lunasa

Hi Girls... Remember me? My sincere apologies for going MIA for the past I dunno how long! I can't remember the last time I checked in, really. I recieved some Christmas Cards From Jenn and Haydee, thank you so much! I'm so rude for not replying I'm sorry. I'm usually good at that but I sent ZERO cards this christmas! We Finally moved into our beautiful new home and it was a couple of weeks of madness, boxes, dust, tradesmen, curtain fittings etc!! I'm still unpacking boxes!! My God..It's crazy, but I'm very happy with my new house. I also just got my new laptop for home so I am finally connected to the internet at home!! My Sister had her baby Boy, 8lbs 6oz and he's just beautiful. I'd love to get pregnant this year but that all depends on the man above if he decides it's for me! I see you all are doing great with your weight loss. There are even a few 100lb-er's? WOW!! Well, Ms failure here has gained ALL weight back!! I haven't travelled for a fill since July of 07, and I just booked myself in for a fill on March 15th. I am mortified to go back to the clinic having not achieved anything, I am full of excuses for the doc, but they are all just excuses. I don't have a scale in my new house but I weighed myself recently in my mothers house and it read 240!!! I just can't allow myself to loose the weight!! I'm holding on to it for dear life. I can't go anywhere near "Diet Mode" without cracking up and I am just accepting myself as I am. I am still on my Cymbalta medication, which keeps me out of the dreaded depression, but I also have completely withdrawn from work, Also Socially and I do not see my friends anymore. I do not go out and I drink at home alone instead of going out. It's depressing isn't it? Anyway, Good to see you're all still here!!

I'm Free!!! Arresting officer did not show up..and I made it over 3000 miles to be there! Anyway, that's that over with!!...No on to the rest of my life.. Phew!!!

hi girls...very quick post!!! I'm off to VA to face my charge tomorrow I'll let you know how I get on..am running for cab to airport.. wish me luck and sorry for the quick post.. violet power!! Amanda xx

I hate hate..the being called skinny... It would be like calling an anorexic Fatso!! I had a male friend who use to greet me all the time with "hey Skinny" or "Hey Slim" and like you Panda I use to cringe.. Then one day I just asked him not to say either anymore that I didn't like it!! It would be like greeting Quasimodo with "hey georgeous!" it points out that it's obvious he's not!! I don't like any reference to my physical self anyway..fat or skinny..I'm not comfortable being made aware that others may be judging my body.. Love me for my genius please!! That will do.. Ok girls..I knocking off now..may not check in for another few days..but I will once I get to the other side of the pond!! Take Care...xxx

Oh and thank you all for your greetings!!! :):):):):):)

Haydee...those "compliments" SUCK!! Some people just don't know how to give Kudos without a little punch in the gut!.. all you can do is focus on the positive fact that your efforts are being noticed, and possibly threatening some enough to push them into insecurity and your changing appearance is taking them out of their Comfort zone.. Focus on the positive girl..you ARE a hottie!!

OMG!!! Can I just say AGAIN!! This thread moves sooo fast!! I had 6..YES 6!! Pages to catch up on..I didn't get to read them all fully but Congrats to you Ms Jen on your Milestone!! And I liked the garbage truck analogy And TERRI!!! new low for you after 7 weeks!!! Wow...after all that you hung in there!! Laura...The Man baby pic ....LMAO...warped!! p.s..I love my Ipod! Well, violets..today is my birthday!! Yeay!! My husband bought me a beautiful charm bracelet..Pandora Jewellery, it's beautiful!! Awww I've been so busy the last few days..had lots of visitors and work was busy too. So I'm trying to get organised now for my upcoming trip on Friday.. I'm flying over to see my Mam and Sister (and her evergrowing bump!) and this day week is my court date in Virginia...eek!! I've to do the payroll for two weeks now and the schedule, get my dollars, go to the doctor for my Rx, clean my house and pack!! Oh, so much to do...so little time. The friend I had visit me on Monday had a double mastectomy in August as a result of a consultants failure to diagnose breast cancer!! Oh, it's so sad..she's undergoing Chemo now.. She's in her late 50's. She has shaved her head in anticipation of loosing her hair too.. My heart was low when she left.. we just never know what's around the corner for us do we? We had a lovely day together anyway, we had dinner and a show and then the next day we went shopping in the local angel shop... Anyway..have a great day everyone,, and Happy birthday to me!!!

ohh..lovely..thanks terri..I'll do that!! I'll let you know when I get my teeth into it!:kiss2:

WWJ(udy)D...LOL that's GREAT!! Inspirational indeed!! I knew WWJD was what would Jesus do..I thought there had been a christian conversion while I was away!! LOL Laura..Cassy is such a CUTIE!! OMG... I'm not much of a cat person, but they look like lovely cats too..how do you keep them all while you work? Boxers are a lot of work! Oh...she's so cute! Ouch on the boobie!! Yikes! I'm glad the work account may not be lost on you. tracyK..that's very sad about that young man!! I was raised Catholic (I can't even spell it!) And IRISH catholic at that..in my opinion it's about as far from Christianity as you'll get..but we're moving as a country and getting over the "dark times" our people suffered at the hands of our catholic priests.. I was very upset with them for a long time as many of my friends had been "interferred" with by priests growing up, and for a long time I couldn't even look at any man wearing that collar!! I remember Terri, you mentioning a book you said changed you're whole notion of faith.. I read one too called "into the light" and it really influenced my thinking. I'm much more of a spiritual person than religious, there's a lot I don't agree with, a lot I don't believe, but funnily enough I have great faith at the same time.. I certainly don't believe in "nothing", and as I say to all my aethiest (can't spell that either) friends.. there's no such thing as a non-believer Even if you believe in nothing, you are believing in something!! Hey..I'm an eternal optimist / philosopher!! LOL:heh:

Just reading through a few things ont the Violets folder!! PAM...you're so funny!!! Has anyone noticed that a lot of the violets have listed purple as their fav colour? hmmm just thought that was interesting. Oh, and colour here is spelt with a 'U'..I know you guys spell it 'Color' Us europeans like our vowels!!

Hi Girls.. OMG..there is always so much to catch up on whenever I am away for a few days!! Can I just ask about the bracelets I keep hearing you all speak of ??? I must have missed that Congratulations Pam on your new number whoooo hoooo!! I'm still holding out down at my first goal (Grrr!!!) I must schedule another fill (I've only had two!!) It's a pain in the A** having to fly to Manchester everytime but That was my decision so I better live with it! Still though I think the clinic is setting up base here In Ireland sometime in the near future..That would be GREAT! I know I need another fill..I will not be able to stay on top of this with out it, given my current motivation!! I've just been looking through some old photos of myself..GoD I was SLIM!!! And I was wearing such beautiful clothes and I look so comfortable in them..ie not straining to cross my legs (lol) I have all those clothes vaccum packed, I refuse to let go of them!! I have a cruise next Fab to look forward to and then I want to start on making a family after that so I have a lot to motivate me. I will be starting my NLP sessions with my Therapist again on Thursday and I feel I am nearing a point where I'll get my mojo back and join all you wonderful violets again in my efforts.. I'm so happy I have you all to turn to and to watch as you prove this can be done. Although I am lagging behind I am still hopeful by your examples that I can do this... I am gonna flip this freakin switch if it's the last thing I do.. Have a good day.. Don't forget to fill me in on the bracelet thing!!

Name your 3 all-time favorite movies Goodfella’s Planes trains and Automibiles Carlito’s way If you could pick a new career right now, what would it be? Artist How old were you when you fell in love for the 1st time? Not really sure..I had a lot of crushes before I actually realised what love means I’d safely say my husband is my first real love..so 27 If you could pick your “last meal” what would it be? Alcohol What’s the greatest thing about the town you live in? The scenery, my house, and the community Where were you born? Dublin, Ireland Have you ever read a book (or attended a lecture, took a class, etc.) that changed your life in some way? What was it? “Feel the fear and do it anyway” Opened my eyes big time! “Light a penny candle” by Maeve Binchy transported me into her story, I lived it! Going to Music College also changed my life. What is your favorite charity? Why? Children, homeless and the elderly Children, because they are innocent, homeless because they are often forgotten and blamed for their situation and the elderly because they are lonely and vunerable Name your 3 all-time favorite books: “Light a penny candle” by Maeve Binchy “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte “The colour Purple” by Alice ? Can’t remember her name What do you do when you are bored? Eat, smoke, watch TV Do you have any vices? Eating, smoking and watching TV Name one thing you’d like to do before you die. Have children, and be a good mother Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Full What is your bedtime? Midnight What is your idea of the perfect vacation? Anything Luxurious Ever have a dream that you were “with” a movie star? Who was it? I dreamt once that Charlie Sheen was knocking on my window in the rain (I don’t even fancy him!) If you knew your advice would be taken, what would you say to a high school graduate? Don’t sleep around. Don’t do drugs. Choose a good partner in life. Don’t hang around with or give of yourslef to loosers

Where do I post my Answers Terri? I've my answers done!! LOL

About Me Allergies: I have no allergies No favourite colours, but I tend to like autumnal shades My hobbies include Art, music, reading, and writing I collect postcards of beautiful landscapes or seascapes or sunsets / sunrise to paint from I also love stationary / cards / notepaper / pens etc. Oh I also have a thing for elephants..I have them looking out my windows around the house..It's a superstition that they protect me. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

I like that Terri..that's cool !!!

Hi Gurls!! Just popping in to say hello.. Laura..A BUBBLE?? that must have been bizzare! LOL.. I had a major P/B last week while trying to eat (BOLD GIRL) a BIG MAC! I peuked anyway and Martin (DH) looked at me as if I was freddie Krueger!! LOL Serves me right for eating McDonalds shit! I am now Back down to my first goal weight , AGAIN!! I had floated up 6lbs AGAIN!! If I get down into my second goal ticker It'll be the first time since July!! I can't believe it's been 6 months nearly since the OP!! I am seriously not where I thought I'd be!! I guess I have a bigger emotional and psychological attachment to my fat then I thought. I have a mental block for sure..but I know I'll break through it. I started seeing my psychologist again last week, and I'm gonna do some NLP sessions with him over the next few weeks, I really need to reprogramme this conviction I have that loosing weight is a waste of time. I thought the band would do it for me..I guess What I really wanted was a magic wand so I could look the other way and just shrink magically! I really am resisting the responsibility of having to put the effort in myself !! Like that A-hole man of the year award..I walked out on myself 3 years ago when I started gaining his weight back and I guess I left a bitter taste in my own mouth in doing so..I have to learn to trust myself again. I know that I've been hurt by men before, and yes it has left a lasting distrust in me, I tend to be harsh on men by only aknowledging the dicks amongst them. I wouldn't trust some as far as I can throw them, but that is living in the past and when we live in the past we have no future only that which we remember and dwell on. And although I was hurt by many men, I still found a gentleman and married him. And I have great faith that together we are right for each other..not just him for me..or vice versa. My experience never changed my belief or my faith that there was someone out there for me..It did not shape my convictions. But Rather I learnt to tell the difference between a looser and a keeper! I guess what I'm trying to say is that regarding my weight loss, I am living in the past, letting history dictate what my future is to be, because I am hurt by it, but I done it to myself. At least others who hurt me can be left behind, removed from my life..but me however is stuck with myself and I! And for the most part I love myself, I like who I am, where I'm going and what I can do creatively and intelligently, I love where I live and I love my Husband, my family and my life. So I am lucky, there's just one thing missing, and it's not for the want of or from others..the one thing I want is the one thing only I can give to me, and I am letting myself be denied...why? Because I'm afraid I'll ultimately fail again? Because I don't want to struggle to achieve something that has no guarantee of lasting? Because I have associated getting slim with sacrificing instead of the many health benefits and better quality of life it will offer? You see what I mean? I have a switch in my head that is blocking me from seeing, from KNOWING this (loosing weight) as a good thing, and until I can reprogramme this I will be stuck here. I must change my belief.. :help: MAJOR WAFFLE!! major Waffle

Thanks Laura..Yeah it's so beautiful up there.. I'm so excited about it..we've been building since Aug 2006!! I hope I can post the house pics.. Oh and byt the way..can I be on the secret santa list please!

Nah..I couldn't attach the house photos without upsetting the whole page it was MASSIVE The second view shot is crap but was taken on my camera phone but when I get decent ones I'll post again!

I hope this works without upsetting the whole page! These photos are of where I live.. The house in NEARLY ready..It's split level so this is just the 2 storey side..the front of it is one level.. so it looks like you're walking into a bungalow.. The other is a view of the lake we live on. The views from our house are stunning, I'll have to try to capture them on my good camera to do any sort of justice to it!

Hi Girls I was away at a wedding, but I'm back now there was too much to catch up on, so apologies if I missed anything I should be addressing to any of you!! I did however read you post MICHELLE and thank you for your more than kind offer. It is truly wonderful of you, and what a gesture! Thank You..My Mother is gonna travel with me to support me (as she always does and has!) So I will have company, and she will kick anyone's ass if they lock me up!! (At this point I'm joking about it, but I shouldn't So again Michelle, thank you, but I'm ok to travel and face the music with me mammy!! I heard about the woman who died after being arrested at some airport, I have to say, the amount of unnecessary force used is a disgrace.. I ended up with a black eye after my "Treatment" for God's sake ...Such A-holes!! I was completely man-handled by my "arresting" parties.. I had bruises on my arms and feet too and my wrists were swollen after being cuffed! It must feel great for these b***ards to legally mistreat people.. I mean, I can understand if I was charging someone with a knife but I maintain my reaction warrented more of a medical situation/response than that of a public threat!! I wasn't even given water until hours later!! y lawyer in VA is confident that I'll be ok. I have letters from my GP, Psychologist, my ER visit paperwork, my Rx's and I also have a character reference from our police chief, with whom I have a very good relationship as we have worked together on charitable fundraising events over the past few years Anyway, enough of that. What's shakin?

Thanks Pam.. But why? And great stuff all that jazzercizing! I do live in Ireland.. Which means I've to shoe my face in VA especially for court! Air fares r gonna suck not to mention legal fees and a fine (the're welcome to the money if it means I don't get locked up!) God almighty.. Is this really me I'm talking about! Jeez!

Thanks girls.. Tracy, I never thought of it that way.. I guess I'm being made aware of worst case scenario.. I'm laughing here about the eggplant.. I've never had it either and for no reason in particular either.. What does it taste like? My dh name is martin.. My name is Amanda.. Lunasa is the name of our new house.. It is Irish for August

Congrats Tracy.. that,s a truly wonderful milestone! I have a confession..remember the week in July I was in the USA and cut my hand badly after falling? You also might remember my friend died suddenly the day I was travelling home? Well on my return trip home I got into some trouble on my first leg of my trip..the flight from fla to NY ..that flight was diverted to VA due to bad weather.. Well during the flight I had some drinks.. Having no regard for the fact I was on both anti-d's and antibiotics..well to make a long story short, I blacked out and ended up in the county jail! I don't remember what happened but apparently Ifreaked out and wanted to get off the plane when it landed in Richmond, leading to my arrest. I spent the night in custody and was charged with disorderly conduct. I am now facing that case on oct24..I am so worried about it! This is why my diet has taken a back seat ever since.. I am comfort eating freely and I am consumed with the shame and guilt over it! Only my husband sister and parents know about this..I have only filled my band once since then as I am not coping with out the comfort of food. I have never been in trouble before and this has come as a major blow to me personally! I have been dealing with this since and I feel I've dropped out of the momentum of my journey with you all! The lawyer representing me says I could get jail time but he would be shocked if I was to be convicted..still it's a worry and a burden and a major source of anxiety right now. If I get through this unscathed I can pick up where I left off and thank god..and get back to my life. I don.t want you to think I have lost heart in my journey or in yours..I still get support and comfort checking in here.. Will you all please pray for me that I will get through this xx

Oh by the way.. My first concert was U2 here in croke park in Dublin..1987.. I was 11 It was a great experience! I also saw Michael Jackson in cork in 88.. I'll never forget that! Ever! At that concert I met my first pen pal and to this day we write and have never met since! imagine!

Hi girls.. Denise that happened my mil while pregnant on my dh! She had no more babies as a result .. That injection was not an option then! I just can't wait to have kids! I am rh+ Happy birthday Tracy! I'm a libra too! Mine is two weeks away! Haven't updated my signature but I've completed two of my pledged walks.. Yeay me!