Elia, I know what you mean, I miss you guys too.  I've been off work this week so just running around, having fun, and haven't found time to get on the board.  I went to three movies, one a day for three days in a row:  No Country for Old Men (excellent, but went on too long), Sweeney Todd, (if you don't like 98% of the dialog sung, don't go - and I don't), and Juno, (very good).  I ate a small, unbuttered popcorn at every one - 400 calories, 27 grams of fat.  And yes, I have had the TEs, really no big deal though.  I also gained a pound, but am still down two for the month of December, so I don't care.  Christmas was great, my kids chipped in and bought me a new range, and had it installed while I was out of the house.  Surprise, and tears of course.  They are so sweet and wonderful.  It's so nice to have two loving and supportive families, you guys are the other one of course.  My best friend, Gerrie, has COPD, and has been in the hospital on oxygen for the last eight days, so I have also been busy with hospital visits and just trying to cheer her up, with little progress there.  She's going home today, but we're all very worried about her, her lungs are just shot and she's so depressed.  Former smoker, of course, and I'm not convinced that she isn't still sneaking the cigers.  She's very thin and really not eating lately.  (Funny how those two things go together, isn't it?).  Anyway, you guys are always on my mind.  I hope Alinka is getting a good rest and comes back ready to fight the battle of the bulge in 2008.  I know I sure am!  Betty, Buzz, where are you?  Love you guys!

Judy

Hi Judy,

Thanks for including me :o)  I am answering my questions on here and then heading to my best friends house for a small party that she is having. I have been friends with her for over 30 years and can't even begin to imagine what it has been like for you with your best friend being sick. I can't even handle watching Beaches-which is on right now! If there is ever anything that I can do please let me know.

We are coming close to the New Year. I have a prediction that it's going to be an awesome year. I have been saying that for a while now and really do believe it. I am going to welcome 2008 with open arms!

Does anyone share this prediction with me?

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

I do, I do!  That's a great and realistic prediction.  I feel very strongly that we are all going to do great things next year!

My friend went home from the hospital today, so we're keeping our finge4s crossed.  She got her attitude back this morning and that's a good sign.  Beaches:  I cried my eyeballs out on that one.  I watched An Affair to Remember, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, last week and I believe I went through a box of Kleenex with that one.

Judy

Judy I am so sorry about your best friend. I also am an ex smoker, for real, no cheating, well except a cigar, yes a cigar! on Christmad day!! Hope she is feeling better, does she have to carry the oxygen tank with her??

Betty so glad to have you with us!! Beaches, oh Lord, I will walk away from that one after I saw it the first time and ran out of tissues !! Are you both nuts?? Give me romantic commedy anytime!! Or action or mysteries, but no tears please!

This is going to be one heck of a year!! I am hoping for a very wonderfull '08!!

Hugs,

Elia

Happy and Healthy 2008!! This year is going to be the best!! Oh heck, forgot to eat my grapes last night, drank too much again!! Maybe I should consider AA instead of Alli for my weight loss!!! Hugs, kisses and love to you all!!

Elia

Ok, now am getting worried, come on you do not like an old broad to be worried, do ya?? Only one that I have heard from is Betty, thank you Betty!! Judy, I guess work does not agree with you!! Buzz, come out of hiding!! Alinka, are you still vacationing?? Heck, if you are you will not be able to answer!! Hugs,

Elia

Elia, you have heard from me by now!  I am curious about a couple of things you said about me not liking work.  I don't know what I said to make you think that.  I love my job, I only work part-time and have a lovely female boss, (never thought I would like working for a woman, but she's a totally sweet and caring person).  I took the early retirement package a few years ago, but after six months of spending, spending, spending, decided I had better return to work, (had to refinance my house because of my wild spree).  I only work about 26-28 hours a week so that I can pick up my grandkids after school and hang out with them until my daughter gets home from work.  Life is great!

Alinka, Buzz, time to come home!

Judy

Hi Elia,

I would never leave without letting all of you know about it. As you can see, our board has many new members on it. I always start with the oldest post and work my way back up to the newer ones. This one has been up front so it took me a little longer to get here, but I am here and ready to party :o)  It looks like there are going to be many people to join on the party.

2008 is definitely off to a great start!

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

Betty, how do you do it?? Between this site and the 50+ one, I am getting lost with all the new Alli family members!! 2008 is getting everyone back in shape with Alli and your help!!

Judy, that party must be awsome!! Have not heard from you in a while!! Buzz, hon you are still missing!!

Hugs to you all,

Elia

I'm here, don't worry.  Yesterday we had a very wild storm in Northern California and the power went out several times during the day.  The storm also sheared limbs off my big Sierra Pine in the front yard and took down the fence in the backyard.  I was luckier than a lot of people though, lost of trees crashing on houses and cars.  Today the wind has died down (gusts were up to 70 mph yesterday) but it is raining like a son of a gun.  Yesterday I spent the day at my daughter's house so her kids wouldn't be alone while she was at work.  They are 13 and 15 and really don't need a babysitter as such, but did need me there in case of emergencies.  Today is quieter so far, but my son, his wife, and their daughter are going to be spending the night with me tonightand maybe tomorrow night because their power is still out and will be for at least two more days.  I hope everybody else is doing well in this nasty weather.  I'll bet Miami is 70 degrees and y'all are just basking in it.

Judy

Judy hon, am so sorry!! Hate storms!! Do not even mention power shortages!! We may be basking in the sun now, but come hurricane season, watch out!! Thank God we have not had one in two years!! Will be praying for you and yours! Take care and let us know how you all are doing!! Hugs,

Elia