Brenda, I've made it a personal policy never to buy into somebody else's "cause." I've always been a ready volunteer, but I'm all out of time and energy for things that I don't feel personally passionate about. You don't need a reason. Something along these lines will work: "Diane, I'm touched that you think of me as a compassionate person when it comes to animals, but volunteering at the shelter just isn't the right thing for me at this time." Then just keep saying no until it sticks. Can you tell I've become very good at this? There are a bazillion worthy causes--and you'll know which ones are yours. Don't get sucked into somebody else's. No guilt!

Betty Cat is annoyed that I'm in bed with the computer occupying my lap instead of her. She usually gets to sleep on me for a while. She'll just have to come back later.

Donna, you were a trouper with the chili. Too bad the good ol' boys weren't more careful with your new roaster. Where are their brains?? Hope you enjoy the garden project with DD.

The azaleas here--not easy to grow in KC--have been beautiful for a long time this year, and now the rhododendron and irises are looking glorious. The peonies in our yard, which we inherited, are bursting with white blooms. I appreciate their persistence. And fragrance.

Well, here comes Betty again. I think it's time for me to say nighty-night.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi guys,
Thinking of you all tonight. I'm brain frizzled from the day. Tomorrow will hopefully be less intense, then back in the *frying pan* for Wednesday, then Thursday the tile guys come to start the back splash...yippee...then we will finish off the week with a horrendus surgery schedule for Friday. Oh well....job security

Peg, dear one...I will email you tomorrow. We want you well in every aspect.
(((hugs))).
Bren...ditto what Barb said. I was almost in tears reading your post.
Judy....still sending good thoughts and hugs your way...take care of you the best you can, ok?

Everyone else, please forgive my lack of conversation. I going to assume the *sun will come out tomorrow...bet your bottom dollar on tomorrow....tomorrow....*
I'll do better tomorrow...
Love and hugs to all

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!

Barb, how delightful to hear from you in the evening BettyCat's loss is our gain.

I appreciate your reinforcement of my decision, Barb and Shell. It's really difficult for me first to not take on this particular issue and second, to disappoint a friend in the process. I know she'll understand....it's my own inner turmoil, I suppose. I did start volunteering again at hospice about three weeks ago--on a more limited basis than I used to. Some things I can do; some I can't.

Shell, sounds like you'll have another difficult week overall. Gosh, girl, it just never ends, does it. You get your rest when you need it; we know you're always here in spirit.

Judy, be gentle with yourself. We all just do as best as we can in crisis situations. Perfection in eating at a time like this would be superhuman. We'd like to be Wonderwomen, we think we have to be sometimes, but the reality is that we aren't and it's self-defeating to believe we ought to be.

To everyone, good night, good rest, sweet dreams.

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

Happy Happy Birthday, Alida!!!
Hope you have yourself one terrific day!!!
(((Birthday hugs from OOklahoma!!)))

Love ya!
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!

Hey, Birthday Girl! Hear those birdies singing just for you? Is this the very day you get to do the Spa thing? Then...enjoyment guaranteed. I'm in disbelief myself that the old odometer is rolling over into a whole new decade. Denial works!

Bren, I have to say that hospice volunteering, at any level, is way beyond the emotional resources of most of us. We all thank you for this important caring work, which eventually touches us all. You have no reason to feel badly about not taking on more. (And even if you DIDN'T do anything else...you're still off the hook.)

Judy, this rollercoaster ride you're on is extremely wearing. They don't call them comfort foods for nothing. You've got your wits about you, and you have a strategy for later. So...no guilt for you either!

I'm fortified with an OMM for giving blood later today. They like to see us O negs coming.

Back later, Babes.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good Morning!

Peg, I promise to e-mail you later. Those "other issues" are a bummer. (Read that as British understatement). Although having the two surgeries as one is a bonus. I hope you can get an appointment with the new doctor soon, get the surgery scheduled and done. Then you will be able to move on, as the new and "improved" Peg!

Brenda, I strongly ditto Barb's comments about not getting involved in a friend's cause. I know possible animal abuse would be a cause you would jump on to stop. But if you are anything like me, I cannot see it or watch it. If I had a gun in my hand, the person doing the abuse would be shot, on sight. It would cause me too much pain. I could not handle it.

Quick note about "Good Housekeeping." Yesterday I finished up the film overlay on one of the etch jobs. The house seemed to be spotless. I even thought to myself how fantastic it looked. Then, when I was cleaning up the drips from the sprayers, I noticed DUST. Very thick DUST. LOL. Just shows ya that people don't really SEE dust!

Yes, Paige was so excited! Her events were floor, balance beam, vault and one other I can't remember!

Judy, Prayers ascending that DD is moved today. That will mean he was OK over the last 24 hours. I hope it was not pneumonia again. And I hope that getting rid of the blockage will restore some semblance of normalcy. A backup like that surely puts "poisons" in the body and can cause so many other problems. One day at a time. XXOO

Donna, men can be so dumb at times. I hope soaking will solve the burned-on-chili problem.

Bummer on the Shell Gift Certificates. Tricky situation. Fingers crossed, too, that it is not family.

It really is lovely that your DD is starting to share your love of gardening!

One day, maybe we will actually SEE A PICTURE of your garden!

Shelley, yikes. You are are one busy lady. Will you be HOME on Thursday for the tile guys? And don't forget pictures! I am so excited for you!

THANK YOU for the birthday wishes! Hmm. I wonder if Bob bought me a card???

Barb, CNBC, huh? I do hope you can let us know when the report will be shown. Possibly before Mother's Day?

Good news on DH! I'll bet he will be glad to get those stitches out.

I had to laugh at Betty Cat's insistence on a lap. If I am in bed reading, Muffin gets on my lap behind the book and uses her paws to "pull down" the book. In other words, "Mom, get this d*mn book outta here! I want your lap all to myself!" Of course, a belly rub is part of the package.

Terry, good vibes send California-way. Hope you are feeling better today.

I stopped in at Ashley's (new owner) yesterday. Her son is sick and she is sick. I washed my hands before leaving!

Rachel, what's happening?

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

On this, my natal day, I want to share with you part of a note my Mother send to me:

My Very Dear Alida,

Happy Birthday! Happy Spring!

When you were born, everything was in bloom ? violets, lily of the valley, lilacs, cherry blossoms, etc. It was a happy time of year and a happy time of my life. You were very much a happy addition ? I have never regretted the decision to have "the baby."

My mother had a very difficult birth with my older sister. She was advised to not have any more children. When she got pregnant with me, she was told to abort, for her health. She decided to go ahead and have "the baby" via Cesarean. She picked the date. Thank you, Mom.

Busy day today! Main event is to have my hair cut and colored. Then I will mosey on over to the day spa and sign up for my massage (75 minutes), manicure and pedicure. Both man & ped will feature massage, oils and hot wax. Got to thinking that I may not get in until after my surgery. Oh well. It will be something to look forward to!

Holding 143.5 this AM, but I did have LC yogurt last night. Not exactly Induction, but better than LC ice cream. Maybe I will make one of those 3-Minute Chocolate Cakes tonight.

Yesterday:
Calories: 1245
Protein: 82.6
Fat: 91.3
Carbs: 21

Have a wonderful day. I know I will! XXOO

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

DEAR ALIDA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Your Mother's note is SO touching Alida. What a wonderful gift she gave you, both life itself and the love she confirms for you with that lovely remembrance. Have a wonderful day (and a FAB haircut). Hmmm, I think having the spa day to look forward to post surgery might be just the ticket. So, is DH up? Is there a card? LOL! who can ever guess with men, eh?

Ah! Paige is gymnast. Wonderful!!!

Barb, thanks again.
______________
Rain expected today, so maybe I'll do a bit more cleaning (speaking of Good Housekeeping, Alida!) I'm thinking the tops of my kitchen cabinets should be way past ready for dusting and such

You guys would have been proud of my culinary efforts last night--
Garlic-Lime Chicken (reduced sauce properly, even), broccolli rabe, salad, baby watermelon..... I will spare you DH's comments on the broccoli rabe, though. On second thought.....he asked jokingly "is this the stuff Khaki eats in the yard when she needs to throw up?" HA! Very funny, Mister! Well, he really doesn't care for greens (and broccoli rabe is more greens than "broccoli") and eats them only because I keep telling him how good they are for him. So he has to get a little revenge, eh?

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

Hi Gang!

Well, the sun is out ("tomorrow", Shelley. I'd put music notes there if I had them!), but the wind is blowing and we are to have rain later. Actually rain all week and low temps. Blah!

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Alida! What wonderful and precious words from your Mom! She sounds like a very loving Mom. You are very fortunate! I feel that way about Spring too. Everything in bloom. It seems a very good time for birth. (Also for "rebirth.") What a treat that Spa day is going to be. I envy you.

Bren: I am glad that you made the decision not to work with your friend. I think personally that it would be too much for you. You are such a tender person about animals, that I think that you would be broken hearted most of the time. On the other hand, I have found that Hospice work can be very redeeming. I loved it when I did it. There is something aabout helping people be comfortable as they make the greatest of Life's transitions. I echo Barb in my gratitude that you are doing that work.

Judy: So good to hear from you. I know that this time is a roller coaster. I've been there. Fortify yourself in any way that you can. Again, I echo Barb. They don't call it comfort food for no reason. It sounds as though you did really well with your cooking and eating last night though. Give yourself a break right now, okay? Things will settle down. When they do you can pay attention to your eating more closely. I give thanks that I've been doing this WOE long enough that there are only LC foods in the house and I DO know what to eat. I may "cheat" when I'm out, but I can slide back into the WOL pretty easily. Prayers continue to ascend for you and for your DDad. I DO know about impacted bowels. Been there with my Mom when she was in the hospital before she died. It was a terrible mess.

Shelley: Poor dear, I know that you must be really busy right now. Do take care of yourself! Check in when you can. We miss you. You are doing so well with the challenge. I see that you are getting really close to your goal! You go, girl. Let us know when the kitchen is done, and PICHAS!

Rachel: Where are you?

Barb: I just had a ball reading those Shoebox cards at the Drug Store yesterday. We don't have a Hallmark store close. it was such a kick to turn the card over and see the KC address for Hallmark, and then to say to myself, "I know someone who works there!" There is one in the Mall near where I am going to be working. It's the same Mall where I got in trouble when I was working before. In fact, the church that I am going to be working in is only about 6 miles from the one I served for two years and finished last Fall. I think the God knows that I need to be close to a Mall. She keeps calling me to churches close to a Mall! ha!

Donna: Wow, I am praying that the elusive card thief won't be family! I DO know that fear. When our Ds was arrested for selling drugs out of the parsonage (exciting life, huh?), we tore his room apart and found lots of stolen things that we had to return. It was heartbreaking. (This was 20 years ago.) We are family of addicts and recovering addicts. Fun! (Not!)

So, are you out in the dirt? You lucky woman!

Terry: How are you feeling? Oh, I am so sorry for you. I would rather die than have the Stomach Flu. It takes a while to recover from, I know.

You know, I don't remember your update about the condom covered light fixtures. Is everything taken care of now?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I forgot to tell you all that DH got a car. It's an old clunker that he rented for a ridiculously low price. Leave it to him to find that! But, I don't care. I have my car and freedom! I probably won't go anywhere, but it is the principle of the thing!

Today is his day to work, so I am alone. Yay! I'm going to do a little housework and some more fixing of things that need fixing around here. I did get that 000 steel wool, Bren, and am going to try it on the brass. I still need to begin on that border in the bdrom. Oh well. Our wonderful neighbors from upstairs are coming for wine and cheese this afternoon, so I need to clean the living room. Nothing around here gets too cluttered with just the two of us, but I am reminded by your "dust" story, Alida. (ha!)

I'll check in 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

(peeping into the land of the living...) ttL, the nauseua finally subsided about 3 am. I'm still really sore and leaden feeling, but oh what a relief to not feel like hurling. I've only sipped water as I really am appreciating this respite and I don't want to rock the boat yet. I will try holding down the sofa today, as I'm very tired of the bedroom. Downside of the sofa is that I'm seeing dust bunnies and moseying up to chase them with a dry mop. Really needs the vacuum, but I'm NOT going there. I lost 6.5 lbs since Saturday, but I do not expect to keep them off - in my experience, weightloss due to illness just bounces right back. Still, perhaps this is an opportunity to trim off some of the more indulgent habits I've formed.

Happy Birthday, Alida. What a wonderful, from-the-heart message from your mother. Best wishes for a wonderful new decade!

Peg you can insert a little smilie that's gaily whistling musical notes by typing a colon, the word "music" and a colon :music : (but with ~no~ spaces)

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

Happy Birthday, Alida may you have a wonderful day and many more. Your mother's note was so touching and from the heart. Something I would keep in a very special place.

Peg: Maybe there will be a break in the rain for you to do some planting this weekend. Rain doesn't stop me. We have a partly covered patio and I just go under the covered part and plant my pots and hanging baskets at the table there. Hmmm...reminder to self...need more plants for pots.

Thank you for sharing with me what you have gone through with your ds. As awful as it sounds, it helps to hear that other people have gone through and know that you aren't the only one that has family problems. Sometimes I wonder where I went wrong when these problems arise but deep down I know it's not my fault. (I hope)

Brenda: I'm with you on not voluntering at that shelter. I just couldn't do it. I have to turn away when something like that comes on TV. I could get very angry and say and do things I shouldn't. I'd never get pictures of cruelty out of my mind. But, I have terrible problems telling peope no. I need to take advise from Barb, I think.

Terry: Glad you are feeling a little better. Wow...6.5 pounds is a lot! You have been sick!! Lay yourself down on the couch and turn on the boob tube and forget those dust bunnies...they aren't going anywhere.

Shelley: Awww, I'm sorry you're having such a crappy week. Just keep thinking about Thursday and those gorgeous backsplashes...that should help.

Ilse: Where are you hiding? It's been awhile since you've posted. Hope you're okay!

Rachel: Missing your posts too, but I know how busy you are. Let us know you're okay.

Judy: You're dad sure is going through everything at once. Hope he's better today. Echoing everyone else...take care of you...this woe will wait for you until things settle down.

Believe it or not...I'm starting to enjoy my little exercise sessions at night. I start out on the stationary bike and read my book while I'm peddling my a$$. I upped it to 4 miles last night. Then 50 reps on the easy glider. Since dh got home late last night, I did it before dinner. Then after dinner, I was actually feeling like I wanted to do it again. (don't worry...I didn't do anything stupid like double my exercise...I'm not that committed. lol) But, I did walk the furkids and added 2 more blocks onto their walk...they weren't impressed.

I did get my new roaster oven clean. Took a lot of scrubbing and picking at the burns but it's clean now. I don't think I'll let it out of the house again seeing as it doesn't come back in the same shape as it went out.

Lovely, blue skies today but I'd better enjoy it...weatherman says another cold front is coming in tomorrow. Figures...we have a ballgame.

Back to work for me...boss is coming...no, no, get away with that whip. lol

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

So ~ they have "flying" sofas in California too.

I remember Shelley holding down her sofa a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for the smilie advice.

Donna: I comfort myself with the fact that my kids were born leaving home. Therefore, there came a time when they began making decisions that have absolutely nothing to do with me. I would be hard pressed to say when that was, but some time in Jr. High I think. They made bad decisions and they made good ones. I cannot take the blame or the credit for the consequences. I have peace with that.

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

Hey galpals!
This will probably be S&S(short and sweet). Headed for a hot shower and jammies

Peg...I'm not really close to goal...my ticker is still about 4 lbs wrong, so I'm still lookin' to lose 24 lbs or so...sigh. One of these days I'll get there...

Alida...our Birthday Girl! Hope you had a wonderful time at the spa.
Tell us about the rest of your day! Dinner out with DH?

Judy...wondering how things are with your dad. Hope you got some good news today. Pneumonias can be very serious with the elderly, as I'm sure you know. Sometimes if they have difficulty handling their secretions, it can be an ongoing battle; sure hope that's not the case with your dad.

Bren...I've thought about volunteering at a hospice when I go back to part time. You are an angel, m'dear, no doubt about it! Still curious about the dad thing...did you ever find out what had him hopping back and forth from the car to the house? Maybe we can just chalk it up to being a *man-brain thing*?Like who knows what the male species thinks sometimes, and why they think it....snort!

Barb...So that's your exercise secret, eh? Hate housework so much, you'd rather pump iron? hehe! Maybe I should take that attitude...I've only managed 2 walks this week...aarrggh. I need to get my brain around the exercise concept....again.

Rach...hey there! Hope things are going great with you and your visitors.
Having to much fun, I bet

Teel...goodness...you are having a time of it with that stomach flu! I definitely recommend holding the sofa down...LOL...a few weeks ago it was my favorite past time. I know, it does get old, but take care of yourself...no relapses allowed!

Donna...I'm on countdown for the tile guys...LOL. Seems like my kitchen has been torn up forever, but it's only been a little over a week. DH and our neighbor took out my lower flourescent lights today. They are doing some research on what they will replace them with. I'm a tad nervous about them doing the work...I really would feel better if an electrician did it, but DH says he and Ron can handle it. So.......whatdaya do?

I didn't track foods today. Ate a few items off plan, but got back on for dinner, so if I have to pay, I have to pay Hopefully a few extra bottles of water will make the carb bloat go away. This is Nurse's week, and administration treated us to a breakfast, a chair massage, and a gift card. I caved and had half a bagel...bad Shelley!

OK....I'm fading fast, thanks in part to a small dose of Benedryl for allergies...so guess I'd better get in the shower before I slide right on out of this chair and onto the floor...zzzzzzzzz.......LOL!

Hugs and love to all!
later chickadees!
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!

Hi all, Sorry to hit and run again. I am trying to stay up even though I have not been commenting. I do think of you all. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

Today's good news --- DDad was stable and released from the hospital to a rehab/skill nursing facility (SNF).

The bad news --- It was fairly traumatic and hard for everyone. Ex.--He was in the first room for about an hour and the "roommate" was screaming about how bad the place was and that they should get a lawyer together so that they could sue the facility. This was a man that DDad had known previously at his old apartment complex and even though Daddy knows that he is a malcontent, it was not an issues that he was capable of dealing with at the time. Needless to say it was not a good start. There were also food and medicine issues. Bobby stayed over for another night so that there would be a familiar face there for Daddy's first morning -- his worst time of the day. Bless Bobby's heart, I don't know what I would do without him. It's been pretty rough on me today, too. I think I better put me to bed.

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

Good morning, dear hearts. I hope at this moment everyone in every time zone except Rachel's is still snoozing. Especially you, Judy.

Even the best of nursing homes can be a troubling experience for the residents and their families alike. Hope your dad gets a more peaceful roommate anyway. There's really no alternative to a skilled nursing home when safety is a big issue.

Teel, you've really been through the wringer. Flu--the world's worst weight-loss scheme.

Alida, we're grateful to your mom, too. What a lovely note. Perhaps one of the reasons I became a card writer (I was one long before I did it professionally) is to be sure everybody gets to hear loving feelings from people who care, but who aren't as articulate as your mother. Now I will always see you cradled like a baby goddess in the blooms of spring.

Donna, be careful--exercise can be addictive! Glad to hear you're finding it more enjoyable. Do you suppose "dancing to the boss's tune" could be considered a form of exercise?? I'm sure you'd rather be out planting flowers--good exercise, too.

Today I'm taking advantage of our "work at home" privilege--one day a month. I'll be mostly working on the run, however. After gym this morning, I take one car for an oil change (I've written a lot of good stuff in the customer lounge there!) Then DH's appts. Eye doc, ER (to get the stitches removed). While I'm at it, I might find time to get Betty to the vet for her annuals. This is the kind of day that makes me wonder how anybody ever finds time to "go to work." We all need a wife!

I'm taking it easy on the bike this morning. I was reminded when I gave blood yesterday to avoid "heavy lifting" so I decided (reluctantly, but sensibly) to skip my weights class last night. I doubt that my red cells have had time to rebound, so I'll just go through the motions today. The decline in oxygen uptake capability really is noticeable. I need to show up for class anyway because the group is usually small, and I want to be sure they don't cancel it for lack of participation.

This is getting kinda long. Hello to everybody I missed. See you later!

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

First -- Judy -- sigh. You mentioned "first room." Does that mean your Dad did get another room, away from the malcontent? I do hope so. Bless Bobby. And bless you.

It is definitely "the-morning-after." I splurged at dinner last night. Pizza and chocolate cake with ice cream. I have piggy fingers this morning. And the scale? Wow. Up five pounds, LOL. So back to induction. Was it worth it? Oh, yeah.

I should clarify that note from my Mom. She wrote that between 1980 and 1984. Unfortunately, the letter is not dated. She died in December of 1984. I treasure it.

I was really torn as to when to do my Spa Day. When I called, they could take me Monday (the day before my surgery) for the pedicure and massage. I decided to go then, especially since I don't know what my recovery time will be and how long my neck will be tender and swollen. This way, I will have a nice relaxing day the day before surgery. Sounds good to me. And the manicure? I got one "in between" my color job.

Thank you for all your "cards" and good wishes! NO CARD from Bob. But I should not complain. Years ago, we decided to "do away" with cards between us. And at least this year my sister remembered my birthday. That was a BIG surprise!

I am going to beg off from responding to everyone this morning. Actually, I am a little sick to my stomach and I have to do another etch job today. No, it's not flu. It's too much pizza and chocolate.

Love you all!

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