Apples2

Forgot...I've heard great reviews on the Beck solution books. Let me know what you guys think of them. I have a friend that is about 40 lbs overweight and she is now using their techniques and losing.

Good Evening Friends... Julie....don't lift Mimi just to be a little tighter...lol... I, too, get really tight if I lift. I, like Arlene, have a lot of adhesions but don't know if that is the reason for tightness. I really should watch what I lift anyway do to a tendency toward hernias. I have had a number of hernia repairs and ALWAYS have adhesions cut away with each surgery I have had. No troubles for a year and want to keep it that way so I try to not lift over 10lbs. It doesn't always work that way on the farm and I do suffer if I push the limits. I, on the most part, behave. Laura...makes me happy to hear you are with your dad and family. Sending warm MN hugs even though it's damned cold, sleeting and windy today. HI PHYLL...good to see your post! Janet....I admire a woman that feels she does not need a man in her life or feel the need to be married. I just lucked out in the one I got. Pretty much have him trained now and if (God forbid) anything would ever happen to my sweet boy, I would never marry again. 1. Too hard to train (old dog/new tricks theory). 2. No trusting that someone would want to step in to try to hone in on what DH and I worked so hard for all these years. Sound selfish of me? Nope. Self protection mode. And talking about living in the present...you have the right attitude. Can't change the past. Gotta live for the future and learn from the past. Just like our weightloss journey. Gotta learn from all that hard work. It always has to be at the base of our brain. Linda...I will be gone and not have computer access for a week during your bandiversary. Just want to say congrats and goal will be here b/4 you know it with the way you are going. Lori...PTSD issues. Yep. That's me. But, I've dealt with it all. 4.5 yrs of therapy to learn how to turn it off. It's there but I do not let it invade my good life. Long story...ten long years from 7-17 yrs of age. But, I have the best life ever. I'm a survivor, not a victim. I love life and wake up happy every day. I am thankful every day that I took the time to work on what I needed to. Life if good. Well, had an icky day. I have this problem with surrendering when I am feeling not quite right. The verdigo if OK but caused me to be very nauseous. But, I took off for town anyway to finish up some farm business at the tax office and with our farm management guy. I was very lucky to not leave my lunch on my paperwork on his desk. I am back home now and going to surrender and lay on the couch. Just not worth trying to do anything else today. You all have a nice evening. "Hi" to everyone else I missed. Been thinking of you Melissa and so happy for you.

Great...not sure how I missed your post last night. Ppl were mentioning things about DD's troubles with fiance and I knew I missed something. Yep, best to deal with that type of thing now. He sounds like a typical 20-something male that needs a little more time single to play with his toys. Best to let him take that ride alone instead of being selfish and putting her through hell over some tires and cars. Looks like he needs to get his priorities in line. Gotta be give and take. She's smart to realize now b/4 the wedding and to work on it with him, if he is willing. Linda...yes, Janet most likely pays elevated prices for the vet bills, etc., but, we pay through the nose for fruits and veggies in 9 month out of the year and we are sometimes paying for crap. I have always loved fruit and just crave it so bad in the winter. Have you noticed the crappy melons lately? And the price of berries? Sure, I'll pay ya $6.99 for a few strawberries. Nuts! Eva...way more men that come home from war have PTSD and it goes undiagnosed. Too proud, don't want to deal with it, etc. I feel there should be more intense screening b/4 these guys are allowed to head home. I think some guys truly believe they do not have any after affects (like Arlene's son). In their mind, they are so certain. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 1994. The diagnosis knocked me off my feet and I denied, denied, denied that I was affected. I was falling apart, but I still denied. Long story and not opening a can of worms today like I did yesterday. But, PTSD NEEDS to be treated. OK...we are getting way too deep. Woke up with a case of vertigo during the night. Something I have to deal with once in awhile. Tuned over in bed and thought I was going to hurl. Been up for a couple of hours and it has not tamed down. It will and always does. If I hold my head still for long enough, it gets somewhat better. Just really don't want to be sick on this trip. Talked to DS last night that lives in Atlanta. He sounded pretty excited about us coming. A year is toooooooooooooooooooooooooo long without seeing him. We couldn't get out there because of the hectic farm season and he couldn't get here because he just started up a flight school last spring. He has lived as far away from home that he can get since he graduated from HS but we talk to him every day...sometimes 10 times. He was always able to come home every couple of months until this year. I told DH last night "I get him first. I birthed him...I hug him first" . I am gonna have to carry that big stick I talk about. OK...DH is up. Gotta make breakfast. This farming year must have been tough on him. Our entire marraige we have gotten up together. This winter he has been sleeping in 2-3 hours longer than me in the morning. I have come to the realization that I am living with an old man (1.5 yrs older). You all have a great day! It's one day closer to getting the heck out of here!

Mornin' Arlene...will have to try and catch the Today show today. We switched cable channels and don't get Big Medicine anymore. Will have to look into the extended package when we get home from FL. Darned fibermyalgia...unless a person has it, they do not realize what you go through. Have a couple of good friends with it. Good days and some really bad days. Just seems like the middle of the road is rare? I feel for you, Arlene.

Ditto what Arlene said and ,yes, you can irritate things with getting stuck. Best to baby it for a bit (try a day or two) with soft foods. Try to really be aware of how you are eating. Are you stressed at all eating with others? I know I had a period of time that I would eat either b/4 or after others just to give myself time to adjust to the new way of eating. Way to go, Jessica. Down 3 more pounds. You are doing so great! Have a good day.

Janet...my guess is $240

Julie...as I was typing that post this afternoon I was thinking of you and what you had gone through with having DH and DSS over there at one time. As you know, they can come home and take a lot away from the experience also....like your DH. Melissa....WOOHOO!!!!

You know, Arlene, there's all kinds of help out there for these guys. They just have to be willing to accept it. They are taught to be tougher than tough and it's so difficult for them to ask for that help. Take care...hope your meeting is a good one!

You know, Arlene, I did the same thing. I gained 40lbs the year my son was over there and the other one was training to go. I can honestly say I did not realize I was eating more than usual but I must have. I thought that I was very strong during this time but found out when I volunteered b/4 our men left this time, I was a puddle most of the time. I had to actually step back because I could not control my emotions. I was just looking through some photos to take to FL and I just could not believe the difference from one year to the next. I am so sorry your son had to be exposed to so much. It is sooooo sad when they come back and relationships suffer. DS's GF is the product of one of those marriages. Her Ex is over there again now with our local unit. The Ex just could not handle things when he got home. He's a nice kid and I feel for him. It's these "silent" things that affect our men of war also. Emotional damage. The divorce rate with these young men coming home is way out of the norm. Tell your son that a farm lady from MN thanks him and sends him a hug.:mad:

Yes, Janet. Both boys are in the States and safe. Oldest DS (28) did his 8 yrs and is out of the National Guards for good. His time to be up came about when he was in Iraq but finished out the year there. He saw a lot but he is very strong. Things do come back to haunt him from time to time but he knows where his support system is. Youngest DS (26) is in the Air Guards and will be finished in October of this year unless he re-ups. They would both say that being in the military was a very positive thing for them. They both signed up at the tender age of 17. My point in bringing it up is....when one of your kids or family members is in the middle of a war, it changes you. I makes the little stresses of every day life seem not so important. You just see things in a different light. Same thing usually happens with ppl that have trauma in their life or major illness, etc. It was at that point in my life when I decided life is too short not to be happy in every aspect of life. That's when I decided not to take any more sh_t from ANYONE anymore. The cleaning out actually turned out to be a very positive thing. I don't take friendships lightly. But, when it's one-sided, that shouldn't be considered a friendship. We all have to learn to not let anyone walk on us....and, once we learn to take control our our health we start taking care of our life in other ways a little better. My, my, my...am I ever "preachy" today. Blah, blah, blah. If any of you skipped over it all, fine with me. Julie...you can cook the oats to any consistency you want. I do about 20 minutes on low after it comes to a boil and I stir quite often. I use water to cook them and DH uses SF maple syrup on his (I use real brown sugar but you know why). You can mix just a bit of peanut butter in if that's something you would like. A tsp actually gives it some flavor for about 50 cals. I think a cup of cooked has about what Janet said at 150 cals. Now, I could get talked into crawling around on the floor to play with a 3 yr old but not if I had to imitate an elephant! Nope...just wouldn't do it.

Mornin' Janet....how's the computer system acting today? Actin up or fixed? Linda...good going on getting those 2lbs off. I am sure it's a happy day for you. You worked hard...treat yourself with a non-food item. We've all had our issues with family and friends, I'm sure. The trick is to learn how to deal with things and not stress. I know in my situation...way easier said than done. I do know that I am getting better at dealing. Certain incidences in the last couple of years have helped. Actually, having my only two sons called to duty at the same time to deploy to Bahgdad (1 went 1 did the whole training and day b/4 didn't have to go) taught me that the things that seem so heart wrenching in daily life really aren't that bad. What you cannot fix, toss to the side for awhile. If things work out, fine. If not, fine. You just gotta live your own life. (Stepping off the soap box now)

You know, Arlene...you hit the nail on the head in stating maybe the others will wake up some day. YOU cannot change them.. they have to come to the realization as to what they are doing. And, if they don't come around, it's truly not your problem. You tried? You treated with respect and took care of her growing up? You taught her right from wrong? Good for you if that's how it was and not much you can do if she takes a wrong turn in life...you did your job. They need to live their own lives but they also have to realize that what comes with that is total independence. Same with Julie's DH. Her sentence about him feeling bad made me feel so sad for him. His job is also done. His kids should be showing him affection and appreciation at this point in his life...not playing mind games. I wish the best in these family issues to both of your families. Things like this just plain hurt.

It's OK to be naughty once in awhile!

Very much so, Arlene...I had mentioned a few weeks ago on this thread that I needed to do some cleaning out of toxic/one-sided friendships a couple of years ago. It felt cleansing and like the world was lifted from my shouldners. Now, it's not that I don't appreciate friendships...it's just that things were just not right in the relationships. "Cleaning house" was difficult but one of the best things I did for myself. It made me feel strong and confident. I was so worried about hurting someone's feelings. But, I knew I could not continue being sooooooo frustrated. Today, I am so much better for taking the steps needed. I did hurt feelings in the end. The only way you can do it is be open and honest and explain it exactly as you see it. No sugar coating. That's what gets you to the place in the friendship to begin with. Just curious, Arlene...do you have someone that tries to control? Or, you do all to initiate and she does nothing?

Hey Arlene, how are you doing today? What you been up to? How's the food plan going?

No, Janet, not gone yet. Next Monday morning early. DH has big plans of leaving here by 4am and trying to get as far out of the snow as we can. His real motive is that he has a farm show the next day somewhere south (can't remember the state even). We have things going on this weekend so cannot leave earlier than Monday morning. Lori...thorw in the towel and join us in FL. If you do hear about the job, they will understand about the trip and giving you a couple of days off. Heck, it's only 3 weeks from now. Ppl make plans. Don't want you sitting there wishing you would have done it. And, I think I can speak for everyone, we want you there. Eva...sounds like you are really booked with work and paperwork. Hope you can get caught up soon. Never a good feeling to have stress and things hanging. Meredith..I figured you'd be scheming and planning your house. I love things like that. If I had to do it all over again, instead of a business degree I would have been a singing chef that does interior decorating. Not sure what University would have been willing to dish out that degree! Jodi...boy, you sure know how to fit right in. I know it's easy for me to say cuz my surgery is behind me, but try now to worry and take it all as it comes. March 15 will be here b/4 you know it and you will forget all about this stage eventually. Keep us posted. I enjoyed hering about your traditions. You are going to add even more spice to this group. Off to cook breakfast. Later.

There should be enough juices in the meat and the dressing to not be dry. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Another idea....google Low Fat Slow Cooker Recipes.

Btrieger...there's a thread started with some slow cooker recipes on it. See if you can find it. There's some pretty simple, but good recipes on it.

Next time try throwing a low fat bottle of Italian salad dressing over the roast. Has everything you need for flavor....don't add water.

What an exhilerating feeling to get an Ann Taylor coat for $20! Gotta love those sales and coupons. Are you now done with weekly therapy?

Hey Linda...good goin' on throwing that leg up for the doc! Also, very nice NSV...so funny you talk about being "normal". That's how I envision most of you. If I have seen your photo after weightloss, it's tough to see someone that once was heavier. Good luck on switching your sleep schedule to your work sleep schedule. Not easy to do but maybe will help with your sleep troubles. My DH's CPAP lulls me to sleep and keeps me sleeping. B/4 he had it, it did not sleep well at all. He was always a fitful sleeper and woke me up. He's not heavy and never has been. He and oldes DS 28 were both diagnosed with a rare sleep disorder. He had thickening around his heart...that was an indicator. Would love to borrow your DH once in awhile to do the supermarket trips for me. My DH was in a supermarket once. He didn't like it and never went back. Eva.....I know we will enjoy the trip down. DH and I travel well together and have a lot of fun (as long as I get my way...kidding). We enjoy museums, stopping at garage sales, surplus stores, etc. Will have to leave a corner of the truck empty just for such stops. Thought maybe you had a p.j. day today also. So sad........ OK...all of you that are still in your p.j.'s...it's almost time to put on a new pair.

Yes, Jewel, evenings can be a challenge. That's why it is important to really stay on task with your calories during the day and bank some calories for a treat in the evening...if you feel you need it. A lot of us here eat the 100 cal treats...sf pudding, popcorn, etc. Very important to get some calories in the morning also to kick your metabolism in gear. You will get the hang of this. It's tough but when you get through this hungry stage, you are going to be sooooooooo proud of your accomplishments. See? You already need a belt. Heck I didn't know what a belt was for 10 years:scared2:. Now I have red ones, orange, multi-colored, skinny ones, wide ones...... Make good healthy choices, get some good sleep and when you feel the evening hunger, try to occupy your mind with something other than food. Don't ever give up...(I didn't invent that motto but it's a good one to live by). Take care of that belly button! Sounds like you did the right thing to care for it.

Great...forgot to answer you on the dog traveling. He rides with me a lot on farm trips so I think he will be fine. He loves the truck. His daycare mom made him a travel bag and rode her snowmobile over yesterday to deliver it. So cute. It's a drawstring bag made out of denim. It has a stitched picture of a black lab with his name on it. Also made him a travel towel with his name on it. She stuffed the bag full of travel treats and toys also. Thought it was such a nice gesture.

Great...have everything packed for the dog...so happy you mentioned packing for DH...will throw a few pairs of tighty whities, jeans and a shirt and he should be ready to go. LOL Jewel..good to hear that you are going to be able to visit while we are in FL. I will PM you my cell # just in case you need to give us a call. Good thing to break the pattern now if you are used to eating and studying. As I stated earlier, try to have some really low cal snacks on hand if you feel you really do need something. Good luck!

Julie...hope that cold you have just turns around and leaves. (Knocking on wood right now)...I never get virus'. Just really never have. I feel fortunate and hope it stays that way. I don't sit much, Julie. Never have. I think that's why I appreiate my newfound energy so much. It was such a depressing thing for me when I was heavy and did not have much energy. I kept pushing myself but everything was a task. I feel as if I have been given this second chance and I am enjoying it. I believe a good night of sleep is the clincher in almost everything we do. We get up early around here (anytime between 4:30-6am) but I usually get my 7 hours. If I don't I try to make it up the next night. I have read so much about women/menopause/inadequate sleep and weight gain. When you are lacking sleep, it's tough to deal with many different things. All I know is that I feel good every day for so long now and do not take it for granted. One week from today we hit the road and will work our way towards FL. As I stated b/4, I have always flown wherever I have traveled and not sure about so many hours in the truck. Will just have to break up the trip every 3-4 hours with stops. My dog will need breaks so he will keep me stopping. DH will sleep and watch movies...I will most likely drive 98% of the miles. I am not a rider. I have most everything packed and ready to go. Just last minute grabbing of toiletries, etc. later. DH just keeps shaking his head as I pack. (Hey...I'm driving a truck...everything fits in a truck). He gave me a look last night and I asked him "How do you think that kitchen sink will travel?" He didn't think it was so funny.