Teachlady

Here's our gorgeous Haydee!! Wooo hooo woman, you are lookin' fine!!

Gooooooooooooooood morning, Violets.. Jenn.. my sympathies about your Gram, but she was welcomed into God's arms and is in a much better place. (((hugs))) to you and your family. Sure hope you hear about the job today! We're all anxiously waiting with you. Laura.. Happy Birthday!! The bracelet is beautiful!! Can I borrow it for the cruise?? I promise to return it, really I do.. Pam... have a safe trip. HOpe you can check in now and then. We'll miss ya!! Haydee, I'd be happy to resize pics too if Tracy can't get to it at work. Speaking of which, I'm late for my hospital shift. Luckily I don't punch a time clock. Just get there when I get there, but I like to be there by 10:30 and out by noon. Today is day 4 of no snacks. Did everything right yesterday so hope I can continue even on Fat Tuesday. Paczkis are on sale here everywhere. In case you haven't heard of them, they are Polish fried treats that get consumed by the thousands on Fat Tuesday. I will not even be near any. Two years ago I would have had 4 or 5 or more in one afternoon. My new mini-goal is to leave the 170's behind by Valentine's Day. Gotta run. Everyone have a great day. Remember CTCD!

101 days til the Violet's Bandiversary Bash!!

Woooo Hooooo, Gina!! You look AWESOME!! You're a new person! Congrats to you!!! Just got off the phone with Nathan. He was telling me about the accident. He said he felt like he was in the middle of a video game. Luckily he made the right choices. He got caught in slush and couldn't get the car to stop sliding so he jammed the wheel to the left so that he wouldn't hit the plow head on. It Tboned him instead. Blew out the side windows, broke the axle off and blew out the tires. He cut his hand on the broken glass crawling out the passenger side window, but that was the only injury, thank God! He knew the guy that hit him (helps being from a small town!) and that guy was really rattled thinking he had killed Nathan! Soooooooo now Nathan has to look for a new vehicle. He had been looking for a truck, but had been putting it off and putting it off. Well, no more putting it off! he wanted to know if we wanted to buy his new TV.. They spent over $3,000 on a 60" one. Luckily he's a PA and makes excellent money, but reality is beginning to hit home as far as expenses coming at inconvenient times! Well, it's been another great day foodwise. One day at a time. I did 5 miles on the exercise bike and 15 minutes on the glider. No hot tub tonight cause it's snowing so hard. Everyone have a great evening. Sleep well and stay safe!

Yippee!! Yippeeeeeee!! We're going to Tejas.. we're going to TEJAS!!! Where the heck is Tejas??

Roads are terrible here too, Kat. DD just called to say that DSIL just totaled his car. He's ok, but the car isn't. He spun off the road and then was hit by the plow of a truck. They had just spent $300 to get new brakes on the car. But the car can be replaced. Thank God Nathan is fine. The Bobster cancelled his Bible Study for tonight because of the weather and luckily I don't have anywhere I have to be. We'll see how things are tomorrow for going to my hospital shift. and fyi, I shave my hairy upper lip, and all around my mouth actually. I had it waxed once and it stayed red and puffy for a whole day so that was the last time for that. I pluck out the big ole black hairs and the rest get shaved every week or so. I have given DD instructions that when I go into the nursing home and am incapacitated, she will have to shave my mustache so I don't look like some of the ladies I see really late at night at WalMart.. yikes!! Dinner is ready.. turkey mignon and roasted veggies. I've been snack free today so far and am on my 2nd liter of water.

All I ever drank was Diet Coke and Diet Mt. Dew. That's it... nothing else. Never any water, rarely milk unless it was chocolate and I have not had a drop of soda since April of 07. I'm chugging my Crystal Lite at the rate of at least 2 liters a day and am very satisfied with it.

Amen sistas to Suzie and Pam for the Tip 'o The Day today! We need to remember what it felt like the day before surgery. Remember how excited we were?? And scared?? And then the weight started dropping off and we were perfect bandsters. We were doing it by ourselves and the band wasn't even that much of a factor. But then reality set in and we had to actually WORK with the band. Now we've shifted to thinking the band can do it all. We have to get back to the co-operative mentality. The band will do it's work if we do ours. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!! End of sermon P.S. Tracy is excluded from this sermon. She's doing so darn good!!!

Good Morning, Violets.. This is day 3 of being the perfect bandster. Everytime I was tempted by the chocolate cake and other yummy stuff, I thought of you ladies and the purple power pulled me through. Today we're under another winter advisory. We're supposed to get 2-4 inches this evening with freezing rain. Typical day in Northern Michigan!! Jenn..hugs and prayer to you and your mom and gram. And also Purple power sent your way for that new job! Terry...hang tough today and keep your chin up! (remember when it was two??:eek:) I still remember the pic you posted of you in that snazzy jacket and slacks. You look awesome so don't be so discouraged about the plateau. I'm there too. Hopefully this no snacking phase will help me to get the scales to move. So far I haven't reached my mini-goal for February, but I still have 25 days. Only problem is, three weeks from today I'll be onboard ship and I know what that means!! And we're not getting a fill til we get back from the cruise so we'll have to be really good. We'll have to hit the fitness room every day and stay away from the chocolate buffet! Gotta go and get ready to head to church for our staff meeting. Everyone have a good morning. I'll check back in after my nail appointment.

102 days til the Violet's Bandiversary Bash!!

Good evening, Violets.. Well, I made it through day two of no snacks!!! I had meatballs, glazed pork, settler's beans and taco dip with 5 small, round tostido chips. NO chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and NO Valentine candy that was out. And NO potato casserole. If I can get through a Super Bowl party being good, I can be good on a regular day and be proud!! And the team I wanted to win, did!! AND my Pistons beat the Mavericks. Woooo hoooooo!! Tracy... hope Frank is feeling better. Everyone have a good evening. Sleep well! Catch you all tomorrow.

Good afternoon, Violets... Back from church.. am into my jeans and sweatshirt and the meatballs are done and the pineapple glazed spareribs are warming. We'll be off to DD's house soon so we can watch the end of the Piston's game on their new 60" HDTV. Then we'll eat before the Super Bowl. Almost 2 p.m. here and I've been good again today eating wise. There was a pancake breakfast after church today and I just went up to the Fellowship hall and visited. didn't have a bite. Came home and had one mini-meatball to make sure it was tasty and then had my cup of sauage corn chowder. Had a cube of pork to make sure that was ok and that's it until this evening. I got lots of compliments on my flute playing today. It was celtic music with flute and harpsichord. TracyK!! How scary! Prayers for a quick recovery for Frank. Keep pumping those fluids into him!! And when he needs to get up make sure it's very slowly...we don't want him passing out again. and CONGRATS on getting soooooooo close to goal. We need new bracelets, Terri!! They need to say WWTD?? We're so proud of you, our first Violet at goal!! That's got to feel so awesome. Kat....yikes!! What is it with today?? Everyone under a dark cloud or sumfin?? You be careful, woman!! We're supposed to get freezing rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. A lot of snow is melting today with it finally getting up past freezing.

Good morning, Violets. I'm showered, dressed and have the meatballs in the crockpot. I'll do the spareribs when I get home from church. I'm eating my yogurt with fresh blueberries for breakfast. I'm sooooo proud of not snacking yesterday. Today will be a challenge, but I'll have my WWJD bracelet on as I do every day and it will be a good reminder. Everyone have a great day today!! Remember, I'll be watching you..

TIP 'O THE DAY FOR SUNDAY 2/3/2008 Things to consider for 2008 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. 2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. 3. Try to get enough sleep. 4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to____ today.' 5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy. 6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did in 2007. 7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives. 8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. 9. Dream more while you are awake. 10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. 11. Drink green tea and plenty of Water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts. 12. Try to make at least three people smile each day. 13. Clear the clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life. 14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. 15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 16. Eat Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. 17. Smile and laugh more. 18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 24. Burn the candles, use the nice china, and don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Forgive everyone for everything. 28. What other people think of you is none of your business. 29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time. 30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. 32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 34. The best is yet to come. 35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 36. Do the right thing! 37. Call your family often. Keep in touch with them. 38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for ___.' Today I accomplished ____. 39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. 40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Evening, Violets. Well, it's 9:30 and I finished dinner an hour ago and am finishing my 2nd liter of water for the day. AND I did not snack today. Not one single thing. We'll just call this the pre-Lenten days. Kat...when I read Bob what you said about your in-laws church, he said. "well, it's good to hear about a church where Christ's love is so prevelant.". WWJD? Jen..My prayers are that your Grandmother's suffering will soon end knowing that when the time comes, she'll be welcomed into God's loving arms. Time to practice flute a bit for tomorrow and then hit the hot tub. I have meatballs and spareribs to make for the super bowl party at DD's tomorrow. It will be difficult.. but I'll be thinking of all the Violets tomorrow and my pledge to you and myself not to eat unhealthy snacks between meals. Everyone sleep well. Suzie.. thanks for the info. I'm going to look her up.

It's not that I HAVE to give something up for Lent or that my denomination/church requires it. It's just a good reminder for me of the liturgical season. You typically give up something you crave and replace it with something better for you so that's why I picked unhealthy snacks. I'll replace them with more exercise. At least that's my personal Lenten goal.

It did.

I can't believe it!! I wrote a long reply to you Kat and hit send. Left and now I'm back to see if you replied and the post isn't even there!! arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh Anyway I'll try to reconstruct. Church of Christ is a world of difference from my United Church of Christ. There are certain Church of Christ churches that are non-instrumental. When one person from that church told Bob that organs are never mentioned in the Bible, he responded with..... neither is indoor plumbing! In our church you and Rick would be welcomed with open arms and you would be more than welcome to take communion. We do not deny communion to anyone, and certainly don't condemn anyone who is divorced. That kind of mentality just makes me fume! Our church is very similar to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. The only real difference is in our church government. Sooooooooo yes, she's a crazy lady and he's a psycho preacher, but as my MIL always said... God love 'em! Tomorrow at our church I'm the lay reader and will be directing the choir, helping to serve communion AND playing some celtic flute music for the offertory. I'm gonna be busy! It's 3 p.m. and I haven't had a snack or bad food choice today yet. We got my new printer,scanner, copier, fax machine installed. Now I just have to figure out how to use it!! Everyone have a good afternoon. Will check back later. Hope THIS post shows up!!

Jenn... hugs and prayers to you and your family. Terry..hugs and prayers also to you and your mom. Pam..I'll definitely be at Ash Wednesday services, but this year I will NOT participate in Fat Tuesday!! They are having a pancake breakfast in church tomorrow. I'll be skipping that too. Right now I'm trying to get 1/2 an english muffin with peanut butter to go down. It's a slow process, but at least it's protein. Will check back later. Everyone have a great day!!

Good morning, Violets...I can't believe how in sync we are. My first words to the bobster this morning were.. I am NOT going to snack today. None of this, this, this or this as I pointed to all the things I had for Ethan. YES.. I am with you. Today is Gound Hog day and I refuse to become a Grazing Hog. Off to make my breakfast with lots of protein to hold me over til lunch. Course I didn't get up until 10 this morning for that's not much time in between meals. Kat..Ethan has only been over twice since I got the trampoline. I got him on it yesterday, he was scared before that. He sat on it while I jumped, but really wasn't that interested in it. However, from now on, I'll just roll it into the closet. It's so easy to hide. Laura...your choice, but is the ice cream worth it to you?? TracyK...nothing planned for today, but tomorrow will be a Super Bowl gathering at DD's house. I'll be bringing bbq meatballs in the crockpot. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult CTC day, but I'm going to do it. Cruise is in 22 days and I want to lose as much as possible before then. I want to be stunning in my black dress on formal night! Terry...you hang in there!!! Are you getting any exercising in??? 104 days til the Bash. Then we can give each other high fives and congrats in person!!! And we ALL deserve high fives and congrats... just remember where you were one year ago today. We were just starting on our journeys. I'm so much happier with myself today than I was Feb. 2, 2007. And we now have each other to keep us on the path, picking each other up when we stumble. End of sermon

104 days til the Violet's Bandiversary Bash!!

Mint chocolate chip ice cream to clear the sinuses. Now why didn't I ever think of that?????:biggrin:

Evening, violets.. Pam, we're more alike than we realize. I snacked on all sorts of crap today. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I've decided to give up unhealthy snacks for Lent. That starts Wednesday. I did my exercise today... 5 miles on the bike, 10 minutes on the glider, 10 on the trampoline and chasing Ethan around from 8-3! Tomorrow's a new day and I know I won't let it be like today. Not a great way to start a new month, but at least I got it out of my system.. I hope!! Everyone sleep well..

Here ya go!! Ever heard of a guy named Barack Obama?? He's a member of our Denomination.. :biggrin: United Church of Christ And here's the church he served for 19 years and the one I've been choir director for going on 23 years. First Congregational United Church of Christ - Alpena, Michigan Ya'all come on up... we'd be glad to welcome you!!

Dare I mention the recumbent bike or the glider? I think not. Michelle would faint.