Well the shower was really great and my niece Makaylah Rachelle is due Feb 10. I asked Kristen if she could wait until the 23rd since it is my birthday but she told me no way lol. She got some really cute stuff too and it was fun oogling over the baby dresses. I had no cake! I had no punch! I had no snacks at all! I took my diet rite with me and nursed that and just chatted with alot of people. Most were curious about Logan since they haven't seen him yet and it was neat cause my grandma was there too. Dad only called me once to see if Logan needed his bottle to go to bed and should he put him on his back-the ladies all got a chuckle but everyone did great.

I tell ya sandi that crockpot is saving my butt in so many ways and I don't know what I would do without one now at least until the kids get a bit bigger and not so high maintenance all the time.

Candace I once worked the 4a to noon doing gourmet foods and I lost weight then too. I was in bed by 6p and up at 2a and sometimes took a nap too when I got home lol. Course then I got prego with Josh and morning sickness was awful and then the hours got cut and they wanted me to work till like 8a and I told them forget it. I figured if I had to be there at 4a they best give me 8 hours and make it worth my time. Good job with no snackies too! Fortunately there aren't really very many pictures of me. I have declined for years to be in photos-it was just too painful to see. When I get to my goal, I am going to be a photo hog! I am also going shopping and buying lots of cute clothes! NO more floral crap for me.
Melissa

Evening Ladies, I haven't been back to work yet, the right side of my face is still very swollen. Been eating lots of yogurt and sf pudding! Things are pretty quiet here right now, although I will see my neice and nephew tomorrow. Melissa it sounds like you had a great night out. You deserved it. How about sending some of those crock-pot ideas my way. I need all the ideas I can get. Candace, I have no doubt you will make your goal. You are gonna knock him off his feet!!!!
New clothes--I can't wait for the day that I look forward to shopping again. Is it just me or do some of the sizes look smaller than they used to?
DH is calling my name, got to go, hugs to all,

Suzette

:lol: Melissa, I am right with you on the NO MORE FLORAL CRAP, or maybe you didn't scream it quite that enthusiastically. Why is it they think big people like flowers? Suzette, some sizes do look so tiny to me now, but I think it's because I got used to looking at enormous sized 22, which I would have never imagined when I was smaller. You get used to one size, then looking at another seems so small, I think anyway. I am hopiong to be comfortably in an 18 by my birthday, and into a 16 by summer. That is small enough to buy a little summer dress and feel good in it :D The 20s I bought awhile back are real loose now, so it's possible. I pull them down without unbuttoning them now! WHy bother with a zipper if they can just slip on down?

Melissa, I am glad you had a good time and your dad survived. Told ya he would enjoy it! There is nothing you can do for Kate at this point, and I really think letting her struggle some and suffer her consequences is the best thing for her at this point. I cannot fathom how hard it is to be in your position.

Sandi, the party went well. In-laws were actually very pleasant and MIL even commented that she noticed I had lost weight. Well, she asked how much I've lost and I told her then, she said she had lost 14 lbs. by going on some 1000 calorie diet, said she basically eats one meal a day. I was cringing but said nothing. She's not going to keep it off, I just don't see that as something you can live on long term. Besides she's diabetic and I wanted ask what effect she thought that would have on her sugar levels :?: maybe I just don't understand diabetes, but I know many times in past she's HAD to eat something right away because of that. Anyway, it was a nice party regardless.

I have 3 crockpot meals on my menu for the next week, and would LOVE to have more if anyone wants to post some. I think enough of us want them that it should be okay to just post here, right? I will post mine later if so, but I have to get ready to take Tyler to his doctor appointment. 2 year check ups, stitches out, and recheck on the ear....ughh.

Theresa

Ok I am going to try this again. I had done a post just to tell me the server was busy argh!
http://crockpot.allrecipes.com/directory/5176.asp
http://www.recipeusa.org/crockpot.htm
http://joycesfinecooking.com/weightwatchers.htm
http://joycesfinecooking.com/weightwatchers.htm

These are some links that I got but I haven't gone all through them yet-there looks to be some interesting dishes though. Got dinner in the crockpot now and Kate showed up this morning and is now taking a shower. She slept in a car last night. She has an appointment with her lawyer this morning too. This is so stinking hard to watch. I can't remember what I had posted before so if it comes back I will let you know lol

Melissa

Sorry I haven't been around much! I really intended to be in here more after the first of the year! Not really doing much, just not getting on the pc too often. Hubby and I joined the gym yesterday, haven't been there yet, but we did join! I get a free membership(40.00) by volunteering in the daycare center once a week for 2 hours! Pretty cool! Can't wait to go workout! I'm still in Curves and started the 6 week nutrition program yesterday. I am starting at 229, so we'll see what happens in 6 weeks!
Good to see everyone getting back on the wagon! Christmas was just so hard! Then with my mom here for 2 weeks after, she just eats and eats! I am now back ON the wagon and I want to stay here!
Melissa-Glad you had a good time at the shower, it's about time you had some no-kid time! My prayers are with you and Kate. I hope she finds her way soon.
Theresa-I understand what you mean about sometimes waiting for hubby to go to work! Mine works 8 on/6 off, and on about day 4, I'm ready for him to go back to work! Our problem now is that there is no housing in this town and we have actually thought about moving back to Idaho, but him stay here to work. It's about 5 1/2 hours from here to there. We are really praying on what we should do.:?: I just don't want to be separated for 8 days at a time, then have him have to drive all the time. We have friends who drive it every shift change, but they don't have kids. ?????? I don't know what to do!!!!!!!
Cadwell-You can do it! Just picture yourself in that new sexy dress, and the look that will be on hubby's face!!!

Well, time for girls to get home from school and I get to go to Curves! WOOHOO! See ya' later!!

Kathy

Congrats on joining the gym! Your pickle is a hard one. It is different when there are kids involved and I will pray that you are able to get a house so you guys can all stay together as a family. You are with the rest of us about getting on the wagon again. It is just amazing how much better you will feel in no time flat. My weigh in is on Friday and I am really excited about doing it too. I still have a ways until I get back to where I was but it is going to remind me later how not worth it not eating on program is.
Melissa

I haven't been here for a few day. Oldest son was messing up his life and DIL asked for help so I've been an emotional wreck. But he has finally agreed that he has a real issue that needs help and he arranged couseling for himself and they will go to couples counseling together. DIL gave him an ultimatum and he seems to have believed her. Work this out or get out. They were both much better tonight. Now DH and I need to settle down. My son better not lose this girl because she is wonderful and she wants to have a good life with him and the little boys. Now I can go back to my daily worry over youngest son.
I didn't eat myself thru this crisis, which is a wonder and i worked out today so I feel like my life is back in track.
Has anyone done an aquatic workout? It sounds tempting.
I have never gotten any pleasure out of clothes because when I was thin, I was never thin enough, and I never had any money, so it wasn't any good and when I am fat it's just how can I cover up. It will be nice to buy what I like and not just big tops to cover as much as possible.
Laura

You were missed Laura and glad you are back. I am also glad that your son is going to seek some help and how awesome you didn't eat through it! That is a huge victory. I have always wanted to try aquatic workouts and I have heard they are quite the workout. You will be able to buy those outfits before you know it.
Melissa

Laura- you beat me to a post- i was wondering where you were and thought i had missed you on a trip. I know for me and i probably speak for everyone else that you are so wise and kind that we don't want to lose you! I am sorry you had a bad few days but I am glad oldest son is getting his life together and :carrot: that you didn't stress eat thru all of it.

Kathy:hug: about your dilema. is there maybe a town close by you guys culd relocate to so hubby wouldn't have to drive?? I will pray that all will work out.
:cb: on joing the gym and what a deal! I'd babysit 2 hours week to go to a gym for free!

:hug: to you too melissa- i hope this court date will get katey back on track- or scare her into getting help. thank you for the recipe sites. i ahve a couple to post tomorrow. how is the diet rite?? I have wanted to try it but i can only get it in a 12 pack and was afraid i'd hate it and waste $$ - i've been waiting for someone who could tell me if it's any good or not. i am so glad you had a good time.

Theresa- i am so glad that the MIL behaved herself. i think she was trying to justify her diet to you?? from what you've told us about her she has some serious issues- at least she was nice for the party.

Suzette- clothes are smaller because everything is LOW RISE - i am going to be shoppping goodwill for jeans- i can't imagine wearing low rise jeans at 43- maybe it's me some of the styles today are so - lets say not much fabric to them??
My smallest size ever was a 4 in jeans -but my oldest wears a size 4 now and i was much curvier than her. but it's because of where they wear them-

I have been busy studying for my notaries license - in florida you have to take classes and tests to get your notary. and we have a new computer program i am trying to learn AND I am trying to figure out if i can immport a word document into excel. the one program i am NOT good in is Excel- I have a book and will take an online tutorial to see if i can do what i want - if not it's lots of typing for me. :(

so i was thinking about our talking about clothes and was wondering what is everyone's "thing " that they want to have or be able to do as in clothes when you hit goal??
Mine is to wear a bathing suit in public and be able to go to target and buy one of those weird designed strange colored issak mishrah ( prolly spelled him wrong) dresses, wear it to work and my senior boss will say, "Sandi, that dress is ugly" and i will say BUT it's a size 12 or 10 or 8.

:love: just to be able to go into a discount outlet and find racks of clothes on clearance instead of 1 rack tucked in the corner - i used to love thrift stores- jeans for a buck and shoes- heels for a quarter- one day soon i will shop in them again. I am so tired of my basic black pants that i wear every day to work and big baggy tops.

the workout is still kicking my butt -i am sore but in a good way. it's good to be back OP with everyone else.
Have a good night all.
Sandi

I like the tangerine especially well and the cola isn't bad either. I wasn't too crazy about the rasberry one though. If you are totally off sugar, the better it tastes. I have one every night after all the kids are in bed. I want to be able to wear something fitted if that makes sense or maybe tailored is a better word. When you are heavy, everything is "flowing" to hide everything and I want things fitted that show off the curves (I know they are there somewhere). Oh and I never want to buy anything with big flowers on it too!
Melissa

As always, thanks for all the good thoughts. DIL just phoned and said she was so happy because she thinks they will be able to work thru all their issues. Losing the baby in Nov. was very hard on him. He thinks there has to be an answer for a loss at 36 weeks and he is having a hard time accepting that there may never be an answer.There are some tests on the baby that have not come back yet, but I doubt if there well be a reason. He is torturing himself and everyone around him and not giving DIL any space for her feelings.
I was in Target last week to get a pair of sweats for workout and I saw these itty bitty low rise jeans and now some of them feature a highter waist in the back so tushie cracks don't have to show when the tiny little size 2 sweet thing bends over. It must be annoying to worry about what shows.
I still want the same clothes that I have always wanted. Nice jeans, Lees will do, size 8, thin cashmere solid colored sweaters and gorgeous leather boots. I will never be smaller than an 8. When I weighed 123 years ago I was an 8. No matter how thin I am I never have a waist. Just straight down like my sisters and my mom. It's ok as long as there isn't a fat belly in the way.
This weekend we will go to visit my brother and his wife. She is gorgeous, thin and has fabulous clothes, careful shopping for only the best, marked down, and good jewelry. But it's ok because she is truly nice and it's fun to be with her.
Laura

that's a great deal you are getting on the gym membership kathy. congrats!
i am with y'all on the big flowers. i hated clothing for fat women so much that when i was really heavy, i bought men's clothing. men's clothing designers have no bias against fat men, so i could get stylish men's jeans in even a 42. i don't even know what that would be in women's. probably like a 22 or 24. i would have to disagree about low rise pants though. the moderately low rise ones (not the insane ones that are begging for crack-spackle) are flattering on pretty much any figure, because they cut your butt in half. my mom is 57 and she wears them (although she is size 6, so i think that has a lot to do with it). the only thing is that it does get tedious to pull my shirt down in the back whenever i sit down :devil: size two honeys don't have to worry about that i guess. maybe they think they are so hot that everyone wants to see how great a plumber they can be. from my own experience though, i beg to differ. pull down your shirt, hon! no one wants to see your thong! i don't care if it has little rhinestones on it!
speaking of clothes, i have a dress for v-day! my mom is stealing a dress from my sister that she only wore once and she is sending it to me. hopefully it will still fit by v-day, as my sister and i are currently the same size. to make up for the secondhand garb, however, i am going to get new shoes that i have already picked out and go with the dress. yay! i red-heart shoes.
your brother sounds like he lucked out laura. thin and beautiful women with hot clothes and bling-bling are rarely nice. but maybe i just have a bias ;)

Cadwell, there's nothing wrong with a secondhand dress! It's till new to you, but if it fits now then well, it might not fit by the big day!!! Oh but get the shoes anyway, you deserve them.

On low rise jeans: I feel too old to wear them. When I was last thin, they were not even dreamed of yet, so I have never worn them. I know, shocking! I see heavy girls in them with their fat bottoms hanging out and bellies hanging over the front and I don't want to be one of them. Maybe I will feel different when I am smaller, but I fear i will always feel fat no matter how little I get. If that makes any sense.

I didn't know Diet Rite had all those flavors! I've had the zero stuff and it tastes like a regular diet drink...like flat Pepsi pretty much. I've been trying to stay away from them because I get addicted to the fizzy taste, don't want that again.

Sandi, good luck on your license! My mom is an insurance underwriter and she has to renew her license every year and take classes, etc. School never ends, does it?

Laura, nice to have you back. Glad the pressure is over and I hope they can work out the problems. Losing a baby is so rough, I hope they pull through somehow because no one understands what the feelings like they do together.

Kathy, quite the dilemma you have there. Living apart for bits of time can either enhance or destroy a relationship, it just depends on the people involved and the relationship between them. I always went with hubby on the road, up until I was prego enough with baby #1 that the doctor said "NO TRUCK!" It was a HUGE change when I started staying home (on bed rest, no less) and him being gone for 3-6 days at a time. We went through some issues but it worked out and now we both enjoy having our own space. When we are together too long we start to nip at one another, because much as we love one another we have grown used to our spaces and being in control. The house is mine, his truck is his. To a lot of people this is incredibly strange, but it works well for us. When we do have time together it is very meaningful and we take the most out of every second. I like that better than being together all the time and fighting or just living in the same space but not really "together" as some people do. I think the distance keeps our marriage alive, we get the chance to miss one another and never take anything for granted in our personal relationship. But, whether you would enjoy the same kind of space while he works depends on your personality, your needs in the marriage...and how much you trust one another. Trust me, when you are separated part of the time you have to trust they are where they should be and have no doubts on the faithfulness level. No trust leads to suspicions and feelings of being blamed and serious strife. I say this only because a few marriages of hubby's coworkers have split over this issue...they can do anything and us at home wouldn't know, some women can't deal with that.

Okay, okay, too long I know...

Theresa

I am booty challenged so if low rise makes your rear look smaller, I definately wouldn't wear them. I will buy men's jeans if I have to.

Candace awesome news on the dress! You two are going to have so much fun on the 14th! ROFL about the plumber. Isn't it funny how that used to be something to avoid at all costs and now both men and women have no problem and actually attempt to have some crack showing?? My son in law used to wear these ridiculously droopy pants until I started pulling them up no matter where we were or who was around. I just told him no one wanted to see his tighty whities especially his mother in law. I said what he did away from me was one thing but if he didn't want to be embarrassed then he best keep his pants up around me. I know I am bad but it just drives me nuts-must be an age thing. Need to get kids dressed and get to the grocery store while I still have some steam.
Melissa

Years ago when baggy rapper clothes were coming into style for suburban kids, I bought my oldest size 36 new jeans. They were too tight. Yougest son, who wore a 28, said, no problem. they are perfect for me. Next morning I watched him run down the driveway to catch the schoolbus, book bag in one hand and the other hand desperately trying to keep his pants from falling down and barely succeeding. He came home from school and gave me back the pants, which I now had to give away. Practicality gave in to style.
Laura

lol! i remember the rapper clothes. i always disliked that look. i don't understand why guys would want to have their butts hanging out. with girls and their lowrise jeans, at least it's just a little peek of undies. with the guys in those days, i mean, they didn't have to move their pants to go to the bathroom i think. that's how low they were. the most ridiculous thing was that most wore belts. come on now, what is the point of a belt in that situation?
i am pretty excited because i have been doing well with food the past two days and am down a pound. yay! there's a good chance i will make my 2/14 goal at this rate. that would be awesome. i am so tired of being at this plateau.

You can do it Candice and congrats on the pound gone! You have a good motivator to keep up your momentum.

Did the shopping and stayed in the budget so bonus! Food is good and I am looking forward to friday for weigh in. I am glad the gain I had seems to be going just as quickly as it came on.
Melissa

I am antsy crazy today. We are having 50 mile an hour winds and lots of rain and luckily no snow. All 4 of my kids are quiet and calm. I can't get used to it after these last few turbulent months. I am pacing and picking at little bits of food, even tho I'm not really hungry and nothing is satisfying my need. I really feel like stuffing down a lot of food and I'm not going to do it. I've had about 10 cups of tea. I will be ok calorie wise, but my choices are lousy.
I need a beach and sunshine and a big bowl of tropical fruit and a good book. It's not gonna happen.
Laura

Laura, we have had the winds and rain for the past two days, but today was dry and calmer...though chilly. The trees out front have lost about all their branches and I need to get out there and pick them all up.

I think hubby and I are about to have "issues" though I am not sure what is going on. We normally talk all the time, 5 or more times a day, and he calls me just as often as I do him. He left out Monday afternoon and when I went to bed that night I realized we hadn't called each other, but blew it off since he had just left. Yesterday he didn't call at all, and I called him after 6PM expecting to hear he'd slept all day but he said no, and seemed very quiet and just going "uh-huh" which is his everything response when something is bothering him or he's not listening to me. I point blank asked if he forgot how to call home and he just kinda grunted, no explanation at all. Today, I decided I would wait and see if he called me and so far he hasn't (almost 8PM here). I get the feeling if I don't call him, I'll never hear from him until he walks in the front door. This is just not like him, not like us, and I have this sick feeling in my stomach like something is just not right. A friend told me that I am just reading too much into it, how do I know, etc. but I just know. Something is not right with him and my mind is going nuts thinking what it could be. I keep thinking what if he has another woman in the truck with him? Or he met someone, stopped to see an ex? I can't have those thoughts, I have to trust him, but the not calling and being so quiet when I call him just doesn't sit right. I have felt like I"m giong to throw up all day. I ate too much, but it was all healthy stuff, and I'm exercising like a fanatic because I just have to do something with myself.

I guess I should just break down and call him, but I think if I do I'm going to start screaming to know what the **** is going on with him. I hate feeling this way and don't want to accuse him of anything, that would just make him defensive, so I decided just not to call him for tonight at least. I just feel so sick and why would I feel that way if it weren't women's intuition? What do you guys think? Am i just overreacting, possibly?

Theresa

Sounds like everybody is committed and really doing well! Congrats and keep up the good work!!

I have been keeping up with reading the posts but just haven't felt like posting lately. I am doing fine food and exercise wise but I'm having a hard time dealing with other issues. Last week we found out my aunt has a large malignant tumor in her stomach that is inoperable and untreatable. Next week is the 13th anniversary of my Dad's death. I'm also just plain sick and tired of winter weather and being stuck indoors. Yes, I am very whiny and I know I just need to suck it up and pull myself out of this funk.

Lighten Up Iowa started up again today. That's what got me started losing weight a year ago. This year I'm only signed up for the workout part of it since I'm not really looking to lose more weight. It lasts for six months and should help me keep on track with exercise (I got 100 minutes today...whoohoo).

Thanks for being here...even though I haven't been posting I've looked forward to reading and seeing what everybody's up to every day. It really helps to keep me from sliding back into old bad habits which would be so easy for me to do this time of year.

Theresa when does he come home again? If you are really worried you do need to let him know but it would probably be better to do it face-to-face rather than over the phone, that way things can't be misconstrued and you can make sure he knows you aren't being accusatory and are just concerned and want to know what's going on.

How were things before he left? Any arguments? Maybe you were busy with the kids and he felt neglected? Maybe he is worrying about losing you? Or maybe he's just wishing he was home more...sometimes the tiniest things can upset people, even if their fears or anger isn't justified.


Anyway...hope you hear from him soon and hopefully you'll feel better after talking to him. I know my imagination runs wild every time I find some little thing to worry about and it usually turns out to be nothing, so I do think that we sometimes have a tendency to overreact about things. Try to relax and have a good night...and congrats on all the exercise!!!

I broke down and called him. He sounded in a good mood when he answered, a chippy "hey babe." I just busted out crying and demanded to know why he hasn't been calling me. He said he is in the shop working on his truck and he knew if he called and told me that I would get mad, so he didn't call. He is right, I do get mad when he is working on the truck because it's NOT HIS JOB. He is supposed to drop the truck there and come home, they have a crew and it's THEIR job to fix it, but they are all slackers and he ends up doing it and not coming home, just leaving back out. I feel it takes away our time with him and it ticks me off. It still doesn't excuse no calls for 3 days, which he said Monday I was in a bad mood when he left so he didn't call...remember, I was on here saying I couldn't wait for him to leave, so I guess he picked up that I was annoyed with him. Yesterday he said he would have called me later, but he had slept until after 2PM and was in a hurry to get back in so he could come home so was just driving and not thinking about anything else.

Now, I feel like the world's worst wife ever. I was crying and saying he never comes home anymore, I'm tired of only seeing him one day a week, I want him to come home, etc. I was very unsupportive of him busting his a** out there and now I feel so guilty and horrible. But, if he doesn't call me sometimes how do I know what is going on? I don't, and I have a very active imagination for the worst possible scenario. I do feel like he doesn't come home enough anymore, up until Christma we always saw him 2-3 days a week, now it's 1 day. And he's coming home tonight, but has only had 2 hours sleep and has to leave right back out in the AM to get to Texas by Friday...which means he won't be home until sometime late late Saturday or Sunday. I just want him home more, and now he said I don't understand what he is doing out there, that he has a JOB and can't be here, etc. I feel horrible that I reacted this way. But sometimes it is hard to stay supportive when you don't know what is going on.

*sigh* I am a horrible, horrible wife. TOM is very close, and I am very hormonal and all that...but, he just doesn't understand that.

Theresa

Well let yourself off the hook. Why in the world would he do that KNOWING it would upset you? I am assuming he owns his truck-does he get a price break for doing the work himself? And if he works for another company, I would be complaining to the owners as to why he does the work when they are paying other employees to do it. Communication is very key to any relationship, especially when they are gone most of the week. My ex drove truck briefly (of course no money was ever sent home) He couldn't understand why I was upset he was spending all the money and also running up a huge phone bill when I was home with Joshua. the local foodbank knew me by name and broke the rules and gave us more and let us come more often. It was a very small town and everyone knew everyone and everything. It was so embarrassing for me. The best you can do I suppose is just tell him how you feel and how important it is for you to be able to talk to him-even if he thinks you aren't going to like what he happens to be doing. I think TOM should be taken out and shot. I get so over the top and even though I know what is causing it, it doesn't help the feelings level out at all. My ex always used to say women just used it as an excuse to be a *B*. Can we all see why he is my ex? LOL Take a deep breath, apologize for going over the top with him and explain why you did.
Melissa

Absolutely, let yourself off the hook. When my DH travels by himself I am always upset if he doesn't call me in the morning and night. I always think whatever he is doing or whomever he is with is more important than I am or that when he is away, we are out of his sight and mind. I know i am right because I have seen him turn a way from me when he meets someone important to him. It took me a long time and lots of screaming till he got the idea that when I am there, he is supposed to introduce me, not step away. He is so into himself that he would forget. It took massive training.
Laura

Hubby called a bit after 11 and asked if I could come pick him up. He's had 2 hours sleep in the past 2 days and knew he wasn't alert enough to ride the motorcycle. The car ride put the kids to sleep and we had a nice, calm talk. He was really great, said he was sorry and explained that they are just overloading him with the work and he doesn't want to turn down any runs because he likes the big paychecks. I told him it's not worth giving up family time for bigger checks, at least not to me. I have to get him back to the truck at 8AM and he's off to Texas for Friday, BUT when he gets back on Sunday he promised me he'll be home at least until Tues. evening because his truck will be in the shop...and I made him SWEAR that HE will not be the shopman fixing it.

We were going to buy our own truck right before fuel prices spiked, so we backed out of that plan at least for now. He is driving for a small company and the owner really is just a rich guy who knows absolutely nothing about the industry. Actually, he calls my hubby with questions about the laws and such, he knows nothing. He could have left his truck at the shop and came home, but there was only one guy working in there tonight and it would not have been ready for his run to Texas. Things get stolen out of trucks right and left at this place, so he doesn't like riding in someone else's truck, then something goes missing and the finger is pointed at him...or, his truck gets ready tomorrow sometime and they send someone else off it in, and he comes back to an empty fridge and everything else GONE. This is like his home, he has lots of stuff in there, it's like a tiny apartment so I understand this. Him doing the work on the truck was the only way to have the truck ready for the AM. I would have understood if he just TOLD me what was going on, but he said he didn't want to fight and was already so tired. *sigh* he got a fight anyway, so it backfired. He gets paid by the hour for working in the shop, so it's not like he does it for nothing.

Before all this happened, I was doing my gazelle and watching BL and it hit me: I need to tone my arms so when i reach goal they aren't flabby. I've noticed on all the women on that show that their arms are big and flabby even though the rest of them are skinny, and I don't want that, it's obvious. We have a blowflex like thing, walmart knock off actually, but it's in the garage collecting dust so I got busy and rearranged the entire computer room into what will eventually be my little gym. it was a LOT of work, taking out an entertainment center and putting the TV on a small stand to make room, then getting that HUGe thing from garge to computer room. This big ol' computer desk will be next, when I find a treadmill or elliptical or something to put in it's place. This is going to be so fun, i can't wait to work out in here!!!

Theresa

Glad to hear you got things worked out. It's always good to talk things through. Don't feel bad about the fight...it's so easy to jump to the wrong conclusions when things don't quite add up and he should have told you what was going on so you didn't have to worry. I've been married almost 17 years and there are still times we have a huge argument over some tiny little thing just because of a communication lapse that caused me to worry. Doesn't happen very often anymore, but there are still occasions when it does.

I worried about my arms, too. I've been doing some circuit training aerobics workouts with free weights and I actually have some muscles now! Not huge muscles and I still don't have extremely strong arms, but the muscles are there and they are visible. This weekend I'm going to try to find heavier free weights...the ones I've been using are getting too easy.

KayElle, I want muscles in my arms too! That is something I have never had. I have very, very strong legs and extremely weak arms. Lots of flab, not much else there. I'm hoping using this machine will help, though I threw out the paper with all the different exercises shown on it a long time ago and now I'm kicking myself because I'm not sure what all to do with it. Hubby will show me when he gets back in, but I'll play with it and do whatever I can figure out until then. We used to do this together, a year ago when we first bought it, and I loved watching him sweat and work, and then we just stopped, because it was unaccessible out there. Well, now it's not and I'm hoping he will start doing it again as well, he really needs to lose weight for health reasons.

Okay, I have to go be mean and wake people up. The alarm went off and I am the only one who got up, hubby said he'll leave at 9 instead, so if I don't start now he will be in bed all day. I hate waking him up knowing he's had very little sleep and will be driving all day.

Theresa

Theresa, I'm glad you and hubby talked things out. I fully understand what your going through, my hubby did long haul the first 2 years we were married. It's tough sitting at home waiting for a phone call, (this was before cell phones got cheaper to use than regular). Now he's home all the time because of his injury, so life changes quickly sometimes.
I need to do the arm exercises too. My doc said the only way to get rid of my tendonitis is to make the muscles stronger than the joint. Hard to do when the joint is so sore it hurts to pick up a soda. Somehow I have got to start as the tendonitis is getting worse, it wakes me up sometimes.

Lunchtime experiment is in progress, had a yogurt this morning and a jello sf pudding instead of meat and veggies or large salad. I'm going to give it about 2 weeks to see if there is any real difference.

I got to see my neice and nephew yesterday. We don't have any children so they are very special to us. My nephew is 3, he grabbed my dh around the neck and said "I wuv you Unca Bill". That made the big lug cry!!! Nephew had a new phrase that he was using every chance he got on my mom. "Don't freak out Dranma" (he has a lisp) My neice is 9 months old and is an absolute doll, such a happy baby. It was a great day, although I was the one crying when we left! I stayed up most of the day and was super tired, but it was worth every minute.

Hubby sent off for info on a bowflex, he's thinking about turning our everything room into an exercise room. He has lost a lot of muscle in the last year and has decided to try and do something about it. I hope he is serious because it would be so nice to work out with him at home.

Well it's my day off before a 40 hour weekend at work, so lot's to get done.
Have a great day everyone!!!!

I am glad everything is smoothed over Theresa. I need to dust off the bike here too and get some videos popped in the machine. i am sure the girls would love to excersize with Nanna. This head cold is still killing me though and I shudder everytime I have to lean over. Tomorrow is weigh in day and I am stoked for it. I haven't been this excited to weigh myself in quite awhile. I may still make my birthday goal to be under 200. That driver's lisence pic is spurning me on to stay OP.

Oh Loser Boyfriend was released from jail last night so now we will see what Katy does about it and if she is serious about being away from him or not. She keeps saying she is coming to see the kids and then not showing up. She has put back on a couple pounds so hopefully she has quit using again. Still no prego test and she just isn't following through with things.
Melissa

Melissa-I wish he could get locked up forever. Can you buy a preg test and get her to pee on it, so at least you will know what's happening?
My arms are my weakest area also. I tried grabbing a bar at the gym and ketting go with my feet and I thought I would die, the pain in my arms was so intense. The trainer said, well try again in a few weeks. Ha
Laura

That is the great thing about trainers THEY ARE SO OPTOMISTIC! I know when I had one a couple years ago there were many times I wanted to smack him-talk about a love hate relationship. Pee prego tests don't work for her-all her tests before came back neg until they did blood test. I just can't believe they let him out on personal recog hasn't he already proven he isn't to be trusted?? As long as he stays away from me and the kids I don't care and Kate can kiss getting logan back goodbye and if she doesn't hurry up and start on her depency, she will not only lose logan but any future children she might have. That kind of thing goes on your permanent record and never goes away. It is raining here yet again. I think we are like day 31 or something now-there are mud slides all over the place. I am sick of the rain and gloom too-I am with Kayelle on that one. It would be nice to take the kids outside and let them wear themselves out. I think they are sick of being cooped up in the house too.
Melissa

MistyDreamer, before you buy a bowflex compare it to the generic machine at walmart. it is just like a bowflex (at least to me lol) and it was a lot cheaper. i think we paid either $99 or $199 for it, I think it's the first one though. It works just like a bowflex, they are sturdy and after a year it's still holding up in perfect condition.

I went on a little shopping spree today, though only to walmart and goodwill. I got a pair of capri pants at goodwill that are exactly like my new size 20 jeans, except they are capris and a size 18. I will try them on after I wash them. At walmart I got a pair of pants which are now my goal. They are a size 18 and fit except they are a bit tighter than I like in the butt and hip area. My goal is for them to fit right come Allie's birthday party next month. Wish me luck! They are hung front and center in my closet because I don't have much time and every calorie counts now.

I bought a whole bunch of canned veggies and fruit (in juice, no sugar added) and 4 boxes of the 100 calorie snack pack things. I am serious those pants WILL FIT come the birthday party.

Oh, at goodwill I also bought a huge wok, I have always wanted one to make stir fries, and this one was in perfect condition and only $4. It works too! I had my doubts it was so cheap :lol: Now, when I get to the grocery store I can get some stir fry veggies frozen (doubt it's in season fresh, right?) and see how it works...after a really good scrubbing of course.

I got my seed starting supplies in the mail today as well so I need to get those going...so I can kill the plants come spring ;)

does anyone know if primrose can be grown as a houseplant? I bought 3 of them at walmart in the houseplant section, then got them home and they only have directions for outdoors :?: I obviously can't plant them out at this time and wanted them in my hanging basket.

Theresa

You should always be able to get the veggies for stirfry-broccoli, cabbage, onions, carrots, bamboo shoots-those are always available. You can also get frozen stirfry veggies too. I used to buy the one from schwans but they changed it and put some kind of bean in it and sauce packets and I just haven't gotten it again. The girls especially love stirfry and I put a little chicken in it too.
Primroses should be fine in the house and just make sure it is warm enough when you take it out or they will get shocked. They are really pretty sturdy flowers and should do fine. I have two rose of sharons in the house but it will be quite awhile before I put them outside.

Congrats on getting yourself some clothes! I am going to have to break down and get some pants next time I can get out alone. The ones I have on are baggy along with the other ones I have and that just leaves a pair of sweats. I keep holding off since I don't want to be out buying pants every month. I saved two gift certificates from christmas and I want to make them count and not have to replace really soon.

Argh Amanda is just having issues today and I am sure it is due to her cold. We all caught Joshua's cold this time around. If she feels just half of what I do, she is miserable. Gave her some cold medicine but it doesn't seem to be making a dent on her attitude about life.
Melissa

So how do you make it taste good if you don't get a prepackaged sauce? I am afraid what would be in the store sauce! I am going to use chicken the first time, but want to try with some beef sliced in pieces as well. Since this is goodwill find, I don't have a book of any sort and have never done this before...I feel like such a dunce, but it will be worth it when I learn. I got some whole grain rice to put it over, just am not sure exactly how to do it. The little knob has up to 450 degrees, simmer and warm. I don't know how high to turn it :?: can I put the chicken, cut in pieces, in there raw or do I cook it first? Clueless here.

I am the same way about you, and I only bought the capris today because they were only $2, otherwise I am just waiting until summer to see what size I fit. I have a bunch of 18 shorts, but I am hoping to be in a 16, which will leave those baggy and me frumpy and/or naked.

My mom has been losing weight as well and she told me today she is looking to buy new clothes because she has been pulling her pants up to her bra, tucking them into the bottom wires to keep them up! She said a belt doesn't work because the crotch sags almost to her knees in most pair. She has been going to work like this :lol: She's wearing an 18 like that and thinks she "might" be into a 16 now...I am betting she's a 14 if she can pull them up THAT high and tuck them in! What do you guys think?

Theresa

I use teriyaki sauce in mine-it is the favorite of the girls-i just didn't like the one from schwans. I cook the raw chicken and then add the veggies when I do it-small pieces dont' take long at all to cook. I would probably do 350 degrees and it may take some trial and error before you get it just like you like it but it will be worth it. Cook the rice seperately-

ROFLMBO! I thought my clothes dilema was bad. Ed Grimly anyone?? Martin Short character who wore his pants like that and loved Pat Sajak-hehehe. I am thinking must be 14 if they are falling off. I lost my skirt at work once when I lost weight. I was in the checkstand working away and suddenly felt a draft like you wouldn't believe. Thank goodness I am vertically challenged and no one saw! I called my boss on the phone and held my skirt with one hand while running groceries with the other until she found me some pins and pinned my skirt to my shirt in like 4 places. I was really embarrassed.

I got a bisquick crockpot recipe in my email and it is only 7pts so I will try it and let ya'll know if it is any good or not. Gingered pork wraps are for tonight and they are only 5pts no idea what the calories are but it has to be reasonable to be only 5pts. Now I just pray that the crockpot lives on forever! I grabbed it through freecycle while back and then it sat in my cupboard-go figure. I sure love the thing now I can tell you!
Melissa

Mmmm stir fry is one of my favorites. I like it with brown rice & veggies drizzled with teriyaki sauce. In fact, that's exactly what I'm having for dinner tonight.

The cool thing about wearing huge, baggy clothes is that when you finally do put on the right size...everybody that sees you think you lost a whole bunch of weight overnight because they didn't realize how much smaller you were getting under your clothes.

I am feeling a little nervous tonight. I was asked (along with a couple other staff members who have made some big health-related changes) to speak to the fitness class tomorrow morning and try to give them some advice and motivation about getting healthier. I don't know why I am worried about it...I haven't felt nervous about dealing with the kids since my first year working there. Maybe because I'm usually not talking about myself with them. At least they gave us all a list of questions so I can be a little prepared. Hopefully I won't sound like an idiot. Yikes.

How exciting Kayelle! You are very articulate and I have no doubt you will be brilliant. You have questions and so you can prepare and that should take care of some of the nerves. I always hate talking in front of people myself but I know you will be both awesome and as with us here, an inspiration.
Melissa

KayElle, I am sure all the little boys think you're a hottie and they'll be making googlie eyes and the girls will find you inspiring. It's a shame how many children are overweight these days, so hopefully you can make a difference in some of them early on. I would be nervous too though, def. not one for public speaking.

Found my Carb Options BBQ sauce marked half off on closeout sale at the grocery today. I bought all I could of it, but I cannot imagine a life without BBQ chicken :stress: seriously, I have it at least once a week, and this is the only brand I have found that doesn't add sugar, in any of it's many labeled forms. Guess I'll have to figure out how to make my own maybe.

Okay, I sat in my closet tonight and cried. I tried on the new 18 capris and they fit good, just a tad tight in the butt, but I could wear them and no one would notice but me. This inspired me to tackle cleaning out my closet. I dug out 4 trash bags of clothes and ended up crying on the floor in the closet. I came across these bright yellow jean shorts, which I bought right before finding this group. All of my 22s were too tight for comfort, I looked horrible, and when I went shopping I realized I needed a 24, 26 in some styles even. I cried in the dressing room that day, refused to pay the $ for that size and went to goodwill where I bought the bright yellow UGLY shorts simply because they were the only pair there that would fit me, and I had to have something that didn't slice me in half when I breathed. I felt miserable, they were ugly and outdated and just finding them in the closet today brought all that emotion back.

That was right before I found this group and when we first joined together I felt helpless. I felt trapped and like this was an impossible journey I just could not do...so why try? I stuck around though and saw the progress others were making and it felt like you were all swimming laps while I was still treading water. I started exercising, then making small changes, all the while still feel helpless. Then suddenly the scale just started moving. Suddenly I felt I was going somewhere, even if at a snails pace.

And tonight I have reached a milestone. I bagged up all those ugly outdated clothes and got rid of them because I no longer need them. I don't have to settle for whatever in the store fits, but can choose things that look good and flatter me. I am now in an 18 and I thought I would NEVER make it this far even. Knowing that I am still going to get even better is amazing. I don't feel helpless anymore and the journey doesn't feel overwhelming, scary, or impossible. It feels natural and I am in such a differnet place than 6 months ago when we first met. I don't think I'd be here without the support, inspiration, and ideas that I gained from you ladies :grouphug: seriously, you guys have helped more than anyone else could and I thank you so much. I feel like this group has saved my life, seriously I do.

Truthfully, I was still eating mac and cheese and taco bell daily when we first started, and I didn't know how to eat healthy. It was listening to you ladies talk about what you do and taking the time to research different ideas, different eating theories, and experimenting that I found what works for me. You are my inspiration, keep on swimming ladies!

I am going to Goodwill and dropping these bags of clothes in the AM. I don't want to hold onto them a second longer. I did think about just dumping them in the trash, but there will be others desparate for something to fit them and they will pick these up and go home feeling as miserable and sad as i did 6 months ago. That makes me want to put them in the trash instead of passing them on, but then maybe there will be nothing in the store for that 22-24 sized girl and she'll feel worse. I imagine whoever donated the yellow shorts before me maybe had the same feelings.

Theresa

Theresa, I know how you feel, I did the same thing right after Katrina hit. My hubby and I decided if we couldn't donate money we could donate clothes, household items etc... so we went through the closets. When I found the size 24-26 clothes, some still with tags because I could never face wearing them I just cried, dh thought I was crazy!!! It's just actually seeing that I really have made a change, and realizing how close I came to seriously destroying my health. Your story brought all that emotion right back, a good reminder to me and an inspiration to keep on going. We had 11 bags of clothing between the 2 of us, most of them were mine. I never want to see any of those sizes again. I agree that this site has been a lifesaver. So many times when I feel like giving up, I read something one of you have written and it just makes me more determined. I may get there slower than some, but I will get there!!!! :hug: Thanks Theresa for the wonderful reminder that yes I have accomplished quite a bit in the last 6 months.:hug:

Suzette

WI results: 2 of the re-gained lbs. gone, 2 more to go.

Good luck on your WI Melissa...you will be back to 202 before you know it.

I have 3 weeks to get my new pants from slightly tight in the booty to fitting comfortable and I am determined to get there.

Suzette, beyond feeling so sad, I had this feeling of freedom, like I have let myself out of a cage where I'd been locked for years and was just realizing I was free...I can do what I want, go where I want, I'm free! Maybe silly, but I do feel that way.

Theresa