Afternoon Ladies!!

Cristi--Great pictures. I was going to post photos of our decorations but you know.....they're exactly the same as last year!! I think I need to change it a little next year or I'm going to get bored w/the same thing over and over! Love the photo of you and your son in b&w. That is a total scrapbook page!! My grandpa made my bread box so I would have no idea where to help you in finding one. Is there a woodshop place near you that you could possibly have someone custom make one??

Susan--You're back to walking! Fantastic! Very proud of you! I need to get back on the gazelle. And once we move to the other builidng, I will be working out in the gym. I kind of slacked this year during all the holidays. I showed no control over what I ate. Time to change that nasty habit.

Katy--As soon as I'm done w/this post I'll get the challenge thread up. Sorry it's taken so long. W/both James & Jhanai having computer games they want to play, I didn't have much time over the weekends. I told them that it's my time for a little bit so I can catch up on everything!

Kathy--Hello again stranger! Glad you got a new computer! Will we be seeing more of you? It didn't take long for Jhanai to potty train....but she was also 2 1/12 before I started working on it seriously!! One day of her going #2 in while during an outing at Walmart and me refusing to pick her up like she wanted me too......having to walk all the way to the car made her unhappy, and after that she used the potty!

Sue--I'm not sure what a mini stepper is....but it seems like anything would work if you use it. Maybe just one of those stepping platforms (not a stepping machine) and use that????

Angie--What movies to you watch the end of? Last night we watched The Dukes of Hazzard and The Island. (I love Ewan McGregor!) Both were good I thought. I was busy untangling some of Jhanai's yarn during Dukes so I wasn't really paying that much attention the entire movie. Jhanai's been working on making a scarf. I bought her a Knifty Knitter for Christmas and she loves it! (I'm hoping to get scarf for my Birthday!)

Jane--The boat casino (is that what it's called) sound like so much fun?? Do you live near a lake or big river?? I would love to go to something like that....I don't know why it intrigues me so much but it does.

Jules--I love sugar scrubs.....does she have a recipe she would like to share w/me????

Hello to anyone I may have missed. And I'm sure I have missed a few! Been lazing around this weekend which is a welcome change. We're in the mist of getting ready to move to the other building at work...we'll be there on the 16th. Cristi I believe asked which building. It's the same building that I worked in when Sony was open. In fact, I'm on the same floor and same department if I were to look at it w/o the walls they put in! So it's going to be strange going back to where I used to work for almost 4yrs. But it'll be nice.

Ok...I'm going to start a challenge thread. Have a great day!

I don't have anything to say at this point.........but it looks like this will be the group that I fit in best with...............check out my bio......I'm signing IN!! Nice to meet Ya'll!!

Hiya ladies,

Christine - a big welcome to you!! I read your bio, and have to say that the "He Had it Coming" number in "Chicago" is one of my faves. Some men just can't hold their arsenic, lol. YAY for you quitting smoking. I quit about 10 years ago, and only gained 11 pounds. Anyway, glad to have you. I think you'll like it here. Oh, could you do us a favor and put your name in your signature, at least until we get to know you better? Thanks a bunch.

Susan - your chicken stew sounds great. Yes, the oatmeal is better for you than the bagel, but you do have to eat what you like. I like a tablespoon of brown sugar on my oatmeal and it's well worth the points/calories. I think you've done really well, Susan, to keep off the weight you have for so long.

Jules - I'm a big fan of Light Done Right salad dressings, too! The Catalina is my fave. The fat free stuff is loaded with sugar, and the low sugar is all fat, so give me LDR everytime. Yay for you for eating your veggies!

Katy - I'm counting calories now, too, instead of points, but focusing on healthy foods. Especially the 10 power foods mentioned in the Sonoma Diet book. Something I heard on TV - cutting 500 calories a day will result in a 1 pound loss for most people, but not everyone. If a person is eating enough to gain regularly, they'd have to cut more than that, as a doc on Good Morning America said. I never really thought of it until he pointed that out. Makes you think! At my highest weight, cutting my daily total by 500 calories would have meant I'd only gain much slower. Sad, but true!

Cristi - a votive candle would be very nice. Thank you so much! Hey, you could Google breadboxes. The one I have is not what I wanted, either. It doesn't hold much and is sort of cheap looking, but it's all I could find. Thanks for sharing the photos! I especially like any photos with a Jaded Lady in them. When will you see Josh again?

Angie - I have the Clean Cotton Yankee car freshener in my van right now. Love it! As I mentioned to Katy, I'm doing healthy calorie counting now. It's just easier than the points. Angie, you are so crafty! I would never even think of making my own lamp shade!

Kathy - so glad you're back!! Now that you have a computer, I hope you'll pop in daily! Make sure you do a new bio, ok?

Sue - I don't know a darn thing about mini-steppers. Sorry.

Marti - Evansville is where the boat is. Gambling is only allowed on the water, that's why it's at a boat. I'm just practicing for Vegas, lol. Thanks for starting the Challenge thread for those who want it!

Ok ladies, even though I said I wasn't starting back OP until next Wednesday when I get back from Florida, I felt ready for today, mentally, so I started in! Like I told some of you, I'm counting calories this time, with a focus on healthy foods. There are no "junk" foods in the house, and we're loaded with healthy stuff. As a group, we can do this!!!!

Take care, and I'll see you later.

Waiting for Mark to wake his butt up so I can go to the gym! He had to work at 4am, so he's been napping since 2 this afternoon. Amazingly, so has Allen! He must've been really tired!
My abs are so sore! I've been working them like crazy b/c I need to get rid of the post-baby bulge. Too bad I'll probably get more stretch marks after I loose my whole 40. I wish there was a sure fire way to get rid of those! Yuck!
Mark and I were discussing thst yesterday. How none of the famous people who have recenlty had babies have stretch marks, or pudge bellies. I know they have personal trainers and they work-out like 3-6 hours a day . . . but that doesn't keep you from getting marks. I think they must all get that laser removal done on their tummies.

Wonderful pictures Cristi! Love the chairs in the dining room, pretty color!

Going to head home in an hour. I finally got to work and made some headway. Tired though- started too late in the day. I am better in the morning.

I like the oatmeal taste better Jane - it kind of satisfied me more .......where I wasn't hungry after I had eaten....and the banana was a natural sweetener....and,and......lol hmm, just had my salad- delish! I love pickeld beets. I think after I had Gaby 4 years ago I was 175- after being pregnant! Really made me panic when I was getting back up in the 70's again. All in all I think I have done pretty good in the 6 years maintenance phase. Can't beat myself up too bad.

Gawd - distracting here with the office door open. I think I will shut my door......

Chat tomorrow!

Hi - I'm back for a bit...gonna eat dinner soon, so I thought I'd post a little more before we all sit down. DS had a friend over for afew hours this afternoon - lots of Yugioh....I did laundry and knit. I started a beret and will probably make a scarf to go with it. I'm looking for things I can make to donate to my DD's preschool auction. This could work. Does anyone call scarves "mufflers" anymore? That's all that's been running through my head while I work on this thing. I'm such a child of the 70's - you know, that's when people wore thongs on their feet, lol

Jane - the 500 calorie tip works if you are starting from a realistic maintenance number, according to what I read. That's why a person is supposed to start with weight X13 to get that number. I know you are right, though, people don't take that step and just start with the way they are eating now, and it isn't enough sometimes. In my case, I have struggled so hard in the past with unrealistically low calorie numbers, I honestly believe it made it harder to lose. You know, the starvation mode thing and all. So this time around I am focusing on healthy foods, lots of water and exercise, and a realistic calorie goal. Just like you!

Cristi - I really enjoyed your pictures - your son looks so handsome and formal; I can easily see why you are so proud. Your house looks lovely as well. Mine wasn't nearly so festive this year - maybe next year we'll be able to do more.

Susan- Amen to not beating yourself up anymore..you are doing great, and, heck, you have me eating oatmeal again

Marti - Thanks for starting the challenge thread - I signed right up! I remember your holiday pics from last year, so I know your house looked great!

Welcome Christine! Well, my son just asked for some dinner, so I best be going...gotta feed them sometime
Ciao!

Just a quickie right now from me. Came on to start the challenge thread but Marti beat me to it! Thought I better at least say Hi to everyone since I was on. Thanks ladies for the kind words about the pics I am a very proud momma! And I miss him already. More from me tomorrow...take care ladies and have a good night.

Oh, Christine! Glad to have ya aboard and look forward to getting to know you.

Good evening Ladies,
Sue about them steppers they are great for the butt. They get all firmed up. hmmm maybe I should get a stepper. I just find I have no balance so I would have to hold a chair as I did it. Which Im wondering would even be ok?

Kathy! how are you? Can't help you with potty training tips..both boys were fully trained by 2.

Marti,,,loved Cinderella Man,,,didn't all care much for 4 brothers. We bought a couple of other movies,,,old ones. Tom Hanks Road to Peridition (SP)

Jane,,,Im sticking with my points,,don't think I can do calorie counting. I need to focus on tracking right now.

Cristi,,,I would have to say its gonna be an early night for you huh? The other day I fell asleep at like 6,,,Monte and John were down stairs working on electrical. They shut the power off and well,,,there are two things you do in the dark. Yup thats right i fell asleep,,,woke at 3 am. And then couldn't go back to sleep,,,that was a harsh day.

Question: I have a house plant that has flies. driving my crazy. I was told to use dishsoap...make it all bubbly...which i did for the last 3 weeks,,,still flies. any suggestions? Its a big plant...lots and lots of years.

well Im off to read...
I went on a crochetting frenzy...did 4 scarves in a week.
night all

Good evening to all you ladies.

Cristi loved your pictured also. My favorite was the one with you and your son. Your house looked lovely also. We didn't do much decorating this year as DD brought home a kitten a few months ago, and well.... we finally left the tree laying on its side after the tenth time it was knocked down and we reset it. Put it back up for Christmas day and took it down on boxing day.

Jane when are you going to Florida? Was your other trip was to Disney World in Florida? We are going to Florida in March. I am pretty excited as my really close friend moved there so I can't wait to see her.

Marti isn't it wonderful having to fight for the computer! Not that it is ever really a fight. One day computers will be as affordable as vcr's and people will have one in every room. Good luck on the move I hope it goes smoothly with no stress at all.

Katy thanks for the chuckle. DS was reading over my shoulder and thought it was so cool that you make mufflers. He said your car must sound really cool because if you could make a muffler, you must also make the best muffler tips to go on your tailpipe. Oh the days of the 70's. Then I had to tell him that you also had a special technique to wear your thongs on your feet.

Angie how is everything going for you? Any plays that you are involved in? DS and I are coming up to Calgary on the 16th because my wonderful aunt bought him Brian Adams tickets. Hopefully the weather will stay nice so that we won't have to worry about the drive up.

Susan thanks for the oatmeal tip. Have to admit we had to have some also.
Cole and I ran to the store to buy some bananas for it also. and grapes and apples. I am so glad that he prefers fruit over candy. oh ya and cheese sticks.

Allen's mom - what a little sweetheart he is. The stretch marks do fade. My sister in law just had her fourth son last month, and I was so blessed that I got to be there for them; yes fourth and she only has one stretch mark on her belly button. Sons 2 and 3 were a set of twins.
How often do you go to the gym?

Well I must run. I have to go and pick up my neice so that she can have a sleepover. The kids are on Christmas vacation so they need a babysitter for the next week. My kids find it easier if she sleeps over. They keep her up late so that she will sleep in. Tomorrow DD will have to watch our little guy also as our babysitters husband was just rushed in and had to have emergency gull blader removal. Maybe I'll give him this week to recover.

Angie- try placing a small cup of beer under the plant. That is supposed to attract the flies, and then kill them.
Been working hard, almost excited to weigh in agian on Friday. I'm drinking my water and realy watching what I eat. I had a massive sweet tooth tonight, but I ate rasin bran instead of going out and getting that ice cream sundae I really wanted! And then I worked out and the craving went away.
Aside form that . . . I'm pretty boring today!

Thanks for the comments on the stepper. Not sure how it works at all. I will be going tomorrow or Wed. to check it out. I don't see why you couldn't hold on to a chair to keep your balance. I have seen steppers with a bar to hold on to. Also saw one with weights that you do arm exercises while stepping...now I might NEVER be that steady on my feet.
Nothing much new here, got a haircut today and with all the gray I am trying to decide if I want to color or not. I have enjoyed this year of not coloring after 20 some years of putting the goop on every 6 weeks. BUT...when I was given a senior discount, which is for 65 and better, I had to think about how old the hair makes me look. I AM 57, but not ready for 65 yet.

Good luck to everyone who is getting back to healthy eating. I am going to try, but I won't be able to weigh as we have no scales here.

Hello Ladies--

I got to get off a little early tonight since most places are observing today for the holiday.....of we didn't...

Christine--Welcome! I will have to read your bio as soon as I'm done here. Hope to hear more from you!!

Jane--You mentioned that you're counting calories now...is this something new w/WW or is this part of the diet from the book you bought? I'm cutting back down on portions (got REALLY out of hand during the holidays!) And getting my big butt back on the gazelle and start walking more. Looking forward to the move and the gym! I think I'm going to do a progress photo shoot each month. See if I can even see progress!

Allensmom--(I really need to go back and see what you're name is!) (=Editing this in....Mel!! That's your name! How could I have forgotten ??) Stretch marks are the pits! I once seen a photo of Lisa Marie Presley and she was wearing a short top, and I saw stretch marks!! I'm sure a LOT of the photos we see are air brushed to hide these flaws. I have them and when I was pregnant....I looked like a target zone! (horrible.)

Susan--I love oatmeal! One of my favorite breakfasts in the morning. That and a cup of coffee and I'm good to go. I had a decision to make for my lunch break at work. Down the block there was Dairy Queen and Subway. Was really craving the fries....but I went to Subway. I was happy and very satified once I finished eating!

Katy--I've been meaning to get that thread started sooner. Now I'm home alone and have all the computer time I need! (how sad....) Anyway, I have a question for you since you're a knitter. Have you ever used one of those knifty knitter things? http://www.marrhaven.com/kniftykntr.html Well, I'm not a knitter....would love to learn more. Jhanai has fallen in love w/making scarves (and this loom is so easy for her to use)....but we're unsure how to make a flat scarf or a shawl using that thing. So for now, she's just making something that looks like a leg warmer half way through her knitting. I haven't yet found a book that helps you figure out how to use it. (and the directions that came w/it give nothing!) So if you have any tips....would you mind sharing?

Cristi--Awww....thank you for wanting to start the thread! I was starting to feel really bad about not getting on here and starting it! Glad to know that it would have gotten done if I didn't. Thank you!

Angie--Flies in your plants? What kind of plant do you have?? Maybe you should get a venus fly trap!! And sit next to the one w/all the boogers flying around! I don't think I've heard of four brothers. Cinderella man didn't interest me, so I haven't rented it yet. I've heard a lot of good on it though, so I may have to rent it just to see for myself.

Kathy--Your son cracks me up!!! Mufflers..... Now, my daughter absolutely hates it when I say I want to wear thongs. She looks at me and using her pre- teen tone says "Mother....call them flipflops please!" I love doing things like that to her!

Sue--Could you buy a cheap scale? Or do you even want to get one? I hate mine. It doesn't tell me nice things that I expect it to. Sometimes it has been down right rude to me and I've kicked it....only for it to kick me back and I walk away limping.....

Well looky here, I've actually caught up! Pretty please w/myself. (Sleep deprived here so I am a bit dorky...)

I will join the challenge tomorrow once I get my butt moving.

Better get to sleep.

Katyif you're only using soap you may want to add a touch of cooking oil.........if you have aphids this will work with the soap........sometimes though you'll need some real BAD stuff.........I took a plant to the garden shop to see why i couldn't get rid of the bugs and to ask why this plant instead of the others..........I was told that aphids are just like people........would you prefer to have a steak or a sandwich?? this is why they may keep coming back to the same plant

Marti,Rosie, Jane thanks for the warm welcome

Jane Chicago was the best movie!! I absolutely loved Zeta-Jones and Gere in it!!! I love musicals of all kinds but that has been the best that I've seen in a while! PS added my name to the siggie

Good morning Ladies,

Mel,,,stretch marks will fade,,,become silvery at least mine have...had a good laugh was telling Monte about the beer and all he said was,,,Now thats just crazy talk,,,lettting the bugs get my beer...lol But will still be trying it,,,hate bugs,,,
And yes they are aphids. It isa big bushy plant. Must be tasty,,,cause all hte other plants are bug free.
sitting here eating oatmeal,,,had to go make some with all the talk. I always add a dash of cinnamon.
Cristi, love that pic of the two of you. Did i ever mention i would love to be aphotographer? Funny thing is,,,hate cameras. They have become so hard to use I feel overwhelmed trying to figure it out. Brandon has a camera and I won't even touch it.
But Id love to direct people,,,

I have today off and feeling really lazy,,,took down the christmas stuff a couple of days ago,,,so I think Im going to try and get my nails back on,,,do a load of laundry and have lunch with a girlfriend. I should dust,,,killer bunnies here...arghhh and I have to scotch guard my new carpet.

Hello ladies...

Wow, I was up bright and early this morning and boy do I feel good. I did my exercise first thing and I can't believe the energy I have! I hope it lasts all day! When I went to take a shower I got that James Brown song stuck in my head...I Feel Good! Now I have decided to make another exercise CD and include that song. I changed my exercise ticker, added 2 miles to it to make it an even 50. Not sure why I chose 48 except was trying to do some quick math. And I am glad to see that the ticker reflects the point anything. I walked 1.53 miles this morning and was wondering if it would show that.

Question: Do you ladies have any suggestions for a certain song or songs that gets you motivated to exercise or keep you going once you start? I know we've discussed favorite music before but I was hoping to get some suggestions for sone songs and not so much a whole CD. So far on my list I have the James Brown, I Feel Good, (and I don't even like his music) Let's Get It Started by Black Eyed Peas, I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross, Whip It by Devo (perfect song to walk to, cracks me up) and just because I like this song Gold Digger by Kanye West. So I only need about 12 more songs! HELP!

JANE...the candle has been sent! Should get it in 3 or 4 days, hope you like the scent as much as I do. Would this happen to be for Terry & Gina's upcoming wedding? Have no clue when I will see Josh again. Have to wait until he finds out what's going on and then he will write me. He thought when he got there that they would go to holding like they did in basic. They were there almost three weeks, really not sure why. I just hope he's home for his birthday in February.

MARTI...aaawww, you should have shared Christmas pics anyway. Even if you decorated the same I know it was beautiful! And I bet it wasn't exactly the same. No problem about the thread, you did a better job with the wording. I was going to go and try and find the old thread and just copy and paste, lol!

KATY...I totally remember them being called mufflers and still call them that! My kids look at me like I am from a different planet! When I say thongs you should see the looks I get! Of course I used to always call them flip flops and I got still got the looks! I just say that 500 calorie tip you mentioned in the paper yesterday. I did the math and think by going by my weight it is too many calories for me, but then I don't count them so it doesn't really matter, lol!

ANGIE...are they flies or gnats? Have no clue why flies would be around a plant but I had gnats and aphids before and had to resort to using some spray stuff I got at the store. Can't remember what it was called though since I haven't had a problem. I do get gnats sometimes but not enough that it's a real bother to me. It was kind of an early night for me. I was so sleepy but I had to stay awake and finish my book. 11:30 I finally went to sleep and didn't wake up until 5:30-I never sleep thru the night without at least one trip to the restroom, lol.

KATHY...I never thought about decorations (tree) and having a cat. Of course I've never had one but recently have been wanting one. I have heard of some peoples dogs not leaving the tree alone but we've never had a problem with ours. Ernie dog likes to go lay under it on the tree skirt sometimes and that's about it. I'll have to keep that in mind when and if I ever get a cat. DS#1 is allergic so while he's still at home it's not going to happen.

SUE...I am steady on my feet but oh so uncoordinated! When I do the 2 mile WATP video and she throws in the arms, it slows me down some, LOL! Just can't get the arms and feet in sync. It's the part where the feet are going side to side and she throws the clapping in-talk about funny! Glad I don't do it in front of a mirror.

SUSAN...I am having oatmeal for lunch today, in about 30 minutes. All this talk about it was making me want some yesterday. Didn't get around to it though and had something else for breakfast because I had it planned for lunch. I might have to try it with brown sugar like Jane has it. Would try a banana but I don't have any, waaaaaa. I didn't know bananas weren't good for losing weight either. Oh well, I refuse to give up my nanas!

Hi CHRISTINE, MEL and everyone else

Just a reminder ladies...stamps go up to 39 cents this weekend, I believe Sunday-it's the 8th whatever day that is. I got a bunch of 2 cent ones two weeks ago. For some reason I remembered it and went in to ask so just went ahead and bought 100. Of course I wasn't thinking...bought some of the new (37 cent) disney stamps at the same time. At least this way there will be new designs! Anyway, gotta go and get me some oatmeal for lunch. I don't normally eat this early but had breakfast early and I am starving. Chat with ya later.

Edited to say HI to ANGIE, HI! That would be kind of of funny though...a bunch of drunk ahpids! I too would love to be a photographer! You shouldn't feel intimated by a camera missy! They are so easy. I love taking pictures of anything and everything! Everyone knows that when I come around I always have a loaded camera! Have since I married the first time and then especially when I had kids. Was always trying to capture those special moments, still do. Vince has that fancy one but I don't use it often because the sucker is heavy! But it comes in handy for close-ups and such.