http://www.theentertrainer.com/cms/content/view/63/49/

It's called the entertrainer and while you exercise (wearing a heart monitor) this tool is plugged into your TV. If you aren't working hard enough the volume will turn down and the TV will turn off if you don't speed up. Can you imagine the motivation I would get from my family to speed up because they couldn't hear a favorite show? lol

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Happy Monday, everyone. We'll have another pretty weather day before a new round of thunderstorms arrives.

Shelley, thanks for the info about ascites. I hadn't thought about a procedure to drain it--I'll suggest that he ask the doc about it ASAP. As awful as it sounds, it could bring him to a higher comfort level. There is a lot of pressure on his diaphragm.

I went for a run/walk in the park yesterday. NOT in shape for it, but I enjoyed being out in the sunshine. I delivered lectures to two different dog-owners who allowed their pets to sh*t in the grass without picking up. I mean, KIDS run around next to the paths all the time. The park has baggie dispensers. People like that don't pay any attention to passing comments. I think they should be arrested.

There was also a wedding going on in the Rose Garden. Lucky bride to get such a beautiful day. She was wearing an ivory gown with a skirt that looked like a meringue, and a rose-colored sash. Very romantic.

Donna, how was the camping?

Peg, another day of adventure in the OFH. And more unpacking discoveries. I need to get back to de-crapping my house. Unfortunately, much of the cr*p is my husband's, so I have to go about it with diplomacy.

Be well, ladies. See you later.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Barb, were you walking in Loose Park? That's such a pretty place! I can just see the headline ... Loots Does Loose. (groan). I wonder if that bride had any back-up plans for an inside wedding in case of rain! And the park has baggie dispensers? Now that's real progress. I hate it when people do not clean up after their dogs. I have watched while people let their dogs poop in my front yard.

Heather: The Entertrainer? What will they think of next? Cute avatar! You actually DO type while treading. Now that's true multi-tasking!

As for sun screen being expensive ... I've never thought about it. The kind I get may be, but you can use drugstore sunscreen (Coppertone, etc.) as long as it says "full spectrum" or something to the effect of blocking UVB and UVA rays.

Brenda: WHOA. You are doing heavy duty gardening! Junipers. That's the low evergreen I want in my front yard! If they are old, that will be quite a chore to remove them.

My boss has a power washer. Maybe I'll ask to borrow it ... if it still works. Her husband took it out of his truck and placed it behind her car. And left it there. She got in her car and backed up into the power washer. This was the day after he misplaced her last set of car keys. He has lost three sets already. And she was late for the hairdresser. Oh my. Can you say EXPLOSION?

Yanno, I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember something about Sam's Club taking MC .....

Shelley, I think I can safely say you are ON TRACK! Woohoo and good for you! It's a mind set. And I've lost it, totally.

Rotisserie Chicken? We have one every week when Bob goes to Sam's Club. So easy, cheap, and GOOD.

LOL that you didn't want to dink with bedding plants yesterday! I did dink, and it's done!

~~~~~~~~~~~

We did not go to Lowe's and we did not pass Go. Bob announced it was next week's project. Instead, we trimmed the big oak tree in the front and I finished planting. We also put some grass seed down on the many, many bare spots we have. That was all done by 1:30. Then I turned into a vegetable and lazed away the rest of the day!

Have a great week! 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

Me too! I am giving great thought to posting a sign in my yard:
If I wanted to clean up dog poo, I'd have a dog! I don't!

yep... a *pet* peeve(pun intended) for sure!

off for second cuppa,
back later...

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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!

Okay, now I've got it made!! Walking on my treadmill, here on my laptop, and listening to http://www.pandora.com/. What more could I wish for? // I'm back to exercising while visiting you all. I joined up for a few yahoo walking groups to encourage more time on the computer with treadmill time. I also did the Leslie 4 mile video with weights. I just love exercise, what can I say? I promise after I get off here I'll rest the rest of the day minus the stroll walking my son back from school. It might be to cold and rainy which DH said he'd get off work to pick him up if I needed. We'll see.

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

Barb - Happy Monday! I hate when people do that too. Yuck! If they have an animal they should be responsible enough to take care of it. This was the same park that the wedding was going on in? Yikes!

Alida - Thanks for the avatar compliment! // Sounds like you did a lot by 1:30. I would have taken the evening off too. Last few times I've been to sore to walk has been due to helping out with yard work. It works muscles I didn't know I had.

Shelley - Have a good Monday!

I'll check in later. Have a good Monday to all.

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fly by...
On my way to hop in the shower. I have to work tomorrow, and it's going to be a whopper. Up at 0400; I think I'm spoiled sleeping in until 0600-ish these past 10-12 days off. Oh well...back in the saddle again! LOL!

I should clarify my post above. For all our dog lovers here around the poolside, don't get me wrong. I like dogs, really I do(even though I'm more of a cat lover).
Anyhoo...it's not the dog I don't like, it's the inconsiderate owner for not cleaning up after Fido does his thing.

Looks like we may get more rain and some storms for tonight and tomorrow. Hope it's nothing severe. Seems like we are just now drying out good.

I did get to talk to the Dr's office this morning about my labs from last week. I'm mulling over some things. More to follow, but l'll email.

Everyone, be well!
(((hugs to all)))
Shelley

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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 thought I'd better let you guys know that I am alive and well. This is the last week of school......... and all the good and the bad that goes with it. Thankfully, it doesn't look like I will have anyone fail to graduate because they did not pass my class. I do have one kid that is dead on 70 right now. I hope he is studying for his exam. We'll see how he does tomorrow.

In other news...... I spent the weekend cleaning the carpet where the air conditioner condensor backed up. It was wet for several days and had to have some major work to get the stains out. I also got the chance to alter a few of DD's hand-me-down tops, so I feel like I have a new wardrobe for the week. Life is highspeed boring. DH is going to Dallas on Friday to supervise some repairs to DD's house. I'm doing graduation and a weding on Saturday.

Must go get something ready for dinner. The final two hours of "24" are on tonight. Got to get those priorities straight, you know!

I'll try to check in with you all again soon.

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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, this was going to be a post 24 check in and chat........... but it's starting to thunder big. Looks like I need to shut down everything. I'll make the effort again tomorrow.

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

Hi guys...we're back and I have the start of a lovely tan. Such a gorgeous weekend...cool at night but that's why we had a big bonfire to stay warm. A couple of rye and diet coke helped to keep the cool away too.

Our team only won one game but that's okay...we had a great time. It seemed a shame to come home after relaxing all weekend. Even my furkids slept soooo well...although they both need baths after trecking around in the dirt. White they sure ain't anymore. lol (and just to clarify....I never take them out without having a pocketfull of baggies. I hate those bad pet owners too)

When we got home our poor cat Tia was crying at the door. He's getting old and hates to be alone. The little brat must have been mad at us cause he's peed somewhere...I can smell it but not find it. Driving me nuts!

So...when we got home at 2 I managed to do 3 loads of laundry, clean out the motorhome, iron dh's work clothes, get everything watered and do a 2 miles walk after walking the dogs. I'm exhausted. And, it's back to work tomorrow for a very, very, busy day.

Alida: I hope you aren't going to plant those begonias in the sun? They like shade in this part of the country.

As for dd...I've been able to talk to her twice on the phone so far. She's happy where she is and is taking everything in. She will be there for at least a month which is the normal time limit...it could be up to 6 weeks...depends on her. They've been so good to her...explaining all the steps of AA and taking their time. She's still in lockdown and they have given her meds to control her shakes...the worst of her withdrawl for now. She has another couple of days before she can leave the facility...with a worker. They had a huge AA rally and had a ceremony where they started with the oldest AA member who had 60 years sobriety and got 60 claps right down to dd who had 4 days sobriety. Since she was had the least amount of time the oldster came and shook her hand and presented her with the Big Book which he signed and then everyone else came and signed it also. She said it was a very moving situation. I won't be able to visit with her for probably another week.....and she didn't whine about it.

I didn't bother to tell her that her cats couldn't be caught to move them to a friend's house to be cared for while she is gone. She's never let them out so when they tried to put them in a cage they went nuts bouncing off walls and knocking pictures and things down. It was decided to leave them in her trailer and two people were going to take turns visiting them each day. I'm sure they will be fine. She was a little teary when she told me she missed them so much.

Barb: That's some cart you have. You've really been tackling the big jobs. I usually put roots and crap in garbage bags and then try to drag them to the curb ... the bag breaks..crap everywhere and that's when the cursing starts. lol

Heather: I just couldn't picture you typing and walking but that avitar sure shows it can be done. Good for you.

Judy: Whoooooo Whooooo....that's just me blowing the big boomer away from you. Hope all is well.

Peg: All settled in now? How nice is that...getting to sit with different people everyday at lunchtime. Perfect way to get to know everyone.

Barb: It was a relaxing weekend. Even got to finish off my latest Nora Roberts book. Everyone else went to watch the final ballgame...my dh's team wasn't in it. So, I begged off and sat in the sun and read. Then put the dogs in the motorhome and went for my walk along the riverwalk that led right into town. (I must have known that cause I put my Visa in my pocket before I left.....scored 2 summer tops)

Poor dh is working dd's shift tonight...he's going to be exhausted if he tries to work all her shifts plus his own. Plus he's stiff and sore from pitching all weekend. I have to brag though and say that he's never pitched better!! Not bad for an old guy
!!

Well guys gotta go....just wanted to say HI to everyone before I crawl off to bed. I love these long weekends...but I know I'm going to pay for it the rest of the week.

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

Compared to all you gardening ladies, I'm a real slouch. That's not going to change.

Donna, you sound great, and I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend. You DO work hard, and you deserve all the fun you can find. Glad to hear dd is getting the most out of the rehab time.

Alida, yes, I was in Loose Park. It's a beautiful place, and big enough to accommodate a lot of people doing their thing--whether it's tennis or jogging or Frisbee or playground. I love seeing all the doggies. But inconsiderate owners--especially the neighborhood ones--are a puzzle to me.

Judy, hang in there! When I teach, I hate giving grades. But I remind myself that I don't "give" grades--the people earn them. When my standards are as low as simply turning in all the assignments with some semblance of thought and self-expression, I can't say I have much sympathy for people who can't achieve it. One year (for Etymology) I tried a series of simple quizzes to further "objectify" the grading. Boy, did they hate that!! It meant they had to actually read the assignment.

Yesterday afternoon, I sat down with my six-year-old great-niece so she could coach me in the marketing phenomenon, WEBKINZ. Google the website to see what it's all about. With the purchase of a cute plush animal, you get a "secret code" and the right to play on the website, which includes an animated version of your "pet." It has to be fed and kept healthy by regular visits. You can earn and spend virtual money for its food, room decor, toys, and visits to the Clinic. It's a good teaching tool, but also an addictive activity for kids, who should really be out running around in the backyard. I am now the "mom" of a fluffy pink poodle--the last of the available WEBKINZ at a nearby store. Today (more research at the office) I will officially adopt "her" and make my own virtual commitment to pet ownership. At least this pet won't pee on my curtains, which one of my incorrigible cats has chosen as her favorite declaration of annoyance.

Oh, as for the "research"--since these things are a hot item at Hallmark stores, I'm investigating the potential of other product tie-ins. Hey, it's a tough job, but....well, you know.

Peg, Brenda, Shelley, and our "missing persons," have a great day.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

I got up late this morning after a restless night. I don't know why. Every now and then that happens.

Judy, I forgot this is your last night! Well, prayers sent to the "70" kid that he will pass! That must be difficult for you. I never got caught up in "24 Hours." The other big show ... "Lost" lost me in the beginning. I thought it was stupid. But then I love Desperate Housewives ... so go figure.

A/C condenser leaked? Sounds like it was a hassle. Do you think you saved the carpet? The wedding this weekend will be fun! Have a wonderful time!

Barb, my boss's daughter is involved in that Webkinz craze. It's a cute idea. Do you have to pay to belong to the website? If not, I would think that after a while, the cost of having the site would exceed profits from the sale of the plush animals. But what a great job you have! Tie-ins? Cards that have a secret code for points on the site. A Birthday card could have points for a birthday cake for the Webkinz, etc.

Heather, I have never met anyone as crazy about exercise as you! Well, maybe Barb ..... But it's a good addiction to have if you go about it with good sense!

Shelley, yea! More rain! I'd love it to come on a weekly schedule. One year it did just that and I hardly had to water the grass. That was heaven!

You have been off for 10-12 days? How wonderful! I hope your work day goes smoothly.

Now you have me concerned about your lab reports. E-mail soon!

Donna, rehab sounds like it just may do your DD some good. "Big Book." What's that?

SIGH. The begonias do get about an hour of sun. I tried planting them sorta underneath some evergreens. It's a tough spot! I think they will live. They just may not thrive ....

What a busy weekend you had! But it must have been wonderful. Fun, campfires, reading, and a little shopping. What more can a person ask for, LOL!

Off to get ready for my day. Have a good one! 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

Hi Kiddos!

I finally got online on the laptop. We have Verizon here and it is a real PITA. I hope that it is my learning curve and not some kind of "shut out" thing. By that I mean, there are things that I can't access that I ought to be able to access.

We are still emptying boxes. Dh has been a real trooper. Yesterday he reminded me that he is a "J" on the Myers Briggs and I am a "P". That was a "nice" way of reminding me that he really wants closure on this move, and I am dragging my heels. Ha! He's right.

However, yesterday I found a BB&B and scored a new comforter for the king bed for way under $100., so got all the matching accroutements. When I brought it all home, dh was strangely silent. Hm. Well, he IS a "saver." I DID tell him that there was going to be some expenses involved in the move because I wanted to have colors matching. I also found a cabinet to hang on the wall in my bathroom. It should go a long way toward holding my "potions and lotions." Right now my entire bathroom is held in two big boxes! I have one cabinet. It is about 15"x10". Ha!

I got my shoes put away yesterday. That was a BIG deal; because as you know I have several pairs of shoes. We have a walk in closet. It has a window at the end of it, and I got a set of vinyl blinds to put up today. Also, one for our bedroom window. Then I will feel a little more private.

Barb: I have never heard of the WEBKINZ. Wow! I wonder if my Dallas gkids are involved in that? Of course, the oldest is turning 4 next month. Probably too young. My youngest one here (the character) is 7 going on 20.

Heather: I have to admit a niggling doubt about the amount of your exercise. However, I trust that you are listening to your own body and its needs.

Shelley: Waiting for that email. I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and he gave me a cortisone shot in my hip. It was wonderful waking up to no pain this morning. I hope that your day goes well today.

Alida: You have been doing a really big job in the garden, girl. How is the job going? Did you say that your boss and her husband had a fight in the driveway, or did I dream that?

Judy: So glad that grading time is finally here and that your summer is in sight. Soon, off to Neb., and then you can have a vacation, huh?

Donna: It sounds as if dd is getting some really good help, and a good start on AA which may hold her better when she gets out.

Shout out to all reading, and especially to Bren.

Peace, Peg

I energetically did 17,500 steps yesterday without leaving my house. At the end of the day I actually let out a short scream when my sciatic nerve hurt so bad while I was trying to sit down. I did do my Leslie video this morning but I'm not on my treadmill. I'll just try to get in good steps with housework. My sciatic nerve can flare up if I take it to easy or if I work to hard. My DH will leave work to pick up ds from school this afternoon. That would be just wonderful if I had a sciatic flare up while walking. Crying at my son's school because of pain would only scare the children. This body is unpredictable because I've been getting in 4 miles of outside walking on top of what I've been doing without any problems. My body doesn't always keep up with the energy I have inside of me. // I too had a restless night even when the sciatic pain went away. During the middle of the night I awoke to what I thought was my Charlie crying out for me. I rushed to his room and he was sound asleep with no tears on his face. Sometimes I have dreams of someone knocking at the door or the phone ringing but when I get up to answer it no one is there.

Shelley - hope everything is okay with the lab work. Little worried with that last post that kept us hanging.

Judy - Hope you were able to enjoy the thunderstorm.

Donna - I cried when I read how your dd received The Big Book and how everyone signed it, including the 60 year sobriety veteran. // I love hearing how your DH is so active. I have hopes for my DH one day. I know my DH pretty well to know that he will wait until he is scared because his health is suffering before he even considers this option. He walked 2x this year which is more then he has done in 5 years so there is progress.

Barb - I added the WEBKINZ to my ds's favorite folder for him to check out. I allow him a bit of time for game playing on my laptop. Poor guy gets a lot of walking, playing out door time, Wii games...that a bit of TV time and computer time each night (after homework and room clean) is okay. With everything else we always have going he treasures the limited time.

Alida - I've heard of exercise addicts that are out of control. They barely eat and cardio exercise every spare moment. I don't have the body for it or will power, if you can call it that, to even attempt it. Maybe God did this on purpose because I might try to exercise my days away. Everything has it's reason. // You mentioned having a restless night. When you get tired do you get overly hungry too? I wonder how many people have this same reaction.

Peg - A walk in closet you lucky gal!! That is every gal's dream!! Then you have to tell me that it even has a window. Can't help but be a bit jealous. // Thanks for the concern on my exercise time. My body does let me know when I overdo it. I can only imagine what it will be telling me in another 30 years - yikes!

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Hey gang, I'm here Back later if I can drag my b*tt to the pc--and I mean that literally!

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Hey BC!

Here is my little guy Charlie with his version of the books of the New Testament. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAMb85H349A

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