ocotillo

big2little...You've done a great job in loosing weight so far. One of the things you need to keep in mind with the chat rooms is sometimes you don't get answers as quick as you would like. We had to move off of this site because of some personal issues, so you may not get a quick response from "I'm here to help". If I were you, I would look and read as many of the "threads" as you can and post on them. See which ones respond and which ones you are comfortable with. You can post here and we will pop in or you can send private messages and we will respond. Indiogirl, myself, and a few others work so we aren't on line all the time. Others don't check here, but if you private message them, you should get a response back. Why don't you tell us about yourself...age, occupation, interests. Like I said before, you are doing great with the weight loss so far, but I really understand needing to talk about issues that come up especially after the "honeymoon" phase is over. The only way the chat room thing will become easier is if you just do it and figure it out. That's what I did. Welcome to the chat world. I have found it very helpful, by the way.

Kristi, At this point, its up to you to make good choices. Janet's success was all her because she used her band as a tool and hasn't slipped into her old eating habits. I can't exactly say the same thing. Although I haven't completely gone native, I don't always make good choices. Keep in mind, it is your choices. Tonight, I had a rather large lettuce salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, balsamic vinegar, a few olives and less than 4 oz of ham. So the salad was at least two cups, but it's lettuce and if you chew it, its not 2 cups anymore. For me, this is a great choice because I am full, satisfied, and have met my nutritional requirements. Hope you have a great time on your vacation. Eva

Kristi...as Janet said, it is about food choices and also, your body weight will fluctuate normally. Just hand in there and do your food library. Something I've found helpful is changing something radically....so you eat really well, everything in proper proportions and you stall...then have a higher fat day (just one day) then go back to your regular eating. For some, it seems to be a matter of tricking your body into thinking its not deprived. Jessica, I'm so happy Jake is getting into a good school. I hope he is much happier there. And both of you, best wishes on getting healthier with those colds and flu. Cheri....you are under stress right now and food issues are going to be the hardest to deal with because who wants to think about food when you got so much other stuff going on. You said you wanted a night hobby? Why don't you write another children's book. Maybe one that deals with an ill parent. I know two little girls that could use some encouragement along those lines right now. Their mother has huntington's corea and she is failing quickly. She's only 23 and her oldest is 4 and the baby is 19 months. I have to make Breakfast...talk to you all later. Eva

Chris, nice to hear from you and sorry you've had so many issues. Wish you the best and hope you get those allergies under control. I'm eating my asparagus...trying to keep the veggie intake up and not be hungry during class. It's pretty embarrassing to have my stomach growl so loud the kid two chairs away can hear it. LOL. Hope everyone is doing okay....later Eva

Linda, I'm so sorry he had to leave you and his family. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. If you need anything, let me know. Eva

Phyl, it's so good to see you back again. But you're heading up north again and we won't be hearing from you so much while you travel, will we. Glad your Cabo time was so enjoyable....I could use a little of that right now. Just emptied "Karen's" house (DH's Mom's house) of all the kitchen, bath, and bedding. Apparently the prospective renters are hyper allergenic and can't handle any of it. It wasn't exactly on my schedule or what I wanted to do today, but it's done. Now I have to figure out what to do with the stuff. My Jeep is stuffed. DH just drove up...we are going to a concert tonight....later. Eva

Utopian....keep posting and tell us a little about yourself. We may not always talk about weight and band stuff but we are all about support. Laura, thanks for the very cute video on Facebook. Sorry to hear your father isn't doing so well. I do hope he finds peace through all of this. Sounds like you have. Linda, so sorry to hear about your brother. I wish him and his family peace and all the love in the universe. Cheri, same to your daughter. It's good that she is very informed about what's going on with her. I have complete confidence she will beat this thing. LauraK, what's new with you? Melissa, hope you find some relief with the back thing...that is what I have...herniated disc between L4 & L5 pinches the sciatic nerve which causes my foot to go numb or in my case tingle sharply which doesn't all me to sleep at night. The inversion table seems to be helping. When the foot starts to tingle, I spend a little time hanging upside down...have to do that slowly and gently, but it seems to help. Janet, my plans are to run errands (we are out of everything again) go to school, and tonight we are going to a concert. Tish Hinojosa...she has a voice like an angel. It's going to be a one of the bars...Club Congress (John Dillenger stayed here) and it's a standing room only place. We are going to go out for dinner on Thursday because the timing works better. Apples, take care and I texted your DH already...LOL....it's nice to share the day with someone. Just for everyone else's FYI, it's Apples DH's birthday too! Hugs to your FIL and to you. Looks like my DH's mom's house is going to be rented out again. I'm not so sure it will be as easy as with Apples. They're already being a pain and they haven't even moved in yet. We have to take stuff out of the house now...not everything, but they are being picky as to what. See more projects. I just drew a blank....duh....guess it's time to go do something. BBL Eva Thanks for the birthday wishes...you all are so sweet and nice. Love you all.

Melissa...good luck on the full time position...hope you get one of them. Janet, not a work horse, but when I get the urge to do something...I have to do it because otherwise the projects sit for years and nothing gets done. I like to see progress but it tends to kick my butt....my shoulders and arms are tired and sore today. Who knew sewing could be so difficult....LOL. My back hurt when I got up this morning but I didn't feel a thing after I worked out with the blocks and all that feels okay now. I took drugs for the shoulder (Ibuprofen) and now feel good. Back to Easter cards and homework. Later

Jessica, congrats on the A....I hope whatever happened with the dizziness is a rare thing and nothing major. Janet, glad to hear you took it easy this weekend. You need to once in a while. Linda, glad your DB survived the surgery. So weird...keeping fingers crossed for him. Charlene, yes, cushion covers....for the patio chairs. I have 6 of them and couldn't find any that I like to replace them except the expensive ones. So I found fabric I love for $80 but now it's a matter of time. They are all sewn together, but I ran out of Velcro. I guess I could just stitch them in, but I want to be able to get back into them. I'm using the padding from the old cushions because it's still in great shape. Lori, glad your weather is warming up. I love it when it's a little warmer. How's that grandbaby? I unloaded the truck today and hauled a little more gravel. I was planning on putting two of the patio block between the shed and the wall....well, there isn't 2' of space for about 7' of it...I can't shove 24 inches of block in a space that seems to be 23 and 7/8 inches. It just off a little bit but I can't get those blocks in there. So I laid all of them I could and I'll have to figure something else out. It's behind the shed and no one can see it, but I wanted it covered to keep the pack rats at bay. Have to get ready for school...later ladies. Eva

Been sewing all afternoon again....my eyes are going to pop out. I probably have another full day of this stuff before I'm all done. It was cool and windy today, foggy this morning, and it rained 1/2 inch yesterday.....all day long....it was nice. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 80's. Great, glad to see you back. Laura and Meredith, you look fabulous and so happy!! Glad you are having a good time. Charlene, I need you to come touch my eggplant...it doesn't want to grow...it's alive but just sitting there. Have a great night everyone... Eva

Kristi, I've seen that threading somewhere...can't remember where. I'm sure it's here but haven't looked for it. I understand about the bra thing....am larger there too just not quite as large as you....I can see where you'd want to have a reduction. I only like one brand of bras and have never found anything else that works as well. Fence painting is very tedious...good decision on hiring it out. Yep the $$ is flying out of here too....taxes are very expensive this year. Linda, glad you are finally getting a break with the weather...it's foggy and still a little drippy. Our high is supposed to be 66. Have fun at the casino and win lots of money. Charlene, have a wonderful Sunday. I boiled a bunch of eggs yesterday too. We had egg salad for lunch (used FF greek yogurt and a little bit of regular mayo. Love that FF greek yogurt...vanilla, plain, whatever. Jessica, we all get grumpy...it's okay. The trick is recognizing it and figuring out why. During my 10 year menopause I would get angry, grumpy, weepy, and mostly didn't know why...it finally dawned on me it was hormonal. I have to tell you...it's much better now. I still get grumpy since I'm a little grumpy by nature, but now I can usually figure out why. You hang in there, you are doing fabulous! Hello everyone I've missed. I'm trying to recover the cushions on my patio furniture. I couldn't find any ready made cushions I really liked (that I could afford-we have 6 chairs), so I bought fabric and thought, I can do this. I started the project months ago and got the back cushion made, but not the seat. Yesterday I worked on that and fixed the back things that weren't working so well. Once I had the prototype I cut all the other ones out and I've started sewing them together. I really don't like sewing. You quilting ladies are saints. I can sew, but I'd rather pull weeds. Today we are going to a friend's little girl's first communion. Catholic church, so this should be interesting. She is a sweet little girl and is excited about this. Hope you all have a great day. Eva

Morning everyone, Julie, once you are able to move easier, you will feel so much better. Just walking improves my attitude and my overall well being....you have to experiment and learn just how much is right for you. With my back and hip issues, I'm learning not to overdue it. Yesterday I could have unloaded the truck, but I would have paid for it...so I'll do it today if it stop raining or it can wait until tomorrow. Moderation in everything...it's hard, but doable. I'm so glad you are feeling better...it was time. Linda, I'm glad you are seeing some progress with the vertigo. Not having to think about how you are moving is helpful. Good job on the cardio. Have fun with Aylah today. Joyce, why did you think the lipo was a waste of money? Those fat cells are gone now. So I guess that would be a cheap trip to Hawaii....LOL. Janet, if you can do the "spa" thing here and there when you want it, that is as good as going to a spa all day. I finally made the appointment to have my eyebrows waxed. I'm going to try a new person. Always scary for me because I have had a bad experience with that. After the eyebrows, I'm going to do a pedicure but I haven't made that appointment yet. It's cold here and not condusive to wearing sandals. Hello to everyone else....I have to working on my sewing project...need to get those cushions done before Easter. BBL Eva

Great...you should extend your trip for a couple of days and go visit Apples....I bet she'd love to visit with you.

Linda, I really liked seeing that comparison of carbs...makes it very clear the difference between processed and natural. Cheri, I just don't know what to say. I think you are a strong and intelligent woman and even if the principal changes, you will manage to work out your program. You are keeping documentation so you can show what you are doing. As for your daughter....she is smart like you. Making plans for the future is what needs to be done, however, we will be optimistic those plans will not be implemented. She will make it as rough as it is now, she will conquer this disease. Love to you and your family. Janet, enjoy your day off....busy day. I saw where it's supposed to rain here too...so I'm hoping to get this sewing project on it's way tomorrow. It will be a good day to stay inside. Julie, I know this is easier said than done, but do what Sandy's done. Just eat like you had the band....you know the nutrition aspects. If you are eating more fruits and veggies, they fill you up and aren't going to sabotage your weight loss....of course I need to follow those instructions too! Tuff shed people just showed up but have the wrong base...they are going back to get the right stuff. This morning I picked up dog dodo, raked and cleaned up the 2 foot space behind the future shed and the block wall. I hauled two wheel barrow loads full of gravel and leveled it out in that space and I'm going to lay 12 x 12 x 2 inch paver (patio) blocks behind there instead of pouring concrete. That way the Water will drain still and it's going to be a lot cheaper. The blocks are $1.14/ea and concrete costs a lot more and is a lot more work. I had 4 of the 12x12's and laid them to see if it works...it works perfectly. So I'm already tired, but I got in good exercise....the kind I like. I took a bunch of pictures of my back yard. I'm going to document the progression of the yard. It's such a pit right now, but I foresee a useful and pleasant space. I also have to get some papers notarized, buy another 12 x 12 tile sheet which I only need 1/2 of, pick up dog pills, go to FedEX. Not a quiet day for me. Gotta run....later ladies...

You'll get an A in my book

Okay, a breather. Apples, I'm working on my final story which needs lots of work...everything else is turned in. I'm sure I have at least a B in the class...she says it takes a lot to get an A. We don't get Grades on the stories, just some editing notes, so who knows. Did you get all your chores done and all that stuff you were doing for the business? Laura, glad to hear your patient is taking steps to help himself. It's a great thing to be able to help someone that's willing to help themselves. Nice weekend coming up...especially if you get to see Meredith. Keeping my prayers up for your mom and dad. So stressful. Hope he gets through this round and feels like visiting soon. I've been busy doing another project...when I get the urge, I just have to do it and today I managed to get everything set so I can get the door frames done before or by the weekend. It's cool out right now...low 70's and perfect for working outside. It might even rain, but I doubt it. Hello to everyone else, I can't remember the other posts....my brain is full with several things. I'll try and check in later. Eva

Linda, great letter....including the oops....I'm sure they'll figure it out. I about laughed when I saw the 60-70 oz of Protein...we'd all be 300 lbs...LOL. Oops, gotta go to school. later

Fly by....good morning folks, Melissa....only you can change you....you can get help from others, but ultimately it is you that will have to make the changes. When I'm feeling really upset by the actions of others....and I do all the time....I try and remember that I can control how I react to them. That is the only thing I can control. I eat because of this or that, but it's still my decision to eat, not what this or that is doing. Love you and will support you through this. You will make it. Cheri, just read your eat (healthy), pray, love statements to Melissa. I just watched that move last night. I loved the book but did not like the movie. It looses too much in the translation. Okay...have homework to do before class....later. Eva

Cheri, so it looks like there will be uses for the iPad...the more you work with it, the easier it will be. It's always somewhat frustrating at first. Of course, I don't have an iPad, so who am I to talk. Arlene, besides herbs and flowers, I only have 1 eggplant and it's not doing anything and some lettuce, not much there and the arugula has bolted. I've been resisting the tomatoes and other stuff because the beds aren't ready yet. Maybe next year I'll be ready.....yeah, right. I was bad and played hookie today. I went to Home Depot and bought 1" tumbled marble tiles to use as molding around my sliding glass door. The door is set in burnt adobe which is not smooth, level, or anything near it. I had wood (or wood substitute) but it keeps buckling and the screws don't hold on the adobe. So this morning, I was getting sick of looking at the foam we sprayed in between the door and the adobe and came up with this semi brilliant idea. It worked...I just set 7 linear feet of tile on one side of the door and it looks okay. I'll have to pull the other pieces of wood down and do the rest of the door, but it looks good. I will have to grout it too, but what's another project....LOL. Okay, that's my news...I did study Spanish. Now I'm going to write somethings beside LBT...later ladies. Eva

Morning, Joyce, you'll have that convertible out soon...glad your arm is recovering. Take it easy....no more damage, okay? Jessica, great pictures...that's so cool. I'm glad you got your school work done...I'm looking at mine but haven't started anything today. Janet, I hope the vertigo thing gets better...it's really hard to be dizzy. Sounds like you had a great weekend with your friend. My cat is sitting between my arms while I'm trying to type...it ain't easy. She's not a lap cat, but does like a little affection now and then...when I'm on the computer. My keyboard is full of hair....amazing how much I can scrape out of it. I need a shower and to change....check in later. Eva

Morning....late morning but still before noon. Linda, prayers going out to your brother. I hope they figure out what's going on with him. Hugs to you. It's unfortunate that insurance is so difficult when it comes to the extra skin. It is a problem and is hard to deal with. I think you should have a consult at least. It wouldn't hurt. I think when I get to that point (and that won't be soon) I'll end up in Mexico again. My surgeon has someone he highly recommends and I trust him. Julie, nice to see your life calming down and getting back to normal. As you gain strength by doing a little every day, you will feel so much better. You might have a new grandbaby before you know it. Janet, hate to see you down with that vertigo. I only get it when I don't get a cold...like Apples mentioned. I've had it so bad, I've ended up in the emergency room, mostly because I was throwing up so bad and I couldn't stand. I've episodes that bad twice....didn't go to the ER the second time. I only get it now....a little...when everyone around me is getting colds and I don't. It's an inner ear thing with me...I get motion sickness too sometimes. Really glad you have a good enough friend to take you to the ER. Jodi, I'm so sorry you are having such problems with Dassi's funds and happy you've been able to find help from the rabbi's. The rabbi that presided over the two bar mitzvah's I've been to seem to be a down to earth and common sense guy. I really liked him. Good luck with your new date, it's hard to find compatible people. Apples, I can't imagine your neighbors saying anything about you being out in your PJ's...LOL. I'll send you some of the head from here so your snow will melt. It was in the 90's the last two days. Too hot too early. Cheri, very cute texting language. Sometimes the quiet week is exactly what we need. Maybe it was a good thing even if you were a little bored. I will keep my prayers up for your daughter too. She has a long haul but she also has support and that helps. I'll post more later...need to concentrate on homework. Got distracted by The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo series. Later, Eva

Great, the external hard drive is a separate gadget....you would back up documents and photos....save them as you normally do on your computer, but periodically copy all your stuff to the external hard drive. It's just like copying to a CD or a thumb drive...only it has much bigger storage capacity. I use it as a back up device. Apples, April Fools....see how gullible I am.

Apples, I just can't imagine you gaining 18 pounds, but I believe it. I do understand wanting FIL to have a say in where he stays, that would be ideal, but I've been on the other side of that where I let my Mom stay where she wanted and it led to HELL. Once he recovers, hopefully he can function well enough to return to his friends. Glad he'll be close enough for you to visit. I'm planning on doing and FNSC on the Saturday before Easter. I love to have Easter parties....fun food...fun decorations. I just put the email out there, so we'll see how that goes over. Linda....I did forget to mention your brother...prayers are there for him and his family. Back to work.

Charlene, I am not low in D. My doctor and his assistant were surprised. He said research is showing that all kinds of things happen when you are low on D. I'm outside quite a bit and I do consume fortified milk. Good luck with your appointment. Linda, you are such a good Mom to your Merry. Those dogs love those bones, even without the extra "Hand" she'll be able to hold the bone down with one foot and gnaw on it. Phyl, Have fun in Cabo, let us know how you like the crystal lite. Really, have a great time. Meredith...you too!! Have a wonderful time in FL and soak up all the sun you need. I wouldn't be able to stand it all cloudy all the time. I guess that's why I live in the sun belt. Lori, external hard drives are easy...just plug them in...uses a USB cord and my is powered so I have to plug it into power too. I have a terabite or something crazy like that on my external drive. See I don't get jewelery or perfume for birthdays and Christmas, I get hard drives and storage sheds....also cinder blocks. They're probably cheaper than the jewelery I like...LOL. I have to finally work at the job...I didn't get any of that done yesterday, but I did finish my final story. I will have to "edit" and revise it, but I'll do that in a day or two....need to take a break from it. Going for a walk....hope you have a great day!. Eva

Now that I've reread my post...geez the dog is a lot like me. If I eat too much or the wrong thing I throw up...LOL Don't cry Apples....pet Tanker and tell him to wish Glimmer a happy birthday.