Support Groups - January Club - 2010

Had a great workout last night. My walking partner and I walked outside..our YMCA is attached to our college campus. The campus is empty right now so we walked it. It's so pretty, shadded and has a lot of hills...GREAT workout.
Then we did upper body strenght in the weight room.

Tonight it my TOPS weigh-in and I think I will see a loss.

Yesterday I wore a pair of pants that I hadn't worn since April and they weren't as snug as they where then. When I put them on in April I thought they looked bad so I didn't wear them. Yesterday I wore them and they didn't feel snug at all, they weren't loose but they fit. It's a good feeling. I know that they exercise helps a lot in that area.

Angela: I track my calories and my fat grams. I was told that my daily fat grams should be around 25-30% of my daily calories. That is/was not easy for me to do. So at first I didn't try to stay in that range I just kept calories and fat grams to see what my fat grams were...sometimes they were about 50% so I started watching them and cutting them back to 45%, the 40 and now I'm at 35%..I'm getting there.

Mindy: I've heard that you can get a body anaylis at some gyms like Lifetime Fitness that will give you some insight to how your body is working...i'm sure it's pricey but you might look into it.

Keep doing it ladies!

Whoo-hoo:dance: I had a 2lb loss at TOPS last night. You can bet I'll be out of bed tomorrow doing my walk. The weekends are really where I can loose focus but doing those AM walks help to keep my focus.

Looking forward to seeing everyone posts.

I went up 2 lbs. yesterday, but back down 1.5 today. That puts me at 19 lbs. gone. I did the upper body sculpt and tone again yesterday. This time I'm a little sore, but nothing a little muscle cream can't help. I'm going to a scrapbooking workshop with my bff this afternoon and really looking forward to it. It's fun and relaxing and I haven't done it in awhile. I offered the idea that we bring snacks with us and she agreed, so I've got fresh fruit and veggies and I've got "Hungry Girl" banana bread in the oven. Otherwise, I was afraid we'd get hungry at some point and end up going somewhere to eat. I didn't want that- 1 because I didn't want to worry about the calories and 2 because of the cost. Anyway, it'll be fun!
I've given myself a new shortrer-term goal of being at 190 by my B-day in Sept. My ultimate goal is still 150, but since that seems so far away, I thought it would be helpful to have something to work for sooner.

Susie-Congrats on the 2 lbs!!! Also, thanks for the input on counting fat grams. I'm going to do that and see what happens.

Mindy- How's the blister? Getting better? Enjoy your summer!

Hi there! Busy Saturday here. But I made sure I got my Saturday morning walk in. It really does help me to set the tone for my day and on the weekends, when my routine is different, I really need to set that tone early.

Angela: GREAT idea about making that bread and taking it with you. Have fun scrapbooking and remember to just keep your hands busy, and then remember that you can't really eat when you are doing that..you don't want to get anything on your project!
That is a very good goal to set for yourself. I promise is you come here daily, you will be supported.

Mindy: Tell us what you are doing. Didn't you have a 5k coming up?

Did my 5K this morning in atrocious humidity. The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Made breathing during running a bit of a challenge. i did it though, in 35:29. My best time yet. I am happy with that. Met a friend from elementary school there. It was fun seeing her after all this time.

Weight today was 179.2. Almost back down there. Let's see what tomorrow holds. Maybe I'll try out some trial memberships at gyms this summer. See how long I can milk it for.

Susie and Angela- good job with your workouts. Stick to it and it will pay off.

Good morning. We had downpours all last night and I wasn't sure if I would be able to get my morning walk in, but when I woke up at 7:30 a.m. the sky was clear, so I put on the shoes and went for it. Feeling GOOD this morning.

I can tell it's going to be muggy today, nice day to stay inside and get some organizing done of my home office and read a book after I get back from church this morning.

Mindy: Way to go with that 5k! I am so pround of you. Did you run it the whole time? I'm thinking so by looking at your time. I think it's a great idea to check out the summer gym deals.

Looking forward to hearing from you Angela.

Happy Monday! (I'm trying to convinence myself). I got a lot done yesterday after my nap. I cleaned out a closet and also got my home office organized. It feels good to have things orderly. When they aren't I find myself seeking out food.

I bought some Greek yogurt over the weekend. I get hungry in the afternoons and I pack a snack, so I thought I would try it. I choose it because I hear it has a lot of protein in it which is something I don't get enough of.

Have a good day everyone. Stay on plan!

I REALLY liked the Greek yogurt and it kept me full for a long time.

I'm looking forward to Zumba tonight and also to my walk on the treadmill. Feeling good!

Susie- Have fun at Zumba. I would really like to try it. Maybe I can find a place that offers it around here.

Yesterday was my birthday. Went out to eat...twice. I am up a bit today, but still 179.6. I will be back on track today. I didn't work out yesterday either. I just went for a casual walk. So time to get back in it.

Just checking in- 207 today. Did a lower body workout. I think I need to do some therapy on my knees for a while to strengthen them up before I do any more of them, though. The right especially gives out when I do lunges and squats. I need to find the paper with the exercises from like 5 years ago when I was getting PT for tendonitis. TOM is approaching-craving chocolate! :( Busy getting ready for vacation!! I will check in at least once more before I leave on Friday and take a little more time to reply. Later....

I had a great workout last night. I did Zumba and then I got on the treadmill for an extra 30 min. I choose a program that had intervals of incline--it gave me a great workout.

I did something to my ankle though. It really hurts right under the ankle bone when I flex it. So, I'm wearing my ankle brace today, elavating it and doing ice. I think tonight I'll ride the recumbant bike, so that I'm not pounding on my ankle. I also will be in the weight room tonight for upper body workout tonight.

Mndy: I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I'm a June baby too. Mine was June 7..we are both Geminis! It's ok to take a day off every once in awhile.
What are you doing today to get back into it?

Angela: So those scales have come down 2 lbs? That's great! Keep it up!
I have issues with my knees too (and now ankles--lord help me I"m falling apart!) I found this info on exercises to help your knees..hopefully some of these will help...I'm going to try them as well.

If your knees are giving you problems, and you feel like the Tin Man from "The Wizard of Oz" when getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 million Americans feel the same way.

Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. Considering that when you simply walk up stairs, the pressure across your knee joints is four times your body weight, it isn't surprising. Simple, everyday wear and tear can end up hurting your mobility.

But it’s not too late. Like a rusty door hinge, with care and maintenance, you knees can be trouble free. Even if you already experience problems, exercising the muscles surrounding the knee joints— Quadriceps (front of thigh), Hamstrings (back of thigh), Abductor (outside thigh), and Adductor (inside thigh)—will help make your knees stronger and less susceptible to injury. Exercise keeps your joints from stiffening and provides needed support, making movement easier and reducing pain.

Here are some exercises you can do to both stretch and strengthen the knee area:

STRETCHES
1. Chair knee extension: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair so the knee is slightly raised. Gently push the raised knee toward the floor using only leg muscles. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
2. Heel slide knee extension: Lie on your back, with left knee bent and left foot flat on floor. Slowly slide the left heel away from your body so both legs are parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds, return to starting position. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
3. Knee flexion: Sitting in a chair, loop a long towel under your foot (resting on the floor). Gently pull on the towel with both hands to bend the knee, raising your foot 4 - 5 inches off the floor. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
4. Hamstring stretch: Standing, put one foot in front of you, toes up. With hands on the small of your back (or one hand holding a chair for balance), bend the opposite knee and hip (not your lower back), until you feel the hamstrings stretch. The upper body comes forward at the hip. Hold for 5 -10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
STRENGTH TRAINING
1. Wall slide: Leaning with your back against a wall, bend your knees 30°, sliding down the wall, then straighten up again. Move slowly and smoothly, using your hands on the wall for balance. Keep feet and legs parallel, and do not allow knees to go out over the toes. Repeat 5 -10 times.
2. Bent-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, straighten one leg in the air (without locking the knee). Hold for about one minute. Bend your knee to lower the leg about halfway to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Return to starting position. Work up to 4 reps on each leg.
3. Straight-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair. Lift the foot a few inches off the chair while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 5 -10 seconds. Return to resting position. Repeat 5 -10 times. (Also work on increasing the time, up to 2-3 minutes if possible.)
4. Abductor Raise: Lie on your side, propped on one elbow. The leg on the floor bent, the other straight. Slowly lift the top leg, hold for 5 -10 seconds, then lower. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity). Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.
5. Hamstring Curl: Stand with the front of your thighs against a surface (a table or wall). Flex one knee up as far as is comfortable. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then lower slowly. If possible, do not touch the floor between repetitions. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity.) Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.
6. Step-Ups: Stand in front of a step, like a sturdy bench or stairs, about two feet high (or less if necessary). Step up onto the support, straighten your knees fully (without locking them) and step down. Maintain a steady pace. If you are comfortable with your balance, pump your arms while doing this exercise. Start with 1 minute, slowly building your time. Gets your heart pumping too!
7. Stationary Bike: Biking is a good way to increase strength and range of motion. Make sure you have the right positioning of the legs. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bend in the knee should be 15 degrees. Start with 10 minutes and slowly increase your time.
Depending on your current level of activity and mobility, a good start is 3 stretching and 3 strengthening exercises, 3-4 times a week. Stretching can be (and should be) done everyday if possible to prevent stiffness and achy joints. These stretches can be done a few times a day if needed.
BONUS TIP: If you have increased soreness after doing these exercises, it may help to ice your knee or knees for 10 - 20 minutes. Place a bag of ice (or frozen vegetables) over the joint, with a towel between to protect the skin. Elevate your leg on a chair if ice alone is inadequate

206.5 today-that's 20 lbs. lost. :) Gotta keep going!! My butt's a little sore from yesterday's workout, and I did a short upperbody today. I had my allergy shots today, so I didn't want to overdo it. Hanging in there! I would go for a walk, but at 7:00pm, it's still over 90 degrees and the humidity is a killer. I have been packing for my trip and my sneakers are in the suitcase. I'm hoping the weather in MI is a little nicer and I can go for some nice walks while I'm there.
I had a salad for dinner while I watched everyone eat tuna casserole. I love it, but I figured it wasn't worth it even to eat a little with all that fat in it. (reg. egg noodles, crm of mushroom soup, sour cream.) I did have 1 small biscuit with no butter, though.

Mindy- Happy Belated Birthday! :woo:

Susie- WOW! Thanks! A lot of those do sound familiar. You saved me from trying to find them. I hope you did a "cut and paste" and didn't type all of that, but I appreciate it! I've had knee problems for a long time too. Besides the extra weight, I also think other factors could be playing bass drum in my high school marching band and then the constant up and down bending when I was a teacher. I haven't done either of those for a while, and luckily, it's not a constant problem, but does flare up occasionally.

Good morning. My ankle is a lot better today. I iced it all day, kept it elevated, and wore my ankle brace and I was able to walk slowly on it last night. So I did that and my upperbody weight training.

I will start doing the exercises I found online so I can strenghten them. I want to be able to be strong and healthy so I can keep working out to loose this weight.

I have my TOPS weigh-in tonight. Not sure if I lost..I feel like I've stayed the same. I worked for a lost but sometimes the body doesn't coorperate like it should, so we shall see. Eithier way, I feel wonderful so I want to keep on track....doing so will bring the weight-loss.

Angela! Congrats on hitting the 20 lb mark! :bravo::cp::high: and look at how close you are to being under 200!

Mindy: How did you do with getting back on track yesterday?

I am very thankful that my knee feels better these days. Losing weight was key for my. It still aches sometimes but nothing like what it used to.

I also did a lower body workout yesterday. About 40 min. Then went for a mile run. my legs were jello. Thought they would hurt today, but they're okay. Weighed in at 178.4 today. That seems to be the lowest I can get to these days.

Ang- Congrats. Keep it up girl. Coming to Mich??? Are you going to see Kelly???

Ok, last post before I leave. I was 206 today, but didn't get a workout. I was making sure everything was ready and doing some cleaning. That should count for something. ;) I'm ready to get away from home for awhile. I've packed my sneakers, the Wii active game, my journal, and some 100 calorie packs. We'll have to get some groceries when we get there. With the Memorial, 2 grad parties and going to some of our favorite restaurants, I know it'll be tough, but I'll do my best. Wish me luck. :crossed:
I'm taking my laptop, but there isn't internet where I'm staying. I'll try to check in, but if you don't hear from me, that's why. I'll be back the 28th.

Mindy- Yes, I get to see Kelly. I'm so excited. We never get to see enough of each other when I visit, but we're getting together this Saturday and will probably see each other next Sunday, too.

Susie- Take care of that ankle and don't overdo it!

Where is everyone else?

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I didn't make it here yesterday...I missed all of you and it was hard for me to keep on track...coming and posting early keeps my head where it should be. I didn't get off track to much yesterday but I felt it was more of a struggle for me to stick to my plan.

So, when I weighed in on Thursday, I had a 1 lb gain. :?: I have no idea how or why..but that was what it was so I just have to take it and move on.

I did have a non-scale victory (NSV); my boss keeps a BIG boss of peppermint patties on her bookcase, when she put it out about 4 weeks ago, I made a decision that I would not have one of them. Well, on Thursday, the box was empty and I never had one of them!

Mindy: you are in amazing shape!

Anglea: Have a great trip and have fun seeing Kelly. Tell her we miss her...maybe you all (you, Kelly, Mindy) can do a workout together...wouldn't that be fun?

We had morning showers this morning so I didn't get my walk in; I have a afternoon wedding today and plan on a walk tonight.

Got in a run tonight. Weight is doing diddly squat. I'll just keep doing my thing. Got a free week trial at a local gym. Gonna go try it out tomorrow.

Well, I'm fessing up..I ditched the exercise this weekend. I did do about 2 hours of dancing at the wedding so that was something. I'll get back on track...tomorrow I might have to walk the building inside (it's to darn hot to do it outside in work clothes), so that will get me back on track.

Mindy: Can't wait to hear about your trip to the gym.

Okay. I did it. I went to the gym. I was a bit nervous about it. The KID showed me 8 machines to try and said warm up with a light jog first, and end with intervals on the treadmill. I did it. I am wondering if I will find some sore spots tomorrow.

I have been on a bender ladies. It started slow on Monday and yesterday was a sugarfest! UGGGGG I feel so "hungover" today. The only remdeming thing I can saw about yesterday is that I did go to the gym and did Zumba and walked.

So, today, I'm detoxing (lots of water to get that sugar out of my system) and recommitting myself to my goals and plans.

Mindy: I'm glad you tried the new gym. It's normal to be nervous when doing something new. How long is your free trail membership?

okay, my arms are a little sore. Well one of them really. But I think the weed wacking and weed spraying may have contributed also. I haven't made it back to the gym again, but I will tomorrow. I only have a week and it is almost up. I did 3 miles of interval training tonight. Feel like I just stepped out of a sauna.

Here is one more bit of delight. TOM arrived Monday......about 11 days early. WTH??? So what happens now??

Susie- That's right. You get right back on track. DOn't let this little setback derail you. Move forward.

I had a good workout last night. I did a upper body workout in the weight room and I'm not sore today but my muscles have a tired feeling...I sort of like it because I can tell I worked the weights well. I also did a 45 min walk outside. It was so warm and muggy! But I am enjoying summer this year..last year we really didn't have a summer.

I have an interview today so I'm working from home this morning...so nice and quiet. I have TOPS tonight and I'm tempted to not go because I know I'm going to be up...but so what...I've moved on from that binge and will just go forward. I get motivated at my TOPS meetings so I should go!

Mindy: I LOVE interval training...it keeps me engaged in the workout. I know that it is as hot in MI as OH so please be careful when working out in the heat.

I was right...I was up at my TOPS weigh-in..but that's ok...I know why and I know how to not do it again.

I'm so glad it's Friday! We have another wedding this weekend, other than that not much else planned and I'm working hard to keep it that way!

Went to the gym yesterday. Did the same basic workout. Had a funeral today, so most of the day was taken up with that. Got home and did a 5 mile walk, with some jogging intervals thrown in. My 2nd TOM of the month is over, so I'm curious what will happen with weight now.

Family went out for pizza last night for my daughters birthday. Pizza always makes me gain...and it did. Darn!!! I have been on track today so hopefully I will be back down tomorrow.

Susie- Glad you are back on track. Gotta try and stay that way now.

I got up on Saturday morning and did a 3 mile walk; but I didn't do anything on Sunday...it was just to darn hot for me.

Doing well with the food. Hope to see a loss this week.

That's about all that is going on right now..that and I'm so darn sleepy.

Mindy: Pizza makes EVERYONE gain...I bet it comes back off today.

Back on it this week! I am on summer break, and have all the time in the world, right? No excuses!

Hi Kelly! So glad to see you here again!

Anglea: When do you get back from vacation?

Mindy: What do the scales look like today?

I'm in a much better frame of mind today. I'm looking forward to my Zumba workout and my treadmill workout. I've logged my food for the day (I already know what I'm having tonight for dinner) and calories for the day--I promise I won't eat anything that I haven't logged. ;)

Good morning. How's everyone doing? It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Ohio. Makes me feel good to wake up to days like this.

So, last night I had Zumba. I've only been doing it for 30 min and then doing the treadmill....but I forgot my Ipod and there is no way I can be on the treadmill without it, so I stayed and did an hour of Zumba...fun, fun!

Tonight I am skipping my workout because I'm going to see Eclipise. I have some pretzels packed so I won't be tempted by the popcorn.

How is everyone else?

Hi there! I'm going to set some July goals for myself and will be reporting on them daily here.

So here are my goals:

1. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep EVERYDAY

2. Workout at least 5 days a week for minimum of 60 minutes

3. Stay within my designated calorie range

4. Journal when stressed--get it out instead of pushing it back with food.

Haven't made it here in a while. Been busy with many things. My mom had genetic testing done. BRCA gene is messed up so we are at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Need to be tested myself to see if my gene is messed up. My dad had knee replacement surgery yesterday. I have been trying to deal with children's issues, help my son find a job, etc, etc. CRAZY!!!

Well after having my second TOM the scale is being kind. I am 177.4 today, almost my lowest. Now if I could just keep it going I would be really happy. No idea what this body is going to do next though. Guess I can only keep doing what I'm doing and hope for the best.

Susie- you stick with those plans girl. You are on the right track.

So happy that it is Friday and a long holiday weekend to boot!

We didn't have a TOPS meeting last night so I have no idea what the scales say but I think I got a reprive.

I met all my goals yesterday with the execption of sleep. I only got in 6 hours. I stayed up reading.

What is everyone doing for the 4th?

Mindy: I hope that things turn out well with your test. I'm also happy the scales are being good to you...you work so hard!

Angela: Did you make it back from vacation?

Kelly: Where are you?

Hi everyone! I worked really hard at counting my calories and paying attention to my food this week. Over the last two months I had gained 8 pounds, and the scales yesterday had me down 4 of those pounds. Today, however, I was back up a pound, but still, 3 pounds in a week is not bad. I did some yard work and went for a good walk with my husband one day, but need to get back into some better exercise. I think I will change my ticker today so I won't go back up.

Mindy--Hope the genetic testing goes well. It would explain a lot if you are messed up in that gene. If that gene is giving out no signal, maybe it is hurting your weight loss efforts as well.?? Hope those boys in your house get jobs soon!

Susie--I am so glad to hear you are on the right path! Your goals look great! That sleep one is always the hardest:(

Angela--You are looking good! I am so proud of you for losing 20 pounds! Keep up the good work....I can tell the difference even if you can't see it! It was so good seeing you the last couple weeks.

Keep it up everyone! See you soon!

Well 175.8 today. That is a new number for me. I am happy with that. I hope it keeps going. I would really love to be in the 160"s sometime soon.

Kelly- Don't give up. Get moving girl.

Susie- you too.

Angela- Hear you're looking great. Keep it up.

Ward- Don't know where you are, but hope you are doing well.

Mindy--That's great!!!! I need a "like" button on here like they have on Facebook! That calorie cycling must be doing the job!

Went back down a little today 177.2. It is a higher calorie day, so that should be fun. Working out outside is getting trickier. It is really hot. I walk/jogged last night but waited until almost 8:00. Time to get another free week trial at a gym...with air.

Girls, hope you are all on track and working hard. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hi there! I had a rough day yesterday girls. I only have 18 more work days to work; the unemployment compensation amount is depressing! I just let it all get to me yesterday and it showed in my food. However, I am happy to report that I did drag myself to Zumba and doing that helped me lot with my frame of mind.

It's HOT here in Ohio so I will for sure be on the treadmill tonight instead of walking outside with my workout partner, also have a upper body weight workout planned.

Kelly: You have done well managing your weight--the important thing is to catch those small gains and get it right back off and really there is no other way but to count those calories to get back on track. Keep it up!

Mindy: I don't know how you are working out in the heat! Please be careful.

Kelly: Can't wait to have you back posting with us.

The scales stayed the same at last night's weigh-in! I feel like I got a reprive...going to make the most of it by giving this all my attention this week.

How's everyone else doing and what are your plans for the weekend?

I'm going to get my hair colored and cut Saturday morning--I'm going to get out and take a walk on Saturday--most likely in the evening. I've got some house cleaning to do and I want to start pricing some items for a yard sale that I'm going to have in August.

Well for me life is stressful. Nobody is working, or not enough, and all of this falls on my shoulders ultimately. It is getting to be too much to bear. My son applies for a job almost everyday and is calling daily trying to get the ones's he has applied for. Nothing is happening. My ex (currently on unemployment) isn't doing much of anything. My daughter works part-time and isn't getting anywhere near enough hours. AAHH!!!

Weight is just holding around 178. Not bad, not great. I was hoping to join a gym for $20.00 a month. There is no way I can do that now. I will just have to keep doing what I've been doing at home. Hopefully it will be enough.

Did a 3 mile walk/jog with sprint intervals last night. It's funny how quickly 3 miles goes by these days. It used to seem so long. Tonight I think I need a good long 5 miler, just to have time to clear my head.

I've had a pretty relaxing day, but I should have done more. I just didn't have the energy or the heart. I had applied to a company I would like to work for and I thought the interview went well, but yesterday when I got home I got a rejection letter. *sigh*. The good news is that I didn't turn to food for comfort, instead I just slept.

I got my hair cut and colored today....I feel so good when I get that done. I took a long nap this afternoon and now I'm cleaning house at my leisure; it feels good to not have to go anywhere for once.

I just can't seem to get motivated to work out consistently. I used to love to work out...why can't I just get moving? I'm not giving up though.

Mindy: I can't believe that you said "3 miles go pretty fast these days"...I"m so proud of you.
I'm sorry that you are feeling the stress of "not enough money"...it's no fun for sure.
With all that is going on with you, you are doing very well with your weightloss.

Kelly, Angela, Ward--Mindy and I miss you.

Ladies,
I'm back. Well, actually I've been back home for almost 2 weeks, but have been busy. Vacation was nice, especially the weather. I tried to stay on track while I was away, but it was pretty difficult, since we ate out A LOT! I was just happy I didn't come home 5 lbs. heavier. I'm still hovering around 207-208. I didn't get much exercise in as we were constantly busy, but hopefully that counts for something. I did go for 1 nice, peaceful walk while I was there. Since coming home, it hasn't been much different. We had company the first week,(an aunt and cousin came back with us), and last week I babysat the neighbor kids all week. It's been in the mid 90's here with humidity making the "feels like" temp at or about 100, so needless to say, not going outside much. So, all in all, I can't be too upset, since I haven't had a major gain, but I've got to get back on track tomorrow. Glad to be back here with you ladies and looking forward to all the successes from everyone.

Kelly- Love you and thanks for the kind words. Great to see you.

Susie- Good idea with the short term goals. I wish you luck with them. I've given myself a goal, too. Although my ultimate goal is 150, I've given myself a goal of 190 by my birthday in September. And I'm thinking some other short-term goals like you've come up with could really help too.

Mindy-Take good care of yourself. Stress can get in the way of your goals and your ultimate health. Don't let it take over your life.

Not much to tell. Still working out at home. I put in a lot of miles during a week. I either walk, walk/jog, or do intervals. I really can't afford a gym right now,:( wish i could. Weight is hovering around 177. Hopefully after TOM (in about a week) it will go down a bit more.

Hi Ladies,

I woke up with a headache this morning; I think it was a sinus thing, we had storms move in overnight and I made a decision that I was going to take a sick day. Just didn't feel like going into work. The end is drawing near and I needed a mental health day as well. It felt good to stay home.

A friend of mine is moving and she has a bunch of old dolls that she gave me to put in a yard sale. I washed them up in the sink and washed their clothes, they are all clean now and ready to be sold. I'm planning on having a yard sale the middle of August. I thought it would be good to get those dolls taken care of..kept my hands busy so I could snack while I was home.

I have made a promise to myself that this is the last Monday that I will skip my exercise. I just don't feel like going out of the house today...and it's HOT! So, this is my off day and tomorrow I will be back in the game with exercise.

Angela: I think you have done very well since you have been out of your routine. Now that everything is getting back to normal, just jump right back in and give yourself a whole week until you weigh again.

Mindy: 177...is that the lowest you have been in awhile?

Ladies,
Not much to say, but wanted to check in. I'm trying to stick to healthy eating. It's tough to walk by all the sweets and snacks in our house and not indulge, but I'm making a concious effort to avoid the temptation. Unfortunately, I don't buy the groceries and I can't afford to buy a bunch of separate foods for myself, but I do ok. Susie, I'm trying your advice and waiting until Mon. to weigh in again. I think checking every day is a little depressing because you don't really see a difference every time, so maybe that will help with the motivation. Thanks! Mindy and Kelly, what do you think? Do you weigh yourselves everyday, every other day, ...?
Until later....G'Night all!

I have been giving my job situation to much control over the rest of my life. I am waiting to hear from another company that I interviewed with and I haven't heard from them however, I saw the position posted today on a job board! You would think they would tell me first that I didn't get the job. So, I called and left a message that I was checking on the position. I've still not heard from them! Talk about leaving me depressed.

Then today I spent some time thinking about it and you know, I'm doing all I can do. I am sending out resumes, I'm making connections. I have plans to go to all the sessions that will be available to me after July 30 to help me find a job. I've got our budget worked out with unemployment...tight ladies, tight but we can manage and I have 4 months of health care before I have to look at Cobra or a private policy..that's better than a lot of people have it, so I'm pulling myself up by my boot straps and I will work harder to not stress eat over this but rather exercise and post when I feel like that. Afterall, I need to be sure that I can fit into my clothes (no money coming in alloted to buy new ones) and when I loose weight, I still have smaller clothes I could wear from 6 years ago...they aren't to much out of date...I usually by classic pieces.

I had a great workout tonight on the treadmill and the weight-room and while I'm job hunting and not working, there will be time for me to get more workouts in...I can add yoga and also some more cardio. My new motto is going to be "use what you got and what you can".

Angela: stay strong and don't give in to that indulgence pulling at you..it will pass.

Mindy, and Kelly: Hope to see you soon!

I am experiencing the same ole, same ole blues. One day just runs into the next and they are all pretty dull and boring. My ONE big change for the day was...I got up and did my workout early this morning..7:30. During the summer, that is a record. I knew it was getting hot today and it did. 4 miles..run/walk.

I went to try a different gym on Tues. Arms and legs are still a bit sore. TOM is approaching. 178 today!!!

Susie- Hang in there and don't give up. I am the only one employed in my hose right now and it is tough. These "boys" need to find jobs.

Hi there. I'm so glad it's Friday. We have a family reunion and I know it will be a bit tough with all that good food. I know pretty much who is bringing what so I'm planning now and will stick to eating only what I planned. Also, we have two new babies in the family and I've just made up my mind that I will hold them a lot so I can't eat!

I had a surprise at the scales last night. I lost 1.25 lbs! I was amazed and shocked because I hadn't really worked that hard on it. So maybe I need to relax a little bit and that does help? What do you think?

Mindy: I'm sorry that you are blue and I can empathize with the unemployment situation in your house and how it is effecting you. Last year I was the only one employed in ours..my DH found a job pretty quickly and I'm thankful for that. I just wish it had health care benefits--that is my biggest concern.

Good job getting up early and doing your workout. I know that I always feel better and more in control when I do that.

Did you like the new gym better?

Susie- I'm not sure I like the new place any better. Snap fitness was really nice, this one is more like a guys gym. However, the price is a WHOLE lot better. It is only $20/month. Now I just have to convince myself I can afford it. I feel guilty spending that $$$ on a gym when things are so tight in our household. We'll see.

TOM should be here any minute...but I have a sneaking feeling it is not going to be here when I plan. I think my body is getting very close to menopause and it is getting really wonky right now. 179 today.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I did pretty well with the food despite the family reunion. My workouts didn't really happen..one day I swear I'll get it all going at the same time. :D

Mindy: how many free sessions do you get at the new gym? I hear you about feeling guility to spend money when things are tight. Can you figure out where you might be able to save $5 a week? Maybe if you look at it that way you won't feel so guilty.

Angela and Kelly: Where are you guys? We miss you!

Susie- I only got one free session. I haven't been in well over a week. I did a DVD last night night for the first time in forever. My arms are sore today. Running and walking certainly doesn't do it all. You are getting it together. hey...you lost weight this week. YAY!!!

TOM should be starting today, but I just know it's not going to. It is going to mess with me. Probably from now until I'm through menopause. NICE!!! 179 today.

Ladies,
I weighed in Monday and the scale said 206. I decided to try weigh-ins once a week for awhile, instead of every day, so we'll see how it works. The slow weight loss lately is depressing, but I know it boils down to not trying hard enough, so I just have to work harder. I'm not gaining, so at least there's that.
I've got a b-day party this weekend for a friend's daughter. I'm making the cupcakes. I'm going to be careful and hope for a loss on Monday when I weigh in again.
On another note, there's a Tropical Storm likely headed this way, so we're in for a wet and windy weekend. Maybe I'll get some good workouts in while I'm stuck in the house. :) Wish me luck!

Nothing much to report around here. I was 176.8 today. I had no workout yesterday and didn't keep track of food. Tonight I am going out for my principal's birthday. there will be drinking involved. I am going to try to keep it to a minimum. I'll let you know how that worked.

Have a great weekend.

Busy weekend here. We went to see the local college community production of Evita on Friday night. I really enjoyed it. Then on Saturday we spent the day with some friends in their home town of Ripley, OH...it's a river town and has a lot of little quaint shops and lot of things going on along the river bank/district.

So, I ran around all weekend and had to clean house, grocery shop and laundrey today. I have one more load to do tomorrow and I need to clean my kitchen tomorrow.

This week I'm just going to concentrate on not eating for comfort....it's my last week at work and I'm nervous to be unemployed. I think that good things will start to happen for me once my last day gets here...I can try and go back to the company that I worked for before they sold our Brand/Business Unit. I've been networking like crazy and I think that a lot of people are really trying to help me get back.

Angela: I hope that you were safe this weekend? Did you get any new workouts in?

Mindy: Sounds like you are giving yourself a break and relaxing...and I think it will do you some good.

206.5 today!
Tropical storm blew through on Friday-pretty uneventful, actually, but it rained most of the weekend after that. We got like 4-5 inches and it just started pouring again, out of nowhere. That happens pretty much every afternoon in the summer, so we're used to it. No real workouts this weekend, unless you count the 1 game of bowling on Sat. at the b-day party. I was a little sore the next morning, if that counts for anything. I've had sinus headaches on and off the last few days, too. Not helpful!! Probably, due to the weather, so not much I can do about it. Well, I'm going to go try a workout now, so catch you all later...

Mindy-I hope your dinner went well.

Susie-Good luck with the job hunt. I've been without a job or insurance for way too long, so I feel for you, but you'll be fine. I can tell you're a go getter and everything will work out.

Kelly-Miss you-how have you been doing? I hope the family B-day party went well yesterday. Wish I'd been there.

Did that upper body workout Mon. afternoon. (curls,bent over rows, boxing, etc), then some golf and tennis on the Wii. I know those are more for fun than exercise. :) Arms and shoulders are actually still sore. Had another bad headache yesterday for most of the day, so didn't work out. Today I helped my mom at a job (cleaning a condo) While we were there, the alarm thing said for everyone to leave the building and NOT use the elevators. We tried calling the office to see if it was real or just testing. No one answered so we left. Walked down 15 flights of stairs to find out it was just the fire alarms being tested. We got on the elevator and went back up. Thank goodness we didn't have to go back up the stairs! Oh, well, I guess that was my workout today. Better than nothing. My knees felt funny for like the next hour, kind of like they were vibrating or something. Just goes to show how out of shape I am. At least they didn't hurt, but we'll see how they feel when I wake up tomorrow.
More afternoon thunderstorms today. There were reports of nickel size hail about 10-15 miles from here. I hate these daily thunderstorms. They are just so dreery and the timing is horrible. Oh well, you can't change mother nature.
You've been having some wet, nasty weather up in MI and OH, too, haven't you?

Well after my little vacation trip, my weight isn't too bad.. TOM FINALLY came. Almost 2 weeks late. I think my body is trying to tell me something. 2 times in June and then 6 weeks till the next. I did just turn 50,,,didn't I???
I am hoping that once this passes I will show some weight loss.

This week has been one of my worst...ever. It seems all i have done is go out to eat and haven't gotten in very many workouts. ME?? Can you imagine. Well I am going to get right back on track and I have already started TODAY!!!

Susie- I wish you all the luck with job hunting. We just had that conversation in my house again this morning. Why am I the only one employed??? It is tough in MI...I will give them that. Good luck girl!!!

Hi Ladies,

I hope you don't think that I've deserted you. The last couple days of work were horrible and just took all my energy, but it's over now and I can start to move forward again. I'm not sad about leaving the company that bought my brand but I was sad to leave all my co-workes and anxious about being unemployed.

Also, I have some other big news...Mindy knows because she is a friend of mine on FB. My brother and his life partner have been trying to adopt. They had a failed adoption last year this time. About a month ago they received a call about a little boy who is 8 months old. They have had him for a month while all the paper work was being filed and this past Friday the little boy was officially placed with them and they are moving forward to adopt him..that process takes about 6 months. At this point they live like this baby is theirs and the mother has signed all her rights away so it looks like this one will happen for sure. We are all just thrilled to have this little guy in our lives.

So this week I am on vacation-my hubby is off too and we are going away for a couple of days to Louisville, KY. Just a little get-away.

I'm doing well with sticking to balanced meals and a planned snack...I know I won't hit the exercise this week, but starting next week I'm back on it. I"ll also be setting some new goals for myself at that point.

Mindy: I'm glad you got to get away and I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. What are your exercise and food plans these days?

Angela: I don't have a Wii but they look like fun...as long as you move every day that is something. I was sorry to hear that you were having headaches. I think it was all the storms...I know 2 weeks ago we were having that sort of weather and I was dealing with some wicked headaches!

I'll try to check in tomorrow but if I don't, I'll be back on Thursday.

Well girls miracles never cease. Don't ask how, but my scale is hovering around 173ish.I have lost some weight. YAY!!!! I would love to see the 160"s in the future.

Susie- Yep I was privy to your news. How exciting. Hope everything goes well for them. Hang in there with the changes in your lfe. Don't let it all sway you from your goals.

Hi ladies! I missed you! It looks like the board has been very quiet but I'm happy to see Mindy's new low number.

We had a great time on vacation-it was good to get away. We might have more drama on the job front. Hubby got a call on Friday night that they let go of some of the staff..not sure what he will be facing when going back on Monday. I'm about to loose it ladies! I know I shouldn't let this sway me from my goals but at this point I just feel frozen in place. I'm going to try and get to moving on things. Control what I can you know.

Angela: Who have you been doing?

Mindy: So great to see those scales move for you because you sure have been working long and hard and it is hard not to see the results in the numbers. Keep it up!

Good morning! I am up early this morning. It's really the first day of unemployment for me.

I am headed to the Y to do a 45 min walk on the treadmill this morning. If I feel like doing weights after that I might. Really I am "starting over" today.
My weight-loss goal for August is 5 lbs.

How is everyone else doing?

Up to 175 today and spotting. WTH?? This body is really heading towards the BIG M and it is whacked up. What to do?? Just keep plugging along!!!

Susie- take a little time and just relax. Not for too long...but a little break will be nice.

Hi! This morning I cleaned my living room and dining room...I didn't get to it over the weekend so I got caught up this morning.

Then I went to the gym and did the treadmill interval program....then went to tan and now I'm going to send out a few resumes and after that get ready to take a friend of mines 8yr old daughter to see the Jonas Brothers. My former manager gave me 2 tickets and I know how much Layna loves them so it's going to be me and her. I remember I was 18 before I went to my first concert...Hall & Oates! :D

Mindy: Have you been to see your GYN about these hormonal things? They can draw your hormone levels and see where you are in the big M game.
Keep doing what you are doing...you have come so far...and look at how much energy you have these days.

Angela and Kelly: Where are you guys?

Ward: Are you out there lurking?

It would be great to see everyone!

Sorry, not much to report. I haven't been getting my workouts in and I have no excuse, just laziness. Where is my motivation? I was doing so well the first couple of months and now I've been slipping, but luckily not gaining. I guess that's the positive thing I have to focus on. I was pleasantly surprised by the scale yesterday, though. 205! So, I'm losing, but very slowly. I guess I need to find an exercise or activity that I love so I'll want to do it and not give up. No one else can do it but me, right? Anyway, that's enough venting. Thanks for listening.

Susie- Keep up the good work, good luck with the job search. How is it going? And congrats on the new addition to the family.

Mindy- You're doing great and I'm so sorry about the big M. All you can do is try to work through it and not let it take you down. Good luck!

Kelly- I miss you!

Ward-Did we lose you?

Susie- Sounds like you are being productive, yet still relaxing a little too. Sounds good.

Yes I asked my gyno about it at my last physical. She felt no need to test hormone levels. She felt the regular band of bloodwork would be sufficient. I did ask too. I might push harder for it this next time. 174.6 today.

I survived the concert but boy was it hot and crowded...hard for the little one to see much so I had to hold her up a lot...got a great shoulder, quads, hamstring and ab workout just by going to that concert! ;)

Today my workout was 30 min on the recumbant exercise bike-I think my body likes the cardio mix up that I'm doing.

I'm going tonight to see about some classes I might get into to spend my retraining money. I'm using every resource that I was given with this package.

Angela: Good to see the scales are moving even if it is slowly. I loose motivation very easily too and I find that one thing that keeps me there is to come and post every day.
As for the exercise....what are some of the things like you like to do that doesn't feel like exercise? For me it's dancing and that is why I love my Zumba workout class so much.
You're so close to ONEderland...don't give up now!

Mindy: I see the scales are moving down again. I do think you should push the issue with your GYN, there is no way that regular blood work would tell you that sort of info. I'm sure she didn't think it needed to be checked due to your age...well...it's your body and you have a right to ask! Also with all the other things going on, the increased cycles, spotting between cycles, she needs to see what is going on.
What sort of workouts are you doing these days? Any races coming up?

Good morning! I'm headed to they gym to get my workout in early this morning, then I have a hair appointment at noon and I've decided to buy myself a new lipstick today....it's the little things you know!

This morning I plan on doing 45 min on the treadmill using the interval program. That one really gives me a good workout out. It's a flat survace for 5 min, then an incline for 5 min and back and forth for the time that is set. I am usually sweating pretty good by the time it is finished.

What is everyone's plans today toward their weight-loss goals?

I'm looking forward to reading your posts laster today.

Have a good day!

Susie- Well since you live in Ohio, you know what the weather has been like. I get in a walk at night..anywhere from 2-4 miles. If it is really hot..or rainy, I do a DVD. I am on the gain the past few days..can you say mid-cycle gain?? I am glad i don't stress about it anymore like I used to. I don't like it, but I know it will come back off.

You keep up those workouts. They sound great.

Today I got on te scales and it's holding at 205, so that's not bad. I've reset that birthday goal. I hate to keep changing it, but I also want to attain a goal and I think the other one may have been a little too optimistic. Anyway, I've got 1 month (from yesterday) to get into the 100s. I don't want to make the goals too easy, but I want to reach them at the same time, so I figure there has to be a compromise, right? Good news today- I am wearing a top that has been new and in my closet for about 2 years because I bought it without trying it on (it was really inexpensive) and then it never fit. Besides being heavy, I also have a large chest, so sometimes tops are cute, but just won't work on me. I'll admit I'm a shopaholic, or at least I was when I had money to spend, and I have a lot of clothes, but I have been able to weed out a few things that are now too big and I'm forcing myself to get rid of them, saying that I will never need them again!! Getting a haircut tomorrow. Maybe that'll shed a pound! Haha, just kidding!!

Susie-Thanks again for the encouragement. I know I don't write here every day, but I am trying not to let more than a couple of days go by. As for as the exercise, I'm still not really sure what to do, but I'm working on it. I'm thinking swimming might be a good start. It's so hot and that would be something cool and refreshing. We have a pool and regrettably it hardly gets used. So, I think it's time to get some good use out of it.

Mindy- Sounds like you're hanging in there. Keep up the good work!

Hi Ladies-I hope your weekends are going good. Mine has been very nice doing things with my DH. On Friday night we went to see Eat Pray Love...Great movie! I've been wanting to read the book but hadn't; after seeing the movie I really want to read it. A friend of mine loaned me hers to read,so I'll be starting on that soon.

I haven't worked out since Thursday. I took Friday off from my AM workout to get a few things done around the house. My home office is pretty much back in order. I bought a new desktop computer yesterday. I felt guilty spending the money but it's hard to do any real work on my laptop and my old desk top was 15 years old so it was time. I haven't sent up the desktop yet; I will be doing thing today or tomorrow. Most likely tomorrow since I like to do that stuff when no one is around and hubby will be at work tomorrow.

I plan to go for a neighborhood walk tonight to get moving again.

Mindy: How wonderful that you do not stress about those mid-cycle gains anymore!

Angela: The pool would be a great place to get in workouts. I use to take water areobics and I remember it was such a great workout.

Well, it's Monday! How was everyone's weekend? Not much going on here.We rented some movies Friday night and I got a haircut on Saturday, then stayed in the A/C most of the weekend. I heard there was a litle break in the weather up your way. Is that true? If so, that's great! I wish we would here, but probably not a chance of that happening for a couple more months. Anyway, scales read 205.5 today, so a little up. Actually, I think I need some new scales. I can step on them and they don't stick to 1 number. I got on and off 3 or 4 times today and they read anything from 201-206, so I never know what to believe. They'll change while I'm standing on them and so I'll get off and step back on and I'll get a completely different number and then another before I step off. After all that I stepped away and then tried again and it said 205.5 twice, so that's what I counted. It's kind of frustrating, so I'll have to look into some new ones, I think. I got up and got in the pool first this morning, instead of my normal routine of eating breakfast while reading the paper and watching tv. I did some laps, both length and width of the pool with a lttile breather in between and some "pedaling" and "pushoffs" from the steps. It was only about 15 mins., but I was feeling a little sick to my stomach, so I figured that was a good start for the first time and I came in and had my breakfast (Special K, almond milk, 1 cup coffee, and light yogurt=255 cals)Since then I've looked up some water aerobics routines and watched a couple of short videos, so I'll have a better idea of what to do. I think this might be the right workout, at least until winter. Then it'll be cool enough and less buggy to go for walks/runs. And I can still add in some Jillian dvds and wii active routines here and there to bump up the intensity.

Hi there! I slacked on the exercise today. I needed to get my house clean...I didn't get it all done over the weekend. I'm also doing some deep cleaning as I go. Trying to use the time off to get some of that sort of thing done.
So, I didn't make it to the Y. I also bought a new desk-top computer and printer over the weekend. The printer is wireless and I can print from my lap-top to it as well. This is going to make my life so much easier! My old desk-top was slow! and so was the old printer....they were 13 years old! I just usually used my laptop and when I needed to print something I waited until I was work..now I don't have to wait.

I want to get to the Y tomorrow but I'm not for sure. I'm planning on a yard sale this Saturday and I need to start pricing my stuff. It's a busy week but I know it's no excuse for not exercising.

Amanda: Good for you for doing that workout and for looking into other water workouts.

It's still hot here in Ohio but the humidity is down a bit so that helps.

I'll check in with everyone tomorrow.

Yesterday was beautiful here and today is looking great too. I finished painting my shed..man it looks nice. Now I am tackling the trim on the garag. this is my last week off school completely so I want to finish before I have to go back.

Scale said- 175.4 I did a lot of drinking Sat. night so i can't be too unhappy with that. Last night I ran 3 miles. Just stopped for a teenie breather a few times.

girls- Keep working. Never give up.

Hi girls! Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. Wish I could say that I was at the gym the whole time. I haven't made it there this week! I have got caught up in getting some deep cleaning done at home and then dealing with unemployment, and doing telephone screenings with recruiters. I have some good things on the horizon and one of the best things is that I might get to return to the company that sold my part of the business last year! If that happens I go back at my current salary and with my years of service in tact. That would be so cool! I"ll let you know as soon as I hear something.

I'm having a yard sale on Saturday so I've been busy today getting things priced and organized for that. Tomorrow will be a wash on the workouts a well; a friend of mine is having some outpatient surgery and I will be with her for that most of the day, so it looks like I will get back into the exercise game on Sunday. I"m going to TOPS tonight. We haven't had a meeting in 2 weeks....just a little scared to get on those scales but whatever it is, it is a new starting place for me...would love to start DOWN on those scales.

Mindy: I can't believe it is almost time for you to go back to school! A for the weight-gain with the drinking...hey we all need to kick up our heals every once in awhile! So proud of you when I read that you ran 3 miles!

Angela: Are you swimming? Keep swimming, keep swimming! (I love that from Nemo).

Susie- It's OKAY. Just get back at it as soon as you can. Good luck with the job situation.

I think I have logged about 15 miles this week. Some running, some walking. Dang, I think I'm tired.

Well, sorry I've been MIA too. And I also wish I could say it's because I was at the gym or some other good exercise reason. I did go in the pool on Tuesday. It wasn't an actual workout, but I had my friend's 6 year old daughter for the day and we swam/played in the pool for an hour and half. Susie, good luck with your yard sale tomorrow. We're having one, too and I'm hoping to make some much needed cash.
By the way, the scale said 203.5 today. Almost there!!!!!

Hi Ladies,

My yard sale was a success! I made enough money to buy this comforter set that I have been wanting from J.C. Penny. I'm just amazed that people wanted to give me money for things I wanted to get rid of!

I also have a loss to report at TOPS, down 1.75 lbs! I have to look but I think I can change my tracker! :)

I am planning on getting up at 7 in the morning so I can get a walk in before church. This week I have a lot of things planned, some interviews, and some other appointments, so I've decided I'm going to do my walks outside this week at 7 every morning, that way I'm done before 8 and I can get all my appointments in and other things that I want to do around the house.

Angela: Good job on those scales! You are doing great...keep it up so those scales go down!
How did you do in your yard sale this week?

Mindy: 15 miles....awesome! Do you go back to school next week? Do you have your workouts planned.

Ladies we must plan to lose!

See you all tomorrow.

Back to work today. This week is basically setting up my room and getting organized. I did quite a bit today. It felt good. Just did Jillian's kickboxing DVD. UGH!! Need to breathe now. Hanging around 176, but TOm is coming..hopefully on time this month.

Ladie- Keep up the good work. You both lost weight. YAY!!!

Hi Ladies,

Confession time. I have worked out once since Saturday! I will get on it tomorrow.

The last few days I have been dealing with job interviews and I am happy to say that I will be returning to the company that sold my business unit exactly one year ago today. I will be working in another business there.

The company I am returning to is Procter and Gamble. This is what I wanted to do and have been working at. I have interviewed with other companies but hands down I wanted to return to P&G. I don't have a start date yet; it will most likely be in a couple of weeks...but maybe sooner. I have to do a drug test and they have to get me put back into the system.

Until I get that start date I'm keeping this quiet, so Mindy: Nothing on FB about it please!

I WILL get to the gym in the morning tomorrow. I have a recheck with my doctor in 3 months (saw her today for a blood draw for my thyroid) and she mentioned my weight. So my new goal is 15 lbs in 3 months.

Mindy: How is school going and are you doing ok with getting your workouts in? Aren't you in a new place this year?

Angela: What is going on with you?

203 yesterday-still on track for 199 by Sept. 12th. :crossed: I don't know how your weather has been up north, but we have had rain, rain, and more rain!! I am so sick of it!! Trying to keep busy inside.
Our yard sale was kind of a bust! Long story, short: HOA Pres said it's against the bylaws and was turning people away at the gate. A few people got in and I made like $30 and Mom made like $100. Oh well! The neighbor was actually having a sale and told us ahead of time, so we thought we'd set up too.

Susie-Congrats on the yard sale and the new job! Good luck on the new goal! You can do it!

Mindy-Good luck on the new school year. Keep up the good work on that running!!

Kelly- Love ya!! Miss you!!!!

Hi Girls,

My workout today was actually a walk outside this morning. It felt good to get to moving again.

Angela: Thanks for the encouregment that I can meet that goal. Now, I need you here everyday bugging me about it! Ok?

We have had beautiful weather this week, very low humidity and lots of sunshine. I'm sorry you are having rain. That just sucks about your yardsale. The town I live in doesn't have neighborhoods with HOA; my brother has one where he lives.

Keep up the good work for staying on track! You can do it!

Mindy: I need you to bug me about my goal too..ok? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kelly and Ward: Would love to hear from you!

Hi Ladies-Last night was my TOPS weigh-in and I stayed the same. I expect a loss next Thursday as I will be working hard for it starting today.

I have my start date for my new job; I return to work on Sept. 2. I'm sort of happy to have a week to myself.

What's everyone doing this weekend? My DH and I are painting the spare bedroom. It has been empty because of no $$ to buy furniture but a friend of mine downsized her house and had a bedroom suite she said I could have so now I get to decorate that room---starting with fresh paint. We moved in to our house 3 years ago..it all had fresh paint but it was flat paint so we are slowly repainting.

Looking forward to everyone's posts.

I've been back to work setting up my classroom, so I haven't had much time to get on here. I missed a few workouts this week and TOM is here. What a week. Hopefully TOM takes it's extra 3 pounds I've gained with it. I am trying to get myself back into a smooth routine. Looks like workouts at school will start very soon. 2 of my friends have been asking when we are going to start.

Biggest news is that my son finaly got a job, after 6 months. YAY!!! That will be so nice...for him and me both. Now we have to get his car running ASAP.

Susie- Congrats and good luck. Get your butt in gear and don't stop moving. I know how hard transition time cn be, since I am experiencing it my self. Do the best you can.

Angela- Keep reaching for that goal.

Kelly- Workouts are gonna be starting soon. hope you can fit some into your schedule.

Where did the weekend go?!

We got the 1st bedroom painted yesterday--I can feel it today in my legs, arms and stomach.....wow...I didn't know that would be such of a workout!

Mindy: It looks like you are quickly settling into a routine and I'm sure you are looking forward to the workouts at school. It' always fun to work out with others and I have found that I push myself harder sometimes in those situations. Hopefully Kelly will be able to join you for those workouts.

So happy to hear that you son got a job! VERY ggod news..

Ladies,
Well, I forgot to post yesterday. Not much to say, really. I gained a pound over the weekend. So I was at 204.5. I'm weighing like twice a week, so hopefully I'll be back on track in a couple of days. I'm sure the batch of brownies I made last week were a big part of the problem. Good news is they are all gone. Problem is I love to bake and unfortunately eat what I make. I need to find some more healthy low cal recipes so I can get my baking fix and dessert fix without feeling so bad or ruining my progress. I know it can be done. Until next time...

It's a new month ladies! I feel like it's a clean slate and time to set and reach new goals!

I'm sitting a goal of 6 lbs to be lost this month. Anyone else want to set a new small goal with me?

My father-in-law gave me some of his magazines last night and I am reading through the back issues of Redbook. I read an artilce on Jillian Michales and there was a small highlight in the article where she gives 4 unbreakable weight-loss rules

They are: You must count calories, you must avoid processed foods at all costs (she said if the food had a mother or came from the ground that's a green-light food. A Cheeto or a Ding Dong, don't eat it!) You must do five intense 30 minute workouts a week, you must inspire yourself. (she said you must establish the why. That why is gonna carry you through).

I'm going to try and stick to those as my guidelines this month and see where it takes me.

Angela: I'm not one who can weigh more than once a week-it gets me off track but I know that for others it helps them. Do what you have to do to get to your 199 goal--I KNOW you can do it.

This is my last day off work so I'm trying to get a lot done. Have a fantastic day!

Went back to work today. It felt good to be back but I really can't gage how I'm going to like the work because the person who will be training me was out today! I think I really wish they would have waited until next week to bring me in but oh well.

I went to TOPS tonight and had a gain. :( The upside was that I walked to my meeting and back home so I got my 30 min of exercise in.

I am also back to journaling and counting my calories there. So, I am already working for a loss next week.

Yesterday I told you about those 4 rules that Jillian Michaels says we can not break, well I have my why (for now).

My why I want to loose weight is so that my current winter clothes will fit and when I buy new things I will not have to buy a bigger size. At this point I am sure I am up a size and there is no way they would fit and I'm only buying clothes in the size that I was last year OR smaller...not going up in size...just NOT doing it!

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

202.5, almost there!! Thanks for the encouragement, ladies.

I also read that article in Redbook. My problem always is that I read so many different ones and see different stories/tips on TV(Biggest Loser, Dr. Oz, The Doctors, for example), they're all so overwhelming I don't know where to start. So, my good intentions tend to go out the window. But, I've been doing better at finding and following the commonalities, like eating more proteins, whole grains, fruits & veggies, and less sugars. I know the exercise is still my downfall, but I'm working on it.

Susie-You're right! It is a new month and a clean slate. You've got a new job, new goal, new plan. Sounds like a winning combination. I wish you luck and look forward to reading your progress.

Yeah! It's a long weekend! My first thought this morning was...go for that walk...and I did. Also threw in some situps and stretching when I returned. We are having amazing weather here in Ohio. Lot's of sunshine and cool!

We have a lot planned around food today. At family cookout at 1 and then dinner with a friend tonight. I plan to enjoy what I eat but keep it in control.

Angela: It can become overwhelming when reading all that diet info. What I do is just take what I think I can incorportate for myself and do that. I figure it will give me better benefits than doing nothing at all.

I LOVE what you said: " It is a new month and a clean slate. You've got a new job, new goal, new plan. Sounds like a winning combination"
That is very inspiring to me. I think I will use that every day to keep me on track this month. Thank you!

I'm glad to see that you feel encourged and that ONEderland is getting so close for you...I can't wait for that post where you say you are there...this is what I will be doing: :carrot: lol.
I know you can do it. Do you still have a date where you are trying to reach that number by?

Mindy and Kelly: Where are you guys? We miss you!

You're welcome Susie. I only took your comment and expanded on it. I'm glad you like it and I hope it helps. And I also appreciate your support. Every bit helps. As far as my goal date, it's my birthday, a week from today, so I've got to step it up this week, but I know it's possible. Weigh -in tomorrow will show just how much I need to do. I am sooo looking forward to next weekend and making my goal would just be the icing on the cake, so to speak.
I'm actually looking forward to next weekend. I'm going to the Hilton for the whole weekend (Fri-Sun) for Camp Crop-A-Lot. There will be 90 scrapbookers for the whole weekend and we will have all the amenities of the hotel (gym, pool, beach, etc.) Both of my roommates (best friend and a coworker of hers) just had meetings this week with a nutritionist from their place of employment and I'm hoping to learn a few things from them as well as take advantage of the amenities and keep each other on track with our goals. Breakfast and lunch are catered by Shula's Steakhouse at the hotel and are really nice buffets. I hope I can stick to the fruits, salads, lean meats, etc. and not go too crazy with the pastries and pastas. We're on our own for dinner Fri and Sat, but I'm already trying to figure out options that are healthy and low cost.
I hope everyone is having a nice Labor Day weekend. I'll check in tomorrow with weigh-in results. Later...

Kelly and Mindy- Are you still there?

I've not done much today, just got up, went for a 30 min walk and then went to church, then took a nap, and now I'm catching up on email and things.

I'm going to have to clean my house tomorrow because I wasn't home on Saturday to do it and I didn't do it today. Oh well....

Angela: I KNOW you can get to your goal weight by your birthday and wouldn't it feel GREAT to go away knowing you are under 200 lbs?! Your upcoming trip sounds so nice! You must exercise every day and stick to protein and veggies..I think that will take you to your goal..then you get to start practing maintence :D

Mindy: You have been very quiet, is everything ok?

Well I am here. It has been really weird around here. I feel like a slug. It has been cold, nothing much happening on the weight loss front. I was hoping to get to a new low after TOM this time but that didn't happen. 174ish, I did see 173.2 though.

I am kind of in a difficult frame of mind. Susie, you probably know my story about the ex-husband that lives with me. Well it is not the kind of relationship I really want and have been trying to figure out what to do about it. I kind of want him to move on and there is an opportunity for that to happen. He has been offered work in NC. Kind of a long ways away, not exactly what I had in mind. He wouldn't be around to fall back on if he goes.

He really doesn't want to. I mean why would he. He is unemployed and gives me almost all his $$$. I am responsible for everything around here. He can watch tv, play on the computer and have all needs met. Good for him, not so much for me. I think I want him to go but I am a little freaked out by it. I have never been totally on my own. There has always been him or children. Needless to say my emotions and thoughts are all over the board and consuming all my time.

Don't know if he will even go. Just need to have some things settled in my life. Sorry for the long story, but you girls are really good sounding boards and can be so helpful. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for listening.

Ladies,
I hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day! Also, Kelly and Mindy, I hope the first day of school went well for you.
Still 202.5, but hopeful. I ate a nice healthy salad and yogurt for lunch today and getting ready to workout. Also, it seems to be cooling a little in the evening, so I think I'll go for a walk after dinner, too.

Susie-Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am hoping to meet my goal by this weekend. It is just a starting goal, so I won't quite be ready for maintenance yet. I'm thinking about my next goal and thinking 175, but haven't decided on a date yet. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I need to meet the goal first.
Mindy- Welcome back and I'm sorry you're in such a "difficult frame of mind.". It is an unusual situation and I'm sure you will find your answers, whether from us or other closer friends. I'm not sure what to tell you, but I'm glad you value our opinions. I'm here to listen and support if I can. Keep your chin up and things will get better.

Oh my, it is POURING down rain here all of a sudden. I guess it's time to pop in a dvd and get moving!!

trying to pop in everyday. School went well. Brought home work though. Need to workout.

Angela- Keep working. you will meet your goal.

Hi Ladies! I got WAY off track on Monday but got right back on yesterday and feeling better about myself for it! I don't do well when I am out of my daily routine and Monday sure was....timing was off for meals and I kept grazing, started healthy but then started going downhill from there.

I went to Zumba last night. I haven't been to class in like 6 weeks..it felt good to do it and today I can tell I worked out. Tonight is treadmill and weights.

Mindy: You do have a unusual situation. I'm not sure what advice to give to you other than any sort of change is hard and a bit scary at times but change is necessary if you want something than what you already have.
I, like Angela, am hear to listen and give you my take on the situation if you want it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Angela: Did you get your evening walk in last night? We had some severe pop-up storms last night as well but all sunny today!

Hey ladies,
Got tht walk in last night! YAY! I'm not sure how long it is. I need to measure it with the car, I guess. I'm sure it's probably not long, but it can be easily adjusted. It's a loop in my neighborhood. Last night I did one loop at a pretty good pace, where my calves and shins were kind of burning, then I did another loop at a more leisurely pace. It felt pretty good and wasn't too humid. I'm hoping the weather stays that way and just keeps getting cooler throughout the fall and winter. That would be a nice long time to keep walking. I'm planning on walking again tonight. It's thundering now, so hopefully the storm passes before that time. I was 201 this morning, so right on track. 2 lbs to go until the 100s. YAY!

Mindy- Don't work too hard. Did you get a workout in last night? Have you and Kelly been able to plan any workouts together? I'm happy she has you and you her to go with through this journey.

Susie-Good job not letting that 1 day off track turn into more. I know it's tough when your routine is messed up and you feel like you don't have control.

I did Jillians kickboxing DVD last night/ God workout always. No real change lately..just hanging around 174. Dang!!

No news on the ex and job. Just waiting to hear a verdict is kind of unsettling.
I am going for a walk tonight. Susie- Good job getting back with it. Ange- Good job on the workout.

Thanks girls!!!

Quick check-in today. 202.5 this morning, not sure what happened. :shrug:
I did my walk again last night, did 3 loops this time. Maybe I'll go for 4 tonight. Still need to measure the distance. I'll be away for the weekend so I probably won't be back on here until Sunday night or Monday. I hope everyone has a nice weekend and I'll be in the 100s for my next post. :crossed:

Good morning and TGIF. I'm about to get into the thick of my training at work today...just waiting for my trainer to arrive.

I had a 2 lb loss last night! I was really excited about it because I felt like I really worked hard for it. Already starting to work hard for the loss next week too.

I'll post personal's later. Trainer is here.

Good morning! I'm cleaning house this morning and have my eye on the clock to take a walk around 2. I haven't exercised since Wednesday and it's time to move this body--I can hear it calling for it.

We have a birthday dinner to attend tonight. So, that walk is very important; I plan to enjoy my dinner but not overdue.

Angela: I hope you are having a great weekend away. Tell us all about it when you return.

Mindy: I know the stress of waiting for decision to be made that affects you but you really can't do anything about it. Just know this, whatever the outcome you will be dealing with something new, but that can be exciting as well. I saw of FB that you survived the 1st week of school! :D
Are you starting up the exercise group there again?

Ok..back to cleaning for me. :dizzy:

My weekend was great! Weight loss, not so much, though. 204 this morning, so a little gain. I'm getting right back on track. Had a bowl odf cereal for breakfast, a nice big salad for lunch. Eating starts going downhill after that most days, but I'm trying hard to stay focused. Unfortunately, my walk got rained out tonight.I made it around the block once and it started raining with thunder and lightning, so I came in. I have a sales meeting to go to tomorrow night, so I'll get that wokout in earlier in the day. Then I'll resume with the walks and workouts again on Weds.

Susie- Congrats on the 2 lb loss! :cp:

Just finished my walk. Boy, is it hot out there! Still about 90!! Part of the walk was nice because I was walking into a nice breeze, and then the other part was directly into the sun, so although I would have liked to have gone further, I got in three laps and that's not bad. Also, my foot was aching most of the time, so I'd had enough of that. I think I'm going to try some different shoes and see if that helps. I have had this problem for a while now and it hurts every once in awhile when a shoe is putting pressure on the spot or rubbing, so I need to find the right pair that won't bother it. It's kind of like a bunion, I think, but on the side of the pinkie toe instead of the big toe. Oh well, if it's not one thing, it's another, right?

Hi! Sorry to be MIA for a couple of day; I was just so tired when I got home from work from training in my new position that I just couldn't get on the computer and I have not worked out much this week. I have SWORN to myself that this is the last week I will let worklife get in the way of my weight-loss goals. My food has been pretty good--a couple of snack size KitKat's twice since last Thursday but not to bad.

However if I was weighing in this week (I'm not due to the fact that I have a hair appt on Thursday night and will have to miss TOPS) I wouldn't have had them at all. It's hard to admit things like that but I can not keep it inside or I just put more junk like that inside my stomach!

Angela: I'm glad you had a good weekend and it looks like you have a good mindset...renew that every day. Say to yourself (when you stay on plan): I did it yesterday and I can do it again today, or if you didn't stay all the way on plan say: I will correct what kept me off plan yesterday and make today a ON PLAN day.
I KNOW you can do this! I hope you get your foot issues taken care...no fun to walk when your feet hurt.

Mindy: Where are you girl? We miss you

Kelly: We miss you too!

202 yesterday, so heading back in the right direction. :) And I went 4 laps around the neighborhood last night. I'm going to guess that's probably like 2-3miles, but I still haven't measured it, so I can't be sure. The news reported today of 2 cases of West Nile in my county (one death, one hospitalized), so I'm a little worried about my evening walks, but taking precautions. Nothing much else to do. I'm not going to walk in the middle of the day when it's 95 degrees, so dusk will have to do and I'll keep wearing repellant and cover as much skin as possible. It's a big county, so chances are slim, right?
How is everyone else doing? The weather is cooling off for you up there, right?

Busy weekend for us. We cleaned house last night and were gone most of the day today spending time in Columbus, OH with my cousin. Her son had a freshman football game and he has been wanting us to come to one; I should have worn sunscreen because I have a sunburn! I haven't had a sunburn in at least 5 years.

Tomorrow it is my company's day at Kings Island. We are going to be there for most of the day and I will wear sunscreen for sure.

I am trying to be careful with my food with all this running around and eating out but for sure tomorrow I'm going to have a funnel cake at some point. At least tomorrow I"ll be walking around a lot and on my feet most of the day when I am use to sitting most of the day.

Angela: Keep up the good work with the walks; it is helping those scales to go in the right direction. By all means wear that repellent!
You asked about it cooling off here; the mornings and nights are cool but the days are hot! Today it was 86 degree, so it's pretty warm but the humidity is gone for sure.

Fall arrives on Wednesday I think and it's going to be 88 degrees here! I'm ready for it to cool off into the 60's and 70's.

Stay strong and on plan ladies!

Okay...Oh my goodness. Where has the time gone. I have been so busy with school starting and dealing with home issues. Can't believe it's been this long. Well, I am still holding around 175, still working out almost everyday and working. Trying to get into a routine that works right now. Haven't found it yet. My ex will not be going to NC, but he did get his old job back today. He will be getting more $$ than unemployment. That's good!!

I really need to move forward in my life and I feel stuck...in so many ways. Hold on gang ..it could get bumpy. I am going to try to be more consistent with posting, gonna gt back to a good schedule and hoepfully some new beginings are coming my way. We shall see.

I was so looking forward to getting to the Y tonight but I just packed to much in-I had an appointment at 6:30 p.m. and I planned on going to the Y right after work, but left wokr 45 min late and then that just pushed everything back, and my workout didn't happen. I will not let that happen tomorrow!

Other than missing my workout; I'm doing pretty good with food. I even worked through a craving tonight--I wanted to eat because I felt rushed and frustrated so I faced that and didn't eat; instead I figured out what needed to give and just went forward with it. Unfortunately tonight it was exercise that had to get put aside but since I am an emotional eater I feel I did ok to face the emotion and figure it out instead of eating my way through it.

I went to Kings Island yesterday and I was able to ride most of the rides, but there were a few that I wouldn't get on because I was afraid I wouldn't fit and to avoid embarrassment I just by-passed them. This made me feel very sad; I don't usually let my weight stop me from things but it did yesterday and that is the LAST time I will deal with that fear, next year I will KNOW that I will fit because I'm working hard right now to ensure that.

Mindy: It is good to see you back and I hope you get the routine worked out soon. The good news is that the people in your household are back to work and that should help!

We are right here to ride the bumps out with you and help you as well.

Angela: How did the weekend go?

Biggest Loser starts tomorrow. I'm excited! Is anyone else planning on watching?

Susie- yes i am watching BL, so this post will be short. You keep working girl. Kings island next year...ride everything.

I have gained for 3 days straight now and thought WTH?? Just checked calendar and TOM should be here areound Friday. That one kind of crept up on me.

What a week this has been! Work has almost all of my attention. I haven't worked out once this week but I have been very good with my food. I hope that will help at the scales on Thursday.

I watched BL last night; I think it will be an interesting season. Not sure who I am connecting with on there right now.

I've got to get back to work but wanted to do a quick check-in. I'll do personals later!

Did BL bootcamp DVD tonight..feel it in my butt!!! The show has some real depressing issues this season. Why so much drama???

176.6 today..looking for TOM.

Wow, it's been 6 days since my last post! Sorry about that! Still hovering around 201-202, although it was a little higher today. I've been weighing in every day this last week because I was so close to 199, but, like you, Mindy, TOM is approaching and the food cravings have been taking over a little, I've been indulging in chocolate and can't seem to stop. Once this next week is over, I know I'll be fine and back on track, but for some reason the cravings have been worse than usual and the indulgences harder to avoid.
Not only that, but between rain and meetings, I haven't done my evening walks since Sunday. It's raining now, at 3:00, so hopefully it will be done before walk time.

Susie-Thanks for the BL reminder. I had almost forgot, but then I got a call begging me to go to an event that night, so I only saw a little bit. If I remember, I'll try to catch up on Hulu or something before next week.

Mindy- I guess we can both hope for better weeks after next week. Hang in there.

Happy Friday! I sure am ready for a weekend! We don't have to much planned this weekend and I am looking forward to just being at home in my house.

I went to TOPS last night and I was pretty sure I had stayed the same but I had a 1 lb gain :mad: I was hoping that by doing good with just the food would give me a apprieve for a week but it didn't, so I hear my body talking and it's saying if you want to loose weight it's going to take both, food control and daily exercise!

I used to love to exercise and once I get started I still love it; but I feel like if it's late when I get home from work then I can't exercise. I really don't see that thinking going away so I'm go to approach it this way; I am going to re-join the gym at work and make sure on those days that I know will be very busy for me and the potential is there that I might need to work over then I will workout at lunch time for sure.

Kelly & Mindy: It is amazing how TOM affects our bodies. I still experience PMS and TOM to a degree (I still have my ovaries after my hyst). I still get the cravings and the headaches and the occasional skin breakout. This would have been my TOM week as well, so maybe that added to the 1 lb gain issue.

Mindy: I felt like there was a lot of drama on BL too...not sure why it's there but I will still watch--I find it inspiring. Good for you for doing the BootCamp DVD! Sounds like it is working!!

Kelly: It sounds like you are having outside issues affect your workouts as well. Can you find an alternative so you have it on hand for when it rains and you can't get outside? I would suggest the Walk Away the Pounds DVD.

I'll be around this weekend and posting; I hope you guys are too.

Food for thought: Before we know it, the end of the year will be rolling around; this year I want my New Years Resolution to be : I will continue to loose weight to reach my goal--continue is the key word here!

Waiting on TOM. Should have been yesterday, but no. Hopefully today. Need to get it over so I can lose this weight gain. 178.6 today!! Yikes!!!

Did Bootcamp the other night at school. Was really sore yesterday. So we did Cardio MAx last night. Man...not doing those DVD's all summer shows.

Lord have mercy!! I know TOM is in the house but 180.6 today...really??? You have got to be kidding. That is like a 7 pound gain. Unthinkable. Guess I will have to wait and see what the next week holds. Gonna work out like a madman and see if I can at least get back down to below 175. Crap!!!

Hi-really feeling the pressure of being new at work and only having someone with me one day a week training me--it leaves a lot for me to figure out on my own and I feel so far behind. I'm not sure what to do about it?!

I have to start making my workouts--I am planning on going to my 6:30 pm Zumba class tomorrow night.

Mindy: Are you still logging your food and keeping track of your calories/fat? I know I need to get back into that happen--and I"m going to right now.

Angela: How is it going with you?

Hi Ladies, I made it to a workout last night! Yeah me!! I went to Zumba and it sure did feel good to move and sweat.

My food is going really well for the week and I feel better; more energy.

Did anyone watch the Biggest Loser last night? I just love Bob--he's hard when he needs to be to get results but he knows how far to go and he is so encourging even when he is pushing you.

When they were showing the favorite foods that some of the contestants received and I saw them I could relate...and I thought "why would I put that in my body". Also, the real age segment really got me to thinking as well. I'm reflecting on those things in my journal to keep me motivated this week.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Back to doing some heavy duty DVD's. I worked hard tonight. I am pissed that I gained 7...yep7..pounds before TOM. How can that even happen. Now I want them gone...like now!!! I am begining to feel like I will always be in the 170's someplace. Distressing.

Hi Ladies,

I am happy to report a 1.75 lb loss on Thursday's TOPS weigh-in.

Also, I don't know if Mindy and Kelly saw on FB but I had a health scare this past week.

I went on Sept 29 to get my routine mamo and got a call on Sept 30 that something showed up and they needed to get a better look. Talk about freaked out!! I had a diagnostic mamo on Oct 1. They were trying to get a better look and see why the density in my right breast looked different than the year before. They couldn't see through the density using the diagnostic mamo and then took me in for a ultrasound of the breast. The tech could not see anything popping out, so the radiologist came in and confirmed that there was nothing under the density that showed suspicious. I will have a recheck in 6 months. I'm glad they did the ultrasound, it gives a much better look.

I told my husband this is a wake up call. I've got 6 months to get some weight off, my goal is 30 lbs. Extra weight, means extra estrogen and that can contribute to breast cancer. Also, I am going to use exercise, prayer and meditation regulary to help me with stress..my stress level has been very high for over a year--high stress leads to many disease.

I hope you are having a great weekend. Plan to stay on your plan. Come and post everyday. It will put our weight-loss desires in the forfront of our lives and we can then commit to it each day.

Mindy: I think once you get a week or so under your belt of those DVD's you will see the weight come off. Also, I would encourge you to post your food and calories and fat intake every day here so you can be sure that you are getting enough calories and your fat intake is within range..and hopefully that will help you to see all your efforts and how it is paying off for your health and weight-loss effort.

Angela: How are you? What is going on?

Kelly: Would love to hear from you!

Hi! Where is everyone?

I'm doing good with the food. I even talked myself out of a pre-dinner snack and just waited until it was time to eat...and I didn't die! lol

Exercise not there yet..but I am going to Zumba tomorrow night. I'm trying to get things caught up at home and get into a afterwork schedule that allows me to go to the Y and still have time at home to get things done.

Hope to see everyone here!

Ladies,
Not been doing well here. I got down to 200 a few days ago(sooo close) and then back up to 204.5 today. :( I know I've had a bad couple of weeks. TOM was horrible, cravings too.Not feeling well, busy evenings, and warm, rainy weather all contributed to the problem. I do well for a few weeks and then BAM, I fall off the wagon a little and have to get back on, but at least I do get back on, right? Anyway, I walked 1.5 miles tonight. The weather is better, but most of the yards in my neighborhood were cut today, so I would have kept walking, but the fresh cut grass was aggrevating my allergies and asthma, so I came in and had to use my inhaler, which I very rarely use. I guess I need to take a zyrtec on Mondays if I'm planning on walking the neighborhood. I got a new DVD last week. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. It's a Walk Away The Pounds one.
Susie- I'm sorry to hear about your health scare, but on the other hand, glad it was just a scare and not something more serious. I've actually never had a mammo, but it is something that worries me a little. Luckily, I don't have a family history, but my breasts are large and dense, so I'm thinking of starting earlier than the typical 40 or 50. It's just another thing to add to my list of things to get checked out as soon as I have $ and insurance again.

Well girls it is breast cancer awareness month. take care of em. I need to have the Brca gene test done. My mom has the bad gene.

177's. YUCK!! WHY??

Hi Ladies,

I made it to Zumba on Tuesday..I lOVE that workout. Now I just got to get into the habit of daily workouts. I keep trying and I plan and then I let other things creep in there.

I had a migrane yesterday and still have it a bit today..going to the chriopractor after work..that always takes care of it. So, I didn't work out last night..just couldn't do it with my head pounding that way all day.

I'll see tonight what the verdict is at TOPS.

My food is going really well and I'm just so amazed at how much better I feel without being stuffed all the time and filling up on sugar and junk and how I crave veggies and protein when not stuffed with the other junk.

Angela: You are still so very close to that 199..don't give up..and I'm so proud of you for getting back on that wagon.

Mindy: Hope TOM arrives soon and you see that WHOOSH. That is scare about your mom having the gene. I have a friend who had breast cancer last year and they tested here for that gene...and she doesn't have it...isn't that strange?

For sure ladies take care of the ta tas. Regular monthly exams, and then testing when appropriate as well. Also, losing weight is helpful, eating healthy and exercise..all of that lowers the risk.

See you all tomorrow--which is my 22nd wedding anniversary!

Just got in from a nice walk. Went 2.52 miles, my longest distance yet. I got a later start last night and only did 1.35 miles. it got too dark for my liking. Even though it's a safe neighborhood and there are street lights, I guess I just don't really care to walk by myself in the dark. So, I got an earlier start tonight and walked longer before it got too dark. The weather is great with a cool breeze.
Happy Anniversary Susie!

So today, I was totally off the wagon with food...I'll be back on tomorrow.

We had a lovely anniversary day---we took off from work and just spent the day together doing some shopping, eating, sleeping in.....very nice day.

Angela: Good for you for walking. I don't like to walk in the dark eithier.

This has been on very full weekend. I told my husband that it is the last weekend I overschedule. While we are doing a lot of fun things I haven't had much time to myself just to check-in with me. I'm eating on the run, no ideas of the calories I might be taking in and no formal exercise.

Today we are going to church and then to the Saukraut Festival in Waynesville, OH. It's going to be packed! We are having 80 degree weather in Ohio this weekend. It's just beautiful out. No humidty and a lot of sunshine. At least at the festival I will be standing a lot and walking a lot. There are over 500 vendors there every year. I'm looking for a winter-theme painted sled to put on my sled or snow shovel to decorate my pourch for the winter season. Who knos what else I might find!

Even though we have been busy my DH has been a great help to me this weekend and the house is clean and the laundry almost done-only one more load. We need to go to the grocery but that will be after we return to the festival. I am looking forward to having myself a baked potato ith saurkraut at the festival.

Monday ladies, I"m back to logging my food, recorrding the calories and maybe even the fat grams and back to formal workouts.

Looking forward to seeing how you all are doing this weekend and what you plan on doing this coming week to reach your weight-loss goals.

Well the weekend's over. I hope everyone had a great one! Nothing real interesting going on here. I am crossing my fingers for that elusive 199 this week. :crossed: I'm still sticking to walking every night. It's not always the same distance, but averages at least 30 minutes and anywhere from 1-2 miles. I'm trying to slowly build up the distance and pace.
I have to admit I haven't been great on the food side. Not horrible, but not great either. I was in the mood to bake yesterday, so I made cupcakes. I'm trying not to eat too many, though. I tried something new yesterday, too. I'm a fairly picky eater and had never tried avocados, which you always hear are supposed to be pretty healthy. Last week I was at a friend's house and she has a tree full, so I picked a couple. They were ripe enough yesterday, so I had been looking for some recipes and kind of made up my own for guacamole and it's actually pretty good. I used greek yogurt, some onion, salt, and lemon juice. Now the tortilla chips are not so healthy, but in moderation, and I'm going to try using it as a veggie dip too.

Susie- How was the festival? I know weekend events can make it difficult to stay on track. I hope it wasn't too bad for you. This will be a better week, I'm sure. Great idea getting back to keeping track of those food numbers. I know I need to do the same myself. Have a great week!

Mindy- Have a great week, and I look forward to reading your posts.

Kelly- It's been forever! I miss you!

GEESH!! Things have gotten busy this week. Took Monday off to work on the barn...that was fun!! We are MEAP testing at school...huge deal. WOrking out late every night, but getting it in. Weight is up and I want to hurt something. I seriously do not know what to do differently. I think I will be in the 170's for the rest of my life. :( Ladies..Keep up the good work. Any ideas or suggestions...send them my way.

Ladies, this week hasn't gone the way I planned. I have been dealing with some sort of virus---GI issues and low-grade fevers. This is the first day I have eaten real food and drank more than sips of water. I could function as long as I didn't eat more than jello and drank gingerale.

I did join the gym at work so I can get back to working out a couple days at work and have a few evenings at home. My plan is to workout S, M, T at the local Y. W&TH at work, Sat at the local Y.

I plan on the schedule starting next week.

Mindy: Sounds like a busy week for you. Look at you---getting that workout in even when it's late. I have no idea why you can't seem to get out of the 170's. Do you know how many calories you are takening in and burnning? Are you still using your Body Bug?

Angela: You are approaching the exercise right--doing it everyday is key. Also, good job on trying some new food!

Still going! Keeping with the walks every night. They're actually kind of enjoyable. I've got my music and I can just tune everything out for a good 30-45 minutes. I was dragging tonight for some reason, moving slower than usual. Just over a mile and a half, so I still need to up the distance. I tried to get my brother to go up to the tennis courts instead tonight, but he didn't want to. I like my alone time, but then sometimes I feel like I want a workout buddy. It's tough doing it alone. If I didn't have you ladies, I know I wouldn't still be working, so THANK YOU! Weight was 202 today, so still on my way down.

Mindy- I'm so sorry about the plateau you seem to have hit. I really wish I had some suggestions, but this is still so new to me. I actually need to do some reading/ research myself. I know you've probably already answered this question, but have you talked to your Dr. about your concerns?
Just hang in there and know that we are here as a sounding board.

Susie- :getwell: I've had GI issues in the past, so I feel for you. Hang in there and get back on track as soon as you can.

Hi! It has been a beautiful day here in Ohio. I should have gone for a early evening walk but I didn't . I am planning it tomorow.

I'm feeling much better--finally over the GI issues and fever. My hubby had it for two days.

Angela: I am so proud of you for doing that walk! I like to workout alone too..but then I like to have a workout buddy sometimes. That is why you will find me on the treadmill somedays, or walking the neighborhood and other times in a Zumba class.

Mindy: How are you doing?

Kelly: What is going on with you?

Ward; It's been a long time but I"m hoping you still check on us from time to time...come back to us!

Spent all day Sunday dealing with a migrane. This is my 3rd one in 7 days. I thinki it is because I don't stretch my back and sholders and I work over a keyboard all day long.

I am going to the chiroprator to get a range of motion back in my upper body, back and shoulders and neck and I'm going to make a point of doing some desk stretches every 20 min.

I did go for a walk tonight...it felt good to move and my chiropracter told me it would be good to do that daily-in fact he told me to do that daily for 3 weeks and then start to build in other exercisesand always stretching.

I'll listen...that pain was horrilbe and it stopped me from getting a lot of things I had hoped to get done,done.

Looking forward to others posts.

Hello????? It's so empty in here I can hear a echo. Where is everyone?

I am happy to report that I have worked out 3 days in a row this week. Mon and Tuesday were 45 min walks and today was 45 min of Zumba--did that class at work...felt so good!

I'm so lonely here!!!!! Where is everyone? Please come back,

I had a 4.5 lb loss at my TOPS weigh-in on Thursday!:carrot:

I've been a little off track today with my food but will get back on track tomorrow. It wasn't really bad today but just eating here and there because I wasn't on a "normal" routine today. For me to be sucessful I know I need to be on a routine most of the time.

Sorry for deserting you Susie. Things have been really nuts around here. Work has been busy,giving the MEAP test to my class. Staff meetings, working out after school etc. Then there have been family birthday get togethers and band concerts etc. Then one night I found out my sister has stage breast cancer. Devastating!!!! She is mad and freaked out and not handling it well. She is having surgery on Wed, which includes removing her lymph nodes. Needless to say..it has been a tough week. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Susie- So happy to hear about your workouts..keep it up. TOM is coming for me so I'm not even really worried about weight right now. Not that anything is happening anyhow.

Mindy--good to hear from you! and it does sound like you have been busy.
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. I will keep her in my prayers for sure. What stage is it in? My sister-in-law was 43 years old when she was told she had stage 3 breast cancer. It was a tough year, but it's been 5 years now and she's doing great!

I can't even begin to know what your sister is feeling. I know that last month when they called me and told me that they saw something on my mamogram I heard all the blood in my body rushing in my ears and I was numb for hours! I have that recheck in 6 months (now 5) and as you can see I'm very aware of the time that is passing.

Hi! It looks like we are all busy this week?

I've not been on my personal email or pages this week....I've been on the computer so much at work that when I get home I don't want to get on the computer.

But I miss getting here everyday and giving and receiving support, so for the month of November I'm planning on making a change in behavior goal that I get here 5 days out of the week. Is anyone else setting goal for November?

Our trick-or-treat is tonight and I"ll be glad to have all that chocolate out of the house! I had a mini-binge on Snickers on Tuesday night.
I don't have TOPS weigh-in tonight as we cancelled the meeting due to the Trick-or-Treat.

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone else is doing.

Hi Ladies,
Last day of October. If you are handing out treats for trick or treat be sure to make sure it is all given away so it won't be in the house tomorrow, which is a new month and you can set new goals. The past is behind you and tomorrow starts your future!

I have been working hard around this house this weekend, cleaning out things and organizing. I feel I need to get that all in place before the Holiday's start..they bring a lot of clutter, and clutter makes me feel nervous and then I soothe myself with food. I am determined that I will be 15 lbs lighter at the end of the year than I was at the first of the year. I already have a 3.5 lb lead on that.

Hope to see posts from all of you really soon!

Hi! So...is anyone lurking out there?

I was off track BIG time over the weekend..but got back on Monday afternoon and actually went for a walk last night at the Y on the track. I've got my workout gear with me for Zumba at lunch time today.

Is anyone watching Biggest Loser. I thought last night was interesting. With all the physical activity they did at the base you would have thought that big losses would have showed up but they didn't. It just proved to me that it's not about the hard, crazy workout, but it has to be a combination of the right food, the right portions, the right amount of exercise, the right amount of sleep, the right amount of down time. It's all a balance.

Mindy: Saw of FB that you did a 3 mile run yesterday. Good for you!

Angela: How close are you to ONEderland?

I know I have not been getting here very much. I just don't have much to tell. I gain 5 pounds before TOM, lose them and then gain them again. Not making any progress downward. I may be joining that gym and working out with Kelly again. Gonna see if I can swing it.

It is tough to be stuck like this. I am not happy to settle for this weight, but cant seem to get it to budge. Maybe the gym would help. We"ll see if I can manage it.

Girls- Keep working. I know it can be tough, but we are strong. Even though nothing is happening on the scale, I still workout almost eveyday. That has become part of my life. It is here to stay.

shhhhh...I think that I might actually be understanding my new job. :D
if so this will help me a lot to get on board and stay on board with my weight-loss plans. Although I have to stop thinking that I can only do this when things are calm and orderly...life just isn't always that way!

I have weigh-in tonight and I expect to be up a bit due to Snickers bitesize candy bars that didn't leave my house until Tuesday morning.

It's hard to post and weigh-in when there is no progress or it goes the wrong way but that is when it benefits me most to do so!

Mindy: I know you are not happy with your weight as it is, but lady, you have come so far you your statement about working out shows why and makes your success! I'm really proud of you and honored that I got to support you here as you made those changes! :hug:

Susie- thank you so much. Your words are encouraging. It is really tough to come post here when you fell there is nothing to tell. I will post at least a few times a week though. Honest. You keep working. Hope you can into the gruve.

Kelly, her husband and I went to the gym today. They joined and I am getting ready to. It was a really good workout. Gotta say I am proud of myself and some of the stuff I am able to do. I am REALLY hoping that this will be the kick I need to lose some more weight. Keep your fingers crossed.

Had a BAD weigh-in this week and just sort of down. I'll get back in the game..just taking a few days. I just feel so overwhelmed and I'm not sure why.

I know, I know, I haven't been here in awhile! I am sorry. Time just seems to be flying by and also, I haven't had much to say. I was not having any progress and wasn't trying real hard either. I haven't exercised in like 3 weeks. I hit a big bump in the road and wasn't making any progress. So, you can imagine my surprise when the scale said 199 today!! So, I
m hoping that is just the motivation I need to keep going, getting over that speed bump when I had been 201-204 for the last 2 months.
I'm trying to get rid of this nasty head cold and kind of feeling like crap, so I hope this is a step in the right direction, a positive point. Also, we decided to go to MI for Christmas and bought plane tickets this week. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the family, Kelly being one. That's going to be another motivator for me. Of course, the weight loss is for myself and my health, but it'll be a real bonus to look and feel good when I see everyone. I guess I should set a new goal for these next 2 months. Maybe instead of a number on the scale or a number of lbs to lose though, I'll set goals for better eating and more exercise and get back to keeping track of them both.
So, I promise to keep in touch more often and I'll add personal messages next time, so that this one doesn't get any longer.

Worked out at the gym with Kelly and her hubbie on Sat. Sore upper body ever since. Working out there with Kelly tomorrow. This should be interesting. I am waiting for my boss to join with me. I am really banking on the hope that this will be what I need to lose some more weight.

Susie- Hang in there. I've been there.

Ang- Good for you with the loss. Hopefully it keeps going for you. I'm sure you will enjoy coming to MI.

So that's wired that I'm the last one to post. Where are you girls?? I have been to the gym 3 times now. FIrst time left my upper body in pain. Next time waant a big deal. tonight I worked out hard. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. Any weight loss??**** NO!! Oh well.

Hi. It's good to see you girls posting. I had a busy week at work and just didn't feel like getting on the computer when I got home so I was MIA for the week.

I did have a 1.5 lb loss at TOPS. Would have LOVED to have lost all I gained last week but at least it was a loss.

Mindy: How GREAT that you and Kelly are working out together again. I think if you give it a little time you will see results again. I take it you are doing some weight training?

Angela: How awesome that you got to 199!

I am working hard at the gym. I do cardio one day and weight training the next, with a little cardio. Had a training session and learned some stuff. Hopefully I am on the right track. I feel like I have worked when I leave. The stairmaster is my new "friend"...NOT!! But it is very effective. Hope this is the key.

Susie- Glad you lost some. Keep working and you will lose the rest.

Hi. Sorry I haven't been here to much. It just seems like when I think of it, it is 10 pm and I really need to go to bed.

I had another loss this week. 1.25 lbs, so I was happy to see that. I need to get back to the gym and start to add some weight training into my workouts, but I know I won't be doing that until after the first of the year...I might but I'm not making promises. My focus for the rest of the year is 30 min of cardio 5-6 days a week, journaling my food and hoping that I keep seeing some sort of downward movement on the scales.

What's everyone doing for Thanksgiving?

Mindy: That stairmaster is a KILLER but it is effective. One time I went to the Arnold Classic and I was talking to one of the bodybuilders. He told me he did a hour on the stairmaster everyday...I was in awe!

I will check in more often this week.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is looking forward to the Christmas Holiday and then the New Year!

My TOPS group had a special weigh-in on Wednesday to help all of us make good choices yesterday--it seems when we miss a meeting due to a holiday we have a lot of gains the next week and we want to remain focused.

I didn't have a loss this week but I stayed the same and I was happy with that.

Today I got my Christmas decorations out and we have a new pre-lit tree this year. I haven't had a new tree for 22 years so this was a lot of fun!

I was in a major cleaning mood and my DH was very helpful in helping me move furniture. I spend most of the day cleaning and taking small breaks here and there. I still have my bathroom to clean and the ornaments to put on the tree...will do that tomorrow.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

How did everyone do over the holiday? I was pretty reasonable in my food..but I did have some wonderful things that I usually don't have! I just tried to compensate with portion control.

I did a 30 min lunch-time walk on the treadmill today. I have set up my work calendar so that on Mon, Wed, Thursday I do a lunchtime workout. I'll hit the YMCA in my home community on Tuesday night and I'm going to try to get there on Sunday's as well.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Hi! It's lonely here!

I had a 1.75 lb weight-loss at TOPS last night. Every week that I have a loss it makes me just want to do it again.

Where is everyone?

I am dealing with a cold this week and have no motivation to workout. I just want to sleep and eat warm soothing foods. Trying to be "on plan". Which for me until Jan is to maintain.

It looks like everyone has left this forum. In case you make it back, I wanted to post some thoughts I have about each of you and wish you the best.

I'm going to try to find a new forum that will inspire me as much as this one has over the past two years.

While I haven't been as successful as I wanted to be in my weight-loss over the past 2 years, I have been able to witness how succesful those here with me have been and I know if I don't give up I'll get there too!

Ward: It's been forever....I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll try to keep up with you on Facebook.

Mindy: You have done amazing things! Merry Christmas too you and Happy New Year. I'll try to keep up with you on Facebook.

Angela: I remember that the last time I saw a post from you, I believe you made it to Onederland...I hope you have stayed there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Kelly: You have done great things too! Keep it up. I think you were almost at goal? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

If someone decides to come back and posts or makes a new thread, send me a PM on here and I'll join you!