Where are you guys?!?!?!?

I know we're all busy, but I can hear the crickets chirping in here. I can't talk because It's been really hectic for me. Work is, as usual, really busy. I can't wait for this month to be over. This morning I donate blood, then we're moving the business into the new office. Tonight I'm going dancing. Friends are in from out of town so I'll be spending the day tomorrow with them. And finally, The Man retrurns from Portland tomorrow night. I haven't been to the gym one single time in the last several weeks and I feel it. No matter how hard I try to carve out time, life gets in the way. I have no idea why I haven't gained any weight. My pcp actually called me up and raked me over the coals the other day because I haven't had my blood work done in months. I haven't had a mammogram in several years and forget about an annual female exam. Soooo..... Monday I see a pain specialist for my back, Tuesday a bone density scan, and through the end of the month multiple appointments for kidneys, plastic surgery consults, blood work ups, a physical, etc. I've been so busy that I've neglected the old body and I'm sure feeling it. Big hugs to you all, Connie

I'm still here (more or less)..... This has been the week from hell for me. We've had some heavy rain and 2 back to back wind storms with at or near hurricane force winds this week. There have been trees down and power outages all over the State. These storms have raised holy hell with with our signal equipment on the railroad and I have been running my ass off trying to shuffle my small night shift crew around to cover all of the failures. I don't mind saying that I was happy to see the weekend!! In addition, my older daughter is heading back to college this weekend after her winter break. My younger daughter is doing all of the High School college prep stuff. This in addition to all of the usual craziness of life and old Mike doesn't have a whole lot of time on his hands. With all of this craziness as well as several days of physical therapy per week for my shoulder, I haven't had as much time for exercise as I would like, but I have gotten in a few good, fast, long walks the pooch this week. Take care and be well, my friend.... Mike

I am Here Too! It must be a full moon thing for this week. Mine was a week from hell as well. Almost quit, Can't do that would not solve a damn thing. , Money problems out the Gazoo & boyrfiend problems too!! Yes, & I have not been to the gym in over a week myself. I did lose 3 lbs this week. Cut down the calorie intake quite a bit & went back to mostly protein & just some green veggies. It seems to be working. I was sick to death of the scale going up instead of down & had to do somethin drastic. My doc says we should be around 900 to 1100 calories and only about 35% of that should be fat. I no I was eating much more than that. (i dont have a clue how much), but, I no I was eating a lot due to the carb & the higher fat stuff I was consuming. Anyway. Hopefully this week will be lots better for us all. I am also fighting with someone on another board as she feels that if we drop below 1300 calories we go into starvation mode. I do not believe that as we do not obsorb foods like normal people. If we are eating the 1000 caloreis spread out thooughout the day & mostly protein. we should be just fine. All I no I was sick of not doing anything weight wise, so had to drastic change the system. So far so good, We will see if it continues. Back to the gym on Monday (no matter what) & you all have great week. You are still the Best & we do need to stick together! Love ya lots Marilyn, the Bearlady

ATTENTION! Pam's here! I've not been on the board all weekend. Saturday I went shopping with my daughter to look for a mother of the groom dress. The oldest gets married in June. I have to say it was very very very nice to look at fancy dresses in a size 10! They do run smaller than regular dresses so I didn't freak out as much as I wanted to when I had to try on 12's. Imagine, the last time I had to guy a fancy dress for something formal was my good friends wedding. I was in it along with the other 20something size single digit something bridesmaids. My friend was 50 and geting married again so she had her daughter, daughter in law, good freind who is like a daughter, and her step daughter all under 30 and Me. Me who had to have the darn dress special made in a size 28. Me who was terrified that the "girls" were going to want that strapless low cut no back lacy thing that I wouldnt even have worn as underware. I tried to come up with an excuse for not being in the wedding but seeing as how she was such a good friend and I had introduced her and her new husband to be I couldnn't think of anything. Even the size 28 was tight in the pictures you can see me struggling to hold in the gut cause the girdle was having a hard time of it. My smile was strained. I couldnt 'wait to get it off. And to top it off it was in purple. I felt like Barney the dinosaur. Fortuantely no one said anything to me...to my face anyways. so trying on dresses this time was kinda fun. Whew are they expensive! I also looked at wedding dresses. At some point I'm goign to have to buy one of those for me. This weekend I"m terrified at the thought. We haven't set a date yet. Forget about men not being ready right now I'm not ready. I too need to make an appointment for a check up. I've not had one with Dr. Aranow in almost a year. Mike? Reene? Are you guys reading this? When do we need to have a appointment with Dr. A. once its after the first year? If you couldlet me know I'd appreciate it. I've been feeling alittle tired too. Almost felt like I was coming down with the flu which ha**** the people at my company. I have been taking all my vitiamns but I think it might be good to get some blood work done. OF course job is very stressful and over the weekend I'm feeling pretty good. Maybe its job flu for me. Today was awesome. Very sunny I needed some sun so I clean clean and then did some cleaning. The little condo is starting to look pretty good! Finally got all the holiday decorations put away. Yes I still had my tree up. ARGGGGG I had moved it to the den downstairs but it still had all the stuff on it. Got that all put away even did the laundry! Now tonight is do the bills night. I HATE DOING BILLS. Ut Oh feeling the bill flu coming on.

Pam, I've just scheduled my 2-year check up with Dr. A; I took the initiative and contacted the office. I heard some folks had an 18 month checkup but I never received the invite from his office. So my 2-year checkup is 3/7. Love, Reeni

I'm here...barely. The job I started didn't work out....he 'changed the criteria' of the position after 3 weeks....I have a few choice names for him I'd rather not share. I start a new job today, but the money isn't enough so I'm still looking. My mother was mugged outside her home last week, and that's another thing that's making me nuts. She's 82 years old, and if she'd only listen to me and my sister, this would not have happened. She's banged up, but fine. My mother isn't a nice person, so this is all very difficult. As far as my weight, well, I think I have about 10 pounds to lose to get back on track. I was having a terrible problem with my bowels, and I actually cut back on protein shakes and bars and things got better. Today I am bringing my cottage cheese and yogurt to work for lunch, have my egg and dry toast this morning, and get back on track. The gym is still there and I've been going, it's the only good thing I've been doing for myself. The kids are good, and so is Ray, so that makes me happy. My son went back to school in Atlanta, my daughter was accepted to Ball State University, so at least she knows where she's going. All it takes is money. That's my update...hope everyone else is well... Joanie

Connie, I'm here and checking in - just rediculously busy. Will respond more thoroughly later when I get 5 minutes to myself but for now wanted to say, HEY, everybody, have a great day and do just one FANTASTICALLY fabulous thing for yourself today! Love, Maureen

I'm back from vacation. I had some Connie-rivaling experiences but a great time overall! I have lots of catch up to do at home and at work. I will post more when I get time, and might even include a picture for the curious... Joy

A picture, honestly???? Great, thanks Joy - now you've given me one more reason to lose sleep at night -- anticipation of finally seeing your gorgeous, happy, JOYFUL, inspirational self!!! Love, Reenie

See it did seem to be the Week from Hell for everyone, Here's to a better & less stressful week!! Marilyn, the Bearlady