Woohoo, Rachel! Isn't that encouraging? Good for you.

Peg, what I meant to say is, DH spends two weeks (and more) futzing around getting ready for ONE NIGHT of entertaining (tonight). The fact is, he's hired the chef at Tasso's, his favorite Greek restaurant, to roast a leg of lamb (two actually) with all the trimmings. DH made his excellent boiled shrimp and sauce. I made the cake. I used the Sinful Pound Cake recipe from this site, but I don't think it was very successful. Tastes okay--extremely sweet--but it isn't pretty. I could've screwed up somewhere. But really, how can you go wrong with five sticks of butter??

Peg, glad you're in touch with DD. Hope she's improving steadily. And hope you are, too. Best wishes for the last leg of your long trek.

Judy, I got the double window by accessing the forum via e-mail link. But I don't see it now. Oh well.

That's all my pre-work time. Back later.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Brenda, I missed the picture in your post, but saw it via the link. Who said Hubba Hubba? (probably Shelley). But just to show you where MY mind is, I read the following and guess what I was thinking: Actual size is 33inches long x 15inches high. Enough said.

A Lincoln is not your type of car? Hmm. Or is it the model you don't care for?

Thanks for the Tilapia sauce link. We had some last night and as I was dragging out the mayo I thought of that sauce! That is a neat site. One feature I love is that you can adjust the recipe to the number of servings you want.

About that Plank. I mean, what do you do? Just hold it for as long as you can? Or hold and relax then repeat? I notice the hands are on their sides, not flat on the palms supporting your weight. That's good for me, because my fused wrist doesn't bend so I can't support my weight on it.

Barb, tonight's your dinner party! Have a wonderful, delicious time! I am sure that pound cake will be good. As you say, FIVE sticks of butter!

As for the double-window deal: I just open LCE via my favorites link. Change that window to "cascade" then minimize it. Open another window via my favorites link and change that to cascade, too. Un-minimize the first one. Now I have one window above another. The top one I use for scrolling through posts and the bottom one is used to type my post. Clear as mud?

Shelley, you are right! Tylenol is OK to take. At least it's something. I don't get headaches that often, but if told I can't take anything, I know I'll get one! Plus it will help with the hip a little. The hip is a come and go thing.

I had asked the CK doctor about the operation timing. He said he didn't think any "waiting time" was necessary. Humph. The more I think about it, the more I think it is better in the long run to have a little time pass before the operation. I don't feel sick, but I sure don't have the energy or the will to do anything. The steroids are not affecting me the same way. No highs anymore. I think the tiredness of the radiation is overcoming the highs of the steroids. It's a very funny feeling. It's like your mind and your body are at war with one another.

I had no idea halogen lights gave off that much heat. Who's that gal on HGTV -- Candice Olsen. She LOVES halogen. Never heard her say one word about the heat.

LOL. Can't cook because you got your nails done!

Donna: I am sorta agreeing with Shelley. I wonder if you should try cutting back the protein. I read a little of the new DANDR a few days ago (Barb, are you proud of me, or what!) and he does mention that protein is used for energy before fat. So if you are consuming too much protein, your body will use that for energy before it moves on to using fat for energy. Sorta makes sense. Those mock danishes? Delicious! But I found that if I ate a whole one, I would not lose weight. That could just be me. Too many calories in all that cream cheese. But then, you are not doing a true induction -- just sorta getting back to basics. You're down a pound -- so you're doing something right! Your calories sound good. That's usually a good number for me, too.

Have fun with Invoices!

Peg, Sorry! I must have missed that it was your daughter. What a strange thing for your son-in-law to say. Good that you did call! And Peg, it may have been the anesthetic, but it was also a bit of the little girl talking with her Mom. Some of the "barriers" were down. Bummer on the infection. I always wonder about that. If everything is so sterile how does an infection set in?

Your dream sure sounds like an anxiety dream. A lot of mine take the same theme -- packing for a trip to Europe, or I should say, lack of packing.

LOL about rural Virginians! I guess the local government feels it's important. FWIW, I think local governments determine the use of federal tax dollars for Homeland Security. Of course, they're going to use up all they can. Hence, Homeland Security at a rural ferry stop!

On your way home today! Have smooth skies and a safe trip!

Terry, I was watching a little Fox News and had no idea you were getting so much rain. It sounds horrible. Several levees did break? And it seems like it will continue for a few more days. I do feel sorry for the farmers. They are always at weather's mercy. Tough job.

I ditto the question -- what was the new make-up?

As for yogurt, I did OK with the low carb yogurt. That did not stall me. I used it as a dessert for dinner with some berries, or as my 3-4 pm snack.

Judy, LOL. I do the same thing for breakfast, too. Take that back. Sometimes I now do a OMM along with two strips of bacon instead of 1 egg. It's lunch that's the SOT. Lettuce, chicken, blue cheese and watered-down dressing!

That Minicarb company -- that's the company that makes the NO-CARB bake mix I order from Netrition. I use that in Donna's Muffins.

Woohoo on the 145! If your goal is 138, that's LESS than 10 pounds! Don't worry. You'll get there!

Rachel! WOOHOO, too! 141!!!!! That is so wonderful! You rock! As for the plank -- how do you do it? How long can you hold it?

__________

Today is my last treatment, unless they call to reschedule. Nurse was supposed to call me yesterday but did not, so maybe there's no change. Fingers crossed!

I did get to my hairdresser yesterday for a hair cut. It took everything I had just to go. I was real tempted to cancel. I didn't even put make-up on. That should give you a clue. I can safely say I have never gone "out" without make-up! Two of the nurses commented on my hair -- the color. Want to know who my hairdresser is. When I mentioned that to my hairdresser he said "I hope your hair looked better than it does now!" Snort. Off to start my "day." I have to stop in and get a gift certificate for my granddaughter's birthday. She's 13! We are getting together on Sunday. I have to make one of those 3-Minute Chocolate Cakes. That way Bob and I can have "birthday cake." I quadruple the recipe and nuke it in an 8x8 pan. Add SF coconut, pecans and a big dose of DV German Chocolate Syrup. Very good!

Have a great day! XXOO

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

Alida, hope today goes by in relative comfort. Having "fresh hair" gives us a lift, don't you think?

You got it on the planks. Just keep your back straight, your head in line with your spine, and hold that position until you scream. Relax for a moment or two, and repeat.

I use Tylenol PM if I have trouble sleeping. Just bought a big bottle of the Costco brand. Speaking of which...I stopped at Costco on the way home yesterday, with a fistful of their coupons. Loaded up my cart with all the stuff the coupons were good for, and headed, triumphant in my thrift, to the checkout. Turns out the coupons aren't good until TODAY. The cashier said I was only about the 300th person to come through with the same problem remembering what day it is. They were nice about it, and loaded all that coupon stuff in a different cart to restock. I'll have to go back and round it all up again another day. Duh.

Here's a little poem from my day at the art museum.

Celestial Woman Undressed by a Monkey
A. D. 975-1000

Sandstone buttocks like two bowling balls
balance on the pillars of your thighs.

You play upon the urges of a monkey
with confidence and laughter in your eyes.


In case you can't visualize, this is one of those Hindu temple statues--she's about two feet tall, and quite humorous (to me). Besides, I consider this a little feminist statement. Let's celebrate butts, m'dears--if you got 'em, flaunt 'em. Of course, I would say that. I'm wearing my Sistah jeans today. Let that big ol' butt show off.

The scales are now stuck on 137. I swear though I'm feeling thinner and thinner. I'm just gonna be Good Carb Girl and go with the feeling.

Well, now that I know what you knitters are really up to, I consider you craftier than ever.

Back later to see who's hanging out.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hey gals?

Alida, I said Hubba Hubba (I read a lot of Archie comics as a youngster and used to love the ?old fashioned? things they used to say )? because that?s exactly what I thought of when I saw that photo!!

I am only starting on the plank so I do 15-20 seconds (?one-mississippi, two mississippi, three Mississippi?? <<sigh>>) before and then again after my workout (walk, stretching, lifting, etc.) It really isn?t hard, just hard to hold. And I like it because it does not stress my wrists at all (I have terribly weak wrists, not sure why).

Believe it or not, I?ll bet you?re still gorgeous even ?out without make-up? ? and it?s true, a good hair cut can do wonders for the spirit, can?t it?

Judy? I?m so into these pumpkin thingys ? excellent with a big schmear of cream cheese - a great breakfast option and not high in either cals or carbs? <<happy, happy?joy, joy>>

Bkfast: pumpkin thingy and green tea
Lunch: huge spinach salad with sweet red peppers, raw zucchini, snap peas, scallions, Caesar dressing, parm cheese..
Dinner: DH is taking me out for a steak and I?ll have a salad on the side? don?t get too excited ? it?s all relative here in Georgia? Shelley, I still dream about that awesome steak I had in OKC!! What a great meal that was, on so many levels!

Barb, have a ball tonight! Had to giggle about the five sticks of butter -

Donna, sometimes when I find I?m in a protein glut ? if I up the veggies (make myself eat more than I would normally), that sets me right?

Terry, how?s the weather?? I reallyhope things calm down out there...

Peg, any more news of DD3? How?s the trip going? Are you almost home now?

Ok gals, need to get into the shower to primp for dinner? it was a busy day, a good one, but busy?

Bren, Ilse, Shelley?. Hugs to you and I wish you ALL a wonderful weekend!

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







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

Hey, galfriends!
A quick stop-by for me. I need to get myself rolling to the plumbing supply store to replace the innards of Dad's toilet. To do so I have to take the old innards to match--now won't that be a pretty sight, LOL. The guys at this place are so great, though. They don't get a lot of retail traffic, and I'm sure don't really want it. Usually when I go in there are numerous plumbers lining both sides of the counter; the conversation stops, they straighten up (butt crack alert?), assume smiles from tight to goofy, and eye me like I'm a lost child. It's amusing. I always come home with the goods, though! heh heh

I will linger to give you a big hugs, Alida, and good thoughts for an easy procedure and quick recovery of your energy. Enjoy that fresh "do." Bet you look TERRIFIC Tsk on your hairdresser's comment; he's playing to a cliche, isn't he!

I'll be back later to say hi to everyone else.
hugs to all

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

Good morning everyone. TGIF!!! When I get to work I always check out every room before I set myself down to work. I work in a double wide trailer on the outskirts of town and don't need to find some transient has come in for the night. Anyway, this morning when I opened up one of the other office doors I was presented with a.....lovely fat mouse!!! Geez, I hate those things. So dirty. Like the hunter I am, I tried to catch it with a coffee cup. Ah, come on, don't laugh at me. Obviously, that wasn't going to work, so I went in search of a small bucket. By the time I had found one I couldn't find the damn mouse. Now, I'm sitting here with my feet on top of the bucket so the little sucker won't run up my pant leg if he shows up. Might be funny to you, but not me. lol

Rachel: Okay, so now I cut back on protein and have more veggies. Sounds good to me, I'm not really a meat eater anyway, I love my veggies. And 141.....you rock girl!

Peg: How's that daughter doing? Once she's home, remind me to tell you about my horror story with my appendix. Not going to tell you now cause I know you'll worry.

Barb: Doesn't that annoy you to find the coupons aren't good until the next day? We had that happen at Superstore one day and we explained to the lady that we were from out of town and couldn't they just honor them one time. She got quite snotty. Dh refuses to go back there now. If we lived close, I'd just come back the next day. I love Costco, but always spend too much money.

Alida: Last treatment, girl! Now you can concentrate on getting your strength back. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but it's over now. Hope your dh is pampering you! Did you watch Survivor last night? Did I miss something? I thought the plan was for the idol to be given to whichever of the 3 were to be voted out. I kept waiting for them to bring it out to save that guy and it never happened!

Judy: Yes, the invoices are done. It's a real hectic day and I fight with the printer every time, but it does make the day go fast.

Brenda: Gotta love the attention a woman gets walking into guy territory. I get the same thing when I go to our hardware store. Although, I think it's the stories they like about what my dh has screwed up now.

Okay, here's yesterdays menu:

Breakfast, 1 small slice sausage and cheese quiche, 3 pieces bacon 1 tea with splenda
Snack: 1/2 Atkins bar
Lunch: bacon and cheese omelet 1 cup tea with splenda
Snack 1/2 Atkins bar, 1 diet coke
Dinner: Shrimp salad with 3 cheese ranch dressing
Snack: 1 small square lc cheesecake, 1 weiner 1 diet coke
5 bottles of water during the day at work.

I didn't think that was too bad for a menu, but somehow I managed to gain back the pound that I had lost yesterday. Funny, when I was 153 I could stay there for months and not budge, but lately I'm up and down the same 3 or 4 pounds.

Well, dd is now deciding that she should find herself some new hobbies now that she isn't going to drink. She's thinking gardening would be good. Her friend that passed away always did all her yardwork for her and she doesn't want it to start looking shabby and wants to keep it nice in his memory. I thought that was nice. I have a feeling she's going to be raiding my garden for perennials but that's fine. Anything to keep her out of the bar.

I finally bit the bullet last night and called my ds. He was at work, but I talked to his wife and I got to talk to 2 of my grankids. That was the highlight of the whole call. Found out that Kaedyn has been asking to see Poppa to show him his new boo-boo's. He's very proud of them! lol They thought it was funny but didn't follow through for him. So, I asked them to come for Easter dinner and they will. We've had an Easter egg hunt for the grandkids for 5 years now and I was afraid it would be over. Seems they've been having a little financial problems and just found out that ds might be laid off next week. Just what they need with 3 little ones. Anyway, can't wait for Easter now so I can see my grandkids.

Dh has another dart tournament out of town in a couple of weeks. Then he comes home on the Sunday and leaves on the Tuesday for 2 days out of town for Shell meetings. He's already feeling guilty about it and started this morning with his usual....maybe I shouldn't go. I asked him if he was waiting for me to give him the usual "but you look forward to it and will let the team down" speech. He looked a little sheepish so I knew I was right. It will be interesting to see if he goes. I don't care what he does....just finish the damn crown moulding!!

Guess I should get back to work. No, not back to work...how about starting work? Just can't start my day without checking in here and making sure everyone is okay. Oh, speaking of that....has anyone heard from Ilse....been awhile since she's posted.

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

I find it handy to use the "GO ADVANCED" link at the bottom of LCE's input box. That switches you to a view where the prior posts display just below the input box. Also, you can always get a new browser window, whether using IE, Netscape, or Foxfire, by clicking the File button at the top of the browser window and choosing "New Window" and/or "New Tab" (Tabs for Netscape &Firefox only). LOL! Yeah, that's what I need, too! Do you remember the maker? Neutrogena has a line of makeup called Visible Lift that's supposed to be good for "mature" skin. I happen to like the powder, but not the liquid.

However, I really like Neutrogena's Skin Soothing Undereye Corrector, which I use under the eye bags and in the "Howdy Doody" lines around my nose. I got the next darker shade and I'm thinking that looks better than the lightest one that I was using.

I'm trying a new makeup foundation by Almay (Smart Shade). It's a bit weird and I'm still making up my mind about it. One good thing is that it feels light, so my skin doesn't feel like it's suffocating. It comes out of the tube as an off white color and then it develops color as you smooth it on. I'm hoping it will work better for the different colors of my cheeks, nose, and neck. Its SPF 15 is due to zinc oxide, so it's less irritating to my eyes.

I went back to my old favorite, Max Factor's 2000-Calorie Mascara. I really liked Sorme's original mascara (not the lash builder version) , as it didn't make my eyelashes cling together or clump. But, I cannot find it any more and the 5 or 6 others I've auditioned all go on too wet, making those clingy lashes (ugh).

And, then, I got a new lighter shade lipstick and gloss - I'm thinking that looks better for spring than my customary "bebe rose".

Oh, and a bought a new liquid eyeliner (normally I use a pencil). Unlike some other liquid eyeliners I tried (and threw out), this one comes with a soft brush. For some reason, a lot of liquid eyeliners are sold with hard, pointy applicators - it's like trying to put on eyeliner with a toothpick! So this one is easier to apply and I can make a finer line than with a pencil. But I'm not sure yet if the "hard" line is a better look for me, ya know?

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

Time out for this off topic message..........

I was named "Teacher of the Year" for this campus. I guess if you stick around long enough, they eventually get to you .

So, what did I do in celebrations.........I ate a damn chocolate chip cookie. And yes, it was homemade, and wonderful.

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

Congratulations Judy -
on the award - well deserved I'm sure.

Not on the cookie. but it is a very special occasion.

__________________
Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
5/19/08 (5/23/08) - sw226/(cw222)/mg210/fg160

Judy,

Congratulations! It's always great when you are appreciated!

__________________
Ilse

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

Congratulations, Judy. And NO, they do not just "get around to you." You earned this, deserve this, and have every reason to be proud. Enjoy the honor and glory. And cookies.

I'm going to try out some of these window methods. Not sure I have a "cascade" button on MAC. But the advanced thingie should work. I printed the instructions, thanks, Brenda. Oh, and anybody who can replace the parts in a toilet is Wonder Woman. I can just imagine your petite self (stylish, too) making an entrance in the plumbing supplies.

Several of the things I had to put back at Costco were cosmetics. Neutrogena "Skin Firming" body lotion. Never too many body lotions! Jergen's Color Glow (or something like that)--supposed to give a light tanning effect. And finally (succumbing to hope over common sense), one of Olay's new "Regeneriste" products. I'll be one slippery babe once I get this stuff home. I might soften myself to death.

It's also Estee Lauder gift time at the store across the street, so I bought my favorite fragrance, "Beautiful," and got the usual zipper bag with an assortment of products. Nothing like freebies to brighten the day. I have quite a few of those little zipper bags by now, in assorted sizes. I can usually find just the right one for purse or travel purposes.

I only have a couple of cosmetic favorites. L'Oreal mascara, for one. And recently, Rimmel liquid lip color. It's a bit sticky on the lips, but it has a tingly, plumper effect that I really like. And it seems to stay on pretty well, too. Dealing with wrinkles of all sorts seems to be my life these days.

Donna, thanks for keeping us updated on family situations. You are an anchor for them all, it seems. Only that mouse seems to have put you in a flap. I'm not "afraid" of mice--but they do have a way of catching you by surprise, and that's not fun. Hope he's in the next county by now.

Well, back to the tasks at hand.

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


My Fitday Journal

JUDY!!!!! You go girl!!! I think it's fabulous and WELL deserved! I wish there was something more we could do for you than just a congrats.... I'll think about it!

Do they just make an announcement? Or do they give you a monetary symbol of their appreciation (is that too much to hope for?)... In any case, I'm not surprised and I'm, proud to know you, Teach...

love - R

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







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

Hi guys!
Wow.....lots going on in here again today! WOOHOO! Also, woohoo on TGIFABCD!!!
Work was good today. Got out by 1200 1230, so I'm officially off for a week...yipee...skipee!

Peg...prayers for you and Dh to have a safe *last leg* of the trip home. I bet you will be relieved to finally be home and out of the car for a while.
(((hugs)))

Rachel...WTG on the scales!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! I'm so glad everyone liked their meal in OKC, especially the BEEF!!! I'm a meat an 'taters girl(no taters anymore), but I get down right mean if I dont' get a good steak at least once a week! LOL!

Barb...LOL at the knitters being craftier than ever. If I'd known knitting involved a little *eye candy* I might would've started several years ago myself! LOL. Yep...guess we'd better keep an eye on Bren & Peg with their knitting magazines!
I looked at that recipe for the creamcheese sin cake...sounds good!

Alida... I think you may be right about *the mind and body being at war*. I've heard so many people say that while doing chemo or XRT. They have the *get up and go* mentally, but the body doesn't obey. Hang in there, sweetie! And it can't hurt anything waiting that extra few weeks for the parotidectomy, yanno?

Judy... WOOHOO....WTG......TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!!!!! What an honor and who more deserving than you, lady!!!! I'm so happy for you! They darn well better give you a steak dinner at the least!!!! Hoping for something more, for you, of course
Ahhhhh the good ole kitchen cabinet project. I know what you mean, though. I love to do wood working projects. I love re-finishing old pieces and bringing them back from the great beyond...LOL. Good luck on your project...but I suspect you may be busy with crochet rather than cabinets?

Bren...I can just see you marching right into the plumbing place, politely asking for the part(s) you need, flashing them one your $1million dollar smiles and...botta-bing...botta boom...you got them eating right out of your hand! LOL. Go git 'em sister girl! You know, sometimes a gal has to do, what a gal has to do! Alls fair in knitting and war, and plumbing innards I say!

Teel...on the makeup issue...I recently started using minerals in place of a foundation. I absolutely love it. My dear freind in Denver is an aesthtician, and she got me started on her line of make up. I am not trying to make a sale or anything, I'm just really impressed by this line of makeup. It's called Colorescience. Here's a link: www.colorescience.com
I use their colore correcting minerals, and blushes, which are also minerals.
I plan on starting with their eye makeup as soon as I deplete my clinique supply. I will most likely stay with some of my favorite shades of clinique until they discontinue them...sigh. I have also recently switched to the Sanita's line of skin cleanser and toner which I like alot(same friend got me started on this as well). Her skin(my friend) is unbelievable. She is my age(50-ish) and doesn't look a day over 40! Anyhooo....my 2 cents. I used to use some of the Neutrogena products; I think they are very good as well. And I love their soap...the clear amber one. Yummm!

Donna...a mouse, eh? Well, just remember...he is just as afraid of you, as you are of him...LOL. Doesn't make it any easier to realize there is a critter in yer office though, does it? Happy Friday to you! So glad you will get to see the grandkiddos on Easter...how fun!!!

Alright....we did have wildfires last evening. There is another one I noticed on my way home from work out in our area. However.....good news!.....it just started to rain...PTL!!!

Guess I should get moving in the direction of the kitchen....I DO have to cook tonight...LOL...shucks! It won't be anything spectacular; leftovers actually, but at least it's *legal* and I don't have my hand in a basket of chips with salsa!(which is what I'm really lusting after) LOL!

Later, chickadees!
(((hugs)))
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!

WE'RE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seven States in 10 and a half hours!!! Now, we have everything turned back on and I am on my dearly beloved PC again!!!!!

Dd3 is home from the hospital, but still hurting, poor dear. She's missing her Mom!

Back tomorrow when I am coherent!

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

*whew* GREAT news peg! and welcome home!
((((((((((peg)))))))))))

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