WW Clubs and Groups - Monday Monday (look! a de-lurk!)

Hi Guys! Well, it's early Monday morning (UK time - you guys are probably all still snoozing!) and I've just caught up on a whole bunch of posts from the last few days. So impressed by Friday (numbers AND motivation!) that I jsut had to chip in. If only I could spell j-u-s-t (anyone else have that problem?). Things here are good, if busy - just had 2 conferences where I was presenting papers, one in Cork (Ireland) and one in London.

Now I have to concentrate on the thesis for a few weeks ... but only a few weeks ... because OMIGOD the wedding is now less than 5 weeks away. I have finally got an outfit, from a shop in LOndon called French & Teague, which is owned by the actress/comedian Dawn French ... if any of you have ever heard of her (French & Saunders, Vicar of Dibley...). She's a big lady herself and the clothes in this shop are FAB - my outfit is 3 pieces, all bias-cut ivory georgette, hand printed in Ghana by an artist called Ashia (I know, I know, very OK-Yah, dahlings, but it really is beautiful). It's a tube skirt, a cmailasio ok that should have read c-a-m-i-s-o-l-e and a fabby floaty coat with drippy sleeves (if you can imagine that). Sigh. Wish I could wear it every day. It is the single most expensive outfit I have EVER bought in my life and I am still trying to reconcile with my conscience :^:

Rina - I feel your pain (about the wedding countdown), but they're all right, you know - eventually I switched off the little voice in my head that said I should weigh such-and-such an amount by the wedding day (actually that little voice is pretty much permanently switched off at the mo!) and whoever it was (Jess?) suggested finding other goals, healthy things to do etc, was SO right. I've been making smoothies (to get in the fruit! and sometimes the bran, if I can sneak it in without Blokey noticing :s: ) and slowly building up the jogging. Feeling good! To be honest, I've been getting more and more uneasy about the whole counting-the-pounds thing, I think it's all mixed up with lots of other things I've been feeling uneasy about - just read 'No Logo' by Naomi Klein, and a couple of other simple living type things, and so I guess I'm kind of re-evaluating stuff (hence the guilt about the outfit! but I'm kind of getting over that now :D )

BTW, Becky, about the rings (we just bought ours yesterday!) - my fingers shrunk A LOT, about 4 sizes over 50lbs (yup, and now they've crept up a little along with the rest of me) and I had to have my engagement ring re-sized twice. So I guess it depends where you store your fat - mine goes on pretty much all over, but I know some people keep skinny extremities and just gather fat, say, round the waist and under the chin. Good luck!

Belle - fab photo, BTW! - Buffy the also-illegal hamster is still beautiful, but she has lately taken to staying up into the morning and having tantrums if I don't let her out to play in her ball ... what you were saying about Cartwright must be a hamster thing because when she's stropping she throws all her toys around too! Once she even dragged her little toilet house across the cage! Aw, I hope Cartwright likes the linoleum carpet ... all Buffy's stuff is perspex, so her little feet don't fall down the gaps! She has a safari lookout box at the top of a tube that's quite high and she goes up there every evening to have her long getting-up wash and groom!

Jen - love the photo of Emma, she's getting so big, compared to the last photo I saw of her! She looks like she loves the water, too - is she a water baby?

Everyone else - this has been a novel, sorry about that, but it's been a while. Should say 'hi' to the not-so-newbies I haven't met yet (Winter, Star, who else?) and also tell you (I am so proud of myself here!) I made apple kuche this morning (dough was in the fridge overnight) and 3/4 of it is now in the freezer. That's quite an achievement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I'm off - maybe back later, let's see how the evil thesis comes on...

love and hugs,
Lolly
xxx

Good morning, everyone! I'm still trying to decide whether or not today is going to be a good day... It started out good, with a security guard here flirting with me and then my BF acting all jealous. (He almost never gets jealous, so it's great when he does). But I got to my desk and my editor set a whole stack of her (work) stuff on my chair and that kind of annoyed me. She's been working on the other side of the building doing a different job than what she normally does, I'm swamped with work and doing two other people's jobs on top of my own and now she wants me to take on her responsibilities, too? Of course, I'm too big of a wimp to say anything, so I'll just do it and moan about it.

AND, on top of the huge pile of extra work that I now have here, I have a lot going on outside of work, too... I'm moving to my new 2 BR apt on Saturday, so I'm trying to get packing done at my current place, I work a second job at my gym and will probably end up working at least once this week, I have WW on Tuesday night and really need to stay for the meeting so maybe I can get re-motivated, I move on Saturday, and I start working 10-hour night shifts on Monday... I just wish there were a few more hours in a day. :D

Sorry to spend so much time whining, but you guys are always so great with advice (and soothing words), I just feel better knowing you guys know about my dilemma(s)...

OK, enough of the negativity from me. The weekend didn't go so well, but I did learn an important lesson: things cooked in a FryDaddy will cause me to wake up in the middle of the night, clutching my abdomen in pain and then give me terrible diarrhea. (TMI, I know...) It's just so hard to say no to mozzarella sticks cooked in oil... I think that a big part of my eating problem is just that things are so crazy right now. Once they start calming down, hopefully eating will be better. I just gotta concentrate on not gaining since I can't concentrate on losing right now.

OH! Before I forget, I just have to tell you this info. I got measured on Thursday at the gym. Since starting working out (in November), I've lost 22.5 inches off my body. They measure bust, arms, legs, waist, etc. I was shocked by that number and very proud of myself.

Lolly--Your outfit sounds breathtaking! I'd be telling the whole world about it too! You'll have to post a picture of you in it, I know I speak for all of us when I say we'd love to see it!

OK, I gotta get some other people's work done so maybe I can get to my own... :mad:

I'll be back later, of course. :wave:

I hate Mondays. I swear, my life would run so much smoother if I had one more day off a week. I never feel like I can get everything done and I hate that feeling...

Lolly - It's great to hear from you!! Your outfit sounds lovely. Don't worry about what you spent - this is a once in a lifetime event. I can't believe it is coming so soon!! And we want to see pictures!

Jess - Congrats on all of the inches lost! That is so great. I think it is such a good idea to measure yourself when you start losing weight so that if the scale doesn't budge, you can still mark your success another way. Good luck with the move this weekend. I don't know about anyone else, but I think it is nearly impossible to stay on plan when moving. Besides for the fact that my kitchen stuff is packed away and I am forced to order food (pizza), the packing takes up so much time and energy that I have none left to work out. It's almost over though, and hten hopefully things can return to normal for you (other than the night shifts - ugh).

Becky - My fingers only went down a half size after losing 30 pounds, but I have really tiny fingers and I don't think they could get any smaller. I went from a 4 1/2 to a 4. My advice would be to get the ring to fit you now, and get it resized later if you have to. Your fingers may not change at all.

Belle - Thanks for the picture! I know you've posted a picture before, and you're right - I do think your face looks slimmer! You are very pretty.

The weather here this weekend was terrible. It was quite cold and we had some pretty bad storms. I went out Saturday night with my friend, my brother and his girlfriend, and in the time it took us to run from the bar to the cab on our way home (about 30 feet) we were all drenched. Oh well... they say April showers bring May flowers, so I'm so glad it is almost May.

My date on Friday was fun, but I didn't feel any chemistry. That is why I hate dating. I had a really good time, but I could care less if I ever hear from him again. He called me yesterday and left me a message, and while I don't want to blow him off, I also don't want him to think I am totally into it when I'm not. Any advice?

I should get some work done...

Hi Girls!

Hey Belle - nice picture! Glad to hear that you are enjoying your new job. As you may have picked up from some of my previous posts, my current job doesn't exactly thrill me. But I know what it is like to really like a job and am working towards finding a position that will challenge me.

Your wedding outfit sound lovely Lolly. And if it really makes your feel that beautiful, maybe you should wear it every day!

Jess - congratulations on the new measurements. What an accomplishment! Sorry about your frustrations. I know it is difficult, but maybe you need to talk to your boss/co-workers etc. and get them to pitch in and lighten the load. Might feel less stressed about the move and 2nd job if you are less stressed at your day job. Anyway, just a thought.

Jen - you're in Chicago right? I'm in Indy so I know what you mean about the weather - we had the same nasty stuff on Saturday. Seems like it is nice all weekend and then rainy and windy all weekend. I'd love to have at least one day this weekend to spend working in the yard.

Well girls, went out on Friday night and had so much fun. Ran into a guy that I used to work with and haven't seen in more than a year - he didn't even recognize me at first! He couldn't believe how different I look having changed my hair and lost some weight. Anyway, he introduced me to a couple of his buddies who spent the evening chatting me up - one of them even referred to me as a "hottie". I'm so tickled - I've always been the "fat" girl.

Hmmm - enough chattering on - I need to earn the money my co. pays me.

Winter

hi there,
i'm very busy at work today so just a quick post to say hi! jenl - good to have you back!!
lolly - your outfit sounds fantastic! i can't wait to see it!! 5 weeks eh? eek. what am i going to wear?! ;) i'm still debating over your wedding gift as well. will drop you an email in a mo!
jenk - i want mondays off as well! shame the date didn't work out. i'm v jealous of your tiny fingers - mine are pretty huge! but i can fit my fist in my mouth... ;)
jess - hooray on the inches. hope you get through your work ok. your boss seems to be taking liberties though. maybe you should have a word with her and say you just wanted to reaffirm what was in your job description. ie, her work isn't part of your work! hope the move goes ok. it's so stressful and time consuming. i hope BF and i extend the lease on our place for another year!
right. this was meant to be much shorter! hello to everyone i missed, i'll try to come back later and reply properly to you all,
kirsty
ps didn't get to do my flying lesson because the fuel pump on the plane was being replaced. ah well. will get to go another time.

I can put my fist in my mouth too! :dizzy: Of course, since my hands are so tiny, it is probably not as impressive as you doing it with larger hands, but still... I thought you'd be interested to know that! Sorry to hear the flying lesson was cancelled, but hopefully you will get to do it soon. And yes, I've jumped out of a few airplanes! I love it! :D (I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker...)

Winter - Yeah, I'm in Chicago. This midwest weather really stinks. They are saying we have a chance to see the sun a bit this afternoon, and then not again until Friday! Way to go on being the hottie! ;)

Hey Girls I finished reading fridays post and the wknds so I can appropriately post for the first time in a while. I had a good wknd nothing exciting. B/f and I did find dishes that we like. I am working him into this registry thing slowly. We have done one store per wknd. He is so patient with me. I am so indecisive and ask him for SO much input while I know that he really doesn't care what our plates look like and whether or not we should get china Etc. Not to mention he still cannot walk normally. So imagine me (evil g/f ) dragging crippled b/f through the stores hmming and hawing. He is soooo wonderful :love: Sorry had a little "love burst"

We watched the Red Wings game on Sat. which was exciting and then yesterday we had friends over to my house. I had a laid back wknd. The ring should be finished this wk so I am hoping he will propose this wknd but who knows :) He already mentioned having a bon fire at his house this Friday so I wonder if he is even planning on proposing any time soon. Uhh this is going to drive me absolutely crazy :rolleyes:

Rina- I think he will be romantic with the proposal but I am not sure. Part of me wants this big romantic ordeal and part of me just wants it on my finger.

Kirsty- I will try and post a pic when I get it.

Belle- You look great. 50lbs that is amazing.

Winter- That is great that you are more outgoing now. We dont realize how much our weight holds us back mentally. Granted it shouldn't but I know I let mine affect me way too much.

Ali- Keep pressing on. Like you said you don't want to be too skinny. Developing muscle is exciting so just don't worry about the weight end of things for a while :)

Jen- She is so precious :) Sorry to hear about you back. I wondered where you had been but I am not here often so I just figured we were missing one another. Have you ever considered chiropractic for your back? I go monthly and highly recommend it.

Lolly- 5wks that is amazing. ARe you exctied? I cannot wait until my wedding is just 5 wks away.

Jess= 22.5 inches. You are my hero :strong:

Jen- I ran into this same problem with 2 guys I went on dates with. They were nice but to be honest I don't need more friends so I didn't want to pursue anything b/c I wasn't feeling the chemistry. ANyways one of them kept calling and I just determined not to go out of my way to make time for him however if time allowed I would get together. Well bottom line is I never had time (literally) and he eventually said " becky why don't you just call me when you would like to get together" and I never wanted to so that is the end of that. I know it might sound harsh but why change my life to make time for someone just b/c I am afraid to be honest with him. Ok guy #2 before I left after our 1st date he asked me out again and I just said "I am not really into exclusive dating right now so if you ever want to hang out with a group of friends or something call me" needless to say he must have realized that I wasn't interested in anything and he didn't call. Then of course wiht b/f I felt the chemistry and it was just so different from the other guys that I did want to date exclusively. THat is why I am so not into going on several dates with a guy that I know I am not interested in. I hope that I don't sound evil :s: I just started to become very practical with my dating in the past few years. Either it"s there or it's not.

Ok I am finished with my monster post.

I am going to go and eat my lean cuisine!

Oh big question. I am going grocery shopping on my lunch and I was wondering what are some staple meals or items I should get? I am starting wwer's full force this wk and I really want to stick with it. Any items that you couldn't stay op without?

Thanks for the input!
Becky

Hey everyone!

There is just no possible way I'll be able to remember Friday's monster post, so I'll just have to start from today's thread :)

Lolly, the outfit sounds gorgeous - sometimes you just have to treat yourself and put aside the guilt!

Jess, when it rains it pours! Your schedule is crazy. I am a total procrastinator (ok, and lazy), but it seems like the only time I get things done is when I'm super-busy like that. I guess it's because I know I can't put things off till tomorrow. Good luck handling it though. Congrats on all the lost inches too!

Jen, bummer about the date. I really don't know what I'd do about the guy - well, I would probably just never call him back because I'd be to chicken to really say I just didn't feel any chemistry. BUT, if I was on the receiving end (which I am since the boy never called me back :cry:) then I would probably want to just know that I shouldn't keep pursuing.

Winter, that is so great on being the hottie! It's always nice to have the boys lusting after you :love:

Kirsty, bummer about the flying lessons!

Becky, sounds like you have everything moving on the engagement except the actual proposal! Details......

It seems like all the 20somethings I know around here too are getting married and buying houses. It's disgusting, I'm not even dating anyone :rolleyes: I've never even had a serious realtionship.

Well, I have got to get myself back on plan starting today. I feel like I say that every Monday, but I have been being ridiculous lately - eating whatever I want whenever I want and not exercising. I don't want to gain back all that I worked so hard to lose. No going out this week for me!

Oh, and I'm up a pound this week.

Hello everyone. I'm not too thrilled about today either. I'm in between exams right now, I think I have writer's cramp from writing a book on the one. And it'll happen again in about 45 minutes. Why are all the clocks in this computer lab different? The one on the computer says 2:15, my watch says 2:00... I hate this week! Okay, the rant is gone, the b*tch went away again. It doesn't help that I'm running low on sleep, and all of a suddent, I really really don't want to go into the "real world." Which I won't be doing right away, because although I'm graduating, I still don't have a job, but I have been looking. A lot.

Food-wise, I'm really not doing well. I've managed to clean out my entire apartment of food... ate most of it, and then threw a bunch of pasta out, because that's all I had yesterday and I didn't want any more... so if it's gone, I won't eat it:) Right?

Lexxy-- I agree with you, everyone seems to have some kind of significant other. Maybe it's because it's spring. I don't have one either, although I'm always looking:lol:

Winter & Jkarr-- I know the weather too (central IL), we had a great storm Saturday night, I stayed in to "study" -- okay, I ended up watching all five hours of Pride & Prejudice. What a movie. And the weather being bad didn't really make me study, so I"m paying for it today.

Kirsty -- too bad you couldn't go flying, that sounds like it would be awesome. I have an uncle who's way into flying, but he flies his ultralight (a really small plane, you don't need a license or anything) everywhere.

In fact, I really should be going to study, I have an exam soon. Talk to everyone later! Hope the day gets better...

HI girls - I moved on the weekend and so my home internet is off until May 9th, so expect that I won't post much (what else is new).

My new boss told me today she was on WW and lost like 30 lbs and she is wanting to go back, so we aer going tomorrow at lunch (I confess, I haven't been to am eeting in months...bad me).

I am happy b.c then I have someone to hold me accountable. Too bad its my boss though. But oh well!

Back towork, I'll write later....

Hey ladies, Well I went grocery shopping on my lunch and I got some things that I think will help me this wk to stay op. I am still open to suggestions though. I spent $100. Oh well maybe that will inspire me to be op. I bought stuff so that me and b/f can eat in when he comes over instead of spending money to go out to a restaurant. I really wish that b/f would do ww with me but he is resistant. I think I will ask him again. I may get his mom to go on it too. His entire famiy is overweight. I think he is hot, obviously but I just don't want him to have health problems due to his weight. Anyways enough about him:dizzy:

Angie- Finals make it really difficult to be good. I know how stressful the last semester of senior year undergrad can be so lots of luck to you :) Hey btw I was single FOREVER before my current b/f. I hadn't been in a relationship for 4 years. It is actually a really fun time to do interesting things. But I know at times it is a bit of a drag.

Lexxy- I know what you mean about mondays, I do the same thing:^:

Belle- I am bad too. I always stop goiing to meetings. I honestlly don't think that I have been more that 2 times consecutively. So that probably makes you feel better. No one is that bad :devil: Just me!

Well I need to work at some pt. Talk to you later.

Where are some of the regulars today??? We miss you!

Becky - Here is a short list of things I cannot live without!

Natural Ovens bread
Kraft 2% american cheese singles
Yogurt (Stonyfield Farms)
Boca spicy chicken patties
whole wheat pasta (Hodgson Mills)
Ragu low-fat alfredo sauce (for when I am sick of eating plain veggies, but still know I should eat veggies!)
spinach
eggs
Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal
Baked Tostitos
Salsa

Okay - not such a short list! This is a list of things that I always have in my fridge (except for right now, when I desperately need to make a trip to Whole Foods!) I live alone, so simple foods like this work well for me, although I do cook a ton as well. It's just that when I cook, I end up eating the exact same thing for lunch and dinner for a week! One of my staples is some sort of soup with tons of veggies and beans. I make a pot almost every week, although I never follow a recipe. It is different every week, depending on what I have and what I feel like. I eat a lot of beans and eggs, since I eat very little meat and need my protein. Hope this helps a bit! :)

Lexxy - Sorry the boy never called you back, but at least you tried to contact him and don't have to have any regrets. Thanks for your advice about my date - I know I should just let him know I'm not interested.

Belle - That's great that you have someone to go to meetings with, even if it is your boss! I hadn't gone to meetings in 2 years, and started going a little over a month ago with a friend of mine. I have lost 10 pounds so far now that I have to be a bit more accountable!

Angie - I dreaded entering the real world after college as well. I even considered a second major so I wouldn't have to graduate. I didn't have a job lined up either, so I spent the summer coaching soccer, waiting tables and acting like I was still in college! It was my last hurrah, I guess!

Yawn. I'm tired. I'm with you guys about needing another day for the weekend. 'Course, I worked yesterday, so I only had one day off. And it was a busy day. I had a feature assignment then helped cover a tornado. Tornadoes are pretty rare in this part of Virginia! Anyway, I have this Friday off so hopefully this week won't drag to much.

Girls, I desperately need some willpower. I keep thinking I've made up my mind to stay OP, but it never lasts. I just keep eating crap, and then I feel like crap for eating crap. I need to do something. I feel completely disgusted with myself and I don't feel well at all these days. Bloated and overall icky. I know I need to exercise, but so far I haven't gotten past the laziness factor. I did walk a lot yesterday as part of my first assignment, and although I was huffing and puffing hiking through the woods, it felt great afterward. I think I killed the feeling with a Twix bar. What was I thinking?

Anyway ... despite my short weekend, BF and I got to go out to a nice dinner Saturday night, which was lovely. We normally have Friday nights, too, but he went to his dad's overnight to pick up his new car. His dad lives three hours away, and BF didn't get back home until about 3 p.m. Saturday. So that sorta sucked, but at least he has his car now. He's still not feeling great - his ribs are still sore and he has bruises on his side like I've never seen before.

As for my car search, it's been on hold. I did test drive a Subaru Forester last week but decided it was too station-wagon like, which made me feel way too old. (No offense to anyone who might have a Forester, please! :) Now I'm thinking about the Toyota RAV4 again. I don't know. I'm tired of thinking about it. I just need to pick something and get it!

Well, I better get back to work. After I get some coffee.

p/s Belle, email me! kimo@roanoke.com. Loved your photo!

Jen- Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am going to try the Boca Chicken Patties and the Kashi.

Kim- I saw the Lynchburg Tornado this a.m on the news. I cannot believe it that is where I went to College if you remember we talked about it before. Wow. Anyways the Rav is a great vehicle. Friends of mine have one and absolutely love, love, love it. Hope b/f heals soon :(

Becky

btw I bit the bullet and changed my sig. to match my weight gain.

Hi there! I'm somewhat new and just wanted to say hello before I go to aerobics class.

I am recently engaged, well, in December we got engaged, but we can't figure out where we want to get married. So we haven't even set a date yet. Blah! I'm tempted to just go down to the courthouse!

I have been following the WW program at home on my own since the end of February and have lost 15 pounds. But I still have a loooong way to go.

I guess that's all for now!

Becky: I didn't get to go to the tornado site (another reporter went while I was getting myself out of the woods), just got to do phone stuff, but it was interesting all the same. It really got me thinking. Last night, the wind was blowing really hard and I kept thinking about what I'd do if a tornado hit near where I live. Scary.

All – thanks for the kind words on the photo….I feel embarrassed posting it now.

Hi Lolly – what sort of papers are you presenting? Ican’t believe you are getting married in less than five weeks – you will have to post your wedding pics as soon as you can so we can all see how everyone looked!! Cartwright is a chicken – he won’t go in the ball. He just pees and stands there looking all disoriented and confused. We feel bad for him and take him out….but he does like kids now – he lets them poke and is very gentle.

Jess – I feel your “moving” pain. I moved yesterday and Saturday, me and my sister into new places and it was ****. **** I say!! I am hurting today. But it’s worth it. I like unpacking and I end up getting rid of a lot of crap that I Have kicking around. I think measuring yourself is agood tactic!!

Jen – Ah – that damn chemistry thing…I guess you really do need it, so its important to have it. Think you could be friends? Yeah, I am happy to have someone to go with, even if its my boss…congrats on your 10lbs!

Winter - Hello Hottie – wow, that rocks that he said that to you. Congrats….Jobs are fickle. I have had 4 out of university, and there are pros andcons to all – but the last one sucked the most. Good luck….

Kirsty – we just extended a year – yay! Now I don’t ‘have to go through that **** for a bit – expect that My other sister is moving soon…booo

Becky – oddly, my b/f really does care about the plates etc. Its weird. Have fun with that… Staples…himmmm….I guess like chicken and rice are my staples so that doesn’t really help you does it. Sorry – good luck with that. I am in your boat – going full force too!! Yay us!!
Lexxy – don’t’ worry about your lb, just start fresh (with me and Becky et al!!)

Angie – I do the chucking out of the things I don’t want to eat anymore – it does work. When you are under stress its worse – hang in there!!

Kim – hey !! I’ll e-mail you….

Christina – Hi Christina!! Welcome to our board – come back and post when you have more time….

Well, back towork
Belle