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Thinning down the herd.

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by ontheropes 4 views

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623 replies

by hal 9000

So no fun at all unless you do like [b]SWMBO[/b] did and drop 2 in a full glass of Lemonade. :D

How is Bubs going as it's been a Long Time No See?

Or more importantly how are you going now and what are you up to?

Col ]:)

by w2ktechman

cause I like some of the sugar free chocolates out there. It took a bit of getting used to, but hey, I had to remove almost all sugar from my diet (fricken doctors suck)!

There are many that do suck though. And as for more sugar the better, you must be a hershey's fanboy :^0 :^0 :^0

Personally, I like dark chocolate better, or milk chocolate that is a bit bitter. Add too much sugar and it is too sweet.
But then again, many people think that I am odd, I like cake without frosting cause frosting is too sweet. I've been like this since I was young.

by w2ktechman

I wanna shoot people who give me spam. Spam is not even fit for a meal, have you tried it? Had to throw the can out!!!

Spam is a disgusting habit, disgusting name, and disgusting item(s). Spam shoul dbe removed from all memory for everyone. It is and never has been good in any way shape or form, no matter who brings it back and for what purpose.
:^0

Everything ever labelled as Spam is evil I say, Pure Evil!!!

Well, at least you are getting a workout. I was at storage unit yesterday, and the lady that works there was just walking around the units, over and over again. We got to talking, and since she gets bored at the desk inside, a couple of times a day she just walks around everywhere for about an hour. Helps her pass time, and talk to people putting things away or getting their stuff. She also gets to look for problems/trash, etc. and as she put it, keeping a bit fitter. A bonus all the way around.

But the best part was, when I was leaving she asked if I wanted to race (my truck vs. her)....ROFLMAO

by jdclyde

The old fashion snail mail stuff that is. Everytime I get a credit card offer or ANYTHING like that with a self addressed STAMPED envelope, I take out anything that would have my name or address, put the rest back in blank, and drop it in the mail.

It helps income come in for the US mail so they don't have to raise the price (as often) on stamps. It also hits the spammers in the pocket because they only pay for the postage USED.

by jessie

You wouldn't think a 2 year old could mock quite so well... but she's good. We're all sick and she's pretending to cough, the little heifer! :D Actually, she's the most easy-going, laid back child I've ever known. I just put her down for her nap and she stood in her crib singing SpongeBob's "Best Day Ever" song. She's still in a crib in our room (cuz we're in a 2 bedroom house) and she wakes up in the morning singing, "Go Mommy, Go Mommy, Time To Wake Up, Go Mommy."

As for me, I've got like the cushiest job on the face of the planet... I'm salaried and I usually end up working 3-4 hours a day, just driving around, visiting with math teachers, fixing computers in their classrooms. About once a quarter, I have to put in an 8 hour day installing a new classroom or updating servers. My boss is 3 states away and I do all my paperwork and what have you out of the house. The only "problem" with this setup is that my kids have basically taken over my computer for playing games, so I don't get a lot of computer time... things is gonna change though. I needs my 'puter time!!

I read back a little further and saw your potassium issue. I'm awfully glad you're too stubborn to just lay down and die.

Jessie :p

by hal 9000

I actually typed in Mr Flibble and it was corrected to the wrong name. :(

But on the up side I liked the Red Sky song. :0

& W2K I've just got back from the quack and in 3 weeks I've lost another 10 Kilos that I have to put back on. Apparently it's all my fault for following my new diet and only eating what I'm told to by the Quack. :_|

Only took the best part of 3 years to put it on and now in a few weeks the evil sod has taken it all away. :(

Col ]:)

by w2ktechman

I mean docs. But this time I did, cause the test showed my blood/sugar at very high levels (12 pk of Mt. Dew a day, an OJ, and an energy drink).
Mt. Dew was my version of coffee. Now it is coffee with a tad of splenda.

by hal 9000

But when you are specifically told not to consume something well several things so that they can do tests it gets a bit hard.

Personally I would much prefer to be following my addictions and keep eating all that sugar but right at the moment because they have [b]Absolutely[/b] no idea what happened and I'm paying one guy $125.00 for 15 minutes at least once a week I thought it might save me some money. [i]And they insist that IT techs are overpaid.[/i] :(

Well I don't know about saving myself any money as now the Liver Function is shot to hell and I'm doing more tests which involve visiting the quack then having the test and organising another expensive appointment with the quack. Personally I think it's a Conspiracy to send me broke. I've never meet a quack that doesn't expect to get paid for their advice and generally they expect payment as you leave after they keep you waiting beyond the designated time & I start to loose more money because I'm not working.

Col

by w2ktechman

I had to go to the ER once, and they found out (of course) that I was uninsuerd at the time. So, they kept me in a room for several hours. Several times after the doc left, I asked a nurse when I could go, and was told that it would be any minute. They kept telling me that all that was needed was my paperwork. About 2 hours later they finally got it done and released me. Then tried charging me $1200 for 1 1/2 hours overtime in an ER room.
I got it overturned, but it was a major hassle.
Another time I went to the dentist cause my tooth was killing me. Kept me up at night and everything. The dentist called himself a 'root canal specialist'. I asked for the cheapest treatment, and if it meant pulling it, so be it (uninsured). After x rays, he said I was not ready for a root canal, just a cap. They said it was the same cost as pulling, except I keep my tooth, so I agreed.
While he was srilling I told him 3 times it still hurt, and he told me I must be crazy, that he put enough novacane in my mouth that I shouldnt feel anything.
Anyway, it still hurt afterwards, and he told me that it was because of the work, and the pain would subside shortly.
After being kept awake again all night, I called back and had someone else look at it. Of course, this was on a Sunday and they were normally closed.
The new dentist removed the cap and said "that is really ripe for a root canal"
got charged an additional $300 for an off day appointment, $100 tooth pulled, and $100 for the original cap, and $50 for the x-ray. I was able to pull the $300 off due to the incompetence of their 'specialist'...

In my opinion, they are all money grubbing quaks.

by meryllogue

I get weighed whenever I go to my doctor's office... once a year, maybe?

Instead, I go by how I feel. If I am not very hungry, I skip a meal. I often eat a small breakfast, and big lunch a little late, and nothing until the next day.

I also found a part-time job doing something highly physical that I love, so I am forced to burn calories, plus to do some working out to stay in shape for this job. I get home very late at night from the PT job and take a bath, then drink a glass of cold water to quell the hunger pangs. I often go to bed STARVING, but the water helps, and I'm so tired I sleep like a rock once I tell myself, "You aren't eating, so ignore it, make it 'normal' and just get to sleep." I, too, am hypo-thyroid, btw.

I also eat very clean food. With my normal calorie burn, if I eat trashy food, I suffer later with lack of energy and endurance when I work. By the time I fill up on "good" food to feed the debt, I no longer want the junkie stuff. (But LOOK OUT if I get started on a bag of Ruffles before I eat... it is ALL OVER but the stomach-ache!)

So knowing my limitations, and building something into my life to force me into a track that I want but might not be strong enough to do, helps me to stay where I need to be. (I think it might also help with the signs of aging, too.)

by ontheropes

I'm still getting there.

Looking at calories/food as money in a bank I only use what's needed to attain my goal. If I'm going to ?spend? some calories I want to get the best value. It looks like that's what you do even if you don't think of it that way. I remember a book written for people trying to quit smoking. In it they suggested that the person claim that they were only going to breathe clean air. That's how I feel about my diet/nutrition plan. Only the good stuff right now.

I'm planning a couple of indulgences. Pizza and beer. One night after I hit my goal my home-made Chef Boyardee pizza is going to happen. My future diet plan is going to include one beer per night. It's not going to be the same brand of beer everynight. There's a party store fairly close to the house that has 100's of labels and they'll let you mix them up. I'm going to work my way thru them and cross them off of the list one by one. That's another one of my goals, go through their list. I know from experience that I'll be able to have just one beer per day. I'll calculate it into my calorie 'bank', and watch the scale. I understand that having a beer a day can actually be good for a person. It's going to be good for me. :) Did I mention that I love beer? Going to have it.

So far my exercise plan at home is all that I want. Burns me out. Eventually, soon, it may not be enough. We just started selling face-cords of wood here. If that takes off I might take over for my son-in-law and do it all myself. I can see it happening. That will be a good workout. As long as no one is breathing down my neck I'll do it. We've access to plenty of downed trees.

I'm actually somewhat looking forward to snow. My driveway and sidewalk are likely to be much cleaner this year.

Working more physical activities into my life isn't going to be difficult. I just have to be willing and have enough energy to do it.

Just thinking about all of the stuff outside that I can do. I think I'll get started on some of it.

by meryllogue

I've been watching your posts. You will make it. I have no doubt. You have all the right ingredients. Caloric bank (my accupuncturist refers to my "caloric debt" when I talk about being always hungry), building physical activities into your life, feeling good about the activities, beer.... I laughed out loud at your description of working your way through the 100s of labels. I LOVE that concept and attitude! I will keep watching, and wish you all the very best going forward. Take care of that body, though, so you don't injure yourself and sideline your efforts.

by ontheropes

I believe that I'm going to meet my goals and maintain my weight once I get there.

Speaking of beer... :)
I went to pick up 12 brews yesterday. When I got home and checked out the beer list I noticed that there are 56 different beers from Michigan alone! I did not know that. After double-checking, there are eleven that I can cross off. That'll be kind of cool in itself, trying at least one of every beer brewesd in my home state. So much beer, so little time. Something to look forward to.

I got a little weak yesterday doing yard-work. I need to plan eating/working a little better. My full blown exercise program may not be a reality until I hit my goal and can fuel the exercise better. Trying to stay 1000 calories under what I need and do "everything" is a little hard on the ol' bod. I'll be careful though.

Just for the pure heck of it this is what I bought:

Anchor Brewing Co.-Porter
Cider Jack-Cranberry Hard Cider
Coopers Brewery-Dark Ale
Dark Horse Brewing Co.-Fore-Smoked Stout
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery-90 Minute Imperial IPA
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery- Old School? Barley Wine Style
Fletcher Street Brewing Co.-Thunder Bay Bock
Flying Dog-Gonzo Imperial Porter
Hacker-Pschorr-Weisse?Traditional Wheat
Leinenkugel-Creamy Dark Lager
Lion Brewery Ceylon-Lager
Pete's Wicked-Rally Cap Ale
Total $28.60 :0

I think that I may be becoming more interested in the barley-wine style ales. Most of those come in 32 oz. or larger bottles. Drink them from a brandy snifter.

Supposedly they get better with age. It could be cool to get a couple of bottles and "forget" about them in the back room for a couple of years.

Now, this minute, instead of being obsessed with food I'm obsessed with beer. Still not going to have any before I reach my goal. Extra incentive.

by meryllogue

You are experiencing part of the shift to need-based eating, from want-based eating. When I started dancing so much (sometimes 7 days a week) and then working as a dancer, I absolutely had to change how I ate. And slept. Everything became "when do I dance next and how and what do I need to eat to support that, and what about naps." I planned on complex carbs and protein 2 hours ahead, and again right after a long session of physical activity. I also planned on a nap if I had had less than 8 hours the night before. Even a 20-minute nap on the floor was good, no matter what I was about to do. My friends used to joke, "Guess what Meryl was just doing" whenever I showed up for a social event... they always knew that if I had 20 minutes of free time, I was on my back on the floor with my legs up on a chair or ottoman, snoozing.

But back to the original topic... as you get more into physical activity and burning calories, your body becomes more and more like a machine in your mind, and you tend to treat it better. Or at least it did for me. So that is why I eat "clean" calories now... junk doesn't provide the strength I need to keep moving 4 hours into a 5-hour shift. :-)

by ontheropes

I am a machine.

A couple of days ago I was scrolling thru calorie counts for some typical breakfasts at chain restaurants. There were several that were over 2000 calories and that's without butter or syrup. It's crazy. Enough calories for an entire day in just one meal.

No wonder there are so many overweight people. No doubt there are people who get such a breakfast and have a large lunch and supper too.

I know of a person who is on a diet who appears to be on a perpetual diet. They go up and down, never really getting anywhere. I don't think that person has made a sincere choice and commitment to lose weight. They don't look at their caloric needs vs. their wants.

Shoot, I want a lot of different foods that aren't good for me. I resist getting them because I'm using my mind. I can't justify eating them.

Keeping a food journal has been a big help for me. I KNOW how many calories to allow myself for the day. Eating isn't a compulsion. Sure, I become obsessed with the idea of having a particular item but I look at my journal and what I'm trying to do and I can either fit it in or I can't.

Tonight's our "big night" out. We may not be able to make the seniors dinner due to a Dr.'s appointment but we're still going out. Seeing as my diet is never too far from my mind we'll probably go to Big Boy where I can get the soup and salad bar. I can fit that into my diet much easier than some cheap Pizza Hut pizza. I'll be even more satisfied afterwards knowing that I've had something that, in general, is good for me.

It's kind of frustrating watching that one person just tinker around dieting but hey, to each their own. I wish I could help but I can't.

I read what you were saying earlier about the number of blood vessels in each pound of fat. I've heard/read the same thing. I've already noticed that I don't get as winded as easily. I can't point to my exercise plan alone as being responsible. It must be I'm not putting as much "strain on my frame" as I was when I was heavier.

When I get down to my weight and can fuel myself more I am going to really begin my exercise program in earnest. Right now I'm just building up to it. A 1000 calorie deficit might not seem like much but it's noticeable with heavy activity. Talk about getting a head rush! Man I've had a few.

I've found more energy for rational thought since I've started my diet and exercise program. Does that make sense? It's not as easy to get into a funk about "things". The only change has been in me. I've been prone to depression ever since I trashed my wrist. I look back at all the time wasted. I don't feel like I'm wasting my time anymore. I know exactly who I am and where I expect to be. Maybe I'm just kidding myself but I FEEL better. That's something. It likely sounds ridiculous but when it's cloudy and nasty outside I can deal with it. I messed up a LOT of sunny days with my crappy attitude. Not today. Probably not tomorrow either.

You dance. My ex-wife was a dancer. She was a natural when I taught her what I was into at the time. I've got a black belt in Isshinryu karate and I enjoyed walking her thru all of the basics. I haven't done anything with Isshinryu for years, even back when I was working out every other day. Not quite true but true enough. Anyway, Isshinryu is in my future. That's going to be my dance. I can walk thru all of the basics and Kata now but I'm planning to do much more. I know how much fun I've had with it and I miss it. Never too old to have fun right? When I can afford it I'm going to http://www.canemasters.com and pick up a plain-jane looking cane. I also need to pick up a staff. A cheaper alternative, a good Rattan cane would work too. I like my weapons to be real. Living out here in the boondocks means that I can do my thing outside and nobody will ever know. I don't like to be watched so I'd never make a good dancer. ?Hey! What're YOU looking at??

What am I saying? I guess maybe suggesting that you look into karate or Kung Fu. If you've got a choice go with the Kung Fu. The instructors ability to teach without intimidation is key. Be ?Meryl Lee?. (merrily?) Kidding. Kinda'.

My wife only weighs, guessing, 120lbs. I won't mess with her. Not even a little bit. Picture a wildcat whooping on a bear.

I'd better wind up this post. Been getting pretty long-winded over here. Thanks for keeping the thread alive. :)

by ontheropes

I'm not Bear Grylls. That man will eat anything.

I'll go as far as deer heart on rye or wheat crackers with mustard but I'd go without Selenium and Zoochemicals if they weren't in other foods. I've got to look up Zoochemicals and a couple of other things. I swear, sometimes I think you chemist types make some of this stuff up just to see if anyone is paying attention. ?:| :D

by jdclyde

The Spammer gets nailed with a charge

The postal service gets more business

I get to giggle my mudderfu##enassoff

I recommend it to all my friends! B-)

by ontheropes

The Discovery channel's first airing of, "You on a diet" is on November 3rd at 10PM. Be there or be square. It's on past my bedtime but I'm planning to stay up to watch it.

by inkling

I haven't forgotten about you.

I had an interesting business opportunity and have been out of town the last week (the next week too).

I will let you know when I get that sent to you. I hope to make it home this weekend, so possibly then.

by ontheropes

I recall reading that you're a former Marine. As soon as you said you'd do it I knew that you would.

As far as I know I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.

by Member 25348569

Zoochemicals - pronounced Zo-o-chemicals!) are just beneficial chemicals obtained from animals rather than plants (phytochemicals). Most zoochemicals seem to be things that animals get from plants and then concentrate in certain tissues. Offal tends to be a better source than the same animal's meat but I've noticed in earlier threads that most on here don't seem to go much for heart and especially liver and kidneys. Those last two are my favourites and liver is particularly rich in loads of A and the B vitamins. Slice *very* thin and flash-fry in oil with a little salt, pepper and garlic.

Fish - especially oily fish - is one of the best foods for omega-3 fatty acids. Strangely only fresh tuna and not canned.

Damn, I'm going to have some liver this evening with a pile of stir-fried sesame green beans!

Neil :D

by gadgetgirl

now I want braised liver and onions...

and that's not what I got out of the freezer this morning....... :(

GG

by ontheropes

Forgot all about that! After I get down to my weight it's going to be a regular part of my diet. My wife hates the smell. Could always cook it outside in the barn I s'pose.

by gadgetgirl

Right now, NellyBoy, all I want to do is copy Dawgs' growling avatar and set it loose on you.

You DO NOT WANT TO KNOW what time I've been getting home since the clox changed... and how many bleepin' idiots there are on the roads around here.... Sally Traffic has mentioned my area at LEAST once on every evening traffic news since Sunday!

Wouldn't stand a chance of shopping, getting home and cooking then getting to sleep before midnight!

GG

by Member 25348569

It's just that while I'm Flabwalking(tm) across London to Victoria station (it's over two miles further than my closest station) I pass three Tescos and two Sainsburys.

Neil :D :x

I also pass - at the last count - seventeen people pushily handing out free papers as there is a rivalry between two titles. One day I will move on from "get out of the effing WAY!" and progress to drop-kicking them into the path of the nearest taxi.

by meryllogue

... I remember reading in my health classes in high school (maybe?) that for every pound of fat you add to your body, you add about a mile of new bloodstream... capillaries, veins, arteries... 36 MILES of blood vessels that are lying dormant or being reabsorbed. Wow!!! That is impressive--hamburger, bloodstream, or just plain "how I feel today!"

by ontheropes

http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article3115531.ece

http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1740582007

I don't like what they say about ham. Although I don't eat it often we always have ham at the family dinner at Christmas. I can do without bacon and sausages.

"The report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer, says processed meats are a convincing cause of colorectal cancer and there is no level of intake that can "confidently" be shown not to raise the cancer risk. Processed meats are also thought to bring about an increased risk of cancers of the oesophagus, lung, stomach and prostate."

Yippee.

by meryllogue

1 - Portion sizes: I eat like a hungry coyote. When I was young, we had a half-coyote/half-german shepard. Whenever we killed game, he would go gorge on the remnants until he looked, literally, like a 5-gallon can with 4 little stubby legs and a head and tail pinned on. Then he would sleep for 3 days, and go out and do it all over again. I eat similarly when I am in full burn mode (dancing more than 2 nights a week). I eat until I hurt, then I don't eat for 10-12 hours. If it has only been 8 hours or 10 hours, I go to bed without eating. I just don't feel hungry for that long, so I am fortunate that way. I'm not sure why that is... even if I don't eat until I hurt (in normal calorie burn), I don't get hungry for at least 6 hours.

The other thing has to do with this thread. Last night, as I drove home from dancing my 5-hour shift, I was a little hungry, but not terribly. I saw Arby's and said, "Wow! I had a chicken sandwich there once, and curly fries. Yum! I want that tonight!" (I rarely eat fast food, in case you can't tell by that remark!) I pulled into the right lane, then remembered this entire thread, and just drove on by. I really assessed where I was... I was only a little hungry, and I'm efficient enough now that I am not burning calories like I used to when I dance. Hmmm... reduce the intake, so I'm not battling my bulge later. Thanks, Ropes, for starting this! It helps more of us than you will probably ever know.

by ontheropes

http://businessshrink.biz/psychologyofbusiness/2007/09/27/employees-fired-and-fined-for-smoking-obesity-and-blood-test-results/

"The list of check off items to deem an employee or potential employee as a bad apple are things like smoking, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, body mass and bad cholesterol levels."

Great.

"It was decided that Weyco Incorporated in Lansing, Michigan had the right to fire the employees. Weyco decided to increase the pressure recently by expanding the rules of employees under their health plan. Now not only can employees incur $50 per paycheck fees but they can also incur these fees if their spouse smokes too."

Just frickin' great.

by tig2

When business can invade your home and life to this extent, what's next?

I have already learned that I should never ever admit to being a survivor. By the guidelines of the article, I should be forever denied employment?

People will always have flaws. Period. They are reflections of their genetic history and have absolutely NO WAY to attenuate that. But once again, instead of looking at the real problem, we'll embrace "solutions" that solve nothing at all.

Until we examine the driving need- tort reform- it won't matter one iota how exclusionary we become. In fact, all we will effectively do is shift the problem to the States who will be in the position of having to cover more people on less tax revenue. Brilliant.

Examine the problem. Do the root cause analysis. Solve the freaking PROBLEM. Creating a bigger problem just makes the root problem worse.

by ontheropes

I refuse to lie about this very noticeable scar on my wrist. My thinking is that any company that was to hire me might have their insurance company go into a database where I'll show up and then I'll be known as a liar. I don't feel a need to spill my guts about it and if no one ever asks me I won't bring it up.

Very sad to think that knowledge of an accident/illness could make or break future employability.

Even though my health issues weren't/aren't anywhere nearly as serious I've talked to a lot of people. The general consensus is that no one hires a person if they know that they've been on Comp. I might end up being one of the healthiest people around but I've got that cloud hanging over my head.

I'm just going to keep on keeping on. That's all I can do.

I think it all started with the pre-employment drug screen.For years I've said that what I do on my own time is my own business. Now look at the state of affairs.

What's next?

I don't know very much about tort reform so I'll refrain from much comment. What little I do know makes me suspect that tort reform isn't the entire answer but then I don't have your perspective. I'd like to see a national health plan though I don't know how we could implement it. Not sure anyone does.

by hal 9000

That because of this you are being discriminated against. Sure you will not get the job ever but then again you only ever need to apply once per Decade for a job and then sue them for not hiring you so you are being discriminated against by this employer.

At one meeting I was told that this place had a [b]Smoke Free Environment.[/b] So I got up and left without a word said. That rule got changed immediately and I worked there for 4 years and smoked all the time as well as the staff that I brought with me.

Seems that these [b]Set In Stone Rules[/b] by the Bean Counters are very flexible when the right person is asked to work there.

Col

by nicknielsen

Given the attitude outlined in the article, I'm surprised they do. After all, women are known to get pregnant and that adds to the corporate medical costs. Can't have that!

I have a strong suspicion that these id10ts will change their policy the first time they advertise a critical job and can't fill it.

"Why don't we have a CIO yet?"
"Every applicant was medically disqualified." :^0

Edit: Oh, and I forgot all about the Americans with Disabilities Act. As I understand it, refusal to hire based on a medical condition such as high blood pressure or blood glucose levels (i.e. diabetes) is a direct violation of the law. This ought to be fun to watch.

by tig2

But a b*tch to live with.

Surviving cancer doesn't qualify me for ADA. And trying to get medical assistance from the State requires that I be a different colour with multiple dependent children. I can't even get perfunctory assistance. And I can't get a job because the medical insurance won't cover what I need, and being employed would insure that I can't get my medical needs covered.

Some days I wonder why I don't just open a damn vein and be done with the whole bloody thing. I am just so sick and tired of fighting.

Sorry. Just sick of feeling like a trained poodle- jumping through hoops for no good reason. And then to discover that I can be denied employment at all because of a medical history that is founded on genetics... why bother at all? I can go through it all again- so that I can be un-employable and homeless. Oh goody.

Edit- I hate this keyboard

by av .

Let me strike Weyco off my list of places I want to work for and any other place like it. It sounds like a violation of my civil rights if they are holding my blood pressure and cholesterol levels, etc. against me. Thats too intrusive and I would sue them for discrimination and anything else I can think of.

In the end, its all about the health insurance costs. If I have high blood pressure, its my business. It shouldn't be public knowledge and I shouldn't be denied employment because of it.

If I'm fat and I can do the job and show up for work, thats all the company needs to know. Same thing with smoking. If I have to pay more for my insurance because I'm fat, smoke or have high blood pressure, than so be it. I'll have lots of company. There isn't a need for a fine, counseling or anything else from any company I'm working for because its my private life.

AV

by jdclyde

I heard on the radio today that "congress" has talked about bringing up the "employee privacy" act to protect employees for what they do on their own time.

This from the same bastwards that have made it illegal to smoke in public buildings in many parts of the country, are going to try to protect smokers now? Afraid to lose the tobacco tax rev?

by tonythetiger

all of these "former smokers" will be an additional burden to an already over-burdened Social Security system!

by the listed 'g man'

Wow.

However I do deel a bit sorry for all the others who had to endure the smoke as a result.

Still your point is interesting!

by tig2

You get to deal with everything that comes with it.

HAL is very much in demand. I would be proud to share workspace with him. Even happier for all that he could teach me.

Me personally? I am sick and tired of accommodating everyone and their dog but receiving no accommodation myself. If HAL won one, good on him!

I may find myself immigrating to Australia should he ever be hiring. But I would bet that the line extends around the block for jobs with him. Oh well. I can dream.

by hal 9000

We where mostly out On Site and had our own offices which where closed after I left. :p

Anyway as the boss spent 2.5 years attempting to get me to work there I think that it's only reasonable to think that they knew that I smoked and if this was a problem they should have stopped chasing me.

Expecting me to change because I agreed to work there is not acceptable in my books and if they didn't want smokers working there why would they chase one for years?

Or much more importantly why leave it to a No Body in HR to try to enforce this silly rule? Which didn't apply to Upper Management. :0

I was happy to walk out and never go back but the Upper Management wanted me personally to work there. If someone wants me they get everything not just part of me. Could be why I now work for myself as I don't like being told what to do. :p

However they did get [b]Creative[/b] when they attempted to stop me racing Motorcycles. :D

The Boss approached me and asked to sponsor the races as well as me and then organised for me to be away at every meeting. Worked for nearly 2 years till one of the dealers told me that the trip I was on had been organised months prior and not something that happened that week like I was told. :0

Col ]:)

by ontheropes

I hate it. I've a friend who is waiting for VA approval and he's been told it will be March or April next year. He applied in June.

When it comes to work I can't stand HR Directors. I could tell stories but my posts are getting pretty long-winded over here so...

I wait for the day when someone denies me employment to my face because of my "bad" wrist. That's when I'll probably lose it, grab their shirt and hoist them up to the ceiling with my "bad" hand.

Oh wait. I'm a nice guy. Honest. I wouldn't do anything like that. ]:)

by hal 9000

Just like that guy who peeved me right off is only alive today because his car wasn't parked below the veranda so I could throw him from the third floor onto his company car. :D

I reasoned that if the fall didn't kill him the filling out insurance forms would. But the nasty sod moved his car from it's regular parking place. :_|

But Bureaucrats are here to help you didn't you know that Ropes? The silly sods keep telling me that so someone must believe them somewhere. :^0

Col ]:)

by ontheropes

The last guy I grabbed in anger was in the Navy in the early 70's. I hoisted him up against a wall and when I let him go he called the Shore Patrol. Spent some time talking to them at headquarters until a 1st Class Petty Officer vouched for me. Nothing but a big mis-understanding don't you know.

That was also the day that I learned to keep my mouth shut while someone was sticking up for me. A valuable lesson too.

by hal 9000

I just tried to kill a Salesperson who was screwing my customers by selling them the wrong things and then expecting me or members of my team make it work the way that the proper unit would. As he was selling SH1T to the customers and telling them that it was as good but cheaper and what a great deal they where getting.

What got me so worked up was that I passed on the sale to this guy and he changed it from the right thing to something cheaper that couldn't do the job. Still sorry that I didn't kill him that day. :(

Col ]:)

by tonythetiger

I find it ironic that most of the people who claim you have the right to health care are the same people who deny your right to even be born!

by jamesrl

One of the most amusing popup videos I've seen was of Alanis Morrisette's "Ironic" (she is Canadian but popular in America).

They obviously hired a grammarian, and they pointed out the lack of irony in her song, ever single instance. In fact there wasn't much true irony in the song.

http://webweevers.com/irony.htm

James

by tonythetiger

of this American that at least one Brit apparently stopped reading the definition after the first entry.

I submit that the word was correctly used to highlight an incongruity.

by nicknielsen

I find it hypocritical that the same people who insist on your right to be born also would deny your unwilling parents even the most basic guidance to prevent conception other than "Don't have sex."

by tonythetiger

"Not having sex" is the most reliable form of birth control. I don't want to imagine why you'd be against teaching it but as the parent, that's your decision.

by Member 25348569

Having re-read the post above, I realise that the phrase "I find it ironic", rather than the "it is ironic" that entered my brain could, if you believe the prejudices that you are applying to all Democrats and you apply some sort of life-death logic linking abortion and health care, indeed be ironic from your perspective.

We aren't going to get any closer with semantics or politics, though.

by Member 25348569

I hadn't read the Darwin Awards for ages and your link led me there.

As for the irony definition - exactly! Tony's "ironic" statement about health care and abortion was nothing but subjective political prejudice aimed at Democrats.

Neil :)

by tonythetiger

limited to just one party. Many of my acquaintances, Ds, Rs, and others, think that health care should be a public institution. I think it's a bad idea that will result in poorer service to those who need it and a massive expense to those who don't. It will also lead to less personal responsibility (people are more likely to make risky choices when "someone else" pays the consequences).

by ontheropes

It's one thing to be healthy and not require medical care and quite another to have to go into debt for 13 years when you get it.

No I'm not going to explain the circumstances.

Unfortunate fact of life. People get sick and some require long term care.

by Member 25348569

Well, FIRSTLY we have to accept your particular prejudices which lead to your assertion that all Democrats are both supporters of abortion on demand and supporters of universal free healthcare. I'm not sure that's true.

THEN we have to accept that it is somehow incongruous for these Democrats to campaign for universal free healthcare and to be pro-choice. I KNOW that's not true.

Whilst I accept one definition of irony as "an incongruity between what would be expected and what actually occurred", given that I personally favour both of the views stated above and I do not see any incongruity and therefore do not see any irony.

by ontheropes

How do they pay for national health care in places that have it?

Nowhere in my posts have I ever said that something should be forced upon someone else. In fact I believe that I said that I don't think anyone knows how to implement a national healthcare program, meaning to my satisfaction.

by ontheropes

I hope this thing has been as much of a boon to you as it's been to me. I'm still going strong on my "diet" and am looking forward to the new me. After reading thru many of these links I've certainly found reasons to eat/live healthier.

Although I said I was only going to weigh myself once a month I weighed myself again last night. I've lost another 3-4 pounds since October 26th. That correlates real well with my food journal. If I keep this up I'll be at my weight goal on Dec. 25th.

We're going out to Applebee's for a celebration this Thursday. Steak and shrimp night. Zero guilt. I know I can work it into my routine and still stay on track.

How are you doing?

by maecuff

Not as good. :)

Although, I have started making slight progress. (she says as she eats stolen halloween candy).

I'm going to be in a wedding in 6 months and I have to wear a red strapless dress. As soon as I can find my weights, I'm going to get back to lifting. I'm thinking about joining a gym. I've gotten great results in the past going that route.

We still haven't come close to unpacking everything. It's been over 2 months since we've moved.

by jdclyde

how smoking SAVES money because of the people dying early from smoking related issues, that they don't run up the expenses of extended and end of life medical.

by ontheropes

I think that I'm going to quit smoking before too long. I want to run up extended and end of life medical expenses just for the hell of it.

by nicknielsen

I was once approached (outdoors!) by one of the smoke-nazis who advised me my smoke was bothering her. I told her to move upwind. X-(

She then told me that I was committing suicide by smoking. I responding that smoking was an unreliable method of committing suicide and continuing to bother me about smoking was much more effective. For some reason, she left after that. :^0

by ontheropes

This time I'm doing it for my health because I need to. My diastolic blood pressure's a little too high. Screw that vanity stuff, for me. I just want to live a little longer if I can.

If I can swing it after the first of the year I'm going to join the YMCA Men's Club again. I like it there, hardly ever busy during the time when I can go. Hopefully I can do it. The machines are great. Six months of that and I should be in pretty fair shape again.

I'm giving some serious thought to giving up cigarettes. It's a good idea if it's my idea. After I reach my weight goal, not before. There might be a patch in my future. Smoked for 36 years. Excuse me.

I haven't been this bad out of shape since I drove a big-truck over-the-road. The only exercise I got then was walking to and from the restaurant. No kidding.

Now I'm taking baby-steps getting into shape. When I start eating to maintain my weight I hope to do grown up things again.

by nicknielsen

as the primary method of birth control, but I'm against teaching it as the [b]only[/b] method of birth control. Kids are going to have sex; if they don't know any other method of contraception than abstinence, they're, well, screwed.

When I was a teenager, my mother advised me that she would much rather I wait, but that if I wasn't going to wait, here was something that, properly used, would greatly decrease my chances of becoming a father too soon. It didn't hurt that my girlfriend at the time was [u]very[/u] imaginative in applying that something. I got in to the habit. Until I got married, pretty much any time I went to bed with a partner, I wore a raincoat.

Edit: spooling

by tig2

You're young and hot. Of course you will be a killer in a red strapless dress.

Nice to know that some of us can still carry that look!

One day at a time, dear one. You already know that you will be fabulous.

by tig2

I had gone off away from the pack at a pit stop for a smoke. Had some officious idiot come climb up my @ss about my smoke- I was behind the biffies, not a lot of company, all of them smokers. I told her that I had already survived cancer and I wasn't any too worried about my smoking.

I probably should have quit after the chemo last time. Maybe I will quit after the chemo this time. Quitting now would be a bad plan.

I don't smoke much and I keep it under a pack a day. For a long term smoker, I do pretty good.

And no, the cancer is not a result of being a smoker. It is the result of genetics. Period.

by tonythetiger

to be born, how can they claim any other right?

[i]your assertion that all Democrats are both supporters of abortion on demand and supporters of universal free healthcare.[/i]

First, I never mentioned Democrats. Second, I never said "All". Third, it's not "free". It is on the backs of those who by choice or by fortune live healthy lives.

And fourth,

[i]given that I personally favour both of the views stated above[/i]

This supports my original assertion.

by hal 9000

No Public Health Care there at all and no intention of bringing any in either.

OF course with the average wage being $2.00 per week and no Medical Insurance many of the Good Catholics who refuse to use any form of Birth Control Die from things that are easily preventable. It's a very interesting experience to watch someone be asked for money and when they didn't have any they where told to go away and DIE! Don't litter up the Hospital and don't stay here. Very compassionate I feel.

Col

by tonythetiger

She knew whose responsibility it was that you learn.

[i]It didn't hurt that my girlfriend at the time was very imaginative in applying that something.[/i]

Did she learn that in public school? The only "F" my daughter got in school was in 4th grade health because I would not allow her to participate in the "putting a condom on a cucumber" exercise. I was fortunate that the school board at least saw fit to notify parents ahead of time, else I would likely have damaged someone!

by tonythetiger

that many of the cancers formerly attributed to exposure to second-hand smoke are actually due to exposure to radon. Being couped up indoors without adequate ventilation is the contributing factor with both. It's easier to blame the smoke, of course, because you can "see" it.

by tig2

The radon thing doesn't surprise me at all. But I have argued for some time that there might be something other than second hand smoke behind the cancers that have been attributed to it.

I have a specific genetic marker that made breast cancer specifically a probability in my life. I could have lived the perfect life and I was still likely to get it. Oh well- some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you.

Genetics will get you every time.

by hal 9000

Apparently 90% of Lab Rats who go on to get Breast Cancer are suffering from a Virus that was originally called Mouse Mammary Gland Virus or MMV for short. On testing women suffering from Breast Cancer tests showed that something like 40% had the same Virus which by then had had it's name changed to just Mammary Gland Virus or MV for short dropping the Mouse bit. No tests have as yet been done or reported on males suffering from Breast Cancer so that needs more work.

So as well as Genetics there may be a Virus that is a contributing factor.

Col

Note to self remember to include the a in Breast. :(

by meryllogue

CMiller, I had that same problem. Then I ate at an Italian friend's house one day, and realized how simple it can be. It took some mind-shifting though:
1 - Not all fat is bad (repeating an earlier post). You have to have some, so pick those that are better for you: olive oil (the absolute best you can find for NON-cooking uses, like dressings or toast or mashed potatoes), avocados, etc.
2 - Some salt is required, so pick and choose when and how you use it.

My friend poured good olive oil over her salad. She added quite a bit of salt and some pepper and tossed the salad. Then she added balsamic vinegar. I have also used lemon juice, and Tapatio Hot Sauce, as substitutes for the balsamic. But it was the salt that really did it.

Another way of eating my salad has been to cook it. Boil up your pasta quite al dente (no salt). Then fry it on pretty high heat in your not-so-good olive oil. Throw in any and all salad greens early on. Crush a clove of garlic into it and shake a little salt on it. Keep it moving in the pan until the greens wilt. Sometimes I let the pasta fry a bit first to get it a little crunchy. You can put the extra pasta in the fridge and fry it from cold on demand. Takes about 10 minutes to get your pasta and your salad all in one go! (Heat sufficient to fry pretty much destroys the flavor, so sometimes I add some good oil to my pasta after it's on my plate for flavoring.)

by ontheropes

Reading salad dressing labels is kind of interesting. I have a bottled vinegar and oil dressing in the refrigerator that is lower in calories than my usual 1000 Island. I expected it to be the other way 'round.

by maecuff

I would rather my children learn different methods of birth control. Kids are going to have sex. It's what they do. It's what we do.

And if I wanted to set a good example for my child? I certainly wouldn't want them to see me turn violent over a teaching method. You know, inflicting damage and all.

by nicknielsen

I don't know where she learned it, or if she just thought it up. The subject (that one, at least ;\ ) never came up. As I said, she was pretty imaginative; unless she changed radically, she and her current other have a [u]very[/u] active sex life.

Meant to get back to you sooner, but it's been a 9-day week and I just finished back-to-back 12-hour-plus days. Gawd! Hope this doesn't continue tomorrow.

Edit: too tired to spel

by ontheropes

http://www.bankrate.com/natl/default_frame.asp?sitekey=lan&link_address=/natl/news/advice/20040113a1.asp?prodtype=debtmgmt

The long URL does to an article entitled 10 secrets of the weight-loss industry

I don't know where my weight is at right now. I know I haven't gained any. I'll weigh myself again on the 26th. I expect to see from 6-8 pounds loss.

I am sworn off salads for awhile after today. Without knowing it I forked a slug, stuck on my field greens, into my mouth. It tasted about like you'd expect a slug to taste. It only was in there long enough to kill it.

If I had a hurl emoticon I'd put it right here. I'm no Bear Grylls. That man would probably eat it and call it good protein. I'm a wuss.

I thought I'd post something over here just so no one thinks I've given up. I haven't. I have a goal to reach. Not there yet. I don't think that I'll reach my goal by Christmas Day but I'm still striving for it.

by meryllogue

I did manage to grab it and save to My Pictures. Then I tried to copy it and paste it into my ga-ross post, but it left a blank line. Thx.

Sorry all you techno-wizards. Bear with me. :-(

by cmiller5400

I had one in a prepackaged salad mix and it got chewed till I saw I had 1/2 left in the salad plate. Yuck!!! I did not eat any salad greens for months after that.

by ontheropes

Sounds about right to me. I'm going to have go back to examining each mouthful from now on. I used to do that when I was in India. Going to do it here now too.

by meryllogue

I am so SORRY! Yuk! Never had that, tg. But the other night I DID have someone drop a butt in the remains of my drink while I was dancing, and when I got off stage and took a sip, down went a bunch of ashes. Another hurl moment.

Loved Jaqui's hurl-i-con, btw. :-)

Also, Ropes, I am sure you will never know the effect you have had on everyone with this blog. I think of it all the time when I'm getting ready to eat or snack. It gives me strength to stay away from junk some days when all I want to do is wrap myself around something awful for my body. :-)

by ontheropes

This discussion has helped me to stick to the healthy foods and besides, I was challenged to lose weight so I'm still doing it.

I'm not losing a pound/gaining a pound either. I have a journal showing what my calorie intake has been and mathematically speaking I have to be losing weight. If not, I've solved world hunger and I'm about to become very wealthy.

Saturday I took my wedding ring in to get it resized. It would just fall off of my finger. I wore a band-aid around my finger for about a week just so I wouldn't lose it. If I'm losing fat in my extremities my spare tire is going to disappear too.

About five weeks to go 'til my weigh-in after Christmas. I hope to be at my weight goal by then. I'm NOT going to stop 'til I reach it even if it takes a couple of more months. It's going to happen.

by locolobo

Several years ago I ate some weevil like bugs in a package of Grandma's Cookies.

Kind of bitter! LOL

by ontheropes

I've heard that there's a certain percentage of bug parts that are allowed in food. I could do a Google search for it but I'm too lazy.

I think zero bug parts would be cool but maybe that's considered impractical.

by locolobo

Yeah, I've seen references to it too. We've even tested foods for "Extraneous Materials" before (not bug parts). There's no practical way to separate all the bugs living on the grain from the product. The processing usually chops/grinds them into small unrecognizable parts. Think of it as extra protein. Live insects, slugs, etc I can do without!

by cmiller5400

I once ate at a Chinese place and found a piece of fishing line in the egg roll. I probably don't want to know how that got in there.

by ontheropes

I haven't eaten food in a Chinese restaurant since. Too much like a couple of episodes of Kitchen Nightmares. Bugs everywhere, rotten food and the putrid smell made me gag. In Memphis, TN, one place would just put lime over the bloodstains and spills on the floor. In spots it was easily 4 to 5 inches thick. That place supplied every Chinese restaurant in the city. No thanks.

by ontheropes

The easiest way is to just open a Photobucket.com account for yourself. It's free and easy to use. Upload the picture then just copy the "HTML Code" section and paste it into your post wherever you'd like the picture to appear.


You don't need all of the code that they give you but it doesn't hurt anything to leave it all in there either.