[thinthinker]

Hi everybody! Quickie Sunday post. I've been running up and downstairs all day doing laundry. YUCK! Met the 'baby' for dinner last Monday and got his tub of laundry and didn't even start on it until today. Figured it was about time along with all the rest of the week's dirty clothes.

I'm a sucker for Seafood Salad. You know the type. The stuff they sell in the deli already made up. Or the seafood salad that they put in Seafood and Crab Subway sandwiches. Well anyway, I've never been able to duplicate the 'sauce'. It never tastes just right. Well, I located a Deli Crab Salad recipe from somewhere and I played with it a bit and it came out GREAT! So, for my Soup and Salad Sunday recipe, I present:

ThinThinker's Seafood Salad

8 oz. imitation crab meat, shredded
8 oz. cooked, deveined shrimp, cut in pieces
chopped green onions or chives
2 Tablespoons fat free Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon mustard
1/4 cup fat free sour cream
onion powder to taste
seafood seasoning to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 packet Splenda

Mix shredded crab, shrimp and onions together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Chill.

Makes: 6 1/2 cup servings. 1 1/2 WW points per serving.
10 WW points for the whole recipe.
Tips: You can use this plain as a side dish, or on a bed of lettuce. Use in a lite bun for a nice sandwich, don't forget to add a point. Make up a cup of pasta to go with it for more of a meal and add 4 points.

Well, girls, I'm outta here. I have to run out and do a quickie job and then I'll be back to do some paperwork. I might try to catch chat if anyone shows up. See ya all later.

DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow's Monday and I'm starting FRESH! Anyone joining me????

[Terri in MO]

I finally got back and looked at the pictures.

You gals are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! I'm so thrilled that you met and had a great time. I'm so jazzed for April.

I've managed to get the laundry almost done and made a huge dent in the paperwork.

I'm out of here to go sit upstairs and rest for the evening.

Thanks for the recipe Thin! I have a fresh start every Monday so I'll join you!

TTFN!

[thinthinker]

I'm baaaacccckkkkk! Figured I would come back and do some replies. Actually, I'm procrastinating on doing the paperwork on the two jobs I have to write up. What a stup I am. I have to get it done, why not just DO IT!!! Oh well, I'm not, I'm here with you.

2cute: Sounds like the sale went great and the grandkiddies visiting was great too. You deserve a day of rest after all that! So what did you do out all day in the nice Fall weather? Something fun, I hope.

Arghhhhh! Hit enter twice and it posted before I was done.

Jen: Nice to see ya, sweetie. How's the weather over there? My geography when it comes to the world is the pitts. I can tell you all the states and capitols, but don't ask me what's across the pond. Is weather pretty similar to here, or what. BTW, you're stats are lookin' good! Good for you!!! How are you feeling? Has this been a good decision for you??? Sorry, I want to know all the gorey details.

Katrina: Gosh I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't care for some of Dr. Phil's attitude. I will go back and read some more, but I hope the whole book doesn't reek of that ego.

Mary: My thoughts are with you as you remember your grandmother! [[[hugs]]]

Pam: Hey, girl, glad you had fun with all your company. Guess it wasn't worth getting all stressed for, eh? Well, usually it's not.....worth it, that is. Just too bad we don't remember that BEFORE stressing, rather than after.

Michelle: I know, I know, you took the pics and then lost my address! Yeah, likely story!

Barb: Hope you had fun at the game.

Terri: When DH said 220, did you tell him you were going no matter what???

Ok, Survivor fans. I am soooo happy that Rupert did not get voted off. My goodness, he's the best one there! But ya gotta admit, Savage did himself proud in that immunity challenge. And he does look pretty good in a suit! YUMMY!

Well, this post just went downhill. I think I'll quit while you all are still reading. See ya later.

If you end up in chat, just stick around for a minute. I'm going to open a second window and do my paperwork, but I'll check back every few minutes to see if anyone has popped in.

[Grannie39074]

I'm going to chat

[KayEllen]

I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things. I've just rejoined WW for the umpteenth time on Sept 30. I was off to a start losing 11 pounds my first week, .2 my second but gained 3 this past week.

I'll try to be here often to gather what support I may.

Thanks to thin, BarbPA and the others who chatted with me tonight. It was nice.

Have a great week...


Kay

[BarbPA]

Eagles Won!!


The game was so much fun. The train/subway worked out perfectly - lots of stairs and walking, but no hassle with traffic. Our seats were great -- on the 30 yd line about 20 rows up from the field. My throat hurts from so much cheering. There was, of course, the obligitory football food --- hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels....

Between the game food and the peanut butter pie that someone "forced" me to eat yesterday, I've just had a "great" food weekend. Food aside, it was a wonderful weekend --- meeting the girls yesterday and watching my favorite football team today!

Now I need to give this tired body a good night's sleep so I can hit the gym at 6am and start the week off on a good note!!!

Sandy, Thin, 2cute --- It was great chatting with you, even thought it was only for a few minutes!

Night all! Sweet Dreams!

[BarbPA]

Welcome Kay!!!

This is a wonderful group of ladies! Looking forward to getting to know you!

[pjkdreamer]

KAT, MICHELLE, AND BARB, WHAT BEAUTIFUL WOMEN YOU ARE! I AM THRILLED FOR YOU ALL THAT YOU GOT TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER, THE PICS WERE ALL GREAT!

Going to bed now, been a long day, with all the excitement of seeing friends and trying to cram everything in, in two days, plus work...I am pooped, but it is a good tired

Love to you all. Will ck in with you in the am.

[2cute2Bfat]

Hi Kay welcome to the group. I am so glad I got to meet you in chat. Hope you come back often.

Mary... I come in chat... and you LEAVE !!! I hope I don't scare you away again if I come. Hmmm, maybe you did leave because I came in ??? Please tell me it aint so !!!!

Sandy... you left chat before I got back. The airport to fly into is Tulsa International Airport. I will have a date hopefully by Nov 1st or at least that first week of Nov.

Barb ... good to chat with you too. I feel like I scared everyone away. LOL
Can't wait until spring.

Thin... there is nothing left to say to you... we said it all last night.

TINA !!!! Where are you ???
I am getting a little worried. I am too old to make me stress like this.

Well ladies... I missed the rest of you in chat.
Michelle... it said you left... but I never saw you there.

I spent my day at the old house cleaning up and packing up all the left overs.
It ended up I had more left than I thought. LOL
BUT it was sooooo much less than I started with.
23 years in one house can sure accumulate a lot of JUNK.
Kat.. you are soooo smart cleaning out as you go. Be strong and throw it away NOW.

Well. the cold front finally made it here. I actually got cold today.
We even used our fireplace. I LOVE fireplaces !!!!
Our old house had a wood burning fireplace... I loved it.
The new house has gas logs. BUT.. they are really "REAL" looking. They don't look fake at all. I am amazed. I hear you can buy stuff to put in them to make them smell real. Do any of you know about this product.??

ENough talk about my everyday life.
On to more important things... like....

COMMITMENT !!!!

ATTITUDE !!!!

ENTHUSIASM !!!

PRIORITIES !!!!

WE are a weight "LOSS" thread as well as a support group and I have to recommit to MY weight loss.
I have been lax for toooooooo long now.

Commitment to my food plan and exercise

Attitude of Gratitude is my new way of thinking.
No more negative thinking... negative talking to myself... or complaining.

Enthusiasm is contagious !!! I hope we ALL catch it.

Priorities !!! "You always have time for what comes first in your life."
For so long it has been "others". Jobs, family, church, etc, etc.
IT IS TIME that I put ME and my HEALTH at the top of that list too.
If it is hard to imagine putting yourself before your family.... think of it this way.... when you die at age 49 from obesity... your family will manage without you. They will have no other option.
If your family is number 1... then make your family part of your exercise program.. do it together. Make feeding your family HEALTHY foods over fast foods your number 1 priority.

OOooppss...
I got off of talking about me and started preaching to you.
I am sorry... I guess that enthusiasm took over.
I will get off my soap box now.

Okay.. back to me. I have taped those four words on my computer screen.
Commitment, Attitude, Enthusiasm, and Priorities
I will read them everyday... I will practice them everyday. EVEN those days I don't want to.
Practice makes Progress !!!

[2cute2Bfat]

Okay... guilt has set in. I HAVE to reply to everyone. I got an extra hour today in my life due to time change... so I am going to use it to reply to those I have not.

PAM... Why have you been gone for so long?? Your enthusiasm has always kept me inspired... and now that I am enthusiastic too... I want to share it back with you.

Terri.. YOU ARE going to come in the spring no matter what weight !!!
You tell him if you don't... we will come beat 30lbs off of his A$$ !!! LOL
Missouri is not that far ... I can be there is a few hours !!!! I will sit on him while the rest of us LET HIM HAVE IT !!!!! Heck.. me just sitting on him should do it.

J-ann, JoeAnne, and Joanne ... I keep mixing you guys up.
I wish you would all post more so it would be easier to remember each of you.
Heck.. I need to read more. I have been gone a lot myself.

J-ann.. you are our Twoterville gal. It must be nice.
I got a kick out of your .."j-ann stamps her foot and puts on her "determined" look!" LOL

Joanne... you are our Homebound. You replied to everyone... but did not tell us anything about YOU in your last post. Come on... spit it out. Tell us some more info about YOU.

JoeAnne.. Do you happen to post in a low carb site too?? I asked you this before.. but I don't remember your answer. I always look forward to your Thankful Thursdays... but I would love for you to post more from Friday thru Wed.

Jen... You are not only not needing 300+... you don't even need 200+.
You are just getting sooooo skinny !!!! Congrats .. that is Onederful !!!
I have had two strangers start talking to me about WLS.
Gee... I guess they think I am FAT or something. LOL
To be honest... I have thought about it myself. But I am such a COWARD.

Amanda... how is that little girl of yours?? Haven't heard much from you up there in Colorado. Have you had snow yet?

Natalie... You have been MIA too. Or are you AWOL ??
We are going to have to send the troops out to find you.
Tracey... I can't remember the last time you posted.
Bring us back up to date in your life.

Steph... You definitely are NOT posting enough. Come on... join in with JoeAnne and tell us MORE about YOU.

Duckie... have you gone and flown South for the winter ??? Where have you been. Tell us please.

Connie ...How is the moving coming along ?? I hope better than mine. I am NEVER going to get it all done. I am determined to be out of the old house THIS WEEK !!! First it was too hot... then I was too busy... then I just plain didn't want to do it. But now... I AM READY.

Lucky... if you come to our spring fling... I will find you a better guy than the Three Musketeers did. LOL
I can't promise he will be as tall, dark and handsome.. but he will definitely be breathing.

Michelle... It was soooo nice to "see" you.
I too remember those promises of pictures that never came. But it was worth the wait. You have such a lovely smile to go with that beautiful face. I can't wait until we meet.

Deon... I still remember you too. And I miss you. Please post again. I just pray you are reading this. Oregon is a longggg ways from Oklahoma... but I hope you will consider coming back and posting again.

Andria... I know your life has been hectic .. but I sure miss you being here more.
Did you ever get that back unemployment check. I hope they straighten out that mess.
You and Thin and I are all making a pack to be UNDER 300 by January... you are right.. it is doable!!! DRINK that water and watch those carbs. I am right there with you.

Syn... We see more of you than we did... but not as much as we want.
How is the home decorating going?? You were painting and getting new carpet last time I heard. How do you like your new home?? Hope you are planning on coming in April.

Barb... I will definitely work it out for those who want to go to the casinos get to go. And those who don't will have fun doing something else. Like sharing secrets in our rooms. LOL
There is sooo much to do here... everyone will find something.
I am just wanting to get to meet all of you.

Thin... I said too much to you last night... LOL
It was GREAT getting to chat for HOURS !!!!

Mary... I hope you get to come to the gathering too. It is not that far from you. I have come to Memphis several times for my daughters softball tournaments. Twice to Chattanoga.

Tina... I have even been to the Indy 500 country for softball.
I did not appreciate it's history then. I have you to thank for exposing me to a whole new world out there.

Kat... did your daughter survive being ill without mom??
I remember those days with my daughters away at college.

Sandy... did you ever hear more about your husbands cousin that was missing?? I think about them often.

It is almost 1:30am and I have to get off of here. I have been on this computer since chat at 7:30 last night.

I am not only a procrastinator ... I am a complusive, addictive person.
I seem to be an all or nothing kind of gal.
That is one reason I am overweight. I have to really WORK at being balanced. Gee... you think. LOL

Okay.. one more thing... I want to share.... Last night ... I got up to go to the bathroom and I could barely walk.
It scared the **** out of me. I am old... but not THAT old.
I could not walk because of all the damage I have done due to my excess weight, my EATING habits and NON existence of exercise in my life.
Well... I WALKED into the utility room (where I had my halloween candy hid).... and I destroyed it!!!
I could not send them down the disposal because they are individually wrapped in foil.... SOoooo I got out the rolling pin and I took out all of my aggression on them. REALLY !!
I flatened them like a pancake.... and then I tossed them into the trash.
Next I got a BIG BOTTLE of water... and drank the whole thing !!!
I FELT EMPOWERED !!!!!

Okay... now I will shut up.
I love you all !!!
Geee.. I feel like the ole 2cute of years gone by.

[Jehari]

Mornin' chickies!!

2Cute: I love your story about smashing the candy bars in the middle of the night. Don't we do the most extreme things to food? Most people would think we're nuts, but we're just doing what we have to do. Good for you!! And one more thing... I don't know how many times I have to say this and to how many people, but you are NOT a coward!! Having the surgery is drastic and is not for everyone. I refuse to believe that people who don't have it are "cowards" and that people who do have it are "taking the easy way out". It really is just a matter of personal choice.

Thin: It is SO COLD here!! The average has been highs in the low 40's and lows in the 20's. Last week when I took the kids to school one morning it was 17 degrees!!! OH HOW I HATE TO BE COLD!!! I've invested in many space heaters this year cuz the radiators in this apartment just don't cut it. Brrr.
As for gorey details, there really isn't any. This was a great decision for me. I'm so glad I did it. The one thing that this surgery will not let me do that i always did before is give up. If I go off the wagon, I get sick. I can't stuff myself when I get frustrated and say to "heck with it". I can make bad food choices however, and have done so sometimes, but nobody is perfect. I have been very fortunate to have such a great recovery. I'm very happy I did it.
I wish I had been able to keep up with survivor, but my kids usually take over the TV on Friday night.

Michelle: Damn the evil peanutbutter cup pie!! Peanutbutter cups are so totally my weakness! And with halloween candy around, it's hard to resist those yummy little cups. If I eat just one little cup, I'm OK. But if I go much beyond that, boy o boy do I pay for it. Moderation is the key, and a skill that I'm still working on.

I am so bad. I just can't keep up with everyone. I'll just give a big HELLO to everyone!!

Well, I'm off to run todays errands. Talk to you all later,
Jen



256/184/145ish

[2cute2Bfat]

Be right back...

[2cute2Bfat]

Hi Jen... it seems strange you off and running errands and we are still asleep here in the states. LOL

I wrote another response to you post... but deleted it.
I was worried I had offended you.
I have gone back and reread your post over and over. Here is my problem sentence you wrote that I am worried about...

And one more thing... I don't know how many times I have to say this and to how many people

That sounded like anger to me. I hope I did not offend you.
It was not my intent. I truly am happy for you. Maybe a little jealous because I hate being fat sooo much.

But then you said....

you are NOT a coward!! Having the surgery is drastic and is not for everyone. I refuse to believe that people who don't have it are "cowards" and that people who do have it are "taking the easy way out".

I hope you don't think ...that I think ...you took the easy way out.
Hardly.... it is NOT the easy way out. I know you still have to do everything all the rest of us have to do. Learn to deal with your emotions, learn new healthier eating habits, exercise... the whole nine yards. You are just searching for a way to accomplish these things. And you are doing GREAT at it.

I don't want to dwell on this... I am probably being overly sensitive since I have been up alllll night. But I just had to come here and apologize if you even thought for a moment I thought you were taking the easy way out or sitting in judgment of you. I would NEVER do that.

As for my coward statement... well ... I am a coward.
I am afraid of PAIN.
Not just for WLS... I am a coward to have my knees operated on... I am afraid to have eye lazer surgery, I was too afraid to have my gall bladder surgery when I needed it years ago.
I really am a coward.

I avoid emotional Pain as well. I bite the inner lining of my mouth to prevent me from crying in front of anyone.
I eat to avoid the pain of emotional pain.

Yes... your surgery is a personal choice.
And sometimes being a coward is also a personal choice.
I choose to avoid PAIN at any cost.
I avoid seeing old school mates because it hurts to let them see how fat I have allowed myself to get.
I chose to ....

WHOA !!! I am definitely getting carried away here.
This was a letter of apology if I had offended you... not a "True Confession" novel.
I have definitely got to get myself to bed and get some sleep.

Jen... I respect your choice. I meant nothing more .. nor anything less.
I wish sometimes I could have the courage to make the same choice.
Maybe the truth of the matter is... we both are overly sensitive tonight. I don't know.

Hope this helped more than it hurt. LOL

------------------
Okay.. I have come back....
I have reread BOTH letters for the millionth time and I think maybe I am the only one who overreacted.
I was going to delete this letter too... but decided I better leave it in case I am wrong again. LOL I hope I have not caused any major damage.

I am glad you liked my rolling pin story.
I rolled those suckers FLAT. I put all my weight on them too. LOL
They didn't stand a chance.

[Grannie39074]

No you did not scare me away 2cute I had to go

[Jehari]

GOOD GRIEF NO 2CUTE!!! You didn't offend me! There was no intended anger in that post. That's the hard thing about the written words. You can't properly express an emotion. All I meant was that you shouldn't call yourself a coward. I guess it sounded to me like you were beating yourself up. And no, I don't think that you think I took the easy way out. I have heard that from other people (nobody on this thread of course) and was just taking the full range of reactions to this surgery and using it as an example. A lot of people are very judgemental (again, nobody on this thread) and I just wanted you to know that I would never judge you by whether or not you have the surgery, I woudn't call you a coward for not doing it. I'm SO SORRY for the confusion.

And yes, the time difference is really strange. I wish I could make it to chat, but by the time you guys are there, it's 2am my time and I'm out cold. As a matter of fact, it's almost time now to get going and pick my kids up from school. Yikes!! This day went fast.

Anyhoo, I am very sorry if I came off wrong. I'll pop in again later. Hope you're not mad either.

Jen