THE LIGHTER SIDE CAFE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21

Happy to say that the 2 bday 'celebrations' added 1.8!!!! I am back at it today...not so much for the weight gain as the tummy issues. I feel better not overdoing it. In a perfect world I would have only celebrated once...live and learn

Planned and tracked. Will CBL

Sue your masks sound darling and yummy on your food.

Yes the sodium bomb is the pits.

I just popped an OTC sinus headache pressure pill and will soon be on the bunny planet. Unfortunately that's the downside...

When I return to earth I'll hop back into the Cafe.

Enjoy your day friends.

Hi Judy ~ Good to hear from you.  I loved the Care Bear story!  At one time I was a huge teddy bear collector.  With the last move (to our condo) I got rid of a lot of them, but DH set up a "Teddy Bear Corner" in our downstairs family room and the collectibles and memory-keepers all found a home there. I also think it is fun getting masks that have some personality to them.  Your V'Day dinner rerun sounded delicious!  There are some dishes that we just have to plan on and then enjoy!  Actually, this past year we've had to take our pleasures where we can find them.  Fortunately, we know how to do this .... eating half of a meal is one very good way.  DH used to eat every bite, but even he brought home half of his fish 'n chips Friday night.

Hi all,

Hope you feel better Ann. Glad you napped.

Sue and Ann, I appreciate hearing you say there are meals and foods you will not do without. It was perfect timing. During my Zoom WW yesterday, there is one enthusiastic and chatty member who is something of a zealot about tracking and only eating exactly what she thinks she should. It’s obviously very successful for her as she’s lost a lot of weight lately. I think it’s great that she’s able to do that all the time but I felt she was critical of those who aren’t as strict. Yesterday she kind of went on a rant saying she has no patience for people who aren’t losing because it means they aren’t doing the plan correctly. All I could think about is that I am determined to make sure my eating plan is sustainable and something we can live with for a long time. You guys on lifetime do exactly that! When I see people too inflexible , I worry they will burn out. Just my thoughts for the day and I’d love to hear yours!

Yes, Ann, you helped a lot and hit the nail on the head. If someone told me I had to be perfect, I’d never have joined. I think your right that some folks are all black and white. I try to do the best I can and I know I’ll get there eventually by plugging along and tracking as much as possible but living in the process. There are some very rigid folks in my group. Our leader is great though. Thanks, Ann. As always you have words of wisdom. Love the Ann way!

Happy Sunday!

After Mass this morning, Debbie and I walked. Her hip has been bothering her and my neck/shoulder pain came back last evening, so we didn't push it, but still walked over 3 miles. We got chased by a dog that snapped at Debbie yesterday. Luckily, the owner's sister heard the dog and called it back, but it took several tries to actually corral it. She said she would tell her brother and I said, "Good, because I am calling and filing a complaint." Enough is enough. And the dog obviously recently had pups. He has a sign up for "8 Free Puppies". Some people don't deserve to have animals.

I made a Walmart run to pick up meds and groceries. I found most of what we wanted but noted the bread and milk aisles were still nearly empty. I'm guessing they are still suffering from the icy weather highway shutdowns, which would have affected deliveries.

I cooked sausage patties, scrambled eggs and toast for a brunch for DH and I. I also had a banana. That kept me full until about 3:00 when I had some cheese and crackers. Now DH is cooking rellenos, chicken taquitos and Mexican rice for our dinner.

I started laundry today, since I had some small, delicate loads with sweaters, etc. I also taught a baptism seminar this afternoon and by the time I finished, my neck and shoulders hurt so bad I could barely turn my head. This is the 4th time this has happened, but this time is the worst. I can barely move my head, so I am pretty sure it is a pinched nerve. I will make a doctor's appointment and hope he has an answer. I am sitting with a heating pad as I type this and took a full anti-inflammatory pill instead of my usual half. I didn't sleep well last night and it's not looking like tonight will be better.

Ann - All my sodium sent the scale up 2 lbs. I have tried to get more fluids in today to counteract it. I am with you on eating what I love. I hope the sinuses clear up soon!

Judy - I am another who refused to give up any food I love to lose weight. I just don't think that is a sustainable way to do it. I prefer to manage amount and frequency and that has worked well for me, even with some days that I throw caution to the winds. I believe that even when I get off track, I am still eating less than I would have in the past. Each person has to learn what and how much they can eat and lose and sometimes that takes a while. I would certainly never criticize others who are still trying to find the right path for their WL journey.

Sue - Sadly, most of my masks are either plain white or plain black. I long for the day we can ditch them altogether. Anyway, you are out and about more and I'm sure the kids like the book characters.

I'm going to watch a little tv and probably head to bed early even though I am not sure how much I'll sleep. I'll be back!