Deb's Check-in

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:57 am

PS... Friday day 8, today 9 (s day.. I can't screw up... it's a given!!!!)

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,

Deb

peetie · Post by **peetie** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:37 pm

Go, Deb. And your S day is all the sweeter, literally and figuratively with all this success behind you!

peetie

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 4:12 pm

Deb, you just rock all around the world, lady! I am so proud of you!

I know you must get psyched just thinking of taking off those pounds like carrying a heavy backpack around ...

It makes moving easier ... makes you want to be more active ... that and the cooler weather!

Re: the cantalope .... (nice color choice you made there) ... I never thought of food being its own plate before ... you made me laugh out loud!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:42 am

Thank you very much Betsy!!!
I feel like the cumulative good vibes of this board is really helping me right now.. I mean it's helped all year, but somehow, there seems to be a kind of "let's do this" feeling to the group these days....
Yeah!!!!!!!
So today is day 10!!!
My appetite did come back thankfully, but I'm really used to downsized portions now, and still am functioning off a meager food budget, so we are eating three (small) meals a day and pretty much, nothing else..
Yesterday I had two beers and about four bites of fried calamari!
We had a McDonalds egg mc muffkin and a few plums..
I also had about two cups of java with some soy and a leetle shuga...

I am thrilled that the days of eating a large Whopper, with large fries and a whatever for dessert on top of all that, has now dwindled down to being very satisfied with a small egg mc muffkin, without hash browns... and without a huge whatever on the side!!!
Who am I anyhow???? I am not recognizing this person anymore!!!

Today wasn't too far off from an N day...
I wouldn't turn down some ice cream at the moment, but there ain't none here... Rah!
I'm too tired to get any now anyway...
Can one of you guys go out to the store for me?
See you later!
Peace and Love,

Very Grateful Deb

navin · Post by **navin** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:21 am

I wouldn't turn down some ice cream at the moment, but there ain't none here... Rah!
I'm too tired to get any now anyway...
Can one of you guys go out to the store for me?

I would, but it'd be all melty by the time I got there.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:30 am

If it were me bringing ice cream all the way from Kentucky to NY, it would be all "gone" by the time *I* got there!!!
Thanks for the offer though!!!!!
Damn, I had just forgotten about the ice cream and now I'm thinking about it again!
Blast it....
LOL..

See you tomorrow!
P&L,

Deb

Post by **reinhard** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:26 pm

Deb, congratulations, this latest spurt has been astonishing. It's great for me to come back from vacation to such news -- I should do it more often. The picture you sent looks fantastic -- you definitely have nothing to lose from the neck up. Keep at it, you are in deeply inspiring territory right now.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:16 pm

Thank you so much Reinhard!!! You are the best and I missed you very much this weekend!

I was like "Damn where the 'beep' is Reinhard???"

You think that's inspiring... Wait, it's gonna get better...
My friend just came over with a photo album from her wedding in July of 2004, which was the height of my gaining period, before I found you and NOS... She wanted me to pick photos for us to have copies...

All I can say is "HOLY $*%*!!!!!!" I was huge!!!
It has completely changed my perspective in such a good way..
Once she gets those to me, I would greatly appreciate a favor from you..
I'd like you to somehow figure out how to put them, if you deem it worthy, on a link on the NoS webpage, as a "Deb's before and during" photos which represent what can be accomplished in one year of moderation of diet and exercise...
I have no clue how to post them to the group, but if they are shown, side by side, you will just flip your lid!!!!
Definitely a good testimonial for your plan...
Wait.. You will be floored!
I was.....

Thanks for everything Reinhard! You are the best!!! And at this point in my life I have no interest in anything but the best.... I certainly wouldn't have stuck with this if you were some lame ass jerk bozo false guru!
You are the real deal and so is NOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I'm all tearing up now!!!!!! Put me on Oprah!)
Hugs and Love!

Deb

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:23 pm

Deb -- it must be nice to be an "after" photo! :)

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:42 pm

Deb, I'm really looking forward to seeing your picture. Congratulations on your success.

Ariel King · Post by **Ariel King** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:19 pm

Here you go Deb... let's see if this works

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:33 pm

Thank you Ariel!!!!
You are so sweet!!!
Hey Jammin Jan!!! Here I am!!!

The guy next to me, happens to be nicknamed Jamsoid! (Cuz he's a Jammin' drummer!!!)

We are all so Jammin!!!

I can't wait to post that "before picture"
(but man it is gonna take a lot of courage, because it's far from flattering...)
Had a great day today.. Massage at the office, and then Yoga with Larryji!!!
Now it's time for some grub...
My body is still used to eating much less, and I'm feeling more and more at peace...
Back to the gym tomorrow and I will make it my business not to become embroiled in any stupid stuff with "you know who!"
I think I'm down to 205 but can't really tell because I usually weigh in the morning and I stepped on the scale after Yoga, which was at 6 pm..
I think I'm not going to weigh again until my one year anniversary...
I believe that's on August 29th... Real soon all
We will have to celebrate together with some
Double fudge ice cream and chocolate seven layer custard filled cake!!!!!
Ha ha ha!!!!!!!!

Peace and Love,

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:55 am

Oh, Deb, you are gorgeous!. I'm so glad to see this picture!

Wow...a jammin' drummer

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:59 am

Dang, girl! You lookin' good!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:17 am

Thank you ladies!!!
I feel pretty dang good too!!!

Incidentally, Betsy, I just consider this my "during" picture...
As Reinhard says, and I believe it too, "after" is for when you are dead

...
I'm in this for life!
That and the fact that I am still 205 lbs and for someone who is 5'3", I am definitely in the "during" stage...
Not sure what number I want to see on the scale, but it would be so rockin to be able to fit into a pair of size 28 jeans!!!
Dang, watch out Britney Spears! LOL.....

I had a great day and look forward to a relaxing evening...
Today is day 11!
I'm in the groove........
Yeah!!!!!!!!!
Have a nice eve yalls...
Peace and Love,

Deb

navin · Post by **navin** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:25 am

Yeah, I have to echo the sentiments of the rest of the group. So how do I sign up for the Deb Picture-of-the-week?

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:14 am

Thank you Navin!!!
Hugs!!!

Deb

cvmom · Post by **cvmom** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:22 pm

Deb:

Part of my enjoyment of No S is meeting all the great people on the board, especially you!!!

You are an adorable person both inside and out. I am so proud of you that you have stuck with it. Eleven days is a long time. Heck, a year is a long time. Your journey through this process reminds me that we don't have to be "perfect" we just have to keep going.

Thanks for being an inspiration.

Dru

Blondie · Post by **Blondie** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:20 pm

Wow, Deb, your smile is lighting up cyberspace. Rock on, sister.

Post by **reinhard** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 7:31 pm

Deb, by all means, please do send before and "during" pictures. I'll use them to inaugurate a special before and during gallery section of the site.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 7:48 pm

Thanks Dru and Blondie!!!!!
It's funny, because I'm definitely not going to let anything keep me from completing this 21 day challenge... Interestingly enough, I have been on this for 12 months (almost).. I guess what Reinhard says about it sometimes takes up to twelve concerted effort attempts, to succeed in any real change in eating patterns and diet...
(Boy that was good English! I'm glad this is a diet group not a grammar class! That was pretty poorly worded but, you know what I mean!!!!!!)
I guess 12 is a special number!

Thanks Reinhard!!! I will probably have this project done by October...
I want to have photos which are good, "side by side" comparisons...
Thanks for your kind words about my face not needing to change! I'll be very proud to be part of the NoS "before and during gallery" innauguration ceremonies!

Have a groovy day everyone!
Peace and Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:47 am

Day 12!

The only thing that broke the rules was that I decided to have half a homegrown beefsteak tomato my friend brought me from her garden yesterday... I put a little ranch dressing on it...
That was dessert for me!
No big whoop.....

Betsy, I thought of YOU! LOL...
It was a good tomato!
Good evening all~
Love,

Deb

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:09 am

All right!

peetie · Post by **peetie** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:29 am

Deb,
I must join the chorus. You are one hot momma!!!

Peetie
HotFLASHmomma

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:58 am

That's funny Peetovitch!!!
I love you!!!!

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:29 am

Hey Yall!!!!
It's DAY 13!!!

I'm just eating my dinner now... Had a great day...
A nice surprise at the end...
I'm going out to see a concert next week at the Pakistani Consulate House in NYC.... An amazing sax player my friend Jamsoid, who is pictured above with me, played with in the past, named Premik.....
For more info on Premik visit his website
www.premik.com

Anyway.. He is going to give Richard saxophone lessons in the fall, which I am overjoyed about!!! I mean this man played on Whitney Houstons debut album and with Mahavishnu and Santana....

Well I went to buy a decent looking blouse to wear to this special event... I had gone to this hippy shop about two months ago? When did I put those Ikea chairs together..... The store is across from Ikea! LOL....
Well at that time, I was trying out the pretty Indian cotton shirts... You know the kind I mean..... I couldn't even squeeze myself into the largest ones on the rack... I mean, at that point, putting my arm into the sleeve was tantamount to those "high blood pressure" devices you can use at the drug store when you are waiting for a prescription... And forget about squeezing my chest into it!!!! We are talking the thing was just going to split or choke me, whichever came first!!!

Tonight, after about two months, or maybe three, I was able to put one on!!!!!!!!!
Yes it's clingy in some spots, but I can say it basically fits now...
I am thrilled!! This is such a great feeling folks!
I am leaving the land of the grossly obese and now entering the "pleasantly plump"... LOL....
Yay me!!!

I drove past about five dunkin donuts on my way home and each one called my name... Loudly...

I didn't listen, and just kept driving on past!

My blinders are on and I'm not screwing up this time!!!

Also, I practiced Yoga at home for about a half hour... It was calming...
Wishing you all the best!
Peace and Love,

Deb

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:44 am

Deb, that's terrific. It's great to hear of your good news!!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:51 am

Thank you Betsy!!!
I hope you are well too!
I thought of you again today..
I was eating,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

A Tomato sandwich!!!!!
LOL....
Boy this group sure is a good influence!
Love,

Deb

Lethaltoenails · Post by **Lethaltoenails** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:55 am

Good going right past those DD signs Deb, keep breathing!

Enjoy your shirt and your music!

Karyn

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:01 am

Yay!!!!!
Thanks Lethal!!!

Love,

Deb

Blondie · Post by **Blondie** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:44 am

You seriously rock.

carolejo · Post by **carolejo** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:55 am

Ooh.. DD. Tough call!

Glad I don't live in a country which has donut stores - I really would be as round as violet Boeregaarde, the blueberry in Willy Wonka!

Top effort Deb! Well done.
C.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:54 pm

...right past those Dunkin Donut places!

Way to go, Deb.

cvmom · Post by **cvmom** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:46 pm

Deb:

Slipping into an item of clothing that was previously small may be one of the best drug-free highs around. But you gotta work for it. I am so, so happy for you.

D.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:02 pm

Thanks so much guys!!!!!!!!!
I think my willpower did about 1000 Spirtual pushups this month!

Enjoy the day all

Peace and Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:23 am

Today is Day 14!!!
Aside from a really long spell between lunch and dinner, which was a bit difficult, and then I wound up eating a gargantuan sized bowl of spaghetti and meat sauce, which I made with ground pork, inspired by Reinhard (but cooked the life out of it!!!), it was a good day...

Tomorrow day 15 then two S days to relax...
I'm near to coasting!!!!
Woo hoo!!!!!
Peace and Love,

Deb

Lethaltoenails · Post by **Lethaltoenails** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 2:02 am

Congratulations on a great day, Deb! You are so supportive of everyone, I couldn't close the day without lending you some love and support too...

Karyn

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 2:04 am

Thanks Toenails!!!
I appreciate it!
Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:52 pm

Day 15 down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two S days and by next Thursday I'll be able to join the highly exclusive 21 day club!
(I'm sure glad that it's an S day tomorrow though as this has been quite the exercise in control for me!!!)
What shall I have tomorrow??????

I think, well, hmmm, let's see.....

Chocolate Haagen Daaz!!!!!

Best to you all!

Peace and Love,

Deb

carolejo · Post by **carolejo** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:11 am

Hope it tastes as good as you could wish for! You earned it.

I'm sat here swilling down a nice long glass of pomegranate and blueberry juice drink (the kind with extra added sugar

!!

I *love* S days! But I also quite like the N days. There really is no deprivation.

C.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 2:55 pm

Whoa... this is too weird, so I thought I'd mention it....
I decided that at 8:30 we would just start Ssing yesterday..
The day was a success, and we just felt like our ice cream...
So we got on our shoes and hit the mini mart~

Instead of the regular chocolate HD I like, I got a different one which sounded good...
Triple chocolate Haagen Daaz... LOL....
Actually the plain one is far superior, but I thought I'd live dangerously and shake things up a bit... It had chocolate truffle and fudge mixed in....
Richard chose the Ben and Jerry's "Marsha Marsha Marhmallow" variety...
which I think is like smores.... (with a Brady bunch referrence..LOL)

So, the weird thing is, we used to eat ice cream like this, at minimum, twice a week... and the whole pint would be dessimated in one sitting...

Our bodies have definitely changed...
Both of us had weird dreams/nightmares last night.....
I was dreaming for most of the night... And then Richie told me he had a bunch as well.... And he never dreams much.. He sleeps like a log!
So the fact that, not only I, but he too, had bizarro dreams, makes me think to point to the food as the source of it... Plus we were eating it well into the evening (around 9:30) so I'm sure it was sitting in our systems for a bunch of the night...

I thought this was weird!
Ha ha.....
I'm probably not going to eat the rest, as I think that was enough....

Funny what a year of moderation and better eating will do to us and our addictions... The mindset to have these treats is still strong, but my body is sure reacting differently...
I like that!!!!

Peace and Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 3:15 pm

Oh, forgot to wish you all a
fantastic weekend!!!
Relax enjoy!!!!

I'm going to see Arlo Guthrie tonight at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay....

Love,

Deb

(who is having a cup of coffee now with a few teaspoons of triple chocolate in it! LOL.... good combo!
Coffee and chocolate!)

Lethaltoenails · Post by **Lethaltoenails** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:00 pm

Arlo! At the arboretum! Hope you had a great time Deb!

Did he do the motorcycle song?

Have a great S-Sunday!

Karyn

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:08 pm

I think getting a step-counter is a wonderful idea! You should both get one!

Don't buy one off the rack at Walmart or Target, however. They are selling Sportsline brand, and they just don't work.

The brand that my husband and I have finally settled on is Accusplit. We have been very satisfied with the performance of these step-counters.

By the way, a step counter only counts steps. A pedometer measures distance based on your stride-length, which you have to calculate and then set into the machine. I like the step counter better. Less complicated.

Here is where we bought our counters:

http://www.americaonthemove.org/store/detail.asp?id=1

It's an interesting web site in general! You might also look at amazon.com in their fitness department (not sure if they're sold under health or sports, so just do a general amazon search).

Also, if you want a neat way to log your activities (steps can be logged as well as many other movements, including yoga) and then be rewarded with certificates of achievement, go here:

http://www.presidentschallenge.org/

You can do this one even without a pedometer or step-counter. I highly recommend this site!!!

Have fun moving! I'll be interested to hear what you end up doing!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:30 pm

Hey Karyn...
"I don't want a pickle....."

I don't know if he did it, because after Alice's Restaurant I didn't want to get caught in a bad jam getting out of the parking lot behind a million cars, so we actually left before the set was finished...
But it was fun! He sounded great and was still super funny!
I thought his kids were fairly bland and boring... Lacked charisma...
There's nothing like those original guys...

Jammin Jan... I will check those links and thanks for the advice..
I'm not in the market to buy anything quite yet that can't either go into our stomachs or on our feet and backs... But things will pick up and when they do, I'll make sure not to get the ones you mentioned were bad...

Have a groovy day yall!!!
Peace and Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 11:24 pm

Today was fairly groovy and easy... Very slothful, and not too gluttonous..
So with yesterday and today....
I'm at Day 17!!!!!
(S days rock!)

I have a feeling this will be a very challenging week for me, but I'm going to just plow ahead to 21!!!!!!
And, I believe tomorrow is my one year anniversary with NOS...
I am really excited!!!!

I feel very lucky to be part of this supremely sensible and loving group, and thrilled to have made it this far... I can say, with honesty, that this is the longest I have ever stuck with a way of eating, ever....
(Unless you count "overeating"......)
I love NOS!!!
I love Reinhard!!!
I love this group!!!
And it's really helping me to love ME!!!!
That's the best perk of all!

I'm sure I'll be ringing in lots of future anniversaries with you all!
Yay!!!!!
Peace and Love,

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 11:30 pm

Go, Deb!!!

Only 4 days left!

And I will offer tomorrow morning's Mass for the safety and well-being of your grandparents.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 11:51 pm

Thank you so much Jan!
You are very kind and loving!
Peace,

Deb

navin · Post by **navin** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:27 am

I love this group!!!

And we love you too!

You can see the 21-club day finish line ahead in the distance... you can make it!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:52 am

Thanks Nathan!!!
Mmwwah!!!

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:52 am

Ready for Day 18?

You can do it!

3 plates of food, no funny business, and get some exercise.

I look forward to reading your check-in post tonight... it will say

DAY 18 --- TODAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:49 pm

Thank you Jammin Jan!!!!
It will also say....

Happy One Year Anniversary on the No S Diet!!!!!I am sure this was the day I found Reinhard's site last year!

I'm really proud to be part of this lovely group and am thrilled that I have stuck with it for a whole year... My son has been with me the whole time!!! So it's a really proud day for both of us!!! I'm looking forward to posting before and after pics of both of us... You will be very surprised to see the changes both of us!!.... I mean he was about 85 lbs last year, but he was at least 4 inches shorter... It's now back to school time, and I pulled out all his jeans from last year to see if we could use them at all..
Last year, he was squeezing into them and this year, they are all loose and require a belt to stay up!!! Yay Richard!!!!!!

FYI relative newbies, I did have a few months there last year, where I was worried if this would be too much food for me or whatever... I just stuck with it, thanks to the encouragement, especially from Reinhard, off list, and it has proved to be a invaluable system, which works, and has many more benefits to it, in addition to just losing weight...

Stick with it folks! You will be glad you did.. It just gets easier and better with time!
See you in another year!!!!
(And later tonight too! LOL....)

Peace and Love and NOS!!!

Debbie and Richard!

Richard says to say "May the force be with you!!!!"

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 4:22 pm

Hey girl -- congratulations on your one-year anniversary! It's great inspiration to know that this is "stick-to-able"! Quite a milestone, and well done!!

Blondie · Post by **Blondie** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 4:24 pm

You are the woman.

Ariel King · Post by **Ariel King** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:40 pm

3.5 more days! GO DEB!!!!!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:46 pm

Wow, one year! That's great!!! May you have many more to come.

Heard any report from your grandparents yet?

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:06 pm

They finally got their power back on Jan!
Thanks for including them in your morning Mass prayers!!!!!!!
You are so nice!
I think it must have worked!!!
Hugs!
Now I'm waiting to find out how my son's Dad and half sisters are in NOLA.. I don't have a clue, but as of this morning I pretty much freaked out when I found out how bad their town got hit...
Phones are down... If you feel so inclined, send out your good thoughts for them too! Nine and a half years since I left there, they are pretty important to me still... I took care of those girls for over two years...

(even though if I was in a room with Freddy I'd probably want to do unmentionable things to him anyway!!! LOL... He has the power to infuriate people! LOL... But I still love him for the good times we did share...)
Peace and Love,

Deb

Thanks Ariel and Blondie!!!!!
You are the Women too!!!!

peetie · Post by **peetie** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:11 pm

Good way to think about it, Deb. Forget the infuriating parts but remember the good times. It just plain feels better!

Is all this stress over loved ones making NoS any harder today? Hope you find ways to settle yourself down til you get the good news that all is well with your loved ones, even if they are once removed. Anyone worth loving once, is worth caring about always.

Love and good thoughts,
Peetie

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:15 pm

That's beautiful Peetie!!!
I love YOU!!!!

(and Prunes!)

P&L,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 11:56 pm

Oh Jan,,,,

DAY 18--- TODAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Thanks to all for you kind words today and support!

Much Love!

Deb

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 1:45 am

Being successful today should feel great to you. If you can hang in today, you can hang in any day.

See you in just three days in the 21 Club...

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 2:12 am

Thanks Kevin!!!
Love,

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 11:06 am

Okay Deb, today is DAY 19--YOU CAN DO THIS!!! ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO!!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 1:12 pm

Thanks Jan!!! You are a great cheerleader!
Hugs!

Since I am down to a food budget of 5 dollars for the next three days, this should be a breeze!

Peace and Love,

Deb

Ariel King · Post by **Ariel King** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 6:39 pm

Yowza... that sounds like quite a challenge!

My thoughts & prayers are with your friends in New Orleans, Deb. I hope you can get in touch with them soon.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:02 pm

Thank you Ariel girl!!!
I got a surprise tip today at work, so "We're eating tonight kids!"....
I bought a family pack of chicken and we will make due with the dry goods in the pantry, like rice and pasta...

Yeah, this whole past year has been pretty much a huge challenge...
I live day to day, and it's certainly stressful...

But I still love my choice of work and am never giving up!!!!!!!!!!
I'm praying that things take off much more this year!!!
A good friend of mine who has been at massage therapy for about 16 years now, said it took him between 3-5 years to really get stable...
My own, highly gifted mentor and massage therapist, Gary Lee Williams, who works about three blocks from the Empire State building now, said he experienced a rough first two years, but the third he was seeing good money... He is one of the best therapists on the planet, so it makes me feel better to know that, even a great therapist, must "pay their dues", and also lived through "humble beginnings", so to speak.... Now, to get an appointment with either of these fellows, you pretty much need to book weeks ahead to get them...
Once Richie is in school again, I'm going to go full throttle with promotion efforts and really get gung ho!
Meanwhile my confidence level in my own work and abilities is twenty times what it was at the same time last year... That feeling is like gold...
I actually feel like I know what I am doing at this point....
I feel very confident that I am capable of facilitating healing and helping people who come to me...
Well the phones are still down.. I get a constant busy signal...
Considering that my ex lived right next to a levee, I highly doubt that they would be there anyway.... I'll post any news when I get it...
Thanks again for your lovely concern... It is such a scary scene to look at the news from down there...
I may not post till tomorrow again, on my thread, so in advance of assumed success, I will say (and if I screw up, I'll correct it retroactively!)

Day 19 Muy bueno!!!
Peace and Love,

Deb

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:11 am

Okay,,,,time for some critical feedback...

Yesterday was our one year anniversary on NOS but we didn't celebrate it as an S day... Mainly because I didn't have any money to get anything!!!

Well today when I got that tip money and immediately headed to the store for some dinner stuff, Richard asked if we could have one cherry turnover as a belated celebration S....
I decided it was okay to do that under the circumstances... (and we were so hungry when we got to the store, due to a very lame breakfast and it was already way past lunch time... that pretty much made me say okay too...)
Well we split this turnover in half... I can honestly say it had one teaspoons worth of cherry! (disappointing!) and all in all, it was only four bites...
I don't want this to wreck my 21 day attempt, but I also don't wan't to set a bad example... If this sounds like a cheat to you guys, tell me...
I don't feel like starting 21 days all over again, but I had considered just calling today an S day, and letting tomorrow be day 19....
What do you all think???
I am laying it on the line and my fate will be decided by the ladies and gentlemen of the NoS court~
Again, I don't feel right about any amount of lying here, so I'm not going to try and pretend this didn't happen for my convenience....
(Incidentally, I will definitely have to learn how to make a decent cherry turnover as that one was LAME!

)

Peace and Love,

Deb "almost 21" Feder

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:25 am

NOT a cheat!!! No way! That was your belated one-year anniversary half-a-lousy cherry turnover. It's not your fault if you were broke on the actual anniversary.

I spent most of last year being broke, and yikes! I can surely sympathize with how stressed out and anxious it can make a person ... especially a person with a dependent! (I mean, all I have is a cat and a houseplant!)

You're entitled to that turnover ... any way you slice it ... and you sliced it in half!

Entered in the Court of General Justice this 30 th day of August , 20 05 .
/L.S./
Betsy "Click" Beetle, Presiding Hearing Officer

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:38 am

Thanks Betsy!!!
Court adjourned!
Okay, once again....

Day 19 down!!!!
Yay!!!

I like this Judge Betsy!!!

Hugs!!!!

Deb

cvmom · Post by **cvmom** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:43 am

Betsy you are tooooo funny!!!!

Deb: I think that since you didn't have that celebratory S treat on an S day (yes, I consider an anniversary of No S an S day) then I would say it's a wash. Reinhard says that we can't "officially" switch days but I think you have to follow your own conscious.

I am proud of you for coming clean. Remember what they say in 12-Step lingo: Progress Not Perfection.

Love,
Dru

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:03 am

Thanks Dru! My conscience likes you!!!
Well, since Richard is three N Days away from 21 and I am 2, I'm just going to add an extra N day to my schedule, to coincide with him, and we will both see you in the 21 club on Friday!!!!

Now I can truly go to sleep with a clear, if not necessarily, sound mind!
LOL...
Peace and Love,

Deb

navin · Post by **navin** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:17 am

Okay, the Appelite Court of Navin has reviewed the lower court's verdict. The verdict stands, the item will be officially counted as a "borderline" item but not a fully infringing S. As stated in the No-S Code, Section 172, Paragraph II: "Any item categorized as borderline (as defined by Section 165) shall not be considered grounds for dismissal from the 21-Day Club. For individuals not already in the 21-Day Club, the prospective club member shall not be required to forfeit any previously days accumulatd towards 21-Day Club membership."

The court will, however, issue a warning that the defendent should learn how to make a proper fruit-filled turnover.

The prosecution has declined any appeals to the state Supreme Court. So Deb, you are officially off the hook.

(Boy, don't you wish courts worked that fast in real life?)

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:08 am

Wow, Reinhard, don't you just love the way the No-S Gang can handle delegation?

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:16 am

Ha ha ha!!!!
Navin, I almost thought your wrote the
"Appetite" court!!!! LOL...

Yeah!
I beat the appetite court!!!!

That was really funny!
I promise to learn how to properly make a suitably delicious fruit filled pastry!

Thanks Gang!
Love,

Deb

Blondie · Post by **Blondie** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:03 am

Way to go, girl.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:23 am

Deb, here you are today, Day 20, the penultimate day before

VICTORY!

Can you do it? Of course you can! Best wishes today!!!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:22 pm

Thanks Blonde and Jammin!
I'm actually going to add an extra N day because yesterday was a bit borderline.... This will also make it so that Richard and I both cross the finish line on the same day...
He started three Mondays ago...

Have a good one!
Off to the gym!
Peace and Love,
(and no funny biznezz fo' sho.....)

Deb
Oh, incase anyone is wondering.. the phones are all still down in NOLA..
It looks so awful...
Thanks again for your loving comments and support..
I'm just waiting and waiting....

peetie · Post by **peetie** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 4:32 pm

Oh, Deb, waiting just sucks! But all the sweeter when you get those wonderful, "everything's fine" phone calls.

How fun that you and Richie will be celebrating on the same day! Love it! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Love,
Peetie

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:44 pm

Thanks Peetie!
The news showed that some refugees are actually walking to Texas as more and more of the levees are breaking....
Lake Ponchatrain is overflowing too...
Man...this is just starting to look Biblical....

Meanwhile I had a cute message from Richard today...
I dropped him at my Moms for the afternoon and she had come home with a humongoid blueberry muffin from the most delicious bakery in Great Neck "Bruces".... They make the best chocolate babka on the face of the earth!
So he leaves me this message on my cell
"Mom, Grandma is already starting with the S's.... " and how he wasn't going to mess up the day by accepting it... I told him he could ask her to save it for the weekend...
Then he calls later and leaves a follow up message, in his cute little voice!
"Mom, I'm having a great N day, I had a hamburger and fries and water! See you later..."

That made my day!
My breakfast was pretty cool, and weird...
A whole wheat fresh roll with egg/potato salad on it and two cups of coffee..
I'm going to be having lunch soon, but I'm really not that hungry..
That breakfast was really good!
(and weird!)
Oops I just got your email Peetie, so I'm going to read it now! LOL...

Having a good (but very slow) one...

Love,

Deb

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:07 pm

Well, Deb, you have a very inspiring son, there! I imagine it makes it a bit easier to meet the challenge when he is right there with ya.

That is a weird breakfast ... but, sounds satisfying at least!

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:27 pm

Thanks Betsy!!!
Yes it sure helped me a lot that Richie has been with me on this journey..
Times when I could have easily used him as an excuse, like I was doing the year before NoS, to eat junk food, were really minimized this year...
Just the fact that our home has been 90 percent junk food free has made this much better...
But it's also good for him.. Why have bad habits to begin with that then, in adulthood, will have to be overcome?
We influence each other in a good way... When I started the 21 day challenge, he jumped on board..
With parents and kids, I truly believe in the power of
"Monkey see, monkee do..."

So get this..... Mom took Richard for some new fall clothes, and he decided to surprise me with a new pair of earrings!!!
What a sweetie pie!!!
Mom, suggested it actually, so that was really nice, but he picked them out!
They are very sweet.. Little oval shaped silver posts, with a very pretty inlay of mother of pearl... With just a hint of irridescence..
My baby!!!

So today was a great day and good on the eating and exercise...
Had two decent meals and will eat a small dinner later...
Got in 23 minutes of really moving it on the elliptical trainer...
I didn't hold onto any hand rails and I was doing an "X" pattern with my arms to go with the legs...
Waiting for my "you know what", monthly "friend" (some friend!) to arrive next week, so I'm pretty bloaty... Usually I go up 2 lbs, without fail, from water retention... Including this and correcting for the temporary gain I normally see on the scale, it still shows that I'm down another pound this week!!!
I will weigh again in about 2 weeks once my "friend" leaves town!

Have a great evening all!
Only two days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace and Love,

Deb

cvmom · Post by **cvmom** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:16 pm

Deb:

I am glad things are going well. On Monday night my older son asked for a Drumstick. I said "Sorry, they are gone" and he said, "Oh, was it an S day yesterday? Darn it!!!". We are their best models. The little one was trying to get me to eat something earlier in the week and I said, "No thank you, it's not an S day". So, by osmosis they get the program. Obviously not to the extent that Richard does.

I was very touched by the fact that he got you some earrings. That is so sweet...we moms are so lucky.

Alright, got to run.

D.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:45 pm

Deb, have you heard from any of your people in the Gulf area yet?

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:29 pm

No Jan.. I am really worried...
My ex does have some family outside of the city in Slidell but I'm not so sure that area is any better...

I was just watching a video of the convention center just now and I'm in tears.. People are just dying in the street... Babies too...

It's a complete disaster...
Even the camera man was saying he has never seen anything of this severity, he couldn't even come up with words to describe it..
I really hope they get relief soon...
I can't imagine why the National Guard isn't involved????
No one seems to be helping!
Thanks for asking.. I promise to post any news once I get it...
I have called many times but no body is home... Maybe there is no more home...

I appreciate you sending your heart out to me and those very very needy people...
Thank you...
Love,

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:36 am

The National Guard is there, also the Coast Guard, and some other departments. Slidell was hit hard, I have heard.

We lived for a year near Baton Rouge (our son was born there), and another year in Lafayette, so it is hard to watch all this on the news.

Keep praying.

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:41 am

Hey Deb, I'm really sorry to hear that there's no news. The say the communications in & out have been practically impossible, so it sure seems like no news may not necessarily be bad news. Anyway, you are in my thoughts & prayers.

doulachic · Post by **doulachic** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 5:47 pm

Hey Deb,
My prayers are with you. I have family in New Orleans and at present am still waiting to hear something about them...the family "rumor mill" has said that they were supposed to be out of town when it happened, but so far no one has heard from them, so who knows. anyway, it's definately a bad deal..

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:11 pm

Thanks guys!!!
Tricia, I hope your family are okay...
I tried to post this morning but couldn't get on the site..

Anyway.. I'm pretty drained emotionally, and with good reason..
I'll let everyone know when I hear anything.. And again, in the meantime, all we can do is hope for the best for all those people...

I spent the morning painting my kitchen wall to get involved in something productive and calming... (a project I had on my list for about a month now...)
For the record, today is the day that Richie and I are going to be inducted into the 21 day club!...
I don't really feel that good about being *really* celebratory, at the moment.. It just feels wrong...so I'll just make a little, subdued, cheer for us...
It was definitely a challenging three weeks...
Lots of opportunities for bad choices and cave in's but we did it!

It took me a whole year of failed attempts to really get to 21`days...
I'd be close, maybe 15 days in, and then mess something up...
But every attempt was worthy and clearly the day to day practice, over time, has helped our habits tremendously...

I had fun doing this.... Thanks to all for your cheerleading along the way!!!

Have a good weekend everyone... I don't know how much I'm going to feel like posting, as I am really drained and need some down time...
Once again, let us all extend our Love to the people who need it now!
Pray and hope for peace to come....

Peace and Love,

Debbie

peetie · Post by **peetie** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 7:40 pm

Deb, I understand your feeling a bit restrained about this victorious moment, but, hot damn, girl, I think a YIPEEE is too hard for me to stifle right now under any circumstances.

When times are the roughest, that's when we need to celebrate (even if it's a small, subdued one) the good parts. And, Deb, you did this during a majorly stressful time for you. But you kept control of the parts of your life you COULD control, and that was not eating like a maniac, but like a sane, healthy NOSer.

I am a firm believer in not being upset unless we are given concrete reason to be. I'm not saying, I do it, but that is what I strive for. It's kind of like paying interest on a loan you don't owe.

So, pay attention to your smashing success......love your new bright kitchen, and we will wait til we hear a full on celebration on the joy of receiving that phone call you are waiting for.

Love,
Peetie

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:05 pm

Congratulations for making it 21 days and helping your son with better eating habits - I hope to be right behind you.

You owe yourself a downtime - with the nice and helpful posts you always have I'm sure it takes plenty of time.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:42 pm

Thanks Peetovitch, and Sandy!
Hugs!

Deb

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:42 pm

Congrats!

PS Maybe this is a good time to have the treat of your choice!

navin · Post by **navin** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:45 pm

Congrats indeed, so how does it feel to finally be 21?

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:05 pm

Thank you Betsy and Navin, or can I just call you "The Cooks?" LOL....

Hey Betsy, that's a great idea... I am so ridiculously strapped this week with it being a holiday week and nobody is around for massage, I mean, no "body" (nyuk nyuk nyuk!)

So I am trying to figure out how to stretch 16 dollars for all our food and gas expenses for the next two weeks?
I am soooo looking forward to the day I stop singing this "I am broke" one note song...

But, in a reckless moment yesterday, I decided to indulge big time...
I kind of regret it now that I realize how ridiculously expensive they were,
but I've still been enjoying these... I got a five dollar box of Canadian grown

"Campari" tomatoes!!!

They are really good with Bleu cheese dressing!!!

What do you think Bets?
Good treat??? LOL...

Oh, and Navin, I started drinking at 16, so once twenty one hit, the thrill wasn't quite the same as I was always able to sneak in without being proofed... LOL....
As far as the club though, I am very thrilled!
Thank you again!!!

All my best!
Love,

Deb

Lethaltoenails · Post by **Lethaltoenails** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:33 pm

Congratulations on your 21 days, Deb! You are such an inspiration to me and your comments and replies have helped enormously. Give yourself a BIG HUG and enjoy your weekend!

Breathe and relax... you made it!

Hugs,
Karyn

cvmom · Post by **cvmom** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:51 pm

Hey Deb:

You did it!! Let me tell you that 21 days is a big achievement. I know you are probably drained right now with waiting to hear from everyone but don't let the crisis down there allow you to regress into old eating patterns. In the days after September 11th I used the tragedy as an excuse to binge. I'm not proud of it but maybe it was some wierd way of coping. Truthfully, I never felt "in control" of my eating until just this past summer when I began to eat via the principles of No S.

So, take care of youself. And your boy. Great big hugs from California.

Thank you for being such a positive influence here on the message board. I know we are all stoked for you.

Dru

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:53 pm

Thank you so much Karyn!!!
I am breathing now!
You enjoy the weekend as well!!!
Hugs!

I have a very special night of music tomorrow to look forward to...
Richard and I are invited guests at the Pakistani House to see my friend Premik play saxophone with the "Rajaf Quartet"...
For people who live near Greenwich Village you can check them out at Caffe Vivaldi....
If you click on this link and scroll to the middle of the page you will see the schedule of events and performers and a photo my friends Indian music group...

http://www.virsaonline.com/ListeningRoom/index.htm

Are the Apples looking good this year???
I'm coming up there in October!!!
Apple crisp on an S day!!!!! Nothing better!!!
Love,

Deb

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:58 am

OOOOoooooooooooooooooo, apple crisp. The church has 2 apple trees and the fruit is lookin' good. Maybe I'll make this for a weekend treat.

Lethaltoenails · Post by **Lethaltoenails** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 2:17 am

The apples look SWEET this year!!!! It's the Hudson Valley thing to do in October! Hurry up when you can!

Enjoy your music this weekend - cool! I LOVE indian food and indian music, I will check out the link.

I just got Richard Thompson tickets for the Egg in Albany in October too, I am psyched!!

LT

ClickBeetle · Post by **ClickBeetle** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 2:20 am

Tomatoes with bleu cheese dressing ... now that sounds really good. Tomato Girl gives her seal of approval!

I'm with Peetie ... I finally listened to my mom after I turned thirty ... she always has said "Don't borrow trouble."

Everyday Systems

Deb's Check-in

Keep on truckin'...

Day Nineteen!!!!!

Day 19 "B".... LOL...