Thanks Connie and momof2...and yes, we are very thankful that the storm didnt cause any loss of life or even homes...

Hmmm Connie, to answer your temp question...if one was to believe the weather forecasters here, the day time high NEVER rises above 90...but I would love to know where they take that reading...cause it sure as heck feels a lot hotter than that most summer days, lol.  However, we are extremely humid so it is a wet and sticky kind of heat...and hard to deal with, lol.  Not that I expect any of you lovely ladies to not know this, (believe me...so many people have no idea where we are!) but Bermuda is NOT a caribbean island, much further north in the atlantic..so whilst we enjoy hot humid summers we also cool off nicely in the winter months.  It drops to maybe 50 degrees during our cooler times, but again, with that humid air, it feels much more damp and cold.

Anyways, on a food note, I am not going to beat myself up over my recent temporary lapse...and will slowly try to get back on track.  Am leaving for 10 days in NYC this weekend...and we have several favourite restaurants to visit .... so one day at a time - slow and steady wins the race, lol.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

Suz

Hi all!

Back after a modem break down, ack! computer, and major CC withdrawals!!! (I know your pain momo!)

So glad you had a light brushing Suz, although 60 MPH winds sounds like a scouring to me! Do enjoy your trip to NYC! Do enjoy something REALLY decadent for me at Ferrara's in Little Italy!!...man I love that place. I lived in the city for a short while, Sarah Jessica Parker, I am not...just never felt at ease there, but still love to visit! (Have I mentioned that my hubby is born and raised NYC boy?)

Connie, way to sacrifice yourself on the family alter! Impressive family devotion!  Will you be my sister?

I have a girl getting her wisdom teeth pulled in a few minutes, so I am bagging ice, making jello, and bracing for a sad bambino.

Talk to you all soon!

Greetings-
I am back and sorta caught up! The family vacation to PA was pleasant and Gettysburg was interesting to visit... but it must have been the most horrific battle ever!!  So sad.

Welcome back Suz... sounds like you had a good time except for your neices' illness.  Hmmm, early retirement...now that would be a nice concept -- I am jealous. It will at least move you away from the hurricanes though - glad you made it thru Bertha unscathed.

Alylou - Seattle sounds like it had its' challenges but was a nice change anyway I suspect.  Now knitting... that is something I could never master.    And loss of technology for any reason seems to plunge me into withdrawal.  I was able to get on for fast patches every now and then during vacation to try and slam in my scribbled food intake... but the resort did not have wifi in the suites only in the lobby.  They really need to catch up with the times.  Hope your daughter bounces back quickly from the wisdom teeth extraction; I remember that time in my own life (looked like a chipmunk).

Connie - glad to see your arm is a bit better and that your modem was quickly on the mend.  I had to chuckle over the double meal plan though.  You are a good sister/daughter!!! 

Jenny - The punksta band episode sounded like an interesting time.  Glad to hear Rusty is getting his new shoes and his continuing education program won't be put on hold.

Sue - bad, bad trainer.   Glad you did not let her ruin your initiative. Hope you have a fabulous and relaxing vacation.  I did a little indulging (trying to keep it in moderation) while on vacation too.  It didn't help that we went to Hershey or tht I wine every night.

Welcome Karen - I have been focused on caloric intact only... so I don't have any answer to your question about watching sugar & protein in addition but I have tried to go with less refined foods and more fruits/veggies.

Welcome to you too, Momo - Congrats on your weight loss to date.  That is great!!

Axe/Karen - Way to go with the continued measurement drops.  Feels great doesn't it?

Hope I didn't miss anything else... I tried to read thru from where I left off - like in marathon mode!!! 

skn

hello everyone!

I have a question for you all. Since I have this thing with weighing everyday I started writing down my weight and after the week I would average it. Well, I know I keep bouncing between 177 -179 but this is what I'm noticing. I'm gaining .4 a day since Sunday. I started at 177.6 and now I'm 179.0 What would cause me to gain .4/day when I'm staying within my calorie range and I go to the gym 3x a week, sometimes more.

I'm just confused now. Any help?

skn - I live in Pa! But by Pittsburgh.

Momo, just a quick thought...is your totm coming? that will send me on a path like that.

Oh and Connie, have you ever tried flax seed for the hot flashes? they say it takes a couple of weeks , but that it really cuts them back. I am hoping so since I still am "looking forward" to them. You know, I always thought they would have this menopause thing CURED by the time I got to it...

Welcome back Sue/skn, I know what you mean about that battle, it sure puts a different perspective on more current wars doesn't it?

Daughter is doing OK, passed out cold in the kitchen once...giving me a fright...but she is fine, or will be soon!

Gnite (actually, Gmorning!) Alylou

Hi All,

Welcome Momo - I like your nickname!! I have a cousin by marriage who's name is Mimmu, she's Finnish. And as for the gradual gains, have you been eating any Thai or Asian type food? That always seems to cause water weight gain, or at least that's what I'm hoping because according to my scale I gain 2.5 pounds overnight and I had Pad Thai yesterday. Yikes!

Aly - my son had his wisdom teeth out recently too. He spent a couple days on the counch taking heavy duty pain killers and I wrapped his head with an ace bandage with a bag of frozen corn on each jaw. They actually recommended peas but my family won't eat peas! We had to rotate the corn as it thawed so I went out and bought like 10 bags... I wonder what the cashier thought!

Skn/Sue - glad you're back!

Suz - Have a great time in NYC. So much traveling for you!

Connie - I have also heard that some women take Black Cohosh for hot flashes successfully. I think I'm starting "The End". I haven't had a period in a couple of months and although I'm not having hot "flashes" I am having hot "tides" which come and go slowly unless I exert myself at which time I sweat like a Florida race horse in summer. One more reason not to exert myself. Not that I need one.

Axe and Karen - good to hear from you both!

Still working working working. Saturday I'm taking my son to Syracuse this weekend to visit my mom and SU on Tuesday and then home on Wednesday when my in-laws visit. More visitors, yeah, that's what we need.

Jenny

Well, I'm up another .4 today!!!  I sure hope its ttom! I never know when it's comin' anymore. I drink over 100 ozs of water a day to try to avoid big water weight gains. But I use to gain 7-8 lbs before starting ttom. So if it's just 2 pounds or so, that's a big decrease. I really don't see anyother reason for this. It's just weirdin' me out that it's an EXACT .4 each day. I know fluctuations are normal when you weigh everyday, but this has never happened to me!

I am very careful of my sodium intake. OMGosh, if I ate something with alot of sodium I'd see more than .4 on the scale! lol

Going to the gym today or walking outside? It's so hot outside, but a nice day. Maybe I'll just walk outdoors again. Gotta stick to just 3 miles to avoid the nasty pain in my leg. Yesterday I barely made it home. I contemplated calling my daughter to come and get me more than once. Today it's calmed down, of course after taking pain meds. I hate those things! Anyways, they worked. It seems if I push myself to try that 4th mile, I pay for it! 

 I'm a late night person, so I'll check in a couple times more later tonight.

Original Post by cantlose:

Good Morning Ladies! Congrats Axe on the baggy pants and inches dissolving! Maybe I need to go and give blood 'cause I am having a terrible time sleeping these days...Menopause....hot flashes..night sweats etc. I thought i was past that since I went through it all in a major way around 37-38 but the HOT times are definitely back in full swing. I'm gonna continue calling you axe if thats ok to keep you seperate from the other Karen. Aly YES I drink WATER way before the Pina Colada time arrives so! I read a couple of great articles yesterday about plateaus. The main thing everyone was saying was when you hit a plateau have a CHEAT DAY! Eat something fattening once a week to bring up your calorie intake but don't go crazy and it takes your body back from what it has adjusted to...hmmmmm sounds interesting to me and i think i will give it a try. I will let you all know of course by either HOORAHS or bitching! LOL Gotta go get ready for the chiropractor and Moms eye appt. Have a FUN monday! 

Connie

For some people, giving blood is a great thing, and I applaud you.  It doesn't seem to agree with me, so I think this will be a one-time deal.   I feel a little guilty about that, but I can't afford to lose this much time/energy every 2 months.

Ah, menopause!  I don't get the hot flashes (yay estrogen pills!), but I did get the bone loss.  Just found out, though, that the Fosamax I take to build 'em back up is working!  So I'm thinner AND stronger AND sturdier.  That's what I'm talking about!

Call me whatever you want - just don't call me late for dinner!

Hi girls! Well I am up another 2 lbs but really have been over indulging lately so I KNOW WHY!! I'll probably lose it REAL fast since I took my car in for service yesterday bought 4 new tires and just went ahead and filled it up with gas so ...who can afford food now!! LOL!Aly I have not tried flax seed but will do so. The black cohosh did not seem to help me a few years back but at that time I was in FULL SWING HOT HOT HOT and mean flashes! so it might work better these days as it isn't quite as severe. Quick recovery wishes for your daughter Aly! Momo I also weigh every day and that is  actually normal. I drink tons of water also and it still seems to be a fluctuation DUE to water weight. WHEN I was exercising I noticed more weight gains at times. Muscle weighs more so I wouldn't be too worried right now. Just keep staying in your calorie range and soon you will be pleasantly surprised at a good drop in those lbs! Hi Skn so glad to see you are back and thanks for the concerns about my old creeking bones! I am sooo much better these days. (other than the hot flashes). Jenny I can imagine that the cashier was worried that you might not have enough BUTTER!!!!! You guys would not believe how many cashiers when I go to buy cat food (for 5) how many times I hear "Do you have a cat" Well no this stuff makes a great casserole ....dumb@## or this is how I lost 40 lbs!!!!!! Axe glad to hear about those strong bones. I am concerned about that too!  On the call you anything ya want comment ya better be careful telling this group that sorta thing ......LOL! Will check in for comments later!   Oh sorry Suz hope you have a blast in NYC!! I think you need to get on Good Morning America and have a sign saying Hi to all the CC LOSERS!!!!!!!   Connie

Hi all!

My patient is slowly getting more independent. We have low blood pressure on my side of the family, so with the low amount of calories she has been consuming she is light headed a lot. I'll be thankful when I can get enough food down her that I can stop worrying about her standing up too fast and conking out on the floor!

The good news is that I have lost the 2-3 lbs I gained on the Seattle trip. I actually hit the lowest I have been since pregnancies! 125.6 to quote McDonalds: I'm loven it!

Sue, and Suz hope your trips are the best!

Jenny, My hubby is a Finn! his mom is called Mumu (mother) and his Grandmother was called aiti (pronounced I-T). His folks started school knowing no English, and when he was small, they used Finn as the adult language so the kids wouldn't know what they were saying! I always say my kids are half finish(ed). My side of the family is all British Isles pioneer stock, My Great grandfather walked the Oregon Trail, too young ride a horse, too old to ride in the wagon.

Momo, sodium is a land mine waiting to happen isn't it? grrr.

Axe, congrats on progress...those little steps are what keep us going!

Connie, We always knew you were hot stuff! I think we are finding that this maintaining business is harder than we (or at least I) thought! I find I have to think about what I eat and drink more than I thought I would.

Going to nap on the deck with my girl.

Alylou

Well I was up again today! But the good thing is, it was only a .2 increase. I'm glad it wasn't .4 again! OMGosh, I didn't want to see 180 on the scale. So now I'm 179.6, but if I average my weight for the week, it comes to 178.7. so that's not too bad.

Hoping my weight tomorrow (the last day in my week) is a good weigh in so I can maintain my 178.something average. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Thanx!

Check you all out tomorrow! Have to go for now! :)

Hi girls! I have lost my picture and can't figure out how to put another funny one up???? It won't do anything. HELP! Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. You must be cause NOBODY'S been here for a couple of days! Talk to ya in the a.m.  Signed ANONYMOUS CAT! lol

Connie, it looks we ALL have lost our pictures! Even my gallery is empty, must be a glitch at CC...hope they fix it soon.

Edit: We're back!

Hi all,

I'm 48.  5'3" and I need to lose 70 lbs.  Been dieting since I can remember.  I'm an emotional eater and if I can ever get that under control plus having age, heredity, and health issues working against me it's now a bigger challenge than ever.  I could use all the support I can get and will give all the support I can.  Right now I'm in the zone and focused.  Tomorrow will be my first weigh in since starting to use CC. 

178.8 was my average for last week. PHEW! Made it! lol My weight is still going up though. Weight today was 179.8. It stopped the .4 crap and is now going in .2 increments. Maybe it's stopping.....slowly! I don't know. Just need my average to go down this coming week.

Hello lucyalus! Welcome to the group!

I've been checking in to see if anyone has written after me and finally someone did! lol I'm always on throughout the day. Not much of a life! lol

Tomorrow I go to my pain mgt dr. Just hate that long ride there. And who knows how long I'll have to wait in the waiting room. Once I had a 4 hr wait! I had to keep standing up and walking around. It was awful! Hopefully I'll get in quick.

Greetings to all-
Guess I seem to be a regular slacker these days as my trips out to catch up with all of you have been rather sporadic.

Momo - I lived in a PA (as well as visiting in our recent family vkay) for a short stint too.  It was in Jacobus just south of York.  Loved the abbreviated winters there!!  Sorry to hear that the scale gods are being cruel to you this week, but your average at least was more kind. You need to speak up at your pain mgmt clinic and let them know that your time is important too.  A 4hr wait is NOT ACCEPTABLE!!  <grrrr> 

Alylou - Gee you get a little time to enjoy yourself and then you have to worry over the kids.  Hope they (and you) are all doing better now.

Axe - I was able to give blood regularly when I was younger but after having children my blood pressure seems to run too low (go figure on that one!).  I find that pretty much all the time, I need to get up slowly or that momentary blackness of low blood pressure almost puts me on my knees.

Connie - I just howled when I read your note about the cashier and cat food.  Well "here's your sign!!! as Jeff Foxworthy would say.

Welcome Luc or Lucy (you are part of the gang when your name gets bastardized)!!!  You will get lots of support and perhaps a little good humored ribbing from this group of losers.  I think you will really enjoy CC -- and hopefully us equally as well.

Well one more week of work then another week away from work when my 12yr old daughter and I go to New Orleans to help out.  My daughter is in D.C. right now, but get home late Thursday evening in time to have at least one good night of sleep before we have to catch a 6am flight out on Sat morning. Yeehaw!!!

Well I am off to bed shortly.  Hope everyone has a great start to their week.  I am actually not quite making it to work tomorrow -- doing some work on a habitat for humanity house -- work gives us up to 8hrs paid time to do some charity work each year, although I tend to do more than that...but diversity is nice, and there is a local habitat for humanity project going on so that seemed to be a very suitable endeavor!!
skn

Thanks!  What kind of pain are you dealing with?  I have a bulging disc in my back and neck.  Not fun.  I've been to the orthopedic (pills), pain management (more pills), Physical therapist (she almost did me in), chiropracter (scary pops) even though the new disc decompression equipment is amazing and really helped but boy was it expensive.  Right now I'm handling things with exercise, a great massage therapist, and if it gets too bad I'll return to the chiropractor.  I hope you get your pain taken care of. 

Hi my loser friends! Lucy I added you to my friends list. Thanks for the encouragement message! Is it our age or what ladies that we are all popping bones outta shape and popping pills down our throats!! Well I weighed in this a.m. (as I do every a.m.) I am 135 now 5 lbs heavier than a week ago or so...ugh! It's still ok truly but annoying. Thursday another EX is coming into town for a visit so naturally I'll just be holding onto water like a camel and probably get some sort of "puberty" zits between my eyes! BUT I still look a whole lot better than the last time he saw me.....RIGHT? MY ENCOURAGING GROUP??????  Hope all of you that weigh in on Mondays are smiling! Glad to see our pictures are back up. Yes I know I still haven't put my picture but swear I will do so as soon as I get someone to take a few of me ok??? Later Ladies!   Connie

Ok girls I didn't put any pictures of me but did put in some pictures (Gallery) so anyone curious..........  Connie

Good morning Connie,

I'm actually dreaming of 135 at this point. lol  I had my first weigh in this morning.  I lost 7.5 lbs.  I know that's mostly water but I was still amazed.  Have a light day everyone.  I'm starting my work day.