A Diamond in the Rough -- Candy's Journey

[Edwards20]

Well, here I am. For those of you who haven't met me yet, please read my intitial introduction in my first LCF post: http://lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=467331

I have heard about the journals and read some of them, and even left a few posts this evening. I had considered a journal -- but I decided I was just too lazy or busy. Well, I caved in to temptation and started a journal tonight.

I just spent 15 minutes carefully selecting what I wanted to say, only to lose it by accidentally closing out the window. So, I thought I should take a break. Went downstairs to get my clothes out of the dryer ... my nose started bleeding. Got that taken care of, and then discovered I never turned the dryer on.

I am sooo tired and exhausted and frustrated ... I just want to go to bed. BUT, guess what ?? I can't .... my clothes for tomorrow are wet. If I leave them all night ... they will be way to wrinkled.

So, perhaps another day, I thought .... I can start the journal again and have a more eloquent start. Then I thought ... that is so NOT the point of this journal. I pledge to myself to use this to express my honest thoughts and feelings and not actually use it as a platform, but as something for ME (which is a rareity in my life).

So feel free to drop in and visit anytime ... Enter at your own risk.

[clbortiz]

Hi Candy!! I look forward to reading your journal and hopefully providing some support along your journey.

[seriouschick]

Hi Candy!

You're so right. An "eloquent" start is not the point. I'll look forward to reading your journal and encouraging you. Keep up the good work!

[Edwards20]

Well, it's Friday morning. And I just entered my food from yesterday on fitday. Wow, that sucks .... I just don't know what to do when I have to eat out at least 3 times a week for lunch. It is typically common practice to let the client choose the restaurant. Went to Moe's and had the fajita meat with onions/peppers/cheese/mushrooms and black olives -- topped with a few tablespoons of sour cream and some hot salsa. I assumed it would be relatively low-carb. I suppose I should have entered it BEFORE I went to Ryans. Didn't have that much at Ryan's -- but it didn't matter, I was way over.

So, WTH ???, I am on my 4th cup (large mug) of coffee. I only put 2 Equal subsitutes in each cup. So, that makes 8 carbs. DH fixed eggs/ham/bacon bits/cheese. YUMMY !!

All, I can do is try again ... and be more careful. Thankfully, I don't have to go out to lunch today. I can swing by the house.

I have an event all day tomorrow in Atlanta -- doubtful they will have anything I can eat, so we shall see.

I am gonna go get my nails painted today.

[Vikktorea]

Hey there girlfriend!!!! Great job on getting a journal started You will find a tremendous amount of support. Have a great day. This is a great tool on holding yourself accountable

[heidi21062]

Hey Candy!

Glad you started a journal! I needed one more place to post to... Haven't seen you on the Gutter Girls thread today...you out making cold calls?

[ScarletBlonde]

CANDY - Finally found it.

Every time I read the CANDY LOVE and see your name - I think of New Edition


(chorus)
Candy girl
You are my world
Look so sweet
You're a special treat

Candy girl
All i want to say
When you're with me
You brighten up my day

(Verse)
All I know
When I'm with you
You make me feel so good
through and through
The way you walk
and the way you talk
You always look so good
You make me forget my thoughts

Do you really love me?
Don't you really care?
Do you really need me?
And will you always be there?

(verse)
Every night
and every day
I'm always thinking of you
in every way
All I know
is when I'm with you

Candy Girl
You are my world
You're everything,
you're everything,
you're everything to me

(chorus)

I'm so glad you're a part of this group. We have some good laughs.

Take care sweet pea!!

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by Vikktorea

Hey there girlfriend!!!! Great job on getting a journal started You will find a tremendous amount of support. Have a great day. This is a great tool on holding yourself accountable

It is going to be a tough commitment, but I am willing to try. Thanks for your kind words.

Originally Posted by heidi21062

Hey Candy!
Glad you started a journal! I needed one more place to post to... Haven't seen you on the Gutter Girls thread today...you out making cold calls?

No, I am in the office. Just stopped in a made a post. Really busy today for some reason. Hope to be around this evening.

Originally Posted by ScarletBlonde

CANDY - I'm so glad you're a part of this group. We have some good laughs. ... Take care sweet pea!!

Thanks for your kind words. Too funny, and many people call me sweet pea

[Edwards20]

Well, it's early Saturday morning and I am sitting here sipping some "nasty" coffee (1 pack of sweetner in my big mug). Didn't have any Diet Dew this morning, and I "need" caffiene. Today is a big day. We have the Shriner's election in Atlanta. They will serve us lunch and there is a reception this evening. This is not really an event you can "bring your snack/lunch" to. So, in a 12 hour day -- I may have to cheat. I know I won't starve to death, but it will feel like it. So, I am just going to quit stressing about it, and make the best choices I can make based on what is served. I may pay for it later, but that is a price I will have to pay.

I have been reading a lot on the forum lately. Read some on Atkins 72, and I pulled out my Dr. Vitkens book -- which is how I originally lost the 40#. It is similiar to Atkins 72. I have had some major issues this week with going over my carb count. I think it is because there are more allowed foods on regular Atkins in induction, and I supposed that is what I have been following. I am going to make some adjustments. With Dr. Vitkens, I have choices -- a list of acceptable foods. No limits on quantity or counting calories or carbs -- the list has already done that.

I have gained 3# over the last 2 days. Which is not suprising, since I knew that first 11 would fluctuate. But, I think I may have learned something else in my readings. TOM !!! I had a hysterectomy and I have 1 ovary. I just assumed it was "menopause". BUT, once a month, I still get the symptoms ... so I figure I get the weight gain/water retention too.

Well, it's almost time for the showers -- I am going to browse around for a few more minutes until time to go.

[KarbieGrl]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

Well, it's early Saturday morning and I am sitting here sipping some "nasty" coffee (1 pack of sweetner in my big mug). Didn't have any Diet Dew this morning, and I "need" caffiene. Today is a big day. We have the Shriner's election in Atlanta. They will serve us lunch and there is a reception this evening. This is not really an event you can "bring your snack/lunch" to. So, in a 12 hour day -- I may have to cheat. I know I won't starve to death, but it will feel like it. So, I am just going to quit stressing about it, and make the best choices I can make based on what is served. I may pay for it later, but that is a price I will have to pay.

I have been reading a lot on the forum lately. Read some on Atkins 72, and I pulled out my Dr. Vitkens book -- which is how I originally lost the 40#. It is similiar to Atkins 72. I have had some major issues this week with going over my carb count. I think it is because there are more allowed foods on regular Atkins in induction, and I supposed that is what I have been following. I am going to make some adjustments. With Dr. Vitkens, I have choices -- a list of acceptable foods. No limits on quantity or counting calories or carbs -- the list has already done that.

I have gained 3# over the last 2 days. Which is not suprising, since I knew that first 11 would fluctuate. But, I think I may have learned something else in my readings. TOM !!! I had a hysterectomy and I have 1 ovary. I just assumed it was "menopause". BUT, once a month, I still get the symptoms ... so I figure I get the weight gain/water retention too.

Well, it's almost time for the showers -- I am going to browse around for a few more minutes until time to go.

I just had to post a reply to your journal entry today. First, I would suggest that you try the Davinici's as sweetener in your coffee. Honestly - no carbs, lots of flavors, and I think they may make one that is JUST sweet (not vanilla, carmel, I think simple sugar). Those little packets of sweetener were killing my carb count too, so now I skip them and just use the davinci syrups.

Second - I too have had a hysterectomy, and have both ovaries. You are absolutely correct in the TOM assumption. Every month I see a rise in the scale, and reflect over the prior few days and can easily conclude that it would probably have been old Myrna Monthly knockin' on the door.

Third - I know that you have to eat out with clients almost daily. It is tough, so hang in there. You were successful in the past, you can be again. I know it seems like such a daunting task to order things that are carb friendly, but you can. I eat a grilled chicken ceasar salad without croutons almost every single time I go to lunch. The folks I work with call me the Salad girl. Once in a great while I will get a burger with the works - less catsup and bun - and a side salad. Totally fills me up. And yes - I drink diet diew -lots and lots of it. Every day on my way to work, I have a 44oz "mug" filled. I have a one hour drive and it takes me that long to drink it.

Anyway, those are my thoughts and tips, so I just wanted to share. I hope you have lots of fun in Atlanta. Try not to stress too much about food. If it is TOM, your body wants/craves more calories and protein. Sometimes its best just to give it what it wants. Good Luck!

[Vikktorea]

Hey Candie - Just stopping in to say I hope you have a great day in Atlanta. Let us know how your day was.

[seriouschick]

Hi Candy!

I haven't had a hysterectomy and I see a HUGE fluctuation in my weight leading up to and during my TOM. It's water. Pure and simple. I drink and drink and drink extra H20, trying to help elleviate it, but I just retain water like a sponge for that week or so. I can be up as high as 6-7 pounds over my current "real" weight and then the day after my TOM ends, boom...it's gone and I'm back to normal. It's wild! I've learned to not freak out, keep doing what I know is good, and throw in a little extra exercise too. That helps my PMS symptoms and stress over the number shift.

You're doing great! When I'm at social gatherings, I usually stash a protein bar and eat that one the way. Then I'm not starving. I nibble and nosh on cheese and salads and just always have a club soda w/ lime in my hand. The bubbles are yummy and everyone thinks I'm having a "drink" but I'm really just keeping my mouth busy and hydrating myself.

[losin4good1980]

Hey Candy - Just wanted to pop in and say HI! Hang in there and I hear ya on the coffee thing - I ordered the Caramel syrup from Netrition and hopefully it will be here soon.. but I did find zero carb sweetner - liquid form - so that makes me happy for now. Do you count your coffee carbs too? Stupid decaf coffee I drink has a carb a mug... so I only have like 4 mugs a day - the cream I use has zero carbs too so .... hmmmm maybe I should find a different coffee to drink then I could have as much as I wanted! LOL
Well good luck today with the thing you're going to - this'll be too late by the time you read it, but just stick to what you know and the food choices should be a piece of cake (no pun intended!)
I'll check in on ya later to see how you made out - hope you have/had fun!

take care! xoxo

[clbortiz]

Originally Posted by KarbieGrl

I would suggest that you try the Davinici's as sweetener in your coffee.

Hey Candy!!

I the DaVinci syrups, the flavored ones. I used to put 2 or 3 tsp sugar and milk in my cofee, but now add some sf syrup and a little heavy cream. It is wonderful and I find myself addicted. I only drink decaf so i don't have the caffeine issues that some have.

I also want to eventually start experimenting with the syrups by adding sf flavors to plain yogurt or to heaby whipping cream that has been whipped into a desert. I have been 'scared' to try any of these yet. i still have a lng way to go and don't want to risk setting off cravings so...eventually I will try them.

Also, if you like tea, my boss likes to us the DaVinci sf rasberry syrup in her tea.

[Edwards20]

No, I am not missing in action - just in case you were wondering. Atlanta started out great and ended horribly. The "festivities" were fine - up until a point. I ate bread, but by the end of the day ... THAT was totally irrelevant. I drank numerous alcoholic beverages and was tipsy before 2PM, and sober by 4PM ... which IS totally relevant from this point forward.

As soon as I felt that way, I started chugging water. I drank 16 bottles of water from 2PM - 5PM. By the time I got to the 8th one, I was just trying to drown. Yes, I said drown.

Apparently, my DH decided he would not eat at all, so he could save all carbs for beer. I feel confident he had more carbs in the beer than I have eaten in the past year !!! He got absolutely hammered ... and things got really embarassing. Thank God the majority of these folks were dear friends of ours and tried to help me with him. But, there were those TWO .....

TWO men that I absolutely cannot stand. While talking with DH, in the privacy of my own home, I have called them many "choice names".

So, they say when people get drunk they express their TRUE feelings. Guess what ????!!??? Yep, you got it, DH proceeded to announce to ONE of these TWO -- in front of about 6 others (just general friends) those "choice names" that I had for him. And he just went ON and ON and ON ...

I could go on and on here, but I really don't want to talk about it anymore. I am not sure I can ever show my face there again.

So, long story short ... his parents (MIL was driving) and I proceeded to finally get him in the car. Less than 5 minutes after we left the reception, he was trying to climb out of the car in downtown Atlanta -- right smack in front of the Fox Theater. Thank GOD for the fact that he was sitting on Hannah's side of the car and the child lock was on. Otherwise, I would probably be widowed today. I couldn't figure out where he was going ... UNTIL he puked all over me and the backseat of my vehicle !!! Then he finally passed out.

Yeah, well I played hell getting him in the house .... and finally after a couple of hours of letting him lay there (and hoping he would not throw up again) I was able to get his britches off. I walked him to the bathroom all night long to pee. He grabbed the bath mat at one point and tried to cover up with it. He said he was going back to bed .... I was thinking, in the tub ?

Yes, I know it sounds comical .... and perhaps later it might be. He has called all involved parties (except the ONE) and apologized. He has apologized to me all day.

Then, I had to drive back to Atlanta today to pick up Hannah -- she stayed with my sister yesterday and last night. So, thank GOD she never witnessed any of it.

So, come to find out ... he doesn't remember anything after a certain point. He said it was like a lightswitch ... he remembers something and the next thing he remembers is waking up this morning.

I know he loves me and would never intentionally hurt me. He has been hanging his head with shame all day, apologizing and vowing NEVER to EVER drink that much again and to NEVER drink without eating. And, to NEVER have more than a couple of beers in public. And to never mix liquor with beer. I am not mad at him, but just very hurt ....

Perhaps I can read this later and find the humor in it ... but right now -- I can't. I am going to bed. I am tired from being up all night ... driving back to Atlanta .... taking care of his hangover ..... taking care of Hannah ..... taking care of the puppy....

WHAT ABOUT ME ????????????????

[AuntieMame]

Hi!

Thanks for stopping by my journal! You're too sweet, Candy Girl!!

I keep meaning to tell you - well... I'll just tell you I HATE the way I started my journal, but I just keep remembering what you wrote. It doesn't matter how it starts just that you start it!!

Have a great day!!

[Sadler_Girl]

Hey there Candy
I just found this page....I will be postting soon (just to wrn ya' )

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by KarbieGrl

I just had to post a reply to your journal entry today. First, I would suggest that you try the Davinici's as sweetener in your coffee. Honestly - no carbs, lots of flavors, and I think they may make one that is JUST sweet (not vanilla, carmel, I think simple sugar). Those little packets of sweetener were killing my carb count too, so now I skip them and just use the davinci syrups.

I will check on that. I thought they were all flavored. I actually have seen some great recipes using these syrups. I don't like flavored coffee. The places I have looked for these syrups are expensive. I know it is probably a great deal for the money. But, I am so broke. I actually relocated a few packs of Splenda from the restaurant today. Sad, huh ? I did have some 0 carb heavy cream left from making the taco soup the other night. So, I added it a little to my coffee and it actually tasted a little better.

Originally Posted by KarbieGrl

You are absolutely correct in the TOM assumption. Every month I see a rise in the scale ...

I am so glad that my assumption was correct. Perhaps even why I have been a little grumpy the past few days too.

Originally Posted by KarbieGrl

I eat a grilled chicken ceasar salad without croutons almost every single time I go to lunch. And yes - I drink diet diew -lots and lots of it. Every day on my way to work, I have a 44oz "mug" filled. I have a one hour drive and it takes me that long to drink it.

I wondered about that, but I get paranoid over the salad dressing carb counts. So, is Caesar dressing ok ?

Originally Posted by KarbieGrl

Anyway, those are my thoughts and tips, so I just wanted to share. I hope you have lots of fun in Atlanta. Try not to stress too much about food. If it is TOM, your body wants/craves more calories and protein. Sometimes its best just to give it what it wants. Good Luck!

Anna, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. I truly appreciate your friendship.

Originally Posted by Vikktorea

Hey Candie - Just stopping in to say I hope you have a great day in Atlanta. Let us know how your day was.

Well, you can read another post here and get the ugly details from Atlanta -- it was not good. Thanks for your friendship and for visiting my journal.

Originally Posted by seriouschick

but I just retain water like a sponge for that week or so. I can be up as high as 6-7 pounds over my current "real" weight and then the day after my TOM ends, boom...it's gone and I'm back to normal.

... waiting patiently.

Originally Posted by seriouschick

You're doing great! When I'm at social gatherings, I usually stash a protein bar and eat that one the way. Then I'm not starving. I nibble and nosh on cheese and salads and just always have a club soda w/ lime in my hand. The bubbles are yummy and everyone thinks I'm having a "drink" but I'm really just keeping my mouth busy and hydrating myself.

I wish I had found some club soda there instead of what I found. Ok, for the protein bars ... I am nervous about these. I am so afraid to add anything besides meat/cheese/veggies. Any tips or particular brand ?

Originally Posted by losin4good1980

... but I did find zero carb sweetner - liquid form - so that makes me happy for now. Do you count your coffee carbs too? Stupid decaf coffee I drink has a carb a mug... so I only have like 4 mugs a day - the cream I use has zero carbs too so .... hmmmm maybe I should find a different coffee to drink then I could have as much as I wanted! LOL

What kind of zero carb sweetner ? Where did you get it ?
Does anyone make a zero carb coffee ??? I'm game.

Originally Posted by losin4good1980

hope you have/had fun!

Definately NOT fun. Maggie, thanks for checking on me. You are a great friend.

Originally Posted by clbortiz

I only drink decaf so i don't have the caffeine issues that some have...Also, if you like tea, my boss likes to us the DaVinci sf rasberry syrup in her tea.

Ok, I have never really had decaf. I guess the whole reason I started drinking coffee was to get myself "moving" in the morning. NO, not awake moving/mobility -- but getting the "plumbing" moving. And it does wake me up to. So, I often wonder if this is true with others who drink coffee. And, if so, I wonder if it's the "hot" of the coffee or the caffiene that gets the "plumbing" moving. Any thoughts ?

Originally Posted by AuntieMame

... You're too sweet, Candy Girl!!
I keep meaning to tell you - well... I'll just tell you I HATE the way I started my journal, but I just keep remembering what you wrote. It doesn't matter how it starts just that you start it!!

WOW -- you are too sweet !! I am glad that something I wrote in my journal had a positive affect on someone -- I try to always be positive and inspiration in life in general. And on here, I try to that in the forums. So, I thought I could have a little negativity in my journal -- and low and behold, I actually still said something positive. I thank God for the blessing of encouragement he has given me. Sometimes, I just wish I could use the life application on myself.

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by Sadler_Girl

Hey there Candy
I just found this page....I will be postting soon (just to wrn ya' )

Yippee !! Lisa, you made it.