You are so right Snooozie in your post this morning. As we get older, we hopefully have more patience and wisdom and realize that it is more about our journey in life and not the destination. I hope that everyone has a wonderful day! :flowerforyou:

Hatters, thanks for all your good wishes the shower was great! The theme was Hawaii, so I had to wear one of my many hats to feel tropical. Today she called to tell me she forgot to get a cake, I thought she didn't want one, so to the bakery I go in the morning. I didn't eat any of the red velvet cupcakes I made, but I did sample my homemade buttercream icing. (Ok several samples) I made healthy choices but didn't remember everything.
My weight was still the same, but what will I remember about this week.? My daughter of whom we are so proud is getting married to a good man!
I did cry one time, in my family the last gift is from the brides mom, something for the wedding night. I cried when I gave it to Lynn, just thinking for the zillionth time, how I wish my mom had lived so my kids could have known her. Then something strange happened. Bob came to help with clean up and when it was completely quiet, his iPhone came on and began to loudly play Camelot, the one song my siblings and I most associate with my mom. Only weeks ago, after my nephews wedding my siblings and I played it on my ipad and sang along as our way of having my mom with us. Bob was not there and i never told him about it, and while he periodically accidentally does something to have music suddenly blaring from his iPhone it is usually something from Tarzan, never before was it Camelot.

Dear MMH's,

I so miss each and every one of you. My life has been turbulent recently, but I am reading daily.

Janet, so glad the shower went well and I also got chills reading the Camelot post. No vitatops as of yet but they are on the list.

Cbm-I'm with Snoozie, don't forget to breathe.

language- I have no patience and God is very aware, someday I hope he will give it to me in spades!

Snoozie, Hope you feel better soon. Hold your head up high, YOU are awesome and it will keep you from hurting...hehe. Thank you so much for all that you do.

T2- great stair climbing and thank you for being my friend. That is how I found all of the rest of these wonderful Hatter women.

To all of the other Mad Hatters, I hope you have a marvelous day and a great week ahead.

Days are getting shorter and life is getting longer but we are here together and that's what counts! Thanks to all of you for just being wonderful women!

Good morning, to my Hatter friends!!

Wow, what a week it’s been! I feel like it should be Thursday already.

Snooze….I LOVE this from your post….. “remember small changes lead to big results - it's all about progress, not perfection!”

I experienced my own small change yesterday at lunch. I had brought my sad little sandwich …..thin sliced chicken breast( processed…would have been better with actual chicken…. ; / ) on sourdough bread. Anyway, I had the opportunity to go and have a hot fresh food ,containing many more calories than what I had ….and I made the choice not to go. So, I can see the small changes in myself……because the old mindset I had would have jumped on the chance. So it is all about small changes , not perfection.

Tammy……So proud for you on your goals…you are doing such a fantastic job!! When you get to your last goal , and I to mine, We’ll have to meet up in New Orleans and split a Beignet!!

Janet…I am so tickled for you getting to experience your daughter’s wedding preparations…….Having a son, I won’t get to do that, at least not the fun experiences of a daughter’s showers and wedding day. The iphone playing Camelot was awesome…..Love the Hat!!

Mary and Languagelassie …great to see your posts, can’t wait to get to know you better.

LL….I don’t know much about the HRT, but maybe you could leave one pill off at a time and see which one is doing it…

Tonya….sweet friend, so sorry things having evened out yet…… I can imagine it must be tough getting grounded from the move, and as much as you are tickled at having your daughter and son-n law, it is still a major change for you. Praying for your stepson’s health…

CBM… I’m not sure what Ecoh is, but best wishes on it.

Last, but not the least in friendship….Snoozie…Why didn’t you let me know you were hurt? Not that I could have done anything, but you would have had someone to worry about it with.. I hope you are feeling better . Be careful moving and carrying those boxes… So I see a little stairs usage in your future… I could tell you some stories about me and the alarm clock..I can hit snooze for over an hour sometimes….I sleep very deep.. I have it set ahead 30 minutes..Everytime I hit snooze, I’m figuring up the time ……ok …it really is …such and such time….too ridiculous isn’t it???

I hope everyone has a marvelous day….Go forth and conquer this thing called FAT!!

Hello, to all that haven’t been able to post…

G

Mmmm, I love the leftover dinner menu, Snooze, with the pasta, broccoli, alfredo , chicken....I'm trying it this weekend....

Oh, I do remember reading that, just didn't recognize it's initials...Thanks........I know that must be a lot of planning and work...wishing you much stamina and less stress.. it will turn out great!!

Where are all of our lovely Hatters, its been a quiet week here!
Ok, I am not paying as much attention right now, so how did the collarbone operation go, did I miss an update?
Carol, I know that the focus will be on your eagle scout son, but I know you will stand next to him a little bit taller because of your increased fitness and those size 16 purple pants! Congrats.
TimeTo, LOVE the picture. My dad's hair turned the color of your hair when he was 35, at the time I thought I hope my hair doesn't do that, but now after years of highlights and lowlights and everything in between, I wish it had just turned that beautiful instead of getting all mousy with strangly hard wire grays popping out. Wow the money I would have saved!

Loving this :To reach a goal, don't look at how far off it is, but follow the markers on the path to it!

This so true. I just this week realized I am down 1/4 of my goal. For the first time (that I ever remember) I am focusing what I have accomplished rather than what I am trying to accomplish.

Janet what a wonderful confirmation that Mother was there.

Many thanks for the support on reaching my 12 week challenge goal. In someways it seems so amazing that it is over already. I have to say when I started I hated the weighing in since in the past if the scale didn't say what I wanted I would over indulge and if it did say what I wanted I would over indulge :grumble: But after a few weeks I did get to where it was easier and I have learned to not let the numbers bring me down either way.

Well I hate to cut this so short there is so many good post over the last few days but sadly I started getting sick yesterday, went for shots and scripts today and am sooooooooooooooooo ready for bed.

Remember acknowledge each victory !!!

Oh my daughter made Senior Homecoming Maid, so this weekend will be busy shopping.

I copied this from one of my MFP girl's post. It is mostly things we all know, but it never hurts to read them again and maybe put them all in action .Sorry , it is long , Hope you enjoy :

• SEVEN STEPS to do every day :
• STEP 1: Who Do You Think You Are! Your very first thoughts on waking are what determine your mood and set the course for the rest of the day. As they say, "if you don't like the song, change the song!" This is your chance to change your song. Even if you feel sceptical about this, just give it a try. Do this EVERY morning for a couple of minutes. It's an extraordinarily powerful technique when practiced over time. Keep warm, get comfy and close your eyes. Take a few deeps breaths to relax. Then simply visualize eating healthy, nourishing and delicious food throughout the day because it makes you feel good. And really FEEL more energized and full of vitality, and how your clothes fit your slim body. Picture yourself with clearer skin, shinier hair, and brighter eyes. Visualize looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing your slim reflection. Now open your eyes get up and go!
• STEP 2: Water, Water Everywhere! One of the secrets to natural weight loss is to drink hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice - especially first thing in the morning, half an hour before you eat anything. This helps boost the digestive system, reduces the burden on the liver and kidneys, and reduces lethargy and bloating. Also, by rehydrating the body, you are less likely to store water where you don't want it - in your wobbly bits! Get in the habit of carrying a small bottle of water everywhere you go and drink it regularly. Water is a natural appetite suppressant and is an ideal way to reduce food cravings. If you drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks such as coffee or strong tea, you will need to drink extra water (a glass for every drink) to counteract their dehydrating effects.
• STEP 3: If You Skip, You'll Yo-Yo! It's important to have breakfast or at least prepare a healthy snack you can take with you for that mid-morning blood-sugar low. Eat foods that release their energy slowly, like no-sugar muesli or oat porridge (oatmeal) with fresh fruit - plain full-fat yogurt, unsalted nuts (like almonds and walnuts) and fresh sunflower and pumpkin seeds are good additions. Or a boiled egg with some wholegrain toasts and butter. If you skip a meal, don't be surprised if your energy levels start to yo-yo. When you run on empty, even for a short while, your body will have you craving ‘quick-fix' calories, particularly high-sugar, high-fat snacks that release energy quickly. The self-control to resist binging will be almost impossible.
• STEP 4: Soup for the Soul! Soup is one of the best weight-loss weapons to help you eat less without feeling hungry. People who eat a daily serving of soup lose more weight than those who eat the same amount of calories but don't eat soup. Soup has a high water component. When water is combined with food, it slows the release from the stomach better than if you just drink water with a meal. So it keeps you feeling fuller for longer and can reduce snack cravings later on. The best soup is vegetable soup because the vegetable fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer.
• STEP 5: Overcoming "Dem Moody Blues!" If you are feeling tired, bored or moody, your resistance to comfort foods is greatly reduced. You need a strategy in place to boost the ‘happy chemicals', your endorphins, to keep things under control. One of the best ways is to get moving! Go for a walk, climb up and down the stairs, anything to help release those endorphins. If you work, get out at lunchtime and away from your desk. A walking buddy can help. Walk and talk rather than sit and chat. If you usually travel by public transport, walk to the next bus-stop or station before getting on. If music helps you move to the grove while you clean the house then do it! Fun = endorphins. Just keeping active throughout the day can burn off 250 calories - about the same as a jog in the park, without the sweating.
• STEP 6: The Snack Fix! It's not that snacks are bad. Think more ‘snack fix', than a ‘snack attack'. Healthy snacks help control blood sugar swings and reduce cravings when your blood sugar is low, so you don't yo-yo. Including a little protein, and even fat, in your snack can slow down the release of sugars (from carbs) into the blood stream, keep you feeling fuller for longer and help to keep your blood sugar more stable. Snack ideas are: a piece of fresh fruit with a small handful of fresh, unsalted nuts, or fresh sunflower and pumpkin seeds (all have protein and fat). Or a humus (chickpea dip) or bean dip with fresh raw vegetables, such as carrot, cucumber, celery and sweet pepper sticks. Or oatcakes with nut butter or a little cheese.
• STEP 7: Sumo Wrestling Your Carbs! Having achieved so much throughout the day, don't blow it by overeating in the evening, especially carbs (the Sumo diet). Balance your protein, fats and carbs. Takeaway or ready meals - like pasta and sauces, curries with white rice, and pizza - tend to be heavy on the carbs and fats. You can still enjoy the flavor of these meals by making your own versions and rebalancing the ingredients. Use less fat and less salt. Less fat doesn't mean using low-fat substitutes which will push the balance towards excess carbs. Also use more lean protein, more vegetables and whole grains. You can also try grilled fish or chicken with vegetable sauces or steamed veg. Go for whole grains such as brown (or red) rice, or high-protein grains like quinoa. So for your kick start to healthy weight loss simply follow this seven-step plan... and your body will take care of the rest.

@ snoozie - IPOM because.....

Haven't let the stress of the ECoH get me down yet.....

and the PITAs (pain in the .ss) are still alive and well - haven't hurt anyone yet.....:noway:

Looking forward to an ice tea - maybe long island style - on the 14th after church....

Smile Team Smile - it will make them wonder what you're up to....:glasses: :laugh:

it's all about progress, not perfection!”

…because the old mindset I had would have jumped on the chance. So it is all about small changes , not perfection.

Tammy……So proud for you on your goals…you are doing such a fantastic job!! When you get to your last goal , and I to mine, We’ll have to meet up in New Orleans and split a Beignet!!

^^^^^^^This sounds like a wonderful plan !!! I just realized this week I have now lost 1/4 of my goal. When I started I figured it would take me at least 40 weeks to lose what I have and the fact that it has been less than 20 has me excited. I know it will slow down at some point but that is to be expected as I get closer to goal but I am hoping this will cut some of the time to reach that final goal also


.Snoozie…Why didn’t you let me know you were hurt? Thinks she needs a whipping with a wet noodle !!!

Thanks for the post Gail. I copied and posted it on my blog so that I can refer back often.

Snoozie, sounds like girls fun !!! Safe travels and yes GAK at 8 am for renewing. Thanks for the well wishes, the meds have kicked in and school (scared to say) looks like its beginning to really line up and smooth out. Good deal at adding a few more stairs. Now I am sad to say I have still not started back at the ab cruncher :sad: Have such great plans just don't seem to be able to find the time. Hopefully this week end I can get things back on track. As for the Hatters swooning in on my classes I would love to be a fly on that wall and see the expression of the students. They think I am crazy as it is since for most of them I am very very conservative but imo this would could use a few of those with like views. Glad to hear the sugar seems to be finding a steady pattern
As for the Homecoming. Yes, it peer voted it is in relationship to football games and started many many years ago and now continues as a tradition. The girls are like the royalty of the games season. They will be presented at Court (formal gowns and escorted by football players) at a pep rally to get the students excited about the nights game. That night they will be presented on field as the girl's school accomplishments are read to the fans escorted by their fathers (usually) There are bouquets and the queen. As with many things related to football games in the South it is a huge huge deal mainly b/c unlike big cities there isn't much more than football to do on weekends.


Good luck on the Eagle scouts Carol


Supplements and hot flashes I have no experience with. I read something here in connection but since it didn't relate to me I didn't store that info sorrrryyyy

Well its late already and work is calling. Had a cousin to pass yesterday and the wake tonight so getting a late start. On the positive he is out of pain and tomorrow is FRIDAY !!! Homecoming shopping Saturday and the Fair on Sunday with the children... have to plan on getting lesson plans squeezed in there somewhere for next week !!! Everyone have a fabulous weekend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I am feeling better but over did it today trying to get all I need to do for the weekend. Have a day of shopping tomorrow for the daughters HC suit, then fair with the girls Sunday. Still have lesson plans for the classes to squeeze in there somewhere. Going to be a busy weekend.