SBO

[doghouse]

I am back hopefully on track.. please
Ex: 40 min walk
B: 1 egg, 1 large tomato, 1/4 mushrooms
MS: 1 pear
L: broccoli, slice of cheese
AS: 1T pumpkin seeds, 1 orange
D: chicken breast poached, cauliflower and courgette in skimmed milk cheese sauce (more legal than it sounds!!)
ES: apple or similar

[PaulaB]

Good afternoon everyone, whew! I’m back. Work is supposed to be quieter in the summer, but not so around here. Deadlines keep looming and the phone just doesn’t stop with its incessant interruptions. I’m going on vacation for a week this Friday so I’m attempting to get 8 days work done in 5 days. At least I don’t bring work home with me. I’m with Doghouse, I’m still taking things one meal at a time. OBTW Doghouse, my ordered library book has arrived (took 5 weeks) and I’m enjoying reading “Mukiwa” thank you for the recommendation. Sharon, yeah on the piano gone, hopefully more of those medical applications are gone now also. We are getting weather reports here about how hot it is on the eastern US, you have my sympathies. A friend of mine was in Boston during the earlier heat wave in July. So, I got some firsthand ‘stories’. Suoon2b, sunny weather is something but I don’t think I could stand the humidity. Living on the ‘wet’ west coast it is hard to believe that in some climates you really can count on the weather being predictable. TeacherSue, tell me more about retirement!!!!
So, here is an update on the Munchkins. There is a court date this Wednesday to apply to the court to keep the children in temporary foster care for at least 3 months. The application will provide the right for the government to become the temporary legal guardian. At this point I do not know if there will be a challenge from either parent. I am unclear if either parent totally understands how they have effectively given up their rights to their children. I’m not sure if I want to go to watch the court proceedings or not. The munchkins won’t be there (fortunately), they are already in a foster home. Apparently the munchkins are adjusting rather well. So, as I say, it is one meal at a time. At least the counseling is beneficial in keeping me sane and giving me some focus.
Thank you to everyone who posts here as this really does help with accountability. I’m avoiding the scale, one of these days I’ll be brave enough. I’m trying really hard to make healthy SB choices.

[sharonohio]

Good afternoon. The heat has broken, the house was open all night and until about 11 this morning before I turned the A/C on and its just lovely.

Just came back from the dermatologist (semiannual checkup since I and D both have lots of moles). He chopped one off (had a bit of digging) but most likely nothing to be concerned about.

Cassie having several bad days in a row now back to her falling over, coupled with her not using her litter box and using my living room carpet. I think tomorrow will be her last day. She finally seems very unhappy today and I think its just enough for her and us. Sad but at least D is home and had a chance to visit some more.

Spent several hours dealing with the Time Warner (cable) mess and also had no internet for several hours as they were digging and testing. Still not great service but at least we're back up. Hopefully they will be back Wed or Thurs to dig some more (at the top of the driveway). They had to stop because the other utilities had to come out and mark their lines.

Still at 8 applications although number nine is at least in draft stages. I'm betting it won't be finished before the middle of the week. Also found another medical school that S should apply to. Had not thought he would be admitted because I was looking at out of state statistics but since it's in Virginia he should be able to sell them that he's going to reside there.

Paula, don't know what to say about your grandkids' situation. I'd go to court if you think it will make you feel better, otherwise it doesn't seem that there would be much point in it. doghouse, menu looks good.

MP:
B - steel cut oats with a few almonds and raisins
L leftover gazpacho and some smoked turkey
D scallops, greek cabbage salad with feta and thyme, roasted cauliflower

[PaulaB]

Good morning everyone, it is going to be a warm day on the island today. I have a physio appointment on my lunch break and when I get back I’m thinking parking will be at a premium so it will be a loooong walk back to the office. I better pack my sun hat. Even though I’m a sun screen user, I’m surprised how tanned I’m becoming. Average rainfall here in July is 39 mm and so far this month we have had .6 mm, so that really does translate into a lot of sunshine.
A girlfriend and I are going to see Sweeney Todd this evening. The production is by a touring Youth Musical Theater Company. They are a bunch of grade 11 and 12 students from a community north of us on the island. They are getting rave reviews too. Should be fun! Right now I need fun . . . .
Food is somewhat of a problem right now. The stress in my life has caused the roof of my mouth to become raw. It is similar to what happens when the mouth has been burned by eating too hot pizza. So, right now I only can have soft, non acid things like protein smoothies or cottage cheese. I’m going to pick up some Boost and give that a try. I can’t have tea, (it is too hot). I’ve had this happen at other stressful times so a few days of gargling with salt and I should be right as rain again.
Anyway, not much else

[suoon2bthinner]

Hi
Enjoyed the extra day off yest- tho weather dreadful and made my hair all frizzy- not a good look! We walked to town in waterproofs but it was too humid so we had to take them off and just get wet.
Out for lunch with DS no 3 and hs gf- I had a nicoise salad- meant to have tuna nicoise but DH ordered wrong, never mind. Had the dressing on the side. Out with the girls last night- for 2 btds recently, 8 of us out. Walked up to the restaurant and had good choices- main was duck sliced onto loads of green beans dressed with hazelnut dressing- did have 2 glasses of pink fizz tho!
Walked home again so hopefully it all evened off.
Back to work today, looking a wreck as no time to wash/dry hair when got in last night or this am. I leave about 730 each day, for a 20 min drive to work.
Had grape nuts for bf then leftover salad for lunch with chicken.
Tonight had chilli and veg then small piece of cheese with 2 oatcakes.
Tired at work so no exercise- legs still hurt from yesterday.
Paula- that sounds so sad with your grandchildren- will you also lose touch with them if they go to permanent care or will you be able to maintain contact? Must be very difficult for you, esp if you are not sure the parents understand all the implications- hope it works out to what is best for the kids- they are the important ones here.
Sharon- sorry about Cassie- maybe now is the time, even tho its hard for you.
Hello to ATF,
Sue

[Teacher Sue]

Hi Everyone!
Sharon- So sorry to hear about Cassie, but it sounds like she is ready to go, so now might be the best time.
PaulaB- I am enjoying retirement so far. You hear retired people say how they don't know how they had time to work and do all the other things they do now, and I can honestly say that it true! The days just go whizzing by! It really is nice not to have to order my life by the clock though! I love getting up and around in a leisurely fashion, not having to shower quickly and head out to work. Sometimes I don't even take my shower until 9:00 A.M. now!
It sure is a lot less stressful!
Sorry about your grandbabies. But at least they know you love them, and will always be there for them. How old are they? Are they girls or boys or some of each?
Doghouse-Glad to hear you are back with us! I know the computer and it's silliness can drive a person crazy! Hope all is well for you from now on!
Sue2- It sounds like your life is very busy and very happy! Yet, you are managing to eat well thru it all, so that's great!
My DH went to the neurologist today, and they are know thinking that his headaches may have something to do with fluctuating blood pressure. We have to keep a journal for the next eight weeks and take his blood pressure at the beginning of each headache then again when it is gone! Hopefully that will give us the necessary information. This doctor did give him something for his pain though, so we are glad about that.
Today's Menu"
B- Oats, pecans, V-8
L- P-nut Butter on WW bread, celery, apple
D- Taco Salad, SF jello
I have decided to stay off the scales for a few days to see if I get better results. Seems to me when I see the numbers not tumbling down it is easier for me to become discouraged!
Take care all!

[sharonohio]

I have about an hour before we take Cassie to the vet. It's definitely her time. She has had a terrible two days and I just found her hiding in the spot she was in last year when she was really feeling badly. D took her out and is cudling with her. DH told me that he would meet us at the vet at 5 so all three of us will be there. We're going to bury here in the area of the reserve where the wildflowers are. Not easy but needs to happen.

On other topics, went to Whole Foods and picked up my bag but they omitted three of the items (don't know how) and then when I called them they were a bit snippy about it. They left off romaine lettuce, cucumbers and sweet peppers. Guess I didn't really want to make a salad. Anyway, they said they wouldn't charge me next week. Anyway, I did get yellow tomatoes, dill, more red potatoes (D is very happy), eggplant, 8-ball squash (looks like a round zucchini but seeds are even bigger), golden delicious apples, roma tomatoes and more green cabbage. From now on I'll check the bags before I leave the store.

MP:
B oats, pecans, raisins
L leftover steak, leftover gazpacho, avocado
D marinaded fish cubes, roasted cauliflower, grilled zucchini and eggplant

[PaulaB]

thinking of you and your family. Cassie does not suffer anymore. She was a GREAT cat and I'm sure you'll treasure memories of her forever. Hugs . . . .

[Teacher Sue]

Hi All!
SharonO- Sending hugs and sympathy your way. I know how hard this is, but you really are doing what is best for Cassie.
Storming here right now, so I won't stay on the computer long.
I had to report for jury duty today. Interesting drunk driving case. I wasn't picked to serve, which was fine with me. I have served before on a breaking and entering case, and it really is not something I enjoy doing!
Hurt my knee this afternoon, so have been icing it up the past few hours. Don't really know how it happened, just stepped down wrong! Getting old is not fun!!!
Talk later!

[sharonohio]

Checking in. We're all hanging in there although as H said that was the hardest thing he has ever had to do (and he was not talking about the burial). It was definitely her time and she was suffering too much at the end. I am truly grateful for having my daughter around.

We're back to very hot and humid and expecting thunder storms this evening. Hopefully I'll get my grilling in first or will modify menu.

Picked up my other CSA today. Lots more veggies but no lettuce so I'll have to buy that in order to make salads (since Whole Foods left that out of their bag). He packed 4 peppers 2 of which are hot and 2 are sweet. Can you say Russian Roulette with peppers? Anyway, not much else. Just hanging in there.

MP:
B 1 egg, 1 ww toast, mini peppers
L tuna salad, leftover zucchini and eggplant
AS cheese and cucumber
D grilled pork tenderloin, golden delicious apples, grilled pattypan squash, chopped salad (cucumber, tomato, pepper)

[doghouse]

Goodness me, so much has happened.
Firstly, Paula, what can i say. The situation sounds ghastly. I am so sorry you are being hurt so much , take one day at a time.
Sharon, I am so sorry about cassie, you are very brave and yes, it is funny how you know when it is just the right time. i am glad your daughter was with you both.
Teacher Sue, hope your knee is not too sore! take it easy! your poor dh, it is funny that with all these advances in modern medicine they are still floundering around trying to find what is wrong. anyway, at least they are workinng on it!
Sue2, good to hear from you, your menus look good. i must ask you, i bought duck the other day and when I opened it it seemed cooked (or at least smoked to me, although it did not say it was)..... duck is very very rare to buy here - infact i have only seen it in one shop. anyway, i thought i better still cook it even though i sliced a small slither and ate it as was...... it seemed fine. anyway my question is - has duck got SUCH a difference texture to other raw meat.... or does this sound smoked. there was no juices to speak of when i cut it and it was a darkish pink firm texture.
if it was raw then i had duck sushi!!
My brother and his wife in aussie had their baby on monday..... sooooooooooooooooooo exciting although she is very prem. long story but she had to come out two months early. she is absolutely beautiful in my eyes (maybe I am kennel blind!) and she has the biggest most luscious lips and black curly hair! her second name is after my late mum, that brought more tears to my eyes. i wish my folks were around to see their grand children, they would have been so great with them!
still walking and eating pretty well.
Wed:
B: oats with 1t honey
MS: slice of left over duck! and a pear
L: homemade butternut and tomato soup
AS: pecan nuts and an orange

D: peri peri chicken giblets with large green salad

[suoon2bthinner]

Hi
Sharon- glad Cassie is peaceful now tho its hard for you.
Doghouse- the duck breast would be a similar consistency to steak so if it looked smoked and was firm texture then it probably was. It would be bloody too if it was still raw. Quite often here, we see duck in vacuum packs and its smoked so can be sliced and served. I like it out as I don't cook it much at home and it is quite lean after you cut off the skin and underlying fat.
TSue- hope your knee is improving- I have the odd twinge in my back- also for no reason, just wear & tear. Deep joy! Not done jury service- I was called once when I lived away from home and managed to get out of it for that- think they are not so lenient now.
Paula- hope your stress related sore mouth is getting better too- we rec frozen pinapple chunks to suck to the chemo pts with sore mouths- might be worth a try?
I have ww this evening- just to get on the scales but not expecting good news after my 'sneaky peek' this am Oh well, got a starbucks with the girls before then. I leave work early on a thurs for that
Had cereal for bf, salmon and sprouts for lunch- I know, gross, but I like sprouts, then dinner will be ham & lf cheese omelette with asparagus & brocolli tenderstems. Grapes after weigh in!
My meals are generally good- its the extras that I have probs with so far today been ok.
Hello to ATF,
Sue

[sharonohio]

Hi all. Hanging in there another day. Coping a bit better with each day.

Med school application 9 submitted. 7 sitting to be worked on and several more not yet received. Exhausting. Been running around with my daughter for all her appointments with more still to come. We just spent an hour cleaning out her closets as well (donation, trash, take with her, leave at home for mom and dad to move). So much fun. Still more to do. D was offered a job during the college school year peer teaching some kids in the integrated science class she took last year. The professors really did like her a lot. She accepted since its only about 2 hours per week and she gets paid. More walking around money.

SueT, I know about those extras being the problem. With D home I tend not to snack during the day which is actually helping with the weight cause I know our meals are healthy. doghouse, congrats on the new family addition. Your family is spread out like mine (mother in Israel, sister in Australia and two brothers in California).

Found out we are expected to check D back to school on Saturday so all the hotel prepaid reservations are a bit off. Was able to add an extra day so we'll be driving Friday afternoon and probably won't get to Richmond until about 10pm. Won't have to hurry to get up the next morning at least.

Only one more week until our trip to Quebec. Really looking forward to being a tourist for a bit.

MP:
B oats, pecans, raisins
L leftover steak, eggplant, zucchini and cauliflower with some fresh avocado
D chicken breast stuffed with sundried tomatoes and feta, roasted sweet potato salad with black beans and chili dressing, chopped cucumber, tomato salad

[suoon2bthinner]

Hi
I went to ww last night- and am UP 3.5lbs, after not going for a month. Maybe the weigh once a month is not right for me so think I will try and get back to going regularly to keep on track.
Reacted last night by sulking with 2 glasses of wine and some wasabi peas followed by a small bar of dark choc- how stupid am I?? Anyway, more positive today so will plan meals shortly and shop after work.
So far, been ok today- cereal bf, 10 almonds am snack, salmon fillet , tenderstem broccolli, asparagus tips and ff yog for lunch, pm snack small bunch grapes and dinner will be bought roast chicken and salad leaves with balsamic vinegar.
Meeting friends for drinks before dinner but if I stick to 2 glasses wine should be ok.
Tomorrow plan to get walk in. In the evening we are at friends for bbq- but I am driving home so plan 1 glass of wine, if any, with dinner. Hope dessert does not call me.
Sharon- not long till your hols- we are normally heading off from work round now but this year have delayed to end of month to fit in with boys so have another 4 weeks to work. No, I have just checked- its only 3 weeks to go-yay! Your university apps system must be quite different from ours- our kids can only apply to max 5 places. Sounds like your DS is applying to about 16 and has to submit work with each- ours just do a 'personal statement' and the teachers do a bit then the same form is submitted to all the colleges you have applied to. Then you wait to hear if you are given an offer or not. The offer will stipulate what grades you have to get in your A levels to get in and then you accept or decline the offer. A colleague is from Zimbabwe and her brother seems to be going thru a system more like yours where work has to be submitted etc- he was hoping to study in Canada but cannot get the visa in time so will now go to South Africa instead.
It seems odd to me to have family so far away as you do- UK is SO small tho SIL is in France. Luckily our remaining parents are about 150 miles away and not further- we see them about every 6 weeks or so.
Have a good w/e all,
Sue

[sharonohio]

Afternoon to all. Very nice day today. Still more running around. Suoon2b, isn't it amazing how once you get started on that bad eating/drinking then you move on to something else because nothing seems to satisfy. And why is it that we all do that? Our undergraduate system is very similar to yours but medical school is a whole different thing. There really aren't enough doctors and there aren't enough medical schools to create enough new doctors although they are building more. Just very challenging. Many of these kids apply to 30+ schools. Its expensive and a lot of work but if the odds of getting accepted at each are only 4% or 5% (some much less) and the best is about 20% you really don't have a lot of choice. When S first applied 2 years ago, he only applied to 6 schools I think and he didn't get admitted anywhere. He's in much better shape now (better grades, betters test scores) but its still going to be a struggle.

Not much else.

MP:
B 1 ww toast, cheddar cheese, leftover green beans
L leftover steak, sweet potato and balck bean salad
AS hummus and veggies
D grilled tuna, grilled zucchini, tunisian eggplant and tomato salad