I had a long message I posted a few days ago . . .apparently it didn't go through! Annie, re: cellulite, I do think carbs/diet is part of the picture, but I also think it's far more complex than just that. And, unfortunately, it's hard as a vegetarian to limit carbs , but of course, avoiding refined carbs is always a good thing. I do always eat them with fats/protein-- always. As I stated in another thread, I had it since when I was 13! I was underweight, even. My mom does not have it (lucky!) but my aunt did, very badly. There are many causes and it's not understood so well. In my case, I think it's a mix of genetics and hormones. I am going to try dry-brushing to help with my circulation (some say it's tied to the lymphatic system); supposed to yield good results. We'll see . . . Joanie, the best thing is that, even though you feel discouraged, you are not quitting. That counts for a LOT. That is when it's the hardest, I am finding . . .so yay you!!! I suggest you throw the scale away. I really do. The scale does not mean anything. You can gain muscle and feel like you are not losing fat! It's very deceptive. You can retain water weight (or lose it)-- and then what? If you really need numbers, measure yourself with a tape measure. The easiest thing, though, is just to see how your clothes fit. I strongly suggest you add weights to your routine. Building muscle is so good for you (bone density!), AND, the more muscle you have, the better your metabolism is. Have you had physical therapy for your back? I wonder, too, how your "core/center" strength is. (See link below.) The trick will be to find a workout that does not further injure or strain your back/neck . . .I agree that perhaps jogging is not so good for your back at this point. Maybe you need something lower impact? In any case, I am really, really hoping you find answers soon because back pain can affect everything. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. :( Legomom, the Fitbit sounds like a great idea! If you want to add the plank and stretch, just plan ahead of time exactly when you'll do them, and you will get it done! Outside, that sounds like a fun trip! Does your DH exercise with you? I worked out with a ballet video that I hadn't used for awhile this am. I am really thinking that (for me), variation is key. Because each DVD is different, they each work the body in a slightly different way, giving more challenge. Even if one is a little easier, if I've put it away for awhile and come back, I get a benefit from it due to the variety. Yay to everyone for sticking with this, even when we don't feel like it! Here is a link that might be useful: Core Myths

OP: "1st time seller in suburb of Boulder, CO." Between Boulder proper, Broomfield, & Longmont there are at least 91 foreclosures you're competing against in the $250K-$300K range. From realtor.com, those three towns have 208 active listings in your price range. Presumably, some of the 208 are the foreclosures but it's not likely all of those 91 foreclosures are represented. So, you've got lots of competition. Prices are still falling in Denver according to the S&P/Case-Siller Index released June 24, 2008. While the pace of decline is slower with this month's report it's way too soon to tell if a bottom's forming in Denver or it's just a one month annomaly. Denver was one of the first markets to tank. (We sold a home in Longmont during the spring of '07) 'One possible bright side to the annual figures is that three [of the cities surveyed] -- Chicago, Cleveland and Denver -- while still negative, showed some improvement in their annual figures over those reported last month,' said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at Standard & Poor's. (Source: S&P/Case-Siller Price Index, June 24, 2008). Every month you hang on to the property it's still a pretty safe bet that your home will drop in value. How much? Nobody knows. You've received a solid offer. Remember the saying, "Your first offer is usually your best offer." In this market, that statement has probably never been truer. On another note...appraisers in the Denver area have endured some much needed criticism over the past couple of years. There's even been some arrests/convictions of appraisers fraudulently pumping up prices during the boom years. It's not hard to imagine that appraisers in your area today are being ultra-conservative with lenders using the most conservative of the bunch. The whole market is spookey. I wouldn't count on an appraiser giving you dollar for dollar for your 'upgrades' unless there are solid & very recent comps to support his/her methodology. Also, what are you calling "upgrades"? Many people mistakeningly assume the cost of a new roof, windows, or HVAC is an "upgrade". It's not...it's maintenance. /tricia

By the way...what do you think your relationship with your parents would be like if they had just shipped you off to live with a relative or boarding school, because your dads new girlfriend didn't really want you around? Or your moms boyfriend thought you were a drag to have around every other week, and talked your mom into just seeing you in the summer while he took off for Europe with friends? Do you REALLY want to be the kind of human beings who would toss their own child aside because their new boyfriend or girlfriend didn't like their child? You sometimes hear about a mom dumping her child on her parents because her new boyfriend does not like the child, and she doesn't want to lose him, so she betrays her own children, and I cannot imagine a parent doing this to their own child...or a dad who has remarried and his new wife does not want him to bring his own child to their house...and so like the wimp that he is...there he sits at McDonalds with his kids for an hour, because his new wife won't let him bring them to their house...and I am amazed that he is such an incredible wimp...and I wonder how in the world he became such a pathetic creature. I wonder why he does not stand up like a man in defense of his own child, and tell her that she will treat his child with respect and kindness, or take a hike...and mean it. That is the kind of man women respect, because we know that if we were a child, that is the kind of man we would want for a father, and the kind of man we want on our side. I heard once that in the state of Florida, that there are over 200,000 children in foster care. Who, and where are the parents who failed these children? How do they look themselves in the mirror, or sleep at night? Yes, kids can be irritating, even to their own parents. They want so much out us, and pester, whine, bicker, tease, cry, etc. etc. etc. So can adults for that matter. Some people are better at coping with children than others. Some have more patience for the nonsence that just seems to come with kids. Others find it irritating, even in their own children. Some people would be happier without children and the constant demands that come with kids. Others thrive on the chaos, and the "life" that children bring to a home. You MUST be REALLY, REALLY honest with yourself, and your fiance' about how you really feel, and that these feelings are not going to go away. You really need to spend the time and read, and re-read the step parent forum. But do not go into this marriage with the intent of cutting your husband off from his children, because that would make you one of those awful people.

I would suggest yes it's too optimistic. They have large thin leaves that transpire a lot of water in sun, and on a hot day they go limp, not attractive to my eye. If they aren't given enough water, the leaves of big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) brown around the edges, but they don't like soggy soil. So it's easiest to give them afternoon shade and morning sun which allows them enough sun to bloom but is less stressful a growing situation. Be aware that as far as I can tell, the Cityline Hydrangeas only bloom on the previous year's wood, so if there's a harsh winter or a late frost, they won't bloom at all for that year unless you have protected them. Someone may correct me as to whether they bloom on current year wood, but usually when they do, it is well-advertised, and since I haven't seen any references to reblooming, I've avoided this series since I always lose the previous year's growth.