Hi Again ---
Just got done with some laundry and other odds and ends around the house. Now I am winding down for the evening - watching American Idol. Jeff will be home in a minute - he had quite a long work day. So, I just thought I'd stop back in for a minute and check on my favorite gals!

Amanda --- WELCOME!!!! Please join us. I can tell you - I've only been here for a few weeks now and I don't know what I would do without the support of this group. I love it!!! These are the best bunch of ladies!!!
Wow - that Coke/Water article was quite and eye opener. I have pretty much stopped drinking soda all together and only drink water and iced tea. However, I've been trying to get my hubby off the soda --- I think I'll print this out and leave it for him.

Kat - Can't wait to try the banana bread recipe. I'll probably make it this weekend and take it to work to share. There are several women in my office that go to WW and I am always the one to try out the new recipes to take in.


Michelle - I'd love to get together sometime!!! That would be so much fun. Kat - what about you???

Someone at work sent this to me today an I thought I'd share:
"Every minute spent angry is sixty seconds of happiness wasted"

We are all working so hard to improve ourselves and I know how difficult it is, but we need to remember to be happy with ourselves and enjoy life!!!!

Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Barb

Amanda.... WELCOME !!!! I loved your article on the coke/water. I have read that before. I am always going to test that theory on a steak in coke for 48 hours ... but always end up eating the steak within 2.
Again... welcome to our little cyber corner of 3FCs.

okay ladies... I love you all... but I am out of here.
Hopefully next week will be better.

Kat, you have my address so I will be waiting for my banana bread.

I walked 2 miles Sunday & Monday and did some weights on Monday too. I didn't get much in today because it rained and I went to see my Dad.

Haven't been home long so it's off to bed.

I have Wed & Thurs off - a BIG deal for me so see ya later.

I found something else that I thought you guys might be interested in...this is copied from an ediets email. Yes, I clicked on their banner...in order to support 3fc...I filled out a profile and now they shower me with emails! That's okay. I'm not joining that or anything else. I have spent enough money on this whole dieting process to last a life time, or to have lost at least 200 lbs...which I did not! Though, come to think of it...I probably have. Even though it was the same 5 lbs up and down, over and over again!


50 Deadliest Dieting Mistakes

1. Having a negative defeatist attitude.

2. Going on any diet that is NOT a manner of eating that you can adhere to for the rest of your life.

3. Believing that you can eat cabbage soup -- or any other low-cal, but monotonous fare -- every day for the rest of your life.

4. Obesessing over counting calories.

5. Weighing in too frequently.

6. Not drinking enough water.

7. Drinking sugar-laden drinks.

8. Eating more bread, pasta and potatoes than proteins, lean meats, fruits and vegetables.

9. Consuming processed foods more often than fresh foods.

10. Taking the benefits away from vegetables by overcooking them.

11. Not having a plan.

12. Blaming others for your shortcomings.

13. Being quick to judge.

14. Not being aware of the nutritional benefits or detriments of what you consume.

15. Finishing every last bite of a meal, even after you are full.

16. Going back for seconds at meals.

17. Eating at "all-you-can-eat buffets" and consuming large amounts "to get your money's worth."

18. Skipping breakfast.

19. Starving all day.

20. Bingeing after "falling off the wagon" and then waiting until
"tomorrow" to get back on track.

21. Thinking you are genetically destined to be fat.

22. Not believing that you have the courage to change.

23. Confusing "fat" as a personality trait.

24. Thinking you are unattractive.

25. Not living each day to the fullest... thinking that will come when you are thinner.

26. Wasting time.

27. Not finishing tasks you begin.

28. Postponing tasks that need attention.

29. Rationalizing.

30. Thinking pills, powders or potions are more powerful than they really are in achieving weight loss.

31. Thinking of exercise as a chore, instead of a way to improve your health and your life.

32. Not scheduling exercise as a vital part of your day and week.

33. Indulging excessively in alcohol.

34. Watching sports rather than participating in sports.

35. Watching too much television.

36. Not giving enough time to personal hygiene and appearance.

37. Refusing to read self-improvement materials on a regular basis.

38. Giving up and resigning yourself to being "fat."

39. Finishing the food off of your family's plates while you are doing the dishes.

40. Tasting and nibbling on food while you are cooking it.

41. Baking cookies, pies and cakes more often than for holidays or very special occasions.

42. Always having candy in dishes, supposedly for guests, but eating more of it yourself.

43. Buying unhealthy snack items "for the kids," but eating some yourself.

44. Not having vegetables and/or fruit with each meal.

45. Serving more carbohydrates than any other food group for meals.

46. Thinking that "dieting" sprees -- and not total lifestyle change -- will garner lasting weight loss results.

47. Not visualizing yourself actually living and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

48. Not taking vitamins and proper supplements.

49. Consuming fast foods on a regular basis.

50. Waiting for tomorrow to "get started" rather than RIGHT NOW!

So there you have it. Bypass the hefty half a hundred mistakes and enjoy life the way you want it: slimmer and healthier!

Well I'm here.....and I'm typing like a madwoman while I can. First off, I have once again been in internet ****. Not only has my internet here at the house been down, but the dsl at work went down yesterday. Two days a week, I'm the supervisor and have to take care of all the crap that happens and of course, it happened on my watch. When I came in the door yesterday morning, the third shift supervisor advised me it had been down since about 4:00am, and I needed to see what I could do about it. Well after numerous times of speaking with a gazillion different operators and various troubleshooting activities, I finally got us back and mobile around 2:00, so no posting for me. I will spare you the gorey details of what was wrong with it......just let me say,

Then, after my cable/dsl being down all day Sat and Sun, and calling Charter and raising cain on Saturday, I spoke with a supervisor who stated they would send someone out yesterday after 3:00 because I can't get home from work till then and even took my number at work so they could call and confirm the appt. Well......no call at work yesterday. That was the first bad sign. Secondly, I got home, no Charter guy. I checked the caller i.d. and apparently I did get two calls at home, where I specifically told them I would NOT be and because I didn't answer the phone.....guess who didn't show up AGAIN! (this is the 3rd time) I can't dwell on this any longer, because the longer I type, the madder I get and I'm having typos left and right.

As we speak....or as I'm typing, I have the cordless on my shoulder talking to yet another Charter rep regarding the third appt that no one showed up for.

However, we may be in luck girls...his name is Tony. This man might just be able to help me. Bless his heart, I'm sure he hates to hear calls that start with, "Before I tell you the situation, let me tell you first that I'm going to try to stay very calm." You're gonna earn your money today Tony.

So, while I'm hold....(amazingly, they're playing "Taking Care of Business") --- oh if only they meant it.
How is everyone? Good, I hope. I am off today and tomorrow. Thank you Lord.

It looks like the M-F thing is not going to become a reality at work, at least for a little while. See, we have three people on first. Chatty Cathy has to have Sunday off because her hubby is a preacher, so she takes Sun/Mon off. So me and Kim work those days and rotate having Wed/Thurs or Fri/Sat off. Only problem is, with us rotating, sometimes we end up working 10 days every three weeks. I can't really explain how it works, because sometimes I'm confused myself. Anyways, Chatty Cathy's last day is May 24th, so our plan was for me and Kim to go M-F and then have two people work Sat/Sun and then pick up a couple of hours during the week. Well, the person we had locked in for Sat/Sun (she has worked there before and has a full time job at Lowes M-F) has decided to leave Lowes and is taking another job as a manager of a new restaurant called "The Bread Basket" and she's sure weekends will be included with that.....so it is going to be incredibly hard to find two people that can work Sat/Sun only and are happy with just 16 hours, plus that leaves two new people on the weekends and if someone major happened, they wouldn't know what to do so it looks like we've found someone that wants to work Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon and have 32 hours and I will take Sun/Mon off and Kim will take Fri/Sat off, which actually isn't so bad. Saturday is a much more stressful day to work because we're usually so busy and Sundays are dead.....but I'm sure you don't even have to ask why I want Sundays off, huh?

For those of you that have been living under a rock, Sunday is RACE DAY! Also, that will give me Monday off, which is a pretty hectic day in itself, so I'm ok with that. Worse case scenario, if I want a Saturday off for some reason, Kim and I can switch out or I'll just take a vacation day, so it should work out ok.

Tony just came back on the line and told me he was working with one of my local techs and asked me to continue holding. For those of you not paying attention until you saw the word Tony....first of all, shame on you and secondly, no I'm not talking to Tony Stewart, (I wish) I am on hold with a lovely gentleman named Tony who is trying to get my Charter/tech no show problem fixed.

So, I missed the Tuesday tip? Hmm, I'm trying to catch up so let me see.... Don't take any wooden nickels? Ok, not a good one. I think I have to go with Mary on this one: DRINK YOUR WATER I have just about all but given up soft drinks. Occasionally when I do have one, it dries my mouth out and makes me feel (for lack of a better word) crusty. Does that make sense?

I know I should take time for individual replies, but I just don't think I have the strength. I am still on hold with Tony, so it doesn't look promising. I think he's leaving me on hold, hoping I will just hang up. He don't know me vewy well, do he? (said in my best Tweety Bird voice)

Well guys....hang in. I'm gonna try and I'll pop back in later. I love you all!

Hi Kat,
Thanks for the 50 list. Some of them made me laugh , but some of them were so me, they made me cry I too receive tons of stuff from ediets, I just ignore it. Have a great day

I wanted to do a few replies too...

Michelle...I'm off every other Sunday, but I can be very flexible with my days, so just let me know when and where. How about it, girls? Barb, are you near Michelle? Steph, I have a general idea of where you are...let's think of a place to meet and pick a date...that would be fun!

Lucky...be careful what you wish for...you may just find a banana bread on your doorstep one day!

Where the heck is Sandy? Too many jello shots?

Welcome, Amanda! Join the fun. I'll have to show that Coke thing to my dh...he is a big Pepsi drinker...I'm sure the same crap is in there too. I must say, I am NOT a soda drinker...I have no problem drinking water, I actually prefer it to anything else.

Sara? Hello? Too much birthday?

2cute, have a safe trip. Good luck with all the family issues...I know that you will do what is fair and right for everyone. {{hug}}

Tina...good luck with your intenet woes...I hope the job thing works out for you! I miss your posts!

Lori...I WISH chocolate would make me nauseous! Might keep me away from it at PMS time! I never buy it to have in the house, but working in a hospital, there's ALWAYS a box around!

Steph...I'm glad you're liking Curves! It is a good, quick workout. Today is actually the last day that I can use my membership there. I'd better start getting some good consistent use out of my gym membership or that's going too!

Deon...good for you, walking in the rain! I enjoy that too! I need to make a walk a daily thing in my life, no matter what the weather. My dog would be so happy.

Mary...It sounds like your Confederate Memorial Day was nice and relaxing. You reminded me that I need birdseed and potting soil! Thanks!

WEll...I think that's everyone on this thread so far. Thin, Baylee, Duckie, and anyone else that I missed, come on out and play.

I'm over my allotted time...I swore I'd be off here by 10:00...so it's time for me to say,

Well I went to Curves again today. I am feeling so powerful and in control. I love it! Food is going good and I am drinking tons of water. I'm just trying to stay away from the scale. Weigh day isn't until Monday and I only get weighed once a month at Curves. I think I'm going to use their scale as my guide. Kat- thanks for the tips. My schedule varies, but I can always request for a specific day off as long as I give enough notice. Tina-sorry to hear about all your internet problems. Barb- congrats on getting to the dr. and the 4 lbs. 2Cute- have fun. Lucky- good to see you. Amanda- hi welcome to our little group. Michelle- ditto on what I said to Kat. Well I think that's everyone since I posted last. Hi to everyone else.
Steph

Boy where is everyone today? I keep checking to see if there are any posts and there haven't been since before lunch. I have to go to work soon so I hope everyone posts later on so I have something to read tonight. Well, since I am talking to myself, I better go get ready for work.
Steph

Never fear, for I am here!!! Acutally, I have been checking in and reading over the posts everyday, but by the time I have finished reading seems like someone needs something....Alexis, my 5 year old has been on school vacation for almost 2 weeks, the first because of regular spring vacation time here and then these past 3 days because of the incoming kindergarteners registration days and stuff. Then of course there is work, and that has been sooooooooo busy.

I leave on Friday at 10:00 am for my mini vacation, and oh how I am looking forward to it!!! My 5 year old keeps asking "but mommy why do you have to go, and please don't go" well, this does break my heart, but enough to keep me home??? I think not !! I am counting the days, hours, heck may as well count the minutes too.

Don't get me wrong, you all know I love my hubby and kids, but everyone needs a break from their real life world once in a while and its my time . Taking my 2 wine bottles with me (one for each night) LOL ( I think I've told you all, being from an alcoholic family, I hardly ever drink, so when I do, my drink of choice is Wine and well yes I will drink the whole bottle myself!!!, but like I've mentioned before no driving, no kids around and I am gonna have a party good time, should make for some interesting pictures....)

I wish I could reply to everyone individually, but my word we are on post #20 something and I have missed so much, just wanted you to know I am still here and I do read every word cause I'm still addicted. And #5 on Kats top 50.....thats me....wow, I had to choose an obsession from the top 5 . Oh well....

Gonna go check chat out in a few to see if anyone is hanging out, it is Wed. you know....

&
~Sandy~ (this will be me Friday and Sat. night....lol )

I'm at Chat

Hi Gals!
I'm around, haven't posted --- just feeling a little blue today. I'm just tired of feeling icky from my allergies. My head is pounding, eyes burning, just feel yuck. The medicine is starting to kick in so I should be better in a couple days. And, I went back to get my blood work this morning --- they couldn't get a vein in my arm --- after poking several times --- they found a vein in between the knuckles of my right hand. They got the blood they needed but my hand is very sore and bruised. I'm anxious to get the results. Hubby just got home after a long day in New York City and I'm trying to be cheerful for him, but I think I am just going to crawl in bed.

Food has been ok - not horrible, not great. Exercise has been non-existent the past 2 days - with the exception of vacuuming a few minutes ago.

On the positive side I got a new haircut today. Nothing drastic, just a few inches off and neatened up. I love the feeling of a new haircut.

Boy, that was a pity party ---- sorry to lay it on you guys, but now I feel a little better! It does wonders to the soul to vent a little. Thanks for listening.


I think I am going to call it a night. I recorded American Idol for Jeff so we may go watch it in bed.

Sweet Dreams to everyone --- I'll talk to you tomorrow and hopefully be in a better mood.

Oh - Kat ---- I live about 15 minutes south of Philadelphia on the PA/DE state line. I'm not sure exactly how far Michelle is, but I'm guessing a little over an hour. I'm sure we can find a good central location.

Where is everyone? No one has posted since last night when I checked.

Hope all is Ok
Sandy and I decided to name Wed. nights chat the Mary and Sandy Show we were there where were you?

I have today off so I'm not going to do much . I need to finish spring cleaning and do some sewing.

Hope all have a great day.

Good Morning Ladies!!!
I'm with Mary --- sure is quiet around here. I hope that means everyone is busy exercising and having fun! I got the best night's sleep in a long time last night and am feeling much better this morning. I am hoping for a productive day at work. I packed my food and snacks for the day, hoping to stick to all that and then go for a long walk when I get home. Jeff's got to go up to NYC again today so he won't be home till very late tonight. He works out of an office in Wilmington, DE but commutes to NYC a couple times a week.

I am thankful for so much on this Thankful Thursday!!!! I am thankful that I have found such a wonderful place to gain support from an incredible group of people! Thankful for my family --- I'll be seeing them in FL in two weeks and can't wait! Thankful for my dear husband! I could go on and on and on, but I won't!


Wishing you all a wonderful day filled with love and happiness.
Hugs,
Barb

Morning all...

I'm on my way to beddy bye...after an exhausting night at work.

I'll be back later.