Better get this written quick before the boss shows up. One of these days I'll learn to write at home, but by the time I get out of here, I don't even want to look at a computer.

Alida: I wear panty hose (support hose) under all pants because I have bad veins. I've had surgery 3 times now and it still doesn't help. That's why sitting in the motorhome is so hard on me. I have a fair bit of pain from them and find the only thing that helps is to have my legs up on the dash. Not ladylike, but if it works go for it. I refuse to wear them in the summer cause they add at least 10 degrees to the temperature, so I just learn to cope. As for my DIL, she's coming along good this time. I think today is the day she gets the stiches out. That means she'll be able to pickup my youngest grandson who has really missed having his mommy hold him. They have snuggles on the couch but that apparently isn't good enough. I have to give my son credit. He's come up with this unlimited amount of patience and hasn't let any of this bother him. Last time I was talking to him, he had to go cause he wanted to get the floors washed for his wife. Now why didn't I have that boy cloned?

Hold on....hot flush time. Wow, that was a good one. Now I just have to wait for the sweat to dry and I can be cold again. This is so much fun.

Peg: That trip to Ooooklahoma sounds wonderful. I'll have to look into airmiles and see what it would cost. I think the airfare itself would be really high, but we'll see. No promises though. Glad you are doing okay without Deuts. I'm sure he's starting to settle in okay. Can you phone his new owners to find out if he's doing okay, or do you maybe just not want to know? Hope all the packing etc., goes okay. Remember to make time just for you too.

Ilse: Sorry you had a bad eating day yesterday. We've all been there. Just shake it off and start again. When we were on holidays I was craving a taco salad so we pulled into a Burger King where I ordered one to go. We got on the road again and when I opened it up all I had was a bowl of lettuce, a tiny piece of tomato and a container of salsa....no meat! So much for satisfying my craving. Next time I'll learn to check before I leave a restaurant. I came home and made myself a big taco salad.

Brenda: Doing okay today? Looks like we all have the same question about the polyp. Any answers for us?

Barb: Congrats on the 2 pound loss! Good for you for staying on induction. Might be the answer for me too. I have two of Leslie Sansone's tapes and should get them out. Might be hard on the legs doing it on a plywood floor in the living room though. Don't need any slivers.

To anyone I've missed....Hi hope you all have a great day. Better get to work, no one else is going to do it for me.

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Jeepers, I read the thread early this am, and still have more to read now! Chatty group! You're right, if we ever get booted off LCE, we'd have to open a Yahoo group, I think!

Thanks for your inquiries. I'm just fine today. A little headachy, but that's so normal for me I can't ascribe it to yesterday's fun.

Shelley, now that I think of it, I may have been "out" for the first few minutes of the procedure, but I do remember much of it. No matter, I certainly wasn't caring a bit, and rather enjoyed the show on the screen. I'll find out about the biopsy results next week. She didn't tell me anything yesterday, but I could see that the polyp was sessile. So we'll see.

No,I didn't know about the polyp beforehand--so symptoms. The colonoscope not only has a camera, it also has little nippers for taking biopsies and a snare (like a little wire noose) for grasping pedunculated (on a stalk) polyps, and the areas can be cauterized after, I think... Shelley knows more about the equipment, of course. Nope, not sore a bit now. No bleeding, discomfort, nada.

Alida, as I understand it, gastroenterologists differ in preference about what they have their patients use to to "prepare." In my case, it consisted of a preparatory diet the day before (a liquid diet, with only clear liquids after lunch). Then Fleet's Phosphsoda diluted in 8 oz of clear liquid (I used diet ginger ale) at 6pm, 6:30, and 7 and again three times several hours before the procedure. All the "activity" (LOL) pretty much took place following taking the preparation, and I would have slept very well had I not been a bit anxious. The procedure was scheduled at 11 and by then the tummy had been quiet for quite a while. Really, it was not at all a bad experience and I was never in any distress. Just don't stray far after taking the prep So I'd encourage any of you who haven't yet, please do. Ok, Rachel, you're excused, young thang!

Ok, LOL, this has to qualify as a record TMI!!

You know, I have family in the OKC area myself, most of whom I haven't seen since I was in my 20's. If I can get dog-sitting services from the guys here at home, I'd LOVE seeing all of you, and could spend an extra day seeing visiting cousins. What fun!

Here in Chicago, my hostas have already been hit hard by frost, Donna, Alida, so I don't think they are acquiring any too more nutrients this season

Barb, congrats on the 2 pounds. Even though it may wiggle a bit, you know you're heading in the right direction. That's what counts!

TB, it sounds like the Asilomar project takes someone really staying on top of everything. Whew. I'd be glad to have this my last year, too! One of my "other duties as assigned" at a former job was organizing a catered picnic with games for 3000 hospital employees/spouses/kids. It was absolutely my least favorite thing to do.

I know I've missed a few things I wanted to say, but must actually DO something today. Hugs to all, see ya later.....

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

I'm taking a little green tea break here, and of course, that demands sitting down with my friends for a chat.

Donna, I wear pantyhose under all kinds of pants, including jeans from time to time. I like the no-panty-line effect, and the way they help some kinds of pants (including jeans) slide around on my legs a little more comfortably. Also, I don't always like wearing sox, but need something inside my shoes.

The only time I ever really hated pantyhose was at my chubbiest. Even with large sizes, my thighs tended to squish out the top and rub together by the end of the day. Adult diaper rash completely explains why babies howl.

I'm reminding myself that dropping that 2 lbs really is a big deal, after weeks and weeks of stasis at 137. After all, if it's gone today, it will be gone tomorrow--even if it's back--because in that case, it's "only water" and not fat. And with all the protein and weight-training, I'm pretty sure I haven't lost any muscle tissue.

Ilse, next time you can get McD burgers for 49 cents, buy six of them, and throw out the buns. Voila! Carb-friendly feed on the run.

Peg, the pitstops on the road are better than they used to be for carb-friendly foods. So are motels with free breakfasts--you can usually find a hard-boiled egg. Even so, the bagels, etc. are incredibly tempting when I'm on the road. I just can't go without breakfast. I think carrying a cooler and keeping your own groceries is a better plan.

Because I'm not getting my usual slug of fiber these days, I dredged up a bottle of "Slim With Fiber" supps I bought awhile back. You have to take five of those tablets 3X/day (before meals) to get a measly 3 gms of fiber. I suppose it's the cellulose swelling up in the stomach that's supposed to be the diet miracle--to keep people on low-fat diets from feeling ravenous. Oh well. Can't hurt. But let's hear it for the LCE advantage, which is usually an absence of hunger. Works for me!

Will I feel like big-bellied Buddha if I take those tablets with hot green tea??

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


My Fitday Journal

:o I actually feel a little bad about it. I ~used~ to be such a good, willing volunteer; but I just can't seem to recapture that spirit. I guess I burnt out - because I was a willing volunteer, I got asked to do everything for years. I'd actually said "no" to this job twice, before relenting. My good friend is the chairperson, and she was not having any luck finding a liason person. I just couldn't leave her to go it alone. And, after the first year, it wasn't so onerous - but I've had to drag myself every step of the way.

Alida, the hostas tucked in a corner of my yard look pretty ratty, but I think the damage is from slugs and snails. They are year-round pests in this climate.

Shelley - sending hugs and sympathy for the loss of FU-kitty. My throat is aching with tears for your loss. It's hard - our beloved little fur-people have such short lives compared to ours. When they die, I think of them as sleeping peacefully in the laps of angels. I wait for the occasional dream visit. I hope FU-kitty visits you sometimes in your dreams.

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

Hi all......... I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to go back and read up. I'm afraid that I have misssed so much.

BUT, I have to declare a new award --- The Good Bob award. (For those of you without a Bob at your house, you can insert appropriate DH name). I got home from school today and Bobby had been out to buy under cabinet lights for my kitchen. He had one installed and was working on the second. He knows the way to this gir's heart.... a surprise home improvement. So, in my opinion, he is today's Good Bob.

Tomorrow I am skipping out on my last period class and going to Marshall to meet with a JP there. It is a different county, but the duties are essentially the same. I think she will be able to give me lots of information and insight to assist in determining if I will actually run or not. I have done considerable investigation, but still haven't found out for sure if the incumbent is going to run again. He will be 70 by the time the election is over. I'm hoping he thinks it is time to retire.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Terry, Here's the tiny version of the image. It will probably work better in signatures. Thanks for posting, then changing it for me.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Good FRIDAY morning!

Yea! It's Friday, ta ta ta dahh!

The job yesterday was a bit of a hassle. Some areas were a little spotty. Seems like they changed the Etchlike formula (again.) Every time they do that it takes some getting used to. Also had THREE spots where the etch liquid didn't "take." Lift up temp, remove area, and re-apply. Something on the glass that I missed somehow.

Peg, OK, you started this whole reunion thingy. If you are driving through with your husband, what are you going to do with him? Well, I guess he can fend for himself one night in Oooklahoma! I really hope this can happen. It would be fun!

Glad you are getting along without Duets. It will be hard, but he is in a good home! Yup, he was one spoiled cat . . . and still is, I'll bet!

Peg, this may be a strange question, and I know you probably talked about this way back when, but WHY are you going to CA for 6 months, then back to MA, then back to CA "for good"? (I CRS)

Brenda, LOL! Definitely NOT TMI! I thank you for it. In your original blow-by-blow, you mentioned a polyp. I apologize for missing that. I do hope all is OK. I don't know what "sessile" means. I hope it's not a bad thing.

And, what did you DO yesterday? Hope it was fun!

Barb, I was thinking of stopping by Costco on my pecan quest and see if they'll give me a "visitors pass." Won't hurt to ask.

15 fiber pills a day? Whatever works!

I, too, love the "slide" pantyhose gives when wearing slacks. But pantyhose is just too hard on my wrist. They are saved for weddings, bar mitzvahs and funerals!

Terry, I am still confused. Is Asilomar a not-for-profit facility? Is that why they need (unpaid) volunteers like you?

Sounds like we all have hostas! Snails and slugs, yuk. I hate those little critters. Years ago, I did the beer-in-a-pie-plate thingy and that was sure disgusting. But it did work as long as I kept it up.

Is Rachel home today?

Judy: Hooray for your Bob! What a nice thing to do. And what a nice idea to have a GOOD Bob Award. Mine makes dinner every night. That definitely qualifies!

It does sound like you are getting serious about the JP thing. I hope your meeting with the JP Next Door goes well and you get a better feel for all the little details.

Sheesh. I would think he would WANT to retire! But maybe this also gives you a clue as to the nature of the job. If the current JP is 69 and still thinking about running again, maybe he feels it's an excellent source of $$ for the time he puts into it and it does not require a lot of "hard labor."

Does anyone else agree with me that elected officials (and Supreme Court Justices) should have a mandatory retirement age? Well, we all know vigorous 70-year-olds. But maybe 80?

Donna, oops. I forgot about your legs. As a matter of fact, I think when I joined this thread, you were in the throes of your last operation. I can see how those special panty hose would help your legs feel better.

I am glad to hear that your DIL's last operation was finally successful! That girl has truly been through Hell.

Washing the floors sure qualifies for a GOOD BOB Award. Even if his name isn't Bob!

Also, I can't tell you how many times I have gotten a wrong take-out order! So frustrating, especially because you have driven away by the time you find out something's missing.

Ilse, please don't fret too much about bad eating days. We ALL have those. I did, just the other day with a big bowl of (gasp) Cheerios. And I do hope you are NOT getting a cold. That's miserable. But do try to get a flu shot if you can. I truly feel they help, even with the common cold.

Here's the picture of my "Tuscan" design. The customer loved it.

Got to go and cut some film for today's job. Should be easy (famous last words). Oh! Did I mention today's FRIDAY??!!!! Have a great day, everyone!

Attached Thumbnails

 

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

Wowie kazowie! Is that a walk-in shower I'm looking at? Must be some kinda bathroom. Nice work on the glass, Alida.

Judy, I can finally see that logo as you intended it. Spiffy. Hope you find out all you need to know about the JP job. The older I get, the older "old" gets. My dad will be 88 next week, and his brain is sharp. The downside is, he fully experiences the annoyance of every physical limitation of getting older--hearing loss, arthritis, etc. Between his ears, he's still one sexy dude. If only those extra years we earn by taking care of ourselves could be added in the middle!

Teel, I know what you mean about burning out on the volunteer thing. I can't imagine how I used to handle all the church stuff I used to do--often three or four meetings a week, plus the work outside of meetings. I've become an artful dodger, guilt-free. Especially when it comes to organizing. I'll happily be a worker bee for a limited engagement.

My DH announced a couple of days ago that he has decided to quit drinking. In fact, he DID quit drinking more than a week ago. I'm stunned with joy. He has been what I consider an alcoholic for years--sipping incredible quantities of wine day after day--not so you could see him "falling down" drunk, but doing so much damage to his body. I did everything I could to intervene, including secret phone calls to his doctor. He always slipped back into the habit. Now he has stopped, cold turkey. I'm sure he'll feel like a new man, and wonder why he didn't think of this sooner. You know how it is with men--it has to be their idea. I'm thrilled.

BTW, those fiber pills had a beneficial "cleansing" effect after all. I'll keep taking them until I can get back to my flaxseed.

Happy Friday. Alida--see you tomorrow at Henry's (and Jan's)!

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


My Fitday Journal

Hello all you lovely chickadees!!!

My, my, my.... even with outrageous jet lag I have now spent over two HOURS reading through all of your posts - WOW! And I am embarrassed to admit that after all of that - I am starting to confuse who wears pantyhose under what, and whose back from where (Donna welcome home! ) and whose been married how many years! LoL! Let me do my best:

Judy: JP? I agree with Barb and Terry - after the work you have done for the Texas educational system - I would think being a JP would be a walk in the park for you!

Shelley, what ever happened to your friends in Mexico (did I miss that?!)? And I know it can be so tough the whole slow weight loss issue - but you've lost inches and that's can make my day frequently - when I put on a pair of pants (especially) that haven't fit for years... your exercise routines are such an inspiration to me - because I've always been such a terrible exerciser - you're my hero!

Brenda, glad to hear the whole gastrointestinal procedure went fine... both parents and DH have had that same procedure - but them they have all had issues so it made sense - I dread it, frankly - although I have to laugh - it can't possibly be worse than the whole invitro b*llsh*t - weeks of painful self injections and hormonal rages and all the poking and whatnot - ugh. It should be so bad??

By the way, the sock knitting thing?. How do you ?end? the sock? I mean, if I tried what you are knitting now, I think I?d end up with a long pink tube! Is it tricky? It?s very funny, my 8-year old niece (the least domestic child you?ll meet, is happiest in the woods, catching frogs, or planting seeds) taught me last week how to ?cast on?. She has funny big banana fingers (her mother has fed her only pasta since birth and she is a very, uh, solid kid) but she struggled through it to show me how she is knitting! VERY cute!

Peg!!! Ok... WHEN is the Oooooklahoma visit? Wouldn't that be a KICK!?? I have the frequent flyer miles - it's just that a trip to OK from TBS would take almost two days out there and almost three days back (I kid you not).. when, when, when... What I wouldn't give...

I want you all to know that Peg is equally (if not more) wonderful in person as she is online. She has a presence that is happy and calming and funny and warm - she is SUCH a pastor! One of those people that you want to just be with - because the world would be a better place when you are together - no lie! We had a lovely lunch (and she was very gracious to put up with my Dad, who is a sweetie but was, an unexpected interloper)...

and Peg, I'm sorry about Deuts - it must be so tough... :( but you know - I understand that cats are allowed in SoCa so I suspect that finding the right one to teach how to curl up in your lap won't be too tough (I know, not the same, but who knows!)

Donna, welcome home and you get TWO stars on your crown: one for not succumbing to the temptation to join DH in the munch while you travel (I would have failed that one) and two for not gaining any weigh on your vacation - is that even allowed!? LoL! By the way... how is your DIL coming along?

Ok, don't laugh Shelley and Peg but DH does ALL of the packing whenever we travel (unless I'm going alone, of course, but he would pack me out, if I let him)... early in our marriage he insisted that he took better care of our clothing than I did (he's right) and that he preferred to do the packing - welllllll, let me tell you I didn't need to be convinced! I actually think I pack better (I've got a great sense of spacial relations) but for goodness sakes, I don't LIKE to!

Alida.... thank you very much for the boot pages (Peg gave me a print out)... I have been reading your posts and we sound like similar types (only I'm taller and thicker)... I haven't worn a skirt in decades and pantyhose are strictly for wedding, funerals, and formal balls... otherwise, I keep Hanes in the black buying knee-hi's. And it IS easier for me to post from Georgia because my computer is there (as is the DSL line) and that's where you guys are (when you think about it).

In the US, I have to find a place to set up the laptop AND, and this is really key... I have to remove myself physically and mentally from whom I'm with and where I am. It sounds weird but when I am in Tbilisi ? I?m in my routine. When I?m in the US I?m with my nephews and nieces and walking with Mom and traveling with Dad, and meeting my brother for lunch and visiting the doctors and buying popcorn, pine nuts, Nyquil, Tom?s of Maine toothpaste, Halloween party supplies, and ordering from LL Bean for this winter?s clothing, etc? I am so far away from my regular life that I find it very hard to focus on anything other than what I?m there to do (and see). Does that make sense?

No Bobs, Bills, or Joes, but sheeesh we have a bunch of Davids!

8 ? years married ? because I firmly believed (into my 30s) that no man could ever deal with me (I was just too intense for most)? I always knew I was going to be a great mom, but probably never a wife ? HA? wasn?t that God?s little joke, as it turned out!

My family is all healthy, happy, thriving and I had a busy and wonderful time. Ok, I must go ? jetlag is a dreadful thing? you wake up feeling like you are just fine and then WHAM! All you can think about is getting into bed again?.. horizontal is such a lovely state??.

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Oh!! and Barb..... TWO pounds - you go girl!!!

I'm back up to 142.5 - so the fight to get back to the 130s starts tomorrow - 'course on Nov 11th we are back to the US for two weeks (job hunting and Thanksgiving) - and the beat goes on....

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Good morning!

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store (my favorite one) and finally did some shopping. I may want to try juicing, so I picked up lots of fruits and some veggies. My shopping cart was quite full before I got out the the produce section. I didn't have much room for anything else, so I guess I will have to force myself to go back there again. Last night, I used some of the newly purchased ingredients to make a fruit smoothie. I am trying to get over this cold I seem to have acquired. I also made a smoothie this morning. I was hope it didn't make too much noise and wake my DH up (who is not a Bob; I don't think I ever even dated a Bob) I got home from the store after my DH did, so I ended up picking up food from Wendy's. My DH was good about helping me unload the car, too.

This morning, I saw a mouse in the garage. Lovely!

I did my 30 minutes swimmng. No news yet from the other school district. Having the family over for lunch tomorrow. My dad requested pizza.

I wish you a great day!

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Hi Gang!

RACHEL!!!!! Welcome home!!! You are too kind, girlfriend! And, you are a pretty bright spot on this planet too!! Wow, what a thrill and honor to meet you and spend time with you. Share when you have time, what you DO. And what your DH DOES. It is so fascinating and so FAR from what the rest of us do.

Barb: Cheers for DH for stopping the sauce. PM me if you want to talk about it. My DH has alcoholics rampant in his family. Two of his kids (My steps), and more in the extended family. We have lots of experience with it.

Also, keep it up on the induction. How are you going to manage at Henry's? I bet there will be all kinds of LC food there. Will this be the first time that you and Alida meet? You are doing great!!

Alida: Gorgeous etching!! Wow!! I agree with Barb. That must have been some bathroom.

I just LOVE your questions. It gives me a chance to find out what I have forgotten too!
In the beginning when we began discussing retirement options, we had dinner with a couple who own THREE properties around the US. He strongly encouraged DH to USE the equity we have in our condo to buy a vacation home in SoCa. We headed down this path (in our minds) and DH just couldn't make that leap. (Spending our equity on another property). While we were discussing that, the IDEA of living in SoCa for the Winter really began to appeal to me. No more snow was a siren song that repeated itself in my head over and over again, until it became a mantra that I had to obey! We visited there last May and I fell in love again with my home town. That led us to the idea of moving there. I'm not sure I remember why we decided to come BACK in the Spring. I suspect that it had to do with the fact the DH accepted an Interim assignment for the Spring and Summer (here) without informing me. Now, of course, the way he informs me is, "you don't mind, do you dear?" And, I do have to admit that another spring and summer here by the lake appeals to me. So, we're coming back before we sell.

Remember the off hand comment I made about DH traveling to Peru with three of his kids next August? His trip will coincide with the time that I will be staging the house on my own. Grrrr.

And.........I find myself watching my musings about people above 60 these days. Especially because I am one! And, especially because DH is 72, and looks more like 62. He is definitely breaking the "aging" bubble for me.

Judy: Even if this JP is 69 and thinking of running again, so what? Run against him! You may not want to run a political campaign. Is there someone there you trust who could be a campaign manager? I'm serious, now.

I think that job description was written for you, girlfriend!

I took both yours and Brenda's advice yesterday and got a BIG job that I had been dreading done. I sat down on the floor in the family room and spread out the clothes I am taking for the winter, but not wearing on the trip, and "compressed" them in those "space bags" and packed them in an "underbed" storage unit which we will put in the car carrier. It took a little more than 15 minutes, but not much.

Bren: How're you feeling today? I suspect that, if you are like me, you don't feel any ill effects. Tell Rachel that it is way easier than the medical b*llsh*t that she has already been through. If you don't, I will.

And, I tend to agree with Rachel about the pink tube. I think I would be right there.

I'm beginning to really stress about the trip. Just about 10 more days. Gosh, I need your calming energy right now, Brenda. I can feel myself moving into a TM flare which comes as a result of stress. I am working through my list, but it seems that more keeps getting added to it every day.

Donna: I talked yesterday to the woman who took Deuts. She said he was quiet during the night. She has him closed in one room for a couple of days in order to get him used to his new home. She will introduce other rooms as he acclimates. She goes in about every two hours to love on him. She said that he was real receptive of her yesterday morning; even laid down on his back for her to rub his tummy! She has the room set up with all his toys, his food, his basket, his litterbox, and water. She seems so caring and loving. I feel good about it. She said that her other cat knows that there is another cat in the house because she keeps going up to the door. It will be interesting to see how they like each other. Deuts has never met another animal.

Thinking good thought about you and your DS and DDIL. Sounds as though things are going well there.

Terry: We'll miss you while you are off line. Is this for the floors? About missing kitty's. the house is o quiet here in the morning, without Deuts telling mea bout his night. I think about him a lot. It seems strange to be here in my office without him snoozing on the chair right behind me. He used to follow me all over the house in order to be close to me. (That's a Ragdoll trait. They bond tightly to their owner)

Well, I've been writing this since 8:30 and now it's 11:30. Spent an hour and a half with my bf on the phone since I started. I should go. Forgive me if I forgot any of you.

It's 37 degrees here outside. DH actually allowed me to turn up the furnace to 70!.
Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Friday!! Alida: I'm with you...this has to be the best day of the week. I'm so tired with all the catching up that I've had to do, but I've made a huge dent in the work that was left for me. I just might come up for air before the day is over.

My DIL went to the dr. yesterday to get her stitches out and it wasn't great news. The spot where they did the graft is now tearing. It could mean another hospital stay for her. She's getting so tired of being cut and grafted etc., being away from her family and especially not being able to pick up and hug her kids. She knows she'll probably have to have operations for the rest of her life but at just 24 it doesn't make it any easier for her. I wish there was something I could do for her! A lot of her problem is that she gained so much weight with the last baby and hasn't been able to lose it. I'd love to get her doing lc, but my son thinks it's a "stupid" diet and not healthy so I know he'd be against it. She's not ready anyway. So frustrating! I would think that if it means no more surgery it would be the thing to do.

Peg: I'm so glad you phoned and found out about Deuts. Sounds like you found the perfect home for him. She sounds really caring. If he's letting her give him tummy rubs that sounds like he's accepting her. Such good news.

Rachel: Welcome back to you too! I'm not near the globe trotter that you are, but it is good to be back home isn't it? I find that as I get older (?) I really miss my home and love to go back to it. Even when it's in the middle of reno's like it is now. I have no idea how I managed to not gain weight while sitting on my butt for two weeks, but I seem to have taken care of it now that I'm home by gaining 2 pounds that refuse to leave me. I won't give up until they are gone.

Only one more sheet of gyprock to go up. Then the taping and mudding starts. I think my ds is going to come over this weekend and start that. From what I understand, that's the worst cause when you start sanding there is a fine white dust everywhere. Fun! Just what I wanted. Tonight we are heading to town to spend the night with my in-laws and then we start our big shopping spree tomorrow. Paint and some furniture are on the top of the list. Look out credit cards!

Barb: My 1st husband and my brother were both alcoholics and my dd has a problem with drinking also. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. Good for your dh to just quit on his own. It's not easy, but so much healthier for him and the stress level will just drop for you.

There was a talk show on the radio yesterday about losing weight and there was a poll taken on which people are the ones that manage to keep it off. Seems if you are really serious about it the only way to keep it off is to weigh yourself every day. That way you can stay on top of it and if you gain, do something about it right away before it becomes too much to lose (creeps back on as we all know).

Back to work for me. I doubt I'll get in to visit with you all this weekend, so have a good one and I'll talk to you on Monday.

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Well, I can't wait to hear what you buy, Donna. Sounds exciting. I am anxious to get into our new home and see what it looks like and how to decorate it. But, of course, I have to go through at least another year before that happens. My DH has started talking about the trip coming back from SoCa next Spring. Sheesh! He's asking me about this and that. I finally said, "Can we just get on the road for the FIRST trip?" He's calmed down some, at least with the questions.Donna: Your mention of weighing every day reminded me of this:

Not sure I mentioned this before. Have you all seen the commercial where everyone has a scale chained to their foot? Oh my gosh, it is hilarious. I don't even remember the product, but the spectre of people walking down the street dragging a scale made me laugh out loud considering some of our conversations.

Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Yes, Peg, I've seen that commercial. Too real! But funny. I don't even know what they're advertising. DH and I have a habit of zapping the Mute when a commercial comes on, so I know them by sight, not sound.

Thanks for all offers of support. Totally up to DH now, and I think he'll be fine. All I worried about was his health--and the possibility of impaired driving from time to time. He seems to be finding strategies to redirect a habitual, if not physical, addiction, and will certainly discover that each day gets better and better and better.

Rachel, welcome back! Glad to hear your cheery voice again. Hope you recover soon from the effects of travel, and tell us more about your intriguing job.

Tia, weighing every day is counterproductive when you're in "weight loss" mode, but I can see the advantage when in maintenance mode. I probably should get in the habit. For myself, refusing to weigh has always been an aspect of denial. Now that I have the LCE strategy working, I know that I can deal with a lb. or two in a few days--and how to do it. Naturally, it's important to be attentive to LCE as a way of life, and not get in the habit of gaining and losing--even small amounts--if possible.

I stand in front of the mirror every day--naked and clothed--and say, "This is what you worked for, Hotstuff! Don't quit!!" :butterfly:

Oprah, one of my heroes, doesn't seem to talk much about her weight issues anymore. (I don't get to watch her show, so I don't know what she does there). But I know she spends hours every day in workouts, and probably follows a low-carb diet. She knows that hardly ANYBODY could do what she does--so she doesn't preach it. That would be true for most people who have lifelong weight management issues. I admire her--and, well, I admire ME.:gorgeous:

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


My Fitday Journal