Maintainers Chat: October 6 - 12

[Meg]

Good morning! It's a big mug o' coffee morning, for sure. I was in Atlanta last week for DS's last race of the season and we just got home last night. So it's Back to Reality day and that means back to clean eating and exercise! My weight is up a few pounds as it usually is after a trip, but a few days of water and calorie counting should get rid of it (I hope!)

Volkswagen had a lovely banquet for the drivers and their friends and family on Saturday night, so I had to make the quick switch from pit clothes to formal wear (I think I got it all straight!). The first course was a salad of asparagus wrapped with prosciutto with a balsamic dressing, dinner was salmon, a little filet and some roasted veggies, and dessert was a decadent chocolate cake, but I only took a few bites. It's true that all the flavor is in the first bites and after about three, it all tastes the same. So I put my fork down. All in all, not too bad, I don't think.

Now that we're home, we have no food in the house, so I need to plan some meals and stock up. Is anyone else missing summer fruit? I love apples but wasn't ready to say goodbye to the good local fruit yet. Perhaps I need to look through my fall recipes and switch to pumpkin custard and soups ... that sounds tasty.

Along with switching meals, it's time to do the summer/winter clothes swap. With the economy the way it is, I don't think I'll be doing much clothes shopping this year. But isn't it great when you pull last year's clothes out of the closet and they still fit? It's not like I NEED any new clothes! I just have to stay out of the stores so as not to be tempted.

Speaking of stores, I have to go to the mall today to pick up my computer at the Apple store and am wondering if there will be Christmas decorations up yet?

Lisa, congratulations on your first anniversary of goal! I know that you'll be there once again, maybe by the time the second anniversary rolls around. Your love of running got you there the first time and will do it again.

Pour your coffee (I need to fill up my mug too) and let us know how you're doing today.

[Mudpie]

Good morning all ! Got my tea, and am going to do my yoga workout after this post.

I am over the post-vacation slump so so more whining .
Got on the scale this morning and have 3 lbs. to lose post vacation. Not bad. Start counting the calories and cut back on the carbs and I should be back down to 131 by the end of October.

It's really fall here now. We just took the A/C units out of the windows and put the heat on this weekend.

Time to start making veggie stews, soups, etc. with all of the gorgeous fall produce out there. I tend to crave carbs in the fall/winter months so I'm going to try to have a mug/bowl of soup whenever that feeling hits. DH and I are commiting to cutting down on the diet soda, to reduce the amount of sweetener and carbolic acid we are consuming with each soda. He is also going to cut out coffee, which I had to do years ago.

I am not buying any Halloween candy until the day of the event. I ate the first batch so will not tempt myself. Halloween is my favorite holiday (even tho I don't have kids) and I decorate the house and dress up to give out the candy.

I did my first full out strength workout yesterday post-holidays and it felt good . My body really likes exercise, even though I walk all day and that makes me quite tired. I will continue with the 3 days strength/3 days yoga split and I think I'll try jogging again one day of the weekends.

I'm hoping to get my boat out on the Thanksgiving weekend for one last glorious paddle in the early morning quiet. Good for the soul!

Have a great week everyone!

Dagmar

[Kery]

Hello Meg, hello Mudpie, hello everyone.

I've thought about popping in for some time (can you believe I haven't logged in since March 25?!), so here I am. And since I can't possibly catch up on everything that has been posted since then, I hope that everyone and their beloved ones are fine, or at least as fine as possible.

I'm not going to regale you with tales of how I've gained back everything plus some, because there's simply nothing to tell. Hah. Seriously, going away for a few months proved a good decision in the end. Overeating happens, like it does for 95% of the people I know, but it's just that, and I'm in much better spirits than I used to be regarding all this. Oh, and I sooo agree with you, Meg: pulling out last fall's clothes from the closet and having them still fit is priceless.

Truth be told, I haven't been behaving "perfectly". Much to my dismay, my back problems kept me away from weight-lifting for months, and I haven't been able to find a good spot to go back yet, due to my heavy schedule (I won't be able to go 2-3 times a week, but one would already be pretty nice). Same for running, it was doing more harm than good. On the bright side, I walk and bike a lot (to work, to the campus, to Germany), and I've signed up for a stretching class, so I'm not totally inactive. Same with food: good days, bad days, days when I'm just not hungry, days when I don't care at all. That's life, I suppose. I think something has sort of 'snapped' in me back in August, when I spent a few days London—walking all day long, eating vegan sandwiches and Japanese food because it was easy to find along the way, being so busy that I didn't even think about food, unless it was 5 pm and I hadn't eaten anything since morning... I don't know why, but it got me suddenly reacquainted with the fact that I was not defined by the words 'eats all day long', and... well, it's weird. It's pleasant, too.

Most surprising is what's been happening in the past three weeks. I've passed my License degree in May/June, and therefore the present school year will be devoted to preparing for the national competitive exam to become a teacher; the written part is to take place in March, and if I suceed, there'll be an oral part in July. And so I was afraid that stress and all would turn to be a catastrophe for me (you know, cortisol 'the stress hormone' that makes you put on weight, late study snacks, bingeing...)... but so far, it's been just the contrary. I'm so busy learning very interesting things that I don't even worry about grazing, I'm not even so hungry, and for the first time in a long, long time, I actually don't care about 'finding something else to eat to make my meal last longer so that I can finish that episode on TV' and the likes. It's really very different from eight or ten months ago, and I wonder if the fact that our study program interests me from A to Z this year doesn't play an important role in that.

Of course, I know that if I end up losing a few pounds due to all the stress and work load, it won't be weight lost 'the right way'. This said, I still exercise, even if moderately, I still make sure to eat my veggies/proteins/etc. (I'm not living on cup-noodles and cookies, even if I indulge now and then), and it's probably better than gaining twenty pounds or so and being really miserable then (and broke: I too can't afford buying many clothes this year).

Well, enough mindless chatting for now. I'm going to try and read a few of the previous threads, to see what everybody is about these days (lunch break at the office is great for that when you don't have time the rest of the week ^_^). Once again, I hope you're all doing allright, and I'll try to come back here a little more often, at least in this thread.

[WardHog]

Good morning!

I am also back from my trip and ready to get back to reality. I worked out three times but ate poorly. Today I am going to the grocery store (after the gym!) and getting back on the plan.

I wouldn't have worn this last year -

[Mel]

Wow- You look great, relaxed and happy, Wardhog!

Kery- Welcome back! I was thinking about you a couple of days ago. I hadn't realized how long it's been since you logged on last. Congratulations for getting through the spring summer and now fall and all you've accomplished. How is your back now?

Welcome back to the real world, Meg! I guess you can put the grease stained jeans away for the season

I am really cracking down this week. I DID go shopping because unlike most of you, my winter clothes are too tight It broke my heart to buy a size larger, but I only bought a little because this chub is coming off!

Off to work....

Mel

[midwife]

Hi Kery! I'm glad you're doing so well. I was thinking about you a few weeks ago.

Nice pic, Ward.

Lisa, I know you will find a way to get back to running.

Hi, Mel! I have no doubt your smaller sizes will be loose soon.

Welcome home, Meg. The first three bites might have all the flavor but I still have the tendency to eat it just because it is there. I am a die hard member of the clean plate club....working on it!!!....but I control it by only exposing myself to things I can eat all of.

Moderation is still elusive for me.

I have been eating a lot of junk in the last 2 weeks. I think there is a generalized tension disorder in my little circle of life and I know I am stressed more than usual. Exercise has been spot on, which is probably my only redeeming behavior. Interestingly, the scale has not reflected my indulgences, but that might actually be a "bad" thing as I am "getting away" with pizza, ice cream, more pizza, more ice cream....Well, Saturday I decided I was going to get back on plan. If I can maintain with a diet of crap, surely I can lose by cutting it out and replacing it with healthy stuff.
So my house is filled with healthy foods and I was POP yesterday---it was my nephew's birthday party and I'd had a sandwich before we left for it. There was pizza, but I'd eaten my sandwich, so I steered clear. There was cake, but I wanted to be POP, so I steered clear. Had fun socializing, and there ya go!

Have a great week all!

[Kery]

Wardhog - Nice pic! You look great.

Mel - Thank you. I hope your little extra will go away soon, having to buy clothes one size larger is always disheartening...

The present year will be the worst in terms of work load, but I'm confident I can pull it off, which is probably true provided I keep in the right spirits. I still have back problems, but I've recently bought a new desk chair (the one I had was one of those cheap models for occasional use only, and I'm sure this didn't go well with me needing to sit for hours to do homework!). So I have hopes it's going to improve, at least a little. I also walk more than I used to, and it seems to help.

Midwife - Thank you too. That 'clean plate club' was exactly what we were discussing at work today, during the break. One of my colleagues is of Asian origin, very petite and lean, and she would need to gain a few pounds, so everybody is always pestering her about finishing her meal and all. Evidently it ended up in two opposed camps about cleaning your plate.

[LisaMarie71]

Meg - I wish I could fit into last year's clothes! I can barely leave the house because nothing fits and I threw away all my "fat" clothes!

Dagmar - You sound like you're in better spirits!

Kery - Welcome back! We've missed you! Congratulations on getting your license and good luck on the national exam.

WardHog - You look fantastic!

Mel - You'll be out of those one-size-bigger clothes in no time!

midwife - Congrats on getting rid of the junk and replacing it with healthy stuff. I need to do the same!

Ok, I jogged twice so far, for only 10 minutes at a time, so I'm slowly making my way back. The scale was down two pounds Saturday and back up three pounds on Sunday. I've always been the queen of fluctuations, so I don't even care. I'm not quite as concerned about the number right now -- I really just want to get back into a reasonable size of clothing and be able to run. That's it. My priorities have definitely changed.

I got very little sleep again last night. The baby was fussy and he really wasn't himself all day yesterday. He didn't smile and "talk" as much as usual, but this morning he was his usual self again. He's asleep on my stomach right now. You know, i hope it's not dangerous to have my laptop this close to him! It's not, right? Eek! He has his two-month appointment at the pediatrician this afternoon, and he'll have to get 4 shots.

[Sheila53]

Cool! I'm jumping in early so I'm able to actually read everyone's post. This weekend we spent our first night (now two!) in our new house. We have no carpet, and the dishwasher spewed water all over the newly laid floor, but I was able to cook a real meal and DH can do dishes by hand for a little while. We've still got one more room to paint before the carpet goes in, but that's a couple of weeks away. Today I'm going to the YMCA and see about joining--gotta get back to a regular workout routine.

Meg, congrats on doing so well at the banquet. The first three bites may have the most flavor, but I'm also compelled to finish it--especially if I've paid for it. Although I actually pay for it more later, KWIM?

Dagmar, taking out the A/C and turning on the heat makes it real. Time to say goodbye to summer.

Kery, so nice to see you back! It sounds like the stress level has gone down so much--that's wonderful. Congratulations on passing your license exam!

Wardhog--wow! You look spectacular!

Mel, you'll have that "chub" whipped in no time, I'm sure.

Midwife, excellent working staying POP.

Lisa, great news about jogging! This time next year, you'll be out running those 10 miles again. Hopefully you get to nap during the day while little Henry naps? He does nap, right? When he's in his teens, you won't sleep for different reasons. Four shots--owie! Do they still advise giving a little Tylenol before having shots?

Have a happy Monday everyone!

[the slim me]

Hi everyone, Lovely weekend here, nice and sunny and cool. Just like I like! Didn't get out and exercise as much as I wanted to, this pesky back is acting up again. Probably due to the cool weather that I love so much. But I did go for a few short walks and I lifted my weights. Better than nothing, I suppose.

Meg, it's always sad when the games/reaces are over and you are back to the daily routine. Soccer just finished but football is starting. After that, nothing for awhile. I will go through withdrawal. That is how we spend our time. Nice being able to open the closet door and find clothes that not only fit, but that look good on you! A big added incentive.

Dagmar, I had to laugh about your experience with the halloween candy. One year I had to buy candy 3 times because I kept eating it. Now I just buy stuff i don't like.

wardhog, You are looking good girl! All that hard work pays off, huh?

Keri, I have back problems too, so I can understand the problems that you have. But it is doable, as you have proven! By the say, nice to meet you!

Mel, I know you will get that weight back down. I'm working at losing again too. For the first time in 9 months i am above my goal weight. it happens, we just have to keep going.

Midwife, Me too!! eating too much junk since it turned cool. What is with this? I know I have to turn this around, and I know that you can too.

Make it a good day, Freda

[the slim me]

Hey, while I was posting so were Shelia and Lisa,

Lisa, I hate taking the kids for those baby shots. Must be done, but I still hated it. I took the grandkids too. Great job on starting running again. It all has to start somewhere, and 10 min is a good start. You'll be back in those clothes in no time.

Shelia, You got a new house? Congratulations!! How nice to be able to start from "scratch". The YMCA usually have really good programs. Hope you can find one that fits you.

[Kery]

Thanks for the welcome back everyone.

Lisa - Good luck with running. And I have no clue about the laptop things. Probably it's fine as long as you don't have it ON him?

Sheila - Actually, stress levels are worse. XD But I'd say they're more along the lines of 'good' stress—challenging and interesting, not making me feel miserable. When I remember how poorly I thought I had done on finals in May... actually not. So it's taken me two years, but I've finally acknowledged that I AM good, and that if I fail this year, well, it won't be for want of personal work, but just because the others are even better than I. I guess it's all in the mindset?

Freda - Nice to meet you too.

[Megan1982]

Hi everyone,

I had a pretty good weekend. I scored two end tables in nice wood, just need new drawer pulls, for $10 and a lamp for $2 at the community yard sale. I also got a $10 tube top that the girlfriends I was shopping with and I decided one of us should buy b/c it's so cute. It was nice to get "nominated" as slender enough to pull it off. I went to a play in the city yesterday with some friends and it was very good. I managed to convince them to stop at the "big" grocery store so I could stock up on a few of my staples so my fridge is restocked.

Regarding Halloween candy, I actually don't get tricker treaters, but my roommate worried the last few years that we might. She bought candy 2 years ago and we ended up eating it, no tricker-treaters came. So last year she bought mini cans of play-do. No tricker-treaters came, but we couldn't eat those. I probably won't bother with anything this year as I doubt any kids will come to my house but the toys worked way better for out waistlines. Of course I wouldn't want to provoke any toilet papering or egging of houses...

Kery, it's so good to see you! It sounds like you've found a good balance between mindful and healthful eating and not making yourself crazy about it. And how wonderful that your studies are going so well, too! I definitely agree that being busy with something you're very interested in is much more rewarding that being busy at something you dislike. Glad you're back.

Lisa, I don't think the laptop can hurt the baby! Of all the "cell phone radiowaves will give you cancer" type urban legends I've heard, I've yet to hear a single on about laptops. How exciting you've been able to start running!

Freda, we had a nice weekend weather-wise here too. I just love it when it starts to get a little cool. Some exercise definitely is better than none, yes!

Sheila, congrats on being in the new house. I'm sure you'll whip it into shape quickly. Maybe our home improvement goddess Lily could come help you (after she helps with my house, that is)...

midwife, way to be POP yesterday! Yeah, moderation eludes me too... where oh where is it?

Mel, well, the size larger winter clothes I bought last year still fit me, but the size down doesn't...still... I hear your frustration! Let's try and whip these silly few pounds off!

Wardhog, you look HOT!

Dagmar, it sounds like you're feeling more positive today. I'm glad. A fall paddle would definitely be nice.

Meg, I agree, I miss summer produce too! I love apples and pears but it is a sudden switch. At least citrus will be coming soon. Stores near me are already selling Christmas wares. What ever happened to waiting until the day after Thanksgiving?

I hope everyone has a great week!

[paperclippy]

Hi everyone! Coming late to the thread today. I can't keep up since work is busy!

Today is my 1-year wedding anniversary. To celebrate, DH and I spent the weekend in the country, in the middle of nowhere. It was really relaxing. Saturday we went hiking, 4.4 miles out and 4.4 miles back. The dog LOVED it! He ran circles around us, disappeared into the brush and came back soaking wet from a river/lake he found, chased bunnies and deer and mice and squirrels, and ran at top speed leaping over logs and debris and dodging bushes (his agility is amazing). He was so exhausted afterwards that he basically slept from the time we got home (1:30pm) through the night, then ran around some more the next morning, then slept from about 11:00am through the night, and this morning was back to his old self. He did cut his face right below his eye while tearing through the brambles, but we washed it and put neosporin on it, so hopefully it will be okay. He also has some scratches on his nose but doesn't seem to mind.

In any case, DH and I had some good relaxing "alone" time. Eating was pretty well under control too. Tonight we are defrosting one slice each of our wedding cake to celebrate. The whole top layer is pretty big and DH knows I'm trying to avoid junk, so we decided to save the rest until my parents come out in December.

[alinnell]

What a morning!!! DD called to say she went out with a friend yesterday and lost her wallet. Why she waited until this morning....and why she left it to me to take care of....I told her she'd have to take care of her driver's license herself. I was able to cancel her debit and credit cards, but she'll have to call later today to get them reissued. And, she has no money until she gets all the cards replaced (which usually takes weeks) so I had to wire her money. Thankfully she still has her school ID so she can pick the money up when it arrives. What a pain! I've never completely lost my wallet before. Once I left it at a restaurant, but I called and they had found it and put it aside for me so I just had to go back and get it. I hope she learns her lesson about this!

Kery~good to hear from you again!

Meg~I don't think I ever got that good of a meal any time DH was racing!

Dagmar~I'm glad you're back OP.

Ward~you look GREAT!

Mel~I'm so sorry your clothes are too tight.

Lisa~10 minutes is a great start to get back to jogging!

midwife~if you're a die hard fan of the clean plate club, get a smaller plate!

Sheila~congrats on getting settled in your new house!!!

Freda~hope your back feels better

Megan~great score on the furniture!!!

To anyone I missed~have a great day!