TerriDoodle

Judy - That's a strange dream, for sure! LOL It would take a LOT of tape to get mine to stay put. They seem to have a mind of their own these days! I'm so proud of you for losing those 6#!!! Just goes to show you it was probably just a bunch of water weight from all the sugar we've ALL been eating! Good for you for getting back on track. My mother is a chocolate junkie. She doesn't eat a lot of it, but she has to have some every day....so it's always around. I think I will challenge myself today to have a totally legal day ...hell, I don't even know if I can do it, it's been TOO long! TracyK - Yes, girlfriend, that is some SKINNY legs you got there!! I tried the same test and I didn't touch skin until I got to almost mid-calf. Above the knee, if I scrunch pretty hard I can get my fingers to touch. My upper thighs are much, much, much bigger! Oy. I wish you could go for a day of pampering, sweetie! Mani, pedi and a facial is my idea of the perfect day. I'd much rather have a facial than a massage. I have one about 2-3x a year...and I always say that I'm going to do it once a month...but never do! At my age, my skin would benefit greatly, but I'd rather spend the money and time on BEADS! LOL! But seriously, you should treat yourself because you SO deserve it!! When's your birthday? Or ask for it for Valentine's Day!!! The kids are going back to their dad's today and it's gonna get real quiet around here real fast! But at least I can clean up and it will stay clean for a few days! As much as I bitch about the holidays, I don't really look forward to the daily grind either. I wish so bad that I could retire! But with 2 kids heading for college, that is SO NOT going to happen!!! Gotta go fix mom some breakfast....check ya'll laterz.

Hi Ya'll - Ok. It's official. My mom is severely getting on my nerves. She's grouchy and I don't appreciate it. 'Nuf said. I wanted to post pics of the way cute necklace I made today. Sorry. I know ya'll are sick of these...but it's so fun and who else am I gonna share this stuff with?? This is a 'dog tag' necklace with some charms added. The names on the tag are my 3 best girlfriends that I met in college in 1977. It's all in sterling. Cute, huh??? I weighed 185 today!!! NOT good! :phanvan

Tracy -- y'know it could very well be that when you start eating more solid foods/calories that you'll finally drop into Onederland. I'll bet your bod is kinda freaked about so little food lately. Hang tough. I predict that Sunday will be your BIG DAY!!

Judy,....not everyone has surpassed you in lost weight!! I have been absolutely stuck since SEPTEMBER!!! And you are closer to goal than I am! I'll tell you my theory...it counts for squat but here goes. Every single time i diet i lose OK for the 1st 6 months then it comes to a screeching halt. That is no lie, it's happened every single time. I can exercise, I can eat like a Weight Watchers poster child but nothing will happen. Even when i was wearing the Body Bugg in Sept/Oct and racking up 1000-1400 calorie deficits every single day my weight did NOT BUDGE! Ok, so then here come the holidays and all the stress and I say, "to hell with it"....and eat whatever i want. Seriously!! Chocolate, Mexican food, Italian, bread, butter, ...CRAP!! And my weight didn't budge! So what that tells me is that my body is in complete and utter homeostasis....for now. I will diet again in the next few months (shocking my system yet again) and hope to lose the rest of this weight....but for now i am going to relax. Maybe the same is happening with you?

Hi Everyone! Thanks for the reminder about the water (Propel Berry for me). It tastes good! I'm glad to be back at work....where i can get some rest!!! It will be quiet here again this week. My boss is driving to Kansas to pick up a brand spanking new Lab puppy from a breeder up there, so I can spend another week shopping for beads online!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee! Suzie - loved the quote! Good one!! Pamela - I know you've put a lot of money into your house last year....but i also know that with the real estate prices in CA, you'd probably get a zillion dollars for it if you sold, so remind yourself that it's all investment!! What's Suzanne gonna do with her time after she retires??

On my monitor we are on Page 500 (halfway to 1000!) Suzie, everyone's pagination will be a little different...has to do with screen display size, resolution, or something like that, and all that computer geekery stuff.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends! :party: Well, it sounds like everyone is starting off 2008 with great attitudes and ambition! We're leaving a very exciting 2007 behind us! The next year may be a bit more challenging in the weight loss department, but it will surely be equally as exciting as we watch some of our girlfriends hit goal (WOW!)....or perhaps even adjust their goals as they become satisfied with their current weights. That's just as exciting!!! Kat - sounds like ya'll had a fun evening planned! Why would your SIL be mad at you?? I'm confused. Because you're not volunteering to have the whole fam damily over to your house for New Years Day? My sister's inlaws are that way....huge family that gets more huge every year and they ALL get together about once or twice a month at various houses. It's getting to the point where they have to buy bigger houses just to accommodate these parties! My sister is getting kind of fed up with the 'extended' nature of who gets included. My name dropped off that list a couple of years ago!! I think you are wise to draw the line in the sand now so you can enjoy YOUR family more!!! It's an important time. We had a nice NY Eve. 3 couples got together over at a friends house...we all brought something to eat and the food was delicious! Filet mignon & all the trimmings... and great wine. Now I'm nursing a wee hangover, but hey, what's NY Day without a hangover??!? LOL I do NOT cook the black eyed peas and cabbage thing (I hate them both!)... as a matter of fact, I'm so sick of being in the kitchen and at the grocery store I really don't give a HOOT what we eat today! Ah, another benefit of having the band! :party: HAYDEE?? Where are you girlie!?

Rifles??? Suzie, where do you live again??? LOL

French Toast Bread Pudding 1.5 c of brown sugar (not packed) 1 box of Farm Rich French Toast Sticks*, thawed and cut into quarters 1 c heavy cream 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract 1/4 tsp of salt 1/2 c water (I also thought I would add cinnammon next time) Fruit is optional (bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raisins) Cut the toast sticks into 1 inch pieces, Later the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan with brown sugar. (if you're adding fruit, layer that on top of the sugar) Lay the toast pieces onto the sugar in a single layer. Press any extra sticks into the sides and corners. In a large bowl, whish together the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, salt and water. Cover the toast sticks with the mixture, pressing the sticks down to we then thoroughly. (Optional: leave overnight in the refrigerator for a creamier texture.) [i left mine just for a few hours.] Preheat oven to 350F. Sprinkle the top of the sticks with 1/4 c. white sugar, place the pan into the oven and bake for 30-40 mins. After baking broil the top for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!) to brown the sugar. Let pudding stand for 10 mins. before serving. We served this with a small scoop of Dreyer's sugar free vanilla ice cream and it was HEAVENLY. *buy these in the frozed breakfast section

Kat - your shopping trip sounds fun ...glad it was productive! Size 12!! WOOT!!! You need to get Rick to take some pics of you...send them to me and I'll get them on the board for you. I know it makes you nervous, but it's time for an update! Your carriage ride sounds so romantic! You and Rick sound like you have such a wonderful relationship! Good for you guys! Hey, we need a pic of Rick, too! Need to attach a face to the name!! Oh, Tracy...how exciting! You're going to have a blast planning this wedding! You sound so dang happy and we're happy right along with you! Hey, are WE invited?? I bet $10 you'll lose at least 5-10# before March....any takers? Oh, an about your band.... I wonder if it's loosened up just because the holidays and year-end is passed and your stress level has eased a bit. One thing I know for sure is that the slightest bit of stress can really mess with my restriction! What you probably had with that meatball episode is an esophogeal spasm (ever heard of that?).... and man, are they PAINFUL!!! I had one once when I was a teenager and I was writing on the floor telling my mom to call an ambulance because I was having a heart attack!! She just scoffed at me!! LOL I thought I was dying and she laughed!!!!! Anyway, I've had a couple of minor ones in this last month and am sure the band could easily contribute to their occurance. Try not to worry and just keep chewing!!! Judy - Ya'll have fun!!! Go Pistons!!! (Might as well root for them....I'm not a Rockets fan!!!) Is it still snowing there? Suzie - Having a better day today? Jane - Are you off today or working your tail off?? I have 3 more days off.... wah. I don't ever want to go back to work!!!! Grrrrrrrr. Oh, speaking of recipes!... <<<<<FOOD PORN WARNING>>>>> My son LOVES french toast, and my husband LOVES bread pudding....so when I saw this recipe that sounded sooooo easy and good, I just had to make it. The 5 of us wiped out the whole thing last night....it was amazingly good. (posting so I won't lose this...)

Suzie, No...LOL...I don't sell my stuff, it's just a hobby. I've only been beading for about 1.5 years so I'm not that good....YET. I did dally with the idea of selling that last piece on Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade just to see what would happen, but honestly I'd rather give it to one of my friends.

Anyone need a 'romantic' antique pearl necklace?? I don't need it, I just enjoyed making it. I'll post a pic. You can have it for free if you will enjoy it! Didn't cost much to make at all.

My goodness there was a lot to catch up on this morning!!!!! First of all, MICHELLE...DAHLING!!! You look MAHVELOUS!!! As everyone said, that dress looks like it was made just for you!! Absolutely gorgeous and shows off all your beautiful curves! My curves only show when viewing from the side You are stunning! What jewelry will you wear?? (Me, the jewelry geek, y'know) Kat had a great idea about whispering to your hubby about not wearing panties...but she had the timing wrong! You tell him as soon as you walk in the door of the party so he can fantasize all night long! LOL A friend of mine one time was out to dinner with her boyfriend. She had bought a very sexy lacy panty and when she got back to the table, she dropped them in his lap. HA! Now, frankly doing it at the dinner table kinda grosses me out... but he was happy! Lesbos do Lowe's....LOL Pammy, you always crack me up. Ew, sounds like you've got tons of work to do!! I'm definitely in slug mode today. TracyK - 8/10???????????????? I can't even imagine!!! You must be ecstatic. I don't think I've been in a size 8 since I was in 4th grade. (Seriously) Of course, I weighed the same as my daugnter (5'7" and 125#) when I got married. She wears a size 5....and at that time I wore a size 11!!! Huh??? I must be all blubber. Kat - Thanks for the encouragement about teen daughters. I swear she has changed into a different animal in the last 3 months. OMG. Times like these I'm actually glad she lives most of the time with her Dad. We'd kill each other. TracyKS - Girlfriend you do have some sweet knockers!! ...and I LOVE the new avatar!! You get more beautiful with each passing week!!! Well, I'm hitting the beading table today. Damn! I made a necklace yesterday that would be almost perfect with Michelle's dress! Anyone need a 'romantic' antique pearl necklace?? I don't need it, I just enjoyed making it. I'll post a pic. You can have it for free if you will enjoy it! Didn't cost much to make at all.

Ohhhhh Tracy!!! We're all holding our collective breath right along with you! Just don't eat at all today so we can start breathing again!!!!

bummer, Laura! Yesterday I had a similar thing happen... the clerk charged me twice for a $15 item but fortunately I realized it before I got to the car ...checked the receipt because it dawned on me that it was way too high. Anyway, I explained to the clerk as I handed her the receipt and she asked to see my bag! As if! She gave me the credit but then never even apologized for her error. How rude! I don't plan to make any big resolutions because I always fail at them. I do, however, HOPE to get back to the gym at least 2-3 days a week. I don't know how feasible that will be with Mom here...but maybe I'm just using that as an excuse. Every time I go shopping with my daughter, I swear that I will NEVER do it again!!! I hauled her butt all the way to the Galleria yesterday and inevitably we got into it. She pouts and acts like a total twit and the day is ruined. Happens every single time. Ungrateful, hedonistic, egocentric little twit!!!! One of the stores where she bought some things was Urban Outfitters....are any of you familiar with it? Have you ever been in the store? OMG!!! It's like walking into a porn studio!! One half of the store is clothing...the other half is just stuff....books, things for the house, party gifts, etc. I browsed around over there and the sex is just so IN YOUR FACE! I'm so concerned about the attitudes this generation has in that regard...it's everywhere....that sex is just another leisure sport. I was shocked...and I don't shock easily. She had a list from American Apparel and when I went to that website I, again, was shocked at how the models all looked like they were posing in a cheap porn film. I refused to do business there and my daughter even said her cousin (who's 12) is "too young" to visit the store!!!? Does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about here??? Oy.

58 and partly sunny here in Houston....Thank goodness!!! I wouldn't know how to act in ice and snow....much like Laura, I'm sure. Kat, I sure hope you make it home safely!! Check in when you can! My band's name is Bluto. No doubt about it.

It is official, however, that I didn't gain anything...still 182-184. This is getting soooooooooo old. I realize, of course, that my weight loss came to a screeching halt when the exercise did. Wow. Who'da guessed that?

Laura - Congrats on throwing out your candy! I wish I could manage the same. I PB everything solid now. Can a person live on oatmeal, cottage cheese, ice cream, M&M's and enchiladas?

Now for the personals.... Cindy - I am sorry that story haunts you. Like you said, though, maybe now you can just put it behind you and be grateful that nothing like that will ever happen again. You have so much to be proud of in that regard, but most importantly you are a wonderful human being and valued friend. I'm sure that lady's intention was good and that she would be horrified to know exactly how much the whole incident hurt you. Laura - Everytime I see a picture of you I am so glad you did this while you are young. You are such a beautiful young lady, even at your heaviest, but get more beautiful with each passing month. AND....you are halfway there in such a short time!!!! You have had your struggles but you seem to be hitting your stride now! Excellent job, girlfriend!!!! TracyKS - I hope your little family is feeling better tomorrow and it's just a little bug :eek: Yuck!! You are a dedicated employee and the nunnery is lucky to have you! I hope they notice! Pammy - I am so happy for you that you were able to finish your dream!!!! The one I had like that MANY years ago with Tom Cruise still haunts me because right when things were getting good, my alarm went off....and I am still 'frustrated' because of it 20 years later! Grrrrrrrrrrr. LOL TracyK - I don't envy your having to unpack but it is always exciting to set up a new house. At least I won't have to worry about you during hurricane season!! Loved the story about your DD...she sounds like a little angel. Jane - That was so sweet of you to include a gift for Kinsey! I am just such a dufus in the thoughtfulness department. It would have never occurred to me to do something like that...I am ashamed to admit it, but it's true. Anyway, glad the gift arrived FINALLY and you dont have to worry about it anymore! Judy - Your float iin the hot tub sounds wonderful!! Wow. Ice fishing????? Yikes!! You're a better woman than I!! Have lots of tossing out and organiziing to do today....and the housekeeper comes in a few so I need to get on it. I'll be back later and see how everyone's day is going! XOXOXO!!!

Good Morning Everyone!!! Sorry to have been gone so long! I've missed you all! OY! My house has suddenly gotten so small! The kids are here and Hannah has been displaced from her bedroom because of Mom. They are trying to share the bedroom but Hannah is such a typical teenager with clothes and shoes EVERYWHERE!...and now, of course, Xmas gifts spread out all over the house, too. Mom's various contraptions and medications, walkers, etc. Kids have to trade off sleepiing on the couch. 5 people all on different sleepiing/eating schedules and the kitchen stays a disaster area...LOL! Oh well, I'm just going to have to accept it and just be grateful that we all have a roof over our head, heat in the furnace and food in the fridge! The kids can't stop saying how this has been the best Christmas ever....and that is so true for them. They got all the things they wanted and so much more....they have like 5 sets of grandparents and 2 sets of parents....so they get loaded down with cash and gift cards on top of everything else. They LOVE Christmas! LOL As for me, I got lots of wonderful things, too. My favorite was the list I gave DH....LOL...new tools and supplies for my jewelry hobby: fine silver wire, metal puncher, alphabet set for metal stamping, a fire brick, a micro-torch and an ultra-flush cutter! LOL....Doesn't that all just sound heavenly?? It is to me! Then I took some of the cash I received from Mom and bought MORE tools and supplies yesterday! I better start cranking out the stuff! gonna post before I lose it all....

Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone! Jenn - I'm so sorry about your kitty. Pets are so special to us...give us so much love without asking much in return. Our hearts just break when they have to leave us....but they do teach us so much while they're here. Big, big hugs for you. Pamela - Sounds like you are having a wonderful time this season with the exception of your back problems! Gosh darnit!! I miss Midnight Mass most of all...but I seriously cannot make it work anymore with our Christmas schedule! I'm like you....born and raised a Catholic (but not practicing anymore) and Midnight Mass just holds so many memories. I remember being like 4 years old and just not being able to stay awake thru mass!!....I remember is was freeeeeeeezing cold outside and I had on my wool coat and velvet hat, white tights and black patent leather shoes....feeling like a stuffed sausage in those scratchy clothes. And of course the mass went on and on and on!!! I've been to many Midnight Masses but that is the one I remember the most....probably because it so representative of all the others! LOL I am quite sure I'd have the same problem if I went tonight....not being able to stay awake...but now it's because I'm too OLD!!! Denise - I didn't realize bleeding in the first trimester was so common either!? Who did the ultrasound if not her doctor?? Nevertheless, I will certainly keep her in my prayers. You can count on that. Ms Jen - So glad to see you back! How about an update??!?! How's the new business venture going? Kat - You sound crazy-busy as usual! You must burn a zillion calories a day....just goes to show you that our bodies are experts at holding onto the extra weight!!! Grrrr. Anyway...I hope you have an extra-special time with your family. I have enjoyed all of your stories and hope that this Christmas brings us more! You have some amusing characters in your circle! And you are SO right about the 'one special angel' looking out for the daughter....I don't know why I never thought of that until you said it. I'm a very firm believer in angels. Michelle - Same goes for you! Been meaning to ask you....who in the world gets all that pumpkin bread you make??!? Wasn't it like 50-something loaves??? Good lawd!!! You have some very lucky friends! TracyK - (((HUGS))) Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy the crisp weather we're having!! Nice for a change, eh? XOXOXO TracyinKS - So sorry about that PB episode!! WTF??? I've had a couple of PBs recently where the ...uh....regurgitation...was more 'violent' than normal and it is scary!! But not like you describe!? Do you think you might have a little ulcer or reflux?? The symptoms you describe just seem odd. You're right to baby it for a couple of days. I hope it helps!! Take care of yourself! Haydee - Levi's on me have always run small....maybe its just the way they're cut. The waist and tummy, especially on my fat belly, are usually too snug and I have to go up a size. I'm wearing a 14-16 in most pants now, but I'll bet you $20 that a Levi's 16 would be tight on me...I haven't even tried them since I found that Gloria Vanderbilts fit me like a glove. Where do ya'll celebrate Christmas? Lots of different visits to make...or just one or two big ones? It's the weirdest Christmas ever around our house this year. Not bad, just DIFFERENT!! Very quiet compared to most years. The kids are with their dad until the 26th, and other relatives that hosted a big Xmas day party are elderly and sick like my mom. So for the 1st time in 49 years I'm staying home on Christmas Day....all day! We have 2 celebrations today and tonight, though and I'm looking forward to them both. Also looking forward to just being at home all day tomorrow!! I love you all and wish you the happies of times with your friends and families!

accidentally psted to soon.... 1) I get stuck on any meat except fish. No way I'm getting enough protein. 2) I'm eating a bunch of junk....serious sugar problems to the max...like more than I've ever eaten before! WTF?? 3) Can't believe I'm considering going for an unfill....but I have to get some meat and veggies in me!!

It's 6:30a and I've already been up for 2 hours! It's Saturday, for cryin' out loud! Just couldn't sleep. DH is already out the door for golf. I think I'm going to shower and head out early to go to Kohl's (right down the street from my house) and load up on socks & underwear....the whole family needs new stuff. I can't seem to find two socks that match....and I've got a LOT of socks! Grrrrrrrrr. Other than that I am through shopping. This year was easy...did most of it on the internet. Haydee - Thanks for posting your pics....the house and tree are so beautiful! Pamela - You be extra careful, you hear?? Don't carry anything and take lots of breaks!!! I'll cross my fingers for you!! OMG, guys...you won't believe this. Remember in late October my boss lost his 22 yr old son in a tragic accident? Well, needless to say they have had a very rough time of it and he is just now kind of getting back to his 'normal' self...although he never will really be normal again. But anyway, now they only have one daughter and she is a stunning 26 yr old. SHE was in a head on collision on Monday night....a drunk driver was going the WRONG WAY on the freeway!!! She drives a Lexus IS300 and the airbag did not deploy! The car was totalled and she walked away with only a broken collarbone and a busted lip. Can you believe that??? This poor family has just been traumatized!!! She obviously had a hundred angels around her that night. Can you only imagine if she were seriously hurt or, worse yet, killed?? My mind blows a fuse just thinking about it! BAND TALK: 1) I get stuck on just about any kind of meat now, except fish!!

Here ya go....

Can't he be crated, Jenn?