Penny parties are alot of fun when there are themes to them. I think its great people are so creative. My daughter recently gave the grandson a super hero party the kids all wore any heroe shirt or costume they had. Then they down loaded super hero music made up some games. I made the super hero cake it all worked out and saved alot of money of going out somewhere to have one etc. Sounded like you all had fun. Memories will be there to look back on years down the road. Penny I wish I had that mango tree in my sons yard in Hawaii. That would of been great to just run out and pick some. During our visit he made smoothies with his own fruit adding in fresh coconut too. Yummy!
Judy sounds like you need to do some entertaining as in the past you've enjoyed it. I like to do that too. I have Thanksgiving coming up and its been at my house for the past 11 years. Now a tradition I think. I haven't been doing to bad with the food dept. Not always the best choices but not a lot of eating between meals. Still very stressful at work my guy is staying around hooked up to machines. It is not reversable so its a matter of waiting. I am helping the family go to court for guardianship but that will take time. Not much I can do for any of them either. So I am trying to deal with the situation the best I can. Last night I had a little me time and went to the casino and won 70.00. I think it will be spent on some new fall clothes. After all I think lately it might pick me up a bit. So maybe after work I will go look for something new. I need another pair of brown shoes casual ones. Well no real work out yesterday unless pushing some buttons count! Hah hah! Maybe today I can sneak in a walk during my day might be a stress reliever. Marie I hope you have a super trip you deserve it. I bet you look great! I think one thing to count on for me is my daughters up coming wedding. Now I have to try to really lose this wt. Only 10lbs would make me so happy if I can just get focused to put myself 100% forward to do so. g
Planning healthy foods today! One day at a time!

This has been a long morning! I did a good workout and headed over to vote. I waited until after 9AM so the lines weren't long. I would have been happy to stand in line after rush hour, 'cuz that would have meant a big turnout...I'll be sitting in front of the TV tonight with my fingers and toes crossed. Win or lose, I'm always happy to wear my "I voted" sticker today. My parents were born in the Deep South, so my grandparents and great-grandparents weren't allowed to vote. I always think of them when I head to the polls.

Penny, I can't believe that the infection is back! What a major drag for you At least it waited until you had a chance to enjoy your party! It sounds like the party was a lot of low-calorie fun for you, congratulations. And there's a Whole Foods near my office and one not far from home. I go to "Whole Paycheck" now and again to get very specific things, otherwise I pretend that I'm at a museum or something, just there to look and admire. Although if this gluten problem is for real, they will be seeing me a little more often, for things I can't find anywhere else.

Carol, we already knew that you were a winner! What games do you play at the casinos? That's foreign territory to me. I know you can reach your weight loss goal before your daughter's wedding if you're really good about logging your intake.

I did better last night with the extra noshing. I had smoked sausage and red cabbage (crockpot) for dinner, and cottage cheese and fruit for dessert. I managed to fight off the craving for more, but it was touch and go there for a while. It's funny how your thoughts can be consumed by food, even when your belly is full!

judy

Judy I saw a recipe on one of those lovely mouth watering food channels for cabbage cooked with a green apple. All they did was take some butter but you can sub. that, and sauted apple slices with chinese cabbage. They say it cooks faster than reg. added some salt, pepper I think that was it. To me it looked very good. I like cabbage. I also enjoy smoked or polish sausage its the polish in me coming out I guess. At any rate ck. it out and I will too. I have been doing alot better this week with my calories. Yesterday I did only have yogurt for breakfast but then had a little more cals for lunch. I read somewhere to eat an apple before meals it adds in extra fiber and helps you to feel fuller. I have been much better in the evenings too. Last night I had a banana after dinner but that was it. I have ck'd out the Wendy diet. No matter what we do its an effort. If we want results then there is no easy outlet other than variety and counting cals and being creative. At the casino I won on Kenny Rogers penny game. Yeah! For my little bet of 30 cents I won a card game on the machine a couple of times. Then up went the bet to 45 cents and another had of poker with Kenny. Which I won 45.00 on how cool huh? It was fun. I needed a real break from everything else. Yesterday was one more stressful day and I am pleased to say I didn't turn to food. Hurray I made it! I have all the special paperwork ready had to get Dr's to sign and report, mom's signatures all the siblings and now no birth cert. Wow! So I can't file with the court house. Now I pleaded with the Vital Bureau for a fast birth cert. I should have it by friday. Then, at least my filing will be done to help this gentlemans mom get guardianship to make medical decisions for her son. This has been a tough one. I can't stress to people how important it is to have a DNR and Health Care Proxy in order. I am making sure my family takes care of doing this soon. We just never know when something will happen to us or a loved one. Well enough of that stuff. Is it really hard with the gluten free diet? I ask because I have a client on it maybe I am not sensitive enough to what she is going through? But in her case others have to ensure she gets the right stuff not her so much though it can make her sick. I also voted at 7:15 in the morning before work. Its important for people to vote and for you that years ago your family wasn't allowed. You need to always support the voting for all of them they would be proud that you are practicing your rights in the country and trying make positive changes. Keep up your efforts with the wt. and diet changes. My hips are finally feeling better and last few nights I am sleeping all night through. It feels really great. Hopefully it continues. Penny hope your feeling better. Marie hope your enjoying that trip!

So, Carol, you really know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em, huh? I'm glad you found a productive way to de-stress. I appreciate the reminder about DNRs and proxies. It's not a pleasant subject, but better to say what you want now than put your loved ones through a lot of extra drama when you can't speak for yourself.

I did well last night, no extra noshing. I did a long aerobic workout this morning, and will go to Curves after work. I brought some apples, pure cranberry juice (to mix with water) and protein bars to the office to help me get through the rest of the week, which will be nonstop difficult meetings. They will be ordering in food, and sugary snacks will be sitting in front of me all afternoon, so I plan to fall back on my own treats when I want to give in. If I can get through these next two months--changes at work, travel and holidays--still losing a little and managing with this restricted diet, I will start the New Year in a really good mood.

I hope everyone else is feeling good today!

judy

Carol - That cabbage recipe sounds great. I like cabbage but forget to buy it - thanks for reminding me. I'm glad your hips are feeling better. I'm sure that makes sleeping easier for you. I find it extra hard to stay on track when I'm tired.

Judy - "Whole Paycheck" That's a good name for Whole Foods! I'm going to have to dust off my crockpot now that the weather is turning cooler and I'm in the mood for some comfort food. Good idea to get some snacks so you won't be too tempted at those meetings!

Marie - Hope you're having a nice relaxing time on your trip.

I've been a bit under the weather with my cystitis but dragged myself into Curves today to work out even though I only got about 5 hours sleep last night. I felt better afterwards - it woke me up more than the three cups of coffee I drank this morning! The pyridium my doctor recommended seems to be helping a bit and I'll soon be having my annual physical exam, so I'll see what my doc has to say then. I hope I don't need a bunch of tests so late in the year as we pay out of pocket up to $3500 and of course the slate starts over on the 1st of the year . There goes my Christmas money!

Judy your pretty mind set to make some changes regarding your lifestyle. I think you will do fine throughout the meetings. I am not sure if you can chew gum at that time nicely of course not blowing bubbles! Sometimes that helps me when others are grazing at the food. At times its helpful to just remember that your goal is important. Lately it seems if I induldge in a little candy or sweet if I can't get away from it by moving I will continue to eat it without any problems. You could also calorie count in your head and allow yourself only so much for the hrs. your there. But then again you have to watch the gluten stuff. I will be rooting for you from here. Let me know how you do sharing tips might help one of us in a similar situation. My client is now resting in peace and the stress level will lift as soon as the paperwork is completed etc. Yes these topics are never easy. But needed. My friend whom had that stroke and surgery last yr. had gallbladder surgery recently a few wks. ago now has a lump in her throat testing yesterday. She is very scared and at 46 she has had a lot going on. I tell you it makes me think eatting healthy is so important and exercising. So lets go girls! We can make a difference with our health. Every step we take to gain a new habit in the right direction could make a big difference down the road. I feel so motivated this week. I did manage to stay within my calories one more day so that makes 4. I had a few too many starches bread. But other than that was within my range. No snacks that weren't planned other than a sucker. Not to bad. Penny hope your on a mends soon. Not feeling good is awful and hope soon you get a good nights sleep. I gotta go pack a healthy lunch salad with tuna and some broc. etc. I need to stop at the store on the way to work to get some fruit we are low. That is always a nice snack for me. I haven't grab onto the scale yet giving myself a chance to get back into my routine this week. But my skirt I'm wearing is fitting fine so I think maybe I am okay in that dept. hopefully.

A very quick check-in: I'm doing fine. Day One of meetings has been long, and uncomfortable for me because my boss is leaving and there is some pressure for me to take over his job (I don't want it). Tomorrow will be a more difficult day in some ways, but so far so good. I got up extra early to make sure that I had time for a good workout, which also helps me stay centered. I'm eating on program. Today's lunch was....spaghetti! I had a salad and ate about half a cup of the sauce, no pasta . It smelled so good that I'm taking some of the sauce home to eat with my gluten-free rotini

Carol, you sound like you're in a good place today, I'm glad.

Penny, ay-yi-yi!

More tomorrow--judy

Carol - You are so right about eating healthy to stay healthy! I'm eating lots more fruit and veg. now. I wish I'd started this way of eating years ago, but it's never too late! I'll say a prayer for your friend who is worried about her throat diagnosis. Also a prayer for your client who is now resting in peace. You must be a very strong lady having to deal with such things on a regular basis.

Judy - I hope your job stress eases a bit soon. It's hard when people want you to take on even more responsibility. I've had a similar problem lately with the nonprofit I volunteer on. If you do a good job, then people think it's easy for you and figure you can do even more! It's a good idea to exercise to work off stress - it helps me a lot. I'm glad you managed to find some gluten free pasta. That sauce will make it taste good (plus maybe a little sprinkle of parmesan).

I felt a lot better today after a good night's sleep. It's amazing the difference it makes whether you get enough rest. I worked out at Curves again today as I missed on Monday. They gave me a star for losing 40 lbs. and 29 inches since I started there 2-1/2 years ago. It's very motivating for me when some of the gals there say that I'm an inspiration. I sometimes don't think I'm much slimmer, but other people are noticing so I must be looking thinner . Talk to you tomorrow.

Judy during your conference times and resturants for meetings call ahead with special gluten free dietary needs. They will fix you pasta which is gluten free etc. We have it done all the time for people. Most places are great with the special consideration needed. Check it out. Well I am taking today off I have a knot in my left shoulder from stress. It happens once in awhile and this week I can surely see why it did. So I am off today but the hubby isn't doing to great he hurt his side most likely pulled a muscle but with all his other issues this isn't so good. He couldn't get out of bed by himself this a.m. oh but now that he is up things seem a bit better. I thought I was going to have to take him to the hospital. The motrin 800mg seem to make a difference and maybe just some rest we'll see. At any rate I am off and going to make the best of it. I have already called in. Yesterday I thought never would end busy every second and stressful to boot. Things will be better at work this next week after monday's services.
Judy good for you working out so good in the mornings. I need to jump start that time as well. Food intake wasn't bad except for the fried jalopeno last night with the girl friends. I took broccoli for lunch and steamed it all the girls said it really was stinky. So guess I won't do that again. Just was trying to be healthy. Penny your so right about the job issues when your a hard worker and prove yourself more comes with it. I surely have noticed that. Its nice to know people feel you can handle it but it needs to be also shared evenly across the board. Penny hurray for you! Something to be very proud of you should honor yourself with something new. Maybe clothes or something on that line. Curves is good for so many folks. With me I just need to stop making excuses for the gym and get there when I am suppose to. I should make a schedule for it on my reg. work calendar. Work a bit later one day take off a bit earlier another to get to the gym before the crowds. Something to consider. I will see if I can okay with the boss. My friend heard on her test I am concerned for her. It is either thyroid problems extended or it is throat cancer. They want her off meds for at least 2 weeks before scheduling the test. She was a smoker pretty heavy before that stroke last year. She needs all the prayers out there. Well girls we all need to take our health seriously that is no joke. I messed up a little with the fried stuff with the girls last night but overall the rest of the day was good. If we slip a little we need then just adjust. So today I will be more careful. Going to try to fit in my treadmill this a.m.

Carol, you could use a good chair massage! I get a knot under my left shoulderblade sometimes, and nothing will get it out except a good pounding. You have had quite a week. I hope that your hubby is feeling better and that you have a little down time this weekend. In terms of making special arrangements for my diet, I'm going to keep healthy alternatives with me, and just keep reminding myself that I won't waste away if I wait a little while to eat "safe" food." The gluten-free pasta, crackers etc that I have at home are just to keep me from falling off the wagon when I'm feeling the need to splurge.

Penny, congratulations on earning a star! That's wonderful to be able to look back and see how far you've come. I will get my measurements taken at Curves just before the Thanksgiving weekend. I wil have lost a few pounds and some inches since September, so that should motivate me to stay on target through the long holiday weekend.

Well, after much meeting and going back and forth, I will be one of two interim co-executive directors, starting the first of March, when my boss leaves. That will give my organization time to do some planning and conduct a search. If we're lucky, I can step down over the summer, but otherwise we'll hang in there until there is a resolution. We're not in the best of financial shape, so a big chunk of my time starting in January will go toward fundraising. I'm not eager to to take this on, but I think it's best for my organization, and I feel good about the board of directors and the rest of the staff's commitment to stepping up, so...there you have it. My New Year's resolutions will all revolve around stress management, I'm sure.

I'll weigh-in officially on Sunday. The scale has been reading just above 230, so I don't know if I'll be any lower tomorrow. But I got in nearly 300 minutes of cardio this week, and am feeling good about health-related things. I hosted a meeting this afternoon, so of course I thoroughly cleaned my apartment. It feels nice to have all the surfaces cleared off and sparkling!

judy

Yaay for me, I'm down another pound. I am happy to be in another 'decade' after roaming around like the Israelites in the 230s for over a year! In celebration, I've made a new mini-goal ticker for my Sunday weigh-ins.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

judy

Judy good for you losing a lb. thats a tub of butter they say. I think your tub went on my scale. Sorry to say but being realistic I got on the scale first time in awhile. I was up so I have set a new goal for me to becareful and serious in need of 3lbs. by Thanksgiving. I am going to put in my best shot. Lately with the SIL living here I haven't been as good about going to the gym or healthy eating. I let in too much junk and now I know it for sure got brave and the box came out to tell the truth. So I need a kick in the but to get going. We have 2 weeks til Turkey day. Then Christmas will be my next goal. I actually thought I might of been up a bit more so lucky there huh. See the scale gives me balance and ck pts. sometimes I tend to avoid it and that can mean trouble. Maybe I need someone to say hey did you do your scale this week? I am going to do it Mon. Wed. Fri. this week to get started then will switch it around to less. But good jump start I thought. Now I really better knock off the horsing around and get serious. Judy , Penny and Marie your all doing great I am the one whom let a few lbs. come back. Maybe I wasn't handling my stress as well as one thought? Well the services are today and will be very short the obt. was nicely written in our local paper. His sister did it and really did a nice job. Judy your job sounds tough. Its not always so easy to get volunteers. In our area here some of the volunteer jobs stuffing enevolopes for mailing things like that our developmental day habs do all the time. Has your company ever used disabled folks to help with anything like that? We do a lot locally for American Heart Asso. , Diabetes Asso. etc. Their always looking for ways to keep people busy and their hard workers. Staff support them through the task to ensure its done correctly. Just a thought.
Another friend in Flordia is in the hospital also with a blood clot in his leg. I tell yah our bad habits catch up with all of us eventually if we don't try to make changes. His doctor has been after him for years to lose wt. now he has diabetes which causes more health concerns. Wow I need to get down where I need to be. I am not that far off by any means but this last 10lbs. is stuborn as the day is light. Give me strength to lose it! Penny yes I know we all need to make some positive changes with eating. Together even though lately with the scale hasn't been great only because I avoided it if I hadn't been on here and in touch it could of been so much worse. I am grateful for the contact on this site. Now just give me a big kick in the butt and send me flying in the direction of loss and I will be a happy camper. So that said I am off to eat a healthy breakfast and pack a healthy lunch. Fish for dinner while they have leftover spaghetti. Talk to you all soon keep up your efforts the scale is showing your headed down less lbs. lane.

Well, I had a lot of things on my agenda today, but I've spent most of my off day surfing the Net and playing Spider Solitaire. I guess I'm just making the day last as long as possible before going back to work on Tuesday. I was planning to check out a movie or two this afternoon--I haven't seen a movie in months--but it's still cold and dreary out, and it was easier to futz around at home.

Carol, it sounds like our friend the scale gave you a real jolt today! You know what you need to do to point in the right direction. You've had a lot of stress and distractions, and I'm sure it's been hard to focus with changes in your household and issues at work. So you've had a bit of a lull, now it's time to get back to the habits that helped you lose so much weight! Here's the encouragement you asked for: . Hope it helps!

The clinic put me on a plan that only allows me one serving of (gluten-free) grain a day, which is a drag. But I am feeling really good physically, better than I have for long time. I did a long aerobic workout this morning. Tomorrow's payday, and Marie will be glad to know that I plan to order one of the WATP videos, the five-mile walk. Marie, if Leslie's shrill chatter gets on my nerves, maybe I can follow along with the sound turned down .

Penny, I hope you're doing well today!

Re the job: we make small grants to advocacy groups, so we don't often need volunteers. What we need is management staff (especially a fundraiser), and I don't know of any qualified folks who will work full-time for free. To prepare to take on more responsibilities over the next few months, I'll have to be super-organized. And be better about holding my tongue, to be a better listener. Next year will be challenging, but I think it will turn out well in the long run. Plus I'll be thinner . I'll turn 50 near the end of 2007. If I'm not finally 160-170 by then, I plan to be pretty durn close!

I miss the folks who jumped into the thread over the summer...if you're reading this, let us know how things are going for you. And you other lurkers out there, come on in, the more the merrier!

judy

Judy - Good for you losing a pound! Keep up the good work!

Carol - I hope you soon lose your final 10 lbs. (or at least make a good dent in it!) It's hard this time of the year - which I call the "eating season"

I've been very busy getting ready for our year's biggest fund raiser - a bazaar and tea where we serve over 400 teas and have a large bake and crafts sale. I made a couple of dozen mini loaves and have been wrapping them today. I also made a couple of dozen soaps in three different kinds (lavender/lime/poppyseed, rose and cucumber). I've been doing a bit of "stress eating" so I hope the scale won't be mean to me on Friday!

Hi all, just a quick note from Mississippi. I finally saw DS today. We just spent the last 5 hours chatting. I really did miss him. I had tears in my eyes when I saw him - nearly jumped out of the car while it was still moving. Tomorrow is his graduation then it's back ont he road - but aimed towards home - MY FAVORITE direction. Judy, how do you travel so much?

Speaking of Judy, WAY TO Go on the new decade. That is always the best. New century will be great too. BTW, the 5 mile walk DVD is good. I like mile 2 the best combined with the 1 mile advanced jog. Now Judy, are you sitting down??? When you set which combo you want to do you have the option of Leslie's chatter or just music. So you can choose not to listen to her. For me, her prattle helps pass the time so I leave her on.

Carol, sorry about your client and the scale. It is truly the truth machine, isn't it? I have not been an angel the last few days but alas, the trip home, I will be good. Travel days haven't been hard to be good, just the celebration days. After tomorrow morning those are over so I'll be okay.

I have been exercising daily averaging over 5 miles per day. I will again tomorrow but then Wed and Thurs are straight travel days and I will forgo my exercise. It'll be hard, but I just want to go home.

Penny, I've thought of you a lot today - I have a symptom or two of a UTI. I bought some of the analgesic stuff I mentioned a couple weeks ago so I'd make it home if it does blow into a UTI. Eeks. I hope it's just irritation of some sort.

Well, I will chat again on Friday. From home.

One more thing, last Wednesday I officially hit the half way point - I don't know what it'll be after this week, but it was cool none the less.
Marie