LA Weight Loss - LAWL Losers and Friends _ May 28--June 3, 2007

Wow--I don't think I have ever been first!

No plans for the day--just errands so I have no reason not to be good.

Hi everyone! Just checking in before the week gets too crazy. Still having great weather so most of my time is spent outside-yay!

Have a great POP week.

Happy Memorial Day for those here in the states. We had our get together yesterday so today I am jumping right in with TO. Hope everyone has a lovely day..... POP People!!!

Lettie--where are you on the 5 week summer meltdown? I am starting it tomorrow--thanks so much for posting the info. I haven't been to my COD since Christmas (slap on hand) so I get ALL my information here--like I didn't before! I loved my COD but the turnover was maddening. I am going to call and see if I have any weeks, etc. left--I really just want new diaries--no desire to "talk" about why I've gained--I know exactly why I have!

thanks again--if you've already started you can keep us updated and we can bask in your success and know we are close behind.

Yesterday I was totally not on plan... But I'm getting back in gear today. Thankfully for memorial day barbeque (which we are having on Tuesday) it is going to be grilled chicken breast and grilled chicken breast tenderloins and grilled pineapple. So it shouldn't be too hard.

Hi Everyone,

just a quick drop by, as we are going to Montana today for a few days.....
so I won't be able to check in again till Thursday. Hope everyonehad a great weekend. I am looking forward to starting the July 4th challenge (actually the 1st for me) as soon as I get back. I am feeling really motivated. This might be just what I need to get my butt in gear, and get the scale moving again..... I hope, I hope, I hope...... I CAN do this..... YES.!!!

Anyway, you all have a great week, and stay pop, and I will check in on Thursday.

Hi all,

Did TO on Thurs/Fri and then TOM dropped by, so I was up on Thursday to 229.something, and now I'm back to 227.6...but really 2 oz over my ticker..lol. I'll be looking for a bigger loss this week. I told the COD today that I'm pretty frustrated with the last month or two, but I have to own at least half of the problem. When I don't lose, I do little cheats thinking "what difference does it make, this is not working anymore anyway." Really though, I should try to make the non-loss days fuel me to stay POP. I'm really really trying to be perfectly OP today.

Danette -- I found the bodywise bread and enjoyed 2 as 1S this morning, thanks!

Joni -- Have a great trip, we'll miss you!

Angie--where did you find the bodywise bread? How many calories per slice? Is Bodywise the brand name? sorry for all the ?? but I would LOVE 2 slices for 1 starch!

Happy Memorial Day!!! We got back from our little beach trip around 11pm last night. It was nice just being able to pop the sleeping girls right into bed. I told DH that we should take long drives every night at bedtime!! We had a great time, and the weather was great. We stayed with my DH's aunt along with the IL's. Oldest DD had lots of fun kayaking with DH and her cousin, and youngest DH loved the beach. We got lucky and found a little almost secluded beach tucked away on the sound side, so we didn't have to brave the crowds at the ocean. It was so much easier to keep up with the kids, and more relaxing for me. DH and I stayed pretty much OP, too. Except yesterday we did splurge and have a hot doughnut from Krispy Kreme. Oops!! Today will be a different story because we have a cookout this evening. I don't think it will be too bad, though. I can have my burger w/out a bun, and my mom is going to have fresh fruit for us.

Okay, got to get moving. Lots to do before tonight. Hope everyone has a great day!!

Good morning!

Wendy- Sounds like you and the family had a great time! It's hard to be POP while on vaca so give yourself a pat on the back and forget about the Krispy Creme! LOL

Angie & Lea Ann - I understand the COD pressure, for sure. About a week ago I had a near meltdown on my counselor. I know I am partly to blame for my slower than normal weight loss and what I PAY them for is to help me work through it not to criticize my every move. Needless to say I am not happy with my COD and have a hard time going in 3 times a week. Right now I think I am going to just pop in to pick up my supplies, weigh in and skip the one-on-one sessions. I need an attitude adjustment and would prefer to get my daily pick up from the board!

Happy Memorial Day! Thank goodness this is a new thread...it gives me a reason not to have to read through 3 million pages from last week's thread.:D Everyone seems to be doing their thing. Congrats to all the losers, and gainers, and those in between. Even if you aren't losing, you are aware that you aren't and are trying to do something about it. That's my take on it, this morning.

Since DH has the day off, I went walking this AM instead of the evening with the kids, and it was rather refreshing to go alone. Need I say more? I've been busy as usual. In addition, my 8 month old son has just started to crawl, so I've been on the floor with him making sure his 4 yr old DS doesn't leave small toys, scraps of paper, and other crap around for him to choke on. She would love that...she is still asking for a baby sister.:dizzy:

Time for personals!

Kim#2- Glad to see you checking in! I know you are an extra hot momma now. I am so happy for you!

Nichole- Glad you put those death sticks down. I tried the tequilla chicken and I must say YUM! I omitted the corn tortillas and used cottage cheese instead of the mayo and sour cream, but it still tasted pretty authentic. Thanks for the recipe.

Sammy- Keep losing twin! Are you using recipes from the board? You are so consistent!

Joni- I tried the slushie recipe...I really do jones for the Cherry Limeade that Sonic has but this fits the bill. I even tried it with Peach Tea and baby peaches...:o On another note, I can't believe I would order the Route 44 size and drink it all by the end of the day. Just thinking of all that sugar...WOW! Then to sweeten the deal, I would order it during their "everything 1/2 off" hours. So, I was getting my cheap thrill for less than a buck.

Big HELLO to KrispieD, all the Kims' & Wendys', Liz & Dan, Libby, Shannon, Dannette, Megan, Katie, Tina, MTDebster, who else???? If I didn't type your name, you know I am wishing you a POP day, as well. Where's Erika and Paula? Have a POP day!

Angie--where did you find the bodywise bread? How many calories per slice? Is Bodywise the brand name? sorry for all the ?? but I would LOVE 2 slices for 1 starch!

Is that like the Ezekial bread? I had two slices this morning and wasn't sure how to count it. I know starches won't be an issue for me today, as we are grilling everything in the fridge. So, I know I won't go over. Just want to know in case I have a starch attack later this week or so.

Lea Ann and Letisha -- It's a Canadian brand I think, it's sold as Dempster's Bodywise bread, but I know others have mentioned a US brand for which 2 slices = 1S I was excited to hear that too, and Danette pointed me to the Canadian kind. My COD never tells me stuff like that! It is going to make being POP sooo much easier for me. This particular one is 90 cal for 2 slices and has 4g of fibre, I think it was the fibre that was key to it equalling 1S. I think we talked about it either last week or in the first May thread.

Debbie -- I do that sometimes...just breeze in, don't even bring my purse and say 'just a quick one' and they are fine with that. Sometimes you know the problem and don't feel like having the counselling.

Thanks Angie! The one I count as 1S is the Nature's Own Double Fiber Wheat. I enjoy those two slices, but that toasted Ezekial Cinnamon & Raisin Bread tastes soooo good and is so filling. I put a 1/2 wedge of the Laughing Cow cheese on it and sprinkle some plain cinammon on it...yum. I just started using that "sprouted wheat" stuff last week and saw a loss...but I don't want to over do it. I may have to do some research.

Lettie--where are you on the 5 week summer meltdown? I am starting it tomorrow--thanks so much for posting the info. I haven't been to my COD since Christmas (slap on hand) so I get ALL my information here--like I didn't before! I loved my COD but the turnover was maddening. I am going to call and see if I have any weeks, etc. left--I really just want new diaries--no desire to "talk" about why I've gained--I know exactly why I have!

thanks again--if you've already started you can keep us updated and we can bask in your success and know we are close behind.


Well technically I started 2 weeks ago. but then binged my life away for some reason!!! so I still weigh what I did 2 weeks ago! so I am putting all that behind me and doing TO today and tomorrow and calling this week 1. So we can do this together. I had some issues last time, the Jetstart proved to cause..........uh..... elimination issues. Not in and of itself. But my body was used to having the Activia yogurt everyday that keeps one regular. so when i stopped having that everyday because the Jetstart would be my dairy. I had problems. this time around I am going to have my activia yogurt (1/2 dairy) with 1/2 cup of milk (the other half a dairy) along with a fruit and blend it as a smoothie and have that in the morning instead of the jetstart. That first week that I was doing jetstart and things were not moving.. neither was the scale, for obvious reasons. before things got straightened up I was 5 pounds UP! then through week two I was trying to battle that, plus binging because being 5 pound up I was at the "well, whatever!! " stage. So I lost 2 weeks. ANYWAY!!!!!! I guess the answer to you question is..... WEEK ONE!
Hahahaha.

Joni - I have the Dr Phil book and have not only read it but also gone through and underlined a lot of stuff when I read it the second time. I also have the cookbook of his too. I really like it. I didn't like his "diet" plan but the info in the first few chapters hit me like a brick as it really felt like he was talking to me.

This weekend I also bought the You on a Diet as I had heard good things about it. I am only on chapter 2 though so far.

This weekend I saw the furkid yesterday and then I had to help the MIL set up for her mom's 80th b'day party. I stayed to help out but I didn't stay for the actual party itself. I left before they really got into the food and cards and stuff. Just felt awkward with the entire family there and the ex there. So I told MIL I was leaving and made a discreet exit. She understood.

Today I start training so I am 4p-12a every day m-f for the next 5 weeks or so. We'll see how it goes. I had to get up early today to do a bank appt with mom so I figure I will be tired tonight but tomorrow I should be able to sleep in a bit.

I hope everyone is enjoying your long weekend if you are in the US..For the rest, have a great day!!

Good morning all, and Happy Memorial Day!!!

We're getting the kiddos packed and ready for the pool... And then I'll get the smoker going for the salmon... I bought a brisket at the store too, but considering we're doing a TO tomorrow, that probably wouldn't be a good choice..

Debbie.. We all need an attitude adjustment once in a while.. It's easy to have people tell you to "keep your eye on the prize" but it's another thing to really get yourself back in gear.. The truth is that all the support in the world can't make you pick yourself up and get you back to POP, but we'll be here to encourage you and offer suggestions that work for us.. Now.. Get out there and kick some a**!!!

Lettie - Do you find that the Activa yogurt helps with the regularity? I've been using the Dannon Lit and Fit yogurt smoothies because they're so low in carbs, calories and fat, but regularity continues to be a issue for me, so I'm willing to try just about anything...

Letisha - I know what you mean about Jonesin' for a Limeade at Sonic.. My fav is the Strawberry, and during the summer, I'll probably have one a week.. But this year's gonna have to be different.. bummer...

Wendy - Krispie Kreme?? Bad girl!! I'm so glad they closed the KK shops here in Albuquerque... Those are hard to deny...

Ok.. time to get walkin'.. Talk to y'all later!

Dan in a word YES! but it takes almost two weeks of eating it everyday to get the probiotic cultures built up. but yes I would highly recommend for anyone having this issue. They even guarantee it. it works in 14 days or it's free. check it out at www.activia.com they have a fat free light which has 70 cal. for the 4 oz of yogurt which I try to do most of the time to stay closer to plan, but the flavors are more limited with the light. Like my favorite is Blueberry but I have only found that in the regular. which is 110 cal for the 4 oz.

Good evening all

Well as you all might know I had my testing last week and went to WI this morning and I lost 3.6 since last week which gave me a total of 20.4 loss since joining in late march...I am very pleased and almost at my half way mark of 25 pounds of my 50...The olnly issue I am having now is since I was cleaned out on wed my waste has not moved....yah that's 5 days now..getting worried about that... but not backed up..just nothing there to move lol...my belly is soooooooooo soft now and the walmart bag is hanging lower :o
My COD girl said to take the tea...I looked at her and said are you nuts....I just was knocked out last week with a light stuck up my a## do you really think I am going to irritate that area any more than I have toooooooooooo......sometimes they can be so stupid.....I have to let nature take it's course

Danette -- I found the bodywise bread and enjoyed 2 as 1S this morning, thanks!

Angie- your very welcome it's great to have the extra bread for a sandwich

Lea Ann - body wise bread is a dempsters brand we can get it here in canada not sure if it's avalible in Texas

Dan- I love salmon

Hello letisha I'm glad you enjoyed your walk alone!!!!!! Ezekial bread on thier site it says it is 80 calories for one slice so one starch...sorry letisha

Alannah- I also have read DR. Phil's book and you on a diet lol..I also have curves and ww and many others I could start a book club on diets

Hi debbie----- here's your :kickbutt:

Wendy- put the donut behind you and your DH

Hi to all other LA posters where are you?????? better not be hanging your head in shame from the weekend ...If you are get your head out of the sand and get back at it :p

hey everyone. not much to say the past few days. just been hanging out with dh. i did have to go back to work today after having 10 days off from my vacation. it was ok to go back, but it was a super slow day, so it wasn't that exciting.
we went swimming since the pool at our condos is open now and we stayed out longer than i thought..like 2hrs total and i ended up getting a bit toasty.
but it was nice and fun.
we did have a few drinks on saturday night and a few yesterday, so i'm showing up a few pounds, but i know it's because i completely slacked on my water and traded it in for rum drinks. oops. well, it's been a while since dh and i have enjoyed some drinks, and we enjoyed ourselves.
but i'm back at it full force today. :)
hope everyone enjoyed themselves this weekend.

Hi everybody. I hope everyone has a great week. I weighed in today and was down 1.4 lbs. I'll take it. :) Today was day 6...it hasn't been too bad so far. I just hope I can stick to this. I'm great at losing initially and then I sort of slack off....

I'm wondering what to do this weekend. We are going out of town to a rock concert and I'm not sure what to eat. I know I have the restaurant guide but nothing is appealing to me. Hopefully I'll figure it out.

Yeah, that could irritate it more. I don't blame you...just drink your water and increase your fiber. That should make a difference, hopefully.

Good evening all

Hello letisha I'm glad you enjoyed your walk alone!!!!!! Ezekial bread on thier site it says it is 80 calories for one slice so one starch...sorry letisha
:p

See, I'm thinking because it wasn't milled, it was ok for two slices. Oh well, at least I know now. Fortunately, I planned for it and stuck with my protein and veggies off the grill. So, what is the cut off as far as calories to consider it the equivalant of 1 LAWL starch? You never miss your water until the well runs dry or is it, you never miss your starch until LAWL limits it. Yes...I know it's corny. :)

Danette -- Sorry things are not 'moving' faster for you. I was going to suggest the tea as well, but I see what you mean. Maybe just eat citrus and canteloupe (lots of natural fibre) for fruits for a couple of days. I hope you get some relief soon. I feel like such a cheater cheater pumkin eater with all my bread, thanks again!!

Jillian -- I love your new pic, you're looking great. I'm sure those few lbs will be gone in no time once you are back on plan and getting your water for a few days.

Leesee -- Where are you going for the concert, maybe we can make some suggestions? Worse coming to worse you can just order something grilled (fish, chicken, beef) and a salad, or just veggies for lunch or dinner.

Hey everybody
I hope everybody had a good weekend. I had to be to work at 5 this morning, so I am starting to run down.

Debbie- I'd be interested in that restrictive plan too. TO just doesn't do anything for me anymore.

Lea Ann- I get 40 calorie bread by Franz at Walmart. It's made in Portland and comes in white or wheat. It's the only 40 cal bread I have ever found up here.

Dannette- YAY on the 3.6 lbs. Too bad you had to lose them the way you did. Hope that it stays off.

Lisa- WTG on the 1.4 lbs. As far as eating out, just stick to the basics, ask a lot of questions as to how the food is cooked. Ask for all sauces on the side and easy on the spices. Also, lots and lots of water. Good luck.

Wendy- Glad you had fun at the beach.

Letisha- WTG on your walk, glad you enjoyed it!

Lettie, bobbysam, Angie ,Alannah, Dan, Jillian :wave:

Just wanted to let all of you know that I posted a bunch more recipes in the recipe thread. :eating2:

I think that I am going to grace the COD with my presence tomorrow. I haven't been in almost 8 weeks. I am so bad I know. The last couple of times I went in, the wait was too long for me to handle and I walked out. Haven't been back since. I think they are having some turnover because I saw an ad in the paper for counselors. They haven't even called me to see why I haven't been in. Oh well.

Letisha- I believe it's 90 cal for a bread and with the dempsters it's 45 for each slice

Angie- thanks for the support..with eating healthy there is nothing left to move down lol..it's all getting absorbed...I was just reading on the activia yogurt and I'm going to do that now and get some healthy bacteria back in my system...I feel great with the cleanse..the only problem that i'm having is... I woke up durning the test with major pain when I was suppose to under..I had to go to the hospital on friday because of the pain I was having they did a x-ray and all was fine the doctor told me the scope must have got stuck and cause an abrasion....well any way I got some good pain drugs to keep me going :dizzy: Glad to hear you feel like your cheating with the bread

Deb- you were posting the same time as me.....HI......how did you make it without going to weigh in for 8 weeks I didn't wi for a week and went through scale withdrawal...deb can you send me your cookbook????? Did you get most of them from the book or online?

Kim2 (aka) tummy tuck girl...hows the tummy shrinking I seen the pics and I was amazed at the results.....hows the happy happy drugs treating you????? That's what my daughter calls them because she said I had a happy smile on all weekend :dizzy:

Thanks for all the bread information. Looks like I can't get the Bodywise but we do have a number of 40-45 calorie/slice breads to choose from. I did find the Nature's Own today but not the Double Fiber so I am going to ask if they can ask for it. Our local United is pretty good about trying to help out. I pestered the guy for the 100 calorie cupcakes and now they fly off the shelves--he should be thanking me for the business--lol.

Angie...I'm going to Edmonton so there will be tons of choices restaurant wise. I'm guessing we'll end up at Swiss Chalet (maybe skinless chicken and salad?). :?: If not Swiss Chalet, maybe Outback? I don't know yet. Thanks for your help!

MTdebster921 Thanks for the suggestions. I'll make sure to do that. :)

I really appreciate the support...this place is great!

Good evening!!

Alannah - I think I've read every diet book out there. I like Dr. Phil's book and Oprah's (Bob Green Book) was motivating as well. Good luck with your training this week!

Dan - Thanks for the kick in the booty!! I need it with my bad attitude :) Hope you guys had fun at the pool. The salmon sounds yummy, wish I was there to partake!

Danette - I was told to eat lots of broccoli and cantelope and to drink hot lemon water. Seemed to do the trick without causing any major chaos. :)

Jillian - Glad to hear you enjoyed your time at the pool. The adult beverages will come off quickly if you drink lots of water. I am back full force today as well. WE CAN DO IT!

Lisa - Congratulations on your 1.4lb loss!!! I would take that any day of the week. You CAN stick to this program. The key is to jump right back on the plan when you have a cheat. We all slip from time to time however those who hop back on to the plan seem to have the most success. YOU CAN DO IT! Let's make this week an ON PLAN week. I know I am going to give it my best shot.

Debster - I will post the "Results" program tomorrow, I left the sheet at my office. Take it easy on your COD tomorrow :) Good luck!

Lea Ann - 100 calorie cupcakes...YUM! LOL

NSV ALERT!!!! I wore a pair of pants that didn't fit me 2 weeks ago! YIPEEEE! I AM going to meet the Summer Challenge...I AM going to meet the Summer Challenge.. I CAN DO IT!!!!

yea! first kid on the playground this morning.

Half way through TO! yippie. I am already dreaming of things I would like to eat. I was down on my scale this morning but I was up when I started so really I am still a half a pound up.... grrrrr. I hope I can actually make some head way and not just break even.

Well, I made it through the first night of training , now just 24 more to go!!! Actually we have a good group. We are all seasoned reps and we all know each other so it is a lot of fun. They "crowned" our employee of the year yesterday and he is in our class as well. He is a riot to begin with!! I won't lie and say that after 11pm it gets hard to learn but the girl training us knows that so she just reviews at that time. I have had her train me before and she is awesome as well.

I go see the furkid this afternoon so I will stop at the grocery store before going to work to pick up a salad for supper as I won't be home to make anything. I have to leave the house an hour before I start work so I'll have lots of time.

Not much new here, all I did yesterday was work!! But looking forward to having an OP day.

Have a great one everybody, I'll check in later when I can

Good morning all. Finally have a moment where I can actually catch up on what's going on around here!

It's been crazy at home and at work (still is). Finally got caught up on most of my yard work and housework. It's my DD's high school graduation this week with convocation tonight and the banquet and dance on Thursday. If that wasn't enough to do this week, it's got to be crazy at work as well as the developer of one of our software programs is onsite, which means taking him around to the various locations to visit with the users, which takes forever, at a time where I really need to make sure I get out of work on time!

Alannah - good luck with the training. If you've gotta do it, it sure is nice to have a group that gets along well together.

Lisa - Have fun at the concert! The weather has finally turned half decent, and the forecast is good. Should be a nice night for sitting out under the stars and listening to some good tunes!

Good Morning Everyone, I'm here to face the music! Last Thursday I was 197, (even though my scale at home said 198.6) Now today I think I am going to WI and I'm worried. My scale still is between 197.8 - 198.6. I know, it isnt a gain but I want to LOSE not stay the same. It's all my fault, though. Though I havent totally binged or anything of the sort, I've been sneaking in cheats. This weekend was all the holiday cookouts, I did okay. I ate grilled meat (hamburgers and hotdogs) with out buns. I dipped them in mustard. I skipped all the salads and extra, and took lites with me. Drank lots of water. Yesterday I went out with 2 of my girlfriend to Olive Garden. We got the Lunch special of Soup, Salad, & Breadsticks. Unlimited, of course. I had salad, and I tried 2 of the soups. ( I didnt eat the whole bowl). I had half of a breadstick, which I'm proud of myself for not eating more of those awesome things!!! Then we ordered desert to share between us 3, and I had 2 bites. It was some terribly rich chocolate thing. Good, but not so hot for me, I'm sure. Last evening we went to my dad's for a pool party, I stayed by the pool with my water for most of the time, as they had tons of goodies there. I did have a few RF Crackers, with 2 chunks of cheese. Nothing major. Anyhow I just think its making me stay the same weight, and I'm not happy. I am seriously going to try a TO sometime this week. I just need to motivate myself!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Debbie--CONGRATS on the pants--those who know me know it's all about the clothes--of course I love the numbers on the scale to go daonw, but the better/smaller clothes keep me motivated. Guess the cupcakes are out for a while--fortunately my girls love them, too, so they sure won't go to waste. It's funny watching them choose snacks now--I guess we've brainwashed them in a good way! Except yesterday when they both chose a hershey bar at the store--oh well--I would have too given the choice.

Lisa--you'll do great wherever you end up--everywhere (it seems) now had a grilled chicken Caesar salad.

Lettie--halfway through at 7:30am??? I haven't even started! I wonder how many of us are Torturing Ourselves today?? Misery loves company! You'll lose well this time--it's your turn.

Alannah--hope you are getting some sleep--I don't know how you do the night thing--I would be a bear.

Val--sounds hectic--especially since our lives just came to a screeching halt (we finished school last week!). Hope you get out not just on time, but early--just for extra family time.

Hope you all have a great POP day. I am going to pretend my grapefruit is something it's not (and I actually like grapefruit!)

Wow - new thread and it's already 3 pages! You people are busy. Hope everyone had a great long weekend. (US folks anyway) It's been a busy month for me but it's over now and I feel so much more relaxed!

I had my first full POP day yesterday and also squeezed in a water aerobics class last night. I need to incorporate a couple of days a week for conditioning and weight training as well but we'll just do this one step at a time. I've all but stopped walking at work now. It's Texas and it's summertime. Outdoor activities completely stop for me unless there's water involved.

I also managed to plan out my menus for the remainder of the week and even pack up all my breakfasts and snacks. That's a major accomplishment for me!

Nicole - WAY TO GO! I don't remember how long you said it had been but WTG!! I stopped 7 years ago Feb 2nd. I celebrate that day every year.

I know there were other notable posts but there were so many I just can't remember them now. Hi to everyone!

Jessica--all in all--considering all the temptations you had to face I think you did great. The fact that you remember is a start--it's the mindless eating that kills us. Hang in there and jump back on the POP train. (I'm a fine one to talk since it's been ages for me!--until yesterday). You are already aware of the cheats and that puts you ahead of the game.

Shannon--Austin is too hot and humid for me!! I'm in the panhandle and even though it will get hot it will stay pretty dry. I will spend most of the summer at my parents lakehouse ouside of Comanche and I have a sister in San Saba which is not too far from Austin. So glad to have another Texan on teh board!! The water aerobics sound great--haven't done them since I was pg with both girls. I have my 2 day TO menu planned (real hard when you get 4 items!) so you can plan the rest--lol.

Whew, I've been so off plan the last few days. I have binging issues I am still trying to get over. I have worked on them enough to where I only binge when I "mess up" instead of just binging because. But it's hard. I have made a goal for me to be POP until next Monday in which case I will buy myself a reward worth about $15. So hopefully this will keep me in check.

Memorial day barbeque today! My plan is 1 80 calorie roll /w light margarine, 3/4c grilled pineapple and 7oz grilled chicken breast and possibly 2c salad greens with vinegar (1S,1F,1Fr,1P,2V, 1C). I have my day planned out so it should go good as long as I can stay away from the alcohol. -_- I will update with my success (the power of positive thinking!) tonight.

I'm still getting to know all you through posts but:

Allanah: good luck with your training! I always hate training, but it does help when you have a group that you can enjoy.

Jessica: It doesn't sound like you have done bad at all. I hope you see at least a small loss at weigh in.

Debbie: woo on the pants! :carrot:

Morning gang...

Day one of TO, and I'm bound and determined to stick to plan... The last time I did a TO, I kind of deviated at the end of day two, but this time, I'm gonna be POP, dammit!!!

I shopped for lite alternatives this weekend and ended up buying "Zone Perfect" bars.. I got the fudge graham flavor and I gotta tell you, they ROCK... Basically think of the Carmel Lite, but without the carmel.. Same consistency with a bit darker kind of chocolate.

They are a bit more caloric than the the Carmel Lites, coming in at 210, but they have almost twice the fiber, so I think that might cancel out some of those calories.. I didn't go with the Kashi or Luna bars because I couldn't find them "by the box", only individuals.. I could probably find them by the box at GNC, right?

Debbie - Way to go on the pants.. That's the best feeling of all.. I just had to buy a new, smaller pair of jeans myself..

The Salmon was surprisingly good, considering I HATE fish.. I brought some leftovers for lunch today.. I know we're not supposed to eat salmon two days in a row, but I figure at the TO 3 oz. portion, I should be ok.. Beats going to Wild Oats for a sodium laced grilled chicken salad... i'm planning on smoking another brisket this coming weekend, so I have something to nibble on while Liz and the kids are on vacation next week..

I get the house to myself for almost a week.. A year ago it would have been kegs of beer and dancing girls.. This year, it's gallons of water and 3FC! Wow.. My life is exciting...

Okay Dan--I am on Day 1 of TO also--there should be a lot of us to keep us accountable! No dancing girls for you!! Except the calories you might burn--but that means you have to DANCE not watch. Salmon I can live without but the brisket sounds great. I wish I loved fish--it would sure make things easier--I'll stick to my tilapia I suppose. I had the best blackened cod of my life a while back but I'm sure it was still not "healthy". The girls and I leave next Friday and my DH will be alone a lot--I'm sure he will love the peace and quiet even if he denies it!!

I shopped for lite alternatives this weekend and ended up buying "Zone Perfect" bars.. I got the fudge graham flavor and I gotta tell you, they ROCK... Basically think of the Carmel Lite, but without the carmel.. Same consistency with a bit darker kind of chocolate.

They are a bit more caloric than the the Carmel Lites, coming in at 210, but they have almost twice the fiber, so I think that might cancel out some of those calories.. I didn't go with the Kashi or Luna bars because I couldn't find them "by the box", only individuals.. I could probably find them by the box at GNC, right?


Dan I ended up getting the zone perfect snack size bars. They are 80 calories and just enough to quench my sweet cravings. Yes, the fudge graham is awesome. I have also had the chocolate peanut butter and it's delicious too. I have another box in the pantry and they are carmel something, I haven't tried them just yet.

I love the fact that they are smaller than the normal ones and less calories. It gives me just the right amount of sweetness.

Lea Ann - there are lots of us Texans on the board. Well 2 or 3 anyway :). Yep I keep saying I'm gonna move to Minnesota to get away from the heat but after this winter I decided I'm a wimp. I'm also not a fish person. I have cooked Salmon 9 ways to Sunday and never can get more than one bite down. It's just way to fishy for me. I can handle tilapia, trout and cod and that's about it!

Hey Danette- I'm doing pretty good physically, food wise, I've been better! LOL I gave myself a few days after the surgery to just enjoy food and kind of eat what I want. Yesterday was back to being OP or as close as I can be. I still dont have much of an appetite which is a good thing I guess. I think I got the junk food out of my system with my few "free days". I'm not going to even consider a TO while I'm healing, just gonna try to get all the right foods in.
Hope everybody has a great week!

hey everyone. just a quick check in to say hi.

and congrats to my twin debbie for the NSV with smaller pants! that's awesome! such a great feeling, isn't it! more worth it than numbers on the scale to me anyways! :)

Dan I ended up getting the zone perfect snack size bars. They are 80 calories and just enough to quench my sweet cravings. Yes, the fudge graham is awesome. I have also had the chocolate peanut butter and it's delicious too. I have another box in the pantry and they are carmel something, I haven't tried them just yet.

I love the fact that they are smaller than the normal ones and less calories. It gives me just the right amount of sweetness.

Lea Ann - there are lots of us Texans on the board. Well 2 or 3 anyway :). Yep I keep saying I'm gonna move to Minnesota to get away from the heat but after this winter I decided I'm a wimp. I'm also not a fish person. I have cooked Salmon 9 ways to Sunday and never can get more than one bite down. It's just way to fishy for me. I can handle tilapia, trout and cod and that's about it!


There were two "snack size" bars in the box I bought and the weird thing was that even though they were the same flavor, they tasted very different from the full sized bars.. I even had to check to make sure they were still the same..

The snack size is a good idea, but while there are fewer calories, there's also less protein, so I guess it's a six of one, half dozen of the other..

I found that smoking with mesquite - a strong flavored wood helped cut the "fishy" taste of the salmon considerably. It also gave it a nice golden brown color..

Regarding Minnesota... It may become frozen tundra in the winter, but I've spent some time there in the summer.. It's HUMID beyond all belief and the horse flies are HUGE.. Kind of reminded me of Maine in the summer... Not that it's not a great place, but just pointing out that it does get hot there too.. And it ain't a dry heat.... :lol:

"I know I am partly to blame for my slower than normal weight loss and what I PAY them for is to help me work through it not to criticize my every move."

Debbie - I am so with you! I need encouragement. I need "It's going to be fine. Just give your body some time". I don't need the "You probably aren't measuring your portions." or "You probably ate more than you thought." or "You ate carrots! You ate beef! You should be shot!" from them.

My counselors sometimes tell me if i'm screwing up, but I actually like that, because it puts me in check. I think if they were telling me everything will be fine, then I dont think I would be motivated to lose weight for my next WI. I guess I'm just different.

Colorado it is!

As for the zone bars, that's weird about the flavor difference. I wonder why. I don't really do lites but I'm counting these as a lite when i eat one (maybe once or twice a week as the mood hits). Whatever makes me avoid the potato chips! Hey my son has almost finished off that bag of chips so the temptation is almost out of the house. There's a bag of doritos there but they really don't bother me and tortilla chips too but I'm not too into those either...unless there's queso involved but we won't mention that again!

Jessica - I agree - that's what you paid them to do. If left to my own devices I'd be fat...hey wait...I am! I find it helpful for them to tell me don't eat beef 2 days in a row or spread this out, or try mixing this in. Just help me lose this weight and you can tell me whatever you want.

Immediate help for those of you with "back up" problems

A look at this should do the trick!

But it requires swimming...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=458282&in_page_id=1811&ico=Homepage&icl=TabModule&icc=picbox&ct=5

Immediate help for those of you with "back up" problems

A look at this should do the trick!

But it requires swimming...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=458282&in_page_id=1811&ico=Homepage&icl=TabModule&icc=picbox&ct=5

I sure hope I don't make that face when I swim!

I'm just imagining what my first reaction would be should I ever see something like that swimming toward me!!

I think the little thing floating in front of him in that first picture pretty much sums up the reaction!

Lettie -- Stay strong! Make this TO work for you and remember how crappy you felt the other times when you ended up binging during or just after TO. You can do it ! :hug:

Alannah -- Glad training is going well. Do you find it harder to plan meals around your new hours? Has your COD suggested any changes in plans based on your new shift?

Jessica -- Sometimes when I've been cheating doing a TO can help to get me back in the right mindset. Good luck with yours!

Lea Ann -- I ate a grapefruit, membranes and all, for breakfast in a show of solidarity for those of you currently doing TO...lol.

Sakuya -- If planning your menu, or sharing it here helps you, check out the daily menu thread. It's a great place to get ideas too.

I get the house to myself for almost a week.. A year ago it would have been kegs of beer and dancing girls.. This year, it's gallons of water and 3FC! Wow.. My life is exciting...


Dan -- LOL Isn't life evolution great?

TN Kim -- Way to get back on the horse! How are you healing now?

Deb in Nashville -- WTG on the pants!!! :carrot:

Shannon -- There are CHIPS in your house? Jeeze, you're braver than me. DH brought home 1/2 a bag of chips from the weekend, and I threw them out before the garbage truck came yesterday to keep myself from eating them. He can eat all the chips he wants, but not here, and they can't stay here either. He can help himself to celery or carrot sticks instead...lol.

Hi everyone..........I am a very bad girl. Help me, help me.............:)

Nicole -- I wish I had Pearl's gift for motivation and butt kicking! I just know that you are worth it, and you can't change what you've already done, but you can choose better starting right now.

Now, I have a poop story for you.

DS has had diarrhea on and off for the last 2 weeks. It's really sucky since he's not completely toilet trained, so lots of droopy poopy duty (or doody duty) for me. Here's the good part though...yesterday, he ACTUALLY ASKED to sit on the potty when he felt like he had to poop! I guess he was sick of sitting in sh!t just about as much as I was sick of cleaning it. So, thanks to diarrhea, Cam had his first voluntary poop on the potty. Of course, since then he's pooped his pants several times, BUT STILL, it happened once, and that gives me hope that it will happen again! Just had to share that with you, my partner in poopiness.

Hi, everybody! Is it okay to just jump right in here? I'm new to LAWL - DH and I just started yesterday! I went in today - per my "counselor's" instructions and was shocked and thrilled to already see 5 pounds gone from the weight recorded last week!! I know that it was water weight - Lord knows, I've been peeing like crazy from all the water I'm drinking!! - but it was a great motivator! I'm looking forward to getting know you guys because I know you're all fighting the same battle that I am.

Welcome Felicia! Way to go on the 5 pounds!

'Fess up Nicole - get it off your chest and then be POP for the rest of the day.

Great job Felicia.. And I'll bet it's not just water weight.. If you've been sticking to the plan, you're now eating foods that help you shed real weight, rather than pack it on...

C'mon Nicole... It can't be THAT bad, can it?

welcome felicia!

Angie - they were the leftovers from the graduation party. I did throw the cake out but somehow couldn't force myself to toss the chips. I was afraid I'd go to hel* or something. Just seemed wrong somehow. :)

NICOLE TELL ME YOU DIDN'T SMOKE

^^ I think that's the often forgotten 11th Commandment...

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors chips nor consume thine own in times of purging."

They reserve a special place in hell for breakers of that one.. You have to sit in room surrounded by nothing but LAWL "3 cheese popcorn" baggies.

Felicia – Welcome! Yes, just jump right in. 5lbs is an awesome loss for your first week. :welcome2:

Shannon – Good G*d! Throw them away. You must know they have powers to hypnotize people during reality TV or made for TV movies. Get them out of your house. If you can’t toss them, recycle them..mash them up and throw them on the garden. You’ll have sour cream n onion trees growing by the time you’re on stabilization.

Dan – That’s the best commandment.

Angie, I'm doing pretty good! Had a lil fever over the weekend but its gone and its back to at least semi-normal LOL

Dan- Great commandment! LOL

Nicole- awwww it cant be that bad honey, tell us all about it and you'll feel better! LOL

Nicole - I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours :-) I've been avoiding logging on all day today cuz I don't want to confess the weekend's naughtiness.
We love you!

Me too Jessica - when I screw up I need the correction. Definitely!

But when I'm POP and get literally scolded for having beef once in 3 months (it's in the book!) or for having 6 baby carrots (they are in the book!) or for having an apple 2 days in a row (they are in the book!) then I get a little irritated. Or when I'm up a bit from it being that "time of the month" hearing that that is normal and will probably be down next time would be nice. Constantly only hearing the negative makes sitting through my diary review a cringing experience. I'm sure it is different with different centers/counselors.

Angie--congrats to Cam! It's like morning sickness--one day you forget it all ever happened.

Welcome Felicia--congrats on the losses so far--you'll love this plan!

Hey to all--it's 4:00 and still POP--wow for me--it's been so long.

lol.....you guys are the best!!!! No, Shannon...........I did NOT smoke!!! That would be wayyy worse than binging for an entire week. I have been in, "I HAVE to eat that," mode for a lot of days in a row. It is not good timing, as DH and I have to go to a wedding second weekend in June.........and that does not leave me much time to undo the damage. Also, I went to Macy's this weekend to see about a new dress........and that was not pretty. I do not want to dress like I am 50.......and all the dresses that cover enough for me to feel comfortable are old lady dresses. Whatever. I used to be the tall, slim, blonde girl everywhere I went.........and now..........it's just not pretty. But, I am still blonde......LOL. I am going to get over myself by morning, and get back to feeling good. I did buy myself some new Lancome makeup this weekend, and that is nice...........but it is NO hot new dress for the wedding. Ok, thanks for telling me to get it off my chest, and get over it. I will pull this off........and tomorrow is my day..........it is my first day of my July 4th challenge........and I'm gonna kick some butt. Love to all of you :) XOXO

Oh, good for you, Lea Ann................you can do this.....you are a pro. Tomorrow I am going to update my tickers......with the truth.......and I am really scared......I haven't stepped on the sclae in over 2 weeks.......and I have this feeling that I am outa Onderland.

Oh, I have an update on my 16 yo DD..........she got all A's and B's this semester at her new school. Her GPA is 3.7. Isn't that wonderful? Oh, also, she has a job interview at Taco Bell tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. I am hoping now that she has re-tasted success, she will continue to do well. I am sooo happy for her.......and I am beaming with pride.

Ok, now I HAVE to go get something done around here.......I don't think there is a clean towel in this house..........lol.

XOXO

Ahh Nicole you are absolved of all your weekend cheats now that you have confessed.. now shake it off and get back on the wagon girlfriend!
Busy day here but HI to all.. miss everyone and will catch up soon. .NO liquid fruit or starch today.. but tomorrow is DH birthday. heaven help me!

Oh, Kristen............you are just a doll..........and I LOVE your new avatar. The three of you are just adorable. Wait till Aunt Joni sees this :) XOXO

I've been waiting for her to jump on!
Threw another one in the webshots album too.. even cuter..
I've missed you!! We'll catch up soon.. keep the faith my good buddy
xo

Nicole--not feeling much like a pro lately but you are right--I DO know how to do this. Believe me-if I can suck it up and get out of ticker denial so can you. Tomorrow is a new day and we will ALL be checking on you and ROOTING for you!! I understand about the dresses--much as I hated to I ended up in the Juniors and probably found the ONLY dress with sleeves but everything in "my" department looked so old!

Kristen--good to see you and those adorable girls! I'll have to check out the webshots update. I may have to put my girls back in my avatar--they are still posted--just in the profile--poor girls...

Love the avatar Kristen!

Kristin - TOO CUTE!!!

Nicole - If ya didn't smoke then anything else can be fixed! I have faith in ya.

Angie - Sour cream and onion tree? <rushing home to shove the chips in my earthbox>

I love the commandment Dan.

Thanks you fabulous women.. now if only you could get the salary that the 'counsellors' do.. it's been said time and time again but this site is leaps and bounds over and COD.. and no Doom on this site!
Off to the church for a potluck.. made salsa pie. eeek!

My goodness, Kristen! Your girls sure are cute! I've always wanted a baby girl, but am happy with my DS...

Nicole - It all comes out in the wash.... At least that's what I tell myself when I stray...

Kim - Good to see that the TT went alrighty. Though I may not post much, I do notice when people gone missing...

Lea Ann - I hear you on the clothing deprtment looking "old"... Since the 16s fall off me, I had to purchased a bunch of skirt to wear to work, and I now face a new kind of remarks... people been talking about my "short" skirts... what's their problem? I don't say a thing about theirs! And they are NOT all that short! Just above the knee, that is still appropriate for office setting, don't you think? I wore the same lenght of skirts in 16s before, the only difference is the size of the skirts... Besides, what's the use of losing all this weight, if I can't wear cuter clothes? Sorry for the big spill... it's just that this topic's been heavy on my mind...

xoxo

Happy new week everyone! Well my best-laid plans for Memorial Day went away faster than the BBQ pork I made. I actually did OK w/the food if I were maintaining! J Then I was sick all day yesterday. I would say “hangover” if it weren’t for the fact that I only had a few glasses of wine. I think it’s a migraine because I was sick for hours, and didn’t get out of bed until 3:00 p.m. I couldn’t even take anything because when I tried, the pills came right back up. I just had to wait the nausea out before I could even address the headache. Then I went back to bed at 6:00 and stayed there the rest of the night. Headache came back throughout the day, but I woke up at 2:00 ready to be sick again. Took advil, and then an hour later, a vicodin. Woke up at 5:30 and was sick at 8:00 at school, and then the headach returned at 9:30 this morning. So I’m thinking that a hangover after 5 glasses of wine cannot last two days. The only thing I ate yesterday was dry toast and ramen noodles. (Oh, the salt!) So I’m doing TO today and tomorrow. Was going to do FF, but the limited is actually a blessing. We were poaching salmon at school today. Watching our chef filet a whole salmon is not the best thing to see and smell while nauseous, by the way.

Lea Ann – Glad to see you back around here! And you can also use Nature’s Own Double Fiber wheat bread as 2 slices = 1S. Reading and catching up more… I’ll bet the tilapia would be good “en papillote”. That’s what we did with the salmon today. (I don’t like salmon either, so I brought it to someone at work). We put the fish and a bunch of julienne veggies in parchment with 1oz white wine and a squeeze of lemon, some salt & pepper (since I wasn’t eating it I added a little red pepper compound butter I had made last week) and then folded it up in the paper and baked it at 450 for about 8 mins. The veggies and fish all steam together and everyone said it tasted great. Maybe something new to do with the fish? Oh, and I have been warned to be aware of the “blackened fish special”. This is what the chef will do when the fish is old and they need to use it up. They add so many spices to it that you can’t tell it’s not fresh.

Wendy – Sounds like your weekend was a lot of fun!

Letisha – I remember the crawling days. Now DS will never be still again.

Dan – Your words to Debbie about the attitude adjustment are something I am saving to read again and again. I know it was to her, but since starting school it just seems that I sabotage myself at every turn. I gained the first two weeks of school due to schedule changes and not being OP whatsoever, but since then I’ve maintained. I am doing TO today and tomorrow and really trying to focus on getting my attitude adjusted. By the way, did you make the brisket? Catching up and reading more… So, you traded in the dancing girls for fat chicks, huh?

Deb – GL @ the COD

Debbie – Great NSV! :woohoo:

Alannah – GL w/your new schedule!

Shannon – Yay for your POP day! Hope today brought another one. And great planning too!

Sakuya – Did I ever welcome you? If not, then welcome! I find that posting my intentions seems to help with the follow-through. Not always (see above), but it does force me to pre-plan and I go in to a situation with the knowledge of temptation existing and the will to be strong, instead of feeling bombarded with the temptation to cheat.

Kim2 – Glad you’re healing well!

Angie – I have YET to have DS try that on the potty. We’re still working on peeing in the potty. And he still won’t wear underwear. I found boxer briefs in toddler sizes online and I am going to see if I can find them in Target or somewhere. If not, I will order them. I am hoping if his underwear look like daddy’s, maybe I’ll get somewhere. I actually asked him if he’d like to wear underwear like daddy’s and he said, and I quote, “Maybe someday”. WTF??? Just thought my sharing would help you and Nicole feel better.

Felicia – Of course it’s ok to jump in! Welcome!!!

Wendy and Nicole – The confessional is open… c’mon in!

Nicole – I am SOOO happy to hear about DD’s success! You must be so proud of her right now.

Kristen – GL staying on track! If any of us can do this, it’s you. I checked out the new pics and can you just pinch yourself when you see them? Your transformation has been incredible!

Nancy – Yes, above the knee skirts are acceptable in the office. They’re probably a little shocked by your new body, and probably more than a little jealous. Wear them with pride, girlfriend!

Bobby Sam, Lettie, Danette, Jillian, Lisa, Val, Jessica, RaceGrl - :wave:

OK… it’s 7:30 p.m. and I’ve actually been working on this post since about 1:00. Geez!

Oh, good for you, Lea Ann................you can do this.....you are a pro. Tomorrow I am going to update my tickers......with the truth.......and I am really scared......I haven't stepped on the sclae in over 2 weeks.......and I have this feeling that I am outa Onderland.

Oh, I have an update on my 16 yo DD..........she got all A's and B's this semester at her new school. Her GPA is 3.7. Isn't that wonderful? Oh, also, she has a job interview at Taco Bell tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. I am hoping now that she has re-tasted success, she will continue to do well. I am sooo happy for her.......and I am beaming with pride.

Ok, now I HAVE to go get something done around here.......I don't think there is a clean towel in this house..........lol.

XOXO


nicole--good to see you finally post today! i was beginning to worry about what "sin" you'd actually committed. it's good to be honest with yourself...it does suck sometimes, but i think it makes you get back on track and feel alot better.
also, that's great news about your DD! the grades and the job interview! yay! i've been thinking about her lately as i have a co-worker who's sister is 17yrs old and struggling big time..and it made me wonder how your DD's been progressing. such great news! :)

Hi everyone! Just got home from work and thought I'd peek in there. (I kinda snuck a peek at work too but I'm really not supposed to. lol)

I did something totally different today...I walked home for lunch and walked back to work. I live 15 minutes walk each way. I'm pretty pleased that I did that. Exercise is the hardest part for me. I'm going to walk home again tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a good day and hugs to anyone who slipped up over the weekend...it happens.

Good evening friends!

Dan - Thanks for the kick in the hiney :) I needed to get back in the right mindset and today was a NEW day! I even woke up at O'Dark thirty and did 20 min on the eliptical.

I know we've all had a rough weekend it but it's over and now it's time to get our game faces on. Let's make the rest of the week a POP week!!!! Say goodbye to the old lady clothes and the walmart luggage....Let's embrace our COD and show them we can take it like a champ...go team go!!!!!!!!!

Nancy--WEAR THE CUTE CLOTHES!!!!! Anyone with the audacity to comment is just jealous of your new figure--show it off! You know what's "appropriate" and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. You've earned it and deserve to feel as great as you look.

Cassi--that stinks! I hope you are feeling better--definitely sounds more like a bug than hangover--though learned quickly I cannot "hang" like I used to! Gross on the blackened fish! Does it help that is was not the special of the day?? Say it isn't so! Oh well--it was good. Since I am not a fish eater I probably wouldn't know the difference--lol.

Nicole--I forgot to mention the successes of you DD--that's great!!! I hope things are improving and I am so glad the new school/program is obviously working for here. For every ounce of increase in her self-esteem her attitude will improve, too. Yeah for the whole family!!

Lisa--what a GREAT way to get in some walking. I live about 5 miles from work so it just isn't gonna happen!

Debbie--you little cheerleader you!

Last pat on the back for the day--I have made it--still have a grapefruit to eat but otherwise I have been P-E-R-F-E-C-T!! Read it twice--it may not happen again for a while at my rate!! JK--it WILL happen again tomorrow--day 2 of TO.

Go Lea Ann Go!!!! :yay: :cheer2:

Good job Lea Ann!

Nicole -- If all else fails a long skirt with a fancy top, or a sundress type thingy with a cardigan will do. I hate it when I can only find old lady dresses, or dress pants with balloon like crotches. Hmph. WTG for your DD!

Kristin -- Great new pics! Aunt Joni will be in heaven. Hmm...what's salsa pie?

Wendy II -- Eek, 4lbs is too high a price to pay for mojitos...they are so light and yummy...totally not fair.

Nancy -- How sucky that people comment negatively on your new cute clohtes. Maybe they have you pigeon holed in a certain image...you'll have to keep going and shock them out of it.

Cassi -- What a crappy way to spend the holiday, sick! I hope you are feeling better now. Too funny about the undies. I got Cameron 2 pairs of that style in 'Shrek' design, he doesn't like them much though. He thinks they are shorts and then he doesn't want to wear anything over them.

Lea Ann -- Congrats on making it POP on TO today!!!!

RaceGrl, you're right that sounds ridiculous. My COD encourages baby carrots BIG TIME, since they help me get in my veggies. (im famous for never getting them all in). Nothing wrong with Beef, even once a week if you ask me. When I first started for the first 2 weeks I ate nothing but grilled chicken, every which way you can eat it. Then, I made the Beef veggie soup out of the cookbook, and BAM lost 3 lbs. Your body "gets used to" the same things. Switching it up actually can help weight loss. I'm sorry you're having a rough time at COD, but thats what this place is for! all the awesome people here have been a huge help to me, im sure they will you too.

With that being said, I had WI today and was UP .6 I could cry. But i know its from the weekend, a few cheats here and there. SOOO, I am officially starting my first TO tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Just popping in real quick before bed to share my NSV. I walked on the old, dusty elliptical in our garage tonight for 15 minutes! My DH just about passed out when he found me. He had been searching for me all over the house. LOL!! Gotta start firming up some of this flab, and I can't afford a TT or lipo...especially since I just did the LASIK.

Nicole - Just keeping thinking "Tomorrow is another day...." Just get back on track and put your past transgressions behind you. Oh, and that is awesome about your DD's grades!!

Okay, I know others had some really great things to say, but I am exhausted and must go to bed. Hope everyone has a great night and an OP day tomorrow!!

Jessica--I think you are absolutely right about shocking the body--we were about chickened to death, had a big family party with brisket and both of us lost more that week than any other. Red meat in and of itself is not the enemy--it's about portions and how often--in my opinion.

You girls are funny--cheer when I am consistent--but at least you make me NEED to continue!

Hey guys, quick flyby. Work is insane right now, hopefully I will be back soon. Keep fighting the good fight!

Welcome Felicia!

Oh Angie - the 4 lbs wasn't JUST mojitos.. I was naughty. Very naughty. Today I paid the price. I've been pounding lemon water all day and will probably do a TO tomorrow & Thursday so I can get back on track.

Alrighty - nighters. Tomorrow's another day.

Hello I am new to the post and just started LAWL 10 days ago. I have lost 4 pounds so far so I am pretty happy about that! I am having a hard time getting in all my food for the day and I feel like I am cheating when I do the carb cravers...LOL I am just getting to know this post and thought I would say Hi!

Welcome to all the newbies!!! Just jump on in and type away! "Lurkerism" is no longer allowed, now that you have posted.

I wanted to post yesterday, but I would have been on the soap box!!! My COD had a Memorial Day special. You had to lose any amount of weight, from last Wednesday...WI Fri or Sat- show a loss and then WI Tues and show another loss. The prize was $10 in free product. I got the prize(yeah me) but I am definitely the President of the Slow Losers Club. Only .2 lb from last Friday to yesterday. I was POP, walked twice a day, and even threw in a Sharon Mann once or twice. On a positive note, at least I lost. But, I am stressed because I feel I am not going to make my DS Christening's goal.

Sad music can stop playing now...on to personals!!!

Felecia- 4 lbs! I wish I could lose that quickly! WTG!

TruAngel- 4lbs too???!!! OK, give it up. Is LAWL giving newbies a pill that makes you lose 4 lbs, instantly? If so, I am going in disguise to my COD, at least once a week. LOL

Cassi- Hope you feel better soon! And I hope you get out of your weight stall. What's a girl to do? You have to try your class food but then you have to be OP, as well. You will balance it out...I know you will work it out somehow. Plain salads and Slim Fasts(ah, I mean LA Slim Downs---yeah right) may be an option for a couple of your meals throughout the week.

Nichole- Good for your DD! Glad to hear things are going better for her. As far as 1derland goes...you won't be alone in the 2++ land. Although, you will be around PO'd people like me, who are trying to get 1derland. Hopefully, that will motivate you to not stay in "my" land too long.

Angie- After trying candy, stickers, hugs, applause, candy, yelling within, pulling my hair....I found a free website a couple of years ago that prints out a potty award with your child's name with the favorite character ...and for the life of me, I did not save it under my homeschool folder. I used to tantalize my DD when she was 2 with the Dora award. I printed it out and would show it to her after she ate or drank anything. Whenever she asked about it, I knew this was her cue that something was about to come out. So, I would put her on that toilet and just hug that award and go on and on about how wonderful it was. We may have sat in the bathroom for 1/2 an hour, but after a few days, it worked and she finally got to touch it and hang it up in her room. If you haven't tried this, I hope it works for you. If I can find it, I will PM you, so you won't have to read through all of our gazillion posts to find it.

Jillian- Welcome back. You're looking good girl! I still want that Caramel Macchiato with double whip cream.

Wendy2- It's time for my TO. I am starting today...are you still starting today? I need a TO buddy. TO really does nothing for me except stress me out.

Kristen- You are melting away!!! You are looking good! And those girls....too cute!

Megan- Where are you?

Dan- It sounds like you are taking things in stride now. I am happy that you are going for goal weight. Good for you!

Debbie- This weight loss thing is so hard. Being on LAWL helps to make us more accountable, in a sense, but this board is so helpful. So, glad that you are getting back on the horse and we are all here for support.

WendyNC- Work it out, girlfriend! If you shocked your husband, he may shock you and get on there with you.

Who else??? Shannon, Dannette, Katie, Libby, BobbySam, Liz, Joni, JM, Allanah, and everyone else I am forgetting at the moment. Have a POP day.

Shot out to MTDebster for posting all those good looking recipes. I can't wait until Friday to chow down on that Mojito chicken. I've been dying to use my mint that I've been growing. And I will try the summer fruit territe...something like that ;-) YUMMY!!! My inner pigism is OINKING pretty loud right now.

Wendy, I'm doing TO today and tomorrow too. Let's stick to it!!! (I've never done one before!)

Okay, this is day three and I woke up with the WORST headache ever! I'm sure it's because of caffeine and/or sugar withdrawal, but MAN! It's killing me!

Morning All
DH bday today so off to make him breakies and a smoothie for me. Had a 3lbs loss from last week so now have new motivation to stay really on track as I am now 1lb from an all time low.. so he can celebrate tonight and I'll drive and chew on my Lite bar!!

[QUOTEMy inner pigism is OINKING pretty loud right now.[/QUOTE]

Letisha--too funny--now this is the T-shirt I want!

Felicia – It will get better, I promise!

Angie – I think my biggest problem is my DH!! He is not adapting well to my new weight… He thinks I’m gonna run off or something… making comments like 'what’s the occasion for the new outfit?', and I do tell him: 'well, the new smaller skirt is because the old one falls off me…'

Lea Ann – Yes you can! One more day of P-E-R-F-E-C-T POP Day!! And the scale will reward-

Lisa – Walking to work and back not only good for the body, it’s also good for the wallet!! The price of gas nowadays… Ours is holding at $3.32 per gallon…

Cassi – Thanks for the encouragement. I will be wearing my new skirts with pride, after all, when was the last time a size 10 fitted?? But the sad part, though I fit in 10s, I still feel like I’m 16s… I still see the fat in/on me!

Kristen – What is Salsa Pie?? and Happy B-Day for your DH!

Where is Joni?
:wave: to Jessica, Letisha, triangle, Wendys, Kims, Katie, Debbie, Nicole, Jillian, Shannon, Dan and Liz, Jason, Racegrl, Val, MTdebster-Deb, and everyone else!

truangel--welcome and congrats on the 4 lbs--that's awesome. You will get your food figured out quickly--for help you can go to the daily menu thread and see how others are working out their day--it helps because you MUST get it all in but don't want to do it all at night either--balancing act. Good luck!

Felicia--it will go away when all the crud is out of your bosy--I tell myself it's the toxins making their exit--I'm on day 2 of TO and have one too.

Wendy & Jessica--yeah!!! More on TO--misery loves company!! JK--day 1 was really not too bad. I am taking it as a sign I "ready" again.

Kristen--you are just plain awesome!!! Happy B-day to DH and congrats on your amazing willpower!

Nancy--a lot of us have the "body visual" problem--there is a real name for it. But you look terrific and I truly hope your DH comes around and makes you fel as amazing as you are. I'm sure it's his insecurity right now and unfortunately as the wife you get the hard job of convincing him that your feelings haven't changed (sorry Dan--but you know men....) We do get the short straw on making everyone "feel good".

Ok, suffered through two days of TO and this morning I weigh .4 pounds MORE!!!! yea..... that was fun.

well that was my scale, I won't get to excited til I get in to the COD. my scale said everything from 206 to 209 this morning! I will take the 206. that is what I was hoping for.

Oh no Lettie! I'm hoping to drop a few lbs during my first TO. (today and tomorrow) Maybe I should't hope for too much! Your scale is probably wrong though, my COD always tells me to throw mine away!

Boo's Mom, You're right, misery certainly loves company!!

Don't let it get you down Lettie!!!

I'm now in day two of TO and I'm proud to say I didn't cheat yesterday, not even a little bit.. The kids had mac and cheese for dinner and usually we have to "test" it to make sure it tastes ok for them, but I resisted!!

Hope you all have a great POP day!

Starting tonight - and for the next 5 days - DH and I are scheduled to have a SD every night at dinner time in place of a meal. We're both on Red, so I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how we're going to get all of our food in!

He's on the road today with work so I got up at 5:30 to make his breakfast burrito and to pack a little cooler with fruit, Lite bars, and bottled water. He's planning to eat at Subway for lunch, but I told him he'll probably need to grab a salad at some point today to get all of his veggies in.

I was making dinner last night and opened a drawer to get a spatula. What caught my eye instead was a Take 5 bar that I apparently stashed in there and forgot about. Get thee behind me, chocolate! I ended up giving each of the kids half of it. I know it's not good for them either, but they can metabolize it easier than I can - and I HAD to get rid of it!!

Lettie--sounds like you need a new scale! Mine actually, consistently, said 171.0 this am but I hate to claim it because of the dreaded "post TO rebound" that is sure to come.

Dan--WTG on the non-tasting--it's tough letting go of the BLT's.

Jessica--it will be worth it! I don't usually lose a lot of weight but it really helps get me back in the right mindset.

Felicia--it's great you and DH are doing this together--makes it so much easier when your other half isn't eating what you can't. Worst case scenario (for some--not me) is you or DH can drink your fruits and veggies. I hate vegetables so I drink low sodium V-8 quite a bit. I know it's not recommended to do often but it's better than skipping out altogether. Just a suggestion. Or pack snack size baggies of baby carrots, celery, grapes--easy finger foods.

Oh, yeah. I'm all about V8 juice! I really don't like salads - never have. In fact, in the past, whenever I ordered a salad at a restaurant, I mostly just ate the stuff off of it! I'll likely be chugging a few cans of V8 today!!

Lettie hang in there. I have often gone up after a TO or a POP weekend.. as much as 2 lbs sometimes and my mantra has always been .. if there is a gain I want a JUSTIFIABLE gain.. translated it means if that scale is moving I should have consumed a big cheesy pizza AND a big Blizzard the nite before.. but no I've gotten those gains after resisting all temptations at a family party or a social outing.. munched on my veggies and gained.. what I have always had after is a good loss the following week so keep the faith.
Thanks to everyone for all the comments on the girls and their mommy in the new photos. I sent it to all our family and three people noted back asking who was in the picture with Jillian and Jaimie! DH family arrives from England next Wednesday and when I met them for the first time I was 251lbs and maybe 225 the last time I saw them.. soo should be an interesting reaction when they get off the plane!
Nancy the whole clothing thing is funny. I have waited for years to wear the 'cute' clothes.. now I get anxious in the stores trying to guess what size to buy, feel akward trying them on and not going for the loose tenty look that has been my staple for years. I worry every time I put on a shorter skirt and I have had one or two comments as well. But my thought is most people have kids, get married, get older etc and they are all getting bigger. Well I was the fat one for years while they all looked great so it's my turn now! I've invested time every day for these results while they have always indulged so dang it I'm going to buy what I like and wear it proudly... you go Nance
Hope the rest of you are doing well and we are in for a heat wave today so going to get some outside work done this morning and hopefully spoil DH a bit today!

morning all!!!...i have been totally off plan for weeks...afraid to get on the scale and would like to start over today...do i do fast forward or take off??...

For my COD Fast Forward was only used when you first started the program or if you don't do Lites. TakeOff is used if you are on Lites. We've often said that TO shouldn't be used to just undo your cheats but many of us do use it after a bad cheat indulgence to get on track along with gallons of lemon water.
If you have been off plan for weeks a 2 day TO may not get you the big results, you may need a week or more on plan to see the results you are hoping for. Main focus will be to get yourself writing your food down again, checking in on the dreaded scale and then jumping back on board. Go get em

hey everyone. just checking in real quick. have the day off today, but nothing planned. just going to lounge and maybe get a workout in. no swimming on the agenda, since we got pretty burnt on sunday. we did go swimming last night around 9pm, so that was nice. but then the chlorine dried out our burns and it itched terribly. ugh.

anyways, not much else going on. just going to hang out today.
i'll be back later. good luck to all the people doing TO!

letisha--not sure how far away you live, but i'll be "sending" you a caramel macchiato with my mind..tons of whipped cream too! this one will be calorie and fat free! :)

hello all,

Night shift so far isn't too bad. We have a great group and we laugh more than anything especially from the 10pm-12am time frame. We all get giddy at that point I think!! Too much caffeine and sugar for some - others just tired.

Today I have already been to the grocery store and also have a roast in the oven so I have something to eat for a few days. We are having a potluck on friday (every friday actually during training) and I am taking potato salad. I won't have any mind you but I am taking it.

I am currently staying on my red plan and haven't switched to anything else as I am not hungrier working that shift at all. I make sure I take my snacks to eat through the evening and I have my lunch I packed at 8 when we break for 1/2 hour. So far so good but if it gets more difficult I will talk to COD.

I hope everybody has a good day! I'll check in later.....

Jillian - I really need to find out what I can get at Starbucks besides the vanilla cream (bad I know but very yummy!!!) that isn't strong coffee tasting. I am not a big coffee drinker but every once in awhile someone is going from work and I would like to be able to get something. Just haven't got a sweet clue!! Any suggestions???

Letisha -- That sounds like a great idea, thanks for the suggestion. If you find the site please let me know, and I'll do some searching when I get home tonight too.

Felicia -- Hang in there, it probably is withdrawal. For caffeine, I usually have a 1/2 caf in the morning now, but I did go cold turkey on coffee for the first few weeks of the plan. Good strategy on the Take 5 bar!

Kristen -- 3lbs! Wowsers, look at you go! Are you setting a new goal?

Nancy -- Isn't it great how (some) men can make everything about themselves? LOL, your great success somehow turns into a threat to his security in the relationship.

Lettie -- What?! I hope you lost when you visit the COD!

Way to go to everyone who made it PERFECTLY through a day of TO yesterday, and good luck to those working on making it through today!

Linda -- Totally up to you whether to do TO or FF. I think TO is much easier to do now (compared to before) that we get unlimited veggies.

Linda--I've found that TO helps me more with starch cravings than weightloss--but hey--whatever it takes to get you back on track.

Jillian--enjoy your day off! I can't imagine how you manage to get up so early and still function during the day. I love swimming at night--very relaxing.

I can't believe it's 10:00 and my girls are still in bed! Lazy bums. I have never been able to sleep past 8:00--even as a teen. Of course, I can't stay up late either and they are nightowls like their daddy. We are still bachelorettes this week. He will be back Thursday morning but they did manage to get the church built so they were pretty happy about it.

Alannah--your nights make me tired--glad things are going well with the shift change and eating.

Jillian--I am a vanilla steamer (is that right?) fan--how bad is it with FF milk and SF vanilla?

Well, I did it. I updated my tickers. And, I am amazing, I have gained a little over 8 pounds since May 18th. Oh well, I'm back on track, and HAVE to pull this off. The crappy eating affects EVERYTHING. I have been really rather miserable these last couple of weeks........almost hopeless.......about lots of things.......and that is just no way to live. Finances are also weighing heavy on my mind, and that does not help ANYTHING. But, now is not the time to be giving up on anything......especially since my kids had their last day of school yesterday, and it is time to enjoy them and have fun.

Thank you EVERYONE for your words of encouragement. I have been kind of scarce lately, and it is so kind of you all to take the time to give me the encouragement that I sooo need from time to time. You are all unique and helpful.........and I know I can do this with all of you on my side :) I will try and catch up on personals later.........inbetween loads of laundry. I have a goal today.........since it is rainy.......I will work my butt off inside........and burn lots of calories, and arrive safely back in Onderland soon. Thanks again you guys..........love to all :)
XOXO

Where is JONI????????

morning all!!!...i have been totally off plan for weeks...afraid to get on the scale and would like to start over today...do i do fast forward or take off??...

Hi Linda... Good to see you!

I would agree with the others that a TO is probably best in this situation. But you have to be mentally ready for it as well.. Make sure you're comitted to it before you take the plunge.. If you've really been that far off plan for a while, your body may have been getting used to the "abuse", so you'll have to prepare yourself for the cravings...

I've been slowly, almost imperceiveably falling away from OP stuff since our COD closed 3 weeks ago.. What were once tiny cheats here and there were starting to become out and out plan violations :lol:....

But as I've been getting close to my goal, I decided this week I need to just kick myself in the a** and get back on plan completely..

If I can do it, you can too!!!

Nicole...:hug:

YEAH----Nicole is back in the game!! Sorry things are rough but at least the eating is something you can totally control and the rest will work out--it always does--maybe not exactly like you would like but give it to God. Hey--I totally understand the amazing gains--I went from 163 on May 4th to 175 on May 28th! So not fair how long it takes to lose and how short a time to find.

Hi guys - Well, auditors are claiming to be winding down - and should be gone by next week - YAY! I have to admit that I haven't really been able to concentrate on being on plan while they have been here.... I suppose that I should have used this as a learning experience with dealing with stress, etc. Well, I failed at that! I haven't been eating what I should, haven't journalled since April, no planning. I've just been trying to wing it (haven't had any wings, though!) I've been yo-yo-ing around 210 forever!!!! I'm looking forward to getting back on a routine - July 4 challenge is perfect.

So, anyway, I'll be here more often starting next week - then maybe I'll be able to catch up on the goings-on around here!

(so Nicole and Linda - I guess we are in the same boat! - I'll probably not do a TO until the middle of June. I'm just going to concentrate on POP days and planning meals.)

alannah--i used to work a 3:30pm-midnight shift for years at a previous job (call center) and it was pretty easy to do the plan, i thought. not much different than any other hours...i always left a lite for after dinner or i ate it as a snack before dinner (around 4 or 5pm) and then saved a protein and veggies for my dinner since it was usually around 8pm. and i just made sure that i ate the rest of my food before i got to work. and i had a huge plastic mug that held like 64oz and made sure to drink that thoughout my shift. the water usually kept me feeling full and i didn't have to snack too much. sometimes i brought a few sugar free hard candies with me too.


as for the starbucks thing...hmm..if you don't like coffee get a nonfat, no whip hot chocolate. also starbucks just came out with a lite version of the cream based frappuccinos. they have 1/3 less calories and don't come with whip either. other wise, get a your vanilla creams, just do sugar free syrup, non fat milk and no whip (i know, no fun!) but that way you still can have them. and they have sugar free caramel syrup now, too. :)

Holy Crap, Kristen..........look at you.....I just checked out your weshots.........you are a SKINNY GIRL. congrats to you!!!!!!!!! Really, you should be sooo proud :) I know we all are!!!! And :hug: right back to you.......fyou are such a kind friend! XOXO

It's KIM!!!!!!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!! Together.......we can........all of we stragglers......it is time to come together.......and pretend we are newbies......and get excited about this. I mean, look at Lea Ann......it only takes a day or two to get back on plan.....right? (laundry is not getting done this way..........)

Alannah--your nights make me tired--glad things are going well with the shift change and eating.

Jillian--I am a vanilla steamer (is that right?) fan--how bad is it with FF milk and SF vanilla?

lea ann--i think for a tall size of a vanilla steamer (or vanilla creme--same thing) with ff milk, sf vanilla and no whip, is probably like 130 calories..not too bad since it's just nonfat milk.

Hooray--Kim is back--look at all us oldies getting back in the game!! Get rid of those silly auditors--who needs'em??

Jillian--THANKS--I already don't feel nearly so guilty about my winter treat--do they make the same thing in ice? I never drink milk so I'll consider it my calcium when I splurge--no time soon though--I am trying so hard to be POP. Luckily (for me) the closest Starbuck's is in Amarillo (15ish miles) so we don't go often. DH is a huge coffee fan--me, not so much.

Yeah Kim!!!!!!!
I remember Joni saying she was away till June 2.. GASP

Alannah, I do like my coffee but also love tea so at Starbucks I get a Non Fat, Half Sweet Green Tea latte.. it's superb.. now if they can start making the frozen version of that lowfat I'll be sucking up my dairy courtesy of the grand old Starbucks!

Yeah - seems like old times, with some new friends!

Get this - my life has been CONSUMED for 5 weeks with this audit. Guess when the report comes out..... NEXT FEBRUARY!!!!!!!! geez - the info will be really relevant by then. NOT!

Anyway - I'm back into the water thing. I'll get my 10,000 steps in just from going back and forth to the ladies room!

OK - going to the nurse's office to get a number for the "honest ticker".... gulp.

OK SO I WENT AND FACED THE MUSIC............ GRRRRRRR there is two ways to look at this. Last week I was 208.6 and then Monday morning I was 211.8...... and now after two days of TO I am 209.6..... sooooo I could either say I gained 1 pound over memorial day weekend, or...... I lost 2.2 over TO... I think I am going with that one.

it was a tough weekend. we have two families that we are best friends with. we have known both families for 6 years (the two families have known each other for 10!) for 6 years we have done everything together. we all have kids the same ages. they are all best friends. We hike together, camp, have pool parties, hang at each others houses. we have gone out of state on vacations together. we are closer than to our own real families. anyway. the one family is moving to Ohio. and this was their last weekend with us. so the last 6 weeks we have spent every weekend together. and this weekend we spent all weekend together. Friday night was a youth thing at church with them. Sat. was a big going away potluck goodbye dinner. Sat. night they came over to our house and we played games, had supper and hanged till midnight. Sunday we went to the other family that is not moving and hung by their pool from noon til 10:30. it was an emotionally draining weekend. we are sad the kids are sad.......... anyway. I wake up Monday morning to 211.8

Nicole, we gotta hang tough together. I can't do this alone. I tried once and failed. I have only kept going because of this board. and we are not going to let you slip either. I feel sometimes like you are my St. Louis twin. 5 kids.. weight it close, struggles are similar..... the whole money thing......THE LAUNDRY! hubby's tree business is not working out. we don't' know how we are going to pay the house payment this summer, it is really looking like he is going to have to get back into is field, (graphic designer/design manager) which means we will probably end up moving somewhere this summer. (which means all three of the families will be split up.......of our local friends.) Not sure how religious you are, but there is a text in the bible that I cling to that says. "don't worry about your food or where you live.......look at the birds, they don't worry, if I would take care of them why wouldn't I take care of you?" (paraphrased) I tell myself. if we lost everything. we would still have each other. so how bad could it really get?

geez what side of the bed did I get up on?? must have fallen off the foot or something.

Jillian - my fave is the creme something Cafe Au latte.......mmmmmmmmmm what is it called the carmely yum yum,,,,,,,, not POP..... so never mind

ok POP People!

After weighing in and feeling bad about it, I stopped here at San fransisco Bread Co. and decided to get breakfast. they have computers online to use free. so I have my coffee and a bagel with egg and cheese.... but now sitting here reading stuff from all you guys I am going to write all that down, figure it in. and be POP the rest of the day, THANKS!

Yeah Kim!!!!!!!
I remember Joni saying she was away till June 2.. GASP

Alannah, I do like my coffee but also love tea so at Starbucks I get a Non Fat, Half Sweet Green Tea latte.. it's superb.. now if they can start making the frozen version of that lowfat I'll be sucking up my dairy courtesy of the grand old Starbucks!

kristen--they do make a green tea frappuccino! and you can have it made with the light cream base too (not sure if they've released it in Canada yet) but it doesn't come with whip and you can ask them to make it with less of the syrup too. :)

WOW kristen, I am with Nicole!!! WOW!!!!WOW!!!!WOW!!!!WOW!!!!WOW!!!!WOW!!!!WOW!!!!W OW!!!!

I can't wait to be you!!!!

Lettie I told Nicole I would move to go hang out at her house to survive the motherhood, weight, MIL scenarios etc because she could keep me sane. My DH is a realtor so our sole income is on commision.. we can go for 4-5 months with him working his tail off and no paycheck. Then if he sells a house it might now close for another 3 months after.. so the financial thing on this end is up and down up and down.. big hugs to you.
I suggest we buy a huge piece of land.. an island perhaps called LAWland.. every Monday we will have confessional and meditate on our cheats.. There will be sports olympics and all winners will receive free Lites. Jillian will have a little Starbucks on site serving only lightened versions of our evil banes, there will be babysitting on site for the kids so we can all have a life and occasional date nights. Aunt Joni will babysit the kids for us. Cassi and I will set up restaurant and with help from Debster we will prepare only LAWL cuisine but gourmet style.. I will throw in the occasional liquid fruits. Kim can keep our books for us but as we are on an island no auditors will be allowed to visit. Lea Ann and the other teachers will educate the kids, Libby will paint and decorate all our shacks and Sherrif Dan will patrol the island looking for hidden sodium. Nance and our post TT Kim can wear all the short skirts they like, Linda, Nicole and Lettie will be given a free 10lbs loss for coming to the island and Katie(repo) and I will make sarcastic Tshirts for everyone to wear!

Now who wants to move with me to LAWland!!

i'm totally there kristen, when does the plane leave? :)

I'm in. Am I ever.

As long as there are trees for me to cut down, I'm all for it.. You gotta think about defensible space people!!!

Lettie.. Sorry things are looking crappy in the financial world for you right now.. Hopefully, should your hubby have to make the transition back, it will happen fairly smoothly... What kind of tree business is he trying to do? (sorry if I missed that in earlier discussion)

p.s..... Want to see what Liz looks like? click my picture... Shhhhh! don't tell her!

Admittedly, It's a crappy picture.. She's much prettier than my limited photography skills can show...

Kristen--the island sounds like paradise found--when can we leave--I am already packed. But I still get summers off!

Dan--careful on the tree cutting--we need our hammocks..

Okay, dumb newbie question: I just made a sandwich for lunch using one of those tuna pouches. I added my allowed 1 tbs. of mayo and it was still so dry that it was like eating crackers and sand! I added a tbs. of fat-free chicken broth and it was a great consistency. My question is this: how do I count the chicken broth, if at all? I can't find it anywhere in "the book." TIA!

Ooooh, I am so there!! As long as you can promise that I will NOT have to do any more reports ever again. And KRISTEN, you look so awesome....you skinny girl you!!!

Oh, and I can so relate to the money issues! DH is an insurance agent...100% commission. So, much like Kristen's DH, he can work his butt off for a few months and barely get paid. My income is steady, but it's not nearly enough to completely support us. Supposedly, things are to start looking up this year, but I haven't seen it yet.

Okay, no more time to play. Hope everyone has a super fabulistic day!!

Felicia - Deb just posted a list of unlimited condiments that LAWL recently approved and FF bouillon, broth, and consomme are on the list. So looks like it's a condiment and it's unlimited.

No dumb questions around here--we were all newbies at some point. I'm sure someone will know better but at most I would count it as a condiment--if I counted it at all. 1 T. is not much--your best bet though is to find the no or low sodium since that's where you'll get dinged. My opinion.

can someone point me in the right direction for all the updates/unlimited stuff?? I'll start searching though.

Wendy..........did you start stabilization yet? Congrats on being soooo close to your goal :)

Nicole – Joni is in Savannah (I think) for 3-4 days. I think she comes back on the weekend.

Lettie – That’s sad that your friends are leaving your area. I hope you and DH can find a way to keep your business and make the mortgage payments this summer. We have money issues too, DH’s work is seasonal, so we get into trouble every winter/spring. I’ve just started a pt job as a receptionist at a real estate office evenings and weekends. It’s not a lot of money, but it helps. I’m glad you made a POP recovery for today. :)

Kristen – I’m definitely moving to LAWLand! I bet there are no mortgages or car payments there either!

Wendy – You are SO close! How is green going?

Kristen - Oh I'm so on your island! Sign me up!! I'll be parked on a stool next to Jillian's booth drinking sf/ff cinnamon dolces. :-)
I manage a real estate office, and while I'm a salaried employee -- I often watch realtors struggle with the commission battle. Many of them own rental properties so that they always have some sort of monthly income flowing for the dry times. I couldn't do it though!

Nicole - Get back on that horse, girlfriend.. you're good enough, you're smart enough.. and doggone it, people like you!! :-)

Dang.. gotta run. more later.

wendelina--love the stewart smalley comment to nicole! :) had me laughin!

Nicole - I finish out this week and start stabilization next week. I'm sure they'll be scheduling my appointment when I go WI tomorrow. The scale was up yesterday after my indescretions this weekend, but hopefully it will be down again tomorrow.

Angie - Green sucks!! But, I'm not starving anymore like I was the first few days. I don't see where it's doing much good, though. We'll see what tomorrow's WI brings. I'm so looking forwarded to my unlimited veggies next week!! That's the first thing they add back.

Lea Ann - The updates seem to be spread out across different threads and posts. Here are the unlimited condiments that Deb posted for me the other day:

sugar free jello
tabasco or hot sauce *can you say sodium
worchestshire sauce *same as above
vinegar
horseradish
ICBINB spray *900 calories in a bottle
mustard
pimento
bouillon, borth, consomme, fat free *SODIUM ALERT
lemon or lime juice
sugar substitutes
sugar free gum

Question. Can I eat any SF Jello during TO?

Thanks Kristen! I needed that get away! I am there!!!!

Dan--- My husband started a Tree Service Business last fall. Cut, trim, haul away, storm clean up, stump removal etc. He has a boom truck, a chipper, a splitter and a pick-up..... and of course several chain saws. it just has been really slow. mostly because we are not doing so well on the advertising I think, we just aren't business people. he had been in the Design field for over 22 years. and now we are starting from scratch, would be hard enough if we didn't have a huge mortgage and 5 kids. I hate to think of selling the house (we have 12 acres in the woods) but we are going to have to either down size, or get back into the Design world and move away from here. there just aren't any design/graphic jobs around here.

Wendy--thanks for the list--every little bit helps!

Jessica--I'm not sure but my gut says no--sorry--just remember, it's only 2 days

Lettie--I pray things work out for you and your family.

Nicole, abotu the wedding attire... skirts are SO in right now. YOu can't go anywhere without finding really cute ones. New York and Co. in the mall, Target, you name it, CUTE skirts. Add a pair of cute heeled sandals and a cute top, you're SET!

I too need to get back ont he horse. At WI this morning, I was up 4 lbs!!! It's TOM and I was VERY bad this weekend, so this week I am totally OP! Talk about being depressed though...

Hope everyone is well.

Lettie.. Too bad you're not here in Santa Fe.. The tree cutting, hauling, etc business is booming thanks to a bark beetle killing most of the pinon pine trees in the surrounding area...

Of course, no one can afford to live here, but what the heck, right?

He should see if the Arkansas State Forestry Department has a list of "certified contractors".. Here in New Mexico we put contractors through training classes for different issues. Then, while we can't recommend a specific contractor, we can certainly let people know who has been through our training program...

WOW Kristen, you little hottie you! Count me in for residence on the Island, I am SO there!!!

Kimmie.. I can't even enter your realm of cute since the TT
Man you look awesome!!!

Thanks Dan I will definitely have him look into that.

on another note. I had an eye opening experience today that I just know was not by accident. here I am moping about our situation, worrying and .......from time to time...... binging. ....... (footnote... after my car accident almost 2 years ago, I had totaled my van, which we had just paid off and changed to just liability....WE were still blessed enough to be able to replace it with my brand new Tahoe. so I felt if God was going to bless me even after messing up so badly, then I was going to use my Tahoe for good. So I promised that every time I see a woman walking, and it looks like she has no choice, you know.... like its not for exercise...... then I will stop and ask her if she would like a ride. I have met some very interesting people in the last two years!) anyway........ so today I drive past this lady, very over weight, carrying her stuff......and it is raining. So I pull over and ask her if she needs a ride. She nearly jumped in my car. She was so grateful. She talked nonstop the entire ride to her apt. She is 50 but looked more like late 60, definitely a hard life. missing most of her teeth, the ones she still has quite rotten. she was coming from the Dr. that she had walked to. and was now walking the 4 miles back to her house. She is divorced, has lost 3 of her 5 children, has been hit by a semi while riding her bike. has been covered with shingles, just lost her brother to cancer......... and while she is telling me all this she is telling me how God has been so good to her. and how blessed she is. After she got out of my car, I just cried, ...........I am so blessed, I have a husband that loves me, 5 smart, healthy, kind and loving kids. I have wonderful "real" friends and wonderful cyber ones! I have plenty to eat, even if it is to my downfall. And although I don't know what is going to happen in the next few months, I don't know where we will end up or what kind of job my husband will end up getting. I feel like the richest person because of all my blessings. And I am done whining. If that lady can praise God when her life is like that then I should be screaming from the mountains.

ok stepping of box now. Thanks for letting me whine this morning. but I am going to do my best to be thankful instead.

I am truly blessed to have all of you, and just think, where ever we end up moving,,, YOU ALL WILL BE RIGHT THERE WITH ME!!!! YEA!

oh lettie--what a story! you are exactly right. no matter how bad we think our lives are, there is someone else out there, who is struggling just a little bit more than we are and yet, they are so thankful for what they still have in their lives. your story opened my eyes again and made me stop and be thankful for all the blessing i do have....which are MANY! more than i even realize most times. thank you for that wonderful touching story.


i just came back on to post that i got my workout in for the day! 20mins on elliptical, abs and arm workout. :) i figured i'd better get back into doing 3/week..i haven't done one since before i left on vacation. 1 down, 2 more to go this week!

Lettie.. thanks but I am headed out with DH for his bday and now need to go mop up some mascara!! I had my last class with the church last night and our priest is just amazing.. I absolutely love the man and we just found out 3 weeks ago he is leaving the parish. He chatted about a lot of things last night but really hit in on the fact sometimes we just try to organize so much, make things perfect and the more we try the more crazy it can get.. life just keeps on giving and you need to figure out how to cope. I have had moments with the weight loss, the Evil Mother in Law, money etc but I have really learned the last while that even after a full day of tantrums from the kids when I tuck them in and they are sleeping or DH is outside doing some yard work after working all day just how lucky I am to have been given such a wonderful family.. then I always think of this board too.. a group of strangers from all over the world who allow us all to confess, pick each other up, motivate, inspire and keep each other going.. if that isn't fate who knows what is.. our counsellors may not be too wise but I would give Nobel prizes, academy awards and comedy awards to all the men and women on this board.

This really must be soap box day but love you all and Lettie thanks for giving us the reality check.. we all feel guilty when we have an extra starch and I sometimes remind myself that some people somewhere would give anything to have those extra croutons etc that are the bane of our weight loss.

xoxo

Lettie – You are truly one of the sweetest people I know. I love getting your perspective on things, you are a breath of fresh air, honestly. Sometimes I think about how lucky (and careless) I am to be able to say “I’m starving” but not actually in danger of dying from malnutrition or hunger.

On a separate note, I finally settled on a place for us to take our family camping trip for this year! I've been searching the net for 2 weeks, making comparison charts (have I mentioned I'm a nerd?) of different campgrounds and cabins/cottage/tent sites. Today I stumbled across Jellystone campgrounds...how could I not have known about them before? They put KOA to shame for family-oriented fun! I'm booking the one in Woodridge NY, which is roughly halfway between us and my DSD who is in Virginia Beach. Her mom will be nice enough to drive her up that far to spend the week with us. (We are very lucky not to have an Evil Ex Wife, but a very nice one!) Anyway, we are renting a 1 room cabin with sleeping for 4, fridge, microwave, TV for $534 for the week!!! So cheap. No bathroom, but still, a very good deal compared to other options. The best part is that they have family activities, for every age group, planned for just about every hour of the day between 8 am and 8 pm. Plus, they have themes. We are going the last week of July, and the theme is Halloween in July...so there will be costume parades, costume kareoke, site decorating, trick or treating etc...

Here's the link to the overall site, but each location has it's own site, and it's own programs. I'm sooooo super excited!

Overall home site: http://campjellystone.com/
and here is the one we chose: http://nyjellystone.com/index.html

Hi guys! I've been trying to catch up on this thread all day, but it's just not gonna happen. And then I read Lettie's post and have to walk away from my desk to dry my eyes! (Thank goodness it's after work hours!)

Just a quick update on day 2 of TO... It could have been a 1000 calorie morning at school! We weren't in the kitchen today and I figured if something came my way, I would just take a bite, and stick with any protein. But get this: One of the girls in my cooking group had her birthday today so one of the other girls brought her a cake. I passed. Then the other beginning class brought arroz con pollo, swiss steak and texas chili. I passed because that is what I will be cooking tomorrow. Then the advanced class was cooking asian food and brought chinese spare ribs and sweet and sour chicken. I passed. Then the global class had their mexican fiesta. It was a buffet so we had to go to that one (they put on sombreros and latin music during service, which was cute). I only had a couple of tortilla chips (wish I could say one, but it was more like four), a bite of guacamole, a bite of refried beans, a few bites of some argentinian stew (it was protein!), a half of a chili relleno that was stuffed w/meat, no cheese, and I took off the breading, two bites of a tamale and one bite of flan. However, I am skipping my second lite, does that count? Oh yeah, and then the baking class brought HUGE pieces of chocolate mousse pie. I mean like huge wedges 4-5 inches high and about the size of a slice of pizza. I passed. All in all, it wasn't too bad. If it wasn't TO, it would have been OK. But, cripes! This was the worst day so far, and I figure since everything I had fit into one french fry boat (and everyone else had 3-4 boats) I did well considering. But it wasn't easy. I love mexican food. (And, Dan, I thought of you, both with the food and the sodium - LOL) Anyway, just had to get that out. Confession is good for the sould, right?

Angie - That sounds so cool! DH is totally against camping in any form. I keep trying to convince him to spend a week on a dude ranch when DS gets a little older. I have a little bit longer to wear him down, but it's so hard when we have Disney, Universal, Key West, and cruises. I'm gonna show him the link, though. Thanks for the idea!

Lettie--thanks so much for the reminder that Life is Good! I am a world class control freak and I think the more I try to control things the more fun I make it for God to remind me who's the boss. I have a great friend whose favorite saying is "give it to God" but boy is it hard sometimes.

Cassi--you are amazing--I have no doubt I would have cracked with all that great food--yum.

Day 2 went fine but I broke down and had a string cheese. I was starving (in my mind I guess!) but I feel better since I just mowed about an acre--with a push mower! My penance for the cheese. DH had the riding mower all tore up --for reasons only he knows--so I took it as a sign.

Have a good evening--I am off to have my last grapefruit and talk one of my girls into massaging my back. Actually--I have a real massage tomorrow! YEAH!!

Lea Ann, I'm smiling reading your post because I just had myself a string cheese bc i felt like i was starving! So much for my first TO, though I guess far worse could've happened. Goodnight everyone

Pathetic what can make us feel guilty now! It was worth it.

Hey all-- I FINALLY bought the Magic Bullet--been wanting one forever--anyway DD made a smoothie with a half banana, couple of strawberries, little OJ and ice and it was really really good--and I promise I had a tiny taste but will definitely make myself one when plan allows. Very refreshing and all natural so I am proud of her choice of snack.

Lettie...thanks for telling that story. It sure puts things into perspective. Life is good and no matter how bleak we think things are, there is always someone way worse off. I bet that lady was extremely thankful to you and sees you as an angel. :)

Lettie............yes, I agree with what everyone else has said.....your story was much appreciated, and much needed today........but I have to ask you.........aren't you a bit nervous picking up perfect strangers? I admire what you are doing, and I respect you for your reasons.....but girl.....be careful. I know for the most part, people are good.......but I just don't want to see you on the news someday......you know. Oh, and I think of you as my long lost twin very often. Your words are always very comforting to me. Thank you :) Hey, maybe you will end up here in Sunny St. Louis.........

Kristen.......I want to get "lost" on your island. Just tell me there are no "others" a.k.a. Kim's inlaws there......please. Wanna have a sleep over?

Cassi......you are like a rock. I would cave with all that food around me. Your sclae MUST reward you this week.

Angie.......I sure am glad you joined us on this board.....and I loved the poop story, by the way :)

Jillian......thanks for always thinking of my DD......it is very heartwarming.

WendyII.........LOVED the Stewart Smally reference also.........don't you just miss the good old days on SNL???

Lea Ann.......I love your friends saying........"give it to God." It is perfect. :)

Jessica..........I would still consider your TO a success......1 string cheese does not equal failure :)

Katie.........where are you? And Katie the newlywed.......where are you? I hope all is well with both of you.

Ok, I have to get my kids to bed......but wanted to check in. I made it through my first day of FF......and one day closer to goal.....whoohooo. I am so excited to see so many working hard.....this is going to be one hot summer ;) I seriously will try to catch up with everyone tomorrow.......XOXO

Nicole -- You're the best, I just want to hug you. :hug: Thanks for liking my poop story. I have to share today's adventure. I just copied this from Cameron's website, because I'm lazy like that. The way this kid of mine talks, just kills me sometimes.

Is it a milestone the first time a boy sleeps nude? Cameron decided tonight that he didn't want to wear pyjamas. No problem, it's pretty hot, and we don't have the A/C in yet. He also decided not to wear his night time diaper. First he put on underwear, and then they had to go too. He's commando in his bed. It's so cute I want to take a picture, but I know that will actually border on child pornography once I post it online, sooooo, you'll have to take my word for it. It's too stinkin cute.

He's very talkative today. Here is a snippet of conversation in the car on the way home from daycaure. He's a little bossy. Where's he getting that from????

*Cam throws little rubber ball at me, it bounces off my seatbelt and flies out the window of the car.*

C: I want it!
A: It's gone honey, it went out the window.
C: I WAAAANNNNTTTT ITTTTT (crying)
A: Honey, it went out the window, it's on the road somewhere....
C: I WAAAANNNNTTT ITTTTT
A: Okay, we'll turn around and see if we can see it.
C: I see it!
A: No, that's not a ball, there's no ball there.
C: There is! I see it!
A: Nope, nothing there.

*We drive up and down the street three times*

C: I want it. (as we drive away, toward home)
A: Cameron, I'm sorry, it's gone. You threw it out the window and it's gone, I can't find it.

C: You took it!
A: I did not take it!
C: You did!
A: I did not take it from you, you threw...
C: THAT'S NOT BEHAVOR! (not good behaviour)
A: I...
C: Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me that way! (Good lord, I HEAR myself when he says this)
A: (laughing) Ahh, don't talk to me that way please.
C: You are in time out! No more talking.
A: I...
C: No talking!

LOL! What a great story, Angie! Kids are so cute. My youngest DD just turned 2 yesterday and some of the things she says just kill me. While we were at the beach this weekend, my MIL asked her if she wanted to dig in the sand. And she said, "I got sand in my hiney and wanna dig it out."

Good night all!!

LOL! That's too funny (and cute!) Wendy.

Angie that is hilarious!!!!!! LOVED IT! I miss the little guy age, my youngest is 7.

We did Jellystone when our kids were little, it was a blast. we took our tent and stayed in that, so it was even cheeper. On the last night they have a big dance. My little girl was about 3 or 4 and she was out there doing the Macarena , it was so cute. You are going to have a blast.

Nicole. I am somewhat careful when I pick up people. notice I said, I pick up women. that is my number one rule. I never pick up men. and I size them up a bit before I ask them if they need a ride. they have always been very happy to get a ride. One that really touched my hear, well they have all touched my heart. but one that really made me cry........ OK WHO AM I FOOLIN' they always make me cry............ anyway. one time I picked up a girl that was walking from Walmart. she was dragging two small boys. about age 2 and 3. plus carrying her bags on a busy road with no side walk. She was staying at a shelter for abused women and they would take these women to walmart at 8 in the morning in a bus. if they needed to buy something, and told them they would be back around 3!! who needs to shop that long???? so she was walking the 4 or 5 miles back to the shelter. Her poor little guys both had nasty green green noses. .. ..... One lady. had come into town to see about her teenage boy who had just been thrown in juvie. and was walking home. I picked her up about 4 miles from the jail. I asked her where she needed to go. .... home was 18 miles away..... she was expecting to walk it all if she had to. I always let them know that I am going to pray for them, and once in a while if I feel it is right, like today, I ask them if I can pray with them before they leave. It is so humbling. I just have to believe that God will protect me.

Lettie - You're an amazing, beautiful person. I truly admire what you do. And we certainly do take things for granted in our lives, don't we? Blessings upon you, hun!

Angie - Loved the poop story.. and the ball out the window story. My daughter did that once too! For a long time we'd say "all balls and hands inside please".. and my kids would giggle.

Wendy - Sand in the crack.. no good!! My daughter told me she had rocks in her nose.. I thought, well would she put rocks in her nose??? Turns out it was just some large, rather hardened boogies!

Nicole - Gotta love Stewart :-) The words hold true though. You're a wonderful person.

I can't sleep.. I have so much to do and I just started a Lia Sophia business yesterday.. so I'm really excited.. and have so many plans in my head. I don't think my brain will ever slow down tonight.

Lettie - Thanks and God Bless You

Does anyone have some mascara I could borrow?

WendyII - Well, last night she told us that she put a sunflower seed in her nose, and unfortunately she had!! Thankfully, she started sneezing and it came out, but I was so afraid we were headed for the ER. Now, I'm afraid to feed her anything that might fit in a body crevice!!

Well, today will be my last WI for my WL weeks, and I'm not gonna make goal. :( BNWI at home this morning showed 131.5, so that means my COD WI will be higher than my lowest at 131.2 last week. But that's okay. I'm wearing clothes smaller than I ever thought I'd wear. I just need to step up the exercise, and hopefully I will still lose in the first couple of weeks of stabilization.

Well, time to get busy here at work. Have a great day everyone!!!

1 1/2 lb - that should come off quickly for you. Congrats on being so close! Seems so far away for me - will just keep chipping away, one lb at a time.

Okay--I highly recommend folks taking a minute to check out everyone's profile photos--we are a great looking group! Kim--I LOVE the shot you are hiding--please make it you avatar--you are gorgeous! Everyone is and I love all the kiddoes.

A new day--I am going to mow the front yard this am, it's supposed to storm tonight and I don't DH to have to bust tail when he gets home this afternoon. I know I need a better attitude about him going to build this church--there were 22 men from 3 other churches working on this church, then only 3 showed up that will actually attend the church. What? I would have thought more would try to help since it is theirs. Okay--not nice to gripe since I don't even know them.

Hope it's a great one for everyone. I finally got to sleep without kids last night and I feel like a new person!

Thanks, Shannon!! And you will get there. Slow and steady wins the race.

Lea Ann - I love looking at everyone's profile photos, as well. Too bad we can't put more than one avatar up for everyone to see all the time.

Morning all!

Well, TO came and went with no screw ups or cheats... Probably won't know until tomorrow if it was effective..

My scale was screwing with me this morning!!!! I got on and it showed me down a pound.. But then I realized I had touched the wall while getting on so I tried it again.. It showed me down ANOTHER pound! But then I figured I'd better try one more time just to be sure and it showed me unchanged from yesterday (DAMMIT!).. So I did it a couple more times and stayed consistant... Well, at least I know I've taken care of last weekend's problems... Plus, I'm, um, still carrying around what I ate yesterday, if you know what I mean, so I ain't too concerned..

Have a great day, and be one with your POP!

Thanks Dan I will definitely have him look into that.

on another note. I had an eye opening experience today that I just know was not by accident. here I am moping about our situation, worrying and .......from time to time...... binging. ....... (footnote... after my car accident almost 2 years ago, I had totaled my van, which we had just paid off and changed to just liability....WE were still blessed enough to be able to replace it with my brand new Tahoe. so I felt if God was going to bless me even after messing up so badly, then I was going to use my Tahoe for good. So I promised that every time I see a woman walking, and it looks like she has no choice, you know.... like its not for exercise...... then I will stop and ask her if she would like a ride. I have met some very interesting people in the last two years!) anyway........ so today I drive past this lady, very over weight, carrying her stuff......and it is raining. So I pull over and ask her if she needs a ride. She nearly jumped in my car. She was so grateful. She talked nonstop the entire ride to her apt. She is 50 but looked more like late 60, definitely a hard life. missing most of her teeth, the ones she still has quite rotten. she was coming from the Dr. that she had walked to. and was now walking the 4 miles back to her house. She is divorced, has lost 3 of her 5 children, has been hit by a semi while riding her bike. has been covered with shingles, just lost her brother to cancer......... and while she is telling me all this she is telling me how God has been so good to her. and how blessed she is. After she got out of my car, I just cried, ...........I am so blessed, I have a husband that loves me, 5 smart, healthy, kind and loving kids. I have wonderful "real" friends and wonderful cyber ones! I have plenty to eat, even if it is to my downfall. And although I don't know what is going to happen in the next few months, I don't know where we will end up or what kind of job my husband will end up getting. I feel like the richest person because of all my blessings. And I am done whining. If that lady can praise God when her life is like that then I should be screaming from the mountains.

ok stepping of box now. Thanks for letting me whine this morning. but I am going to do my best to be thankful instead.

I am truly blessed to have all of you, and just think, where ever we end up moving,,, YOU ALL WILL BE RIGHT THERE WITH ME!!!! YEA!


Thanks for that Lettie, I needed to hear it too. We are a little broke right now, and today is our 10 year anniversary. I had really wanted to take a couple of days out of town with DH, but there is no way we can. I have been moping about it for days. I have 3 healthy amazing kids, a husband who would do anything for me, a house, cars, and while there is not much left, I do manage to pay all of my bills every month. Who am I to complain, right?

Katie--so glad to see you out to play! Put all those daycare kids down for a nap and stay with us!! You know you miss us when you re gone...

I can't sleep.. I have so much to do and I just started a Lia Sophia business yesterday.. so I'm really excited.. and have so many plans in my head. I don't think my brain will ever slow down tonight.

Lia Sophia is like crack around here (school). They have been having party after party. You MUST hook yourself up with a teacher - you will be able to book parties for the next decade!

Good Luck!

Lea Ann - here you go, new picture. I didn't like this one because I had a tragic eyebrow waxing accident right before this was taken and you can see it in the big picture. Maybe you can't see it in the little avatar. Oh - and I am assuming that you meant me, not Kim2 - I think she has all of her eyebrows.

I have to call my Dr. today - I had an awful gall bladder attack last night - and the school nurse pretty much read me the riot act this morning for not calling sooner (it's like the 3rd one I've had in the past month). So, I'll probably be losing an organ, just like I used to threatento do if the sclae did not move. Unfortunately this organ is only an ounce or so....

Hi Linda... Good to see you!

I would agree with the others that a TO is probably best in this situation. But you have to be mentally ready for it as well.. Make sure you're comitted to it before you take the plunge.. If you've really been that far off plan for a while, your body may have been getting used to the "abuse", so you'll have to prepare yourself for the cravings...

I've been slowly, almost imperceiveably falling away from OP stuff since our COD closed 3 weeks ago.. What were once tiny cheats here and there were starting to become out and out plan violations :lol:....

But as I've been getting close to my goal, I decided this week I need to just kick myself in the a** and get back on plan completely..

If I can do it, you can too!!!

i am not really feeling mentally ready...but i have to stop eating the wrong foods before i gain all my weight back...it has been very stressful in my house, with a recent split up with the BF...trying to run a household on one income......also havent been to my COD, lately because i keep getting the counselor that i dont like...:devil: it is easy to stay away from junk food when you dont buy it, but i have been using the excuse that my son might want it and that i wont touch any of it..it doesnt work that way...yesterday i was POP until night, when i saw the asian bbq kettle chips in the cupboard....yummmy...but i didnt eat too many...today is another day...

Linda - TO really helps stop the cravings for me, and sometimes the simplicity of the menu (if you can even call it a menu!) is a great thing to help me get in the game - so maybe TO could be a good thing for you right now.

Great job getting back on track after last night. Its so hard not to beat yourself up about going off plan, the hardest part is realizing that it doesn't have to continue.

thanx guys...:hug:

We're here for you.. I'm sure all of us know what it's like when life gets stressful.. As for the chips, can you just toss them out? I know that might not make the kids happy, but if you get rid of those immediate temptations, you can kill those cravings..

We only have little chip/cracker bags for the kids lunches... That way we don't have an easy access open bag of chips in the pantry that we can just stick a hand into while we're walking by...

I can't sleep.. I have so much to do and I just started a Lia Sophia business yesterday.. so I'm really excited.. and have so many plans in my head. I don't think my brain will ever slow down tonight.
ok, without laughing too hard at the shut in (me)........what is Lia Sophia????

Good morning everyone :) Day 2 of FF, and staying strong!!!!!

Don't worry Nicole.. I have NO idea what it is either!
Do you want to come over? I'm making CAKE for DH tonight!!

girl......you KNOW I would come if I could......I LOVE cake!!! Love the new avatar.........say happy birthday to DH from us :) p.s. what kind of cake are you making?????

Has anyone heard of some "Veggie Chips". They are made by a company called Sunrise Natural Foods I believe. My mom mentioned them to me last night. They aren't fried but I was wondering if anyone knew about them and if they'd actually count as a veggie or if it would be a starch......or even if they're legal.

Doh!! I hate when I hit "go" instead of "post"!!

Kim--LOVE the new photo--you sassy thing you- can't see an eyebrow problem girl. Bummer about the likely surgery--ask if there is anything useless and weighty they can take while they are in there.

Linda--sorry things are down for you right now. Remember--the food is the one thing you can control. Good luck and I hope things start looking up soon.

Nicole--me neither--the dork in me Googled it. It's jewelry. Teachers here sell EVERYTHING--jewelry, pampered chef, southern living, tupperware, arbonne--you name it someone sells it!

Kristen--describe the cake in great detail--we will live vicariously through you and DH

Good morning! (is it still morning? I have no idea-uh, yep it's still morning!)

Well-I'm here, alive, a little cranky cuz I'm tired . . . . Josie-Bean is napping-thank God! She woke up at 4:30 this am. I put her down aobut 8:30pm last nite-and it seems she cannot sleep for more than 8 hours at nite. I would've put her down later-but she'd been whining already for at least 2 hours. so tired . . .

Anyway-tomorrow I will be starting TO so I can get back on track. I can already see this diet being a challenge-it can be really difficult to cook for myself-I find myself eating whatever i can that's handy-which means unhealthy. But-my clothes are tight and I'm not buying more! I will also make use of my gym membership while I'm on maternity leave and leave Josie in the child care. But once I start work and she's in daycare-I won't be able to use the gym-so I'll have to really figure out my home exercise routine.

Just realized that my urban rebounder (the second shipment) hasn't arrived yet. The first one arrived broken and I had to have it shipped back. I guess I better call them . . .

Life is pretty weird right now-amazing, wonderful, scary, frustrating, exhausting . . . . But it's worth it when she reaches for me or smiles at me with that Wallace and Grommit smile (you know the one I mean? Couple of teeth and the rest gums?).

She won't let me on the computer when she's awake so I hope to find time to come on the board-I'll need all the support I can get. My COD hasn't bothered to call me in the couple of months that I haven't been in . . . .

Hope everyone is well . . . .don't have time to catch up . . . .did I miss anything important?

JM--so good to see you out and about! Hard to believe now but things WILL settle down. Josie is an absolute doll and you guys will work out a schedule you can both live with. What's the urban rebounder? I must have missed that opart somewhere along the way. Good luck getting back OP and going to the gym--you may really love the "alone" time it affords you.

Yay!!! Welcome home, JM!

Welcome home MOM!!!!!

Your blog was amazing - I think all of us were reading like a novel. Glad to hear that all went well on the way home, despite the exhaustion.

Good to see you back JM.........not a lot new with me.....well, except that I have gained back almost 20 lbs.........and I am thinking it was sympathy weight for you and your new baby........:)

Okay, on top of the blinding caffeine withdrawal headache, I can now add a night with not much sleep. 3-year-old DD coughed all night - nasty, wretched-sounding coughs that caused her to gag and throw up twice. She slept better in our bed because I could hold her slightly propped up. But that meant I didn't sleep much at all. At 2 a.m., I put her back in her bed where she slept until 5 and then got back in bed with us again. She's down for a nap right now and coughing so much! We have a doctor's appointment at 2:45, but I'm fairly certain it's caused by allergies. I feel like crap.

I know I'm constantly asking questions, but you guys are the pros, so here's a new one: is the Starkist tuna in pouches okay? It's in the book, but it seems like a LOT of tuna for one serving! I'm not complaining, I just don't want to screw up!

A big hoo-yah for my DH who went for his first WI this morning. We just started on LAWL on Monday and he's already dropped 7 pounds!! I'm so proud of him!

Felicia......that's awesome about DH. It is good that you are in this together. So sorry about DD.........that is tough.

Nancy..I never took the time to tell you this........but about your short skirts.....they are NOT too short.......and people are jerks sometimes. It's good I don't work where you do, cuz I have already warned DH that when I get close to goal, I plan on dressing like a total slut. :) He's fine with that :)

oh, and I dont' know for sure about the tuna.......but I am thinking as long as it's weight corresponds with your portion in your book, you ought to be just fine. I know it is a lot of tuna for me to eat too.

Tuna:

I ate the tuna lunch kit a LOT for lunch during the school year. The kit counts as a P,S,fat. Sometimes I skipped the crackers and threw it on top of a bed of lettuce or put on celery.

I'm a teacher, too. I'm happy that I have the summer to sort of figure things out with LAWL so that I'll have an eating strategy by the time we go back!

hey everyone! just wanted to check in real quick, im completely PoP with TO today, so far!! (damn those string cheese's)! No time to read through anything, boss is in town, will catch up tomorrow maybe!! Have a good night

Sorry I am a posting fool today........but this is what I do sometimes to stay OP......so bear with me......

JM.........I also wanted to share with you......on the whole Josie not sleeping longer than 8 hours deal...........that some babies are just hard like that. It can be very long and tiresome. I have had 5 of my own, and many many daycare babies.......and the bottom line is...some babies are just not good good sleepers.......eventually they grow up a bit and get better. A couple of my kids slept 10-12 hours a night, and took 2, 2 hour naps.......my youngest DS was the hugest pain in the butt baby EVER. He was adorable.....but the sucker NEVER slept. Now, I KNEW I was doing everything I could to try to MAKE him sleep, and he still didn't cooperate. I went as far as trying to let him cry it out............and the sucker cried for 5 hours. I tiny piece of me died that day. He finally fell asleep sitting up.........stubborn!!! The only time he slept well was when he was next to me. I am not advising that.....but I don't think it is the worst thing a mom ever did either. One must rest. I have no words of wisdom for you.......I just wanted to reassure you that sometimes, some kids........no matter how perfectly you do everything........still don't conform. I know, kind of a depressing thought........but the good news is.......my YDS is now 2 1/2, and he sleeps really well.........through the night.......and about 12 hours. He still does not nap well......and I have resigned myself to the fact that he is just not a napper. I can MAKE him nap, but it takes hours out of my day.......and he is almost to the age where he can go without a nap....so whatever. And, to be completely honest.......he is the biggest reason I do not want any more kids. I just don't think I could do another baby Andrew senario. The only thing that made it better was time. And, I barely enjoyed him as an infant.....and that sounds sooooo bad.......but it is true. Now, he is my little sunshine boy. He is a true joy to be around. But, it totally came with a pricetag!!! So, whatever you do.....don't beat yourself up or think you can always do something about baby sleep. Sometimes there are things you can do.......but if you end up like I did........don't feel bad. You WILL truly enjoy your baby so much more when she gets a bit easier. Everyone is going to keep telling you........."oh enjoy this time you have with her......." and while I am sure you are.........it's also perfectly normal to secretly wish it were already time to go back to work. We all have those thoughts...........OFTEN :) Hang in there......and do tell what an urban rebounder is.
XOXO

Okay, here's another one. The last time I was on "a progam," I developed this recipe strictly for taste, but I need to know how to count it because DS and DD are requesting it:

Dijon Portabella Chicken

1 chicken breast
1 cup of sliced cremini (baby portabella) mushrooms
Dijon mustard

Process mushroom slices until very finely chopped. Stir in enough mustard to make the mushrooms stick together - usually 1-2 tbs. Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in the chicken breast and stuff the pocket with the mushroom mixture. Fold the edges of the chicken over and use toothpicks to seal shut. Spray a screaming hot skillet with Pam and sear chicken breast until it is golden brown. Place the whole skillet into a 350 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.

I would think 1P/1V/1C. Is that right?

*jaw drops*

That recipe sounds incredible, Felicia! :o

hey everyone. i got my usual 4hrs of sleep last night and all 4 of those measly hours were crappy. and it was super stressful, busy day at work. i normally chat away with dh about my day (good or bad) and today i didn't even want to re-live it and give him the play-by-play. and to top it all off, i am still 3lbs from drinks this past weekend. wtf? i've been drinking tons of water and even slipped a hlw in there too. no clue what the deal is with that.
so, that's got me even more frustrated.
i don't feel like working out today... i think i will take a nap instead. normally, i'd workout and then nap if i still felt like it, but screw it. i'm napping.

ok, done with my negative rant. maybe i'll be in a better frame of mind after i nap.

hope everyone is having a great day. :)

Nancy..I never took the time to tell you this........but about your short skirts.....they are NOT too short.......and people are jerks sometimes. It's good I don't work where you do, cuz I have already warned DH that when I get close to goal, I plan on dressing like a total slut. :) He's fine with that :)

Well, Nicole, you are one lucky girl!! My DH has been flipping out lately... all jealoused up... I don't even know why... I wish I could just come out and tell him that I've been asked out 20 lbs ago! And if I didn't budge then, then I am not likely to budge now. He has even come out and say that he needs to "fatten" me back up!! Sure I got mad! :devil:

Kristen - Love your new avatar! You two look so happy together!

Lea Ann - How funny! I had a tuna kit for lunch today!

It's been awhile since I ranted and whined, Jillian, so since you started the trend, I thought maybe I'd join you in an attempt to shake myself out of this funk I've been in.

*sits down with you and pouts*

So...I did TO last week and reached the 173 mark at home. Stayed at 173 all week until the weekend hit, when I wasn't as much BAD as I was BUSY, which meant weird eating times and the best choices I could have made under the circumstances, and I shot up to 175.5. Have been trying to stick to plan this week and have gotten myself back down to at least 174, but come ON...how was I at 173 for a week, stuck to plan perfectly, and then had a couple of days of SLIGHT digression and now I'm stuck again, only a pound higher? *sigh*

Will be revisiting the TO monster at the beginning of next week again, and will be whoa-sad if I only get to 173 again. This is freaking ridiculous.

However. Yes. A reality check has been done, and I'm aware that I'm stuck because of imperfect (though still not horrid) eating, and lack of sleep, and that I need to stick to plan to get moving again. I do not score points for the foods I'm NOT eating, even though I wish I were. Needing to run to the grocery store is not a valid excuse for not eating right, and I DO need to plan ahead better than I have been doing, and I need to remember that a liquid lite just won't cut it in the afternoon. *blinks*

No, I really do just want to pout about this for awhile. I'll be better tomorrow, when the scale demon will get its foot off my scale and let me see a smaller number for all my efforts this week. Right, scale demon? RIGHT???

Gah.

Jillian--I hope the nap did the trick. Sometimes that's just what you need--like a good cry sometimes!

Nicole--I could have written that post--only it was with my 2nd! My first was so stinkin easy that we thought--hey this parenting thing is cake--what's all the fuss? Well, then #2 came along and threw our world upside down. We went through the guilt and she is a great kid now--still hardheaded as they come. She is the one that had skull reconstruction at 6 mos. so I blame myself for a LOT of her behavior--I let her get away with everything out of guilt and all the hospital promises made to God. Anyway--I can sympathize and it's nice to know I am not a horrible person!

"all jealoused up" love that phrase--gonna steal it!

Okay, here's another one. The last time I was on "a progam," I developed this recipe strictly for taste, but I need to know how to count it because DS and DD are requesting it:

Dijon Portabella Chicken

1 chicken breast
1 cup of sliced cremini (baby portabella) mushrooms
Dijon mustard

Process mushroom slices until very finely chopped. Stir in enough mustard to make the mushrooms stick together - usually 1-2 tbs. Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in the chicken breast and stuff the pocket with the mushroom mixture. Fold the edges of the chicken over and use toothpicks to seal shut. Spray a screaming hot skillet with Pam and sear chicken breast until it is golden brown. Place the whole skillet into a 350 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.

I would think 1P/1V/1C. Is that right?

I don't really know what plan you're on but I'm on red and my book says 1/2 mushrooms in 1v so if you're eating the full cup of mushrooms then I think it would be 2 v. Chicken breast is 1 P as long as it's 6oz to 8oz, dijon isn't listed specifically but I would assume condiment. Cassi is the counting guru though.

Megan and Jillian--not to Dr. Oz you to death but he does say adequate sleep is a key to losing weight. Sounds like a good excuse to catch up on the zzzzzz's.

Juliemarie-
Like Nicole, my DS was a terrible sleeper as well. You probably don’t want to hear this, but he didn’t sleep well until he was 4 and even now at age 6, he still wakes up once a night. He would sleep next to me or in my arms, but as soon as I started the motion of laying him down in his crib, his eyes would pop open. I even cried to his pediatrician several time and after I tried all the “sleeping techniques”, he told me “You just have one of those high maintenance babies”. That is not what I wanted to hear! Hopeful Josie is still adjusting and starts sleeping better for you. Luckily my DD is the complete opposite of DS and like I stated in one of the other threads, it really makes being a parent fun when you’re not physically and emotionally drained from a lack of sleep. So may people comment on the age difference between my two kids but there’s a reason, I was so scared of having another “high maintenance baby”.

Megan and Jillian--not to Dr. Oz you to death but he does say adequate sleep is a key to losing weight. Sounds like a good excuse to catch up on the zzzzzz's.


Sooooooooooooo if I get a full nights sleep can I stop and get a cheeseburger and fries for breakfast? ;)

i wish

megan, thanks for pouting and complaining with me. it feels better when someone joins in. (odd, i know)

lea ann--i've heard that getting enough sleep helps in losing weight, thanks for the reminder! :)

and shannon--if i sleep for a few hours, can i get some ben & jerry's karamel sutra ice cream? i think that's a great deal!
ok..
and with that note, i'm off for a nap! ...as soon as i'm done with my 32oz of water. maybe i'll get lucky and dream that i'm eating ice cream! mmm!

Well, Nicole, you are one lucky girl!! My DH has been flipping out lately... all jealoused up... I don't even know why... I wish I could just come out and tell him that I've been asked out 20 lbs ago! And if I didn't budge then, then I am not likely to budge now. He has even come out and say that he needs to "fatten" me back up!! Sure I got mad! :devil:



If I could offer some insight here....

Don't tell him you were asked out 20 lbs. ago, unless you want his paranoia to needless shoot through the roof... If you think he's worried now, just wait to see what happens if you say that...

Men who have been lucky enough to find a woman who will put up with our B.S., live in fear (either concious or subconcious) of losing her. Any man worth his stuff will love you, whether you've got an extra 20lbs or not (or more, or less)...

The problem is that we're insecure with our own look and figure that if you are too, there won't be any reasons to worry about losing you to someone else. BUT... if you start working on improving your health and apperance, we get worried that some young studly guy will try to woo you away... It's simple male-ego driven human nature...

Dan - Hmmmmm...maybe that's why my DH has suddenly decided to go on LAWL with me. I don't think he liked it one bit when I was getting compliments from my brother's 21 year old friends on Memorial Day. Of course, it's not like I'd go there in a million years!!!

Ahhh.... the benefit of having a rooster on the boards! Thanks for the insight Dan.

If that's the case, then men and women are really not all that different after all.

Megan and Jillian - sorry you both are in a funk (does that mean you are all funked up?) Rant, Rave and whine all you want, we are here to listen!

Gotta go die now.... I hope that the Dr. has some good stuff for me tomorrow. I need to sleep!!! 2 hours does not cut it for me.

This thread moves too fast. I can't even catch up when I get into work after school!

Kim - Lea Ann was right. Love the avatar. You look gorgeous!

(Sorry, that's about all the personals right now)

We were braising today so I made a Texas Chili, and I called my COD so the portion I had counted as 1/2P and 2V. It was SOOOOO good and so easy. I am going to submit the recipe to the LA dietician for conversion. We also made swiss steak and arroz con pollo. So I have meals for the next few days!

TO took a bad turn last night. I got home and was hungry. Really hungry. So I had a piece of cheese cut into 4's, 4 slices of turkey pepperoni and put it on 4 reduced fat ritz crackers. Then I had a breadstick. And a string cheese (Thanks, Lea Ann, for putting that thought into my head - LOL). But the scale was kind this morning, and I even had a slim fast for lunch instead of all of the yummy stuff I cooked.

Two steps forward and one step back will still get me there eventually, right?

Sooooooooooooo if I get a full nights sleep can I stop and get a cheeseburger and fries for breakfast? ;)


I'm going to go pull a Rip Van Winkle so I can wake up on Saturday and have a big Chocolate Mint Blizzard!!! *smacking lips*

Pop by and pick me up on your way. We'll make it a party

Let's grab some cake at Nicole's first.. I'm leaving now and we can sleep at her house!

Just a quick drop by......up .2 since mon TOM so not worring about it!!!!....Things are moving again :o so not worried about that eithier but i'm really *****y right now due to TOM ....so with my that i'm not talking..mean woman here :p

Over and out till tomorrow

I'm game

Danette.. there is come cranky virus in the air today I think or Flo is on her way.. I've been a right surly woman today.. glad you checked in..misery loves company!!

I don't really know what plan you're on but I'm on red and my book says 1/2 mushrooms in 1v so if you're eating the full cup of mushrooms then I think it would be 2 v. Chicken breast is 1 P as long as it's 6oz to 8oz, dijon isn't listed specifically but I would assume condiment. Cassi is the counting guru though.


Shannon, it's a cup of raw, sliced mushrooms. Once it's processed, it's more like 1/2 cup and when it cooks down, it's actually a little less than that. I think 1 cup of raw is 1 V, but let me know if I'm wrong! I'm new at all this counting stuff!

Thanks!

and shannon--if i sleep for a few hours, can i get some ben & jerry's karamel sutra ice cream? i think that's a great deal!
ok..
and with that note, i'm off for a nap! ...as soon as i'm done with my 32oz of water. maybe i'll get lucky and dream that i'm eating ice cream! mmm!

Yes! I think that's the determination we've all come to. Man I love sleep


Felicia - I'm fairly new at it too and tend to get it wrong. Cassi, Dan, Kristin, Nicole one of you old timers hobble up to the keyboard and tell us the real deal. and there's a question too - mushrooms - the book says 1/2 cup cooked/one cup raw. I'm assuming it means whole mushrooms not sliced or pureed or diced. What say you oh wise wonders of the slender cuisine.

Felicia - You're right on the counts. Sounds yummy too! You may use a second condiment up if you use 2T (1T mustard = 1C), but how much are we really talking? Enjoy.

(thanks, Shannon)

What an entertaining board it is today. Thanks for the insight Dan. My usual rule of thumb for slutting it up is........I only do so when I am out on a date with with DH :) That seems to work out pretty good for us.

Kim......I hope you are ok. I have heard that gall bladder surgery is much better than it used to be. I have also heard that gall bladder attacks are very painful. :( Maybe your doc will just book you for surgery in the a.m. and you won't have time to worry about it.

Lea Ann.......skull reconstruction?? care to elaborate?

Jillian and Megan........tomorrow will be a better day.......and vent away.......it is better out than in. We all need somebody to lean on.......

Ok, have to get back to my own little chaotic reality........XOXO

If I could offer some insight here....

Don't tell him you were asked out 20 lbs. ago, unless you want his paranoia to needless shoot through the roof... If you think he's worried now, just wait to see what happens if you say that...... we get worried that some young studly guy will try to woo you away... It's simple male-ego driven human nature...

Dan - Thanks a bunch for the insight. I would never tell him about the offers I had... I took him out to dinner last night, as peace offering, and he's acted better today... I guess the way to a man's heart, is indeed through his stomach?? Anyways, thanks again. I hope he will figure it out that I survived through hell dealing with his kids, that I am not going anywhere...

Good evening guys and gals!
Girls, I have a new one for ya, try TOM and cramps with stitches in your abdomen. I told hubby that at least I had some good drugs LOL So I guess all in all with everything inside hurting already it was hard to tell what was from aunt Flo and what was the muscle repair.

Kim-hope everything is ok. My sister had her gallbladder out and if I'm not mistaken was home the same day. Just 4 tiny scars on her tummy from the instruments. At least its not a major surgery like it used to be.

Nancy-My hubby has made comments about fattening me up too. I told him, I was fat for 20 years thank you, I'm kind of enjoying NOT being fat. He's also made comments about my skirts. I said ok, so maybe I'm enjoying not dressing like my mom for a change! Just hang in there honey, you're doing great!

Nicole- Cute lil blonde, awesome smile you'd make a cute slu....uh I mean you're a beautiful woman. I'm sure hubby knows how lucky he is!

Kristen-I had the TT but you're still smaller over all than I am. Your new pictures on your webpage are awesome! My legs are still a lot heavier than yours. I wish I was 5'8" dangit, then the rest of this weight would be stretched out a little bit! LOL

Everybody else- Sorry I cant remember anymore about what I read, still trying to catch up on all the pages I missed while I was in drug induced la la land last week! LOL

Ohhhh one more thing I remember, Dan, Liz is a cutie but shhhhhh LOL

Blizzards and cake!!??!! I leave for a couple hours (for my fantabulous massage!) and you guys are meeting for blizzards and cake?? So not fair.

Nancy--glad you made peace--stinker men!

Dan--why oh why do men have to be so dang difficult sometimes?? And why do we still love you all to pieces when you are??

Kim--seriously...I love your new photo! Get well

Mushrooms--I am taking my old stance, as with any vegetable--I didn't get fat eating mushrooms so if I go over so be it.

Nicole--you are such a mom! Actually--the technical term is craniosynostosis of the sagittal suture (but I have probably forgotten how to spell it!). She was born without soft spots and her skull was fused at birth so basically it would have NEVER grown wider from the sides but was starting to protrude through the forehead and back (picture a loaf of bread) "Some" people consider the reconstruction cosmetic but the 20% chance of blindness (brain pushing against the back of the eyes) and mental ******ation was more than enough for us to have her "fixed". This was probably way more than you asked for but it's something we are quite passionate about and will jump at the chance to educate anyone that acts remotely interested. She has a zig-zag scar from ear to ear over the top but as you can see in her photo (the one in front on my profile) she is absolutely perfect--a hellion--but perfect!!

Okay--gotta get some grub on the table--talk to you guys later.

Kim--we were typing at the same time--good to see your smiling face! Bummer about ALL the tummy stuff at once but it'll get better everyday.

Hi Everyone,

just got back from 4 days vacation, and I have tried to read this board, but, wow - 16 pages in 4 days!!!! My eyes are a little tired, so I had to skim a bit. Hope I didn't miss anything really important.

I have to be a little better behaved than the past few days if I am going to succeed with the July 4th goal, so starting tomorrow again, back to pop....

Congrats to all the losers, and welcome to all the newbies.

Kristen, I soooo want to be part of your island, so sign me up please, and by the way, you look amazing. Have I mentioned that you really inspire me...... I had to find motivation to lose 25 lbs and I am getting there, but it is nothing compared to what you have achieved. You should consider commercials for LAWL..... that is if you give up your tshirt wise cracks.

Anyway, guess I better go get some laundry done, and get back to reality. I really didn't want to come home yet, and a little choked because we came home early for a meeting tomorrow, which ended up being cancelled. Grrrr....

Everybody have a great evening, I better get busy.

Kimphin - I had my gallbladder out in 1998, and it wasn't so bad. Outpatient surgery, and I went back to work about 5 days later. And, it was SO nice not to have gallbladder attacks anymore. The first one I ever had, DH had to take me to the ER because I thought I was dying. Demerol is a beautiful thing. Some people have issues eating certain foods after the surgery, but I can (unfortunately) eat most anything I want. In fact, I can eat MORE types of food after the surgery. Hmmmmm...now that I think about it, that's when I first chunked up!! LOL....

Kim #2 - Cramps and stitches DO NOT sound fun!! Feel better soon.

Okay, DH is calling, so I have to stop here with the personals. Hope everyone has a great night! Oh, and I did not make goal today. :(

Wendy- that 1.8 will be gone before you know it. Look at Kristen, shes continued to lose on stabilization and I'm sure you till too!

Karen- Welcome home, sorry your vacation got cut short, but glad you had a good time.

LeAnn-Confession time, I had a Blizzard the other night. It was soooo good. First time I've had icecream in 8 months, well except for a bite here and there. I keep saying I'm recovering, I'll get back on plan soon and I do, for a day then I cave LOL All in all I havent been too bad. I havent gained any weight. I just dont want the bad eating habits to become the norm for me again. But cake and icecream with Kristen and Nicole and all you other girls and guys on our own private island sounds great! LOL

kim--i had my galbladder out in 2003 (3 months after i had my DD) and i had it done on a friday and was back at work on tues. it was same day surgery for me and i only have tiny scars. i was having galbladder attacks for months before i figured out what it was. they were so painful. glad i never have to go thru that again. hope all goes well and you are pain-free soon. :)

Hey there chick-a-dees and Rooster Dan! Life has been busy and by the looks of the board so have all of you! I see the funk is running wildly through the group - hang in there everyone..."This too shall pass"

Lettie - Your good deeds are uplifting and refreshing. I know it does your heart good to help out our fellow humans. One little thing I do for myself on the ride to work is thank God for all my blessings. I take the time to notice the day...the birds..cows..horses...nature in general and then I think of those less fortunate and I know my day isn't going to be so bad. It's corny but I couldn't survive without it.

I don't have time for full blown personals but you guys are in my thoughts!!!

I have been doing well this week and the scale is moving in the right direction. I am on a semi-boycott from the COD but will stop by for a quick drop in, weigh in and pick up supplies this weekend. I lost the Boston weight (beers and dogs at the red sox game) and am back to my ticker weight!!!! I am hoping to show a loss this weekend so I can update my challenge ticker (YOU GO LEA ANN WITH YOUR 5LBS!).

Hugs and love!!! Drop the cake..it's bad bad bad :)

Tell me about it, Debbie! I have leftover cake from DD's birthday sitting downstairs, and I'm so tempted to have a piece. Must go have SF jello instead!!

Wendy --step away from the cake...slowly back away and then run...FAST!

I know. I meant to take it to work today for my co-workers, but I forgot. Thankfully there's only a little left. Good night all!!

Hey all-
Just a fly by tonight. Puter is being a royal pain and internet connection is ******edly slow. Just wanted to pop in and say I have finally started losing again!! :broc:90 LBS. GONE!!!!!:broc: And 39.25 inches:carrot:. Pretty good day today. Rewarded myself with some pretty new lacy bras.

We are going camping tomorrow after we get off work, so will be out for a few days. The weather is supposed to be really nice and hopefully not the crowds of the holiday. Got my menu planned and working on getting veggies and fruits cut up and packaged so I will be good for the most part.

Nancy- Sorry DH is being insecure. My DH jokes about it, but I think there is some seriousness under there. I just tell him that he better be treating me really good so that I won't go looking anywhere else. I wouldn't do that anyway, I've got 18 years invested in that man and I don't want to start over again. One thing he does like about the new me is all the lovin he is getting, if ya know what I mean. ;)

Gotta finish packing so that is all the time I have for personals. Have a wonderful weekend everybody.

Wendy- I had a Blizzard the other night. It was soooo good.

The shock, the horror.. the envy!! A blizzard??? I'm going to go get some outpatient surgery right now to get me some of that!
My sister in law sent me the item below.. I know you will all love it.. Kim don't laugh too hard!!

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives.

By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr. Phil proclaimed, "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished."

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off :
a bottle of Merlot,
a bottle of Zinfandel,
a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream,
a bottle of Kaluha,
a package of Oreos,
the remainder of my old Prozac prescription,
the rest of the cheesecake,
some Doritos and a box of chocolates

You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now.

Kim--you suck! Okay--I feel better. After all your body has endured you deserve it. I don't say that often so I hope every last lick was awesome.

Kristen--love it.

Deb--CONGRATS--that is so great! Now I just can't get the mental picture of you, in a lacy bra, and in a tent--know wonder DH is loving the new you!!

Kim – I love your new avatar. I liked your old picture too. To me, you look much happier, and a bit younger, in this one. I hope you feel better soon. Maybe the auditors aggravated your gall bladder.


Linda – My advice is ALWAYS to throw out the chips. They have magical powers to use against us. ;)

Nicole – Thanks for asking about Lia Sophia, I don’t know it either. I’m sure I’l find out as I catch up on the 5 pages I’m behind. I’m with you. When I get to goal, I’m going to wear as little as possible, and at home I’ll probably be naked all the time.

Shannon – I’m sure Dan will have covered it by now…but watch out for the salt in veggie chips or veggie stix. I bought some for my DS thinking they’d be a healthier alternative, but I tried a couple and they tasted like salt-licks. I didn’t read how much sodium there was, but it tasted like a bucketful.

Julie – Welcome back! It is tempting to eat ‘on the fly’ as moms. That’s why the planning part is crucial for me, or preparing things in advance, so that I have less reason to stray from my plan in the moment. It’s a PITA, but I now cut up celery and cucumber the minute I unpack them, and then keep them in zippy bags in the fridge. I make sandwiches the night before, put leftovers in serving size containers, etc… How long do you get for maternity leave?

Felicia – My 2 yo DS has some kind of allergies that causes nagging coughs too. Unfortunately they won’t do much for him…they just tell me to give him OTC allergy meds because they feel allergy testing would be too hard for him, and in the end, they’ll likely just prescribe allergy meds. WTG for your DH!! Your recipe sounds so good, and I agree on your exchange counts of 1P, 1V, 1C

Felicia/Shannon – For mushrooms I go by the weight in my book, I think it’s 75g off the top of my head.

Mushrooms--I am taking my old stance, as with any vegetable--I didn't get fat eating mushrooms so if I go over so be it.
Lea Ann – I couldn’t agree more. It drives me nuts when the COD says I’ve eaten too many apples, or to rethink the bananas. If I was going to be fat eating apples and bananas I’d just give up.

MTDeb – CONGRATULATIONS ON LOSING YOUR 90LBS! :woohoo: That’s one supermodel, gone forever! I bet hitting a milestone like that is VERY motivating. I’m really excited about hitting 30, but it’s going sooo slooooowly. Have a great time camping!

Good Friday Morning! Will check in later Chicks & Roosters!

TGIF Everyone! Deb, WTG!!! I'll check back later...

Woohoo, Deb! That is awesome!!!

Kristen - Loved it!!

Just a quick flyby. Have to leave in a bit to take youngest DD for her 2-year check up and shots. Good news is that my home scale was down this morning, so if I'm really good this weekend, maybe my WI on Monday will put me pretty close to goal.

And, yes, TGIF!!!

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been gone so much this week. I have been preparing the daycare for a visit from the owner, who lives in Utah. He showed up yesterday, a day late, and made me seriously wish that I could tell him to shove the daycare right up his ***. He is mad because I refuse to sign a non competition clause saying that if I quit, I cannot work in any childcare related field within 25 miles of this one for 2 years, and if I do, he can fine me 250.00 per day. No, dude, I don't know how stupid you think I am, but I am definitely not planning on screwing myself. Anyway, he said to me, "You know, there was this great child care conference in Vegas this spring that I was really planning on sending you too. It's too bad that you are refusing to sign a non competition clause. I am not going to dump any more money into training you until you sign it." I could have slapped him. He hired me in August, stayed for a few days so that I could learn his computer system, and I have not seen him since. Where is all of this mythical money that he has "dumped" into training me? And to do what? He is an accountant with zero experience in child care. In essence, I have trained him! And my training came from college and from running my own daycare for 6 years, not the from the almighty man. Well, the joke is on him, in the end. The state has hired me to consult new and failing daycares, hold trainings on tons of different child care related topics for other providers, and now they have asked me to train with them as a child care assesor to begin assessing child care centers and giving them a star rating, beginning in January. Hopefully by then I can kick him to the curb. The state pays me 3 times what he does. Anyway, I was so mad. He is totally broke, and the daycare is the only one of his several businesses that is making any money. If I were him, I would not press my luck right now!

Deb, you rule!

Cassie- How are you feeling?

Angie- Naked all the time? Haha, well, why not, right?!

mornin', don't have much time to play, kids and I are going to our church campmeeting this weekend. taking the camper. I was swamped with stuff to do yesterday and never even turned on my computer. I had like 6 pages to read........ yikes. sorry didn't keep track of personals all the way through but a few things that stuck out:

Yea JM is back!!!!

and on the whole DH getting jealous, I WISH!! I am married to a guy who is still in his 32X34s. buff, tan, blonde, blue eyes......... and he knows it. no insecurities there. so he has no problem with me losing weight in fact is counting the days. and nags ............. ggggrrrrrr. and never has a jealous bone in his body, even when he really should to the point of protection. and sometimes that is annoying too!

Nicole, got you pm........ don't have time to catch up right now, but I will on sunday.


have a great weekend. and PLEASE try to keep it down on here! I don't want to have to read a novel when I get back

POP People!!!

Kim - hope all went well with the dr.

Kristin - how did you count all that? I'm halfway thru my booze and cookies and have run out of options in my book. Can I just carry over into the next day.

I am SO glad it's Friday! For a short week it sure has been a long one

Okay, I have missed way too much for personals, but I did want to say that you guys are too dang funny. A few phrases that made me laugh out loud, people being "funked up", (Thanks Kim!), Nicole "Sluttin' it up", Kristin grabbing some outpatient surgery in order to get a blizzard, and Nancy's DH being "all jealoused up". You guys never fail to make my day!

Shannon- Just get lots of sleep and you will be fine, no need to count it!

Lettie- Have a great time camping!