Biggest Loser 10 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers :)

[Cupcaker]

count me in as one of the early risers. I actually fell asleep early last night and woke up at 5:30. For me, that is 2 hours before regular time. Im going to be one of the brave ones heading to the grocery store to do some shopping for tomorrow. Im making a ham, honey butter, flan, and molten lava cupcakes as my contribution for Thanksgiving. I think I will only eat ham, vegetables, a roll, honey butter, and flan tomorrow. That shouldnt be too devastating calories wise. I hope everyone is having a great day. Enjoy the time with your families.

Pamela- You are so strong. Vent all you like. We are here for you.
Dona- that was so sweet of DH.
Lindsay- im glad DH is feeling better mentally. I think colds are a lot easier to deal with than stress and breakdowns.
Taryn- have a good half day off. That is good news about the free shipping, Im sure that will help boost sales.
Tracey- that’s great! With your dedication, Thanksgiving wont be a problem for you.
Kathy- have a great day with Michael.
Maria- your day of games sounds perfect, so does that cruise.
Lisa- Stay warm! I was complaining about the cold weather over here. Apparently its really freezing over there.
Shawn- good luck with the decorating!

 

[tigger813]

Had a really yummy but fattening pizza for lunch. I just had a raspberry white Russian followed by a bud light lime! Plan on doing the elliptical early in the morning!!!!! Skipping supper except for a protein shake later. Just not hungry now. Hoping I don't pass out too early from exhaustion!

Suitcases are all packed, I think! I need to make DH one more shirt but need a red one or black one first! Turkey is brining in the fridge I will more than likely wake up early so I will do the elliptical! Patriots play at 12:30 so DSIL will come over then. We will put in the turkey around then. I will have everything else ready to go in the oven before or already bakes. DD1 wants a cheesecake pudding in an oreo cookie crust for dessert. I will also have ice cream for dessert.

I also finally got all of our shirts made! We try and only check one bag and then on the way home check two. We put the smaller suitcase in the bigger one. May separate them as we get to checking in. The bag is almost 50lbs so that may be our best bet!

I'm rambling! I'm not really hungry so I may make myself a protein shake for supper to make up for the drink and horrible lunch I had. I should lave no trouble staying in control in the morning. I will make two dressings, one with mushrooms and sausage, and one plain one. I may fix it tonight so all I need to do is put it in the oven. We'll need to make the mashed potatoes in the morning and the honey glazed carrots are done in the microwave. I also have several cans of gravy that we will heat up. I also have gravy starters that came with the turkey breast so we may make some of that as well. DSIL is taking most of the leftovers though DH wants leftovers for Monday and Tuesday next week!

Looking forward to the BL Where are they now episode tonight at nine tonight! Hopefully I can keep my eyes opened! May need another can of soda!

I will stop rambling and go and fix my dressing for tomorrow!

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

FOUND OUT AFTER I POSTED THIS MORNING THAT THE PAMPERED CHEF FREE SHIPPING IS ON ORDERS OVER $75.00 ONLY. DON'T WANT TO MISLEAD ANYONE, WE JUST GOT A SNIPPET THIS AM, MORE INFO CAME LATER!

Sorry you and DH are going through all of this. I understand about disagreeing about the kids.... we go through a lot of that. How is it that two people who deeply love the same child/children and want the very best for that child, can't always agree on what that "best" might be? He had an okay night. Had some trouble with his oxygen sats dropping due to lung secretions that were blocking the breathing tube. Apparently they had to suction him a few times through his breathing tube... I'm sure that wasn't pretty. Just had a chest xray that is clear, so good that no pneumonia is setting in. Feet are a bit puffy, but hands seem okay and face isn't overly puffy.

I gave DH a just because hug tonight. Sorry that your misfortune had to bring it on, but thanks for the reminder. Glad the night went okay. So glad they FINALLY gave you an update, that's kinda funny about the nurse not recognizing you. They might have been looking for someone else all night.... Great news about the pneumonia signs.

As for the parenting, it's tough! I definitely see DH playing a bit of a favorite, which is odd b/c he was the oldest brother and complained all his life about his brother getting his way all the time. I think the expectations are just higher. But you are right, we do want the best for BOTH of them.

Taryn, little sisters can be the bane of a big sister's life at times -- can you tell I am the big sister? It's good that you stay out of it and let them work it out. DS (who is also 11) has pulled a couple of D's and even a couple of zeroes as he is adjusting to life in middle school -- I figure it's time for him to figure this stuff out now as opposed to doing so in high school -- but it sure is hard to watch him stumble. I hope that you can all get some rest and have some fun family time together this week-end.

It's so hard to watch her "stumble". She's got to get that act together. I just have to support her as much as possible. As the baby sister, by 13 years, SORRY.

Good morning. DS got home around 1:30. We stayed up until 2:30 and our puppies woke up up at 7:45. When I get done here I am going to put some running clothes on and go down and walk on the treadmill for a few minutes. We don't really tell him what he needs to do anymore, but we do tell him what we think about things, and he really doesn't like it when we disagree with him. That's a good thing, I guess, because it means he is listening to us and I think respects our opinion. . So neither one of us has a very good role model for how to deal with your young adult children. Anyhow, sorry a little off topic.
Taryn--thanks for mentioning the free shipping. Monday right?

Yes, ma'am, Monday (orders over $75 only, though). And FWIW, I think even though I had great role models for parenting, there are things I want to do differently. Problem is, I'm afraid I'll go too far in a different direction. As I said before, parenting is tough, no matter what age they are. Hopefully you can have some GOOD conversations, and he'll listen to you. He may not always do what you want, but you've given your advice, and that's the best you can do! Glad he made it okay!

Thanks so much for the Microsoft store tip! I ordered one last night and, at checkout, it actually let me remove the extra game so I only paid $149 plus tax I had a good friend in college named Tammy Jo, how Southern is that?? for all the above! I will show my Southern side and say "Lordy Mercy" you have a lot going on!It's funny what ended up over here with us and what did not. This is great news - I'm glad I haven't placed my order yet. Do you have to place the order on CM? If so, I'll wait until then

So happy you could get it from Microsoft! I say Lord have Mercy all the time!!! That's funny that you have a metronome but no piano. I think there are days I would turn it on to see how long I could go without going nuts. Stating again, the free shipping on Cyber Monday is only on orders over $75. Didn't get all the info until later. YAY for energy!!!!

The years before I had kids I would get annoyed with all the dumb questions people would ask....Not that I ever made them feel that way. Once I became a mom....I so got it and probably asked the same dumb questions myself. I think I will email her just to see if she can tell me where he is currently and if there is anything he is behind on so I can focus on those areas first. Thanks so much for the help. and if it doesnt work I will take you up on the smack down. I cant wait to see my boys...I miss them! Not sure how I am going to do when I go to the princess and am away for 4 nights. Hopefully I will have enough other stuff to keep my mind occupied.

You'll miss them then, too, but not as much as sitting in an office watching the clock tick. I am so happy to read that your Dh is feeling better! Got a smack down ready and waiting!

Im making a ham, honey butter, flan, and molten lava cupcakes as my contribution for Thanksgiving. I think I will only eat ham, vegetables, a roll, honey butter, and flan tomorrow. That shouldnt be too devastating calories wise. I hope everyone is having a great day. Enjoy the time with your families.

Sounds yummy! I haven't had flan in ages! I sent DH to the grovery store, he's there now. Of course, even if everyone in our town was there, it wouldn't be crowded, so I'm not too worried about him.

Had a really yummy but fattening pizza for lunch. I just had a raspberry white Russian followed by a bud light lime! :

Can I just say how good that sounds???? Especially the raspberry white Russian! LOL. I'm so excited for you!!

Well, while I was reading, Sophie put a bead in her nose. Thankfully it was big and we got it out okay. I took a 2 hour nap after school, and could go to bed right now. I did some reading and talking about mono today, and found out it could be 2 months before my energy level is back again. My throat is still sore and swollen, achy, lymph nodes still swollen, eyelids were swollen for a while. I can't believe it took me 2+ weeks to figure it out, and how I worked with a 101 fever I'll never know! Brad wants me to go to dr. Friday, but honestly, there's no treatment, so why take money out of the bank for that??? Ibuprofen and sleep are my friends.

Be sure to read update re: Pc free shipping, I definitely don't want to be misleading! Gotta get up the energy to make pumpkin log/rolls tonight, Brad cooked 2 turkeys today, so we're almost done. Think I'm going to take some more IB and see what I can accomplish!

HAve a great evening!
Taryn

 

[dvccruiser76]

Sorry for the drive by post, but this week has been crazy.

I have a bunch to catch up on, but we're heading to NH for Thanksgiving.

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow losers

I hope to catch up when we get back on Saturday.

Stay happy and healthy

 

[pjlla]

Ladies.... we have an angel among us.... her name is Deb!!!

I just had the most DELIGHTFUL visit from Deb (my3princes) here at my new temporary home (aka the ICU waiting area at DHMC here in NH).

She is so amazing (and stunning) and I cannot express enough how incredibly grateful I am to have her as a REAL LIFE friend now. She came in and took charge.... she showed me where to get free water, drinks, shower, tv areas, comfy chairs.... you name it!!

Her visit came at JUST the right moment too... I was walking my parents and son to the exit and I'm sure I was ready to have a little pity party about being alone....and lo and behold, my phone rings and I have company!! It was just so very wonderful.

Colby was sweet and as patient as a boy can be.

Deb.... your visit and concern has been such a blessing. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day on a holiday evening to care for someone you've never met. I hope you can realize how much that meant to me. Truly.
....................P

Update: Oh my gosh.... I just hung up with Deb... she and her husband are coming back here and bringing me dinner! Did they hear my stomach growling from there? Incredible people...truly.

 

[50sjayne]

First, thanks for letting me share. I've told you before, I have a few IRL good friends, but putting all this out there for them is tough. They know a little bit about our finances, b/c I told them why I started selling PC, and I have to tell them why I can't go to all the girls' night outs, Miche bag parties, stella and dot parties, etc. they are having. Some of them, one in particular, are struggling a bit right now, but struggling to them is kinda relative, ya' know? (Buying wal mart brand food instead of national brand or fast food so they can go to the movies or buy a 2011 car. For us, it's buying less food, always wal-mart brand, so we can pay as many bills as possible)

Anyway, a few things have being stewing in my mind, and I need to get them out.

I am seeing some huge blessings come my way, and I wanted to share them, because I know a lot of you are sending ppd my way.

My first month with PC was a huge hit, and I almost doubled what I needed for sales. I have a little money to spend on the girls' for Christmas now. I am VERY concerned, b/c I got everyone I can think of in that first month, and now I have all the months ahead to keep it going. I have 2 shows in Dec. and about 4 people that say that want to have one in Jan, but won't commit to a date. My goal is 5 a month to make what I need to get us all caught up and on the right track. So, that's a huge concern. The company is so great to reward you for a great first 30 days, that I'll get half of the kit cost back, got $200 to spend on supplies/products to show, an apron, grill pan and press, and $490 in commission!

BUT - these things seem little, but they all add up:
1 - FIL gave us venison. Sorry all you vegetarians, hope that doesn't gross you out or offend you. BUT, we have some meat in the freezer for winter.
2. FIL went fishing, gave us fish. Again, a meal we didn't have to fund.
3. AK had a great report card, got money from her grandparents, we didn't have to give her souvenir money for her trip. She's been hoarding her birthday money, we over paid, and they got some back. She came home with $25!
4. People at work have been giving me clothes. I've gotten almost a full winter wardrobe (meaning I can go about 2 weeks without wearing the same outfit ) from people that have outgrown their 6 and 8's.
5. While Ak quitting team rocked us emotionally, we are saving at least $200/mo. in gas and tuition. Not to mention the 6 weekends of 5+ hour trips for meets/hotel rooms/food/gas.
6. WHile Dh is not working at all this week, the past 3 he's gotten his overtime in, so we could buy groceries and he could help me w/gas money, and a couple of bills,and buy AK a yearbook. I know, not a necessity, but artwork she drew was chosen for the cover, and I would have hated for her not to have one.
7. Dh's work gave him a turkey, which was our responsiblity for Thanksgiving dinner.

But, here's a kicker for me. The stress of life is showing on my body. My hair looks AWFUL! Thin, straggly, a MESS! The last time I went to the hairdresser (Aug) she said it was healthy, just falling out due to weight loss. My face has gotten really thin looking, wrinkles and unfortunately some acne don't help matters. I almost, honestly, look like someone on drugs. People are commenting CONSTANTLY that I have lost too much weight. (Like at least 3 or 4 a day) Mom guessed me at 125. When I told her 150, she didn't believe me until I got on the scale to show her. A dear friend wants me to go to the dr. I told her that unless the dr. could pay my bills for me, it wouldn't help.

I want to be healthy looking, not sick looking. Any advice on how to reverse this? I don't want to gain any weight, that's for sure. I am trying to get more sleep on the weekends, to take away the dark circles and sunken eyes, I do have some face creams, etc. in the cabinet that I am trying to use to brighten that up. I drink tons of water. I do eat, this week, too much! Despite not doing formal workouts, I've been active enough that I am maintaining my muscle def. in arms and legs. Stomach will never happen.


So sorry for the book. If anyone actually read any of it - .

This all seems so PETTY after reading P's post. Sending prayers her way.

Have a great Sunday everyone! ENJOY!
You will all never know what you mean to me!
Taryn

First of all-- you have 2 things going for you,one--you are solving your own problems--you aren't afraid of work, whether it be for a paycheck or in your personal life.
2-The universe is complying with you. That's all you can do---the best you can-- and accept where you are.

I wanted to say thanks-- I hadn't been online since my last post and this post really struck me last night. Let's face it we have a lot of reasons for losing weight, but one of the best rewards is looking good....it is cruel punishment that our bodies seem to balk at that. Evolution really hasn't caught up with technology and the body thinks we're nuts destroying all that great insulating store of fat. I noticed in my pics our trip to Disney before last, I looked pretty rough-- that was after losing 25 pounds in about 3 months--too fast really. It does a number on you physically.
There's a lot of women who see hair loss, and you do kind of look better-- (your skin does anyway) with fat under it. I've never been one to moisturize-- well always my face since my 20's but thanks to your post and to some research I will start. I have tons of body moisturizer around here that I don't use anyway--I even have 2 huge things of cocoa butter I've never touched from when my daughter was pregnant (she miscarried) I've done a lot of stomach exercises mostly for my back but I do have some loose skin that is ugly and it is possible to do something about it. Also drinking lots of water, (I personally have 2 lifetime stores of tea around here) exfoliating, eating right--vitamins A,C and E are very helpful and massage all will help. I made a list on my laptop I'll share later of just some reading I did online on the subject and can remember right now flax, olives and yeast extract all help. I use flax a lot anyway and love olives I don't know anything about the yeast extract though lol-- am willing to try if it's resonably affordable. This is all cheaper than a tummy tuck lol. I'd rather go to Disneyland 4 times than spend money on that...plus you just get more scars. I respect those who have done it though if they can afford it and have lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. I've lost my 45 total in over a year-- the biggest loser contestants though I've noticed have a lot of loose skin from losing so fast. Skin is actually remarkably forgiving if you just give it a little care.
I don't know what to do about the circles-- I just use a lot of under eye concealer--I have had to use more for sure since losing weight. The hair problem I solved by a once a year perm, something I do anyway because I'm straight and like curly lol, I know not really 'in' but I hate fashion anyway.
Anyways thank! I dug out the loofah gift pack I've been meaning to regift for years, and the cocoa butters (one for the bathroom--one for the nightstand) and plan on doing all that I found out. Will report on any progress I see.
Sigh. I'll get caught up after the Holiday-- I'm working a lot and do Black Friday and am getting kicked out of the kitchen as of now...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

**PJLLA--I am so sorry for what happened and am sending good healingthoughts your way.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone!

I’d like to start by saying that I made friends with Word and copy/paste around 9 this morning and am finally caught up! It’s definitely worth it though. I wouldn’t be nearly the person I am if it wasn’t for all of you.

Pamela: Continued prayers for you, DH, and your family coming your way. It’s great that the hospital is so accommodating. Hope the other family has settled down a bit. Enjoy your time with DS. Glad Deb is coming to visit you today.

Rose: Enjoy your time with DS. I’m positive you are doing a great job helping him!

Rose- It's 1:30 and I hope ds is home safe and sound and you've gotten a big hug from him.

I'll catch up with everyone in the am. Good night all.

Ditto Taryn. Hope you are okay. 1:30 AM?!?!

Dona: Thank you and DH for donating a turkey. We have a large drive in my town and I took the 10-year-old neighbor and her friend with me to donate one. My town and the surrounding towns it serves are not known for having significant need and I wanted to show them that assumptions are not always right. The people collecting the donations did just what I hoped they would. They told us how many they received so far and their goals, let the kids see how unfilled the non-turkey food donations truck is, etc. It took me a long time to realize that my town isn’t as well-to-do as people like to believe it is and I didn’t want my neighbor to grow up as naïve as I was.

Hope DS makes it home safely!

YAY for no bingeing! Or however you spell it! Hope you have a restful day today, and find the perfect shoes. You know, Cindy's proof a good pair of shoes can be life changing!

Thanks! So far, it’s been a great day! Nothing in particular really, but just relaxing, exactly what I needed.

I have no idea how to spell it either.

Can I just say this conversation brought me to tears and chills this morning?When I think of what this challenge, which had kind of slowed down, less posters, even sometimes less focus on the weight loss, has meant to us emotionally??? I feel like I have made true lifelong friends, and if any of us ever drop from this challenge, we need to find a way to keep up an alumni, friends group. Thanks to everyone that is keeping on keeping on!

Ditto! I know for me, it’s a lot harder to lose weight if I’m not doing well emotionally. THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

on AK. I used to do that with my sister. Trust me, when I say it’ll get better.

Tracey: for a loss! Is DD2 feeling better?

Maria: Enjoy your time with DS!

Wed 11/24 QOTD- Think back on your weight loss/ healthy lifestyle journey. We may not progress as quickly as we like and most of us have our ups and downs, but I know we all have made progress in one way or another. Name one change you have made or seen that you are thankful for today, and how it affects your life now.

A few things come to mind:
1. More active and more able to keep up with the kids in the neighborhood (their parents may see me as an adult, but they still think I’m going to play tag with them )
2. More aware of what I am eating
3. More aware of my emotions and doing better emotionally
4. And most importantly, more aware of what I NEED, whether it’s physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.

Pamela: Continued prayers coming your way. Glad DH has a new nurse. She sounds wonderful!

 

[cclovesdis]

And I would be remiss if I did not say how thankful I am for each and every one of you! I know that I would not be ending the year on a high note if it wasn't for all the help and support we get here. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving all!

I’d like to ditto this too! I couldn’t have said this any better!

Shawn: for your great deal from Microsoft!

Mentally I am happier!!!

Enjoy the time with your families.

You too!

Tracey: You are so efficient: packing, planning for tomorrow, etc.

Well, while I was reading, Sophie put a bead in her nose. Thankfully it was big and we got it out okay.

My sister did something similar on her 5th day of school in CT. It was a Friday afternoon and my parents had no idea what to do because the nurse couldn’t get the pencil eraser out of her nose. Luckily, there is a walk-in clinic in the next town over because we certainly hadn’t found a new ped yet. So glad you didn’t have to leave your house.

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow losers

You too! Safe travels!

Ladies.... we have an angel among us.... her name is Deb!!!

ITA! Glad you enjoyed your visit! Deb, thank you!

50sjayne: Thanks for the info. Gives me some new ideas for my Christmas list. Even at 26, my parents still think I need to have lots of stuff to open. We don’t spend a lot, but they seem to enjoy watching my sister, BIL, and I open gifts.

And, now that I know for sure...

I'm starting a new, full-time job on Monday!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Ladies.... we have an angel among us.... her name is Deb!!!

How amazing! I am so glad deb could be there to help you out. We do have an angel among us. Im glad it helped you get through the day a little easier. I hope you and dh both have a good and restful night.

Dona: Thank you and DH for donating a turkey. We have a large drive in my town and I took the 10-year-old neighbor and her friend with me to donate one. My town and the surrounding towns it serves are not known for having significant need and I wanted to show them that assumptions are not always right. The people collecting the donations did just what I hoped they would. They told us how many they received so far and their goals, let the kids see how unfilled the non-turkey food donations truck is, etc. It took me a long time to realize that my town isn’t as well-to-do as people like to believe it is and I didn’t want my neighbor to grow up as naïve as I was.

Thats an amazing lesson that you learned and are now teaching to your neighbor. That is wonderful that you took the time to donate and take her along to show her how important it is.

I'm starting a new, full-time job on Monday!

Congrats CC! That is awesome. Good for you!

The boys watched the christmas specials that were on tonight. Merry Madagascar and the kung fu panda xmas special. They were ok nothing exciting. The boys seemed pretty bored. They are off to bed now. My dh is sleeping on the couch. So I guess I will just go to bed too. I remember years ago this was always a big night to go out to the local bar and gather with friends that you havent seen in awhile. We use to go out around 10 or 11 pm. Now I am in bed well before that time and could never imagine staying out until 2am. Gosh I am starting to feel so old.

Goodnight all......

 

[Rose&Mike]

CC--Congrats!

Deb--Thank you so much for taking care of Pamela tonight.

Pamela-- Thinking about you.

Just a quick post to say hi. We had a great day.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because I just feel like there are not as many unrealistic expectations associated with it. It's pretty simple--celebrating all of our blessings. Anyhow, I know tonight that I am very blessed. Thank you all for sharing this year with me.

 

[my3princes]

I’d like to ditto this too! I couldn’t have said this any better!

Shawn: for your great deal from Microsoft!







You too!

Tracey: You are so efficient: packing, planning for tomorrow, etc.



My sister did something similar on her 5th day of school in CT. It was a Friday afternoon and my parents had no idea what to do because the nurse couldn’t get the pencil eraser out of her nose. Luckily, there is a walk-in clinic in the next town over because we certainly hadn’t found a new ped yet. So glad you didn’t have to leave your house.



You too! Safe travels!



ITA! Glad you enjoyed your visit! Deb, thank you!

50sjayne: Thanks for the info. Gives me some new ideas for my Christmas list. Even at 26, my parents still think I need to have lots of stuff to open. We don’t spend a lot, but they seem to enjoy watching my sister, BIL, and I open gifts.

And, now that I know for sure...

I'm starting a new, full-time job on Monday!

That is awesome news. What are you doing? Details...details

 

[pjlla]

And, now that I know for sure...

I'm starting a new, full-time job on Monday!

WOOHOO!!! Let's hear about it! What a reason to give thanks!

CC--Congrats!

Deb--Thank you so much for taking care of Pamela tonight.

Pamela-- Thinking about you.

Just a quick post to say hi. We had a great day.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because I just feel like there are not as many unrealistic expectations associated with it. It's pretty simple--celebrating all of our blessings. Anyhow, I know tonight that I am very blessed. Thank you all for sharing this year with me.

You're welcome! Enjoy your time with DS!......P

 

[my3princes]

The honor is was all mine. Pam is so strong, her husband is a lucky man. I feel blessed to be able to help her through a tough time. It was just a year ago that we were fortunate to have the support of our family and friends through our medical ordeal. She was totally put together and absolutely beautiful. I can not imagine her being 70 lbs heavier. I've tried to get her to come here for the night, but understand her wanting to be close to her husband. We will be bringing her a turkey dinner tomorrow night for sure. Hopefully she'll get to spend a bit more time with her husband tomorrow and maybe the breathing tube can be removed. That would be something extra to be thankful for. Keep lifting them up in your prayers, they are feeling it.

 

[mikamah]

A quick hello and good night. I didn't fall asleep with michael, but have been getting ready for tomorrow, and watched some of the biggest loser special. So many of the contestants still look amazing, and they did a triathalon a the end, and we are just like them, as long as we put our minds to it, we can accomplish anything.

CC- congrats on the new job!!! I am so happy for you.

Deb- You are a sweetheart, and I'm so happy you were able to spend some time with pamela.

Pamela- think of you and dh so many times during the day, and am praying he's healing every day. I'm so glad you had a nice nurse today and I hope you were able to spend some time and she was good to you. As a nurse, especially in ICU, taking care of and supporting the family is such an important part of taking care of the whole patient, yet many nurses just don't see it that way. Hope you are able to get a little rest tonight.

Lindsay- I remember going out this night as well, but now, forget about it. I meant to mention earlier, I loved you New Orleans story. You are a hot ticket.

Taryn- Glad you got some rest today, and very glad you got the bead out. That raspberry white russian does sound good. I picked up the fixins for Lisa's candy cane martini, and was going to try them out tonight, but figured I'd wait since I'm doing a race in the morning. Want to try and keep up with michael.

Lisa- Hope that snow is starting to melt. I so don't envy you that.

Hi to everyone else.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

 

[SettinSail]

Happy Thanksgiving everybody

We had a light dusting of snow overnight, it is just on the rooftops right now.
There are a few breaks in the clouds showing some BLUE SKY and the sun is peeking out from time to time so it will be a good day. After my post yesterday, I just fell into a lazy heap Did not cook supper, DH came home and made us eggs/bacon/biscuits. He had to walk down to the market to pick stuff up I snacked heavily all afternoon and after dinner. Slept in this morning and didn't get up until 9:00. Did not add any more weight but i'm still up 2 overall. I'm proceeding cautiously here and trying to get back on track. I will get in my last day of Week 9 C25K today and try to eat well throughout the day. I'm going to relax for awhile and watch the BL special from last night. Since T'giving is not celebrated here, DS is at school and DH is at work. We have 2 celebrations this weekend.

Have a great time today and remember you are choosing what you want to do today - you are in control. Whatever your choices are, there is no reason to feel guilty. You may choose to eat lightly or you may choose to indulge on this one day or one meal or one particular food. Enjoy your choices!

Ladies.... we have an angel among us.... her name is Deb!!!

I just had the most DELIGHTFUL visit from Deb (my3princes) here at my new temporary home (aka the ICU waiting area at DHMC here in NH).

She is so amazing (and stunning) and I cannot express enough how incredibly grateful I am to have her as a REAL LIFE friend now. She came in and took charge.... she showed me where to get free water, drinks, shower, tv areas, comfy chairs.... you name it!!

Her visit came at JUST the right moment too... I was walking my parents and son to the exit and I'm sure I was ready to have a little pity party about being alone....and lo and behold, my phone rings and I have company!! It was just so very wonderful.

Colby was sweet and as patient as a boy can be.

Deb.... your visit and concern has been such a blessing. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day on a holiday evening to care for someone you've never met. I hope you can realize how much that meant to me. Truly.
....................P

Update: Oh my gosh.... I just hung up with Deb... she and her husband are coming back here and bringing me dinner! Did they hear my stomach growling from there? Incredible people...truly.

This is so wonderful

I'm starting a new, full-time job on Monday!

The boys watched the christmas specials that were on tonight. Merry Madagascar and the kung fu panda xmas special. They were ok nothing exciting. The boys seemed pretty bored. They are off to bed now. My dh is sleeping on the couch. So I guess I will just go to bed too. I remember years ago this was always a big night to go out to the local bar and gather with friends that you havent seen in awhile. We use to go out around 10 or 11 pm. Now I am in bed well before that time and could never imagine staying out until 2am. Gosh I am starting to feel so old.

Goodnight all......

I taped both of those for us to watch as a family tonight. Wonder if my 13 yr old DS will also be bored? I can't imagine staying out late now either!

The honor is was all mine. Pam is so strong, her husband is a lucky man. I feel blessed to be able to help her through a tough time. It was just a year ago that we were fortunate to have the support of our family and friends through our medical ordeal. She was totally put together and absolutely beautiful. I can not imagine her being 70 lbs heavier. I've tried to get her to come here for the night, but understand her wanting to be close to her husband. We will be bringing her a turkey dinner tomorrow night for sure. Hopefully she'll get to spend a bit more time with her husband tomorrow and maybe the breathing tube can be removed. That would be something extra to be thankful for. Keep lifting them up in your prayers, they are feeling it.

This is so wonderful!

Thinking about doing some cyber shopping today. I'm a little confused about what time different store are starting online specials but I know I saw some starting today. Saw FIFA '11 on sale I think at BB so I will atleast get that today. Tayrn, will get my order in soon. 50'sJayne thanks for the skin info and reminders - good to know

Have a great day everyone!

Shawn

 

[donac]

Good morning everyone

My mil's stuffing recipe was made yesterday afternoon and is sitting in the frig waiting to be cooked. The turkey is getting ready to go in the oven (i have to leave here around 11:30 and if there is no traffic it is a 45 minute drive. I need to get everything on the table by 2.)

Ds and his gf made 2 cheesecakes last night. She is taking one to her family and we are taking one. We used a little bit from each to make a small one for here in case there are no left overs from in laws. They took over 2 hours to make the 2 of them. I would have had them done in about a half an hour. Even my dh said to me when they left "Didn't take longer than it should have?" The problem is they were working in my kitchen and breakfast nook so if you wanted something fromthe kitchen you were always bumping into them. It took me 5 minutes to make a piece of toast (dinner I wasn't hungry from cooking). Crust was being made in the kitchen and the filling was being made in the breakfast nook.

Just have to put food in the oven and the crockpots (potatoes go in there one for white and one for sweet. we don't do mashed or candied) Will probably quilt for a while.

Ds2 made it home last night. The turnpike was bumper to bumper. He was telling me that his engineering friends were checking the website to see where the traffic jams were.

cc Congrats on the new job. We need details!

Pamela and Deb I am glad that you were able to hook up. I'm glad that Deb was able to share her knowledge of the place. I hope it makes you feel more comfortable. It is funny how in this day and age we can at times be lonelier than ever. We are so busy that we don't have time to make friends yet we come on here and talk about things you would with our friends. Pamela I am so glad that Deb was able to help. I wish I was closer to help out too.

To each and everyone one of my DIS WISH friends Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

 

[pjlla]

Well.....Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm feeling the need to spend a few minutes in positive thought, so I am choosing to start the day by listing some things I am thankful for.

1. DH's intact and normal neurological status.

2. A wonderful medical center within driving distance of home full of super skilled doctors, nurses, and others medical professionals. I'm sure I will continue to meet many more of these wonderful folks in the days ahead.

3. My parents..... I only pray that they know how very much I appreciate all that they are doing. There aren't words enough to say it.

4. All of our family. I know they all wish they were geographically closer to be able to help.... but just knowing they are there, getting their prayers and phone calls etc, is such a great feeling.

5. True friends, both near and far, who walk the walk and not just talk the talk, when it comes to support. Rides for my kids, meals and visits for me and DH, hugs, love, and prayer..... all of these things are more valuable than gold to me right now, and my true friends are providing them.

6. A long holiday weekend. Sure it is tough to deal with this over T.giving, but the fact that I have 5 days to NOT worry about how my kids are going to get back and forth to school and their daily activities is a huge weight off my mind right now.

7. A decent night's sleep. This place was really quiet last night and I was "alone" in this waiting room for the first time. I got about 5 solid hours of sleep, only waking once. That sleep will serve me well today, I'm sure.

6. DH's job. For the time being I have NO worries about our financial status. His paycheck will continue to arrive on schedule. And then, when disability kicks in, we will still be okay. I'm sure you can all understand what an enormous burden that takes from my shoulders.

7. My job. Praise GOD for a flexible job. I called them Sunday and said "you won't see my until at least January. Sorry about that." and it was as easy as that!! Sure, I won't get paid... but that is okay... at least I will still have a job to go back to when I'm ready.

8. Good health insurance. DS expressed a concern to me yesterday about the cost of this whole thing. It was so nice to be able to honestly tell him not to worry about a thing. I'm not sure myself exactly how this will all work with the insurance, but I know we've met our deductible for 2010, so I think our out of pocket will be very minimal.

9. My children.... for the mature, responsible, loving, helpful, wonderful kids they are. Just a hug from them gives me so much strength.

10. Blessings, big and small. No matter how awful this is (and honestly, it is seeming particularly awful this morning), it could have been SO MUCH WORSE. He WILL recover from this and return to his normal self with just a few new exterior battle scars. I fully understand that I could be planning a funeral right now or deciding what brain injury center to send him to... just the fact that I am only waiting for the breathing tube issue to be resolved for now is truly miraculous.

Love to you all on this Thanksgiving day. Enjoy it with your friends and family!............P

 

[mikamah]

Pamela-I pray those positive thoughts are able to bring you some comfort today.

 

[pjlla]

Pamela-I pray those positive thoughts are able to bring you some comfort today.

Comfort me and make me weepy at the same time... but that's okay.

Funny how silly little things can make or break your day during a time like this. Deb not only brought me DINNER last night, but the fixings for one of my favorite breakfast! I just enjoyed a delightful peanut butter and banana sandwich on a Sandwich Thin. It brought a smile to my face to eat something that tasted like I was home.

But of course... I went downstairs to get coffee... I've had the same coffee at the same deli for days now.... and I finally "earned" a free coffee with my punch card (who knew I'd be here THAT long ).... well...they are locked up for the day.... the place that is supposed to be open 24/7 is CLOSED! I stood there like a dejected puppy looking through the glass for a moment. I mean, I can STILL get coffee at the bakery... I won't die from lack of coffee.... but I had my new "routine" disturbed and such and it made me feel like a grumpy toddler! So stupid, I know... but amazing how little it takes to throw me for a loop right now.

Been in to see DH this morning. They tried to reduce the sedation during the night, but he got a bit agitated and started to pull at the breathing tube, so they had to bump it up again. They will try again this morning to reduce the sedation because it is affecting his breathing... the machine needs to bump on to breathe for him more often than they would like.

Most everything else is looking good. No temperature (was starting to go up yesterday), chest sounds clear (new xray this morning... waiting for results), good bowel sounds, no DVT, head incision clean (but WOW... it isn't pretty... saw it this morning).

You know, when he was squeezing my hand in the PACU yesterday and "responding" to my voice, I thought it was nice, but I didn't fully appreciate HOW nice. I would give so much to have him that alert right now and get a hand squeeze and know for sure that he knows I am there.

Sorry to be a downer today ladies.... the weeping has begun in earnest and I'm afraid I won't be able to stem the flow today. I'm so sorry....... ttyl..........P

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because I just feel like there are not as many unrealistic expectations associated with it. It's pretty simple--celebrating all of our blessings. Anyhow, I know tonight that I am very blessed. Thank you all for sharing this year with me.

Ditto Rose! I could not have said it better myself.

Pam- Dont you ever say sorry for weeping or feeling down. We are here for you whether its to read your amazing lists of positives that you have thought about or to listen to you sob and weep about how horrible it all is. You are being so strong but it is only fair to you to let yourself be emotional too. Even though it could have been worse it is still a horrible thing for dh and you and your family to go through. Dont feel bad letting it out. We are here for you. Dh, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers more than ever. I hope today brings some more positives for you to list.


We are anxiously waiting the macy's day parade to start. The boys have been waiting since 8am by the tv watching the pre-show. It actually is my favorite part of the day. I am going to head down to the corner store to get a newspaper this morning so I can scope out the adds for tomorrow. I need to get the best deals I can so I will have some things for the kids under the tree. We were able to really cut back this year with family and friends so that has made me feel better. At first I was wondering how I would get it all covered. Now I think xmas shopping will be a bit more managable.

I hope you have a great thanksgiving! Count your blessings today!