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Posted: 4 September 2008 03:19 pm |
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Hi, again
I'm back from my walk - about 6 miles today. I forgot a couple things earlier:
Fran, I definitely think you should keep track of your weight loss from your high point! 33 lbs!! You go, girl! 
Bert, it looks like we will have a lay over in Charlotte on 10-9 between 6:15 and 10pm. Let me know if you want to try to get together and if so, I will send you details via e-mail.
When you get a breath, Bert, let us know what is going on with you at work. Other than hiring someone, sounds like you're going crazy. Hang in there!
Anne
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 5 September 2008 10:41 am |
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Good Friday morning Spice Buddies.
Anne, nice job on that walk yesterday, sounds like you got it all under control. As far as spending money on food at restaurants first, I suggest you don't get a salad for a meal, get something you will really enjoy, trying to use some good judgement and then just eat half of it. I just tell myself when I leave half my food behind it's a waste but it's just a bigger waste if I put fuel in my body that it does not need and cannot use, either way it's a waste but if I don't eat it it's just a waste of food, if I do eat it it's a waste and it is detrimental to my body. So throwing half away is the better choice. Oh yeah, I find a lot of restaurants will let you order from the kids menu, some won't but at least around here most do. Some restaurants have awful choices for the the kids menu but many have the same food just smaller portions. So anyway for me at restaurants it's all about portion control and if I can choose something better and be just has happy then I do but I suggest when you're paying good money you need to be satisfied. All that said Mexican is tough, I try to go somewhere where I can get a protein and 2 veggies on the side but that's not always an option I know.
Bert, hope you week comes to an end soon and that next week is a little easier for you, stress is so detrimental to our health. I know it can't be avoided but it's nice when it's gone. I will hope for that to be very soon for you.
I have my nephew Jonathan, he is 5 for the week end and we are getting the remnants of Hanna so a 5 year old housebound for the week end...Sounds interesting. I think I will go on the Internet now and see if I can find some good activities.
Have a great week end guys and keep strong... We are the Mid Life Spicers!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 5 September 2008 12:45 pm |
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Hello Sexy Spices,
Well, it's Friday! Yeah!
I know it was a short week but dang, if it wasn't a tough one. For some reason the week after a 3 day weekend is always a bear. I'm glad we're closing this one down. Next week my new grandaughter will be here and we can't wait. Mary Ellen has a job interview this morning at 9:30 so please keep her in your prayers too.
I haven't been good this week. I exercised at the minimum and while I ate reasonably well, I was off my routine. I'm still where I was weight wise, a week ago. All things considered I guess it's ok. I have to hit it this weekend and work my butt off.
Anne, Mary Ellen and I would love to meet you and Ray at the airport on the 9th. You have my other email so send me the info when you can. Please include your cell # and I'll get you mine. This way we'll be able to find each other. 
Have a wonderful weekend, ladies.
Bert
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Hiker
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Posted: 5 September 2008 02:04 pm |
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Hey Bert, don't be so hard on yourself. You got some exercise in and you ate reasonably, maybe you weren't perfect but none of us are. It sounds to me like you did a good job in a stressful situation. Instead of beating yourself up, pat yourself on the back...it was a tough week and still you stayed reasonably on track  .
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 5 September 2008 02:06 pm |
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Thanks, Fran. I appreciate you. You too, Anne.
B
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Posted: 6 September 2008 03:05 pm |
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Hi, Spicers
I know you may not be checking in this weekend but I thought I'd say hi. Sorry I was AWOL yesterday. I had a shopping day in the BIG city - ha - left here at 8:45am and got back at 10:15 pm! Geez, I hate days like that. But I had alot of errands and things to do. I have been looking for a new camera - mine is broken and I want one for our vacation and the wedding next month. That took alot of time and I bought 2 to compare. I also bought a new TV. That may sound crazy, but we haven't had a TV, even to watch movies on, for about a year. I want my netflix back! Both Ray and I are horrible about shopping. When we "need" something, it can go that way forever because neither one of us wants to look. We also need a new car and we are having a standoff as to who needs to take responsibility for getting that - I really hope Ray will do it. We will get another Subaru - our current one is 11 years old and having some issues so we have decided to replace it before winter. So it's not doing alot of research, just making the move to get one! We are so bad.
Speaking of electronic purchases, do you guys find that things just don't last anymore? I take really good care of things and am a light user of electronics. Like, our TV was just over a year old when it bit the dust and we only used it once a week for watching movies. And my camera was just over a year old too. I also have a dvd player that does not seem to be working right. So what is going on? I never used to have all these issues. My personal opinion is that manufacturing quality in China sucks. Here we have lost all mfg capability in this country and the place we have sent it to can't do it reliably! Yesterday when I bought all this stuff, I also purchased extended warranties - first time in my life I have ever done that. I always thought they were a waste of money but my recent experience has been so bad that I decided to do it!
Oh well, enough of that. I did really well eating yesterday but skipped dinner so when I got home (late), I ate. It wasn't the best stuff and although I didn't have much, the end result was that my weight did not go down like I thought it would have given the light food day overall. Well, so far this week, I'm down a little more than 2 lbs but still 6 lbs away from what I would like to lose this month.
It sounds like you are both doing well. Bert, even though you may be the same so far this week, you are watching it and that is so important in maintenance; not to let things go too far astray. It's kind of a different mindset from losing to maintaining but I think you should give yourself a pat on the back. Even if you didn't lose the couple of pounds you gained, you did not gain any more and you are still going to lose them!
onward and downward,
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 8 September 2008 10:30 am |
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Good morning Spicettes. Hope you both had good week ends. I had a great time with my nephews but I hate a few too many sweets. Nothing terrible but more than I should have.
Anne, I'm like you about shopping for most things, I have needed a new laptop for like a year but I haven't gotten around to it. And don't even mention the time it took me over a year to buy a vacuum cleaner. Oh yeah....and the floors we did in July....still not area rugs. Haven't even looked  . The one thing I am different than you is buying cars... I love the haggling! I'm not satisfied until the car salesperson is crying  . Once my son, who is not made of the same stuff actually said "Jeez Mom, the have to eat too you know". Of course my response was "maybe so but not on my money". I don't know what it is about buying cars....I love the whole process.
Well I'm off to a busy week so I may not talk as much as usual, what a relief for you guys .
Onward and downward!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 8 September 2008 01:01 pm |
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Good morning my spicey pals,
Good weekend over all. We celebrated 34 years of marraige and didn't go way off on the eating. I worked out Saturday and Sunday too; an hour on the bike each day. I'll weigh in tomorrow.
Anne, I don't shop. I buy. If I go into a place and don't see what I want in the first 10 minutes, I'm outta there. I do my research before I go into the store.
I can't say I've had bad luck with electronics though. I have a Sony single CD player that I've had over 10 years and I bought it from one of my son's friends for $50. We don't have a digital camera but we'll have one by Christmas and we're getting a Canon. I've found that it's worth it to spend a bit more and get a good brand. I drive my cars until they have about 165M miles. My guitars are high end, and my TV I've had for at least 5 years. I do have an issue with my computer at home though. I have a Dell and it's been great but lately its gotten really slow. I think there's a way to make it faster but I'm not knowledgeable about those things so I'll have to get a hold of some of our IT folks at work. I think it has something to do with cookies and we all know how those cans screw up your life.
Fran, when I'm ready to buy a car will you please come down here as my agent? You can stay with us and we'll treat you like royalty!
This should be a great week. Work is leveling off a bit now and our grandaughter is due on Wednesday. My daughter in law will be induced Wednesday PM so we'll stay with the little guy while they're at the hospital.
Have a great day!!
Bert
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Hiker
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Posted: 8 September 2008 04:30 pm |
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Wish I could. I do the car buying for my family and friends. I don't know what it is about it that I like so much....I guess just feeling like I won. Of course sometimes people aren't pateint....you really got to let those sales people think you couldn't care less about thier cars. . Too bad I couldn't make a living doing that.
Congratulations on 34 years!
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Posted: 8 September 2008 05:25 pm |
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So, it's Fran "Let's Make a Deal" Spicette! I have never actually negotiated on a car. I have always purchased cars through someone who works in the auto industry at employee price (I grew up in Detroit and have family members in that business). On a new car, that is typically dealer cost. On a demo car, it is a price established by the company. Either way, there is no haggling - it's just take it or leave it. I have heard stories about people getting cars below dealer cost - I'm not sure if they do or not. I know that dealers tend to have all those add ons and by the time you get to the end, I don't know if it would be a better deal or not.
Bert, my car has 160,000 miles on it. I was really hoping we could get at least 200K but it looks like we won't make it. On the shopping, I kind of know what you mean about shopping vs. buying but to me, shopping includes all the time spent online doing research and that can take forever. I was in a buying mode last Friday but I had spent hours on line before that point! I am somewhat skeptical about consumer reviews because most of those are done within days of buying the product. Very few people update the review if they end up having a problem after 6 months, for example. My camera that went dead after 14 months was a Konica Minolta - very nice camera. Sony ended up acquiring Konica Minolta and so I had to go through Sony for service. They wanted $180 just to LOOK at the camera - they called it their "minimum repair charge". I was outraged. So now, I do not buy Sony even though I know many people think they are great. I figure sometimes you have to vote with your pocketbook!
Congratulations on 34 years of marriage!! How many kids do you have? It is very exciting to get a new grandbaby - do you know if it is a boy or girl? I am always amazed when I see a brand new baby how small they are. I tend to forget that in between times when I don't see one for awhile. I am jealous; I would love to have another grandchild but two is all I am going to get. That's OK though - I really couldn't ask for more! I hope you really enjoy the new baby.
One of the most exciting moments of my life was when my granddaughter was born and we went to see her in the hospital on the second day (it took that long to get there). My grandson was 3 at the time and we were told that he wasn't warming up to the new baby at all. He had not called her by name; had not wanted to hold her, etc. When we got to the hospital, the family was all there. The new baby was totally wrapped up in blankets and you could only see her little face. I sat down with her in a chair so that she was at my grandson's eye level (vs. being on the bed). Then I started unwrapping her blanket to look at her little hands and feet - he had never seen these before and I think this was his first thought that she actually a little person. He became interested in looking at her and came over to the chair where I pointed out all her little tiny baby parts. Then I showed him how she wanted to hold his finger because she loved her big brother so much. Soon he was in the chair with us, wanting to hold her and kiss her and he was announcing to every person who walked by in the hall that he had a new baby sister. It was really an amazing experience to see that.
Recently I met a woman who told me that she had NEVER held a baby - she was about my age. She didn't seem in the slightest bit concerned by this. Personally, I think baby holding is something everyone should experience. Oh well, I could go on and on about babies but we are really here to lose weight, right!! I almost forgot!
I hope you both have a great and low calorie day!
Anne
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 8 September 2008 06:06 pm |
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Feet! I love baby feet. They're the cutest things in the world.
I have two kids. My son is 31 and my daughter is closing in on 28. He's the one with the grandson and our granddaughter to be. Our grandson is 3 so your story is timely. I passed it on to him just in case the little guy is resentful.
Fran, you could do that for a living. People hate to buy cars. That's why Carmax came into existence.
B
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Hiker
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Posted: 8 September 2008 06:20 pm |
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Yeah, CarMax is okay but you can do better. As for deals below dealer cots--I'm not a big believer in getting that good a deal but if someone can, I say go for it. Actaully prices are pretty low right now so it's tougher to get a good deal but good luck and I am sure you will do fine. The easist method, just play one dealer agains antoher and if they don't want to play that game go somewhere else!
I'm with you guys, nothing like a baby, hey let's face it the literally are our future. Of course my favorite age in the world is 4, it just seems to me at that age they are still all love and trust but able to express themselves and be a little independant. I think that is why I love dogs--I tell people it's like having a 4 year old for 20 years!
Bert, enjoy your newest, as you know they grow all too quickly.,
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 9 September 2008 10:51 am |
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Hi Spicey Ones.
It's 6:45 and I have already started my dinner--in the crock pot of course. I'm trying something new, it's suppose to be an Indian type dish, it's kidney bean stew. I am trying to have one day a week when the main course is beans which I actually like but then I have to find something to go with them. I figured I'd get some naan bread to have with this one. I don't think, as breads go, it is too bad calories wise but I'll check it out first.
I did something to my tendon(?) yesterday when I was doing my morning stretches and I couldn't walk yesterday and it doesn't look too good for today. I just got a watch style heart monitor and I'm dying to try it out but it probably won't be for at least a few days. I was doing some stretches and I heard two loud snaps, it did not sound good and it really hurt for a few minutes. Now it's just a dull ache, especially if I walk so I guess I'm down for a few days. Now the challenge is not to eat instead of exercising .
Have a good day guys.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 9 September 2008 01:44 pm |
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Fran,
Give yourself some time to heal whatever you did to yourself. A sports injury can compound itself and you may make matters worse if you hit the exercise hard too soon.
Please be careful.
Have a good day, my pals.
Bert
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Posted: 9 September 2008 03:03 pm |
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Hello Spice Banditos,
Fran, that snapping doesn't sound good. I think we all agree you need to give that a rest and maybe get yourself to a doctor if you don't notice any improvement. I can empathize with your frustration. Here you are on an roll and even have a new heart rate monitor (got that with your b-day money, right?) and now you have to mend. Very annoying indeed!
Bert, only one more day before baby time. Oh boy - or girl in this case!
I did pretty well yesterday. Actually, I have been doing pretty well in general but on Sunday I gained two pounds - I hope it was just water retention or something like that. Anyway, I need to really string these good days together so I can get to my new goal by the end of the month!!
I have a huge amout of traveling planned for October and November. I don't like to travel for work - days are very long and of course, you are totally out of your routine. It seems that no matter how hard I try, I always come back with extra weight. Just what was hoping for before the holidays!! Anyway, I have three personal trips (school reunion, vacation and a wedding) and five business trips in that time period (LA, San Fran, NYC, DC, Chicago). Oh, then I am also stringing a couple of those trips into weekends where I will visit family / friends and I didn't count those. I am going to be very grumpy! I guess I will just have to accept that travel WILL be my routine for those couple months and I have to live with that.
Onward and downward!
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 9 September 2008 04:31 pm |
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Thanks for the support guys, as always, you've helped me put it in perspective.
Anne, sounds like a rough couple of months, I totally agree with you on traveling for work. You just can't control when and what you eat the same way you can at home. You wouldn't be were you are today if you hadn't learned some good techniques to deal with these issues though so just keep doing what you've been doing and remember Bert and I are here for moral support...and maybe an idea or two.
Bert, enjoy your little sweetheart.
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Posted: 10 September 2008 05:18 pm |
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Well, good morning!
Just a quick note to say hi. It is cold and drizzly here today - I just couldn't seem to make myself get out for my morning walk. I can't wait till the drywallers are out of here and I get my cross trainer back! It snowed in the mountains overnight. I can see it through the clouds but once it clears, it will be beautiful. This is nearing the end of hiking season already.
No weight loss yesterday. Oh well.
How is that tendon feeling, Fran? Bert, are you going to be out for awile on baby duty?
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 11 September 2008 10:31 am |
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Good morning guys, actually I think it's just you and me Anne for a few days. I think Bert is off enjoying that baby.
Boy, snow in the mountains already, you do get it early. We probably won't get any snow, even in the mountains for a few more weeks. I know what you're saying about getting motivated on a drizzly day...it is so hard. I have been struggling to get out of bed, now that's it's a little cooler and dark I just want to snuggle in for another hour or two. Time to get those crock pots fired up!
My computers where down yesterday..what a day, but I am up and running today and my computer is running better than ever.
My tendon seems to be healing but from what I've heard it will be very slow. I have walked a mile and it hurts a little but it really doesn't seem to make it any worse. Today I am going to do 2 miles and see how it works out.
Oh, I know you deal with a lot of dental issues so I have to tell you. I had to change dentists (mine retired after I was with him for 30 years  ) anyway this is my second attempt at finding a new one and this one I think may be a keeper. He uses laser to drill, maybe that's common but I had never had it done. It is fantastic, no Novocain, no pain whatsoever! I don't get a lot of cavities but I do have a lot of really old filings and sometimes they have to be replaced so I was thrilled to discover this technique.
Well have a good day and if those clouds are gone, get out and enjoy the beauty of those snow capped mountains! I am so jealous.
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Posted: 11 September 2008 05:21 pm |
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Hi, Fran,
I don't know why Bert would think that a new baby is more fun that our forum!
I have never experienced laser drilling! No novacaine sounds great! I'll have to ask about it. I thought I was in a high tech office because they have online x-rays but I can see I'm missing much more.
The weather cleared yesterday and so I did get out for a walk in the evening; then I went again this am. It is harder though when it does not get light until 7am. And it's dark again by 8pm!
I am finally back down to where I was before the labor day weekend - but that is going on two weeks! Man, this can be tough sometimes. My new food scale is not working either - it does not register any weight. So I can put a big steak on there, key in the code for beef and it comes up with zero calories. Now, maybe that's a scale I should hold on to!
Glad to hear you are able to get back to a little exercise.
Anne
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 September 2008 10:29 am |
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Good morning Anne.
Yeah, some people (like Bert) are weird...they would rather snuggle with a baby than spend time on a weight loss forum. Go figure huh  .
Congratulations on getting back to where you want to be with your weight ! I think the fact that it is such a struggle just goes to show us how important it is to stay on top of this which is exactly what you did. You saw it right away and addressed it so in two weeks your golden again. I know in the old days I would just have ignored a small gain until it was something more and then I would be overwhelmed.
Have you gotten a dress for the wedding yet? How about the reunion...now there's the place you can make a lot of those girls you didn't like anyway really jealous. Unless you liked everyone in high school or is it a college reunion. Now that just put a funny thought in my head, there were so many girls I didn't like in high school but not college...hmmm, I guess that is where you learn to ignore those who are unimportant to you. I knew it happened but until just now I didn't realized when. Boy the things you learn here.
So far this week my weight has held or gone up a little although I have been sticking to my calories. Guess I'll have to be vigilant this week end. Of course my son who works at Olive Garden brought home two huge steaks, apparently someone ordered them and then there felt ill and left before they were even cooked. My son is a vegetarian so he brought them home for the dogs....I don't think so, they are like $15.00 steaks. I guess I'll have a 1/2 and save the other half for later, or maybe the dogs can get that half.
Well have a good week end I plan to go down to AAA and see if I can plan a week end trip to Canada for Columbus day week end. This will sound weird but we need to use our passports before they expire, Frank was born in Japan so if he looses his it is a nightmare to get back. I think we get our passport stamped now when you go into Canada, I hope so otherwise I guess it's Mexico which for us is a long trip.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 September 2008 01:16 pm |
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Good morning, honorary Spice Nanas,
Wow! What a past couple of days. First things first! Little Evelyn Clair made the scene on 9/11 at 12:38 am. Coming in at 8 lbs 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches, she's no shrimp but what a cutie. Looks just like her brother only with fuller cheeks. Mom, baby, dad and big brother are doing fine. Nana and grandpa are pooped!
Also, Mary Ellen got a job and starts Monday! Praise God for all things. This week, as well as the past several, have been an emotional roller coaster. Naturally, we didn't do very well with the eats. Had our favorite pizza Wednesday night and chips last night. I did get back on the bike this morning though and hit it for an hour. Sauteed salmon tonight with a big salad !
Fran, please let that foot heal. It's really easy to let yourself think it's ok when it's still weak. Please be careful.
Anne, I'm looking forward to seeing you in the next couple of weeks. It will be great!
Gotta go. Take a day and a half off and you have 64 emails. 
I love you spicers.
Grandpa Spice.
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Posted: 12 September 2008 10:19 pm |
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Ah, well, glad to hear that the new baby and family are doing well! I know they come smaller than 8 lbs 11 oz, but that is still so tiny! All the cute little clothes!! Maybe it won't take as long for her to start sleeping through the night. How is her big brother doing? Do you get to hold her much, Bert? I know that sometimes grandmas don't share very well. I feel really sorry for my brother in law; I don't think he ever gets to hold his granddaughter because my sister is really bad.
Tell us about Mary Ellen's job. It must be a little scary to go into a new office after two bad experiences. Does she know much about this one? I hope it really works out well for her!
Fran, I wish I was your dog. Cuddling on the couch, long walks, steak dinners. Yep, I could get used to it, alright! I am really good at fetching the paper!
I don't understand the passport thing. A US passport expires in 10 years regardless of whether you use it. Are you just trying to get a trip in before you have to renew? I do like the Maritime provinces of Canada and Newfoundland - very quaint. Do you know where you are going?
I did "get" a dress for the wedding. Actually, it is about 10 years old but I like it and I didn't find anything else I liked nearly as well. So, I took it to be altered about a week ago. She is going to take it in and change the sleeves. It is a black dress with a flowy skirt and spaghetti straps and then it has a gold and black long sleeve lace top that is over the dress and drops down just below the waist.
Have a great weekend!
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 13 September 2008 01:03 am |
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Anne, how great you "found" a dress and it has to be taken in. Nothing better than treasures in your own closet unless it's finding treasures in your closet that are too big !
Yeah, about the passport thing...Frank was confused he heard if you didn't use it within 5 years it would expire and you would have to apply for a whole new one. A little research on the computer told me that was not right. but anyway, we were in the travel mode and we are now going to Cancun for 3 days in October, we're going to do one of those all inclusive deals. I've never tried one before but I'm hoping it works out. And I am going to have to get a new bathing suit. I am down to a size 12 and my size 12 bathing is 12 years old and really out of style so I guess I will just have to sacrifice and get a new one .
My dogs are spoiled but as much as I spoil them they are pretty well behaved because I hate poorly behaved dogs, I know of one woman whose dog would actaully bite her if she didn't give him what he wanted! I will assure you that isn't going on in my house. I will admit mine do jump on people and I have tried everything every book and/or dog trainer has ever recommended but they still do it. I think it is because when I try to correct them people always say...oh, that's all right. For the most part because they are small people think it's cute, makes training much harder. Otherwise they toe the line most of the time, I do love having them.
Bert, it must be great to have that new little girl, girls and grandpa's are a great combination. Go ahead and spoil her all you want, she will remember it the rest of her life. That's what Grandparents do. She is certainly sounds like a good healthy little girl, what more could you ask for.
Have a great weekend Spicettes!
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Posted: 13 September 2008 03:19 am |
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Fran, how exciting to go to Cancun! I have never been there so you'll have to tell us what it's like! I really like shopping for bathing suits! The place where I have been successful in the past is Newport News - they have alot of different styles and they are not overly expensive. My big problem is that I like a one piece and it is hard to find them long enough but you should be OK. If you spend $100 or more on bathing suit, it may be higher quality but I never find that they last all that long anyway. I can easily make a $30 bathing suit last two seasons and I can't make a $100 bathing suit last 5 or 6 years!
Bert, you are probably wondering if you want to come back with all the dress and bathing suit talk! But you MUST! We are the three Spices!
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 13 September 2008 06:08 pm |
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Anne (and Bert if you can bear anymore bathing suit talk ) I found a great bathing suit at Lands End which is usually pricey but being the end of the year I got a great deal. You are right about a $30.00 suit lasting long enough. Like I think I mentioned, I had mine from 10 years ago and they are still fine but so out of style it's sad. I ended up getting a tankini....I have no idea how I am going to like that but I thought it would work out well, the coverge of a one piece, the comfort of a two piece. Or so I am told, we'll see.
Thanks for the help.
OK Bert, it's safe to come back.
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nifty55
New Member
| Joined: | 9 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 7 |
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Posted: 14 September 2008 07:09 pm |
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Hi Hiker,
I was just reading through this group's member postings. Would it be okay if I invite myself to join your group? I'm a 55 year old female, have let my weight creep up over the years. I'm very short (only 5 ft even) and have a small frame. What this means is that if I am 10 lbs over weight it looks and feels like I am 20 lbs over weight. Right now I am 28 lbs over weight (feels and looks like 56 lbs over weight).
My doctor really came down on me about my high cholestrol and high blood pressure so I'm now following the DASH diet per his advice. I started a walking program and I walk 5 miles per day 5 days per week. I went on my first long hike yesterday (11 miles in 3.5 hours) and I really enjoyed it! I'm anxious to do it again and would like to start out by doing it twice monthly. I have a dream-goal of running one of these days. I came accross a video clip on the AARP website of an 85 year old marathon runner and she became my new hero! I also quit smoking not quite a year ago and of course, this is the main reason for my weight gain. I was 33 lbs over weight but lost 6 lbs right away and then gained back 1 lb. I have been stuck at this weight for a while so last week I added an all natural herbal dietary supplement called Herbal Lite on the advice of a co-worker that lost 85 lbs.
Let's see what else can I tell you?...I recently relocated to Arizona, moving from Montana and my husband and I still own a home there in Montana. We have 4 adult children, 5 grandchildren (1 set of 13 year old twin girls, and one special needs granddaughter). We currently have 1 older mixed breed dog, 1 cat, 1 African Grey Parrot, 1 mule and 1 horse in our family. I used to ride quite a bit but haven't ridden much lately.
Hope you decide to allow me to join your group. I've certainly enjoyed reading your group's postings. Thanks and hope to chat soon, Nifty55
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pbf4326e
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Posted: 15 September 2008 12:46 pm |
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Hi Spicey ones,
Back at it today. What a weekend. Got to see our little princess. I sent photos.
You two really spoil dogs. I give them food, water and take them out. They have air conditioning, stay inside and comfortable all day. The beagle had diarreha all weekend and left deposits all over the dining room carpet.  What gratitude!!
OK, ladies, I want to see all these photos of you in your new bathing suits. You've been talking about them so much, I must!! I have a new Speedo thong and I'll send you shots of that OK, now that you've lost breakfast, I'll stop.
Cancun, eh? Fran, I'm not sure you're gonna like it. There's nothing to do there but lay around, eat, drink, soak up the sun, shop,swim, go out dancing at night, sleep late and do it all over again the next day. It took us three trips there to finally learn that's all it had to offer. You'll have a ball. If you need some key Spanish phrases let me know and I'll get them to you.
Mary Ellen begins today at her new job. She's gun shy as you might imagine, but her new boss seems like a pretty good guy. He called her on Sunday just to tell her that he's looking forward to her beginning and wanted to know if there was anything he could do for her. That's encouraging. Time will tell. Please keep her in your prayers. She is nervous, as you might expect.
Anne, I'm glad you found clothes to wear. I'm out. Mary Ellen and I went through all my stuff on Saturday and it was a good feeling to get rid of all those fat clothes. We're giving them to a veterans organization. I did keep some pants though just as a reminder of where I was and where I don't want to return. Mary Ellen started laughing at one point and said that when they pick them up, the guy will most likely think "Oh, this poor woman must have just lost her husband and is clearing out his closet." She only lost 100 lbs of him
Have a great day, ladies!!!
I love 'ya!
Bert
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Hiker
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Posted: 15 September 2008 12:59 pm |
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Weclome Nifty, you will find we are a fun bunch I think although we do get off diet talk sometimes, that what keep us coming back I think.
Bert, sounds like your dogs have a good life too, take that beagle along on your next bike ride, he will love it and my theory is a "a tired dog is a good dog" and we all want good dogs. As for the issue this week end...eeewww, that is one of the bad things about owing a dog or cat or even a bird.
I got though another birthday this week end...I think I have mentioned my weakness for cake and ice cream but I was really good, I had a very small piece of cake and I skipped the ice cream but before you think I was too good...I skipped the ice cream so I could have it today instead!
Bert, margaritta is the same in Spanish as English? If so I think I know all the Spanish I am going to need. Acutally I am glad to know there is a lot too do, I like the beach but enough is enough now dancing sounds like fun. Around here there is no place (except weddings) to dance, so they actaully still dance in the clubs there? I can't dance and neither can Frank but we still love to try!
Anne, when is the wedding? I think you and I may be missing in action the same week end, I am gone Oct 10th -13th, isn't that the same timeframe you are meeting up with Bert on your way to the wedding?
Talk to you later.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 01:06 pm |
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Hi Nifty,
Welcome. We talk about food and weight but it's not our whole life as you can see. It's only a part of it and as such, we are learning to make it a small part and put it in its place. For us, and many others on the forums, food really took over and was the mojor focus in life. No more!! There's much more to life than food.
Where in AZ do you live? I have a long time friend in Sierra Vista. I'm going to visit him in October. I love AZ.
We might dub you Sandy Spice.
Bert
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 01:09 pm |
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Fran,
Cake and ice cream on your B-day is great!!! Do you remember the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland? The Mad Hatter and company always celebrated the "Un-birthday." Their logic was that we only have one B-day but we all have 364 Un-Birthdays. The problem lies in eating cake and ice cream on all the Un-Birthdays. I hope you had a great one!
B
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 03:20 pm |
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| Actaully it wasn't my birthday, it was my sons, I guess I wasn't clear, anyway, it was an "unbirthday" so no cake and ice cream . I love it, unbirthdays...great idea.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 03:23 pm |
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And a very merry un-birthday to you!!!
Bert
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Posted: 15 September 2008 05:57 pm |
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Hi, guys!
Just so you know, I don't have any dogs - or animals - I just want to be Fran's dog. I figure you can't be totally free in life unless you have no job, no house, no plants and no animals! Gee, I hate to reveal that about myself but my happiest days were traveling around the world with nothing to tie me down!
Bert, tell Mary Ellen that we are wishing her best of luck in her new job! I think it is a good sign that the dentist called. The head of the office always sets the tone for things.
Nifty, I see that Bert suggested the nickname of Sandy Spice for you. I like it but then I also thought of Prickly Spice (after the AZ cactus). I guess you will have to choose! Bert, I'm not sure I can remember our nicknames - although I do remember that you are Shrinking Spice. Oh, I remember now Tiny Spice and Svelte Spice! Well, I never did think that Svelte described me well (oh how I wish it did) and now we have Nifty who is shorter than Fran. Hmm...
BTW, in October I will be gone much of the time - basically 10-1 to 10-21 with only a few days that I am home. I will still try to stay online but it will be a little more sporadic. I also have alot of trips in November.
Bye for now,
Anne
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 06:11 pm |
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I thought of Prickly Spice too but I don't know Nifty well enough yet.
We could also go with:
Desert Rose Spice, Dry Heat Spice, Diamondback Spice, Tucson Spice ( like that but I don't know where you are), and my personal favorite, Chili Pepper Spice!
B
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 06:14 pm |
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Anne, I can see the advantage to no dog but I couldn't be happy, I tried, after my Lasha apso died, at the age of 15 I swore no more dogs....that lasted all of 3 months. Actaully it was kind of nice, it was my only real time without a dog and then I knew...I will never be happy without one, no matter how much work or inconvience and they can be a lot of both I just love having them. I did tell Frank you wanted to be one of our dogs and why... he got a kick out of that.
Nifty, looks like you are going to have to choose a nickname.
Last edited on 15 September 2008 06:15 pm by Hiker
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nifty55
New Member
| Joined: | 9 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 7 |
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Posted: 15 September 2008 07:53 pm |
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Hi Bert,
Sandy Spice, eh...I like it! I live in Prescott Valley, AZ. Fran has already warned me that she is not someone to get recipes from. :) As for me, I go through periods -- like around the holidays -- when I love to cook and then I got through periods where cooking is just a chore for me. I think it's seasonal, from living in Montana where cooking in the winter is great but cooking in the summer is not so great. :)
Chat with you all later, Sandy Spice (aka Nifty55)
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 September 2008 08:03 pm |
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Ah, you're really in God's country. Very close to Sedona. My wife and I were in AZ two years ago and did the Grand Canyon, Colo. River, Sedona, Tombstone, etc. I've been going out there on and off since the early 80's on business and pleasure. It's a great state.
I've never been to Montana but would like to go one day. Why'd you guys move?
Bert
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 September 2008 11:13 am |
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Good morning Svelte, Shrinking and Sandy Spice!
Today was my official weigh in day and there is good news and bad news. The bad news (always like that first) is I only lost .4 last week, I'm currently at 150.7. But if you remember I do my weekly weight as an average so those numbers reflect the average loss. The good news is this morning for the first time in more than a decade the second number on the scale was a 4! I haven't been in the 140's since 1995 so even though my loss wasn't great this week just seeing that number this morning put me in a more positive mood.
Yesterday I used my heart rate monitor and something is weird, Frank tried it too so I know it's not the monitor but when I am just walking my usual walk I am up in the 65-70% range, this is where I should be for a 45 minute session but at that range I am not even breathing hard AT ALL. It is like nothing, it is the range I can walk for 20 miles in. Now I also did a walk/jog earlier and got as high as 170 which is over 100%, at that I was breathing hard and sweating some but I was fine and could keep going. So anyway now I am confused if I should kick it up or not. Maybe a call to my cardiologist...although how receptive he would be is another question.
So how is everyone else doing. Anne, I know you are back where you want to be and Bert, you're at goal--how is maintainance going?
Bert, did Mary Ellen start her new job yet?
Nifty, 5 miles every day?? I'm impressed. Is it fairly flat where you are? Sorry I am geographically challenged. I only ask because I hike the White Mountains and it takes me 6-7 hours to hike 7 miles so 11 in 3.5 is amazing to me.
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 September 2008 12:09 pm |
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Hi ladies,
Fran, outstanding on the loss. I think it's good to do the bad news first. Get it out of the way and all you have ahead of you is positive stuff.
I'm doing fine on maintenance. I've been up, down and all around but as of this morning I'm at 189 lbs. That's 101 lbs gone!!! I'll have my official weigh in tomorrow and report on the challenge. So far so good.
I'm wondering about your heart rate. As I sit here at my desk, my pulse is at 66. I don't think that's bad. I just got in the office and have been to the breakroom for water and back. When I got in, I parked at the bottom of the lot, walked to the building and up the large flight of stairs. All things considered, not too bad. When I'm home lying on the couch I'm at 60.
When I'm on the stationary bike and kicking it, I can be at 150/min. I don't know what 100% is or what it's supposed to be but I don't worry about it. I like to push myself a bit and l don't think I'm doing any harm. If I get really winded or feel bad I just back off. So far so good. Fran, you may want to consider a stress test but unless you've had any heart issues, you're most likely fine. I'm no doctor though.
I've figured my calories for the day, up until I leave the office and I'll be at 916. That leaves plenty of room for whole grain pasta, sauce and turkey sausage for dinner. I may have a salad too.
Have a great spicey ones.
I love 'yas!
Bert
P.S. Now that I've calmed a bit, I'm back to 60 beats per min. Life is good.
Last edited on 16 September 2008 12:10 pm by pbf4326e
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 September 2008 12:51 pm |
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| Bert, I did have a stress test and I htink I am probably fine....I must just have a fast heart rate, I even did the check first thing in the morining, before I even got out of bed and I was at 70 bpm, during the day I am in the mid to upper 80's for the most part. I guess I'm just not as calm as you .
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 September 2008 12:53 pm |
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What a great opportunity then to have Frank do a few more things for you around the house.
B
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Posted: 16 September 2008 03:22 pm |
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Hello Spice Warriors,
Congrats to you both, Fran and Bert! You both moved into the next bracket down! I hope to be able to join in the fun some day!
I really have not been doing very well. I am maintaining my loss but my goal has been to lose another 8 lbs and I have only lost 2 so far. I am struggling and doing the nibbling thing. That is constantly an issue for me - I really need strength from God! As an example, yesterday I was pretty unsettled by the financial markets. I don't usually get overly concerned about a bear market - I have seen a number of them and things have always come back so being a long term investor, I don't worry about that. But this is the first time in my life where the fundamentals of the global financial system are crumbling and I am very, very concerned. So I started the grazing thing. I don't know why - the stock market does not improve because I eat. I don't feel better because I eat. It is just a "reaction". Given that I recognize it, you would think I could just stop but unfortunately, it does not seem that easy. I think the only reason my weight has not gone up is because I'm not eating that much junk (a little) but it is still extra calories. If I was chunking down chips, I'd be in trouble.
Only two more weeks before I leave to go to the reunion. I don't think I'll make the 6 lbs. 
Fran, I used a heart rate monitor for awhile. The intention was to find the "fat burn" zone. Like you, I found that to be way too easy and although they say that is a good zone to be in, I decided to wait on that until I'm 80 or so. So I crank it up to get the heart rate going.
Anne
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nifty55
New Member
| Joined: | 9 September 2008 |
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| Posts: | 7 |
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Posted: 16 September 2008 05:55 pm |
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Why did we move from Montana...now that is a good question. Actually, my husband has been bugging me for a long time to leave those harsh winters behind. He was born and raised there, but we lived outside Montana during his time in the service. Then back to Montana. Our friends needed help with their business in Arizona, and so I gave in and here we are in Arizona. We do have some mountains around us, but not like back home. I have been to Sedonna and just love that area. That would be a dream retirement place!
My 5 mile morning walk is not that challenging (yet), but considering just how out of shape I am it is right where I need to be for now. The longer hike from Saturday was really great though and I plan to try to repeat it this coming Saturday.
My weigh in this week was disappointing (no loss/no gain), so I've been thinking about adding an evening walk to see if this will help get my stubborn metabolism going.
What is this about Fran heading for Mexico? I have not been to Cancun but I have been to some of the border towns a long, long time ago. Enjoy your trip. I hear it's a great place.
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 September 2008 10:26 am |
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Good morning Spicettes.
Yesterday was a pretty good day for me in that it was a very stressful day and I didn't reach for food, the part that is really good is I didn't even think about it which for me is huge. Since I've been watching I have been pretty strong at fighting the urges but just this morning I realized that as bad a day as it was I didn't really have the urge to grab something to eat. Giant step for me.
Anne, thanks for the info on the market, I haven't played it yet but I listen to NPR all the time (I spend a lot of the time in the car) and I usually like there reporting, it seems to be fair handed and informative. I suppose it may be a little on the liberal side...but hey, I'm from Massachusetts, .
Nifty, Montana sounds like a place I would love to visit someday, I think it's all those old cowboy movies (which I still watch) that has made it intriguing.There you go....how about Montana for our weight loss reunion? It would be convenient for no one!
Looks like we're all in a little mini slump, Bert is up and down (which is good on maintenance, Anne you want to loose a little more quickly, Nifty had a even week and I only lost .4. Guess that means we (or at least the 3 girls) need to kick it up a notch this week! Let's go Spicers!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 September 2008 12:46 pm |
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Good morning Spicenators,
I hope you all slept well. I slept pretty well last night and got up and did an hour on the bike. Yeah!!! I did have whole wheat pasta and turkey Italian sausage for dinner though. Oh, and a bourbon.
Anne, I'll look at what you sent later today. As for your worries, check the Good Book for Matthew 6:25-34. I'm not preaching but it may give you some comfort.
Fran, are there liberals in Massachusettes?????
Ladies, I'll meet anywhere for a meeting out west. Give me room, lotsa room, under stary skies above. Don't fence me in.
Stay stong today, Spice goddesses.
I love 'yas!!
Bert
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Hiker
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 September 2008 03:06 pm |
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| Yup, we've been known to have one or two.
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Posted: 17 September 2008 03:29 pm |
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OK, but just so you know, this NPR thing on the financial markets does not have a liberal stance, or a conservative one. It is just a pretty clear picture of what happened. I am a finance person and I find the subject very complicated beyond the high level stuff. This program covered it in a very understandable way, I thought.
A new day, a new opportunity to lose weight! I have not exercised yet today due to early am meetings but I will get out. Ray told me yesterday that the walk from the road up to our house - which is a mile and 300 ft vertical - burns 600 calories for a guy his size (180 lbs). I find that hard to believe so I'm going to have to check it out. I was also pressed for time yesterday but did the walk twice - once in the am, once after dinner for a total of 4 miles. Not great, but better than nothing. I do go pretty fast which is a good workout on the uphill side.
onward and downward!
Anne
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Hiker
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Posted: 17 September 2008 04:26 pm |
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Anne, Ray could be right, my driveway is like 250' almost straight up and I know my heartrate goes up 20 bpm just from the bottom to the top.
BTW, I didn't mean the thing you sent us was liberal, sorry it might have come out wrong. Actaully I think NPT is pretty fair.
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anned
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Posted: 17 September 2008 04:30 pm |
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| No problem, I don't think liberal is a dirty word anyway!!
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pbf4326e
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 September 2008 05:39 pm |
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Not a 4 letter one anyway.
B
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