MM Warriors - Three Steps to Good Health (As of 11/18)

[Virginiaponygirl]

Well I am tucked in with my fuzzy socks, sweatpants, and a cup of Tea! Thanks Lisa! LOL, it started to snow about an hour ago and there is already almost 2 inches on the ground so I think we are definitely in for it! I got the call not to come in to work while I was at the hospital so it gave me a couple extra hours there...he was lucid and comfortable, and not in any pain which gives my heart some peace. And we are closed tomorrow too, so the extra day off wiill be nice for sleep and getting gifts wrapped.

Lisa - I know exactly what you are saying and it does give me some peace to know that there are ways for him to pass that wont involve a lot of pain and suffering....that is my prayer these days. I spoke with both his lung doctor and cancer doctor, and they were quite frank with me, so I know that things are not good, but that they are doing all they can to keep him comfortable and fight the infection. Im all for the pajama party by the way! Im sure it will be an all nighter!

Jocelyn - glad you have warm weather, sure could stand some here...its cold nasty snowy and just going to be ugly for a couple days!!

Nell - I hope Kathy is all tucked in at home too, so dont worry about us! I am all set for a couple days in the house! Except to bundle up and venture down to feed the ponies of course!

The good news is I finally heard from Ken...they are having trouble with internet connections, so it was so great to finally have word! He is safe and well and working hard and they have definite plans to have this thing wrapped up and be back here in February...so thats good too. His birthday and valentines day to look forward to!

 

[Daniele]

Hi Guys - just got home from the hospital, Dennis is holding steady today and responding well to the antibiotics and steroids, so thats a good thing. Havent caught up on posts yet but had a nice e-mail from Diane that she asked me to share with all of you! so here it is...

Hi Robin!
Thanks very much for the update. I am glad that your numbers have returned to a good place, that you are doing well on your plan, and that you are making it through this "season of food" unscathed!!! Tell everyone in your circle of friends that I have a special place in my heart for you and am wishing each and every one of you the best of health, happiness, and peace in the coming year. I am going to ask your permission to someday use your mantra..."Trust your pants." Seriously, it is a wonderful way to keep things in perspective. Want to know what someone once needlepointed for me? This is pretty funny. I'm always telling people that they have to drink, drink, drink.....when a patient comes to my office, I always ply them with water! One day I get a package in the mail......beautiful needlepoint.....poignant message for all toe see.....
"Drink and Pee". Laughing as I type this. Yep, Drink and Pee.......(I do say this every single day, by the way)
So....Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to everyone......and please always keep in touch!

PS.....Okay, I'm going to share something with you guys that no one in the US knows yet....shhhhhhhhhhh......
The Daily Mail.....Great Britain's #1 newspaper with daily circulation (paper and online) over 5 million......has named MM their #1 Diet of 2010! They are going to run a 4 day feature on the program, Jan 4-Jan 7....a serial article! Can you believe it? We're going to be #1 "across the pond." Also....a major magazine in GB, "Easy Living" is featuring the story in a main article on newstands mid January! Seriously, I just heard this news a few hours ago....and you guys are the first to know! xo


Diane

That is so cool! I love Diane!

I'm glad your safe Pony! We are going light peeping tonight even though it's supposed to rain. I'm not sure exactly when the front is coming through.

I wish I could be visiting with you and Kathy for the snowstorm! I did love the snowstorms in Maine!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good evening friends!

Robin, glad you are home safe and sound. Now I won't need to worry about you. Our weathermen are saying it is staying to the east of us and south. We are expecting to only get around 3 inches by Sunday. It is to start tonight after midnight. But as the storms going up the coast have a way of doing, it could change course a bit. Even the slightest variation to the west could mean we get dumped on.
Glad to hear Dennis is comfortable. This whole thing reminds me so much of when my grandma got ill before she passed. Sorry. I still think of her daily. We were at her house as much as our own. She lived within walking distance of us.
Also happy to hear that Ken will be getting home in a couple more months. You must have asked God for help with patience and not remembered LOL.

Hope all is well with our friends in Florida. I saw this morning it looked as though there was a ton of rain from this storm. Be safe everyone.

Ok, going to kick back for a while and relax. Just got home from a very long day of work. I need to eat supper, so going to raid the fridge. Feeling hungry for boiled eggs. Maybe I'll make some egg salad, or eat the chicken salad I bought the other day. No crackers, thank you

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Kathy - its 8pm and we have already gotten 6" in 4 hours!! Looks like it is dumping on us here, then you will probably just get the residual fall out after it slows down! Its snowing so hard you cant see past the 4' front porch!

Nell - Have fun light-peeping...we have the huge light shows here in Richmond...where the entire city lights up, plus over 100 homes in the area too...theres a whole tour you can do by car or limo...very very cool if you like lights!!

I havent had this much time off at one time in FOREVER!! LOL, you guys will be totally sick of me in the next few day!

Promised Mom if we keep power we will get "Julie and Julia" on the pay per view tomorrow night...anybody seen it yet? Of course she will torture me and eat popcorn the whole time....better get some legal snacks together!

 

[Barb F.]

Good Evening Ladies. I had to go out of town for work yesterday and then was home today cleaning and cooking for our family party tomorrow.

I'm glad our Florida friends didn't get any tornados and our east coasters are safe at home. I would love to be snowed in

How cool is it that Diane has a big media event planned soon in Great Britain

Pony - I'm so glad Dennis is stabilized and Ken is back in contact and well. I loved your picture, Thank you! You are darling with that mischievous gleam in your eyes and beautiful smile

Diane - I hope you find something soon that works for you but if you don't, please come back and let us help you get back on track.

I'll check back later to see if anyone is still up and about

 

[Carol-Fish]

I'm glad everyone is tucked in for the night and safe.

That's great Robin that you will have a few days off in a row! I wonder if it will effect your BS not having to rush here and there. Might be interesting. I find myself thinking as Lisa said, that it might be a blessing for the pneumonia to just quietly ease things along with Dennis. I'm praying for peace for you all. I hope the storm dumps all it's got in the next few days and that your trip to Mass. goes smoothly.

Kathy, You sound so much better than you did a few days ago. I'm glad you're able to come here and get rid of some of your un-merry Christmas feelings. I hope the storm stays away and you don't have to hole up at home ( unless you want to ). I have never lived in a place that has snow during the winter so I have no clue what it's like. I have visited my in laws in New Hampshire at Christmas but that's the closest I've come.

Nell, I hope you had a marvelous light peeping. Do you live in a suburban or country setting where houses are decorated or are you in the city? I guess I have never known what your area is like except that you have a house with a garden and a farmer-Marti.

Beverly, Did you get all the shirts done? Is that a load off your mind and what is next? Just breathe in and breathe out and know that it always works out.....and that some things we thought were so important to accomplish, really didn't matter that much in the big scheme of things. This is me talking to myself too, as I do this all the time.

Hi Kate, still keeping your niece in my prayers.. and I imagine your tree is finished by now and looking fine. I know your spirits must be lifted now that your girls are around you and your Christmas traditions are flowing smoothly. My girls put the lights on the tree also, as their dad is VERY ADD and it was always rather nerve-racking watching him try to organize where they should go. Much better this way!

Natalie, I'm glad you're able to read the entries and can jump in occasionally to let us know you're okay. It's nice to know that your mom is doing better, too.

Jocelyn, Sounds like you live in a place where the weather suits you to a tee! That's great that you can swim all year round and do the things you enjoy.

Lisa, I have baking to do this weekend and I'm trying to make things that I don't really like. Fruit cake is on the agenda along with some kind of non chocolate cookies. I do not like fruit cake so won't be tempted there and if the cookies don't have chocolate, they won't scream my name. I can't foresee me being as stalwart as you and Barb, but you will be my role models.

Barb, Hi!

I've been tired for the past few days and finally figured out why I haven't been sleeping well. The house Christmas lights have been left on all night long and they shine right in my window. I have been waking up all night long thinking it's morning and I just now remembered this. Will get them unplugged tonight!

Wishing you all a wonderful, holiday weekend

Carol

"...and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

 

[Daniele]

I'm glad everyone is tucked in for the night and safe.

That's great Robin that you will have a few days off in a row! I wonder if it will effect your BS not having to rush here and there. Might be interesting. I find myself thinking as Lisa said, that it might be a blessing for the pneumonia to just quietly ease things along with Dennis. I'm praying for peace for you all. I hope the storm dumps all it's got in the next few days and that your trip to Mass. goes smoothly.

Kathy, You sound so much better than you did a few days ago. I'm glad you're able to come here and get rid of some of your un-merry Christmas feelings. I hope the storm stays away and you don't have to hole up at home ( unless you want to ). I have never lived in a place that has snow during the winter so I have no clue what it's like. I have visited my in laws in New Hampshire at Christmas but that's the closest I've come.

Nell, I hope you had a marvelous light peeping. Do you live in a suburban or country setting where houses are decorated or are you in the city? I guess I have never known what your area is like except that you have a house with a garden and a farmer-Marti.

Beverly, Did you get all the shirts done? Is that a load off your mind and what is next? Just breathe in and breathe out and know that it always works out.....and that some things we thought were so important to accomplish, really didn't matter that much in the big scheme of things. This is me talking to myself too, as I do this all the time.

Hi Kate, still keeping your niece in my prayers.. and I imagine your tree is finished by now and looking fine. I know your spirits must be lifted now that your girls are around you and your Christmas traditions are flowing smoothly. My girls put the lights on the tree also, as their dad is VERY ADD and it was always rather nerve-racking watching him try to organize where they should go. Much better this way!

Natalie, I'm glad you're able to read the entries and can jump in occasionally to let us know you're okay. It's nice to know that your mom is doing better, too.

Jocelyn, Sounds like you live in a place where the weather suits you to a tee! That's great that you can swim all year round and do the things you enjoy.

Lisa, I have baking to do this weekend and I'm trying to make things that I don't really like. Fruit cake is on the agenda along with some kind of non chocolate cookies. I do not like fruit cake so won't be tempted there and if the cookies don't have chocolate, they won't scream my name. I can't foresee me being as stalwart as you and Barb, but you will be my role models.

Barb, Hi!

I've been tired for the past few days and finally figured out why I haven't been sleeping well. The house Christmas lights have been left on all night long and they shine right in my window. I have been waking up all night long thinking it's morning and I just now remembered this. Will get them unplugged tonight!

Wishing you all a wonderful, holiday weekend

Carol

"...and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Carol, it's suburban sprawl for hundreds of miles around the Tampa Bay area. The neighborhood I live in is older houses made of ceramic block (good for hurricanes) and they are smaller as houses keep getting larger with time. About 1000 square feet. We went to a neighborhood with newer houses (a bit bigger) and they have decorating contests in that area. It's cool tonight and was around 60-65 degrees as we were light peeping, so it felt festive. I like it cooler when going to see lights. This house we live in is a rental, and over priced. We're hoping when the lease runs out to find something more affordable, or even a home to own so that I don't have to move again. I'm tired of moving.

Well, I'm very sleepy. The cooler weather does that for me. I am hoping your all sleeping safe and sound. Love all of you!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good morning everyone. Hope all is well.

Woke up this morning to a blanket of fresh fallen snow. We got about 2" overnight. It has always amazes me how snow can look so beautiful. I knew when I went to bed at 3am (fell asleep on the couch again) that it was snowing. It is so neat to not hear it, and wake up to a new world. I will take some pictures with my camera in a while when I get my shower and dress. The local weather is telling everyone we are wedged between 2 storm fronts. They said the weaker one to our north is keeping the other stronger one out south and east. I wouldn't mind getting a bunch of snow tonight though LOL.

Robin, hope all is well and you are snuggled in for the day. If you leave to go to the hospital, please be careful, as I know you will. It now seems a bit more like Christmas to me. Never got used to a "green" Christmas. Don't know how you all manage it LOL.

I am feeling very "lovey dovey" today, so if I get mushy, please just ignore me.

I think I will be measuring myself this morning also. It's been about 6 weeks since I did. I know my gorging didn't hurt me too much. My 14's are still baggy in the legs, and the waist is starting to. I may try a pair of 12's on today shopping. Hoping to go to Greensburg today to see if Sam's there has the s/f caramel syrup. The one in Monroeville only had the s/f raspberry.

Catch you all later. Love you all and hope you have a great day today!!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

WELL OMG!! Woke up to 12 " PLUS and it is still snowing very steady! They are predicting another 2-4 inches during the day today, not stopping until later this afternoon. It is truly a "Winter Wonderland" here now! They have not had this much snow in 30 years, and as predicted the southern and central parts of the state are completely shut down...many major highways are closed, almost all major streets and ALL back roads are totally unpassable, so no going ANYWHERE for me until probably Sunday afternoon!!! I definitely have to get some pictures of this and will try to post them later on!

Kathy - I wonder if you will get any more of this, but I hear it has headed to DC and has that area completely shut down too....glad you feel lovey dovey today, it makes me sad when you are down! Hope you find your syrup and have a safe day shopping!

Carol - glad you got your lights on with little distress and aggravation! We are not going to MOVE for a couple days here, so I will be able to drink my green tea, wrap gifts, and gab here all day long! Turn those lights off tonite so you can get some restful sleep!

Hi Barb - hope you have a wonderful party and I would be more than happy to send some of this snow your way!!

Lisa - forgot to ask how Tom's mother is doing?

Natalie - if you're out there, are you snowed in too? Thought if DC got socked, maybe you did too...

Jocelyn - soak up some sunshine for me , will you?

Nell - hope you got to see all your lights and maybe scope out some possible future places to live!

No hospital trips for me today, so luckily I can check in by phone...he seems to be doing the same this morning, but is resting comfortably and can see the snow from his window, so he knows there is no way we can visit today.

Going to spend the morning trying to shovel out a path so Harley can pee, poor guy is shorter than the snow is high, so his poor "equipment" is stuck in the snow! Then we have to figure out how to get to the ponies to get them fed too...its beautiful out there, but taking care of animals in this is NO FUN!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Robin, I can guess how beautiful it looks!! A guy called into the local news and was telling them he is stuck on the interstate near Berley WV since yesterday afternoon. They got about 15" he said, and no sign of snow plows I hope everyone affected by this storm stays safe.

Natalie, I also hope your ok. I know your in Jersey, and that is East of us and you were to get nailed also. Saying a prayer for you and everyone else up the coast. This is a huge, massive storm!!

They now updated our prediction and say we are to get 3-5". Mike just swept off the sidewalks and said we got a couple inches last night. Tyson is having a blast burring his nose in it LOL. Last year he ran into the problem of peeing too Robin. Just not quite tall enough LOL. But he won't do his business where we shovel out, so it's his own fault if body parts fall off

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Only took an hour and 20 minutes to GET to the ponies...feed them and slog through a foot of snow 6 times to throw out hay piles, and then climb the hill in a foot of snow to get back to the house! Usually takes about 25 minutes for the entire excursion....wow, it is hard to walk in all that snow! We have the battery charger on the tractor now, so crossing our fingers it will start in the next hour or so...we DEFINITELY need to plow ourselves some paths!!

I guess it will make up for not being able to get to the gym though! LOL

this is me now, knowing I can sit back with my tea for at least another couple hours! the new Woman's World magazine had lots of helpful info on the benefits of green tea again...and repressing cortisol production is one of them, so Pony is going to be a green tea drinking fool !!

 

[kater]

Hi, my MM friends! I am drinking coffee and catching up on posts. Halle is sleeping right next to me with her favorite toy under her front paw. So cute.

I hope all of you in the snow stay safe. And stay warm! Robin - I hope you get to watch Julie and Julia with your mother. I enjoyed it.

Robin - thanks for sharing Diane's email. I am still amazed that she is so accessible.

Have a good days everyone.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Only took an hour and 20 minutes to GET to the ponies...feed them and slog through a foot of snow 6 times to throw out hay piles, and then climb the hill in a foot of snow to get back to the house! Usually takes about 25 minutes for the entire excursion....wow, it is hard to walk in all that snow! We have the battery charger on the tractor now, so crossing our fingers it will start in the next hour or so...we DEFINITELY need to plow ourselves some paths!!

I guess it will make up for not being able to get to the gym though! LOL

this is me now, knowing I can sit back with my tea for at least another couple hours! the new Woman's World magazine had lots of helpful info on the benefits of green tea again...and repressing cortisol production is one of them, so Pony is going to be a green tea drinking fool !!

Try to enjoy your down day. Sorry it took so long for you to dig out the horses. Definately a work out!! Not sure if our snow is the wet or fluffy snow. Our neighbor used a broom to do his sidewalk, but I think Mike used the
shovel. It's still snowing, but it's not too bad out. Still in the mid 20's, and breezy, so it's cold.
The one lady I work for has her "step" grandkids until Christmas. They live in Dallas, and have never really seen snow. Last year we had a dusting when they were here, and you'd swear it was a foot LOL. So I know they are really enjoying this.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: Thanks for sharing Diane’s message! She writes like she is in your living room – what a gift! How exciting about Great Britain! When is Ken’s birthday?? Mine is close to Valentine’s Day, too. We watched Julie and Julia last night! We loved it! The story of their marriage is the best theme of the movie. I can’t believe we watched all that food without eating anything, lol! I did get up and throw a batch of cookies in the oven for gifts today. I had the batter chilling in the fridge so only had to pause Julia for a minute. She made me want to do whatever makes my heart sing. Isn’t it cool that Diane has adopted Barb’s mantra?? Trust Your Pants! Oh, Tom’s Mom is status quo again, so that’s good. She has these episodes from time to time, but seems like this one was no harm done. She’ll be over here for Christmas and I’ve been straight forward with my SIL from WA that she needs to take care of her Mom for me that day. Tom’s on call, and I can’t do it all if he is called away on an emergency. His sisters are pretty much MIA. Poor Harley! Bonnie wouldn’t like to pee in the snow. She’s a sissy about the rain. OMG! I just read your post about green tea! I think H*LL froze over with the snowfall!

Carol: We put our lights on a timer, which is wonderful, especially if the weather keeps us from wanting to go outside. Hope you get some good sleep tonight! Good luck with the baking! It’s a new mindset, but I’m sure you can do it! I’m giving cookies to my new neighbors today and my hairdresser, along with a double sized tip, which is what she probably really needs.

Kathy: Take some pics of your snow. How magical!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Getting ready to head out shopping. Either heading 45 miles south, or 45 miles west. Not sure LOL. It's still snowing out, but it's just a fine snow. Not adding up too quickly. Traffic on our main road through town seems to be moving fine.

Lisa, good to see you! Enjoy giving your treats away. And I'm sure your hairdresser will appreciate the extra tip. I personally prefer it when people give me a little extra, sometimes really helps out.

Catch all you later. Robin, enjoy the tea and the movie. I may convince Mike to rent it on pay per view this evening.

 

[Daniele]

Good morning/afternoon everyone! I've got to work most of today.

Kathy, mushy is good! Please be careful on the roads!

Pony, I don't think you need to go to the gym with the workout you got this morning! Are the Ponies playing in the snow?

I kind of like the old neighborhoods in this area, as long as they are safe. I know that the houses are sound because they have lasted so long. Sometimes when they overbuild an area the newer areas are built on unstable ground. I love the big trees with the long beards of moss that wave in the breeze! In newer construction they clear the trees out.

Kathy, I'm glad you got just enough snow to be pretty. Sorry about Harley and Tyson's equipment. Budakka used to go to the snow and turn around and around until she dug a hole to go in. But she's a long haired German Shepherd and was never cold.

Kate, I think Diane just loves us! I think she's extra accessible to our group! It is amazing though the work she does. It's obvious she's not in this for the money. It's nice to be able to see you in my mind's eye drinking your coffee and catching up with us. Let's see, I'm half laying down on the bed with my head hurting. (slight cold) My hair is going every which way... etc. Not as pretty a picture but I sure am glad to be catching up with all of you!

Lisa, I think Pony likes green tea because of you. I'm glad JP is on his way home! He's such a cutie! When you said he has his own business I was picturing a young man, but he still looks like a boy.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Nell: I'm glad you got to loll around on the bed before you had to go to work today. You are so poetic in your descriptions. I love nature like you do. John-Paul will be 24 in March but he'll always be my baby. Don't tell him I told you so. I'm having fun wrapping presents before I go get my haircut. It's a nice day to stay inside - foggy and coldish.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Well it looks like it has finally stopped and the final tally seems to be about 15 inches!! OMG! I will venture out once more to give the ponies some bedtime hay to keep them warm overnite...they havent been playing much, just hanging out in the gully between our houses, where there are lots of trees for cover and windbreak...God Forbid they would hang out under the 50' long overhang I built onto the barn especially for this purpose!

Got the tractor started and my Godson and his friend who got snowed in here with us at least managed to get a single pass cleared down the half mile long shared driveway...not that we can go very far, since the roads are not plowed at all anyway! Wont have to hike to the barn through the snow at least...I will be able to walk down the drive instead...WHEW!

Lisa and Nell - I would like to point out that Pony does not LIKE green tea, but am forcing down Lisa's gift of decaf green tea with mint ONLY because it is supposed to repress that darned cortisol I seem to be dumping everywhere! That article said that 2 cups a day is supposed to assist reduction in cortisol and help deflate belly fat, so Im all about that! BTW, green tea sucks...yuk.

Kate - glad to see you stopped in, we are definitely planning on movie night and Julie and Julia is the movie of choice!

Nell - I agree, I thought JP looked like he was about 16!! He will definitely appreciate his boyish good looks as he gets older!!

Kathy - I know what you mean about the kids and the snow...the kids here in Virginia are all so excited and out running around in it...most of the younger ones have never seen more than a dusting here either! And its slightly wet snow, so the snowballs and snowman building is rampant!!

Ken's birthday is Feb. 25th, and it will be his 60th, so I am so excited he will be home for that..now what to get him?

 

[Cindycin]

Hi Ladies - Everyone sounds good. Sorry I haven't been around. I haven't been on plan but haven't gained or lost anything and still at the same point. Still can fit into my 29s.

I am late sending out my Christmas cards but can't wait to get them out to everyone. Love the ones I've received from my MM ladies. We are so not ready for Christmas this year. Last year I had everything done but work has been so crazy that I can't seem to keep my head above water. I was doing so good with my laundry and when I went away, it's so bad it's overwhelming now. My sink is still shiny though even though it doesn't stay that way 24/7.

I haven't been able to read anything but am hoping that after the new year I will be able to get back in touch with everyone here.

My Mom is on her last 2 treatments and I can't wait to see her for New Years.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend....LOVE LOTSSSSSS

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good evening everyone. Home safe and sound.

Cindy, good to see you and glad your mom is doing better. I will continue my prayers for her.

Robin, glad you got plowed out somewhat and that it finally quit snowing. It is still snowing here, but only about another inch or so expected. I believe that will put our total up to about 5".

I got myself 2 pairs of Lee slimming pants at Gabriel Brothers. They were only 7.99! And they are a size 12!! Maybe a bit too snug in the waist, but my 14's are pretty much falling off me. I did pretty well today eating. Did have a peanut butter cup and some chips. I am now eating some jumbo shrimp that I got at Sams. I love seafood! I just put it into some hot water to defrost, then eat them. I got some cod to make tomorrow. I will use lemon and garlic to season it. I have a recipe from the book I got. Along with some sauteed mushrooms in the book too. Not sure about dessert. There is a recipe in the book for a flourless hazelnut cake. Sounds really good. I will have to pick a couple ingredients up for that.

Getting ready to take Tyson for a walk. He was bummed we didn't take him with us. I hear he wasn't a happy camper LOL. He is such a mommy's boy

I'll catch up with you all later. Love youins!!!


A little Christmas something for you all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzpu_UP-yo8