It's not just the constant diet talk, it's also the labeling of every single food as "good" or "bad." And the judging of oneself as "good" or "bad" depending on what has been eaten that day. There's food and then there's food fixation. There are times I just want to yell, "People! It's just food! Stop letting it run your life!" The woman with the seven jelly beans--why did she have to give them away? Why couldn't she save them for tomorrow or the next day? Or throw them out? Or a good friend of mine who will never, ever eat dessert, but if we eat out, she'll urge me to get one and then she watches me eat it. It's creepy. It's one thing to monitor what you eat. I do it--today I had three servings of fresh fruit, two servings of vegetables (one green, one orange), three servings of carbs and two of protein. I took my vitamins and I drank nine glasses of water. And I had three cookies after dinner. But I didn't talk about it at all. It's interesting to me, but I don't expect it to be interesting to anyone else. A lot of the time, in workplace conversations about food, it seems as if people are trying to prove that they are dieting harder or more strictly than anyone else. The whole business in the OP about not having sugar in one's coffee--who really cares except the person drinking the coffee? Why is it a subject for conversation? It's not a useful exchange of information about healthy food, it's a contest. And I think it's the contest aspect of it that turns me off.

I'm here too, but mired in laundry and flyers for two mailings that I am labeling for my sister. I tried Pilates for the first time last week and I like it a lot. Now that isn't saying that I am good at it, but I feel like I can improve with time and I definitely think I will see a difference in my muscle tone. I am still going to Curves 3 times a week and walking 2 miles whenever I get the chance. I feel in control of my exercise and for the most part, I feel in control of my eating. I had to get weighed when I went for my checkup a few weeks ago and I wasn't happy with the number on the scale. But I do have to remember that I have gained muscle from Curves and muscle weighs more than fat. But from the way my clothes fit, I was surprised that the number on the scale wasn't lower. I guess that just proves that the scale isn't always the best measure of success. Mentally I felt exhaused last week. Too many phone calls and events that upset me and I couldn't shake that uneasy feeling that life was spiraling out of control. But this is a new week and I am hoping life doesn't hold any more surprises (at least unpleasant surprises) for me this week. I only have to work 3 days and then I get 5 days off. April is full of fun activities at school (field trips, ventriloquist, pony rides, etc.). I think April will fly and that means that summer will be here before I know it. Jen - I am glad the doctor's have found the reason for Erica's continued illnesses. Used to be every one got their tonsils out. But I think doctor's are more cautious these days. We are dealing with the Rota virus at preschool right now. Last week we only had 6 kids in our T-TH afternoon class. The 6 girls had a blast. We relaxed the rules a bit and let them play longer, choose whatever table they wanted to sit at and they got 2 snacks instead of one. But I am hoping everyone is healthy and ready to return on Tuesday, since that is their Easter party. DeeMarie - I don't know if I offered congratulations on your success with WW. WooHoo!!!!! I can feel your excitement and determination coming right through the computer screen! Keep up the good work. NHSuzanne - I am tired just thinking of hefting 100 bales of hay! I walked 2 miles today and did 20 minutes of Pilates then had to sit down and rest! Hope you are learning lots at your class today. BJ - When are you getting that computer fixed?? We miss you. Besh - We haven't heard much from you lately. Read any good books lately? Gretchen - What is the news on the sale of the company. Have you worked out the financial details yet? Raeanne - Pictures! We want pictures of your latest vacation for the album. Amy - Do you want me to include Heather's picture in the SS album? She is a fine looking cat. Speaking of the album, I was fooling around with my new scanner and I added a few new pictures to the album. Patti - I am stilling wondering where you are. Did you get my last email about scanning the photos? Joanne - Check in and let us know how you are feeling. SusieQ - We haven't heard from you in awhile. How was your DD's recital. If you have pictures you want in the SS album, let me know. Just sent me an email by clicking on My Page. Maddie - I loved the sound of your new "do". My stylist wanted me to consider highlights the last time I was there. But I have never colored my hair and I told her I had to think about it. She said that what she had in mind would be subtle and would grow out if I didn't want to continue. So I am thinking of trying it for the summer. Chris - How is tax season going? I don't have my apolloniazoo email anymore, so if you want to email me, just click on My Page. Are you still going to Curves? John - How is the job situation? Anymore interesting interviews? Well, I need to go marinate some chicken for dinner and slap on some more labels. Later, Marci

Hello, BJ, Have a wonderful birthday my friend!!! I love knowing you and feel lucky to have found you!!! NH Suzanne, good news about the cover. I hope it works out. And Jen, great news about Erica. I hope she does not need surgery. The poor little thing has been through enough. Peter is doing good. My other DB & SIL went in to Boston to see him yesterday. (NH Suzie, he is in Brigham & Womens - I know you asked me a couple of times and I don't think I answered). DB said he thought he was doing really well. He is very tired and as the days go on he gets a little sicker, but that is the effect of the chemo, so it is not a surprise. Today is his last day of chemo and the actual transplant will be done on Monday. They are a day ahead of schedule, so I guess that is good. Anyway, thank you all so much for your positive energy and prayers. I just can't tell you how much it means. I had a really rough day with it yesterday. Very emotional, I think it is finally hitting me how sick he really is. Now about that camera. It is back! I found it downstairs in my laundry room. I feel foolish for even thinking the awful thoughts I was thinking and I am still not sure how it got downstairs because I had no reason to be in the laundry room during my DS party. Whatever the reason, I am so happy to have it back. Has anyone every heard of Arbonne International? It is a Swiss skin care line. I am having 10 ladies over this evening for an Arbonne Party. We soak our feet, play in lotion and drink wine! Sounds fun, huh? It would be wonderful if all of the SS sisters could get together for one of these, and ofcourse you too John. They have a whole mens line! Got to run. Lots to do. Have a great day everyone and (((HUGS))) to you all!!! Love, Besh

Maddie, many thanks!---you're such a good singer!!!! lol. Wow! That's quite a compliment you gave me. I finally caught up on my reading and found I will miss you this year in KY. Bummer. But you still need to come to Seattle and so this makes the trip more necessary, don't you agree? My mom and dad and I will miss you SO much! We're missing the Colonel's pic nic this year since my dad thinks it'll be a madhouse in its new location. Anyway, I'm a love-a, love-a, love-a you and wish you the best in your at-home biz. You shine, sister! Go girl! And you WILL have an auction house someday---check out how far you've come already! Have a great trip on your upcoming vacation! Raeanne~ Thanks for the e-card---I love Maxine! You are so cool to start my day like that! Smoochie! Hey! You've got to start checking in more----you're kinda quiet lately---me too. I have had my hands rather full of DD with mono and spring break, but this weekend, I'm catching up on laundry and life and diet chat. My older sis sent me a book called The Crystal Bible. SO COOL! You'd love it! The local star gazers shop has just about every crystal you can imagine, so I've been reading up on them all---and of course, every time I crack the book, I think of you! Amy~I just got a new domain name registered for a website I'm building, but TIME---I need TIME! You ideas sound like a lot of fun! My oldest DD has started drawing this year and is having a lot of fun at it. I love her stuff. She does realistic-looking drawings of all kinds of stuff. She aslo dabbles in abstract photography. It's been great! Back later to finish this; my dryer is buzzing at me! Love to all!