Nikki, congrats on losing another pound despite all your stress around the test! And your loss is noticible, too... . Good luck with bearing down with the induction phase of South Beach. You can do it!

And Carol, isn't it nice to try on dresses for a special ocassion and feel good about it? Adding a little gym time will make you a babe in no time.

Penny, it was nice to see Helen Mirren win an award last night. I stayed up too late, watching until the bitter end....there were too many extra items in teh telecast, but I really like Ellen Degeneres and was determined to see Scorcese finally, finally win a bleedin' Oscar!

Well, my cold is hanging in there (Week Three), I seem to be moving backward with the cough and congestion. I did a weight workout yesterday, but nothing this morning. I have my Curves gear with me, in case I perk up later on. I already had a doctor's appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning, so I can ask if I do need antibiotics to knock this out. This is a huge week for me at work, and it would a bit of a disaster if I was going downhill during our three-day retreat! I can baby myself a little after Saturday. My weight is holding steady, I'm just glad that I managed to maintain throughout these weeks of travel and illness. BUT I WANT TO GET BACK TO LOSING!!!

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

Have a great Monday!

judy

Judy - You need to take care of YOU! I hope there's a way you can scale back at work for a while so your body gets a chance to recover. Maybe you need some home made chicken soup - wish I could send you some but I'm sending good health vibes your way. I'm glad Helen Mirren won too. I didn't watch the Oscars as I can't stand most of the Hollywood types. From what I've heard it was a pretty boring show.

Nikki - Congratulations on the 1 lb. loss! I'd take 'mere' one pound loss any day! It's great that your clothes are fitting better and it was nice that you got that compliment from your mom.

Carol - Yay for you for fitting in the smaller size dresses - that's always such a boost for the morale. It sounds like you had a fun day with your daughter. We just have a son so I miss out on those girly mom/daughter things . Oh well, hopefully we'll get a nice DIL one of these days. Sounds like you're doing great with all the healthy fiber, etc.

Marie - I hope your knee is ok. My DH was in Toronto last week and they had an ice storm. I gave him some Yak-Trax to put on his shoes but of course he didn't wear them and nearly slipped. Next week he's off to Florida , so that's quite a change of climate.

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks Ladies!

Judy- I hope you get to feeling better real soon. 3 weeks is hard.

Nikki

Hi everyone!

Penny, I'm off to Florida next week too!!! I'm leaving a week from Friday for a long weekend getaway with my sister from Iowa. We're meeting in South Florida and will lounge on the beach for hours. I already bought my 55 SPF sunscreen and lipbalm. I'm ready - I love skiing - but I hate SNOW!!!! And it won't stop. Snow, snow, snow. It's like we moved to the great lakes and are having lake effect snow. I guess it's ocean effect snow.

I did go skiing on Saturday. My knee is tender but certainly not painful. So I went. I didn't put lots of effort in it as I was skiing with DS and almost DIL who are beginner snowboarders. It was still fun although freezing cold. It snowed the whole time - who would have guessed. Snow and wind pelted face. Owie.

Sunday I worked for much of the day except when I went fabric shopping for a new quilt. There's a new quilt shop (actually the only one in town) and they have loads of fabric. I bought all my fabrics then went home to work. At least I made up 6 hours of my wasted vacation time when I was snowbound last week.

Food is still not where it needs to be. I ate about 2100 cals yesterday. Not horrible but certainly not lose weight amounts. today I'm doing very good and will stay at 1500 cals. I didn't exercise this morning but will this evening. I chose sleep over exercise. Bad me.

Judy, I hope you start to feel better. 3 weeks with a cold is too long. Okay 1 day is too long, 3 weeks is he!!.

Nikki, congrats on losing a pound. 4 sticks of butter gone from your body. Way to go.

Carol, you should put the link of the dress you chose on your next post. I'd like to see it. That would be sort of fun. At least you had fun shopping. I did a week ago. I got to ignore the women's section. I stayed in misses and chose sizes smaller than the largest offered. How awesomely fun is that?!?!?!

Well, I should work for a minute, then back to the vet I go. Blizzie's tonsils need to be rechecked. I'd never heard of a doggie having tonsilitis, but of course, my doggie had to try it.
Marie

Marie - I'm glad your knee isn't too bashed up. Sorry to hear about Blizzie's tonsils - I didn't know dogs had them either! How the heck does the vet even get to look down a big dogs throat like that????

My DH is now going to Florida tomorrow as they need him there sooner. For a fleeting moment I thought I might like to go too, but I just HATE to fly - not scared, just can't stand it. He's going to be in the Miami area. I asked him if he's going to pack his swimmers. Knowing him, he probably won't even go to the beach. Still, he might have a nice jacuzzi at the hotel so I put them in his bag just in case. He's coming back on Friday, so you may be able to wave 'hi' to each other as you pass by! I hope you have a wonderful relaxing time in the Sunshine State

Judy sorry your not feeling well. I had a bit of a cold and it is still hanging around a bit but kind of sinus like. So I am working it out I guess. Glad your going to the doc's in case you need a bit of help to kick it. Sounds like your way too busy to be sick. Yes trying on dresses was a bit of fun. On friday I intend to go ck out a few more and I did order one but not sure if off the shoulders a bit will be me. My daughter and niece liked it so I ordered it. But we will see. I have been doing pretty good with my cals. Yesterday I had some frozen fish baked it added a little left over spaghetti sauce and some mozz. ch. It was pretty good with side dish of sauted spinch and mushrooms.
Penny I am pretty lucky with the girls but boys are great too. I am lucky enough to have a lovely DIL. She is like the 3rd daughter. Can't wait til their visit home in June for the wedding. We are all going to go camping and relax after the big event. The fiber seems to be keeping me satisfied longer and not so many munches going on. I read awhile back we should get 30 fibers a day. Thats so hard to do. But I am trying to get at least close to that and adding in more seafood and veggies. Marie I have enough material for 2 quilts for the grandaughters one is about 2/3 done and so pretty with little squares and the other not started and will be much bigger squares that other one is a tough one. Seems to take forever and it is cause I lost interest for too long. I also have one started for my bedroom. Maybe with you talking about it I will get going on it again. What pattern are you using? Once I plan on a dress for sure I will post it. The one I am currently ordering is from Chadwicks of Boston
2104-29619-719 I think you can look it up on line. I am of course ordering it in Black. But if this doesn't work out whats everyones take on me wearing Ivory and my daughter white? Her wedding is white and black??? Or should I stick with the black which will help make me look thinner? To many decissions these days. I have another dress I want to order too just to have another to compare it to and a different style. Take care of your knee Marie! Penny Hurray a little girl break! You two will have fun and some of the sights will be great on the beach. I love to people watch there. Marie hope your doggie will be fine and not too much on the pocket. Boy they can be costly but so loveable. Little Bear is coming along he sleeps with us now and has for a couple of weeks. At least I am not jumping up to bathroom him. He sleeps all night. This a.m. he got up with me and then sat near the bedroom door and wanted in to go back to bed with Dad. Cute! Well take care girls I am not getting on the scale until friday trying to lose before them in hopes that my scale will cooperate with me then. Lets do it girls we can lose even with this time of life suppose to be hard to lose I am determined to try my best. Menopause!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hot flashes are stiking!

Hi everyone, Penny at this point I would have chosen to fly in the flying buses (I don't like them - claustrophobia) to go to the sunshine. I actually leave a week from Friday - Mar 9th. What's really odd is that my parents are on a cruise and will be in the Phoenix airport the day before I am on my way home. Since they're in Minnesota, it would have been cool to bump into them.

Apparently it's much easier to check a doggie's tonsils when they're under. Awake, Blizzie fought it. Her tonsil is still inflamed and that's not good. W're trying another round of antibiotics but there's the possibility it's cancer in the lymph node. All her blood work had come back normal so I'm hoping the change in antibiotics will do the trick. She's my soulmate (aka soul dog) and I'd be devestated to lose her. She certainly doesn't seem sick but one never knows. My first soul doggie died of cancer pretty young so I wouldn't like history repeating itself.

I did exercise this morning (and yesterday evening). I jogged for 3 miles and did the strength training workout. I was pooped and it was only 10 after 6. But I'm energetic now.

I also stayed within the cals. yesterday. YEAH!!! I'm weighing in on Firday whether or not I'm good so I'll be good just because I'd hate to be in the 170's again.

Carol, I tried to view your dress but Chadwicks has a stupid search engine - you can't search by catalog number - I could quick purchase it but then it wants my catalog numbers... I gave up. Very bad search engine. Regardless, I vote for black. Off white would be okay, but you're safest with white so that you don't clash in the pictures. So that's my vote.

Well I'm at work so I should do that.
Marie

Hi Ladies -

I 'm sorry I haven't been in touch. Apparently my subscription is not working to send emails to me. Anyway I was pretty bad today. We went for chinese at lunch and I got steamed brocoli and chicken. However, I had about 6 chinese noodles and sauce < not on my diet> . Then tonight I had a killer headache from lack of sugar so I had a 1/2 cup of rocky road ice cream. I'm not to guilty over it because I have been so good and I figured it would be ok . Tomorrow I go back on the diet.

Nikki

Marie- Have a great time in Florida.
How is the doggie today? I have never heard of tonsilitus in a dog either.



Carol - Are you planning to make some quilts? I love to quilt !


As for me I hit my goal of 8 lbs lost for Feb today on the last day of February. My first mini goal I was able to achieve in ages LOL. I am going to try for 6lbs in March.

Nikki

Carol - I'm with Marie on recommending the black dress. Black is not only figure flattering, it's very elegant. I hope you shake off your cold soon too. Our cats are like your puppy, they just love to snuggle in bed and give us hurt looks if we get up just when they are getting comfortable!

Marie - I hope Blizzie is doing ok and that the antiboitics do the trick. My DH is having a great time in Miami - rubbing it in that it's 85 deg. today! He's not been too busy so far and he's had time to visit some of his favorite places down there. I bet you can't wait to go, especially since you've also been having lousy weather lately. We had some snow this am but it didn't stick. There's quite a bit in the higher elevations though.

Nikki - Congratulations on reaching your goal . You are a real inspiration!

Have a great day everyone!

Why is everyone else going to Florida, and I'm only going to Baltimore? I have to head out soon, so I'll be quick:

Woo-hoo, Nikki!

It looks like I can avoid antibiotics for a little longer. The clinic gave me some good suggestions for what to do to help this move faster, but said give up and go to my regular doctor next week if it's not gone. I did a long cardio and weight workout this morning, which felt good. I packed my gear for this trip, with emergency snacks, and will make good choices.

I will try to check in everyday, but may not be able to. Wish me luck--this is the big changing of the guard at work.

judy

Hi everyone, I went to Medford (over the mountain pass). The usual 1.5 hour drive was 2.25 and was quite trecherous. I had to go for work. But all was fine - just a long commute. I've been good today, about 1300 calories. Yesterday was a little less. I've been so munchie lately that I've accidently gone under my target because I've been obsessing about not munching. Eeks. Where does it end??? I also walked 4 miles this morning before leaving. It was a good workout.

Penny, I wouldn't listen to DH about the weather. He had to fly in the big old bus to enjoy that sunshine - yeah, it's worth it, I know. I was just trying to find a bright spot in our weather. The only true on is that the ski season improved tremendously. BTW, DH's new skis arrived today. His birthday is next week, but he'll get them tonight so we can go skiing this weekend.

Judy, I hope Baltimore is everything you dreamed of... I'm glad that you don't need antibiotics - it's so dangerous to have them too often. I can't even remember the last time because I'm so afraid of them. And all my infections have gone away on their own - or with a little golden seal/echinecea push.

Nikki - way to go on reaching the 8 pound goal. Months ago I'd lose that in a month, now I'm happy for a couple pounds - heck a pound even. BTW 1/2 cup of ice cream ranges between about 150 cals to 200 cals. Certainly not a big deal.
Marie

Marie good luck with the doggie thats so hard to ensure everything is going right. Yah can't ask how they feel with a verbal response only read them as you know how. I will be thinking about yah. Good job with the munchies last night I ate dinner later than norm doing my own thing after work. So when I did get home I made a lean cuisine not my normal but okay then ate a few oreo cookies I had purchased for the hubby. All in all still made my cals for the day but something made me have those cookies. But lately I have been much better staying within my cals. Friday is scale day. Careful driving in that yukkie stuff.
Nikki the devil got to me too don't feel guilty just pick up and move on. Sometimes we need to be a little naughty. I have a few quilts to work on Nikki and hopefully I will get motivated to do so soon. This weekend I plan on altering the flower girls dresses for the wedding and getting that accomplished. Keep up your good work and look where your headed to a new you for spring congrats on your loss and keep up that motivation its contagious I hope.
Work will be a bit stressful til the 20th my office mate whom has worked for 19 years is moving on to another agency. Its okay but I share an office so I have to listen to oh and I will have this and that and the company this and thats. I thought I was going to lose it yesterday so I took an hr. off and did my own thing. I will schedule myself out of the office a bit to survive. We get along okay better than years ago and I think she needed a change was shocked she did it but thats okay. Let me just get through this part of it. I am trying to be considerate but its tough. This week I brought in some salad making to keep in my cupboard at work and I think I will continue to add to it with healthy snacks. For lunch today I picked up a lean cuisine which is butternut ravilaos different thought a change might be warranted and I will add some greens and lowfat dressing. Well Judy at least your going somewhere I am only staying in Chittenango land of Oz! Maybe this fall I will go to Hawaii or Florida we'll see. Holding onto some time to use then.
Marie is so right Judy on the antibotic my DSI has to live on them the rest of her life because of a staff infection that will never heal. She had an elbow replacement and ended up with that to live with forever. Crazy how life is like her other health problems weren't bad enough. Today I had my sprout piece of toast for breakfast along with cooked oatmeal.The days cals are pretty much planned and no room for oreo cookies! Naughty it was but once in awhile maybe it was the work stress that made me do it. Or the fact they were on sale and I got them for the hubby. They are now sealed in a tupperware container for him. Off to crazy work maybe things will get better instead of worse I should think of the postive side of things this lady leaving sure made my life pretty tough a few years back and caused uneeded trouble for me and I almost quit so maybe I shouldn't be distraut at all but pleased in a way. Not that it counts but it brings me to the top of the pile with years in our dept.

Hi Ladies-

Marie - Long commutes are hard. I know what you mean about the ice cream but it still worries me. Walking 4 miles is amazing.

Carol- I always wanted to learn to sew clothes but have not gotten there yet. I need a new machine as mine keeps knotting the bobbin. Sory to hear work is so hectic.

As for me my weight is driving me crazy. I'm back up today. It seems like my body is doing a yoyo and does not want to get into the 150's lol. I just wish it would stay at a solid 159 even. I am wondering if I am not eating enough or something. Yesterday I had eggs and sausage and v8, cheese, chicken and green beans, a granola, and chicken and green beans again. I was to busy to cook a seperate dinner.

Nikki

Nikki, I was stuck at 170 forever. I hit 169 finally, then surprisingly 168 the next week (two weeks ago). Tomorrow is weighin and I dread it. I just don't want to see 170 so hopefully I've maintained or lost. I hate that "decade" amount when it fluctuates back and forth. I know it's a mind game, but the scale teetering there bugs me. Every "decade" it's the same thing.

I jogged 2 miles, walked 1 mile and did the strength training video this morning. My arms were tired on my way to work. I guess perhaps I'm making some bicep/tricep progress but they're so flabby I'm thinking nothing short of surgery will fix them. But I'm trying none the less.

Carol, your office mate sounds delightful - sarcasm there. I'm sorry she's sticking around for so long. Definitely avoid as much as possible. I'm hoping to get some ideas on my quilt (like planning and the such) soon. I need to make 3 ski masks before the weekend because the snow just keeps falling and it hurts the face while skiing. DS, DH and almost DIL need one. They shouldn't take long to whip up on the knitting machine.

I'm procrastinating at work. I have a big project and a deadline - two things that don't go well together for me. I procrastinate and I'm being true to form. Once I start, I'll get on a roll. I just don't want to start.

My breakfast and planned lunch are right on track. I haven't figured out dinner yet. Low in salt and fiber since tomorrow is weigh in. My scale mind games are so silly but there you have it.
Marie