Good morning my friends, It's been a slow week for posting from me but I'm still here staying the course. How are you doing this Friday? Today I want to talk about our relationship with our scales. My scales are literally an antique - I grew up with them. So they bounce around a bit give or take half a pound. This morning definitely 145 lbs. You know how weight loss writers always say don't become glued to your scales because many things can affect where we are at day to day. I disagree with that one. If you are aware that our bodies bounce around daily for many, many reasons and know that it's the measure of a weekly weight than I don't see the harm of daily peeking. For me it helps motivate me to stick with it. If I see it nudging down I feel encouraged to go for it. If I see it nudging up I think more about what I can do to eat healthy and get moving more. Either way I don't feel like starving myself because that is unhealthy. I see the scale as my other weight loss buddy and tool. Sure some people get really discouraged with the device. It's how we perceive and react to it that can make it a positive experience no matter what. I feel it's more like - hey, come on and get back on track - I'll still be here to let you know how you are doing. My scale doesn't judge me. It just reports honest facts. Why don't people who write weight loss advice focus on the positive perception of using a scale to help people over come having negative reactions to using it? Yes some people should not weight daily if they mentally can't handle it. For me my scale is my friend helping me stick with it. It lets me know if my body is changing. The second tool I have is my clothing. Up or down there is no denying when our clothes fit comfortably or not. You can't fool a pair of jeans or cotton shirt. The third tool in my arsenal for vision is a large mirror. I have more mental issues with the mirror than any scale because there is no hiding the truth. These days it is not so much the weight but my aging face that I use for a visual check. Do I look drawn out and tired? How is my skin tone - pale, pink, grey, rosy? Is my skin dry? I am not a fan of mirrors. I have more issues dealing with my perception of how my face looks than dealing with a scale. How do you react or feel about your scale? No matter where you are at today, it's a single day for you to live, take control and think ahead about the weekend. Are you taking control of your goal today? Do you have any challenges this weekend? I am going for a walk shortly. It's getting cooler here. 3C this morning with possible rain this afternoon and yes - light snow mixed with rain tomorrow. Yikes! Great day for a brisk walk. I hope you are taking steps today to work on your goals, dreams. Even one small change can make a difference in the long run. Let's treat ourselves well today! Cheers, Peggy

Good Saturday afternoon from wet/rainy and cool (54 F.) Texas. I was up at 4:30 this morning, out of the house by 5:15, and heading to the Houston Zoo at 6:30 for St. Jude's 1st annual Thanks & Give walk. We had 300 of the 500 registered people show up in the pouring rain today to walk for St. Jude. I was shivering and shaking working registration, but it warmed my heart to see so many turn out and turn in huge amounts of money they'd raised for walking. I met Emmanuel, a precious 8-yr. old boy who lost his left eye to neuroblastoma last year. His 'fan club' was there to walk with him and they all dedicated their walk to him. I worked the bib dedication table where people filled out their "I am thankful for....." bib before pinning it on for the walk, and I was really touched by many of the dedications. Afterwards, the volunteers moved everything over to the 'after-party' where everyone ended up to have breakfast and receive their incentives for walking. I think a nap is in my near future, but I had to check online before doing that. Donna, I hope you can start posting more often. Pray for 'uneventful' vibes! Suzanne, maybe you'll sneak in a ride today after finishing your chores? And, what a cute message from hubby! Hey, BJ! I've been missing you. Hurry back and get the wonderful support you've been needing. Maddie, you howl the HB song better than anyone I know, girl! Well, a nice warm bed is calling me, so y'all be good!

HA! I am still here! The party was terrific. The DJ was fab and played 2 of my requests before the kids arrived to get me in the mood to party. I danced a few times and the teens all laughed at my "80's style" dancing. WHAT? The kids had pizza, pop, cake, and they played a lot of pool and danced. The house was easy to put back together and DH is calm once again. His buddy came by in the middle of the party and took him away for beers, so he was very mellow when he got home and the party guests were gone. Besh, I received STUFF from Amazon Marketplace Music. Love it. Thanks for the suggestion! Did you get the picture trail link from anyone yet?????? I'm listening right now to the Pushing Tin sound rack. It's good. I love the song "He Pushes Tin" -- reminds me of flying! I could watch the air traffic sequences from that movie all day long! Am I geekish or not? Tonight, we're watching the "English Patient" for about the 5th or 6th time. Love it. NHSuzanne~ Your shopping spree sounds like fun! I like to shop alone. And I rarely go. I keep thinking I'll go when I'm a size amaller - but it ain't happenin'. Tikanas~ Did you get your winter garden planted?????? Did DS help???? Well, I sculpted a foot slipping into a turkish slipper today. I think I'll make it into a pencil holder-the ankle part being the holder. Only 6 more hours of class to go, and I'm finally getting the hang of it. LOL! Lynn~ Thanks for filling out the questionaire. I am going to use it! Joanne and Patti! HAVE FUN! It's good to hear from both of you---now, don't be strangers to us! We want a report and pictures from you guys! Raeanne, dear one, yes, I am doing laundry---TONS of it! I absolutely have to get my laundry room in order. It's got too much bedding stored in it. I keep asking the family to go through the stash and help me get rid of blankets, comforters, etc, but other things come up all the time. I have been getting rid of old clothes, and other stuff. DH is pretty darn thrilled about that, as you can imagine. If you and your DH decide to go to Alaska, build in a few days in Seattle for fun at my place! Amy~ I am going to email you about a card or print I need. Are you still painting and/or photo-shopping on a regular basis? I hope, hope, hope so! Okay, now, MONDAY. Back to the idiot-proof diet and drinking water! And I am going to get on a regular exercise program, blocking out time for it this time. My in-laws are ALL coming for Christmas and I want to be able to wear what I want and feel fine about it. I have a month. Plus, the doc wants to check on me again this month. I might have that procedure I was talking about done at spring break. All for me, nighty night!

Happy Saturday! Suzanne, I was thinking about you yesterday when I saw the newscasts of crowds shopping on Fifth Avenue! Your FIL is indeed unique, and he's got to feel good about creating a tradition that you will fondly remember always. Yesterday, I made over 100 mini Italian meatballs (my mom's recipe) with my Sunday gravy. They are packed away in the freezer, and right now I have a 4.5 pound pork roast in my crockpot that has been rubbed with Marcdi's recipe. I plan to "pull" that apart tonight and freeze that for the party on the 19th. Now, I'm off to make another 2-3 batches of cookie dough for the freezer. I've got no shopping finished, but the Open House plans and work, is well on it's way. Since the party for DH's family is on the 19th, I think I can feel what it's like to shop last-minute like most of the men in the world. LOL!! Good to see you Besh! My DH's niece thinks we are buying a farm too! I need to change my status soon. I wish you all a peaceful weekend. Dee