Hello, all! Sunday here and the day started out disappointingly. I was getting sick yesterday, sore throat, and stuffed-head feeling, but had hoped to get out and see my horse today. Woke up this morning and my throat was worse. I would have gone but with the Hong Kong departure coming up fast I thought I'd better not. I have this story to write hanging over me. I thought the deadline wouldn't be till after I got back from HK but it's before. Oh well. I'm determined not to let the day fly by and be unproductive. If I can't see my horse (makes me so sad ) then I should at least make the most of the day.
I want to report a scale victory!! I was so happy. The scale finally budged and I am the lowest I've been in over a year! It has really lifted my spirits and I was so gung-ho and wanting to really get riding and get to the gym and run and knock off even more fat...but...this cold has knocked me down instead. Still, I can still do something...
By the way, here is a link to a bodybuilding site that has a good article on getting through the holidays. It's quite hardcore and really nothing none of us don't know but I thought the reminder could be good. Give it a look.
angie -- That is great about your weight loss! How do you ever do it!?!? I am stunned. Six pounds in a week?!?! That is unreal! What ever was the tipping point that got you back on track? Please package it up and send it my way! Toute suite! And thank you for the warm thoughts!
jbbm -- How are things with you? Did you make time for exercise? Ooh, hot cider! Yum. I hope you get the money for WW. It really is a sensible plan. The structure and support of the group is great.
mele -- Hi there! Thanks for helping to hold up the fort so well here when we less-prolific types are AWOL. I should be back in Tokyo on your birthday, actually up in Niigata and then back that day. I get back on the 12th and am then supposed to go up to some resort the next story on a PR story. Really didn't want such a hectic schedule, but it's the only time apparently they could see me. Don't know what I'll write about. There is likely to be no snow yet and, besides, I'm not going to be there for the fun of it, just getting the dope and writing up a little PR piece. I hope I am here to wish you a happy one. Please remind us. You're a fire sign. So am I... a Leo. I like Sag women. They are independent types, no? Sorry, don't know any of those celebrities that were arrested. Don't even know what Lost is?! Oh well, pop culture is the first to go when you're overseas. Another btw, I tried that Frapper but it wouldn't let me sign up. Though it seems to have something for people out of the States, when I hit it, it said Tokyo was an unknown city! Oh well, guess we're just too tiny to be on the map! Glad you had such a good time at the concert! I was laughing reading your tale of the hefty beer drinker and you shutting your eyes. It never ceases to amaze me how some people can just be so OUT THERE! What are they thinking wearing some of the things they do looking the way they do? I suppose it's simply a different mindset. There used to be a BIG girl in the office and she would show so much flesh it was unreal. At first I was kind of appalled and then I got used to it and it was like, so what? Guess it's what you get used to, eh?
cal -- What's with the funk? I hope things look up for you soon. Bet you're looking forward to that school break, eh?
Hello to everyone else out there. Where is Kempyd these days? Dips, how are you doing? Anyone else I missed, hello!
Red, I added you to the Frapper map. When you tried to add your name, there was a little button underneath that said "not in the US?", you click on that and it changes to other countries. Still, if you look at the map, you won't see your marker unless you click and drag it to your part of the world--OR if you go to the right you can click on your name and it should bring the map into focus. Try clicking on the 'hybrid' map (on the top left). You can see a satellite view if it's available. Kinda cool really. You can even zoom into a view of your town. Don't worry, it doesn't show your actual location, or if it does, that was just a lucky shot. Sorry you're feeling under the weather, but CONGRATS on your scale victory!!! Hope you get better soon so you can ride your horse. Were you the one into dressage? I could be wrong.
How are the rest of you girls doing this weekend? Have a good one.
Red, thanks for the link to that website-EXCELLENT article. Very smart tips that will come in handy to get through the last 2 holidays of the year. Having a plan is key!
I can't chat long but I gotta give Angie props for passing her goal!! ANGIE, YOU GO ON WITH YA BAD SELF!!!!
I will post to everyone when I get back from work...already running late but I just feel anxiety about leaving MY NEW DOG NIKO!!!! WOOO HOOO He is the cutest little thing. I'll post some pics later. F&*@ When did the snow happen! I HATE THIS SNOW!! Okay I GOTTA GO TO WORK!!
Good Morning everyone!! I didnt have anything planned for this weekend because remember I told you that my inlaws were building a free house for my neice who dropped out of college to smoke dope and drink and then got proggo? Well, the little princess wants the house done yesterday and the carpenter is from Mass. and he had to leave so Jay is varnishing all the woodwork for some extra cash. Did I mention that it is a loft with all tongue in groove pine? Needless to say he has been getting there every morning after he delivers the donuts and working until it is time to cook and this weekend he has been there ALL day. I miss him when he is gone. Me and the kids decorated a gingerbread house yesterday and I put it in the middle of my table. They did good. I sampled the recipe for the wontons and I like them. They could use some kind of meat(maybe taco) or something but they are still good and I will make them for the party.
Dips, OH you got your Yorkie!!!!!! I am so excited for you. I cant wait to see pics of little Niko. How is he doing? Is he a cuddler? You must be so happy.
Noelle and Red thank you for the support. I feel better now because the weekend before Christmas will be the party and I am nervous about that because when my Mother and Claudia bring food to a party they bring alot oh yeah and they like the booze too. Plus I bought drinking games for my sister and Claudia so I think I may be in some calorie trouble but....I promise I will be back on the wagon the next day. I am doing this as a lifestyle right?
Red, I love the line....if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. It is SO true. I have watched myself do it and I knew I was doing it too.
Hey girls. We just got done putting up the outside Christmas lights. We got a tree last night and put it up this morning. Rick wanted to a red theme... red glass ball ornaments, red beaded garland, candy canes, etc. The only other thing on the tree are those picture ornaments I made last year of the family and a multi-colored light string. Those ornaments brought back some memories. I think I'll have to make new ones for next Christmas. My oldest sis may have a new Chinese adopted daughter early next year...so that's another addition to the family. I almost forgot, I need to make one for Lucky too.
I got my 3 mile walk in early this morning so I'm good. It is now raining so I think I'll go and take a nice afternoon nap. Chat later!
Oh yeah, Angie, did you say those taco wontons were baked? Do you have a recipe?
Popping in on Sunday night. The weekend went by so fast. Yesterday we went and cut a tree down. It is really a pretty one. We got balsam. It is 11 feet. Our ceilings are 12 and it is just about to the top with the star. It is huge. Today we went to the mall and did some shopping and took the kids to see Santa and sit on his lap. I was craving a Thanksgiving meal so I made that today, over all pretty healthy....had white meat and lots of cooked veggis along with it. No pie. But I made gingerbread cookies tonight and I just had a tiny one. They smell up the house so good when baking!
Angie, way to go on getting past your goal! I have to go check that dog out. Today we were at my mil's and she was watching my sil's lab and that dogs tail did not stop wagging she was so happy to see us. I saw a puggle, they are a beagle and pug mix. They are just adorable. I got the new light and tasty magazine too on Friday. I love the recipes.
Noelle your tree sounds very pretty. Our tree is a mix of different things. Not themed at all. LOL. How nice about your sis adopting. Great job on the walk. I hope the rain clears up!
Red congrats on that scale moving!
Dips can't wait to see pics of the puppy! Have fun with your new baby.
Hi everybody else, time to get the kids ready for bed. Have a great Monday tomorrow.
Good morning girls. I am going to try and buckle down at work today and get my paperwork in order. I may not be able to pop in later. I have a few appointments scheduled this week and next, and I don't want to fall too behind by being out of the office too much. It just feels like the holiday season and I get lazy around this time of year. I'd rather be shopping! I wrapped some gifts last night and put them under the tree. Rick hauled Michael's 5' tall nutcracker/wooden soldier upstairs and put him out to stand sentry over the presents
Julie, your tree must be beautiful! 11 footer? Wow! I love high ceilings. You gotta post pics when you can. Ours is only a 6-7' and we cut the top down so we could put the topper on. Thinking about your tree made me remember that Christmas Vacation movie (Chevy Chase?) where they had the HUGE tree in the house, I think they had to cut the ceiling or something--then there was a squirrel in it and the cat chase the squirrel, the dog chased the cat, etc....it was hilarious. Mmmm, I want to make gingerbread cookies soon too. I found a recipe for FF ones.
Dips, congrats on your baby Niko! So how did he do when you left him?
Angie, I wanted to say I know how you feel about having Jay out working all weekend--doing something for family that is somewhat less than deserving... still, our husbands are just too nice guys ya know? They can't help themselves. I dunno about Jay, but Rick has this thing where he wants to be Superman for everyone--save them from themselves...hmmm, maybe that's why he's stuck by me for so long? Anyway, maybe you can make up for lost time next weekend. Send the kids away to grandma's or something
Cherie, Kempy, Red, Holly, Cal...all you gals have a wonderful day too. Gotta run.
Hey girls. I have been busy today but I FINALLY made it here. I had to go pick up Alicia's Cirque Du Freak books from Mr. Paperback so she will be a very happy camper on Christmas Morning.
Noelle, Here is the recipe for the wontons.: Chili-Cheese Wonton Cups
24 wonton wrappers
1 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced fat ricotta cheese
1 can(4 oz.) chopped green chilies well drained
1 Tbs. minced chives
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
sliced ripe olives
Press wonton wrappers into miniature muffin cup pans and bake at 350 degrees until crisp. Combine cheeses,chilies,chives,salt and cumin and spoon into wontons. Top with olives and bake for 10 minutes or until melted and bubbly.
I also like the looks of this one:
Broccoli Cheddar Spread
4 cups broccoli
2 cups reduced fat sour cream
1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese(divided)
1 envelope vegetable soup mix
Reduced fat crackers or pita chips.
Heat broccoli in microwave and then drain. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup of the cheese, sour cream, and soup mix. Gently stir in the broccoli. Transfer to an ungreased 1 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Serve on crackers or pita chips.
hey everyone! I've been a little under the weather, but I'll be back to work tomorrow!!
Angie... WTG WTG WTG.. that is amazing! You rock!
Dips! Congrats on your little baby! I can't wait to see pictures!
Julie.. your tree sounds beautiful!
Hi red and Cal and Kempy and Noelle!
Well.. Santa came here a little early this year too. To make a long story short, Santa left the girls a note on Saturday to follow the directions to meet a helper at 11 AM that morning for a extremely important surprise... Needless to say... when the girls realized what the surprise was.. they were over joyed!
I've tried to post a picture below. She is a soft coated wheaten terrier. And they just KNOW it came from santa, cause they know MOM would never get another dog! I can't get the picture small enough for the forum, and where you can see the dog too... geeze. I'll have to upload a couple of pictures to shutterfly and let you see her.
Oh Cherie, That is so cool. I love it that you made it into a game for them to build the excitement. You are a great Mom!!! I cant see the pic though. What is her name? You guys are gonna love her so much. I am so happy for you all.
Sunday here and the day started out disappointingly. I was getting sick yesterday, sore throat, and stuffed-head feeling, but had hoped to get out and see my horse today. Woke up this morning and my throat was worse. I would have gone but with the Hong Kong departure coming up fast I thought I'd better not. I have this story to write hanging over me. I thought the deadline wouldn't be till after I got back from HK but it's before. Oh well. I'm determined not to let the day fly by and be unproductive. If I can't see my horse (makes me so sad 
) then I should at least make the most of the day. 
I was so happy. The scale finally budged and I am the lowest I've been in over a year! It has really lifted my spirits and I was so gung-ho and wanting to really get riding and get to the gym and run and knock off even more fat...but...this cold has knocked me down instead. Still, I can still do something...
That is great about your weight loss! How do you ever do it!?!? I am stunned. Six pounds in a week?!?! 
That is unreal! What ever was the tipping point that got you back on track? Please package it up and send it my way! Toute suite! And thank you for the warm thoughts! 
Oh well, pop culture is the first to go when you're overseas. Another btw, I tried that Frapper but it wouldn't let me sign up. Though it seems to have something for people out of the States, when I hit it, it said Tokyo was an unknown city! 
Oh well, guess we're just too tiny to be on the map! Glad you had such a good time at the concert! I was laughing reading your tale of the hefty beer drinker and you shutting your eyes. 
He is the cutest little thing. I'll post some pics later. F&*@ When did the snow happen! 
I HATE THIS SNOW!! Okay I GOTTA GO TO WORK!!
Plus I bought drinking games for my sister and Claudia so I think I may be in some calorie trouble but....I promise I will be back on the wagon the next day. I am doing this as a lifestyle right? 
So how did he do when you left him? 
