I have quite a few things: Crispy Chicken Skin- I think my family believes I buy skinless chickens and roast them, by the time it hits the table there is no skin left. Pretzles dipped in soft cream cheese Toasted Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches. I put peanut butter and honey between 2 slices of bread then butter the other sides and throw it in a skillet to toast the bread and melt the peanut butter. OMG so good. Ramen noodles- I'm guilty Buckeyes- I make a big batch then hide some in the veggie crisper to get cold and grab one when no one is looking. Sue Bee canned Chicken and dumplings- I can only get them when I go down home so I will buy a few cans while I am there and eat them all by myself. Ham sandwiches with horseradish mayo and melted swiss cheese.

I've watched many a subtitled movie and much prefer it over dubbing. Try it. It doesn't take but a minute or so to get into the story and forget you're even reading the subtitles. Of course, it helps if it's a good movie, and most of the foreign movies that make it to the library are good movies. The only time subtitles bug me is if they use the wrong color of print against the background and it's hard to see, or if they go by too fast. That doesn't happen all that often, though. The only other problem with subtitles is you can't multitask while watching the movie. You have to pay attention. (Sometimes I like to cross stitch while watching tv.) I'm going to look for Year in Provence, but I know it will make me want to pick up and move. Sally

I can see why you're upset -- But I think I can also see why she's lying -- because BM wants her to. I suspect that saying horrible things about you to BM is the most effective way to get BM's undivided attention and expressions of concern, and that this, above all else, is what she's craving. She knows BM wants her loyalty, and saying bad things about you is her easiest way to demonstrate to BM that she has it. (The dirty dancing and boy-crazy emulation is another way.) Kids can tell when their parents want them to say horrible things about the other parent or stepparent, and SD is feeding her mom exactly what she thinks she wants to hear. And the trouble is multifold: - it makes her a liar where anything she says is suspect and nothing can be believed; - it makes her mom think you are awful and that she may need to take drastic measures to protect her DD; - it feeds whatever animosity is already there between you and BM and between you and SD; - it can result in CPS investigations, legal action and false accusations with real potential to harm; - and it can keep SD in a state of perpetual stress and turmoil where she knows she is acting without integrity and manipulating other people becomes a lifestyle. My heart breaks for this poor girl. Ima, do you think you could maybe get some of these admissions recorded on tape? In part, as a safety net for you, but also to share with BM, Grandma and the counselor, who may not know how much of what SD says is true. The other thing is that BM and Grandma must be made aware that this stuff isn't true. And also that SD is saying things about them that you realize are probably also not true. You must all curb your appetites for horror stories about the other parents and acknowledge that all of you parent figures must work together to help SD -- to stop feeding into her drama games. I have to confess I fell into a little of this same trap with DS -- alternating poor-parenting stories. And what finally worked was to call Ex, with DS in the room (about age 10?), and say "DS told me something that caused me some concern. I wanted to hear it from you if what DS said is accurate, or if he misunderstood." Then let Ex tell his side of the story. Then I'd thank Ex for his side, express support for his position (even when it was difficult), and tell DS that I was glad we were able to get this straightened out. Then I'd invite Ex to do the same thing -- to call me directly if he ever had cause for concern. Believe it or not, it actually worked, and it didn't take too long to expose how DS was playing both sides against the other.

share_oh, OMG, i am so happy for you!!!! it has truly changed my life and i see it is for you!! That is so AWESOME!!!! you are so welcome and i would Love a trimtastic cake!!! i would work out, walk and eat what i thought was good and could NOT get that scale to move. this way of eating is having such a great effect on me in so many ways!! i am finally losing weight, weighed myself yesterday-down 12lbs., tons more energy, happier, i am in jeans that i haven't fit into in 2 years, its just been a life changer for me!! i do think the cookbook is a must. i use it daily! just had a Thin Thick, YUM!!! pinterest is great too but u have to be sure its THM approved. Gwen's nest, brianna thomas, darcie's dishes are really good ones., there are more. when u go on brianna thomas, she has a list of other bloggers that are a good resource.... keep in mind, some people lose inches, some lose weight, some both, so don't get discouraged. i am in menopause also and have a hypo thyroid and i am still losing, so stay the path!! i agree that if u have a lot to lose, it will be more initially. i was about 1-1.5 lbs a week. first thing i noticed was my stomach wasn't bloated and then it took off from there. don't exercise right away till your body gets used to the food plan. i didn't do anything for a least 6 weeks and i am just walking now, no weights/gym yet. i'll start in the summer when its too hot to walk outside. its more important to eat according to plan in the beginning. share_oh, i think i have my settings so i can receive email, if u want to email me for something specific, but i will try to check in frequently. Again, Congrats, really so happy for you!!!!! P.S. measure yourself and check weekly, its such a lift when those #'s go down, then treat yourself to a new shirt or whatever, you deserve it!!!!!!