I am and I believe Sandisuze is also-you are more than welcome to join us-very active group.
Melissa

I really need to work on my avatar- tomorrow- trying to get kids pics up and it's not working for me it's all blurry etc..- see shoulda gone to bed instead of reading more threads..

I am doing WW to a point- i still have an online membership thru april i think - i try to follow points etc. and really use lots of their recipes! I think if i was serious and TRIED harder i'd lose more- i just don't follow it as i should.:(
BUT :welcome: and jump right in -don't be shy and these ladies are the most supportive, wonderful and fun group i've ever been with!
I really am gonna try to get to bed now!:D ( after fixing my avatar)
Sandi

Hi Ladies! As always, everyone seems in a good mood! It is so nice to come in here and see that we all have the same sort of problems with cars, TOM, kids, food, etc. and that we all can give each other a boost now and then!

I agree with everyone too Sandi on getting a second opinion, and then maybe a third. I know it can be expensive, but it's your health and your life. The control should be in your hands, not theirs just because some big company is giving them a kickback!

Melissa-The avatar is great! When I get my new pc I will be able to scan in my pics and show off my monsters! Great job on the 6 pounds! :carrot: :carrot: Somewhere in this pc I think I still have a file of WW Crockpot Recipes, if I can find them, I'll send them to you. I love them! Have you tried the new crockpot cooking bags? I bought some today, will try one out tomorrow with a roast. Fingers crossed for you that ex actually puts the money in the mail for you!

Theresa-I'm waiting(dreading) for TOM here also. I always know when it's coming when all I crave is tortilla chips and salsa!! Salt, salt, salt!!

Laura-I'm with you on needing a beach!! Warm sand and crystal clear water!! Oh, but to dream!!!!!

Gracenote- :welcome: This is a super group of ladies!

Well, Curves went really well today-I lost 3 pounds for the first week of the 6 week challenge! With TOM coming, I am very happy!! I only got to the gym once last week, but will be there at least 3 times this week, so maybe next weigh in will be even better. I think I could have lost a little more but the lady at Curves put me on the wrong diet-I am supposed to be on higher protien but she misread my carb test and put me on higher carbs. I didn't get the workbook until Wed, then didn't read any of it until Thursday night, so I ate the higher carb version for 4 full days. We'll see how this week goes?

Well, gotta pick up kids from church. Have a great night everyone!!

Kathy

Kathy, how do they determine how much carb/protein you need? What kind of diets do they recommend? I would like to know what they'd say for me, but i can't join at this point.

Melissa, that avatar is great! The kids are so adorable, and now you get to look at them whenever you read posts and remember you are doing this partly for them as well.

I didn't see the 600 lb. woman but I do hope she is doing well now. I am annoyed tonight because I shaved my legs yesterday then realized a bit ago they were hairy again...all ready!?! I know they were smooth as could be yesterday, and now I've got a bush coming in. Is this another part of getting old?

I have been freaking out because I am 3 weeks away from turning 29. I am almost THIRTY!!!!! and I still haven't done enough in my life. I am not where I thought I would be, not by a LOOOONG shot and it's depressing me, making me wonder if cleaning dirty butts and being puked on is the height of my life. Hubby keeps telling me I'm being silly, still young with all this time ahead of me, raising kids is so much bigger and more important than all my previous goals :blah: I love being home with my kids and would not give them up for anything, but I can't help but feel like I have lost myself. I dropped out of college 1 year away from graduation, after having all these big internships and job offers coming my way, got prego right away and here I am. Never made it back. Gave it all up and I feel it's just over now. When the kids are in school what am I going to do? Work at Mcd's because I have NO work experience, just college from a long time ago?

I hope this mood passes with TOM. I have 3 day cycles, so tomorrow I should be really light and then Wed. back to normal.

Theresa

Hi all!

Thanks for the very warm welcome. What a nice bunch you are :)

Purplefirefly - I'm only 23, but I think I kind of know how you feel. I got married at 19 and left the University of Washington along with a $20,000 scholarship. I didn't know what I wanted to do career-wise at the time (now I'm a self-taught graphic/web designer -- withOUT the piece of paper that says I can do it :D ). The point is, even though my husband is the most important part of my life and I can't imagine my life NOT being married to him, and even though I'm successful in other parts of my life (including my career) I still kinda feel crappy telling people that I didn't finish school. I started taking classes at a community college and it totally boosted my confidence -- even though I totally didn't feel challenged -- but I was doing something for myself, something that was fun for me. Kids are wonderful, but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt anybody if you had something that was all your own. Why not take online classes if you can't get out or learn a skill on your own? It's great fun and you won't feel like your whole life is cleaning dirty butts anymore. :)

Well, I joined a gym last week called Bodies in Motion. It's pretty expensive for a gym ($70.00/month!) but they have aerobics classes that I can take in the morning before work. I've gone 5 times so far and I love it but I'm totally intimidated by all the athletic people (especially women, believe it or not) that work out there. I wanted to cry last friday when I went to a boxing/kickboxing technique class and left 10 minutes into the class because they starting running around the block outside and I just couldn't do it. I just turned around and walked back to the gym. Felt like the biggest idiot... and I wanted to cry :(. I really want to take the other boxing classes but now I'm scared because I know how hard they are and I'm just not ready for them. I'm going to try the cycling class on Wednesday.. if I like it I think I'll stick with that one instead.

Sandi - one more vote in for getting a second opinion. My sincere apologies to any doctors reading this (actually, if you're a doctor, what I'm about to say does NOT apply to you. It applies to pretty much every other doctor BUT you, so rest assured that I am NOT talking about you ;)), but I don't think they're much different than me or you other than a few years of schooling. They certainly DON'T know everything and I've never had a doctor who has been able to help me with ANY of my problems. When I was 10 years old I went to the doctor because my knees would hurt everytime I ran in P.E., and his wise words of wisdom were: "That's normal. Your kneecaps are just popping out of place." No medicine, no exercise, no advice, no nothing! It's probably his fault that I'm overweight.

Hopefully when my TOM is over the scale will move down some more. I want to reach my personal V-Day goal. Also, I think if I lose enough weight, my husband will get jealous and try harder to lose weight and get in shape himself. He's got a little belly and I would love to see him with a nice six-pack!

Well, Monday's over! 1 down, 4 more to go!!

gracenote, it's great you started at the gym. don't worry about not being able to keep up with the rest of the classes. everyone has to start somewhere. it's always a little intimidating at first.
theresa, you are definitely not old! i am not even four years younger than you, and i wouldn't say 29 is old. my philosophy is that i won't be old until i am like, ten years older than my mom. since she and i are getting older at the same rate, so this is no problem ;) it's not "over" if you want to go back to school. if you only have one more year, it wouldn't be so hard to finish if that's what you want. when your kids are older, you could take a few classes during the day, part-time kind of.
melissa, i love your new avatar! that is so cute!
it's going to be another crazy day for me today. i'm opening again, so i have to leave in about an hour and a half. dh just went to bed, after a hard night of playing video games. what a rough life!

Melissa, the new avatar is so cute, it's nice to see the faces of the little ones you talk about.:D

Theresa, believe me you have a lot of time to accomplish anything you want. I went back to school at the age of 31 the first time. The second time I went back I was 43, that's when I got my ADN. I am planning to start once again this fall for my MSN at the ripe old age of 46!!!! Sometimes things happen that may put plans on hold, but you can always start again. I think the older you are, the more you appreciate your accomplishments, what ever they are, and raising great kids in today's world has got to be one of the greatest accomplishments ever:hug: (Also, I'm jealous, only 3 days of TOM??? Mine is 7-8:stress: )

Sandi--GET ANOTHER OPINION!!!! As a nurse I find it strange that a doctor would advocate for a prepackaged diet like Medifast. Most docs just give suggestions on foods to lower fats and cholesterol or no added sugars or salts etc... I have never heard a doc that wasn't known as a "diet" doc to prescribe a certain diet. (by diet doc I mean the ones who make their living on prescribing pills and having you weigh in each month with them, There's one in every town).

Laura B-- I hear ya about the beach!! Warm sun, cool clear water, no noise except the sound of the surf--absolute heaven!!! Okay if I felt good in a swimsuit too that would be absolute heaven;)

Gracenote--keep going to the gym, remember this is for you, not them!! You are doing it to be healthy and to be the best you, you can be. I found that most of the super fit women at my gym are those who really have nothing to do with their lives. They are the wives of docs and lawyers and are afraid if they gain an ounce hubby will find a new piece of arm candy. I would much rather have my life than one like that!! So I go to the gym and I huff and I puff so that I can enjoy my life a little longer and a whole lot happier!!!!:devil:

Well got to get DH up, he's going to doc for consult on eye surgery that he needs. Have a great day everyone!!

Suzette

If I were to go back to school now, I would do something totally different. Everything in my life has changed, including what I want to do with my time. I never wanted kids before, so things have really changed. Besides, I had 1 year to go five years ago, it would be more now with the change in the program (so said the school a couple years back when I contacted them). That's if I went back to Ohio to finish (not possible) so if I transferred all credits to NC, who knows what I'd have to do since programs vary on requirements. Anyway, I wouldn't want that degree anymore. Right now my kids are top priority they are my full time job...plus some! When they are both in school I'll get to either work or go back to school, will decide when the time comes closer. If someone had told me back when I was in college that I would end up being a SAHM, I would have laughed until I puked. I am SO glad I had the kids now though. I cannot imagine life without them. It is hard to give up old dreams though, even when what you get in exchange is priceless. My dreams now are so different it's amazing.

Suzette, my actual bleeding period is 3 days (sometimes 4) but it's the week beforehand that really sucks.

Gracenote, keep at the gym and you'll be doing those boxing workouts before you know it! You will improve very quickly in what you can do, if you are persistant with it. Start with whatever you can do now, even if it's just walking around a track or on a treadmill. Soon that will not get your heart rate up and you'll be searching for something more challenging. I am constantly looking for something new, so trust me you will get better and better and before ya know it...you'll be running around at the top of that boxing class. Just consider it something to work up to. Try it again in a month or two and you'll be surprised how much easier it is, even if you're still not there yet. You don't want it to be too easy though, that wouldn't be a workout.

Cadwell, good luck on the crazy day! KEEP OUT OF THE FATTENING TREATS, hear me? You don't need them! You need a skinny waistline and a pretty little summer dress in just a couple months. You need that dress for your big date, remember?!? It's not worth it.

Life and what you want change all the times. Some of the things I rebelled against years ago make me happy now, and some of the things I thought I failed at, worked out ok. But thru it all, I am still too fat. But that will change now.
I have a degree, but I only had one job that needed it-teaching. To work in our current business, I had to get computer skills, learn to use the equipment we sell and sell. Prior to this business, we had a piano business where I finished pianos, and learned to do repairs as well as sell. I never needed calculus or advanced medieval french, but I certainly am grateful that I had the opportunity to go to the fabulous NYC college system.
so I guess I'm saying,enjoy the kids and your time will come to get whatever you want.
Laura

I am always up for new recipes. Nice thing about no hubby and just kids-they never know they are guinea pigs hehehe.

Kathy congrats on the pounds lost especially with peeping TOM! How is the housing thing coming along for you guys? Haven't tried the bags yet but if you say they are good will buy some to save on cleanup. I got enough of that to do already.

Theresa hairy legs aren't a sign of age-you know you are getting there when they sprout out your chin! I always tease my SIL that I grow a better beard than he does. 29 is still young and truthfully there isn't a more thankless but most important job than to raise decent human beings who will be an asset to the world. It takes dedication and you are doing an awesome job. Before you know it they will both be in school and you can then pursue your own interests even if it is volunteering somewhere. I was 6 classes to my Associates Degree before I got Logan but I just couldn't do either job to my best so school was put on hold until I have more of the kids in school and can have some hours for homework and study but it is ok because what I am doing is much more important right now. I guess what I am trying to say is you are still young I am looking at 42 here in just a few short weeks!

Gracenote are you in Washington?? Don't worry about not keeping up-it is like learning anything new-takes time and you will be running circles around them all in no time flat. Do what you can now and don't sweat the rest. If I tried running around the block right now I would have black eyes and bloody knees and would fall down in a faint. When I can I walk. I am going to have to invest in a 3 seat stroller because I just know Odessa couldn't keep up with her little legs.

Laura I too find it amazing the things that I said I would never do when I was young have happened and I actually prefer it now. I am also laughing because in alot of ways I am sounding more and more like my mother! I know see that it isn't a bad thing. Life is what we make it. There are still alot of things I want to learn and see but it takes time.

Everyone keep up the good work!
Melissa

Theresa- nope thats not a sign of getting older- shaving your legs and then 2 weeks later saying gee-why do i have to shave again i just shaved yesterday didn't I ?? thats when you have to worry. ;) and in my opinion nair works real good -

I just turned 43 and i really don't feel old- again clearasil , miss clariol, and nair are getting to be good friends- the only changes i see are those.. i can't run around like i used to but then again i used to weigh 100 pounds, drink coke and coffee all day and smoke 3 packs a day. i've always needed 30 hours of sleep a day :lol: even when i was 20 -
I've had so many different jobs from babysitting, making boxes in a factory, cashier(at too many places), assistant mgr of a BK, Publicity person at a comic book store (that was fun!) receptionist, caterer, cook, bagel maker at a bakery ,worked at flea markets selling produce, Pizza hut, and now i am a glorified office manager /administrative assistant with a fancy title- and i still don't know what I want to do when i grow up! I do want to go back to school and open my own business but i can understand where you are coming from theresa. trust me before ya know it the kids will be older and you can do things you've alwasy wanted to do.
I think we all go thru "i'll never be that way" or "I'll never do THAT"and guess what -we end up that way or doing that.

anyway my post is gonna be way too long here.
:wave: to everyone- i am waiting to hear back from other dr's office. I am getting a second opinion.
I'll post about that later

melissa, i guess with kids you can be extra experimental with recipes. i already use dh as a guinea pig. he's not real picky, and even if he hates it, he knows better than to say anything other than "thanks doll, it's great." lol. he will if he wants me to keep on cooking, that is :devil:. poor dear burned his bacon today. he's hopeless in the kitchen, except when it comes to salads.
don't worry theresa, i've laid off the treats so far today. pretty good considering it was my job to set up the pastry case this morning. i spent an hour arranging muffins, coffeecakes, cookies, and sticky buns! but you are right.. a skinny waist and a stylin' dress are way better than a cheese danish. the stuff all looks better than it actually tastes anyway.

It is easier when they are hopeless in the kitchen. My ex was an excellent cook and did most of the cooking until I retired to take care of Josh and then he constantly crabbed no matter what I cooked-used to irk me bad. Good job leaving those pastries alone too!

I am having a hard time getting motivated today. It looks like Katy is prego since a visiting nurse called to set up an appointment to see her and get this-her due date is May 18-that is Logans birthday! Unless she gets it together pretty fast she is going to lose this one too and I am not sure if the baby would come here or not. The other side of the family would be contacted also but truthfully I am not too worried since they have totally disowned David and want nothing to do with him. I can't imagine them warming up to the idea of raising his child. I don't know if I got what it takes though to handle all of that and I would definately have to move that is for sure.

Glad you are getting the second opinion too!
Melissa

Poor Katie. She can't give her body a rest. I hope she isn't using now.
I just did an water aerobics class and I looked down and saw these hairy legs that belong to me and i was shocked because I never even thought to shave them. The class was with lots of really old ladies, one even had a walker, but if you can ignore the geriatric crowd and work hard it's a good class. They kind of stayed at one end and bobbed up and down and chatted, but good for them for trying and they looked happy. What's nice about this gym, is that in the classes they say just work at whatever level works for you. You don't have to try to keep up with the size 1 cutie pie. i like that.
Laura

I hope she isn't too. She is doing something called drug corps and she gets a UA 4 times a week and she has to go to court one day a week too. She messes that up, she I believe would go to jail. With being the queen of the 3 min shower, I rarely shave legs anymore. It happens on special occassions only-lol. I am glad you enjoyed the class and you are using muscles you aren't aware you are in the water and will probably feel it tomorrow.

I got offered a temp job for 5 days for coffeemate! They will pay me 20 an hour and if I work three out of the five days, they will give me a 200 bonus. Now I just have to convince my mother that she would love to sit with the kids! They are only 5 hour shifts and I think all I do is give out samples of the new flavors that people are voting on. It isn't even five days in a row. I know I could use the extra money that is for sure! Hopefully mom will watch the kids at least 3 of the days. I will have to plan ahead though cause the shifts are 10-3, 12-5 and one is 4-9 so it will hit a mealtime each of the day. The only hard one is Pike Place Market day cause they have some pretty nummy bakeries ect around there.
Melissa