Good Morning! I still have one more week before vacation. It is just so hot and muggy here that I don't spend too much time at the computer. Rain here and there and when there is lightning, I don't even turn it on. I did lose another pound this week. That makes 4 in two weeks after struggling and not being able to do that in six months. :cb: Those WATP tapes have my vote! Yesterday, I walked on the treadmill for 15 min, then did the 2-mile walk. I have to start mixing up my menus too. I think we all tend to eat the same things day after day. But, I DID have beans on toast last night. Well, OK, they were vegetarian beans, but they were pretty good. I just wish they weren't so sweet. I got the one with the lowest sugar content, but still too sweet for me.

Willow, glad to hear things are going good at work. I work for an attorney and I am the only other person in the office. The phone rings off the hook and people are always stopping in, so I feel like I have lots of co-workers too. :dizzy: I am waiting eagerly to see how you are stopping the urges.

Angel, congrats on the 2 lbs. A little here, a little there, it all adds up in the end. Ooops, that doesn't sound quite right. But you know what I mean.

Sheila, I have seen people at DW take off their belts, watches and earrings when they get weighed in. I imagine someday, the rest of the clothes will come off too. :o My shoes come off, but that's it. I know how you feel though. Good luck on the next weigh-in.

Puss, when you mentioned ironing, I thought about my sister. She lives in a stone house and does all her ironing in the cellar. Cool as a cucumber year round. I think I would live down there. I have a fan going in front and in back of me when I iron on days like this. My motto is "If it ain't permanent press, forget it" But then again, most of that has to be ironed too. Usually about 5 minutes before I decide to wear it. My mother used to ask me (when I was ironing a shirt 5 minutes before the school bus came) why I didn't iron the night before. Did the shirt magically appear in your closet overnight? I can still feel her standing behind me every morning. :lol:

Guess I better get going - Have a great day all. And stay cool! Sue

Hi Everybody.....

Sue..... 1 BIG POUND!!! My hat's off to ya! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-049.gif Like you said...a pound at a time....& that's how we gained it. I don't like ironing, either..... http://www.00fun.com/rosie_ironing_md_wht.gif

Willow....thanks for all the icons...made me feel good!!!;) Hope you get that strategy worked out. Be sure you're drinking LOTS of water.....I mean, like, a gallon a day....honestly. With me not exercising....this is the best thing I have going.

Sheila...We're waiting to hear those weigh-in results! Wishing you lots of luck!

THOUGHT YOU ALL MIGHT ENJOY THIS, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT BEFORE:

A Strange Lady......................

Even though this lady is residing in MY house, she may at some time appear in yours. Be alert!

A very weird thing has happened. A strange old lady has moved into my house.

I have no idea who she is, where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly did not invite her. All I know is that one day she wasn't there, and the next day she was!

She is a clever old lady and manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her. And whenever I look in the mirror to check my appearance, there she is hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. This is very rude!

I have tried screaming at her, but she just screams back. The least she could do is offer to pay part of the rent, but no. Every once in a while, I find a dollar bill stuck in a coat pocket, or some loose change under a sofa cushion, but it is not nearly enough.

I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think she is stealing money from me. I go to the ATM and withdraw $100, and a few days later, it's all gone!

I certainly don't spend money THAT fast, so I can only conclude the old lady is pilfering from me. You'd think she would spend some of that money to buy wrinkle cream.

And money isn't the only thing I think she is stealing. Food seems to disappear at an alarming rate -- especially the good stuff like ice cream, cookies, and candy. She must have a real sweet tooth, but she'd better watch it, because she is really packing on the pounds. I suspect she realizes this, and to make herself feel better, she is tampering with my scale to make me think I am putting on weight, too.

For an old lady, she is quite childish. She likes to play nasty games,like going into my closets when I'm not home and altering my clothes so they don't fit. And she messes with my files and papers so I can't find
anything. This is particularly annoying since I am extremely neat and organized.

She has found other imaginative ways to annoy me. She gets into my mail, newspapers, and magazines before I do and blurs the print so I can't read it. And she has done something really sinister to the volume controls
on my TV, radio, and telephone. Now, all I hear are mumbles and whispers.

She has done other things--like make my stairs steeper, my vacuum cleaner heavier and all my knobs and faucets harder to turn. She even made my bed higher so that getting into and out of it is a real challenge.
Lately, she has been fooling with my groceries before I put them away, applying glue to the lids, making it almost impossible for me to open the jars.

She has taken the fun out of shopping for clothes. When I try something on, she stands in front of the dressing room mirror and monopolizes it. She looks totally ridiculous in some of those outfits, plus,
she keeps me from seeing how great they look on me.

Just when I thought she couldn't get any meaner, she proved me wrong.

She came along when I went to get my picture taken for my driver's license, and just as the camera shutter clicked, she jumped in front of me!

I hope she never finds out where YOU live!http://www.funnygreetings.com/graphi...big_sm_clr.gif

Just stopped by for a second to say that all I took off was my watch and I took my YMCA plastic membership card out of my pocket when I weighed in today. I had .2 lbs. to spare so I've officially lost 50.2 lbs. Yippee!!

More later--it's 11:00 am and I haven't had breakfast or helped my dad on with his compression stockings.

Angel, Sue and Sheila ...WELL DONE YOU GIRLS!!!!!:dance:
I am glad some people around here are losing it because with me stuffing myself I am stuck on 147 which was my goal two weeks ago. I can't blame the jelly babies, licorice toffee, cheddar cheese or frozen yoghurt (or the lovely duck and cranberry pate I had with french bread tonight). This weekend I know I will be eating as I have daughter and friend back from Cuba, her boyfriend and his chums (who fly out the next day to Brazil) and friends and their two kids Sunday. I bought enough food to feed a platoon today including a big joint of beef for roast beef and yorkshire pudding roast dinner. Angel, I loved the 'old lady' parody, very funny. WIllow, I think it's a brilliant idea to team up with the other ladies and to increase your gym equipment (says the one who never exercises). "strength in numbers" comes to mind. Sue, I loved the bit about ironing 5 mins before the school bus comes. I am one of those weirdos who could iron for a living - I love it (except in these awful temperatures which are set to last another 4 or 5 days). Well done on the beans on toast - were they the heinz variety? Sheila, you have almost disappointed me with your weigh in clothing, I had visions of the Full Monty! Well done again you ladies on your loses, I am really pleased for you.

Hi again!
 

Sorry, Puss, no full monty for me! My WW leader did mention that a woman who was just a few ounces shy of her goal took her underwire bra off, which made the difference. I might be willing to do that when I get close to my goal. Say, my DH keeps asking me to ask you about custard tarts. What the heck are they?

Sue, congrats on the pound loss! I'm always thrilled when I see another pound gone. Ironing?? I'm not even sure where my iron is, although I think I still remember how to use it. :) When I was a kid, I had to iron pillowcases, sheets, my dad's shirts and all my own clothes, of course. Now I iron nothing.

Charlotte, love those graphics! You are the graphic goddess! :)

Willow, that gym idea sounds great. And I think taking a few buddies along on this journey is great.

I posted a link to my before and 50 lbs. photos on the other board I'm on (the 100 lb. board). I thought I would do it here, too. I'm now halfway to my goal. I can see the difference in my face, but my hips, well, hopefully the next 50 lbs. will come off there!

http://www.idahopawsforlife.org/shebef&aft50fr.jpg

http://www.idahopawsforlife.org/shebef&aft50.jpg

WOW!!! WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS!!
 

Hi Girls! I am so jealous! And I am so proud of you gals!
Sheila, I'm so happy for you that you made it to, and past, the 50-pound mark!! Yipppeee!!
And there is a startling difference in your pictures! You can see the difference in your hips too!
Oh man! This is getting exciting now! It makes me want to really get on the ball and get losing too.

Sue, congratulations to you too. Geez, you're really on a roll all of a sudden, aren't you? Good that the tapes are helping. But, they couldn't help if you weren't really working hard at it, so you should really be proud of yourself.

About all I can tell you right now about my strategy thing, is that I'm going to start using visualization and self-talk with self-relaxation. I haven't gotten it down yet exactly all that I will vizualize for different foods and What I will do-say-think of when I start trying to talk myself out of exercise.
The last couple of days I've been picturing an acid-type goo sliding through my veins and body when I want to have something real sweet and sugary. It worked too! :D Anyway, I have to get it down better before I start bragging, because sure as the sun comes up in the morning, I'll brag, then it will quit working. :p

I don't iron anymore. Maybe once a year.
When we were kids, my parents raised 3 of my neices and nephew. One of my neices didn't like a sailor dress of hers, and it was all that was clean of hers at the time for school the next day, and she was pissed that she had to iron it, so she set the iron down right smack in the middle of the back of the dress and left it there till it burned a big scorch mark the shape of the iron into the dress. She was 13, and I think she should have gotten her butt kicked for it, but, she didn't.

Charlotte, I love the STRANGE LADY. I have it in a folder, and I still think it's funny no matter how many times I read it. Maybe because it's so like me??? :lol:


Oh Lord! Puss! If I ever get down to 147 I won't care if I get stuck there! :lol: I know what you're saying though. We each feel comfortable at our own weight.
Duck and cranberry pate, ........ mmmm, .... your foods always sound so elegant.
I always have the same old stuff. I wouldn't know the first thing about how to prepare most of those foods you have. I've heard of them, but never had them. Heard of them mostly through reading novels etc. And what is yorkshire pudding? Or rather, what does it taste like?

You know, my husband used to like to iron too, and the clothes always looked like they had been done by a very good cleaners. I LOVED it when he offered to do the ironing.

Well, I got one call about taking that fuel oil tank out. He wanted to know how much I am willing to pay to have it taken out, and the next thing he said gave me pause, ....
He said if there was any fuel oil remaining in the tank, he'll probably have to punch a hole in the tank and drain it out. :fr: I don't think so!

Well, I suppose I better retire this to someone else for a while. I have to work tomorrow again. 5 AM till 1 PM. It will be a nice check towards my basement work though.

I'll be back tomorrow to catch up.

Everyone have a wonderful evening/day.

Sheila..I can see a BIG difference!!

You're doing a great job with your weightloss...just keep it up! I can see a difference all over...but your face looks like a different person!

You're a good sport, also, about the teasing of the weigh-in. :) Thanks for the compliment on the graphics!

Willow...glad you're enjoying your work. I dread next week. I have it alone....ouch!

Fatpuss...I'm like Willow..I'll be stuck at 147 any time! I understand, though, there's a certain place you want to be, & I wish you luck.

HAVE YOU ALL SEEN THIS ONE?!

WHAT PMS MEANS.......

PASS MY SHOTGUN!
PSYCHOTIC MOOD SHIFT!
PERPETUAL MUNCHING SPREE!
PUFFY MID SECTION!
PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK!
PROVIDE ME WITH SWEETS!
PARDON MY SOBBING!
PIMPLES MAY SURFACE!
PASS MY SWEATPANTS!
PATHETIC MOOD SYNDROM!
PLAINLY;MEN S...!
PACK MY STUFF!
PERMANENT MENSTRUAL SYNDROM!
http://www.funnygreetings.com/graphi...big_sm_clr.gif

Sheila, tell your DH custard tarts are one of the yummiest teatime treats in the world. They are basically high-sided shortcrust pastry filled with custard - the custard is not the thin, runny consistency we would pour over apple pie and other tarts, but a thick non-runny type. Quite a process to make yourself but if you could buy the pastry cases then the filling is as following:
3 eggs
1.5 cups milk
1.25 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
0.5 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine eggs and milk in a bowl and whisk. Add sugar gradually, whisking to dissolve completely. Stir in the essence. Strain mixture into a jug, then pour into the pastry cases (pastry cases should be already baked at this stage). Sprinkle with nutmeg and bake for 25 minutes ( 150 degrees C) or until filling is just set.

I have made these myself years ago when I had more time but most bakeries here sell them already made so no contest. My father and I used to love them but they are quite sweet.
Another custard-type confectionary which is lovely is a slightly thicker consistency of custard sandwiched between flaky pastry (sometimes called rough puff pastry) and the top layer of pastry has a thick layer of soft icing (frosting?) on it. Oh yum , this does not bode well for me about to go to the market in the high street.

Sheila - just seen your photos, you look fantastic!! Gosh what a difference you must be thrilled to bits. It's also lovely to put a face to your name. Well done, this gives us all inspiration!

Gee, y'all are making me look like a slug for not posting. First of all, Sheila, love the pics. Yes, you do look like a totally different person. Great job! I think its great to have a face to match with the posts.

Angel, I love the PMS list. Did you know in the South, it is called FTS - Fixin' To Start!

Willow, sounds like you are back in control. I was thinking of enlarging a picture I have of myself (at my absolute heaviest) and putting it on the refrigerator. When I think back, I think it was that picture that finally broke the camels back. I never thought of myself as being that heavy. The mirror may lie, but pictures don't.

Puss, the beans were Bush's, though I have tried the Heinz. Sometimes I even rinse them off in hot water when they are too sugary. Those custard tarts sound wonderful. Better to go to the bakery for an occassional treat than to have a whole recipe full in the house. For me anyway.

Today should be a fun day here - shampooing all the carpeting. Just fun fun fun all day. Catch you all later. Have a great day - Sue.

Good afternoon!

Sue, were you really posting at 5:14 am? Maybe it's just a time difference thing--I hope so. Unless shampooing the carpet is a lot more fun than I remember, I'd be sleeping in! :)

Yum--those custard tarts sounds SO good, Puss! No wonder Lionel always wants them. I'm keeping that recipe around for future use.

Charlotte, love those PMS lines. My favorite is Provide Me with Sweets. Pardon My Sobbing used to be somewhat applicable, too.

Willow, how was work? I hear that visualization works very well. I'm going to start visualizing myself in a size 10. . .

Well, my 19 year old daughter is talking about joining the Navy. Anyone know someone in the service? She is on depression medication so I'm not sure if that will hinder her from joining if that's what she decides she wants to do. She's working fulltime so it's not like she is unemployed, but she wants to try something new and she likes the idea of the structure. We'll see what happens when she talks to the recruiter. She's interested in the medical field.

My son arrived last night. He's lost weight and is looking fit. Wouldn't you know that he comes over here and it rained this morning? He's caulking and masking today and then will paint the house tomorrow and the trim on Monday. I took before shots. I tried the color out on one corner of the house so I'm hoping it will look good when it's on.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing Saturday, or at least is getting something done around the house.

Hi Girls!
 

Work didn't go too bad today, but I was glad when my 8 hours were up too. I went to 2 stores on my way home, then came home, took a shower and started doing laundry.
I have one more load to wash and 2 to dry after this one gets dried.

I bought myself some valerian to see if I sleep better with it. I wanted to try it on a weekend so I can see if it makes me groggy the next day. If it does, I won't be able to use it because I have to drive to work.
I also started taking the Glucosamine Chrondroitin that I bought about a year ago and haven't gotten brave enough to try yet. Maybe it'll help my hip. Nothing else so far seems to help.

I took out some skinless chicken breasts and some boneless loin pork chops and I'm going to marinate them for stirfry's this next week. I'm getting eager to get started again.

My foods the last few days have been pretty bad. I need to plan better when I'm working 10-hour days.

I'm really "in the mood" now that you girls are losing so much. It's kind of fun to come here to see how much who has lost and what they're doing to accomplish it. :strong:

Charlotte, I loved the PMS list! Too cute! And all me! :lol:

Puss, ... my goodness! those tarts sound delicious! I bet that's getting copied LOTS of times!
Are your family there now? I bet you're just enjoying this visit too. It's nice to have her back on home soil, isn't it? Well, if nothing else, they're going to be well fed! Those meals you have planned sound so delicious!

Sue, I think your idea of having a photo enlarged is an excellent one! I wonder how big you can get them enlarged to. I'd think it would help tremendously every time a person would be tempted to have something unhealthy.
Did you get your carpets shampooed? I need to do mine again soon too. At least before winter so they'll be nice for the holidays.

Sheila, I bet you're happy to see your son too. He's good to you guys, painting for you etc. I realize that you're paying him, but, most kids would rather their parents hired someone else.

I sure HOPE the visualization works. Of course, I'm still going to have to use some common sense, and for me, that's hard to do when it comes to food!

So your daughter wants to go military. Well, if that's what she wants, then she'll probably do very well. It's a good way to get your education, but right now, I guess I'd have mixed feelings about it.

I hear the buzzer on the drier so I better go get that load out and put another one in.
I have some dishes in the kitchen sink, and I'm tempted to leave them until morning, but I absolutely CANNOT stand dishes sitting in the sink when I wake up in the morning. I think it takes the cheerfulness away from the kitchen. I am soooo tired though.

You all have a good evening/day, and I'll be back tomorrow. :wave:

GOODNESS...everybody is doing housework today!
I've done is take a shower..... & go to a wedding!! Make me feel lazy!! Of course, I don't have much housework around here, right now.

Sheila....wish your daughter well in the service. As far as medication she's on....my son-in-law is on Zoloft, & he's in the army...they provided them the whole time he's been in.(about 9 yrs) He's in Iraq now.....having a very rough time...needs prayers. I haven't talked about it, but he & the other soldiers are going through a lot more than is being told.

Glad you're getting a visit with your son. Did he notice YOUR weightloss, also?

Willow...hope you get a good night's sleep.

Hello Fatpuss......nite all............. http://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/ursos/urso40.gif

Well, a wet Sunday to you all!

Mother Nature played a nasty trick on us. After sealing and masking most of the house yesterday, and with the weather report assuring us of a mostly sunny day today, we've seen only heavy rain as well as thunder and lightning. Supposedly it's the same for the next two days. We might end up leaving for the coast with an unpainted house. :(

This morning we played some version of poker that my son likes. I'm not a great card player--I lost big, but my husband won everything and we do live in a community property state! We were only playing with pennies out of my penny jar, and the rule was all the money had to go back into the jar so there were no losers really.

Other than waiting for the rain to stop, we're all going to meet my daughter at 6:00 pm for dinner somewhere near where she lives. We have no idea where--it will be a surprise to all of us.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing day. The news says that Puss is still broiling in the U.K. along with the rest of Europe. My newscaster said he lived in London for a while, and when the temps got over 75 degrees, everyone shed their clothes and went into the fountains. I don't think he meant it exactly as it sounded, but if Puss doesn't post today, maybe she's naked in a fountain??

Just when I thought we could get any more rain, the skies have opened up again. I was on the freeway doing 35mph with my four-way flashers on. You could actually see the rain coming toward you in sheets. That was 2 hours ago. And it is still coming down. Gotta go - thunder and lightning. I'll be back, Sue.

Back to work today
 

My weekend went pretty fast! Only one day off!

I made out checks for all my bills yesterday, and that took a while, ... lots of little ones.

In a way I hope there's overtime again this week, as I'm eager to get started on my downstairs.

Had a healthy breakfast this morning and did 2 miles of the 3-mile WATP tape.

Sheila and Sue, sorry to hear that you're having so much rain. We were suppose to get some yesterday and last night, but it was a no-show. My yard is all straw. I'm not going to water either because they have that watershed tax here now, which is soooo ridiculous!
Hope you enjoyed that dinner out Sheila.

Puss, I've been watching the people in the fountains trying to cool off over there. Aren't you tempted to join them? .... Or have you?
How come they don't have air conditioning over there? Or is it just that you personally don't have it?

Charlotte, my prayers go out for your Son-in-law and all the military personnel over there. I would be a basket case if one of my family members were there. I wonder if they really know how deeply grateful most of us are to them for what they are sacrificing for us? Please express my gratitude to him and anyone else you may know who is over there or anyplace else in the world serving our country.

I better get moving. Be back after work.

Monday Morning! The weekends just go by too fast. I won't even mention the "R" word. It is so wet here, I have mushrooms growing in my garden. Never had them before.

Sheila, I don't think I have ever been on the computer at 5:14 in the morning. When I post this, it will be just about 7:30 in the morning, so we can compare it to the time it says I posted.

Boss is on vacation this week, so it will be hectic. I can't believe how upset some people get when they hear he is on vacation. Lawyers are actually human too. :lol: At this time next week, I shall be out on the boat fishing. According to the forecast, it should be sunny and DRY.

I did get all my carpeting shampooed this weekend. Good thing DH is around to help me move furniture. He is also good at mopping the kitchen floor and doing laundry. :dizzy: I think I'll keep him.

I don't think I will do very good at weigh-in this week. I feel like I had a pig-out weekend. Maybe if I behave myself for the next three days, it will even out. As muggy as it's been, I should at least lose a pound of sweat! Time to hit she shower. (7:30A.M. EST) Have a great day all! Sue

Hi Girls - You've heard of the expression "we don't want to frighten the horses, well if I stripped off in the fountain at Picadilly Circus that's what would happen! The heat is unbearable and non of the houses in the UK have aircon, we are lucky to get a summer with five consecutive rain-free days normally so a builder would be laughed at for installing it. Even some of the older big stores don't have it. DH's company has it but I work for the government and they have hired huge industrial fans which just circulate the hot air but today we were told at 1430 (!!) we could go home if we were suffering. now if they had told us that at 1100 am.....Angel, our friends who came yesterday with their little 5 and 7 year olds had been to her brother's wedding at Oxford the day before and the heat had everyone wilting. I bought the kids two super-soaker water guns before they arrived and we had great fun with them drowning everyone and everything and refilling them with the hose pipe. Big son pitched up with his two flat mates and got soaked and son ended up greeting his sister newly back from Cuba by lifting her over his head and dumping her into the kids paddling pool fully clothed and then upending the pool over her. Kids thought it great fun and restored Helen's honour by drowning him with the guns. It was really lovely to have little ones in the house again. Willow, Yorkshire pudding is just a batter made with flour, egg and milk in thin consistency and baked in individual tins on a very high temp until they rise. They go lovely with roast beef and gravy. We were 10 for Sunday lunch and I have been very bad with foods. Son and friends left last night about midnight and the kids were disappointed he was gone when they woke up. He is a student doctor too and wants to do paediatrics - probably because he has never quite grown up and still collects bugs in a bug box and other daft things. The little girl fell in love with Helen, said she loves her and asked "how many nights before you come to my house". So sweet. They live way in the north of Scotland which is normally freezing or foggy or lashing with rain or all three. Sheila, good luck to your girl if she fancies the Navy. Young man I work with got depression just before he was about to join and although he is still on anti-depressants, he was telling me it would be his fitness level ie weight that would fail him now. He didn't mention that the medication would so maybe it's not an issue. I am sorry your house sealing was held to ransom by the rain but we would love some over here. Did your son notice a big difference in your weight? Don't be too disappointed if he didn't, I think if I grew two heads my son would only notice if I plonked a small size dinner down and he had to look up from the table ha ha. Sue, when I first joined this site when Willow rescued me on dire Sunday, I posted some awful pictures of me on all the food cupboards and the fridge with a big arrow pointing to my stomach saying "don't eat it". Willow, I think the food planning is the way forward. Are you definately going to join the ladies in the buying/cooking plan? As for my foods sounding nice, I think it's what we get used to because all your stuff sounds so much more interesting to me! How did the wedding go, Angel and have you been back to the station yet? Bet you were word and action perfect. Am going to weigh myself tomorrow though I know I will pay for the last three or four days gorging. Never mind, tomorrow is another day and I will get back on track seeing you are all losers (in the nice sense) but me. Night night xx
PS My mother arrives tomorrow but I have promised myself I will not miss checking in.

Hi Girls!!
 

I hope you have all had a good day today.
I had forgotten about a training day today at work.
I spent the whole day in two training sessions with 3 other women, and actually, it was kind of fun. I passed all the tests, so, now I'm ready to do that particular work if need be.

Geez, it seemed like all I did today was pee! Especially the first half of the day. I weighed myself when I first got up this morning in just shorty pj's, and again when I got home from work and had drank half a bottle of water, and fully dressed, and I weighed 3 pounds less this afternoon!

I have to go in early again all week, except for Wednesday. I have to go see the specialist for this sleep apnea for my annual check-up, and I'll need to take a half day of vacation for that.
His office is in a town about 35 miles from the town I live in and my appointment is at 8 AM, so I'll need to get up early anyway that day.

Sue, I envy you that fishing trip. That sounds just sooooo relaxing. I can feel the soft bobbing of the boat on the water, hear the loons and frogs, smell the water, and taste the grilled freshly caught fish! mmmmm!

I think you're an hour ahead of my time because I read your post at 6:30 AM and you said it was 7:30 where you are.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you to have a loss this week. But, even if you don't, at least you enjoyed your weekend, hey?
I bet you have a loss though.

Puss, I don't know how you stand that heat! I cannot take heat.
How big of your bosses to offer to let you leave at 2:30!

It sure sounds like you had a blast with those kids and your son and daughter!

Yes, if those women keep their word and do the same thing this fall that they did last year, I surely intend to join them. It's also a good way for me to have something to do away from home at least one night a week, and if they come here to exercise, I should be kept pretty busy.

You might be surprised when you weigh tomorrow. Sometimes, you lose better if you boost your calories up a bit, I hear. It has never happened for me, but, I've got such a goofy metabolism that it doesn't surprise me.

I haven't planned my meals for this whole week yet, but I've got them planned a couple days out. I'm not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow because there is an all employees meeting after which there is going to be a catered lunch.
I'll eat a healthy breakfast and take some radishes and a stalk of celery with light french onion veggie dip for a snack. Then, if they have all fat-laden foods, I'll either just snack, or forego it altogether. This is going to be in a huge tent out on the lawn at work. I hope it's nice weather for it!

I should go get stuff ready for tomorrow.

I hope you have a nice day with your Mother tomorrow.

Hello to Sheila and Charlotte! Hope you're having a good day.

Hi, all--

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Looks like Puss is still roasting, but having lots of fun, and Sue was working too hard all weekend. Oh, this time it said you posted at 4:30 am so 3FC must be on Pacific time.

The sun unexpectedly came out today so I spent 7 hours painting the house, and my DH and son spent more, and we still don't have it done.

Busy day tomorrow running around doing errands, but I get my hour massage tomorrow, too. Not that a massage is that relaxing for me, but it does help all the contracted muscles release at least for an hour or two, and I'll take all the relief I can get.

Hope everyone has a good Tuesday! Only one more day before we leave for the coast. Yippee!

Willow, well done on the 3lb loss and the efficient waterworks!:dance: I hope your doctors appointment goes well. Sheila, after 7 hours painting the house you will really need that massage. The place will look lovely when it's finished. I hope you have a brilliant time at the coast. How long will you be away for? This heatwave is set to break on Wednesday with rain - hopefully. Report on tv just now says all the shops have run out of fans, paddling pools, barbecues etc. See? We are lucky to get a lukewarm summer usually.

Overtime!
 

It's 4:30 AM here, and Puss' post says she made it at 2:47 AM, so you must have been getting up when I was going to bed. You are 7 hours ahead of us aren't you?

Sheila, I bet you're just getting antsy to go on vacation. In case I don't get on here again before you leave, have a safe and wonderful time.

Puss, I sure hope you get that break in your heat wave.

Your Mother arrives today. Have a lovely time but don't take any guff from her. :D

I better get moving and get to work.

Everybody have a nice day!

Hi Sue and Charlotte!

Quote
 

The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The
tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.

Benjamin Mays

Puss certainly didn't post at 2.47 am ha ha! Yes, Willow, I think we are 7 hours ahead of NY but don't don't about the rest of the States. My mother arrived yesterday saying she has been bad and doesn't know how many days she can stay because she may break down again. I told her she has no choice but to get a grip, I work full time and if she goes home she will end up back in the unit of the psychiatric hospital again and they are tired of her coming and going all the time and refusing their suggestions of day support etc. See how it goes. Promised rain won't materialise today but it will be a bit cooler they say. Daughter says it's hotter than Cuba here. Am hoping to get back on track today with foods - was 147.5 this morning and if I am not careful I will slide back down that rocky road to weight gain. It is now 0740 so must get ready for work.

I've got that new virus on my pc that's going around...I'll be back
as soon as I can....take care

Another day almost done, ...
 

I went to my appt. this morning, and boy! did I get a chewing out!
The DR. said I need to get this weight off if I want to continue to live without heart disease, diabetes or, worse, dying in my sleep from heart failure due to the apnea.
He said no surgeries, no nothing but LOSE WEIGHT!
He didn't really give me any chance to say, "yeah, but, ......", He just kept on talking in a stern voice. He said "I know it isn't always easy. I have days too where I don't feel like exercising, but it's the first thing I do in the morning, and I make it my priority. I force myself to do it on the days I don't feel like running, which is my form of exercise."
He said if it hurts your hip to walk on cement or pavement, then walk in the house, or do another form of exercise. He said " you don't need a gym to lose weight."
He said I need to drastically cut my calories and exercise every day. He said he had an 80-year old woman who lost over a hundred pounds, so it can be done, no matter what your age. He said, "You just need to decide how badly you want to live."

I was kind of wishing I could get pissed at him but, I couldn't really. He is right. No getting around it.

Soooo, now, in addition to my other visuals, I guess I'll be cussing him out for 45 minutes in the morning and again at night.


I don't have to go back for a year unless my symptoms get worse.

I want to get a hundred pounds off by then, but, my first goal will be to get 25 pounds off by halloween.
Then, for the next goal, I want to be below 200 pounds by Christmas. I don't care if it's 199, just so it's below 200.
On his scales today, I weighed 241.8 pounds, so that's 20 pounds from my highest.

I have to work this saturday again. The money will be nice toward my new project I've got working in my mind. I want to get started before long. It would be wonderful to get it done before the holidays.

Sheila, how was your massage? I've always said I was going to get one, but I haven't ever had one. I bet they are super relaxing though. I used to love the back rubs they gave in the hospital at night after the babies were born.
So, tomorrow is the big day. Have a super nice trip, stay safe and have lots of fun.

Charlotte, so sorry you have that new virus. I've heard that Norton Antivirus, or ANY antivirus for that matter, won't prevent it anyway. I think there is something, a patch from microsoft and a couple of other places, that you can download to prevent it getting in or to get it out. My ISP sent me an e-mail telling what to do if I got it and they gave a couple of web sites to go to for the patch or assistance.
I think I'll just call my ISP and ask them to talk me through the downloading of the patch.

Puss, I hope that by now your weather has cooled off some, if it hasn't rained too. That would be wonderful here too.
They said that it's suppose to get up into the 90's tomorrow. UGH!

Sue, wasn't today your weigh-in day? How did you do? I'm crossing my fingers that all 5 of us have a loss this week.

I wonder where the girls went who posted once. If you're still there, come on in and join us.

I need to get busy here. Everybody have a wonderful evening/day. I'll see you tomorrow. Or, those who will be here anyway.

Hello everyone. I am going to post between the thunder and lightning. What a downpour today. The water was halfway across the yard at work and over my ankles to get to my car. If I wasn't soaking wet when I weighed in, I probably would have lost a pound :lol: Anyway, I "maintained" this week, which is better than a gain any day.
So far, I haven't caught that wormy little virus. I have Windows Millenium, and I didn't see that on the list.
Willow, sounds like your Dr. is a straight forward no nonsense kind of guy. I would rather have one like him than one who tries to make you take all kinds of "diet pills" When he said to drastically cut your calories, did he know how much you are eating now? I remember when you posted your menus, they were usually 1000 or below. A person has to eat at least that much. Especially with the exercise you do. I like that you are setting small goals instead of looking at the big picture. And keep Walking Away Those Pounds. I have to get a few more tapes and mix them up. I finally ordered some of the stretchy bands off the internet. Went to 5 different stores and no one has them. They can't (or maybe won't) sell them at the physical therapy office of our local hosp.
Puss, can you fry eggs on the hood of your car yet? I am getting real tired of the Muggies. The yards around here look like fields. They don't have time to dry enough to be mowed.
Angel, hello to you too. Hope you are back online soon. I wonder what kind of evil minds would do that to so many people. Just because they can, I guess. Too bad they can't put their mind-boggling computer skills to work for the good of the world.
Sheila, sure hope you post a picture of your newly painted house. I bet it looks really nice.
Time to get off here. This weather is freaky. Catch you tomorrow. Sue

Hi Girls, I posted this morning before work and after submitting it a message came up saying the site was undergoing maintenance but I assumed it had accepted the post - seems it did not. Willow, your doctor sounds like my old one (sadly retired) who dished out good old sound advice and didn't rely on tablets as a first option. I know you can do this once you set your mind to it and I think joining the ladies with the meal plans combined with your basement gym....you will make a big inroad on that 25lb loss for Halloween. Angel, sorry you are being plagued by a virus, the last few days my computer has been playing up and it's so annoying. Sue, we could do with some of your rain over here, it's still very hot in the south of England where I am. I had to go to the dentist today, had an old dormant abscess over a crown in the front of my mouth flare up. Seems the bridgework needs to be replaced after the root at the top of the tooth is treated. Mega money but I have no choice. He is a brilliant dentist though so can't complain too much. When I came out of the dentist the bag of jelly babies I had left in the car had melted so much in the bag that they were practically liquid. The babies were all fused together and the colours all ran into each other. Still lovely though even in semi-liquid form. I really do aim to get back on track tomorrow - the jelly babies are all eaten and the massive apple pie has all gone. Thats's it, I will not be replacing them.

Just realised how I must sound on those last couple of sentences. Beautiful, slimline, naturally healthy-eating daughter saw what I had written and laughed like mad. She said I sounded like someone with obsessive compulsive eating disorder talking about the jelly babies. We are still laughing about it...she may just be right!!!

Just a fast hello everybody before my cp kicks off again.

Willow....I'm proud of your weightloss!;) Don't have time to get you a graphic...wish I could!! Take care of yourself.

Fatpuss, Sue, Sheila........everyone....my cp is getting worse...I'm trying real hard to get it fixed. It's hard to understand why anyone would do this! My cp survived the housefire & gave me a little pleasure sitting here all day with nothing else to do....now this! ( I just had to whine a little!)

I miss all of you. Take care & keep losing!:)

How many of you ladies are affected by this massive power cut in the US and Canada? Hopefully all the hospitals and emergency services have their own back-up generators.
Angel, You are not whining at all. Must have really twisted minds these people to get pleasure out of sending virus' to people.

I have a big favour to ask of you all. My lovely cat rescued from living rough in SIngapore 7 years ago was yesterday diagnosed with kidney failure. He had been drinking a lot just lately and it seems he is very ill. The vet said she was shocked by his blood results because he appears to be very perky and lively. They have got him on a drip over the weekend to test his kidney functions but long term it does not look good. This cat answers back when we talk and is so sociable and we all love him. Would you please all say a little prayer that we have him for a bit longer?
Whole family is really upset. Thanks, will check again later. xx

Last day of work this week, .....
 

After today, I get 2 days off, ..... because I took a day of vacation for Monday.
I have to work from 5 AM until 1 PM today, then I have to pick up some brownies and a veggie platter with dip for a party I've been invited to for tomorrow.
There is a local town having a big celebration, and a woman I work with and her husband live there. She has invited a "few" people over to a party at their house from 3 till 7, then we'll all be going to the beer tent to listen to a great band that plays 50's and 60's music. They are really good too. I know what her "few" means too. Probably 30 or more people.
Anyway, that's why I took a day of vacation for Monday.

I went shopping after work yesterday, and I wanted to get something with olive green in it so I figured I'd have a hard time finding anything. I ended up going to 3 stores before I found anything, but when I DID find something, I hit pay dirt! I found a long wrap-around skirt, a blouse, 2 pairs of shorts and a pair of capris. Great sales! I got it all for $41.00!!

I didn't do any exercises yet today. I'll have to wait till I get home this afternoon. I weighed this morning, and I've lost 5 of the 12 pounds that I had regained. :encore: :halffull:

I need to get ready for work now.

Puss, I certainly did say a prayer for your kitty. My heart hurts for you and your family because I know how I felt when our black lab got cancer and we eventually had her put to sleep when she started to feel pain from it. Soooo sad.

I'm not involved in the power outage, but I'm soooo very proud of those people in the east. I cannot believe the kindness they are showing for each other. They make me even prouder to say I'm an American. I really need to get moving or I'll be late for work! I'll be back this afternoon.

Everybody have a wonderful day!

WELL, FINALLY...I'M BACk!! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-103.gif

Took a lot of hard work, with microsoft technician....only 4hrs! My cp was almost a goner! http://www.techhelpers.net/e4u/comp/comp03.gif Thanks to all of you for your messages....I could get online long enough to read about one at a time! :dizzy:

Willow....please listen to your dr. We want you to be healty & well. It doesn't sound like you're very much over weight. But, when we have health problems, each pound can make a big difference. That's a problem I've got...why I'm trying to get back to where I should be. Every pound either helps or hurts....& I can tell. Congrats on your weight loss! http://www.toons.artie.com/toons/han...t-tr-nourl.gif http://www.gilly.0catch.com/emoticons/cheer.gif

Fatpuss....I'm sorry about your dear cat. I certainly will be praying for him. I know it makes you sad to see him suffer. http://www.vfwds.com/graphics/images/roses/bgrose.gif

We weren't affected here by the power problem. I'm so glad...I don't think I could stand it without my air conditioner...& of course, my pc! Poor thing, I work it all the time! http://www.gifanimations.com/Image/A...overworked.gif

Sue....hope the weather is better now!http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-018.gif
I agree about the virus...I don't understand people...if they want to do something with cp's...find something good to do. The news was telling it wasn't bad, & was easy to get out. Well, mine WAS bad, & worked so fast, that I almost lost it!
Glad you were able to maintain your weight!! http://www.whittibo.com/files/happy24.gif

Hi Sheila...hope all is going well with you. Let us know how vacation went when you return! Of course, I'll be jealous...but that's ok! Still happy for you! http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smil.../tanzen002.gif

Good Morning!
 

I went to bed fairly early last night and it was nice to not have to
get up to an alarm clock for a change. I still woke up early,5:30,
but stayed in bed and turned on my tv and watched the weather report for today, then went out and got my paper and took it to bed and read it. I finally got up at 7:30.I felt like a lazy bones. :D

I babysat my grandson last night, and he didn't wake up until 8
o'clock. He wanted pancakes from Mc Donalds, so that's where we had breakfast from. He's watching a cartoon movie right now as he eats his breakfast. So, he's getting away with something he doesn't ordinarily get away with.
He's 5 1/2 years old and very small for his age. Last night he was a bottomless pit, I swear! I know he's in a growth spurt right now, so I don't know if that's the reason he's eating so good, or if it's because he's at Grandma's house, but he wanted some cheerios for a snack last night and I gave him a bowl of them. He likes them dry.
Then he asked for some more, so I gave him another bowl and he had about 3/4 of them eaten when he accidentally bumped the bowl and spilled the rest. He picked them up and put them in the trash, then wanted MORE!, so I gave him another bowl. He ate them, then announced that he was hungry for something else. I asked if he wanted some chicken. At first he said "no", then I said "maybe a chicken leg, a drumstick"? He said, "yeah, I want a drumstick, but not a chicken leg." HA! :)
I explained that "drumstick" was just another name for a chicken leg.
Well, he wanted one. I think just because it had a new name, to him.
He ate that, then wanted another. I gave him another, and he wanted another. There were no more legs, so I asked if he would like to try a wing, which is like the chickens arm. He was so amazed that it too had 2 names, that he HAD to have one. He ended up having 2 of them!
Then, he wanted SOMETHING ELSE! I asked him if he wanted some cantaloupe, and he said "no,I don't think I like that."
I said, "Do you know what it is?" He said, "no". So I said, "It's fruit. It's a melon." Well, he just HAD to have some of that too. I think for the same reason. It had a name he hadn't heard of before.I gave him about 6 or 8 bite-size pieces in a bowl because I didn't know if he was going to like it or not. He ate it and asked for more. I gave him a few more small pieces and started checking e-mails.
A few minutes later, he said, "Grandma, can I have some more 'cantaloupe'? I said I'd get it in just a couple seconds, as soon as I typed what I was typing. I turned around about 45 seconds later to get the bowl, and there he laid on the couch, sound asleep with the empty bowl beside him. What a little turkey!

I have my stuff all ready to take to the party today. I just hope the weather stays like it is right this minute, which I know it won't.
It's 82 degrees and it's very nice outside, although a little humid.
But, by this afternoon, it's suppose to be up to at least 90 degrees with dew points at 64 degrees or higher. YUK!! Oh well, if it gets too uncomfortable, I'll just come home. I'm hoping that it won't be too crowded out there tonight because maybe most people will have to work tomorrow and won't be out late. I'd like to dance some if there aren't too many people that I know around. Except for my friends I'll be with.

I have vacation tomorrow, so I'll do my laundry then.

Charlotte, glad you got your computer worm-free. I have an ME, so I didn't get it. Thank God!

I heard about a site that I'm going to check out. It sounds kind of dangerous to me, but, it's supposedly done in the name of religion.
I don't know all the specifics yet, but the rumor I heard was that whoever follows that way of losing weight, fasts, or almost "fasts" one day a week.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to try it, I'm just curious what the new rage is all about.
settingcaptivesfree. The lords table.

The leaves on the trees are all crispy now. They are still green, but all drying up and falling from the trees from no rain. I don't want to start watering either, because they added a watershed tax on us last year, and the water bills are high as it is, just from normal usage.

I hope Sheila is having a good time, and isn't Sue on vacation now too? FISHING!! I'm jealous! :p

Puss, how's it going with your Mother and everything else? Stay strong, girl!

I'll be back later to check in.

Thought this was interesting, ...
 

Average Calories Burned During Physical Activity


How many calories do common exercise and daily activities burn?


Sedentary Activities Energy Costs in Cals/Hour*
Lying down or sleeping - 90
Sitting quietly - 84
Sitting and writing, card playing, etc. - 114

Moderate Activities (150-350 cal/hr)
Bicycling (5 mph) - 174
Bicycling (6 mph) - 240
Canoeing (2.5 mph) - 174
Dancing (Ballroom) - 210
Gardening - 323
Golf (twosome, carrying clubs) - 324
Horseback riding (sitting to trot) - 246
Light housework, cleaning, etc - 246
Swimming (crawl, 20 yards/min) - 288
Swimming (25 yds/min) - 275
Tennis (recreational doubles) - 312
Volleyball (recreational) - 264
Walking (2 mph) - 198 to 240
Walking (3 mph) - 320
Walking (4 1/2 mph) - 440


Vigorous Activities (over 350 cal/hr)
Aerobic dancing - 546
Basketball (recreational) - 450
Bicycling (12 mph) - 410
Bicycling (13 mph) - 612
Circuit weight training - 756
Cross-country skiing (5 mph) - 690
Football (touch, vigorous) - 498
Ice skating (9 mph) - 384
Jogging (10 minute mile, 6 mph) - 654
Jogging (5 1/2 mph) - 740
Jogging (7 mph) - 920
Jumping rope - 750
Racquetball - 588
Roller skating (9 mph) - 384
Running in place - 650
Running (10 mph) - 1280
Scrubbing floors - 440
Swimming (50 yds/min) - 500
Swimming (crawl, 45 yards/min) - 522
Tennis (recreational singles) - 450

*Hourly estimates based on values calculated for calories burned per minute for a 150 pound (68 kg) person. Please continue reading below...


The calories spent in a particular activity vary in proportion to one's body weight. For example, a 1 00-pound person burns 1/3 fewer calories, so you would multiply the number of calories by 0.7. For a 200-pound person, multiply by 1.3.
Working harder or faster for a given activity will only slightly increase the calories spent. A better way to burn up more calories is to increase the time spent on your activity.

Adapted from:

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/h...ptreat/3-1.htm
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/h...eart/page3.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/phys...ons/adults.htm


~ Paula Ford-Martin

Hi Ladies, Just a quickie I am afraid, not the best of times here. Willow, I am so glad you had such a wonderful time with gorgeous grandson - he sounds adorable and how lovely he could have you to himself and explore new fruits and do what he fancied for breakfast. I never had a grandma myself but these times must go down as treasured memories for both.
Angel, I am pleased that you have solved your virus problem. My husband found 11 virus' which had entered our system via the web but our virus checker had picked them up.
I brought my lovely cat home from the vet's today. They had him on a drip there since Friday evening and did a whole load of tests. Unfortunately his renal failure is bad, he has bleeding from the kidney's in his urine and although drinking a lot, his kidney's are not sifting the toxins out of his body. Vet said there is no real point in keeping him longer, he will be better at home with us who love him. Even the vet said it is such a shame, he is only 9.5 years and such a lovely boy, loves everyone and a real character, answers you back etc. Just had another cry because even when I am on the computer he has his own chair next to me and messes about with the keyboard. The vet says his toxin levels are still 3 to 4 times what they should be but can't say if he has a few weeks left or a matter of days. Awful thing is, although he is not as lively as usual and he is not eating as usual, he doesn't look ill. I know he is not human but he is with me all the time in the house and garden from the minute I wake till the minute I go to sleep. All weekend he was away I kept seeing him everywhere in the garden and I can't bear the thought of him getting sicker or the time when he won't be here. The vet wants to see him again on Thursday for more blood tests and meanwhile I have to give him two lots of medication and inject 60mls of saline into his scruff every day to keep him hydrated - I used to give intra-muscular injections 30 years ago as a student nurse but this is so different. Hope I manage it for the first time tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers, I really appreciate them. I am keeping his illness from my son as he is sitting exams over the next few days and then going to Ireland for a long weekend with friends. He may be a big hulk of a chap but he adores the cat and when he is home carries it round like a baby he spoils it so.
My mum is going back home at the weekend for a doctor's appointment and my husband is pleased. Daughter went back to her hospital in the North yesterday and was such a good help whilst she was home here taking my mother out etc. I am sorry to be such a wet blanket but I know you will all understand. In civilised society our pets are not just animals are they, they are family members. I am going to take the rest of the week off work to have as much quality time with my little boy while we can.
Best wishes x

This too makes me think, ......
 

I have wondered at times if I spend too much time on my PC when I could be out with friends and getting more exercise. I have many times sat down to check messages thinking it's going to take me 15 to 30 minutes, and 3 hours later I'm still at it. Checking and re-checking messages, from one site to another, and from one email addy to another.

I've also had company and the second they leave, I go check my messages.

I know a couple of people who really DO have 2 or 3 PC's going at the same time.
One weighs almost 400 pounds too, but refuses to try to get any exercise. She takes naps in between surfing. Has a laptop that she uses while in bed.

I'm going to start timing myself, and set a limit on how long I can be on, and if I find that I can't abide by it, I'm getting rid of my computer. My health is more important to me.
***********************************************

Internet Addiction: Ruining Lives?

Spouses, Friends See It First, Suffer Most

By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD
on Thursday, August 07, 2003

Aug. 7, 2003 -- It's got people worried: Glassy-eyed millions are downloading, instant messaging, emailing -- and they're doing it 24/7. Hours and hours after logging on, they can't walk away.


When does harmless Internet surfing cross into overuse, or -- as some say -- Internet addiction?


Nathan A. Shapira, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist in the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida in Gainesville, has been studying this social problem since 1997. His latest paper, published in the current issue of Depression and Anxiety, outlines theories about this phenomenon.


When the computer age burgeoned two decades ago, researchers looked into computer and technology dependence. But they didn't find the same damage -- especially to relationships -- that Internet overuse seems to cause. In fact, psychiatrists are still trying to figure out what's going on -- and how best to treat the problem, he says.


"It's disheartening," Shapira tells WebMD. "We have this wonderful, very prevalent technology, but no one really knows the effect it's having on us."


Positive Becomes Negative


It's no secret: Many people use the computer to satisfy, stir up excitement, release tension, or provide relief -- whether it involves sex or not, he writes. Surfing, chatting, playing interactive games -- that's where those long hours go.


Make no mistake: Surfing has its upside, much like exercise or meditation, Shapira writes. "It's just that when Internet use becomes excessive, it can -- like other impulse disorders -- be distressing and disabling," he tells WebMD.


There likely is a psychological dependence -- as happens with TV, exercise, sex, or gambling -- rather than a physiological dependence as with smoking and alcohol abuse, Shapira writes.


In fact, Internet abuse often dovetails with another psychiatric problem. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder -- the same ones who compulsively gamble or shop -- may find the Internet an outlet, he adds. Depression seems to lead others to overuse, creating a viscous cycle fed by isolation.


The problem is not likely to ebb, not any time soon, he says. "People get a rush from being on three computers at once, keeping different things going on each one. And as speed gets better, the problem will likely get worse. Speed is part of the enticement."



Looking for Trouble


If you've said it too many times, "Come to bed, it's 2 a.m.," you may be living with an Internet junkie. Here are symptoms of a serious problem:


They have a preoccupation in which the Internet becomes "irresistible."
Using the Internet for longer periods than planned. "They say they'll be off in an hour, but three hours later they're still at it," says Shapira.
Preoccupation causes significant problems in relationships, work, or other important areas of functioning.
They try to cut back but can't.
They have excessive thoughts about it.
They get a sense of tension or arousal before doing it, and get pleasure afterward -- much as kleptomaniacs feel after lifting something.
Their other responsibilities, such as paying the bills, get neglected.

All this rings true for drug and alcohol addiction, too, says Kristin Kassaw, MD, associate director of the Baylor Psychiatric Clinic in Houston. "It would take something like a 12-step program to change the behavior," she tells WebMD.


Getting Help


In fact, therapy does work to curb the problem, Shapira says. Cognitive behavioral therapy -- which involves learning how to deal with feelings that lead to excessive Internet use -- helps people control their urges and manage their time better, he says.


Medications can help, too. "If depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder is involved, when the mood gets stabilized, it will have an affect on impulse control," he says.

Loved ones are always the first to identify this problem -- those glued to the screen rarely recognize it in themselves, Shapira tells WebMD. "Interpersonal relationships are the first to suffer."


If you're concerned about a family member or friend, talk to them about it and express concern about Internet addiction. Then help them find a psychologist, he advises.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SOURCES: Depression and Anxiety, August 2003. Nathan A. Shapira, MD, PhD, psychiatrist, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville. Kristin Kassaw, MD, associate director, Baylor Psychiatric Clinic, Houston.



© 2003 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Have you tried a different diet for the kitty??
 

Puss, I can feel your pain about your kitty. How very sad. You're not a wet blanket at all.

I wondered if you talked to the vet about changing his diet? I had 2 different cats that had urinary problems.
The first one had to go on a different cat food. I don't know what you have over there, but I had been feeding him canned food some times and dry food other times, and it turned out that he was getting too much ash in his diet, and the vet put him on a cat food called SCIENCE DIET. She said he could have that or another one called IAMS. He too had been peeing blood.

Then, a few years later I had another cat, a calico I called MOUSE because she was such a timid little thing and like yours, talked to us, especially when we had been gone for the day and first got home.
She started peeing in my potted plants and started losing her hair on her hind legs, and they did everything they could think of and nothing worked. I eventually had her put to sleep because she seemed to be in pain and meowed a lot.

I am so sorry for your heartbreak. Can you feel this big old hug? :grouphug:

I understand if you can't or don't feel like posting every day right now. Don't worry about it. We'll be here when you feel like it. We'll hold down the fort! :D

I think Sheila and Sue are both gone now anyway, so it's just us 3 unless there are lurkers, and of course, we wouldn't know about them at any rate, would we? :)

Charlotte, I hope you're doing ok. You've been kind of quiet lately too. I hope you are feeling ok.

I danced around the house for a couple of hours, off and on, this morning, dusting and doing housework while I listened to old rock-n-roll music. FUN!!

See ya all later! Have a good evening/day.

Hello...hope all is going well today....

Fatpuss....I am soooo sorry about your dear cat.http://www.vfwds.com/graphics/images.../pkrosebud.gif
You don't have to worry about talking to us about it...this is the place where we listen to each other....& care. If it helps to know, I am praying for your friend, & also, for you. I've lost dear pets & know the heartbreak. The last time was a real disaster....we had a dog we loved dearly. Had just moved here, & we're very close to the road. He got hit by a car, & I was home alone. He was much too heavy for me to pick up, so I just stayed with him, & rubbed his head, promising him I wouldn't leave him, as I knew he was dying. We were in the middle of the road, & no other car came along. He just lay still looking at me, as I cried & talked to him. He passed quietly. When a car did come along, I stopped them, & got help getting my friend out of the road. I haven't had dog, since. That was 15 yrs ago. We now have a couple of horses. I said I wouldn't get attached, but one of them(the mother of the other)loves our grandkids, & they love her....so, of course, I do too!
I'm glad your husband was able to check your pc, & it was alright. This was a major headache!

Willow....you're right. Time really gets away from us on the pc. My husband reminds me often, that I'm on mine a lot. Only thing, I don't know what else I would do right now. That's why I panicked when I had the trouble last week. Here in the house that burnt...everything is stored away, except a tv & computer, & my soundtracks/singing equipment. There's only so many songs I want to practice....don't really care for tv....so...with not being able to walk much...there's only the pc left! Oh well.......
Sorry, I haven't posted much, lately. The Microsoft technician had me to download a lot of patches & updates for future protection....& some took hours.
I'm feeling fairly well....but Remicade is beginning to wear off. I get a treatment next Tuesday....so trying to hold on. With the increase of dosage & moving treatment closer, it has helped. You were talking about dancing around the house....this would be me & hubby! http://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/casais/casal23.gif AT LEAST THAT'S AS OLD AS WE FEEL THESE DAYS!

Well, gotta go fix lunch for hubby & take it to him...he's working close to home this week. Don't know if that's good or bad.

:lol:

Kinda quiet, ....
 

I don't have a whole lot to report tonight.
I had a good day today with foods and water.
I did the whole 3-mile WATP tape this morning. I had my alarm set for 4 AM and I woke up at 3:11 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. :dz: So, I was yawning all afternoon at work.

It was 96 degrees here today, and it stormed, .... for about 15 minutes. Just POURED! Then the sun came out again, and it was just more like a sauna! Awful! It's suppose to storm tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night though. I hope the humidity lets up then.

Charlotte, that story of how you lost your dog is soooo sad. I got a big lump in my throat thinking about it now.

I think there is a difference in your use of a PC and what that article meant.
You use it to pass the time because you can't do a lot of things the rest of us can. Some others use it compulsively.

Puss, if you're reading, hope everything is ok with you.

Gotta go get ready for bed. I'll check in tomorrow.