Thin4Life - March 12

[Seasaw]

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a better weekend foodwise than I did. Completely lost it, and no exercise on top of that. But today is a new day and I have firmly resolved to get back on track. Weekends have been killers for me lately for some reason.

I hope to book our trip south today. We saw a few possibilities in yesterday's newspaper in the Dominican Republic and if they are still available and reasonably comfortable, we're in! If this works out, we'll be on a beach somewhere in two weeks, and not a moment too soon. Winter continues to rear its ugly head in my part of the planet.

I didn't get much chance to check in here last week to catch up with what's going on with folks, so no personal messages this time. Just wanted to start the week for everyone.

bye for now

[TonyaLyn]

Good morning! I have been out of commission lately, but I haven't forgotten about you all!!!

Seasaw ~ Your trip (whereever you go) sounds wonderful, I am so tired of winter (it is freezing rain here today!) I could cry! When will spring come!!!

I doubt it if I can reply to everyone that has posted since the last time I did, which was an eternity ago!!

I have been busy at work, and tending to sick children, but still sticking to the WW plan. I have been in the maintenence mode, but have been slacking a bit in the last couple weeks, so now I have 3 pounds to lose to get back to personal goal.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

[MelissaL]

Good morning everyone :)

Seasaw: I can completely relate about weekends and getting off track. It's so much harder when you're not on a schedule, etc.

It's sunny here today although they said later on today we're supposed to be getting rain. I'm with you Tonya--when is Spring going to finally be here!!! I'm tired of the snow and gloomy weather. I need to get moving and get these last couple of extra pounds off before I head south in April.

My trip to Chicago was a blur--our flight was late getting in and it seemed all we did was wait for something, etc. It sure is nice to be back home in my own bed.

Karen Sue: I had all intentions of getting in touch with you while in Chicago but left the phone number on my desk here at work and I didn't have access to a computer where I was at, otherwise you would've gotten a phone call from me :) I'll be heading back out that way again in May (weekend of the 5th) so maybe then we'll be able to get to talk to each other.

Hope everyone had a good weekend--I have to finish by saying that I do much better during the week eating wise that I do on the weekends. This weekend was stressful and last night was horrible eating wise. Nothing satisfied me and I did the cupboard aerobics countless times. Doesn't help that TOM is this week....

Have a good Monday everyone!

Melissa
161/142/142ww/135 personal???

[AustinGal]

'Morning Seasaw, Tonya, and everybody else.

I didn't get to exercise this weekend because we had houseguests and, of course, I cooked a lot and (unfortunately) ate a lot. But, the scale at the gym didn't show any damage this morning, so I am happy. However, my weight usually tracks my behavior from a couple weeks previous, so I'm worried that it'll show up on the scale some time next week!

Seasaw - DH and I went to the Domican Republic (one of those all-inclusive resorts) once, and had a very nice time. I hope the deal works out for you guys.

Tonya - Welcome back to Lifer Land! Sorry about the sick kiddos. Only 3 pounds to go? ... Woohoo! Keep up the good work.

To both Seasaw and Tonya I am sending sunshine and warm thoughts. It is sunny here in Austin, with a projected high in the 70's. It is Spring Break this week, and it really does feel like Spring. I hope Spring hits in your neck of the woods soon.

Nothing very exciting planned for today. My office is having a lunchtime presentation on healthy eating being presented by a nutritionist. Since they are providing a (supposedly) healthy lunch, I am thinking of attending to get some free food! All I could find in the pantry this morning was some Healthy Choice soup. But, I hate to spend 4 points on soup, b/c it doesn't keep me feeling full for very long. Anyway, have a good day and great week everybody! :D

[Scarlett54]

Good Morning! Oops! Good Afternoon?!?

Now, I don't know what the deal is/was, but I couldn't log onto the boards all weekend long! Talk about withdrawl: it was tough, but I had at least one glass of water for you all anyway!?! :angel: Hey! Have you all checked out the new smilies? Yes, it's things like this that keep me going!

Seesaw I know what you mean about struggling through weekends at times. But, me thinks your posting here bright + early is a clear indication that you are back on track! {And hopefully, we'll all be following you right behind!}

Melissa! Not to worry about missing our telephone call this weekend, I was rather punk recuperaating from the 6hours of testings at my "favorite" home away from home, the hospital. {Don't have any results yet + probably won't till late tomorrow.} But, I've marked up May 5th + will email you a reminder before you go to call me!

I did receive an email from Katie -she's in town this weekend- and am looking forward to getting together with her. Shall we take photos?

AustinGal - it'll be curious to compare your company's presentation on healthy eating to your/our own Weight-Watchers "watching of the points". Let us know if you learn anything new or exciting. I often go to the Tufts University Nutritional website and do find some good tips, recipes, etc.

And on that note ladies! The dredded weekend is past, let's make this week a really devine one! Ah, but alas + alack! I have more sf books to read and review.

Have a good one everyone!

Karen Sue...looking at the water + thinking coffee?!?!

[kt marie]

Hey everyone -
I'm on a break here in Chicago - didn't think I'd be able to check in at all, but the training class has internet access on their computers!

Karen Sue - I am planning to give you a call after class today. I spent Sunday with my sister who lives in Winnetka; she picked me up from the airport & we spend the day together - I hadn't seen her for quite some time - she has dropped a ton of weight and looks fabulous! We are pretty much the same size (except she is 3 inches shorter than me), so I envision my wardrobe doubling!! :D

Pretty busy weekend at home; did pretty good on the eating front & exercised faithfully.

Tonya - welcome back - I was wondering what happened to you....

Austin Gal - I take advantage of free lunches/food anytime I can get a chance. :D

Hey to Seasaw & Melissa -

Karen Sue - I do have my camera along for photo opportunities....


Katie

[AustinGal]

Well, I'm back from the lunch-time nutrition seminar. I found it had an interesting dynamic. At weight watchers meetings there is, of course, a lot talk about staying "on program". This dietician focused a lot on how we need to be in a healthy eating mentality that allows us to make a few indulgent choices without feeling like "well, I've fallen off the bandwagon, I might as well eat a whole cheescake now." I know this, and I know that WW leaders try to focus on it, but it has a little more impact coming from somebody that is fairly neutral about any particular eating plan. (She was not at all a fan of the Atkins/high protein approach). I have to admit that I still have that good vs.bad; on-a diet vs. off-the-wagon; on-program vs. indulge-and-binge mentality sometimes, though I try really hard to beat that kind of thinking. The only thing that seems to help me break out of that type of thinking is to keep up with exercise and try to remember that this process is "for life" in order to stay healthy, not just to lose weight. Any body else out there still struggle with the good vs. bad mentality? How do you deal with that to avoid completely bingeing once you've made a bad choice?

Edit: P.S - Wooohooo! This is post number 300 for me on these boards. Do I get a gold star or something?

[Scarlett54]

Good {yawn} Morning One + All!

Now, I firmly believe in positive reinforcement, just can't figure out how to get a little gold star in this post. But, AustinGal, you've earned the first GoLd StAr for 300 posts! Kudos to you! By the road, did your status (whatever title under your name) change with that 300 post? Hmm...I'll wonder what they'll give me for 300 consecutive days of drinking all the water?

Yesterday was pretty much of a bust. {"Ha, Ha!", says the woman with the double mastectomy.} I certainly was drinking all my water as I blitzed through too many pages of tiny print in sf + fantasy galleys. Got three done, in the middle of two others + am hoping to get another three done today. Hey! A girl can dream can't she? :rolleyes:

But, clearly the highlight of the day (as my cable tv was out: groan) was the phone call from Katie! We'll be dining together on Thursday! I'm really looking forward to this: although, how we figure out who is who (we gave really good descriptions of clothing: I'm Gap + LLBean) is another matter. But, Katie: You want to take photos?!?! Aargh! Do you all want photos?

Back to serious matters: I'm still thinking about the good -vs- bad mentality that AustinGal posted about. I guess {read: know} that I slip into "bad little girl" mentality + that can certainly throw all efforts of being on the healthy way of life out the window/down the drain/etc. But, certainly exercise + just doing the whole nine yards of living the healthy life works for me. Anyone else have any ideas?

Well, I'm out of cliches + have gone on too long! Must get out of here fast! :o

Karen Sue ...the nonesuch librarian...*

*Clue for Katie...

[grace]

I had my monthly weigh in on Saturday. I lost 1.6 lbs. which was 2 lbs. below my weight goal. Afterwards I bought a chocolate cream tart and a chocolate eclair at a bakery. I didn't eat them at the same time, but I enjoyed them. During Lent I am not eating snacks between meals. If I have snacks at home, I might have candy. My temptation at work is keeping away from the vending machine. I usually only eat three meals a day.

On the topic of being on program vs. binging, I try to get back on program as quickly as possible. I have binged on potato chips or corn curls. If I get back on program, I write off the binging as a learning experience. I try not to have a guilt trip. I usually am more diligent in being on program.

[kt marie]

Morning all -

Just a quick note before class starts - hey Karen Sue - tried "looking" you up, but none of the configurations I tried worked. Can you help me out??

Did so-so on the eating front last night - did 40 minutes on the elliptical thingy at the hotel's gym last night - never tried one before - pretty nice.

Austin Gal - I still think of foods as bad or good, too. I don't know if that feeling fades or changes over time.

I'll try to check in later....

Katie :)

[Jamie]

Hi everyone!:D
I bought the 2-pack of Tae Bo videos at Wal-Mart over the weekend. It had the instructional and basic tape in it, and a card to mail in to recieve a free 8 minute (turbo?) workout. I'm so excited! I love Tae Bo, and it's always nice to have some new tapes to use. I've really slacked off on working out in the past couple of months, so I bought these to help remotivate me. I think it's working! Last night I did the instructional, and even then once he got to the part where you put all the moves you've learned together it's a pretty good workout. I'm going to try the Tae Bo Basics one tonight. (I also did my strength training routine last night). Do any of you do Tae Bo? I think it's so much fun and such an awesome workout.
I wrote my entire journal for today last night hoping that it will make it easier for me to stay OP today. So far so good. I also wrote out a workout schedule for myself for this week, so hopefully that will help as well.
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Jamie

[MelissaL]

Hi everyone!

Karen Sue: Hope everything turns out okay with your tests. They can certainly drag you down.

It's been a complete zoo here the past 2 days--it seems as if there's nothing going and then WHAM! you get hit with numerous things that are going on at the same time. I have to admit though that I like being busy.

Eating wise I've been doing okay although I would like to be doing better. I have been horrible as far as keeping up with my journal this past week and generally when I am scattered like that I tend to eat more than I realize.

Hope everyone is doing well! Meeting day for me tomorrow--I'm looking forward to the "respite" and some time for myself. :)

Melissa

[Scarlett54]

Note! If you are really busy, don't bother reading this Tuesday Evening Trivia.

Well, having just returned from some far off moon (in some sf novel I'm reading while drinking water, of course) I decided I needed a bit of of a reward.

Spurred on by Katie's ability to change her image I decided to try about inserting a photo of myself as my signature icon thingy. {Yes, if anyone's meandered over to Dotti's, once upon a time I used this image there.} This is about the tinest .jpg I had uploaded on my server + so I just went to Profile | Edit and viola! It worked! Only problem? I've now chopped off all my hair!?!? Think buzzzzzzzzz........

Catch you all tomorrow!

Karen Sue...who still has not heard from her doctors...most annoying...

[AustinGal]

'Mornin', all!

I did the basic Tae Bo workout for the first time this morning. (Spur of the moment idea, since I discovered I had a dead battery when I tried to leave this morning for the gym. Did tae bo while waiting for AAA to arrive). I thought it was a fun, strong workout, but I'm skeptical that I got a full 20-minutes of cardio workout. Anybody ever time it? I looked on the tape and cover, and I couldn't find a duration time for the workout.

Not much going on today. It is relatively warm (high 60's) but rainy, cloudy, and GLOOMY! :( Was late to work due to the battery mishap (kids didn't quite close the door well, so the interior lights were on all night). Haven't made it to a WW meeting in months. Keep saying I'll go "next week" but I never make it. Some time soon I am really gonna make a commitment to get to a meeting. Right now, I'd rather spend that precious time working out.

Have a good day, all.

[kt marie]

Hello to all -
My class is ending early today here in Chicago, so I am planning to do some window shopping downtown in Chicago. I may even attend a WW meeting that is held here in the hotel at 12:30. Gives me a reality check on my weight during the week & I get to check out the meetings/leaders in other areas.

I went to eat with a few other people in the class last night & we were discussing how much extra food you eat while out of town. I was agreeing with that fact & that I was trying to keep up with the exercise to combat the extra calories. A young woman (she's 20) said she didn't want to get on the scale when she got back home, but commented to me - "you are so skinny, you shouldn't even have to worry about it." That was so wild to hear - but this person just looks at me & thinks of me as a slim person & would have no idea that a little over a year ago, I was 50 pounds heavier. The comment kinda blew me away - anyone else have this happen to them???

Later,
Katie

[Seasaw]

Yes, katie, I get those remarks from time to time from people who have met me since I dropped 30 lbs. It is wild - I always turn around to see if they are speaking to someone else! I guess that means I'm still a fat girl inside - probably always will be. If I'm doomed to live life that way, so be it, as long as the fat girl doesn't get out!

We are booked for a week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, - leaving March 25th and returning April 1st. To say that I'm excited is an understatement. It's a good thing we are so busy here at work; I might go insane from anticipation otherwise. I put on a pound or two over the weekend so have to make sure it's gone before I don a bathing suit. I will go for my weigh-in the day before we leave, then just enjoy myself for the week. It's an all-inclusive, and I don't intend to hold back from sampling everything on the menu. Thankfully, though, I'm more excited about fresh fruit and fish than anything else. And we'll be swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and doing plenty of walking, so it may balance out.

Got to the gym today for a 35-minute run on the treadmill. That's another reason to celebrate - my gym membership runs out on Mar. 28th and I am not extending it. It's back to running outdoors for this girl, and not a moment too soon. The snowbanks are still miles high, but the sidewalks are at least clear so there's no longer an excuse.

Karen Sue: Hope the test results bring good news.

Gotta run. Take care everyone. Sorry I don't have time to reply to everyone individually. I am checking in and keeping tabs on you guys though. Hope the Thursday lunch in Chicago goes well and that you find each other!

[Jamie]

Austin Gal-
I just bought the instructional tae bo and basic tae bo tape this past weekend. Monday night I did the instructional, and last night I was planning on doing the basic but didn't get a chance to because I had company over until late. Tonight though if all goes well I'll do the basic. I can't wait! I watched part of it the other day and thought it looks like a great, fun workout. Even though it's not really long that's great for me because it makes it easier to find the time to do it. I think it says on the package that it's 27 minutes long, but I'm assuming that includes both the warm up and cool down.
:)

[MelissaL]

Good morning everyone :wave: (I just love these new little icons!)

We are experiencing some unusually balmy weather again today. We're supposed to get up to 50 which is higher than we usually get this time of year. My daffodils, tulips, and crocuses are really starting to take off. I can't wait till they start blooming. The change in the weather is also bringing out my allergies again. Oh well, the cycle continues.

I went to my WW meeting yesterday and weighed in .4 up from last week--no big deal since I'm right in the middle of my TOM. Next week should be better. On the flip side I had a night of insatiable appetite. Nothing was satisfying me and it wasn't pretty. :eek: I think by not eating a balanced lunch after my meeting it really threw things into a tailspin for me. I will plan better for Wednesdays and make sure I eat something that will keep me on track. I didn't feel that hot after munching out on various junk so I'm going to "take the hit and move on" and start fresh today.

I'm hoping the rain holds off here today so I can get outside and get some walking in over the lunch hour to counteract the eating I did yesterday. Only 33 days until I leave for my trip down south and I need to get myself back on track. My goal was to get my weight in the 130's before I leave...just need to focus more on the goal!

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Melissa
161/142/142ww/135 personal

[Jamie]

Well, due to not planning good enough yesterday I ended up going over my max points by 3.5. Could have been alot worse I suppose. Oh well. Today is a new day, right? I didn't end up exercising last night either because for some reason I felt really nauseated and needed to lie down. Before I knew it I was fast asleep. Well got to run ladies. Hope everyone has a great day!

:)

[TonyaLyn]

Hi everyone!

Finally, I get a chance to respond to everyone properly!!!

Jamie ~ Don't worry too much about going over in points, it happens. Try to watch it even better today!

MelissaL ~ Please send me some of your balmy weather, it is 20 something here and snowing!!!! I wish I only gained .4 when it is my TOM, I usually gain 3 pounds that week!! You will be in the 130's before you know it, you are doing terrific! :)

Seasaw ~ Your trip sounds awesome! I am jealous!

Katie ~ Do a little shopping in Chicago for me too, will ya? That is a great compliment to get, you deserve it!!! :)

AustinGal ~ Way to go on the work outs, doesn't it give you so much more energy???? I think so!!

Grace ~ Way to go on the loss!!

Karen Sue & Katie ~ Have fun at your meeting, I wish we all could get together, that would be so much fun!!!

Well, I am still trying to stay OP, but for the last few weeks have been sticking to the high end for points, need to cut back on the eating a bit. But, have been working out faithfully. I feel so much better when I do. I am skipping WI this week since I have TOM, just don't want to see that 3 pound gain.

DH and I are in the process of buying some land to build our dream house, hopefully everything works out, we find out next Monday if our offer is accepted. Wish us luck!!

Today is my last day of work for the week, mom and I are both taking off tomorrow (we both work at the University) and going out for lunch and shopping in Madison. It will be lots of fun.

Well, better get back to it, hope to post later!

Have a great day!!

[lalala]

Hi ladies,

I'm just popping in for a bit. I'm in Melbourne, Victoria for the weekend and its very sticky and muggy. I decided to take respite and delve into my email for my weekly update.

We're having a pretty good time so far on our trip. I'm a bit road weary and sort of excited to be in one place for two nights. Melbourne is a huge city and I'm tired of huge cities.

We spent a very relaxing few days in Tasmania, did some hiking and ate some vegetables, these two things were good for the soul.

I'm hoping the rest of trip is smooth. I think we're going to head out to the beach tomorrow with a good book and a picnic.

On the food front, I can't say that I am having alot of control. New Zealand was great, Australia is proving to be a challenge. We did go to the big fruit market and I found the first organic! market to date. We bought some fruit to go with our tasmanian cheeses.

I am going to hit the gym today at the Y hotel. It should be good.

I hope you are all well. I miss my support group.

more later, next few days perhaps.

lala

[Seasaw]

How wonderful to hear from lalala. Your trip sounds fabulous; enjoy every moment.

Tonya: Isn't it exciting when you're in the midst of land/housing transactions? I don't think I ever had a dream home. I'm currently on home #3 and have enjoyed each of them for the different things they had to offer. I think we'll probably stay with this one at least until retirement (it will take that long to pay for the bathroom renovation). Then maybe we'll trade it in for an RV!

Don't worry too much about 3.5 points Jamie. I could not even begin to estimate how many points I ate yesterday. I count anything in the range of 30 as "on program" for me.

[b]Melissa[.b]: You are doing so well. I just know you will achieve your 130s goal by the time you leave on vacation. I on the other hand have no hope of achieving that before March 25th. Not to worry; I tried on one of my smaller bathing suits this morning and it didn't look half-bad (of course, morning stomach is always the best!). It must be the exercise because it sure isn't healthy eating (not this week, anyway).

[b]AustinGal/b]: How are you doing with Tae Bo? I have never tried it, but it looks like fun.

Finally, I seem to have lost the "smiley" ability with this new server. Where are the icons?

[Scarlett54]

Aargh! Decisions. Decisions. What is the exact right way to go about this? {I know, what is "this"?}

First, before I begin to blither on, I must confess that Katie and I never got a chance to get together yesterday. {Blame the doctors!} But, just in case you all wanted to give out prizes, just sent them north to Wisconsin! Katie is a true friend. While I could not meet with Katie yesterday (details below), I did get a chance to speak with her on the phone. It was at a time when talking was very important. And well, she was just a jewel. So, let's send that girl e-greetings of good cheer + more!

I now have some sad news. Long story as short as possible: 1/Hodgkins Disease (lymphoma) 20 years ago treated with radiation; 2/long term side effect of radiation: breast cancer first diagnosed June 1999; 3/breast cancer reoccurance diagnosed June 2000 (I had a bilateral double mastectomy); and now...{insert your own curse words} the bone scan done last week reveals evidence of "involvement" in the ribs. I spent yesterday tap-dancing through the hospital + just not being very happy.

I will confess: Ben + Jerry's Chocolate Frozen Yogurt for all last night!

Now, I am not going away. But, I just didn't want to post + then not (post for a bit) without some type of explanation. You all are too kind not to deserve some consideration. Oh well, me thinks one of us has to call more MD-types today. I'm looking for volunteers!!

Karen Sue...leaving the landscape of angry red, now entering depressed blue....

[Seasaw]

Karen Sue: Some choice words from me on your behalf %^*#)(@. It is just not fair that you should have to endure so much. Frozen yogurt be da--ed; break out the Hagen Das (ok - I can't spell it) I wish there was something I could do....

[AustinGal]

Good Morning, all. I want to reply to each person personally, but got in too late to take much time. I'll try to type really, really quickly.

Karen Sue - heartfelt commisseration on your bad medical news. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. You've licked it before, you can do it again! I will be sending prayers your way.

Katie - congratulations on the compliment (and the 50-lb loss!) Doesn't it feel great! I get them from time to time, and it really is an eye-opener to know that people who didn't know you before just log as a "trim" person in their mind when they meet you for the first time.

Seasaw - your vacation plans sound divine! The Tae Bo workout is really fun and I think it is a pretty good workout for the upper body (see message to Jamie below). Enjoy your all-inclusive vacation - drink something sweet with an umbrella in it for me!

lalala - if you are out there somewhere, know that I am wishing I were there with you. A book and picnic at the beach ... ahhh.. sounds so incredibly relaxing. Hope you continue to have a wonderful time.

Jamie, thanks for the info on the tape length. I bet you only get about 15 minutes of cardio workout, but it sure is fun. I have been sore all over my upper body the past two days. I usually run, walk, bike, or swim and swimming is the only one that uses any arm strength. The Tae Bo punching and twisting at the waist really gave my arms, lateral stomach muscles, and upper back a good toning up. It is a really fun workout - I will definitely keep the tape around for a quick, fun little workout when I can't work anything else into my day. The tapes made me have a really strong desire to check out a full-hour kickboxing class at my club. I just may do that ... BTW, hope things have calmed down a little with your parents' situation. It seems like they must have by now.

Melissa - it so nice to see your picture. I had, for some reason, envisioned you with longer, darker hair. I have been almost out of control with eating lately and weighed in at a whopping 3 lbs higher this morning than I did on Monday! Some of it must be water retention, but I know that I worked really hard this week at gaining a legitimate lb or two (cheesecake, candy bars, and tortiall chips with queso - what was I thinking??!!) Like you, I am going to take the hit and move on. Stopped at the store after they gym this morning and picked up lots of low-point and healthy foods to stock up with here at work. I commisserate with you on the allergies - I just had a nasty 8-week bout with Cedar Fever here in Austin - it wasn't fun nor pretty!

Tonya - good to hear from ya! Have a great time on your shopping trip with your mother. My mother and I are going to go shopping together on Sunday - I can't wait! I agree that working out gives you much more energy. I have to admit that I am just about addicted to doing workouts in the morning. It gives me more energy and makes me feel better all day. Congrats on the land purchase - how exciting! I will keep my fingers crossed that your offer is accepted.

OK - I spent too much time on that, but I really wanted to catch up with everybody before the weekend. From sunny Austin, over and out ...

[MelissaL]

Hi everyone! Thought I'd put in my 2 cents before I leave for the weekend. It's snowing here again...I'm planning on going home this evening and curling up with a good book and a cup of hot tea, heck maybe I'll even paint my toenails, :lol:

Anyway, on the eating front I think I've finally managed to get back on track. The past couple of days have been bad as far as eating sensibly and I can feel the effects of not eating good.

Karen Sue: I hope things work out for you...I'll keep you in my prayers. You've been through so much already. Try & keep your spirits up.

Austingal: I've always wanted long hair but never had the patience to grow it out. I think the longest I've ever had my hair was touching my shoulders and that was back in 7th grade (many moons ago!). This time of year has been bad for me with allergies...molds are my biggest headache.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone :)