Good morning!

Monday morning again. After two days off for TG then 2 days last week, this week full week will be a bummer.

Yanno what I think is happening? Before the time change on the board, when I clicked on "December Tracking," the post immediately after my last post was the one that showed up. Now, I think all the posts are listed in time order. The board's time order -- not ours. In other words, Peg can post an hour after me, but because she is two hours ahead of CST, her post will show up ahead of mine. So be sure to go back to your last post if you don't want to miss one!

I have some office work to do before I go in today, so this has to be short.

Shelley, I didn't do the nuts yesterday. But I will one night this week. I'll let you know!

Sorry I can't respond to you all -- be back tomorrow! XXOO

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

I'm late to the fireside this morning, writing now from the office. My schedule was a little different this morning, because I skipped breakfast--fasting for a blood draw. Doc's going the whole nine yards. Colorectal screening (got the cards from the office nurse just now), urinalysis, thyroid, etc. Something's out of whack with my liver--but I'm taking note of that webpage Brenda sent (in reference to Sora), because it might be that I'm actually overdosing on thyroid meds right now. I plan to ask the doc to put me back on levothyroxine (synthetic). I tried out Armour ("natural") thyroid for a year, and it may actually be having a negative effect. We'll see. I hope this isn't a case of "She who is her own doctor has a fool for a patient." My doc's pretty good.

Judy, what kind of holidays do you get this month? A nice Christmas break? Maybe next summer you can experiment with the red highlights. Now that I've taken the bold step of doing my own highlights, I'm fearless. If you put in red highlights, your hair will be just the reverse of mine--red with blonde highlights. It looks a little bit "piece-y"--but I've gotten a lot of compliments, even from the hotsy-totsy colorist at my new salon. Why pay them eighty bucks when I can screw it up myself?? I think success with haircolor depends a lot on the texture and health of the hair. Mine seems to do well, although the hair underneath it all is a lot different (ie. more gray--much, much more) than when I first started more than forty years ago. Does haircolor cause cancer? Well, if it does, it's taking its time with me.

Peg, I'm glad your weekend with the dgd turned out so well. Sewing is such a useful and creative skill. But even more important, time with you is precious.

That power cord thing for my computer? Turns out, when they delivered my Powerbook replacement earlier this year, the equipment included a boatload of cables and stuff--including a spare power cord. So...I'll put the extra one to good use. I really DIDN'T want to go to the Apple Store at Christmas. However, I might anyway, because I now realize that I'm an idiot if I don't buy a back-up drive.

Nothing terribly urgent on my desk this morning. Our "Christmas rush" is pretty much year-round. With so many people on vacation now, my many bosses are holding off on major projects until January. Okay by me.

Have a good week everybody.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi everyone!! Everything going great here. Wanted to stop by and say hi before settling down for the night. Talk to you more tomorrow.

Shell - I sent you the information. I don?t mind if you put me on the master list. Thanks for asking for it.

I do hope that you have a great week!

Peg - It sounds like you had a great time with dgd1. Enjoy your speakers!

Judy - Absolutely! I?ve never been a risk taker. My BIL was telling me that I should have a few chances to make mistakes and to not worry so much about this. I just said okay because I don?t want to argue but of course I won?t listen to his crazy advice.

Yummy! I love chicken and dumplings. My mom made it while growing up all the time so now of course I?m not responsible at all eating it.

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Good morning!

Good thing I looked at my calendar last night. I have a mammo scheduled for 8:00 this morning. I will have to call Ashley and tell her she will have to take her Little Darling to school today.

Not that I am so great at this Mothering Thing -- but I have taught him that when he comes home to: 1) put his coat on the closet handle; 2) put his shoes on the stairs; and 3) put his backpack over the kitchen stool. Yesterday, with great glee, I watched while he automatically did ALL three! Now we have to work on the whining. The minute he was done with the above "chores" he started whining that he was hungry. I am working on getting him to JUST ASK, without the whine. I think he thinks he will get more if he whines. I also have to work on having Ashley stop talking on the phone for two seconds and give him a big hug when he gets home.

Barb, so you had an extra power cord already? Great! Speaking of back ups -- oh great wise woman -- you are so right! I am sitting here thinking one day I really should back up my hard drive. I don't have a real back up drive, but I do have a DVD burner and could always burn a few discs. when the computer was new, I did make the emergency discs they recommended. But that was just the bones -- not all my STUFF.

Good luck with the tests. I had no idea the thyroid was connected to the liver. Thank goodness you have a GOOD doc!

Heather -- how great that everything is going well at your house!

Teel -- I neglected to comment on your "water works" story. Yanno what was running through my head? This is the cynic in me -- that these programs for the kids are some sort of government grant with no oversight -- so the people just wing it and collect the paycheck. Wow. I really am getting cynical in my old age! Many kudos to you to actually try to create a program that has something to do with .... water!

Dona -- how's Sora doing? Did you post yesterday? I so understand your frustration. You are trying to HELP them and sometimes they just make it SO HARD, yanno? (((HUGS))).

Peg -- I am so happy your weekend with DGD was great! After all, isn't that one of the reasons you moved back to SoCa .... to be close to family and your "roots?"

Judy (and Barb) -- as I face a $125 bill this Thursday for my color and highlights -- I am in awe of you doing it yourself! I am really starting to think I can't afford this anymore. $125 is a lot of money. I may bite the bullet and discuss this with my stylist and have him recommend a home treatment. But what he does is so perfect! I remember years ago, with another stylist, my hair used to turn more orange as the color "aged." Now my color never changes -- he just colors the roots and every other time re-does the highlights.

Brenda, Berta, Shelley, Rachel: How's everything???

Got to run and get my Tuesday going! XXOO

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

Tuesday morning. My project this week is quite interesting. We're writing brief fact statements for the backs of cards Hallmark is making under contract with UNICEF. These blurbs explain what the money from card purchases will do--immunizations, educational materials, emergency health kits, etc. I'm learning a lot about UNICEF. It's a little depressing that good people have to strive so hard against the consequences of war and Mother Nature. But it's encouraging and inspiring that they do.

Today we're having a Blood Drive at work, so I'll hand over a pound of healthy O negative. For the next three days, I also have to do a "fecal occult" stool sample kit--a routine test for anything unusual happening in the GI system. I've never done this before, but it's the thing you're supposed to do in the years between colonoscopies. I have a check-up with my doc next Tuesday, and he's ordered the whole nine yards: blood, urine, feces. Icky, but thorough.

I am trying to be the Paragon of low-carb eaters these days, keeping track in Fitday. My calories yesterday were shocking--1878. That included a big slug of coconut oil, a large, lean broiled burger, salmon with mayo, and veggies, among other things. So I got plenty of fat and protein, but only 25 gms of carbs. Even deducting the One Mile with Leslie Sansone, the twenty minutes of Slim Series, and the twenty minutes of ice skating, the calorie count is substantial for my size and age. Still... ya gotta do what ya gotta do. After four years of experimentation, I still don't have this low-carb thing nailed yet, as far as knowing how various nutrients (plus my thyroid situation) affect and control weight management. I'm 5-10 lbs. above where I'd like to be on the scale, but I'm plenty fit--cardio-vascular and muscular--and I'm not sure what I need to worry about except keeping on keeping on. It's the only dang hobby I have.

Heather, the situation with your nephew will work itself out some way--but please try to keep letting go. It's practice for when you're a grandmother, and your offspring aren't "doing it right" for theirs. Does that seem like a long time in the future? Guess again!

Alida, hang in there. Likewise, Shelley.

everybody until later.

P. S. Alida, simo-posting. I had forgotten that Child Care was among your "other duties as assigned." I can't believe you have to take the little guy to school! Oh well. Ya gotta do...etc. As for the hair, that, too, is one of life's little maintenance joys. Budget for it, and forget it. However, I've used L'Oreal products for forty years--tricky red colors at that--and never have a problem. You are cleverer than I am with hand-eye coordination, and shouldn't have a problem getting the job done yourself if you want to. TTFN

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


My Fitday Journal

Good Morning... Today, I think I had better do something... I've been wastin' away (not physically by any means )

I, too, have been doing FitDay.. but, having a problem keeping the carbs down. Barb, how do you keep your carbs so low and eat lots of veggies??? and how many calories. I do think the exercise is a must..

Did my to-do list last night. Time is short, if we leave for TX it's only 19 days away. A party here on Dec. 16th.. 2 trips 2 hours away before we leave..

Hope you who have had snow, that the snow is melting.. sure isn't melting that 13 inches here very fast..

Later everyone have a great day

Berta, looking at my Fitday calendar, here's a guesstimate of an average daily intake of carbs:

Ground flaxseed/wheat bran (nets out at about 2 carbs)
Cup of broccoli, yellow squash, zucchini, green beans or other green veg 3 net
Salad greens and other fixin's (mushrooms, cherry tomato, sprouts, green olives)
nets about 4-5 carbs
Miscellaneous carbs from half-n-half, cream cheese, "unknown" Say, 5 carbs.
Wine, if I have it 3-5 carbs

I'm still at just 20 carbs, and that's a lot of greenery and other goodies. Fiber on top of this might bring total carbs to 30-35. I'd actually have difficulty stuffing in more carbs in veggie form. But I'm trying to.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi gang, I'm here this am, too!

Alida, happy mammo day, oh joy, eh? Hope you are left with something resembling more boobs than pancakes.

Barb, Berta, good morning out there!

Donna, good advice from TB. I was going to mention baby food too, as well as trying to feed several times a day, which is easier on the liver, but I know harder on the nerves. I didn't have to resort to syringes, but Khaki and I did have a food battle for a while. The lick reflex TB mentions works fairly well but is slow. I tended to have best luck with a dab on my forefinger, pushing in down her throat like a pill. You will find a way--the most important thing is that she eat something. Try everything in the fridge, too. You never know. Hang in there!

Peg, what a charming, exhausting weekend with your ggd1 You both will have great memories.

Heather, just repeating what everyone has said. Do not feel guilty. In a way, it's a disservice to your sister to "rescue" her from herself. It will work out as it is supposed to and that is often beyond our imagining and always beyond our control.

Bert, busy time for you! I'm with you on the to to lists--couldn't live without them, even though my life is much simpler than yours. No melting here, either, by the way. Last night it was 6 degrees and may make it to 30 today.

Barb, I may have to do my roots if Kim can't get me in--I know there are kits out there for roots only. Well, I really only may need to do my part, we'll see.

Judy, Kim works in a barber shop--she's the only one that does women and/or color.

Hair!!!! Can't live with it, can't live without it, LOL!!

Everyone else in the fast lane, I'm waving as you pass by

Today I'm taking friend Diane to the doctor (gyne oncologist) and then out for a little belated birthday dinner. She wants a buffalo burger, and supposedly knows a place to get them. So be it!

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

Okay, now I feel like a bad mother. With all the advice you guys have given me, and it's great advice, I have to admit that I gave up yesterday. I just couldn't deal with Sora fighting me again. So, I decided that I wasn't going to battle it and I wasn't going to feed her. She would get hungry enough. I've tried the baby food (warmed even), tried cheese, steak, everything I could think of. But she refuses. It's like she doesn't want anything in her mouth. She did finally take a few bites of roast beef last night. I'm so afraid that if I feed her the wrong thing it will cause another attack. Now you guys say that's not that important...it's getting food in her that's important. As soon as I read that, I grabbed the bowl of dry food that I keep on my desk for the girls and started crushing it and trying to cram it down her throat. (nice picture?) Still nothing. So, I'm going to resort to one of her old favorites. At lunch time, I will buy some beef jerky. If that doesn't work I'll be damned if I know what to do. But, she looks and is much perkier. She actually played with Lily last night. She's on the road to mending, just going to take time and getting an appetite I guess.

Any ideas what I'm going to do with the jars of babyfood that I bought? lol

I got an e-mail from my dil this morning that's got me kind of upset. Seems when my son called me on my birthday he told me that he loved me and I guess my answer was "me too" to him. Now he's all upset that I don't care about him anymore. Come on!!! This is a grown man. I know that he's under mega pressure with his wife the way she is, but I didn't think I would hurt his feelings. When I called him last night he never said a word. She also told me that he needs surgery for Carpal Tunnell in his wrists and a hernia repair. Geez, I think he's falling apart.

She also told me that my grandaughter has been having to put up with a little 8 year old girl bullying her. If I had known, I would have been over to the school right away. Haven't they seen the commercials on tv about bullying? It all came to a head with Mickey tried to be friends with the girl and did what she told her to....put her tongue on a metal pole. You can imagine the result. She ripped her tongue off the pole and came running home with blood pouring out of her mouth. Poor little kid! They finally went to the principal and the other girl was brought into the office and given a talking to. She's since told Mickey that she will be nice to her from now on. There was no need for it to have gone that far!

Sorry this is so short and all about me. I'm not in a good frame of mind lately, way to much stress and I'm battling a cold also. Talk to you all soon.

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

Oh my, Donna. Sounds like one damn thing after another. I think you need a nice cuppa tea and a nap as soon as possible. The truth is, all these things will come out in the wash, and there's not a thing you need to do. Except, in Sora's case, keep an eye on her and let her take her time. As for Mickey--she learned what she needed to know. The hard way, yes--but that's how it happens to most of us from time to time.

As for DIL's e-mail. She shouldn'ta done that at all!! For one thing, you didn't need to hear that. And for another, things put in writing always sound much more severe and serious than they were meant. If I were you, I wouldn't say anything to your son, and just let the whole situation blow over. One little "me too" does NOT erase a lifetime of maternal love and care.

The blood donation was easy. The guy in the next bed was having a hard time--they missed the vein. They gave him the option of offering the other arm, and brave lad, he went ahead with it. When the practitioner turned to me, I said, "I don't mean to insult you, but I noticed what happened there. I've got a slithery vein, and I want the best sticker in the room." She said, "I'm the best." "Okay. Go for it." And she WAS good. I think being held accountable helped.

So, Alida--how are your mammos? Squished for sure. Anybody here who's not up-to-date on that, start feeling guilty right now--and get your appointment lined up. The Health Harpy has spoken.

Brenda, I don't know about "roots only" coloring products, but you can use any portion you need of a regular package of whatever color you choose. You can mix up a partial batch and save the rest (as long as it isn't mixed). For less than ten bucks (usually about seven at Wal-Mart) you can pick a good match. There are several new products out to have a look at. But as I mentioned, I've always been pleased with L'Oreal. With your length hair, parting off half-inch sections shouldn't be too difficult. Squirt along the root line, smush with your fingers to spread a bit to each side. DO NOT comb through. Wait a half-hour. Shampoo out. Good to go. And yes, you could just do the part part!

I have on a new pair of fancy stockings from Foot Traffic, and they are stopping traffic. Black patterned mesh. Love 'em. I'm incorrigible.

Last night, I tried on a suede dress I bought in 1968. It's a classic shift, and I've always loved it. With the addition of lace-edged black leggings and a sequined tie-on belt about at hipline, this outfit is something else. Can't wait to wear it. I also tried on a red "swing dress" I've had since the 80s. With a wide patent leather belt (and the leggings) it looks fun, too. I'll just have to pace myself. Closet-cleaning can be fun.

Can you tell I'm having a fairly leisurely day at the office??

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi Gang!

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about the cold and snow that some of you are having! (Snort) Our weather is heading up to 80 today with sun and the incredible view of the mountains! I DO have to complain about something though. That is the dust that we get in this apartment! I can't believe it. It must be from having the door open so much. I'm dusting two or three times a week! And, this from a woman who doesn't even LIKE to clean. Honestly, by the end of the week, you could write your name.

We have been quite the social butterflies the last couple of days. Driving home from a wonderful Advent choral concert last night at 11:00, DH commented that we have a much more active social life than we had in MA. That's true. In fact, we have not had time for a social life for more than 20 years. That's just the way it is when you are the Pastor. Put that together with TWO pastors in the same house and we were lucky to see each other! Today we have one of DH's "crazy" friends coming for who knows how long. Bren: This is the one we stayed with in Chicago. He has come to see us no matter where we live. We never know when he is leaving. Aargh. This apartment is too small for just us!

So: I have more to say, but I want to post a pic of the pillowcase my dgd1 made. I also have one of the Christmas pillow, but still trying to retrieve it from wherever it is on my HD. I spent all the time I would have posted yesterday trying to do that! D**n.

Back soon.......Peg

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Donna - did you try the lick reflex feeding trick with Sora?

Put a glob of babyfood on her nose. When her tongue somes out to lick it off, squirt some more baby food into the side of her mouth. As long as there is food on the tongue, she will automatically keep licking and swallowing. Works well with cats, anyway.

With cats, prolonged starvation can lead to an unfortunate condition called fatty liver disease. That's why it's so important to never let cats go for very long without eating, no matter how little appetite they have. That's even true for overweight cats - they still cannot go safely without eating for days.

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

Okay, here I am again.

Bren: I would do my roots in a second if that's all I was doing. Remember a couple of years ago when I decided to do my own hair for a while? One of the applications, I came out with a nice orange look! It was hilarious for a while until it evened out. Now, like Alida, I spend $125 once a month to get the same thing doen that she does.

Alida: I, too, can't believe that you are doing child care as part of your job. Darlin' that Mom needs to get a Nanny if she can't take care of her own kids! Is that in your job description? Also, congrats on the weight loss after the "inside" clean. Good job (no pun).

Barb: You continue to be an inspiration, gal. I would be excited if my calories were at 1800. Sigh. Right now, I'm trying to pay attention to what goes into my mouth and make good choices based on how well I am feeling. My FM has been so pesky lately. Coming out of the auditorium last night, I looked like an old woman the way I was walking. We had been sitting for all most 3 straight hours, and my knees were just shot. Mind you, except for the fact that I was limping like an old woman, I looked MAHvelous!

Heather; You sound perky today. Good for you. I assume that everything worked out for SS and her son? I love your attitude, gal.

Judy: Where art thou? Howze that class this year. I know you told us, but I have serious CRS. Thanks for the tip on the pajama bottoms. I bought dgd1 a book called "Simply Sewing" that was a beginning book for her age (13). It had a pattern showing how to make pajama bottoms from old jeans. She is excited to do that. I was amazed at how fast she caught on to it, Judy. She sewed a straight seam first and every time! I really had to practice that when I was learning. I remember lots of seam ripping. She picked out the design for the above pillowcase. Inside the blue ruffle there is a white grosgrain ribbon that matches the bow. Cute, huh? On the Christmas pillow, she did the whole thing herself! Measured, cut, sewed.

Shel: Wow, I can't wait until you go part time either. I look forward to you being here more. Love your perspective on things.

Rach: Where art thou?

Terry: Those "teachers" that are working with you sound pretty poor. I'm very impressed that you were able to come up with something to teach with so little help. Shows that you know your subject. I use to be the Director of volunteer education for a Girl Scout Council here in So. Cal. (one of my MANY professions). My job was to "train the trainers" who trained leaders in everything from how to organize a troop to how to camp (ha!). I would have gotten rid of those teachers in a snap if it had been me to see it.

Donna: Hang in there with Sora, kid. I can hear how frustrating it is. Oh, I wish I were there to help. Also, I echo Barb's sentiments about your son. Remember that.

Berta: Keep those home fires burning. It sound as if you need it right now.

Here's the other pillow:

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Hi gals! Sorry I didn?t get here sooner. Been getting caught up on some chores. Have to head out soon before picking up ds from school in a bit. I promised him we?d build a snowman after school so I?ll have to make this kinda short so I can gather up supplies to make a suitable one.

On the nephew home front I had to put my foot down about Wednesdays. SS wanted me to watch him while she did pool league (which could be as late as 2:30pm) and I told her that I could not risk this. The maintenance man lives in the apartment complex. SS finally made arrangements to get done by 9pm since this is time I would be able to drop him off after church service. The kids have Wednesday youth Awana which finishes at 8:30 and I just hang around until done. I drop another dn off at his home and then can swing by and drop this dn off before heading home. Will work out!!

Alida - oh things ARE going great here! Sounds like things are doing great with your little darling too. It?s nice when they remember to pick up after themselves.

Barb - Thanks, I?m having a hard time letting go I know. What will I do when it?s time for my kids to leave? Then Grandchildren? You?re right, that seems so far away with my little guys around still. These past years have flown so I know that they will come faster then I want.

Berta - the snow is melting here too! We need to enjoy this great weather while it lasts.

BC - Thanks! It?s crazy that I should feel guilty when this is out of my control.

Buffalo Burger sounds so wonderful!

Donna - I bet a nice church will want all those jars of babyfood. I would recommend keeping them around a bit longer incase Sora changes her mind about them though. Sorry you are going through so much heartache. Oh no, and then to dear about your ds and his carpal tunnel and hernia. All your kids need mending.

Bullies!! Glad that little girl was talked to.

Peg - love the pillowcase!!

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Okay, the weather wasn't warm enough to build a snowman. The snow was stiff but broke apart when we tried to make the snowman. I'm hoping tomorrow and maybe I can drag DH outside to help out since it's his day off.

Wish I knew why my legs were so sore. I didn't think I worked that hard on Sunday swimming with the kids. Monday I woke up and could barely walk (but of course did any way) and today they are still sore.

Well, off again to look over ds homework for the week since we took yesterday off for his dental appointment.

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