Went to choir practice last night and it begins to seem as if I might be ready for the Nov. 11 concert after all, with a LOT of practice. We're going to buy a little keyboard so DH can pick out the alto parts for me, which will be a big help. So much of the music is really gorgeous. It will be wonderful to actually be able to sing it.
Ceara! I'd forgotten you were going away and was just about to send out the Saint Bernards with the mini-casks. You're right -- so easy for controlled uncontrolled (or some variation of same) to become the "new normal." We must fight that
Kaylets, we miss you when you're not here, too. I like your change of heart about sharing those bad feelings as well as the inspiring and uplifting. It IS brave to share what we feel... and I truly believe that acknowledging our feelings and ... well, feeling them is a big part of the puzzle here re: weight loss.
Missing other walkabout ies -- love to all!
I've got to go -- got a hair appt. Hope to be gorgeous when next we meet
OK. Still haven't "caught up" cognitively on your posts, but I have scanned them. I too am in a slump...and trying to dig my way out. I have lost 2 of the 4 lbs that miraculously appeared whilst away with the munch monkey. However, I had acquired 6 prior to that...so that made a total of 10! And of course it has pissed down rain every morning that I've been back.....looks dismal out there as I type! I would like to go for a woggle! I liked it Arabella.
So, tomorrow am is "meeting'. Actually in my books training....although it is meeting on the paysheets...why would you have homework if it is a meeting? And of course, my handouts have disappeared from the last "meeting". There were just too many things going on that week, and I can't find them. Likely ended up in the recycle. I think my "action plan" was to be less negative, and less enabling at work....in other words I'm not saving the world here. There are/were a lot of little niggley things that have happened in my branch whilst I was gone....things I can't/couldn't control since I was on vacation, and things that I am NOT going to take responsiblity for because I WAS on vacation. That is part of my new philosophy....take responsibility and accountability for what IS mine....no one has called me JC yet..... That doesn't sound too positive does it? OH WELL, it is positive in that I think it is a good change for me.
I have a dying computer at work....the public access one, the system manager has added in juveniles for internet access...go figure...and a lot of materials were improperly sent to other branches...c'est la vie. We are all trained the same way they say, but the job performances sure aren't. Oh yes, and 1 of the public computer mouses ran away...I think I know where it may be...need to call that guy....
Anyway, back to the rededication....so far 2 days of 21 under my belt....Two Days of good food, proper portions and water. No wine. No junk (what a relief). No 24/7 eating. We'd have breakfast at 10:30 and need lunch at 12?????? Argh!!!!! Need to visit the siggy.
Arabella, I love the Messiah....Handel actually wrote that for "untrained' singers, so that the choral parts actually make sense and have easy intervals etc. in them. Good fun for the average bloke. And fun to succeed in....go for the gusto....and here's to a loss for next Monday!!!! And I got my hairs cut too yesterday!
Wsw, you are doing great...how is the post-accident bod?
Kaylets, you and I need to go out for a non-alcoholic, low-cal beer....geesh, now doesn't that sound like fun?
casmac....you are getting close....
Katrina, how is the night-life? I think our jobs go through cycles....mine is at a low point and it sounds like yours and Arabella's and Kaylets are too....what is this? Cosmic intervention? We are all in a similiar place...must be the October slump.
Well I hear thunder I think....good day to groom and clean house. Maybe I'll finally find those darn papers...
G'morning, Queenlies! Been having a little trouble sleeping the last few nights -- coming on to full moon, again, which often seems to have that effect. Must try to get enough tonight, because my defenses against the munch monkey are much lower when I'm tired. Today I'm reestablishing the "no eating other than at the table when alone rule" -- that one really saves me from myself (and, after all, that's precisely who I need saving from )
Anybody ever use a mini-trampoline? I seem to be hearing about them a lot lately and I feel compelled to check one out. Sounds like fun!
Hi Ceara! Thanks for the info re: the Messiah -- very reassuring! I'm enjoying the pieces for the Nov. 11 concert but finding them very challenging. Of course, what makes them so challenging is often the same thing that makes them so gorgeous.
Those new pounds are totally temporary -- they'll be gone in no time!
Yup, I do think it's cosmic burnout time, job-wise. I'm often amazed by how the same things seem to strike a number of us simultaneously.
On that note, I'm getting back to woik. I'm trying to intersperse the drudgery with the more fun parts of the job...
I have SO much catching up to do....don't want y'all to think I've jumped ship. Just trying to organize my life into some semblance of a routine. HAH!
This class is still making me crazy, but it's actually starting to get better. Like everything else, once I get into a routine, things become clearer. Usually.
So, Work tonight, I will hopefully get a chance to get caught up. That's another thing! The computer that I use in my usual office space has been out of commission for the past week, while they expand the office. Only so many computers there that have internet access, so I've been cut off! It's been torture! I've missed you guys!
Food is much better these past few days, I seem to be back on track. Gotta shake that mentality that dictates "ALL IS LOST BECAUSE I HAD A FEW BAD DAYS." All is NOT lost! No where does it say that I can't just start over, no, make that, start again, right here and now or from any point I decide. I don't need to wait til Monday, or next week or the next phase of the moon. I am in charge of this, I'm calling the shots, good or bad. Whatever outcome I get will be whatever I make of it.
<insert raised fist/empowered emoticon here>
I have to get moving, so much to do, so little time! Have a great day all...
Ah, so many posts really resonating with me. The controlled/uncontrolled eating being a big one. Had about five really good days in a row and now about five less controlled but not totally uncontrolled.
Hope your Mom has a long way to go yet but think it's great she still has such a good "fix" on first love. Too bad they couldn't be but then you'd not be exactly who YOU are and we relish the fact that you're you. Had some related behavior from my Grandma in her last days. People thought she was talking about her son who had same name as his father but I listened closely and she was talking about Grandpa. I had a sense of the love she still had for him and he had been dead many years by then.
I'm with ya on the full moon - I'm always somewhat different as it approaches. Congrats to all who've lost, it's so encouraging to know someone has while I'm still paddling along about where I was for so long before I had my very brief moment in onederland last year. I've lost maybe half of the prednisone weight though. And not exercising much for a whole plethora of reasons.
Have not been up to much posting of late but have missed talking to you all. You've seen me through so much.
Today is my 48th wedding anniversary. Yes, it still is even though dh is gone. I thought it might be tough so weeks ago I set up my "plan". I had a Mass said for him this morning and afterwards I took a trip to his favorite state park. Even a tiny bit of fall color en route. Our favorite spot had been inaccessible in October the last few years but TODAY it was open. So I trekked my chair over under OUR tree and took in NATURE in all directions. ( This is one of the happy places I use in meditations.) I pulled out my little lunch and feasted on it. I listened to the sounds of the waterfowl and fish hitting water (whatever kind jumps out - there's a lot of them in that lake). I contemplated the colored trees reflected in the water and remembered all the times we'd spent doing just that. It was as though DH was there with me and I felt not sorrow but great joy. Joy that I had been blessed with such a great gift of a guy. Joy that we had had more than 47 years together. Joy that I had the opportunity to care for him during his illness and that we had time to make sure we said all the things that needed to be said. Joy that I felt he was happy in his new life and that he wanted me to get on with mine.
When a bathroom break became necessary I moved on to #2 favorite spot and enjoyed that spot as well. There was still mist floating above the water and I watched a couple of kayakers. It was just so peaceful Suddenly, it seemed time to go and I headed home saying a bittersweet goodbye because I doubt I'll ever go back. But for today, it was the just right, perfect place for me.
I came home to messages from my kids (son was calling from Maine) and later a nice plant/floral arrangement from son and DIL. Daughter called back too. Friend had come to Mass so I wouldnt be alone (I would not have minded but appreciated she had come). Sister had offered to take me to lunch or dinner. I opted instead for the soup my young neighbor had brought over the evening before. People were kind.
So I'm sitting here very peaceful tonight, very satisfied, and thinking I'll soon be looking for my new directions, whatever they may be.
And maybe, maybe, maybe I'll even someday get back to onederland.
WN - call me Gram all you want. Actually Anagram is not because I am an anagram but because when I signed up originally I had only one grandchild - Anna. So your ESP was on target.
Yay! One good thing about this place...My computer is back! I'm all caught up now. there are so many things to respond to, I don't even know where to start...
Oh, yes I do.
Anagram, you had me in tears...It sounds like you had a wonderful celebration of your wedding day. Reflecting and revelling in Nature's beauty and wonder, I can't think of anything more fitting. Enjoy your peaceful, easy feeling, I hope your new direction finds you soon! Happy Anniversary.
Arabella! I got a little teary at your post too! (can you tell it's that time of the month?) What a wonderful story about your Mom. I love to hear about ghostly encounters, and often wish that my grandmothers would pop in for a 'visit.' Two very funny ladies, I miss them both. How did your dinner turn out? And the crepes made with ground flaxseed? Any recipes for us...hmm?
Kaylets...Ah, so much of what you said hits home. Especially about spinning plates and scheduling time to do nothing. I always feel so guilty when I "take" the time (so silly, it's MY time!) to do nothing. Really need to reprogram my brain to include guilt free down time!
Ceara, Every time you said "pissing down rain" I giggled. What a perfect description...gotta remember that one! So, this cosmic job slump we're all in....can we concentrate really hard, all together, and find some new, fabulous, rewarding careers? I'm willing to give it a shot!
wsw, Congrats on your downward direction! I love these words: i will keep going, no matter how much of a fight it is for every ounce. I need that tattooed into my brain!
cacmsc...sounds like your active weekend more than made up for some fried chicken! (I want to go apple picking!)One thing I love about Weight Watchers is that they teach you that nothing is bad or "off limits." You just make allowances for indulgences by either lightening up the next meal or increasing your activity. It's all good!
I know there's so much more that I wanted to respond to, but I have got to hit my books now. (Taking FULL advantage of a quiet night!!!)
I've had two completely OP days, am looking forward to something good at WI tomorrow...er, later today.
I just received the Tai Chi for Beginners dvd I ordered on ebay. Have intentions of giving that a whirl later, after I get the boy off to school. And have my walk. I can't resist a walk on a gorgeous fall morning. Maybe I'll even give woggling a try! That is, if it's not pissing down rain, like it's been all night!
Have a good day all, it's good to be back among friends!
What a joy to come into the palace and see beloved ies
My mood seems to have made a turnaround. I've gotten a little more engaged with my work. I wrote most of a quiz on Big Ideas (quantum theory, relativity, etc.) yesterday and am starting on my annual "Do you speak -- EEK! -- Geek?" Halloween quiz. Fun! One of my major problems with my job is that the focus is supposed to be business IT, which interests me not So I think, on the whole 'tis well I keep myself amused with more peripheral (and interesting) work to make it bearable. And I should count myself lucky that I can do so.
It is pissing down rain here too And that's when you REALLY want an umbrella. I've decided to keep self indoors today and put energy towards preparation for a Thanksgiving party I'm having on Sunday. First: cleaning out oven, scrubbing and waxing kitchen floor. Making plans for the dinner. Also, should appreciate fact that I can do such like in between paying job tasks...
Anagram! Thanks so much for sharing your anniversary celebrations. How beautiful! I'm so glad you felt he was there with you and that the experience was so joyful. Your description was wonderful -- I could envision the whole thing. What a meaningful ceremony to mark the occasion and help you prepare for new directions.
Kat, I ended up not trying the crepes but will do some time and report back. What I made instead was a lightly curried seafood dish with brown rice and brocolli sauted with garlic. Curried seafood dish was simple and turned out nicely:
Finely chop and saute a clove of garlic, 1 small onion and 1 large mushroom (I used Portabella)
Add salt and pepper and curry powder to taste
Add 1 can light, unsweetened coconut milk
When that's simmering, add a pound of scallops (I used fresh, but you could thaw and pat dry frozen ones)
Once those are opaque, add a can of salmon and one of crab
When that's hot, add chopped herb of choice (I used tarragon which is untraditional but seemed good)
C'est ca!
I'm sure you could play around with the ingredients but that one worked for me. I think using the canned seafood worked well because it thickened up the sauce.
Ohhhhh, Arabella....that sounds WONDERFUL! I will be obtaining those ingredients I'm not currently in possession of, and will be making that dish this very week! My mouth is watering, just thinking about it.
I just came in from a good walk. Seems like it's going to rain, but it held off. Nice and cool and breezy out there. My dog had an 8:30 groomer appointment, so we walked on over. Total walk time about 40 minutes. I plan on checking out the Tai Chi dvd when I'm done here, so I'm feeling good about today's exercise activity.
Hello all.....
Well, we bought a new fridge Tues night. And came home and realized we had probably bought exactly the same fridge that is dead now in our kitchen.
So, we did some research via Consumers Reports and did some online comparing and went to Sears and got a Consumers Reports recommended for believe it not, a few dollars less. Course, having it on sale helped but at least we have a fighting chance that this one will last a little longer.
Someone left a box of cookies in the kitchen today and I dove right off the wagon. By 1pm I had an upset stomach. Just goes to show me.
I actually considered ending the day on a binge but decided that was insanity.
So. I begin again.
Must go deep clean the kitchen for the delivery on Sat. I will be at work so need to clean now.
Anagram.....What a lovely way to honor your anniversary. You are my inspiratation today. You are a really classy lady. Sending you lots and lots of admiration.
anagram-i couldn't say it any better than kaylets! you are definitely an inspiration to me.
i am just plain worn out, and sore, so need to get to bed. wanted to check in briefly. this evening, ate more than i normally do at dinner, and even though it was op, i feel bigger than i did this morning. ah, mind games! have remained op and kept up with exercising, which am pleased about. well, hope everyone has a good evening. thinking of you all, royals!
Feh. I begin again, too. Started out yesterday feeling good and then somehow found self pigging out mid-afternoon. Today, now, I'm a little depressed and out-of-sorts, feeling overwhelmed at the idea of preparing for Thanksgiving party. When I started out yesterday feeling upbeat and a little excited about it... Hmmm... Do I have some kind of "shoot self in foot" mechanism that kicks in when things seem good? Must go ponder...
happy thanksgiving tomorrow to all our lovely royals in canada! arabella, hope things are feeling better for you now. i sure know what you mean about that shooting oneself in the foot syndrome. i suffer from that myself at times, believe me.
well, my friend who is moving half a world away, came over this morning for a last goodbye hug. he leaves tomorrow for his 26 hour trip to nairobi. i have "watermelon-head" from crying much of the rest of the day, after he left. i will miss him so much, but of course, am also very happy for him knowing how excited he is about this opportunity. it will be a long 2 years without him here! he put skype on my computer and hooked up a microphone on this computer which he gave me a while back, so that we can talk on the phone. that will certainly be a treat. we did a practice call tonight, and it works great. it is really amazing to think of all the opportunities and possibilities the internet provides. well, i could have eaten less tonight, but still remained within my basic plan. need to be more diligent tomorrow though, or i will start to enter that "uncontrolled controlled eating" nether-world, and i don't need to take one dainty step down that slippery slope. it's too easy for me to take a big tumble once i start to get lax. wish i was not hot-wired that way, but sadly(sigh!) , i am. oh, i lost 1 lb. this past week, which i sure was happy about. well, i am going to take my "water-melon head" and crawl in to bed with a good book. nitey-nite, all. take care.
Our party yesterday went very well. The food was all delicious, if not 100% core (whipping cream in the roast garlic & herb potatoes and pecans and ginger syrup on the sweet potatoes -- but I managed to ignore stuffing, rolls and dessert ) so I'm counting it as a victory. Tonight's dinner will be salad and turkey (sandwich for DH and just turkey pour moi). I'm determined to get my 20 pound reward next week And the only way I'm going to do it is through due diligence. So that's the plan. I've got the turkey all cut up and in containers in the freezer, along with pie and ice cream. Got a big pot of turkey stock on the stove.
It's a beautiful day here, as was yesterday. Very late-summer kind of weather. DH and I went for a walk around the harbour and came back and did yoga.
Kaylets, I can hardly believe you bought the same fridge. Oh, no, wait a minute -- yes I can. Have done the same kind of thing myself. I guess we use the same kind of criteria making that kind of decision, so no wonder we come up with the same thing. Congrats on getting the replacement!
WSW, what a sweet friend you have! I'm so glad you're going to be able to talk when he's away. Congrats on the pound off!
K, I'm going to have a cup of tea and a read. I've just started "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert and am really enjoying it.
Yo, best and brightest of Queenies!
ies -- love to all! 
Hope to be gorgeous when next we meet 
And of course it has pissed down rain every morning that I've been back.....looks dismal out there as I type! I would like to go for a woggle! I liked it Arabella.
That doesn't sound too positive does it? OH WELL, it is positive in that I think it is a good change for me.
Been having a little trouble sleeping the last few nights -- coming on to full moon, again, which often seems to have that effect. Must try to get enough tonight, because my defenses against the munch monkey are much lower when I'm tired. Today I'm reestablishing the "no eating other than at the table when alone rule" -- that one really saves me from myself (and, after all, that's precisely who I need saving from 
Back in the saddle again...
Happy Anniversary.
That is, if it's not pissing down rain, like it's been all night! 
:
) so I'm counting it as a victory. Tonight's dinner will be salad and turkey (sandwich for DH and just turkey pour moi). I'm determined to get my 20 pound reward next week 
