Shrinking Violets -- April 07 Bandsters

[Suziecat 379]

Sitting here surfing the net and I found the article on the woman that lost over 500 pounds. She was on Oprah last week. I didn't see it but I saw a clip of some of what she said. Here is an excerpt I thought was most interesting and I hope you will too. This shows the power that you all have to help each other. This is why I like coming here. With out knowing each other you have managed to make a big impact on each others lives.

One day I noticed a boxed area labeled "politics." It had another listing below: "chat room." I was intrigued and decided to join this group. There were varieties of opinions expressed; some people's writings were well thought out, others just seemed to spew invective. I began to find that I had favorite members, and they were not necessarily those who shared my political bent, but all had one thing in common. Wit. Humor, the ability to laugh at one's self or at things, even serious ones is a sure sign of intelligence in my book. You can get your point across far better with a few well-placed words than with some long, nasty diatribe. Will Rogers, Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln's words easily make my point. Within a few weeks some of these members and I had exchanged personal e-mail addresses and a whole new chapter began. I was blissfully unaware of what was to come; what was already happening. I only knew that I was feeling better about getting up each day, that I had something to look forward to doing and that was enough for me.

I came to know these people well. We shared family births, deaths, marriages, divorces, reunions, graduations, sorrows and joys. We shared humor as well. I wrote, still do to do this day, horrid limericks for a man in England, and he returns the favor. Laughter, the common thread woven through the tapestry of humanity heals us. Who could have imagined that a machine, a computer could become the catalyst for a 180 degree change in the direction of my life? I am still the most surprised of all.

I remember the day I realized I was losing weight. I had no scale in my home; none could accommodate one third of my mass. I typed seated on an enormous ottoman. That morning, my companion of many years, a highly neurotic calico cat jumped up onto the seat beside me. It was enough to make me stop tapping on the keyboard. I looked down at her in puzzlement, and then laughed at myself; there was nothing unusual about a cat jumping. They did it all the time. Then it dawned on me. There had never been room for her to land on the seat in all the years I'd had her.

Here is what I know now. Being obese is an external symptom of an internal turmoil.

Unlike an alcoholic who can many times mask his or her problem with a fine linen suit and a breath mint, or the pearly-tooth grin of a man who goes home at night and slaps his wife around, the fat person wears their problem where all can see it and be judged accordingly and immediately. My weight loss was a "side effect" of regaining my worth, of rediscovering my value. It was no longer a struggle to control what I ate. It came naturally to me. I was valued by others and in turn valued myself. I was being loved and nurtured by faceless strangers. In a world where you are given levels of worth dependent on first impressions, these friends accepted who I was based on my mind and soul. The anonymity of the computer gave me access to a world that would've just as well have left me alone, alone to die. But I did not.

After reading that (sorry it's so long). I'm in further awe of all of you guys. You come here everyday and without knowing it make such an impact on my life. Knowing that you accept me for what's inside and not by what I look like. You are amazing and I have to be one of the most blessed persons because I have been accepted by you.

I am going to say an extra special prayer for all of you tonight when I lay my head on my pillow. I will ask God that he continue to bless each and everyone of you and your family's. I will ask that he make others aware of what Angels you are and to continually keep you safe. God bless all of you.

Ok, Now I have a favor to ask. Today is my 25th. wedding anniversary. Can I have a pass on the CTCD for today? That way we can go out to eat tonight. Now remember that I had a fill yesterday so I'm sure my portion will be eating off of my hubby's late. But just incase we decide to get a dessert or something. Thanks.

Now it's time for our group hug.

[TracyinKS 7]

WOW............ I saw her on Oprah, but reading the written word is so much more powerful..... thanks Suzie!

Happy Anniversary! and Terry would be the one to issue ANY CTC Passes! ( I already had a pb ball... so I don't qualify!)

OK.. I've got to get to work now....

I'll check back later

WWJD? CTC is what she would do

[Jennifur 0]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!! I am golden child today so I'll give you permission to skip today. LOL

although... the pb balls are my absolute favorites... no wonder i'm not baking this year.

[Jennifur 0]

Ok gals, I'm really leaving...

but I have to share... remember yesterday I said i was 2.5 heavier... that was 216.5 well, yesterday paid off and was what I needed. I just got on the scale and it was 211! going back in the right direction! and I was holding 216 for about a week so it was real weight.

[janiebug 0]

Tracyks, the name says it all....

I am allergic to nuts so actually that is a good thing this season, because I eat no Cookies that people bring in. About 8 years ago somebody (a counselor at a H.S.) made cookies for Charlie and I at work, she brought them in and said "I made them special because they have NO NUTS!!" So it was super busy with the holidays and I go in back and take a bite and immeadiatly have a reaction. I didn't know what it was from, but was like my nut allergies, so I had my epi pen with me and gave myself a shot, no relief! Then a few minutes later another shot and still no relief!!! I got a bit worried because I didn't know what it was and whatever it was was getting worse fast!!! So I went to emergency room, I almost died (not being melodramtic), my mom had taken me and Charlie called her and said he got the rest of the cookie out of the trash that I threw away, and it was PEANUT BUTTER!!!! DUH!!!!!!!!! So that cookie cost me I think about $1700 for the emergency room visit plus the days work I missed being in the ER!! I was soooo mad!!! So unless you know me real well and I totally trust you I don't take chances. Wow that was a long post!

Take care and have a great day!!

Jane

[Kat817 19]

Laura-------I am having serious Secret Santa problems---please contact me ASAP!!!

I looked so I could call you, and have no #.

Kat

[Daisalana 33]

Kat- Sent you a PM!

I just got back from a business meeting.. took my CSR with me.

It's funny, I knew we were goin to the museum for this job, and they're all upper classy.. So I went through wardrobe trying to find something that looks nice. ALL my pants are now so baggy it's unflattering and looks sloppy. Most shirts too. So I wore a green sweater, too big khakis, and then a knee-length black vinyl trenchcoat to hide it all. The trenchcoat use to fit and looked flattering.. now it's straight and looks frumpy too. Grr.

I was talking to my CSR that went with me, about how I couldn't find anything that fit well.. she said, she's the same way. She wears size 0, and has been losing weight, so none of her 0's fit. She has to wear a tight belt, but they poof out all over (much like mine). I can't imagine. So she said she's been trying to put on weight, she said she gained 3lbs, but it hasn't made a difference yet. I asked her, where do you go when a 0 is too big?? I guess she's going to look in kids?? Wow. And I thought I had problems.

I just ordered size 19 (they have the weird sizes) from alloy last night. I have 23's way too big, 21 are now too big (I remember when I put on my new 21's that made my butt look so cute.. not anymore!!).. 19 may be too big, may be too small, I'm a little nervous about it. I figure if it's too big, I'll return for *EEK* 17's.. if it's too small, I'll work my way into them.

The way I carry my weight, I prefer low-rise. Mid-rise give me muffin tops, high-rise.. well I'd never wear high rise.. low-rise seem to fit righ below where my big belly roll is, so it doesn't push on it and make it hang out.. and then my shirts look nice because they aren't poofing from the belly pushing up.

[Jennifur 0]

Man... a size 0... should we all have those problems... oh wait... then I would not have met all you wonderful people who have touched my life in so many ways...

I ran out of yogurt to make my shake so I made it with coffee icecream, (1/2 cup) some cold coffee, & Protein Powder. It was actually less cals and a nice change. I took out a pkg of turkey meat to make a burger before I go to my scrap book party tonight so I don't eat there.

My SS gift should be going out on Friday, I'm going to start boxing it up tomorrow.

My house is such a mess it is stressing me out, but I'm done for today, working on my 6th load of laundry - kids are all done, mine is done, and now working on towels. Working for 10 days straight I have not done a thing so I guess tomorrow I'll clean, today is laundry.

Well, off to dry my hair and do round 2 of running, pick up ds and back home to get ready for this thing.

[Daisalana 33]

Guilt Free Cake!

Someone on another forum posted this (not a weight loss one).

Once again, I don't like raisins, so eh.. but it could be good with some other fruit.. and regardless, I thought you guys may like this!

----------

this cake is dead easy to make

Make a pot of tea - with real tea is best- then let it go cold

In a large bowl put in a cup of sultanas- raisans or mixed fruit

cover with the tea bout an inch over the top- dont forget to strain it.

then cover and leave it to soak over nite. next day mix in selfraising flour some mixed spice - ginger - or whatever you got handy

then mix it till its the righ consistency then grease a loaf tin put the mix in and bake till it comes out clean with knife test

this has got no butter no sugar and no eggs but it tastes great

ice it and its a cake- cut it into big slices and pour hot custard over its pudding -slice and butter and its fruit loaf .

enjoy its guilt free cake

[Daisalana 33]

Ohhh another one. I'm glad I started a thread over there (it's that weirdo game I play).. I started a recipes thread, I always like tried and true recipes people make.. allrecipe, etc.. even with ratings they don't have a good selection of things people make all the time.

I am going to make this recipe sometime this week---

Healthy Easy and Fast chicken Nuggets

When all your kid wants is chicken nuggets...gotta get creative!

*Boneless Chicken Thighs (they are not as dry for this recipe) cut into strips

*grind up oatmeal to a half powder half meal consistency, add paprika and salt and pepper to taste

*roll the chicken in the oatmeal ...place in a baking pan and drizzle a couple tablespoons of oil evenly over it all.

*bake in the oven at around 425f until done, usually around 20 minutes.

[Daisalana 33]

Pardon the grammar of some of these folks.. this one looked nice too...

defrost a whole chicken or get a fresh one then fill it with orange juice leave it upright in a bowl for bout two hours. Then chunky cut some mushrooms onions and any veges you got in the house. Drain the juice out of the chicken and save it for later. stuff the chicken with the veges and season with whatever you like plug the hole up with a big wedge of pumpkin or potato. Paint the chicken with melted butter and then orange juce wrap it in foil and cook for an hour slowly , take out the oven when ready cut it clean in half serve it with salad and its awesome.

try experimenting with different fillings like bacon cheese- seafood (This would be very unhealthy ya'll.. haha) well anything thats safe to eat or that you enjoy.

[Jennifur 0]

thanks Laura

that chicken with the oj must be really moist and juicy and I like the idea of the home made chicken tenders/nuggets.

I do lots of chicken tenders, Tyson makes the best ones you can have 2-3 for 200 cals and 20 g Protein. that is a meal for me.

have a great afternoon all

[Kat817 19]

Thanks for the info and support Laura---now we wait and see I suppose. I am waiting on confirming my order...if I can---the site is a bit different.

As for the other---don't forget I do have the gift!!

I think I am coming down with a cold, I feel crummy, and irritable as hell!!! I have little patience with Kinsey---dunno whats up! I think the plan is to go to Albq. tomorrow---hope I feel better!

Well I am off to fold laundry---

BBL~~

Kat

[Daisalana 33]

Kat stop by Sandia casino for me. We use to live 2 miles from it, and I sure do miss it

We use to entertain ourselves by taking $50 each to the casino on the weekend and play bingo or penny slots.. out here, there's nothing to do, so our weekends are spent at home being boring.

I have to say, that's the ONLY thing I miss about ABQ though. My car kept getting broken into in broad daylight.. at home & at work (worked at UNM).

[Daisalana 33]

Oh, going to post new before pics tonight when I get home. Since I actually did my hair & make up today for the business meeting.

Be on the lookout, been a while since I took pics.. please oh please let it be a noticable difference!!