300+ Club - 300+ Weekly Thread #1264

:welcome:

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support, inspiration, and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

Good morning!
I almost forgot it was a new week, because of the long weekend!!
This is the third day in a row that my scale has read under 300, so I'm counting it! Wasn't ready to trust it at first, but now I'm embracing it! I have never been so excited or motivated in my life! :)

I'm so not a morning person... lol.

I got up late today...but I did go to bed late, no biggie. Catching up on emails this morning. My friggin' phone broke, well it wasn't really a new phone, so I'm going to go out and get a proper phone. No doubt it will cost me an arm and a leg, but I haven't had a new phone in years. I guess it is time. I have two choices currently. My crap razor phone where the back piece flies off at a moments notice or my other phone where the sounds topped working, unless you have ear phones. :/ Like hellooooo?! lol

I did do a bit of exercise yesterday and I'm going to today as well. My little aerobic workout while I wait for my new stuff to arrive. The mini elliptical I got is called the In Motion Elliptical and it is really small. I'm hoping I don't break it with my weight lol. I'm a bit over the limit, but I figure why not just try it and see. If I feel a bit wonky on it, I can put it aside for a month or use it sitting down. My game plan is to do a workout every day this week...huuuzaaaah!

This week is the week of "diet change, diet stability, no more anger, no more bad feelings, get my butt moving, and get my site done" lol.

That is my theme!

*hugs* :D

morning ladies...

Jacquie: I am a morning person lol..yeah on no angry feeling this week ;0)

Last night my aunt and her mom that live behind us came over and watched the SUNS win!! We had the front door open cause it was so cool outside and we are not QUIET ladies when watching B-Ball. Now my hubby does not watch any sports except the Denver Broncos..and my uncle does not watch sports at all.My cousins BF doesnt watch games either. Hubby was on the computer and my uncle was at home. I can imagine what the neighbors thought when they heard 4 LOUD Women Yelling from inside the house. We had a blast! We never call the players by their real names..lol. There is a player on the lakers names Odym..we call him IMODIUM! I can imagine what people thought lol

For dinner we had salad with grilled chicken it was yummy BUT for some reason I had tummyaches again last night :(

This is my week to cover for a girl at work so I get to go in early all week and come home early YEAH!

*yawn*
*scratch-scratch*

I'm not a morning person either.. especially on MONDAYS! LOL.

Neon, w00t w00t! I understand about not trusting it. I saw one number on the scale once and that was it. Never to see it again in 6 years. I'm hoping to get there again. I know it's just a number, but but.. well, I'd like to see it again! LOL.

Cool about your exercise Jacquie and thanks for the mini elliptical info. I see your theme and second the motion!

Cyn, there's nothing like a hooting and hollering session of b-ball to get the weeks frustrations out and then the elation of seeing your team win is an extra bonus! I loved the visual you gave.

Humid and rainy out today. Not very cool though. Summer is trying to get here. I'm hoping Memorial Day isn't rainy. I'm going camping with my fambily come **** or high water!! If you hear about a camper floating near the Kerr Lake NC area during a flash flood, that'll be me.. hehehe j/k.

Hugs to all,
Ratkity

Hi My 3fc fam! :)

So, it has been 4 months since I started this journey. Lately, I have not been writing down my food or being very good with avoiding sweets and snacks and whatnot. I haven't completely slipped back into my old eating habits, but I am not completely eating better either. :(

The scale showed me this morning at 303lbs-304lbs. Because I haven't been good food wise, I opted to stay with the 304lbs, which means a total of 14lbs lost in 4 months. Not so good, but better than gaining. It also helps me to realize what my weightloss would be like if I really gave it 100% AND if I started exercising.

Thank you all for your support. I can't express how much I need it and how much it helps me.

:hug::hug::hug::hug:

Hi everyone! OMG, it is sooo hot.

the dogs and I are awake, but just barely.

Going to wake up a lil and bbl!

Hello everyone! :)

I'm a new face here and I was directed from the 100lb. group to take a look over here... I'm currently 291.5 and my highest weight was 310, and I am looking as my final dream goal to be 150!

I've just started a little mini-goal to see how much I can lose by July 4th as I am aiming for 10lbs!

How is everyone this afternoon? It's a gorgeous day here in New England. :D

Good Morning all,

Sorry for no personals right now but so tired today for some reason? Joel and I were able to get our entire garden planted. As soon as things start to come up I will take a picture to share. We ended up planting: 2 beefsteak tomato plants, 2 celebrity tomato plants, 2 green bell pepper plants, 1 red bell pepper plant, 3 Zucchini plants, 3 Crook neck squash, a row of yellow onions, 10 potato plants, basil, parsley, 3 Watermelon plants, 3 cantaloupe plants, a bunch of green beans and a row of lemon cucumbers! Whew. Joel is going to build a box and plant his strawberries there and we left room for it. Our garden is completely fenced in so no doggies can romp in there. I love it and can't wait until it starts popping up!

Like I said, I am super tired like maybe I should take a rest. I just got back from riding my bike 8 miles. So I'm going to go rest. I hope you are all doing wonderful. Hopefully I will feel better later so I can chat with you guys.

Blessings,
Annie

Welcome Reci!!!

Hugs,
Ratkity

A FALL AND A FIGHT - BACK IN BED....

I guess I didn't take the 'baby-steps' seriously enough and I've been sneaking out of bed to the bathroom when I'm home alone. But this afternoon I got my oxygen hose caught in my walker wheel and down I went in the hallway on the way back to the bed. There was nothing to pull up on and no where that I could go; So I rolled over on my rear and spent about an hour and a half until my husband got home from work. The chihuahua kept licking my legs like his 5 lb doggy self could help. Fat bounces, so I'm Okay - pretty bruised up from hip down as I kind of fell on my right knee then rolled onto my right hip, and my knee is all swollen and kind of twisted so I can't put weight on it. Husband was pretty upset. He said EMS would have made me go to the ER and that would have taken up the whole night and added another 1,000 dollars to our hospital bills. So he thinks I was pretty selfish and foolish.He pointed out that this was why he needed me to stay in bed until school is out and he is home. SO, its back to bed and the potty chair for me. Once I got out of bed I began to feel more normal and I found myself not wanting to stay in bed -where only a few months ago the bed was the only place I felt safe. I feel like I've taken a big step backward, but I don't dare get up now with my knee feeling like it will buckle. I'll get my chance, I just have to be patient.

RECIPROCITY - WELCOME - I'm kind of new here too. Feel free to see me as a dual dose of inspiration: If I can lose weight at 500 pounds, bedbound, with lupus and on steroids while my family feeds me fast food - YOU can do this. If you are tempted to eat something unhealthy or skip exercise -think of me - You don't want to end up like me.

MILLION - I learned something from Jacquie that really encouraged me. She taught me to celebrate NSVs or Non-scale victories. Focus on all the positive life changes that are not based on the scale.

NEON -CLAIM THAT WEIGHT - I plan to tell all of you when I get to the 450 mark and I don't care if its 449.9 - I'm gonna claim it!

PINK - I thought it would stay cool all year so far north!!! How is the redecorating coming??? I'm trying to convince my husband that I need the guest room turned into a scrapbook/craft room but I'm not going to mention it for awhile. Are you and the little ones all feeling well???

RAT - Are you taking the Little Guy camping? Does Ratkitty get to go when you camp. Our little Dinky chihuahua loves camping.

CYN - Thank you so much for sharing about enjoying the game- you reminded me I can have fun without running around outside and you've inspired me to try to come up with creative ways to have fun in bed.

CATHERINE M - Did you make it to a pool and get in a swim?

BASKET - Was confirmation wonderful???? I don't know if you read my last post on last week - but do you know where Wapakoneta, Ohio is? That's where my dad's family lives.

JACQUIE - Did you find a good phone??

ANNIE - I'm glad you are okay. Pace yourself and get some rest!!

I May be bruised but I'm not giving up....

COURAGE...
Lindy

Hi Lindy,

A craft room would be awesome motivation for you to get out of bed! I don't have the patience for scrapbooking. It's too intricate!

Having really bad anxiety/obsessing tonight. I'm afraid because I don't have any support after S leaves and I dn't feel i can look after myself.

Scale won't budge and it's pissing me off smething fierce.

Hi Lindy,

A craft room would be awesome motivation for you to get out of bed! I don't have the patience for scrapbooking. It's too intricate!

Having really bad anxiety/obsessing tonight. I'm afraid because I don't have any support after S leaves and I dn't feel i can look after myself.

You CAN look after yourself. You are a very strong woman.

Do you have someone to call if your anxiety gets too bad? Do you have any crisis lines in your area? Or an online forum (similar to this one) for when the anxiety gets too intense...sometimes talking through it can really help.

Annie - It sounds like you are doing a lot and I can see why you're tired!

Reci - Welcome welcome!

Lindy - ACK! *HUGS* So sorry to hear about your fall. I can understand you wanting to move around, I really and truly can. Bruises heal and yeah falls totally suck! *hugs* Hang in there...baby steps suck as well at times as there are times you want to be over there where the grass is greener, but you're stuck in mudsville. Yet I do think we have to learn how to be patient (and that is a really hard lesson for the likes of me) because this weight isn't going to come off today. Some of it may, but at the end of the day I think the lesson is to learn how to love ourselves, be patient, and positive. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there and so are you!

Pink - Hang in there. You DO have support, but I understand what you mean. I find myself lacking in support where I am at times, but I do supplement with the people here as well as some online friends. Though I think taking baby steps to better our situations is pro-active and better for us. What about a support group somewhere? Is there one? That might open up new supportive doors for you.

*****
Well I have a new phone now, HTC Droid Eris from Verizon. I got it for two reasons...1) it does SKYPE and I love skype... and 2) It has this thing called "scenes" and you can switch your phone scene (and all the screens and apps) to what you need. For example I'm currently on my Design/Work scene where I have all my work related apps and blah blah. :D If I go Out and About like on the weekends, I have a travel scene I made with event finding apps and maps and blah blah.

I am looking into the healthy living apps and found a calorie counter/diet log and a cardio trainer. I'm going to see how those go. I love it so far, but I keep accidentally calling people hahahaha. Awesome.

Feeling negative about my weight, seeing how I need to be more positive, SOOOOO I'm starting to look forward to exercise/activity. Today I'm setting up my mini-elliptical, perhaps I won't break it. We'll see.

Bah...not a morning person, but I got up at 6am! I'm amazed at how just a little bit of activity starts to get my body moving. I woke up and actually got up. :D

Good morning all!

I made almond milk yesterday (my coworker Eric, the raw vegan, turned me onto it!) for the first time, and made pancakes this morning with the leftover almond meal. They were pretty good. Not as good as regular pancakes, but with a pile of strawberries on top it was a great breakfast.

I work a closing shift tonight, which is rough on me... I'm basically useless after 8pm, so working until 10 doesn't go over well on my poor system. Hopefully it'll go well.

But mostly I'm trying to kill time and keep my mind off stuff until I hear from the school... there's drama surrounding me getting my degree, and apparently it's in jeopardy now because I thought I'd dropped classes that didn't confirm and now it looks like I failed too many classes... anyway... I did all the appeal stuff on Friday, and I got an email at 6:30 this morning inviting me to convocation, but I haven't heard back that my appeal has been granted... so I just need to twiddle my thumbs until I find out what the verdict is, and (if it's negative) what my next steps are. Augh! Stress! So I must distract myself...

Lindy: OUCH about the fall!!

Pink: A craft room would be my choice LOL.

Neon:Hope the stuff with school works out. I am pondering going back myself. I have no idea what I want to take though.

As for me: Yesterday Was ok at work. Sometimes I feel I gripe way too much! My tummy was not playing nice either :( I started back on the acidolphulous. We shall see what happens. My Dr's office got my referral done for the new GI Dr. I just want someone to tell me what is wrong with me. I have heard that ovarian cancer can mimic GI problems. My maternal Grandmother on my dads side died at 42 from this..yet no one with test me for this. Yes I get my pap every year..but that does NOT detect ovarian cancer. So when I go to the GI Dr I am going to beg her to have testing done. I also see my reg Dr next week to get me off the angina meds..I am going to BEG her for a referral first.

Tonight another SUNS game. It is also the finally for Loser..guess I will be DVRing Loser!

Hello My Peeps!

Lindy, oh dear about the fall. Poor widdle pup wanted to help! I hope your DH didn't yell at you too much. Baby steps!! LOL.

I used to have Patience; it was the name of my old Australian shepard mix pup. LOL. She's long gone and I haven't had any patience since :)

Old Evil Ratkity has lost more weight. She's happy and alert, just not eating much as her kidneys continue to decline (she's almost 16 yrs old). She is getting fluids 2x a week. She's not going to be here for much longer. I hate this part of pet ownership. I try not to think about it, but it's hard.

Hugs,
Rat

Annie-you are wondering why your tired. If I had done that much gardening I wouldn't be tired, I'd be taking a dirt nap along with the tomatoes.

Lindy-Getting hurt has always been my biggest downfall weight wise. Every time I get going good, and then have an injury, it sets me back terribly. I do know that feeling of helplessness being on the floor and unable to get back up. It's like being lost in the wilderness, and you can't see your way out. I was afraid that I'd never get up again.

Rat-That's why I can't have my beloved dogs anymore. Giving them up just got to be too hard.

Mm, the thought of napping in the sunny garden sounds amazing right now. It's 27 here, humidex of 32, and it's supposed to go up to 31 with a humidex of 38. I might die. Thank god work has AC.

In good news, I just got the call from the school that my appeal has been granted and I will be able to graduate!!! As of June 4 I'll have my BA in English, I'll be set to move to Thunder Bay for teacher's college, and I'll finally be moving forward with my life... which I really need! Thanks for thinking of me through this :)

Pink - I say craft room/office!

Cyn - Are you just looking for a new path than what you're on? (In terms of maybe going back to school?)

Rat - *Hugs to you and your furry friend* She's as lucky to have you as you have been to have her, even as her health declines. Reading about your "Old Evil Ratkitty" made me give my grumpy little torti a couple extra snuggles, just to remind her I love her. (Like she'd accept anything less!)

Lindy - Just for you, and your comments about me "claiming my weight" I took a photo for you! :) And I can't wait to celebrate 450 with you, and every victory that follows!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs505.ash1/29850_708750572226_121503513_41459567_2840905_n.jp g

That's all for now! Off to shower and get ready for work... I'm so relieved about school I don't even CARE that it's a closing shift anymore. Yayyyyyy!

STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE...

I've been staying in bed and letting my knee heal- I think I'm more sore today than yesterday. Just staying out of trouble.

NEON - WOW that's a great number! Thanks for the picture! You gave me another idea for my 'not my bucket list' I want to be able to reach my toes well enough to paint them! I am so glad your school paperwork is cleared up. My degrees are in English and Education and I loved teaching. I know you'll be a great teacher soon enough. I am reading a book my doctor gave me about healthy eating and it mentions almond milk. I am hoping they sell an organic commercially prepared version since I may struggle grinding almonds in bed!!!

CYN - Enjoy the game. Hope your tummy gets better.

CATHERINE - It seems you know exactly how I felt on the floor yesterday. I kept trying to stay positive while thinking I might not get back up again and have to go back to the hoyer lift (For those who don't know its a mechanical lifting device. The patient sits in a net and is lifted and rolled from one place to another - my son called it the 'whale lift' cause he saw them use one at Sea World to transfer one of their 'shamo' whales.) That 1 1/2 hours on the floor felt like an eternity. I caught up on my prayer time. I have been fighting discouragement today because I feel like I've gone backwards!
So, I made a list of positive things about my life. That cheered me up.

RAT - sorry to learn of RKitty's decline. So nice to know she is getting the best care and love!

PINK - Hope you are having a good day! Keep thinking positively and reminding yourself of all the things you have accomplished - it really helps me fight being discouraged.

ANNIE - Keep taking care of you - I'll 'talk' to you soon.

Hello all!

I'm a newcomer to the 300+ board, having breached the 300 mark over the winter, much to my great shame! Thankfully, I have begun to make changes and work towards my goal of 150. I got horribly sick this weekend and the scale dropped several pounds due to not being able to eat anything, and everything that was already inside me being emptied out in some form or another (sorry if that's TMI). I'm not 100% better, but I am eating again and laying off anything rich. With any luck, the changes I saw on the scale will stick.

Ratkitten - your post really touched me. My own scruffy little kitty is very close to the end. She's about 18 years old and had been slowly going downhill for about a year. First she started urinating A LOT and doing it all over the house. Thankfully we got part of that problem fixed, but she was still urinating far more than any cat should be. In the past month or two, she's really slowed down with litter box use and she gotten much thinner. It seems that everyday she's a little bit thinner. My family keeps pressing me to have her put down, but I can't bring myself to do it. I was never really a believer in it, and it's so hard to let go of those you love.

Reciprocity - We are in a very similar boat! We weigh about the same and have the same goal.

Lindy - I hope you feel better after your fall.

Neon - school can be quite frustrating, as can appeals! I actually recently filed an appeal myself. I transferred back to a college I had previously attended only to find out that because I didn't complete 12 credits the last semester I was there, I was ineligible for financial aid. So I had to write a formal appeal and it ended up taking two months for the office to process. After a month, I started calling and e-mailing to see if they even received it and I was convinced I was getting the run-around, because no one could tell me anything. But in the end, I won my appeal.

Jacquie - those droid phones look fantastic on tv. I've thought about splurging and buying one, but I don't really want to pay 30 dollars extra per month for a data service to use the Internet on it. I've also pondered just buying a PDA of some sort and using it indepedently from my phone.

dogpal - you gardened and rode 8 miles? Of course you're tired! Good for you for really being active!

milliondollar - I know that feeling of not giving it 100% and knowing you could be doing so much better. I've let that happen it a few areas of my life. I'm really trying to get myself on track in all areas and give all that I have. Especially with my excercise routine.

Neon - WOO! :D

shadowclaw - Yeah the data plan is expensive, but I don't have a regular phone line, so we aren't paying for two phone plans. I figured it wouldn't be so bad, but yeah it is pricey. At the end, regular plan + data plan + insurance + fees is around $80 a month. With a cable phone plan it would be around that as well, so i guess it isn't so bad. I did have a PDA once, but I found it so problematic to keep things updated. I'm very surprised that I'm using the Droid phone like I would a PDA. I'm not the most organized person, but I'm feeling MORE organized now. I also have a planner I write in, but now I see why people like the smart phones...still yeah pricey with the data plan!

Lindy - Hope you are better!

******
Well...I'm up! lol... I've been getting up earlier than usual, just waking up and getting up. I have energy and I have been eating well and exercising. My weight is up due to hormones..that sucks, but I'm not obsessing.

I have a meeting with yakity yak guy today...that sucks. I've set a time limit of an hour and a half...I'm going to keep it. So, if he yaks for that time ,his loss, not mine. I think something I've been seeing is learning how to set boundaries within myself, with people...etc. I tend to be too open, too helpful, too...well a doormat. People walk all over me and I walk all over myself too!

So, learning!

Off to shower and get dressed. Have to wear my FAT pants! lol...I find that a bit funny actually. I don't know why, but lol...I am at a point now where I have fat pants, thin pants, and just right pants! lol

Oy...*HUGS*

MY WEIGHT IS UP 2 LBS. AAAAAHHHH!

I have been good. WHY???!

Pink: Darn 2 lbs!! Sending you some HUGS

Neon: I am thinking school because I am very close to hte top of my salary range for my position. I am a Client Service Rep and can not go any higher. I am 37, and would really love to have a fun job! I always wanted to be a teacher. BUT since I had kids young and became a mom..that was not a priority back then. Now that the kids are 15 and 19..I am really thinking about school again. Do not think I could be a regular teacher. Maybe an Art one would be good. Not sure yet. I am a CSR in the medical field..but anything medical does not appeal to me.

Shadow: Welcome..and as you will see in everyone posts it is never TMI..lol

UPDATE...my son and his ex were getting along fine. Texting as usual. Then SHE got this wonderful hair brain idea that my son should text her mother and ask if they could meet somewhere and talk. The EX said she doesnt want to have to choose and wants her mom to accept my son..I understand. So my son did test her mom and 2 hours later she replied back that maybe once madison is 18 or long after they could talk. She also said she mainly hates him because HE WALKED AWAY FROM HIS RESPONSIBILITIES! I swear to God..I could enjoy beating the "S" out of this evil woman!!! About 10 min later..madison's dad came in a yelled at her for what my son said. So madison asked my son what he said. Damian told her. I read the message it wasnt a big deal. Madison said..they meaning her parents are lying to me again. This was on Saturday. Damian has not heard from her since. He thinks they took her phone and computer again. Breaks my heart. For both of them. So I will continue to pray. :)

ON a greater note..Suns won last night..it was an awesome game. I also got to watch LOser afterwards....not sure how I feel about the finalle..but a good show anyhow

cYN SHE'S 17 SURELY SHE CAN JUST WALK OUT ON THEM? xxxxxx
Neon WTG on the pic, LOVE your toenails! lol Wish I'd thought of taking pics of my weight on the scales! xxxxxx
Well we are changing internet supplier as of tomorrow so I may be off-line a few days. We go to visit my parents on Tuesday-Sunday, hopefully my Dad can cope with our boys otherwise we may have to come home early.
I'll try not to miss you guys too much AND stay OP & walk (LOTS!!) see you all soon, I hope!
xxxxxxx sharon

Thank you everyone for the welcomes!!! :) Wow, what a great set of people you all are! Sorry if I am quiet for the first few posts, I'm reading and getting to know everyone's situations and wow! That's all I have to say! Very inspirational :)

I'm afraid I might die of overheating... Seriously. It's 30 right now, with a humidex of 39. I am spending the rest of my night in my underwear in front of the fan.

Tomorrow is my sister's 22nd birthday, and we're having a fajita birthday dinner... yum. Corn on the cob, fajitas, and my amazing guacamole!!! Looking forward to giving her all her presents. I think birthdays are so wonderful :) My mom's is the next day, and I get to travel home for it (and for a bridal shower) and can't wait to celebrate with her too! May is a good (and busy/expensive!) month in my family.

Cyn - Your sons frustrating situation makes me want to cry. I'm constantly lamenting the lack of committed, responsible dads (young and old). So for him to be caught up in a terrible situation where he is cut off from him ex girlfriend and their child, it's awful. My heart goes out to them. Also I hope you'll keep up posted about if you do go back to school - any chance you could look into teaching, even part time, at a college near you? I know the colleges here in Ontario are always looking for successful people in their frield to teach practical college courses. They're often some of the best teachers, from what I've heard. (Can't say much from experience, since in my degree at university it's pretty much been just lifelong professors.)

Pink - GRRRRR at those pounds! But sending you love and positivity so hopefully it'll come off quickly for you.

Lindy - Glad to hear you're taking care of yourself and letting yourself heal! Great trick for painting toes, for when you're close to able to do it... I do it standing up, with my foot up on the toilet seat or coffee table so I can lean AROUND the stomach a little, and manage it. I understand that won't be for a while yet for you, but when you get there I expect you to return the photo favour :) You're doing great!

Jacquie - How'd it go keeping your conversation to the hour and a half time limit? I've been using your mantra of "my time is MY time, and it is important" the last couple days to remind myself that my claim to my time is as valid (if not more so!) than anyone else's.

Shadowclaw - Welcome to the 300+ board, it's awesome here eh? I'm so glad to know someone thoroughly understands the exhausting runaround of appeals and administrative hoop jumping. I'm so glad it's over. I didn't want to go to my graduation initially, but now it's liek DAMMIT! I deserve to be there, so I WILL be there!

Voodoo - We'll miss you, but enjoy the time away from the computer... I know I do when I get it. I'm going to my family's this weekend too, and it's really not worth going on their dial-up, so I'll enjoy my couple of days technology free! :)

Cyn - Hang in there. The thing I've learned from my own life is that once a person has control of another they have a really hard time letting go. It sounds like her parents are very judgmental and controlling. I mean everything I've heard from you = your boy being responsible. Probably MORE responsible than other people in that situation. People are allowed to have panic moments and I think judging a person because of obvious emotional responses isn't really productive. It sounds like the parents do not want him around and are making sure the girl obeys. That is so sad and it just causes such riffs later on down the road. Perhaps they'll see this one day.

Neon - Well...it went over 40 minutes. *sighs* I did try and I was packing up my stuff, but he kept on and I let it go 20 minutes over, then it kept on from there. I finally said I really had to go and he did do the "chat to the door" thing, but I did get out of there. Which was good as I was swamped when I got home with work. I totally have to do that reminder, MY time and I'm important! *Hugs*

Voodoo - Love the new hair! :D I didn't get to comment on this earlier. I've been neglecting my hair for years and now I have de greys. I'm wondering if henna would help dye it. I can't use harsh chemicals. Hmmmmm..
******

Well as I mentioned to Neon, meeting went over 40 minutes. I did allow it to go over 20, but it was hard to get the pull away. He did the "follow and chat to the door" thing until BF was like "she really has to go." I got home only 10 minutes past what I said I wanted to get home at though. Traffic was great! I was swamped with work and am this morning too.

We have a family visit this weekend and I'm busy planning the meal and such. Well my part anyhow. I'm so amazed at this family. We are doing a birthday thing for the little girl and MIL (even though I'm not married I still refer to them as inlaws for now). BF and I already did something for MIL and these are the same people who FORGOT both of their son's birthdays. Got them NOTHING, not even a card. So whatever...anyhow, we did a dinky cake blah blah. Now the other son wants to do something, so I said, because I'm the plan queen, that I would bring a cake that he would like. I mean the guy doesn't each chocolate he is allergic. So, his Dad, at the meeting, was responding to my little plan chat about this upcoming Saturday. They have this huge chocolate dried out cake (ew, they stored it in the fridge uncovered and it looked so dry) and when I said I was bringing a cake he went "but we have a cake." I go "but *so and so* doesn't eat chocolate." He made a face and goes "wellll....." and I go "NO! He doesn't eat it and is allergic." I mean this is his own flesh and blood! He should know this crap. Why am I having to tell him what his own son eats! lol...

Oy... the thole thing stresses me out. Even at the meeting he started in with things. Trying to disrespect me, totally disrespected the BF...it just goes on and on. I mean I'm so confused by this man. I really am. Ahh well...I'm putting myself first, I'll do better the next meeting.

My weight is down...my body flare ups are up. That sucks lol. I guess I knew it would happen at some point. I did venture out to get two new shirts for summer, on sale $37 for both. Not bad for the Avenue! :D I'm thinking of getting one or two more things this weekend because of the sales. WOO!

*HUGS*

Jacquie: Wonder if your inlaws are related to my sons EX. LOL

I woke up this morning with a sore throught and sneezing. I think it is an allergy cold. :( Summer is comming and I always get sick. We are suppose to go to my sisters Saturday for swimming and a BBQ. I will go as long as I feel better.

We are having a potluck at work. We have one a month to celebrate everyone's birthdays and frankly I am TIRED of doing them. I always over eat. Then I spend the rest of the day moaning and groaning. I also HATE cooking so I didnt make anything to bring. So I will stop by the store and grab something :(

I have noticed something...I WASTE alot of time in the mornings. My shift is 9-5:30. I am almost always up by 6 or 630. Now that we have moved it takes me about 6 min to get to work. YEAH!!! But I hop on the computer and waste time! I have my morning ritual..FB..HERE and a few other sites. I think I am going to start limiting myself to the time on here. I should plant a garden..I should make cards in the morning. Anything but being on here. So I am going to work on that :)

Tonight Suns game!!

I've been absent for a few months .. did I miss anything exciting while I was gone?! Managed to stay in touch with Sharon and Patti via facebook, hehe.

Just turned 19 on Monday and I already feel like I'm hitting a midlife crisis!

Beth :]

I'm getting some sewing in while himself sleeps in. He was up talking to someone in Norway last night until almost 3am. I got my card in the mail yesterday that will allow me to go to the rec centre anytime I want without paying. It's been 3 years since I became a permanent resident finally, so I can finally go on his medical insurance which covers leisure access. Now I have no excuse. Well, except that I don't want to shave my legs I guess.

I second the "not shaving legs" motion... I'll probably do it today, begrudgingly, because I'd really like to wear a dress... but I won't enjoy it!

Hi Everyone,

Still deeply tired and not being able to do much of anything. I have a suspicion that I am low on Vit D3. I was already quite low and it felt similar. Also TOM and with blood thinners on board.... YIKES! So, the icky weather and me feeling icky is making me a bit depressed so I am gonna be gone for a while more. Don't want to bring anyone down. Love to you all and I will be heading to get a blood test soon.

Many hugs and blessings,
Annie

Hello again, everyone. I'm still losing a bit of weight from being sick. I was only able to eat some chicken noodle soup for lunch and a few chicken muchers from work for dinner yesterday. Better than the few crackers and a roll that I ate Monday, though! I felt a bit sick after eating both, but the feeling subsided quickly. I'm feeling good today and ate more soup with no problem. The scale read 290.4 this morning. That's 4.6 pounds less than what it read on Sunday! Too bad I don't lose weight like this when I'm feeling healthy. Throughout my sickness, I kept thinking of a scene from "The Devil Wears Prada" where a girl says that she's a stomach virus away from being her ideal weight.

dogpal - I've been really tired these past few days, too, except my tiredness is from being sick. I hope you feel better and all goes well with your tests.

Catherine & neon - I will third you on not shaving legs! I really have to do it, though. My legs are starting to look like a man's. I wish there was a better way. I once tried to wax my legs, and it really didn't go well :p Shaving has a tendency to dry out my skin and give me those little red bumps. I also tried those smooth away pads (they're kind of like sandpaper) and the hair did come off, after about an hour!

azcyn - I know all about wasting time on the Internet. I am so guilty of that! There have been many days where I swore I was going to get some house cleaning done or do laundry, and I ended up spending hours on the computer. As for your potluck, have you thought about bringing something that is tasty but "guilt-free" so that you can munch on that at the party? Also, it's a shame what your son is going through. Someone mentioned that the girl is 17... at least it won't be long until she is 18 and can do whatever she wants. Well, in theory, at least. Some parents continue to have an iron clad grip on their children until the day they move out.

Pink - Sorry about the scale! Maybe you are just retaining water? I always gain a few pounds right before TOM, then they disappear when it does.

Annie - please dn't stay away because you don't want to "upset" us. We are here to be your friends, in good times AND in bad. Sending you strength and prayers.

Yay! My wt is finally down under 240! 239.8 as of this morn!

Lindy, where are you hun? You ok?

EMPTY NEST.....

My son left today for Georgia. I am dealing with that and a knee that isn't getting better so I'm still stuck in bed. Just feeling overwhelmed.

THE GOOD THING about all this is that I can't reach for destructive food cause I'm stuck in bed!

I'll touch bases later!

Lindy

Grrr... why are birthdays such gluttonous affairs?
And why must people make stupid comments when you ask for just a half slice of cake but extra sliced fruit with it, please. And why do I "have to" have whipped cream?
I try and try and try, and I'm doing REALLY well I think, but there's always one more stupid thing to deal with, one more social event where they try to tell me it doesn't count, or I can get back to it tomorrow, and no one notices the good I'm doing, just that I'm eating half a portion and they're eating tons and obviously I'M the one doing something wrong, because "it's a birthday party!!!"
*Sigh*

neon - social events are the worst. I used to regain back the weight I lost during the week every weekend - junk food, wine, beer, you name it. I think part of the reason why I have been hving so much success is the fact that I have no life now!!!

I went a little nuts today. Not with food really. Yesterday, a former neighbor came for advice. Her husband has been abusive, and she's going through divorce and protective order stuff. She was showing me the bruises he left on her arms, and I realized later they looked just like the bruises I had on my neck the day after my attack. I got nervous to anxious to aggressive. We went for a drive and a long lunch. That seemed to help. You never know when something is going to bite you on the butt.

jacquie - calorie counter by fatsecret and cardio trainer are my favorite apps. i too have an android phone. i love it.

Lindy - *HUGS* Hang in there...

Bazz - WB :D

Neon - Yeah I get a bit tired of all the food related things, but yet I also think they can be awesome. I bring my own food and share it with everyone. Like this Saturday I'm bringing a normal carrot cake and I'm thinking of either a raw coconut/banana cream pie or a coconut/strawberry cream pie. Both are raw and healthy and usually my raw desserts go over really well. I also am making salads and other things so overall people get healthy options. :D I find bringing things to share is much more fun for me and it solves the pressures of food.

Annie - *HUGS* Hang in there. I hope you get some rest. We are here to support you. *hugs*

Catherine - I hate those moments that remind us of events that have happened to us. I myself have those where I just sort of 'zone' out for a moment. Like seeing flashes in my mind, pictures, some moving, some not. Trying to shake them off. *HUGS*

Princess - I love it so far. I haven't used the Cardio Trainer yet, but the calorie counter I've been using every day. :D I love the ease of it and LOVE that it is free! I'm getting used to the phone and see the benefits. I'm glad I didn't go fancier, but I'm also glad I didn't settle with the low end blackberry.

******

Well...it has been a rough week. Things were going great...I was feeling great...feeling good...and then on Weds night things went bad. BF had six outbursts in the course of one evening ALL directed at me. I got so sad and disappointed as when he has these outbursts he 1) Blames it on the Aspergers completely so there is no real way to have any form of discussion and 2) He yells, he is mean, he just is hurtful, very. I finally got to bed and then Thursday morning WHAM he starts in on me again. I just screamed at him to stop being so mean to me that i didn't deserve this. I deserve better and I said that I was tired and I hated it here. I mean all I did was ask about a meeting...that is it. He starts yelling at me...blah blah. I hate it. I hate being treated like this. I hate it and it makes me feel worthless.

So, I didn't emotionally eat ,but I was very tempted. I didn't make the best choices for myself on Thursday, but I did not overdo things. I stayed under 1700 calories, give or take. Anyhow, last night I had a heart to heart, well tried. It started off badly again....yelling, pointing his fingers at me...blah blah. I just stood up and said I had, had enough. That it had been 12 years of this and I'm done. I'm tired of being a doormat for everyone and I also said it is VERY unfair that he throws up his condition in my face (true or not), but he NEVER EVER thinks about the abuse I've been through with my family. Not the sexual, not the emotional and verbal...or the neglect. I said that when he treats me like he does it makes me feel like I'm a little girl huddled in the darkness again..just waiting for something bad to happen. That is EXACTLY how I feel! I've felt this way for a long time. So, I was very open and I did say that I wanted to go pack my things and leave because it has been clear for a long time he doesn't care about me. So, he said he does care and he does love me and he wants to work on things...then he admitted to me that he is scared that if I lose my weight, start driving, get my business going that I'll leave him. I said that is NOT an excuse to treat me like this. Not after EVERYTHING I do for him and his family. I do that out of love. Why else would I do it?

I do love him...however I said that my feelings are not like they used to be. He wants to work things out. I sort of *sighed* and yes I'm still here...the truth is I don't have anywhere to go...but it is very hard here. I know I have to move on, but yet I also feel guilty moving on and yeah I do have a place in my heart for him. I just love him, but I also can't live like this anymore. I can't be in so much pain and it has gotten much worse with my weight loss. He is very content to let me get fatter and fatter and depressed.

I know that I'm very angry in this relationship...that is my issue. I feel angry over the Asperger's and I read that A LOT of people in my shoes feel that way too. I feel angry that he treats me like this even after everything I do for him. I'm so angry that I refuse to go to counseling right now. I told him he has to let me have time to sort through my feelings. That I feel pressured and am being guilted into staying. That isn't right. I don't know...my life is just too complicated at times.

So...we have a family visit on Saturday...no doubt that will suck on some levels. Maybe things will be better, I know the advice of move on and I would if I could. I think BF and I need time apart and I never understood that until now. I mean I love him, but my heart and feelings are going other directions. I have lived without affection for so long, and that is partly my fault I guess, but I found friends and one specific friend online that I share my time with. The thing is...BF shares his heart and time with people online too as he is an open relationship kind of guy...I didn't know this when I moved here years ago. I had this dream of falling in love, which I did, and then getting married and etc. Didn't happen...one thing after another was crushed, but I remember my stupid step mother saying "well you made your choice now you have to stay and work it out." I said "but what if I'm not happy?" She said "you made your choice." For some reason I believed her. God my whole life and family sucks! The day I stopped talking to that woman...well it was a celebration.

Anyhow...I'm struggling BUT not over eating and not giving in. I'm not. I don't know what is going to happen to me. I find my whole life too confusing. I really am scared to take steps, but I'm also making myself do it. I feel that when I'm independent I can make some choices and yes that could be going to counseling and working on things. I know relationships have issues...I just feel that the issues in mine isn't normal. But I don't know any better. :( I'm so inexperienced. *sighs*

*HUGS*

Lindy: Oh man..and empty nest. :( I dread that day.

Bazz: Welcome back sweetie!!

Catherine: ugh how aweful!

Annie: Please don't stay away too long!!!

Jacquie: oh man sweetie...I am so sorry. From what I know as your online 3FC buddy :) you so deserve to be happy. Yes you made the choice to stay there..but you also can make the choice to leave if that is what you want to do. Shame on your step-mom ..shame shame! I believe you will find the right answers ;)

As for me: Well darn Suns thought they would pull off a win. They did good though. My sore throat is still here. :( I am glad it is friday. I am so sick of working and looking forward to the 3 day weekend. I am going to finish my cousins quilt. Also we are going up to the mountains on Monday for the day! I am so glad cause it is getting hot!!

Hello my Peeps!

Just a quick note to all and then off to camp with sister over the Memorial Day weekend. No electronics (well, no laptops).

Lindy, hang in there girl. Empty nest is a huge issue to get your head around. Write about it!! Baby that knee of yours (I know you are). You know, a cold pack that you can keep in your frig can take the soreness away if you apply off and on. Just a thought.

Luan - Hugs girlie!! Good to see your smiling typeface :)

Bazz - welcome back!

Jacquie - we all deserve to be happy and you are a strong woman, just like the rest of us. You will make the choices you need to make WHEN you are ready, and not before.

Cyn - awww about your Suns. Hope you got some good hollering and yelling going during the game. Always good for the soul.

Shadow - hope that nasty virus is gone. I used to tell my mom that being sick and losing weight was cheating.. heheh. Just kidding. Drink your fluids and stay hydrated!

Pink - how them sweet doggies doing?

Annie - I'm gonna personally go over to your house and kick yer butt if you stop posting hehe.. dang wish I could. We'd have a blast together and I'd never get anything done. You put a LOT of work in the garden and I'd be pushing up daisies for days after doing that. You know posting here helps, just let the feelings fly!!! We are good for special cyber hugs and butt kicking (gently).

Neon - ugh, celebrations. Finally, so many people at work were on diets that we limited bdays to quarterly celebrations instead of monthly. That helped with the cake cravings for many ppl. People still bring junk to the party table (permanent location were food gets laid at work). The worst is donuts. After my McNugget experience with painful bloating and gas, I won't be thinking about "death by donuts" for a while. White flour and sugar are bad combos for people with WLS! The gas can peel paint (and not just one layer hehe).

Catherine - I'm so glad it dawned on you what triggered your feelings, despite them being a full head-on surprise. I'm always amazed by what can trigger memories in my head that are totally unrelated. You did GREAT by channeling that energy. Don't be surprised if you are dead tired today. When all that happens, it's an adrenaline type rush. Don't berate yourself if you feel a bit foggy today.

Hugs to everyone!!!
Special Hugs to Vets on this Memorial Day Weekend,
Ratkity

I'm new to the board but so glad I've found this place!just wanted to say hello to everyone and let you all know how inspirational you are! I'm just getting back on track to get healthy and trying to just overall made better choices. In the past 3 days I haven't drank any of my calories...thats huge for me as a 'former' soda/pop/coke lover!

Hi Everyone,

I will be back soon. Thanks for the support. I have just been feeling so, so weak and it is not fun. I haven't been doing much of anything at all just watching TV and reading. I need to get moving but don't have much get up and go. lol.

Welcome to all the new people and I am looking forward to getting to know you all.

Lindy: Big hugs sweetie. Hang in there.

Sorry no other personals right now but just am too tired. I'll be back though.

Oh, Luan: You look so beautiful!

blessings all,
Annie

Hey everyone!!! sorry i have been MIA for the past couple of days... was out of town.... dreadful journey... just got back... anyways will read up as soon as i can and get back!!!

i hope everyone is doing well!!!!!

Sameen

annie! you look amazing

Happy Friday!!!

Welcome Newbies - a big "Hey Y'all" to dear old friends!

Thanks for all of your kind thoughts. I am adjusting to my 'empty nest' and beginning to think about what God has planned for the next phase of my life. Maybe taking care of myself will be my next mission.

My knee is finally getting better. The ice packs did help.
I am actually grateful for my fall as Dear Husband feels so guilty about yelling at me when I got hurt that he is letting me ask for any groceries I want tomorrow, so I can stock up my fridge with healthy food and I will be able to be on a healthy eating plan for the first time - starting tomorrow! :]
I am going to try Doug Kaufman's diet. It is low carb. and allows lots of organic veggies, some fruits, lean grass-fed meat, etc.

My lupus is flaring up - but that is because we are trying to wean me from the prednisone after 16 years. My new doctor believes it will be easier for me to lose weight when I am not on the steroids, but it is a slow- painful process to get off of them after so long. So, I can't type too much -it hurts.

I do want to leave you with a thought that reflects my philosophy:

"I like living-
I have sometimes been wildly despairing,
acutely miserable, wracked with sorrow,
but through it all I still know quite certainly
that just to be alive is a grand thing.
Agatha Christie

Wooo-hooo! Is anyone else as thrilled as I am that it's Friday AND a 3 day weekend?!?! Did this week just handle anyone besides me?
Hi to all and I feel better just catching up on everyone's week! Hope this finds everyone happy and hopeful...
Just started Curves yesterday, but ate a piece of birthday cake today! :(
alicia080979~ :welcome2: I hope your able to find everything your looking for to stay encouraged! I've recently returned to 3fc (to get back on track, before I completely lost myself!) and these ladies are truly amazing! 08/09? I'm 08/10... Go Leo's!
Goal this weekend is to get this house in order and outside for some movin'! Weather's beutiful and I'm so over the rain.
Here's wishing all y'all a fabulous, 'on program' weekend!!

Quick post...

Cracking open young thai coconuts and sitting down for a moment before I go back and make a crust, then I gotta blend BLEND BLEND to make the filling. I'm making a raw coconut cream pie with a layer of bananas on the bottom. Perhaps it will be good. Dunno yet. *shrugs*

So far hacking away at coconuts has been a bit fun! :D I'm tired though...I want to go back to bed and hormonal. Yeah TOM sucks...

Today I'm making a pie thing...if that doesn't work out I have a plan B, strawberry pie..raw. So far it is working out... I'm making a raw corn and cucumber salad with mini bell peppers to add color. Then I'm making a rainbow cabbage (red and green) salad with a ginger type dressing. Dunno on that one yet.

Drew up illustrations for the kids, got presents, treat bags...blah blah. I should take pictures haha. *HUGS*

BF and I are doing "okay" but I think our talk has settled things down for the time being. You all are right, I DO need to move on, but I'm totally not ready yet. I feel a bit trapped right now, but I'm sure we all feel that way at times. I think part of my depression issues stems from this relationship. *Sighs* Now today is "play happy family" which I did for years and years with my parents...I hate that. I'm sure you all know what i mean ,but I'll make the best of it. The thing is I"m too nice. Then I allow people to treat me poorly. I need to learn how to stand up on my own two feet. I used to, long ago, but it is like a distant memory now. Blah...

*SUPER HUGS*

Howdy all...

Welcome to all the newbies.

Jacquie: Cracking coconuts sounds hard? lol I just learned how to cut up a real pineapple lol

As for me: Yesterday had a BBQ at my sisters. My mother and aunt who just got out of prison was there. It was ok. It is so weird now when I am around them. Its like I am there..but not..like I am watching someone elses life. I am so disconnected from them now. It is a good thing..just weird. My brother did have a fit! He took his rock band over and the kids were having a great time playing it. Then everyone went swimming so my brother doesnt swim so he stayed behind to play by himself. Well my sisters lovly husband said to my brother..man its family time..are you just gonna sit there and play video games all day. I was at the dining room table with my hubby. Next thing I know my brother is ripping out the plugs and packing it up and was calling a cab. UGH! We ended up leaving an hour later and cab was still not there so I took him home.

My brother can act like a big ole baby. BUT my sisters hubby can be an *** too. I looked at hubby and said maybe we should consider moving to colorado or oregon again LOL

LAST night I had such bad pains in my stomach again. Hubby thinks it is gas. All I know is for about an hour I was in pain! I really thought about going to ER. Then I had a dream that my oldest died in a plane crash and I seen it on tV!!! Not a good night by far!

STARTING A DIET BEFORE A HOLIDAY....

People in my life are struggling with my decision to begin what I am praying is a lifetime of healthy eating now - right before a holiday.
I have chosen to skip the infamous 'last meal' where I stuff myself with as many fat filled, highly caloric foods as possible before embarking on my 'final' diet. There is always something - a birthday, a graduation, a holiday to celebrate on our calendar and for my family celebrate means food. So, I have decided to go ahead and being eating in a healthy way no matter what the day on the calendar brings. We can still celebrate. We're having chicken breast on the grill instead of fatty ribs. We're having green tossed salad instead of potato salad, green beans instead of baked beans, greek yogurt with fresh blueberries instead of blueberry cobbler with ice cream. I am actually going to sit on a chair in the kitchen and try to help cook. This will be the first time in 2 1/2 years.

JACQUIE - I'm just beginning this journey and if your recipes work I'd love to try them sometime if you don't mind sharing. Hopefully you will have some good times with the celebrations this weekend. Do what you can live with. You will get back to the place where you feel strong enough to move on.

JENN- I wouldn't worry too much about the cake - joining Curves will take care of that - and yes, the long weekend will be enjoyed.

ALICIA - I am bed-bound with lupus and until this weekend could not diet as my family only brought me fast food. I switched soda (Dr Pepper was my drink of choice) with water - and I lost 40 pounds just by cutting out soda and making a few other small changes to diet.

SAMEEN - Glad you are back - hope things are better now that you are home.

ANNIE - Keep resting and get stronger! Love you.

Have a great weekend!

Lindy

Lindy - I always do the "last meal" thing too! But you don't have to deprive yoruself at celebrations - one good thing about being at a high weight is that you can still eat quite a bit and lose. I mean, you can work the odd piece of cake or what have you in, if you find it hard to deprive yourself. If I make myself go without certain things for too long, it makes me crave them which alost always leads to a binge!

Cyn - Your fam sounds stressful! Mine is always a lot of drama too. I dread holidays!

Jacquie - Yum! I love coconut!

Doggies doing well! My wallet - not so much!

I won't be around as much because I have temporarily disconnected my internet. I never get anything done because i'm always on the computer, and it isnt good for my OCD either because I end up looking up thins that make me more stressed! So Internet at the cafe downstairs or school only for now. Eeek!

I made it to church this morning! Felt good.

Hello, all!! It is so busy near the end of the school year!! I've been to the Health Center a few times. Did a yoga class. Our pool is open this weekend and we went yesterday and today. Wonderful!!! We have a lazy river that is 1/10th of a mile long. So, I just walk along and do laps. It is wonderful keeping cool!!

Need to do more specific exercising, but am fitting some things in.

But, the weight loss is great!! I was able to pull two swimsuits out that I haven't worn in YEARS!!! I'm wearing a 24W, now. I kind of want to buy a new suit, but that would just be silly. And, I'm having fun shopping my closet for clothes. Filled my 4th box of donations of too large clothes.

Am smaller than my lowest weight in the last 8 years. Keep it going!!!

Back from a weekend at home, which was better than if could have been, but worse than it would have been if I'd stayed in Ottawa... in terms of eating/exercising anyway. Positives: swam a lot, and not just floating/playing, but laps and treading water too. Negatives: there is so much junk food in my mom's house, and I don't do well in an uncontrolled food environment. Siiigh.

Basket - Congrats on the major accomplishments (re: bathings suits, and being smaller than your lowest weight in 8 years)!!! Way to go :)

Pink - That is a fantastic idea, though I don't love the idea of seeing less of you around here! I have done something similar, but not to the same degree... since my boyfriend and I broke up (5 year relationship... sigh...) I've been really lonely and somehow my laptop became my bed buddy. I've banished it to the coffee table, it is not allowed in bed with me anymore! I watch too much tv, stay in bed too long, and waste too much time just flipping around the internet. Computer time is computer time, bed time is bed time, and that's that! Hopefully we both see improvements as a result. How's the spare room coming along?

Lindy - I am honestly SO proud of you. You inspire me with how you make the changes you're able to and keep aspiring to make bigger and better ones, and look how great you're doing as a result! Hope you're doing well with your son moving away and whatnot. My mom says she had a really hard time once my sister moved out, and we were both gone. She's also having a really hard time with the thought of me moving to Thunder Bay (20 hours away). Moms are the best... :)

Cyn - Oh family drama... doesn't it just make you want to throw your hands up? I know it does for me. How you feeling today? No more crippling pains (gas or whatever it was?) I hope.

Jacquie - Just wanted to send you some love. Relationship crap, family crap, self esteem crap... all that crap gets rolled up into a big ball of confusing emotional messiness. I know what that's like. But with time and with learning to put yourself first, you'll do whatever it is you need to do... whether that's fixing the things that are broken, or walking away from that which can't/shouldn't be fixed. Regardless, *HUGS*, and hope your pie was yummy! I'm making a raw blueberry pie next week for a brunch.

Jenn - I think you Americans have it right (in this regard)... long weekends always feel better to me when they're Fri/Sat/Sun instead of Sat/Sun/Mon... so I think I'd prefer this Memorial Day thing over Victoria Day, honestly.

Alicia - Not drinking your calories is a huge accomplishment. I truly blame Starbucks, and living alone (well, and myself!!) for the 40 pounds I gained over the last two years (which took me from 290 to 330... so it wasn't like I was thin to begin with). I had flavoured lattes and mochas every single day. And don't forget the frappuccinos! We each have our own poison. Good on you for working to kick that habit.

Sameen - Good to see you around again :)

Annie - I hope things look up for you soon and you feel a bit better. We all love you!

Lindy- I always did a "last meal" too and this time I didn't do that either. I just decided I was going to make better choices and eat things in moderation so nothing is off limits and so far it is working great! I even enjoyed a big breakfast this morning guilt free!

Pink- I so need to unplug my internet and get my butt away from the laptop! Although I will say that since I joined this place last week, my motivation just keeps going up and up so for now I'm staying bc I love it here:)

Basket-Congrats on the weight loss! Doesn't that feel so great to shop from your closet?! I woke up this morning feeling lighter so before hubby got out of bed I went in, turned on the light, closed the door and just tried on a bunch of shirts that didn't fit before and they fit now! I was so excited!!!

Everyone else-sorry I'm still learning how to reply to everyone and learn who everyone is but I hope you all have a great Memorial Day!

I changed my weight stats today bc our stupid digital scale is way off. I thought it was (it kept saying I weighed 312 but my Drs office was 296 a couple weeks ago) so today I ran out to my Drs office (my mom is office manager and it is only 1 mile away) to get on their scales and sure enough I am down to 288! So I had Dh get on their scale then get on ours at home and just like I thought...the thing is 20lbs off! My scale at home has been defeating me without me even knowing! I am done using that scale and only going to weigh at the Dr now. My heighest weight at the Dr. was 320 last year and I started changing my eating habits but wasn't really serious about it until recently so now seeing that I am officially out of the 300's and 8 lbs less than a couple weeks ago is such a huge relief and even more motivation to keep going!

So, this is my first post on the weekly thread, I'm jumping in!!

Wow Alicia, that's crazy about the scale! Haha, no wonder your new shirts are fitting now! You are skinny, girl! :D It's all so relative, huh? I have always been way-overweight, but spent most of my adulthood from 250-280. Then this last couple years I just SHOT UP to a high of 350. I can't tell you how much worse I feel with that extra 70lbs on me. I'm sure getting older doesn't help, but I can't WAIT to weigh 288 again. In fact, 288 is going to be one of my mini-goals. Sweet! I'll feel like a million bucks! Congrats!

OMG, my daughter had to march with her dance school in our little town's Memorial Day parade today. For most people, I'm sure that sounds like a good old fun time. I was actually dreading it, and it is so sad that I have gotten to the point that I'm worried about whether I can physically handle what's involved in such things. I thought I had a good plan, I was going to drop Lily off where they were meeting up, then go park at the end of the route to get her.

WELL, I found out while I was dropping Lil off that all the parking lots at the end of the route were closed off for the veteran's memorial celebration afterward. OH NO! And I HAD to get Lily at the end, I couldn't just have her meet me back where we parked. I wouldn't do that anyway since she's only 9, but I sure was bummed that I couldn't drive to the end -- had to walk it. I don't know how far I walked in terms of miles, but it was FAR to ME -- much farther than I have walked in a WHILE, I can't even believe I made it. But I DID!

Oh, did I mention that it was POURING rain, thundering and lightning almost the whole time. I can't even believe they didn't cancel the dang thing -- and let me tell you, there sure weren't a lot of onlookers. The parade participants outnumbered the crowd by at least 3-1. This was mandatory for all dance team members, and since we are "rule followers", we sucked it up. Blah! I will say that even though I felt like every minute of this parade was torture, I had a BIG smile on my face and waved my American flag proudly the whole time -- for the veterans and for my little girl who was so proud to be in her first parade. My knees are pretty PO'd about the whole thing, but I guess they'll get over it. :dizzy:

After that we went and saw the new Shrek - I LOVED it! I'm a bucket of popcorn with the fake butter grease kinda gal, and I did have some. But I bought the smallest size they had and only ate a few handfuls. Coulda been worse -- I know that stuff has a million calories, though. Oh well, I probably walked at least some of it off!

Sorry so long, gals! I had to vent about that parade since I'm trying to let Lily believe I had fun! ;)

Shannon I spent my adult life/the last 10 years between 230-270 for the most part and when I got up to 320 and since then...I have felt terrible. I honestly cannot believe how terrible I feel at 30. I was always overweight but always very social and active so the past couple years have been terrible for me. I was so glad to see 288 today but I will tell you what, this girl is getting this weight off once and for all! I cannot live like this anymore! I was getting to the point where I didn't want to be active in our church, didn't want to take my daycare kids on walk and just didn't really want to leave the house...something had to give!

I'm sorry you had to walk in the rain today, that had to suck! Although it is good that you got out and walked...even when we don't want to our bodies need it! We just got home from the waterpark again so I was glad to get some walking in there too. I want to go see Shrek so bad, I'm glad it was good because I am going to go see it soon!

STOP!

Please join us on the next weekly thread #1265