SURPRISE I AM BACK.
FIRST OF ALL CONGRATS ON THE 3 LBS HAPPY!! I MISSED THAT TIDBIT!
SHAD~ I MUST WATCH THE THIN BLUE LINE THEN WHEN I SEE IT ON. NOT A ROWAN FAN MYSELF BUT I'LL GIVE IT A GO. I ALSO LOVE TO THE MANOR BORN! THERE ARE OTHERS BUT THE NAMES EsCAPE ME. HAPPY MONDAY!

I CAME BACK TO SAY MY SOUP WAS EVEN BETTER TONITE.
ALL I DID WAS SAUTE SOME CHICKEN BREASTS, TURKEY SAUSAGE CUT UP AND AN ONION. ADDED CHICKEN STOCK AND CANNED WHOLE PLUM TOMATOES CUT UP AND A BIT OF THEIR JUICES.
GREEN PEPPERS, CARROTS, SWEET POTATOES, CELERY WERE ADDED AND THE FOLLOWING SPICES~ (I ONLY HAD DRIED/GROUND):
CUMIN
CORIANDER
CURRY
TUMERIC
MUSTARD
GINGER
GARLIC
SALT AND PEPPER
I USED ONLY ABOUT 1/2 TEASPOON CAUSE OF THE FACE BUT IT WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD. THE CHICKEN REALLY ABSORBS THE SPICES OVERNIGHT. NICE TASTE! JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE IT AND IT WAS EASY TO CUT AND TOSS IT ALL INTO ONE POT AND COOK TILL TATERS ARE TENDER. YUM!!!
THE VEGGIE COMBINATIONS ARE ENDLESS OF COURSE AND I WILL USE THESE SPICES AGAIN. MAYBE A BIT MORE CURRY!
HAVE A NICE NIGHT/DAY :drive:

Two solid hours of riding. It was a different ride. It was a ride for miles rather than a relaxing ride to enjoy the scenary. There were a couple of guys in front of us who peeled off at one of our favorite Biker Bars at a midway point for a beer. We actually didn't blame them.

It was very exciting. 700 registered bikes. We were close to the front but we couldn't see the leaders. When we got to the finish and were on the overpass, I couldn't see the end behind us. It must have been something to see from start to finish. My poor tired bottom appreciated getting to the End of the Ride, so to speak. I think I heard that the total raised for the March of Dimes was close to $30,000. Very successful. Slim's bike is a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Not necessarily the bike thought of for two to ride on, but we love to ride!

I thought I posted and then I popped in and I have missed tons!!
It has been a lovely weekend for me. Nighty night!!

Since I have a DVD player now, I had to buy a couple of WATP DVDs to go with it :P I will have the Abs one and the 4mile one because I'm worth it We shall see if I think I'm worth the sweat and energy to follow them too... but I think I may not be as averse to the exercise stuff, it really does help the numbers go down and then I drink more water, things seem to fall into place once the muscles get stronger.

Mel-just let me know when you are ready for the "Thomas and Sarah" discs, they were two of my favourite characters on Upstairs, Downstairs, the young Mr. Danby and Rose too. I started to salivate at the soup/chicken recipe, tummers

Shad-Is it your body balance class you were heading off to? How is that? Do you like doing stuff in a class? I am a solo exerciser, I don't like hearing other people grunting and huffing, I'm a lone red faced sweat dripper

Happy-ah, so you will not be joining us as often? I hope you will be chatty when you do post on the weekends, I really enjoy hearing about your yard and the visitors and everything. Congratulations on your pounds vaporizing, good work! Continued good energy, enjoy the sunrises

Holly-so you were a busy bee this weekend and forgot about us huh?! How about some details? What did you do that made you laugh? Where did you go that gave you a pleasant memory to cherish?

Tig-that is an amazing accomplishment for the March of Dimes, beats knocking door to door for the necessary funds and gives everyone involved a lift to be doing something useful. I hope you got a warm bath in to soak those sore tushy areas

Ceejay-So were there donuts consumed during this trip? I've heard tales about those Crispy Creme things, can't imagine them holding a candle to Tim Horton's sourcream donuts but there are new calories discovered everyday good job on the gardening, nothing like chopping off tree limbs to bring out the Xena, Warrior Princess, did you do a big yell as they fell?

PW-how goes it? Have you been creating? Painting, knitting? How are you feeling? I hope things are improving and you are taking care

Not much to report here...
have been following MD's advice to go braless... Not a great idea at my size... but it does help minimize chafing.

I did put on underwear, etc. to go to a baby shower for a co-worker this afternoon. They applauded the fringed coat set... amazing how rare anything 'handmade" seems to be these days.

I ought to stay away from the computer like Happy.. but ... but..... BIG BUTT

There was a "sympathetic" program on the news tonight about anorexia. Is it my imagination or is no one "sympathetic" about compulsive eaters like me. Yeah, I'm feeling whiny. I know better. Maybe I'll just go to bed.

We are supposed to get some cool weather finally by mid week. It's hard to think of holidays (here in the N. Hemisphere, anyway) when it is still 85 degrees.

Best to all.

So I'm going to try Shad's 10 minute thing... whoosh - never saw the clock hands fly by so fast

PW - your comment about sympathy for the compulsive eater. Interesting point - yes bulimics and anorexics are recognized as a mental issues but for over eaters I think it will be always be viewed as we are just weak willed and lazy. Secretly I think they don't want to find a "cure" because the diet industry after all is a billion dollar industry. What will we spend our money on if we're all skinny and at goal? Have you tried a soft all cotton bra - somewhat like the material of a sports bra? Not much support but easier than some of the other fabrics.

Meadow - yes you DESERVE those new videos to go with your new DVD player. I think I have the 4 Mile WATP but not the ABs one. It gets you up and moving even if you have to drone out Leslie's voice after a while. You go girl, get those muscles long and strong!

Tig, 74 miles on a Sportster? Ouch, that would be kind of tough - indeed that one's more of a short pleasure rider bike. Good you made your goal.

Oooh Mel the soup sounds yummy I may try it with left over turkey next week instead of the chicken breasts. Thanks for sharing the recipe - always interested in something new. New smilie Mel, just for you -

Thanks for the tip on the stainless Shad - truer words about the "just what's so STAINless" were never spoken I have some spray cleaner that just streaked all over. The man at the store recommended a paste also, just like you. Will have to look for that.

Ceejay - I think the remote control is the worst invention in the history of the world for exactly the reason you state - my DH sits there with his finger crooked over the remote, ready to flip at an instant. Many times I've threatened to hide the remote and sometimes I just left the room because it makes me batty.

Well my 10 minutes is up - more like 13 - so as Tig would say - gotta run. Hellos to Holly and the rest of the chicks - missing and otherwise. Come check out the new place soon. Nothing cold Shad - that's all I ask.

Morning all,
Happy, good to see you posting. My entire morning is devoted to 10 minute sessions. 10 to get showered and shampooed, 10 to get dressed, 10 to make the lunch and breakfast, 10 -15 on the computer, 10 to hang out washing or fold washing etc etc etc. I'm just the ten minute kid.

PW - Probably the reason that it seems that no one cares about the compulsive eaters is as happy says - they are weak and lazy. They don't suffer much from problems until the obesity gets totally out of control - then diabetes, cancers, knees and feet problems etc. start to appear. In actual fact the medical system is totally overloaded with the problems caused by obesity and smoking, not anorexia or bulemia, yet they get the headlines and the hospital beds. Maybe the dollar sign is the key. If you are not eating then you aren't spending either.

Meadow - I enjoy my body balance class. It is a mixture of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. It has given me back a lot more flexibility and possible a bit of strength as well. And the breathing parts of it are really good. I can apply that to other training aspects as well as normal daily life. Yep it is good. And no I only go on Saturday mornings.

I missed workout last night because there was a bomb threat on the Brisbane Transport system. We all got evacuated out of the buses, trains and ferries for an hours or so. By the time I got back to the car, it was full swing with the kids at the gym. I'll go tonight. Part of my challenge is 5 days at the gym and I now have 4 days left to do three gym sessions.
When I got off the train and went off the station, I rung the DB2 to ask if he was on his way home from work, however he was already home. So I rung the DS2 who said he had 2 bolts to put in a bumper and then he was bolting out the door and yes he would pick me up and dump me at the car. Good lad that. So I did actually get home before all the people were allowed back on the trains again and the trains were running once more.

Tig - well done on the ride and for helping to raise so much money. You're right it must have been a great sight to see all those bikes and bikers hightailing it along the roads. We've picked Mel up. She's got past the swooning stage now.

Mel, that soup does sound really good. May have to have a go at that myself. Will be a good thing to come home to after a rough spin at the gym.

Better go see if there is any work for me today. Catch you all.

Meadow--Unfortunately I had to wait till I got home to have that Krispy Kreme. We couldn't find the factory that made them so the rest was wishful thinking.

Happy--good for you on loosing those 3 pounds.

Mel-I borrowed a couple of movies from my sis to watch, one is Zorro, and a book to read. They are both avid readers. Guess now is a good of time as any to get that new dvd player. My vhs player is fried.

We got paid Friday but I was in Dallas so I picked up my paycheck when I got back into town. The Mayor asked why I was not at work and told him that I just got back from Dallas. He asked if I were afraid to fly and told him no except today was a little bumpy. When I was leaving Tim drove up and asked if Ed had called me. So he gave me a note that was in his box. Why can't this silly insurance company look on there websight and see that I changed my address. When I called them they couldn't find me in the system. Now I have to contact the human resource person. Da, I just gave that information to her last Thursday morning before I left. They have been paying my doctor bills.

Got to do some laundry and take a bath before the storm hits. Our area is under a tornado watch until 9 a.m. We need the rain but I hate the storms.

ello to shad and holly.

They just cancelled the tornado watch for our area - hopefully they did for you also Ceejay. Supposed to be a nasty day tomorrow with strong winds and large hail. Was going to have DH drive me to work and stow the car in the garage during the day but then I realized that we can't fit the cars in the garage yet - still some boxes to unpack . New fridge is coming tomorrow. Any bets the hail will be at it's worse when they are pulling it off the truck?

Krispy Kremes donuts are deadly. And you can get them in the grocery store - if you nuke them in the microwave for 10 seconds, they are just like fresh out of the oven. I didn't really tell you that We have one Krispy Kreme donut shop down here - it looks like one of the originals as the building looks quite old. Can't say I've been there yet. And I tell myself no each time I pass it. And Meadow I have heard the yum yum stories of Tim Horton's - thanks for the warning. I would have a hard time resisting the sour creams. Ummm drooling about the thought of them now. Think I can trick myself into thinking a fruit cup tastes like a sour cream donut?

The circuit board died on the treadmill. Do you have the receipt they asked - parts are still under warranty. Receipt um well yes we have a receipt BUT which of the 30 or so yet unpacked boxes is it in? Oh please Mr. Precor man, don't you have records of our purchase Have you ever moved? From a house that you were in for 22 years? Across 3 states? Ok, so have the FixIt people call you? Oh bless you So it will be about a week before it gets fixed. We hope. until then it's the dastardly bike Man I hate the bike. But I will not let the bike conquer me. So I did the bike and upper body weights and abs while DH took his evening stroll outside. Although I didn't have my coach with me (she was sick with a migraine), I did do my reps to muscle failure at one point I scrunched my face so hard getting those last reps in that when I opened my eyes, they were blurry for a few minutes.

Shad that body balance class sounds very interesting. I didn't realize it has Tai Chi in it. All about muscle control, smooth, calming movements. Sounds like an enjoyable class. I'm glad to see you've gotten into the gym habit. Guess that was a pretty good gift from the DS, wasn't it. And you do look quite amazing in your last pics despite your frustration with those last 4 pounds or so. You could kick my butt or run me down the length of Tennessee lady

Scary thing about the train evacuation. Do your trains run underground or above ground? I was glad to have my mum in the city - there were a few times that the trains got messed up, she was my ace in the hole if I couldn't get home. Once we had a freak accident when someone accidently drove a piling into the underground freight tunnels and the Chicago River quickly flooded those tunnels along with the subway train tunnels. The city trains run underground and they obviously could not run this time. People were panicking. They didn't know how to get home? I could not believe that people would live in an area and never learn the bus routes? Was inconceivable to me to only rely on one mode / way of transportation. Thankfully you got a ride and weren't stuck for hours in the crowds. Was it a false alarm then? Stupid people don't realize that they could kill innocent people in a panic. Here I believe it's a felony to do something like that.

I am a bit concerned. Our adopted kitty has not shown up this evening. Usually she is up at dawn and quite content to roam the yards and be a young, free range kitty. She comes back at sunset to chow down and bed down for the night. Last night we even bought her a cat bed which she looked to be downright comfy in. It's 8:30, long after dark and there's no sign of her. The feral cat came by for a second feeding and what he didn't eat, Rocky the Raccoon came to finish. I guess DH was in a good mood as he let the Raccoon finish the food off. I sure hope she turns up before bedtime.

Well that's all the news that's fit to print. DH did the supper dishes, guess I have no excuse not to go and mop the kitchen floor now. One good turn deserves another

to the chickies of the world

until then it's the dastardly bike

Oh how I agree with that statement. And the rowing machine!

Oh yes they were hoax calls and it brought the city to a standstill - Buses, trains and ferries. There is a fairly harsh penalty for doing it but first you gotta get caught. Only the inner city (Commercial Business District) is underground. Rest is above ground. We got put off the train at a little wayside stop and told to go to the car park at least. There was a convenience store across the road with a couple of tables and chairs. There were a couple of older people who sat down at the tables and were asked to move by the owner since they weren't buying anything. I could have punched him in the nose. So we all moved over to the other corner and we found a fence for the oldies to sit on. The owner came out and offered them a seat in the shade and a cool drink. Bit different from the shop. Sincerely hope the shop goes out of business. I must admit that I didn't see anyone getting anything from the shop. Word must have got around! Fair go.

Back to work.

Glad to hear that all are safe... from storms, bomb threats and Krispy Kremes... (I can't believe you coldn't find it, CeeJay... though your sister is pretty svelte... she might have been holding out on you, you think?)

We are supposed to get a cold front in (finally) tomorrow.... Cold, as in 60's for a high... PERFECT for November!!

Tig-- I'm so glad the mileage was on a MOTOR-cycle not bike-bike... I spent a fair amount of time with my fanny on both kinds of seats in the past. Motor cycle seats are definitately comfier.

Shad, you class sounds great! I am SO out of touch with my balance.
(Had to read yours and Happy's comments twice to make sure you weren't calling ME weak and lazy..... think I have a chip on my shoulder...? Or might be just a little defensive? D'oh!!)

Here's to a good week.

Well I did use the term "we" which was not intended to be a reflection on you or anyone besides myself for that matter. No disrespect intended. But my point still stands that people look at those who are overweight and figure that it's all completely and totally our own doing.

Maybe I should just stay on the Zyban forever - it made everything taste and smell yucky and it's amazing how much less you eat when the food is just so-so.

Speaking of Zyban it's been over a year and a half since I quit smoking. Hard to believe. I'm just about at the point where I forgot how to smoke tho my addictive brain still sometimes tells me I still want it. Most probably just because I can't have it. 17,194 cigarettes not smoked (since I quit) - that's alot of butts. Today when I was huffing and puffing after the blasted exercise bike, I was surprised my chest hurt so much. Of course I recovered quickly and thought to myself that I probably wouldn't be able to do 2 minutes if I was still smoking. Do non smokers get burning lungs or only when they sprint?

Kitty is still missing

Crossing my fingers for you Ceejay - bad weather all north and west of us - up your way. Hoping you have a calm night.

Just woke up and I need a nap.
I got everything done yesterday but the bathroom.It was a good day and volunteering in DD’s class was dreamy.Hockey was okay. I ended up with a splitting headache after. I think from the weather system that is here today. DH was home and making himself a sandwich for his supper. He didn’t remember where we were. I asked him to do sandwiches for everyone and he gladly did(exciting). Grilled cheese and tomato soup. I cut up some orange pepper. DD kept asking, why is Daddy making supper.She was quite worried about it. I dont think they have ever seen this phenomenon before.
Food and water was good. The missing part is obviously extra exercise. I honestly dont where to fit it in.
I am tired today. There is lots to do. A quiet day with daycare for a Tuesday but a crazy busy evening. DS has hockey pictures at 5 and then then we are going to the literacy program at the school at 6:30. I will pack a picnic supper for in the van whilst travelling between.
Since it is a rainy day I might just putter at cleaning and put away fall decoratons and put out some Christmas ones for this Sunday. I want it to be nice and festive and I am not really getting the time. I need Martha’s team to delegate to!!!
I need to decide on side dishes for the turkey dinner. Any ideas?? These are simple folk. One year I made homemade creamed corn and they were horrified. LOL!
Needing a hug today chicks and a blast of energy.

More awake now. DS is off to school.Need to prioritize.

Today I will~
1)eat breaky, 2)clear out/tidy diningroom,put leaf in table and see how many chairs will fit.I think 10. We have 12 for sure for dinner maybe 14.
3) file/tidy office&organize Avon paper work.
4)take down fall decoration and put away!
5) call both SIL’s to confirm things for Sunday.
Okay that is a start. feel better already.
Oops~
6)clean up kitchen
7) buy a few groceries
8)pick up mirror for upstairs bathroom at thriftshop.
Ongoing~ feed and entertain a house full of children!!! LOL!

Meadow~ You asked~ These are some exerpts from the weekend journals. My days are so full that I really do live one day at a time. I live in the moment. I do plan my day 1 day ahead. I put everything on my calendar sometimes hour by hour. So yesterday I realized it was Nov 13 and we are having hubby’s family here for Christmas dinner next Sunday on the 20th. It really crept up on me. So today i will plan the meal and delegate side dishes. Hubby’s folks will pay for the turkey. I want to decorate for Christmas to make it festive. We dont do gifts but it should still feel like Christmas. This will be the first year we are not all together right at Christmas. Thanksgiving was good just the 4 of us here and we will only spend an afternoon at my Sis’s christmas day. I am loving this!!!

I still have residual anger towards my aunt.With any other person I would try and work it out but I have learned that in the past when I thought we had had good open convo about things it was a a lie and manipulation on her part so there is no point. I actually donated gifts she has given me in the last few years to the playschool silent auction. Every time I looked at them I cringed at the duplicity they were given with.Hopefully they will raise a lot of money.

A pefect Saturday. it was sunny and breezy and cool. I had a great morning at the market. I came home and had a yummy lunch. Hubby and I did yard work together. I love that.Kinda turns me on LOL! The kids stayed in jammies til supper and watched cartoons and coloured and played with the kitties. I went into town for an errand and the grocery store had beautiful halloween costumes on special for $4/reg over $20. I bought kitty and puppy costumes for dress up. And makeup kits for 44 cents. What a blast. Very exciting!!!
We had a quick supper, DD went next door and then we went to hockey. I took 2 Avon orders there.giggle.
I watched all the decorating shows onTLC ( love their Sat night) and folded laundry and tidied up. This aft i will clean.
We have church this morning. Hubby and the kids are going skating at 2. I really want to go watch but also have tons to do here. I like to skate too but hubby gets worried cause I have a bad foot and he doesn’t want me to get hurt.
I made a curry peanut dip to have with some left over shrimp from dinner yesterday as my snack last night. it was yummy. The problem is that I would have eaten twice as much if there was more. I did go browse the cupboards but didn’t eat more.

Sunday~slept in til 8. Cozy morning with the kids. We all took nice long baths and went to church which was very pleasant. Hubby and kids puttered.I ran an errand. They went skating. I laid on ther futon in the sun wiht the kitties. Put away some laundry. Laid on my bed and watched Alias. Made a meal to make my Oma proud. I have been drooling over kapusta ever since a friend mentioned it. I made smoked chops, sourkraut with keilbasa, kale, boiled potatoes( I didn’t eat those) and glazed carrots, followed up with lite ricotta with mixed berries stirred in. MMMMMMMMMMMMM!!! Very quiet evening we all laid down and snuggled.

Whirling Monday~Got my 2 and 2 others out the door to school with nary a mishap. It was actually a fantastic morning. Just 2 preschoolers in morning I will clean the bathrooms and wash the kitchen floor.I will plan hubby’s family Christmas for here this Sunday.
I want to do some decorating!!
Just finished a yummy ham and swiss omlet.Havin’ a glorious coffee.
Hockey practise at 4:30. Avon order goes in tonight by 11pm. i have most entered. Total so far is $1200. I earn 40% of that!!!!!!
I declined 2 Christmas dinner parties in DEC!
Need to have a chat with the minister today re: church business. Also need to write a cover letter for the Parent Guide going out this week!!

It is snowing!! YEAH! My kids are so delirious, they have been watching the snow on the mountains and just aching for it to be cold enough here for it to snow It is the little things in life that make it fun



Hey Holly, your weekend was a master stroke of organization, well done! Made me look around the office here and "think" about tidying it up but I'm holding out for some shelves before I bother Here is a hug for every day this week


Shad-Wow, evacuated! How creepy, must make the travel time seem spooky for the days following (((HUGS)))