Very cute story about how you and hubby got together - patience rewarded.

I have definitely dated a few bad boys in my life. Unlike my sister, who I'll get to later, it wasn't because I thought I could save them, it was because there is just something hot about flirting with a little danger. The relationships never lasted long (didn't really expect them to), but they were pretty intense while they lasted. I think it is often that intensity that women go for - to disasterous results as Quinn said. A lot of it, for me, was about noticed by the bad boy in the first place, 'cuz then maybe it meant that I was kinda of a bad girl. (Which actually I was... but we'll save that for another day.)

My sister on the otherhand dated losers. Bad boys more in the "bad at life" sense than dangerous bad. And for her it was definitly about saving them and improving them. Something that she failed to do in 100% of the time.

Thank you for understanding. :D

I can believe this. This may be the same thing, I guess, I've had more women come on to me with I had on a wedding band. It seems like when you're married, they come out the wood work. Is it that same for y'all, do more guys hit on married women?

Yeah, I think it is kind of the same thing. Although with women coming on to a guy with a wedding band, it may also be that she's just looking for a little fun and knows that a married guy isn't likely to get too carried away.

I haven't really experience that as a woman. In fact, long before I actually got married, I wore a wedding ring when I traveled just to avoid such encounters. And for the most part it worked.

I don't know about a race, but I'll be there for Mardi Gras!!!

Maybe it's b/c she knows he won't "talk".

That's right, you've been to N.O. before. Did you like it? Did you enjoy the food? :D

You just have to go with the Junior sized Frosty and not let them talk you into the "small" just because it's the same price.
See, I can drink soda as I'm laying in bed about to turn out the lights, and I still won't have any problems sleeping. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing:confused:

Why, thank you! It's the least I can do :D And it's never even been planned, I just seem to find them. The last one I dated I met at the gas station. How redneck is that??? Had it worked out, and our future kids had asked how we met, we'd have to make something up. Cause you can't tell anyone you met their parent at the gas station buying beer.

OMG I freaking LOVE N.O. And the food is second to none. I have a friend who's ex is from there and we'd always get him to cook for us. Sadly, they aren't together anymore and I have to try and cook it for myself. Sometimes it turns out, sometimes it doesn't. If I could afford to, and wouldn't miss my family like crazy I'd move down in a heartbeat!!!

Health/Fitness
1-under 1300 calories....hoping for better numbers than last week M1071 Tu1542oops
2-48 oz water daily...64 was just not manageable for me M-sooo close that I'm giving myself this one Tuno
3-1 Dt Dew daily....I'm sticking with this one until I nail it M-YES TuYES
4-Exercise 5 times...should have no excuses this week, I'm perfectly healthy Mno Tuno unless shopping til the stores close counts?
5-45% or less carbs....40% was really tough, I usually kept under 45 though M57% it was that dang Frosty and it's sugar!! Tu39% even if I went over my calories
6-log log log....a no brainer, but it's easy green! MYES TuYES
7-shooting for 2 more lbs M-didn't weigh Tu-didn't weigh

Afford to? The cost of living is really good here. The food is awesome and the people are unique... to say the least. Have you even been for Mardi Gras? It's insane! Have you been back since Katrina? It's not like I've been to too many places but I can say that I've never tasted food anywhere else this even remotely close to being as good as here. That makes it hard to stay in shape! What really sucks is when I'm out of town and I have place that has "New Orleans" food, never fails, I'm always like WTF are y'all thinking? If I had the money I'd love to open up a true New Orleans joint elsewhere just to give other people a taste of some real food. ;)

Rose, I forgot that Chico was still on the tree. Do you want me to keep him up there?
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...atarscopy6.jpg

I do know that the cost of living is good there, but you have to have the $$ to actually move. And there is the small problem of not being able to see my family whenever I want. This will be my first Mardi Gras, it's always been on my bucket list.
The first time I came down there was a couple of months before Katrina. We helped my cousin and his family move into the Baptist Semenary. He wound up having to stay after the storm, but his family moved back up here. The next year I went back with his wife to help move some of their stuff back down, I'm thinking hurricane season started like a week after I helped her move back down and I asked her "are y'all sure about this? I mean, didn't you just have to move back to SC because of a hurricane???" He finished up his masters there and then moved to Raleigh, NC to work on his doctorate. He was only in NC for a year when he realized that he and his family were meant to be in N.O. So, they're back now as he finishs up his doctorate.
There was one place up here that sold authentic N.O. food, the guy was actually from down there, and it was a-maz-ing!! But, he went out of business because the freaks up here wouldn't frequent the restaurant. He even had frozen precooked meals that you could buy so you didn't actually have to eat at his restaurant. I miss that guy......

That's an awesome story. How long are you going to be down for Mardi Gras? The parades on Sat & Sunday are better than Mardi Gras day. Anytime at night is going to be INSANE on Bourbon Street. Words can not describe how packed it gets. We should meet up while you're down.

Mern – it’s always a pleasure reading your posts. You do a wonderful job to include everyone and you always have something interesting to say. For your friend, I am still thinking of her – not being religious, I won’t offer prayers, but I send positive vibes your way and hope they can find the cause of the perforation and can fix her up like new. I also hope it’s just one of those freak occurrences and not something that’s likely to happen again. I can only imagine the absolute mixed horror and relief her parents experienced when learning of this stray piece of corn.

As for the calorie count, yeah, it’s school holidays here until the end of January, so it’s chaotic, to say the least. One child is calmed and settled and another one starts up. I’ve come back into the kitchen at lunchtime to discover my cereal, milked and ready to go, has been sitting since 7am when I made it, alongside a prepared but very cold cup of tea and I’ve completely forgotten about it! Oh well, it’ll only be a couple more months before we’re in a good routine. At least our 19mo is surprisingly gentle with the baby. He strokes her hair and face and tries to jam a dummy into her face (not necessarily her mouth – just her face) when she cries and this morning he gave her a kiss on her forehead while I was feeding her. Love!

Darlene – I’m always so jealous of people who get snow! I know it gets old fast for many of you. But good on you for thinking ahead and getting in your hike and some bracing air for your lungs!

Almeeker – you make my back ache just thinking of crouching over 20 gazillion gingerbread houses. I’ll bet they’re spectacular.

Quinn – nice job on having almost everything prepared for Christmas! We do all our wrapping on Christmas Eve-Eve with a bottle of wine for me and a few scotches for my partner. I hope your bug buggers off! :D Being sick over Christmas is just not fair!

Pam – wow, you’ve been a busy girl this week! Hopefully you get a chance to relax over the weekend.

April – your goals are looking very green, indeed! Nice job.

Mike and Quinn – oh, you meant a MOTORbike . . . haha! I assumed you were talking about a bicycle. It’d have to be a pretty speedy doggy to run alongside a motorbike. I guess that’s what I get for eavesdropping on half a conversation. :D

I bowed out on the exercise yesterday. But it’s back to it today! Calories yesterday – I didn’t log, but I know I went over. I asked my partner to bring home some dinner and he chose hot dogs. Not only that, but he also purchased a Godzilla-sized bag of these delicious little mini choc-chip biscuits. They’re so teeny tiny, you don’t realize you’ve eaten five hundred and forty until the bag looks sad and empty. Whoops. That’s okay, my 9yo will inhale the remaining few and I won’t have to feel guilty today. :)

Fitness:
30 minutes of cardio exercise 5 days: Y, Y, N
Keep calorie count between 1200 and 1500 N, 978; N, 1081, didn’t log

Personal:
Play a board/console game with my 9yo every day to prove I haven’t forgotten my oldest baby. Y, Y, Y
Be more calm – my sleeplessness shouldn’t be anyone else’s problem but my own. Y, close call, but Y, Y

Avatar uploaded. This is a few months old. The most recent one of me looks like someone dragged me out of the gutter by my hair . . . and I wasn't even hungover! Vanity prevails . . . :D

Behaze, nice avatar. You're not eavesdropping, you've just been gone. Ive been whining for the pat month or so about getting a MOTORbike. ;)

Thanks, Mike! :D Are you any closer to getting it, or is it still a dream?

Nah, been spending too much money. I'm probably going to wait a year.

Amy I love your goal. I bet the kids all loved the gingerbread houses! I hope you have a restful day today.

Rose Your party sounded fun, good for you for sticking to your goals. My walk was great it got cold today but still no snow.

Mern Thanks for the kind words I am trying to be good this week I know next week will be a write off.

Quinn I hope you stay healthy, although getting some help with gift wrapping wouldn’t be so bad. Denzel Washington and James Dean need to be considered for bad boys in my opinion also. I love your advice for dating, we always told the kids if they need changing they are not the perfect match for you.

Mike How do I post pictures to our forum?” I would just look like a badass on a sport bike, but under the helmet I would be a big smiling nerd. See, you have to be both” Laughing so hard I can hardly type. My hubby says it’s the ring thing also, his friend is single and when they hit the pubs together he meets women for his friend. I think it has to do with confidence when you are in a relationship you are acting like yourself when you are out not pretending to be cool to pick up a woman.:)

Pam Cheers I love your avatar! Everyone seems to be having a really busy week I hope you find some time to relax. I took some pics of my cat he would defiantly be able to work as a mouser for you but I can’t figure out how to post them yet so coming soon…

April I am sorry to hear you are sick, get lots of rest. I love your cookie post and I will put the rules to use later this week.:)

Tori You are doing well with your dew addiction so far this weeks. Lol at your meeting a date at the gas station story.

Behaze Unlike most Canadians we get very little snow I live on the west coast so we get rain, rain and more rain, I do like the snow when it arrives it’s very pretty.

Alright I posted my picture as an avatar I am not photogenic and hate having my pic taken so my best friend sent me this one so I could have a face like everyone else. I got a ton of food shopping done today and it was all holiday foods so I didn’t even unpack it, just stacked it up in the corner of our room so it won’t get eaten. I think I am 100% ready for our boxing day party and about 75% ready for Christmas day so I am hoping to be able to take it easy next week. I still need to go buy a tree and get it put up this weekend the days just seem to be flying by this week. Tomorrow I am taking my parents and dd to a little town about 45min away they have decorated all the store front windows with old fashioned Christmas themes it should be nice to walk around I hope the weather holds out. I need to go start wrapping gifts so I will post actuals later. Have a great night everyone.:D

Nice work with the tree Mike. I get a fail today on journaling etc but a nice unexpected visit with my son.
Mary

Thanks Mary.

Darlene, if the pic is small enough, you may be able to attach it to a post, under manage attachments (I think). I just upload all my pics to Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

I'll update my Wednesday Health/Fitness in the morning, for now I'll just do Life/Work....

Life/Work
1-clean the cat's bathroom....it's not as bad as last week, but still needs to be done completely N,N,N
2-all laundry....I haven't figured out why the pile keeps growing??? N,N,N
3-make all 4 blankets for the kids' N,N,N
4-finalize all Christmas shopping N,N,DONE DONE AND DONE!!!
5-start wrapping presents N,N,N
6-try not to kill anyone at work Y,Y, off work today but I didn't kill anyone at home either!!:)
7-stay on top of all paperwork, no more getting behind Y,Y, no paperwork today :D

I've really got to work on not being so lazy with the home duties. It just seems that when I get home from work, make dinner, work out, give attention to the cat because she demands at least 30 minutes every day just for her, and then pack lunch for the next day....well, I just don't feel like doing manual labor around the house too. And now that we've thrown Christmas into the mix, well that just adds to the stress. But at least my shopping is finally done. I pulled an all dayer but I got it completed! The last of my gifts were purchased about an hour ago, now I just have to unload the car and start on those dang blankets!!

Hi everyone. I'm bummed to have missed the lively conversation about bad boys that happened today. It was another crazy, stressful day, topped off by the fact that our docs meeting was out to lunch...Thai...the doc who manages the practice ordered for us and it was a disaster. When I came home and looked up the nutrition, I about fell off my chair, and ate Cheerios for dinner.

April, thanks for posting the calorie rules. I will be sure to keep them in mind...heck, I think I will frame them! I needed that smile today.

Quinn, I hope you do not have The Yuck. Rest up, fluids, chicken soup, heating pad...you know what to do. Take it easy, girlfriend.

Mike, the way you've been rocking policies lately, you should be able to get your bike sometime soon. Always helps to know what you're working for, right? I really wish I could come to N.O. for the race. Maybe one of these years!

Darlene, you are so productive I get tired just reading your posts. I know you have created a wonderful holiday for your family. I hope you can relax and enjoy it soon! I think your avatar looks great, photogenic or no.

Behaze, oh, my, the days of forgotten breakfast! Had to smile over the dinner incident; I have lots of days like that, too. Thanks for putting up your avatar as well. I love putting names with faces for everyone. Some folks look so close to how I pictured and some not so much...it's really been fun to see people.

Tori, smart girl on the Frosty. I truly believe in the value of giving into controlled cheats occasionally. Good plan. It doesn't work for everyone, but knowing yourself and what you need is super important.

Hi Pam! Wise words on the bad boys. Have you done some Christmas shopping for H & H yet ;)?

Almeeker, thought of you the other day; there was a big article in our paper about a gingerbread house competition; I think it was in Asheville. The pictures were amazing. I think you should bring your mad skills east next year and enter it.

Mern, hope things are all well and good with you. Thanks for your encouraging words earlier; you are always there with the right thing to say. Unfortunately that number gave me only about 100-150 cals deficit; I just don't burn that much to begin with. But it helped to have the pick-me up!

Rose, I love Chico on that tree! Do you have a sporty new sweater or scarf for his handsome self this winter? What a year he has had!

I am sorry if I missed anyone. My connection has been going funky and I can't restart the thread to check. I like it so much better when I can chat with y'all during the day, but that's not in the cards tomorrow, either. Hopefully Friday. Will check in later with the numbers...still working on a couple of them. Enjoy your evening, all!

Cassie, anytime you can make it let me know. :)

Okay...had to share; this made me absolutely crack up!

1. 1200 calories or fewer. 871-still recovering from too many weekend party goodies :( 1471 long story, 1911, damn unplanned lunch
2. Follow what works for my pie chart. Yes, Yes, No
3. Log absolutely everything. Yes, even cough drops and vitamin C, Yes, Yes
4. Drink 3 sports bottles of water daily. Yes, Yes, Yes
5. Take vitamins and calcium. Yes, Yes, Yes
6. Exercise 7 times. Stationary bike, None today, Cardio Tennis
7. Do shoulder exercises. Yes, No, Yes
8. Get in bed by midnight, 1 AM Friday and Saturday. Yes Not even close, Cutting close
9. Post daily. Yes, Yes, Yes
10. Focus on something wonderful that happened during the day (thx Quinn). Had an unexpected nice positive attention moment happen at work today.

Wow, totally need to scrap today and all its unplanned traps. Tomorrow I will be on the road at lunch and we have a pizza dinner planned (band night fundraiser); lunch date out Friday. It's turning out to be a week full of minefields. Between yesterday and today, I'm breaking even...better than being over, I guess.

I'm having trouble on the site tonight...pages won't load and I can't get colors to show up. Is it just me?

MAIN80, are you in bed yet? I'll go if you will!

Night, y'all :).

Health & Fitness
1) Lose 3 pounds (starting @ 182.2)
2) 4 servings of fruit/veggies yes, yes, yes
3) Gallon of water yes, yes, yes
4) 3000 calories deficient -1060. -907, -965
5) 1 cheat meal clean, clean, clean
6) Gym x 3 day off, yes, day off
7) No Bread none, I caved, none
8) Net Carbs less than 65g/day (not including cheat) 73.6g, 76.8g
9) No disturbing the ghost during the night (in other words, no getting up to eat after I lay down for bed) got up, no, ?
10) Daily:
a) Fish Oil yes, yes, yes
b) Vitamin yes, yes, yes
c) Glucosamine yes, yes, yes
d) Fluoride rise yes, yes, yes

Non Health & Fitness
DONE 11) Write 4 policies (have to turn up the heat on this one) 3, 0, 1 (4 so far)

Cassie Thanks for the kind words. lol at the running pic I am sure I look the the bottom pic for sure.

Mike Thanks I will try to figure out this pic thing and I will check out your link.

Have a great night everyone.

Remember this December,
That love weighs more than gold!
Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon


Goals:
Walk 25k: M=8.2k, T=6k, W=2.5k
Gym 2 days: 0, 0,0
Exercise 5 days: M=Hike, T=Walk, W=Treadmill
Squats 5 days: M=Y, T=Y, W=Y
Ab work 5 days: M=Y, T=Y, W=Y
Calories less than 1400: M= 1226, T=1236, W=1168
Calorie deficit of 5000 for week: M=-818, T=-685, W=-984
Christmas prep or participation everyday: M=Christmas cookie gifts packaged and ready for delivery. T=Cookie bags delivered, gift cards all purchased, mom and dad’s gifts done. W= Started wrapping.

Turned out to be a blah day. But I have not coughed at all!

1. Log everything. Yes, Yes, Yes
2. Drink water. 2L, 1L, No
3. Exercise 4 times. No, No, No.
4. Sleep before midnight. Close but no, Oh so close. Pffft

Mern, Glad I reminded you of the water... I on the other hand did terrible on that today. Today I can't use being sick as an excuse, I feel fine just being lazy. Hope your friend is recovering nicely and no more surgery is needed.

Cassie, clearly did not make it to bed by midnight... :( You just have to find your way around the landmines, at least the next ones you know about right? And I am sure that little girl looks better than I do when I try to run. :)

Quinn, I hope you get to avoid the bug! Its really no fun!

Pam, how terrible to have frozen feet, (frozen anything really). Hope your week picks up and the rats are gone for good.

April, terrible that you are sick and I hope you can rest and feel better. Forget the scale and concentrate on taking care of yourself. I love the rules, specially number 4 and 8.

Tori, you are right, the junior size is just the perfect amount to get the sweet treat but its easy to get tricked into getting the small, which is in comparison not small at all. Great job on the diet soda and shopping, now on to the blankets.

Behaze, lovely picture. Hope you settle into a routine soon, and how sweet of your little boy with his sister.

Darlene, you look great on your picture! Glad you are almost set with all the holiday shopping.

I like this topic too much to not comment.

For sure the definition of bad boy for a guy is NOT my definition of bad boy, you have described a low life loser, sadly there are a women who fall for them.

When I think of a bad boy, its more like how Quinn describes it, just someone who has a little bit of mystery and attitude and of course has to be attractive or else there is no *sigh* (Right now I am picturing Jon Hamm's character in Mad Men). Sometimes they are players sometimes they are not, and I agree some women find them attractive because they see a challenge to change them (I can't understand why, I have enough issues of my own to deal with someone elses). Other women, I think, go for a "bad boy" because of that mystery dangerous element, they push you a little outside of your comfort zone and it can be fun and different, and also you know it's not meant to be a long lasting thing.

I agree that women should not be looking for boys, and I think most problems come from the fact that people in general have no idea what they are looking for or what they need so they just go with the flow and see what happens.

I have had to hear nice guys complain about this, but I think it is the same the other way around, you see many "good" men with girls that are just no good. I guess this is also a matter of balance, be generally nice with some mystery, take control over situations but not be arrogant....

Anyway its fun you brought Vito out of the lurking. :)


Ugh... fitday was having problems just now would let me post or log in really.

Mike, my young sick friend's name is Bethany, age 13.

Prayers are much appreciated. Thanks.

Update is below in white for those of you who would like to know more: click and drag your cursor down to read.

No diagnosis on the cause of the hole in Bethany's large intestine since a foot long section of it and a piece of her colon were removed due to serious infection in both. During the surgery her parents were updated "we removed part of her intestines but we don't know whether we'll be able to put her back together": meaning they didn't know whether her intestines would "wake up" and resume functioning normally after the surgery. Her large intestine has not resumed functioning since the surgery (should have by now) and she continues to be fed through her veins. She is begging to eat food like Slushies and ice cream, but they won't let her have even a liquid diet through the mouth yet- poor kid.

They are testing for Crohn's disease as a complication of her Type I diabetes. Crohn's disease can be manageable with early diagnosis and the effective treatment.

From Mayo Clinic's website:
Though there is no known medical cure for Crohn's disease, treatment of the disease has changed much in the last 20 years, and it continues to evolve. Our goal is to diagnose Crohn's early and use medications and surgery to get patients into remission (symptom free) and keep them there.

Crohn's disease is a chronic bowel condition characterized by inflammation in the small or large intestine. In essence, your immune system attacks your body. White blood cells build up in the lining of the digestive tract, which becomes inflamed and causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Additional complications include bowel obstruction, ulcers and fistulas (abnormal tunnels in tissue)."

Prayers are much appreciated. Thanks.

Darlene, thanks for putting your pic up! :D Didn't have time to read your post/s yet from yesterday but when I saw your pic I just knew that was you even before I saw the dar n --you look just as I pictured you in my mind. Isn't that strange? Very pretty picture, I might add. :)

Small whine: I should be grateful to have stuff to do--can never complain about being bored, that's for sure. But there are just not enough hours in the day for me to do all I need to do before dinner so that I can relax in the evening. So I am behind with our group in reading and posting.

I did really well on my food, water, and exercise yesterday until very late evening when I did an uncontrolled carb binge. Though I know it does no good to beat oneself up over a cheat, I should at least regret last night's cheat, but honestly, I don't. I haven't logged my really bad cheat yet, but I will and will be honest about posting my report for Wednesday later today.

I remember that a week or so ago we had a discussion about plateaus and I posted about how they are normal and will go away if we keep on doing what we know is right for our body. But I've been on this plateau for well over a month, and no matter what I do right now I'm not losing an ounce. Yes, I've had a few cheats, but I should still have lost SOMETHING in between.

I know it's just a matter of time before I start losing again, and I will get right back on the wagon today (never intended to stay off). Yeah, I know last night's cheat certainly didn't help my cause. I'm perfectly OK--just annoyed with not losing. :rolleyes:

Gotta go--errands are calling...

Hope to catch up with the posting later today.

Hugs to all.

bhaze, I caught your photo as I was quickly skimming down. Your photo is really pretty! This photo sharing is wonderful--so nice to SEE with whom I am sharing this journey to better health and better fitness. :)

Positive vibes are appreciated just as much as prayers. Thanks--that means a lot to me. Big hug to ya!

Yes, Bethany's parents are under a lot of stress and you are right--they were both relieved and horrified by that stray piece of corn. She's in Children's Hospital. I don't know if I posted this, but while she was in surgery, her father had an attack and they rushed him down the street to a different hospital because they thought he may have had a heart attack. Their conclusion was that it was a "panic attack" and recommended he follow up with his family doctor. Family doctor also thinks it was just a panic attack, so that's good news.

oh Mern, that is sad, poor thing. I hope she has a speedy recovery and if they won't let her have ice cream, maybe she can at least have a realistic dream of eating a Reeses Blast, with extra candy.

Health / Fitness Goals ...
1. 100oz water daily M: Yes, T: Yes(if not, it was very close), W: Yes,
2. Limit one diet soda daily M: Yes, T: Yes, W: Yes,
3. Walk on lunch M: Yes, T: was off work, W: short lunch, Th: worked half day so no lunch,
4. Exercise 4 times W-Sun W: No, Th: No,
5. Weight and post weight M: 271.2,I am going to bow out on this one since I am sick now too and it is causing huge fluctuations in my scale.

Life Goals ...
1. Make a Christmas Card List M: done for work cards, T: No, W: No,

Yesterday was pretty good. I am still not feeling great. My throat hurts to swallow and my head is congested and I get 'gook' when I cough. I know, I know...take care of myself like I would the rest of the family. So I made an appointment to see my doctor today when I get off work at 4pm. I really don't like taking medicine but I can't feel like this for much longer. I am beat and haven't done much today at all.

I didn't get a chance to do more than skim the posts so I'm sorry if I miss anyone.

Mike ... Bad boys to me are different than dirtball losers. LOL! I wouldn't want someone that spends their days laying on their mom's couch and telling her to bring him another beer. Yuck! I just like the image of a tough guy and in ways I got one. If I ever need anything, my hubby is there for me. He isn't afraid to mix words or stand up for his family. He is my rock. I have actually gained a lot of backbone from being with him. I used to be such a doormat.

Mern ... Oh, I feel so bad for your little friend. I really hope that the drs figure it out and get her eating soon.

Darlene .. You are my Christmas Idol! I just don't have that much spirit in me like you do. Your trip with the parents and dd sounds wonderful.

Vito ... You should come out of lurking more often and join us!! :)

April, you got you a man on your hands!

Amy, your turn! Is your app messing up? Mine keeps saying loading and sending move!

Mike – aw. Spending always does that to big ticket dreams. :D

Darlene – I like your avatar! You look happy in it. Did you get all your wrapping done?

Mary – I hope you had a wonderful time catching up with your son.

Tori – Good job on getting all your Christmas shopping done! Oh, and you’re doing wonderfully in your efforts not to kill anyone at work (or at home!).

Cassie – makes you wonder how Thai people are naturally such slender people. Oh, I know takeaway isn’t REAL ethnic food, but it’s just so yummy! As for the avatars – so, am I the former or the latter? :D To be honest, I pictured you as having blonde, curly hair. No clue why. You have a very capable look about you, though. I guess that puts your clients at ease, hey? Your goals are also looking very green! Yay!

Main – thanks! And yeah, the boys are very sweet with their sister. She’s got them, as well as her dad (okay, maybe me, too), wrapped firmly around her little finger. Now she’s started smiling, it’s just gonna get better! :D Good to hear you’re not coughing anymore! Let’s hope it stays that way.

Mern – aw, shucks. And no, I hadn’t heard about her dad, too. What a stressful week for them. Poor chicky, not getting any ‘real’ food. I’m still hoping it all works out for her. So glad her dad ‘only’ suffered a panic attack and it was nothing so serious as a heart attack. It’s good to hear your head is in the right space regarding plateaus. You know just as I do that you’ll work through it and come out smiling.

April – I just clicked on your photo links. Wow! I knew you’d done a spectacular job losing 60lbs, but seeing the evidence is hugely impressive. You’re looking great!

Almost got the 1200 calories yesterday! If only things like candy canes and chocolate were filled with nutritious calories instead of empty ones, it'd all be so very easy . . . hehe. I’m sure I’m not the first person to lament that lack. Tacked on an extra 10 minutes of exercise yesterday, too, which isn’t a lot, but I felt pretty good about it. Being calm today is going to be a challenge. My 9yo is in one of THOSE moods. I will get lots of practice counting to ten today, I think! :rolleyes:

Stats for yesterday:

Fitness:
30 minutes of cardio exercise 5 days: Y, Y, N, Y
Keep calorie count between 1200 and 1500 N, 978; N, 1081, didn’t log, N, 1112

Personal:
Play a board/console game with my 9yo every day to prove I haven’t forgotten my oldest baby. Y, Y, Y, Y
Be more calm – my sleeplessness shouldn’t be anyone else’s problem but my own. Y, close call, but Y, Y, Y

Playing around with a signature, coz I wanna be like the cool kids.

Health/Fitness1-under 1300 calories....hoping for better numbers than last week M1071 Tu1542 W1094
2-48 oz water daily...64 was just not manageable for me M-sooo close that I'm giving myself this one Tu-no Wno
3-1 Dt Dew daily....I'm sticking with this one until I nail it M-YES TuYES WYES
4-Exercise 5 times...should have no excuses this week, I'm perfectly healthy I give up this week....
5-45% or less carbs....40% was really tough, I usually kept under 45 though M57% it was that dang Frosty and it's sugar!! Tu39% even if I went over my calories W61%
6-log log log....a no brainer, but it's easy green! MYES TuYES WYES
7-shooting for 2 more lbs M-didn't weigh Tu-didn't weigh W-didn't weigh.....I'm trying to get over my scale obsession. As much as I want to hit this goal, I'm not going to stress myself all week. I'll let y'all know on the weekly wrap up

Wednesday was really good until a late night uncontrolled carb binge. Today was pretty much back on track.

Calorie limit 1600 1569, 1488, 1904, 1525
Cholesterol limit 300mg 192mg, 214mg, 263mg, 161mg
Carbs less fiber limit 25g 27.7g, 25.2g close enough, 125.9g :eek: :eek: :eek: 23.6g
Saturated fat limit 12% of total calories 17%, 10%, 13%, 14%
Fiber 30g 20g. 39g 26g, 26g
Veggies 5 servings 4, YES, YES, YES

Sugar Free Chocolate miniatures limit 2 per day 5, 0, 6, 0
Fish oil and vitamin D, green tea capsules for help with water retention forgot green tea, ditto, YES, YES

Exercise 5 days YES, YES, YES, scheduled day off
Water: aiming for over 48 ounces Sucked big time, ditto, YES, YES

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers, good vibes, good wishes for my young hospitalized friend, Bethany. (Mike, LOL on the Reeses Blast with extra candy. I hope she can dream of that, too. :)) Update: No cause found for the tear in her intestine that was surgically repaired but it may have been a freak accident--possibly from swallowing a small, sharp piece of something like a chicken bone that she didn't feel going down but was sharp enough to cause the tear. They didn't find any bone but said it would be consistent with the type of tear she had. Her mother said Bethany has a bad habit of chewing toothpicks and they also said if she swallowed a small, sharp piece of that, it could have the same result. Crazy, isn't it? BUT the good news is that all the tests for serious disorders/diseases that could have caused the tear were negative. She is still not allowed to eat or drink any food, but may be able to within the next few days. :)


Sorry I'm unable to catch up with all the posts as I had promised. I'm feeling well but am just so darned tired from being so busy. So for all those not individually addressed below: kudos to those of you who are doing well; big hugs to those who are not and who are still sick or coming down with the cyber virus going around.

bhaze, thanks so much for your encouragement on my plateau.

Cassie, where would we all be without all YOUR kind words and encouragement? Your 100-150 calorie deficit is a lot better than a surplus. Martha Stewart would say "that small deficit is a GOOD THING." LOL

Darlene, maybe next week will be better than you expect. :)

Going to bed early! Goodnight, y'all!

Mern, that's good news I guess hopefully that'll break her toothpick chewing habit.

Since we're giving out prayers... does anyone have one of Cassie's buy one get one coupons? My brother, David, is going it tomorrow to have back surgery (the same kind I may need, but his will be more extensive). Hook him up ladies!