mousecrazy

HI DARCY GIRL!!!!! I miss you around here... HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! I hope each and every one of you has a fun and safe night tonight...take it easy if you're out there, and toast to your success wherever you are. I will be sending a toast up for all of us (with sparkling grape juice..hope that counts!) I'll check back in the morning, before the Rose Parade! HUGS! Cindy

Please keep in mind this is not a steady, smooth journey. There are rest-stops (plateaus), speed bumps, curves, and detours. Right now, you are on a vacation. Weight loss is not even a factor for this part of your journey. You are healing, and that is your focus. You want that band healed in perfectly, and ready to work for you for years to come. Nothing about this will be instant. This is you and the band, working together, to change your habits, your thoughts, your life. Keep coming here for support and advice! Cindy

Under Hussein's rule, approximately ONE MILLION Iraqis were killed. His conviction (on only one of the charges against him, by the way), his death sentence, and the carrying out of that sentence were done under Iraqi law and according to their constitution ~ not ours. He was not convicted of having anything at all to do with 9/11, but with Crimes against Humanity, and I cannot imagine anyone here, regardless of your position for or against our involvement in the War on Terror, who would take issue with that fact. I believe the basic tenets of international law were followed. Many people were concerned that the US would impose it's sense of Western democracy on Iraq. It didn't. Before now, there might have been a public beheading or something, but the Iraqi style of justice is certainly different than ours. Is there some thought here that the US should have MORE involved in the trial to prevent it? I for one was pleased that the cruel and horrible chapter of Saddam's rule of Iraq is closed. I hope they continue to move forward, as imperfectly as some feel it is, toward to ultimate goal of a free and independent Iraq. Blessing to Iraqi citizens who have hope restored to them!

Happy New Year's to you, JQ! My resolution is to add some activity to my day. I know I am more active in general due to my weight loss, but I want to do more planned physical activity. I have freeweights, I have more time, so now it's just doing it!

I forgot to say...Eileen and Dianne...BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! Thanks for letting us take a peek, and tell your DD that she did a great job as photographer!

It's a little difficult typing with a dog hanging onto your arm, but I'm gonna give it my best shot..my little Mickey (mini-Schnauzer) is in my lap, with his head across my elbow. If I don't pick him up, he takes his nose and shoves the keyboard try back out of the way so he can get my attention. It works. Cass, I LOVE that wedding dress!!!!! It sure will be hard to pick a size, though...I know I could not even visualize losing this much weight, and how much different I look. I guess you can talk to the store about timelines for ordering and alterations, and order as late as you can stand it! We are doing our usual New Year's Eve thing, which is staying home with the family. We have a seafood dinner and sparkling grape juice, and other appetizers. DH is going to pick out some crab legs and shrimp in a little while. Since we are the non-drinking part of the family, we don't garner many invites if you know what I mean. This is fine with us...we are afraid of driving on "amateur night" anyway. We enjoy our family time together, and making a celebration for DD! Let me hear from you TEXAS girls...confirm the time for tomorrow's coffee meeting! I am not sure if it was 2 or 3 o'clock. Happy New Year's to all!

Howdy, everyone! Day 4 of the "Crud" (is that Mary who made up that name?) going here...this thing's got some staying power! I did get moving this morning and made it to my school staff "reunion" breakfast...very nice to see everyone. I know, I know...I haven't been gone that long! But the other people have, so it was good to see them! Betty - I'm glad you had the forethought to have that tire checked! I know it wasn't in your plans, but it would have been worse if you hadn't! Stuff like that is soooo annoying! Kat, all I can say is keep teaching manners to your family members. There's only one way to do it, and that is by sticking with your standards. They will learn sooner or later that some things do not fly with Kat! Then, your life will be simpler, and their's will be more complicated, which is the GOAL! LOL! Have fun at your party! Anne - CONGRATULATIONS on your new (old) job! I bet you are excited! How funny, that you are starting work, while I am leaving it...the circle of life and all that. Keep us posted about all the new stuff you are going to do! Cass, glad you stopped by and glad to hear also that you have your big reservations made...now for colors and styles and flowers and all the fun stuff! Eileen...I figured with all the James Brown coverage, you would be singing one of his songs...or maybe Johnny Cash is the anti-James Brown? Isn't it odd that there are 3 deaths in the news this weekend, and they are all so very different? James Brown, Gerald Ford, and Saddam Hussein. Can you get further apart than those three? (That is NOT a challenge, just a casual observation). Dianne - hope you get back on here pretty soon...missed you! Sherry - my favorite subject: why we lose weight when we eat wrong; and why we gain when we are eating "right." Sorry, I don't know. But for me, if I set up a challenge or a goal date, I blow it everytime. I just do better ignoring it, and trying not to obsess about it...I have definitely not been thinking about what I am eating lately, and I have been losing very steadily. It doesn't make sense, but it is the truth. Try just "going with the flow" if it means you don't lose total control...see how it works for you. Hey, I know I missed some of you...but I've gotta hit the laundry room... hugs, Cindy

Hey everyone! Well, half of us are sipping chicken soup, and the other half are watching the clock waiting for work to be over! I am feeling somewhat better today...at least I took a shower! LOL! I'm just piddling around with housecleaning stuff. It's raining here...nothing fun, like snow! Of course, that can get a little overboard, huh? Don't worry, Beanie...snuffles or not, I'm coming to meet you! Is it at 2 or 3 o'clock? Nothing much going on here... Happy Friday, to all! Yeah...I was just wondering how long we'd been hanging out here...it's been over a year now, hasn't it? Thank you to all...each and every one of you! This is my favorite place to kick back and enjoy the friendship and company of the best people around! Cindy

Hi, everyone! Count me in on the "under the weather" category...it's a head thing/sinus infection...I've been in bed since yesterday. Now, DH is getting it. Whoopee. I expect to feel much better by tomorrow. The pwoer of positive thinking. I just sent DD off to the movies with my sis. I felt sorry for her hanging around here with us sickies. Kat, I LOVE pictures, too. So, I think perhaps the "self-centered" one is HER. Besides, she is rude. You did the right thing taking the high road, even though I would have been tempted to yank that picture right out of her hands, and leave her with nothing. I think she must be jealous of you. Eileen, I wish I had some of your famous spinach dip...I'm sure that would make this cold disappear! Beanie, I've got my fingers crossed that you are winning the lottery! Mandy, take it easy, and hope you are feeling better...that goes for Sherry and all the other sickies, too. Love to chat longer, but need to go back to bed....I'll check in later if I can pry the puter away from DH. Maybe he'll need a nap or somethin.... Cindy

I'm really sorry that there are a few Christian-phobes here. I wish that the majority of good Christians could somehow warm your heart. We do give lots of money and time to helping the poor, OUR money and time. Some of us try to let you know that we do care, and some of us try to share our stories with you about why we believe. That's about all we can do.

Happy Birthday! Thanks for all you help and advice!

OH NO...Mandy, take care...I'm so sorry you have the flu. I hope you are in bed sleeping. I'm not, because, well, I don't know why. Just couldn't sleep. Yesterday our computer decided to take itself offline (a vacation?). DH was on the phone with a tech for --get this--FOUR hours. I came home, and was on the phone another 2 hours. We finally disconnected the wireless router, and hooked it direct to the DSL, and we have this one PC connected. They are sending a new modem, and hope that will also cure the router problem? In the meantime, I can't use my laptop at the same time DH is working on the business, so I guess I'm awake now due to withdrawals or something...LOL! Beanie, I loved your last post...I sure hope you just need a little fill, and I bet that is what it is. Just take it slow...we don't need any big erosion problems, you hear? Hugs. Holiday food is not band-proof...the band just loves cookies and snacks! Eileen, I am praying for your FIL...my dad's family has a hospital like the one you are describing, and it scared me so bad. They wouldn't go to any other one either, so I feel for you, sweetie. I guess it might help to remember that we are not in the driver's seat, ever...yeah, it helps, but I still want to drive. Maybe we can pray for each other to accept fact we aren't in control? Hugs to you, too, my friend. Chrispy, thanks for the thumbs up on the pictures...if anyone knows how to size the picture down small enough for an avatar, PM me and I'll send my email address. Some of you already have it (Darcy?) I really totally loved getting all the Christmas cards from those of you who do that kind of thing! They were the most fun cards this year! If you didn't get your name on this year's list...think about it for next year, because it was worth it! Just seeing everyone's handwriting was a treat! I loved the letters, too! Hope everyone made it through work (Betty, Sherry) and it wasn't too bad. I know short weeks ARE the hardest, but it looked like a lot of people were still off, so maybe it was a light work load? I'll cross my fingers for you! Tomorrow I am going to lunch with one of my dear friends who now lives way out there in Colorado. She meets up with us once a year in Dallas, and tomorrow is the day! Pretty much fun! The "old gang" tries to all get together, but we miss a few...still, it's better than never trying at all. I think they will be surprised this year. Last year at this time, I had lost about 45 pounds, I think...so they should notice a difference this time. Funny story: when I was shopping with my sis last week, the girl at the Estee counter asked me what my "MOM" wanted! I said, "That's my SISTER!" Luckily, my sister was way down the counter, and didn't hear...the girl was really embarrassed. Then I said, "That's my LITTLE sister", and thought that girl was gonna die. My sis doesn't color her hair, and she wears reading glasses and stuff, but she still seems like she's younger than me...but I never thought that to others, it doesn't look like that. I'm so glad she didn't hear it. I'm even more glad my DD didn't hear it, because she'd have already told her! Okie dokie...enough of my middle of the night ramblings...if I can pray the keyboard from DH's hands, I'll sign on tomorrow. Love you guys, Cindy

Another one is Tummy Drops for babies...simethicone. You don't have to take much, and it works pretty fast.

Thanks, Betty! Hey, are you coming to the Cracker Barrel coffee fest on the 1st?

This has a shot of the new ring DD and DH gave me for Christmas...if anyone thinks this is a better avatar...????? I'm not sure about the angle.

I'll try another one...this is DD and I in the mother/daughter flannel...it was a long Christmas eve, so pretend my hair/make-up are flawless...

Yea! I did it. It's my DD, in her Christmas eve flannel (gift from grampa). I even learned to resize...imagine! I don't know if I can resize for a new avatar, though. That is, if I ever find one I like well enough. LOL!

I am trying to post a picture...the last attempt led to 42 windows opening spontaeously, which was kinda scary... Here goes again....

Yes, you will change how you view food...but I have not lost my appreciation for food, nor my interest in cooking. I love cooking. I have changed my obsession with eating, and I have changed my perception of portion size. I have changed my perception of "full". It is hard to explain these changes when you are right at the start of your journey...so take a few more steps, and keep asking. I do want to reassure you, though. It is okay, and it will be better than okay. You are very wise to ask the questions, and your willingness to think about the answers shows that you are going to be successful. The bandster life is more than the band itself...it's a mental thing as much as anything! Good luck, and keep at it! Cindy

Well, here is another post to let you know you are not alone. I lost my mom one and a half years ago (July 2005) and this Christmas has been more difficult than last. Yesterday was harder than today seems to be, but it IS early. Here is the best advice I received: Life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad. I try to remember that when it hurts too bad. I hope it helps you, too. You are very brave, and I wish peace for all who are dealing with their own losses and pain. Hugs to all of you.

Congratulations! Isn't it great!

First, ~~~MERRY CHRISTMAS!~~~ Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON Secondly, I have no idea why I'm up this early! LOL! I couldn't sleep any longer! I was kinda hoping one of my gal pals was up, having coffee, getting ready for the onslaught and I'd catch one of you... Mandy, your jeans sound totally adorable, and I can't wait to see pictures! Size 12's no less! Woohoo! He must be such a great guy, and pays attention to things you really love! Sherry, thanks for your cheers! I second your sentiments about our group...I truly do not know how I could have done this "walk" without the NJ group by my side. So on Christmas morning, the morning of hope and peace, I thank ALL of you, the old friends as well as the new ones, because it is an ensemble effort. Hugs to all! Each of our little family opened one gift last night...mine was a gold ring with 10 diamonds...one for each year we've been married. It is beautiful. Of course, we had a $50 limit. Yeah, right. He never keeps his agreement, but I'm not complaining! Checking in later...much joy, family, friends, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, fireplaces, safe travel and special moments to all! Cindy

It's Christmas Eve!!!! Wow...is everybody ready? I still have to clean (well, DH and DD are doing the floors!) Set out the Christmas stocking stuff, and fill them. I've ironed Mary's (DD's friend) and the shepherd's costumes for the play tonite... And, after weighing this morning, I just HAD to spend the time to change my sticker...my one little vanity of today. I think it's a great gift to myself: 80 pounds lost! I've never been happier to lose something! LOL! Just wanted to share that with my best support pals...ya'll ARE the best!

LOL! Are you kidding?! I am lucky to get my jammies on at all! We'll talk soooo much more about retirement AFTER the holidays...when I can breathe. Oh, and DD and DH go back to school....Hahahaha! Wow, Eileen, you beat me up this morning. I thought 6:30 was early! I love CRAFT disease...well, not the actual disease, because I suffer from it, too...I just like the new name for it. We just got home from a family get together...have 98% of the wrapping done. Tomorrow is cleaning, then church, then dad's for gumbo...then home and stocking stuffing. Darcy, some morning we'll "meet" in the chat room for coffee, okay? You can tell me more about how to manage my "new life". Maybe Mandy can meet with us, too? Julie...are you still in for New Year's Day coffee? I'll check in with you wonderful girls tomorrow!

I just wrote a LONG post...and it disappeared... the short version...I'm baking and wrapping. The last day of work was emotional...but like Darcy said, I'll get over it. Thank you all SO MUCH for the congrats! Love you all! (I wrote personals and everything...dang nab it!)