DivaStyleCoach

Yay Claudine...you GO girl! :biggrin: You're just that inspiring kind of guy! I know I'll be thinking of everyone on this thread when I run MY first 5k...

PJTP...good news on the job front... The second interview scheduled for Tuesday next week has turned into a Third interview with another of the senior staff on Monday! Now I've got back-to-back interviews with the folks in that office - I'd say they are interested. My contact also asked for a list of specific office skill expertise - more detail than is on my resume, so I sent that over this afternoon. Methinks this sounds good. I was also called by a friend across campus who suggested I put in for another job on that side (which I had already done, but it's nice to get the call). Went for my lunchtime walk and got whistled at by the construction workers... All in all, not a bad afternoon...:biggrin:

Hi Laura, I just read all the pages of this thread and I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your story! Like chocolate_snaps, my tummy looks much like yours (except with more bulk, cause I still have a bunch to lose LOL). Your results give me a lot of hope that I'll have good results too. I saved your pre-op diet and supplementation suggestions - I'll definately be using those when the time comes. I'm down 60 pounds of the 110 I want to lose, and on track to lose them by Spring 2010. I want it gone by December, but I am not going to make myself sick by trying to starve myself. Your story and the pictures are so inspiring! I love that you shared the whole truth and nothing but with us all. Bless you for being so open with us, your online fan base. I am definately a fan! I'll continue to check in on you as you continue your recovery - keep letting us know what's up, and congrats on your beautiful flat tummy!

Whud I do? Forgive me...I must have missed updating my LBT family...40 lashes with a wet noodle! And that Headhunter / Macarena / ukelele thing...:thumbup:

PJTP...Hi y'all! Having a wonderful day so far...went for a "wog" this morning with DH and DDog, and felt GREAT! Only walked two blocks of our normal 1 mile course - gotta extend it next week to keep us closer to 30 minutes. The sprint at the end (just over a block) was AWESOME! I really stretched out and went for it...I felt like a kid again! Felt really good, no pain... Slightly gross side note - my belly pouch bounces when I wog - gotta get some spandex somethings to help control that...and I'm noticing some bounce in the back as well (back fat -ewww)...guess that means I'm losing in places I can't even see! I'm loving the couch-to-5k; though I don't follow it to the letter, the slow progression (started about 3 weeks ago running 1 block and walking 1 block) has meant I'm injury free and still looking forward to doing it every other day. I'm only 6 pounds away from being in Onderland - a place I haven't been since I was 16 - and with DH away for a pilot's event this weekend, I may just make it. Part of me wants to run every day from now through Sunday to make sure I make it, but I'm going to restrain myself so I don't get hurt. I WILL map out a 5k course near my house, though - since I plan to run a 5k in September or October, I want to start walking the distance on the weekends - maybe on Saturday or Sunday so that when I decide to do the race, I'll have a good mental idea of what it looks like and maybe I'll even run one or two before the official race day. I was called for a second interview for another job - I'm excited, but trying not to get too crazy...the other one that I was 2nd-interviewed for never called me back - I've sent them a couple of emails, but no word. Why can't people just say "We're not interested" or "We found someone". The job was re-posted as open, then closed again. I understand that the folks in the layoff pool have first choice, and if that's what happened, just SAY SO so that I can move on... Anyway - my next interview is Tuesday - I have a beautiful deep red jacket dress that I just bought in a size 16W that I'm planning to wear. The smallest size I've worn since before high school! Life is good...

Good morning Everyone! Had an awesome "wog" this morning...our usual 1 mile course, only walking two blocks of the entire course now, and the sprint at the end was just wonderful this morning. I felt strong, flexible, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I really stretched out at the end, felt the length of my stride (I have fairly long legs) and I thought at the end..."What was I waiting for?" I the C25K process...I may not be following it to the letter, but it's working for me. I'm going to extend my distance this weekend and get my time back to the 30 minute mark. Thanks for all the encouragement!

PJTP before I go out into 90 degree weather to do my lunchtime walk... ROFLMBO... ROFLMBO...you picking up attitude from those folks at the hospital, KC? Can't go that tiny...my keys don't fit anything that small! Coach makes cute accessories, just can't handle the prices on their bags (yet)... Too funny - the image is priceless! Leather? :tt2: Yay Beth! :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: Off to walk now...BBL!

Afternoon All! Heading out for my lunchtime walk - I'm plenty hydrated, so I should be just fine on this hot and sunny summer day. No run this morning - couldn't pull my dragging butt out of bed, but will make it up tomorrow. Hope all have a wonderful day!:w00t:

PJTP... Sweet spots are hard to find, but oh when you do...I think I alternate between being a little tight (depending on the day) and a little loose. Right now, I'm have a mildly tough time with some mini-ravioli that I ate for lunch...guess I'll do a protein shake for dinner!

G4E - that's wonderful to hear...I hope that your BIL has turned the corner and will continue to improve. Congrats on your surgery being so close! I pray this is the solution you so richly deserve...:thumbup:

Hey Everyone! Still hanging in there with the c25k program - am now running 75% of my normal walk route and will extend the route this week or next to keep my duration constant. I am loving the 'wog' program... Continuing to walk on days I don't 'wog' - about a mile to and from my office every day (unless it's storming) plus my lunchtime walk. We just went back to normal hours, so with my 1 hour lunch restored, I started walking my longer lunchtime route and the 'big hill' again today. Though it's 83 and feels like 87 outside (weather.com), I still feel great after walking. I KNOW I've gotten stronger and my heart rate has been really good - I'm thrilled!:wub: There is definately a road race or two in my future...:thumbup:

Checking in and reporting... I am LOVING this program! Friday I did my usual wog with DH and DDog - we tend to count 'blocks' instead of time because he doesn't have an iPhone and gets cranky when he tries to check a timer and run at the same time (non-techie that he is...) so we've been alternating running a block (I timed it - about 60 seconds on a shorter block, up to 2 minutes on a longer one) and walking a block. That morning I must have felt the 'groove' because I ran a block further than we had originally intended! It felt so good...I didn't even realize! We're now running about 3/4 of our mile-long route and only walking a short distance - just enough to let DDog take his 'break'. I know we'll have to extend our route this week because we'll be shortening the time too much if we don't. I am LOVING this program (did I say that already?) :thumbup: I rotate between two pairs of shoes, and with the exercise that BillOH gave me, no more shin splints! I can feel the difference in my stamina - didn't wog today because it was storming when I got up, but we switched back to 'normal' hours at work, meaning I get my 1-hour lunch back, meaning I can walk the hills near my office again. Did it today, and I felt it, but I wasn't at all tempted to stop halfway like I was when I first started. I'm so happy I started the couch-2-5k!:wub:

PJTP...It's a muggy day in the neighborhood... Tap - we love ya, girlfriend...like the others said - don't stay away too long. If this is something you've dealt with before, try to go back to what worked in getting through it. We'll miss you...please stay in touch. Definately... What she said!:wub: Having a calm morning - Mgr is out today on business travel and my tummy has calmed down. Had a productive weekend, but no fruit yet in the job search. I don't know what's holding it up, and my patience is running thin, but since I don't have any alternatives right now, I just gotta bear up. Going on the "offensive" as Beth termed it a few days ago...was left an undefined task to complete last week, have completed it to the best of my ability and sent it to the BBoss to review. We'll see what comes of that - I included him in the email stream between me and my Mgr, including my requests for specific feedback on why the version I prepared first was incorrect. I'm not going to stand here and take this crap any more...I'm ready to fight back (in a measured and business-like manner)...will let y'all know how it goes.:thumbup:

PJTP...it's been a busy day, but productive! Got the sanding done and the new closet walls primed, plus one wall in the 'lounge' area of the Master Bedroom. Eventually, have to prime all walls (raw plaster - not easy to paint over) and patch some additional spots, then I can do finish coats. DH and I are planning storage towers beside both sides of our bed (takes up the majority of the 3rd part of the room) and getting everything else out of that space. We have a wrap-around MBR suite - it was three bedrooms originally, and we combined two of them to form the original BR and future MBath. My DD slept in the third, smaller portion of the space. When she outgrew it and my DS moved out, she got his room and it took us quite a while to decide to break through the wall and take over that space. Now all three rooms are combined (kind of an "L" shape) with the MBR, then the 'lounge' then a walk-in closet, then the MBath to come. Whew! When I say it, it sounds like a lot of work - and I guess it is...I'll post pics when we're closer to being 'done'. Right now it looks like a bit of a disaster area! :drool: You got it, girlfriend...if I thought I could make a living at it, I'd love nothing better than to buy old houses, fix them up, and sell them to deserving families...just don't have the time or capital to do it right now... I worked with a professional organizer - she was a friend and we bartered a color analysis for her from me and she helped me plan a reorganization of my home office. Worked out great - with her help, I greatly decluttered my office and became much more productive. There is a Nat'l organization for them - check Google and some even offer free initial consults, so you can see if you'll like them and if you're compatible... That is so cool! Great pic of you and your mom - both of you are indeed gorgeous! Prayers going up for Carl and Connie...much love to both of them and to you, G4E... What a generous offer, KC - you rock! As the child of a nurse, I understand how bad sepsis can be...I pray he's getting better and that they have all the knowledge and expertise they need to help him. You're still number one in our book, Mac! You are constantly surprising me and inspiring me with your wisdom and strength. I hope I'm still pushing the limits and getting stronger like you are when I reach my goal weight... On my way to bed - finally got the new fridge up and running - though DH tried to level it and broke the left back leveling mechanism (go figure...DH seems to break something whenever he tries 'just a little more') :mad: :tongue: Anyway - time for bed...I'll be staggering in the morning anyway because I'm getting in bed late. Gotta wog in the morning, so off I go!

PJTP...Hey Everybody! Busy weekend at Ebony's house...finished drywall patching and taping in the master bedroom and closet, sanded previous patching, did a second round of patching, and now going to sand one last time before priming today. Hopefully I'll be able to paint next weekend while DH is out of town for a pilot's conference... Next home improvement job will be finishing the master bathroom. Also on the list is a remodel/redecorate for the first floor bathroom, new windows in the dining room, painting in the kitchen (just got a new-to-me fridge - yaay!) and painting the front and back parlors. The front parlor also needs a new mantel, but that may be a while. And if I can find any MORE spare time, the front parlor needs some attention, the pantry needs painting, and there is much to be done outside (landscaping, etc). Maybe some of it will have to wait until spring...:w00t: Beth, I loved this - just wonderful...think I'll print it out and read it every day... I can so relate - I hope you find something to get you out of there soon, Mac... Off to start my home improvement projects - it's been cool and dry here the last few days, and that has definately helped my energy level. DD made a multiple-course meal for us yesterday :frown:- her "final exam" from culinary class as requested by DH. Chicken croquettes (sliders - they went down really EASY), a cold strawberry soup (made with pureed strawberries and strawberry ice cream - yum!), caesar salad, and spaghetti carbonara, with a apple-pear crumb dessert. Nothing was low-fat or low-cal, and I loved every bite I took...took an extra long walk yesterday and this morning to help make up for it... :sleep: Have a wonderful afternoon, everyone!

PJTP...Dang, y'all go on a posting spree without me! That's what I get for staying home and off the laptop...ok, time to try and catch up... Beth, you're incredible...like the big sister I wish I had (though I'm older than you, I think)...you have a LOT of wisdom. I'm not sure why I was feeling so...paralyzed about this! I can only chalk up my "flight" (fight or flight) to being hormonally challenged and feeling overwhelmed. In the bad old days, I'd have been like KC's folks and shown her the gatt in my waistband... Fanny, I loves ya, girlfriend...:sad: Make sure they double-check EVERYTHING...docs are human and have been known to make mistakes in a 'rush to judgement' occasionally... My mom was a very experienced LPN who did similar things - often had to correct the docs, especially if they were rushing or felt the "knew" what the patient needed without a thorough read of the chart...she'd pull them to the side and not-too-gently remind them of the possible repercussions of a bad decision (with the family nearby) and just happen to say the word 'lawsuit' loud enough for the inevitable gold-digging family members to hear and start talking about how much money they'd get in the event of a mistake...:nanahump: Usually was enought to get the doc to calm down and double-check their answer... I know what that feels like - but ya gotta get back in there, sport! *in my best coaches' voice* Wonderfully well - had a really funny stomach episode. Wednesday night was "National Night Out" - live radio broadcasts, food, community organizations, etc. Fun times, but that hot dog I ate (sans bun) had probably been sitting out too long, so...upset tummy. Stayed home on Thursday because I was sliming everything, and stayed home today (Friday) just because... Good idea to have the neuro look at the MRI - and thank GOD his initial prognosis is better. Took me a few minutes to figure out ENT was ear-nose-throat...:biggrin: Had a good evening yesterday - DH and DD found a discounter with gently used and scratch-and-dent appliances here in town and got a stainless steel Jenn Air side-by-side fridge for 1/3 the normal retail. The only blemish was a couple of scratches on the door handle. I'm not complaining...DH wanted me to check them out before buying one...I :wub::wub: my DH! DD registered for classes at community college today - she's bearing up really well under her disappointment. This would have been the weekend we moved her to VSU...going to give her a special basket (had it made for the occasion, but giving it to her now) to commemorate her 'growing up'. Feeling good today - sunshine, moderate temperatures and a 'free' day help. Been eating VERY lightly because of the previous day's issues...so far, all is well. Had to check in - I missed y'all! Congrats Beth on being so consistent with your posting - that means you are excellent at checking in here and helping others. If you were just a troll, no way you'd show up for TWO significant posting milestones...:wub: Love y'all lots - bbl!:wink2:

Back again...:tongue2: I would vote for both of those - no business in management, AND they want me to fail...but I will be documenting the he** out of every. single. little. thing. from now on! Thanks, Slim - love your "new" name, by the way - it says who you are becoming! I think "I" love your life right now, too! :tt2:

PJTP...back from my walk, and my lunch stayed down, so I'm feeling better...the ice cream bar didn't hurt either! This is what I got back... These are the columns I want to see on an Awaiting Confirmation sheet. You could remove the other columns. For a sample Awaiting Confirmation sheet, please go to the pool drive/admissions coordinator tasks/awaiting confirmation. Ref Name Decision Comments Scholarships Nothing addressing my questions / points about how the list was created, the involvement of the BB, nothing...instead this little nit-picky note about how the damn LIST was formatted? Now she's gone for the afternoon - her mom is visiting and she's going to help her pack for her trip home...mind you, home is only in NY and we're in CT... I know you're right - and I'll try to get things in writing from now on, but I'm sure I'll get 'pushback' on that. I just pray one of the other jobs I've applied for comes through quickly...the last one really NEEDS someone with my skill set, so I'm hopeful... I :frown: y'all for all of your support...don't know what I'd do without y'all in my corner!

PJTP... You are both 100% right...and now that I've calmed down, that's exactly what I did. I sent Mgr an email, quoted below: I’ve attached a spreadsheet with all the records affected. The first sheet is the Unconfirmed / Unreleased records, the second has the records that have been confirmed and released, and the third sheet are the records on hold. I asked BB (my edit) yesterday when he gave me the list if the records not highlighted (now on the second spreadsheet) were okay to confirm and release, and he said yes. I asked twice to be sure and when he said yes, I noted it on the sheet so I would be clear. The ones on ‘hold’ are the same as on the sheet he gave me. Not trying to make excuses or prolong this, but the instructions I have for Entering, Confirming and Releasing Decisions do not mention Waitlisted folks except for when they are initially waitlisted. Once they have “WA” (waitlist accepted) status, they no longer show up on the Awaiting Confirmation query, and running ‘The List’ does not give me the same columns, so the spreadsheet I have attached does not look the same. Confirming and Releasing the decisions does not seem to work the same way because when I log in and go to ‘Manage Database’, the deny decisions for waitlisted people do not show up. I believe they will have to be confirmed and released individually. I’ve attached the spreadsheet – will await further instructions. I'm not sure what else I can do...we'll see what type of response I get, if any...and like you, I believe this is a kind of set-up. I've heard the budget is tighter than previously thought, so that means the heat will probably be turned up on me... Thanks so much, y'all! I just gotta keep plugging away...I'll do what I can, when I can, and try not to let it get to me... Will check in and let y'all know what happens...going for a lunchtime walk shortly - I need to get out of the office for a few minutes...:tongue2:

PJTP...This day has gone to he** in a handbasket - all in the course of about 30 minutes... I was assigned the task of updating students on our 'waitlist' a couple of days ago - they were to be marked as 'deny'. I did this, and when I was at the status meeting yesterday, BB hands me a list of people whose decisions can be confirmed and released (meaning the candidate will be notified) and others whose decision should be 'held' until they are notified. I asked him twice about this, and he confirmed my understanding of the instruction and I wrote it down on the sheet. I confirm and release the indicated people, then my Mgr asks me this morning if any one checked the list before I did the confirm/release operation. I did not have anyone do that because the BB told me to do it. Mgr asked me to have someone else check the decisions this morning and I wasn't quite sure what to have them check, but okay - I gave the list to two other staff people, who were just as confused as I. The next thing I know, Mgr is coming into my workspace and sarcastically asks me if the procedure she is outlining "sounds familiar? Any of it?". I have a procedure for confirming decisions, but denying waitlisted candidates is not on that procedure sheet. So naturally, she spews her venom and walks away. I still don't know what my next move should be and I'm almost scared to ask...I'm in tears at my desk because I KNOW they are going to use this against me and I'll probably get suspended or some such. I've NEVER had so much trouble with an office and procedures as this place - it's as if my brain disconnects and I can't figure out the smallest, simplest task. I just KNOW I'll be called on the carpet again, and it's going to end badly. I HATE this place - and I don't use that term lightly. If the building fell down tomorrow, I wouldn't cry. :tt2: I don't understand why I get paralyzed and can't seem to think straight in this place - I AM NOT STUPID - but I can't help but think that's their opinion of me. Unfortunately, I have another 4 1/2 hours before I can leave for the day...and I have my band support group tonight, so I don't want to just bail. I've gotta stick it out today, but tomorrow is looking more questionable by the minute...:tongue2:

PJTP... Love Antiques Roadshow and anything to do with antiques or old houses... Bought a set of beautiful tables many years ago - dark wood (cherry maybe) with leather tops that have gold leafing around the edges. They need custom-cut glass to go on top because of the shape of the table - haven't done that yet, but they are in a room where they don't get much use / touching. Would LOVE to find out they were worth some astronomical amount of money... Also have a Japanese Geisha doll (in a display case) that I've had since I was nine - my uncle, who was serving in the Air Force, brought it back for me from one of his trips. She's still holding strong and has her entire kimono, the elaborate hairdo, and the paper flowers she is carrying. Of course at nine years old, I couldn't truly appreciate her beauty - kept wanting to take her out of the display case and play with her like my Barbies! Surprising that she survived - probably need to get her appraised to see if she's become valuable over the years. I'll always consider her priceless...

PJTP...Morning All! It's a bright sunny morning and I feel great! Did my morning wog with DH and DDog this morning and after I warmed up, I felt really strong...beat him on the last block sprint and wasn't breathing as hard as Monday. Funny what a couple of days can do...we wog on MWF and I walk T Th S Sun. I'm following the c25k program. NSV - put on a dress that I bought two months ago and couldn't wear "well". I could put it on, but it pulled in unattractive ways. Partly because while my lower body is slimming down, my boobs haven't gone much of anywhere...now I really notice how big they still are compared to the rest of me. That's why I still buy size 18's - my bottom half is a 16, top half needs an 18 still. Today, the dress fits MUCH better - still can't wear the belt (it lands right up under the 'girls')...but I'm happy it fits better! Looking more and more like a breast reduction / enhancement is in my future...I have my monthly lap band support group meeting tonight - missed the past two months, so I'm glad to be going back. Everyone have a wonderful day!

PJTP... What's the name / model number of the Skechers shoe? I just checked Dick's Sporting Goods online and they didn't seem to have them...I want to check my local store... ROFLMBO...I just about spit crystal light all over my laptop!:huh2:

PJTP... PoolGirl - I'm jealous (or is that envious that's less nasty?) of you being able to work at home - I wish I could!

Hi Glouc! It could very well be - either someone forgot to reinstate the block when they did a software upgrade, or they are monitoring the channel and logging all the IP addresses that access FB from work computers. Does your company have a written internet policy? When I was the IT Director for my town, we instituted one. If someone got caught doing stuff that was on the list of unapproved activities, or visiting sites not permitted, they could be disciplined - verbal, written warning, then suspension and then termination. In today's climate, I wouldn't take the chance...