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 . 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 .

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!

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. 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. 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...
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 )? 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.


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.

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.


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 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.