Morning all,
I have about 20 minutes before I have to get ready for gym so I thought I had better get here and at least achieve the daily post. Although thinking back I have achieved more than this today already. I have spoken to our Mel and not had to say eh what pardon more than a couple of times. I have done and hung out the washing. I have cleaned (more or less) the kitchen - still have the floor to go.

Think I might just have to go out and cut the grass this weekend as well as all the other things I need to do. The rain plus the sunshine plus the warmth have combined to bring on the grass growth and the weeds I see.

Meadow, thank you for that song. I haven't heard it in years. Back to basics is not a bad way to go. The exercising bear is hilarious.

Ceejay, I am so sorry to hear about the credit card debt. It is a nasty vicious circle and although the card is a great convenience, the majority of people do not seem to be able to control themselves with it. It's almost as if they think they have an unlimited amount of money and will never have to pay it back. I have heard of people over here who have so much debt that if one of them loses their job then the whole thing will collapse they will lose their house, car, everything they have. I live off mine, but pay it off entirely each month and therefore incur no interest. I hope this puddling with the retirement fund doesn't mean that you won't have enough to live on when you do retire.

Happy - I totally agree with the indefensive bad behaviour thing. If you stuff up, there really are no excuses, you have stuffed up. End of story. One can whinge and carry on but the fact is that it was our choice to stuff up. I'm well aware that some of us are not as disciplined as others. Some are going through a growing up stage, some are growing aware. Sometimes it is hard to not just sit here and mentally shake the sh*t out of someone who is constantly on a roller coaster - hence the tape I was mentioning to Holly earlier. We are a good bunch because of our differences and not in spite of them. I would love someday to get us all together to laugh and chat and really get to know the real 'us' but I know it is unlikely to happen.

Painter - now I am going to have to look up that town just to see where you are going. I'm dead nosey like that. It's good to hear that you are slowly getting some energy back. Those bulbs will get done eventiually I am sure of it. I have to ask this, please don't take offence - if you are happy to be called Painter or whatever to divert attention away from what you do - which is fair enough - why did you put your e-mail addy up here the other day. Just not thinking about it????? Don't wish to be rude, but I hope you don't get some nasties coming in on the ethernet! Please PM the person with personal things like that. You just never know who is out there.

Okay, my times up - gotta get ready and go to gym. Otherwise I'll be halfway through the workout when the Body Balance class is due to start.

Back later.

5 days to go

HAD A LOVELY CHAT WITH MY SISTER SHAD. I DON'T THINK I SAID "WHAT?" TOO MANY TIMES! IF I DID SHE WAS TOO POLITE TO SAY SO!! SHAD HAS REACHED THROUGH THE TELEPHONE WIRE AND GIVEN ME A GOOD SMACK ALONG SIDE THE HEAD, SET ME ON TRACK AGAIN AND GIVEN ME A BIG HUG TO GET ME STARTED AGAIN,. CAN YOU TELL IT'S ALREADY WORKING! SHAD HAS ALSO SOLVED MY LOO PROBLEM AND I RUSHED OUT THE DOOR TO FILL IN THE PAINTER/TILER BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE WEEKEND. AS SOON AS THE PAINTING IN THE BUILDING IS DONE, HE WILL MAKE A PLATFORM AND TURN MY TOILET BOWL INTO A PROPER THRONE!! AND WILL EVEN PUT TILE ALL AROUND THE BASE OF IT! HE LOVES ME TOO. AN ENTIRE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT COULDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM SO I TOOK IT TO "SHAD THE BUILDER". SHE OF COURSE KNEW THE ANSWER RIGHT AWAY. THANK GOD FOR TELEPHONES AND COMPUTERS!!! YOU ARE GOOD FOR WHAT AILS PORANGI!!

MISS HAPPY~ YOU ALSO REMINDED ME TO SLACK OFF THE SPICES AND I HAD FORGOTTEN THAT!!! I AM MAKING THE CHILI TOMORROW BUT WILL USE OREGANO AND SUCH...MAYBE A BIT OF CUMIN. GOOD THING I YOUR POST TONITE BEFORE THE COOKING BEGAN!!! THE FACE IS COMING AROUND AND THE NOSE NO LONGER LOOKS LIKE KARL MALDEN/WC FIELDS. I WILL KEEP YOUR GRANDE VANILLA SKIM CAPPUCCINO(SP) HOT TILL I PICK YOU UP......YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE HAPPY BUT YOU WERE THERE IN SPIRIT!

PW~ I ASKED ABOUT THE NAME CAUSE YOU DROPPED THE ADDIE IN A POST THE OTHER DAY! LOL (incognito is a good thing!) I ALSO HAD A GREAT LAUGH AT THE PHRASE "BLUEST BLUES"!!!!!! AND I AGREE!

TIG~ HOPE IT DOESN'T RAIN ON YOUR BIKE PARADE!! BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES CAUSE HERE COMES THE WIND!!!

MEADOW~ LOVED THE CHICKS IN THE BASKET. REMINDED ME OF OLD EASTER CARDS I HAVE SEEN AND ONE IN A CATALOG.
THE DANCERS WERE ADORABLE!! MAYBE THEY CAN GET TOGETHER WITH MY DANCING TURKEYS!!

CJ~ PARAGOULD AND NO ONE HOME?!? HOPE THEIR VACATION IS GOING WELL. JEN AND I ARE THINKING OF ELECTRIC BLANKETS TO HEAT THE BED BEFORE WE GET INTO THEM THIS WINTER!! RICHIE AGREES TOO! LOL SO GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR BEING DEBT FREE NEXT YEAR. CONGRATS CAUSE I KNOW IT'S BEEN BOTHERING YOU. GOOD LUCK!!!

HOLLY~ I SEE YOU ARE MERRILY ROLLING ALONG WITH FAMILY AND WORK AND ALL THE LITTLE KITTLES SURROUNDING YOU!

WELL KIDS, IT'S THAT TIME OF NIGHT AND I AM READY FOR A GOOD LIE DOWN AND SOME READING. HOPE THE WEEKEND IS GREAT FOR ALL OF YOU! OURS LOOKS RAINY AND COOL SO LOTS OF INDOOR SPORTS ARE ON MY AGENDA. ADIOS

MISS MADCAT~ I AM HONORED TO SEE YOU HERE AND WISH YOU WOULD COME AND SAY HELLO ONCE AND AWHILE!!! I MISS YOUR POSTS!!! I JUST HAVEN'T GOT IT IN ME THIS YEAR FOR THE JOURNALS. SAVING ENERGY FOR MYSELF! GLAD YOU WERE SURPRISED AND HOPE IT WAS A GREAT DAY! AGAIN...CONGRATS ON THE IMPENDING NUPTUALS!!! (sp)

Hi ladies,

I am grateful it is Friday. No office for 2 days. It's very cool outside - nice to cuddle in the soft warm blanket and when I wake up around 5am tomorrow morning, I can snuggle the covers, roll over and go back to sleep Life is good... I live for Saturday mornings

I'm glad that Mel and Shad had such a nice conversation. I'm afraid I would have been doing alot of what, excuse me, say agains???? Good on yah Shad for redesigning Mel's loo. I would have guessed you as the extreme makeover expert in the group - and your suggestion probably wouldn't have broken the bank either. Enjoy your chili Mel. As for you Shad, hope you had a good workout and have fun trimming the lawn.

Ceejay - have you tried Kohl's for the electric blanket? We got ours at JC Penney. They are difficult to find - but worth it. I hear you on the credit card debt. I suppose you can't borrow against your plan and pay yourself back? I agree with Shad and would be hesitant to use my retirement money outright - that's so hard to build back up again. However I do understand the worry and the sleepless nights. I was in that situation myself a few years back. It got especially fretful as the job situation became more uncertain. We called the banks, renegotiated lower rates on the cards or transferred them to other accounts with lower interest rates. Then we destroyed the cards so that we could not charge more and paid extra on the cards until we paid them off one by one - as we'd pay off one we'd add the extra payment to another. It took us 2 years to get debt free and I swore never again. Had to do some soul searching for why I spent so much but that was part of the healing process. Now we pay off the cards each month and I don't spend more than we have available. I discuss big purchases with DH and we agree ahead of time. I had to buy dressier clothes for work and we agreed that was ok - particularly since we weren't talking about a cheap expense here. It is a big relief to have the credit paid off. So many people live on the edge today - many feel like if something happens - let them come and cart it off but they have to find me first. I could never live like that I'm sure you've thought hard about this and come up with the best answer for you. Good luck. I also hear that they recently changed the bankruptcy laws and it's now tougher to file for bankruptcy than it used to be.

Good one Meadow to remind us that it's the simpler things we should strive for. When you add up all the factors the cost of our "stuff" is rather steep.

Tig, stay dry and safe. Hope Wilma keeps her distance.

Enjoy your trip this weekend PW and creative use of listing your email but I wouldn't be giving mine out in other than a private message too. However if like me you have friends who insist on routing you thousands of jokes, they are passing your email address all over kingdom come anyway.

Holly - did you do right by yourself and stay away from the bread products today? I think Linda T is right when she says to go to bed earlier - more sleep is good and it keeps us out of the refrigerator. I often think, man that girl is disciplined. But when you get right down to it, that's how you lose 86 pounds.

I was horrified to find that I'd gained 2 pounds this week. Horrified because for a change I was really good on the food - types of food and portions. Water was better than usual too. However, one look at my swollen ankle and I can see the culprit was salt. If I may be allowed one small for a minute. It just bugs me to watch the fats and sugars and then be taken down by salt. Perhaps I should just drink water and eat the box the foods come in. Ok, rant over, tomorrow is a new day.

My challenge for the week will be to write down each and everything that goes into my mouth and all the different ways I move this body. I am still having a bit of trouble with the leg. Skipped the doc this week to let it heal up which it is, tho I am about 40% right now. It's a catch 22 - in some ways my spine and back feel good - no pain or pressure but my leg does not feel good and that is very troublesome. What road to pick? I intend this week to eat better and exercise. I can still do abs and uppper body weights even if I'm not quite up to treadmilling or steppering this week.

And at this point I am longing to crawl into bed. So I will leave now with cheery thoughts of eating well and exercising all week long. If not I will give you all ten dollars - caught your attention, didn't I?

Hellos to Teel (come back), Tig, Linus and lurkers around the world as well as occasional guests like LindaT and Madcat. I certainly hope I didn't forget anyone. Night all, sleep tight run like the winds Shad...

Ceejay~ We had a lean year last year financially and have debt.Things are better lately buit we are working hard at getting it pasid off. It is always in the back of my mind. We were still careful but it IS a stress. HUGS.
Happy~I idn't get to bed earlier but I am aimingm for it today. I did stay clear of the bread. a victory. HUGS!!
Shad/Mel~ A good talk with a good friend eases the soul!!!!
Meadow~ our songstess and spirit lifter, hugs!!
Tig, Teel, Linus,PW,Miss Mad, LindaT I adore you ladies!!!!!! HUGS!

YAAAAWWWNNNNNN.........
Short nights sleep. Had trouble disconnecting last night and then DD was up at 2 not feeling well. Probably hungry. Didn’t eat her supper,playing games. DH yelled. sigh. I got about 5 hours. I am doing the farmers market this morning. Going to get the TV and then DS has hockey. I think I may stay home.

Daily Journal
1.My renewal statement for the day.- I will honour my body
2. Weekly weight.- 230
3. Exercise-type, how long, what level. none
4. % fat, carbs, protein.
5. # meals and snacks.3 meals, 1 snack
6.# fruits, # of veg. -3 veg
7. How many glasses of water.- 10
8. Time of last food intake, time I went to bed. - low carb wrap and tzaziki at 8:30, 2 glasses of wine, bed at 12am
9. Why and when I ate due to stress or emotions.- I didn’t
10.General feelings about food, exercise, life.- I went shopping and spent $168 on Mediteranian/south beach food choices.There is quite a bit of prep involved. I want to make some things ahead for my breaky/lunches.Supper is usually a meat,potato, veg. I dont really like potato so I skip it.
11. Any really good events or feelings today.- it was aloooong trying day and I survived. I had a great visit with my good friend last night.
12. Overall, how did the day go.-It was chaotic and stressful. The kids were wild, angry, aggressive,loud. A l9t of redirection, couselling,discipline, tough love...it was hard. I am exhausted.
13. How can I improve for tomorrow.- Allow/find more time for me to be alone and recharge.Breathe. Food was really quite good. I am happy about that. HUGS to me this morning.

HAPPY~ MAYBE WE BOTH SHOULD BE EATING THE BOXES! IN 2 WEEKS, I HAVE GAINED 1.5 LBS. ARE WE HAVING A WEIGHT GAINING CHALLENGE ANYTIME SOON? I THINK I COULD WIN THAT ONE I HOPE THE LEG/FOOT ISSUE ENDS ON A HAPPY NOTE WHEN ALL IS DONE. IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR "TOTAL CORRECTION"? YOUR CREDIT CARD STORY SOUNDS LIKE MINE AND JEN'S....PROBABLY EVERYONE ELSE THAT'S GONE THROUGH IT. LIKE YOU DID, WE ARE GETTING THERE

PW~ HOPE THE WEATHER IS HOLDING OUT AND YOU'RE HAVING A GREAT WEEKEND!

HOLLY~ THE WHOLE WORLD IS WORRIED AND PAYING BILLS!!! A TV ALL YOUR OWN. YODA SAYS"USE IT WISELY" WE HAVE A VEGGIE MAN COME HERE EVERY FRIDAY NOW....I LOVE IT. HOPE THE FARMER'S MARKET IS FUN.
AT LEAST IT'S OUT OF THE HOUSE!!

DVDS AND COOKING. THAT'S IT FOR TODAY. THE BLDG IS GROANING AND CREAKING UNDER THIS WIND. FIRST THING I DID WAS TURN THE TV ON SO I CANNOT HEAR IT! I WILL NEVER GET USED TO THAT HIGHRISE SOUND....NEITHER WILL JEN. SHE CALLED LAST NIGHT TO SAY SO! LADIES...HAVE A GREAT DAY!

HEllo everyone, I have not been able to get here all week due to computer problems and not being able to log into our thread hopefully the problem is fixed. WOW you guys have been really covering some ground and emotions this last week or so. I too am grateful for the women on this thread and how friendly and peaceful and thoughtful we are all to each other. It is the best medicine is kindness for us to give and to get.... and I thank each of you for your unique personality and presence to bring to this place.
My weekend away was so productive and I felt so good about seeing and doing so many things. I found a new craft to attempt for the winter and have just barely started it. I came down with a cold and it isn't too bad so have been early to bed and of course I am always early to rise.
The fall colors here are the best they have been for years and the days and night so balmy and the moon just an awesome sight in the night and then still again in the mornings.
Shad how very exciting your trip is almost here..... take each of us with you and capture sights and sounds to rely to us. Sending good travel wishes and safe journey.
Hope everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable saturday...
thanks so much everyone for sharing yourselves here.
Peace,
Nae

Good morning peoples of the world! It's bright and sunny and COOOOOLLLLL out there. Good for getting the blood pumping. I got up at 7 on a Saturday morning - all by myself. Geez I feel pumped today. I read the 3FC article on putting your kitchen on a diet - good advice. I didn't realize you shouldn't keep brown rice longer than 6 months. I know one thing I'll be tossing.

I am in the mood to clean, clean, clean. Maybe because I am finally starting to feel a bit better on the leg. Yes Mel, I think I will eventually get all better - it just takes time.

So I have a house to clean, laundry to do and it sure would be nice if I got rid of a box or 2 in the garage. I hope DH isn't counting on me sanding the walls with him today - but if he is, I will help because I said I would. Depends on how he feels today after digging stumps out yesterday.

Hope you all have a great day yourselves...

I thought I'd pop in and say howdy ho! Work is rather busy so I cannot get to the forum much. Oh who am I kidding? Work is keping me hopping.. not rather busy.. VERY busy. I was supposed to have a panel interview at work on Wednesday but HR screwed up and no one else showed up but me and my boss. It has been rescheduled for this coming Friday afternoon so that's a good thing. I did meet with HR so that is one less interview to do. If I pass the panel, then I have to meet with the division CFO and then the division president (maybe).

I wish I had time to read all the way back to where I last posted,, but again not enough hours in the day.

Ceejay.. credit cards can really get you into a mess, can't they? Boy. It is so easy to buy stuff and not really feel like you are spending money, until the bill comes in. EEKS Glad you have found a way to get out of debt. That's terrific news.

Meadow, I just loved the movie the Jungle book. I remember seeing it when I was a kid and singing that song. Just goes to show how old I AM

Shad, you are just way too productive for me this morning. Almost hurts to read how much you have done already when I cannot keep my eyes open all the way yet . Vacation is getting nearer... are you a little excited?

Mel Mel Mel. You need a good smacking? I got the prod right here. Just never forget that you are WORTH the time to take care of. The rest of the world can go hang! If you don't take care of you, can't take care of everyone else.

Happy. you are too nice. I am really not that disciplined. Once you've been at itso long, it becomes a habit. Like brushing your teeth, combing your hair etc. It's just part of my day now. It was tough to get to this point. I pushed and forced myself almost every day to do that right thing. Heck I still ***** and moan most mornings when I ahve to get out of bed, but if I don't exercise.. I'll gain. Simple fact and non negotiable. And all that cleaning is a sure sign of impending mental illness.

Hey Holly. Good shopping trip. If you need any Med friendly recipes, I have lots. I pretty much lost all my weight doing this plan so I am a big fan obviously. Yes there is quote a bit of chopping of veggies and things, but when you take the time.. it is almost Zenlike doing a mindless taks like that. Don't know how you handle the chaos of kids. I'd be stark raving bonkers in less than 5 minutes.

Hi Rose. I cannot wait for the fall colors. Some people think we don't have that sort of change in California, but thankfully we do. Of course our colors aren't as nice and vibrant as yours and they also are a lot later. Enjoy the change of seasons.. I am envious!

I'm going to be cooking for the week today, going shopping ( I have coupons for Mervyn's that I need to use up as they expire today) and getting a much deserved nap. Hopefully the furball will allow that.

I wish I had time to scroll back another page, but I need to go eat breakfast and then hit the road for the sales. Happy weekend. Don't forget to sweat!! heheh I first typed swear!! Wonder if that was a typo or a Freudian slip?

Getting back into the groove.

Since I had the meeting on Thursday I rested yesterday so I feel much better this cool morning. I'm loving this Canadian air.

Slept late again this morning but my body has needed this kind of rest for a long time.
I've put in one load of clothes, taken my fasting blood sugar which is 84, eaten breakfast and have completed my 45 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Thanks for everyones concern about the credit card debt. It's my fault and I'm responsible for it. I' ve checked into borrowing against the 401k but I could only borrow half the amount and to me that is just adding fuel to the fire so to speak. I only have enough for one year's salary anyway so to break even I'm going for it.

Linda--It's good to see you here again. I understand about not having the time for every thing. We single people have to do eveything if it gets done. (or hire it done)

Happy--Don't you love this kind of weather.

Rose--The fall colors are just beginning here. Can't wait for the full effect.

Shad--Still counting the days. I'll be counting the days before long and I'm just going to Texas.

Hello to MEL, Linus, Meadow, Teel, Tig, and PainterWoman

Now I don't have break throughs but last night while I was waiting for AB to come on the Leno show, I started watching Ballroom bootcamp and a lightbulb kind of came on and I told myself I should move for the 1/2 hour before I turned the channel to AB. Now I couldn't put on an exercise video because I might have missed AB, so I marched, kicked and did double sidesteps for a half hour straight. Nothing too fast but continual movement for 1/2 hour. I may do it again sometime the lack of structure suits me

Mel-good to hear that Shad has brightened your mood. I want chili too, maybe I will send my hubby out to pick up some Stagg Classic :yummy:

Shad-tick, tock the time is nigh for you to fly I'm thrilled that you will be able to give Chris a hug in person and spend some time prowling the Japanese countryside and attractions. Will you be coming home and banning all shoes from the interior of your space? I hope you get a proper tea ceremony and spend time in lots of gardens with a peaceful flow.

Ceejay-your welcome for the Canadian air We have lots of it up here, always happy to share We are in debt forever due to building this house, I'm glad you have worked out a solution to your albatross Sounds like your weekend it coming together nicely *note to self, do the laundry Shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing!

Happy-so how much cleaning have you done? Are you channeling the Mr. Muscle guy? shifting furniture and filling up the garbage bags. I always feel so accomplished when I take a garbage bag around the house and toss all the paper, that stuff breeds in our livingroom

Holly-did you get a nap in? Where you up late watching AB on Leno He was wearing really tight, suede trousers I had lovely dreams. If you have anymore stressful days and need a bit of an escape try batting penguins with the yetti http://n.ethz.ch/student/mkos/pinguin.swf My daughter managed to hit 322.9, I barely made 300

Linda-ah the Mediterranean diet does look like a good one, requires organizational skills I haven't acquired yet. Maybe one day, would give me a mental connection with Antonio Banderas, to be eating as the Spanish do... purrrr!

Rose-sorry to hear about your computer problems, I go nuts when mine is down. Totally addicted Remember to drink lots of fluids to kick that cold of yours to the curb, real energy zappers those bugs.

PW-in the 80's! wow, we are chilly and cold up here Want me to send you some of the maple leafs off the trees so you know that the season is changing? I hope you get some peatmoss and compost dug into your beds so your garden roots can make some inroads into the soil. With pure clay sides to the holes they might drown if the water has nowhere to go.

Tig-stay out of the wind I loved Daytona beach, used to be able to drive along it when I was down there years ago.

Madcat-how nice of you to come, I hope you will visit again

Linus-how are you fairing? Getting some relief from the relatives invading to clutter up the premises? Is CJ getting his routine sorted and you are finding some moments for a break, stepping outside for some air? pass the little darling off to hubby now and again, take a warm bath. ((((Big hugs))))

Teel-how are you feeling? Are you getting some sleep? I hope you are.

The new Zorro movie is out October 28th! AB on all the morning shows next week Wheeee!

Morning all,
This time yesterday morning I was chatting to Mel about concrete blocks, pavers and tiles. Today I am chatting to you all but in a different medium. Such is the power of communication these days.
Yesterday was busy but fun. J the niece came with a friend to watch the rugby. Naturaly J decided to back the opposing team since her friend (another J and henceforth referred to as J2) is a New Zealand from Dunedin. The Otago players (where J2 is from) were not expected to beat the Aucklanders (otherwise known as JAFA's) and they didn't. Although they started off well. Db2 turned up about 20 minutes into the game and told us he could hear us 100 yards down the street. Who care!!! I gave them chicken thighs (stuffed with cheese and sage leaves) and slow cooked in a tomato and wine sauce added parsley and basil at the end and served it on rice. Since I thought I had catered for 6 (always expecting DS2 to show up) I was expecting to have some left over for today, but they ate the lot. DB2 being the biggest eater! Guess he doesn't feed himself too well at home.

Long day at the gym yesterday, couple with some heavy housework and a bitt of weeding and I'm feeling a little stiff today. I tried out a few new arm exercises with free weights so maybe that accounts for the shoulders and arms
Going back again this morning at 8.00. Interesting thing about weekends and early gym visits - last Sunday I got there at 8.00am when the gym opened and I had it all to myself for nearly half an hour. The hunks do not arrive before 10. or 11

So on to today. Coffee is almost finished. I want to do some yard work. I am also going to have to buy myself a new vacuum cleaner. I could have gotten down on my hands and knees and sucked the dirt up better. The Vax I have is not being cooperative despite my taking the brooms and brushes apart, cleaning and lubricating the parts and putting it back together. I think it is just getting old. So I might have a look for one of those today and get the place dustless before Wenesday Oh thats a good one - living in the dust bowl.

Meadow, the movin' and groovin' will always help. If it helps to be unstructured then by all means be unstructured, just be consistenly unstructuredly moving OK - theres some funny words in there.

Ceejay - At least it seems you have checked out the options and taken what appears to be the best at the time. I'm sure the lessons will be learnt. The sad part about card debt is that the banks, debt collectors, and the law don't care about you - only about retrieving their money. We had a company over here that helped people to get back on their feet after that sort od monetary crisis. They looked at your budget, sorted out debt consolidation, advised on how to get rid of the debt quickly but without foregoing many of lifes atrractions. But unfortunately so many people could only see the down side of it, could only see that they would be deprived of the 'luxuries' etc. and they didn't heed the advice. Then they blamed the company for not warning them it could happen. Hello ? what ever happened to personal responsibility - did he pass away around the same time as common sense???

LindaT - nice to see you back and posting again. I certainly hope this job comes through for you. You have worked long and hard on this. Good luck.
And yes yiou are as disciplined and strong as Happy said. We can't alwasys see the strengths in ourselves as others see them.

Happy - sounds like you and DH now have the renovating bug. And I am not even coming to visit!!! Well not yet anyway. Which walls is the DH sanding, what colour is it now and what colour will it be? What stumps?? If you still have boxes in the garage which are not yet unpacked - do you really need this stuff??? Or are they treasures that just can not be thrown out and are part of the retirement fund.

Roseblush - so good to see you back again and posting up a dream vision for the rest of us. I'm hoping to see some good autumn colour up in Japan. I really do miss the cooler climates for that colour. There are very few trees here that have much in the way of colour. There is always the odd stray from down south that manages to survive the heat and humidity, but they are few and far between.

Tig - Mel I hope you are all doing okay there living in the parth of the hurricane. I'm afraid to say that you will have to get used to these horrors. We are gradually getting so far under Mother Nutures skin that she is going to retaliate and how. I was reading an article on CNN the other day about how and why you are getting so many of them and how and why it is going to get worse. Over here we are punished by lack of water - and then too much all at once. According to the pundits from B.O.M it aint going to get much better either - but still we continue to breed and import people and strain the very fragile eco system some more, build high rises to house more and nowhere for the waste to go, token gestures for the population to save water and no encouragement to the scientific people to come up with better ways - it's much better to re arm the navy, airforce and army you know. Build better ways of killing people. Och now I am getting on my :soapbox:

Okay time to go and do something before I hit the gym. It's cool outside so some digging is in order, then the gym, then home to finish the housework (bedrooms only did the rest yesterday) and sort out food for next week.

Calling Teel - if you don't get in here soon, I'll be ringing and yelling!!!!!

Yikes, reading through and correcting my mistakes, I never said hello to Holly or PW.

4 days to go

Happy - meant to mention about the salt. I remember having a rave about that sometime back. I ruthlessly cut back on salt. Didn't buy anything that had a medium/ high salt content etc.etc. However I think I overdid it, because when I went to body balance classes I got cramp in the feet - bad cramps too. I have since added a very small amount of sea salt crystals to one meal a day and that seems to have fixed the problem nicely. It was probably because I did a heavy workout before hand and sweated out a lot of salt and minerals but I am finding I need just that little bit per day to keep the balance right. It's all a balancing act.................*sigh*. These young ones don't know how good they have it. They can eat more, *sigh* sweat more, * sigh* and for longer periods of time *sigh* and on and on goes the list...................*sigh* I wouldn't be young again for anything.

Good Morning,
My challenge for today is to post my food in Fitday.com. I've gained 3 pounds last week and I realize that I am most diffinately a stress eater. I have also completed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise before 6 a.m. Tonight when I get home I want to run the vacuum cleaner in the living room. I give out by mid morning and this morning I realized why. I've not been taking my thyroid med's and my TSH count was low on last drs visit. I'm due in the drs office at the end of the month. Ugh he's going to fuss at me.

Shad and Happy--I hear you on the sodium intake. I've started using Morton lite which is a combination of potassium and sodium.

Shad have you tried drinking orange juice before you work out. Orange juice is loaded in potassium. My uncle has cramps and that's what his dr advised him to do.

It was 49 degrees this morning when I came to work and yes I had to turn on the heater in the car. I'm so ready for this cooler weather.

Guess I need to get started today.

SALT IS THE ENEMY! LOL I DOP REMEMBER SHAD AND HER SALT DISCOVERY IN THE JOURNALS. THAT WAS THE FIRST THING I HAD TO GET RID OF. I WAS BLOATED FROM HEAD TO TOE. NOW IT IS A WAY OF LIFE NOT TO USE IT OR BUY FOODS WITH IT IN...MORE OR LESS. GOTTA HAVE SOME!
THE MORNING IS A DELIGHT AFTER THE HUGE RAIN AND LIGHT SHOW WE HAD LAST NIGHT. I ALMOST LOST MY BRITISH SITCOMS!!! CABLE TV KEPT THREATENING TO GO OUT AND TELL ME IT HAD A WEAK SIGNAL!! HORRORS!!!
GOING TO SAY A FAST HELLO TO YOU ALL AND GET MY ARSE INTO THE KITCHEN. I MADE A CHICKEN RAGOUT YESTERDAY AND SO TODAY IS THE CHILI.
HAPPY SUNDAY/MONDAY AND HOPE THE DAY IS A GREAT ONE:MOPED:
PS...NAE~ GLAD THE WEEKEND WAS GOOD. I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING FOR A MUCH LONGER TIME! LOL ENJOY THE MILD WEATHER. COLORS AND SUN!!!