I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted here, yikes! I guess with the hockey playoffs at night and the spring cleaning and exercising during the day I haven't been on the computer much.

I switched my WI day to Tuesday mornings so I can hike every other day during the week - mon, wed, and fri. I like to go on long hikes so there would be no way for me to get back in time for a meeting - and fellow members probably wouldn't want my sweaty body next to them anyway . I was down another 2.2 lbs. today - 0.4 away from being able to add my 30-lb charm. But I will get there next week, as long as this nice weather holds out. It's so good to see the sun again.

Welcome back Kathi, and I know how you feel. It's hard to come here and post when things are going south in a dramatic way and no one else seems to be having any problems. Glad you are on board again (I used to be Persistent Chick or Cynthia).

Angie!!!! Soon the whole gang from CD 250 will be here. Hey bud. Congrats on the great WI.

Kim, your water story is an inspiration. I'm not sure how much I drink, over 64 oz/per day for sure because I always seem to have 2 of those large WW mugs each day - plus what I drink while working out and at meals.

DH got a new notebook computer for work (paid for by work) so now I get his old "heavy" one. I have it on my counter in the kitchen and have transferred all my MasterCook data to it. It also has my Excel journal so now I can enter in the food right there in the kitchen. No more messy cookbooks cluttering up my counterspace since the computer takes up less room. Eventually he'll install the "chip" that will add it to our wireless network so I'll be able to scour the web for recipes if I'm not finding what I really want. I've always wanted a computer in my kitchen.

Hey Annie - What's the latest with your sleep apnea? Any relief in sight? I sure hope so!

n 2 a swan: No relief from the sleep apnea. Couldn't come up with the deductible to pay for the machine since we have other stuff coming up. ANYWAY . . . it's a vicious cycle (the weight and sleeplessness). I need to lose weight to sleep better and I need to sleep better to have the energy to lose weight. At this point I force myself to do exactly what I HAVE to do. On top of that, I'm worried about DD and her boyfriend and staying on top of the bills - paying them and just having the energy to care to pay them.

Well, I guess that's more than you wanted to know. Thanks for asking. Sorry. I didn't mean to seem so down in the dumps. I try to find something to smile/laugh about each day. Coming here helps out a lot, even though I haven't lost in months. I AM still drinking my water and I'm trying to get back into a journalling routine.

You seem to be holding down the fort on the other thread with Marion. Your determination is an inspiration (like so many others here). You were here when I first started, when I was still a lurker. What a trooper! So, what do you have planned for the week? Anything fun?

2oM (Annie)

I just got back from 3+ mile walk with someone from my WW meeting. We have planned tomeet a couple of times a week to walk while my daughter is at preschool. While we were out I saw the mother of one of my daughter's friends. She is a very fit and athletic woman and works out all the time. So, I felt really good, that I was walking on the same path as her. Not that she probably cared!

Kathi

Kathi, maybe you picked up some good vibes from her and were able to push yourself a little more . You never know. Good for you getting your walking in.

Annie, sorry things are still so rough for you, I'll keep you in my thoughts and send drowsy vibes your way.

My team won tonight and advance to the next series, so I am happy, though tired. Thank goodness they play St. Louis next, maybe the games will be at reasonable times!

I went for a hike this morning and got to see some mountain irises - the first of the batch. It made me glad that I'm getting in shape. A few months ago I wouldn't have been able to do this hike.

Annie - I'm so sorry that you're still having a hard time. And no, I don't think that you were whining at all. Is there any way you could get a used CPAP machine (perhaps it would be cheaper)? Have you called any medical supply companies which may be able to rent you the equipment? I have a family member who is oxygen dependent and we rent the equipment monthly. Also, I know that there are programs, for instance, from drug companies for people who need, but can not afford, certain medicines. Your doctor would have to help enroll you. Perhaps this is also possible for the CPAP machine. Too often doctors fail/forget to mention the resources which are available. (No slam on doctors intended. My dad is a doctor. But you have to ask if these things are possible). I hope that help will soon be on the way for you!

I'm doing ok. Have slacked off on the exercise somewhat (only 3 days last week), but I'm going to start again. I found out that the exercise enables me to get a better night's sleep. Have you found that exercise affects your sleep any?

Keep your head up!

WWQueen: I am more of a football fan, but do keep track of the Wings (only the Wings, ha, ha). It's football first, then hockey. I don't waste my time with basketball, golf, or bowling. I'm so impressed with your hiking. You're going to be a real hard-body. Is Everest in your future?

n 2 a swan: No payment plan or rental was offered for the machine. It was suggested that I look on Ebay for one and I didn't see anything. I'll have to do more scrounging around to see what I can come up with. When I was walking at least 4 miles a day (11 years ago), I always felt good and slept good. I don't know when the sleep apnea came into play. Most likely when I put on so much weight. So get out and start walking, right? I know, I know. I don't want this to sound like an excuse (or maybe it IS anyway), but I have tell myself that I 'have to' do the basics (wash dishes, do laundry, etc.). I have real trouble keeping up with filing papers. My home isn't in total disarray, but I always feel behind and struggling to keep up. I feel like such a big, fat whatever but I almost don't care. It bothers me but it doesn't. Does that make sense? It all starts with one small step, right? I'll work on it again.

Lovin' the warm weather and the flowers in peoples' yards. Oh, and the magnolia trees are wonderful. Too bad the blossoms don't last longer.

Cleaned a couple windows last night after work. Sounds like 10 minutes work, but I was struggling to get the storms off, so I didn't get as much done as I wanted. Trying to get a little done each night before graduation. DD, DS, and DH don't know it yet, but they are going to volunteer this weekend to help!

2oM (Annie )

Annie - I read posts from people who say they have 100# to lose but they're walking (and hiking) 3-7miles at a time and I think, "Whew, how do they do it?" I'm lucky to walk 1 1/2 miles before my leg or hips or back start to hurt. I feel really discouraged about that but then I think, "Hey, you old broad. Don't give up; just keep doing the best you can." I need to focus on positive thoughts and find success in smaller goals. You seem to be keeping faith with what works and slowly I'm sure you will turn a corner and the way will look brighter.

WW Queen - You're a positive motivator. Wild irises are so neat. Did you see any orchids, yet? The ones I've seen at Rocky Mtn Nat Park are really tiny and I wouldn't have noticed them if someone else hadn't pointed them out. Good for the Avs. But aren't the Stanley Cup playoffs the longest in all sports?! When DH watched pro basketball, I used to think those playoffs lasted forever then I realized hockey is longer! We were in Montreal when Patrick Roy quit the Canadiens (?) and EVERYONE was aghast at it. Denver's good fortune.

Kim in NJ - WHERE ARE YOU? I hope you're on vacation or are you posting elsewhere? I should look at that site you mentioned last time you dropped in here. Hope all is good with you.

Kathi - I went to college in St Paul and always loved the Twin Cities. It was the only place I've lived, however, where the humidity could be 100% and no rain in sight!! Hi to you.

Also hi to n 2 Swan and Angie - I hope I have that right. I don't seem to be able to view the thread from here. Take care, y'all. I'm going to do my journaling.

Jody

Hey Annie - It is so easy to become overwhelmed with household chores. And I know what you mean about filing papers. Once I became a full-time caregiver for a disabled relative, I had to go though years of their accumulated papers and keep up with all the medical and insurance stuff. It was nearly impossible to keep up. This is when I gained my weight. Eventually, I worked at it a little at a time and finally everything had its own file and place.

At some point, you have to decide how much you can handle. It could be that now is not the time for you to worry about anything that absolutely doesn't have to be done now. Or you could have your daughter help you with some of these things - a creative way to get her to spend less time with the errant boyfriend. Just try not to be hard on yourself. No one is perfect. If you accomplish one thing each day, the day has been successful.