Good morning. It's very windy here and a little cooler, so it was a great morning for a walk. Had a busy weekend. 4,000 people walked for a breast cancer cure on Saturday, then went shopping, then went to a sea bean symposium. Later went with DH to a surprise birthday party. This guy was amazing--77 years old, runs, bikes, plays golf. He's in very good shape and had the nicest family. I ate more cake!! But I danced--they had a DJ.

WI is tonight--not looking forward to it. I've been snacking too much. Lately, I'm just not motivated to stay OP and I don't know why. I have muffin tops!

Melissa, Sorry about your hands. That's awful. IMHO I would avoid surgery if I could. Women I know who've had the surgery have had more problems later mainly because of painful scar tissue. I had larynx polyps a few years back when I was in an operetta. Thank God, I didn't need surgery (risky). I had to go through speech therapy.

Well I got LOTS of maternity AND baby clothes this weekend from my friend that I went to visit. It was great!

When I got home last night, DH and I got into a fight. Admittedly, it was all my fault. I was so overtired that when I got home I tried to sleep but I couldn't. AND my emotions have been crazy lately. It was pretty bad!

I have to travel this week for work. Leaving Wednesday, coming home Friday. Tomorrow I have my 2nd ultrasound (the Down Syndrome test).

Melissa - Good luck with your husband's surgery! I don't like surgery - always scares me!

Lisa - The walk sounds like fun. Its about 45 degrees out here right now, and will only get up to 60. Wednesday its supposed to be something like 50 for the high!

Lori, How great to get maternity clothes! So, you're about the same size as your friend? They sure look better than they used to. So sorry about the fight--I hope you made up. : )

Your weather has really changed. I keep hoping for less humidity and temps in the 70's. Yesterday, it happened, but today's back in the 80's.

Yes, we made up. My friend and I are about the same size. I was smaller than her, before I got pregnant. But now with all the changes, we are the same size . I got some great stuff from her, but she also had gotten some things handed down. So I didn't really take any pants, because they weren't newer ones with the new type of waist that I like. I will have to buy a few more pairs of those I guess. But I got TONS of shirts, and a few dresses. I also got some leggings, to wear under the dresses.

Good afternoon!

I met with the hand specialist/surgeon today and unfortunately I don't have any alternative other than surgery It's way beyond splints, shots, etc. She said she wished she could tell me differently. I trust her as she's done surgery on my mom. The report from the EMG test confirmed all the damage. She said I will have immediate relief from the shooting pains, etc. and may even have the numbness disappear as well. I'm scheduled for 11/11 and 12/2 (both hands). I told her that the Darvocet/Advil did nothing for the pain and she said it wouldn't because it's nerve related. *sigh*

We had a good time at the game on Friday evening--it was cold & clear (40) so I dressed warm (thank goodness). It's beautiful here today--62 but it's going to be short-lived because tomorrow's high is only supposed to hit 48 and the rest of the week is going to cool. I did manage to get out for a walk over the lunch hour today.

Lori: That's great that you were able to get some maternity clothes from your friend. I found some great items at a second hand store--some even had original tags on them!

Lisa: DH's surgery is outpatient and from what I gather is pretty easy; I worry more about the "growth" that was spotted. It's been quite a year.

I'll try and catch up more later on...

Melissa, Well, sorry about the surgery, but to know that the pain will be gone must be a relief for you. 40 degrees? That is COLD. So, did they win the game?

I have been so remiss in asking you about your father--is he improving?

Lisa: I'm not looking forward to the surgery per se but definitely am looking forward to being pain free! It's worse in the evenings. The game was a good one--back and forth and a heart stopper to the end--they scored with 9 seconds remaining and were able to hold on for the win. My dad is okay; they're still traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh and this Thursday they'll meet with the doctor to go over all of his tests. The did another bone marrow test last week and more blood work so we'll see what the prognosis is. His platelets haven't increased and his weight continues to be an issue; he's been holding around 145-47 the past week. He's definitely thin. My brother's gf is most likely being moved to a long term care facility this week as she is getting worse and he is unable to care for her. It's been a year!

Melissa, Gosh, your father is thin. I forget; does he have lymphoma? Oh, and your brother's GF; I had forgotten about her, too. How sad that is; how old is she? What does she have? What a terrible time for your family. You're right--what a year.

Glad your son's team won! Yeah! Our Rays are in the World Series!

Went to WI last night and was down .5; I was amazed because I've been going to parties as I told you. I guess the only saving thing has been my walking. I am very faithful to that, but snacking has been downfall of late.

Lisa, we'll have a more definitive answer what exactly is going on with my dad when he goes to Pittsburgh this Thursday. My dad is about 5'10-11 so he is thin...the skin on his arms just hangs and it's so sad to see that because he always prided himself about staying in shape with gardening, etc. He still enjoys going out for walks. My brother's gf is around my age (46) so she's pretty young. She had cirhosis of the liver and some other health problems (her kidneys aren't working where they need to be).

Go Rays!! I talked to my GF last night and they're all excited; DS #1 has been a Ray fan forever so he's really happy as well. It should be a good series.

Congrats on the loss! I can relate with the snacking--I've been having trouble with that lately as well but I think mine is more caused from emotional stress...

Hi Ladies,

It's been a long time. Lately I have been spending more time out of the office and traveling so not a lot of time for posting. It looks like that will be changing soon so hopefully I'll be able to join you all again more regularly. Things have been going well for me. Weight is still about 5lbs more than where I would like it to be, but its not going up. I think I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm not going to weigh 120lbs again. Family is well, Lauren started college in the fall and moved out of the house which was a very difficult adjust for me. Thankfully she goes to school in MA so can come home frequently. DH is doing very well and was finally able to return to work full time after his surgery last fall.

Melissa - I'm so sorry to hear of the medical problems you've been dealing with. I'm sure the hand surgery will be a great success. My hair stylist had it done in August and she is thrilled with the results. I hope all goes well for your DH and your Dad. That is a lot of stress for you

Lori - Congratulations! How exciting for you and your DH. I think maternity clothes are so much nicer now than when I was purchasing them 20 years ago. Good luck with your ultrasound today.

Lisa - Yeah for the Rays! As you know I love my Soxs but the Rays really deserved it this year! What a great weekend you had and what a wonderful turn out for the breast cancer walk. A belated happy birthday to your DH!

Well ladies I'm home from work today trying to get caught up on a bunch of things. Got some laundry going and will try and think of something to make for dinner. I think dinner time is when I miss Lauren the most.
I missed you all and will try and post more regularly.

Pam: Great to hear from you!!! It sounds like life has been equally crazy for you. How is your DH doing? It's a huge adjustment with the transition to college. I also came to the conclusion that my weight won't get back down to 135 and I've come to grips with that. I wouldn't mind being in the high 130's though I'm counting down the days to the surgery...this morning my hands feel like lead weights and they're tight from the temp changes.

WI day for me so I'm hoping I post some sort of a loss. I've really tried to watch the snacking. It's such an easy habit to fall back into! I had my regular PCP visit yesterday and she was pleased with my blood pressure and my weight has come down almost 10# since July; she also increased my thyroid meds a little because I'm still tired and my joints are aching (which are two signs for me that I need more). I'll pick up my new prescription tonight.

I'm off Thursday and Friday; I have a bunch of vacation time I need to use up and with the impending surgeries it makes it even more interesting...I'll be off quite a bit, lol.

Melissa that's great that you are down 10lbs since July! Good luck at your weigh in today. Yes, night time eating is my downfall too. My current nightly snack is pumpkin flavored ice cream. I don't know why I bought it because I'm definately the only one who will be eating the whole half gallon!

DH is doing well. He goes for his one year check up and CT scan on 11/24 in Boston. Since that is Thanksgiving week I'm going to use it as a vacation week and see if I can get a little Xmas shopping done. I bet you're anxious to have your surgery behind you.

Yes, the college transition is a difficult one. Is your youngest DS a senior this year? How is your oldest son and his wife? Do they still live close by?

Enjoy your vacation time this week!

Pam, I thought it was coming up on a year for your DH. Mine is actually going in next month to have polyps removed from his vocal cords and a growth; his blood work also shows that he's hyperthyroid so they're doing more tests for that. I made the mistake of buying tortilla chips "for my son"--well guess who's eaten most of them?! And I'll give you one clue...not my son, lol.

I am anxious to get the surgery behind me--I just want to have the feeling back in my fingers and not have pain at night. DS #2 is a senior this year; he is planning on attending school here next year. He'll be more involved that my older son.

My DS #1 and his wife just bought a house and they're working on painting, pulling carpeting, etc. He's turning into quite the handyman He just got hired at a new state of the art medical wellness facility that is opening up in January. It's part of a medical school and from what I've read and seen it's going to be really nice. He'll have benefits and will be a fitness specialist (trainer) for the members. He's excited about it. They are both doing well and come over a lot. This past weekend they went with us to DS #2's football game so it was fun. I can't believe I'm a mother-in-law.

WI Update I went to the meeting and was down .4 which I'm happy about; now to stay out of the snacks at night!

Pam, Welcome back--you've been missed. So glad DH is doing well. Hope you'll be posting here more. Yes, we all have that weight that will never be again. Boston at Thanksgiving sounds like fun.

Melissa, have some fun on your vacation days. I have bunches, too, but it's difficult to be gone from this place. I have to find an alternate and it's just too hard. In mid-November I'll be taking some time to go to the Atlanta area with my GF to see another GF. We'll be hitting Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for sure. I hope to get more Christmas shopping done.

Congrats on the loss and the improved health report--wow! 10 pounds since July. Terrific.

Remember, root for the Rays tonight.

Good morning, ladies! I've gotten quite a bit accomplished this morning--went through some old stacks of magazines and got rid of bunch that I don't need. I'm also going to get rid of some old coats that we longer wear. It was a cool 32 degrees this morning--had to scrape the windows of the car to take DS #2 to school...brrrr!

Tonight we have a football game and afterwards I'm sure we'll catch the rest of the game; I hope they win tonight! Tomorrow DH and I are going to take a ride and go to Trader Joe's and lunch somewhere. He's leaving for Lexington (KY) tomorrow night for rugby playoffs so it'll be a quiet weekend. I could get my clothes organized--it just depends on if I can keep up with my momentum!