Hi Chickies!

Sorry I've been MIA...it's been a tough week. Couldn't find the time to sit and read all your posts....wish I could say I'd been doing something fun

Welcome Homebound! I'm recovering from a back injury too....know what you mean about exercise. Hate it. Great group here...very active!

Okay, that's it for now. Think I've dropped at least a lb this week but holding off on weighing myself. The scale is hidden!

Hope everyone has a cool weekend!

Deb

Hi ladies!

I'm writing this at work on my lunch so that I can get caught up tonight. We're not allowed to post to message boards at work and don't want to test the waters and see if they were really know or not.

Its been a busy week. At the first half, my focus was on exercise. Wednesday night we had discipleship class and then a storm rolled in just as we got home so no walking. So, Wednesday was my recovery day by default! Then somehow last night, I missed by time on the airdyne because of DH. Not that he did anything deliberate but just got to talking, then talking to the neighbors, then off to the grocery store, then trying to cook, then taking DH to McD's because his food sucked, etc. I did walk the dog though even though it was more leisurely than fast-paced.

I had asked for salmon last night and I'm trying to make DH get over his fears of cooking seafood. He can do shrimp, crab legs, lobster but wimps out on salmon or other fishes. He has been convinced that he really doesn't like salmon. So he bought himself scallops and wanted to fry them. I wasn't too thrilled about him frying them but...it was seafood not something else to clog his arteries. The salmon recipe we tried was "Maple Syrup Salmon". It was fabulous and DH even decided he could eat that. Its mainly a rub of paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin and sea/kosher salt. When the fish is almost done, drizzle on a little of the syrup and finish grilling. DH bought the copper mountain (?) salmon and it was so mild and delicious. His fried scallops sucked as they just didn't seem to be good scallops in the first place.

Oh, we had a little excitement in the yard on Wednesday. After we got home from our class, the storm was coming in so we were in the backyard trying to get the dog to run and play so he wouldn't know he was going to miss his walk. It was getting dark and the lightning was getting closer. I tried to get the dog to go get his ball but he wouldn't. He'd look at it and then look elsewhere for something else. So DH tells me to go get his big ball and then he'll play. I saunter over and reach down for the all. I noticed that it looked like the ball was on something but it was darkish - then I noticed that it was a snake just about ready to bite my hand. I did these backwards leaps, saying "oh sh**, oh sh** (so much for discipleship!) and finally get out "SNAKE". DH goes to the house to get something and comes out with his honkin' big buck knife - like that would help. We couldn't get close enough to actually get it trapped. I kept telling DH that I could hear its tail vibrate and that wasn't any ordinary yard snake. I knew it wasn't a rattlesnake but also knew that a plain old black snake usually took off in the other direction (grew up on the farm). I finally went across the street to the neighbors because by then it was too dark to see the snake without a light and ours was running low. They all came over and using a long pole, they got its head down so he could pick it up. I just said - GET IT OUT MY YARD!. They hauled it off to the woods. I was creeped out for quite a while after that. Turns out it was a 4 food black rat snake - known for biting and for vibrating their tails. So I felt stupid the next day because it was not a poisonous snake but I don't want it taking up residence in my yard. I would just croak if I were out there playing in the yard and got bit by a damn snake. That was our first encounter of a snake at our house.

Let's see, I missed Tuesday Tip day. Make a plan for each day of what you will accomplish. Write it down and mark it off. Voila, success to sticking with your plan. Wednesday Weigh-in: Hmm, think I'm down about a half-pound for the week. However will go to official WI on Saturday. Thankful Thursday: I'm thankful that I have my faith in God that while bad things in life may come my way; I have the trust that its for a reason and that I will grow stronger as a result. Hmm, Friday Fun.... DH better watch out!

Now to finally get caught up with replies:

Natalie: Good going on throwing out the Hershey bar. That is quite hard to do! Count me in on a scale hopper! I check every day because that's a reminder about whether or not I'm drinking my water. But I only have "official" WI's at WW about every other week. Focus on what you're doing each day that is OP - whether its planning, journalling, keeping points within range, being aware, exercising, drinking your water.... Its okay to check the scales but don't let that be the judge of your success. Your success is if you're utilizing and applying the tools - because if you are doing all the right things, your body will respond. Perhaps on its own time! Wow, I'm really impressed about being able to quit smoking and try to lose weight at the same time. Keep it up! DH quit three years ago - had his last cig in the parking lot of the emergency room before going in to find out he had had a heart attack. But he's gained about 30 pounds and is just now finally trying to get the weight off. That's hard but hang in there! Congrats on the scale being kind to you!

Barb - That's for the 20 inches gone not the gain! But congrats on that too! Its always a victory when the scale isn't as unkind to us as we expect. 35 minutes on the treadmill is great. I can walk outdoors for that long and longer but on the treadmill - it seems like forever. I don't think I ever got it posted on how much I loved your dining room. You are very talented!


Sandy - Isn't it fun to get a new computer; especially when someone else is paying. I'd really love to get a laptop for home and have it net worked to the other computer downstairs. That way I could sit on the couch and post and still be in the same room as DH and the dog. :P

2Cute - Moving is always stressful whether you wanted to move or have to move. Something about having your home all torn up stirs up all kinds of emotional swings. Hang in there and don't fret about getting the new place done right away. I've been in our house two years and just not figured out the theme I want for the kitchen. People will understand. Just take care of yourself. I know about Braums! Not that we have one; Kansas City is too far north. But my sister gets the pleasure of Braums as she is in Springfield, MO. Good stuff!


Pam - Hmm, not sure if I welcomed you to the group. If not, Welcome! Great job on the WATP tapes. I have those and they are a great workout. Keep it up and soon you'll be flying through them. I loved the little story about God and Satan. Your thankful list was very inspiring.

JoAnne - How fun about cooking for the breakfast. I'll have to check out your picture link. Keep on walking!

Amanda - You're doing great with the walking too. I have the allergy problem too and for me, it makes me feel like a slug; no energy and listless. Its hard to convince people who don't have them that I'm not lazy.

Thin - for going back to curves. Doesn't it feel awesome to do that for yourself? Posts do take a long time, don't they? That's why I'm doing this at lunch and emailing it home for later. I laughed when I read about going to your neighbor's house. We have a german shepherd pup across the street that they chain to the deck. No fenced yard to run and play. And he barks constantly. It really irritates me because we don't let Bear just stand outside and bark his fool head off. But then I feel sorry for the pup because if he was being socialized into the family and taught obedience and given enough play, he wouldn't be outside barking constantly. People are just dumb sometimes.

Lori - I love your cat stories; especially the cat commandments. I had to laugh about the cat and the dead bird too. I don't have a cat now but secretly at heart, I'm a cat person. I had a grey cat, Smokey, for 14 years. He and I had such a love/hate relationship. Used to sleep on the waterbed up against the back of my head - then claw me if I moved and disturbed him. That darn cat of mine used to get mad at me and do really bad stuff. Once, he threw up a mouse on the hood of my car. Another time it was right beside my cardoor. Or he'd hang on the screen window and look in the window at me to where all I could see was his yellow eyes and scare the crap out of me. I miss having a kitty!! Now, I have a love sick rottie dog. Good going on losing that inch! Meeting the parents; that could be scarey! Sounds like you did a good job of pigging out on the right things. Sounds very refreshing.

Mary - Sorry about the bad food day. But it sounded yummy! Just try to make some lighter choices the next few meals. Its all about working real life bumps into healthy eating.

Duckie - Take a breath! Congrats on the new position. Its always frightening at first but the challenge will be good. Good luck with that...and the honey! Wow, that's great about the free airfare. What a cool boss.

Kat - You've been a busy chick with all your house cleaning. Come on down to MO; I could use some decluttering help! I need the time to sort out stuff for goodwill and as anal retentive as I am; can't do it without making the detailed list for tax deduction! Have fun! 12 days off from works sounds heavenly. What a great sis to give you the pedicure. A little TLC for you!

Andria - Definitely, you need sleep. When we get tired or stressed, that's when we're susceptible to sabotaging our own efforts. Get some rest and try to relax. Although looks like you've got a stressful work situation (sorry, my memory is short and can't remember why). Take care of yourself!

Homebound/JoAnne - Welcome to the group! Congrats on 8 pounds gone! Looking forward to getting to know more about you!

Okay ladies, that should catch me up. This took forever but you all are definitely worth it. Hope I didn't miss anyone. Have a great Friday and lets have an "in control" weekend - those are always a big challenge.

Good evening girls
welcome Homebound: I am 51 and live in MS.

Food today wasn't good I went to aataaco Bell and got one of their Chicken Caeser Burittos. It was good but not on my diet plan. Tonight I had a salad and a hambuger on a Whole wheat low fat bun just 290 cal.

I worked today on my day off for free, and I have to work tomorrow for free. Our childrens person had out patients surgery yeaterday and is not up to coming in so I am taking her place. Yesterday our shelver fell and cut her arm it had to have over 30 stitches. She has been on dialysis for 30 years so her skin is very thin. It was her Sat to work so . The boss and I are going to hold down the fort. Then tomorrow afternoon I have my genealogy meeting.
Oh the free thing we do not have enough money left in our substitute budget to pay me so I agreed to volunteer.

Well sorry I didn't post individual replies but I am tired so I'm off to bed

Howdy girls! I'm back from Curves. That's 3 days in a row! Then we (DH, #1 son and I) decided that we were going to work on the landscaping tonight. It's been nice and cool today and it was a great evening for working in the garden. We tore out some very old railroad ties and pulled out bushes and planted some new. I moved some of my perrenials around, trimmed a tree and spread mulch. It's not quite done, but I'm beat!!!! That scale on Monday better say something positive after 3 days at Curves AND landscaping!!!

Mary: That recipe for pancakes sounds easy enough that even I could make them. We actually do have a wonderful product available here. It's a fat free pancake mix and you just mix it with water, no milk or eggs so the WW points are really low. Anyway, the brand is Krusteaz and they also make some delicious muffin mixes. Bless your heart for volunteering your time at the library because of lack of funds. Must mean you love your job. And that you're dedicated.

Duckie: I'm so excited for you, going to Newfoundland. WooHoo!!! Now wouldn't it be cool if you could convince DF that he wants to have a wedding while he's back home??? Just a thought.

Homebound: Welcome to our corner of the boards! We're happy to have you join us. Stop in often and get to know us. There are alot of wonderful women here.

Kat: You're right, me and Curves in the same sentence IS HUGE! Thanks for your kind words. * Nice sis giving you a pedicure. I have never had one, or a manicure for that matter.

2cute: Sorry you're not getting much accomplished, but a nap is a good thing.

Deb: We've missed you! Glad you're back. Hope that scale is kind to you when you do weigh in.

Terri: Ooooo SNAKES! Yikes! I don't like snakes! You know how bad I am at cooking, do you think you could give me some idea of the amounts of all those ingredients for the salmon rub???? Pretty please???? Honey and I really like salmon grilled on the old George and that would be a really different option.

Well girls, I'm going to call this day done. Need a shower and a bed right about now. See you all later.

First off.....CONGRATULATIONS to a certain Mr. Stewart as he is on the pole for the Chicago race!!



Secondly, we finally got our internet fixed! It seems we needed an amplifier, because we have four tv's in our house and the wiring (or whatever...NOT *technical* here) couldn't stand the load....or something like that. Anyways....we are up and running and running GOOD!

I will pop in tomorrow for abit, but probably not for long as I'll be a packing fool, but I just couldn't leave without telling my cyber family goodbye. Although.....I will be telling some of my cyber family hello in a few days!! We will be leaving at 5am Sunday morning and will not be back till next Sunday sometime. So, if you don't see me posting....I'm fine. If I can gain access to a puter while I'm on the road, I'll try to hop in real quick. If not, please know I love you all and will more than miss you.

Ok, on to replies:

Thin: In case I haven't said it yet, (and I haven't) I am PROUDER than punch of you for going to Curves. It was such a huge move on your part and you are definitley my inspiration! {{{humming "Wind Beneath my Wings}}}

Mary: What a sweetie you are for volunteering....may we all be so giving. I have been wanting to try that Chicken Caesar burrito for awhile. It doesn't look like it would be all that bad except for the dressing.

Terri: Even though I'm not a big "fish" person, you made the salmon sound absolutely scrumptious!! Sorry to hear about the snake though....you'd still hear me screaming!

Deb: Nice to see you and good job on hiding the scales. I am a former scale-o-holic myself. I don't own one anymore. I weighed myself three or four times a day and drove myself crazy.

2cute: Good to see you sweetheart. I'm whispering my post to you, because hopefully you're sleeping... You be good while I'm gone and keep everyone in line here, ok?

Homebound: VERY nice to meet you. Welcome to our corner of the world. It is very nice to have you here with us. My name is Tina. I have been married to my dh, Ron...for almost 16 years and we have two lovely, but spunky boys...Trey and Brian. You have found a wonderful group here...hope you stick around.

Duckie: How nice is that of your DF's boss! I can't even imagine going to Newfoundland! How cool is that? Maybe knowing you're going to meet his parents will give you the motivation you need! Now....I just need to find mine again.

Lori: Your posts always crack me up! Congrats on making smart choices at the picnic. Good for you girl. Don't you worry about traveling and meeting Bri's parents... I know you girl....and you will take it all in stride.

Amanda: Hun, you are ALWAYS here for me and one of my biggest supporters. Never doubt it. I love your posts. They always crack me up and are very inspirational. I hope sometimes I offer you the same.

Alright everbody....it is now almost midnight and I still have to get up at 6:00am for work. I will definitely stop back in here sometimes tomorrow. Have a lovely night and I love you all!

Here I am slaving away at work; man, you guys have been busy in here today.

The ladies here had another potluck tonight - they made breakfast for supper - bacon, sausage, eggs, home made biscuits, gravy and pastry, fried potatoes. YUMMMMMM . I allowed myself to have a biscuit with home made plum jelly, and I had a Healthy Choice entree. I did take a bite or two of eggs and fried taters, tho.

I don't have time at work to do replies, so I'll just make this one big ole reply to everyone. You all are doing a great job getting in that exercise and eating healthy. We are awesome!!

Was it Thin who said she was the non-exercise queen?? Can I claim first runner-up???

Welcome Homebound/Joanne!!

Well, I've got to starting getting these reports together. You all have a super weekend.

This is for all of us --------

Hey everyone

I look like such a no-show compared to everyone here! For some reason our satellite connect was not working last night, so I couldn't log on to read or post. That was a bunch of catching up to do tonight. Thank you all for giving me so much to read.

A couple of quick replies before I fall asleep at the keyboard...

2cute, I have heard of Braums! They were the closest thing to Snelgrove's when we moved to OK. Of course, no one here is going to have heard of Snelgrove's. And I want to hear the ice cream story! It would be so wonderful to have someone I know published in a Chicken Soup book!

Thin, you are amazing me! Curves is totally addictive, and it looks like you have caught the bug. One tip I forgot to share with you. Remember to keep your head resting back on the machines. I kept leaning forward and strained my neck about week 2. Ouchies! Also, the link I posted for the article changes daily. There is a little calendar off to the side where you can choose the date you want to read. I kind of forgot to mention that part. Mine was on the 9th and had some stupid title about taking time to study driver’s license.

Tina, it is sooooo good to see you back and feeling yourself again!

Mary, your sweet spirit shines through every one of your posts. One of the jobs I've been checking out is a school librarian. My sis has held the job for a few years now and has loved it, but she is totally burned out. I've always thought sharing my love of books with others would be an amazing thing.

Terri, salmon = YUM, snakes = *shudder*scream*run faster than I thought possible* enough said? Share that whole salmon recipe when you get a chance. It sounds divine.

Pam, way to go on your WATP progress! It must be feeling great to see your body building up so quickly.

Natalie, I remember reading an article a couple of years back that said people who exercise the same time as they are quitting smoking have a significantly higher success rate. You are doing the perfect thing for yourself! You go girl!

Duckie, the job is going to sound wonderful on a CV, but yeah, the learning curve might be a bit up there. You sound like a chick (or is that duckling?) up to the challenge. And where did your DF find that kind of boss?!

Amanda, thanks again for the PM. Very helpful

Lori, your cat stories crack me up! We have 3 inside cats and one totally outside one. They don’t often bring me dead presents. They prefer stunned/passed out ones that regain consciousness and zoom all over the house. Also, you have made a few mentions about the weight loss surgeon. I think I’ve missed this entire story!

Homebound, nice to meet you! Sounds like you have already taken some very positive steps. TOPS is supposed to be a wonderful program.

Kat, spa pedicure? I would be in absolute heaven! What a very cool b-day present!

Connie, you are such the woman for passing up all that yummy potluck food. I think passing up the homemade plum jelly would have been a sin, though. I know there are laws about saying no to that sort of thing.

Joanne, thanks for sharing the link. I’ve been wondering how close we might live to each other. My sis lives in the AZ strip and is only an hour from here. It would be cool if you were that close and we could meet up one day.

Ok, I know that isn’t everyone, but I promised myself I would head to bed by midnight. It is a few minutes after already. Ack! Didn't I say I was just going to do a few quick replies?
Have a great weekend!

Andria

Hello it is Saturday! and it is 6:00am!

Have to be at wrk in 30 mins, but wanted to wish you all a great day! Welcome to Homebound, you will have fun with us, I am still a "newbie" too, but these gals are wonderful, I hope you stay with us!

Just finished my walking tape, 6th day in a row!! whew!! I think I will rest tomorrow! Then right back at it Monday am.

I will check in this afternoon. Smiles ladies, and a healthy day to you!!

sw 356 june 5th
cw 346
next weigh in 7/24
first goal: lose 50lbs....I am on my way!!!
final goal: 130

Chat tonight be there

Whoa, I don't check in for about 12 hours and there are 20 posts. I had a great time reading this morning but you all are insane. Posting maniacs, that must mean that we are all extremely motivated. I bet we will be the thread with the most lost pounds this month!

It is a beautiful Saturday morning here in PA. I can't wait to get my suit on and head down to the pool. I have to do a few more laps than usual due to the banana split I had last night. EEEEK! I know it was a horrible moment of weakness. But, I had just had a killer workout and I only downed half of it. Some how I managed to stay under 2000 calories yesterday.
So it's all good.

Just finished eating my whole wheat peanut butter toast. I need all the energy I can get. Those 400 calories will be burned of in about 20 minutes of swimming. Good Stuff!

Onto the replies;

QSilver
Thanks for the info about smoking. Glad you got your computer back up and running!

Thin
Great job keeping up with the Curves. I am positive you will see a difference in the scale, hard work is always rewarded.

Determined
What a story! You are very lucky that you didn't get a nice snake bite. Good job at getting it out of the area.
That salmon recipe you explained sounded just delicious. I will have to try that the next time we get salmon. I love to eat fish, it's just not normally in our budget.
Congratulations on Hubby quitting the smokes. I must say, I was lucky to have cut it out before I developed any health problems. It hasn't been that difficult because it was something I really wanted to do for a long time. One day I just realized, I don't need this anymore. It just so happens I took that attitude and put it towards my whole life, hence the change. Thanks!

Katrina,
Congratulations to you for doing something good for yourself. I strongly believe that women don't take enough time to worship our heavenly selves. Maybe if we all took more time for pedicures and spa treatment we would be a lot happier. I'm so jealous!

Homebound,
Welcome, welcome, welcome. Happy to have you on board, now I'm not the newest anymore. These wonderful ladies sure did a great job on taking me in and listening to me vent! Enjoy.

Tina,
Thanks for transferring my post over! Sweetie. I should have thought of that myself. Whoops

Hi ladies!

Went to WI this morning. Down 6.4 pounds for a three-week period!! I'm down officially 17.6 for the year.

DH took me downtown to the City Market. For $13 I got sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, sweet peppers, and onions. Almost set with veggies for the week. I love doing that. We've been to Lowes, Linen & Things, Wal-mart, and the library all before 10:00 this morning. Now we're headed back out to lunch. I admit, I plan on eating something with fries and enjoying every mouthful. Then back at the Beach for our eating plan.

I will post the salmon recipe today. Its still upstairs.

Have a great Saturday. I'll even try to remember chat tonight. Be strong and eat healthy! Tina - Have a great vacation!

Hello everyone,
I am new to this site, and had responded to an old post of Kat's. She invited me over here.and here I am. *s* I am 39 years old (dreaded 40 is in 12 days..), married with 2 kids. I am currently following WW and I've lost 37 lbs since April. I have like a million more to go. I'm from NE Philadelphia. I'm having trouble with the exercise thing, because of a few health problems I'm having, but I hope i can over come that soon. I've read all your posts and you seem like a nice bunch. Hope to chat with you all again soon. *s*
Chrissy

Hi, Chrissy, and welcome to this delightful thread! And many thanks to Kat for inviting you--the more the merrier I say

OK, I am now officially over the "meet the parents" anxiety for sure as of today--I talked to Bri's mother earlier this afternoon on the phone. Turns out the family had an eventful morning out there when a couple of troublemakers started in on his little brother and Brian went off like a rocket. Much as this little squirt loves kids, mess with his kid brother and the wrath of God comes unleashed. Anyway, I didn't get all the details of what transpired, but it must of been dandy, because Zack came on the phone and said something that really cracked me up so hard I had tears down my cheeks: " "Dude! Ewan McGregor and Kurt Cobain's love child just kicked someone's !" (I would presume from that that "someone" won't be messing with Zack anymore ) Even their poor mother, bless her heart, about peed her pants!

Doris is a joy. I told her about Tigger and the dead bird and read her the cat commandments and practically had her on the floor laughing. Turns out they too have a cat and Mr Belvedere also has a habit of leaving dead "presents" on the front porch every morning. Guess that explains why Tigger liked Brian so much, and Tigger is not one to usually warm up to males--human nor animal.

Oh yes, and I just had the most delightful lunch--watermelon and cantelope salad with cottage cheese..ummmm. I love summer fruit

Hi Ladies!
I hope everyone is enjoying this great day!!! Not much time right now - just popping in for a second before we run errands.
DH and I slept til about 10am today. Very late for me. However, we were up until 2am so I guess we needed our 8 hours!

I've spent the last 4 hours cleaning the house and I just took a shower and got freshened up! Not even sure where exactly we are going right now. I know we need to stop at the library to look up building codes for the basement.

A great big WELCOME!!! to Homebound and Chrissy! You'll love it here!

I'll try to catch up with everyone else later! And, I'll try making it to chat tonight.

Have a wonderful day!
Barb