WW Clubs and Groups - Turtle Club # 25

Hi, Turtle Buddies,

Here it is - my "official" version of the fable:

The Hare and the Tortoise

A hare met a tortoise one day and made fun of him for the slow and clumsy way in which he walked.

The tortoise laughed and said, "I will run a race with you any time that you choose."

"Very well," replied the hare, "we will start at once."

The tortoise immediately set off in his slow and steady way without waiting a moment or looking back. The hare, on the other hand, treated the matter as a joke and decided to take a little nap before starting, for she thought that it would be an easy matter to overtake her rival.

The tortoise plodded on, and meanwhile the hare overslept herself, with the result that she arrived at the winning-post only to see that the tortoise had got in before her.

Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.

This comes from a book handed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. The book is so old it doesn't have a copyright date or an author/editor's credit.

That fable has been the motivation for us turtles for about two years. Someone on the ancient WW forum mentioned the fable and I discovered it was very motivational for me. I talked about it in posts and other people said that the tortoise philosophy worked for them, too. So, I started a thread for us turtle types.

We work toward accepting that our bodies have a natural speed of weight loss when we choose to live a healthy life, instead of "going on a diet". Many of us have experienced "the diets" as go on/lose weight-- go off/ gain the weight plus more back.

We choose to perservere with each choice we make throughout the day. We believe that choosing to be slow, steady turtles helps us to learn the skills we need to learn in order to not only lose the weight, but keep it off and become the healthiest people we can be.

So, welcome to all who realize that losing and maintaining a weight loss is a lifestyle change. And who want support as we all learn the skills we need to successfully make the changes that will allow us to reach our goals.

Happy turtlin', everyone!

Lin
272/230/lower

Hi, Turtles,

I find it hard to believe we've managed to stay active for 25 threads. We may be slow, but we hang in there persistently, just like our turtle namesake. Thank you all for being so supportive this far. I look forward to celebrating every success, large or small, we all have as me move through this journey.

Judy, you're dealing with some pretty stressful situations. I hope things work out. I can't help you with the lawsuit, but I do have a bit of advice about the daughter-in-law. I've been married for almost 25 years. My mother-in-law didn't like me at first. It was a minor matter of prejudice against Italians that was spawned during WWII. She changed her mind after we had kids and she discovered that I'm a great mother. Now, I don't know what the issues are between you and your new daughter-in-law, and you may have reason to be worried. But it may help to remember that people do change and grow in time. Good luck!

As for the stress, I'm a writer. My best weapon (when I manage to stop the learned comfort of eating) is to write. I write whatever is in my mind, stream of consciousness. Sometimes all that it accomplishes is to keep me from eating. Sometimes it makes me feel better. Sometimes I get lucky and end up with a list of things I can do to help solve a problem. It's always the best thing to do when my feelings would hurt other people. I can write out all the petty things and avoid unecessarily hurting others. I can also figure out what things I need to discuss with them. Anyway, that's my alternate solution to the stress eating.

I'm back OP after my PMS mess. I made the mistake of getting on the scale on Sunday. I'm not reporting that weight because I suspect that it's not accurate. The extra water hadn't gone away yet. So, I'm going to wait until next Sunday for my official weigh in. I knew that I should because TOM wasn't gone, but I succumbed to the PMS anxiety. Now I know how long to wait before my post-TOM weigh in. At least I'm learning something more about what to do. The only difficulty is controlling Mrs. Hyde. Next month I'm freezing a ton of 0-point soup to eat when Mrs. Hyde acts up.

Have a great day! Happy turtlin'! :D

Lin
272/230/lower

Dear Lin,
Thanks for "talking" so nicely to me. I sure hope you're right and that my daughter-in-law will be a good mother. I've got my fingers crossed. You are absolutely right about writing. I've got to do more, especially when I start to worry about something. Worry gets me no place but the kitchen where I overeat.
As far as being OP I've gotten through my first day.
I think I'll start my new year today. I've officially been on WW for a year and 11 days. These last 11 days have been tough, but I wasn't helping myself. Now I hope I've shaken off the gotcha's and am on track again.
I think Lori asked about our home furnishings and I find that an intriguing question. I would have to describe my home as simple and neat. A couple of years ago my husband and I gave away a lot of furniture and decided to buy only what we HAD to have. Even now we do not have a coffee table in the living room. Everything we have is comfy. Our walls are beige throughout the first floor of our house. Our kitchen is European Modern--almond formica with wood trim--easy to keep clean and sleek looking. I have a great teapot collection that I became obsessive about--what a surprise! I over collected teapots and creamers and sugars, but it's been lots of fun. I do enjoy looking at them. We do lots of unique things with our furniture. Our den has wicker furniture which makes it light and easy to move. It has cushions that blend with the colors in the living room. Our dining room is small, so when we have a gang over, we set up in the den with a couple of tables and put the den furniture in the dining room for the day.
Our house is cozy. Most of the colors are beige, tan, blue and navy. I love the sea and am trying to get that effect in the house. I am also aiming to make the house as maintenance free as possible so I can run through the house cleaning in as little time as possible.
I guess you'd call me practical, and yet I think my home is inviting and comfy. I love flowers and every once in a while, I'll indulge. So--there we are--home and me. No fuss, but with plenty of integrity! No glamour, no glitz, but a sense of humor and little chunks of personality here and there. Suits my husband and me to a tee!
Lin, I am so glad things are looking up for you with WW. That's great. I bet you're right about the TOM and water weight. Weighing in next week sounds great. And it's also important to have plans for next month so that you're armed to do the right things for yourself. Good for you.
So glad to be a part of the slo turtles. Take care and be well.
Judy

Kimmers!!! Hello, and so wonderful to see you! I'm so glad you're back. Good for you getting back into the saddle, so to speak. Have you read the book "Thin for Life"? It's wonderful, and one of the big points she makes is that "weight loss masters" (people who have lost a bunch of weight and kept it off for years) almost always tried multiple times to get the weight off and keep it off before they were finally successful. Instead of seeing these attempts as failures, it's actually more accurate to see them as trial and error, finding what works and what doesn't.

In the year 2000, I gained back 16 pounds and then lost it again, ending the year at the same weight as when I started. I learned a tremendous amount from that experience, and it has helped keep me from sliding off again. (Basically, I've learned that I have to write it all down, no matter what. That keeps me from going off the deep end for any length of time.) I've been back OP since August, losing slowly but more or less steadily (21 pounds since August), and I owe it in part to what I learned from going off the wagon last year.

Lori, I know what you mean by being turned off by the rah-rah cheerleader approach when you're struggling. Different folks are inspired by different things, it seems, and even that will vary depending on what's going on. Sometimes I consider no longer reading these boards (except the Turtles) because everyone seems to lose so much more quickly than I do. But I've noticed something. Since I started posting here 3 years ago, I've watched some people drop a TON of weight in seemingly no time at all -- and then vanish. And then return, needing to lose it all again.

I do NOT mean to denigrate what these folks do, because we are indeed all different, and we do (hopefully) learn from each of our attempts. Kimmers is a great example of that. But what this says to me is that the "slow and steady" turtle approach is indeed the way for me to go, and that it's OK to be left in the dust by all those "hares" out there. Some of those hares will be successful in the long run, but many won't -- and what's more important, *I* won't be successful with that approach. Been there, done that, gained back the weight plus more to prove it.

So I need to remind myself of these things during months like this one, where I've lost about one pound for the entire month of March. I need to tell myself that it's still in the right direction, that I'm continuing to learn and grow in a healthy way, and that even 12 pounds a year is going to make me continually healthier, year after year. My clothes continue to get a little looser, my stamina and energy continue to get a little better.

About decorating ... Judy, your house sounds lovely. Very different from ours, but beautiful. I love the ocean, too, and especially love shades of blue with cream and white. Lin, yours sounds comfy and eclectic and fun.

We have an older house (1920s), with wood floors and oriental-style area rugs. My husband loves antiques; he buys them at garage sales and flea markets and lovingly restores them, so we have a lot of those. My dad also made furniture for many years (he had a small furniture company), so we have some lovely pieces that he made -- our dining room set, an empire desk he made for the Smithsonian, a four-poster bed he made for Ralph Lauren. We could never afford this stuff ourselves! Our kitchen has wood floors, white cabinets, white walls, and dark green counters. The breakfast nook has dark green carpeting. We didn't decorate it; we bought it that way, but we love it. We also love historic wallpaper and got an amazing deal on some William Morris paper a while back. It was one of those -- "OK, we can get this paper for a ridiculously low price, so what can we paper with it??" So we papered the dining room, the stairs, and the upstairs hallway with it -- it's his willow pattern. (You can see it at http://www.sanderson-online.co.uk/sandersonheritage/morris.htm -- scroll down to the willow boughs pattern.)

I also like Asian decor, so we have smatterings of that around, mostly stuff I brought back from living over there. We have lots of wicker furniture that I had made over there. I also love silk flowers, so we have those scattered around.

Onward and downward,

Lauren

Good Morning, Turtles,

Judy, I also love the sea. One of the many stories I'm working on takes place in a B&B near the ocean and is decorated in the colors of the sea.

Lauren, your home sounds a bit eclectic, too, with some traditional Western antiques and some Eastern decor, too.

Lauren, I like what you said about getting healthier year after year even if you lose 12 pounds during each one. WW's suggested average of 2 pounds/week comes out to about 100 pounds/year and a lot of people seem to think they're somehow entitled to lose at that pace. Sometimes I think it would be better if WW wouldn't tell people to expect that as an average because everyone is so different. The most weight I've ever lost in a year is 50 pounds. I don't care, but I've read posts from people who give up and quit because they're "only" losing at that 50 pound rate (or less) instead of the 100 pound pace they expect. I, personally, am content to go at any pace, even your 12 pound a year pace, as long as I stay healthy while I'm doing it and don't gain back what I lost!

I've been OP this week. I'm really getting tired of this monthly Click! though. I can feel the difference between PMS and the rest of the month just like a switch clicking on and off. Click! I want to eat everything in sight. Click! I'm back OP and content with my points, my food choices, and everything is fine. I hope the calcium helps with turning off the Click! or at least keeps its effects to a minimum. I quit WW once because I got tired of maintaining due to PMS gaining the same amount of weight I lost during the rest of the month. That particular program didn't suit my personality and lifestyle as well as this one does, which made it easier to decide to stop doing it. There wasn't enough flexibility and there were still too many food restrictions. I didn't want to continue doing it forever if I wasn't losing weight or at goal and maintaining.

The difference this time is that now I'm managing to work through this because I can do it within the boundaries of the program. I'm willing to follow this program regardless of whether or not I lose weight because it's flexible and I choose what foods I eat. I'm hopeful that even if I don't lose a lot this year, I can learn how to manage PMS better, which will ultimately get me to a point where I can decide what my weight loss goal is, and then reach it.

I'm finally feeling more peaceful about making this move. I've been feeling really boxed in a room with no windows or doors. It seemed like all of the doors & windows I've walked through the past several years since I stopped being a full-time mom and started looking for a career have been closed in my face. I can't even manage to get temp work right now. I've been surfin' and am finding that there are skills in the current web market that I cannot teach myself. So, at least for now, that dream and the one about finishing school have to be set aside. But I will go nuts if all I do is housework and WW and create recipes for my own use.

So, I decided to do two things. I'm resurrecting that dream that I first had when I was ten years old. I'm going to write my stories full-time, without worrying about a paycheck. I've done that in the past, but always set it aside and continued to write as a hobby while I went out to earn desperately needed money or to return to school. I'm still registered at the temp agency and if they call me for a job that is worthwhile, I'll take it because we do need the money. But I'm considering writing my main occupation.

The second thing is to work on my web site to share my recipes, but as a hobby. It will take longer to finish it, but I need to do this. I look forward so much more to getting up and writing than to getting up and teaching myself stuff that may or may not lead to a job. And I feel more excited about the web site if I'm not trying to figure out how to include all the bells and whistles I'm learning just to impress someone who may or may not give me a job. For the first time in months I feel really good about my life. It's not perfect, but if John Steinbeck can write from this place, so can I. But I won't be writing about this place because I haven't lived here long enough. Don't expect me to write like Steinbeck, either. No one writes like him but him. But then, no one writes like anyone but themselves. ;)

Have a great day! Happy turtlin'! :D

Lin
(272/230/lower

Hey, it looks like things are looking up. Lauren, your house sounds beautiful. You really have a lot of beautiful pieces. And, like your picture, it gives me a better idea of what you're like.
Lin, I LOVE eclectic and think your home must suit you well. I really like the way you both are sounding now. It looks like TOM is passing by and you're back on track.
I'm so glad. It is also terrific to write some projects and put aside the work worries right now. I know it's important to follow your dreams, and I give you a lot of credit. way to go~
As far as averages with Weight Watchers, how destructive. I have had great weight losses in the past but I've always taken extraordinary means to do so. Certainly nothing that I could stay with. I was a member of Overeaters Anonymous and lost 65 pounds in 7 months. Then I tried a bariatric physician who put me on liquid foods and small meals and I lost 40 with him (twice) and continued the weight loss down with WW but the whole time I felt as though I was literally starving. Now I figure whether we have ten pounds to lose or two hundred pounds to lose, we'll all be doing the same thing for the rest of our lives. Some of us will get to our goal weights sooner, but we'll keep on with this program. So--I am working on a decent hairstyle and makeup and I'm trying to vary my wardrobe here and there as I continue on this weight loss journey.
Thanks for hanging in there with me. Yesterday was an excellent OP day, and so has today been. I've got my lunch packed for tomorrow and have already journaled breakfast and lunch and a couple of snacks.
Today I got myself to WW and was up over 3 pounds. Good thing I went or next week it could have been 4 or 5 and I would have been devastated. I'm working on getting my stressors under control. The WW meeting was really good and my lecturer was glad to see me. (Skipped last week's mtg. altogether. The previous 2 weeks I weighed in around my work at lunchtime and didn't have time to stay for a mtg. I've been too busy and not putting myself anywhere near the top of my list)
So, I feel much better. Got on the treadmill this morning and I feel back on track--hesitant, but much better.
Kimmers--glad to see you and that you're giving this a shot!
Lauren--keep up the good work
Lin--glad to hear you're clicking again
Lots of good vibes to us all
Judy
234/209/thinner

Hi, Turtles,

Judy, what you said is so true. No matter when we reach our goal, the lifestyle we've developed during the journey doesn't stop. It just gets adjusted to keep our healthier bodies.

I'm still OP today. It's great to hear you're doing fine, too, Judy. Back OP. Those three pounds will go away again. Probably sooner than you think, since you're planning ahead, which will keep the momentum going.

Gotta go. I have to get my bread ready for the oven.

Happy turtlin'! :)

Lin
272/230/lower

More layoffs at my company today. Once again, I dodged the bullet. Don't know how much longer I'll manage to do that, though. It's so awful to see these people get escorted from the building. I talked with one of them, a guy from my group. He's building a house, and his wife has a lot of health problems. He needed this like a hole in the head. Corporate America stinks.

We had pizza for lunch (I was at a 6-hour meeting), and I'll be having Chinese for dinner, so I'm not anticipating staying within points. In fact, I'm probably already over them. Pizza is so high, and I had plenty. So tomorrow I'll exercise and eat lighter, and on we go.

I'm pretty sure the reason I haven't lost weight this month is all the carbs I've been eating. Once Lent is over, I'll try really cutting back on them and see what happens. I can't cut back too much, though, because that puts me into "diet" mode, and I can't maintain that. Well, I'll worry about that later.

Hope you all are having a better day than I am. Lin, I think your plan of writing is extremely smart. If you have any interest in writing nonfiction, I'll bet you could start selling articles. You're good.

--Lauren

Lauren,
The layoffs sound awful. I hate that escorting business. What do they think? That the recently unemployeed will steal a desK?
Stuff sounds stressful, but I'm glad you've got a plan. The good thing is the weekend is coming up.
Lin, that bread sounds so good I can almost smell it.
Glad you're still OP.
I'm heading to my nephew's tonight to meet my great-great nephew. I'm really not THAT old! They always have super fattening stuff, so I already had a 4 point WW dinner and I'm bringing microwave popcorn and a WW froz. dinner just in case. Wish me well. I know if I stay OP today, I'll have 3 good days under my belt and I'll be able to knock off some of those fast pounds I put on. It'll be a family get together, so the talk will be fast and furious and fun. I'm going to Do This!
You all take care. Talk soon.
Judy

Hi turtles!

Thanks for the warm welcome - it's great to be back.

I just wrote a long post and my browser crashed, so this is going to be short. I stayed within points this week, so I'm proud of that. I think I was pretty bloated at weigh-in last week, so I hope to have lost at least some of that this week - I think I'm on the same TOM schedule as some of you.

I've been pretty cranky this week since I haven't been able to turn to my drug of choice - food. I know people at work are probably wondering what happened to the calm, pleasant cow at my desk. The stress has been getting to me, but hopefully, that will smooth out. Gotta find a new, nonfattening, nontoxic, legal drug - any suggestions? Right now I'm trying deep breathing - like Lamaze!

Lauren - sorry about all the layoffs. It's just as hard for the people left behind. Keep your chin up. I have read Thin for Life (and re-read it several times over the years) and I really want to hear that click in my head. I have learned from my many weight loss adventures and one big accomplishment is that I no longer binge-eat. I was just nibbling all day long, so I was still eating too much, but at least I stopped the bingeing.

Lin - I'm glad to hear you're devoting yourself to writing. Life's too short not to do what you love. Good luck!

Itryharder - good job planning for your visit. That's half the battle won!

Have a great weekend everyone - and I hope everyone has better weather than I do. It's been snowing here almost non-stop since before Thanksgiving and I've had it! It's not nice snow anymore, either - just wet, windy and cold. Will the sun ever shine in Western NY? I hope so, before we all go crazy!

Kimmers

Kimmers,
Way to go! Staying OP is a huge accomplishment. Good luck at your weigh in. I think that no longer bingeing is fabulous. The great thing about what you're doing is making WW work for you. I know what you mean about snow. You've had much more than us here on LI, but the summer was rainy (almost every weekend) and the winter was tough--lots of snow, and now the spring has been very rainy again. I think we're all ready for a break!
I am back to bringing all sorts of freebies and low point foods to work. It's working so far. This way I am not unbelievably starving when I get home from work.
I got back on the treadmill this morning. I've got to sit down and plan some goals about activity, but I checked the activity point finder and earned 2 points this morning. That made me feel great.
Seeing the baby last night was really fun. He's absolutely adorable. Planning the food helped an awful lot and I'm proud that I turned a potential disaster into a good time OP.
Lin and Lauren and everybody--have a great weekend. Do something nice for yourself. Take care.
Judy

Hi, Turtles,

Lauren, I'm so glad you dodged the present bullet. I agree about corporate America. My husband talks about people being escorted out and they just collect up their stuff and hand it to them at the door. They don't even get to go back to thier desks and clean it out yourself!

Are you saying that a vegetarian diet, using beans, etc, for your main protein source is causing part of your issues with the scale? If so, maybe you ought to make a conscious choice to maintain during Lent until you reach the place you want to maintain all of the time. When you get there, you may have to make adjustments so that you don't gain during the six weeks of Lent, if a vegetarian diet causes problems with the scale.

OTOH, I agree with you about how some things bring on the "diet mode". For me, and I suspect for you, too, anything that reminds me of old food rules does me in. I have developed a different attitude about this program than I have any other program I've ever been on. Years of experience has taught me that there isn't any specific combination of foods or special food rules that, when followed, will take off and keep off the weight. So, when I make my food choices I no longer ask myself, "What should I eat to make me lose weight?" Or, worse, "What can I have today?" (Which presumes there are things I can't have.)

Instead, I have been paying attention to my body and to what balance of food makes me feel at my best. I ask myself, "What do I want to eat? Do I need more fruits, milks, or veggies? How can I fit what I want into my point range? Last, how do I divide my food into mini meals?" The last question is really important because I notice such a huge difference in my energy level when I eat every 2-3 hours rather than three meals 4-6 hours apart.

The interesting thing is that I didn't decide to think this way. It just happened and I've just begun to realize it. I began to realize this shift in attitude because I've noticed that I get really annoyed when I read posts from people who are trying so hard to either eat as much unhealthy food as they can, just because the program allows it. Or they eat almost nothing because they think it will make the weight fly off fast. Or they seek as many high-fiber "magic pill" foods or low-calorie foods to get the weight off and they don't seem to plan to eat that way forever. They seem to have every intention of choosing the regular foods instead of the "diet" foods once they get to goal. That's "diet" behavior and I've noticed I've lost patience with it.

I guess I had a click and now this is just the way I eat on a daily basis. I also allow myself some foods that aren't low fat or make the old version of some of my special recipes. But special occasions are a part of this lifestyle, not a "bad choice". What's interesting is that as I learn and develop better low fat cooking techniques, I don't find myself wanting the high fat regular versions as much. I don't "create" special occasions as an excuse to cook them anymore. I'm content to have them only on the true special occasions, and often, not even then. And it's not because they're "bad". I don't think they are "bad", I just don't care whether I eat them or not. I never thought that would happen.

Judy, congrats on getting successfully past a difficult situation. You're on a roll, girl!

Kimmers, we're so glad you're back. We hope you'll stick with us, even if you hit the slippery slope again. Many of us have been posting through thick and thin and have found that the thick doesn't get as bad if we keep posting.
I guess, at least for me, it kept me thinking about my ultimate goals, even if I wasn't working toward them at the time.

I don't want to gloat, but we're experiencing a beautiful California spring. Sunny and cool, here. It's warmer where we used to live, so I can see that our clothing choices will have to change a bit. We're going to take our oldest son to meet a friend at a restaurant in an outlet mall we've not explored yet. So, we're going to take some time and window shop. Too bad we don't have any extra money, but I'm taking pen and paper. I'm making a list of stuff we need that I want to start saving for.

Happy turtlin'! :D

Lin
272/230/lower

Judy, way to go with all that planning ahead! I'm very impressed. If I had done that yesterday, I wouldn't have had a 40+ point day! Yes, I did add it all up at the end of the day. Pizza, Chinese food, and a piece of cake (which wasn't very good and I'd have refused it if I'd known our hostess hadn't baked it herself). I don't know the exact points, but that seems to be in the ballpark. Gack. At least I just keep writing it down, which seems to help me from spinning out of control.

Today I've been eating fine for the most part, though I'm definitely craving carbs and sugar. I'm sure a big part of it is stress. These layoffs and the whole work situation is just awful. :( Here's hoping it improves.

In the meantime -- Kimmers, I've found the best antedote to stress for me lately is exercise. Weird, huh? I started exercising a minimum of three times a week the beginning of this year. It's the one behavior change I want to make in my life for the year. The first month was tough. I was VERY hungry much of the time, and I was sore, and I found the exercise tiring rather than rejuvenating. February was better, and March has been great. I now actually look forward to working out. I have lots of stamina, my resting pulse rate is down to 60 (!), and I have a lot more energy.

Interestingly, though, this month I haven't lost a single pound. I'm ending the month as I began it. But I've lost inches. Not a lot, but a half inch here, 3/4 of an inch there. I think that means I'm finally building muscle. I have a waist for the first time in years. My thighs have muscles! My clothes fit great. Exercising now puts me in a good mood. It doesn't make me hungry. And it does really help the stress levels.

So that's my recommendation to help you with the crabbies. Find some kind of exercise that you can stand, start gradually, and build up. Normally I like to walk, which I find very rejuvenating, but with these Michigan winters (I can totally relate, Kimmers!) I've been exercising indoors instead. I've been doing a lot of different kinds of aerobic and strength-training tapes. I started out with beginner tapes and now am at an intermediate level. This morning I worked out longer than usual because of the high point day yesterday. I only did 20 minutes of aerobics (Latin dancing -- fun, even though I totally didn't get it) and then 50 minutes of Pilates.

Lin, I know what you mean about getting impatient with folks who still have the diet mentality. I have to keep reminding myself that we're all at different stages on this journey.

Anyway. Tonight Phil and I are going to the book store. We like to hang out there one evening a week; it feels kind of like a date. We read books and magazines, sometimes get a cup of coffee or a sugar-free Italian soda, and generally enjoy our time together. It's a cheap way to have a night out, especially if you don't buy a stack of books. :)

I need to go add fruit to my jello before we go. Being a good Michigan wife, I make killer jello. :D Phil begged me to make another batch tonight.

Happy Daylight Savings time, everyone.

--Lauren

Hi turtles!

I had a great weigh-in today - 9.5 lbs gone. I know most of it is water, but at least that's some water I don't have to carry around anymore. I was so inspired that when I went grocery shopping this afternon, I actually bought all healthy food. I decided that my fat little family can eat the same stuff I do and they won't die. Of course, my hubby was not pleased with sweet potato chips and pita crisps, so I have to get him some pretzels tomorrow. They're OK, too.

Thanks, everyone, for the support - this is a big challenge for me.

Lauren - I think you're absolutely right about the exercise. I felt great when I was exercising and I really don't know why I ever stopped. I think in some ways it's more important than food when it comes to achieving a healthy weight. I'm going to make an effort to start again this week. What Pilates tape do you use? Do you need special equipment? We like to hit the bookstore from time to time, too - although last time we did, I fell asleep in one of those big comfy chairs!

Lin - that diet mentality is one that I've been struggling with. I find myself either being on or off - and not just with dieting. Believe it or not, I tend to be a perfectionist and if I can't do something perfectly well, I'll do it perfectly awful. Obviously this is no way to live. I admire all the gradual changes you've been able to make. I agree on the special occasion foods - some things need to be done the old way and enjoyed from time to time.

Judy - great job on the activity. Don't remind me about last summer - the local pool man had a sign up from July on - "Where is summer?" I think we went swimming in the lake three times last summer (yes, I wear a bathing suit and swim in public - denial is a powerful thing) - it was just cold and rainy most of the time. Oh well, at least it doesn't hit the 100s in July and August like it did in Cincinnati, where we lived up until about 1-1/2 years ago. Bringing freebies to work is essential - nothing like a little work stress to make you want to eat.

Have a great Sunday, everyone! We're going to Dim Sum tomorrow - I'll stick to the steamed stuff. Yum!
Kimmers
332/322.5/299 (10% goal)

Turtles, We're doing it!
Kimmers, congrats on that wonderful weight loss. Good for you. And yes, the exercise is a great idea. I've got to work hard to incorporate it into my lifestyle. It's my biggest challenge because I haven't made it a good habit yet. I'm working on it, though. Yesterday I was back on the treadmill and even ran for a few minutes (very few, but it's a start).
Lauren, Yeah, I was successful with my planning this time, but the stressors are easing up a bit and it's always easier for me when I can put myself near the top of my priorities list. Man, that sounds awful, but if I had done that when I was thirty I might not have spent a lifetime struggling and losing the weight battle. Just hang in there with what makes sense to you.
Isn't it amazing how the inches come off and the exercise starts to feel necessary? WW has said many times at the mtgs. that when inches come off, pounds usually don't come off that week. I always thought that was nonsense, but I've heard it happen to so many people that I think that is the case.
Lin, I love to hear your advice and I'm so glad you found a new mall for window shopping and list making.
It sounds like a good way to spend the day.
Take care and everyone have a good week,
Judy
234/207/thinner

Woo-hoo, Kimmers, on the 9.5 pounds! Wow! And good for you on the healthy shopping, too. I hear you on that perfectionism thing, and I think it's the single biggest reason I gained all my weight back in the past. Like you, I was all or nothing -- with a vengeance! I lost a ton of weight in one year -- around 100 pounds -- on the incredibly restrictive Diet Center program (couldn't even eat tomatoes) because I was letter-perfect. Then, when I hit goal weight (which was the awfully low 124 pounds), I said "Cool, I'm done!" and went right back to eating the way I used to. No moderation for me.

This time, I'm all about moderation. So I'm losing slowly, and when I gain, I gain slowly. I don't know why I finally seem to be able to do this, but I'm glad, even though it means I'm a tortoise. Even though I have months like this one, where I've lost nada.

Judy, excellent work on that treadmill. Running! Wow.

So last night I averaged my points and my exercise for the month, and this is what I discovered: My average points per day was 30. This is one point over my maximum if I don't exercise. My exercise average was almost 19 minutes per day, or one minute less than what WW recommends.

I found that very interesting. It means, at least in part, that by eating my exercise points, I maintain my weight rather than lose. It's possible that that would've been different if I'd eaten meat and dairy.

I was surprised by the 30 points per day, because the vast majority of my days I'm at 29 or under. But I had enough over-point days that it bumped my average up into a zone that's too high. So I obviously need to take those over-point days more seriously.

Now for the good news: I lost an entire inch off my waist! And almost another inch off my abdomen. (Those are my two biggest problem areas.) Also a half inch off my upper arms and neck. Wow! Just for grins, I took the measuring tape and extended it to my largest recorded measurements and held it around me. It was a dramatic reminder of how far I've come. I strongly recommend it when you need a pick-me-up.

That's my news; sorry to go on for so long.

Oh, it finally really feels like spring here. And I LOVE daylight savings time!

Onward and downward,

Lauren

Hi, Turtles,

Lauren, I'm really glad to hear that your exercise program is working out so well. (Hmmm... I didn't intend that pun, but I'm not taking it out. It's got to be at least a two groaner! :lol: ) Congrats on the lost inches! The pounds will surely follow.

It's also interesting to me to hear that it took about three months for exercise to become a habit that you look forward to. I guess I've never stuck it out long enough. I planned to set an exercise goal starting this month, now that I'm back on track with the rest of the program.

I think it's also really great that you've written down the pizza and Chinese and estimated the points. I know that for you, that really helps. It does for me, too.

I envy you your bookstore date. Paul and I used to do that. It was easy because there was a bookstore with lots of comfy chairs and a coffe place right across the street. And if we wanted a change, there were two more within a five or ten minute drive. Here, we have two small bookstores with no chairs and the same, limited stock.

Kimmers, first, congrats on the large loss. You're on your way, again.

I know that perfectionist mentality very well. I used to copy lists over if I made a mistake. I got tired of wasting time on being that picky, so I decided to work on learning how to do the best job that was appropriate for the occasion. Now, after many years of practice, I cross out the mistakes on the list, but I still take a great deal of care in the kitchen. The important thing is to learn to stop and think about those little choices. When I slip, I learned to think of it as a learning experience instead of proof that I'm a complete failure who will never get there. Then, I learned to step back and look at the experience, learn from it and move on. That way of thinking isolates that one slip, which helps to keep it from becoming a pattern. I don't think any of us every learn to do anything perfectly, but we can do better, once we figure out what gets us moving in the right direction.

Why do you say that wearing a swimsuit means you're in denial? It's only because our culture says that only people who are the "right" weight should wear one that you think that you shouldn't. If we take that idea to it's logical conclusion, 90% of the population would never go swimming or to the beach, since at least that many people don't look like the ideal. Wow! We could take advantage of uncrowded beaches. Wouldn't that be great? ;) Anyway, I believe in the attitude that we're more successful with our weight loss goals if we don't "wait until we're thin" to do anything that is within our physical abilities. I'd definitely go swimming, but not try to run a marathon or dance en pointe!

Judy, that mall turned out to be a corner with four separate sets of stores. It's all strung out. You can really walk your feet off. There were five (five!) china outlet stores. I was in heaven! There were at least four kitchen stores. But mostly there were the usual clothing and shoe stores. There's a Bose outlet store, which is Paul's favorite.

I finally did my official weigh-in. I'm really turtlin'. One pound for the month of March. PMS really did me in, but I'll get that worked out, somehow.

Now, I have to get through this day. I'm afraid that Paul and I are going to have a major disagreement this evening and I'm feeling a bit stressed about it. There's an art store opening in the mall closest to our apartment and he wants me to apply for a job. I have so much retail experience that he's sure I can get one. I started temping to get out of retail. I was tired of putting up with all of the bad things about retail for such low pay and no respect. Then I went back to school to get out of temping. So, we moved and I had to drop out of school. So, I signed up at the temp agency. They haven't had any work for me. Now, Paul wants me to check out retail work again. I'm going backwards. I feel like my whole life has spun totally out of my control and someone is pressuring me to choose the life from Hades!

There are only two positive things about the idea. The work is in Salinas, close enough for me to walk during the hours Paul has the car. And it will bring in some extra money, the amount depending on whether or not they have management positions open.

I keep wondering if maybe the problem is my attitude. Most of the people I know think that I need to grow up and just do whatever it takes to get by. Take any job I can get because Paul's at the top of his salary range and it's not enough to live on in this area. Accept that my family will not do very much of the housework or any other chores and if that means that I spend most of my time working, either outside of the home or inside, welcome to reality.

I really feel sick inside at the thought of giving up every dream I've ever had because grownups in my situation have to do that. Paul keeps saying that most people don't get to do what they want. I keep pointing out that he likes the work he does, even if it wasn't his first choice of careers. And I tell him that I'd be happy to take a second choice, if it didn't have to be one I absolutely hate! That's why I went back to school-- to have a choice I could live with. He says I just have to get over it and do what I have to do.

I suppose I'll end up doing the "grownup" thing. I always do. But I resent it like crazy because it seems as if I get to be the grownup and everyone else gets to have a life. They do their school or job and come home and expect to have time off. Right now they do dishes and some chores on Saturday morning cleanup. But when I'm working, especially when I've worked retail with it's nights, weekends, and holiday schedules, plus the fact that the schedule changes every week, they don't do even that much because I'm not here to nag them. My guys won't do housework on their own unless they're hungry and need a dish to eat off of. So, I end up doing more at home chores when I'm working outside of the home than I do when I'm not. Is it any wonder that I don't want to do this? I don't know what will happen, but I'll let you all know.

Despite it all, I'm determined to stay OP today. So far, so good.

Well, I've got to go. You're so great to listen to my stuff. Writing to you does help keep me from some of the stress eating. It gets some of the stress out of my system. I'll keep you posted.

Happy turtlin'! :)

Lin
272/229/lower

Posted by Lin
I keep wondering if maybe the problem is my attitude. Most of the people I know think that I need to grow up and just do whatever it takes to get by. Take any job I can get because Paul's at the top of his salary range and it's not enough to live on in this area. Accept that my family will not do very much of the housework or any other chores and if that means that I spend most of my time working, either outside of the home or inside, welcome to reality.

So my first thought is -- who are these people who are telling you this? Would it be your mother, by any chance? Anybody other than family? Seems to me you mentioned before that your mom thought the man was king (including sons), and it was a woman's job to just make nice. Is that where this is coming from?

It seems to me you could work this out with some ground rules. In other words, you'll take the retail job if:

1. You keep your name with the temp agencies, and if something with potential comes along, you'll dump the retail job and take the temp work. Even if it means leaving two weeks after starting the retail job.

2. Work at home gets spread out among other family members in some specifically defined manner. If someone doesn't hold up his end of the stick, that work just doesn't get done, or something else gives. If that means nobody has clean socks to wear, then so be it. This would also mean you'd have to be willing to live with those consequences (i.e., ignore the dirty laundry piling up on the floor). Maybe you could limit the amount of time per day that you'll spend on home chores, and whatever doesn't get done during that time just doesn't get done.

I really feel sick inside at the thought of giving up every dream I've ever had because grownups in my situation have to do that. Paul keeps saying that most people don't get to do what they want. I keep pointing out that he likes the work he does, even if it wasn't his first choice of careers.

I think it's worth noting again that Paul could make enough in other parts of the country for you guys to live better than you do in California. Engineers, even without college education, own houses, put their kids through college, and have a decent standard of living. They did it where I lived in Virginia, and they do it here in Michigan. I'm saying this because not only is Paul doing what he wants, he's doing it in an area that pretty much prevents you from doing what you want. From where I'm sitting, you guys have made a lot of sacrifices for Paul to have his career in the second-most expensive state in the country.

The people we bought our house from were a case in point. They decided to pull their kids out of school and sell a house they loved in a place they loved so that they could relocate to South Carolina. Why? Because the standard of living was cheap enough to enable her to stay home and raise the kids, which was important because the kids were having some problems. She couldn't do that if they remained where they were.

It's also worth noting that a setback doesn't mean giving up your dream forever. But I can also imagine how incredibly frustrating and depressing it would be to have to take these steps backward when you were progressing toward what you really wanted.

Anyway, congratulations on sticking with making yourself healthier in spite of all the setbacks and disappointments. If worse comes to worst, maybe you could at least set a time limit on how long you'll work in retail (until, say, your youngest son turns 18), after which you'll pursue your dreams come what may.

Hang in there, Lin. We're rooting for you.

--Lauren

Hi, Turtles,

Thanks, Lauren for the thoughtful response! You're right in guessing that my mom is one of the main proponents of that women make the sacrifices attitude. Of course, she comes by that honestly. My grandmother gave up her dreams because her father didn't believe in educating women. She wanted to go to college. She also wanted to be a singer, and boy did she have the voice for it! She gave it all up because in the 1920's the idea of women doing what they wanted was too new for her with her tradidional Italian background. She didn't have the resources to follow her dream. My mother, OTOH, claims that she never had any dreams other than getting married. Since she thinks daughters are just extensions of their mothers, she still doesn't understand how I can have dreams that are different from her traditional one.

After Paul and I talked we decided that I'm not going to do the retail thing right now. I haven't said I'll never do it again, but I'm not unless we're really desperate. Paul said that he really does understand why I don't want to do it. He doesn't really want me to because it really disrupts family life for so little gain, financially and the long hours on my feet are really hard for me. He doesn't really want me to commute to SJ for temp work, either. But things are really tight. We're surviving, but we'll be in trouble if the car breaks down or anything major happens. All of our money went to pay for this move and there hasn't been much to put aside for future emergencies yet. I do understand why he feels the way he does, but for now, we just have to do the best we can.

Paul and I have discussed moving away from California after Chris graduates. I don't want to make him change schools again. Acutally, we have our fingers crossed that we can do two things--cash in his IPO and have enough left over after taxes to outright buy a house elsewhere. And two, that we can find work to cover the regular living expenses and property taxes. It's just getting through the next couple of years until he's vested in the stock. Of course, the given is that their IPO does well and the stock market picks up again. They put off their IPO because the market is in such a slump right now.

I don't know if that will happen, but for now, I'm writing. I've decided to work on a humorous novel that's been kicking around in my head for a long time. I need to laugh. I'm also thinking about writing some short stories so I can start racking up some rejection notices, or, maybe even a check or two. I have a writer friend who won a car in a contest. She has a master's in music and used her talent to write the book and music for a children's Christmas program. It's terrific and I hope she can find a publisher.

I'm still OP, despite my stressed out day yesterday. I decided to let the tears fly instead of eat. I've never been a weepy female, but lately, I just cry. It keeps me from eating.

One last thing--Lauren, how did you do the quote? I haven't been able to figure that out.

Anyway, I'm feeling much better about how my life is going. Now I have to go do some research for my book.

Happy turtlin'! :D

Lin
272/229/lower

Hi, Turtles,

I'm OP so far this week. I've also been consistent with the milk and calcium supplements. I feel really good about that because I do find it hard to do. I've been writing down which meals I take the vitamin, have a milk serving, or take a calcium supplement so that I don't get too much. The thing is, I forgot there was as much calcium in my vitamin as in a serving of milk. It took me a couple of days to realize that and start counting that correctly.

I'm doing fine otherwise. Things are much better. I suspect that my moods and emotional issues will continue to ebb and flow over time. But I also expect my natural optimism to prevail. When I start feeling helpless, hopeless, despairing, or depressed, I eventually seem to get disgusted with the self-pity and figure out something else to do. I often wish I could skip the uncomfortable emotional roller coaster and get on with my life. But that's unrealistic, so I'll settle for skipping the stress eating and learn how to deal with the rest.

I hope all of you are doing OK. Have a great day!. Happy turtlin'! :cool:

Lin
272/229/lower

Hello, tortoise beings.

Lin, I'm glad you and your husband worked out the retail issue. My mom worked retail for years, and it really is a tough row to hoe for most people. The hours are just awful. I've worked retail jobs, and I'm not cut out for working with the public!

About the quote thing. Look at the post you want to respond to. At the top right corner is a string of small type. One of the words is "quote." Click that, and voila. I did some cutting and pasting of meta tags so I could quote parts of your post, but you'll figure that out quickly.

I'm OP, averaging about 27 points a day so far this week. I've worked out three times, so I should easily meet my goal of four to five times. The scale went up a half pound this week, and I'm ignoring it, so I didn't post a new weight. :P My clothes are fitting better, and people are commenting about my loss, so I'm obviously doing something right, even if the scale doesn't move.

Next week will be a challenge. I'm going to be in Houston for three days on business, and then next Saturday night is our church's major Easter celebration, including a MASSIVE potluck meal at around 2 a.m. This is followed on Sunday by lots more food at people's houses. I don't count points on Easter; it seems counter-productive considering what we're celebrating. I just try to eat modest portions and not go nuts. But unless I'm very careful while in Houston, next week could be a bit of a blowout. At least the hotel has a great exercise room. I plan to use the treadmill.

Hope everyone is doing well. I miss Beth.

--Lauren

DEar Turtles,
I've been reading the posts religiously, but things have gotten crazy again and I haven't had time to write.
One thing I have noticed is that we are all analyzing how and why we eat, what we can do to change past practices that didn't work, and what we are happy with now. I don't hear a desperation that can be debilitating. I hear us losing weight at our own paces and figuring out how to be successful.
Lin and Lauren, you've got so much going on now. I wish you both the very best. Kimmers, so glad you're here and I'm looking forward to your next post.
I'm taking time to exercise and that's cutting into my computer time. I know it's for the best. I WI on Wednesday and this week I lost two of the three pounds I had put on over the last few weeks. That's a very good thing. So, it's onward and upward. My next step is to have a real weight loss, feel like I deserve it , and hold onto it.
I'll write more soon.
Good luck to us all.
Judy

234/207/thinner

Hi, Turtles,

Lauren, thanks. I knew that I'd seen that "quote" thing, but when I was trying to quote something once, I couldn't find it. I realized why. It's not there in the reply screen. I know how to get back to the regular screen so that I can quote stuff if I want to, but it does seem a bit illogical not to put a quote on the screen where you write your replies.

I'm so glad to hear that things are going well with the program and your clothes fitting better and . . . I doubt the scale is an indicator of anything for you right now. I remember that last year you didn't count points on Easter, either. I think it's a wise thing to do. It relieves some of the stress that could cause more problems when you recognize that this is a specific occasion that is not going to fit into the "rules".

The biggest challenge in Houston will be sticking to the no meat Lenten plan, rather than staying OP, I think. Restaurants are notorious for being difficult with regard to vegetarian meals. Texas, I understand, is especially difficult. Perhaps you could take a trip to the grocery store for some fruit and other things to help you stay closer to your points and your Lenten meal plan.

I miss Beth, too, Lauren. I hope she's one of the lurkers. If not, I hope she knows we're thinking of her. I think of many of the turltes we don't hear from anymore. Diana, for example. I hope they're all doing well.

Judy, your observation is really appropriate for me today. I really had a hard time last night. I ate way too many points at dinner and bedtime. I realized that I had eaten at the low end of my range yesterday. And that was a mistake. I need to eat between the middle and the high end. I shouldn't bank more than about 3 points in a day. If I do, I get really ravenous and overeat at night. If I don't, I never get hungry or eat after dinner. (Not even during PMS/TOM!) Lesson learned. And today I'm just eating in the point range I usually spend on each meal, even if it goes over the total for the day. If I try to eat lightly to make up the points, I'll just end up doing the same thing all over again. That's not a cycle I want to get inot. I guess in this instance, it's not the total point count that puts me back OP, but the balance of foods I choose over the course of the day.

We understand that you need exercise, Judy, and that you may not be able to write as much because you have to balance your computer time with your exercise. Go, go, go! You'll get your real weight loss. And you do deserve it.

Actually we all will and we all deserve it. We're doing so much to get there.

But I have been thinking about something lately. I realized that the fun seems to have disappeared. There can be fun and joy in this and in the other things we do. I decided to take the word "goal" out of my vocabulary for a while. I want to substitute "dreams". I think the words we use can really make a difference in our attitude. I'm looking at the words I use. I want to move toward using words that remind me that life isn't just a series of chores. For example, WW is not really a chore. Parts of it are tedious, like writing everything down. But the whole thing is really a game. A puzzle. How can I fit the pieces together so I can reach my dream? Anyway, I think if I can be successful in changing the words and the attitude, it will be easier to stay motivated since I know that it will take me at least one more year, maybe two, just to reach a comfortable goal weight. Then I need a reason to keep doing this so I will stay there. Thinking of it as a game may be one way to do that.

I realized I need to approach exercise like that, too. The best exercise is play. I used to exercise a lot when I was a child. I skated. I rode my bike. I simply walked around the neighborhood, usually daydreaming or reading a book. Sometimes I'd walk to the local shopping center or to church, just because I like walking. When I took dance I used to put on the records and practice because it was fun. I didn't think of these things as exercise. They were play. If I can find that feeling when I do "exercises", I will stick with it. I used to go skating once a week when we lived in Modesto. They had a weekly "coffee hour" skating time for adults only. It was terrific. I ablsoutely loved it and my kids couldn't believe how fast I could skate. I never missed it because I really enjoyed myself. It was a treat. The same thing with tap dance classes. Somehow, I have to get back to doing exercise stuff that is fun, playful. Then I'll be able to stick with it.

I'm still working out the details of this. What elements do games have that we could apply to WW? Anyone have any suggestions? Do you all want to come out and play today?

Happy turtlin'! :D

Lin
272/229/lower

Dear Turtles,

Just browsing by and was intrigued by the title of your thread. You have no idea how very encouraging your postings are! I have been trying for 18 months to conquer the mental part of changing my eating habits, because I've found when my head is in the right place, I have an easier time of staying OP. I've tried to re-define success so that it doesn't depend on the scales, but rather on small victories that reflect changes in my attitude towards emotions, life, food and eating. Nonetheless, there is a part of me that admittedly would like to lose the 2 pounds per week, which I am not, and so I often need a reminder that the journey itself is as important as the end result. Hooray for the turtles! I often feel alone as I strive to meet my mental goals because many people around me caught up in the diet mentality. Thank you all for your willingness to promote the slow and steady approach, and for openly modeling the attitudes I would like to make a permanent part of my life.

:) Annie
290/210/150-ish

hi
Wow, there's so much to reply to. I love the way you all think and express yourselves. Lots of good mental activitiy going on here. Does WW have a slider for mental activity points? If so, we'd all have lots of points to fool around with. LOL.
Lin,
I love the ideas of dreams and enlightened attitude. I was going to say positive attitude and all of a sudden that sounded so dreary. Yes, life should be fun and playful. And this is our journey--our life. How we spend it is up to us and how we respond to the things swirling around us. So, I'm with you--my aim is to fulfill dreams, sometimes to even wonder what dreams I have, as I keep my weight loss uppermost in my thoughts. Dreams can keep us upbeat and content as we do the right thing.
I'm jealous of your California weather. Aren't you lucky?
I am so glad you and your husband worked out the retail situation and that you've decided to write. Good luck.
Lauren,
Isn't it rewarding when other people notice and comment on how you're looking better? They don't see the numbers on the scale and simply are aware of how you look. Terrific inspiration. Weigh to go! Those inches lost are terrific.
Good luck in Houston. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to stay OP. Most hotels have fresh fruit even if it's not on the menu. As far as protein, maybe you can bring garbanzo beans in your suitcase or something like that.
You are very busy and you've had a great overall weight loss, so this is a challenge you're up to. Having an exercise room in the hotel is a help too.
AnnieV,
Glad you saw us and posted. I find that the women who post here are so thoughtful and understanding and they still know how important it is to keep on losing weight at their own pace. Keep coming back here. We'd love to hear from you. And good luck on your weight loss. It's fabulous so far.
I've got some challenges coming up because I am lucky enough to be on vacation this week. A lot of the time will be eaten up with family visits, but that's one of the things I like to do, so I'm not complaining. I'm traveling to a seder today and then next Sunday I'm having Easter here.
I just got a call from my son, so I'm going to sign off now. Everyone take care. Have great holidays and do what you know you want to do!
Judy
234/207/thinner

Welcome, Annie! Wonderful to meet you. I know what you mean about feeling alone on this journey sometimes; the diet mentality is pervasive. I'm also very grateful for this little group of turtles, where I can return and get a sanity check.

I heard a wonderful quotation yesterday: "If you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING." I applied that to my previous weight-loss attempts. What I've done in the past has not worked for long-term, permanent weight loss (obviously), so why would I keep trying to do the same thing again and again? Trying to lose weight as quickly as possible has not worked for me in the past. I got the weight off all right, but I didn't learn the lessons, and I didn't keep it off.

This time has to be different. And it has been. In one month, I'll have been doing this for three years, the longest I've ever stuck with a new approach to eating. I've learned so much during those three years. I can only imagine what the next three will bring. They may not bring me to 145 pounds, or whatever WW says I should be. But I hope they'll bring me to more wisdom and to more success on this journey.

Judy, hope you have a marvelous vacation! We'll be thinking of you. And way to go on doing the exercise.

Lin, I love what you said about bringing the fun back. What a wonderful insight. I think one of the main reasons I've been sticking with the exercise this time is because I'm finding it fun doing these different video workouts, jumbling them up, learning new steps, moving to music. I'm looking forward to being able to get some of the dance videos down in particular. I think I'll pay attention to whether I still find this approach fun in the coming months, or whether I'll need to shake things up and try new activities. Once I'm more fit, I may take fencing!

As for making the eating fun ... that's more of a challenge for me because I generally don't care for cooking. I tend to get in a rut with my eating. I need to look at that and figure out new ideas.

Well, I weighed in today in part because I'll be out of town next week and also in part because I tend to weigh less on Saturdays because I get up later! :) I think I'll move my regular weigh-in to Saturday. Today the scales showed that I dropped a pound, which means I finally hit that 60-pound mark. I told myself when I hit that mark, I would take a long soak in the tub with mineral salts. So that's what I'm going to do this weekend. And I'll bring reading material, too. :)

I also went clothes shopping last night for the first time in a while. (I need summer business casual clothes for this business trip next week. Everything I have is either too casual -- I wear jeans to work usually -- or too dressy and/or hot.) It was interesting. I discovered that I fit pretty easily into a size 20 now everywhere, and probably an 18 in stretchy things. I'm on the cusp between a 2X and a 1X. Unless I shop at Eddie Bauer, where even their 2X (their largest size) doesn't fit me. (Which is weird -- I have a couple of their 2X items from a few years ago, and they're too big now.)

Anyway, it was fun trying on clothes for once. I found I spent too much and am going to return a couple of items today. I think I just got carried away due to actually looking good in some of these things!

If I don't have time to check in tomorrow, I won't see you all until the end of next week, if then. We get pretty busy during the few days around Easter, so it may be a while before I post again.

Turtle on!

--Lauren
274/214/down

Hi, Turtles,

I tried to post this morning but the site was having major problems with their database.

Welcome, Annie. Wow! You've had a great weight loss. We keep hanging in there. I know that I have come to believe that the journey is the whole thing because once I reach whatever my goal weight ends up being, I don't get to stop. Just turn the corner to a new part of the journey and keep on going.

Judy, I love your comment on our California weather! We had the first blush of spring. Followed by overcast and super windy skies. Today it was overcast and cold. Then it got sunny. Then it clouded up and we had major thunder and lightning, but no rain. That was weird! We don't get thunderstorms very often, but I suspect that there are more here, closer to the ocean than in Silicon Valley.

Lauren, I'm so glad you enjoyed trying on clothing. Don't let the clothing size numbers get you down. They don't mean a thing. They vary from company to company. I have two pairs of Venezia jeans that are the same size. One pair is newer and I can't wear them. The other pair is old and fits just fine!

I love your quote about the hole!

You can make food more fun, even if you don't like cooking. Look for simple recipes and try one new one every other week or once a month. Or you could just mix up what you do cook and serve different veggies or side dishes with your main dish than you usually do. Or check out an artisan bakery and treat yourself to a new bread to have with a soup or stew meal. Put a different veggie in whatever your usual salad mix is. That kind of thing can make it a bit more interesting without you needing to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Also, remember that a recipe takes longer the first time you make it. After you've done it a few times, it gets a lot easier and takes less time as you work out the best way to make it.

I'm still OP for the week, but facing a real challenge. I got my first call from the temp agency. I'm working for two weeks and I'm a little nervous about handling the commute. And handling my food. I made a plan and we'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. It comes at a good time because we really need some extra money right now.

Talk to you all later. Happy turtlin'! :)

Lin
272/229/lower

Lin,
that's great that you have an opportunity to do some temp work. It'll be a good experiment. I'm glad you have a plan for the commute and your food. That's a big part of the key so I'm glad you're putting yourself in the picture. Sorry for the weather change in CA, but even though I'm controlling I don't think I caused it!LOL
I'm on vacation, but we're staying home. Weather has been so bad I don't even want to talk about it. I'm trying to catch up on other things that have been hanging over my head and I'll do a bunch of paperwork and filing today to clear my desk. I hope to catch a couple of movies and enjoy the leisure time.
I let WW go by the boards,at the Seder and beyond, but I"m OP today. I think I'll step on the scale just to see what I've done because it may not be as bad as I think and that'll give me some positive energy.
Everybody take care, have a good week and let's keep turtlin'.
Judy
234/207/thinner

Hi, Turtles,

I'm still laughing, Judy, at the thought you could control our weather! Too funny! I'm glad that you're back on schedule. That's the key to success. Getting back up and moving on.

I'm doing fine with the program by sticking to my plan to eat often. I have enough breaks that I can do this. It's helping me to keep my energy up so I don't get munchy from being too hungry and too tired. I've been splitting my lunch up so that I have a pretty substantial meal in the late afternoon before the commute home. It's working so far.

The job is OK. I've never really liked running a switchboard, but I can do it for two weeks.

One of my coworkers has gone from a size 56 toa 24. It's taken her five years. She's not following any particular program. She's just trying to choose healthy foods and not lose too fast. I think she's an honorary turtle.

I hope everyone is doing fine. Have a great day.

Happy Turtlin'! :)

Lin

Lin,
I am so glad that you're working and OP. It's great to analyze what needs to be done and what you want to do to keep on this healthy journey. Good for you! Figuring out that eating often and then supplying yourself with low point foods throughout the day is great. I see that you're also eating a good sized meal before your commute. That's terrific. WW wants us to personalize this program and that's just what you've done.
My husband is very close to joining WW with my daughter. Unfortunately she has our genes. She exercises like a bandit and eats small amounts of food, but is still gaining weight. It's a crying shame because in high school she didn't have to even think about what she ate, and every once in awhile she'd watch what she ate and that week she'd lose the 4 pounds she was worried about. Well, she's out of h.s. now and finding it difficult to knock off any weight. Please send her good vibes too.
While my hubby was thinking of joining WW we had a nice talk over breakfast out. I had eggbeaters in a mushroom omelet and a piece of dry whole wheat toast. It was delicious and so was the milk I put in my coffee. I've learned the "safe" foods I can eat in diners and restaurants. I've really learned a lot this year. The main thing is that I am a turtle. I refuse to be hungry (really hungry) and I refuse to eat disgusting foods because they'll help me lose faster. My aim is to eat well, find LF low calorie foods that I love, and to knock off pounds. I hope that it doesn't take me a gazillion years to lose this weight, but I know what I am and am not willing to do to achieve my goal. I really do want a healthier way of eating without deprivation. I want something I can handle for the rest of my life.
To that end, I'm back on the treadmill. My aim is to get on the treadmill for half an hour and walk a mile and a half three times a week. Any more than that is a bonus, and I really want to do this. Now I have to keep on reminding my mind that this is my choice and I feel great when I exercise.
Sorry to make this so long. Annie and Lauren and Kimmers and Lin--have a great Easter and if you're celebrating Passover, I hope it's working out well.
Take care and keep turtlin'
Judy
234/207/thinner

Judy, what a sane approach.

Lin, that's great you're working the program into your temp project. And way to go on getting the temp assignment, too. (I'm terrible on a switchboard!)

Well, the trip to Houston was eventful. I didn't track, but I did eat healthfully -- mostly seafood. The scales are up a tad, but that's mostly period gain I suspect. (TOM looms.) Or maybe it's the bananas foster I had at the restaurant Tuesday night ...

Unfortunately, while in Houston I had a close encounter with a vicious speed bump. I was walking in the client's parking garage, and somehow ... I tripped over a speed bump! I fell forward, but somehow managed to push myself back hard enough to avoid hitting my face. I rolled over onto my back, which had a backpack strapped to it (I was carrying my laptop computer).

Fortunately, I didn't break anything. But I badly sprained my right arm, which is now in a sling and makes typing interesting. This will put my weight-lifting on hold for a while. It also makes tying shoes interesting.

On the way back, I sat in front of a row that had two agents escorting two prisoners in handcuffs. Their discussion was VERY interesting. One of the prisoners had been an elementary school teacher! We also flew over a couple tornadoes.

On the ground, I couldn't drive, so my company had to call a limo service to drive me home. Late last night DH and I went back to pick up our car. (A friend drove us.)

Finally, I discovered the joys of narcotics. (The doctor in Houston perscribed me some for pain.) They basically completely knocked me out, so I had to quit taking them.

Hope your week has been less eventful than mine!

--Lauren

Hi, Turtles,

It's great to hear from you all.

Judy, you sound exactly like me. I, too, refuse to be super hungry. I get sick if I follow any kind of program that causes that. I learned that in my past experiences. I also refuse to eat disgusting foods hoping they will help me lose weight. I learned that the effect of doing that is that I get tired of doing it and stop. Both of those two things eventually end up in regaining what I lost, and usually more. Guess what? I'm with Lauren. I'm trying really hard to stop doing what experience tells me doesn't work for me, even if a lot of people think it's the only way to succeed.
As for those two things, they're my line. If I cannot eat food I enjoy and feel satisfied (not overstuffed), I'd rather stay fat, thank you. Strong words, but I think I can eat food I enjoy and be satisfied and lose weight, even if it is slow.

Tell your family we turtles are rooting for them. They can post, too, or just lurk, if they wish.

BTW--I'm still laughing about you apologizing to the wordy turtles about a post that's too long! We all have had our long, longer, and longest posts. And the originator of the club is one of the worst offenders. ;)

Lauren, I'm sorry you're eventful week didn't contain a greater quantity of pleasant events! I hope your arm gets well soon. Meanwhile, hang in there. And don't let yourself get discouraged if reducing your exercise level means you maintain for a while. Do the best you can with the circimstances you've been given. That's all anyone can do.
I have the same problem with narcotics. I had a bronchitis infection once and had to take cough medicine with codeine. It wasn't an option and I slept for a week. I hated it.

Things are going so-so. I really dislike most things that I have in the kitchen to pack for breakfast. So, Paul and I were a little early today and we went to McDonalds. When I got home and recalculated my points, I discovered that I had enough banked points to cover my breakfast. What's really weird is that my planned meals for tomorrow are really low in points, but they are big in bulk, so they fill me up. I'm planning to eat the same breakfast because I need the points! Next week, after I can go to the store, I will have a better breakfast to eat. Egg McMuffins are one of the few fast foods I like, but I don't like to have them too often. I actually prefer my son's homemade, lowfat version.

As for the rest, I really, really am hating the switchboard. I'm competent at it. I just don't like it and I'm glad I only have to do it for another week. I hate the commute more. If I could work from 7-4, like Paul does, it would be OK. But we don't get home until sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. By the time I get dinner and do the minimum stuff I need to do to get ready for work, it's bedtime. I'm sneaking in some time here.

My kids aren't keeping up with what we need them to do if both of us are doing that commute. They did OK, for one day. I'm not sure I will take more jobs unless they're temp to perm and a job I might really want to do. I don't think it's worth the price. I'll keep you all posted. I've got to go get some sleep.

Happy turtlin'! :)

Lin
272/229/lower

Lauren,
Egads! I've heard of tough trips, but let's not get ridiculous. My goodness. Okay--it's done and now you have to heal. Take it as easy as you can, feel the hugs coming your way (but not on the arm that's in a sling),
and keep sending yourself good positive loving messages. "I'm so smart to have protected my head, gee, wasn't it good that I didn't break my leg," You know the tricks--turn a bad time into one that's bearable. This time will pass and it will be history. Good luck on your WW program. You really did very well in Houston with your food, so that's a big plus. Have a happy Easter with your crew and your potluck supper!

Lin,
Sorry the temp job isn't more to your liking. I think it's great that you've got the food working out well. To me, every day I can make my food and staying OP my top priority, I consider myself successful. The boys will need to kick in a little more, but this is new to them too.
If you can, relax your standards a bit and just get through the next week. You're putting in a long day with the commute, so I wish you the best as far as energy, etc. that you need. Have a happy Easter and enjoy this time of your life.

I've got my daughter here today and she's into making a Martha Stewart type of treat for Easter that looks like it will be nigh on impossible, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
My son and daughter-in-law will be coming later today and I've got to get the house clean so I can't chat any longer. I've got an hour before my daughter and hubby come back and an awful lot to do in that time.

You all stay well, be happy , and keep on keepin' on in the magnificent slo turtles way. Hey, we're so great we should be TORTOISES!

Love,
Judy

Thanks for the hugs, Judy. I need them!

I'm up 3 POUNDS this week. Yes, TOM looms. But more importantly, I didn't track this week. I didn't eat a ton either. But there you are.

At times like this, I'm sorely tempted to do more "diet" things in order to get the weight off. No, it didn't work for me in the past, and yes, I'm speaking out of frustration here. Hopefully I'll get past it.

On the brighter side, my measurements aren't up. So it's got to be mostly water.

I'll be tracking again after Easter. Not much point in tracking today, since I'll be way under points (we eat very little the day before Easter), and I have decided not to track on Easter day, which will be a caloric catastrophe and that's OK.

Lin, I'm glad the switchboard isn't permanent. FWIW, I'm seriously disliking my job at the moment, too. The work itself is reasonably OK (when I get past all the meetings), but the politics and the way things are going -- and, yes, the yet-another-looming layoff coming up (rumored to be this coming Friday) -- are really getting to me. I just plain hate corporate America and need to find a way to make money in spite of it.

Well, didn't mean for this to be such a downer. Aside from my weight, I'm actually really enjoying this wonderful time of year. Have a wonderful holiday, everyone.

--Lauren

Hi, Turtles,

I'm starting nubmer 26--See you all there!

Happy turtlin'! :)

Li n