I'm trying 2 loose at least 25 lbs. This is my Journal. Anyone else care 2 join?

oh my I also weight 207 but I want to get down to 157 as i am a female senior citizen and am a diabetic too so health and looks really count plus hating how I feel about myself.

Thank you both for your responses! I don't want to look ghastly, just healthy. And I also want to combat Diabetes and the notion of not appreciating my own self. Thank you both for your honesty. Today I did ok for breakfast and a morning snack. Then at lunch I went to Carl's Jr with my son for some bonding time. I thought I was going to feel guilty about it, but I don't, which is a HUGE step forward for me! In the past if I "Blew it" I would purposely "Blow it" for days thinking, 'I blew it, might as well just keep blowing it. Then I'll have more to loose." What a DUMB thought! So, I didn't snack this afternoon and had a VERY small bowl of stew for dinner and I feel good about my day! The biggest difference this time is no guilt. I realize that won't help motivate me to go on. A six dollar burger happened and it's over... move on. I know tomorrow will NOT include Carl's Jr and that makes me happy! Now, I need to figure out something that will work for me for excercise that won't hurt my many ailed body parts. Thank you for listening to me. AND thank you for the tips to not eat after 6pm. Any suggestions as to what to do when I AM hungry? I usually eat about every 3 to 4 hours... not much, but something. Is there something SAFE to eat at bedtime? Thanks! Bear

Hi Bearballew. My daughter-in-law suggested eating a little something high in protein. That works too. I have soy beans here, other beans. Chicken or any other protein works and it does not take much. Slightly filling.

Hi Bear, Will, your remarks came at the perfect time for me as well. I'm not sure how much of an expert I am at losing weight. I did it with Weight Watchers that one time, but I'm not that successful at it right now, since I do have around 40 pounds again to lose (some of that gain was from not being able to exercise due to some hospitalization and ongoing illnesses in the past, but some of it was I just got lazy and simply tired of counting every point of everything I ate). So I was feeling kind of bummed out myself yesterday, the task of losing weight just seemed so overwhelming all of a sudden. Then I opened up the computer today and read your remarks and let me tell you that was a real "shot in the arm" so to speak. I never thought about it that way, you didn't lose any but you didn't gain any. That made me feel loads better because when I started looking at it in a positive light like that I realized the wisdom of that approach. Positive thinking can certainly help with any endeavor. I'm still trying the no sugar thing. I haven't lost any with it, but, like you said, I haven't put on anymore poundage either. My big downfall is I simply love to eat. Like you said, I cook it, I serve it, I fix it for others, etc., so how on earth can we not think about food when it's such an incredibly large part of our lives. It's not like we can just go off and cook for ourselves. There are others we have to care for with cooking, etc. here. The no sugar thing would probably actually work very well if I could stick to a reasonable diet. I can see how it could be healthy for you, but my downfall is at night when I get incredibly hungry. I rarely eat much during the day but at night I tend to gorge out since I'm up later than the rest of the family since I've never been able to go to sleep early in my whole life. So what I'm trying to do with that is to keep a lot of lettuce and salad stuff and veggies around that I can munch on, rather than grabbing junk food because it's easier. I'm also trying to keep junk food out of the house when I can. So I'm trying to munch just on healthy stuff at night. I've only been doing that about 2 nights now, so I'll have to see if that works or not. I remember, though, now, when I started with Weight Watchers a couple of years ago now I was hungry it seemed for the first couple of weeks. In fact I recall asking one of the leaders what I did about feeling ravenously hungry all the time, but they just kind of ignored that question for some reason...as if they didn't want to hear anyone asking about such things. Although, one of the participants in the meeting did tell me about trying to eat just the healthy food at night, so that helped. After about 2 weeks the hunger, now that I think about it (it's been a couple of years since I went to Weight Watchers) the hunger did lessen as time went on so maybe this initial first few weeks of trying to get my nighttime portions and diet under control may be what's triggering the hunger now. Perhaps with time it will start to let up, as it did before. One thing I did learn from Weight Watchers, among other things (despite that one leader I still think it's a good plan for a lot of people), is be sure to use some form of healthy fat in your meals, like olive oil or flaxseed oil. When I went to Weight Watchers they hadn't started incorporating that yet into their meal plans and my scalp got so dry that I ended up having to go to a dermatologist. Now I notice they recommend you use olive oil sparingly but pretty often in your food. Well, don't have much time today, but can't wait to hear how your goal is coming along. I can't get on the computer every day but I'll definitely hang in there and keep in touch. I can see how important support is. I was about ready to chuck it all and just give it up until I read your remarks and I suddenly felt better, with your help, with a more positive outlook. Oh, that time when I lost the weight, I think it took me about two weeks to lose just a pound or two, but keep in mind my weight seems to come off much more slowly than most, so I don't know if that's typical or not. It's probably not, but weight always comes off slowly for me. What I did last time was have to change my diet, I had to cut portions (that part was very hard for me) and then I had to start exercising. That wasn't too much of a problem since I used to walk 5 miles every couple of days before I got ill (I'm a lot better now, knock on wood). Now, though, weather is cold and yukky and I haven't exercised at all in over 2 months. and only a little before that (that was from nothing but the fact that I hate to exercise, just pure laziness). The guy with the web site, Jorge Cruise I think his name was, has out a book called How to Exercise in 8 Minutes a Day. My sister is getting it for me as an early birthday gift, since my goal is to lose at least 20 pounds by my birthday (which is late May). I'll let you know if it's any good or not once I get it. Take care and hang in there. With your positive approach, I know you're going to meet your goals. Here's hoping we all do. Good luck to everyone!

WOW! Thanks so much Bear. I have very little time tonight and am running to bed to get up early, but I have to tell you....you have really got me motivated all over again. Thank you. And wonderful news about your ongoing efforts here. Congrats on those ski pants. I know that made you feel wonderful! Will be off for a week or so, but will check back in soon. I hope I can see some of my own weight diminish in a healthy way eventually. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!

SWEET WINDCHIME!! You are ringing words of life into my ears and into my motivation vault! I know it's been a few days since I have been on this discussion. I will sum up where I've been and how things are going. I DID finish my detox! It was 4 days long and by Day 3 I was starting to get used to this idea of fresh...fresh...fresh... I didn't do it exactly by the book, by that I mean I didn't eat everything on there. I made some healthy substitutions and felt full of energy by the time we left for vacation Friday night. Then vacation came. I heard you all groan. Yes I was looking forward to "REAL" food again. Yes I was planning on eating whatever I wanted. YES I was looking forward to getting away from my new life change. I wanted to SPLURGE!! Well, I did eat real food, but my goodness... I cut all my portions! It didn't hurt a bit! EVEN MY GOOBERS!! I ate half during the movie Friday so that I could have more the next day! That was cool! I made 2 pieces of toast and a bowl of oatmeal... wound up only eating the toast. (I know, should've eaten the oatmeal. SEE THE GOOD here!) Anyway, I did hear all your voices at the lodge. You were all whispering to me, "don't make the last four days a waste" and "Don't throw it all away for a cookie!" I only had one. 1 cookie. I only had one cup of cocoa.. and excercise... wow! Does sledding and ice skating count?? TWO days in a row? Ask my knees, they're DYING! I had a fun vacation. I didn't eat everything I wanted, I controlled my food! I controleld it! It didn't control me!! I got home and went right back into the detox plan. Not to the very letter, but back to fresh...fresh..fresh.. I made my grocery list. Guess what's on it? Fresh...fresh... fresh!! I wrote things on my list that I always thought were luxury items: carrots, bananas, celery. In the past, I only bought those things if I was making something special! Not anymore. They will always be in my kitchen. I'm NOT going back to where I was. I'm not going to give in to donuts, Starbux and 2 more pieces of pizza. I want what I want and I'm determined to get it. I also had to face why I was eating different than everyone else. I am now okay with making meals for the family and one for myself. I enjoy the chopping for me and take a lot of time to make MY meal. I simply told them, "I'm just eating something different." I'm not ready to tell them what I'm doing. I wasn't able to weigh in today, but.... I have to tell you ... I FIT into my ski pants from SEVEN years ago!!! I was shocked! I hadn't tried them on before we left and got on the mountain and zipped 'em up!! I couldn't believe it!! So for all of you that are at day 4 or 5, keep going! Get through THIS day being good! Make those choices you know are RIGHT. STOP doing things that Big people do. Think to yourself "Is this what a thin, healthy person would do?" If not, then don't do it. That has helped me a lot. Seeing my big person habits and trying to break them, one at a time. NOT ALL at a time, but ONE at a time. Thank you to all of you who have written and who are following me. KEEP telling me YOUR struggles and how YOU are doing! We are doing this together!

hi bear! got your message. this is great. i can imagine how excited you are with this development. one - two pounds a week, according to the doctors and nutritionists, is the healthy rate of losing weight. i'll send you a pm about the product. but you are doing great already! hehe congratulations! and you should celebrate. what do you have against food? hahaha try some healthy food treats like fruits. apple, banana and pineapple. diet crazed japanese are doing papaya and banana. and i heard soursop have great benefits too. you can try pomelo for diet also. ohh you can have a fruit salad with select fruits r fruit shake galore... depending on the weather. hehe not all of those i mentioned above are great mixed together though. hehe great job there! go for the next level of glory. -lol-

Kudos, and I'm so happy for you! You're off to a great start. Slow and easy, too, is the best way to keep it off. Keep it up :))) Hugs, Karen

Thanks Myles for the encouragement! I have tried a couple dfferent herbal teas because I really do believe in natural. I've tried a daily detox that is supposed to promote healthy liver function and plain old green tea. The tea you described..is it available on the market or did you make it? I have good news tonight... I have lost nearly FOUR pounds in teh last two weeks! I weighed WITH my shoes on too! ( In know, what is that ... a half a pound?) I was SO surprised! I haven't felt cheated by any of the new life I'm creating. I passed up pizza tonight. I reminded myself WHY I'm not eating it and that it truly causes me digestive problems all night... so why bother? I'm so excited! Another 2 and I will be under one of those numbers they mark on the scale! I just can't believe it. I've been trying so hard and seeing that number today... I just weighed on a whim and was overwhelmed at my success! Thank you to ALL of you who have written and and have given me tips and encouragement and love. I want a healthier heart, healthier blood sugar, healthier me! I'm going to do something special when the next 2 come off.... but what?? Any suggestions? (Not FOOD!) ah.. wow. I can't believe this day is here. The day I tell my MyLot family I lost my first FOUR!!! YAY ME!! You guys are awesome! Bear

I was going to suggest swimming as well, for both of you. It is great for older people, and even younger people, you get the work out, with out as much pain and stiffness as traditionally. I know every time I do two laps it feels like I ran a hundred yards, but my legs aren't nearly as sore after two laps as after running that far. Great exercise, that I hope you are both participating in, I go about once a week myself, but I cheat a little, I take my son to swimming lessons. I appreciate you both.

You can do it Hatley! Set small resonable goals. I know that some PBS channels hav chair excercises that you can do. Just upping your activity a bit and lowering your food intake can help! I read today that it would be helpful for BOTH of us to set weekly resonable goals. Mine for this week is to get all the way through a day doing what I know is right with my intake and NOT feeing guilty about ANYthing I eat. That will be a HUGE hurdle for me. Then I will move that to TWO days in a row. For me, this will be a readjusting my lifestyle, back to that of my youth. I know I won't loose all 25 in 2 months. So I am hoping to have it all gone by this time next year. I did okay this day. I didn't think negative about myself. I didn't think negative about what I ate and I tried not to cheat. I caught myself doing my usual bite of chocolate after lunch. At first I thought, "Oh NO! Cheater!" But then I decided to NOT feel guilty and told myself, "Well, there's your sweets for today Luv." "*) I still haven't found a set time to excercise. That frustrates me a bit, but baby steps and I should be successful! If you are in control of what you buy to eat, make yourself a healthy list and refuse to buy things you know are bad for you. I'm trying to get rid of all "Naughty" foods! I'm rooting for you!! You can do this! Thanks for sharing and PLEASE let me know how you're doing! Bear

Do they have any programs there you can get to for group fun? Also I thought of swimming for you! If you can get to a pool, you will be lighter in there and less stress on legs and joints. You can DO it!

You're off to a wonderful start. When trying something like you are, I also quit telling those around me and just let results do the talking for me :)))) Hugs and keep up the work...a step at a time. Karen

I only started enjoying food after I left home. Dad made everything so bland I really didn't like food. Got to college and experienced WONDERFUL tastes! That was the beginning of the end for me. I do savor and love the taste of food. However, I do tend to have to eat fast to keep up with everyone else here. Only a certain amount of time to get done before we go onto the next thing. I did pretty good today, although I have to admit I liked the fingers while frosting a cake for tomorrow! Other than that I did great! I stated earlier that I could never turn down a good burrito. Well.......tonight I DID! I only ate 1 burrito!! I had fixed the second one, took a bite and tasted it. "This isn't as good as it looks." I said to myself. Wrapped it up and stuck it in the fridge for another day. I started moving a bit today and last night. Tried some push ups just to see if I could still do them. Of course I did them "girl" style, but I was impressed that I could get at least 10 out of me! So I did 10 more and some running in place and I'll do 10 more before bed. It made me think that maybe I can do more than I've been believing all these years. So I'm going to keep going. Weigh in is on Monday. Wonder how I did... Small goals. Goal #1 was to get all the way through a day sticking to the plan. Goal #2 is to get TWO days in a row like that. Thank you for your encouragement. Your words felt just like a hug today and I appreciate it. I can't let anyone know here that I have this goal... they'd all laugh and tell me what a joke it is to even try. Thank you MyLot family! I'm going to remember eating mindully! Blessings, Bear

or maybe mindFULLy!

ooooh I can't wait to be close to 100! I was there a loooong time ago. The one thing I hav to keep reminding myself about is that this extra didn't all come in a week, or a month.. or even a year... (well maybe if you consider making babies! and I made some BIG babies!) Therefore, since it didn't come overnight, it won't leave overnight. I am impatient, so I need constant reminder that this took time to get here, and it will take time to get rid of it. But, I think if I do this right, it will stay off.. So TODAY!! I started a detox. A healthy one... brown rice, banana, tea, lots of water, celery, lemon juice... I SURVIVED! I did eat one peanut just to get the taste of all that lemon out of my mouth! I felt bad like I didn't follow the system all the way through.. but then the director of the program was like, "80 -20 Baby! As long as you're doing 80% right.. it's okay to do 20% not so right." I think 1 peanut will find it's way through just fine. Tomorrow I start Day 2 of my detox. I'm going to attempt to do it for 4 days. I enjoyed making my food. It actually took more time than the family's food! And I successfully ate without a whole lot of explanation needed! And I ate "mindfully" (See above) I would say today is a success. So Goal #1 - to get through a whole day without cheating... I"m gonna check it off. Now Goal #2 - another day without cheating. Tomorrow is weigh in........ wonder what it will say .. Has anyone else done a detox program? Any tips? DO they really help get the body regulated for a new eating style?

I have shared before my strong conviction in whole grains..Wheat, oats, rice, barley etc...as the staple of life and then fruits and vegetables, with prudence and thanksgiving, And then lean meats sparingly. Maybe not in quite that same way. I know these two things work for 2 very strong reasons, the first one you will agree with me completely, and the second one can go either way, and may make me lose all credibility, depending on your believes, but, it is my believe and I will stand by it. First off, I have tried it, I tried it because I have seen others try it. It works. Evidence supports that. Second of all, it is Doctrine, passed down from God, to his Holy Prophet on the Earth, in 1833 - Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints call it the word of wisdom...http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=0692f73c28d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD - It is in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, you may read it for yourself at Mormon.org, or LDS.org.

Thank you for your kind words. Kept simple in this format, it seems VERY do-able!! I especially like the spending time with loved Ones! I'm not sure that gets talked about when people are trying to conquer this area of life. Great advice! Thank you! Bear

I love the whole grains and the veggies and fruits. I just thought they were so expensive, I rarely bought them. NOW I budget for them and I'm so happy I do!! God also spoke to His people the Israelites about proper nutrition. It's beenproven over and over and over. Many countries and cultures know that eating raw and healthy and being active is the best way. Too bad America got off that boat and went the gravy trail!! I hope we're changing that for our kids and grandkids sake!

Have you ever heard the expression "You are what you eat"? I would love to put this in a different perspective for you. Would it be okay if you participated in a little mental exercise today? There will be assumptions made, and if I make too many, please feel free to correct me as to your actual habits. Anyways...think...How do you feel about an after eating a big evening meal of Steak and Potatoes with all the fixings? How do you feel about an hour after having a couple of drinks? How do you feel about an hour after indulging in a big bag of Potato Chips? How do you feel about an hour after having a glass of water? How do you feel about an hour after having some fruit as a snack? Or some cookies as a snack? But since you are happy with your not really fat chubby self anyways...the rest doesn't really matter to you, but it could help someone else. By now you will have some idea of what "you are what you eat" really means, which is, the way you feel is largely determined by what you put into your system. "Dieting" - In the traditional sense DOES NOT WORK. For a simple reason...you change what you do for a few weeks, then, you change back, so you lose the weight you shouldn't have gained in the first place...then you gain it all back. To truly, be as thin as God intended you to be, and God did intend for most everybody to be slender, and fit. You have to change what your lifestyle regarding what you eat, and your exercise. You seem to have the exercise part down pat. You scoff at the diet thing, You end up feeling sick, or getting sick, and dieting makes you feel miserable....this means your body is out of balance, it is not getting enough of the things it needs. It isn't about eating less, it's about eating smarter. Whole Grains, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and Very lean meats in great moderation. Thank you for your time, I appreciate and believe in you. Chysom.

That is the ticket my friend. Replace the old habit, by reinforcing the new, and letting it fall away with disuse. The more detail you see it in, the better your results and know my friend I am always here for you. I believe in you, I have faith in you, and I trust you will make it through. Sincerely and with Appreciation.

Dear CJ: You are ALWAYS right on time!! Guess what?? I got rid of those pesky TWO punds to get me now to total loss: 16!!! That means only 9 more to go! I am loving the visualization stuff! I can see it. Every once in awhile I see the old me and try to shut it out. 9 more to go! I believe we can do it! Thanks for your support!!! Bear

Thank you and bless your heart! I hope that you read all the posts and make comments because we are ALL learning here! I am finding very healthy and Do-able ways to change my life! I know YOU can do this too! I will cheer you on! Please let us know how YOUR journey is going here too! I try to keep my journaling simple so that anyone reading can find good tips. I'm so excited to be part of YOUR team as you become part of my support team! Tomorrow is my weigh in day.... I'll let you know ow it goes! Here we go!! Bear

Wondering how you're doing on your goal..please let us know as we're all travelling this journey together. Smiles Bear

Thank you so much for the warmness in your wishes! I'm going to be like you someday. Not needing to join for the sake of loosing, but for the sake of merely encouraging! Thank you so much for that! I'll let you know how I'm doing! Bear

Having a set back this weekend! All this wonderful chocolate for Valentine's Day is tempting me beyond what I can bear!! HELP!! WHo has ideas so that I might enjoy them, but not all at once!! This is a huge weekness for me: Chocolate. And I got the GOOD kind last night!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! How many calories do I need to burn per piece? Anyone know?

I also have suffered from an auto accident that radically changed my life forever and a severe injury 9 months prior. Both of which I'm sure without the hand of God I will never recover from. However, I am determined! I have gone of the detox full blown. I have incorporated some family meals and have started just implementing slower eating, stoping after one or two, lots of water. I still haven't hit the scale, but I'm not going to stress it. Another thing I have learned is to SEE myself how I want to be. I think the mirrors can lie to us. I know mine does. Anyway, I want to see myself as healthier and leaner. It's working too... either that or all the brown rice and carrots are finally making that belly go away! Thanks to everyone who has whispered in my journey. I hear you everyday as I make choices one at a time. Thank you. More later, Bear

Please read it as 22 lbs (around 10 kilos)

YES WE CAN!!! I'm really slow at getting to everyone. It's been a month for you. How are you doing?? Tell me the difference between a meal plan and a menu. Maybe they are the same? I'm curious. After the first 4 days I didn't have a set eating plan. Now I'm just trying to perfect the rules I've been learning. WEIGH IN: I weighed in yesterday. I was supposed to do it today, but I was near a scale and thought "What's a day?" I didn't loose... and I didn't GAIN! SO is that success?? My muscle strengthening is really helping. I put on a pair of jeans ths week that used to have this beautiful (NOT REALY) roll over the top of them. Now they don't have so much of a roll! I guess now I can safely tell people I've lost FIVE pounds! I'm still waiting for that stubborn #6. Once he goes... then I'll feel some accomplishment! Enough from me. Tell me how YOU'RE doing!!! Go us! Bear

Not gaining weight is a Tremendous success. There are three ways to go, up, down, and steady. Better Steady, then up, and better down then steady. Its a better so celebrate it. Like with the economy, I prefer to think that 90% of people have jobs, rather then 10% don't have jobs, sure it would be great if 95% or 98% of people had jobs, but 90% is a lot. Gotta save room for the retired, the self employed, and the least of societies...unnecessary welfare recipients, and of course, the people that legitimately need welfare, but those people, when offered a job, that they have the ability to perform, would do that rather then stay on welfare.

True... I did try to keep telling myself that.. better here than REAR!!

Thanks JKhan! I do take very great sups. I'm not sure if I can mention the company, but I've been a customer for a long time and their products do work. I havn't needed much in the way of energy boosters as I haven't found an excercise I can do yet. I liked the idea of the ab circle. Have you seen it? But, my left knee is shot between the car accident and a blown valve at Thanksgiving. Come spring I can walk, but I'm not going out in 12 degree weather. *Smile* Today I've done really well and think I will make my first goal to get through a WHOLE day sticking to what's best without guilt! It's afternoon snacktime and I had half a cup of yogurt. Just enough to curb the old belly grumblings. Tasted good too! It hink I've had a total of 520 calories. Tonight we have a movie night and I will share or pass up on the popcorn. I usually eat most of the bag, but NOT tonight! I never liked popcorn until we started Movie Night. Maybe I'll trek up the stairs a few times before we start. Every little bit helps, eh? Thank you all for reading and writing tips to taking this off. I want to KEEP it off when I do! There's no sense to ever have to do this again! Right?

PS. Thanks for being so persistant in getting that link up there!!

Hey seems the link above got messed up. The link is http://www.squidoo.com/Best-Health-Supplements Yours in Health and Wealth, Jonathan Khan.

I like that! Get rid of the "GONNAS". I spent too many years saying I needtah or I'm gonna. I have started changing my life and I'm no longer GONNA do it.. I AM Doing it!! Thank you for your response and your support. It really hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. Little changes at the beginning have now become my new lifestyle! thank you for your encouragement as I keep going. Bear

Hey Wildcat! How has it been going for you the last few months? I haven't tried the flax seed. I've heard it is good for you. What exactly is the purpose of flax seed? So far, I've lost 16 pounds of the 25! It is taking awhile, but it's staying off! I'm loving the new me!! So tell me how you're doing!! I'm very excited to find someone that is doing this life change with me!! Here's to us!! Bear

Hey Good2Go! Thanks for joing me! How has your plan gone to keep your goals? I'm very thankful for any advice you find on relaxing! I've been learning that relaxing is ever as important in healthy living as exercising and they go hand in hand. Did you know you're advised to rest right after a workout? I never knew that! Thanks again for your support! I'd love to hear from you again! Bear

I have a hard time working out every day. I've also read that it is soething to build up. AND here's one I didn't know that no one ever talks about... RESTING right after working out. Your body needs to rest after all that. No one ever talks about that. How many of us work out then go right back to work or somewhere else?? Thanks for your encouragement!

So here's to us!! How have you been doing? If you've read through my comments, you'll see that it has taken awhile.. 3 months now?? But I'm 10..that's right, TEN pound down! Let me cheer you on! It's your turn!! Come on! Let's get healthy together! YAY!

WOW! You're full of great points! Think about what society has done do us in just the last 60 years since TV! Why do we eat too much? Becuase TV is full of commercials for WENDY's, Burger King and other places that make it YOUR WAY RIGHT AWAY! Fresh.. ha. Made with fresh hamburger fried in fresh grease! Also, we have commercials at EVERY holiday promoting BIG spending and BIG eating. And the SUPERBOWL!! Yet another excuse to EAT! Oh my. Someone count how many food commercial you personally see in one day. I'm curious. Yes, in 1900 they ate because they were hungry. I also like your approach to eating on the OUTSIDE ring of the grocery store. If anyone is reading this that doesn't get that, you need help. The outside is where all the good fresh stuff is! I like that idea! You are wise! Out of your 10 pounds, how are you doing? When did your 'tomorrow' come? PM me if you ever need an 'ada girl!' Here's to US in 2010! Bear