Full Steam Ahead for a Slimmer Summer!!

surgery over - not what I was hoping for - I am now bedridden for 5 days - then up to shower and take off huge covering - back to doing nothing and then post surgery check next Friday - It seems that there really is a great deal going on in that hip - and another larger surgery is a possibility - I guess time will tell - there is an indication of dying bones and the flaking bone chunks were in the joint - also had a cartilage tear that was repaired and tons of fluid washed out- Once again after giving detailed info on how I do not wake up like expected - they promised that I would have something very light and would open my eyes in the surgical room and be able to speak with the doctor - sure - I was out for hours - the doctor had done tons more surgeries - my daughter kept asking - but I did wake up finally and the doctor did come back to say a few things that I was hoping not to hear - so keep those prayers coming - I really would love this to be the only surgery -

My youngest DD is doing a great job taking care of me - My oldest DD took off work and stayed all day until I was ready to go home -my son took a little break from work to call and check - I think my dogs and cats are having breakdowns since none of them are allowed in my room or near my since I cannot have my leg jarred at all - My little Sasha keeps shaking -

NY - question - how is the wig -You are really being so positive about it all - good for you - I have lost so much hair that I have thought of getting one - but so many look so fake but they are also cheap - does your wig have a part that looks real? I actually went on line after your post to look up human hair wigs - some pictures looked great - others not so much - or did you go to a store and try them on??

Shekirk - that second guessing about decisions is enough to make one enter an asylum - Have you heard from him??? I am reading a book - It is a religious book but I am not taking it that way at all - it is called MESSY- A mom of one of my piano students left the book and magazines at the door this morning so I had something to do in bed - This book which does not come from my personal religious views is really good in helping me see the messy life and how it really is filled with painful choices and unresolved regrets - YET - it also is good and funny at pointing out "messages of hope, messages of beauty, and safe passages of peace" - we can still give meaning to this messy life - trust in each other and hope etc - I am only on p 54 but for some reason it has pulled me in - oddly enough I also am looking at it another way - that my house that I keep tidy to a phobic level will no longer be that way -and I better get used to it- so perhaps this all ties in together with what we are going through -

I also know that I have gained a ton and will not do much better as I am being served meals in bed that DD is putting together to please hubby and those are not on the list for me - but I am so grateful for the help - who knows since the portions are small and I can't get up to snack- maybe I will stay level - but I agree lets move on to falling away in fall -

KAYWEB - keep it going !!!

AJ - glad the party went well -

GRAND - so silly not being able to sit - I give up at times on the public sector of education -

remember that song from the Jeffersons - moven on up to the eastside - maybe we can have one about Moven on down to the this side or something????

Hi all,
so much action!!! Fall is here so let's use Kayweb's idea of Watching the pounds fall away in fall!
I really need to get a handle on things. Too much stress between my feelings about my older son and my decision to make him leave and the stress of work - not sure if this is the reason I gained about 6 pounds. Now need to find away to get them to fall off!
School is still crazy- but today, for the first time this year, I left feeling I was making some headway.
Baba- I hope the surgery went well and you are up and about in no time. Sending best thoughts and love your way, my amigo! Glad your kids are helping you.
Grand- I sure can't understand the no sitting rule. Florida school rules are crazy, but not that crazy!! School is ridiculous. We started on Aug 20th - kids arrived and school rules, etc were reviewed- the next week we were closed due to tropical storm Isaac, we came in for 3 days one of which they gave a practice writing test, day off this week and now we have 3 days of diagnostics - reading, math and science. Crazy - no teaching is happening only testing. Teachers at my school are excellent and they want to teach not just give tests.
Kayweb you are doing amazing! Keep up the great work.
AJ- glad the party went well and the quilt was a hit. You have such an amazing talent!
Ny- I so admire you and your strength and ability to deal with this situation. Glad your DH is there to help. You are an inspiration to everyone.
Let's move over to fall!

Baba: Keeping prayers heading up your way ! Let us all know how you are doing when you can !

AJ: Running, I just can't even think of it ! Glad that you are enjoying the runs with you DH !

Grand: WooHoo, you are doing something right for sure ! Keep up what ever it is that you are doing !

All others, keep on keepin' on ! School started today and I have to find another time frame to walk the pups. This new time we are running into an Akita who's owner can't control her. Poor Penny, I really think that she just gets so excited and wants to play when she sees the other dogs being walked.

Have a good week !

Wow! It's been a month already? Time sure has been flying by. Lots of changes around here.

MIL is still hanging in there. She is getting weaker as time goes on. We saw her in June and she could still quote her poems to us if we got her started. In August she couldn't remember any of her poems. She barely can walk a few steps now, too.

The 50th anniversary party came together finally. No big family drama during the party. The two that were dragging their feet about paying money finally did and were around to put the finishing touches on things. The cake was finally made by my sister's mil. Ruth thought she felt bad about the drama that had happened on that end of the family. Mom cried when I gave her the quilt. I was pleased with how if finally turned out...and very relieved to have it over. I told mom and dad that if they make it to 60 years we'll just have a family dinner.

Let's see...I was also released from my church work and given a new job. I had lots of mixed feelings with that, but I knew it was time for the change. Tom and I are now coordinating a church meeting at the nursing home twice a month. I'm ready for the break.

Running...The group I was running with kind of fizzled. There were only 2-3 other ladies and none of them showed up 100% of the time. Sometimes I would show up and be the only one, so I would drive home and get Tom to run with me. A couple weeks ago I told them that if they want to run together they can let me know and I'll join them. Otherwise, I'll be running with Tom. It wasn't working out the best anyway because they would all run ahead of me and I ended up running by myself. Tom runs ahead, but he doubles back to check on me. I didn't ask him to do that although I really appreciate it. He is training for a 10k while I train for my 5k. He easily runs twice as far as me with all the backtracking he does. This morning we ran intervals for a total of 30 minutes running plus some walking. When I started this I never believed I would be running 30 minutes in a couple months time! But I'm really slow and don't get near the miles I should be getting in that length of time so I need to improve my time to nearly 60 minutes in the next 4 weeks. I hope I can do it.

Eating--I am more convinced than ever that I need to set small daily goals. It's too overwhelming otherwise and I haven't been doing very well at sticking with anything for the last month.

surgery day today - and my birthday -- I am ready early so I could do my morning rituals - feed the dogs - write bills - read - quiet time etc- My oldest DD is picking me up and will stay until I wake -

GRAND - I know you will make the right decision about the schools - convenience is important to me bu so is happiness and contentment - You will know exactly what to do and make it work

SHEKIRK - woke up thinking about FL today - don't know why - I will be happy when this surgery is over and hope it does the trick - youngest DD did a bunch of grocery shopping yesterday for easy but healthy meals for this week that she can prepare quickly - We are all trying to potty train the wee one - her hubby seems to be getting sick - her morning sickness as well as all the animals will keep her busy - I can't wait to walk again and stroll along beside the dogs !!

KAYWEB - keep it going !
Hi to all and happy day !

Hey, all. Sorry, I haven't been on SP. Last week I gained 2 lbs; I hadn't eaten poorly or anything. I had given a test that day all day; my feet looked like size 11 watermelons by the time I got to weigh-in...so I didn't let it get me down I knew it was water retention...I lost 8.4 tonight!! So, I am at 16.8 down so far. I am tickled to death! I hope I can keep my motivation. It has been a long time since I've been able to keep it going. Still haven't made my school decision...I'm going to spend the day at the other school tomorrow to see if it helps me make my decision. My pro & con list about staying/going is about the same. I've really struggled to know what is right for me. Lucky has a double ear infection. My dad took him to the vet for me today...shot today & drops twice a day for like ten days.

Shekirk - I'm glad you are safe. I hate to hear you have make up days. I hear you on the school stuff...it seems like it is worse & worse every year..very discouraging.
Baba - I hear you on the emotion stuff...if I could let go of a couple of things in my life...my mother & my ex....I know I would have a much more peaceful life..it is just so hard. I've held on to the anger for a long time.
KAY - glad to see you post. Sounds like you are on the right track, great job, girl!
Ny - My county comes up with all these 'rules' & 'mandatory' stuff all the time..but this sitting business is a new thing. I just brought them my excuse & told my principal when my pain shot through my behind and down my leg & foot...I would sit down for a bit, but that it didn't mean I would stop teaching.
Bog - How's baby doing? I didn't read all the posts. I hope you haven't had it, and I've missed it. Details ...colors? baby theme? baby name?
MVS, Sandilee, Whimsy and all else - Hope all is well.

Have a great rest of the week! Good luck! Take care!

Well everyone I have steamed off the summer pounds and I'm hoping for a Falling Off of the pOunds for Fall !
It seems that I'm on a roll and I hope that everyone else is seeing results.
The other morning as I was walking the PUps around the hood, I had at 4:30 am a big surprise! We walked about 1/2 of the mile that we do when I noticed that my undies had started to slip down. When there was no way of getting them to stay up, I turned around and was taking the short cut home, which didn't make up the whole mile walk. The ally way is very dark with no street lights and behind the garages of those that live on the street side. You know where this is leading, I walked out of them and couldn't see where they lay. Once the day light came out the Pups and I took the walk once again and yes, I was able to get them back! ONly to discard that size! It was a good feeling, and I'm so happy it didn't take place in the day light hours. I don't usually wear my jean shirt for walking other wise it never would have happened. LOL I'm now wearing a size that is 3X's smaller ! WooHOO !!!!!
It is so good to see so many team members back on the site!
BABA- Hope and pray that all is well with you after your surgery!
NY - My lips ache for you. Are you still showing your Pups ?
GRAND & SHEKIRK- Our classes start up tomorrow and teachers are ready complaining about the time it will take to get the kids back into working order. Keeping you both in my prayers for a great year ahead with the kiddies !
AJ- Hello, how is every little thing going?
BO- Keeping you & Baby in prayer ! Take care of yourself !
All others keep working the plan that you have set for yourself, results do come to those you keep working and walking the program !

Hello TEAM Members I'm sorry that I have been MIA. But here is the results of my having been away and involved once again with the Diabetes Challenge. For the last 12 weeks I have been changing my lifestyles to the point that nothing has remained the same old same old ! That has been great. I have been working with a doc or the internet & phone who is located in India. He had many answers for me as to why when I exercise my blood sugars where and still are going sky high. It seems that as you are burning up the fat when you lose weight there is sugar that is released into the blood stream causing the sugars to run much higher for the next couple of hours.
I have not looked back to see how long it has been since I stopped in to say Hello, but since I started the challenge up again I have lost 12 pounds and 18.5 inches !
Grand you are doing fantastic and I hope that you have a little lose every week to keep you on the positive mood swing. For the first few weeks nothing seemed to happen and then I just started dropping the weight. This week I'm holding my own, but am very happy to report that I finally broke through the 260 brick wall that I have been banging my body into for the last six months. Today I am standing on 253 ! And very happy to be on the lossing side of life !

Sorry, this got long.

Well, I got the wig for the alopecia. My insurance did not pick up any of the cost. Wigs do not have to be covered as a prothesis in MA when a company self insures. My DH helped me pick it out. I found the experience over whelming. I'm glad I went back with my DH. After all he looks at me more than I look at me. I got a human hair wig, just a tad longer than it is now, in what was my natural color 25 or so years ago. I slowly began to go a soft grey, almost blonde in my teens, that mixed well with my light ash brown hair. Human hair is pricey but lasts longer and can be styled, another reason the dragged the DH. I almost freaked out the day I discovered my hair was infact falling out. He says it looks much like my hair 20+ years ago and that I look younger.

I also got a synthetic halo nearly the exact color and length as the wig to wear with a hat or scarf. I haven't yet shaved but there isn't much left. I put it up in a wig stocking/mesh. I think shaving will be a true reality check. I plan to introduce my friends to the halo with scarf or hat first. I've been covering the top of my head for a while so I will let every one think I colored the grey a bit. Once they get used to the new , younger color, I will introduce the wig.

BABA what exactly did the surgery repair? Hope you are able to to get up and about, pain free soon.

SHEKIRK Hope this school year goes smooth.

GRAND same to you. Seems like a crock that you can't sit down. How would they like to pay you disability while paying someone to do your job. With budgets as tight as they are....


Edited by: NYAYNE at: 9/3/2012 (14:35)

Hi all,
Guess we should end this episode and come up with a new challenge for the fall.
Any ideas?
Baba- hope you are taking it easy. Sorry your in so much pain. Hopefully you'll feel better soon.
I'm starting to really like having time off. I better enjoy the next two days - once school really gets going there will be no time off.
Regards to all! Have a great Labor Day!

Beautiful day here - in the upper 70's - the air still pops on once in a while due to the sun beating on the house -

Oldest DD came over today - changed my sheets - did my laundry - vacuumed - dusted and made lunch - what a treat - I simply cannot walk and was alone today - so it worked out great - I don't spend much time with her since she works and has a 6th and 10th grader - really busy family -

Not much to say since I can't so much - want to read more but for some reason end up watching TV -

hi all
School was cancelled on Monday and Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Lots of flooding in some of the western areas of our county. Of course, we have to make up those days and one will be the day before Thanksgiving. Not happy about that! Had Open House tonight and just got home a little while ago. This school year has been a bear and we are only 2 weeks into it.
Hope everyone is having a great week.

Well did get home by 4 yesterday, my neighbor next door moved some of our stuff under our pool overhang but although windy it seems to be ok.
School was supposed to be in session today - they didn't cancel until 1:00 this morning so we woke to the news. It is windy and rainy out there with lots of flooding- some tornado warnings.
Our county is so large that those in the northern part are still experiencing high winds- too high for buses to safely drive through. Ny - the county doesn't build in days as extras, but there are days we get off that they will use as our make up days. - Not sure which one we will lose but they will let us know. I prefer they take away the 1/2 days- I'm already at work and the students are already there. Sorry I don't know much about alopecia- a friend of my father's had it, but it wasn't discussed.
Ny - I always use sunscreen on my lips but I used to forget my ears and had to have a part of my ear lobe cut twice because of it! Now I don't forget- I'm afraid I will look like Star Trek's Spock if I need it cut anymore!
Grand- you are doing great!!! love the weight loss- an inspiration for sure! I now work only 6 miles from my home- it takes between 12-15 minutes to get there. I love it. I live just outside the school boundaries so I don't have to deal with the kids in my neighborhood. Some of the teachers live nearer to school and parents will ring their doorbells to speak about their kids.
Baba - keep us updated on when the surgery will be. Always thinking about you.
Bog- how's the pregnancy going? How was Tampa?
Kayweb - hope all is well with you.
AJ- you've been busy - what project are you taking on next?

Grand congrats on the 5 lbs. I will keep fingers cross that you drop something this week too. I'm not doing a lot of exercise right now due to my calluses so I worry I will gain muscle causing the scale to climb when I'm back 100%. A 7 min drive, people here would kill for a 20-25 minute drive.

Shekirk have a safe drive. Does you school district plan for a few foul weather days when the schedule is planned? Growing up in the snow belt our school year went until the end of June, the very end.

Baba good luck with the surgery. Hope all goes well.

I got sunburned lips while at a 4-H fair on Friday. I had 85 sunscreen on my face and 50 on the exposed area of my arms along with both the front and back of my neck. My head was covered with a brimmed hat. I have never liked lipstick or lip balm - yuck! By the time I felt my lips burning I was too late with the spf 15 lip balm. I have never had sunburned lips before.

Anyone here have or had alopecia? If yes, what did you do for it? Did it go away? I was given a prescription for a wig.

Hi all,
I still weigh in daily, but only log the Saturday weigh in.
I'm in Tallahassee right now - celebrating my son's birthday- Of course we just came up for two days but now have to rush back to South Florida. Doesn't look like the hurricane is coming to ipalm beach county but heading up the west coast towards Tallahassee. My son may have to prepare, but DH wants to get home because strong bands of wind could hit us as we drive back. I do have to be back at work on Monday unless the rains and winds cause school to be cancelled. Wouldn't mind that, but they would just take away another day from us.
I sure hear you Grand on school. One of the hardest openings this year- wild and crazy parents with so many demands you would think they were paying a fortune sending their kids to public school. In private school where people do pay a fortune - if they are too disagreeable or their child is impossible- they are asked to leave, we don't have that luxury.
Baba- wishing you the best and hope everything goes well with the surgery. Sounds like it's really needed and I have a few friends who had both hips done and are running around feeling great now.
Regards, need to hit the bed and the road early tomorrow to get hiome - just in case we need to put the shutters up and bring the furniture in.
Sorry for spelling errors I'm typing without my glasses!!

GRAND - YIPPEE - wow you are doing great !!! I love convenience - so I would love to work 7 min from the house if it was a good position - keep us informed !! so sorry to hear about your uncle-life is short and I am trying diligently to make the best of each day - not to take anything personally - not to assume about others or stuff - A person can spend so much time being upset about what another says or does - but I figure if I have done nothings wrong - I can't get upset even if the person is mad at me for some ridiculous reason that I was never even told about - s0 I am hard at practicing even emotions - can't help but think it will benefit my eating as well -

SHEKIRK - well - school is in - I might have to take off Sept due to surgery if they ever tell me when the surgery is - I can no longer sleep well due to pain so I hope this happens and is successful SOON -

NY - I also only weigh once a week - and even then at times I forget - but every day drives me crazy

hope all is well with everyone - have a great weekend !!

Hey, all. Sit down please...I lost 5 more lbs! Yahoo!!!!!!!!!! I know it will definitely slow down this week; it's been alot of water weight, but it sure has helped my motivation. School sucks! as one of my 8th graders would say...new principal...new rule of never sitting down - but I do have a dr excuse, but I am still fearful so I have lots of pain right now - just lots & lots of changes...I am thinking of transferring to a new school, a position is open 7 min from my house. Right now it is a 20-25 min drive...I am just such a creature of habit. I don't like change. I will keep you posted.

My uncle passed this morning at 5:20 AM...I hate so much for my daddy. So sad. Life is so very short.

Baba - way to go on the 2 lbs. Lucky & Sasha would have a blast ...he loves to bury under the comforters or my throws on the couch...and 'hide'...he loves to play hide 'n seek.

Shekirk - How is it going? Work is more awful than normal - I am already counting til Labor Day - 5 more school days for me! I hear you on the 1 lb - I hope this week I don't get discouraged if the scale hasn't moved or if I am up a tad 'cause sometimes I do that after I have a big loss of water weight.

NY - a weigh in day helps me. I moved my house scale to the garage, I only get on it once a week & then WW day. But I've read daily weigh-ins help many people. I guess, it just depends. Good job on the jeans!

KAY, AJ, MVS, BOG, Sandilee, Whimsy - HOpe all is well.

Have a great weekend & great upcoming week! Take care!

I think I need to pick a weigh in day. I have a bad habit of getting on the scale everyday. The weight is going down but it floats within a 2 or 3 lb range over a few days. I tend to take the higher as my weight so I don't feel like I gained.

For the first time in my life I have calluses on my feet and they are painful. I just wish they'd go away so I can get on my feet in comfort.

Yesterday I was doing a load of darks/jeans so I decided to try on a pair I hadn't worn in a few years since I was on my last clean pair. Happy to say I could just slide right in, yipee!

Edited by: NYAYNE at: 8/21/2012 (10:07)

weigh in today - lost 2 pounds - It probably would have been more if not for the bringing in food for the people who are helping youngest DD and her family move in with me - They did get rid of so much but I am still surprised at how much is still coming in - today is the last of the major things - I am so grateful that they will be with me for a while as I do whatever needs to be done for my hip. With 6 animals and a ton of stairs it will be a huge help !! Plus I get to see my 2 year old wee one every day and she makes me laugh and smile - She always tells Sasha to "get in your spot" but loves the big dogs -especially the standard poodle -Sasha wants to play hard while the other 2 just sit -- also can't wait for some of DD cooking - she is inventive to say the least - she smells her way through cooking rather than taste and the outcome is wonderful -

Still in the 90's -

AJ - I don't have FACEBOOK - you should post a pic of quilt on SP so we can see -

Have a great Sunday

Hi all
School opens on Monday and we have been so busy restructuring the master board- the district changed their minds on how many periods we can have a day. We had based it on 7 periods this year and they made us rework it to 6 periods- Hopefully, all the schedules are correct because students will pick them up tomorrow. I haven't been home before 6:30 each night.
Baba- I wish I could have seen a picture of Sasha with her "gown" on.
Sorry to hear how close your DD is to the fires. We have been watching the story on TV and I think of you everytime they mention the fires in Washington. Here it rains every day and I wish we could send the water your way.
Grand- how's school? Was it a good start?
Bog- hope your having fun in Tampa
AJ- I saw your quilt on Facebook and it is truly amazing. You are such a talent! I'm so jealous.
Kayweb- hope all is well by you.

Hi - another 10 days in the 90's the weatherman says - hope it is then a faded memory !! Half my lawn is dead - there are fires all over - one close to my oldest DD and the college- my flowers look h0rrid - YET the hearty stuff makes this place look a bit like Jumungi - it is so odd to see the dead and the thriving side by side -

well - this weekend marks the GREAT MOVE IN - DD and her family will start bringing their stuff over - DD has been so good changing her schedule to help me with doctors and yesterday being there for me during a hip procedure - it sure is taking time - so many tests and of course something they have never seen before in my bones - had to laugh- could be dying bones or something they don't know about but it does not fit any profile they know of - - - on top of the hip stuff - who knows - so I guess I will take it one thing at a time - so glad the kids are moving in as I am not moving anywhere very fast !!

Shekirk and GRAND - you must be busy with the start of school - We don't start until Sept 4 - time goes by so fast - I am always so excited for the beginning of a new school year but then can't wait for it to be over when April hits!!

AJ - are you having the hot weather I am ??? I can't imagine running in it -

happy day to all

WHOO HOO to GRAND ---YIPPEE----

book - yes I remember - so here is my story today - for some reason the dogs have been thrilled to chew holes in my bedspread and comforter - I am not a happy camper about that and have no idea why dogs would find chewing bed linen so much fun when they never did that before - The other day I walked in the room and saw everything piled in the center of my bed - stuffing on the floor - all of a sudden the pile started to move - buried underneath was Sasha with her head through one of the smaller holes in the comforter - How in the world did she get her head through the hole ? - there she was wearing it like a gown and looking proud to boot !

Shekirk - I am right beside you - each day I think to myself that I have the choice to make my day whatever I want it to be - and I also remind my self of the saying "bad is never good until worse happens" - You are in a tough spot - but know you are special and a great mother who is doing everything she can in this moment !!

goodnight to all -

Thanks everyone for your support. I'm still torn and not sure if I'm doing the right thing. He's 36 years old and my two younger ones have been out on their own for a while - of course the youngest is back in school so we help him, but he was on his own for 2 years and only 23 right now. I thought the oldest was independent, he lived on his own for 10 years - but now I just don't know- he has no drive, no ambition and I'm hoping he will get those things back if he can't fall back on us. It still hurts and makes me feel awful.

Grand- I'm so thrilled with your great weigh in- 6 pounds that is fabulous. I will weigh in on Saturday and let you know how I'm doing. I'm trying to follow the guidelines of this program without the book- it should be here in 10 days- and so far it's been almost too easy. Hope it means the weight will come off. I'll be happy with 1 pound a week!
Preschool begins officially tomorrow- I did spend the entire day there today- was the last car out of the parking lot at 6:30 tonight. I need to learn to leave earlier.
Kids start on Monday. I do love our principal- she is amazing!
Baba - thanks for the kind words and always being there for me. Hope the pain subsides for you. Thanks for getting our turtle train on the track again.
AJ- thank you for your insight into my situation. I hope I am making the right choice, but don't know how long I can hold out if I don't hear from him soon.
Regards to all.

Hey, all! Are you sitting down? Please sit down ... I lost 6 lbs at my first weigh-in!! Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I worked on just getting food under control this past week. I made up my mind to not gonna stress right now about not being able to hit the gym like pre2009. I took my lunch each day to work.

Baba-I love Olive Garden, too....it was probably just water gain from the sodium. Turtle train is on the move; we can do this. Do you remember our The Spark of a Boston book we were going to do? We ought to play around with ideas again.

Shekirk - You are doing what is best for your son & for you. I cannot imagine how hard it is on you. My 1st week was okay; I can't figure out if I like the new principal or not. Hope you have a good start to the year. Let us know about the book/diet.

Bog - Have fun! When is the baby due? I've not caught that, or I have forgotten.

AJ - My parents made me really independent; I was the oldest, but not so much with my younger brother. I am glad they made me that way.

Ny - I am so sorry about the pups and Reni not being able to carry. I am in pain 24/7 so I know where you are coming from about the moving and pain.

MVS, Whimsy, Kay and all else - hope all is well.

Have a great week! Good luck!

It helps that our oldest lives across the state and really wants to be independent. Our second wants to be independent, too, but he's in that transition stage. It's hard to know how much is too much, but I try hard to let all the kids make choices. Even the 17 and 16 year olds. I saw my parents make too many mistakes in this department and it has resulted in them never having an empty nest even though the youngest is now 33. They should have been living their own lives for the last 14 years without kids at home, but they've never had that. I don't want that way of life so I keep it in my mind that I need to help the kids learn how to be on their own.

this is the beginning of a new chapter - I got up - hobbled to take my shower - and figured I might want baths until my hip is once again working as I was constantly afraid that I would fall and no one would find me for days -

Shekirk - well - I know your heart is aching and mind is reeling about your son - AJ is so right - these adult kids have ability to make choices and I am constantly trying to pull my nose out of any of their affairs - I find it difficult as a mom not to worry and fret and save - but I can only make my decisions and I need to be stronger in that area - and the kids need to succeed or fail and figure it out - but then look who is talking- you know exactly what I mean amigo !

I am determined not to keep falling off the train - I do so well and then plunk back on the rails- so here I go again -

GRAND - how is it going??? I am thinking about you every day !!!

AJ - all I can say is good going - what an inspiration

Hi to all - make the day into something wonderful

Shekirk, I'm sorry to hear about your troubles with your son. It's so hard as a parent when we have to do tough love. Know that you are doing your best, but your son has the ability to make choices.

Hi there,
Baba- both DH and I are on Vitamin D supplements weekly since our blood work showed we were way to low. My recent blood work has me at a healthy range now, but that's with taking the supplement each week. Since I also had a serious bout years ago with melanoma I never stay in the sun without a strong sunscreen on. I hear you on the weight gain, I gained back all my weight. Today DH and I were reading about a plan called Sugar Blockers- the book is available through Prevention, but won't be out in the book stores or on Amazon until the end of December. I decided to order it today because it incorporates everything I enjoy eating so I can call it a eating plan and not a diet. I can return the book for a full refund if I don't like it.
Back to school on Monday- sure didn't feel like any vacation for me this summer.
On a sad note- I had to force my oldest out- I'm very torn about it and have little desire right now to do anything. I feel like a failure as a parent and worry where he is and if he is ok.
Tough love is really tough on the parent.
Bog - have fun in Tampa! Hope your leg is better by the time you go.
Grand- hope school is off to a good start this year. Wish me luck preschool begins next week for me.
AJ- I love when you tell us about how far you run each day- it does give me hope that one day I will do that. Today, I did swim a few laps in my pool and it felt good.
Kayweb - hope all is well with you and yours.

Happy weekend to all

well - I did the best I could at Olive Garden - but weighed in this morning and gained 8 pounds since my last posted weight - so I will change the ticker and figure this out - get back on the train

I think since I cannot walk much or even any at some points that I eat and do nothing and eat and do more of nothing and then the weight is on - I hate to think that I need to eat so much less because I am not moving much - but I need to figure it all out and start a new program today - so that is what I am going to do !!

I am going to talk to the doc after my MRI and see if I could wait for surgery until I lose some weight and see if I can stand the pain better and put off surgery until they get on my insurance plan - don't know if it will work but it is motivation for me at this point

Bog - hope you are not hobbling around too much and enjoy your trip

Shekirk - I could use a nice float on a boat right now - I found out from my doc that FL has the highest rate of vit D deficiency since we wear sunscreen so much - I have been here for a number of years and my vit D is almost nothing sp am on huge doses - I stopped wearing sunscreen when I am out and about but still feel funny due to my melanoma surgeries and the push to always have it on what do you do??

GRAND - make this weekend a great one - fun - eat right - move - smile- laugh


great weekend to all !

Going to tampa! May prove difficult with my new leg disabilityhah, no crazy outdoor activities for me! I broke down and had a massage therapist come out and work on me. She concurs its a muscle strain not sciatica - which is a relief- that means eventually it will get better. If it was sciatica I'd be hobbling until delivery, uuuuugh!

It feels sore from all the kneading but hopefully with some light stretches and me trying to take it easy I'll be ok for work Tuesday.

Mmm olive garden. I do love me the soup and salad combo! We have a place called the "olive branch" which is a rip off of olive garden except they have the most fantastic crab cakes.

gearing up for fall teaching - so much to do to get ready - I am excited and have an entirely new approach - it is going to be a bit more challenging for the kids - summer takes its toll so Sept is going to be a tough review month -

a new approach for me as I am determined to set time aside each day just for me - maybe to read or figure out meals - but things I like to do and are uplifting and helpful -

going out to Olive Garden tonight with DD and SIL and sweet wee one - a kind of celebration - combining a few things together - I have not been out to eat in so long !!

SHEKIRK - Glad to see the "family" back as well - feels so good !!

GRAND - how is your day going?? I promise to be careful at Olive Garden

AJ - great going on the exercise -

BOG - so glad to read your post

NY - good to see you again !!


Happy day to everyone !!

Grand, school starts for the kids on August 27. We have a junior and a senior this year.

Here are the highlights of my blog:
Running and walking--
Last week: 9 minutes on Monday, two 6 minute runs on Wednesday and 10 minutes on Friday.
This week: 11 minutes on Monday, 13 minutes today, and 15 minutes scheduled for Friday. I sure hope I can do it!
Add in walking and my total exercise was 263 minutes last week. Total for this week if all goes as planned will be 291 minutes.

One thought on rewards and why I start sabotaging myself. It's really stupid, I know, but I think more than anything I keep sabotaging myself because I don't want to spend the money on a new wardrobe. If it was only a new wardrobe once that would be one thing, but realistically, I'll be needing 2 or even 3 new wardrobes as I lose weight. We've always struggled for money and I have a hard time seeing myself spend money on clothes I may not use enough to wear them out. Silly, I know. Also, I'm afraid my pants will fall down when I don't replace them fast enough.

MIL is hanging in there. She has been moved to a nursing home that can take care of her needs better. She is doing pretty good...whatever that means.

Hi all,
Looks like most of the "family" is back!!! Love it!!
I officially return to work on Tuesday, students start on Monday the 20th.
Returned last night from Tallahassee and sure hope our youngest knows how much we have done to allow him to have a smooth beginning at school. Now we need to lay low for a while to recoup. I'm sure glad I worked this summer.
Diet- I'm up again to 236 and know I need to reign myself in.
Grand I agree with Baba- your taking action and going to WW is an inspiration and now I need to get moving - Time to shop and put the right foods in the house again. New school year, new try. The train IS waiting at the station for us!
Baba- it does seem like the rest of the country is hotter than Florida right now. Although today it was really hot here- the humidity drags you down. Thankful for air conditioning!
Ny- so sorry to hear about the puppies, sad situation. Also, hoping your back feels better.
Scary feeling when that kind of pain hits so fast and unexpected. Hope all is well with you now.
Bog- Have fun in Florida! Where are you going? I remember you once told us but I just can't remember where- old brain. Sounds like a nerve thing going on with your leg and butt. I had that with one of my pregnancies- the doctor told me it was my sciatic nerve. Feel better and rest!
Regards to all!

It's so good to see everyone! Grand you were missed! So I'm laid up this week my leg (well my butt on the left side!) hurts like crazy to walk do I'm in bed a lot. I go to Florida Friday and come back Monday I really hope I get better by then!

My weight has been stuck in one place of a while. Before getting sick I worked at getting into the habit of eating regular as I am a meal skipper. Well after being sick I had to swap some of my water, which I love, for juices for their electrolytes. While I am not counting cals I am aware of the cals in juices. V-8 is pretty good, 70 cals for 2 servings of veggies plus a days worth of sodium and potassium in a 12 oz can. This might sound odd but my legs get weak and feel like a load of bricks as my electrolytes begin to dip.

This has to do with the weak legs but it is funny. I needed some new hair scrunchies which were on the very bottom of the rack. I do a deep knee bend to get down to them and almost couldn't get back up. I kid you not I thought I was going to have to crawl back to my cart and hope that I could use it to pull myself up. I ended up using a hanging rack attached to the side of an end cap to help pull me up, so glad I didn't pull it over.

Looks like I got back here at a good time, Grand is back, Bog is having a baby, Baba's daughter is getting married.... a lot of good stuff going down.

Grand I can never use Frontline Plus on Maggie again. We don't have a flea problem here we have a tick problem. In a typical year I would apply Frontline (not the plus) in the Spring at first sign of ticks then not again until Fall when we saw ticks again. This year we have been spreading food grade Diatomaceous Earth inside the fenced area to control the ticks.

As for shows I hope on of my week old girls (Billy x Scooter) turn out to be my next show pup. Reni was due to have her Nike pups today but once again she went into premature labor after a pup died in utero so besides the little under developed dead pup she lost the other 4 as well. This has happened to her both times she was bred. Needless to say we will not try again.

GRAND - I am so proud of you !! and to honor that I will stay on track today - it helps me when I know that I make a commitment to another and they also are trying hard - so thank you for your help in getting me through the night

Had an appt with surgeon - there are only 2 in town that do the surgery I need on my hip and neither take my insurance - no happy about that - but at least I do not have to travel far -

Shekirk - honestly I did not feel the heat in FL like I am right now even tho it is not humid here - maybe the humidity made it easier to breathe - ??

boy is it hot - makes me dizzy and faint just walking into the house from the car -

Hope you all are well - maybe the train is ready to move again since I know it has been waiting for Grand and me !!

Hey, all. I made it to WW - official weight 302 point something. I've made it yesterday & today eating healthy. One meal at a time! Have a great week! Good luck! Take care!

Hey, all. I went to the grocery store today & I bought WW friendly foods. I packed my lunch for tomorrow. I hope to make it through the doors of WW tomorrow evening!! Somebody push me through the dang door! Have a great week! Good luck. Take care!

whoo hoo - Grand is back - amigo - I have missed you !!! All the wonderful weight I lost is back - I was so good - so motivated and then came the hips and no moving - so I ate - we can still make it happen !! the train has been waiting for us ---

Hey, all. Sorry I have been MIA. Just pure shame & embarassment...my weight is out of control still...302 to be exact. I am still eating whatever. I have moved more, but not enough to lose any weight. I am still doing all tests for the sleeve surgery, but am considering giving WW one more go around...if I can get the gumption to walk through the door. I cannot remember what I posted last time...so my summer was the longest summer break I've ever had in this county as a student or as a teacher. Lucky & I went to the beach again for 10 days, couldn't get anyone to go with us. I adopted another dog - Jesse James - 6 yr old hound mix - who has lived up to his name. Lucky & I went to Tennessee for the 4th of July - saw the midnight parade...lots of good looking soldiers. LOts of days in my beloved sun with 100 temps. I've read several books on the Hatfields & McCoys - local family feud here. Kevin Costner made a mini-series for History channel, it aired back on Memorial day weekend...I've become a little obsessed with finding out more about it. I am going to hit the trail soon & take some pics. I read The Girl With the DRagoon Tatoo - now I want to read the series. I have ordered THe Fifty Shades of Grey series - from what I heard, since I have no man in my life, I need to read the books! Has anyone read them?I worked July 25, 26, Aug 3...now back to work tomorrow! 19 days til Labor day! LOL

Shekirk - so glad you messaged me on Facebook...got me back to SP....thank you, amigo. And I do the same. Wish your law school son was more my age! LOL Enjoy your days you have off...rest & relax. I have a new principal - a guy...don't know what I think of him yet.

Baba - Congrats to your daughter. Casey - my golden mix - is terrified of storms, too..so is another golden on my street...they head under the floor of my house...usually an hour before it even storms...it is like they can sense it coming. I hope all goes well with your surgery. I hear you on the hair...I have had 12 inches cut total this year...donated it..but I miss it. I cut 7 inches, then I turned around a few months later and cut 5 more.

Bog - I hope all is going well with the pregnancy. My mom was diabetic with us. My brother was 2 feet long, 12 lbs....I was 9 1/2 and 22 inches long.

Ny - Sorry to hear about Maggie - should I take Lucky off Frontline? 25 down is great, even though I wish you hadn't been sick. Shows close to KY this fall?

AJ - Sounds like you have been busy. I can't sew, stitch, or anything. I'd love to have a dutch boy/dutch girl quilt. When does your school start?

KAy - Sounds like lots of parties - I have trouble with anything social and eating.

Whimsy - how is weather your way?

Have a great week! Pray I don't have severe pain the first day. Take care! Good luck!

Hi - the sun is bright and it is HOT - it seems to me that the temps have been so much higher and for so much longer than usual - the same is true for my friends who are in different parts of the country -

not much new here - going to new surgeon on Tuesday to see what I am to do about these hips - but it will not be for another month that DD and SIL will be able to stay with me - so we shall see about the timing -

My brother will not be able to come out as planned - I have not seen him in years and years and was looking forward to it - but a big promotion and change of vacation time means no visit - I am happy for him tho -

I finally am getting back to writing - altho I do not feel that my creative mojo is in full swing - so yesterday I read the MARTIAN CHRONICLES - this was the first time I read it - easy read - and was glad for the time to sit and be quiet - I was amused that one part of it was really the basic script for an old TV Star Trek episode- I wasn't expecting the cross over-

Have a great day

Hi all!
Love all the activity here!
Ny- so glad to see your post, sorry about what Maggie and you have gone through recently and hoping for better days to come. Always thinking of you and how busy you are with the dog shows - any shows on the horizon?
Baba- congratulations on your daughter's wedding! Glad you had fun and also glad she will be there for you when you have your surgery.
Bog- sounds like you are doing great! Keeping the weight at a reasonable rate is wonderful.
Hopefully, the bloodwork will show you don't have gestational diabetes. I had that with the last pregnancy- even with diet my blood sugar was too high. It wasn't too bad taking insulin, and once he was born my blood sugars dropped back to normal.
AJ- you are one talented girl! I have this very simple cross stitch and can't seem to get it going right. I used to do needlepoint and could work any stitch into a picture. Maybe I should try to do that again.
Spoke with Grand via facebook and she sends regards to all. She will stop by soon, just been busy and back to work.
Heading out to go boating today- hoping the weather holds, there is a tropical storm brewing near by but it looks like it will miss us. We will head up to Tallahassee for one more visit with the youngest - he is so excited. He just got his schedule for Law school and he said he lucked out with professors- one's from Harvard, one's from Yale and one's from Columbia Univ. - sure hope he can meet their demands! We are so grateful that he has come back from California and has set some goals for his life.
Regards to all! Stay cool!

Hi everyone! Not much to report. My docs convinced I'm cheating on the glucose tolerance tests haha. The baby is big but it's genetics. I'm appeasing my dr and doing glucose monitoring 4x a day for a week for her to prove I'm not diabetic. On the plus side it's forcing me to eat healthier (who wants to report unsavory blood glucose levels because they ate naughty foods?) so maybe it's a good thing! I'm back to documenting meals too. And I haven't gained any weight for a few weeks either.
Hope you're all doing well!

Hi to all, it has been a long time since I visited.

My new Doc says I need to shed some lbs and lower my cholesterol. The good is great,the highest she has ever seen but when added to the bad it puts me a bit too high. Plus I was told to eat more to boost my metabolism. I don't have much of an appetite which is a problem. Then I got sick and couldn't eat, couldn't stand the smell of most foods, depleted my electrolytes which sent me to the hospital for a few days. My heart rate was sky high and my blood pressure so low it was difficult to get a reading. I lost 12 lbs before the vaca to the hospital down a total of 25 now.

We almost lost Maggie this past Spring due to a reaction to Frontline Plus. We thought it was a tick borne illness so we sent blood work to UNC. We biopsied every bump on her body leaving her looking like something from a Tim Burton movie. Way too many dollars later it was decided that it was the Frontline Plus. She may be on a low dose of steroids for the rest of her life.

Take care and enjoy what is left of the summer. Keep cool if you are living in one of the hot spots.

Just found out that my sister is getting a divorce after 23 years of marriage. She's not telling mom and dad until after the party.

And mil isn't doing all that well. Tom thinks we'll be going down for her funeral in the not so distant future.

50th Wedding annv. it must be in the air! I have attended 4 parties this year and in Aug I have my brother's 50th to deal with . Their kids decided that they would have a vow renewal ceremony. When I suggested it to them they didn't want that. But now all three of their children will be renewing their vows also! They are going to wear white shirts and black short!

Oh Well, each to their own! I just know that my brother doesn't seem to be interested in what they have planned and he has in the past come the day of the event, been sick and in bed!
Hope that isn't is plan for this one. It was first going to be a surprise party for them, but I said they did the surprise 50years ago when my brother graduated from college came home with a job out in Seattle Wa. us being here in NY. They had two weeks to get everything organized so that they could get married and his new wife travel with him out to his job. I was 9 and remember very well the upset and how you just can't pull off a wedding in a church in that time frame. MOST of the people couldn't make it.
I suggested that they get the invites out two months before the date of the party. Well I got mine today and the party is on Aug. 18th. I just don't know what they are thinking of (the oldest daughter) controls the rains of the horse. So there are some very upset family members because they have ideas also and well, family is family! I just sit back and pray that it turns out better than the wedding.
Has anyone seen any of those edible arrangment? Made out of fruit? I was thinking that would be so much nicer than a bowl of fruit on a table. They advertice on TV all the time.
Well I think that I'm going to look into it!
The party will be taking place at the pool area that you see on my SP page!
Doing well, but have been working my butt off and not losing any more weight. Just get so tired of being so good and not seeing progress. It started out with the 8 week diabetes challenge so wonderfully. This is week 6 day 6 and I still have only lost the 5 pounds and 8.5 inchces.
Hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy your vacation SHEKICK!
Congates BABA on your DD's Wedding. Good luck with your surgery!

Yes, I made the quilt. Mom made us a ton of them through the years, including one to commemorate our wedding. So I thought I'd bring the tradition full circle. I've decided that my kids aren't getting wedding quilts. I'll cross stitch something instead. LOL

My youngest DD got married today - tomorrow is a small reception-

AJ - good going on running - I cannot walk or put weight on my leg -It is amazing the things we take for granted when we have them -

Shekirk - enjoy the rest of the summer - I believe my DD and her group are moving in with me in Sept - I know I will be having surgery and will need help as I refuse to go to a facility and since I live alone that would be my option - so we shall see how it all plays out - life is sure full of twists and turns - and challenges and them more of the same -

have a great rest of the day to all !!

AJ - you sound so busy! I sure hear you about dealing with family.
One thing- for my parents' 50th aniversary I did have the White House send an anniversary card. They were so thrilled and of course didn't realize I did it, they thought that the Clintons knew about their anniverary!!! I applied for it on-line and don't think it cost anything, but can't remember that part. By the way, the quilt is beautiful- did you make it? So much talent!!
Great job on being able to run for 9 minutes- that is an accomplishment.

HI all. I've been really busy lately with my church work. In our church the congregations are determined geographically, and periodically they change the boundaries as needed. Well, we had the boundaries rearranged. We used to have 180 ladies. We lost 38 of them and gained 153. So, I'm trying to figure out who is who, learn names, rearrange who visits who every month and just get the two groups to mesh into one. It's a big job.

On top of that I've been busy planning my parents' 50th anniversary party. Family dynamics can be fun! (sarcasm) We have a couple siblings who don't want to pay money because "some of the others won't. Why should we foot the bill all the time?" The other thing that is really really bugging me is lack of communication. They all told me what they wanted to handle, but when I ask how it's going they refuse to reply. So...we will quit spending money when it runs out. The we will quit serving food when it runs out and if mom and dad end up without a sign-in book. Oh, well. I'm sure they will come through in the end. It's just a drag that they haven't been talking.

My sister's mother in law was going to help her make a cake for the party, but now that side of her family is up in arms about something stupid, so we're not having cake. My sister is making mini cupcakes and cookies instead. I'm fine with that. I'm just sad that his family has to be so stupid.

One last thing about families. All Tom's siblings were going to be in Salt Lake City so they called and wanted him to fly down for the weekend. They used family money for the ticket so that was good. I know they were just thinking about it being spur of the moment and all, but it just came across as "We only want Tom. The rest of you aren't real family." It doesn't help that they have had family meetings where the spouses weren't invited, and when their dad died it was definitely us vs them since the in-laws hadn't lived with him for most their lives. Oh, well.

I've been doing a C25k. Today was ending four weeks. If you told me four weeks ago that I would be able to run (albeit slowly) 9 minutes at a time now, I would have not believed you. That's what we did today...9 minutes. I've gone from 1.5 minutes to 9 minutes!

And Zena...the kids have decided that with their school/work schedules that we can keep Zena here until they are more settled. She is really such a sweety. Whenever we come home she licks my leg until I pet her. ha ha. She is so much calmer than she was when we brought her home. She has adopted Hannah as her main alpha.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/28/2012 (10:27)

Ah finally, the feeling of a vacation. Finished the last day of summer school yesterday and then went to my school to help with scheduling. I need to go in on Monday and hope to finish the scheduling so I can really take a week off- of course technically I'm on vacation so not being paid for it, but I'll take comp. time for it and use that during the school year.
Baba- my pets didn't seem to get scared over weather issues, but my next door neighbor's dog actually scratched a hole in their wall because she was so scared of thunder and fireworks, etc. - they have to give her the doggie version of valium.
Kayweb glad you're doing well.
Grand - hope all is well with you-
We went boating today and I guess my sunscreen wasn't good enough and now I am so sunburned!! I never allow myself to get sunburnt because of having melanoma years ago. We did stay in the water for a long time. Loads of fun and the water was so wonderful.
Hoping to squeeze in one more trip to Tallahassee before school begins for my son and for myself.
Take care all!

Baba: Here is what has worked with Zoe Girl. When I know that there is a storm coming I wrap here in a blanket sitting with her in my recliner with her as tightly wrapped and held between me and the chair arm. They do make a thunder jacket that you can purchase that does the same thing. When I looked it over that was how I got the idea to wrap her in her favroite blanket and hold her very tightly. This summer it has worked everytime that I have been here with her. Much luck. My brother's golden was given a benadyle when a storm was coming. I just don't like medicating my pups.

I'm doing better since I wrote my blog "Spinning out of Control" ,

Hi - just checking in - I have been busy - and actually having a bit of fun here and there - this week I get free dinners at the evening Vacation Bible School activities 3 of the grandkids are doing - so I eat what they have- last night was BBQ - who knows what tonight will bring -

question ???? - My golden is really frightened of strange noises - thunder - and even silent lightening - He cries and pants buckets and shakes - and nothing I do helps - Has anyone tried any home remedies for anxiety on your pets- Sasha - the wonder Boston - sleeps through anything but is afraid of the wind and won't go out to potty if the wind is more than a slight breeze - she never was that way before - BUT - if I walk her she will go out -

Have a great week -

Hi all,
My middle son and his girlfriend came in last night and will be leaving tonight to go back to Orlando. We had a great time with them, even though I had to work this morning.
Hope to make one more trip up to Tallahassee before I begin my real job in August and before the youngest starts law school at around the same time.
Otherwise, not really dieting, can't seem to wrap my head around the idea for now
Hope everyone else is doing great!

I have not heard if they have lifted the boil order yet. Will check tomorrow with one of the neighbors and then wait a few days. I have an immun systems weakness and this all explains this last bout with sick tummy.

Glad you have gotten home Shekirk and that your son is all settled in and waiting for classes tobeginn.

BABA you sure keeep busy ! Glad that the doc didn't want to repeat tests. Now these docs are so fearful of suits that they order everything just to make sure they have covered their butts ! Everyone stay healthy !

Shekirk - were you having fun - I think that fun melts the pounds away !! Glad things are all settled -

Saw a new doc this morning who does not think I need another CT on the lungs - He feels certain it is scar tissue - so I will listen to him - I am so glad I went - he is not an alarmist like so many of the others - I told him about my high cholesterol that has been high ever since the first test in high school when I was thin and very athletic - No matter what it has never changed - even with meds - diet - exercise etc - I don't think he even bothered testing for that - not much left I can do about it -so....

had some fun with 3 grandkids today - and now I am pooped and going to change clothes and get some ideas for dinner and watch TV or movies ....

Hi, Back from Tallahassee and son is settled in and waiting to begin school in about a month.
Long ride home - lots of rain! Right now major thunder and lightning storm going on out there.
Typical Florida summer.
Two weeks left of summer school and then a 2 weeks of vacation before my real job begins again.
Regards to all!

OH, I actually came home 1 pound thinner then I left here, can't figure out how since we really didn't watch what we were eating!!!

What was that old song - HOT town summer in the city - ??? well I guess many of us are living it !

My computer is a mess today - I could not get on anything at all - kept turning it totally off and on again - I am finally on and hope it stays that way

I am glad to report that I did a LITLLE better yesterday on my meals - This morning I am grilling a few things for the freezer - then off to buy some supplies for my new short "do" - and maybe with one DD to buy paint for her house -

Have a great weekend to all - have fun -

Hi !
Thankfully, it's not too hot, just in the 80's here and the rain keeps cooling things down.
Of course at night it looks like a ghost story here with the rain causing the hot roads to steam up and it sure looks eerie.
Finished picking up some odds and ends for our son-Walmart, Home Depot and Bed, Bath and Beyond must love us by now. Furniture will hopefully be delivered tomorrow.

I'm not doing well dieting, the more we travel the more I eat- no excuse, no reason- just want to.
I weighed in and weigh almost exactly the same as I did last year at this time.

Baba- you're haircut sounds great! Nothing like a new hairdo to make you feel good! Wish I could see it. Your frozen fruit sounds delicious too!

Kayweb- sorry you have a boil water order - I hate when that happens here - hope it's lifted soon.
Stay cool! We hope to drive some of the canopied roads here tomorrow and maybe head to visit the west coast gulf area if the furniture arrives early enough.

It is HOT - but thank goodness no boiling water order - KAYWEB - so glad your brother brought over that water !!

I am keeping my hands cold by freezing my fruit order that came yesterday - - blueberries and Rainier cherries - so easy to freeze - and taste along the way - I puree blueberries and fresh spinach and then add to my ground beef when making hamburgers or meatballs for the freezer - altho I am not eating much meat - I do enhance the nutrition by using some recipes found in a cookbook meant for moms with kids who will not eat any fruit or veggies. I made some of the stuff and my grandkids keep asking for more - so I always have some on hand - and I must say it is all delicious -

Got my hair all cut off yesterday - It has been years since I had a haircut - and this gal was fantastic - a woman who works from her home - I was so impressed- now it is short and easy - altho long was really easy cuz I pulled it back - but this looks better

Hope you all are cool - having some peace - enjoying your day -

Working on a slimmer summer! The heat really can get one to sweat without even working out! Under a boil water order and it is driving me crazy. The pups are wanting more water than usual because of the heat. Then after you use the gas to boil the water you have to use the electric to cool it down so that you can drink the water !

Thank heaven my brother has brought over a water cooler bottle filled to the top with water. I won't have to boil anymore! Just cool down a soda bottle filled with water !

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Hi,
Just checking in, I'm in Tallahassee visiting our son. DH did most of the driving but I'm still tired after 7 hours in the car. We will stay here a few days and then go back home. Once he starts school we won't see him very often so I'm getting it all in now.
Take care

Hi !
Back from work. Very rainy here this morning - major thunder and lightning - typical summer weather here, but many students stayed home.
Baba- don't call your home Hill House! I think that was the name of a very scary movie!! "The Haunting of Hill House" - something like that. I, too, am looking for ideas for my front entryway. Right now it's full of bromeliad's and palm tree seedlings that sprout up where ever they fall. Everything grows big here. I wish I could just put in pavers and make a courtyard entryway but right now can't afford the pavers. The area is shady so many plants may not do well there. Our backyard is just he pool, and that we finished a few years ago. Nothing much to do back there.

Kayweb - you are very innovative to create an exercising room out of a storage area. Great idea and the fact you are making use out of it is even better! Enjoy!

AJ - I read your blog and it appears you understand your body well and have put a great plan into action for yourself. Great job!!

Grand- where are you?
Take care all!!

Greeting All. For those who didn't read my blog. Home Fitness! A friend and I cleaned out a storage area that I was 2 years ago planning to set up as a place to work out.!!! Well we got the place in order on Monday and worked out gettting it in shape. Tue. we both worked out for about 30 mins. Today once again we worked out for 30 mins. What joy it is to have someone who wants to workout with me. I don't do the gym due to the cost. I have two stationary bikes, a treadmill, health walker like a (gazelle), and the urban rebounder. Then we can go cool off and do some deep water walking over at the pool!
Wish each of you could come spend some time with us ! To exercise and be LOL at the same time is a new adventure! It doesn't seem like work that way.

I am ending my third week of the diabetes challenge here on Spark People and it has really been going well. So I have to add that both of us have done the strength trainning videos for the challenge also which is a 20 min work out ! Yet that doesns't count for calories.

Hope that everyone is doing well with their plans ! Sorry I haven't been around much, but do think of you all ! Keep the water flowing and keep the muscles moving !
Kay & The Pups

Oh My HOT HOT HOT - and going to be hot for a while

Shekirk = I really cannot get into the book - Abe/vampire - but I keep trying - My daughter did not really like the move that much either - but you know me and vampires - so I am trudging along - I never really felt HOT HOT HOT in FL - the beach breeze was wonderful - for some reason I have a more difficult time out here -

I am in the middle of trying to figure out what to do with the yard - I want to do some yard improvements - - I drove around after teaching today to look at houses = especially newer ones to look for ideas - nothing special !! With 3 dogs and limited budget- I am not sure I will ever have the side and back looking good - so..

I decided to give my house a nickname --BONKYBOO- came to mind - but I am wondering if something more tranquil might benefit me more - altho I do laugh at bonkyboo and it certainly fits - I live on a hill - Hill Cottage - ooo = maybe Hill Haven - Hill House maybe I have too much time on my hands !!!!

I am busy freezing all the fresh fruit that I get - can't say the apricots freeze as great as cherries and the berries - but they are still good - This week I am getting Rainier cherries and blueberries - so that will be easy - I use blueberries all the time -

The Ashley's Furniture out here went out of business - They were having some big sales that weren't really that big s I did not get anything - but they sure did have some attractive things -

Have some summer fun - and find a way to keep cool !







Edited by: BABAJEAN at: 7/10/2012 (22:00)

Hi there!
It's been hot down here but not as hot as the rest of the country seems to be. I guess living in Florida you just get used to the heat and humidity. The ocean which is only a few miles away always allows a nice breeze - so staying in the shade makes it bearable.
Baba- do you like the book? I had never heard of it until the movie and then had trouble grasping the premise of it. Try to stay cool! Rock of Ages was filmed down here, but I haven't seen it. Heard it wasn't that good so didn't rush to see it.
Summer school is still in session but I usually get home by 1:30 so it gets me out of the house for a little while. We may have to cancel the trip to Tallahassee this weekend since Ashley's Furniture now states they may not be able to deliver on Friday or anytime this weekend. Of course, they take your money fast enough and make lots of promises and guarantees on delivery but then you're at their mercy. We shall see.
Take care and hope everyone is staying cool!

Hi - also just checking in - I am reading Abraham Lincoln vampire slayer - not very far in the book tho -I went to see Rock of Ages last week with DD - we both were quite surprised that it was PG 13 - and glad that my grand daughter did not come with us - I honestly did not like it and I LOVE musicals but my DD liked it -

It is HOT - the air conditioner is not keeping up with the heat - I hear we will be sweltering all this week -

Happy night to all

Nothing new here just saying "hi" to all.
Did see two movies - Spiderman and Abe Lincoln Vampire Slayer. First one I thought was boring, the second had lots of action, but I had to snicker at they way history was unfolding on the screen. A bit hard to digest.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Hi -

AJ - good going !!!

Baba, good to see you!

Shekirk, thanks.

Yesterday I only improved my jog time by 15 seconds. So this morning hubby dragged me out of bed (since I said I wanted to do this) and we did yesterday's workout again. This time we weren't jogging up a hill and I made it the whole 3 minutes. Maybe I can make it three minutes on the hill Monday? That would be nice, cause Wednesday we try for 4 minutes.

Ok, more detail on my eating. Basically, I'm just going as vegetarian as I feel like going. Giving up meat in all varieties isn't a problem. I've never been a big meat eater. Dairy is another matter. In college I could drink a gallon of milk in a week by myself, and I love cheese. So, I'm trying to use dairy as a condiment and not the main part of the meal. As for the rest, I eat as many whole grains, beans, veggies and fruits as I want, with just a little oil in cooking. Tom and I have discussed how the past plays a role in how we cook. He and his brother use ALOT of oil in their cooking. I use lots less. But it all goes to our upbringing. (That's olive oil, btw.)

So far I lost 3 pounds in the first week.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/7/2012 (12:02)

Hi Happy Friday all!
Baba was starting to get worried about you! Glad you posted and all is well. The "river lot"
sounds fabulous, do you spend time there? Your family sounds busy and in a happy way.

Seems weight loss is still at a stand still for me. I can't say I am trying hard though. I don't go crazy eating but I'm not following any specific plan just trying to stay around 1200-1500 calories each day. It's hot down here, but sometimes I think the rest of the country is hotter than we are in south Florida.

Youngest is settling in in his new apartment in Tallahassee. He's using this time to take out recommended reading from the law library. We will go back up in a week when his furniture is expected to arrive. Thankfully, we can stay with him and not have to go to a hotel.

AJ - I don't think I could jog for even 1 minute. I'm sure proud of you!!

Stay cool everyone!!

Hi all - Here I thought that no one was checking in as I have not received an email notice is so long - I get them from the team leader site but not this one - sorry for the absence !!!

My son and his family moved back into town from the country and we have been more than busy - He finally took a few days off and went up north near Canada to what we call the "river lot" - beautiful and restful - he will be back today but the kids are staying up there until Sunday

one DD is expecting - my grandson flew out to Annapolis for a soccer camp - another DD is looking for a new job - life is simply busy and it sure is getting HOT here !!

I am determined not to get the 2 hip replacements - so far I have not lost the weight - wonder why as my eating has been so good - in fact I gained a few more pounds - the hips make it difficult to really move around and be active -maybe that is part of it -

Hope you had a good fourth - I was with the furry ones - cooked all day for the freezer and actually had a good time by myself -the kids were all someplace or doing something -

Maybe after writing this I will get the updates-

Have a great day -

It's been quite the week. Changes in church boundaries leave me with the same duties, and new people to worry about. I'm excited about it! I'm sorry to lose people (especially the ubber-talented secretary and counselor), but I'm excited to meet new people and learn from them.

I've been imperfectly trying my eating plan and after a week, my husband says, "You're looking healthier."

I jogged 1.5 minutes on Monday and 2 minutes today. I've been walking up to 12 miles per week for the last year. It's time to turn up the heat (so to speak)...ha ha.

So true so true. My first pregnancy I gained at that rate and also came home in pre-pregnancy clothes and actually ended up about 10 pounds less than prior to being pregnant because I kept losing weight when I was breast feeding.
Bog you sound like you are doing great! Hope Hannah has gotten over having a guest at the house!

Bogdana, you're half way and if you keep on the same gain rate you'll be fine, at least won't have too much to lose. The most I ever gained was 23 pounds and came home from the hospital at my pre-pregnancy weight. It's when you gain 50-70 pounds that it becomes a problem.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/3/2012 (22:31)

Hi all! I'm still around and getting fat. We were out of power 2 days but had somewhere to go. Since other ppl stayed w us and they have a dog do Hannah didn't eat and was cranky! She's still recuperating. I'm 22 weeks 4 days and I've gained 14 lb so far. I hope that's on par. I dead trying to lose weight again...
Xoxo bj

Sounds great AJ ! I sure wish I had some of that energy. I slept great last night so I'm not tired today, just still achy in my feet. Glad I don't have work tomorrow.

That's funny, shekirk.

I ran one and a half minutes yesterday. I signed up to do a couch to 5k with some friends from church. I have never liked running. Hated every minute of the 1.5 mile runs I had to do in school. I have no desire to run long distances like 64 or 100 miles. A 5k is beyond my limit, so to speak. We'll see how it goes.

I've been feeling better since starting this new plan in all ways. Most noticeable was my energy level yesterday. We had a funeral luncheon we were providing. I was at the church from 11 am until 3 pm getting ready, serving and cleaning up. Usually I come home so tired I can't even move and my feet are sore. Yesterday I was tired, but not that much and my feet weren't sore.

Edited by: AJHONDRNGAL at: 7/3/2012 (10:10)