Hello to Judy on the next fly-by. That's a very swift descent for your dad. I'm so sorry. I can fully appreciate the overwhelming-ness of the relocation. One day at a time.

Shelley, Happy Anniversary! So...how old were you when you got married? I think you said when we were exchanging histories in OKC, but I forgot.

Alida, did 103 gms of protein seem like a whole lot to you? I often eat as much as that. Better protein and fat than carbs to keep the hungries away. Your calories were very low, especially considering all the physical exertion you put forth. Maybe you need more cream cheese on that OMM.

The etch-like design is fabulous. Did you create the design yourself from that headboard? Do you make a rubbing, or what?

We're having the Editorial Breakfast this morning. I eat before I get there--too many carbs are provided, and I have to step back. "Funny...but no" is an inside joke. Yes, it does get written on many rejections, especially in Shoebox. One of the Shoebox writers says, "Better funny than just NO."

See ya's later.

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


My Fitday Journal

A quickie little hello before I head off to the grocery......aacckk!

Judy...I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. It is HARD. It sounds like perhaps a full time care center might be the wiser choice. (((hugs))) and good thoughts to you and your family.

Bren....oh, I so hope I didn't hurt your feelings regarding the red countertops. I would just die if I thought I did...or anyone else's feelings here in this thread as well.
You know what...if you love that color and it *sings* to you...that's all that matters!
I would certainly say *go for it*!

Barb and Alida....Thanks for the anniv wishes. I was very young compared to most of today's brides. I was 19, soon to be 20. My mom did not marry until she was 25...and back in the 1950's, that was almost *old maid* status...LOL. I can remember as a teen, I always said I wouldn't get married until I was 20 years old...so I almost made it! LOL. And, DH had to work, so we'll dine out (again) this weekend if our schedules don't collide...yet again!
Alida...those windows are BEAUTIFUL!!! Yep....I'd like to *hire* you too...wanna come back to OKC and umm, *converge* with me on my front door??

Teel....hummmmm....a name for the egret....how about Ced? (C=cheesy...E= egret...D=decoy)....yeah, well....my brain is caffiene deprived at the moment...hehe!

Peg...woohoo! WTG on the shopping and car time and good report from the Dr.
And what a deal maker you are...a pink phone! How girley-girley....LOL...I love it!

Rach....keep up the good work on the fun! It's my policy to have as much fun and store it up so good memories can be called upon at any time! Did that make sense?
OH well.....have a blast!

Donna....what did you get your son for his BD? Hope he had a wonderful celebration!
I also hope you get everything *whupped* into shape at work today, and the stress goes away!

Well.....guess I will get dressed and make a run to the grocery. I need some fresh veggies....broccoli and cauli and maybe some zucchini if it looks good. I would love to make a batch of zucchinni muffins, but I don't *trust* myself just yet. I like 2 of those lil darlin's for breakfast, but the calorie count kills me! Anyhoooo......

Have a day everyone!!!!!!
later, chickadees!
me

__________________
~~~~
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!

Not bad, Shelley. Not bad at all!


Dr. Foster & Smith's cheezy egret sale

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

Teel, that egret looks like he needs boxer shorts. Or a tutu. Probably some variation on the word "cheesy" will do just fine for a name. But those orange legs beg recognition of some kind, too. Stilton is a cheese.

Update on "funny...but no." There's a new book out in Hallmark Gold Crown stores. It's a Shoebox retrospective, and includes a whole chapter on "funny...but no." In fact, the editor says they're already considering a sequel which consists entirely of "Funny...but no." You can just imagine how funny--and ribald--the rejects can get. There's also a new book out on "things to do when you're 50." It's called (wondrously) 50/50. I have three pieces in the book--did I share those with you when I wrote them? Anyway, I'll get it and find out the page #s, so you can look them up in the store. You might even like the book for a birthday present for somebody.

Peg, glad to hear you're officially in good health. All the rest is detail.

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


My Fitday Journal

Wow. Everybody must be really busy. I'm posting twice in a row. Good morning! I got my little "whoosh" this morning, so I'm only one lb. over "baseline." I wonder if that means I could actually go below if I kept going at it--"it" being near-induction-level carbs? I s'pose I could try.

I bought a copy of that Hallmark 50/50 book (Fifty Fun Things to Do in Your Fifties). My bits are on pages 103 (about my Miata), 89 (about ice skating), & 45 (about my dolls). Individual pieces are not credited, but you can see the names of many of my talented colleagues listed in the front.

I also bought a copy of the Shoebox retrospective, and it's a hoot. I've only written one or two published Shoebox cards in my lifetime, and one of them was removed from publication for "taste" reasons. Too bad. It was selling really well. It was an anniversary card that said: Happy Anniversary. Isn't it nice waking up with someone you know? I guess promiscuity isn't all that funny, although it does seem to be popular. Hallmark doesn't endorse it.

Peg, I think of you whenever I see the ad for that pink phone on tv. Good going wrestling yours out of the storekeepers. Pilates is the greatest thing for core strength--abs and back. Form is vital. If you can find a class or a good video, you might enjoy the company. I have to admit that I don't actually like Pilates myself, so I don't do it often enough to see results.

Judy, how are things with you? Continuing prayers.

Hope to hear from the rest of you later. It's Friday!! Woohoo!

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Judy, I do hope the hospital can come up with a diagnosis before they release your Dad. Good news on finding a nursing home. Prayers ascending both for your Dad and for YOU. Post when you can. You know we are all concerned.

Peg, so you will live to fight another day, eh? GOOD! Boy, give a girl a car and she gets...a PINK phone! Now that's good old-fashioned service.

Your sewing room/computer area sounds fantastic with all those custom cabinets, etc. Agree that the pink woodwork has to GO. Sigh. Wish you could have posted those pictures!

You are really going to town with all your staging plans. When are you going to list the condo?

Barb, I have my birthday coupon from Hallmark, so I will most likely head to my local Gold Crown store tomorrow. I'll look for those books!

OK. You say my protein was OK at 103. (I forgot to list my "exercise." Diet Power has 20 minutes of climbing ladders as using up 161 calories!)

For energy, I thought the body used carbs first, then alcohol and then protein. Am I right on this? Since I want my body to use my FAT as energy, my rationale was to eat a tad less protein so more fat would be used up! Correct me if I am way off base here.

As for that headboard design ? I cheated. Customer sent me a picture of the design, thankfully head-on. I drew the windows to scale, along with the spaces between the panes, in Illustrator. Imported the picture into Illustrator. Scaled picture until it "fit" into the panes I drew. E-mailed that to my artist and voil?! She did the rest. I take NO credit for the beautiful design!

Teel, those birds are a hoot! The snowy egret does look a tad cheesy. The heron looks a little better (brown covers a lot of sins). Which one did you get? I think Barb had a good suggestion with Stilton.

Brenda, no post yesterday. Hope all is well.

Shelley (aka our child bride), I was 24 when I married the first time. The fact that I was "older" didn't help that marriage!

Yes, I am staying away from those Zucchini Muffins, too. Actually, I am staying away from anything with bake mix in it. I think I will make something with flax this AM, though. Seems like I need some of the stuff to be more "regular" if you know what I mean.

Donna, no post from you, either! I know you had a busy day with invoices. Hope they are DONE, so you can drop in today!

Rachel, HI!

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

Job yesterday is sorta done. Now I have to go back on Monday and put frost film on top (along with the frost film on the other job). I'll post these pictures later. All I can say is that I was up and down both stair steps and ladder steps for 5 hours. The bottom part of the window can only be accessed through iron railings. I avoided that area with the etch, however I do have to get in there to cut the film. While washing the glass, I just about rubbed my arms raw. I think I may have to buy some of those Ace sleeves for the arm -- the kind you wear if you have elbow problems. Maybe they will hold the FAT in a little so my arms fit better in between the railings!

Today? Visit with Ashley, cut the film for the above jobs, but generally take it easy!

Thought I would have been down this AM, but Nooooo. Lack of BM may be the problem! (TMI?)

Anyhoo, today: 144.5
yesterday:
calories: 1319
Fat: 101 (Yikes)
Carbs: 20.94
Protein: 80.7

Have a good 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

More pictures! This design is very modern. We (my artist and I) took elements from some of her paintings and mushed them together in a design ....

First is work in progress. Second is a shot from outside.

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

What a HOOT!

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

LOL, Barb...I seem to like the tasteless ones best. I'm going to look for the shoebox books for my 2 galfriends here. Since I'm the one known for giving the most outrageous shoebox Christmas and birthday greetings, it'd be more than appropriate. I'll look for your contributions. Didn't I notice a line of more "sensual" cards recently?

Alida, again, marvelous work! I just love the etchlike concept, and you are a master. Wonderful!

Shelley, silly girl, my feelings are not at all hurt by your comments on the red countertop idea. They echo my own. I think a decorator could pull it all together, but that, I'm not. It may be a moot point anyway.

Congrats to everyone who is conquering poundage this week!!! I guess I need to force myself back on the scale, too.

Everyone else, sorry to be short here, but 'tis migraine season. I'm trying to get just enough but not too many meds in me this am to get to my haircut apointment, because I will surely feel worse if I miss it

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

Alida, you may not think of yourself as an artist, but I think your adaptations of existing designs display splendid artisanship, not to mention phenomenal computer skills. And the physical exertion involved...well, you don't give yourself enough credit. Remind me of the name of your business so I can recommend you to people I know.

It's only 11 a.m. and I'm feeling hungry. I hardly ever feel hungry. What's up with that?? I ate an enormous bowl of flaxbran/protein cereal this morning, and you'd think all that fiber would still be clogging up my system. Alida, I see what you're trying to do with the nutrient balance. If you're in "lipolysis" (ketosis), you'll be burning fat first, theoretically. Protein is converted slowly along with it. Carbs, being virtually nothing, disappear fast and don't furnish much energy. Alcohol--yes, that first of all, but you probably don't drink much of that for breakfast. So your daily energy will come from the slow conversion of fat/protein in whatever proportions available. If you decrease protein, it would be better to increase fat, not carbs, to get the calories you need for fuel.

Bren, there are plenty of tasteless cards to choose from--even at Hallmark. One that made it into the book shows a picture of "GOD" putting together one of those particle board bookcases. His word balloon says: "Me dammit." I'm actually astonished that made it to a card, let alone into the book. According to commentary in the book, the only objection to that card came from the union of craft people who make particle board furniture. Gotta say, I couldn't furnish my house without it, so any "complaints" from here are purely affectionate. I love those bookcases, desks, computer/tv stands, etc.

I'm headed for Tasso's for lunch with DH today. I could use a Gyro fix--usually get it on a Greek salad.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good Friday morning everyone. Finally got the damned invoices done so now I have a few "me" moments.

I've been following along with the comments as best I could whenever I got a spare moment to just check in.

Judy: Hope things are going well for you. I was thinking about you yesterday when an elderly gentleman came into my office looking for directions. He is on holidays and going way up North. He was from Sweetwater,Texas. He asked me all kinds of questions about our area and when I told him it was rattlesnake country, he proceeded to tell me about the contests in Sweetwater for the largest rattlers. Not something I would go to for sure.

Brenda: My furkids are playing games on me. I switched them to the dry version of the raw food diet. No grains in it. They refused to eat it too. So, I decided to take some to work with me in case they are more hungry during the day. I think they remembered me taking their old food to work cause they were hitting the bag on the way to work hoping I would open it. When we got to work, they just gobbled it up. So, they loose...this is what they are getting, no more games.

Shelley: Those little hummingbirds are just having a hay day with my feeder. I had to fill it again last night. The sound of them winging their way into my yard is hilarious. I could sit and watch them for hours.

Peg: A pink phone! Love it. It would match me today with my pink top and pink hoodie. It's such a feminine colour! Good for you for insisting on being given one. I would have too.

Alida: So, what do you think of Survivor now? I'm so glad that Shane is gone...perfect surprise for him. Don't forget the last episode is next Thursday with the ending on the following Sunday. I'm thinking Ceri could just sneak in there, most people are a little fed up with Terry. He sure does have a pretty wife though.

Terry: Did you use Brenda's idea and put some boxers on the bird? That would be hilarious and probably scare all the birds away.

The lilacs are all in bloom now and the smell is just gorgeous. I picked a huge bouquet and have it on the new dining room table....the house smells great too.

When we were in town on the weekend I picked up another solar light for the back yard. This one is so different. It is a pagoda with what looks like a candle inside it. When it glows...it flickers like a candle. Definitely soothing to watch at night.

My ds turned 32 on Wednesday. Hard to believe he's that old. When I had called him to ask for ideas for his present he told me he was too old for that kind of thing now. What a way to make me feel really old! He's definitely get a smack for that one. (after I find a chair to stand on...he's 6'6")

I'm still exercising every night but I think all that's happening is I'm getting a sore butt from the bike. That's what I get for having a bony butt!! TMI? Sorry. My weight is still doing the yo-yo thing. I'm not giving up though. One of these days I'll find out what I'm doing wrong.

This weekend dh has another dart tournament but it's in town. Starts tonight and goes until Sunday. So, I've been asked to make chili for 60 people!! Lucky me. Just what I wanted to do on my day off. Oh well, once that's done, I can get outside and play in the dirt for the whole day (as long as the weather co-operates). If it's not nice outside...well, I'll just have to clean my house I guess.

So, I'm really pushing my luck by trying to type anymore. I should set up an alarm system so that I know when the boss is coming down the hall. Have a great weekend everyone and talk to you all on Monday.

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

Hi All?

Congrats on all the losers out there!! Keep it up girls ? some of here are looking at you as inspiration!

Back in Tbilisi? I?d love to lounge with you here ? but? boiler is still not working so hot water is iffy? weather is in it?s 5th week of cold and rainy? stuff is dying in the fields and farms (there will be little or no grape harvest this year ? a terrible time for Georgian agriculture).

We are all back here safe and sound ? and getting ready to get out and get going on the town? so to speak?

Alida ? GORGEOUS windows, I?m always just blown away by these designs and the work you go through to get them perfect? wow!

Judy, am thinking of you dear heart ? please keep the faith ? you are in my thoughts a lot these days!

Peg, a tragic accident off the Black Sea coast ? Armenian airliner + terrible weather (I?m telling you guys ? the weather out here is freaking people out it has been so bad for so long!) = 113 dead. Just an awful tragedy!

And a PINK mother?s day phone ? LOVE IT!! Can we see a picture?

Bren, I?ll have to go back through and find the red countertop? I?m also curious about DDad?s gift?

Shelley, late best wishes on your anniversary? you two are a sweet, sweet couple ? how lovely!!

Donna, hang in there ? we?ve all been there and we know you have these periods of high fiscal activity ? we?re thinking of you!!

Terry, I like Shelley?s name for the egret!.. One of the Georgians who works out at the US Embassy is named Egbert (I know, it?s not the same, but close) ? we all call him ?Bert?? have to say that was the name that popped into my head when I read your plea?.

From what I?ve read on line ? my loved ones got sick from the food handling, not the shrimp itself (just had a touch of food poisoning, not salmonella, TTL!!)

Barb, Ilse?


Ok, I must be off to run the tourist bus?

I weighed in at 145 <<sigh>>? am back on plan today and will start back up on the walking in earnest again tomorrow (jet lag is a bear to get around to exercise)? I ?think? I can get down to 141 or 142 in another week or so ? it may be tough but just being in a place I can eat little and drink lots of tea will help a lot?

I?m soooooooooooooooooooooooo tired of this yoyo stuff whenever I?m traveling? I think I?ve weighed 142 pounds like 16 times this year already? <<<sigh>>>

Love you dears?.. 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

Hey galpals!
I'm exhausted, so I'll just wave as I head off to shower and put my jammies on!
Then in the morning, I'll hustle off to my nail appt; hopefully I can catch up with youze guys tomorrow afternoon!
Happy weekend everyone!

Later, dear chickadees!
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!

Things are going down hill. DDad is still in the hospital. Lots of hallucinations today. MRI and MRA -- still waiting for the neuro guy to report. Poor Bobby spent a rough 20-30 minutes trying to bring his out of a bad spell late this eveining. It took a lot out of Bobby to get Daddy through it. Definitely not a good day!

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

Judy... Bless you all - I'm so sorry.... My heart goes out to you! <<<<<hugs>>>>>

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







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