Morning everyone, here I am listening to my ipod with the Christmas music I downloaded/bought yesterday. It's so cool to create your own playlist of your favorites. Right now is Bruce Springsteen's Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It's quite funny and cherry.

And today I get dressed. :) On Wednesday I wore sweatpants and yesterday I just stayed in my PJs. But this morning, I'm wearing jeans and dressed like a normal person. I must be feeling a bit better. I also jogged 2 miles and walked 1 so that's a step in the right direction.

Okay, I lost again. .4 pound went away. So what's with that??? I cut my exercise from 5 to 3 miles and the calories are the same. And I lose weight??? Now, I'm not complaining - I like the idea. It just doesn't make sense unless the obnoxious plateau is really over. So Santa gave me a nice present this week. Now the next weigh in is on Tuesday - the day after Christmas. Eeks that could be depressing...

Judy, enjoy the time with the family. My family and in laws all watch loads of TV. I don't like it when I visit. I always think that I spent loads of $$$ to watch TV at someone else's house. Most of the time I rarely watch. Yesterday was not the case. I zoned out watching loads of DVR shows from November. But since I feel better, I guess it was good. BTW, enjoy the Christmas program. It brought back memories of my kid's programs. One was so painfully out of tune my eyes were watering. Since it's the one I remember, I guess it was memorable.

Carol, rotors??? Oh so romantic and fun. DHs are so fun to shop for. Mine is getting a big jack for my Jeep (seems more like a present for me but since I would never change the tire, I guess it really is for him) and an 8000 pound winch. Oooo, I'd so love his presents...

Penny, I think us food addicts will always make mistakes that make us feel miserable. That's just our way. We didn't get to be overweight by being good. But look at how far you've come - so the will power of a flea has to be somewhat wrong. Perhaps of a butterfly???

Marie

Marie I know glad I choose my own presents sort to say. When I see something I like and get it he saves it for Christmas. I did have him go with me yesterday and the SIL to look for a puppy. The first place was awful a puppy mill for sure. I am going to do something about it. I just haven't decided what. Oh it smelled so bad and the conditions uh! I had to take my sweater off as it smelled and I was only there a little bit. But one puppy I did almost buy to get him out of there. I think she even lied about how old he was. Cause my puppy I did by was suppose to be almost the same age by one week and there was a whole lot of difference. Anyways my little Sparky is black and is a cocker spaniel. Raised so far with a little family with children. He was the last one left. Its his moms 3rd litter and mom and dad were both there on the premises. My hubby came up with the name and I liked it. So Sparky he is. I will try to put his picture on this site. I am going to make my homemade christmas eve bread today and clean the house. I have a few last min. presents to wrap. Well Marie I am glad your feeling a bit better. Maybe your losing due to the fact you changed things around a bit. They say our bodies get so used to everything being the same we sometimes platue. Maybe that was your case who knows but take it and run with it. Never question a gift horse. Training my little guy will be fun. He did already go potty outside so thats a start. Now if the rain would just stop. Take care and hope everyone is getting ready to feel good and have a super holiday. After the first of the year this lady is moving things forward in a get moving lets make a difference order.

I'm so glad that I'm checking in this morning. I was up late last night, losing at Scrabble and laughing with my mom and one of my brothers. I was talking myself out of working out this morning, but now I'm back in the right mindset. When I'm with the folks the most walking we do is through the parking lot, and with all this food everywhere and being sedentary, doing a formal workout everyday day is really critical.

Marie, I'm glad that the weight is still flying away, and that you're feeling better.

Carol, Sparky sounds wonderful. He is a lucky little pup.

Penny, I agree with Marie--you are stronger than you give yourself credit for...and fleas, butterflies, etc are all tremendously powerful and size. But I am like you in that it might not make sense to be a Keebler elf if you are trying to avoid sweets!

The school program was fun. I don't have kids so I'm easily touched by their vulnerability. It was the fifth graders' holiday program for the school. They will be in middle school next year. The songs were lively, with lots of dancing and silliness. You could see that by this time next year you couldn't get most of the boys to cooperate, but they are still childlike enough now to really get into it (after the first couple of songs).

Well, my shopping is finally done! I will probably spend the day wrapping presents and memorizing acceptable Scrabble words like "ka" and "za."

Enjoy your day!

Judy

Morning all. Well congratulations Carol and the new addition. I'm you got your baby from a happy family home. As sad as we feel for the puppy mill puppies, you just know that you're taking a risk. Best to go with the family breeder in that case. Sparky sounds beautiful and I know he'll add lots of joy to your lives. I bet your grandbabies are terribly excited to play with him. There's nothing like a puppy.

Judy, DH and I used to play non-competitive scrabble. I'm not a competitive person and so when we played the goal was to use every letter in real words. That was fun because it is a challenge. We succeeded some of the time and didn't others. BTW, I used to be competitive and it ruled who I was and it dawned on me that winning made no difference in life and it was like the lightbulb went on. So then my competitive edge turned toward working together. It was an interesting morph about 15 years ago. Anyway... Sounds like you're having a great time with your family. That's wonderful. My family isn't active and eats all the time. Everytime I visit it's difficult to stay in the right mindset so I definitely understand.

Still a bit under the weather but certainly better than a few days ago. The cold has moved to my chest and it's battling with my asthma for my attention. Thanks goodness for Robitussin cough med.

Yesterday I bought software to convert some of my DVDs to mp4 files for my Ipod. So I'm putting some movies on the ipod. Of course WATP videos were the first to make the transition to the pod. Now I definitely don't have an excuse to not exercise.

Speaking of exercising, I did 1 mile walking and 2 miles jogging today. I'm inching toward that coveted 1000 mile for 2006. I will make it, probably by a few extra miles but I'm pretty excited to make such a marker.
Marie

Carol - Congratulations on getting a new fur baby! Cockers have such a sweet disposition, I'm sure he'll be a wonderful addition to your family. It's so sad about those puppy mills. There seems to be a lot of them around. I'm glad you got Sparky from a home situation. The puppies from the mills usually have so many health problems.

Judy - School holiday programs are so heartwarming. The kids (and teachers) put so much effort into it and it puts everyone in a good mood. You reminded me about Scrabble. I was introduced to it by our son, who played it with one of his friends in high school. He challenged me to a game and I thought "I won't beat him too badly so that he's embarrassed". Well, he kicked my a$$ big time. I was amazed at his good vocabulary. I'll have to get the board out and get him to have a rematch. It keeps your mind active. It's also something to keep my mind off eating!

Marie - It was interesting to read your thoughts on competitiveness. I've always been very competitive too and realized I don't need to be that way. It dawned on me that I have a lot less stress if, for instance, I don't try to win every challenge at Curves. Also on Spark People they award points for different things and I found myself spending wasted time trying to get as many points as possible - for what??? It's such a relief when you realize you don't have to always win. I'm also working on not being a perfectionist and expecting the same of others. I've found that even if I let things slide a bit, they usually work out ok. I'm glad you're feeling a bit better and that the scale is cooperating. I'm amazed you're still able to do so much exercise when you're sick. You're such a techie with you iPod - my guys have them but I wouldn't know how to use one! They seem to be really popular though. I guess I'm too lazy to pick out what tunes I'd want on it. I usually just tune in to the oldies station if I want to listen to music. I can't stand having earplugs in my ears, so that would be a problem.

I'm starting to feel more in control now that I've given away the last of the candies I made. I won't make them again, they are just too good! The only cookies left are the ones my DH & DS like - the kind that I don't care for too much. I'm hoping that my flea-sized or butterfly-sized willpower will grow to that of an eagle in the new year!

Merry Christmas! I hope you are enjoying yourselves today. I'm having a good, relaxing time. I managed to work out most days so far, but it's hard to get the chocolate monkey back into the box once I let him out to run wild for a couple of days. One of my gift was a big box of fudge, which I plan to regift or toss before getting on the plane Wednesday.

Be well-judy

Hi All,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas :clause:. We're vegging out in front of the TV watching a fishtank video one of us got for Xmas and enjoying a glass of champagne before the prime rib that's in the oven. It smells sooo good! The yorkshire puddings are ready to go in soon. Here's to you and yours!:hat:

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Penny I love yorkshire pudding. I "made" it last year for Christmas but forgot to put the flour in. Oops!!! It was more like an icky omelet. I was asked not to make it again this year. :) Hmmm, wonder why. But when I do make it right, it's so awesome. My kids love it too.

Judy, good for you for exercising on your relaxing vacation. And the fudge, hmm, such as waste to throw it away but worse to have it turn to fat. I do love dark chocolate and know that monster intimitely.

We've had a great Christmas. I got several wonderful gifts. Most Christmases I'm usually disappointed but everyone got stuff they love. It was so awesome and unusual. My fave... a portable speaker unit for my ipod so I can listen without headphones in all rooms, not just my craft room. I'm thinking a bath listening to Christmas music sounds like a delightful evening.

We took the doggies out to the mountain to let them run so they'd be tuckered out for the day. It was raining so I was cold and damp, but it worked. I also got a 2 mile walk in out there in the rain.

Marie

I'm packing my suitcase and hoping that if I bat my eyes and smile widely at the guy at curbside check-in, he won't weigh my bag and charge me extra...it's kinda heavy!

The remainder of my visit was good. I did some chores for my mom, whose small cabinets and storage spaces are always an overflowing jumble of things she can't get to or forgot she had. I got to spend a little more time with my sis and my youngest nieces, who are funny, smart and exhausting. Last night I went out with one of my bros to hear live hiphop and reggae at the House of Blues, basically standing and/or dancing for four hours. I did a short workout yesterday AM, but probably won't have time today.

It sounds like everyone is having a fine time! I am too, but I will be glad to be home later today.

Ho, ho, ho--judy

Just a quick note I am of to work again today! Well Sparky turned into Little Bear. He really looks like a grizzle bear so we renamed the little guy. He is surely a lot of fun and work though. My DH will have to care for him today and I think he really is fond of him. Last night he road to the airport to pick up his Uncle Jim with Dad I was in bed. He wants him to get used to going in the vechile once in awhile so what better trip than to the airport. Well eating has been really off and why cause its around tonight we are having pea soup in the crock pot cooking while I am at work. The cookies are getting put away etc. Trying today to get a grip on it and stopping at the gym as well. Take care and I will catch up later on.

Hi everyone, things are going good. Carol, yesterday I put the stocking candy away into DH's dresser drawer. Out of sight, out of mind. I'd only had 2 pieces of ghiradelli dark chocolate mint wafers, but still, I didn't want them on the counter any longer.

Okay, so the rumor is DS and almost DIL and GS want to move out. DS #2 told me that. I'm like yeah!!! They told DS2 that it's too crowded. Well duh!!! I told DS2 to mention if possible that if they move that they won't be coming back. Because they leave, we re-convert their room back to my garage. No more scraping the windshield in the morning. :) And my house - wow it would stop driving me nuts with all the clutter. My countdown was on for Dec 2007 but wow, January 2007 sounds way better. I do think I'd miss DGS an awfully lot, but I think I'll be fine.

Today is my beautiful Blizzard (Blizzie) Bear's birthday. My angel soulmate doggie is 6 today. It's hard to believe how fast it's gone. Just seems like yesterday she was a puppy. BTW, today is also Teddy Bear's birthday (she passed away 5 years ago). I just do love the doggies!!!!!

Almost DIL and I are probably going skiing/snowboarding today. For her birthday we bought her a 1-2-3 Learn to Snowboard package and she wants to go but DS hurt his tailbone a week ago snowboarding so he doesn't want to. I thought, cool, I could go skiing without having to go for the whole day (like if I went with DH). But last night she was getting waffley about going so who knows. I didn't exercise this morning in case we go. But if we don't I'll exercise later and tomorrow DH has the day off and he and I will go. (He doesn't know this yet). So keep your fingers crossed that I don't fall or if I do that I don't hurt myself. It's been a while since I skied (about 3 years).

Judy, hope you got home safely. And Carol, all my doggies are bears - Teddy Bear started us off, then there's Goldilocks, Sister of Bear, Blizzard Bear and Kodiak Bear. So you pup is in good company.
Marie

Marie - It will probably seem really quiet around there when your DS and family moves out but it will be nice for you to get your garage back. I hope you have fun and safe time skiing and snowboarding - you live in the right place for those kinds of sports. One of our burmese kitties is also Teddy Bear! When he's bad I call him Edward. I think he's a person in fur who has been reincarnated - he's just seems so human. He's very gentle, dignified and loving. It's amazing how so much personality can be wrapped up in such a little creature. Wish Blizzie a happy birthday from me.

Carol - I love the name Little Bear. I bet he's a cutie. Good thing your DH is helping with the training and care of your new fur baby - they are a lot of work (just like human babies!) I'm looking forward to hearing more about him.

Judy - I'm glad you had a nice time with your mom and family. I hope your trip home goes smoothly. Your trip to the House of Blues must have been a blast. I bet you burned off some calories dancing.

As far as eating goes, I'm slowly getting back on track. I still have some of the roast beef left and I'll probably make some soup or stew with it in the crock pot. I'm up 3 lbs. since Thanksgiving, so I need to get my eating back to normal asap. I did an extra workout this week, so that's something positive.

So many bears! None for me, just some scraggly houseplants and the last of my red dwarf shrimp in an enclosed biodome-pyramid thing (there were four shrimp when I bought it seven years ago). But all the "bears" sound delightful and well-loved.

I won't weigh myself again until New Year's Day. I'm sorta detoxing until then, just veggies, lean protein, lots of water and a very small amount of fruit and carbs. It's the only way to tame my sweet tooth. Work starts again on Tuesday. I wish I had more pure "me" time between now and then, but I will make the most of this break to clear the decks and focus on my priorities.

Marie, I hope your DS moves sooner rather than later. You've been a real trooper and very generous, and it would be nice to have the little family move on while you're all on good terms. Good luck with the snowboarding! It's nearly 60 in DC today, woo-hoo, a nice temperature for a long walk this afternoon.

Carol and Penny, I was looking over my crockpot recipes this morning, making up a grocery list. I'm thinking veggie stew with a bit of beef...

Okay, time to be productive. I spent the morning in bed reading and thinking. Time to sweat and shop!

judy

Marie I didn't realize you had bears too. I guess its a good start for the little guy. He was quite excited when I arrived home last night. Teaching others a schedule and what to do or not to do is tough. I will manage this though it will all work out. At any rate last night he woke me up around 12 not wanting to be alone. I took a sweater of mine put it in his crate he kept it up for about 10 min and then finally stopped and is still asleep. I want to make my coffee but he will hear me so I am doing this first. Funny how they change our lifes. At any rate he is a cutie and for only 7 weeks old pretty smart I THINK. But of course he's my pup so I would think so. Trying to jump back into good habits isn't so easy. I found myself having some choc. after dinner last night. Now if it wasn't there it wouldn't be eaten so I have to get it all put away tonight when I get home. The hubby is pretty sick got the virus all the kids had they have been sick all christmas season. I am going to buy them all super vitamins for next Nov and Dec. That might work out well. Lots of people here have a virus with cold and stomach which last around a total of 3 weeks. Not so much fun. Penny and Marie is that what you two had? I have a little post nasal and hope thats all I get. Well I am going to roast a small turkey on saturday. So homemade soup and roasted turkey will be some part of a healthy kick back I hope. Mom turns 85 on monday and we are all celebrating her birthday and the new year. I need to get into the exercise groove and count my cals. I haven't been doing that lately and wow thats not smart. These jeans feel a bit tight. Judy sounds like you are enjoying the family. I am sure they love having you around. Mom will be well organized when you leave her. I really missed having the kids home for the holiday. Oh Marie to have your house back will be nice. Something to look forward to. I have wedding planning and a shower to participate on organizing with the girls. Lots to do in the future. I better get in shape. Take care any good tips on crate training or doggie training. He is only in the crate for sleeping at night and if we have to go somewhere. I told the DH and SIL to use it for when they can't keep a close eye on him. Good luck there.

Oh, I can't believe my vacation is nearly over over, I need more time! I spent yesterday at a museum, which I want to do more of (not just when friends come in from out of town). And I saw a great movie, "Notes on a Scandal," which I highly recommend. The chocolate monkey is calming down, although I did appease it with rich hot chocolate during the movie.

Carol, what a drag to have a virus attack everyone this time of year! Little Sparky Bear must be a pleasant distraction. I can't give you any tips on training. The only pets i've ever had were dwarf shrimp (still have one left), a hermit crab many years ago, and a Venus flytrap, which might not count.

Time to work out and make the most of my Saturday. Hope everyone is doing well.

judy

Oh Judy, I totally agree with the disappointment that vacation is almost over. I have to go back on Tuesday too. DH and DS2 have Tuesday off since apparently it is a federal day of mourning so the military base is closed. I'm jealous - why can't the school's mourn too?

Carol, I hope you feel better soon. I had a sore throat, slight fever and a cough (the cough is still hanging on but that's due to asthma). And listen to those waistbands and get back on track. It's so easy to slip, isn't it? But we're losers here and we must stay losers, right?

We went skiing yesterday - DH, DS2 (he snowboarded) and me. It was the most fabulous day. Sunny and in the mid forties. The trails were groomed with light powder, absolutely perfect. I can't think of a day that I had more fun in years. Becausee of the year of exercising and dieting, I was fit and it was fun, not scary and painful (as it was the last time I went). I floated down the mountain by the end, just cruisin'. We're going to go back every other week just because it was so fun. DH said, "If we're going to do that, we should just get the season pass." I said we're going to next year (that way we can go back every weekend. :) For now, we'll pay as we go. DH also agreed I get to get new skis (mine are from the mid-80s). So I'm gonna start shopping... I'll keep my boots and bindings though - I like them. We lost one of my poles when we moved here so I'm using an old kids pair that are too short so I'm going to get those too.

My new headphones came for my Razr phone (that I got in November). It's bluetooth wireless and this morning I got it all set up as well as the voice activated dialing. I love little toys.

This morning we took the doggies on the long 3 mile, hilly block walk. It was cold and sunny. It felt wonderful. Blizzie had a happy birthday, I made her (us) carrot cake and the 3 doggies thought they'd died and went to heaven when I gave them a thin slice on their own plates.

The rumor on the moving out seems to have a glitch. DS2 said they have been looking at houses (I think they were looking yesterday while we were gone). I'm still angry that they're not telling us BUT, when we got home yesterday, they were rearranging their room so they'd have more space. (Well, duh, it was so stupidly arranged...). So my question is, why would they put the effort into rearranging if they're moving out??? I whispered to DS2 to find out why. So now I'm waiting for him to get up. I'll keep you posted.

That's about it. I'll chat with you all later. Have a great weekend!
Marie

Marie - All that exercise has sure paid off with all the fun you're having! I could just see your doggies having their carrot cake. I bet they had big smiles on their faces! I hope your DS and DIL aren't getting too comfortable again by rearranging the furniture! Let's hope they have luck finding a nice place of their own.

Judy - You've sure have low maintenance pets - no training required! I hope you found some good crockpot recipes. The beef stew I made from all the leftovers turned out great - actually better than any I've made from a real recipe!

Carol - Sounds like your DH had a similar virus to the one going around here. I know so many people who were sick over the holidays. I didn't have it as bad as some people but I still have a bit of a sore throat. Too bad Christmas seems to coincide with the worst time of the year for colds.

I've decided not to make too many new year's resolutions - just one that's easy to remember: I'm going to check packages before I buy to make sure there's no junk in them like corn oil, corn syrup & trans fats. A friend of mine who works out at Curves has been very strict cutting out the corn oil and corn syrup and has lost about 15 lbs. in 3 months, although she's eating about 1700 calories a day. It's amazing how many foods have corn syrup in them - even horseradish sauce and bread crumbs! I've had a good clean out of my pantry and fridge and bought organic ketchup and mayo made with cane sugar or honey as a sweetener. I did some research online and some food additives are scary. It will be interesting to see if this makes a difference.

Penny, very interesting resolution. I read all packages but for calorie content. I'm still at the point I don't care what's in it, just how many calories it has. Perhaps I will look into the ingredients too. I agree it's sad that Christmas comes at the height of cold season. I dubbed mine this year the annual Christmas cold. :)

Okay, the 2006 numbers are in and I'm going to share... :)
Biking = 103 miles
Walking/Jogging = 1002.2 miles (wow-weeeee!!!)
Swimming = 17 miles
Rollerblading = 80 miles
Then there are a few other exercises to round it out. I "earned" $1235.80 for my toys (spent $1082 so I'm on my way to a new fireplace).
AND.... I lost 40.6 pounds.

I'd say 2006 was a great year. Now on to 2007 and losing and exercising more.

On the DS and DIL moving out - I'm starting to think it's not going to happen till Dec 2007 as originally scheduled. I'm a little bummed about that. Okay, more than a little.

I came to a realization on Friday after skiing. I realized I will not regain the weight I lost. At some point, the lightbulb went on in my head and I realized that I had to give up parts of my life to be fat. Many of the fun parts like skiing and snowshoeing. I won't do that again. I realized that eating wasn't worth that. I have never felt that way before. Never, ever. Pretty cool, don't you think.

Yesterday DH and I went snowshoeing at Crater Lake and did a bit extra. It was gorgeous outside and we had a ball. This morning we went hiking with the doggies and I'm still freezing. Brrrr!!! But at least they ran and had a good time. After posting, I'm going to find the skis I decided on Saturday and buy them. Oooo la la. That's going to be fun.

DH wants to lose weight so we're going to do it together. Too bad he's on night shift and I don't see him much. :(

Marie

Happy New Year! I bet this is 3FC's busiest week of the year....

Marie, congratulations on having such a terrific 2006 :carrot: . Your numbers are realy impressive, but I'm especially inspired by your commitment to maintaining the momentum over the long haul. Your "ah-ha" is outstanding, thanks for sharing it with us :hug: .

Penny, I like your resolution. I haven't read Fast Food Nation, but I totally believe that all the superflous calories and additives in processed food adds to our national fatness and metabolism problems. I'm not giving up my canned goods and frozen meals altogether, but I have fewer and fewer every year. Having to read labels to look for gluten has made me look beyond the numbers to the ingredients...what is that stuff, anyway? I'm not sure that I want to know.

I've formally kicked off my 50x50 campaign. I weighed in this morning at 229, which is less than this time last year, but far from my goal of being in Onederland by now. But I've made almost daily workouts routine, I haven't fallen off the wagon for more than a week or so at a time, and I'm pysched, not depressed, about chugging ahead on the journey. This year I'll get up earlier in the morning to add more time for meditating and sweating, and continue to work on being better at handling the things that I can't control.

The paper called today's weather "Juneuary," since its up to 60 today, but pouring down rain. I've been cooking and cleaning, now it's time to venture outside to be social. Hope everyone enjoyed these past few days.

judy

Happy New Year everyone!:newyear:

Marie - Congratulations on your fantastic achievements in 2006. It sounds like your weight loss and improved physical condition have given you a new lease on life - keep up the good work!

Judy - I wish you every success for your 50x50 plan. Like you, I've fallen off the wagon many a time. We just need to brush ourselves off and start over each time - we can do it!!

Carol - I hope the new year has started off on the right foot for you too.

As for me - I'm going to have to admit it here - I've gained 5 lbs. since Thanksgiving and I'm up to 190. I feel optimistic that I can get it off again soon though. At least it's a round number :^:. I feel good that I've cleaned out my cupboards and fridge of the bad stuff, especially foods with too many additives (why does breadcrumbs have 15 ingredients???? why do they put HFCS - high fructose corn syrup in horseradish????) and I'm going to pay a lot more attention to what I'm eating, not just the total calories. I'm not going to set any unrealistic goals this year, but I will give myself a treat for every 5 lbs. I lose (like a foot massage or facial).

Let's make 2007 our best year ever!

Hello girls sorry I have been off of hear lately. Time to settle down and get serious. I still am sick but the old rule work the day before and after a holiday is in effect today. I am going in and will see how I am maybe only work a half of day. My throat is still sore and a postnasal drip thing going on a bit achy. Falling down the steps this a.m. taking little Bear out didn't make me feel to good. He is into all kinds of trouble today just curious george I say! Yesterday I was ill and missed my mom's 85th birthday party with the family. My girls went and my SIL we stayed home and relaxed. I actually would of loved to stay in bed this a.m. My taste buds are off but that hasn't really stopped me from eatting. I am going to track starting today but my workout will have to wait as my body isn't ready yet for that. Coffee taste like yuk. I will take yogurt for my a.m. snack and lunch oh I may be on my way home. Time will tell yah see. I think as long as I work part of my day then its okay to take sick time the rest of the day. My ears hurt. I did start an antibotic and took night time syrup yuk but it helps. Marie hurray for you keep it up and now your so much healthier. Hopefully I can feel that way soon. Penny I am with you lets get moving. I am going to track and read labels better also. Judy you already are headed down the right path just keep going and you will meet your goal. So girls maybe its a good thing may taste buds are off it will be easier to get started this week. Except my ears hurt and when I swallow its not nice either. So leftovers for dinner tonight. I am going to create some soup this week also in the crock pot. Its so nice to come home to something ready a no brainer. Well I better go I am stopping at the store to get something for my throat on the way in.

Ah... I'm back at work. too bad for me. :( So far, it's been okay. I finally caught up on most of my emails and voice mails. And I've done a coupld things. In a few minutes it will be lunch. I'm HUNGRY!!!! It's been 2.5 weeks since I ate breakfast so early. :)

I did 1 mile walking and 2 miles jogging before work. I also did almost DIL's ab lounger. DH and I talked about it and if they move out, we'll probably buy one. stronger abs is good for my back.

Carol, I hope you start to feel better. :hug: Puppies always get into more trouble a bit after you bring them home. It means Bear trusts you and isn't scared anymore.

Penny, sorry about the holiday gain. :( Definitely a bummer. I love the idea of a foot massage as a reward. DH gives great foot massages so I'll stick with the techno toys, but I like the idea a lot!!!!

Judy, you go on your 50x50. :carrot: I know you can do it. Look how far you've come in the last month or two. And good for you for sticking with the exercise. It definitely helps with depression.

Back to work... :devil:
Marie

So much for getting up earlier in the morning...I went to a friend's open house and had champagne, which didn't help. Well, there's always tomorrow. I read a nice article that said that the trick to behavioral change is the mantra "just start over." So I'll try again tomorrow!

Carol, I'm so sorry that you are feeling bad. It must have been a drag to have missed the birthday party, but you would have felt worse if other folk had gotten sick because you were there. I wonder if you have a sinus infection. If you aren't feeling some improvement by Thursday morning, I hope that you'll go to the doctor for something stronger than OTC meds.

Penny, I hope your year is filled with well-earned foot massages!

Marie, I feel your pain. I've been on top of most of my emails over vacation, so my problem is just reconnecting with priorities. What's the most important thing for me to be working on right now (besides checking in with you guys:D )? Today has been like slogging through molasses.

Got up too late to work out this morning, but I'll go to Curves tonight, and do yoga when I get home. I want to do yoga more in the evenings, but I eat dinner too late most week nights, so I'm going to see if I can change into yoga togs and pop in my DVD as soon as I get home, instead of turning on Jeopardy and heading for the kitchen.

Wish me luck--judy

Carol - Sorry to hear you've been sick. There sure are a lot of bugs around this year. Take care of yourself and like Judy says, be sure to go to your doc if you have a sinus infection. I hope you're soon feeling better.
:getwell:

Marie - You're lucky your DH gives you foot massages. I think my hubby would run away and hide if I asked him! You're off to a good start with exercise. 3 miles before work - wow! You're an inspiration. :running:

Judy - That's a good idea to change into your yoga clothes when you get home - that makes it more of a habit and commitment. Maybe this year I'll give yoga a try.
:yoga:

I worked out at Curves today and so far my calories are under control. I'm eating fruit for snacks and just finished nice juicy pear. I may get up the energy later on to go on the treadmill for a while. I'm always so tired :tired: because I don't sleep well due to my IBS. It's hard to push myself to exercise when all I want to do is curl up and sleep. We bought some full spectrum bulbs for the ceiling and reading lamps so maybe that will help wake me up.

Marie I forgot to tell you I made the red velvet cake it was great. Very good and moist I must say. My recipe called for buttermilk. Does yours? I went to work yesterday but only because if I didn't no pay for the holiday. I really didn't feel well. I am already taking meds but it takes time to work. My daughter gave me heck and said mom take a day to rest. So I am off today. I didn't sleep to well with the sore throat and coughing. Hopefully I will feel better soon. Meanwhile I am going to make some homemade soup today. Bear also decided to go pottty at 4:00 a.m. not so good really. I got him up took him out then put him right back in his crate. He settled down after a few min. then up again an hr. later. I decided he was hungry put food in he quieted down another hr. Then it was all over I layed on the couch and finished my book by Nicholas Sparks oh so good. The beginning a little boring but then it ended up being a no put down book. I enjoyed finishing it up today. If you get time to read it go for it. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks it hits for the hard times we are going through with war, love etc. Real moving story. I have started a collection of his books this one I bought in hard cover and sucked up the 18.00 it cost now I am glad I have it. Judy I am taking an antibotic from my SIL's closet of drugs. That an a OTC sinus off. I feel a bit better but know I need a quiet day. I have plenty of sick time around 90 hrs. so no problem there. The smartest advice anyone ever gave is when you mess up just start again don't throw in the towel sort of thing. We all picked up these habits over time and it takes time to create a new way of acting and thinking. Penny thanks for your warm thoughts. I am trying my best to get started on the right mind set for this year. Its not easy when there are still sweets in the house today they are getting put away out of sight if people want them they can get them out. That is the way it is going to be. I am going to throw together some soup in the crock pot and let it simmer all day long. Sure no that bear has me up he takes a nap whats with that. He sure is a bit of work but I knew that before hand. Just adjusting to it all thats all. He is a cutie good thing for him it makes it easier to adjust. Well girls I am going to becareful with what goes in my trap today and will work on only healthy stuff. Not to bad yesterday except for some brownies at least I could taste them. I had turkey chili for lunch yesterday it was spicy and hot it tasted great. I think cumin was in it. I am never sure how much to add when I use it. Any ideas I know its good for you. I did pick up some salad fixins yesterday. Take care.

Carol, Dear John was what I was listening to in December. I very much liked it. Definitely well written. I've downloaded another sparks book and will start listening soon. I hope you feel better soon. I stopped taking the Echinecea yesterday and I think the cold is starting to come back. I don't feel great (not bad either) at the moment. I took tylenol so hopefully that will help.

Judy, I love the idea of changing into the yoga togs and doing it after work. I might give that a go. Great idea!!! My to-do list at work is way too long and my new laptop is crashing. Yeah. :(

Penny, I hope you feel better too. Remember to eat right and maybe the IBS will let up. I don't hav that but getting the junk out of my system always makes me feel better.

I did 1 mile walking and 2 miles jogging this morning again as well as the ab lounger. Today is my 1 hour off early day to take Blizzie for her mid week walk. so that will add another 2 miles. But it's pouring rain and it doesn't sound appealing. But the doggie's hips need the exercise so I will trudge through the rain. :(

Food was okay yesterday but have I got the munchies this morning!!! Probably because I feel blah. The idea of all the cookies on the lunch table is inviting but I will win the battle. I weigh in on Friday (haven't since the day after Christmas because TOM was visiting) and I want the scale to be nice.

Marie

Hi, Chickies!

Carol, I hope the day off is helping. It's been several years since I've worked anyplace that penalized you for being sick before or after a vacation :( . Cumin has a really distinct taste. If you already use chili powder, which has some cumin already (mixed in with the cayenne pepper), you can experiment with adding extra cumin to see how to get the taste you're looking for. Adobo seasoning also gives that authentic flavor, but I think it has a lot of MSG.

Marie, is the ab lounger any good? I don't trust a workout machine that has "lounger" in its name. You deserve a break, though, for being so good to Blizzie.

Penny, sleep problems really get in the way of weight loss! I hope you can figure out how to get good night's sleep. I didn't sleep well last night, worrying about work. A wonderful key member of my little team has given notice; we're all trying to be graceful about this good career move for her, but it's a major wrench in our plans to get through our executive transition without going crazy.

I am in the midst of one of those "teachable moments." I just ate an apple and had a few almonds, so I'm not hungry, but someone just popped popcorn so of course my tongue is salivating. I started carrying sour tangerine Altoids for moments like this, and saying to myself "Couriously strong!" Of course, I'm not just thinking about the Altoid when I say that. Hope it works!

judy

Carol - That's a good idea to spice things up a bit with cumin, etc. It's a good way to add great flavor without extra calories or salt. I'm glad you took your DD's advice and stayed home to nurse your cold. Rest is sometimes the best medicine. I love Nicholas Sparks' novels too, especially Message in a Bottle and A Bend in the Road. I'll have to check out Dear John at the library. Good books to curl up with on a rainy day. Right now I'm reading "I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles. It's an historial novel based on the life of Queen Elizabeth I. It's totally engrossing and I can't put it down. There were so many intrigues and power struggles and the brutality of life in those times is astonishing.

Marie - You're right about eating right for my tummy. It definitely makes a difference with my IBS when I cut out certain foods. I need to be a bit more consistent, although I never really know exactly what sets it off. I'm going to weigh in on Friday too, so I hope we both get good news on the scale.

Judy - Sorry to hear about your upheaval at work - not a good way to start off the year. I'm sure it will work out though, things always do. I'm going to get some of those Altoids and tell myself I'm 'curiously strong' too! :lol:
Each time I get a snack attack I'll repeat the words: "I'm curiously strong"

I did well eating healthy today. We had lunch in a Japanese restaurant and I had grilled salmon with a salad of chopped cabbage drizzled with a little spicy peanut dressing - a surprisingly good combination. I didn't eat one fork of the rice and didn't miss it as the cabbage was very filling.

Well girls I feel much better today. Yesterday the rest, reading and making homemade soup must of helped. Although a coworker did call and while she was asking how I was doing confronted me with a few work issues that will hit me this a.m. I am trying my best to deal with some behavior issues a client has but I am not a miracle worker at any means. Hopefully the doc can help her out with meds on next weeks visit. All I can do is offer my support to staff and say yes I know its not easy. Well so much for relaxation huh? Marie which book did you download and how do you get them? I am glad you girls have had an opportunity to read some of his stuff. I am collecting his books and trying to get all hardcovers. I have a few and Message in a Bottle in soft. I am trying to eat healthy for right now maybe eatting a bit more but on the healthier end. I figure that is better than eatting the wrong stuff. Though I am going for dinner with the girls tonight right after work. I am going to try something healthy though. No desserts. Bear is being a bear waking me up at 4:30 which I wouldn't mind if he would settle back in but that doesn't seem to be the case. I will have to read up on puppies and how to get their schedules down a bit. I think he's hungry like a baby would be so I give him a litte chow maybe I am reinforcing his behavior. Maybe I should ask the specialist at work to write him a behavior plan??? Hah hah! Judy sorry your work week is on the sour side. Hopefully things will smooth out soon. I have eaten my breakfast of a half grapefruit, oatmeal and dk rye. Off to work and having soup and salad for lunch. Take care and I hope that we all have a better end to our work weeks. This miracle worker is on her way! Penny I really like that idea of the repeating before snacking good thought. I am going to try that out.

I think that pickles may work as well as Altoids in calming the hungry tongue. Although Altoids are probably more convenient. I'm having one now instead of something more substantial, because I had a late lunch and it's too early for my afternoon snack. Seems to be working...

Carol, please keep taking it easy so that by Monday you'll be back to full strength. And explain to Bear that you need a good night's sleep, even if he doesn't!

Penny, I love Japanese-style meals. They are filling without being heavy. And I love how they use peanuts and citrus with veggies.

Marie, I hope you've dried out from yesterday's walk.

I am still having trouble getting up at my usual workday time (5:45) let alone half an hour earlier. I will be in Central Time for several days later this month, and on Pacific Time for a week and half in February, and always struggle to re-adjust to Eastern time, especially if I haven't been consistent before I left. But when I do get up it feels nice to work out! The scale continues to show a promising loss:D , but I will try not to change my ticker again until Sunday.

Be well--judy

Hi everyone. I am dry now and the precipitation has subsided outside. I was soaked and frozen after yesterday's adventure but so was Blizzie (and Kody). :)

I got up early again and did the usual. 1 mile walking, 2 miles jogging and the ab lounger. And yes Judy, it does work the abs even though I'm "lounging" :) . I paid more attention to making sure I was using the abs this morning and that helped.

Judy, I think pickles have alum in them (I hate pickles but I remember my mom making them) and alum definitely kills the taste buds so you might be on to something there. I thought of you when I was at the gas station and saw Altoids. I thought "curiously strong". Alas I didn't buy, but I thought the thought. And I'm sorry about the good worker leaving. That's always a bummer.

Carol, I'm glad you're feeling better. Don't you love when work can't leave you alone on a sick day. Geez. About bear, you are creating a habit of feeding him. If you have too, put him and his crate outside for the rest of the night and he'll stop. Kody is a butt like that but when I kick him out of the bedroom for a couple days straight he knocks it off.

Penny, I hope you're feeling better. I know that cabbage and a spicy peanut sauce would make my tummy mad and it doesn't have IBS. That doesn't set you off? But regardless, it sounds like you made great choice for the calorie count.

Carol. I have a membership with audible.com - I get 2 audiobook per month and I put them on my ipod. Many choice of how to listen to them. I guess I've been a member for about 4 years. I really like it. I started True Believer yesterday. I've been listening to Cesar's Way - by the dog whisper Cesar Millen on how to make better choices with Kody but I wanted fiction so I skipped back to a Sparks book. I like listening to the books while I pedal on the exercycle.

Tomorrow is weigh in. I hate when it's been 10 days since the last one - I have bad thoughts about gaining loads. Paranoid I guess but still I do it every time. If menopause would just come I wouldn't have to take TOM breaks. :)

Work is okay but I'm ready for weekend. Too bad today isn't Friday...
Marie

Carol - I'm glad you're feeling a bit better. Little Bear is really being a naughty boy! I think Marie is right that you may be unintentionally rewarding him for bad behavior. He may need some 'tough love' till he gets the message. Dogs are a bit like kids sometimes. I hope your client problem gets resolved soon.

Judy - I'm glad to hear your scale is hinting at a loss. I hope you adjust to the time zones ok. It can be confusing to our body clocks!

Marie - Strangely enough, cabbage is said to be soothing to the digestive system. It doesn't seem to bother me raw or cooked. However, red meat usually does a job on me. I'm probably still paying for the prime rib we had a Christmas. The other high fat foods we eat during the holiday season are also not so good. I have problems digesting fatty foods since I had my gallbladder removed. I seem to be doing a bit better now I'm eating mostly fish and a little chicken.

We're eating out less because it's too much hassle to figure out what foods may have hydrogenated oil, trans fats and high fructose corn syrup in them (plus other additives like MSG). It's a good thing, really, because you have more control with home cooked food.

I hope everyone's weigh in day goes well :crossed:.

Judy my body feels like its getting back to normal a bit with the way clothes are fitting etc. I still have a bit of a cough and even though the energy is better it is not up to par. Having Bear is like having a new born. I decided he gets up about every 4 hrs. at least he is staying dry in his pen at night. But at the cost of my nights sleep. He will hopefully show improvement with time. Cute he is but also some work. Great for you with the scale. I haven't gotten that brave yet. But the last couple of days the intakes are more normal and last nights dinner out I did well. Tom breaks are good Marie but some times its back for a ity bit not fun. I have been lucky there. The doc says so anyways can't count it finished til he's left for one full year. Oh so 6 months down the drain when he stopped in for a second. I always feel at that time my scale is up a bit. I have to do the scale as well something I was putting off. My clothes feel better now. I happen to read an article on the light box you have. I will give you the inf. next time so you can ck it out. Quite interesting it even helps with cravings etc. Maybe you already knew all this ? Lots of info. on trans fats in this mag. also Penny. I am still trying to figure out all the trans fat info. I will have to finish reading it then review it again. I will fill you in on the info. next time running late.

Hi all,

Just checking in to post my weight today - down a pound to 189! :carrot:

Carol - I'm pretty good with the trans fats as we've hardly ever eaten fast foods like burgers and fries and no margarine where most of the trans fats are. I'm mainly trying to not eat vegetable oils (except olive, palm and coconut). Also corn sweetener (that stuff is scary). For sweetening oatmeal, etc. I'm also trying not to eat much cane sugar and have switched to maple syrup and tupelo honey (in very small amounts of course). Cane sugar is still preferable to corn syrup which is in a lot of prepared foods because it's cheaper.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Hi all, the scale was mean and TOM isn't all the way gone. So I'll be more official on Tuesday. I actually pointed a middle digit at the mean box this morning. Not a nice way to start off the day. So I'm just going to wait for official till TOM is really gone.

I walked 1 mile and jogged 2 this am as well as the ab lounger. I can tell my abs are a little tender after doing it 3 days straight so it must be working something. Yesterday after work I did the 1 mile Yoga Walk (walk one mile then yoga stretches).

Penny, interesting about the fat/red meat being the IBS problem. I know when I have cake (with high fat frosting) my stomach gets gassy and painful. Same with if I have prime rib. Always better the next day, but I had noticed the problem.

I've been bad about logging my food (I know the general calories but I haven't been logging it) so today I resolve to do that again. I just am in more control when I do.

DS1 is driving me nuts. I wonder how I raised such an ingrate. I wish he'd move out but almost DIL said December last night. :( I am enjoying DS2 so that's good.

My new skis will be here on Tuesday!!! And next Friday, DH, DS2 and I are going skiing. I'm so EXCITED!!!! Tomorrow DH and I are going snowshoeing. I invited my co-worker and his wife but we'll see if they get back to me.

Carol, quick question - are you crating little bear at night? If not, you should. Doggies like the close quarters. And it helps with training big time (as long as it's not used for punishment since they associate their "house" with punishment and it should be their refuge).

Well, back to work. Thank the Heavens it is FRIDAY!!!!
Marie

Just waving as I run through to say hi, since this day is getting away from me and I might not make it back later:

Marie--bad scale, very, very bad scale! Threaten to relace it with a $100 Tanita and I bet it will come around!

Way to go, Penny!!! Flaxseed is another god oil, I use it sometimes instead of olive oil to make salad dressing.

Carol, I'm to hear that you're on the mend.

This is one of those days when it's hard to focus on one thing at a time, I'll be so glad to leave in a few hours!

Take care--judy

Penny thanks for the info. Great for you on the loss. Now I use a canoli oil marg. I thought its suppose to be better than butter and marg? Anyone know? I of course use it sparingly but still it all adds up. Including my fish fry I had last night. I have been pretty good the last few days. But last night we ate at the VFW with friends all they had was fried. So of course I ordered it and enjoyed every bite. I think though the rest of the day was pretty good. I am going to try and be more on top of portions, trans fats and overall calories. Before going out my cals were great only 200 for breakfast and 400 for lunch and all healthy stuff. Getting on board is never so easy. Hey Marie after yesterday chatting about Tom he came for a slight visit I really sometimes think he's left for good then he returns OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I just read an article from First mag. that the average women gains 10lbs during Per. Meno. then 5lbs. in Meno. what the heck?? But they say if you take a daily mult. vit. it helps balance your hermones and studies show less problems with wt. etc. So guess who is jumping on to the mult. vit. thats me! The article about the Light Box was also in First. Lots of good info. for 1.99 I tell yah. They did show a cake which looked great but cals were over 1,000 per serving ouch! What happen to reading about health in their mag.? Marie living with others isn't so easy I know. But if the SIL didn't have her own space and us too it wouldn't be so good. So I know first hand how you feel. It will get better with time and they find their own space in the big world. I am crating Bear at night and when he is home alone or we can't watch him closely. He did better last night we played hard before his bedtime. Then I let him have my scraf he likes to lay on when I am not home according to the SIL. Maybe thats what helped. He went to bed at 10 and slept til 5 then out and back in the crate til 6:15 so not too bad. I can live with that. He is a cutie good thing! I too have to start to write my intakes I gather them in my head. Sometimes things slip in that why and aren't accounted for adding up the cals higher without us knowing sort of speak. So lets try getting on the ball. I am holding off on the scale til Tom is packed up and moved out in a few days. Don't worry the scale is most likely up from his visit. But don't forget your also building muscle with the lounger and that could be taking inches off but making the scale up a bit. The ab crunchers really make us look so good. I miss using the one at the gym and now I am feeling a bit better not 100% but by monday I will plan my gym schedule 3 times a week. Its just the way it is and everyone around the house will have to adjust to my needs. I have slacked off in that area and need to take it seriously my daughter is getting married June 23rd and momma needs a new dress. Well Judy hope all is going well with you. My work week was nuts and I can say glad thats behind me it was a knit picking week with everyone and thats not fun but on friday it was all talked out so hopefully things will improve again. Hard to satisfy everyone I guess?

Morning everyone. I'm so happy it's weekend. For some reason I've been more tired all week than normal. I know that it's because during vacation I slept in and changed my sleeping pattern but I thought by Thursday it would be better. I'm still a bit tired this am, but that's normal for me on a weekend when I don't get up and exercise. We're going snowshoeing today so exercise is a little later on. Since it's snowing we might not go to Crater Lake - instead go to the mountain by our house and take the huskies so they can run. DH is still sleeping so I'm not sure on his opinion yet.

Carol, too funny about TOM showing up after we mentioned it. Funny in a sad way. You're not giving me hope that mine will leave. :) I did re-weighin this am - it couldn't be worse than yesterday. It wasn't of the 2.5 pounds the evil scale said I gained, miraculously 1.5 disappeared. It still was up a pound from last week, but I can live with that. 2.5 was ridiculous.

But I was good yesterday. I logged everything and made food I wanted. In the am, I'd written on the dry wipe board, no dinner tonight. My DS1 has complained about the lack of schedule of when I make dinner. That made me mad so I decided why should I bother then? I don't like to cook and his pickiness has made the choices slim. So in the afternoon, I talked to almost DIL on the phone and she asked if I was on strike. I said Yes, I am. She thought I was joking and I re-iterated that I was and I told her why. So she's going to make sure DS1 understands and that she's mad at him. She didn't grow up with a family dinner time and she likes it. DS1 blew that away. Anyway, it was funny and I made a point.

So I made 4 Costco raviolis with marinara, an ounce of fresh mozz melted on top, a slice of homemade bread with a touch of butter (about 1/2 t.) and a sprinkle of garlic and a small salad. It was so divine. A serving for one. DS2 would have liked it but he went out to eat with DS and almost DIL. This weekend I'm making chili (I think you all mentioned that and my subconscious said yum!!!) and then I'm going to make my own marinara and can it tomorrow. So spaghetti tomorrow. Bummer, DS1 doesn't like either of the above. :devil:

Carol and Judy, I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Work weeks after a long vacation or weekend always seem worse.

Carol, good news on bear sleeping better last night. Puppies are work, but the unconditional love between a doggie parent and a doggie is worth every second. I think at this point if I didn't have my doggies, I'd be back on psych meds because DS1 would push me over the edge. My doggies definitely keep me sane. I would do anything for all 3 of them.

Judy, are you nuts??? Spend $100 on another evil box??? I'd rather a root canal. :D I "know" it's not the scale, but the wackiness of my femal body. I fluctuate so much and when you don't weigh often, sometimes I hit the high end and sometimes the low end (which then makes the high end seem even worse). I suppose weighing daily would help give me an average, but doing it daily was making me depressed/elated too much. I hate that I live and die by the scale, but I do. It sets the trend for my day. I've tried every day, not at all, once a week and twice a week. By far twice a week is best on my mental state so I go there. Actually never is better on the surface until I gain 40 pounds because I wasn't vigilant. The evil scale is my conscience. Truly it kept me vigilant yesterday. I know to the exact calorie how much I ate yesterday (1628). And I'll know today... and tomorrow... so I guess it's okay the evil scale pissed me off yesterday.

Penny, hope you're feeling better.
Marie

Marie - Looks like your DS1 would be better of fending for himself food-wise if he's a picky eater, though I'm sure you enjoy sitting down with family for dinner. One of my brothers is a picky eater and mom always made him a different meal. Even to this day when she's 84 and he's 46 she makes him something different to what she and dad eat when he comes over each week to visit. I guess she enjoys spoiling him but I sure wouldn't do it. Luckily my guys eat whatever I put in front of them! The stress you're having with DS1 might explain your tiredness. Good idea to cook what you want - I'm sure he won't starve. Maybe you're doing too good a job taking care of him - my brother lived at home till he was 32!! Animal companions are great for helping us to relax. They are never judgemental and love us unconditionally. They know when we're feeling down and offer their silent support and love.

Carol - I'm glad you're starting to feel better. I've cut out canola oil. I know it's one of the better vegetable oils but I've done quite a bit of research on the coconut and palm oils and there are apparently a lot of health benefits to using them (although they are by no means lower in calories and quite expensive). I don't use a lot of oil in cooking, so it's not too spendy for me. There are a few things I like to fry now and then, such as eggs and breaded fish, so I use a little of these oils for fried foods. I also use a smidgen of butter on my toast sometimes. Margarine has too many ingredients for my liking! I like to eat foods with as few things listed on the package as possible. Butter is just 'butter' and small amounts of saturated fat are ok, in my opinion. The cholesterol that clogs our arteries comes mostly from what is made inside our bodies, not the cholesterol that we eat. That's why they've eased up on egg consumption being a no-no. Eggs are healthy, good food. Moderation is the key.

Judy - I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

My IBS has settled down a bit, probably because I'm eating more sensibly again after indulging too much over the holidays. You guys were talking about the dreaded TOM and how it messes you up. TOM quit visiting me about five years ago and it's great! I had a horrible time in the peri-menopause years and despite the hot flashes, etc. I was glad to see him go!

Penny, thanks so much for your words of wisdom and insight with your brother. I even read that part of your post to my DH. He definitely agrees with you. Thankfully DS1 won't be living here till he's 32. Now DS2 plans to start at OIT in March with his military tuition bonus ($20,000). He's thinking of going to school FT and probably already has 1 year done with the military. So he'll be here prehaps for 3 years. But the military really made him grow up and he doesn't have the entitlement attitude DS1 has as well as he's so appreciative of everything we do for and with him. Not to mention he's VERY helpful. So we definitely gave him the same offer as DS1 and he can live here rent free while he attends school. And I do admit, I'm really enjoying getting to know the new him. He's quite delightful.

DH and I decided not to go to Crater Lake and instead went to Hamaker Mountain and took the huskies snowshoeing. They had a blast and are totally tired out. As am I. :) we went about 2.25 to 2.5 miles and snowshoeing is hard work.

My chili is turning out great (I took a spoonful) and I put the ingredients into my database. 1 cup has 171 cals, 3 grams fiber and 4 grams fat. Ooo la la, I'm having 2 cups with a sprinkle of Kraft's 2% colby jack shredded cheese (which if you haven't tried is fantastic unlike the gross fat free ones). Dinner in about 1/2 hour and I'm salivating.

Penny, I'm very happy to hear your stomach s calming down. Beans and my stomach don't get along so I'll be uncomfy tonight but unlike you it doesn't keep me up. And I so want chili!!!!

Have a great night.
Marie