LA Weight Loss - LAWL Losers and Friends - December 2006

Welcome to a new month at the best support site at 3FC!!
Not that us strong women at LAWL need it, but here's some :dust: to get you through this celebratory month!

(I put this on the November thread last night; didn't want folks to miss it!)

Okay - I need a challenge to motivate me and get me through the next two weeks. Saturday morning I am going to step on my home scale, butt naked, right after I wake up. That will be my starting weight. I will be POP and exercise and see where I am, weightwise, on Saturday morning, December 16.

I would like to get folks to join me in the challenge and there is a prize for the winner! Yes, even I could be a winner!

The prize is a very neat wooden photo cube ornament kit (you can see more detail at loveontheblocks.com). I just bought this at a craft show this afternoon. It's a lot neater than the picture on the website shows.

The rules:
(1) Only participate if you are truly up for the challenge for the full 2 weeks, and can report your starting weight to me by Saturday, 12N eastern time.
(2) PM me if you are interested in playing;
(3) You must have started the program on or before October 1, 2006 (sorry to the newbies, but this makes it a bit more fair for those of us that have slowed down after the honeymoon phase!)
(4) The winner will be based on percentage of weight lost vs. actual pounds (I think that's how Biggest Loser does it).

I'll mail the photo ornament kit on Saturday, Dec 16, so the winner will have plenty of time to create a special Christmas ornament for yourself or someone special! Of course, my goal is NOT to mail the ornament; I want to win! only time will tell!

Happy December!

Hi Joni - I will join your challenge - I'll PM you to officially throw my hat in the ring. I am a little bummed at my recent screech to a stop, loss-wise, so maybe this will keep me focused.

It is supposed to get downright nasty here, weather-wise, today. I think it is the same storm that you guys in the midwest have been getting. Right now it is 60 degrees here, but we are going to have some major temp clash soon, with thundersnow (it's wild) and very high wind. Luckily I got the christmas decorations up outside last weekend!

Good morning! Happy December!

Joni - I'm in! I will PM you also to officially ante up.

Have lots to do at work today, but it's desk work so I will check in and catch up on what happened with everyone at the end of the November thread.

I will get my kitchen sink and plumbing in tomorrow and a quote for the backsplash. I am SOOOOO sick of processed foods. I can't wait to cook! I am retaining water like a sponge from all of the dining out and frozen dinners. I'm hitting the lemon water today and hopefully cooking some yummy tilapia tomorrow night in my kitchen.

Joni-I'm IN! I doubt I'll win, but I definitely need the motivation!

I was up 3lbs on Wed. From MON! What?! I blame it on water weight and higher sodium intake. I don't know how else I could have gained 3lbs in 2 days! Geez. We'll see where I'm at today. I think it might be a TO weekend!

Everyone be safe if there's a storm coming your way! I'm not sure what Minneapolis is in for yet, but we're used to it, so it won't come as that big of a surprise.

Jonie~
Please count me in. I really need the motivation, and would love to see my goal of 180 by Christmas. I know it's a long shot but I really want to try. I'm very goal oriented, and especially with my weight loss.
Thanks for putting up the prize, this is a wonderful idea.

Also, Cassi do you have a good tilapia recipe?? I have alot of it, but it gets so dry when I bake it, and just put seasoning(Lemon pepper)on it. I'm used to putting butter, and olive oil, salt pepper on it(the whol works). I could really use your help in this category.


I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Candace

Candace - looks like Cassi's off line: Here are her 2 "ever popular" recipes: one for tilapia and 1 for tuna!

Tilapia - This one sounds weird, but it is so good. Sprinkle the tilapia with Mortons, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Spray a pan with Pam and heat over med-high heat. Put in fish to brown. Before flipping the fish, put Pam on top of the fish so the second side gets nice and brown. When it's done, top with 1T horseradish sauce and 1 oz. Kraft Grated Parmesan 2% Cheese. I usually serve with sauteed mushrooms and either broccoli, zucchini or onions. I don't miss the extra starch because the portion is so big. But... if I do want something, I make some instant brown rice and throw in a packet of the no sodium chicken broth for flavor and serve along the fish, and sprinke a little of the cheese from the fish on the rice too.


Tuna - 1 can of tuna in water mixed with 1T RF mayo, some onion, Morton's lite salt, pepper, and then a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika (this makes a no-salt version of McCormick's chicken seasoning). I put this in the food processor and make it nice and smooth, and you don't notice you only have 1T of mayo. If I'm at home, I will split a 4" pita and put it on each side with a slice of RF cheese (or 1 slice for two halves if I had my cheese at breakfast) and broil for a few minutes for a tuna melt. Also, you can put it in a tortilla.

Thank Joni! These are still my favorites.

IT'S A SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning ladies,

I got my wish. Yes, I have to use a personal or vacation day, but I don't care, I am just happy that I don't have to drive out in that mess. I can go out later if I need to, but right now I am in my PJ's checking out the new December thread.

It seems so funny that it's December already. It's already close to Christmas and I tell you it looks a lot like Christmas outside today.

I think I am going to look for some cute chocolate brown boots today a little later, to go with the cute outfit DH bought me.

Nicole, I will PM you concerning the challenge. I am in. I am not moving much and it's getting a little frustrating.

I will check back later. Everyone have a great day!

Morning ladies! Joni, I am definitely in, you are the bomb for offering this!

Candace- I love to put tillapia fillets in a skillet sprayed with pam, brown briefly on each side, then add about 1/4 cup of water and cover for a few minutes. After the fish flakes nicely, sprinkle with mortons, chili powder, and squeeze half of a lime over it. It is so good.

Cassie- Good luck with your kitchen, I hope that you can get it finished ASAP!

I get to stay home for a while this morning. It is so nice just to be here. We put up the tree last night. It looks cute, and the kids are thrilled with it. Have a wonderful, POP day ladies!

Katie - I tried the tilapia with lime, but just browned it in Pam and squeezed lime over the top. I obviously missed a step and the chili powder! I will have to try this one again. The lime was good, but it seemed to need a little something. I'm sure it's the chili powder.

Thanks for the good ideas ladies. I will try one, maybe even both this weekend.
Do you guys know if the No name brand of Tilapia are on plan?? They come pre marinated.

Morning Ladies
Numb Bum is back! My class is over and I am now a certified Home Stager. We had a class trial yesterday where we had to go into a 5 bedroom home that a couple with kids had lived in for 28 years and completely transform it. It was fascinating and exhausting. I did not even see my girls for 3 days even though we were in the same house as I was gone early and home late. Just went to WI and was down to 191.6 so I'm 1.6 lbs away from my mini goal and just shy of 30lbs... WOOOOOOOHOOOOO.. But I was very sad not to get the Clapper! AW SHUCKS
Now off to teach a Signing workshop.. I wear many hats.. but will catch up this weekend!

Missed you all

Kristen

Morning all! Bummer--we had to come to school today--oh well--it's gonna stink having to make up yesterday in April--blah.

Yesterday was a good reminder why I love to work. A) my kids drove me a little nuts with the in & out with wet clothes. B) I am NOT good a making healthy food choices when we are piled up with hot cocoa and snacks. Needless to say--I was up slightly and I hope I can blame the chex mix. Oh well, today is a new day, new month--so far so good.

Congrats to you losers and to those (me!) hanging on. I got a nice PM from Barb (Gamababa) and she sends her hellos--so "HELLO!". Maybe all our oldies will pop in for some Christmas cheer.

HAPPY DECEMBER EVERYONE!!!! :santa:

It's kind of hard to get in the Christmas mood here... it's 72 degrees, and balmy with rain! Good grief!! "Ho Ho" is a Ho Hum!

Anyway, the boys moved furniture for me last night while I was at church working so we can put up the :tree: this weekend. It is by no means a quick thing. I put over a thousand lights on it, antique glass beads, and when I'm done, I add the crystal icycles on the end of branches "just so"... It really is a pain, but it's gorgeous when I'm done... and of course, there are no "balls" on our tree (It's a female tree because there's already too much testosterone in this house!!!) - every ornament is different. Can you tell I'm into it?!? I collected ornaments all my life and unfortunately lost them in a house we rented while building our first home shortly after getting married. They were stored in the basement and mildew and mold ruined them. And yes, I cried for a couple of days! :(

Joni - Thanks for putting up the prize - I think you're awesome too! Definitely a gift to us all here. :present:

Kim, I've never heard of thundersnow, but it sounds cool to be honest! We did have a tornado come to our back door a few years ago and then suddenly make an unexplained right into another county. Of course, the boys and I were in the bathroom praying it away... so we weren't surprised! It was cool to hear the state policeman tell us what he saw though...

Cassi - I am sooooo excited for you and your new kitchen!!! We have a dream of remodeling our along with our DR one day... it won't be anytime soon unless a huge blessing comes down the pike!

Candace - I don't know where I've been but I LOVE your avatar!!! What a bunch of cuties! (including MOM!) - About the marinade on tilapia, check the sodium content... usually a marinade had a huge amount so I would avoid it! I get my tilapia at Sams in a 4# bag for $10.00. Food Lion here has it on sale this week for $2.99/lb... If you want to try a marinade that is sodium free, Mrs. Dash has some good ones - although I can't imagine any of them on fish... but maybe?!

Ulanda - I am detecting a glorious change in how you see yourself and it truly is awesome!!! Seems like the butterfly has emerged! You go girlfriend!!! You are beautifully and wonderfully made! :)

Katie - I'm with Cassi. I wrote down your tilapia recipe and I don't remember chili powder!!! It that new?!? I loved it with just the lime juice but I can't wait to try it with the chili powder!

I gotta get some chicken in the oven for 2nd day of TO... gotta do some keying so I can decorate my house this weekend!!! :ginger:
Blessings,

Pearl - to heck with your kids, dog, etc., I want to see a picture of the tree! It sounds loverly!

Candace - your girls (and you) are too cute. When I double click on your avatar I get a different picture of you and your little one. Precious!!
As far as Tilapia goes, I have not had the best luck with frozen so I get mine from the fish guy at Publix (you know what, I never see a lady back there!)

Ulanda - feel free to call me Nicole, but I am Joni. Nicole's the one with the really cute daughter in her avatar, 5 children, writes really well, and has a great sense of humor; I'm the lady with the dog who wishes she had half the writing talent (and cooking talent) of the gals on this thread!

LeaAnn - you now have my permission to repost your beautiful family picture on your avatar. Lexi's okay with it; I asked.

Katie - okay, this challenge may not be as fun as your recent Biggest Loser challenge at home, but hopefully it will give us all some motivation. Got 11 signed up so far. Some folks are starting today because they don't have internet access to share their start weight with me tomorrow. That's fine and I'll just get their final number on Friday (Dec 15) instead of Saturday (Dec 16).

Hi ladies,
Thanks to you who commented on the "cuties" on my avatar. Only the yougest one is mine, her name is Claire she will be two in February, the taller one is a daycare friend of my daughters. They were both Tinkerbells for Halloween. I also have an eight year old son Austin. They keep me busy, and drive me batty every now and then, but I love em.
I should post a new picture on my profile, as my face has slimmed down alot. Now I jsut need my hips and thighs to!!:stars:

Happy December!!:snowglo:
I don't have much time for personals, I am running out to the COD for my w/i.
but..
Kristen!!! I am so interested in your new talent! I love watching shows like "Sell this House" etc, where they come in and basically change a few minor things and then stage the home, and it looks completely different!! I sooo wish I had that talent. You will have to tell us ALL about it!!

Joni - I would love to join your challenge, but I am not elligable - I started October 5th - but to the rest of you ladies - Good luck and give it all you got! That was a great idea, Joni:)

Cassi - I can't wait to see how your kitchen turns out. I just love anything to do with renos etc. (especially when its not MY money..hehe) I saved your tuna recipe, but have never seen talapia before. Maybe we dont get it here??

Pearl, your decorating sounds glorious! I don't seem to have it in me this year to get "into it" yet -and we even have snow! We almost NEVER have snow this early. MY 9yo DS played in it from after school all the way until dark. over 2 hours. BY HIMSELF....he never plays outside by himself. I just love his enthusiasm about anything festive. He's my decorator, too.

To everyone else I've missed...have a wonderfully POP Day!!
Wish me luck, im off to the COD now I'm not expecting great things as I feel bloaty and gross. NO idea why, i've been POP, not my TOM, but I feel "unhealthy" like I used to all the time before LAWL. WHo knows....hope the scale is kind to me today!!

Makena - you're close enough; join the challenge; just PM me with your start weight/date by Saturday! I'm a sucker for anyone with a dog in their avatar!

Hey ladies, I am here to report a Christmas miracle: I called in sick to work! No, I am not sick, youngest DD is, but mainly, we just want to do some shopping, lay on the couch, and be lazy. Now if I could kick the guilt....
Have a wonderful Friday!

Katie--one word--ENJOY!!!!! Guilt schmilt--everybody needs a mental health day occasionally and it's a great time to spend with DD. When I left Arizona I had accrued 40 days in my leave bank--and I had to "eat" them. You only get paid for them if you've been with the district 10 years and I had 8. Now I use 'em!

Keshia--Sounds like you guys are getting some of this bitter cold--is this unusual for you? Congrats on "binge recovery"--LOL.

hey Girls,

It is really drab here today. Raining, then risk of freezing rain and then rain again. Can't do anything outside and you really don't want to even look out the window.

Tomorrow night is the xmas party. I have no idea what they are serving - I assume turkey where it is for xmas - but hopefully if they do they don't put gravy on it. I am not a gravy eater and if I do it is just a little bit. It is a served meal so I figure they will add it. I am going to try and eat around what I can't really have (or at least don't want to waste the servings on). We had a potluck here at work today and I didn't do too badly. 1 cookie and just a couple of triangle sandwiches and a couple of rollups that had light cream cheese and cranberries in them. The cookie is the first real sugar I had in weeks and I didn't miss it at all. It was a small cookie too!!!;)

Doing some more packing this weekend as ex is away tomorrow all day so I can pack and relax for the day. Just me and the pooch!! She and I get to sleep in tomorrow too!

I will be working a bit on sunday and then going to do a bit of shopping. I know a few things I want to get for people for xmas but not sure of everyone. Hopefully I'll get some ideas when I am out.

Well, gotta go for now. I'll check in later!

Alannah

Pearl, I am seeing myself a little different. I am a little angry at my scale right now, but my clothes are looking better on me and that is a plus. I would just love to have been starting December in the 160's but the scale won't move again.

Joni, I am sorry for calling you Nicole. Please count me in.

KrispieD, It sounds like a great thing to do, Be a home stager. I love to play around with interior design. It's usually what I do in the summer except, I haven't gotten to place where I am getting paid for it. I have helped everyone in the family do something to there house.

Ulanda - no worries on calling me Nicole; feel free to come and stage my house to make up for it!! LOL

Alannah - dreary rainy days are the pits. Packing and moving just doesn't seem all that festive, but just think of it as prepping for the new you; the new year!! Will your puppy be going with you? If not, is visitation allowed? Sounds like you are there a lot for him/her. My pups would be sad if I were to disappear on them. Not that anything is going to happen at my end, but I've thought about it; I would fight for visitation but make him pay all the vet and food bills (and let me tell you, with two boxers, we're talking some money here!).

Have fun and enjoy your Christmas party; you did great at your potluck and I think those are a lot harder to get through than a plated meal. If you don't like gravey, just tell them "no gravy"!!

Everyone sure was quiet today; Or maybe I was just around too much.

I went to my COD (to get credit for coming in); went mid day and was up another 2/10ths of a lb. The COD was a frickin zoo. They are a training center and lately it's been busy when I go in there, but today was darn right ridiculous. When I walked in the door and saw about 20 counselors running around; I said outloud - "this place is a zoo! I gotta get out of here". I signed in and put QWI (quick weigh in) and got out really fast. The gal who weighed me never even gave me her name. Maybe there is a note on my file that says "do not engage in conversation - she bites!"

One of my favorite counselors was close by when I was signing in and as she passed by me she said "Please take me with you!" I feel badly for her cause I can tell she isn't all that happy there anymore. I need to call and find out when the zoo is less crowded and you can be sure that's when I'll be going in. No more Friday noon weigh ins for me!

I'll be checking for starting challenge weights tomorrow sometime. Have a good night all!

Well, second day of TO and I was cleaning carpets all day!!! Good grief! I figured since it was so windy and balmy, it would be a great day to open the windows, put the ceiling fans on high and just do it! Of course about 2 hours into it, I was dizzy, so I had to stop and eat my lite...
I was down 4.2 pounds today after a 2# gain over the holiday. So, that's helping with today's TO.
Taking the kids to church for a fun/fellowship night. The youth has pizza, games, karioke, bingo for prizes and of course, a 10 min. teaching relative to their age group. It's really a fun time for them and my oldest goes because he teaches the younger ones. They always invite friends and there's door prizes at the end.
Of course, since we live an hour away, I have to find something to do for the two hours they're there... I may just hide in the van and read or something...
Okay, time to go. LR is rearranged, carpets are clean, tree is hopefully going up soon.
Hugs,

I went into the COD today, I was up 2 pounds. Very frustrating to say the least. She asked me if I knew why I was up and I told her that it is b/c I had a fight with the cookie jar and a bottle of Bailey's. I have not been writing everything down like I should have been for the last 3 days... T/O did not work out very well as I did not follow it the way I should have.
I am thinking about redoing the T/O even though it has not been 2 weeks. I think I may do it anyway b/c I did not follow it correctly.

I see everyone has been having a good day so far.

I wish I could join in on the ornament challenge but I started to late. Maybe next time.

Have a good night everyone.

Hey all!

Just lost my post in cyberspace...grrrrrr...:mad:

Am sticking to my Monday only WI policy. Am hanging around 158 on home scales, which of course would be less than the OFFICIAL scales, since they don't allow me to be butt naked when I WI at the COD!!:D

Pearl, Yesterday it was 75 degrees at this time here in Alabama. Today its in the high 30's. Its headin your way!!:coolsnow:

Katie--I love that you called in sick. I call em Mental Health days. Besides I would be soooo mad if I died tomorrow and left a huge pile of sick days at UAB!!

Joni--I would love it if my COD put a note on my file that said "do not engage in conversation - she bites!" You crack me up! Maybe they would then stop trying to trickerate me!:rofl:

All the rest stay POP!! Have any of you tried any of Dr Oz' recommended recipes? Also I went to the Realage.com website and discovered my real age is 58 (I am 51). Gotta quit smokin next. :smoking: And exercise:exercise: ....and lose 30 more lbs:goodscale ...and continue to eat healthy:hungry: . I would hate to see what my real age would have been before my thus far weight loss and all the junk I was eating 6 months ago!

WE CAN DO THIS YA'LL!! WE ARE AWESOME!!:high: :grouphug:

he everyone......I am in on the challenge.....I weigh in on mon......I do not weigh myself..Its ok I do not think I will even get close to winning....I am still very motivsted but soooo hard with all the lunches, dinners and parties...oh one good thing....wore some size 14 jeans yesterday...but got kinda cocky and went shopping.....Could not fit into size 14ssss..boo hoo..Will I will revel in the jeans for awhile\\\.....I have to admit....getiing a little tired of being so
perfect....I think I need to lighten up a bit....thanks for listening..nance

Man, with all of the trickerating, biting counselors at the COD, and recent reports of scale attacks, I am really starting to wonder what they are putting in the lites.

I forgot to ask everyone..did you each get a personal profile from the COD...it said I was rigid...which can be good, I guess, unless I get tired of being so restrictive...nance

Ok my fellow fatties.......this could get lengthy.......I have been catching up on everyone's posts for the last hour or so. If you bore easily.....you may want to skip over my little saga.....

First of all, let me start by saying that last night, my kids were sledding for hours in 5 inches of sleet. Yes, sleet. It was totally like the stuff that comes in a snowcone. I have never seen sleet like that before. It tried to be snow, but it was definitely sleet. Those kids of mine.......they sure know how to find joy in misery.

Anyway, the sleet was followed by several hours of rain, which created slush ponds on the roads. DH and I went to the grocery store around 9:30 p.m. (ICK) and his big redneck 4WD truck was swimming. We had water and slush comming up onto the windshield. It was really kind of neat, but it made me super nervous. So, to add to the sleet and rain, the temperature decided to drop, and we had THUNDERSNOW!!!! And I thought I had seen everything. There were huge flashes of lightening, and low booming thunder. It was a bit eerie.......but still kind of exciting. Missouri weather is sure different than Wisconsin weather. Now I am worried about Michelle.......I have not watched the news yet to see if Jeff City got hit also, but I tell ya, St. Louis is a MESS!!!

So, DH and I decide to build a fire last night, as it was our first official cold day of the season, and it was nice. DH left the fire burning a bit when we went to bed, and I don't really like that.......but let me tell you how happy I am that he did that. Our power went out at 1:00 a.m. and didn't go back on until 4:00 p.m. today. The heat from the fireplace kept us warm, and we never got a huge heat defict because we had that fire that I wanted put out burning. Thank goodness for DH's smarts. He's pretty hot too :) I'll post his pic one day :) Anyway, to sum this all up............I HAVE MISSED YOU ALL IN MY TINY LITTLE ABSENSE.

I sent DH to the casino with his work buddy (who will be staying with us tonight, as he still has no power), and now I can play with my friends. I totally don't care if DH goes to the casino.....he isn't much of a gambler.......he won't give them his money......he just likes to go with his buddy. Anyways......I dont' really think any of you are online, but that's ok. I love reading everyone's posts!!!

So, do to our inclement weather, I did not go to WI today. I was kind of anxious to go too, as I had not been there since last friday, but whatever.......I'll go tomorrow.....without kids........now that deserves one big fat (pun intended) WHOOO HOOOOO!!!

Joni........I am SOOOOO in on your contest. I will really enjoy using my home scale in the am, butt naked for it!!! I am WAY (again, pun intended) less on that than I am at COD. And, I totally needed a reason to go on. I have been OP, and I am pretty sure I lost this week, but there just isn't a whole lot of drive in me right now. My willpower is definitely bigger now. Do you like how I gave willpower, um, what do you call it, oh, i think it is personification or something like that. Yeah, I think...........Teachers????? Anyway, I made homemade carmels tonight, and didn't even eat one. I did pop a tiny one in my mouth for a second to make sure it was the right amount of chewy (they are quite finicky), but then I spit it in the garbage. I was afraid of a little tiny piece of candy. I just knew it would kick my *** if I swallowed it, so I showed it who was boss. Anyway, I love to compete.......as I think all women do......and I am going to WIN. LOL LOL LOL. What an ***, huh? I'm kidding ( a little). I want everyone to win. What if there is a tie????? LOL. Do we have to do a tie breaker, or can we just wreste for the prize?

Pearl........such an appropriate name for such a jewel of a person. You must have friends fighting for your time. I love the way you pick people up, even when they don't know they need it. I get the warm fuzzies so often when I read your words :) Thank you.

Lea Ann (check me out, I spelled it right)........LOVE YOUR HOUSE. Wanna trade???? When I figure out how to put pictures in my posts (it's mostly a time issue), I will try to post some pics of our disaster. Oh, you should just see what a mess we made on Thursday. We tore out just over half of our ceramic tile in our dining room. That s*** is HEAVY!!!

Katie......when I worked outside of the house....I always felt guilty if I called in. I'm such a bad liar..........but oh well. I hope you were able to enjoy it a bit.

Candace....I love your new picture. You look really REALLY cute!!! You can totally see your loss in your face. Keep on keepin on.

Kristin.......congrats on another loss. Did you enjoy your class? I would love to have you stage me up (my house I mean......but I could probably use an overhaul myself). I have lots of ideas........but putting them all together......that is where I have trouble. Maybe it's the budget...LOL. I got a kick out of your......"I wear many hats." I bet you wear them well.

Cassi.........I bet you are going out of your mind not being able to cook!!! Water weight is the devil. I will cross my fingers for you that they get er done soon!!!

Ulanda.......I agree with Pearl. I have nothing more to add to her eloquence.

Nance.......size 14???? I am jealous!!! That is awesome. You sound like you have the blahs :( I could be wrong...it is hard to hear your tone of voice from these beautifully typed words. LOL. Be proud of that 14.......even if it is only 1 pair right now :)

Keshia.......stay strong.......you can do this........and you are going to be SO glad you did. Dr. Oz said on Oprah something to the effect of......when you can't get motivated to act, sometimes you have to act to get motivated. It is soooooooo true. I never thought I would beable to be this strong. NEVER. I still think to myself.......well, you may have lost some weight, but you aren't any different. You don't look any better......you don't feel any better....but it's so not true. I am kicking a**. I don't have a huge scale victory yet......but girl, I can walk away from CARMEL. I don't really even have the correct words to describe my love affair with CARMEL. It used to involve a big time stomach ache........now, it involves yummy Christmas gifts for my family, friends, and neighbors.....who now all wait for the stuff. So, I just want you to know.........sometimes you have to fake it till you make it. There is a mind body connection to that.......it is very real, and it totally works.

Barb316........don't get discouraged. This too shall pass. You will have to show that scale who is boss next week, and throw that naughty cookie jar and baileys out in the cold. They don't deserve to be your friends anymore......they've been replaced......by us!!!

Alannah.....keep your chin up, girlie...congrats on winning at the potluck!!! You are getting to be a pro. :)

Well, this is just a ridiculously long post, so I am going to quit for a while. I know I missed some people, but it is not for any other reason that I am kind of forgetful sometimes. I won't make excuses. Sometimes, I just suck. Hopefully I will get anyone I missed in the next few days. I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope the storms haven't caused anyone harm. Good night my friends!!!

Awww thanks Mama Nicole
I have been doing better its just such a struggle Im sure for everyone.. I hope I can get it and loose weight by next summer

Boos Mom -- yes the weather was crazy.. well yesterday it was sleet and ice today I didnt need a jacket and wore flip flops?? Who knows... I sent my boys to daycare with an under shirt thermals another shirt and a sweater yeah I know I probably over did it : )

So glad to hear the awesome reports kudos to all

today made my 3rd wk on the program it feels like months.. I know I can do it otherwise what a waste of money and DH will not be happy so...fake it till I make it

Nicole - you're in...I so need the competition too; that's why I decided to do this. I could easily see myself sitting back and just taking the month off, but I know I'd be all made at myself come January. I thought about the tie after I wrote my rules. Since I only bought one prize, the prize will go to whomever signed up first (I have the names listed according to how folks signed up). If someone can think of another good tiebreaker, I'm open to changing my rules. (do I need to hire a lawyer??) LOL.
I loved reading about the Thundersnow.........I don't mind driving in that kind of stuff as long as I'm in the biggest, baddest car on the road!
What willpower to pop that caramel in your mouth and spit it out!! I'm guilty of the BLTs (bites, licks, tastes) not making it onto my food log! There is no way I would have spit the caramel out. What you won't do for that family of yours. I enjoyed reading your long post this morning...I missed the part about "when you can't get motivated to act, sometimes you have to act to get motivated" - I'll have to remember that!

Nance - I'm putting you into the challenge too. I did not get the perrsonal profile thingy you mention, but I'm sure there are secret notes in my file that say I am bi-polar (no offense to anyone that is cause I know how serious this illness is); that's okay cause I have a mental profile of each counselor and most of those profiles aren't very positive.

Katie - Good question - what's in the lites !! LOL
Nothing wrong with playing hookie to spend time with your family!

Pearl - I'm jealous of your clean carpets AND TakeOff results!! Hope the boys had a good night....why won't they let you come in and do some karoke with them?? haha.

I'm going to take a couple hours today and go do a Christmas Home Tour nearby (6 homes on display and these are older, smaller historic homes in Marietta, GA). I love that stuff and usually get one or two fresh ideas to try in my own home. Tomorrow night, the Christian Band, New Song (they do the Christmas Shoes song that makes us all cry!) is performing at the church across from my house; New Song actually started out at the church many years ago.

Last night I went and saw a very talented group of 8-12 year olds perform in a play called A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant; I had not heard about this play until a friend invited me, but I really enjoyed it - mostly because the kids in it are fabulous young actors and actresses! This play has been around a while and is a musical based on the beliefs of the Church of Scientology using the idiom of a children’s Christmas pageant. I highly recommend this play to everyone (and for the record, I know little to nothing about the Church of Scientology and this is NOT an endorsement! -- it's just a great one hour play).

Okay - I'm two hours behind on my chores...

Good day to all!

Hi everyone!

A rare weekend post for me, but I had to send in my start # and stuff for the challenge, so why not keep up a bit?

Today DH and I are putting up our Christmas Village. Half of it goes under the tree and the other half on the mantel. This works out perfectly for us becuase we can divide and conquer. I do the part on the mantel. This process was put in place 10 years ago so that we could avoid hiring divorce attorneys!

Nicole - They were calling for thundersnow here too, which I always think is cool! Actually the weathermen were pretty much calling for the apocalypse, but all we got was 10 minutes of rain and then a few minutes of high winds. Sounds like your kids had fun, and I bet they slept like logs afterwards!

Kristin - glad your class was good! We missed you!

Pearl - My carpets need to be cleaned too, when are you coming over?

Joni - I love looking at christmas decorations too! Have fun today! Was Tom Cruise at the Scientology pageant?

Bye for now, dog needs to go out... I'm getting the hairy eyeball from him!

This will be my first post with personals. If I missed someone I am sorry and I will get you next time PROMISE :) If I messed up your name I am sorry also. I tried to make sure I got them right :)

Today is going to be my first day of T/O. I decided to redo it since I did not do it properly last weekend and I cheated a couple of times. I will post the results on Monday. I have been disgusted with myself the last few days b/c I have not been following plan. I 'forgot' my journal when I went to the COD. I really chose not to bring it. Why? I was embarrassed and ashamed for the screw ups. But I will stop taking pity on myself and move on. I will not change my signature until next week even though I was up this week.

Monday will be hard only b/c it is my 6 year dating anniversary with my fiance and I am sure that there will be some wine and good food involved. I will just have to be POP that day as much as possible and chose somewhere where I can make good decisions.

Anyway have a great day everyone and I will stop back later on!


Joni: Thank you for including me in the challenge I will weigh myself and post it. I think I need a challenge to try to kick myself into gear!

Kim: Did that nasty weather come? I am not looking forward to snow. I love it, I just hate to drive in it! I grew up in NY, on Long Island in Long Beach. I LOVE NY! We are putting up our Christmas stuff today also. We are going out to get our live tree this afternoon. I love decorating for Christmas.

Cassi: I am jealous that you are getting a new kitchen. I want a new kitchen! I bet it looks GREAT!

Meagan: To my fellow Minnesotan, hello! How did WI go at the COD?

Ulanda: Did you find cute boots to go with your cute outfit? I have to shop for a dress this week to wear to my fiance's work dinner and I am not looking forward to it. Mainly b/c I dont like dresses.

Kristen: WTG on your WI and being close to 30 lbs mini goal! That is awesome! :)

Boo'smom: Good attitude that today is a new day. I had to take that same philosphy as I have been terrible in my Weight Loss journey the last few days. Just remember that we have the tools we need to succeed and we are not all going to be perfect all the time. That is what is great with this program it allows us to fall and pick ourselves up and get right back on track! :)

Pearl: Wow that sounds like it will be a beautiful tree! We are getting our tree today and I am sure it will not be anywhere as beautiful as yours! How did the WI go after the two days of T/O?

Candace: To my fellow Minnesotan Hello! I too love the avatar. The kids are adorable even if only one of them is yours. I hope that you have a great weekend.

Makena: how did WI go?

Katie: Dont feel guilty for calling in sick! I hope you enjoyed the day with your daughter!

Alannah: Have a good time at the Christmas party! I am sure you will make great choices for yourself and if there is something that you REALLY want I would have a little bit try not to fret over it and enjoy yourself!

Martha: Yeah I wish we could be naked at the WI b/c the scales at home are so much nicer! Have a great day!

Nance: size 14s that is great! Dont be so hard on yourself. Noone is perfect all the time! You have done great so far and I am sure you are feeling great!

Keisha: We must have started at the same time b/c I am at 3 weeks also and I feel like it has been months too!

Good morning ladies! (Funny… when I was typing this I wrote “laidies”. Guess I’m thinking we all had a good Friday night, huh?)

My wonderful, wonderful handyman is here installing my faucet and other kitchen plumbing! When he is done I am off to Linens N Things to go get some drawer organizers and other kitchen toys. Then back to the house and … get this… I am baking today. In my new kitchen! I’m actually making some brownies, fudge and some peppermint bark (like the kind at Williams Sonoma) to give as gifts for DH’s co-workers and some of DD’s friends. I will try to taste as little as possible. That’s also why I decided to do peppermint bark instead of almond or something more yummy to me. I’m not a big mint girl.

I will post before and after pictures later or tomorrow. But I’m still waiting on new window treatments, tiling of the backsplash, and paint.

Ulanda – You are just becoming the shopping queen lately! It’s amazing what a few lifestyle changes can do for you. Can’t wait for you to post some updated pictures of the new you.

Kristen – The class sounds like it was fun, even if it was intense. Glad you made it through ok, numb bum and all! How did TO go? WOO HOO on the loss!

Lea Ann – Chex Mix, hot cocoa and your girls… sounds like a perfect day to me! I know what you mean about being easier at school. I pack a cooler when I go to work and if it’s not in the cooler I don’t eat it. It’s so simple an automated. Too many good things at home. And bummer about the sick days!

Pearl – The tree sounds gorgeous. Can you get a picture and post? By the way, just wanted you to know that I always look forward to your posts. You always have such wise words for everyone.

Makena – No tilapia? Wow, I thought it was everywhere. Do they have it frozen somewhere? You could actually use any mild white fish I think. Hope WI went well.

Katie – Hope your day playing hooky was fun!

Keshia – Congrats on the Thanksgiving recovery!

Alannah – Sounds like you have a plan for the party, and that’s a key step to success. Even if you “stray” from your plan, having one in the first place keeps a “stray” from becoming a “binge”.

Joni – My COD is a training center too. I hate it when I come in and six counselors in training are all at the front desk and half of them give me a phony smile. And then they are all amazed when I go to WI and they pull my chart and see I’ve lost 54lbs. I’m like, “What, you didn’t know the plan worked?” Your “profile of the counselors” cracked me up! Just the thought of 8-12 year olds doing a Christmas pa

Barb – Hang in there. We’ve all been there. Just hit the lemon water and get back on the horse.

Martha – GL at WI on Monday, since it’s your “official” day. Maybe by then the COD scale will be closer to today’s home scale???

Nance – It’s hard to stay POP especially this time of year. We all get tired of it. Maybe you could try a carb craver once or twice a week to switch things up? WTG on the 14s, though. Let that be your motivator.

Nicole – I love the Dr. Oz stuff. Fake it til you make it, huh? Major NSV with the caramel. I would have eaten it.

Kim – Good to see you on the weekend. Have fun with the Christmas village. Post a pic when you’re done.

OK… I think I’m all caught up. Have a great day everyone. I’ll pop in later.

Hello Hello Hello
I and my now non numb bum are back!!! It was a crazy week. I didn't see the girls from Tuesday morning until Friday morning then they were gone all day yesterday and I was out this morning, they are gone with dad for the afternoon and tomorrow we have to drop them off early morning as we are heading on a bus trip to Buffalo to see them play San Diego. I hope those girls don't hate me :(
I have been walking around my house looking at all the stuff I'd now like to change.. my DH said it wasn't the course that was expensive it's what you are going to do to our house that will be! It truly was a fascinating course and I'll have to really think over the next few weeks about going into this full time. My husband Mark is a real estate agent so it could really work well with his business. My SIL says I should call my company Marked By Style Staging.. as it uses his name in it. Votes ?
I'd love to join Joni's challenge but the week ahead is going to be he**! Tomorrow we are off on a bus for the football game and pretty much all they are supplying are burgers, dogs and beer. When we get to the stadium, burgers dogs and beer. So I'm going to have to try to rely on my Lites.. or just have some fun and pay for it later. Being so close to a 30lb loss is a huge motivator right now to stay on track and then maybe relax a tad more over the holidays. Wednesday night is Mark's Christmas party, Friday is my father's 60th birthday at a restaurant, family dinner party on Saturday and another family dinner party on Sunday. I think I'll have to turn my back to the scale for the next two weeks as no matter how much I stay OP I do seem to go up a bit on the Mondays after a weekend like that.
Barb thanks for your lovely personals to everyone, Nicole you too.

Cassi if you are baking all of that I'm coming over to lick the spoons!
I'll even do my Pilates seal move to earn my supper!

Pearl we need to see another picture of YOU! I love seeing all the kids but now I'm missing seeing you and Nicole,... put yourselves back so all the newbies can see what the women that are full of such wit and prose look like!!

Kim hope you had fun with your HALF of the village and kept the divorce attorneys at bay. Pearl will be busy helping with my carpets before she gets anywhere near your home! Then we'll all be heading to Cassi's for baking.. let's hope it's all LAWL friendly!

Nance I didn't get any profile sheet. They would say on mine "Do not under any circumstance use the Clapper for this client before 10:00am and in the event of a gain please ensure client is on the scale that is welded to the floor as she has a tendency to try to harm the scale and others in the immediate area :)

Hope you are all well and staying warm. Hubby and girls are gone so I'm going to go move everything in my home.. Okay I'm really going to go clean the house.. being gone for a week means that when you do get back to 'normal' you got a whole lotta work to do!!!

Love to you all!!

Reporting in!

Here in Jefferson City, MO we got a grand total of 16" of snow after 2" of sleet and 2"of freezing rain...what's the diff?....any how we have been baking cookies, wrapping presents, listening to X-Mas music, throwing snowballs, atempting to make a snowman...out of dry snow, didn't work....sledding for 3 hours this morning after quad racing at my mom's and getting ready to do a Karate pizza party where the kids play drill seargents to the parents....now that that is said and you know I am alive here....check back in a little later!

Michelle - nothing like a LOT of snow to get you in the Christmas mood, huh! Hope the kids are easy on you at the party!

Cassi - enjoy your shopping and baking; I tried to do some shopping today and the stores were crazy. I tried to go see the Christmas Home Tour and the lines to get into the houses were too long (I am not patient with that stuff); I tried to get some stuff at Old Time Pottery and the checkout lines were literally out the door...yes, I ditched my cart (by customer service desk) and left; finally, I just decided home is where I need to be!

I went to my COD today (to weigh and get credit in the coupon book). Still crazy busy in there but not as bad as yesterday. I weighed 4 lbs more there than I did at home first thing in the morning! eek....not good! But, I've been good, so I'm chalking it up to TOM and the beer (Starch) I had last night. While there I decided to switch plans and I'm going to TRY and wean myself off LA Lites; so I'm now on the purple plan with no lites. Wish me luck!

Gotta go start inventorying my Christmas purchases before I do anymore shopping. And you can guarantee I'll be shopping in the early morning hours or late at night; I'm staying home by day!

Hi girls.........went to COD..........down 1.8 :) I'm happy :) Have to get to work on the tile now.........I'll check back later!!!

Quick Nicole listen!! It's Onederland calling and they are looking for you!

Martha - You're right... it's getting chilly here now. This a.m. is was 35ish... high 60's this afternoon... and supposed to be high 50 tomorrow... that's okay - I'm ready for cold weather and CHRISTMAS!

Nance - congrats on the jeans! Yes another NSV!!! Was the pottery sale today?!? I'm curious how you did! I know I'd be at your booth!

Katie - since we know from Dr. Oz that the lites are made to make us think we are not satisfying our sweet tooth... we should come to the conclusion that with Lites, we are mmmdoomedmmm mmmto mmmm failmmmmm! (sorry, I was chewing my "snickers Lite") :rofl:

Nicole - I just told my boys that I wish I were as wonderful as you guys think I am!!! (and they both said, "Yeah!") My oldest says to forget your pretty family avatars... he wants to see your dh's 4WD Truck!!! (that's my boy!) I was thinking about your fire and the power going off... you know they're are OTHER ways to stay warm with your DH!!! (of course you know, you have HOW many kids?!?) :o

Keisha - Layers are the way to go, but good grief girlfriend, the only thing you forgot was the wrapping paper and bow!!! :lol3: - by the way, I think you're adorable!!!! (I always thought DHs didn't like it when we fake it!)... Okay, seriously, give it a couple more POP weeks and you are going to see the inches GONE!!!! AND BUNCHES OF THEM!!!! Hang in there sweetie! We're here for ya!

Joni - I didn't get in on your contest because I just finished TO and I'm expecting a slight gain soon... (hopefully not!) As for karoke... no way! I've never even looked into a K machine! I stand in front a 100-150 people singing with a mic in my hand every Sunday! I don't need more!!! And unfortunately, last night ended up being a "fix a problem" night with the soundboard, so another two hours gone...

Kim - I've never been to NY and to be honest, the "city" part would probably terrify me, but I know there is some gorgeous country side there too! As for the carpets... I'd be happy to do them! When are you picking me up??

Barb - I'm certain your tree is going to be gorgeous!!! TO went well... lost a little over 5 pounds! :whoo: AND congrats on your anniv!

Cassi - someone else said they wanted me to post a photo too... I'll see what I can do. The funny thing is, it's really prettier in the dark with the lights on but the pics never turn out... And in the daylight, it loses something in the translation! :) Thanks for the kind words! As I told Nicole, I wish I were all the things you ladies seem to think I am!!!

Kristin - I'm thinking I'll get a pic in something seasonal! I just don't know when exactly! Maybe I'll hide behind my tree in the pic! :)

As I mentioned earlier, I'm down over 5# from TO! I was telling DH about JM's Whoo Hoo stick and we jokingly decided that since his COD rings a bell, I should too. Of course the only bell I could think of is the cowbell I have on the front porch to call my boys home, so we were almost in tears laughing about me running out in the early morning and ringing that bell each time I lose! (I'm afraid my neighbors are gonna think I've lost more than just weight!)

Listen, my tree isn't what I'd call beautiful!!! It's got lots of ornaments and it's so fun to look at because there is SO much to look at! We've got Looney toons, Elvis, (yep, my dh collected his videos if you can imagine and now we're looking for a John Wayne ornament because he also collected his videos!) We've got Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt, and Dale Jr., (good grief!), and for me, the beads, the icicles, and a lot of cute "country" stuff! I've got several that light up. several that spin or turn, it's just a real kid's tree! (yep, that's me! nothing frilly here, just fun!)

Okay, enough about that! My 16 yr old is ready to lose his Christianity over trying to get my tree to revolve and light up, so I gotta go before the tree goes out the window!
Hugs,

Nicole--first off--sorry about all the MESS you are dealing with. Second--I LOVE reading your writing!!! In class we call it "Voice" and it's difficult to teach to kids--but it's mostly where when someone reads your writing they feel connected. I feel like we could be sitting at my kitchen table, chatting over a cup of coffee!! Keep rolling--it's enjoyable! We re-did our ceramic tile floors in our old house and I understand the mess and the weight--who would've thought they weighed so frickin much?? Oh--and those are my neighbors houses behind us. I'll have to find a shot of ours--They look big in the photo but really pretty average in real life!

Cassi--do you need my address?? I am a HUGE mint fan!! I'll be your taste tester anytime. Congrats on your kitchen--I know you are lovin it!

Hi to all--on to the next page!

Hello ladies,

We are back from the Solo and Ensemble, my DD participated in this morning. It was great and she got top score for both, earning her blue ribblons. She was pretty excited and we were excited for her.

I did go out looking for some hot boots, but they are all too pricey right now. I can't see paying $139 - $160 for something that I am only going to wear a couple of times because of the color.

Bad news, I am not going to be able to get my hair braided and I don't know when I might be able to now because the lady had to go back to her home country for a family emergency. I am praying for her because I don't know what part of Africa she is in and they aren't having really great times there right now. So the braids are on hold.

Thank you to all who think that I showing more confidence, I really do feel better about myself eventhough, like I said the scale is not moving. I guess I just have to deal with it right now.

Cassi, It sounds like your kitchen will be done in no time. That is wonderful.

Ulanda--have you checked out JC Penny's--I just picked up some great black one's for 50% off ($40!)--I love them but my fat calves do not! Still pretty darn cute though.

Lee Ann -
Are you a teacher? I was just wondering because you talked about the writing "voice". I am going back to school for my Master's in Ed so I can be a middle school Language Arts teacher.

Went and weighed in today...down 2 pounds from Thursday!! I am very excited, although I am CRAVING STARCHES right now! I am now only 9 pounds from my Christmas /wedding dress shopping goal! I HOPE I can make it!

MissH--sort of! I taught high school English for 5 years in Arizona--we moved back to Texas last year and there wasn't an opening here so I am currently an Aide. It sucks but it's a "foot in the door"! I am certified for 4-8 language arts, social studies, and reading, then also for 7-12 English. I got my Masters in Educational Leadership a few years back but still don't know what I want to do with it--haven't grown up yet I guess! I love the classroom and have always said as long as I have kids in school I will remain in the classroom (LOVE being on the same schedule--who wants to work all year??--sorry to all of you outside of education!). Since my baby is in 1st grade I have a long time to decide what to do with my Masters. Do you have to have your Masters to teach? My first degree was in business/marketing, then i went back for my teacher certification, then the Masters--took the long route to get where I am. Good luck with school. And thanks for asking--sometimes I forget that I am more educated than my job tells!

Congrats on your losses and your dress shopping--how exciting for both! I wish I had been this size when I got married--I look better now than I did then! Fix yourself some hot tea or cider (the sugar free cider is AWESOME!!) and get yourself over your craving. You can do this and we can all cheer you on!

Kristin - I love the new picture, but I miss the "dos" on the girls!!

Cassi--do you need my address?? I am a HUGE mint fan!! I'll be your taste tester anytime Lea Ann - have you forgotten the Challenge already.....no mint bark for you!! (think Soup ****!)

Pearl - Great TO results; I still think you should join the gang; it's fun and you can potentially add another "wonderful" girlie ornament to your tree, which I hope, by now is revolving and lighting up in your living room (vs your front lawn).

Joni you would rather see the girls than me!!! The holiday photos from Sears are ready December 13.. wait until you see those! You will be jumping in your car to come and meet them.

Pearl I hope you tamed down your son.. don't torture the poor lads with the tree.

I'm off to find thermal underwear for the football game tomorrow... leaving my girls AGAIN and hoping not to freeze my buns off.. actually that would be okay.. I would be down on scale at COD and the staff wouldn't have to run and hide like they do if I gain.
Happy weekend everyone and catch up with you on MONDAY!!

GO GET EMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

xo

LeeAnn, I did check JCP, but I didn't see any that I really, really liked. Although $40 is a good deal.

I got DH some really nice shoes for 50% off so I I guess it was his day for feet.:)

Nicole--first off--sorry about all the MESS you are dealing with. Second--I LOVE reading your writing!!! In class we call it "Voice" and it's difficult to teach to kids--but it's mostly where when someone reads your writing they feel connected. I feel like we could be sitting at my kitchen table, chatting over a cup of coffee!! Keep rolling--it's enjoyable!

Lea Ann.....thank you!!! You made me grin from, ear to ear. I sure wish we could sit at your kitchen table and have a cup of coffee. I love coffee.....and, I love to write. One day, when my kids are all big, I hope to write a book, or two. I am quite honored to get such a compliment from an English teacher. Oh, and I forgot to tell you before.......you have a GORGEOUS family (including YOU!!!). Speaking of gorgeous families.......

KRISTEN.........I just can hardly stand how cute your girlies are!!! I used to have SO much fun with my girls when they were little. I still do, of course, but it is different fun. It was fun for ME to beable to dress them up like little dollies, before they grew their fashion sense!!! It's so smart of you to make the time to enjoy them. I know, they are work.......but the way they melt your heart......guess that's why they call it a labor of love :) And, wow, you are looking awesome!!! How did all of these pretty people end up on the same forum? What's up with that????? I just loved your quick message about Onderland. I didn't really think I'd see the day that I was getting close :) :) :)

Pearl.......I am ready to see your pretty face too!!! I agree with the other ladies, your kids are really handsome.......but YOU are the one we love, perfect (as we see you), or not :) p.s. tell your boys i will post a picture of of BOTH of our 4WD trucks soon. (Despite my protests......I have become a bit of a redneck girl. Does anyone remember that song????) I have to post Bethany, DH, the dog, and then the trucks....but we'll see, maybe I'll mix it up a bit.....or get a pic with a couple of those in it. I have been having fun posting one person at at time to help pass the weeks. My DH has a ford pick up, and I have a Chevy Suburban. I am not really a truck person (I'm a girlie girl), but with 5 kids, and lots of traveling (need lots of cargo space), and the boat we used to own and tow.........just had to have a big old SUV. I don't really mind anymore. It does take up an awful amount of space in a lane though. I was really happy that I had 4WD today at Walmart (my hangout). I had to use it to navigate the parking lot. Seems they don't really know how to remove the snow from parking lots here in Sunny St. Louis. It's weird.

Michelle......you survived!!! Did you have any loss of power? I don't know why we always lose it. That big old storm in July.........yeah, no lights for several days. I don't get it. It's like we've gone backwards in time or something. Had I known I was buying a house on Power Outage Lane, I probably would have passed. Oh well. I hope the weather has continued to bring only fun for your family!!!

Ok, I have much more to say (what else is new....LOL), but I MUST go sit on the couch and watch Grey's Anatomy. I have a wild crush on McDreamy :)

Did I mention I love Joni's challenge. It just may drop me off into Onderland for Chrismas.

P.S.....Cassi.......I LOVE mint also. When you make mint bark, or whatever you called it....do you use white chocolate or what? The mere mention of it sounds heavenly. Wow..........sugar deficit is making me loopy. Gotta go............

Hey, Cassi (did I tell you I love your name.....are you a Cassandra, and if so is your second "a" an ahhhhhhh or an aaayn?).......it's probably close to time for a new picture of you too!!!

Nicole - you crack me up....aahhhhhhhhh or ayynnnn!...Now I'm wondering too..and now I've got the name game song going through my head (you know, Nick, Nick, Bo Bick -Bonana, Fanna, Fo Fick - Fee, Fy, Mo Mick - Nick) ...

Also, you probably need to adjust that Christmas goal, since you'll be seeing Onederland in the next week!! So proud of your progress! Feel free to eat an apple or some carrot sticks to celebrate!

Evening ladies-

Kristen- Your girls are just too cute, I smile everytime I see that picture.

Cassi- Have fun baking in that new kitchen!!

Lea Ann and Keshia- You guys anywhere near Gorman TX? That is where I was born. Keshia is probably closer huh?

Nicole- We have our woodburning stove going almost every day lately. Last week when it was about 25 below around 9:30 at night the power went out here. After it being out for an hour, we went and checked on some neighbors that we knew didn't have a fireplace or woodburning stove and invited them over to our place too keep warm. It was fun, we heated up water on top of the woodburning stove and had apple cider and hot cocoa and played cards and cribbage until the power came back on.

We got one of those big ole redneck 4WD's too. Ya just gotta living in Montana. DH is a mopar nut and HAD to have a hemi, so we've got a big ole dodge truck. Of course it is my daily driver. Gotta have it to pull all the toys with.

Tomorrow will be a day of mixing and packaging about 130 lbs. of deer meat, mostly into sausage. A friend of ours gave us a big buck to go along with the 3 DH got this year. Busy, busy. There is no way we can consume all that meat, so we know some struggling single mom's and are going to share the deer with them along with some elk meat DH got last year.

I got my little Christmas tree decorated tonight. Can't have anything that sets too close to the ground, got lethal lab tails ya know. And the puppy has a fascination with the pine cones that are on the branches, she keeps trying to eat them off. She has already chewed up one end of a roll of wrapping paper, so I think presents under the tree may just be a mistake.

Have a great night ladies, those of you in bad weather- stay warm!!!

Joni--I know!! See why I am so bad at this?? NO BARK FOR ME!! (just bite! haha) Love the soup ****.

Kristen--the girls are little dolls! Mine let me have little say in their dress anymore--oh well. The little one is just like me though--jeans and a T-shirt anytime!

Nicole--ANYTIME!!! I'll take a sick day for you and we'll hang out together. And thanks--this is the site for gorgeous families! And, we have a Chev. Sub too--I rarely drive it--can't park the dang thang! Now DH is in love with the new model--UGH. That's never good--he's spoiled.

Deb--Keisha should be closer--my parents are at Lake Procter and they must be REALLY close because they eat lunch in Gorman most Sundays after church! My mom did a temporary stint at the big peanut company one year to pass the time. Small world. If you get back in that neck of the woods give me a holler. How sweet to your neighbors! Bet they really appreciated it.
I can just picture the dogs and the tree--my cat was terrible about knocking off ornaments then batting them around the room. We have hard wood floors so it was unsettling to wake up in the night and hear ornaments bouncing off the walls!

All for now--gotta get my act together for church.

Lee Ann -
In Nebraska you have to have your educaion degree to teach and since I have my BA in English, the quickest way for me to get my education degree is to do a MA/BA program. It's an accelerated program so it's only 18 months, but it doesn't start full time until May, so until then I am just taking a few classes to prepare, plus working full time, and I will have to work full time through the entire program because I can't get federal loans for room and board for some reason. Oh well. It's only a year and a half, plus my fiance' is in school for his PhD in Philosophy, so we understand what the other is going through.
Our Christmas tree is about a foot and a half tall. Our house is so small that we just don't have room for anything else. It bums me out because when I was little I always had a freshly cut tree at my house. Some day that will happen.
Last night Nebraska played in the Big 12 Championship and anyone who knows NE knows that football is a BIG deal. We lost, but of course there was a party. I didn't eat any dinner and had cheese and crackers and salami instead. I will just need to get all my waters in today to flush out the sodium!
And, instead of beer I drank vodka and grapefruit juice, so I think I did pretty well in that aspect. It's hard because drinking is definitely a social thing for me.
Anyway. GOod lock to everyone and enjoy the final day of your weekend.
Lara

Hello everyone! Busy day already, I went to Kohls to look for something to wear to my fiance's Christmas party and walked out with to much. Boy, you dont realize how bad you need to lose weight until the dreaded clothes shopping. Anyway, then I went to Target to get some medicine and tissues for my sick man and I walked out of there with more things then I needed. I was almost home when I realized I needed to get gas and a paper. I turned around and got that. Well, while pumping the gas I reach in my coat pocket and what did I see? the list of things I needed from Target (tissues, light bulbs) the things I DID NOT get. Then had to drive to Walgreens to get that stuff, so what was supposed to be about a 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours turned into about 3............

Anyway. I am on day two of the T/O I must say I did not cheat but I do have a massive headache. Just like the first time I did this.

Tomorrow is WI. Hopefully I do well!

Talk to you all later!

Hi all!
Just popping in to get some motivation. I'm up 0.4 from Friday. I'm pretty sure I know what it was, so I will have to smarten up. Especially if I want to be a contender in the challenge!!
I have a crazy busy day tomorrow starting with a 6am hockey practice for one ds, going straight to work, straight to a hockey game in another city for other ds, and then home probably around 8pm. Wish me luck:o All, while trying to care for dh who wrecked his back tobogganing with the kids..... He is flat out on the couch. Can't even roll over on his own steam, poor guy. And you gotta know they are really hurt when they aren't even enjoying being waited on!!
Wow, enough about me - I must have needed to get that off of my chest.
Thank you all for being an encouragement and source of motivation.

Barb, hang in there, T/O is almost over!!!:)

Makena - Here's a motivational group hug and some will power dust to get you through the rough times :grouphug: :dust: Sorry to hear about DH; guess the kids won't see him on the toboggan again anytime soon!

Barb - sorry your head is aching; mine was achy too, and I'm not doing TO; I think it's just the weather sometimes. :headache:

I decided to forego all stores today and instead cleaned like a crazy woman for 7 hours, did yard work for a couple hours, did a couple miles on the treadmill, and then went to a great New Song Christmas concert (they wrote "the Christmas Shoes" song, which also became a movie). I'm exhausted.

Lara (Miss Hawthorne) - sorry your beloved team lost! A lot of us can relate to the social drinking situation you speak of. My drinking has cut back considerably since starting LAWL since drinking puts a big halt on my weight loss. I carefully select which events are truly worth celebrating with alcohol. I like Holly's idea (I think it was Holly) of a "mocktail" which is sparkling water and lime!! Something for you to ponder for the next social event. Careful with the vodka and grapefruit....one little drink like that is equal to a starch and a fruit!I think I'd rather get a 12 oz Bud Light (for my starch) and/or a 3 oz glass of wine (for my fruit)!

Deb - the world needs more neighbors like you; I felt all warm and fuzzy just reading your post. And while I know they are mischievious, I really miss the puppy stages. I have boxers, so no "lethal tails" around here. Just cute little stubby tails (they still have their puppy ears, though, so much cuter that way). Have fun with all that deer meat. Not my kind of fun, but you'll be having some good eats!!

Pearl - Hope you had a wonderful day and were able to sit back and admire your beautiful tree!!

I'm exhausted and have a busy week. So, I'm going to do something unique and go to bed nice and early!! Christmas is just three weeks from tomorrow!

Thanks for allowing me to join late, ladies:)

Barb---we're almost there...one more day of TO. Is 5 pounds too unrealistic? Here's to hoping. Someone mentioned warm apple cider (sf) please tell:)

Hi everyone DH and I just got done cleaning like crazy.. This is the last wk of classes and I only have one final so I am so happy! BUT I have so many projects for two classes and one paper do that I have procrastinated on. I am officially a Junior after this semester I feel like I have been in college so long but I have one yr left

Sorry I dont really read a lot on the posts I do not have a lotta time these days.. so does anyone have any special plans? We dont, just hope to not go broke the boys b/days are both 2 wks b/f Christmas!!!

Well, T/O is over. I will see what the scale tells me today at the COD. I was going to wait til tomorrow to go but today is our 6 year dating anniversary (the last one we will probably celebrate since we are getting married in May LOL) and we are going to the Mexican restuarant. I am going to order fajitas but still I dont want to go to WI the next day.

I will catch up on personals on my lunch break I just wanted to say Good Morning!

Good morning girls. No time for personals yet. I still have to catch up on the weekend posts.

So... Saturday I was supposed to bake. Well, the handyman took until 2:00 or so to finish the faucet. I then ran to Bed, Bath & Beyond for a little shopping. Came back and we started loading up all the cabinets and moving back into the kitchen.

Saturday evening (still no baking), DH turned on the faucet under the sink that runs to the waterline for the refrigerator. There was a leak. Called the handyman to come back out. He turned it off and said he would be back Monday. We were OK with this because it was Saturday night and we could still use the kitchen, just not the water from the fridge.

Woke up Sunday morning to a flood. He hadn't turned it off, but had turned it on full blast. The leak went behind the new cabinets and through the wall into the den and garage.

He came right when we called (by the time he got there DH realized what they guy had done and had turned off the water). Anyhoo... cleaned up the water, sprayed mildew killer/sealer and I am hoping for the best.

Didn't start baking until yesterday. Made my fudge (it was a little dry - Pearl - did I overcook it maybe?) and peppermint bark. The peppermint bark came out so nice! It looks just like the stuff at Willaim-Sonoma. That's actually where I got the idea. I was at the mall last weekend and looked at that and said, "I can make that." It was a layer of dark chocolate and then a layer of white chocolate with crumbled mint candy pieces on top. I actually pounded out a bag of starlight mints and then dumped them into a collander over a bowl so that the candy powder went into the bowl. I mixed the powder with the white chocolate to flavor it up and then topped with the candy pieces. I was so proud of myself. It looked quite professional!

Still have brownies to make (5 dozen) and lots of shopping.

However, I am mad at myself for the picking I did yesterday. It was mindless eating, ya know? I didn't need it, didn't even want it. It was like I forgot I was on a program. I don't know what I was thinking. It wasn't a lot, but the fact that I forgot to be mindful of it bothered me. Oh well, I will pay today on the scale.

But today I will move forward. I can cook in my kitchen and I will stay OP. This morning and yesterday evening DH and I were walking around the kitchen all discombobulated (sp?) because we weren't used to cooking and using dishes. I totally didn't feel like I had my rhythm during the mornin rush this mornig. Weird. But I'll get it back I'm sure.

I'll catch up on posts and check in later. Have a POP day girls!

Morning ladies! Very busy weekend unable to stay totally OP; back at it this AM gonna try to do TO Tues & Wed befor I go WI on Thursday. Is it me or did Christmas sneek up all of a sudden?

Joni - I need your challenge! I just have not had time to read all the rules is it too late to hop in?

Cassi - These recipes sound so good are they posted here on the site? I tried to find the fudge and pepermint bark but couldn't locate them.

Gotta get busy at work too much too do I'll try to check in later! Everyone have a great day!!!

Cassi--so sorry about the water problems! No fun. Your attitude sounds much better than mine would right now. The mint bark sounds divine. You are not alone on the "mindless eating". Weekends suck for me and my scale was up to prove I can't do that too often. I need LOTS and LOTS of hot lemon water to flush the sodium out!!

Cassi - I feel so bad for you with the flood! It sounds like you did everythingyou are supposed to do, hopefully there will be no damage. Your peppermint bark sounds great - pre LAWL, that was one of the things I went for at christmastime. My secretary brings in the Harry and David version every year. Making your own sounds really cool! I am going to a cookie xchange friday and I may make some of that to bring (I know - why am I going to a cookie exchange? Well, I am trying to avoid having to make a bunch of different cookies to give out. This way I can bring them home, bag them up and give them out all in one swoop!)

Isn't buying stuff for a new kitchen fun? My sister re-did hers last winter and it finished up right near her b-day. We all gave her gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond and she went nuts!

It really is true about getting out of a rhythm. Especially since your stuff is in all new places! I am sure that you will get into a new routine. I am so excited for you! (pictures..please)

Barb - good luck at WI, and have fun with your DF on your last dating anny!

Keisha - Good luck on the exam!

Joni, OK girl, I was tired BEFORE I read what you did yesterday. Now I am officially exhausted... No fair, you must have lost 10lbs yesterday!

Debster - gotta love tail-proofing the house! The tree is safe from our Maltese tail, but the village under the tree is not! We always find one of the sisal trees from the village stuck to Dodger's tail when we get home from work!

Nicole - don't you just feel like we could all get together and talk like we've known each other forever?

Kristen - your family is picture-ific (if everyone else can make up words, so can I) I like the business name.

Pearl - C'mon up! I am not in NY City, I am about 2 hours north, just outside of Albany (the capital of NY, but a very small city) It is beautiful here, we are 1/2 hour from the Adirondack mountains in one direction, Vermont in the other, and Cooperstown (baseball Hall of fame - the boys would love it!) in the other direction - lots to do, make it a vacation! We have 3 unused bedrooms!

OK, DH and I did our respecive christmas villages - no fights ensued! Fighting over the village is a long-standing family tradition for me, I can remember my parents fighting every year over it when I was a child - it is a christmas memory for me. I will post some pictures as soon as the tree goes up over the village.

After doing the villages, we painted all of the doors on our first floor, then bought ceiling medallions for our foyer and painted them (new lights coming this week), and started painting our 1/2 bath. Nothing like realizing you've been in your 'new' house for 10 years to get you moving on the home improvements!

I think I am going to do TO tomorrow and Wed, any takers?

Cassi - Did you use a candy therm? I rely on thermometers for candy and especially meats! Don't know what I'd do without them. And of course, everyone should have an oven thermometer! The bark sounds great! I'm so proud of you! Hey, for the candy mints - just a hint... I grind mine in the food processor! Yep, just a few pulses and you've got it! ;) By the way, you can use the same process only dip red and green plastic spoons in the choc's and then sprinkle with the mint... fantastic gifts for hot choc and/or coffee lovers! You can also dip them in ground hard cinnamon candies, butterscotch candies, or mini choc chips. Awesome in a gift basket!

Joni - I still have a naked female tree! I have a two food section of lights on the "prelit" factory installed cr@p that won't light but the rest of the string does! And it appears to be in the middle somewhere in the string... :(
If I can't find a fix for it, I'll just add a small string in that spot, but currently, it's holding everything up!

We stayed after church yesterday to record our Pastor doing 2-2 minute spots for the radio. He's re-written Christmas Carols adding a "spiritual" touch to Jingle Bells and Here come's Santa.... Well those two 2 minute spots took 2 cotton picking hours!!!! (oh my gosh!) DH was fit to be tied! We were starving by the time it was over, but Pastor was kind enough to treat us to lunch - so we went to our favorite mexican place as a treat for 13 yr old ds and for us as well! It was great! I'll be doing some extra H2O to make up for it today!!!
We got a lot of comments yesterday about our weight loss. We've actually lost 100 lbs between the two of us!!!

TMI Warning********** POO QUESTION AHEAD!!********

DH is REALLY having problems in this area... COD GAVE him a box of their tea and it's not working so far either... HELP!!!!!! He's been taking XLax every few days, and we all know that's not good! Any suggestions are appeciated!

Okay - now that that's over, I'm going to fix him breakfast and pack his food up. I made a crockpot recipe of cabbage and turkey kielbasa overnight, I'll let you know how it is and post the recipe if worthy.
Hugs and blessings!

Cabbage and Turkey kielbasa? YUM! Is that on plan?? Please let us know how that turns out!!!

Deb: My dog as a lethal tail also but he hasnt gotten it in shooting distance of the tree yet. He is enjoying the ornaments though. He sneaks up to them and sniffs them out. He is a good guy though and has not tried to take one off the tree yet.

Makena: sorry your hubby hurt his back!

Joni: what a busy day you had cleaning! I bet it feels good to have a clean house though!

Cassi: What a mess! I am sorry that that all happened to you! You sure seem alot more calm then I would have been.

MY POST WENT AWOL!

Pearl - I didn't use a thermometer. It was a recipe from allrecipes.com and it just said to stir continuously for 5mins after it comes to a boil. Didn't mention any temp. But I have a candy thermometer, and if that's my only issue, I can remake it really fast. It was pretty easy, actually. (I'm not a baker). Do you have a favorite recipe you can PM me? Thanks for the candy crusing tip too. I did it by putting it in a ziploc and using my meat mallet.

Kayla - The peppermint bark is SOOOO NOT LAWL-FRIENDLY. That's why you couldn't find a recipe. Actually, when I was at the mall I saw it and thought it would be easy to make so I just went for it. If you - or anyone else - would like the recipe I used, feel free to PM me.

Barb - I wouldn't say "calm". I was out on the ledge yesterday morning. But it's amazing what a fresh outlook a new day brings. The problem is handled and I did everything possible to minimize the damage. You can't dwell on what you can't change.

Still have to go back and read how everyone's weekend was...

Buffystar - there is a sugar free version of Apple Cider (I've seen one made by Alpine); you find them in the section that sells coffee, tea, hot chocolate; they come in individual pouches. I'm not a Cider person myself, but DH loves the stuff, so I'm always getting it for him. Lea Ann mentioned putting a dollup of whipped cream (FF of course) on top.

Pearl - sounds like you and DH deserved a little treat yesterday; I would think the mexican meal would help out your DH today. If not, things that work for me are fresh apples and Dr. Oz seems to like psyllium husk for fiber. Also, when I was on vacation, a McD's grilled chicken sandwich cleaned me out really good (I actually think I got a touch of food poisoning). Good luck to him; I've only had one short incident like that since being on LAWL. I'm just a regular gal!

Cassi - Hope that plumber doesn't charge too much for his handyman skills! You seem to be handling it way better than I would have, but hopefully you caught it early and no harm done. I see that Pearl answered your cooking concerns. My response to the dry fudge is that was a subliminal msg that you should not be making fudge! LOL.
The bark sounds divine...do you need my address??? haha. You gals that are baking and cooking - if I were baking and cooking, I, too, would be taste testing. Actually, I would be taste "eating." - whole cookies, whole chunks of candy, licking the bowls, spoons, beaters, etc. That is my reward for actually cooking. I've resisted so far and plan to resist during this challenge. After December 16, there's no telling.

So a big box just arrived from the M&M candy store. Thank goodness it was not a gift for me, but a friend sent something (mini tins of personalized M&Ms) for all the gals attending a "girlie diva brunch" that I am hosting next Sunday. There will be 23 gals here basically eating, drinking mimosas, and celebrating the season. The good thing is they all bring most of the food and drink; I just have to clean my house, decorate, and make a signature dish or two.

Anyone have a recipe for a LAWL approved mimosa (champagne/OJ)? Does Crystal Lite have an orange flavor? I guess I could do sparkling water and try mixing it with some SF orange power drink??? I think I'll pop for some expensive sparkling water....what would that be? Figure if I'm going to be good, I deserve the best!

Joni--wasn't me--I like my cider with a few red hots in the bottom! Actually I like with with Hot Damn but I am saving my splurge for Christmas (and Bunco) with family. The sugar free cider is so good. Your party sounds fun. I am hosting Bunco this month (the 14th--not good before the challenge final WI!) so it's gonna be tough to be good.

Joni - There is a Crystal Light Morning Blend that is an OJ knock off.

Pearl......I don't have time to play right now, but I wanted to get this link out to you asap. This is WONDERFUL!!! My 4 yo DS has a lot of problems with constipation, and this is the only thing that works for him. The article is geared towards children, but if you navigate around on this Dr.'s website, you will see he prescribes the same remedy for adults as well. I, myself, am a big fan of boosting fiber. There are a million health benefits. Also, my family doc says EVERYONE should take metamucil daily....it helps prevent colon cancer. K, gotta run...boys are BUSY today :)

http://askwaltstollmd.com/cons.html

Morning Ladies
Cassi.. what a mess and what a trooper. You will get Onederland as a reward me thinks! Way to hang in there and stay positive.
Well we braved the cold and headed to Buffalo yesterday. We went on a bus trip with friends and there was nothing but beer, Bailey's and burgers all day. I decided I was just going to have fun and not worry about it all for one day. Everyone deserves a day off. But I only had one burger, went light on condiments etc. Can't say the same for the beer :) But after being in class last week and taking care of all the details a mommy does I decided to just say what the heck and enjoyed myself. Don't seem to be too much up the scale at home and will be back POP today and trying to set a record for sucking lemon water LOL I'll have to plant a lemon tree in my yard. There's more of those in the fridge than anything else!
Off to make some lunch for the girls but look forward to hearing all of your antics and anecdotes this week!!

Lea Ann - what the heck is Hot Damn??
Cassi - I'll look for that Morning Blend later this week.
Did anyone have a "superawesometastic" weigh in this morning (saw that word on HG website and just had to use it)? I'm actually down 2.5 lbs from Friday (1.5 from Saturday). Big losses like this rarely stick with me though, so I'm not keeping my hopes up!

Kristen - sounds like you had fun! Hey, life goes on!
Nicole - another beautiful child......thanks for sharing your family with us.

Joni - I said in my post that you should lose 10 lbs based on what you accomplished yesterday - looks like I was not too far off!

I weighed in before I even ate lunch and I was up almost a pound. That sucks, but I know it is my own fault. I need to get up and get moving and get all of my waters in. I wanted to get to my first 10# mark this week. I need to put in some extra effort!
Joni! Congrats to you! You deserve it!


~Lara

Oh, yeah! And Kristen...do you find that Lemon water really helps? I keep meaning to get into it, but I always forget. :dizzy:

I just ate a chocolate covered cherry. What the heck is up with me???? It was pretty darn good too. Maybe I better feed the rest of them to the kids, or put them down the garbage disposal or something. Seems that the challenge is not really working out for me.......LOL.......but Joni.......hooray for you!!! Maybe it is all of the positive thinking that is helping for you. Send some of that sh** my way, eh? You are getting REALLY close to your goal. That's so cool!!! Keep up the good work. I will touch base with everyone later.......for now I have to finish decorating my mantels. My tree......and that is some story.........is trying to get de-iced in my garage :) More later my chickies :) Here's to a POP day for everyone who has been on track so far today, and a rest of a POP day for the slackers (ME)!!! :)

hey, did you all know that you can spell mantel, either mantel or mantle???

I am a bit of a geek, and I am CONSTANTLY looking up how to spell words......

:wave: Hi Chickies.

Just dropping in to say a quick "hey" to everyone.

Pearl - Strong coffee and a banana at breakfast will make me go.

Cassi.........I just got off the phone with my mom.......and we were discussing your peppermint bark......and I think I am going to have to make it for my mom and sissy. It really sounds heavenly!!! I am so sorry to hear about your kitchen obstacle. You seem to be taking it better than I would...but then again, what choice do you really have, right?

So, I was wondering...........if I donate blood (which I am tonight, for a blood drive at my girls school), do I get to eat a yummy cookie and juice? I have not donated in a such a long time. I think I was pregnant and breast feeding for too many years in a row!!! Anyway, they really want you to have a sugary snack after donating........so, do I eat the cookie, or do I pack and apple???? Any advice????

pack an apple-it's just to raise your blood sugar a little. Any snack will do . . .

Hello Ladies
Cassi is going to need a bigger kitchen to fit in all the batches of peppermint bark she is making LOL
Nicole, enjoy the cherry just don't grab any more. Sometimes the exercise we do daily as a mom could total a marathon but there are no direct points for it. Indulge a bit and enjoy then get back on track
Miss Hawthorne I do find the lemon water helps. When I've had a busy weekend or it's been hard to stay OP I usually drink a lot the next day. If I know I'm going to indulge in a few bevvies I also drink a lot of the sour stuff before I go out. I've actually gotten very used to it and enjoy it now so it's not like I have to force the stuff down. You will be sliding into that wedding dress looking stunning so keep at it.
Joni, way to go on hitting 20lbs!!!

If anyone did draw my name for the ornament exchange feel free to send me an ornament made out of Cassi's peppermint bark lol!

Well T/O did NOTHING! I was exactly the same at WI today as I was Friday. What is wrong with me? I dont understand. I did NOT cheat at all this T/O and followed it!!!!!!!!! I am beginning to think that this is not going to happen........

Barb - your pup sounds like our germ. shep. - he's got a tail that stirs up a breeze! Fortunately, I learned a few years ago to "wire" all ornaments on the tree so they can't be "knocked" off! It's a pain but it works!

Cassi - I have my MIL's recipe somewhere, I'll look for it and PM it to ya. She's known for her homemade candy - and her peanut butter balls are the BOMB! When she's up to it, (she had crippling arthritis in her hands and feet) she makes about 30 different candies for the family and friends to enjoy for Christmas. I'm going over this week to see if I can help her out some with the mixing and cutting etc.

Joni - It's funny you said McD's chicken, cause I had one when we first came on LAWL and I suffered a couple of days too. As you all know, my boys tease and accuse me of being able to poo on demand! I really am rediculously regular! And poor dh is exactly the opposite. In fact, the other night he made the LA tea and I took a smell of it - the next day?... diarhea (sp?) and I jokingly said it was because I smelled his tea! BTW, Crystal lite does have an orange drink, it's kind of like a sugar free tang... I can't say that I liked it... I know NOTHING about drinks, but RC makes a fantastic SF (Splenda) "DietRite Orange soda". You can also use koolaid. or, what about freshly squeezed OJ? Okay, I'm swimming in the deep end here so I'm getting my nose out of you business now... I'm glad you asked what HD was from Lea Ann - I've never heard of it but then again, you don't hear much when you live under a rock! :) Congrats on the SV!!!

Lea Ann - red hots in cider?!? --- OH MY GOSH, that sounds awesome! I'm going to buy some SF cider this week and try it with the SF cinnamon disk (I'll run them through the food processor).


Miss Hawthorne (Lara)- First, thanks for posting your first name, I always felt like I was posting to a teacher [I know, I know, I was!] and what a lovely name!!!) I gotta be honest, the cabbage and turkey kielbasa was in my humble opinion, AWFUL!!! It was probably the worst thing I've made in the past 20 years! I've never tried the turkey kielbasa before and I wasn't impressed. The consistency in this dish was like solidified baby food formed in a sausage shape. The cabbage was sooooo overcooked it was brown, and it was so sweet from the "dressing" you pour over it to cook in the crockpot that it was sickening! Definitely will NOT post that one!

Nicole - thanks for the info. I'll go there and print it off for dh. By the way, you're the gem!

Carmen - I'm so glad to hear from you! We do the coffee everyday, but no bananas since LAWL!

Juliemarie - You crack me up!!! I love how you just jump in with an answer so matter of factly! What a blessing you are to me!!! I just wanted to tell you! Thanks :)

Barb - I actually gained on TO the first time!!! I think it was because I didn't get ENOUGH food to keep my body from holding on to what it had! This time, I was a little more forgiving with the steamed plain brocolli and it worked!!! All I know is - this DOES work!!! Every day you are getting healthier, wiser about your choices, and losing weight is a benefit! Hang in there girlfriend!! There are many here that have hit a plateau and I'm sure you'll suddenly find you're off yours soon!

DH was advised on Sat. to increase his fats, that maybe that was the problem. We hardly ever add fat because I always assumed Pam spray was enough or olive oil (we count that!) so, I'll be getting him some almonds to munch on or something... Thanks everyone for the tips... anything at this point to get my man happier and feeling better! (Of course, I have enjoyed teasing him... you know, full of it... a stuffed shirt... his eyes are browner than before...) I just love that man!!!
Hugs and blessings,
Merry Christmas!
PS - we got our tree lights on! I got the boys over there and we prayed over it and when we turned it back on, they worked!!! This is after we checked every bulb, both fuses, and I had just about given up because nothing worked! (DUH!!!) I could have saved a lot of time... again I say... DUH!!!

Hi guys!
Just a quick hello to all of my friends. My internet is down at home, so I am sneaking on quick from work. Keep strong girls!

Hey ladies, Sounds like everyone is busy as beavers. I haven't even started Christmas shopping!! :o My DD will be home next week and she wanted me to wait til she got home to decorate, so I haven't done that either. I'm so proud of all of you for baking goodies for others and not eating them yourselves...you aren't are you ?

Barb--Don't feel bad about TO. I'm on day 2 and I'm up 0.5 lbs from my Saturday BNWI for Joni's challenge. However, I went to COD to WI today and my official weight is down 2.2 from last Monday! :woo: Thanks for wishing me GL Cassi, it must have put the good voodoo on me!!

So sorry about your kitchen woes Cassi. Hope its all sorted out soon. I can't believe how close you are to Onederland! Stay away from the Peppermint Bark! Just kidding--I know you will.

Joni, will you come to Alabama and clean my house now??:^:

All the rest of you STAY STRONG!!:dust:

Love you guys!!:grouphug:

Hi friends,

Hope you are all well. I am rather tired fromt this weekend. I had a lot going on at work today, so I didn't get a chance to check in earlier.

Cassi, I hope the kitchen is OK.

Barb, It's going to happen, Don't give up! TO will probably yield you a loss later in the week, so keep following your plan. I think at a time like this you are just going to have to stay the course and don't get discouraged.

Ladies, I was really looking forward to getting a cute hairdo before the holidays, but I don't think that's going to happen, but since I have Friday off, I am going to get some things done and maybe have lunch with my sister.

Well, I have to get a workout in.

Have a great evening everyone.

Hi All I haven’t posted in quite a while, but I’m happy to see so many new people on the board. I do miss a lot of the older folks that used to post. I just started reading again and proud to read how so many of you are doing. I quit going to the COD when another counselor left and there were another two new people. Our center is like a revolving door and this has been going on since it opened in Jan of this year. The regional manager was there and I told her exactly how I felt. I had her put my program on hold, which she stated she would call me in a month, which was Nov and of course I haven’t head from anyone. Unfortunately I have gained about 7 lbs back and am way past my goal date to be a much lower. I’m not sure how to get back on plan although I do think about it. I think I’m going to go full force in Jan which will be a year since I first started LAWL and maybe set another birthday goal to be lower. I haven’t been in the gym either. My DH and I were hit in our car a week before my b-day in Oct, which I hurt my back and have been making excuses of the reasons not to go. I’m hoping by posting on here it will help give me the motivation I need to get serious again. I will do my best to get on more often and try and do personals, which will help me to get to know some of you. Good luck to the people who are doing the challenge.

I only have a second...but BARB........that is your inner fat girl talking to you. She wants you to quit, cuz you are cramping her style. She will calm down and realize you are doing this for her well being. My inner fat girl tries to sabbotage me more than anyone. With each week on LAWL, I am becomming stronger and stronger, and now I can tell her to shut up quite readily. And, personally, I think TO's suck. Don't get me wrong, I just did one last week.......but........I use them only to get my thinking straight. This last week I did one after I inadvertantly took the weekend off plan after thanksgiving. I did not go to my COD for official WI after I was done. I waited until my reular WI day (friday). I was down 1.8 for the week. I have resorted to only looking at my weekly losses.......otherwise it is too discouraging for me. Other girls here like and need the 3 times a week WI. You will find what works best for you. Just remember, you are still learning this program. It will get better, and it will happen. I promise.

Nicole, great wisdom for all of us.

Joni and Pearl- Hot Damn is cinnamon schnapps. MMMMM YUMMMYYY!!

verything good here...I have not posted for three days.just super busy...Thanks to all of you who recognized I was in a blue funk....ok now..
I have lost 30 so far:carrot: :carrot: FUnny thing...I still went in today for weekly weigh in..lbut thought I would be up...I lost 1.2 I hope a year on maintenance will help me figure this thing out...so I can know what I can and cannot eat....

But I feel great about the loss so far:carrot:
thanks to Pearl and everyone asking about my pottery sale at a boutique
I sold everything......about twenty pitchers and other pieces.....felt great.

COngrats to all who are losing and staying POP..

I will get on this machine tomorrow and read personals..

You are all very important to me..It is fun to read about your lives, issues, families.......enjoy this wonderful time of year!!!

nance

A lot of new faces on this thread.

I've been on LAWL twice before. The last time I had only bought the take off weeks and no lites and it was really difficult, so I quit. My last program was Weight Watchers online. I've been trudging along slowly getting this weight off. My highest was 298. I'm doing it in a lopsided sort of way, but slowly it's coming off. I am not giving up.

Before Weight Watchers, I was signed on with a hospital program to get gastric bypass surgery. YIKES! That just seems too drastic to me. I am saving that as a definite last resort.

So, I saw on tv that the center was having a $3 week special, so I went back and signed on and bought the whole program including the lites.

As you can see I've already lost some weight. It started out to be difficult, but the longer I'm on this program, the easier it's getting.

In fact, it's getting too easy and at my last WI, the lady was upset because I'm not getting all my foods in. I lost weight with the take-off, then no weight, so I decided to eliminate a half protein, a fruit, and a starch. I'm satisfied with that, but she was upset.

So, that's a bit about me.

Jackie

So here I am trudging along on this weight loss journey. I am trying to follow the program. Last night was not to great but today is a new day. I hope to stay POP today. I am going to have to take this one day at a time.

I will be back later for personals. :D

Morning Ladies! Just a quick post to say hello doing TO today and tomorrow. Here's hoping for a great result! Everyone have a great day!

Welcome Miss Muffet - lots of good advice and support to be found on this Board! Don't deprive yourself of any food exchanges....I think the balance and proper amount of food helps with the metabolism. Good luck. Most of us here have also done WW, but have found LAWL to be a healthier lifestyle.

Gamabama - glad to see you back. My COD sounds like yours; mine is a training center and sometimes I feel like I'm the trainer for some of these new gals. Hang in there; do this for you; the important thing is you need to hop on and get yourself motivated. Just sit on this thread all day and that should help motivate you! I, too, agree with Nicole's theory and feel like we all just have to literally fight a battle with ourselves (just make sure the LAWL side wins!).

Nance - are you in on the challenge? If so, need your start weight. Congrats on the pottery sales and weight loss! You are doing great.

Nicole - you need to explain why you had to "de-ice" your tree. Can't believe it didn't come with a defroster.

Kristin - sorry, but I didn't get you in the ornament exchange; you would not want anything edible from me ... LOL.

Pearl - glad to hear that expert chefs have an occasional food failure. I keep trying, but honestly, about 1 out of 3 new dishes I try, don't turn out. I feel like Terri Hatcher on Desperate Housewives sometimes.

Gotta go work. Oh shoot, gotta go weigh too!

Dang it, I lost a big long post!

Gamambaba- So good to see you girl! I am sorry to hear about the car accident. You look great, cute avatar. As usual, you look more like a college coed than a grandma. You can get on plan. There is no reason that you cannot do this on your own with our help. You have already lost a lot of weight. Stick close, and you will figure out what you need to do.

Joni- Good luck weighing in!

Nicole- Thats right girl! Just shut that inner fat girl up!

Miss Muffett- Welcome!

I am still plugging along. I hate to even say this, but I still am not feeling well at all. I have been sick now for 3 months. I don't even know what to do anymore. I am really starting to wonder if my health (fibromyalgia) can handle me working full time out of the house like this. I told DH yesterday that I would really like to quit my job and stay home with my kids. I just want a chance to focus on them, my house, and my health and weight for a while. He just laughed, but I am not kidding. I am not handling this job very well. I guess I better go buy that powerball ticket, huh? Have a wonderful, POP day ladies!

PS- I am DYING to open my ornament. Come on December 15th!!!

Hey gals,

I've been lurking for a while. Did TO this weekend and down 2.2 lbs!! :) Yay!

I have also lost a total of 8.25", with 4.5 of them coming from my waist! Woohoo!

I don't have time to catch up with everyone, but update on me: Grad school apps are done, I'm almost done with classes for the semester. And my best friend is coming into town next Friday! YAY! We haven't seen each other in over a year, so I'm super excited. Hopefully I'll stay OP. I want to see at least another 5 lbs gone by New Years. I know I won't get to Onederland by then, but I'm okay with that. Just gotta keep going.

Very sleepy today. And my back is killing me. If I could afford it, I'd go see my acupuncturist, but I'm already struggling financially...with tuition and loan payments, it gets tight, so that's out of the question. Stupid money and debt! That should be our next WL challenge...loser has to pay of Meagan's debt!! That'd get everyone moving! ;)

Anywho, just wanted to say "hi", and I'll try to catch up with everyone soon. But I'm still here, lurking, and thinking of all of you! Take care!

Hey ladies!

It seems like forever since I checked in with personals....won't be doing it right now either! I have very fussy children to day, they want to go out and play in the snow but mamas and daddys didn't pack winter play coats and shoes so no go!

I WI this evening, haven't been in a week bec. of the snow here....I hope I brake even as I need the accountability and haven't had it there or on here lately! ( I need teo tell my outer and inner fat girl to shut up and put up).

Try to do personals at lunch (kids nap time).

Michelle-I want a nap time too!!!!

Joni--first off--get yourself to my house! Hot Damn is cinnamon schnapps and is DELISH in hot cider or hot cocoa or you can just sip it. I promise to limit myself to one during Bunco. If you are congested you can take a "shot" and it'll clear you right up! Congrats on your losses--I found them! I am not making the best decisions right now. Always over in something and under in something else but it never balances out!

So, I really want to color my hair, but I am not going to let myself until I have lost 15 pounds. That will be a motivator because I get super excited about changing my hair once I decide to do it. Just thought I would right that down.
I am a bit worried about reachign the 10 pound mark this week. I am going to be traveling for work so I will have to eat out. (Well, work pays for me to eat out, so I should, right?). I just need to make sure I pack healthy snacks and choose salads and maybe some fish.
I want a nap too! I couldn't get up this morning! I was so late that i missed my shower! Gross.
Got one of my papers back from my Ed class. I am super excited because I got the highest grade available...didn't expect that at all! I will be a Master Teacher after all!
Everyone have a great, guilt-free day!
Lara

I spelled write wrong...that's embarassing.

Hi all!

Quickly! I am going to weight in ASAP, before I gain any weight! I am yet again at a current all-time low on the home scale! I am afraid to breathe too deeply, I may gain weight.

Miss Muffet - welcome! Don't short yourself any food! I have fallen into that trap too, at times, and I never lose any weight with that method. Also, eventually you will get hungry and fall off the plan. I'm a re-starter at LAWL too. I left last time because my head wasn't in it, and I started letting the COD bother me. Now I don't really care what they say or do, unless I ask them.

Kayla - I was going to do TO today and tomorrow, but I seem to be on a losing streak at the moment, so I postponed it! Good luck!

Gamabama - Hi! I've heard people mention you before - welcome back. Getting back on the horse is hard, isn't it? Remember - you are worth it! Any result is better than gaining more weight, take the joy out of the small accomplishments. Sorry to hear about the accident, I hope you find yourself on the road to recovery soon. Start small at the gym, or even just walking around the block to get those muscles loosened up! We're here for you always!

Katie - sorry to hear you still don't feel well. Sometimes it seems like if you could just get one thing going right in life, it would make everything else a little easier. Good luck on winning the lottery - all you need is a dollar and a dream!

Meagan - WTG with TO loss! I hope you have fun with your BF - but not too much fun, if you know what I mean! How long until you hear from the schools you applied to?

JOni - if you have me in the ornament exchange, please do not send some of your Teri Hatcher macaroni and cheese with it! I loved that episode!

OK, going to the COD. It snowed here this morning - just a dusting, but its the first one of the season, and everyone drove like morons this morning - accidents everywhere. It infuriates me that people drive with their heads up their butts when it snows, we all should know better up here! I hope the traffic is better now than it was earlier, or it will take me an hour to go WI.

Bye!

Pearl-Glad I crack you up! I crack myself up all the time!

I gotta tell you-you soooo got me into oatmeal again. I love oatmeal but I was always hungry an hour later so I was sticking to my eggbeaters. Anyway-I know you don't eat bananas much-but you should try this. I've been sauteing a banana (split one between you and your DH maybe) in a butter spray with some cinnamin and a little splenda til they are a little brown and carmelized. I cheat and nuke the kashi oatmeal and then add the bananas and chopped walnute (there's your fat!). And sometimes a pinch of brown sugar splenda. It is soooo good! The walnuts help to keep me from getting hungry too early also.

Anyway-just thought I'd share my new fave breakfast!

Katie-take care of yourself! I'm getting a bit worried about you. What does your doctor say?

Barb! Glad you're back. I recently "recommitted" too. Started going back to the COD 3X/week, journaling . . . Don't wait til January. You'll enjoy your holidays more if you're in control and treating yourself right. I also got sick of the new faces at the COD. There is no one there that worked there when I started. But I sucked it up-started meeting with the same counselor every time and go in with a better attitude then I had before. I won't buy there products-they know that now. I try not to be *****y about it-but I flat out told the girl that I probably knew the program better than she did and she agreed! I like her-she actually seems sincere and hasn't spewed any bogus claims yet. Think about it. It's all in our attitude, I swear!

Barbara and Jackie - Welcome back!!! Stay around and get to know us newbies... we're a crazy bunch of LOSERS, but we're LOSERS nevertheless!!! :)

Jackie - just be careful about not getting in enough food. If you've done this before, I'm sure you know that you need to eat to lose and a quick way to stall is to lessen your intake...

Barb - "I am going to have to take this one day at a time"... Girlfriend, sometimes it's a day at a time, sometimes it's an hour at a time, sometimes it's a mouthful at a time, and sometimes it's a calorie at a time! Just know that even if the scale doesn't move - it's not moving in the WRONG direction either and with every good decision you make, you get a little healthier!!!

Kayla - How are you doing now that we're without Nascar 'til February? My boys sat around missing it Sunday. Sad really.... NOT!

Joni - Thanks alot! I feel much better about it now! :) Actually, at least it was the recipe and not me!

Katie - You expressed how I feel about having to find a job in the new year! Part-time hopefully, but still, I've been here so long, my life is different from when I was in the professional world! I'll be praying for ya girlfriend! You need an immediate manifestation! I'm excited about my ornament too! Just a few more days!!!!

Meagan - It's about time you got your little butt back out here! Sorry to hear about your back! I can empathize with your finances! Christmas is looking a little pitiful here but I'm sure it will be fine... Keep on with your success here - Onederland is just around the corner!

Lara - You're fitting in really well here! I think your adorable!

Kim - You're doing great! Hey, if you do a deep exhale - maybe you'll show less and less?!?

JM - Your oatmeal sounds GREAT!!! I love bananas... and I have walnuts on hand, so I'm gonna try it soon... Thanks for sharing! I too love oatmeal, but alas, it's one of the items that "stay with you" calorie wise, so we aren't eating it as much as I wish! :(

Working on the tree again today. Keying... etc...
Hugs,
Blessings,
Merry Christmas!!!!

Good Morning ladies......and welcome or welcome back to Barbara and Jackie!!! I just wanted to get a quick hello in on this blustery cold morning, to my girlies. My boys are quite sick and super naughty today. I will try and pop in later :)

I spelled write wrong...that's embarassing.

you crack me up............i am the same way!!!

Oh, and ladies, my avatar is my 11 year old DD. And she is so dear. She is the sweetest, most thoughtful little girl I have ever known. She is more responsible than my 16 yo. :) I wish I had a better picture of her...........this does not do her justice.

So, I went to donate blood last night........and I almost passed out!!!!!! I felt like such a whimp!!! I haven't donated for about 10 years, and apparently, I am still not quite ready...LOL! I ate the damn cookies and juice afterwards. They kind of pressured me to do so. Well, that just triggered my sweet tooth, and I came home and ate a few pieces of carmel, and then topped that off with a couple of chocolate covered cherries. This was my first unplanned off plan day. I didn't go hog wild, I just enjoyed like 10 pieces of candy and 2 chocolate chip cookies. Before LAWL, that would have been an exceptionally light sweets day for me. Funny how things change. I did not see a gain on my home scale this a.m., as a matter of fact, is said 199 in my P.J.'s......which you would think I would be joyous about......but I am not. I have decided to not celebrate Onederland until it is official at the COD. It seems that once I have a scale change there, it doesn't fluctuate too much. I suppose that is because I only count my Friday WI. I am also not too excited because I donated a pint of blood, and I know that made my scale a bit lighter than it normally would be.

Anyhoo, I am proud to report that I am back POP today. Thank you everyone, and especially Cassi, for showing me that one slip is not a cause for defeat. Your examples have given me the encouragement I need to continue on this journey.

I did have a NSV yesterday. I was standing in the doorway of our family room, talking to DH and he said that he can see the difference in my face, and something about my cheekbones. That was nice to hear......he sees me every day, so I would think he would be one of the last to notice. Although, my dear sweet Bethany (the one in my avatar), told me that she can notice a difference in my tummy. She said, and I quote, "yeah, mom, I can totally see it, your belly doesn't touch the steering wheel anymore when you are driving."

I thought I would pee my pants I was laughing sooooo hard. The funniest part was, she didn't even realize that that could have been taken as an insult. It was a compliment, straight from her heart, and I took it as just that. She is a sweetie :)

Ok, have to put bam bam number 2 to bed now.......(thank goodness!!!). I will check back later. Thanks ladies..........you are all the best :)

Hello everyone,

Today is another busy day! I don't know what's going on around here.:D

I am in smaller pants today and that's a good thing, but once again the scale hasn't moved. I am thinking of doing TO on Wednesday and Thursday, but we will see.

Well I just wanted to stop in and say hello.

Welcome to all those who are returning or just joining us. This is a wonderful group of losers, all unique in their own way.

Hi Ladies!! Just wanted to drop in and say a quick "hello" to all! Hope everyone is doing well.

:wave: to all the newbies and those returning!

ok, i am a little creeped out right now.........i was just thinking to myself, as i was typing my post......i wonder how evette is........she hasn't been posting too often..........i clicked "post quick reply," and bam............there was her post. weird, huh?

and kim.............good luck at your WI.......I am so glad your scale is being kind. it should, you have been working for it!!!

I was wondering if anyone has tried the X-cel supplements. THey were trying to sell them to me today and I am considering it because I need a boost! I was up almost a pound today. or was it almost two pounds? It wasn't down...that's all I know...and I was so excited to be below 170 and now I am back above!
I was just wondering if these supplements make you jittery at all because I can't handle that feeling and I don't want to spend that much money on something that isn't going to work for me.
After today, I will be away for a few days, so I just wanted to wish everyone great luck in case I forget to do so later!!
:hug:
Lara

hey girls,

Well the house sale has fallen through - apparently they thought they didn't need a down payment. Go figure. So the house is back on the market again.

On a brighter note I weighed in this am and I was down another 1 lb and that is after the potluck on friday and the xmas party saturday night. So I am happy with that. My goal was 20 lbs for xmas and I may have to revisit that as I a at 18.8 now with 3 weeks to go.

Snowed here yesterday quite a bit. But it is melting on the roads as we speak. Only about 10 cm but enough to make it slippery last night going home.

No one can see my loss yet, and I can feel it a bit in a few things but I figure the next few pounds should start showing - I hope.

Getting my hair done this weekend. It was rescheduled from last saturday as my hairdresser was really sick with the flu. I am looking forward to that.

I am extremely busy here at work. I have started marking the work that is being transferred to manila and there are lots of errors so it is very time consuming. Too bad the powers that be wouldn't decide to just leave the work here, but the almighty dollar comes first. Oh well, at least for a few months I get to do this instead of being on the phone answering calls from customers about the errors being made down there!!!

Well, gotta go for a bit. TTYL

Alannah

Lara - I tried them, but didn't notice any big weight loss. They did curb my appetite a bit, but it seems that Metabolife or Xenadrine worked more on the appetitie also. Plus they were much less expensive.

girls...........have you noticed how MANY of us are on the brink of Onderland????? I am thinking we will be ringing the new year in there :) :) :)

ok, i am a little creeped out right now.........i was just thinking to myself, as i was typing my post......i wonder how evette is........she hasn't been posting too often..........i clicked "post quick reply," and bam............there was her post. weird, huh?



haha! :D i could feel that you were thinking of me, nicole! that's pretty weird though.....

Good Afternoon Ladies! I have been MIA for a few days, and whoosh we are now in the first full week of December. Where has the time gone? It sounds like everyone is starting to get into the Christmas spirit. My brain tends to go into overdrive this time of year with every. I went to COD on Thursday and was up (probably too many BLTs, I totally own up to that) but then went in on Saturday was down almost 3 lbs?! Go figure. I must have had a :goodscale: day. They also did my measurements, and I have lost a total of 19.5 inches. Yay!

The Christmas season is truly gearing up; the Christmas tree is up (both mine and my moms) and the stockings are hung on the chimney with care :D. We also had a little dusting of snow last night, which was real pretty. Not fun to drive in, but that is another story. For my mom’s birthday, I took her to see the New York Rockettes, whom have traveled to Toronto to put on their annual show. It was a lot of fun, and they certainly are amazing dancers. They do a couple of standards, Toy Soldiers and the Live Nativity to close the show. The Live Nativity was incredibly moving; I do not think there was a dry eye in the house.

All this talk of baking. Yum. I will be starting that soon enough. I usually bake shortbread (which I am not a fan of, my mom is), butter tarts, mince meat tarts and chocolate turtles.

Pearl-Your Christmas tree sounds breathtaking! Pictures please! (we should have a thread to post some of our Christmas decorations)

Cassi-I am going to have to try the tilapia your way. I am not a fish lover per se, but the recipe sounds really good and I am looking for something new try. Speaking of pictures, when do we get to see your kitchen? What a complete drag about the flood. The air would have been blue if that had happened to me. I admire your fortitude.

Katie-Do not feel guilt about calling in sick. Sometimes you need to do something like that for yourself.

Deb-I hear you about lethal lab tails. Fortunately my pupper is not interested in the Christmas tree.

Nicole - For those of us with a lot to lose, this is a long process. I know I won't be perfect during my journey, and don't expect to be. It is true that you have to do it every day, but for those moments of weakness, it's important to remember that the bumps in the road are part of the journey, they are not the end of the road. If you keep on going, you will reach your goal.

Ulanda: thank you for the words of encouragement. They mean alot!


Barbara: I am sorry that you have had a bad experience. It is good to see you back. I look forward to posting with you!

Nicole: thank you for the words of encouragement too. It is hard to not listen to the inner fat Barb. I agree with you about T/O sucking. It did not work for me except make me HUNGRY! I cant do that long on such little food. Even though I am trying to learn to eat right and it portion control that was jsut to little food. My real WI day (the day they calculate my WI is on the 2nd one of the week which is usually Friday). Your children are very good looking! I wish I could donate blood but I cant:( Your story sounds like mine with my fight with the cookie jar except u did alot better then me!!!


Nance: 30lbs WAY TO GO :carrot: that is so great to hear! Keep up the good work.

Jackie: I did WW also, while I think it is a great program I just needed something that would give me one on one counseling! YOU CAN DO IT and we are all here for you!

Katie: I hope that you are feeling better!

Meagan: My fellow Minnesotan! That is so awesome that you lost 8.25 inches and most of it in your stomach! That is so good to hear isnt it? keep up the good work!


Michelle: How did WI go? I hope well!!!!

Kim: How did WI go? I hope well!

Alannah: I am sorry about the house. That must be so disappointing!

carol: 19 inches! that is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Way to go!



Well, I made good choices to day and I have to say that reading everyones posts and words to me have been very encouraging and I appreciate every one here. I hope that someday I can help you all along on your journey. Reading about everyones trials and tribulations with the WL journey has helped me remember that I am not perfect and I will slip but I have to get back on the horse and move forward!!!!!

Cassi - I couldn't agree more! Well said.

I was thinking today about a situation here. DH came home from his "Christmas office party" with a little baggie of christmas goodies made by one of the secretaries. There was a piece of fudge and 6 or 7 different cookies. Well, he brought them in and I asked him if he tried them. He said no! So I said, what are you waiting for?!? So, since we both had a starch, dairy, and 2 condiments left, I made us both some SF hot chocolate and we each had 1/2 of the 1x1 piece of fudge and 1/2 a peanut butter cookie! Now I realize to some that is a failure, but to be honest, I'm looking at it today as an accomplishment! We maintained control, got to enjoy a festive treat, and enjoyed a moment together that was "okay"! I'm looking at it as a NSV because the rest of the cookies are still in the kitchen!

This season is a hard time for those of us trying to lose or maintain. But it's NOT impossible to do it! We all have the strength to plan our meals, plan our treats, and maintain control. After all, for most of us, it's the control part that has been our snag in the past. How many times have DH and I sat down and devoured a whole bag of cookies? Or a box of MIL's fudge/candies? We're all learning what we can and cannot do and having determined our goals to be healthier by making healthier, wiser decisions, we can accomplish that. We just have to be prepared, be headstrong, and be ready to enjoy this holiday without having it completely wrapped around what we eat!
I hope that makes sense. Just a thought... Hope it helps someone, because it was definitely for me!
Hugs,

PS - Cassi - did you get your recipe?

Good evening ladies--

I don't normally post much, but I had such a great day that I thought it might be motivational to all...

I am part of a Staff Choir that went around the campus today doing Christmas Caroling at several different locations. Everywhere I went, I had people commenting that I looked either "wonderful" or "lost a bunch of weight". The first few comments made me smile :) , the last few comments made me grin :spin: that I was almost embarrased :o .

The point is: Keep up the good work! It will all be worth it at the end :) So here's some :dust: to help us get through this holiday season without too much damage to our progress.

:hug:

Hello Hello Hello!
I'm still waiting for my ornament which is a good thing as I requested one made of Cassi's Mint Bark so it would be hard to resist tearing open the package with my teeth.
I am now firmly convinced that when you fall off the wagon your body starts to crave the junk again. After the football game on Sunday where I enjoyed a few beers and a burger (no condiments mind you) my cravings have been insatiable! I've entered the realm of BLTs (for those of you that don't know it's Bites Licks and Tastes) and they all add up to poundage! I've been tasting everything that I've been making for the girls.. even got into their mashed potatoes.. SHAME.. I think it's a proven fact that our bodies try to self sabatoge when we get close to goals. I was 1.6 lbs away from 30lbs on Friday, have my dad's 60th this Friday and for some reason have had a mental and physical slip. I will only confess to my dear friends on this site that I have hidden from weigh in yesterday and Monday as I was afraid of the scale and the self ridicule it might incite! So I've been POP in every other sense and will haul my heavy head into COD tomorrow for the reality slap in the face.. and know I'll get my kick in the pants from my gals on the site. Why I don't know but do you ever feel silly when you slip!! So here's to me getting my act in gear and back on track. I'm still having everything I planned for the week but need to get back to being accountable to ME. It's so nice to have a place where you can tell the truth and know you will get nothing but recognition and motivation in return. Here's hoping the scale won't punish me like I punished myself and I'll get my groove back.

Thanks gals!

Missmuffet welcome and glad to hear your doing better this time around. I agree that you should eat all your foods as the calorie counts are already on the lower side. Congrats on the loss.

Barb glad trying that is the most important thing. You have a great support team on here.

Nascar girl good luck with your TO and hope it brings you the results your looking for.

Lottame2minime thanks for the words of wisdom. I wish I could sit on this board all day, but work doesn’t allow it.

Katie your sweet, but far from being a college coed:) I will do my best to get on plan. I seem to do better during the day it’s coming home at night that I need to work on. As for the car accident the insurance totaled our 3 year old car, which sucked, but I’m happy we weren’t seriously hurt. Sorry to hear you’re still not feeling well. Three months is a long time to be sick. Your job sounds stressful and way too many hours. I hope that you can either find a way to quit and stay home or you’re able to adjust to the job better.

Meagan congrats on your loss.

Lara Just try and stay focused with your travels and your weight loss. I’m sure you’ll do fine just remember you want to color your hair:)

Kimphin I used to be on the board a lot earlier in the year then I kind of fell off the wagon and off of this site. My DD and I are working at getting back in the gym soon. I will try and focus on the small accomplishments. Be careful on the roads sounds like the people here when it rains.

Juliemarie glad to hear your back in the COD and journaling that’s great. You’re right I shouldn’t wait till Jan it’s just so hard with the holidays. It’s good to hear your not letting them give you any crap. You’ve done very well it’s great to see your almost below the 200 mark.

Prazteam thanks.

Mama Nicole hope your boys get well soon. Great NSV from your DH and usually the men don’t pay much attention.

Sorry ladies I have to stop for now. I was hoping to have replied to everyone, but I have choir rehearsal tonight and it starts in 15 mins. Next weekend we have four Christmas programs and next Tues though Thurs we have rehearsals all four nights till 10 PM. I will try and catch up tomorrow.

Here’s to a POP day to all of you.

Kristen - you'll get back on track; we're all only human!! I agree that my little cheats often turn into weeklong celebrations, so I have to be reallllllly careful; LAWL is not yet totally programmed into my brain.

I, too, hit a little bump today while making candy bar wrapper thingies. One of the bars (mind you a BIG bar of Hershey Dark chocolate, had a noticeable slice on the top of the wrapper; the chocolate was exposed. Nope, I said to self, cannot give that as a gift; it's sort of opened already. You know, germs and stuff could have gotten in there. So what do I do, I open it up and eat about 2-3 chunks of the stuff!! I kept saying to myself, Dr. Oz says it's okay - it's dark choclate and you're just going to have a little bit. First, was I not worrked about the germs in the exposed bar -- apparently not! Needless to say, the rest of that bar is now in the trash. A waste, yes, but it will save my waist!

Nancy - Great NSV on all the compliments today; I don't hear from many folks but when I do get a compliment, it feels realllllllly good.

Okay - Pearl, I just read your post about the fudge and eating half a cookie and I can totally relate. I guess although I ate some of the chocolate, in the past I would have eaten that entire bar, so I guess I shouldn't beat myself up too much. And an interesting thing also occurred after I ate the choclate; MAJOR headache which I can only attribute to the chocolate. I need to stick that in the memory bank for next time. Choclate will give Joni a headache.

Carol - congrats on all those lost pounds and inches...one day at a time; that's all any of us can do!

Barb - congrats on having a "good choice" day

Alannah - sorry about the house sale not going through; congrats on doing so well though after a very social weekend. Don't work too hard!

Nicole - Bethany is adorable and I think her picture is cute; Ah, kids say the darndest things, don't they. Hope your boys are doing better and didn't pass on their cooties to everyone else!

Okay, if anyone new is reading these threads today, all I can say is I have never seen so many chocolate confessionals in one day! We really, really, really are a strong bunch of ladies! I think it has something to do with the full moon!

Kim - did you survive your drive to weigh in? How'd it go.

Evette - egads - the scale number is falling, the scale number is falling!! Congrats

Lea Ann - I will spare everyone the details, but ever since a high school ski trip over 30 years ago, my lips go nowhere near schnapps; the word actually still causes a slight churning in my gut. Geez, I wish I had that reaction from chocolate, beer and cookies!!

Michelle, Meagan - glad you popped in.

Katie - so sorry you're struggling with health issues. I know most of it started back up after you took on the new job, so I think you have a valid point in wanting to change some things. I guess you'll need to have another discussion wtih DH to emphasize your point of view. Good luck since I know that is a lot of stress for both of you.

Night all - here's to a chocolate free day tomorrow!

So here I am at work today bored as heck. Sometimes it makes me miss retail during this time of year b/c I would never have been bored now. I packed a good lunch today and I am hoping for a POP day!

I will catch up on personals later!

Morning Ladies! I hope everyone is having a POP day. I was up a teeny weeny bit from Tuesday, but I am putting it down to me being sick for the last 4 days. I have been drinking water like it has been going out of style, but it ain't going nowhere (if you get my drift). I am think I am probably a little feverish which is why I am feeling so dehydrated all the time in spite of the water. I will get back on track. I am drinking some hot lemon water which should help.

Kristen-I hear you. Like others have said, I know when I fall off the wagon, I tend to do a swan dive off the edge. To be honest, I have a tenuous hold on my control this time of year and sometimes want to chuck it all and not come up for air until New Year's Day. However, I know I will completely and utterly be furious at myself for not staying in control. As well, even though I have not posted it as a goal, I want to be at Onederland by the end of February. You are back on track, no worries, today is a new day.

Good morning girls! I was going to go back and do personals, but I am so dang far behind that I just can't catch up. Suffice it to say that I have skimmed all the posts and congrats to those who have stayed the course during this trying time. To those not so POP, it's time to get back on the horse! With all the parties and weekend things going on this time of year, wasting a "cheat" or "splurge" on an item that can be had everyday (cookies, etc) seems not worth it in the big picture.

Excpet for Pearl. I love the way you and DH planned your splurge. I'm sure with the hot chocolate and some time together it was probably pretty special. That's the way to splurge - make it special. Not a handful of nuts or chips as you run by, but if you're going to do it, plan it and make it worth it.

I'm starting to stress about the weekend already! We have a child birthday party Saturday afternoon (I'm thinking it's pizza, so carb cravers there), and then a party Saturday night. Probably prime rib, and shrimp. I will try to stick with veggies and protein. We couldn't get a sitter so I am taking 14yo DD as my date (It's a friend of mine that is a former client). Since I will be driving her, I will stick to Diet Coke, especially since the party is 45 mins away. Sunday is my work party. It's at a very exclusive resort and is a buffet. I got the menu ahead of time, but other than carved turkey, it doesn't look too good. Actually, it looks great, but not LAWL friendly. Everything has sauces and cheese, etc. I will probably make this party my splurge. But I am taking the menu to COD today to see if we can work out a game plan.

Oh yea... Evette - I see your ticker moved again! So close!!!

I'll check in later.

Hi girls!

I made it to WI yesterday( down 1 lb), with no traffic incidents. The snow had pretty much cleared up by then. I need a big snow now, this summer I joined the 'chicks with 4WD' club, and I want to see how it handles in the white stuff.

Holy C**p, the WooHoo stick has made it to my COD.:yikes: They must have all gone to a convention. The couselor let out this war whoop yesterday when I weighed in, I thought she was auditioning to be an extra in "Last of the Mohicans 2". I jumped a mile and immediately shushed her, which led her to yell "you deserve a celebration" - I almost tackled her to the ground and stuffed my folder in her mouth. Good God.

Anyway, she is new, or at least new to my center, and after I let her up off of the floor and removed the manilla folder from her mouth, I ...(wait for it....) actually learned something from her! I tell you, it has been years since any counselor could actually offer me meaningful advice. I really like her! Of course, she will probabaly quit tomorrow or something. (stop////BAD pessimist, BAD!) By the way the advice she told me was that the Reduce + pills are not water soluble, only fat soluble, so if you don't take them with a fat (or fat in a food) it will seriously upset your stomach, and your body will try to get rid of it. Hmmmm. That would have been helpful to know a few months ago when I asked another counselor if one of the supplements could cause stomach upsets....

Kristen - I didn't get my ornament yet either, so I may intercept the mint bark one that's on its way up to you! (I'm sure it has to pass through this area somehow...) ;) Anyway, I want you to know that you are not alone with the self-sabotage thing, I am the reigning queen. The best thing to do is get thee to WI, take your licks (not BLT's, the other kind of lick) and head off to a new decade for yourself. You have done great so far - actually you've done an amazing job. A couple of pounds is just a number, and a small percentage of weight compared to what you have already lost. We're pulling for you!

Pearl - amazing control. I am very proud of you and DH - what a great idea, sitting down and making your cheat an 'event' so that it doesn't turn into mindless eating. WTG.

OK, I really have a lot to do today, so allI can do is say HI to everyone else, big hugs out to all of you!:hug:

Katie - I had to go back and find your post to see what was going on with you. I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad. Is fibromyalgia aggravated by stress? I'm guessing it's the job outside the home that is getting to you. Maybe you could take your daycare kids back if you can't just quit for awhile? Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.

Hi Everyone
Katie I hope you are feeling better too. I see lots of tickers moving and close to Onederland! Congrats to all of you.
Well I literally had to haul myself to COD..the WI make you accountable and terrified of the gain. So I was up two pounds :( I can deal with being up but what annoys me is that if I go up, I'd like to have had a real indulgence to show for it. Like a pizza the night before, two birthday parties in a row, so sinful dessert as opposed to two days on track with the exception of about 1/2 cup of mashed potato, but I then cancelled my dinner starch to allow for it, I've been drinking the lemon water like it's going out of style. Anyone else concur.. if I gain.. I want a justifiable reason!!!
Okay I'm calm now.. you all know you have to watch me with that ledge after a WI.. the girls at my center cowered in fear, hid under their desks and pulled out mini bottles of mace when I walked to the scale with 'that look'.
I'm off to take the eldest Jillian out shopping as she is home sick today, first cold of the season. She just saw snowflakes outside falling and said "oh mommy it's starting to snow to get ready for Christmas so santa has somewhere soft to land his sled"
Gotta love em..

Kim, has it occurred to you that maybe if you didn't tackle your counselor and stuff manilla folders in their mouths, they might stay on a little longer?!? (just a thought... maybe you could look for flavored VANILLA folders!) :rofl:

Kim and Cassi, Thanks! I believe you got the idea I was struggling to put into words!

Well, DH is on the treadmill, and I'll be on the keyboard for a while. I've got a huge pot of curly kale on the stove. (YUM!)

Hugs and blessings!
Merry Christmas!

Kristen - I totally agree that a gain should be justified; but don't fret it; it's only temporary. How cute what Jillian said - what a kind heart she must have! "oh mommy it's starting to snow to get ready for Christmas so santa has somewhere soft to land his sled"

Kim - you have me rolling on the floor with the audition/tacking counselor, etc. Congrats on the 1 lb loss. Lord knows what they would have done if you lost more!!

And where are your ornaments!!!!??? I can see it now; on December 15th I'll be having to send you two a "virtual" ornament. That would be very, very sad!! I know we've still got some time, so I hope your secret pal comes through for both of you.

So far, the "joni challenge" is helping me out; I'm far from perfect, but the scale seems to be moving, so I'm happy with that. Yesterday was my first LA Lite-less day. I survived, but just like the center said, I had some major cravings. I did find one lite hanging around, and I'm going to see how long I last before I give in. Thanks to all of those joining me in the challenge; it's really keeping me focused.

Busy day here too so gotta run. If I missed a personal, know that I think about all of you a lot during the day and hope you are making the best choices for yourself! As always, Cassi, I'm impressed at the levels you take to check menus, talk to your COD about things, etc. Keep inspiring us all!

Kim-I feel your pain! There was nobody in the center-yet I was MORTIFIED by the WooHooing! I really want a pic of the stick-but I'm not sure how to get it without letting on that I'm making fun of it . . . . .

Tell them it is so you can keep a visual reminder of your success with you at all times - they'll eat it up!

Hmm-good thinking! I need to lose enough to be worthy of the stick now.

"I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!"

:wave: Hi Everyone!

Well I was on my way to the Asian supermarket in search of the almighty tofu shiritake noodle when I got pulled over by the police for making an illegal u turn and also cutting through a gas station in order to turn a corner. I explained to the officer that it wasn't my fault because the light was stuck (and it really was :crossed:), and I had no other alternative. They only gave me a warning! God is sooo good. But as I sat there waiting for them to process me I was thinking, OK Carm, this is the devil trying to keep you away from doing something good for yourself. He wants you all shook up so that you will go straight home, skip the trip to the store for the noodles and have a huge fatty consolation dinner to calm your nerves. Then I resolved that no matter what happened, ticket or not I was going to the market. AND I DID! Went straight there, got my noodles and some broccoli and celery and shrimp and made a delightful stirfry last night. This is a huge NSV for me!!!! I could just kiss myself. I feel the old strength and determination really coming back. For me being OP is fairly easy when everything in my life runs smoothly, but when stressful times arise I usually head straight for the fridge. Boy do I feel great about last night. YAY ME.

Barb - so good to see you. You're looking great! I can commiserate on the turnaround with the COD. I visit mine about once per wk now just for the WI and to get lites if I need them. I just got finished fighting with my COD over a bunch of money they took from me and then they couldn't tell me what it was for :shrug:? I called the 800 # and they offered me either a refund or an insane amount of lites. I took the lites. I am so over the COD but I do so like the plan because I know that it works when I work it. Either way chick, keep the faith and know that I've missed seeing you since I've come back.

Katie - I am dying to open my ornament too! I've had it for over a week now and the suspense is killing me. I am a bit worried about the one I sent though because I had delivery confirmation on it and all the post office says is that it was "accepted for shipping," but it's been over a week since I mailed it. I think I had better call them.

To everyone, here's to a POP day! :cheers: <--water of course ;)

Carmen - great NSV - now, did you like the noodles after all that? I still haven't bought any, but contemplate it every week.

Kim, has it occurred to you that maybe if you didn't tackle your counselor and stuff manilla folders in their mouths, they might stay on a little longer?!? (just a thought... maybe you could look for flavored VANILLA folders!) Pearl, I cannot find lite vanilla folders, or I would.

Joni - Thanks for the virtual ornament option! I would print it out and hang it on the tree! Still believing that it will come, though.

JM - The COD was full of people when 'stands with fist' was yelling. There is never anyone there, until yesterday. I am now beginning to think that my center is a training center too.

Hi Kim - I really did like the noodles. They were a little chewy so I guess I could have cooked them some more, but they were really good. That was my first time trying them also. I was really intrigued by all the stuff they had in the asian market. I wanted to try some of the low sodium versions of the sauces they had but I really have no idea what tastes like what. When I have some more time, I am going to look for some Asian recipes and then go wild in that supermarket!

Holy C**p, the WooHoo stick has made it to my COD.:yikes: They must have all gone to a convention. The couselor let out this war whoop yesterday when I weighed in, I thought she was auditioning to be an extra in "Last of the Mohicans 2". I jumped a mile and immediately shushed her, which led her to yell "you deserve a celebration" - I almost tackled her to the ground and stuffed my folder in her mouth. Good God.

:rofl: That's hilarious!!! I'll probably do the same if that damn ":woohoo:" stick comes my way. :club:

Don't they realize that you don't want the attention? I mean, that's just plain embarrassing... :snooty: And what happens if you don't lose? Everyone will know, because you don't get the ":woohoo:" stick. Ohhhh the shame!



I need to kick myself in the butt here. I've been indulging a bit in the wine department. I blame stress. But man...I need to STOP it!

Hello ladies,

Hopefully everyone is great. I am doing pretty good today.

Nothing new or exciting however. I am looking forward to Friday off, even if I can't get my hair done, I can go window shopping!:)

I will check back later, I have some discipline issues in the office.

Hello all! Iam dying over here....woohoo sticks ....vanilla folders, I can't wait to get one at my center!

WI was fine on Tues. night as I maintained! I was freaking out over a gain....but I am sure to get a loss on Thurs. night, maybe.

We have such a busy weekend planned and I still have all this "stuff" to catch up on before Fri. night......oh well such is life.

My COD is having another special this week....come in 3 times and you get a $10 store credit! I got $20 for enlisting friends, $10 for signing up that I still have and I will get this $10 too! How much are the cookbooks? I just might get it for myself before Christmas.....We are also still having a special sale for the LA Lites this week. I told them they were going sticker happy and they say it is to keep everyone motivated through the holidays.....I just want a woo hoo stick! And maybe a vanilla folder, or would that be a starch?

Hi girls! Wow, you guys are funny today. Love the war cry.

Carm- Good for you lady. That is just the kind of experiences you need to get your confidence up and running again. Good job!

JM- Just tell them that the picture of the stick is for motivation to hang above your scale at home. I have not been back to the Dr for a while. They never have much advice for fibro. I am thinking about trying a homeopath.

Cassie- I have wondered about going back to home care too. The owner asked me to sign a no competition agreement when I took this job. The crazy thing is, he just typed our financial agreement and incuded a section on no competion for 2 years or 20 miles, but he never printed it, so I never actually signed it or recieved a copy of it. My sister says that she thinks that it is illegal to make employees sign one anyway, so I don't know if he could really hold me to it. He also wanted me to agree that if I were to ever quit, that I would give him 3 months notice. Crazy, huh?

Choclablover Isn’t it a great feeling when you see a loss like that. I bet your clothes are falling off of you being down almost 20 inches.

Barb316 thanks I’m trying to be more faithful to this board again. It’s nice to get to know more people. Keep making the good choices you will be happier when you do. But I can relate to feeling frustrated at times. You sound like your keeping a good attitude and realize if you make a bad choice just move on. Keep up the good work.

Pearl I call the ½ fudge and cookies will power, as I would have wanted to eat the full bag.

Nancy your caroling sounds like fun. Glad you got some compliments along the way.

KrispieD sorry to hear about your small gain, but I’m sure you’ll have it off by your next WI try not to stress over it. It could have just been from water retention.

Lottame glad to read you threw the rest of the bar away you don’t want that temptation around. Glad the challenge is helping you and your able to see your scale move in the right direction.

Bizlawchik sounds like your doing the right thing by planning on what you’re going to have. Just try and stick to plan and enjoy your parties. Let us know how you do.

Carmen that sucks that you got stopped, but really happy to hear you didn’t get a ticket and that you were still able to go to the market. Thanks for the compliment. Glad to hear the COD straighten out the money they charged you. It’s nice to see you posting also.

2bfit06 enjoy your Friday off and being pampered.

Michelle here’s to racking up those store credits for some goodies. Enjoy your busy weekend.

Katie hope your feeling a little better today. You don’t want to be sick over the holidays.

Well guys my lunch is over, but I wanted to try and get caught up on some personals. I’m happy I have nothing to do this evening, but relax. Have a great evening.

Good afternoon ladies!

Had my homestudy yesterday . . .click on my blog below if you'd like to see how things are going.

I dont have time today for personals!! Promise I will tomorrow! I did good today so far. I just hope that I see a loss when I weigh in this Friday. It really makes a difference weighing in in the AM vs the afternoon (I know we all know this LOL). I weighed 148 this morning butt naked but 150 butt naked when I got home. That stinks! This week I am going to WI at the COD in the morning and I will wear the lightest clothes possible AND weigh myself BEFORE I go to see how accurate their scales are compared to mine. This is a tough journey....... Why was it so much fun getting fat but not fun getting skinny? This weekend is my fiance's Christmas party. I wish I could have had a sneak peek at the menu so I can plan for it. I hope they have some OP foods for me to eat. My work as a holiday "dinner" on the 15th at work. it is a catered affair with prime rib, wild mushroom lasagne (yuck) and honey ginger chicken, 2 kinds of potatoes, veggies and salads. I say 'dinner' b/c we eat at 11:15am....... WHO THE HECK wants to eat that much that early in the morning? I am already stressing about it and it is more then a week away. Heck I am stressing about Saturday! Well, I have to try to keep it one day at a time.

Thanks for listening. Hope you all have a great evening!

Juliemarie - Thanks for letting me know you're updating your blogspot; I read it a while back, but it only had your start entry from October. Interesting reading; unusual requests and questions and I'm sure it's just the beginning. Good luck with everyone. Has anyone checked out your healthy fridge and pantry yet?

Lisa (Hungry Girl) was just on Extra (tv show); she talked about kale potatoe chips so I looked it up (found a couple other recipes - see below). I've never bought kale, but I LOVE chips. Has anyone ever tried this?


Kale "Potato Chips" -- Lightly mist olive oil on some kale, then bake at 350 for ten minutes. Sound crazy? Try it and see!

Radish "Hash Browns" -- Saute sliced radishes and onions with salt & pepper. A perfect companion for your egg white omelette.

Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes" -- Cook cauliflower (to death), mash with fat free margarine, fat free cheese, salt, pepper and garlic.

Joni - the Cauliflower recipe is a famous South Beach recipe we tried. We both HATED it! I tried it a couple of way and it was awful!!! However, I tried it because of the raving reviews it got on the board at the time, so to each his/her own!!!
I wish I had the Kale recipe this morning, I would have tried it before I cooked it all in the pot with the smoked turkey wing! (that smoker has already paid for itself!)
JM - I tried the BANANA NUT OATMEAL today and it was amazing!!! I used to make the bananas for another treat dh and I had for South Beach, but I can't remember what and neither does he but we remembered the fragrance of the bananas as soon as I started the dish! Thanks so much for the suggestion, dh told me it was a "keeper" just like me!!! (I just love that man!)

Katie - I'm a real believer in homeopathic technics as well as physicians (when all else fails!) And as you know, I believe in a higher power before any of the rest - I just use the rest to treat symptoms! ;) By the way, I'm making your tilapia recipe for lunch today and this time, I'm using the chili powder, so I'm really excited to try it "all the way"! :)

We've had heating problems the last two days and thank goodness, the company that just put it in this past summer is a company of integrity! They put all else aside to take care of customers that purchased their systems first! We put in GeoThermal heat and air this summer and so far, it's amazing! The issue this week was with a wiring problem in the thermostat, so it was easily rectified, it just so happens they have to drive 1.5 hours to get here! Oh well, that's the way it goes when you live where the deer and bears roam!

Reddeborah - I'm still looking for you!
Tweetteach - Where are you?!?!

Meagan - STEP AWAY FROM THAT WINE BOTTLE!!! The only "whine" you're aloud is the one when your COD gets out the WooHoo stick!!!
You're sooooo close to your Christmas goal! Keep it up, I know you can do it! 10 pounds is nothing in a month!!!

Okay, it's late and I've gotta get to the sofa to wait up for dh... by the way, he's lost 55#!!!! I'm soooo proud of him!

Oh yeah, I'm going to MIL's tomorrow so the boys can do some chores for her - it's the first time I've seen her since LAWL! No telling how that's gonna go. She isn't the kindest person since her dh passed a few years ago and she really can be rude and mean sometimes. I'm okay with it, but my good ole boy sons - you just don't mess with their MOMMA!!!
Hugs and Blessings and...
Merry Christmas!!!!

Pearl - First, good luck at your MILs. Hope the day goes smoothly. Is that DH in your avatar??

Thanks for the heads up on the cauliflower mashed potatoes as being something NOT to try. That's okay since I'm not really a fan of mashed taters nor cauliflower. I'm so curious about the kale, I'll just have to try that. So, I've never bought kale, but I'm guessing it's in the produce isle somewhere near the other greenery! This will be interesting since some of you know what a great cook I am! haha.

Busy work day and a pizza lunch (gotta find those carb cravers!) with some former co-workers. My book says to keep it veggie style, limited to 2 small slices, and blot the oil off first. Check!

Everyone have a great, WooHoo kind of day!

Good morning ladies! Working from home for a little bit this morning because DD has a late start to school. In all of the school board's wisdom, they have decided that instead of early release days, they are doing late start days for high school since teenagers require more sleep. Since DD is reassigned to a school out of district because of the magnet program they have, we get no bus service. Oh, Joy!

JM - I was just going to ask if you had the homestudy thing when you posted your update. Hope all went well. Seems like you gave a good answer to the "needy child" thing.

Joni - The kale and radish things have me intrigued. I may try them, although probably not until January with the way things are going here. Good luck w/lunch today. The salad should fill you up along with the pizza. The trick is to get up from the table when the two are gone! It's so easy to start picking. Also, the book says 6" slices or something like that. The pizza place we order from makes them small, so I always get three. Feels so indulgent! Make sure to measure so you don't short yourself.

Pearl - Glad to hear the heating issue was fixed. Where you are, you never know if they day will be 60 degrees or 25. Hope the MIL visit goes well. Rude or not, she can't take your accomplishments away from you. The changes you have made are there no matter what she says or thinks. Let us know how it goes.

As for me, I was so busy yesterday that I didn't have time to post this. When I got on the scale yesterday at home it was 199.8! ONEDERLAND! But I don't think it's official until the COD scale is under 200. The COD scale yesterday was 201.8. Home scale this morning was 199.4! So I'm not sure if I should count this as Onederland or not. I'm happy, thrilled actually, but still kinda low-key until the COD scale give me that long-awaited reading.

Here Ye, Here Ye! I hereby declare this day - CASSI DAY in honor of our beloved CASSI entering into the magical and mystical ONEderLAND!!!!!

Cassi - I say, we celebrate now UNTIL it's official at COD!!!

:gift: :bravo:
:woo: :encore:
:cheer: :balloons:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

You are just too sweet. It's so funny... I have been waiting for the scale to say 199 for so long, that when it happened I wanted it to be on the COD scale. It's like holding out and not facing that I really have changed. But then I read your post and I actually got tears in my eyes. I finally realized what I had done. I am out of the 200's for the first time since the 1990's. I have just done something major.

Thank you.

And thank you to all my buddies who have kept me going to get to this point. I would not have been able to stay on this plan without this board.

Morning ladies!

Joni- I love the cauliflower mashed potatoes. I always do them in the food processor. My kids have no idea that they are not potatoes. I have even served them with gravy before.

Pearl- I am gonna have to try that oatmeal. Sounds really good. Good luck with the MIL.

JM- I took a peek at your blog spot. Crazy about the marraige stuff. Sounds like things are going good!

We had our family card party at my house last night. I made taco soup. Not totally OP, but it could be. It was really good, too. Late yesterday afternoon I started feeling really terrible again, and ended up on the couch. I did not start cooking or cleaning for my guests until 15 minutes before they arrived. It actually worked out fine, but I was sure in a panic. My mom can be a little critical about my house sometimes, but she was like "Hey, you have not been feeling well. Don't worry about the house!" I think that I identified two things that made me start feeling terrible yesterday. First, I worked an extra hour, and second, I lifted a 50 lb bag of dog food. So, no more working overtime for me, and no more picking up the dog food. DH needs to be in charge of that. Anyways, enough whining, have a great POP day ladies!!!!

Yahoooooo Cassie! You have worked so hard for this!!! Great job!

Since Christmas is a time for crackling fires, mugs of OP whatever, and old friends - I thought I'd give a shout out to some that I miss here... If you're lurking - let us know how you're doing!
Shannon - Our friend from Canada - where are you??
Sommer - One of the busiest women I've ever known! I miss you!
Dolphn - I saw your post not long ago, but I'm checking on you anyway!
Princess Heather - Your kingdom awaits your return!!!
Purple Pirate (Heather) - How are you?!?
L Jackson (Lisa) - I miss you!!! Are you there?!?
And of course,
Reddeborah - I keep hoping to hear from you!

Merry Christmas to friends I miss!
Hugs,

Started a TO yesterday and it is tough. Headache last night but when I weighed today at home I was down 2 lbs. If I can just hang on today. I don't post much but I started LAWL in June 2006 and have lost about 30 lbs. It is a great program especially if you stick to it. I am going to try to start posting more as time allows but would like to thank everyone for all the great information.

Hi ladies......no time to play.......again..........my computer was down all day yesterday, but I am back in business today!!! I keep meaning to say....

JONI.....congrats on being bar free. I love that I am bar free. I have to admit, that I was only using bars for a few weeks before I found I could not tolerate them.......so it was probably an easier adjustment for me than for you. It really is liberating though. The cravings........they will be fine. You had the same cravings before......believe me. I thought of it no different than when I quit smoking. I used some nicorette gum for the first few days, but then realized that if I was going to be healthy, I just need to DO IT!!! You have made a wonderful choice for your health, and you will pull it off. In a week or two, you will be so glad!!!

I think Ulanda quit the bars as well. How did that go for you, Ulanda? I know Holly doens't use the bars either......and Katie.......and I'm sure there are others. I'm sure you know better than I do, Joni.

Cassi.......Hooray!!!!!!!!! I know how you feel about wanting the COD scale to be your Onderland. But, don't sell yourself short. Your inner fat girl is the one who is telling you not to be excited. Smack her down!!! And recognize "Cassi Day!!!" Congrats......you have worked your *** off (yes, literally), and you deserve this recognition!!!

I want so bad to stay and play and catch up with everyone.....but my laundry can be ignored no longer. With putting up Christmas Deco and taping drywall........my chores have REALLY been suffering. I am going to do my best to get caught up today, but I am sure I won't be able to resist popping in a time or two today.

Oh, also, I think I may have decided (inadvertantly) to only go to my COD once a week. I am not positive yet, but I am considering it. I have been OP, and am doing well, so we will see. I have to tell you ladies so that I stay honest with myself. If I plan it, it is ok.......if I slack it, not so ok. Ok, really going now........love you girls!!!

Good Morning All!! Just wanted to say a quick hello before I start my busy day. I've been lurking, but want to give a shout out to my girl Cassi. CONGRATULATIONS on making it to onederland! I'm proud of you. :) Thank you for all of the motivation.

Cassi--I am so so so HAPPY for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats--Bravo--Way to Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Cassi - Congrats - I love my home scale weigh in so I think you need to definitely celebrate what it says. I can feel your joy!

Okay - Katie likes the cauliflower mashed potatoes. Do you do anything special to yours Katie?

Nicole - Laundry, dry walling, decorating - talk about FUN!

I'm not sure if it's because I'm not eating the bars, or because I really am being POP or because TOM is over, but the scale has been really kind to me. I'm not going to say anything though and jinx myself.

Gotta run.

I dont do the bars either. I just couldnt see spending the money on them and I honestly only liked 2 of them. I want to learn how to eat without bars.

1. Joni the diplomat :D

2. I LOVE my bars but have already told my COD when they are gone I will not purchase more. I will still have the occasional Kashi or Luna--but I hate the idea of the hydrogenated oils and the high amounts of sugar in the LAWL bars. If Dr. Oz is right about the oil contributing to belly fat (which I tend to agree since I have so much!) then I need to make some serious changes. Don't get me wrong--I love the lites and feel strongly I would not have been successful without the "treat" everyday. I still get tweaked :mad: when people bash LAWL since I am proof (with soooo many of my pals!) that it works.

Congrats to all my LOSER friends--I am proud of you all. I haven't stepped on the scale since Saturday and don't plan to. I am not making great choices, I am pre-TOM and feel crappy, am stressed about having a houseful of gals tonight, for Bunco, that have never been to my house (are they EVER clean enough, nice enough, decorated enough for us????), and feel flu crappy at the same time--I am a dangerous woman right now:devil: !! LOL

Good morning ladies! Seems everybody is in pretty good spirits . .

Thanks for all the well-wishes with the adoption process. It was nice to finally have something happen so I could update the blog.

One thing-the word "homestudy" is a little misleading. When I first heard this word-I thought the social worker/agency was coming out to see if me and my home was GOOD ENOUGH to adopt a child. That isn't the case at all-they aren't looking at how clean my home is, or how nice my furniture is (or even how healthy the food in my fridge is! :D) Although they did ask me about my nutrition. It was nice to honestly say that I eat a healthy diet with occasional treats. But the real job of the social worker is to be my advocate. She writes up a report (the homestudy) describing me, my home, my hobbies, my strengths, etc. She will make me look as good as possible. The agency says they'd actually like to change the name of the process-cuz homestudy sounds so judgemental. But it's a standard term in the industry of adoption. So I guess we're stuck with it.

Pearl-glad you like the oatmeal! I'm doing TO yesterday and today. But I plan on enjoying a bowl tomorrow after WI. I have tomorrow off-my mom and SIL are coming up to Portland for my annual birthday "Day off work, girls day out". My birthday's on Saturday, but I'd rather have them come up on a weekday. Besides-I get to take the day off work this way. I hope I can stay OP-maybe splurge and have a cocktail.


Katie-you sound like my mom-she also has fibro and is miserable when she does too much-lifting heavy things, carrying the kids, etc. She's finally starting to learn she just can't pack a lot into a day without feeling miserable. She has, however, started to see a new doctor. He's an MD, but he practices naturapathic medicine. It'll be awhile until we know how it's going, but I'll let you know if it works.

Gotta get some work done if I'm taking tomorrow off!

Hi All, I am new to this forum. (I wasn't sure if there was were I was supposed to write this) I started LAWL two years ago, lost twenty pounds then Quit! I just joined again because I felt, that I did better on LAWL then any other plan. My sister is getting married in August and I'm the maid of honor, So besides the fact that I need to lose weight for better health, the wedding is some more motivation!
Monique : )

Okay, I think my scales have gotten together to make a joke on me....when I go potty I always weigh myself after (don't ask why, it's just become a habit). Anyways, I weighed myself afterwards this am and came in at 194 (my scale is always off by 3-4 lbs from the COD) then later I went potty in the other bathroom and weighed in at 180. Now, I haven't a clue what is up here....I changed the battery in it thinking that maybe it was just getting lo, but nope 180 it says. I think it is dumpster time! (PEarl just because I thought you would ask....no the second bathroom time wasn't for a on demand or any other kind of "poo"!)

That being said...Cassi -Yeah for you! Don't you just love that feeling....I still in my head when I weigh think the scale is saying 204 or what ever instead of 194.

Hi everyone,

How are you doing? I am great! It's really cold outside today. I don't really care for cold, but I can't change it.

I am really hoping that the scale is nice to me tomorrow at the COD!

Cassi, ONEderland it is! I am really proud of you and you should celebrate the accomplishment that you have made. OP of course.:)

Joni, I truly do not miss the lites. I thought it would be hard, but I don't miss them. I have a hard time some days getting in my protein portions, so as far as the benefit of convience that is what I can say they helped with, but I don't miss them. I wanted to learn to eat with all food so that when I reach my goal and finish the maintenance with LAWL, I knew that I wouldn't continue to purchase them. I was a nice treat while it lasted, but it's over for me now. I didn't want to keep spending $29 a week for how long??? So you can do it, it does get easier!

Pearl, Just let whatever MIL says go in one ear and out the other. You have done a great job at getting healthy and if she doesn't see it, Oh well!

To all of you other lovely losers have an enjoyable day today! Think happy thoughts!

Talk to you all later.

Welcome Disco Bear! You have found us! We do suggest you read the forum for newbies, and we like to identify the LAWL chicks from the other dieters on the site...so if you get a chance please put LAWL somewhere in your signature. I love this site it is my support group and you will find it a wonderful place I am sure. There is tons of inspiration on here....I tell my friends and family that this site is my new addiction replacement for the food I use to shove in!

Congratulations Cassie. You must feel like you're queen of the world:carrot:
Welcome, Monique! I did the same thing and have a very similar reason for wanting to lose weight (my wedding), but I could use the extra 2 months:) Welcome, there is a lot of genuine, helpful motivation in here. Plus, unlike your COD you NEVER feel judged.

Welcome Monique! Look forward to getting to "know" you here.

Thank you everyone for the congrats. I feel like queen of the world today! I am hoping that this feeling will carry me through this difficult weekend. I am thinking about bringing my own lunch to the birthday party since it will be outside in a park (yep, still warm here girls!) I was thinking that if I bring myself a salad and some grilled chicken strips to put in it that no one would probably notice anyway. And if they did, then I'll just say I have a full weekend and am pacing myself. Heck... I don't care what anyone would say anyway anymore! That settles it - I will bring my own lunch Saturday.

Saturday night I am sure there will be a veggie tray and shrimp cocktail for appetizers, and they usually serve prime rib. I'm sure they will have salad, and I will be designated driver.

As for Sunday, that will be my splurge. The food will be something I will not have the rest of the year, so I will choose wisely. I am thinking about doing TO Monday and Tuesday if needed. That way it will be two weeks before Christmas and I can come off of Christmas with a TO too if also needed, which that one probably will be since I am planning to be off plan that day.

I know this is long, but if I work out a plan and actually type it here, I think I will be more accountable.

Thanks again for everything girls!

Oh yea.... Evette - I saw your ticker move again! I am so happy for you!!!

Thanks Cassi! Its moving.... and slowly but surely i'll get to my goal. Thank you for all of the encouragement and inspiration!

NSV for me: Finally got a chance to bring in my wedding band and ring to the jewelers to have them resized. I went from a size 7 to a 4.75 !! Whoo-hoo!! It's amazing where all of our fat goes! :rofl:

Hey Girls,

Busy busy busy here at work today - but what else is new.

Weighed in again today and down another 0.6 so I am 0.6 away from an even 20lbs down. My goal was that by xmas so at least it looks like I will make one of my short term goals.

I have surely not been perfect, but I have been trying to make the best choices I could.

My ex's grandfather (and basically my grampy too) is in having surgery as we speak to have a kidney removed as he found out the other day he has Cancer. He only has about a 50-60% chance of surviving the surgery and the after part so we are hoping for the best. I have my cell on all day here in case my MIL calls and I have to rush over to the hospital. I am only down the street so it wouldn't take long to get there. Not great right before xmas, but it had to be done.

On a brighter side I got a bit of xmas shopping done this past weekend and I hope to again this weekend. I am not planning to work OT this weekend but you never know I may get roped into it yet.

Well, lunch is almost over . Gotta get back to work

TTYL, Alannah

Hey all,

I thought I would remind everyone no peeking on the ornaments until 12:01 am on Dec. 15th! That being said ..... my tracker is still not moving, I don't know if the UPS or USPS or whatever is just not taking the time to update them or what but my ornament had better of been rcd. and seeings as I can't ask you special person if you recd. it or not ..... the rest of you chickies be sure to check on your tracking and give Lori as update soon!

How frustrating is this????? Regardless of my anal personality I cant wait until we open.....I am glad you thought of this Joni.

You mean Lori.

And whoever has me... I'm still waiting for my official one...

Oops, you are right, it is Lori....maybe I need another coff o cuppie....

Thanks Cassi!

I finally have a ticker...it took me a while but hopefully now that I have one I will post more.
Congrats Cassi and welcome to "Onderland"! You have accomplished so much and you inspire me!
I am one my second day of TO and it is better than yesterday! Lost 2 pounds the first day. Don't know what tomorrow brings???
I have a dinner party tomorrow night I will have to work through...saving fruit for wine and starch for beer just in case I need it.
Congrats to everyone on their losses! This site is the bomb!!!

First off -

CASSIE! WOO HOO!:encore: :cheers:
I am soooo happy for you - and it will be official, I know it! When I first came to this board, your posts were the ones that seemed to make so much sense to me, and that really helped me get going. To see how far you've come, and to see you make this great benchmark, wow, it really is something. You are the best - and DON'T YOU FORGET IT! (well actually you all are the best.... I don't mean to slight anyone)

JM - funny, I had just looked at your adoption blog and saw that it hadn't been updated, I'll have to go read it now. Congratulations on moving one step closer to gotcha day!

Pearl - I hope that your MIL will be having a non-judgemental day. My mom is like that, and has been my whole life. I like that your boys come to your defense, how could they not? Their mom is awesome! I'm sure you will all stay strong and do your duty.

Michelle - you weigh after every bathroom break? My god, with all the water we drink???? No wonder the scale broke, you tuckered it out!

Ulanda - Sorry you can't get your hair braided. Wow - I guess you really were haveing 'authentic' African braids done!

Evette - Your fingers changed a lot - that is suprising, you couldn't have been wearing them much lately - or had you wrapped string around them?. I joke that my fingers will be wearing a bikini soon - they are getting quite slim, which is good beacause that is the one part of my body that I wanted to lose weight in. (LIAR!)

Hi to the newbies and hi to my friends I haven't mentioned. I am home today - supposed to be cleaning the house and decorating. I need to get going on that.

Bye all!

Welcome Kytravelbee and Monique (Discobear)!!!

Lea Ann - you poor thing; I hope you dodge the flu. Have a glass of wine (fruit) and enjoy your bunco night. You don't have to step on the scale again until Dec 16, but I expect to see a loss. There are no other options.

Juliemarie - Happy Birthday!! Have an enjoyable day off.

Evette - wow - that's a huge size difference in your ring. How was it staying on? Did you wrap yarn around it (does anyone else remember doing that with your boyfriend's "going steady" ring when you were in high school)...haha.

Hi to Allanah and Ulanda and everyone else out there.

Enjoyed my pizza lunch and mixed field green salad. Hope the Carb Craver pills do their thing (whatever that is!).

Okay - I was a girl on a mission today. Bound and determined to try the Hungrygirl "potatoe chips." Kale was not all that easy to find, but I found a bag (humongous) at Publix; it was already chopped and cut up, but it was the only kale I could find, so I bought it. Came home; oven on 350 - put about a cup's worth of kale on a cookie sheet, sprayed with spray olive oil (I don't have a mister, so I used olive oil that is in a can like PAM), and lightly sprinkled some salt on it. Baked for 10 minutes and I really liked the end result. A nice, light crunchy treat that I will repeat again and again and again. I'll try it with Morton's lite salt tonight to see if it's just as good. Did it taste like a Lay's potatoe chip? Not really, but it had great flavor and I got a veggie in!

Afternoon Ladies! Well, I am off to the COD after doing TO (with oranges this time) for the past two days. Not issues this time around since I have not really gained my appetite completely back after being sick.

On the up side, I have actually made a pretty good dent in my Christmas shopping, so I am not so stressed anymore. What is it about this time of year?

:welcome3: kytravelbabe and Monique to the forum!

First of all-CONGRATULATIONS Cassi! :woo: :dance: :cp: I with Pearl on this one, let’s start the celebration right now! You are a true inspiration to the board and continual proof that LA DOES work.

Pearl-Good luck with MIL. Ditto to what Cassi is said. No one can take away the success you have already had.

Joni-Thanks for the kale update. I was curious on how it would turn out. Chips are my Waterloo so to speak so I just do not keep any in the house at all.

I just a call from home. Looks like my ornament has arrived. I can’t wait to open it.

joni, i was using this McGyver method of paper and tape!1 :rofl:

HI again, thanks for the welcoming! I'm not gonna to do take off off till M/T because my work xmass party is friday, So I decided to wait! I am craving sushi, and am not going into the COD til tomorrow am. Does anyone know how many pieces you can eat on plan?

Michelle - Was your coff o cuppie good?

Kytravelbabe - So glad you decided to post with us more! Sounds like you have a good plan for the party.

Kim - Thanks for the kind, kind words. I look forward to your witty posts every day. Hope the decorating ended up getting done.

Joni - Interesting about the kale. Are you going to make the radish hash brown thing too? I like when someone else is the guinea pig first.

Carol - Glad TO is going well. Glad you're feeling better too. I'm hoping my ornament will get here soon too!

Evette - Too funny about the ring! I actually wasn't able to wear mine since DS was born 3 years ago. Put it on around October and now it's getting big too.

Monique - 6 pc sushi = 1P,1S, but no tempura or mayo sauces. Add a fat I guess if it has that. Good luck w/ TO. Enjoy the party this weekend!

Julimarie: I read your blog too! Good luck in your adoption mission... We have to adopt so after we get married we are starting the process!!!

Pearl: We have a Geotherm. We love it. It is so much cheaper in the winter especially living in MN.

Joni: How was the pizza? Yum! I am gonna have to try the kale chips. I have to go grocery shopping and I will look for some too.

Cassi: WAY TO GO! Onederland!:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: That is AWESOME!

Katie: what is taco soup? It sounds interesting!

kytravelbabe: Welcome and congrats on your weight loss so far that is awesome!

discobear: welcome! We hope to see you here often!

Ulanda: it is cold here too. Boy winter just snuck up on us, last week it was 50 degrees..

Alannah: I hope that the surgery turns out ok! My thoughts are with you.

Carol: How was WI????

If I missed anyone I will catch you next time! I hope all is well with everyone!

I went to the COD today instead of tomorrow morning mainly b/c it is the opposite direction from where I am going out to breakfast with my stepfather. I was DOWN 2 POUNDS. I am now at 6.8 pounds total again. I guess I have done SOMETHING right. I am averaging 1.65 pounds she said and I have my PSV next Thursday. I am nervous b/c of the dinner party for my fiance's work on Saturday although he got a sneak peek at the menu and said he will show it to me. At least I can try to make good choices before hand. I went shopping today and found a red velvet shirt to wear to this thing on Saturday. I hope it looks as good on me at home as it did at the store LOL

I will go now. Have a great night tonight!

Hi ladies, it has been an interesting day here at the daycare. Over half of our children and half of our staff are out with the stomache flu.

Barb- Taco soup is really good. To make it OP I think that you could make it like this:
Brown one lb of lean turkey burger, add one chopped onion, one large can of low sodium chopped tomatoes, one can of low sodium corn, one dry packet of low sodium taco mix, and one large can of low sodium pinto beans. Bring to a boil, cook over low for 20 minutes, and serve with FF sour cream and LF cheese on top. No clue how to count it though.

Cassie- Thanks for trying the kale chips, they are going on my list. Anxious to hear about the hash browns as well.

Evette- Very cool about the ring. I need to size mine too, but I would like to loose a little more weight first.

Carol- Good luck at weigh in!

Kim- What is it with fingers and boobs? They just canot wait to give up the fat, but our butts hang on to it for dear life.

JM- Keep me posted, I would love to hear how your mom's treatment works out.

Welcome Diso Bear and Ky, you will it here!

Alannah, hope all goes well with your family.

Lea Ann- Big hugs, I am feeling a lot the same way.

Have a great afternoon ladies!

Hi All,

I'm Jackie and I am a lurker. I like to look at the tickers especially. I just figured out what Onderland is and Cassie, way to go. I am so happy for you. You all have been an inspiration.

My COD is shorthanded. In fact, they are not open on Thursdays any longer. I so wanted to weigh in today. I think I lost more weight.

Hopefully, as I keep reading, I will get as familiar with all of you as you all seem to be with each other. Right now I am having trouble putting your names with the events going on in you lives.

Thank you all for being here. You are all a great motivating force for me.

Jackie

P. S. My COD scale is 5 lbs. over my home scale. However, I weigh 1st thing out of bed in the nude.

Here I am at church (again). 16 yr old DS is going to a city wide youth celebration so since I had to drive the hour to get here and he'll be back in a few hours, I'll just stay here and get some work done.
MIL called this morning and told us not to come! (WHOO HOO!) She's one of those that needs something to complain about, so if we came over and did her yard work, she'd be minus one thing to complain about! AND, I even offered to go over (mind you, we're talking an hour and 20 minutes one way) and help her with her Christmas candies and her reply?!? No, that's something I like to do by myself... and then she goes on about her arthritis... Good grief!
Well, I did the right thing - so, we put the lights on the tree and got the wreath out and hung that on the door...
Got a call from the lady giving my son a car and she is bringing the title to us on Sunday... :whoo: Now that is truly a blessing!!! For us and for him! Now we just need to come up with the water pump and belt... and the good ole boys to "git 'er done"! Thank goodness this is a slow time right now for many of our friends that can do that kind of work for us.
dh was teasing me about my baggy pants today... I just love that man!
Evette - I just had to tell you... I was at the mall with my boss (17 years ago) and while shopping on our lunch hour, my hands began to swell. I didn't notice it until I felt something running down my ring finger and realized it was blood. My ring had literally cut into my finger! Well, we went to the hospital and they wouldn't cut it off without "taking me to surgery".
So, I went back to my office, went down to the shop, got a pair of metal cutters and cut my engagement ring and wedding band off my finger!
So, I've not worn either since then. And needless to say, I couldn't if I wanted to. So when we reach our final goal, we're getting each other new wedding bands! (Did I mention how much I love that man?!?)
Hugs, gotta go do SOMETHING!!!

Pearl,

What a story about your wedding and engagement rings! Gotta say, though, it sure sounds like your husband is a good man.

Jackie

Pearl - good news on the MIL side of things. Glad you got stuff done at your own place; so much more rewarding. Interesting story about your rings (okay, interesting and the blood part was yucky), but what an awesome way to celebrate - you will both "ring" in the New You!

Welcome Lurker Jackie. One can only lurk so long with this group. Someone is bound to say something that you just have to reply to!

Cassi (without the E, right!??) - How was your visit to Santa?? No plans for me to try the radish hash browns, but I can't wait for more kale tomorrow. I was going to have more tonight, but wasn't sure how the pizza and two kale servings would sit with my stomach.

Katie - sounds like your kids and staff may have visited a Taco Bell (ecoli scare in the northeast Taco Bells has been linked to California/Mexico green onions). Hopefully you've dodged the nasty bug for yourself. That's all you'd need right now!

Just got some not so good news this evening. My MIL underwent chemo mid year; had a partial mastectomy last week, but the results today were not good and they will go in and do a full mastectomy. To top off this news, she found out her insurance is switching after the first of the year (she's retired from the state of Missouri) and her docs (oncologist, surgeon, etc.) are not on the new plan. If she doesn't have the surgery in the next few weeks, she has to get all new docs or wait for all sorts of out of network approvals before she can go ahead with her surgeries. What a pain in the "you know where." I feel badly for her, but she has a guyfriend and lots of girlfriends for support. She'll need it in the months ahead. She is a strong woman with a will to live, so I'm going to be very optimistic, say my prayers, and hope for the best. NOT the best Christmas present for her; that's for sure! Ladies - just be thankful for your health and make yourself as healthy as possible so in times of trouble or illness you can fight it and win.

Hate to end on a bad note, but work to do.

Gosh ....gone a day or so and lots has happened here.....

Barb--yeh for your wt. loss....success feels great!!!


Joni---I am sure your MIL will really need you and your support...yes we should all be thankful for our health....

Pearl--Mrs. baggy pants!!!!;;;;-Hope all went well with YOUR MIL ......I trust you know how to work with her....good luck;;

Welcom Jackie and D bear

Hi there Katie....good to read you!!

Cassi----welcome to onederland...of course your scale counts......congrats

All super here......busy time of year but loving it!!!

I am starting to watch how thin gals eat...very interesting....
bye for now..:carrot: :carrot:

love you all...nance

.

Welcome to the newbies!
Jackie - I'm glad you've gone from a "lurker" to a Looker and a Loser and now a contributor!!! As for dh, he's an awesome man and a great father for our boys! I'm truly blessed! I look forward to getting to know you better! I love your smile and I'll think of it whenever you post!

Alannah - I'm so proud of you!!! You are doing so well AND staying OP!! My hat's off to ya girlfriend! What an example to us you are!

Lea Ann and Katie - Get Well!!! You don't have time to be sick - you're mothers! We don't get sick! (Isn't that a written rule somewhere?!?)

Joni - I love the "ring in" idea! Of course, they will be simple, but oh so special! I'll be praying for your MIL. My MIL had one breast removed many years ago and when the doctor told her it was likely to reoccur in the other one... she told him to "cut that one off too"! And that's what they did! Extreme preventive medicine if you ask me, but according to her, it was a good thing. To each his own!
Katie - I did the tilapia with the chili powder and lime juice and I gotta tell ya, my boys are spoiled with "hot and spicy" and they wanted it hotter and spicier! So next time, I'll do the ground red pepper and lime juice! They loved it the last time!
Well, TOM has appeared (again!) and while I'm always thankful to see it rather than the alternative, the cramps are a pain (literally!) :lol3:
Okay, going back to work for a few...
Hugs,
PS - I love the 'puter here in my Sound Room, the church has DSL! I have dial up!

Good evening chickies:

It was a scary drive home today, really slick. Not much accumulation, but the roads were ugly.

I did manage to get my workout in and eat pretty good.

Kim, I am a little disappointed, but now I am more concerned that she make it back to the states unharmed. As you know from the news things are not good over there.

Evette, WOW! What a big change in your ring size. I don't think that I have ever worn a ring that small. You a little bitty lady.:)

Pearl, what a cute compliment from DH. I think he's a keeper. Just like mine!
Speaking of rings, I got a beautiful new wedding ring on Friday night. I might have mentioned this and if I did I am sorry, but I am really excited it's a huge step up from what I had. Just beautiful!

Nance, Good to hear from you! Glad you were able to check back in.

Joni, Please know that I am sending prayers up for your MIL. I hope that everything will be just fine.

Well, I go WI in the morning. Today was second day of Fast foward, since I don't do the bars anymore. I do the initial Fast Forward. I personally like that one better because, I don't feel hungry. I also am not harrassed into doing it every 14 days.

One thing that I have noticed with my COD lately is that they don't try to sell me anything too much anymore. I think they must have written something in my file that says, "Don't try the sales pitch on this client"! I am glad that they have finally gotten the message, It makes the visit a lot nicer.

I got my two new Turbo Jam w/the Ball workouts yesterday. I can't wait to try the first one in the morning. I decided that I would workout after I left the COD. Then later a little later in the morning, I will go out and look for some deals.

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

:dizzy:
Hi I hope this is in the right place. My name is Kelli and I am an Air Force wife curently living in NC. My sister in-law has been doing LAWL and has lost over 35 lbs. so I decided I should try it out after reading so many of your posts on 3FC. I have been trying to loose on my own and I do well for a few weeks, don't see the results I want and then give into my old habits. I hope the accountability of the program will keep me motivated.
I am doing the LA Express at the moment and I am constantly thinking about food. I think I am having sugar and carb withdrawl if their is such a thing.
I feel for all of you struggling to loose. I have battled my weight since my Mom put me on WW at thirteen. Glad to have found this group.
:hug:
Kelli

:welcome: KelliNC! Yep, this is definitely the right place!!! We're here for ya and I know you can do this. This works if you work it!!! I want to start out by saying a heartfelt thanks to you and your husband for serving our country! Next, I'll tell ya that there is absolutely withdrawal from sugar AND carbs! Hang in there, it's only for 2 days and you'll be feeling better than you can imagine right now.
Read the many threads available to you here. There's great recipes, plenty of success stories of incredible women that are ahead of us on the path. And you'll be amazed at the support you'll get here! This is an incredible group of caring woman that want to achieve their weightloss goals and help you achieve yours!
You're worth it!!!
Hugs and Merry Christmas,

Welcome Kelli - who is that cute furkid in your avatar? We have lots of dog owners on this site so you and your furkid are definitely in the right place.
Good luck on the program, and even if it's a crazy time of year, you can do this. I have to chuckle since I actually still have my very first WW booklet from the 70s. Yup, back when you had to eat liver once a week! I joined WW about 15 different times, and even now, when I look back at all my weigh in books, my weight never got below 162. Well, guess what! I'm in the high 150s right now and it's all thanks to LAWL. You'll enjoy the program once you get the hang of it and a lot of your success will be due to the support on this thread.

Good luck!

Welcome old lurkers and newbies! We love fresh blood! Hope you find this group as inspirational as I do.

Joni- My prayers are with you and yours I am sure you MIL well be needing your TLC alot in the days to come....

Pearl - you lucky girl you! My MIL calls me every year with a list of baked goods and candies that she expects me to bring 3 hours away for "appetizers" over Christmas. (We only stay at her house for maybe 3 hours and she doesn't feed us).

I don't know what is going on with these whacked out scales....this morning they couldn't decide between 194 and 180....COD says I am 188! I didn't get a Woo Hoo stick, just my name on a dryerase board. I want the stick! I think I am going to make my own with PVC pipe and some paint and ribbons with some jingle bells on the end of the ribbons......

Morning all - brrrrrrrrr it's cold in HOTlanta today. The water froze in the dog's outside water bowl.

MickeySue - wow you are doing great! Keep it up. I think your personalized woohoo stick sounds quite charming -- jingle bells and all! Go for it!

I thought this was a smiley ringing a bell, but now I realize he's drinking a 'tini - oh well. It's Christmasy

:xcheer:

Joni- if that smiley is drinking a tini instead of ringing a bell then he has had to much! Bec. his Tini would be all over my puter screen. Go with your first instinct here! That's my vote.

Evette - I just had to tell you... I was at the mall with my boss (17 years ago) and while shopping on our lunch hour, my hands began to swell. I didn't notice it until I felt something running down my ring finger and realized it was blood. My ring had literally cut into my finger! Well, we went to the hospital and they wouldn't cut it off without "taking me to surgery".
So, I went back to my office, went down to the shop, got a pair of metal cutters and cut my engagement ring and wedding band off my finger!
So, I've not worn either since then. And needless to say, I couldn't if I wanted to. So when we reach our final goal, we're getting each other new wedding bands! (Did I mention how much I love that man?!?)
Hugs, gotta go do SOMETHING!!!

Pearl: What a story! My first reaction to your story was, "how horrible!" Then, I read on and awww... how sweet is it to have such a wonderful relationship with your DH. That's a wonderful sentiment for your final goals. I love it!

Hello All
Joni I hope your little man is enjoying his 'tini. Ask him to whip up a batch for us would you? Cranberry in mine!
Well I stayed OP and went down the two pounds I was up so the staff at COD now can come out from under their desk, remove their mouthguards and helmets when I walk into the centre. Off to WI again today and tonight is my dad's 60th birthday dinner. Off for some fine dining. In terms of will power I have to share with you that we are celebrating my brother's bday tomorrow night and as he LOVES cheesecake, my DH as well, I opted to make one for him. The one I picked had all of my favorite ingredients in it as it is a Caramel Toffee cake. So I crushed all the Gingersnaps for the crust and didn't touch a one and then had to crush 4 Skor(Heath) chocolate bars and did not even lick a finger. It was a big NSV for me as I thought, I can indulge now when it's not on plan or just enjoy a nice taste at the party when it's all baked and allot for it. HURRAY HURRAY

Off to WI and to let the staff know they are likely safe with their lives for another day!!

KrispieD: Great job for not giving in to those BLT's!! Way to go! Have a wonderful time celebrating your Dad and your brother's birthdays.

Alannah – Sorry you are going through a rough time. You and your family are in my prayers. But sticking to the program and meeting your goals during this time is a great accomplishment.

Barb – WTG on the loss! That’s awesome!

Katie – MMmmmm… the taco soup sounded so yummy I submitted it to the LA Chef. I will let you know the re-vamp when I get it.

Jackie – Welcome out of Lurkdom! Look forward to posting with you.

TO ALL YOU OTHER LURKERS OUT THERE, FOLLOW JACKIE’S EXAMPLE AND COME OUT AND PLAY!

Pearl – Cool about the MIL visit. I guess the man upstairs knew it was not what you needed right now. The gift of a car for DS is so amazing. I know that you will get the repairs that you need. Things have a way of working themselves out. I love the new wedding bands for when you reach your goal. Will you be renewing your vows then too?

Joni – Yes, no “e”. As for the Santa visit… let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. We went to the same mall that we have been going to for 10 years. I specifically pass two other malls to drive to this one because the same Santa has been there forever and I love the pictures of my daughter every year with the same Santa. Anyhoo… we get there around 6:30 and there is a line. Not too bad, but kinda long. After 45 minutes we had only moved about 10 feet. They have a new Santa and I swear these people were having a family reunion on Santa’s lap. The new staff of Santa’s helpers and the new Santa have no clue about moving it along. So we got out of line because by 7:30 DS was starving and acting up. Went to eat at the food court, which I had planned Subway. I ordered a grilled chicken on a wrap. The girl forgot to cut the chicken breast and couldn’t roll up the wrap. After she smooshed my sandwich (and they didn’t have spinach either), she proceeded to charge me about $2 too much. When I asked her, she got the more experienced girl and said she had already charged my card. The other girl said she couldn’t fix it, but she was told by the manager to offer chips and cookies. I said no, I couldn’t eat that stuff (NSV right there) and just wanted my money back. She said could I come back when the manager was there. I told her I lived 45 minutes away and only come to this mall once or twice a year. She didn’t know what to do. I just said screw it and left. I will e-mail Subway today to get some kind of resolution. And I will e-mail the mall about the Santa situation because there had to be about 6 families that left before us too. Anyhoo, after that fiasco, I forgot my carrots at home, and the wrap sucked. So… yesterday evening was non-productive AND I had a crappy dinner. But I stuck it out and came home and had 1/2P (because that puny chicken was nowhere near 8oz) and my lite. I guess I had a NSV last night, but I was too ticked to notice. Wow… didn’t know you’d get that answer when you typed one line, huh?

Sorry about your MIL. I hope everything goes as well as it can. Your family is in my prayers.

Ulanda – How did Turbo Jam go this morning?

Kelli – Welcome! And yes, we all went through the sugar, carb, caffeine withdrawals. I had a headache constantly for the first five days due to caffeine withdrawal. It will go away, and it does get a lot better.

Michelle – Wow, aren’t you the creative one with the woo hoo stick? Maybe you could whack your home scale with the woo hoo stick to make it read more consistently?

Kristen – WTG on the baking. After that willpower, you deserve a little bite or two!

Evette, Lea Ann, Kim, and all you others that I’m missing right now, good morning!

Kristin - OMG - I love Heath bars. That is a huge NSV in my book. I can easily resist the cheese cake; but not the special ingredients. Also that is great on the 2 lbs......you make me proud!

Cassi - Congrats on your NSV (no cookies or chips) and sorry about the SSS (Sucky Santa and Subway). Hope your DS gets another opportunity to see Santa (or after last night, maybe he has no desire to do it this way).

Work is sooooo busy. and I should go weigh.

Morning ladies!

Joni- Prayers going out to you and you MIL, how scary.

Pearl- You are one tough ombre, lady. I cannot imagine cutting off my own rings! Glad you liked the tilapia. Mary, who posted here before she got preggers with twins, used to make it into a fish taco. That is really good too.

Welcome Kelli!!!

Ulanda- You are inspiring me with all of your working out, girl. I need to follow in your footsteps. Congrats on your ring!

Hey Nance- Look how great you are doing, more than halfway there!

Jackie- My center was a MWF center for a long time. I have always wished that they were open on Saturday mornings.

Uh, winter arrived here. :snowglo: 10 degrees this AM. BRRR.


Jackie - don't worry, you'll catch on quick with this bunch! Jump on in and post whatever you want, whenever you want. You don't have to do personals for everyone, we don't get offended! I think that all of our home scales are a little more forgiving than the COD, but some of us purchased some type of special 'possessed demon' scale that keeps us guessing all the time!

Pearl - are you married to my brother? Because his mom sounds just like mine! (mine actually said to me once "Oh, Kim, you don't really like your hair like that, do you?" ) Your ring story is wild. I guess no one can blame you for not wearing one after that experience.

Joni - So sorry to hear about your MIL. She now has a whole big bunch of prayers headed out for her.

Ulanda - No, you did not mention your new wedding bling, we need details!

Kelli - Welcome! You absolutely are going through sugar and carb withdrawal! It is the worst! The good news is that it will subside and eventually this program will seem like normal to you. (warning - there is a honeymoon period and about 2 weeks in you start to think 'I can't do this' We are proof that you can do it!) Good luck!

Kristen - Glad to hear that the COD staff are currently safe. Happy b-day to most of your family, apparently! Great NSV - what willpower! I unfortunately, made christmas cookies yesterday and brought the weight loss wagon to a screeching halt. Actually the damage was minimal.

Cassi - Sorry Santa let you down yesterday. How annoying. After all that, your choices were great. Good for you! One of the malls here has Santa sitting in a big purple chair??!?? what's with that? My SIL refuses to bring my nephew to the "purple Santa" as he calls it. :clause:

OK, had grand plans for the day off yesterday, and only got about half of it done. I am starting to wig out about getting things done for our bi-annual christmas party next Sat. Our house looks like Christmas and Thanksgiving decided to go on Trading Spaces and no one finished their project. Add to that an ill-advised decision to paint all of the trim and put up new lighting in the foyer and family room and you have.... Home Depot on crack. I need the Merry Maids, big time.

DH and I have our planned Christmas shopping day tomorrow - we go into it knowing that it will be jam packed with people, no parking, etc. We shop until we start to get annoyed, then stop for a drink (hmmm.... I'll have to plan that out). We usually make it about 2 hours before one of us caves and decides to stop. Then, we start over. It's kind of our tradition. Looks like liquid fruit for me tomorrow.:xcheer:

Gotta get ready for my Board meeting on monday! Bye chicks!

Cassie- Thanks so much for submitting to the LA Chef. I love that soup, and it is so dang easy after a long day. Sorry your night was so crappy. How ridiculous of Subway to be unable to fix their mistake. Great job avoiding the cookies and chips though, you are really staying true to yourself.

Kristin- The cheesecake sounds great. Great job on avoiding. Have fun at all of the birthday celebrations!

Michelle- Loved the whohoo stick plan. I need to make one too, only it should be called the nono stick. I need a good whacking on a daily basis lately.

So, I had a little bit of soul searching about weight loss, and this is what I came up with. I think that my body is fighting me on losing these days as a self defense mechanism. When I get cold, I hurt everywhere. When the fibro is all flared up, I hurt everywhere. The more I lose, the colder I get, the more I hurt, and so on and so forth. So the key for me is to get the pain under control, keep it under control, and stay warm. Then my body has no reason to hang on to fat. Right? Right. It is time to get proactive! Have a great day ladies!!

Okay ladies drumroll please! I drove home from COD like a bat out of he** to get home and share news with the best ladies I have ever met!!
I had set 190lbs as my Xmas goal, when I was doing well I decided to make that my goal for today, my dad's bday celebration. As you know I went to the football game on Sunday and after weighing in last Friday at 191.6, I had gone up two pounds. Well today they brought out the CLAPPER... I weighed in at 188.4!! I actually grabbed the clapper and shook it myself.. there's a good visual for you, tall blonde waving around a noisy stick!
So that puts me at a 31lb loss and I met my goal. Thank goodness I passed on the Skor bars ! So I am dancing all over the house and excited for the first time in MANY years about actually getting dressed up and going out. For the longest time I've dreaded having to put on anything and head out with friends, family as I was always the biggest one there.
May I just take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you. Without this board and I am 100% convinced it would not have been possible. You have all been supportive over the gains, talked me off the ledge a few times and ALWAYS make me laugh. I hope we can continue to motivate and inspire and to all the newbies, the plan does work but it's the women on here that help you to make it work.
My heaviest was 251 lbs and I just found a lovely photo I'll post for you later today. Off to see jealous hubby as he is wondering why I came straight for the computer when I came in the door... sorry this time the girls came first.

Thank you!

PS CASSI... WAY TO GO ON ONEDERLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim - Between the visual of your house, and the shop, drink, shop plan, you have me just about peeing my pants this morning. Which I guess is good because I want everything possible out of me before WI at noon. TYPE MORE!

Katie - Your rationale sounds very logical. It would explain why it was easier for you to lose over the summer months. Crank that heat, girl and hang in there!

Kristen - WOO HOO! WTG! You are doing such an awesome job. When you post the big picture, how about snapping one before you go out tonight and posting that too?

So I have a cute little story

My boys are 2 and 4. Adam is 4, Andrew is 2. Adam is pretty patient with his brother for the most part, but does get tired of him from time to time. Andrew idolizes Adam, and follows him like a lost puppy. A couple of months ago, Adam made a picture (it had no rhyme or reason, just looked like scribbles to me) and he asked me to hang it on his bedroom door. They share a bedroom. Anyway, as I was hanging it, I asked him to tell me about his picture. He said, very matter of factly, "It says, NO BROTHERS ALLOWED!!!" I thought I would die laughing.

So, today, Adam was trying to cuddle up with some blankets and watch cartoons, and Andrew kept attacking him. He was very frustrated and said......."MOM, I need a sign!!! I was like, what are you talking about???? And he said, "MOM, I NEED a sign that says no little brothers allowed in the family room so I can just watch my toons!!!" All I could think was.......oh, son, if only it were that simple!!!

Ok, it is only 11 degrees here in Sunny St. Louis today!!! You know, I moved from Wisconsin, left all of my family, and the one trade off that used to make me feel better about it was the warm winter. Whatever. I could have this back home, plus coffee with my mom and sis!!!

Before I forget.......again.......welcome to all of the newbies and returners and lurkers who have come out to play!!! My hats off to you for getting serious about the program at this time of the year. Even though there won't be a huge WL before Christmas, it is so nice to feel in control of you life again.

My family doctor said this of quitting smoking, or losing weight.......(and I am paraphrasing here.....), "Sure, I can help you quit smoking and overeating with medications and plans, but the bottom line is, you have to find out what it is about you that would make you take sub-standard care of yourself and risk your health like that. When you figure that out, and change the way you think, that is when you will truly change your habits for life." What a smart guy, huh? I am still working on the change in thinking........but I am getting there :)

Juliemarie.......do you prefer Jules? I was wondering because of your blog. I think your name is beautiful. Have they given you any indication of how long this adoption process will take? I am curious. Ok, nosey! LOL! A childhood friend of mine, who I am not super close to anymore, is in the process of adopting a baby from Vietnam also. My mom e-mailed pictures of the baby yesterday. It got me thinking of you, and then I started thinking, what a small world.......one of my LAWL friends is also adopting a child from Vietnam.....I wonder if there is any significance to that? Is Vietnam more cooperative than other countries with adoptions, or is is a mere coincidence???

Joni......sorry to hear about your MIL. Winter always seems to bring ill health, doesn't it? I hope all of the insurance mess works itself out without too much stress for your MIL. That is the last thing she needs to be worrying about. This is a huge national problem.......health insurance. It is like an illusion. You feel confident because you have health insurance......but it doesn't cover any of the services you actually need.........and some dude in a suit that does not have a medical degree, who sits behind a desk, gets to decide if you get to have the treatments you so desperately need. And you, your doctor, and family stand there with your hands tied. Oh, boy, I will try to climb down from my soap box. This issue really upsets me. Can you tell?? But, truly, I hope you, your MIL, and your DH don't run into too many obstacles, and your MIL fares well through all of this. :hug:

Cassi..........sorry if I have been spelling your name wrong.....I don't really know if I have been or not..........but i probably have. WTG on the cookies and chips.....they are two of my worst temtations!!! Especially when I am crabby.....and today.........I am crabby. I think TOM is right around the corner..........cuz I want to eat everything in sight.......home scale was up a pound, and I just want to snap everytime my kids have a conflict. Guesss I better go eat breakfast before I end up on a TOM binge.

Pearl......love how you love your man!!!

Evette......wow, you must have about died when they told you your new ring size!!!

Kim........are you still playing, or did you decide to actually clean and decorate your house???

Everyone I missed.......I will catch up with later. I have already wasted a lot of good work time here playing.........well, I should't say wasted.........you know what I mean.

Have a POP day everyone :) Good luck at WI..........I am going to go in the a.m.........

Kim - Between the visual of your house, and the shop, drink, shop plan, you have me just about peeing my pants this morning. Which I guess is good because I want everything possible out of me before WI at noon. TYPE MORE!



I did that just for you, Cassi - we want to to be an official resident of Onderland!

The drink, shop, drink thing is somehting DH and I really look forward to each year (he is like Father christmas himself) It makes those presents purchased later in the day quite interesting!!!! (just kidding - we really don't get out of control) Then, we usually go to the movies at night.

Kristen - Congrats!

Michelle - I had a great relationship with MIL until her dh died and shortly afterward, we got our germ. shep. For some reason, she decided that because of the dog, she wasn't coming here anymore. It really has hurt the relationship between my boys and their grandma and I worked for years to make that relationship work by making memories for my boys with her. It's really sad what she'd done. At first, they missed her on holidays but now, their attitude is it's her loss! And the funny thing? She and her dh had boxers all my dh's life! So it's not like she's afraid of dogs or anything and we offered to put ours up while she was here if that was the case. I used to be the daughter she never had, now she's the grandma we used to have!

Joni - it's cold here too! The wind was ferocious last night! :yikes:

Evette - your tracker is actually "touching" your goal!!! You must be soooo excited!

Kristen - I'd day that was a definite NSV!!! Way to go girlfriend!

Cassi - We're celebrating our 22nd anniv in April and to be honest, we have renewed our vows with the birth of each of our sons, a recommitment to our family and to each other. So, to be honest, I'd like to have this a sort of intimate personal thing - just the two of us. I'm thinking maybe an overnighter somewhere with one of our date nights... it's a long way away, so I'm still in the "thinking" stages... (and you know how hard THAT is for me sometimes!)

I can't imagine your Santa night going down the tubes like that! OMG!!! Man, I can't understand training someone to do a debit and not be able to do a credit on a card!!! What are they thinking??? Talk about dropping the ball! (Of course, there is a charge for each transaction and so that could be the "thing"... offer the customer something to keep from having to pay for another transaction! Good Grief!

Katie - I'm not so tough, I was just in pain and wanted that thing off!!! Besides, I had to get back to work! :) I still have those rings and I still have the scar they left when they cut into my finger!
I'm inspired by Ulanda's working out too and your desire to do so... so why don't BOTH of you do a little for me!?! Okay, it was just a thought...

I remember now that I left off one major thing about my rings... My finger was swollen because I was pregnant with my first son and I didn't know it!!! In fact, I was three months pregnant before I finally went and got a test done! (My mother had ovarian cysts with some of the same symptoms, so I ASSUMED that was the problem)
So, it really is a great memory and one of the many funny stories of my family life...

Kim - you know it will all come together just in time for the party! I love the shopping day! My dh hates to shop, so it would not behoove him to even try it - although he loves to shop at outlet malls and we both love kitchen/gourmet shops... it's a shame the boys don't need a kitchen appliance for Christmas!

Katie - Your "R" factor is getting lower and lower! (that's the insulation measuring gauge!) I can relate to the feeling "cold". I about froze at church last night and I was there working for 5 hours. Finally went out to the van and sat there almost an hour with the heat on high waiting for ds to get back - but I finally got warm!

Kim - CONGRATULATIONS!!! :whoo: I'd say the ladies there were glad to see you swinging that clapper instead of a bat!!!

:wave: Hi Everybody and :welcome: Newbies!

So much to read. It's really tough to keep up with this board - its soo busy here. This is one of the reasons I fell off before, but look what happens each time I leave - Chicks - confession time: I signed up at LAWL almost 2 years ago. My goal date was a year ago October and I am not even close to it. I have been losing and regaining the same 30 lbs for almost 2 years. My birthday is one week from today, and here is my resolution: I am starting fresh, TO is next weekend. I will reevaluate going into the COD because I am truly fed up with them (but moreso with myself). I will get to goal next year. I've been praying and praying for focus and the ability to keep my eyes on the prize long enough to keep me away from the fridge. Sometimes I'm strong, obviously many times I am so weak. BUT I will not give up. Here's to another year :cheers:, I will be successful this time.

I started out reading all of the new posts since I was last on, but man there is a lot out here, so y'all, forgive me if I don't address everyone. I'd love to get to know those of you I still don't know. How's this for a start :grouphug:?

I DO see Cassi in Onederland!!!! :cheer: :goodscale :woohoo: :cp: YAY CASSI! Way to go Lady! Would that I only had one iota of your determination, but I'm getting there! YAY YOU!!!!!!!!!

Joni - I am praying that your MILs situation works out. What a heavy burden for someone to have to carry. Thank God she has such a great support system in place. Please keep us posted.

To Everyone - :goodvibes here's some positive vibes for you, me and anyone else who can use them. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Carm

Carm no need to feel bad about confessing. I was on LAWL from Nov 2003 to summer 2004, then again in 2005, took off from summer 05 to fall 06, and am now back on. My file at the COD is about 2 inches thick. This time it is sticking, and I have to attribute it to this site and my great new cyber friends, who I have learned more from in the past three months than any of the times on LAWL before.

Carmen don't allow the chattiness of this group stop you from posting!!! Just read a page or two when you can and check in with an update on yourself a few times a week for those of us addicted to this site, otherwise we worry where you are and how you are doing and that leads to longer posts!

As far as the falling on the cookie wagon, it sounds like you found your way to the veggie platter....you will do this, you can do this, you ARE doing this!

HI all I just got back from my COD and I was down 3.4, I'm sooooo excited. The girl was like how did you do this. She thought I was doing the take off, but I told her I wasn't doing it til M/T because tonight is my work X-mass party! I told her that I was 100% on plan and drank all the water plus a little... And the xmass party has my two of my all time fav foods calamari and baked stuffed shrimp, I'm gonna tried to restrict myself to just a couple bites of calamari and one baked stuffed shrimp. After I the weighed in today it gave me the will power to NOT eat a mound of calamari and multiple baked stuffed shrimp, like I would have if I hadn't gone back to LAWL on tues.

Congrats ladies on your losses:D And keep moving:carrot:
Have a nice day all
Monique

Carm- Thanks for sharing your committment with us. I really needed to hear that. You know you can do this. You know you want to do this, so lets do it!

Kristen- That is wonderful news! Way to stick to it so well!

Nicole- Cute story about the kids. I need to post some mental signs that say things like "NO NEGATIVE FEELINGS OR THOUGHTS ALLOWED" and "NO CRAVINGS FOR CHOCOLATE ALLOWED".

Pearl- Too bad about your MIL. Our dogs have hurt our relationship with our inlaws too. They don't like dogs, or animals in general, and they used to come over and be mean to our dogs. One time my MIL chucked our little mini dauchsund off the couch and she landed on her back on the hardwood floor. I was furious. That is as offensive to me as coming over to my house and being mean to my kids. They are not allowed at my house anymore because of that, and because they are so critical of my housekeeping. Oh, well. Their loss, huh?

It is so slow here at the daycare, I can hardly believe it. I only have 2 staff members well enough to be here, and 15 kids so far. Crazy. I actually don't have much to do right now. That is a good feeling.

Oh, Monique, what a great loss! Congrats!

Hello everyone,

How are you all doing today?? It's freezing cold outside. I am having a pretty good day so far however.

I haven't had a chance to read up on all the post this morning. So if I miss something, I will try to go back and catch up later.

This morning at the COD, I was down 1.6! I am happy about that, but was hoping for more because I did FF on Wed/Thurs. I also found out that the maximum that I could exercise without changing my plan would be 5 hours. I have created an advanced rotation for myself, but it goes over the 5 hours allowed a week. I believe at my age that exercise is a key factor to losing and maintaining weight loss, so I think I may have to just sacrifice slower loss and incorporate my new workouts.

Cassi, the new Turbo Jam workouts are a great addition to the ones that she already produced. It's a funny thing because before I purchased the first one, I dreaded exercise. Now I totally look forward to it. It's definitely worth a try if you are looking for something fun that will give you a good sweat.

Kim, I don't know why I got the new ring to be honest. Our 15th anniversary was in July and we were suppose to take a trip, but because he took ownership of a new business, he could really leave at that time and we really couldn't afford it. So he gave me this song and dance about how he was sorry that we didn't go on vacation and that we didn't have the party that I was hoping for. He told me that I deserved the best and gave me a new 2 carat nothing but diamonds. I think it's beautiful and it was totally unexpected. This is my 3rd ring. We got married really young he was 19 and I was 21. He was in the military at the time and said he couldn't afford much. I really didn't care because the ring I had was very senitimental to me and I knew he chose it with lots of love, he was in Germany at the time. I still have it, but I traded the 2nd one, because I couldn't see having three rings. I told him, I didn't think we could go up from here.:)

Well, I have lots of errands to run, I will check back with you all later.

Have a great Friday!!

Pearl is right, Monique....your smile is contagious........congrats on your loss!!! WTG!!!

Hey everyone! TO is finally over...and I am down 3.2 pounds butt naked. I am going in for WI today at COD, hopefully, they can find my folder this time!!!
Joni - I am so sorry about your MIL having going through similar circumstances 12.5 years ago. I know that the power of prayer and positive thinking works and I will be using it for your MIL.
I am still getting used to the personals and will try to respond when I get it together.
Cassi - Santa can be a pain at the malls during the holidays. I think there should be a timer set so that after 2 minutes an elf throws you out. How much more money would they make if the could do this? Subway - owned a restaurant once in a mall and employees at minimum wage can be very aggravating. I guess you get what you pay for. Hope today goes better.
Dinner party tonight - woohoo. Saving fruit and starches for beer and wine.:carrot:
Have a great weekend if I don't get back sooner!

You girls are cracking me up today; Katie with her nono stick; Nicole's stories about "no boys allowed" signs; Kim's home improvements/decorating visuals and secrets on how to survive Christmas shopping.

Thanks for all the well wishes for my MIL - she really is a sweet gal, but funny you all should talk about this, she isn't a real dog lover either, but I have actually seen her snuggled up on the couch with Charlie (75 lb boxer) and unconsciously petting him. Nothing beats snuggling up on the couch with my furkids (remember, I don't have real ones). DH is fun to snuggle up with, but he's not always home due to work.

Congrats to all the losers, including me!! I was down 1.2 lbs today! They have clappers, but they didn't come out, which was fine with me. My fav counselor is leaving on Tuesday to go help run another Center. I'll miss her, but understand it's closer to her house. I mentioned to COD that I had not been this low in I don't know how long. I've now lost the magic 10% they often talk about at WW, but which I never achieved in the last ten times I joined that program. So, this is working for me, and not only is is the program, but it's all of you. A big hearty thanks.

Congrats Joni :woohoo:

Weigh to go Joni! Congrats on your loss.

Monique – WTG on the loss! You’re going to do great on this program.

Katie – Print this out – NO NEGATIVE TALK, NO STINKING THINKING! I know things are rough right now, but when I first came to this board, seeing your loss made me think that this was doable. I KNOW you can do this!

Ulanda – The loss is great! You probably didn’t lose more because you did unlimited. But I would gladly take a 1.6 loss for two days!

Nicole – Love the newest avatar! Such a handsome DH you have too. I loved the story about “no brothers”. Gotta love how sweet and honest kids are at that age.

Kytravelbabe – GL at the party. Stay strong!

Joni – WTG! Keep this up and you won’t be mailing that prize anywhere!

Carmen – I know you can get it together and get this weight off. I’ve noticed that when we post, we lose. Even if you don’t post personals to everyone, tell us how things are going. Just getting it out there and reading will keep you motivated. I know these ladies here help me more than any COD!

As for me – WI brought me down another .6. That means COD weight is 201.2. Still waiting for COD Onederland. Hoping and praying to get there next week. And the newest counselor at the COD actually is an old counselor from 2 years ago who just started back. LOVE HER. She was great. And knowledgeable. And that probably means she will be gone in a month. LOL.

Check in later…

Welcome Kelli,

A great bunch of ladies here. This program does work.

Jackie

Congratulations on your loss, Joni

Jackie

Carm,

This is my third time on LAWL. That's why I've posted my highest wt. in my signature. I've never given up! I've been on different diets since my first time at LAWL. I was even signed into a hospital program to have my stomach stapled! But, fortunately, I didn't go that far. So, back to LAWL. I get discouraged, too because I have so much weight to lose. But, if we don't deal with it, we just gain more. I wish there was an easier way, but I haven't found it yet.

Anyway, welcome back.

Jackie

Monique,

Congrats on your loss. Way to go!

Jackie

I am so proud of all you gals that are continuing to lose--week after week after week!! WOW. I just have to say congrats to you all--nothing else to contribute--still icky and I don't want to pass it along to you guys--lol.:bb: :headache: :tired:

I have 6 boys that have passed the :censored: monster :devil: stage today and will be lucky to survive me and my own bad attitude today!:nono: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:

Lea Ann - Yikes! I am stayin' clear of Texas!:yikes:

I will be nice to you--you are older than 13!!!;)

Carmen - I agree with all - Stay out here and if you can't post personals - then don't! I think just being out here and posting some of what YOU are going through will help keep you accountable and there's not another group anywhere that want you to succeed more than we do! ;)
Grace sister - Grace!

First of all:
:welcome3: to Jackie to the forum and coming out to play, this is a great forum.

:welcome3: Kelli. This is a great group for support! I must say I love your furkid. As Joni mentioned, there are quite a few dog lovers on the site, so you are in good company.

Pearl-Great news with the MIL! I love that whole story of getting new rings. Very romantic. He is definitely a keeper.

Joni-Good thoughts going to your MIL.

Kristen-Boy, does that cheesecake sound absolutely yummy. What a great NSV, I am not sure I would have been that strong. A big :woo: :cp: :dance: for meeting your goal! WTG chickie!

Cassi-What a great NSV, a really good example of not caving into eating off plan when you are PO’ds with the situation.

Carm-Do not feel bad for starting over, it I had a dollar for every time I had started over on losing weight, I would be retired by now in Barbados ;). You are here now, and have re committed yourself which is a big step.

Monique-Great loss! :woo:

As for me, I am here and now extolling the virtues of lemon water. I have been drinking it for the past two days along with TO, and I lost 3.4 lbs in two days. A big loss, so I may see a natural gain on Saturday, but I am happy nonetheless. Thank goodness no WOOHOO stick at my COD.

:dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust:
:dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust:
:dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust:

I just got a package at work from one of my vendors....

an 8 pound tin of Hersheys miniatures!

It has been moved to the other end of the building:yikes:

Wow, Lee Ann..........6 naughty little boys to tame........and I thought I had it bad today. There is something about little boys in number.....LOL! My boys crack me up, constantly, but they NEVER STOP MOVING!!! If I survive them, it will be a small miracle. I am starting to get tired, ya know.......

And Cassi.......WTG on your loss. I am supposed to WI today, but I am going to wait until tomorrow morning so I can go without kids. Since I have decided to go only once a week for now, they seem to make my visits a bit more involved.

Ulanda........I just wanted to share with you, that when I did a fast forward, I dropped 3.4 pounds.....however, it did not all stay off that week......like sooo many of us experience with a TO. I did mine mid week, and when I went for my regular COD weigh in, I had lost just over 2 pounds for the week, which is less than I had lost on the TO alone. It usually balances out for everyone........a pretty decent loss after TO, and then a slight gain within the next day or two. So, I am thinking the TO worked just fine for you :) Keep up the good work, and the great attitude!!!

Jackie......nice to see you posting.....Cassi is right, the posters are often the biggest losers :) Like.......

KRISTEN..........OMG.......you are FABULOUS!!! You, my dear, keep me encouraged like you wouldn't believe. You started about a month before I did, and when I see your incredible results, I feel I can go on!!! Please do post a new picture of yourself soon!!!

Ok, I am off to Kohl's........they are having some big sale that starts at 3:00, and I am afraid I may have to fight some old ladies for a gift they are advertising. I can't say what it is, cuz my DD may see this......:) Talk to you all soon, if I don't get arrested at Kohl's that is :)

Had to edit to say......Congrats, Carol.......that is a great loss!!! WTG!!!

And KIM...........now that just plain SUCKS!!!!!!!!! That's like a fat girl's dream come true........especially this one's, as I am PMSing hard core!!!!!!!!!!!! You will be ok. Just keep that s*** on the other side of the building, and then give it to someone who helps you out a lot at work :) Good luck............and stay strong!!!

wow.......looks like everyone checked out early today........i have a story about my shopping experience, but i will fill you all in later.......i have to go do more shopping :)

It's awfully quiet tonight. I am not very good with the picture stuff, but I put a picture in my profile of my new wedding ring. The only thing is you can't see it full on. I will try and get a better picture of it.

Nicole, I did a little shopping today as well. It was crazy out thre.

I went to my work Christmas party and I ended up leaving early. I don't drink and I don't judge those that do, but some of the spouses to my co-workers I had never met and they are really rude, they should never drink if that is the way that they behave. I am the only person of color in my workplace and I guess they didn't know that. I would never treat anyone that way, no matter what. So it should be rather interesting what the co-workers will say on Monday.

All in all, I am really hurt!

Have a great night everyone.

Ulanda: Your ring is beautiful!

I went to my center today. I lost another pound since Monday. I stay at my boyfriend's house on the weekends. I've been doing great. However, he is cooking sausage and I'm weakening. What the heck, maybe I'll splurge. I'll let you all know later what happens. For now, I think I'll go change my ticker.

Jackie

P. S. Congratulations to all you losers.

Barb, Thank you very much! I really, really like it a lot!

I am going to figure out how to post pics to my profile and I will post some of my wedding dress........

I had a good day today. I went out to eat with my stepfather for Breakfast and did NOT follow a plan. I had eggs benedict and hash browns. I did get my water in and I did work out. I dont feel guilty about it b/c it was GOOD..

Phil got the menu for tomorrow. There is alot of fancy foods on the menu hopefully I can stay POP tomorrow night as much as possible. I did make some soup I saw on hungry girl it is all veggies and I plan on having a bowl of it before I leave to help fill me up. There is one thing they are serving tomorrow night Salmon stuffed with crab and lobster. I WANT to have that!!

Kelli: Did you get the plan yet? Who is the doggie in your avatar? What a beauty! I remember doing the express. I hated it and I had a headache! You get passed it and you will be eating well soon!

Kim: Winter is here too although today was nice. It is so weird that it was like 50 degrees last week. I like liquid fruit LOL. how did the shopping go?

Kristen: WTG on your loss!!!! You are doing great keep up the great work!

Nicole: What a cute thing that your son said!

Monique: down 3.4 that is so great!

Ulanda: WTG on your loss as well! We seem to have alot of successes this week!! I love seeing them!

kytravelbabe: How did the WI go at the COD? I hope well!

Joni: :) on the WI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cassi: :) to your loss also!

Jackie: Your loss is great too!!

As I said before we are doing so well and think we are doing this with Thanksgiving, holiday parties and Christmas here.. Lets keep it up!

Have a great night!







Hope you all have a great night!

My DBF just came in the room and I showed him my ticker. He looked at my goal weight and said that it's too low. I'm 5'5". I don't think that it's too low, do you? He said, "If you get that skinny, I'll start feeding you in your sleep." Well, I'm not going to worry about it now. My goal date is January 2008. He has over a year to get used to my wl.

Jackie

I am 5'3 and my goal weight is 135.... See how you are feeling when you get closer.

Ulanda - Your ring is beautiful! And I'm so sorry for the party. People can be such morons. And if it had something to do with any off-color (pun intended) remarks, I am doubly sorry. Some people just haven't evolved yet I guess, and it makes it so much harder for the rest of us.

Barb - Can't wait to see the dress. I love hearing about wedding plans and seeing pictures.

Jackie - WTG on the loss. How did the sausage temptation go?

Cassi - congrats on your loss......ohhhhhh.......what a great Christmas present for yourself to watch that scale move!

Ulanda - Nice bling!! You and your DH obviously have a wonderful relationship; so refreshing to read about.

Kim - I went to get some Will Power Dust and they say it's backordered until next week; seems someone bought them out. The nerve!! Right now I'm thankful I'm not in the office getting, seeing, smelling those goodies. Plain old hershey's chocolate is one of my favorites. I must admit, though, I actually have some big chocolate bars here at the house and haven't touched them in the last few days. That is a huge NSV for me.

Busy weekend, so I probably won't be around much; hugs to all and be strong!