Good evening ladies.

I just got knocked off line after writing a LONGGGGGG post. Grrrr I will try again.

I had a wonderful weekend. My husband and I went and visited our daughter at college in Texas. We had a great time. We took her to a casino near by and she won $125. She was pretty happy. I ... on the other hand...lost $45. It was fun.

I am also PROUD to announce that I walked around the college campus. Walking usually just kills me... but I did it and never sat and rested once. It was exhausting and uplifting at the same time. A month ago I could not have done that.

My food was good all weekend. When we got home I made some poor choices but not illegal ones. I was just too tired to cook and I didn't want fast food either. So sloppy eatting instead. I need to be more prepared next time.

Thinthinker... I enjoyed your "behind" the scene of smilie... LOL LOL
I am glad you got to enjoy your son from college too.

Malia... as far as me being focused.... I AM !!
I spent years and years suffering.... and now that I am back on track I don't want to lose it again. BUT.... YOU CAN BE TOO !!!
I became dedicated.
I became determined.
I became commited.
I accepted progress instead of expecting perfection.
I became grateful for every step I took. Even if it was backwards. Instead of being mad I made a mistake.... I became grateful it wasn't worse.
I focused on the positive and refused to give the negative any power over me. When you do that.... there are no negatives.

Well friends... I have another group to go visit with. I will see you all tomorrow.
Since it is Soup and Salad Sunday.... here is a picture to fit.

I really miss you all on the weekend...I tried to put my computer back together and its trashed! I don't know what my BIL did to it but I can't even use my A drive to install the ethernet card I put in it and I bought a new modem and installed that and didn't even bother trying to install it! I sat there saturday morning and cried!! John was going to buy me a new computer but he wanted to leave the credit card open because we will probably have to pay the deductible on the car...which sucks! I'm going to talk to my mother and father and see if they can lend me the money for it! Either that or wait for christmas...John's dad usually gives us $1000 for Christmas. Or maybe I will just get someone to fix my poor 'puter!

Well....I'm glad to see some AWOl people back! We need you all whether you are doing good or bad! And you NEED to be here when YOU are doing not so good so we can help you out!!! I am glad to say that I lost 4 more lbs. Thats a total of 25 so far!! I am on a roll!!!! I am determined!! I am using the positive thinking that 2Cute has given us! I am psyched!! Thats like losing 2 10 lb bags of potatoes and 5 lbs of sugar!! I feel good!!!

Malia...I do 45 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes in the pool on Monday, wednesday and Fridays. I want to get off the weight I gained while pregnant and then from there I will do the machines for toning. Most of my weight is in the hips and legs too. I hate it!!

2Cute....see the difference already! Walking the campus without having to stop is a great accomplishment! And it gets easier and easier every time!! Its those little accomplishments we have to learn to appreciate along the way! They are our progress report!!

Thin...I love the smiley rear end!! LMAO!! The coke chicken sounds good. I am going to try it tomorrow. I am always looking for different recipes so I don't get bored. And John never knows he is eating healthy! Well he wants to....but he still piles the butter on his potatoes and stuff...he is getting better! Now if I could just get him to stop smoking!! Glad your honey is back...I hate being apart from mine too!

Andria...hope your knee is getting better!! I think I will skip the jumping when it comes time to have those things for my son's parties!! Well....maybe if I lose all this weight by then I might consider it...but by then I will be too old to jump!! LOL Keep off that knee and let it rest and heal!!

Well Ladies...I should get some work done!! I will be looking for you all today so come out and play!!!

In the meantime have a GREAT DAY!!! MIchelle

Good morning.

I woke up early this morning with plenty of time to get my swimming in but just kept procrastinating. I would talk myself out of going...then into going...then out of going and so on. Finally I said to myself... " Get your butt over there and swim." I procrastinated so long I could only swim 30minutes... but better 30 than none.

I guess that is my Monday Motivation....."You don't have to *want* to do it...just do it.
One of the most important things I tried to teach my kids was... somethings you just have to do whether you want to or not. Like clean their rooms, put up the dishes, go to school. Some days you will be more motivated than others. BUT...if you know it is something you have to do whether you want to or not... it is easier to accept. Just Do It.

Well.... I did it and I am glad I did. I didn't want to swim today but I accepted it as something that had to be done.
Now I am on to more things I don't want to do....like clean house and laundry. But I will be happy with the results I am sure. Have a great day everyone. And whatever you are procrastinating about this Motivation Monday.... I hope I have helped motivate you to JUST DO IT !!!

Only have a minute, but wanted to drop by.

Congrats 2Cute!!!!!!!

I lost 2 on Saturday, hoped for more, but glad for a loss.

Weekend wasn't great, but not as bad as usual.

Exercised this morning (walked). Been wanting to eat a lot today.....

Bye for now.

Hi everyone,

Back to work today. Didn't do well during work, but did very well after. I exercised right after (Richard of course ). Ate a healthy dinner, puttered in the yard, and finished sewing the chair covers. Next sewing project will be Christmas table cloths for every day use. After I finished writing, I need to dye the t-shirt for halloween and tidy up a bit. I wore my black skirt to work today. I felt I looked a little thinner until I caught a glance of myself in a reflection. Yikes. Not ready for primetime yet.

Thin thinker, thank you for the coca cola recipe. I'll try it out. I've been eating too much deli turkey. It's time for variety.

Keep on moving,
Malia

Where are all you chickiepoos??? Come out come out wherever you are!! Its lonely in here!!

Thin...I took my chicken out of the freezer this morning so I can make that coca cola chicken. I turned the ketchup bottle upside down so all the ketchup would be easily accesible tonight. I think there is just about a cup of it left! I have one can of regular diet coke in the fridge. I also have the new lemon flavored coke in there but I'll use the plain one for the recipe~!!

I didn't get to the gym last night...John worked too late...I really didn't want to go anyway..but I know I HAVE too! I really want to right now because I was cleaning out the clothes closet this morning and found my next size down jeans...I have black and blue ones in each size from 28 down to size 14...well I tried on the black ones and I could zip them up...so needless to say...I am wearing them today! I dressed them up with a black sweater, black boots and a black and white short tweed jacket. If they don't like my jeans then SEND ME HOME!! LOL I feel soooo good!! Now...to get this butt to the gym! Tomorrow night...I will be back on track!!

Hi to all....2Cute, Susie, Jen, Malia, Andria, Thin and anyone else I may have overlooked...memory is shot these days!!
Have a great day!

Michelle

Here I am and I have limited myself to one wash cycle to read and post. I just put a load of laundry in and as soon as that washer turns off... I am off of here too.
So .. I am writing this off line and probably won't respond to anyone today.

I got up early and did my swimming. I worked out hard today. I did lots of extra sprint like exercises to raise my metabolism. I worked out longer than an hour too. My Tuesday Tip is.... do some form of exercise the first thing in the morning. It really does get me going and makes me more productive the rest of the day. It can be as simple as wall push ups. But get yourself going first thing in the morning.

Also... feed your mind as well as your body. I know these are all repeats you have heard me say before....BUT THEY ARE WORTH REPEATING.
I have struggled for sooooo long and I just want to share what is helping me. I also want to hear about what is helping you.

Michelle... I can see how cute you look today. Isn't it a nice feeling when you go down a size. I jjust know you look fantastic today.

I am going to go read some more posts. That is part of my feeding my mind.
Oh...wait... one more tip. Halloween is just around the corner..... that candy is NOT worth it. Don't eat that junk. It is easier not taking that "one bite" than to try and control the whole bag. Learn from your past mistakes... stay away from that candy. It is truly POISON to a sugar addict. Take your recovery serious!!!! Just as we tell our children about drugs.... I am telling myself... JUST SAY NO.

Hi everyone, had a read through this thread and you all sound like really nice people

I need to lose around 70lbs and have already lost 7lbs but in 11 weeks I have been totally off programme for around 2 weeks and am really finding it hard to get motivated, I really want to lose the weight and really need a kick up the butt to get back on track. The weather is getting colder and I am finding it difficult to drink the required amount of water at the moment . I know I can do it, I am getting "encouragement" from my partner but when he asks if I did any exercise today I get annoyed with him, when he asks me "how much did I lose this week" I get annoyed with him, it seems to me that he just can't win Any help on getting back on track will be appreciated.

Thanks for listening

Bren...welcome to the group! You will get motivation and support here for sure....I am the official butt kicker here...thats how I get in some of my exercise!! LOL With the other half...just ask him not to keep asking you those questions....tell him you will report any good news whether it be exercise or weight loss and tell him to NEVER ask you if you are allowed to EAT THAT!! Just be nice and tell him that it hinders your progress when he does that...my other half NEVER asks me any of those questions...after weigh in he may ask me how I did but usually I beat him to it! Lately I have been on a roll....the key to my success is exercise...even if its just a walk around the block! Ya gotta keep your rear in gear!!

Ok enough of that....please post often...this is a great group...quite a funny bunch too...gotta keep the humor! It makes the journey that more enjoyable!

Have a great day..you all better come out and POST!

Michelle K

Welcome Bren... we are glad to have you join us.
Motivation.... that can be tricky. I often ask myself... why am I motivated today but not a month ago?? I don't know the answer to that.... I only know I kept reading everyday... even when I was into eatting the wrong foods... and I got out of high carb foods and it finally clicked for me. So far ... so good.
What motivates one person may not affect another at all. Just keep reading and posting and hopefully you will find some motivation here. We are glad to have you join us.

Michelle.... I don't know where everyone else is.... but.... we will just keep posting and wait patiently for everyone to return on a regular bases. I read the "Big Book" of Alcohoics Annoymous and the founder of that organization went around sharing his story everywhere. He came home to his wife one night and said to her... " I haven't helped one person stop drinking in all of these months sharing my story". But... he kept himself sober by doing so. That is my motivation for coming back day after day.... whether anyone posts or not. I am keeping myself sober.... or rather eatting healthier.

PLEASE dont think I am saying no one else posts.... I am not saying that. I am saying that Michelle and I seem to post a lot more often. LOL. I guess we need to get a life.

Well.... one more day under my belt. I am happy to say I need to take a notch in on that belt too.
See you all in the morning. Happy Halloween !!!

Happy Halloween ,

Hi Bren, welcome. I'm also in a need of a kickstart too. I lost about 8lbs in a month's time and have been at a stand still for 2 mos. It's frustrating and I need to get cracking from now to Thanksgiving. I have all the necessary tools and support from this website, but I've been slacking. The greatest thing about 3fc is I'm aware of my weight on a daily basis.

I'm sorry it has taken me longer than usual to note my day's achievements. My computer was being repaired (touchpad) and I came home from work to find the keyboard didn't work. The repairman has to return and fix things. They suggested I get a backup keyboard. Voila! $14.95 later, I have a another computer gadget. I didn't realize what a bottomless pit this computer is. The wish list is endless.

Tomorrow is a new day. Walmart's grand opening. I got my costume ready. Makeup is a big ? Didn't find much examples of a cat face on the web. Wish me luck. It'll be embarrassing. I dressed once before as Pippi Longstocking. With wires in my braids and freckles. The customers thought I was funny looking. I had to change jobs and sit in the lobby at the front desk all by myself. Hopefully, I'll stay at my job tomorrow. I work side by side with a coworker.

Treats to you all,
Malia

I know you are out there reading!! Come post with us! I love reading how everyone is doing and to know that I am not alone struggling! Even though I have been losing lately its still a struggle NOT to put things in my mouth that I know I shouldn't have or that I really don't want but its there...like the chocolate candies in the candy jar on the filing cabinet here in the office!

2Cute....this thread is part of my life...without it I know I wouldn't be doing half as good as I am. I struggled since the end of july until I joined this thread...with the help of you all I am on a roll for now! I will post and post and post and beg you all to come out because it keeps me away from the food! I'm glad you are posting with me, you are inspiring! And...I get a laugh or two or three from you on a regular basis!!

Malia...sounds like fun dressing up for halloween at work. WE have party poopers here!! I said I was coming as my regular self today....a WITCH! LOL To get you jump started....why don't you just start the day as if it was the first day you started eating healthy....I go back to the first week materials of WW when I get into a slump and start like I was just starting again. Sometimes that helps...

Bren...come back and post...I promise I won't kick your butt too too hard!! At least not in the beginning!!

Ok you all...time to do something at work now..like read the newspaper before the boss lady comes in! I will check back later...have a great day!

Michelle

Hi everyone

Well did ok today, sort of I am still off programme but I did manage to do some exercise and drink my quota of water, which is a start, as I find that even if I just stick to the exercise and water, the rest of the diet will soon follow or shall I say healthy eating plan!

happy halloween, so much temptation, so little time

Hello All,

We just got back from a combination business/pleasure trip in Tennessee. What an absolutely lovely part of the country. I love the Smoky Mountains. There were parts of the area where we visited that made me feel that I had come "home". The people we met and got to know a bit were welcoming and kind. All my life I have wanted a un pretentious cabin in a woods not too near a town. The simple life suits me. When I was younger I thought I would want to be completely self sufficent....even cutting and stacking my own wood. Now I still would want a wood cook stove and very good working fireplace. ....but let the wood be cut and stacked by someone else!!

Also I don't plan on giving up my microwave and clothesdryer.....or Heaven forbid the computer!! I am serious enough to explore options about moving to the area. The DH is more interested in Colorado...I like the South. Wonder what will happen! Probably we'll never leave Minneosta!

I have been so HUNGRY and THIRSTY lately. Even getting up at night to eat something or to drink something b/c I am just too hungry or thirsty to sleep. The need to eat and drink is so strong I am physically uncomfortable! I forgot that the last time I felt this way I went to the Dr. b/c I was also feeling lethargic and moody and generally un well. At that time my blood sugars were very high. Nearly made my Dr. put me on Diabetic meds. I gave him my word I would lose weight and try to exercise and I did lose about 90 pounds. My blood sugars became normal. Even the test they took at the Dr's office after fasting...Well *duh* I have been having the same symptoms lately...especially the hunger/thirst pangs....and I do have high blood sugars again! This is a wake up call for sure! Nothing to fool with. Too many friends and relatives have had severe complications from Type II Diabetis caused primarily by being overweight. I HAVE to lose this weight. Even a small weight loss can make a positive change in blood sugars.

My point in all this is to have any of you reading this with simular symptoms please have your blood sugars checked. If left without treatment kidney / heart /eye damage can occur.

I sure don't want to come off as preachy! I am not the type....but boy when I realized just today how much worse I have been feeling and have been feeling such hunger pangs It came over me that I am in trouble! I NEED TO JOIN THE KICK IN THE BUTT GANG!!

Take care and welcome to Bren and all who are new...CONGRATS to 2cute for the teriffic loss!

Gotta Go...

I think I better start a new thread. With all of our pictures we are bound to run out of room on this thread and end up on page 2. I will be surprised if this one even makes it on this page.

Don't reply on this page. Instead go to the new thread.... #102.
See you all there.