang on. I'm so sorry your gettogether needed to be postponed. Yet there is that interesting thought of 15 more pounds off by then. I'm sure the Irishman is great motivation -

About the "happy me' thing - I just think it's amazing that we can learn something from almost any experience and that's what I've decided I've learned from all this. Besides that I'm stronger than I thought and I love the guy to bits (I did know that last part but it's been so reinforced).

Hope the rain's not spoiling your party, Eydie. You and Gary deserve a nice little getaway. Envy you that one!

Hope the job turns out to be less stressful with recent kind turn of events, Kaylets.

And that job and life turnarounds have you feeling like chasing towel boys soon, Empess.

I just needed a good "checkin" at the palace today. A quiet moment or two. Life does seem to be settling into a sort of pattern. Progress is being made albeit slowly. Impatiently to the dh who's really still to weak to get the whole picture. though EVERYONE who saw him WHEN raves about how far he's come. Male-like, he's mostly concerned with how far will he be able to come back. Well, me too, but it's like weight loss - one step at a time.

Feeling the approach of the rain. Looking forward to rainy Saturday morning with no nurses, therapists or even children expected. Am burning a little scented oil thing from DDIL and enjoying. Think I'll go for a cup of soothing tea of some kind. She keepeth me supplied.

;) Hello all,

Timer is on but I have 30 minutes due me so I plan on enjoying myself....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANAGRAM.... and yes thanks for the inspiration to light some candles and find make this time here w/ you a celebration... even put some music on too....... so we are ....

and yes, Anagram, I can relate.....even when things feel to be the worst, I too find a moment of joy reminding me that there is a counterbalance.....

SOOOO Glad to hear DH is improving.... and yes, I can imagine how lovely Saturday must seem for the two of you to be alone, doing hardly anything but just enjoy the day stuff.....especially on a rainy Saturday too!

and of course, now that the ALL HANDS ON DECK adrenalin switch has turned off for you, I can very much see how food is now beckoning......

yup......

For example, DH's also gotten results of his many testsa nd for the most part its " Wait and see" ... "If you're seeing some improvement, the MRI's don't show anything contradictory" ... AND I don't want to jinx anything but believe it or not, DS nearly skipped in the door last night becuase he has 2 jobs... one very close to fulltime hours in a restuarant kitchen and a parttime at a former employer .... a gas station/convenience store... BTW, DS clms he is 2 weeks into clean and sober....
and what did I do today....succumb to chocolate....lots and lots and lots....

in fact, that was lunch and supper....

And as far as I know, there's lots and lots left.... so tomorrow will be a real test.... but I am not upset.... I am not guilting... I have to admit.... I was craving a binge.....and now ..... have had it... and to top it off...this was totally free $$ wise....we'll see how I feel tomorrow when I 'm hungover w/ sugar....

Empress....yes, coworkers are a hard to read.... I am so silly about all of this stuff....I keep forgetting that most of these folks have no interst in me outside of work yet I am upset if I think someone isnt speaking to me at work...
actually, the ones that are obviously not interested in dealing w/ me are at least honest... instead of some of the "posers"..... interesting how again we are thinking parallel thoughts....

Wildfire... oh dear, I think I'd rather get on the plane too! And congrats on 12lbs down!!.....


HI WSW!!~ How is life treating you??

Everyeone!!! Let's do this... slow but sure, but following Anagram's inspiration and trying to find the joy even when its buried.....


Ah.....there goes the timer...
guess I should just type and not think when here....

Hmmmm

Anyone for tea??

Ketttle is on!

***************************
LET'S MAKE FUN OF POLITICIANS NOW...

Five surgeons are discussing who makes the best patients to operate on. The
first surgeon says, "I like to see accountants on my operating table,
because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered."

The second responds, "Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything
inside them is color coded."

The third surgeon says, "No, I really think librarians are the best;
everything inside them is in alphabetical order."

The fourth surgeon chimes in: "You know, I like construction workers...those
guys always understand when you have a few parts left over at the end, and
when the job takes longer than you said it would."

But the fifth surgeon shut them all up when he observed: "You're all wrong.
Politicians are the easiest to operate on. There's no guts, no heart, and no
spine, and the head and butt are interchangeable."

*****************

:lol: :s: :dizzy:

YEP, K, I'm all for findin' some joy. :)

Why is it so hard?

Well, my love, I think for myself, sometimes I'm my own worst enemy....

Either I have set standards that are very tough to meet or higher than I'd expect from a friend....or sometimes I get a little dramatic about the not so great times and run around like Chicken Little.... not realizing that its only an acorn and not the sky falling....

sometimes, I feel like one of those metal detectors at the beach....

searching for the bright spot.... sometimes I 'm out there awhile.....

And that gets old....


..................