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:rofl: 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:D

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

HOLLY~ THE WHOLE WORLD IS WORRIED AND PAYING BILLS!!!:crazy: A TV ALL YOUR OWN. YODA SAYS"USE IT WISELY" :lol3: 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! :rofl: I WILL NEVER GET USED TO THAT HIGHRISE SOUND....NEITHER WILL JEN. SHE CALLED LAST NIGHT TO SAY SO! LADIES...HAVE A GREAT DAY! :flow2:

Morning Chickies
 

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 :o - 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...

Morning ladies
 

I thought I'd pop in and say howdy ho! :D 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. :lol: 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. :lol: Just goes to show how old I AM :lol:

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 . :lol: Vacation is getting nearer... are you a little excited? :D

Mel Mel Mel. You need a good smacking? I got the prod right here. :D 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. :dizzy: And all that cleaning is a sure sign of impending mental illness. :lol:

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 :lol: 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. :lol: 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. :lol:

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!! :faint: :rofl: 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 :wave:

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 :p 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 :lol3: 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 :lol: 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 :p 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 :s:

Holly-did you get a nap in? Where you up late watching AB on Leno :p 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 :D http://n.ethz.ch/student/mkos/pinguin.swf My daughter managed to hit 322.9, I barely made 300 :shrug:

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 :p 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.

:wave: The new Zorro movie is out October 28th! AB on all the morning shows next week :p 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 :rofl: :lol3: :rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3: 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 ? :listen: :listen: 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. :wave: :wave: :o :o :o :o :o

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* :rofl: 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 :wave: 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!!!:flow2:

Good morning all (Shad's already in bed at this point).

It's a brrrrisk morning here. A bit overcast, windy and chilly. You bet if I was in the car I'd be running the heater just like Ceejay. Good football weather. DH promised we could stoke up a fire in the fireplace tonight - looking forward to that. 2 things I find immensely peaceful are watching the surf break on the ocean and watching a crackling fire.

Sox WON! Sox WON! :dance: :dance: One game down, 3 more to go. It was a good game. Game 2 tonight by a cracklin' fire. It's pretty cold in Chicago - the game ended just about 10pm it had gotten down to 45 degrees around 8:30. You could easily see their breath. Supposed to be snow flurries today. We love it when teams from warmer spots come to Chicago to play - especially football. The stadium is downtown and with winds sweeping off the lake in the winter it's darn cold - that damp frigid chill that no amount of clothes protects you from. I don't miss it at all. But I am glad to see the cooler weather - love those autumn sweaters.

Interesting that you mention the sea salt Shad. I just picked some up last week. The bottle has a self contained grinder so you can do coarse or fine. I heard if you must use salt, the sea salt is best. Thanks for the tip - I too thought that most work out cramps were potassium related but... if its really hot and you're sweating hard, the salt makes sense too. And as for being young again - I'm right there with you - nothing and I mean NOTHING could entice me to go back to being in my twenties again in this day and age. Hope you did a few gentle stretches and worked the kinks out of the bones and muscles today.

Ceejay why did you stop your thyroid meds? That's not something you fool with. I've been on thyroid pills for 14 years. Most frustrating. They never seem to get the dosage to the point where you actually feel good. You just have to keep pressing along - even if it means changing doctors a few times to get one to sit down and listen to you.

I think you asked Shad why we were painting the walls. The lady who lived here before was REALLY into antiques. She had stuff ALL OVER the walls. When they left they pulled out their pictures and shelves and decorations and left big anchor bolt holes all over the place. In some rooms it looks like a shooting gallery. We think they also had someone come in and quickly paint the interior of the house when they decided to sell it. There were lumps and bumps that were not patched correctly and you know how that looks when the light hits it. It really needed to be fixed. The room is a periwinkle blue of sorts and I love the color. DH cut a swatch out of the wall and we went to go match it. Turns out it's a blue gray with lots of gray according to the swatch but it surely didn't look like that in the room with natural light. We couldn't really match it so we settled on a newer blue we both liked. A few swipes of the paintbrush and DH heard the words all husbands fear - :no: that's not quite right. It was a bright robins egg blue compared to the more subdued periwinkle. Sort of like the difference between THIS and THIS It was not only too bright but clashed with the blue in the wallpaper in the hall. We had purchased better paint and 3 cans of it to boot though I have no idea why so much. I told DH that no way could we keep that color and if we had to, I'd use the paint upstairs on the 3rd floor storage room since it's a hideous dijon mustard brown right now and being that it's so close to the sky, painting it a sky blue would improve upon it's feeling of being closed in - no windows in that room. We trotted back to the paint store and a wonderful young man after some puttering in the back was able to mix in a few more pigments and come very close to the color we wanted. It's a shade or two darker than the original but it looks fantastic. A fresh coat of paint and no lumps and bumps in the walls helps too. I will take a pic when it's done. Since the house was built in the 70's I also have hideous harvest gold tile in one bath. The tile is all cracked and needs to be ripped out and replaced. We talked of renovating the bath but that will cost a bit of cash so DH said if he sells his Harley, I get my whirlpool bath I want. Anyhow in this room of yellow tiles, they have wallpaper that is a red background with green leaf vines on it. The realtor thought it was pretty, I think it's horrid. While I was waiting for the paint guy to work his magic, I started looking at wallpaper books. Came across a few patterns that with some nice wallpaper borders and a bit of paint, we could at least make that room salvageable for the short term. So yesterday was a bit of a hodgepodge of activities - mostly unplanned. Today we will finish the cleaning and laundry things.

Oh and stumps came from the end of the driveway. There is a rather large metal utility box that sits on the neighbors property. Someone long ago planted bushes around it to cover the box. Not a bad idea but no one ever kept them trimmed and they grew to be taller than me. It's right where the sidewalk meets the street so it's was a huge obstruction as you pulled into the street. I almost hit a little dog one day because I could not see it as it was right by the bush as I was pulling forward. Good thing I stopped for the man walking the dog, if he had been on a longer leash I might have squished him. After that I told DH those bushes HAD to come out. Since the neighbor is a divorced woman with a lazy son who does nothing to help, if we wanted the bushes out, we had to do it ourselves. Neighbor was most agreeable - especially since she didn't have to do anything. DH cut the bushes down earlier this summer but they are fast growing so the best way to get them done with was to pull them out completely. We'll have to figure out something to put in it's place. Something guaranteed to be low growing.

Mel, what is a chicken ragout? My MIL gave me a recipe for a beef ragout that DH liked but I can't imagine that translated to chicken. I think ragout is an east coast thing. Did I understand correctly that you're getting snow flurries too? Kinda early for that, don't you think? Things haven't even dried out yet from the rains.

A week of AB? Oh Meadow, you must be in heaven!

Well I seem to have blathered on for quite long. My steel cut oats (THANK YOU LINDA T FOR RAVING ON ABOUT THESE) - are getting cold so I'd best get a move on here.

A quick recap of food for the day as promised to myself in the challenge. B= coffee, 2 small sweet rolls - 1 serving portion as per the package. I wanted more and told myself if I gave in, I couldn't have any at all. L=small grilled chicken breast, roasted vegs, 1/2 cup pasta with parmesan cheese, 1 cup salad greens, 1 tsp Italian salad dressing. D=yum yum chinese food. Snacks - 1 cookie, 1/2 cup gelatin with mixed fruit, 1 small cup cinnamon cappacino (made with low fat milk). Water - 4 and 1/2 bottles. Exercise - upper body and abs workout.

Time to get busy now. Hellos to Tig, Teel, Linus, PW, Linda T, Madcat, Holly and Rose along with all worldly lurkers.

Morning all,

It's a foggy, humid day in downtown Brisbane this morning. We are expecting temps in the thirties (90's) and a thunderstorm and rain tonight. I am expecting the wimp of a cat to come running and curl up on the knee at the first hint of thunder. We could do with the rain tho.

Yesterday was extremely busy. I woke up stiff and sore from the extra weights but a little digging took care of that and I have shifted a patch of weeds from the yard. I've been leaving this area alone because I want to have it concreted however the weeds have become too much so I dug them out and put down newspaper and straw to keep the weeds away until I can get the concreting done. Then I went off to the gym and spent about an hour and a half running and cycling and stepping and on the elliptical, plus a few more of the weights that I started the day before. Stuffed at the end but pleased. How come some of those good people there don't end up looking like a puddle and are all red in the face like me? Came home had breakfast or should I call it brunch, cleaned up the kitchen and did away with a couple of million ants who are obviously expecting rain because they are coming in for a the smallest crumb left around. Pulled up most of the lettuce and chard because they will not last while I am away, cut a bunch of parsley which is also becoming way too big and dug up the last of the tomato plants, pulled the fruit and took all the goodies (3 supermarket bags of it) around to my friends place. I know they will put the food to good use. Went to the supermarket for a couple of big steaks and came home to mow the lawns and shift the pot plants into the shade for the summer. I watered them from the raintank, but the flow is so slow from the tank that it was very boring.
DS2 came to dinner (hence the steaks) and we had steak, spud, carrot and beans with a garlic and herb sauce in front of the tv while I told him all the things he has to do while I'm away. I doubt that he listened, but he said yes in the right places so I guess some of it sunk in. Cat has an inkling of what is going on and is behaving accordingly.

Happy - SOX won!!!! Congratulations SOX! Are you making a trip to the finals if they get there??? Glad to hear they changed the paint for you. It's never impossible. Here they have a computer laser type thing that you can take your desired colour and have is scanned and it tells them the tones and shades that make up that colour. It's amazing. One bloke - last time I was at the paint shop took in a metal tool box painted in enamels a sort of sage green shade and they made up a paint to match for his new tool box to go on the utility tray. Interesting to see a guy matching his toolboxes! The man at the paintshop tells me they have scanned and matched paint to such things as a sweater, gumboots, fence posts, favourite teddy bears and the colour of the MIL's bedjacket. I usually buy a sample pot first before the big can and go home and paint the wall or ceiling to ensure it is the colour I want before I buy large and expensive cans of it. Sample pot = $10. Large can $50+. Anyway it sounds like you are moving along with putting your stamp on the house. I hear you with the patches and lumps and bumps on the walls. I have a heap of them to straighten out. Why don't you get someone to paint a mural on the utilities box and then you have no need of plants around the box. They are an eyesore when they are grey and dull, but around here they paint them with pictures of rainforests and waterfalls and parrots etc. Same with the walls along the motorways and the power poles.

Mel - I hope you now have your a*se out of the kitchen. Too much cooking is not a good thing. Is the ragout a sort of stew thing with veges and stuff?

Ceejay - Orange juice huh? Well I have drinking a little of a thing called smart juice which has raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, apple and grape juice plus wheatgrass and ginseng. Supposed to be good for you - but I have my doubts as DS actually liked it last night. He never likes much that is good for you! Orange juice is also loaded with fructose (sugar) and one thing I have to keep down is the sugar level. My sugar levels are borderline @ 6.1 but they have been stable there for some time because I have cut a lot of sugar and sugar stuff from my diet. My doctor tells me the insulin tanks are running dry so watch it. Since I have no intention of getting rid of the 'miracle' status (diabetes or lack there of) I will continue to monitor the sugar very carefully. Maybe I might try an orange instead and see if that makes any difference. That way I get the juice and some fibre and even better I love oranges. Thanks for the tip.

Time to move along. The gang is arriving for the day.

3 days to go!

Look what Ralphie Posted:
Do your outer choices reflect your inner values?

Apparently the inner values that are being reflected is that I am HUNGRY. Always. All ways.

After I watch some football with DH, I am going to write in the journals about this. It has shaken me up. It also managed to help me get to bed without eating -- even though I stayed up til 4 am doing digital paintings. Hmm.
Hungry. My. Whole. Life.

I'd hoped I didn't have to examine any more sadness or feelings of 'want.' Don't get me wrong, I've had a firmly "middle class" life with all the accessories... but hungry nevertheless.

Hugs to all of you my chickie friends.
Fall arrived here last night... windows still open but definitely needed jammies AND blankets! :lol:

:carrot: :cb: Aha - a dancing carrot in addition to a dancing bananna. A few pumpkin smilies too Mel.

Well my Sox pulled another game off. 2 down, 2 to go. It was a throat in the mouth game - we pulled ahead, they caught up, we scored, they scored, we got a grand slam (home run with bases loaded) to pull ahead. Then we threw it away and gave them 2 runs to catch up. Finally in the last inning we scored a home run to win the game. Good game. I felt sorry for the spectators sitting in the cold steady rain all night. Brrrr.

It's cold here too. I finally turned the heat on in the house. We had a nice fire in the fireplace last night during the game too.

I would like to get a bit ahead of myself this morning so I'm going to cut it short here and pick up later.

Have a good one everybody. IT'S ALMOST HERE SHAD. :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

Take care too Tig - I hope the hurricane scoots past you. Looks pretty intense down there in Florida.

Happy--I had to turn the heater on last night also. That's really why I want an electric blanket. The heat makes me miserable at night. I love to breathe the cold air. It was 38 degrees this morning on the way to work. brrrr, I'm loving it.
BTW, I'm taking the Synthroid again. I thought I was taking it. To much on my mind lately.

Shad-- Have you got every thing packed or at least a list of things to pack?

Holly--where are you?

PainterWoman--Thanks for the information. Will be talking to you soon.

Hello to Mel, Roseblush, Tig, Linus, Meadow, and the rest.

I'm trying my best to get into the exercise routine. Got up again this morning and got in 45 minutes of aerobics. Did 15 minutes of upper body toning yesterday at work and will do the same today. Fitday was nice to me yesterday. I was a little under the calorie limit but over the carb limit. I really need to watch that today. I didn't realize how many carbs fruit has in it and I love fruit. Just need to get the right kinds.

I've been at work for an hour and already had to call Tim, my boss. One of the hoses blew in the chemical room. I was just planning on refilling one tank today but now I have to do two. They had cleaned out this line just before it happened so I'm thinking they may have bumped the hose. Oh, the joys of being a water plant operator!

It's time to make a routine check on things.

HI, i have been reading here all weekend, smiling , encouraging, enjoying....I guess I didn't post.
We have had our fire going for 2 full days and probably for the next few months now.
Shad~ you must be getting VERY excited about leaving on your trip!!!!!

Hello to everyone!!!!

I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!! I did it!!
I had a completely ON Plan SB day. I had an OP day for the fist time since...well.... last spring!!!!!!!!!!!
Daily Journal
1.My renewal statement for the day. I CAN do it!!!!
2. Weekly weight.~ hovering on the low side of 230, possibly 229....I need to buy a better scale
3. Exercise-type, how long, what level.~ Serious heavy yard work. It was FAB!!! 2.5 hours. I wish I could do it every day. my heart is out there.
4. % fat, carbs, protein.
5. # meals and snacks.~2 meals 3 snacks
6.# fruits, # of veg.~ 5 cups veg!!!!
7. How many glasses of water.~ lots
8. Time of last food intake, time I went to bed.~9pm, bed at 11pm
9. Why and when I ate due to stress or emotions.~ did not!!!!!
10.General feelings about food, exercise, life.~ groovy!!!
11. Any really good events or feelings today.~ YUP! Kids have a lingering cold. I went to church alone. It was peaceful. Had some good convo without someone hanging off my clothes. Gardened for 2.5 hours. Picked a satelite receiver for our old TV for upstairs.Finally found some LF ricotta. I idd buy splenda( EW!!!!) . I would rather use no sugar at all.Tidied up, delivered some Avon. Watched to tube, went to bed ,slept for 7.5 hours!!
12. Overall, how did the day go.~ very nice. Peaceful. Harmonious.
13. How can I improve for tomorrow. I cant !! I will stay on the wave.

Good for you Holly for sticking to plan! It's quite a feeling of accomplishment, isn't it? Keep it up :carrot:

Ceejay - I had to laugh at your remark about the cold. Last night I had the windows wide open and I was snuggled under a light down comforter. I was toasty warm under the covers yet the pillows (and my nose) were freezing cold. Just the way I like it :cloud9: The only problem is getting out of that nice warm bed in the morning. The house was 54 degrees when I got up. I finally broke down and turned the furnace on. :lol: Yes, it is kind of sad to think there's carbs in fruit until you realize that sugar is carbs whether natural or refined. Just have to stick with the fruit that's lower in natural sugars. I know watermelon and cherries were high sugar. Plums and banannas were on the low end, apples in the middle. I can look back in my files if you wanted some specifics. Oops got to run to the doc, be back to add to this later...

oooh - that laughing pumpkin is kinda creepy :lol: :lol: :lol: it's like "the better to EAT you my little pretty..." :yikes:

Do my choices reflect my inner values???
 

Undoubtedly, not always! Do I choose not to rape, murder, steal or otherwise violate - yes in that respect I choose to reflect my inner values. Do I always, always speak with clear tongue - no, because sometimes my thoughts would literally burn others - not often but sometimes. Do I choose to do what I had instilled in me as a kid always - no, I try to do good where I can, but I am not the patron saint of hopeless causes as my folks expected me to be. Do I make the absolutely and honestly correct food choices - absolutely not! Almost never. There is no doubt that I don't eat a lot of rubbish, however I do love the good things of life and it is not always in moderation that I chomp my way through them. :lol: pumpkin being one of them. :carrot: (dancing or not) are another. Do I give to charities - yes, but I get very grumpy that nearly 50c of every dollar I give goes to administration. Considering that the majority of people in the charity are volunteers, I think that is a bit steep. I would be a great supporter of a central charity committee that pools the many millions of dollars garnered throughout the public and private sector for charities.
All in all - do my choices reflect my inner values? I guess since I can live with myself and my conscience and I sleep well at night - then I'm doing okay with the conflict resolution.
Nice thought Painter.

Woohoo Happy, the Sox are doing it, GO SOX, GO SOX. Heating now being turned on up there hoo boy!!!!

Ceejay, way to go on the exercise routine - well done. It will be a habit before too long and you will be up with the larks and at it. You may never get to like it much (like me) but it will be a habit and get done.
No I haven't even started to pack yet. This morning I did sort out some underwear and nightwear and that is in a pile beside the case. Tonight I will add the jeans, skirt, tops and shoes and then I will start to think about the toiletries. It's not a hard choice. I put out all the things I want to take, then go through the pile and reduce it to 5 sets of undies, a nightshirt, 3 pairs of socks and 3 pairs of tights or knee his, one good pair of shoes, one pair of walking shoes and one pair of sneakers. One skirt, one good pair of trousers, one pair of jeans (one of which I will wear on the plane) follow along with 5 tee shirt tops and one good outfit in case we go out for the evening. Perhaps a jumper or a jacket for seasons like this. I take nothing that needs ironing. I have a fairly large flat toiletry case which fits inside my normal case. It holds contact lens stuff, medication, foot soother, shampoo (decanted into a small plastic bottle as is my liquid cleanser/ soap) toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste). I also add 2 sets of workout clothes - for my early morning walk/ runs. Glasses in case completes the suitcase. Pack everything as flat as possible. Shoes all in one end in plastic bags, toiletries in other end and I am away - 12kg of luggage including the case. Camera, batteries, any jewellery I take (which isn't much) is in the camera bag. Cards, money, passport and tickets are in a waist belt, pulled tight and tucked under the clothing. I'm ready to go. Now that wasn't hard was it?


Holly - way to go with op. Long may it last. Yep, I guess my heart is in the garden as well. I much prefer to be out there than inside.

Mel - are you stuck in the kitchen with the chili - or are you on the loo?

Hello to Meadow, Tig (hope Wilma is leaving you alone) LindaT, Teel, Linus, EVERYBODY.

Email from Chris last night who said it is getting a bit cooler up there. Some of the leaves are starting to turn, they are setting up a light show up the hill a bit where they light up some autumnal Maples which in turn reflect their glorious leaves in the ponds that surround them. Sounds like my sort of photo.

Need to go to the ladies, so I'll leave you at this point.

2 days to go.

:welcome: TO THE NEW SMILEYS!!:carrot: :lol: :)
ALTHOUGH WHAT A CARROT HAS TO DO WITH HALLOWEEN IS A MYSTERY TO ME!! :carrot:

:lol: HAPPY! THE RAGOUT WAS MADE WITH CHICKEN BREASTS. RED ONION, RED PEPPERS, GRAPE TOMATOES AND RED POTATOES. THE SPICES WERE FRESH ROSEMARY AND A 1/2 C OF WATER AND SOME FRESH PARSLEY ADDED AT THE END. TOOK ABOUT 1 HR TO MAKE AND IT WAS WORTH IT. WE USED EXTRA VEGGIES WITH IT. IT'S FROM MARTHA STEWART'S EVERYDAY FOOD MAGAZINE. :cp: GO SOX!!!! :cheer: BTW..I SAID LIGHT "SHOW" NOT SNOW! :rofl: :lol3: YOU CRACKED ME UP!!

:lol: PW~ NOT SURE WHAT MY CHOICES OR INNER VALUES ARE RIGHT NOW! LOL NOW YOU ARE WEARING JAMMIES....AS OPPOSED TO NO JAMMIES before?!?!?! :dancer: :rofl: :rofl: :carrot: :cb:

:lol: CEEJAY~ :ebike: NICE AM EXERCISING AND MORE AT WORK? GREAT JOB. WE ARE SUFFERING THE JOYS OF TOO MUCH WATER UP HERE! :rofl: SEE...IT TAKES A WOMAN TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT!!! GOOD THING YOU SAW THE HOSE!!! :yikes: :rain:

:lol: SHAD~ SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE VEGGIES OUT IN THE GARDEN FOR THE ANTS. MAYBE IF THEY HAD A "GROCERY STORE" OUTSIDE IN THE GARDEN, THEY'D STAY THERE! BETTER PUT SUNDAY ON BUG PATROL WHILE YOU'RE GONE!! THE ANTS COULD PICK UP THE HOUSE AND CART IT AWAY WHILE THE DS IS SLEEPING OR WATCHING FOOTY!!!:rofl:

:lol: HOLLY~A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THE OP SB DAY!! GOOD FOR YOU AND IT'S A GREAT START IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!

:wave:TO THE REST OF THE GIRLS! :lol:
WEATHER IS RAUNCHY SO THE HEAD WAS TOO. I WATCHED DVD'S TODAY :beach: AND DID LITTLE THINGS THAT NEEDED TAKING CARE OF. JEN WAS DOWN FOR THE COUNT TODAY ALSO. TOMORROW MAY NOT BE ANY BETTER BUT WE ARE PREPARED WITH MEDS TO TAKE TONIGHT. IT'S ALL ABOUT "PRESSURE". BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. :(
:cofdate: WE HAD A TALK TODAY ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD STOP COMPARING OURSELVES TO "NORMAL" PEOPLE AND CUT OURSELVES SOME SLACK. :bubbles: JUST GOING TO GO WITH THE FLOW SO TO SPEAK AND BE A LITTLE LESS HARD ON OURSELVES TO BOOT. FEELS BETTER ALREADY! :carrot:
WELL......I HEAR ALFRED HITCHCOCK ON THE TV AND WANT TO GO AND SEE WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT......GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE:flow2:

To PW's Question..... Do your outer choices reflect your inner values?
Been thinking on this since this morning.
I would say a resounding yes except for the food/weight issues. I come back to the what's eating me concept and I have worked at that for a couple of years and there was a lot eating. Now there isn't.NSV, I suppose. So maybe it is time for my outer body to start to reflect the inner me!

An enjoyable evening read thru the posts. Nighty night.

It appears we have 3 cats now. 1) the neighbor's cat who comes round to cuddle and nab some of those good cat treats, 2) a ferral cat whom we've been feeding for a couple of months now and 3) the newest gray and white sorta looks like Holly's cat but with a bit shorter hair tho same colors and marking who has shown up in our back yard recently. She's been extremely skittish from the get go, came here for food but if you looked at her cross-eyed through the door she bolted. However, this the past week she's kept her distance but meowed back when DH tried "talking" to her. He said he'd get her to come to him but I had my doubts. Tonight he was out there and sure enough, she was cuddling with him - cautious no less but definitely loving a good scratching. It didn't take her long to warm up to me too. It's pretty cold out - in the low 40's and I'm sure she's tired of sleeping in the cold dirt under the azalea bushes. We have some fleece throws and we made her a sleeping box. It took her a while to get on the blanket but once she did, she started kneeding it and purring like crazy. She settled down against my leg, had a good wash and curled up to sleep. However I had no intention of spending the night on the porch acting as her heating pad so once I knew she was settled in, I got up and came into the house. Went out a few times to check on her and she was quite content. It's kind of sad, she seems to be declawed on all 4 paws - kind of cruel to let a cat out that has absolutely no defenses. We're not sure where she came from, we've seen no lost flyers posted and if she lived nearby like the neighbor's cat, we're sure even if she came for the treats, she'd find her way home again, especially now that it's getting cold. But she's been here consistently for the last 3 weeks. DH understands the rules tho, she can live on the porch but no way does she make it into the house or he knows the ramifications as we have a deal :smoking: :devil:

Mel, I could have sworn you said SNOW. Man, I'm not only going deaf but blind too - ha ha. PW I hope you are not sitting up late thinking about how hungry you are. I find it particularly difficult when the cooler weather comes in. I call it the winter hybernating bear syndrome. Eat, eat, eat. One of the cures for this is to make lousy meals. You hardly ever want to overeat crappy food.

Yesterday I was kind of busy and I skipped lunch. Had a decent dinner of fish, green beans almondine and cucumbers with dill. I had gone grocery shopping so there were some temptations in the house. All night long I kept thinking "I want... I want... I want". Kept telling myself no. Over and over. Finally said to myself I could have half a banana if I just HAD to have something. I was just looking to be bad, not that I desired anything in particular. I made it all the way to the end of the night and the cravings just hit bad. It was almost 11pm and I was finishing up the kitchen and about to head to bed. Being the idiot that I am, I had decided to have just a few (4) ice cream nuggets. I had the freezer open and was just about to grab the carton when into the kitchen walks DH. What are you doing up???? He went to bed early to watch some TV and was asleep by 9 when I went upstairs to ask him something. His shoulder was bothering him and he put the heating pad on. Since it was rather chilly, he piled on the warmest comforter and then woke up blazing hot and little did he know but he came down to rescue me from myself. I didn't have the ice cream. Sometimes I ask for divine intervention to help me along this bumpy path. I have to believe that last night was one of those little "assists". When you've been eating sugar on a regular basis, those first few days of doing without are hard.

So do my outer choices reflect my inner values? :chin: I suppose I can point to the fact that I HATE to give anything up - even if I desperately need to give it up. I buy more clothes than I need and have a hard time getting rid of that which I have no reason to hang on to anymore. If left to my own devices, I will pick that which tastes great over that which is great for me - tho I'm getting much better at that. And even tho I am allergic to cats, on a cold night I will pick one up and cuddle it to bring a little warmth and tenderness into it's life even if it means I'll spend the night a sneezin' and a wheezin'. So there's alot of incidents that I can say yes, but I also agree with much that Shad says where I hold back for the good of society. :^:

And with that, it's time to open the window, let the cool air in and crawl under those cozy covers. G'night.

NOT on program. My external choices show that I am HUNGRY. All the @#$%'d time, apparently..... but for what? Well, actually, I know for what... but since the time has passed when i can get that... I guess I must embrace the pain of doing without....

Congrats Holly on your OP day.

Mel: All those smilies make me dizzy! Can you see giving CARROTS to trick or treaters! Yowza.

Bon Voyage (almost) Shad....

sorry this is short... DH came home early and I'm ALL off "schedule"!!

Tuesday and it feels like Thursday. Meaning I am ready for a weekend.Yikes. I was low key all day yesterday. Had trouble gettin motivated.I did get some cleaning and sorting done.
I just have 2 toddlers today til noon. DH just left for work but it has been raining. I hope it holds off so I can have 2 hours to myself this aft.
I ate at weird times yesterday and then felt odd by bedtime. I was OP tho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daily Journal
1.My renewal statement for the day. I CAN do this!!!!!!!
2. Weekly weight.230
3. Exercise-type, how long, what level. yikes
4. % fat, carbs, protein.
5. # meals and snacks.1 meal and 4 snacks sorta
6.# fruits, # of veg. 4 cups of veg
7. How many glasses of water. 10
8. Time of last food intake, time I went to bed. 8pm, bed at 11:30
9. Why and when I ate due to stress or emotions.- hmmmm.....I ate because I was feeling wonky but i missed supper cause of hockey practise, ate before and after......dont think it was stress
10.General feelings about food, exercise, life.- I am feeling like I can handle eating what is best for my body type and health.- I need to get out and walk,-life is good.
11. Any really good events or feelings today.- The kids were MUCH better today as far as behaviour and cattiness etc. I did so much conflict resolution last week it was exhausting. Hoping it sticks,lol. I used 2 recipes from the SB book.Storytime at the library was nice.I didn’t get pissy about getting DS dressed in his hockey gear for his practise.Had a good chat with some Mom’s. I was feeling wonky so I went to bed instead of doing Avon ordering. I have all day today to work away at that.Feeling thankful for my marriage. DH and I seem to be in a great groove.
12. Overall, how did the day go.- okey dokey
13. How can I improve for tomorrow.- time my food intake better.

:carrot: This morning was more like dusk than dawn. The great wind is whipping the tree branches and the leaves right off them. The greener leaves look like they are fighting for their lives. The day has such a feeling of the typical cold and wet New England October that I plugged in my micro fiber pumpkin lest Icabod Crane lose his way and need a beacon of hope! :) No more rotting pumpkins with candles on my window sill. Mel is now modernized!
I really have nothing of importance to write this morning. Just wanted to say hello.
Happy~ the feelings in your post about the cats and inner stuff could well have been mine. I find it hard not to pet anything I run across on my journeys. I also try to wash my hands immediately! :yikes: But you my friend are braver! I never let them touch my clothes if I can help it.....except pants bottoms!
With the treats and cozy bed, at least they know someone cares. :love:

PW~I am starving lately or so I would think. Not sure why except the weather got colder and I feel like food 24/7. Hope the treatments are going well and not too much discomfort. Sending ((((HUGS))))) your way in case you could use a few. If we gave healthy foods to the Treaters we would get Tricked for sure....toilet papered at the very least! :carrot:

Holly~ hello and glad there has been so much progress for NSV!!! WTG! I have not worked as hard in that area this year. Been too sidetracked! :rofl:

Shad~ thinking of your trip and soon departure. Have a lovely time. We will miss you but be jealous all the same. Japan! What an exciting thought! A country steeped in tradition. Wonder how they are hanging on to it in the modern world. You will have to let us know the answer. Safe and happy journey little Sister.
Porangi will sit here patiently awaiting PHOTOS!!!! :rofl: :lol3:

:wave: NAE, TEEL, LINUS AND OUR MISS TIG!!! :moped:

morning all
 

Is today the travel day for our Shad? Have a great voyage and safe passage, I wonder how long a flight that is for you? I do hope you enjoy yourself and your friend is feeling better to enjoy showing you all around.
The weather here has been so beautiful it is a great Indian Summer and the morning are not even chilly as least not for me yet. So getting up early and letting out the puppy is still enjoyable. Mel I can hardly believe when I saw the storm might push some nasty weather your way in the coming days.
You gals have been so philosophical lately..... but self analyzis is always good if you don't take to beating yourself up about too many things at the same time. I just got back some pics of myself some were good others frightful and that is a good reflection to post on the freezer door for a reality check....yuck!
It was so fun to get my pics back in the mail.... they covered the entire summer and the wedding and pics of the new puppy and Teeka I have some very good shots. My friend is so gorgeous in her wedding poses I am excited to send her copies.
My next trip up North is Nov 3 for a crown prep... yuck and on friday will be lefse making day with my mom.... so fun and so tradional. and this year she going host her own ludafist dinner.... any other norweigns out there know what I am saying??????
I am excited and looking forward to it so much.
How is our little CJ and his mum doing these days? Looking forward to more pics soon!!!
Hope all is well with everyone today and give a smile a word of praise..... kindness is the best medicine.
Blessings,
Roseblush

Rosie you snuck in there while I was busy typing!! lol I wish you could post some pics so we could see a peek into your life! Good idea about hanging one on the fridge! Maybe I should do that too!!! lol But you have some great memories of happy times too.
English & Welsh here so don't know what a ludafist dinner is but it sounds great! i am trying NOT to look too closely inside incase I see something I don't like! :rofl: Yes....2 weatherfronts are converging and one is already here. we'll see what the other brings with it when it arrives. But the one here now should push Wilma even more off our coast....hopefully. It won't be anything like the poor other states have suffered though. Blessings to you also.:angel:

Ceejay~ there should be no shortage of water anywhere this year....in the states at least. How goes the hose? Holding tight now? If I were you and Shad, I would be packing and re-packing all the time till the trip dates! :rofl:

PainterWoman-does outer choices reflect your inner values. Food wise it does for me.

Holly-Congratulations on the on plan day. I'm still trying.

Happy-3 cats. My cousin has one of the prettiest cats I've seen in awhile. If and when I retire I may have a pet. It's blonde almost the color of a Siamese. He keeps trying to give her to me.

Mel-We all need to be ourselves even though some may judge us. Sometime's I feel like the "black sheep" of the family.

The exercise routine has been completed, 45 more minutes. This is something new for me. I got to bed before 10p.m. and got up this morning feeling more rested and raring to get started. My goal is to go to bed between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.

I' ve made up my mind that I'm giving Lisa another month and then I'll tell Tim the whole story. All she is doing is key punching. I left some mistakes and she found all but one and that's good. She flat out told me that I would be checking her work. I told her when I'm off I will not be checking it that would be her resposibility. I can't trust someone like that. She is just wanting to play. I hate to keep reminding her that everything has to balance. I showed James this morning that she is really penciling in some of her work. I had to readjust the fluoride yesterday. I looked this morning on her log sheet and the setting was the same as the day before. I'm bringing that to Tim's attention when he return's tomorrow. One more thing, this morning she told me that her iron count had changed. She's trying to make herself look good. Week end shift has the same iron readings that I do. Ugh. She always has lower counts than anyone. I think this would be an example of does outer choices reflect inner values. I know this shouldn't bother me but it does, and thank goodness it's been an hour since I've had my synthyroid cause I'm wanting to eat. big time.

I'm feeling a little devilish.:devil: I've just made up my mind I'm going to give Lisa some tests over what she is doing.

Have a good day. Got to get started on mine.

CeeJay... Glad to read that you have some resolve.
Y'all can read about how cr*ppy mine has been at: http://www.3fatchicks.com/journals/i...omments/34751/ PM's welcome... You'd think I forgot my meds. Well, maybe these realizations are in lieu of a kick in the pants. I'm off to listen to my client as apparently I have no advice that I can take.
Hugs to all. PW

Switchin to glide
 

Antonio was on Good Morning America for 5 minutes at the end of the program, of course I put the show on at 7am, so I waited two hours basically for those 5 minutes. He was gorgeous but that Charlie guy kept talking over him, even my husband noticed :p He is on Regis and Kelly tomorrow morning, better let him talk or I will be emailing :( I did my four miles WATP tape yesterday. I have had a craving for hot chocolate at night which I have been allowing, might switch to tea again. I think it was hormone induced ;)

My song for the day is "Switchin' To Glide" by The Kings


Nothing matters but the weekend
From a Tuesday point of view
Like a kettle in the kitchen
I feel the steam begin to brew
Switchin' to Glide
Energy can be directed
I'm turning it up I'm turning it down
Even love can be affected
Harmony's the sweetest sound
Switching to Glide..Balancing in my head..inside of me...
taking the glide path instead.
Everybody gets the no-no
Hear it ringing in they ears
Lots of ways that you can go GO!
Look around NO disappears

PW-Big hug for what you are missing, wish the hunger wasn't so powerful but I totally get the feeling. What am I doing in the fridge question, what I want isn't in there :) In response to your question do outer choices reflect the innner values? well now, if I were a logical, self controlled individual I would be trim and content. As I am a sensitive, worrying, confused person in reality I am fat and a borderline nutter. So yeah, if I could make better choices in terms of my personal care maybe I would be a more outgoing, connected person.

Holly-Totally on your wavelength with the Tuesday, want the weekend vibe. I hope you glide into Saturday with a big smile :D

Mel-now I want a hightech pumpkin :p Yes, I agree we don't need to delve too deeply into the depth of our feelings, sometimes it is just nice to feel okay and functional with analyzing why. I hope you are toasty warm and enjoying some good views. I have a DVD collection of "Thomas and Sarah" the continuation of the "Upstairs, downstairs" couple. If you want them I'll send them to you, I doubt I will watch them again, although it was great seeing the series which didn't get an airing in Canada.

Happy-aw, we had a cat come to live with us that way. Her name was Brownie and she was a terrific kitty. She was fixed and had just lost her home, she hung around all summer and we finally brought her in this time of year because we didn't want her to be scared of the fireworks and the coyotes were being more visible around. She just died last year, my kids still miss her. She was a tortoise shell tabby and so sweet for a wild cat ;) Are you sure hubby can't just have her in one room? :pout:

Ceejay-:yikes:Lisa sounds like she is going to be out on her *** :lol3: did you mention to her that she "should" be writing things down that need checking regularly? That systems are in place and she needs to establish a routine? Has she ever had a job before? By the sounds of it she is very cheeky and a bit irresponsible, is she related to the boss? Good luck, I hope she enjoys being tested as much as you enjoy the testing :lol:

Rose-yep, my mom's family was from Norway. The only tradition we have kept though is making Vina tarta (wine tart) a layer cake with prune filling at Christmas time. It takes hours to bake the cake layers but everyone in my family loves it. I have never made Lefsa, a type of bread right?

Shad-is going to Japan! suitcase surround her. checking tickets are in her coat pocket constantly. Writing a list of things for dear son because she is sure that he will forget everything she has told him the minute she closes the door :lol3: Sunday kitty will be aloof and make doo doo in all the wrong places while she is gone. Shad will be oblivious, in a silk komona, sipping lovely green tea and listening to the lilting tunes of traditional Japanese music before she cuts loose on the city and she and Chris laugh until their sides hurt:) :D have a wonderful time!!

:wave: Tig(hope you are safely out of the storm)
:wave:Teel(are you looking at this, how about an update on how things are going? you alright?
:wave:Linus(are you sleeping? are you enjoying the different energy flow of your home? are the rest of the family being useful?
:wave:Linda How are you fairing in the world? Been coating anyone with olive oil?
:wave: Madcat :D is it a blustery day in your neck of the woods? are you contemplating flying a kite?

Meadow~I partied with the Kings once.

Just a quickie wave and hug for all you lovely world travellers! I miss the journals but just can't make it there.

:listen: :dancer: and... come one, pm me some details :p

The last day of counting
 

Yeah come on Holly, tell us all about it. Inquiring (or is that dirty?) minds wish to know. You can't just make a statement like that and no expect a reaction.

Nice to see Ruth pop in. I do miss the Delta daily doings, but can't handle any more threads right now. I just don't have the time. I'm so sorry to hear that Harry is going downhill so fast. It seems that the decline is quicker once they reach the long stay homes. My thoughts are with you Ruth. But as you say it is nice just to be on your own and get your own sh*t together for a while.

Way to go on that exercise Meadow. Maybe we can arrange for AB to be on the show for 5 minutes 3 times a week, just so you can get the exercise in! Hot chocolate is not bad as long as you don't load it with full cream milk and cream. Be good and you can have one several times a week.

PW - I still think you are being a bit hard on yourself. However if you want my advice, then here goes. If you must eat sweet stuff, then use fruit. (It may help if you get the fruit out of a packet (dried) as well) It is high in sugar and in carbs as Happy pointed out the other day. Start with the really sweet stuff and work your way down to the 'almost vege' stuff. Eat whole grain breads or Swiss grains stuff. Add dried apricots, raisins, sultanas and currants to the muesli stuff. That way you are at least switching off refined sugar stuff. Many times, cravings are something the body thinks it needs. So you have to weigh up the needs and wants. Ensure you drink water (so - put diet lime juice or lemon in with it). There are ways around this and I'm sure you can find them yourself, but just in case the need is there - pretend the can is a butt. :kickcan: :kickcan: :kickcan: :kickcan: :kickcan: :kickcan: :kickcan: There at least my legs have had a workout.

Oh that was good - Sumbit instead of Preview - well done Shad.

Ceejay - that exercise is getting really good. Keep it up. I'm not sure that I am the 'black sheep' of the family - more like the pushy big sister. Don't let the cousin talk you into any pet you don't want. If your lifestyle is not such that you can sustain the animal, then both of you suffer.

Rose - tomorrow is the day for the wide blue yonder - Thursday at 9.00am my time. I shall be in Japan at around 7.00 that night. I have a stopover in Cairns for an hour or so. Boring but must be done. I change from domestic to international at that point. Wonder what the Cairns Customs will be like. Usually they are so laid back, they are almost laid out. Find out tomorrow.

Running out of time here. The powers that be have decided to bring down some people from the sticks for training. NEXT MONDAY. M is going to do it, but she has little idea of what she has to train, how much she has to do and how she is going to do it apart from the stuff she knows well which is but a small bit of the stuff that has to be done.

So having said that. I'll be off to write out a check list, show her how to do a couple more things and then sort out my own cr*p before I finish today.

Shad, oooh I thought I missed you, then realized it's past 9am your time but on WEDNESDAY rather than Thursday. I would say sayonara but that it not what I want to convey. Have a safe trip, a pleasant journey, discover new places and things and people but most of all savor every moment with Chris. Hug often, transfer a bit of your healing powers to her. And give her a hug from us for good measure. We will miss you and anxiously await your adventures and pictures. I will try to be good while you are away. :devil:

Excuse me for being rude, my Sox are on. Game 3 of the playoffs. Only the first inning and they are ahead. GO SOX :cheer: Later chicklettes...

I was at the Monster Mash Bash, there were many bands,somehow I partied with these guys...um...it's a bit of a blur but fun, much dancing involved....good time had by all.

Best wishes to Chris, Shad. Be safe and enjoy!!!!!

OP today but not pure SB-phase 1. I had a 1/2 cup of ww pasta with dinner.I still rocked!!!

nighty night.

:wave: Have a wonderful trip, Shad! :wave:

Sox won in a nailbiting, record breaking (for duration), heart pounding game that I didn't even see the end of. I dragged myself to bed at 1am, about 30 minutes before they hit a home run to end the game. 3 game sweep - going to be hard for the other team to catch up. Go SOX!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

After watching a baseball game for 5 hours that meant I didn't get much else done last night. DH and I attended a healthy back class at the chiropractor. Learned what I hope will be some good techniques for stretches. He also gave us a chart with trigger / pressure points and showed us accupressure. I am skeptical but open minded. Would rather avoid drugs of any sort if at all possible.

We were running short of time before the doc so we decided to go out to eat beforehand (good thing or I would have been too tempted by the pizza they served afterwards :devil: ) I had the most divine artichoke lemon chicken. I had a tossed salad which pretty much filled me up so I only ate half my dinner which will be tomorrow's lunch. I can't say ummm enough.

PW one of the diet desserts that I adore is berries - strawberries, blueberries and even peaches, bananas - sliced with a few spoons of vanilla yogurt. If you can do the fat free, sugar free yogurt all the better but I settle for the fat free stuff. The tartness of the berries brings out the sweetness of the yogurt - a nice combo and good for you stuff too. My doctor said to avoid fruit juices or if you must - cut them with sparkling or plain water. A glass of orange juice takes something like 8 oranges to make. You'd never eat 8 oranges in one sitting. She said to eat an orange instead. Less sugar overall, more fiber and vitamins. Better for you. I rarely drink juice anymore - if so it's a 6 oz glass at best.

For me sugar is bad - a definite trigger food. Sugar begets more sugar. That's why I can't seem to stick with South Beach or Adkins. I can't tolerate sugar substitutes and I could never seem to stay on plan. And to me you're either on plan or you're not. I will try it for 30 days and if I can't stick with the basics, then I tell myself that plan is not for me. Best one so far is Mel's Michael Thurmond, eat right for your body, eat clean no processed foods, lean protein, no salt, low sugar. I had made a nice food chart for reference that I had on the inside cabinet, need to find that again and give it a go. The hardest part is that diet supports 5 or 6 mini meals which I can't seem to stick to when I'm away working during the day.

Gotta get going now. Again have a wonderful time Shad. We will miss you and eagerly await your return. See and do fun things on our behalf :rofl:

Good morning.
I had to scrape frost off the windshield this morning. brrr. No wonder I was wanting heat last night. I got to work with 5 minutes to spare. I'm usually here by 15 til 7 a.m. Will need to start allowing some time for this.

Shad have a safe trip. Enjoy.

Not much time to talk this morning.

Made another nsv last night. I honestly got to bed by 9:30 p.m. That's how it will be from now on unless it's a week end. I feel a lot better because I'm getting more sleep.

Got up this morning and weighed in at 182 so that means I've lost 2 of those 3 pounds I gained. Also did the 45 minutes of aerobics. Tomorrow since it's a day off I'm going to make it 60 minutes. I drank some orange juice last night and this morning my fasting blood sugar was 105. I'm trying to keep it in the 80mg range.
Doc wants it in the mid 70 range.

Yesterday I had another good work out here at work by helping to unload the chemical truck. I volunteered to stack the lime but my department manager said no to let the guys do it. I didn't fuss. The day before I had rotated the chemical drums and they weigh 600 pounds each and chlorine cylinders that when full weigh 300 pounds to make room for the new chemicals. I use a truck dolly for the 600 pounds and roll the chlorine cylinders.

Need to start my day.

CJ- you sound great today!!!!! great morning exercise!!!

About the sugar chat. I am not into sweets really, although I do like and eat them, for me it was bread, crackers, bagels, english muffins and FRUIT and lots of it. I have definitely been out of control with this. I am reading and following south beach right now. it is the first "diet" plan i have ever followed. it was super hard to get started. This is my 3rd OP day in a row. EVER, with anything.I do feel different and less obsessed with the next munchy. I aim for 5 cups of veggie, lean protien, no breads for now and next week I will add in 1 fruit a day.
On the south beach thread here, they have a list in the stickies with the amount of sugars in fruits etc. It was a real eye opener for me. I got bummed at first becasue for years I was doing what i thought was best and my choices are relatively healthy BUT it was all very high glycemic AND I was not losing weight. I will see how it goes.

What to do? What to do? I woke up confused as to what day it was, who went to school, and what was on the agenda. Icky. So, after a coffee it was all clear. It IS Wed, DS goes to school.
My list-
Make changes to School council minutes and email to R; prep notes for Official Board meeting at church at 7:30 tonight; fine tune photo directory bill etc for same meeting; stamp and date Avon books; put away my laundry; wash the kids laundry; tidy my bedroom; sweep kitchen floor; clean up sandbox toys and put away for winter( kids will help);plan my meals;call grandma; email H for plans for costume party at church of Fri; come up with a spectacular craft and baked treat!! for same party; breathe and smile a LOT!!

A great morning so far. Everyone is happy and cooperating and being kind!!!!!

Daily Journal
1.My renewal statement for the day. I CAN do this.
2. Weekly weight. 230
3. Exercise-type, how long, what level. oops
4. % fat, carbs, protein.
5. # meals and snacks. 3 meals 2 snacks
6.# fruits, # of veg. 3 cups veg
7. How many glasses of water.8
8. Time of last food intake, time I went to bed. LAST FOOD 6PM!!! ,BED 11:30PM!!!!!!!
9. Why and when I ate due to stress or emotions.~ I didn’t
10.General feelings about food, exercise, life.~ I ate a 1/2 c of ww pasta with supper, not SB phase one but still a great choice and portion control!!!!! Life is glowingly delightful.
11. Any really good events or feelings today.~ sure. I felt monumentally calm all day. I did some church and school council business. I had good interaction with the kids.I ate very well. I had mushy convo with DH.I put in a $800 Avon order!, I watched Gilmore Girls. I slept well.
12. Overall, how did the day go.~pretty darn wonderful.
13. How can I improve for tomorrow. um, keep on this wave.

Holly, how can you consider yourself on plan when you're on South Beach and you're eating pasta? Did they change the food choices since I last looked? I remember that because I too was surprised that it was far more difficult to give up the breads and pasta and rice rather than the candy, sodas and baked goods you normally think of when you think sugar. Seems like South Beach is one of those plans that have to stick true to or you don't get results. However, it is your choice what you eat.

Ceejay, I cringe when I read that you are rolling around 600 pound drums. Even with a dolly. My husband used to be immensely strong - I remember him lugging around 400 pound acetyline (sp???) tanks up and down the stairs at work when he was still doing electrical work in factories. 3 back surgeries later the disks keep popping even tho he quit that a long, long time ago. Not sure if it's a degenerative condition due to aging but I have to believe all that heavy lifting didn't do him any good either. And I think of my 2 friends who are nurses who now suffer the effects of lugging patients around for 30 years. Please be careful!

I'm going to try and get in some mini trampoline time tonight. My back and legs are still bothering me and I'm so very tired of it by now. Got to work through the pain and get things stretched and lubricated and moving along. When I read Shad's post the other day that she was sore from the gym but worked it out by a few hours of hard labour in the garden, I realized that it's time to stop being a weenie and get off the complaint wagon. I was supposed to meet a friend for lunch today and he had to reschedule which left me with not the greatest options for eating lunch. I had a small mini cheese pizza - still hungry but I tried to minimize the damage. I have some fruit I brought as a snack and a yogurt for later. I've got to stock up on a few emergency rations - they've got some good low fat soups out now, maybe I can find something that isn't too bad on the sodium too. I went to put my extra waters in the community refrigerator here. There was a quart of milk that had an expiration date of September 4 :yikes: it was darn near cheese. Ewwwwwwwww. The people at both of my offices are pigs. They leave all sorts of junk to fester in the refrigerator until someone gets mad and tosses it out. We have a few ignorant people who take all but the last 2 spoons of coffee and then leave the pot on the burner to boil out, stink and ruin the pot and maybe start a fire some day. And heaven forbid that someone wipe the inside of the microwave when they splatter it or wipe up a liquid coffee spill or coffee grinds. Last week I spent 15 minutes cleaning out the microwave oven because it was so filthy I was not going to put my lunch in there. I'd rather bring my lunch to work because it is one of the few times I am very strict about packing a good for you, healthy meal. But it's gross having to eat around here. ok, personal rant over. I'll go take this tension out on my work.

Glad you didn't get blown away Tig. Has the nor'easter hit you Mel? batton down the hatches matey. And how are your choices today Miss Painter? Hellos to the rest of the chicks.