Well, it's a short week for me and I forgot to tell you what I'll be doing this weekend. I'll be busy as usual. On Saturday, I'm working at a 5K (DH will run it). Then I have a wedding to coordinate at my church. Then DH and I are ushering at a local community theater for the play "See How They Run."

On Sunday, we're going to see "Nunsense." I've seen the play several times, but some of acting friends are in it. Then it's Super Bowl. My friends have a huge TV and it will be great to watch it on that. We have a 27" TV.

So, what's everyone else doing?

Hi everyone,
Well, my BIL's 60th birthday party was fun and I have to admit that I totally enjoyed every guilt-ridden bite of queso, fajitas, and the works! But, it's been so long since I really pigged out on all the bad stuff that my stomach felt awful when I got home. So I've been good all day and it feels back to normal again. I did do an hour on my Nordic Track before dinner, so hopefully it won't have too big of an effect.

No exercise tonight. I worked 1-1/2 hours overtime so I could finish all my notes for today. I'm exhausted! Sure hope our caseload goes down some soon.

Melissa, thanks for the link to the mushroom soup. I'm going to tinker with it a bit this weekend since we're back to cold weather (for us anyway). There are a bunch of good recipes on that site that could easily be "defatted" to fit into the plan.

Lori, the cello lessons are one of the items on my "bucket list". I can play piano and flute just enough to entertain myself, and although I really enjoy playing I am definitely not good enough to entertain others. I'm in awe of people who can play by ear and play with others!

Lisa, I'm going to try and get all my chores out of the way on Saturday so I can spin and knit all day Sunday. I've really been in "fiber" mode lately, so I'm trying to take advantage of it. If you google "grammaknits, blogger" it should pop up my blog with all the knitting and spinning stuff I've been up to. I have to be really careful to schedule some exercise in since I could play with my hobbies all the time.

Hi to Pam, and Tonya

Hi everyone! We're bracing for a winter storm that is supposed to bring ice, sleet, and snow tomorrow. I'm hoping the winds shift and we don't get anything!

Tanya: When my boys were younger and got ear infections they were clingy and tended to be more cranky. I never knew they had them until they were full blown. My older son got married this past summer so I'm a "mother-in-law", which still hasn't sunk in totally. My DS #2 will be 17 this summer. I've been really lucky with both of my boys--we're close and I haven't experienced and rebellious behavior so I'm grateful for that. I'm the oldest (45), followed by a brother (44), sister (40), and a baby brother (37). My sister is a complete opposite of me--she takes after the Hungarian side of the family--olive complexion, green eyes and tans as soon as she gets in the sun and I'm the one who burns if I'm out for any amount of time!

Lisa: I worked at a WW travel location tonight, tomorrow I work at the main Center; Saturday we have the rugby banquet; Sunday morning work at WW and then get things together for the game. DS #1 and his wife are coming over so it should be fun. Somewhere in between everything that's going on I need to get to the store to pick up supplies!

Theresa: I may try and make the soup this weekend; I have some mushrooms in the fridge so I could give it a whirl. I love soup and eat it all year long. Yes, I'm one of those who can eat soup in the heat of summer!

Well, I haven't had a whole lot of time to post on how things went at my meeting/WI on Wednesday--I was up 1.4# and was not happy about it. I can't understand it and was totally frustrated and ended up having a little collision with the potato chip bag. I'm working on staying on track and focusing on each day rather than dwelling on the WI but it's been difficult.

Hello Ladies,

I am having another rough day :( I went to my WW meeting this morning fully expecting to be down at least 2#. Well I was up .4, which I know is not a lot but I am still upset. Every one from my mom to my friends at the meeting and the gym has said the same thing. "It's just that your gaining muscle", or "maybe you are retaining some water from sodium", or maybe you are an "every other week looser" (what is that anyways) and next week you will see the better results". None of it makes me feel better. I would not care so much if I knew where I went wrong. I ate beautifully, and I got in all my water and more. I included at least 3 serving if fruits and veggies in per day if not all 5 and I worked out HARDER than ever:lifter: Ugh I am just so mad and frustrated. I am open to anyones advice and even if I have heard it I welcome it. I feel like hearing it from all of you is different than hearing it from woman at the gym who are in incredible shape and although they do work out, most of them don't have weight struggles.

Well I am done venting. DH came home early from week 2 of his 4 week training session. He flew this afternoon and we went into Jax's daycare together to pick him up. He was happy to see dad, but not as happy as he was to see me. Sweet I know, but I am starting to worry that after this trip he will be so attached to me that it will take weeks to get him used to separating from me again. I always thought it would be great to have a child who always prefers me and is clingy. Don't ask me why? It's cute for a few minutes and then it gets old. I love that DS is so affectionate and sweet :hug:, but I need a break sometimes and if DH isn't around that is nearly impossible. Lately it seems impossible even when DH is home. I just need a break. Is that wrong of me? Do I sound cold?

Lori, I always wanted a brother. Now as an adult I am happy to have lots of sisters but as a child I always wanted a brother to protect me. We have a lot of patients at the office who have similar OCP issues. Oh sorry, OCP is med talk for oral contraception. I also agree w. your DM. It could be that your pills aren't working correctly due to ineffectiveness or too few hormones. Some people are just irregular even on the pill, but if you were always reg until recently I would definitely see your MD.

Melissa, Sorry about your WI and I definitely know how you feel... especially today. Ugh, it's just so frustrating, isn't it? Well I am going to keep with it. I am not going to give up now. During my meeting today I was thinking the whole time: "I am going to go straight home and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches until I am stuffed!" That is my #1 comfort food. Instead I went to the gym and did 35 minutes on the bike and some weights. Not my usually workout but I need variety and I felt better afterwards. I know that I don't follow WW rules to the T, but I journal everything and I always eat my daily points and choose wisely. I use most of my extra points each week, but this past week I only used 15 and in the past I have used an avg of 30. I worked out a ton, but I didn't overdo it on the weights. I am so confused :?:

Lisa, Good lord you have your weekends packed! Good for you for keeping busy. You DH sounds like he is well suited for you. It's nice to be on the same page w. someone. DH and I are so very different but we seem to manage. It keeps things interesting. Sometimes I do wish we had more similar interests.

Oops, I gotta run. DS is having a meltdown... AGAIN :(

Hello to Pam, and Theresa

Wow, sounds like everyone is having a hard week! Hang in there and hopefully we'll all be back on track soon. We had my unofficial office WI today and I was up 1#, but it was expected after the spurge on Mexican food Wednesday. Worked late again today to get all my notes finished up because I'm going to be off work for 2 weeks!! This is my chance to get caught up around the house and get things back in order. I did take Bailey out for a good brisk walk after dinner though, and I'm going to try and do better this weekend.

At work we've been discussing what we're going to give up for Lent. After much thought, I've decided to give up all my after dinner snacks. That's going to be pretty hard for me, but if I can do it maybe it will be the start of a good habit that I can continue. Between 8-10pm are the rough times for me.

As long as we're sharing, here's a little info on me. I'm 54, married, with a son (+ DIL and 2 grandsons), and a step-daughter who I claim is mine. I have a younger brother and sister, and still have my mom (79) and my grandmother (97). Also my 97yo MIL lives with us (along with our Lab, Bailey). I'm an occupational therapy asst. in a nursing home rehab dept. My passions are knitting and spinning, but I try not to let them take over my life!

Lori and Tonya: you two are doing great at the gym! Be sure to eat all your activity points, you've earned them and you need to feed those muscles. Remember, once you get that metabolism revved up, it's going to get easier.

Tonya, don't worry too much about Jax's clinginess. My son was the same way, if not worse. When he was 2, I couldn't leave him with anyone but my mother. But as he got older and became more social, he let other people into his world. Just give him the opportunitity to be more independent, but let him know that you're there for him. It will get better eventually. Kids have to learn how to separate from mom, and it's easier for some than for others.

Stay warm everyone!
Hi to Lisa, Pam, and Melissa!

Hello Ladies,

This will be a quick reply. DS has a fever and possible an ear inf. I am not too upset about it because it may mean that w. some rest and an antibiotic this clingy crankiness could be over soon! If he's still not feeling well Mon AM, I will call the pedi office. Also DH is home till late Sun after the game, so we are going to attempt to et some QT in after DS goes to bed (around 7pm). DH is giving DS a bath right now and I am laughing listening o the two of them goof around :)

I am feeling slightly better about my small gain this week. Eating was Ok today but not the best. I did hit the gym and do 45min cardio and some weights. Mostly I gabbed w. my gym friends about marriage troubles, kids and gossip. I find that some days I do best on my own w. my music and some days talking keeps me moving on whatever machine I am on longer. Today was one of those days. I would have quit after 30min if my friend wasn't on the elliptical next to me. I plan on hitting the gym tomorrow morning as well, if only for a quick workout, or maybe mall-walking w. my mom. The local mall is open at 6am for walkers and it's almost a mile per lap around each level. We usually do lower and upper level 2-3times. They have an au bon pan as well that opens early and we usually split a bagel or muffin.

I am planning a surprise party for DH 30th b-day in March and I sent the Evites out last night. I have 40 guests on the list and so far 18 yes and 3 maybe. I am hoping it's closer to 30, so I can stay withing my budget. We are doing it at Jillian's Boston. It's a Billiards club w. an adult arcade, Lucky Strike Bowling and a dance club downstairs. I booked the "VIP room" which has standing room for up to 50 guests, an alcove w. seating for up to 25 and 4 pool tables. It wasn't cheap but we never splurge esp on Rick, so I am Ok w. it. I am doing a mix of appetizer platters instead of a full buffet (too $$$) and ordering a cake w. white choc filling (DH LOVES it). The bar minimum is $25 per person, but I am not worried about paying the balance because I have a lot of drinkers in my family and Rick's USMC buddies will be in for the weekend (he has no clue) and they will surely be celebrating. I am not encouraging people to get drunk, but I hope people will have a few cocktails!

Hello to everyone I hope everyone has a great weekend. GO PATS!

Just checking in to say that the mushroom soup is wonderful! I cut the butter by half, and used milk instead of cream, and I used Baby Bellas instead of the white mushrooms. Also I happened to have mushroom stock in the freezer so I used that for the vegetable stock. It's a quick easy recipe and really tasted great! Almost as good as my $$$ mushroom soup that takes 2 days to make. I'll definitely be making this again, and next time I'll try using fat free sour cream (I didn't have any today).

Enjoy the game tomorrow! I've got my popcorn ready.