Good afternoon!!!!!!!
Boy, it feels so good to be back. Nice too to be typing in some comfort, my Mom got me a new computer table and chair for Christmas/birthday gifts (even though the kids are on this more than me!)- but still it is much more comfy and functional.
Great to hear from all of you.........now for some short responses.

Karen, I have to tell you that about 2 weeks before Christmas, Dd (16) found herself bored and took out her crochet hook and some really pretty yarn that she had seen and make a scarf. It is really her first attempt to make anything other than a pot holder- and as the yarn was so pretty (variagated off white with flecks of brown and black) and despite that the scarf was simple, the yarn made it look like a million bucks! So, with that succes under her, she went on to make 4 or 5 scarves- Christmas gifts for her buddies! (so, I think she caught the bug.........!) I got her some more pricey yarn and a really basic book with some slightly more advanced projects for Christmas. And I warned her about your web site. Guess we will be visiting it for the hat pattern! I hope that you got on the treadmill, or got some weights in. You are off to a good start!

Spryng, congrats on your new baby (the retriever, that is!). You sound so upbeat, I hope that that means that you are feeling great and all the droopiness of the first trimester is over. How was your first Christmas in your new location? I know you indicated that it is a stressful time of year.....and having just moved that does not help either. Are you feeling stettled in now?

Jackie- ok, my friend. I am going to join you in the 140 by the end of the year challenge. (I know that it was not meant for all of us, but I feel so fat.........gotta start somewhere!) Sorry that you and Ds had tummy aches for Christmas. That seemed to be going around......I know a lot of people who had it. I hope that you are feeling better now! As for Christmas, I went to Christmas eve service by myself as I was playing the flute during the service. The rest of my family stayed at MIL's (hey, it got me out of her house early!!!!!!!!!hehehehe!) and although I missed them there, it is such a beautiful service, the later half done to candlelight. I was so glad I went. BTW, I read an article about recumbant bikes this morning- it extolled the benefits of them- and I thought of you pedalling away the pounds. Thanks for setting up the Valentines challenge- I will join you and try for 10# also.

Well, Dh just pulled in..........I could blabber on some more but had better go (he is going to want lunch).
Have a great day!
Ginny

Good evening all!
Yes Ginny I am feeling really well lately. I was having some MIL problems for awhile but I decided recently it's not worth the stress. I can't control what people think and say and I'm going to try and not worry about it anymore. It eats at me if I let it and I'm tired of letting it. :) But anyway... yes we are settled in. I'm getting used to no dishwasher here (there is no room in the kitchen) and I must say I hate hand washing but that's my only complaint so I guess it could be worse. :lol: The kids are doing great and that makes moving worth it.
Well my weekend has been wonderful. We've been spending alot of time at my DH's cousins home (they have 4 kids that just adore my two and really entertain them) and I have been enjoying the company. So I'm really happy and content right now. Ahhh... it's such a nice feeling. I'm seeing good things happening in the new year. My Dh is about it get a great promotion at his new job and I'm branching out and getting to know more of his family and all is well....
guess I've been sappy enough tonight huh?? :) I'll get off here. Hope everyone has a great night!!

Happy NEW YEAR all!!
Wow. I can't believe it's here already. Just wanted to check in and see how all are doing. Any new year resolutions out there??
Hope to hear from everyone soon! Have a great day!

Happy New Year too!!!!!!!!!
No time tonite for a long post........I just came on to check out a CD that Ds just bought (read a review which was not too good.....)

So glad that you are feeling well, Spryng! And that you had a great weekend. So nice to hear some good news! I hear ya about the lack of dishwasher- remember I was without one for a few weeks in the fall? It really got to me. Is there no room for even one of those small compact dishwashers- or even a free standing one (instead of installed). I dunno, just an idea!

Speaking of appliances, my 3 year old washer went on strike yesterday!!!! And the soonest the repair man can arrive is next Tuesday! So, I went to the laundromat today........and now the interesting part. How long can two teenagers survive without access to a washing machine (you remember those days when clothes became dirty because you tried them on and took them right off?!) It will be fun to watch- and I will not go back to the laundromat until Saturday at least.
Gotta scoot!!!!!!! Have a great nite.
Ginny

Opps, I forgot!!!!! Don't you love the new appearance of this site!!!!!! I do!
Ginny

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ME TOO!

Well, it's now "2003" and I'm supposed to reach 140# sometime this year & I have a long......way to go! So-starting tomorrow 1/2/03--I will start another weightloss journey. I normally start on a Monday, but HEY-I'll start on a Thursday & maybe I'll stick with it! I will stick with our challenge & try to lose 10# by Feb. 14th. Was our challenge for Valentine's Day? I can't remember anymore, so this is why I'm using this as my mini-goal date. Ginny: Have you got any new snow today? When do the kids go back to school? My ds goes back tomorrow 1/2 & dd will first go back on the 6th. Spryng: I definitely have a New Years resolution & I think this will be the year that I stick to it! I'm sick of being FAT & I'm bound & determined to lose it this time! As for you not having a dishwasher: You may know this trick already: When you are preparing your meals-start out right away with a sink full of fresh dish water & throw the prep dishes in right away before the food sticks to it. Wash those dishes up while the meal is cooking. Then-empty that water & put in fresh water once more just before you sit down to eat so that right after, you can get those dishes out of the way too! I know, I know-it's common sense, right? Sometimes we get stuck in a grind & forget how easy we can make things. ;) Oh!-my congratulations goes out to your dh getting that job promotion! Is he still with the same franchise that he worked for in OK, or is this a totally new job for him? I'm so happy for you all! It seems like 2003 will be a great year for your family. Also-Congratulations on the addition of your new puppy! Hopefully it isn't digging lots of holes in your yard! This type of dog needs lots of walks, attention & chewy toys! If you follow through with this advice, it should be somewhat smooth sailing for you all! Good Luck!!! :smug: Well gals, the girls want an Ice Cream break, so I'd better get going. TTFN

Hi Everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have started the year off right already! Lost 3.5 pounds since last week! :) And Yesterday was my Birthday! 36! How did I get so old?!?

The family took me out to dinner.. Mexican food. I ate too many chips ... but My resolve starts again today!

Jackie! I am up for the Valentines day challenge! My goal is 10 # too! We can do it! :)

Ginny! Good for your daughter getting that crochet hook out! :) Scarves are one of my favorite things to make. I have lots of new patterns coming.

Ok.. just wanted to check in and let you know I am doing well. the treadmill and I have a date so I am off!

Happy New Year!

I'm Back! Just got off the treadmill! got in 35 minutes of walking. I am starting out slowly again!

Anyone have goals for 2003?

This is my plan:

- Walk/run on Treadmil 4-5 days a week

- Get ready to run a 5K in early 2004

- Weight training 3 times a week.

- Modify family diet to Low-fat.

Those are long range goals. I still need to break them down.

But that is enough to get me started for now!

Hope all are well! :)

Good Morning! :)

Well...I did pretty good on watching what I put in my mouth yesterday until just before bed. I normally always make it a rule to never eat anything after dinner, but I had a weak spot! Did any of you watch OPRAH yesterday? I did & I sure wish that I would have taped it! I guess diets don't work & you should eat in moderation & include weight training & aerobic exercise into your plan. Karen: Congrats on the 3.5# loss over the holidays, you are awesome!! Way to go on making & keeping a date with your treadmill. Happy belated birthday to you too! :hb: Oh! By the way...36 doesn't sound that old, just wait 'til you turn 40! Now-for my goals: Eat a healthy breakfast of fruit & eat more veggies than meat/junk for the rest of the day. Also-30-60 min. of aerobic exercise & weight training at least 3-5 days p/wk. Well-it's time for me to nag DS to get ready for the bus. TTFN!

Good morning all!
Jackie I know when you start back on your bike routine you will start to lose again, you used to pedal forever on that thing!!
Well I had my midwife appointment yesterday and all went well. I got to hear the heartbeat with the doppler, it was in the high 150's. Does that mean GIRL? I hope not. Not that a girl wouldn't be loved but I really am wanting another boy for some reason. Oh and guess what?? My BIG ultrasound is for Feb 6th!! 5 weeks away! It was for Jan 30th but we are going to be out of state that day and had to move it back another week which was depressing but that's ok. I'll be 20 weeks when I have it and a better chance at seeing his/her genitals. But I'm excited. I feel like I am hitting some peaks now in this pregnancy. I feel good. Oh and I only gained 1 lb. That was amazing. So two lbs total so far. I'm glad. Of course I did gain some weight before conceiving this time, I started at about 156! OUCH! But as long as I keep my weight gain low it won't be so hard to shed afterwards. I hope anyway.
Well, hope everyone has a great day and stays OP. I know I'm not dieting with you all but my thoughts are with you and I know you all can get this next challenge!!

Good evening!!!!!!!
I just have a few minutes here- DD has relinquished the computer for a few minutes........I think she is having some bf trouble and went on the phone with him.
Happy B day, Karen!!!!!!!!!
Spryng- congrats on hearing the baby's heartbeat. Oh that is so exciting!
Jackie- sounds like life has resumed to normal for you....getting the kids off to school and all that (well, as normal as it will ever be!). Kind of nice to have some time to yourself again- although knowing you- you are so busy that time to yourself is far and few between. I will join you in that 10# goal by 2/14. I had better get my eating in line if I plan on getting there though!

Today, we got more snow.....and it is still snowing out there. They are predicting about a foot for us- on top of the 8 inches we got Christmas Day. I went for a nice walk in the snow- about 45 minutes, and it had me huffing and puffing. It is a bit tougher to walk in snow boots and snow (we had about 5 inches of it then). The good part of it is that school was cancelled.....and I did not have to work because of that. I stayed in bed and actually lounged around a bit once I got Dh fed and out the door. It felt so good!!!!
Well, I had better go. I want to check out the white stuff myself again and see how much more has fallen. Have a great weekend.
Ginny

Good morning! I just wanted to check in. I dont have a whole lot of time at the moment....

Eating is going well and the treadmill and I have another date this afternoon! I wish I had snow to walk in! :) All we have here is Rain... But we need it. Here in Western WA we only get about 10 snow days a year. Usually it starts in Late Jan.

Well... Kids are clamoring for breakfast... so I am off. Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Hugs!!

Karen

Good evening everyone! :)
Sounds like everyone is doing well today, getting in their exercise and eating well... YOU GO GIRLS!! :lol:
I'm doing really good today too. Went grocery shopping this afternoon and though we bought a bunch of junk food I tried eating a candy bar and felt terrible a couple of bites into it. Sweets just aren't agreeing with me this pregnancy. But that is a good thing. I rather have fruit and yogurt and soup more than anything else right now.
Well I just wanted to check in and see how you all were doing. Talk to you soon!

Hi!
Just a quick check in......and it is so nice to see some posts after being so quiet around Christmas.

I have not done all that well with my eating.....Dh was in one of his patented miserable moods and I took solace in eating....I know not a good choice at all. On the uptake, my pastor gave us a great sermon on making good choices...... (ok, I am leaving out all of the spiritual elements that he had in the sermon) but he did cover bad choices that we make.....and how that is not the right thing to do. I needed to hear that.......nothing new for me, but an old message that does not always make it into my thick skull. So I am going to do my best here- and am deciding on weight watchers again.....just can't decide if I will officially join and go to the meetings or go alone as I have done before. (I see where I might be set up for failure going to the meetings.......and will not get much cooperation from my family as the meetings are at 5 and 6 pm, so I might be better off going it alone again).

Well, enough babbling!!!!! Spryng- I hope that your day went well. Good to hear that you are feeling fine too!
Karen- did you get that workout in? I hope so! (BTW, I am more than willing to share some of our snow with you!)

Gotta scoot.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Ginny

Good afternoon!!
Well, it is just lil' ol' me here a chatting with myself. :dizzy:
I will make this short then. I did get up this am for a walk at 5- it was so pretty with the snow and the world so quiet............I could have walked for miles had responsiblilty not beckoned.
As far as the WW decision, I have found a meeting 25minutes from my house.........but it is during the daytime and I would actually stand a chance of getting there without my family sabotaguing by plans. I could use the local meeting (5 minutes away) as a back up.....I don't know. I can't make it to the daytime meeting this week anyway, due to Dd's physical appt. So I will give it a shot by myself again......and if I fail miserably staying OP I will get to the meeting next week.

Well, now that I have babbled about nothing....... I had better go and have my lunch. Have a great day.
Ginny