Oh my goodness......you guys have had a lot to say in two days. Yes, I'm in St. Louis. It's not nearly as interesting as Chicago was. I did go to the top of the arch yesterday. That was cool. My room looks out over the third base gate of Busch Stadium--- also pretty cool. It would definitely be a great place to stay for a baseball game. They said that visiting teams stay in this hotel. The meeting today was long. I feel like my rear has grown to the chair. There was too much listening and not enough doing. Tomorrow will be better.

In other news........DD's apartment got flooded today from a leak in the apartment above. Huge mess! Insurance adjusters will be there tomorrow. The upside is that we may be able to negotiate our way out of the giant charge they are going to impose on her for leaving before the lease is up. She's at a hotel tonight. DS saved the day today (came to get the dog, etc).........but Dad's on the way to meet the adjusters tomorrow so she won't have to take off from work. Another day, another drama.

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

Well, Judy, God works in mysterious ways. A flooded apartment is no fun, but if insurance kicks in? All's well that ends well. Enjoy St. Louis. The Arch is my favorite architectural feature on the planet. It is purely beautiful.

Heather, what's the doctor report?

Peg, you doll you. Pamper yourself as much and as often as you can!

Dh wanted to invite guests for his famous Beef Fondue dinner, so he's in a whirlwind of preparations for that on Friday night. Funny--he's the one who wanted to do it, but he gets all grouchy about the amount of work it is. I've learned over many years that grouchy is his modus operandi and it doesn't have anything to do with me. Still, because I am a "pleaser," I've often been unhappy with him being unhappy, and sometimes it makes the prospect of entertaining less than a pleasure. Oh well.

Donna, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is about to come out with a "new study" proclaiming the benefits of low-carb. Slowly, slowly, the great ship of medical acceptance is turning in the right direction.

Yes, it's possible that manufacturers will hop on the low-carb bandwagon once again. But I maintain that processed foods are still a bad idea, especially when they are mostly "carb substitutes." There are so many reasons for weight management problems, and overeating "Lo-carb" breakfast bars and Dreamfields pasta is no improvement.

My morning weight is usually at 130 these days, and that seems like a miracle. I keep carbs quite low (under 40) but I've been enjoying lots of food, and a little wine, too. So...I attribute the dropping of a few pounds to a spring thaw. I'll take it, but I don't "need" to lose any more weight.

Time to go to work. Hello, all girlfriends near and far. Take care of you today.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Yesterday I called the woman I am going to do the Etchlike job for and begged to re-schedule. She was wonderful. No problem! She is leaving for vacation in a few days and won't be back until April 1. I will do the job on the 2nd. Whew! It was like a ton of bricks was just lifted from my shoulders.

Heather, I also ditto Barb. Call the doctor. Keep us posted, OK?

Peg, well, I must see Amazing Grace now, after two great reviews on this board!

YEA! On your BF's pathology!!!! That is truly wonderful news, Peg.

My fingers are crossed re: the free cruise. That would be fun!

Judy, I have to agree with you about St. Louis not being as exciting as Chicago. But then, I am biased!

Brenda, sorry! I thought you had a Mac. Perhaps it's Terry? I know Barb is a Mac person!

More snow? SIGH. Seems like winter is staying over-long in your neck of the woods.

Shelley, what's a birthday without cake, I always say! And Chocolate Mousse, to boot. I have a LC recipe for Chocolate Mousse. I made it for Christmas. It's fantastic.

Were you able to sleep a little better last night? This weekend I am going to report on a "new" product my boss is taking. Sounds like a miracle -- but one of the by-products is better sleep, more energy, etc. I may order some myself. It's pricey, but if it works like she says it does ......

Barb, yoohoo! Where are you this morning?

Donna, oh the poor horse. Reading things like that make me sad.

Whoa. Your DS bought a gas station? Did this come out of the blue? And they didn't ask you for advice? I so hope they know what they are doing. As you say, I hope they didn't use their house as collateral. But if he's keeping his day job, and DDIL is in the state she is in with her skin, who's watching the store?

Tonight's Survivor .... and GA .... and Men in Trees (if I can stay awake).

Have a good day everyone! TTFN. XXOO

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

There you are, Barb!

Morning weight of 130? That's awesome! It was 132 for a long while .....

Well, if LC is going to have a resurgence, I at least hope the standard grocery stores will stock the LC ketchup and salad dressing again. Let's not all get SMUG now!

And Judy -- I can't believe I didn't reply re: the flood in your DD apartment! She does have renter's insurance, yes? I do hope so. Although, since this was caused by someone else ... perhaps she will have recourse from them or the apt. building. As you say, the very least of which could be release from a ridiculous clause in the lease.

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

hey gang. This is what I wrote last night when the board was having some problems. Glad I remembered to save it to Word.

Judy, you really ARE having family drama these days!!!! Glad to hear from you in spite of it all. The hotel's location sounds fab.

Barb, big smiles for your new "official" number of 130. Spring may have something to do with it, but work and vigilance pay off, too. Even if you don't "need" it, there's something quite satisfying about seeing the scale budge.

Alida, good to hear you have more time on the Etchlike job. No fun being under that much pressure.

Off for now, so hugs to all.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

For a great discussion of the new diet report in JAMA, see Regina Wilshire's terrific blog Here I read her nearly every day.

We ALL know how difficult diet adherence is, even for the most determined among us. I join with those who say that LC/Atkins is the closest we can get to healthy eating that makes weight management almost bearable. Yesterday, for the second day in a row, I had to walk past the "lard cake" all day long--my most favorite illegal treat next to cookies. Life is hard. Pass me the string cheese.

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


My Fitday Journal

Thanks for the link, Barb.

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

Morning gal pals!
The sun is shining and there are a ~ton~ of birds at all my feeders this morning! Hmmmm....lots of activity in the back yard. DH is *officially* ready for spring; he put the Purple Martin house up yesterday. Now we are all ready for the Grand Opening of Spring!...(if the weather will only cooperate...LOL).

Alida...glad to hear your etch job got postponed. I know that will surely take some stress off for you. Is the design coming along any better? You amaze me, GF!

Barb...I know what you mean about being a *pleaser*...me too! When my DH gets in one of those fussy moods(which isn't often, thank the Lord!), I find myself trying to guess what he will need before he even voices it. Come to think of it, that's what nurses have to do alot of the times with Drs. LOL...well, I hate to admit it, but I didn't do to well in the course study of *Mind Reading 101*...LOL. Oh well...the shoe is often on the other foot, so it all comes out *in the wash* as my Nana used to say.

Bren...hey girl...it sounds like you had a totally ~devine~ day of good things yesterday...for the most part. Sorry the dessert didnt' hit the table, but sometimes a gal has to take a stand! LOL! That would totally do the trick here at my house also.
All good husbands need to know that we are serious trash tossers when it comes to making our point! psssst...good job, GF!!!

Peg...hope you feel better today. Has the work actually begun on your new digs yet?
I sure hope the timing will work itself out so you can have a stress free Tahitian vacation.

Judy...good to hear from you. Man, your DD seems to be having some stress in her life right now. If she's like her mom, I know she'll be fine...cool and calm will prevale.

Bert, Teel, Donna, Heather...hi guys! Also wondering about our Rach...wishing the best for her at this busy time in her life.

Well, not much on my agenda for the day. I think I have put some things off long enough...mainly to detail out the master bathroom...so today is the day the shower tile gets a proper cleaning along with everything else...ack! I expect it to be at least a 2 hour job. I can tell you right now, when we re-do the tile in there, it WON'T be white tile with white grout! The water and soap deposits show up despite our best efforts to squigee after each use. You'd think along with a cure for the common cold, someone would invent a self cleaning shower! LOL!...well a gal can dream, can't she???

Probably back later...
off I go...
(((hugs to all)))
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!

I'm here and reading, but not thinking very well yet. It's not even 9:00 am, for pete's sake!

Bren: On behalf of unappreciated wife cook's everywhere, I give you a big HIGH FIVE for throwing out the dessert!! You rock!! And, we did the same things yesterday. An indulgence day. However, I have to confess that I did a very stupid thing last night. I don't know what I was thinking.....actually, I wasn't thinking. Dh was gone and I started with a small glass full of ice and Southern Comfort (my favorite indulgence when I was in college). Then another. I was BLASTED! aND, i WAS SO SORRY!! I hate that feeling, absolutely hate it! I guess I must have been thirsty and should have been drinking water. Anywhoo, the evening was very uncomfortable alone. I'm so glad I was alone!! This morning, I feel pretty shaky in the tummy department. And, I have all sorts of resolutions. I guess I have to do a stupid thing like that to remind myself that I really am a light weight in the alcohol department. TTL.

But, still, I have a beautiful set of fingernails and toenails. I kind of wish I had had a massage instead of the indulgence I chose!

Barb: I am so proud of you. 130!!! What an accomplishment. You have worked hard for that, girlfriend. Congratulations.

Shel: Enjoy the day,girlfriend. I have shower cleaning planned too. Our electricity was off yesterday, and I had planned to wash. Today, I'll do that too. We have those fake looking tile things in the shower. Still, the hard water that we have does a job on it. Also, we are going to make our monthly trip to Costco for some items. Yay! I love bargain shopping!

Alida: I know what you mean about having that etchlike job off your shoulders for a while. Such a good feeling, huh? I hope you have a good day too.

We've still got that time share, you know. We are trying to get a week at a beach resort so that our grandkids can join us. We only live about an hour from the beach. They do too. Of course, it's different beaches!

Well, I gotta go and see about doing some stuff.
I'll be back.
Peg

Oh Peg...LOL...you just brought back memories from my college days. Except, my first outting with any ETOH beverages was good old Rum & coke-a-cola....oh, yeah, with a twist of lime, to. LOL. Yanno, it's almost 75 degrees here today, a good cold R&C might hit the spot after I finish my cleaning duties.
I'll give it some thought.

Off to unload the dishwasher and start on some kitchen cleaning. Boy, I'm breaking my SLUG record today, eh?

off I go...

S.

__________________
~~~~
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!

Oops, I did the call the doctor. Got an appointment Friday at 1pm. Even if it says nothing I'll probably get tests done so at least I know how this body is working. // Have you all heard of computer addicts or online fantasy game addicts? I didn't know that this was common. These people neglect their families for their computer online friends AND will call in to sick from work, get little sleep.....Just in awe that this is common. // Have to make sure this apartment looks top notch since the landlord and energy company are coming in tomorrow for an energy audit. Never had one of those before. Our energy bill is combined with our rent cost which goes by our income. Maybe I'll learn some things tomorrow.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Peg - I love that "clicking" sound that fancy nails make. // It would be so wonderful at a beach resort. I hope that you get to go, what a treat for the grand kids!

Judy - Sorry to hear about the flood in DD's apartment. Did she have a big loss of things that meant a lot to her?

Judy - I saw the reports on low carb yesterday. Seemed like it was everywhere! Today my DH said he was on the Atkins diet. From lunch though, he must be starting tomorrow.

Alida - That is great the etch job was able to be rescheduled!!

BC - the powdered peanut butter is so wonderful!! I had 2 TBLS for lunch again. Hits the spot!

Shelley - Tile cleaning...ack...I agree. 2 hour job but you are going to be happy when I'm done I bet.

__________________

Well, $200. later, we are back from Costco, with enough food to last us for probably a month! That was really fun! We took advantage of all the ladies giving away samples throughout the store, and bought some indulgences that we probably wouldn't have. But, it's all right, it will all get eaten eventually.

I feel so righteous getting all that stuff that saved us so much money over what we might have spent at the grocery store. Now, dh has gone to the grocery store to get the fresh stuff and the other stuff that we forgot!

I'm feeling better this afternoon. Got some good healthy food in me and some caffeine. Also a lot of water. I'm bein a good girl! I scared myself last night. Yaknow, I was such a good girl growing up. I didn't do anything wrong because the price for doing so was way too high to pay in my family. Then, in my first marriage, my husband was very OC and, oh, I don't know, raising kids and need to be a good example for them, I didn't do anything bad either (I even ate my veggies, even though I hate them). Well...............let me just say, that freedom and the ability to make choices has been a gift late in coming in my life. I'm glad to have it. But because I have been so bleepin' straight, I also haven't had to suffer too many consequences. (Other than 65 pounds to many on my tall frame for eating dessert and all the cookies that church ladies offered in my 40's and 50's.....well, that and those potluck dinners. I remember telling y'all about those.

Ah, the good old days!

Be my guest with the R&C this afternoon. I'm stickin with caffeine free Diet Coke!

Love y'all
Peg

nah...I didn't. Just a CF diet coke for me to.
I slashed my finger on a vase that I broke this afternoon. Darn thing won't quit bleeding. It stops if I approximate the skin edges together, so that tells me I may need to go to the AM/PM clinic up the road and get a suture or two...blah.
I'll re-evaluate after dinner, I guess.

It's always something....

(((hugs)))
S.

__________________
~~~~
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!

Aw, Peg, bless your heart. Aren't we always our own worst enemies? Sorry that you were suffering, and that Southern Comfort isn't that comforting after all.

Don't you just love Costco? My problem is that I don't have any place to keep bulk goods. My next house will have a Costco/Sam's room

Shell, OUCH! Hope you got that finger stitched back together! Just thinking about slicing a finger with glass gives me the heebie jeebies. However, perhaps the up side will be that you get to veg legally for a couple of days. Gotta find a silver lining.

Heather, enjoy that peanut butter. Sounds like a good way to put the brakes on consumption. Might be interesting in cooking, too.
____________________

I have a new and improved smile today Nope the braces are still there, but pressure coils on the archwire between teeth in two places are now out, leaving me with normal looking braces--slightly less Frankensteinish.

And dh took me out tonight. Of course when he came home I was already dressed and looking might cute, if I do say so myself. I wore a 3/4-sleeve ribbed black bod-hugging sweater with a cream lacy insert in the V of the cleavage and around the bottom edge, black slinky slacks and high heeled boots. Felt like a teenager. In fact the 20-something hosting at the restaurant was wearing a somewhat similar style :hot:

Tomorrow I'm taking a friend out to lunch for her birthday. I've got her present, but will need to slide by a Hallmark on the way to make it legal

Hugs to all.....

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

Oh my!! Let us know when you are all repaired -k- Shelley?

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