Lemon Snow, rain, snow, and people coughing at night. Sounds like not the easiest time of year to be staying focused on weight loss! And I get what you mean about the difficulty of finding friends. I moved back to LA about five years ago to help out with my parents, and I'm an older mom since only my youngest is still school-aged, so I also find it really difficult to find friends. As far as the surgery-- yup-- once it's done, it's done. I have to say that I waited an entire year before I made my final decision because there is no backing out once it's done. The thing that has really surprised me more than anything is that it seemed so radical, and yet i just don't feel all that different-- the big difference is that there is just a limit to how much I can eat in a single meal. I'm in my mid-fifties and was starting to develop some health problems, which is what pushed me in that direction.

Jen: I'm gearing up to think about calculating my weight by month and weighing in less often. I have this weird fear that if I don't weigh every day that I'll cut little corners an delude myself about it and then be disappointed when I finally do weigh in, but I realize that that doesn't make a lot of sense because I know what I put in my mouth without any doubt, and with the daily ups and downs it does get into my head. I'm also a slow loser and I can't manage 10-12 a month either, but when you think about 6 or 7 a month that sounds like excellent progress-- as opposed to "a pound every once in a while" which is what I get.

As for me HUGE NSV :carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot: I sing in a church choir and there wasn't a choir robe big enough to fit me, so I had to put on the robe and leave it unbuttoned all across the boob area and then pull the white surplice over the top to cover everything. Boo. So, I haven't been there in about a month. I slip on the robe, start buttoning, and it buttoned all the way up! I didn't realize how much it was bothering me until it fit. HOORAY!

Uber: yeah for rockin a buttoned up choir robe! It’s great when all of a sudden you slip something on and you can close it - exactly what happened with my misses 16 jeans! Woot! Keep up the shrinking! So I’m guessing that once you hit your goal weight you will continue to feel full sooner and be able to stop and then maintain easier?

Jen: heck no, only in Wisconsin. Last year winter lasted through the end of April, as we had a convention on the other side of the state and through we had grass starting to green as we went across we saw 2” of snow. It’s just been so cold and so much ice this year I’m more than done with it!

Hello all!

Am: I’ll just start anew tomorrow. I have DH picking up fresh eggs (well how fresh are store eggs?!) and I’ll get some hardboileds ready for the week. I’m going to have a small glass of wine here in a bit. Our travels from the weekend are done. We had a good time, I ate too much - made a good soup today from the soup bones or cows cankles as I call them. They were awfully meaty and I added lots of veg. My worry was that it was too salty (bullion) but it turned out good. Dinner was drive thru on the road and a cheeseburger and fries - well not so good, but I split the fries with DH so I didn’t eat as many as I could. So tomorrow I will start fresh. The cold is about all gone. Kids HOPEFULLY will be to school tomorrow on time. And I can get a walk in, fast until 11 and get back on track and keeping calories low.

I’ll try to log in my weight tomorrow and hope I didn’t do as badly as I fear. As long as I’m under 230 I can deal with it.

Happy start to your new week!

Will try this again - my phone died mid typing and well you know how stable this site is with messages.

227

Yes, sadly my scale is tattling on me. But I know a few things - when I travel I do not go, that soda over inflates ME EVERY SINGLE TIME, and that I did not track my calories. And as a remedy, I will get back to the IF, avoid fast food (easy as I’m at home all the time) push my water, get to walking as much as my butt will allow me and track my calories. And I will see where I am come Friday. The good news is the weekend I should be good so no restarting from scratch.


Let me see, I don’t think I know anything great or profound this morning other than the suns out, I have a mountain of laundry and I think spring is on the way as my eyes are itching something fierce. Speaking of - what do you gals use for face and eye creams? My under eyes are looking seriously crepey and it’s not something I like. Part due to said allergies and probably wearing contacts - alas I’m in need in something affordable and good. I only have dark circles if I’m sick and crows feet I tend to say are my laugh and smiling lines. I had been reading on ROC products (I’ve used their night cream in the past) and I’d like to stay under $25-30 if I can (Midwest and budget frugality shining now). So let me know if you all partake and what might work for myself.

I would also like to plant some more seeds today. I’m having some luck thus far. And that makes me happy. If I can keep them growing well and be able to get them in planters and the ground successfully I’ll be pleased (and saved money). I need to also check what more I can get in milk jugs and outside. I ordered some tomatoes to get planted but that will be closer to end of March. I haven’t even looked what I have out there right now. Oops bad plant parent.

Ok I’m off to go melt and get back into my groove and say goodbye to the weight.

Happy Monday all!

Updated: y’all must be slower moving today and thats ok as it’s a Monday!

I got my walk in all 45 mins and today I had 5500 steps. So I’m happy i did so. I’m still on the IF window and will try to plan meals today and into the week. And hope I can be successful today and just get it moving OFF again. I will not let one weekend or two colds in a row derail me. I can do this - as slow as it goes with re-gain and re-loss and hopefully new loss. My goal is still to see the teens soon enough and then the 00s and onward.

Laundry is going and I’ve got plant babies to seperate and to plant up some
More seeds and see what I get. Yeah. Sun is still shining!

You know when you read news that pertains to your life or your area? Well seems that the road we took down about 35 mins after we drove down it there were a few fatalities. I was adamant the night before and that morning that we get on the road by 8 my DH was like we have time and I said no let’s go by that time. I guess my angels were giving me a nudge again.

Freaky.

Happy day all!

So…I lied. I didn’t come back after my hearing. Sorry.

Still no way to post a photo of my coat. My phone says there’s a security something-or-other missing? Eh. I’ll try emailing it to myself and posting from my tablet later. (Maybe I’ll hook my phone up to my office computer in violation of lots of IT rules and regs, probably.) I got a lot done on it this weekend. My shoulders were KILLING me after wrestling that heavy fabric into place over and over. I took it in quite a bit, so it’s more fitted and got the trim machine sewn and it’s hemmed. Now I have to finish the trim by hand. I’m sure there’s a way to do it by machine, but I don’t know it. It is not verifiably historically accurate in any way – but it’ll look medieval. That’s what matters. We leave the 10th of March and get back the 19th. I’m getting a bit excited here! :)

Uber! Super-Duper NSV!!! :carrot: I’m SO HAPPY your robe fit! I was so worried about that when I started singing in my church’s choir – though I knew there had been big men in the choir and I should be able to find something. But then I’m not blessed with bosoms – so it was okay.

Diane – I second all the Ughs on TOM. The ONE good thing about menopause. I second Jenni – maybe losing weight has regulated things? Irregularity of TOM is certainly one side-effect of excess weight for some people.

Jenni – 7 lbs a month is a great loss! Keep up the good work!

Lemon – Your soup sounded yummy! It’s been so long since I cooked with beef. We have a freezer full of venison to get through. I wonder what good broth bones cost at the butcher? I may have to check – it’s been ages since I made my own beef stock. I make chicken all the time – but not beef. Re: face products – I’m so cheap. I use Olay products. Not just Olay – but the WalMart Equate brand of Olay products. :lol: Some day soon I must bite the bullet and pay for good products. But nothing makes my circles go away anyway. No bags, some lines, but my skin is so THIN under my eyes you can see veins! I just try to keep the skin hydrated and call it done.

So…I really should work now. I have that to get done too…along with vacation planning. LOL It’s hard for me to concentrate on work these days. Hard to concentrate on diet too. Hubby isn’t helping. He keeps buying sweets and I have a huge sweet tooth when I’m tired and cranky. I have not weighed in a bit and plan on doing it again March 1. At which time we’ll see how my horrible eating habits have hurt my progress. I have no plans to think much about diet while on my camping trip, but I’ll get in a ton of walking, so not too worried there. But February? Even the surgery was no excuse to gain – which I’m rather sure I have. I could have eaten properly. I have not. My doing entirely.

But this month is almost over and when we get done with our vacation, we’ll be good to go again!

Lil: you made me laugh! It’s funny when we stop and find a new thing on our bodies to focus on. And this week it’s my eyes. Maybe I should get that crap they are hawking on an infomercial - the one where the spokesperson puts it on her dads bags? Well get this, I happened to be sitting right next to the tv over the weekend and as they brought dear old “dad” on in the small print at the bottom (like 10 pt type on a 42” tv) they said THIS IS NOT HER DAD. So who’s bags shrink in under 2 minutes? Haha! DH just rolled his eyes at me. So yes I need to find something.

In regards to your trim, can you put it on with a longer zig zag on top of the trim? Either using clear thread or one that will blend in? Just a thought. If it can be done through the center without having to hand stitch, maybe that will work.

I ate a huge breakfast. But I don’t mind because I usually don’t do a lunch these days and dinner I think we’ll do chicken and steamed broccoli and some sort of fruit. I did hop on the scale after my walk and went up .6 WTH?! So I came down and had my coffee and then my breakfast. Sure I’m a bit early today to my 18 hrs but I have been doing ok in the last even if it becomes 17/7. I just need to watch the calories of the weekend - that’s what is tripping me up.

So micromanage I will. Yuck!

I got the plant babies divided and hope they keep growing. I tried to be gentle but that doesn’t alwYs happen. I sent DH a text and asked him to come home with some more dirt. I have potting and top soil but I’m out of the promix, which I read is best if you don’t want to make your own mix. Who knows - if things grow and I can use in my landscape come spring we’re good.

Anyone watch RHOBH? Sadly (according to my DH - why do you watch this crap?) I do, but only this one anymore. I will have to agree with my DH that these can be craycray ladies especially how they are edited or told to act on. I don’t know what makes me watch. I certainly don’t have the zillions they do, I drive a clunker, and I have never traveled the way they do. But for some dumb reason I watch. And I have never been a fan of mean girls. Alas - it’s one small thing that I do.

My laundry is going but it’s totally slow today (I did towels first) and I still have more straightening to do but sitting on my duff is ok. I’m sitting with the sun on my shoulders right now - I feel like a cat sunning myself. It’s nice and reminds me spring is on its way here. I can’t wait! Remind me when I grumble that summer is too hot or humid :)

I’m off to be mindful some more today. And start my water for the day.

Good morning, all!

I have been so bad about checking in, so I'm going to give a thumbnail sketch of my currently-crazy life. I mentioned that my 22yo son had been hospitalized mid-January. He was diagnosed with bipolar, and his meds are still not right. So, he is delusional still, difficult, and needy. All in one. And I am freaked out that something serious will happen to him. Work is still extra-crazy. My husband and I had a huge fight two weeks ago that resulted in discussions about divorce terms. Things are (much) better now, but that weighs heavy. And my ex-husband, who is also bipolar, is convinced that "reunification" (i.e. getting back together with me) is the answer to all life's problems. (He does not know anything about my current marital issues, but claims to have evidence that my current husband is cheating on me.) My 14yo decided to come out as gender-neutral. My 20yo's long-time girlfriend broke up with him. And my daughter and son-in-law are trying to focus on new jobs (two each!), a full course load, and helping support my son. And, of course, none of my clothes fit now because I decided to go on an eating spree over the past two weeks.

SIGH. So, I am trying to go back to the basics to help me feel better physically and be able to provide the kind of help and support my children need. On a better note, I was going to run intervals with my 17yo on side-by-side treadmills. The goals was a total of two miles, with 7.0 mph for two minutes, followed by 3.8 mph for 1 minute. I rocked it! (By which I mean, I was a sweaty, exhausted mess when I was done.)

Small goals.
1 - Eat whole foods, mostly plants, making sure to include some green.
2 - Drink plenty of water.
3 - Get 15K steps. (Not all of the ice has melted, but it's fairly warm outside. Yay!)
4 - Hit the gym (with my son's ex-gf =))
5 - Try to avoid food as therapist
6 - Weigh in tomorrow morning to assess the damage.

Hope everyone has a great day today!

Laurie: you got hit with it all at once didn’t you? I’m sorry that happened. We had a family member that was hospitalized due to depression a few times - not bipolar, but even just to get those meds worked out was hard and then getting them to take them regularly, I send you strength. Try to take just a moment to give yourself a smile, or a small treat for yourself or even the walk without worrying about your step allotment to meet. With all you are going through do one small nice thing for yourself each day. I know I think we all turn to food in times of stress and worry. I know I am one and I have nothing valuable to offer to stop that. I turn to sweets always. Just be kind to yourself through all of this. Stress brings so many other things forward too - you just don’t need it.

I’ll send good thoughts for you that everything will settle sooner than not.

Oh Laurie! :hug: Troubles with your kids are the hardest things in the world and you've hit a ton of them at once. Right up there is trouble with a marriage - maybe a tie. :hug: - again. You need more than one!

While I know you are worried about the weight - I think maintenance is definitely the best for you to hope for right now.

I wish I could think of anything at all to help. I do belong to an on-line support group for parents with problems with their children, both young and adult. If you are interested at all, PM me and I'll give you details. Whether it's mental health, addiction, or just normal teenage stuff - there's a lot of support there.

Be kind to yourself. Take it one day at a time.

255.6

Jen: Yeah, that's kind of what I thought, too. I've really ramped up exercise and staying on track for food, most of the time, so maybe my body thinks I'm younger. Actually, my husband said that maybe it is because of my blonde hair. Hahahaha! So, if I get the gray added in a couple of weeks, maybe it will stop? ha! Congrats on the 7 pounds! I'm just behind you at 6.4 for the month. I do wish it was faster, but on the other hand, as long as it keeps moving down, I'm good.

Uber: Congrats on the great losses!! You are making great progress. And what a great thing to see with the robe fitting now. Very nice! I liked what you said that you didn't realize how much it bothered you until you made it past having to improvise. I get that! One of my greatest things with losing weight was when I could get on my horse without a boost from my husband. Still love it!!

Lemon: I'm on board with the soup, too. That sounds so good!! I really love soups and chilis. It's the best part of being in winter. And, now that it is Monday, you are on your way back down the scale. I know it!! You'll be doing some walking now, and the plants will make you happy, and the weight will fall off!! What is RHOBH? Evidently, I don't watch it. :)

Lilion: Congrats on getting the coat done!! That's a lot of work, I'm sure!! I'll bet you are relieved. You are getting so close to your week of fun! Glad you are getting excited, it sounds like just what you need!

Laurie: Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. So much stress for you. It really adds up after a while. I hope you can find a little time for you. You sound like you've just got such a plateful. Hang in there, we're here for you.

As for me, I ended up with a .6 pound loss for the week. I'm ok with that. It should have been more, but I had a few lapses over the weekend. I tried a recipe for "banana bread crumb cake". So good! Lots of butter. Overall, I ended up down 6.4 for the month, and 14.6 since Jan 1. Getting there.

I didn't do much for exercise over the weekend. No excuses. I just didn't do it. I went to spin this morning and I'll be back on track now. I hope to have a good loss this week, since last week's was kind of small. I'd really like to get this current regain off. Patience!!

Still sitting at 257, not much to report except that I've lengthened the distance of my walk. My lowest weight in the last 5 years (since my big regain in 2012) was 249, so I'd really like to see the 240s-- until then, I still feel like I'm just losing the same old lose-regain-lose-regain weight! But, patience! I know it will take at least a month to lose that much!

Lemon So, I have to admit that I have a weakness for reading movie stars' beauty regimes and then copying their product choices, but I actually did discover one that has been a keeper for me. I can't remember which movie star, but I think it was Nicole Kidman, recommended using Japanese Camellia oil-- mixed up with her regular face lotion. I should say that my skin is quite dry. When there is more moisture in the air, I use a couple of drops mixed with hydroboost gel. But, when it's dry, like now, I just use the Camellia oil. You just use a few drops so it lasts for a really long time! I see lots of kinds on Amazon, but this is the one I use. It smells terrific-- and I'm really sensitive to perfumey scents. I can't wear them at all, but this one is very natural and doesn't bother me. https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Came...s=camellia+oil

Lilion I think it's just really hard to jumpstart a diet in February when you live in a cold climate! Everything pore in our bodies is telling us to fatten up at that time of year. I think gearing up to reset on Mar 1 is a great idea. So you're a fellow choir singer? Nice! Actually, there are bigger women in our choir whose gowns seem to fit, but me being the Johnny come lately, I put on the biggest one that was available... and there really wasn't an alternative. The big thrill was that it wasn't even a close call. There was a big-- like a 6 inch gap and now the gap is gone! I'm just a total and complete apple. Makes it so hard for me to fit into clothes. I have to go oversized on the tops to cover my belly and my arms and shoulders swim, and in pants, they're tight around the middle and loose around the legs.

Laurie I'm so sorry for EVERYTHING that is going on with you right now!! It is just so challenging to have a child who has mental health issues and sooooo stressful for the parent. My heart goes out to you! I went through a period several years ago when it seemed like all of my children, and both of my parents, and my husband were going through major issues and everyone was leaning on me and it's so hard! I don't envy you, but I do trust that things will settle down again and in the meantime, if you keep thinking about your simple steps, you will keep yourself strong and healthy for whatever comes your way!

Uber: omg yay you with the church robe! That is huge in NSV! First hurdle in monthly tracking is getting over not weighing every day. Try to weigh once a week then cut down to twice a month. I haven’t gotten to the twice a month yet but I am finally at the once a week. This has been a huge lifted burden for me! I got into another pair of pants today! I’m not wearing leggings and it feels good!

Lemon:. I have always wanted to go to Wisconsin! How is the spring or fall? And don’t beat yourself up too bad you will be back down in no time. Water retention seems to bear lots of weight! Your plan sounds like a good one. I am back at the 16:8 I was getting pretty shaky on 18:6 with working out. My body seems to like the 16:8 much better!

Lil:. Sure do hope the emailing works for the picture! Vacation planning. I love vacation planning! I need to get on that. We are planning for Hawaii in September or October. Right now on I’m some airfare watchers. But I dreaming of that vacation!!!!

Laurie:. I am so so sorry you are going through all that. I remember you comforting me a couple years ago when I was having huge problems. My 19 yo has asbergers and my step daughter is bipolar. I have been in your shoes where you feel like the problems are never ending! I sure hope things start to get better. Life is so much a roller coaster at times. Just remember you need you time right now! Make that a priority because that will help with your sanity! ((Hugs))

Diane:. I hope you get a great loss too this week! I’m with you as long as it’s going down overall it’s a blessing and major progress. Sometimes I hate that I am a slow loser but at least I am losing!

Me:. I wore something other than leggings and long shirt to work today and have been asked if I have lost weight. It feels really good to have someone notice! I need to do my taxes I really slacking!!! I need to also get working on my house. It seems work, working out, eating right, cooking, cleaning, helping kids with homework, kids bed time, and kids hair (I have 3 mixed girls which hair takes a lot of time!) consume me! I’m trying to fit more in but it’s a struggle!!!!!

223.3

Seriously?. Holy moley. All bathroom. Yeah travel.

So once kids are on the bus I’ll get dressed and down for my walk and see if I can move a bit faster and get a few extra steps in there. I think it’s somewhat inaccurate depending on where I wear the iPod. Yesterday I had it up on my neckline. The thursday before on the bottom of my t so I think it might make a difference of how it is. Maybe not and maybe I’m just quicker and more determined.

What it also tells me is I’m horribly sedentary when I don’t walk. I mean I do walk and move in my day but I guess seriously not getting steps in there. I don’t wear my iPod or phone all day long - no thanks. But it’s just a reminder to go move.

So I’m a bit happier w that darn scale. Just remind me duct tape my mouth w the next travel.

Ugh!

Diane: real housewives on bravo. I know bad, right?! Yes my soup was great and warmed the belly. I think upon walk completion I’ll haul up the shanks and get them thawed for tomorrow. What’s your favorite soup?

Uber: thanks for the tip on the oil. I’ll have to take a look later today. I know sounds vain to worry about my under eyes but because currently I’m wearing my glasses daily and I’m horribly nearsighted I feel that’s all I see when I look in the mirror and then throw in the sleep wrinkles from sleeping on my side - time to take care of it.

Jen: yep. That’s my state - you have lots of terrain here from the scrubby look to where the glaciers cut through and left rolling hills trees to coastline - all 4 seasons! Fall is lovely - if you time it right you can have Indian summer where it's warm and windy and the leaves change and crisp right up and you can enjoy color and other falls it can be wet and rainy and usually will hit right when the leaves are getting ready to peak and they all fall off. And of all of that is in regards to fall color. :) it can be crisp with those beautiful blue skies and rolling fog in the mornings as it burns off the valleys/coulees. I like this area with the exception winter tends to seem longer the older I get. Isnt that true anywhere? Check out this site for pretty pictures I had shared this w toasted - as you can see we have all sorts of beauty spots.

Lil: how are you feeling? You’ve been sewing a lot - so maybe that will help you heal quicker! Have you figured out how you will prep meals and cook while you have your 5lb weight restrictions?

Hello all!

Ok - I need to get dressed and go walk. I think I’ll listen to rhianna today - I find her music sassy! Am I trying to be young? Who knows. My kids are at school and I don’t make them listen to the parental advisory album. But if it makes me move quicker in my steps I’ll take it.

Happy day all!

My update: I walked but only for 30 as I was getting dizzy. I need to get eatingand hope it subsides. Not sure if it’s remains of imbalance or blood sugar being a bit wonky. Who knows. No I’m not diabetic but had gd so I know when I hadn’t eaten in a while what that would do. And to just stop and have some protein and life goes on. I think today I’ll take my measurements againa see where I’m at. Maybe just maybe it will look good!

Laurie: I forgot to give you a shoutout too! Hope you found a moment to de-stress! Bubble baths work well for such, even if it’s just for a moment to clear your head of what’s filling it. You’ll get through this, it may be a rocky journey but we are a resilient bunch - just keep going.

Morning all!

It is an absolutely glorious and beautiful day in Mid-Missouri! :sunny: Supposed to be as high as 66 degrees today!!!

A day to be anywhere but at the office. :p But here I am and here I'll stay...at least for a while.

Lemon, I'm mostly ignoring the weight thing. I'm not being crazy - I make hubby lift anything too heavy - like my little cast-iron Singer that weighs at least 25 lbs., but for the most part, if it's 10 or less, I go ahead. Like the doctor said, if I feel a pull - I don't do it. But I have to start sometime. It's not like when week 4 ends the next day I can lift 40 when the day before I could only lift 5. I'm just being cautious.

Other than what I've said, nothing to report. Time to go move my car to avoid tickets. I hate the parking in this town.

Have a great day Ladies!!!
:wave:

I just thought I'd stop in and say Hi. I see this is a great group of long-time members, but I've never posted with any of you for some reason. I tend to stay in my own familiar area. You are all providing great support for one another. Keep on keeping on!!

255.0

Uber: It is hard to be patient when you are so close to a significant weight point. You'll be there before you know it!!

Jenni: How nice when someone notices your efforts! Sometimes when we look at ourselves, we don't see it, but when someone else says something, you know it is paying off. I just noticed that you hit your 40 pound lost point and beyond, so that's great!

Lemon: Looks like you are getting back in the swing of things. Amazing how travel and different food can affect us so much. I'm glad you saw a good drop. As for soup, I love all kinds, but there is this southwest chicken soup that is my all time favorite. It has chicken, corn, peppers, tomatoes and onions. Oh, and I love chili. :)

Lilion: We've seen some significant improvement in weather here too. It is supposed to be in the low to mid 50's. I love it when the sun is out. Too bad I'm at the office.

Wannabehealthy: Thanks for the shout out! I've seen you over in the weight loss support section. Feel free to join us if you want! At any rate, it is good to hear from you!

As for me, I had a good drop on the scale this morning. I was a little surprised. I stayed within my calorie goal yesterday, but it wasn't the best for food choices. I fried a lot of stuff last night for dinner!! Ha! Maybe a little bloat came off from the weekend.

I didn't go to the gym this morning, but I'm planning to go after work. I like the instructor at 5:30, so I'll go to Body Pump tonight. Then spin tomorrow. Today should be good for staying on track with food. I have my lunch and I'll try to choose better for what I make for dinner. :)