Wow, not used to going to bed without hearing my sweet nothings whispered to me (via the net ofcourse) by my strong, strapping, "Nu Yorka." (Is that how ya'll sy it?) LOL!

Do you miss me Rhett? Why, I miss you so much that I just plain don't know what to do with my little 'ole self? Should I pick some honeysuckles or sip mint juleps under the shade of Granddaddy's big oak tree? You have left me in such a quary, Rhett...why oh why have you left me! Is it...frankly...you don't give a damn? Oh, if that's the case, I will get you back, I'll fight for you with every bone in my size 2 body....but...maybe tomorrow...I do need my sleep you know? Yes, I shall think about this tomorrow...for tomorrow is another day indeed!

Are you smiling yet? I can't seem to remember any more "Gone With the Wind" exerts right now? I am sure you won't mind! :)

I MISS YOU, KINDA, HOPEFULLY, YOU WILL Be BACK SOON,
You darling little Scarlett

LOLOLOL!!! Hey, Michelle--I think you've got a book inside you screaming to come out.

Nah, I've just watched "Gone with The Wind" a hundred times! :) And just trying to make Kinda smile. He better be lurking and read that or I just made a complete fool of myself! LOL! People who don't know me or "newbies" are probably thinking..."WHO IS THIS FOOL AND WHY IS SHE TALKING LIKE THIS?" Ha, HA! Oh well!

Michelle :)

Okay, Kinda, I am leaving in the morning and traveling NORTH...glory be!

We are going skiing at Steamboat, CO! So excited- hopefully, when I get back, you will be back on the boards. Do you miss your little harem? :) What are you doing with yourself- should be doing things for your wife!

Now, look Yankee, I have stayed true to you while you have been gone- I know some other Northerners wanted to move in and take your place, but, I just wouldn't hear of it! :) So, I better be the first one you post when you are able.

I'll check in when we get home. Your forever Scarlett!

I miss you too and I miss Y too. I am going to brave a new meeting tomorrow night. What do you say, K? Dare each other and report back (I hope, soon?)

rosie

Hey guys - I just wanted to say I miss you both too. Kinda - I SO hope you are still drug free. I was so proud of you for doing that and I don't think I ever told you how MUCH I was proud of you. You went through hell with the pain pills and then the benzos. But you are (I hope you still are) doing so well. I know you've been an inspiration for alot of people.

Yinsky - well, you know I miss you and I hope you come back so soon!!!!
I've been trying to diet to get rid of the weight that the lortabs and the suboxone has made me put on. It's so hard. I've never dieted in my life. Whenever I got 10 lbs heavier, I would just go a couple of days without eating and then my stomach would shrink and then I wouldn't eat so much after that. I've never had to watch what I eat. I cannot believe I'm doing it. I've been eating protein bars for the energy and the fiber since the suboxone also makes it to where it is REALLY rare to have a 'bathroom experience'... if you know what i mean. So... protein bars and lots of high fiber cereal... but I'm extremely impatient and I haven't lost ANYTHING. I just don't understand because I was binge eating before and now i'm doing so well and it's just not coming off. My counselor (who also does tons of seminars on healthy eating) says that she feels like any day it's going to start falling off because of the drastic change in eating habits but it's just not. I'm starting to get frustrated because have you ever really tasted a protein bar? Please hurry back, both of you!!! Oh, did I mention that i'm not exercising? It's not part of my vocabulary... I can't do it! Take care and I miss you both!!!

" Why my sweet, Young Miss Scarlett, I most certainly DO give a Damn".!!!

Especially when its about You...


Good Morning, Michelle.

Like a true Northern Yankee, whose mind, has been swayed-away by an enchanting Southern Belle, You are the first to whome I shall post.!!!

My days at the "Internment camp at Long Kesh" were spent mostly dreaming about you. And your Southern Fried Chicken, with Dumplings.!!! LOL.!!
But, alas, My long journey back to the Tara House, finds you missing. Off to Colorado, I am told. To put a couple of sticks under your small feet, and slide down a Mountain.!!! Well, I do hope you and the Family are enjoying your selves... In my past, I have spent some time in Colorado, (Steamboat Springs, also) with friends from there, roaming around the State. It is a very beautiful place.!
I assume you are on the Bunny Hill, for the sake of your Children, AND yours also.! LOL.!! When you get off the ski lift, there is a way to get to the top of the Mountain, where the view is unbelieveable.!!! It kinda looks Heavenly.....I do hope you get to see it.!

And,I would like to "Thank You" for thinking about me, during my "Banishnent". It was very frustrating not to be able to respond. "Mind Torture", it was.!
But by bribing some of the Guards, I was able to keep tabs on you and everyone else. I am soo glad the "Family" has stayed together.....

I have been a good, little Lad, and the days just keep getting better. It will be "back to the work farm, for me, a week from this Monday.! "Its been a long time since I Rocked and Rolled".!!! But, I actually do miss my job, so it will be nice to get back there.....

I would like to "Thank All", who did not forget me. And I do look forward to speaking with Ya'll, again. Our times will slowly come.....

Well, My Dear Scarlett, you and your Family have loads of fun, with stories to tell upon your return, Ya Hear.!!! I will speak with you again soon.

Take Good Care, Michelle

(Your Yankee, Rhett.!)
Kinda......

Kinda - OH....joy!! The boys have come home from the war!!! :D Welcome Back, Kinda! This is so very odd, because I was just sitting at my computer about to open this site and thinking "gee, it's been over a week now since Kinda and Yinksy went off to the battlegrounds....but the commander said their tour of duty was for just a week--and they're not back yet!!" Then, I began to worry! (Yes, we Northern women worry as well as those Southern women (but you already know that because you're here up North!) So, I was so happy that within moments of thinking about you two, there was your name back up on the Board!! Safe and sound! :bouncing:

Glad you are doing so well --physically and mentally. Be sure to make the most of your last week off work! Two years ago I had three months' sick leave from work--and returned to the office on a beautiful day in May--with my heart in my mouth, I was so nervous. Don't ask me why--everyone was so pleased I was back. But that last month, I'd been having this monologue with myself that maybe I was no longer up to doing the job!! So, it was a relief to get back and realize that I still had a few brain cells left! And the same friends to kid around with.

Yes, your beloved belle of the ball has traded her mint julips for hot buttered rum this week. And a fine week she picked with all that great new snow. (I've been to Steamboat twice, to ski, and thought the top of the mountain with its views just gorgeous. Not to mention the Siren song of those tempting glades (off to the side of the chairlift), which parted their green branches and beckoned me in! That was incredible skiing!!!) (Off the side of Buddy's Run.) Were you skiing or hiking?

You sound great! And now all that remains is for Yinksy to be "shipped home" from the wars.

Yinksy-- "Come out, come out, wherever you are!!!" :wave: Maybe I can entice you to emerge by telling you that the New York Time's Travel Section today has a huge cover story on your fair land! One is entitled "On Bloomsday 100, Joyce Would Be Amazed By Dublin, and its Love for Him"; another called "By Bike in County Donegal: Rain, Sheep, Shades of Green", and lastly "Rural Irish Chefs Add a Soupcon of Globalization." The entire set of articles is under the heaidng "A New Ireland, But the Face is Familiar." It's a looooong time since I graced Ireland's shores (hiding out in London for most of my ten years in England!)--but I still remember this country's beauty, grace...and the rain that soaked me. :rolleyes: Mostly, though, I remember the kindness and good humour--how everyone I met was intent on my loving their country and having a wonderful stay. Which I did. :)


WELCOME BACK, LADS AND LASSES!!!

Lynn :-)

Hi Ya, Lynn. !!

I'm happy to be able to speak with you, again. As I've said, I've been keeping Tabs on who's been Naughty and who's been Nice...And you have been doing just fine, sticking with your Taper. I Know how hard it can be...

But you sound Great, and I've seen you've been "Taking Care" of the others during their "rough times". "Way to go Girl".!! <<<< Yipes.!!! I hope I'm not beginning to sound like that Richard Simmons guy, from TV. LOL. !!! I Better go call a friend up and talk about football or something.!!! LOL.!!!...

I wonder what that 'Ole Miss." family is doing on the mountain.? First time for them to see real snow.(???). I was only Hiking that day I was there. never skied before, till I was at BerchesGarden, Germany, in the Service. Funny story. I'll tell it at another time .....

Whats up with Yinksy.???? Last time I saw her, she was Kicking Butt, behind Enemy lines.!!! But I think that part of your post, about Ireland, will bring her back here for some R&R.!!! She better come back. I Miss My Lass.....

I hope all is going well with Alice. Tell her I said "Hello".!!!

Well, I guess I will talk with you more later. That is, if I learn to keep my "Temper" in check.!!!

Really have Missed Everybody here, though......

Kinda......

I hope all is going well with Alice. Tell her I said "Hello".!!!
Really have Missed Everybody here, though....Kinda......

I'm feeling "kindawell" myself...seeing YOUR name back on the Boards, this morning! A warm top 'o the mornin' to you, Kinda - and a Happy Leap Year (assuming you 'observe' the holiday). :D I'm so glad to hear you're doing well. I sure missed you and Yinksy and your cheering words of wisdom. Good advice AND humor...an unbeatable combination!
Alice :wave:

Good Afternoon, to ya, Alice. !!!

I am glad to hear from you. Hope all is going well. And how could it not.? With this fine NYC weather that has come our way. Its been a long time, no see, HUH....

Yes, to be back on the Boards is just fine... Its very frustrating to want to say something to someone, and your voice can not be heard. Kinda like the "Sounds of Silence"... Its a tough war "out there", but I do believe Yinksy has made it back from "Her tour of duty." I think though, if she is writting her report, it may take days before we hear from her. What, with all her lenghty "word-smithing" and such.!! LOL!!

As I have told Lynn, I have been ease-dropping in on ya's posting (I have a very long telescope.(HO, Ho, Ho.!!!) and it is good to know, that "Our Gang" is still present.!! But for all you Lurkers out there, we are always looking for new Blood. So, come on in, at any time, and "JOIN US".!!! The larger the gang, the more we can Pillage and Plunder.!( Opps, Sorry, just thinking of my old ways.! LOL !!!).

I have been missing my Grave-yard shift somewhat, so I need to catch up on afew people. I've seen afew new names on the Board, so maybe I'll get to meet them sometime soon...

But there MUST BE more humor, so I will try to do my best. Recovery happens Faster, with a smile on your face, Right.???

Will talk to you again soon, Alice. Please stay healthy, and keep on trying......

Kinda....

Kinda - this other southern belle missed you too! It seems like it was forever when you guys were gone but I'm so happy you are back. How are you doing? Are you getting sleep at all?

And Yinsky - where in the heck are ya'? I've got a little story to talk to you about regarding xanax that is kind of important... Give me a yell when you get back. I'm going to get nails done and then shopping for a little while so I probably won't be back on until tonight sometime. I'll see you guys later and I'm very glad you've made it home!!! (almost)

Kinda - 'Tis true, 'tis true---humor is one of the world's most precious commodities. When our humor dries up, the environment is changed forever!! As I've said on the Board before, humor--albeit dark humor--has taken me through some pretty bleak moments.....when there was nothing truly to laugh about....except at the many tricks life plays on us!! There are comic moments, lurking in every corner, waiting to bring out our smiles..and offer some release--and some relief. And being able to laugh at ourselves during these drug journeys we're on--or have, happily, ended--makes the trip just that slightest bit more bearable! :jester:

As for Yinksy composing a round-up of her vacation from us, I am sure you are right that we will have a long wait--unless she writes it in installments!!! :D

Gotta go....but, again, so good to see you back. :)

PS Let me know when these smile icons get obnoxious!!!! I have a compulsion to continually click on them. :D

Hi Ya, Banker.!!

How have you been.??? I know its only been a week or so, but thats a long time when you have "no voice".!!! I have been dropping in some, and I must tell you, your words of advice are soo right on.!!
And I see you had a little adventure, with the car not starting, and your son being sick, and having to go to work on top of it all. That saying sure is true, huh.? "Life ain't easy".! But I am glad to see you have got a handle on it all (or at least a Good Grip, eh.???).....

Things are coming along well for me lately. I've got a new Physical Therapy place. Much more Advanced equiptment. They are using something called Electronic Nerve Blocks on me, and its seems to do wonders for my physical pain. I had been "hurting somewhat" after stopping all the opiates, but was just intent on roughing it out. Now, I feel soo much better.!! Even the insomnia is breaking up some. I'll not be making the rounds on the Grave-Yard shift anymore.!!! Even now, as I am posting to you, I am "Yawning Away", and will be off to sleep soon. "Thank You Very Much", for your post earlier.....

You know, I don't know why I made it thru this addiction this time, or at least how I got to this point. (???). It been such a long time since I have been straight, of my own free will. I'm just loving it to death.!!! I did have to leave behind old habits, and old Friends. Its the price you gotta pay, I guess. But the reward is just sooo worth it.!!! I'm also glad you guys were around to help me......

Well, again, Glad to see you are keeping it together. We'll talk more <<<<, but in the daytime nowadays.! LOL.!!! Good Night, Banker....

Kinda.

Hey, Rosie.!!!

How are you feeling today.??? I saw your post, where you were feeling down. I wanted sooo much to be able to write to you, just to talk like....
But I saw how everyone responded to you and tried to help, with their words. That was nice...

My sleep has been changing for the better, and I can hardly keep my eyes open while I write this to you. I think the Grave-Yard" shifts have come to an END.! But I wanted to check in with you before I went to sleep.....

Good Night, R`ois`in.

Kinda.

Thank you, kinda, I missed you. Oh well, I should be getting to bed earlier anyway. I have always had this terrible nightowl instinct. I found another great meeting and my father in law is taking me to a big aa meeting on Tuesday. Someone bought me the na book so I need to read that. Really missed your humor. Well, I am really tired right now, too, so off I go hopefully to sleep. I can't wait until I am posting that I have gone a whole day without pills.

Rosie

Yinksy - come out, come out, wherever you are.....


Good morning Rosie and Kinda - hope all is well with you guys this a.m. I slept on the couch - AGAIN. This sub makes me so dang tired that i just calapse when I sit down to watch t.v. It's really becoming annoying. Also, my joints get stiff and swollen in the mornings. I've been on a diet now (first real diet i've been on in my LIFE) and It's been almost a whole week and guess what? I've GAINED FIVE lbs. What in the world is up w/that? I'm eating protein bars during the day and LOTS of high fiber, high protein cereal. I just don't get it. I'm starving all of the time. Yesterday, after I weighed I got so frustrated I went straight to McDonalds and got a double cheesburger. My appetite is like this because of the Sub. It was the same way with the tabs. If I wasn't on any opiate at all, I know this weight would drop off of me. It makes me sad that I have to take Suboxone... but in reality (because of myself, family history, etc) I know that I cannot NOT abuse pills without it. So I guess I will be 5/3 and 153 lbs forever... if I'm lucky, I guess and don't gain more. It's GROSS... after 3 kids, your body is yucky anyway, then to add all of the fat. GROSS! I know that my last chance is excercising but I really, really hate doing that. I mean, hate it w/a passion. If I have to sweat, there is a problem. I HATE it. K - just needed to get that out. Maybe you guys can help me on this and try to give me eating tips and even maybe someone can get me in the gym. The thing is, I have a gym at work and in my appt. complex. However, can't go at the appt. complex 'cause of the kids. I'm with them most of the time. Sorry I went into all of that and Kinda - I'm SO happy you are doing well. I really wish we could all get together and have our own 'meetings' in person! Wouldn't that be great??? Or at least a big conf call... lol

Banker - Ah, how I sympathize with your dieting. I was near skinny until I reached 28.....and then it was all over. I had to watch what I ate from then on in. (My relatives on both sides used to look like stick insects--skinny, little arms and long legs--coming out from tubby-barreled torsos!! ) :D I vowed that would not happen to me. But it almost did. Antidepressants added to my weight only because I felt so much better on them that I got back my appetite. I don't eat when I'm depressed, upset, anxious. But friends everywhere know me as a food fanatic--not that I eat so much--but that I search for the perfect flavor and will eat just about anything--once. I've never met an ethnic cuisine I didn't like (except perhaps my own Jewish family's ethnic cuisine! Too stodgy and sweet for me.)

Anyway, over the years I have lost and gained the same 25 lbs over and over and over. (Not good for one's metabolism.) The only guilt trip I will lay on the antidepressants is that the Wellbutrin gave me a sweet tooth which I never had before. Within two weeks of taking it--I was craving rich, sweet food. And I'd always been the opposite. Found sweet things revolting...and added salt to everything. Odd. (I'm more back to normal now.) And I'm where I should be in weight--looking thinnish again.

Those protein bars you are eating have lots of calories! The only diet that has ever worked for me is small portions. I do not deny myself any food that I like---I just eat it in half the portions that I used to. And just teensy bits of the stuff you know are killers! This sort of diet is so much more realistic for me over a lifetime. All my life, I will yearn for certain foods if they are "forbidden". But..if I eat a little, whenever I want...I will not become fixated on them. By doing this, I don't have to fear dropping out of some special diet, because I can't follows its dictates. I am eating whatever I normally do....but in much, much smaller portions. There's no way I want to go through life with food as an addiction--'I can't eat this, I can't eat that--or I'll gain weight again." If you have never had to diet before, you will be amazed by how many innocent-looking foods are loaded with calories. And, as Americans, we are used to such large portions. During my ten years in England, I felt like I was living in the Land of Liliputians, the portions were so much smaller--and more reasonable! When my British mother-in-law visited New York, she thought out food portions grotesque!!! (Her exact words were something like "Goodness gracious, Lynn--this is preposterous!!!") :D

So...just wanted to share my own battle with weight, as I know how awful it is when you've never had a problem--and, suddenly, your body shape changes. It's all so psychological. Our societies' views on beauty make us so miserable about every fold of skin!!

Okay, my work day must begin!! Good luck with your diet! Don't go for any of the fad diets--just eat what you like in little portions--that's my advice! I am 5 ft 5 inches and about 130 now (maybe a little less...I don't have a scale--just clothes that tell me the truth!) I have gone as high as 154 and with my small boned frame, I looked just like that stick-insect!!! :D

O.K. - Thank you! I'll try smaller portions. Maybe just cut everything in half? I did the protein thing because I am such a carb freak. I love every kind of carb there is and then more. My counselor told me if I ate lots of protein, then I would have constant energy all day instead of the highs and lows associated with carbs. So... I know what you mean. I don't want a fad dieat because I know I will just gain it back. I need something I can stick with - A lifetime plan of eating healthy. But damn I love me some french fries and hamburgers. Put it this way, everyone refers to me as the 'chicken finger girl'. That's how much I love greasy foods and chocolate. K - smaller portions and maybe try healthier foods such as grilled chicken instead of fried chicken sandwiches. Also, no mayo on sandwiches instead of tons of it. It's hard... I LOVE food. But again, only since being on the Suboxone and tabs. I'm going to have to go buy all new clothes because I do not have one single spring/summer outfit I can fit into. It's going to be 70 degrees here all week. At least I have some money to buy them though since I'm not spending it on drugs. I try to find the good in anything I can.

You know Banker - and I know you are going to hate me for saying this................ sorreeeeeeeeee.............. exercise is the answer! At the moment I am doing a lot of walking - and I eat like the proverbial piggy! Anything and everything ........... The times in my life when I have put on weight have been when I have been sedentary! I absolutely HATE gyms - dont go there ever. Just loathe the whole concept! But - you see - I have a dog - so I can walk forever. For example - yesterday - Sunday - was a magnificent day here - so off to the hills and climbed Ben Lomond - 6 hours of very steady walking................... and I felt as high as a kite by the time I came home (endorphins?) - slept like a log too.
OK - so you hate exercise - but I reckon you just have to find something you really like? You dont need to sweat? LOL LOL LOL.
What about dance - salsa - or something................. latin american? You might even meet some gorgeous handsome passionate latin lover? LOL LOL LOL Think I have just persuaded myself to go dancing?
Seriously though - there must be something - from swimming......... to dancing......... kick boxing? (my daughter loves this!!) aerobic yoga even? Just plain walking - twice a day for 20 mins a time?
Isnt it a shame we dont all live closer to one another? Could walk and talk at the same time? What fun we would have?
Y

But how can I go swimming with three kids? The gym at work doesn't have a pool. I love tennis but again... how? Of course, I'm going to make up excuses for everything you bring up. I can just go to the gym and get on the treadmill at lunch. There's no excuse. I'm just a wimp. I'll think about trying.. And SIX HOURS OF EXERCISE? Are you NUTS??? Gosh, I need a nap just thinking about it. lol

Kids love swimming too! No excuses! Yes - of course - I am nuts! Y

Both Banker and I are going to hate you...I turn an alien shade of green when someone says "exercise"--because all I can think of are gyms and little machines and female bodies that do not NEED exercise, stretching their little hearts out. :D

However---I do love natural exercising--walking my two little poppets (dogs) by the river, scrambling up rocks with them (yes...I do this in Manhattan), racing back and forth to my favorite food shop......chuckle. :-) And so forth. NY is the most walkable city--so much fun. So much to catch your eye. It's just "gyms" that make my skin crawl. LOL!

I thought Ben Lomand was in Scotland?? Now THAT would be a healthy walk from where you live--in Ireland.

back to work...

Hey.!!! Did I just see that"nutty" yinksy on the Board.???

Hello, me Lass. How have you been doing.??? Whats new.? I see you are still doing your "walk-abouts". Instead of feet, you must have Nike Mountain sneakers growing out below your ankles, eh,??? LOL, LOL.!!! But you are soo right in that walking is such a wonderful exercise. It really is very healthy. Clears the body of alot of Toxins. And around here, where I live, you get to zig-zag around all the people, dodge the cabs, stop and go when crossing the street against the signal, learn eye to feet cordination to miss the doggy poop, and standing on the train platform for 25 minutes waiting for an Express, only to find out (after letting 2 Locals go by) that ALL the trains are running Local because of Track Work.!!! Ho, Ho, Ho.!!! ( An NYC joke.!). Ya know, Yinksy, with all that walking you do (6 Hours.!!!), you should of become a Mail Woman or something.! Then, at least you would get paid for it.!!! LOL.!!!

Write back when you can....

Hey, Banker... Sorry, but I can't help you on the Diet thing. I've never had a problem with weight before. I've been 5'8, 150-155 pounds since I was a young man. Ocassionly, I've dropped some, dramatically, but only when on a heavy drug binge. Eventurally, it evens out again... I have always been an active Basketball player. So while I am having soo much fun, the sweat just pours off of me. Thats when I feel truly alive.!!! Since the operations, though, I've had to settle for just walking as much as possible, ocassionally some speed-walking, and sometimes, at Therapy, using the weights and machines. I wouldn't say I am a "NUT" about it, but you can get a "Special" kind of high from it.!!! A Natural one, that is.... I know you have Much More responsibility then me, with the kids and all, but you have to find something to do, physically, besides just dieting. The combo of the two will work wonders...
Lets make a deal.! You start dancing at clubs (like Yinksy said), looking for a "Latin Lover", and I'll head for the Spas, looking for those "Female bodies that Don't need it" (like Lynn said). One way or the other, we are both gonna end up Happy.!!! LOL, LOL.!!! But hey, whats going on here.??? You women are actually telling me your "real weight" numbers.??? I thought that stuff was like "Top Secret", or something. Only to be discussed amongst other women. I hope you are not thinking of me as like that Richard Simmons guy, are ya.??? LOL!!!
Now, I'm gonna have to run up to the nearest bar, and order a shot of Jack Daniels, with a beer chasser, in order to get my Male Libido going again.! Ho, Ho, Ho.!!!!!


Well, Heres to all of us, getting healthy and slimmer, in our own ways......


Kinda.

Hiya Kinda

yer Lass

Welcome home, Yinksy! :wave: Your indomitable wit and wisdom were sorely missed!
Alice :bouncing:

1. Kinda - No, we won't mistake you for Richard Simpson--unless you get all teary-eyed and call for group hugs. :D

2. Banker - I love all the same sorts of foods that you do. I enjoy them grilled, fried, poached, sauteed, casseroled--or on a stick! My solution, as I mentioned, is to eat just half the portion...being particularly severe if it's something especially evil!! I am as greedily happy to eat a McDonald's as I am a Lobster Thermador. All foods are eagerly anticipated. Even sweetbreads!! On days when I eat too much....I cut back more the next day. I may gain a lb or two...but it drops off again. If you've never entered the wonderful world of dieting, I highly suggest buying a good calorie guide...which will astound you with what it's got to say!! (Those protein bars--which I am not particularly fond of--are sold to an unsuspecting public as "healthy"--which they may well be--but "slimming"---they are not!!! And a few bites...and they're gone.) There are foods that you can eat lots more of to fill you up...and still keep within lower calorie levels. I, too, like my carbs, but I try not to put anything too dreadful on top of them! A very small bit of sour cream and several grates of cheddar will suffice on a baked potato...though bacon and butter cravings are occasionally sated. :D Once you learn the general calorie range of food...you do not have to count them...just be aware of them. Yinksy is right about the exercise....but dog walking twice a day and my annual two week ski trip our West seems to use up much of my energy!!!! :rolleyes: Actually....I do love, also--about once a week when the snows melt--taking a long ride through the parks, along the river, etc. on my adult-sized (NOT electric) push scooter!! I have to confess to preferring the speed stuff...skiing, horseback riding, roller coasters...all that sort of activity that promises an adrenalin rush! (An addictive personality, eh??)

I am off to eat my egg salad sandwich...which does have some mayonnaise (would never give THAT up). I've also added capers, about 5 quick grates of cheese, and paprika. It's on that small 70 calorie sliced bread.

I also admit to night raids on peanut butter--straight from the jar. (Don't ask about those calories.) But I try to alternate them with Edy's Lime Ice Pops (80 calories.)

Okay, good night and good luck with your diet. If you gained 5 lbs last week, you may have "inhaled" a lot more calories than you realized. So don't get discouraged!! I've always done any dieting slowly--I'm very suspicious of "quick fixes!!" :)

Hey, Lynn....

I never said there was anything wrong about having "Group Hugs" with you Ladies.!! Heck, back in the Sixties, that was how all the "Fun" would get started.!!!! Ahhh, those were the days.... Ho, Ho, Ho.!!! Just kidding.... Was still a learning Laddy, back then, But I had "nice" Teachers.!!!! Hee,Hee.!

You know about that "natural high" I'm talking about, from when you are skiing, Right.? It feels soo nice... And very Clear-Minded. Everybody can get it "for free", when they start to "zero-in" on a certain exercise or sport that they become Really Into. Yinksy gets it from merely Walking. You can do it around the City, just by going "window shopping" down 57th st., or 5th ave.( like my Wife does.!!!), or even wandering around the Village or Chelsea.....

Anyway, just wanted to say Dia Duit ("Good Day") to all of you, and will talk to you soon......


( Just Me.) Kinda.

Yep - Yinksy does get it from walking!!! LOL LOL LOL
Left the house this morning and went walking in the Trossachs (Lynn will know these!) - climbed Ben An and walked a few miles along Loch Katrine........... heavenly.......... probably only about 12 miles all told today.........but I feel fantastic! Now - I am not by nature a walker - I prefer water sports.......... like sailing and windsurfing............... but for overall activity in winter then walking is the best. Loads of wildlife today too......... geese getting ready to migrate north all gathering on the loch, even spotted an eagle over the mountains.....................
Just the "lift" or "high" makes you feel so good, so optimistic...............
Ho hum.......... must now and get on with some work.......... all play and no work makes yinksy a dull girl (not to mention..... poor!!)
Y

Alice & Lynn

Just to say............ thanks for warming welcomes! The prodigal pair returning? (kinda and me that is!!!LOL) Will you be slaying the fatted calf? LOL
Nice to be able to speak with you two ladies again..................so............... how's the pill situation? Creeping just a little lower?? Hope so - you have so much waiting for you "on the other side" of addiction/dependency!! And with the vigour you both display.......... look out world!
Hope you both in fine fettle!
Lynn - been doing some hill climbing in the Trossachs - by Loch Katrine - did you ever get there? High pressure, blue skies........... but no snow! Our snow here in Scotland has disappeared........ the chairlift companies are up for sale. Dire. Global warming?? So - the kids here all head off for the French/Italian Alps or the best - in their books - Whistler.
Should pick your brains for good places - snow boarding is what they want to do (skiing is for the olds!! sorree ha ha ha) - anywhere you would recommend in the east of your country? So - they could fly to somewhere in the east -- NY or whatever and then get to some good slopes? They consider themselves "rad" and so need the most challenging places!!! And hopefully - not choc a bloc with other less competent mortals! Arrogent (but gorgeous!) young men!

Hope to chat soon

Y

You guys know what my problem is w/physical activity? I know that 'natural high' you are referencing but my anxious self starts freaking out when my heart is going 90 to nothing and I start to feel my endorphins kick in --- I feel like I'm about to have a heart attack because I'm a smoker and I always think when I start feeling 'different' in the middle of a fast walk, or a stepper, or whatever, that I'm going to just lay down and die. Isn't that rediculous? That's how bad my anxiety is. My heart beat at rest is about 90 but--- It's always been fast, even when I was 18 and a cheerleader and in great shape so I shouldn't freak... but I do. It's pretty bad when you have a phobia to excercising... Actually, I could walk on the treadmill and just not go nuts with a big run on it and do o.k. But the key is getting your heart rate up there for at least 20 minutes... right? Mine is up there just typing right now... lol

Hey Banker
Naw - exercise should be fun. Get rid of the treadmill - what a ghastly invention! Just a gentle stroll for starters?? How about you stroll to the shops for your fags? LOL LOL LOL
I reckon that there is no chance of people doing exericise for any length of time if they dont enjoy it!
How about - even a nice relaxing yoga session?
I'll come too?
Y

Yinsky - - This is a LONG one!

(P.S. to Kinda (yes! Skiing is a natural high!"), Banker, Rosie, etc....I'm avidly following your sagas and will try to grab more time to write to each of you. I just can't write more than one at a time here at work.) :rolleyes:

Now why in the world did I think you were from Ireland??? It's Scotland! When you said "Ben Lomond", I just knew I'd committed a grave faux pas!! Please believe me--I swearthat I am NOT one of those Americans who thinks that England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are all one word--and that if you meet the English--no need to meet the Irish--or the Welsh... etc, etc.. :D I've traveled to Scotland many times (had friends there)--I've walked around Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, Oban, Callander...The Trossachs, the Highlands, etc. (Not to mention Loch Ness!) What a gorgeous country you live in!

Well! Don't ever lecture US on exercise, when every time YOU step out from your door, YOU get to firm up your body in Paradise!!! If I lived where you do....I'd never stop exercising, either!!!

My Scottish friends Elspeth and Terry (from Glasgow) had just the most droll sense of humor--they kept me in stitches. I got to see much of Scotland from their car! Although we were allowed out to walk thru the towns and maybe hike a bit around a lake or along a path---they were basically too lazy to allow Alice and I to do what we most love....explore, hike, climb in all the out-of-the way spots. But we settled for the the views from the window, because they were so spectacular. I always remember this particularly beautiful drive along this tiny road from Glasgow to Oban. We did convince them to stop the car occasionally so we could investigate the near-by hills and introduce ourselves to a few cute, grazing sheep. (Not to mention a poor, deceased little one, lying in the middle of the road. :-( If you walk around Ben Lomond, etc....then I assume you live around there? Oh....you are so lucky!!!

Alice and I have done some great pony trekking in the Lakes District and in Wales...do they offer treks to tourists in Scotland? I don't remember. One of the flatmates who shared my London flat, got her degree from St. Andrews, where she did lots of climbing (inbetween her lectures!), and she would very kindly loan me her unbelievably comfortable (and just my size and width) Swiss-made, double-shoe hiking boots for many of my adventures. Oh...those were the days..... Sigh... :)

Mmmm.....skiing in Scotland.....I am not totally surprised to hear that our overheated globe has washed its hands of the Scottish ski industry. Even in 1971, my first glimpse of the pistes of Scotland had me goggle-eyed. Was in the Cairngorns, I think....and there, right in front of me, were all these totally nonplussed ski enthusiasts...racing furiously down this ONE NARROW STRIP of snow stuck in the middle of these yellowing winter fields. The wind was blowing wetly. It was warm...and dank. Kinda like a scene from a slightly nightmarish Paul Cadmus painting (this wonderfully scathing, satricial artist, now, unfortunately, deceased), where the scene painted should be just lovely--but something is inexplicably...and terrribly...WRONG!!! :D Those poor ski areas, even back then, were dying of thirst in a area rich in rain, but poor in snow. It was soooo sad. (As for your son snowboarding in the USA or Canada--Whistler/Blackcomb is gorgeous! More than enough stuff there to scare the baggy pants off his body! LOL! Eastern skiing is f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g much of the time. But Vermont and Maine are so beautiful (I did alot of New England skiing years ago and loved it),that it might be worth it for a young soul such as his to ignore that frigid cold. But--when I say "cold"...I mean "COLD!!!" And, unfortunately, there is a much better chance of him boarding on ice instead of snow. We produce a lot more ice on our slopes than the Western ski areas would ever be caught dead with. Years ago, New England skiing meant scenic, narrow, winding slopes through the woods (the treelines come right up to the tops of many of our Eastern mountains.) Today, a lot of them have been widened (boring--tho better for boarders) and so darn crowded that they've lost some of their appeal. But it's the cold that stops me from taking a holiday there, again. Alice and I used to spend weekends driving back and forth to Vermont ski resorts, trying out new lodges, new slopes. For a snowboarder, some of the areas he mights consider are: in Vermont - Mt. Snow, Killington, Sugarbush (lovely place--not as crazed as some) or Stowe. In Maine--Sugarloaf and Sunday River.

For out West? Some of my choicers for a boarder would be: In Colorado - Vail (terrific in-bounds "outback" bowls called "Blue Sky Basin"), Aspen Highlands; in Montana - Big Sky; in Wyoming - Jackson Hole; and in Utah - Alta (my personal favorite), Snowbasin, Solitude and Sundance (Robert Redford's lovely resort mountain--pristinely beautiful with wide open bowls.) And of course - Whistler/Blackcomb in Canada. Western skiing/boarding, compared to its Eastern counterparts, offers better and more frequent snow, more variety, huge mountains--and very little ice!)

But back to business. Ahem! No, we haven't tapered further. I know, I know. I gotta get out of this comfort zone. On the other hand, we haven't gone UP with the pills. It's still the same 4-6 hydros. (and the occasional nibble of a 20 mg oxy, when my cousin offers them. But those are waaay toooo strong to mess with. And I would never mix them with anything else! )Also...one Ambien (.5) at night and about once every two weeks, half a Klonipin (I hate that "unreal" way they make me feel and will let myself get pretty anxious before I take even a half of one.) Aren't we Americans awful--we reach for a pill for everything!! (Although my English doctor in London, in 1972, cheerfully admitted to me he took two valium to get him going each morning. Aaarrrggghhhhh!!!! Yes--I DID change doctors!!!) But you must get so frustrated hearing people like myself give all these limp excuses for pill taking. This is a weak side of myself that, years ago, I would not have believed possible. I do have chronic back pain...but I do NOT need these pills more than once in a blue moon. I know that I will be completely off the stuff in the not too distant future, as I get them only because my cousin is prescribed them and doles them out. And her doctor is trying to slowly wean her off these strong painkillers. (Unlike me, though, she DOES have a very legitimate reason for pills....and has a pain management doctor who's helped her through all these back surgeries and horrible painful nerve diseases. And, amazingly, she is NOT visably addicted to the stuff. Many's the time I've seen her stop these drugs overnight, when the Rx ran out....and she claims she does not notice anything other than that her usual pain comes back. But no withdrawal. What a body.)

By the way, re exercise....about ten years ago I stupidly bought a treadmill (it was being sold so cheaply.) Ugh. What a bad idea. Exercising in my living room, watching my plants grow. Instead of getting out by the river and walking! The insanity lasted, oh....about few months (I 'd originally thought it would be great for skiing)....and then... I folded it up, stuffed it away into my closet...and it became a nifty "valet" for my clothing!!!

Well--I gotta go. Your posts are always so encouraging and full of life. Even the "scourging" ones are good for me. :D I sure wish I had more time to post to everyone.

have a good day--and hug The Trossachs for me!!!! lynn

Lynn
Surely to goodness I dont write "scourging" posts? What a hoot? What a dreadful old bag I am indeed!!!!!!!
Yes - I live on the outskirts of Glasgow.......... maybe I know Elspeth and Terry? And yes - I know I am lucky in that I do have wonderful places to walk and explore.
Kinda and I write to one another in a sort of boudlarised pigeon gaelic - Irish gaelic interspersed with Scottish gaelic - dont ever think either of us know what the other is writing in.......... half the time we havent a clue what the other is saying! LOL LOL
You see - I have an Irish father from Limerick and a lot of ties with Ireland............. so hence the reason you would have assumed that I lived in Ireland. Personally I think Scotland a much more dramatic and interesting place to live........ but Ireland too has some wonderful places, some very romantic places and wonderful live music in the pubs!!
And - you are so right about the skiing in the Cairngorms.......... what a waste of time? I burst out laughing when I read your description of hardy Scots skiing down a wee thin dribble of snow with rocks and fields on either side! Huh! I broke my leg coming down the White Lady at Aviemore when I was a student of 19 years old!!!!!! Hit a rock!
Thanks for the hints for my boys - I will pass on the info. Its really appreciated. They are tough......... surfers - out on a wave at Thurso on New Year's Day - they dont come much tougher than my lot! Extreme sports.......................
And - my goodness - why would anyone want to use a treadmill - only good for hampsters!!!!! Like you - I prefer the great outdoors to gyms and equipment. You know - just yesterday on our way back from the Trossachs we passed a glass fronted gym......... and just fell about laughing watching all those lycra clad bodies........ all looking so miserable.......torturing themselves on the machines............. Why on earth were they doing that when we had the most spectacular day, blues skies, high pressure, cold and clear, the air like wine............. they are passing up all this for a smelly putrid gym? Crazy or what??
A stout pair of boots, a ruckie with a waterproof and some munchies, the hills and a dog (or two?!)................ what else does a girl need??

So - is it time then for me to post another verbal "whipping"? ha ha ha
Naw - sounds good to me......... you are getting there? Perhaps (a bit like dieting) the slower your taper the more likely it is that you wont lapse?? Your consumption now is surely getting you close to the point when you can just quit? Dont you just long to be free of the pills? You will then have so much energy - I will have to invite you over - to run up Ben Lomond!! Its true you know - you just wont believe how much energy and sheer zest for life you will suddenly develop!
Well - better get going........dinner to make for the troops, a dog to chat to............... ha ha ha ha ha ha (witch like cackle)
Take care............... you'll get there........... keep pushing yourself with the pills in the same way you would push yourself to climb a "munro" or slalem down a slope? Its soooooo worthwhile!
Y

Y,
I thought you were from Ireland too! I only have a second, but we don't know if my husband and father-in-law are Irish or Scottish, as fil was adopted. So hubby has the kilt and tie in tartan for the known name. They just had such a wonderful time in Ireland they like to think of themselves as Irish I think. My dad spent a month hiking in Scotland a few years ago and I have seen many beautiful pictures.

talk to you soon,
rosie