Marie guess what it will be fun go and have a good time. Two weddings wow now yah got something fun to look forward to. Go show off your new body and wear something fun. Forget the voices loudness and how much he annoys you this could be a good time. You and the hubby deserve to kick up your feet and party a bit. Just my thouhgts! I too haven't been great today with a snow day and all. I stayed home and baked dozens of mexican wedding cake cookies for my daughters shower, bagged them in seal a meal and packed them in the freezer. Well yah know I had to try them out one made with pecans and one with walnuts. Oh this was naughty but I have been really good. I did have a great salad today. It was one I am making for the shower from Light Cooking Mag. Black Bean Taco Salad with Lime Vinaigrette. I figured the lime was okay as its not a sweet fruit. Oh it had grilled chicken in it. I made half for my lunch on tues. Oh so good and cals not bad good fiber and all. Well take care and this was day 6 even with a little cheating. I still have to be doing pretty well with no bread, pasta etc. I made them all beef stew I had a piece of the beef out of it that all. No potatoes or carrots or peas. I have read most of the book and some of the info. is quite interesting. Well back to work on tues. Have a great day and Nikki I am glad you are doing well.

Carol - I hope your office situation is going ok this week. It must be very stressful when you have to go in every day and face people who don't have anything better to do than make life hard for others. I hope your flowers don't get frozen in the cold weather you guys are having. Every year I put in a couple of dozen annuals but end up getting more because they just seem to "disappear" once they're planted in my flower beds. I'd love to have great big displays like you see in gardening magazines, but that must take hundreds of plants! I'm glad we've been putting in quite a lot of perennials as it saves a lot of money. I have a hard time resisting those pretty annuals though!

Marie - I don't think going over your calories last weekend will do any damage. Sometimes a few extra calories can get your metabolism going.
About attending the VOICE's wedding. I personally would only go if I liked the individual. Why suffer through being around someone you can't stand if you don't HAVE to be there? A nice card and a small gift would suffice in my opinion.

Nikki - I hope things are less stressful for you today. I'm glad you're doing so well on Atkins.

Judy - I'm glad you trip is going well. Sorry to hear that your friend passed away :(.

I got some nice compliments at Curves today. It reminded me that I have already come a long way and gave me some inspiration to try harder to lose. The pound I lost last week seems to be staying off so I hope to have lost another pound by Friday.

I'm at 1286 calories for the day, so that helped undo a portion of the weekend. I didn't want to fix it all in one day. But the average is at 1562 now, so I need another day or two of being good to make my 1550 cal goal. Nikki, what day is the end of this challenge and the beginning of the next? I really like being accountable to my calorie average.

DS2 and I took the doggies for a 1.5 mile walk after work. So that's 4.5 miles for the day. It was gorgeous outside - hard to believe snow showers are predicted for the rest of the week. :(

Penny, I'm thinking along your lines. I don't really want to go - actually I don't want to go to either, but I did RSVP yes to one. But the voice irritates me a bit.

Carol, DH would never have fun. He hates social functions. We're both introverts, him much more than me. So he'd prefer not going. I just haven't figured out a good excuse yet. :)

DH said the moved out son called to say hi. I asked, what does he want from us and DH said nothing, just want to chat. Hmmm, interesting.

The good news of the day was I finally finished the mammoth state reports that was due today. I finished at 3:30 on the deadline date. I'm very glad for that. Work should be a breeze for a few weeks. :)

Well, time to shower and wash my hair. One workday down, three to go. I'm taking many Fridays off for the next several weeks. YEAH!!!
Marie

Oh Marie in tht case send a card and enjoy the peacefulness in your home. My hubby would get along with yours great staying social activities and big crowds aren't his favorite either. Sounds like your on the way to get the cals back where you want them. But I do agree with Penny sometimes putting a little mix in things get our metabolism rolling again and your still in control so its okay. Maybe your son has had some time to think and is wishing things would of been different. Hopefully he doesn't need cash or anything just to say hello and try and mend the relationship. People sometimes don't realize when their in the heat of it what things they are doing and saying until afterwards. Then they look back and ouch! Good luck with that.
Today marks day 7 and I am going to be good and follow my intake according to the way its suppose to be without and curve balls today. So I am off to make breakfast and already prepared the black bean taco salad yesterday for my lunch. It was really good and high in the fiber also. Hopefully it will keep me full til dinner time. I have left over chili for dinner a beany day! Take care and hope everyone else is doing fine. No real snacks for one week today or bread, pasta I can't believe I accomplished that. Next week I will fit in a pasta dinner with portion size control of course.

Marie - My challenge ends May 20. I am then aiming for 10 more by June 30. That is my final goal !

Penny-It is wonderful when you get a compliment I bet you feel great. Keep up the good work.

Carol- How is south beach going? When do you have your first weigh in? What kind of Pasta are you going to use? They reall recommend staying away from it during the first 2 weeks. After that you can have some wheat pasta which really is not that bad it has a slightly different texture then real pasta.


I am a little better today. My legs are hurting pretty bad most nights so I jhave taken to using my wheelchair at home and only walking when absolutely necessary. I am still going strong on Atkins. I can't wait to weigh in after week one tomorrow. I got my TOM Saturday so I prob won't lose as much as I thought but I am still hoping for a nice loss.

Nikki

Nikki, I did my usual Tuesday weigh in and knew it wouldn't be great since TOM would be by soon. And lo and behold, TOM showed up an hour later. At least the scale wasn't totally horrible. :) Only a .5 pound gain. I'm sorry you're not doing well physically. That must be very difficult.

Carol, I definitely decided I don't want to go - now I just have to have come up with a good reason. DH is always a little moody on Guard weekends so I'll probably tie it to that. But, if he invited the newest technician, I might reconsider since his wife and I are good friends. Hopefully I don't need to RSVP right away. :) I don't know if I could make it a week more or less 2 without pasta. It's my main food. Today for lunch is 220 cals of tortellini (I even measured it exactly). How anyone can give up pasta is amazing.

I did my usual exercise routine this morning. I'd love for the weather to hold out until after work and I'd take the doggies out again since it's currently sunny - but they keep saying the dreaded word snow.

Judy, hope your doing well and you too Penny.
Marie

Marie - that .5 wil come off in no time. Congrats on a good weigh in despite TOM. Let's hope I have the same tomorrow. I have been trying not to be scale obsessed since it is my TOM.

Nikki

Hey, ladies--

I will be home tonight, hooray. It has been a fabulous trip. Alas, I have had too much fun at times, which means too many treats and a few drinks. It will be good to get home and regroup. I've been scanning your posts, and it looks like life has been interesting, as usual....

Be well--judy

Marie - Good for you for getting back on track with your challenge. My DH also doesn't like social situations (at least when a lot of people are present). I also prefer smaller gatherings, especially as I'm getting older. Whenever my ladies group has a big meeting, I'm the first one to head for the door. I get a bit embarrassed sometimes when my DH and I are the first to arrive and first to leave at parties. I think your DS1 is probably realizing just how good you were to him now that he's moved out and wants to make amends. It's good to hear you are going to get some time off, especially as the weather will hopefully start to get nicer soon.

Carol - I'm glad to hear you're still on track with your diet. I hope your induction phase will give you a good jump start.

Nikki - I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling unwell. I'm sending healing thoughts your way.

Judy - Sounds like you had an enjoyable trip. I'm sure it was much better than the last one when you were so sick.

I enjoyed my yoga class today, even though I was tired and achy. I've been feeling very down about the terrible massacre in VA. I kept thinking how our son was an engineering student less than a year ago and those boys looked just like him in their baseball caps and sweats. Sometimes I want to move to another planet - there's just so much terrible stuff going on in the world :(. I'm trying to concentrate on thinking about the good people and the heroes of this tragedy. God bless the victims and their families.

Well girls I made it through day 7 ww ice cream pop for tonights snack and on track the rest of the day. I guess its not easy but a challenge no matter what we do to lose. We didn't put it on overnight and it won't go away that way either. Wish it would now think how much easier it would be. Oh but then no challenge and we all like a goal to reach for. Well talk to you all soon sounds like a plan Marie and one you will be more comfortable with. Judy welcome home. Penny at least you get out and go to things so what if your first there first to go hey nothing wrong with that. Nikki I agree about the scale I am holding out til friday this week. Time will tell.

Hi everytone-

I had my weigh in today and was quite disappointed but i am trying not to be. I only lost 1 lb. I have TOM so I am hoping to see a big woosh next week.

Nikki

Nikki - Don't be disappointed - a pound loss is great :carrot:. At least it's better than the other direction! I hope you get your big whoosh next week.

Carol - Keep up the good work!

Marie and Judy - hope your day is going well.

I've decided to keep track of my calories more accurately and also keep my food journal on weekends. It's too tempting to go over on weekends and undo all the good work during the week. I think I've been having "calorie creep" as I've been tending to not count accurately towards the end of the day. It's a drag keeping track of everything, but I know it's the only thing that's ever helped me lose weight.

We've rearranged our son's old room to make it more into a guest room/gym. I bought new bed linens and moved the furniture around so it looks quite nice. It's a big room and so I'm thinking it would be good to try doing some yoga in there now that I'm getting more familiar with the moves. I'm starting to notice a difference in my posture since I started yoga. I think my stomach is a bit flatter too. We have our exercise bike in there but the treadmill will have to stay in the living room as it's just too heavy to move upstairs.

Happy Wednesday everyone. I'm so happy I only have one more day of work. DS2 and I have fun plans on Friday and I'm looking forward to it.

Well if I stay with my planned menu for the rest of the day, my average calories for the challenge will be back below 1550. Not by much - 1549.5 :) but I'll take it. We're having my homemade chili and one cornbread muffin. It's been flaking outside - nothing sticking but it's cold and depressing.

I did 2 miles on the treadmill this morning. 1.5 walking and .5 jogging. DH hooked up my DirecTv to my new TV and made it so the DVD didn't work. I didn't have time to fight with it this morning to do the WATP so I hopped back on the treadmill. Since I'm engrossed in an audiobook, I wasn't sad.

Penny, I keep wanting to cry about the VA happenings. I'm thinking that's the main reason son1 called the other day. DH said he was a little freaked out that he's an engineering student and if we'd stayed in Virginia, he might have gone there. He was saddened by it.

Speaking of him, questions for you all. I think he'd like to sweep it under the rug and pretend the entire incident never occured. I'm starting to bend that direction. If he lived here and had lots of contact, I wouldn't do it. But, since he's moved out, clearly doesn't want lots of contact and in Dec will be totally moving form the area, I'm thinking what the heck, why have it out with him? Certainly it improves nothing in the relationship, but is it that important. What do you all think?

The weddings, my friend co-worker isn't going to either wedding!!!! I told him he wasn't going to be forgiven. Now I'm going to the 1st wedding by myself!!! Yuck!!! Oh how to get out of that one too??? DH can't go because of Guard weekend and I RSVP'd. The second (the Voices) I still haven't figured out how to get out of. But since there's not an RSVP in the invitation, I guess I can just float along.

Penny, good for you for taking over the room. when son1 moved out the 1st time, he was gone less than a day and the room was converted to my craft room (we didn't part badly then). This time, he was gone less than a day and the house had all the babyproofing stuff removed and the wall in the garage removed for the garage door to go back up (of course that time anger fueled me). But the thing is, I think it makes the separation go easier because you're embracing the new stage in your life. I know when DS2 leaves, his room will be mine too. :) Greedy as I am - okay it's going to be the guest room.

Carol, you're doing great on the phase 1. I bet the evil scale will be kind to you. You're in control. I know what Penny means about extra calories creeping in so you're doing great staying totally on plan.

Nikki, wow a loss with TOM!!!! Way to GO!!!!! I had that happen a couple months ago, then a week after TOM it was back. For me, it was probably dehydration. My body wants to forever keep it's fat but I shall win eventually.

Judy, hope that you can get back on track easily. I could never succeed if I traveled like you do. Being at home is where I can keep control. I'm a lifetime chater member of the clean your plate club so eating a restaurant means more calories for me.

Well, that's it for the rambling post. I bet you can tell I'm not at work - more time at home.

Marie

Nikki try to not worry I would never in the past use the scale during that time due to the fact it would be higher. I guess its just the way we carry extra water wt. during that time. Just keep up your good efforts they have to pay off in the end. I am on day 10 of my plan and still surprised that I have been so good. I am enjoying my evening bowl of sugarfree jello and lite cool whip. No more cookies right now.
Friday will be hard as company is coming in from out of town and I will either buy or make a pizza. To not have any will be really hard. I bought a portebello mushroom and was going to use it as a base for my own pizza with veggies , sauce and cheese. Oh but can I do that and resist the real stuff now that is a challenge. God give me strength.
Marie I think that awful thought of so many losing their lifes just hit everyone. Maybe it makes us realize life is short and yah never no whats around the corner and families need to stick together. We might not always agree on things but thats part of life. Its hard as a parent to see our kids at times make stupid mistakes because we know better as we have already been down some of those paths and learned the hard way. I am glad he was able to pick up the phone and call his parents as he should have. Glad that it opened the door of comunication. Its not easy living with each other. When my oldest first got married they lived with us for a few months. Now they live 5 min away, but often she will say mom we could never do it again. Love yahs but no way. Its tough! So thank goodness you have your space back and maybe things will patch up between yahs. Sometimes less said is better he must be aware of what was wrong and it took a lot for him to take that first step to call. Time is short in life I say sweep it out and let it go! Just my opinion hope it helps. I am not judging anyone as we all get into rutts at times. If we didn't we wouldn't be human. Also I am sure what ever was said or done on your end was only out of your love and caring wanting things to be better in the long run. Good luck!
Take care everyone and I can't wait til next week.I will be away leaving monday a.m. and returning on tues. My friend and I are going up a day early for the conference to Saratoga gonna hit the slots a bit and have some fun exploring the areas as well. I heard the Gidden Putman Resort and Spa is one of the best places to stay the grounds are beautiful. I am hoping they have a workout center as well. One would think I need to ck on that and an inside pool? Or hot tub would be lovely? Oh what a dreamer I am! Well off to work my coworker is off today and I plan on getting alot done. It isn't always easy to share an office. I am trying my hardest not to ever let my guard down again. I am nice but not personable with info. or overly involved as snake bites are never forgotten and this ones got me twice. Take care and Marie enjoy your friday off.

Marie- I would let the thing with DS slide. It may not be worth it to hash it all up.

Carol- Way to go on day 1. If you take the top off the pizza and only eat that you could get away with it. However, your mushroom pizza sounds great. Way to go on making it to day 10.


I'm still plugging along. I cant wait to see 155 that will mean I broke my 2 year plateau. I kept getting stuck at 156 and then going up to 162.


Edited to say I peeked at the scale today and it said 156! TOM ended yesterday. I am so excited but I won't chage my ticker until next week. So that means in 11 days I lost 8 pounds. I can do this woohoo!

Nikki

Congrats, Nikki!!!

Marie, if your son wants to start over from scratch I would say to go with the flow. I don't like it when things are lingering in the air, but for the time being it may be better to just stay in communication....maybe your son doesn't know how to back-track or admit that he was a b.u.t.t.

Carol, I hope that you have a wonderful time in Saratoga, you deserve it!

Penny, thanks for sharing the story about your cat's showing off his healing hindquarters, it made me laugh out loud.

Well, I am getting sick again, draining sinuses, popping ears, achy, the whole nine yards. I am not a happy camper! I have two days of stressful meetings on Friday and Saturday, then my baby brother will be visiting for a few days. I worked out some yesterday, but today I'm conserving my energy for getting prepared for these meetings and readying my apartment for company. I feel fat and tired....and whiney!

judy

Hi all, I'm at work - too much to do at home in the evenings so I'll make time here. :) Tell me that isn't a bad priority. ;)

Well I must have agreed with you all. DH and I took the doggies out for a walk yesterday and when we returned there was a message from son1 (I will go back to DS1 soon). I did call him back and we talked about his college graduation and etiquette with the invites and such. He asked about his insurance and cell phone bill and I said that I was paying them on Friday so today he's stopping by my office to drop off a check. So I'll be seeing him today. And I asked him to bring DGS. He laughed and said sure. So I get to see my favorte baby in the world. That and today is my Friday is making me in a good mood.

Nikki, my fingers are crossed that you break through that plateau. You're doing great so keep at it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to lose weight if I couldn't exercise.

Carol, the absent snake sounds very good for you. Enjoy the day. I'd definitely go with the mushroom idea and stick to your plan. Don't let socializing douse the 10 days of being an angel. You can do it.

Judy, I'm sorry you're getting sick again. Even tired and whiney, you're still pretty funny. You made me laugh with the spelling of b.u.t.t.

I did 4 miles this morning so I'm all exercised out. at least till I get home and the doggies want to walk. :) I'm just a sucker for those pups.
Marie

Marie - I'm glad to hear things have changed for the better with your relationship with son1 (hopefully soon to be DS again!) Life is very short and bad feelings aren't good for us - no matter who is to blame. I hope you have a nice visit with your darling grandson tomorrow. Your pups sure are lucky to have such an active "mom" always taking them for walkies.

Judy and Nikki - I hope you both feel better soon :getwell:

Judy - Glad you got a smile out of my description of Tommy. He's so talkative and happy now - and very proud of his butt, which he shows me at every opportunity! :lol:

Nikki - way to go with the scale success! You are doing so great! :cheer:

Carol - The portabello based pizza sounds great - I think I'll have to try it as I love mushrooms and they are so good for you. I hope you have a nice time in Saratoga next week. A spa sounds heavenly - wish I could join you!

I had to go to the docs this am as I felt crummy like my bladder infection was coming back but it turns out to be a bad yeast and bacterial infection of the "other" area instead - so in a way it's better news than another UTI. I've got some medicines to take and hopefully they will work soon as I only got about 2 hours sleep last night. Luckily, I'm not real busy the next few days. I may try to get some yard work done later on if I feel up to it as the sun is out today - yay! :sunny: One of my medicine's side effects is "lack of appetite" so that's one positive thing!

Thank you everyone.

Marie-I'm glad things are better with your son.

Penny-Sorry you are not feeling well.

Nikki

Nikki see you can do it. Before you know it you will meet your goal with school and wt, CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Judy I have had similar symptoms this week. My ear was plugged and I blamed it on my water from the shower. But then sinus stuff started to. I have a supply of antibotics so on that I went and am feeling a little better today. Hard to run a meeting when you keep saying huh? huh? could you repeat that etc. Oh well I reschelduled my monday stuff and this is how it goes no time to take time off right now. My youngest said she had similar stuff too?
Marie good step with your son its just not worth it. So many folks regret later that they don't take the chance to mend things. Sometimes its just better this way so glad this working out and you get to show off the little man at work. Thats always a grams joy.
Oh I hope all of us feel better real soon do you realize each one of us is under the weather a bit. What the heck? This isn't right! So lets all get over this stuff soon. See we are all so close we must catch it over the net!
Well a bit of discouragment on the scale today it was 172.5 but still took off that wt which was on for a little while. I think it could be some salty wt. still holding on to my water as yesterdays chili had chili sea salt in it tasty but sodium wish not to great I guess. Oh at any rate I am on day 11 and am going to keep going the mushroom pizza I think is winning out. Lets hope its great I did bend the rule a little yesterday and had 1/2 of a bagel. Someone brought them in and yes I was so tempted but better than cake I figured Bday. When I went out for breakfast I was so good order my omelet with veggies and a little cheese. I didn't give up my coffee that has caffiene in it either. I figure how much can it hurt me? Well take care girls and hope your all feeling better soon. Marie I was so very busy I didn't even notice my snake being gone as I had too much to do.I did end up holding a meeting in my tiny office as the conference room was taken. Oh close quarters. Hope you all have a great weekend plan like Judy I have company coming in.

Carol- Enjoy your company and congrats on your loss. I did not give up my caffeine either. I actually heard it can speed metabolism in some people.


I have a big sympossium I am presenting at this morning. I am a bit nervous. Afterwards I want to come home and get ready to go out to my boyfriends. However, some of my friends want to go out to lunch. We shall see. I said as long as I can eat Atkins friendly it is all good.

Nikki

Happy weekend all. I had a really nice day off with DS2. He now needs glasses/contacts and it took forever to learn to put the contacts in his eyes. But he got it and was blown away how clearer life is. I remember that the first time I put on glasses when I was 12. I'd told my mom that a church that we passed daily had a steeple on it. I remember that so clearly. At this point I don't wear glasses of contacts since I had Lasik surgery 7 years ago. My eyes had gotten so bad I couldn't wear contacts and my glasses hurt my nose. That was the best money I'd ever spent.

BTW, DS2 and I bought a new treadmill yesterday at Costco. DH and I will get it off the trailer (in the garage that was formally a room... I love having a garage!!!). We got back too late last night to do it. So I took today off from jogging instead of tomorrow.

I'm making my 3 bean chili tonight. So high in protein and so low in fat and calories. Yummy!!! I went over again yesterday so my average is 1562. I'm doing great today so I should lower it a little today.

Carol, I had to give up caffeine last August - I was getting very sick from it - I guess too many years of being a caffeine addict (night and day). Twice I've accidently been given caffeine and it made me so sick both times. So I'm a caffeine free reformed caffeine junkie. There are days I'd love that little zap though. Enjoy your company.

Nikki, I hope your presentation went great and that you enjoy the weekend with your boyfriend.

Penny, I'm sorry that you're under the weather. Yesterday was a pretty day but it's currently pouring in the high mountain desert I call home. Most of the time I call it the High mountain desert rain forest. There are rainy seasons and it's sort of strange it's raining this much in April. :(


I weighed in this am even with TOM. I lost the .5 pound I'd gained on TOM's arrival (well duh marie...) and an extra .5 pound. On Wednesday is the 1 year anniversary of the challenge Nikki started that got me on this journey, so I'll weigh in then. So far 46 pounds have vanished. :)

Marie

Well girls I am up and ready to go off for a couple of days. Some fun and then a conference in a beautiful area of New York. My company is wonderful and I kind of hate to leave them but I will be back in Tues night. My brother inlaw is a great guy and felt so bad about not being around for years. He didn't realize my hubbies condition was as bad as it was to him. I guess I see him everyday and so I have adjusted to the changes gradually. What can I say you do in life what you have to it could always be worse. So he is staying til at least thurs and putting in our bathroom for my SIL. So nice of him he is a very talented man. His girl friend has CP so together we kind of know how life is without exchanging words about it just support for one another and respect. After his divorce years ago he just left the area and went off on his own. Its been 24 years since we last saw him. We had a family gathering that just expanded yesterday. I think we ended up with around 25 plus. Two guys were here and I had no idea who they even were. But 4 brothers out of 6 were here together and that was nice to see. Well sorry to go on. Food wise I think I am doing okay I gradually came off my no fruit, pasta bread thing on friday night with a piece of homemade pizza. But have been really careful reintroduced fruit but not over done at all. Kind of being careful of portions and bread. The funny thing is they say to have bread with butter or I can't believe its butter instead of plain. Somehow our bodies process it differently. Crazy huh? I found my own SB book at a garage sale never been looked at I don't think. There are some good recipes I will use in it and grateful for the two dollar find. Well thats about it. I have noticed a difference in my body changes not really gotten on the scale yet. I plan on working out at the resort and going to the steam room etc.
Marie when my youngest was in fifth grade we found she really needed glasses after that her school grades changed etc. we didn't know she needed them. She just took for granted things looked the way they did. She would like to get the surgery and checked into it around 3,000 with the wedding is holding off for now. I hope someday our insurances will pay for it with what it saves on glasses at 400 a pop you'd think so.
Nikki yeah I can't give up the coffee gotta have something normal. Sounds like your doing well keep it up.
Sounds like we all had a great weekend lets shoot for a super week too. With plenty of losses to report oh we can only wish wish wish huh? Talk to you all soon not til wed.

Morning Ladies-

Marie- How is your son doing with the contacts?Congrats on your loss you are doing great.

Carol-Enjoy your trip. The south beach books has several great recipes. I think you will enjoy exploring those.

As for me.. I had a pretty good weekend. I ate all atkin friendly. I have not had one cheat in the 14 days I am on atkins :) I weighed in with a consistent loss Sat and Sun then wham today the mean scale says I gained 3 lbs. Today is not my weigh in day so I wont worry. I think yesterday I may have has to much salt and I know I went 1-2 carbs over. Today I will drink 120 ounces of water and go 1-2 carbs under to compensate. Here is hoping this works.

Nikki

Marie - You and Nikki have come so far in your one year challenge! Congratulatons on your success :carrot:. I also didn't know I needed glasses till I was about 13 and it's funny how the world is suddenly so clear once you get them. I'd love to get lasik but I've heard some people get side effects like poor night vision. Sounds like you're doing great with it. I've tried to give up coffee (caffeinated) a few times but I always go back to it. I only have one cup a day though, so hopefully it's not a problem. My DH prefers decaf but I figure there's no point if it doesn't wake you up! It's been raining so much here my girlfriend joked that we'd soon have moss growing on us. I found a funny picture of moss people:

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4...sspple2og1.jpg

Carol - I'm glad you had a nice family reunion. I'm pleased to hear that bread is better with butter! I enjoy my one slice of toast a day and couldn't give it up. I eat the sprouted grain bread as it has much less gluten than regular bread. I'm trying to cut back on white flour which means cookies, etc. (not that I eat a whole lot of them). For snacks I'm having more yogurt with fruit like strawberries now they are back in the stores. I like having strawberries with the meringues from Trader Joe's that are only about 20 cals. each. I also like getting the low fat string cheese sticks for 70 cals and wrapping them in thin deli turkey - yum! I hope you have a great time at the conference.

Nikki - Good for you sticking to your diet so well. I hope you have a good weigh in.

Judy - I hope everything is going well for you.

I'm still hanging on to my pound loss, so hopefully I can be back to 187 by Friday. I had a good weekend eating-wise and stayed under 1600 each day which is unusual for me on the weekend. Yesterday I made a salad topped with grilled sea scallops for lunch and it was delicious. Best of all just around 300 cals and so much food! That left me with plenty of calories for dinner and snacks. I think I'll continue to lighten up on lunch to leave more calories for late in the day, when I seem to get out of control with snacking. I got 8 hours sleep last night :woohoo:. Maybe I'll tackle the weeds later on.

Morning everyone!!! I'm back at work but don't seem to be working... ;) I really didn't want the evening to end.

Penny, I don't have good night vision. I guess it's 20/80 whereas my day vision is 20/40. The headlights of oncoming vehicles is hard. So I do have glasses that I wear at night. They have the special anti-glare and made everything sharp. I figure wearing glasses for a half hour in the evening once a month or so is way better than 24/7. My eyes haven't changed since the surgery so I've had the glasses for 7 years. My surgery was 4500 and worth it completely. DS2 is getting much better at the contacts and we're going to order a box for each eye today.

Nikki, scales are evil. Repeat the mantra. They keep us honest but they're evil none the less. Sounds like you had a good weekend though. That's great. Not cheating once is something to be proud of.

Carol, I hope you enjoy your retreat. Sounds like your reunion was a success. Good luck wth the SB.

I had a busy weekend. I did loads around the house to a point I was ready to crash into bed yesterday. I did admit to my sister and mother that I'm in the manic mode of the bi-polar. But since I like this mode I'm not bummed about it. I very much hate the depressive side.

Well, I should work..
Marie

Gee, now I understand why little kids cry so much when they have earaches...I'm putting oil in my ears and doing anti-sinus stuff, but I'm afraid I'll have to break down and go back on antibiotics if this doesn't pass on soon. Friday and Saturday were long hard days, in my new role as the buck-stopper, but hooray we got through them. My baby brother arrived on Saturday, and I'm glad that he's here but I am trying to be a good hostess (his first visit to DC) while not feeling very well. Luckily one of his favorite things to do is sleep...

Congrats to everyone for staying on course and seeing more weight losses! I am eating very lightly, but not working out at all, as you might imagine. Oh, well, you do the best you can every day....i am technically on vacation but at the office anyway this morning, packing up to leave and go back home to wake up my bro :) and do something low-key and fun.

Be well--judy

Penny-Cute moss people. Good job on the eating !

Marie-I cannot believe it is a year. You lost 46 and I'm still struggling to break my plateau :sigh: Hopefully this week I will obliviate it :)

Judy- I really hope you feel better soon.

Nikki

Morning everyone. It's a typical Tuesday for me - my m,ost hated day of the week. Gosh I even wake up in a bad mood on Tuesdays. :) The Voice at the office is irritating me more than normal so I cranked up my stereo to drown him out.

I did about 3.5 miles walking/jogging this morning and plan to take dead doggies our for a 1.5 mile walk again today. Spring found its way back yesterday and today - hopefully for good.

Judy I hope you feel better soon. Enjoy the time with your brother.

Nikki, here's hoping to both of us losing more weight!!!

Marie

Marie - I hope you got through Tuesday ok and that you managed to drown out 'the Voice'. Glad to hear spring has returned down south. We had sun yesterday and it's raining again today.

Nikki - I hope you break through on the scale this week (not literally! ;)) I think I'm on a permanent plateau :^:.

Judy - I feel for you with the ear problems, having had them most of my life I know how miserable they can be. I hope you have a nice visit with your brother despite not feeling well.

Carol - Hope everything is going great with you.

I feel better today now that I've stopped my medication. I did a no-no and finished two days early, but the side effects were unbearable - mouth sores, bad stomach cramps, bitter taste, dizziness and horrible headaches. Hopefully the meds did their job anyway. I managed to get to my yoga class and felt lots better afterwards. For lunch today I cooked something we haven't had for a long time - veal liver with bacon and onions. We had it with baby potatoes and broccolini. It was so yummy and since I only had a small portion, it was only around 350 cals total. Veal liver is dirt cheap here as people haven't realized it's gourmet taste. It used to be that osso buco meat was only a couple of dollars a pound and now it's around $10!

Judy whats with all this ear stuff is it a virus cause if so I have had it a week. Yuk! I loved the Saratoga area so beautiful and relaxing. Had my nails done at the spa, won over 100.00 at the casino and bought my necklace and braclet for the wedding at the gift store oh so pretty and half off. The food was out of this world and full of variety so staying on my SB wasn't too bad but for lunch yesterday I wondered off a bit but will jump back on today. My skirt for work is fitting great today and I still haven't been on the scale I will on friday. But I feel like there is a nice loss less belly jiggle hah hah! That has never been an easy part of my losses in the past. Well I forgot my antibotic when I left so two days without it and it was helping. So do I go to the docs today or wait one more day? Time will tell I am taking a consumer to an appt today she is a nice doc I may ask her advice? Its worth a try. The house guests are still here and will be for a couple more days the project had a few extra needs and took more time and energy. Thank goodness their handling it so well I feel bad though. I hope their still here on friday so we can go out for a nice dinner pay day of course. I spent my funds on myself so selfish this time around but my jewelry is lovely and special for the wedding. I couldn't resist. Nikki maybe your body is just holding onto some water don't panic it will adjust. I ate steamed crab legs which were salty the other day I am sure I had some water wt. if I had gotten on the scale. Marie the weekends go by too quickly I agree. Glad you had a good weekend though. Penny yes they said a little I can't believe its butter helps your body absorb the bread differently slower than if it was dry. Now here for at least a year I would order dry toast. Oh! Also one tip was if you have fruit to eat it after lunch time. Something regarding how the natural sugar is absorbed slower on a full tummy? All worth a try I figure any knowledge I gather is better than no try at all. Well have a great day everyone I am off to work again. Only 3 office days this week and I may leave a bit early for a drs appt today this dang ear plugged thing has got to end soon.

Marie- Way to go on the walking.

Penny- Have you tried shaking things up with your eating plan to break your plateau?

Carol- Steamed crab legs sounds yummy. How is south beach going?


I had a good weigh in today. I lost 9 lbs in 2 weeks so I am happy. Five the first week and 4 this week. Here is hoping for 4-5 next week to.

Nikki

Happy Wednesday everyone. I see the end of my week coming. Tomorrow I have an evening inservice so I'm not going in until noon. That means I have play time in the morning. :) Then I'm off on Friday.

Today is the 1 year anniversary. Drum roll... I lost 46.6 pounds in one year. That's just so amazing to me. At this point last year I was over 200 and feeling like a slob. Wow-wee, what difference a year makes.

I did 2.5 WATP and 1 mile on the treadmill this morning. Work was pesty this morning but that's life. I'm going to take my doggies out for a walk after wrok and that will be nice since it's just hazy today - the rain is north of us - raining on Penny. Tomorrow is supposed to be awesome and Friday, my day off is supposed to be sunny and about 80. Yeah!!! DS2 and DH put the solar panels up for the pool and it's starting to heat as of today. Maybe soon??? I could swim again.

Nikki, way to go on the 9 pounds. Sounds like Adkins is working for you.

Penny, I've quit meds early. When I have to use Prednisone for the asthma, I become a raving lunitic b*tch so I always quit early. It's almost an out of body experience watching myself. So if you feel better, then hopefully you'll stay better.

Carol, sounds like you had a great time. Enjoy the jewelry and what is wrong with buying something for yourself with your winnings??? Good luck being on track with SB at home. It should b easier.

That's all in my worlds. I chat tomorrow.
Marie

Congrats Marie :)

Hey, hey, hey, Marie! Your annual perspective came at just the right time for me. I know how hard you've worked at this, practically every day of the year, and you have earned every pound off (and then some). Way to go!!!

Nikki, woo-woo! Look out, graduation...

Carol, thanks for all the tips in your last post. It must feel great to feel how much weigh you're losing.

Penny, I love liver, but only if it's cooked perfectly, and of course with lots of onions. We are a tiny but classy minority of the population, I suppose. I rarely have liver anymore, but now and again I'll have a craving for it and order it at a good diner or deli.

I went to the drs Tuesday morning and was put on antibiotics:( and steriods :( :( . But I couldn't risk this turning even worse. My eyes wre in awful shape (full-blown pink eye, yuck) and both ears were getting worse. I feel better already, but I will make sure to load up on probiotics for the next several weeks. I've never taken Prednisone before, so we'll see what happens. I am looking forward to working out again, starting tomorrow :carrot: .

My bro and me had fun in B'more, and it helped that the meds began kicking in almost immediately. He leaves tomorrow, and it will be nice to stop watching quite so much sports and Simpsons. But he did hook up my new TV for me, and we are having a good visit.

Speaking of which, time to figure out where we'll have dinner....

judy

Carol - It's a good thing all our viruses aren't catchable over the internet! We'll have to all concentate on getting healthy. I've bought extra fruit and some grapes - my mom always swears by them if you are sick. It sounds like you had a really fun time in Saratoga. Way to go winning at the casino! :carrot: You've got the magic touch. Nice to hear your skirt is feeling loose - that's a great feeling. I usually eat fruit in the afternoons - as you say, the sugars don't hit your system so fast after lunch.

Marie - Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! :cp: You are doing so great and are a real inspriation. I bet you're looking forward to using your pool again soon. I'm going to start using some instant tan on my lillywhite (and veiny) legs as we're going to Boise on the 10th to visit our DS and the hotel has a pool. I haven't been swimming for so long and I'm really looking forward to it. DS is lucky that the development where he rents his house has a community pool and gym.

Nikki - Congrats on losing 9 lbs. That's an amazing loss in 2 weeks. :cheer: Thanks for the advice about changing up my eating habits. I've made a few changes and so I'm hoping to see results soon.

Judy - I'm glad you had a fun time in Baltimore with your brother, despite being sick. I'm taking tons of probiotics and eating lots of yogurt after having been on antibiotics of different kinds for so long. It really messes up your body, but we have to take them I guess. I'm glad your meds have kicked in and you're starting to feel a bit better. I agree about having onions with liver - wouldn't be the same without it. I always like to use some sage too. I think the liver gave me some extra energy today and I was feeling quite perky.

I went and got a new hairstyle today - nothing too drastic just an inch off and I had bangs cut. It's still longer than shoulder length as I like to wear it up sometimes. I've already had some nice compliments. I think the bangs help cover up the 'frown lines' between my eyebrows - they give me an angry look even if I'm in a good mood! :lol: I was also pleased to see another half pound gone on the scale today. Hopefully it will be a whole pound by Friday.
I've upped my protein and decreased my calories from wheat products. Seems to be working so I'll keep my fingers crossed :crossed:.

Well girls my ear is still a little plugged and I think at least its starting to clear hope I am right. I am going to take a sick day on friday and deal with relaxing and giving my body sometime to heal. I figure its been such a crazy week anyways. I am going to try and fit the rest of my folks into my schedule today and work on paperwork. If I try really hard and keep focused without any emergencys it is a possiblity to finish up on time. The diet is a bit more of a struggle this week with the conference and company at my house. But I am still trying to becareful and limit the bad carbs and fat. Today we are having a lunchoen at work as a reward for a good State Audit. I ordered a chicken wrap. Yesterday I ate some greek olives pretty salty but tasty. I was pretty sure they were on my diet but I do have to ck it out. Judy glad you enjoyed your visit with the brother. Those are good times! Marie wow a year huh good for you keep it up girl! Nikki 9lbs thats really cool. I spoke with a guy friend yesterday and after great research he has decided on the AB diet. I don't think that is one the I personally am fimilar with. But has done well we laughed about the trying to be good thing. I think more people seem to be trying to have better health. The conference was on well being better health for disabled and everyone else. Quite interesting talking about stress and it being a big cause to chronic illness etc. The doctor whom spoke was very good and easy to grasp onto what he was trying to get across etc. Penny sounds like your trying to fit lots of healthy things in your body it should work for you. Good luck with switching things around sometimes our bodies get to used to us doing the same thing over and over. Almost and expectation of what we eat patterns aren't always healthy or motivating to our systems to help them lose wt. shake it up baby! Well off to work I go!

Morning Ladies-

My fingers are crossedfor you Penny. Congrats on your loss.

Carol that sounds like a very interesting conference. Someone on another board I go to was talking about the ABS diet. I believe you’re allowed to eat six meals a day consisting of 12 powerfoods – almonds and other nuts, beans and pulses, spinach and other green veg, low-fat dairy products, instant hot oat cereal, eggs, turkey and other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, wholegrain breads and cereals, extra protein powder and raspberries and other berries. All other foods are off limits.And you do alot of exercise. Not a diet for me.

Yesterday I bought a new scale because my boyfriend noticed my digital was off. He had been to the doctor the day before and had an accurate reading. I got a regular old analog one. I am realy excited to see how much I lose this week. Next week I am taking a week off to shake up my metabolism then I will go back to atkins induction the following week for another cycle. I m hoping this allows me to lose more weight.

Nikki

Morning everyone, I'm going in late to work today so I'm enjoying a quiet morning at home. I exercised and cleaned my bathroom. Now I'm surfing and then I'm going to do a little stained glass. Then it'll be a long day at work. :( but for now I'm enjoying myself. I already put the coffee grounds in the expresso machine and am ready to make an iced mocha (180 cals) for the drive to work. Yummy!!! That's my treat for the day.

I put on a shirt form last year as it would match the capris I was wearing and it looked like a tent. Off it goes to goodwill. So I had to improvise. A very nice improvise. :)

Penny, what a bummer you're going to be gone the 10th (and I assume the 11th). I found out yesterday that I will be at a conference in Portland those two days. I was hoping to get together again. Also, funny about the bangs - I started growing mine out 2 months ago and you got yours back. A total reversal. BTW, I'm using Retin A on the lines and hope that helps.

Judy, I'm glad you're back on meds. You sounded very sick. As I mentioned yesterday prednisone makes me a raving lunatic. But when you need it, you need it. Hopefully you don't metabolize it like I do. :)

Carol, good for you taking a sick day tomorrow. I've tried to figure out how to take a mental health day all week and it never worked out. But since you're sick, that's a big difference. I just wanted to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Bad me...

Nikki, I found bad readings on my digital when the battery was getting low and when I tried using it on carpet. It only is consistent when its on a hard floor. I hope that the analog works for you. I cheated with those - if I leaned to the side, I could look at it at a different angle and see what I wanted to see.

Well, off to enjoy my last 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Marie

Marie - That is great about your old clothes. I noticed the analog can be faked lol. I however, will not cheat. I may get a new battery for my digital and see if that helps.

Nikki