Yo!
 

Oh, Kaylets, it never seems to end, does it? Hope DH is ok. So much going on. We must be under the same stars, though, as we are usually weatherwise because we've gone through incredibly non-stop household problems as well the last several weeks.

Mom seems to be having more problems in the two days she's been in home. Don't know if it's a med problem or her way of coping. My kids did go to see her yesterday and felt they had a satifactory visit for the shape she's in. Others have not and have reported strange symptoms, etc. Being addressed, of course, but by others.

Darling granddaughters were here as well so I stayed with them and they, as usual, were my best medicine for whatever bothers me. Not eating as healthfully but not really bingeing either. But I'm sure I've put some on as my bod requires extreme vigilence. My belief that I'm a lucky person (overall) will bide me through.

Good day to all, esp. those unanswered for a while.

Hi girls!
sorry its been so long but i`ve been very bad:( but i`m motivated to get back on track! I`ll sign in again tomorrow. Good luck to you all!

Jenn

Empress, must have been posting at the same time. Just noted the half pound loss and that you're now under the bugaboo 160 mark. That should have you bouncing along.

Another of the many strengths of this particular board, I've always thought, is that we seem to have the knack for letting people be themselves and post as openly as they choose. So post positively, negatively, briefly, at length. Focussed or totally off topic (if anything is OT here).

Sorry to hear of your pain and that's where I like to think this group excels - being here when you're in pain whether you tell us you are or not. But if we're able to give you support in any way, stay, stay, stay.

I sometimes feel my beliefs come through between the lines but I think that's ok too. Because they are a part of me and help me in incredible ways and perhaps help others to understand me. But I'd never think of asking someone else to be who I am. I think that's something we each need to figure out for ourselves. As we need to do with so many other things.

A bit peaceful this afternoon. Much needed.

Welcome back, Jenn.

Anagram- So glad things are slowing down a little for you so you can catch your breath w/ the princesses.

And I second everything you else you had to say regarding this thread and support, views, beliefs, etc. You said it all so well I can't add anything accept "YES".

Empress- I am amazed that someone would actually take the time to post "That's not worthy of prayer"-- Absolutely amazing.
I again second what Anagram said and hope you know we are here for you.

;)


DH actually woke up from his nap this am feeling suprising good and we went and got vegatables. We both feel like he dodged a bullet on that one.

I think I'll lay down myself.

Hang in there all!

Easy like Sunday mornin'
 

Jenn's back! Jenn, as a poster who left for a week and a half so I could move, let me say that I don't recommend it. Hang in there with everybody, even when you're being "bad". I'm glad to see you back and I'm glad to BE back. Onward, sister!!

Empress, nothing, NOTHING is unworthy of prayer. Nada. That really pissed me off. I will pray for you.

***Important question for the Losers: does it bother anyone that I say I'll pray and stuff like that? I mean, it does reveal that I have beliefs in one quarter of the religious spectrum, and I can totally leave that stuff out. Should I? Please be candid...***

Golly gee WHIZ, Kaylets. Your cup is full, huh? I DO wish you joy, my dear. I hope it flits around you at the most surprising moments, until you're glutted with it. And I wish you some smooth days ahead. Isn't the Wood Nymph in charge of flitting things? Maybe she can arrange something. Or is she still the Water Nymph for now? Hmmmm. And thank you for that joy story. It was a good reminder for me.

You too, Anagram. You seem to be someone who loves well, and I sincerely hope that you'll experience a respite from toil soon. Here's a whiff of lavender...

Wildfire, what's IBS? Whatever it is, it sounds owie. I'm so sorry...

Love to the rest of you. Have a GOOD day.

Cerise

Kaylets, I'm so relieved to hear that your DH 'dodged a bullet' and is up and doing! :) Get any interesting vegetables? I saw some interesting corn at the market---it was mottled red and yellow, like 'indian' corn but was for boiling or steaming. Very pretty, I'll try it this week.

Amarantha, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling distressed. It's times like this that I wish we all lived close! Please consider yourself surrounded and supported.:grouphug:

Cerise, your new life sounds so idyllic. As one who lives in the country, I think it would be lovely to live someplace where everything is within walking distance.It sounds so ALIVE! [It's alive here too of course, but with deer, racoons, skunks, rabbits...!] And Cerise, please, be yourself. It's been my experience that those of us who are non-Christian are very accepting, and are always perplexed when the same courtesy isn't extended to us by some. Prayer is common to all religions; as a matter of fact, I'd be grateful if you'd remember me in your prayers! :) The last thing we need here is to feel like we're walking on eggshells. None of that!:nono:

Hugs to you, Anagram. Thanks for continuing to check in with us to let us know how things are. The princesses are good medicine indeed!:)

Hey, Jenn's back!:D

Okay, I'm off to take a delicious afternoon nap.....

Thanks, guys, for the support. Guess I didn't exactly mean I was getting off the thread (as here I am again, huh?) just really needing some support (or hormones) and was trying to explain why I keep wanting to talk about religion these days. Should have known it wouldn't bother anyone here! Everyone is far too enlightened! :)

Cerise, thank you for the extremely welcome pm! No, you didn't weird me out! And per your question on the board here, my answer is much the same as Eydie's ... I think prayer is common in all religions ... and always welcome ... and I think we've all pretty much revealed at least snippets of our belief systems here and I guess that's what I meant I was worrying about a bit ... and I started it by posting Mother T and explaining that I found her a wonderful and wise crone but did not share her particular religion (although raised in it).

I think I'm just hormonal or something and I'm also going to take a nap, plus eat Krispy Kremes, which I have worked into my diet plan for today.

I am playing with the diet software I downloaded. It's a little frustrating because it only lets me calculate custom foods in 100-gram segments and it also defaults to French at inexplicable times. But it has a sort of glam lady who illustrates how your body looks at different BMIs, weights, etc. and that's kind of cool.

Avanti, anyway! :wave:

Cerise-- My mother in law used to have a saying " The more prayers the better" -- and she would welcome all--
I am sure everyone took your post in the spirit it was intended.

As for discussions, etc, as long as we remain " enlightened " and remember we are friends .... which would mean if I disagree, I would might not tell you I disagree but would always respect your belief. And if could not tolerate where the discussion went, I would follow the Empress's example regarding the other thread she mentioned.
I also belong to another thread and see posts going on and on debating the pros and cons and details of individual's beliefs.
These posts become disrespectful, ugly and distasteful.
I might be tempted to post but always do not as I do not want to go to that low level.

As you know, I am convinced for all our differences (all of humankind) we are more alike than different. I do agree that
people find each other for a reason and it is up to us to learn and celebrate finding each other.


Sure do love your whiff of lavendar!

I unfortunately know what IBS is- Irritable Bowel Syndrome--
When I get really stressed I have severe attacks. Some folks are affected (sp?) by some foods, caffeine, PMS, etc. In fact, if my mood hadn't lightened I might be a candidate for an attack by tomorrow.


Punkin-- your wall looks Pretty!! I could never do that and have it look so together- with me, it would look like I let the preschool in to do it.

Arabella- is it true? are you more of a water nymph in summer?

Jenn- Glad to see you back!

And Empress and Punkin- Congrats on pounds down-
me well,..... there was a terrible experience w/ the vending machine and my hand...... and it happened 3 days in a row!...

take are all!

I think I'm starting to feel halfway human again. Had a nap from 2:30 - 4:00pm, and I don't think that will interfere with my sleep tonight. What a mixed up weekend it has been.

Cerise, IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a functional gastro-intestinal disorder. Unfortunately, a debilitating condition for 1 in 5 people. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning there is nothing else evident, such as Crohns, Colitis, or cancer. Organically, everything is there and should be functioning normally, but it doesn't. There is a short circuit somewhere between the brain and the gut, and this makes the gut function abnormal, ranging from IBS D (Diarreha), to IBS C (Constipation) or a combination IBS C/D. It can be very, very painful, and completely changes your life. Imagine the worst stomach flu you've ever had and multiply it by 10....for every day for the rest of your life. There is no cure, and limited treatments...most of which won't work for everyone. I'd say about half the people with IBS are unable to hold down a job, and many become housebound. It's just not socially acceptable to have bowel problems! ;) Luckily, I have a milder case compared to others on an IBS board I belong to. I do work full-time, and am able to leave my home, although not without days I can't. A flare-up like this weekend only happens a few times a year for me, but for some it's every day. Only once have I had to go to Emergency for a shot of Morphine for the pain.

Unfortunately, most doctors know very little about the condition, often learning from their patients who are better informed. I stopped relying on the medical community for treating my IBS several years ago, as I know far more about the intricasies of the brain/gut connection and possible treatments than the "professionals" I've encountered.

My apologies to anyone for whom this is T.M.I.!

I usually resort to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) during a flare up, and that's what I've eaten the entire weekend.

About your question regarding "I'll pray for you"....nope, doesn't bother me at all. To me it's your way of saying you'll ask for help for me, and keep me in your thoughts. Just as I might light a candle for you and ask for help for you. We can all use all the help we can get!

Jenn, we saved your seat on the wagon! Climb back on!

Anagram, hope things improve for your Mom. She may be stressed over her new surroundings, and I'm sure that doesn't help.

Amarantha, you just keep being you! I think we all agree that we accept each other as we are, and we are all open minded enough for whatever you feel like discussing here. I would rather you vent it out here than keep it to yourself.

I feel a :grouphug: is in order!

Thanks, Wildfire!!! And anyone going through a bout with IBS also deserves a :grouphug:

I was diagnosed with this condition many, many years ago, but apparently it either ran its course and went away or it wasn't a correct diagnosis, as in my 30s it just disappeared, not by dint of anything I was doing or not doing, unless it was not eating meat for two decades.

Jenn, I forgot to say howdy!!! :wave:

To all, mentioned or unmentioned. My last week in the newsroom full time appears to be looming, as I am assuming the editor I'm replacing is planning to return. At the moment, I'm thinking of turning in a resignation myself if this happens, as I am tired of being the wandering gypsy working at home every weekend. We'll see, though. Whatever, I know I will make my 21-day challenge and reach next week in great dietary form.

Thanks, Amarantha! IBS can go into remission for months or even years. Maybe you're one of the lucky ones, maybe it was a misdiagnosis, maybe it was a food allergy of some kind.... :shrug: ...just glad you don't suffer from it anymore! :cp:

Wow, you're thinking of resigning? Is it possible they will keep you on in the newsroom? Would you accept if they offered? Whatever happens, I wish you the best! :crossed: :lucky:

Hi All, just a quick little visit. I just wanted to let you all know that i finally did it I finally made it to 90lbs, that was the hardest 10lbs I have lost yet but the most satisfying. So I now have only 17 left to go and if it takes several more months that is just fine, my goal for Sept 1st is to still be losing, it just doesn't matter how much as long as it is coming off. Good luck to everyone with this challenge you can all do it. Bye for now I will try to check in again in a few days it is so hard when Im so busy, see you all soon.

Just came back on for a bit tonight to catch up on some of the posts and, as usual, I find so much good feeling going on that it "lights a candle" in my life.

Seems we all have something going on that's not great but for the most part we trudge on and appreciate the little things that make life worthwhile. And somehow come out a bit wiser/stronger from the "not so great". Might I say that's a part of our common thread - that we sort of "have it together"? Maybe not totally yet because I think I'm always a work in progress but we're all pretty well on the road.

No one would ever offend me by offering to pray for me. Many have, of all sorts of religious and not so affiliations. Some who have said so have surprised me as it was so unexpected. (And maybe some have not said it that I thought would.)

So double hugs to all in pain, physical, psychological, hormonal....those of us who need Fresh Start Cards can grab a few of those and the no guilt cards and jump back in with our successful losers ( so glad some of us are doing so well) and set forth once again on the next stage of the journey.

I feel so much stronger now that I've checked in again. "See" you in the morning.

Yo!
 

Hooray for Dollar!!!! 90 pounds down and only 17 left to go!!!! That's a wonderful accomplishment, Dollar!!! You're on your way to the Maintenance Room!!!! :cb: :cb: :cb: :cb: cb: :cp:

Wildfire, I'm pretty sure the IBS won't come back, it's been a long time ... a food allergy is actually a fairly good bet ... also I had bullemia and all sorts of other eating problems ... hmmm, I still have eating problems, but I digest everything rather well now, so that's a plus? Anyway, hope you are feeling better ... be careful ...

I really am thinking of resigning, actually. There really isn't a job for me in the newsroom if the wandering editor returns and right now I don't feel like returning to my old position. Probably I will, but this may be the sign it's time to find a new career. Dunno.

Anagram: Glad you checked in, as I always find your balance and input so helpful. Yes, I think we are all poised and ready for the next stage of the journey, wherever it takes us.

I know, for one thing, is that I intend to meet up with Dollar in that Maintenance Room. Can you picture a thread with all of us maintaining our perfect weight, on and on until we are too old to type? How great that would be! :angel:

My new software program says my perfect weight is 127 pounds ... my goal has always been 135, though, so I'll decide when I reach that goal if I want to go for the computer's idea of perfect.

Rambling.

Had a thought that it might just be that I've been on reduced calories for 15 straight days and steadily losing fat (finally) that is causing my depression. I remember from losing the 100 that depression and a slowed metabolism occurred periodically ... which is why I've been eating the sugar, the donuts, whatever, until I get a few pounds down. I lack vege, must make more of an effort in that regard. Too bad I really don't like them! :sumo:

Avanti, all!:?:

P.S. This software I downloaded is rather strange but interesting. It has these strange colorful displays comparing one's food intake to the food pyramid and the Mediterranian (sp?) Diet (sorry, can't spell that word) and it also has a "food podium" illustrating the breakdown of calories on a sort of ancient stone platform with cabalistic symbols on it ... I don't understand the concept but it's kind of neat to look at! :)

Anyway, the reason I bring this up is that I see by the software that there are 36 days to Labor Day, which is the period I set up for the program to track my diet. So that's another 21-day challenge after this one and a few more days and I'm there ... at 158 pounds!!! Or less!!!

Hello all!

Here we go Monday, here we go......

Both DH and I went to bed b/4 9 last night-- He spoke to DD after hours of trying to connect by leaving messages w/ her mother.
Very hard to understand what she's going thru because she is "acting" very chipper yet is saying she is in a huge financial crisis. Unfortunately, we suspect she's getting bad advice from her mother ---- There a lots of unanswered questions --like--since your mother lives near your job and has 4 bedrooms, why not stay w/her until you are earning enough money for an apartment?
DD has left her husband for many reasons. We sent money then to get car transferred into her name, etc but now we are being asked for much more money to do the exact same things....
Her husband has not worked in at least 18 mos so she will see no support money--

We were exhausted mentally.... Its almost a relief to go to work and deal with things that do not have the "emotional charge".


Mike Brescia's Life Lesson hit the bullseye for me this am-- hope you enjoy it too.

Thought of the day :

"If you ever get a second chance at life, you've got to go
all the way."
- Lance Armstrong (5 time winner of the Tour de France)

*****BONUS******

Well, it's now official.

Lance Armstrong has won the Tour de France for a record
tying fifth time.

The most difficult, grueling sporting event in the world.

He survived 2,100 miles over two mountain ranges in 20
days, the stomach flu, dehydration, crashes & near crashes
as well as the weather to do the unthinkable. Three weeks
and over 83 hours of pushing himself past exhaustion.
I can't even imagine what that must take physically and
mentally to run that race.

To most people, it's just two words, "bike race," that
don't mean too much.

But in life you've got to grab inspiration wherever you can.

To me, his record setting performance is just one more
push to make this lifetime a masterpiece. One more
confirmation that with determination, anything can be
achieved. Absolutely anything.

Here's a guy who in 1996 was diagnosed with and advanced
form of testicular cancer that had spread to his abdomen,
lungs and brain.

Because of it's spread, he was given only a 50-50
chance of survival.

But he had aggressive surgery and chemo treatments that
alone would've killed the average person, and was
pronounced cancer free in 1997. Then began the arduous
road back to health.

A few months ago, I was watching a 1997 video of him
training in after his surgery. He had no hair and you
could see the U-shaped scar on top of his head where they
went in to remove part of the cancer. He said training was
difficult... he would get wiped out after only an hour and
a half on the bike.

An hour and a half, and he got wiped out!

Most people are breathing heavy after 2 minutes.

After the treatment and surgery, he was no different than
anyone else... actually much worse off physically than
practically anyone alive.

But he had Lance Armstrong's mind...

...the mind that made him the best cyclist in the world.

You see, that is what separates the winners from the
losers in life.

Everyone who knows of Lance knows of him as a winner, but
in his first Tours he didn't do so well.

Here's how he did in his previous Tour races:

'93 - Did not finish
'94 - Did not finish
'95 - 36th
'96 - Did not finish
'97 - Did not enter
'98 - Did not enter
'99 - 1st
'00 - 1st
'01 - 1st
'02 - 1st
'03 - 1st

He didn't even finish 3 times. See? We're talking about
a grueling race!

But success in life is about how many times you pick
yourself up, not how many times you fail.

Since I was "this" close to using another quote today,
I'll include it. Here it is: "A winner much first know
what losing's like." Billionaire publisher Malcolm Forbes
said that. So he knew something about winning, I'd say.

You see, so many people I work with are just so scared of
losing that they just won't get involved in life and risk
falling down... of looking foolish... of losing what little
they have.

But you must.

The good stuff is on the other side of failure. You just
can't get there without it.

It hurts, sure it does.

Those months I spent in the van hurt worse than I can go
into right now. And lots of risk went into getting out and
creating an actual life. And without failure there is no
success.

None.

I've been reading the press coverage of this year's Tour
extensively, and I read a quote of one of Lance's fans
saying that this is the most excited she's ever been in
her life.

And I thought about how sad that is.

Someone else's achievement, someone they've never met -
and it's the most thrilling event in their life.

Look, I don't care if it's the World Cup, the Super Bowl
or little green men landing on Earth, the most thrilling
moment in your life should be from something YOU achieve.

And there is inspiration all around every day. You just
have to open your eyes. It's constant and never ending.

Tell yourself that you are prepared to look stupid a dozen
times today. And when you accomplish the first one, find
out what you can learn from it. After your twelfth stupid
action, you should have learned twelve new lessons that
hopefully made you smarter and better prepared for tomorrow.

Are you getting this?

That's how you use failure... to learn.

Lance did.

He failed and failed and failed.

But because he used his failure to learn...

...he got smarter and smarter and smarter.

Without the failure, he wouldn't be so dominant today.

Without the cancer, he may not have gotten so mentally
strong so as to be so unbeatable.........

And don't mourn all the years you didn't do this.

Just get excited. Let go of the failures. Use them to
learn and let them go.

OK? OK!

---Mike Brescia- Life's Laser Lessons


Take care all!

Hey all!!!

Pretty much all moved in. Not unpacked yet though!!! Still have some cleaning supplies and a few odds back at the old place. We have to do a clean up and then we'll be officially out. I'm really disapointed that my inlaws didn't have their stuff out of the house by the time we moved in. So as you can imagine, I have no where to put our stuff let alone pack it. They are staying with friends and hope to finished packing and moving stuff around this week. I'm even moredissapointed that do to a misunderstaning, they are not paying us rent for the month that they lived there after we closed on the house. :bomb: Hubby and I remember the agreement as being they would pay us while they live in the house. So here we are all month not saving, just trying to pay off bills and whatnot thinking they were going to pay us for living there. NOPE I'm glad we have savings..... And to top it all off we got our first mortgage bill 2 weeks ago and they hadn't even the courtesy to let us know it was there. It's do Aug. 1. Now all I have to figure out is how to pay it. If I mail it, it's going to be late, but they do have a number to call to 'inroll' in their automatic debit every month. We plan on getting a new account, so that's not really good either. Wonder if they will let us do a one time debit until we get situated.


Haven't been able to sneek a weigh, I can't find my scale. Maybe it's a good thing so I'll be more surprised.

Well, it's back to work. Tired already, got up at 4am to get here.

Great Monday morning! Frogger, hang on! By Thanksgiving you should be all settled, bills worked out, new job so no 4 a.m. rising time (aaagh!)

Amarantha, it does sound like it's time for you to rethink careers. Often wondered how you coped with all that travelling around and weekend working. That's ok if it's what you WANT to do but it sounds like lately it hasn't been.

And Kaylets, how awful! How much can one take at one time? One step in front of the other and do that inside our group hug that's coming your way.

Ah, Empress, I don't feel balanced this morning. I'm doing the one step in front of the other thing myself. I KNOW it's normal to have some depression from the nursing home thing and the immediate deterioration Mom's having. And I am grateful I have six other siblings all doing their part. But with the last eight months of DHs situation having drained me emotionally, I really am having some trouble coping. The kids and grandkids were a distraction over the weekend - this really started Saturday before they came but while they were here I put it off. I expressed the whole thing to DH this morning but I don't really want to add to his burdens as he's been coping well so far and avoiding any depression he might be feeling because of his lessening of strength, etc. So now I'm unloading on my friends here and at the same time "planning". I told him we need a day for some fun (our outings last week were to the hospital). He's supposed to be thinking up something for that - doesn't have to be much.

And I am planning to go to the pool this morning no matter what. I need the time to myself and the relaxation the water brings. Not to mention the exercise and keeping my back and knees in working shape.

DH is the love of my life and has been my strong support all these many years but he has never learned to be a consoler despite my many efforts to teach him. (Yes, many.) So I must remind myself he would (and has) done so many things and get my rear in gear and trudge onward to daylight. Good friend called the other day and I must get back to her. Over 41 years she probably knows more of me and history than anyone and we have sustained each other through much even though our contact is mostly sporadic most times. So I'll get to K and we'll go over it all (she's having some unbelievable times too) and straighten each other out. So there's another blessing in my life.

So that should do it. I've really not eaten as well as I would have liked but not as badly as I might have imagined either. Just need to get all back together and get through this "normal" depression. I think sometimes just acknowledging and "naming' goes a long way to relieving and I'll hop back on later and let you know when I'm hopping about if I get there. Thanks for "listening".

Hello,
Quick stop in. Test tomorow. Aarrgg.

Just fit in to a pair of size 10 jeans that I have not even thought about putting on for a couple of years.

Talk to y'all on Thursday when I am done and back to normal.

A BIG HI TO YOU ALL!
 

I just got off work, and I am sitting here enjoying a large hazelnut coffee (actually my second b/c I had to read though all the post I had missed, while out on my binge). I`m sitting in sweats watching the rain beating off the window...I love it when it rains...call me crazy. I feel motivated and ready to conquer the world again, last week I was in some sort of slump, so I`m up and smiling and ready to be healthy once aGAIN.

Cerise: I`m glade you love Seattle. Make the best out of Elisabeth...I would love to have some one to motivate me:) And I am happy you are praying for us, I am not that religious personally, but I respect what others believe:)

Wildfire: IBS don`t sound so good...good luck with everything!

Kaylets: Changes are good for you:) keep on working girl

Eddie: have a great nap babe

Amarantha- good luck in the news room AND 21 day challenge. Hang in there girl and you will be 158lbs or less by labourday.

Dollar: 90lbs- amazing!

Anagram: I`m going to grab one of those fresh start cards, and keep on trudging by, thanks for your kind words.

Frogger- seems like everyone is moving right now. I`ll be off myself in a month, Good Luck! And don`t worry about your scales, surprise is a good thing sometimes.

Zadie K- Great joB On the size 10`s...I`ll keep dreaming it for myself!

For anyone I forgot to mention, all the best.
So girls lets make it to the next step, because we can.

Jenn.M.

Wow! So many posts I don't know where to get started!!! :dizzy:

Monday is weigh in day for me and I'm down 3.8 from last week. Happy camper I am - but I need clothes!!!!!! I think I can make it till Super Shoppin' Saturday - it's supposed to be 104 tomorrow so maybe I'll just forego clothes altogether! (birthday suit still fits!)
...wonder what my clients would think if they knew...? :chin: :lol:

First of all, Zadie, good luck on your exam :write: tomorrow! We'll all be sitting there with you in spirit!! Go get 'em! (ooh, and congrats on the jeans too! very cool...)

Kaylets, thank goodness DH is ok! Last thing you need is more to deal with! And the dog, is he/she ok too?? My dad's beagle has seizures, only one a year, but it's so scary!

Anagram, I'm sorry to hear your mom had to make the move. Fingers crossed it is temporary and how comforting it must be that your sister works there too. :grouphug:

Arabella, about what was said at the party - I've heard similar 'round these parts and it makes me cringe every time. I don't know that I could've let that one go without a response. :devil: Evil red headed temper o' mine I guess.... :lol:

Cerise, Wecome back! What a bonus about your mega-healthy sister in law! Glad you're all moved, settled and love Seattle.
Re: your question about praying - ditto what everyone else has said. Being non-Christian myself, I've never been offended by people's offers of prayer. Whether it's prayer or sending energy, or whatever you choose to call it.... it's all the same to me, and extremely powerful either way - it's about the intent, not the method. Come to think of it, I think that applies to religion in general doesn't it?

Wildfire, I hope the IBS episode has gotten better. I'll continue to :crossed: for remission for you... Small correction for the mom - she's got 2 more chemo sessions, as of her last one, she's 1/2 way through ( :cb: ) so it's 2 down, 2 to go!
My guy you ask?? Eh, same ol' same ol'. We've got a great friendship and I'm positive, 100% sure, that's all it's ever going to be. That's ok, things *have* evolved to a point where I think that's what I'd be most happy with.

Amarantha, yes dear :queen:, it does appear that the opportunity has presented itself for you to do some job changing. I hope you find something that is more fun than work, allows you to retire early, and permits the completion of an onsite day spa (I'll be over shortly thereafter!). :bubbles:

Jenn, welcome back! :wave: I was wondering where you went to! Please take full advantage of the shoulder and lap belts on the Weight Loss Wagon - we don't want you to fall off again! ;)
I hope you don't mind that I'm living vicariously through you right now - you're wearing sweats????? It's 102 degrees here right now.... I'm praying for it to be cold enough for sweats! But then again, in a few months I'll probably be griping about snow.... :dz:

Dollar, my hero!!! 90 pounds! I hit 45.6 this morning - 1/2 of what you've lost! You are an inspiration.... :yes:

Frogger, glad you're all moved. Bummer on the "renters", sometimes it doesn't pay to do business with family I tell ya... You should call the mortgage company, they're normally willing to do anything to get their money! Besides, with it only being the first payment I'm sure it's normal for there to have to be adjustments. Congratulations again on the new home - you'll find it's like having a child made of lumber and drywall. Everything is suddenly "for the house". :lol: It's fun though!

Just a couple more days of being a responsible office manager. Thursday morning I'm driving to Bo-Beena's for some completely irresponsible fun, rest, visiting and relaxation! (and much needed clothes shopping!)

Toodles for now!
Terri

Giant Woman Eats Top Off Local Restaurant
 

Good Monday, Chickadees!

Quick postie today - I'm actually online to look for work, but stopped by here for a "bit of Dutch courage".

Phewf. We discovered that we live about 3 blocks away from a demonic place called "The Cheesecake Factory". Oh, GOOOOOD. Ramon and I had a lovely lunch there (they also cook nummy other foods) and split a fresh banana cream cheesecake. Girls,.......I'm speechless. Fortunately it's kind of a pricey place so we won't be going often. But the CHEESECAKE, darlings!!! Oh, dear Lord.

Love to all of you and thank you for your wonderful "welcome back."

OK, on to submit my resume to all of those unsuspecting Seattle bosses!

Good luck, Zadie!

Punkin, I'm thinking about that online day spa right now!!! :)

Cerise, I love Seattle, you are lucky ... better stay away from the Cheesecake Factory, though! :nono:

Jenn: We had rain here, too! Not that usual where I live, except in July (the monsoon). Glad you are out of your slump! :dancer:

Anagram: I think you are coping beautifully after all you've been through. How wonderful that you have such a faithful friend to help sustain you, as well as a DH who is willing to plan for a day of just fun. The nursing home thing is VERY hard, but it does get better and is just another chapter in our families' lives. Hang in and just think about being in a lovely spa ...

Has anyone remembered to tip the towel boy lately?

Avanti!

Braindead! Gotta sleep!

Hello all!

Punkin-Thanks for asking- yes, the dog is fine. You'd never know anything had happened. Is your dad's dog on medication or...??

Empress- an On line Spa sounds perfect for your talents. Your imagination would be well suited. Sign me up!~

Cerise- Be careful! I understand the Factory will mail the cheesecakes too!

Ooops, look at the time--
I've done it again...
**********
Today's thought of the day is:

"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney

Question of the day is:
"Do you prefer to be around men or women?"
-- The Book of Questions
********


Take care all!

Flying by...
 

Arabella--

Isn't it a shame how little we think of ourselves?? And wouldnt it be a shock if we realized how many others in the room were just as uncomfortable as we are ??

Let me just readjust your wings for you-- You just got a little tangled up but otherwise-- You are Beautiful!!

I wish I could convince myself of that too when I am in a stressful situation.

You brighten my life as does everyone here--
There's still room here in Anagram's group hug, let me squeeze just a little bit tighter.

Thanks, Kaylets! You're so sweet - I feel better! :love:

I think I'm having a little bit of a mid-life crisis, having finished menopause and now being ... uh ... mature :rolleyes: But -- life is too short to waste it by getting obsessed over how we look!

Avanti! (as our Empress says)

We lived through Monday! :dance:

Now I can say 'day after tomorrow I'm leaving!' - get outta the way folks, lady on a mission comin' through! :dancer:

Just saw the funniest thing... I looked up into our "back yard" (the front 2 acres that are fenced) and saw one of my mom's horses looking at me. She has her complete fly mask on today and looks a bit like an equine Batman! :lol: The complete fly masks have little spikes where the horses ears go and cover their faces down to their noses. Ooooh, that was funny!

Cerise, Cheesecake Factory?!?!? That's it, you need to move.... ;) There's something to be said for living in the boonies where there are NO food places within a 20 minute drive. :yes:

Kaylets, nope, Pop's beagle isn't medicated. They said if he was seizing more than once a year they could treat it, but since it's so rare that it happens they couldn't justify medicating him all year. Thankfully his are mild too and he seems to recover quickly. Poor pup though - he had his last seizure about a month ago, then 2 weeks later was bit by a sidewinder (AZ rattlesnake). He's fine, but must be one tough beagle!

Arabella, yes this month did go fast didn't it? Here's to making your EOM nasties go away real fast.... :wizard: There, are they gone?? ;)
I agree with Kaylets regarding how you felt at the party. It is awful that we feel that way about ourselves, that we've bought in to the "you're not 'perfect' therefore you're a lesser person" idea. It's sad. Let's say we stop all that right now! Arabella, you're a beautiful person. Kaylets, you too! Amarantha, Cerise, Jenn, Bo-Beena, Dollar, Wildfire, Zadie, Anagram, Frogger, WSW.... EVERYONE!!! We're all beautiful and perfect in our own way. :yes: :yes: :yes:

Q o' the day ~
Do I prefer the company of men or women? That's a tough one because it's not so much the gender that's important as much as it's the person themselves. I have a couple male friends I can talk to like they're a "girlfriend" and some female friends that are very, well, guy-like...

Time to skeedaddle!

Terri

Hey ladies!
Tuesday is over:) on with hump day tomorrow! Again an ok day at work coming to a close, again i`m sitting with sweats on drinking coffee. Last night while talking to my mother the Alkins diet came into the topic, and believe it or not I am very interested on going on it. I was wondering if any of you have experienced any success on the diet, and how does it work. I am not sure If I can rate it as a totally healthy way to loose pounds, and eating so much protein doesn`t sound much fun either. But give me your two cents.

Pumpkin seed you are doing wicked! 3.8lbs thats great keep it up. When you live in Newfoundland Canada, you can wear sweats in July haha.
Cerise cheesecake is the devil, mom had a baked chocolate one last night...yum...I couldn`t touch it though..
Arabella- hold your head up doll, one day you`ll let go of your insurcities, and be the slender woman:) or at least be happy with yourself!
Kaylets and anagram good job and good luck ladies.

Signing off, good luck and keep strong!

Jenn

I never thought I'd say this, but I want to get to work...
 

Hey, Gorgeous Goons,

Aaah, cheescake's not gonna hurt me, but this NIBBLING at home will!:mad: NIBBLING, NIBBLING, NIBBLING!!! I've signed up with a bunch of hiring agencies, so I sit at home reading Barbara Kingsolver novels (wonderful) and making frequent trips to the kitchen! I need to get a job to break up this leisurely, sweaty, neverending MEAL that my last few days have become.

Tomorrow I'll be productive.

I saved my brother's you-know-what last night. I called to ask him what was happening for Elisabeth's (his wife, my SIL) birthday on Wednesday, and he was like, "Oh, crap!" Boy, was he ever grateful that his sister caught him at forgetting instead of his wife. On her birthday! Heh, heh. :smug:

GOD, it's hot here! We've tried marching up and down these hills in the heat and we nearly died. Now we follow the routines of people in southern Spain, or so I see from the movies. Siesta time.

Well, I'll be more interesting as soon as we find jobs and get club memberships at the local Gold's Gym. Do you guys know, are they hard sellers like the vultures at 24-Hour Fitness? If so, I'm just gonna sign up at the local Y. Anyway, I don't have a scale at home or anything, so as soon as the gym membership is under way I'll be armed with progress reports.

For now I'm trying to eat slowly and deliberately (today was an abberation, right?) and the hills are definitely getting easier to navigate!

Lovies,
Cerise

Good Morning All!!!

Jenn-I've modified the low carb diet. Actually did Atkins and could not stick to it. (TOOO restrictive for my taste) For the past 2 weeks I have cut out all snack foods, breads, cereals, pasta, crackers and sugar. The only veggie I have cut out is corn. Cut back on my diet coke consumption and as of today I have lost 7 lbs. It was rough the first week, but I've been surfing low carb recipe sites and have gotten good reciepes to help me out. I've also eaten out for dinner this entire week (moved to a new home and can't seem to find anything!!) For dinner out I've eaten hot wings (the ones with no breading), salads, BBQ beef ribs, and taco salad from taco bell (minus the beans and shell). PM me if you want to talk:)

Well, still digging out from the mounds of boxes which obviously aren't going anywhere until my inlaws move their stuff out. :mad:

Very tired from the move and the new commute. Need a nap!! LOL

I've got to get to working, I'll check in later!

Wonderful Me Wednesday!
 

Hello all!!

Just read a great post. It's called " We won't lose weight until...." and I wanted to share.

The last sentence really hit home to me.

"I personally came to realize that I had been trying to lose weight for all the WRONG reasons. Once I realized that I needed to lose weight so that I could be assured that I'd live a long and healthy life and that I needed to do it for ME and not for anyone else, everything became much clearer for me!

I won't say that the past 8 months have been "fun" but they've sure been rewarding to ME. It hasn't mattered whether anyone else noticed the loss or whether I looked better (although I do I think)...what mattered most was when I saw my doctor back in May and everything was DOWN -- weight, cholesterol, BP. The only thing UP was me and the way I felt!

Do whatever it takes to get your mindset right -- counselors are trained to help with things like this and the most important thing that learned with counseling was that I mattered. Yes, I did counseling after my divorce...not for my weight, but for the depression that I felt and the way I felt about myself. I came to realize that people are powerless -- their only power is my reaction to their actions.
Cindy"
********
Enormous "stress starter" at work was fired yesterday. A case of a real shame as its all due to drinking if you want my humble opinion. Anyone who can work fulltime, go out every night but for college class night and still maintain an A average in pre law is obviously very bright and capable. Why was she fired?? Tardiness and absenteeism. After 6.5 yrs, many, many warnings and 2nd chances. As I said, very bright. But the drinking was really skewing her view of life-- she thought the absenteeism issue was a " vendetta", questions about her projects were "stalking". A great person to see at a party but not so great to work with. Frankly, I am relieved but do hope this will be the "bottom" for her.
**********************
Which brings me to the thought of the day:

'Snap out of it...'
--from Moonstruck.

Question of the day :

"What was your 'bottom' regarding gaining weight?
What made you decide-- time to turn things around?"
*********

Take care all!
Have a Wonderful "Wonderful Me Wednesday"!!

Yikes! I've missed so many posts--how'd that happen?

Arabella, I too remember your photo from your 'Babette' days and thought you were beautiful. Very "french"-looking, know what I mean?
I'm betting that we all have felt how you did at the party. Never mind how I look, I'm still floored when I find out someone really like me! Kinda sad....why don't we realize our own worth?

Kaylets, from your ? a couple of days ago--I prefer the company of women, as long as they're not prim ladies----I'd rather it be someone I don't have to censor myself with, 'cause it can get pretty earthy if you catch my drift!;)

Today's question: wow, where to start....I had so many truly heartbreaking moments. Never being able to find clothes that fit, wearing the 'uniform' of leggings and big tops, seeing photos of myself with that miserable 'please don't take my pic" look, the time I went out on a friend's boat and was clothed head to toe because I couldn't bear wearing a bathing suit. I could go on and on.
I remember what really did it for me is having the thought that if I didn't really sincerely try to drop some weight, I'd never know what life could be like. Let's see if working out really does give me more energy and stamina, drop a couple of dress sizes, see what that feels like. And I made a plan that I'd stick with it for 3 months and if I didn't see a dramatic difference, them I'd resign myself to being over weight.
The first month I actually gained 6 pounds [?! :?: ?!], but I was committed to trying out this exercise/ healthy diet thing and when I saw the changes in my body and energy level I was hooked and I've never looked back!:)

Fly by postie as need to get ready for gym. I do think this will be my last round of personal training days. I have two more and am frankly getting tired of having to pretend to be up for it when I'm clearly not. Think it'd be easier just to drag in and do my own thing! :)

Cerise, I know about that waiting for work nibbling. :sigh: You could learn to tat (shuttle)! You can't shuttle tat and nibble. It doesn't work!! :joker:

Re QODs: Re company of men vs. women, it depends on the activity planned! :s:

Re: The turning point in deciding to lose weight ... I known I've posted this before, but there were really two. The first was when I moved here from the midwest and saw my shadow for the first time in 30 years (because the sun is much closer to the earth here and thus brighter, more intense and shines all the time except during the monsoon)! The second was when my brother died at a relatively young age and I decided I would stay alive and get healthy for both of us! :)

Kaylets: Your coworker being fired must be kind of stressful for you even though a relief. It's just hard to see people in pain even though it's nice not to have to deal with the stress causers, but she'll likely be fine, though it might be too much to expect this is the "bottom" that will turn her life around. My experience has been that most people will just justify these things and eventually find another job. Survival mechanism. As far as drinking goes, this'll likely make it worse. As far as absenteeism, that usually is just a habit dependent on the tolerance of the employer, so if they let her get away with it for a long period of time, they share some of the blame, IMNHO!!!

Wood Nymph! I agree that you looked quite "French" in your pic! Tres jolie! (I think that means "very beautiful?" if not, forgive me for whatever it said, my French is rather bad!)

Avanti, all!!

It is vacation eve! :cb: I've started packing and Bo-Beena and I have been making our plans! Tomorrow 'round 11am I'm headin' for California!!!! :dance: :cool: :dance:

Yesterday it got up to 103 - I have this urge to move to Alaska.... :dz: Yesterday no exercise, I pretty much just melted into my chair and watched Robin Williams on Broadway. :lol: Laughing is exercise right??

Cerise, I hear our heat's supposed to let up tomorrow - hang in there! Good sisterly job on saving your brother's keester! Your SIL would thank you if she knew, I'm sure!

Frogger, isn't it the pits after you move and can't find anything? I think I ate take out for a week or so after I moved too... Get some rest then find those pots n' pans!

Kaylets, you're right, that last sentence is a clincher isn't it? My mom had a signature on her email for a long time that said something like "life is 10% about what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it".
Feeling both sorry and happy about your co-worker. I agree with Amarantha though, this is more than likely not going to be her "bottom". I think most people come to their lowest points all on their own, not from something someone else did to them. They change when they want to, not when they think they have to - almost a universal truth with addiction isn't it? Hopefully this does open her eyes though.

Amarantha, oui! Your french in this case was tres correct! :lol:

Q o' the day ~
My bottom point was a number of things:
wheezing when I lay down, not being able to even paint my toenails without having to hold my breath, weighing more than my sturdy 6'1 stepfather, my dad's diabetes, mom's cancer, hating how puffy my face looked from the side, my borderline high blood pressure, and mostly, wondering what my life was going to be like in 10 or 15 years if I kept overfeeding my body the way I had been - wondering when the heart attack was going to happen...

This weekend away will be a test - my first since my recent mondo-weight loss success. Not that we usually sit and eat junk at Bo-Beena's, nooooo, but just that I'm away from home, away from my structure and eating with other people is always more difficult than when you're only having to worry about yourself. We have a menu started so there's no surprises, or getting too hungry (a big problem for both me n' Bo) and we'll do some grocery shopping when I get there. We'll see... but I feel good about it! I'm very, very ok with a small gain or maintenance next Monday though! Can't loose *all* the way 'till goal now can I?? What will I have learned from THAT? :dizzy:

Toodles for now!
Terri

Hello all!

Have fun Punkin! How nice to be spending time with BoBeena!
Can't wait to hear what you two decide to do while together!

Empress- Looks like you are absolutely right- Ex-coworker is calling sympathetic ears to " set the story straight".
Very sad to also know she's mixing Busbar (sp?)
w/ liquor every day is frightening. Especially since she explained at length how red wine isnt a good mix, but white is, etc etc.


Anyway-- I am on my way --

Wildfire- glad to see you come by!
*************
Thought of the day :

"It is by falling down we learn to stand."
Bob Perks


Question of the day :

"What do you think happened to the straw in strawberries ?"
---Kaylets
*************

Bonjour, Mes Amies!
 

(I'm not really a French chick, I just play one on a forum ;) ) But I will take that as a compliment, bien sur! I feel much better now. I feel about 10 pounds slimmer than I did at that party. Part of the problem was ... clothes! I got some jeans at a thrift shop that are really too big. Ok immediately after they're washed, but then within an hour or so just WAY too baggy. Usually they make me feel skinnier because they're so loose, but I guess I felt like I was in a muumuu (how the heck do you spell that, anyway?) when so many were in sundresses or shorts and slinky little tops. Ah well, I'll get 'em next time!

I've got clothes that are slightly too tight, clothes that are too loose. Also have birthday $ from MIL that is going to get me some that FIT :cb: :cb:

Coping well with End-O-Month this time. I have only a reasonable amount of work to finish today along with a conference call summary that will take four or so hours. Very doable :) No binges, and I should be able to get in at least a run, if not some yoga and a run this morning. And tai chi tonight.

Punkin & Bo Beena -- have a blast! (As if there were any chance you wouldn't!)

I'd love to respond to all you best and brightest of women, but I spent to much time talking about ... me! :rolleyes: Hope to catch up with you tomorrow! A bientot! :love:

I.... AM.... outta here! :wave:

I'll see you lovely ladies on Monday when I return!

Toodles! :cb:

Terri