Didn't happen today. I had a message from my hair dresser on my machine when I got home...the poor thing had to go home sick at noon. She sounded horrible. I'm glad she cancelled her afternoon. If only more people would stay home when they are ill....sigh.
OK...so, no new *do* for me this week; maybe next week, we'll see.

DH and I went on our dinner date last night, and we went to our little neighborhood Chinese restaurant( Dot Wo, Bren )...and yes, dang it, I had some rice, but the best thing was my fortune. It just hit me(in a big way), and I'm going to laminate it and carry it with me. I know...sounds a bit cheesey, but I'm a desperate woman...I NEED my switch to turn on!
Anyway, the fortune said "You'll accomplish more if you start now". How much more clear of a message can I get, for Pete's sake??? Clean up my food intake act this very instant...don't wait until the end of the year. So, I sure hope that little piece of paper will continue to be a BIG inspiration...heaven knows I need SOMETHING to inspire me right about now!

Sorry to drone on and on and make this an *all about me* post. I think of you all each and every day, and I can't wait until the *frenzy of the season* settles down a bit (and I go part time ) so I can have more time to visit with you all a bit every day!

For tonight, once again...hot shower, pj's and an early crash landing as I have to be up and at'em at 0400. I'm just to darn old to be getting up that early...LOL....seriously...no, seriously!

(((hugs to all)))

me

__________________
Shelley


Visit Kassie's Korner


"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
--Antoine de Saint Exupery

I’m SOONER born,
And SOONER bred,
And when I die,
I’ll be SOONER dead!
GO SOONERS!
I be ready for some football!

One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

Shelley, and everyone else for that matter, never apologise for an "all about me" post. I love reading all about you! Each of you!

Peg, I think the Craftsman sounds YUMMY! They are ~so~ charming and most of those were so well built. I bet the place is framed in old growth redwood - the very best building material you could hope for - so strong and termite resistant. My one thought is, will you have a lift available if one of you gets a bum knee or back that makes stairs difficult? Some other kind of handicapped access? If needed, could you put one of those foldaway chair lifts on the stairway? Heaven forbit you should need it, but it won't hurt to get a clarification from the OFH on that point. If one of you couldn't handle stairs, would the ofh move you to a downstairs unit or a building with an elevator?

I am really trying to hold the line, and I've got my heels dug in. But, I can feel them skidding as the lure of Xmas treats swirls around me.

My yoga teacher brought some "LC" cookies made from almond meal for our little Xmas lunch. She told us they were diabetic friendly and insisted everyone take some home. So, yep, I did the bad - ate them all as soon as I got home. And, I've been jonesing for candy ever since. I almost broke into the box of See's chocolates I got for my aunt... I had to stop myself several times, in fact. Instead, today I bought some Russell Stover SF chocolates. And, I ate quite a few. I will probably have a tummy ache from the maltitol, but I figure all the better to help me avoid more such incidents.

So, not great on the weight front - up to 139.5 this morning. Still, I figure half measures are better than throwing in the towel.

Heather, I thing you have such a wonderfully healthy attitude about self-sufficiency and making do. KUDOS! Take a bow! What a great role mode you would make! I think Parade magazine should do an article about you and others who have learned to make it on their own even when the going is tough.

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

I came, I read, and now it's time for bed..............It's final exam week guys. Like Shelley, I'll catch up with you later.

Oh wait! One big piece of news today. I have been invited to participate in the final stage of rewriting the new exam for the National Standard on Economics Education. This means another trip (at someone else's expense). So, my spring is going to be busy. I'll be in Chicago for a long weekend in February and now St. Louis for 5 days in March. Gotta love those "business" trips.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Good morning!

Tonight's my night for "Girl's Night Out." That will be fun. I just wrote a note to myself to get the cookies out of the freezer and do some more cookie boxes this morning. I even gave myself a manicure last night. And I am back down to 143 after the little chocolate chip cookie episode last weekend. Whew. One thing I am noticing .... eating a few LC cookies seems to be OK. But LC chocolate with nuts has more consequences. I'd better make another bunch of those LC Pecan Sandies ... this time with Erythritol. I learned a new trick with this recipe. Roll the cookies in a ball with your hands and put them on the cookie sheet. Cover with saran wrap, then press each cookie down with the bottle cap from a big bottle of vitamins or whatever. You get perfectly round cookies! I used this when making the regular chocolate chip and it works great. Don't forget to remove the saran wrap before baking!

Oh! Shelley -- I made your nuts. I used half splenda and half erythritol. Seems like the baking time may have to be shortened. I was on my last 10 minutes and after 5, they were smoking! But they are good. I got them out of the oven before they got burned.

Today is Bob's birthday! He is 74. No hoopla. He is going to play golf (it should get close to 60 today). On Sunday we are meeting the kids for a birthday dinner.

RANT -- here it is, 11 days before Christmas and I have still not received my sister's Christmas list. It's usually all on-line ordering. I will NOT pay super-shipping charges to get things here in time. She will have to get a picture wrapped in a box and I will probably have them sent directly to her. SIGH. I go through this hassle every year. I tried calling yesterday -- no answer. I sent two e-mails -- no answer. Now I am starting to worry. Just what I need. -- END RANT.

Another "all about me." I've got to get those cookies out of the freezer. Be back tomorrow AM. Everyone, 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

Actually, "all about me" posts are delightful. How else are we going to know??

Teel, I didn't entirely dodge the sugar yesterday at the office party. It isn't true that little pieces broken off and eaten standing up don't count. I did pretty well under the circumstances, but it's amazing how fast the body sucks up glycogen (and water) when it gets the chance, and the scales tell you about it. Everybody loved the Fauxtato Casserole.

Judy, I know what you mean about "business trips." I used to get one or two a year, and it's always nice to fly and eat on somebody else's tab. I especially used to enjoy a trip to Chicago, where we worked very hard (at a trade show) but stayed at great downtown hotels and got treated to fine dinners. Those sales reps know how to work an expense account. I'm sure things have tightened up since then.

Heather, your cheerful can-do attitude, and great friendship with your partner, are truly inspiring. My dh clips grocery coupons from the newspaper while he's watching football. He usually saves about $20/wk with grocery coupons (plus Price Chopper Shopper card) and I often see $10-12 in savings when I buy shampoo, hair color, and cosmetics at Wal-Mart. It takes a little effort to clip those coupons, but he laughs and says, "Would you rip up a ten-dollar bill?" The savings also pays for the newspaper.

Alida, give Bob a big birthday hug on behalf of the girlfriends. He's just a little bit older than my guy. 74 used to sound "old"--but I never think that when I look at my dearly beloved. Love IS blind. BTW, I saw a picture of "old" Arnold Schwarzenneger in a Speedo yesterday, and the muscleman ain't lookin' too good. He's traded one kind of powerful for another.

None of my biz, Alida, but you don't need this grief from your sis. Declare a truce on Christmas gifts, and just trade good wishes next year.

Shelley, even when you're pushed to the limit, you sound peppy. Only a few more working days until the new year and the new routine. You go, girl.

Peg, as you see from my advice to all, I'm pretty much a hard*ss when it comes to being taken advantage of. If you put on your counselor hat on your own behalf, you'll see what I mean I've always admired Craftsman architecture and style--it looks spare but cozy. Teel's word charming covers it. I'm coming out to CA to see you when it's all done.

Donna, the cheesecake pie recipe is complicated to retype, so I'll mail it to you. Meanwhile, I'm thinking I have a good cheesecake recipe stashed in a digital folder at work. I'll look for that, too.

I did most of Jari Love's "Ripped" workout this morning. The beauty of home workouts is, when you feel like stopping, you stop. I can tell I did major ab work the past two days. Ouch.

Time to clean up and get going! Have a good everybody.

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


My Fitday Journal

On the run......pant, pant, pant.............

Off to dd3's to spend the day and take care of the kids after school. Christmas choir conert for dgd1 tonight. Antoher day away from home. I'm tellin' ya', retirement ain't easy! I'm not sure that I can keep up the pace.
Luv to all!
Peg

Just a quickie....

Seems we're all busy with the countdown until Christmas. Last night I made 3 doz. more cookies, this time for my mother in law. I finally sat down to watch a little tv and dh came in munching cookies. He thought they were for me and he was going to give me his opinion. He did like them....but didn't get anymore. This time I made gingersnaps...lc of course.

Just have to figure out 2 more things to bake....1 for my mother in law and 1 for my stepson. This is getting tiring.

I can't figure out why I've been so tired lately. Last night while watching tv I fell asleep holding a cup of tea and spilled it all over me. Just about fell asleep at work yesterday and I'm just exhausted today and it's only 10:30 a.m. If this keeps up, it will be a visit to the dr. for me. Shouldn't be this tired!

Peg: Enjoy the christmas concert tonight. I just love to watch the little ones. Last year Micayla had us just in stitches. I haven't heard if she's in one this year.

Barb: Thanks for thinking of me and the cheesecake recipe. I look foward to trying it.

Alida: Happy birthday to Bob! And as far as your sister goes, I have to agree with Barb. There should be a set date for her to send her list or she does without. I had the same problem with Lissa and finally sent her an e-mail telling her she had 2 days or she got coal. I got the list yesterday. You don't need the stress this time of year.

Don't forget Survivor tonight.

Do you guys remember the e-mail that Lissa sent to me telling me that my son feels I don't love him? Well, I took your advice and didn't reply to it. I thought if I did, it could cause a big family fight. She actually e-mailed me back with a copy of the first e-mail asking me why I didn't reply. She knows that my ds would see the reply cause they share an e-mail address. Wonder what kind of sh*t she's trying to cause. I'm supposed to see her tomorrow when she has another dr.'s appointment and maybe a face to face would be better.

Judy: Out of town trips are great. It's been about 6 years since I've had one but I did enjoy wandering Vancouver by myself.

Shelley: Don't beat yourself up over a little rice. Push the water and it won't hurt you. Sometimes I find a little higher carbs for one night help to push the scale a little in the right direction. The fortune sounds interesting too.

Terry: Ohhh, I love almond cookies. I always keep a stash of lc cookies in the freezer. They can thaw pretty fast, so I like to have a couple with a cup of tea at night. Only if I haven't had a high carb day though.

Not much else on this front. I'd just like to go home and go to bed. Yawn....that's it for me girls.

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Confidential to Donna: Excellent idea. No written tracks, total deniability. Everything written down is likely to be taken out of context, out of proportion, and out of bounds. Talk.

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


My Fitday Journal

Oh, yes! good advice. It might be a strategy to ask questions rather than defending yourself against some fictious notion. You could say something like, "... Help me understand why you wrote this? I'm mystifyed." Then, probably, whatever she says, you can let her know you recognize it was 'just a misunderstanding'.

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

and....... remember the old trick of rephrasing. "So, what you are say is....." Make her be specific.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Oh dear ones....

Berta, you mentioned hoping that your fireside chair was still there - "I" am certainly the one for the hope that the chair is still there - I KNOW it ain't warm anymore - but I'm still hoping to jump into it!

First week of Dec in DC (long days, longer nights, no laptop)... discovered I couldn't pick up email because my folks had my computer at home ON the whole time I was gone (don't ask, senior thing? who knows)... which I didn't know.

Last week was all about getting the gifts done, getting the house in some order and getting the follow up on jobs (for me) done. NONE are good excuses for being gone - but there it is.

Low Carb update... packed it on in DC - up to 155.... am currently at 148 after damn near running myself low carb ragged these last 6-7 days since then. Walking again, using the weights -

Roger got home last night from 3 weeks in Zambia - I missed him terribly and it was just SWEET to have him home - of course... now that he's back it's all about him. I sorta got used to having it be all about me and the rest of the world... we're getting there

You all sound SO busy with Christmas stuff and family stuff... I'll get back on track this weekend and start to sit back down with you all.

We had our dress rehearsal for the Messiah last night - our soprano is a doll - awesome voice - tiny thing, the other soloists are also great but she really knocked my sox off and I'm never a huge fan of sopranos (lots of screeching potential)... We sing our first performance tomorrow night at the Bergen country Performaing Arts Center, and then again on Sunday in Morristown, NJ - the home of the Chorus. I think we sound fantastic (although I think our sopranos are a little weak)...

Next week is all about finishing a couple of quilts, continuing to buff up and lose weight so I can fit into the gown I bought for the CHorus party on Jan 3rd (I'm singing Mood Indigo - a cappella - the party theme is Roaring 20s wait til I show you the gown I got to sing it in!

Ok, DH is back on the warpath so I am off to serve (gladly, don't get me wrong).

I apologize so much for being out of touch in your lives the last 2 weeks and I'm grateful for your patience with me. Some day when I have a settled life and a daily/weekly/monthly routine - I will be able to keep my seat warm on a regular basis. I love you guys for being out there... (ugh, that sounded like a darned beer commercial...)
Back soon...

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

So tell me, was chocolate created as a treat for the good little angels or as a trick for those of us that can't be good?

I have been on a junk food binge. The really stupid thing about it is that I think I must have some kind of allergy to wheat products. I never get runny nose allergy symptoms when I eat right. But, boy am I getting them now! So included with busting out in lovely fat rolls, I am getting a runny nose. On top of that I will probably end up with a yeast infection from eating so much sugar (TMI??)

Back to the chocolate.......I just finished making Oreo truffles (very good, very sweet, very chocolate, very addictive) for a party at school tomorrow. If anyone wants an evil but easy recipe, let me know.

**Rachel, I'd take 148 and be glad of it. I've been up to 150 and stuck there for a while.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Shelley - I loved that fortune! Hopefully I?ll think of it when I go on a cheat. "You?ll accomplish more if you start now" is something I need to take into account instead of continuing the rest of the day eating junk. Thanks for sharing your fortune. Motivates me too.
I?ll be up at 4:20am thinking that at least I slept in 20 minutes later then Shelley.

Teel - Thanks for the huge compliment!! Wow, thanks for thinking of me being a role model. 139.5 isn?t so bad - still in the 130's!!

Judy - I want a business trip! You think they have a housewife convention somewhere? Great news Judy, congrats on another job that will be part vacation too.

Alida - Happy Birthday to Bob! Hope that you hear from your sister soon.

Barb - Glad to hear of another family that thinks sensibly. I too will keep coupons, check and make sure I?m getting a deal since sometimes generic items are still cheaper. DH and I feel that we still wouldn?t be wasteful if we had all the money in the world.

Peg - How fun with those grandkids!

Donna - I?ve never heard of someone getting as tired as you describe unless they are pregnant or have a newborn. Hope this goes away soon. Please keep us posted.

RQP - Sounds like you missed DH terribly. I?m glad that he?s back home with you.

- - - -
Hi guys!! Been pretty busy today. Went to gym 5am and did 60 minutes elliptical and then 35 minutes weight training. Home to iron Christmas program clothes for 7 yr old ds and nice clothes for the rest of us. Watched Biggest loser - amazing how hard they worked! Showered (finally, gross I know) and then left to have lunch with nephew and ds. Watched both of their programs and had just a great time. Was sad that stepsister couldn't take time off of work to see him. This was also the first time my divorced parents have been in the same building for a few years. Was stressful but DH and I didn't sit with anyone but in middle rows between my parents. Glad they both came as I did have to talk them both into it.

My ds is waiting for me patiently so we can play skipbo. Got to go, catch you all later!

__________________

Good morning!

After I got home from my dinner with the Girls, I called sister again. And got the answering machine, again. So I called one neighbor. They were not home. Called another neighbor and she was nice enough to walk over and check things out. Tammie was home, so she told her "Call Your Sister!" So she calls and tells me she has a plumbing problem with the upstairs bath that will probably require big bucks and can't make it to KC for Christmas. SIGH. She must have gone through all the $$ my Dad left her. Anywhoo, this will be my second Christmas without her. The first was when I was away at school in Rome. It will be weird. So now, time to re-group. I also worry about her being alone at Christmas. and no, us going to Chicago is NOT an option ... at least not at this late date. At least now I know.

Peg - LOL about your comment about retirement being HARD. But don;t you just love it -- being so close to family!

Judy, Oreo truffles? Sounds like a recipe I definitely don't want in my house! I have enough trouble with the Pralines and Penuche Fudge!

Barb -- oh wise one. You give good advice! I especially like the reply to Peg.

Donna, I actually caught the last part of Survivor last night! Never liked Parvati. Glad she's gone. Sunday's Finale will have to be taped. The Chiefs are playing a night game that night. In THIS house, the Chiefs have priority!

Also good advice about talking face to face with your DIL. Teel's comment: "... Help me understand why you wrote this? I'm mystified." is just a great idea!

I agree with going to the doctor if your super-tiredness continues. Are you sure it's just not a delayed reaction to all the tension you stored up while Sora was so sick? Also, we all push ourselves so much during the holidays. And getting older definitely does not help the cause! I sit here and write lists and wonder how and when I am going to do it all ... and yet still have some energy left to actually ENJOY it!

Rachel! How wonderful to hear from you! I am so glad Roger is back. You must have missed him terribly!

Good going on the 148 from 155 front! And I can't wait to see your Mood Indigo dress!!!

Terry, you always give good advice, too -- along with Barb.

Shelley, hang in there!

Brenda, everything OK?

I should go and wrap a few more presents and take advantage of this morning time. 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

Heather, I see you've provided an actual fireside for all of us to sit around--complete with Christmas stockings. You don't spend a lot of time sitting though--and I enjoy hearing about your active life. It's way too bad that SAHMs don't get the credit they deserve. Yes--you deserve a convention and a business trip, funded by the SAHM Foundation. Well, we can dream.

Rachel, welcome anytime! I can't believe you actually have time to make quilts. What a lovely gift. By all means, give us a picture of your performance outfit. Wish we could have a soundtrack, too.

Judy, it's the chocolate time of year. I've been using Russell Stover SF chocolates as a way of taking the edge off the jones--limit of just ONE per day. Still, the scales have been very mean to me lately, in spite of me being pretty darn good. I keep giving myself the same encouraging lecture I give everybody else, but I'm still pouting. BTW, I have a chronic "drippy" nose. I think it's genetic--never thought of it as an allergy. I expect to get at least one bad sinus infection every year, but this year, I haven't, so I'm calling it lucky.
Excellent!

Peg, "retirement" is a silly word for what actually takes place. Nobody I ever heard of retires from anything--they attack. The difference is, you get to say Yes or No to anything you want. Go for it--but don't forget the "no" option.

The VP of my division at Hallmark announced his resignation yesterday--a positive move for him, not a "forced out." Dominoes will drop. I felt a little wistful, 'cause I really do think about not going to work every day quite a lot. But there's nothing oppressive about my job or working conditions, and the paycheck and benefits are overwhelmingly in favor of my sticking with it awhile longer.

Today I'm on vacation. What am I doing up at 5 am? Well,I'll finish this pot o' coffee, and then head for the gym. It's fun to do everything I normally do except not on a timetable. Later, I'm going to go out to the Truman Presidential Library, where they are having a special exhibition of the dolls collected by Caroline Kennedy when she was a little girl in the White House.

It's supposed to be 70 degrees here today, so I might even get to throw the top back on the Miata.

Alida, Teel, Brenda, Berta--all good thoughts.

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


My Fitday Journal