Ilse, what a horrible experience, losing your pocket pc. I know how much you kept on it. Any word?

Ah, the flatulence. Starting slow with any new fiber is good. In addition, perhaps it's helpful to remember we produce less digestive enzymes as we age, and some of them are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, others proteins, etc. A good digestive enzyme supplement with meals can often help, as can probiotics which add more good buggies. It's also true that many of us produce less stomach acid as we age, and sometimes HCL supplements are helpful. I've read that stomach distress we attribute to "acid stomach" is actually sometimes the opposite--not enough acid to do the job, so the stomach contents aren't broken down properly, hence the, er, bi-products of incomplete digestion. Of course one should be cautious in self-diagnosing or treating HCL deficiencies. Malabsorption isn't an uncommon problem :(

Much needed rain today, housecleaning extravaganza, and my lovely mobile groomer will be here soon to transform the furgirls from dust bunnies to fine examples of poodlehood

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Checking in again today and noticed I missed this:

CONGRATULATIONS TB on that 133 that's holding! And perhaps I am mixing you up with someone else who is wheat-intolerant.

All this talk of flax -- I just finished making a sweet Flax bread that was posted on the cooking forum -- the one with all the options. The only DV I had that sounded good in the bread was caramel. The texture was good, but I think it had too much splenda in it. A tad too sweet but the pecans added a nice crunch.

I think those lactase tablets are working. After all these years of Oreos (or ANY cookie for that matter) with milk . . . and now I may be lactose intolerant? Have to experiment some more.

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Yes, TB! I think you can claim that new number with pride. Congrats!!!

Oh, and Judy...I bet you're a great teacher, and whatever you do, when and if you ever retire, you'll it with class and style.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Hi all, This is just a quick stop to let you know I'm still around...... barely. Another teacher and I had a bright idea for a new award for members of the senior class. Our seniors this year have had the reputation of being the worst class to ever go through the system. They have been notorious since elementary school. One afternoon we were joking that we thought that any student that had never been to the on campus suspension center should get an award at the senior awards night. My friend thought about that comment all night and the next day we decided that the top kids get lots of attention, and the bad kids get lots of attention (negative) and the just plain good kids that come to school, do what they are supposed to do and never give you trouble in class get very little recognition. In fact, they are often lost in middle of everything. We developed a new award --- the Teacher's Choice Award--- to recognize those students. It was a lot of work because attendance files, discipline files, grade files and teacher input all were involved in the selection (thank heavens we had a couple of wonderful people help us). In the end, in a class of app. 300, we had about 125 students that had been nominated and met the criteria. At lunch today we had a party for them. They got pizza, drinks, certificates and the rest of the afternoon off. Its been lots of work, but it was wonderful to see the really good kids all together without some idiot ruining everything.

The end of school is loaded with an amazing amount of work. Having seniors that have are just now realizing that they probably won't graduate because we will not just pass them adds to the issues. All things considered, I came home and was absolutely exhausted. I ended up taking a nap --- and I NEVER do that. Tomorrow will be easier.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Judy, what a wonderful idea for your students. I imagine this was the first time some of them have ever felt "special" in school. Bless you.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Judy, I was so touched to read about the recognition award for the "good, but not outstanding" students. I was one of those kids throughout school, and I sometimes felt a little wistful about ... oh, not being noticed. Especially as one of my brothers was one of the baddest kids around, and he got loads of extra attention from adults as they tried to channel him in "better" directions (futile, I'm afraid). The Home Owner Assoc.'s reserves are lower than projected costs to handle the schedule of future maintenance (about $10k per unit). The woman who reviewed the documents told me that isn't uncommon, and that it was unlikely that a large assessment would be imposed in the near future. And, she strongly advised that I go to meetings and "get involved".

Historically, this HOA appears to have been proactive about maintenance and it looks as though it's responsibly managed. The reserves might be a little low now as they've completed some major projects over the last 5 years (new roofs, replastering the pool, termite tenting, new garage doors). It might just be that they need time to build the account back up. Or, in the future, the HOA may have to raise the monthly fees, or have special assessments, or get financing to adhere to the maintenance schedule.

My BIL serves on the board of an HOA where he owns rental properties. He didn't think it was a deal breaker at all. He said, 'basically that's no different than the situation your are in with your house right now. Your roof is 20 years old and will need to be replaced in the next 5 to 10 years... you either put money aside ahead of time or borrow the funds when needed". Looked at that way... it's a wash.

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Oh Judy, how wonderful that you recognized the "average" student! And yes, it does sound like a lot of work going through records. Thank goodness you had help with that!

TB, it does sound like your BIL is right, but further investigation is probably prudent. Our little HOA is only $58/month, but that's just for lawn care, snow removal and garbage pick-up. A real good deal! Although I am sure the cost will go up soon. It's been at $58 for three years.

Oh it is so lovely to have a crew working for you and all you have to do is walk around with a clip-board! But I walked into the building yesterday AM and was greeted by a committee that wanted to see the first piece installed before they would give their OK. Whoa! I have a crew in from out of town, all the film and caulk bought, and NOW they want to check out the film??? I did remind them I had a signed purchase order. But we were nice and put the first piece up quickly and they OK'd it. That definitely was a WHEW! Two more days of acting like a big shot then back to the real world.

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Judy, congrats on successfully pushing through the end-of-year school activities. Sounds like you and your colleagues were creative to the finish! On Monday, my high school graduate "mentee" starts her summer internship at Hallmark. She's a bright kid, and I'll enjoy introducing her to corporate life.

I've just finished breakfast--I made that bun! It was great! I used my pre-mix flaxseed/wheat bran (no whey), which made a very tasty "whole wheat" pancake. I topped it with cottage cheese, with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. I can just imagine the possibilities for other ingredients and toppings. Thanks!

My stepgrandson (with considerable prodding) has now finished yanking up the old carpet from the stairs and upstairs hall, exposing the lovely hardwood floors underneath. What a nasty job that is! He still has quite a few staples and things to pry loose. But the floors are so much nicer than that yucky old carpet--or will be, eventually. I'm glad I decided to do that--or for HIM to do that!

Happy Friday everyone.

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Morning all.

TB, that's good news on the HOA. Sounds like the deal will go through just fine and you'll have a lovely new home.

Alida, hey, you deserve to be a big shot now and then! Glad the big job is going well and met everyone's approval.

Barb, you'll love the wood flooring. I'm so happy we decided to take out the carpet and install wood, even tho it has taken forever, and the little details still aren't quite finished. I am amazed at how much less dust there is now.

Have a good one.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Just stopped in for a minute before getting down to the grind. I am leaving work at noon today to get on the road early for our baseball tournament but had to tell you my little story.

I was going nuts last night trying to get everything done in and out of the house and the motorhome packed up and ready. I put the last load of laundry in the dryer late last night and when I went to get it to fold it....I found the dryer had died and was only blowing cold air. It was too late to put them outside, I'd already watered and the clothesline was soaking wet. So, I just threw everything back in the dryer and hoped that at least the cool air would blow dry them. It was a whole load of underwear and socks. I was down to 1 pair of underwear and needed to pack them all! I thought if it came down to the worst, I could just hand wash the ones I had on and the rest would be dry by morning. I finally got everything else done and slipped into the bathtub to soak. I hear a commotion at the end of the room (we have a big bathroom) and when I looked....there were my two dogs playing tug of war with my underwear!! They were having such a good time and I was so tired all I could do was laugh. I was not getting out of that tub for anything. So, needless to say, that underwear was a lost cause. Luckily this morning everything else was dry. The dryer can be fixed when we get back on Tuesday. Hope you all enjoyed my little story....all this running around is helping me to lose weight ...I was at 151.5 this morning. Haven't seen that number in awhile.

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

LOL! I love it, Donna! Yes, sometimes you just do have to laugh at their antics. So glad the undies dried, tho. Hate to think of you having an undie-less weekend, LOL!

And congrats on the 151.5. Great going!!!

Oh, the motorhome rental--we calculated it would cost between $1500 and $2000 just for the motorhome rental (a small one), and mileage fees for a round trip to FL from here, depending on season. Didn't include gas, park sites, meals, etc. :( I know a lot of people spend much more on a vacation, but that seemed exhorbitant for a "do it yourself" vacation. DH won't do a camper or pop-up--says he's too old for "roughing it." Hope you have a great weekend.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Donna, I recommend a stop at the nearest Wal-Mart. All the undies you want for a very reasonable price! And since you're feeling skinny, choose something sexy!

When DH and I hit the road for our beach trip in September, we figure overnight motel stops (two or three) each way as part of the fun. I used to skimp and choose the cheapest places. Now there aren't any "cheap" places anymore, so I pick a pleasant chain motel with a nice pool and a workout room and call it a spa.

I'm off for the weekend! It's HOT out there, and I like it.

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Hi guys!
I've been following along as much as time will allow. Guess my life is kinda dull and boring at the moment...just not much to report
Work has been crazy busy and we are *breaking in* a new boss...oye! She definitely has a different management style than the previous manager. I am, for the most part, just kind of standing back and taking it all in...keeping the mouth shut and the ears open...LOL. It's about time I learned to do that after 30 years in nursing I've really not formed an opinion one way or the other....yet. Time will tell...it always does!
Hope everyone has a restful weekend!

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

Wise woman you are, Shell.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

I'm nervous as a chihuaha as we move closer to finalizing the sale of the old home and purchase of the new one. No joke - my heart is racing all the time. The only thing that helps is going out and working in the yard. But, I really need to put my time into other things - like reviewing the disclosure documents for the place we are buying. The total disclosure package is over 3 inches thick. Hiring the expert to review the documents was the best money I ever spent, but I still need to read it for myself.

We got some updated financial reports on the townhome and discovered the situation with the reserve fund is better than it looked, as it is continually being funded. So that was good news.

Donna the image of the dogs playing tug-o-war with your last pair of knickers is a hoot! I really needed the laugh, too. DH and I always used to take our oldest, holeyest (sp?) undies on vacation - the ones that needed to be thrown away. Each day we'd discard the old undies, then buy new ones when we got to our destination.

Barb, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful and accommodating grandson! Like BC, I think that wood floors (or tile, linoleum) are much cleaner than carpeting. Most of the time when I was growing up we lived in homes with wood floors and area rugs. After living in some carpeted apartments, I decided that the carpeting just served as a mat to hold the dirt in place. Shampooing didn't seem to help that much - that just added a residue of cleaning fluid to the mix (they didn't have the extraction carpet cleaners back then). I couldn't wait to tear out the carpeting and refinish the wood floors when we moved here 21 years ago.

The new place has a combination of ceramic tile floors and carpeting. I guess I'll have to adjust - and trust that carpet cleaning technology has advanced in the last 25 years.

This weekend is the calm before the storm. I've been on the phone most of the day fitting in appointments for moving estimates and insurance quotes. We're going to our niece's graduation in Arizona, so that shoots most of the week and the weekend. The following week is similarly busy, plus we close escrow that week. And, more of the same throughout June.

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.