Let's go, girls.  It has been six months since we began.  This is a good time for us to re-commit.  Kim deserves the prize for continuing to lead the charge and set the bar.  So, here's to a good day.

Light in the future- to Ming

Hi Ming,
     Hope you had a nice birthday. Camille let me know that a messge I sent you about a possible ereader went to all I  guess. I was trying just to send a message to you. So, mortified, I tried to find it and delete it and couldn't find it. I just didn't want you to think we forgot about your birthday. And, you are so awesome but so much so to my Robert. Just would like to send a little something. And, I do remember a discussion of books that Robert does share(wants to feel the paper) but I think you might like it as an option. Deal might be gone anyway.  I thought he was going to pass the phone. I know everyone else can read this but it's just my best avenue and too tired to figure another route.
     Carpet going in Monday. Great forcast so now we can get on the outside stuff and the lousey fertilizer shed etc.
     I am starting to fail on my program. HAVE to get myself back and center focused. Heading to a new cardiologist with col in am. Think this is a great move.
Hi Camille, It was definitely Forest!!!

Lel

Sounds like Forest Gump! And that's all I've got to say about that!

hanging on

crazy crazy. Tomorrow I go for the big health insurance appointment which decides if I have to be in a  mandatory program ( in the middle of my day). Still wading through the flood waters so to speak. You know when things suck. And, you really know you just have to come to acceptance. Just when I thought my debt was under control type thing. What a racket the insurance world is. PS treating your  home underneath for mold prevention and control (none so far) is not covered by flood insurance. How about liability to the people living there. So, just checking in to say I've been slipping but not too far. That's all I got to say about that.

Finally got on the scale this AM.  Up 2 pounds.  Yuck.  Everything has been tasting SO delicious.  Back in the saddle starting today.

EXEMPTION
Definitely took Colleen up on her Thanksgiving pumpkin pie exemption. And then Joan, Joe's aunt and an amazing cook, made an exquisite pear pie I had to have a slice of. I did forego the fresh whipped cream and vanilla ice cream, however. Were it not for my fairly solid commitment to eating no dairy, I don't think I could have held off.

And how did y'all do?

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving.  Remember portion control (the exception...pumpkin pie)!

       

I had some of Joe's 19th birthday chocolate cake made by me yesterday as Portland rain came down in sheets outside the window.

WHEREABOUTS
Plugged in at LAX, waiting to board for Portland. I've done thorough preparation for Thanksgiving -- lots & lots of early pumpkin pie. I'll be seeing Joe in a matter of hours. Can't wait. 

I'm ?

Good morning, everyone.  It is November 16--still a little shell-shocked but every day gets a little better.  Dealing with our damage (little compared to being wiped out totally) is a full time job let alone the disgusting and disappointing insurance company.  I, through a re-committed effort, am down a little bit more to 147.  Still a number a dislike but at least I am 12 pounds down from when we started.  I agree with Mignon, we need to get back in this game--especially with Thanksgiving a few days away.  Love to you all!

The 500th Post
What the past month has proven beyond a doubt is that the heart of our blog's vitality lies in the active presence of all of us. The sum is greater than its parts, in other words. The magic lies in the matrix.

So, as Storm Sandy recovery continues for two of our key members, we're clearly in a holding pattern. Leslie's assertion that she'll be back as soon as she can reassures me that resumption will happen. This helps me remain in stand-by mode.

My own last two weeks in California have been full of non-salt-water potholes, but potholes nonetheless. I'm noticing forgetfulness with respect to drinking my day's allotment of water; the opposite of forgetfulness regarding sugar, and one lonely push-up since November 28. Oh, did I mention sugar? Overeating it, in fact?

Note to Kim:  Want to buddy up until Leslie and Camille rejoin us? You've been mighty quiet over there in the Northeast, little sister. Maybe you need me as much as I need you right now?

Love & looking forward to Post #501,
The Professor

Still stick with the program except

Thanks Col for the Pizza Party...which led to hoagies. Sure I'll burn it off at that new construction job I have. Keep on keeping on. Have a great day!

Uh, Kimsday was yesterday
I'm just sayin'...

Dealing with my Stress today

So, way back whenever I was going to start to meditate. I am giving this day up and letting universe   take care of it .    We've been very busy  here in south jersey dealing with Sandy. We appreciate your love and thinking of us..
Some positive news from my own camp- Yesterday, the flood adjuster came and he was a really nice man. I think he will paint a picture which will give me the most money I can to try to fix things up. I don't even know what the deductible is at this point. No time frame either. Giving it up.
I also talked with my tenant again. I told her I will fix it but can't make promises on a time frame. I realized I was putting so much pressure on myself because of my empathy. But, I will not delay which is apparently what is happening to many displaced people. I'm praying Christmas.
As I type, I am having a new furnace installed. Say a prayer that everything works up and down as it is chilly today. I stopped at mom's though and her portable's seem do be doing a good job. I don't know at night and of course that's my concern. Hopefully in 4 or 5 hours we'll be back in the heat business.
Called for my homeowners insurance, waiting for call back. A big northeaster is heading our way if you can believe it. So, I don't want them to think the damage came from that if there's more.
Trying to get through to unemployment- impossible but have till Dec. 5 for that.
Trying to find out if I will be able to get a SBA loan. I think an application is coming that is somewhat unclear. That should at least keep the money at a lower interest rate then credit or equity.
Most importantly I was losing my faith till I read something to the effect : I never said it was going to be easy. I said it was going to be worth it. Trying to stay in gratitude.
Voting felt awesome! We live in a great country.
Camille, Danny and Linda- I'm praying things start moving in a positive direction for you as well. It's quite overwhelming.
And, all I want to do is eat. For the most part,all in all,I think I'm still okay but definitely not as good at the program as I was. I'll get back for sure.
Have a great day!

YEA TO HAYLEY & HAYLEY'S MOTHER!
Yet another reason for an exclamation point?! When did 7 Potash Road turn into the Aurora Borealis of the eastern seaboard. I mean really, Kim, how much longer is this blinding stardust going to continue?

LET'S CELEBRATE - MADAME PRESIDENT

Let's celebrate my daughter, Hayley Morgan Walsh, has been elected President of her Chi Omega sorority at UD.  My reaction was lukewarm, uninformed, and preconceived ideas of what this group is all about.  I need a kick in the ass.  Bottom line ........  Hayley is an amazing young woman and I am so proud.

Hayley has been elected to be leader of 200 women whose purpose is fundraising, networking & social opportunities.  This opportunity gives her endless networking opportunities across the country as well as the opportunities to lead and manage people.

She told me she will need a formal gown for a "ball".  I say, the cheapskate that I can be, how about one of the prom dresses.  She told me they are inadequate as this is "black tie".  Doesn't this sound fun!

I've ordered for her a Chi Omega signature scarf (cashmere & silk ---- my favorite fabrics) that she will always have.

Look forward to what unfolds.

The graphic above notwithstanding, no way can I be blog-jovial while two of our blogmates, Camille & Leslie, spend their days in hard labor digging out the destruction at 55 Asbury & 43 Sunset Place from the storm, a storm the likes of which they've never seen or experienced before.

PS: Love & concern to nearest & dearest non-blogmates, Danny & Linda, too.
     

Life does not feel normal and that's all. Adapt and overcome with self love

COMMENT TO LESLIE
We're with you, Lel. A few of us are even eating herky-jerky-like right alongside you, in spite of our not being hit, like you, by a perfect storm.

Hurricanes are NOT GOOD FOR THE HEALTH!

I went and looked at Sunset and I said "I have to go eat"
Halloween candy - tons of it called to me and I answered. How do you resechedule Halloween?
Today my Robert is 16 -" of course I have a cake for you". And, of course I had two pieces! My 30 minutes of joy.

But, I am back my blogging mates and will regroup. I can't wait to have a fantastic Salad as it truly has been a long time that I had any mindful eating. Like 10 days. 132.5. I'm sure it has cost me 3 pounds.

my mantra today
I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet

Have a great day!

It's a little too soon to ask the OC sisters to resume the nutritional plan.  Both had significant water damage and are spending time sorting out, throwing out and assessing damage.  It's been tough.  Both have said they realize how lucky they were but it's still been tough and clean-up is a chore.  Wish I could help.  Mom's tucked in her place.  I do believe this is what you were saying in French, n'est pas?  Avoir.

Après le déluge, la vie recommence, aussi le régime nutritionnel, n’est-ce pas?

J'espére vous voir sur le blog très bientôt!

Je suis avec vous,

Mignon