WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2012

carojrrn

Good Monday Morning!

I sure was inspired after reading the day's posts from yesterday. So many victories acheived especially with all the obstacles. I admire those who have chosen to stop eating certain foods. I made the choice to adjust my diet and allow myself to eat things in moderation.

Yesterday at the football game I knew I had to eat something so the best option was chicken tenders. I did not drink enough water and by the time we arrived home I really wasn't hungry. I had an apple with peanut butter; peppers and hummus and some pumpkin custard. I was below on calories but it was the best I could do.....

For those interested I discovered 100 Vitatops Muffins. They come in many varieties and will satisfy a sweet and carb craving.

I am not a seafood person but would like to try a mild fish. I was wondering if Tilapia fit this bill....It is on sale here this week and would like some recipes/ideas. I do not like anything tasting very fishy....

Thanks for all the pillow advice. Last night I slept with an older, flat polyster pillow. No neck pain this am but I like the Iso-Cool idea. Is it memory foam???

Gail- Thank you for sharing your son's journey. It was incredible and inspirational! Best wishes for his transition out of the house!

Meg- Thank goodness your Dad was okay after that choking episode! How scary for you!

Robin- My mouth is watering with the blackberry recipes!!

Amanda- I love old maps!! One line of my family is from Derbyshire and I would drool(not on the maps) if I could find my ancestor on an old map!

Linda- NSV being motivated to go to the gym by yourself!!! I am impressed!!

Kackie- Lions, and tigers and bears OH MY!!

Lin- Hope things improve with the staff where your Dad is. Keep on advocating for him!

Everyone else- Keep it up! Love reading all your stories! Love that we can all celebrate our joys and tribulations here!

Enjoy the day!
Carolyn

Yardtigress

Well, I'm a little bummed today scale says I gained 3 lbs. :explode: :sad: :noway: I am going with, water retention, yesterday I didn't drink enough water, but I'm still going to the pool this morning, then shopping. DH and I usually food shop together on Sunday, but due to the show, I have to do it today. My blood sugars were good this morning so I didn't eat all that bad.

Yes Linda sales of hand crafted items are usually down in an election year. Lots of people are scared, they don't know what is going to happen and are holding on to their money. I do understand. We have had mostly cash sales, very little credit card action. I have 3 shows that are after the election and I am going to say that they will be better.

I skimmed the posts this morning, cudos for all who lost, Gail you are blessed, and I'm so glad your son is doing better.

Carolyn- I think tilapia is a mild tasting fish, I put Mrs. Dash chicken rotissrie (SP?) on it or lemon pepper, or well just about anything. Cats like it too.

Well my tea is almost gone, so it is off to the pool. I'm going to want a pillow report from those who got new ones. I hate buying new pillows, what if you don't like them. No you can't return them with a drool stain, you are stuck with them. :sick:

Tigress

kathyszoo

Happy Monday All!

Today is the day before my big interview (the process starts at 11 and if they like you lasts until 4)! Not a monumental job (recruiter for MDA) but I really want it and it is working for a great cause! I'm going to start today with the pool and get bills organized and then start on de-cluttering my computer room, since my living room is done. I'm getting re-motivated because I have no loss to report for 2 wks. now and a gain of .5 . Seeing so many of you post losses, gives me the motivation to do better!:drinker: On the plus size, after night one with the new pillow, I think I actually might have picked a decent one!

Mamacindy81- Your Iso-cool pillow sounds neat! Way to go on all those trips on the stairs!

DeeDee-Sounds like you certainly did have a busy day! Glad you had fun with the grandkids!

Eileen- Congats on your loss! Sounds like you had a great walk!

Gail-What a workout you got in yesterday with your mulch! Thank you for sharing the journey that your DS and your whole family have had! I thank God everyday for the blessings in my life everyday, including all of you!

Liz - Like your pic! And congrats on the 5K! You motivate me to keep at it!

Tigress- I doublechecked with Sears on their return policy when we bought our new pillows. As long as you have the original receipt and the plastic bag that it comes in, you have 90 days to return it if you are not satisfied. Just let them know that it was used so they don't resell it and you can return it no problem.

I'd love to respond to more of you but if I don't get off here, I'll be late to water aerobics so have a great day everyone!

Kathy

mwheatcraft54

Welcome to the new week, last of September already! I feel reminded of my age almost every time I turn around these days – time flies.
Monday weigh-in – no real weight loss (well, .3 pounds) but since it’s been steady for three months it was time for a plateau – I’ve been expecting it. Still, of course it comes right before I go to my doctor’s apt. I hope the extra walking will help in time.

June, congratulations on the weight loss! I’m sure the doctor is happy with you. Be careful with the bone loss – my grandmother suffered from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis – it’s a painful condition if you’re not careful. I hope your doctor keeps you on track there. What kind of conference?

Kathy, good luck on the job interviews! I read that people are hiring (finally!) so I hope you get something.

JB, I’m so jealous. I really miss the Pacific Northwest, rain and all. My family was in the orchard business up in the Gorge – we canned all summer and fall every year. Good job keeping on track (pun intended !

JaneH, I track both measurements and weight. The measurements give me a little solace when the scale is stuck. I did find my body shape changed considerably before my weight, mainly because my muscular structure was coming back from exercising. It’s a good thing!

Meg, you sound like you’re really enjoying those bikes – they sound like a lot of fun! We had two cockers, one of which was never properly housetrained either. We finally had to put up baby gates and keep them penned in the kitchen so they wouldn’t piddle on the carpet. It’s much easier to clean linoleum than carpets, imo. Good luck on the book too – how exciting! Seems like everyone is writing these days. I should get back into it.

Joy, Wow! 4.5 is exciting – let yourself get excited (you might burn some extra calories too!). Good luck on getting to your goal – you’ll get there, even if it’s DURING your vacation rather than before .

Sasha, congratulations on your loss too, and breaking through that barrier. I was discouraged that I didn’t get there today, but I know it will happen this week sometime so not sweating it too much. Have fun shopping.
*Now I’m on to your second posting – see what happens when you miss a day? I love fresh apples, especially organics. And now you know how to store them. You sound very industrious about mending and altering your clothes – good for you!

Gail, did the sod cutter remove grass or just do . . . ? I’m trying to figure out if it’s what I want. We’re going to cut part of the grass on the north side of the house to put in a French garden (styled after the formal ones we saw in France) this fall/spring. I toyed with just rototilling the ground but think I’ll want to cut the sod out first.

Carolyn, isn’t it great when you get affirmation from the ones you think notice the least ;0. My daughter is one of my biggest fans, so I always listen to her. I’m glad the new mattress is working out for you. What game?

Kackie, I agree, the bear needs a new home (and not one in your garage!)

Barbie, good for you on limiting the carbs. It’s a mind-set change, but it does help. I might have to try the buckwheat pillow. I’m still looking for something too.

JaneM, glad you had fun with your granddaughter!

Michele, hope it’s just allergies and you’ll keep from getting a full-blown illness.

Liz, your run/walk sounds like a blast! The hot shower will help, and my husband swears turning it to cold for a minute helps too.

Glenda, yay for getting back to your routine!

Linda, don’t worry, your writing isn’t so bad I can’t tell what you’re saying, so it’s all good . I’m sorry if I missed a message from you – I accepted your friend request but think I may have skipped over the message with it. You might resend.

Amanda, your gallery sounds lovely. We’ll have to look for it next time I’m in London.

Lin, I hope your father is well. It’s a rough adjustment, but if you feel you have a good method that works with your father it wouldn’t help to pass it along to the attendants – they may be adjusting too. I think I have been noticing that tendency with my calories – I haven’t been overeating, but there were a couple of days when I just didn’t feel like eating much at all (yesterday being one). I’m not snacking as much these days either.

Dar, have fun with your students! Homecoming is a big deal around here – took the little one shopping for shoes to go with her dress. She found the dress for $15, then got $60 shoes to go with it grr. Lol

Andrea, I usually do housework on Mondays too. I used to do it on the weekend mornings but I’m trying to adjust (after 8+ years) to my husband’s preference to use weekends for play mainly. You sound really busy though! Yay for clothes that are too big – send them away (does your community have a closet for people returning to the workforce? We have several, and they’re always looking for larger-sized clothes.).

Cindy, your exercise program will help you when the calories are getting too high. I have pizza about once a week, but since we make it I can do whole wheat and healthy options. I still try to limit it but if I’m hungry, I eat. I’m learning to listen to my body, ykwim?

Eileen, congratulations on getting through the barrier! I hope you’re feeling better soon.

Gail, do you have a heart rate monitor? I got one go to with my P90X program and use it now to figure out my exact calorie loss instead of guesstimating. I find the guesses are pretty close but sometimes off by 100 or more for an hour. Anyway, it sounds like a lot of work!
Oh, my word – I’m so happy your son was able to recover as well as he has from his surgery. How awful the experience must have been! And yay for employers with heart!

Robin, I’m so jealous – fresh picked blackberries are my favorite food ever, especially when they’re still warm from the sun.

Polly, congratulations on the new clothes sizes! Good luck with the week and finding time – I will say, when I’m in a bind like that I either start my day a little earlier or schedule my workout when I know I can – it’s my first priority. Congratulations on almost hitting that biking goal too – good for you!

OK, I’m not through the list but I’m going to stop here – I think three pages is enough . I took myself to the baseball game – wonderful weather and day but sorry outcome . My husband was in a mood so I went by myself, then went shopping after. I had read a book on my last trip and that got me excited to read again. I want to start reading “deeper” books but tend to stick with crime novels. I did pick up a copy of the Great Gatsby – I loved that book when I was young. I also bought some wrist weights to wear when I walk and do Kenpo (hope to up the calorie count) – and they look like they might help with my wrist issues. I have a lot of real work to finish this week so it will be a busy one. I hope everyone has a great week.
M.

jb_2011

Ahh, Monday. Back on track, literally. I haven't taken in my leggings yet so I'll have to wear shorts when I do my laps in a few minutes. Lucky for me it's a clear morning, no clouds or drizzle. Yep yep! Goodie! No matter how many times I tell myself that I don't mind the rain, I'm always happy to have a nice, clear day.

Lila, I'm glad you mentioned about carbs possibly being some sort of body addiction. From all I've read, that's exactly what happens when we take in too much of the bad stuff - it leaves us crying for more, like junkies. So our "love" for breads and baked goods might not be true love after all, but a physical addiction that causes us to keep going back for more, fooling us into thinking it must be good for us. Makes perfect sense.

Robin, the blackberry port sauce for pork chops, oh my gosh, reading that made my mouth water! And blackberry crepes with lemon cream cheese!!

I have 10 minutes to get dressed and outta here to the track. Best get a move on.

Everyone be good today, eat your greens and drink drink drink that water!

jb

mazaron

Happy Monday, all my on-line friends.

I don't think I will make my 24 hours of exercise goal because I didn't do any exercise that could be logged on my HRM this weekend. :ohwell:

I did, however, have a fantastic weekend! :happy: DH and I went to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and got the ingredients for pickled jalapenos and tomatillo sauce. That meant a day of creativity in the kitchen, then an unexpected invite to friends for a glass of wine in the evening. As we left the house I was carrying a bottle of wine and a jar of pickled peppers, J'boy looked at me and said, "Don't drive drunk." "That's why I am also carrying a jacket," I said, "so I can walk home if I need to." It did strike me as a bit of a role reversal! :noway: I only had one glass and I did drive home, and I checked in with him when I got back, just like the dutiful parent I am.

Sunday started with a ride on the motorbikes down to the park to look at the vintage car show. I was witless and left my keys in the bike and the bike turned on. Dead battery.:grumble: DH had to jump-start it for me. Then met up with friends and went for a ride up the east shore of Kootenay Lake - rated one of the best roads anywhere for motorbike riding. Stopped at a friend's place for a break. I was witless and left my keys in the bike and the bike turned on. Dead battery. :noway: DH had to jump-start it for me. Sheesh. Twice in one day! As I said, it did not count as "exercise" on the charts but it was 5 hours of fun and made for a great weekend.

I did go to the spin class Friday after work and I'll be at the gym today, :explode: so back on track.

Kackie, you suit the mountain tops, as we see in your latest picture.

Congratulations Kate on breaking the 200 barrier. :drinker: Your excitement radiates out of your Friday post.

Meg, I just read your Saturday post about carpet cleaning. DH and I gave up on carpets when we renovated – it’s hardwood all the way for us! Sweep and go.

Lila, congratulations on the loss, it’ll be “real” for sure. :flowerforyou: Don’t you just love apples at this time of year? I sure do.

I did not start a purposeful low carb diet either, but I have cut out most of the bread and cut down drastically on the pasta, rice, etc. in what I eat. Like Barbie, I like to eat lots, so I pile on the greens and the veggies. The only cereal in the house is what my sisters left at the cabin this summer, and when it’s gone there will be none.

Gail, it’s lovely to hear about your son and his journey to health. :flowerforyou: Your faith throughout is inspiring.

MMMMM, Robin, blackberry crepes? Oven roasted rosemary potatoes? That sounds soooo good.

Kathy, I do so hope everything goes your way on the job interview!

Hasta pronto,

Nancy

September goals:
No bedtime snacks, no second helpings!
Get the routine chores done – no procrastination!
24 hours of exercise in the month. Total to date: 14.6 hours
Be a role model of healthy living for my students.

Laura80111

:flowerforyou: Good Monday Morning to all,

Hoping everyone had a good weekend. We were busy but did manage to get in two good bike rides, although I must confess that yesterday if hubby had said let's take a day off I would have, so it was a good thing he said let's get going Hubby has done really well on his lower carbs for one week, he's lost at least #6 as of yesterday, so today being his one week I'll be curious to hear what it is today. He works four days this week so we will have dinners together and weather permiting we will get in a few bike rides other wise we will be in the basement working out together, just glad we have that option.

My Friday lunch with my friend at the Mexican place was wonderful and over all I did okay, but then for dinner I only had a salad as I wasn't very hungry because of the big lunch and that helped keep the calories under control

#1 Grandson had his 5th Birthday party yesterday and yes I did have cake & ice cream, very small portions and it was good:blushing: then had a bunch of water. #2 DIL is still trying to figure out how to not have so many kiddos for a party, Grandson only invited 4 friends but the friends have brother's and sisters & Mommies...so there were a LOT of kiddos and four Mommies with infants too...so it was a bit wild for some of it.

I will have to catch up with everyone on my lunch break. So keep logging, drinking your water and don't forget to get up and get moving:drinker:

Laura80111

wessecg

Feel a bit better today.

@Linder - 3.4 pounds - that is awesome!!! I would love to have a week like that.

@Megblair - 2 full time jobs??? I feel like I have two with one full time job, 7 horses, 3 kids in 3 sports and a husband.

@Laura - Nice to have your hubby on board. It's disheartening though to see how much faster men lose than woman. Wish my husband would get back in the game. He had a heart attack 11 years ago and looked great after rehab - and did it again two years ago, but now he's creeping up. Watching him and his 11 pm snacks is driving me crazy.

junekaatz

Good Monday morning to all,

Regular weigh in today and oops, up a pound. I should not have had that emergency sodium-laced pizza last night but I couldn’t find the fish in the freezer and I was hungry when I got home from work! I did find out one interesting fact for me this morning, I have just crossed over from the obese category to the over-weight category according to my BMI. Progress of sorts….

My son is having no luck with his employer; it seems there is no one in a position of authority who could actually view the video tapes so I am taking him to the police this morning to fill out a report. Because it is not an emergency, he can only report problems between 8am-4pm Mon-Friday!!! Let’s see if they get anywhere.

With regards to work, there are too many cooks in the kitchen so to speak; each new manager cycled in for a week has made changes, including our brand new manager. Well yesterday I worked with yet another one and she reversed the new mangers changes and made more of her own, it is rather like an on-going circus! It is upsetting to some of my coworkers but I am just finding it a fascinating study in human behavior and it makes the days go by quite quickly.

As a side note to all these visiting ladies, I have been able to turn several of them onto MFP and I have become their new best friend they are excited by the site.

I am off today so hoping to spend some time in the garden harvesting and cleaning up, its once again going to be a glorious sunny day so I want to take full advantage of it.
........................................

Kathy – I will keep my fingers crossed that the best job comes through for you.

JB- Thank goodness for sewing machines in our hour of need. I will have to start of bit of tucking here and there this week as well. Some stuff though will just go in the bag for the Salvation Army. I am with you, I like the rain too but much prefer a sunny day for a good walk.

Jen – Thank you for your ideas for NYC, will have to look for the kiosk in Times Square as I do want o catch some Broadway productions.

Janehadji- congratulations on the body change (1 ½ inches off the hips! Yippee!) and the fact that you have discovered new clothes in your closet, bonus!

Meg – I gave up on carpet with kids and pets and went to vinyl and hardwood. What is this book you have mentioned? Are you writing a novel?

Micki – so sorry you had to spend the night in the bathroom but being down 4.5#, I would take no matter what the cause! Hope you are feeling better soon.

Lila! Congrats on breaking 145!!

Gail – Thank you for telling us you’re the story of your son. Yes, his moving out on his own is a tremendous victory after this terrible time. The relief must seem enormous. Perhaps this trial is in preparation for a greater task and purpose ahead for him.

Carolyn – new pillows always take at least a week to break in to a point where you are really comfortable. I hope you can develop a taste for seafood, my husband grew up inland on the prairies without much access to it and hates it all whereas I grew up on the coast of British Columbia and absolutely love it, love, love, love it! I bake tilapia in the oven with a light layer of chopped tomatoes and basil over top and a wee sprinkling of breadcrumbs if I have any.

Kacki - I love the fact that you can see all this wild life but sometimes it can be a little too up close and personal! My brother and his wife live up in the wilds of B.C. and often have moose, deer and bear wandering through their acreage. Once a bear dug up an entire long row of carrots and ate them all… they followed his orange scat for quite a distance. When the mountain lions start appearing it’s time for everyone to go indoors or the family pets become hors’ deuvres for these creatures.

Barbie- thanks also for you suggestion on NYC. I have had several pedometers but they have all disappeared over time. We have a kleptomaniac cat, who steals things, shiny things in particular, but I have not yet found her new hiding place.

Jane- so glad you had a good time with Violet, she looks like a sweet little girl.

Michelle – oh no! red clay in the pool, I can’t imagine that was in the plans!!

Liz – wow! All that walking, good for you! You may be a bit stiff but look at what you have accomplished.

Glendalight – it will be lovely for you to get back to normal. I am happy for you, I know it was a relief for me too, no more worrying about bending more than 90c, able to give back all the medical equipment…. It was great to finally feel normal again. Enjoy!!! Such a lovely long bike ride sounds marvelous. I have to get new brakes on my bike otherwise disaster could ensue!

Deedee – oh you do decorate early, what fun! I feel in the need for autumn flowers too and think I will venture up to the local garden shop for perhaps some potted mums or something bright.

Robin – blackberries, one of my favourite berries and I grew up being able to go out to the ravine and picking a bucketful. Here we have to pay exorbitant fees at the local farmers market for people to bring them in from elsewhere. Occasionally I do when I am desperate for them.

Tigress – hopefully sales will pick up after the election and everyone is feeling buoyed by the results.

Mwheatcraft54 – my husband is the international chairman of the Airline Pilots Security Committee ( this is all volunteer). These conferences take place all over the world but I only join him if we can get there in a day (we must fly standby) and I do not have to worry about the stability of the country. The scariest was flying to Japan one month after 9/11 and having machine-gun toting guards search the plane before we could pull up to the bridge.

Nancy – I have done that too, left my keys in the car and the car running. Yep, I felt a little foolish and my friend loved to tease about it until she too did the same thing! Lol! It sounds like an absolutely marvelous weekend of play, good for you. I so wish my hubby knew how to play but he is burning his candle at both ends and in the middle with commitments I am afraid he will crater. I must find someone else to play with. Is it any wonder most of my friends are single women.

Almost time to get my son to the police station to report his loss, sigh…

Hugs to all, have a wonderful day, choose happiness,
Kate

thoogenboom

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this board, just looking for additional women in my category - losing weight over 50! So I just bought a fitbit yesterday and was wondering if any of you had tried it and what your input might be. I am just trying to track my activity a little better. Feel free to add me as a friend. I'm Tracy, mom to 23 y/o triplets (bbg) and a 21 y/o daughter. In and out of empty nest, own my own business (www.toerings.com) and live in gorgeous San Clemente CA. I've crawled out of a non-exercise decade and am doing TRX, circuit training, and running! Wow I can't believe I just wrote that! Well, there's me checking in. Loved reading a lot of posts and great camaraderie. Blessings and have a great Monday....Tracy

rjadams

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this board, just looking for additional women in my category - losing weight over 50! So I just bought a fitbit yesterday and was wondering if any of you had tried it and what your input might be. I am just trying to track my activity a little better. Feel free to add me as a friend. I'm Tracy, mom to 23 y/o triplets (bbg) and a 21 y/o daughter. In and out of empty nest, own my own business (www.toerings.com) and live in gorgeous San Clemente CA. I've crawled out of a non-exercise decade and am doing TRX, circuit training, and running! Wow I can't believe I just wrote that! Well, there's me checking in. Loved reading a lot of posts and great camaraderie. Blessings and have a great Monday....Tracy

I love my fitbit. I find my self climbing more stairs just to get more flights on my record. It really motivates me every day.

wessecg

I love my fitbit! I now know that I wake up anywhere from 14 to 27 times a night! And one restless night I actually went to the bathroom 11 times!! Anyway, it really is a neat thing to have. I don't have to enter my exercise into MFP anymore because it does it for me. Be sure to sink with us.

mamacindy81

Good afternoon ladies:

It's been a very frustrating day here. We are having problems with our well most likely the pump. Husband does all our home maintenance if he can. Its just that he is slow moving trying to figure it all out ahead of time. So while he tries to make a decision on which way to go with this I'm having to run up and down the basement steps turning the pump on when I need water and then back down to cut it off. We have hardly any water pressure so when it is on it is slow too.

Well I'm on the way to DD apt. The moving men are coming to take her furniture and appliances to her new house later this afternoon. I told her I would come over and be there while they are with her.

Have had a good day food wise. Have only gotten on the elliptical twice but have been traipsing up and down the steps.

Later,

Cindy

megblair1

Hello lovely ladies! It’s a Monday, that is for sure! Clinical was very quiet, boring in fact. I sent the students off to study and just got them when their patients needed something. I was supposed to give them a math test, but left it right here by my computer. I hope tomorrow is busier.

I had a frustrating call from my dad in the nursing home. He wants to go see his regular dentist instead of the staff dentist at the home. He needs a lift to get him out of bed and into a chair and he simply doesn’t believe me that the dentist doesn’t have one “just for me”. He actually got belligerent with me…he’s never been that way before. He insists I give him the dentist’s phone number because he wants him to come out there if he can’t go to the office, which the dentist won’t do. He did go twice to fix a bridge he was in the middle of fixing when dad moved in, but of course won’t go for routine cleaning. I am torn about giving him the phone number because he will call and call and annoy them. I think he has the right to know, but he will really pester them. He does that already; he has the phone number for the front desk and if the staff don’t answer his call light fast enough (usually because it is not on LOL) he calls the front, asks to be transferred to the nurses’ station and then yells at them. OMG I take them candy every so often!

Lila: glad you had fun shopping! And I agree, I need a dancing broom to see who it will bother more…dog or cats. The cats didn’t mind the carpet shampoo-er but the dog ran!

Micki: glad you are better and the scales are cooperating! Good plan for the restaurant!

Mamacindy: we have our AC off too and the windows open at night…heavenly!

Kathy: great job on the pants!!!

DeeDee: I still want to see a picture of you in court with tiara!

Gail: WOW what a victory your son has had!!! You son is so lucky to have family and friends being so supportive and caring. That truly is a miracle. I’ll just be glad when mine are gone and I can redecorate!

Michele: thanks for the words of baking wisdom!

Linda: OMG I can’t remember EVER having one job. IN fact after my divorce, I had FOUR jobs just to keep my house. I was not going to lose it!!! I’m hoping the book will be what carries me past retirement. I think things will be better if I can get rid of some of this clinical.

M: My dogs have always been crate trained (mainly to keep the cats from beating them up). We tried to crate train BennyBeagle, but he not only broke the metal gate, he broke two metal gate locks. How he did that with so few teeth is a mystery. One day he got the top lock open and climbed out the top half of the crate and sliced his leg open. Then we had a dog trainer come to our house and she said no more crates…he must be terrified. We tried baby gates (our last 80 pound dog was afraid of them) and he climbs them like ladders. If you shut him in a room, he scratches the door to you-know-what. I guess that is what you might get when you adopt and old dog no one knows anything about! Worse case scenario….diapers!

Nancy :hardwood floors sound better and better!

Kate: that must be frustrating about the police report! Right now I’m writing test banks for nursing text books, I have been hired to be a new editor on a major nursing textbook (that’s the meeting in PA coming up) and the most recent thing is writing 2 chapters for a book that prepares nurses to take a national certification exam in urologic nursing. I would love to write novels, but I seem to have no time! I feel lucky to get a shower!

Well my friends this is short for me and I have missed probably half of you, and for that I am sorry. I did read all your posts and am wishing you strength to meet your goals. I am tired and bleary eyed and need a little snooze! Take care, meg

barbiecat

:bigsmile: Sundance, my pedometer is an Omron HJ-720ITC. I carry it in my pocket so it’s less likely to get lost. It resets automatically at midnight and remembers and displays steps and distance for 7 days so you can look back and compare. It remembers but doesn’t display for a lot longer. It comes with software so that you can download the data onto your computer and see you data for as long as you’ve had the pedometer and see graphs and comparisons. I love it. I put it in my pocket in the morning when I walk the dogs and transfer it when I change clothes and lay it on the counter in the bathroom the last thing at night……about Forks…it is still a sleepy little town at least an hour west of the "boonies" and gets a lot of rain.

I just finished reading “Happier at Home” and loved it but I recommend “The Happiness Project” as the book to read first.

:flowerforyou: Kackie, thank you, I’ll tell my friend in Montana :flowerforyou: what you said about bear spray and walking with a friend.

:flowerforyou: Jb, I am not able to control my eating of the foods that I have banned from my house…….so abstinence for me is as easy as moderation is for other people…..I know how to eat none of some things and I know how to eat the whole package but I don’t know how to eat just one…..I lived in Eureka, California for over 30 years before I moved to NW Washington so my entire adult life has been spent in a cloudy, foggy, cool, rainy climate…..when we moved to Eureka in 1961, someone told my mother that they had two seasons, rainy season and the 4th of July.:laugh:

:flowerforyou: Meg, my pedometer is Omron HJ-720ITC….I got it on Amazon for about $70.00 and I love it.

:flowerforyou: Jake picked a lot of blackberries when he was house sitting so we have many bags of them in the freezer….I use them only in my Isagenix shakes and they are heavenly……the birds seem to be grabbing the berries in our neighborhood as soon as they are ripe so there are none for me.

:bigsmile: We got up at 3 AM so Jake could go fishing…..since I was up, the dogs got lots of extra walking……I went to the final two hour practice with the line dance performing group and then came home, walked the dogs again, and took a nap at the computer……Jake brought home four beautiful salmon so I’m glad you have all been sharing your ways to cook salmon.

:bigsmile: I can hardly wait…..Dancing With the Stars is on tonight.


Barbie from NW Washington

DeeDee2211

Good early evening ladies:flowerforyou:

Cindy I'm going to have to get my daughter to help me post pics, when it comes to things like that I'm just lost! Hope you got your well repaired, just think of all that extra exercise you got by running up and down the stairs!

Carolyn I love the chocolate vitatops, heated with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream !

Tigress I'm sure those 3 pounds will fall off, probably just water gain. I however know the frustration you're feeling:sad: , hang in there!

Kathy keeping my fingers crossed for you for the job!!!!

M celebrate your .3 loss! I'm right there with you, so far this month as of today I've lost.3, I've lost 32 lbs. since May and my body evidently likes this weight, I have however lost inches 1" in my hips, and 1/2" in my waist, I'm happy!!! I know the rest of it will come off, I no longer have a time frame for it though. I did up my walking some, I think that contributed to the inches lost. Hang in there, it'll come off!!!

Jb hope you had a good run!

Nancy your weekend sounds like loads of fun!!!!

Laura80111:flowerforyou: congrats to hubby for losing 6 pounds!!! It's so nice that you workout together!!!

Wessecg glad you're feeling better today!

Kate sodium gets me every time grrr:grumble: , drink lots of water! Did you find your fall flowers?

Thoogenboom welcome to the group:flowerforyou: , come in often and chat with us! This is the best group of women, full of inspiration and motivation!!!

Meg it's good to be busy, makes the day go by faster! Hope things with your dad settles down, he sounds like he's a real pistol:laugh: . Boy, BennyBeagle really didn't like the crate, when I first started crate training Noel she was one unhappy puppy, she would sit in that crate and howl the entire time, I couldn't believe the noise coming from such a little puppy:laugh: , when she got quite I had to check on her and make sure she was still alive:laugh: . It took a good week before she just accepted it. Now she's 7 and no longer has to go in the crate when.I'm gone, she is really a good dog. Other than she likes to bark at everything, I tell her she's mouthy and sassy.

I got more decorations out today, the tree in my foyer is waiting to be decorated, and I still have boxes and bags in the great room, hopefully I'll get it all done by Thursday. I'm going to grandparents day for the 11 year old on Friday and she gets to come home with me around lunch time and I'd like to have most of it done by then. She's already told me she wants to drive the golf cart in the afternoon, last time we did that she drove for about 2 1/2 hours, while it's fun, its okay on the driveway, but going through the yard and the field you get bounced around a lot:noway: ! Oh what I let those granddaughters do . Well, I think my beef stew is done, it smells yummy, hope it tastes that way too.
Sorry for those I missed!!
Hope you all have a great night!!!

Hugs,
DeeDee

djhobs

Happy Monday! I have been in a funk for the last couple of days so it was great to read all the positive and upbeat posts...I usually workout in the am...did not get up with the early alarm...but I did ride the bike (in the basement) when I got home from work...that helped with the funk too.

Tomorrow my mother is giving me my first knitting lesson...I decided it was time to learn...we shall see how this goes...my ulterior motive though is to get mom to eat a non-frozen dinner and to maybe get her to cook at least a couple of times a week...she eats frozen lean cuisine dinners every night..she doesn't believe that these are processed food...she thinks it is healthy...:noway:

Gail - what an inspiring story and journey for your family..I will keep you all in my prayers

Congratulations on all the losses in pounds and inches this is an amazing group...I wonder how many pounds have been lost as a group?

Hugs, high fives and prayers for challenges and blessings

Jen

Gardengail

It's finally time to sit down a bit. The kitchen is cleaned up, the coffee set for morning and the second half of the permanent press is in the dryer.

@ mwheatcraft - I'd give the sod cutter mixed reviews. The goal for us is to get the grass off the slopes so we don't have to mow them anymore. We had already sprayed down the grass with chemicals so the top layer came off easily, though we didn't really get up slices of dirt like you see when you buy sod, nor would the blade cut much into the hard packed soil. The places it worked best were the flat areas that weren't so dry. There we actually did get some pieces that looked like sod. Slopes, of course, dry out quickly. There are a number of you tube videos that were helpful as to what to expect. Some said it works best on dry soil, another would say better to have the soil moist. After using it, I'd say a bit moist (not soaked), would work better. It was definitely a wrestling match.

RE: HRM -- I can't get an accurate reading on them because of the beta blocker they put me on after my heart valve surgery in March. It suppresses the heart rate, which makes it difficult to judge cardio, etc. Initially they told me to only raise my HR 30 beats above my starting rate, and it would be in the 50s when I began. Doesn't make for much of a workout! Today I was on the treadmill at 3.5, at a 2.0 incline for 30 minutes and my max HR was 113. I do watch the HR, but mostly go by the perceived exertion scale.

@ Jen - yay for learning to knit. My mom was a master at it, but I enjoy the basics I can do. It is so relaxing to me. Enjoy!
Thanks for all the well wishes for DS1. Tonight he was all bubbly talking about the different places the rental agent thought would be a good fit for them. The two fellows will go to visit/choose on Saturday I think. After all those years of butting heads they really enjoy each other's company now. Another blessing....

Well, the dryer beckons... Good night all! I know I'll have to check in before work to stand a chance of keeping up with the posts.
Gail

lizmil79

Hello Ladies,

I am just plum wore out. I Barely can keep awake I think its all of this lovely cool weather or what ..... but I am calling it a night.

Yet I had to stop in and catchup on the posts. I so look forward to it. I wll take time in the morning to reply.

Hope everyone has a good evening,

Night Liz

exermom

About the WW cake - I am not a fan of diet drinks. However, I do make a WW cake which is basically an angel food cake mix and you add a 20oz can of crushed pineapple to it. That's IT. You don't add anything else. To me, sometimes angel food cake can be a bit on the "bland" side, but the pineapple adds just a bit of "zing". You bake it just the same way you'd bake any other angel food cake.

Polly - good for you purging your clothes! I can't stand anything close to my neck like a turtleneck. I need to have something that's lower cut. Wow! You'll be at 5 miles in no time at all.

Linda Sundance - we get this stuff called "Krud Kutter for Red Clay". We can only purchase it over the internet, but they do deliver it to a Lowe's store. Be sure to get the Krud Kutter for RED CLAY. There are lots of different Krud Kutters. That stuff is fantastic for getting out the red clay. I spray it on clothes, I've used it on the rugs, all different things. I know how nasty that stuff can be to get out, but that Krud Kutter really works.

Gail - words just can't begin to describe how I'm feeling about your son. Others are so much better than I am with words.

Well, it looks like the guys who are building the retaining wall will be here tomorrow. I swear, there's that saying "if you want to make God laugh, make a plan". Pool installations must have Him rolling in the aisles. They haven't even started on the steps yet. The PLAN was that Justin (the project manager) and the concrete guys would be here to talk about pouring concrete. However, without the steps, there's no sense in talking concrete. You know, the bobcat that these guys have reminds me so much of R2D2. I think it's the tread. Whenever I see the guy driving it, I half expect it to make the sound.

Linda - good for you getting to the gym. Before you know it, if you don't go you'll feel like you're missing something. I know that if I don't exercise for one day, I feel like I'm missing something.

DeeDee - had you carved that pumpkin that went bad? They shouldn't (operative word) go bad unless they've been carved.

Did 20 minutes of yoga today then an hour of the extremepump class. Tomorrow I'll do a (I think it is) 45 minute step DVD then there is a Newcomer board meeting. I'll go and take Vince's report with me.

After the extremepump class, came home, then bowled 6 games. I've learned my lesson -- don't prepay. I have coupons for free games of bowling, but it took extra long because they were having trouble with the ball return. Then I went and deposited money into the Newcomer account, stopped at WalMart for more ice for tomorrow to have in the freezer. Now home, will have dinner, then hosting mahjongg here tonight. Also, did a load of laundry.

Kate - big congrats on crossing over

Tracy - welcome! Sounds like you're right on with the exercising. Tell me more. Don't have a fitbit, but I know there are other women on here who do so I'm sure they'll give you testimony about it.

Cindy - We used to be on a well, and I hated it when we had pump problems. Hope yours aren't long lasting.

Meg - taking care of elderly parents can really be a challenge and I think you're handling it quite well.

We played mahjongg here tonight. Tomorrow there is a board meeting of the Newcomers. I'll go and Vince will stay home to talk to the concrete guys (assuming they're here). Then in the afternoon I have an eye MD appt.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

Michele

glendalight

Hello all. i hope you all had a faabulous day. Mine started with amorning outing for aquacise, returning some medical equipment and a visit and coffee with a friend and ended up with a long stint at the library tutoring inEnglish and teaching a class - a full day!
Last week I had a quick look at my monthly goals for September to see how I was doing
-journal food daily....check
-begin physical activity after doctors permission....check
- purge closet....half a check (still working at it)
- begin regular devotional reading.....check
- check in with family doctor..... will get on that this week
okay, so now i know where I need to step it up.

Cindy- I am in southern Alberta, just north of the American border. We would normally have had some frost by now but we have had a beautiful month of warm weather with temps consistently in the mid to high twenties.(high seventies to 80's) I would think normal might be more in the high teens (65) but we haven't had normal for awhile. Good work on the elliptical - I never find it very comfortable and use it reluctantly!!

Nancy -Oh a bike ride along the Kootenay shore sounds wonderful.. I know those roads are a bit of a mecca for motorbikes!!

Jb - I think you are right on the carbs(as in bread, rice, etc) being an addiction. It is one of the things I have the most trouble controlling and find I have more luck cutting them out all together. I have no trouble avoiding the sweet variety but the salty ones call my name!

Laura - how nice to have a hubby that spurs you on in the battle! :happy: My husband also likes to bike but he is more the 50 -100 km road warrior and I am the round the block with Mary Poppins kind of girl! not too compatible.:ohwell:

Kate - I think 'obese to overweight' is a commendable accomplishment! A step toward better health! And what a positive outlook on your workplace "a fascinating study in human behaviour" They are lucky to have you there to brighten the work environment! and yes, I returned the medical aids today - but hadn't used the walker for so long, that I forgot to take it or back:blushing: One more trip for me.
Is your husband a commercial pilot? I know what you mean about men who can't play - my DH comes home, collapses and falls asleep! That exhaustion can not be healthy!! I have also had to just go do things on my own - beats sitting at home and doing nothing and being cranky!

I went to physio on Friday and got some exercises - though I am pretty sure they were in the hospital pre-op handout. Could have saved a hundred bucks! But I had better go do them Apparently reading the sheet is not enough!:laugh:

Good night all. Go well, stay well.. g

Sasha4427

We certainly are a chatty bunch here. I'm scared to miss a day or I'll be reading for a week to catch up.:bigsmile:

Micki – the WW cake sounds interesting. I’ll give it a try, next time I need a cake for something (or I could try it out on the Public Works crew – nah, they’ll eat anything so it wouldn’t be a fair assessment- lol). Good job on the breakthrough BTW.:flowerforyou:

Kathy – congratulations on the lower size – it feels so good doesn’t it? :flowerforyou: What’s with everyone getting new pillows?

Gail – my girls got an apartment together in university and ended up living with each other for 5 years after. They only split up when they went to different graduate schools. It’s funny how the sibling rivalry disappears at a certain age and the love replaces it. What an amazing story about your son’s recovery. I was afraid to keep reading at one point but what an inspiring story – you brought tears to my eyes too. Thank you for sharing.

OK Robin, talking about blackberry crepes with lemon cream cheese was cruel. I felt like Pavlov’s dog, salivating away…..Yes, you certainly do love to cook and it sounds like you are a very good one.

Nice photo Liz. :happy:

Michele – you are a very energetic woman! I live only a couple of miles from the 49th parallel. Just on the Canadian side of the WA / BC border about 2 hours north of Spokane WA. We’re right in the middle of autumn, trees are turning but the weather is still 27C (and I think that is around 80ish but I can’t remember conversion anymore):blushing: .

Polly – good on the bike ride, I’m sure you make the 5 miles next time.

Glenda – I too am having issues getting enough calories some days. After I had a Chubby Chicken burger on Saturday, I felt so awful that I really didn’t eat much on Sunday. I think it was the fat that upset my system (they didn’t have a grilled filet). I worry about messing up the metabolism and the “starvation mode” thing every time MFP tells me I’m not eating enough calories. :noway:

Linda – If you got this far on the post, you know where I live now. My fur people are 2 Australian Cattle Dogs and a tortoiseshell cat (just out of kittenhood now). All are rescues, Rex 10 years ago, Evie 18 mos ago (got her from Idaho). Mookers the cat was abandoned in a box by the mailbox so ended up staying. I don’t think I’ve chosen an animal for 20 years now, we just seem to find each other somehow. Some of them have been old so our time together has only been a few years (but always lovely years). I have a soft spot for old sick dogs evidently (and obviously a subliminal need to give money in copious amounts to veterinarians).

Carolyn – yes Tilapia is a very mild fish. You might need to use something to give it a little more taste though. Maybe Robin could send you some of her yummy blackberry sauce – lol. I usually make mango salsa to go on top.

Kathy – you rock that interview girl!! It sounds like a rather interesting process – so the better they like you the longer they grill you?:bigsmile: Sorry to be ignorant, but what is MDA?

Mwheatcraft - if I was really industrious, I would have mended those things before I packed them away – lol. Now I have to do the little things like hems and buttons etc. before I donate them. I can’t stand donating something unless it is in excellent shape (sort of like moving house, you have to leave the old one spotless).

JB – took your advice and ate lots of greens… actually I was listening to the radio this morning while doing makeup and this “Queen of Kale” was saying all sorts of wonderful things about it. So I went and bought some and used one of the recipes she posted. It was really, really good (sautéed kale, leeks, portobellos and a little chicken stock). Definitely a keeper.

Nancy – too funny, twice in one day dead batteries. :laugh: But the motorbike ride sounds delightful. What a great fall day to do it as well.

Kate – love the emergency pizza line. And I think changing weight categories classifies as a great victory. Your sign off, “choose happiness” made me think. I’m by nature pretty optimistic and I am always surprised by people who look for problems and drama, they should just choose happiness when they have that option.:ohwell:

Cindy – did you log all the running up and down the stairs – silver linings etc.

Barbie – in Northern Ontario they have 2 seasons too, winter and July. And at least one doesn’t have to shovel rain where you are.

Michele (again) – I’m going to try your WW cake too but I think I’m going to add a bit of ginger to heighten the zing.

Well, back to work Monday for me. The day just flew by. I was good and took my lunch to work, but didn’t take a break then. Went to visit a friend in the hospital and then a long walk to get my head around how lucky I am to be healthy. Oops, forgot to log that one. Does anyone else forget to log exercise? I think it’s because it leaves me with more calories to fill and I’m having trouble wit that (and I hate getting that MFP message about not eating enough). I must have a very slow metabolism.

Tried some veggie “chicken cutlets” tonight – they were surprisingly good but I had a hard time looking at that orange coating (reminded me of JBoy’s issue with orange food). Anyway, off to drink some more water then read for awhile.

Good night to all and to all a good night (whoops, wrong season).

Lila

tiarapants

Amanda: I have 2 antique maps but I can’t remember the name of the cartographer. Someone whose studio had a fire; they have soot marks on them that helped authenticate them. My brother has the third, and this one is a Blau. They are all registered with the Library of Congress here. I would love to see your gallery! It sounds fabulous! What a great job.

It's good to hear someone is interested in cartography! Do you know which Blaeu your brother has? He was a wonderful cartographer. We actually sold a couple of items to the Library of Congress earlier this year.

I'm trying to catch up with all the posts, so will be back in a wee while.

Amanda x

mamacindy81

Morning everyone;

I'm hoping to have a better day today. The well problem isn't fixed yet but I've I'm confident it will at least get fixed by this weekend when my husband is off from work. The movers got my daughters furniture and appliances moved and today I am going back over to her apt and pack up her kitchen. She really doesn't have that much so it shouldn't take too long.

We've started a new Bible Study at Church and I've met a new lady who doesn't live very far from me. She likes to kyack and has invited me for lunch on Thursday after the study and then out to the lake to learn. Should be interesting.

I did go over my calories yesterday but when I hit the finished logging button it still said I would weigh less than I do now in 5 weeks so I didn't freak out about being over. Baby steps are better than no steps at all.

DeeDee: I had to get my son to upload my pictures too so I guess we are about the same with the computer issues. What tree are you talking about decorating?

I hope all the rest of you have a wonderful day. If I can keep my attitude in check I'll be doing good. At least I can pack some things and take a shower at DD's apt. while I'm there

Gardengail

Reporting on the swai fish we had for dinner last night, I can say that it appears to have the salmon-magic as I am down almost a pound this morning. It is also very mild flavored. DH just did it up on a griddle on the stove and it was delicious.

Michele - thanks for the tip on the Krud Kutter. Georgia clay is a mess!

Glendalight - revisiting goals sounds like a good idea. Hard to believe the month is nearly gone.

Mamacindy - though I've only been once, kayaking was fun. For my 50th birthday we had banked our timeshare weeks and invited family to meet us in Las Vegas. We booked several 2-bed/2-bath units and people came and went during the week according to their availability. On my actual birthday our sons and I kayaked down the river just below the Hoover Dam for the whole day. (They had a pick up at the far end at a set time to return you to the parking area.) I enjoyed it so much!

Mamacindy, what is your Bible study?

Everyone have a great day -- things to do before work.

Gail

stardancer7

Good morning, everyone! Feeling great this morning, with just a little cough left over from my cold and the scale showing that I have lost 3.5 pounds this week! Which seems a lot, but the scale didn't move last week, so I guess I have experienced one of those 'whooshes' I've read about somewhere on the forums.

Last night I had planned to have a little dish of ice cream, but I found myself craving spinach and strawberries. I sure am moving more now that I've joined MFP--my water bottle keeps me heading to the sink and then the bathroom, while eating fresh foods takes me to the grocery store twice a week instead of once...

I've caught up with all the postings here...what a tapestry of experiences...with positive support woven through it all. Have a healthy, happy and successful day!

tiarapants

Some good news. My cousin is recovering well from his quintuple heart bypass. I spoke to my aunt and she has been to visit him and he was able to chat - although he was 'stoned' to quote his daughter!

It's his birthday tomorrow - also my dad's. Not the best place to celebrate, but hopefully this will give him a new lease of life.

London is extremely chilly at present and I'm really feeling it in all my joints so my exercise is more of a chore. I am definitely suffering from middle age and dry rot!

Must do some more work.

Hugs to all.
Love
Amanda x

mazaron

Tuesday, Tuesday so glad you’re here….

Whew! I did my "Tia the Trainer" workout yesterday and sweated buckets the whole time. :explode: Today I'm "aching in the places I used to play" (That's a Leonard Coen quote...) Tomorrow I want to see muscles!

Laura, your husband sounds like a keeper and how did you ever find something that fits the menu plan at a Mexican place. I love Mexican food even the salad is full of cheese and sour cream!

Why DO some men loose weight so quickly? Mine is one of those too.

Kate! What a great attitude toward your many temporary bosses – to watch as each of them stamps out his/her own territory as a “fascinating study in human behaviour” :laugh: You’ve got it right!

Speaking of locking the keys in the car and leaving it running…when we lived in “The North” (Fort Nelson) it was common practice at 40 below to leave the car running while going into a shop or the post office. I had a set of keys that separated, one for the ignition, one for the doors. My daughter was a newborn. (You can see where this is going, can’t you?) I was in that fog that new mothers get. I jumped out of the car, slammed the door, turned around :noway: and she was locked in. At 40 below. At least the car was still running. The lock-smith was very kind and said I was not the first. The neighbours got a good giggle. Now, since this is the place for honesty in all things, I will confess I did the same thing to my son when he was about three, :grumble: under very different circumstances.

Tracy, welcome. :drinker:

Cindy, did you count the running down to the basement as steps on your exercise plan? Hope it’s fixed today.

Hi Meg, hope you have another quiet day so you can get a few pages ahead on the book.

DeeDee, is it a Halloween tree in your foyer?

Jen, how did the knitting lesson go?

Michelle, I don’t usually use mixes when I’m baking, but that angel food cake + pineapple sounds too good to resist. I love the image of the guys driving R2D2 around your back yard. :happy:

Gail, your mid-month check looks pretty positive to me. Well done.

Lila, your comment about the public works crew “They’ll eat anything…” made me giggle :happy: and then made me think of Grade 7 boys. That’s where I take my extra baking! I heard that same “Queen of Kale” interview on CBC and I think I’ll try the recipe tonight. I’ve got all the ingred’s in my fridge.

Stardancer! 3.5 down! Go you!

Amanda, I am so glad to hear your cousin is doing well. Stay warm in drippy London.

Off the couch and on to the day....

Hasta pronto,

Nancy

janehadji

Good morning, Ladies!

I'm a bit slow on the uptake, but it just occurred to me that four weeks of doing well without much, if any, weight loss must be a plateau. Duh!!! Now comes the question of how to break it. I have some 2-day plateau busters that I got when I did Slimgenics about five years ago, but truly hate the notion of "dieting," if only for a couple of days. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, for those of you who've lost a lot, do you eat your exercise calories back? I know there is a LOT of discussion about that on the site, but just wondered what those of you my age with experience think.

Megblair -- You mentioned working on a book. I'm new enough to the site that I've missed that -- are you writing one?

Micki -- Huge congrats on getting below the 200 mark!!! That's wonderful!

Sasha -- Glad you had so much fun doing your "retail" therapy -- one of my favorite forms, as well! Congrats on breaking the 145 mark!

Kackie -- I'm jealous that you got to see moose. I love them!

Kathyszoo -- How did the interview go yesterday? Also, are you feeling any better?

Glendalight -- Sunset Fisherman's is near the beginning of Playacar on the beach, isn't it? We're at El Faro, right next to the lighthouse off of La Quinta Avenida and 10th St.

I hope you all have a wonderful and successful day!

junekaatz

Good morning! And a lovely sunny morning it is!

Well, the police report took a good deal longer than expected and there are some mighty unsavoury characters haunting those halls! The case will be given to an officer who hopefully investigates before the 2 week time window on the video tapes lapses. The alleged thief is still working the same shift with my son!! The laisez-faire attitude of his employers leaves a lot to be desired but I guess they can’t fire the fellow until they see the tapes! But they are certainly in no hurry! I felt like I spent a good deal of the day running around trying to get my son sorted on all the missing items. For sure he will never get them back at this rate. Had three new sets of keys cut, one for my son and two for emergencies… which happen on a regular basis, usually when my husband leaves them behind going through airport security.

Today I must take our big suitcase in for repair of all the zippers and hope we can get it back before New York. The airlines are so hard on suitcases it frustrates me. My husband just came back from a week in Montreal¸ he travels a great deal and we go through suitcases like crazy. I am almost thinking those big metal ones might be a good investment.

Work will be interesting; our new manager might not last through the day according to her trainer from HO. Yikes! Here we go again! I dropped by work last night and had a chat with her and she said to watch her today, if her jaw was set firmly and she was kicking walls in the back, hell was going to break loose. Oh dear! Think I might take in some chocolate; it worked in Harry Potter for fixing things!

Didn’t make it to the garden center, didn’t get flowers. I did however get to the bookstore and picked up two travel hand books, one for New York and one for Dublin (next year’s conference in April.)

Last night I was rattled for some reason, I had been good all day but around 9pm a switch flipped and I wanted food!!! I drank 2 bottles of water but I still wanted food. It was like some nervous craving from somewhere deep. I had a bite of cheese, a few chocolate chips, a little left over stir- fry, I kept hunting for food like it was being kept from me and I was going to starve to death! I didn’t need it but I was being driven towards it. I was so glad to go to bed last night.

Well, today is another day! I wonder what it will bring, there are so many possibilities!

Will catch up with everyone later,

Be good to yourselves, my friends,

Kate