The Swing into Spring Challenge!!

[DesertGurl]

Hoping all doggy's are feeling better today!

Welp, I'm up 1.8 from last Friday.. Still no TOM..and yes, Tami, thank goodness for tubes tied. I would DIE! Ended up with an UUAD day yesterday and only bumped up .2 on the scale from the day before.. we shall see if it shows in a few days on the scale.. praying maybe that's what my body wanted all this time? Today's a light DD and lots of water so let's hope that something happens, right?

[misscobi]

Hmph... sorry to hear you're still up... I decided to skip the scale this morning. I guess I'm just going to have to get used to this slow loss. I was hoping fast-5 would kick start it and get it really moving again. It did for a couple of weeks, but now back to a snail's pace.

Monica, how's Jessie?

DS #2 is now sick. I thought the rest of us had survived and round 2 caught me off guard. DS #1's hives are completely gone. Against my advice he didn't take any benadryl at all yesterday and they haven't come back. So that's good... now just to avoid getting sick... again... sigh...

[DesertGurl]

Tami~ nah, I think I'm ok with the scale.... for now.. I was just amazed with the .2 only... I had to ask DH to come get on a few times to make sure it was weighing correctly LOL He was even amazed with his jaw flopping open when he saw my weigh in..

OMG with the sick kid #2!!! I hope the sickies go away real soon!!!! Yanno what I am super glad about...kinda silly, but still my neurotic thought process nonetheless.. ...that DS20 who is off away at school hasn't gotten sick! Yes, I know..total nutjob! But I got to thinking about it the other day and have been so relieved that he has stayed healthy and well..because I dunno what I would do if I couldn't be there to mother hen him.. If anything, he has done very well health wise.. I think its all the activity the boys do daily... soccer, basketball, swimming, baseball... I love hearing him talk about the fun stuff they do to keep busy!

Keeping my fingers crossed that no one else in the fam gets sick! I have knocked on wood several times already here for no one else getting sick.. thankfully DD18 NEVER gets sick, nor DH really.. it's always DD16 & myself.. ugh.

ETA: I forgot to tell you guys when DS came home for Xmas break he actually was amazed that I looked different. He said he could tell I'd lost weight. Hhhmmmm, guess it's good that 'someone' is away for large periods of time to notice the slight changes I'm making!

[lynne2u]

Danielle, I was just popping in to comment on DS noticing you look different at the holidays after not seeing you for a while, though the scale isn't moving all that much.

I had the same experience with JUDDD at first, that the scale didn't move and the inches didn't even seem to move. But the camera said I looked like a different person! I wouldn't have even known it if I hadn't taken pictures all along. It was quite a revelation.

I know I probably say that every six months about the camera/invisible weight loss because I'm old and forget what I've already said, but this is one of those weird JUDDD things. It's working, and the scale will catch up.

Happy Sunday, hope everyone's having a great weekend!!

Lynne

[misscobi]

Danielle, that's awesome that DS20 noticed a difference at Christmas. Alsop awesome that he hasn't gotten sick! It's so hard when our babies are sick and even more so when we can't play mother hen!

Lynne, that is really cool about seeing the difference in pics even when the scale & tape measure don't seem to be changing much. Love it!

Both of my sickies seem to be fine, now, thankfully! My tummy just isn't quite right, but for now, at least, I think I'll live Scale isn't moving at all, though. In fact it may be moving the opposite direction. Hmph. Not sure what to think of that at all. Guess I'll go back to tracking the calories in my one meal a day. Hard to believe they'd be high enough to cause any problems, but you never know, I guess. The only other tweak I can think of is to give up my coffee (creamer) in the morning. I could probably do that, just need to get some tea bags first. Hmmmm....

[DesertGurl]

I can't believe the weekend is almost over! Boo! About the only "cool" thing about it being Sunday is the Grammy's will be on..

Lynne~ Yeah I was wondering about the "invisible weight loss" thing... I did do a side-by-side comparison a couple months ago and there was definite change in my face. It was lovely to see as it was when I was sick and struggling with everything.. My measurements haven't changed all that much tho in the last few months.. maybe 2 inches total ?

Tami~ Well, I hope you gave the scale a good kick? You mentioned your tummy not feeling well, maybe that's why the scale is playing peek-a-boo with you.. poor thing, don't you dare get sick!

Monica~ miss you~

Laying low today.. housework and laundry. That's what I get for being uber lazy yesterday reading all day long.. the weather called for it, overcast and rainy..not my fault! Thankfully DH is off today so he will do the running around to the grocery and such so I can stay in and be a lump.... again..

Had a great UD yesterday...ready for today's DD despite actually waking up starving half to death! That hasn't happened in a super long time and kinda irks me cause there is a whole lotta day left to get through Drinkin coffee now and hoping it takes some of the hungries away. Still no TOM..... it's lost. It can stay lost for all I care!

Have a great afternoon ladies!

[misscobi]

Well, totally blew it yesterday... decided to go out to lunch, figured I'd get a salad w/ protein of some sort.... but then our first pick restaurant was insanely busy so I started thinking about places nearby and what do you know, my favorite mexican restaurant was just up the street... willpower apparently vanished right about then and I suggested it. It was yummy, but not as good as usual. Figured that was my punishment <gg> So yeah, scale's up and there's no mystery why. I was at 203 this morning, so not too far off. Dropped the cream in my coffee this morning anyway and am going to give it a try. I bought some of the english toffee flavored stevia drops. I tried it in a little bit of leftover coffee last night & it was ok, but this morning I must have used too much? I dunno. Will give it a few days. It's not horrible. lol

Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week!

[DesertGurl]

Aw Tami, we all have days where we just "need" yummy mexican food! Scale will be down before you know it. Never was able to like the sf syrups, I hope you find your "sweet spot".

Scale is a-movin in the right direction finally. 230.4..down 2.4 from yesterday. Had a stellar DD even tho it was "Grammy Day".... the Grammy's for me are like the Super Bowl Love 'em! Sat around 347 cals by the end of the day..and drank a ton of water in which I think I burnt a path in the floor to the loo

DH is off again today. Errands and lunch date.. have I said how thankful I am that my rotations fall easily into sync with his work schedule..I think (I KNOW) I'd be in trouble...I think this is why I love JUDDD.

Still no TOM.....and trust me, I ain't lookin for it!

Have a beautiful day ladies!

[misscobi]

WooHoo! You found the woosh fairy!!! Congrats!

[zipp2play]

I'm here, just life is majorly busy! Jessie is home. She has some type of syndrome they say she will always have. She will have flare ups when she doesn't drink enough water. HOW can we get a dog to DRINK more water????

[misscobi]

Originally Posted by zipp2play

I'm here, just life is majorly busy! Jessie is home. She has some type of syndrome they say she will always have. She will have flare ups when she doesn't drink enough water. HOW can we get a dog to DRINK more water????

Monica, when you have a moment to breath I'd love to hear what syndrome they say Jessie has. Poor punkin I'm assuming you feed a dry kibble? Do you already add water to it? There's a cup or so extra per meal right there. You can add low sodium chicken broth to some water & give it to her as is or freeze for treats (home made pupsicles). Boiled liver water is supposed to have some good benefits in addition to extra fluids and they all seem to love it. You can chop up the liver & freeze to save for treats. Hmmm... think that's all I've got for now. I'm sure you guys will have it figured out and it'll be second nature in no time.

[lynne2u]

Yum, boiled liver water!! Good idea!

I'm having a little bit of a meltdown here.

I just got a copy of the new book in the mail, remember the one I contributed a chapter to? Yeah. And guess what? My chapter is being passed off as the author's writing, not mine - it's not attributed at all! And furthermore, at least three interviews from my website have been "lifted" without my permission and used in other parts of the book. That's a lot of material! The author says it's all covered under "sourcing", and that I signed a release allowing it...but I didn't. I signed a release for the second edition, allowing him to use a few pictures (which he attributes to my website, where he got them). But I didn't sign anything for the third edition at all, and he must have at least 30 pages of my original work, plus the interviews, that he's claiming for his own!!

BTW, I sent copies to other people several months ago by email for sort of collaboration - to look it over and see if it had glaring errors or whatever. I can prove it's my original work, not his.

Sorry for the novel, it's just that I'm so upset over this. I feel so ripped off! Plus...there was a lockdown and evacuation at Gavin's school this afternoon, the fire department was all over the place, the kids were in the football field waiting for the all-clear and I was freaked out over that. Everything's okay, but I want a damn drink.

Thanks for listening.

Lynne

P.S. I'm curious about Jessie's syndrome, too, Monica, details please. Is this what caused the poop explosion a few days ago??

[zipp2play]

I'm assuming you feed a dry kibble? Do you already add water to it?

We tried this and she will NOT touch it! I will try the chicken broth with water. I don't think she will TOUCH it frozen. She is NOT the kind of dog to clean up what is dropped. Only if SHE likes it really well is she interested in eating it and she is PICKY!

Lynne - You should make them acknowlege you. I would speak to an attorney if necessary! I am sorry you are going through this. Stay away from the drink girl. I know you have prided yourself on quitting and none of this is worth it. Is it an up day?? HOw about a special up day treat? My END ALL is getting Orange leaf frozen yogurt (HUGE BOWL) with 2 squirts of hot fudge! TOTAL YUMMO!

Yes her syndrome is what caused the explosive poop. To boot, the poop was further inhanced by dehydration. In Dogs, if they get dehydrated it can cause the big D! Any suggestions on how to get her to drink more water, I welcome. She is a picky dog. She won't even really eat the canned wet food the vet was trying to feed her. SHe eats, CHEAP NAPPY dry food and milk bone treats. ALL DRY! To boot, this syndrome cannot be cured. She may have flare ups later if she doesn't get in enough water oh and Possible kidney issues down the line too!

[zipp2play]

Tami anything you can offer is greatly appreciated. Right now we just have 3 bowls of water at the 3 core places she is in the house. DR also said dogs get lazy and if water isn't just right there...they may choose to merely not drink. If my dog is anything it is L A Z Y!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zipp2play]

I don't know the name of the syndrome it is at home. I will write about it tonight.

[misscobi]

Ugh, Lynne, I'd be pissed, too. That really sucks!!! Sorry about Gavin's school, too. You really didn't need that How'd he take it? They do so many drills that the kids usually handle it without thinking much of it, which is good.

Monica, those were my best ideas, but I'll fish around for more. It's hard when they're picky. Does she have food available all the time or does she get measured out meals each day. They tend to be more picky with food available all the time - there's no excitement or hurry to eat since it'll always be there. But I'm thinking now's probably not the right time to change everything on her either. And honestly they can be picky either way... brats. lol. I'd try to get her on a higher quality food if you can, but again do so gradually. Does she like coconut oil? I put a liquid tablespoon in some warm water with my guys' food. It's great for their coats & lots of other stuff. Is there anything that she really really likes? Like goes crazy for? Wondering if we can blend it, shred it, water it down somehow? Hmmm... will keep thinking...

[DesertGurl]

Lynne~ I am so very sorry that you've got to deal with this mess...Big big hugs to you, my friend I hope there is some sort of legal recourse that can happen because this is just not right no matter which way this other guy tries to spin it! Again, I am so sorry.

Monica~ I am zero help on the dog front.. sorry mama. Good thing Tami's here though I hope these flare ups are few and far between, that seems like a lot of unhappy doggy days for it to happen frequently.

Ate incredibly high sodium yesterday and didn't get enough water in..back to 232.8... Meh! too many errands did not allow for tons of water or I'd have had to find every bathroom in the city chugging now.. praying for a great DD today, hungry first thing this morning, that is no bueno....

Have a great day, my lovelies!

[zipp2play]

Does she have food available all the time or does she get measured out meals each day. They tend to be more picky with food available all the time -

She gets fed twice a day. Sometimes she immediately eats it, sometimes not. She is getting more apt to feel I need to sit there with her...so she will eat. Vet says, that's because she considers me part of her pack!

D- I hate it when DD's start out like that. Keep with the water, it might help!

[zipp2play]

Well my evening plans have changed. T's school nurse called, he was in there. He missed yesterday but I thought he was doing better today. NO GO! Took him to the clinic, double ear infection and a sinus infection! I do believe my evening plans just changed. He and I will be staying home! Good, bad??? Since I missed 2 hours of working taking him, I'll just work from home tonight!

[misscobi]

Ah, Monica, I have one that I have to baby to eat. It gets down right silly sometimes, but I've finally conditioned him to eat while I go sit a the computer. He can see me from his bowl, but he still occasionally comes and checks on me to make sure I'm where I'm supposed to be before going back to eat. If I move, forget it. He's done. I've spent probably hours cumulatively standing watching him eat. Ugh. He's the show dog, or was, so had to keep him in good weight. Tough when they'd rather follow you around then eat! I definitely understand the frustration there. Now that he's not showing anymore he plows through food and this morning I was still making my coffee (with no cream. ugh.) and he continued to eat. Hubby & I were shocked. lol Yeah, I get it. lol

So sorry to hear about DS That sounds pretty darned miserable! Try to enjoy your quiet night!

Danielle, sorry you're starting your DD hungry already It's probably a bit of dehydration doing the talking. Try upping water & hopefully it'll pass. I'll keep all my fingers & toes crossed for you

Ok, so this guy on the Fast-5 group challenged everyone to hold a plank position for one minute out of every waking hour. Sounds simple enough, right? Have you guys actually tried this nonsense? LOL I had not. Wow. I can not do a minute... not even close... I'm shaking like a darned leaf after a few seconds. The longest I've done is 20 seconds... absolutely pitiful, but I can do anything for 20 seconds every hour. Wanna try it with me? It's amazing the muscles that such a simple position uses! Crazy stuff!

[DesertGurl]

Monica~ sorry to hear about DS, that stinks. Seems like this season has been horrific with illness, I just hate it. Hopefully he will be feeling better quickly!

Tami~ omg I can't do those either! Awhile back I bought a Bob Harper yoga dvd and he does this all throughout...OYE They look so easy.... Makes me laugh to see my DD16 breeze through this dvd...she says it's hard for her too but I think she's just trying to make me feel better

...my eyeballs are floating...chug chug chug.....

[lynne2u]

Hi everyone!!

Oh, Tami, I just remembered that when I did Fast Five before, I also drank 2 one-liter bottles of sparkling water every day. For months. I don't know if it helped, but maybe.

I'm not sure what the plank position is, but I'll Google it at some point and try it. It's amazing how hard some simple stuff like that can be, huh?

Monica, if it's not one thing, it's another!! I had no idea dehydration could cause...explosions. I wonder if some odd flavor water might entice Jessie? Our goats used to love warm water with apple cider vinegar in it. They'd drink gallons. Actual gallons. And their bellies would swell out like they were pregnant.

I did not drink, btw, and you were right about that. Don't wanna go there.

Danielle, I hate it when DD starts out hungry. It's usually good news the next day, when the scale drops to new lows... but that's not much help now. All I can say is this too shall pass, like others have been saying to me.

Me... thanks for the support on the plagiarism thing, y'all. It's a weird sort of compliment, I guess. I emailed McGraw-Hill's legal department this morning, and I'm feeling optimistic for a happy ending to this story.

Not weighing lately, but did okay on DD yesterday.

Lynne

[misscobi]

Lynne, glad things are looking up re the plagiarism. That is just not cool at all. Will keep my fingers crossed that all works out in your favor! Thanks for the reminder about water, too... need to follow Danielle's lead & chug chug chug

Here's a quick 'how to plank' vid. This is the basic position... and considering I can't do it for more than a few seconds I haven't even looked at variations, though I've heard there are a bunch out there. lol

How To: Plank - YouTube

[zipp2play]

Tami - when I was working out hardcore, I got to where I could do planks for 2 minutes. Not easy at all. Start with much less and you will be able to work your way up. It's a great exerise. WOrks the core, arms and legs!

D - how did the DD end up?

Lynne- let us know what you find out from the legal department. You deserve the recognition.

Tami - Jessie has HGE, it is a long name. There's really no cure and no true treatment. It can be deadly so we made the right decision taking her in. She is on antibiotic and the little bittie is figuring out how to eat what we give her AROUND the PILL! WHY must it be so difficult. I feel bad, each morning we walk and for now, we aren't taking her. She is standing in her crate ready for us to grab her when we come down to boot! She does seem to be drinking ok. Not sure she is back to eating at her normal level! Honestly, worse than a CHILD!

[zipp2play]

only working 1/2 day today. Get off at 1:00, I guess that's more than 1/2 day since I got here at 7:00. Meeting my parents for shopping and early dinner. Then to church for Ash Wednesday service. Anyone here give up things for LENT??? Just curious. I don't, I just know a lot of people do.

[misscobi]

Jessie sounds like such a hoot! I'm sure it's the hound part of her that is soooo stubborn! And being a stubborn hound she's probably pouting and sulking even after your walks without her. lol. Poor girl. I have heard of HGE, but I'll do more research & ask around a bit. I'll shoot you a pm with anything interesting or any good tips. Did the vet show you how to pry open her mouth and just stick the pill far back in her throat, then hold her muzzle closed for a second to make sure she swallows? It doesn't sound pleasant, but if you approach it confidently it's rather quick and over before anyone gets stressed. I often just do it that way since it's so much quicker. I usually have a treat handy, have pill in my right hand, stand with dog on my left side with their head almost in a football hold, pry open with my left hand then reach across with my free hand, insert pill as far back as you can, and hold for just a second. Then give a treat after. HTH...

[zipp2play]

THANK YOU TAMI! You are a dear friend!!!!!!!!

I did pry open her mouth today. That's the only way I got her to eat the $#%# PILL! SHe was VERY happy with me....NOT!

[misscobi]

LOL I'm sure she wasn't... but she'll get used to it and you'll get quicker at it. Follow with a treat and she may even learn to love it... no promises, but couldn't hurt to try. lol

[lynne2u]

Good morning everyone!!

Monica, I suppose you've tried this, but what about burying a pill in a little peanut butter (if she's not allergic)? The stickiness might get it down. Or, the vet has pill pockets - little treats you can put a pill inside. I had to get those for the cats. My wily old kitty figured out how to get the treat and spit the pill out, though.

Tami, I'm going to try the plank thing.

Danielle, it's nice that your DD16 tried to make you feel better about her superior ability to plank. She's the one who's socially gifted, right? Or did I get them backwards?

Me... the book issue is now in mid-solution. Yes, already. I got a call from the book's editor this morning, apologizing profusely and abjectly and asking what they could do to make it up to me.

Well, even put on the spot as I was, I could think of quite a few things they could do for me, actually. The first (and I didn't know they could do this after the book is already published) is that they are going to add an attribution page for my chapter. They are also going to pay me royalties. They are also going to thoroughly kick the author's butt.

And finally, the legal department is going to confer with each other before Friday and figure out what they can offer me in terms of CASH to soothe my woundedness over the whole copyright infringement and intellectual property theft thing. (I mean, among other things, what the publishing house did is a crime. An actual federal crime. Yikes.)

They sincerely hope that this painful experience hasn't put me off the publishing industry in general, though.

All's well that ends well. And quickly. Now I get to go figure out just how much of my website's content was appropriated and put into the book. Sigh.

Thanks for being supportive through this, ladies, it was a horrible discovery - however it ends - and you were the first people I thought of to cry about it with.

Lynne

[misscobi]

Awww, Lynne, so glad they're taking this seriously and so glad you were able to share with us

Oh, and yes, do try the plank thing! I only made it 11 of my waking hours before things got busy last night and I forgot, but my tummy is sore just from those eleven 10-20 second sessions! I've got four under my belt this morning