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In the spirit of Valentine's Day: This is from The Prophet by Kahill Gibran. This is from the On Love chapter. Then said Almitra, "Speak to us of Love." And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said: When love beckons to you follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, I am in the heart of God." And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

Yeah....looking forward to it! Gonna send my Terry money this week! YeahYeahYeah!

Hey Violets~ I don't know if this happened to everyone or not, but I got an email from Alex this morning, and I've agreed to be a LBT Moderator! I am excited...I hope I don't do something wrong. I noticed that my avitar says Super Moderator...I did not write that. Did anyone else get asked? I am leaving here at 5am to go to a base w/ Sus to do her final physicals for her retirement. We'll be gone all day. I'll pop in when I get home!

Thanks Terry~ I should of remembered that...we do all the stretches in Jazzercise! Gonna do some now! xo

Terry! :Banane20::crying::Banane20::rose::Banane20::thumbup::Banane20::drool::Banane20::cool::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20:Good on you! And TracyK~ You look great! Glad you were able to go to wedding, and that Macy is on the mend (keeping my fingers crossed). I feel soooo freakin old. My back hurts so bad, probably cause I haven't worked out in a week and 1/2. I have got to come up w/ something. The doc said to keep working out, but can't still for a few days. Honestly, I am beyond freakin depressed!

Hey Everyone~ Tracy...we have trolls here? Did I miss something. Plug in a movie and veg out w/ everyone today. You don't need any shit on your Sat :thumbdown: Receipe Alert: After a 1/2 a week of eating out, I decided to make something yummy. This is from a Weight Watchers Receipe book. 6 oz wide noodles (I only use whole wheat) 1 tablesoppon olive oil 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour 2 cups fat free mile 1 tablespoon grated Parmeasan cheese 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast (I cheated and bought a premade roasted chicken from the deli) 1 red onion chopped 2 tablespoons chopped canned green chiles 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard 4 teaspoons seasoned dried bread crumbs 1. Cook the noodles. 2. Preheat to 375 and spray a 2 quart casserole w/ nonstick spray 3. In medium sausepan, over med. heat, heat the oil. Sprinkle with the flour; cook, whisking constandly, 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cheese; cook, whisking constantly until thinkened 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in noodles, chicken, onion, chiles, and mustard (I did this in large bowl and blended well). Transfer to casserole dish, sprinkle w/ bread crumbs and bake until brown and bubbling 20-25 min. Serve w/ salad 1 generous cup: 414 cal, 9g.fat, 0 trans fat, 35 gr. Protein. I did not use the chiles or mustard (Susanne doesn't like). So I sautee'd a teaspoon of garlic, added some italian seasoning instead of chiles and mustard. Also, I sprinkled a bit of parm cheese on top of bread crumbs. Anyway, thought I would share. It is yummy!

Buenos Dias Violetas~ $$$$$$$ Power for Haydee! We are gonna have a lazy day today! I am looking forward to it. Need to go to store, ain't nuttin for chow 'round these here parts. Then perhaps watch a movie at home and do laundry! Kat~OMG I hope all is ok w/ Rick. How scary for him, you...not to mention the boys! Everyone have a great day!

I wanna play...I wanna play! This just happened yesterday and I posted in on another thread. I have been at a conference at the Disneyland Hotel this week. I've tried to make some good choices, but also have cocktails daily and foods I don't normally eat. I have not PB'd in a long time so I forget sometimes. But the lunch one yesterday was the worst by far: (the following was posted yesterday) Ok...PB'd this morning on an 1/2 omlette...then was soooo sick all morning (sick feeling in tummy) I had pretzles and 7up after that. Then picture this...2200 people, sitting in this large garden setting for lunch, it was 75 outside and beautiful. Although I gave up bread for lent, I was having the bottom piece of a sandwhich (my tummy has been nauseated all day). I took 1 sip of 7up...and OMG...I am looking around for the bushes. I barely made it away from EVERYONE (not even away...just not at the tables) eating food and PB'd in the bushes. Only about 20 people saw and bout 50 heard and I projectile PB into the bushes. How cute am I?

Hey Everyone~ I've read through and now I am totally lost as to what I read. Tracy~ Sending Macy some PURPLE POWER to shake this thing once and for all. Congrats on the couch too! TracyKS~WooHoo...are you getting excited? We need pix of the "new you". Terry~Hope mom (and you) are feeling well and that she'll get "sprung" soon. Kat~ Hope Kinsey, like Macy, feels better soon. Sick babies are not good. Judy, Judy, Judy~ You are my muse! I can barely walk...and your an exercise queen! Good for you! Haydee~ PURPLE POWER for your garage sale! We will be having one in a few months too! Last year we made 800 bucks which paid for 1/2 of the new garage door! Michelle~ I know you wont get this for a few days...but have fun fun fun! I think I speak for all the violets when I say, we want DETAILS! And pix! Jenn~ What can I say sista! Hang tough, and enjoy the grape vodka (gotta try that). Susie~Haven't had much water in the last few days. I have been sipping on 7-up...WTF...anyone else have trouble w/ nausea? I guess I am falling apart! I am ALWAYS ON MY PERIOD...knees...back...nauseated! WoW! I did go to chiropractor today and he took xrays. He said to keep exercising at the same pace, but not the same intensity. I am not quite ready to work it tomorrow am...but will try next Wed (my next available time). Susanne and I are enjoying our 3rd anniversary! We had a busy day...waking up at Disney, and driving home! We pulled into town and went straight to the movies. Saw, No Country for Old Men. WOW...it was great! I would say brillant, but it is not for everyone. I am soooo glad we went. Off to go catch up on All My Children! It is great to be home...I missed you all, even though I popped in a few times...I still missed you! xoxoxoxoox

Hey Everyone! I am soooo glad you like the Tshirt Tracy! It broke my heart that you couldn't go, and as soon as I got tix...I wanted to get the shirt for you! xoxoxoxoxo Ok...PB'd this morning on an 1/2 omlette...then was soooo sick all morning (sick feeling in tummy) I had pretzles and 7up after that. Then picture this...2200 people, sitting in this large garden setting for lunch, and although I gave up bread, I was having the bottom piece of a sandwhich (my tummy has been nauseated all day). I took 1 sip of 7up...and OMG...I am looking around for the bushes. I barely made it away from EVERYONE eating food and PB'd in the bushes. Only about 20 people saw and bout 50 heard and I projectile PB into the bushes. How cute am I? Feeling sick still. Waiting for Susanne to get here and we are gonna go for a walk, look at the shops...and then meet everyone for dinner. Check in later~ Kat..hope your tooth is fixed soon. Judy~That pork chop sounds great.

Morning Violets~ I need to whisper cause I have a slight hangover. I only had 2 1/2 Margaritas, but since I don't do this often...wowser. We had a great night. Susanne came back here (she lives and works 8.6 miles from Disney) just as we were getting out...so to the bar we all went. All my colleagues love Susanne, she is just part of the group. Some margies and some chips and salsa...and 1 bbq rib and I was stuffed. Everyone ordered entre and I didn't. Tonight we are going to the House of Blues for dinner and drinks...wish me luck! The knee is somewhat better. I can barely walk...but I can walk. I am sooo pissed I did this to myself when I've really started loving exercise. I will be sooo bummed if I can't do my dance class anymore. Susanne and I gave up bread for lent. I know many of you don't/can't eat it, but I still have some from time to time. I am gonna "excuse" myself from Lean Cuisine pizzas though, for 280 cal...I think I can make that exception. Today for lunch???Box sandwhiches, should be interesting! Might go for a veggie wrap thingy. Ok...gotta go put my face on and check my online class. I had 12 emails yesterday, and they all needed responses! Have a great day! Michelle~ Have a great trip. I hope ds is better sooner rather than later! Mickey asked me to tell you to travel safe and get there quickly! OH yeah, bring tons of $$$$. I am drinking a 15.00 pot of coffee! xoxoxoxooxoxoxo

Good Morning Violets~ Checking in from Disneyland!! Susie, I saw the parking garage! Can't believe that story...wow. Tell him the parking garage is still standing! Well, yesterday...I blew out my knee at work. I almost said a very bad word in front of the kids as I was laying on the desks. I told the kids to go get me ice...I mean this was really bad. Then driving here, it stiffened (sp) up and I could barely get out of the car (PS is about 2 hours away w/ traffic). Went to dinner, then to the keynote last night...I WAS DYING! Susanne is here and I got into bed and slept really good...and so far it is better. I have an apt w/ doc on Friday late afternoon. I am almost depressed thinking about not being able to do Jazzercise. I finally found something I love, but honestly...my knees have hurt bad for a few weeks. I've NEVER had trouble...and am pissed that they hurt. I am hoping a few shots and I can work out. I promise not to do anymore squats. Well...long day of food, sitting...more food, and then alcohol! I am trying to make "good choices". Last night had the salmon (OMG...melted in my mouth), the broccli, 1/2 piece of bread, but skipped the pots. Also everyone went out for dessert...skipped that. I had sooo many compliments lately, especially w/ my new pants that actually fit, don't want to go too far off track. Have a great day everyone. I'll try to pop in tomorrow am. Jenn~ Did you get a new tat?

WooHoo Haydee! Truly beautiful!

Jenn~ I am so glad you and your mom can exhale now. God Bless your family during this hard time. Tons of PURPLE POWER for you and your mom now. How is it going w/ the Aunt? Laura~ Michelle had that great idea about the 100 calorie thingys. Even if you eat the whole box, it is only 600 cal, instead of 1800. I think the reason my weight loss has been slow is cause the smoking thing. I swear, I get online to grade papers...and I need to munch. I bought 100 cal popcorn...love it. Plus it makes me thirsty so I drink tons of Water w/ it. Hang in there. It is far better to be a non smoker...I promise. Terry~ The metal class sounds so cool. I wish I had a hobby like that. I am too busy to find what I love to do, besides eat, smoke, and well...sex. Wonder what kind of classes I can go to? KIDDING! That Palm Springs invite is open to ANY VIOLET...ANYTIME. It is a resort town and people come from all over the world. Got plenty of room... TTFN

Good Morning Violets~ It is 5:30am and I've already showered and did a load of towels. I need to get out of the house early so I can go vote today! Everyone have a great day! Laura...happy b-day! TracyK~ How is Frank feeling? Kat and Judy~ Wanna come visit me in Palm Springs? Seriously, it is gonna be 74 this weekend. I took some pix last night of my house to show my students. We are learning about scale and drew my house and they wanted to see. I am gonna post one of my living room and the new couch in the den. The black couch is the living room...the beige couch is the den! TTFN OOO Nevermind...says the pix are too big. Oh well!

Hey Violets~ Well, I think I am ready or nearly ready to go. I've graded papers, packed, paid the maid, organized the dog sitter, did laundry, watched AMC, L Word, and the new show Breaking Bad (soooo good, but not for everyone). Whew...I am tired. Laura~ Happy Birthday Sista! :Dancing_wub: Can't find the birthday smilie...so your getting the cute pink dancing thing. LOVE LOVE LOVE the bling girl! Diamonds ARE a girls best friend! Hope you have a kick ass day! Gina..wowser! Looking good honey! Everyone stay warm and safe while I am gone. Bringging my laptop but not sure how much I can pop on. Michelle...I'll tell Mickey to get ready for ya'll in Florida! xoxoxoxoxo I'll miss you!

Hey Violets~ Judy...wowser. I can't believe about you DSIL...there is some weird energy in the air today. I hope everyone and all those we love are safe today! I have tons to do...and here I am on LBT, lol. Tracy~glad Frank is feeling better. ttfn

Terry~ You can and should demand that your mom be given a Valuim or Ativan to relax her. If she is getting aggitated, that is not gonna help anything. Also, you have the right to demand pain management for her...it is her right. If she is getting pissy, get her something to relax. Grandpa used to take Ativan to help w/ the Alzheimers (patients get very pissed when they want to go home, etc and very frustrated). We used to sneak them in the hospital when he would get aggitated. Hang in there...prayers for her...love and support for you!

Tracy~ I used to get my lip waxed, and then about a week later, I'd have a dozen horrible blisters. I thought they were fever blisters, until after about 3 times, I realized it is from the hot wax. Now, I bought Sally Hansen Lip Dipilatory Cream, and do it at home about 3 times a year. Does not burn and more importantly does not blister. I must have sensitive skin there cause I get eyebrows done about 2x a month and beside some redness, no problems. Are you going for the Brazilian??? LOL Anyway, that is my 2 cents. I am sooo pissed again. I need a drink already and it is not even 11am. Oddly enough I don't drink but a few times a year...maybe I should start. NSV...3 large PINK BOXES full of donuts...walked right past them about 6 times already. Not worth the calories. Now chips, kickin salsa and a margarita...that is worth the calories!

Laura~ I can't wait to buy Across the Universe!!! I loved that movie and must have in the collection! Glad you feeling better! My boss pissed me offfffffff on Friday so much. I know now why people drink after work. I was pissed all weekend (wont bore you w/ details) and pissed again this morning. I was dreading working w/ him this morning. I am the English Language Learner Facilitator @ school and work w/ him everyday for an entire period (no students..just paper work). Anyway, when I walked into his office, the first thing he did was apologize! Made me feel so much better, cause he was waaaayyyy off base, then made me feel like I was the asshole. Hey, I have been the ass from time to time...but this was not the time! So, I have a renewed faith in our professional relationship . Next month we are flying to San Jose for another conference and I told him..."you owe me drinks:biggrin:" Ok...back in a bit! My new pants are falling off me, cause once I sat down...they stretched. I am not complaining...but man...I spent $165 on 3 pair of pants yesterday. The jeans will be better cause they at least have belt loops, lol. But as w/ the other pants, I can pee w/o undoing them. I know TMI! xoxoxoxo

Ok, to everyone else. GET ON THE BALL. We all have STUFF going on in our lives that interfere with our weight loss but we need to quit making excuses. The band was our best gift to ourselves and we need to start using it. Start today. It's that easy. You can do it. I can do it. We are in this together and we are so worth it. (Susie, Shrinkin' Violet, 2008) This is really not cheating. I was reading the other thread this am and Susie closed her post with this. It is better stated and more powerful than anything I could've found. There are excuses that are acceptable (Jenn and her mom...OMG, I've been there and could've eaten a horse) and excuses that are NOT acceptable (we already know those). The band IS the best gift we can give ourselves...and we need to start using it. What are you going to do today to start using your band?

Hey everyone, Well, I lost $100 bucks today on squares (3 $20 squares and 8 $5 dollar squares)...ooooo well. I usually call Superbowl squares my "Annual piss away 20 bucks"...so I decided to change my luck and make it more. Oh well. TracyK and Laura~ glad you won! Tracy hope Frank is feeling better. Did you threaten him w/ Susie's emails if he doesn't drink! Susie~ I drank 67.6 oz today. I wanted to try the fondue, but didn't yet. I printed it out though! I ended up watching the commercials today during the game and grading papers during the game. That took a long time. This is for my online classes and man, if I have to write "Right click on red and green lines for grammatical options" one more time I am gonna scream. I used to copy and paste it but I copied and pasted something else at the end of the paper so I just typed it. I can't believe that in a Master's program, you'd submit papers w/ red and green lines, jeeshhh! OK...I am tired! Missed my show, L Word too. I'll watch it tomorrow. Have a great night! I got most of my work done tonight so I hope I can go workout tomorrow. I have so much to do to get ready to leave Tuesday @ 7am! OK...gonna go play some scrabble. I haven't played all weekend :eek:

Tracy...OMG...I hope Frank feels better soon. If he is not drinking enough water, tell him you will give Susie his email. She'll make sure he is never dehydrated again! PURPLE POWER for Frank. Susanne is on the road in 80mph winds...trying to inch over to Orange County. I am finally home and ready to grade papers (3pm). I went and bought 3 new pair of pants 1 blue jeans, 1 black jeans and 1 black chino. They are all size 22...which is a far cry from my skinny violet sisters...but, it is a far cry from the 28/30 I started in! At least they fit, and I won't look like a bag lady anymore. OK...everyone have a great afternoon! Gonna watch the game, grade some papers, and say prays until Susanne calls and tells me she is home. xoxoxooxoxoxo

Judy~ Great tip o' the day! Powerful, meaningful, beautiful! Thanks!

Morning Violets~ Happy Early Birthday Laura! Jenn~ Your post made me cry. What a magical night you had. I was an undergrad when mom was taking care of grandma, but I know it was hard on her. As far as your aunt goes, my opinion is to let her have her way on as many issues as possible, and then on IMPORTANT issues to you and your mom, fight her on it. In short, pick your battles. There is gonna be enough stress for you both, and the focus should be on healthy grieving...not bullshit family battles. xoxoxox Hang tough. Well, the Superbowl party is off. Had a few people cancel, and frankly, I regretted even saying I'd have it. I have 1 more call to make, and she was only coming for the margaritas. I have too much to do today. I gave away tons of pants and now...I need a couple pair. I also need to go to Wally World. Pack and lastly, I need to grade a boat load of papers. I've been a bad teacher this week, and am behind! So I'll be watching the game, and waiting for my boyfriend Justin Timberlake's commercial, but I don't need to cook a boat load of food! Yeah! Have a great day everyone! xoxoxoxoxooxox I am thankful that you all are in my life! TracyK~ You thought I've forgotten you! You are rockin that weight loss honey! I am (we all are) sooooo proud of you. If you reach goal first...you will be the resident Violet Skinny Biotch! It is a very distinguished honor! I think there is a special hat too! 10 to go...OMG! Rock on! :Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20::Banane20: