Well folks, I'm a having mood swings and my hunger is a struggle today....when my hormones go outta whack I lose weight really fast because I get angry at myself and don't want to eat. There is no logical explanation for this other than hormones out of balance. Medically depressed and hoping to have it pass. I managed a yogurt and feel like tossing my cookies and kicking something. This is the other side of my jolly self... I wonder how many calories you burn when steaming? LOL to all my pals, I hope to read your posts later. They have been extremely understanding at work and I have tried to let them know what is going on with my mental health. I need to get home and clean something, lots of something this weekend until I drop. Then, a nice soak in the tub and bed, without medication, on my own. Going for a few strolls and weather permitting, going to check my tender winter seedlings and see if they need anything. My challenge today is to eat. Drink lots of water and give myself an attitude adjustment right up the side of my head! Cheers for now, McGrumpy

Hi! You are on the right track. A bike ride to Curves is a good thing! My advice is this: Drink lots of water,chew sugarless gum to satisfy the urge to put something in your mouth. DO NOT keep junk food in your house.Throw out all junk today and don't buy anymore. Replace all fatty high calorie foods with lite ones ( mayo, dressings etc) Don't shop while hungry. Keep lots of cut celery, carrots and other crunchy veggies around and ready to grab for "the munchies" Make a deal with yourself not to give in to your cravings until after a 1/2 hour waiting period and a tall glass of water. The craving will probably have passed by then. Put up a "skinny" picture of yourself on the fridge. Reward yourself with a treat (NOT FOOD!!) after not cheating for a certain period of time ( a day, a week, whatever it takes...) Pick a "special" non food treat for each samller size that you can fit into. Plan fun, workout activities with your hubby or a friend. Walking, roller skating, biking etc. Pick a buddy to help you be accountable for regular exercise and good food habits. Record your food intake daily ( log EVERYTHING that goes into your mouth)Try fitday.com Pick a food plan (weight watchers, south beach etc) and stick to it. If you don't have a "weight buddy" then weight watchers is a great support system for being accountable. Allow yourself one special meal each week where you eat your favorite things in moderate amounts ( ONE meal!!)Learn serving sizes and measure. Keep busy. Idle hand, you know... : ) Keep posting here and ask for help and support whenever necessary. Volunteer. Help somebody in need. Nothing takes my mind off of me as much as spending some time helping somebody else. You will never make up for love lost during your childhood, but you can add love to your life now by giving to others. It will come back you! You can NEVER accomplish this with food. Food won't love us, people will. This is a great forum . There are some really wonderful people here. We all support eachother! Any other hints for her ladies? Now... Go make this a great Monday! Tikanas

Wheeewwwww, am I GLAD Monday is coming! Friday night - out with my aunt...ever feel that you are participating just to appease family politics? Don't get me wrong - she is a wonderful lady but body language speaks volumes...she looked at her friend all night and barely gave me a glance. Last time for me. Called DH today at his folks and told him as much as I enjoyed myself I really felt like she was having a night out with me to check in on things. Okay, call me bad, but I would have been happier at home. It's keeping DH happy and the family. Turned my phone off - 7 phonecalls last week with everyone checking up on me - couldn't even sit down to eat and that darn phone kept ringing. Sat. afternoon, got invited for a light lunch with our new neighbours - very nice folk - enjoyed it and sat out. Today had dinner with friends (b-day for them). Enjoyed it. Somehow managed to get the bathroom painted. Now have the kitchen to do. Threw 7 bags of compost down on the front lawn, raked it in with 2 bags of grass seed and did another planter in the front. Having all out war this summer with SLUGS - they have been unusually bad - so bad I have been out with garden tools and SALT hunting them out. Actually got bio-friendly, less chemicals, slug pellets. I have worked too hard and have invested time and money enough not to have those critters eat my plants. So that has been me and I have been neglecting this post. Tomorrow I will be getting ready to start another week and SEND OUT CINNAMON FLAVOURED TOOTHPICKS!!!!! Send me an email with your details and I will send you a lovely little packet of toothpicks to chew on...they are sheer heaven! Really happy to hear of great doctor appointments, weight loss. I think I have gained with all of this entertaining. This week promises to be quieter and I should be getting back into a better routine! Take care, gotta get this butt in bed! McPeg

Good morning! I've been up since way-too-early-for-me-usually. LOL I was invited to visit the Methodist church here in town, so I went to the 8:30 service, then attended my friend's Sunday school class. I felt right at home even though it's been 40 years since I last attended a Methodist service. Ironically enough, all the hymns today were old familiars to me! I enjoyed the women's Sunday school class, too. I'll definitely return next week if all goes well around here. McPeg, so glad to read that you're healing inside and out. I think it's natural to remember things about your mom. My mom passed away almost 9 years ago, and there are times when I feel like it was just the other month. Memories are sometimes painful, but mostly, they're cozy and comforting. Patti, sounds like you had another good crafting weekend! I need to pack my bag with my tools for this afternoon's card-making class. I'm so looking forward to going, learning new techniques, and making new friends. This making-new-friends business is really growing on me, and I'm very thankful. Internet friends have always been so special to me, but it's nice to have RL friends, too. Today is the beginning of 2+ weeks of keeping grandchildren. (until the 15th of July) Aubrie and I are going to have such good bonding time together, something we've never really had before now. (Alexis comes to stay beginning next Sunday.) Today at church, I was introduced to the nursery lady in case I decide to take Aubrie with me next week, just for a change of pace. She may miss being around other children, so it's nice to know I have that option. QOD: Is there an area in your life that you would like to unload to help you with your goal? I think forgiving is a tough one for me to let go. I did great being around my xh and his wife at my son's wedding last fall, but it wasn't easy. We're supposed to have lunch with them next Sunday, and a tiny part of me felt angst when I heard about it, I have to admit. I am trying to grow up finally at age 60, but there's this small child in me who feels that until someone says "I'm sorry", it's not official. Silly, I know, but there it is! I have let go of much of my past resentments since moving here, and coincidentally or not, my desire to lose weight began around the same time. Maybe that Peter Walsh book, "Does this clutter make my butt look fat?" really pegged it. Sending restful, peaceful Sunday wishes to everyone. Have a great one!