Thanks ladies! :cb:

I feel great and ready to keep moving! Having my sister (fatchk) and Sara (Sweet Tea) by my side helps more than anyone could imagine!

Sara bought some Metumucil and said that it also helped her with her hunger. I think she told me she took it like 30 min before lunch. So..I will be picking up some of this tonight and trying it tomorrow!

slim me - I have a bulging disk in L4/L5. I have just finished the physical therapy. I thought it was starting to help and then I got worse again. The therapist told me that she didn't know anything else to try :( From talking with the Dr. before I started PT it seems the next thing he will want to try is the Epidurals (YUCK!) and if that doesn't work - he will send me to a neurosurgeon. No one wants surgery but if its all that is going to work then let's just do it and get it overwith! I have very little back pain but my right leg from my butt down to my toes is in much pain! Which disk is bulging with you?

OK, about the Metamucil...
 

Isn't there such a thing as getting TOO much fiber? I'd be afraid if I had it 3X/day (before each meal) I'd start getting constipated or something! LOL :lol:

ejm~ I know EXACTLY what you mean...my hubby DOES NOT know my weight, and I won't even put 3FC on my favorites bar b/c I don't want him to click on it and see. LOL He hasn't know my exact weight since I was 112 lbs! :o

The article actually said no, that there's not, because I wondered that too. Most of the time you don't get all the fiber you should just by foods, not even close. And if you're watching carbs then you certainly aren't getting what you need. A supplement is the only way.

Melissa --The extra fiber really does make really good sense. In teh SB book the Doc even suggests taking the metamucil everyday to get your extra fiber in. My BIL has been taking it for the past year or so and he swears that it does make him feel better and makes his system work more efficiently.

ejm -- I honestly wish that my dh didn't know how much I weighed. But my weight is a big issue to him and I slipped up a while ago so now he knows. I make sure he knows how much I am losing though. I also get onto him about he weight -- he is not a large fellow but he has about 20lbs to take off that he gained during my last pregnancy. I actually didn't gain at all through it. Nice trade off!! :D

Freda -- We've got some rain here too :rain:. It's making me tired but I'm trying to keep movin around! Hope you are doing well today!!

Tricia -- How are you doin' today?? How is your 1st grader doing? Are your twins in preschool or anything? I can't wait to get Beren in preschool. he is so dissapointed when we take Julia to her class 'cause he wants to stay!

Faye and Kerry?? -- how are you doing too??

All is well here :). I'm wishing we had some of theose leftovers from last night. Very yummy stuff. I'm drinking my water and fiber right now and thenI'm off to fix Beren his lunch.

TGIF!!!

Question -- Do you have a treat planned out for yourself when you finally reach your goal weight? Like new clothes, a trip, some pampering, etc... Also -- do you set mini goals for yourself and if so do you think it's a good motivator?

Ah yes, sure do Sweet Tea! My original break 200lb goal was a tattoo, but I went ahead and got that two weeks ago when my best friend was in town from Indiana. So I've gotta come up with a new one for that since it's only 6lbs away. For my 1/2 way point it this swim suit I've eyed for 3 years

http://shop.cyberswim.com/skuimg/70978PER.jpg

And when I reach my goal, it's boobies/lipo/tummy tuck! Now that's a reward worth working towards!!!!

Leanne, I had to be different, I have bulging disc L2 L3. The most common ones are L4L5. I've been through the rehab also. Helped some but the pain comes right back. I even had the steroid epidurals, 3 different times. They come in a series of three shots. They did help but the last time I took them the I got a spinal leak and had a headache for a week. We're not talking normal headache here either, more like the headache from ****! I don't know why he didn't take me back in and do a patch and at the time I wasn't thinking too well. My back hurts and it also hurts down my leg, but mostly my leg is numb. I know i'm getting some nerve damage there because at night my leg just kills me and I can't sleep. I know that surgery is an option but I haven't gotten to that point yet! Did I tell you i'm a rehab nurse?

That's awesome Melissa! Very cute swimsuit too :). :beach:

What was your tattoo of? When I reach goal I am going to get the tattoo that I have been wanting for years. I had not even thought of clothes or anything yet. My DH says that we should start saving so that I can get the tummytuck/boobies/lipo if I want to do that. I know where his mind is in all this!

Freda --- your back sounds just like Leanne's painwise. Especially with the trouble sleeping.

Poor Girls :). I bet I get more sleep than ya'll and I'm up with the baby a lot at night.

It's a little ladybug on my right shoulder. I want a larger one, something to represent my 3 boys on my lower back. I didn't know if I could hack the pain, so that's why I got my little one first just to see. It wasn't too bad. There were times I was thinking "just move over a little" from him coloring one spot too long but definately not unbearable.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...smom/mytat.jpg


What's your tat going to be?

Hello ladies! :wave:

I've tamed my ways, gotten back on the wagon and lost a pound this week! Woo Hoo! This weekend is going to be hard bc it is DH's birthday Sunday. So we'll be going out to eat and I've promised to make his favorite breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits. I don't know where he wants to go out to yet, but I'm sure it will be deliciously tempting. I'll just try not to eat too much. ;)

Today I indulged in a very "good for you" southern treat - a nicely sweet peach. YUM!! Of course now I want to go home and drink peach daquaris. I'm so bad!!

We got our new Lazboy recliner today and we're putting up window treatments this weekend. I can't wait! I gotta get DH behind the paint brush again soon and get some color on those walls too.

Have a great weekend ladies!

Every room needs some color! Good luck getting DH in gear!

Sending you ~*~eat healthy~*~ vibes for this weekend!

Kerry -- Way to go!! Have a great weekend! Hope your DH's bday goes well too. I'm scared of the next bday around here. Cake is just too tempting :yikes:.

Melissa -- I love the lady bug!! Too cute :cool:. I want to get an art nouveau inspired piece on my back/shoulder area. I think in black and white. I love art nouveau women figures and love the beauty of them. I've always wanted a representation of my ideal in a tattoo. In a way it's my way of being beautiful. I love Mucha so I want something similar to this:

Mucha pic

or like this

I have a more exact pic but I just lent out the book it is in.

Off to finish making dinner!

Hi ladies.. Just wanted to add my 2 cents in on your back troubles.. dont be afraid of the surgery... i had 3 discs done.. and have never had any pain since i woke up from surgery! Everyone told me .. dont let them mess with your back.. But it was the best thing i ever did! and I feel for ya...

cuz that pain runs right down ur butt and into your knees..... shew... i remember that.. i know what u mean... dont give me no shots ... just make it stop hurting!!!!!!!!!

Evening ladies! :wave:
I hope that everyone had a great day!

Melissa - I love that ladybug! They are my 2nd love, next to the butterfly! I am thinking that when I reach my goal, I will go get a tattoo with Sara. I have one already on my lower back and fear that if I don't lose weight that the butterfly wings will end up on my butt cheeks! :lol:

curly & slim me - thanks for the info about your backs too! Its comforting knowing that I am not alone. I know exactly what you mean about not being able to sleep! My right leg cramps and aches and keeps me up many nights. I hope the end is drawing near.

slim me - I didn't see that you were a rehab nurse! HELP! :dizzy: LOL!

Loud Librarian - great job on losing that pound! Keep it up!! :bravo:

Sara - I definatly think that art nouveau style is the way for you to go, those books have some beautiful work in them and are inspiring Chris to design sis's new tattoo! Oh and yes those meatballs were ummm umm good!

I hope everyone has a great night and weekend! Remember - eat healthy and have a great time!

Oh and loud librarian - good luck on that Bday cake!! :hb:

i have been wanting a tat for my birthday... i found a really cute one last night online.. google tattos and u will find lots of sites with samples...


OH and try the thera-heat pads on your back at night... they last all night.. and help a lot!!!

Happy Saturday!

Boy, can I relate to not wanting your husbands to see know your weight. I've threatened to put one of those review mirror things on my computer because he always sneaks up behind me and I'm afraid he'll catch a glimpse of my ticker. I close windows down so fast the poor guy probably thinks I'm looking at porn or something. :lol:

Sweet Tea: 1st grade is going great so far, thanks for asking. DS will have his first test (spelling) next week. It is the strangest thing watching him learn. I've watched him develop all along, of course. But there is something different about seeing him learn in such a structured way. I think he will do well in school. The twins aren't in preschool. We've thought about it, but I quit work so that I could stay home with them so I don't feel right packing them up and sending them off. But, I worked up until about two and a half years ago. If they had never been in any kind of school setting I wouldn't hesitate to enroll them. I guess I sort of feel like I am making up for lost time by keeping them home for now. I do wish I'd put them in some sort of mother's morning out program - but that is for my sanity more than their learning experiences. ;)

I am skipping the gym today and going shopping instead. I can't wait. I probably won't buy anything because I am hoping to be down a size by the time cooler weather rolls around. Still, I always get a jolt of motivation by trying on clothes these days. It is so much fun not having to shop in the Plus sizes. My brain still hasn't caught up with my body and I still always expect to be in the 16's. It is always a nice surprise to put on an 8 and see that it fits. I remember in Jr. high having a pair of Levi's that were 29 waist. For fun I tried on a pair the other day. They were too tight - way too tight - but they buttoned. That was huge for me. So I am off to see what fashion trends await me!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Curlylocks-- I love the roses! That would be very pretty. Where are you planning on putting it?

Jawsmom-- It is amazing to watch the little ones soak things up in school. Julia is also in 1st grade and she is doing so well. Learning much faster than in kindergarden and she's only been back in for 2 weeks. I think it helps that she has a great teacher this year. Last year her teacher was a bit on the weird side ( and not in fun or interesting way -- just weird). I would love to take part in a mothers morning out program for my middle son. He can't start preschool for another 2 years and I feel he really needs the socialization and social skills.

Kerry -- hope your dh's bday is going well!!

Here all is good. We cooked Dinner over at Leanne's last night and it was great fun :D. I'm still not down any more in lbs but I am feeling good and I am going to work in my exercise this week while Julia is in school.

Well, baby Logan is crying so I'll have to check back in later ! Love to all!!!

Tattoo umm very lower back, or a hip i think! just wanted to stop in and say that i hope the big guy keeps everyone safe from katrina...

Good morning every one. Hope every one had a good weekend and remembered to eat Healthy! I failed big time!!! I worked all weekend (12 hour shifts) and I had a pt. go bad on Saturday so of course I came home and ate! My great stress reliever! I know I should have tried to exercise but it was late and I was exhausted. Got to find another way to handle stress! How do you?

My grand son starts 1'st grade tomorrow. He isn't too thrilled about it because it means less time to see his dad, who works nights. He's a big daddy's boy and cries now because he wants to spend more time with him. We're haveing a hard time adjusting schedules to pick him up after school and may have to do latch key for 1/2 hour. I guess we're going to have come to some decision today! It's thrilling to see him grow up and become so serious about school and sad too because I'm looseing my baby!

jawsmom: I love shopping for new clothes and find that a great incentive! I buy something 1 size too small and use it as my yard stick for weight loss. I try it on every week measure how close I am to wearing it! And remember while you're in the mall: no esculators, take the stairs!

Have a good day all, check in later, Freda

Made it through the weekend, hitting they gym once, taking a long bike ride, and eating good. Down 2 more lbs! WOOHOO!

Hello ladies!

Well, we did have a great dinner with Sara and her family last saturday night so that was twice last week - what a treat! I love when we can all get together like that.

Things are going fine here. We have moved on to phase 2 but I am very leary of adding anything in as far as carbs and stuff yet..lol. Just scared that's all. It will pass I'm sure.

I still feel great but I am really craving sweet tea. Oh how I miss you sweat tea!!! :stress: After going over to Sara's last week and having the tea with splenda I thought - "****, this is alot better nothing!" It really isn't that bad. Sure we are spoiled down here but it was decent tasting so my sis and I broke down and she bought us a bag of splenda so I could make tea tonight :lol: We are still drinking plenty of water but both needed a break from the dt. sodas.

Well, dinner is beeping in the oven so I'm off! I hope that everyone is doing great! :p

Oh and Melissa - Congrats on getting anpther 2 lbs down!! HOORAY!

Hope y'all have room for one more.

My name is Jenn and I live in Alvarado, TX. I moved here after I lived one year in Georgia. I am originally from Pennsylvania, but have alway had family in the South. I am married to a true and blue Yankee, but I love him anyways. We have three dog-sons and two cats. I am currently a case manager for mental ******ation, but looking for a new job.

As for Southern treats that I can't pass up, BBQ ribs and sweet tea. I also enjoy eating out at the many Mexican restaurants out here.

I have had a weight issue almost all my life. I went from being a normal size kid in the class room picture in Kindergarten to one of the larger girls in 1st grade. I have been trying to lose weight off and on ever since. It seems that everytime a hit a new high weight I start losing weight. Then the steam kind of fizzles out, I gain weight and the cycle repeats. My last bad point came at the end of 2004 when I got on the scale and weighed 284. My husband and I both went on a low-carb, low-fat diet that we created through Atkins, South Beach, and other such diets. I lost a total of50 - 60 pounds ( Depending on the day of the week and such) and my husband lost 70.
I then changed jobs, and everything else came to a halt. I have been off the diet for about three months and have held around 218 - 220. Unfortunately, I got back on the scale today and I weighed 224. I am trying to get myself back into the rythm so I can finish losing the rest of this weight.

Welcome Jenn! WOW 64 lbs, that's great! I bet with a little motivation and rededication you'll be seeing that scale keep on moving down in no time!

Dh's birthday was good, I know he enjoyed it :) We ate our way through it though :o I did order the chicken with my ribs instead of steak and didn't finish anything. But I was bad on Sat too and had bbq. I have no willpower on the weekends. Then last night I had chocolate chip cookies - BAD bad bad! :devil: I checked the scale this morning and no gain. Whew! I think being good through the week and during the day pays off. Oh and the no sugary drinks thing seems to be key with me.

I honestly think I am still in a funk after the miscarriage last month. I can't seem to get back into any groove and I am dreading the surgery next month. I guess I am feeling sorry for myself and of course treating myself to some of my favorite foods to make it better. :( I really need to lose these 5 pounds in the next couple months bc I won't be able to diet when doc puts me back on the fertility drugs to get pg in Oct. Geez, my life is so ruled by my desire to have a family. :stress:

It sounds like you SB ladies are doing good! Keep it up!

HI Every one and welcome Jenn!
Jenn, How awsome that you were able to loose that much weight! I know the yo-yo syndrome well though. It's the same with me. I loose and then I regain. I've decided that diets don't work in the long run and I've changed over to eatin healthy and working out and just basically changing my life style. If you start eating the way you always did the minute you loose the weight it's just going to come right back! It's working well so far. I'm focusing on health, but if you eat healthy and watch portions the weight will come off! And since this is a life style change, hopefully this time it will stay off.

Hey girls, I envy you the family dinners! That is so nice to have someone right there to motivate you. I don't think the splenda is bad either. I use it for almost everything. How do you plan the dinners? Do you make one dinner for everyone (husbands included) or make different dishes for yourselves? Actually cooking healthy wouldn't hurt the whole family, kids included, would it?

I've tried the heat patches for the back and they don't do much. I have seen the rehab doctors at work prescribe lidicane patches for the patients at work and they seem to help some. I'm going to ask them to give me a script for some and try them out. As for surgery, I know it does help a lot of people. But with the work I do, I just see the bad ones come through! It's enough to scare me off. And My Aunt has had 2 surgery's and has developed scar tissue and Isn't a good candadate for another, which she needs! But, you gotta know, nurses and doctors are the worst patients imaginable!

My SIL (school teacher) got a tattoo on her ankel last year. My brother, her husband, tried to get me to go with him and get one "a bonding experience". I told him I just didn't like him that much! (I love him dearly, of course). My SIL did say that she wishes she hadn't gotten the tattoo on her ankel because it got too many comments from parent and she wished she had gotten one she could cover up untill she was ready to show it. It's really cute, vines and flowers around her ankel. But I understand her point about being a problem looking professional at parent-teacher conferences!

Hope you guys are safe from Katrina! We're supposed to get a little back lash up here in Michigan! I've seen the damage it has done farther down South! Devistating!

Take care, Freda

P.S. kerry, My brother and SIL, had fertality treatments and now have a beautiful baby boy, born 2 weeks ago! So good luck and work hard!

Kerry I just wanna reach through and give you a big ole hug. BTDT and it's a hard row to hoe. Now I'm watching a dear friend of mine go through the same experience. I wish you the best of luck and will add you to my prayers that you will have that family you so desire.

Freda, that's exactly why I got my tat on my shoulder. I can choose when it's exposed. Same will go for my next one. I don't have a problem with tats at all, but to me, there are right places/times for a lady to show them.

Afternoon Ladies!!

Welcome Jenn!! Wow 64 down is awesome! We're all there with you on trying to get back into the momentum of losing. I agree with Freda in that it is a lifestyle change we are all after, not a diet. Together we can do it!!! I'm so glad that you have joined us :D.

Kerry -- (((BIG HUGS))) You have been through so much and I am so sorry about your loss. You deserve time to mourn and heal after your loss. I know we all will be sending you good luck vibes in the coming months!!

Freda -- For the family dinners we usually figure out which night works for everyone and we split the grocery list for the meal up. We try to use what we have on hand too. For the most part we cook one meal for everyone but, where appropriate, we'll add a carb item/dish that pleases the kids and the guys that aren't doing SB eatin'. SO far so good :). I would love for the kids to eat more veggies with us but we are working on that. My daughter is the stubborn one. Hope you dont' get any tornados up there in MI!!! Also -- let us know how your grandson's first day at school goes!!

Melissa -- Congrats on the weight loss and doing so awesome this weekend!! You are inspiring me to move my butt today!!!

All is well here today -- I have two kids with colds and one who is just a bit on the demanding side today for some reason. I'm feeling good though and I am working on my calorie counts today since I have not seen a change on the scale in a few days. I was up a bit but lowering my sodium and upping my water is really helping :). I had been eating well but not watching the sodium for the last week. I'll kick this plateau though!!!

Do ya'll have plans for the long weekend?
Will anyone be grilling?
Do you have a favorite grilling recipe?

Off topic question -- if you had $100 in your pocket right now and HAD TO blow it on something fun, not on anything practical like gas or bills :), what would you buy???

Also -- if you could make any celebrity chubby for a little while so that they could get a taste of the "other side" who would it be??? I have to answer this one with Paris Hilton or Tara Reed. I think reading the US magazine has made me spiteful this morning! Please forgive me!!

:coach: Get that butt movin' Sweat Tea! :lol:

As for weekend plans, my uncle is getting married Saturday, so that's where I'll be. We will probably grill out, we usually do on the weekends, weather permitting. Maybe we'll do chicken this week. We've done pork ribs and steaks the last two times. No favorite recipies, that's DH's domain.

$100 in my pocket? I'm probably hire a sitter and go out dancing with the girls. Or maybe try priceline for a cheap ticket to visit my friend in Indiana.

Jessica Simpson, not doubt. Paris, that's a good one!

Thanks girls :) You're so sweet. We can use all the prayers and positive thoughts in the world through this. It is so emotional and VERY hard not to just binge on sweets. I have a serious sweet tooth and I like to bake to destress, but I'm trying to keep from it. I must be strong! I just keep telling myself that I'm going to be pg and put on weight so I need to keep it off now while I can.

I wish I had a tattoo... all the times I almost did and then backed out! I really like your ladybug! Too cute!

If I had $100 - I'd buy clothes and shoes! I've always been a clothes horse but I've been changing sizes so much I have no idea what to buy! Luckily I saved lots of pants and skirts that fit nicely now.

As far as making someone famous fat - I'm with you on the Paris!! I'd like to see Meg Ryan blow up! LOL! :lol: I just hate how cute and perfect she is all the time.

Evening ladies! I just hate that I can't really get on here until night time for being so busy at work! Sounds like everyong is doing fairly well and that is good news!

Kerry - I am also sorry for your loss. I know it must be very hard for you. Sara is right, you do need time to mourn but you know that we are all here for you anytime that you need to talk. If you need to buddy up - just hollar! :p

Jenn - welcome welcome! Of course there is room for one more! Even twelve more! 64 lbs gone from you is a real inspiration to me! When I read ppls stories on here it helps me believe that I can do it to!

Today was fine for me. Since are in phase 2 now of the SBD, sis and I both added in one light whole wheat english muffin for breakfast this morning. Needless to say it left us far less satisfied that 2 slices of deli turkey (or boiled egg) and string cheese that we normally have at breakfast time so when our friends Chris and Aaron come over tonight we are handing them off to them so they don't go to waste becuase I don't think we are going to eat them - atleast not just yet. :lol: For the first time since we started the SBD today I felt myself become hungry between meals. I didn't like that and I faught it and I won! :flow2: It did help me remember that every day won't feel as easy to me as the first 2 weeks did. We have quite a long road to travel but I know we can all do it! I have faith!

Freda - Sara beat me to the family dinner part but its so much fun for everyone. Not to mention I get more time with her kids who know me and sis as Aunt Leanne and Aunt Christa. When they hug me it just makes my heart smile. I can't even imagine what it will be like when I have my own! Like Sara said - we just pick a night that is good for everyone. Lately it seems that thursday is that night. We pull together our scraps in the fridge and see what we can make of them :p We are thinking maybe of making this thursday another family night since Sara and her family will be gone all weekend.

No grillin plans for me as of yet. I may be able to persuade the guys into grilling some chicken or something. Those boys need to stop trying to tempt me with ice cream and pizza!! I haven't given in yet tho - GO ME!!

$100 - oh man! I just have no idea. Most likely go to the mall and buy misc things I don't need but have been wanting for a long time :D

As for the celibrity - I gotta agree on Paris Hilton 100%. I would love to see her Chub up a bit :lol: Lindsey Lohan also - let's give her a few cupcakes ladies, shall we?? Oh man...I am so bad!! :tape:

Time for a group hug ladies, tomorrow is hump day!!! :grouphug:

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Kerry, you should go get the tattoo if you want it. I know many people who have received a tattoo to help them through the rough time. I have a lizard crawling up my left calf. I got it when my Dad was have the cancer removed from his lung. In many Native American cultures the lizard is a sign of hope and dreams. (On a more personal and whimsical side, lizards eat bugs and I despise bugs). One of my closest friend had a still-born for her first child. The nurse at the hospital did not save any pics for her of her newborn. One of the first things that she did was receive a tattoo with a baby angel sleeping on the clouds with her son's name and date of birth under it. The tattoo really helped her to grow and heal through the grief. Also, never give up on having a baby. My husband and I have been told that we may not be able to have children, but we feel that if it is meant to happen it will regardless of what the medical people say. So keep your chin up and stay positive (stress also lowers your chances of getting pregnant).

Good morning every one, Well, we finally got some rain and cool weather from the storm! we were looking for it and so far it's just a little rain and some welcome relief from the heat! I've alread been outside for my morning walk and since I got most of my work done Monday and Tuesday I actually have a pretty free day. I do want to get a hair cut this morning. It's longer than I usually let it gt because I've been too lazy to go get it cut! My plans for the Holiday are: I am working 12 hours! Of course we will barbacue Sunday. I bought steaks for every one else and chicken breast for me. I always make some grilled vegetables and corn on the cob so I will be happy and not feel deprived while every one else is eating. I also make a huge vegetable tray and a fruit salad.

Sarah, Hope the kids are feeling better. And don't worry about the plateau. We all hit them sooner or later and just be deligent and you will start looseing again! It is annoying though, to work so hard and not see the results. Just think about how healthy you are getting every day!

My 3 suns, hope you have a good time at the wedding. With all the dancing you should get plenty of exercise!

Leanne, My worst time is in the evening! If I could kick that habit I would be thin forever! I eat well all day and the minute I sit down I want something to eat! I know I'm not hungry and it's just a habbit, but those darnits are hard to break! Glad to see that you are winning the battle with your temptations. Gives me incentive to fight mine a little harder.

Jenn, I know we're all praying for you.

Loud Librarian, I love desserts too. Sweets are my down fall. I usually just make soemthing simple like banana pudding made with lite vanilla waffers and banana and jello banana pudding (low fat of couse). I make it in individual servigns in pretty little dessert dishes and top it with fat free whipped cream and feel like I'm having dessert! When I want to make something a little more festive I make this cake.
Make a regular yellow cake mix according to package. I usually use applesauce for half the oil called for
Beat in 1 can mandarian oranges, drained
bake according to directions on box.
Frost with a tub of fat free cool whip, a small box of vanilla instant pudding (low fat of course) and a can of crushed pineapple, undrained!

I take this to work all the time and people have no ideal it's low fat/calorie

If I could make one person fat it would be Paris! What is it about her that is so obnixious!!!

If I had a 100 dollars to spend it would probally be something for the kids. I might just save enough out for a pedicure for me! My nails are a mess with so much handwashing but I love to get a pedicure!

Hey Ya'll!! Just popping for a few minutes while the boys nap. All 3 kids now have the school crud Julia got over the weekend. My 2 year old came up to me this morning with a runny nose, saying "Mommy! I have boogers in my nose!! Yum!" I was rolling with laughter. My kids are really nose phobic and I have to practically hold them down to wipe or clean their noses. Why couldn't I have a nose picker??? Oh well, I should be grateful that I don't have to yell at them for picking in public :D.

I was back down to the 10 lbs lost on my ticker today!! YAY!! I did the calorie counter on www.fitday.com and figured out that my calories were ok but I was overdoing it on the sodium. I've broken out the mrs dash seasoning and I will pick up the lower sodium salt at the store next time i go. I've set a goal of at least 7 lbs to lose in September. Do any of you have a specific goal for september? Juat wondering...

Well, I'll check back in later!!

Hugs to you all!!!

This Is Crazy Y'all!!
 

I just got word that several gas stations in Atlanta have already closed, some here in Athens where I am currently are closing, and some in Gainesville (another large-ish city nearby) have started to close, but not before gas hit $3/gallon!!

The Colonial pipeline that feels gas to Georgia is completely without power, so the governor (Sonny Purdue) just lifted the clean air gasoline mandate and the trucking mandate that doesn't allow them to drive 24 hours so that we can get fuel in the state. Luckily I filled up yesterday morning for $2.55, but the station was still at $2.55 when I came by this morning and I should have topped it off!!

What are we going to do?? I have to drive 40 min to get to work...and there is no public transportation in my area! Everyone just pray that the pipeline gets fixed soon or there are going to be a lot of Georgians out of work b/c they can't get any gas to get there...not just that they can't afford gas, THERE IS NO GAS!!

I know, everyone was rushing out of here to get gas, several of ours have already run out and they are saying it can be 3-4 days before they can get more. Lovely....

This is what we're having for dinner!

Crab-Stuffed Chicken With Parsley Sauce

***you can substitute apple juice for the wine***

6 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4.2 oz Canned crab meat, drained, shredded and cartilage removed
'/4 CUP Dry fine bread crumbs
'/4 CUP Cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese
2 Tbsp Finely chopped red pepper
3 Tbsp White wine
Salt
Pepper
Low-fat chicken bouillon cube.
1/2 CUP Boiling water
1 Bay leaf
3 Tbsp Chopped fresh parsley
1 Tsp Cornstarch
1 Tbsp White wine

Flatten chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch (6 mm), using flat side of mallet or rolling pin. Combine crab meat, crumbs, cheese and red pepper to make stuffing. Drizzle first amount of wine over chicken to moisten. Put'/4 CUP (60 mL) stuffing in middle of each piece and roll up starting on shorter side, tucking in sides to enclose stuffing. Fasten with wooden picks or tie with butchers 'twine. Sprinkle rolls with salt and pepper. Place in ungreased 2 quart (2 L) casserole dish. Dissolve partial bouillon cube in boiling water in small cup. Pour broth into casserole dish. Add bay leaf and sprinkle parsley over rolls. Bake, covered, in 350ºF (I 75C) oven for 45 minutes. Remove rolls to platter. Reserve liquid but discard bay leaf. Heat reserved liquid on stove. Combine cornstarch and second amount of white wine in small cup. Slowly whisk into reserved liquid. Boil until slightly thickened. Remove wooden pics from rolls and pour sauce over to serve.

1 chicken roll: 190 Calories; 32 g Protein; 3 g Total Fat (1.1 g Sat., 81.5 mg Cholesterol); 438 mg Sodium

Servings: 6

yummmm!

That stuffed chicken sounds good and I don't even like crab much. Do you think it would be good with shrimp?

Savannah had loooooooonnnnnnggg gas lines yesterday as well. I filled up on Tuesday for 2.56 a gallon for regular and yesterday afternoon is was 2.99 at the station next to us and up to 3.10 for regular at a lot of other stations. I made dh fill up last night just beacuse I didn't want to pay more than $3 a gallon for him to top off his tank. It never occured to me to think that there would be a shortage here. The local news last night ans today was all about disspelling rumors about that and about price gouging. I am just glad I got filled up at 2.56 a gal. :(

Watching all the coverage of the heartbreak has made me so grateful for the little things. It also scares me to see how quickly everything you have and hold dear can be gone in an instant. Sorry to be a bummer :(. I'm hoping if I get it out here that I won't get up and go do some emotional eating :(.

(((Big Hugs))) to everyone today!!!!