Good morning, everyone!


I have missed you guys so much! I went on an unintended hiatus, but not feeling bad about it. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do, and my life has been crazy. But I love all y'all so much! I have skimmed a bit, and am excited that Diane and Toasted and Jenni and Lemonthyme are still here, and am looking forward to getting to know you, Sakai. I am not going to do individual responses, though.


I am heavier than I have been in two years. I weighed in at 175.2 this morning. None of my clothes fit. It's a story that I suspect I will tell again and again my entire life. At least, I hope I will, as it will mean that I have not given up the fight. I am looking forward to taking it on. I just finished a 20K (12.4 miles), and I actually did pretty well, but I made lots and lots of bad food choices. I also moved out from my husband's house and into my ex-husband's house (he actually does not live there most of the year, but my adult kids do). Still doing marriage counseling, but am not sure it's a good idea to mend the marriage. I don't think he actually wants what I want in life, and it makes marriage challenging.


It's a new day, and I'm excited to face it. I have adopted a zen attitude about work, and intend to work hard at my personal goals, including getting my weight under control again.

I had a long message that I accidentally pressed the back page on as I was trying to check my email and even though I was able to restore most of it - all of Laurie's message, most of Sakai's and some of Lemon's aren't here anymore. Sighhhh!!!! I'll try my best to redo them but the mojo is gone. Sighhh!!!!

Jenni: I'm so sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Hopefully, it blows over soon. I swear by everything Boiron (Oscillococcinum, Cold Calm, Chestal for coughs) but usually those work better immediately one starts feeling symptomatic. Everyone online swears by Black Elderberry syrup for the flu (I've never tried it, but I have the recommended Gaia Herbs one in my Amazon cart and I think Whole Foods also sells it). Sending you prayers for healing and strength.

Lemon: Thaks for the birthday wishes. I'm having a good day so far but I am big into birthdays and love getting older (because really, consider the alternative), so it's a real vibe for me. I don't even mind having to be at work (I took ALL my time off for the year pretty much in May vacationing). I think there needs to be a Northern hunting reality show that features ladies who hunt in pink, blinged camo. I'd watch. It could be called Pink Camo Hunters in Bling or something. You're welcome Bravo/VH1/NatGeo? I'm counting NO calories today and I'll eat cake for us all! You know how I feel about cake. Okay favourite cake flavours... hmmm... it's easier to mention the cakes I don't like- lemon, fruit (as in raisins or sultanas etc), citrus of any sort. I'm pretty game for anything else. My favourite would be hmmm vanilla or butterscotch or cookies and cream with maybe a salted caramel filling and LOTS of buttercream icing- it has to be buttercream! #faintsfromthoughtsofthesugarhigh My brother got me the fancy, schmancy Fitbit scale- which I know sounds like he's being shady, but he's not, he just knows how much I've wanted it for AGES because as difficult as I find this journey, I'm sort of obsessed with it and love it in a strange sort of way! Anyway, I say this to say that I hadn't planned to weigh in till next week either by which time hopefully I would have gotten my act together, but I'm sooooo tempted by a new schmancy scale! Kicking without hands for 20 minutes is a lot of effort for your core and legs- arms kind of make things a little easier. Sorry about the sunburn, OUCH!

Diane: Exactly. Life would be a lot easier if we could clean like normal people. I'm so glad you and your sister had a lovely time. Good relationships with siblings are the best thing! I only have one sibling (an older brother) but he's my buddy even though we're quite different and it makes life a lot easier.

Sakai: Sorry about the weekend choices baiting and switching on you. That sucks especially when you were trying to make good decisions. The good thing is that it's a lesson learned and you know how to get back into ketosis. You've totally got this. Looking forward to seeing your home improvement pics!

Laurie: I'm soooooooooo glad you're back! I've missed you! First of all, I totally feel you on breaking undesirable records- since we last "spoke," I've hit several unwanted milestones such as being 20-30 lbs heavier than the last time you were here and being heavier than I've been since 2011. None of my clothes fit either, even the "chubby" ones. The good thing is that this is what I choose to make of it and thankfully, it is not out of my control, I have the power to make the changes that will get me to goal and that's empowering whether or not I choose to use that power. Second of all, girl!!!!!!! You fitness rockstar!!!! You are #goals for real! 20K?!!!! I feel like you're a mega successul, multi-platinum selling band, and I knew you when you were practicing in your parent's garage. Like Laurie!!! I remember when you did C25K, this is AMAZING! I'm soooo inspired and soooooo proud!!! Go girl Go!!!! broc: Also, knowing you, when you say "I actually did pretty well," I know you rocked it out of the park and blew your expectations out of the water! I'm so happy. Third, I'm sorry to hear that things aren't working out well with your husband. I've been praying for you (and him) ever since you let us know what was going on. I am super happy though that you're feeling better mental health-wise and excited about the future- that really is the most important thing. I'm praying you're filled with joy and light and wisdom no matter what. Now, please say you're back for realz for realz, so we can get our #TLTMAS on and smash some goals!


Guys, it's been a pretty good day so far- not food wise, but then that is to be expected and other than cake, even that's not been bad. I'm a little sugar wasted on my office birthday cake, but don't cry for me Argentina, I have a home birthday cake as well, to put myself back on my high if I'm still crashing when I get home. I wish you guys a fantastic day. Sending hugs your way.

250.4

Sakai: Well, good news is that you're getting stuff done! How great is that!?? Sorry about the strawberries. Something like that should be free from anything bad!

Lemon: Sunburns are tough! But, at least it calms down into some color. Good for you on the 3 days getting past soda!

Toasted: Happy Birthday! Enjoy all of the cake! I love that you love buttercream, since it is my most important reason for eating cake. Most people say that they don't want all of the frosting, it is just too sweet. If it is buttercream, I'm looking to get a nice big corner piece!

Laurie: Good to see you back! And congrats on the 20k. Oh my gosh, that's so impressive! I hope that you have peace as you work through the personal issues. You can do it!

As for me, the scale went down pretty well today. I don't really know why since I wasn't making great food choices yesterday. I plan to go hiking tonight and I have a nice salad for lunch. I am going to get back in the 240's! So tired of 250's. I will be going to spin class tomorrow morning, too. Time to get back on my schedule.

249.4

Lemon: 10 pounds isn't too bad, really. In that amount of time last year, I put on about 35! It is never fun to go up in weight, but the good thing is that you've kept it down to a workable amount to lose. We are, unfortunately, regainers and relosers!! So, here's to relosing!!! Oh, and I love canned pears, but what a pain to peel! Hope they have good prices for you. Right now, we're finishing up cherry season and there are a few apricots left. The early peaches should be coming soon. Those aren't the best ones, but it is still nice to see them!

As for me, I had a good scale day. Back under 250. But, I'm not sure if it will hold. I hope so! Part of it came from hiking yesterday, I think. I did go, but it was so hot, over 100 degrees. Now in the past, I have been able to hike in hotter weather, but yesterday there wasn't even a breeze. I got about half way through and wasn't feeling great. I sat for awhile, and then finally made it back to the car, but I thought I was going to throw up. I had lots of water, but I think it was just too hot, and maybe with not having worked out for about a week, that wasn't the activity to start back up with. Anyway, I didn't get up for spin this morning, but I think I'll go to the one that is after work tonight. I might have to find some gym activities while it is so hot. Maybe the stair climber or the treadmill at a high incline. Fun times.

I've been doing ok with food, so that's a plus. I'm trying to keep very disciplined so that I can break the bad habits I've had with eating lately. Ugh!!

Hey guys, how goes! I'm still sugar and dairy hungover from Tuesday's birthday dinner. My stomach is still uncomfortable and my digestion hasn't been acting right since. But was it worth it? YES!!!! Yesterday was equally off-track (although I did track food yesterday) because getting the mind back on track and in line with the stomach but I'm done now. I'm ready to get back at it. I'm starting exercise again this weekend and have ALL the nerves about my ability to stick to it. But if I don't start, there's nothing to stick to so I'm looking forward to getting going and feeling fit again.

Lemon: I don't want the scale harshing my birthday week buzz so I think I'm going to hold off on setting it up till the weekend. By that time hopefully, my stomach and digestion will be back to normal. I totally feel you with the suck of a regain. At the start of this week, I weighed 20lbs MORE than I did in December, 15 lbs MORE than at the end of January. But as Diane says, it could be worse and at least I'm aware and trying to fix it. The good thing is I know how I got to this point and I know what to do to get to where I want to go. I just need to want that destination more than I want my off-plan nibbles, and if I'm not at the point where that's the way my goals and desires are set up, then it is what it is. But I'm thinking I'm at that point and pumped to get on task. Let's not let it get us down. Once I set up my fancy, schmancy scale, I'll update my ticker as well. 31 was a little rough but there was some joy and some growth in it so hopefully 32 is good looking.

Diane: Thanks for the birthday wishes. I like the corner piece too when it comes to buttercream. My worst thing is all the Buttercream Shamers who always feel the need to announce repeatedly that they don't eat icing- "too rich" or "too sweet" or "too fattening"- JUST as you have stuffed a chunk of icing in your mouth (I eat the cake and the icing separately. "Oh Linda, please give me a piece without the icing, I don't like the icing, Linda. Oh alright then, I'll just scrape it off. Do you have another plate? You know for me to scrape the icing off in to? Oh Toasted? You eat the icing? I couldn't! Too rich for me!" And it's like "we're eating cake- can I live????" No seriously, I have a process and everything. I want the full icing experiene separate from my cakesperience so I first eat the icing off the cake, then eat the cake naked, never the two together - #bliss #cakedreams . to a new decade!!!Yay getting your hike in AND doing well with food!!!!

Okay guys,wishing eveyone a fab day!

248.8


Toasted: Yeah, I think that's the thing that gets me the most. I don't care if you don't like frosting, but cool it with the judgeyness of those that love frosting!!!! Well, hopefully your body will recover from the sugar abuse and you'll be good to go soon. I sometimes think that it feels so good when certain activities are done and you can get back to a normal schedule. I know that I put a lot on hold when I have company, or some kind of event. And then, when it is done and life returns, I feel better getting back in a good rut. If that makes sense.


Lemon: I'm not a fan of facial hair either. My son is sporting a full beard right now and I hate it. Fortunately, my husband doesn't like facial hair, so he is clean shaven. Sorry you have the heat now. We're still in it, though. Today is supposed to be over 100 too. I don't hate it, but just need to be a little more mindful of it. Your swimming sounds good!!


As for me, I had a good weigh in today. I'm having a good week so far. I needed to, though. June has not been a kind scale month for me. My fault, but now it is time to get things rolling again. I went to spin after work and it was really good. I like that instructor too. I would go to her class more often, but I just don't prefer going after work. Oh well. It did tire me out quite a bit, so I didn't go to Body Pump this morning. I'm making this a rest day, unless I really feel the need to go to the gym after work. I don't think I'll do that. I'm pretty tired. Then, hopefully, I can get up for spin tomorrow.


Eating is on track right now. Jimmy John's brought in sandwiches today and they are tempting. But, I just need to stay focused. I'll stick with my already logged lunch calories.

Diane, Toasted, Laurie, Sakai, Lemon, Am I missing anyone!

I'm sorry I've been so MIA lately. Ten days on the road (which was amazing) and then arrived at my mom's summer house to find that I had all kind of major work-related tasks to do, which are not done yet, but I'm taking a tiny break to say:

219

Pretty excited to have dropped under 220. Not exercising at all, so it's all food. Total NSV when I went into a regular store to shop with my mom. I was holding up the regular sized clothes and thinking "why are these all so big? they look like they would fit me..." Ended up buying a regular size large shirt!!!!!! Not even XL. Just plain old large. Also hopped on a bike and rode around, and the stairs up fro the beach that normally make me pant? No problem!

I hope I'll have a chance to read and catch up soon!

Lemon Well, so awesome that your DH is getting a pay raise! But so sorry about the braces! I gotta tell you, that is life with a family, isn't it? So many unexpected expenses when kids are involved.

Toasted hey, I had a birthday recently too. The 23rd. It involved a giant German chocolate cake. And although I secretly prefer white cake and white frosting, there is no kind of buttercream that I don't love. I'm the one who always angles to get the corner piece that has frosting decorations and is iced on two sides! No shame, in my opinion.

Laurie so happy you checked in! The up-down-up-down thing with the weight is no fun at all, and really so freaking hard on the budget because of clothes. My daughter who is about to graduate from college still has clothes from middle school, whereas I'm constantly giving away my whole wardrobe and starting over. Ugh.

Diane Office food is the worst! My problem is eating out of boredom at work. That is one thing I do like about working at home. I can resist home food, but when someone walks into the office with Jimmy Johns, I'm just a goner! And good for you for holding it steady under 250! Woot! Woot!

As for me, the good news is that I lost another pound, to 218, so basically, one more pound and I'm down EIGHTY from my high weight, which was Jan. 2017. I can't complain, but there is one downside that has got me frustrated a bit. I bought new clothes for summer-- not a lot, but just enough to get me through. Where I live in CA it's sort of cool all winter, so I was just wearing the same leggings and long-sleeved tunics everyday since I work at home. So, I tried to buy summer clothes on the smaller side, but everything I bought was plus-size, and now I have several items that are already too big and I've never worn them. :-( I feel like a complete idiot-- but you know it's just impossible to imagine, when you are plus that you will ever actually fit into normal-sized clothes. A good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless! Well, I finished one big work-project and have to finish another by the end of today, so I'll sign off now. Hope ya'll have a good day!

uber: update your bio info on the sidebar - celebrate that 218! It still says 235 - girl - post those new numbers! I have to reinflate my own. BLAH. Sorry on the clothing - would you feel better buying secondhand as you whip through the weight? That way you aren't out as much? But fantastic to just motor them on out of your life. Keep it up!

249.0

Uber: Wow! Look at you go! That is so great that you are losing on the scale, and also seeing some good things in how clothes fit. 80 pounds is amazing! Proud of you! Although I always wish that exercise was key in weight loss, you can definitely do it with a good food plan. So great!!

Lemon: Ugh. Orthodontics. My son had the same issue. My daughter had very crooked and overly crowded teeth, so she had to have extra extractions along with orthodontics, so I was pleased that my son's teeth came in straight and not crowded. I was so shocked when they told me he needed braces. But it was a problem with his bite. It was a little easier process than my daughter's, but almost as costly. Hated it!!

As for me, I went up just a bit this morning on the scale. I took a rest day yesterday, but food was on plan, so it went well. I went to Spin this morning. I felt awfully stiff, so I think my time away from morning workouts has caught up with me. I'll be working to get back on track. I want to go to spin tomorrow, and then an early hike on Sunday to avoid any heat issues. I just have to stay on point with food.

Have a good weekend!