***~~December to Remember Challenge~~***

[hikein2005]

Remember that we're working hard at what needs to be done.
remember that obstacles can be overcome and...
remember that we can do this together!

**This is the 9th and final challenge of 2004**

December is often a difficult time to be on this weight loss journey. Too much and all the wrong foods, lack of exercise and excessive holiday parties often “get in the way” of what we really need to do for ourselves. So this is a perfect time to put yourself first and remember why we are on this journey.


Ralph Marston says:
“Before you consider the difficulties, consider the rewards you'll enjoy after getting past those difficulties. Before looking at the effort you must put forth, look at what you have an opportunity to accomplish.
Yes, there are obstacles that stand in front of you. And the most effective way to get through them is with a meaningful, compelling reason.
Look, in your imagination, to the other side of the mountain. For it is the strength of your vision that will carry you over that mountain.
When your heart is in the effort, you'll find a way to prevail against whatever may block your path. When your heart is in the effort, you'll be fully and effectively engaged every step of the way.
See, hear, feel and taste the end of the journey before you even begin. The more vividly you visualize and relate to the goal, the more energy you'll have to get there.
Difficult as it may be, there is a path from here to there. Connect solidly with your purpose for going, and you'll surely complete the journey.”

Avatars for the "December to Remember Challenge (http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/december.htm)

Whatever your program, whatever your fitness level, you can participate.

Post your goal(s) for the next 4 weeks, and join us for support and encouragement. Anyone is welcome to jump in and join us- please, make yourself at home.

This Challenge thread is a place where we can all come to share our progress, our struggles, our triumphs, and to cheer on those who are committed to a healthier lifestyle, and to just talk!

Remember the goal, Remember yourself and remember that we are all here together!

[**Jennifer**]

I've had too many distractions and issues that I keep letting get in the way of my goals, and my health. I backslid, and in a big way. Not good. Doing this month after month, after such a strong start...I'm embarrassed to say I'm not doing anything that I know I should be doing. I can't do it without my planning, and my chickies. I need the accountability.

So, before the holiday pressures start, I need to focus again, and get things back in gear. Consider it "practice" to be down a few pounds by January 1, 2005, and have something to celebrate in the new year.

Things I HAVE to do for myself:

Food:
*Stay on plan
*Prepare in advance
*Bad meal days:
Christmas- better choices, but able to have a small "taste" of some
of the bad stuff.
New Year's Eve- champagne toast at midnight, and hors d'ourves,
within reason. small snack-like meals during the day to minimize damage

Water:
*72 oz water before I leave work each day (3 24oz glasses) minimum!
*Limit caffeine to 1 cup of tea & 1 can of diet coke, daily.
*Keep Crystal Light & Kool Aid made with Splenda on hand at all times

Exercise:
*Exercise a minimum of 5 days each week
*Get re-acquainted with my exercise bike NOW

Misc:
*Journal food & exercise every day-and 3FC just added special areas to
their journal entries for tracking both....how cool is that???
*NO MORE EXCUSES- enough is enough!

I can do this...I HAVE done this...time to get back to that.

[chocolots]

Hi,
I'm new. I started my weight loss journey 3 years ago after my last child was born. ( I have 3 children ..ages 16,15 and 3) A month after I had him I weighed 222. I went to the gym and managed to get down to 170 in a year. Over the next year my weight fluctuated between 180 and 160. Finally in my 3rd year my weight has fluctuated between 170 and 146. Yes...I got down to 146 and said WOOOHOO and then jumped back up to 165. The weight I currently am. I feel a great weight range for me would be 140-150 max.( I'm 5'5") I would love to be 150 by Christmas. I'm gonna have to hit it hard! Ultimately I would like to be 140 by Jan 31st for a cruise my dh and I will be taking! Hubba, Hubba! Also!! My 20th high school reunion will be this year! And I would OHHHHHHHHH SOOOOOOOOOO LOVE for everyone to speculate if I have had plastic surgery because I couldn't possibly look that Great after 3 kids and damned near 40! LOL! So...Please tell me what I need to do to join in because I'm ready for the challenge!!

Happy Holidays!
Janet 222/167/150 then 140

Progress Pictures :
http://chat.provida.com/forum/photosearch.asp?memfilter=chocolots
You can click on the pic for a better view of the destruction and construction. LOL!
I was 30 in the wedding photo

Janet
222/167/140-150

[scorchin]

I would love to join....
My goals:
Stay on my ww point range
Drink at least 5 glasses of water daily
Exercise at least 150minutes a week
Keep up my food journal
Lose some pounds

[miss_elisha]

You know I'm here, chickies!

Goals:
Exercise 4-5 days per week
Keep calories around 1500 per day
Drink as much water as possible
Eat more fruits and veggies
Lose whatever pounds decide to be lost :D

[MsRD]

Evening all! :wave:

OK....I'm in. Goals for December are pretty basic.....I just want to maintain. sorry if that sounds lame,:sorry: but I know the temptations are going to be great....and there is no reason to set an unattainable goal. It will be enuf for me just to hold steady. Since I do know that I will indulge, I have to combat the results with a plan:
exercise EVERY day
60-oz of water at least 5 days a week
cut out the diet coke (this is getting easier and easier)
monitor every morsel going into my mouth

Jenn.....Life happens...:shrug:.....you have probably figured that part out already. But we have to make our healthy living plan a second nature, like breathing. So, when life jerks us around, our plan is not jeopardized.

Julie.....Thank you for the Marston quote..:thanks:...a great idea to focus on the long term goal instead of getting bogged down in the daily details. great avatars, by the way!

Janet.....Welcome! :) It is always nice to see a new face! You will find plenty of support here at this site

Scorchin.....you have a great plan going there, chickie! I like the idea :idea: of a weekly personal goal!

Elisha.....you are halfway to your goal.....keep up the momentum! You did great on the last 100-mile challenge. :dancer: I am proud of you!

And the rest of you!....get in here and join our merry little band! We all need to encourage one another :goodvibes: to make this next goal a reality!

[gabwill]

Well I am in. I haven't ben posting lately nor even exercising. With my husband having problems and Jasmine being sick, it has been hard to keep up with what I was doing before. I am ready to get started again. I am at the same weight I was before... 145 and want to be down 5 lbs by the end of the year. That was my goal for Thanksgiving but I will make it my goal again since I didn't get far at all on that.

My plan? Watch what I eat... portion control. Drink mostly waterand lots of it... limit my soda intake since I got back to drinking one a day. Workout 6 days a week (Taebo 3 days with situps and pushups and maybe a walk and run the other 3 for 30 minutes to an hour-intervals if I want it. Also adding squats to it some days) And get enough rest... sort of going to be hard to do since hubby is back on nights and wakes me up when he gets in. Limit myself to the TV and read only 1 hour a day... if laying down that is. And bring Jasmine to the park for about 2 hours a day if weather allows.

Hope that I can make it to my goal this time. Haven't made my other goals but will work real hard to make this one. This will be the real test to see if I can make my long term goal by date that I have in mind.

[sweetnsassyfied]

i have been interested in joining a challenge for so log now! but it seems i always find them after they begin which triggers my old tapes.... but i got here right on the fringes of begin. YAY!

my goals:

stay within my point range

drink 2 1/4 litres of water a day ( i have a 3/4 litre water bottle, so thats only 3 a day.... water has been the hardest bit for me to get back into the groove with)

exercise: 30 minute walk minimum 5 days a week. and you would think with that adorable pooch of mine this should be easy. but noooooooo with old man winter breathing down our necks and my procrastinating ways...... did you know that later turns into really late?? ~laughing~

journaling: i am excellent at writing everything i eat. what i do not excel at is..... making sure i get adequate amount of the right foods. like 5 fruit/veggies a day, and 2 milk servings. so i will be meticulous in this area!

and like miss_elisha.......... lose whatever weight decides to be lost. for me that would be a perk for doing what i should be doing.


i am really looking forward to not only this, but getting to know you ladies as well!!

sincerely,
sassy

[squabb56]

Hey everybody :wave: I'm IN :yes:

My goals for the month of December (and hopefully forever new habits)

1. Eat within points range DAILY

2. Get some form of exercise DAILY
I don't want to discount some of the things I need to get done before Christmas (like painting and heavy duty cleaning) as exercise. Because sometimes it's one or the other and being an all or nothing kinda person I have to be able to count it so I'm on track (does this make sense :crazy:)

3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water (or herbal tea)[DAILY I've been really shirking on the water since the weather has turned colder.

4. Keep in touch here (good or bad) DAILY


5. Journal DAILY Love the new exercise and food logs on the journal site.

6. Become better organized (nothing to do with weight, but everything to do with self esteem)

7. I would like to (WILL) lose five pounds in the month of December .

Today I moved a lot of furniture :strong: (in anticipation of painting our master bedroom and ensuite). After dinner DH and FIL went for a brisk 3 mile walk. I stayed OP having (with the exception of a stick of game pepperoni which I'm not sure how many points it has) 23 of 28 points so far. I've had 6 glasses of water and 1 herbal tea so far (I'm off to get another). I've had my quota now... :lol3: I'm trying to become more organized by becoming a "flybaby"...

Thanks for starting this post and for that incredible quote, Hikein. I will try to read it each day when I log in.... :encore:

I look forward to working with you all .... Hikein and Jennifer and Chocolots and Scorchin and MsRD abd Miss Elisha and Sweetandsassified and gabwill and any others that join. Together WE CAN!

I know that for me personally December is an incredibly difficult month. So much around -- and I have so little will power (especially if I'm hungry). There's always candy around the office, I think I will bring in some sugar free candy - maybe that will help. I've already turned down a cookie party.... because I don't want to have the goods in the house or make a bunch. Being Type II I'm not supposed to eat it anyways.... :shrug: It's tough tho.... cause it's kinda also a family event and a chance to visit with female family members.... we'll see...

Anyways.... I better go do my journalling. I'm going to weigh myself tomorrow (I don't usually weigh other than Wed. at WW) morning to see if I lost my eight pounds in November before my anniversay (goal). I think I may be close.... wish me luck.;)

:grouphug:
:-J

[miss_elisha]

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 7

Feeling pretty good this morning. My muscles are a little sore though, for some unapparent reason. Probably lack of exercise.

I weighed in this morning at 197, which means I'm down 2 pounds. Don't know how that happened. My weight fluctuates more than... I dunno, something that fluctuates a lot. :D Now if I can just drink my water and eat right and keep it going downward, then we'll be in good shape. Literally.

Man, I'm a dork this morning. And I'm ok with that.

I'd love to be 195 by New Years. Heck, I'd love to be 190 by New Years, but let's be realistic. It's December. It's going to be hard enough to lose 2 pounds, let alone 7.

I had a nice relaxing weekend with the BF, but now I feel like it's crunch time. I've got the GRE coming up, and applications to fill out, and Christmas stuff, and work's going to be busy, and on and on and on. That reminds me, have to go get some recommendations this week... See what I mean?

And I'm thinking, I don't really want to go back to school. But there is no other way to get to where I want to be, so I don't really have a choice. I don't really want to exercise either, but again, it's the only way to get to where I want to be, so I guess I'll have to do it eventually.

Ok, Elisha, enough complaining! There's too much to do to be sitting around whining about everything that needs done!

So, off I go to do something. Have a healthy day, everyone!
~Elisha

[miss_elisha]

Is anyone thinking of a December exercise challenge? If anyone is up for it, let me know and I'll set it up. I'm thinking of an Aerobic Exercise Only challenge (which just means that our daily pedometer miles won't count, unless we're actually walking specifically for exercise and not because we have to), though I'd lower the goal to, say, 50 miles in one month, where 15 minutes = 1 mile for those not walking (or however long it takes you to actually walk a mile at the same intensity).

My reasoning for that is that I get in plenty of pedometer miles, but none of it is actually exercise, it's just my normal daily walking. The point of exercise is to work your body over and above what you normally do, so if you normally walk 4 miles in your daily routine, it's not considered exercise. So I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, if I set an actual exercise goal, I'll be more motivated to actually workout.

Anyway, let me know what you think!
~Elisha

[hikein2005]

Oh, I am sooooo HERE!!!!! Of course! I mean...I did set up (with Jennifer's help, BTW...aren't those avatars awesome?...and the title...where would we be without her?) this challenge, so I need to get my goals in gear!

I could just copy and paste my goals from the last few months, but then nothing would change, would it? So I am giving some thought to my goals now...serious thought!

Where DO I want to be? I want this to be natural for me...to enjoy healthy eating and exercise...daily...at a weight which my body is comfortable with. It may be that is more than I REALLY want to weight, but hey...my body knows, right? But I don't think for a woman of 5'2" at 43 years age, 130 is too much to ask...do you? But for this challenge, I want to maintain where I am at and even lose a couple if I can! I weighed today at 172!!!! OUCH!!! That's the highest I've been since this summer and THAT, my friends, is coming OFF this week!!! If I can get back down to 168 by Dec 13, which is VERY doable), then I will concentrate on maintaining that through the rest of the month...and if I should lose more...well then...that will be a bonus! I will certainly work on that!

How DO I visualize myself at the end of the journey? I want to look good in certain clothes...dresses, jeans, BATHING SUIT, shorts and sleeveless blouses! I want to be able to keep up when I am 50 (and that's not so far away, either) with my daughter when she wants to run on the beach or go for a bike ride or hike in the woods!

What IS the REASON I am doing this? For ME! For no one else but me because I am worth so much more than being overweight for the rest of my life!!!!!! :)


What ARE the obstacles? Lack of self control, laziness, procrastination, disorganization which leads to procrastination...pain and fatigue at times...I'm sure there is more and I will get back to those!

What are the REWARDS? Great heavens! We all know the rewards, don't we? A body that men will look at ;) (not that I'm looking for that, but it sure is a nice reward!), a body that will look good in clothes, the ability to do what I want to do without pain or fatigue, self worth and self esteem--knowing that *I* did it and no one (except me) could stop me!!!! :)

So I need to keep the focus and keep striving for more because I am so worth it! I need to be accountable...to myself first and to all of you as well!

It's great to see all of you here...some familiar faces and some new ones! The goals look good!

Elisha...I'm all over that challenge! I'm with you on the pedometer miles...it doesn't motivate me like I thought it would...so if you set it up, I'll be there!

[dilleight]

Heya

Here's my plan:

1. Journal!
2. When I get home (sat) go to aerobics twice a week and rebound at least once.
3. Average under 1600 calories a day each week.

This week, I want to not totally give up although it isn't going to be on plan!

Dill

[chaoticfish]

Goody goody gumdrops! I joined 3FC after the first of November so I've been waiting for Decembers challenge to be posted so I could join in with the fun, heh. What I'd like to accomplish for December is:

Exercise: I walk everyday now but I wanna get in the habit of also lifting weights and riding my stationary bike CONSISTENTLY 3 times a week each. I only do that sporadically right now.

Water: I've kinda slacked off. I need to start drinking at least 64oz a day again. Oddly I feel better and seem to lose more when I drink a lot of water?

Pounds: I wanna weigh 180 by January 1st which would start my new year out with a 100 pound weight loss :D

I'd like to thank everyone here for their support and kindness. There's not a lot of that in the world anymore. We all know what it's like and how hard it is and I'm glad we have this place to come where everyone else is in the same boat. Good luck with all our December challenges!

[MsRD]

Hello All :wave:

Today was great.....breakfast was cereal & milk & tea.....lunch was carrot sticks and granola bar and pineapple......mid afternoon was orange juice......dinner was turkey & potatoes& dressing & cranberry relish (yes, a Thanksgiving re-run! :lol:) I have pretty much kicked the 9pm snack habit....and when I indulge, it is something at least semi-nutritous. Water was right on plan....over 70-oz!

Gabrielle......welcome back! I have missed you! :cool: Sorry to hear of DH problems and Jasmine being sick......hope they are feeling better! Through all of this, you still maintained.....how great is that!

Sassy.....welcome! We are always happy to have new folks in our group. :) You will find using a water bottle will help immensely with your water intake......my bottle is just 20-ounces. I go through 1 bottle on the commute to/from work.......one more mid morning thru lunch.....and one more late afternoon....and then I am up to 60-oz!

Joy....December is going to be hard for me too...:cookie:..I bake a lot for the holidays. This year, I am going to cut it back to just 2 or 3 different treats.....which go into the freezer (out of sight, out of mind) immediately.....and don't come out until the guests are on the doorstep.

Elisha.....I like the idea of an aerobic challenge where 15 minutes = 1 mile. I do the aerobics anyway...:dancer:....so maybe this would keep me on track EVERY day.

Dill......you've got a good plan there! And I like your "not totally giving up" attitude...:sunny:....even when the week has been less than stellar, you can still salvage it by not giving up!

ChaoticFish.....Welcome! Glad you could join us! You will get a lot of encouragement and support here...:grouphug:....because we completely understand the struggles you are going thru.

It has been Monday all day...:spin:...and, as much as I would like relax in the easy chair, there is still a whole list of things still to be done tonight!

[miss_elisha]

Evening chicks!

Well, today was a bust. Don't know what happened, but none of it was good for my diet. Except I did drink a good bit of water with lemon in it, and I still am drinking it.

And I did get in some studying, and there's more of that to come too, and I made an appointment to go speak with an old advisor. Actually, I asked him #1 for a recommendation, and #2 for advice on different programs/schools, and he replied that he would be happy to speak with me, so I don't know if I'm getting the recommendation or not (we had some differences my last year). Hopefully my other advisor, the one I *really* want to talk to, will have some time to chat, preferrably also on Thursday, but she hasn't emailed me back yet, so we'll have to wait and see with that one. You know, even if I don't get a recommendation from that other guy, there are lots of profs in the department who would be happy to give me a glowing recommendation. So :P to him!

Well, I was going to exercise tonight, but I just finished dinner, and it's 9:20, and in an hour it will be too late to exercise. Besides that, I have more studying to do, and I have to get up early. BOO! for Christmas shopping season retail hours! Oh well, at least I get off reasonably early too.

Ok, I'm done rambling for the night. I will have the aerobic challenge up and running tomorrow, but right now, time for more studying! Bleh...
Have a good night, chicks.
~Elisha

[squabb56]

Hi Everyone :wave:

Today was a so-so day eating and exercise wise. It is our anniversary and Mom & Dad took us out for dinner to Montana's (rib place). I ate fairly light during the day. Went for a short 20 minute walk during my morning break. For dinner I had diet coke, french onion soup, ribs, about 3/4 of a baked potato (with the works ... oops) and a small bowl of coleslaw. Skipped desert. Because we were out no exercise done tonight. Walked around a furniture stores after dinner.

IT IS SNOWING here in Vancouver, which is pretty unusual. It's so funny because when DH & I got married it was a fine day and all of a sudden during our reception it started to snow. Back 29 years ago there was a lot more drinking and driving and we had more than one of our guests in the ditch (some more than once) on their way home, luckily noone got hurt or hurt anyone else. ( I don't know what we were thinking back then. I'm so glad we are more responsible now. Thanks to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and other advocates.) But the first snow, on Nov. 29th, brings fond memories with it.

I'm up for a exercise challenge too. I think I'll be taking a break from the gym, wasn't going that often anyways. I want to focus on spending more time with DH and exercising, walking and going to the pool as something we do together. We are doing WW together and have found that it is working well, giving us something in common to talk about and we can support each other which makes us stronger and closer. It's a good thing.

I got on the scale this morning and weighed 225 which is 4 pounds lighter than I was at WW last week, but I don't trust the weight (I'll confirm on Wed). But I do think that I met my goal of 8 pounds in November (was at 5.6 last week). I'll let you know what the scale fairy says on Wednesday.

Sounds like everyone is well on their way towards their goals for December. It is really good to renew your goals, focus on specific area and reflect on your successes in small bites (pardon the pun) or should I say in snapshots to reinforce your positive gains.

Hugs to everyone

:grouphug:
:-J

[chocolots]

I just started a few days ago and weighed 167 then so I'll weigh in next Sunday.

Congrats to all the losses,
Janet

[scorchin]

everyone sounds like they have really wonderful plans....
Tomorrow the 1st Lets get started ladies...

[MsRD]

Evening all! :sunny:

Today was ok.....didn't feel too good, so food and water were a little off. :halffull: Feeling better now, so I will get in some exercise tonight!

Elisha.....you keep studying, girl, and make us proud! Remember you need study breaks.....on the treadmill, maybe? :tread: A little exercise will keep the blood flowing to the brain, y'know!

Joy.....Happy Anniversary! :love: How nice to be taken out for dinner! Sounds like you planned for it, and didn't stray that far from your plan. Good job!

Janet.....you got your starting weight, got your plan.....We can do this! :high:

Scorchin.....how is your day going? :)

They are predicting snow again tonight.....3-6". Tomorrow is the first, which means, all the month end reports, AR statements to be sent out....then, after work, I have a car club board meeting. I am not going to get anything done around the house tomorrow, so better get it done tonight!

[scorchin]

Today went well went walking for 3miles with my sister. Also am staying in my point range. water is great today.
Yesterday was a little tough first day of school so they order pizza I am proud to say I only had one slices but my water intake was very low yesterday...
talk to ya laterz,
heather

[gabwill]

well yesterday was alright. I got in a 30 minute run. Not much else though. And today I did my circuit training... some of it. I was supposed to do 5 rounds but only did 2. Jasmine was sort of on me the entire time so didn't finish... besides, some of the stuff I was doing I hadn't done in a long time so I couldn't do it all. Didn't do taebo either today since I couldn't get that time to myself. John didn't get much sleep before having to go back to work (2-3 hours total) and so didn't get our room so couldn't get that in but will do it tomorrow after my hour of intervals.
Other then that, eating was alright and moving all day so that should count for something. Water was good and even got my daughter to drink ALOT too. Too much I think but that is alright especially if she gets sick from her flu shot she got today.

[miss_elisha]

Evening ladies!

Sorry I was MIA this morning--had to work early, and lots of stuff to do before work. I don't really know what to say about today. No exercise, too much food, but not incredibly unhealthy food, so it's ok. And I did drink plenty of water with lemon. And my pedometer is at 6.09 miles right now. And I'm tired.

I'm going to set up the Exercise Challenge right after I finish this post. However, I must warn you, I'm not feeling particularly creative this evening, so don't expect any incredibly inspirational pep talk. :D

Ok, I need to study, so I'm going to set up the Challenge, then hit the books. Have a good night chicks, and I'll be back with quotes and questions tomorrow morning.
~Elisha

[lameducklucy]

Hey all! You know I'm totally here. :D

My PC, however, is broken at the moment. I'm stealing my hubby's laptop to let y'all know I'm alive and kickin'. :D

Hopefully my personal PC will be in working order by the end of this week, but if not... I AM actually around, and I'm sticking to my plan! :D Saturday morning is my dietician's appt., and I'll be posting what she says!

Welcome to all the new chickies, and hugs all around! Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving and are getting into gear for this awesome challenge!!!! LET'S KICK SOME MAJOR BUTT THIS CHALLENGE!!! YEA!! :D

[squabb56]

Evening all :wave: probably will be morning all for some :lol:

Another OK day. Drank about 6 cups of water/tea today. Only went for a walk for my morning break (.5 mile). Somehow tired today and didn't feel like doing more. Had a good day food wise. We ate dinner earlier than usual and had a tough time with munchies, but had a WW bar and popcorn (and a bite or two of kolbasa) but I still came in OP.

Hope you're feeling better MsRD. Thanks for all your support, I appreciate it.

Glad to hear from you Lameduck. Good for you, sticking to your plan. I found it really helpful when I went to the dietician this fall. Lots of helpful information.

Really sound like you've got the exercise habit well in tow Scorchin'. What's your secret? :?:

Sounds like alot of use need the focus on exercise. Thanks, in advance, Elisha for setting up the exercise challenge. I'm going to check it out right now. :workout:

[Dangereuse]

I'd like to join your challenge for December. I just joined this forum yesterday, and I joined a gym yesterday also.

December Goals: Lose four pounds...start drinking water...start exercising...

I should be more specific, I know. I'll work on that today!

[scorchin]

Lameduck- That great news ur sticking to plan.
squabb-I have no secret except I make me, hubby, and sister go workout atleast 5times a week.I think it helps having people u know workout with u.
Dangereuse- Your goals sound great and welcome....
hubby and I have school tonight, I feel like I will screw up the food thing we have a 10minute break to eat and the only thing there is vending machines or a snappy snacks truck and they only have fried foods. I think today me and sis are going to try the circuit training class at the rec center; if I'm feeling better woke up with a sore throat and bad cough.
Well I'm off to find my cough drops,
Heather

[StarAngel2528]

Hey, I'd like to join . . .

My Goals:
1. Exercise 5 days a week
2. Drink 6 glasses of water a day
3. Be able to go 30 minutes, nonstop, on the ellipical by the end of the month
4. Explore new fruits and vegtables
5. Join ONEderland

[LKTS]

Hi all,
I'd love to join the challenge. My goals:
1. Food perfectly on-plan from 12/2-12/19 (includes 2 free meals a week)
2. Drink > 2L water / day
3. Officially join the gym & follow exercise plan (3 days weights & HIIT, 1 day pilates, 1 day hiking, 1 day Nia)
4. Work to get below 200# by 12/19
5. Reduce caffeine intake to 2 green tea / day and stop buying diet pop
6. During vacation in Hawaii 12/20-1/1, eat thoughtfully & with awareness

I'll be here with updates later. Good luck to everyone.

[**Jennifer**]

Hey chickies...just a fast post on my first day. I did very well up u ntil 3pm, when I had stress induced M&Ms. I WILL burn them off tonight, with WATP, or the bike, or something. But it was that, or choke Monica. Only 40 hours until my interview, and I hope I get an offer. I hope, I hope, I hope. Otherwise, I might just up & quit. And then, what would everyone do with me here, and a captive audience all day. ;)

I swear...I need a vacation. Friday, after my interview, I think I am going to take a bubble bath & read in the tub- cosmo & other girlie, trasy magazines, and just de-stress from the crap from this past month. And then on Saturday, we have to go up to the builder & start picking colors & getting that part done. Woo Hoo- we're getting closer! :)

I'll check back tonight when I can read & comment....hope everyone is off to a great start!

[sherybaby]

Hi girls!
I'd love to join you in your challenge! I can use all the support I can get! So here's my goals!

1. Lose 10 lbs by Dec. 31st
2. Stay w/in pts every day
3. Journal each and every bite I take1!!!!!
4. Workout 4-5 times a week
5. Not to get depressed and screw up more if I have a bad day!

Thanks girls!

[gabwill]

well I did get 40 minutes of exercise today. I feel good but it was hard. I really pushed myself. I did do a 10 minute mile which I never thought that I would be able to do. I want to bring it up to 3 10 minute miles at once but I am very satisfied with 1 ten minute mile for now. I will work my way up to it. Just a couple of weeks ago doing 4.0 for 30 minutes was hard. Now it is a walking speed for me. Feels good.
I didn't do much of anything else since I really didn't feel too well today. Anyway, good luck to everyone else.

[hikein2005]

to this group and to myself! I am stressed in my job and that is no excuse for me to eat crappy and not exercise! I woke up late this morning...was going to work out before work, but overslept! My feet are killing me tonight, heels hurt?...and last night! I have heaps of laundry that need to be folded and redried (you know the routine...) and...I just made a pan of brownies! :cry:

I hear the words of motivation...I understand them...yet I can't seem to follow what the words are saying...like a bad dream where everything around you is moving and you can't move! Ever have one of those kinds of dreams? I am once again going to try tomorrow to get up early and workout! That means going to bed early tonight...before 11:30!!! That means really getting up and working out...not just sitting like a lump on the couch staring at my christmas tree with a cup of java!!!! :coffee:

Sorry this is such a downer of a post on the first day of this challenge! I WILL make tomorrow a better day! Here's what my body took in today (if I can remember!)

B-fast: 2 cups coffe w/ creamer
Lunch: Starving by then, of course...had some roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes and corn from work...and a slice of pound cake with strawberries! A can of REAL Coke!!!! :eek:
Supper: Salad w/ grilled chicken, regular fattened dressing, cheese...thank God for hubby tonight!
Snack: a warm brownie from the oven!

Anyone have any idea if I were doing WW, how many stinkin points that all would be???

Water: about 50 oz. so far and that's about all I will have...going to bed soon!

Exercise: Didn't wear my pedometer! Standing on my feet all day decorating for the Holidays at work! Have I mentioned how much I HATE Christmas???? This job stresses me out! I really need to find a new job!!!

Tomorrow I will:
*Eat breakfast, some cottage cheese & fruit at least!
*Fill my water glass at work and carry it around if I have to and drink from it and refill it several times daily!
*Get my butt up at 6am and do some aerobic exercise! (*Note to self, set alarm!!!!!)
*Make healthier choices for lunch. Going to go out for lunch! It's "pay day"!
*Take brownies to work and share with friends and freeze a few of them individually for DD to have for lunches!

There, I have planned, so I can't fail, right???

Gab...way to go on the workout! Glad you are getting back on track...you make it seem so easy!

Sherybaby...Welcome! We'd love to have you join!

Jennifer...glad to see you here! Those darned M&M's!!! How many did you eat??? LOL!

LKTS...Goals sound great! Hawaii sounds even better! Can I come along?

StarAngel...Welcome and Good luck with the eliptical! I'm sure you will make it! Let us know about the fruits and veggies!

Heather...keep up the momentum chickie! You are doing awesome...and you are right...it does help to have someone to workout with and be on this journey!

Dangereuse...Chime in whenever you can...we are here rooting for ya!

Joy...Great job staying OP! I'm proud of you! You are doing so well!

Lucy...Hope you get back up on line soon! We miss you!

Elisha...Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest...we don't want you sick while you have so much going on...and it's so easy to do!!! Thanks for setting up the exer cise challenge. I'll be over there soon! I promise!

MsRD...Looks like Mother Nature brought you a present last night! ;) We got about 2 inches, but most of it is gone now! Hey chickie...glad you are feeling better! Hope your day went without a hitch today! :)

Have a great night chickies! Hugs toa ll!

[sparked]

Well I'm back. Last month was a total failure for me. I had too many emotional things going on and ended up gaining 3 pounds. I have to do this for me now. I can't go on this way anymore. I am constantly thinking of what I should be doing 24 hours a day but I can never seem to stay on plan. I journaled tonight and wrote out my plan of action for tomorrow. One day at a time. I went out and got some diet pills. Not because I think that those will do it on their own but a few years ago when I had some it was mainly a motivational tool for me. It motivated me to stay on plan and eat right and exercise. It gave me the energy I needed in the start up to go and exercise. I am hoping that they will motivate me this time too.

I haven't had a chance to read through any of the entries in this new thread yet as I just got road runner installed at home today but I will when I am done with this. Hope everyone is well and ready for December!!! I'm glad to be back with you chicks for another challenge!! My main goal for this month is to not give up and keep with it. If I have a bad night pick myself right back up and get back at em!!

[squabb56]

Hi everyone :wave:

Had another OP day. WI tonight - down 2.4 pounds Yea! No exercise today at all. Felt kinda crappy & cold... I hope I'm not coming down with something. Decided to quit the gym.... I never go anyways. I want to do more with hubby so we'll walk and go to the pool together. Hmmm... thinking of it I won't be able to exercise tomorrow either - class night. I go straight from work. I don't think I'll have time in the morning, if I get up too early I'll be snoozing in class. Three more to go.... actually two plus the final exam!

Hope you have a better day tomorrow Hikein. Try writing down your goal(s) you have for this month on one side of a piece of paper and across from them on the other side the things you need to commit to doing to reach those goals. Keep it handy as a reminder....

Welcome, Sherrybaby (I always want to start singing when I see your handle) :lol3: Great set of goals you have there - keep us up date on how you're doing with them. Do you have a plan on how you're going to meet these goals?

Hi Kelly, glad to see you back.

Well, as usual its late.... and I still have lots to do tonight ... so I'll say goodnight

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 3

My motivation is just plain gone. I start thinking of all the stuff I have to do ASAP and I get so overwhelmed and I don't want to do anything. But if I don't think about it, I won't do it, and that would be even worse. What's a girl to do? That last thing I want to do is put on my workout clothes and climb on the stairclimber. One good thing is that we have approximately NO food in our house, so eating can't be a total disaster! :lol:

Today is the day I go speak with some old professors. I'm not particularly looking forward to this, but I guess if it will help me then I will go.

Ok, I've just been sitting here staring at the blinking cursor for about 8 minutes, so I guess I'm going to wrap this up and go get something done. I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
~Elisha

[MsRD]

Hello All :)

It has been a rough couple of days.....just too much going on! I swear they are making the days shorter all the time.....or maybe I am just moving slower than I used to :lol3:

Scorchin.....Way to go on the pizza control! :jeno: I'm proud of you!

Gab.....you are the exercise queen...:strong:..you inspire me!

Lucy.....condolences on the ailing PC. Nothing like being 'offline' to make us realize our real addiction to the cyber world. :comp: I am looking forward to what the dietician has to say!

Joy.....Nothing is better than having a day OP! Hurray! :cloud9:

dangereuse......welcome! :) You have a good startup plan......hope you like your gym!

Starangel......you have some great goals to get you started! What new fruits and veggies are you experimenting with? :chef:

Laura.....welcome! Hawaii for Christmas? Lucky you!.....have a wonderful time!

Jenn.....ahhh, yes, the dreaded M&M attack! :m: I guess if it averted bloodshed in the office then it may be worth it.

Sherry.....We love new people! Glad you're here! :D You have some great goals, but I especially like #5.....sometimes a little slip-up can be magnified into a bad day, but only if you let it!

Julie......I hear you, chickie....it is so easy to get caught up in the everyday stuff we have to do and forget to take care of ourselves...:grouphug:....you will be successful only if you keep on trying! I know you can do it!

Sparked.......So glad you are back.....I have missed you! Journalling sounds like a neat idea.....make sure you set short term goals and long term goals too!

Squabb.......down 2.4 pounds! :goodscale: Great job! hope you are not coming down with something.....a little extra rest and keep guzzling that water!

Have been doing good with the aerobics..:dancer:..water has been ok (have to remember my water bottle tomorrow).....food has been good......well, until tonight, when I caved and had a piece of hot fudge cake. I won't tell you how really delicious it was.....but it was definitely worth the slip-up! :rolleyes:

Well.....gotta get some exercise in.....along with more water. Haven't got anything to wear tomorrow, so probably should work some laundry in there somewhere.....:wave:

[hikein2005]

Aaaaahhhhh! I really think that i am depressed about my job! I don't even want to go to work anymore! I am overloaded, underpaid and unappreciated! I have decorated for Christmas all week (in case you didn't know or forgot, I'm an Activity Director in a Nursing Home) and I am soooo sick of Christmas! How can I be sick of Christmas? I have a 5 year old who is loving it this year!!!!

I hate the fact that I haven't had a minute to myself this week (except for the time I spend on the computer to post!). Was going to get up early this morning...and did! Then DD decided to get up 10 minutes later and she needed some attention, so I didn't get my workout in as planned! Then I decided I would walk after I took her to school and go to work. Well, turns out the sidewalks were all iced up and I didn't want to fall on my a** down the block!!! So I didn't exercise, but I did get in over 11,00 steps today! When I got home, I realized we needed a few things from the grocery store, so away I went!!! Then I got home and tucked DD into bed, read her stories, talked with her about her day (missing my only show of the week-Survivor) and then realized I needed to fold the laundry that had been sitting in baskets all week! I was tired of looking at it and I know that it could have waited another day but someone had to fold it!!!

I will be glad for Saturday morning when I can sleep in (yea right...you KNOW that never happens when you plan for it!) and have a day (or even a few minutes) to myself!!!

I don't like that I am being so negative. I want to thrilled about Christmas and get into the spirit, but I just can't! I don't even care if my Christmas shopping gets done or not! I really need a new job!!! Have I mentioned this? I know this is what is dragging me down...it wouldn't be as bad, but there is NO ONE who is willing to help with anything unless I BEG them !!! But geesh...why should I have to beg? They work there too!!! OUr holiday Christmas party is tomorrow night and I am NOT going! Thankfully, I have another engagement!

You all don't even want to know what I ate today! I'm pitiful! But let's just say that I ate less than I planned for supper, which is a good thing! Water is up from yesterday...I'm pretty sure I got in more than 60 oz. today! Could do lots better, but I'm trying! No time to drink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to start having a "Happy Hour" at work around 2pm with real alcohol!!! ;)

Tomorrow I will try again to exercise...no promises though!

OH...one more thing...does anyone else find this LowerMyBills.com snake advertisement annoying and eerie as much as I do?????????? I really, really don't like looking at it!

That's it for now! Sorry for the negativitiy. I promise to be more positive from now on or I won't post!!!

[hikein2005]

Some of you don't know that there is an article thread, so here's one everyone needs to read!!!! Especially me! I will read and re-read this one!!!

article (http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/archives.asp?id=10ml3p1a34)

[gabwill]

well today didn't go as well as planned. I didnt' do much. Well, I should say, I didn't do any exercise. I am sore from yesterday and didn't really have the motivation to do it. Instead, we went to town today and I got a hair cut. That alone makes me feel 2 lbs lighter although they only took of 3-5 inches in most spots. I like the cut and don't mind the person who did it. I am very picky about who does my hair and it is the first time I let anyone touch it since I have been in cali (a year next month) so it was time I got over that and let someone do it for me.

Hikein- it really isn't that simple. I try to come up with all sorts of excuses not to do it and today it actually worked since I didn't do anything that I had planned on. In the end, I know the excuses aren't hurting anyone but myself and most of the time I do what needs to be done, but I still complain throughout the workout regardless of the fact.

Joy- good job on the weight loss. Keep up the good work.

[sparked]

Today was a good day. So I didn't meet all the goals that I set for myself for the day but I didn't do too bad. I overslept so I didn't wake up in time to exercise. The good thing about my office is that it used to hold 5 attorneys and a few staff but now that it is just boss and me we have a lot of extra room. when he went to lunch today I walked the length of our offices for 20 minutes. Even got my heartrate up!! When I got home I avoided going right to the kitchen and cleaned house for about 2 hours. Sweat dripping off of me. Made a few trips to the basement and out to the garbage bin. It's not so bad living on the third floor afterall when you are trying to get any sort of exercise in! Food today wasn't bad either.
B - orange
L - salad with leftover grilled chicken
D - 1 slice pizza, small bowl of salad with more leftover chicken in it; then I made a chicken salad with the rest of the leftover chicken for bf and d's lunch tomorrow. I cut a 1/2 of a bagel in half and had about 1 tablespoon of the chicken in that.
Over all not bad. I did get a coffee with the french vanilla stuff in it from the gas station tonight but I drank a lot of water today (and still am now) so I don't feel too bad about it. Besides I put about 3/4 of the cup full of coffee and then add a small amount of french vanilla from the machine.
My goals for tomorrow are to WAKE UP and EXERCISE!!! Eat reasonably, drink my water and keep my motivation up.

[sweetnsassyfied]

~picking up her Pom-Poms with a wink n grin~

2.....4.......6......8! we'll lose those pounds andbe looking GREAT!!!!


Greets Sweets!! so far so good for me as i head into day 3 ~smiling brightly~ met all my goals even with this awful headcold ~sniff snif sni....achoooooo......sheepish grin~

dont be so hard on yourselves!! if it takes a couple of days to get your groove on, so be it...... the improtant things is your aiming, reaching, and trying!! go on stretch a muscle as you pat yourself on the back. you accepted the challenge, your posting, your here. i am a firm believer that there are enough people out there in this world who would love to tear us down..... for heavens sake, dont be one of them!!

we have the tools. we have each other....... ~in her bestest He-man impersonation~
we have the POWWWWER!! now kick that reindeer in the rear and giddy-yup go ladies.....giddy-yup goooooooooooo

sincerely,
sassy

[dilleight]

Argh this week is soo bad. When I went home this weekend I weighed in at 136.5lbs, the next day it had gone up to 138.5 but I figured that was water weight since you can't easily put on 2lb in one day. However, I bet I've put on at least 2lb this week, it's been ridiculous :(
I'm going home from uni tomorrow and I'm going to seriously sort things out.
One week does not a weakness make says my mum but she's still going to laugh at me when I weigh more than her this weekend!

Dill

[squabb56]

Hi Everyone :wave:

I thought maybe I'd do a check list type of thing.... I seem to lose focus on my goals as the month progresses. So here goes nothin' ....

1. Stay OP: Thursday - Yes Friday - Yes
2. ExerciseThursday - walked during am coffee Friday - zip
3. Water/Tea:Thursday - Yes Friday - Yes
4. Touch Base: (good or bad) Thursday - No Friday - Yes
5. Journal:Thursday - No Friday - Yes
6. Become better organized : oops, fell off the bad wagon
7. Keep five pound goal in focus Thurday - Yes Friday - No

Hey Miss Elisha-- what's up with the motivation..... you need to keep inspiring us.... you're our tower of strength.... Try taking baby steps with all you have to do.... make a list... cross things off as you go... show yourself that you can succeed.... and that your tasks are attainable.

MsRD - Don't forget the me time (most important). Busy as we are - we need to know we are worth time spent on ourselves. I can relate sometimes I feel like I'm moving at ..... sloth speed :lol:

Hikein.... I see another candidate in need of "ME TIME". Do you have a friend that you can swap babysitting time with so you can spend some alone time? I think if we try to remember why we do the extra things we do - for others as well as ourselves - we fulfill something in ourselves by giving joy to others. Does that make sense? Focus on what you give not on what others don't.

Kasooon tight.... Sassified. Good for you meeting your goals when you don't feel well. Here's hoping the sinus drip retreats....

12.... 14.... 16..... 18...... and then there won't be any WEIGHT SEEN.

Dill..... save face .... :joker: take your measurments and show off to your Mom.... There's more than one way to win (non scale victories ROCK)..:yes:

Hey Sparked.... :cheers:WTG making house work work for you ..... I'm going to remember that when I have no time and a lot to do at home ;)

[Cybele]

Late, as usual, but I want to jump in too! I lost you all for a week or so in their when the IL's were in town. I took them to the gym, and tried to get them to do some healthier eating with me, but it was a definite challenge.

Anyway - my goals:
-125 miles on the bike by Christmas (I'm at 23 right now), with a cumulative 150 by New Years.
-Size 10 (Comfortably) by Christmas
-I was hoping for 165 by Christmas, and at 171 that's not looking as reasonable now - but I'm still going to give it a try

Good luck everyone - with so many posting on here I have a hard time responding to everyone by name, but I really think that just by posting in here we become more accountable, and I relish each of your successes as I read them, even if I don't mention it each time.

December to Remember! :gift:

[MsRD]

Happy Saturday :)

Today is WI day.....and the scale is the same as last week. That's ok....I guess..:sorry:..too many splurges in the food department this week.... and not enuf water. I have to get it thru my thick skull that I have to be OP *every* day....not just when there isn't a dessert around! Vigilance!

Julie.....I agree with Joy....you have to *make* time for you! I used to notify DH and kidlets that the 'next 30 minutes' (or afternoon or whatever) was MY time......I was not to be interrupted by them, except for fire or arterial bleeding. And then I stuck to it! It is amazing.....you will find the family will manage quite well without you..:idea:..and you get a mental health break!

Kelly.....glad to hear you had such a good day. I think I may pick up on your cleaning exercise regiment..:dancer:...both the house and I could use it!

Sassy......loved your cheerleading post! It made me smile! :) WE CAN DO THIS!!

Cybele.....Welcome aboard! What weight loss plan are you working with?

Dill.....come on now, chickie, don't lost your perspective! :halffull: Remember, there are those of us who would kill (or at leat maim!) to weight 138 pounds again!

It is inventory time at work..:spin:..absolute madness! I have worked nearly 60 hours this week....and am looking forward to tomorrow off!

[clipper]

This sounds like the place for me!!! I need "MOTIVATION", big time! I've been a WW gal for 25 years. I've also gained and lost the same 10 pounds a gazzillion times... I never learnt on WW, how to maintain my weight, once I lost it. I was a smoker for 27 years. When I quit 4 years ago, I found out how much I used butts to help control my weight. I would love to get this 7 off, and keep it off.
- I will stay within my 23 pt. range each day.
- I will get to Curves or walk 6 days of the week.
- I will drink waayyyyyyyyyyyyyy more water.
-I will remember I'm going to Mexico in Jan. and how I want to look trimmer in my trunks!
I'm looking forward to doing this with you..
:)
clip

[lameducklucy]

GAAAH!! I'm back. :D

Okay. So I just wasted $50 to go to an idiot dietician. UGH.

AND I WOKE UP AT 6:30 ON A FREAKING SATURDAY FOR IT!!! :lol: If I wasn't nicer... I'd be really pissed off right now, chickies!

"Oh, you have the perfect diet and you know what real serving sizes are and you're not freaking STUPID! I don't know why you can't lose weight. Your diet is perfect and I just ate $50 of your well-earned money so that you could get up early and come here and waste 2 freakin' hours while I explain to you what a serving size is and you epxlain to me that you know this and then you show me your stupid food journal for the 3 days and I'm like, wow, she already does it the right way." -- what she would say if she had a brain. I consider her robot idiot woman at this moment.

I know. I'm cranky and tired and whiny, my chickies. :) Just seems like a huge waste of my sleep, my day, and my money to have someone tell me that crap. AGH!

Anyway, so I just keep on doin' the same ol' crap, I guess. Until I go back to the doc, at which point I am basically demanding that he give me SOMETHING, because if not, I may be forced to go merchant of venice style, my dears. :lol: (Haha, I would seriously never EVER cut out a giant chunk of my body. That's NUTS!)

SO anyway...

No workouts allowed until Jan 1st. At that point, I'm allowed, but I have to be careful. If the foot hurts, 0 exercising allowed. :( *sob* I MISS ENERGY!!

Working as the data entry temp, getting paid way too much (i love it!) and basically not around a lot.

Our stupid crappy computer has XP on it, which I consider to be a very well-respected virus distributed by Microsoft. :lol: (Jennifer, I bet you know what I mean! haha!) So after years of working juuuust fine, somehow, it reverts to just-installed stage and tells me that I need to activate it. UH, I DID THAT IN 2002 YOU FOOL! :lol: So we had to crack it and beat the stupid thing up before it'd let us back onto the drive. Now I'm back. YAY! :D

Other than that, doin' okay here. Foot hurts, gonna go back to the doctor in a week here for the followup on it and tell him that it still hurts and I want the foot specialist. I don't care if I have to wear a boot. I'm sick of it hurting!! So for right now that's basically it.

I'll be around more often, I swear, my chickies! :D Hope you're all having a totally not-as-stressful-as-mine weekend :lol: and take care! :D

[hikein2005]

Checkin In! It’s late on Saturday, but I haven’t been feeling compelled to write since my last depressing entry on Thursday night…until now! I started a couple of times, but didn’t have anything positive to say!

Really and truly, for those of you who do not know me well, I am NOT usually as pessimistic! It just has been major stress since my job changed a month or so ago! So, I am going to try to make some changes and appreciate what all of you have said.

I gotta say, though…Joy…I was a bit offended AT FIRST when you said that I needed to “Focus on what you give not on what others don't.” But then, I got to thinking about that, and realized that you are soooo RIGHT! If I can find some joy in what I do for others, then why should I think about what others are NOT doing! That combined with something my Director told me the other day when I was stressing about how much I have to do…she said “It can only get better!” AMEN!!!

So…I’m back! I may not be back into the groove for a while with diet and exercise, but my spirit is back and I am going to think more positively and optimistically about life in general! I am going to enjoy each moment with my residents at work and with my family when I get home. I am going to go to the “Thankful Thread” and journal every day until I can come up with 3 things I am thankful for about that day! Anyone care to join me? Some days it’s a struggle to come up with three, but other days, three seems so pitiful!

I am really just “watching it” with food through the holidays…not getting too carried away with sugary sweetness and fried foods, but really need to up the water and I do need to do some form of exercise every day…besides my usual walking at work!

Please help me keep my goals and my reason for doing this in perspective. I know that a journey of a 1000 steps was made with the first step. I’ve taken that step….over and over…and I will continue until I reach my destination!

Lucy…glad you are back!

Thanks to all you chickies who inspire me daily! I may not comment, but I am hearing you and cheering you on and encouraging you! We will all do this together! Thank you for not being judgemental and for being who you all are!

[hikein2005]

Morning Chickies!
I woke up this morning with a sore throat and feeling just yucky in general. So I am taking it easy today! DD is outside playing with the neighbor girl and hubby is vegging in the family room to a movie! So we are all, at least happy with our day! :)

I may go for a walk later today if I get done all the things on my list, although I do know I need to take/make time for myself and those things that are a priorty! So, I should re-word that...I will PLAN to go for a walk this afternoon! I've left last night's dishes in the sink...wondering if anyone will notice when they run out of dishes! :D

Food today, so far includes a bowl of Smart Start w/ 1/2 cup milk, some (a serving portion) chips and low fat mozzarella cheese & salsa!

Water: 8 oz. so far, but I've had a cup of coffee w/ creamer! I need to chug the water today and see if I can kick this bug before it gets the best of me! ;)

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hugs to all!

[gabwill]

Well, I haven't done anything since wednesday. I have been watching what I have been eating but that is all that I have been doing. Not so good on my part but I am promising myself that in the morning I will get up and run for atleast 30 minutes. Other then that I am not promising anything to myself besides to get off of my butt for atleast 5 other days.
I did weigh in today and I am down 1 lb. That is real good for me. Hope that I can do the other 4 lbs in the next 26 days. That would be ideal. I know that it won't be done if I don't help myself so I WILL do atleast 6 days of exercise this week. 3 of running or intervals and the other 3 of whatever is wanted that day but atleast 30 minutes. Only time will tell if that happens. I need to do this though. I am tired of complaining about it. I realized that I really can't complain unless I am doing it and it isn't coming off. Anyway, that is all for now.

[squabb56]

Hello all :wave:

I can't believe I didn't post yesterday or .... maybe I can... I think I was up to about four glasses of wine before I signed in last night. Needless to say I wasn't too focused.

Had a good day yesterday. No exercise but eating was OP. Worked very hard during the day cleaning up.

DH came home and we decided to go out for something to eat. Ended up having "baby" lazagna & a medium athenian pizza (I can't belive I was too full to eat more after one piece) and two glasses of red wine. Of course we brought the left overs home and I had another piece of pizza later. But all and all I don't think it was so bad for a "treat night"

Today more cleaning. Hubby did outside windows I did inside, as well as other cleaning and laundry. I'm trying to organize and de-clutter.

Eat was well OP today. Currently 10:20 and I have used 24 of 28 points.

I feel like I had a good and productive weekend. I'm actually feeling pretty up right now. It's so much easier than being depressed.
1. Stay OP: :yes: :yes:
2. Exercise; :nono: :nono: but lots of housework :yes:
3. Water/Tea: :nono: :yes:
4. Touch Base: (good or bad) :nono: :yes:
5. Journal::nono: :yes:
6. Become better organized : :yes: :yes:
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: :yes: :yes:

I plan to do well tomorrow. I need to focus on some arobic exercise. It's supposed to snow tomorrow, so I don't know what I'll do..... might have to dig out the old nordic trek or exercise bike. :lol3:

Gabwill - WTG on the one pound gone forever :bravo: :cp:

Hikein - Hope your feeling better.... try some mega doses of echinacea if the "cold" bug has got you. I find it helps me if I take it as soon as I feel a cold begining.

Lucy - Its too bad that you had a bad experience with your dietician. When I went - it was a group thing - I found that she provided great information. But I guess when it comes down to it we need to practice ongoing healthful eating and be more physically active to be successful. :shrug: Take care of your foot.

Welcome Clipper :cb: Are you following the flex or core program on WW? I quit smoking six years ago, I was about 50 pounds overweight then and have put on anothe fifty or so since. Good for you not letting it get out of hand. I'm sure if you keep your goal in focus, follow program, drink your water and keep up your exercise pace you'll have no problem with the seven pound loss before your (I'm turning green here) vacation in Mexico next month. :twirly:

MsRD - a stay is not a gain. Good for you maintaining on such a busy week

Well hugs to ((((( everyone )))))

Joy

[hikein2005]

I worked 1/2 day this morning and came home and made a big pot of broccolli/veggie cheese soup! It is yummy! Would love to share a bowl with you all! Not hard either. I'll post my "recipe" on the recipe thread if anyone would like it!

Didn't get in that walk yesterday, but kept plenty busy! Today I'm going to go work out after I finish putting labels on the Christmas cards! Other than the soup today, I had a Zone bar and coffee for breakfast. About 16 oz. water so far! Gotta start chugging! Also having some cottage cheese with my soup!

Supper tonight will be more soup, I think! It's a soup kind of day here...rain mixed with snow...dreary!

Hope all are having a good day! :)

Joy...I've got some green tea also and some Chai tea bags that are pretty good! Maybe will go make some when I'm done here!
4 glasses of wine???????? Girl...I'd be passed out! LOLOL!!!! :lol:

Gabrielle...your plan sounds solid! Stick with it...you are almost there! Can't you taste it????? :cbg: You keep your routine and you will do what you need to get done! Go chickie, go!!!!

[LKTS]

A quick update with my original goals and how they're going:

1. Food perfectly on-plan from 12/2-12/19 (includes 2 free meals a week)

Got a cold Thursday, so was inconsistently on plan through the weekend. Back to it now, though, and did my food prep yesterday.

2. Drink > 2L water / day

So far so good.

3. Officially join the gym & follow exercise plan (3 days weights & HIIT, 1 day pilates, 1 day hiking, 1 day Nia)

I decided I'm going to put off joining the gym this month and do it after the beginning of the year. Instead, I'm going to do my workouts at home on M/W/F. I'll have to miss this week's Pilates but will be back next week. I'll see how the grad paper writing goes as far as weekend activities.

4. Work to get below 200# by 12/19

Well, not yet ;)

5. Reduce caffeine intake to 2 green tea / day and stop buying diet pop

Bought my last 12 pack on the weekend, and am tapering off.

[gabwill]

Well I did my run!!! I did 2.5 miles in 30 minutes. I felt like I had another mile (atleast) in me but my daughter decided she didnt' want to be in the garage at all. I should have just done it this morning when my husband was here and available to watch her. I decided to be lazy and wait until this afternoon though. Oh well. I run again on wednesday so that will be a day when I get him to watch her for me instead of doing it after he leaves. Proud of myself though that I didn't stop in the middle. Did the minimum I needed to do and may even go in there tonight and walk a little but I doubt it. If my daughter gives me as much trouble as last night, that is definitely out of the question.
And thanks for the encouragement Hikein and Joy.

[MsRD]

Hello All ! :wave:

Today was great! Breakfast was cereal & milk & tea, lunch was applesauce & granola bar & orange juice, dinner was chicken stirfry and rice...and I am positively gurgling with the water I drank today! Gotta keep on plan.....this week is shaping up to be quite busy.....I have 3 Christmas parties, a doctor appointment, an after-work meeting, and somewhere in there I have volunteered to babysit DGS..:spin:..along with the usual 45-50 hours at work. Sheesh!

Clipper....welcome! I really think we are all good at losing weight..:halffull:...but lousy at maintaining the weight loss!

Lucy....sorry the meeting with the dietician didn't meet your expectation.....however, she did reinforce the fact that you are doing everything right, if that is any consolation. I know you miss your workouts...:strong:....ever think of just getting down on the floor and doing situps or crunches or just workout out with some hand weights?

Julie....sounds like you got yourself back thinking right again! That broccoli/veggie cheese soup sounds so great...:hungry:....please post the recipe!

Laura....you are doing so well keeping up on your goals! :) I wonder if the gyms will be offering some January 'deals' to accomodate all those New Years resolution folks?

Gabwill......sounds like you had a good run. Congrats on the pound lost!:cp: There is no stopping you now! 2.5 miles in 30 minutes is really moving! You go girl!

Got a list of stuff to do before tomorrow.....aerobics right on top of the list! :dancer: Have a great evening!

[sparked]

Why is it that every time I am totally motivated and ready to kick butt at these goals of mine something (like Tom's monthly visit) totally knocks me on my a$$??? I've been doing good foodwise, but exercise - forget about it. I haven't been immobile (been a cleaning fool (seems everytime I clean bf and d just mess it up again)), I just haven't exercised. Another change of the season (fall into snow) so Tom is hitting me heavy. Anyway, food for today was 1 cup black coffee, 2 hardboiled eggs for breakfast, about 4 oz of grilled steak, 1/2 cup green beens, 1/2 cup teriyaki rice, 1 cup salad w/ romain, ham, hb egg and ff cheddar and a cup of milk for dinner. Of course I finished my d's rice for her. I'm sure Lipton rice isn't the healthiest. Oh well, if that was my only downfall foodwise today then I don't feel so bad. Water wasn't that great, 1 had 20 oz at work and am working on 20 oz now. Need to step that up. I don't drink soda or anything so the only two things I drink are water, milk (1%) and occasionally coffee. Anyway I plan on staying awake after bf leaves for work and doing 2 to 3 mile WATP and some floor exercises. If I can just make it a habit of doing that every day I will be the happiest person in the world. I have 2 hours after bf leaves for work before I have to leave the house. Note to self *Get off you A$$ and start moving!!!! I was thinking last night about going low carb, even checked out some South Beach recipes today but I'm not too sure. I still think that if I can control my portions that I won't do so bad. I still need to start making sure I have breakfast and lunch though. If not I go buck wild when I get home from work.
Hope everyone is getting on good. I haven't had a chance to read any entries with all the cleaning and holiday decorating and what not but as soon as boss's trial is done I will have some free time at work to read through. Happy Weightloss everyone!!!!
Kelly

[squabb56]

Hi Everybody :wave:

Hey, Kelly -- don't stress - you'll do what you can when you can. I'm sure you'll be back to your exercise plan as soon as TOM allows. WTG! You didn't use TOM as an excuse yourself to overeat. CHUG that water, it'll help ease the pain of TOM.

MsRD - What's your plan of action for the three parties? :cheers: I'm sure DGS will help you get your exercise in. How old is he? I'm sure you can find an activity that you both can do and enjoy! :high:

Gagwill - You continue to impress me. I don't think you need to worry about only getting your minimum run of 2.5 miles in 30 minutes in today. You just got in there and got it done, it could have been easy to use an excuse after dealing with a troubling night with DD. I would try to use your running time as time to focus on yourself... better idea to do it while you can concentrate on your running and not be distracted.... make an appointment with yourself on Wednesday at the given time, smake it something you can't put off until later in the day.... Just some ideas that may help....

LKTS - I'm finding it helpful to review my goals on a regular basis too. Sounds like you're getting right back on track.

Hikein - During this cold and damp weather we a pot of soup on the go most of the time. I kinda think of it as "hot salad". It's nutritious and warming. I came across a recipe for soup on a box of tea the other day, it's chamomile tea, califlower, celery and onions (if I remember correctly). Sounds different, I'll let you know how it is. I've been busy with cleaning for the holidays too. I need to get my cards done and mailed as well, especially out of town cards. DH has family in Yellowknife, NWT and in the North in Prince George, BC. And I have an uncle in northern Aberta.. Better do it tommorow. I tried making Christmas cards with stencils this year. I made a few and then when we were at the store the other day DH "gently" suggested we buy some.... my homemade ones were pretty lame.... I guess I need some practice with my artistry... :lol:


AFter all my good feelings and optomism yesterday .... today I feel "poopy". Achy, cold, lack luster, tummy full of gas, etc. Came home from work at 1pm. Kinda laid around, slept and watched TV. Dr. Phil had a weight loss challenge going on between two families... will be checking in throughout the season.... could be interesting. Most of the time I can't watch because I'm at work.

So this is how my day has gone....
1. Stay OP: :yes: 25/28 points so far
2. Exercise: :no:
3. Water/Tea: :halffull: 4/8 so far
4. Touch Base: (good or bad) :yes:
5. Journal: will do after this post :yes:
6. Become better organized : did some reading today :halfempty:
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: :yes: we'll see on Wednesday....

Well that's it (enough) for now... off to do my journal

[hikein2005]

I was just reading an article How to keep control through the holidays (http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/archives.asp?id=59ml4p1a9) which had some good tips for all of us...most of them we know! But a nice refresher through the holidays!

Up early today! I went to bed at 8pm last night but it was NOT a restful night! :( Hope I can make it through this day at work! I mean, I know I can...I just hope that I can keep myself in check! You know! ;)

Joy...4/7 still is above 50%, so keep trying! You are doing good chickie! Hope you are feeling better! I've got that "head cold feeling" today too and I think TOM is lingering somewhere around the corner! ;)

Kelly...your food plan sounds awesome! I wish I had the motivation to cook healthy every meal, but it does take planning and preparing! Not something I have much time for these days, but I'm trying! Gonna do a crock pot something today for supper tonight!

MSRD...I hear ya on the busy schedule! You work a lot of hours! Refresh my memory...what is it that you do again? I have something planned every night this week including Saturday and Sunday! Geesh! This is a busy time of year! I hope we both can find some "me" time in the schedules!

Gab...Yea on the 2.5 miles! Job well done chickie! Give DD a hug from me! :)

LKTS...One day at a time! You are doing super! Keep up the good work!

OK...Gotta go get some breakfast & sip on some Chai tea! Mmmm!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs!

[LKTS]

Yesterday was good - on plan foodwise, had a tiny bit of eggnog late at night but I stayed up till midnight so that's not too bad. Did my LBWO and cardio. Have my food planned for today and even get a free meal somewhere in there.

[dilleight]

Hello

Well have been crummy recently but I counted calories today. Wasn't too bad, under 1600. So I had a cold this weekend but I'm feeling a lot better and planning to exercise tomorrow. I will be 9 and 1/2 stone (133lbs) I will! Weight wise morning weight is 138 so not bad. I'm so close I don't know if 133 will be low enough. I'm still not really that slim. You can have a look in my profile pic if u like. Maybe you'll think "what a difference 20lbs makes" or maybe you'll be pleased it shows better on you. Either way is all good :) he he.

It is so nice to be home and be able to chill. I love home!

Squabb- Hey thanks for the encouragement, my mum's not caught me up yet so I can make it. Although I'm not aiming as low so I hope she passes me after I meet goal! Only 1 slice of pizza woah.
MsRD- Glad things are going well for you. You always seem to keep on plan. :)
Clipper- Heya welcome!
Lucy- Ah I hate XP I don't want it but blummin ipods do
Julie- Sounds like it's going well for you. Broccoli soup is ace. Must get blender!
Laura- Don't think I have said hi to you before so here it is "hi!"

Dill/Eilis

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello Everyone! I just want you all to know that I'm back and I'm here! I don't have much time today... as usual... but I'll be back tomorrow to update everyone! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I missed you all!!

[hikein2005]

Morning Chickies!
I didn't have time to post last night, but my day was good, food wise! I did eat OP all day until last night when I had a craving for a bit of chocolate...but I stopped after one! Yea! Drank water yesterday, but still was under a bit...probably around 50 oz. Want to get it back up to around 70 per day!

Still no formal exercise yesterday but I walked a bunch at work yesterday! I think we have most of the decorations up! Thank goodness! My goal is to get everything up and done by Friday and then I don't have to worry about it until after the New Year! I've asked the staff to help with the decorating and they have pitched right in! :) And to lower my stress a bit, DD's horse lesson was cancelled for tonight so I get to stay home and do some things around here that I didn't think I would have time for this week! :)

The good news is I weighed yesterday, and although I'm afraid I am losing muscle mass, the scale is showing I'm still at 170. I hadn't weighed in a couple of weeks and was afraid I'd be up to 172 or 173!!!! My lowest was 168, so...that was a sigh of releif! Although...my clothes are fitting me differently...especially pants! I know when I exercise that my A** fits better into my pants...and they (at least the smaller sized pants) are feeling a bit snug (a LOT) snug!!! So this tells me more than the scale anyway and I do need to get back into the routine of exercising...and I know that! Just need to find some mojo to do it!!!! ;)

((((((((((((Jaymi))))))))))))) Welcome back chickie!!! We missed you! Where did you go? ARe you back in Texas, chickie? Hope that all is well! We are going to just get through this holiday and after the first of the year, we are all gonna kick some serious butt!!! You too!!!

Hope everyone else is well! I gotta run!!! Have a great day!!!!

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks.

Sorry I've been absent for a few days. I haven't had anything good to report, and I've been busy and tired, and now I feel like I'm making excuses. Hey, stick to what you're good at, right?

So I procrastinated on this whole grad school thing, and now I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. My diet is nowhere to be seen. Luckily, the scale says I'm not gaining, but I feel like I'm getting flabbier. Maybe after next week, after I take my test, I'll be able to concentrate a little. I don't know. I haven't gone a single step towards my aerobic exercise goal, not one.

I'll get back on track eventually, I know I will. I just don't know if it will be this month. I'll keep trying though, and I guess that is the main thing.

I hope everyone else is doing better than I am.
~Elisha

[LKTS]

Elisha, what are you studying in grad school? I am in grad school as well (plus work) and I know how hard it is to make healthy choices when you are so busy. Best of luck with the end-of-semester push.

Yesterday I did good food-wise, and today I'm on schedule as well. Even though I'm low on sleep (see above grad school comments!) I feel energetic since I've been exercising.

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello everyone! Well I was just about to start telling everyone the “scoop” but my daughter just wrote with crayon all over the wall!!! SHEESH! LOL I still need to exercise too! Ok… well since, the crayon isn’t going anywhere…to cut things short… I just basically gave up and gained 20 lbs back. And instead of coming here I just sat around feeling depressed and sorry for myself. So now I took myself off of my BC and am trying again to see if that was causing most of my cravings and sickness, headaches and everything else. It’s all my fault.. I can’t blame it on anyone else. It just pisses me off that I gained 20 lbs in a month and a half… and it took me about 5 or 6 months to lose that much! Let me stop before I make myself depressed again! LOL I just wish I had gotten myself together before it got this far… but too late for that! Now I’m working double hard, cut off meat.. unless you call fish meat… Some people consider it meat… some don’t. Well basically tuna and catfish. Some shrimp. And veggies and fruits. I eat cereal when I get a sugar craving.. Especially since Lucky Charms is my favorite! It helps! LOL So that’s the scoop for right now! I’m trying to exercise either 3 times a day or so.. Only because I don’t have time to do one long workout! I break it up into a couple at a time. I am doing Yoga Booty Ballet…(anyone else heard of that?) Denise Austin, WATP. I barely get a chance to get on the treadmill so that will have to do. Ok.. Now I got to go clean up the crayons.. Some kind of way… and exercise. Julie.. I’m still in SC.. But we are going to TX for Christmas… don’t want to look like crap.. At least not that much!! LOL Talk with you all later! I’ll try to get personal later too

[MsRD]

Hello All :wave:

Sorry I didn't post last night....got home late :yawn: and still had laundry and stuff to do. The party last night as great, and didn't do too badly with the food.....even sent my leftover cookies home with someone else, so they wouldn't tempt me! The Christmas dinner tonight was at the assisted living home where my Mom is.....food was terrible, so no problem there.

Kelly....you are doing such a good job keeping your food on plan! :bravo: A little more water each day will make a big difference, you'll see!

Squabb....For the holiday parties, I plan on taking only a bite or two of each kind of food offered, and stay away from the dessert table! It has been working moderately well...(#@&# petit fours)! My problem is more the 'unexpected' treats.....where folks walk into the office with trays of homemade cookies and candy. A cooky here, a piece of fudge there..:nono:...it doesn't take long to add up!

Julie....work has been super busy (I am an office manager). We have just done our annual physical inventory and now it is up to me (and anyone else I can draft) to input the data :comp: and crank out the reports. I have scheduled a little ME time.....am taking a pass on the evening meeting tomorrow. Sometimes you just gotta say 'no'....I can't do it all and am not even going to pretend that I can.

Jaymi.....welcome back! I hear you on the 20 pounds...:sorry:..I think we can all relate to that! No time to feel sorry for yourself.....back on track! You can do this!

Elisha....stop stressing, chickie! It is time to prioritize your life......grad school is important, so concentrate on that. Stop worrying about the rest..:goodvibes:....you will take care of it when you get the time!

Really should get some exercise in tonight...:dancer:...got a cooky or two to work off!

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello everyone! I have a quick update... I did all my exercise... I stayed on plan...so YAY! I'm tired now.. I guess I'll go to bed. Talk with you all later!

[hikein2005]

Evening chickies!

Today's food was not great! :nono: :no: I had some "not so healthy choice" foods today. Here's the lo-down:
B-fast coffee w/ creamer, 1 McD's B-fast burrito
Lunch: (at work...too much fat & too many carbs) a piece of "mock" pork patty, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes & gravy, 1/2 cup brocolli drowing in butter
AFternoon snack: Had something, but I don't recall what it was! :nono:
PM: Mall food....UGH! Chinese fried chicken, some rice & noodles!

Water: OK...About 60 oz. today, so it's getting better!

Exercise! Zilch! Nada! None!

The attitude: Improving, although still a little stressed about work. It's calming down a bit...this week anyway!

I have a "Girl's Night Out" coming up on Friday...hoping that I can avoid drinking myself silly!!!! ;) But, boy it sure is tempting! I don't even need food if the company and drinks are good! ;)
Seriously, I would like to try to avoid the heavy stuff like I did last weekend (pasta) and stick with a nice chicken salad or something. I don't really mind having salad when I go out...they taste pretty good when someone else makes them!

Chickies...my typing is going to the dogs! I think I need to retire for the night, but I did want to comment to all of you...so just know that I'm sending good vibes to each an every one of you! :goodvibes

Have a great Thursday! Hugs to all!

[squabb56]

Evening all :wave:

Weigh In tonight - down .4

So this is how the last two days have gone .....
1. Stay OP: :no: / :yes:
2. Exercise: :no: / :no:
3. Water/Tea: :yes: / :yes:
4. Touch Base: (good or bad) :no: / :yes:
5. Journal: :yes: / :yes:
6. Become better organized : :yes: / :yes:
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: :no: / :yes:

I'm tired tonight too, say I'll say goodnight.

[MsRD]

Hello All :)

I feel myself going downhill ......somebody throw me a lifeline! Breakfast started ok with oatmeal.....then there was an warm apple bagel on my desk when I got to work.....at lunch, I needed to get out of the office, so went to Arbys :hun: and totally lost it: ham/cheese sub & cherry turnover & diet coke! Mid-afternoon, there was a pile of cashews and chocolates on my desk (why do people want to feed me? I mean, it's not like I look malnourished) We went out to the neighborhood bar for dinner.....had a cheeseburger & diet coke and deep-fried breaded mushrooms and chips and...... That must be about eleventy-nine thousand calories, give or take :rollpin:

Squabb.....I am seeing more and more of those little green happy faces on your posts! :bravo: That's the way to visualize success!

Jaymi.....great job on the exercise! :dancer: You have got yourself headed in the right direction now!

Sorry to cut this short....got a checkbook to balance, Christmas cards to get ready.....work tomorrow and doctors appointment and party tomorrow night. With all that, I probably won't even have time to eat.....:dizzy:.....yeah......ok.......

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hi everyone! I did my exercises today and stayed OP.. A quick update! I hope everyone is doing great!

[chaoticfish]

Hi everyone. I thought I'd check in with my progress so far...

Exercise: I walk everyday now but I wanna get in the habit of also lifting weights and riding my stationary bike CONSISTENTLY 3 times a week each. I only do that sporadically right now - Doing better but I'm still not being very consistent with the bike and weights. I'm concious of it now though. I always take my walk. ALWAYS. In the 7 months since I've started this there's only been about 5 times that I haven't gone. Rain or shine. I love my walk and feel weird when I don't go.

Water: I've kinda slacked off. I need to start drinking at least 64oz a day again. Oddly I feel better and seem to lose more when I drink a lot of water? - Water consumption is excellent. I'm getting 90oz or more a day.

Pounds: I wanna weigh 180 by January 1st which would start my new year out with a 100 pound weight loss. - I've lost 2 pounds so far. That leaves 8 to go. I always loose more the last few weeks of the month than the first for some reason so I'm not worried.

[hikein2005]

Evening my chickies!

First of all...MsRD...here's your lifeline...hang on!!!! Got it? Ok...now hold on tight!!! If we go down, we go down together and that is NOT gonna happen! We will just make it through the holidays with a little less will power than normal. It was just ONE day for you! And just take those treats that "mysteriously" appear on your desk and give them to someone else who is more deserving!!! :D

OK...today I took a mental health day from work! I didn't get diddly squat done around the house but the Christmas cards are almost done and I did make a yummy pot of chicken chilli! Yummy!

We went to Grand Rapids this afternoon (hubby, me and DD) and went out to dinner. I ordered the chicken fajita quesadillas. When the order came, I helped DD cut up her spaghetti and while I was doing that, hubby decided he was going to dip one of his fries in MY sour cream...WITHOUT ASKING!!! OK, now maybe I have a little bit of an issue with this, but when I haven't touched my food, let alone LOOKED at it, it does kind of feel like borders are being crossed when someone does this! So yea...I did say something to him! (He seems to think I have "double standards" with this, I just have asked him that he ASK me if he wants some of my food and I can be the one who determines whether he can or not!!!! And I do ask him if something on his plate looks good...I don't just reach over and TAKE!)) Well, he was pouting the rest of the night! You'd think *I* was the one who comitted a crime!!!! He got a major attitude with me and was angry the rest of the night...came home and went to bed! Geesh! That really makes for a wonderful end to a night! I hate power struggles, so I apologized to him in the restaraunt for my erratic response to his bold move! Seems like I was the one who should have been owed an apology! But hey...life's too short! Right??? I guess he can sulk a bit more before he will just "forget" about it!

Sorry...just had to get that off my chest and put it into perspective! Dang! Over a frickin bit of sour cream! Seems there are more important issues in life!!!!

Overall, food today was good. I did have a glass of wine with dinner (so glad I did!!!! ;) ) But no exercise today! Water was ok. Probably about 50 oz. so far!

Alright chickies...let's find the mojo and get this thing going again! Who's got the mojo right now??? Could you please come and share it with the rest of us!!!!???

Hugs!

[gabwill]

well I didn't get anything done today nor yesterday. Both days I had to bring my husband to the hospital for his appts. Today he had his procedure done and so really didn't have time to do much. That took all of the morning and had to take care of him and Jasmine all the afternoon. Today was a bit better even though we spent the entire morning at the hospital. We also had an interview to see if Jasmine is doing well for her age and her being a premie. We findout later about that. This afternoon, after that, Jasmine and I went to the mall to shop but I was feeling it so only got a book when I was supposed to be shopping for my husband an xmas gift. I guess if I feel up to it then I will shop then. I know what I want for him but can't find it. Anyway, didn't get anything done but will start again as soon as everything seems better (probably this weekend) Well that is all for now.

[squabb56]

Hi everyone :wave:

I had a busy day today. Back to work, pleased to see my work was kept up, thank goodness. School tonight - last class - next week is the final exam so I'll be spending a lot of time studying. I've really got to get moving.... I see my miles just sitting there day after day.... :mad:

Hey MsRD - Can you see my life line over there? attached to the white life preserver ..... right beside you... on your left .... next to your heart.....now grab it ... you've got it.... pull yourself up.... you can do it .... look Hikein is there to help too ..... we've got you now..... yes we're all there together Jaymi, Chaoticfish, Elisha, Gabwill et al. Tomorrow is a new day, fresh for new choices and renewal ..... "You got some plannin' to do, Lucy". :lol3:

Hikein ... feel free to let off all that steam..... It's seems now like you feel that you over-reacted.... but did hubby get it? I have to laugh everytime I here about mojos. Mojos were little peppermint chewy type candies we used to get as kids (penny candy) But I know that's not what you mean.... who knows.... you might not even be old enough to remember them. YES, WE NEED OUR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION BACK. I, for one, cannot seem to get off my A$$ and get some aerobic exercise in. I know it will make me feel better, physically and emotionally. But the habit has to be re-started re-kindled re-newed re-inforced re-conditioned re-cycled re-used (no) anyways.... you get what I mean (even if I am a little redundent. I need to be almost obsessed.....

So this is how things stacked up today .....
1. Stay OP: 27/28 :yes:
2. Exercise: a great big :no:
3. Water/Tea: only about 4/8 :halfful:
4. Touch Base: (good or bad) :yes: I probably connect too much given the length of my post
5. Journal: :yes: right after this
6. Become better organized : :yes:
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: Yes (except when I ate the chocolate covered biscotti)

Have a great OP day tomorrow. Hugs to {{{{everyone }}}}

[**Jennifer**]

Morning, chickies.....

Is everyone having the same kind of month I am??? Sheesh, this is crazy.

Just to catch you up- the only reason I can even sneak in here is because MoniCow is out sick this morning. Sneaking in a quickie before the day turns to poop.

We're at the year end crunch, trying to get everything done & closed before the end of the year. things are falling apart, loans are being denied for stupid reasons, everyone wants me to be the Miracle Worker, and it's getting real old, real fast.

Last Friday I had the interview, and I thought it went really well. I'm hoping to hear something from them, but I know there are still some loose ends. They are still trying to sign a lease for a building, so it's my opinion that they are not going to make an offer to anyone unless they can tell them where they will be working...right? SO, I just cross my fingers and wait....

Yesterday I had a meeting with my manager here, trying to find out about 2005. We fall short of the 100% paid production, and as of the most recent comp plan, the option to pay half is now gone. I talked to her in November about it, she swore it would still be in place. Funny...2 weeks later, she has a meeting to confirm that it really IS gone. Now, short of taking another pay cut, I don't see MoniCow paying 100% of my salary. And to top that all off, my bonus would go from 3% to 1%. So, 2 pay cuts at the same time, just to keep this job? Not worth it.

All kinds of stuff happening, and I'm trying to get everything in order. Classwork- need to finish 2 lessons this weekend, if at all possible....get that done, and then have nothing else hanging over my head in 2005.

I wanted to pop in & let you all know I'm thinking about you, even if I can't get in here at this point to really keep on top of things. I miss my chickie connection! :grouphug:

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season!

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello Everyone! Whew… I had a hard morning… I set my alarm clock for 30 minutes earlier hoping that I would get a early start.. (little 2 mile WATP, maybe) But that didn’t happen! Before I could even get up.. Which was like 6:25 my daughter woke up crying and It took her 30 minutes to get back to sleep.. Which I had then to wake her up again to take my son to school! She stayed sleep at first.. But when we got home it was pouring down raining and the rain drops woke her up. So it took me another hour to get her back to sleep.. Or so I think.. Because I fell asleep myself! I wanted to get some extra exercise in because I have been pigging out on cornbread. Although I used egg beaters and f/f milk to make it …. Still its not good! LOL So… anyways I did get in an hour today.. Along with 2 more slices of cornbread… so I need to exercise some more to burn off yesterdays and todays! LOL Yeah right! Good luck to me! LOL Hopefully on my daughters next nap! YAY! I know I can’t lose these 20 or so lbs in 3 weeks… but I want to lose some inches so I can at least fit into my favorite pair of jeans again! Or at least some of my clothes! Right now.. Nothing is fitting right! Boy.. It sounds like I’m complaining ain’t it?!? Just talking really!

I’m sooo not ready for Christmas!! I haven’t bought ONE THING!! NO MONEY!! BLAHHHHH!! LOL Who cares.. I’m just glad to get to see my family! I just want to hold on the everyone for ever!!!!

Chaotic fish- You have come so far! That ‘s AWESOME!!! Wow!! Keep up the good work!

Julie… we and dh got into it again… over something stupid last night also.. And also I ended up apologizing even though I thought I was due one! We sound like we had the same night except you got some yummy food.. And I ended up stuffing my face with cornbread for dinner! LOL

Hey Gabrielle!!! Long time no talk! LOL Hope your day goes great today!

Hi Squabb!! I like your goals… that looks like on of my posts from an earlier date! LOL Have a great day today!

So Jennifer… to quote… you…. {Don't see my food/ water/ exercise listed?? Ask me about it- keep me accountable!} So… how is it?!? LOL… when you have time to take a breath that is! LOL

Well I hope this was long.. enough!! I know I missed some of you. But the daughter is calling! Like always! I hope everyone has a great day!

[miss_elisha]

Evening chicks!

I know I haven't been around much this week, at least I haven't been posting much. I have been doing a bit of lurking though, and I have certainly been reading.

I have NOT, however, been dieting or exercising at all. I haven't even stepped on the scale in a few days, which is actually sort of major for me (me being the completely-obsessed-with-the-scale person that I am). I haven't been logging anything. I haven't really been doing anything good for myself. I haven't even been studying. Ugh. And I have to take that stinking BEAST of a test on Wednesday. I'm never going to get into grad school. They're going to see my scores and laugh out loud and say "What the hell is she thinking?"

Oh yeah, I forget who asked, but I'm not in grad school yet. Planning to go next fall (we'll see how that turns out) for English Generalist with a concentration in composition/rhetoric. Doesn't that sound like fun? Yeah, with my grammar and typing here you'd never know that I'm trained as an editor and eventually want to teach people the rules of good writing! :lol:

Ooooh... I'm going to the NSV thread after I finish typing this post. If you want to know why, you'll have to check it out! *snicker snicker*

I will say that even though I have not been getting in any formal exercise, I've been getting in plenty of steps. Today I've gone 14779 (6.98 miles), and I took off the pedometer when I got home. My feet are tired. I'm trying to meet my goal of 10,000 steps per day, which I almost always manage at work (hey, what can I say, it's December and I work retail), but if I don't I'll march in place for a while until I get there.

Egads... it just hit me how tired I am, so I'm off to post my NSV, then it's beddy-bye for me! (See what I mean about being tired? Now I'm rhyming! *rolls her eyes* )

Night chicks!
~Elisha

[hikein2005]

LOL! We must be posting at the same time! I checked the NSV's and there wasnt anything there!

Girls night out tonight! Iwas bad, bad, bad!!! My girlfriends drove me home...in my own car...so "no one would know"!!! LOL! It's nice to be loved! :) I drank almost a whole bottle of wine by myself...ohhhhh! It Was so good...Reisling! Yummy! And had some kind of crab/spinach dip that was yummy...with chips! But that's all I had...oh, and a coffee & Kahluah! My GF said on the way home she could smell the alcohol! Oops!

Other than that, food was awful today! :( Exercise was zilch!

I am going to try to get back on the bandwagon tomorrow and do something...maybe WATP,,,haven't done that in a while! We have a virus on our computer, so hopefully this will go therough!

Even my typing is bad!

Talk to you chickies in the morning! Hugs!

[squabb56]

Well poop... I had a very long post and had an internal error and lost it all .... I had such inspirational tidbits to share but.... :lol: This is all you get this time....

1. Stay OP: :no: Had office lunch party today. I had planned what I was going to do with DH this morning but when it came down to it I made bad choices - reverted back to old patterns. BTW the gag gift I wrapped up -- men's underwear with holes in the "cheeks" was a hit - I managed to convince the only male in our office to choose the gift for him - must say he was a good sport. I was the only one who actually brought a gag gift - but it was worth it to see how they "cracked up". :lol3:
2. Exercise: a great big
3. Water/Tea: only about 4/8 :halfful:
4. Touch Base: :yes: twice actually
5. Journal: as we speak... or sooner
6. Become better organized : did morning and evening routines
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: :no: reverted to old patterns

[lameducklucy]

Hey all! :D I finally have some totally awesome news!

So I've been doing this temp position where my hubby works and getting paid way more than I think the job deserves (since all I do is click all day...), and it's cool 'cause I'm making almost $1000 per week before taxes, which is RAD! So they've been including me more and more in their projects and things like this, and asking me to kind of lead the other temps (there's 13 of them now) and just be helpful and whatnot.

And then Thursday, my boss asked me into her office and asked if I wanted a full-time position, and to name a salary!! AAAH!! So I accepted yesterday and they gave me WAY more than I was expecting for a salary, which is freaking AWESOME. We have a pretty high cost of living around here, so if I said what that salary was, some of you would probably kick me, but it's actually not that much around here. It'd be hard for me to exist on that salary if I lived alone. But with my hubby working there and making about $18k more than I am at the moment, we're FINALLY BACK ON OUR FEEEEET!!!!!!!!! YEAAAH!! :D :D :D

So I'm happy as can be. We went out for mexican last night to celebrate, and my big no-no was a strawberry margarita, but who cares? I've been really good lately and that is NOT something to feel bad about! :lol:

So weight is staying the same. Foot hurts like hell most of the time. I'm going to make an appt with my doctor to follow up on the foot and make him send me to a specialist or something, 'cause I want to work out again. :D

Other than that, tonight is our office xmas party, being held at our boss' place. I hear she's actually hired waiters and a cleanup crew. OH MY GOD. :lol: She lives on Mercer Island. If you know the Seattle area... YEAH. Do I need to plan on tipping a valet, too?? :lol: (Ritzy, overpriced, gigantic houses and VERY rich residents).

Need to do a little cooking, as it's potluck style, and find something to wear!

Hope you're all doing well and keep up the good work, chickies! :D

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello Everyone! I hope all is well! I have exercised for 45 minutes today.. and my calories are already up to 798. I still got hours and hours to go. Lucy... that's awesome about your job! Congrats!! Sorry about your foot! That sucks. Well anyways I better go now... sorry its so short!

[MsRD]

Hello All! :wave:

Today is WI day.....and the scale didn't move. I guess I am kinda glad about that what with the lack of exercise and overeating of late..:halffull:...it could have been so much worse!

ChaoticFish.....90-oz of water! :eek: That is incredible! And your program is working, as proved in the pounds coming off! You know what you have to do......

Julie.....thanks for the lifeline. Sometimes I think life is just dragging me along.....and my chickies come to rescue me and get me back on track! :D As for you and DH.....go ahead and vent here...it helps to put things into perspective!

Gabwill......It is easy to get sidetracked when our family needs us. Take care of what is important, get everything in order, and then you can concentrate on you again.

Squabb......thanks for the lifeline! I know how easy it is to slide back into poor eating habits..:jeno:..but you have to remember, it is just one meal.....and get back OP ASAP!

Jenn.....I hear you with the 'crazy month'. Seems like I have been pulled in 3 different directions for the past 2 weeks.......I had planned Monday & Tuesday as vacation days (Christmas shopping, baking, cards, etc etc), but things just aren't coming together like they should at work, so looks like I will have to work after all. :( That just puts more pressure on me because now the holiday stuff isn't getting done.....good grief, the 'everyday' stuff isn't getting done either! The schedule shows next week as relatively calm.....maybe we will see progress after all!

Lucy.....congrats on the new job! :cp: You must be so excited! I think you are right in requesting a specialist for your foot....this has gone on way too long.

I babysat DGS til 2:30pm today.....then had planned on shopping , but ended up running errands for everyone else! I am up to my forward flange in laundry, my house looks like it has been bombed, and there are still Halloween pumpkins decorating the fireplace mantel. I think I will just give up and go to bed...:tired:..and trust that tomorrow will be a better day.

[scorchin]

hey guys,
I'm back I've been sick for the last week or so... I noticed I have a lot of catching up to do so i'm gonna get reading..
starting over on my goals... didn't do food journaling or anything the last week...
take care chickies,
Heather

[squabb56]

Lucy - congratulations on the new job. :balloons: Don't seem so surprised... I'm sure that THEY can see your true value. :encore:

Way to go Jaymi - 45 minutes of exercise... keeping on track - good for you :bravo:

MsRD - A repreive.... I know all about that..... way to go on staying the same.... at this time of year that can be a bonus. We can only do the best we can at this time of year. I have my DGS#2 this weekend. He's 7 and he helped me with yard clean up and selling Christmas trees. We decided to take him swimming to the pool this evening and I was able to get a little extra exercise that way. I had to "play" with him as we took no other kids. They have a giant indoor waterslide - needless to say three flights of stairs to the top.... :lol:

Scorchin' - kinda wondered what happened to you.... you were so gung-ho. I sure hope you are feeling better and get yourself back on track. I want to hear your reports on your walking....

1. Stay OP: :yes: a couple of bites of pork rind I stayed OP today (mostly) Haven't added it up yet but I think I'm okay.
2. Exercise: :yes: heavy duty yard work and playing at the pool
3. Water/Tea: :yes:
4. Touch Base: :yes:
5. Journal: :yes:
6. Become better organized : :yes: did routines & a planned task
7. Keep five pound goal in focus: :yes:

Hope everyone else is doing well... I'm sending my good vibes :goodvibes:

[Jaymi_Dol_78]

Hello everyone! ..... Where is everyone?!? I want to see more people checkin in for this challenge.. whether you got good or bad to report!! So any of you cruisers and readers.... POST SOMETHING!!! :lol: Jenn takes time out enough to make up these challenges and the least we can do is participate and show that we appreciate her right?!?!? (this coming from someone who has been away for a month or two!! :lol:) But.. at least I didnt log onto here at all or even turn on my computer for most days!! What do the rest of you think?!?

Joy..... I wish I could show you some of my old posts... yours and mine are sooo similar...especially the part when you list your goals!!

Heather... I haven't talked to you in months!!! How've you been?!?!? Are you still doing the slim in 6?

Well my day has just started.... a website I belong to has started a Biggest Loser challenge.... and even though I wasn't sure.... I joined in. I just don't want to fail myself again... but I guess that this will help keep me on track! Talk to you all soon... time to exercise~~

[squabb56]

I agree Jaymi, :yes: we need to "step up to the challenge" part of this
"Chicks up for a Challenge Thread".

:joker: The line is now drawn in the sand... I will lose 4 pounds by Christmas - what will YOU (the collective you) commit to? :cb:

Well I'm off to sell Christmas Trees.:D

Talk to you all later :jig:

:-J

[scorchin]

hey guys,
Everyone sounds like they are doing wonderful...
Jaymi- it has been months i am still doing slim in 6 but only once a week. Great job on the 45mins
squabb- selling christmas trees I have never met anyone who has done that sounds interesting. ur goals sound wonderful
Today me and dh went to mall didn't stay to long only for 30-40 minutes but didn't get a little bit of walking in planing on doing 15-20 mins of treadmill tonight. my water has been great have had 3 glasses already today! I have only eatten 10pnts so far.
School is tomorrow so, I'm hoping I can stay on point range, NO, I gonna make sure I stay on point range.....
Well time to eat roast and carrots yummy
talk to u ladies later,
Heather

[gabwill]

well I haven't done anything since the beginning of the week. Everything is getting back to normal around the house though and after wednesday (I hope) my husband will be able to drive again so it can be more normal. I am getting up early in the morning in order to do a 3 mile run. I need to do at the very least that. What else I do during the day will be seen tomorrow. I will make out a schedule that I can commit to for the rest of the month though so that I can make my next 4-5 lbs (tomorrow is weigh in so am not sure exactly what this past week did for me) gone this month. Also trying to get my daughter on more of a schedule so will try that out for a while too. It should work and if my husband gets more of a normal work schedule, it will become much easier. I am going to step it up to the best of my ability for the rest of the month though. I know what needs to be done but just need to swallow my pride and get off my butt and do them. If I get back to them then it will be easier for me to get down to where I want to be. An