Weight Watchers - Supporting Each Other on Our Weight Loss Journey

This is a great thread for those who want support, helpful hints, friendship and a great bunch of people to communicate with. This thread has existed for a long time and we keep re-starting it whenever the old one gets too long. Feel free to stop in and chat, we are not a "closed" group and welcome newcomers. Some of us have been together for well over a year, some only a few days, but we care about each other. We offer tips, we share, we pick each other up of the floor when we've had rough times and we applaud when someone does well.
So, please do stop on by and share a bit, support is what it's all about! We can really do this together!

I'm joining the thread this time around :)

I'm going back to meetings next Tuesday - actually looking forward to it!

Do I need to do an intro or ??? :o

Good morning all!

I had a really good day with dh yesterday, but I'm waking up feeling remorseful about my food choices (like I didn't know I would?!) We decided to go to Chili's yesterday for a late lunch. At first, I was completely feeling like being "bad" but once I got there, I decided to have one of the guiltless grill items (dwlz says 9.5pts, but probably a little less because I didn't have the black beans it came with and asked for extra veggies.) So that was ok. But, we ordered an appetizer sampler...I had 2 moz sticks and quite a bit of the spinach dip. When we got home, I tried making my choc chip recipe with some gluten free rice flour...I sampled just a bite of a cookie. The flavor was great, but they were gritty from the flour. Yuck. I also tried out that cake recipe for the cake I have to do next week. It was a pound cake, so I actually only had a small piece of it, but I had some licks of the batter, too. For dinner I made my pizza. I had 2 1/2 slices that had turkey pep, crushed pineapple, and some deli ham on it (it was SO good.) I don't know...I guess maybe my choices weren't has horrible as they would of been in the past (Chili's could of been REALLY bad, and I could of had a HUGE piece of cake) but I'm still feeling kind of yucky today.

I have also not been menu planning the last week or so, so today I'm getting back to that.

Breakfast: PB&sugar freeJ on a Flat Out wrap-3

Lunch-2 97%ff hot dogs-2
100 cal pk chips-2

Snack-3 pts

Dinner-grilled chicken-4
alum packet veggies w/olive oil-1
grilled fries-3
low fat ice cream-3

Total-21/28

I'm thinking about buying the WW pedometer this week. Our leader was showing it to us at the last meeting; I thought it was kind of cool that it shows when you earn ap's. Does anyone else have a WW one? I always have a hard time getting ones that are accurate.

Hope everyone has a great day!!!

Good morning everyone

Welcome Renee good luck with starting your meetings again.

Welcome to Diannawv good luck with your journey.

I hope you both post often as I am sure you will have a lot to offer here as well as a lot to receive from the ladies here. I have found so much support and info in this thread. Good luck to both of you.

Paige. How are you doing? I PM'd you a website that has gluten free info. If you need other things let me know. I will try to find them. That girl I was talking to said that if you go to a health food store they can help you figure out how to correct something you don't like from the recipe while still keeping it gluten free. It is great you made a wise choice at Chili's, I would have slipped there I think as I went to Chili's all the time before I started this new lifestyle. Since I have started it, I have not gone there. I am just not sure it isn't a trigger place for me. I guess if I planned it, it would be okay, no let me rephrase that, it will be okay as I will plan it.
Linda, how is the vacation going? I do hope it doesn't take you long to clean the house. Like you said, at least you will earn activity points. I do hope the rest of your vacation goes well.
Haylo, how are those steps coming along? How is exercising and eating going? When you go back to work do you take your lunch or do you eat out? I now find it so much easier to have a lunch in a bag when I am going to be out during the lunch hour. Have an awesome day.
Oops gotta go, I am being beckoned by DS. He just woke up.
Hello to Erica, Tech, Laura, Paige 2, Briza, Kim, Erika, and everyone else.
Have a great day all
Ann

Ann-Yes, thank you for the PM about the gluten free site. I think I'm going to have to go into a health food store to see what different things I can find. I've been doing a lot of online research, but think I might actually need to talk to someone. I still am not exactly sure what igredients are ok and which ones aren't, if I'm looking at a nutrition label.

hello every one,

Ann: my excercise is going good, although I did get off track this past week not having my car. My eating is going better I think and as for as work I start on the 20th. I have jury duty the 16 but I will make sure to take a good book. As far as work and lunch I pretty much always try to take my lunch every once in a while I will get something from the school cafeteria our cafeteria manager is really good about making special meals for the teachers she always has salads and soups and sandwiches and then some sort of hot items that are always much better then what they are serving the kids. Unfortunatly I know that sometimes the food ther is not the healthiest so like you I find taking my lunch is the easiest. Okay let start our challenge again I will post my steps later today. I would go crazy if I wasn't allowed to weight myself, I know what you mean about how it keeps you on track.

paige2: sorry about your back, my back bother me off and on but not to horribly I notice that once I stretch it I am okay.

renee: welcome!!!

paige: doesn't sound like you ate bad yesterday and it sounds like you have your day planned out today.

derry: good luck in RI, that must suck to get somewhere and feel like the first thing you have to do is clean, I would hate that.

Thanks for the advice Paige... I'm going to have to go see the doctor tomorrow. My back is alittle better today but not much. It still hurts to sit up or walk. Poor dh is having to do all my weekend chores this week!!!;)

I have to figure out a way to get some cooking done today or we won't have anything to eat this week!! We never signed up for the WW meetings as I already had all the materials... but I just keep bouncing around with the same few pounds since we switched over from Jenny Craig. I think I'm going to have to break down and join so that I'm a little more accountable for my actions during the week... it's too easy to make bad choices and just convince myself that I'll do better the next day. So I think I'm going to do that next Saturday.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Well I think I may have gone a little overboard today we went to Johnny Carios Italian resturaunt and I had spaghetti with meatball I was trying to look up the points values and nutritional information but nothing can be found. I don't think I will be hungry later and I already decided if I do get hungry I am going to hit the fruits and vegtables.


kpe: I think sometimes it is easier to join the meetings only because sometimes when I try to do things on my own I am not as accoutantable I tried doing WW on my own and just kept slipping up, I find the meetings keep me more on track. Good luck with you decision

I just wanted to stop by to read everyone’s posts. I haven’t been online for the last few days because I have been really sick. I think I had a mild case of food poising from the Cheescake Factory-serves me right for eating there! But I am all better now and that’s is all that matters!

Erica- Congrats on your anniversary!!

Kim-I know what you mean about Red Lobster! I have had the same problem there. I tried to order the best items I could and I still had a days worth of points. It wasn’t even worth it-I should have just splurged.

Hi Ann!

Congrats Haylo on your loss!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Briza: that sucks about your food poisioning, I love the cheesecake factory, but your story makes me not want to eat there. I hope you feel better.

Happy Sunday Night Everyone,

This post may be short, I cut off the tip of my finger making dinner and I've never been a good hunt and peck typist and it hurts to use that finger :mad:

Friday I did ride my bike after work, but man was it hot, I didn't think I would make it. Then I got home and the dinner I planned didn't sound good so we went out, I did not choose wisely, but I did track my points and only had one glass of wine so....Yesterday I had my family over for August birthdays (How is it that between dh and I we have 18 immediate family members and 5 birthdays between 7/20 and 8/27???). I skipped lunch which I know better than, and then let my family get to me, so I ate/drank too much. I did figure out my points this morning and I used up 15 fp. Oh well, I had them, I'll just have to behave the next 3 days. Today dh and I went for a ride, again it was really hot but we did it. It's kind of funny, he's always been a better rider than me (he used to do long tours) but this summer, my cadence has improved and I'm a faster rider than him :D

Linda - hope you enjoy your vacation. Bummer about the cleaning.

Ann - you're posts always make me smile. Thanks for all the recipes. I tried something new tonight. I bought some rosemary skewers last week, and we grilled pork kabobs on them tonight. I was surprised by how much it tasted like rosemary w/o using any.

Erica - Happy Anniversary!! Hope your birthday was fun.

Briza - hope your feeling better.

Paige2 - Hope your back feels better soon.

Laura - How was the ball game. I'm not sure I'll make it to one this year. Although I told my dad I'd take him to a Lugnut game for his b-day.

Haylo - Sorry about the car. I take my lunch most days too, at least I know whats in it that way.

Paige - how's the gluten free cake challenge coming. I have a co-worker who can't have gluten and it's amazing what she can't eat.

Renee and Diana - Welcome.

Kim - don't sweat one small meal. One meal didn't get us here and one meal won't kill us. Just don't let one meal become a whole week.

To anyone I missed - Sorry ;)

Have a great night all. I'll try to stop back after work tomorrow. Weather's supposed to be nicer so maybe I won't melt :o.

-Tech

Hello everyone - checking in late as we went to the baseball game and really enjoyed ourselves. It was hot but our seats were up in the upper deck and we were on the side that had shade from the overhead. It was great! A couple of records were set and the best part was that the Tigers won 11-6! WHOO HOOO!!! Tech, my family loves going to Lugnuts games!

Eating wasn't the best but tomorrow is a new day and I'm not perpetuating the problem.

Hello to everybody! Tech - sorry about your finger. Velveteen - welcome!!!! Paige - I love the WW pedometer. Has many great additions.
Haylo - summer is coming to an end isn't it. Does the regular routine make WW easier for you? Paige2 - hope your back is better soon. Briza - food poisoning stinks - hope you're on the mend.

Have a good night everybody!

Ann: steps for today 8000 trying to get up to 10,000 may walk around the house or something.

tech: ouch... that sounds painful

rosegarden: yup work makes WW easier for the most part the only bad thing is that sometimes it makes it harder to come home and cook but I need to remind myself that if I want to do this I need to be very deligant about tracking everything as well as continuing to make better choices.

Hi Ladies!!! Wow! Looks like I missed a lot in 2 days!

We just got home a couple hours ago from the lake..It was beautiful. It is not a lake we usually go to and the water is so clear!!!! BUT....it was so hot! 103 degrees today!!! Tomorrow here at home it is supposed to be 105. I can't wait for a break in the heat....I honestly can't go out and do anything in it.
I THINK I did ok at the lakes 'local' restaurant last night. I had grilled salmon with a pico type sauce on it. Nothing creamy and it had lots of veggies. I also had rice and the salad bar....Everyone ordered a 'blooming onion' and I am happy to say I didn't get ANY of it!! My daughter was the first one to choose the Salmon off the menu!!! YAY!!! She really is learning!!!

My son got his drivers license Friday......will you ladies please pray for us?? ;) It scares me to death!! They start school tomorrow and he wanted to drive to school!!! I told him NO!! The first week of school is traffic **** and he is a NEW driver!! grrrrrrrr!

First of all Paige.... I went to the website and looked at your photos! They are gorgeous! We just finished out upstairs room and some of them would look perfect there!!! You really did a great job!!!!

Welcome Renee and Dianna! I know you will love this group of ladies.....they truly are a huge support for me and I always look forward to seeing all the advice given and just how their everyday lives are!!

Briza- I hope you are feeling better....nothing worse than a case of food poisoning!! YUCK!

Tech.....OUCH!!! How is your finger?? Fingers are so sensitive anyway....Sounds like you have some good knives in your kitchen!!

Paige, my cousin has celiac disease.....she can't have gluten in ANYTHING. She has found lots of substitutes for everything after doing alot of research. She also made lots of trips to the Health Food Store.

Ann - How are you? I agree with the Lunch in a bag thing.....you know exactly what you are eating. Guessing all the time is a bummer!! Getting caught offguard can really mess up your day (and week!)

Linda.......I hope you are resting a little while you are at the lake and not cleaning the whole time!! How sad that your 'co-owners' care so little that they would leave it that way for you. Try to relax while you can and count up those extra AP's!!!

Laura, you have a great attitude about 'tomorrow'....when you said
"Eating wasn't the best but tomorrow is a new day and I'm not perpetuating the problem." Awesome....I am starting to get that attitude!!

haylo - Way to go on your steps.......Sounds like you are determined to get them all in!!

Paige...how is your back? I sure hope it gets better quickly for you!!
I really think the accountability of getting on that scale every week is worth it. I hope you decide to join and go to the meetings.

To anyone I missed.....I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Well, I guess I have rambled here enough!!

I will check in tomorrow!!
Kim

Good morning ladies,
I didn't get to post again yesterday as my DS took over the computer as soon as we came in the house, so you guessed it, we spent a lot of time out side. I was exhausted I feel asleep at about 8:00 and just woke up about 6:45. It was a great sleep.
Haylo, I walked 12,829 steps and I was shocked becuase I purposely walked about 7,000 steps and then I forgot to pick something up so I had to go back and get it and I though I would walk even though driving would have been faster. I had a great day yesterday. I want to get weighed so badly, maybe Thursday. I think I am obsessed with the scale.
Erica, good morning happy Monday.
Laura, great attitude. Your posts always make me think positive thoughts
Kim, that is awesome you daughter making wise choices. It is great you had a wonderful time at the lake. When I go to red lobster I order the baked potato with that Pico de gallo stuff on it, the seasoned brocolli and the grilled chicken. I also tell them I have high blood pressure so I can't have sodium. If I didn't preplan there I would go crazy I am sure. All the food smells so good.
Linda, How are you doing?
Paige 2 how is your back?
Paige 1 have on awesome Monday. How was your night?
Tech, your post made me laugh, I remember when I lived close to my family and in laws, I think maybe some occasions I drank more. I never drink now...funny how that is. I hope your finger gets better soon. It is amazing how tender the tips of our fingers are.
Briza, I do hope you are feeling better. Take Care of yourself.

Renee and Dianne I hope we here from you ladies again.
Have a great day everyone.
Ann

Wow, this new thread is taking right off! Welcome to our newcomers.
Paige, isn't it nice to have this group when we can be totally honest with each other and admit what we have done wrong. Firstly, I am fascinated when you write about your attempts at recipes. Keep posting about that.
I'm so sorry you feel that you blew it.
I am here to say that I blew it too the last few days. I lost track, and I broke my promise to myself and to all of you that I would journal. I'm going to start fresh with a new journal today, forgive myself and move on though.
Last night was the buffet dinner at my in laws golf club. The cheese things and shrimp went over well and I didn't over-indulge. Then, halfway through eating the peanut butter pie, I felt badly, overloaded, stuffed and unhappy with myself. But, this is our vacation and I did earn AP while doing lots of housecleaning during the day. I have to just move on.
Haylo, glad you have your car back and can now be more on track. Yes, it kind of sucks to get someplace and feel like you have to clean it, but such is life and I guess I should be thankful that we, at least, have a house down by the beach to go to in our family and accept it as is? My husband gave me a lecture on not being so negative about it, but he was the one who went to the beach while I was cleaning, hmmm....
Briza, sorry you were not feeling so well. A mild case of food poisoning sounds just awful. You know, my husband often gets sick after we eat out as do my kids. I generally do not. I wonder if just having very sensitive stomachs runs in his side of the family? I also wonder if the food is richer than you/they are used to nowadays and when you overload it, it just is something your body objects to and cannot digest? Whatever it was, I'm glad you are better.
By the way, in looking at colleges for my daughter, when we went to tour one of the culinary colleges they said they had an entire class on sanitary procedures and how seriously you need to take it in the food industry. You literally have people's lives in your hands. Cooking (Paige, I am sure, could expand upon this) for others is a huge responsibility. I was reflecting on the efforts she is putting into making gluten free foods, for example, and I know how careful you must be with food allergies and sensitivities to identify things that go into what you serve the general public. I'm allergic to celery, for example, and so often I find it's in food that I have ordered. My husband, kindly, will offer to switch plates with me when that happens.
Kim, I'm impressed that your daughter ordered the Salmon, wow. My daughter dislikes most fish and is hesitant to order things like that. How many grilled chicken salads can a person have, after all? Good job staying on program and passing up the blooming onion thing. I love those, they are my weakness.
Tech, I am proud of you for riding your bike, and I have been in the same circumstance as you many times where dinner didn't sound good and we suddenly changed plans and went out. I think this is where a crib sheet with restaurant info tucked in my wallet will work well. I'm going to do that after I'm home, I think.
Ann, relax about the scale. I think this is a very good exercise and maybe I may try it at some point. I'm so curious as to how this all goes for you. Do you FEEL thinner? Are you thinking about it all the time? I'd probably have given in!
Well, again, today is a fresh start day with a journal that is new. I forgive, forget and am making a plan. One part of my plan is in question and I will have to "wing it" to some degree.
So, here goes with the plan.
Today, breakfast will be my usual oatmeal and Calorie Countdown milk. I'm so in love with that milk. I keep asking about it. Have any of you ever found it near where you live? Let me know!
We are going to go tour a mansion in Newport Rhode Island today. That is always fun and there will be walking involved, a bonus.
Lunch will be in Newport. My daughter is in love with thie restaurant called "The Red Parrot" that we ate at once last summer. I don't recall what I ate there, and after making this post will look them up on line to see if they are large enough to have a web site and post some kind of menu. I hope so. If not, it will probably be a burger without a roll and maybe a side salad if I can manage that or a grilled chicken salad. I'm bored with those foods, though, to be honest. Same old, same old. I wish restaurants would become more in tune with people on weight loss plans and have more to offer. Some of them do, such as Applebees, but not many.
Dinner is planned already and we will eat here tonight. My husband went fishing yesterday morning with his dad and caught Bonita (which are baby tuna fish) as well as Bluefish. I've promised (as well as my daughter) to try the Bonita. I'm suspicious as I don't like dark colored fish, generally, and prefer white fish that doesn't taste fishy. I bought a corn bread mix by a company called "Krusteze" (not sure of the spelling) and each serving of the corn bread is 110 calories, so two points for a piece of cornbread to go along with the fish and we shall have salad with it too. If we don't like the fish, Jamie and I can have cornbread and salad, at least.
If we have time on our way home from Newport, we'll stop in at my in laws house and swim in their pool, will earn points for that as well.
Again, I apologize for spelling/type-os as I have no spellcheck on this laptop.
Take care!

Good Morning! Back to work after my day of playing yesterday. Lunch is a challenge as it is our monthly get together with another lady at another law firm and we always order the Topoppo salad, which is chicken, lettuce, guacamole, peas, cheese, salsa and chips. We split the salad but the points are still up there a bit. Will have to have a very light dinner tonight.

Linda - I hope you are now getting to enjoy the beach now that your cleaning is done.

Hello to everyone - Ann, Briza, Paige, Paige2, Velveteen, O2beskinny, Haylo, Tech and anyone else I may have forgotten!

Hello everyone,

I hope you guys have a good day, I think I am going to go through my closet and get rid of old stuff.

ann: wow, good job with the steps
rosegarden: good luck at work today
kim: congrats on making a wise decision at the resturaunt
derry: have a good time with your family sounds like fun

everyone else I missed hope things are going well and have a wonderful day.

Hi all! It was a weird morning today...my MIL decided to keep the girls for another night, so this morning I woke up to a completely empty house. MIL lives right by the Y, so I decided to get in a workout before I picked dds up. It was a quick, but good one.

I had a really good weeked with dh, but I'm glad it's over. I just had such a difficult time with food, and it really made me feel awful. What Linda said about our stomachs not being used to the types of foods we used to eat is so true. I had planned out yesterday, but didn't stick to it at all. I don't know what my deal was. Today I am really back op. I had packed lunches for dds and I, and after I picked them up we went and had lunch with dh at work. I had packed a 3pt ham sandwich and a 3pt bag of Sun chips for myself. Right now I'm guzzling the water...I think I've really been slacking on that. For dinner tonight dh is going to grill some chicken and veggies for me (we didn't end up grilling last night as I had planned.)

Linda-I took the ServSafe sanitation course that you are talking about. It is a REAL eye opener. There are so many things that can go wrong in a kitchen...cross contamination, time temp abuse, bio/chemical/physical contamination, etc etc. It is SO easy for things to go wrong, all it takes is someone being a little careless. My problem with the gluten free stuff is that I don't really know what to look for when I'm looking at an ingredient list. Gluten itself isn't an ingredient, so I need to know what things gluten are in. I did find quite a large list, but I am worried that there might be other things. And also, I go onto health food store websites, and find things like "gluten free chocolate chips"...and that confuses me because I thought regular choc chips were ok??? Oh, btw, I think I might be able to work my choc cake recipe w/a choc glaze to be about 3pts. I haven't done it, though, because with how I've been lately, I don't trust myself to have it in the house.

Kim-I was surprised, too, that your dd chose the salmon. How did she like it?

Laura-Was the baseball game a minor league or farm team? We are going to one next Wednesday, dh got free tickets. I am a little less than enthused... watching baseball isn't my thing. I've been to several Yankees games, and was always soooo bored. Dh really wants to take dds, though, so we'll see how it goes!

Hello to Tech, Ann, Paige2, Briza, Haylo and any new people! Hope everyone is having a great op day!

No Paige it was a Major League Game - Tigers vs the A's. It was our company summer picnic and they bought the tickets, parking pass and a wonderful luncheon at Hockeytown Cafe. It was a great game as there were 2 records broke and we were sitting in the shade and had a good view. We had a fun day! It helps that the Tigers won 11-6 - 8 runs in the 2nd inning and one Magglio got 2 homeruns in the 2nd inning!

Laura-I'm just not a baseball person. I love to play softball, but to watch baseball...ugh. Football, on the other hand...I have loved it ever since I was little, and now it is especially fun since dh's brother is in the NFL. Our weekends are scheduled around football in the fall/winter!

Hi ladies!
Life has been kind of hectic here! WW is going pretty well - the three weeks prior to last week I lost a total of 5kg/11lb (:o), however this last week I put on 400g/.8lb - but I am fine about that, I know precisely where I went wrong, and I expected to have a loss - I am proud that it was only 400g.. I can cope with a gain of 500g or under... And today is the beginning of a new WW week, so I am feeling somewhat motivated!

But more excitedly for me, I have a new man in my life, who is just amazing - and I can't get enough of him. My sister was joking that the reason I lost so much weight for those three weeks, was due to... increased bedroom.. activity.. and LOL maybe there is something in that? I didn't realise how bad my last relationship was, until I met K.. who actually treats me like I'm something special.. I could go on & on about him, but I won't ;)

Gaby has started crawling, so I've been rather busily chasing her around the house - an interesting time!

Good morning ladies, I do hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday.

I mentioned Emma's new weight loss program to my husband and he is sure it is a reliable one...haha....men.
Anyway congratulations on your great loss the past weeks. I do hope things work out well for you.

Hello to everyone and Have a wonderful day ladies.
Ann

Good morning - yesterday was a better day! Went to my brother's and picked some produce so my crispers are replenished again.

Not much happening in my world today. How about yours?

Haylo, Hello! How are things going? Exercise? Water? Journals?
Paige, I am right with you as far as letting foods get out of hand, lately. We ate out twice yesterday and I didn't write it down (but will this morning) and we are eating out twice again today as well. I didn't earn any activity points to speak of yesterday, though walking around the mansion on the tour was probably a point, hard to say. By the way, we went to a Vanderbuilt mansion called Marble House, all marble inside, though some gorgeous woodwork, hand carved of course, and some cast bronze covered with 18K gold. Amazing to live like that in a different era. Also, one thing that amazes me about Newport RI is the cosmepolitan flavor there. There was a cruise ship in the harbor and I imagined it was European as there were many French and Italian speaking people walking around and in the restaurants. I broke down and sample a small serving of gelato as we were walking the streets and in the shops, it was a warm day and we passed a shop that makes and sells it. I've never had gelato before, so was curious. I don't think it's high in points as they indicated that on the sides that it contains less fat and calories than ice cream. Servings are tiny and they give you tiny spoons. But, by the time we got back here, my stomach was upset. Again, eating "strange" foods can do this?
Paige, what about buying PURE chocolate, unsweetened, in bars and adding your own sugar and vanilla to it? You could then chop/chunk it and bake it into things. It would be gluten free, right? They must add things to chocolate chips that are, I think, called emulzifiers? (sp?) and maybe those things have gluten in them? Gluten, as has been described to me, is like the glue that holds things together and I guess it is rather needed when making recipes.
Emma, I am glad you have found someone new. That surely didn't take long and I am impressed, as well, that you have a man in your life at the same time you have a baby in your life. I always thought men would steer clear of a woman with a child? But, maybe he is what I might refer to as a "real man"? When I say a "real man", I think of someone who holds their head high and takes responsibility, the phrase they use "be a man" comes to mind. Hope that makes sense. A real man wouldn't care is a woman he cares about has a child, that would just be another facet of her life to fall in love with.
I wish you luck! Take your time and get to know him well.
I've got to run, have an appointment to tour a college with my daughter today!

Linda, we don't have the Calorie Countdown milk here. I can't even find Laughing Cow cheese here!
You said you are going to a mansion today......which one?? I went to RI with a friend several years ago and we toured a couple of them. They are HUGE and so ornate and beautiful! Hard to imagine ever living like that. Have you ever had clam chowder from the Black Pearl in RI? I fell in love with it and brageed on it so much that my hubby ordered it and had it shipped frozen to us for a pre-Christmas present!

Paige, my daughter LOVED the salmon. Fortunately it wasn't really fishy tasting salmon, but she ate the whole thing!!

Emma, congrats on the new man!! He sounds like a dream come true!!

Haylo, did you get that closet cleaned out!?? My mom in law is coming today. She wants to help me DEEP clean the house. I promise, my house is not that bad, but her house is like better homes and garden. So I have been straightening and throwing away JUNK. I have to say I feel really bad today and don't feel like dealing with it. My sinuses are acting up and I didn't sleep last night. I don't know if my sinus problems are due to the ozone?? and the weather? (going up to 105 here today!), or what. I can't seem to get anything done for blowing my nose every 2 minutes.

Hello to the rest of you! Have a great day and be healthy in your choices!!

Well, I better go do a few more things before she gets here.
I have WI tonight, so I will post again when I get home!!

Kim

Happy Tuesday all!

Not much happening at all here today. It is supposed to be really nice weather; only a high of 76, so I'll probably take the girls out later to do something.

Yesterday was a good, op day. I ended up with 2 pts that I didn't use, actually. My menu for today is...

Breakfast-Egg beaters w/veggies, deli ham, LC cheese on ww lite toast-4

Lunch-salad w/leftover grilled chicken, 1 serving of moz cheese-5
pack of Sunchips-3

Snack-popcorn-3

Dinner-grilled chicken-4
veggies-0
grilled fries-3
low fat ice cream-3

Total-24/28

Kim- Yuck, have fun cleaning with your MIL. LOL! I find the calorie countdown milk and the LC cheese at Walmart. I'm not a milk drinker (yes, I know...no lectures needed!) so I haven't purchased it, but I know they sell it. The LC cheese is sold over by the deli, it is in little round packages and is not refrigerated. It took me a long time to find it because I was expecting it to be with the other cheeses.
That is great that your dd will order fish. I like salmon and haddock, but have really gotten away from ordering them or purchasing them because dh doesn't eat fish. I should get some salmon and have him grill it for me. Good luck at your wi!

Linda-I think dh and I would love where you are staying. Well, I would anyway. I love doing tours like the mansion. As far as what gluten is...well, I know it in terms of flour. Gluten is protein. With bread, you want a hard flour that has a high gluten content (ex, bread flour has high gluten content; it improves the elasticity of the dough, so the more you knead it, the more gluten is formed, and the more it will rise.) With cake flour, you have a very low gluten content because you don't want the batter to be tough. So anyway...I have a hard time understanding gluten in any way other than that! LOL! That is why I can't understand how choc chips could have gluten in them??? The majority of the recipes that I've found that calls for them, don't say anything about them being gluten free, so I'm wondering what makes the gluten free ones that health food stores sell different? Which college is Jamie looking at today?

Emma-Glad to see you back...congrats on the loss and the improvement in your situation! Just try to take it nice and slow though, ok?

Hope everyone else is having a great morning...I'll check in later with you all!

Hello everyone,

derry: excercise is good, water could be better, journaling I had a little slip up with journaling earlier in the week/weekend sunday/monday and then I remembered how well I did when I journaled so I got back on track yesterday thanks for asking. Have fun touring the college with your daughter.

02bskinny: I did get rid of some stuff, I didn't go through and try stuff on b/c I know I haven't lost enough weight to go down a size so I just got rid of stuff I thought I probably won't wear anymore. Ugh, I hate sinus problems I have sinus issues a lot to I wouldn't want to deal with cleaning anything out either. Good luck. Like paige said I never really find the laughing cow by the cheese I too usually find in the deli section and it's sometimes not refrigerated. You don't have to refrigerate it I think till you open it. I love laughing cow it delicious.

Hi all...

I am having such a hard time getting over my "eaters remorse" from the weekend. The scale is up a few lbs, and I am just so angry at myself about it. This morning I woke feeling those binge/purge feelings...I haven't in awhile now, I've been so in control. But I ignored it, made sure I planned out my menu, and have been in control of my food (I did have a few small cookies that dd has been begging me to make, but since I had those I did not have my afternoon snack, and I don't really feel like eating my planned dessert tonight, either.) I did not binge/purge today, and I'm so glad I didn't because that always makes me feel so much worse. But yet, even though yesterday and today I've been op, I just have this feeling of "being fat." I know it is in my head. I even just did a Walk Away the Pounds video to try to shake it, and it is still there.

On one hand, I am so proud of myself that I didn't give into those feelings, because a few months ago, I would of. On the other hand, I have those fat feelings that don't seem to be going away.

I think I'm also getting a little antsy...I really just want to be at goal already! LOL, but don't we all? Man, I can't even seem to get below 200.

Alright girls, just need a bit of a pep talk!

paige: I am glad you were able to turn to us, I think you just reached a little bump but I know that you can move past that feeling. You have come so far and have been an inpiration to many of us. Just put the weekend behind you and keep on going. I hate when I get that feeling of being fat especially when I have been trying so hard, but we can't let ourselves fall back into old patterns, just think of where you would be if you weren't trying to do something. I am very proud of you for not binging/purging keep up the will power to not do so. Best of luck.

Ok........Are you ready????

I LOST 5 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And my daughter lost 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The lady doing the weigh ins was high 5'ing her, she was just smiling!!!!!!!! I guess Red Lobster didn't hurt us, as long as we did good the rest of the week!!!!! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

Ok Paige, first of all......Here I was complaining about messing up at Red Lobster and I still lost because you guys all said to move on. Otherwise I would have probably said heck with it and wallowed around in it for a while. I have definately learned that as long as you pick yourself up and start again, you will be ok......When we get down and depressed because we feel bad about ourselves and NOT get out of that mind set..That is where problems start. SO......I am challenging you now to get over the eaters remorse....it is done, There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it now. But.. you CAN do something about it TODAY!!!!!!! Look yourself in the mirror and forgive yourself, and start again TODAY!!!

Well, we have half cleaned the house (my MIL and I) today. I guess we will start on the second half tomorrow. We are talking walls, woodwork, light fixtures, tops of the kitchen cabinets, under appliances, blinds, etc. She is the queen of clean......Man, I wish I enjoyed cleaning as much as she does!!!

Thanks Haylo and Paige for the info to help me find the cheese and milk. I will look over in that department.........I never even thought about looking there!!!

Okies, well, I have to go to bed......got another big day of cleaning tomorrow!! (I am working on my activity points???)

Kim

Well good morning ladies.
It is early Wednesday morning and I am up. weird. I guess when you go to bed at 8:00 at night, this can happen. Oh well
Kim congratulations to you and your daughter. You are both doing awesome.
I want to know if I can borrow your MIL. I just need to make time to wash walls and stuff like that. It feels much nicer once it is done. I know I need a hobbie.
Paige, I hope today is a great day for you. I find I sometimes want all the weight off now too. I forget to look at my progress this far. I hear people saying they can't lose even ten pounds and keep it off. For me I find just being aware of my eating is such progress for me. I do know I have more to lose but I am trying not to be impatient. It is when I see the smaller jeans I bought and wanting to wear them now. I guess I am just impatient. I think it is so awesome that you have been able to control the binging/purging. It is amazing, you should be so proud of yourself. You have come so far. You have truly turned things around. I think I just had a lightbulb moment. It is success like yours the dietician wants me to be more aware of rather than the scale. Thank you Paige. I hope I am making sense. I know have so many thougts going through my head. I finally get it....
Haylo, how are you. I walked 10,312 steps yesterday. How is your walking? How is exercising? It is funny my DS eats this cheese all the time. I didnt' know it was called Laughing Cow. He just likes it. I buy it all the time and I really never read what it was called.
Linda, It sounds like you are getting a bit of walking in. The gelato I have had is like Sherbet. I found it refreshing. I guess in parts of Italy they make Gelato without dairy and that is what I had, and in other parts of Italy they make it with dairy. Is your vacation relaxing now that all the cleaning is done? I do hope you are having a wonderful time.
Tech, how are you? Any new meal ideas? How is your finger?
Laura, great job keeping the crisper full. I know when I have more in my crisper I eat healthier. I do enjoy most fruits and vegetables. How is work going?
Emma, How are you. It must be fun chasing your little princess around. I remember I couldn't wait for DS to walk and then once he could, it was more work, but fun of course. Good luck with your eating. Have you been able to get out walking much?
Briza, how are you feeling? I do hope you have an awesome day.
Erica, where are you? Have you been able to exercise? How is your journaling? Have a wonderful day.
Paige 2 Is your back getting better? I hope you are doing well.
Hello to everyone else. I think I am going back to sleep for a little while.
Have a great day.
Ann

Good morning everyone. Talk about eaters remorse... I'm really feeling awful this morning. I did journal everything, though. I did take a walk yesterday. I'm feeling badly about my lack of effort and know this is affecting my daughter and she needs me to be the leader in this situation. She had a gain, last week, of over 3 puonds and I am not finding a way to help her through it all this week.
So, today, I must gain control.
To answer a question, we toured what is called Marble House that was owned by the Vanderbilt family. It it truly a palace, in my opinion. We've seen other mansions there in the past and try to see a new one every year when we are down this way on vacation.
Yesterday was one of those perfect days, like you see in a postcard. The weather was perfect, with low humidity and we enjoyed lunch at a seaside cafe in Watch Hill, RI. I had clam chowder and it was very good, Kim I have not been to a place called The Black Pearl down this way, do you remember what town it is in? I sample clam chowder at just about every place I go, have to admit it is a problem for me, I guess? But a small cup of it is OK, but you can't just go out and have it each and every day.
Well, I must go, I have to do some food shopping as my in laws are coming here for dinner this evening. I'm in control of the food and will have to do a better job, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have to be good food - just better lower points places.
Take care,

WOW!! I have been reading this thread and am amazed at the support and encouragement I have seen here!

I am a new comer to 3FC and to WW, started both last week. My mom has been on WW off and on for as long as I can remember (more off than on!!;)) and she always did really well on it when she tried. I did South Beach awhile back ago and did well, but I think I need a little more "control" and WW seems to be the answer to that.

I am cheating a little though. Mom gave me her old books and slider and so I am going it alone for the time being. DH and I are starting a new business and money is reallllllllly tight right now. I know that the meetings are an important part of the process, but I am hoping that I will get the motivation and inspiration here that will help me to succeed.

So for my first week, I lost 2lbs :cp: Not as much as I would have liked, but since I have always been a water drinker, I didn't really have any water weight to loose. But I feel like I did well with journaling and exercise so I am off to a good start, but I am looking forward to you all keeping me inline!!

Just popping in really quick before I head up to make dinner. I lost 1 lb at ww this morning :) I'll take it since tom is due tomorrow. As far as my goals I didn't do great. I did track thru Monday so I met goal 1. I only exercised 4 days not 5 (this week I'm so tired), and we won't mention goal 3.....

I'm out of town this weekend so not sure how well I'll do. But I will post all weekend no matter what I eat!

Paige - you should be proud at the progress you've made not giving in to the urge to purge. I think we all have "fat days" I think even people who have never had a weight problem have them. So being able to come out the other side w/o causing more damage is a huge NSV in my book :cp:

Kim - :woohoo: Congratulations!!

Belly (Kim2?) - Welcome!

Gotta go make my dinner. Frittatta for dinner tonight.

-Tech

Good Morning!!
Ann, I am posting as early as you did yesterday, But I only went to sleep 4 hours ago. My sinuses are KILLING me, so I can't sleep. Probably all the dust my MIL and I kicked up in the last 2 days. My house is spotless....I have our new playroom to clean, but I have to go through papers and stuff because that is where our computer is. I will tackle that today.


Linda - Marble house is one of the ones I visited. It was wonderful. The 'little' house that Gloria Vanderbuilt played in is about the size of MY house. HaHa! We did the river walk (is that what it is called?) where you go behind the mansions on the water. It is an amazing place. The Black Pearl is located in Newport. Some of the best chowder there is. BUT, no, it isn't very weight friendly. How did your day of gaining control go. I am pulling for you.

Belly Buster - Kim 2 - Great to have another Kim on board!! Welcome. You are right, this group of women is amazing. I know you will find the support you need here. 2 pound loss is great! You should be very proud of yourself!

Tech - congrats to you on your loss! I will take any loss I can when it is TOM. So I won't be surprised if I gain. But that is to be expected sometimes. Exercising 4 days out of 5 is great! At this point I would love to exercise 2 days out of the week. I guess some of my house cleaning counts, doesn't it!?
It was a pretty intense workout! :D

Where is everyone else??? Come back!!!

Well, I am going to check email and wait till 6 to get my kids moving for school. There is no way as sleepy as I am that I could breath well enough to go back to sleep. I sure wish I could!!!! I'm very sleepy!!!

Kim

Good morning ladies.
Kim, I do hope your sinus pains go away. It is so difficult to breath when you have sinus problems. funny how dust can be the cause of that. Maybe you shouldn't clean...I hope you get some sleep later.
Tech, congratulations on your loss. What is a frittatta? good luck with your goals this week.
Haylo, I only walked 8,596 steps yesterday. Oh well I will try harder today.
How is your eating?
Paige how are you feeling? When do you start back to school? My DS goes to school in September. I am looking forward to having routines again. I find the summer is fun but I think I get to complacent in the summer.
Paige2, how is your back?
Kim2, welcome and congratulations on your loss. Great for you that your are journaling and drinking water too. Yeah. Good luck on your journey.
Briza How are you doing? Are you getting use to living at home again?
Erica I do hope all is well with you.
Laura What are your plans for today?
Linda This holiday seems busier that your last one. Enjoy.
Emma How are you?
Hello to anyone I missed.
Have a great Thursday everyone.
Ann

Welcome to Belly Buster! I hope you can get to a few meetings now and then, it's totally worth it.
Tech, congrats on your loss, remember slow and steady wins the race!
Kim, All the mansions are just gorgeous. I can't imagine every really living like that. It must have been an amazing lifestyle. Sadly, you can be really rich and still be unhappy. One of the stories about Gloria Vanderbilt that I read about was that her son committed suicide, jumping off a balcony, right before her eyes. I can't imagine how hard that must be. His last remark before jumping was "I can't feel anymore". Imagine having millions and millions and not being able to feel. Pretty sad.
Ann, yes this holiday is busier than the last one. I'm really anxious to get home again and return to a routine. I feel really concerned about over eating. Today, we are going to go to a county fair and we all know the food served at those kind of events. I'm in trouble. I just FEEL fat, by the way. No paddleboat and swimming here for exercise and I've been really off track. For two days, though, I have at least written things down. It's made me kind of depressed to write it down, though.
Today is Thursday and I have three more days, after today, before I head home. I'm hoping that I can somehow manage to not be as bad as I have been.
Oh well. Monday will be a clean slate and fresh start.

Good morning all. I'm kind of forcing myself to post this morning...nothing personal; you know when you just don't feel like it? I'm afraid of getting away from it, though, so here I am.

I have wi today, so I'll let you know how it goes. I'm expecting a very small gain, or to stay the same. This week has been op. Last week, Thursday kind of started a downward trend. Do you ever have that thought after you wi that you have an entire week till your next wi, so you can "breath" a little for the rest of that day? That is where I went wrong last week. I think that one day turned into two, and then the weekend. So today I'm not going to get off track. After wi, it's business as usual.

Kim-Sorry to hear about your sinuses. I have had so much sinus pressure this summer. I had that CT scan done last Friday of my sinuses, but of course the dr is on vacation this week. Figures. WTG on the huge loss! That is awesome!!!

Ann-I start back to school on the 28th. I can't wait. I hate the summer...it makes me feel like I don't have much of a purpose...no where to go, nothing to do but break up fights and get milk and food. Oh, and clean.

Tech-Good job on the loss and the exercise. I think that will be my goal this week, to step up my exercise.

Kim2-Welcome! This place is the best. I did ww on my own for awhile with only the help of this board. Everyone here has their ups and downs; it is nice to have a place to come to at any time of the day and get the encouragement that you need.

I'm feeling better, actually since the beginning of this post. Maybe writing my thoughts down was what I needed. Today I'm at least getting out of the house with dds. After wi (I'm going to be a bad girl and skip the meeting portion) we're going to go to my new cake friend's house to swim and hang out. She and I have also been talking about going into business together and opening a bakery. It's funny...I have always said that I DID NOT want to open my own bakery...but when she suggested it, I just had that feeling like "WOW, that is what I need to do!" It just feels completely right. She and I are getting to be good friends, too. I love that we have something in common other than our kids.

Anyway...I hope you all have a great day!

Good Morning!

It is sunny and warm her in Michigan and I think that the kids and I are going to find something extra fun to do. We are suppose to cool down for the next couple of days (70's) so it looks like a water type activity might be in order.

Paige, how exciting to open your own bakery. Starting your own business is so exciting, very hard and stressful, but really exciting. My husband and I just started out own drivers ed school and it is a true adventure! Good Luck in exploring this possibility!!

Kim, my godson has lots of alergy/sinus issues. (He's actually having surgery this fall) His doctor recommended that mom and dad do a sinus wash with him everynight. It is sort of gross (I think you can get the wash OTC), but my girlfriend says that it is remarkable the difference it has made for Jake. He can actually breathe and isn't quite so congested through the morning which was his most awful time. Might be worth a visit to the pharmacy to look into it? I am envious of your spotless house though. And impressed that it only took 2 days. Mine would probably take 2 weeks! My goal for the fall when the kids are back in school!

Thanks to all for the warm welcome! I can definately see that I will get a great deal hanging out with this crowd!!

Have a terrific day everyone! Chat ya tomorrow!! :wave:
Kim 2

Good Morning, I am a bit of a lurker (at least on the WW board) and decided to pop in and introduce myself :)

My name is Nikki, I'm 19 and a life-long dieter. In the last few years, I've really noticed my weight becoming a huge problem. I mean, it always was but I was always able to wear clothing that still looked good on me and I was still rather confident. In the last 2 years, I have not wore a pair of jeans because I refuse to wear the sizes that fit my tummy since they sag on my butt/thighs/legs. (I guess you could say I have the profile of a pregnant woman, or Homer Simpson) Anyway, I just want to be more confident with myself as well, I recently went through a sad break up and am on a "break" with this man. Since he is utilizing this time to work on himself, I figure I should do the same as well.

I am one of those people that you want to slam their head into a wall, I am a very successful dieter and have lost weight on every plan I have been on. I just get lazy and bored after a while and stop following it. I COULD BE SKINNY! It's like I almost chose to be fat.. well, I'm through with it! So on Sunday (because free registration starts again) I will join Weight Watchers for the LAST time. I am doing it with a friend, something I have never tried but it seems like fun and may work well. This whole week I've been following the plan (I have all the materials, even books dating back to 1-2-3 Success lol) and working out a lot. I just hope this time I could stick to it because I would love to have that confidence and wear cute clothes with all of my friends.

Anyway, good luck everyone and I hope you all have a OP day :)

Welcome Belly Buster & Truelies! This group is a great group and someone always has some positive things to say to try to turn around your difficulties.

I thought I posted yesterday (slaps head). WI was today and I was up 1.8 lbs. I know EXACTLY why. I didn't expect that much of a jump but thankfully, DH goes back to work on Monday. He loves to cook and has been cooking meals this past week during his vacation. Why doesn't he get the portion and ingredients portion of this plan? I've tried cutting the meat down to the right size, mentioning not to add the additional cheese, etc. but it is so darn hard. Thankfully, this week was a discussion about people who help you and those who sabotage you. Twice this week, DH has brought me a shake from sugar free ice cream with fruit in it. I've felt guilty that he went to all that trouble and I ate it. WHAT AM I THINKING? And it was his birthday on Tuesday, so he wanted to go to the chinese buffet place again.

Anyway, I know what happened and can't wait until he's back at work. Food wise anyway.

Linda and Paige - I know what you mean about dealing with overeating and it propelling itself into the next day. It's just hard to stop. I'm wondering if I put in an extra meeting during those events, if that would help.

Hope everyone's Thursday is going well.

OH AND HOW COULD I FORGET TO CONGRATULATE O2BSKINNY!!!!! What a great week. Glad we could help you get beyond the Red Lobster issue

Hello all, I do hope everyone is having a great Thursday.
Paige, your post was great. It is so true. I know I also do that and then I spend the time trying to figure out why I feel out of sorts. Well you put it into words for me. Thank you. I guess as the week starts I should set goals and try to stay focused, or better yet maybe I should set daily goals.
I know when my DS goes to school I will enjoy the routine, as my healthy lifestyle works much better when routines are involved. It is okay to take some time off but I think two months of the summer makes it difficult to stay on track and focused.
Welcome Nikki, good luck with your journey.
Laura, I do that sometimes, I am sure I post and then I can't find it. I like you feel bad when people bring me stuff. I think oh, they went and got that for me. Now I thank them and then get rid of it when they leave the room.
Linda, that is very true, what you mentioned about people having all the money in the world and not being happy. I think sometimes people feel if they are rich or even skinny they will have a better life. I guess they don't realize that happiness comes from within and as long as your basic needs are met.you don't really need much more.
Hello Tech, Kim, Kim 2, Erica, Emma, Lurkers, and anyone else I missed.
Oh yeah Haylo, how was your day. Are you getting a storm? I was thinking of you.
Take Care
Ann

Hello everyone,

Well it's been raining and raining and raining, I haven't been able to get to much walking in I had jury duty this morning and then came home wet and tired.

Ann: this past to days I have been a little on the lazy side, I know today b/c of the wheather yesterday i was just plan old lazy. Tomorrow I get to meet with a personal trainer I earned 3 free sessions at my gym so I am pretty excited.


Paige: good luck at WI

I hope everyone is having a good day I forgot what everyone wrote so sorry this is so short.

Welcome to all the newbies!!!!

Hi all...I'm feeling a lot better tonight. I didn't end up going to wi today (yeah, I know) but I'm going to go tomorrow morning in the town that dh works in and then dds and I are going to bring our packed lunches and meet up with him on his lunch break. I did really well today with eating, and felt back to my normal self. Hopefully tomorrow wi will bring some good news.

Hope you all have had a great day!

Paige, I am glad you are feeling better! Please let us know what the CT scan shows. I am really hoping that the migraines won't start back. That is great about you and your new friend. Isn't it great to find someone like that? You just automatically 'click'!! The business idea sounds awesome! I really hope that works out for you!!

Kim 2, a cool down of 70 degrees sounds incredible!! We are still hitting 103- 106 here. It is exactly like opening the oven door and heat hitting you in the face. I can't stand it more than 2 minutes and I am back indoors. Your weather sounds dreamy to me right now!!! I have never heard of the sinus wash, but I will for sure check into that!!! I had sinus surgery about 10 years ago. I am afraid to go back to the ENT. I am sure they are a mess again. I would rather give birth to 10 babies with no pain meds, than to do that again.

Ann, I went back to sleep for 30 minutes, then it was time to get the kids up for school. Maybe you are right....I shouldn't clean!! I am thankful my mother in law came and helped. My friends think it is rude. I know her though and she just LOVES to clean and wants to help. It will make it so much nicer and easier to concentrate when I start back to school Monday!

Linda, hang in there. Monday isn't far away and then you can get back to routine!! Enjoy what you have left.

Nikki, your description of yourself sounds exactly like alot of us. I am going to WW with my daughter and my neighbor. My best friend also started with us this week. It really does help to have that support PLUS the support of the ladies here. Good luck to you. You can do it!

Laura, don't sweat the gain. When hubby gets back to work, you can get it together. It is so hard but I am sure once things get back to routine it will help.

Haylo......could you please send some of that rain down here!!??? The drought here is burning everything up. Trees, bushes, everything is dying. I would gladly trade you some of this sun for your rain!!!! I am sure you don't want the heat though!!!

Well, I am gong through a few things cleaning up the game room upstairs, then I am going to bed.

Kim

Paige, I know what you were talking about when you mentioned how the day of your weigh in that you felt like you could "breath" a bit and then it ran into more time. I tend to be like that as well. I propose that starting Monday (how convenient that it's the day after I am home from vacation!) we have WW boot camp of some sort here on line. Let's pretend we have an imaginary drill Sargent move into our houses and that they are following us around and MAKING us do all the things we know we are supposed to do. Revelry (sp?) in the morning wakes us up to an immediate focus on what our duties are and we are "punished" with exercise if we don't do what we are supposed to! I need that kind of "slap in the face" back to basics!
After reading your post, Paige, I am glad you felt better by the end of it.
Kim2, glad you are sticking around.
Truelies, welcome. I could really identify with what you wrote. I have a daughter who is almost 17 that is a bit younger than you are, but has been in similar circumstances. She goes to WW with me. I am presently VERY worried about her, though. She's really been off track this vacation, right along with me and we need more focus. We are not close to the gym, we are not in our own home where I keep all the healthy choices, though I brought certain things with me, and we are out of our normal routine. She is looking to me like she has gained back more weight and she is going away the week after next with a friend to Maryland. I will have absolultely no control or influence on her then. But, she has to pull herself together and do this on her own, as do you.
I must tell you all about the fair we went to yesterday and also what I did eat and what I could have eaten. Firstly, this is the Washington County fair in RI, it's a typical agriculteral fair I guess. There are the usual displays of homemade foods that win ribbons (Paige, I bet you could have blown them away!) and various livestock displays and activities. But, for most of the people who go, it's all about the food and carnival atmosphere. Lots of money changes hands. Every type of food you could imagine exists there, all the BAD stuff. I planned ahead and saved myself, I guess. I thought of all the fairs and things like that I have been to and all the lunch choices that could be made. Ahead of time, I said I would have popcorn vs. fries or onion rings (didn't have either in the end) and I would have a hamburger (no cheese) and not a hot dog or sausage and pepper sub (my favorite). I said I would avoid the fried dough/funnel cakes and if there was no low fat ice cream or anything of that nature, I'd not have a thing. Well, all the usual "criminals" (meaning foods that we should stay away from, but call to us) were there, for sure.
So, what I ate was: A roast beef sandwich (couldn't find a hamburger there until later, all the food vendors were in different places throughout the fair grounds), a small bag of chips, a diet Pepsi and later on had a tiny ice cream cone with sugar free coffee ice cream. I was tempted by many things, but I did OK. I washed floors in the morning before we went (the entire downstairs of this house is linolium) so got a bit of exercise and we walked around the fair for about an hour and a half and when we got back to my MIL's house, my daughter and I swam in the pool for about 20 minutes. I figure I earned 2 or 3 points easily.
But, last night, we went out searching for a place to have dinner. Boy, I have to say that the "pickins are slim" in this area for decent famly restaurants. You could make a killing if you opened up a good place where people could get reasonable and healthy meals. Southern RI and Northeast CT are surely lacking places. We ended up in New London CT as a Japanese Steak-house and I had chicken teryaki (looked about the best choice?) but couldn't resist fried rice and tempura chicken. I guess I blew it at the end of the day. We started out driving about 5:30 pm and finally found a place to eat at about 7:15. I can't believe there wasn't an acceptable place (plenty of Subways and pizza joints and bars, though) to eat in all the driving around.
Oh well.
I was thankful to be in a air conditioned car and AC'd restaurant no matter what. These last few days in RI it has been so very muggy that I feel awful all the time. I do certainly miss my air conditioned house. The only time I felt refreshed during the entire day was when we were in the pool, car or restaurant. Today, I have made DH promise me to get me in an air conditioned environment this afternoon. We'll either find a mall or a movie. I can't take feeling damp all the time. Guess I'm a spoiled brat, and I did admit that to DH.
Laura, boy do I know what you are going through. My DH isn't into cooking for me (he really doesn't have the time) but he is the one who sabotages my eating. I can stay in control when he is away working and then when he comes back, all **** breaks loose! During normal, at home, times, I just save up my flex points and spend them when he is around, but on these vacation weeks, I'm in trouble.
Ann, that is so right what you said about people thinking that even being skinny will make them happy. Good point. You have to reach out for your own happiness. I often wonder about obsessive behavior, like drug and alcohol addiction. Look at Hollywood, so many of these people who supposedly "have it all" escape into a different world. Even that TV show about TV stars losing weight points that out to us (can't remember the name of it) and maybe having fame and money even accentuates the way we humans can over-indulge.
Haylo, way to go with the personal trainer sessions! I hope you provide us with a report and that we can learn from it!
Now, one last thing before I close.... sorry this is so long but I seem to have lots to say today.
At the fair yesteray, there were people from all walks of life. But, one thing I kept noticing was how many vastly overweight people were there that didn't seem to care about what they were eating. It was like a feeding frenzy, and some of these people were really what I would refer to as grossly overweight. I guess the fair/festival foods call to them to come to an event like this. My daughter and I were kind of shocked into reality a bit and it was good for us to see that many really overweight people in one place and see what they were eating. Even if we went out to the Japanese steak house last night and were not exactly the best behaved we could have been, there certainly were choices we made that were much better than what those people were eating.
I could have had at least a hundred or more points yesterday, easily. I may have gone way over on flex points than I had or should have eaten, but I have learned. I wasn't proud of what I ate yesterday, but I am proud that I didn't go nuts. Those onion rings and the apple crisp they were selling, heaped with ice cram and the funnel cakes were calling my name, but today they are not clogging my artieries and bulking up my fat cells. So, even if this week results in a gain, gosh it could have been so much worse, I guess! That is what a lifesyle change is all about. There are going to be peaks and valleys, but I have learned and am still learning.

Good Morning All,

Just popping in really quick before I head up to pack and head out for the weekend. Did pretty well on the food yesterday but it was so MUGGY that I just didn't have the energy to go to the gym after work as planned. I don't think I'm going to make it today before I leave either :o Oh well, I am taking our bikes and we're going to go riding tomorrow in the Cuyahoga Valley NP. It should be fun. Hopefully this weekend will recharge my batteries. The muggy August heat has been dragging me down. I probably won't be back until Tuesday, I might snag dh's computer to check in but probably not. My goal is to write everything down! No matter how far over points I go.

Paige - Glad your feeling better. Sometimes venting does help. Hope you had fun at your friend's.

Laura - Hope you enjoyed DH's vacation even if you did eat too much.

Ann - So did the trainer let you wi today? A frittatta is an Italian omelet. You saute vegetables then add scrambled eggs, herbs and cheese cook to set on the bottom and then slide under the broiler to finish the top. I also topped this one with chopped tomatoes since I have a b**load. It was really good :D

Haylo - good luck getting motivated, and we could use the rain too! Why is it this year those who need it aren't getting it those who don't are drenched??

Nikki - welcome

Kim2 - where in Hartland do you live? I used to go to church in Hartland.

Linda - Doesn't sound like you did too bad at the fair. I've been noticing the huge people coming into work much more this year. I don't know if there's more of them or if I'm just noticing more. Hang in there Monday's only a few days away, then you'll be able to get back to routine.

I always say this will be a quick post and never end up typing one :?: Oh well, I've gotta head up and grab breakfast. Have a great weekend everyone.

- Tech

:bravo: Yeah Linda! I think you did terrific under the circumstances. Wow. I was thinking I might take the kiddies to the fair today, but I didn't know if I wanted to be tempted by all my old favorites. You have inspired me, so maybe we will go afterall!

My DH brought home some new pizza from the joint near his school. A couple of his middle school students work there and they introduced him to the owner. They are working out some cross advertising deal, and the guy gave Eric some of his Margarita pizza. Of course some of it came home because "you have to try it!" and "you have to eat it now because it won't be good tomorrow!". So only having one or two points left for my evening snack, I ate it. Ugh! Mad, mad mad I was. I should have only taken one or two bites of it and called it a moment.... but noooo, not me! I have to eat the whole bloody thing and then had to talk myself down from the second piece. :mad::mad::mad:

Today I am going to get some yard work in. The cooler weather means no swimming in the pool with the kiddies, so we can actually get some other stuff done. We too are dealing with major drought here in Michigan. My DH planted a bunch of baby pines this spring and we have lost most all of them. The big trees that we planted last fall, we have been watering by hand a couple times a week to try and save them. It is terrible. My lawn looks like crap. Only green parts are where we water a little and around the pool. (We have 4 acres so watering is limited!)

Paige-good luck with the WI. Sounds like you have a great day ahead of you!!

Kim, I'll double check with my girlfriend and see where she gets the wash.

To the rest of the gang....hang in there, we are all doing great. Every day is a new day, every moment a new moment. Lets have a terrific weekend. Make good choices, exercise, and drink lots of H2O. Chins up, tummys tucked, shoulders back!!! (do I sound like a drill sargent? - sorry I didn't wait until Monday, but heck, why wait for tomorrow that you can do today... or whatever!)

:goodvibes Kim2

Good morning!

Linda - I think you did GREAT!!! I would be proud if I were you.

Tech - have fun on your bike trip. Wish I could join you. I would enjoy that.

Haylo - Waving good morning!

Ann - did you weigh in yet? Inquiring minds want to know. Fritatta - yummm. Might have to include that this week in my menu.

Kim2 - we're right there with you on the drought. I'm in Olivet about 50 miles from you. I am looking forward to the break in the heat and hopefully some rain this weekend.

DD moved her first load to CMU yesterday with her Dad. She's working at Younkers for 2 more days and then her big move is Sunday. I want to freeze some food for her to take up with her as she is moving into an apartment. Now if all the financial aid stuff would like up so she has some money.

Kim - you have a positive attitude and I'm glad you're here!

Paige - waiting to hear how weigh in went. The sack lunches to meet DH sounds like fun. What a good idea.

Well yesterday went great through lunch. I had 9 pts left when I left for my 2nd job - I took a bag of popcorn to eat on the drive there and figured it would hold me until I could get home to eat something healthy. Well that was still a bad plan. I could have eaten the wallpaper when I got home at 10 p.m. So instead of fixing a good dinner - I fixed the old comfort food of mac and cheese - ggggrrrr. I HAVE GOT TO GET THIS UNDER CONTROL. I'm still within points. But in the light of today, I would rather have indulged in something I REALLY WANTED!!!! UUUUGGGGHHHH.

Back at it today. I'm going to do the WW First Week Veggie soup for the freezer. It has saved me many times over and I need to do it again

Good morning everyone,

Well today is my first session which I just realized the time so I better get going, I will let you guys know how it guys. I hope I can muster up some enery, I stayed up late last night making a myspace page.

Well I'm 0-2 on the wi today. I got busy this morning decorating a cake order and missed it. You know what, though (and maybe this is just an excuse for not going) maybe giving myself another week will be a good thing. Right now I'm in the "grove" of being op. Usually I really fight that "I can be a little bad now" feeling after wi, and I know where it got me last week. I could stop in tomorrow and wi on the way to dh's company picnic, but then will that give me that relaxed feeling and the excuse to overeat?

Laura-I've got two words for you...PLAN AHEAD! You've got to have something there at home, ready and waiting for you. Our brains don't think properly when we are starving like that...any old food will do, healthy or not. If you have the right kind of food ready to warm up, you will be good to go.

Kim2-Sounds like eaters remorse getting us all here lately! You'll have those days. My dh fortunatly is on ww with me (doesn't go to meetings, though) but he KNOWS he is not allowed to bring bad food into the house. There are times when he is not on WW (he is more of a yo-yo'er that I am) and he'll get hit up for Girl Scout cookies or other junk at work. There is a STRICT rule in our house that those type of foods DO NOT come home with him. He knows he will be sleeping on the couch if he does!

Linda-I think you did so awesome yesterday with your choices. Every day is a learning process, no matter how far into the journey we are. How did the college tour go?

Kim-I feel so much for you with the heat. During the wintertime I usually get pretty serious about moving to FL, but then come the summertime I remember, "ohhh yeah, that's right...I HATE the hot weather!" LOL! I am very, very cheap about using the AC, too.

Hi to Tech, Ann, Erica, Haylo and everyone else! Hope everyone has a great op Friday!

Haylo...make sure you add me on your myspace list!

Funny thing....

I am busting my butt out in the yard, feeling good about all the calaries I am burning, glad that I planned out the day saving enough points for a beer when I am done.... when DD comes out and says DH called and said not to make dinner, he is taking me out. (Birthday is tomorrow and he will be gone at a car show all day with a buddy of his.... guilt is behind the dinner!) Anyway, I am thinking about where we might go and what I might order when what pops in my head.....

The Dieting Drill Sargent!!:lol::lol:

Honestly, I was imagining him looking down on me ordering me to stay on program, not to order things just because they are tasty, but to order them because the are going to fuel my body and make me feel good. Rediculous!!!

Well I went to the personal training sessions it was awsome, she asked me what I wanted to work on I told her abs, and everything so she showed me some excercises. They are having a sale on their personal training sessions right now so I am seriously considering doing it, she told me I could break it into two payments of 200 it still expensive but I really think it would help me achieve my goals. I just don't want to overspend I need to look at my finances. As far as the rain it subsided here in San Antonio, maybe I will use power of mind to send some to you guys who need it

Paige: Yipee, I added you to my myspace page!!! I saw your url earlier and thought to myself I should add her on. By the way my profile is under my name I don't think I have ever put my name on any of my posts i usually just type and forget to put my real name anyways it's Janelle so if you see a Janelle added it me aka haylo. Sometimes I feel like I need that time to get myself back on track before I go to a meeting so I understand where you are coming from. By the way awsome cakes on your myspace page.

rosegarden: yummy mac and cheese that is definatly on of my comfort foods too, I have been wanting to eat some myself but keep pretending that I don't really like it. I am sure it will sneak up on me soon.

bellybuster: margarita pizza I don't think that is as bad as some other pizza's they are usually pretty light as far as sauce and meats and stuff. Don't beat yourself up about just get right back on track, I am sure all that yard work will help you burn some of it off.

tech: have a fun weekend

derry: good idea with the boot camp.

o2bskinny: rain rain go kim's way!!!

ann: how r u doing?

Tech, hope you have a great weekend and that the humidity "breaks" so you can enjoy nice weather and a great bike ride. Finally, last night, the humidity broke here with winds and rain. This morning brings breezy 57 degree temps. I am so glad. With lessened humidity and sun vs. fog, you can't help but feel better!
Kim2, you should go to the fair near you, but with an advance plan and do everything you can to stick to it. Having a plan is what I feel is the key element to success. If you go someplace withouth a plan, it seems that all the old habits come back so easily.
Yesterday, my DD (I'm still VERY worried about her) begged my husband to stop for ice cream, while in our travels. I didn't have any and she still had a fairly large serving, covered in rainbow sprinkles. I had a latte' from Starbucks made with low fat milk with Splenda. I was hoping it would set the example for her? I really want her to succeed, I need to keep setting the example without pressuring her and nagging her. If I am continually "good" and she keeps doing things differently, she will note that I will have losses and she will not. I think it's harder for a kid/teenager to stay in control. When I was my daughter's age, I didn't even weigh 100 pounds, I was this teeny size 3 person. I look at the struggles she goes through and can't imagine having to do this during the teenage years. At that age, I could eat anything I wanted, whenever I wanted and never worry. She favor's my mother in law in terms of body type and appearance and my MIL had a problem with her own weight when she was growing up too. But, the good news is that she lost the weight in her late teens and has never put it back on, so there is hope?
Kim2, I probably wouldn't have been able to resist that pizza either. However, here is a thought. If something like that happens again and you "have" to try it, try cutting off a small piece about 2" square and putting it on a place and leaving the room where the rest of the pizza is. If you were not hungry when the pizza showed up at your house, then you were not planning on it as a meal. Portioning off a "taste" and leaving the room is something that you could control and manage. If it's calling to you after that to keep eating it, wrap it quickly and put it in the freezer or just go brush your teeth and have a big drink of water. Just a few tips I've learned in similar circumstances. One time, the local place we get take out delivered from showed up with a free pizza. They had a special, if you order a certain dollar amount, you get a free cheese pizza. OMG! What is a girl with a small grilled chicken or Greek salad to do? Yikes!
Laura, check back on our old thread and get that Mac and Cheese recipe I posted, might be on about page 7 or so of the thread.... next time that craving gets to you, try that recipe. It's very quick and easy to make. Also, if you make it when it's not a time you arrive home late and starving, you can freeze portions of it to microwave. It's really so very good and gives you that comfort food feeling of satisfaction.
Haylo, I hope your session goes well. Also, I wish I could figure out myspace. I actually have a page, but nothing is on it. I'm hopelessly lost when it comes to this stuff.
Kim, great job thinking about the dieting drill sargent. He's coming with me to dinner at my MIL's house tonight and will be shadowing me throughout the evening. There are fireworks on the beach at dusk tonight and I'll just bet someone mentions getting ice cream before we all go after dinner. It's really hard when you are around people who are able to eat like this. That drill sargent is already instructing me about how to behave.
Last night was better as far as eating goes. We ate here at the house and we got burgers to cook on the grille and corn on the cob. I chose not to have a roll for my burger and ate 3 ears of corn with it. I had lite margarine on one ear and broke down and had butter on the other two, but only a little. I ate within my points range, I think, for the first time on this vacation. I will journal it all in a little while, with my breakfast. One thing I have done, at least, is journal all week and, if nothing else, it's helping me.
This morning, DH and I are going to a huge flea market that is in Charlestown RI, it takes place every weekend and is all outdoors. I should get in about two activity points walking around, so that is good.
Yesterday, we walked on the beech and it was peaceful to be near the water. We may go back and do that again today, and I will bring trash bags to pick up litter. I was kind of disgusted with the amount of soda cans, water bottles and other junk left behind by people. Sometimes thing blow off boats, I suppose and littering could be accidental, but from the amount of stuff I saw there just has to be people out there with no regard for our environment.
So, the drill Sargent is already working and it's not Monday yet, he's ordered me on clean up detail.
By the way, as I can't help getting on my own personal soap-box here today.... we should all go for a walk somewhere in our environment this weekend with a trash bag in hand and pick up trash, the extra bending when we pick up stuff will burn points and help keep us all in shape, but we will do our part to help our planet. I'm just disgusted with what I saw during our walk. People can be such slobs, it's pretty sad.
Hugs to all and keep up the great work!

Good Morning everyone,
Well, I'm back from a much needed vacation in the Adirondacks. It was really nice, and I feel very refreshed. Now it's time to get back to business. No more birthdays, anniversaries, summer celebrations or vacations for us. It's actually feeling like fall this morning with the cool temps. I'm rip-roaring ready to dive back into this again! Hope you all are doing well!

Good Morning! Erica - It is so good to see you back!! I am jealous of your trip to the mountains. We go every few years to the Smoky Mountains and I love it!! There is no place more peaceful! I am glad you are so refreshed and ready to get back to business.

Linda, we have a fair comin here in a few weeks and we are seriously talking about going. The food thing scares me!!! Not just for me, but my daughter. It is like Dieters ****!

I am getting ready for TOM and I am starving.....I struggle with this every month. I NEVER get full and could eat the house!
Any of you ladies have that problem? What do you do???? HELP!
I would love to go walk, but the heat here is still unbearable (low 100's with heat index of 105-110).

Haylo, come on!!! No rain here yet!!! ;)
I want to be your myspace friend too! I am going to Paiges page and put in a request for you. I am just 'KIM' and my pic is of me and my hubby. And Good for you on the personal trainer! If you can afford it.....do it! You deserve it!

Kim2 - happy birthday!:bday2you:
How did your dinner go?? Where did you end up eating?

Paige, I saw your latest cake on your Myspace page. It is awesome! (As usual!) You are so darned talented!!! I hope the 'being bad' after weigh in goes away for you. Are you journaling? Maybe if you saw everything you are eating and realized there is no way you will lose like that, it would help? It really does look ugly when you write it all down and you have to look at it.

Well, I am going to start going through some of my kids clothes.
Here's to a healthy weekend for all of us!!

Kim

Good afternoon everyone, hope you're all enjoying this beautiful Saturday :)

So this morning I got up bright and early to go re-join Weight Watchers. I always weighed in everywhere wearing my tank top and sweatpants, however it's not very... flattering on me so I wear this heavy hoodie over it until I weigh in. I walked in and I was a little self-conscious so the lady said I could weigh myself with it on. The number she wrote down was far less than I expected, even with the hoodie on! So I said screw it, took off the hoodie and was 2lbs. less without it lol. It did feel good to be a little lighter than I thought I would be, but I know it will feel SO much better to weigh what I want to weigh.

So my friend who is like a psycho in the gym dragged me with her and the glider KILLED me. I wanted to get off after 5 mins but somehow managed to stay on for 30. It's a start and I feel wonderful. I saw a girl I went to HS with and haven't seen since we graduated 2 years ago and she looks AMAZING! I didn't recognize her and just felt terrible about myself since I gained the freshman 50 and managed to maintain it. I can't wait to wow everyone that I used to know as well.

Anyway, my mom is having a BBQ today so I have to resist the urge of gobbling up the potato salad and antipasto. I have 19 pts left, so I am going to try to use them wisely.

And if you haven't already, try the 100 Cal. Hersey's chocolate covered pretzels. OMG, they're amazing and I have a feeling I'll have to ask my mother to hide them for me lol.

Hi all, I do hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday. I am doing well. I have walked 10353 steps so far, had my run and been on plan so far today. I did get weighed and was up 2 pounds. I was a bit discourage but the dietician said, I lost an inch on my waist and hips so I am toning up even though the scale did not go down. I have to change my ticker.
Welcome back Erica, did you take the girls to The Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge? My son likes going there. We want to take him one more time before he starts school.
Kim 2 Happy birthday. Where did you go for dinner?
Kim, the food at fairs worries me also. I find I have to be prepared when I go to the fair. Have fun at your fair.
Paige 2, how are you? How is your back.
Paige, That is great you have a friend that you both have something you are passionate about. Are you having a nice weekend?
Tech, I do hope you have a great time.
Linda, I forgot about that macaroni and cheese recipe you posted. I am not sure if it was because I gained two pounds or because it was raining but I was craving mac and cheese. I think it is a comfort food. Is the drill sargent official on Monday?
Laura great idea about making the garden soup and having it in the freezer. Do you have a snack bag you could carry in the car so that if you want something to eat you could have a healthy snack available.
Hello Nikki, Haylo, and Briza....how is your weekend?
Emma and Ginny how are you doing?
Have a great weekend everyone and I apologize if I forgot anyone
Take Care
Ann

Hi Nikki, way to go with the exercising. Those pretzels sound yummy.
Have a great day.
Ann

Good afternnon everyone,
Well it is 5pm and I only have 5 pts. left for the day. I think I'll be OK though, because I just had a bowl of Kashi and 1% milk, it ended up being 5 pts. though. I haven't had the Kashi Good Friends cereal in a long time, but I don't remember it being 3 pts. for one cup. Oh well, I got 12 grams of fiber in, so that's a good thing.

Ann-no we didn't go to Enchanted Forest, we stayed on Saranac Lake. My sister was going to go today but when they were in Old Forge this morning it was only 51 degrees and drizzling so needless to say, they didn't go. Don't be discouraged about being up, the fact you are losing inches is amazing!

Kim-our NY State fair starts next week, and I need to start coming up with a plan for that, because I don't want to "blow it" my first week back on program. I'll probably make sure that I eat before I go, and I might just make the rides and the animals the highlight of the fair for me this year, the food will have to take a back seat this year.

Hi everyone!! Sorry to have been missing so much of the week! I've been nursing my back all week and by the time I got home from work each night I was just exhausted!!! My back is feeling much better although I still have some stiffness... but the sharp pains have gone which is good!!! I don't think I've done to badly on my eating but I haven't really been counting my points either. Hopefully next week it will be easier to get back on track. We have had a lot of rain this week with tropical storm Erin and luckily it looks like for the time being anyway that Hurricane Dean will go west and miss us!!! I was not looking forward to the possiblity of evacuating next week!! OK, guess I need to go back and catch up on all that I missed this week... Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!!!

Erica, good to have you back and I know exactly what you are feeling like. Cooler weather arrived here yesterday and I feel like it's fall already (even though it isn't) and I am so very glad to be saying goodbye to vacation times. I do like vacations, but enough is enough and I a really more than ready to get back on track.
I feel like I've been so off track this week. My daughter and I have a college visit scheduled for Wednesday morning and we are going away Tuesday afternoon (staying overnight one night at our cabin on the lake) as the college is near there and we have vowed to cook at the cabin and exercise. Our normal WW meeting is on Tuesday afternoon and we'll miss it, so I told her we would find a meeting to go to on Thursday, the day before she leaves on her trip to Maryland. I hope going before the trip will help her stay motivated. I sure know that I am totally committed this week! The local farm stand will be my best friend!
When I get home and am not on this underpowered laptop, I'm going to look at my myspace and will be asking some of you for links to your pages. I'd like to learn how to post things about myself there and how to find other people on it. Perhaps some of you can help this computer illiterate?
Kim, I don't recommend going to the fair near you unless you truly feel you can handle it. I was kind of put on the spot all week this week, being on vacation and being down here near my in-laws. Some of the things we have done down here are like "command performances" and I have little say in where I go and what I eat. I think I did quite well at the fair, though. One thing that helped me out (and you could use this trick too) was that we didn't eat right away when we got there. I did some serious pre-planning and thinking about the food, but what I think helped me the most was people watching. My goodness, those fairs bring out the most overweight people. I still think that they use the fair as an excuse to go and eat what they want. So many VERY large people were there and I think they were only there to scout out all the food vendors. One could easily pay the admission to get into the fair and spend the entire day going from one food vendor to the next and eating so many points. I wish I could have had a points calculator in my hand as well as calorie and fat content on all that stuff. It would have been a true eye opener. One thing I forewarn you about is that you are fairly new to WW and so is your daughter and if you think you might not be able to be in control, maybe the fair is not the best place to go? However, on the other hand, not going makes you feel deprived and feeling deprived is one of the biggest reasons people don't stay on program and sometimes even drop out. I've been there.
Kim, sadly I no longer get TOM (wish I did and miss it - yes, I know hard to believe) but I remember (it hasn't been all that long after all) that I would do my share of emotional eating beforehand. Usually this entailed chocolate of some kind. In fact, since I stopped getting TOM, I think my chocolate consumption has gone down somewhat, though I still love it. One thing that helps me and helped me then was to make a huge bowl of air-popped popcorn and sit and eat it slowly while enjoying a magazine or something good to read. I find that when I sit and relax and have something that takes a long time to eat that I just feel more in control. I have a big glass of ice water or diet soda if flavor is what I am craving, or iced tea. Then, when I finish all the popcorn and water and feel full, I will top it off with a sugar free hot cocoa to get the chocolate urge taken care of. I've eaten, taken time, filled up my stomach and had chocolate. I've only then spent a few points, but the time I spent eating and relaxing calms me. If I still fell out of control after that, I'll drink another glass of water and then go brush my teeth. Brushing my teeth puts a strong taste of toothpaste into my mouth and signifies "meal over" to me and I get the message to stop.
One of the things I have noticed about myself is that uncontrolled snacking is often accompanied by stress and feelings of sadness and inadequacy. I then need to sit and relax and distract myself. I find that relaxing with my snack and having something that takes a long time to eat, like popcorn will do the trick. Also, planning snacks at intervals between meals and counting the points for them is really essential.
Truelies, good job going to the gym and also taking off that hoodie to weigh in! Wow, 30 mintutes to start on that machine? I'm wondering if you are sore today? That seems like alot at first. You can do this, and you can ask your mom to help you. My daughter asks me for help all the time.
By the way, I am packing her a special tote bag to bring on her trip to Maryland with all one and two point WW friendly snacks in it. I worry that she'll be away with another family who has totally different eating habits and how this will affect her. I cannot be her shadow every day, she needs to do this for herself. But, this special tote bag may really help her to stay in control. I've found that having a basket on the table here while on vacation with 1 and 2 point snacks has helped us both to stay out of the cabinets where other foods are that are not so good for us. I also rearranged the cupboard at home and have a wicker basket at eye level so that the first thing you see when you open the cabinet doors is a basket full of healthy low point snacks. All the other treats that are my husband's and son's are not at eye level and on other shelves. Maybe your mom would allow you to arrange a few things that way? If there is a family BBQ, perhaps you could offer to make veggies and low fat dip to help out with preparations?
Ann, I suppose your dietitian has a point. You did lose inches vs. wieght and ultimately that is probably the best thing for you. Are you still journalling and counting points? Or, are you just following a healthy eating plan this person has given you? You do so many steps each day, I'm also so impressed. I have to ask, what led you to this person in the first place?
Yes, the drill sargent is coming tomorrow, bright and early. I think the sargent will give me a healthy checklist of goals for the day starting tomorrow? First on the list will be the gym, I guess, and then a bit of grocery shopping and planning menus is in order. I'm tired just thinking about it, but getting back on plan is essential. The sargent will have no mercy and will measure out my water into a container and put it in the refrigerator each day. I shall be forced to drink it all. I will be rewarded each evening that I follow the sargent's plan with a WW ice cream 2 point cone, if I do not follow the plan, I will get sugar free Jello with FF Cool whip instead.
Erica, does your farm submit things at the NY State fair? Baked goods? Preserves? Lifestock? As these fairs are based on agriculture, I was wondering if you were more of a participant than an observer?
Paige2, so sorry about your back. I hope you are feeling really better soon. What part of TX are you in and how near the coast? Here in RI where we have been staying this week, there has been an effort all along the waterfront to install underground utilities. I have a feeling that some of it is aesthetic, but I would also think that during a bad storm, it would keep more people with water. In this area, there really hasn't been a severe hurricane (many others but not the really bad destruction like a Katrina situation) since 1938. This area is very "past due". My FIL has a book on the 1938 hurricane that I have read that is actually fascinating. Of course, in those days they didn't have the forecasting equipment that exists nowadays and the storm basically took so many by surprise, which is why there were so many deaths along the coast. But, there were ocean-front communities that were totally wiped out by this storm. One of the things my FIL shakes his head about is that right on the very spot these communities were destroyed, people have re-built homes, and every expensive ones. It's like they never learn.
So, how can we learn, speaking of "never learning" when it comes to our weight loss? If you think of people building homes one the site where so much destruction has taken place, is that like us taking off tons of weight and then, knowingly, re-gaining it? Ah, something to ponder.
Well, this is far too long. It's time for me to get off line and begin to clean this house and pack to go home. I shall welcome the exercise I will get packing and cleaning, and I shall welcome the return to normalcy.

Good Sunday Morning everyone,
Another cool morning here, and the warmth of my coffee feels really good. So did I tell you all who my new best friend is? My IPod!!! I spent the better part of yesterday putting almost 200 songs on it! I had my youngest sister who is way hip and cool send me her entire ITunes library (8 CD's) total, and I sorted through all the songs until like 11:30 last night, and made different playlists for my walks and exercise routines. I even titled one of my playlists "Lose 16 Pounds" ha! That playlist will be my drill sergeant!

Linda-we already have our fair tickets, so we'll definitely be going. I walked with my sister last night, and we talked about how the food isn't even really that good when you think about it. Her and I are definite "foodies", you know the type, who are constantly in search of new and exciting flavors and flavor combinations. We talked about how there isn't one thing that we're like, "oooooh, we can't wait to go and have......" And you're right, at the NY state fair, there is just a sea of overweight people and their families that just go from one food stand to the next. We have had people show some of our pumpkins at the fair, but we don't do it ourselves, because it is very time consuming during our busiest time of year. I started a 4-H group for our daughters and other farming kids on our road, so maybe someday they will be interested in showing some of our livestock, but if not, I'm fine with that, because it is a lifestyle that is very competitive and involved, definitely doesn't go with my laidback personality. Linda, you are always reminding of such great WW tips and tricks and I thank you for that. It is so true about the uncontrolled snacking. I was out of points last night, but DH was working late cutting hay, I had 2yr. old DD on my lap while at computer, and we just sat and ate pretzels dipped in pesto together, it was kind of a fun little quality time thing, but at the same time, I was eating uncontrolled, and was ending the day resorting to old/bad habits. The hot chocolate thing is a great idea. I should have made popcorn instead too.

Paige-how's it going? When do classes start for you?

kpe-sorry to hear your back is hurting, hopefully you'll get more relief soon!

Ann- I'm going to sadly change my ticker as soon as I finish this post. So those of you who know my story, I was 3.5 pounds from goal back in May, and then stress and bad/old habits took over my life this summer and I'm more like 15 pounds away from goal. But this is the WW train, and I've now got the shade pulled way up high, so high that hopefully it's stuck for awhile, ya know how shades can do that sometimes? You keep pulling on that cord, struggling do get it down but it won't budge? That happened to me the other day with a shade. It was a good metaphor for me with the shade up on the WW train. Because all summer, I had the shade down. Anyway Ann, you are always on the train, I always get the impression from you that you are really entrenched in this lifestyle, and it would take a "train wreck" at this point for you to stop what you are doing. Have you experienced any real plateaus yet since you've started?

Ok, well time for me to get ready for the day. My mom and sister are coming over today, and we're going to do one big push to get our bakery/gift shop ready for our grand opening in 2 weeks. I want strength to stay in control today, water, gum, popcorn.... will be key.... have a great day everyone!

good morning everyone:

I pretty much decided that as much as I would like I am not going to do the personal training sessions right now. I really want to focus on saving money and as much as I know it would be beneficial for my body I think I can take some of the things she showed me and incororate it. I went to WI yesterday and I was down .8 I am really trying hard to make this work. Tomorrow is back to work for me, the students don't come back yet but the thought of going to work is already stressing me out.

Erica L: it's good having you back, so your ipod huh, yeah I have been wanting to get one of those I am just worried b/c I am really bad about names of songs and who sings what. Maybe someday. Good luck with the fair, I know how that goes planning around those things. I think if you try to figure out what you might gravitate towards as far as food you can plan that will work for you.

o2bskinny: yeah!!! another new buddy to my myspace page!!!:D

derry: how is your voice??? Well, I don't think putting a myspace page together is as intimidating sounds (of course I say that now that I finished one), but it is tricky actually I was a little unsure of how to do it also, so I just sat down and did it in the end I was proud of myself for being able to do it without asking for help it was a sense of accomplishment.

kpe: I hope your back get's better, how awful back pain is, it's amazing how much we need our backs.

ann: wow, good work with thsoe steps, I think you should be proud of yourself for losing inches that is sometimes harder to lose then weight.

truelies: hmm 100 calorie pack choc. covered pretzels I haven't even seen those but I am going to have to look for that definatly. Have fun at the bar-b-que. Good for you for rejoining weight watchers and going to the gym!!!

Wow, you don't come read posts for a day and you get soooo far behind!

So, thanks for the Birthday wishes. I did have a nice day. DH took me out for dinner Friday night so we didn't end up at the fair. We went to a steak place and I think I did pretty good. Probably ate a little more than needed, but I did make some good choices. Had a vodka and cranberry juice for cocktail, stuffed muchroom hors dorves (sp? we always call them horses drawers!!) that I shared with DH, ceasar salad, mahi mahi, and grilled asparagus. I think everything was ok, except that the mushrooms and fish both had a sauce that was most likely a little less than healthy. But I wasn't stuffed, I didn't eat the whole thing, so that was good.

Then yesterday, DH didn't go to the Dream Cruise (Detroit major old car show), and stayed home to hang out with us. It was a wonderful surprise. He and kids made me breakfast in bed, and he made dinner and cleaned up! What a treat. I was truely a queen. Scale this morning hinted that I may even be a thinner queen, so it made the day all the more better!!

Ok, let me try and catch up....

Tech: I live just north of M59 off of Clyde Rd. DH grew up in this area and about 5 years ago we bought some property and built our home. It is amazing to me how this town has changed in the 22 years since I have started coming around here. What church did you go to?

Paige: How did the cake date go? I am excited to hear if you are going to go through with the bakery!

Linda: I can't imaging having to deal with your own weight issues and then have to watch your daughter go through it too. Thankfully, at this time my kids are all bean poles. I keep them very active though and make sure that there are plenty of healthy snack around for them to go to instead of junk. I was really thin too when I was young, it wasn't until college that I started putting weight on and then with each kids, I kept 10lbs. I am trying really hard now to lead a good example and can only hope that the things that I tell them about healthy living sticks when I am not around to watch them. Trust that your daughter hears your words and that in most cases she is following your lead!! You are being a great mom!!

Truelies: Good for you in the gym. I hate having sore muscles, so I usually avoid things that could result in me hurting the next day (I am such a wimp), but I know that I really need to start doing some weight training and more streneous stuff instead of just the walking and pilates.

Ann: Losing inches is terrific. When I worked for Jenny Craig, years and years ago, it was required that we did both weight and measurements. Often when someone was in rut with losing, we would do the measurements and they would always see inches gone. This way too you always have two ways of recieving positive reinforcement for your hard work.

Haylo: Don't feel bad about not joining the gym. I am right with you in the cost effective modes of exercise. I know that joining a gym would do me a world of good, but right now kids braces, school supplies, and groceries have to take priority. A friend of mine went to a gym and the trainer told him that all he needed was one of those exercise balls and he could get the same results as using the gym machines. That is something I may look into this fall.

Kim: I too struggle with TOM. I get migraines with it and so I always feel like I would feel better if I ate something. Only then I feel sick and even worse. One thing that sometimes works for me is to get a bag of frozen fruit, pull out a cup and munch on that. It is frozen so it takes a little longer to eat, and usually helps with the urge to graze. Otherwise I try and get occupied by a project. If I have nothing to do, I will just find myself in the kitchen pantry, gazing at all the naughty things that will temp me!

Erica L & KPE: We haven't had a chance to "meet", so howdy and I look forward to chatting more with you!

Did I forget anyone? I actually had to take notes there was so much I missed. If I missed you, know that I am wishing you a healthy day!!

Today is starting out well, but may end challenged. Just accepted an invite for dinner from some friends. BBQ.... I think I will bring lots of veggies from the garden and I'll munch on those instead of the chips and stuff.

Happy Sunday!!

Kim2 - you are right! If you don't stay on top of the posts, you miss so much! I don't know where to start. But.....here goes.

Tomorrow I start school...for Respiratory Therapy. I am very excited, but also very nervous. I bought my books last week and it is intimidating!! I will be in class M-F, so if I don't get on here for a few days at a time, you will know why.

Linda and Kim2, thanks for the tips for TOM. I will try to use them and not pig out....although that would be very easy!
Linda, thanks also for the tips on the fair.

Erica ~You know I think it is the smell of the food that gets us.You are right..there is nothing that is THAT good. Its just that when you walk in the smell of fair food hits you and makes you want to eat everything.
Maybe I should wear NOSE PLUGS!!! Wouldn't that look cute??

Kim2, you cracked me up with the 'horse drawers'! I will have to remember that next time we go out!

Haylo - if you can use some of the tools the trainer gave you, awesome! I understand about the money thing. There is no way right now I could join anything (But WW, of course!). Anyway, it sounds like you are on the right track!

Paige2, I am so glad your back is better!! I am praying Dean stays away from you. I hope he dies down and just goes away. We'll be watching though.

Erica ~ I will send 'vibes' your way to STEP AWAY FROM THE FOOD at the fair if you will do the same. We can do this.....it's just another obsticle we can overcome.

Ann~ good job on your steps!! As far as the 2 pound gain vs inches lost! I would take the inches lost.....that means you are getting smaller!! YAY for you!

Have a great Sunday!!
Kim (1)

Well, the BBQ did not go over as well as I planned. I mean, I have 35 flex points and the 19 I saved up from yesterday so I guess I didn't go too off the plan. Atleast something changed inside of me, usually I would say "Screw this" (sorry) and that would be it for me. I would eat all of the leftovers (my mom gave them to family members) and just never look back. Today I started over and am back on track. I've never been able to do that, I just wish I could hit the gym today. Well, maybe the marathon cleaning I have to do in my room today could count for some activity lol.

Derrydaughter: I've been meaning to get back to you. My mother, like you is also worried about me and now I am worried for myself. Ask your daughter to watch those specials on Discovery Health about people who are 500lbs. +, those are what motivated me to really take control because I do not want to become that and I'm sure your daughter does not either. I hope she can make healthy choices for herself on her trip and that was so sweet of you to pack her nice, healthy snacks. My mother is very supportive as well, and it helps out a lot! :)

Kim(1): Good luck with your classes :)

Bellybuster: Happy belated Birthday! (sorry, I'm new here!) I'm glad you enjoyed your night and you made some VERY good choices. A little sauce wouldn't hurt anyone and compare it to something you would have ordered before you started Weight Watchers, you'll see how much better you did! And btw, what did you count the cranberry&vodka as? As for the gym, I'm actually not too sore right now. I just wish I could go again today so I could try to improve with that machine.

Haylo: There actually Hershey's and they are amazing. My mom had never seen them before yesterday and usually she's the one to "find" all of this stuff first! They come in wafer bars and another variety as well.

EricaL: I'm trying to save up money for an Ipod! I've wanted a nano for the longest time lol. Have fun with it, I heard it makes cardio so much easier!

Well, I'm home now. Boy, already there is something on my schedule that I forgot about for tomorrow, I have to take both cats to the vet. Oh joy and I was going to be heading to the gym. Why is it every time I make good plans, something is in the way?
Erica, you did a great job by accepting reality and changing your tracker. I'm proud of you. Time to take responsibility and take full control.
The sugar free hot chocolate thing has saved my neck more than once when a chocolate craving has come on.
Janelle/Haylo (so used to calling you that!) my voice is quite a bit better, but still squeaky at times. I got a message left on my answering machine that my insurance is not going to cover the voice therapy and I'm going to have to cancel my appointment. I am lots better and I think that I am on the way to recovery as long as I remember to keep myself in check. I want to sing, though! I love singing along with music in the car, especially and it's really hard not to.
Kim2, like you I never had troubles with my weight when I was younger. In fact, I really never had issues until I had children. I really lost control of my eating when I was pregnant and those darn fat cells sure have a memory!
It's really hard watching my daughter go through this. I keep wondering if computers and TV are contributors to her weight. She watches a great deal of television and sits for hours at her computer. I was always out when I was a teen with friends and hardly ever sitting in front of the tv and certainly not a computer. I'm sure my lifestyle was very different from hers. But, I remember going out to eat with friends, often and having all sorts of foods that are off my list nowadays!
Kim 1 and Erica, you are correct that the food at the fairs isn't even all that good. The roast beef sandwich I had was thought, the rolls was "boring" and the beef gristly and over-cooked. I didn't NEED it for sure. I should have eaten before I went there?
Truelies, I don't think we've seen the specials on Discovery Health. I'll have to check for them. It would be a good learning experience.
I like your Kurt Cobain quote, by the way, so very true.
As for me, I am so very glad to be home again.
I may get up early tomorrow morning and try to get to the gym and back on time to get the cats to the vet. I feel badly for the poor things. They were cooped up in the cat carrier for a 2 1/2 hour car ride today and I have to drag them out of here again tomorrow. Bummer. But, I don't want to cancel the appointment, they are already late for their immunizations.
I can do it all? I can get down to business and manage this.

Hello ladies, I do hope everyone had a great weekend.
Linda, I went to the dietician as I had a doctors appointment and I mentioned to my doctor how much exercise I was doing and how I was eating on plan and it seemed like I wasn't losing my two pounds per week, the doctor asked me if I wanted to see a dietician to see if they could help me make sense of what was going on with my body. I thought it was a good idea. I do journal everyday. My journal is my best friend it seems. I drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, I eat my five vegetables per day, my two dairy, 2 healthy fats and track points. The dietician checks my journal and I track everything. I try to walk at least 10,000 steps per day and I run 5 k per day. The doctor thought that seeing the dietician would help me to see it is not about the actual number on the scale. She thinks ww is a great plan. Currently I eat 23 points a day. I hope I answered what you had asked. Also I am not sure if your are on or have ever been on high blood pressure medication, but someone I know lost their job because they kept on losing their voice and they worked in a call centre so they were on the phone all day. This kept going on for a few years (losing their voice). They just recently found out that the medication they are taking is probably the cause. They have cut back the amount of medication and they have not had this problem again.
Erica, it is so awesome to see you back....I enjoyed that metaphor. Congratulations on pulling that shade up. I think it is true sometimes we pull down the shade in all aspects of our lives as it is much easier than dealing with whatever it is we don't really want to deal with. You were bang on when you said, I am entrenched in this lifestyle. For me it was such a lifestyle change. It is like brushing my teeth every day, I just do it. I remember prior to ww, that I thought you go on a diet lose x number of pounds and then go back to eating how you ate before. When I started the journey this time. I realized that it was going to have to be a lifestyle change. I think for the most part it has made it easier. I still want to lose all my weight tomorrow but I realize that with my lifestyle it will happen when it happens. My focus is this new lifestyle. I think you put it into words for me. I love this thread. You ladies always help me to put into words how I am feeling about things....thanks for coming back to us Erica, I missed you.
Hey Janelle/Haylo, I love my ipod, it makes running so much easier. When I first started running my friend told me my music was too boring for running and I needed more upbeat music to run with. She was so right, now I think I run to the beat. That is awesome you spent time with a personal trainer. You are very smart to take what you can from the trainer and impliment it into your life. Janelle is such a pretty name. Oh yeah thanks for the rain, it arrived Friday night. Congratulations on your loss.
Paige 2, I do pray that hurricane fizzles out. It must be scary during hurricane season. I hope your back is feeling way better.
Nikki, Way to go getting back on track. It is great your mom is so supportive. I like your quote too.
Kim 1, good luck at school tomorrow. I do hope you get into a routine that makes eating easier. have a wonderful day.
Kim 2, thanks for your support with my losing inches. I like the way you put it. I have to realize those non scale victories as just as important as the losses on the scale.
Paige I am not sure if I mentioned it or not but your cake looks great. You are so talented. It is great you get to do what your are passionate about. People go through life never realizing what they are truly passionate about. How are you doing?
Hello Laura, Briza, Emma, Ginny,and anyone else I missed.
It is getting late and I need to go to bed. I hope everyone has a great week.
Thanks for all the support I receive from this thread. You ladies are awesome.
Good Night all
Ann

Good Morning everyone,
What a beautiful sunrise we're having this morning. Well yesterday went well for me until dinner last night. I felt like I was in the "deserving" mode, because I got a lot accomplished, so we went out to dinner. I ordered fine, but I always have to "pick" off of DD's chicken tenders and fries!!! Grrrrr.... gets me every all time! Then... after a couple glasses of wine, we went to the playground, and I just had that sweet tooth that wouldn't go away, so it was MY idea to stop and get something on the way home!! I won't even tell what it was. Old habits die hard..... Today is a new day, so I shall move on from it.....

Ann, your posts are always so supportive, thank you.
As for your questions, no I am not on any kind of blood pressure medication, so that is out when it comes to my laryngitis. I am a bit better and I do think that a certain way of talking has helped. I have to keep a "lid on it" as they say and not talk too much, very hard for me as I a particularly chatty.
What kind of music do you all listen to when you run or walk? I probably should get some kind of ipod thing. My kids love them, for sure. I am such a computer illiterate, sadly. This is why I basically have no myspace page as I couldn't figure out how to do it. One day, I shall conquer the high tech world?
So, today is DAY ONE of summer boot camp. I was up, setting the alarm for 5:00 am! If any of you really want to get into this and have realplayer on your computers, you can click on this (hope it works):
http://www.superflag.com/doc/wavs/assembug.wav

So, it's time to plan and get with the program. It's a no excuses day. No more playing around.
Today:
I will plan meals
I will drink all my water
I will exercise
I will eat my points allowance and work meals into the day that are within those points.
I will choose a healthy lifestyle

Boot camp, day 1, planned menu:

Points allowance = 20

Breakfast:
Oatmeal made with 1 cup Calorie Countdown Milk = 3 points
1/2 grapefruit = 1 point
Total remaining: 16

Lunch:
one cup lentil soup = 2 points
string beans = 0 points
low point roll = 2
Total remaining = 12

Afternoon snack: popcorn = 1

Total remaining = 11

Dinner:
Boneless Chicken breast, grilled = 3
Salad, 2 tsp olive oil and 1 tsp vinegar = 2
1 cup Brown rice with 0 point butter spray = 3

Dessert:
2 point WW ice cream "treat"

Exercise: Will be heading to the gym in about a half hour, plan to earn 2 points. I can add snacks as I do need another dairy or two to complete my day.

I hope to have time to bank, grocery shop as well as exercise, get caught up on laundry and pay bills. It's going to be one heck of a busy day, when combined with taking 2 cats to the vet. Oh well.
Signed,
boot camp gal

Erica, today IS truly a new day, a Monday and a day of new beginnings.
I think you need to have a hands off approach to your daughter's leftovers. I don't know what to advise you.
One time, my family told me I was the worst person at the table consistently, at restaurants, who had to just "try a bite" of everyone else's entrees. I'm didn't think I was doing that all the time, and when they told me, I got pretty embarrassed. I have truly stopped begging bites off other people's plates!
I also stopped eating my families leftovers off their plates at the time I do the dishes, the awareness kicked in when my mom once told me that my grandmother used to do that in the privacy of the kitchen when all the places were cleared. Grandma Derry was a diabetic and I look almost just like her, she put on a tremendous amount of weight in her later years and it was a real eye opener for me to realize that I was starting the same bad habits she used to have. When places are cleared, any leftover "deserving" food is saved in containers or frozen, there are no mommy bites for me. I keep up this by taking a piece of gum, or a WW frutie or mint right after dinner.
Erica, my family always LOVED going out for ice cream too. It was the way of elongating a pleasant day or experience together, I think. I'm really guilty of that as well. My daughter and I keep each other in check with that, though we were not very successful on vacation. We always were big on taking a ride to go out for ice cream in the evenings, what a pleasant family activity. We need to brain storm about ways to stop this over eating. I guess we could elongate family time by suggesting an evening walk or board game together or something? A new FUN routine needs to take the place of the eating.
When we do go out for ice cream, I order the kiddie cone and get soft serve or sugar free, if it's available. It's hard to resist.
Let's keep trying to figure out new routines.
Linda, off to the gym soon!

Before getting ready for class, I thought I would say "Good Morning" to everyone!
The weather here is starting to get depressing. Usually that happens when it rains all the time and won't stop. Well.......We need rain deperately! Beautiful trees are burning up, everyones landscape is burning up, the fields of corn, etc on the sides of the highways are brown, ponds are drying up. By the way Janelle, I thought you were sending rain my way??? What happened? Seriously, It is starting to get depressing. Everything is turning so ugly!

Last night we decided to go to dinner. I chose Applebee's because of their WW menu for my DD and I! We got there, the waitress was less than pleasant (I can live with that). My son ordered a trio platter. They were out of the main thing he wanted. (Grrr. I can live with that too). He picked something else. DD and I ordered salads before our meal. We waited 20-25 minutes on these and when they finally came, mine had the wrong dressing ( I ordered vinagrette) but at this point, I am starving and I didn't feel like waiting. We have now been waiting about 45-50 minutes for our meal when the waitress comes out and tells my husband they are out of garlic mashed potatos. He said fine, just give me a baked potato. 10 minutes later, she comes out and says they are out of all potatos except French Fries. She never even looked at my daughter and I who had the steamed herbed ones with our WW meal. As she was walking away, I said "Wait!, what abut OUR dinners? Do we get the potatos that come with the WW meal we ordered?" No.....they didn't have them! All they had were French Fries. So I guess she was gonna bring DD and I FF with our WW meals. At this point, we said forget it, and we paid for our salads and tea and went somewhere else. Needless to say, I won't ever go back there again. My friend told me the last 2 times she had been the service was horrible! I should have listened.
So that is the story of my night........just wanted to vent. DD and I had good intentions, but when you go to a restaurant that has nothing you want, it makes it hard to stay on track like you planned. I know we had more points than we planned at the other restaurant, but Hey.....GRRRRR!!!
Well, I am off to get ready for my first day of class....Oh, DD and I won't be able to weigh in today. She has Open house at her school tonight @ the same time as the WW meeting.
Later chickies!
Kim

Good morning all...

I just don't know what is up with me the last few weeks. My eating has been ok other than last weekend; I think I am just really discouraged with being plataued. The scale at ww is going down, I guess, but it is difficult to step on the scale here at home and see the same number, for weeks now. It might go down a tiny bit if I haven't eaten, but ultimately it goes back to the same number. Dh is still losing, too, so that is making it even more frustrating. I just feel like my motivation level is just dwindling...it's getting harder and harder for me to get myself to post. I know if I stop posting, I might as well throw in the towel altogether. But I can't give up.

So here's my menu for today...

Breakfast-Deli ham on ww lite bread w/laughing cow cheese-3

Lunch-Salad w/raspberry balsamic-0
Smart Ones-4
100cal pk-3

Snack-popcorn-3

Dinner-grilled chicken-4
veggies w/evoo-1
grilled fries-3

Dessert-low fat ice cream-3
Total-24/28

I think my salt content might be a little on the high side today, so I need to make sure I get extra water in.

I am also going to do the Walk Away the Pounds video today. I think one reason I'm having troubles with the plateau is because I'm not exercising like I should, and I'm spending too much time in front of the computer.

Sorry for not being personal...hope to get back later.

Well hello everyone....I am finally I hope back in the saddle. The kids start school on Wednesday and I think I may join back Thursday or for sure next Wed....What a crazy summer...We had a lot of fun ,went on 3 vacations so I really can not complain.....I got on the scale today and was sooooo bummed, but I guess that is to be expected due to not caring that much and No exercise. Anyway, my goal is to stay on this site as much as poss and try all over again...........I am at my all time heaviest and am motivated to give it 100% ... So I guess that is good.

Paige hang in there you will be fine....One day at a time....You are right you may be at a platue too. Hey have you tried the wendy plan...You may need that to get your body going again....I never have but it seems to work for those who try...

Kim sounds like a bad night out....It is to bad you can not go to a place were they say they cater to our ww needs.....I hear they are considering putting all cals on all menus......we would not have all the info but cal would help some

Sorry I have not had a chance to read all the posts but I will try latewr on.....Glad I am back...Barb

Barb-Glad to see you back! I had been thinking about you. I hadn't thought of doing the Wendie plan...maybe I will give that a try for a few weeks. Thanks for the idea.

Hi All,

Well I'm back from a very nice weekend. And am procrastinating going out and getting our bikes off the car in the rain :o. We went riding on Saturday, I was so glad I had brought the bikes. The trail was really nice if a little busy. We put in just over 9 miles each way for a total ride time of about 1 3/4 hours, total time closer to 3 hrs. Hopefully that and the walking around the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday will make up for eating out all meals for 3 days :eek: We'll see what the scale says. I did drink all my water though.

Man am I sorry I asked Haylo for that rain :mad: it turned my 3 hr drive back today into 4.5 and that was about 3 hrs too much of driving in the rain! Plus about 1/2 way home my windshield wiper on the drivers side decided to come apart so I'm standing on the side of the turnpike changing it out with the one from the pass side and then driving w/only 1!! Needless to say I stopped on the way home and got new ones.

I wish this was the end of vacations, for me it's just the start. I'm home for the next 3 weekends one of them we have a big family corn roast, then we go camping/biking up north. Then we're home for a couple more weeks and are headed out east for 2 weeks. Here's hoping I can keep it on track while home.

I read all the posts but just can't remember what to reply to who, guess I should have taken notes too.

Have a great night everyone.

-Tech

Talk about depressing... it has been raining here since yesterday and it is cold!! We have gotten more rain in last 24 hours than we have had all summer. We really need it though so I shouldn't complain. Of course sitting with no power for about 4 hours wasn't good either.

There is so much to catch up on... but reading through some of your thoughts something came to my mind. I used to have a problem eating the kids leftovers or picking at things as I put food away.... just think of it like this:

Either you throw it in the trash, or your trash your body by putting it in you.

I think about that when I am going for stuff that I really don't need. It seems to help.

Kim: I am envious of you. I am ready to go back and work on my masters, but between the kids and the finances, I haven't made it back. It is scary, but I bet you are going to love it! What a great way to add something new to your new lifestyle!!

Paige: Don't give up. You are to important to throw the towel in just yet. If exercise is really lacking, think about what you like to do, or go out and try something new. Our local library has DVDs available to borrow and I just noticed that there are some exercise ones that I might go back to try. Mix up your routine a little and find your motivation. Is there some type of reward that you can give yourself for staying op for a week, or for getting in your exercise? Obviously a non food item.... some me time.... a new lipstick.... lunch with a buddy.... You need to find something to focus on instead of how feel like you aren't succeeding.

Erica: I hate that deserving mode. I fall into that too, especially when I have been really good, or had a good WI. Ugh, I haven't figured out how to change that except to tell myself that I deserve to be healthy more than I deserve to eat unhealthy food. Maybe find a place that has better choices for you to pick, so that you can still have your treat out, it is just going to be a better treat. (you know that preplan thing ;))

And finally, my favorite walking music.... old 80's hairband music. DH was a big hairband guy back in the day and he has a lot of stuff that I downloaded on my MP3 (couldn't afford the ipod so I had to go the cheaper version, works great though!!). Gets me really moving.... I just skip over the cheesy ballads!!

Have a great day....say something positive to yourself today, you deserve it!!

Kim2

Hi all...just really quick post...

I am so stinking excited. My friend and I have an appt Friday night to look at a place for our bakery!!!!! It is in a bagel shop that closed a few months ago when the owner decided to retire. I'm so excited! I can't believe I'm really going to do this!

WOW Paige - that IS exciting!

Hi Guys - I've been MIA because DH stole me away after work on Friday and we went camping for the night and then we came home and got into the whole drama of moving my DD to CMU for college. She's lived away from home but never more than 5 minutes away from her dad's work. So this is a big step for her and for us. I've been stressing BUT NOT EATING! That's a big plus. Now for all the financial aid stuff to fall into place. DS starts college on Thursday and his funding hadn't been in place last we knew. It's all so complex since DH and I went away to college. Anyway, hopefully that piece is behind us. It always is something. You think when they grow up, they will be fine but I think I worry now that they are adults more than when they were dependent children. Maybe because they can make their own decisions and not ones that I would always make. Anyway, done with the psych session. Linda I'm sure you understand as you have one out and another getting ready to be out next year. So exactly when am I supposed to FEEL the empty nest syndrome?

Paige - that is great. Hope it works out for you!

Laura - Yea on the not stress eating.

Finished off the vegetarian California Kitchen Pizza from last night that I brought home. Back on my diet tomorrow.

- Tech

Paige that is so exciting. I wish you all the best. Wow, it is something you are so passionate about.
Yeah....
Welcome back Barb.
Sorry not to send everyone a message. I will read all the posts later.
Have a great night everyone.
Ann

Kim, I wish I could send some water in your direction from our lake - the water level is dangerously high this year and there is considerable erosion due to waves lapping up against the shoreline. It's really bad this year. I wish there was a better balance of water in our world, it's seemingly either feast or famine.
Kim, so sorry about your Applebee's experience. I think you should write them and let them know about this. Businesses NEED to know when something like this happens. We've had all sorts of issues with many restaurants, not necessarily Applebee's. I don't like to be a pesky complainer, but when someone wastes my time and also something is really poor, they should know. How else can they fix it? We complained about a place not long ago and then went back and gave them a second chance. The meals were mediocre, at best, and we had decided not to go back. Any place can have an off night, but it it's consistent, then they don't deserve your business. It's a shame if it's the one place who is supposedly trying to help out people one WW. It's so hard for people like us to eat out.
Paige, keep trying! What day is weigh in? The water will help after having the deli ham. I try to keep my sodium lower a day or two before weigh in and have the higher sodium foods on the day of weigh in (after) or the day or two afterwards.
Paige, you've done so well and I don't consider you being on a plateau at all. Look how far you've come and you are so very close to ONEderland.... keep trying!
Welcome back Barb! Good to hear from you - it's been awhile.
Tech, sounds like you had a good weekend. Sorry about the rain, though. It's so hard to imagine that one of us is so much in need of the rain, while others have had way too much. To top it off, a hurricane approaches and some of our country could be really in trouble. I hope hurricane Dean isn't as bad as they say it might be. I was watching films and preparations for it on TV this morning and it was very sad for me, as I was remembering sitting at my dad's bedside and watching hurricane Katrina preparations on TV. Katrina came a few weeks before he died, in 2005. I hated the reminder. I am sure those who suffered from that and other storms like this are also quite distressed watching it.
Kim, what a great thought about trashing your body vs. putting leftovers in the trash! I like that and shall have to remind myself of that from time to time. OK, so what is hairband music? I must be out of touch as I don't have a clue! It could be a regional saying, I guess?
Paige, awesome news on the shop! I'll send you good vibes! Think Feng Shui (pronounced feng-shway) when you put together something like this. You want it to be an atmosphere where people want to congregate! I hope this works out for you. Make sure you investigate why the old shop on the premises REALLY closed, and find out how long it was there beforehand and what else was in that location and how long was it open. Remeber that old saying, when it comes to real estate, "location, location, location".
Laura, I still have two kids at home. One is starting his second year at a community college and living at home and the other is beginning her senior year in high school. I am dreading the day when they both move away, they are my best buddies and we have a great relationship. I want them to be grown up and independent, of course, but hope it's a few years before I have to say goodbye!
Well, now I have to report on my first day back from vacation. I have stuck with my eating, as planned, and still have 3 points left and it's nearly bedtime. Time for dessert!
I never did get to the gym today, I feel badly about that but things just had to get done. Being away creates it own set of tasks that must be accomplished upon return, particularly banking, bill paying and laundry. Then, there was two cats at the vet and grocery shopping. By the time I got it all handled, it was dinner time and just a few moments ago, I finally sat down here. I'm not going to punish myself about not getting to the gym, but I will try to go tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow is another day. But, at least all my eating was on program, and it's a hard thing to do when you have been off program for a week's vacation.

Well, I was the last one to post last night and now here I am the first one to post this morning. Where are all you guys?
Today is going to be a busy day for me, but I plan to get to the gym this morning and make it a priority.
My daughter has a doctor's appointment at 2:30 and the car will be packed and we will be heading North right from there. We'll arrive on time to cook a planned WW dinner and then tomorrow we'll go on our college tour.
It's really chilly here this morning, about 50 degrees. I'm wearing a flannel nightgown this morning vs. my regular cotton T shirt kind of thing. If feels like fall. But, I guess the weather will swing back to hot and humid later in the week. At least we had a break!
Today's goals:

#1 go to the gym!

#2 eat properly and plan

#3 drink all the water

By the way, my scale issues are always huge and I can't help myself when I get on it all the time. I think I may have gained about 3 pounds over the last week, but I can never be sure until I weigh in officially at a WW meeting.
We plan on finding a meeting and going on Thursday. Today would normally be our meeting at 4:30, however, we are heading North and won't be able to be there. Having weigh in on Thursday will help both my daughter and I get off some of our vacation weight before we weigh in and also maybe give her a booth of motivation before she leaves for her trip to Maryland on Friday.
I hope my weigh in is a good one, I would dearly love to be even the same as I was before vacation, but accept whatever happens.
Ann, I was thinking about you when I was typing about my scale as I know I am obsessed with it and remember that you were a bit as well. How is that going? Are you feeling more free since you put it away, or is it still away?
I'd literally have to get rid of the scales in this house if I were to break free of them, but I won't ever do that. I like my scales and even if WW says we should only weigh in there, I cannot break the habit.
Now, I have another reason to get on the scale once a month, at least, as I need to put one of my cats on a "diet". The vet said he is seriously overweight. If he were a dog, we'd have to be walking him more. The kids tried to play with him last night and he plopped on the floor. We went to a new vet this time and the new vet was really on me about feeding him and getting his weight down. So, yet another family member in this house is "over-fed". It's funny that we have two cats (from the same litter) and that one is a perfect weight and the other Mr. blubber belly!
I need to cut down on feeding him, but I will do it gradually and one of my plans is to switch to a different kind of food, one that I know he doesn't like!
That reminds me, my husband told me that he was going to make millions by coming up with a new weight loss plan. It would be one that you had to eat only the food from this program and his "hilarious" idea was to make all the food taste awful. Then, he said, everyone on this plan would lose weight as they just wouldn't WANT the food anymore. I wish it was all that simple.
Taste, texture and appearance, though, are important to us. I do wonder if I deliberately planned a few dinners that were not my favorites once in awhile if I would be more successful? Hmmm.... just miscellaneous ramblings this morning from me.
Well, ladies, I hope you are all well and hope to see some more posts when I get back on line later on this evening.
BOOT CAMP, Day 2..... I hope for a more successful day today with a visit to the gym vs. just catch up work due to being away. My drill Sargent is not happy with me already due to the lack of exercise yesterday. I'm to do an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill after my normal work out today as punishment!

Good morning all!!!

I had such a hard time sleeping last night. I had all of these bakery ideas floating around in my head! My cake friend, Megan, she and I are trying to come up with a good name so we can go ahead and get the name incorporated.

Yesterday was a little bit of a weird day eating wise. I had completely lost my apetite. What was up with that? I had my coffee in the morning, and then had to force myself to eat so breakfast at 11, and then didn't eat again till about 7pm when I got home from my chiropractor appt. My stomach wasn't off or upset...maybe I'm just too excited about this bakery that my brain has forgotten it's usual eating urges? I'm never like that.

Kim2-I cracked up at the 80s hairbands. LOL! I like to think of myself as "too young" to be listening to them...but I was born in 1980, and have much older siblings, so I grew up listening to that stuff. I love the cheesy ballads, though! LOL!

Linda-WI is on Thursday. I have two cakes due this weekend, too that I have to work in. As far as being plateaued, I know I should be going by WW's scale, but it is tough to do that when I have my home scale staring me in the face. That one has been saying 203, 203, 203 for the longest time. It might dip down to 200...yesterday it was at 199.5, this morning it was at 201...but it always seems to go back to 203. I really shouldn't pay attention to it. I should just go by WW. At least there I have been losing.

Laura-I can't even imagine how you are feeling. I just can't fathom there being a day when my dds aren't going to need me. I wonder how my mom felt when I left...I was the baby of the family.

Hello to Ann, Tech, Kim, Erica and anyone else I missed! Hope you have a fantastic morning!

Good morning ladies, it is a beautiful sunny Tuesday morning here.
I have decided to get a babysitter today and just go out and have me time. I love my DS dearly. I just feel like I need a few hours of me time.
Linda, actually putting my scale away was the best thing for me. I do feel good. I was put out that I gained two pounds but I can wear size 12 pants and I bought a jacket that was size 10, I couldn't believe it, I asked the clerk to get me a size 12 in a different style, she got it and said, it is going to be too big. Wow I was shocked. After I gained those two pounds I did want macaroni and cheese, but prior to knowing I had gained the two pounds I was on track. I think I am a reactor where the scale is involved. I realize I am better off not weighing every day. I also realized this summer that I do enjoy routines, not strict regimented routine but just having a routine. I feel with my eating and exercise it is an area in my life that I have total control over. It is kind of empowering for me realizing this. I think this may be one of those lightbulb days. I guess we all have a choice when we wake up in the morning today I chose for this to be an awesome day.
I hope all of you have a super day and enjoy whatever you decide to do.
I will post later. I really feel like running now.
Take Care
Ann

Paige we crossed posts, congratulations on having something that you are so passionate about. That is a great success in itself. What type of names are you looking at? Paige's Passions? Megan's Masterpieces? Just having fun.
The Daily Loaf? Creations? I am just trying to brainstorm to give you ideas.
Delectible Delights? Cakes by Design? Megan & Paige's Creations.
Oh Paige this is so exciting, you will have fun with this as it is your passion.

Passionate Creations.

Have a great day.

Paige, such great stuff going on, no wonder you didn't sleep!
I was just thinking about naming a bakery and what came to mind was using a French name of some sort. For some reason a French sounding name makes people think it's special or "cool" or "trendy" and you want people to think those things about your place.
I looked up some things in French and it's kind of nice sounding, .
I adore "Gateau au Chocolate" which translates to just "chocolate cake".
But, here are a few other thoughts:
Ouh la! Bakery (Wow! Bakery)
Gourmandise Bakery (Delicacy Bakery)
Le Meilleur Bakery (The Best Bakery) (perhaps too difficult to prounounce?)
Bon Moment Bakery (Lovely Time Bakery)
La Vie En Rose Bakery (The Sweet Life Bakery)---Too long, huh?
La Maison Bakery (The House Bakery?)
Bec Sucre Bakery (Sweet Tooth Bakery)
Te Seduire Bakery (Win Your Heart Bakery?)
A La Une Bakery (In the Spotlight Bakery
At any rate, just my 2 cents....
I've gotta go.... I'm excited for you Paige!!!!
Linda

I tried posting 3 times this morning before I left for work with no success - so I sent myself an email with my morning post:

Good morning - Thought I'd stop by and see what's the haps since I was here yesterday. Paige I read your post before the new shop one. GIRL!!!! Let's all shake you. You've been here with us - you know there are good weeks and not so good weeks. This is an ongoing battle. Some weeks are great, some not so great. You'll get your groove. I have faith

Tech - glad to see you back - what about this rain system?

I lost part of my post - so I'm going to read what everyone who posted already today posted and add to my post

Paige as I looked at your my space. The thought that comes to mind is

Classic Creations....

I do like Linda's idea about French sounding names.
Look how much fun Linda and I are having now with your life. Thanks for telling us about it. It is so exciting.
Enjoy.

Barb – WELCOME BACK!!!! Glad you could join us again

Tech and Kim2 – isn’t this rain something? We’re only 1” deficit now for the summer. Talk about getting all the rain in a one week shot. Hoping it clears up for my nephew’s wedding on Saturday.

As far as the walking music, I just won a new I-pod on a Mike & Ike Sweepstakes and can’t wait for it to get here. My old Nano has been monopolized by my Husband and my daughter and I’m an just techie deficient that I haven’t figured out how to isolate my music from theirs. So I’ve already proclaimed that the new I-Pod is mine and will have my exclusive I-Pod stuff on it and MY headphones. I like the I-Pod Earbuds and a second set that I’ve bought for walking but they always seem to be separated from the I-Pod when I’m ready to walk. Oh and my Dog thinks it is time for a good walk every time she sees me pick it up. Serves two purposes.

Ann – that is great about the lost inches. The weight gain – pfftt – the inches are WOW!!!!! And about the clothes, I was going through some of the stuff my DD left in her closet and lo and behold there is an 11/12 cute as heck suit hanging in there that she left. She’s dropped 45 lbs herself over 3 years and is in a 5/6 so I’m thinking the cute suit will be an incentive for me to get motivated again.

Kim - I agree with Linda – Let them know at Applebees how bad service was and the food issues. Tell them why you chose them and how you do not want to be forced to avoid them in the future. They should comp you a meal or offer you a discount to return. The need the feedback!

Paige – again how cool to have your own bakery! That’s a good thing to be wide awake thinking of good stuff instead of worrying about the ugly stuff the comes up in the middle of the night. You will do GREAT! Oh and the kids leaving – I had to finally say to my daughter, I know this is difficult for you to break away but remember that it’s hard for me too. And I gave her a HUGE hug.

I rambled this morning! Making up for lost time. Here’s hoping our other regulars pop in to say hello!

Hello,

Just stopping in really quick before I head out to work. According to my home scale I actually lost weight over the weekend :eek: Now I have to stay away from salt today, and see what ww says tomorrow.

Linda - I know what you mean about running around after vacation. That will be today's chores. Yesterday I was just too tired from the drive to do much of anything but veg.

Laura - The weather this summer is just weird. No rain in May and June, and then August which is usually dry has been drenched. I'm ready for a break. As far as kids going away, that's when my parents started going on longer vacations (well once they stopped lending us money for school). Enjoy the time even though you'll miss them.

Linda - Have fun touring the college with your daughter. And don't be too hard on yourself sometimes running errands takes a lot of activity.

Ann - enjoy your me day :D

To everyone else have a great Tuesday.

-Tech

Good Morning.... Boy some of you are really early birds!!

I had an ok day yesterday. I didn't feel much like eating so by days end I had enough points to have a regular icecream sandwich (the kids and I all had one as we sat on the porch and watch the rain!).... I am not sure what my deal was.... but I fear that I'll make up for it today. Tomorrow is my weigh in day, so I am anxious to see what the official numbers are. I also have to find my tape measure. Ann, after telling you how great it is to see those numbers go down, I must have some of my own. Today is going to be another lay low day....I have the neighbor kids for the afternoon so maybe I can sneak in some exercise. I might challenge them all to a jump rope competition... that will be a good workout! That is if we can have a little dry time. Yup, 2 days of rain and I am already sick of it. My pool is overflowing!!

Paige: Of course you couldn't eat or sleep.... how exciting. Everyone is coming up with great name ideas. I'll come back later if I think of any!

Linda: Hairbands are the groups back in the 80's that played rock and roll and wore big hair dos... Rat, Poison, ACDC, Van Halen. The mullet was big with most of these bands and they used as much hair spray as girls did. DH and I will watch the VH1 remember the 80's shows and just crack up at what these guys looked like.... and back then they were "so cool"! LOL

Ann: Congrats on taking some me time. Boy we sure do need that sometimes. I love my kids too, but right about now I could trade them in for a trip to .... well somewhere warm and tropical that isn't being hit by a hurricane! They really need to go back to school, but we have two more weeks to go!!

Laura: GO CHIPS!! I am an alum! I had the best time at CMU. I worked as a resident assistant for 3 years and never had the chance to move off campus. College was a time when I really came into my own and "found" myself. It is amazing to me how much campus has changed since I was there. My old resident hall isn't even there anymore... they tore it down and put in a parking lot. :mad: Know that she is always a phone call away and that Mt. P isn't that far of a drive. My mom used to get soooo mad at me because I would call her when I was sick. I just needed to hear her voice, but she always felt back because she couldn't be there to take care of me. To funny!! Congrats on the lack of stress eating though!! Just keep remembering that you won't miss her any less if you eat!

Ok, I think that does it! Good morning Tech, Truelies, Erica L, Haylo, and anyone I missed or is stopping in to read! Have a great day!!

Hello everyone,

I have been occupied with going back to work. YUK!!! I hope all of you are doing well.

Hmm, i hate when this happens I have so much to say and then my mind goes blank.

derry: I hope you voice continues to do better, darn those insurances for not paying for your therapy.

ann: sounds like you have been excercising away!!! Glad you got some rain!1

paige: wow, a bakery I was thinking of a name the other day but I guess I have a creativity block, everyone has had such good suggestions how can i compete.


Have a great day everyone!!!

ohhh, I just realized that I have to find a new WI time since most of my saturday's will be taken up by football games and we typically leave early morning, geez I forgot better look at that.

Kim, I like headband music, then! We've always refered to it as just "metal". Van Halen is my favorite, but I love Metallica as well as AC/DC. I even enjoy a bit of Black Sabbath now and then. I consider what they refer to as "soft rock" as downright boring! So, count me in when it comes to that stuff. I guess I need an ipod!
We are up here at the lake now, took off mid-afternoon and got here on time to make a WW recipe for dinner. I'm embarrassed to tell you all what I did after dinner- I fell in the lake, fully clothed! Thank goodness I brought a full change of clothing with me so we can make the college tour in the morning and I won't look like an idiot. I had a spare pair of old sneakers up here that I can wear too. I was bailing out our rowboat and paddleboat so that I could go for a paddleboat ride in the morning, weather permitting. I tried getting into the rowboat to put my weight to one side so I could get at the water to bail the boat out and then it tipped - I went in and soon found myself standing in thigh deep water with all my clothes on! I've spent every summer of my life at this lake since I was an infant and I have never fallen in before, so today was a first. Luckily, I don't think anyone SAW it, at least! My daughter cracked up when I came in dripping wet. I stripped off everything, hung it on the line and am now in my nightgown. Thank goodness I have stuff to wear tomorrow.
It's supposed to be 48 degrees here by morning and this cabin is not heated and insulated. So, I'll be building a fire in the morning for sure! Fall is on it's way.
Paige, I'm dying to hear more bakery news!
Janelle, I'm ok without the voice therapy, I think. My voice has a gravely tone to it now, but it's really much better than it's been. However, you should have heard the "squeek" I came out with when I fell in the lake! I sure wish that someone had been videotaping me as that silly TV show AFV would have been getting a tape of it all.
Tech, good luck with tomorrow's weigh in. I hope you really do have a loss on their scale! I have no clue what this week will be like for me when I weigh in on Thursday.
Ann's right, we are having a great time thinking of ideas for your business! I'm sure you will have some great fun. Can we help from afar?

Hi everyone,
I kind of dropped off the radar after vacation. I think i need an extra push to stay on track. I'm not sure why, but I'm losing focus and motivation. Any suggestions for kicking my butt are welcome :)
My tracker is NOT reflecting my weight right now ... I have gained probably 5 lb ... will update again tomorrow.
I've been fighting another cold too, which doesn't help. Will try to run again tomorrow ... that I'm good at, I've only missed one run in 7 weeks. It's the damn food!!!
Thanks everyone - I'll try to be better with personals as well.
cheers
Erika

Catching up on personals for the last few days. Everyone is doing so well!!

Kim/o2bskinny - how frustrating to go to a restaurant waiting for a WW friendly meal, only to be treated shabbily!! I def. would not be going back there either.

Paige - Plateaus suck! :hug: But you inspire me by your determination. I won't give up either! We will do this!! Exciting news about your bakery - I am crossing fingers for you!

Hi Barb - i think I must have joined the thread while you were away. You sound really motivated WTG!!!

Tech - Sounds like you're doing really well with the challenge of being on vacation. The trail ride sounds fabulous. It is so great that you incorporate biking into your trips!!

Kim 2 - Either you throw it in the trash, or your trash your body by putting it in you. Love that quote!! Thanks - I will remember that!

Laura - Wow, I am so impressed that you are dealing with all this stress and not eating! what an inspiration! It is true that things are way more complex with university students than they used to be, mostly because of $$ ... as a university instructor I totally understand the stress you must be feeling. But I find the majority of students find a way through in the end. Of course my own DD is only 4 so I have a ways to go in that regard ...

Linda - you are doing fantastic on your return from vacation! Poor kitty ... you are a great mommy to take such good care of him. Your planning and determination are a great inspiration to me ... I will follow your lead. LOL on your DH's miracle diet plan. Actually I have heard of plans that are not so different in real life! Maybe it's not so crazy ;) Hope you are drying out nicely and warming up by the fire.

Ann - I totally agree, you need to have me time or you will burn out!! Good for you. I hope it was a great day!

Hi Janelle, Erica, Paige2 and anyone else I missed :wave::
OK ... insomnia begone ... time for some warm milk with nutmeg or something. Can't wait to get back on track with you all!
cheers
Erika

Good morning everyone,
Wow, tons of posts!!
First, Paige..... wh,wh,wh,what?? You're going to start a bakery? That is awesome!!!!!! I must've missed the details at some point! Hang in there with the ole' mindset with all of this, scales, motivation etc. Brighter days are ahead for sure. I can't believe I'm still here, I think because I'm just taking it one day at a time right now. By the way, this year we have finally come up with a name for our Bakery/Gift Shop, it's called "The Harvest House". My sister is updating our website right now, and soon as I get some new pictures I'll give you the link.

Linda-thanks for the advice about going out to dinner etc. It's the wine that gets me every time, so maybe I drink the wine so that I can "get away" with eating the bad stuff?

Ann-that's pretty awesome about the sizing issues that you're having. What a great "problem" to have when things are too big on you!

Well, sorry not to address everyone right now, but DH needs my help out in the barn before the girls wake up. Talk later....

Two Ericas/Erikas to respond to this morning, hope I don't mess up what to say to who!
Erica, if you have trouble with wine when dining out, have you tried my fail-safe method of ordering a wine spritzer? Try it instead of the wine, request that they use your favorite wine, club soda and lime/lemon. You'll enjoy it and feel part of things, having an "adult" beverage, but you will be cutting the points by adding the 0 calorie club soda to the occasion. It's a very refreshing beverage and you kind of get two for one, if you think of the points involved. Try it next time, you'll like it and it will probably "hold" you from ordering a second wine as there is more volume/ice added to the equation. Sometimes, I get a wine spritzer first and then just club soda as my second beverage, if I am still thirsty. Or, if I am thirsty when I get there, I ask for club soda with lime and start off with that and order a spritzer for my second drink.
Erika.... tricks to get back on track:

1. Journal, Journal, Journal.... as always, it is the key to succuss. Force yourself.
2. Get back to basics, re-read all your original WW materials.
3. Get busy researching WW type of recipes and make your grocery shopping list
4. Throw away any "bad" leftovers in the house, or freeze them.
5. PLAN AHEAD, each and every day. Before you sit down to breakfast, write out what you plan to eat each day. I find it works best for me to plan breakfast for 4 points, and then plan dinner and write it out. Then, I add my most important thing in my day, dessert (usually a 2 point WW treat) and then whatever is left for points, I plan a lunch.
6. PROMISE yourself that you will earn activity points.
7. Lastly, drink the water, forget the diet sodas and other drinks, get that water in. I find it helps me to measure out my required waters for the day and put it in a seperate container in the refrigerator. I know that container must be empty when the day is gone. If I drink water out of the house, bottled or in restaurants, I pour off an estimated amount (water the plants!) and know that I have consumed what I should.
We all know those are the key elements, yet when we have done this for a long time, we get complacent.
Well, it's a busy day for me. We have the college tour at 10:30 and we will get a "free lunch" at the college so that my daughter can sample the food at the college. I hope there are salads or other lighter choices. If there are not, that could be a factor in her choosing NOT to attend that school. She does WW with me and we are keenly aware of the "freshman 50" that some kids add to their bodies. College dorm environments can be killers and she needs to continue on her weight loss efforts.
Breakfast, here at the lake will be a 100 calorie English Muffin, pineapple and low fat cottage cheese. I may splurge and add a serving of jam or jelly on my English muffin. I have the butter spray stuff to put on the EM so as not to add points.
Lunch is undetermined due to eating at the college.
Dinner, tonight, will be steak tips, baked potato and zucchini sauteed with onion and olive oil with a bit of basil added for a "kick" along with FF sour cream on the potato tonight. That is, if I get home on time from our travels. If not, I have a great take out place in mind that makes grilled shrimp salads and a minestrone soup, a total meal of 7 points. I'll be OK.
Take care everyone! Also, forgive my spelling errors as I'm on the laptop again with no spell check.

Thank you Linda! :hug: I want to print out your post and stick it on my fridge. Your planning suggestions are so great!

Sitting here with my coffee, listening to the thunderstorm outside. We aren't getting some of the rain or heat that some of you are seeing, but enough already. I guess I have been spoiled with the warm sunny weather that we have been having here all summer. Of course the farmers are having a really horrible summer and my garden isn't all it could be either!

Ok, so I almost feel guilty saying this because I know that some of you are really strugglin.... but this is only my second week..... I lost 4lbs!!!! Now this is a little deceiving... I just got over TOM and so a lot of the water weight that I hold during the three months of not having TOM goes away. (I use the patch constantly for 3 months so I only have 4 periods a year. Yup it is really sweet, but makes me retain water!). So I am sure things are going to be a little more challenging next week... but I feel really good. I don't know if it is just not eating all the junk, or the exercise, but I feel really good.

Linda, I love your ideas too. As a matter of fact, last night I was thinking that I needed to plan my day backwards. I end up getting crunched at the end of the day... I too need that evening treat.... and I sometimes don't have the points left. So I was thinking that if I plan for the treat, then dinner and then divy up the rest of the points between breakfast lunch and snacks that I would do much better. I tend to be hungrier at night than during the day so I can do with less at those times.

One thing that I was thinking as I was reading everyone's posts is that there seems to be a control theme... things are moving and shaking and sometimes we don't have control of the things that are going on around us.... kids going off to college/school, new jobs, vacations.... so the key is to find things that we can control to make the things we can't more managable. Soooo.... we can control what we put into our mouths. We can make good choices, we can get up and make our bodies move and exercise. We can control our attitudes, we can believe in ourselves and we have the power to stay positive. We all can make a commitment for just today to be all the best that we can be.... we will worry about tomorrow, tomorrow!! :hug:

On that note.... Great day to everyone, I am off to do some pilates!!
Kim2

Linda said: Well, it's a busy day for me. We have the college tour at 10:30 and we will get a "free lunch" at the college so that my daughter can sample the food at the college.

You got a FREE LUNCH????? Nicole's lunch was included in her $110 orientation fee (4 hours of orientation and we paid for it - ggggrrrr) and I had to buy my own lunch. Maybe if we were doing a college tour and not already committed they'd of paid for my lunch. CMU also had a 20% tuition increase this year. It's all just so overwhelming

Yesterday's eating went very very well. Considering TOM - I'm hoping for a good WI tomorrow. Unfortunately though, I forgot my lunch sitting in the fridge and my dinner for tonight AAARRRGGGHHH!!!! I really did pack it but I was in such a fog about all this confusion on college funding, I forgot to open the fridge and bring it. This too shall pass. Now to get a strategy from food that is available around me today.

The rain seems to have passed through Kim2 so the heat is on its way. Now if the sun would shine

Have a great Hump/Wednesday everybody!

Well girls, My DD and I went to WI and then went to her open house last night. She gained a half pound and I stayed the same. We were a little bummed, but I am expecting TOM anytime now, so my not losing didn't surprise me. MY DD seemed a little upset, but ok. I told her there would be weeks like that, and to keep going.

School is going to kill me.....I am convinced. There are no words for the program I am doing and how hard it is, except to say I am too old for this! URGG! My life as I knew it is gone for the next 2 years (especially this semester!). My DD did homework from the time she got in from school, to the time we went to bed. She took 1 hour break to go to WI and open house, and a little break to eat. She did not finish till 10:30 last night. My son also had a test I helped him study for in Spanish. I do NOT see how I can do this. My husband works from 7:30 am to 12 or 1 AM the next morning. He sleeps 5 hours and goes back to work. So he is not here to help them.
Sorry......I am just frustrated!!!!!

As far as Applebee's goes. The waitress had to go over to the manager to take care of our ticket.....The manager acted like it was killing her to do this (we watched her as we were only a few tables away), and she NEVER came over to apologize or anything. So management knew. They just didn't care. I WON'T be back, nor will I recommend anyone else go back.

Ok......it is 100 here still and no rain......The yards look horrible. You can't breath when you go outside. I am so jealous of you guys and the rain and cool weather!!! There is NO sign of fall here at all........Maybe it is the heat getting to me????

Well, I vented enough. I am going to go study before I get my DD (My son started driving himself to school today! :?:) I was terrified watching him leave this morning!!!

Kim

Hello Ladies,
My me hours were wonderful. It is funny, I went for a walk, met a friend for coffee and then went shopping. It was so nice to be on my own schedule. Once I got home the babysitter and my DS were both talking to me at once about what they did. They did have a fun day. I can't believe it worked out so well. She is coming back for a few hours next Tuesday.

Paige, how are you doing? There must be so many thoughts going through your head about your new venture. Good luck with this.

Kim, I think I would be very upset about going to Applebees thinking they served food you didn't have to worry about. I hope you can find a restaurant in your area that is good for your eating. I love Ruby Tuesdays they have the most awesome Salad bar. Good luck with school.

Erika, welcome back. I do hope you get back on track. I think it is difficult with the summer. Once we are back in our routines I am sure it will be easier.
I know sometimes I don't feel like running I just do it and once I am done I feel better. I was the queen of excuses and I used to talk myself out of doing any exercise. I know this about me that it why I just do it. Does your DD start school this year?

Barb welcome back, it is really nice to see you back here. How is everything with you. I am inspired by your motivation. Thank you

Tech - Guess what I got a bike, I have no idea what I will do with it. I just thought it would be good exercise as I read your posts and you seem to be biking all the time and it does sound like a great exercise. I will let you know when I get brave enough to go on it. There are trails around here I can go on, it should be fun.

Kim 2 your quote could be our new mantra Either you throw it in the trash, or your trash your body by putting it in you. What have you been doing today? I really enjoy your positive outlook on this journey. Remember to schedule time for yourself.

Laura - Funny you mention about forgeting your food at home, my DH went to a friends house to help him with some things. Since they drink beer and eat pizza my DH packed a healthy lunch. I saw it in the fridge so I took it over. He was very happy to see me with this healthy stuff.
Did your DD get her funding all worked out yet? What is she taking at school?

Linda - great suggestions to get back on track. I do hope that your DD and you have a great day at the college. Is it very far from where you live. It is too bad someone hadn't video taped you falling in the lake. I did that one year and when I think of it now it makes me laugh. I do hope the fire helped to warm you.

Janelle, how are you. I hope you get back into a routine quickly and you aren't too worn out being back at work. How is your exercise. Remember to take time for you. You derserve it.

Erica, You seem like a busy lady. Did you get all the stuff your husband needed help with done? How long is your bakery/gift shop open. Do you have tours at your farm during the fall? Today I met a lady from Syracuse. She asked for directions. I thought of you. Are you in your kitchen for your picture. It looks so relaxing for some reason. I hope it is. Have a great day.

Paige2, how are you doing?
I am sorry if I missed anyone. Have a great day.

Hello everyone, I do hope you are all having an awesome day.
Take Care
Ann

Hi Ann - no the funding isn't in place - seems that we as parents missed a vital step. So I faxed that form up today and they said the fastest she'll see any money is THREE weeks!!!! I have to stop stressing about it but I just can't seem to do it. She's been accepted into CMU's Music Program. She needs to get accepted by next year into their education program as she wants to be a music choir teacher. It's all she's ever wanted to do. She's just been such a drama queen and had a stroke at age 6 so I guess both DH and I tend to baby her. It's her life and she's an adult but we've been caring for her for so long, it's really hard to let go and let her do it all herself. Maybe going hungry for 3 weeks and not being able to do college stuff because she's broke, will teach her to be a little more prepared. Dunno - just difficult as a parent to sit back and let it happen. We're just not in a position to hand her a bunch of money

hi everyone....Kids went to school today.....Only cried a little.....It was nice to have some time to myself....
We were transfered to a new school this year...What a joke...The kids were sitting 3-4 kids per seat....and after school the bus they said they were to take home was not there....they were to get on another bus.(the school did not even know this) and no letter was sent about the change...THAN once they found the bus they went to a neighboring school and changed busses there....OMG I was soooo P#@sed...Anyway I did call and yell at the bus station and we will see what results I get......There are 30 people in our neighborhood alone. Last year we had our own bus and now this year we are sharing it with another school. Argh

Anyway, other than trying to get the kids back in school I had the flu yes and made an appointment at my workout place to get an orientation on the weight machinesa. My hope is to nbuild muscle and lose weight....zWell we will see. I will start next week, This week is tooooooooocrazy.Dh broke his wrist a few weeks back and finally went back to work this week. We have a doc appt tom.

So in a nut shell I am watching it but not yet joined back but glad I am back here with you all. once I get a chance I will try to catch up with you all. Good luck with all the wi and w losses.......Barb

Good Evening All,

I went to ww this morning it was a really good meeting, the leader talked about how it's never the mountains that we trip over but the small pebbles. And if you mind the pebbles you'll scale the mountains. It was a different approach to me. I lost 0.6 lbs. Not too bad considering I was out of town and eating out all weekend. Just goes to show that it can be done.

I'm going to try to keep this post short so I can head up for dinner and to walk the dogs. It is so hot and muggy out I couldn't drag myself out before the sun went down. No more complaining about fall like weather here :dizzy: I'm going to try to get up early to go to Curves before work, tomorrow's weather is supposed to be worse.

Laura - Breath, Breath, Breath. The $ will work itself out. Too bad about the food. Hate when that happens.

Kim2 - :cp:on the 4 lbs!!! Don't every feel bad reporting how you did. I went to St. John's on M-59. I grew up on Lake Chemung, in fact my parents still live there. So I know what you mean about the changes. I keep asking my parents when they moved to the high rent district.

Linda - Hope your college visit went well.

Ann - I used to ride a lot in high school and just after college, but just started again last summer, and more this year. The thing I like is that the breeze usually makes it not feel as hot as walking.

Barb - Good luck at the gym. Thinking about things is the first step in getting back on track.

Kim - Sometimes a maintain is a good thing. Hang in there. And good luck with school :dizzy:

Erica - Nice to here from you. Where in NY are you? We'll be driving by Syracuse on our way out east.

Erika - Welcome Back. Good luck getting back on track. The best advice I have is to forgive past mistakes and move forward.

Tummy's growling so I should head up for dinner. Gazpacho and grilled bread :T.

Have a great night everyone.

-Tech

Kim2, congrats on that 4 pound loss!
OMG, Laura, you had to PAY? We toured Plymouth State University as well as UNH (with my son a few years ago) and each time were given a free lunch and there was certainly no charge for a tour, yikes!
By the way, the day did not go well for my daughter, tour-wise, and we did not do well food-wise either. Ah well. Such is life. She felt the staff at PSU was NOT welcoming and she didn't leave with a desire to go there, sadly. But, considering that the application fee is only $35.00 and we talked about it being her last choice school, she said she would apply. She wants a double major and we will make an appointment to go back and meet with the department heads in those areas and perhaps she will feel better after that? She will also be there for that at a time when the college is in session and perhaps that will make her feel better?
Her SAT scores are above that of their average student and her GPA is something like 3.4 at Jr. year end. With that, she even automatically would qualify for a $2,500 scholarship. But, she wants to feel that the college WANTS her and that they LIKE her or something. Hard to explain, but when you are a soon-to-be high school senior, you want to feel wanted. Maybe the admissions staff and administrative staff need to be a bit more upbeat? She really didn't feel good about the school. I tried to explain that she wouldn't be dealing with those people and would be dealing with faculty as well as her peers, that helped a bit. It was also apparent that the school was really working hard to recruit athletes as well. They seemed to be smiling and very welcoming of those kids. We just happened to be there on the same day as a girl that Jamie knows from her present high school. This girl is a basketball player, and also plays soccer. They were "all over her" and the coach met her for lunch and was all smiles. It was hard to be just a "normal" person and see them fawning over kids who are not as academically accomplished as she is just because of their athletic abilities. I can't help but think that our society is a bit warped when athletics supercede intelligence upon admission to a university. No wonder our society is not producing as many scholars as we would like.
She was also frightened by the dorm room we were shown, it was downright pitiful, small, shabby and smelled bad. Hmmm.... I would certainly buy her a new mattress if she did go there, she was disgusted by a stained and icky one. Of course, any dorm room, without decorations and kids in it (the are two weeks before the fall semester starts) won't be looking "fun", but smelling clean would have been nice.
Oh well, we have a few more colleges to tour. She wants a creative writing major combined with musical theater and she doesn't want to go to school too far from home, which I agree with. This limits our choices. Sept. 7th is our next tour. I hope for a more positive reaction. This is a smaller college, within a 20 minute drive from our home and she wouldn't have to live in, so we would save money on that.
Kim, sorry the new school schedule is so hard. It's times like this where you keep your chin up and try really hard to provide stability in terms of regularly scheduled healthy meals, and a supportive attitude. I'm sure a new routine will finally settle in and I am also sure that there are going to be weeks where there will be losses that far outweigh (get the pun on words?) this week's results.
I made a decision and even if I feel fat, I'm going to a 9:30 am WW meeting this morning (not my normal meeting) and weighing in and drinking in whatever words of wisdom they have to say to me. I truly need it.
By the way, I'd go to Applebee's web site and e-mail their customer service people about what happened, I'd not deal with the local people - go to the top. They should know.
Barb, your comments about the school bus sound all too familiar to me. I remember those times well both in NY state and up here in NH. I was never so thankful when my kids both got their own cars and driver's licenses. Yet, with that, comes it's own other worries. It's never easy.
Now, after all that chat, time to get down to the point of this.... food.
Our college tour food experience: There was a faculty orientation going on (it's two weeks before the new semester begins) and the usual cafeteria food was not served for the day. There was a catered buffet for the professors that we were allowed to join in on, but we all ate in a different room with our tour guide. I had salad, some unidentified dressing that was oil based, and only had a little, a grilled chicken breast, some kind of very nice salad with chopped, grilled veggies and rice and there was shortcake, fresh berries and whipped cream. I couldn't resist the shortcake (one of my weaknesses) but it's really not a bad choice compared to if there were cakes and pies.
After our meal, we walked through the cafeteria. There were TONS of dessert choices in there, as well as an "ice cream bar" area. This scared Jamie as she works very hard on her WW eating plan to avoid those things, they looked very tempting and they were the first thing you saw when you walked into the cafeteria, on display. Then, there were some sandwich choices, it appeared that there were different sandwich choices every day of the week and perhaps three to choose from. There was soup, and it appears that there is a different kind of soup each day, looks like Campbell's (nothing special).
There was a salad bar and Jamie felt she could survive with that and what I would call a "pasta bar" with pasta, a marinara sauce, meatballs in sauce and a cheese sauce that was very orange and looked like Velveeta or something. All looked ominously high in fat content. We talked about buying yogurts for her small in dorm room refrigerator and buying boxes of Kashi cereal. She looked scared and sad. We eat WELL in this house, we seldom use processed foods or have institutional type of foods. Our meals are always freshly prepared and with wholesome ingredients.
On the side, but not open, looked to be a grille station where burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and fries would be prepared, but it was not operational. That, too, would not be a healthy choice.
What really concerned me that the most tempting looking of all the foods were the desserts, cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, and it was the largest display of all in their cafeteria. It would be hard for a student to resist, especially when these items are "comfort foods" and it might be stressful to be away from home and being overloaded with work/exams, etc.
We stayed later than we planned at the school to have more of a discussion with admissions. We went back and packed up our stuff at the lake and didn't get on the road until 4:20 pm. This ruined my plans for a meal at home. We went to visit my son at the mall on the way home and ate at the mall, not the food court as that spells disaster but we went to an Italian bistro kind of place. I tried to order a few things that I felt were healthier choices. I had a stuffed portabella mushroom with cheese, sauce and breadcrumbs. This was probably a bad choice, but it was nearly 7:00 pm, I was tired and very hungry). I ate a roll as well (bad girl) and I had minestrone (good girl) and ordered their fire roasted Tuscan veggies. It thought those would be a great choice, but they were dripping with olive oil on the bottom of the casserole dish they came in. I did enjoy them, and I certainly got more than my share of healthy oils for the day.
So, this morning, I look to a new day where I will venture out to a WW meeting and then eat a very late breakfast. I will work really hard to get laundry caught up and maybe visit the gym this afternoon. I have to work hard to get DD all set up and packed for her trip to Maryland. She leaves tomorrow and we've been away and laundry and other things are just not done.
I hope to do better today.

Good morning everyone - Well I stayed OP yesterday and that feels really good. I am down with a bit of a cold and I hope I can do a bit of yoga sometime for an activity point or two ... very busy day ahead though.

Kim2 - WTG on 4 lbs!! Fantastic! You are right about the control issues. Wise words.

Laura - Congrats to you and DD on her acceptance as a music major! I am a piano instructor at a university and I know that getting into music school is not an easy thing to achieve... you really have to be committed beyond just doing well in high school. What is her major instrument? Don't feel bad about not being able to hand her money. Most of my students are working 30+ hours a week to try and stay out of debt ... university is just too expensive for most families to afford.

Kim - You are a great support for your DD ... she is lucky to have you. Sounds like you are going through a stressful time. :hug: Our kids here in Canada are not even back in school yet ... that really sounds like a huge load of homework for August!

Ann - I am so glad you had a well-deserved me day! And thank you so much for your kind words. You rule! DD is indeed starting kindergarten in 2 weeks. She is a bit concerned ... someone at her daycare told her that if she doesn't listen she'll get sent to the principal's office. I keep telling her it isn't true but she doesn't seem to believe me. (sigh) She's really ready for school though, both intellectually and socially. We are very blessed.

Hi Barb - WTG on trying the weight machines - I hope you get the results you're looking for.

Tech - Great job on your loss - any loss is a good one!! You are right about moving forward ... it is all we can do.

Linda - It is so interesting as a university instructor to hear about these college tours. It really sounds like the PSU people have a lot to learn!! We have an amazing "smart start" program at our school that really makes the kids feel welcome and answers most of their questions. Creative writing and music theatre sounds like an interesting (and maybe tough!) combination! Surprising that the food choices were not so great. Usually our schools in this area at least have a subway-type sandwich bar. It is definitely easier to eat healthy off-campus, though.

Well, today I have a whole lot of work with a singer ahead, grocery shopping in the evening, and hopefully time for some yoga and sewing. Have a great day all!

cheers
Erika

Good Morning all.... want to keep it short this morning... I have my sister-in-law and her kids coming for the afternoon... got house cleaning to get to. Just wanted to check in and wish everyone a good day. Things here are going along. Yesterday was a ok day.... wanted to snack last night, but didn't really have any points to work with, and veggies just weren't going to work.

Laura and Tech--- quite the light show last night eh? I hope neither of you were in direct line of the lightening!

Linda - dorm rooms, unless you are in a new building - are not much to look at. I remember getting my room assignment at CMU and crying. I was assigned to a building with "community baths", all the other halls on campus were in suites so only 4 people shared one bath. This arrangement had 30 women sharing 2 large rooms, one with 5 or 6 toilets and the other had 6 showers. I thought that I drew the absolute worst straw. Not to mention that this was one of the oldest buildings on campus so the smell factor was an issue here too. BUT.... I lived in this building for 4 years, I absolutely loved it and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. You are right when you said that without students and decorations it is hard to imagine living there. I was always amazed at how homey everyone made there places. Your DD will take the lead of some of the upperclassmen and soon will be totally at home, trust me. I worked as a resident assistant for 3 years and met plenty of kids who thought that they would hate the hall they were in, only to be like me and never want to leave. Tell her not to get discouraged. She'll know when the right place comes along. She will feel at home and very positive about going to that school!

Tech - Great picture. I really would like to get a bike and start riding too. Maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas.

Kim - Funny how your post was almost word for word a copy of the conversation I had with my neighbor! She is taking classes to get a degree in Occupational Therapy and she has to take anatomy and phisiology this next sememster. She picked up her books and was totally overwhelmed. Don't sabatage yourself before you even get started. Believing that this is going to be to tough will only make it tougher. I learned the hard way that college is tough, but if you take it one day at a time, and remind yourself that you are intellegent and that all of it is managable, you will succeed. The key is keeping positive (and not "I am positive I am going to fall flat on my face" positive!!!) I am a firm believer of the power of positive thinking...I know that it is often hard to find the positive in things.

Ok, gotta run. Hello to everyone. I'll try and post more later!
Kim2

Oh my goodness, there are so many posts. I feel like I am so behind in here!

I have been researching, researching, researching on opening the bakery. Right now my friend and I are leaning towards the name "The Bakehouse" and our tagline is "At your bake and call!" It is so difficult to come up with something that both of us can agree on. We had quite a few that we really liked, a lot of them had "sugar" or "spice" or "sweet" in the name, but one big problem is that we wanted to do a website, and those names all lead to adult sites. I don't want my poor customers going there by mistake!!!!! Tomorrow we are going to go look at our first potential property. I am trying not to get my hopes up because there is SO much to do before we are ready to go to the bank, and this property could easily be sold by then. Or it could easily not be right for us. So right now I am looking into getting our name incorporated, and looking into grants. Women business owners are considered minorities, so that's a big one I'm looking at.

So anyway...as far as eating...I still have completely lost my appetite. I think I just have so much going on, that food is (for once!) the last thing on my mind. But, it is going to show that you need food to lose weight because my scale is still showing it's (not mine!) favorite number...203. Ugh. I have wi in the next hour, though, so maybe I'll be surprised.

Today is a baking day, too. Actually this entire weekend is a baking weekend! I have two cakes due (hard cakes, too.) I'm making all the cakes today, putting the one that is due tomorrow together today and finishing it tomorrow. Then the other I'll put together on Sat and finish on Sun. I have a topsy turvy cake due next weekend, too. Oh, and I start class on Tuesday!

I feel like my whole world is getting exciting again!

Alright guys...I've got to go dry my hair and get dds dressed and hop off to wi. I'm being a bad girl and not staying for the meeting. I've got to get some more cakes in the oven, and a spare hour to try to keep my dds quiet so I can listen to the leader is just not something that I have today.

Be back later to tell you how it went and to address everyone. So sorry I have been absent lately.

Linda - We got a bad taste from our local community college right from the start and it NEVER got any better. Unfortunately, it's what we have locally and all of my kids have taken classes there. There is a huge difference in the administration at the community college and CMU. CMU wants my daughter there and it shows.

Food issues at college hasn't changed. Unfortunately Linda and if you think about this in detail, her choices in college will be some of the choices she will face in life after your home. Your daughter can be given all the education and knowledge possible but in the end, it will be her choice what foods she picks to eat. Think about it, if we go to a restaurant, we can pick the absolutely worse for us items or we can make good choices. It's about having facts and information for a good choice. As our leader says, there are good choices, better choices and best choices. We alone have to decide what those are for us and where we want to be in life.

Arrrgghh, I wish you the best of luck in college choices. It is a painful journey full of pitfalls and rewards.

Eubuis - 30+ hours a week working??? How on earth do they keep good grades? YIKES! That is so sad that our society doesn't value education and make it cheaper for our students. I guess the price of it helps keep the value of it in the minds of the students but I just cringe when a basic 4 year degree here in Michigan runs around $80,000. How do those students ever get unburied of they borrow that full amount? Oh yeah, DD is a vocal major has some piano, guitar and clarinet instrumental background. Vocal is very very competitive as most vocal majors are in it for performance and it is brutal.

Tech - thanks to remind me to breath!

Kim - I can't tell you if we got any of the light show as I seem to have slept through most of it. We didn't get the earlier storms around 7-9 p.m., they went to the north of us (probably right to you) and if we got the 4 a.m. ones, I slept thru. I left for work around 7:15 and could see a big t-storm with lightning in my rearview mirror as I merged on the expressway. Don't know if we ended up getting that storm or not this morning. More rain and weather in the forecast for today and tomorrow. But calling for clearing finally by the weekend.

Food went great yesterday. However, TOM showed up and I feel very bloaty today and today is WI - I'll report later how that goes.

UUUGGGGHHHH - up .2 - I'm trying to stay focused - it is TOM and it blistery hot humid here and I could have done better with my water - but UUUGGGHHHHHH

Really quick "fly by" post without reading everyone's remarks, promise to do that later on....
Weigh in went as expected, after all this vacationing... I'm up 2 pounds. OUCH!!!
I'm right back on track, will fix this... but will have to bite the bullett and fix my tracker.

I must have missed a few posts this morning? Maybe things crossed as I swear a few of the ones that appeared before the one I made this morning were not there when I left my own post. Pretty odd.
Anyway, Ann, I read about you getting a bike and smiled. How could you fit in one more thing into your day? Or, would biking replace some of the other things you do on certain days?
I wish I could ride a bike around here, but my neighborhood is way too busy and I am not inclined to put the bike on a rack and travel someplace in order to use it. Maybe one day when I move elsewhere, I will try biking again.
Tech, I like your new biking photo. Congrats on your loss, I would have been grateful for a .6 loss. I hope to do better in the next few weeks. I don't have any big social obligations until the weekend of Sept. 15 and 16th, and then I am in trouble. We have a wedding and a family cookout all in one weekend. We are actually driving to Stamford CT, staying over a night in a hotel and then heading to Massachusetts for two back to back parties. I will just do the best I can that weekend and not expect miracles. But, it's what I do 95% of the time that will create my winning outcome, the 5% or less that is made up of days like that weekend are situations where I can hopefully make SOME decent choices, at least.
Erika, how right you are about expenses for colleges. I wish Laura's daughter the best of luck. My own daughter will be in a circumstance like this sometime soon and I may very well have to go back to work, myself, to help pay the bills. We really were unhappy when we saw the food choices and what they entailed. No wonder some kids put on weight when the stay at dorms. My daughter certainly has learned sitting through over a year of Weight Watchers meetings about making healthy choices. But, as stated, she must make the choices, I can't be there to hold her hand.
By the way, she leaves tomorrow for Maryland and I am quite concerned with regard to food. She refused to go to the meeting with me and weigh in this week, I have not been observing her making the best of choices and I have not set the best example for her this past week or so, either. Being away from me, the influence of home, and on yet another vacation will possibly result in another gain. The last time she weighed in two weeks ago, before we went to Rhode Island, she had gained three pounds. So, after last week and with this trip looming ahead, I really wonder. She wants, dearly, to stay thinner and we got rid of her "fat clothes". I hope she can get home, and start the school year and fit into her clothes. What a nightmare it would be to have her come home a day before school starts and not have a thing to wear. I have to bite my tongue and not nag her, though. Nagging will make matters worse. She is still a "kid", a 16 year old who has to live with herself.
Paige... I'm tired after just reading your post. My main advice, I think, is to take a deep breath and think before you sign anything. Maybe you might take the time to write out a couple of weeks of expected scenarios of what running a business might be like, along with everything else.
How many hours a week is school? School work?
I love the name, The Bakehouse, sounds really great. Names are so important in business. My husband went to a restaurant in NYC called STK, that is a Steakhouse. It is supposedly very trendy and he just loved the name, and has remarked on it several times. I think names can make or break you.
I hope weigh in went well. I do know that by not eating, you can sabotage yourself. So, try to eat a bit. I'm sure the excitement is controlling your appetite. Getting into your baking routine will hopefully settle you down to what you love doing, best, and you will relax a bit.
Laura, you are so right about our society and the value it seems to put, or not put, on education. I am forever angry about teacher's salaries in public school being rather low. I think teachers should be among the highest paid and most respected of positions. However, I am not a believer in tenure, I am a believer in people being paid on merit and being employed "at will" during their entire employment.
I also think that there needs to be a better way for people to finance college, however, I haven't got any brilliant ideas. I do also feel that work in return for education - kind of like ROTC is with the military should be more promoted. For example, one of the hospitals in NH, I heard, is paying for nursing education in return for a contract for person to work a certain number of years for the hospital upon graduation. I think that is smart. The hospital recognized a need for nurses wasn't being met and decided to do something innovative. Imagine having an agreement with a future employer to co-invest in your education? It could truly work. Some employers have tuition reimbursement, but that is generally for full time workers, this would be something different. It could work in the "hot" careers where there is a lack of qualified help. Nice thinking, at least.
So, after hearing about my 2 pound gain, I was a very good girl all day.
I do have to report that low sugar grape jelly combined with low fat peanut butter and lite bread really stinks and is not worth it, it's either got to be a real PB&J or nothing. I ate my "sandwich" or shall I say mere shadow of a sandwich with great hope at lunch today and was greatly disappointed. Oh well, better luck next time?
Dinner was a crock pot recipe that I put in this morning and it was good. It's called "Company's Coming Roast". It's kind of like a pot roast and cooks with potato and onion. You make a "rub" out of worstechier, mustard, ketchup, and a few other things and let it cook all day. If anyone wants the recipe, it was very good and super easy.

Well I just wanted to get on and say hello,

It's been one of those days I ate off track and then went for drinks, mainly b/c I think one of my friends is giving me the cold shoulder. I thought it was just me but other people agreed so I guess not.:( Anyways it was a rough day but tomorrow is friday and a new do so I will get back on track on not let this get me down, besides I have all of you guys who always lift my spirits up!!!!

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement concerning school and the WI Tuesday. I doubt WI will be much better next week. Today (or Yesterday? cause it is after midnight), was my birthday. 40 years old. I decided to get my hair cut and colored and highlighted after school today. WOW! I went from brunette to almost blonde. It is different, but I think I like it. My son.....the 16 year old told me it made me look 10 years older. Hmm, that is what I wanted to hear!! My DD says she likes it, but will have to get use to it. The hubby hasn't seen it yet. Anyway, I didn't have a chance to eat till dinner (nothing!), so we went to a mexican restaurant with a couple of my friends. I was starving. Anyway, Saturday my best friend, another friend from Atlanta and I are have a party at a restaurant (our b/days are all within a week of eachother). The menu doesn't look real healthy, but hey. Point here is.......the scale will not be nice to me next Tuesday, I am sure.
My DD was sick and had to stay home from school today, so hubby stayed home from job #1 and took her to the doctor so I could go to class.
It has been a weird day.

Well, I am beat, and going to bed. I will post more tomorrow.

Kim

Good Morning everyone,
Well, here I am, with a new tracker on a Friday. My goals for today are this: Drink all my water, stay within my points (will be very hard, but I'm going to do it) and go for a walk. I can't even begin to tell you all how I've struggled all summer. I think I've narrowed it down to the simple fact that it just hasn't been my #1 priority like it was all winter. I'm going to just do what I can through these next couple months, and then hit the gym and WW hard in November. It's the only way I think I can survive what is coming for me.

Kim-Happy Birthday! I wish I was brave enough to color my hair like you did, maybe someday. Funny how our kids can be so "honest" sometimes....ouch!

haylo-hang in there, those kinds of things can throw me for a loop too. As much as I always try to tell myself those things don't bother me, they always do, try to be good to yourself.

Paige-picking a name I think is very hard. It took me over a year to do it, even after we were up and running! Luckily I was able to kind of "hide" behind the name of our pumpkin farm. But this year it was important to have one, because we are trying to market it separately from the farm. I had the biggest baking flop of my life yesterday. We got our new oven up and running, and to say the least, I've got ALOT to learn about baking with a commercial convection oven. The worst part about it was, I made two blueberry pies, and delivered one to a friend of ours whose husband just passed away, we dove into the other one last night and it was HORRIBLE!! There was still raw sugar in it, YUCK! Thankfully I still have some time to practice with it before we open in one week.

Linda- Thanks for the tips about the wine. Maybe if I got a reisling it would be good, but my favorite wine, pino grigio, I don't think would be as good in a spritzer.

Ann-Yes the picture is in my kitchen. We did a huge remodel in our old farmhouse about 6 yrs. ago, and made one of those Great room/kitchen, so our kitchen, family room, dining room, and office are all kind of in one big room. It can have it's challenges though, because I feel like I am always in my kitchen in one form or another.

Well, I guess I need to get my walk in. Talk to everyone later.....

Hi all...

So my wi...ugh. I was up 1lb. It is really difficult to feel like I have barely eaten all week and I gained. But, right there is my answer, and I know it. I knew yesterday before I even weighed it...but I wasn't expecting a gain, though. I think I am definately in a "valley" right now as far as my weight loss journey. Not giving up, of course, but just feeling like I wish I could just be happy being the weight that I am, feeling that if I am having this much trouble now and I still have 50lbs to go then I'm in big trouble, there is no chance I'll get to goal. I know I'm not going to quit, though, because I think of that bridesmaids dress in my closet and how badly I want it to be way too big by the time of the wedding. I do feel a little like giving up meetings, though...I kind of feel like I'm not getting as much support from them anymore, and starting next week I have to switch back to the night meeting because of class. I really didn't feel like I got what I needed from that leader. So is it worth it for me to spend the $40 a month and have to drag myself there?

Linda-We are SO far from signing any papers, don't worry! Today I am setting up an appt with a business counselor. They are NYS funded, too. They are supposed to help us with the business plan, funding, licensing, etc. There is a counselor based at my college, too, so that is very convient.

Laura-I totally hear you with the college expenses. It is really tough...I don't know how the schools expect students to afford it; and then the come out with such debt. Not a great way to start off their "own life." A little tip with books...try not to purchase from the bookstore. My school goes through efollet.com; she can select her classes and find out what her books are, then go elsewhere. I got all of my books this semester for $59, including shipping. To purchase just one of my books at the bookstore was $65. The only negative is that you aren't able to buy used, and you can't sell back. For me, I don't sell back any of my culinary books, and my instructor chose new textbooks this semester, so I wouldn't of been able to buy used anyway. My biggest expense for school, though, was CHILD CARE! When I started going, I took night classes, but very few culinary classes are offered at night, so before long I had to do something with the girls during the day. And that meant taking out Stafford loans to pay for day care and the college's preschool. This year alone, I'm taking out $6k just to pay for child care. It's awful, but I'd rather do it this way than wait til Cammy's in kindergarten (she's only 2 1/2 now) and have to start from the beginning. Oh, and don't feel bad about making an opps with the forms...doing financial aid is the MOST confusing thing. There are so many forms, so much that needs to get filled out and turned in...I've done it at least 5 yrs, including past college attempts, and still have to look back at the previous year to remember how it's done.

Erica-Sorry about your pie! LOL! I hate it when things don't work out like that. I have to finish a cake today...it has just NOT been cooperating.

Kim-HAPPY BIRTHDAY! How did I miss that on myspace? How did your son make out driving to school?

Back off to finish the cake...talk to you guys later.

Janelle, sorry about your friend and your perceived "cold shoulder". I hope that it not the case. Have you confronted her or will you just leave it?
Happy birthday Kim... keep a watch on making it the "birthday week" vs. birthday day and try to gain control over all the other meals you have and treats, other than those special meals.
Erica, my favorite wine is pinot grigio too and I think it's fabulous in a spritzer! I have tried a blush wine as well and that works nicely too.
Paige, good luck with all your plans. EAT today, but eat on program and take time to drink that water. Maybe a nice walk outdoors will clear your head with all the details that are swimming around in there!
I'm running short on time this morning, so will post more later.
Happy Friday!

Hi again everyone,
Well I just thought I'd share with you all that I just got my exercise in for the day, and it felt SO GOOD!!! After being in tears at one point during my run/walk, I came back with a renewed attitude.... that this is it, for real. I've said that so many times this summer, and I've just been kidding myself, always starting good in the AM, and then blowing it by 2pm. IT'S OVER!!!!! For breakfast I just had a cp. of sliced strawberries, and a string cheese stick..... and lots of water...
I feel really good right now, motivated and positive attitude!

Good Morning all...

Again with the quick note... how is it that suddenly I am so busy?!?!?

Went to dinner last night with the kiddies. Not the best place to dine, but they had free dinner coupons for this burger joint near us. Very limited healthy food options. Had a chicken sandwich with guacamole that was killer both in taste and in points I am sure!! Good thing I ate somewhat lite anticipating the big crash!! Tonight we are going to the inlaws.... more bad food choices. They are old school pollocks that put a stick of butter in everything.... I guess portion control with be the key.

:balloons: Happy Belated Birthday Kim!!! I remember when I turned 40 a couple years ago I cut my long hair shorter and went out shopping with my very stylish friend. She was always telling me I dressed like my mom.... suddenly I didn't want to do that!! She even had me buy some "questionable" under garments. Too Funny!! But I really had the desire to redefine myself and creating something different for the next 20 years.

Paige: I like the "Bakehouse". Sounds warm and cozy!! Please let me know how to find you on myspace... I would love to see your cakes. I haven't really ever been on the site.... was on the other day, but had no idea how to locate anyone.

Well, I have a house full of kids so I need to make sure no one is trying to destroy my house.

Have a great day everyone....

Kim2-My myspace link is on my signature. Go there...I have a slideshow of my cakes on that page so you don't have to click on "pictures."

Hi everyone, I still have not had a chance to get to a meeting. I have been consumed with htis bus issue....Yesterday my son wanted me to meet him at the scholl. He was afraid about finding his room again due to the bus being LATE bcuz of the 80 people they have on the bus. he would have no one to follow cuz they are all in the classroom. Anyway I did and he was ready to pke ...He got motion sick. This is crazy. Iwas on the phone 2times yes . There is so much to this story. Anyway the jest of it is we may get a reporter in to discuss issues with transportation in genereal. They want to talk to us but everyone is to afraid to chat on tv. So hopefuylly someone will. It is unsafe and just plain wrong the things these systems do to SAVE MONEY.

Anyway so today I am trying to have a normal? day. I actually went shopping and bought 4 xmas gifts.....I know I am crazy but they were great items and on sale. Now I am home and need to catch up on cleaning.....Tom we are renting a carpet cleaner so I need to get prepared.

Paige Love the name to the bakery...

Kim, I have a sister who lives in Milford and a cousin who lives in Heartland. If we every move back to Mi that is where I want to live myself.(heartland) I would love to live on a lake though.. I grew up in Livoina, lived there with my dh, and recently moved to columbus. We actully may be moving back soon if a new job does not come up here. There is work in MI for my dh which seems crazy with everyone losing the jobs there.

For everyone with college kids, wow never thought of the food issue. That stinks because most kids these days want to stay healthy...Hope all goes well withthem.

I love pinot noir tooo. Heck I like any kind of wine.

Well I hope I do jojin next week, cuz I will not record without joining. But I am going back to the gym on MONDAY morning...So hold me accountable to that.

Paige do not quit going to the meetings. Everytime I did I was NOt successful. Hang in there you have a lot going and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed and that would be an easy thing to knock out...

Chat with you all later have a great day.. Barb.






p

Wow, 3 posts for me in one day!! You guys are my life line I tell ya, so checking back in, is one of the ways I can stay in control. Well Linda, after a very long day (including a funeral) I'm enjoying a wine spritzer right now! It's some kind of Blue Nun white wine mixed perrier and it is very good!! I now have 9 pts. left for the day and it's almost 6:00pm, I'm feeling pretty good about the day. I'm so glad that Linda mentioned "haylo's" name!! I've always wondered that... :)

Paige- you and i SHould get together, because our valley's seem to come in the same sort of cycles, I know how you feel kind of "ho-hum" about all of this every once in awhile. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

Ok, my 8 yr. old DD is waiting to get to her "Webkinz" business, dear Lord why did I ever buy that thing for her??

Bye for now....

No more valleys, ladies! We're ALL DONE with that stuff, right?
By the way, I am sorry about the bus issue DJM, it will get better. The first week or so, it's always crazy.
No big news here. I was very good for breakfast and lunch and then DH suggested he take "his girls" out to dinner as my daughter is leaving for Maryland tonight. We leave in about 15 minutes. I'm probably going to cry when I hug her and say goodbye, I can't help it.
We had dinner out and I figure it to be 14 points. I had 11 points left for the day and will have to dig into the flex points. I had a Jamaican Red Stripe beer, by the way, and it was a real treat. Brought me back to the days when DH and I went to Jamaica.
Linda

Hello everyone,

I met up with an old friend of mine which was nice considering that my other friend is acting strange. Tomorrow I am on my way to houston to see the dallas cowboys vs. the texans I am excited yeah. My goal this weekend is to get back on track I got a little sidetracked this past couple of days and I don't exactly like the way I have been eating. I haven't been eating a lot but it's the choices I have been making that are not to great.

Derry: as far as confronting my friend I am usually I very blunt person, so maybe with time but I also think she is aware of her actions. It's just that there have been a couple times where she has invited me and then basically univited me or discourged me from meeting up with her and her group of friends so I think yesterday was it for me. What upsets me most is that I have always been there for her like taken her across town and I mean really far on work nights all the way home b/c she had to much to drink. I think actually this is where the seperation in our friendship began b/c I basically told her I couldn't be doing that everytime we went out and espically not on work nights and that she needed to be more responsible so I don't think she like that to much. I was just tired of being responsible for her actions all the time. Anyways, I think she has found another friend who is willing to go out and party all the time so I get kicked to the curb. Anyways, after she ditched me yesterday I started thinking about how maybe it's best for me anyways. I am always worried when I do meet with her that I am going to have to take her home, and then drive myself all the way back. I think a lot of it is my frustration as well so distance from her might be good. Well see what happens.

EricaL: yeah you are right I do that too, I pretend that things don't bother me but they do. Thanks for reminding me to be good to myself.

kim: happy belated b-day!!!!!

paige: best of luck, I am so excited for you I hope things work out

bellybuster: hope you had a good time with your in-laws, and I hope you were able to make good decisions.

ann: Excercise, excercise, excercise hope things are going well for you.

Good Morning everyone,
Well, I stepped on my home scales this AM and I finally squeeked back into the the 160's (169.5). I absolutely hated seeing that scale back in the
170's, that is a complete danger zone for me. So here it is Saturday, and I really need to continue with the strength that I had yesterday to be very, very good. The key for me yesterday was when I was hungry last night, and could have easily nibbled my way to bed, I just had a small 1oz. piece of chicken and then just decided to go to bed. I also went for a walk just before that, because I just needed to calm my brain down from the day with a walk, instead of eating, because that is what I've been doing.... eating to calm myself....

haylo-I think you need to decide "how worth it" is your friend to keep. Is it too much work? Or are the benefits of the friendship more than those times when you are feeling "used".

Well, DD and my niece want to go bake something right now so, I'm gonna go..

I could have sworn that I posted yesterday morning before I took off for the day! I had a busy day even though I took a vacation day. My nephew is getting married today and I volunteered to help with the food prep. His mom and aunt are caterers and are catering the wedding. Obviously, the bride of the groom won't be available much to work the wedding day and because it is their business and are already paying for a big chunk toward the wedding, the thought of them hiring extra help kind of defeats the purpose. So I spent yesterday chopping and cutting prep food. Toward the end of the mission, a huge storm blew in and blew in tornados with it!!! YIKES! the tornadoes went through the area between my brother's house and my house so I drove thru some of the devastation. I was exhausted by the time I came home. Yesterday was not a great day for food.

I need to get ready early and get to the hall early today so I won't be around. I'm glad for the spritzer posts from yesterday and today. That will probably be my choice tonight if I partake in any alcohol. I'm driving so I may just have one early on and stick to diet sodas. The weather was supposed to clear up for the wedding but now it's not looking so good. This stupid weather system just doesn't want to move on. The wedding is at beautiful Bowen Mills and is scheduled to be outdoors and then the reception indoors at a beautiful hall. They have a petting zoo and wagon rides for the guests while photos are being taken and before dinner. There is a covered bridge and a river so I'm excited to go.

I've rambled enough. I hope I get too busy to eat too much today!

Good morning ladies.
I do hope everyone has a Super Saturday.
Barb, that is so awful about the bus. You often hear these stories at the beginning of the year. It is unfortunate they can't figure it out prior to school starting. Usually the people making the decisions think it looks great on paper but once you add children into the equation, it can be horrible. I hope it gets worked out soon.
Welcome Shy Moment/Rennie. Good luck on your journey. I do hope you enjoy this site. I find that these ladies are so supportive and have helped me so much with my journey.
Haylo, Hey there, exercise is going well. I am sorry your friend isn't being much of a friend. I think some people will take advantage of your kindness.
I do hope you enjoy the game and have an awesome weekend.
Tech, I still haven't been out on my bike yet. I just can't find the time...I know it is an excuse. I have to find the time. I was so exhausted yesterday I did nothing except eat on plan and my walk. I think I needed a day off from all my exercising. Well I had a nice restful day and now back to my lifestyle.
Linda, how was last night? It is hard when our children go anywhere without us. You have given her roots and now you have given her a little try at sprouting her wings. I do hope that your week goes well. Maybe exercising or doing stuff for yourself this week will be a nice change. I hope your daughter has a wonderful time and that this is an enjoyable time for you.
Erica, welcome back. Great job being on plan yesterday and going for your walk/run. Don't you and Paige live fairly close to each other. It would be so great if you guys could meet. I am finding as I get closer to my goal weight I am not as strict as when I was 230 pounds. I just thought it was a lifestyle change for me now. I do realize that I still need to be focused now because I still have a way to go. I think when I get compliments I think oh yeah I am doing good. I guess I need to change my mindset. It is really weird how complicated this journey has been at times, just all aspects of it. I always thought weightloss was a simple process. Who knew....have a great day.
Laura, how are you doing? I find it so hard when anyone needs anything. I always wish there was something I could do. It is okay if I am needing something. I know I will get through. It is just when a child, neice, nephew, others you hear about are needing things. I will keep you in my prayers.
I am sorry, I need to go my son is calling me. I will post after.
Hello everyone else and have an awesome day.
Ann

Well, have to admit I cried after we got back from dropping my daughter off at her friend's house. She's gone now and probably about 3/4ths through with her trip to Maryland. I hope she does ok. I have to stop worrying and remember not to nag her when she calls about stuff.
So, maybe it's going to be a dangerous day? My son will be with us for dinner tonight and he and my husband want to go to a Chinese/Japanese restaurant that serves Sushi. I will have to find something on the menu that I will and can eat. Should be interesting.
This house is so quiet!
Well, off I go to get breakfast and move along with my dad.
I wish a happy and HEALTHY Saturday to you all,

Happy Saturday all!

Well, last night my friend (new business partner) Megan, my dh, and I went to look at our potential new bakery. I'm glad that I talked myself out of getting my hopes up too high!!! The location is absolutely perfect, that is what I am really torn about. The building...well, saying that it needs a lot of work is a complete understatement! LOL! I mean, it's very do-able, but it's going to take a lot of time, money, and effort. The apartment upstairs is completely gutted, so that is a huge project in itself. The store needs a complete makeover. There is no "front of the house" (store front) and "back of the house" (kitchen area) either, and that really bothers me. The previous business used to make bagels infront of the customers, which is fine and dandy, but when I'm doing cakes, I don't want a line of customers looking over my shoulder! In remodeling, we would have to split the store area and make a wall and create a kitchen area. There is also a rather large basement that has an office and storage. I think we could make an area down there, too, for prep. I think Megan and I came to the conclusion that when we are ready to start making actual offers on places, if this place is still for sale we will revisit it and reconsider. In the long run I would rather put more time and money into getting a place up and running if it is in an awesome location than to not have to put anything into a place that isn't in good location, you know? At least we now have a better idea of what we are looking for, though.

I feel like I have been doing really well with eating lately. I've just been so busy that I am eating when I can; making right choices and not skipping meals like I did last week. I have been staying away from the scale the last few days, too. My home scale is just driving me a little too crazy.

Today I have to start putting another cake together. Luckily I had baked the cakes the on Thursday and froze them; today it's supposed to be back up over 90, so I really don't want to have to turn my oven on. This cake today is going to be a bit more involved, too. I'm doing a vertical golf bag with golf clubs and balls. Then this afternoon we have our neighborhood block party to go to. I'm not really sure what to expect for food. I know there is going to be A LOT of alcohol there, but last year I got extremely drunk (long story...the previous night my cousin was shot and killed, I was very upset about it and just kept drinking.) I am not planning on drinking tonight. I hate the way drinking makes me feel...even worse than overeating. I'm not sure what food is going to be there. They are doing a pig roast, I know that...last year I remember it being so fatty; it makes my stomach churn. If it wasn't going to be so stinking hot I would make that Chili Mac and bring down. Hmmmm...

Barb-That bus situation is awful. My dd starts kindergarten this year, and I'm a little nervous about her riding the bus. Getting her on the bus, and the actual bus ride will be ok, but I'm worried about her getting off at a strange place (she's only been there twice) and not knowing where to go. We have some really good boys that live across the street, so I think I'm going to ask the older one to keep an eye out for her the first few days. She has to wear this "tag" around her neck for the first two weeks that has all of her/our/her teacher's information. And I also know that the buses pull up one at a time, and the teachers and aides are there to take the kids off. She's a pretty smart little cookie, so I know she'll figure it out, but I'm just nervous about that part of it.

Laura-Have fun at the wedding! I love weddings.

Erica-It seems that we are both getting back on track. Good job on your before bed choice last night.

Janelle-Your friend doesn't sound like much of a friend. It's funny, when we get to our mid-20's and see the changes in ourselves and see how some friends don't change (did that make any sense?!) I have a friend that I met up with for dinner a few weeks ago, and I left the dinner feeling OLD. LOL! She was talking about how she's going out partying, clubing, staying out all hours of the morning, blah blah blah. She wants me to go out with her some Thursday (the big "party" night, I guess.) I'm like, ummm, I can't...I kind of have, uh, responsibilities! Dh and I have had to cut our losses with a lot of "friends"...some that just weren't at the same place in their lives as we were in ours.

Ok, gonna send this off. Hopefully I'll be back later. Have a great day all!

Hi all,

Linda's suggestions for getting back on track have been working really well for me so far (Thanks Linda!!) and I have them on my cell phone memo list as a reminder. I am still fighting this stupid cold but it is slowly getting better. I managed to run twice this week, too. So things are on the mend.

Plan for today:
B: cereal with strawberries (4); coffee (0.5)
L: salad with veggie "chicken" strips (6)
D: Lasagna (6), salad (3) and red wine (2)
S: popcorn (2), crackers & hummus (1)
total: 24.5

I am hoping to get some yoga in later today as well.

Yesterday I sewed. ALL DAY! I made my first ever dress for my daughter. It turned out great and I'll put a picture up on my blog soon.

Laura - I love working with vocal majors! If your DD was at one of our local schools here I might end up accompanying her :) Don't worry about your weigh in!! .2 is really nothing especially for TOM!

Linda - :hug: I know this trip for your DD is stressing you out a bit. I am thinking good thoughts for both of you! Breathe :) and keep us posted!
The COmpany's Coming Roast sounds awesome, would love to see the recipe! I need to get back into using my slow cooker more.

Janelle - :hug: i know what that feels like when a friend is distant to you. You're right ... each day we get a new chance.

Kim - Happy belated birthday! Hmmm, I need a new 'do, too ...

Erica - You go! I love your goals!! You can do this ...

Paige - :hugs: It is great to realize when we are going through the "valleys" on our journey so we don't fall into traps. Personally I have never been to a WW meeting ... I prefer the online approach ... so I hope you find the balance you're looking for.

:wave: to Barb, Rennie and Ann ... sorry ... I ran out of time for personals! Have a great day everyone ... time to get brekkie for DD!

cheers
Erika

Hi all!

What a night we had. Tornados just to the west of us and to the north. My DH was working during the storms, driving with kids, and drove right through the one area just before the tornado went through. Ugh... I was a wreck. Then I call my best friend and she is also on the highway, but thankfully she just ran into lots of rain, no tornados. My kids were very worried about our house, and the fact that we had left our new puppy home in her crate (we were at the in-laws). So after the storms passed, my DH went home to get the dog and bring her back to where we were. Our stuff is fine, but we have some friends that were in the middle of the badly hit area, and they aren't fairing so well.

As a result of all the tension and "excitement", I ate like there was no tomorrow. And since I have been eating less.... the eating more stuff was awful. I was so miserable last night that I really felt like I wanted to make myself vomit just to get some relief. MIL had basically the traditional turkey day dinner, so I totally carbo loaded. Then of couse, you can't stop at one scoop of stuffing.... you have to eat two.... and then there was the pumpkin pie, which just set me over the edge. Ugh!!! It was a miserable night to say the least!!

So today, I am restricting carbs..... staying within my points..... and working out... something that I haven't done in three days. Oh yeah, said I was going to.... but something just kept getting in the way and it just didn't happen. I really don't want to loose the momentum that I have just started with. Today is going to be a calm and peaceful day though so that should help. I will be in control of myself today!!!


Barb - the whole bussing thing just sucks. My kids are on the thing for 45 minutes in the morning and thankfully only about 15 in the afternoon (the route works so the the first to get picked up are the first to get dropped, making everyone's ride equal for the day). And like Paige, the district does a good job with making sure the little ones are well taken care of. ID tags with parent and teacher info....teachers meet kids at bus (for kindergarten and 1st grade, they do it the whole year!), and even if there is a late bus, the principal and secretaries meet the bus and get the kids to where they need to go. I let my kids bring books and little games that they can play on the bus to make the ride a little more managable. They are given orders that those things better not come out of their backpacks once they get to school, and so far I think that they have obeyed!

Paige- I am sorry that the store didn't work out. But you are right in that now you have a starting point. You can compare anything else that you look at to this one and see if it is better or worse. The right place will come along. These things take lots of time and patience ( and unfortunately a lot of money!!). I am glad that you mentioned the grants, because that was going to be my recommondation. A woman I know got a really great grant when she started her business.... they take a lot of work and are a huge pain... but well worth it. Have you gone to sba.gov? My DH started there when he was making up his first business plan. There may be some info there you can use.

Erica - Webkins....ugh..... my kiddies have them.... I just found out that you have to get a new one every year to keep the one you have "alive". I had no idea. What a racket! My kids love them though! And I have to say in helping my little DS, I enjoy playing too!!


Erika - I like to sew too, I just wish that I was better at it, and had more time for it. I am hoping that now that all the kids are in school I will make more time for it. Of course I have to get my "sewing room" organized!! I'll have to add it to my huge and ever growing to do list. I think I am overthinking how much time I am really going to have between working for my DH, doing the regular house chores, and all the other things that get in the way on any given day. This will be my first school year with all the kiddies in school... so I have big plans!!

Haylo - I agree with the others. Sometimes you have to look at relationships and if you realize that you are giving way more than you are getting back.... time to cut the cord. Especially if you are loosing out on fun because you are stressing about how the evening will end. It is funny how as you get older, you don't put up with certain things from friends, and you know how you want to be treated, and what you are willing and not willing to do, things that you wouldn't have questioned before. I guess the old saying is true... with age comes wisdom!!

Ok, so the kiddies are begging for lunch.... even though the older ones are completely capable of making their own sandwiches.... Everyone have a terrific on-plan day. I am committing to getting in some exercise today.... no excuses!!!!

Kim2

Hello All,

Just checking in. I read everyone's posts, but don't have time to reply to everyone, or I'll never make it to the store today. (I hate grocery shopping and am procrastinating).

The last couple of days I've been doing pretty well food wise. I tried Linda's spritzer suggestion, think I needed a stronger tasting wine though. But it's a good idea. I was proud of myself yesterday, I work in the glass shop on fridays and am hot and tired when I get home and never want to cook. So yesterday I left a meal in the crockpot for dinner. The food wasn't that great, needs some tweaking, but the concept was great. We didn't order out pizza or go out to eat.....

It's been raining all week so I haven't gotten in any bike riding :( I did however go to curves twice so that's better than nothing. Hopefully we'll go for a walk after shopping, the rain's supposed to be clearing out.

Kim - Happy belated birthday!!!! Glad you had fun.

Laura and Kim2 - glad you both posted, I'd been thinking of you as the storms rolled thru. Luckily they weren't bad here. My parents said they were wicked out be them though.

Well I really should get moving. Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Hello everyone.
Tech, I do hope it gets better outside so that you can go out riding your bike. I still haven't taken my out yet. I like running better so far. I should give riding a try though.
Erica, way to go getting into the 160's that is great. How was your day.
Linda, I do hope that your dinner out tonight is okay.
Laura and Kim 2 , I do hope those darn storms go away. I was worried about you two when I heard about them.
Janelle, have an awesome day. I do hope you enjoyed the game.
Paige, all this stuff is so exciting. I know it must be a lot of work, but I am sure it will be so worth it.
Kim, how are you and your daughter doing?
Erika, Good planning with meals today. Do you enjoy Yoga, I think it would be nice and relaxing.
Barb, I hope your day is going well. I know that I would be stressed if my DS had to go on the bus. I just think he is too young to ride a bus. The school said, he didn't have to go on the bus as long as I am willing to get him there and back each day. Here they do assign an older child to each of the younger ones to help them get to the proper classroom. Each older child only has one buddy so the can manage to get them to their classroom.
I have done my walk and my run and now DS wants to go swimming so I think I should go as I feel like eating sweets. I need to replace this feeling with something.
Have a great night everyone.
Sorry if I missed anyone.
Take care
Ann

Good evening all... I tried to go to bed and just couldn't get to sleep. It's one of "those" nights where sleep eludes me, too much caffeine today, missing my daughter, hot/muggy and hating the sound of the air conditioners, etc. So, here I am while DH goes off into slumberland.
Paige, sounds like lots of things for you to think about. I am sending you a private e-mail with a few thoughts.
Paige, when my kids were in kindergarten, at first, I followed the bus to school for about the first three or four days. I was out of the car and standing on the curb, smiling and waving, when the bus arrived at school and then I walked my kids to the classroom until they felt OK finding it on their own and got to know other kids and the teacher. It was a big step for me and for them. Hmmm... it reminds me of how I miss my own daughter so much tonight. She's 16 and a 12 (that's how long it took them to get there) hour ride away from me - the furthest away either of my kids have been from me since birth, I'm "homesick" even if she isn't right now. I hope she's OK. I just went into her bedroom, looked around and her presence is so missed. Hard to explain. I feel like the mommy who just had her little one leave on that school bus for the first day of school. It's probably very good practice for me, as if when either of them move away or go away to college, I'll be a bit prepared?
Eating was exactly very good last night or today. I think I am just too upset to be in control.
What I did do, this evening, was to write up a meal plan for myself for the four days that I am going up to the lake by myself. I'm going to either bring food from home or buy it the first day and stick with it. If I have a menu and a plan to follow, I do so very well.
I did go to the gym today. Boy, it was a "light" crowd, I practically had the whole place to myself. The girl at the front desk even came over and was chatting with me (has never happened before) while I was on the exercise bike. It was very boring in there, but I got in my workout and I was proud.
I exceeded 10 minutes on the elliptical today, a first. I started out with only 5 minutes and was absolutely exhausted and barely could do it. I got my heartrate up to 140 today and it was good. I have been increasing the time on the elliptical 30 seconds each time I go, but after taking so many vacations, I really wasn't doing very well. But, today was a good day for that and gave me something positive to think about, at least.
Paige, I agree that with some friends, you just have to cut your losses. Some people don't change and I feel like I am learning and growing every day of my life. I will not remain stagnant and don't want to. I cut myself out of a group of friends who were driving me crazy, not long ago. They were in an endless rut talking about politics and religion all the time and always finding fault with some people's beliefs (including my own). I don't need to drag myself down with it anymore. I feel I took the high road. Oddly enough, these people kind of "beg" me to come back with regularity. I am being truly missed. But, I will not stoop to that level with them any longer. I thought they were about the best friends I've ever had in my life, but they truly were like poison. I'd almost rather have no friends at all.
I have you guys, as well, and that is very important to me. You all are my lifeline in terms of keeping me on track, keeping me honest with myself and helping me conquer my nemesis.
Erika, I'll dig out that roast recipe, remind me. It's really very easy. BUT... here is a bit of a tip from me! DO NOT put a frozen roast in a crock pot and turn it on and expect your crock pot to be OK, the crockery WILL crack! Silly me. I ended up buying a brand new crock pot today and I guess it's my fault that it broke, the differences in temps with a frozen roast and a heating element with only about 2/3rds of an inch of crockery in between them is not a good thing. Oh well. I have learned a valuable lesson about crock pot cooking. Next time, defrost it in the microwave if you must start off with a frozen roast. Whoops. I must say that I did find a great new crock pot on sale that is larger than my old one, so I was pleased, but I truly liked the old one as well.
Erika, you've NEVER been to a WW meeting? Wow. I'm surprised. I really do wish you would go sometime, just to try it and let us know what you thought of it vs. just doing it on line. I want to see a photo of that dress you've been working! What fun!
I am going to our cabin on the lake alone on Monday and won't be back until Thursday. I hope to have a personal retreat with planned meals, activity and lots of quilting and sewing! I hope to get something done to show my quilt guild when meetings resume in September. We have "show and tell" and I am VP of the guild this year and I've got nothing to show for all summer. I'm embarrassed! Time to get to work.
Kim2, I'm confused. A Thanksgiving type of dinner in hot August weather? What was your MIL thinking! It actually sounds good to me, but I am always hungry... but it's so darn hot to cook like that. Was there a family party? Oh yes, when my kids were on the bus that long and had to get up even earlier (school bells ring at 7:00 am and the bus would pick them up at 6:15) I finally gave in and started driving them. It was more wear and tear on me and my car, but I was angry at the length of time the bus was taking out of their lives. The school is about 7 minutes from my house, but the kids were on the bus a total of about an our and 15 minutes a day. I started to do the math. Six hours a week on a ____ school bus with other people's kids misbehaving and causing trouble. It actually equaled (in a 4 week month) 24 hours in a month - one entire day of their lives a month spent on a school bus. When I finally did the math, I finally got convinced that I needed to be their personal chauffer. Everyone got to sleep about a half hour later each day. Our lives were less stressful, they were happier and if they were happy, I was happy. So, school busses were less a part of our lives and I think my kids were all the better as a result. I truly don't believe that this is why, but it did seem like my kids were always more well behaved and more focused than other kids. Maybe just even getting the right amount of sleep and my making them a decent breakfast (having the time to do it) each morning before they had to run out into dark and cold weather to get on a bus, and then sit three on a seat with kids they didn't know driving around neighborhoods. It's not fun for them, and I hated that it was happening - so I just took control, period.
Tech, great job with the crock pot and I'm glad you liked the spritzer! What kind of wine did you end up using? I like the flavor of a pinot grigio, but ask for lime along with my club soda. It's very refreshing for me and I really have grown to love them.
Well, I need to close now and I sure hope I can feel ready for some sleep sometime soon. I sure wish the thunderstorms they predicted might come so it would be cooler and the constant drone of the air conditioner wouldn't be so bothersome. I sit here wondering how my daughter is and if she is sleeping in a decent and clean place. Nothing I can do.
Take care all,

Ann, we crossed posts. Have a great night!

I just re-started the thread:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121244
Whenever we reach about 10 pages, it is too much for some people to download or post, so off we go on another adventure.
Ah, I love new beginnings!

Good Morning everyone,
Well, we had a babysitter last night.... and ended up with meeting my sister and her boyfriend at the Great NY State Fair. The strategy that I used worked really well, and this is what I did... I drank wine instead of beer....I ordered a Turkey Sausage sandwich, and it was really quite bad, so I ate half of it and gave the rest to DH, so I was pretty satisfied after that... then we were walking on the Midway and DH bought a slice of pizza, I had about two bites of his, and we kept walking....so as it came time to leave, there was the gyro place, my absolute favorite so he bought one of those, and again, I just had a few bites of it. I was down again on my home scales this AM. So I think what I did was to just sample DH's food, I felt satisfied because I wasn't missing out on anything, which is what typically causes me to binge.

So now I'm just debating on when to go WI. I'm really just trying to get back down to the weight that I was when I weighed in last time and showed a 4lb. gain. Here I am being good, and losing on my home scales, and because it's been so long since I've gone to a meeting, I don't want to go and show another gain! Well, I've got two days to think about it, and who knows, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and be back down to that weight anyway. Oh the games I play.

Linda- so is your daughter on a vacation? Is she coming back before school starts? You can tell that I wasn't reading posts for awhile, so now I'm trying to catch up and follow along. I really like what you said about the decisions you've made in the past with regard to "dropping friendships". I too have done that for self preservation, it's really hard at first, but so much healthier in the long run. I really struggle now with a friendship that I have. I truly consider her my best friend, but she has a very difficult time with being negative about everything... she really can be a downer. Somedays I question myself why I continue to put the effort into the friendship, when I am constantly trying to put a positive spin on things for her. I get mad at myself when I get sucked in to her negativity, and start thinking like she does because that just isn't who I am. I tell my DH that I keep the friendship going because, her and I have a lot of the same views on life and raising kids, and in the dead of winter, she is my lifeline. Who knows, all relationships aren't suppose to be easy they take work I guess.

Ann-way to go with removing yourself from the urge to eat sweets... do you have a pool?

Tech-you just reminded of how easy and nice it is to come home to a crockpot meal. I need to look up some crockpot low point meals.

Paige-I'm looking for a "knock your socks off" chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is for our bakery, so no needs for it to be WW friendly.... Do you have a good one? I've just always used the Tollhouse one.... but I want something different.

Kim2-staying in control is such a good feeling isn't it? I enjoy food so much more when it is calculated and controlled. Like, an apple is just so much more appealing to me when I'm on program, and it is a calculated snack. Not sure if that makes sense or not. Funny what you said about the webkins, because I have sadly found myself playing the games as well. My kids were like, "Wow, mom likes webkins!"

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, that yesterday, I had the most selfish 3 hours of the entire summer. What did I do? I got my haircut, my eyebrows waxed and a pedicure!! I was all by myself, it was amazing....