LOL! no... I just know the slippery slope too well! :grin:

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

I don't know about Peg, but I needed to hear that.

OK, I feel like I should win an award today..........clothes and stuff for 10 or more days in one carry on bag! Go me!!

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

Hey Jude! (as Kim says)

I DO so hope that you can check in from Nebraska! I'll miss you!! Have a great time. You deserve to get away with other award winning teachers (yes. I know why you are going and it doesn't have to do with the Texas Teacher of the Year, but in my book, you are already a winner). I suspect that the other people there are award winning teachers too.

Thanks for your words, your presence and your spirit!

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

Peg, I apologize for giving your post only a short paragraph a couple of pages ago before wandering off, but I am so very, very glad you've asked for support and feedback here, among friends who care for you and have some understanding of your fears. I can't imagine saying anything more eloquently, pointedly, or profoundly than Judy, Shelley, and TB. Thank you all for reminding me why I?m here

Something did occur to me tonight in the tub, though (gotta love those bubble baths). You and I both love to delve into the psyche, we want to know why, we want to resolve issues, want our minds, lives and relationships to be sane, normal and healthy. In my case, there?s this magical thinking that if I could only know and understand enough, and get every other single d*mned thing in my life working (perfectly, of course), taking care of myself would be easy. In the end, though, our inner child?s need for consolation or inner brat?s determined willfulness, our history or biology, won?t matter nearly as much as what we decide to do each day, each moment in our own behalf. Every moment is a decision point, regardless of even the one before. Peg, you can decide now, regardless of anything that?s ever happened to you. You can be our thread?s next success story. I?d love that.

Judy, I'll surely be looking forward to a report on this adventure. I know you'll be working hard, but I hope you have a wonderful time, too!

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

Out of bed at 3:45......... Off forthe airport at 5:00. I'll try to ckeck in this evening. I just wanted to beat Alida one time

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

Judy!

Happy Trails to you...



Shell

__________________
~~~~
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!

Good morning!

HA! Judy, you beat me to it! But only just. I played a few games of Free Cell before coming on line. That sorta gets my mind functioning so early in the morning.

Have a wonderful time! Though you will be "working," I also see you having fun with like-minded people. Did you have to leave Bobby a long list of instructions for Lexie's tummy?

Peg, I wish I understood blood pressure better, but I can understand why you are so shocked. I mean, you had other doctor visits just recently and they probably checked your BP. Was it within a normal range then? Perhaps I'll Google High BP and read up on it. Getting back to the problem?everyone has pretty much addressed the issue. You have to take control of you. So easy to say, isn't it? If you are anything like me, I sometimes let other people control me. Since exercise seems to be such a big part of BP pressure control, it seems you have to bite the bullet and "just do it." What form of exercise would you like? Walking is always said to be ideal. Outside and alone? Inside an air conditioned mall with lots of people around? Treadmill so you can watch a favorite TV program? By any chance is there a Curves near you? Or how about a Leslie Sansone walking tape? Sheesh. I am preaching to the choir, here. And don't even take my own advice. But Teel was so right when she said you would have been hospitalized if the high BP was an immediate threat. Modern medicine will help you. And take the exercise in baby steps so it doesn't overwhelm you.

Donna, Sigh. Your DH did (really did NOT do) it again, huh? I have to agree with (Peg?) that your DH is just enabling your DD. His excuse about the ballgames ? he is surely taking the easy way out. I do that myself! Would it be easy to find another employee to replace her? Perhaps when she is good, she is very, very good, so he feels he can trust her with the store and he just wants to avoid the hassle of hiring/training a stranger.

Gosh, I didn't know you had a fianc? that died from alcohol abuse. That must have been a horrible time for you. Even though you are not an alcoholic, that disease in people close to you causes you so much anguish. Perhaps that book Peg recommended would be a good read.

Brenda, CRS. I forgot you worked with hospice patients. I do admire you so much. Years ago, I tinted some windows at a nursing home. My youngest son Paul was helping me. We both could not wait to get out of there. There were several patients who followed us around. This was probably something exciting for them ? watching windows being tinted! But it was very difficult to do our job. A nurse finally came and led them away. But I remember the great sadness that overwhelmed me. Brenda, you get a big, bright gold star!

Well, duh. Why didn't I think of Pet Smart or one of those other pet stores for Wellness cat food! You know, sometimes I am just stupid.

Rachel, you are on your way! Relax, de-stress and enjoy your friends. All that Georgia sh*t will be there when you get back. And after your wonderful trip, you will be in a better frame of mind to tackle everything. HAVE FUN. You deserve it!

Shelley, this thread is so blessed to have YOU! I am constantly amazed at everyone's expertise. Even though your post was addressed to Peg, it pertains to all of us. Thank you for the kick in the keister!

What's the verdict on the stain?

Terry, you are so right about losing weight being first a vanity thing. Then the eating well thing sorta tags along. At least it is for me. I remember my hip being so much better when I was at goal. I should keep this is mind while I struggle (again) with induction!

---------------

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I am omitting ALL heavy cream. Well, sort of. Last night I put just a little on my jello. Honest! It was actually a dollop and not half a bowl! Last Sunday I blew it by eating popcorn at the movie and a bowl of Cheerios with cream. Sigh. This was emotional eating. Monday saw me back to induction. Yesterday I was back in ketosis. And down 4 pounds. Gee. Only 16 more to go!

Have a wonderful day, my friends! XXOO

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

Darn, I took the girls out at 3:45 this morning--should have typed a last bon voyage to Judy! Darn!

Speaking of Bon Voyage, since we haven't heard from Barb in a couple of days I'm going to assume she's having a great vacation.

Morning Shell, Morning Alida, Morning John Boy, LOL!

Alida, a cream addict are you?? I have to say I love the stuff but probably haven't had any for two or three years. It's not something you'll find on the Zone plan, but then again, my plan has wandered.

Don't "duh" yourself! When you go into a health food store, it's a natural assumption to think most of those brands are hfs-type products. AND, Petco and Petsmart don't carry Wellness, either, at least to my knowledge! Some private pet stores do. Here's a link that might help--you could call and compare prices when you find retailers. There are also internet sites. http://www.omhpet.com/secured/cookies_off.asp

Shell, I know you zipped here on your way to work, but it was nice to see your post this am.. I agree with Alida--I so appreciate your knowledge and wisdome here. Thanks for your post.

Peg, I hope this AM has found you feeling a bit more confident in your ability to handle your health situation, that you can take the fear, process it, and turn it to your benefit. At any rate, wherever you are, lots of ((((HUGS)))) coming your way. You have a great Dr; let us know what she says, ok?

Rachel, bless you. Perhaps you'll be able to de-stress in Spain, enough to handle the packing and move and to give you some peace about trusting the future.The pet food industry is certainly a "created" need; and the industry fosters the idea that people are incapable of giving their pets adequate nutrition. LOL! Throughout history, dogs have typically shared the leftovers, and cats have foraged, in circumstances that generally matched those of the human population. Only a generation or two back, American pets were fed table scraps, too. Of course, that was at a time when most people ate home cooked meals, using fresh ingredients if and when they were available. I pity the pets who'd be fed scraps from the typical American diet these days--fast foods, convenience foods, created foods, additives, sweeteners. Most pets wouldn't fare well. There's nothing wrong with home prepared meals whether or not using scraps if done thoughtfully, as TB and I have done ourselves. I can't apologize for being in circumstances that allow me to make or buy dog food that is nutritionally sound

Donna, ((((hugs)))) to you, too. I, too, am sorry that your DH has taken the easy way out. You now seem to be in a spiral with her, and I can't help but think it will continue to go down hill. Someone mentioned "tough love." Easier said than done, but I can't help but believe not only that your wellbeing may depend on it, but that it will give your daughter the only opportunity she has to find her way. I know you don't want to interfere with your DH's business, but you two have to be united on how to handle a family member, hon, and have to stick to it.

TB, you must be looking over my shoulder, too. I get in those "what the heck" moods sometimes. Or worse yet, the occasional times when my internal editor checks out completely and I don't even allow myself to "realize" what I'm eating until later. Ack!

Thanks for the info on cat nutrition. I've always known their needs differed from dogs' needs dramatically but the specifics are quite interesting. The two species' reaction to medication can be quite different, too. To TB and kitty owners: This reminds me that my dear hair stylist recently lost her older kitty and was so distraught.. Someone had given her an Easter Lily and evidently the kitty had nibbled it--poor little thing was at the vet for a week fighting for her life. I had no idea myself that lilies could be toxic :( You probably know, but I thought I'd pass it on anyway.
___________________
Errands today. Dad's given us the darned trailer. Gee thanks Dad....so I'm off to the DMV to get forms for transferring title, and Farm and Fleet to price trailer tires. "eek" My idea of a perfect day. Yes, DH wants to keep it "just in case," while I'd like it gone...oh well! Since I'll be out I may have to do something for myself--a perfect day to visit a nursery, I'd say. Sounds right, doesn't it?

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

Hi Gang!

I am so grateful for all your encouragement. I took my little walk this morning in order to start my exercising. Yesterday I ate clean, but was a little short on the water. Though when I weighed this morning, I was very pleasantly surprised. I haven't weighed for over a week. I have been feeling fat, so assumed that I was! Silly me! I have only 8 lbs left to lose to be back where I was before we left for our Winter time of eating. (Eeek)

I just returned from PT. I only have one appt. left on that. And this afternoon I see my Dr. to have a bunch of moles removed, and find out what she recommends for my heart. I'm feeling a lot more empowered than I was when I wrote yesterday.

Bren: Wasn't that thoughtful of your Dad? (Not!) Sorry you have to go to DMV. Here that would be at least a half day project. 15 mins to drive there and hours to wait in line.

I continue to be so impressed about you and animals. Wow! You are truly a treasure. Yaknow, I knew that, but I have been so impressed with your knowledge of HUMANS, me in particular! :silly: (ha!) Seriously, though, Bren, I am so grateful for your words yesterday. This is why I NEED you on this thread!

Donna: I hope that you are finding some peace today, my dear. Try not to hold onto your anger. It shrivels your soul. And, it doesn't change her does it? (Curious) Hope you have a terrific time at your baseball gathering this weekend. I know that is always a good time for you.

Terry: Do you have any big plans for the weekend? With the way your backyard sounds, I would just hang out there with the lights and the fish and the beautiful plants. Our "Rhodies" are putting on the biggest show right now. They are planted all over the complex, and are really showy. I love them. My peonies are quite large, but spindly. I've GOT to get to a nursery soon and find out what to do. It looks as though I may have a blossom on one, but I don't know. We are supposed to have rain all weekend, so I haven't begun watering yet. But, my little french lilac bush has lots of lilacs on it right now. It is just darling. Only about three feet high, I am pruning it to stay short and get bushy.

Shel: Thanks for the "kick in the keister." I needed that. Do you think that they would have hospitalized me if they had been worried? I don't. While I had it done at a hospital (UMass) they weren't checking for heart attack or anything. Only heart beat and blood pressure. Of course, I may find out differently when I go to the Dr. She ordered all kinds of blood tests the last time I saw her too. But, I'm feeling less frightened and more resolved that this is just one more thing that I need to deal with. That's okay.

Rach: Oh honey! I do hope you get some rest and relaxation from the stress!

Barb: Hope you are having a fabulous time.

Judy: Hope you can check in from Nebraska. When I told DH last night what you are doing, he was VERY impressed. I said, "Hey, I don't hang out with slackers! I hang out with SMART women!"

Alida: I just can't believe that you check in so early! I am still sawing logs at that time. In fact, this morning I woke up at 7:00 and dh was going out to exercise. I almost got up to go with him, but I just couldn't drag myself. So, I went out later. My BP is fairly normal when I am resting. It was with vigorous exercise that it went up in the hospital. Boy, do I hear you about emotional eating. I do that too.

Well, it's off to plan next week's meals. I'm on deck next week, and I need to shop tomorrow.

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

<<..chuckles..>> Yes a trrip to the nursery sounds ~just~ right, Brenda! Take the trailer and make the most of it, lol! You could completely re-landscape with that capacity, I bet. Hey, my heart goes out to your friend who just lost her kitty. Gosh, so many common houseplants are toxic to cats. I have very, very few houseplants for that reason, and the one or two potted orchids that survive their bloom period are kept in a fairly inaccessible spot on top of the microwave. I even fret about flower arrangements, as I can never remember them all! One of my cats died while I was away on vacation and we never did figure out what happened. I had a flower arrangement out (table center piece from a friend's wedding) when I left, and I've wondered if there was something in that arrangement. Very sad.

Alida, I'm really pretty bad with the heavy cream when I have it in the house, too. I try to just buy half-and-half, but sometimes a carton of cream slips into the basket, too. Ooops! I think you did well to limit yourself to a dollop - well done!

I'm missing our travellers - Barb, Rachel, and Judy already. But, I'm very buoyed up by the idea that they are having a good time nd catching a break from the day-to-day cares.

Ilse, now that your DD and family have moved to Wisconsin, you are finally getting your new house into its "final" form! Yeah!! You must feel like you've done nothing but move houses for the last year and counting. You must be ready for a break, too. Any vacation plans?

Shelley, did you get your osteo imaging results yet? Is it too far to go to do your walking in a mall where it's cooler? Or, do you enjoy the scenery as you walk? I do love looking at people's houses or trail scenery when I walk. I'm afraid, my mall walking tends to turn into moseying as I peruse the window displays!

Donna, as your DH couldn't bring himself to fire DD, perhaps he could impose some restrictions or put her probation, so it's not like she got off scot-free? I'm not sure what labor laws allow in Canada, but is it possible to fine her not allow her to use vacation or holiday time until after the probationary period is satisfied? Or, require her to do some extra duties (cleaning toiles comes to mind)? I think everyone would feel better - on some level - if there was something concrete she could do to make amends. Well, just a thought...

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

Only Thursday today...sheesh, it feels like Friday.

First of all, thanks for all the kind advice everyone. I DO listen to all of you. I try to stay out of the day to day running of our business. Ya know the old saying about two cooks in the kitchen? Anyway, dd was told that if she screws up, or her til is short, or, or, or....she will be let go. The labour laws in Canada are very firm...you must have a valid reason to let someone go, or pay penalties and owe money to the one let go. So, by taking her back, dd cannot use the fact that she blew her shifts as a reason to let her go, unless she does it again.

The only way that I am handling this right now, is by refusing to see or talk to her. Might sound childish, but it's my way of letting her know that I refuse to accept this behaviour. I've found out, that many of her friends are doing the same thing. One girl told her she just couldn't believe that she would treat her parents that way, and told her not to call her again. Our midnight man told her that her reputation is shot...for the sake of a bottle. We live in a small town and word spreads like wildfire. Of course, it might backfire and she could use all this as another excuse to drink.

I also work with a fellow who's be sober for 23 years now and is very high up in AA. We've had a lot of talks in the last few days and he's helping me to understand this is NOT my fault. Like he says....I'm not the one who put the first drink in her hand and forced her to drink it. I just keep repeating to myself...it's not my fault. Seems to be helping. Now, I just have to get over the guilt...ya know, could I have done something different.

Peg: I'm going to get that book. As for why I have so many alcoholics in my life? Crazy, I know. My brother turned to drink after having a fight with my mom and leaving for work....she dropped dead a few hours later and he never got the chance to say he was sorry. He was the first alcoholic I ever knew. After that, I think I have myself to blame. I was so heavy that I felt I would never get a "decent" guy, so I basically took what I could get. And, I paid for it. Wow....a lot of baggage there. Still gotta work on that emotional stuff, right? Funny thing is that dh and I very seldom drink...never at home.

The other's here have said just about all that I could about your health problems. I hope you're feeling better about yourself today..and by starting your day with walking it shows that you're ready to get out there and fight. Good for you. I'll be thinking about you.

Terry: Cleaning toilets sounds like a great project for punishment, but unfortunately, it's already part of our staffs job description. The stories I could tell you about how people make messes in the bathrooms of service stations. I just won't go there!! I think the cold shoulders that she's going to be getting from the rest of the staff is going to tell her a lot.

I did a quick look through the garden last night but didn't see any more slugs. I'll have a better look tonight. I was telling my friend about them and she's an avid gardener too and her dad told her that if you sprinkle egg shells around the plants, it will kill them too. I don't drink coffee...so no grounds, but I've sure got a lot of egg shells.

Barb: Missing you girl....come on home.

Brenda: A trailer, huh? Not the camping type? It might be nice to have a place to get away too. But, if you aren't into it...it could just be in the way. If I had to go and spend time at dmv....it'd just have to reward myself with a trip to the mall. lol

Alida: Bet you were surprised to see Judy beat you to the draw this morning. lol
As for trusting dd....I don't think there is much trust left now. She'll have to earn it and it will take a long time. In my heart...I think she'll do this again.

Judy: Hope to hear from you while you're traveling. Have a great, relaxing time!

Work is calling....I'll be popping back in during the day, just to check in.

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

I'll lock this one up and see you all in June tracking!


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!