Good morning/afternoon ladies,

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I had an exhausting one, but it was fun nonetheless. My mom flew in on Friday and we spent the weekend hanging out. We dragged her to the Pike Place Market to get flowers for Easter -- mucho tulips, a plant sale, made her fill eggs and she finally saw the easter basset. In the nearly 40 years she has lived in the USA, she did her first egg hunt. She really had a great time.

Oy, now its Monday and reality kicks in...

Had a pretty good weekend eating wise. I was pretty active without setting foot in the gym and now I am ready for a normal WW week. I hope I can stay with it.

Domina --how was the singing this weekend? Golf?

Melissa-- Are you still on break?

Susan -- Hope your visit with the family was nice. You leave on Friday correct?

Pam -- Hi ya!

Okay, I should get to work.

lala

Good afternoon everyone,

Hope you all had a nice Easter weekend. Mine was very nice, but I probably ate more candy than I should have!! Oh well, the plan is to be good this week and I'm going to stick to it. I'm home from work today, but working at home none the less. Before I changed careers 7 years ago I was a tax accountant for 12 years. So, unfortuantely this time of year I am still swamped with tax returns for assorted family members and friends. Yikes..I really let things go to the end this year. It's a nice day here, sunny and spring like so a good day to be out of the office.

Lala sounds like you had a nice weekend. What did your Mom think of the Easter "bassett"? Easter egg hunts are so much fun, that is what I really miss most now that my 2 children are older. I think next year I'm going to have one anyway.

Domina hope you were able to get some golfing in. Saturday I actually made it to a driving range and hit a small bucket of balls. First time this year!!

Melissa hope you are enjoying your time off from work.

Susan hope all is going well for you.

Well I should get back to the tax returns. The next thing on my agenda will be to go grocery shopping and hopefully buy some healthy foods to make this an OP week. Take care all.

Pam

Hello, lifers. Today started out very stormy, but now the sun's out and the temps are very pleasant. I think the rain took away the humidity. Sang in church most of the weekend; that went fine. Golfed on Sunday, what a gorgeous day. I had the best score ever and I beat out DH! Then again, he plays from other tees (farther away).

I did well eating wise. I ate no chocolate; had a handful of jelly beans. Yesterday, we had a small ham, some yams and a salad. I wore my tight-fitting slacks today, so I can't eat much. This week there are rehearsals every night as the play opens on Thursday. Oy!

lala, glad to hear your events went well. Pike Place Market is one of my favorites when I visit Seattle. I'm glad your mother enjoyed herself.

Hi to Melissa and Susan.

Hi everyone!

I'm off work today and will be glad to get a good OP day under my belt. So far today I've done well--Saturday/Sunday were terrible in terms of eating. I felt like a with all the snacking I did.

Today is much better and I feel in control. I met a fellow ww for lunch and had a great meal--there are 8 restaurants in town that are now offering a "healthy" menu and they list the calories, fat, carbs, fiber of the items they are offering. I had a great 3 point lunch of broiled scrod and steamed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini and yellow squash). I didn't eat a whole lot of chocolate yesterday but ate enough other stuff. Doesn't help that TOM is due here early next week and the cravings have reared their ugly heads.

Weather started out sunny this morning and I took advantage of it by going for a nice 45 minute walk before I met my friend for lunch so I did get some activity in today. I'm working at a WW meeting at the other end of town tonight so I'll be busy later on. Back to work tomorrow but on the up-side my boss is off and the students are still on break until Wednesday so it should be a quiet day for the most part. I usually get a lot done when no one is around.

Hi everybody. Back to work after a great 4-day break. Not too many emails this time, thank goodness.

It was good to see both families; my folks and all the bros and sisters are doing well. DH's grand niece and nephew are darlings (gee, it makes me feel old to say "grand" anything). As usual, it was also good to get home and back to our routines.

I did not eat a lot of chocolate but we had Easter dinner with both families But I did run - 12.5 km on Saturday and 8 on Monday so I feel pretty good about that.

lala: Sounds like your Mom enjoyed herself. You've given me inspiration to organize a hunt next year.

Pam: Do you golf much?

Melissa: Your lunch sounds delicious. I'm ready for some healthy eating after the weekend.

Domina: Congrats on keeping things under control food-wise.

Well folks, just two more sleeps and I'm off to sun and sand for a week. I have made a promise to myself to get back to weekly attendance and weigh-ins at WW when I return, otherwise summer will be here and gone and the extra weight will still be hanging on.

Hello. I went to the doctor yesterday because I still had a sore throat (a bad one) ever since my laryngitis. The doctor thought I might have a throat infection, so heavy duty antibiotics. I'll tell you I already feel better today. I need to pick up some yogurt as antibiotics can mess up the intestines. Sometimes you just can't lick these things on your own. I felt fine otherwise. Anyway, I've never liked doctor's scales and I didn't like the one yesterday. The weight was too high; I think the nurse was in a hurry. I had my clothes on and my shoes. When I got home, I weighed my shoes--1 pound. That explained part of the problem.

I had lost one pound this past week and was pretty happy, although the other pound I gained is being more stubborn. I noticed that I have not been drinking my water, which is strange for me as I have no problem doing that. I've just been so busy. Do you agree with me about doctor's scales??

Susan, I'm so proud of you for your running You are doing well. Are you sure of your weight stats? I would think you had dropped some.

Melissa, Yuck, TOM. That always causes me to eat more chocolate and salty things. Although I'm perimenopausal, so I don't get it as bad lately.

Hi, lala and Pam.

Have a good day.

Good morning everyone!

It's a gray morning here and a misty rain is falling outside so there won't be any afternoon walks I'm glad I was able to get one in yesterday.

Domina: I don't like the scales in the doctor's office--I usually take my WW booklet and give them that; a lot of times they weigh me heavier and it plays with my mind!

Pam: Did you get the taxes done for your family/friends?

Susan: Did your sister get her passport? I remember a while back you posting that she hadn't received hers yet. I bet you're looking forward to warm, sunny temps! I know I would be! The weather here the last couple of days has been very dreary.

Lala How are things going with the neighbors?

I must say it's good to be back to work, although I'm procrastinating on getting things done. I need to focus on the tasks that need to be done. I figure this afternoon will be very productive.

Hi Ladies,

Took mom to the airport this am. I'm sure they'll be back soon. She was happy to take some lilacs to remember Seattle by, the house will be quiet with her gone.

Its much cooler now, its only going to hit 60 today. I am happy. I plan to spend an hour or so tonight doing some weeding and pruning. A bunch of stuff was not too happy with our 82 degree weather this weekend.

Ran today at the gym. I can't say I was very fast (5.3 mph), but it was sustained. I think that I may start running as a change. I just need to find something faster to listen to on that mp3 player. I need something peppy.

Melissa - welcome back to work. I hope you can get out and enjoy a nice day or two.

Susan -- Did I tell you how jealous I am that you are going somewhere warm? You will have soo much fun and yum, great cuban food.

Domina -- I'm glad you got some relief from the antibiotics. If you are just worried about one pound, consider yourself lucky, but I can understand your frustration.

Pam -- Remember, April 16th is a day of rest for all CPAs. It should be your national holiday.

Oh, the neighbors.... I had a nice talk with the older sister last Thursday. I can call the police if they are doing anything bad and I can't get a hold of the older sister. She seems soo different from her little bratty sister. The little sis was out all weekend, didn't come home once. I think mom gives her the car and lets her play. So much for parental control. Our old neighbors came by on Saturday, I guess the landlord called them to come and check on us. They said that the new neighbors are one phone call away from eviction. I feel sorry for the older sister who would be getting evicted for the second time because of her bratty little sister and her friends.

Okay, gotta start work....

More later ladies, have a nicely watery and low point day!

lala

Good evening ladies,

Well this day just absolutely flew by, its almost 7 pm and this is the first opportunity I've had to sit and relax!! Not a very nice day weather wise 39 and raining glad I decided to stay home yesterday!! I don't know if any of you are coffee drinkers, but I have to have my Dunkin Donuts medium french vanilla with cream every morning..it is the only time I drink coffee the entire day. Well, I think thats pretty good, but every once in a while I try to give up coffee completely..so far without any success. Today I tried again and honestly tomorrow I'm back to the coffee. I felt very sluggish and had a bit of a headache but that could also be due to the coming of TOM next week!! Anyway, I don't think one coffee a day is bad??

Susan sounds like Easter with the family was very nice. Did everything get staightened out with your sisters passport? You must be getting excited about your vacation. I am also very jealous No, I haven't been out golfing too much but I'm hoping to get out more this spring and summer.

Melissa glad you had a productive day at work. I was able to get a nice walk in yesterday also but today was a complete wash out. Unfortunately the weather men are predicting the same for tomorrow.

Domina I don't like doctors office scales either. My Dr's nurse does the same thing, she is so quick she never even gives you time to take your shoes off!! I wouldn't worry too much about the one pound..it will be off in no time. Take care of your throat, I hope your feeling better soon.

Lala lucky for you one of the sisters is somewhat reasonable! Congrats on the run. 5.3 mph is pretty impressive to me. Yes, the 16th is a holiday for CPA's. My DH is still a practicing one and he always takes the day off.

Well, time to get my daughter from dance class. Hope you all had a nice day. Talk to you tomorrow.

Pam

Had a good rehearsal last night. It's tech week and the tech stuff is acting up. I have a lot of lines using a telephone and the darn thing wouldn't ring last night! I hope they get it fixed before we open. My photo was in the local paper today publicizing our play.

It's chilly here this morning--50's and blustery. I didn't go for my walk this morning because of the wind. This is very strange for Florida at this time of the year. I had just put away my sweaters and blazers. I'm feeling much better; the throat doesn't hurt hardly at all. Thanks for the good wishes.

lala, I'm so proud of you for the running. That's great. I'm also glad that one of the neighbor sisters is more mature.

Susan, have fun in sunny Cuba. That still sounds strange to me as we Americanos can't go there.

Melissa and Pam, I hope TOM isn't too bad. It must be catchy on this thread.

Pam, I've been trying to cut out/reduce my coffee intake. It has been playing havoc with my stomach. I just it too much. I went 4 days without any; now I'm having 1 cup a day.

Hey It's finally Wednesday - thought it would never get here! I told my boss I'd be leaving early today. I want to get one last tanning session in and perhaps a short run before my sister arrives this evening. I had my lashes tinted yesterday so that I wouldn't have to bother with mascara; that and the new SPF25 lip balm I bought this morning make me feel like I'm vacationing already!!

Melissa: The passport situation was resolved last week. Turns out, sis just got a cranky employee in the passport office who insisted she wouldn't receive it in time. Once she found someone who actually likes their job, things went much smoother. She called last nite to say she's leaving work around noon today and should arrive at my house no later than six. We'll have to get to bed early; the flight leaves at 5:30 am!!

Domina: I'm hoping it's not windy in Cuba, otherwise we'll be sandblasted on the beach Oh yes, about this TOM thing. I haven't had a real period since Christmas, but guess what arrived this morning. Darn! Happy to hear that your throat is better; break a leg out there. I so admire anyone who can perform in public. I'm way too self-conscious to even consider it.

lala: 5.3 mph is excellent. I don't run a whole lot faster than that. If you like it, running can be a great way to get and stay fit because you can do it anywhere. It's a wonderful way to explore places when you travel. And we know how much you travel.

Pam: I'm a coffee addict. At the start of every year I swear I'm going to cut back but so far I haven't followed through. I switched to decaf once and experienced excrutiating headaches. BTW, I don't believe that one coffee a day is bad for you - something has to get the blood pumping

I probably won't get a chance to check in at all until I return unless internet access is more widely available than I'm led to believe. Actually, it won't be a bad thing to take a vacation from the computer as well.

I don't know if I mentioned that DH leaves April 28th for 5 weeks in the mediterranean - sea trial followed by about 10 days of vacation. Gee, my work never sent me to Italy; must be doing something wrong. Anyway, all that to say that we don't have much time together between now and June 6th. (He's even going to miss my half-marathon race in May.) The realization of the long separation is starting to sink in...

Good morning! It's a chilly 37 here this morning and the outlying areas had snow last night! I'm glad we didn't get any! The rest of the week is looking up--temps are supposed to get into the 60's--I just hope it holds true!

Susan: Have fun on your trip! Think of us while you're basking in the beautiful sunshine I'm sure you'll find things to keep busy with while DH is gone but I can understand the reality setting in. Better to have TOM arrive now than when you got to Cuba!

Domina: Glad to hear that your throat is doing better. It's amazing what some antibiotics can do and so quickly! I know when I get sinus infections that once I get something that I feel better within a day.

Pam: I'm a coffee drinker I usually drink one cup in the morning and on rare occasions will head to a little coffee shop for a cup in the afternoon. I figure one cup isn't going to hurt; it's not like I drink a whole pot! I can tell, though, when I don't have my coffee in the morning, I get a horrible headache. I get very tired the week before TOM arrives and then a few days before I have trouble sleeping (tossing, turning), it's a vicious cycle in my opinion.

The sun is actually peeking out here...I'm sure it's not going to last but hopefully it'll be nice when I head out to my meeting at noon. I'll post an update after I get back.

Update: I was down 2.2# today As my buddy said to me, "It's a gift, be careful this week so that it doesn't get you next week." I had told her about my bad eating over the weekend.

Hi everyone,

Susan -- have a great trip, remember to take some water with you and a snack. Be safe and think of us while drinking those mojitos, eh?

As for DH, I understand completely. Its lovely being along four nights a week for 10 weeks at a time sometimes, but it can be a drag. You know he's not goofing off while on sea trials but working super hard. I wish you could join him at the end. I'm sorry he won't be there to cheer you on when you complete your half marathon. We'll be here though.

Melissa -- did you say snow? er, brr. Congrats on the loss. Wow! I should really go in to a meeting. I say this every week.

As for coffee, me, I drink decaf. Today I brought the whole pot in, I hate to make a whole pot while I am the only one at home and I'm trying to finish off some that DP doesn't like. What a nice person I am. I am considering purchasing a new machine, I want one that grinds/has a thermal carafe and a timer. Right now I have a thermal carafe and timer, but I want fresh/fresh/fresh coffee. I am considering getting a burr grinder as a start to see if that improves the flavor of the coffee.

Domina -- ooh please send link to picture and article. Please? Tech week is very hectic, good luck!

Pam -- must mail in DP's returns. Those who owe always like to wait until April 15th, eh?

Okay, gotta go and think about budgets. Hope everyone is fine....

lala

Hi, everyone. It's cooler here today, but no snow, Melissa.

Well, I succumbed this morning. It was a little slow at work and I was thinking of my upcoming 50th birthday (Saturday). So, I went to the company cafeteria and bought a cinnamon roll and a cappuccino. I know I shouldn't eat when I'm emotional, but I just had to do it. Could I blame the pitchforked one? I'm never going to lose that extra pound doing this type of stuff.

What are your plans for the weekend? Of course, I'm in my play each evening and matinee on Sunday. Tomorrow is golf and it should be nice for that (sorry, Pam). On Saturday, DH is taking me out to lunch at a nice little French restaurant here.

lala, I'm sorry, but our local paper has a website, but they don't put everything on it, so my photo (which also appeared today) is not there. It turned out pretty good. Last night at rehearsal one of the other actors forgot his entrance and I was on stage alone, so I had to continue talking and talking until he showed up. It was a little unnerving, but I know how to gab

Melissa, you rock, 2.2#. That is wonderful

Hi, Pam. I hope Susan has a great time.

Good morning ladies!

It's a beautiful, sunny day here and I'm heading out for walk over my lunch hour. The temps are supposed to begin climbing--today we're supposed to get to 50 and the weekend is looking might nice with temps in the high 60's, low 70's.

Plans for the weekend: work at WW Friday evening, go to dinner afterwards with the "team", Saturday lunch out with friends, hopefully get some house stuff done. If the temps are nice I'll be opening up the windows and letting the breeze blow through!

There are 9 restaurants here that are offering a "Menu 2" which lists the calories/fat/carb/fiber content of menu items so Friday evening we're going to one of them. It's great that they're finally coming to terms that patrons would like healthier choices. One of the restaurants even offer a half of a baked potato!

Domina: Don't be too hard on yourself--sometimes you just need to do things like that and get it over with. Move forward and don't let the slip up set the tone for the rest of the day

Pam: How're you holding up?

Lala: Did you get DP's returns in the mail? I do think that coffee made from fresh grinds taste so much better!