Weight Watchers - Let's support each other II on our weight loss journey - we ran out of room to post!!

Hi everyone! Here is a new thread, to continue on as we were with our old one! Wouldn't want us all to get lost, somehow!
Keep on posting, keep on supporting each other. We are doing great!!!!
Linda :dizzy:

Thank you Linda for your kind words. I'm sure I'll be feeling better soon. Food related, I had a take-out tonight as I was not in a mood for cooking. I completely spoiled my diet today, I ate ice-cream, it was low-fat but still, I ate quite much. I drank a lot of water though as my mouth was completely dry from all the cigarettes and the coffees and I did some walking. I'll try to get back on track tomorrow and focus on my friend cos she really needs me right now. Hopefully, we're a lot of friends here right now so we're helping each other. Thank you again to all of you, it means a lot to me. Take care all, and Linda have a great time on your trip!

Natalie

Natalie, I hope you get through this week in a positive way. Such a hard situation!
I used about 8 flex points yesteray, not great to be starting a vacation with that. But, we were technically on vacation as of yesterday, just chose not to leave until this morning, how's that for making up excuses! We went out to lunch and I had french fries, they were really great and it's been ages since I had any. I need to be in more control today and throughout the week, but have to forgive myself I I do have some of the things that I shouldn't. After all, we only get two vacations a year....
I will miss you all and be back here upon my return in a week.
Linda

Hi people, glad I found you, hope you are all ok. Natalie, hope you are ok. Ice cream does help just a little bit, doesn't it. Not the scales, but sometimes who cares. You'll get back on track when you are good and ready.
Linda has done exactly what I tend to do when I'm going away, and that is start the day before I go with the dodgy eating! It's as if I'm already there, even though I don't go for hours. Makes you feel as if you are already on vacation, without the sunshine! Don't blame you girl!
I'm having quite a good weekend so far. yesterday, I don't think I really ate very much at all, I seemed to hardly use any points for some reason, and did feel quite hungry by last night. Some days seem to go like that, but I didn't pig out last night, (except on a teeny weeny bit of chocolate! that doesn't count does it!) I still had about 5 points left, so maybe I ought to make up for it today. I do tend to find that I lose much better when I have used most of my points up, and usually I do, something obviously didn't go to plan yesterday. Oh well, more to use today! I've just had a yummy cherry bakewell cookie, I found them a couple of weeks ago and they only run at 1 point each, much better than a boring digestive any day. Only thing is, is can I stick at only one of them, I am craving another as I type, and I'll have to stay on here to try and take my mind off of it! I ought to try baking my own low point cookies, but I am rubbish at baking and cooking in general. This is why you won't ever see many of my recipes on here, because I don't often use them! I must get the poor cooking from my Mum, she's lousy too, and sometimes I do wonder that I ever made it to adulthood with some of her meals that I remember! I guess if I were a better cook that maybe I wouldnt have been so overweight in the first place, as I think it did make me rely more on the junk. The junk stuff is usually so easy to prepare and stick in the microwave or in the oven. The healthy stuff often takes more thinking about. Perhaps I should take a course. I'm not good at getting round to doing these things though, I do consider buying more of the WW cookbooks, but all they tend to do is look good in the kitchen, they very rarely get dusted off and opened, let alone used. Perhaps I should save my money and just keep doing as I'm doing now, and stick with the few things that I can manage - salad is good, spaghetti too, that's about it. Any advice appreciated!
Oh well, I suppose I will go and enjoy the rest of the weekend, It's raining, cold and feels very much like winter today, where is our summer? See ya later.

Hi guys! Found you in the new thread :)

Linda have a great time on your holiday, see you when you return!

Natalie, I'm so sorry to read of all you are going through. i am sending good vibes from England. Keep strong. Don't beat yourself up for not sticking to the diet at this worrying time.

Dawny, where IS our summer? It has been so horrible here all day, hardly makes you feel like being energetic and healthy! More like the weather for vegging in front of the tv with a load of snacks! Luckily, I have a new puppy, who has no interest in whether I feel like going out or not, so I just have to get on with it!

Yesterday I measured myself all over, and made a chart... it made for depressing reading. My thighs are now wider than my waist used to be. But seeing it in black and white, with a chart up until the end of the year just makes me feel all the more determined!

I have gone just slightly over my points this weekend, but have eaten lots of good stuff... I have vegetable overload! But last night I did have a few drinks! I'm quite pleased that my weigh in day is thursday - 3 full days to redeem my weekend!

Anyway, hope everyone is ok, and doing well - I love that I have this place to get stuff off my chest! I can't admit to people I know how much I weigh - its refreshing to be honest on here!

Love Fiona

Good evening, ladies! I logged on for a minute before going to bed and it looks like I have been gone for days!

Natalie - So sorry to hear about your loss. The ladies are right. Take care of yourself and eat healthy, but there's no need to focus on food right now. I am sure your friend appreciates the support you give her. It will be a rough time for all of you.

Late farewell to Linda - We'll be missing you and looking for your safe return!!

Fiona - Glad things are going well so far! I love the flexibility of WW points. Sometimes I just don't feel like veggies, and I like my carbs ...uh... maybe too much at times.

Dawny - Cooking has never been something that I have thought much about. The only thing I'm a disaster at is pies. Except peanut butter, they all turn out as pudding in a crust! I'm going to try one using instant pudding and see if that would set. Being on a tight budget, I haven't bought a cookbook in quite some time. I search the internet and have put together my constantly growing homemade version. There are a ton of WW recipes on here at your finger tips. You might want to try some crockpot recipes. They are mostly foolproof!

Update on my weekend: We had a great date last night. No kids yet, so we don't have to worry with a sitter, just DH's work schedule. The musical was just fair, but we enjoyed it. Then we went to a pub where I was a good girl and sipped 1 glass of wine. I enjoyed my meal at Applebees and since I didn't look at the other parts of the menu, I didn't feel like I was missing out. I had the onion soup that was delish, but too many onions left at the end and not enough soup. I also had the grilled tilapia with the salsa on the side. It would have been too spicy with it. I didn't have desert because I heard that the portions were very small and just didn't think it was worth the money. Dear Dear DH offered to order off the WW menu too. Though it was sweet, I told him to get what he wanted. Oops, forgot to count that bite I took of his steak. But, I had him cut what he offered in half.

Today, I went to my mother's house for a birthday gathering. I had only eaten a bowl of Special K for breakfast and we ate at 3, so I was getting very hungry. Definately used the rest of the day's points there, but it was yummy. We had a mad game of volleyball in the pool that probably lasted 1 1/2 hours, so I think I will be okay for the day.

Well, it is late now, so I will end.

Just wanted to say, I really appreciate each and every one of you. It is wonderful to get to share with you. Sending you all hugs and a carrot!

Good morning all, here I am again, wide awake and fully alert! Little AJ decided that the best time to get up this morning was just after 6am, and this is an excellent lie-in for me, as very often it can be at least 5am, and if I have a full day of work to look forward to as well, then of course I am very grateful to him! I do always have brekkie, even if I am up very early, I crave my crunchy nut cornflakes at any hour. I'm one of those people that can't live without my breakfast, and find it hard to understand the people that can cope until lunchtime without anything. I would wither away for sure if I had to do that. Although, one day last week, sorry to bore you, but I got out my box of the above, emptied into the bowl, and out crawled a spider! Not the nicest thing to find first thing in a morning, and as a total phobic where these creatures are concerned, the cornflakes went all over the kitchen. Everything else went into the dustbin. It was 3 more days before I could get to buy some more, and had to suffer toast, which is not my favourite, and I did feel as if I was starving to death by lunchtime.
Melanie, glad you had a nice evening, I think you can ignore one little tiny mouthful of steak, how many points could you possibly count for that anyway. Sounds like you had a fab family day too, we don't really have pools over here to play in, the weather couldn't stand it! Anything bigger than a childs paddling pool, 4 ft or so, is about as good as it gets. Thanks for the carrot, goes down well at 9am. See ya later.
Fiona, it's wierd, I was also measuring this weekend. My measurements never seem to change, no matter how many pounds I lose. I may be doing something wrong, but as long as I feel better, and the clothes hang a bit better, who cares. Good on you for doing the chart. Very brave thing to do, to actually see everything in black and white. Good incentive though, when you see the figures dropping. I usually do one with the weight loss in the journal every week, off putting if you have a bad week, but you have to stay positive, and look back to the good weeks, and just keep going. And come on here of course. Works wonders.

Ok gotta go for now. Maybe back later, See ya.

EEK!! Dawny! I will be picking through my Special K for months looking for something moving!! I don't have any exact fear of spiders, but I don't want them on the menu!

I did my measurements a few weeks ago and I am going to do them again at the end of the Bible Study in about 2.5 wks. But, I can tell I have lost. Without giving too much info you probably don't want, a corset that I got when we were married that was much too tight fit just right last weekend. :o

Well, I will be glad when the clock says I can go home. After the volleyball session yesterday and staying up too late last night, I feel like a bus parked on me!

Hope everyone is having a great OP day!

Good Morning All :coffee: Hope everyone's doing ok.Natalie, hope things are getting a little better.Only time can heal,but the pain will always be there some.Hang in there.We're here for you.Melanie, I wish I had measured when I started.Maybe that 5 week yo-yo wouldn't have been so frustrating.Losing inches even when the scales won't budge. Fiona,When I started this 43lbs. by my 43rd bday challenge in January. I got some graft paper from my step-daughter.I made a chart, top line with a day for each week that I would WI,Wednesday.Down the side I put the lbs. starting with 43 42 41 etc..I used a marker and would draw a line each week what I did.Believe me it wasn't pretty at times,But it was good motivation.I hung it on my bedroom wall.The only ones in there are me and my husband.We were looking at this morning. Alot of ups and downs. But 25.5 lbs. off since 1/7/04 :encore: Also I never tell anyone what I weigh.But in January when I started this.I called my husband into the bathroom to see while I stood on the scales.I have a wonderful man in my life.He never judges.He loves me anyway,shape,or form.He does everything he can to support me.I am a lucky woman. Hang in there.We're here for you though.Dawny,My step-daughter was eating a bowl of raisin bran.She noticed little peices floating on top of the milk.It was ants in the raisins :yikes: She checks everything out now. WI went great. I lost 3.2lbs. :encore: Evidently I did break my yo-yo. :cp: On vacation this week though.Need to be VERY careful.I'm not used to having this much free time :s: Had planned on painting the house,but it's raining.So I'm keeping the lil guy home with me.It's great spending time with him.I have to work and he goes to daycare.A really Great daycare.His Grandma says he farther advanced than his cousin who is a full year older.I was worried about him being behind.Where he was a preemie.Well enough babble out of me.He's picking out a movie.We watched The Sandlot 3times yesterday.If not that, then the Jurassic Park movies over and over :dizzy: Life is never dull with a toddler.I LOVE IT!!! Bye for now girls

Good Morning! Yep! It is! Really Good! I am wearing a shirt and jacket that had been hiding in the shameful corner of my closet reserved for clothing that, uh, shrunk :rolleyes: So, today I decided to try it on. It even buttons now! :cb: These moments are the fun part!

Dale – Aren’t supportive hubbies great!? Mine is for the most part. He loves the healthy recipes I cook, but admits he likes the unhealthy better. :nono:

Are you guys trying to break me from cereal!?  Eek! I hate ants. So much, I put the cereal boxes on top of the fridge. If they find them up there, they can have them!

Great loss, Dale! :cheer: I hope I have one like that tomorrow! I feel like I have been eating too much, but I have been counting everything and still have about 20 flex points! So, I guess I’m doing pretty good.

Not much else to report this morning. Maybe more later!

Hey guys, I'm back. Thank you for your kind words, things are looking a little better. I really spoiled my diet the last 3 days, I'm trying to get back on track today. so far I've done good. I really have to push myself to stick to my points cos it's so damn easy to fall off the wagon, once you spoil it for one time. I'll skip my weigh-in this Wednesday, as the news will only depress me more. Hope you all have a great time, take care!! :)

Natalie - I'm glad things are going better for you. It will probably be a while before you have a really great day, but maybe some great moments. I really have to plan to stay on point. Cooking at home helps me tons. I fix a healthy dinner and usually have leftovers for a good lunch the next day. Prowling around on the internet has given me some great recipes and food ideas. I totally agree on skipping the WI if you have a pass. Just get back on track and have a great one next week. But, no guilt for anything you have eaten over the past few days. That is in the past. We can only work on today!

Have a good Tuesday!

Hi everyone, another day gone and WI tomorrow night. I don't really know how I've done this week. I am hoping that the .5 put on last week will have melted away, and hopefully an extra.5 to go with it. I really want to hit my 35 pound lost mark. I have found in the past then I get to roughly the weight that I am now, that I start to stick a bit and find it a bit up and down. I guess birthdays, vacations and weekends away don't help that much. I have been pretty good this past week so I will be disappointed if the WI doesn't go to plan. Time will tell.
Melanie, oh dear, I am sorry about the cereal thing. (although I don't think I'm the only one to blame for that, am I Dale? haha) It was horrid though, and not recommended points values! I don't think I will ever get over it, and I will carefully examine every box, every morning without fail forever more. How sad is that? Very, when you hate spiders and love cereal. Isn't it just great when the old clothes suddenly fit. It's usually the ones we wouldn't want to wear again in a million years, I have found, so what makes us try those items on again is anyones guess, but the thrill of not even having to squeeeeeze into something you haven't worn in years is great. Also a good moment, is what I call a fitting room moment, when you go to a shop, pick up your regular size to try on, and it's too big! Hasn't happened alot in my past, but now it does now and again, and to have to fetch a smaller size for a change is terrific.
Dale, you did great this week. You started WW the same day as me. Was yours a final new years resolution too? I decided that this was the year to turn my life around once and for all. I'm glad I made that choice. How old is your little one? My little AJ goes to day nursery, he's almost 3, going through the terrible twos (although we've had those since he was aged 1!) Love him to bits, my world wouldn't be the same without him, although once in a while a lie-in would be nice! I try to take him swimming once a week, my little bit of exercise, and now I don't worry about being seen in public, a year ago I would have cringed at the thought of my swimsuit being in public view!
Natalie, good to hear from you again. Great that you are starting to pick yourself up and keep going. WI will wait until you feel up to it. It will still be there when you are ready, I'm sure your leader will understand. They are always at the end of a phone if you need to talk, and of course we are always here!

Well, Its nearly AJs bedtime, so I'd better go and give cuddles and a bath to the little man in my life. I'm sure the big man would fancy the same...he can wait!

See ya later,

Hi All,Had to run and get a new kitty.Which is now a permanent fixture behind the washing machine.She insists she isn't coming out.She just needs to adapt.Sorry about the ants Melanie,but twas a true story though :devil: ;) We seal everything (once its been opened) in storage bags or put it in the fridge.Ants were terrible this year.Fantastic news about the clothes that shrunk. :encore: Been there done that,remembers how it feels :dancer: Can't wait till I will be able to say the same. Dawny,I started my personal challenge 1/7/04.I didn't join WW till 5/10/04.I was struggling on my own. My Aric will be 3 on Nov. 8.He missed his Daddy's bday by 2 hours(Nov.9).They get to celebrate together though.Alot of celebrating about that time.Our wedding anniversary is Oct.28.My bday is Oct.29.I had to marry before my bday or else people would think I am 5 years older than him.I'm only 4 years older.Thank You :s: :D Then we roll into their bdays.Thank God I can pass up cake(most of the time).Got my :crossed: for tomorrows WI.Hang in there.If it hadn't been for you guys I wouldv'e dropped out.That 5 weeks of yo-yo.was ****.It was probably a plateau where I had been on it awhile.Even though I wasn't talking to you guys yet.You guys talking to each other pulled me through.Now that I have you totally :dizzy: I'll close for now.Check back later.

Hi Dawny! I'm okay from the spiders and ants, but it will cross my mind the next time I poor a bowl! :lol:

Shopping in my closet is fun, but I do look forward to going and buying smaller sizes. My dream is to one day shop for clothing and not be in the puny plus size section - but to find myself romping in a vast meadow of blouses, slacks, and jeans in the promised land. When I tried WW before, my mother offered to purchase a new wardrobe if I lost 50#. I have to find a way to ask if that offer is still good, in a non-greedy way. :s:

Dale - oooo... I wish I could have a kitten. DH is allergic and my landlord says no. Oh, well. I had kittens most of my childhood. Once I got a kitten and when I got her home I set her in the litter box. She fell asleep there and was box trained for life! I bet Aric is having fun with his new pet! - So, you have a younger man too! DH is 2 1/2 years younger than me. Yes, I count the 1/2! ;)

I'm glad that you have been visiting the thread and we could help. I'm more glad you decided to join in. It is a bit addictive though! I love chatting with you all. Lurking is a good hobby too though. I have gained a ton of ideas and recipes checking in on other sites.

Time to go home and I am starving! I am starting dinner as soon as I walk in the door. I used SF Pudding mix to make a chocolate pie on my lunch break. I can hardly wait for dessert!

Hi girlies, I love cats and kittens too. I have always had a cat since I was a small child, and although I am still small and less of a child ( most of the time!) I couldn't bear to be without a kittie. The last time I had a kitten, she drove us mad! Climbing up the wall paper, and not paying much attention to her litter box wasn't too good either!
Back to the other serious business of the day, WI. 6 hours to go and counting. I'm not too optimistic today, yesterday I felt fine. Despite what my own scales say, you can never quite tell until you get there, and get the deed done! We'll see.
Dale, I can't believe all those birthdays and anniversary's at the same time! An expensive time of year! We are slightly better, but only just. From September we have AJ's on 7th, my stepdaughter's on 9th (the one whos making me a premature granny!) My youngest stepdaughter on October 2nd and our anniversary on 10th (12 years this year.) Then november is my hubbys and just about every other relative I can think of. So a few to look forward to. I've just organised AJ's birthday party, which he should love. His best friends birthday is the day before his, and her party is booked one hour into AJ's, so we've some juggling to do. I just hope I can avoid too much birthday cake, as I do love it, and I could do without it at the mo.
Melanie, it would be lovely if your mums offer still stands. To get just a couple of new outfits in a new slimline size would do wonders for your confidence, and I'm sure she would love to see that. It's worth a few £, sorry, $, to get that. You are totally right about this thread being addictive. I find it hard to keep away. I'm sure my hubby thinks I'm mad, but there are some things that they just don't understand, and to get great support from you guys means the world. He is great at supporting me actually, he really doesn't care what I look like, but it is important to him that I feel happy in myself, so he encourages me to do what I have to do. He is also sticking to the plan, and has lost about 15 or so pounds since jan, and I think because he understands my eating programme, he knows I sometimes have to turn my nose up at yummy munchies, which he can get away with. He didn't have much to lose in the first place, and is now well within his BMI, but he usually still journals his daily menus!
I am just sitting here now, its noon, and wondering whether to have a very light lunch, or have nothing, or pig out. I really mustn't pig, WI would be a disaster. I'll drink water. If I have nothing, I will starve, so I think a little light snack would be in order to keep me going. It's my day off today, so I just think about the fridge alot. When I'm at work, I take salad, or melba toasts or something to keep me away from the deli down the road. But at home, I have easy access to all things nice, and I think it's gonna be a tough day. However, the sun is finally out, I may go and sit on my new deck and take in some rays, then a little walk to finish off the day.
Back later with WI result. Watch this space....

I'm anxious about my WI tonight too. I'm always a glutton, tough. If I lose .5, I feel like it should be more! I'm definately not eating dinner before I go this week. I might have a light snack or more for lunch, but dinner will definately wait.

I also keep some healthier snacks in my desk at work. Yesterday I was offered ice cream, but I grabbed my Thin Crisps and said no. Wednesday is breakfast day though. The lady who does the morning errands offers her break time to stop by fast food for us. I usually get an Egg McMuffin (7 pts) and lately have started removing the yolk before I eat to knock out 2 points.

As for cake!! I married into a large family. DH has 3 sisters and each of them have kids. I gained 8 nieces & nephews. Besides birthday celebrations, my FIL makes incredible pies. WW doesn't stand a chance come holiday time!

I was quite proud of myself last night. I pulled out one of my old exercise tapes while DH was out. I did pretty well, but didn't complete about 10 minutes of the 50 minute workout. DH came home, I paused the tape and sent him upstairs. No way do I want him hanging out watching me bounce right now. But it was a good work out. Richard Simmons can be quite annoying, but his tapes are good (especially the older ones). Some tapes I have tried seem to think the buyers are already physically fit. There is no way I could keep up!

Well, back to work for me! I'll check back later!

Hi all!
I'm doing fairly well since yesterday, and have managed to stay within my points. I'll weigh myself again next Wednesday, the last weigh-in before my holidays, I really hope I will have lost another 2 lbs. by then. I wish my holidays won't turn out a complete point-disaster. I hope you all have a great weigh-in. :)

Hi, WI is over and last, and I am very pleased to say that I have lost 1.5 this week. It kind of makes up for last weeks small gain, and I have reached my little mini goal of over 35 pounds off. :cb: I am well chuffed!!! In fact, going to celebrate with a small take out, nothing too extravagant, but good enough for me! :hun:
It was a good meeting tonight actually, emphasising portion sizes, and how it's so easy to be mislead by what we think is a 'medium' portion. I never try to guess, and alway use the WW scales to weigh everything. I was surprised by something as simple as a banana though, it's something I wouldn't have thought of weighing, and we guessed it as being 1 point, it was only a small one, but it turned out to be 2.5. Small mistakes like that over the length of a week could soon turn out to be very costly indeed pointwise. I will be more careful in future.
I wish the rest of you the best of luck with your WI's, and I'm sure we will all have a terrific weight loss between us this week. :goodluck:
See ya later.

HI, oh dear, no posts since mine last night, I hope this doesn't mean some bad WI's. I'm sure not. Everyone is doing so well.
Not alot to report from me today actually, had a good day generally, don't know what we are going to have for dinner yet, maybe a WW meal for ease. We'll see later when AJ's in bed.

Ok I'll go for now, just thought I'd check in on you all. Hope you are ok.

See ya later

Hi guys!

Its great to read through all your posts! Interesting as well as inspiring!

Dawny, congrats for getting to that target, you must be so pleased with yourself, and rightly so! :bravo: And we have some sun today too :sunny:

Hi Dale, nice to meet you... glad that you have been inspired by this thread too. Good luck with finally throwing off that "yo-yo diet" for good :)

Congrats Natalie for doing so well, despite your horrible week. I will keep my fingers crossed that you have had a good result!

Melanie, well done for sticking to the work out, even with DH at home! Keep it up!

I had my first weigh in since starting, and lost 2 pounds :) Its a good result seeing as I am in the middle of my time of the month, maybe if I hadn't it would have been more, but 2 pounds is a nice start.

This weekend is going to be a test. My neice is getting married, with a huge wedding, so lots of food. But hopefully I am motivated enough to not eat too much, and I'll get up in the evening and dance myself silly!

Speak later!

Natalie: Good to hear from you. I’m glad you are staying strong, even though I know it probably isn’t the first thing on your mind these days. That shows some real determination!

Dawny: Didn’t mean to scare you! My computer at home doesn’t seem to want me to post, and I have been swamped at work today! Great job on your WI!!! Congrats on making your mini-goal. That is awesome!! Have you set another mini- yet? You are doing so well!

Thanks for the meeting info. It is a good reminder to get back to the basics. I had to start measuring my rice because it is the hardest thing for me to tell by sight. A half cup of rice looks a lot like a cup of rice on a dinner plate. I’ve also started weighing my chicken breasts instead of telling by sight. Tonight DH is not home, so I am planning a chicken sandwich and 0 point soup. I have learned that I can cook a frozen chicken breast on my contact grill in just 13 minutes, so it has become a new weekly special.

Fiona: Great to hear from you. You have been on my mind today. That was a wonderful first WI! I know that it sometimes doesn’t seem like much when you think of how far we have to go, but I look at a 1# pack of hamburger meat and think, I lost that much!?! And when I lost 5 pounds, it was like putting down a bag of sugar or flour that I had been carrying around! You are doing a great thing for yourself.

Well, my WI was a success too! We were all losers yesterday! Because last week I ate shortly before going to WI, I figured I had lost more than what the scale said, so it is hard to really tell an accurate number this week. But, it was approximately 1#. That doesn’t sound big enough for me, so I say it is a total of 17.9# gone. There, now I feel better. That leaves about 5# to reach my goal of 23 (10%) by the end of this class session in 2 weeks. I know it might not happen, but I am going to try.

Hope everyone has a great evening. I have to get back to work now! The madness continues!! One of my bosses is at the hospital right now with his wife having their 3rd child. We are all on pins and needles waiting to hear some news! It is a frantic day, but the air is filled with fun!

Hi all, good news everyone on the WI's. I knew really that we would all come through and have a good week.
Fiona, hi, great first week, 2 pounds is wonderful news, and you're right about the fact that it would almost definately have been more had it not been that time of month. To lose any weight at that time is a bonus, 2 pounds is unheard of! Great to see a bit of sun isn't it. I've been out on my new decking the past couple of evenings after work, and I feel as if I have been 'ground forced', but it's lovely and relaxing, just got to remember not to take too many glasses of red wine out there with me.
Melanie, hi, you had a great WI too. We knew that last weeks gain was false didn't we? You proved the fact that we really shouldn't eat much just before a WI, as it just sits there in our tummy weighing far heavier than it probably really should, and destroying that scale readout. Any news on that baby yet? Exciting time isn't it.
We heard the other day that our 'grand daughter to be' could well come up to 4 weeks earlier than expected, in October, I say, she'll come when she's ready anyway!
Natalie, how are you doing? Sorry I hadn't spotted your post yesterday, your loss is fantastic, especially under the circumstances. Keep it up.
Ok, got to go now, its AJ's bathtime as usual, but I'll be back soon. See ya.

Hello, all! Geez, am I ready for the weekend! But, I still have 2 more hours at work.

This has been a crazy day. My boss did have his new baby boy last night. That's 3 of the little stinkers. I tried to tell him they needed a girl, but I guess they just wouldn't listen. :dizzy: So far, I've been calling it "No Name." I hope they decide on something before he comes home! It is exciting to be around a new birth. I hope things are going well for your step-daughter's pregnancy. DH and I want kids, but have decided to wait for a while. I want to stay home with our kids if at all possible and it is not possible right now. Of course, I will probably get preggers on the day I hit my goal weight! :censored:

Today has been a strange eating day. I didn't have time for breakfast and the vending machine was out of order, so I slipped over to a retirement party for someone I know and had just a few bites of cake (no icing) and some punch. I was STARVING! Then, I met DH for lunch at Subway because our landlord is supposed to be working on the bathroom today and we try to avoid him whenever possible! Normally, I go home on my lunch break (live about 5 minutes from office) and have some left overs or something. I have done pretty well, but used more points than usual at this time of day. Don't know what is for dinner yet. DH is working again, so I get whatever I want. Well, you know. Whatever is in point range!

I don't really have any weekend plans other than clean my home. Ick! I'll be back on line tomorrow, unless the dust bunnies get me!

Have a great day/night (depending on your side of the globe!)

HI, just thought I'd check in, its 9.30am at the mo, and before I too start on the bathroom, I decided I'd see what you were all up to. Melanie, my step daughter is fine, a little bit tired. She graduated recently and took on a temporary job because of being pregnant, but they are putting on her alot, calling her in at all hours and I don't think she's keen! I didn't realise recruitment agencies were on call! It seems very strange seeing her with a bump, when I first met her she was a little 9 year old girl. It's even stranger for her dad. She has done alot of singing since she was 16, in clubs etc, and has made a reasonable living out of it, but she's given it up for the time being because of the late nights, smoke etc, she thinks she may go back to it after the baby is born - late nights and young babies don't mix though, she'll soon learn! You can guarantee though Melanie, that for you, as soon as you are looking terrific at goal, the baby boom will strike! It's more or less what happened to me once before. I had dieted for ages, lost about 49 pounds, looked pretty good, I thought, and then we decided to have a baby. I put on so much weight. I developed diabetes whilst pregnant because of it, and now I am forever at a very high risk of getting 'proper' Diabetes. I never intend going through that if I can help it, so my hubby got 'sorted', no more babies for us. I don't mind. Quite happy with the one, he's enough to keep anyone occupied.
I think we're just gonna have a quiet weekend too, cleaning, gardening, and enjoying our summer now it seems to finally have begun, who knows how long for though.
Oh, my brekkie, I had to have full fat milk on my cornflakes this morning, my skimmed had gone horrible. Aj's milk was the only stuff to have survived the night, and lovely as it was (can't remember the last time I had some of it), I can't help but feel a bit guilty for having it. Anyway, worse things could have happened. I must remember to add to my points for it.
Ok, I'll go for now. Have a lovely weekend everyone, I'll probably be back later.

Hi everyone! I'm back!!!!!
It's going to be hard getting off "vacation mode" and getting back on program, but I shall do it!
I did some form of exercise every day and I think that helped me. I gingerly got on the scale this morning and I don't think I went up at all.... but am not really sure of all that!
I will catch up, later on, and read all your posts and was so glad to see you all still here and still posting!
Talk with you guys a but later on when I unpack, catch my breath, etc.!
Linda

HI, Just thought I'd take a quick peek to see who's been around. Linda, great to see you've had a fab time. It won't take long to get back on track if you are determined to do it. Hope all the family are ok. speak later.
We are having a bbq this afternoon, my mum is coming round, I'm not doing much food really, and have worked out exactly what I can eat. I've prepared a few chicken and pepper skewers, with a (shop bought) sweet chilli sauce. only works out about 1 point per skewer. yummy. I will try my hardest not to go over the points I've worked out, but we will see later how many of the burgers that I can resist. I will just have to try and stick to the salad to fill me up as much as poss!
Anyway, I'll be off for now, I'll try to look in later, See ya.

Yippee!!!! Linda's back!!!! I can't wait to read how your trip was. Sounds like you did good staying near the program and are ready to get back on track completely.

Dawny - hope that cookout went well. I'm sure you were a good girl! Hope you had more fun than food!

Well, it has been a BUSY day for me. I am almost ready to turn in and it is not yet 9 p.m. We had another cookout at church. I tell you, those people are trying to sway me!! But, I did sooo good. I'm proud of me. I brought turkey burgers for me and DH and a dish called Fiesta Hominy. And I had some slaw made by my MIL. Lots of veggies filled the tummy. I could hardly finish the burger.

It was a busy day, but a great one. After our church service a local hispanic church that we helped get started used our santuary so they could do a baptism. DH and I went and the pastor kindly preached in both languages. It was an amazing experience and several came back for the cookout. One of the reasons that I have for getting my bod in shape is that DH and I have plans to go into fulltime mission work. Right now, we feel that the first step is bible college, but need to get out of debt before we do that. So, I'm getting in better shape to have more energy and to be of more service.

Oh! And a neat thing happened at the grocery today. A friend that I hadn't seen since the wedding 5 months ago saw me and almost the first thing she said to me was, "Have you lost weight?" :smug: That felt GOOD.

Well, that's enough chatter for now. Time for a bath and bed. In that order? We'll see.

HI, well the bbq went very nicely thankyou. It was only us and my mum, so it was a lovely relaxing sunday afternoon - and yes, I stuck exactly to what I said I would have, and went to bed last night with one point left, oh no, I didn't, forgot the little glass of red wine last night. Oh well near enough! We don't have flex points to use like you guys, so if we have 20 points, thats it. The only way that we have any extra, is if we earn them with exercise, or save them from the previous few days. We are able to save up to 4 per day, and use them within the week. But you can't add more than 12 saved points on to any one days normal points allowance. So if you know you have a 'busy' weekend ahead, you can plan, and eat less for a few days coming up, but unless you've been working out, there are no more to play with. I am currently on 20 points a day, when I have lost 6 more pounds, then I will be down to 18, that, I imagine will be pretty tough.
Anyway, I'll sign off for now, it's very misty today, it's my day off, and the sun probably won't burn off the mist until about 2pm like yesterday, by then, half the day has gone. Oh well, worse things could happen, I could spend all the day eating! Better not eh! See ya later.

Good morning guys, or should I say afternoon to those in the UK?
Here is a link that will work to some family photos of our trip:
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?Ucollid=228834747103&Uphotoid=928834747103&Uc=b1dqjnvj.2x4iaswv&Uy=4oiymm&Ux=0&collid=228834747103&page=1&sort_order=0
No photos of me, but some of the family, my husband trying to sail (no wind to speak of!) and our family cabin on the lake. Also, I found it amusing to take a picture of my cat enjoying her version of a "kitty vacation" sitting right in front of the birdfeeder watching a squirrel! I was the photographer, so no photos of me at all. But, you can see my kids, Jeff and Jamie and my in laws and husband on our dock, all looking rather serious about out motor that unfortunately "died" this week.
So, I dared to get on the scale this morning and I seem to weigh exactly the same. I am not sure if my daughter Jamie weighs the same, I actually think she may have lost. She is still on the "honeymoon" stage with WW, I think and took it very seriously throughout the week, not that she didn't indulge a bit, but she did better than I did!
Thoiugh, we both had to indulge in candy and a few extras, but what are vacations for? What I think saved both of us is that we took our exercise seriously throughout the week. I spent at least 40 minutes every day either walking, swimming or going on our paddleboat, which is a true work out!
Melanie, such wonderful humanitarian goals you have, I wish you success! Perhaps there are bible college scholarships of some kind? So nice that you bumped into that person and they noticed you lost weight! That is a big NSV (non-scale victory)!
Dawny, sounds like you remained in control during your entertaining. Good girl!
As for me, I used up all my points yesterday, but was proud to be back into journalling (which I totally LOST during vacation) and did an hour work out, which I will repeat today as well momentarily.
Where is everyone else????
Linda

Hi Linda, It has been a bit quiet here over the weekend, I guess some people have alot to do with family commitments etc, and don't always get online as much as they would like. Unlike me, I do tend to be very addicted now to this thread and check on what's happening whenever I'm online. I haven't looked at your piccies yet, but I will do so as soon as I finished typing. It will be fantastic if neither yourself or Jamie have gained during the vacation, and very rare too, but like you said, the exercise does pay off, and burns off the extra goodies we gobble up while away.
I feel as if I'm pigging a bit today, not in a going over my points sort of way, I am journalling everything, but I feel very full, and if I am not careful, I will have to go without any dinner tonight, as I won't have enough points for anything more than an apple. I'd better slow down a bit, get out in the sunshine away from the fridge (the sun did finally appear about 1 pm, earlier than I predicted!), and I may take AJ for a walk.
I would love to send you some piccies of my little family, I'm not sure how to set up a link to do that, but I guess I could e-mail if anyone was interested. If not, I don't blame you, not always a pretty site!
Anyway, the sunshine awaits, back later.

Linda, had to come back and let you know I checked out the photos. You have a GORGEOUS family. You can tell Jamie from me, that shes a stunner and looks as if she's having a great time. She doesn't look from the photo's to have any kind of weight problem at all, I know they can be deceptive, but she looks great. Your son Jeff(?), also looks as if he nothing to worry about! Hope he's a bit more relaxed after the vacation. I couldn't quite make out the rest of your brood, but if your kids are anything to go by, the rest of you have no worries at all!
Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.

Hello everyone! Burrr…. They keep it waaaayy too cold in my office! It’s summer! I should be able to wear a knee length skirt without goosebumps!

Linda – I’m glad you had a good trip. Great pics. Jamie has gorgeous eyes! What a lovely girl. How is your son? Is he adjusting to the new meds? Quite the handsome fellow too. Great work on the exercise! I have been trying to workout more. I did a 20 minute video Saturday night and this morning. I thought working out in the morning would help wake me up and start my day with energy, but I have been wishing I had slept that extra 20 minutes! Maybe if it is a regular habit I will keep my eyelids off the floor!

Dawny – Step away from the fridge! :lol: One of “those” days huh? I had the munchies Saturday and had trouble staying out of the oatmeal cookies I baked. They were only ½ point each, so I seemed to think that I could eat half the batch! Photos would be great. I will PM my e-mail address to you. If I remember how to use the scanner, I will send some too.

I have trouble posting on the weekends because my home PC is begging for the junkyard. It will pull up the forum page, but some times when I click the particular site, it shuts down. Urgh! One out of 10 tries will work. Maybe soon we will get to upgrade.

WW has new treats out now, don’t they? I think I have heard about some crunchy snack like crackers or something? Have you tried these? I am thinking about going to the local meeting this week to check out the products.

Hello all!
I'm really sorry I haven't posted here in a while, I've been reading all the posts though! I had my ups and downs the last week, I was good some days and slipped some others, but I hope it won't be much damage. I really wish that on Wednesday I won't have put on much weight, keep your fingers crossed for me!! :)
Sadly, there aren't any WW products here, and I feel like I'm really missing out on something, since you say the greatest things about WW desserts or snacks. Well, I found at the supermarket a Weetos cereal bar which is totally covered in chocolate and it's delicious! And only 2 points per bar.
That's all from me, "talk" to you soon,

Natalie


PS. Linda, the pics were lovely! :)

Thanks for the compliments on the family photos. Jamie's face was the first place to show her weight loss, by the way, thankfully! Most of her weight is in her stomach, butt, hips and thighs (she sure is MY daughter!). She is beautiful, yet she doesn't think she is. Jeff is doing "ok", though I am keeping a close eye on him. He will be returning to the doctor soon. I think they both need to get back to school and am thankful that they now have less than a month left before school begins. They are bored and missing their friends, who seem to all be rather occupied over the summer. I have noted that Jeff is in a better frame of mind, yet no antidepressants work miracles, ever. He needs to get out and do things, be outdoors and be active.
The rest of my "brood" was my husband on the sailboat, and on the dock overlooking our sadly broken outboard motor was my father in law, mother in law and son. My inlaws visited for a few days while we were up north. Our cabin is right on the water and quite a quiet and peaceful place, my inlaws love to come when we are there.
I think that was all?
Dawny, you can use that same web site I used and send photos to it, it's really "user friendly". All you need do is register and that is all I think, it's free. But, it's hosted by Kodak (as I recall?) and one can purchase photos made from the digital images that you "upload" to them. You can also buy photo gadgets, frames, keychains, coffee mugs and all sorts of things with photos on them, I think. I think it's a fun place! The pics of the kids did come out pretty well, so I am thinking of ordering some prints. So nice to have the ability to do that, as I hardly ever review my digital photos and kind of miss having real pictures on hand. Nice to be able to pick the BEST of your digital photos and only have prints made of those. I know one can use one's printer and that special paper and make your own prints, but I think the quality if significantly higher with this kind of web site???
I'll try to get a photo of ME up there at some point in time as well. Would be kind of fun to share those with each other as well. Yet, I kind of like our anonymous feel as a group. Here, there are no nationalities and racial predudices, we are all a group of people who care and are all experiencing similar issues and goals. It is nice, in a way, not to know, yet fun to put a face and name together as well! My attitude remains the same, though, in terms of non race/nationality, that is so great when it comes to the internet. We can all come together. Would be so cool if we had more nationalities represented here, yet I guess the language issues can't really help with that kind of thing?
So, this morning is my ww meeting. Jamie and I will weigh in. I hope we, at least, weigh in the samem though we would both love to have a loss. Hard to tell, my scale and theirs can differ.
New WW products? Will have to check out what is available when we go! I do love their 2 points bars, the creme caramel especially! I love the candies that are chewy and only one point for the whole package as well! I hear they are coming out with a new cake that will be frozen and available in the grocery stores soon, just one point a slice, a chocolate (just for me!) and a ginger/spice cake. Supposedly they are very good, but the portions are very small. There are times when I just crave cake, and nothing else will do, so I can't wait for these to become available!
I tried their Smoothies that you mix in the blender and wasn't impressed, though. Yet, several people at my meetings rave about them.
Oh yes, Jamie's eyes, Melanie, are quite deceptive! Her natural color eye is green and as she wears contacts, for an extra $5.00 for a six month supply we could get her the special blue contacts that make her eyes blue. She just LOVES this look. Also, just last week she got her hair permed to make it look wavy all the time. I think it makes her face look less "round" and gives her a thinner appearance. I do think she is a very pretty girl. As I said, her face is deceptive, as she still needs to lose about 20 more pounds according to the doctor's office and ww. She was 162 pounds and only 5'1 1/2" and should be about 135, at least, especially for a 13 year old. She is looking so much better, though, even with just exercise to tone herself up. She has stopped wearing those baggy oversized clothes to cover herself up with as well. I do hope, as our budget is very tight, that she will be able to do what ww calls "shop her closet" soon. Have you all heard that phrase? It means being able to go through one's closet and actually wear clothing that one hasn't worn in a long time that has been hanging there, unused! I have some of that stuff to wear as well!
Well, will post after the weigh in!
Also, on the old thread there was a newcomer right before we switched after running out of space, has anyone heard from her? Don't want her to think that we left becuase of her.
Linda

hi everyone!

Well I have got back from my weekend away in London at my neices wedding. And if shedding tears counted for anything, I would have lost about 10 pounds! However, I more than made up for it with the excesses of gorgeous food and free alcohol! The wedding was amazing, truly beautiful. It was set in a huge georgian mansion house: here.....

http://www.activehotels.com/photos/218682/AAB218682.jpg

http://www.activehotels.com/hotels/index.php3?section=index&hotelid=218682&trkref=MDF&LANGUAGE=en&subid=

and the wedding took place outside just in front of the white pillars, the bride and groom standing just inside them, and luckily the weather was perfect for the day. And as soon as I saw my neice I bawled!

Anyway, like I say - lots to eat and drink so for the next 2 days until the weigh in I am on damage limitation!

Good luck to everyone else, Linda - nice to see you back, when I get a bit more time I shall look forward to looking at your holiday photos.

will be back soon,
take care all
Fiona

Fiona, that place looks incredible! What a wonderful setting for a wedding! At least you've got a few days before you weigh in!
I went today and did gain .2, not too bad for a vacation week and I plan on taking all that off asap!
Will post more later on or tomorrow.
Linda

Hi, Fiona, that place looks fantastic, why, oh why thought, do weddings have to always have so much fab food on offer. Can spoil a wonderful diet very easily! I'm sure you will overcome all though, and any gains will soon be losses.
Linda, .2 is nothing. Over here, It wouldn't even count as a gain. Just consider yourself the same as before you went, and next week it will be gone, and more besides. How did Jamie do? She does great to be wearing contacts at 13. I am a dispenser in an optical practice, and very rarely do people as young as that go for lenses over here - not always responsible enough to look after them properly is the usual excuse. I do have a few patients that are the same age as Jamie, and they are usually the ones with old heads on young shoulders. Good luck to her. I couldn't bare the thought to be honest. I teach people to insert and remove lenses every day, and I couldn't wear them. I can do it, but I'd rather not, if you know what I mean. Give me Spex any time!
Anyway, it's my WI tomorrow evening, but I will be back before then. See ya later.
Oh, by the way, Natalie, don't worry if you have put on a little, it's only natural at times like these, but just don't see it as a setback and give up. Now you have started keep going. Things do have a habit of righting themselves eventually.
Ok, I really am going now. Bye.

Hello Everyone! Just taking a moment to pop in. But I only have a moment to spare. Gotta get some paperwork ready ASAP.

Linda - Wow! .2 is really nothing. Just means you had some earwax or needed to blow your nose! I hope Jamie did equally well.

Fiona - The mansion is beautiful. I would have liked an outdoor wedding, but couldn't imgine not being married inside the church. Mmmm... Bet you did get some yummy food. Oh, well. You can get right back on track.

I saw a picture of Dawny! If anybody is wondering, no third eye! Real cute gal right there! And AJ is an absolute dollbaby!!! He looks like a very happy guy.

Oops, time's up. Gotta go.

More later, I hope.

And where was that photo of Dawny, Melanie? Enquiring minds need to know!
Yes, Jamie did well. I could have sworn I mentioned that, sorry!
She lost another 1.4 pounds and now is up to 5.6 total loss. She's looking so much better and is quite proud of herself! I am so proud she was able to do that on vacation. For those of us who are not in our teens, like her, the weigh comes off ever so much more slowly, doesn't it? : )
Over here, it is not uncommon for kids Jamie's age to have contacts but our doctor won't prescipe anything other than disposables at her age. She has no problem with inserting them and cleaning them, etc. I used to wear them myself, for years, but can't any longer. I'd need bi-focal contacts, which I think would be a pain!
Also, I had Lyme Disease years ago and somehow my eyes have changed due to that, not sure why, though. I wear glasses and put up with them, though I love contacts. Nothing like buying sunglasses "off the rack" and also going out in the rain without getting one's glasses all wet! Oh well.
Had a decent day yesterday as far as eating, but today may be harder. I have a quilt meeting this morning and baked a blueberry coffee cake (a 3FC recipe, by the way!) to bring along. It's 5 points a serving, so I am going to try skipping breakfast or only having one thing (maybe fruit or cheese?) before I go so that my breakfast points are using on this yummy looking thing! I'll let you guys know how it comes out, but the recipe in here on this web site, I just printed it out and made it. It uses non fat sour cream and only egg whites.
Well, off I got to exercise!
Linda

Hi all, another WI day is here again, can't decide how I have done this week. I've been pretty good I think, doesn't always mean I've lost though, so we'll find out later. Just having a light lunch at the moment, some melba toasts, 1 point for 6, some extra light philadelphia cheese, a little wafer thin ham, and a special K cereal bar - and lots of water of course. That should keep me going until tonight after the meeting. I get in about 7pm, then sort AJ out at bedtime, then cook dinner. Hopefully, I won't feel too starving by then, otherwise I could well either eat the entire contents of kitchen fridge and cupboard, or order a take out! A baked potato would be far healthier.
Hi Linda, Jamie lost on vacation. That is just amazing. She is obviously getting into the WW thing now, and as she can now see its effects, she should be able to keep going, no probs! Bifocal contact lenses are not really any different to wear than standard single vision, they are weighted usually so you automatically look through the correct part of the lens. There are other alternatives too, I find though, that generally, whereas some people will very easily settle into these complex lenses, others can't cope with the difference in vision. Can be good for social wear though.
By the way, the photos that Melanie saw, She asked me if I'd email a couple - I totally see your point about liking the anonymous feel to posting on here, I like it too, however, curiosity does get the better of me sometimes, and as I am somewhat of a nosey person, can't resist taking a little peek. Sometimes it can be nice to put a face to a name, sometimes its good to let the imagination run riot instead. Thanks for the compliments Melanie, I asked AJ if he was a 'dollbaby', he didn't look impressed! I was though. Thanks.
I went through my closet this morning, and am proud to announce that a very old, grotty pair of jeans that I wore when I was 18(I don't know why I've kept them that long, the style is not one I would wear now at all!) I managed to get them to fit. They didn't fit well, a little over 'snug' perhaps, but they fastened and made my tummy look very flat!!! I don't think I will wear them in the near future, but the smile it put on my face this morning was one to see!
Oh, before I forget, just thought I'd mention that I have been persuaded by one of my friends to do an abseil for charity! :fr: I've never done it before, I'm scared to death, but It's in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Fund, so very worthwhile. I think if she had asked me a few months ago, I wouldn't have had the confidence to accept, but now I feel much better about myself, I just thought WHY NOT? I think it's at the end of september, so I have time to psych myself up. The last time I lost alot of weight, in 1997, I did a tandem skydive for charity. This was the most frightening day of my life, and I swore I wouldn't ever do anything like it again, especially as I now have AJ, but earlier in the year, I lost a dear friend to cancer, and my granny is very poorly with it too. How can I not do my little bit to help? Wish me luck. :crossed:
Anyway, I'll go and finish my lunch, and will see ya later.

Hi all!
I'm not doing well. I eat more than I'm supposed to, and don't count points. I really don't know what's wrong with me, I stay faithful to the program for 2 days, then binge, then healthy again. It's not about the loss of my friend, I know that, and it's no excuse. I should get back on track. I really avoid weighing myself cos I'm so afraid that the weight has crept up back again. :( I'll probably weigh myself on Sunday morning, before we leave for vacation. I'll be good until Sunday and be extra careful during my vacation. Sorry for the rant, I really need to get my motivation and enthusiasm back. I know I can do it, cos I really, really want to lose that weight!


Natalie

Hi, quick note only, as dinner is on its way! .5 off tonight, maybe a little unexpected this week, as although I've been good, I didn't feel as if it had done much. pleased though.
Natalie, keep going girl. As for motivation, just think what you had already lost, and why you decided to do WW in the first place. Put your possible gains down to experience and just move on to the next phase. It's never easy to lose weight, but it can get easier. Stick with it, we're with you every step of the way.

Anyway, gotta go. Back tomorrow.

Linda – Wow! Jamie is doing well. I bet she was thrilled to have made that much of a loss while on vacation! Super! Super! How was the quilt meeting? Did you stay in control of your muchies? How was the cake?

Dawny the Daredevil – I did not recognize the term “abseil,” so I looked it up. Oh, my! It looks like something I would absolutely love, if I wasn’t deathly afraid of heights!! I would be tempted to just give them a check! And skydiving? You are going to be one sassy grandmother! Though, I am one of those people who could not fathom jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. You can tell AJ that “dollybaby” is a strong compliment where I am from! :lol: You never know what will come out of a Southerner’s mouth as a term of endearment. It is great to lose weight and not even feel like you were trying! Good job!

Natalie – I’m sorry that you are having such a tough time staying on track. Do you have a certain routine that you use to journal? I usually eat at home, so I grab my journal after each meal. Have you tried planning your meals a day in advance? Have you though of trying a WW points tracker bracelet? If you could narrow down the reasons for your slips, you could guard yourself against them. But it is great that you want to keep trying. If you want to reach that goal, you can do it!

I have WI tonight. At about 3:30 I had a McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt and small dt. Soda to help me wait until dinner (about 8:30 tonight). Do you think that would affect my 6:30 WI much? If I don’t have some little snack, I am miserable during the Bible Study and just thinking about having dinner. We WI at about 6:30 and then do a class from 7 – 8. I try to start cooking dinner before I go and finish afterwards.

Well, I’ve hit the 1 hour home-stretch. Lots of stuff to wrap up each workday that makes the last hour a breeze.

I’ll report my WI later!

Good evening everyone!
What is abseil? Dawny, just be careful!
So good you got into those jeans, I have a pair of Calvin Klein jeans with no elastic waist that are just about ready to zip up all the way on me - Couldn't get them past my hips a little while ago, so it will be soon. Another NSV (non scale victory! for you Dawny!
I have two seperate NSVs today. Two different people at the quilt group spoke to me seperately and commented that "I looked good" and "have you lost weight", wow two in one morning! It set me off for the day on a positive note.
I did well with the blueberry coffee cake, it is a 3FC recipe and people didn't know it was low fat! I got asked to share the recipe!
Here is a link to the recipe if any of you would like to try it:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/cookbook/viewrecipe/553
It's really good, 5 points is high, but I made it my breakfast and had nothing to eat before going to the 9:00 am meeting. Eating that cake was great, everyone cut pieces of it and sat around chatting with coffee and kept exclaiming about how good it was! My kind of morning to be sure!
I just love when women get together for a good cause (men too I guess, but in this case we happen to be all female) and are from all walks of life, but find a common bond with their charitable works and bond! We are all friends who would never have met if it weren't for our common interest.
Our meeting went well. I am the leader of this group and we make quilts for homeless people and we also make quilts for children with cancer. I feel so good when I go and my own problems seem to dissapear when I do this great work. I am "honored" to do this work, in fact, if that makes sense. It feels kind of "holy" when I deliver these quilts and know the positive effect that they can have.
Natalie, I wish there was something I could do or say to help you get back on track and feel better. Just keep on posting here and don't give up trying! If you slip, come right back to us. WE as a group have all collectively been right in the same place you are in, I cannot tell you how many days I have started off right on program and blown it, big time, as the day has progress. You are human, forgive yourself and don't give up! You can do this.
I don't think you realize this, but I think the loss of your friend is still very much with you, it's only been a couple of weeks. Try to do something physical each day, get out in the sunshine and be around people - experience life! Your friend that passed on would want you to do that, I know! Losing a beloved friend is something that doesn't pass all that quickly, this wound is still quite fresh. I find that emotional eating is really a HUGE thing for me and I don't even realize when I am doing it. It makes you feel like you are failing as well, but please don't think that. I have thought that way too. I have kind of trained myself (and am totally not sure if I'm there yet, either) to recognize what triggers emotional eating or boredom eating. Sometimes, when I want something sweet, I am almost ready to "jump out of my skin" and am almost frenzied, like a drug addict or something. If I get this feeling, I have on a few occasions gone and brushed my teeth and drank a big glass of water. The minty taste of the toothpaste and the water seem to make me feel the craving a bit less. If about 10 or 15 minutes go by and I still am going nuts, I have something that I am craving, as I know I just MUST give in to it.
Try very hard to find low point substitutes for the things you crave, though, as well when you get the urge to binge. Take it one step at a time! You'll get there, I know you want it very badly! A good example of a low point substitute would be sugar free hot cocoa mix if you want chocolate and a chocolate rice cake. I think that would make only a 2 point snack, but you would feel satisfied. I Hershey chocolate bar might be 6 points, but if you ate it maybe you would be beating yourselp up for it later on? If you had a 2 point alternative, even one of those ww bars or a slim fast bar, you would feel better that you found something that was a treat, but made the better choice????? Good luck, we are cheering you on here!!!!
Melanie, good luck with the weigh in! Hope it goes well. I think it's harder weighing in when one goes to evening meetings! I always weigh more in the evenings, but I suppose if you always weighed in at evening meetings you would be showing losses, but just at a higher point during your day?
Linda

Thank you all so much for your support! Noone else knows I'm trying to lose weight, so you are the only ones I can turn to for help and support. Just reading your posts about your losses and NSVs gives me enough motivation. Today was a good day, stayed within points. Thank you so much girls, you're a great group of people. My main motivation is the fact that I desperately want to lose weight, I feel like I've lost so much precious time, and I really want to enjoy myself and life and be as I want to be. Well, that's enough. Take care all and congrats to the "losers"!!


Natalie

Natalie - great to see that you are keeping that positive attitude. Like the thread says, this is a journey. Sometimes we will have potholes on that path. That's why we are here. Looks like you had a good day. Tomorrow, you can have another one.

Linda - From what I saw on the website I found abseiling is like repelling. Going down a building, bridge, or cliff with a harness and cord. Brave girl, that Dawny! I'm glad you have found your quilting group. It sounds like a great group to of ladies and such a great cause! It is good to have something that you can look forward to that you know will be uplifting.

Well, I'm very pleased to announce that my WI was GREAT! Lost 2.2#, so that put me over the 20# mark! Yippee! Another little dancing guy to entertain! I was whining this morning because I have clothing that is either too tight or too frumpy. Hee-hee, won't belong until I shop my closet again.

I have heard may times that nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. I have always been overweight so, that never really sunk in. After getting rid of 20#, I am starting to believe it is true. I'm far from thin, but I know how much better I feel already.

My love to everyone!

Greetings!!

Just a quickie - I need to get my dog out for a walk...

Good to hear from all of you, and Natalie, I'm really pleased you aren't giving in - YOU GO GIRL!!! And Melanie, congrats on reaching another goal!

I had my weigh in and after the excesses of the wedding at the weekend, I am afraid to say that I.......










lost 2.5 pounds! I was in shock, but am feeling really pleased :)

Anyway, just keeps me more motivated - I have a holiday in the middle of september so if I can lose about 12 pounds by the time I go I will be very happy....

I'll try to get back later, Fiona xxx

Hi, everyone has had another great WI this week by the looks of it.

Melanie, hi, 2.2 is wonderful news, and I still just love those dancing 'animals', are they sheep? Anyway, you were right about the abseil, I'm surprised I spelt it properly actually, but yes, I will be going down the side of our Sheffield United football stadium apparantly. I now know that it's the first weekend of October, so plenty of time to prepare. It's given me a good bit of motivation, no-one will want to see my big butt over the top of the building, so double fast losses for a while - well I can hope can't I?
Linda, your work with your quilting sounds very rewarding. It's a warm feeling inside to know that you are helping others with things you enjoy. I will be careful with the abseil, but I'm led to believe it's very safe - I'm sure they are right!
Natalie, keep going girl.
Fiona, great loss once again. It makes you wonder why we lose so much when we've had a good pig out, doesn't it. Makes a good weekend become great. fab news.
Well, off for now, just a quick visit tonight, back tomorrow, see ya later.

Great work Fiona. You must have been a very good girl except for the wedding. I love those little surprises.

Careful, Dawny. By October, the wind may just carry you away! You will have to ask them for some weight on your harness!

Well, I am struggling with a plain old bad day. Woke up late and have been a step behind the rest of the day. Tonight I have been invited to my sister-in-law's house for dinner and scrapbooking. I was first told we would order pizza, but I heard she is making lasagna. Eek! I am going to call and confirm that info. If so, I am going to politely decline and eat something else. I just don't like it enough to use that many points, especially since I had the Lean Cuisine version earlier this week. Wish me luck. The bad part is that SIL and another lady coming tonight are also in my weight loss group at church. They just aren't taking it very seriously.

Well, back to work with me. It's strange how sleepy I feel because I overslept. I just didn't wake up properly.

Melanie, exactly how are you getting those dancing "creatures" to appear for you? I've wanted to ask for a long time. They are so cute! I know there are features on this web site I have not even begun to explore.
Natalie, maybe you should share you intent to lose weight with some close friends or family? It might be helpful to you if people understand, that way they can help you and applaud your efforts. Something to think about.
I am finding that having my daughter to share this with is helping me as well. I don't feel competitive at all, it's not that. It's that there are times when I am "low" and want to blow it and I see her trying so hard to stay on track, it makes me feel a bit more motivated.
I was on track yesterday and saw the scale go UP a pound this morning. I hate those fluctuations and, I am, as I have mentioned in the past, addicted to weighing myself several times a day. I can't help myself. I am going to cut and (in proper point sized pieces) and freeze the rest of that blueberry coffee cake this morning. It's supposed to be 5 points, but maybe I overindulged by having it two days in a row? I planned for it and it was my only breakfast for two days. I have been usually having a 3 point breakfast, though. I have tried to exercise and do everything I should be doing otherwise, but who knows? I did have ham for dinner on Tuesday night, so this small gain could be sodium? I save higher sodium meals for the nights right after weigh in, and never, ever, have them the night before for sure! Little "tricks of the trade" I've learned over the year. So, maybe the one pound gain is from the ham?
Melanie and Fiona, great losses! I'm impressed, particularly when one of you had a wedding to go to, wow!
Well, for me, it's a day of "catch up" my house looks like a cyclone went through it and I have many things to do around here. I will work out and get down to business!
Have a great day, and a safe day everyone!
Linda

Yeah, you have a point Linda. The thing is, I don't want to tell anyone that I'm dieting, cos then I'd be very stressed cos I feel that everyone will have high expectations from me and ask me about it all the time, you know "how much you've lost?", "are you sure you're allowed to eat this?" and so on. I've decided to tell my mother only when she noticed a change in my weight. If she asks me if I'm dieting or comments that I've lost weight, I will tell her the truth. I just don't want the pressure others put on people on a diet, even if they do it meaning no harm.

Good Morning! Well, I survived last night’s scrapbooking get-together. We ended up having spaghetti and breadsticks. I didn’t go overboard with the bread and skipped dessert (had a little light ice cream at home).

Linda – the dancers are one of the Smilie options. In the lower left-hand corner is a box titled Posting Rules. There is the word Smilie in blue and underlined. Click on that and you will get a list of all the guys. :yes: :no: :shrug:

I understand the scale addiction. My most tempting times are the day before and day of WI. I check morning noon and night. But, unfortunately, my weight swings around more than my mood. At one WI, I found I had lost about a pound. While we were standing around talking, I decided that I would check again to see if it was lower. It said I hadn’t lost anything! I decided to keep the first one! :p So, don’t worry too much about one reading.

Natalie – I understand wanting to keep it to yourself right now. One reason I would do that in the past was that I would think that trying to lose weight meant admitting to everyone that there was something wrong with me. So, I would try to make it no big deal. And, since I was only accountable to me – I found some good excuses to eat whatever I wanted! Doing this on your own is super hard. We’ll be here whenever you need. Oh, and I’m real good at lectures too; ask if you ever need a stern talking to about a twinkie! :drill:

Since I have an optometrist appointment today, I’m leaving work 2 hours early. :cb: That makes the day go by much faster. And I get my weekend earlier too. I still go to the doc in my hometown 30 miles away. They have a Super Wal-Mart, so I am going to do my grocery shopping for the week and look for the new WW cakes and muffins I have read about. Have any of you tried them?

I must go work now. :dizzy: wish me luck :dizzy:

Natalie – I understand wanting to keep it to yourself right now. One reason I would do that in the past was that I would think that trying to lose weight meant admitting to everyone that there was something wrong with me. So, I would try to make it no big deal. And, since I was only accountable to me – I found some good excuses to eat whatever I wanted! Doing this on your own is super hard. We’ll be here whenever you need. Oh, and I’m real good at lectures too; ask if you ever need a stern talking to about a twinkie! :drill:




Yeah, that too. I dread admitting to others that I'm dieting cos it'd be like admitting to them that I'm fat. I know it probably sounds a bit silly, but I have this problem with friends, not so much with my family. I'm trying to do it on my own, so that's why I love this forum!

Hi there gang,
Seeing a few familiar names so guessing this is the place to be postin again!!

Someone mentioned a new WW program....anyone want to fill me in on that?? I hadn't heard anything about it....and frankly don't know if I'm up for a change again.....kinda missing things about the last change. I miss banking pts....how sad is that with all the flex pts....lol.

Been sticking to my exercise goal, and feeling really good about things...food, exercise, water....life!! Can hardly wait for each weekly weigh in and meeting!!! And despite loving Fall....I will be sad to see the sunshine season coming to an end before we know it. My newest reward has been laying out in my pool in the afternoons.....I know, I know....skin cancer.....but then again....being fat/ skin cancer/ getting hit by a truck.....it all could happen, but might as well doing what makes you feel good, and it's the best relaxation technique I love right now....plus...not eating when I'm out in the pool....although I keep my water bottle with me.
Going away for the weekend....will check back in here on Monday!!
Michelle

Michelle, Good to hear from you and that you are doing so well. I think you stopped posting for a while, right about the time I started my addiction. But, I remember your screen name. I loved it.

I read a post on the new program that is under WW at home. Check there for a description. But, the good news is that you won't HAVE to change. People will now have the choice of FP or the new program (completely different).

Hope you have a good weekend.

Well, the weekend is almost here again, and that means 2 more days of time at home, and more food around the place. Hopefully I can contain myself, and stop myself from going too mad. Not done too bad today. I did have some mini 'cheddars' with my lunch, and for once, the 3.5 points didn't seem too much to spend on half a dozen little snacks! I NEEDED those today, and yes, I enjoyed them very much. Just have to be careful for the rest of the day!
Hi Natalie. I've always hated anyone knowing my weight, but not so bothered about who knows I'm trying to lose it. My sister is the opposite though. I've mentioned before how much she has lost, about 70 or so pounds, but for a long time, I was the only person that she told. Again, she doesn't want anyone to make her feel a failure if it doesn't work out - again. Or to say, 'I told you so'. Once she had lost a substantial amount, there was no getting away from the fact, and everyone knew. She's only 5ft1 like me, so every pounds shows. Everyone now is so proud of her achievement, but I know if she had only lost a bit, and then gained it all again, there are certain people that would be only too happy to say things like 'I told you diets don't work' and similiar. Why don't you just tell your mum now a little bit of what you would like to achieve, just to have one person to keep you on the straight and narrow, apart from us of course, but drop in to the conversation that you have been concerned how others might react, and could she please keep it to herself. If anyone will understand, it should be your mum. It can be more awkward with friends, so maybe just wait until the first one mentions that you are looking good today, or what is different about you, or even the magical 'have you lost weight?'. Good luck.
Fat girl, I don't think we've met before but nice to get together, and thanks for coming in on our little group. We'll all get stuck in together and shift those excess pounds.
Melanie, hi, how did your optometrist visit go? Mine was only ok. Of course I do work with mine, and it's just not the same! Did you get the new cakes or muffins, I wonder if they are the same ones as here. I find they are quite nice, most of them, a bit pricey, and not always worth the points, unless I'm in a desperate cake mood, but better than and equivelent of double the points. I like the WW 'strawberry moussecake'. If you don't have those, a bit like cheese cake, but not. nice though.
Oh, I don't think I'll blow away when my bit of bravado kicks in, it could be a Very long time before that happens. People keep saying to me, 'you don't want to lose much more do you, you can lose too much you know'!!! What do they know. If someone has never been overweight, how can they possibly know how much we want to lose, we aren't stupid, and are pretty unlikely to overdo it! We obviously like our food too much for that. But lets just make them jeolous when we look better than them eh?!!
Linda hi, thanks. Good to know we are all real people out there. I'm a scale watcher too. I think we must all be. Again, I'm a morning, noon and night kinda gal, especially around WI. And why must our weight fluctuate so much anyway?
anyway, gotto go, back tomorrow hopefully, see ya later.

Michelle, Michelle!!!!! So good to find you back with us again!!!! I missed you girl!
Sounds like you are well and making progress!!! I heard about the "new" program as well and that is will be given to us all very soon, no official date was given. All I know is that this new program will be different and people will be given a choice of which one to follow, meaning the current type or the new one. Supposedly this new program (might be really good for you as you don't like journalling) is a no journalling type of thing, I think. I might try it WHEN I get to maintenance (which I most certainly will acheive!). So good to have you back. Have a great weekend! I just HAVE to journal to be true to myself and really key into what I am eating, if I stop journally, I "lose it" and am off program.
Melanie, I am a bit short on time this morning as it's nice and cool out and I want to get out and do some yard work for a change - and I can earn points by doing it, a big plus! But, I will go and look at the place you mentioned so I can have those cute little animated "guys" of my own. I like Chachee's (who sadly isn't posting here anymore) moo cows that she puts one up for every 5 pounds she's lost, and she's got tons of them up there now! She's doing well!
The scrapbooking craze is something I have not quite been able to "understand" in terms of wondering how many scrapbooks can a person own, or make. Yet, there was a huge convention of scrapbooking vendors and people in NH that was on the news not long ago and they said something like 5,000 people attended. There is a new shop that has opened in town totally dedicated to scrapbooking, can't believe there is enough business to keep them going, but obviously I am missing some point? Maybe you can enlighten me, Melanie, as to why I would want to make these?
I did make one scrap book for my parents 50th wedding anniversary long before it was a "fad" to make them. I sent out invitations to their party and asked that instead of a gift that people find an old photo or momento of my parents and write a note to them with memories in it. I gave each person that responded to this request a page. I even was sent a clipping of my mom and dad's original engagement announcement that was in the the paper in 1945, sent from my aunt. People sent amazing photos of them in their dating years at beaches, at ski logdes, roller skating as a "couple" (they met when he was her roller skating instructor, kind of cute!) places I never dreamed my parents would have gone before being married and having my sister and I - What, they had a LIFE before me???? Interesting concept! My own kids often find it amazing when my husband and I talk of life before THEM as well! Hard to imagine us younger and more active and vibrant, particularly when one didn't have kids to spend all one's money on, ahem!
Natalie, when you are ready, I think you need to "come clean" with people. You might find they can totally relate to you. Maybe if you pick one person that you know needs to lose weight too and share with them, at first, they might even join in with you. But sharing with a person who is also overweight could help them as well? But, don't be surprised if this person might be in "denial" of their own weight problem, happily eating their way through french fries (crisps to the UK) and gaining one pound after another. We all face facts and hit "rock bottom" at different times.
I think having "partners", as we all are as well, (thank goodness for you guys!!!!) can be really helpful. Let's face it, America is truly "Fatland", in fact I have a book out of the library that is about this. A friend to share you successes and failures with is important. If you can only do this with us, for now, though, that is totally ok, whatever works for you! We're so glad you are with us.
Food is so abundant in our society and we are all "bred" to eat as part of our entertainment vs. eating to live. I had a learning experience recently that I would like to share that proves this point! Seems I can't go to the movies without having the usual buttered popcorn. I was really upset when we went to see Spiderman II and we ended up late for the movie, arriving just in time to get our seats before the movie began. I stood for a few seconds in a very long concession line as I NEEDED my popcorn, which is probably about 9 points. I just HAD to have it and in my head it was justified "cheating" as I was at a movie and that is what I just DO when I go, period. My husband kept looking at me like "what are you doing, you'd miss the movie we paid big bucks to see just for the popcorn?" and I finally, truly angry, abandonded my place in line. I found that I actually enjoyed that movie, but the smell of everyone elses popcorn drove me crazy, I felt I was deprived the entire time. Food had become part of the entire entertainment experience for me and it wasn't complete without it. I can watch a movie at home without this "treat" though, pretty odd.
So, after the movie, we went out to dinner and I had a fairly low point choice. I came home, satisfied with myself and wondered about my "feelings" regarding this "necessary" food that seemed to be so much a part of this experience.
Interestingly enough, I didn't modify my behaviour as I saw Shrek II a few weeks later and still had the popcorn, but had a diet coke at least with it. I used my flex points, wrote it in my journal and enjoyed every mouthful, to be honest.
So, my point is that in America (and in the UK probably as we have a few people from here posting) are we so conditioned by society to think of food differently vs. just needing it to love and being healthy. We (me especially) have been bred to be gluttons! How many holidays can you think of that you relate specific foods to? Christmas, Hannakuh? (sp?), Easter, Passover, Kwanza, and especially in the US, Thanksgiving - a day I treasure but it's all about the food to our society!
Dawny, I haven't seen those ww cakes yet, I am dying to try them! I'm a real cake lover and it's something I crave! I did try making what is called a "soda cake" that uses diet soda with a boxed cake mix and it just wasn't the same. I want frosting and ice cream on top - way, way bad girl stuff! So, for now, I am best abstaining - but the ww ones sound like it might be good for someone like me!
People who warn you "don't lose too much more weight" amaze me as it was said to me in the past (no yet this time, but this is the LAST time for me to go through this, I hope!). If one goes to ww, though, they have the safe weight ranges based on height and their staff work with doctors and many doctors work for them. They consult with insurance professionals on "death rates" (sad to think of that part, but let's face it being overweight is just NOT healthy) and the ranges they set for us are truly what is best. If someone says something like that to you again, please do tell them the proper range for your weight, age, etc. is established by doctors, etc. It's true! The top of my range is 136, I want to get to that at least! I am now hovering at about 151ish and it's so tough to break that 150 pound barrier for me. When I do get down into the the 140s, there was be such a loud "ya-hoo" that the UK people will probably hear it all the way across "the pond"!
The scale watcher within me needs a name, a name that represents someone who can't stop compusively watching and counting things. I am trying to think of an alter ego name (maybe from a movie) of a character who is like this and can't help themselves. This is truly me, hopping on and off that silly piece of equipment several times a day. I made joking remarks that it is my personal "step areobics" program in the past, I do it so often! It was mortified at the end of the day, yesterday, when I was 155, but the day started, in my lightweight nightgown as 150. The 155 was fully dressed after eating all the meals of the day. I am nuts! Why do I put myself through this? I've tried putting the scale in the closet, and find myself sneaking over to the door and taking it out to weigh myself. I can't bring myself to get rid of the scale, either, no way.
Maybe it's just something I need to accept and maybe, one day, when I reach the top of my range, I'll settle down a bit!
Oh well, no one said I was perfect!
Linda in NH where the sun shines and it's beutiful this moring!

Linda, you sound like Jack Nicholson from As good as it gets!! :D
My scales are certainly not working well, I weighed myself this morning, the last weigh-in before my holidays, and I've actually lost 4 lbs!! This can't be true, can it? I mean, is it possible with a few cheat days, to actually lose 4 pounds?? I don't mean the occasional dessert or snack, I had entire days way over my points. Since the day my friend's brother died I haven't weighed myself (that's about 2 weeks) and some days were within points, others were totally over. Please, tell me the truth, can the scales possibly be right? Could I have lost 4 lbs?? I highly doubt it...

Hi people, I've just got up and the sun is shining, it's gonna be a lovely day!
I got on my scales this morning too. For some reason, they showed me to be under the magical 140 mark! I can barely take the smile off my face. Now I know that by now, about 1.5 hours later it could be showing a good couple of pounds different, but who cares. By wedsnesdays WI, I know that it will be nowhere near that, as the meeting scales are usually 3 pounds different to mine, but I know that in the back of my mind, at least the figure now seems in reach.
Natalie, as regards your scale victory, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't have lost 4 pounds, even with a good few 'bad' days, I sometimes find that the good days definitely ofset the bad ones, and occasionally the bad days seem to boost the metabolism a bit, pushing a few more pounds off than expected. That probably makes no sense whatsoever, it is quite early here! I know what I mean! Accept the 4 pounds with pride, and enjoy your vacation as much as you can. Relax, get your head together and you will full of life again when you return.
Linda and Melanie, hope you are both having a fab weekend. Hope you are having good weather to spend with your families, and make the most of good 'quality' time.
I need a bit of quality time at the moment. A few arguments with hubby last couple of days. Hopefully nothing I can't handle, but making me feel a bit down in the dumps. Trying to stop myself resorting to comfort eating, but with the fine weather, maybe we will get out a bit, and take our minds off our troubles. Went for a lovely long walk last night. It was a nice warm evening, so we stopped off at a little pub nearby, it's hundreds of years old, and very nice, we had a little drink but AJ was falling asleep so we had to cut it short. Nice for a while though
Anyway, I'll go for now, back later,

Hello Everyone! I'm back.Been a terrible time here.I did try to send one post,but the computer kicked me out.When I tried to send it.Well the step-daughter has been visiting her Mom since June 12.Two days before we were to go get her(July 31).Her Mom sent an e-mail that she wanted to stay down there.It has been terrible.She wouldn't even say it to her Dad.I was told it was none of my business(by her Mom).I'm just guilty of loving her.It breaks her Dad's heart.I hurt for him and Aric.There are two other children there,also.Aric doesn't know them,but she is his Sissy.They live in Georgia.We don't get to see the other two much.Now he will forget her.Where he's so little.She will be 17 next month.Old enough to know what she wants.Mom lives in town.The closest "town" to us is 12 miles.There are other kids her age.Plus her sister and two brothers(1 little one from Mom's 2nd mariage.He's 5)Plus Mom has money to do. I work at Wal-mart and Dad's a mechanic in a small garage.Not alot to play with.We miss her terribly.She says she can't talk right now.She is tired of hurting people.It still hurts none the least.Thanks for letting me ramble.I missed class last week.I got off at 3:00 and class isn't until 6:00.To far to come home and go back.I work 23 miles from home.WW is there in town.I expect a gain.First on vacation. Then all of this.It's getting better each day.I just need to get my head on straight.Get back to everything I know I should be doing.I have been catching up with you guys the last couple of days.Fantasic Losses!!!Great job everybody!!! Hope to be right there with you,maybe next week. Once again Thanks for listening.

Hello, me again. This is my last post before I leave for my short vacation. Sadly, I won't have internet access over there, I'll try to find a net cafe. I'll do my best to eat healthily, as it's impossible for me to count points over there. I'll do a lot of walking, so I hope this can balance it a bit. :angel: I wish the scales were right this morning (re:my previous post), I'm dreading my next weigh-in after a week of vacation! Well, take care all, have a great week, a great weigh-in and "see" you soon!! :dance:

Good morning to you all, It's raining today, summer has obviously been and gone, but it's still very warm, just had a cracking thunderstorm which woke up AJ (and me).
Dale, I understand your problem totally. Luckily for my husband and I, we have never had too many problems with my step daughters, they live with their mum, and aren't too far away from us. My sister though has stepkids also, and they have had nothing but problems from day one. It is heartbreaking for the kids involved more than anyone, especially the little ones, who don't really have a clue what is going on. I really feel for your little Aric, I'm sure he will end up though being able to get through all of this easier than anyone, because of his age, and the amazing resiliance they seem to have at that age. I'm a great believer in things happening for a reason, and I'm sure things will eventually seem ok. Good luck.
Natalie, hope you have a great vacation. 'see you' when you return.
I don't have to work today, so I may go shopping and see what there is out there for me to spend my 'imaginary' money on. If the weather picks up a little, I may also take AJ to the park in town, and feed the ducks and have a little walk. Either way, I intend to have a good day ahead. I wish everyone the same. Back later.

Good Morning. Well, it would be good if I could get rid of this headache I’ve had since yesterday! :headache:

I tried to post several times over the weekend, but my home PC was being mean again.

Linda – I agree with your statements about how we have been conditioned to look at food as entertainment. I can’t imagine a carnival without junk food, a movie without some popcorn, a holiday without a feast, or a date without dinner. But, what I really have to laugh at are the commercials. Food commercials are constantly on. Do people really get chicken because Dale Earnhart, Jr. does?!?! Give me a break!

Dale – I wish you the best with your family situation. I’m a domestic relations paralegal, so I can tell you that this kind of thing is extremely common. A lot of times the biggest reason the kids want to live with “the other” parent is because they feel like it is that parents “turn.” As you said, considering her age, it’s hard to say no – unless you feel that is what she wants you to do. My best friend has went through that with her daughter. She just felt obligated to go live with her dad (even though he is really a terrible person) and demanded she be allowed. Later, she thanked her mom for not letting her. I’m sure Aric will adjust through it just fine. Probably will have questions, but they seem to handle things so well. Good luck staying on track with all of this. Just remember that chocolate cake really won’t solve the problem! :no:

Natalie – Have fun on your holiday! You had a great loss! But don’t spend it all in one place! :lol:

Dawny – It is fun to weigh in the mornings just so you can get a look at that number! I started to this morning, but decided to weight until tomorrow (WI Eve). Sorry you have been fussing with DH. I hope things are better. My DH and me argue ALL the time, but I contribute a lot of that to the fact that we have only been married 5 months and are still learning. But then there are good moments like my breakfast in bed yesterday morning. Awwww…. :cloud9: But, I’m starting to miss the guy. He worked nights Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last week, was with a youth outing last night, is working tonight, discipleship tomorrow night, church Wednesday, then working Thursday and Friday nights this week! Urgh! That’s over a week without time at home together! However will we argue! :D But, I can’t complain too much because we really need the $ right now. We may even be able to afford him those socks he’s been wanting. :D I hope you do enjoy your day as you plan.

I didn’t do the best with my eating over the weekend. Besides TOM coming soon and me having the munchies, yesterday we went to a Chinese buffet. I made healthier choices, but still ate waaayyy too much. Really, my first big eating spree since I started 2 ½ months ago, so I’m not beating myself up over it. But, now wish I hadn’t done it. I’m going to try to stay OP today – Wednesday (WI) to make up for it.

Well, still have a headache. But, there is work to do.

Check back with ya’ll later!

Hi, me again, thought I'd pay another visit.
Hi Melanie, missed you over the weekend. What is it with headaches. I've had one ever since my long lasting cold a couple of weeks ago. Its a bad one that makes me feel quite dizzy when I stand up - my hubby thinks I'm always dizzy but I try not to comment too much on that one!!! I hope yours does feel better soon. Sounds like you enjoyed the chinese buffet. I just lurrrrve Chinese food. One of my downfalls I have to say. At least there are healthy choices to be made, however eating too much of these particular choices is also difficult. Well done for not going too mad! :eating2:
It my TOM just now, and boy, have I wanted to eat all day today. I'm already on 12 points, and still have the rest of the day to go. If I'm careful at dinner tonight, I might just scrape through on my 20 points (no flex points here don't forget) but I'm not making any bets on it just yet. Real munchies, crisps, cereal bars x 2, that's just for starters. Hopefully by dinner time, I won't be hungry any more and don't want much to eat - well I can live in hope can't I? :hungry:
Ok, suppose Its time to go for now. Do you know, I still can't get my head quite around the time differences between all of you guys. I never know when you will be posting. I'm gonna have to check it out. See ya later.

Sure wish I had seen that Jack Nicholson movie, As good as it gets, so I know what you say I sound like, Natalie! I would take that 4 pounds and "run with it" if that is what your scale says!
I agree with what Dawny said abut the scales, Natalie! Accept the four pounds with joy! If people around you aren't being told you are trying to lose weight, they wil surely start to notice.
Wonder why it is that the WW scales always seem to be, from what just about everyone says, about 3 pounds higher than a "home" type of scale? Dawny says this, I say this and have heard it from so many others!
I didn't post much this past weekend as I was out a great deal of the time, and being "out" for me, means trouble! We ate dinner out on Saturday night and had take out food last night. We went to a car show and a fair.... ate Kettle popped popcorn thinking it was a lower point choice than "fried dough" or "funnel cake" as it is called. Yet, when I used the points finder, I found out 3 cups of that popcorn was 4 points, not as good a choice as I thought.
I had prime rib when we went out to dinner, but went for the "seasonal vegetables" vs. baked potato or fries. I chose lite dressing on my salad for two nights in a row as well.
I am nervous about gaining again this week. Last week, I gained .2 after my vacation and my scales have been all over the place this week - so who knows? I'll find out tomorrow!
Take care everyone!
Linda

One more thing, Dale, sorry I missed your remarks. Welcome back and hang in!
Linda

Hi again, can't keep away today. You do love your popcorn don't you linda? Can't say I'm that keen, which is probably just as well. You found the extra smilies I notice! I hope the piggies mean that you feel less of one with every 5 pounds lost!
As good as it gets is a great movie, get it on dvd or something, it's wonderful, funny, sad all at the same time.
Oh well, short and sweet for now, just like me!!!

Hey gang,
Wasn't that great of a weekend.....we went to visit relatives in Wisconsin....yeah the state of never-ending cheese and bars....so that should tell you right there how the weekend was....I tried to be good when I could off and on, but to no avail I did kick back and have a good time. Today though it's all back to business.....and it hasn't been a problem whatsoever. Been in my cleaning and organizing mood again....been moving heavy furniture, so that's gotta be burning some extra calories...hehe. Well don't have a lot to say....just thought I"d check in!
Michelle

Hello everyone. Just wanted to drop in for a quick post.

Linda - Good luck on the WI! I love that popcorn too! The KY State Fair is coming up and I am sure to eat a few not so good for me things, but that is something else I connect with food. Can't go to the fair and not have a roasted turkey leg for lunch!

I am proud of me because I did the full 60 min work out video last night, instead of my shorter tapes. Boy, was I sweatin'! Hope it shows at tomorrow's WI. It is the end of the 10 week session and then the next week we start a new study and get new members too. I would like to end chapter 1 on a good note! We will also do our measurements tomorrow night. I'm interested to see that too.

Funny. Aunt Flo came to visit this morning, but DH acted like he got the PMS today. Hope it passes quicker for men. :lol:

BTW: How many FPs do you usually use each week? I'm heard that some people use all of them for a good loss. Seems like too much to me.

I'll check back later,

Hi guys!
Yes, I sure do love my popcorn. In fact, I am sitting here with some micro low fat popcorn right now, 3 cups for 1 point, my kind of snack! The Kettle Corn at the fair was kind of sweet, with salt and suger, a very interesting taste that I enjoyed, but didn't realize it was so many more points. Now, I know better. They sell micro versions of kettle corn in the stores, which are not quite popular and I am going to use my trusty points finder to see if the micro brands are considerably less points than the kind at the fair. It was bagged with fat/fiber/calorie content on the outside of the plastic bag, so it was nice that I could figure out, exactly, what I had eaten at least!
Well, weigh in went ok today, nothing great but at least I had a loss, but it was only .2, so now I lost the .2 I gained over vacation. Sure wish I had done better this week, but I will survive. I am not in a contest about how long it will take to reach my goal, but what counts is that I DO reach that goal and stay there!
Jamie will go to the 5:30 pm meeting today, she wanted to sleep late this morning so I will take her later on. That's just fine with me as I get to go to two meetings. The meeting leaders have totally different styles and it's interesting to see how they both convey the same meeting thoughts!
Feeling pretty "blah" today, have had a headache off and on and am not motivated to do much of anything, yet I did go on the treadmill for 40 minutes.
I seem to lose weight faster when I just do the treadmill and don't do my body sculpting video in addition to the walking. I find myself wondering if I should just stick to the treadmill, but the body sculpting is so good for me that it might be worth slowing my losses down just to keep in better shape and more flexible.
Hope you all can tell me some great successes to cheer me up, felling like a "wet noodle",
Linda

Hi, Didn't think I was going to get online tonight, the pc was being a bit naughty, think it's 'healed' itself though. we'll have to see how it behaves tomorrow.
Had quite a good day I think. Just had dinner, a lovely piece of chicken in an Italian style sauce, ready made, for only 2 points. Some yummy fresh baby vegetables and new potatoes and I've got a full tummy! Still have about 3 points left too, so maybe room for a light supper later on. WI tomorrow though, so don't want to go too mad.
Well done Linda on your loss. :cp: Its good when even a little bit comes off. Especially when its the vacation excesses. As for timescale for the loss, I think I have made the fatal mistake of giving myself a target of reaching goal by Christmas. Not sure why, seemed a good place to start. I think if I don't have a particular aim in mind, I may struggle to stay on course. I think if I lost just over 1 pound a week, then I could just do it. As more weight comes off though, it is slowing down, so I'm not too optimistic. NO. I must be optimistic, it's what keeps me going - as well as you guys. :grouphug:
I really, really must start to do more exercise. I think it could help keep things on track, but it's keeping that up too. I don't like to change the lifestyle thing too much in one go in case I can't stick to it, and then it's too easy to go back to square one. Same with the foods I'm eating. I eat alot of the foods I used to preWW, and alot of things I didn't too. I still enjoy my takeouts, for example. I think if I didn't, I would get fed up of eating the so called diet foods, and go back to really poor eating habits. This way, I'm more likely to stay with the healthy stuff and keep at it long term. I do waffle don't I? Sorry. :sorry:
Melanie, good work with the work out. Isn't it satisfying to know you can now do it?
Like the comment about DH's pms. :lol: I've come the conclusion that they all get it. Sometimes it can last forever. At least ours is only a day or two!!!
I think I'll go now, see what I can use my last couple of points on. Back tomorrow, see ya later.

Hello Everyone! :cool: Things are settling into normal.Still miss her terribly. :( It was a hard decision to make.But her Mom has money to send her to college.We don't.Her grades are to bad for scholarships or anything.Anyway my DH and I rarely argued until she moved in.So now it's back to old times.Peaceful.That sounds kinda mean,but true.I still love her and miss her,but she had a way of getting us to fight.Anyway,I'm dropping out of WW. :( I just can't see (or afford) spending $12 for a 1/2 hour. :?: Usually it's stuff I already know.Where I've been at this so long.I was TOPS leader for 2 years,co-leader for another year.I'm not saying I know everything about everything. :dizzy: There's just not many surprises anymore.I had started my own weight challenge Jan. 7.As far as support.You guys have given me alot more support.Than I ever got there.Most of them,all come with someone.So I sat by myself most of the time.There was one girl I growed up with that went.She missed alot though.A girl I work with(6 years) said she couldn't believe that no one hardly talked to me.That I am one of the easiest people she ever met to talk to. :smug:So I'll continue my WI at home on Wed..I'll stick to the program and get my support here.Just like I've been doing since way before May 10(when I joined WW).Thanks for all the kind words. Linda great job on the loss.IT WAS A LOSS....Hang in there.I will have a BIG gain tomorrow.I need a swift kick to get in gear.I did buy a measuring tape tonight.I've been at this since Jan.,but never did my measurements.So I'll start from now.The weight training should tone me down.Well I've babbled enough.

P.S. WW scales weighed me about 1 lb. heavier than my scales. :p

Morning Dale, just to let you know that I'm glad you are getting through the last few days the best way that you can. It can be very expensive going to WW meetings, although not as much here, just under £5. If you do stick it out at home, and it certainly sounds as if you DO know what you are doing, then you will definately find the help you need to get you through, here. We will support you every step of the way, cheer your losses, and help you cope with the gains. At least your scales weigh less than the WW ones, so thats a plus point from day one. Good luck every step of the way. :goodluck:
AJ has just been sick all over the kitchen, :fr: great start to the day, I'm supposed to be working later, just for the afternoon, (I don't usually work on a Wednesday), and then WI later. I will have to see how it goes. Sure has put me off food for a while for today, which will not harm the WI one little bit!
Off for now, See ya later. :flow2:

Hello everyone. Well, I’m so proud of myself, I gotta brag. I actually got my carcass out of bed early enough to exercise this morning! I know that I get better results when I exercise of the morning, but it is just so hard to get going.

So, I have WI today. I’m anxious about it. It could go either way. From looking at my home scale over the past few days, I know that if it goes up, it is strictly PMS related, but I feel BLOATED today and wouldn’t be surprised if it did go up. I really want to hit the 10% mark today, which would be a 3# loss. A lot to ask for, I know. But I’m hoping.

Linda - Mmmm… kettle corn. Yummy. I had some at a festival a couple of years ago. It is much better (and bad for you) than the microwave kind. Congrats on the .2 loss! That’s another step toward your goal. I agree that you should keep sculpting as you go. I try to do some toning videos along the way. I have a fear of losing the weight and having all that excess skin you see people have on t.v. sometimes. Ick! I think I would have to take out a bank loan to remove it! I just hope that my skin is still elastic!

Dale – I understand wanting the quiet in your house. I don’t think it is mean. You know that she is fine and will do okay with her mother. So, it’s okay if you look at the Brightside of the situation. Now, if she had been stolen by dingoes, I would have to say it was mean. :D
I agree about the expense. You have to decide for yourself it is worth the $$. My group at church works just fine for me and is free. I stop by the WW meetings once in a while to get products and they are super nice, but I don’t feel a connection with anyone. And, we just can’t afford the extra $40 a month. I even had to drop my gym membership. If you have trouble staying on track, you could always start meeting with a few friends on your own. That’s what I will do if we stop the church group in the future.

Dawny – I hope AJ is feeling better. Did you thank him for helping you prep for your WI? Exercise is a hard thing for me to get into my routine. I would guess that it would be super hard if I had a munchkin around. I have done 3 days in a roll. That is probably a record for me! I think it is good to set goals. I have my mini-goals and my long term hope is to be at goal by my birthday in May. That way I will ask for clothes for my b-day! My current goal is 10%, my next goal, hmmm…. Under 200. This week ends my 10 week Bible Study. It has went by soooo fast and I have lost about 25% of what I need to. I can easily see myself doing this 4 more times. BTW, DH got over the PMS. He even suggested our fun evening, curling up in bed and watching my DVD set of Gilmore Girls. We had a blast.

Gee, I can’t believe I have been here 2 ½ hours already. I remember when I was a kid and grown ups would talk about how fast time passes and I thought a week was forever. Well, I’m switching to the other side. I think I blinked and aged 10 years somehow!

Dale, I agree with what Dawny said, hope you can do it at home! I know I need the meetings and for whatever reason, it's very helpful to me to have that weigh in every week.
Sorry about AJ getting sick all over the place. I just washed my kitchen floor and am waiting for it to dry, and wouldn't have wanted to HAVE to wash it, if you know what I mean!
I have unexpected company coming for dinner this evening, my brother in law is in our state on business, so will be stopping by here and having dinner with us. So, it' means adding a few tempting "extras" to our meal and maybe having a drink, though I just got back from buying some caffeine free diet coke!
I was on target this yesterday with my food plan and hopefully will be today. Did my treadmill this morning and am earning lots of extra points getting the house cleaned!
Linda

Hi, been to WI, and its .5 down! I do wish it were more, but as it's TOM then I guess I should be grateful it's not .5 on up instead.
Linda, hi, AJ is much better now, after his little 'upset', he decided he would make himself better by singing a song - baa baa black sheep was the chosen tune and he's been fine ever since! Hope you manage to stay on track with your company tonight - I'm sure your planning will pay off.
Hi melanie, does the end of your 10 weeks mean the end of your meetings for the time being? Or do they just follow through and start again straight away? Either way, I suppose you may have to do a little bit on your own without your meetings, but you are doing so well that if this is the case, I can't see it being a problem.

As I was walking back to my car tonight on the way home from work, I decided that I really was fed up of the jiggling bits that I still get when I walk. This has made me all the more determined to meet my goal by Christmas. It seems such a long way away yet, but If I can get anywhere near by then, then I will be jiggling a lot less anyway. (maybe jingling a bit with the festive spirit!!! but thats another matter.)
It does mean that I really must must must do more exercise though. What Melanie said about not wanting the spare bits left when the weight has gone terrifies me, and I'm sure I will have a good bit left over still by then! Its the tummy pouch after my c.section that I don't think I will move, I'm concerned, and don't know how to do anything about it. I heard on the tv the other day on one of those plastic surgery shows that they don't go by diet or exercise, which really made me feel better!!! I guess only time will tell.
Anyway, going to go now, chill in front of the tv, it's nearly bedtime. Goodnight all.

Hi everyone! Not much action here this week, where did everyone go?
Dawny, I've had two C-Sections and have one of those "pouches" that you speak of as well. Hate it, but love my kids. Oh well. It's weird how this indentation seems to just stay there no matter what you do. Yet, with some weight loss and the body sculpting tape I do, I can note some progress. Don't think it will ever leave, but it can be better. If I were rich and one of "those" people, I'd probably have liposuction there? Though, that kind of grosses me out when I see it on tv. Would love a bit of a face lift, though, these days..... but probalby would never have the guts or money anyway!
Well, I was "saved" from overeating last night in a weird way, though I still ended the day using 5 flex points, will have to do better tonight! My brother in law called, last minute, with his apologies and said he wouldn't be able to make it. So, the beer, cheese and crackers, etc. that I had bought for the occasion went back in the refrigerator. I'll bring those along when we go away next week.
By the way, I'll be out of town Sunday through Wednesday, a last holiday of the summer. We'll be in Rhode Island, down by the beach, for a few days. I'm not big on this place, so am kind of dreading the trip. I am a wimp who lives in an air conditioned environment all the time, the house we stay in down there is not air conditioned and we always seem to pick the hottest week of the year to be down there. Combine no AC with my lovely hot flashes and I'm in trouble! Oh well, I'll live, vacations are fun no matter what! I plan on doing some craft work, fabric painting on silk blouses I've bought on e-bay - sounds odd, but fun and could be very "artsy". Will take some photos, maybe, if the mood strikes for you all.
Hope to hear updates from some of you missing people!
Linda, off to do a work out shortly

Dawny – Great WI! As we say each week, any loss is a good loss. It seems that one piece of cake can put the pounds on, but it takes a ton of lettuce to take the pounds off! We start our next session at church next week. They are going to show a video about the First Place Program (which me and 2 other ladies are mixing with WW) and we are all going to bring healthy dishes for a kickoff dinner. Then, the next week will start another 10 week Bible Study. I know that no one program works for everyone, but I do feel a little snotty that there was one lady who didn’t want me to do the WW points and I have been the biggest loser of the group. She hasn’t said anything else about me starting the food exchange for the new session. :lol:

Linda – Sorry you didn’t get time with BIL, but good that you didn’t munch away in his honor. Fun! Another trip! Please get some sunshine for me too. It has turned fall here all the sudden. High temps in the upper 70s and just kinda gloomy. There is a beach nearby, but the weather won’t cooperate. My allergies certainly don’t like the changes going on. I may have to tape my head to my shoulders before the day is done. It feels like it may fall off. :tired:

But, on a happy note, despite the bloating and TOM, my WI was another 2.4# loss! :dancer: And the wild thing is that I used more FPs last week than ever. I did exercise once more than usual, but I may be starting to believe the people who say you should use all the FPs. I think I used about 18 of them last week.

Well, have a great day, everyone!

Just for laughs...

While on patrol, a California State Police Officer spotted a car with two penguins in the back. He pulled the car over and told the driver that he'd have to take the penguins to the local zoo.

A couple weeks later the officer passed the same car and again saw the penguins in the back seat. He pulled the car over and was shocked to discover that the penguins were wearing bathing suits and sunglasses.

He demanded to know why the penguins had not been taken to the zoo.

The driver replied, "I did take them to the zoo. Today we're going to the beach."
:rofl:

Hi, melanie, my kinda joke! :lol: And what a loss this week! You are withering away! I'll have no one to talk to soon, We'll all be like little slithers of skin sitting trying to reach the keyboard, that would blow away if someone opens a window! :comp: What a thought, no one would see us hiding away in the corner, no one would see us wearing the fab clothes we could finally fit into, and no one would see my butt come around the corner before my face! Don't know where that thought came from, I think I get wierder the older I get. :dizzy:
Just ignore me. Glad to know your group is continuing without a break, and even better that you got one over on the other woman who obviously hasn't discovered the joys of WW yet!
Linda, you are going away again, how lovely, I love the coast, Rhode Island sounds lovely, if a little hot, it'll sweat a few more pounds off so make the most of it! How long is it till school starts again? How long do the kids get off for the summer break? Over here they only get 6 weeks summer vacation, mind you the weather doesn't usually call for more than that. To fill you in, the last few days we've had the heaviest rainfall since the early 1970's, at any time of the year, so it hasn't been a fantastic summer to remember. I will remember it though as the year I met you guys, Helping me through the tough days and sharing the good days. Thankyou :angel:
Well the Olympics are almost upon us, and as we said at our meeting last night, we are all going for gold now, weve hit bronze with our first 7 pounds lost, hit silver with 10% lost and now aiming for gold by getting our goals (eventually). We are all winners either way. :cp:

Going for now, see ya later.

Melanie, glad that you didn't listen to that one lady who objected to you using ww along with your church program. Also, you have one more secret weapon, US!!!! I do think we are great help to each other. The pounds my not be falling of me right now, but it's a gradual thing and I have found the courage to keep trying because of the support I get here, as well as guidance and support of ww!
Good joke Melanie!
Sorry your allergies are bothering you, so, Melanie. I've been there, but get allergy shots and take prescribed meds that are truly helpful. Great loss, by the way. I hope my next weigh in is a bit better, but with us going away, might not be. But, after that all the vacation time will be at an end and it will be really time for getting VERY serious!
Looks like the weather in RI might be a bit dodgy, as Dawny would say. Hurricanes are working their way towards the east and will surely head north and, even if downgraded to a tropical storm, might change our plans a bit? However, I am a weird person who finds storms kind of a thrill. I shall enjoy walking on the beach, hearing the surf and watching clouds, I love this!
I'll be armed with books, sewing and things to do!
I like the image you have, Dawny, of us going for gold! Yes, we are away again. School ended on June 19th, I think, and will begin again on August 30th here. It differs in different part of the US. I think my kids are bored and need structure, so even if they hate getting up early, they will do well back in school. So, this time away will be the last "hurrah" of summer. :dancer:
Our family is unique in that both my family and my husband's family have summer homes. We are not rich people, and both families (mine more than his) struggle to hang on to these family legacies! So, when we can get away, it's really nice to have a special place to go. Yet, I envy those who go on vacations to exotic places and see different things all the time. We go to the same place, all the time, but it is our "special" family place, so it is good.
Well, it's off I go to eat breakfast, pay bills and do a work out. Busy day ahead! On my scale, which is always different from ww, I weighed 149 this morning.... wonder if that will remain or not? :shrug:
Linda

Dawny - Wierd friends are the best! Hopefully, I am just a week away from Silver. I should get that 10% any time now!

Linda - It is great that you have a special place that is creating family memories for you and the kids. How are you doing on lunch ideas for Jamie when she returns to school? Our schools were back in session this week. They end the school year the last week of May usually. Is Jamie excited to go back considering how well she is doing on WW? And, yep. I say your scales are right. :wink:

I was up waaay too late last night and my body is paying the price today. I am hoping that a good walk on my lunch break will help work the kinks out. Otherwise, I am looking for a peaceful day. DH works tonight, so I may call up a friend and see if they want to watch a chick flick with me. There are some new rentals available that I have refrained from subjecting my husband to.

Have a great day everyone! Aric? Dale? Miss Natalie. Michelle? Hello?

Hi, Thanks for not minding my being a bit 'weird'. I do try not to be, but it just kinda happens!
Anyway, onto nicer things. Vacations. I do hope your little trip,Linda, doesn't 'blow you away', I know our weather has been very bad lately, but at least we don't get real hurricanes, or even tropical storms. not very often anyway. We have got a bit close this time to a tropical event, but we seem only to have got the tail end of it thank goodness. Being in central England, we seem to never get the extremes of any weather. A little snow here, a bit of rain there, but not usually too bad. I think that the vacation will not harm your weight loss one bit this week. I'm feeling very positive for you. I think it will be one of those trips where you manage to lose weight when you return rather than gaining. I am ever the optimist. You will be fine.
Melanie, hope you see a good movie - just hope you refrain from the popcorn! I'm sure the munchies will not kick in too badly, but if you are anything like me, if I plan an evening in, especially in front of a good film, then all I can think about is what I can eating while I view. Maybe prepare something light that is good, and hide anything naughty for another day! The only thing is, try to forget where you hide it!
Have a good evening anyway!
I've been quite good again today, I think I'm having sweet and sour Pork for dinner, hopefully not too many points in that, although I'm finding loss slow at the mo, I suppose due the fact that I'm nearer to goal now, even though it's still a way off. Maybe I should try varying my foods a bit, I am a creature of habit, and tend to stick to things I know I like, rather than trying something different for a change. Sometimes that can help the metabolism a bit, by having a change.
Oh dear, AJ has just handed me his cornetto, can I resist a bite ...... no! Very nice indeed. Thankyou AJ!!!
Oh well off for now, enjoy your weekend everyone, see ya later.

AND IT IS.... FRIDAY THE 13TH.....

I just fell in the hallway at work and turned my ankle. Since this is habit of mine, I happened to have an bandage in my desk an they found me an ice pack. I'm getting terribly frustrated because I need to make some copies and get mail ready, and pull files, but I'm afraid to walk before I have to. My boss was standing right there and just looked down at me (geez he's a tall 6'5"). He felt awful because he was there when it happened. I just sat there in the floor until some pain passed. Oh, well. This too shall pass. But, no Richard Simmons for me tonight. Or probably the next several days.

So, I guess it will be drive thru dinner then home for me after work. I can almost feel the couch now. I guess this was God's way of telling me to slow down. Maybe He wants to talk.

Well, If I'm not in too much pain, I am trying to decide which to get at the video store: Dirty Dancing II or Win a Date With Tad Hamilton. Both completely girly and both choices DH would hate. :p If I am still in pain, I'm just going home to watch Lifetime and home design shows. Also things DH can't stand! :p :p

Dawny: your dinner sounds yummy. Enjoy it. But careful nibbling off AJ's plate. :lol:

Linda: I also will predict a loss for you after the vacation. You are ready to move forward with this thing!

Well, I think I will try to hop to the copy machine. I've been teasing my boss that he will have to carry me to my car later. He's a big guy, but I've not lost THAT much weight yet. I think I will have someone drive up to the door.

Hi everyone! Sorry I havn't posted for ages, I have had a really bad week at work, and have been so stressed out that I havn't even switched on my computer when I have (finally) got home for the evening.

Now, if stress made me lose weight I would welcome it, but it has always had the opposite effect on me! I reach for the snacks and vegetate on the sofa feeling sorry for myself! So this week has been quite tough. However, I did the best I could, took my dog out on extra long walks (inbetween the torrential rain), and somehow still managed to lose a pound at the WI in Thursday. I was seriously expecting a gain, so it made me feel a bit better about myself, which can only be a good thing!

Dawn, I love your analogy at the meetings about gold silver and bronze! I have now lost 5.5 pounds, so for next week I am aiming for bronze with my first 7 pound loss! That will hopefully motivate me till next Thursday! If I manage that, it will also take me under the 200 pound mark, which I am striving for, as this is the first time I have ever gone over 200, and it distressed me enough to get me to WW in the first place!

I have also bought the WW journal this week, and it makes it so much easier filling it in (truthfully! ;) ), it also makes me rethink whether I am drinking enough water and eating my portions of vegetables every day. I think it will really aid my weight loss. :)

Well done, everyone else that had losses. I love this thread, because I don't get chance to stay at my meetings (I have to go during lunch, so don't have time), so for me, this IS my meeting, and I love to hear how you are all doing! Keep it up everyone! We are all doing so well *applauds*

Anyway, we finally have a nice day, so Ollie (my little pup) is gonna get a good long walk this morning. Hope you all have a lovely weekend, and that nobody gets affected by Charley, and I'll be back soon!

Love Fi :)

OH! And P.S!! I have been reading other threads in the 3FC forum, and it looks as though you can get many more pages than 7. I think it just shows 7, then when it gets longer than that, you just click on the "last page" bit... so maybe no need to keep making new threads?

Hey guys!
I finally found a pc with internet connection here, and couldn't help but posting here! I'm having a good time, although the food part is bad!! Wherever I look in the house there are biscuits, ice creams, desserts so it's hard to resist! I don't panic though, I'll get back right on track when I get home. I also told my mum that I'm dieting, she told me that she has noticed that I've lost weight but didn't tell me cos I've always been a bit weird about these things. That's true, I don't like people commenting on my weight, so she was a bit worried that I mught be upset, even though she'd tell me that I looked thinner. She was really supportive and told me that there's no pressure from her since I've been doing it in secret for about 2 months and managed to lose about 15 pounds. So, it's all good. Missed you girls a LOT, I'll be posting regularly when I get home.
Have a great weigh-in those of you who do, and take good care of yourselves!!!
xxxxxxxnat :D

Hey, some great posts to catch up on today! :)

Melanie, What are you like?! You are really not supposed to do silly things like hurting yourself, especially at work, and especially on friday the 13th!!! You will never want to get out of bed on that date again! I do hope your ankle will feel better very soon, I'm sure a nice date with Patrick Swayze may have done the trick! (or anyone else that happened to come along at just the right moment!) Hope that you didnt go too mad at the drive through, and if you did, I hope you had some for me! :cbg:
Fiona, good to hear that you are using the journal. I have used one since I started WW in January, and it's a lifesaver for me. I am now on my third book, and it's better than little bits of paper, or the trackers that they give you for free, because at least you can look back on your past good weeks, and repeat the good bits, and look back at bad weeks and know what to avoid next time. Helps you remember points too. It's a shame you don't get to stay to meetings occasionally, as some weeks they can be really inspiring. A laugh too. I think if I didn't stay almost every week, I would have gone off track ages ago, long before I found this site!
Natalie, good to hear from you. Hows the vacation, hope you are having a great time! Glad you told your mum, and even better that she could see your loss! You will probably find it easier to stick to now someone else knows, even if she isn't going to pressure you. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and we'll 'speak' soon!
Linda, I think it's tomorrow you are going away, just wanted to wish you too a great trip, and I expect many photos of you and your lovely family!

Well, it's that time again, to go and plan dinner, we're having some wine tonight, I haven't had that much lately and whereas sometimes I do miss it, I gives me a foul head the next day, it never used to. Must be telling me that I've done the right thing in starting to drink a bit less! Just a little glass won't harm. If I'm not here tomorrow, you know I had more than just a little glass!!! :cheers:

See ya all later!

Hi everyone!
Sorry, Michelle, that you didn't get enough rest. I know it feels awful. Hope tonight you do better!
Dawny, I do hope you are right about my trip not interfering with my weight loss efforts. I'm doing my share of "bad" things right now, that's for sure! Yesterday, I ate doughnuts. I knew I was being a bad girl, but couldn't control myself. I did journal, though, so at least I didn't ignore what I did.
This morning, I felt "hung over" (maybe from the doughnuts?) and still did a work out and treadmill, earning 2 points. So far, today, I am on program and I will hopefully stay that way.
Dawny, sounds like you are struggling a bit, and I can totally relate. What is a cornetto? Never heard of that before.
I do hope to remain focused. I agree, Dawny, that varying the food you eat might help. Also, I was wondering about boredom setting in if you don't vary your diet. I know this can be a big issue for me.
Melanie, so sorry to hear about your ankle! Must be painful, but it probably is a good thing to take it easy and maybe "de-stress" a bit?
There are other ways to have some lite exercise. You could do leg lifts, sit ups and upper body stuff without putting stress on your ankle, but only if you are up to it. Take care!
Fiona, way to go with the loss! You'll be ahead of me in no time! I am finding this so hard lately, but am not giving up. My weight seems glued to me and I am allowing emotional eating to take over.
Natalie, good to hear from you. I am glad to read that you told your mom as well. I think that is a very big step and it's really nice to know she noticed, even if she didn't say anything. But, by telling her you are gaining her support.
We have missed you!
As for me, I am on my own for a change tonight. My son is at work, my husband and daughter left for Rhode Island early. I will go down there with my son tomorrow. I am usually never by myself for a meal, so maybe I'll be really "good" tonight. Am going out shopping soon and will buy some fish or something for my own dinner so that I can be totally on program for at least one day!
One day at a time.... just like the AA people say!
Will probably post again tomorrow, before leaving. Take care,
Linda

Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 187

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Good morning, or evening! Whichever time zone you live in!
Only have a few moments as our power keeps going off, this "tropical storm" Charley has hit full force and it's amazing! Can see why Florida had so much damage!
I have to get ready to leave and get on the road, will be driving slowly and carefully all along the coast - which further proves that I am totally nuts! Will dirve in bad weather for a vacation, though! : )
Until Wednesday or Thursday,
Linda
Trying to "think thin"

HI just a quick post today. Hope 'Charley' lets you arrive safely in RI Linda. see you soon.
Not having a great day today. Picking food here and there, AJ isn't well. Covered in spots now, I'm hoping it isn't Rubella! Especially since he visited his pregnant sister yesterday! He has been vaccinated, but you just never know do you. Hopefully, it's just a non-specific viral rash that will pass. If no better in the morning we'll have to see the doc.
Anyway, gotta go, he's feeling very sorry for himself, poor little thing, I wonder if it explains the sickness the other day? Oh well, we'll see. Have a good weekend all, back soon.

Hi guys!

Linda, have a great time, and safe travelling. I see the pictures of the devastation, its so very sad.... And don't get too despondent about your weight, you are doing a great job. A friend told me the other day that I have already almost lost the equivalent of a newborn baby - so you have almost lost the equivalent of a BIG newborn baby! And we know how heavy they feel! Keep going - don't be hard on yourself, you and the rest of us will all get there, and be able to move over to the "maintainers" forum! :high:

Natalie, I am too really glad that you have confided in your mum, and that she had even noticed that you were losing weight, that must have made you feel so much better - now you have your mum AND us to help cheer you on! :cheer:

Melanie, I am sorry to hear about your ankle - I hope you are recovering. I agree with what Linda says, take the time to relax a little, and do easy exercises while watching TV!

Dawny - OMG I hope AJ is ok! Bless him... give him a cuddle from me. It really sounds as though we are all struggling a bit this weekend. I have done nothing but pick all day too, and although its low fat stuff that I am picking at, I still feel annoyed with myself. Ah well, looks like it will be damage limitation during the week again! I'm glad I have a busy job that takes up much of my day!

I will try to get to some meetings. Its not easy, but if I have a day at work that isnt too crazy, then I shall take extra time for lunch to be able to stay. I know that it will help more, like I said, I'm glad I found this forum, and this thread to keep me motivated and on track.

Anyway, I'll be back soon, take care everyone....

Fi :wave:

Hello to all my friends out there. I did not have a good day at all yesterday. I just wanted to eat! We had a chinese last night and wine with it, very nice but I must have gone a few points over. Whats going to make it harder to catch up, is that me and my hubby are off work now for a week (a bit of decorating), so munchies to hand at all times. So, this weeks WI on wednesday is not so far looking good. I may or may not be able to pay too many visits on here for the next 3 or 4 days, as we have to move the pc while we paint, but if it's still connected, I'll be here!

I am feeling the struggle at the moment, which feels strange as up until very recently, I have found the programme so easy to follow. Maybe as I have been on it now since Jan, and following it to the letter, my body is starting to rebel. I don't want it to. I don't want to start slacking and falling back into the old ways, which I know could be easy to do if I'm not careful. My weight would go on so easy again if I let it, I only have to sniff a cake usually to put on 2 pounds, so starting to eat them too would not be good news! Help!!! Do you think I ought to change my food routine a bit, to add a bit of variety back to my diet? Try new recipes - I've mentioned before that I'm not a great cook, - they would need to be very easy! Or have you any other suggestions to help me out here, at the moment, I feel as if I need all the help I can get.
I love to go to my meetings, but if I go this week, and if I did by some miracle lose .5 for example, then the leader wouldn't consider that I'm in crisis. She'd ask what I was worrying about, and that a slow down is only natural considering the stage of the game that I'm at, but I need more than that. I'm not asking for 3 pound a week, it would be nice, but I'm not greedy! Just 1 pound a week would be enough to make me feel that things are still moving, and keep me on track. Oh dear, I'm waffling again.
Anyway, any ideas greatly appreciated.
Gotta go for now, I'll be back as soon as I can. See ya.

Oops, forgot to mention, AJ may well have rubella, saw the doc this morning, it could be a mild form of that or just a general viral rash of some sort, he's still not a well bunny, and very spotty, but at least we know. I didn't realise people still got rubella with all the vacinations these days, but there you go.
bye again.

Hello everyone. I have missed you all. But what time I was at home, I was on the couch with ice on the ankle. It seems to have worked. I feel much better today, but I am still being very careful and not doing too much walking.

It DOES sound like we are struggling this past week. Being an invalid always makes me hungry. DH took away the potato chip bag I had when he came in from work Saturday morning. I didn't do too bad on my eating overall, but I just feel like a lump from sleeping on the couch (easier to prop the foot) and not getting enough exercise. Hmmph. Getting a little bratty here. I would not be surprised if I had a gain this week, either.

Dawny - Maybe a change would be good for you. There are lots of easy recipes on the internet, especially crockpot recipes. Or, maybe you need a change in exercise routine. Walk a new street, get a new video, a new workout suit, go to a park. I find that if I spend a little money on a new toy, it helps to motivate me: like a video or pedometer. Are you drinking all your milk servings? I hear that can help increase weightloss. - I hope AJ makes a quick recovery. Dots are no fun!

Hi- Natalie. I'm glad you and your mom had such a great talk. I'm sure it is going to be good having her to share with.

Fi - Hope your munchies have passed. Sometimes our brains seem to think that we can eat as much as we want when it looks healthy! But 5 pounds of apples are still 5 pounds!

Linda – I will be praying for your safe travel. It looked quite scary on the weather channel this morning. There is no way I could travel in it! I’m a scardycat when it comes to driving in adverse weather.

Well, I managed to help with the AWANA kickoff at church yesterday (mostly from a chair) and stayed away from the hotdogs, chips, cookies and punch. DH has started slipping, though and asked me if I wanted to get in line for the goodies. I mocked horror and told him that I would be having a healthy dinner at home that I was cooking him in the crockpot! :D AWANA is a kids club at our church that I have volunteered to help with. Kind of like a scout organization with patches and things, but they earn them for learning Bible verses. I will be helping with the 9-12 year old girls. I’m looking forward to it.

Well, back to work with me!

Hello Everyone,Sorry I haven't been here in awhile.Well I did have a 3 lb. gain last week.It's already coming back off. :goodvibes. We now have an exercise room.The room that was recently "vacated".We have moved all of our equipment in there,instead of strung out all over the house.All of it is older.I've bought a piece here and there over the last 10 years.Plus a TV for exercise videos.I may blow the dust off Richard Simmons Disco Sweat.I'm telling my age,ain't I.Well I'm off the next 4 days.The last of vacation.My anniversary at Wal-mart is next week,7 years.I had to use my hours or lose them.After next Thurs. I'll have 3 weeks of vacation to use by 8-26-05.So Aric and I are home.We went to the MOPAR Nationals over the weekend. So that was kinda of our vacation together. Melanie,Sorry about your ankle.Be careful and don't over due on it.You don't want to do more damage while it's injured. Dawny,Sorry AJ is sick.When Aric is sick.I wish it were me instead of him.Be really careful right now especially.You are having a weak time,plus a sick baby, plus time off from work.Makes for a deadly combination.You may be on a plateau.To me it's your body taking a break to adjust.You've been on this for awhile.Maybe it needs a change.Change in food.Change in exercise.Be it type of exercise or change in time or intensity.Our losses do slow down the closer we get to goal.My sister joined WW years ago.A woman she became friends with only had 5lbs. to goal.My sister lost 80lbs. while this lady was still battling her last 5.Just hang in there.We'll be here for you. Well need to go for now.Someone is not potty trained yet and I do believe he needs my attention.Check back in awhile.

Hey all!
I'm straight back on track today, just had 6 figs, I so love them!!! I'm actually looking forward to getting back on the wagon!! :strong: I confided in my sister as well, cos she told me I looked thinner and for mutual motivation. She's overweight too so I thought it might help her if we are on a diet together. I want to help her, but I won't let her dragging me down with her if she fails. Anyway, she was really happy when I told her how much I've lost and she told me that it was obvious. :cp:
Linda- Hope you have a great trip and a great vacation. On my vacation, we took the car as it's a 7-hour drive, and it was my mum's first time driving all this way, but she did fine! Take care of yourself and have a great time!!! :D
Dawny- I'm sorry to hear that AJ is sick, although I don't know what rubella is. Is that disease with all the spots?

I really have to run now, talk to you soon!! :sunny:

Natalie, Congratulations on coming"out of the closet",per say.It shows great improvement on your part.You are gaining strength and confidence by losing weight.My mom was my best friend,buddy and pal.In 1994 she joined TOPS with me.She wasn't all that big,but I weighed 277lbs..She joined so I would.We got healthy together.She got Queen of our chapter for 1995.She lost the most weight for her division and hit her goal weight.I was Leader at that time.I got to place a crown on her.Put a sash on her and my sister sent her roses layed out like Miss America's.That's what she looked like to me.She also got honored at the Area Recognition Day spring of 1996.It was wonderful to share this with her.I lost 80lbs. during this time.It's harder this time.Of course I'm 10 years older.Over that 40 mark.I don't have my best friend, buddy and pal to help me either.I lost her to breast cancer in 2001.The same year I got my newest inspiration,my son Aric.I miss her terribly.Then I look at my son and I want to be here for him.He keeps me hanging on.I also had to come out of the closet to my DH.I'm also funny about my weight.I usually don't tell anybody I'm "dieting".People can be so nosy."Are you allowed to eat that?"They've all seen me walking on lunch at work.So my secret is out.My closest friends already knew.I made a BIG step when I started this time on 1-07-04.I called my DH in the bathroom and had him look ay scales,255.5.That was really hard to do.Now I get to share the enjoyment of watching the scales drop.I also share the hard times.I also asked him to be my coach and cheerleader since Mommy ain't here to do it.It brought us even closer,by me sharing this part of me with him.Your journey will be so much easier since you have shared this with others.Once again Congratulations on the sharing and the losing. P.S. Got some Great compliments myself lately:One girl seen Easter pictures from 2002.The girl that had the pictures said that it was right after I had Aric.Another words I still had my baby weight.I let that go.She can't give a compliment,but she likes getting them when she loses.Anyway I only gained 25lbs. with Aric.I went from 277-309 I gained a bunch when Mommy was sick.I took a leave of absence for 6weeks, till she died.Anyway,the girl who seen the pictures said 'She couldn't believe how much weight I've lost.' :encore: Then yesterday as I was leaving work,an older lady that I just know at work said "Have I told you how SHARP you've been looking lately?" WOW!!!!! That feels GREAT!!!!!! :encore: :encore: :encore: Well I've rambled enough for now.Need to go hang my clothes out .It's supposed to start raining tomorrow night.

Dale, thanks so much for you kind words and for sharing your story with the rest of us. I can't begin to imagine how losing your mother might have felt. My own mother has lost hers two years ago and although I have suffered terribly cos she was my favorite grandmother, I can see how devastated she was and how much she still misses her. Losing a parent is always tough. It's good for you though that she was such a great inspiration and motivation for you, and you can still carry that feeling with you for ever and pass it on to your son. Losing weight is really important and can alter your whole life, so having peopole who love you and motivate you around makes it easier. Good for you for the compliments, they make your day, don't they? Keep up the good work and stay with us in the forum, it's great support!!! :) :)

Good evening ladies, hope you are all well today, Lots of posts to get through again, it's great to see so much support on here!
AJ is a bit up and down at the mo. He's covered in spots and his temperature is sky high one minute, and normal the next. Natalie, Rubella is sometimes called German measles over here, don't know about your neck of the woods, but whether it's what he has or not, it ain't nice!

Dale, hi, good to hear from you again, your story about your mum made me sad. Breast cancer is such a terrible thing the world over, and you've experienced it from close quarters. A very good friend of mine passed away in Jan this year from it, and you don't realise how it affects people until it happens to someone close. I'm glad though that you have your DH to confide in. It sees you through the ups and downs of every part of life, weight loss being no exception. On a brighter note, you have had what Linda likes to call a NSV (non scale victory) with your compliments. Doesn't it feel fantastic when people comment? Keeps you going another day. Well done!
I think you could be right in terms of my possible 'plateau'. I need change of some kind. I definately think some changes of menu wouldn't go amiss, I've started hunting the web for recipes that my diabolical cooking can take! I just need basic ideas of normal dinnertime foods, easy to cook, low in points, that I won't get bored with too quickly. (or my hubby, he gets very fed up of chicken, chicken, chicken!)
I must be so careful this week whilst I am off work, I've been stuck in the house because of AJ being ill, so little exercise also. My old exercise videos, and I do have lots, are all boxed in the garage somewhere due to the decorating, so that's out for now too. I just really will have to make more of an effort.
Melanie, hi, hope your ankle is feeling a little better now. Your kids club sounds like fun, and something else to get you out of the house and take your mind of the munchies! You mentioned the milk allowance, and am I drinking enough ? I don't think I maybe do get enough of the white stuff, my allowance is 1 pint a day, but probably, unless I'm drinking tea all day at work, only get half of that. Including yoghurts etc.
I've never really considered whether that would make any difference or not. It isn't something that really gets much of a mention over here. We hear alot about water intake, and of course, points, but thats about it.
By the way, Who is this Richard Simmons? Is it a wild aerobic teacher with bushy hair?
I have in mind someone I once saw on a programme on satellite tv, but if it's not, then I'm in the dark with this one. The one I saw was a bit like Jane Fonda on Fast forward!

Anyway, WI tomorrow, for quite a few of us I think, so good luck to one and all, and I will be back soon. Take care.

Good Morning All, :coffee: WI day.I got on the scales this morning and I lost 4 lbs. :encore: Now I honestly think last weeks was a false gain (partially)and there's no nice way to say it.I hadn't used the bathroom for a couple of days. :sorry: But I will take it and LOVE it. :hat: First time I've been this low in a LONG time. :D Also, this makes my 10%. :dancer: Can any one tell I'm happy?Only 16.5lbs. to go by 10/29/04.I'm not sure I'll make it,but I'm gonna try like mad.Actually got my butt up and exercised yesterday.First time since the step-daughter thing 7/29/04.Did 10 min. each on 2 of the machines and 5 min. each on the other 2, for 30 min. total.I was sweating like crazy :hot:.It felt good.Melanie, How's the ankle? Natalie, Glad things are going good.Dawny,Hope AJ is feeling better.Try to stay busy.It's hard for me this week, also.I'm trying to stay busy so the fridge doesn't start talking to me.Luckily there's not much "junk" in the house.I'm supposed to go to a friends house this evening.Not sure I'm going.It's kinda nice to lay around and not "HAVE" to go anywhere. :smug: Richard Simmons was one of the BIG diet gurus years ago.I guess he was over 200lbs. at one time and lost it diet and exercise.He did a diet thing called Deal-a-Meal.It was a hand held thing.You shut doors on it as you ate what you were allowed.After all your doors were shut, you were done eating for the day.I never messed with that stuff,but I did do the exercise videos.I got one that had 2 videos and exercise bands.One you used the bands with.The other was Disco Sweat,a workout to disco music.When I first got it, I couldn't last very long.I kept trying and eventually I did it all.That's why I could understand Melanie the other day.I haven't used them in years though.I also bought(a couple of years ago) one called Blast off the Pounds.It has 3 videos and a set of ankle/wrist weights.I've never used them.The quality has really dropped in his stuff. You are probably thinking of the right person.He's a little guy,bushy hair.Always wears short,shorts and a matching tank top.Very effeminate(girly).Can be very loud,with an annoying voice.But I've also seen him very soft and sweat when dealing with overweight people.He would cry with them,which made me cry too.I didn't care what he looked like or acted like.When he kicked it in gear, he was VERY motivational.His popularity has really slowed down. You never hear of him much anymore.At least I haven't. Well I've rambled enough for now.Check back later

Good morning all!! :coffee:
Well, I was extra good yesterday, ended my day with 3 points left, so I decided to weigh myself today to see how much I've put on during my vacation. And, I'm really happy to say that I've put ONLY 1 lb!!!!!! :goodscale I am really happy, since I was afraid that I'd put on much more. 1 lb is practically nothing, I'll lose it in no time!! (hopefully!) :strong:
I decided to start a mini-challenge. I have a mini-goal: losing 10 lbs by September 17. I know it's probably a little far-fetched but I will try really hard, try to get some exercise, not go over my points and drink loads of water. :angel: The reason I picked the date, is because I'm meeting some friends that day who I haven't seen for a few months and I really want to look good! Anyone want to join me? :D

Hello all. Sorry, no time to post yesterday. I was in Court all morning and played catch-up all afternoon. Today will be the reverse.

Dawny - I hope AJ's spots are clearing. The common name for the nasty bug is measles or German measles here too. Poor little guy. I hope you have gotten a chance for a little exercise and time for yourself.

HAHA - your description of Richard Simmons. Jane Fonda on fast forward is a good comparison. Thanks everyone for asking about my ankle. It is 97% better. I'm walking fine, but it will tell me to sit a couple of times a day. I will probably try to exercise at least 15 minutes tomorrow and see how that goes. I feel like I have gained 20# back! I slept like rock last night and woke up feeling like one. I must think light thoughts as WI is tonight. I will not be surprised with a little gain. I still have plenty of FPs and was under point one day, but being on the couch all weekend may have taken its toll.

Natalie - I'm glad you have started telling your family. Of course, you probably didn't have a choice, Stringbean! It's good when they notice first! I hope you can be an inspiration to your sister. It would be great if you could do this together. And, great job on getting back into things when you got home!

Dale - Congrats on the WI! Good work! And that exercise is really going to pay off too. How's DH adjusting to the DD situation? It's great that he is supportive enough to set up the workout room! I have to move all the living room furniture to do my videos.

Tonight for dinner my weightloss group at church is having a potluck of healthy dishes! This should be fun. Note to self: a truck load of celery stops being healthy...

Hey Natalie,I'll take you up on the challenge :strong:I want to lose 16.5 by my Bday 10/29/04.My challenge was 43 by 43(lbs. by bday).I started 1/7/04.So far I've lost 26.5 with 16.5 to go. :crossed: So I'll go for 10 lbs. by 9/17/04 with you. :shrug: What have I got to lose? Weight!! :rofl:Let's go for it :cheer: .I know we can do it :cheer: .The healthy way.Eat right,exercise,and water,water,water. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: Yeah!!!!

Hey Melanie,I told DH " Either he hides it well or I took it worse than him" :( He said that all he ever wanted was for his kids to be happy.If this makes her happy,then he's happy for her. :) The WO room,he uses it to. :strong: AND let me brag one more time. :angel: He will do anything to make me happy. :smug: Of course,I feel the same about him. :love:

P.S. The avatar I use is my Aric.Just in case you wondered.

HI girls,WI has been and gone, and its....2 pounds down!!! :cb: I have to say I'm amazed after the 'dodgy' week that I've had. I just couldn't believe it, and certainly didn't expect it, but I'm not gonna ignore it, I'm well chuffed!!! :cb: :cb: :cb:

It looks as if the other WI's are going well too. Dale, congrats, we'll ignore last week, and start again with this weeks loss, well done. Natalie, 1 pound, nothing at all, you had a great time thats the main thing, you can get back on track now, and nothing will hold you back. Melanie, good luck with yours too, you will be just fine I know it. Get this lovely Richard guy on the vid and burn some points off. Well done everyone. :bravo:

Natalie, I would love to join you on your little goal. I'm pretty sure I couldn't lose 10 pounds so quickly though now at my stage of the game, I'm aiming for goal weight by Christmas (or the work Christmas party to be a bit more accurate!) That gives me about a pound a week to lose. My mini goal though is aiming for the next 3.5 pounds. That would give me the magical 42 pound mark, or for us Brits - 3 stone!!! I give myself until the WI nearest to AJs 3rd birthday to reach this goal which gives me until the 8th september, the day after his BD.

I have decided that after the WI today, that I really must stop worrying so much about how I am doing on this programme, as it's obviously still working despite my thinking that it's not. :D I will make a couple of small changes I think, but nothing too major for now, and just keep going - with a little help from my friends. :grouphug:

Oh, we spent the day today at the hospital with AJ - his rash look suspicious to the doctor, so we had to be checked over for the dreaded meningitis! :eek: Anyway, after a couple of bloodtests, and alot of hanging around, we were given the all clear, and AJ even seems a bit healthier for the experience. Better to be safe than sorry. He can't go to nursery for the next couple of days, so DH will have to do the decorating alone!!! :lol:

Back soon, enjoy your evenings everyone.

Yay Dale!!! :bravo: Well, unless someone has a problem we can post here every day to discuss how's the day has been, since that's what we're doing anyway. If someone has a problem, we can start a new thread.
So far so good, I'm still under my allowance by 4 points, might snack on some pretzels later. Have drunk 2 litres of water, but I will drink more. No exercise I'm afraid, I have to start taking my dog for long walks. How about you?
Another NSV tonight: I went out with a friend of mine and she told me that I looked thinner!! :encore: I feel much more confident these days, I'm really determined this time. :D :D

Yay Dawny!!!! :cp: Congrats on your loss!!! It's great! :bravo:

Thanks for joining our mini-challenge! So, that's the plan:
Natalie: 10 pounds by Sep.17
Dale: 10 pounds by Sep.17
Dawny: 3.5 pounds by Sep.8


It's nice to share this with you, we can do it!! :D

Good evening everyone! I'm back. Just finished reading thorugh everyone's posts and I'm am most worried about AJ, any more word on what is going on? Sounds almost like chicken pox or scarlet fever to me..... hope he's on the mend!
You guys are doing great and I am so impressed that you are all supporting each other.
Natalie, tell me more about your "mini challenge". I think I need to do something too.
Well, while being away I was very BAD.... I didn't journal, didn't drink all my water and didn't excercise one of the days and I'm totally afraid to get on the scale. I ate what I wanted, had a few beers, went our for ice cream and generally reverted to some very bad habits, I'm afraid.
So, I am so very glad to be back here with my buddies who are doing things right. I need to "repent" from my "sins"!
Linda

Vacation is OVER, so I am challenging myself to eat perfectly today, drink all my water and exercise! Anyone else a bit lost this morning? :?:
Just a quick photo session!
I'm in this grouping of photos for a change as well!
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?showSlide=true&Uc=b1dqjnvj.9kljio5r&Uy=-4y4td8&Ux=1
We went to The Breakers, one of the lovely mansions in Newport RI, lots of photos of that wonderful place. I was daydreaming about "Cinderella" type of parties and it was not hard to do in a place like that! This mansion was built by the Vanderbuilt family in 1885, quite the place!
We went out ot a lovely seafood place before our tour and my husband took photos of myself and the kids on the pier. So, that's me guys!
Linda, determined to be back on track today! :cool:

Good Morning Everyone, :coffee: Welcome back Linda.Vacation is over.Time to kick butt.We forgive you for your sins.You need to forgive yourself.We are only weak humans.Women at that.Victims to our hormones and emotions. :crazy: Like the old song goes" Pick yourself up.Brush yourself off and start all over again." :cb: Dawny,Great to here AJ "only" has the measles.It is so scary when they're sick.Aric hasn't had anything other than a nasty cold."Knock on wood"But when his fever would be up and he just layed around.I felt so helpless :( I consider myself a pretty strong woman,but when it comes to him.I become mush.Great job on the loss :encore: 3.5 by Sept. 8? You can do it and we will help you. :grouphug: Natalie, I can only get on here in the evening.I leave the house at 6:15am and get home around 6:00pm.I work 7-4.My DH works 8-5 across the street from Wal-mart.So we ride together to save expenses.It's about a 35 min. drive.He drops me off.Then drops Aric off. We all pretty well post every day.It's addictive.Until you guys.I had "never done this kinda thing before" :devil: That's why I lurked awhile.I talk to everyone face to face.It doesn't matter to me.But on the computer???Boy,am I glad I did. :D Well,each day this week I would ask Aric if he wanted to go to school."Want to stay in the house,Mommy" is what I'd get.Today he wanted to go.So,the house is quiet.Empty.I'm going to a friends house this afternoon.She lives about 10 miles away.Works about 60 miles away.We seldom get to see each other.I approached her about starting a TOPS Chapter in our town.We both belonged to it years ago.We both dropped out after awhile.The people who were running it let it die.The closest classes are(from me) 20 miles South or 25 miles North.We made a great team.There were 5 people attained their goal weight, in the 2 years that I was Leader.Of course,they did it.I just helped.SOOOO,,,,I hope you guys will still talk to me :angel: They don't have a set diet.They will recommend the exchange program.They feel everyone is unique.Some with special needs.So your doctor sets your diet and your goal.Some used WW pts..This will just be the support group that I will be attending.I don't know when we will get it started.I've never started one from the ground up.We are going to call all the ones that went before. Well I'm gone for awhile.Check back in a bit!!!! :wave:

Well, at first I was thinking of doing a mini-challenge 10 pounds in one month, August 17- September 17. I see now that not all of you want to be a part of this, each one has different goals. I still think however that we can do the "10 pounds in a month" thing, it doesn't matter if we don't lose all the weight, just a challenge (hence the name) to keep us motivated and on points for a whole month. I believe we'd all benefit from that. We can do this challenge every few months just to keep the motivation going. I think a little healthy competition would do us good.
So, what do you all think? Do you want to do the "10 pounds in a month"? Mind you, the challenge has started already since it's 19 August today. The rules are simple: eat within points, plenty of water and exercise. And then post here about how the day has been. It's ok if you don't want to do this, I am doing it though cos of that meeting I have on the 17th. Take care all! xxxxnat

Nat,Count me in :strong: A little friendly competition is good :jig:We can compete and support all at the same time :goodvibes If 10 is to much for some.Then choose an amount that suits you better. :shrug: The idea is to challenge yourself to"Strive for Excellence".Anyway,I'm ready :sumo:I need a good boot.I mean boost.Let's go girls. :cheer:

P.S. Congrats on the NSV,NAt.

hello everyone! My, this is a busy thread! I must try to catch up. Congrats to everyone who had losses! I love hanging out with losers!

Dawny - Whew! Hospitals! I'm sooo glad AJ is on the mend. I hope you have to chase after him again real soon! Yippee! 2# loss! Great work! Why is it that we are still surprised when the plan works? :dizzy:

Linda - Good to see you! Thanks for posting the pics. Looks like a great time. I hope everyone had fun. And if you ate ice cream - good for you. This is a lifetime thing. There will be ice cream in the future. We just have to learn to work with it. Now it's time to get back on track.

Dale - Your meetings sound like mine. The First Place program uses food exchanges, but me and two other people are doing WW points. It's good to have a specific WI and support place.

Natalie - I'm in for the challenge, though I usually can't post on the weekends due to my disgruntled home PC. Might as well as try for 10 in 4 weeks. Doable, but not a given. But, I agree with Dawny that it is not realistic for her. The weight comes off faster when you have more to lose. She would be good to shed 5 or 6 # in that amount of time.

Now for my announcement.... My WI last night was a loss of 6.4#. :yikes: Okay, I have figured out 2 explanations for this 1) the group moved to the basement room to WI and the floor might be slanted or something 2) I felt really bloated last week and it may have just been catching up to me. I wouldn't believe it last night and made them weigh me again! But, one lady works in a doc's office and had weighed there before coming and said it was very close. So, regardless, it is the official WI for me, and I am now down to 202.0. I demand to lose more than 2# next week!!!!

Taa-taa,

Hi to you all, Just a quick visit today, because we are up to our ears in paint!
A little update, AJ seems fine today, his spots are on the decline, and he is full of life again, I'm very pleased to say. Amazing how quickly kiddies bounce back isn't it?

OK, I'm in for the 10 pound thing. I'm not sure I can do it, but who cares! Lets give it a go anyway, In for a penny, in for a pound, (as we across the water like to say!)

Hi Linda, good to have you back. Love the piccies! Its great to see you and your family having a lovely time. Shame about the weather, but glad you enjoyed your meals - and the beer!!! As Melanie said, you can't avoid these types of food forever, if we are to follow this plan, then the idea is for it to be a life change. We just have to fit yummy scrummies into our programme and work with it. We can catch up later.

Dale, your new class sounds fun, and if you can get it off the ground then go for it. We all need help and support from different angles, and its some more for you, you know we are here too.

Melanie, I CANNOT GET MY BREATH!!! What a fantastic loss!!! Don't make excuses for the scales etc, just enjoy the moment. You obviously had a much better week than you expected. Breathe in the success and relish it! Good feeling isn't it?

Thanks to you all for your concern about AJ, I'll be back soon, fighting around the paint pots!

bye.

Oh my goodness! You ladies have been having some great losses! You losers!

Dawny, I'm so glad that AJ is on the mend, what a worry for you.

WI for me today and only a 0.5 loss. I know its still a loss but I am a little disappointed at myself. This weekend was quite tough for me though, it would have been my Dads birthday, but he passed away almost four years ago. I'm afraid that I ended up going out and drinking and eating far too much, and this has obviously lingered till today! Still, I won't get disheartened, I shall keep going and hopefully get to my first 7 pounds next week!

Anyway, keep going everyone - you're all doing great :D

Fi

Hi guys!
Weigh in wasn't as bad as I envisioned, I gained .8 and have been an "angel" all day and plan on continuing along those lines throughout the rest of the day. It helps, I think, that we are a bit broke so I won't be allowing us to eat out this weekend, I don't think!
Dale, I'm glad you stopped lurking and decided to post. It's important to express yourself and to get feedback from others. I need to look for a part time job, I think and was thinking about the local Walmart as well. Sounds like the people there enjoy their jobs? The TOPS thing sounds like a good idea and we will still talk to you, Dale!
By the way, when I reach my goal, I will still be here giving support and also trying very hard to maintain my loss. I think that is even more work than losing, which I don't feel awfully successful at for the moment! I want to work for ww some day and the sooner I get myself in gear, the sooner they can hire me!
Natalie, I will join in your challenge! I want to be realistic in terms of my own personal self and how I work it, but I think I have been sabotaging myself with all these "vacations", etc. lately. Time to get back to work. I truly WANT to rev up my efforts! What are our rules, I presume post each dayand report in what we are doing? Water? Exercise? I'm sick of this "plateau" I am on and want it crashed away.... I am looking forward to the "new" ww plan that they are announcing next week. Should be interesting and maybe I need something like this along with our challenge? I'm in!
Melanie, WOW! You go girl! I should be following you around and doing what you are doing. Can you share what you feel made for such a success this week? I know you were suprised, but certainly you must have done a few things better or differently!
Thanks for the remarks on the pics. We had a nice time. Yes, I had ice cream and yes I had a few beers and yes I went to the rib place and had the ribs with cajun fries, etc. We even had fried chicken on day for dinner and I had corn with real butter on it (first real butter I've had in probably 3 or 4 months!) I'm totally guilty! So, maybe this week if I am really good I will drop the .8 I gained back and then MORE????
Glad to hear the AJ is doing better, Dawny. Hey, painting is excercise! Nice to improve your home and work out at the same time! Maybe I need to do some too?
Dawny, what you said about a life change and Melanie echoed the same thing, it is a lifetime program and weight comes and hopefully GOES! There will be vacations, parties, holidays and in Fiona's case a sad time that makes one emotional. We have to learn (me included) to cope with all of these things. I am not ever going to stop indulging in a few treats when I am on vacations, but I am not on vacations all year - so now it's time to re-group and get moving!
Take care, I am motivated and ready to roll here!!!!
If we are to post an update each day on this challenge, here goes:
Today:
Exercise: 40 minutes on treadmill
Water: Have had 6 out of 8 glasses
Points: Started day with 20, earned 2, total 22, used 10 so far, 12 to go and dinner and a planned dessert will work right in. I'm "good" for the day, no suprises!
Emotions: calm, on track and happy to be on track
Linda
Linda

Just a few minutes and I'm outta here! Wanted to pop in before the work day is done.

Fiona - I was just thinking about you today. Sorry for your rough spot. Take care of your emotional side, but be care about doing it with food. You have friends here if you need to talk.

Linda - Really, i don't know how I had that loss. I didn't exercise because of the ankle. The only think I started doing differently over the past couple of weeks is using more Flexpoints, particularly on the weekends and being better on the 2 days before WI. BTW... Love butter. Mmmm...

Later,

Yay ladies! So, here are the people participating in the challenge:

Linda (derrydaughter)
Dawny (dawnydw)
Melanie (emerald)
Dale (aricsmama)
Natalie (sugar_cane)


Ok, so it's five of us. We have the "10 pounds in a month" plan, but if anyone feels more comfortable with lowering the number of pounds to suit oneself, that's fine. I copying this post in a new thread as this one is too long and perhaps newbies who want to post in the thread find this confusing. I suggest that everyone pm me every week with their results so as to be able to post them when the challenge ends. Do you want to do this or you prefer to say your losses in the thread? I guess it would be more intriguing to show the results in the end, but please, tell me what you think. I'm starting a new thread now. Thanks for the support girls!! :D :D

Hi there!
Wonder if the new thread started by Sugar Cane is where we all need to post, or should be keep this one open. This could be our "support" and "chat" thread and the other a results one?
Whatever works!
I'll look for the new thread.
I don't mind posting my results on the thread or private messages, whatever works for the group. I'm "easy" about that, as long as I get results!
Linda

Well, we can use both threads for chatting, I opened the new one so as not to get confused by so many posts. So, you can pm me your weekly results and you can also post them in the thread. I'll collect all the results and post them at the end of the challenge. :)

Hi, Like the idea about the separate thread for the challenge. I think that that thread should be used for that purpose, as Nat said, It can get confusing on here for others interested in joining in. This thread may be a long one, but a good one, as we know instantly where to find each other for a chat, and a moan, and a quick panic session if we need one! I'm happy to pm once a week with results, and post with progress as and when I can. I'll try not to go on too much in the other thread if I can help it!!!

Back to today. I feel quite thin today. Don't know why. The scales didn't show anything amazing this morning, the clothes don't feel looser and no one has paid me any compliments, but I feel good. Its a nice feeling. I'm starting to feel a bit more 'normal' now - well as normal as I'm ever likely to knowing that I'm just a little bit mad - I suddenly don't feel as if I'm standing out in a crowd anymore, I've always liked to just blend in, and maybe now I can just a little bit. I still have a long way to go, but maybe by goal (Christmas of course!) then I will completely disappear! - wishfull thinking!

Melanie, your sleepover sounds fun, a room full of pubescent girls, oh to be that age again - never!!! I couldn't handle it again in a million years. Hope you fought your way past the munchies to the celery...actually, thats a lie, I hope you had a great time and ate whatever took your fancy for a change! Did you go over your FP though?

Fi, .5 is a good loss. I felt quite disappointed the last couple of weeks when I only lost the same, I've come to the conclusion now though, that .5 is .5, and better off than on. Some weeks we just don't seem to get the results we expect or deserve. Next week will be better, especially now we have a little mini goal to work to.

Linda, your weigh in was not bad at all, especially if you ate all the yummies you say. I would have gained at least 2 with that little lot. It'll drop off next week. By the way, the photos of the mansion house you visited are alot like some of the great country estates over here. We have one of the best in the world about 10 minutes from our house, called Chatsworth House, Its fabulous, in huge grounds with deer etc roaming over the road. If any of you are ever over here, I will take you to see it!

Hi to everyone else out there, I'll be back soon, AJ wants to play on the pc!

Dawny, I would call the feeling good and feeling thin a NSV, for sure! I think .5 off is so much better than .5, just like you said! I'd have been happy, this week, just "breaking even"!
Even if I did eat all those extra goodies while away, I walked and didn't just sit around. The tour of that mansion probably earned me a point at least, all those corridors and stairs!
I'm realy on program today!
I worked out with my body sculpting tape = 30 minutes (will be sore tomorrow after doing push ups for about 4 or 5 minutes!)
I walked on my treadmill for 20 minutes
Planned eating has worked well, will end the day just using all of my points, nothing more!
I'm drinking water this very second!!!!! <slurp> Also eating ff popcorn to fill me up so I can make it until dinner.
I went through my ww cookbooks and found a good recipe in my "Best of WW magazine" cookbook for chicken cattiatore that is 4 points a serving. It's even got white wine in it, and still only 4 points, sounds great and quite tasty! So, this will be dinner this evening with a little pasta on the side and some zucchini. I even have enough points left to sprinkle parmesan over top and not be cheating!
I think I am going to really try using some of my ww cookbooks in the upcoming week or so. I think it might help.
Big thunderstorms here in NH this afternoon, had to turn on lights at 3:00 pm it was so dark. Now, two hours later it's sunny and steamy. We are having weather like a tropical rain forrest this summer, lots of muggy stuff. Not condusive to working outdoors at all, ick!
But, next week I plan on burning some big time points doing morning yard work!
Linda

Oh yes, Dawny, would love to come to the UK one day and see that "country estate" some time! I love places like that. I think I was meant to live in the 1800s, I love the clothing, style, manners and antiques from that period. Oh well.
Linda

Congrats on all the losses! I had a 7 lbs. loss one week, the leader almost fainted. But the week before I had a 5 lb. gain due to medication (I think) so that's how I explained it.
I agree that you don't want to beat yourself up because you went off program on vacation, just pick up where you left off. But, since I have been "here" a few times before, I feel I must caution everyone on buying into the "special occasion/vacation" way of thinking. Think about how many times a year we have special occasions: birthdays (if you have a large family this could be a whole month worth of days), weddings, anniversaries, visits with friends, retirement luncheons, visits with relatives, baby showers, vacations (twice a year, WOW), 9 or more legal holidays, the list just goes on and on. I think the "secret" to making this a life change is to handles these occasions on plan and not as a excuse to overindulge. That's how you gain 10 lbs. a year that turns into 50+ before you know it. At least that's how it always starts with me. Occasional overeating/skipping exercise turns into 24/7. Remember, I have reached goal once on my own and twice with ww so this is the voice of experience talking! Life is full of special occasions, we have to learn to enjoy them without carrying them around on our hips all year. I mean, unless those ribs were out of this world special that you can only get in that restaurant in that particular town, why were they worth it to you points wise? Just something to think about.

Janette

Welcome Janette! You are totally right about the "special occasions". It's something I need to work on. I must say those ribs were NOT worth it in the end, I've had better at a place only about a mile from here. Oh well. However, I must say that on ww, if one PLANS for them, one can have ribs, they are not taboo! I just wasn't doing anything right on vacation, though, no excuses.
But, NOW, I am not allowing any indulgences at all.
There will be special occasions for me and times where I am "weak" vs. strong, yet it's the overall results and long run stuff I am working on. Yet, I know that there are those who really have so much more strength than I do.
I gain my strength from being here with you guys! I have power from knowing you are all out there routing for me!
Maybe I need a laptop and wireless connection before next year's vacation and I slip again?
Linda

You are right, there is nothing you can't eat as long as you plan and stay in your points range. I used the ribs as an example because I knew it probably took a large bite out of your points for the day. And probably because I don't like ribs! And I thought you were listing the foods that took you over points for the day. Anyway, where do you think we got in the mindset that "having fun" meant eating fattening food? I may be a little older than the rest of you but I wonder if it is because at one time those foods were really only available a couple of times during the year? The rest of the time it was eating to survive. Maybe I just think too much--you think?

Good Morning, :coffee: Tried to post yesterday.Got a nice one typed in,hit send,and it said"PAGE CANNOT BE FOUND"I tried everything.Got aggravated and shut her down. :flame: Welcome Janette.It's always nice to have someone new. :grouphug:It makes for a better pot of soup. :T Linda, Sounds like your right on track. :bravo:Keep it up. Wonder how Melanie survived her teen overnite? "We can survive anything.As long as it's not fatal."I stole that, by the way. :s: Kinda liked it. :D Well I've exercised more this week. :strong: Just pour the sweat. :hot: We don't have air conditioning. Don't want it.So I'm in front of the fan.I think even with air,I'd sweat.I've been pushing myself. :drill:Speaking of which,I need to go do. :tread:Check in Later.

OOPs!!! Guess that should say Good Afternoon!!!!

Good evening everyone, it's really nice now there are a few more of us posting regularly. Like a regular coffee morning, but at any time of the day, and across the continents!
Welcome to Janette! You have obviously done very well in the past. What's brought you back to WW now? What are your goals and general aims in life? Don't mind me, I'm nosey! I get your point about the vacations etc, we really have to build them into our everyday lives, not go off programme every time a special event occurs. As you said, it could well happen several times a week!

Linda, Hi, you are doing so well now, and sticking with the exercise too. Well done! How is Jamie doing at the moment? I know she had done well after your main vacation, but how did she cope with the recent one? Is she looking forward to going back to school, and did you ever decide what to do with those packed lunches?

Dale, You are obviously exercising like mad too. It also sounds far too hot for so much physical exertion! I wish I could say the same for here. I guess the weather would be perfect for exercise, but still not done much. We have had a bit of sunshine today, but we have had loads of rain recently, some parts of the country have had horrendous torrents of water, completely recking towns and villages. I'm lucky I live on top of a hill! Don't like the rain much though. I would like just a bit of the heat you are all getting. I'm sitting here now, picture this...in jeans, socks, thick jumper in middle of August! My hands are cold, could do with mittens too. Oh well, shouldn't complain, there are far worse than me!

Nat, hope you will be able to cope with all the admin with the new challenge!!! Good luck.

Well, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend. Back soon.

I have eaten my points for the day (22). It was that trail mix that got me. Guess I have some flex points left. Probably eat tomato soup for supper.

Dawny I am back to ww because after maintaining for 2 years I slowly began to put it back on until I was 40 lbs. over. I've lost 10 lbs and want to lose 20 more to see where that puts me. I don't know if I am trying to maintain at too low a weight or if I just forget the lessons learned and start letting little things slide--like exercise and journaling--until the weight is back on. I know what to do and what not to do but I am a stress eater and I have a lot of stress at work. It seems like I go from a size 8 to a 20 overnight! I know it's not true but I seem to either be at goal or way over. I envy those people who can put on 10 or 15 lbs. as they age and then stop there. I could live with that.

I am an animal lover and avid gardener. I also love to decorate and redecorate my house with prize "finds" and refinished furniture. I enjoy the chats here and hope it helps me reach my goal.

Bad news seem to be forming a line waiting for me! A friend of mine told me that her brother might have to go in a mental institute. I mean, please.. this summer might as well be the worst of my life! I don't wanna come off as selfish, but you know, all these bad news are piling up, and I'm trying hard to maintain a good, positive attitude and it all goes to ****. We're a group of friends and this summer we seem to be constantly supporting each other cos of this bad situation.

Anyway, as I said above, I have a really optimistic and positive attitude towards future, it's actually the first time that dieting makes me feel this way. I feel like I'm really taking control of my life.
Today was a good day food-wise, and I have things planned for tomorrow. I wish that by Wednesday I will have lost the pound I gained during my vacation, and hopefully a little bit more!:crossed: I had my scales fixed, so no excuses this time! :goodscale
Take care all,xxxxxnat :hat:

SugarCane, the fact that you have a group of friends that are supporting each other through bad times makes you a very lucky person indeed.

I too made it food-wise yesterday even though I had used all my points by lunch I ate tomato soup for supper and a handfull of dry cereal (flex points) before I went to bed. I'm really proud of myself for not giving in!

Maybe you should start a new thread--this one is getting so long----

Hope everyone has an on-plan day!
Janette

So glad to see some new people here. If you experience trouble, Dale, like that "page cannot be found" thing, it may be time to start up a new thread. Is anyone else having trouble? Could have been your server, though, Dale. Keep me posted if this happens again.
It is interesting to know what was the "thing" that made each of us come back to ww, or just wanting to do something about our weight. I have gone through such ups and downs with this and what brought me back to ww and here to post is that I was about ready to go into a new clothing size and was faced with some important decisions about weather I needed to do something about this weight thing, spending the money on that, or spend money on an entirely new wardrobe and put my health at risk.
I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done in March or February and I have some "issues" that require me to eat a high fiber diet. When I started adding all the extra fiber, my weight starting going up even more.... I needed to get control of my weight and start tracking things better, quite obviously. I feel so much better, after changing to a healthier diet and beginning my exercise program. The acid reflux and other things seem so much more under control. I am convinced that certain digestive problems that people have can be controlled by diet vs. meds. That doesn't mean everything, but certainly some things!
Nice to hear a little about your background, Janette. I think I am very similar to you to some degree, then different in other ways. I am a ww lifetime member who has done it all before but can't seem to get the maintenance part of it. When I reach goal, I tend to become a food party animal and do lots of "social" eating.
Dawny, Jamie is not doing so well. She lost control on this vacation, just like I did. I don't think she's back in total control yet. I'm trying not to nag her. I am hopeful that the new ww program to be announced this week might help us both! I am truly right back to good habits, journaling, staying in my point range (did use a few flex points last night, but still am very good), drinking water, and exercising. She's not shown me much in terms of motivation this week. We'll see how she weighs in on Tuesday. I've not completely got control of her school lunch ideas yet. Will have to work on that this week, as school starts Aug. 30th here.
Sugar Cane, honey, you are doing so well. Don't give up because of a few bad things. I feel quite "motherly" towards you as I bet your own mom is about my age and I can speak from experience that as you grow older, there are going to be things that happen to your friends and family that are not within your control. By the way, a person going into a mental health facility is actually a very positive thing, to me, as I see it as a way that they can get help, finally. Sometimes with mental illness, it's always "darkest before the dawn". Your friend needs help and will get it, be glad for that!
Well, time to think about my dishes in the sink, (went to church and left everything and now it's time...) the laundry that needs to be done and then maybe go out and enjoy some of this lovely sunny day we are having! So nice to see the sun after several cloudy, muggy days!
Take care and stay on program guys! I'm working hard!
Linda

Hi just a quickie today, Just to say that I think I'm going to drop to 18 points as my daily allowance now. I am 3 pounds of the mark where I need to drop anyway, and maybe it will just give me the boost I need. Whether I will be able to stick to the points every day is another matter, but at least it will get me some practice before I officially have to drop the points.
Going to go now, sunday evening 'lunch' calls...chicken in salsa sauce 2 points, new potatoes and fresh vegetables. yummy.

Dawny, intersting that you have 18 points vs. the lowest here in the USA being 20! What weight range do they give you to be at 18 points? I wonder if some of the points they assign to your foods are even different in the UK now?
I dropped from 22 to 20 points a little while ago, as you may recall. Here in the USA it's for 150 and below, but there is no point range for under 20 points here, 20 is as low as you can go here. I give myself 20 a day vs. 22 as my last weigh ins have been 152 +/- and I am so close that I did exactly the same thing as you. I felt that by going to 20, it might help me break through that 150 barrier? So far, I've not done that at a ww weigh in, but here at home this morning (no breakfast, no clothes) I weighed in at 148. But, this scale always weighs about three pounds different from the ww scales, so who knows what I really weigh until tomorrow when I go to the meeting!
I weighted in last week at 152.2, so maybe I'll have a loss tomorrow, especially since I plan on being "perfect" today!
Linda, off to have breakfast and work out!

Hello everyone. I’m one exhausted gal! But, it was a great weekend.

The slumber party went great. 13 gals and 2 adults. I didn’t do too bad on my eating; only used 4 FPs. After about 3 hours sleep, I went to the KY State Fair with some family. I love it there after dark, with all the people and lights. At that point, I might have been hallucinating, but I just enjoyed the sights and sounds (and tastes) of the carnival. Thanks to the funnel cake (fried dough) I used 14 FPs. Oh, well. Yesterday I tried to get some rest, but I’m still sore and tired!

I don’t usually use my AP. I just use the FPs. But, out of curiosity, I decided to see how many points could have been gained by walking around the fair grounds for 10 hours. We were there 12, but I figure 2 was spent sitting or on rollercoasters. So, I figured I would get 3 APs for 1 hour of light activity. 10 hours would be 30 points. :devil: Maybe I didn’t do so bad after all.

Well, it’s Monday. Definitely feels like Monday. I think I will see what is in the vending machine for breakfast. Wish me luck.

BTW – Dawny, is AJ 100% again?

Hi Linda, I didn't realise that the US points system might work a bit different to our in the UK, I knew the general programmes were slightly different, and you have a bit of choice which to go for, to suit lifestyles etc, plus you get flexpoints ! It never occured to me that foods may even be pointed up a bit differently too, I hope not, as I have started looking at various recipes on line, don't know if I'll be able to follow them or not, but I am at least looking, its a start! :dz:
Our daily points allowance is as follows, under 140 pounds is 18 points,
140 - 168 = 20
168 - 196 = 22
196 - 224 = 24
224 - 252 = 26
252 - 280 = 28
280 + = 30.
That is the max points for ladies, the minimum is 18 points, even if your goal weight is much less that 140 pounds, you don't drop below the 18 per day. You are not allowed though to go below the minimum BMI recomended.

All that said, I'm not sure how I will do on only 18 per day. I didn't quite manage it yesterday I have to admit, and now I feel as if I'm coming down with another cold, so that always makes me comfort eat, so I will see how it goes.
I weighed in this morning, again empty tummy and no clothes on, at 139.5, by the time I have food inside me, and fully dressed, I will probably be up to 141, on my scales, which by WW standards, puts me 'officially' on 144! I need to be very good later and go for a walk and try to burn some off!

Oh well, I'll be off for now, think I'll pop to the local pharmacy and get some remedy or other for when the cold really kicks in, my hubby just phoned, he's starting with it too! I'll have to hurry to avoid the raindrops though! :rain:
I don't want to blame AJ or anything, but I think it part of his virus that we've caught! :headache:
We do tend to catch all our kids ailments don't we?

See ya later!

Ps, just spotted your message Melanie, you must have done it while I was typing, AJ seems fine now, Thanks for asking. Sounds like you had a fab weekend, I love those big fairs, but me thinks ours are not as big as yours!!!
Ok, I really am going now.

Dawny - :goodluck: with the 18 pts! And here I was complaining because I'm soon going to go down to 24! I really don't understand why we would have a different point scale in US v. UK. If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you feed us cheesecake, do we not grow? I can't imagine that our bodies are different! I'm sure the recipes will be okay. You could take one and figure the points yourself to know for sure.

We are fortunate in KY. Our fair grounds connect with Six Flags amusement park. :twirly: So, in addition to all the exhibits, foods, carnival rides and games, we also get admission in to the theme park for the same low price, $7, but have to buy tickets for the rides. I rode the Hellevator :devil: with my eyes closed, the stand-up roller coaster, the indoor coaster, the wooden coaster... but the Ferris wheel terrifies me. I'm afraid of heights so, I passed on that one.

And, it has been a weekend full of NSVs. I had at least 4 people comment on my weightloss. The terms “wasting away” and “skinny-Minnie” were used. And, 2 guys flirted with me at the fair. Hee-hee. Didn’t flirt back, but it sure is nice to be noticed. ;)

Hi Melanie, congrats on the NSV's, can't remember the last time some guy flirted with me, oh, except at work, and 70 year old grandpa's don't count! Something to do with being such an old married lady now I expect, and of course, they can probably tell I'm about to be a granny in the not too distant future!!!

Oh no, gotta go, it's just started thundering, and AJ's not keen - mainly due to the tv going off!!!

Hey all!
Linda- I really appreciated your comment that you feel "motherly" towards me, I'm really glad that you and the other girls embraced me and treated me so nicely, even though I'm at a different age group than you, and could have excluded me from the team. I feel very nice having you all for support, thanks again! :) :grouphug:
The weather here is unbelievably hot, not inspiring for any physical activity. Today was a great day though, I went to see a volleyball match in the Olympics! :cheer: It was really exciting, the Olympics are actually fun! I was really good today, I managed to avoid a tempting hamburger, and succeded in finishing the day within points.Good for me, I guess! :dancer:
I'm really tired right now, so I'd better get some sleep. Take care all!!! xxxnat

PS. Can someone tell me how many gr are in a tablespoon? Thanks!


ETA: Congrats on the NSVs Melanie! They can really make your day, can't they?

Hello. Just checking in. My sinuses have taken over my brain, so not much to say.

Dawny - hope your weather is clearing up. It is raining here, but the thunderstorms are not expected until tonight.

Nat - I'm glad you feel at home here. Besides, I may be an old broad of 28, but I still act 8! And we have a common goal - WE MUST BE LOSERS!!! As for the grams in a tbsp, I think it varies by what you are measuring. A tbsp of milk would be lighter than a tbsp of rocks. Either way, it's not going to be much, but I don't think there is a general rule for quantity to weight measurements.

Linda - how was WI? Good I hope. And I hope Jamie is getting ready for a grand entrance when school starts!

Hi, just a quick visit tonight as I keep getting cut off. It's been happening the last couple of days, and I'm just about at the end of my tether with it, so if I suddenly disappear then you will know why.

I don't think my week has been too bad, food wise anyway. I've kept pretty much within points, and not gone too mad on anything particular. I don't think I've lost any weight though. Tomorrow night will be crunch time - WI again.

My cold is now kicking in good and proper, so I feel the munchies coming on too. I hope that I can fend them off long enough for WI, and then maybe pig out for a little while afterwards to make myself feel better. Not too much, obviously! Just enough to satisfy my never ending appetite.

Oh good grief, I'm reconnecting again, I'm fed up of this, I'm off. I'll try again tomorrow. Bye for now

Weigh in went so well today! I just went last Thursday after coming home and this morning it was only 5 days vs. 7 and I lost 2.2 pounds!!!!! Jamie, also, did well and lost 1.8!!! I didn't think she was actually doing that well, so we were both pleasantly surprised! I totally FEEL thinner today!
Melanie, sounds like all the walking you did was enough to have that funnel cake (fried dough)! I love that stuff, it loves my thighs!!!!! I'd do the walking JUST to have it!
Dawny, our weight and point ranges ARE different. Don't know if the points are figured out differently, but maybe we need to do some comparisons of a few frequently eaten items? Wouldn't it be terrible if the foods were pointed up differently and we shared recipes, but certainly we would be close I hope!
Here in the US, under 150 pounds is 20 points, no lower is given or allowed!
Here are our ranges:
under 150 = 20
150 - 174 = 22
175 - 199 = 24
200 - 224 = 26
225 - 249 = 28
250 - 274 = 30
276 - 299 = 31
300 - 324 = 32
350+ = 34
Interesting that there are some differences. Wonder why?
Maybe we should journal out a few meals to see if there are differences, just for comparison????
Natalie, so glad you feel welcomed here, as you are! WE all have so much in common, we are all on the same journey, some at different ages, but the same in many ways! I think we almost have every decade represented, starting with you, Natalie, in our group! Really cool!
Dawny, sorry you keep having connection problems. Is it your internet connection or this site? I can still start a new thread if some of you have troubles. I guess downloading gets more difficult for some people the more pages in a thread? I have high speed access, so no difficulty, but if some of you have dial up, it could make a difference?
So, my big news for the day is that I went to the meeting and found out about the new ww program, the Core Plan! It's a big change. I am going to try it, but I am scared as pizza uses flex points, essentially! Also, at least for the first week, we were not told that we can earn extra points by exercising, but we were told to step up our activity level and try to earn 4 points a day - wow! I don't think I have TIME for that, but will see if I can run vs. walk on the treadmil or something, maybe?
You get 35 points a week and then can eat any foods you want and as much (within reason) as you want from a listing of core foods. I don't like that bread is not a core food, yet oatmeal, any non sugar added cereal (like grapenuts or shredded wheat) are on the list. REAL eggs are core foods, though! Yummy! Fruit is a core food as well, so I can eat more fruit - I would bypass fruit, often, due to the points and have veggies instead. What a luxury! Beans and other legumes are on the list, but baked beans count as points unless they are vegetarian baked beans, etc. Split pea soup is on the core list as well as lentil soup and clear broth vegetable soups.
All meats that are lean are on the list, but if you add sauces, marinates (with fat), breading, etc. it adds points. Fat free cheeses are on the list, but even low fat cheese uses points. I am totally thrilled that Canadian Bacon (for UK people maybe called Parma Ham???) is on the list of core foods, I can have a scrambled egg, a small amount of plain grits (I like them but they were too high in points for me to want to spend my points on) and a few pieces of Canadina Bacon tomorrow morning. This is like a "kid in the candy store" for me to have a REAL egg, especially! Wow! I am worrying that I might gain as I feel like a prisoner who has been taken out of the shackles????
You do have more freedoms, but you have more restrictions in some ways too. I am going to do this for one week and evaluate. They say that if you've been on a plateau, you can break through with this. Some ww people are saying that you can switch back and fourth from one week to the next (but for a week at a time) from the Core vs. the Flexpoint program.
We'll see how things go! I'll be reporting in! My leader said she lost 8 pounds in three weeks, but then went back to flexpoints as she is a chocoholic and couldn't deal with only 35 flexpoints. The points system allows for more chocolate items!
The core program does allow the flexpoints and I figure I might end up using many of my 35 flex points on ww chocolate ice cream treats! I also found out that sugar free, fat free, chocolate pudding is on the core list - so that will be tonight's dessert and I won't be using any flexies!
By the way, all ice cream products are not on the core listing other than one ww soft serve sugar free ice cream that I've never seen in a store!
All of the ww frozen entrees are NOT on the core listing, I hope they come up with a way to evaluate those so that maybe not all the points need to be counted towards your 35 flexpoints a week. We'll see next week, apparently there will be more info given out for the next 8 weeks.
Hey, I was wondering if one could MAKE flour out of oatmeal in a blender for example and try to make some sort of bread with that if oatmeal is a core food? Interesting thought at least!
Linda

Hey Linda! Congrats on the loss both for you and Jamie!! :bravo: Good for you! Don't forget to pm me, we have to do it officially! :p The new program sounds interesting, btw. I won't try it, as I'm happy with the existing one, but I hope you'll like it.

I'm weighing myself tomorrow, I'm a bit nervous about it,hopefully I'll have a loss. Take care all!

Hello! It seems everyone on the web is talking about the Core. I plan to stay with FPs. It's been working for me and I like the Flex in the FlexPoints! But, I hope that the Core works for you, Linda. I might try it if I hit a plateau, so I might bug you for info later.

ATTENTION PLEASE: LINDA AND JAMIE ARE BUTT-KICKIN' LOSERS!!!! :cheer: Way to go!

Nat - I will PM you tomorrow with my WI. I have no idea if it will be + or - this week. I guess we will find out soon... With the way you are sticking to the program, I am sure you will be losing.

Dawny - I feel your pain. I can usually read posts from my home PC, but when I try to reply, it shuts me out!! Good luck!!

Okay, where is everyone else this week? Come on gals! I miss you when you're gone!

Hi guys, just checking back in briefly. Yes, Sugar Cane, I did send you a PM. Are you going to make a tally of how much we all lost in one week? That would be fun!
I'll keep you guys posted on the core plan and how it's working. I'm pretty much bored with flexpoints, though when I put the plan to practice, as evidenced by my loss this week, it actualy works!
I think this core plan would be very hard to eat out with if one goes to pizza places, for example. I'm doing some big time creative thinking about making up my own recipes for certain foods that aren't core foods. We'll see how it works.
I've not have time to go through the rest of this web site and I am curious to see what everyone on this web site has to say about this new plan.
Linda

HI ladies, just thought I'd try and send a quick post this morning, I have been online for a while now, and touch wood, no problems yet - hope I haven't spoken too soon!

Linda, wow, fab losses for both you and Jamie, I knew it would drop off you once the vacation was out of the way. It just goes to show that really, no matter which programme you are following , if you follow it properly, then it does work, holidays and special occasions are just little 'blips' that we have to contend with, and as long as we get back on track afterwards, then no real harm is done. Just think now, only .2 and you've finally hit that 150 mark, which you have been aiming for for so long! Well done.

Nat, I agree with Melanie, I can't imagine that you won't lose this week. you are following everything very carefully and have a good motivation too. You will be fine.

Melanie, Hi, who knows whats been wrong with this machine thingy of mine. I'm on dialup, and I changed the access numbers last night, and so far so good. I don't think my problem was just linked to this site, I had problems with whatever I was doing online. Don't you just love computers, aren't they supposed to make life easier or something? I'm not so sure about that, but when you meet good friends through it, then it does make the hard work worthwhile. Good luck with your WI too, after last week, you have a high standard to maintain, and I only expect the best from you! I wouldn't panic too much if it's not 6 pounds again though, I will be lucky to get .5 today I think.

I'm hoping actually that I don't have problems getting to tonights meeting, as my hubby has an interview for another job this evening, and he usually looks after AJ while I go. I suppose if he isn't home, I will have to take AJ with me and not stay to the talk, just go for the WI, but that would be going against the grain for me, as some weeks the only way I get through is because I've had the extra motivation that the meeting gives me. Oh well, I will just have to prise it out of you lot instead if you don't mind.

Well, I'll be off for now, I'm hoping a man is coming to my house to sort out a job he left half finished in the garden nearly 5 weeks ago. He has left a 'ditch' at the side of our house, and after all the heavy rain, we have a moat around the back of the house. Queen of the castle, maybe not, and hopefully for not much longer. If he doesn't turn up, I will not be a happy bunny!!! See ya later.

Yay!!! 3.5 pounds off!!!:cb: I'm so happy, thanks so much for the support, you must believe in me more than I believe in myself! :cp:
I'm really happy, I hope all your WIs have gone well too. I'm in a hurry right now, I'll be back for more later!Take care!!

:D

HI, Natalie, I just knew you were working wonders! Well done. That is a fab result and you deserve it!

I've just got in from my WI, lost 1 pound this week and am surprised but pleased. I said earlier that I really didn't mind how I did this week because I am pleased with my progress, but you can never deny that it feels good to come away knowing that youve lost just that little bit more.

I also got in to find out my hubby had got the job from the interview he went for earlier today, so we are celebrating with a take out tonight, not too much, and still within points, of course!, but just enough to feel we're making the most of the moment!

AJ is now in bed, Hubby gone to fetch the food, and me with a smile on my face, putting my feet up and enjoying life. Signing off for tonight.

Sugar Cane and Dawney! Yippee We are ALL losers! I'm so proud of you guys. Anyone else having a great week?
I feel skinny (sung to the tune of "I feel pretty" from West Side Store and Anger Managment), I feel skinny, I feel skinny and fitty (fit, meaing well and exercised!) and gay (meaning happy you guys!!!!!) oh I pity anyone who isn't here (on 3FC!) today!
At any rate, I'm so happy today, it's a gorgeous summer day, I lost weight, others are losing weight, yippee!
Take care guys..... working the program!
Linda

OH yes, Dawney, congrats on the new job for your husband! Way to go!
What a great day!
Linda

Good work everyone! I have lost 2 lbs. this week and it is not even my wi day yet so I won't post it officially until Saturday--maybe it will even be more!
I know a lot of people don't like Core because of the eating-out thing but I have been thinking--maybe eating out is the heart of our problem. The portions are too large and too much hidden fat and sugar. Even if you THINK you are on program you may not be if you are using the general food guide for points. And I think we are "conditioned" to overeat when we go out, especially with the food bars that are so popular now. wHOOPS, OSCAR CAT JUST HIT THE CAPS LOCK. Anyway, you gotta wonder why we eat out of bowls that everybody and his dog has had a go at!!!! Ugh.
Gotta go. Gardners Journal just came on so I'll eat my shredded wheat and milk (Core)while I watch it. Even though I am watching tv I still eat at the table--a new rule I have.
Janette

Hello everyone. Today is the first day this week that I have been able to wear my contact lenses. Allergies have been miserable, or maybe it was mixed with a cold. Anyway, today I'm just a wee bit drowsy and pretty stuffy. A HUGE improvement.

HAHA! Nice to see WI brought a song to your heart, Linda! Everyone is doing wonderful! I'm sooo proud of us! I lost 1# last night at WI! I told everyone that it would have been more, but my nose has gained 2#. Oh, well. That puts me at 201. I think that is just rude! I want below that 00 mark!!! Next week, for sure. I have hopes that I will be able to breathe well enough to exercise any day now.

Dawny - Great news!!! Great WI and Great news on the job! I hope you enjoyed your celebration!

Natalie - Great loss! Keep up the great work!

Janette - I owe part of my loss to not eating out. DH and I don't really like the fast food type places very much, so it is very hard to be accurate on points. We eat out for Sunday lunch and maybe on a Saturday, but it is now rare. But, I love buffet restaurants. It is good to see the food and make choices. I know what is in a heavy sauce, or looks fried. Darn. Now I'm hungry.

Later!

Hey girls!!:) Yesterday was a good day for three reasons. Firstly, I went to the dentist's whom I loathe and am afraid of, and she told me that my teeth are great, no caps or fillings! Yay! :cp: I take really good care of them and I'm really happy that they're all perfectly healthy. Secondly, I went to a friend's house last night and I managed to refuse pizza although I was really hungry. I thought that if I ate pizza it would only be one slice, I'd be over points, and it wouldn't fill me up, so it was totally not worth it. :strong: And thirdly, I got a nice compliment.:D So, yesterday was a great day, today's not bad either. I'm preparing for a big lunch on Saturday, i'm having some friends over for lunch. I know I'll be over my points, I'll try to save a few today and tomorrow, to minimize the damage.
Congrats to Melanie and Dawny for the great loss!! :bravo: I really hope the challenge is doing us all good!!

Hi everyone! So nice to see several new posts today!
I am on the run, have to cook for my husband's office. They have a once a month pot luck kind of thing and take turns bringing in food. I am making a HUGE pasta salad that I won't be touching due to how many points it would be, etc. Then, I have to make dinner early as my daughter has freshman orientation starting at 6 pm tonight for entrance into high school next week. Busy day!
I weighed myself this morning and noted the scale dropped another pound... but that is my scale not the ww one, we all know how that goes!
The core program seems to be working very well for me, I think. I will reserve complete judgement on it until weigh in next week, of course, but I am excited about all the options that now seem to be more available!
Linda

Hello everyone, great to see lots of posts tonight again. And such great losses this week for everyone. Well done to you all!!!

Thanks for the congrats for hubby on his job. He's really pleased, if a little nervous, but I'm sure everything will all be a change for the better.

Now then, on to this core programme stuff. We don't have it. Will probably never have it, and will probably never get to know properly how well it works (or doesn't as the case may be). I am starting to feel a little bit out of it still doing the points thing, as if it could end up being a thing of the past! Not sure if it would be for me anyway, cutting the carbs down for me would be nearly impossible I think, I wouldn't have a clue what to eat, and as you know, I'm not that adventurous with my cooking! But I do hope that it all works out for you guys that are trying it out, and that your losses are as impressive as your friendship! (and your singing, Linda!!!) Do you think that making quite drastic changes to your lifestyle are sustainable in the long term, I'm thinking maintainance after reaching goal. I've always been in the mind that in order for lifestyle changes to stay longlasting, you have to be able to include things that you really enjoy when you want them, and not to deprive yourself. That way, you don't end up bingeing because you miss something so badly. I don't think I really know what I'm talking about as usual, and I don't want anyone to think I'm against what you are trying , because I don't have the facts, I hope it works for all involved.
Let me know your views.

Anyway, I'm still feeling very confident about my loss and upbeat about things in general at the mo, which from what I've read above, is a mutual feeling. There is a real feel good factor at the moment that we need to keep up. Well done ladies once again.

Ok I'm off now, I fancy some munchies, and I still have 3 points left, even with reducing to 18 points a day, so I'll go and find something yummy. See ya later.

Dawny, in terms of denying the things that you really want, I totally agree that the lifestyle changes on this core program are not something I would probably stay with all my life, on maintenence. Points is definately the way to go for that, but if you need to "break through" to get off some stubborn remaining pounds, then maybe it's good thing? But, in these last few weeks our meetings have been focused on making the healthier choices and recognizing when your body truly is hungry and when it is not. We have been having "lifestyle change" drummed into our heads lately, and I think what they are really and truly trying to prevent, from what I have been told and have read, is that we all must give thought to what we are putting in our mouths.
This morning my scale was as 147, a really good number. If I can even just keep that number through next Tuesday's weigh in, I will probably have a good weigh in, but will have eaten and put clothing on and we all know their scales.....
Dawny, if the core program is very successful, I would presume that you will get offered it in the UK. Maybe you should ask about it at the next meeting? You might find that they bring it to the UK after evaluating it's success here?
I won't even want to stay on it all the time right now, just so you know. I think it is a very good thing to do, as was mentioned at this week's meeting, when you know you will be home for many of your meals. Points is better if you are dining out especially.
I guess one could call it partly low carb, but I don't think of it as that, quite honestly. There are tons of carbs, I had whole wheat pasta last night in fact, peas with my lunch and veggies and fruits during the day. But, I didn't have what I would call "empty" carbs like white bread, etc. I still CAN have the bread, but it must count towards my 35 flex points I can have a week if I eat the core plan. But, if you were me (and you guys have gotten to know ME quite well here!) would you spend the 35 points on white bread or would you spend the points on pizza or chocolate?????
I like the change offered with this plan, it's just nice to have some different foods that I was not allowing myself due to the points for a change, but in the end the points program is probably what I would stay on "forever", but I reserve judgement for now.
I didn't take it that you were "against" the core program at all, just not "in the loop", I guess. You are doing so well with what you are doing, anyway, so if I were you I would be very satisfied with your current plan. I have been on this plateau for ages, it seems and to finally see the 140s on the scale, a number I haven't seen in probably 5 years, is really something for me.
The core foods, by the way, are a list of basic healthy foods. Lean meats, eggs, fish, and other forms of protine like tofu are included. All veggies and fruits are included (a big difference from low carb as fruit is taboo on some diets or very limited), skim or ff milk, ff cheeses are included, etc. Grains that are included are potato, whole wheat pasta, sugar free cerials, legumes (beans) and things like that. Mainly, I think they want an approach that is eating all healthy, non processed, and fresh foods. Some prepared soups that are broth based, not creamy, are included. But, if you fancy cream of mushroom soup or ice cream, then you use your 35 weekly flexpoints on those things.
The crushing thing to me is that white flour items like breads and pizza crust are only flex point items. I love pizza and will try to find a way to make a "mock pizza" or use up my flex points on the pizza I want so much! I also love bread and rolls, but maybe this will teach me to be more intelligent about having them whole grain and also to limit them, as the processed white flours truly are not good for us all, but we have grown to love them for taste and texture. I love fried foods as well, but certainly won't even be thinking about them on this plan!
With flexpoints, I could have pizza every single day if that is what I wanted to do, just would have to work out low point foods in my other meals and snacks to accomodate that!
However, in order to have what I truly wanted, in points, I was sacrificing fruits and milks, I think. I was probably not being smart in terms of not having the five fruits and veggies recommended each day, or the two milks. I would opt for veggies, certainly as those were no points for the most part. I was having fruit with breakfast, but that was it, a second fruit in a day would sent me way too far over my points range if I wanted to have other things that seemed more important to me. Milks were always "sliding" for me and I was justifying it by taking a calcium tablet. I woud rather have spent my 2 points on what I perceived as the "good stuff" than even think of having a glass of milk. This list of core foods seems to give more structure, even if you have the freedom from journalling (which compulsively I am still doing right now) you know what you are allowed and not allowed.
Even if you are not on the core program in the UK, one could try to stay within some of the core food recommendations (which are totally easy and I could private message you with the list at some point) on days that you will be home, but staying in your points ranges to be true to the program you are on. I actually have felt more energetic these last few days and realize that the healthier choices that the core kind of forces you into picking are truly "better" choices.
For example: Two pieces of lite white toast with "lite" margarine with "lite" cheese on the side with an apple is still a "good", filling and somewhat low point breakfast. It would be 4 points, total. I still COULD have that with my flex points if I truly wanted, and the apple is core, I'd have to have ff cheese to be "core" vs. the lite cheese. But isn't oatmeal with skim milk and fruit a better choice for me?
Both choices are 4 points, but one has more whole grains and more of the calcium and less fat that I would be getting. If I had either breakfast, I'd still spend 4 points, but my body would have better fuel with the core breakfast, I think. I would still, ultimately, lose weight with both choices. I would be certainly getting more fiber with the second one, which my body needs to keep a healthy colon and maybe even prevent cancer???? Also, I seem to notice (even after a few days) that, as they say, the fiber slows down your digestion and you don't get hungry in between meals as often. So that is probably part of the weight loss "science".
So, it's all about making better choices, not that the old choices were wrong. Hope that is understandable!
But, again, I want my pizza!
Linda

Hello, all! TGIF!!!!!!!

Nat - Congrats on the NSV!! Didn't ya just feel so proud turning down the pizza? That shows you really want to hit your goal! You are starting to think about the food that you are eating! Haven't you ever been eating and then realize, "hey. I'm not hungry." I also think that it helps to know that you can have the pizza another day... when you have planned for it and have the points. I find that I'm not saying no to certain foods, just c-ya later.

Dawny - How is AJ? Fully recovered? I hope so. I don't recall how long it takes to mend from the measles. How was the remodeling project you mentioned?

Linda - I'm glad you are pleased with the Core program. It's good that WW is giving options. It sounds like the Core could be marketed as low carb, but in a healtier way than the craze we are now seeing. Did you read the article on this site a few months ago about the health problems being caused by the improper "low-carb" diets? It was scary. I think that is one of the reasons I don't like the Core for myself. I feel like WW is jumping on the bandwagon and trying to compete with the market, instead of focusing on healthy weightloss. I'm not saying the Core is unhealthy, just the motives. Personally, I am sick to death of hearing low-carb, low-carb, low-carb. Give me potatos, or give me death!

Dawny - Is it just the US that is going carb crazy, or is the UK seeing it too? I think it is hilarious that some places are advertising their burgers as low carb. Yeah, that should be healthy with 42 grams of fat! :dizzy:

I love what I read one woman's leader said about WW changing, --Thank goodness we change or we would all be eating liver and making our own ketchup! -- We humans sure have done some strange things to lose weight!

Linda - How is your son doing? Are the meds helping? Is he looking forward to the new school year, or dreading it?

Have a Super-Duper Friday everyone!!

Linda - I almost forgot. Here is a recipe I have used to make a pizza crust before. Of course, it is not like fast food pizza crust, but it worked well and DH liked it. I don't know if cornmeal is Core, but here ya go...


PIZZA WITH POLENTA CRUST

nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
1/2 cup grated fatfree parmesan ( optional for me)

Spray a 9 inch pie pan with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 375. Place cornmeal in a small bowl. Add cold water and stir until well mixed. Stir cornmeal mixture into saucepan of boiling water. Cook, stirring over low heat until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir salt and Parmesan. Spread cornmeal mixture to form a crust in the greased pan, using wet hands or a spatula. Spread evenly across bottom and up sides. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Add toppings and bake until finished.

6 pts for the whole crust.

HI, fleeting post for now, I'm ill! Really bad throat, can hardly speak, glands up in neck and didn't sleep more than 1 hour last night, So I'll be back later when I feel up to it. See ya.

Hello All, Yes I'm still alive.I've had a stomach virus this week.I didn't get it as bad as some.But did have EXTREME cramps.Also, that TOM.I've got a busting headache this morning.I maintained this week.Disappointed but not a gain.Check in later.When my head stops hurting.

Gosh, Dale and Dawney are sick! I hope you guys are better. I post on another thread and one of the ladies there has had terrible problems with her stomach lately as well. Lots of illness going around, strange for this time of year. Get some rest everyone!
Melania, thanks for that recipe, not sure if it's all core or not, but I will check! Would be so cool if it was core, though. I am wanting pizza, big time!
I am sick to death of low carb talk as well, seems totally like everyplace you go to has jumped on the bandwagon. In fact a doughnut shop around the corner is advertising low carb muffins, but there isn't a breakdown availalbe about fiber, fat or calories so a person could use the points system and work it all out.
I still am not thinking of this core program as really low carb, it is more of a "healthy carb" program vs. low. I had a baked potato yesterday and can have one potato or one serving of whole wheat pasta a day. I can have bread if I want to spend my flex points on it. It is similar, more, to the So. Beach diet, if anything, but not Atkins, thank goodness! I was on Atkins for a little while and being on any diet that required me to take FIVE multivitamins a day was "bad news" as far as I was concerned. I know three people who have been true Atkins "promotors" and have lost weight that have had to have emergency gall bladder surgery, so can understand that there certainly are health risks. I didn't read the article (was it on this site and is there a link to it?) but wouldn't be surprised about the many risks associated with it.
Melanie, thanks for asking about my son. I think he's doing quite a bit better. Thank goodness he seems to have turned this corner. School starts on Monday and he will probably do even better after getting back to see other kids regularly.
Linda

This is weird.... I have swollen glands in my neck today as well, Dawney? We can't catch stuff over the computer, so must be a weird coincidence?
No posts here since last night from anyone else but me. : (
Linda

Hi, just looking in quick. I still feel rubbish, throat very swollen and glands too. Linda, maybe we have some link we don't know about if we are exchanging symptoms, or just coming out in sympathy! I'm eating a bit, hopefully well within points, no idea whats in the throat sweets I'm ploughing through but I don't care, those and paracetamol are keeping me sane! Back later.

Wow! My home computer is actually letting me post tonight! I'm excited!

I'm sorry everyone else seems under the weather. I'm actually coming back to life. Just a little congestion still. I hope everyone wakes up feeling healthier tomorrow.

This weekend has been a real challenge for me to stay in points! I sometimes help do some catering to get a little extra cash from a restaurant in town. So, last night, I was serving at a wedding. Very few veggies and fruits to choose from (we get to eat some of the leftovers for dinner as we are usually there for more than 8 hours and can't leave). But, I managed to avoid the wedding cake (we get some of that too if there is enough) and the chocolate wedding favors. I'm proud of that. Plus, serving is great exercise. It is frantic to serve 150+ people at once with other waitressing tasks and cleaning and loading. I was on my feet for at least 7 hours straight. I believe I worked off the two pieces of yummy chicken and sauce I had.

Today was a birthday dinner for DH's grandfather at his assisted living facility. I am sure that everything was probably cooked healthier than I counted, but after Mexican food for dinner, I figured that I used 9 FPs! Yikes. But, like I said, I think I probably over estimated the food, so I should be okay. Plus, I helped with the kids at church and that is pretty active too. Just had one cracker during their snack time. I thought of pretending the cheese puffs were baby carrots (orange and crunchy), but decided to wait for my taco!

DH is watching something I don't care to see on tv, so I guess I will read the new WW magazine. Do you guys ever try the recipes in the mag? I have tried a couple and really didn't care for them. But, I haven't given up on them yet. I like to read the success stories mostly and the tips they give.

I'm just gonna babble a few more minutes. The youth department was in charge of our morning church service. It was very inspiring to see all these teenagers so interested in learning and sharing what they have learned. DH helps with the group so he had to speak. I teased him before that everyone would just be picturing him as 6 years old while he was up there because he has attended this church his entire life. The joke was on me because one of the kids was a friend's daughter and when she did her solo, I was picturing her as 6 years old and got teary!

So, in short, it was a very good day. Food could have been better, but oh well. There is always tomorrow!

Again, hope you all get good rest and recoup quickly!

This is just my way of thinking--which is usually not in tune with the rest of the world--but I wonder if continuing to eat junk food and sweets even though you "stay within your points" is really a life-style change. Think about it. The life-style that made us gain weight was the fast-food, high fat snacks, and rich desserts that we think we "can't live without" but to me a life-style change means leaving all that high sugar, high fat stuff alone and eating healthy fruits and veggies and lean cuts of meat and always being aware in actions not thoughts of the proper amount of foods to eat in one single setting. Life-style change is recognizing when I am hungry vs. wanting something to eat because I am mad, sad, lonely, or happy, and when I have had enought. I think that is the reason so many people, and just look at the boards of the returnees, are not able to maintain on the points system. It is so easy to stop counting, start increasing those portions, turning an occasional treat into an everyday affair and before you know it the bingeing begins again and we are packing on the pounds. If I continue to eat core for the rest of my life, and for me it is easy for me to imagine doing that because everything I need is there, I will be able to substain the loss and add years to my life. But that is just my opinion. I am not attacking anyone's plan, just giving my thinking here.

Dawney, hope you are feeling better. I am better today, for the most part. My glands are a bit swollen behind my ears and in my neck. No headache today, thank goodness, and no aches and pains for the most part. I though I had a slight fever as well, over the weekend, but when I took my temp, I didn't have one. Haven't had the glands behind my ears flair up since I had mono when I was a teen. I'm keeping an eye on things!
I need something like Melanie's catering jobs to give me an occasional paycheck, would help out quite a bit around here. Weight watcher meetings are cutting into my budget a bit for both Jamie and I, however, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as I hope to get to goal and not have to pay any longer! Melanie, I would enjoy that job and the exercise sounds great along with "people watching" that I think I would enjoy doing at some of these events. People are all so interesting!
Janette, I know you are right about the core thing and the foods, but to be realistic in my own life - there are just going to be times when I eat foods that are not on that core listing. However, if I stay on that list for about 80 - 85% of the time when I get to goal and am careful with the rest, I bet I would have a good balance in my life and be able to maintain, especially if I exercise?
In terms of lifestyle change, my lifestyle has to include occasional desserts as well as pizza, for example. Those things MAKE life a good life for me. I think we all need to work on this and find the right balance to make us happy as individuals and allow us health and happiness! It sure is hard.
I had lunch on Friday with my old school friend and she is diabetic. We marvelled at the fact that the core plan is almost identical to her food exchange "allowed" foods as a diabetic. It really is quite close, especially where we are really not having much suger or the "bad" carbs that turn themselves into sugar. Very interesting.
Linda

Hey all!
It's been a while since I last posted here, but I just didn't find any time. The weekend wasn't really good, I had some friends for dinner and I made all these great dishes and ended up eating a little too much. It could have been a lot worse but still, I'm trying to be healthy now, cos I'm weighing myself on Wednesday. Not enough time right now as well, so take care all and see you later! :)

Janette - I appreciate your point of view, but I disagree. The reason I, and many others, find ourselves overweight is greatly due to eating what I want, when I want. The points system teaches potion control and also teaches that if I eat birthday cake 3 days in a week, I will be hungry because there will not be enough points left for regular healthy meals. But, if I decide to have one piece of cake that week, all is not lost.

I think it is great if the Core is a good choice for you and you are happy with it. However, I believe food is to be enjoyed, but within reason. Yes, some people are going to try to just eat junk. But, after a few weeks on the scale, they will probably start re-evaluating. If someone is silly enough to think they can eat poptarts for every meal, that is their mistake. I know that I need a healthy, balanced diet but that is going to include some of the finer things in life. God blessed us with the ability to taste the yummy spices, sauces, fruits, and chocolate. He could have just made food filling to our stomachs, but He chose to allow us to savor the tastes. Like most things, we can take that gift for granted and be a glutton, but that doesn’t mean that the gift was bad or should not be received at all.

Romans 14:14 “…I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.”

Of course, this passage is talking about sacrificial foods and I wouldn’t want to seem to be taking it out of context. But, the sacrificial foods were typically the fatty meats and things with lots of fragrance. I believe it is all okay to eat and incorporate into my life, but you think otherwise, that is a choice you make for yourself.

Linda - I saw this today and thought of you:

Core Pizza!

servings | 4 (points, if not core – 5)

1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 1/2 cups (divided) shredded soy mozzarella cheese
1 egg beaten
1 teaspoon (divided) oregano
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons olive oil
Chopped veggies of your choice
8 oz. Ground turkey breast, (if using)

Preheat oven to 400. To make crust, mix brown rice, egg, 1/2 c soy mozzarella & 1/2 teaspoon oregano in a bowl. Then press out on a 12" pizza pan sprayed with Pam. Cook in oven for 25 min or until crispy.

Sautee vegetables of your choice in olive oil. (I like chopped zucchini, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms & black olives). You can also add browned ground turkey breast if you want.

In small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the remaining oregano (1/2 t).

Put the sauce on the top of the crispy pizza crust. Then add the sauteed veggies, along with the browned ground turkey breast if using.

Top with the remaining soy mozzarella (1 cup).

Bake additional 10 minutes in the 400 oven.

I had a major NSV today. I managed to take off my once super-tight jeans without unbuttoning them! I'm really excited about it, they were really tight but now they're sooooo loose I can't believe it! Not much else to share with you guys, I'm still struggling to get back on track after a bad weekend. It's really easy to lose focus so I'm doing my best. Take care all!!!! :)

Natlie - That is a great feeling isn't it!! I had that happen with a pair of denim shorts. I called DH into the room to show him my new trick! ;) That should be a great motivator to get on track again! Of course, we are all different. I was talking to a friend this weekend about the fact that I am more motivated when the scale says I am doing good. She is more motivated when she has a bad week and needs to get bak on track. A bad week makes me want to say, "forget it" and grab the ice cream! You've come so far. You can definately make it to the finish line!!

Today was a blah day here in my neck-of-the-woods. Rainy and gloomy. DH had to take my car, which usually puts me in a funk because I like FREEDOM. Didn't get to the grocery after work because he had a job. But, we had healthy stuff here that I whipped up. Quite proud of that meal, I am! And still have 1 point left. I think I will add a FP to that and have some fruit soon. :yes: Gonna turn in early and look forward to another day (and hopefully getting my car back!).

Hi girls, another very quick visit to see how everyone is doing. It's taken me a while to catch up on the posts that I missed, and it may do for a while, I am not at all well!
Saw my doctor this morning, he's given me penicillin just in case, but also wants me to have blood tests for what we call glandular fever. Is this what you called mono Linda? I thought maybe I was a bit old for that, but he didn't seem to think so, although less common to get it when older, not an impossibility. Hopefully, it's something and nothing, and it will pass soon, otherwise, I could be laid up for a while!

I agree with Melanie about the lifestyle change thingy. We have already changed our lives drastically just by eating so much less of the baddies and alot less of everything in general. Food is to be enjoyed. 'A little of what you fancy, does you good', as my granny used to like to say. Just not too much of what you fancy, otherwise you get bigger than your biggest pair of jeans in your wardrobe - congrats Nat on your NSV by the way, great feeling isn't it.

Anyway, I'm off, I feel too weak to sit here for long, and I just can't be bothered to type. See you soon.

Aw, Dawny. So sorry you are still ill. I hope the doc will find the problem and fix you up soon. Mono is something that is more common in kids, but I have known several adults who have gotten it. Have good rest and join us when you can!

Melanie, thanks for the pizza recipe, I copied it. I am trying the polenta one today for lunch, maybe, if I stop being Soooooo lazy.....
Dawney, Glandular Fever is Mono, same thing. It's nasty if that is what you have. I had that when I was in my first year of college and actually missed almost an entire semester. I hope you are ok. Some people are affected very mildly with it, others not. Get rest and take care. Take some B complex vitamins as well as zinc if you can. I'm a firm believer in vitamins and how they promote healing. Best that you are on an antibiotic, as even if you have Mono, there can be secondary infections if you get run down.
I also had Lyme Disease years ago when I lived in NY state for awhie and symptoms are quite similar, so if you keep having trouble and if they have that in the UK, ask them to check you. If you spend a great deal of time outdoors, it's easy to have a tick bite and not know, they are really small.
I never knew I had a bite.
Natlalie, I loved envisioning you with those pants, you go girl!
I had my own SV today. My scale victory was HUGE for me.... I went, finally, into the 140s!!!!! This morning's weigh in was 149.2, lost a pound this week and I am finally past that major number that ends in a zero - huge victory for me! So, now I am down 13 pounds, I only have three to go to get to my 10% goal.
Melanie, I like what you wrote, you are a very wise lady and that biblical verse was right on target. How perfect to use it in this context.
Linda

Also, Natalie, I sent you a private message, of course, for the challenge!

Well, I'm weighing myself tomorrow morning. I don't feel confident, I doubt that I've lost anything, I'd be happy if I've maintained, I dread the thought of gaining. Well, I guess we'll see tomorrow morning. I'll report back, take care all !!!! :) :)


Huge congrats to Linda!!!!! :bravo: You must feel really great, good for you!!!! :D

Linda- That was a super WI!! Good work! I am hoping to break a 00 tomorrow too!

Nat - I can't wait to see your WI results. I bet you have lost something! We sometimes feel that we have been naughtier than we have!

I'm actually looking forward to WI. I am sooooo close to getting under 200. It will definately put more of a bounce in my step when I do!

It looks like it will be a few more days until I get my car back. But, I found another way to get some exercise in. It was a nice day and DH couldn't pick me up for lunch, so I walked to the house and back. It's just under a 15 minute walk each way and I get an hour for lunch, so it worked out well. I just hope the weather holds out a bit longer and I will do it again tomorrow. I just don't want to go back to the office a sweaty little puddle! Not too professional looking. :p

Well, I will check back tomorrow to see WI results and hopefully, a healthier Dawny!

Melanie, those 00 numbers are so important, mentally! Just hate those 00 birthdays, though - which will be ME in February.... yikes!
Not much time this morning as I have my quilt group. I keep trying to think of some snack to bring for the group that is l.f. and healthier, preferably ww core and I'm stumped today.
If I buy doughnuts for THEM, it doesn't mean I have to eat them and can bring one of my ww bars to eat instead????
Linda

Please guys, keep sending the good vibes my way, cos they really work!!! :goodvibes I was really disappointed yesterday cos I've been over points for a couple of days, but today I climbed on the scales and I've actually lost 2.8 pounds!!!! :D :cb: :cp: I'm soooooooo excited, I really didn't expect it! Thanks so much for the support, it really works. It's strange, but I still find it surprising that the points system actually works so well! Ah, I'm in cloud 9... :cloud9:

I hope everything is going well with all you girls, you have my biggest support and my warmest thoughts. :grouphug: Take good care of you!! :wave:

:cheer: Great report, Nat!! I love surprises like that.

I know what you mean about the points system. It's great that we can eat such a variety of foods, not feel deprived and still lose weight!

Just wanted to share a "ritzy ghetto" dessert I made last night:

Lowfat Chocolate Banana Parfaits

Makes: 4 servings, 3 points
2 cups cold fat free milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor FF SF Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
2 medium bananas, sliced
3/4 cup thawed FF COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided

POUR milk into medium bowl. Add pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended.
SPOON half of the pudding evenly into 4 dessert glasses. Cover with layers of banana slices, 1/2 cup of the whipped topping and remaining pudding. Top with remaining whipped topping.
REFRIGERATE until ready to serve.

It looked sooo elegant (I used clear wine glasses) and mixing the whipped cream with the pudding as you eat it makes it seem like a mousse. I almost forgot I was eating instant pudding! It was lots of fun - but then, I'm easily entertained.

Dawny??? We miss you! Get well soon!

Hi girls, thought I'd check in and see how the WI's are going - and great by the looks of it! Nat, that's a massive loss, well done, it always surprises me when things are still working, especially when you don't feel you've done so well.
Linda too, another pound gone, and your milestone well and truly shattered. You've waited a good while to 'officially' be in the 140's, so I am so pleased for you.
I'm not up to going to meeting tonight, although at this exact minute, I do feel a bit brighter than I have done for past few days. Of course, I am dosed up on all sorts of meds, and I've just awoken from an hours sleep! AJ very kindly sat beside me and watched tv without moving for an hour, and was as good as gold. I'm very proud of him. He's just moved in to the next class as nursery as he's 3 next Tuesday, and he feels so big and proud of himself too. He's even acting much better behaved, how long it will last is anyones guess, but it's come at the right time with me feeling so ill at the moment. As I am not going to WI, I am recording my loss officially this week as a non-loss. My scales have barely moved all week, so I'm sure the WW ones won't have either, so I'm happy to leave it at that. If I'm up to it, it does leave me with 2.5 to lose for next wednesday to reach my milestone, and with TOM approaching, not looking good, but we'll see. When I recover, who knows what will happen. I have to go for bloodtests tomorrow to see if I do have 'mono'. Two days to wait to have it done, and then 3 - 5 days for results. If I'm feeling well by then, the results will probably be negative, If I still feel ill, then I won't care if they are positive, I will be able to tell. I've told work I wont be in for the rest of the week, so they are prepared. Of course, We have just had a holiday weekend, and I missed the whole thing. I have been out of the front door just once since friday, and that was to see the doctor yesterday. Can't life sometimes be rubbish! Oh well, I will look forward to healthier times.
Thanks to all of you for your good luck messages, hope I haven't infected you!!!
Melanie, hope you get your car back soon, and well done for the bit of walking. Who knows, maybe you won't want it back when you get the chance! yeah, as if! I love to walk, but all the time...I don't think so.
Linda, hope you are a bit better now too.
I'll be back tomorrow, all being well. Bye for now.

Hi, Dawny!! I'm so glad you are feeling a at least a tad better. I don't blame you for skipping tonight's meeting. You need a cozy blankie, your slippers, and your favorite soup! And, I highly recommend you get DH to say, "Poor, Baby." It's really helpful.

As for the car, I assure you the first time I need to stop at the market to buy a carton of milk, juice, or package of flour, my days of walking will be over!

URGH!!! WI was totally frustrating. The good news is, the WI was down .8. The bad news was that is a total of 200.2! URGH!! I wanted to break that 200 mark tonight!!!!! I even weighed twice! I think it was the dt soda I drank this afternoon! At any rate, toward the end of the meeting I had to visit the Ladies' room. After the meeting, I very determinely went back to the scale. It is not an official reading, but after scooting the scale over an inch (yes, I was desperate), it read 199.6!!!! I told the record keeper not to write it down. It is not the OFFICIAL reading, but WHOOHOO it was pretty to see! :yes:

Okay, credit where it is due... I had a prayer/conversation while in the powder room confessing that what I wanted was an extra .8 gone, so obviously the .8 loss must have been good and I should be happy with it. Uh, the next weight was .8 more gone. Don't have to hit me over the head twice... I love it when things work out that way!

Well, so that is my report. I claim a victory over the 00, but for now, I must say the OFFICIAL reading was still 200.2.

Good morning, thought I'd look in and see how you are doing.

Love the comment that I should get DH to give to me...I can imagine feeling much better if it would come out of his lips, however, his priority last night was what was I cooking for dinner! I really didn't feel like standing cooking one little bit, I was going to do a little salad, with some chicken that really needs eating pretty quick now, but no, no where near enough for a growing lad thats been working hard all day! Why didn't I think of that! The best bit is, he's leaving this job on friday, so is now on a go slow in the office, so is probably not actually working that hard anyway. He ended up with pasta. Still pretty quick really.
Melanie, did you not floss before your meeting? You know how much difference it makes, .8 loss is fantastic, but when it leaves you only .2 over your mini goal, I bet you felt like screaming. I have this image of you jumping up and down in fury and frustration after keep getting on those scales, then dashing to the little girls room for a serious chat with the big guy, then coming out all calm, serene and ready to tackle those scales yet again - and it worked. The waterworks had nothing to do with it, it was the jumping and the ear- bashing that did it. Lets hope next week the scale figures do your hard work justice. You WILL break the 00's next week, I have total faith in you!

Well I'm off, got to contemplate my bloodtest later, I don't mind them at all really, and I don't feel so bad today anyway, so I'll be back to report later.

:bravo: Congrats Melanie!! You must feel great, don't worry so much about the 00s, you'll get there next week for sure!!

Dawny, I hope you're feeling better soon. I got your pm, thanks a lot. Get well soon!!


I had a fairly good day yesterday, I was so happy with my weight that I indulged a little in the evening. I was at a friend's house and we decided to order some chinese food. I only had fried rice with chicken and egg and Vietnamese salad, split in two. So I don't think there's really much damage done. Today, so far so good. Take care girls!!! :)

Emerald, God didn't give us fattening sauces and desserts. Man figured that out on his own. I don't remember too many donuts and gravies being offered in the Garden of Eden. He gave us food that was necessary for life--we put the enjoyment and use to excess issue into it just like we have everything else he gave us. Yall keep forgetting that Core has 35 Alternative Points you can use a week to get in all those "I can't live without" foods in. You actually get more food on this plan than counting points.

I only have a second, am running really late today and have a meeting to get to!
Just want to say that the .2 will come off. By the way, if someone is THAT close at my ww center at wi time, they tell them to go to the ladies room, pee (even if it's a thimbleful) take OFF your underwear and come back to be weighed in again!
Get's lots of laughs, some poeple do it and reach that "special" number!
You can go it!
Linda

Eek! I just replied and my message was erased! I will try again.

Dawny - Sorry about the lack of sympathy. But on the bright side, I read (in WW mag, I think) that giving blood increases the metabolism and increases weightloss! hee-hee. Small perk, I know. But, at least it's something. Your visual image was probably pretty accurate of last night. I was pretty irked when it stopped with that .2 to go! I think it was the soda I had instead of water, exercise, or the way I held my pinkie, because today I put on a blazer that was snug when buttoned last week and now is much more roomy! Definate NSV!

Nat - Thanks for the encouragement. I'll PM the result too. I hope your dinner was good. I have been craving Chinese. I may have to talk DH into going out for it this weekend. We will be celebrating 6 months of marriage without killing each other! Hee-hee. We are both soooo stubborn sometimes.

Linda - Thanks for the underwear tip. I will remember that next time! Did you find an alternative to bring to your quilting group?

Janette - Perhaps, I did not state that very clearly. I did not mean to imply that I thought chocolate cake fell from the sky like manna. But, that the "gift" was taste buds. They are not necessary for survival, but He cared enough about the tiniest detail to add them to the mix. He knew that chocolate chip cookie dough would come along and the wonderful taste of His Mangos and Melons.

Well, I'm now enjoying my once-a-week cappicino. You would think that as much as I enjoy it, you would think I could learn to spell it. My journal just says capp.

Later!

Melanie, those parfaits sound YUMMY! I was thinking about using SF FF chocolate pudding and alternating vanilla SF LF yogurt with pineapple, strawberry and banana and make kind of a banana split thing.... haven't done it yet, but it keeps popping into my head!
Dawny, I feel so badly that you are not well still. I am better now, thank goodness! So sorry you missed the holiday weekend. We have a holiday weekend coming up this weekend and we are supposed to go away for part of the weekend, not sure but I think it will be Sunday and Monday? We'll see.
It's probably best that you missed this week's meeting. You need your rest and with a little one, you certainly need to save energy. Did you get any test results and do you have "glandular fever" or Mono? I hope not.
I went wild today with a chocolate craving, made a batch of the sf, ff chocolate pudding with skim milk and ate two portions of it, only then was I satisfied. That is a core food, so I didn't feel really all that bad, but if I were on points, I'd be "over" for the day already. I have only had "core" foods today, nothing extra, so I am feeling better about myself than yesterday. I also got on the treadmill and walked for 40 minutes, and I had not exercised two days in a row. At least I got on it and forced myself. It's been a busy week. If I get out of the habit of exercising, I get worried that I will slide back into all my old and bad habits.
Melanie, I think I would have made them re-write my weight after that, but next week you will definitely have that desired number!
Natalie, a little fried rice probably won't kill you, but just don't have it two or three times a week! Also, not in the two days before weigh in, it's packed with sodium, but I just LOVE it! We haven't had Chinese in ages, it bothers my husband and my son's stomachs so we shy away from it. It's bet not to have it for Jamie and I due to how "bad" it is on ww anyway. Interesting that the Chinese food we all know and love is more than likely nothing like what they really eat in China! I like Japanese food, by the way, and find it much "lighter" in terms of ww.
Yes, Melanie, I brought popcorn (and ended up not making it as I wasn't hungry for a change!). Seems like this core plan is good for one thing, the foods seem to make you feel fuller and you can stretch longer without in between meal snacks.
I got some sad news this afternoon, my BEST friend came over for tea. She informed me that her husband's company is being closed or sold and that he will be out of job by the end of September. If the company IS sold, they will move to North Carolina. We have been friends for 19 years.... what will I do without her???? Sure, there will be e-mail, but we do stuff together, like go to museums and shop, etc. What a bummer.
Linda

Linda - So sorry to hear about your friend's possible move! I hope they work something out so they don't have to move. I know that it is hard to keep a friendship long-distance. Talking about the trip to the museum is not the same as being there together!

I'm sure the second helping of pudding won't hurt you too bad. If so, I would have been done a long time ago. Last night I just kept getting cravings (TOM is coming soon). First it was something sweet, then it was ANYTHING! I settled for 1/2 pack of Thin Crisps, but that was a FP.

I wish I could find the eclairs you mentioned in another post! I will have to look around whenever I am in different cities! Were they as good as they looked?

I'm trying to plan ahead as much as I can for this holiday weekend. DH and I are going to my mother's house for 1 maybe 2 nights. Her idea of cooking healthy for me includes veggies smothered in cheese! I may try to cook at least one or two of our meals. She lives an hour 1/2 away in a cabin with a guest cabin in back. We can go and have a mini-vacation with some privacy. For some reason, I'm just not terribly excited about it. I hope I will be once I get there.

Linda, another getaway! Where to this time? Hopefully, not another ice cream shop. ;) Have fun.

Nat - :wave:

Dawny - Have you gotten the test results back yet? Hope you are feeling better today!

Dale, Fiona, Are you out there?

Well, I had better get to work, or they may not let me out for the weekend!

Hi everyone, I feel a little bit better today, keep going up and down in waves, the good bits are good, the bad bits are as bad as ever, but I am ever hopeful that one day soon I will be back to normal, or as normal as is possible with me! TOM also approaches fast and I also cannot stop munching. Little and often works for some people, not me. lots and often seems a much better option when I feel like this. I also tend to eat when I don't feel well. Not a good combination. I feel so guilty when I'm picking all day, even when within points, I hope to get on an even track again soon.

Melanie and Linda, hi to you both today. Thanks for your support, and no, unfortunately I don't have any results probably until weds or thurs. That's too long for me. We don't pay for our healthcare here, but we have to wait forever for it!!!
I currently think that if I'm improving already, then it's probably just a virus that I have, and in which case, I will be better before the test results arrive. If I'm still unwell by the time they come, then I probably won't care!

Linda, sorry about your friend. Let's hope that they don't end up having to go after all, we all need our close friends around us, and lifelong friends are like gold dust, we should treasure them and never let them go. I understand your sadness, but keep smiling, remember that things could always be much worse! At least she would only be on the end of a phone.

By the way, the eclairs sound yummy, they are one of my favourite cakes, and I'm not really a cake person most of the time, but I could fall off the wagon anytime for an eclair. My main downfalls tend to be the carbs I'm afraid. And really, anything savoury in general. Of course, the more savoury the delight, the more fattening it tends to be. Hence the need to withdraw myself from them at every available opportunity. Oh, I don't think I'm making sense again. Should I blame the meds, or am I just getting back to normal? Ignore me.

Ok, I'll go for now, It's AJ's birthday party tomorrow, so I need to avoid the snacks, and his best pals party straight afterwards, so more snacks dodging I think.
I hope you all have a great holiday weekend, what are you celebrating this time? Or is it just a great excuse for time off work like ours?

Have fun, back soon

Hi guys!
This holiday is Labor day, I guess it was started long ago to give those who labor a "rest", sounds good to me! It's traditionally the close of summer, though, so I always feel kind of nostalgic this particular weekend.
As my family has a summer cottage on the lake, why not get away? We are busy, but why not take advantage of the place when the weather is good?
Keep looking for those eclairs, they are small and only 130 calories each and I checked the points finder, only two points. The brand name is "Superior" and boy are they good! I kept them in the refrigerator and they were awesome! I had ONE and Jamie had the rest, over time. Yet, I think they are a "trigger food" for her so I'd better not buy them every single week!
I kind of blew it this afternoon, was out shopping and running errands and I ended up (no explantion) buying a pack of chocolate Necco wafters, which I love. I was only going to have two or three and save them, but now the package is gone. Oh my!
Linda

Just a quick post, will be leaving for the lake today, won't be back until Monday night. Keep at it guys! I hope I can stay on program over another "holiday".
Linda

HI, just a quickie, have a great time Linda, Holidays, can't cope with them, can't live without them!
Just had AJ's party, had a great time, didn't pinch one single munchie, how's about that for willpower - and I need all I can get at the moment, I don't feel that the scales are moving at all . We'll see if I can get through the weekend ahead with family visiting etc with it being AJ's birthday.
Have a great one everybody.

Hi, looks like everyone must be having a good time this weekend as no one's been around since my last post, either that or I've scared you all off!

Anyway, thought I'd bore you all again with my day. Still not too well, but managing to eat plenty - what's new? I have been struggling the last few days, TOM has arrived with a vengeance, and I want to eat anything and everything in sight. I have had a little piece of birthday cake this afternoon, which was lovely and gooey, and has just been sitting there calling my name since saturday. I have no idea how many points would be in this little piece of scrumminess but I will be carefull for the rest of the day. I'm having a stir fry tonight with vegetables, noodles and chicken for dinner which should work out about 4 points, which will leave me 4 or 5 towards the cake. Hope its enough. I'm going to try and make WI this week, now that I feel a little bit better. I had a lovely note from my leader arrive over the weekend to say she hopes I'll be back soon, (probably doesn't want me to infect her though, eh?) so I won't leave it long before I'm back, otherwise I will start to go off the boil! The last thing that I need now is a bit of illness to set back all of my hard work.
It doesn't look now as if I will hit my mini goal of 42 pounds off by this wednesday, being sick does always fall at the most inconvenient times! But I'll stick with it, and who knows, maybe I'll manage it for next week.
Well, I'll be off for now, DH has started the new job today, and could be home soon, I'll make him a nice cup of coffee for when he gets in to soothe his nerves. See ya later.

Dawny- I really hope you'll feel better soon, I have to admire you though for sticking so well with the plan, I'd be eating everything in sight, I can't bear being sick! Take care of yourself and get well soon!! :)

I had a good day today. I'm doing my best to eat healthily within points today and tomorrow cos I indulged a little in a few nuts yesterday night. Nuts is definitely my trigger food, not candy or chocolate, but nuts. I totally adore them! So, I had some turkey breast and salad for lunch, grapes for snack and maybe an omelette with veggies for dinner. Grapes are absolutely gorgeous this time of year, they're so sweet and scrunchy, I can't stop eating them. WI is on WEdnesday, so have to be extra-good by then, the end of the challenge approaches!!

Take care all, and come on girls, post!!! :D

Hi everyone!
I'm back and hanging my head in shame over my indescretions of the weekend.
I put myself back on ww points vs. core this morning so that I can journal and re-gain control.
I weigh in today and don't have much hope to have a loss.
It was a lovely weekend, by the way. No photos to share this time as I forgot to bring the camera along!
Linda

Hi Linda, glad you are back safe and well. Even better that you had a great time and didn't bother too much about the eating part! Don't worry too much about WI, you know that you can soon get back on track, especially if you follow the points instead of core. Hope the rest of the family are well. see ya later.

Thanks!
I think core is a very good plan, but without journalling I kind of "forgot myself". I would probably do very well to stay on it now that I am home, but want to also use up some "non core" foods that I bought before going on the core plan anyway. Nice to have the choice to be on either plan, next week I might go back to core?
I'm pretty tired this morning, not sure why but I feel very week. I have so much to do here at the house, can't allow my tiredness to get in the way, this place looks like we just breezed through here, which is exactly what we did when we got home yesterday.
At least housework is exercise? Hmmmm.... would rather be rich, go to a gym and have a housekeeper, oh well!
How are you feeling, Dawney? Any test results?
Linda

Hello everyone. Just a quick note. I am about to fall asleep at my desk. Had a good weekend, but worked all day yesterday taking down wallpaper for MIL. My arm was so sore last night I send DH to get something from the cabinet for the pain. It still has me zonked out.

I was away most the weekend, but tried to be good about my eating.

Linda - Maybe Core at home and Points when away? I've read that some people do that. Plan to do FPs when they know they will be gone that week. Hope you had some yummy food while gone.

Well, I will try to check in again later. Either fuelled with caffeine, or when the meds wear off.

Hi, just another quick note from me, I've had test results, finally, and they are all normal, so not mono, thankfully, couldn't have coped with weeks of whatever I've had. Feel quite a lot better today actually, so I'll be at WI tomorrow, and see what damage I've done with almost 2 weeks housebound and no exercise whatsoever. I'll really look forward to that then!
Oh, Melanie, why is it that whenever we do someone else a favour that we end up being the ones in agony? I hope MIL was grateful for all your hardwork and that you feel better very soon.
Linda, hope WI goes ok today, I'll be back to check it out tomorrow.
See ya all later.

Well, I'm taking a deep, deep breath before I make this confession..... I gained 1.8 pounds this week. I was not surprised, in a way, but I am mad at myself. I really lost total control.
However, I have made a decision.... I will remain on the new core plan, however, will go back to journalling and tracking points to make sure my portions are on target. I can't abide by the "free for all" lifestyle of the core plan, I need control. Maybe if I get used to the proper portions, I'll do ok?
I've journalled my food for today and feel really good about it so far, but it's been a busy day with no formal exercise. I will have to do better than this.
Linda

Dawny &Melanie- I really hope you're feeling better soon. The weather here is starting to deteriorate a little and I'm afraid of catching a cold. I'll do my best to avoid it! Take some rest, and think happy thoughts. I hope the WI goes smoothly, but even if it doesn't, don't think about it so much, just get well soon. :)

Linda- I'm sorry to hear that you gained a little, but I feel it's better that you know what went wrong. I mean, you say you lost control over food, and thus you gained. It's better than gaining withough knowing the reason. At least now you know what you did wrong and can work at it. Don't give up girl!! :D

I weighed myself today, 1.3 pounds gone. :) :) I feel good, although I'm starting to get a little impatient. I know I shouldn't, but I just want to push a button and lose all the weight at once. I know that's not helping me, I need to focus on small losses. Anyway, it's probably chicken for lunch, I'm a bit hungry at the moment. Take care girls!! :)

Hi Ladies, Well WI is later on this evening, and I do hope I haven't gained. I wouldn't be surprised if a pound has gone back on, what with no exercise of any kind, even going to the shop or even ironing! I've got so much catching up to do!! I've got straight back on track now I'm feeling alot better, although I'm taking the rest of the week off in order to recouperate and be back on form for work which will be next Tuesday now.

Linda, don't be disheartened, you have done so well up until now, and you are obviously pushing to overcome a mishap or two last weekend, so you will be fine. The worst thing you could do is think 'well that's it, now I've blown it, no point continuing', but you don't seem to do that, you just pick yourself up, brush yourself down, and keep going. You have such resiliance and self belief that this time you will do it no matter what. I'm proud of you. Next week 2 pound off. No doubt.

Nat, what about you, a great loss again. You have obviously got this thing sussed. Where are you from by the way, (just my nosiness creeping in here) You say the weather is starting to turn, We here seem to be having the summer that the real summertime forgot. It is absolutely glorious today, About time too. If this is what they call an Indian summer, then I'll have a bit more of that please.

Hope Melanie is feeling better now, I'll get off and get Psyched up for tonight. Wish me luck - I'll need it.

Hello everyone. I'm considering moving to a place where the seasons do not change!! These watery eyes are driving me nuts! And now DH is having sinus problems. I would much rather be sick myself than him be under-the-weather.

Well, I don't really have high hopes for this WI. Following a holiday weekend and in the middle of TOM. But, I don't think it will be too bad.

Good for you Nat on the great WI. I know what you mean about being impatient though. When I think about how long it will actually take me to lose the weight I want to at the rate of 1# per week :eek: I just don't want to bother. But, I know it will be worth it in the end. My ultimate goal is to hit goal before my birthday next year (May). That seems so far away, but I know that as fast as the days have been going by, it is just around the corner. It is much easier to focus on the minigoals and just take it a day at a time.

Dawny - I'm glad you are on the road to recovery and that you don't have mono (yuck..) Good job on AJ's b-day! No snacking! Wow! How was DH's first day on the new job?

Linda - Silly broken scales. I bet they are fixed by the time you go back next week! ;) The only thing I can say is remind you not to focus on last week, but just what you can do right today. And, you are in a phase of trial and error with this new program. You have to figure out the method that is just right for you. From what I have seen, people love not journaling, but others need the extra effort. I think it really helps me to actually write it down. Like, last night I did not want to write down the ice cream TOM put in my hand. :no: But I finally made myself, sighed, and decided to do better today.

Well, I had better get back to work now. Have a great Wednesday, ladies!

Dawny- I live in Greece, you know, the place where it's hot all year long! :D It's not, actually.It's a bit windy here at the time, I don't expect it to last though, I'm sure we have a lot of sunny days to come before actual winter!

Melanie- I know I shouldn't be impatient, but I sometimes am. My ultimate goal is reaching my target weight in spring 2005, April or May. It seems such a long time (7 months) but you're right, time flies by so quickly.My mini-goal is the challenge, 10 pounds by Sep.15, I really hope I can do it! Total loss so far is 24 pounds, quite a lot, but only a third of what I want to lose. Anyway, I shouldn't be ungrateful, I managed to lose that and keep it off. I've dieted a thousand times before but never managed to stick to it through the day, I'd overeat, then feel totally guilty. I'd always say "I'll start dieting for my birthday or Christmas or whatever", then I'd postpone it, again and again and when my birthday/Christmas/whatever came, I'd be at the same exact position as I was before. Years of misery and depression and negative thoughts and ultimately, not being able to enjoy life, something held me back all the time. I haven't gone swimming in the summer for 2 years, I dread it! I really want to be able to go on holidays with my friends next summer and actually wear a bikini in front of them and enjoy myself. I firmly believe that once all the extra weight has been lost, it'll totally change my life.
Anyway, sorry for the rant girls! I have to think about these things in order to motivate myself, I really can't bear not doing anything about it anymore. I think the time has come for me to take action and take control over myself and my life. :)

Just a quick look in. Nat, Greece is such a lovely place, I've always found the people so friendly, the cooking fab of course, and the temperatures usually wonderful. I've been to various Greek Islands on several occasions, the worst weather was Thassos, where we had totally awful weather for a full week. Nice to know that we have even more of an international feel here, WW is worldwide, as is the weight issue. We are all in the same boat.
Talking of international issues, I just want to offer my deepest sympathies to all in Beslan, no words can say how the world feels right now. I am in deep sorrow for all concerned and as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, everyone can sympathise.
Politics over, I'm off to WI.

Sugar Cane, thanks for the great thoughts! You had a great weigh in, wow! You've done so well.
Also, thanks for the encouragement, Dawny, hope your weigh in went well.
Now, guys, I am starting a new thread. This is just too big and it is taking forever to download and my computer is freezing up!
Here is the link to the new thread:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=668093#post668093

Linda