Support Groups - #160- Marching into Fall....

Good Morning Everyone,

I figured it was time to start a new thread. Hope you all are having a good week so far. The board is still pretty quiet so I hope all you lurkers will feel free to join in.

Things here are fine. I'm having a Heavenly Nights party tomorrow night (romance party) so I'm just trying to get prepared for that. Thank God my cleaning lady comes in tomorrow is all I can say :) I'll be having a fruit and veggie tray, a bit of wine and a cheesecake for later on but I'm going to do my best to stay away from that as I have a hard time with that stuff. A little piece is never enough :lol:

We're having my BIL over on Sunday for Thanksgiving so it'll be a small affair with just the three of us as my sisiter and her boyfriend are going to the Say Hay benefit concert for the drought stricken farmers out west.

Hope you all are doing well. Remember that it's one minute, one hour, one meal at a time.

Take care,
Pam

Hi Pam,

Yes, I am trying to keep a clear head about this. I just read an inspiring article in the Calgary Herald this morning about a woman who has lost 112 lbs and just ran in the half marathon and has her sites set on the Iron Man. I am thinking if 1 woman can do it, so can I. Here's to perseverance.

Sorry to hear you are battling headaches. They so much out of you. Is R & R in the near future? Or is that one of those "I must get around to it" kind of things :^:

I know how hard it is to be working full time and trying to do courses too! Good for you for making such a big commitment and also being able to stay OP.

We are going to the theatre tonight to see a new play called Quietly Overwhelmed.

Hope you have a good evening, too!

Talk soon,
Karie

Hi Ladies,

The board has been quiet lately, but those posting seem to be doing pretty good staying on program. I hope all is going well for those not posting.

I have been staying op with my eating and have been working harder at exercising. I have decided to break it up, and have two 15 minute sessions on the treadmill each day, instead of doing it all in one, that way I will at least get one mile a day in. And I am using the 1 lb weights for my arm exercises. I even encouraged my dh to get on the treadmill yesterday for 15 minutes. I hope that means he will start working with me. I got on the scales this morning and it had finally started moving again. It was down 3 lbs.:cp: I was so excited, I hope I can hold it there until my official weighin on Monday for the Halloween challenge! Just maybe I might make my goal after all. I was beginning to think I couldn't do it in time!:cb: :cb: I just knew exercise was the key!

Karie, that woman in Calgary sounds like quite a woman, we could all take a little inspiration from her. Yes you can do it Karie, just look at what you have already accomplished. You can do anything you set your mind to - we all can, if we just stay focused and keep on program, one day at a time, one meal at a time, and be sure to include some exercise each day!

And remember what we are doing is not a diet it is a liv-it, a lifestyle change where we are training ourselves to eat healthy and exercise regularly. A plan we can live with for the rest of our lives so there will be no more yo yo dieting. We will get to a healthy weight eventually and stay at a healthy weight! Right ;)

:wave: Hi to every one I missed, and good luck to all of us for an op day

Morning everyone,

Thanks for your pep talk Grandma G. I know that you are right and it is helpful to hear it again especially when my motivation is on the wane.

I had a good week this week tho' and think I will go to weight watchers this morning to check in when I know I have a loss. If I can just lose two or three times in a row again, I know I will be on the other side of this hump. I am so determined to get to my goal regardless of how long it takes me.

Grandma, good job on being down 3 lbs. You are doing so well. I don't know how you do it when it sounds like you have to eat out a fair bit. Keep up the good work and good luck meeting the Halloween challenge. I am so in for the next challenge.

How is it going Pam? I hope those nasty headaches are leaving you alone. I know that you were talking about changing your goal weight but I am not sure if you did. How far away are you now? I am rooting for you. You are proving to me it can be done!

Hey everyone else, where are you? Don't give up. We are here for you and we are going forward.

Have a great day. I will report back after WW.

Karie

Yes, Yes, Yes!

I am on my weigh down again :cb: :cb: :cb:

Down 3.8 lbs today! Yahoo!

Finally, ok I am so on a roll now. Anybody need motivation?? I have lots to share now.

All of a sudden I remember the feeling and why I am doing this.
Hope everyone else is having a good a day as I am. I am about to try a whole bunch of new recipes and liv-it (Thanks Grandma G)

Pam, How was your weigh in today?

Come on back everyone. I want everyone to feel this great.

Later,
Karie

Way to go Karie!!!! :D :D I'm so proud of you my friend. What a great thing to read here first thing this morning. I'd checked in after supper last night but you hadn't been here yet so this is a great way to start the day by reading about your fabulous loss! I'm glad it's all clicking for you again. Are you and DP doing anything for Thanksgiving?

Weigh in yesterday for me was another maintain. This is the third week in a row I've weighed in at 155.4 lbs. I'm trying not to get frustrated but I had banked points left over for the week but I think it's because I'm not exercising enough so I know I have to burst back into that and see if I can get this scale moving downwards again. *sigh* Now if I can get back on track after yesterdays smorgusborg (sp) I'll be alright. Yes, you're reading right, I fell hard yesterday and didn't count points. I will count today and try and repair the damage. I'm not mad at myself just disappointed because I knew exactly what I was doing but did it anyways.

I'm still setting my goal weight at 150 lbs and hope to be there by Christmas. I'm giving myself lots of time to achieve it because I plan on maintaining it for a long, long time to come. I bought my first size 12 dress last week for Erwin's Christmas party and I promise to take a picture to scan for you guys to see me all "gussied" up. I think I look really nice in it. It's just a basic black sleevess dress that if I get back to weight training soon, I should have some killer arms to poke out of it :)

Thanks for being here for me this morning....I really need to have my morning coffee with friends ...Karie, we should work on meeting each other this spring in Calgary. I think that would be beyond cool to finally have a mini TPAT reunion.

I hope you all have a great day and if anyone is lurking who is Canadian, enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend. We're having my brother-in-law over today for dinner so that'll be nice. Erwin makes an awesome stuffing! (4 pts for 1/2 c....see I did my homwork today :) )

Talk to you all later,

Pam

Good morning, good morning!

Hey, Pam, I am so glad you came on line today. Thanks for the great support.

I know how frustrating it is to work hard and not lose a thing. I really believe tho', that your body is adjusting to the new weight and reshaping. Even tho' I wasn't losing weight the last two months, some of my clothes were fitting differently. I would bet that is what is happening to you.

Keep up the good work and you are so right that this is a long term venture so of course you are going to go over you points sometimes. The big difference now is that that is less often than we used to do it and I think that really represents a new way of life. You have done so well, my friend. When you feel a little discouraged trust that I am sending you very strong vibes from the south and let me be there with you. You will be there by Christmas and I just know you will knock 'em dead in your dress. Hey, I think you should post a picture of those workout arms. It could be kind of an artsy shot.

Good job on figuring out the dressing points. I am taking some turkey gravy I have to my moms since she loves to make it from the drippings of the turkey and I am through looking like the turkey so I am staying away from it :lol:

DP and I are going to my moms for dinner. My sisters, their partners and nephews will all be there. It will be fun. I am making two WW jellied salads so I know the points.

I would love to meet you in person. I will hold onto the goal weight gift I am making for you until then.

Thanks for being here,
Karie

Hey, the rest of you :Step away from that turkey and come talk to us online. It is fewer calories :devil:

Hi ladies,

Happy thanksgiving to all you Canadians...we have another month to go before we are tempted by the big TURKEY...

I am still yoyoing...I finally got away from the quack I used to go to... I have an appointment with a new doctor the 4th of Nov. I will take up the issues of my medications and problems with all the yoyoing and see if we can't come up with a workable solution.
I'll let you know...it is so frustrating to lose and gain lose and gain,, the same 10 pounds over and over and over.. well I am sure you all know what I am talking about.

Other than that,, it is definetly fall, dh and I took a nice drive up north today,, a nice color tour. Did a little shopping, had some supper. Then stopped at his sisters on way home and had some tea to warmup.. it is cold out,, and a piece of freshly baked apple pie,, baked with splenda so not to terribly bad... but figured tomorrow is another day...

Well, take care all, will check in later this week, hope everyone is doing well with their liv-its...:)

Dahlia

I use to come here when the thread was first formed....then went over to another thread...it had disappeared into thin air....

I really need to get on the wagon again....and get out of the kitchen..I'm always looking for something to eat..and I'm not really hungry, its just something to do, like I don't have anything to do around here..

I got down to 147 this spring, I'm now back up to 160, so its like I'm starting all over again, I'm glad I never threw any old clothes away...

Welcome Sandy,

I hear you about that yoyo thing. I am glad you have decided to come back and look for the support you need. You are on the right track.

Our board has been a bit quiet the last while, but the folks who do post are very supportive and certainly understand where you are right now.

Let us know how you are doing.

Karie

Hi everyone! I am back from the best vacation in my life - second to my honeymoon:love: Dan and I went to Door County, WI for the pumpkin festival. The leaves had changed color, the food was great, and the festival totally fun. Dan hates his job and this was so relaxing for him. I haven't seen him have that much fun in awhile. It was great!:D

Alright Pam and the rest of you Canadians - you had me scared about Thanksgiving! I got worried I was missing it! :^: :lol: Then I realized you lived in Canada - oops!:o Hope you guys had a GREAT day!

Let's see...so much catching up to do!

Karie - I have thought about training for a marathon also - I asked 2 people (including my husband) to do it with me, and they both said NO!:?:

Grandma G - GREAT job on the 3 pounds. :cb:
Karie - same to you - 3.8 pounds - that's AWESOME!:cp:
Hi to everyone else that is lurking/that I missed:wave:

I am doing well today. Have eaten OP and am not hungry. Out of my favorite fish - will have to substitute for dinner. I will check in later - talk to you soon!

Meg

Hey, Meigg,
Welcome back. It sounds like you had a great time. I used to be in California about this time of year every year and I loved the huge pumpkin lots they had set up in various vacant lots and all the decorating. We don't have much of that here unless we do it ourselves.

Hope your day goes well.

Hi Dahlia,
How are things with you today. Sounds like you will be starting a new regime. Best of luck with it.

Pam,
How was Thanksgiving? Hope you outran the turkey and all the trimmings.


I went to the Say Hay concert last night. It was put on to suport all the farmers in Alberta who suffered at the hands of the drought this summer. All the top Canadian country and wester performers were there so it was a four hour concert. Unbelieveable! PS. Ate before I went so I wasn't tempted by the fast food at the arena.

Have a great day everyone.

Karie

Hi all,

Meigg, welcome back from your fantastic sounding holiday! I'm glad you and Dad got some R & R

Karie, my sister went to the Say Hay concert up here and said it was really good. I'm so happy they reached their fundraising goal. As far as Thanksgiving goes, let's just say I'm putting the last 3 days behind me and starting again. I fell off the wagon and then got trampled by the next one. LOL. 'Nuff said ;) Let's just say cheesecake must not enter my house again...:(

Dahlia, Grandma G, Lisa, Carol, Slim, Linda, hope all is well and good.

I'll check back in later as I'm off to hit the treadmill for a half hour. *sigh* I must work off the excess I ate this weekend.

On a positive note I booked off next Friday and Monday and told my boss I was taking them for mental health days. He said as long as I showed up for inventory the weekend after that I could pretty much do what I wanted :lol: Hmmm...no wonder he agreed so quickly.

Talk to you all later,

Pam

Day 2 of back OP. Going well so far. I thought of going out for lunch, but I brought today, and I am determined to eat that!

Work is boring as ever. Waiting to hear on a great interview I had last week.

Hope everyone is doing well - Meg

Hey Meigg, great job on being OP! Every minute, every hour, everyday is what I too am trying to concentrate on. This is also day 2 of recovery OP for me since Thanksgiving. I also have worked out two days in a row this week also. I did my Pilates for Dummies video and holy cow it's harder than I remember.

I sent off my first assignment to the University for grading in my home study accounting course so now we'll see how much I'm actually getting out of it. The course is more challenging than I thought it would be as far as "teaching' myself out of a book. I've come to the realization that alot of it depends on the writing of the textbook.

Hope you all had a good day and I'll check back in tomorrow.

Pam

Hey everyone;) ,

I was doing so well on my diet, I mean Livit!, until my sons B-day last Friday, I have been sneaking :s: a piece of cake here and there, finally its all gone and I have been good since. I was so afraid to step on the scales but to my surprise:?: I still lost! So now that I am back on track I know I won't let that happen again!!! plus I feel better when I don't eat that kind of stuff.



I hope everyone has a great week, whats left of it, and I nice weekend and I'll chat with you next week when I weigh in!


Take care all!!!:yes: we can do this!!!


213/205/130

Hi all,

Okay, today was a challenge. I woke up at 5:00 am to go to the gym only to find that my truck was dead. I called AMA and they lost my call so didn't come for an hour and a half. Then I find out that the battery won't hold a charge so I have to take it to the dealership and get a ride back to the college so I can teach my 9:00 am class. Did it!!! But what a chaotic start.

I didn't have time to pack my lunch or have my usual breakfast so the day seemed upside down all day.

Okay, enough whining. I still did okay but missed my workout. I will be there tomorrow.

Think I am doing okay.

Pam, good job on getting that assignment in. I think it is a challenge to learn out of a book especially if you are a social learner like I am :D

Enjoy your days off. You deserve them. Thanksgiving is over and just a memory - Christmas is coming and you have a black dress to wear!!

Meg, good choices today. You are doing it.

Hey, Floridachick, beware of the cake devil:devil:

Have a good evening and we'll chat tomorrow.

Karie

Hello Ladies,

I hope all is going well for every one this morning. Karie it sounds like you had a rough start to the morning yesterday, glad the day improved as it went on. I hope today is better for you. You are doing so well, I can't imagine getting up to go to a gym before work. What dedication!

Florida chick, I hear what you are saying about opportunity, if it's there it is hard to resist. Tuesday, my ds new girl friend sent over some chocolate chip cookies and I just had to try two! They were so-o good, I enjoyed every bite, but then went right back on program. That is the key, don't let it stop you and don't do it too often!

I ache all over today, but I got my exercise in a most enjoyable way. My dh and I went to a senior dinner and dance last night and we danced all evening. The old timers band was just great. We even square danced! It's been a long time since I've danced that much. I also stayed on program with the dinner. I skipped the rolls and the dessert. The only thing I ate, that I probably shouldn't have was a scoop of dressing. and my only beverages were coffee with equal and water.

Pam you are getting so close to your goal. We are all so proud of you. You must be so happy. You wont have any trouble keeping it off this time. Eating healthy and exercising is your new lifestyle like it is with all of us now. Good luck with your accounting course. That must be very difficult, learning on your own, it takes such discipline and organization of your time.

Meg, I hope you get good news from your last interview. It's not easy working at a job you don't enjoy.

We can all do this ladies, there is no limit to what we can do. Just stay motivated and remember our goals.

:dance: :grouphug: Hi Slim, Dahlia, Lisa and any one else I missed, good luck for an op day.

Now I have to get to my studio and paint. I finally got going on a commission I have been ignoring for months. I haven't been doing much all summer. To much running the roads, I guess!

Hi Grandma,

Great to hear you are working in your studio! I have decided the best way to get reconnected with my studio is to take a class. I am hoping to have enough work for a Christmas show at the College. I take my course on Oct 26/02.

I think it is a good idea to treat yourself once in a while so we realize that this is a lifestyle change and not a time limited deprivation program that we all go off eventually.

I actually went for a run tonight. I have never been able to run and this first time out I walked a block and then ran a block. I hope to get to a place I can run the route but it is a start. Amazing!

I have a great day tomorrow since I get to go for lunch with friends and catch up with my marking.

Have a great day everyone,
Karie

Morning Ladies,

Can a long lost weight watcher come back to the fold? I promise to motivate, support, be good for a few laughs, encourage, make the coffee in the morning, and not talk about cheesecake until given permission to do so?

She said humbly with her tail between her legs ..... :^:

Karie and Pam and all who have been losing weight, may you continue to have happy weigh-in days -- Karie, down 3.8 lbs!! Amazing what can happen when you threaten to smash a piece of metal :smug: . And, Pam, you know I am so proud of all your successes as well.

Dahlia, I hope you come up with a solution regarding your yoyo weight loss. Perhaps it is all medically related and you just need to tweak your meds a bit. At least you are taking action and that's a huge first step. I love apple pie too!

Grandma, excellent choices at the dance last night, and so much exercise as well -- sounds like a perfect OP occassion. And, the self-satisfaction that you derive from times as such will go a long way in keeping yourself motivated. You've put a new spin on the word "happy dance!"

Florida, when you know there are temptations in the house (food-wise!) that you know you will not be able to avoid, I think you just need to sit down, allow yourself a small portion, eat it, and then get that urge out of your system. Outwitting deprivation usually means success at the scale. Nonetheless, you had a weight loss and that is just great -- kudos!!! And, a happy belated birthday to your son. :) :)

Welcome back, Sandy, and best of luck with your weight loss efforts. It certainly isn't easy, but justthink of how great you felt when you were losing. You'll get back on track again, I'm sure!

Meigg, it seems you and I have recommitted together this week as far as weight-loss and healther living is concerned. 4 days OP so far and that's a huge accomplishment for me. Next week I hope to start up on the activity -- slowly phasing everything in. Congratulations on doing so well, and I hope very soon you have some positive news concerning your job search!

Even though I have not been able to find the motivation and that ever-so-important inner spark to get back on track for some time now, knowing that I have actually made a good attempt this week, brings me hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel ... and some smaller clothes too! :smug:

Well, almost 2am and I had better try to get some sleep if I want to accomplish anything later on.

It's wonderful to be back with a vengeance!

Always, Terry :grouphug:

Good Morning Everyone,

Terry, hello you!!! The inner spark is not always easy to attain but sometimes it's just a matter of gritting through it and waiting for it to ignite again. You know my struggles with that spark, but you just gotta do it. I'm so proud of your determination and so happy to see you back. Group hug!!!

Karie, I'm so in awe of your running experiende! You Rock!! Seriously, way to go, that's a wonderful beginning.

Dahlia, Granmda G, Meigg, Florida, and everyone else I've not spoken to, I'm sending you all a big hello and a wish for a happy OP day.

My sister and I are going home to a wedding tomorrow..we're each others dates as our men have bailed on us. Should be a nice weekend at home as I've not seen my parents since the end of August so that'll be nice. Here's a big hope that my Dad behaves himself and leaves the beer bottle alone.

Well off to work but I'll check back in later and see how you all are doing.

Pam

Morning Pam! Have a ball at the wedding and dance up a storm with your sister -- some of my best dancing's been with my girlfriend while our husbands sat at the table. Now if we were dancing on the table that would have been another story!

I feel good -- for awhile there I was eating and didn't even enjoy it. What a difference just less than a week makes in my attitude and in how I feel physically.

Since I was up all night -- good night!

Always, T

Hi everyone!

Can't wait for work to be over. Just got more yarn, so I will be knitting over the weekend. I haven't been feeling well the last few days - like I felt a few weeks ago. I am wondering if it isn't food or med related. Maybe when I drink the shakes my meds affect me differently - making me somewhat dizzy. I don't know - what is funny is that I feel really full when I drink them - so I don't think it is that I am not getting enough food.

I am purchasing more tomorrow, so I will start up again on Sunday. I am going to make one more effort with the shakes, and if I feel sick again, I will try to last a few more days and see if I can work thru it. I really think it is worth the effort, as I really think that this is something I can stick to.

Terry - it is so nice to have you back! We missed you!

Karie - great job with the run. To think I used to be able to run 3 miles a day - now I can't even run 1 block. Keep it up!

I am getting my coat on now - have a great weekend!!!
Meg

Thanks, Meig! Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. What kind of shakes are you drinking if you don't mind me asking? Even natural products (ie herbal meds, herbal diet drinks, etc) can interfere with some meds so please be careful.

Pam, have a great trip!

Op again -- foodwise, exercise is something to work on later -- and plan to weigh-in this morning.

Woke up to the dog vomiting -- it was such a nice sleep too. Actually made it to 3am, said the hormonal insomniac! Dog's fine by the way, just a little piggy who ate too much food.

Sweet dreams, Terry

Terry, thanks for your concern. My dietician recommended replacing 2 meals with Kashi shakes or bars and having a low calorie dinner. I am doing the shakes now and not the bars, as I find them more filling. The two shakes have lots of fiber and soy protein. I actually don't need to snack at all because I am full - what a change of pace! She is aware of my medications, and we worked in conjunction with my doctor.

I did read online yesterday that when you start a liquid diet (which I think is more like shakes ONLY - not shakes and food), that you might experience side effects like the ones I am having. They do go away. It was nice to read that - now at least I know I didn't have the flu or anything.

Terry, are you always suffering from insomnia? I had that problem also for awhile. Do you know what is causing it? It is not a fun thing at all.

Lots of errands for Dan and I today. Have a great day!
Meg

Hi Girlfriends :wave: i'm finally back from my travels and i'm so glad to see that you are all still here and doing great :D Pam and Karie..you two are doing fabulously..hope you are ready to give me lots of encouragement to get back on the wagon :dizzy: or at least the treadmill :lol:

My almost 3 months vacation did'nt have too much of an impact on my weight i'm glad to say..3-4lbs gain..it felt like 20!!! :eek: so i'm ready to get rid of some so i'll look o.k. in my party frock for christmas :lol:

Terry..loved the email about the woman driver :lol:

I'll be back tomorrow... "see" you then :wave:

Yo!

'bout time Cat!!!!!!!!!
Missed ya!!
Can't wait to hear all about your short trip! :lol:

Meg, good for you to stop eating when you are full -- not an easy task. And, I speak from experience. The shakes are that good and they really fill you up? I am glad you found something that works and that the side effects are subsiding. Insomnia -- stress, hormones, you name it, it keeps me up! At least it's not every night, thank God. Once I go back to work, I should be back on schedule again. Hope you ended up having a great weekend.

Pam, you too!

Actually, hope all is well with everyone.

Down 3.5 lbs Saturday morning but didn't do well that day -- went to a funeral reception and had pizza that night. Did great today though. Good days, not so good days, right?!

Just upgraded to Windows XP from Windows 98 and am having a dickens of a time getting sound, etc. I havn't even attempted to check out if my Palm still Hotsyncs, etc. Most husband's bring their wife flowers and such as a surprise gift -- mine brings me a new operating system. Wonder what that signafies?! :dizzy:

Oh, at least he was thinking of me.

Have a good evening ladies and I shall see you all in the AM.

Always, Terry

Hi everyone. I spent the entire weekend it seems with my mother, preparing for our spring musical that we do together. She directs and I choreograph. It is volunteer work for an organization she founded in 1974 for 4-8 graders. It is really fun. this year we are doing Annie Get Your Gun.

I drank both my shakes, had some fruit, cheese and a ham slice. Now I am eating my dinner - the usual - fish and veggies. Can you believe I never get sick of it?

I have to exercise later. I can't believe the motivation to stay on program today. need to remember today when I have a bad day!

Hope everyone is doing well - talk to you tomorrow!

Meg

Hi Ladies,

Meg, I am glad to hear you are beginning to feel better, and have figured out what the problem is. It's always good to work with your doctor when trying new things, some people don't and it can be dangerous. You have been doing so great, keep up the good work. I hope you find the job you want too!

Karie, great job with the running, I will never get to that. I have enough trouble walking. I have been having a lot of problems with the arthritis in my feet. I wont let that stop me from using the treadmill, but then have to use lots of liniment afterwards! Thank the lord for olbas oil:lol: and aspirin. I am also having to break in new shoes too which never helps. I sent for two pair, both 4 E wide. I can't even buy shoes locally. I have very wide feet anyway and the arthritis swelling makes it even worse. Speaking about working with doctors. About 15 or 20 years ago, I was having such pain in my feet, it hurt to walk so I went to the doctor, my first visit to the same doctor I go to now and his advice was to walk at least a mile a day and take aspirin as needed, and it did help eventually. In fact he told me to get a treadmill at that time so that I could walk every day regardless of weather. So I guess what I am doing is the right thing, but I will discuss it with him on my next visit. It's that way with all arthritis - they tell you use it or lose it. I remember my mother had the same problems. She had to work standing on her feet all day (cementing shoes in a shoe factory)and she couldn't afford good shoes like I buy so she used to cut her shoes over the affected joint to releive the pressure! POOR MOM. I guess I have it pretty easy in comparison!

It's good to have you back Terry. Traveling is fun but it's always good to get home too. We went to Rochester NY over the weekend for my Grandson's football game. It was great fun but freezing at the night football game. They didn't win but they gave it a good try, my grandson got the only two points his team scored! Eating out all weekend was a challenge, maybe that is why I didn't lose this week. But at lease I didn't gain!

Karie, good luck with your Christmas show. I wish I could see it. What are you working on now? What medium do you work in? Taking a class is always a good way to get motivated and it is always fun to learn something new. There is so much to learn in art. I take courses all the time and I have had some wonderful instructors. My current work other then my commissions it a series of historic homes in our town. I am on my third one now and I plan to have limited edition prints made of all three.

:wave: Hi Slim, Floridachick, Pam and everyone else I missed. Good luck for an op day. Have to go now, will check in later

Hey Everyone,

Glad to see that you all are doing so well! I find that reading all of your messages inspires me to keep going. My problem now is finding the place to walk because I really need to start exercising!!! I live in a busy place( traffic wise) and there are so many pedestrian accidents here that it scares me to walk on the sidewalks. I am a hairstylist and I had a client come in with a cast on and said she was walking on the sidewalk with 2 children one walking beside her and the other in her arms and a 16 yr old that just started driving went up on the sidewalk and just missed her son and hit her causing the youngster in her arms to go flying and she went up over the hood of the car. I was flabbergasted! I couldn't believe that and she said that the girl driving wasn't paying attention to the road because there was a car accident she was looking at and she veered off and hit them. luckily the 2 kids are just fine but the mom broke her arm. God must have been with them!! So thats what I fear. people are so careless with driving here. But I know I shouldn't make excuses I just need to start looking for a park or nature trail that I can walk. I was thinking of joining a gym but they want me to sign a 3 yr lease and I have to pay a joining fee of about $100 and it isn't too bad monthly( something like $25 a month) If I could just motivate myself and know that I will stick to it I would join.

I need to get going, Good luck with all and I hope to keep reading your messages of encouragement!

Floridachick;)

Good Morning Ladies...Terry..Congrats on the 3.5lbs loss..that's great :D i'm slowly getting my house in order and hubby is working on the Cadillac that i bought in Florida to drive back home in..i have to have it inspected so he's giving it the once over to make sure it passes..good job he did because the front brakes needed replacing :rolleyes: i can't complain it went for 4200 miles without any engine trouble :D my trip was'nt totally uneventful..i blew my Rad in Texas so i spent two unplanned day's in a town called Seguin while i had that repaired..then a tire blew up on the freeway so i decided to get four new ones put on.. one of them lasted for a week and then blew up in Washington :) which was pretty annoying...but as they say S**T happens :lol: i met some really nice people along the way..especially Texan's who really go out of their way to help you :D I've got lots of catching up to do..i'll try and read some of the old threads when i have more time..cya tomorrow :wave:

Afternoon!

Grandma, three cheers for Grandson G!! Football games are suppossed to come equipped with cold weather and freezing bleachers so you can savor every sip of the hot chocolate. ;) What a great Gandma you are to root and stomp! BTW, do you have a web site for your work? I would love to see some of it.

FloridaChick, gyms can be expensive but even if you go three days a week, it'll be worth it. I just love spending other people's money! :D. What a horror story for your client and thank God it wasn't tragic.

Cathy, Cathy, Cathy, if you didn't have all those things happen to you, it wouldn't be you! :lol:

This was meant to be quick as I have a zillion things to do (going back to work this week or next) and the two hour nap that I took didn't help speed things up. I hate when that happens but because I have not been sleeping at night, my inner clock is off, and it appears I was more tired than I thought. :^:

Well, one good thing, can't eat while you're sleeping! :D At least I hope not ....

Have a roast in the rotesserie (woke up and ran around for 15 minutes like a woman possessed getting dinner ready and more laundry going -- most important part -- put the dogs out as their eyeballs were turning yellow). Now back to store work --- type, type, type!

I'm OP if you're OP -- seriously I am and it feels good for once to get some days under your belt. Better days under your belt than food! :smug:

Hello to everyone else, Pam, Karie and company --- thinking of you all and wishing you a great afternoon. Terry

Hey, welcome home everybody!

Terry and Cat it is great to have you back again. I may even have to try drinking coffee in the mornings now, Terry. You always make it sound soooo good.

Pam, I hope your weekend was fun and you danced off anything that you wouldn't have wanted to come home with you :p

Grandma, I work in glass. It is hot glass like slumping, fusing and working with a torch to make glass beads or pictures. I love working with a group because I get totally over stimulated and can work for days in my studio.

Meg, good job haning in there. You are so determined.

I am still trying to run every second day. I have noticed that since I have been doing that, I am walking faster on the treadmill. Nothing is helping me on the elliptical machine tho'. I think that was developed by some kind of masochistic man. I am sure no woman in her right mind would have created something like that. I find it a killer.

After such a good loss last week, my bod is really hanging on to the lbs this week. Nothing is budging. I think I could run to Edmonton and back and still stay the same right now!

I am helping DP make a video about her training with WJ. She is trying on all her uniforms and saluting airplanes and looking quite like a goof girl but she believes it will give her training cohort a laugh tomorrow so I am off to play camera woman.

I am so glad you all are back with us. Good OP day to everyone who is working so hard.

Karie

Evening!

Looks like I may be up for the night again -- that nap was not a good idea. Stayed Op so I'm happy though -- still need to phase in the exercise. I seem to always do well with one or the other but very seldom get both in together on the same day. And, yes, Karie, elliptical machines are definitely for crazy people -- when I was gymming, ten minutes tops on that monster period.

Just keep concentrating on overall weight loss -- our bodies have a way of balancing out the numbers from week to week.

I got a chuckle regarding your evening activities -- when she starts saluting little green men let us know! I am not quite sure what WJ is (I have been awol too long, sorry!) but I gather it has something to do with flying? Then again, I may be so off the track, that you are going to think I have been seeing little green men!

Pam's probably still dancing on tables with her sister. I hope they left the lamp shades at home .... :D

Where's Dahlia?

Ok, ladies, sweet dreams all and see you in the morning -- what do you want in your coffee, Karie? ;)

Terry

Good morning ladies,

Hi Terry, I am still here, I read the postings every day but don't always have a chance to post..or nothing new is going on so don't have anything to post. I am still hanging in here. Have to get my treadmill adjusted, it only goes one speed, and that is slow and jerky,, which is pretty good for me...:) but not much help...am doing good on my eating... but staying about the same.

I have been busy at work and playing with my grandbabies..

Exactly what is a elliptical machine anyway? I have a cardio machine, but put it in the barn, it hurts my back and doesn't do a thing for anything else.. am sorry I ever let the saleslady talk me into it.. it was suppose to be so much better than a treadmill, hahhh...

Congrats to all you ladies who are losing...one of these days I will be numbered among you..:dizzy:

All you talented ladies,, I love working with my hands..but am not very talented..I am working on my 4th applique Christmas stocking, this one is for dil, got all the grandbabies' done. I love those shadow box pictures, made two so far, and have the making for another, just need to get a box frame.

I painted and decoupaged 15 paddle signs for my new greenhouse, and have two chalk board signs too.. I am having fun making things for it. It's exciting to think of new things to try to help increase sales..looking thru suppliers catalogs to get some new ideas too..

Well, just thought I'd check in, :) nice to be missed.. thanks.

everyone have an op day and check in later.

Dahlia

Karie - video sounds fun! Good for you for trying to incorporate running into the program. I know it is hard, but just increase it bit by bit - even 2 minutes is a success! And don't worry about the pounds hanging on. Maybe it just means that you will have a bigger loss next week

Terry - take one thing at a time. If you can really focus and make food a habit (and it does take 21 days to form a habit) then you will know when you are ready to incorporate exercise.

I ended up having some chinese last night, which I didn't want to do (but I did - if you know what I mean). I am trying a bar and shake today instead of 2 shakes. Maybe that will work better/differently. I will let you know.

Talk to you later!

Meg

Hey Ladies,

it is so hard for me to try to get on and post, but I am going to get better, I will just have to jump on when I get to work before my day gets so busy.

Still making it to the gym, I do not know how long that will last, may have to switch back to evenings, but I will fight the fridgit morning cold for as long as I can, it is just going to be so hard to get up and get my car warmed up before I leave.

When and if I ever make it to the other house at least I will have a garage so that will be good.

Congrats to everyone that has been shedding those lbs, lets keep it up you know winter is around the corner. let's not get comfartable in some nice warm room and forget about getting rid of those unwanted lbs, we will just have to work extra hard when that warm weather sets back in.

I think I have lost but I have not been on the scales, but I have until the 31st to know for sure. I will give a weigh-in then.

Will check in tomorrow.

Hi Grandma G, Dahlia, Meigg, Terry, and all else that I have missed.

Slim

Good evening,

Dahlia, an elliptical machine is a cross between a cross country ski movement and stairs. I don't think anyone should be on it without a spotter !

Terry,
I'll take a little lowfat, sugar free baileys in that coffee, please.
DP got a job working for WestJet a Canadian airline. Have little green men been a problem for long????

Pam,
That is sure a long wedding dance!

Pretty good day today but I am finding it hard to get used to fewer points as I lose weight. A strange thing as you lose with weight watchers you are supposed to reduce the number of points you each. On one had a great thing since it means you are losing but on the other, it means continually cutting back on food. I have gone from 34 points to 29? AARRGGHHH!

I earn points by spending more time on the treadmill. Where does the day go :dizzy:

Hope all is well,
Cheers,
Karie

karie - that stinks about the lower points level. I am sure that once you get used to it you will be fine.

slim - you are exactly right. we have to stay motivated thru the winter - i will not gain those 10 pounds back!

Good news - a totally OP day! I switched from shakes to bars and did not feel sick at all! I am totally motivated!

Hope all of you are doing well - talk to you tomorrow.

Meigg

Good morning--I have a few questions? I'm new and don't know what op is!!! Also, I 'm sooooooooooooo much heavier than you guys, do you think I'm in the wrong thread? You won't hurt my feelings if you say so. I"m 55yrs. old, 5'10" and 220lb--I had to come off the hormones I've been on for 10 years and I'm eating everything in sight!!! Thanks Laurie

Afternoon Ladies and Welcome Poo!

See, you already belong -- I shortened your name so now you are a regular!

Many of us are in your same weight range and age group (I'm 50); however, what matters most is that you feel comfortable with the ladies that you surround yourself with. I've found that as the months go by (and for some of us the years!) we all become ageless, etc as we form friendships based on the interior, not the exterior the more we post. I pulled an all-nighter last night so I hope I am making sense here! Nonetheless, in simpler terms, welcome. Poo, and I look forward to getting to know you better! By the way, I hope you come to like these ladies as much as I have.

And, because I was up all night I snacked on Twizzlers and drank buckets of Diet Coke so OP (on plan) is not in the cards for today -- believe me my stomach is confirming this big time! Tomorrow, I promise both myself and you. Accountability, accountability.

All right Meg -- OP and motivated, what a combo!!

Karie, sorry, didn't get you your coffee this morning. Bad Terry. It's tough going from one point level to the next, but your body and appetite do adapt. It's been so long so I hope I am right! And, as far as little green men are concerned -- I can't print what I want to say! :D

Dahlia, you are one crafty woman and it hardly seems fair to yourself to say that you are not talented -- you far surpass me! Are you selling the signs or are you using them for promotional purposes? Could probably do both!

Pam and Cat (you still unpacking?), Grandma, and everyone -- time to get back to the trenches and I hope you all have a great afternoon.

Terry

Welcome to you Pooksie! I promise you that you will feel right at home here with us gals. As Terry said alot of us started on the same page. Myself, I started at 207 and am now down to 157 or so...welcome aboard and we look forward to getting to know you better!

Terry, do I dare ask why you were awake all night? I worry about you...I can't help it :) I hope your day goes well and that you can find some sort of rest today. How are things going at the store? Must be gearing up for the really busy season by now huh? Promise to take good care of you. You have done amazing; don't let one bad night set you back...

Cat, welcome home! I'm glad to hear you survived your vacation and kept the damamge minimal. That is a real accomplishment and I hope you are proud of yourself. You rock girlfriend!

Karie, I agree with you 110% about the eliptical trainer. I used to use the one that Tony Little was selling...holy cow what a killer! I'm thinking of getting it back from my sister to challenge myself.

Meigg, your enthusiasam for your program is shining through. Good for you and your persistance.

Slim, so happy to hear from you! I'd wondered where you'd gotten to....great job on the activity.

Granmda G, Dahlia, Linda, Lisa and Carol (where the heck are you guys?) and everyone else, hope you are doing well and staying happy.

The wedding dance was a bust as no one and I mean no one got up and shook their "thang". We were home by 10:30...my poor Mom had such a head cold that she was just miserable. To top it off she was worried about my Dad who had thrown a tantrum earlier and went home before the reception *sigh* whadda ya do? I wish he'd start taking better care of himself but how do you preach to a 56 year old? He has to hear the click for himself. I do think I'm going to write him a letter and tell him all the things I love him for in case I don't get a chance to do it. (and yes I do think he's beginning to get that depressed and unpredictable.) My Mom is barely hanging on my a thread. We're all fluctuating between worry and anger with him. Crap....sorry girls.

Have a great night and I'll check in again soon. So far am having a great OP week so let's band together and send "skinny vibes" to each other.

Take care,
Pam

Hi Pooksie,

There is no weight restriction on this board. In fact I can hardly wait until I reach 220. That will seem absolutely skinny for me :spin:

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I am still feeling a little sorry for myself having to give up the points. I do believe that my body will adjust but my mind is having a heck of a time with it.

Sorry to hear about the wedding dance Pam. We all had you dancing up a storm til the wee hours. Guess sometimes the virtual thing can be way better than the real thing :^:

Terry, I am so tired for you, I am going to bed now. I will sleep for both of us, but I expect you to get up for the gym with me before coffee in the morning ::strong:

Meg, Dahlia, Carol, Cat and everyone else, have a good day tomorrow. I have to go and help DP paint rocks now before bed. Don't even ask :yawn:

Good night,
Karie

Hey everyone. I was dissapointed yesterday, because I typed a long post and then it didn't end up going thru. Hopefully that won't happen this time.

Welcome Pooskie! :flow2: This is a great group that provides lots of support whether you are on the wagon or not!

Pam - sorry to hear the wedding dance wasn't what you expected. :cry:

Karie - try and see the positive in losing the points. That means you have made a real dent with your weight loss efforts - now you are a thinner, leaner you. While you may not be the size you want, you are well on your way, and WW is recognizing it (unfortunately, not in a way that is fun). But, I bet when you first went on WW it was an adjustment - and maybe even a bigger one, to not only eating just the number of points they allowed for you, but also counting in general. This will take a little time getting used to it, but I bet you will be fine in no time!:grouphug:

My program is going well. This morning was hard, but I have decided to go to lunch at the hospital nearby where the food is healthy and cheap. I think that rotissere chicken and veggies will work. Then I will have the bar for dinner. I am even thinking of doing an old Firm video that I have. I like how they incorporate the weights.:strong:

Remember guys, it takes 21 days to form a habit. So let's try to stay OP as long as we can, and eventually it will become habit.
:goodvibes

Have a good one!:wave:
Meg

Good Morning all,

Meigg, you go girl! I have a few of The Firm tapes and really like how strong they make me feel when I do them on a regular basis.

Karie, I know exactly how you feel dropping down a range. When I went from the 23-27 to 20 - 25 I felt like I was losing an arm or something! Well you know what I mean. When I had to drop down a range that's when I became even more diligent with my meal planning and journalling. Like Meigg said, focus on what the drop down means...you've lost 63 pounds!!! We're all so proud of you. If you need help with some more meal ideas or something you have my email address. I'll send you some of my favourite recipes and see if there's some in there that "float your boat" LOL

My FIL had another bad fall last night that landed him in the ER. DH went out about 9:45 last night to mee the ambulance and follow them to the hospital. I'm so scared...this is his 5 or 6 th fall in a month. He just is getting so week that his legs won't support him anymore and down he goes. He just had stitches put in llast Saturday that he's to get out tomorrow and now another fall in the bathroom last night! His Mom is so not "there" anymore. Instead of hitting the panic button she just called down to the office and told them that Oskar had a fall could someone maybe come up? The nurses there get so mad at her but they know it's not her fault; These mini strokes have just taken her away from us.

Okay, enough venting. It's either type or eat right now so if you've made it to the end of this post, hats off to you! LOL

Have a great morning ladies,

Pam

Hi Ladies, I am right here, I just haven't had much to report. I am still op with eating but not much is happening. Although this morning I am showing a 1 lb loss. I hope it continues until my next weigh in on Monday.

I worked on the treadmill yesterday, and I am going to try to continue doing at least 15 minutes a day if not more. I know I should do a lot more, but I am very lazy about exercising. But I figure anything is better then nothing! Right!:rolleyes:

Sorry Pam that you didn't have more fun at the wedding but write that letter to your dad. For whatever reason, it sounds like he is going through a bad time. Most of us don't communicate with our loved ones enough and let them know just how much we care.

Karie, I never went to ww and don't really understand the points, but it makes sence to decrease the amount of food, to continue losing, and maybe that is my problem now, because I have been eating about the same all the way through but now it is getting harder and harder to lose a pound. So I will try cutting back even more and see if that helps to get me going again!

Some one mentioned Tony Little tapes. My daughter had suggested I try using them to work with to help firm up my stomach as I lose, because he does exercises that wont hurt my back. Is there more then one tape and if so does anyone know which one would be best for firming up the stomach. I want to try and get more aggressive with my exercises, but I can't do anything that involves bending or twisting because of the fusion and rods in my back.

Karie, Your glass creations sound great, I would love to see them and I understand what you mean about working with a group, it really gives you incentive to work. Just like it does here!

Dalhia, your paddles sound great too. I don't understand why you don't think you have any talent! Not only do you have talent in that area but in many other areas. You are working to create a business and you have a knack with plants. I would love to have your green thumb! Art comes in many forms, not just painting on canvas!



:balloons: Come on Ladies, we all have to work hard, just put a little more effort into it. WE CAN DO THIS, we all can do this together, stay motivated and have an op day. Every one has been doing so great, either losing or not gaining. It's working ladies we are doing it. They said it couldn't be done but we are proving it can. We can lose-we can!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

:grouphug: :wave: Hi Poo, Floridachick, Slim, Meg, Terry and anyone else I missed. I hope you all have an op day today.

:cb: Well, I have a date with the treadmill, will check in later

Afternoon Ladies...Terry i can empathise about the "no sleep" thing..i fell asleep about midnight and woke at 2am and that was it for me :rolleyes: listened to hubby "snoring" all night :mad: oh..i forgot..he does'nt snore...yeh right! i was going to get up and do the pile of ironing that i've got but i decided not to and watched the clock go around instead :lol:

Pam sorry to hear that thing's are still not going very well for the in-law's :)

Just realised that i'm probably posting on the wrong thread :doh: i'll have to check out the challenge thread..see you over there :yawn: hmmm..been over there so i think i'm still on the right thread..and seeing as it's almost halloween i'll wait until you start the christmas challenge :p:

Are we all interested in moving to miscellaneous?

Meg

NO..
I don't understand why we have to be moved... what is that all about?

Why with such short notice do we have to move? With a little warning we could have flooded this site so they would see how much we like it...

Dahlia

Basically this particular forum has gone from 20-30 posts per day to often times maybe two times a day. 3FC's are trying to downsize the board a bit (not close or move it) to help minimize their costs. What Suzanne is speaking of is the forum called Miscellaneous Clubs and Groups....an option we have there is starting a thread called "Ten Pounds at a Time" and posting on that thread to keep our group together. I will start the thread on the first and I really hope to see you all over there. I know our group has gotten smaller but we are still here for one another.

thank you Cathy for the well wishes for my father in law who by the way is still in the hospital. We hope he'll be able to come home this week but we're not sure yet.

to everyone else (lurkers too) hope you are having a good week so far and I guess come Friday we'll join our new home of the Miscellanous group.

Pam

I will look for our new thread on Miscellaneous Clubs & Groups. Hope to see all of you there.

Help! I'm lost!

OK I wasn't sure where my post was going to pop up there!

Gosh, I feel really guilty now for not posting much over the last few months. I certainly understand where they are coming from -- as long as we have a place to hang our hat, all is well. We started in "Miscellaneous" way back when so it's almost like a homecoming.

Pam, dear friend, I am so sorry to hear about your inlaws and I will hold them extra close in my prayers. You have so much happening right now in your life and I wish I could change that for you. Take it one day at a time, and if you ever need to talk, you have my email.

Cathy, it sounds like slowly but surely you are getting your routine back to normal after your long vacation. What did you do with your dog while you were gone? Did you drive up thru New England at all? How's your daughter, Jackie doing these days? Questions! Questions!

Morning Dahlia, Grandma, Karie, Meig, Slim and gang!

All is well at his end. Actually had a total OP day yesterday -- foodwise and exercise. I have not been on the treadmill in months and it actually felt great to accomplish that. Amazing the self satisfaction you can derive from taking control. Might as well control what you can control because we have so many things that we can't control. Got that?! :dizzy:

Having a steamy cuppa Earl Grey this morning and trying to keep my eyes open. Wouldn't ya know it, the day I start back at the store, I couldn't fall asleep until after 2am -- and that was with taking Tylenol PM!

Can you believe that I am in the mood for Christmas?? I was grocery shopping last night and it was chilly walking to and from the car and that just reminded me of the holidays. Getting real sentimental in my old age here!

Well, let me go and crack the whip at Jock Boy to make sure he gets to school on time. Have a wonderful day, friends, and let's all keep concentrating on our persoanl goals!

Always, Terry

Good Morning Ladies :wave:
Terry..i did'nt go through the East Coast..i stayed down south..on I-10 the whole way to Arizona..dropped off to see New Orleans on the way..i was quite lucky i was there after the first hurricane hit and i'd gone before the second one hit :D the weather was great for the whole trip. As for Lucy..the poor thing was hit by a truck a few weeks before we left and although she slowed down for a couple of days she seemed fine after that and was her usual playful self..she did'nt appear to be in pain..but i guess she had internal injuries that we did'nt know about and she died :cry:
I have'nt been in touch with Jackie since i got back..she never seem's to be home :lol: but i'll catch her :) So, we are moving to Miscellaneous Clubs on Friday..i was beginning to think you'd already gone when nobody was posting :lol: i'll see you all there.

Too pooped to pop after my first day back to work so this will be short. Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Lucy -- I still remember the photo you had (still?) posted at Yahoo. What a way to begin your trip. Falling asleep here so I had better say good night before I start to ramble. Stayed OP -- two days in a row. Shocks me, too!

Always, Terry
:yawn:

HOw is everyone doing?

I have spent the day investigating the Zone, which I used to live by for a number of years. I wanted to sort of re-acquaint myself with the way it works.

I was so sick doing bars and shakes for the past 3 weeks that I can't get motivated. I found some really good recipes online today that actually seemed easy to make, and normanlly that is a big barrier for me.

So, tomorrow, again I think I am going to keep investigating.

I hope everyone is doing well. Time for bed!

Meg

Cathy, sorry to hear about Lucy, that just breaks my heart. Hugs to you.

Terry, hope you had a good nights sleep last night ...

Meigg, enthusiasm is a big factor in success. Keep researching and you'll find your click. Good luck with the Zone.

I'm here in body but not in mind. Not sleeping very well lately and lots of wonderful nightmares *sigh* just when I think I'm getting things under control again my subconscious tells me otherwise.

Take care and have a good day...I'll check back later,

Pam

Good morning all,

What a week! I am going to Ottawa on Friday to demonstrate a course I developed on International Community Development and I have been working like mad to get it ready.

I am glad I checked in to find out we're moving. I'd hate to lose track of everyone.

Pam, Gee, it sounds like things are pretty stressful right now around your place. It's so hard when you see things like that happen to your inlaws and feel so helpless to do anything. I am very proud of you in being able to look after yourself with all that happening.

Terri and Cat,
I am in that low energy place too. I can't quite seem to get back to the commitment to staying OP that I had all last year. I stayed the same for the Halloween challenge but I am hoping to make some headway for the Christmas challenge.

Grandma,
I will post some pictures of some of the beads and jewellery I make for Christmas. I agree with you. If I keep eating the same things I ate when I was 60 pounds heavier, I am not going to lose. So somewhat reluctantly, I am trying to reduce what I eat.

Meg,
Thanks for the pep talk. You are right. I am sure that one (very small) part of my brain appreciates the fact that having less points means that I have done well, but another part (a much larger part) is a bit whiny because it seems so unfair. I will pick myself up and work at making that different.

DP has started her new job and is in love with the company. She is on shift work so I think that that might be helpful for me. I can totally control what I eat and not have to worry about someone else in regards to food so that should be helpful for getting back on track.

Hanging by a thread,
Karie

Karie, be strong! You have come so far and I don't want to see you take that slippery slope back to the way WE WERE. I too am struggling to stay OP and find myself making poor choices on a more regular basis but the thought of going back to where I was is enough to get me back on track the next meal. We CAN do this and we WILL do this. One minute, one hour, one meal, one day at a time.

Let's all of us strive to make good choices today.

Pam

Morning!

I was at that point for quite awhile recently, depressed over everything, eating like there was no tomorrow, eating and not even enjoying it, and all along the scale was going higher and higher.

During a recent lightbulb moment, I rediscovered an obvious that I had lost focus on -- negative attitudes just make our problems heavier to cope with -- positive attitudes put a whole better spin on everything. And, in my case, it all centers on my weight. Lose and I am happy, gain and my world sucks.

I try to remember what it feels like to be losing weight, how happy I am with myself for accomplishing something so hard -- it helps tremendously when the times are tough and they do get tough!

We all get into those ruts, but we're smart cookies ;) -- we will all get back into the groove and forge ahead. Let's just not allow ourselves to forget why we are doing this and how we feel at a great weigh-in.

Ok, friends?!

Pam, hugs continue to go out to you as I don't like to see you so sad. I know your world is tough right now with so many worries about those you love. Just promise to keep an eye out for yourself too.

Meg, I forget what the Zone is all about, but my gut feeling is that it's a good program. Bars and shakes are not real food, so I think you are on the right track to see what else is out there plan-wise for you. Different things work for different people though, it's just a matter of experimenting a bit.

Karie, I have this vision in my head of you sitting at your desk, hands flying over a keyboard, papers zinging thru the air, empty coffee cups all over the place, a cat in a tizzy (you have a cat??!) -- all in preparation for your course! :D I am sure you'll knock em over wit ha great presentation! (ps: I don't see any food so that is good! :dizzy: )

Grandma, Dahlia, Poo, Slim, Cathy and everyone -- all my best for a great day. Must cut this short even though I have more to say but I am late for work as it is. But, hey, when ya sleep with the boss (my DH!), it's ok!

Three cheers for pounds lost!

Terry

:fr:

Yo, did I scare everyone away? I know it's Halloween but ... !!
Have a great day and may all your spooks be friendly ones!

Always, Terry :fr: :fr: :fr: :fr:

Pheww! Terry i'm glad you put "my DH" in brackets because i forgot for a moment and thought "WHAT?" :lol: :lol:
I have made no attempt whatsoever to get back on a healthy eating and exercise regime since i got home :( on the contrary..i think i'm eating MORE :eek: i've been thumbing through my "slimming" magazines and all the recipes i've accumulated over the last couple of years today so tomorrow i'll be shopping for "low-fat" food for me :rolleyes: I received my slimming magazine from England today..the nov/dec edition..i had a nice surprise in with it..some success stories in a 2003 calendar..and the best thing about it was that all the stories were about MEN
with before and after pic's on each month..now you'll like this..i think..well..at least i know Terry will..the after pic's are in the buff :lol: with strategically placed footballs..guitars..tuba's etc :lol: :lol: a very welcome addition to the breakfast table!
Well..it's getting late so i'll bid you "Goodnight"
Karie and Pam..my heroines..no negative thinking! you are both doing so well and i won't hear of either of you having any setbacks..roll on the christmas challenge!!

Yo! What you mean girl??!!!! :lol:

ps: pass me the football anytime!

Karie, when you say you will post some pictures, where do you mean you will post them. Others have mentioned posting pictures too. Tell me where and how I get to see them. I am still an amature with the computer, you'll have to forgive me!

Cat and Terry you two crack me right up! I'd love to see the pics of these "buff" men....I'm up for a game of "touch" football...what about you gals?

Grandma G, I think they're referring to the Yahoo Group that we had started when 3FC's went down temporarily. I'll look up the address and post it soon. Emily is the moderator and even though she seldom pops in I'm sure she'll keep up on that. Hope her pregnancy is treating her well!

Well gals I got a fabulous hair cut last night and feel like a million bucks this morning. It's amazing what just feeling good can do for your self confidence.

My FIL is doing alright but he's not allowed to come home yet. He doesn't seem quite as confused but his balance is still not that great. He was trying to tell my DH the other night that he was doing the steel work at the hospital and that they gave him a bed to stay in because he was spending so much time working there. *sigh* sometimes if you don't just have a giggle on some of this you just get bogged down ...

Have a great day today ladies and let's all try and stay out of the halloween candy (that's been calling my name from the cupboard all week...bad candy, bad candy :) )

Talk to you all soon

Pam

You guys are GREAT!!!!

Thanks so much for the support and the little pep rally here. I am really working hard at staying positive because I do believe that I can do this.

I admire each one of you for your determination. Even when I am struggling, I know I can comehere and you will understand that I am not giving up I am just venting. It makes such a difference when someone says, "I get it" and then I pick myself up and dust myself off and keep going. Thanks, again.

I am also going through recipes and books that I used last year. Cat and I will begin meal planning again. With school, I slipped back into grabbing what was fast and easy.

Terry, The only thing getting thin here are my fingers on this keyboard. The chair is not the best thing for my shaping my hips. Maybe I should invent a floor keyboard that you have to jump from key to key to type. What a great workout that would be! No cats at my house at this point although I grew up with them.

Grandma, Pam is right. I was talking about the Yahoo site. A few folks have posted pictures of themselves there. I haven't yet but I will next week.

Pam,
I am not even having candy in the house this year. I know that my spirit is weak:^: So I am going to visit my nephews and take them out trick or treating and then leave their bags alone.:spin:

Pam, Terry and Cat,
Be sure you practice safe football! You never know there those balls have been! (Oops, did I say that out loud?) I am not really into football so I don't know what the game is all about. But have fun:lol: :lol: :lol:

Okay, I am pumped and ready to tackle this day. Thanks again everyone.

Karie

Good morning everyone--- I finally found the thread, thanks Pam. I didn't know how to get there. I can't tell you how many times I've reread your messages. Today is Halloween and I'm not opneing the candy until the doorbell rings for the first time! I'm doing alot better with drinking my water. I have a gallon of water in the fridge and I have to drink at least half of it a day!! I'm always in the bathroom. I'm a hospice volunteer so I try not to drink too much before I go to a patients house. I hope that all goes well tonight and here's hoping I can find this again----Laurie

Good Morning Ladies..Terry..you are naughty ;) but i like it :lol: Karie..glad we got you pschyed up again..you go girl! hope some of it rubs off on me..as i'm sure it will :D Laurie..don't forget we move to "Miscellaneous Clubs" tomorrow. Pam..i know what you mean about FIL..it's sad..but in another way "cute" almost childlike..be :strong: and be careful what you wish for! P[***] the hat anyone? :lol:

:cb: :yikes: :lucky: :hot::yes:

hEY LADIES,

Yes, I am still around.

I must get back to this post more often.

Did not weigh -in today, but will, so I can see where I am at,

so are we doing a Christmas challenege, I hope so.

I am trying to get ready for New Year's Eve.

Will check in later.

Slim

Hi Ladies,

Just a quick note to let you know I am still around. I have been fighting the old urges of eating things I shouldn't have too.

In the past on halloween, I would buy candy, eat it all before halloween, then buy more. Always buying much more then needed so I could finish it off after halloween. Well this year I bought only 2 bags, but we only had 2 kids come, so I still have a lot left. But the new me is dealing with it by eating only 2 pieces of candy a total of 180 calories. I will give the rest to my grandkids tomorrow. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, just 2 pieces satisfied me, it feels so good to be in control! It sounds like everyone else is doing okay too. Congratulations to all of us!

The halloween challenge is over and although I didn't make my goal of 10 lbs, I did manage to lose 7 lbs. Now I am ready for the Christmas challenge. These small challenges help so much to keep me focused and motivated. I know if I slack off and have bad eating days I don't have a chance to meet my goal. Whenever I get tempted, I think of that!

Hope to see you all on the "Miscellaneous Clubs" tomorrow. Good luck to all with tonights candy challenge!