300+ And Ready to Try Again...#249
 

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Hey Chickies!
 

I've been SUPER busy with the Sexual Assault Support Centre in the last couple of days. Last night I had my first official crisis line meeting (my 3 months of training are over) and Monday afternoon, I have my first shift on the lines. (Boyee... I'm nervous.)The Christmas party for the centre was right after the meeting and, today, I spent the whole day at a booth in the mall collecting donations for the centre. Very satisfying work.

Kat: Nice to see ya! I was wondering where you'd run off too also! I'm SO with you on the snow/mud floors... with piano students in and out of here, cleaning the floors has become a full time job!

Susie: Nice to see you around so much! Good luck with that WI! Let us know how it goes!

Sleepy... been in the mall ALL day! Must go... to... bed.
Sara :)
270/168/150

Okay, here I am....confession.... I did NOT exercise this morning....actually I slept thru my alarm and barely had time to get ready for work..:eek:

I have decided tomorrow, Saturday, is ME day....In the morning I get my hair done...so I can take pictures!!!!! Then I am going to do some fun things around here that I like to do. I don't know if my pictures will be ready by Christmas because I couldn't find a roll of film with less than 24 on it !!!!:mad: I certainly don't need 24 pictures of myself. :lol:

But, I did get enough things to cook tomorrow so I am ready for next week.

I got a raise today....I know, this place is weird....but even with the raise + the reduction in hours I will make less than I did two years ago.:cry: :sp: :stress:

I am putting out "new job" vibes :goodvibes: so we will see. I think even if it wasn't for this hour (money) reduction I would be happier somewhere else. Banking isn't my thing....I want to get back to REAL accounting.

I talked to my one sister tonight for an hour. We can talk forever....all the time. I miss her....she lives in Arkansas. (not to be confused with the sister that was just here with the BIL from stressville)

So, off to beddy bye for me....even tho I didn't exercise for three days I find myself thinking about it all the time...must be a good sign......

Gee... here it is after 3am and I am just now gettting to write to you guys. I wish I had time to respond to everyone... but I don't.

Did I mention Friday was my 33rd wedding anniversary??
I think I did come to think of it. well.. we went out for a nice steak dinner. then drove around and looked at Christmas lights. Hubby got me some roses and I got him a bottle of wine to celebrate. We used to buy gifts.. but not any more. While raising kids we never had money... and now if we want something... we usually can get it then.

When we got home.. daughter and I played canasta until 1:30am and then I have been busy ever since. Now it is after 3am and I really need to get to bed. I have such a bad sleeping pattern. this computer does not help it any. when I should have went to bed... I came in here instead. :rolleyes:

I just want to say hi and apologize for not responding to everyone. Tina's video gift is soo cool... and there was sooo many other things I wanted to comment on from the last thread.
I am erroring right and left here typing. I really need to get to sleep. Hopefully I can respond Saturday sometime. If not... know that I love you... but I am spending time with my daughter. I am sooooo blessed with this child. ... all my kids are blessings... but this one puts up with me the most. :lol:

Good Morning, I'm back!

Took me a while...no, I didn't scream ALL last night! I had to help get my son ready and haul him off to meet up with his Boy Scout troop to go camping, They camp out once a month, regardless of the weather. (obviously) Then I had to get my daughter over to her school, they were putting on a beauty pageant...for guys! Then dh and I rented a couple of movies from Blockbuster and cozied up on the couch to watch. First we put on "Notorious C.H.O." Normally, I LOVE Margaret Cho, but this was not all that great...very slow moving, it was putting me to sleep, so we put on "Insomnia." That was good, but I still don;t know how it ended...I fell aseep...no insomnia here!

Can't stay typing away this morning...we're going to check out a college with my daughter. I still can't believe she's THAT old! I'm sure it was only yesterday that we were watching "The Little Mermaid" 25 times a day! *sigh* I guess that means I'm getting older too!

Oops, they're starting to stir...don't want them to find me banging away at the keys when I should be in the shower! I'll see you guys later!

Just a quick Hi to you all!!

I sent my 3rd english II assignment and got a B on it, I just sent my 2nd assignment this morning. Trying to catch up....the 3rd one was shorter to do so I did that first. So far a B+ and a B, not the A I use to strive for, but satisfying nevertheless! The day of the A is gone for me! Too much to do with work and Andrew and John!!

Well you all....I am still looking to hire someone in my store to do cash advances. Anyone game?

I need to get this body dressed and my hair dry and get the boy dressed....he is spending the day with dad today while I work...poor little guy!! LOL He is going to get his hair cut too...its such a mop! He has my hair for sure!

Oh...I didn't get a pic for my Christmas cards...but as soon as I do I will send one under separate cover!! I haven't even found my boxes of cards yet! I will get them out before Christmas I promise! I can't wait to get my first one in the mail!!!

Gotta run...TTFN Love you guys!! Michelle

Good morning everyone! :wave: How are all my lovelies? First of all, let me say............Mary, I got your Christmas Card yesterday! I was so excited and hopefully, one day we can meet! I bet we don't live all that far from one another. My dh & boys just went to Mississippi a couple of weeks ago to see the Tennessee game. I of course, didn't get to go.....cause I had to work. :p

Now, we had such a lovely night last night. We went over to a friend's (and co-worker)house. (No, not the one who pestered me about the cookie) Trey (youngest son)......and by the way, Kat..... he is only nine, but I MORE than know about those lovely Yu-gi-oh cards! :lol: <<< although I probably didn't spell them right. Anyhoo, Trey was to go to her house to spend the night. We went to drop him off and while we were there, they wanted us to come in and see a Nascar game on their playstation 2. Well, one thing led to another and an hour had passed and we decided we were hungry. :T So, me and my friend headed out to pick something up. Everyone else wanted Captain D's .......... I didn't even dare. So, we went to McDonads and I got a Shaker Caesar salad. First of all, let me say, it was pretty good. Mine had a lot of chicken in it.......very yummy. However, I would like to say, how irritating! I mean, in order for you to have a really good and satisfying salad, you have to shake the holy crap out of this thing and by the time you get it sufficiently mixed, (if you ever reach this point) you have wore yourself out and your too tired to eat! :tired: And.....the whole two times that I have had one of these, I never get all the frappin dressing to the bottom, so I never get to eat the whole, thing, because I am so NOT about eating lettuce with no dressing. GEEZ.........ramble much Tina? :lol:

Anyways, we did eat. Then in case your wondering, which you probably aren't.......the Nascar Winston Cup Banquet was last night! And of course you know who was crowned KING last night, don't you? It was awesome! So we watched that, and when it was over, me and dh were getting ready to leave and Trey was looking at us like........"Are you going to leave without me?" :lol: So, guess who ended up coming back home with us? Can't get rid of that kid for nothing........not that I'd want to. :s:

Well, the parade is tonight and I'm really looking forward to it, I just hope that it's not too cold. It was excruciatingly cold last night, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. :crossed:

Well ladies, I'm out of here for now. I hope you all have a very nice weekend and if you chat tonight, I won't be there because of the parade.......so, be kind. I think perhaps you should pick on Kat this week! Love you all.....

YOOOOOOOOOHOOOO!

Anyone out there?

Chat tonight????

Hello Ladies,

I assume we are still all ladies... I haven't been here for a very long time to post anyway. I have once in awhile read your posts.

I have been fighting depression and it has been difficult the past months, also have been sick and was in the hospital for a short time with Asthma problems.

My divorce still isn't finalized and this is my first holiday season without my father. ( My Mom died a couple of years ago). Feels so strange not to be in my own home getting ready for everyone to come for a big celebration. I haven't wanted to put my kids in a position to choose who to ask for their homes ....I told them to have him and I will come and spend several days with each of them after the first of the year. I am not even putting up a tree this year. (All my Christmas things are still at my former home.)

I know that this divorce was the best thing, but it still feels like another failure, and it hurts so that I couldn't take it anymore. The spiritual side of me feels such guilt for leaving, and this doesn't help the diet situation at all...Food has always been my tranquailizer...

Before this turns into a pity party please know that I have many many blessings too. Wonderful kids, and 4 precious grandkids. My cat loves me...:smug: and is far less demanding than a husband..just have to feed him and clean up after him....almost the same and Simba always purrs when I touch him....;)

I am going to Pulmonary/Cardiac rehab X2 a week, and they are helping me with an exercise program, slowly but they are thinking I will be able to do a lot better with exercise in time. That will help a lot!

I am not going to respond to anyone just now, but will try to keep up better in the future. Depression is an ugly and unpredictable emotion or lack of emotion or whatever we want to call it....Some days I don't do as well as others. My meds have been adjusted and things are a little better. There have been several of this wonderful group that won't let me get away with droping out completely! God Bless 'em. :angel:

It is so darn good to see I am not alone with the dang weight issue...to be excepted unconditionally is a gift....thank you for being here and for being so honest in sharing your lives and feelings. I feel like I almost know some of you already.

That is enough of my babbling...

Oh well...I popped in to chat at 7 est, no one there...thought I'll try again in a bit, when my sister and her dh stopped in for a visit...they just got back from Florida yesterday, so we played catch up for a while. They were barely out the door when I raced back to the computer to see if anyone was out chatting...sadly no...:( But at least I didn't miss anything? Or did I?

Welcome back Syn! I hope that all goes well for you. Come here anytime to vent or kvetch or just hang out and compare war stories with us...our arms are always open!

Baylee...sounds like you had a blast shopping with your grandaughter! I know she will look precious in her Christmas outfit. I miss those days, getting my little girl all decked out for Christmas...jeans and a sweatshirt are the outfits du jour these days!

Well...I think I'll go clean up my messy kitchen. I had planned on making some cookies tonight. We usually make a bunch and send them in our Christmas package to California...(dh's family) I left a pound of butter on top of the stove to soften and forgot about it...DUH!!! It melted. Now, where the heck is that Fantastik?

Hope to see a few more posts tomorrow!

Love to all...

Hi guys (I mean girls):D

Sorry I forgot about chat. DH gave me my christmas gift today. Guess what? No not that.:rolleyes:
A digital camera.
It can use a floppy dis or a memory stick . I've been playing with it.

Both programs went great at the library Thurs. night we had 100 more or less and Last night we had at least 50. I am so tired and I had to work today.

Dh took me out to eat:love:
Tina glad you got your card. Hope we can get together some time. Do you ever get to the outlet mall south of Memphis? We could meet there. I think it's in Bateville MS.

To all you other chickies. I'm not leaving you out on purpose. I'm beat.
Talk more later.:grouphug:

OOH! I forgot! I got my card today from Mary!! I was so excited! Yours was the first Christmas card I've gotten this year, Mary,...Thank you!
I'm sending mine out Monday...hopefully...

Hi everyone! :wave: Been another busy day. DH and oldest son got the 'traditional tree' up in the family room. That's a big job done. I worked on my 'Santa tree' in the dining room and have that one done except for topper that is buried who knows where in another box. Now all I have for tomorrow is my 'Victorian tree' for our bedroom and the 'Star Trek tree' for the kitchen. Whew, can't wait to be done!

My food has not been all that good this week. I hope to pretty much starve tomorrow so that WI (not Wisconsin) still looks decent on Monday morning. That will probably be a stretch this week, but we'll see.

Here is the 7th installment from the Family Circle magazine article:
Learn how to "sweat-shop." It's possible to burn some calories while getting your holiday shopping done. You just need to walk briskly through the mall. Another smart tip: Park in the lot at the opposite end of where you need to go so you have to walk through the entire mall to get to your destination. You should also bring along some good-for-you snacks that you can munch on, such as whole grain crackers and baby carrots. This way you'll be able to forgo the high-fat offerings at the food court -- not to mention the long lines -- so you'll save time and calories!

Had fun with my mom yesterday. We did the 'breakfast thing' after the mass with my cousins. It's always good to see them. Since I'm an only child, they are real important to me.

Then mom and I did the Institute of Arts. I'm not an 'artsy' person so the contemporary stuff was a little out there. There was actually a tall statue of a woman and I pointed her out to my mom cuz she looked like she was doing the 'pee-pee dance' (You know the one, legs sort of squished together like you're trying to hold it). Amazing what some people consider 'art'. We ate lunch at the cafe there. It looked like it was an old courtyard and that they just covered it and opened it up (very quaint). We both chose baked cod, good choice don't you think????

Then I hijacked her and she went on my 'showgirl' job with me. I had to do a trailer check for the movie Analyze That so we decided to stay and watch it. Now I would like to give you my standard critique, however, since we both slept 15 out of every 20 minutes of the movie, I don't think that would really be fair. :(

Stupid thing won't let me post all that I want so I will have to be back with part 2.

I'm baaack. Part 2
 

Tina: "Makes me feel good to know that if I want to go, I can!" Boy, do I know what that is. It was amazing that by the time my youngest son wanted to do his college visits before deciding where he wanted to go, I could actually keep up with the tour guide. It was a wonderful feeling. * Sounds like you're doing great! Keep up the good work. * Your video tape project for your grandparents sounds like a wonderful idea. And the best part is, they can go on the Christmas Light tour night after night if they want to. :)

Steph: Glad to see you're still hanging around. * Maybe you can send your cards out for New Year's greetings instead. Then we can get pictures. :o

Baylee: You are doing so well lately with the exercise. Keep it up. Maybe one of these days some of you'all's ambition will rub off on me. * Glad you're liking the hints. * I'm also very glad that your brother is doing better. * Sounds like you're a great granny. Your little granddaughter will really be decked out for Christmas.

J-ann: I can relate. I was down 80# and then a plateau hit, motivation went in the crapper and now I've got 44# to go to get there again. :( And you're right: "it happens." The great part is getting back with it.

2cute: Sounds like you're just having a grand time this weekend. Enjoy it while it lasts. * I didn't hear you say about your anniversary, so CONGRATULATIONS! 33 years is a looooong time with one man! God bless you!!!

Kat: So glad to see you back. We were wondering where the heck you vanished to.

Susie: Glad the budgeting is over. WooHoo! Maybe now you can take a minute for yourself. * Banking 16 points in one day. My gosh, girlfriend, didn't you eat at all????

Sara: I'm not sure I wished you Congratulations on your 100#'s which I see has now moved to 102#. I've been posting so skimpily lately, I almost think I forgot. Anyway, Sorry about that. And here is my happy dance just for you! :) :D :) :D :) Got your card on Friday. Thanks for the wonderful picture. The difference is startling between that one and your wedding picture. Lookin' good!

Lucky: I hope you're using some kind of phone card for that long of a call with your sister. Costco has some that are 3 cents a minute that I get for my mom all the time. I use my cell phone because I have free long distance.

Michelle: Those B's aren't anything to sneeze at. You've got a lot on your plate with a husband, a little one AND a job. Don't discredit your efforts. I'm so proud of you for finishing your degree, something I never did.

Syn: Good to see you sweetie! This is the place to be. You know we're all here for you and will laugh AND cry with you. Know that you're loved. [[[hugs]]]

Mary: WOW, I'm impressed! That's really a great turnout. You must really have a rockin' library for those kind of numbers to turn out!! * Your card arrived Friday. It's really exciting to see these return addresses popping in from around the country. :)

Well, girls, gotta go. I did do a couple of jobs in the last couple of days and have some paperwork to get done. Love :love: to all.

Hi folks this is a quick one because it is so late but sorry I haven't been around my computer has been down all week. My weight stayed the same this week so I think I have hit a plateau but that is ok. I will check in again tomorrow.

I checked the chat room tonight but no one was there when I was...:cry:

However, it turned out great because I decided to check TV and there was a concert with none other than my hero, The Guitar God!!!!! :dance:

I exercised this morning....I still can't believe it. I exercised on a Saturday.....WHAT is the world coming too???????

Syn, I was so happy to see your post .... keep checking in and join us.....

Thin, I have a cell phone so I can talk all the time to my "M" sister....it helps when she is so far away. Here I thought Analyze That would be funny enough to keep you awake. :?:

Kat, Did you get your cookies baked? I have a bag of chocolate chips that I think I will bake into cookies tomorrow so I can give them to my nephew....don't want them here!!!! :yikes:

Baylee your shopping sounded fun!!!! I had a couple bad days too with the eating. I need to make it a whole week - just once - to show I CAN and then I CAN do it again!!!!

I really feel tired so I will be hitting the hay....I don't think I will have pictures in my cards....not if I want to get them to you by Christmas but I will have pictures before the end of 2002.....

Hey, Tina, instead of a picture how about the REAL thing on my doorstep for Christmas??????

SYN !!!!!Welcome Home !!!
It is soooo good to see you here again. {{{{ HUGS }}}}
I am so glad you chose to visit again. I hope you plan to stay for awhile. You have been missed.
I know how hard it is dealing with seperation but living in a new home and dealing with x problems and family gatherings must be hard. My heart goes out to you.
I am proud of you for hanging tough... and for going for help.
Please don't be such a stranger here. WE LOVE YOU !!! :love:

Mary... I got your card too !!!! Thanks.... it was soooo exciting opening my first 3FC card. I can't wait for the rest. My husband was sooo cute. He walked in and teased me. He smiled and said he had a card for "2Cute". We were all smiling.
I found the perfect card I wanted to send... I have my envelopes addressed.... I have one picture ready to send to everyone, but I want to make some "paper" copies of my family so you will know everyone I am always talking about. Even my grandbabies. :D
Now that you have a digital camera you can post some new photos too.

To every one else... your pictures don't have to be new. One of my photos was 2 years ago. It was the newest family pic I could find. I had one made from the negative... the others are just paper copies from Kinko .

I had a great time shopping with my daughter today. I got all the grandkids gifts bought and few more odd and ends too. The weather was beautiful here today.

Tonight we drove to a near by town and ate dinner, then saw their xmas lights. They put on a gorgeous display in a city park. It was better this year than ever. There are no words to describe it. Just beautiful.

Came home in time to watch the Oklahoma Sooners WIN the BIG 12 Championship !!!!!!!! I am a HUGE O.U fan. Unfortunately we lost last week which prevented us from going to National Championship... but I will settle for Big 12 Championship. :D Now we have to wait and see which Bowl Game we play in.

My food is all on program... but too much salt so I am bloating a bit. I need to be a little wiser with my choices. I want a level of carbs that I can live with... but also LOSE. Once my daughter goes back to school I will be more back to normal.

Thin.. we followed your suggestion today. I took a baggie of radishes and celery and my daughter took fruit so we had healthy snacks instead of stopping at fast foods.
I always said I "know what to do" it is just doing it. lol

Mary... I was just south of Memphis at Thanksgiving. I did not know you lived near there. We went to Tunica gambling. I would have called you.

I am jealous.. I have not gotten Sara's card yet.

Okay.. I know you all deserve a reply... but I have got to get off here. I am just pooped. I have a big day in store for me tomorrow too. Two of my grandkids are in their church program tomorrow night. The two year old is singing. She is soooo cute. I am amazed how she knows all the words. Did I mention she is sweet. LOL
Good night all. :wave:

Just a quickie! Again!! LOL

I got Sara's card too yesterday....she is beautiful!!!

I have to get the boy breakfast before he destroys the refridgerator....but I just want to say SYN....I did the divorce thing 4 years ago and left the state to start anew....I cried for the first 4 months...I was alone in a state where I knew no one! BUt let me tell you...as hard as it was I can say that it was the best thing I ever did in my life! It made me whole again. I was in control and I lost 97 lbs! Just hang in there sweetie....as bleak as you feel now...just know that this will pass!

I need to run....I hear the fridge door and bottles rattling!

TTFN MIchelle

Good Morning, y'all...
 

Quickie, drive by post...I'm still baking...one of the doughs I made last night had to chill for hours, so I just started up again this morning. I couldn't be waiting up half the night for dough to chill! This batch is it! The inlaws won't be getting a big variety...peanut butter, macaroons, and sugar cookies. I really need a full day of baking to do this correctly. With NO interruptions. hah! Like stupid birthday parties that I have to go to. It's a surprise party for SIL. Her BD is much closer to Christmas, but my dopey brother thought this would really be a surprise, having it so early...not that anyone has to shop or decorate or bake or mail their Christmas cards or anything as insignificant as that! no, I'm not bitter...just pressed for time, as I'm sure everyone is! I think the weekend AFTER Christmas would have really been a surprise, but what do I know? Can you tell I'm not too crazy about this SIL?

I really wanted to get my outside lights up this weekend. We're still covered with snow. I have a feeling that me and my trusty ladder will be outside tomorrow, snow or not. :eek:

Thursday we are going into Manhattan to see the tree, go to Macy's, do the Christmas thing. I usually like to go on a weekend, when we can attend Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, but this is the only day we are ALL free of some obligation or another...so off we'll go, kind of a Christmas tradition.

I'm sorry to report that my diet has not been great...although, I have not gained...(allright, I caved!! Had to get on the scale for damage control!) I will blame the bad behavior on TOM. hmmm...seems to me I blamed bad behavior before that on PMS. There will be nothing left to blame in a few days. Except for me, of course!

No time for individual replies...I'll check back in later...

Have a great Sunday, kids!


:wave:

Kat,I TOTALLY am with you on the TOM....however, I must be starting menopause because I seem to have my TOM all month long....on a day, off two, on a day, off four, on a day, off one, on three days, off two....and so it goes.

Read this on Dr. Phil's site:

Five Steps to Your Weight Loss Goal

Dr. Phil says that in order to keep weight off, you need to change your patterns. Follow these five steps to create a strategy for your weight loss goal.

1. Program yourself for success: Set a very specific goal.


Remember that losing weight requires a change in thought and behavior, so set goals for your emotions and weight.


Don't just set vague goals like, "I want to lose some weight." Be specific: How much weight do you want to lose? How do you want to feel? Close your eyes and visualize yourself after you've reached those goals. Use this visualization to feel commitment and inner strength.

2. Get a Plan


Work out a detailed strategy because willpower doesn't work! To lose weight and keep it off, you must have a strategy.


Plan ahead: Get rid of your expandable clothes, stay away from fast food, and keep healthy food in your pantry.

3. Identify small, measurable steps.


Implement steps that will fit your lifestyle, not somebody else's.


Be sure to move toward a positive goal, not just away from being fat. Every step you take will bring you closer to being who you want to be.

4. Create a healthy, realistic timeline.


Where will you be in a month? Six months? A year? Fit your goals to your calendar, and stick to it.


Don't expect to see huge results overnight; take the time to change your lifestyle, and you'll change your weight.

5. Create meaningful monitoring and accountability.


If you know you have to report your progress to someone, you'll be more likely to stick with your plan.


"Go public" with somebody you trust. Find support when you need it, and celebrate your victories!



I have made some small improvements but am starting to feel I have to go at this hard and fast....I don't mean lose fast just "get with it".... I am too easy on myself.

Where is that ":drill: :no: that I need?:?:

Hi everyone! :wave: I guess I'm making it quick today too. Here it is 3:00 in the afternoon and I haven't done squat! :( Was supposed to get the decorations finished so all the boxes could go back in the garage. Guess I'll be working on it into the night.

We still haven't gotten any outside lights up. It hit 30 degrees today with some sun, but DH and DS are in here in front of the TV instead of out there with the lights. Oh well. I had that dang sinus thingy start again this morning so I'm suffering with that and am not about to go running around outside hanging lights. :(

Here is #8 from the Family Circle magazine article:
Give away leftovers. If you're the one doing the entertaining this year, you need to have a plan in place for what to do with all the leftovers. "When you have company over, send guests home with packages filled with all the goodies," suggests Tallmadge. "Be especially vigilant about giving away the desserts and other high-calorie foods." This way you won't be left with half a cheesecake calling your name from the refrigerator. Hang on to the healthier stuff, such as turkey breast, fruit salad or crudite (there's that word again :) ), which you can use for lunch and dinner during the week.

Lucky: Thanks for the piece from Dr. Phil's site. At this time of year, I think we can use all the help we can get. :o

Gotta run. Those decorations, they are a waiting. :eek:

Hello my lovelies!
 

Yeesh... it's been slow in here in the last couple of days. I guess all my chickies are getting busier and busier as the holiday season approaches! Ho, ho, ho... I'm excited to get all your cards! (Don't forget to put enough postage on them to get 'em all the way up to Canada, eh?) :lol:

Hmm. Today we did something new. I went with my hubby to HIS gym. You guys might remember me saying that he had joined a gym last March, went five times, and then didn't go again. Well, I think my example and PRESSURE have finally done the trick. He went a couple of nights ago and we went today! I was just about to head out to my gym this afternoon when I asked him if he wanted me to wait and we could go to his instead. (We're part of the same line of gyms so I can technically work out at his gym too but I've always gone to the woman's only one!) ANYWAYS... he jumped at the chance to workout with me! I used say I would NOT go to a co-ed gym but, as the weight is dropping off, and I'm becoming fit, I'm less and less self-conscious SO I went... and it was no big deal!

Did I mention to you ladies that I'm knee deep in stuff to do for applying to graduate school so I can become a therapist? Can you believe that I have to have a bunch of applications in by Jan 10/02 to go to school in the fall of next year?! Bleeh...

Lucky: Hmm. I agree with a lot of Dr. Phil's advice on weight loss, especially the part on being accountable. It's crossed my mind that eventually I should write something (an article maybe?) chronicling my weight loss and what made me stick with it. It would be as much for my own benefit as anyone else's... I could use snipets from my journal... ANYWAYS, do you need me to be that :drill: ? :lol:

Kat: Ohhh! Your talk of Manhatten made me wanna go back! When we took our trip there this summer, we stood right in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral (where the statue of Atlas is) and squealed in delight as we passed by "THE" Macy's! Question: Do you actually brave DRIVING there? When we arrived, we parked our car and didn't move it again until the end of the week! It's absolutely NUTS to drive there... the taxis, the traffic, the pedestrians, the aieeeee...!!! Have fun on Thursday though... it's an amazing place to be!

Michelle: Ahhh! Shucks! You make me blush! :o

Dollar: Nice to see ya! Computers who are misbehaving can drive ya nuts, huh?

2Cute: Ohhh! I'm excited to get your card! Sounds like it'll be packed full of exciting things to see! I thought your little story about your hubby saying he had a card for 2Cute was... too cute! It made me smile! :)

Well chickies. I think it's about time to go to bed. I have my first shift on the Crisis Line tomorrow plus I think hubby wants to cuddle! :s:

Hi to everyone else too!
Sara :)

Good evening everyone. Boy I had a busy weekend.
My daughter is still home. She isn't leaving until about 3pm Monday so I am not staying long. I just wanted to check in. We are having the best visit. :D

Tonight my grandkids were in their church play for Christmas. The older boy did a good job. Almost forgot one line... but no one noticed. The two year old was too cute. She was amazed by being on stage with all the other kids there too. She stood exactly where she was told. Some of the two year olds were going all over the place. It was cute to watch her. After the program we all went out for dinner and I got a grilled chicken salad. I did succumb to some spinach dip... but drank 4 glasses of water instead of diet pop. :smug:

My goal is to get my cards in the mail MONDAY... so hopefully you will have them by the end of the week. I still don't have anyones except Mary.
I have a dentist appointment early in the morning so I am going to go clean up the house a bit... and hopefully ( :crossed: ) get to bed by 1am tonight. I have been up until 4 am every night for over a week now. :rolleyes:
Hope everyone had a great weekend... and has an even better week.
:wave:

Have a great day. I'm behind in everything I'll check in later

It sure is quiet ... probably because everyone is out there exercising!!!!

Well, once again....I didn't exercise....I was up late watching the Vikings and just couldn't get out of bed....I have to make up this week. I will exercise twice a day a couple of days (at least) to make up for my slacking off.:yes:

Sara, I think your "article" would be great, inspriational.... you have a BIG responsibility to make sure I lose weight as fast as you!!!:D I suppose that will mean I have to actually DO what you did:?:

Here is another Dr. Phil.....

Avoid Danger Zones
You can't be overweight unless you have a lifestyle to support it. Danger zones can be places, times or moments:

Places: Clean up your kitchen pantry. You can't eat unhealthy food if it's not there. Avoid fast-food restaurants and other places that don't go along with your goals.

Times: Change your routine. If you know you tend to eat junk food late in the evening when you decompress, come up with some alternative stress-reducing behaviors that don't involve food.

Moments: When you get an impulse to eat, and you're standing in front of food, fight it. Leave the room, go outside, do whatever it takes. The impulse will pass. Fight the urges moment by moment.

The "moments" are where I fail....I give in...:o I have been working on changing my routine and it does help.

Losing weight it hard work :mad: and I want it to be as easy as gaining weight!!!:(

Good Morning!
 

Whoa is it cold around here! It's only 20 degrees this morning. I have a lot of errands to do, I need it to warm up a bit! (I know you Northern gals are thinking, "What a wimp!") I shouldn't complain,...I think shivering may burn a few calories...

I have to make this a quickie...I SWORE to myself that my cards must go out today...our mail lady comes around 11, so I'd better get moving.

I'm going to the gym this morning, come **** or high water. It's first on my errand list! Then post office, more shopping, food shopping might be nice...oops, don't have to do that quite yet...the National Honor Society is having a fund raiser tonight at Pizza Hut...I promised the kids dinner there...I'll be good, I swear!

I'm off to do my cards...I'm afraid I'm not going to get a picture in them, (no time) but I will post one @myfamily...I promise.

Have a good day, gang...

Hello All,

I am still here and have been reading in the forum.

I have been feeling pretty much like a slug and it is so much easier to sit and think or brood about things that I can't do anything about....I forced myself to go outside and to go uptown for stamps, just being outside helped my mood. It will also help more if I at least walk about outside once a day for exercise. I am trying to make myself do at least some walking everyday. I know I have to be careful because of my Asthma problems. I am still going to pulmonary rehab several times a week, and it is making me feel stronger.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORDS OF WELCOME AND ENCOURAGEMENT!!

Katerinabgood: It is not very cold here in spite of being in Northern MN. Supposed to get to nearly 30 degrees later this week. Amazing and very little snow as yet.

Lucky Lady Bug:
I like Dr. Phil. He is right, but is only saying things we already know in our hearts...If you are like me I have lost weight dozens of times , and sometimes great amounts of weight. It is staying on the right mind set for life that matters...I can't seem to stick with it. I am working on it really hard though. Just have to remember I didn't put it on in a day and I won't take it off in a day. I am so dang sick of losing and gaining the same 20-30 pounds like I have been doing the past year or two.

2cute:
I am glad you are having such a good time with your daughter.
My daughter called me yesterday and caught me crying and told me to "Snap out of it Mum, you are better off now than you have been in years!" Then she pointed out that it was better to be a little lonely than to be in the unhealthy situation I had been in. And then she made me laugh by giving me the kind of pep talk I used to give her!! Kids, Aren't they something??? !!:cool: I think my depression has a lot to do with the season! I miss the times we had when we had all the kids home and all the relatives came to my home for the Christmas festivities. Now I am in a small apartment and didn't even put up a tree. I have an angel on the wall and a wreath on my door, and that is it. Left all my Xmas decorations when I left my home.:mad:

SarahJ...ThinThinker: Granny:Michelle: Dollar: and whoever else I
may have overlooked, I apologize...I have an appointment in about 15 minutes and need to get out of here....

Love to all.....

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:

Christmas cards have been mailed.


that is all...

10/4

I received cards from Mary and Sara so far. Haven't had a chance to get mine out yet, but they will definitely be mailed by the end of the week.
Steph

Hey Chicklets!
 

Wooeey! I'm nervous. I am wo-manning the Sexual Assault Crisis Lines currently! I do it from my home with a pager system and this is my first official shift! I'm 2 hours into it, with 2 hours to go, and no calls as of yet! I'm told that some shifts, there are no calls and some shifts, there are a bunch! My whole body is just waiting for that pager to go off... I know my heart will be in my throat the first time it does! These calls are SO important and I'm SO anxious to be there and say the right things to these women!

ANYHOO... haven't received any Christmas Cards as of yet! :rolleyes: :lol:

Only managed to get in a 1/2 hour jog earlier today. I had low energy and it was FREEZING outside! I was actually jogging through snow sometimes!...now there's committment! Hubby had the car today (hence, couldn't make it to the gym) because I couldn't leave the house this afternoon to go pick him up from work because of this shift on the crisis lines.

Gonna take off and worry some more! :lol: Nah... I'm okay! This is a great experience and I'll come through it JUST FINE!

Sara :)

Hi guys,

Well, I started today. I hesitate to announce this but what the heck, at least Im trying. I have decided to go the old fashioned way and count calories, also staying at a healthier low carb level, meaning I will opt for eggs and toast over cereal that sort of thing. I am writing it all down too. I figure the world has went in all directions on this food issue. We have been low fat (I gained a ton during this time) now we should all keep fiber in mind, the carb thing sprinkled here and there. Bottom line, I think calories count, no matter what we think.

I thought it was all great when they said its the fat making you fat! Eat anything you want as long as its low fat, I gained about 60 pounds then. So I am convinced calories count, so Im counting them.

Cathy

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