today's schedule..........goof off, grade a little, eat, goof off, grade a little, eat, repeat over and over. There is a truck of exams delayed somewhere between New Jersey and Nebraska. We are out of tests in our room until they get here. I have eaten things that I have not touched for the last three+ years. To be honest, I am sick of all the food by now. Portion control??? what's that?

Alida, you are right, Plano is a suburb of Dallas. It is to the north of the city, and in its own right a pretty good sized place. Our home is about 150 miles east.

Peg, yes, I will see DD. All the leftover stuff from DDad's apartment will go to DS's house. He and DDIL will have a garage sale to get rid of it.

It's supposed to be a temp of 101 in Dallas this weekend. I predict a sweaty move.

The line for the computers is stacking up............ over and out for now.

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

LOL, Judy! You make it sound like purgatory; but I'm sure it's funny in a way. Will they call you back later if the truck is delayed beyond your planned stay?

Donna, I just wilt when I read your summer schedule... work, mowing, watering, cooking, cleaning, ball games... whew! I hope your trip this weekend is really fun. It's funny, buy I'd love to be close enough to Canada to go shopping there. Especially for clothing - at least, years back it seemed like clothing in Canadian stores was better made and less expensive than what's generally available here.

Shelley, I spent much of today trying to run down that color science make-up. First I went to Aesthetechs, which turned out to be in a medical offices building. The skin care people share the office, but only in one or two days a week. The receptionist said they were in Los Gatos today, so I toodled over there. Alas, no help really. The receptionist there tried to show me the make-up, as they had foundation testers . But, she was so vague, couldn't help with color choice or explain the advantages - other than it being SPF20.

I finally asked, "You don't seem very keen on this make-up?" And, she admitted that she found it to be too heavy. At $50 a pop for the powder foundation, I concluded it was too spendy for my purse anyway. So, I notice that L'oreal has a new minerals-based foundation with the same ingredients as the color science foundation. For $15, I decided I could give that a try.

Hey, Brenda! What a great thing to pay off your mortgage! I've got my fingers crossed that sale nets you enough for that and a bit to play with, too!

Peg, how odd that 36 adults at a voluntary class were so reluctant to participate! I mean, they ~want~ to be there, right? It's not like is compulsary, is it? Well, hopefully it's just shyness and they will start unbending soon. You have my sympathy about the painful pelvic exam - I have the same experience now days. Not fun. So not fun.

Barb, you can't go wrong with Antonio Banderas in my book. I LOVED his rendition of Puss 'n Boots in Shrek II. Is this for cards that have musical chips in them? I think that would be really, really hilarious to open a card and hear Antonio Banderas in his catly role!

Alida, I think I'd like a job that offered me both inside and outside tasks. I think that kind of variety would make the work week go much faster. Unless... all the inside work piles up waiting for you while you do the tint and etch jobs. That would suck. But, then ost of my jobs have been like that - take off for a class or vacation or just work on a different project and comeback to a big backlog.

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

Gosh, TB, too bad you didn't find someone knowledgeable about the mineral make-up. The thing that has kept me from trying the L'oreal is that the color choices seem to be so different than "regular" foundations. Still, an interesting subject. Let us know what you think!

Oh my, I pity the poor kids if those tests don't show up, Judy. I know it's a different thing, but we've had a high school nearby whose SAT's will not be scored for this last testing because the proctors started a few minutes late. Some of those kids were trying for early admission and haven't been able to find an opening to test anywhere else that will get their results back in time, supposedly.

Donna, I know what you mean about never thinking you'd own anything. I think your time and hard work will win out. I bet the next three years will go pretty fast for you, and before you know it, your place will be actually YOURS

Know what, I'll bet your mil and fil don't expect the motor home to be perfect--I imagine they are just thrilled to be going with you. I do think you should insist the next trip be "yours" however. You'll have to let us know what the damages are, LOL!

Peg, spent quite a while scraping the flaking paint off the shed, oh joy. Next, the thing really needs to be power washed before I prime--hoping to get DH interested in doing that, heh, heh. Also planted a some baskets of flowers for my deck and "harvested" a giant crop (like a half dozen) sugar snap peas for dinner. Oh, and made a big batch of semi-lc croutons. Ahhh, the joy of domesticity, har!

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

Howdy!
From overly sunny, hot and dry OOOOOklahoma!!!...aacckk! It's so hot!!! How hot is it, you ask. It's so hot all the little birds in our back yard have splashed the birdbaths dry 3 times since I've been home!. I'm not kidding...I just went out for the third time and filled up the b-baths again. Then when they are not splashing, they are sitting on the edge of the bath with their little mouths open trying to cool themselves(that's the bird way)...poor little things.

Judy...good luck moving in the heat...stay hydrated! I think OKC and Dallas are in the same hot zone for the week end. I dread the thought of July and August since it's this hot now...

Bren...WOOHOO...here's hoping you get top dollar for those stocks! A paid off mortgage is truly peace of mind...not to mention it just down right makes ya happy!!!
We paid off our first house that way...DH sold his stocks and that's how we decided to invest the $$$$. Best wishes for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ comin' atcha!

Alida...I think you are about as busy as when you owned the business, yes? I can hardly keep up with you! Congrats on getting your own *space* in the basement office. Do you think it will be quiter and more conducive to a good working environment, or will the kids have access to the basement as well? Hope not.

Barb....Since I'm not a movie goer on a regular basis, I have never seen Shrek, but hear it was hilarious. I would think any cat lover would snatch a card up with the *coughing up a present* line...I know I would. You clever, clever gal, you! I hope it gets selected and better yet..I hope it's a top seller! Let us know what develops, OK?

Peg...dear one...how are you doing today? You sound more chipper and almost back to normal, yes? Hope your class becomes more inter-active in the near future. Talk about *dying on stage*....oh, my.

Teel...oh man...I'm so sorry you didn't get the assistance you needed to try the colorescience makeup. It is a little pricey, but it lasts forever. I have been using my original foundation since last October, and I bet I have more than enough to get me to the 1 year mark. I think it's quite the opposite...very light and natural. Anyway...I hope you like the L'Oreal minerals. I didn't know they had come out with a mineral line. Let us know what you think after the *honeymoon*, OK?

Donna....hey girl! By the time your weekend trip rolls around, you are going to be exhausted with all you have to do to get ready, eh? Well...I sure hope you get a chance to unwind, relax, and above all....SPEND SOME SERIOUS $$$$$$$$$$$$....cha-ching!!!! You go girl! Happy shopping, dearie!!!

Rach...hey to you! Hope you are having a ball as well on your holiday

Alrighty...I get to be off tomorrow....yipeeee! Unfortunately, the electrician has to come out and replace one of the new kitchen lights...it's already quit working...grrrr.
I am planning an early morning walk before it gets miserable, then some errands either before or after the electric dude man comes.

I am also giving great consideration to doing SBD again. I dug out my book and have been re-reading it. Phase I is just as challenging as 2 weeks of induction, IMO. I've got to shake things up somehow. I just seem to be spinning my wheels...lose a pound or two, up a pound or three...you know my sad song by now, I'm sure...sigh.
AARRGGHH!!!!!! At any rate, I'm just miserable with myself at this point.
OK........enough of the bad ju-ju. I'm off to play a relaxing game of mahjong

later, chickadees!
(((hugs all round)))
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!

Just tried the L'Oreal and it isn't as fine and silky a powder as the colorscience tester, but it seems to cover a little better. Can't be sure as I only tried the colorscience powder on my forearm, not my face.

Okay... quickie side-by-side comparison of Almay Smart Shade foundation (my current favorite) and L'oreal Bare Naturale powdered mineral foundation.

Almay Smart Shade liquid:
goes on better - especially re: filling pores
semi-matte finish isn't too dry looking
less clingie to peach fuzz, so it's less noticable
doesn't emphasize fine lines and wrinkles
good coverage of uneven skin tones and broken veins
fairly easy to blend with unmade up skin on neck

L'Oreal Bare Naturale mineral powder
feels lighter (although the Smart Shade line is pretty light, too)
doesn't fill pores on the nose as well, even with some rubbing with a finger
semi-matte finish looks just slighly dry
good coverage of uneven skin tones, broken veins
very easy to blend with unmade up skin on neck
powder/applicator bottle is a bit messy to use

At this point, I prefer the look of the Almay, even though the L'Oreal is lighter feeling and more breatheable.

I might reserve the L'Oreal mineral powder for days when I'm going to be out in the heat - I think it would hold up better if I get a little sweaty.

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

Thursday already! This week is going fast for me, so I guess I must be having fun. Yesterday I was watching DVDs of old Murder She Wrote episodes. Found a terrific SCREAM with suspense music that would make a great sound clip for a card with Jessica on it.

Those DVD movies on the computer screen have such beautiful resolution and picture quality. The gorgeous skin (or make-up jobs) on the leading ladies is impressive. Maybe I should look into actually wearing skin-cover make-up. I'm intrigued by the idea of L'oreal mineral colors--I'll look for that next time I'm in the cosmetics dept. Generally, my idea of make-up is a fluff of Physician's Formula color-correcting powder, a swipe of eyeshadow, and a flick of mascara. On a desert island, I'd opt for the mascara alone.

Shelley, try not to be "miserable" with yourself. Nobody else loves you more or less because of a weight management issue. I think it's a good idea for you to look into SBD. A fresh approach is often motivating. I've got that book around here somewhere, and I'll try to review the basics so I can respond as you go along.

Peg, I've struggled with classrooms of deadheads, too. One technique I often use to get myself off the hook is "small groups." People think they'll hate it, but they end up liking it. By subdividing the large group into smaller discussion groups, everyone feels more comfortable expressing an opinion on the questions or issues you give them to talk about. Then the groups can report to the larger group. The downside is, you don't get to hear everything they're talking about, but you can circulate.

Anything you can think of to engage the group in a physical activity is helpful, too. For example, to demonstrate apartheid, you can use the classic exercise of the teacher who divided blue-eyed kids from brown-eyed ones. Make the blue-eyed (or whatever) people stand, while the brown-eyed people can sit for a period of time.

I do agree with Shelley though. They'll warm up.

Donna, you do lead a busy life--many activities and relationships to manage, not to mention work and homemaking. My life is so simple by comparison, and I must say I'm fine with that. Three years isn't long, and I find that I'm somewhat in denial about the decision I've made to retire in 2010. I've been going to an office since I was 20 years old. While I don't doubt that there's life after retirement, some part of me likes getting paid (and admired) for what I do every day. I'm not sure how I'll handle a less-structured lifestyle. Oh well. It will be here before I'm quite ready.

Alida, I'll take a page from you about dealing with change and chaos. You are the role model of true grit.

A long-time friend of mine, poet Gail White, has been wonderfully reviewed on an online poetry magazine site. I'm so proud of her, as we've struggled through the disappointments of the literary life together for more than 20 years, during which we have exchanged countless letters. We may be the last of the letter-writers. Someday I may be her biographer. At the very least, I'm the keeper of a vast collection of valuable papers. If you're interested, please go here: www.mezzocammin.com and click on the Criticism link. Look for Julie Kane on Gail White.

Time to go.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Hmm. Wonder where Barb is this morning.

So much chat and so little time to respond. I am going through a new phase of getting up later so I don't have the luxury of extra time.

Peg, I have to agree with the person who said these 39 people were at your class by choice. So why the silence? Did they all read the book?

Terry, thank you for being our mineral make up guinea pig! Gosh, your comparison is worthy of a cosmetologist. Almay, huh? For $15 I can give that a go. I've tried so many foundations but I just can't seem to find one I love. Basically I use Revlon and I also have some Paula's Choice. I have trouble finding the right color.

Shelley, the poor birds! Bless your heart for filling the bird bath so often. I have a new one in the front yard, but the birds are not flocking to it yet. But we are only in the low 90's now. Maybe not hot enough?

I am with you 100%. Up, down, up, down. Very discouraging. I've never tried South Beach.

Brenda, Good vibes are being sent to you. May the stock Gods smile upon your options sale! Paying off the house is BIG. And you're right. It would definitely be one less worry if DH is let go.

Judy, LOL at your description of your day! I know what you mean about getting "tired" of eating. I do believe the one thing Dr. A has instilled in us is a sense of what foods are right to eat, even if we stray a little! So too much of other foods makes us feel a little guilty.

I do hope that truck makes it in time. What will happen if it doesn't? It does seem a little strange that they would schedule the grading at a time before ALL the tests are IN.

Donna, whew! So much work to have the time for some FUN. When you say working until 10PM, you do mean at home and not at the office, right?

Rachel, HI!

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

I got my computer at the "office" set up yesterday. Sigh. She went really cheap and there is a ridiculously low amount of memory. I forget what it is, but less than 512. I have 1025 on my home computer and that one sings! Plus, she got a wireless network instead of a hardwire. Can you say SLOW? So today, the geeks are coming back to hardwire the network (if I am using the proper terminology). I also think she is going to have to add some more memory, but that's a no brainer. ALSO, the old monitor, is very fuzzy. When I first looked at it, it seemed OK. But now that it's hooked up to the new computer, the type seems grey and fuzzy. Probably a high dot pitch? Lousy internal graphics card? So she brings down a flat panel from another computer and when plugged in it just says it's not supported. Tried looking for a driver CD. Can't find it. SIGH.

Today I will not be going into the office. I am doing an etch job. In and out of a bathtub about 50 times. Can you say exercise? LOL.

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

Posting simultaneously, Alida--that's where! I'm appalled at the computer situation at your new workplace. Getting OUT of that office--no matter how hard the etch work--should be a relief.

As little as I know about computers, there's no reason that I know of that wireless would be slower than hardwire. I use wireless all the time at home, and my access is fast. Hope the techs can get it all up to speed as it were.

On we go.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi Gang!Shel: Perhaps you should send your little birds here to bleeping MA, where they could take a bath in great big puddles! We have yet to see ANY heat. Today it is in the 50's and we are supposed to have rain again!! It rained so hard yesterday, with a Northeast wind, that it rained actually IN to our living room and basement through the sliders. Our basement ceiling (acoustical tiles) are half ruined. Lots of big water stains on them. The carpet got wet too, but we were able to sop it up. I'm so mad I think we'll move to Southern California!! (Ha!) At least the wind has stopped. Today it's rain and rain and rain. I've moved my turtlenecks so many times that I've just decided to keep them out on the guestroom bed so they will be available. (Rant over)

I, too, looked up Colorscience. There is a Spa nearby where I work that sells it. I might make an appt there. I wear Lancome, and have for years. In the Summer, I wear their light "star Bronzer" as my foundation. I also use their sun tan spray-on stuff. It comes the closest to what my skin looks like when it is tanned. Also, it lasts for several days before I have to reapply. Shelley, your skin is so fair and beautiful. I actually have an olive complexion, with more and more little dark spots as I age, though you would never know it the way it gets bleached out in this sunless country in which I live! (opps, there goes that weather rant again!)

Barb
Great minds think alike, girlfriend! I spent yesterday plotting out how to set up the room in small groups, as well as changing the curriculum so that they can work together that way.

Let me 'splain about this poor group of people. Yes. They were there because they desperately want to find out how to reconcile and be a happy church again. But, they don't yet understand that no "expert from the outside" is going tell them how to do it. They have to figure out how to do it themselves with the tools that I will give them. The reason they didn't talk is because they have such a low trust level among them.

As far as standing in front of 35 people and talking, believe me, I have NO trouble doing that! Remember that I preach to several hundred on Sundays.

Well, AMEN, girl! I have a million stories, and I can entertain 35 people with no trouble! I love it! And, I can sit with the silence for quite a while too. In fact, I kind of get a kick out of it. People get so antsy, and finally someone will say something just to stop the silence!

The thing that I have to be keenly aware of is my ego. Because I am a public figure and because in the first few weeks of almost any ministry, people think I am the "next best thing to sliced bread," I have to gently remind myself again and again that I am really not such hot s***. Yeah, I have gifts. But, so do they. They just don't know it yet!

Oh darn, it is 9:00 and I have to go and shower and get ready to go to PT. I'll come back after I get home. I want to answer more of you!

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Hi guys,
Just a quickie fly by before I hop in the shower.
Peg...I just want to say, that I use the colorescience foundation color *Light as a Feather*; my blush color is *Apple of my eye*, which is a very soft pinky-red. Sometimes I use a blush called *Barely There* which is a little more peachy. Then I top off everything with a diffuser called *Snow Leopard*. I think the diffuser is the most important part, IMO. Anyhoo...it's a process and if I remember correctly it took me about a week or so to get the application down just right. I'm really not trying to promote this line of makeup minerals, it's just what my friend got me started on, and it works for me. Gotta do what's right for you, yanno?

Alrighty...just got back from my walk....yes...I did sweat the BIG one! LOL!
Off to shower and get some chores done.

I, to, will be back later.......
(((hugs)))
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!

Morning, Gang!

I'm flying by, too. Need to run errands right now, but will check in later, hopefully before my last minute pedi appointment at 2:30

Hugs to all.
bc

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

Seems like we're all "flying high" today. I have invoices waiting for me :( so I can't stay and chat....I'll try to get back in later too.

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

Ok, whew, back for a while!

Shelley, aw, poor little birdies. I love to watch them take baths, but it is sad to see them so hot isn't it. Bless you for changing the water so often.

SBD isn't a bad way to go, Shell. More moderate than Atkins. The only caution I can think of is that SBD adds back carbs rather quickly, and that can be positive or negative, depending. A lot of people do very well on it, though. You've got support here, kid.

TB, thanks for the rundown on the foundations. The differences are really interesting. Great reminder that the mineral make-up would do better in hot weather. I think Shell told me that at the Convergence, but CRS. Today would have been a good day for me to test it!. Alida, speaking of Paula's Choice, I like her skin care, but never found a foundation color I liked, either--plus it was too difficult to guess by mail. Believe it or not, my favorite right now is Isadora Lift and Cover foundation from Walgreen's, which I like better than the Clinique I used to wear back when. The Idadora is about $15, too. Gals , at the next Convergence , we'll have to have a Wine and make-up party. Rachel, you can do the wine part and just laugh at the rest of us, LOL!

Alida, keep telling yourself--ok, at the least, this is experience. You've the patience of saints, for sure. Hope your etch job goes flawlessly.

Barb, I'll check out the review on Gail White. I loved the chapbook you and she penned I hope that when and if you do retire, we'll see more poetry. I do know what you mean about the DVD's. The TV DH bought for our bedroom a few months ago is a flat screen HDTV, really a computer monitor in drag, and DVD's and digital/high definition shows and channels are amazing.

Peg, you are having truly ghastly weather! I had no idea. We're finally getting some days in the 80's, and I'm quite giddy with sunshine.

Sounds like your congregation would rather be handed a plan, which of course they could then grouse about. But at least they're there, listening, and willing--and that seems like more than they've been willing to do before.

Donna, invoice time? OH NO!!! Yup, you'll be busy...
And Rachel, I'll have to look back to see where you are, but wherever that is, I do hope you are relaxed, tanned, and content.
__________________
We may have actually timed the stock options right--the stock is down over $1/share so far today. Can't believe we may have done something right, since it's my nature to procrastinate.

DDad is off to Arkansas tomorrow. I have to laugh--Peg, he'd give you a good run for your money in the clothes packing department on his trips. Honestly, he also has a pair of shoes for every outfit, and an outfit for every possible occasion He'll be gone a week, if that, and has been loading his car since yesterday.

Enough for now. I need to clip 32 furgirl nails, then have my own duded up with a trashy red. Later, kids!

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

Whew!

I'm back too for a few minutes before I put the dinner on.

Donna: I hope that your weekend is just wonderful in my ds's State. Dh talked to both of them this week, but I didn't hear about weather. I hope that you find some things that you like in your shopping. I also hope that your travels with dfil and dmil are just great. You deserve some good family time.

Terry: So, are you an old soul in a young body? You have such good wisdom! I love reading your posts.

Judy: Oh, girl, I can so relate to eat, walk a little and eat again. Every day this past Winter, I said to myself, "Okay, today you can do without Mexican food." But, I just couldn't. I couldn't. Judy, I ate stuff that I hadn't eaten in 3+ years too! What is it with us, girl? Maybe we just fell big time off the wagon! So, I feel as though I am dragging along behind that wagon now. But, it doesn't hurt too badly because of the big butt I'm dragging along behind me! Sheesh, I can't even believe what I look like from the back! Someone told me that I shouldn't look from that angle in the mirror. I believe that they are right. I was so disgusted today.

Alida: You know, I realized that to work in my own basement wouldn't bother me at all. Maybe the basement that you are in has windows. The one we had in Michigan didn't. It always felt really lonely and dark down there. But, here, it is a walk-out basement, so it feels just like the first floor, which also is a walk-out. Seems impossible, huh? Not if you live on a hill.

Well, I gotta go back to the kitchen. TTL, this week is over tonight and I will not have to cook for another week! I'm tired of this already and it's only been a few weeks. I like just relaxing at the dinner fixing hours. I don't mind at all doing the clean up. In fact, I like it!

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

Having a week off will be great! Any chance you could do some make-ahead menus so that you only have a little food prep at night? When I was work for Mrs. B, I was gone from about 3:30 to 7:30 pm. Sometimes, I got everything ready early, while I was still energetic. You know - the cutting up, arranging in baking pans or pots, or; I made forgiving pre-cooked dishes for re-heating. Then, things were rolling fast when I got in the door. But, even better to have a week to kick back! Oh, I just think I'm an old broad, really. I cannot imagine what gives you the queer notion about the wisdom... but I'm thrilled with the compliment anyway!

That's a crying shame about the water damage just as you are trying to get the house in showing condition. Is that an HOA repair or does this come out of your pockets? It seems like you've had way too many incidents of water damage in the MA place over the last three years.

Brenda, that's too funny about your dad being such a clothes horse - not a frequently seen trait in older gents. Actually, thinking on what I see older gents wearing, this might be a better place if more guys were like that! I'm sure you'll enjoy having a bit of time just for you and DH.

Shelley, your heatwave sounds just crazy! I'm glad you are so thoughtful and put out cooling water for the birds. Do you have water restrictions? If not maybe running a little garden sprinkler on a very low setting might help them out on such hot days? I had a sprinkler that put out thin spiraling streams of water from a rotating sun face. It was really more garden art than a functional sprinkler, but the birds enjoyed it.

Alida, I'd suspect the poor display on the new computer is due to a low end graphics card; but maybe downloading a new driver and changing the display settings will help a bit. Maybe the networking geeks can work that out. Like Barb, we use wireless networking for our laptops and find it is just as fast as the hardwired PC downstairs.

Barb, I didn't realize you are so close to retirement. Will DH retire at the same time, or will you have to find things to do without him for a while? I know you will make the most of it either way... and probably find outlets for your creativity that garner much admiration, too.

Donna, are the furkids going with you to Washington? That's so convenient that you can just load them up when travelling, if you want to. My pets would NOT be happy going anywhere away from home. I shudder to think!

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