ldyjocelyn

OK, I need some help.

In December 2005, my husband and I both stood on a scale for the first time in many years. We realized that we were going to hit a nice round number for our weight v.v. soon, and knew we needed to do something about it. Therefore, we signed up for circuit training classes through our local community college, where I work. We're now in the habit of going there three times a week -- a circuit of weights, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. Anyway, the weight came off for a while -- my husband lost almost 25 pounds, me 15.

But in the past 6 months or so, the weight has been creeping back on again. I know it's because I didn't change my eating habits all that much. I love cooking, and I love food, so that is where my temptation is. Breakfast isn't a problem for me -- a bowl of high-fiber cereal with skim milk and a cup of coffee. Dinner also isn't a problem when I cook; I usually have a fairly balanced meal there with veggies and meat, although I do throw whole grain pasta or brown rice with it once in a while.

My two main problems are these, and that's where I need help:

1) Working at a community college was great for getting in on the circuit training classes. However, it's been terrible for me at lunch time, because it has a cafeteria. This is the first place I've worked that has a cafeteria, and the temptations are just too great. Besides costing me money that I could save for Clay trips, it's been adding to my waistline. So -- what to do? I'm certainly willing to make my lunch, but I really don't like eating the same food every day. I tried that for a while with yogurt and cereal for lunch, but I quickly tired of it. Right now, I'm bringing a piece of fruit and a bottle of water to work with me every day, but then I usually buy something from the cafeteria too (usually an entree, although it may be a hamburger or tenderloin from the grill). Any suggestions on things that are quick to prepare the night before and yet good for me lunch ideas?

2) Those nights I don't feel like cooking. *sigh* Unfortunately, they happen more and more frequently as I have more and more stress from my job. Any good ideas on quick, easy dinners that don't require a lot of thought (ie, defrosting) and also are healthful?

Thanks for letting me vent....

I knew, as soon as I wrote it, that someone would corner me about my Leno comment, and I guess I worded it a bit wrong. I will totally agree that Leno talks differently to Clay than Kimmel does -- as I said, I think he thinks of Clay as a bit of a hick. But then, I still think some FANS believe that of Clay too -- sorry, I digress. Anyway, I think Clay holds his own on Leno's show. I just rewatched the very last Leno apperance, and I personally LOVED the byplay between Clay, Jay, and Howie. The sly looks between Howie and Clay crack me up, and I think if Jay hadn't mentioned Clay being sick, some of that may not have happened.

I really don't mean to be "defending" Leno -- if you don't like him, that's fine. I just think, I guess, that he gets a bit of a bum rap because it seems many compare Leno now to Kimmel, and they are just two totally different guys. I'm with couchie that if Kimmel "turns" on Clay at some point, I'll be OK, not devestated. As far as Leno being "two faced" -- I don't know why, but I've seen him do that with many other celebrities, not just Clay. Finally, Jay is much bigger "business" than Kimmel, although I'm heartened by Kimmel's upsurge lately. But, if you need to push something for sales, Jay really is the place to go on late night TV, and I think Clay realizes that and is willing to "take the lumps."

Again, JMO, all that stuff.

Besides, Leno gave us this....

As for the other topic du jour at the moment -- was there someone on Kimmel last night I should CARE about?

I've liked his appearances on Leno but yes Jay always has a bemused posture. And Clay seems to play a goofier role. I don't mind as I love goofy too.

and Jay makes fun of him...I don't like that!

But I think it's a two way street -- Clay makes fun of Jay too. And frankly, Clay makes fun of himself more than anyone else does toward him. He's got self-depricating down COLD.

That's why I've never worried about Clay when he's gonna be on a TV show. EVER. Clay knows how to handle it.

JMO, YMMV, all those different letters.

I was there when Shadylil was crying like an effing baby--who cries during Invisible for Pete's sake?

*raises hand*

During the last show of the NAT I got to see, in Charlotte. Hit me like a ton of bricks. The infectious joy of him singing that song, combined with the fact that it was my last show of the tour, and I was sobbing like a baby.

I love the Kimmel appearances -- but I also love the Leno appearances too. It's definitely a different Clay -- he plays the "hick" up, and I think that's probably because of Leno's doing. Do I care? Not really -- I like that Clay as well. I think he does well in almost all appearances like that, where he just gets to talk and become a storyteller. To me, that sells himself -- his charm.

I'm totally easy like that -- Clay's on my teevee. I'm happy.

ETA: shady, I LOVE your siggie. One of the best Next Gen episodes EVAH!

"Heyhowareya" to Manderly!!!!

jmh, am I now an unofficial North Carolinian? (BTW, I love the way Clay says "heyhowareya!")

You know, in retrospect....I really don't cry at particular songs. I know I mentioned "Nothing Compares to You" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" (B. Raitt version) earlier....but those songs were sad for me at a particular time in my life (both connected to the same guy, BTW). But today? I can listen to these two songs and appreciate them for what they are -- good songs, IMO. These other songs ya'll are mentioning? I know them, I like them, but I don't cry during them. Maybe I'm more of a heartless bitch (tm YSRN) than I care to admit.

But then....and someone mentioned this earlier....I watch "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" every damn week, and every damn week I go through a box of Kleenex. That show gets me every.single.time.

I think I must also need visuals to be touched. And I've always said....I'm not a lyric person. I can go for YEARS liking a song, but having no clue what it is about, or even what is being sung. *g*

farouche, I like the way you entered here. Thank you for the beautiful hand pictures....

I saw that about PH being on JK tonight. Went "shrug." Decided I had better things to do than to watch the show, and also to worry about what was going to be said or done. Shrug again.

To recap for my taste:

LURVE the Eagles, especially Don Henley. Dislike "Hotel California" an awful lot though. OTOH, "Desperado" is one of the BEST "depressing" songs IMO.

ICMYLM by Bonnie Raitt -- simply haunting. Love it immensely. ICMYLM by Clay Aiken -- not quite as haunting for me, but I think he was finally "getting" the song by the end of the tour. (Of course, it didn't help that this seemed to be the "I LOVE YOU CLAY" song....)

My other choice for depressing but I love it nonetheless is "Nothing Compares 2 U." A pure masterpiece, IMO.

LAA is beautiful -- but I've honestly never cried during a listen to that song, not even live. And I know it's sacriledge around here (practically), but it's not even my favorite song on ATDW. HYCA or BYLM are....hee.

"Not Supposed to Love You Anymore" -- fantastic demo. One of the few demo songs I still listen to on a regular basis.

Other than that....nuthin'.

LURVE me some "Galaxy Quest." And Kenneth Brannagh! (and I'm not fond of most Shakespeare either....sorry merrieeee....)

Yes, boys and girls, it's time to play "SOOOOOOOOOOO BIG!" (Take that any way you want....)

That man is adorable....

Do dust bunnies count as pets? 'Cause that's about as close as I've got. No pictures, though, for some reason.

BTW, for those wondering why the one cat in our household is named Spot -- well, see my "Star Trek" the Next Generation" love. And if you're still confused, you probably won't understand anyway. Shrug.

couchie -- see, YSRN, jmh and I are a threesome. We simply hate love being on top...*g*

I'm sorry you had such a sad experience with your SiL, but my advise, truly for what it's worth, is don't feel so bad. It sounds like there have been many other things over the years you two do see eye to eye on. Embrace those and leave Clay out of it. Lord knows, this policy seems to work for my husband and I.

Amen. atinal, it does make me sad that someone close to you felt the need to let you know all this, in very uncertain terms. But I wouldn't worry about it as far as what you did. You just know, now, that this something to avoid talking about with her. The other thing I would do is be prepared if SHE brings it up again. Have that answer ready to go. shady and luckiest1 seem to have managed to work through it with their "but look at me, I'm having the time of my life, and what difference does it truly make?" answers.

Welcome back to the internet world Karen Eh?!

Now THAT'S a snowflake picture I LOVE! But, it's not about the hair, demmit, it's about those beautiful shoulders! I would love to try to put my arms around those broad shoulders...guh.

ETA. I don't know about the wimps, people here but Lily doesn't mind being on top. She's very much an Alpha bitch dog.

BWAH!!! And everyone has cute animals! I'm a cat person myself, though...

Here's Spot...

...and here is Quincy....

I lurve my kitties....

My stance on Clay is that it just doesn't matter to me. I hate homophobia and I agree with ldyjocelyn that I think it is a good thing to talk about this subject. Whether I think Clay is or isn't gay is nobody's business unless I care to tell them.

BINGO!

I kept meaning to thank Clayzor for reminding me about the Rick Rubin article. He's a fascinating man, and I've loved him for his diversity -- rap, country, pop, rock. I think the subscription thing is a good idea in theory, but in practice, I'm not sure if any sort of deal can be hammered out. And I totally agree with Jenna that TV seems to be the way to go more and more -- and I personally believe that Clay knows that too.

They don't like the way he sings. Not that he doesn't sing well but just don't like the way he does. To them he sounds broadway and enunciates too much. His style just doesn't appeal to them. I have had to just stop discussing him at all with anyone. I think that is why it is so hard for me to leave the message boards. Lord knows I've tried. It is the only place I can find someone to not ridicule me for my appreciation and love of Clay's talent. How sad a commentary is that?

You know, I can handle if they say "I don't like the way he sings." That's fine with me -- there are many artists out there that I don't like the way they sing either. But when it's combined with the tabloid crap, that's when I just start to get confused -- what do the two have to do with each other? I don't understand that.

But I do understand your feelings about not leaving the boards for the reason of wanting to talk about Clay. I don't force Clay on my friends or my husband (although he does indulge me from time to time). HOWEVER, a pre-concert Clay party? I'm chattering like a fool -- it's like it's been all bottled up in me, and then the cork pops. That's fun.

jumpingjacks -- I know it's hard to forget things that were told you way back when. That's why a lot of us here have battle scars. It will be OK.

I'm a "Star Trek: Next Generation" person myself. Data rawks! And geekgirls rawk too!

Just bopping in to say "heyhowareya?" to lyndolphin!

You know....this board is cracking me up (in a totally good way) this evening. Serious discussion post; hand pictures; another few serious discussion posts; hand pictures; some more serious discussion posts; and then it moves on to hair pictures. Know what I mean?

Hair? Did you think these were hair pictures? Why, my dear LadyJ, this one is very definitely a neck picture!!!

And I only notice the hair in this one as my gaze lowers to the .... neck.

And this picture is neck all the way ...

Well, I hadn't seen your posts by the time I posted...sowwy. Hee.

kf, can you tell us how you REALLY feel about the Martha performance?

Well damn. Just goes to show what happens when you at YSRN's luck at being at the top of the page. I even tried to hold it back, like jmh suggested. Shows how that all works for me. Hee.

How about I make up my luck with a pretty picture?

You know....this board is cracking me up (in a totally good way) this evening. Serious discussion post; hand pictures; another few serious discussion posts; hand pictures; some more serious discussion posts; and then it moves on to hair pictures. Know what I mean?

I actually think discussing this whole issue of sexuality is good for us as a society. I can see cindilu's point in that it really is infringing on Clay's right to a private life, and that what he says goes in that respect. But, at the same time IMO, we're talking about issues that are universal to people around the world -- the acceptance of people as they are (and how hard that is for some people). If I took Clay out of this discussion entirely, I still think it would be a fantastic discussion, and I think it's something that I personally would have never really thought of/considered before. Just because Clay's name is attached to the conversation, it doesn't make it any less relevant to me.

And if you understood that paragraph -- could you PM me? I'm not sure if I understand it at this point. When I start writing, sometimes I just need a better editor.

Thank you all for the beautiful pictures....

And wandacleo -- your image of Clay's singing penis cracked me up! *high five*

laughn, you are an evil, evil woman. *another high five*

Welcome jumpingjacks and Mandler! I now know Mandler from gca, after spending a bunch of time lurking there. Welcome both!

Welcome cotton! That was a great picture you got of Angela and Clay together!

And I'm in heaven with all the hand pictures. He's got such....mature hands. That's the only way to describe them, to me -- mature. It's hard to describe, but I can see that he's not a kid with those hands. They're not OLD, they're just...mature.

Hell, I don't know what I'm talking about. I need to go home from work.

As my gift to you, I promise not to post Snowflake Clay alllllllllll day today.

At 12:01 am, all bets are off though....

Yeah, like you'll still be awake at 12:01 a.m. :medium-smiley-070:

^^^ ldyj, I've made myself sticky.

Oops, I mean I've made a note on a post-it to remind me to save the pic when I get home.

And here's one that I have to send myself a reminder email to save when I get home....

And I'm probably the only one who notices the tape with "Clay" on the microphone....which is so cute to me.

I haven't seen this one posted around here yet, and I think it should be, just for the sake of keeping bottlecap's collection complete:

bottlecap, I'll try to remember to send you a PM tonight, reminding you to download this one....

I love Angela's look on her face here too....

Happy birthday to one fantastic fangirl (and an extremely happy one -- I'll never forget squeeeing with you in Tulsa after the busline)...merrieeee!

:nana:

Here's what I'd rather feel:

That picture just cries out for a little addition:

God, I love you bottlecap. You always make me laugh. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

lightmyfire I'm so sorry you feel that not re-joining OFC would be supporting Clay. I can't sign up fast enough.

I may not like the MB for the most part but I just love, love, love his blogs and love being able to post occasional words of support to him. Plus, I want one of those cozy M&G's in the years to come. Gah! I can't imagine how much fun that would be. I also visit the "Tour" threads for helpful information. I found them great during SPHR for tips. I would prefer him to shut down most of the MB because it gives me a headache if I ever go there and I'd love it if they would add some kickass videos or maybe a "member's only" downloadable single. That would be so cool.

I also get embarassingly giddy when the signup pack arrives in the mail.

You're me! I cannot tolerate the message board at the OFC. The few times I was there, I knew it wasn't the place for me. but there is so, so much more to that fan club than the message board. We did get a few cool videos this past year; we've had a few cool audio messages; and his blogs are worth every penny to me, even if it is just a "isn't the media silly for placing my name as a potential Senator?" And the fan club will be my best bet for ever getting a M&G *crosses fingers and all toes* Another thing: someone mentioned earlier today that Clay talked in a M&G about being a fan by buying his stuff, "even if it is crap." Maybe I'm make a jump in logic here, but it kinda works the same way with the fanclub too. I've got my credit card out and ready to type in that number as soon as they tell me to. But lightmyfire and others who feel that way....that's fine. I can understand.

Wonderful discussion today (again -- I love it when fresh meat new blood add something new to things around here!). I think the whole "what is a fan" thing is one of the hardest things I've had to learn in the past few years. I honestly wanted some people to just up and leave too...but then I started to think of it a bit differently. First of all, I realized that these people didn't probably matter to Clay at all. Oh, I'm sure he knows of some of the major complainers (see: Orlando show), but he probably also doesn't give them the time of day when it comes to what he personally does with his life and his career. He's never been one lately to let others influence him that much IMO. Also, I realized that my uncomfort with the way other fans react to Clay is exactly that: MY uncomfort. I didn't like what they were doing because it was influencing MY thoughts and feelings. When I learned to let that go (and I have to admit that I don't do that nearly as often as I like to admit), I'm much happier. And, as YSRN says, some people just are seemingly unhappy people. They really are happy, they just have a very different way to show it.

I'm not critical of Clay, for the most part. But that does NOT mean I can't be good friends with someone that doesn't like his hair on a particular day, or thinks he hit a bad note or two, or thinks that a decision he made regarding his career wasn't the best. As long as the respect is there between the two opinions, it's all good. I've met several people on this board, and we don't agree on everything. I wouldn't want it any other way.

And in the time I composed this, 15 other people came along and said more wonderful things. God, I love this place....

...except that I now have the shame honor of being at the top of the page....again....

Happy Labor Day everyone!!!!

Whew! We just sent friends home after a fun evening of eating burgers and dogs and introducing them to our Wii game machine. Anyone else here have one? Anyway, after playing 9 holes of virtual golf in Ireland, I'm too tired to comment on the grand discussion from today. Scarlett my dear, though....thank you for the screen caps. Hubba hubba.

But again, I'll say it again -- I love Clay Aiken with my whole being. I want the best for him, and I know he's got another hit "album/CD/whatever we call them these days" in him. I also think he doesn't necessarily need to leave RCA to get it. I just want him to put out music that makes him happy.

The diversity of this fandom, and the way it has expanded my world, is fantastic to me. I'm a small town farm girl....everyone pretty much the same. Being on the boards has opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. I've grown and learned from the experience....another thing I love about being a Clay Aiken fan.

Shoot, there was more I was going to say, but I'm too damn tired and can't remember. See ya'll in the morning!

Welcome janiepain (LOL on the name), Toldforthis, and songinmysoul/yalcteef. songinmysould, it took me FOREVER to figure out your other name....but now I love it!

Janiepain, my husband and I were in Florida in April for my niece's wedding, and we LOVED visiting Kennedy Space Center. Very informative and fascinating to us.

Now like I said I do believe his label and Clive have made their own miserable bad choices for him also, but I think his demographics have played a big influence in the decisions that have been made by all of team Clay, and that includes Clay himself.

Wow. Thank you for stating that in a clear and concise manner.

{{{{texwriter}}}} Don't worry about it. Sure, we're a fun board....but we can also have fairly deep conversations around here, and you can never tell what will be the spark to start one. Also, we can have these deep conversations....and then someone posts a pretty picture and coherent thought goes out the window!!!

Every one of us deals with life's ups and downs. What's been good for me so far is observing (and admiring) how Clay maneuvers his. How he presents himself. How he deals. His attitude about life and all it encompasses. If he was walking around being a bitter, brooding artist type complaining about how unfair it all was and gnashing about... I would definitely not enjoy him as much. It's part of his "allure" for me. I do idolize him a little because those are traits I personally find admirable in a human being. He's a good egg, that guy.

Absolutely! I've never known anyone who takes lemons and makes lemonade better than he does. And it seems to be something he's been doing for most of his life.

Can I get a "hallelujah" for both you ladies?!?!?!

Time itself takes care of careers. That is why I think enjoying Clay, the singer, entertainer, comedian is important and that is what I intend to do. Kicking the angst to the curbside is not a bad idea. Clay is madly talented and it is up to him what he chooses to do with that talent. As long as he is around and I hope that will be a very long time, I will remain a fan.

Amen, Sister beenthinking!

The one thing that galls me is the constant lack of respect for him and his fans. I don't expect to hear him on the radio right now but I absolutely resent the fowl remarks/snickering the radio "personalities", print/TV/cyber media dish out thinking they are oh so funny and cool. This has nothing to do with AI stigma, just look at Daughtry he's deemed cool and humble...whatever...

Don't even get me started about the eyerolls and stupid remarks I have gotten when buying Clay's music.(have turned a couple of those idiots in)

end of rant....

otherwise

I hear ya....and yet, I know all about that...just because of being a Star Trek "geek" for a LONG time. The show and the fans did NOT get respect in the media in the span of its lifetime. Just didn't happen. It was "that strange geek show." Star Wars got more respect -- but that was a movie. And I was an anomaly as a Star Trek fan in that I was a girl, and didn't live in my parent's basement either. But today....science fiction geekdom is getting TONS of respect in the media.

My point is that this may all take time too for us Clay fans. It may be twenty years before Clay and Claymates/Clay Nation get the respect they deserve. In the meantime, I'm going to be proud to be a soon-to-be 45 year old woman who loves Clay Aiken. Screw the "cool" demographics. Matter of fact, just screw the "cool." (To me, that was the whole POINT of the Classics Medley....and I loved his banter at Newark when he talked about not being cool, and then just saying...."screw it." Made my week....)

Gee, I thought I clicked the Quote button for other posts too. Guess I didn't. I'll just say that couchie is my hero, with JennaZ and Ansa as close seconds.

The Japanese site of "ABC's" needs to update X with this picture, methinks....

Eventually, the rest of the world will see what we see, and most of its citizens will embrace him. It's just going to take a little longer than we hoped.

I used to think like this too texwriter, I really did. But, in another contemplative moment (which I seem to have quite frequently anymore, in regards to Clay and my fandom, anyway), I realized that at least some of the world may NEVER understand what we as fans see in Clay. Let's put it this way: I do not think I will ever see what is so attractive about Tom Cruise. I felt like this before his meltdowns, BTW. But yet, there are people simply DEVOTED to him. I feel that way about a great deal other celebrities as well. Now, I do realize that many people, once they see Clay in a performance after only hearing his name bandied about, will come around and go "whoa." But I do think there are people out there who will go "eh." Thing is -- that's OK. If we all liked the same things in this world, the place would be boring as hell. But yet, there have been many times within this fandom where I've gotten the "EVERYONE MUST LOVE CLAY AIKEN" vibe. I'm at the point now in my life where that's another thing I can't worry about. I just move on and find someone who does appreciate him.

But I do totally agree with the "it's gonna take longer than we hoped" statement. Patience isn't a real strong virtue of this fandom, IMO -- practically non-existent, actually. I think Clay's career hit blast-off point in 2003 -- lots of jet fuel blasting him into space. But now, his orbit has settled down into cruising speed, with some accelerations and deaccelerations throughout the journey. The ride will go as fast as he deems it, to me anyway. I just don't know if Clay's got a lead foot or not. Unlike me yesterday. *g*

:F_05BL17blowkiss: and WORD to JennaZ!