HI ladies... I am home again.
I want to thank everyone for all the well wishes and prayers.
My moms final days were bad ones. As much as I hate that she died, I am grateful she is out of her suffering. I feel a little guilt because I was not there the day she died. The nurses told us we had a couple more days... I was going to be with her in a matter of hours... but she passed at 3am. It is ironic that I spent so much time with her .. and it was my every intention to be there with her when she passed... and then I was not there for her. I truly regret that.

I am so far behind in everything here at home .... I may still be absent for another day or two. I have got to get caught up around here.
I would like to thank everyone again for all of your words of kindness.
I also would like for you to keep this thread positive ... so there is no need to repeat your condolences. I truly know how much all of you care. Let's focus now on RECOVERY !!!

I have been off program BAD. I need to start anew and need your positive influences in my life. So far so good ... today is an on program day for me.

Commitment
Attitude
Priorities
Enthusiasm

Good day Ladies!

I have gotten through almost another workday OP! Yeah for me. I am just finishing up lunch and feel pretty in control (even with the two boxes of chocolates sitting on my file cabinet about 10 feet away). I didn't exercise this morning, but plan on riding my bike this evening. I have consumed approximately 40 ounces of water and plan on refilling my cup soon.

Lucky: I agree with you on the 20 pounds before Christmas. I might be able to do it, but if I don't, I will get down on myself. I would agree to try and lose 10 pounds by then though.

Andria: Good job on staying OP. I definitely know how difficult it can be, so you deserve lots of praise.

Terri: Congrats to you too. I hope to be saying that I have been 3 days OP too!

Hi to Barb and Pam!

Well, lunch is almost over, so I better say goodbye.

Hey 2Cute - missed your post. Glad you're back.

Let's recommit together!

Good aafternoon ladies.
2cute glad you are back home post when you can.

Girls I have walked my tush off today. I went to Mistletoe Marketplace it is a yearly christmas market today was the first day. I had to park half a mile or more from the door and stood in line 50 minutes to get in at 12:00. They had a air-conditioned tent for a lunch type cafe. For $12.00 (a little pricey) I had a salad sampler plate, nice salad of mixed greens with a honey mustard dressing (yummy) also a chicken salad with, almonds, celery, green peas and a curry dressing(very yummy) and a small fruit salad. it included a slice of salad bread and a yummy cookie and berry tea.

Then they had samples all over the trademart from different companies. I bought 3 pkg of smoked bacon for the holidays. 3 pkg of gourmet soup mix and an apple strudel, I also bought some dip mix for the Genealogical society meetings.

I bought some more christmas gifts today also.

well I need to rest awhile before I have to cook dinner. catch you all later

Andria: Day 5! Stayed OP today, good for you.

Pam I fight that too. Even though I like walking I can alway find myself making reasons why I don't have time.

2Cute: Happy you are back.
That reminded me, 2Cute, about my aunt. REAL long story but the short version is she fell and was in the hospital for a year. Her husband stayed with her in the hospital the entire year. He would only leave once during the week during the day when her kids were there. He would go home to get clean clothes and would then go back to the hospital.
One night about 2AM he went down the hall to get a cup of coffee. He called a nurse to come in with her while he was gone, saying he would be back in a couple minutes.

When he returned the nurse told him that as soon as he left the room my aunt looked at her, took a deep breathe and died. Like you, 2Cute, he was devastated he wasn’t there with her at that moment. The nurse told the family that many times patients will “allow” themselves to die when the family leaves. I think my aunt didn’t believe he would survive watching her take her last breathe.

All of their married life he always said if anything happened to her he would commit suicide. He didn’t, but maybe my aunt was protecting him one last time?

Hey everyone

I'm proud to report Day 6 OP! Reporting the days is kind of fun. Hope it doesn't bug any of you.

I definitely have a cold and have been feeling lousy today. Instead of turning to my traditional sicky comforts, I've been adjusting them to low carb. Had a nice cup of herbal tea with Splenda (trying Splenda for the first time) instead of sugar or honey, and I'm thinking of making chicken soup with lots of veggies instead of noodles or rice for our dinner. I wish DH was home to cook for us.

Eldest daughter and I are both down with this and the 7 year old has been running amok until the last few minutes when she decided to be like us and curl up beneath a blanket on the couch.

Tomorrow is going to be interesting. I promised the guys at job 1 that I would buy them pizza sometime for coming up to my house for a service call (when the car battery died). Well, they decided they want it tomorrow. I can live through a pizza party, but that is coupled with a surprise birthday party for my brother tomorrow night. My SIL decided to not go simple like she promised. I was going to be bringing a cheese fondue that was totally in bounds, dip a bunch of veggies and ignore the dessert. Well, she contacted one of the caterers I wrote up in that magazine article, and he offered her a serious deal because she is my relative. Chick is getting a gourmet dinner for 12 for $60! I'm not sure if I'll be able to eat anything or not, and I really don't want to hurt her feelings, BUT I truly want to stay OP more than I'm worried about her. If any of you have suggestions on how to handle the situation, please share them! This SIL is pretty sensitive about things and gets her feelings hurt easily, plus she is 6 months pregnant, which makes it worse.

Ok, enough about me and worrying about things that might not be a problem after all.

2cute, our CAPED CRUSADER has returned to us! Get everything caught up around the house and get your backside in here, chicky!

Susie, good job staying OP, especially with those chocolates within reach!

Pam, did you keep on walking? Where are you? BTW, good to have you around more lately. Your work schedule sounds like such a killer.

Terri, so sorry DH isn't feeling well and is taking you down with him. I do that drainage/coughing fit thing for weeks usually after a cold. A humidifier can help a lot, but something to dry it up helps more. The Benadryl was a really good idea. Heading to the doctor was another good one, because it could be a secondary infection, yeah? And as an owner of multiple cats, I know what you mean about worrying over animal smell. Febreeze works really, really well, plus they have the new one (haven't tried it yet) that is supposed to keep allergens down or something. Grats on day 3 of good food!

I'm going to stop here because there isn't a dinner fairy showing up in my kitchen and someone is going to have to make a meal. Blah. I don't feel like eating, I just know it is the right thing to do.

Andria

Evening, everyone! I ate terribly today. Well, that's not REALLY the truth. I pigged out at Taco Bell for lunch. However, for dinner I had 2 servings of Syn's Apple Salad. Sooooo, all in all, I did my eatting at lunch and have been pretty good the rest of the day. Not all that nutritious, but good, nonetheless.

I'm still fighting with poor Max about the drops in his eyes. He is such a strong little 15# pussy (cat)!!! The ointment I had for him last week I was able to put in his eyes by myself. The drops I need an accomplice for. I'm not sure how #1 son will fair with him while we're gone. I just hope he gets in some of his treatments. My only salvation is that he has had all of his doses faithfully for 3 full days and we'll get 1 in before we leave in the morning, then #1 son is on his own. Poor Max is declawed in the front, but I'll be darn, he can sure grab hold of you with his front paws and kick the crap out of you with the back ones! *ouch* Hopefully this will be over soon.

2cute: Glad to see you back! I know just how you're feeling. I went to see my uncle when he was in the hospital dying. Left his side for 2 hours to, of all things, get a perm, and when I got back to the hospital he was gone. It took me a very long time to get over it. [[[hugs]]] * On to the OP issue. TIME TO GET BACK WITH IT!! We ARE going to do this. Let's go!!!

Andria: There's no "dinner fairy" at your house either??? Geez, that's the pitts!

Lucky: Still shoveling, girlfriend? * More on the hair issue: the hairdresser will tell you not to color right after a perm. Mine says not for two weeks when I was using the permanent type, now she says 2 days with the wash out type. With the long hair, you just have to be more careful. You might even need two packages depending on how thick your hair is.

Mary: That Christmas marketplace sounds wonderful. I would have loved to have been there with you. Is it like Bronner's in Frankenmuth, or more like a trade show?

Susie: I cannot believe your willpower with chocolates parked so close to your desk! Whata woman!!!

Pam: Did you get that 2 mile in? Good for you!

Barb: "Hi, back!"

Terri: I do somewhat agree with you about WW and the nutrition thing. But I think alot depends on how the leader takes it on. My old leader was more eat within your points range, whereas my new leader is constantly talking about the food piramid and how many servings of what you should be eatting. She'll use examples of some members. For instance, one member she said had come in and eatten all 30 of her points in Fat Free Cool Whip. The leader was not a happy camper, and it was just one more time that she reinforced the nutrition aspect of the program. I think she does focus on it more because her husband is a diabetic so she is always concentrating on all of it.

Syn: Gotta use those Fat Free Saltines. 5=1 WW point. I truly understand. I love my crackers in soup and chili too.

Duckie: Good to see you returning to the fold. GREAT job on the loss! I bet you're really getting excited about your trip.

Sara: Ok, where'd you disappear to again.

Tina: Where are you, girlfriend? You didn't get hauled off to the pokey for shooting that dear husband of yours, did you???

There's still a bunch more missing. I won't try to name you all because I know I forgot Jen in my list the last time I tried to do that and I layed in bed that night and felt really bad but didn't have then energy to get back out of bed and edit my post.

I've gotta get out of here. Still need to pack for our Mystery weekend and get some sleep. Talk to you all when I get back.
Love ya bunches.

Just stopping in to check on my favorite gals for a minute before crawling into bed. It was another busy, busy day. The good news is that DH got home in time to watch Survivor and snuggle on the couch with me! It's the first night this week he's made it home before 10.

I'm off to my nice warm bed. Sweet dreams to all!

Ladies,

Got that walk in!!!! Today will be 3rd consecutive day!!! Feeling strong in respect to activity level. I am most grateful.

Busy day right up till 10p. Have to pick my sister up at the airport after I get off work....then back to work at 7 in the am, I really am going to have to consider another job, due to the hours, I know I dont rest enough, and it is really catching up with me....just do not want to think of that prospect of trying to find another one, ugh!

2 cute, glad you are back here with us. I missed you terribly!

All the rest of you chickies, my apologies for not posting individual replies.....It will be tomorrow before I am able to check back in with you.

Know I love you all, and I will be thinking of you today, ( I often do wander what you are doing at certain times of the day, feel a real kinship with you all!! AND IT IS WONDERFUL!!!

GOTTA GO NOW

Hiya!!

Thin: You are too funny! Don't feel bad cuz you forgot to name me last time. I'm not here often enough, so that's my bad. Hope your kitty gets better before you need stitches!!

2Cute: I am so sorry to hear about all you've been through lately. It's good to have you back though.

I haven't read the whole last thread, but I hear rumor that Sara was back. I'm up for the 20 pounds by Christmas!! Oooh!! Holidays are SO BAD!!! It would be a first for me if I actually lost weight during the holidays. The holidays have already been getting to me. I've been making BAD food choices again. Oh, the old habits die hard. Especially Reeses Peanutbutter Cup habits. Those evil little things are all out of the house now, but I have to strengthen my resolve before I begin the onslaught of holiday baking. I am SUCH a good baker too dang it!!

I am so far behind (as usual) that I can't catch up with everyone. Sorry I'm such a slacker! I did just want to say HI to everyone.

I'll be lurking around!!


Talk at ya all later,
Jen


256/180/145ish

I got a last minute reprieve from the governor last night...I was scheduled to work at 11...got my usual 4 hours of sleep during the day...had a scout committee meeting last night, which lasted til about 9:30. I raced home, so that I could lay my head down for a half hour "cat nap." At 10:30, when dh was trying to wake me up for the third time...I got a call from the girl that usually relieves me...she was working also, said it really wasn't busy at all, did I want to take a personal day???
gee...let me think.......
OKAY!

So I rolled over and went blissfully back to sleep...and now I'm off til Monday night....

Lots of time for raking, riding, cleaning, Body Pump, and maybe even a little Christmas shopping....I said MAYBE!

2cute...so glad to see you back and just as determined. That's my girl! I was going to say the exact same thing Lucky and Thin said...Having worked in a hospital for the last hundred years, (okay, it only seems that long) I have seen the same thing happen many, many times. It's as if the patient wants to spare the family of actually seeing them die. Families have been at the bedside for a three day vigil, and the minute they step out, for whatever reason, the patient "lets go." It's not uncommon, please don't beat yourself up over it. She knows you were there and that you love her. {{{hugs}}} Take care of yourself.

Barb...I haven't seen Survivor yet...will check out the tape later...was it good? Huh? No, don't tell me.....

Thin...have a great weekend! If I could ever get a full weekend off together with my honey, I'd love to try that! I've seen them advertised at different Pocono's resorts (Pennsylvania)...Practically in your backyards, Michelle, Barb...what do you think?

Andria...I hope you're feeling better today. About your gourmet dinner, why not plan for the indulgence? Get your exercise in that day. Eat lighter, smaller meals during the day. Concentrate on eating things that you normally don't get a chance to eat...meaning, pass on the "everyday" items...Don't sweat it, enjoy yourself (in moderation) and get back on track the next day. Then again, maybe your cold will take your appetite away all together and you won't even FEEL like eating. nah...that wouldn't happen to me either!

Terri...sounds like the perfect solution...drug the dh! I should try that, but he'd probably just snore that much louder!

Lucky...Is it still snowing? I think you should get those guys with the guns to shovel for you!

Mary...the Christmas market place sounds wonderful!

Susie...You are a strong woman...knowing those chocolates are so close, I'd do nothing but think about them all day! Atta girl!

Pam...I think I'm a member of that same organization: Procrastinators Anonymous! If I don't just get out and DO something, I can come up with a million and one reasons why I should do it later...and of course LATER never comes....gotta work on that...

Syn...don't worry about doing individual replies when you post...(it really takes a long time!) If there's someone that you want to respond to, go ahead. You don't have to reply to every one, every time you post. Or, just come and tell us what you've been up to! No pressure!

Duckie...Did I welcome you back? I forget...anyway...WELCOME BACK! TOPS sounds good, whatever keeps you motivated, right?

Okay, time for me to crank up that vacuum and get busy! Then I get to rake the leaves. Oh boy, what a day I have in store!

Have a grand day, everyone! TGIF!

Howdy Chicks! How are my fine feathered friends today? I am so happy that it's Friday. I'm ready for a break from this crazy week. We are having a Poker Party tonight at our house so it should be a fun end to the week. I always stress about the house before friends come over because I like everything to be spotless. I am trying to work today with a little break here and there for some cleaning. I am going to run to the grocery store at lunch time - I am contributing the healthy food for the night. We always order pizza and someone is bringing Taco Salad and someone else is bringing Brownies , so the least I can do is provide fruits and veggies and try to eat more of the good stuff then the bad. I am going to try to stay away from the Margaritas tonight and stick with water and iced tea.

I am back to my Friday weigh-ins. I am declaring myself stuck for the moment. I didn't gain, didn't lose this week. (well, the scale read down 0.2 - counts, but not really). I am happy that I didn't gain, bummed a little that I didn't lose. Then again, I only made it to the gym 3x and food wasnt' 100% back to OP. So, I have hit a bit of a plateau, but I will break through it!

Kat - sounds like you have a busy, fun day planned! I was just looking at resorts in the Poconos the other night. I was thinking about surprising Jeff with a nice weekend away (somewhere other than Atlantic City). That would be so much fun if we could all go to a murder mystery weekend!!!

Ok, gotta get back on track with work! Love to all!!!
Barb

I'm lonely, where is everyone?

The best laid plans..............

Usually blow up in my face! Let me just state for the record, that this has been one suckerific year for us and cars. GEEZ!

I got in my car today to run a few errands. Started it right up. stepped on the clutch to put it in reverse, and the clutch went all the way to the floor...AND STAYED THERE! I turned the car off...pulled the clutch up, started the car again, and there was this terrible grinding noise and some major vibrating of the clutch. Suffice it to say, I need a new clutch to the tune of $1700! Just what I need at Christmas time. The guy in the shop said, "yep...right on schedule...around 100,000 miles the clutch usually goes." We're a wee bit early...at only 90,000 miles. The damn thing is paid off in Jan...is it just going to start falling apart now? We have NEVER had any major problems with this car. @#$#@%#^&* is all I can say.

I could easily dive into a vat o' ice cream and not come up til tomorrow. But I won't. I am having pretzels right now though. I could get carried away here...better go put them back.

see you all later.

maybe.

2 Cute: I'm so glad you're back. Please don't beat yourself up over not being there when your Mom passed on. You were there for her when she really needed you-she's in GOD's hands now. I'm praying for His peace for you and your family.

Thin: A little splurge every now and then is o.k.!

Barb: Hope you had fun at your poker party!

Susie: Nice to meet you-and good job avoiding the chocolates!

Duckie: Good to see you too!

Mary: Sounds like you had a fun day!

Andria: Hope your cold is better soon

Jen: Nice to see you!

Katrina: Car probs SUCK! Especially at the holiday season

Pam, Tina, and everyone else: Hope you have a great weekend

P.S. If you notice my stats, I'm now officially residing in TWOterville!