Oh Judy! Can I relate!!! Someone else mentioned the other day that they were at a 3 year high. So am I. I weighed in at 15 lbs more than I did when we left MA. this morning! Arrrrgh. So, I started induction today. Water was just miserable, but stayed lc all day. (except for the wine. Sooo hard not having my glass of wine!)

We'll get it off, my friend. Never worry. I agree with Terry. You have been superwoman. "Chub up." LOL

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
64-3/4 years young

Good morning!

I AM COMING TO Ooooklahoma! With all that is going on, I finally asked Bob last night. He surprised me in agreeing instantly! Of course, I was (and looked) so tired after a hard day while he was out playing Golf. What else could he say? HA. He did day he was worried about "the road." Not Barb's driving but all the idiots out there. So that's decided, and none too soon.

Barb, is your headache gone? I find the ones you wake up with seem to be the worst. How was the new YMCA? And, what is spinning??? I did not get out to enjoy the fabulous weather yesterday, but I will be out today and tomorrow. Hope it holds for another few days!

Hope all works out with your thyroid meds. I have read where switching can take some time to adjust the dosage. Maybe the liver function number was high because the meds are not doing what they have to do and the liver needs to work a little harder? Fingers crossed that med adjustment will straighten that out!

Peg, I am so sorry about your FM flare. NUTS. Please take care of yourself. Whatever it is that has to be done can surely wait a day or two. Nip this flare in the bud now, so you'll have more energy later. What's that old saying? "The time it takes you to complete a task is directly proportionate to the time you have."

About dogs. Brenda's right about the time involved, especially with a puppy. Also, since you will only have a short stay back in MA before leaving again for CA ? maybe wait until your settled in CA this Fall before getting one?

And speaking of being settled back in CA ? whatever happened with the OFH you liked? Did they have something there for you?

Judy, looks like you, me, Peg and Donna are all in the same bloat boat. Donna seems to be heading down the right path. We all have to find that old inspiration to DO IT. Maybe the CONVERGENCE will be the ticket to that inspiration. After all, our Cheerleader will be there! I was thinking about it the other day ? what I felt like when I was on OWL and doing well. My life was going smoothly with just the usual ups and downs. But when the downs seem to be more frequent and reaching new lows, it is just too easy to say the heck with it. That's when true maintenance kicks in ? when you can maintain in spite of the sh*t.

Shelley, you are doing such a GREAT job arranging everything for us! THANK YOU!

And speaking of mammograms and bone density stuff: I had a bone scan a few years ago. Good bones, but arthritis in Hip (no surprise there!) But my last mammogram was ages ago. That will be one thing I will schedule once all the lumps are taken care of!

Terry, I should heed your sage advice about MOVING! I seem to be stuck in my basement all day and mostly sitting at the computer. If I am not careful, I will get a computer a$$. (Loved the graphic for Judy!)

Donna, LOL! "Sun is shining, sky is blue, table has a new tablecloth on it
What else could make the day better?"

See? All it took was to get that dam table delivered to make you a happy woman!

Good-oh on the 1.5 pounds! I think you are doing great!

How's Lucy? What did the vet say?

Brenda, have you gone to the vet yet? Or was that today? My fingers are crossed for Khaki that's it's just a little abscess.

Yesterday was a tough day. I was cleaning my film slitter and when I went to put it back on top of the ladder, it fell and a part broke off. Spent the better part of two hours looking for the part, calling the people who I thought made it, only to find out they don't make it and then calling the people who DO make it, but getting voice mail. Finally, I found my own fricking screw, stuck it in there and it seems to work. At least the new owners can cut film!

Today is the appointment with the Oncologist. Then I'm going to get my hair cut and COLORED! I may opt for the full treatment and get it highlighted, too. Then tonight, we are going out to dinner with our 3M distributor. Sorta like a "farewell" dinner. Actually THREE things going on today. I almost feel like Ilse!

Have a great day!

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

Alida, I'm thrilled you'll be riding with me to the convergence! Your timing with the DH was perfect--but the other factor, the medical doings--was also in the mix. Tell DH we are going to be riding in a lovely BIG S-type Jaguar, which has been safely driven (by me) to the East Coast and back. Bring your favorite CDs. Our little weekend away will be a cure for the spirit. Good for you with the quick fix on your equipment. It's always something. Have a relaxed and enjoyable dinner out tonight.

I have such a buzz on. I made myself a pot of coffee--dark roast high-test. After a week off caffeine, that stuff made a difference! Yikes!

Got all signed up at the Y. Looked like they were doing big business. I got a good deal, because the usual initiation fee ($150) was waived on account of the new location, and I also get a Hallmark group membership (about $5 off the monthly). Now all I have to do is give myself $50 worth of workouts each month, and I'll be a new woman. "Spinning" is a form of cycling, using special bicycles that can be adjusted for resistance. The workout is performed to music, with a coach who calls the shots (UPHILL NOW!--which involves adjusting the tension--or pick up the pace, or whatever). It's quite a huge cardio workout. My one experience years ago was humbling. I thought I was in great shape.:(

That fat feeling? I think it's the change of season, even more than the actual facts of the matter. I looked at myself in the mirror this morning, wearing my former "goal" pants, and I have NO BUTT (relatively speaking). I have had a J.Lo since birth, so this is an entirely new perception of me. Yes, I'm still 2 lbs above baseline, and yes, I have to get back there. But from the look of things, I'm still doing fine. I hope we won't shy away from low-carb talk when we get together. We all need all the encouragement we can get.

Judy, Peg, moi--we all need to get that switch flipped.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

My DH came back from California a day early.

I hope everyone is well.

I have been feeling unhappy this morning.

Yesterday, I headed straight home, changed clothes, and took my DGS to the pool. I chose yesterday, as it was supposed to be warmer. The pool water was cold. The air temperature got colder and colder, as the concession stand has an open window to the lobby as well as the pool. As a result, the area by the infants swimming pool gets icy cold.

This morning, I woke up feeling a tad feverish, (but not having a temperature)

I went swimming this morning. The music was blasting so loud that I cut my swimming short by 10 minutes (out of 30 total, that's a lot missed) I was practically in tears as a result.

The other people in the pool tell me they like the music, it doesn't bother them. It makes me wonder if there is something wrong with me, physically maybe.

Class is starting . Gotta go.

__________________
Ilse

380/286(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Judy, Peg, count me in on needing to get the switch flipped. While I've been holding my own this winter, I haven't shed all the excess from a year ago. Maintaining is ok, but I'd rather be maintaining at a lower level.

But ya know, I'm looking forward to The Convergance as an opportunity to make a renewed commitment among caring friends, to give and receive encouragement, and to share "road" stories

On the other hand I do have to admit a tad of anxiety at meeting you all hiding in there along with the excitement :o

Alida!! Great news----but I never doubted you'd be able to manage DH Good thoughts for your appointment, and you GO girl--get yourself a new do, for sure, and enjoy that dinner.

Barb, enjoy that high test. Have a feeling you'll be feeling quite perky today!

Ilse, some people are more sensitive to sound; that's just a fact. Ear plugs? Heavy duty ones may be in order. You're under some stress now, too, ya know, and that amplifies everything.

TB, what are you up to, kid? LOL at the Batwoman graphic!!! Oh, yes, I really like Petfinders, too--but if I look, I want.....

Shelley, indeed, you are doing such great work getting us all organized, sweetie! We will all owe you big time for the effort. (((hugs))) Just don't overdo it, ok?

Donna, SO glad the table at least meets your expectations now, and that Lucy has a new place in the sun...

EDIT: Rachel, you're on line! Yeah!! Glad you're "here."
____________________
Off to vet now. See you all later...

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

Hi all!!

Happy March ? what a LONG trip! Up at 2am ? on the plane at 4am, in Amsterdam by 6am (9am my body?s time), in Newark at noon (9 pm my body?s time), on the Train for DC at 5pm (2am next morning, my body?s time ? it?s been 24 hours now!)? arrive in DC and after a quick bite at Union Station walked to nearby hotel and into bed at 10pm (7am next morning, my body?s time)? slept like the dead for 10 solid hours!!!

Feeling groggy but fine this am. Having lots of reverse culture shock [ $14.95 for two eggs in lard and three strips of bacon, inane morning shows BLARING on multiple TVs in the dining room/bar of the hotel, free USA Today (news ?lite?) everywhere but you have to pay for a New York Times ? and a room rate of $280/night ? IT?S A HOLIDAY INN for goodness sake?! UGH!! ? whatever ? I?ll get used to being in the land of the sub-thirties IQs again soon, (all present company excluded of course) I always seem to <<sigh>> ]

Alida, thank you for starting a new thread!! I am so delighted that the business sale is moving forward ? regardless of the pace ? I suspect you will feel both free and miss it ? at the same time for a little while! WOO HOOO!!! (just read your latest post!) Glad to hear we?ll see you in OKC ? I am sooo psyched for this (is that a goofy 80s word? Sorry!) oh and you are Barb will have a blast driving in together!

Brenda, are you genetically prone to osteoporosis? My dad gets the dexascan often, too (he is much older than you of course, but is keeping eyes on certain issues? He takes fosamax (sp?) which has seemed to help.

Barb! The Miata! I forgot ? my DH?s favorite car ? although he wants to test drive a Honda S2000 (I think they are) while we are home this time!

Peg, doll, hang in there with the FM, bless you? what helps? I?ve often wondered ? my MiL suffers and I?d love to find ways to ease her (and thusly others? suffering)?I liked Teel?s suggestion about the dog? my cousins have always had many dogs and they have found over the years that the sweetest, quietest (LoL), and dearest dogs are pound dogs or shelter dogs? are you set on having a particular breed?

Judy! Don?t fret ? Teel?s right ? you?ve been focused on many high stress things lately ? you?ll get back to it ? especially now that the weather (in some places!) is getting nicer!

And I hear you ALL on the weight issue. I keep thinking THIS year will be the year I finally get to goal (only 15 pounds away)? and then all this traveling is so hard on the diet (small ?d?)? airplane food should just be outlawed, late at night a cup of clam chowder and half a Rueben is all there is on the menu that looks do-able, no place to walk or the schedule/routine to do so (ok, plus I did not bring my sneaks and stuff to DC). It is all just so overwhelming. So I?m hovering at 141-143 and my only goal these next three weeks is not to put too much BACK on? <<sigh>>

Shelley, the place you chose for dinner sounds perfect? are we close enough to Kanses City to make it smart to get steak? With such terrible quality beef in Tbilisi ? I eat lots of seafood and BEEF while we are in the US? yummmm.. and thanks for taking care of so many of these little details ? you are a sweetheart!

Terry, I tried to send you a PM... ( just in case ) and it tells me your storage capacity is full and can't receive any more messages - just thought you should know - I'll try again later in the day or tomorrow to send this.

and...Donna, Ilse? lots of hugs!

Ok, I have loads to do ? so I?m off ? will lurk for a few days and probably check in again in a day or two?

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







(the horn is in honor of DH!)
Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings fightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Rachel: Glad to see that you made it safe and sound. Gonna take awhile to get your bearings, but you should be in good shape for the convergence.

Judy: Maybe it would help you to start taking Lexie for nice long walks. I know once I started that with my girls I have no excuse, no matter what the weather. When I get home from work, they follow me around the house just waiting for me to ask them if they want to go for a walk. Who can resist those big eyes looking up at ya?

Alida and Barb: I can just picture you two flying down the highway to the tune of MeatLoaf or something like that. Bet you're going to have a great time. Also, I'm sure glad that Alida asked you about spinning Barb. I had a mental picture of you sitting in front of a spinning wheel :silly:

Ilse: Sorry the music is so loud it bothers you. I agree that ear plugs just might be the ticket. I like loud music, but I don't think it should be loud enough that it bothers other people.

I'm still battling the extra poundage that I've put on, but it's slowly leaving. I'm down another pound today to 155. Still not good enough. Last night again, I had the growlies and finally had to get something to eat. I'm going overboard again by not eating enough. But, I found that by mentally repeating 158...158...158 everytime I reached for something to eat that I really didn't need, I embarrassed myself into putting it back. 158 is the all time high I reached a couple of days ago, and I could have cried. I'm still feeling bloated, but that will pass also, I hope.

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

Hi Gang!

Still feeling a little overwhelmed by all that needs doing. I've gotten to the point of actually DOING some of it! (Remember, I'm the President of the Procrastinators club) Yesterday was awful with the pain and fatigue of FM. this morning I got up without a lot of pain. The fatigue is still there, but hopefully I can get a little more organized and feel as though I am doing something.

Rachel: Welcome back to the Thread! So glad you are on the soil again. My dh is also going through reverse culture shock; that and the "bug" he seemed to have picked up in India. I haven't suggested buying anything, but I am glad that we are not having to make decisions about hotels right now. I would be staying in a youth hostel!

Donna, Judy, Brenda, Alida: We are going to "flip" that switch! I hope that the cocnvergence gives us some impetus too. I have to admit some little anxiety about meeting you all too. We seem to have dropped into such intimacy here with our "written" words. I hope that it will transfer quickly to our "face to face" words. At almost 63, I have to admit that I don't care so much about how I "look" to you all. Though, you know that I am the Queen of fashion, makeup, hair. So, my "don't care" is probably the "best" for the rest of you. (Does that make any sense at all??)

Ilse: Keep your chin up. You are under stress, even though it is good.

Barb: You know don't you that YOU are our cheerleader? But, if you can't find a cheerleading skirt and pom poms, we'll understand.

Shelley: Yeah, I join others in thanking you for all your work.

Terry: Whatcha doing today? Are you getting that massive rain? We haven't had much. Today is sunny, but cool.

Computer work needs doing. See y'all later.
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
64-3/4 years young

Oh whew, you guys......I hardly wanted to say it out loud here and didn't even mention it to DH, but I actually thought the horrid lumpy growth on Khaki's leg was a mast cell tumor even while telling myself it was an abscess. Mast cell tumors are a very mast cancer in dogs and less often in cats. As it turns out, the growth is a type of basal cell tumor which will have to be removed, but hopefully after Khaki's liver is better able to handle anesthetic. Even my vet thought it was mast cell at first blush, but a bit was aspirated and examined....we were both relieved. Anyway, blood tests back tomorrow, and on from there with the liver issue.

Alida, may your surgeon's appointment be reassuring and informative, and may your lumps be as innocent as Khaki's.

Rachel, yes, osteoporosis in endemic in the women of my family. My Mom started having fractures at 58. I've had osteopenia for about 10 years. Of course being small boned and eating crap most of my life didn't help, but we knew nothing about that kind of thing when I was young. Bone health is the main reason I take bio-identical estrogen, but I've also taken fosamax and will probably have to do so again, However the stuff makes me sick one day a week :(

You rest up now, so you can boogie in OKC!! Yeah, I imagine American culture isn't so appealing at first blush, but we'll grow on ya--like a fungus...

Peg, you take care, too! Glad you're not in so much pain today, so just slow and steady. And LOL Peg, you mean on your worst day you look better than we do on our best? :hot: Well, I don't doubt that's true for me!

Donna, you gave me such a chuckle. I now have this picture of Barb and Alida groovin' down the highway to the beat of "Bat Out of Hell."

Seriously, though. Not eating enough is just as bad as eating too much. I know you know that! Moderation, kiddo Don't hurt your metabolism!

Barb, NO BUTT? NO BUTT???? Well, you've worked hard and deserve a buttless bod, "butt" still, I'm SO envious!

TB, Shelley, I wanna hear more from you guys when you have a minute to catch us up...

And where's Kim the Sprout Head today?

Back later, gators...

b

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

a fly by....

gals.... I have seen Peg with my own eyes and hugged her with my own arms and she is the most beautiful 63 year old you will EVER meet - so no more of this funny stuff!!

I can't imagine any of you being any less beautiful than you are to me right now! And in my eyes (the beholder) - we are the best lookin' bunch on EITHER side of the Mississippi...

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







(the horn is in honor of DH!)
Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings fightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

((((((Rachel)))))))))

So there, you guys!!

Bren: You are a character. Rachel, Bren has seen me and hugged me too. So, she knows that she can tease me. I am a merciless tease too. Though as I age my humor tends to be more self deprecating than anything else.

So......what I MEANT was that when I say "I don't care how I look" I am b*lls**tting me, if not you too. Though I do have to admit that when I see myself sideways in the mirror today I am shocked! I have a natural sway in my back anyway, and now I have this belly again. Sheesh! However, if I don't turn sideways, I look pretty good! I lost a pound and a half between yesterday and today. So far today I've been eating lc. Had bkfst with bf and had bacon and eggs. Lunch was quesadillas with Mission lc tortillas. I've had no where near enough water yet, but got the whole day ahead of me (yuk, yuk). It's 3:00 pm I'm so grateful that caffeine doesn't stall me! I've had two cups of "devilbrew" (as Kim says), and two cokes. And I've had about 40 ozs of water.

See ya. Gotta go watch Oprah!
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
64-3/4 years young

Hi guys,
This may be short, but I'm here...LOL.
Yeah, well....count me in on the switch flippin' thing as well. I had 2 days of emotional eating the first part of this week, and I'll be darn, I found myself nibbling on some chocolate this morning at 0700, for Pete's sake!! Is that just sad or what? Actually, I think I'm one of the most chocolate addicted people I know...<sigh>
I'm still about 20 pounds away from my goal and I so much wanted to get there this year. I know it's still possible, but I've been at this weight for a long time; sometimes I think no matter what I do, I'm going to be stuck here forever...and that's NOT ok!

Alida...woohoo....sooooo glad you are coming...but I always envisioned that you would. Never once did I think you wouldn't get to come!
Hope your appt's went well today.

Barb....I emailed you back. We also have a new YMCA that opened just a few months ago. However, I had already joined the gym that I now go to. I'm not that big of a water/pool person, so not having a pool, like the Y, doesn't bother me. I go in for the *kill*...sweat, baby, sweat!!! LOL.

Peg...glad to hear you are feeling better. Can you delegate some of the packing and other chores to your DH? Sometimes I can, then sometimes there are things I do NOT want my DH to do..heh. I'm picky about some things...gosh, ya'll didn't know that did ya? LOL!

Bren...poor Kahki. Will she have her lump removal before or after the convergence...or you probably really don't know until her liver tests come back, eh? Does it seem to be causing her any pain?...poor baby. Keep us posted, OK?

Rachel.....yipeee!!! You are stateside! Excellent! Sounds like you definitely had a reason for sleeping 10 hours! My gosh! My body would react so badly to a schedule like that...bless your heart! Rest up, m'dear...we may gab non-stop...can you say *all nighter*?..hehe.

Judy...got your email also Sounds like a good plan to me. We are finally getting a little rain today. We had 2 terrible fires yesterday; 3 firemen got hurt at each location. A propane tank exploded and that fireman was critically injured. 2 more had severe burns, and the other 2 suffered some major smoke inhalation. And the bummer part was...one of the fires may have been arson! Our state is just so dry and then someone goes and does something like that...unbelievable!

Teel...are you still doing your caretaker duties or have the sisters returned? Bet you are ready for a day off...LOL. You are a sweetheart to take that on.

Ilse...I hear ya on the loud music thing! It depends on the type of music...and I think we've had this discussion before in this forum. If it's *my kind* of music, I like it a little loud, but if it's just noisey garbage, then it's to loud, no matter what the volume...hehe. Geeeee....I sound like an opinonated old lady, eh? Well, I am!
Yeah...get earplugs....really, really thick earplugs!

Donna...yes....did you take Lucy kitty to the vet today? Let us know what he says about her...poor baby! Sending good vibes that it is NOT feline diabetes...

OK, girlfriends.....gotta jet! Need to get tomorrows stuff ready for work...you know, the important stuff...FOOD! That's the only way I can stay in control while I'm at work. We don't have a cafeteria, so it's either brown bag it, or call in take out...ack!
I swear, if I ate like some of those gals, I'd be as big as a barn...I don't know how they do it...<sigh> I tell them on occasion..."just wait until you turn 45! Your metabolism will flip on you, and your body will betray you!" ha! I don't think some of them would gain weight if you put rocks in their pockets...simply disgusting

later, chickadees!
(((hugs all around)))
Shelley

__________________
~~~~
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!

*peeking my brussels sprout HEAD in to say hi to bren*

__________________
kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

Thank heavens tomorrow is Friday. The last two weeks have just had three days each at school, but combined with Aca Dec last weekend, they have been two AWFULLY long weeks. I am really looking forward to this weekend. I had a stress attack/headache this afternoon where I felt like my head was going to burst. Thanks heavens for Tylenol in the desk drawer (and a glass of wine after I got home). You guys don't teach, and I'm not going to drag it all out, just suffice to say that the admin made a few stupid decisions and now we are the ones to have to answer for it. I guess that kind of cr*p happens in every job though.

A few minutes ago I was putting Lexie to bed in her crate and caught one of my rings in the wire cage. I completely ripped it off my finger. I ripped the ring in two, not my finger. I guess a solder from an old sizing must have been week and the ring band was getting thin, but I broke the band and one side is almost completely straightened out. I can't believe that I didn't even cut my finger. I think there will be a bruise on the knuckle, but from the way the ring looks you would doubt that I had any skin left at all. Looks like I will need to factor a jewelers bill into this month's budget.

Friday for teachers = ABCD (Adult Beverage Consupmtion Day)....... of course I started a little early this week.

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

sorry you had such a rough week jude! i believe that TEACHERS and NURSES should be nominated for sainthood..

i dont believe ANY job is like those two..

(((((((((((jude))))))))))))))))

__________________
kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG