The local Lowes was having their annual customer appreciation sale. Ten percent off all purchases. So I picked up my new cardio exercise equipment, a lawn mower. I think Cindy should add a chapter on lawn mowing to her book on non-traditional fitness.

Way to go Karen! Your hard work is paying off. Just one day at a time or even an hour at a time. And you not feeling well, you could have just given in, but you didn't. Awesome!!!

Jen - Look on this as the family lesson in Mom appreciation. I think they often don't realize or forget just how much we do. You remember to take it easy and don't rush to get on your feet too soon.

KarenKrayon wrote: »

I finally got a full week of stickers, which means no binging. I don't think I've ever gone a full week without a binge. , I've also lost 5.6 pounds in a month and 4 days.

That is fabulous!

Thank you Liz and everyone. It's not easy for any of us. I just keep telling myself "what's the alternative " and just that scares me as I get older. I had minor surgery lately and they asked me to lift myself off and slide to the other gernie. I wasn't able to lift my hips up to move. It was difficult for them to try and help me too. It took 3 people. I was a little embarrassed but mostly scared thinking that should be such a simple thing and I couldn't do it. I think fear of many negative things continuing to happen is a big driving force for me to lose weight. But the biggest is just so I can move around and walk better so I can actually get out of the house more often and do things that are fun.

JMarcella57 wrote: »

Difficult day.

Wassup Marcella? If you are still online, message me if you like.

Just a quick hello to everyone! I am briefly at home through Saturday before heading off to my next business trip. It is so great to be home and be able to cook my own food for a few days. Believe it or not, I am really tired of eating out, which is not something I usually say.

My successes over the past couple of weeks: I've made sure to get enough protein at each meal. Where I fell short was in eating balanced meals, tended to eat more fats and less vegetables, even when there were healthier options. Although - I did consistently order coleslaw or salad instead of fries or onion rings. The last few days I started eating sugared foods and I am relieved to stop that again.

So my goal for the next few days: eat at home, track my food, and stay off the sugar; and when I start traveling again on Sunday, make more of an effort to reach for the veggies!

You all are never far from my thoughts even though I have not had much time to check in. I look forward to reading your posts and catching up on your lives when I have a little more time. Sending hugs to all - Barb

Hi Barb it is good to see you! I am glad you are home for a few days. I am sure it feels good to be there. Enjoy and rejuvenate.

Jen I know you are probably busy trying to get every last thing done and every contingency that is remotely conceivable you can think of covered just in case. Don't make yourself nuts. If you have missed something, hubby, kids, or mom can do it, maybe not as easily or the way you would do it, but they can do it. Relax, breath deep, and try to enjoy the rest.

Marcella - I Think of you often when I look at were my garden is going to be. Hang in there and be kind to yourself.

Karen and QT - Way to go, baby steps.

Cindy - You have been on my mind, I know graduation is coming much faster that you want it to. (((hugs)))

Alice - You have been full of joy this week. I have been picturing you dancing in your pretty clothes under the moon on a beach.

I have interrupted our move. I often do things the hard way or make more work for myself. I wanted to remove these wooden spindles between the kitchen and living room. So I did, then I decided that I wanted to get rid of a double cabinet over a peninsula counter in the kitchen. So the girls and I tore it out. Since the cabinet came out I need to paint, so I took down the ugly apple boarder. There is ugly half wall paneling (so 70's) in the dinette area that I will be removing today. I picked up a nice used ceramic top stove at the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store (a Home Depot like Thrift Store). I have to modify a cabinet and counter so it will fit. Then I will spackle, sand, and paint. Then we will move more stuff. I know it is easier to get this sort of thing done while the house is empty and we are not living there, but I am impatient to move. I know I will be much happier when it is finished.

To all of you wonderful ladies here - Have a very happy hump day! Enjoy the spring (Alice fall) weather. I am sending happy thoughts and hugs to you all!