Good morning, everyone! Just starting off for today ... I have tried to add an avatar to my profile so hopefully it's taken. I'm still waiting for a scanner so I can add a real photo! Now I have to go and carry on running round doing all my last-minute chores ... Will check in properly later on.

Hugs!
Lolly
xxx

hey girls,
i've just realised what the column called views means. sheesh. so many lurkers out there!! kinda spooky.
lolly, glad to hear your launch was such a success. have a top time in madrid - hope you find lots of internet cafes to tell us how you're doing.
again no time to do a big reply cos i'm trying to work hard so i can nip off to the gym for a "legs, bums and tums" class at lunchtime. girlie night tonight with lots of mexican food (and lashings of tequila no doubt). i will try to be good.
hope you all have a great weekend OP. hopefully i'll be back on later,
kirsty

Morning All,


I am venturing to Ottawa again tomorrow to find more apartment listings and hang with some friends. A few haven't seen me in a few years and I haven't told them about my meltdown!

Jen: *hugs* I am so sorry about your MIL situation. I know my grandmother gives my mom a real hard time. My mom'a an English-Protestant, while my father is Polish Catholic which was an initial point of contention. My grandmother tends to be ultra passive aggressive towards my mom as well, which drives ALL of us nuts including my dad.

Belle: Have you ever considered becoming a writer? You have such a talent for expressing things so eloquently and passionately I think you'd be awesome.

Brenda: yup I also have a nickel allergy as well as an allergy to silver. The studs in my ears are definately Nickel free so I am happy.

KO: I can relate soooo much! My friends always want to go to restaurants or order take out. When I have a suprise invitation like that I always order a salad of somesort (usually with Chicken) and if it's take-out, I'll just make myself something and eat supper with them.

Casey: Yah! Having your 10% is awesome!!!!

Kirsty: I love your icon, my best friend is a huge bubbles fan as well. I am trying to get her to change her on-line and e-mail alias to bubblevicious (I am trying to get her to come here as well, she's almost at goal too).

Lolly: Take care, when are you off to Spain? I found out my bogmate is studying in Spain this summer, she's really looking forward to it.

I WI tonight. They have made a mistake with my total weightloss on my membership card, but I have my initial card with my starting weight and stuff so I'll get them to correct it.

Take Care!

Ali

Hello Ladies! TGIF! Today I took work off but I still need to go in to do some mailing but for the majority of the time I will be packing over at my apt. We are suppose to have another snow storm tonight so I hope that doesn't interfere with my move too much. My scale will be here tomorrow morning so I will also be able to update my weight. I go to the extreme wth the scale; either I hope on it morning and night or I never do. I feel pretty good though. I fit into men's size 34 waist now and I was at a 38 a couple of months ago. I like mens jeans better than womans for some reason....must have something to do with the shape of my hips.

Ali, good luck at weigh in and finding an apt.

Kirsty, have a fun girls night out and do a tequilla shot for me

Lolly, have a great day!

Well, have a great Friday everyone.

I would go with Tom Hanks. He cracks me up and something about him is sexy to me. Isn't that Weird?!
Anyways, I am feeling crappy today. I had WI on Wed and wasn't OP wed eve which led to a bad day yesterday. I am so scared that I will never lose the wt. I am sorry, I feel like I am being such a downer. But I am having guy problems and I eat with my emotions. So I guess I feel sort of powerless. I know deep down that I am not but it's that initial fear that wins out sometimes.
I have a best friend (guy) that I am very much interested and at times he has indicated that he is interested however we rarely discuss it . Well last time we did (a year ago) we decided we wouldn't start a relationship so we haven't talked about it since. The problem is that my feelings have only grown since then and I can't be with him all the time and not fall for him. AHHH everyone says I need to just be honest with him and tell him how I feel. I know they are right but I am scared b/c losing a friend isn't good but I will kind of have to seperate myself from him for my own sake. I have been trying to date other guys recently but I swear they all annoy me. THis is a hassle to b/c the last guy I went out on a date with keeps calling and wanting to get together and I really have no desire. So there it is in a nutshell! Any Advice? I hope this isn't too personal, I feel like I am writing to dear abby or something. I am just a bit stressed about it.
I don't have time to respond to all of yesterdays posts but just know that you are all in my thoughts even if I don't mention ya
Jen- My sympathies are with you. I think you are making a great step with distancing yourself now. I am in Social work and I end up doing a lot of therapy and I learn a lot about taking necessary steps in order for you to lead a more stable life. You have definitely taken a big one. Don't be afraid to set limits with your MIL. YOur family is your DH and daughter now. O.k. Session over
Belle-That was beautiful. YOu are right. I feel tremendous support from each of you!!
Ali-Lots of luck at WI!
Casey- You encouraged me by reporting your 10% Thank you!
I will post more later but I still have to go over my cases that are being audited! That is another reason that I am stressed.
Thanks girls,
Becky

Good morning!! TGIF!!!!

Let me start by saying that 1busymomma's peanut butter pie was a huge hit, LOVED IT!! Thanks for the receipe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace ~ I think you should approach your friend about your feelings, by hiding them, you are just causing yourself more stress, but, we are always here for non-weight related issues, so post away!!

ILGBG ~ I know exactly what you mean about men's jeans, I think sometimes they do fit better than women's. Good luck on your move!

Ali ~ Good luck apartment hunting, I love looking at new places to live, just hate the actual moving part!

Hi Kirsty!!

Lolly ~ Can you come over and do my laundry for me??

Well, I am happy it is Friday. My DD now has a cold, and was running a fever last night, so I expect to get a call from school today to come and get her. I just want spring to be here, and hopefully it will eliminate some of these nasty viruses. Well, I have a long weekend ahead, the sellers of the land have until 3/12 to accept/decline/counter-offer our bid. I hope everything works out, I will be crushed if we don't get this land!!!

My DH is still working 12 hour shifts/6 days a week, I miss him, can't remember the last time we went out for dinner together or watched TV together. Oh well, that's life!

Our "Mommy's Night Out" party was a success, we had so much fun laughing, eating and drinking. I didn't count my points last night, nor have I really counted them at all this week. I am going to WI on Sat morning though, I am sure I am up quite a bit, but I have been exercising. I need to refocus and get back into the groove.

Well, better get back to work. It is pretty quiet here today, my plan is to walk 2 miles at lunch today, eat my rice bowl, and possibly work out today (depending on DD).

Check back later.....A big "Hi" to those I missed!!!!!

Bronchitis is going around the office, so I made an appointment for myself. My chest is getting tighter by the minute.
Casey: Way to go! That's awesome!
I can't post to everyone but I wanted to say "thoughts are with those of us who don't have a good relationship with In-Laws and Parents." I'm lucky in the fact that I get along with my future MIL. Here's a joke: What's the difference between Outlaws and In-Laws? Outlaws are
wanted. ahahahahahaha
Must get back to work. I'll post more later if boss disappears.
Have a great Friday!

Sorry I didn't write yesterday. I did check in and read posts though. I have had so much going on lately. We just got our whole heating system redone in the house. We had a leak in our oil tank and had to either get a new tank or convert to a new system. We decided to switch to gas for resale reasons. Anyway, we didn't have heat on Wednesday night because of the leak, not the conversion, it was so cold! Yesterday the hooked up the new furnace and we were nice and warm. We also had some other work done too.

I have been pretty goo don points this week so I am pleased with myself about that. I went out for Mexican with 2 friends last night and ate a few too many chips. If I hadn't eaten the snackwells when I got home I would have been ok. I ended up 1 point over, after eating my exercise points. I guess that's not too bad. Tonight is WI and I am nervous and exciting. I am feeling pretty good and should lose this week but am nervous that I won't.

DH and I are having a party tomorrow night. I have been wanting to have a party for a while so we are using his game show and our new curtains as the excuse. We are going shoping tonight for the food. It isn't a fancy party so we are serving spinach dip, veggies and dip, hummus and pita bronwies and cookies - just pick-up food. It should be fun. I am looking forward to it.

JenL - I am very sorry about your troubles with your MIL. that is no fun. I am very lucky and get along great with my in-laws but I know others who are not. Good luck dealing with them. I am glad that your husband agrees with you and supports you, that helps.

Casey - Way to go on the great loss!

Tonya - You impress me so much. You have 2 kids, work, take care of your house, cook, and do stuff with friends. I hope I will have it together like you when I have kids. Your pictures look great too. I don't remember the recipe for the peanut butter pie. Can you post it? I made a snickers pie with frozen yogurt, peanut butter, cool whip and ff puddin gmix that was great too. I hope that your son is ok. My cousin had terrible asthma and allergies as a small child and had to take medecine every few hours. It has gotten much better as he has gotten older.

Becky - Good luck with your friend. I think that since you have talked about the prospect of dating in the past that you should be able to safely bring it up again. It may be harder for you in the long run if you do not.

Ali - Happy apartment shopping! I think that it is fun to start over in a new place. I hope you find something you like. Good luck at WI.

KO - Dinner invitations are hard to deal with. My only recommendation is to suggest someplace where you can find something you like. If you think it will be too difficult for you, it's ok to say no and meet them after.

Hi to Lolly, Kirsty, Brenda, Stacey, Julie, Shaylene, Kim and everyone. I will try to check in later today. I won't be around a whole lot next week becasue I will be in school from 9-4:30 everyday including Saturday. the bonus is that it is for school but work is letting me do it without use vacation. See you later!

Sarah
194.4/167.6/153WW


Suzanne - Have a great day off, I am so jealous!

And not a moment too soon....yikes, I am so looking forward to the weekend....

Well, last night my buddy Becky met b/f...for the first time....she thought he was nice, and he thought she wore too much make up but was a nice girl...so that is good. I get to meet his buddy tomorrow! Outside of our mutual friends we haven't done much friend meeting...oh well! No time like the present!

I did so good last night - went to Olive Garden and ate half a half order of Chicken Giardano (3.5 pts) a bowl of that yummy salad with extra peppers (which I will pay for later today I am sure) and one bread stick - so about 8 pts altogether bringing me in at my minimum for the day - plus I earned 2 more pts doing cardio...woo hoo!! Too bad every day can't be like that one.

Stacey - yikes, look out bronchitis is nasty - I have been very lucky of late, not getting sick at all from it.

Tonya - good for you for going to WI even though you weren't counting this week - it is always those weeks when you miraculously lose and wonder why....oh well!! Good luck!

Becky - my b/f was my closest guy friend too - and then one day we kissed and it just went from there - and its great b/c we are such good friends and have the romantic side too! Now obviously we are having some problems, but its true the best relationships come from friendship - we did acknowledge that we couldn't go back to having just a friendship agian, and if we did it wouldn't be the same at all. So we knew it was forever changed. But if you love him, I guess that is risk you have to take - think about him dating/marrying someone else...if it makes you sick, you better express your feelings to him and see if he reciprocates - I bet he will.

Suzanne - I always wear men's jeans - they sit on my hips lower - girls I can pull up to my boobs, I kid you not. I like mens WAY better....

Ali - I get to do writing in my communications work, but I do love leisure writing...I have written a few books that I hoard to myself and don't let anyone read ever.....maybe one day....if I get the courage! But thanks, tha twas a very sweet thing to say!

Kirsty - have fun at Mexican night!! Yum, I ate mexican and saw the mexican two nights ago...yum and yum (one for Brad Pitt who I usually don't find attractive in the least...)

Lolly - your little pic is cool!!!

Well, I better get some work done! Have a good day girls! BTW - Jason says he won't have time to come anymore, so we don't need to say "and Jason" anymore.

Belle

Friday! Friday! Friday! I’m so excited. Last night was a huge night for my PartyLite business. My hostess decided to become a part of my team! I’m getting that much closer to quitting my job I also stayed OP yesterday for the first time in ages. I got 20 minutes of good walking in. I had my backpack on and had to drop something off after work. I work in Downtown Denver and ride the express bus that a lot of business people take. Anyway it ended up a hard 20 minute walk. Yipee for me!

Jen: Oh boy, you’ve got a wonderful little situation going don’t you? Sounds like your MIL really needs someone to set her straight. Why do our families have to make life so hard for us?

Kierie: I eat when I’m not hungry too! It’s so frustrating. What’s a triskele?

Casey: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn’t it a wonderful feeling to reach your 10%?? Keep it up

Lolly: That spider avatar gives me the creeps!!! Ugh!

Becky: I say go for it. I know it’s scary to risk the friendship, but don’t you think it’s worse to never find out how deep those feelings run? What if he’s ‘the one’ and you never take that risk? Hope I’m not adding to the stress factor *hugs*

Sorry I didn’t reply to everyone!

Stacey: Luckily I have a wonderful relationship with my MIL, but my hubby can truly rolls his eyes and dread my mother coming over!

Hey Belle and Sarah and everyone else!

Hi all. Thanks for letting me vent yesterday. I think part of my blue problem was that I had a really crappy week. It all started Sunday with that nasty sales lady and kept going from there. TGIF... and I am ready for the weekend. I am looking at things more positive now and trying to get my spirits up! I stayed up an hour later last night (after my get together) and just sat around and had ME time. That helped!

Tomorrow is WI and I feel good about it. I am following the SELF Challenge and that is really getting me motivated to exercise!!

I am also digging through my cookbooks and recipes because I feel a cooking spree coming on. I get these and that makes me cook and cook and cook. I love to cook and try new recipes!

Hubby wants to go out for Chinese food tomorrow. Pizza and Chinese are my weekness. We go to this hole in the wall restaurant, but it is good! I am not a fan of all the commercial buffets they are opening here!

Well, I better skidaddle! Talk to you later!

Suzanne: We're probably getting snow here today as well, but I am hoping it doesn't start until I start my drive back to my parent's house. Fitting into smaller clothes is the best indicator of weight loss so congrats!

Becky: I have been in a very similar situation and it's really a hard place to be in (I know). If it's going to drive you nuts if you don't, then tell him, but be prepared for the two possibilities, one if he rejects it and two if he accepts it. My guy friend rejected it (you're getting the good side from Belle and the bad side from me, I do apologize), but we're still good friends. I am at a point now, I have a feeling I'll be playing matchmaker for him. Heck I am even moving to the city where he lives (we grew up in the same area though and a lot of us seem to be moving there) and looking for other guys to date. Regardless, if he's the one for you that will be fantastic since you have a solid base into the relationship. If he isn't maybe he'll be the guy you'll go to about relationship advice. Furthermore, I think no matter what you'll still be friends (either romantic or platonic). About the other guy, tell him flat out that you're not interested and if he keeps bothering you, make it clear that you want no further communication from him.

Sarah: 1 point over is no big deal, I probably would have been way over, good job!

Belle: You seem to have a gift regardless, if you want to keep it to yourself that's okay, but it just seems like the perfect outlet for your creativity so keep it up.


Tonya: My problem is that I have no furniture at this point. Luckily I am moving when universities are letting out so I am hoping to be able to rent a truck and then just go around buying used furniture from graduating students.

I have to run and get lunch so take care y'all (sorry to those I couldn't respond to)!

Ali

Hey girl, I almost forgot to say congrats. I am so happy WW put in the 10% goal, cuz you really do feel different and look different....and its a milestone!!

So way to go!! Enjoy this moment....

Belle

TGIF ! I have been so busy ! I have to print out the posts and read them before going to bed....I have not had much free time on the computer the last couple of days. I've had to create 4 user manual and learn pagemaker/photoshop all at the same time ! I've got the first one done and will use it as a template for the next 3...I might even leave early and finish 1 at home this weekend...

Congrats to all the losers at the scale the week... and my thoughts are with those having health and family issues.

I have a wedding to go to this weekend...I found a really cute dress last night ( last minute shopper I am) the best news is that is a size 18 ! woo hoo....the last time I had to buy a dress....20 or 22 ! I was excited...it's too long, so my mom is going to come over tonight and hem it...even though the scale hasn't shown much of a difference lately....my clothes have been !

As for the SELF challenge....I haven't been up to snuff since Wednesday....but I'm going to jump back on the bandwagon Monday...the exercise will help my stress !

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend...

jules

hello girlies,
i've just got time for a quickie (oo-er) before i go for a post-work cocktail. yummmm. i think i'll margarita it tonight (to go with my mexican evening later on!).
julie - we've missed you! enjoy the wedding, and wearing a smaller size! i still get excited when i buy new clothes.
casey - woo hoo on the 10%!
sarah - 1 point over was nothing!! you know you could make it up with a wee spot of hochmagandy (that's 2 points!).
becky - good luck with telling your friend. i'd go for it, cos you've got nothing to lose. if you are thinking you need to see less of him cos you can't cope just being friends then you have already mentally accepted seeing less of him. and if he is up for it, then it's a total bonus. do let us know what you do.
ali - have fun apartment hunting. i love looking round other people's houses, but i know it can be a chore when you are doing it for a reason!
suzanne - i can never get girls' or men's jeans to fit! i always end up with this gap at the small of my back (thus displaying my panties to the world whenever i sit down!).
tonya - your mommy's night sounds like it was a blast! good luck at wi.
sarah - have a top party!
stacey - get well soon. hope you are ok.
belle - well done on your points! i did something today that i hadn't done for ages. i ate really slowly and chewed every mouthful properly. as a result i def felt fuller and didn't snack. fingers crossed i can do just as good tonight!
brenda - have a top weekend! well done on your walking. if i walked home from work it would take me over 2 hours!
jen - good luck with the evil MIL. why are some people just so nasty?! she should appreciate having you and emma as well as a son. i dunno.
hokey, i reckon it's time for me to start the weekend properly. hello to everyone else, come out and post.
love to you all,
kirsty

PS lolly - if i don't speak to you before you go have a wicked time!