Judy hon, I am so sorry for the scare that you all had! I still do not like that swollen arm, and what is causing the keedney infection and the pneumonia? Hey, great move on getting to talk to that doc!! My worst fights have been with the docs attending my mom and dad!!  I do understand about the muscle being damaged, but what is behind the cause? I do hope that you made it to the movies, even if you did fall asleep!! At leats you were with your daughter and your mind was occupied with positive images!! Please keep us updated, heck I will probably be calling you today just to check up on you!!

Patti babe, I am sorry that your 11 month baby may be leaving you. You and your husband are angels in disguise!! Hon, the weight will come off, you havemore than enough on your plate right now, just take care of yourself!!

Kim hon, you just hang in there!! I am sure that you and hubbie are missing your boy. I will be keeping Jamie in my prayers! Do give him our thanks for what he is doing for all of us and this country!! Now, that Elvis, do return him to sender!! How is hubbie doing? You take care babe!!

Liz, I am glad that the filli is ok, she is just behaving like any two year old!! Just keep us posted on how she does!!

Linda, did you make it to the beach and how was it? I do hope that you got to eat some seafood while there!!

Buzz, where the heck are you now? Hopefully having fun!!

Now, about the pizzas, shoot everytime we have the kids around there is a pizza involved!! So of course I have to have some! Now yesterday we had some fabulous Japanese food, yeap I had sushi, anybody know how bad they are? I have no clue and do not want to find out!! I do try to get he ones that have salmon in them but God only knos what else goes into them!! Oh, and did I menting the chicken fried rice? How about the toested wheat baguttes with mealted cheese on top for lunch? I was very lucky to have lost a whopping .5 pounds this week!! Of course my weigh in was on Friday, so only the pizza was accounted for!! hey, the kids and I did have a great time togethre, I did do a lot of screaming, that may have caused that weight loss!! I took them to the pool and they are actually swimming!! I also bought them some water machine guns and they were "shooting" everything and everyone in site, that is where most of my screaming got done!! Those two are pretty good by themselves, but you get them togethre (the two boys) and they are hell on wheels!! Ok, I am thinking of you all. Judy hon, I do not know if you have received the news about your frien yet. Do think about him being at peace, he deserves that. Love u all,

Elia

 Oh, this board is making me mad, maybe I'm doing something wrong though, I can't post to anything but the original post.  I tried to reply to Elia's last post, but it doesn't give me an area to type in, the only choice of buttons I have to hit are "Write a Post", which takes me back to the "Return to Personal Experiences" page.  I guess I should direct my concerns to the right part of the board, not you guys.  Anyway, I wanted to let you know that Mike is home from the hospital, and I haven't talked to him yet this morning because it's only 7:00 am here, but I will call him in about an hour.  I did go to see Mamma Mia last night with Renee, and I can tell you, if you want your spirits lifted, that is the movie to go see.  It was great, I didn't even get up to go pee like I usually do once during a movie, (I drink iced tea and it goes right through you - although I'm not usually drinking it at night).  This movie engages and entertains you from the very beginning.  Meryl Streep should be a role model for us, I think she is 55, and she ran around and danced and jumped and leaped in the air like a 20-year old.  I was in awe of her, of course I'm in awe of her anyway, she can do absolutely anything, including sing very well.  What a great movie.  I walked out of there in about an 80% frame of mind than I went in with.  I recommend you guys taking some time to do a favor for yourselves and go see it.  Everyone of us has had some tough times lately and it was better medicine than any doctor could ever prescribe.

I haven't received the dreaded phone call yet about Craig.  I hate to say it but that was another reason I decided to go to the movie, because I didn't want to be home when the phone rang with that call, at least not at night because then I wouldn't be able to sleep again.  I must tell you that I got home at 9:30, no messages, went to bed at 10:00 and slept for 8 hours straight, until Spencer, my Shih Tzu, crawled up on my pillow and began to nudge my cheek.  I love to wake up that way, (much better wake-up method than either of my former husbands, teh heh).  Today Lisa is coming over with her dog, Sadie, who has been sick quite a bit lately, and they will spend the night.  We will probably cook something for dinner together, and that's usually dangerous calorie territory.

Liz, I am so excited for you and your husband, you must be so proud of your filly and her brother.  I would go stark raving mad with excitement if I owned a race horse, and then that horse actually won a race.  What a great moment!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for baby sister next week.  It sounds like those horses come from a winning pedigree.

Elia, you are having so much fun with the kids, it's what keeps you young, just like Meryl Streep.  That darned pizza keeps creeping into everything, doesn't it?  It should have its own separate food group category, they might as well make it a staple of everyone's diet.  I think tonight I'll try to talk Lisa into the burritos or something we can make with the Carne Asada I bought yesterday.  I'd like to say that I am going to be good this coming week, but tomorrow night I'm meeting friends for drinks and appetizers, and then some other folks for the same thing on Thursday night.  In the meantime I'm holding my own at 51 pounds lost, and one of these days, I'm going to lose somemore.  Just not today.  Or this week.  Hmmm.

Judy

 Hello everyone,

Jamie said to describe Iraq's heat..Sit in your car after 12pm with the windows rolled up and the heat on high and that is how hot it

is.  He said it is very uncomfortable with all the gear on.  Thank you everyone for the prayers and he said to tell you that too.

I hope everyone is doing well.  My hubby finally got his two teeth repaired.  And we put the truck back together but it still isn't

working like it should, hubby thinks it needs a new motor?  Just what we need....Anyways.  I am finally weighing 2 ounces less

than my hubby...HOORAY!!!!  Whew.. Ladies it's been a long time since I have weighed less then him.  I was so tickled.  I am

moving into the 170tys now.  I am so proud of myself.  I can do this.  LOL....I am trying to focus on more water and less salt.

I have the boys doing my exercises with me.  They are so much fun.  Such goof balls.  They keep me laughing even when

it hurts so bad.  Mel did get her drivers lincense.  She moved out again.  She calls when she needs money or she just checks

in on me.  I miss her.  The boys are staying all week.  I hope they wont get bord.  They are big into playing golf and the xbox. 

Love to fish.  Well just wanted to check in and tell everyone I am thinking of you.  Lots of love and hugs...

Kimberley

 Judy hon, it was so good to talk to you!! Mama Mia is definetly on my list of things to enjoy!! We usually rent movies once they come out, but I am going to make it a point to go to the movies, well, I will let you know how that paln goes!! It better go better than my healthy eating plans!! Just good to hear your voice and know that your son is on the mend! Love u hon!

Kim baby girl, congrats on weighing less than hubbie!! Hey, anything to beat this men at something!! The boys will be fine, I am sure that you will keep them entertained!! If they gwet bored send them to look after Elvis!! I am glad that you got to comunicte with Jamie, please keep us up to date with how he is doing!!

Oh Judy, the shrimp Alfredo came out awsome!! My mother ate more than she should have!! I bought the Classico Alfredo sauce with the least amount of fat, 5 grams compared to the one with 10 fat grams that I had first chosen!! I tell you, I spend more time reading labels than actually buying stuff!! Ok, do need to go! Love,

Elia

 Kimberley, congratulations on your weight loss!  You are beating our bums here.  Hey, the bottom of your post still says "cw 186".  No way woman, you are into the 170s now!  It must be the very best feeling to weigh less than your husband.  I'll bet he likes it too.  You keep it up, you have got the formula down now.  I want to get in the right groove too.  This weekend was not the way to do it.  My daughter and granddaughter are on there way here with See's Candy, (chocolates).  Is that how you did it?  No?  I didn't think so.

Elia, it was so so so nice of you to call and check on Mike.  You are so sweet I think you must be made out of sugar.  But then I think no, there's a rascal in there too.  The Shrimp Alfredo sounds so good.  It is smart to read the labels and then figure out how you can still have the food you like, but cut the fat grams and calories.  Your mom sounds like she just loves your cooking.  I want some of it!  Still haven't had the dreaded phone call so tomorrow I'll call the house and get an update from the angel who is his ex-wife who is staying there taking care of him.  What a special and strong person she is.  I never appreciated her when she was married to Craig and hated her for divorcing him and breaking his heart.  But I believe they never stopped loving each other and she is there for him now when he needs her the most.  She is married again but her husband loves Craig too.  Everyone loves Craig, he is just the best guy.  Okay, I'm going to stop that now, starting to well up.  Mike is home from the hospital and hopefully will get in to see his doctor tomorrow.  I don't think he will hear anything different though.

Tomorrow it's back to work.  Speaking of that, Elia, what's going on with your job hunting?  Or is there just too much pool time and summer to enjoy?  Hey, this will probably turn out to be one of the best summers of your life.  Okay, off now, the kids are here with the goodies.

Love, Judy

 Good morning every one.Well my vacation is over and  its  back to work.Its a good thing i went into vacation mode for eating and gained a pound.It was so hot friday,saturday and sunday i was feeling sick.So i went to the charity book store and bought a bunch of VHS tapes for a 1.00 each and went to the library and rented some dvd for a 1.00 and went home and put the ac on and  watched movies and ate bon bons actually didnt eat bon bons buy ate every thing else.And yes even had a pizza delivered.I did go to the farmers market and get some fresh vegies and some rasberries,The rasberriers were so good.Now i just need to cook and the eat the veggies to do some good.My daughter came home and we watched ever after with Drew Barrymore and we made popcorn.She also brought home her ice cream maker and she made cheese cake ice cream,she brought me a small bowl of it .It was so good i mushed up some of the rasberries and put it on top of the ice cream so that must have made it healthy LOL. 

Praying for all of you and your families.that every one is ok and getting better.and for you Judy about craig.

Elia i went to the beach it was wonderful will have to again.

Linda

 Good morn everyone!!  Judy hon, any word about Craig? I am so glad that his ex is there for him during the time that he needs her the most. How is Mike, how did the doctor's visit go? I do hope that you are feeling ok. Hey, when Craig finally rests, he will be at peace and there will be no more pain, just hag in there, the ones left behind are the ones that carry the pain with them!! Love u  babe!!

Linda, Linda, now you are behaving like Judy and I!!!! Misbehaving that is!! Shoot, yesterday my eating was awfull and it is already a weekday!! Oh, I did get a call from my old job, my immediate boss turned in his resignation, that is actually the position that I was waiting for, I knew he was leaving and had already spoken to him about it, so he referred me, now the wait is on because I am not going back for the same salary that I was making, I am actually asking for just about the same as the salary my ex boss had!! If they give me what I am asking for I will go back, if not I will make them a fabulous dish and take it on the last day that my boss will be there!! Judy, did you say rascal by any chance? Honey chile, I can go from being the most compassionate person that you know to being your worst nightmare!! Ask any of the docs that treated my dad!! Or....some of my no longer friends!! Now Linda, I am glad that you enjoyed your days off, a shame that we do not live closer, we could have partied together!! And then we would both have gained much more than a pound!!

Kim hon, how are you? Are the boys with you? How is ole Elvis treating everyone?

Buzz, have you heard from Becky? I sent her some text messages but she has not answered!! Hey, how are your workouts comming along? Hey, care to join some of the Alli crew, most in their 50's mind you, in February? We are meeting in the Keys!! Any of you interested? We are going to have a blast! It is just going to be for a long weekend, most arriving on Friday and leaving on Monday!! Come on one, come on all!! I do love to mix things up!! Liz, I think that you are the only one who has not read about Kim,s and my exercise on Kim's thread!! I will be more than happy to write it again!! Kim even came up with her own version of another exercise!

Pat hon, how are all of you doing? How are the twins? And how about the 11 month old? Are you getting yourself psychologically ready for the separation? Hon, I really do not know how you do it!! I think that we are all in awe of you and what you and your family does for this children!! Ok do need to go, love u all,

Elia

 Hello im only going to be quick this time.I really hate when you cant reply to a post because its to long and theres no room.Then you have to find a short one.Today i started being on track again for the 50 time.LOLWent for my walk and so far have eaten healthy.Will sign on again tonite.have a good day every one

Linda

 Hello My Pretties:   Where does that line come from?  Y'all should know. 

Judy, I hope Mike is 100% better by now.  I know how scary it is when a child is sick, especially when they are as sick as your son was.  I assume there is no news on Craig yet.  Bless his heart, he is hanging on.  He will let go when he is ready.  I'll bet he is just reluctant to go and cause the pain he knows his passing will cause to those he leaves behind. 

Death stands patiently in the shadows

Quietly beckoning to me:

He is offering me such treasures!

Rest, peace, tranquility!

Don't stand round my bed weeping.

Rejoice at my goodbye.

I am going to a world where only

Pain and suffering die.

Death I do not fear thee.

I see kindness in your face.

Lift me in your gentle arms.

Take me to my Resting Place.

By  Liz...............................

Linda, I am glad you had a great time on vacation.  Time to get on track now.  Yeah, I know, look who's talking.  Well, I did walk 2 miles today.  I've gone from 1/2 mile to 2 miles in 2 weeks.  Not exactly rolling, but any exercise is better than none, I say.  The doc said I could work up to whatever I felt comfortable doing as long as I took it slowly.  I was doing 3 miles prior to surgery so I'm not doing that bad. 

Elia, I hope your former employer realizes that you are worth every dime you're asking for and more!  But don't you hate the idea of leaving the pool side and doing the old grind again?   I heard from my attorney today that my employer might have a job offer for me within the next few weeks and i was like, "What?"   I was commuting more than an hour each way, so I'm not looking forward to that again with the price of gas being what it is.  Plus I had to get up at 4AM every morning.  I think the job they have in mind is on a rotating shift which will be even worse.  But I have to chill and face it when it comes. 

Kim, you are amazing.  You just keep on losing that weight.  Obviously you're more committed than I am.  I know you are thrilled that you now weigh less than hubby.  I don't weight more than hubby and never have, but the other day while we were eating I suddenly realized that he and I eat practically the same things in the same amounts.  The only difference is he probably snacks more than I do.  But not to a great extent more I don't think.  In that case, as I am a woman and not as muscular as he, and males have higher metabolisms that women, I should weigh more than he does.  So...maybe my metabolism isn't as bad as I've always thought it was.  Maybe I just plain eat way too much. Ya reckon? 

LIzzy

 Lizzy, I just loved your poem. It describes so well what I think the dying are going thru, at least my dad did so, he hanged on for the longest, in a coma mind you, but he still would not give up. I think that was the worst for me, not knowing if there was something that he felt he had left unfinished. Ok, I am not going into that !! Thank you for the poem, it meant a lot. Now Judy, I amafraid she may have received the news about Craig. You are all in my prayers. Love,

Elia

P.S. a job does not have any meaning compared to a life. And no, I will not sell myself short, either they pay what I want or they can hire someone else!!

Thank you Alli, for letting me post a reply without going back to the beginning.  Lizzy thank you for that poem, I copied and pasted it where I can keep it.  It has your name at the end of it - does that mean you wrote it?  It's absolutely beautiful.  Elia, you are correct, Craig has passed away.  He died on Monday morning with his wonderful ex-wife Claudia, and two daughters, Christie and Sara, by his side.  As sad as I am, it is comforting to know that all of his pain, his anxiety over dying, watching his hopes dwindle with his strength, is over.  He is wherever he is now, and I hope that is down in Puerto Vallarta at his beach.  It brings tears to my eyes just typing this, but I wanted to let you guys know and thank you so much for your support.  You are definitely the best friends I have never met.  You all mean so much to me.  There will be a memorial service for Craig sometime in August, and I expect there will be quite a turnout, he was loved by so many.

On a better note, Mike seems to be improving day-by-day; however, yesterday he tried to help move his daughter's bed and strained that bad arm, the one with all the swelling and muscle damage.  The doctor told him when he left the hospital, "Now don't do anything to irritate that arm".  Hmmm, I think that means don't try to move somebody's bed.

Today is sunny and warm, but not too hot, most of the smoke has dissipated, so it is going to be a wonderful day.  You guys get out and enjoy it too!

Love, Judy

 Judy so sorry about Craig.Was glad he had so many loving people around him a the the end.When my parents were sick we had hospice for both of them and they each died at home with there family there.My father in the middle of a northeaster(one of the worst storms in quite a few years)I think he is up  in heaven still laughing about it.

Im glad the wheather has improved for you that smoke is not healthy.

Buzz i tried to load you in my circle and its not doing it,i loaded Judy and Elia and coulnt do yours so gave up on yours and the rest of them.

When i look at my circle i get dizzy with all your picks swirling around.

Elia its cloudy and damp again so no beach this week but next week is suppossed to get sunny again.

Im in a challenge to drink 64 ounces of water a day so i tried it at work yesterday,i had to make so many trips to the ladies room one of the leads gave me the hairy ibol.So i have to go back to 48 a day i can live with that.

Well need to get ready for work

Linda 

 Oh Judy, I am so sorry about Craig, but he is resting now. I am glad that his ex and his daugyters were there with him. Just hang in there hon, you never stop missing the dead but you do start top remember the good times and are always greatfull for heving shared their lifes with them.

Now Linda babe, how the heck do you add people to your circle?  Shoot I still have not figured out how to correct all my data, it shows that I started the plan in September, and I really did start on July 18, it also has my weight loss wrong!! I just gave up and have not even looked at it again!! Woman, 64 ounces is just way too much water, now maybe I can handle that amount of beer, but water?? Shoot I am lucky if I drink 40 oz of water a day!!

Buzz, where the heck are you? I do hope that you are out running around, not shopping, just exercising!!

Liz, you really are a sweetheart!! How is the fili? I sure hope that she is behaving better at home!! Keep us posted on your horses!!

Kim, where are you hon? I do hope that you are not messing around with Elvis!! keep on losing!!

Hey, I got a text message from Becky yesterday, I guess she is just having too many things going on at once!! I sent her a picture via cell phone of my grnadfnephew, his sister and the new addition to the family, Sparky, a daschound puppy!!  That is all we need another pup in the family!! Of course I already went and bought him some toys!! The pup is adorable and the kids are driving him nuts!! Well, the kids drive us all nuts!! Love to u all,

Elia

 As you can see no post.I wrote but nothing is there.When i went to send it i got an error an lost it.We are under a severe wheather watch.Thunder,lightening,torrential rains.So i dont know if it was a computer clitch or bad lines due to storm.If you dont hear from me i could lose power Well i am signing off an hope this goes through

Linda