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Good afternoon SV's.... It's been a very lazy week for me, but this is the week when people are starting to notice that I'm not carrying 41 extra pounds. I've had lots of compliments and that sure does feel good. I had a singing rehearsal last night and we decided to practice on the steps of the church outside rather than inside where it was hot, hot, HOT. For the first time I was able to get down on the steps, sing for a couple of hours and still be able to get up under my own power!!! These NSV's are getting better and better!! Today we finished cleaning out the garage. DH did most of the work, I just did a little sweeping. Now we're ready for the big garage sale mid-July so I can earn a little money for a shopping spree when we go see Clay Aiken in concert July 23rd. There are 6 of us gal pals going and it should be a blast.. I'm fried to a crisp today so I'm not going in the pool. Don't want to risk anymore redness. Besides it's raining on and off today so not a good day for pool aerobics. Our bikes are in to be tuned up so I'm guessing no exercise for today. I'll have to double up tomorrow. Jenn.. sure hope you get news on a job this week. We're all pullin' for you. Laura.. your pics look great. What a difference in your face!! mdrai.. good to see you finally!! You can tell a difference in your face as well. Time to get off here and see what relaxing thing I can do next. A nap sounds good to me right now. But I think I'll be a good girl and head to Curves. Guess I've become an exercise addict like most of you!! Everyone have a great day!!!

OK.. TRACYK.. read my lips... YOU GOTTA TELL US WHEN YOU LOSE WEIGHT... We're here to not only commiserate when we do something we know we shouldn't, but also to CELEBRATE when we do good things and you are doing GOOD things!!! So let us in on the celebration too, k??? That goes for all the Violet Sistahs!!! And CONGRATS on the 2.5#!!!!:clap2::clap2::clap2: Pamela.. take care of yourself and get better soon!!! Kat.. great pics!! We should all post some pics of us now so we don't have to squint at the Avatars to figure out what each of us looks like!! Laura.. I can relate to what you said. Yesterday I had a chicken salad wrap from Culvers and as I was chewing a bite in my mouth I could feel the previous mouthful getting stuck. So what do I do??? Spit out what I'm chewing?? And waste all that good food?? Heck no.. just swallow it and then walk around like a crazy woman trying to get the sucker to go down. I went to the bathroom so I could flap my arms and it eventually slid down, but dang.. old habits like eating too fast and taking big bites are sure hard to break!! I did have lots of NSV's at church today. I had LOTS of people comment on how much weight I've lost. Lots were asking what I was doing so I got to tell the lap band story. I'm getting quite good at it, actually. It starts out with... "in the beginning God created me and I got fat"... and ends up with..... "and then God created the lap band and said.. it is good". :biggrin1: When I turned on my cell phone a little bit ago (I had turned it off for the concerts and forgot to turn it back on), I had a voice mail from someone saying they heard I had lapband surgery and would I be willing to talk to them about it. Willing???? Heck, I need to write a book!!! I LOVE telling the lapband story. Jennifur.. so glad your burn is better. You're lucky you got it taken care of before it got out of control. And you keep that good attitude about yourself. YOU and your kids are what matters and that jerk.. 'scuse me..... needs to own up to his obligations!!! Ms. Jen.... you have a great attitude now.. keep building on that!!! We all need to take lessons from you! Michelle.. I've been there, done that with redoing the whole house before company comes. Don't wear yourself out to the point of getting exhausted!! You want to be able to enjoy your company while they're there, ya know! Terry... I fill up two DejaVue bottles with Crystal light each morning. I know when I have drunk them both I have had 66 oz. of water. I put one in the freezer before breakfast and one before lunch. That way I can take them out an hour later and they are pretty slushy.. just the way I love them. I have never, ever drunk this much water in my life!!! Thank goodness for Crystal Light. I'm going to go and wait for Bob to get home from his church. Then we'll have to figure out lunch. And then it will be time for a nice longgggggggggggggggggggggg nap! Everyone have a great day!!

Michelle congrats on the scale moving - I'm going to have the caterpillars removed today too. LOL. Enjoy your day of you, you deserve it! Mine is not but I have been so sick, even if I'm not really eating, I am not really drinking either. I'm bouncing between 212 & 214 but... I did another set of measurements today because even though my scale has not really moved in a few weeks, or so it seems, everyone has been telling me how great I look. So I am down another 2 inches. I'lll take that 51 inches lost forever! My NSV for today, my jeans that i very comfortably now fit into got put in the dryer on High heat - they still fit and went on nicely. I have never put my clothes in the dryer, let alone jeans and on High heat! YIKES. And one of my favorite new shirts I actually tied the back on my own today and it is getting big on me. So I am dressed and ready to go - busy day today

Well.... it all depends... I will have to pay the lawyer to draw up the petition and then pay to have it served and then see what he does.... if he denies it then it goes to us proving him unfit and all that jazzz ........... OH well today we won and my son's brain is safe for another day..... ON the NSV side of life............. I decided to get the step ladder out and dig out my BELOVED size 12 levis that have been taking up residence in the tippy top shelf of my closet... I decided I needed a new goal jean since my 14's are looking fine.............. I have ABOUT 5 pairs..... varying styles of mainly OFCOURSE Levis jeans........... wellllllll I just about pee'd myself when the first pair I tried on FIT! DID YOU READ THAT??? I AM WEARING A SIZE 12 RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE MY BAND...... I MEAN I FREAKING LOVE MY BAND! I did try on another pair and they are a bit from buttoning... they are lower cut.... I could probably wench them on but the fact that the other ones DID fit really made my day! I asked DH what he wanted me to fix for dinner.......... (anything, I said)... so he requested my FRIED TACO's.......... ooowww... they are soooooooo good and make such a mess, but I DID ASK so I'm off to the store. I want you to know that I wore my WWJD bracelett today...... thank you Terry so much for it and to all my violet sistahs for sending your PURPLE VIBES today! It is amazing how much real life support I get from my online group........ And YES... I WILL be wearing the 12's to the store...... shakeit shakeit shakeit!

Amieru, congrats on all your fun NSV stuff. How great to be able to enjoy the rides, go to the cave, etc. I had Lasik done about 9 years ago and I totally agree with you. To be able to wake up in the morning and see the clock without groping for my glasses . . . to be able to go to a swimming pool and actually see who is next to me in the water . . . Congratulations! You'll love it. And how fun to have a free trip to look forward to for your bandiversary! YAY!!!

Yippie! I just got my HgbA1C results! It's 5.3. That means my average blood sugar is running 110. I am thrilled! Before losing weight, I was pre-diabetic and I couldn't get my A1C below 5.6. It just wouldn't budge! Another NSV! I love NSV's!!!:biggrin:

GO HEATHER - NICE NSV! I'm excited for you. Nicolie - how far are you from goal - your ticker seems to be missing. Hmmm......... Liz - Thanks girl - I just crack under pressure - wish I had some of that strong personality of yours hehehehe Tamra - you're doing great woman - keep it up - I had a venti decaf americano for b-fast - skipped lunch (oops) and a grilled chicken salad from jack for dinner but used my own italian dressing! - I had to hit the drive thru - I was very hungry :eek: - so full now but I'm freezing so I think I'll grab some hot herbal tea. Ash-congrats girl - you will weigh more at the support group as it is in the evening and you will be fully dressed - shoes and all so don't get discouraged! I'm so for certain your scale isn't lying!

Morning Vi's~ Terry~ First of all...PURPLE POWER for your mom. I remember those hospital days...hang tough. And when you get down about your weight...think of me! Forever 250:mad:. I too am unable to participate in your eat great day. MIL is on her way over...w/ her friends! She called Wed and asked what I wanted. She makes this (food porn) kickin' meatloaf w/ extremely lean beef and it tastes like salsberry steak. Not too bad...until you add the German noodles, gravy and potatoes...no wonder. I did have a MAJOR NSV yesterday, but was tooooo fat and pissed to write it yesterday. I went through closet (all my fat old clothes go to MIL's friends daughter) and got rid of 10 pairs of pants. I officially have 4 pair of jeans (2 blue and 2 black) and one of the black pair are already too big, just don't want to give 'em away yet. I actually tried on the pair I wore the night I met Susanne...and not only did they fit...they were slightly big!!!!! I tried on clothes that 9 months ago I couldn't get up my thighs...and they fit! So (pizza meltdown aside) I don't give a shit what the scale says...I am losing something! Maybe it is the exercise. I know it is not the pizza. I know I could use a little fill. But, I am not willing to live like I did, PB'ing all the time. I couldn't eat food...that is not good. I'd rather eat, and I can't deny that the portions are sooo much less. I think of Kat...who has been successful but can still eat food. Sorry, PB'ing is not for me. Well, off to get ready for the crew. I am having a small get together tomorrow...think I am gonna do Chickentisers and little foods like that. I don't wanna have left overs and don't wanna do too much work. I have so much to do cause I leave Tues @ 2pm for Disneyland Hotel! Have a great day/weekend everyone! I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends in my life! Judy~ Sadly I won't be able to go to Mass on Wednesday (I usally never miss Ash Wednesday)...but I am gonna start thinking about Lent. I may add a walk everyday to the routine instead of giving something up. Not sure yet! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Ay-yi-yi.........just looked at the 401K....makes my stomach sick! Good thing we don't have everything wrapped up there. Denise, I fainted once when I was pregnant! I had gone by where my ex husband worked, and we had walked behind the counter (parts dept.) and down an aisle, to talk $$$. I started seeing black dots, and woke up to every counterman in the store standing over me! Never happened again.....no idea why it did then! I had just come from lunch---which is why we were arguing money! I had spent some!!! OMG! LOL Anyway, the pregnancy advanced just fine, no other serious issues, I did end up with a tooth that give me crap the entire pregnancy, and ended up with a root canal when she was like 9 days old! Baby was fine though! Dang near 9 lbs! Hope your DD is feeling better, and that all goes well!!! Hugs! Tracy, hope Macy is feeling better tonight---how are YOU feeling? Do you think you have what she does, or are you simply exhausted? Keep us updated, you are such a good Mommy! Yes Terry you can come over and play under the tent with Kinsey and I! Yes---I sat under the table and played!!! I had to! I am the only one of us who can read she told me! Was fun, and was also a huge NSV for me. Crawling! I fit under there, and I was able to manuever around. I can't describe it, it was just fun----I loved being able to play with her under there, and not have to decline for lack of being able. Was a shame to hear about Heath Ledger. I have not heard what they suspect COD to be. Guess I will check my email and call it a night! See y'all in the morning! Hugs~~ Kat

Judy & Pam-Great NSVs!! Congrats! Good morning everyone. I kept dd home again today. Yesterday evening she started running a low grade fever again and I would have been foolish to bring her back to the day care with a low resistance. I might just call my boss in a minute and tell him to just plan on seeing me back Monday. We both need the time to heal completely. As for me, it is just the weirdest thing. I have chills, hot cold hot cold like I have a fever, take my temp and it is normal. I just do not get it?! I mean body aches and the whole 9 yards. My temp has not gone over 100 but maybe once or twice but I feel like death waarmed over! Weird. Have a great day violets!

Boy, I'm missing my mom and dad today. Saw a little old guy at Walmart and it reminded me of my dad. Saw Michelle's post on Blueberry Buckle and it reminded me of my mom. She was a fantastic cook and baker. Her pies were to die for and her blueberry buckle was the best. It's all good though. Best to have those good memories on Mother's Day. Mom would have been 88 May 25th and Dad would have been 89 on the 20th of June. Hard to believe I'm going to be 61 next month!!!!!! But I'm so enjoying this time of my life. A lady behind me at the check out at Walmart told me how good I looked and those little NSV's carry me through. We went to Culvers for lunch and the Bobster and I split a chicken dinner. Note to self... do NOT start the meal eating their rolls cause even though they are delish, nothing after that will go down. Ended up PBing twice and DD gets so huffy at me when I do that. She's right though. I should know by now!! Off to fix the potato salad, deviled eggs and macaroni/chicken salad for the graduation party tomorrow.

The pics are awesome, Michelle!!! And patooie on the arms on the first pic... check out the curves!!!! You got a waist, woman!!!:cursing: And notice that your daughter can get her arm around you, but not around Eore.. Now that's a NSV if I ever saw one. Big smiles in every picture. Love it! Thanks for sharing. And glad to have you back. I've kicked up the exercise and good eating habits too. Only 92 days til the Bandiversary Bash.. woooo hooooooo!

Morning gals What a weekend, worked the entire thing, my body hurts in places I forgot I had, it has been a long time since I worked like this, or so it seems. Went out sat night after work, have still been on liquids and only had 2 drinks, thank goodness they were not strong. I had on a pr of jeans, my fav big flip flops and a black halter top, (that was how I went to work -flip flops) NSV a friend was hanging all over me, not really in that sense but kept telling me how amazing I looked and that there was something different about me. (with a big smile) Yesterday, I took dd shopping for her great report card and got her some new clothes and me a new halter top, skirt and water shoes from Target and sundress from Walmart. The skirt was a 16 which I'm ok with because I could never wear target skirts at all but the dress...it was a size 14!!!! I cannot remember the last time I was in a 14, the green one was my favorite but the zipper was broken at the bottom so I sent dd out to get the brown one, she was mia forever so i opened the door and walked out... The young girls at the desk were like OMG you look great in that ... not many people can wear that style and not look pregnant, which was what I was afraid of. Then I put the brown one on and got dd's opinion and then went back out to the girls. 1 loved the brown (so did dd) and the other (and me) liked the green. So I got the brown because the zipper was ok. I guess the brown one makes my itty bitties look bigger too (so i was told) And... down another lb today to boot, I'm now -2 for the contest and 1 more and i can change my ticker again. I raised it a couple the other day when it was telling me i was a loser for not changing it in 80 days. LOL Rainy and cold here, so ds and I are just going to hang today, he planted with gram yesterday went to bed at 10 and is up already, it is going to be a long day!

I think I need a hip replacement. Last night we had the next door neighbors over along with their in-laws and a few other friends. It's Mike last weekend here. He leaves for Kosovo on Monday and will be gone a whole year. We decided to have a real nice get together for him and spend as much time as we could. So off to the store I went and spent about a hundred dollars on food. We ended up having a shrimp fry and boil. OMGoodnes. It was absolutely delicious. I mean better than and restaurant I've been too. So afterwards we go over to their house to play Wii. Here lies my problem. I think I threw my hip out playing bowling. We had such a good time and spent 2 hours laughing like crazy. Now I need to go figure out how to do a workout today so I can burn off the 10 shrimp I managed to get down last night. When is Tracy supposed to be back from her Honeymoon? Michelle, congrats on the NSV. That was awesome. Everyone have a great day.

Home from the rodeo---my little girl in her pink boots and cowboy hat LOVED it. She loved the Queen contenders the most---everytime she would see one of them with their local crowns-tiaras on their cowboy hats, she would get all twitterpated! She was bouncing when she found out she did not have to see them being mean to the baby cows as she refers to the calf roping!!! She got in trouble as we were leaving, so her tears made her fall asleep that much faster---and she has been conked out ever since. I called her Daddy and had a talk with him, I wanted him to hear her crying! He is teaching her to be a smart aleck and I do not like it at all! We were walking to the truck, and we were talking about the bronc riding, and I ask her "How 'bout we put YOU on one of those wild bronco horses?" And she matter of factly replied "How about you bite me?!" It infuriated me, I ask her who lets you talk like that? My Daddy says it she tells me....lip quivering. I told her she would never say that to Granny again, or she would get a spanking----and further more, I meant it! He laughed when I told him. So I told him I didn't think it was funny, he was turning her into a snot like my niece that he nor anyone could stand for years due to her mouthiness!!! I told him when she is 6 no one will want to be around her just like they couldn't stand to be around Kelcie and her smart mouth. He finally apologized and said he would stop and he would talk to her about being mouthy. We'll see.......so anyway she is still sleeping. I should be cleaning, my house has taken not only a backseat this week, I don't think it made it onto the list at all!! I was burning alive outside while we did some things out there, so I succumbed to the ice! BUT.....I just got the shaved ice plain, and had the bright idea to pour a diet Dr. Pepper over it. It was not a good plan!!! The shaved ice is too delicate for the carbonation, so it watered it down to yuckiness!!! But it also took care of the craving!! LOL I am beginning to wonder to Suzanne knew how to swim.......she disappeared when the pool went in!! I really wonder if the other worker ended up not working after all and she is locked in the Curves unable to escape!! Has anyone thought of a good place for us to meet next?? Haydee I knew your wedding would go wonderfully!!! You are so beautiful anyway, I can only imagine you in the light of the sunset, and the twinkling candles--I seriously doubt the bride held up in comparison! Congrats on the plane NSV!! Well, I have finished snacking at my chicken salad....so guess I will go do something with my house while the kiddo is sleeping. We will have making up to do after she wakes up, and some talking to do as well!! It is hard----I am trying my best to use different rewards, and different methods with her. Not to use food----as a celebration or consolation thing. I also do not want to totally spoil her by buying things for those times. So I am trying to make doing something the reward---like going to the park---but it is so fricken hot! I think today if she wakes up in time, and we talk we might do a run through the sprinkler---Granny too!!! Kat

TracyinKS... Mad Props on your NSV!!! (I just learned those words!!) You've done sooo well. Now, keep yourself, Robbie and your happiness foremost in your mind. Big Hugs to you for what you're going through. I'm off to a PMS luncheon. Catch ya all later this afternoon!!

Woot! Another NSV this evening! I went to the Y w/DD & DH... they were going to play racquetball & I figured I'd do the treadmill or the weights... but as I was walking in I saw the schedule of aerobics classes and starting @ 6 was a "Zumba" class!... I'd seen a piece on it on the "Today" show about a year ago... latin-dance inspired exercise... so I thought I'd "give it a whirl!" (my motto!)! All I can say is "Whoo!" It kicked my butt -- but in a fun way! All that latin music made me crave a 'rita after!! ha ha! I was soaked w/sweat -- seriously, my hair looked like I just got out of the shower! DD was incredulous, because it is known far & wide that "Momma doesn't like to sweat!" This is all part of my new resolve to try new exercises & GMIAG!! I am proud of myself that I was spontaneous and tried something new!! I will definitely go back if/when my schedule allows (it is *very* rare that I can do something like that in the evening, but because ds was sick & dd amazingly didn't have an activity, I was able to tonight!) Going to go log in on bodybugg & see how many steps & cals it was!!

Good afternoon, Violets.. Ethan is napping, the dogs are at the groomers and I have a few minutes to catch up in here. Went to the new store opening today. I picked out a couple of sweaters, but put them back cause Ethan was getting fussy and I didn't want to wait in the longggggggggg line to check out. I'll wait until I have some time without Ethan so I can take my time and enjoy shopping. I had a NSV today. Took my glitzy ring in to have them remove the diamonds to put in the new ring and a pendant. They wanted to know if the size was right on my old ring and I said it spun around a lot. They sized my finger and it's a 4.5!!! Same size as when I got married 38 years ago!!!!! We've had snow showers on and off all day so I guess winter won't be too far off. I still have tons of leaves to rake in the front yard, but it's too windy and wet today. Got to have a day where we can rake AND burn. Terry... ditto on what Michelle said. Take care of you and the weight will come off when you can focus on it more. There are more important things for you to consider right now. Just make sure you get your protein in during the day. Going to go relax on the couch a bit before we have to go pick up the dogs. We're going out to dinner at some friend's house tonight. Hope it's something I can eat!! Patience, Trust and WWJD??!!

Hey Laura!! Great to hear from you. Sounds like things are hectic there, but you seem to be getting things under control. Our big wedding here is over and it went very smoothly. I'm sure yours will too. Can't wait to see pics of your new house with the furniture in and pics of the wedding too!! I had a NSV today!! I work as a volunteer at the hospital here. I put together the patient education packets that they hand out to the patients. I was at the copy machine doing my thing and one of the ladies walked by and stopped and said.. WOW.. you've lost weight.. a LOT of weight! I said yup.. bout 40# so far. She said.. "and you're doing.....???" So I said.. I had a lapband put in.. both Bob and I did (she knows Bob but hasn't seen him since his was put in). She said that was great. Next thing I know, my supervisor comes out and said she overheard that I had a lapband.. then wanted to know all about it. I did a mini-seminar right then and there. She in no way needs a lapband, but it was still neat to be able to talk about it and be proud that I had gone through it. Sooooooo I'm feeling good today in my new 16W pants, down from 22/24, and my 1X top down from a tight 3X. I'm going to go have some lunch and then hit the pool! Everyone have a great day!!!

HELLO Fellow Violets!!!!!!! I had a hard time getting in today so now it is already afternoon! I was VERY happy to see the weight on my siggy this a.m. now I want those 230's!!!!! I have had 1 pc cajun string cheese 1 fairly large pc of meatloaf 1 cookie ( ) 44 oz's of water..... My sister and her best friend just started a colon cleansing program Colon Cleansing, Constipation, IBS, Colonix, Cleanse, Detox – Online Resource and I am about ready to try it myself, I wonder if it would be ok for us! I'm guess it would be since we have all our innards. I will warn you the pics on the website are DISGUSTING so if you thought my surgery pictures were gross..... BE WARNED..... I will also say that my sis (who is only on day two) is already a believer.. she's had bathroom problems her ENTIRE LIFE... she used to run from my grandma if she had a bar of soap in her hand! LOL sad but true. Feed back anyone???? NSV: I am now able to wear 5 pairs of my old jeans and two of my old "good" bra's that I had gotten too wide for. My boss, today said he could tell I was losing weight.... (HE DOES NOT KNOW I HAD SURGERY) but he does know that I'm on a diet and paid to see a nutritionist. Also... this is pretty amazing because he is a near retirment normally unobservant MAN!

good for you Tracy - I really can't wait for appt on friday, I really need to go over my choices. or good choices for when I'm running like a crazy person. I am going to read my journal at work tonight or when I get home while I relax. today - 2 cups coffee 2 chicken tenders i know... no good. about 250 cals for the day. I have good food at work - I have not been able to eat with dd being sick, stress does bad things to the band. so here is my NSV for the day... I was at the Dr. office with Melissa - we obviously have same dr - so since we know each others weight, and bad habits, she said I could go in. Nancy our np (who I love and is leaving) asked if we met, i looked familiar, I told her my name and she was amazed. Dr. Singh was looking at me like he knew me but couldn't put his finger on it either... that was the motivation I needed. my own dr didn't know me. LOL Melissa - you are doing great girlfriend! keep up the great work.

Bahotmomma -- you are one hot mama, that's for sure! Wow, what an inspiration. Or is it thinspiration? :thumbup: Are you getting a lot of this? :huh2: I just wanted to use that smilie, I want to be drool-worthy too! Dee, I say you take NSVs where you can get them! My poor girls are so droopy and saggy and I expect it'll just get worse. I've already lost some volume. But they make excellent bras these days! I would like someday to get a breast lift, but as I haven't yet had babies, and plan to, I'll be delaying that indefinitely. You know, for that magical day when thousands of dollars appear for such things. :rolleyes2: Yet another lovely person I met on here (I don't think she's posted to this thread though for whatever reason) was banded by Dr. K last week. She had some nausea issues and called the office, only to be told that Dr. K was in Boston at a conference. She was so surprised that he called her back quickly from there to reassure her! Oh yes, he is so caring. Another friend, whom I have known for 10+ years, is getting banded by Dr. K next month. I could not be more excited for her and happy that I could help someone find such a wonderful doctor. Her insurance would not cover the band for her because her BMI was a bit too low, although she has enough in her history for me to say, yes, you should definitely consider being banded. Luckily her DH is as understanding & supportive as mine so she decided to go for it anyway. Yay! I want everybody to feel as great as I do right now. :smile2: OK, I am little bitter because Starbucks was out of the fruit & cheese plate this morning (I eat half at breakfast & half at lunch) so I had to make do with a protein shake after I finished my non-fat, sugar-free hazelnut latte. But I won't let that get me down. At least I just didn't get anything to eat there instead of going for a big muffin or doughnut...

Good morning Vi's!! Just finished catching up. denise, the pic you posted of you won't load for me.. I wanna see!! Repost!! Your DD is beautiful! Well our trip went.. like our trips normally go LOL. We were leaving at 8am on Saturday. DH & I struggled to be up, showered and ready by then, we ended up at my parents house at about 9am. Last minute, while we're drinking coffee and heading out the door, my mom decides she wants to go after all. So we wait for her to pack, we hit the road. It's been 70's in Florida, so we were anticipating walks on the beach. My g'parents needed their 2nd car brought down, so me & DH drove their lincoln, and my parents led the way. Not 30 minutes out of town, it starts pouring.. raining cats & dogs!!! It's normally a 6.5 hour drive.. it took us nearly 10. We hit thunder storms everywhere. The lincoln's windshield wipers didn't work well, and the headlights don't seem to shine on the ground.. so we held our breath a lot, hoping we lived to get there. Somewhere around Dothan, AL we hit a tornado warning. Cars were pulling off, so we found a Barnes & Nobles to hang out in. I was soaking wet by time we got inside. I found Rosie O'Donnell's new biography of what happened with the View, so I got that.. and then another biography called Stolen Lives. Rosie's one is just sad, she is so 'out there' for me (I am republican and she is just a liberal looney toon). But it was interesting to see her take on what happened. I am 3/4 through the 2nd one, and OMG.. it's a true story about the family of a general in Moscow, and the dad tried to assassin the King.. the King killed him, and imprisoned his family (Mom, 5 kids.. ages 18 years old to THREE years old) for 20 years before their release. Not a normal prison. A place in the middle of the desert, they starved them, beat them, isolated them from each other.. the 3 year old grew up and never knew what life outside of this was. I am to a point where they are breaking out of one of the prisons. The 3 year old is now 17. It's horrific, I can't believe these things can happen. I plan to try to finish it before work is over. Ok back to the trip.. we cross into Florida and the news comes on the radio saying Tornado warning in Bay county. IRONICALLY as we hear this, we pass a sign saying "Welcome to Bay County". UGH. We decided to just keep going.. 35mph in terrential rain at night with no good headlights or wipers. We finally get there, and the rain has stopped at the condo. It's in the 70's, feels great. We went to a fancy steak house.. I got some filet mignon medallions with shrimp, lump crabmeat & bernaise sauce on them. NUM NUM. Each medallion was 3oz.. I ate 1/2 of one (slow slow slow) took me an hour, but I was determined to eat it. I also ate 1 of the shrimp. We went to bed, tired from the day. We wake up the next morning with plans to go to the beach.. and it's 30's!!!! IT WAS SO COLD AND WINDY!!!! BAH. DH Has never seen a beach. We went to some souvenir shops in the morning, then we went to lunch.. then we went putt-putting (in big coats). Then me, DH and mom went walking the beach.. in the freezing cold. We even got in the water to our waist (was suppose to be knees, but the tide came in). Got some seashells.. was fun.. and cold! On our way back to the condo we got in the heated pool to rinse the sand off and warm up. Then we watched the survivor finale. Poor Denise!!!!! I almost cried for her, poor nice lady. I can't believe Todd won. But out of Todd, Amanda and Courtney I didn't want any of them to win. I couldn't believe how much weight Courtney put on after the show, she finally looks normal!! Then we drove home yesterday. Lots of sunshine but still cold, and it's cold back home now. No snow weather of course, but it's so cold it hurts. I did have an NSV in Florida.. I have never been able to wear girlie jewelry.. they don't fit my wrist or neck. But at some of the beach shops, they had really pretty leather bracelets for women, and the woven ones, etc. And every single bracelet I tried on, even the buckled ones.. FIT! I'm wearing one now. I was so excited I bought 3 different leather ones.

Oh what a wonderful NSV day today! DH took me shopping for some makeup that I needed and we're walking along and he says, "We need to go get you some new jeans--those are too baggy!" I just bought these one month ago and they were just a wee bit snug. So we head to the REGULAR misses department (WOO FREAKING HOO!!!!!) and bought the 1st pair of jeans I tried on.... Lauren 16's and they fit so beautifully! Oh, and let me add that these are NOT stretch jeans!! So then we go to swimsuits...'cause they're all on sale and I need one for the gym and one for Vegas. 16's were too big so I was trying on 14's! OMG!! A 14!! Well, I told him I had at least one or two size 14's at home so I didn't need to buy one. I'll dig thru that dusty drawer tomorrow and see what I have. Somebody pinch me. Oh, by the way...that spinning class this morning absolutely kicked my butt and I will NOT be going back! I left after about 1/2 hour...my heart rate was WAY too high and my sciatic nerve was acting up (still is). Jeez!!! I coudn't get out of there fast enough. So I went swimming then to the sauna. It was 180 in there today! Whew!!! Felt great. Anyway, I'm now convinced that the scale is not accurately reflecting my progress. And apparently neither is the tape measure. But my clothes are! LIFE IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! PAMELA - I am SO glad you're back!!! I missed you terribly! Not surprised that you're missing the gym. What did you do for exercise while you were gone? Wait, nevermind.... you had DP with you. 'nuf said. Josie - I can do either of those days. What location is convenient for you? TracyK -- wanna meet up with us? Schexy?? Haydee? Kat - I'll bet you a hundred bucks that if you send them a check for $0.00 they'll deposit it. That's how bright those folks sound! DUH! I think you should do it....with a note, "NOW am I paid in full??"

WOOHOOO!! That is a great NSV....feels great doesn't it? There are many many more to come!! ENJOY!! :confused: I have no clue what the scales say because I took Terri's advice and put the scales in the closet. No scales for me until Aunt Flow is gone. Hello everyone...have a great day...