~~Rogue/Alternative HCG/hHCG plans for week of April 16, 2012~~

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Now, the way I copied and pasted Julie's post, I can't quote it to comment or it will be lost. So I'll have to just scroll up and down to get the deed done:

Was that a 3-minute run? You said it felt like a year. Are you working your way up to running?

Thank you for the encouragement. (Thanks to all who are lifting me up.) I am not getting much packing done. My allergies go off the charts when I disturb dusty things and I end up just going through tissues like they are going out of style. I may have to pack my nares to wear a mask just to get through some of this stuff. I have no time to be putting this stuff off anymore. I'm going to get the keys in just 8 days! Then I have 7 days when I can start to "trickle in." Just boxes and stuff for the attic at first, until after the carpets have been cleaned, then the big stuff can be brought in.

I'm in a very unique situation in that I don't have to be out of my house on a specific date. At least not as things stand right now, and it likely won't be any time soon. I've scheduled the electricity and water to be turned off (and trash pick up to be stopped) by the end of the first week of May. Other than that, I'll still have the keys and be able to access the house.

It gives me a false sense of security and keeps me from feeling the urgency of my situation. I keep thinking that I have plenty of time.

Julie, you have a totally different situation. And your MOM on top of all the rest. I can't believe she's still at home! Is she doing more for herself finally? I hope that when you said "paying her taxes" that you meant with her money.

God bless you as you prepare to move, Julie! And may you wake something up inside of me so I can know that this is really happening to me, too.

Thanks Cheryl!! I was wondering why there weren't any emails on the rogue thread this week!! Uh, because I didn't post on THIS week's thread!! Yes, I made my mom pay her own taxes. She sold her baby grand piano and is thinking of selling her car to cover a few months more home care. It's hard to tell if she'll progress enough to make that worth while, but if it doens't work out, we'd have had to sell those things anyway. I am running around so much in my own life I really can't be as "present" in hers anymore. And I'm out of money (almost $2000 donated to the "mom" fund according to my recent calculations) and I can't do it anymore. My 2 brothers need to step up more, but I'm not quite sure how to delicately communicate that w/o sounding petty. Trying to do a yard sale on Sat. and my LR is full of toys right now!! The girls are being really good about letting things go!!

Originally Posted by mdolph

Just stopping in to mark my spot and say hi. I'm right there with you with a huge gain over the weekend. The biggest weekend gain I've had in a long time. 6 pounds! YIKES! Normally I'll gain 1-3 pounds. Its all my fault. Lots of eating and drinking things that I shouldn't. And normally I drop it fast but I only dropped one pound of the gain so far.

Things are still crazy bad with the husband. The crazy part, he doesn't think there's an issue. The bad part, not only do I see the problems but I spent the weekend adding to the issues on hand. Enough said on that for now!

Mini and Cheryl, I think you made good choices!

Belfrybat, have a great trip!

Julie, have fun packing. I'm more than likely will be doing that soon myself. I'm having problems finding what I want though and until I make the big announcement that I'm leaving I havn't been in much of a hurry.

to you. I remember other posts from you and it does sound like you've made a decision. You've been working at it, or at least willing to hang in there, for a while now. Maybe a your "announcement" is the wake-up call dh will need? I'll be praying for you, your kids, and dh. I've seen amazing things happen and marriages restored that really seemed beyond hope. Sometimes a little time apart does wonders!! Whatever comes of it, please know we care and are here to listen if you need to vent!!

Mini-so glad you're here and doing well. Figured it was school stress to you too!!

Lynne-glad your'e back down. Stay strong!!

everyone else!!

I've been really enjoying P4 . But that's how I plan to maintain. What's the point of all this work only to have to keep working the rest of my days? I enjoy the weekends, and then correct. Like yesterday!! GYCD netted me a 2.2lb loss. I was really hungry last night though. I will be doing steak days from now on (even if it means running to the store). I was really hoping for more of a loss. I want to be closer to LDW, so today I will eat LC and watch. I'm working on more IE (intuitive eating) where I listen to my body and stop when I'm satisfied, not stuffed. That's tough for me!!

I'm "running" which to me means couch 2 5K. I'm almost done week 3, which is where you are up to 2 90sec runs, and 2 3min runs. That was pretty long on Sunday when I didn't think I would make it. Each week it ups the running duration, and by week 9 you should be able to run "30" minutes, which should amount to a 5K, give or take. I really hate running, so this is both a sacrifice for me, and an attempt to incorporate exercise into my life. So far, so good. I only dislike running now , progress!!

I'm doing well. Managing the stresses of life 1 day at a time. Once I'm packed and moved I will be thrilled. I really dread it, and need instead to focus on "what do I need to do today". Today? Finish the play room (in prep for the yard sale) and do more laundry. Cleaning out the laundry room means I need to wash all that stuff on the floor!! .

It'll hit 100deg here this weekend. Ah, summer in April!!:rollseyes: Good thing we have a pool at the new house. Moving Memorial Day weekend (my bday!) will be really hot!!

[JazzleBug]

Thought I'd pop in and offer an update. I hope everyone's doing well today!

I've been pretty stagnant with weight since Friday. I started drinking coffee with about a tablespoon of coconut milk (canned) and just realized today, as I was looking over my food logs for the past week, that that may be why. Let's hope so...it wasn't very good anyway and would be easy to cut out.

I've been eating 4 oz of steak twice a day, a ton of water and decaf green tea, nothing else (trying to KISS), but have decided to add some veg bulk in. Last night I threw together an Asian beef and cabbage skillet. It was really good, but I made too much cabbage and couldn't finish it. I felt great for the rest of the evening. I'm making it again today...mmmm.

On another note, my new nickname is Box of Rocks. I laugh about it (I gave it to myself, btw). When I'm on HCG I get SO dingy. I'm not normally this way.

Anyway, have a great day, y'all!

[CherylB]

Lynne, sorry only 0.2 today but you're right. Down is down and over time those increments add up to big numbers.

Originally Posted by pendragginp

.2 is something at least!

Me, I refuse to weigh. I fell face first into all kinds of indulgence starting the day after Easter (EASTER day I was GOOD! Go figure! =}) and it hasn't quite ended as of last night when I ate several of the biscuits I made for Husband.

What do you all do when you do this? Do you stay on the hhcg and just keep starting over each day (or intending to, anyway) or do you go off for several days and start over completely?

Good thinking on how to cover yourself about the hot tub, Cheryl. Even better than pictures might be a video of all the disconnecting the men do and the trip to the new owner's house and the connecting there, if you intend to stay for it.

I don't know what to tell you on that one. I've done it myself plenty of times. I think it's a waste of pellets or drops or whatever you are using to keep taking them without "flying right." But to stop taking them is almost like giving up and just giving in! I hope you find that little something inside of yourself to get past this bump in the road. I know you can do it.

I will be so glad when the tub is moved and filled back up and turned back on. I promised (in the Craigslist ad, which did not result in this particular sale) that I would include personal help in getting the tub set up and water balanced. Once this guy learned that there WAS a Craigslist ad, he started acting as if all that stuff applied to him. It will be a happy day when I can fulfill all those promises and get the heck out of dodge. I hope I don't have to change my phone number because of this guy.

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Thanks Cheryl!! I was wondering why there weren't any emails on the rogue thread this week!! Uh, because I didn't post on THIS week's thread!! Yes, I made my mom pay her own taxes. She sold her baby grand piano and is thinking of selling her car to cover a few months more home care. It's hard to tell if she'll progress enough to make that worth while, but if it doens't work out, we'd have had to sell those things anyway. I am running around so much in my own life I really can't be as "present" in hers anymore. And I'm out of money (almost $2000 donated to the "mom" fund according to my recent calculations) and I can't do it anymore. My 2 brothers need to step up more, but I'm not quite sure how to delicately communicate that w/o sounding petty. Trying to do a yard sale on Sat. and my LR is full of toys right now!! The girls are being really good about letting things go!!

(Melanie) to you. I remember other posts from you and it does sound like you've made a decision. You've been working at it, or at least willing to hang in there, for a while now. Maybe a your "announcement" is the wake-up call dh will need? I'll be praying for you, your kids, and dh. I've seen amazing things happen and marriages restored that really seemed beyond hope. Sometimes a little time apart does wonders!! Whatever comes of it, please know we care and are here to listen if you need to vent!!

Mini-so glad you're here and doing well. Figured it was school stress to you too!!

Lynne-glad your'e back down. Stay strong!!

everyone else!!

I've been really enjoying P4 . But that's how I plan to maintain. What's the point of all this work only to have to keep working the rest of my days? I enjoy the weekends, and then correct. Like yesterday!! GYCD netted me a 2.2lb loss. I was really hungry last night though. I will be doing steak days from now on (even if it means running to the store). I was really hoping for more of a loss. I want to be closer to LDW, so today I will eat LC and watch. I'm working on more IE (intuitive eating) where I listen to my body and stop when I'm satisfied, not stuffed. That's tough for me!!

I'm "running" which to me means couch 2 5K. I'm almost done week 3, which is where you are up to 2 90sec runs, and 2 3min runs. That was pretty long on Sunday when I didn't think I would make it. Each week it ups the running duration, and by week 9 you should be able to run "30" minutes, which should amount to a 5K, give or take. I really hate running, so this is both a sacrifice for me, and an attempt to incorporate exercise into my life. So far, so good. I only dislike running now , progress!!

I'm doing well. Managing the stresses of life 1 day at a time. Once I'm packed and moved I will be thrilled. I really dread it, and need instead to focus on "what do I need to do today". Today? Finish the play room (in prep for the yard sale) and do more laundry. Cleaning out the laundry room means I need to wash all that stuff on the floor!! .

It'll hit 100deg here this weekend. Ah, summer in April!!:rollseyes: Good thing we have a pool at the new house. Moving Memorial Day weekend (my bday!) will be really hot!!

There is no need to feel like you have to "tip-toe" around your brothers regarding your mother and finances. It is not solely your problem! No one ever wants to address money concerns, but there is no getting around them (unless you are willing to foot the bill in silence.) Be assertive, not aggressive and just tackle the matter head-on.

Sounds like you are making great progress toward the move! What date do you have to be move in and moved out? Is it sort of a "soft date" like mine is? It's good and it's bad. I think I need a clear boundary line in order for me to get things done. I put off everything for as long as I can. I try so hard to get stuff done but I end up making lists to try and create a "plan of attack" rather than actually doing stuff.

I tried a running program that was like that once. It was before "couch to 5K" (or at least before I heard of it.) I bought a book; sort of like an "everything you need to know about" or "dummies" book. I was working up to running just the way you are now and I can so relate to how long 3 minutes can be! But that's the way we did it in Basic Training and over time, I was able to run 1.5 miles without stopping. Wish I'd kept it up. It beats walking twice the distance to get the same calorie burn.

Yea pool! Boo 100 degrees during a move. Glad you are enjoying P4! As long as you are maintaining, you are doing it right.

Originally Posted by JazzleBug

Thought I'd pop in and offer an update. I hope everyone's doing well today!

I've been pretty stagnant with weight since Friday. I started drinking coffee with about a tablespoon of coconut milk (canned) and just realized today, as I was looking over my food logs for the past week, that that may be why. Let's hope so...it wasn't very good anyway and would be easy to cut out.

I've been eating 4 oz of steak twice a day, a ton of water and decaf green tea, nothing else (trying to KISS), but have decided to add some veg bulk in. Last night I threw together an Asian beef and cabbage skillet. It was really good, but I made too much cabbage and couldn't finish it. I felt great for the rest of the evening. I'm making it again today...mmmm.

On another note, my new nickname is Box of Rocks. I laugh about it (I gave it to myself, btw). When I'm on HCG I get SO dingy. I'm not normally this way.

Anyway, have a great day, y'all!

Trying to decide if you are saying you are a ding bat or if you are constipated! Sorry; a bit dim-witted myself right now.

Sorry the coconut milk has slowed you down but glad you won't miss it much!

Ladies, I'm in serious pain today. I was fine this morning but woke really early. Got hungry and ate something around 10 am then took my vitamins. I haven't taken vitamins in a while but they never bother me unless I take them on an empty stomach. I've also had coffee with h/n/h. Granted, I am not doing a traditional P2 as of right now but my stomach is just KILLING ME. I don't know if I'm just clearing out from all the volume I've been eating for the past few weeks or if it's food poisoning or something. I ate nothing out of the ordinary.

I'd say it's a 4-5 on a 1-10 scale and it's constant. It is my entire belly region and it SUCKS! I was never one to suffer from menstrual cramping (probably because I didn't ovulate, come to think of it) but this is brutal.

[goddesslynne]

Cheryl, I hope by this morning you're feeling much better!! You've been under so much stress these past weeks, maybe it's just all come to a head, in your tummy!! (((hugs)))

Still trending downward, so I'm a happy (if hungry) girl this morning!

[privatediva]

Hey friends, just wanted to poke my head in and say howdy and I miss you. I am just stupid busy until after May 12. I direct a musical that opens next weekend and am making 22 tutus for Swan Lake that goes up on May 12th, so I am either sewing or rehearsing right now, pretty much 24/7.

P4 is going well. I started on Sunday with a sweet potato with dinner. I've added back my favorite Chick-fil-a southwest grilled chicken salad with the corn and black bean relish and tortilla strips. All is on an even keel. I am thinking I might add my low carb tortillas later in the week...quesadillas are a nice change up and a fast and easy dinner for me when I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off. That was fine last time, so I don't anticipate any troubles. Also...I have returned to my evening spoonful of frozen Cool Whip...weird, I know, but it tastes divine to me

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by goddesslynne

Cheryl, I hope by this morning you're feeling much better!! You've been under so much stress these past weeks, maybe it's just all come to a head, in your tummy!! (((hugs)))

Still trending downward, so I'm a happy (if hungry) girl this morning!

Thanks, Lynne. Actually, the pain got worse as the day went on. It started to let-up and then I ate something and it came back with a vengeance. I'll spare y'all the details but I was considering a trip to the ER. Only thing that stops me is I know I'll feel just as terrible in their waiting room as I do at home and it takes forever to be seen. I'd have to be nearly dead or doubled-up on the floor to call for an ambulance.

I slept fine but woke at 0100 with pain. Took four motrin and went back to sleep. Today I just have some tenderness on the right side of my belly and I'm taking it as easy food-and-drink-wise as I can. But I'm working on cleaning the hot tub with chemicals in preparation for draining it.

I hope your hunger subsides! WTG on the downward trend.

Originally Posted by privatediva

Hey friends, just wanted to poke my head in and say howdy and I miss you. I am just stupid busy until after May 12. I direct a musical that opens next weekend and am making 22 tutus for Swan Lake that goes up on May 12th, so I am either sewing or rehearsing right now, pretty much 24/7.

P4 is going well. I started on Sunday with a sweet potato with dinner. I've added back my favorite Chick-fil-a southwest grilled chicken salad with the corn and black bean relish and tortilla strips. All is on an even keel. I am thinking I might add my low carb tortillas later in the week...quesadillas are a nice change up and a fast and easy dinner for me when I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off. That was fine last time, so I don't anticipate any troubles. Also...I have returned to my evening spoonful of frozen Cool Whip...weird, I know, but it tastes divine to me

22 Tutus? Yeesh! Is this mostly by hand or on the machine? I hope your musical goes perfectly! That's wonderful how P4 is going for you. I love your flat little tummy.

It's lovely here today and I'm so glad to be feeling better. Can't wait for this move to be over! Will be relieved just to see the hot tub go. I hope it goes okay. The guy is using a herd of friends and a friend who is an electrician but I'd prefer that professionals were doing it. If it was 100% paid for, I wouldn't care. But there is risk involved for me if he decides that the spa was defective.

My landlord was supposed to come for the lawnmower today but I had to tell her last night that I wasn't sure if I'd be up to that today. Then I texted her and she said she didn't have the truck and had to reschedule. Life with her is going to be interesting. I hope we are a good match. I sort of wish it wasn't going to be her mowing the lawn. I'd prefer to see much less of a landlord than that. They should be available when trouble strikes and absent at all other times. After living on the same property with my last landlord, I'm leery of too much landlord interaction.

I'm so dehydrated after yesterdays sickness that I was down almost 5 full lbs today. It will rebound tomorrow once I'm rehydrated. So far, the coffee and Ensure I drank is moving along as it should. I will carefully eat something that will help me to replenish nutrients soon. My body is all tapped-out of nutrients. I'm not taking any vitos today. Not after what I went through yesterday after taking them! No idea what did what but I'm not going to make the same mistake two days in a row.

Have an awesome day, ladies! Happy sewing, Deb!!!

[CherylB]

Wow! No action over here since I posted. I had a busy day with computer troubles (still not resolved but at the moment it's looking a lot better than it has.) And the hot tub guy came over with an electrician at 3pm and nobody was on the same page. The electrician thought he came out to disconnect the tub. The hot tub guy thought his friend was coming out to check out the situation. And I just believed what the hot tub guy had told me in a text at 1:30!

I have been running a deep cleansing treatment on the tub today and disconnecting it is not an option until tomorrow when I've drained it, refilled it, run it briefly to flush out the lines and drained it again. It's becoming very clear to me that this buyer is not too competent. There's a definite "screw loose" and I am going to have to be proactive about how this thing gets moved off my property. I sent him a youtube video tonight to show him how the professionals got it in here 6 years ago. I hope he gets it figured out.

Am feeling better tonight and whatever happened to me yesterday is over. Whew! Thank the Lord! I have been able to eat reasonably and drink coffee and water. I'm on the mend.

Goodnight, my friends! God bless each of you tonight. Hugs and love all around.

[CherylB]

I don't know if I ever shared pics of my tub before. I took these to post it for sale on Craigslist. It's sort of "sweet sorrow" to let it go but I've had it for about 8 years and it's been wonderful when I've used it. More often than not, I didn't use it at all.

[goddesslynne]

Cheryl, it looks so inviting!! My ex-hubby and I had one years ago, and it was one of the best investments we ever made! I know you'll miss it, but hopefully you can have another someday!!

[privatediva]

Cheryl, the tutus are about 1/2 intense machine work and 1/2 ridiculous grueling intense hand work. The bottom part is 14 layers of double hand-pleated net. The bodices are boned and decorated with embroidered laces and Swarovski crystals. There are embroidered organza "feathers" on the tutu plate and bodice overlays. I will post pics at some point. This is not one of the Swans, but is representative of the type of costume and amount of detail. This is one of Merry's that I made for a recent performance:

[minimonkey]

Wow, Diva -- that is an intense amount of costuming coming up! Gorgeous stuff! I'll be doing a bunch of sewing too, for my MFA installation/performance, but nothing that labor-intensive at all.

[minimonkey]

I'm still a bloated, inflamed mess over here (I think the overwork, the flu, and too many NSAIDs are to blame) -- so I am going to do a cleanse.

I did a couple days of mainly good fats (about maintenance level calories) as preparation-- and tomorrow I start a modified version of the Master Cleanse, minus the maple syrup.

I'll be consuming water with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cayenne and drinking a lot of tea. I can't quite bear to give up my coffee, so I will keep that to a minimum... but I will fast for as long as I can stand it, and also take the Oxy Cleanse. I will also be doing the hcg, which I hope helps to quash hunger and weakness as I go.

I'll also be doing my enzymes, colloidal silver, and anti-inflammatory supplements, and praying that does the trick. Once the inflammation is down, I'll have a better idea if I have gained any real weight, or if I am simply retaining a ton of water -- I suspect it is a little of each, but probably more of the latter.

Anyhow, I suspect this will go a long way toward correcting things. I sure hope so.

I'm in a butt-load of pain right now -- aching and throbbing head to toe -- and worried that might signal a lyme-relapse in the making, so I think hitting this hard, upfront, is the way to go.

I've done this before and had good results, but never with the hcg in the mix... so we will see how that goes.

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- I've been in selling-things mode, too -- I sold a bunch of jewelry today, and actually got a pretty good price for it all things considered. I'm broker than broke, and I still needed to finance the rest of my final MFA exhibit, which has cost a ton to pull off...

Thankfully, gold is at a real high right now, so I didn't fare too badly. The only thing I minded parting with was my class ring from when I got my MS degree, but that was a minor twinge in the grand scheme of things. I'm thankful I had something I could sell.

The final review seems to have gone very well and have been very well received, so I hope all the time, love, and money I have put into this project will be worth it in the end. People were certainly interested in my work when we opened our studios to the public this past week, and that is encouraging.

[minimonkey]

Here is a preview of what I am creating for my MFA exhibit -- this was a mock-up that I did in my studio....

Madam Spatchcock's Foul Rag & Bone - a set on Flickr

[Sasseaux]

Mini, love the exhibit! So steam punk and creative!! Congratz on getting it all on display!!


Hello all. Second day of being right at 150, though donw 1 oz. LOL. I m happy to be at 150. Really, I never dreamed of being at this weight again so I accept it and am so happy with it!!! I I lose more I will be thrilled with that. Work has been very stressful yesterday and today and I was sleep deprived. I forgot to take my drops except one time yesterday, so lack of loss is understandable. I will get some HhCG into my system and give it another big try today. boyfriend is still out of town and I won't see him until Tuesday, so I will keep clean eating for sure till then.

I went shopping for work clothes yesterday at Burlington. Size 12's were actually loose, but I bought a couple anyway. I can always get them taken up if they get way too big. Like my fat cells, themselves, I'm not sure I trust this loss thing. LOL. Also, I don't like my clothes too tight.

I am constantly being led and guided in ways that are for my highest good and greatest joy. I ask to see more and understand more this day. Forgiveness is a gift I give to myself. I forgive and I set myself free.

[wannabethin57]

Hi fellow roguers! I have been lurking and not posting. I stayed the same 147.4 for two days and last night did a very rogue thing and had tuna tataki, one spicy tuna roll, and 3, yes 3 glasses of wine, and somehow manage to lose a pound!! I am so thrilled!! My biggest problem now is that I am so constipated. This happens to me on P2, any tips?

Have a great Friday and weekend!

[DisneyPrincess]

Hello friends. Back from a wonderful disney vacation and back to reality here. It was an AMAZING time and our son loved it. I'm so grateful to have had the time with Dh before he leaves in about 10 days

Also- looks like I won't be dieting this summer as planned since IM PREGNANT!! yup it's already happened. I had a feeling so I took an early test (twice lol) and got 2 positives. Me and Dh are just thrilled and so excited to expand our family. I'll check in sporadically

[goddesslynne]

DP, HUGEST congratulations!! What a beautiful blessing!!

[goddesslynne]

I had a little victory yesterday, just want to share!

I had lunch with a friend, and I decided to do my best, P2-style. I had my coffee with 1T cream in the morning, and nothing else until lunch (dosed as usual). For lunch I ordered an herb-crusted salmon salad. I had no dressing at all, and it was fine! The salmon was quite small, probably 4oz or so, and the salad also had a hb egg, and a few olives. I took the potatoes off and gave them to my friend. I added a bit of salt and pepper.

I knew there were so many "unknowns" but it was a calculated risk. I had been feeling a little depleted, and I thought the extra protein would do me good.

The breakthrough happened later in the day. As the day went on, I made sure to drink a lot of water, thinking I might have had more salt than usual. Around 6 I started to get hungry, but I had committed in my mind to only eating the one meal, to keep calories as close to 500 as possible. I had an internal struggle a few times, but I had some seltzer to try to fill my tummy.

Around 9 I voiced my feelings to hubby, and he generously suggested "marital time" (LOL!!) to take my mind off it!! Brilliant!!

I went to bet sticking to my plan, and I was rewarded with a .6 drop!! AND, I feel fine this morning, ready for my work out!!

I have said in the past that a little hunger won't kill me, and now I have another experience under my belt to confirm it!

[privatediva]

Originally Posted by goddesslynne

and now I have another experience under my belt to confirm it!

what a great post happy you had a good day/night, Lynne!

congrats, DP!

Mini: best of everything with the exhibit.

Sue: happy you're happy! 150 looks wonderful on you!

Wannabe: Magnesium for the constipation. The loss today may be from dehydration from the wine. It might go up again as you re-hydrate. Don't freak out if that happens, and don't draw the wrong conclusion that wine makes you lose weight and protocol makes you gain. Alcohol is diuretic.

[minimonkey]

Whooohooo Disney!!!! That was fast!!! Wonderful news!!

Thanks, Sass, for the words on the show -- I think it'll be pretty cool once it comes together -- even that little mock up was a heck of a lot of work.

Nice losses everyone! Sass... size 12s? Loose ones? Awesome!

I'm glad everyone is doing well on their plans -- today is the first day of the official cleanse for me, and I am already feeling a bit better from a couple of days ago, so that is encouraging.

[DisneyPrincess]

Thanks guys. Beside TOM like symptoms I feel none the different. I'm a bloated craving mess today though. Yuck. My last pregnancy was very routine so I'm Hopi for the same this time. I need to keep lots of juice on hand because that's all I could stomach the first 2 months. That and peanut butter on rye toast

So anyways. I'm going to vow to not gain 55 pounds with this kid! It will be healthy whole foods as much as I can tolerate

[pendragginp]

DP, so happy for you! YAY!!

Mini, you really are talented!

And size 12 is too loose? Wow, way to do it!

As for me - happy! I got on the scale this morning after avoiding it because I've been rather bad since Easter (except for the last two days) and I'm showing the same weight I was at before I fell off the wagon. Phew! Dunno why, but I'll GRATEFULLY take it!

[minimonkey]

Hope this pregnancy is kinder to your body than the last one, Disney!

I am throwing a bit of good fat into the mix with this cleanse -- I need the energy, and coconut is a wonderfully medicinal substance. So, this cleanse is going to end up being an extended fat fast with the cleanse, I think, which is fine. I just want to reduce this inflammation and get back to feeling like myself again.

I may do an actual fast after a couple of days of this if i am feeling up for it.

[minimonkey]

Pendraggin--

WHOOOHOOO on the maintenance!!!!!!!!!! That must be a big relief

And thank you for the kind words... let's hope the important art people think the same about my having talent

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by goddesslynne

Cheryl, it looks so inviting!! My ex-hubby and I had one years ago, and it was one of the best investments we ever made! I know you'll miss it, but hopefully you can have another someday!!

It's a lovely tub! I don't know if I'll ever own another one because I'll likely never be a homeowner again, but any chance I get to enjoy someone else's, I'll take them up on the offer! I have many good memories in that tub. One of my favorites was one winter morning after coming home from working all night in the hospital. I was renting a house on a lake at the time. The lake was frozen over and everything was covered with snow. The steam was rising up off the water and suddenly there was a red fox trotting across the frozen lake. I will also treasure all the starry nights.

Originally Posted by privatediva

Cheryl, the tutus are about 1/2 intense machine work and 1/2 ridiculous grueling intense hand work. The bottom part is 14 layers of double hand-pleated net. The bodices are boned and decorated with embroidered laces and Swarovski crystals. There are embroidered organza "feathers" on the tutu plate and bodice overlays. I will post pics at some point. This is not one of the Swans, but is representative of the type of costume and amount of detail. This is one of Merry's that I made for a recent performance:

Merry is stunning in this pic, as she always is. And I say it all the time but I love they way you spell "Mary." It suits her so perfectly. May your hands and your sewing machine hold out! You do amazing work. You are extraordinary in so many ways, Deb. I wish I could come see one of your performances.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I'm still a bloated, inflamed mess over here (I think the overwork, the flu, and too many NSAIDs are to blame) -- so I am going to do a cleanse.

I did a couple days of mainly good fats (about maintenance level calories) as preparation-- and tomorrow I start a modified version of the Master Cleanse, minus the maple syrup.

I'll be consuming water with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cayenne and drinking a lot of tea. I can't quite bear to give up my coffee, so I will keep that to a minimum... but I will fast for as long as I can stand it, and also take the Oxy Cleanse. I will also be doing the hcg, which I hope helps to quash hunger and weakness as I go.

I'll also be doing my enzymes, colloidal silver, and anti-inflammatory supplements, and praying that does the trick. Once the inflammation is down, I'll have a better idea if I have gained any real weight, or if I am simply retaining a ton of water -- I suspect it is a little of each, but probably more of the latter.

Anyhow, I suspect this will go a long way toward correcting things. I sure hope so.

I'm in a butt-load of pain right now -- aching and throbbing head to toe -- and worried that might signal a lyme-relapse in the making, so I think hitting this hard, upfront, is the way to go.

I've done this before and had good results, but never with the hcg in the mix... so we will see how that goes.

Wow, Mini. I hope you feel better rapidly. We have missed you and are so glad you're back! I will pray for your pain to be relieved. Please find time to rest and recharge. I know you are busy and consumed by projects but your number one project has to be your physical and mental and spiritual well-being. All the rest be damned if you don't have those three basic things covered.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cheryl -- I've been in selling-things mode, too -- I sold a bunch of jewelry today, and actually got a pretty good price for it all things considered. I'm broker than broke, and I still needed to finance the rest of my final MFA exhibit, which has cost a ton to pull off...

Thankfully, gold is at a real high right now, so I didn't fare too badly. The only thing I minded parting with was my class ring from when I got my MS degree, but that was a minor twinge in the grand scheme of things. I'm thankful I had something I could sell.

The final review seems to have gone very well and have been very well received, so I hope all the time, love, and money I have put into this project will be worth it in the end. People were certainly interested in my work when we opened our studios to the public this past week, and that is encouraging.

I had my jewelry appraised a few months back when gold was around $1,800/oz. I don't know if it's that high now but it's come down considerably. But I was highly insulted when, for every piece of jewelry I owned was worth less that $800 and I knew we paid $1700 for just my engagement ring back in 1996. I walked back out with my trinkets.

That's wonderful about the interest in your work! Woohooo! I hope it brings you blessings on many levels.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Here is a preview of what I am creating for my MFA exhibit -- this was a mock-up that I did in my studio....

Madam Spatchcock's Foul Rag & Bone - a set on Flickr

Wow, Zoe. I don't pretend to understand this aspect of what you do, but I can appreciate your creativity (and the pigeons in your hair.) I hope this is profitable for you and brings you happiness!

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Mini, love the exhibit! So steam punk and creative!! Congratz on getting it all on display!!

Hello all. Second day of being right at 150, though donw 1 oz. LOL. I m happy to be at 150. Really, I never dreamed of being at this weight again so I accept it and am so happy with it!!! I I lose more I will be thrilled with that. Work has been very stressful yesterday and today and I was sleep deprived. I forgot to take my drops except one time yesterday, so lack of loss is understandable. I will get some HhCG into my system and give it another big try today. boyfriend is still out of town and I won't see him until Tuesday, so I will keep clean eating for sure till then.

I went shopping for work clothes yesterday at Burlington. Size 12's were actually loose, but I bought a couple anyway. I can always get them taken up if they get way too big. Like my fat cells, themselves, I'm not sure I trust this loss thing. LOL. Also, I don't like my clothes too tight.

I am constantly being led and guided in ways that are for my highest good and greatest joy. I ask to see more and understand more this day. Forgiveness is a gift I give to myself. I forgive and I set myself free.

Sleep deprivation plus being on the cusp of a new weight decade are two very good reasons why you are hitting a plateau. Ride it, baby! It won't be long. Thank God for loose clothes!!! I don't like tight clothes, either. Only exception is a nice tight fitting pair of jeans with some stretch in them.

I love the way you end your posts with those great affirmations. I believe.

Originally Posted by wannabethin57

Hi fellow roguers! I have been lurking and not posting. I stayed the same 147.4 for two days and last night did a very rogue thing and had tuna tataki, one spicy tuna roll, and 3, yes 3 glasses of wine, and somehow manage to lose a pound!! I am so thrilled!! My biggest problem now is that I am so constipated. This happens to me on P2, any tips?

Have a great Friday and weekend!

Welcome, Wannabe! Sometimes people have a loss after a "refeed." It could be like Deb said and be dehydration but I'm betting it's just that you jolted your system a bit and shocked it some. Just don't make it an everyday thing and you'll make progress using that tool. Constipation: Sucks! If you have a day to be home (alone) all day, take a full dose of milk of mag. Don't stray far from the bathroom.

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

Hello friends. Back from a wonderful disney vacation and back to reality here. It was an AMAZING time and our son loved it. I'm so grateful to have had the time with Dh before he leaves in about 10 days

Also- looks like I won't be dieting this summer as planned since IM PREGNANT!! yup it's already happened. I had a feeling so I took an early test (twice lol) and got 2 positives. Me and Dh are just thrilled and so excited to expand our family. I'll check in sporadically

NO WAY!!! A-MA-ZING!!!! God's Will be done! Do you have a clue what was the magic night? Did it happen at Disney? Living up to your name, if that's the case. SOOOOO happy for you all.

Originally Posted by goddesslynne

I had a little victory yesterday, just want to share!

I had lunch with a friend, and I decided to do my best, P2-style. I had my coffee with 1T cream in the morning, and nothing else until lunch (dosed as usual). For lunch I ordered an herb-crusted salmon salad. I had no dressing at all, and it was fine! The salmon was quite small, probably 4oz or so, and the salad also had a hb egg, and a few olives. I took the potatoes off and gave them to my friend. I added a bit of salt and pepper.

I knew there were so many "unknowns" but it was a calculated risk. I had been feeling a little depleted, and I thought the extra protein would do me good.

The breakthrough happened later in the day. As the day went on, I made sure to drink a lot of water, thinking I might have had more salt than usual. Around 6 I started to get hungry, but I had committed in my mind to only eating the one meal, to keep calories as close to 500 as possible. I had an internal struggle a few times, but I had some seltzer to try to fill my tummy.

Around 9 I voiced my feelings to hubby, and he generously suggested "marital time" (LOL!!) to take my mind off it!! Brilliant!!

I went to bet sticking to my plan, and I was rewarded with a .6 drop!! AND, I feel fine this morning, ready for my work out!!

I have said in the past that a little hunger won't kill me, and now I have another experience under my belt to confirm it!

That's too funny. That salad sounded really good and the "dessert" sounded perfect, too. Congrats on rerouting your hunger!

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Whooohooo Disney!!!! That was fast!!! Wonderful news!!

Thanks, Sass, for the words on the show -- I think it'll be pretty cool once it comes together -- even that little mock up was a heck of a lot of work.

Nice losses everyone! Sass... size 12s? Loose ones? Awesome!

I'm glad everyone is doing well on their plans -- today is the first day of the official cleanse for me, and I am already feeling a bit better from a couple of days ago, so that is encouraging.

Hope it's going well, Zoe!

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

Thanks guys. Beside TOM like symptoms I feel none the different. I'm a bloated craving mess today though. Yuck. My last pregnancy was very routine so I'm Hopi for the same this time. I need to keep lots of juice on hand because that's all I could stomach the first 2 months. That and peanut butter on rye toast

So anyways. I'm going to vow to not gain 55 pounds with this kid! It will be healthy whole foods as much as I can tolerate

Hang tough, sweetie! If ever a woman had a reason to take care of her health, it is when she is "with child." What a blessing! May God bless and protect you and your growing family all along the way.

Originally Posted by pendragginp

As for me - happy! I got on the scale this morning after avoiding it because I've been rather bad since Easter (except for the last two days) and I'm showing the same weight I was at before I fell off the wagon. Phew! Dunno why, but I'll GRATEFULLY take it!

Yea!!! Take it, honey!

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Hope this pregnancy is kinder to your body than the last one, Disney!

I am throwing a bit of good fat into the mix with this cleanse -- I need the energy, and coconut is a wonderfully medicinal substance. So, this cleanse is going to end up being an extended fat fast with the cleanse, I think, which is fine. I just want to reduce this inflammation and get back to feeling like myself again.

I may do an actual fast after a couple of days of this if i am feeling up for it.

I hope you get relief soon, Zoe. We love you!

Time to start a new post about ME!

[CherylB]

I spent over 5 straight hours today cleaning the hot tub and getting it ready to be moved. I'm pooped! But the tub is as clean as it's ever been and dry as a bone. I took sections of the cabinet off to access the "guts" and used the wet/dry vac to vacate spider webs and busy ant colonies. I sprayed the inside with the only bug spray I had which was wasp spray. It should send a warning signal to all creepy crawlers.

Then I turned the wet/dry vac to sucking out all the water from water lines and jets. Holy moly! This sucker is ready to be moved and set up at its new home. I pray that it brings the new owners as much joy and pleasure as it has given me over the past 8 years. (AMEN!)

Other than that, another perfect day, weather-wise. Tomorrow will also be perfect, then comes the storm system that will give us 3" of rain and wind during Sunday and Monday. After that, things smooth out again. Naturally, the hot tub guy planned to move it this Sunday. If he does it early enough in the day, it might work. But I'm hoping he changes to a different day.

I mean, I'd love for it to be over with, but yeesh! Bad timing.

[CherylB]

I just had a thought! If I had made a different decision regarding that farm job, I'd be doing a 9-hour shift (ALONE) at the horse farm on Sunday. Woohoooo! I went the right way.

[minimonkey]

Good call on not taking the job, Cheryl -- I'm sure you'll be more than glad in the long run.

I'm feeling a bit better day by day -- the inflammation is starting to go down. Today was a fat fast and cleanse day, though I think the calories may have been a little high for a true fat fast -- I still came in below maintenance though, I'm pretty sure.

I'll be pushing fluids and doing cleansing stuff tonight -- and hoping for a good-ward trend overall. If I can get the inflammation under control I will feel a lot, lot better!

[DisneyPrincess]

Lol Cheryl- yew it happened in Disney we are hoping for our own little Disney princess now. I'm due December 29th (if my calculations are correct). I won't go to the doctor for a few weeks still but based on my last TOM that's what I'm figuring.

Slept 11 hours last night and would have slept more but I forced myself to start the day. Taking son to play mini golf and then me and Dh are going to a movie tonight