Support Groups - Time For Serious Fun #49

TIME FOR SERIOUS FUN #49

We are a thread dedicated to making losing weight a pleasant experience. We laugh, cry and talk together. We have challenges, points for staying on program, drinking our water, and exercising. We have a daily topic to join in. Our only focus is to help us realize that dieting and all that goes with it need not be unpleasant, but can be fun. Come join the fun here at Time for Serious Fun! Everyone is Welcome!

TOPICS:

Monday: Mission Monday New mission each week
Tuesday: Target Tuesday We target something to work on
Wednesday: Wednesday's Woes Our day to complain about anything and everything
Thursday: Time for Us Thursday The day set aside to pamper us!
Friday: Fabulous Face and Body Friday We need to take care of our bodies with facials, pedicures, whatever
Saturday: Sunny Thoughts Saturday We share stories and jokes to help us smile
Sunday: Silly Poll Sunday A new poll to give your thoughts to every week


POINTS VALUES:

STAYING ON PROGRAM IS 2 POINTS
DRINKING YOUR WATER IS 1 POINT
EXERCISING IS 1 POINT

POSTING A WTG: A WTG IS WHEN SOMETHING NON WEIGHT LOSS HAPPENS TO YOU LIKE A NEW DRESS IN A SMALLER SIZE. TO POST A WTG, USE ALL CAPS AND POST IT IN PINK. FOR EXAMPLE: WTG: I rode my bike 2 miles instead of one today.

FIRST QUARTER CHALLENGE JAN 1- MAY 1. THE MOST LBS LOST WILL WIN A $30 VISA GIFT CARD! ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN MEMBERS FOR 4 MONTHS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER GIFT THOUGH ALL MAY JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

FRIDAY: Today is Fabulous Face and Body Friday. Do something good for your skin, nails, feet and hands!

For those of you that wish, please feel free to report lb losses today. We also want to encourage those that have gained that it went on, it will come off again!

Good morning gals! It is nippy in the Wilkinson house this morning. I am NOT turning the blasted heat back on until I have to. We have an electric blanket that keeps the two of us and of course the two babies warm and snuggly so I refuse to give this rip off electric company any more of my money than I have to! :lol:

After running around all day yesterday and into the evening, we got home, Jack figured our taxes and whoopeeeeeeeeee we are getting back $1700! Vegas here we come! We also joined the Y last night so we are going and working out tonight. Now I have NEVER used an exercise machine other than my glider in my life so I could use some help from you health club nuts. Besides finding out if I can finally walk on a treadmill, my main goal is to start firming up my arms and getting the last tummy roll off my midsection and reducing my huge BUTT! I am going to talk to the person on hand what to use, but I don't want to do too much too quickly and I really can't afford a personal trainer at $40 an hour so I would appreciate any input as to how to start slowly. They have pretty much everything, elipticals, bicycle looking things that you sit in and the pedals are in front of you instead of below you, treadmills, then those machines that you squeeze your arms together, the ones that you pull down the bar, I think I saw those things where you lean on them and bend over, they have weights too. I am going to join an seniors weight class because I am an old F*&^ and because I have never done weights before. My main focus is to flatten the upper tummy getting rid of that roll and try to reduce my hips so that my dress for the wedding looks really good. Jack is going Mon-Wed-Fri so I will go then, but I will also probably do the other days too. Anyway, I can use any imput you may have. Don't forget, I am still over 300 lbs so I am not going to be able to do a huge amount at the beginning. Thanks!

Talk later this morning!

Faye :) TO THOSE OF US WHO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CONQUER :cheers:

Morning all!

I'm Flying with you all today!!! It's funny we're using flying as an image. For those of you who aren't "flybabies" on another site, the acronym "FLY" over there stands for Finally Loving Yourself! That soooooo applies here!!!

I only got water points again yesterday. I had pizza for dinner because I just didn't feel like cooking (for the first time in forever) plus it was my birthday and I guess I felt like I "deserved" to have something "bad". Luckily, dh talked me out of the gallon of ice cream I wanted and said "hey, if you really just want a mint/chocolate taste, why don't I just get you a peppermint patty. So, he saved me hundreds and hundreds of calories....and I still got a minty treat." I don't have a clue why I didn't exercise. Just been colossally lazy lately. Don't worry though, I'm in formation today and I WIll get it in!

PAM HONEY! Relax, take deep deep breaths, close your eyes and think about what is making you do this. Something inside you is driving you to this binge...you need to find out what it is and deal with it. Or at least acknowledge it. I know you work amazing hours, maybe work is stressing you out? You are soooo strong and dedicated and beautiful! I know you can figure this out and get back on track. We all have been where you are, some of us are there right now (MEEEEEE.........) We can help each other out of the forest and back onto the road we want to be on. Hang in there!

Faye, that is fabulous about your tax refund! It must make it easier to look forward to your trip. I think you're smart to join a weight class. Just one "orientation" session with a club employee probably won't sink in. You'll remember how to use the machine, but there are lots of little alignment things to remember so that you don't hurt yourself. A class will also give you workout buddies, and you'll look forward to going to the gym so you can see your friends. I miss going to the Y! Plus, you'll get to swim again right?? I know you LOVE that. I'm so proud of you......

Well, guess I'd better get going. Everybody make today a GREAT day!

Remember, we're all in this together.......keep your stick on the ice!

Julie

Good Morning Everybody!
It is Friday!!!! That is good for me because I don't have to go to work tomorrow!! I am soooo looking forward to relaxing weekend for ME! Son is going to hid Dad's so I will have the house to myself. There are sewing projects, bubble baths, lots of music, no tv, all waiting for me this weekend.

Go Faye Go :cheer: the gym is a great idea and you will know your way around the machines in no time. The recumbent bike, the one with the pedals out in front, is great for when your knees are giving you trouble. There is very little pressure on them at all. I have one at home and it is great. The class is a super idea too, who cares if it is seniors---do you get a discount??? ;)

Everybody have a lovely day!
Judy

POINTS POINTS POINTS:

Kim :bravo:
Me :bravo:
Julie :flow2:

Judy: We don't get monthly discounts until we are 55 I think, but we did save $45 on the joining fee last night and I don't know why because we are not 60, God I hope I don't look 60 ! :lol: Anyway, when I visited a couple months ago the class was going on and I think I can handle it. It is free weights and if somebody 80 can do it I am sure I can a little bit anyway!

AHHHHHHH! I have my whole house cleaned and it smells so good with all the candles lighted. I have a couple loads of laundry then I am done done done! We are going out with friends tomorrow night so I didn't want to do anything but VEG tomorrow (well I am going over to the Y and workout a little by myself)

Jack hates scented candles but loves the candles that smell like frosting and the like. He has a big pillar one in his office that is like 3 smells, but I think it smells like a gas station rest room. I bought him a french vanilla one and lighted them both and the little one is sitting here on his desk and it smells like cake baking! YUM! But I am fine with it as I ate canteloupe and 2 slices of turkey bacon for breakfast and am going to down another glass of water in a few.

2.5 lbs down for me since Sunday. I will take anything I can get! Just a little closer to twoterville and to a sexier me!

You ladies have a great day today and remember, you are what you eat!

Faye ;)

Thank you once again Faye. I still don't have any "pounds down" BUT Something occured to me very recently. I'm a student of Theater (its my minor) andwe were taught not to wait for an emotion before making an action, but make an action and the emotion will almost always follow. So I'm not going to wait around till I'm back where I started to get motivated. I'm going to go out, do what I gotta do, and even if the scale doesn't cooperate, I'll be healthier none the less! (actually its a concept learned in Psychology too: you don't always run because you are scared, but can be scared because you run.)

So here, finally, I will start points again! I got 2 yesterday, for water and exercise. I can't remember if I posted this yet, but I'm in a yoga class and its marvelous. Although my hamstrings are sreaming at me. Its great because I HAVE to go to it! I'm going to try to take a PE course every term I can!

Judy - have a wonderful relaxing day!

Julie - I think its perfectly fine to be a little "bad" on your birthday! Just don't turn it into a whole weekend like I did. Hope you had a great day :hat:

HI BEAUTIFULS!! Just a quick check in... busy day for me have errands and shopping to do... so i will post more later... i am IN for the new me... I love u all... take care of U

Sandy

Happy Belated Birthday Julie :balloons:

3.5pts for me yesterday..the half point is for 2pts of water :lol: no weightloss and no weight gain either :cp: but i'm determined to be posting a loss next friday :D

Faye, CONGRATULATIONS on the 2.5lbs loss :bravo:

Hi girls sorry for being MIA. Its been really cold here and busy at work. I just read up on all the posts...didn't want to fall too behind. I will check in later to write some more but...

Faye- congrats on your light bulb moment...great to hear you got your poem book....first pg huh-good for you! Sorry about your friend's pet...that stuff saddens me a lot. I actually prayed for all the strays in this awful cold.

Amanda- good luck on your job interview and hope you feel better.

Pam- hang in there girl...baby steps...take on one thing at a time...just for today do one thing and stick to that...then add more. Good luck we are here for you.

Everyone else hello and hope you're all keeping warm.

oh yea I am 156!!! My weigh in day is Sunday...be great to lose another half, but who knows...I am just soo happy because I am not stuck at that 159 anymore. These 3lbs have given me that boost i needed. Let's just hope it lasts.

Julie- great words...thank you very much...you're great girl...we all are!

Judy- good to hear things are looking better...I love back rubs...I sometimes have problems with my lower back. By the way I know exactly how it feels to sit most of the day at work. I sit in front of my computer all day. Only get up to go to the bathroom, fax something, etc. But during my lunch break I make sure 3 out of the 5 days I go out for the hour and just walk around. The one thing I overwork is my fingers and wrist...I had bad carpal tunnel at one point...I also do computer work at home with graphics...a lot of use with the mouse. Anyway...I knpow how you feel girl.

Susan- good to hear you're back on that wagon.


grrrr anyway I need to go...working here.

Hello All :

Hope most of you are keeping warm, it is very, very cold here today although nothing like what Julie is dealing with up her way...that is terrible, I get colder thinking about it...it is weird to me that when I am dieting I get colder easier...Faye, got an answer for that?? :)

Julie - Was your birthday recently? Hope I didnt miss it....if I did, Happy Belated Birthday....

I am so glad that it is Friday, I so need this weekend to just veg...I got paid today but not much is left after we pay all of our bills so we may not be going out much this weekend, which is fine since it is so cold.... :(

Dot - Congrats on the 156...I would love to be there, but will be this year sometime....

Faye - Also congrats on your 2.5 down, WTG!!!

Everybody have a great weekend, talk to you all later...

I have a WTG! I went out and bought my shoes for the wedding tonight. I went from a wide to a regular width and even went down a size! WOOHOO! Here they are. I never thought I would ever be able to wear a sexy shoe. I am so thrilled!

Have a great night and I will catch up with you all in the morning!

Faye :)

Nice shoes Faye..thats great :cp:

Hi Girls!

I got 3 points yesterday - yeaaah for me!

I blew it today though and am starting my week again from tomorrow - I had a pizza tonight because I'm feeling down and p****d off. I went for the interview and the job sounded really brilliant and just my sort of thing - apparantly they thought I was great and really liked me , but I didn't get it because I don't drive!. I have told the agency that I can't drive and to check with employers before any interviews - so basically it was all just a complete waste of time and yet another knock back that I can do without. I had the pizza totally to try and fill the hole within me - guess what? It didn't work - now I feel doubly crap for not being able to stick to my programme for more than one day.

Faye- Congratulations on your weight loss! You are on fire at the moment lady!. The gym will be great for you - do a good mix of aerobic and weights and the pounds will fly off and you'll lose inches too.

See you tomorrow

Love Amanda x

Glad everyone is getting back on track,
MY scales finally moved!!! lost 2lbs!!!
I get 3 points for the last two days , no exercise, just as soon as I feel a little better will start exercising again.
I only work about 3 hours on Fridays, so I got home from work about 8:30a.m.
I layed down on couch and the next thing I new my phone was ringing and it was 12:15, Guess I needed the extra sleep.
Then this evening dh Aunt came over [she is only 6 years older than me]
and we sat out in hot tub for almost 2 hours talking and laughing, it was really nice. and so relaxing .

Amanda, so sorry about your job interview.There MUST be a better job waiting on you. So don't give up! will say a prayer that you find one real soon.

Faye , those shoes look just like the ones I wore to my sons wedding!!!
I am glad to see you are getting some taxes back.
I won't get my 4-2's til the last Friday of the month. Last year was the first time in several years we got anything back, They usually want more! It is unreal how much we all have to give to our goverment.

Dot, Congradulations on those pounds gone and to the rest of you who have lost!!!
I am calling it a night. dh been sleeping since 7:30.
Goodnight, Donna

checking in to say hi.....work has been hetic and getting a sinus infection to boot.....hope to catch up soon



sandy

SATURDAY: Today is Sunny Thoughts Saturday. Share with us your Sunny Thoughts Today!

WRAPUPS:

Susan :dancer:
Cathy :cp:
Amanda :cp:
Donna :cp: :cp:

Good Morning. Just a quick peek in to set up the morning. I didn't get points yesterday as we ended up not getting over to the Y last night and are going first thing this AM, I had some stuff over plan last night and I was short a glass of water, but that is ok as I am still totally on track.

Talk with you all later!

Faye :)

Morning beautifuls!

Wow, it is SO AWESOME to see people posting losses again!!!

:cb: :cb: WOO HOO FOR ALL THE LOSERS!!! :cb: :cb:

Faye those shoes look amazing.......you must be thrilled.

Amanda--I know you feel down about the whole pizza thing, but think about this. You realized you were eating in reaction to the interview. You KNEW you were trying to fill a hole. Just knowing and understanding your eating is half the battle! Be proud that you can understand. Next time, try to realize what you're doing BEFORE you start and then you can control it. That job is out there, don't worry!

Well, I managed 3 points yesterday. Spent ALL DAY working with my dance partner on our upcoming show in April. You would think that means I got lots of exercise, but no......we were putting everything down on paper. The music, transitions, costumes, etc. So, I got lots of brain exercise (which I've been craving lately), but alas no physical work.

Today is another day. It's finally above 0 and sunny, so I'm going for a walk outside as soon as dh gets home. I need the sunlight sooooo bad!

I do have a WTG and a sunny thought today....I think I'm eating way too much at night, just because the food is there. I've tried cooking less, but it seems I have my recipes on auto pilot.....I can't cook smaller. So, I tried eating dinner out of a tiny desert bowl last night. Normally, I just automatically go back for seconds because everything tastes so good. I figured that if I do that, it's ok because these bowls are so small that I'd still be eating about 1/2 what I normally do. Guess what? When I was done with the first bowl, I realised that I just wasn't hungry anymore. I could have eaten more and not been stuffed, but I was satisfied and no longer hungry. So I just stopped. I probably ate 1/4 of a normal dinner! If I can just keep this up :crossed: I know I eat mostly because of the taste! I want to keep closer tabs on my actual hunger instead. Wish I wasn't such a good cook! :lol:

Well, gotta fly..........
Everyone have a great weekend!
Julie

Julie: Wonderful WtG. We all can learn a lesson from you about that! You also get a :cp: for points!

We went and worked out this morning. WOW I can use a treadmill guys! I have never been able to do that before. I only did 1.35 miles today because I didn't want Jack having to wait for an hour for me (he could only start with a mile, but he did it on an incline, which is good for his heart). I just had to share that I used the equipment and even did it at a good speed not the lowest and part was an incline too! WOOHOO

Faye ;)

Nice going folks. I am happy for everyone who is again finding their inspiration, and I am glad Faye posted those shoes, fun to really see them. I had a whirlwind day yesterday, really wanted to post my

4 points!

but did homework till I couldn't keep my eyes open and wasn't thinking straight. I admit I had no idea how much work nursing school was going to be, at least the one I got into (in the top 10 in the US, yay for me!). Today is my Dad's birthday, I am going to Eugene (2hrs drive) to make dinner for my parents and grandparents and my friend down there. I am making seafood gumbo, modified from the moosewood low-fat cookbook. That recipe is really really good. It is about the only one I tried from that cook-book that is, if anyone wants it, let me know. It is normally vegetarian, but I subtract some of the beans and add shrimp, but it is good both ways. So I am thinking of taking the bus or the train down to my folk's so I can do some school reading on the bus. I am going to check the schedules right now.

Keep the new kid (me) in your thoughts these days, as I have never had to work this hard in my life. OMG!!!!

Oh yeah, sunny thoughts, sunny thoughts. All I can think right now is comfy my cats look rolling around in the sun. And how tonight I am not going to study, am going to hang out and drink beer (probably) with my best girlfriend!!!!

Take care of yourselves!

Kim

Morning Ladies,

Faye, that is super :cp: and you'll be amazed at how soon your endurance builds up :D

I almost missed working out yesterday because i had a lot of housework to do but i convinced myself to treadmill at 7.30pm :eek: i'm glad i did now ;) got 3pts for yesterday :) (not enough water..usual story :rolleyes: plenty of black tea tho' )
Off to exercise..BBL..HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! :wave:

Hello
I get 2 points for yesterday. The food thing hasn't fallen into place yet but I'm sure it will by the end of this week.

Sunny Thought - I'm just looking forward to going to lunch with a couple friends then off to the used CD store. We all have a thing for music so we talk and compare and share amongst us.

Kim - have fun at your dad's birthday, and think of me when you pass the Corvallis exit! :wave:

Faye - nice work on the treadmil and those looked like fabulous shoes, sometimes its just the right pair of shoes that can make you feel wonderful

Donna - YAY for the loss! Awesome :spin:

Julie - That's fantastic, portions are something I REALLY need to work on

Amanda - Don't feel too badly. You at least know why it happened. I am eating all healthy food but way, way too much of it! I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers concerning the job search.

To everyone else I wish a very happy day!

POINTS POINTS POINTS POINTS:

Cathy :cp:
Kim :bravo:
Susan :dancer:

Kim: Hang in there. Youth is on your side! Think about being 50 and trying to get through nursing school! :lol: We are all very proud of you!

In fact, I am proud of all of you who are trying to work on weight loss and get through school, work a job, take care of kids or the combination of them. You are all terrific ladies!

Cat: Actually, I could have easily kept at it, but I didn't want dh to have to wait for me though he told me from now on I am to exercise as long as I like and he will just wait for me. The neat thing is instead of 3 times a week, he wants to go with me everyday. He wants to run the race I walked in last October. He used to jog and he wants to get back to that.

Well, I need to run. I have a few things to do and we are going out to dinner with friends tonight. I promise instead of the chicken alfredo, I will get the fettucine marinara at Olive Garden and not load up on the other stuff!

Faye ;)

Hi Everybody,
I got all 4 points today. Exercising was tough, I did some walking but my knees did not like it at all. I guess it is the weather, we have a norther blowing in and it has been raining. I may have to stick to my recumbant bike.
I got my nails done---no more soda. Solar nails, they look very natural, no colored polish, and I really like them. Now I wait for the caffeine withdrawal headache to kick in. Oh well.
Have a great evening.
Judy

Just a quick check in to say great job everyone! :cp: You all are so motivated and encouraging! Even when the bumps in the road seem to get to you, someone here is there to smooth them out! What a great group. :love: I guess that would qualify for both a WTG and a Sunny thought!

I am down another .5. Its not much, but with everything going against me, I'll certainly take it!

Only two points for today - water and exercise. The eating isn't really bad - I have cut back on my servings, but the munchies always seem to get me. :corn: I'll predict a 2 for tomorrow too, since we'll all be in front of the tv with snacks watching the playoff games.

Goodnight everyone!

SUNDAY: Today is Silly Poll Sunday and here is our poll for the week:

You won, inherited, stole( just kidding), whatever millions of dollars and you want to "give back." What charities would you give to?


POINTS WRAPUP:

Judy :bravo:
LisaZ :dancer:

Good morning ladies. Hope you are having a good day. We are going to go to the gym when it opens at 1 pm and I hope to get an hour in today with some weight training today too. If they aren't too busy. I hate using the machines as a beginner if there are people who need them and use them all the time, but I guess the only way I won't be a beginner is to use them, right?

As for the poll, I always give to charities that mean something to me so here goes, Navy Relief, St Judes here in Memphis, Feed the Children, Muscular Sclerosis (my bil has it), American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, The Hope Rescue Mission in Chicago, one of the finest run Christian Missions in the country in my opinion and the Salvation Army. One of the things, silly though it may be, that I have always thought would be a wonderful thing to be able to do , was to go back in the hills of Kentucky, W Virginia and Tennessee and find a family that is living is absolute poverty through no fault of their own, not laziness etc, buy them a home, clothes etc and help the parents find jobs to make their lives more normal. It is definitely NOT normal to have to live that way in this country. Though I do not understand that kind of poverty, I do understand poverty, I lived it. One of the reasons I would give to Navy Relief is that many a time they helped us keep from completing going under, helped us go to see my fil when he was dying and then to his funeral and kept us from losing our car once. I only wish the citizens of this country would realize how very little the military that puts their lives on the line for us every day really makes. When Jack retired from the Navy after 20 years of service, his yearly income was less than 20,000$. That is pathetic and it has not gotten any better. Couple that with the fact that military bases are usually located in large metropolitan areas with expensive housing and such and you just cannot make ends meet.

Check in later ladies!

Faye

Good morning chicksters......

Sounds like everyone is having a good weekend. I almost didn't want to post today just because I wasn't "perfect" yesterday....I had TONS of exercise. I took that walk in the woods, like I said (1 hour of walking in deep snow is quite a workout). Then my oldest daughter had a pool party at the Y and I had to swim the whole hour with my 4 year old son. It was in a deep pool, and he's not a good swimmer....so was basically treading water for an hour straight. My legs hurt last night! I also got in my water. BUT, I did have a small piece of cake/icecream...and then we went out to a chinese buffet. So, I'm sure I went over calories. HOWEVER, I did stop eating when I was satisfied. DH did the usual "buffet stuff your face challenge" and was complaining all the way home how much his stomach hurt because he ate too much. So, only two points for yesterday, but I"m proud of myself anyway.

Faye, it sounds like you're going to love the Y. Don't let yourself think that you deserve to use the equipment any less than the "regulars". You all pay the same premium to use the equipment.....you deserve your time as much as anybody else!!! I don't know how your Y is, but here you have to sign up for a time slot because there's always a line AND they limit the time on the cardio stuff to 20 minutes! Now, I think that's ridiculous because EVERY guideline or recommendation you read says that cardio should be a MINIMUM of 20 minutes to START the fat burning process. SO, I always was a little resentful of having to stop after such a short time. I hope that's not how your gym is. Since you have the "luxury" of going pretty much whenever you want, you might as well ask them when the slow times are during the day and go then so you can choose your pace and workout as long as you want.

KIM--Hang in there. Nursing school is TOUGH! My sister did it, and I remember how much work she always had. Your health is the most important thing to keep you going through all the stress and hard work, though! It is especially important for you to eat properly, drink your water, and EXERCISE! Not just to lose weight, but to keep your brain and your body able to easily handle the challenges put in front of you. YOu can do this! Just put yourself as a first priority.......

Judy--Congrats on the soda kicking! If you do get that nasty withdrawal headache, DONT go back to the soda! Excedrine has a little caffeine in it, and works on those headaches while still allowing you to NOT be drinking the soda. Babystepping down the caff levels is the best way, but cold turkey is the only way for some people.

Cathy--If your tea has caffeine in it, you are dehydrating yourself! Caffeine drains your body of water. I read somewhere that you have to drink 2 glasses of water for every glass of caffinated beverage you drink just to stay even. SO, if you can't stand to drink all the water, at least try to drink a decaf tea! You can also get significant amounts of water through fresh fruits and veggies. Can't cook 'em though....raw oranges, apples, celery, etc.

Well, hope everyone else has a great day.
Gotta fly now,
Julie

Hi ladies.

All is pretty well here. My hubby found another job to replace the one he is losing next month (acct coming to an end - he didnt get fired. lol) And its so much better of a job. He will end for one company on Friday and start for the new one on Monday. The company is only 10 miles away (he is currently driving almost 100 mi one way to work) with a 20% pay increase over what he makes now, all company paid insurance and co. paid pension plan, 50% match on 401k, 10 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days per yr.. and the list goes on. The benefits are awesome, the top pay (which he will reach in 5 yrs) is just breathtaking, and I am sooooo relieved. We found out his job was ending in Feb, a few days before Christmas which totally ruined Christmas for us and was a major cause of my recent eating binges. I hope now I can get back on track.. more so than I have been now that the stress of that is relieved.

Now, as far as the poll. Carl and I have talked about what we would do if we ever won the lottery.. so I will basically go with that since its always the same.

We would definately contribute to St. Judes. Its a charity which we have give to before and will continue to. This particular charity is near and dear to my heart for reasons I cannot explain. They would get a big chunk of the money.
Also, I would contribue to the American Cancer Society. Cancer has taken so many loved ones from me and this is another important charity to my family.

I would pay off my sisters house and her truck and set up a fund for her only child for the future. College, a good start in life, or whatever he needed it for.

I would pay off my parents truck, and buy my great grandfathers house in KY that my mother has been desperate to get her hands on for the last few years. I would also give them an amount to spend.

My aunt - she lives in the appalachians.. in the kind of poverty that Faye described. I would move her into a home with running water and all the luxuries that we take for granted. I would also give her money to furnish it completely and I would help her husband find a good job. He works now for the school, and he is far from lazy but its not enough to get them out of where they are. I know he would want to continue to work. So I would do what I could to get him a good job with a good wage.

My husbands family are already pretty well off and wouldnt pee on me if I was on fire, so I would probably not do alot for them. Of course if someone really needed something, I would always be there to help if I could.

Its so hard to mention everything I would want to do. There would also be alot of little things involved with my kids school, the church, some message boards that have helped me alot that run on contributions, and animal welfare organizations that would be donating to.

Then I'd get my number changed, move into my own new house with my own new furniture and vehicles, put up a big fence.. and enjoy my new life.

:lol: Debbie..thats hilarious "get my number changed and put a big fence up" :lol:

I've never really thought about giving it away :shrug: just what i'd do for myself and my children :lol: its not that i'm selfish its just that i wonder sometimes if all of the money that is donated goes to the actual use that you want it to :( I definitely believe that charity begins at home and me and mine would come first and then i'd consider something to do with cancer and arthritis..both of which have affected members of my family.

Julie, my tea is virtually colored water :lol: i get about 4 mugs out of one tea bag..i don't like strong tea.

Did'nt exercise yesterday but got plenty moving furniture around and cleaning, i also had a day off from the diet (planned) but did'nt go overboard so 0pts for me.

Hi all,

I'm feeling much better now - thanks for your kind words everyone.

I got 1 point yesterday - starting my week over as of tomorrow, although today has been a good day - I went on my exercise bike for the first time in months. It was so great to work away some of that nervous energy that I've got since giving up smoking. I worked really hard and it felt great!

Amanda xx

I have had a busy weekend
First of all for sunny yesterday . I got more good news,
I am going to get to be a Grandma to one more. My son is going to have a baby girl, due April 2 and yesterday we went to see Tommy's son First time in over 3 years [long story] but he is going to have a Baby girl , due April 17.
I am excited. Got to start saving money, cause i hear girls can be expensives, especially when they are your Grandkids!!!
Faye , I wish we all could have your willpower. you are doing GREAT!!! I agree with Julie, you pay same as everyone else!!!

Debbie, CONGRADULATIONS!!!! on husbands new job

If I won millions, I would first and foremost, give to a couple churchs here,
then I would give to the Make a wish foundation, Muscular Sclerosis. also to the cancer society and the Heart and lung association,
then I would take care of our parents, they both do not have much, new homes ect. ect. and then my boys I would give them . Probably whatever they wanted, set up a trust fund for my Grandkids.
Then I would buy me a VERY NICE home on the lake, I love to fish, so I would have a really nice pontoon boat, We already have a bass boat. And I would most definately quit my job.
Points. 3 for yesterday, no exercise,
Hope everyone has had a nice weekend,
I will try to check in again later this evening, Donna

Good evening everyone! Once again, you are all doing so great! Keep it up!

I did okay today...had a few chips I shouldn't have, but oh well. Drank my water and today was my scheduled day off from exercise. So I guess its only a one point day because of the chips and the scheduled "no exercise" day. Tomorrow's another day!

Good Evening Everybody!
I got 2 points for today. Got some sewing done, cleaned out my closet, listened to some music--didn't really move much at all today.

If I won millions, I would first make sure that my son never had to worry about college money and set up some kind of trust fund for him so he would always have money,I would do the same for my niece too, then I would give to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and then find a charity that strictly helps feed the people of this country.

Julie, thanks for the advice on the soda. I have been cutting down slowly because of those nasty headaches. The nails were the last step, cold turkey is way too hard.

Debbie, I am so glad your hubby got this wonderful job. The benefits sound fantastic.

Faye, use those machines, you paid just like everybody else and have just as much right to them.
Have a great evening.
Judy

Thanks for the messages of encouragement as far as my school goes. That really means a lot!

Well, Miss 4 points here completely fell off the wagon yesterday! 0 points for me, I was just so unorganised! :dizzy: I did do my pilates in the morning, but that is only 15 minutes or so and I don't count it unless I do the daily routine. Tomorrow I start week 2 of my 16 week plan. :smug: I am just confident that I can do it, I boost up to jogging 1 out of 5 minutes on my daily walk.

Today I get 4 points, cause I kept to the plan, which includes taking sunday off from exercise.

I just saw Lord of the Rings III at the theater, it was fun, snuck in some booze ;) !!! I don't like to sit that long, so I had to do something! I liked it better than the first 2 by far.

POLL!!!

Fred (bf) and I talk about what we would do, we like to think what we would give our friends. A lot of our friends did not mature normally after college, remain unemployed or ungainfully employed, always have big plans and never get around to even the first step! So our friend T gets a personally trainer, and writing classes. R gets a monthly stipend (he is no good with money!), D gets photography equipment and some well chosen filming classes. S gets her student loans paid for and her own practice(she's a naturopath in 4 months, J gets lots more computer training and some business classes and money to join those "I beleive in space aliens" conferences.

And we all get a year trip around the world, and everyone can go their own way but they have to complete some projects, like a writing project or a sociological study or something, they have imput on what this is, and then they have to meet up with the results once every 2 months or so and deliver their project to get the next 2 month's money. That way they don't just sit around and drink away my hard won money!

Other charities I would give to are:
1. Universal health care lobbyists.
2. Public Broadcasting
3. The National Art Endowment or whatever that is called.

OK!!!

Tomorrow HO-OOO!!!

MONDAY: Today is Mission Monday and this week's mission is fighting the exercising excuse. I have a binder they gave me at the hospital when Jack had his heart attack that is called In Charge and it has tons of great info on how to improve your health through diet, exercise, etc. Here is the excuses they listed. If you use any of these shame, shame on you!

(ok, guys, I had some kind of big computer problem yesterday and Jack had to reload stuff which was why I was not on all day. Well, now it seems I can't use any of the font changes, colors, smileys etc so hopefully you will read these even though they are not colored as usual)

EXCUSES:

I DON'T HAVE TIME
THERE IS NO PLACE TO EXERCISE
I'M TOO OLD, TOO FAT, TOO TIRED...
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES MAKES MY MUSCLES SORE
EXERCISING DOESN'T SEEM TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WITH ME
I DON'T SEE ANY REASON TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS BORING
IT'S TOO HOT, TOO SUNNY, TOO COLD, RAINY,....

Now go back and give a good reason to counter each one above. For example:
Make a daily routine and stick to it, put it in a day planner for everyday
You have a home, you have a neighborhood
Start simple and slow with walking
do it gradually and drink lots of water (per BETH!)
it takes time to see results, don't give up
your health, your heart, your joints, your brain...
pick several kinds of activities and mix them up
stay indoors with a friend, walk briskly in the mall....


POINTS FOR YESTERDAY: I will have to invent something here

Me 2 !
Judy 2 !
Julie 2 !
Amanda 1 **
LisaZ 1 **
Kim 4 ;)

Donna: How exciting, more grandbabies! How wonderful for you.

Amanda: Keep on running that wheel and you will see results again. Good going

Debbie: That is great about your husband. Nothing is more stressful than financial worries.

Jack and I made a pact yesterday, no more eating out until we go to the shower the end of Feb then no more eating out until we go to the wedding in April. Eating out is what kills our weight loss programs. So, we stay home and I cook and we eat healthy!

Have a good day girls. I am going back to bed. Jack has his blood tests done today and then it is to the gym. I am going to try to go back this afternoon and do the seniors strength too so keep your fingers crossed I do it.

Faye

Morning everyone!

Been MIA due to sinus infection and then a wonderful ride with a stomach virus! Sounds as if everyone has been up to a whole lot. Ok, Faye you have hit a live wire with me. Frist of all people here is the eastern part of Ky are not all that poor as the media leads everyone to believe. Granted that there isn't a whole lot of money here, but that in part is due to the local goverments. Companies tend not to locate here because the local goverments do not go out of the way to give them any sort of incentives to locate here. That leaves the area depending on coal for employment. Secondly another reason for the area looking poor is the rising drug problem. Yeah that is something that an area can take pride in, I think not. Many newspapers across the nation has ranted and raved about oxycottin being the hillbilly herion. Now if someone would to take in account the cost of this pill(I think that the street value is 10 a gram, that is according to my cous that is a state trooper) then you would see that there is actually lots of money flowing here. What it all boils down to is that there is money here but people choose to send what they have foolishly, there is no jobs that pay good and when you get one you better keep it(heck it is hard to get a job at micky d's). Someone metioned running water........there are programs in place by the health dept and other agencies to help people get running water and for the most part I live in this area and I know of nobody that does not have running water. Now the water might not be fit to drink but nonetheless it is running. Coal companies have destroyed the water supply here. I am sorry to go on this way but it eats at me when people have this notion of this area and they don't live here. I know that the ideas of the area comes mainly from the media but still it all eats at me. What I would do if I won lots of money........cancer society, hospice, endo research, drug enforcement and rehabilition, make a wish, local family resource centers at our county schools(wonderful program that helps so many people with childcare and such), open a child care place that does not cater to the 9-5 people(it is those that do not have tradional schedules that need the child care, besides there are too many that cater to them already!!!!), and of course take care of my family and myself. Sorry if I offend anyone with my little spill but it is something that gets into my crawl easily!

Morning All:

Hope you are all doing great, as usual I was MIA for the weekend...We tend to be out alot and I never really get on the computer at home, my husband is always hogging it :lol:

Gigglez - Dont feel bad about ranting about the way people look at KY, I have to admit that I am completely guilty of thinking that way, and most of it is from the media and TV shows ( movies ) ... and yet all of my family on my Dads side is from TN...go figure... :)

Faye - Great shoes, I am still in a wide shoe so I cannot wait until I can wear something like that....keep up the good work at the gym...you do inspire me to exericise, I have every intention of going home and working out...so we will see...

Amanda - great job on the exercise bike - keep it up...

Judy - I may be a little off - but I do not understand about the nails and the caffiene????

I am so proud of myself, it has been two weeks that I have been staying strictly OP, I am getting 3 points daily ( I am bad on the exercise but am going to start doing it at least 3-4 times per week ) ... and have been staying OP even on weekends, that is a big accomplishment for me, I could never do it before, the weight seems to be melting off...but alas this week is my TOM, so I will probably be up in weight, I think it will be best not to weigh myself until next week, huh???
I go to the Dr today to make sure my blood pressure is still okay on the meds, wish me luck....have a great day all...

Good Morning everyone!

Not much time to post today, but I did get 4 points for yesterday.

Hope everyone has a great day......

Julie

Good morning EVERYONE! It's Monday - the start of another great week! A little too optimistic? Well, maybe, but I always feel if I take it one day at a time, one week at a time, life isn't as stressful!

Debbie - Congrats on the new job (DH's)! What a great way to start off the year!

Donna - Congrats to you too - more joyous news for the new year! And incentive to save money too! LOL!

Faye - I, too, love, love, love the shoes! And don't you just love a smaller size? I used to wear ten widess and I'm so used to buying them in that size that I just discovered a 9.5 reg fit now too! It certainly sounds funny when you can say 'I had fat feet!'

I'm a little late answering yesterday's question, but if we were to come into a lot of money, this may sound selfish, but I'd have to pay off our debts first and set up our childrens' college funds next. Then I'd donate to our church because we are under a huge debt with the recent addition of a schoolroom/cafeteria/storage and gymnasium/locker rooms. I'd also pave the driveway/parking lot! LOL! Then, I'd probably give to the ACS (cancer), Heart & Lung Assoc., Make a Wish Foundation, some to organizations that research polio, PCOS and diabetes. DH would probably want to make a donation to NPR. Those donations are not necessarily in any particular order.

On a side note about charities, if anyone here is passionate about St. Judes, my family will be doing a horse back trail ride to raise money for the hospital in May! We are so excited to be doing this and its going to be sooo much fun. DD14, DH and I will be bringing our own horses (DS will be staying behind) and camping out for two days! They will have a night ride on Friday night, pancake breakfast on Saturday, the trail ride, wagon rides, pony rides, kids games, etc during the day. Saturday night, they will have a huge bonfire with cowboy poetry and karaoke! Sunday they offer church services. We are very excited about this! Last year they had over 300 horses!

Mission Monday - You know, I was thinking about excuses while I was working out this morning. To be perfectly honest, I can't use any excuse listed up there - it all boils down to pure laziness! LOL! Isn't that a terrible thing to say, but its so true, at least for me. Excuses=Laziness. So my only excuse would be to say I'm lazy.....but I've been doing well this month, so I've had to make no excuses.

Lastly, I have a WTG: My Tanita body fat scale has me 1 point down on the body fat meter! When I use a body fat calculator online, it shows I'm just about out of the obese range and heading into the overweight range. Funny though, no one I know would ever consider me obese by looking at me....I must carry it well. But according to everything I've read, I am.

Well, I have to go take a shower - just got done working out and have had my first 24 ounces of water already. Doing good today!

Morning Beautifuls.... I have to agree with Lisa Z... for me its just plain laziness... i am great at rationalizing as well...LOL
As for the poll yesterday.... definatly cancer research... all kinds... i have lost friends and family to breast cancer and liver cancer... i have an uncle that beat testicular cancer. I would take care of my family and my friends. And give back to the community. i have always believed that u treat people the way u want to be treated... so i would have a blast just doing random acts of kindness... I have decided.... NO MORE BEER FOR SANDY!! lol its really my downfall... i do fine on calories for the day.. then have a couple beers with hubby... and its shot to ****. So, NO MORE! I am on my way to a good day today... already have 2 big glasses of h2o in... going to have some oj and get started on the laundry...fun fun. Its very cold here... -6 and then the windchill is -20... so i am staying in my jammies... and doing the laundry.. then the dishes... once i get sawyer off to school.. i will do my watp 2 mile tape and my yoga. Its a brand new day and a brand new week and i am going to be successful. I love you all and thank you for your unfailing support... Remeber to take care of u today...
Sandy

Good morning girls!

I am on the way out the door so I just wanted to post a quick hello and say I will check in later! So much to do today .. maybe I'll get those 4 pts after all :)

Morning girls!

Faye- I love those shoes ;) congrats on the smaller size. You will look great!

Zookeeper- I totally agree with you on taking it a day at a time, week at a time...thanks for actually saying that...I have been stressed lately and hearing you say that reminds me to step back a little and taking it a day at a time.

I have stayed op, but this weekend i kinda went off program...think I am looking for comfort in food. Things havent been going soo good with Andrew. He hasn't been drinking, but he also hasn't been going to meetings. We get into the pettiest fights and he has such a short temper lately, as so do I. I think I am at the point of just wanting to call it quits. Also my job isn't that great lately, I would really like to switch jobs, but can't really afford to do so right now and I also get cold feet about it...you know the next job and how it'll "treat" me. Sorry, think I have rambled on here...

okay think I'll get back to work and check in later. Take care girls.

Good Monday!
Feeling good, looking forward to the week (for a change). I have an interview for a new job on Wednesday. This one has benefits!!!!! I have no insurance where I am now and that is not good for a diabetic. Cross your fingers for me.

Carri, I have been trying to quit drinking diet soda, the caffeine is just not good for me. One day I added up all the money I spent on soda and decided that I would be better off spending that money on my nails. I have always wanted pretty nails and my natural nails do not grow attractively. Sooo, I backed off on the amount of soda I drank until I felt I could quit altogether, then I got my nails. Now when I feel I want a soda, I look at my hands and reach for the water instead.

Great mission Faye. I have used a few that are listed. There are far more good reasons to exercise than there are excuses not to. I think I need to keep repeating that until it is second nature.
Talk to ya'll later.
Judy

Along with exercise and reading reading reading today, I am going to buy a new lab coat (I hate the one I bought online) and scrubs, and then I am in the market for a nice silver pendant, maybe with moonstones or amathyst in it. I think it would be nice to have something like that to compliment my not-so-gorgeous clinical uniform! Well, I am off to have a successfull day!

I like the mission for the week, good one, my mini-goal this week is to meet my exercize goal every day! (I am kinda bummed out that I didn't last saturday)

Take care all, thanks for being here!!!!

Kim

POINT POINTS POINTS:

Carri 3 !!!
Julie 4 :0



First off, let me say that I think everyone misunderstood the poll, which is ok, but I don't want people to think that I am not as self serving as the next guy. I was just asking what if any charities would you give to not exactly what you would spend the money on. Anyway,.....

Now to address you, SandyG, I didn't mean to offend you either. I just know that when Feed the Children does shows, one of the places they go is into the hills of KY. I feel desperately sorry for folks that have jobs and still don't have food. I hope you didn't think I meant all Kentuckians were some kind of lowlife slobs or something, because that is not what I meant at all. Believe, me, we have our share of "poor" people who seem to be able to find enough money for cigarettes, booze and the like when the kids are eating bread for dinner.

Lisaz: Was your scale pretty expensive? I want to get a really nice scale as I am tired of our digital bouncing around and not knowing what I really do weigh!

Judy: We will certainly be praying about a job for you.

Kim: If you want to get some cool jewelry at some great prices, check out Overstock.com. It's where I bought the girls their tigereye jewelry for Christmas.

I did the treadmill for 40 minutes today and am kind of sore, but though it is not comfortable, I know I am getting a workout so I am glad. Looks like I am going to have a 4 pt day today.

Pam, we miss you and worry about you. Please check in when you can. We miss the others of you who haven't been posting too.

I know from personal experience that almost always when your posting drops off completely or almost completely that you have either given it up, are doing badly or are so angry about the weight not coming off you are not about to come to a site where that is the focus. BUT the truth is you need the support to get back to where you should be. I know it is hard having people say how great they are doing, lost this many lbs, exercising out the wazoo and the like, but if you shut yourself off from your support system, I guarantee you are going to fail. The fact of the matter is, you HAVE to lose weight. It is your choice, but to choose to ignore the fact that your are not giving it your all, you are making excuses to yourself and to others and that you may be trying to convince yourself that you can't do it, is like asking us to chisel out your tombstone for you and damn it I refuse to do that. It is time for us all to get real and quit this nonsense of doing ok one day then the next falling off then a day on then 2 off etc. That is bologna and we all know it. Do you have any idea what I feel like when people quit posting here and I have no way of communicating with them? I am fearful of what has happened to them, I really am. I refuse to allow any of you to die because I didn't do enough. For your own sake, please re-commit to a lifestyle change and do it today, not tomorrow or next week, but right this minute. I am committing myself to it and am promising that I am done fooling around with my health and am going to get the other 150 or so lbs off of me forever!
Faye ;)

Hi all!

I am very pleased to announce that I got 4 points yesterday - woo hoo! They certainly have been a long time coming!

Faye - Thanks for your message - I agree with you 100%. This is something I just have to do - and stop being so weak about it. The thing is that I have shown amazing strength and willpower by giving up smoking. Nige is still smoking, so the whole time I've had cigarettes right under my nose and I've not given in even once. Now why can't I have the same attitude when it comes to 'giving up overeating'?. It's definately a deep psychological issue isn't it - we all KNOW that if we consume less calories than we expend then we will lose weight - it's not that difficult, but we all struggle with it. I struggle with it more than tobacco, which is meant to be one of the most addictive drugs in the world!!

So I'm trying to recreate that determined attitude I had when I gave up smoking - Part of me did it to prove to Nigel that I could . He said to me yesterday that he's beginning to think that I'll never lose weight as I have had so many failed attempts and he can't understand why I don't just DO IT. So now I want to prove him wrong about this too! I can be very stubborn when I want to be - so it's time to turn that stubborness into something positive!

See You!

Love Amanda xxx

Good evening every one!!!
I sure am glad to see most of us have gotten a positive attitude!!! Hoorah !!! for all of us, I get 4 points for today and yesterday too.
Finding time to exercise is so hard , but after reading what everyone has had to say I am going to give up some of my computer time. I usually always get on line about an hour before Tommy gets home from work, so before I get on line I am going to get my exercising done then. I will not get on line during that time again unless I have already exercised.
Faye you are doing really good with your exercising. Going the Y was a good thing.
Amanda I quit smoking 2 years ago, after 3 packs a day for OVER 20 years,
and I agree diet is so much harder to do than quit smoking.
I quit smoking for my health and now I have to quit eating for my health!!!
If I can do this than anybody can, and we all will succeed together, Faye is right we need to come here and post everyday, even if we have not done good, I know this has helped me.
Judy good luck on job interview.
Lisa ,that Trail ride sounds exciting!!!
Dot, How long you and Andrew been together?
hope everyone has a good night and a Great day tomorrow!
Goodnight, Donna

Evening Ladies!

Looks as if everyone has been going at it full steam today.

Sandy, I feel for you with the cold! I hate the cold something awful there is no way that I could handle it for one week. We haven't dipped below the zero mark yet and I pray that we don't.

Faye, you are right we all need to get it in gear! I know for me it is hard many days to get in exercise, 2 jobs, Corey, and the housework doesn't make it easier. Still that isn't an excuse. I am just glad that I do get in what little exercise I can when I can. For example I dance around when I clean. As for the eating out I know about that. I am thankful that Corey loves Wendy's at least there I can get a side salad w/ ff dressing and grilled chicken or a baked tater.

Judy, great thing to do with the nails. I use to guzzle diet pop like there was no tomorrow. Got a health scare and gave it up cold turkey! I do every now and again induldge in a caffiene free diet pepsi. A cube will last months here. Usually it is water that I drink. I have been wanting to get nails, mine grown but I break them easily at work, figured that fake would be better. So as a reward to myself when I am down to 170 I will get the nails.

Amanda, you can do it! I think that stubborness is a good quality! I am like that and when I get mad enough to put my mind to it there is no changing it at all! I know that you will prove him wrong. Just remember that slow and steady wins the race!


Today went fairly well. Didn't do any exercise today still felt kinda weak from the stomach flu but I am praying that tomorrow will be better. I have never been one to force myself if I have been sick. Corey is in bed and it is all quiet here so I think that I am going to kick back and watch a movie just for me! Man that isnt something that any of us get to do often.

Nite all

sandy

Sandy, how is the no more beer for Sandy vow going? :rolleyes: i got into the habit of having a few beers with hubby a long time ago and its a habit now :eek: i'm not quitting but i'm definitely cutting down and i'm buying the new lower cal/carb ones too ;) I only have 2-3 but its 2-300 empty calories too :halfempty so it'll be nice to save them.

KimmyAnn47, you made me :lol: when you said that you snuck some booze into the theatre ;) hope you find a nice piece of jewellery.

Amanda, Nigel sounds just like my hubby :rolleyes: if i say i'm on a diet he'll say "get on with it then" :rollpin: yeh..its easy to get on with it when i've got to fry stuff and make him huge dinners every night but i'm gonna :D

Well, after taking the weekend off from my "diet" i'm back to business today..i get 1pt for exercise yesterday and 3pts today for diet and exercise..still struggling with the water :rolleyes: but i'll get there.

Just doing my evening check in with all you gals.

Happy Dance Dot - I don't know the history behind your relationship, but I am very sorry you are going through such a trying time. I know when the stress level goes up, for me the eating habits go out the window. Try not to let it ruin your health, K?

Berrygirl - Wishing you luck on your interview and good job on the caffeine! I drank my last caffinated soda 15 days ago and have had only part of one decaf soda since. I'm still finding that I miss that pick-me-up the caffeine gives ya, but I'm hoping it will get better. Keep it up!

Judy & Faye - I can't grow nails either! Everytime I try to, my husband always ends up asking me why I bother - they just break, chip or peel all the time! Very frustrating! And I have two nails that have permanent splits in them....my pointer finger has one right in the center (you can see the line all the way down to the cuticle) and my pinky always splits not too far from the edge. Very frustrating. But I can't handle really long nails either.

Faye - I bought my Tanita scale several years ago from Drugstore.com for almost $100! I was just checking the prices now and they are in a reasonable range of $39.99 to $79.99. If you go over to that site and do a search for Tanita, I have the first scale that is listed for $39.99. Works great for me!

Kim - I agree with Faye on trying Overstock.com. They have nice items and the shipping is really inexpensive - like under $3! My DH bought me a beautiful black pearl necklace and matching earrings from there.

Well, write me down for 4 points today. I even went to a Chinese buffet for lunch and didn't overeat or anything. And I kept my supper very light to compensate for the sugar roll I had! LOL! I get my exercise in between the time my oldest gets on the bus and the youngest gets on the bus, so that when the kids are gone, I can get right on my daily chores/housework/etc for the day. I have it nicely built into the schedule so I have no excuse!

Well, I better get going....will check back in tomorrow! Seems twice a day (almost) posting works well for me! Keeps me on track!

I agree with Lisa that scheduling exercise can make it much easier to get done. My walks are getting extremely boring, and to boost up I thought it would be easier to do it faster (walk and jog both) than try to walk for a longer time. I really just can't give more time than I do now at this time. It is just tough when you DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!!!!

But today I got 4 points. Seems like it is all or nothing for me lately. But that is because my food plan is ONLY writing stuff down. I feel like I have definitly given myself permission to really pig out lately!

Amanda-I concur. I quit smoking about 2.5 years ago, on the 6th or so attempt to quit. I have been extremely successfull in abstaining from cigarettes, even though many of my friends smoke. Yet I have only struggled with abstaining from overeating. I often remind myself how long it took to reach that place where I was REALLY READY to say goodbye to my old best friend nicotine. It didn't happen overnight. I had to come to terms with all the great things that cigs gave me, how they were at times my only comfort, my dearest friend. I had to let that friend "die". Overeating is harder, it is like a codependent addictive relationship that you can't just end. You can't quit food cold turkey. I just want you to know you are not alone! Also, I think that there just isn't as much public education on the dangers of overeating, so it is not a socially supported to quit this bad habit. It just isn't clearly defined, for one thing, and also, you hear about the dangers of FAT, not the dangers of OVEREATING. So there are a lot of things going on that make food a harder habit to quit.

I have tons of other stuff to say, but I will spare everyone for now! More to come!

Faye, Lisa, thanks for the overstock.com tip, I will definitely check them out. I bought some dangly earins today! They are super cute and on sale for 8 bucks! Score!

OK, till tomorrow!

Kim

TUESDAY: Today is target Tuesday. We are continuing with How to Stop When you're Full. #7 Is called Go Easy Champ. Don't pack it in like it is a race or like someone is going to take the plate away if you don't gulp it down.. It takes 10-20 minutes for your brain to register fullness, so if you want to feel full, chew slowly, put that fork down between bites, use chopsticks, wear a giant ring to remind you, even get up and go to the restroom. You risk overeating big time by eating fast. By the time your brain registers you're full, you'll have eaten enough for the next meal! SLOW DOWN!

***I am still having problems with color and smileys, etc so I cannot post smileys for points. I will post all the pts together though!

POINTS POINTS POINTS POINTS!

Amanda 4
Me 4
Donna 4, 4
LisaZ 4
Kim 4
Cathy 1, 3

Weigh to go girls, keep up the fantastic work.

Amanda: Unlike cigarettes, you ALWAYS have food in your house. Also, food are almost always tied to emotional issues. I have found that making your environment "weight loss" friendly, you give yourself a much better chance of succeeding.

Have a good day, girls and I will check in later.

Faye

Morning ladies!

Just checking in rather quickly. Wanted to let everyone know that Dot will not be posting for a while she has some personal issues that she needs to resolve. When she has them resoled she will check in. Please everyone try to take a second out of your day to say a prayer for her!

Good Morning Lovelies!

Oh Faye, I so needed that pep talk :drill: I got another 4 points for yesterday. It seems like I'm doing everything right......writing down my food, exercising, water. Yet I haven't budged an ounce on the scale all month! I'm fairly sure my body is holding onto the fat because it's near zero degrees outside like all the time now. BUT IT"S NOT FAIR :rollpin:

I'm starting to think my scale is broken! But honestly, it's probably the "little" cheats building and building. A piece of birthday cake here, a dinner out there....I feel like I've wasted a whole month that I could have been down 8 pounds!

Maybe it's just cabin fever setting in early.........not sure. I've definitely been spending too much time in front of the computer.

Dorothy, I"m praying for you girl! Whatever's wrong, I'm sure you'll pull out of it. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Pammmyyy.........come back to us, love........we miss you!

Think I'll go get on the treadmill for a while.
Julie

Gigglez - I will say a prayer for Dot, and hope to hear from her soon :)

Amanda and KimmyAnn - my husband has smoked for 10 years and just quit on New Years...I cannot believe that he has not had one, and I am so proud of him...it has been 3 weeks for him!!! He is also dieting with me so he is working on two things...I have never smoked but watching him go through the withdrawal is bad, I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy...plus he is so dang cranky!!! Ha...if you girls can quit smoking you can do anything - you can conquer this food thing no problem!!

Judy - okay now I understand about the nails and the caffiene :lol:
I can grow long nails all day long, always have been able to, dont know why...

Faye - Thanks for the pep talk, even though I am doing well and losing pounds I still cannot get into the exercising part, and what am I going to do when I lose all this weight and all the flab is hanging because I am not toning?
I better get my rear in gear...I want to walk outside but it is going to be 26 degrees here today, although I do see other people walking and running in this weather, wonder if it would make me sick...

Okay so now I am rambling, 3 pts for me yesterday....everyone have a great day!!!

Well here i am again...lol Morning Beautifuls... i really should have listened to my OWN words yesterday... but NOOOOOOOO... so i was full of bologna yesterday... altho i am sticking to the no more beer...lol I just HAVE to exercise... Faye you are so right about not coming because we feel we aqre not doing well... thats something i have been working on as well... i come here in the morning and post even when i dont always feel like it... so its becoming a habit again... i really do love you all... and your support means so very much... i know u read it all the time but i honestly mean every word. Take care of u today...
Sandy

Mirabelly will appreciate this!

Okay, so who gave me that 1.5 lbs back? :mad: Where did they come from!? :?: Man, thats frustrating! I've been working out for two straight weeks, no soda, drinking lots of water, watching what I'm eating, making smoothies of fruits/vegs, and what does it get me?

NADA! The scale this morning was back where I started!:moo:

I'm hoping its either a) too much salt yesterday or b) my muscles are toning up (and muscle weighs more than fat).

Can I scream now? :yikes:

I will also keep Dot in my thoughts and prayers. It certainly sounds like she has a lot on her plate right now (no pun intended) and can use the good vibes. :goodvibes

Did my yoga for today and am working on my water. Hopefully this "no loss month" will improve!

Well I DID IT!!! just finished my yoga... woooohooooo... baby steps... baby steps!

Yeah for SandyB and LisaZ! They've exercised today......

Yeah for me, I just walked 45 minutes on the treadmill.....

Who else??? Let us know when you get that :censored: exercise in!!!

Julie

Good Morning All,
I got all 4 points yesterday!!!! Dancing banana for meeee! :cb: I put my happy butt on my recumbant bike for about 15 minutes last night. Not as much as I would like, but definately better than nothing. Had nervous energy to work off, I am getting nervous about the interview tomorrow. I hate interviewing.

I have a question for you ladies. Do any of you take vitamins or herbal supplements, and if so which ones?? My late husband took a bunch, vitamin E, ginseng, st. johns wort, vitamin C, a multi-vitamin...He got me to take calcium and a multi-vitamin. I was just curious to see if there was a difference in the way folks felt if they took vitamins or supplements.

Today's target brings up a point I would love to address with the school system in my town. I don't eat fast, I learned a long time ago to savor every bite----I just eat the wrong things (carb addict). My son, on the other hand, eats like the plate is on fire and the food will disappear, and wants seconds and even thirds. ( he does have a hollow leg, lucky kid does not have a weight problem) I keep telling him to slow down. He finally told me it is because they have so little time at school to eat lunch--15 minutes, he just got used to eating fast. Once they get thru the line and sit down, that is all the time they have to eat. (he's in 8th grade). The school district is concerned about the rise in obesity in kids, so they have made power walking after lunch mandatory for all kids. The kids are rushed even more to finish eating so they can go outside to walk. The walking is good, but there has got to be a better way to work lunch. It seems to me the kids are being taught that you have to eat fast, and that does lead to overeating.
Well, thanks for letting me ramble.
Have a great day!
Judy

POINTS POINTS POINTS!

Julie 4
Carri 3

Great job girls! Not being able to use any of this stuff is making me mad and I can't find the reason why. Anyone have any ideas? Something I should check on my computer or something?

Ok, so far this morning here are the exercise queens:

Julie 45 minutes, terrific!!!!
Amanda Yoga routine, wowzers!!!
Lisa: Yoga routine, wonderful!!!
LET'S EVERYONE GET ON THE EXERCISE BANDWAGON TODAY! REPORT IN WHEN YOU DID YOUR EXERCISE!!

I am going out to lunch with a friend and going to see Calendar Girls again as she has not seen it and I promised I would go with her. I promise to be good at lunch. I think we are going to Atlanta Bread Company so I can get a good lowfat sandwich and pretzels.

Have a great day ladies, will check in later.

Dorothy: You my sweet are in our prayers and I will try and keep up with you to check on how you are! We miss you and can't wait until you are back with us!

Faye

Hello
I know I haven't posted for the last couple days, I've been...well to heck with excuses. I've been dong really well with water and cen get in exercise here and there but that darn food...arg...anyway. I had a nice day yesterday and got to go to the beach with friends :)

Faye I WILL be posting later that I went to the gym today. I WILL!!!

Judy - I take the Womens One a Day with Green Tea extract ( I think that is what is in it ), it is the one that is supposed to help boost up your metabolism...some women have said that they upset their stomach, but I have not had any problem with them, if taken after a meal....whether it boosts my metabolism I dont know...but I figure it cant hurt....

All - Thanks for the exercise encouragement, I am going home and doing my WATP Dvd TONIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AFTERNOON EXERCISE QUEEN:

Judy: recumbant bike. whirl them legs baby!!!!!


Points:

Judy :bravo:

Judy: I also take the women's weight management one day vitamins and have no trouble at all with them and I even take them on an empty stomach with Citrucel gulped down with them UGH! REGULARITY, the key to being pleasant!:lol:

Now the stuff is working for me again. Sheesh!

I was a very very good girl, had a roast beef sand for lunch with a few pretzels and a diet and.......NO TREATS AT THE MOVIES AT ALL! First time for that one!

Ladies, I heard from Dorothy and please keep her in your prayers. Let's just say it is job related and keep it at that. I'm sure she will be back soon.

I need to get ready to go to the gym with my sexy hubby when he gets home so I need to go.

Faye :)

Dorothy, you know that will we keep you in our thought and prayers, you know where to find us if we can help in any way, let us know.
I take a multi- vitimin and also calcium , [my doc told me to take the calcium , it is suppose to help hot flashes]
I am doing really goood today I have already drank my water for the day!!!
I made a Promise to myself "can't get on computer after 4p.m. UNTIL i get my exercising done" And it is also four so I gotta go
Donna

Evening Exercise Queen:

ME: 40 minutes on the treadmill w/incline

Woohoo, I have another 4 day. I think I am back in the rhythm girlies. I sure do hope so. I so want to be in twoterville by the wedding. Who wants a huge ole mil in the wedding pictures! Jack is gonna look pretty spiffy too. He told me yesterday his belly has shrunk so much he can see ummmmm below it! lol

This stupid computer. The smileys and colors aren't working again.

Hope all you ladies have a great evening.

FYI FYI FYI FYI FYI FYI:
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE SIGNED UP FOR MYFAMILY, LOG ON AT 7:30 PM CENTRAL AND 8:30 PM EASTERN FOR CHAT TONIGHT.

I will try to make it if I can get hubby off the computer in time!

Faye

Faye - Maybe there's something in the User CP under Edit Options that could fix your color/smiley problem?

Whats the MyFamily chat?

Cya!

Just wanted to say I did the 1 mile WATP and a Richard Simmons video!!! 4 points 4me
will check in after work tomorrow
Goodnight, Donna

Evening ladies!

I get all for today. Got myself a new taebo dvd tonight and did that. Didnt get to finsih the whole thing Corey wouldnt let me he was so demanding of my time. I felt realy guilty about buying it but I am praying that the ends will justify the means. Gotta run it is late and sleep is calling.

Hi Ladies,

4 points for me yesterday!. Needed a rest day from my exercise bike today - my backside hurts!!! :o

Glad everyone is doing better - we all needed your pep talk Faye!

Hope Dot is okay and that she comes back soon - I will miss her, and Lisa - I will pray for them both.

Julie and Lisa Z - Sorry you haven't lost weight - I know how frustrating it is when you've worked really hard. I suppose all you can do is keep at it and the results will catch up.

Judy - I have recently started to take extra B complex vitamins - it says on the pack that they are good for the nervous system and boost energy - I've only been taking them for a week, so I don't feel any benefit yet. When they've run out, I think I'm going to get a good multi vitamin - one that has 100% rda of everything. I also recommend echinacea - brilliant for fighting off colds.

Faye - WTG on the treadmill!. I love the treadmill and would really like to have one at home. The trouble is they are sooooo expensive and I have got an exercise bike, so I can't really justify getting one when I can use my bike if I want aerobic exercise. I go on the treadmill at the gym - just fast walking - but one day I'd really love to run! I can imagine that I'd really enjoy running - just run everything out of your system and leave all your troubles behind! Maybe one day I will be fit enough to experience that 'runners high'! :tread:

Keep at it everyone - you're doing great!

Amanda xxxx

Hi Ladies,

Great Job Everyone :bravo: I get another 3pts :cp: had to go out so that mucked up my water drinking :rolleyes: I walked 2mls today and did a full ONE HOUR of Callenetics :eek: I was an :angel: i'm going to try and do a different exercise video every day ;) this better pay off :lol:

Well, I got 3 points yesterday, and had no time to chat. Next week, next week. I got everything in but my water. I am usually awsome with water. Here was the problem. Didn't have MY water bottle. To those of you who have trouble getting your water in, I hope you are not trying to remember to go to the sink 8-12 times a day, forget about it! I have a 1 liter bottle at my side at all times (on a good day) and I just fill it in the morning, and once during the day, and that is that. Remembering to fill a bottle once or twice is so much easier, and I find I will drink water when I am bored, as long as it is already in my hand!

Well, I p.o.ed my downstairs neighbor (and friend) jogging in the apt. last night, but I wasn't going to miss my work out and I wasn't going out after dark, so there you go! To bad, Timmy!

Judy- Hear hear! Look at those Frenchies. The French spend about 5 hrs a day at the table, and they don't have the problems we have with obesity at all. OK, they all do smoke like crazy, but they take 2-3 hrs for dinner. And i also noticed they will put their fork down when spoken to, not just when speaking. And they do a lot of pushing their food around. And the most delicious dessert gets only half eaten at the most. I hate the food wasting, but it must be great place to eat out of a dumpster! Forcing children to stuff their food down is just messed up. I am going to take todays tip to heart.

WOES! I have been writing down my food, but PIGGING out, and I think I am gaining weight, even though I am exercising. I just don't want to start out to strong. It is such a delicate balance!

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