251.2

Uber: Congrats on the new decade!!! Yay! You seemed to go really fast through the 240's, so that's great to see!! Hope your first day of swimming is awesome, too!

Lemon: Unbelievable that you are still having snow issues. It seems like spring doesn't want to show up for you. Hopefully soon. I know that having the sun and warming up can improve anyone's mood... so that's what you need!!

Sakai: 15 pounds is great. That makes for a happy month! Glad you had a good doctor's appointment!

Windy: Nice to get something like that done, painting your wall. It is a tough thing to do sometimes, getting stuff done while trying to work too. I've been thinking about taking a day off to get some extra yard work done and some other things around the house.

As for me, I am doing better today. I didn't go to the gym this morning so that I could give myself some time to recuperate. I think I might have had something not so good to eat the night before yesterday. I was not feeling well most of the day. Feeling fine today, so I think it was just something that didn't sit well. I'll go back to spin tomorrow.

The scale went back down some, so that was good. I am going out to dinner tonight for my daughter's birthday. I've looked at the nutrition menu and have some choices that won't be too crazy on calories, so shouldn't be too damaging. I made a cookies and cream cake for her, she loved it.

Hello!

Sorry about the absent day yesterday. I was in the hospital. I woke up to extreme chest and back pain. I have never experienced that in my life. It was like I could not breathe, by the time I got to the ER I was having such a hard time breathing. Side note: I avoid the hospital at all costs and now I don't even want to know what that bill will be. They did a bunch of tests and I tested positive for a possible blood clot so then I had a CT scan with iodine and OMG that hurt like a biotch. I felt that go through my veins and then it felt like I was peeing myself. Luckily I did not have a blood clot. I had a kidney infection and inflammation in my kidneys which I guess is what caused all the pain. They also think I was having a panic attack. So I saw my regular doctor this morning and she gave me a stronger anxiety pill.

I just keep telling myself this too will get better. I internalize things so much, my doctor said I need to find a healthy outlet for all my stress. I am thinking of taking the punching bag up or start going on regular walks.

I will catch up with you all tomorrow as I am really tired from getting 3 hours of sleep in the last 48 hours!

I was also down a couple pounds this morning, but I am not holding on to that because I went over 24 hours not eating and that my just be from that. I will weigh in again at the end of the month and just brush April off as a stressful month!!! Looking forward to May!

Lemon Seriously, some days, getting back in bed is just the best solution! I'm pulling for you to see some glorious spring weather soon!

Sakai 15 lbs in one month? That's massive! And how nice to get the validation from your doctor! I think it does make it easier to keep going when people get behind you!

Windy Painting is a lot of work, but then such a feeling of accomplishment! And I love nothing more than fresh paint! Glad you did something productive while your son was away. I always feel kind of happy for a bit of calm, but then the missing sets in!

Diane Cookies and cream cake. DELICIOUS! And have fun at your dinner! Smart to check out the menu ahead of time-- then you can pick something you really like without feeling that momentary draw toward the absolute wrong thing. Glad you are feeling better!

Jenni OH MY GOSH!!!! I'm so sorry that you ended up in the hospital!!! Kidney infections are no fun at all and make you feel really sick!!! But I'm very relieved that it wasn't a blood clot! How scary! You must be exhausted too. Take it easy and I hope you feel better soon!! I don't blame you for being anxious and stressed with all you've been through.

So, good weigh in this morning, as I dropped another lb to 238, so firmly in the 230s (I was worried I'd bounce right back up.) Unfortunately, I have a headache today. I took a migraine pill hoping to nip it in the bud but it doesn't seem like it's going to go away. On the plus side, I did my first gym swim last night and then hopped in the steam room! I enjoyed it and am looking forward to next time!

Uber: good for you on the swim! You’ll enjoy it as you grow with it. I was always amazed when I’d look in the mirror and how I would stand. Keep up the work!

Jen: yes- don’t worry about the medical bills. I’d venture a guess you’ve made your family’s out of pocket for the year. Sad to say it doesn’t take much to get to that point. I’m halfway there myself with just PT for my little. How’s that fair?! I’m sorry you had to do extra testing. Yuck. At least it wasn’t a clot and it’s something easily fixed with time and medicine. May you all settle down with illness at your house! I send you good healing thoughts.

Diane: enjoy celebrating with your daughter. How nice you made a cake she enjoys. I have DH bday coming on up and he’s a pound cake man. I’m looking at trying a different recipe. Have you made a 5 flavor pound cake?

Sakai: yeah for good weight off. When I went in my doctor was ambivilant with my loss. She was more like well you have more you can take off and then I went on vacay and totally fell off the diet wagon since w colds and winter and being darn stubborn.

Windy: yeah for kid getting back home - though the break is nice we usually are ready for them to come home aren’t we?!


Hello all!

AM: had another school function. It went well. My child is doing well and that’s fab to see. My weight is not being checked. I’m on hiatus until TOM takes off. I’m in a foul mood to begin with and I’m limiting myself to what I can grumble about. And the snow - happily FINALLY melting once again and HOPEFULLY for good until like December.

Otherwise I’m just throwing out there I’m blah in regards to the diet. I’m not super successful right now. I’m kind of tired about it all as I slide more than actually loose and keep moving. I kind of feel I fall more into a failing category then success. And at the same time I question if I should post - I mean I know I do better when I blab about this but at the same time I don’t think I provide any inspiration to others out there on the same journey I’d like to succeed at and really who wants to hear from the lady who gets stuck for months in the same decade. I’m a half hearted dieter right now we’ll maybe a 2.4% dieter vs one who should be 110%.

Hopefully my spirits perk up here soon. This outlook stinks!

Nothing today

It’s a Friday so I know y’all be busy ending your weeks and celebrating your weekends. Why is it that sometimes DH say things that you’d really like to bonk them on the noggin for? I think mine thought he was being helpful but how I felt afterwards was that it was hurtful and a lousy thing to say. Fabulous.

Have a good weekend all.

252

Jenni: Sorry about the extra hospital visit. Ugh! You've had more than your fair share of it all. Hope you feel better soon.

Uber: Congrats on the weight loss. Glad you enjoyed the swimming. That is nice to have something active like that to keep the heart healthy too, along with losing weight and all.

Lemon: Glad that your snow is finally melting. That would help! And glad that the school function went well.

As for me, we had a good time last night at dinner, and I wasn't too surprised at the scale going up some today. I also didn't go to spin today. I just felt like I needed a little more rest. Really tired this week. I'll go tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Lemon- I totally feel you. I've been there so many times. Where you just get sick of looking at the same number on the scale. I'm at the point where I'm starting to hate the number 7 and I've only been stuck in the 70's for 3 weeks. I would say perhaps you should take a break, but I don't want you to slide. Because I know that's a very real risk. You've come so far. Perhaps you need to take a step back and reevaluate things. You know yourself best and what is best for you.
I never pay attention to my weight the week before and the week of TOM either.

Uber- Thank you! yes I was afraid at first but they were super happy with my diet plan and seeing how much it's worked. I hope to impress them again on my next visit!

Jen- How scary! I hope things are much better now. I hate using the ER, it's always so expensive, but when it's an emergency, you don't really have a choice.

I discovered the Patch dosn't work quite as well if you are over 200 pounds. And so that's a nope for me. the Nuvaring also has some really bad side effects I'm not comfortable with.
I'm honestly thinking of forgoing Birth control altogether and using condoms or getting my tubes tied. I've only had the one child but I'm almost 34, my dr.and I have a great understanding relationship and she was with me when I placed my baby up for adoption and she helped me deal with the emotional fallout. She knows I NEVER want to do that again and so I don't see an issue in asking her for sterilization. I know other women have a tough time talking their dr.s into it.
Mostly I'm worried about how much it's going to cost. Could be $0 could be up to 6 grand.

On a more exciting note, DH and I are going fruit tree shopping in the morning. I hope to be the owner of a tree that survives into its second year. They all never seem to make it through winter, if they survived the harsh summer.

Weight up but I weighed after breakfast ;)

Sakai: what type of trees did you end up with? Did you pick their brains on how best to care for yours? Good for getting the man moving with you. I wish mine would, he’s not doing too well with wanting to do so.

Morning ladies!

AM: well TOM is shipping out again and here I thought I was doing better and ready to find some diet mojo and work with solid ear pain and no hearing on one side since I woke yesterday. I feel like a listing boat right now. It always amazes me that I end up his way in the last few years. I don’t understand why and I’m not going to the doctor because whenever I go for this to urgent care I think they are thinking I’m looking for antibiotics. No thanks. I just want to hear and not feel like I’m leaning.

I’m trying to find some hopeful in what I need to do w this weight. I do hope that I don’t feel as tippy into the week and end up doing ok. My hope is to get walking again and putting the sweets aside. I don’t know if I’ll quite get there but that is my small goal.

And I’m bummed - I’m one of these that normally eats romaine in my salads. Dangnabbit - good thing I’ll be growing my own but that’s still some time before a) it goes in the ground and b) I can pick it. I was reading on the mess they have in az w the commercial growers and what I read said the fields have to sit fallow for some time to kill the ecoli in the ground. Iceberg lettuce doesn’t do much for me and spinach I have to be careful of how much I take in. Alas - it always makes me wonder how we can loose whole crops due to a location or one large Illness that results in destroying product. Maybe I should set up a cold frame. I don’t even know if you can harvest such tender plants all winter long. I’ll have to read up on.

Anywho - I’m babbling. So have a fantastic day! The suns out here and we all know that means MELTING SNOW!

Lemon- We ended up not getting a tree. All they had was plum, apple and a new peach hybrid.
So Perhaps I'll have better luck next year. I was totally bummed. But that's what I get waiting this long. Spring in Arizona kicked off over a month ago, so all the good plants are about gone.

My weight has stalled again, and even gone up a pound. However, I did have a bit of an inactive week this week. I was out from work for 2 days and that 2 days I didn't move around. I average almost 10,000 steps at my job. When I'm not working, I get like 1,000 if it's not a shopping day or my man and I don't go out to walk. I'm a writer so I spent these extra two days off reading and writing and not moving my butt off the sofa.
I have a full week of work this time so I hope to shift the last 2 pounds needed to get out of the 70's. I know I most likely won't stay there, as I have another 4 day weekend and it's my man's birthday AND his back surgery. I won't be making too many off diet things for his birthday but I imagine I'll be stress eating a bit.

Sakai: that’s awful about the tree. Maybe come fall or your cool season they’ll get more in and maybe over your faux winter time (because it’s no where near my winter I’m sure :) ) it might do better in sending riots down and not being as stressed.

Oh we can compare weekend the weekend of inactivity. I laid fairly low because of feeling dizzy due to ear issue. I’m going to see about going to walk here after the bus grabs the kids. Maybe we both will find movement mojo here.

Morning All!

Hopefully the start to a new week will be better for everyone! Pop on in!

AM: oh I struggle to get well. I think this is all tied to allergies but as I age I’m finding every time I have a cold/allergies it goes right back to my ears and I’m deaf for a while. What the heck is that all about and why that type of a change? I don’t have pain like I was (the crackling and then hurt) but geez not hearing is a pain.

As is I will try to begin walking today and tomorrow I will hop on the scale. I admit while laying low I ate sweets. And you all know that this woman does not have the witheral to stop at just one bite nor one cookie. I ate way too many. What’s new?! I need to get better about it all!

I have some ideas for my dinner tonight. I think I’m going to make merengue birds nest and load it with fresh strawberries well as fresh as they can be being shipped from California. I think chicken and green beans to go with. I’m still grumbling about salad greens. I have my spinach but - since I’m getting back into the salad eating time of year I’d like my options. And since my winter went on so long I’m still limited for what will come out of my garden.

I think - I will just try my best. I felt like a waffler last week. I’m probably still a waffle in regards to doing well on my diet. But I’m going to keep trying as long as you all get why my scale is not moving by great leaps and bounds.

Happy new week all. I’m off to get on my tennis shoes and go see about a walk.

Added: I got my walk in, only 20 but it helped my mood some. I just had breakfast and let me tell you - blueberries are always just a burst of happiness! Mine of course are frozen from last summer picking, but they always put a smile on my face as I eat them. My mini goal for today is in calorie and I’ve got the walk in so I’m ok. I’ll brave the scale tomorrow morn. I can do this - even if it’s the worlds slowest journey I’ve ever taken. P

Sakai: Aw! Sorry about the tree, and the weight stall. Dang! On the tree, that's something I want to do again, too. We used to have a peach, cherry and apricot tree. Oh, and a plum, too. But there aren't any where we live now. I just need to do some thinking and planning first.

Lemon: Ouch! Sorry about the ear! That's no fun at all. Hopefully that is all going away now and you can be comfortable. As for diet and exercise plan, well, we just do the best we can each day and try to do better!! So, whatever works for you this week is what is best! (if that makes sense)

As for me... well no weigh in. I'm probably taking a couple of days away from weigh ins. I don't know if it was walking the stairs so many times last Tuesday, or if something else was up, but after going to spin on Wednesday, I didn't make it back to workouts until I went on a very easy hike yesterday, and spin today. The problem with that is that for some stupid reason, when I'm not working out like usual, I don't make great food choices. So, I know I'm up in weight. But I'm not up to seeing it on the scale. I probably will get back on in a couple of days, but not today. I'm getting back to the food plan and workouts this week. I'll still have tomorrow as a rest day, just to stay on my schedule.

This last weekend just wasn't great. I was doing things for others in my family and didn't get the stuff done that I wanted to do. Frustrating. So, hopefully this week is better, and next weekend will be mine. :)

Diane Hope your weekend was relaxing and good!

Sakai Disappointing about the tree, and I think you should be allowed to get your tubes tied if you want to!

Lemon Yum, blueberries! A little taste of summer and reminder of what you have to look forward to! It IS frustrating when the scale slows to a crawl, but it will move eventually!

Me, nice weekend! My son had two piano recitals. His piano teacher entered him in a composition competition without telling him and he won honorable mention. He was so surprised! I went to the gym Friday night and had only been in the pool fifteen minutes when I found out they closed early on Fridays. Was supposed to go tonight and then got caught up in something I couldn't get out of, so I really need to establish a routine-- that's the only thing that works for me! Scale sticking at 238. I really don't feel like I've been eating much-- it's bound to move again sooner or later!

Uber: Well, dang. I hate it when you are all ready to go, and then something stops you. I'm sure you'll get a routine going, and learn the gym's quirks!! Glad you're enjoying the swimming!!

As for me, today is a rest day. Still avoiding the scale for a couple of days. I'm ok with that for now. But I'm also trying to keep on track with food. There is a cake in the break room at work today. But thankfully, it has a whipped topping rather than buttercream frosting. I am not a fan of whipped topping, so I will not be tempted at all. Back to spin tomorrow!

Sorry for the disappear act. I had a complication to the iodine from the CT my arm swelled up so big!!!! I'm back and still frustrated as weight is the same! I will do personals in the morning!

I completely blew past the scale as I woke late and had kids to take to school and then get my haircut. Let’s just say I was on the sprint. By the time I stepped on the scale it was lost breakfast and lots of coffee and it was 225.6. So who knows.

Jen: I’m sorry you reacted poorly to your tracer. Geez - you need non medical issues to fill your days soon!

Diane: the scale is a necessary evil I’m afraid. It’s all love/hate I think!

Uber: yeah for a good recital! How exciting - has he played his whole life?

Hello all!

Am: just so far behind and not getting much done. I am still not done sewing - I’m about 2/3s done on the one outfit and have the other to do but I need DH to measure my shoulders for me and my fatty arms. It’s just easier then trying to hold the tape super awkwardly!

I kept in calorie yesterday. Today I am not so sure on, but will try my best. I could eat a lot! I probably would be wise just to eat my fresh veggies and say its filling and get on with it. It worked yesterday until the sweet tooth started to come forward later around dinner. I still have yet to figure out dinner thoughts for today. Maybe a salad and chicken sausage and sweet potaoes roasted. I’m still thinking on that.

And I’d love a nap.

When you can’t hear and your sense of balance feels off a nap sounds divine. Hah. I sound positively lazy.

Wishing you all well. I’m off to sew or sleep - take your pick!

Hi All - sorry I've been MIA. Work is crazy and home has been busy but I have a few minutes so I'm checking in.

Lemon - glad you got in a walk the other day and it helped. I need to do that. As for your ear, have you ever tried to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide it in and let it bubble and clean it? I do that periodically and it helps with my vertigo issues and just helps clean. I'm with you on the romaine lettuce. That is my favorite type of lettuce. I need to read up more on the issues. Guess I need to learn to love raw spinach more.

Diane - I hope you have a good spin class tomorrow. I've never taken one of those. When I ride my bike (or any bike at the gym) my "nether regions" go numb. Does that happen in spin class, too? I'm with you on the cake, that whipped topping is so boring. I need some buttercream and sugar in my icing!!

Jen - so sorry about your kidney infection and panic attack. I can't relate to the kidney infection but I've had too many panic attacks in my life. You feel like you are having a heart attack which scares you and makes the panic attack worse which makes the feelings worse. It is a vicious cycle. And the iodine reaction stinks, too!! Hope you are on the mend.

Sakai - I hope you find a tree soon! I'd love to have some fruit trees but it just gets so darn hot here I'd probably kill it.

Uber - How exciting for your son and his honorable mention! That is awesome!

As for me, I'm off track. It all started on Friday when I had to work in a different area helping migrate our district's website. They provided tacos for breakfast and wraps for lunch and we worked through so I was stuck eating something off plan or just starving. It was delicious...just had too many carbs. Then, Friday night was book club and so MUCH FOOD! I did ok until my friend brought out her homemade Amish bread and butter and then some funfetti cupcakes and I ate one...or maybe three slices of bread and then to the cupcake. LOL Then on Saturday night we had a wine tasting party at my house and I ate too much junky food. It is now Tuesday and I'm still not back on track. Tomorrow is a new day. One crazy thing we had at the wine tasting party was so bizarre but so delicious - she took a hershey bar and put bleu cheese crumbles all over it and then drizzled it all with honey. It was some of the best stuff I've ever tasted. I do NOT like bleu cheese but this with the honey and chocolate was AMAZING! Definitely not on my diet but that didn't stop me from savoring it!

I did have a crazy morning today. My DH took our kiddo in for a dental cleaning and he ended up having an infection in one of his baby teeth so they sedated him and pulled his remaining three baby teeth. My son took it like a champ but I was at work so nervous that tears wouldn't stop falling and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Does that count as exercise? I feel like I ran a marathon. He has never been sedated and is usually super scared of medical stuff but this didn't phase him. I'm thrilled he was ok...it was me that needed some laughing gas!

I hope we all have a good finish to the week!

Hey guys!!!!! I'm backkk!!! Said with a lot more enthusiasm than I feel, but I've been so negative the last couple of days, I'm trying this thing where I'm not allowed to proclaim negative things over myself today. Okay so the disappearance was because of Bali. It was basically A LOT. 10 days of checking only work email and doing social media takeovers for my office social media, and making sure our booth was good and presenting... basically, I had 1.5 days of what you would consider a Balinese adventure and it included no volcanos and no massage (hmpphhh!) I have to go back. The conference took a lot of time and then prepping for my presentations and then jetlag (+7 hours from home) which I was only just getting used to when I turned around and came back home so that I've been up since 3 this morning. It was a good trip though. Everything one would imagine. Foooooooddd... I came back and weighed in today at 191.5 (a new record high for the past 7 years) and even though it's currently TOM, I totally believe the number because I ate ALL the things. What's even more "exciting" is that next weekend I go on a cruise vacation with my family for 2 weeks, so this might not be the high. I have mixed feelings about the upcoming vacation. 1.) I feel guilty that I'm just coming back from Bali and then heading off on vacation like 10 days later. In fairness, Bali was a work trip not a vacation but I'm aware of the optics and how things appear to "the people that monitor these things" if you know what I mean. 2.) I feel like I would have liked a bit more time to "get in shape" and "recover" from the damage of Bali and somewhat get back on the wagon, but this vacation was planned pre-Bali and I sacrificed ALL my time off till the end of the year for it and I'm not cancelling the time with my fam, despite feeling guilty.

I actually sort of read through the pages I missed but I'm probably forgetting stuff:

Jenni: Omg!!! I'm so sorry about your health scare! I'm glad it wasn't a blood clot or anything but still the ordeal and a kidney infection and a panic attack and a bad reaction to the tracer!!! Sending you hugs!!! I know it's been such a stressful month/ 6 weeks for you and I'm still praying for you and your family and sending all the positive vibes your way. Hugs my friend!

Windy: Welcome! I don't remember if I said it already but if I didn't, welcome! It's been lovely getting to know you. I've been having a junky time too off the wagon and I had promised myself yesterday was the day to get on track and then today, but it's not yet happened. I'm not too far off track today though, so I'm hoping I can finish strong. Honey chocolate and blue cheese sounds... beyond fascinating. I don't love blue cheese but I love salty honey and salty chocolate and blue cheese is salty so I'm thinking it could be a mouth vibe.

Lemon: Heyyy!!! I'm sorry the scale has been a pain and plan has just been !!!! I feel you! Just keep plugging along. I feel like my days are getting away from me too and so I can understand the overwhelmed feeling. And I have no little people depending on me so I can only imagine! I'm planning to do the measurements as you say. I'm gearing up to go seriously on plan as opposed to casually so. I'm way beyond past my red line warning zone. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I CAN'T come back from holiday in heavier. I'm hoping your hearing and balance feel better soon and that your little one is back to perfect health.

uber: Teenagers are weird and awkward and so filled with attitude and the joys of looking for an easy target for the angst and feelings bubbling everywhere. Sorry you're bearing the brunt of the meaness right now. That said, congratulations on your son's piano commendation, you must be so proud! ALSO, congrats on the new decade!!! :carrot: :carrot: :carrot: There's very little worse than g'ing yourself up to workout, getting your workout on and then discovering you need to leave because they're closing. #WHYWONTTHEUNIVERSELETUSBEGREAT

Sakai: Too bad about the trees. I procrastinate a lot too so it would probably be me rolling up in June asking to plant summer trees. Sigh. I have brown thumbs as well- the kind that kills basil with forgetfulness or too much love- no happy medium. What kind of writing do you do? I ask because I might not write (yet), but I'm a reader and am filled with awe and admiration for people who write.

Diane: I hope your week is going on plan. I also struggle with eating right when I'm not working out, so I get it. And sometimes it does feel like masochism to step on the scale when you know the output will be upsetting.


It's the height of mango season here and I've been indulging and my stomach is NOT happy. I think I've eaten more fruit in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 3-4 years. Fruit doesn't usually sit well with me and I'm being reminded of it with nausea and indigestion. I'm going to have to scale back to none at least for a while till my stomach settles. It's not like I need the extra carbs anyway. I haven't quite decided what my approach is going to be. I'm counting calories but I'm thinking of also doing some version of low cal or reducing my bread and starch intake... We'll see. My immediate goal is to lose 2 lbs and be back in the 180s before I leave for vacation. I'm also planning to exercise EVERY DAY of vacation. The idea of which my little lie-abed heart is already dreading... sigh. But those are future goals. For today, I'll just be happy if I can say only kind things to myself, treat myself nicely in a way I won't regret tomorrow and complete my to-do list.

I've missed you guys and I hope you all have a wonderful day. HUGS!

224
33oz water
Walking: negligible.

Toasted: yeah for a good trip! You know it’s important to eat like the locals wherever you go right? You have done well with your weight and you will once again be able to take this weight on off! You can do it and if it doesn’t move until your return - don’t fret! Your queen of walking your hallway! Enjoy the time with family and enjoy the scenes and weather. Having never been on a cruise as I’m not a total fan of being tied to one spot with a ton of people. In that respect I like to stay somewhat free because I KNOW I’d get stuck at a table each night w a person I couldn’t stand. I had a relative couple who have traveled and their dinner mates asked them if they liked to swing and I’m not talking about on the playground. So yep, ick.

Windy: like the rest of us - I think we are all stumbling a bit mine is because it’s been a long term project that, well, never seems to end successfully but if I step back and if I look at it - I’m keeping those pounds off as best I can I just have been half hearted about it of late.

Uber: how did the swimming go?

Sakai: so is writing a side gig? I ask because if your getting your 10k steps in daily do you do something else or do you have a treadmill desk? I always find taking the time for myself a bother and a time waster but I have found if I don’t move then I sure as heck don’t move the weight!

Lil: girl I hope your spirits are in the right place these days! I miss your banter! ;)

Diane: Conner those hikes! Look at you go! I wish sometimes my family would go with me but at the same time they have you quick legs and I’m old huff and puff.

Jen: how are you feeling? Is there anything they can give you to counteract the reaction or is it something to just weather through? How’s DH healing? Has his family returned home?

Laurie: how are you doing? I hope your world has slowed some.

Hello all!

Am: DH came bringing home a pizza and he had doubled up on everything and a pan crust. I tried to be mindful but darnit there is just something about melted cheese that trips me up but good.

So I’m going to guess my scale was about 222.8-223.5 yesterday (I hopped on after eating and drinking). I have a watermelon I’ll be cutting into soon and plan to eat that often and see how my weight moves. I had luck with it last summer. Maybe I can do the same this summer? If I can’t do romaine I’ll try the melon. It’s the only one I can eat right now without issues.

Today is PT Day for the little. I’ll have to grab from school and we’ll have to eat on the run. Never a good proposition as they end up wearing their food into the appointment. Alas - we’ll get it done.

I’ve got my kimono top done and have the dress cut out. I’m hoping it goes together well. It’s a pattern that’s to be generous and force you to self fit for a good fit. I had read good reviews so I thought I’d try it and see what I can do. The fabric is on trend with a bright floral not old lady floral - but hip and sassy. We all need a bit of sassy in our lives!

Happy day all! May we all find some good news in our day. I found a penny - it was upside down - but I still picked it up. You never know. I tend to lean toward find a penny have good luck!

Lemon: My scale is sticking too no matter what I do :( It is so irritating. I have gone back to writing down everything! I am thinking to start upping my steps. DH is doing better he is back in school and he is taking his meds. Family is gone, although his mother is talking about coming again. We didn't have to worry about his hospital bills because it was through the VA hospital, which they pick up the whole tab. I am doing better. On more antibiotics and a couple anti inflammatories. That was the weirdest thing. I could not move my arm for a couple days and it hurt!!!! I am good now though!!!

Toasted: Thank you! I think I am finally on the down hill of this roller coaster of LIFE! My weight seems to want to stay at the same place, which that is the irritating part! Bali sounds amazing!!!! What was the BEST part of the trip? What was the most beautiful part? I love hearing about other countries!

Windy: Thank you for the kind words. I am sorry that you are off track. I have been there. It is hard to get back on but once you do it is a breeze again! My weight has stayed the same for the last month despite trying to up carbs and multiple other things I tried. So I decided to just get back on what I was doing and have patience and wait the stall out. Easier said than done though!

Diane: Hello! How are you doing??? I feel like I missed a ton in a couple of days! Hope all is well.

Uber: Looks like you are doing great on your weight loss! How is the writing coming?

Lil: Hope everything is good with you!

Hello to everyone else!!!! Have a great Wednesday!

Jenni: Ouch! That sounds painful! Glad you are feeling better.

Lemon: Glad you made some progress on your sewing! I'm sure that it helps to get a little bit done. Hopefully, you'll be able to get some more caught up!

Windy: Oh definitely have had that feeling when I've taken time off from spin, and from when I first started. I think it gets much better when you stick with it for a while. But I also know that when the class has a lot of time in the seat - as opposed to standing - I get a little sore and uncomfortable.

Toasted: So good to see that you're back! You were missed! Sounds like you have a good plan for getting back on track prior to vacation. I'm sure you can do it! Did you already say what you're doing for vacation? I didn't remember.

As for me, one more day without the scale. I'll probably get back on tomorrow. Maybe. I went to spin class this morning. It was a new one. I didn't love it because it started slow, but then it ended with a pretty tough set. Tomorrow is Body Pump and they have a new routine, too. I've heard it is heavy on lunges. Ugh. I hate lunges, and I don't think they are that beneficial. I guess I'll see how it goes.

I didn't have a great day with food yesterday. I struggle on rest days - which is stupid - but I do. Today should be better.

Diane I totally hate lunges too! But I love your buttercream vs. whipped frosting thing. I too prefer buttercream (to the point that reading the word makes me start to crave) I think birthday cake is my favorite food in the world! And I don't like whipped either, but it would not be enough to deter me from cake-- so good for you!

Jen Boo to the allergic reaction and swollen arm! That's terrible! The only consolation-- all that puffiness must weigh something! I'm sure the scale will drop soon.

Toasted Somehow I missed that your trip to Bali was a working vacation. Even though it is a beautiful place, work is work and jet lag sucks! I'm with you about mangoes!!! They are irresistable! I ate way too much mango the other day and got a stomachache-- I feel your pain.

Windy How stressful that your son had to go under sedation! I'm glad everything turned out okay. Sorry to hear that you are off-track! I sure know what that feels like. I always feel like one of those giant cruise boats, I can cruise along eating well, but once I start down the path of over-eating, usually from social events or something, it feels so hard to turn it around! But I'm sure you will once people stop offering you delicious food! Although I must say, I love blue cheese, but hershey bar, blue cheese and honey sounds DISGUSTING!:barf: :D

Weighed in this am at 237 which is an even 60 lbs down from Jan 2017! :carrot: But now, I feel myself getting impatient. I'm just as such an in between size-- much smaller than I was, but still not small enough for it to make that big of a difference. What's so weird about clothes is that you can literally wear the same size at 297 and 237, but you change a size every five to ten lbs when you get down into regular sized clothes. It's weird.

Besides that, all is good in sunny CA

Hey guys, so yesterday went moderately well. There was no more negative self-talk BUT I also didn't exercise or stay within the calorie count I wanted. It wasn't a junk-filled binge or anything, but I ate a mid afternoon snack (scotch egg) in the hopes of settling my belly and it didn't quite work PLUS it through my calories off. It's fine though, today is a new day. I'm still jetlagged and was up super early, but I didn't work out because I'm still feeling nauseated. I'm hoping I can get home early today and do something minimal impact.

Lemon: This will be my 4th cruise and I love it. I'm not a "people" person and other than my mom, we're kind of an antisocial family but I love it for the convenience of seeing a bunch of new countries and cities in one trip and getting a taster for where I would like to go back too and visit a bit longer and where I'm kind of "done" with. I can't imagine having to sit with strangers (I don't like awkwardness or small talk) or getting propositioned to swing (The very idea has me pretty much clutching at my pearls!!!! or would if I was wearing any- ;) ). We kind of do our own thing, mind our own business and meet no new people beyond casual hellos. I find it like a floating hotel that goes to places. But anyway, enough on being a cruiser, thank you for the encouragement. Yay getting the kimono top done. I hope your dress is mega sassy- certainly can't have enough sass.

Jenni: Re: Bali... hmmm the best part was the sights. We drove 4 hours (roundtrip) to somewhere called Tanah Lot just to watch the sunset and it was EPIC!!! Definitely the best sunset I've ever seen. Turned my phone camera into like National Geographic professional. It really is the most beautiful place with beach and forest and ALL the fruits you've only seen on tv like snake fruit (my new favourite) and mangosteen and dragonfruit (and I'm not even a fruit person) and amazing batik fabrics and lovely people. It really was very good. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't really see or do much till Friday afternoon and Saturday but 1.5 days out of 8 isn't terrible and it gives me a reason to go back one day, hopefully.

Diane: Fingers crossed, I will be successful in my pre-vacation plan. I don't love lunges either. I like to baby my knees because they can be problematic when I don't and lunges aren't the most knee-babying exercise in the world, are they? Give me squats ANYDAY! Yay getting back on track with exercise. FWIW, I'm also team buttercream.

Uber: Birthday cake is one of my top favourite things in the world. I'm usually a savoury sort of person but birthday cake WITH BUTTERCREAM (side-eye at Lemon, who KNOWS why- icing scraper-offer that she is!), is everything! My trip to Bali was unfortunately for work, then I extended it an extra day to just see something of the area. 60 LBS down is BEYOND fabulous you absolute rockstar!!! :Carrot: :carrot: carrot: :broccoli: :broccoli: So in awe of all your hard work, well done!!!!


Okay guys, I've got to get on top of my to do list. I managed to do about 70% of it yesterday which I was quite proud of, but I have workplan tasks to finish before the end of the month that I'm still super behind on. I'm thinking of a low intensity workout that I can do that won't jostle my digestion too much. Any suggestions? I'll check back on my commute home. I could walk my corridors but I don't want to do anything that I need to commit a lot of time to, I still feel a little worse for wear. Wishing you all a fab day.

Toasted: get in the pool! Use the kickboard and go for 20 mins. I hope you have a pool or my suggestion is a dud! Thank you for the info on your cruising life! Have you ever done the long boat European river cruises? They always look interesting. I just remember when I was in Venice and the huge ships that dwarfed the city! My goodness. Maybe one day I’ll change my mind.

Uber: yeah for you on a great new number! Isn’t that true that the scale can move and you still fit in your clothes? I hate that! But good for you! I see more shopping in your future!

Diane: I hate dumb scales but I think mine is still possessed. I walked into the bathroom and here it was a)on and b) flashing stones not pounds and NO KNE ELSE HAD BEEN IN THERE. Maybe the batteries are in the fritz again. So I hope your scale has moved. I didn’t get on mine this am - I had kids who were a handful to get out the door - oh the drama and we aren’t even in teen years.

Jen: hope the arm is better! Have you decided what direction you may switch to for your job?

Windy: how are you doing?

Sakai: do you have other nurseries that might have what you are looking for?we have some rural ones that don’t advertise a lot that I have found by happenstance.

Hello all!

Am: ugh I woke in good spirits to be dashed by said kids and their freak out over clothing this am as school had a dress up day to celebrate an event tonight - sport themed. Nothing’s better than getting yelled at as the child tries to tantrum and spews forth. On top of it DH made a comment I wasn’t expecting and I’m kind of hurt by such - kind of a downer. Anywho - one of these moments maybe my spirit will lift again

I have my dress to put together and I myself needs to get put together and ready to go. I can’t even think straight right at the present.

Well my best to you all!

Just got my fitting done on my dress and the good news is I only added to the skirt length - I DIDNT HAVE TO ADD TO THE BODICE OR HIPS in fact I had to take in at the bust a bit and some at the hip. Woot! I finally finally am not adding for girth.

Ok I’m done giving myself a small NSV don’t get me wrong I’m still big, just not as big.

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Uber: Congrats on the milestone! 60 pounds is so awesome!! Just think of the health benefit alone... you've helped yourself so much. Very proud of you!! I totally get the impatience thing, but try to enjoy this very special feat!

Toasted: Well, I had to look up what a scotch egg is. Looks really good! As for the low intensity workout, maybe you could find something on the internet, like a gentle yoga. I think regular yoga is really intense, but I think there are some that are easier on your body!!

Lemon: Nice NSV on the new dress! You're making progress, and that is awesome! Sorry you had a rough start to the day. Sometimes family can just zap the life out of you, too! Hope the rest of the day is great!

As for me, I did get back on the scale. It was pretty good, surprisingly. I had a fairly low calorie day yesterday that probably made it better. A few days ago, it was heading above 253, closer to 254, before I jumped off. :) Looking for a good calorie day today.

I made it through the body pump class. The lunges were pretty intense, but I actually didn't mind that part of the workout. They mixed in squats between lunges, and that seemed to make it more doable. The upper body part of the workout was really hard/good. It was a really good overall workout. The weather is absolutely beautiful today, so I'm thinking I need to go to for a hike after work. I'm looking forward to it now. I love this time of year for hiking.

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Diane Thanks for the congrats! You're right. 60 lbs is a lot, and where I was sitting last Jan, at very close to 300 was just truly awful. I've only been that heavy once before in my life and it is uncomfortable and awful. Glad that the scale is heading in the right direction and good for you for doing the hated lunges! Your legs must be really strong!

Toasted So now I don't know how I've lived this long without ever tasting a Scotch egg! YUM! Your trip to Bali, at least the vacation part, sounds amazing-- so beautiful! Sorry that you're otherwise feeling frustrated, but travel can always throw you for a loop- not just the travel itself but the nerves getting ready and the jet lag coming back. I'm sure you'll hit your stride soon.

Lemon Aw, kids and their tantrums are always so hard especially in the throws of the morning rush! And sorry about the comment from your hubby. It's hard not to take everything to heart but it's always hard dealing with kids and school that stuff just happens! And KUDOS for your dress NSV. No more adding girth! Hooray!!! I really LOVE wearing smaller clothes. That's when I actually feel the weight loss! I did do a little shopping-- ordered two bras (neither fit and had to return them) Did you end up getting any new bras? Did you like them? I tried an Elomi bra since I have one that I like and i was so disappointed that it didn't fit at all (too small) I ordered a 42 DDD figuring it would be good to go down from the 44DDD. I returned it and am going to try a 42 F. I dunno. Mail-ordering bras seems stupid bc if they don't fit you have to start over, but on the other hand, when I go into the store, they don't have many choices up in my sizes. (btw I hope it wasn't Jenni who was chatting about bras before, LOL, if so, sorry for the TMI)

Jenni Hope you're having a good day! Laurie, Lil, Windy, Sakai Shout outs!

Had a really nice swim Tuesday night, but then yesterday I got lazy and tonight is choir practice so no gym. I know how I roll and I'm going to need to pick a very rigid schedule and stick to it. Once I'm in the routine, I feel like going, but at first, it's too easy to skip. Scale is being good to me! I dropped another pound. It would be soooooo awesome if I would blast right through the 230s. It's funny, but I've hardly ever weighed anything between 230 and 190. Pre birth of my first kid I never weighed over 190 and post birth of my oldest, I've never maintained below 230s, except when I maintained at 190 for a couple of years.

Hey guys, yesterday was a bust plan wise. I wasn't in red line binge zone, but it was more maintenance calories than strict weight loss calories. We go again today. I'm still feeling nauseated most of the time- except whilst I'm eating. Plain carbs seem to sit better than protein or fat or spice. Still not yet exercised as well. All I want to do is just lie still and not rock the (stomach) boat too much.

Lemon: I sadly don't have a pool, although I guess I live in a climate where that would make sense. I'm not the best swimmer though, but swimming would have been great exercise. I don't think needing to take in old measurements is a small NSV, it sounds like a massive one to me. Well done!!! Day to day weight can be influenced by water and poop but needing a smaller measurements shows long term effort! Well done Lemon!!!! I'm sorry about the downer moments in your day. I hope it all got better. Kids are kids and husbands are people and sometimes stupid things come out of mouths without thought. If no one else apologized, I'm sorry you were hurt and I hope things brightened in the end for you and today is fabulous.

Diane: Yoga is a good idea. I have a non-bendy, not super intense yoga video that I may give a go tonight. Thanks for the suggestion. It sounds like body pump was really a good workout yesterday. I actually love squats (when I actually do them) and feel like they make many moves more bearable. Did you end up taking advantage of the good weather and getting in your post-work hike?

Uber: Scotch Eggs are a standard fast food snack where I'm from. It's only in recent years (like definitely maybe the last 5 years?) that we've gotten KFC and Dominos (still no McDs or BK), burgers are still very much a sit down and order food here. We got fried in batter chicken places when I was a teenager. But when I was a kid fast food was jammy doughnuts, scotch eggs, sausage rolls (the kind with pastry and sausage meat), meat pies (think of a pasty or a turnover not like a slive of pie), roasted or fried (unbattered) chicken pieces and rice- that was all you could get from fast food restaurants when I was a kid. It's a little different now because you still get all those things, but also American-esque options like fries and chicken in batter now. Scotch eggs are still my favourite. Yayyyy scale and scale victories. I hope you fly through the 230s as well! Shopping for bras is really the pits with the uncertainty about cut and sizing and the variance between brands! I hope you find something that works for you soon.

Okay guys, I've got to go. I'll try to check in this weekend. Hugs to all and wishing you guys a fab Friday.

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Toasted: well, find yourself a pool if you can or if your part of the world is acceptable to women swimming. And if you feel your skills aren’t great, using a kickboard would help you and give you exercise benefits you wouldn’t believe. You just need to know to hold it in front of you and flutter kick behind you. And you’ll float and your head stays out of the water if that’s concern.

I’m glad your trip went well and you saw a beautiful sunset. I’m watching a lovely sunrise at my house the sun was trying, but now the clouds are moving in as we are to get rain.

Uber: I’m the one who lamented the bra shopping. I strangely had the best luck finding Olga bras at Kohl’s of all places. I ended up in a 40dd/ddd depending on wire or wire free. But I found something that fit where the wires weren’t horribly long. And I found my size on the clearance rack so I paid $4 for two of my bras! Even better. I’m not in to spending oodles on a weight loss journey. If I can get a good one for cheap I will! Maybe take a look.

Windy: how are you doing? Did your scale settle down?

Diane: cake is good! I won’t turn down cake but sideeye back to toasted ;) I can have a bite of frosting and that’s enough - and I will admit if it’s that better-cream one I will eat that, but not a corner piece!

Sakai: I’m planning my flower selections and will go buy next week! I’m looking forward to spring colors and my yard looking happy.

Hello all!

Am: ok even more success. I ended up having to take in an 2” on my upper bust on my dress. Yeah! That means my back is reshaping downward and I’ll take that! My only grumble was that I had it completed and zipped up and noticed the issues once I had it all sewn up. So I had to rip out to take in, but taking in is a good thing. I did a different technique to my hem and it made the skirt flirty which though I’m closer to 50 then 30 - it’s good to have flirty.

Weight wise - DH and I have a convention this weekend for him so I’ll go and shop and relax and look for new shoes (yes!) and plan my plant shopping. And have an ice cream as we are the dairy state and we’ll be by the university and they have a grand ice cream testing area where they sell huge cones and I’m always one for a good cone of a good flavor. We’ll pop by campus and see what they have out there.

Sorry - I got segued by thinking of a sweet treat!

Happy day all I have to go pack and get my house picked up before going.

Enjoy your weekends!

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Uber: Yay for you, another pound! It is so fun when you start getting to weights that you haven't seen in forever. That's great that you're approaching new ground.

Toasted: So sorry you are still having trouble with being nauseated. That's no fun. I hope that clears up for you over the weekend. It is hard to get super motivated for diet and exercise when you're not feeling well. I do like squats, too, but I wish I could get a little lower than I do. I think that they do a lot for the shape of glutes and legs.

Lemon: Yeah, I'm a corner piece of cake girl when there is buttercream frosting. That's why I can't have it often. :) Oh, and the ice cream shop sounds fantastic!! I hope you enjoy your time there!!

As for me, I did see a little drop on the scale. Flirting with being out of the 250's again. So, hopefully this weekend will be much more successful than last weekend. I just have to make it happen. I have some reasonable meals planned, but thinking about making a nice dessert for Sunday. Just can't help myself, I like having a nice dessert for our family dinner. But, I can be disciplined enough to not get stupid with portion sizes.

I did go hiking last night. It was super warm, so I got pretty darned sweaty. But so beautiful out there. The cactus are blooming (might be "cacti"?) and they were stunning. Lots of little lizards running around too. It made me happy to be out there. Love the nice weather!! I went to spin this morning and it was super hard. I think it was more that I was still a little tired from the hike and the lifting, but I made it. I should be better by tomorrow's spin class and I'll probably do a little upper body lifting.

Have a good weekend everyone!! Like Uber, I'll give some shout outs to Laurie, Lil, Windy, Sakai!

Lemon:. Have a great weekend and fun at the convention. Enjoy that ice cream! I would love to see the dress when it's finished it sounds beautiful!

Uber:. Yay for the weight loss! Swimming is so great. I wish I had a pool as it is awesome on the joints!

Toasted:. Bali sounds amazing and thanks for the details. I sure hope you get to feeling better!

Diane:. I hope you get another woosh. My scale finally moved after over 4 weeks so I know how frustrating it is! Enjoy your hikes!

Shout out to Lil, Windy, Laurie, and Sakai!!!!

So it was take your child to work day on Thursday. My oldest girl who is 9 came with me. I had her do so e sorting. My building also had lots of events for the kids. It was fun. I'm still dealing with stomach issues. Now I'm thinking I may have an ulcer! 24 hour heart burn, bloating in upper stomach, stomach pain, belching, and nausea! Ugggg.

On the up side I finally saw a loss. 225.6 I am hoping for another pound before the end of the month to make 4 pounds. It's been stressful not losing for over 4 weeks!

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Diane You are just hovering on the edge of 250... I hate that as I often stick at that weight too and my body just doesn't feel like tipping to the other side-- it's the continental divide of weight loss for me! And I'm so surprised to hear about the lizards and cacti where you live. Being in CA I'm used to that stuff, but I don't think of there being snow one minute and lizards the next! Glad you had a nice hike!

Toasted Every single food you mention would be completely irresistable to me! My mouth was watering just hearing about it! All that fried stuff! Yum! So sorry you are having tummy troubles! Sometimes you just have to eat what you eat, and if you are in maintenance zone, count that as a win!

Lemon $4 each for bras! What a steal! I don't shop at Kohl's too often even though there's one near me. Maybe I should take a look. I finally realized that I have a bra that fits really well that I never wear because it's black and I have another black one-- and it was too tight when I was at a higher weight, and it's a 44 G. I mean, seriously? Why do I wear 44 G? When I measure around the band, I get 40" even and I don't think I have huge boobs. Guess I'm wrong, LOL. So, I just bought a 42 F which fits pretty well and I'm going to keep it because I know eventually I'm going to lose boob weight. Weirdly enough, usually when I lose weight I lose first in the boobs and last in the belly, but this time, I'm losing belly faster... who knows.

So, I don't know what is up with me, but the scale is just racing through the 230s. I was not expecting to see 234 today! My BP was totally normal at the doctor's office yesterday, so that was exciting after being on meds before. Got some bloodwork and am hoping it all looks good. Yesterday went to the gym and decided to use the treadmill, and do the first workout from C25K. The first one is not challenging and I could even do it when I was in the 270s... but for whatever reason yesterday I got so tired I didn't think I could keep going-- got off the treadmill and I felt not good at all. I realized that I had had not had much to drink all day and had skipped dinner to go to workout, so I think it was probably either dehydration or just not eating enough-- I've had the same experience a few times before. When I got home I lay down to rest and ended up sleeping all night (it was about 7:30 pm) Woke up this morning feeling fine. It was just so weird that I got so exhausted doing something so light. Live and learn.

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Jenni: Dang! That's awful that you might have an ulcer. Ugh! Hopefully you can get some relief soon. Glad you saw a good loss though!

Uber: Who are we to question why we lose weight sometimes!!? It is such a mystery. I'm so glad you're seeing some success! Yeah, we're on the western side of the state, in more of a desert area. So, although we get winters, we also dry out quickly.

As for me, my weigh in was up a little bit. That's ok, being a small increase. I still hope that I can get a good weigh in on Monday. We should be able to get a hike in tomorrow. It looks to be nice. I went to spin this morning and did some upper body lifting.

Hope everyone has a great rest of your weekend!!

No scale with me

I had my ice cream - peach! Oh my goodness was it good. I had two scoops in a sugar cone- what a delightful treat for spring.

My sewing projects turned out well and I feel good in them. The hotel room strangely has a lot to full length mirrors so I’ve been taking advantage of them to view myself. I once read a lot of overweight people really don’t have full length mirrors and when hey finally see themselves they have said I would never have let myself.. . I have always had a longer mirror due to sewing - but att he same time I think it’s kind of fun house as sometimes I feel I look heavier in mine at home vs others.

I’m going to grumble about a problem area. Though my weight has been static my shake has shifted. I have the landslide between my boobs and belly and now it’s hanging weirdly on either side of my belly button. Like I put on my undies and it’s “tucked” in. It’s not nice looking and I’d love to figure out what it would take to get rid of it as I’m not a fan! But it’s better than it once was.

Anywho - you all sound like you Are making good progress. I’ll do personals once I’m home. Wishing you all well!

Jenni Sorry I ignored you last time around. We must have been posting at the same time. Take your daughter to work day! How fun!!! And great news about the drop to 225! On the stomach front, that sounds pretty miserable. Hope it's not an ulcer!

Lemon Wow! Homemade peach ice cream sounds soooooo good! Funny about the full-length mirrors! The room I work in has an entire wall of mirrored closets so I see myself every single day! So glad that you were feeling stylish in your new clothes. Sounds like a fun trip all the way around!

Diane See, the one state that I never "get" is Colorado. Because it seems western, like CA, but then all that snow! Must be beautiful and a great place to hike. I spent a summer in Colorado, but it was in Lamar, which is pancake flat and in the southeastern part of the state (you probably already know that!) What I remember is a lot of tornadoes and the smell of stockyards! But I did visit Denver, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, etc. What a beautiful place!

I'm doing well. Weight bounced back up to 235 this morning, which isn't surprising. Sang in church choir this morning, took the dog for a nice walk, all in all a restful day.
Hope you're all having nice weekends.

Hey guys, how goes? I hope you guys all had a good weekend. Mine was poor vis-a-vis food and nausea, but okay in terms of non-food related stuff. The problem is that the nausea is briefly improved by eating- which Dr. Google says could be a resurgence of gastritis (hopefully not because it's not that painful). Anyway, I have started back on the dreaded high-dose ranitidine (I think that's Zantac in america) and I'm also taking nausea meds which I'm not finding helpful but hopefully the helpfulness kicks in soon. I should also technically go back to the unprocessed ways I used to eat as opposed to my recent slide into chocolate and regular tea and carbonated bevvies and fruit and cheese and ice cream and tomatoes and citric acid-containing foods and stuff I didn't eat for years but have been reintroducing over the past few months since my digestive issues seemed to have been cured. Sighhh. It's going to suck to kick those things out but I need to get back to that.

Lemon: Yayyy needing to take in additional inches AND successful sewing projects. Emerging problem areas are the worst. I try to take a "it is what it is right now" acceptance sort of approach but it's hard not to poke at oneself and I found that for me, the poking at dissatisfaction actually got worse the smaller I got, so I feel your pain. It's like when I was 275lbs imagining onederland, I sort of imagined myself becoming a tiny, flat-bellied, gentrified plus size model (you know the ones- the ones that are like size 10/12 and flat bellied, roll-free and bigger than skinny models but smaller than proper plus sizes and with perfectly toned curvy bodies)-like creature. And it was like nope, things sag, hang and look miserable and all the magic and body confidence I imagined didn't appear- if anything I was more self-critical. This journey is hard. Sigh.

Diane: It sounds like the hiking is fabulous in your neck of the woods now that spring has... sprung. Were your able to go hiking yesterday. Did you have your Sunday dinner dessert? What did you have? Let me live vicariously through you. Wishing you a good end of month weigh in!

Jenni: Take your child to work day sounds like it was a fun time. How often does your work do it? It sounds really cool for kids to see and understand what their parents do. Also yayyy the scale victory!!! :cb: :cb: :cb: Fingers crossed you get your extra pound by tomorrow. I hope you don't have an ulcer. One of my many digestive issues was that and your symptoms do make it sound possible. Have you been tested for H. pylori and/or scoped? Hopefully, you get a solution soon. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.

Uber: Yay SVs and NSVs!!!! :carrot: :carrot: :broc: :carrot: :carrot: :bravo: That's fantastic about your BP! I agree poorly-hydrated C25K can be a real drag. I love running even though I've fallen out of it a bit and probably need to start some level of C25K again but if you want to be running buddies, weather-willing, I'm down.


The rainy season seems to have properly started and currently it's on a cycle where it's raining for about half an hour every morning. It's nothing to complain about- this isn't June weather with flooding and weeklong storms quite yet. I meant to go running this morning but I didn't but I'm determined to work out this evening. I'm hoping the meds work today and keep nausea at bay so I can do something this evening. I'm sprinkling all the on-plan dust I have on all of us in this group and hoping we all end the month strong on this last day of April. Hugs to all.

Toasted: Your stomach issues sound like mine! Nexium seemed to help. I need to go back to the doctor I am afraid of years of taking NSAIDS really has worn on my tummy! Take your child to work is once a year. This is the first year I did it and really enjoyed it.

Uber: Sounds like you had a very relaxing Sunday. Mine was a bit lazy too due to my stomach issues I did find my husbands nexium has eased things. Now to get into the doctor.

Lemon: I am glad you enjoyed the peach ice cream. I hope you had a great weekend.

Diane: I hope you enjoyed some hiking and I hope you had a great weigh in!

I did lose another pound 224.6. I've lost 4 pounds in the last 5 days or so. I am hoping this means I am done with the dreaded plateau. And I will take that 4 pounds along with an eject button for all the rest of the fat!

Happy Monday!

252.0

Uber: Oh so true about Colorado. There is such a big range of areas, it is so different from city to city for weather, climate, elevation, recreation.... Lamar is kind of included as part of the "Eastern plains". Then, you get to the "Front Range" which is somewhat at the base of the mountains on the east side - includes Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo. Right in the middle is the mountain ranges which includes the high mountain towns and ski areas. Then, you have the "Western Slope", which is where I live, and that is a combination of mountain towns and valleys. We live in a valley, which is somewhat more like a desert area. If it wasn't for irrigation, we'd be dry! So there you go. Close by is more dry hiking, with the lizards, cactus, and mountain biking trails. In the summer, I can usually drive an hour or so to get to some mountain hiking with pine trees, aspen trees, rivers, "real mountains", etc.

Toasted: So sorry about the nausea. That's awful. I hope your medication kicks in and gives you some comfort. I was able to hike and we did have dessert. It was so good. It was a Sopapilla cheesecake pie. Kind of a flaky crust and top, with a cream cheese/sugar filling, topped with cinnamon sugar and baked.

Lemon: Awesome on the sewing projects! That must feel great to have the success! I know what you mean with the body issues. It definitely is humbling. Ha! But hey, at least we're all getting healthier as the weight goes down.

Jenni: Congrats on the weigh in! Good to see that you're losing more!

As for me, well not a great weigh in. I stayed the same as last week. Overall, I lost 2.2 for the month of April, which is definitely under my goal of 4 pounds a month. I was pretty mad about it this morning, but that doesn't help. I think I need to track more carefully. Am I underestimating how large my portions are? I thought I was pretty much on track, but maybe not. Or maybe I'm just stuck. It's been about the same for about 3 weeks, so no need to panic yet. Just need to be more mindful and figure it out.

I don't see that it can be a question of exercise. I know that I am doing well with that. I went on a 2.15 mile hike on Sunday. I could have done more, but had yard work that needed to be done. I went to Spin this morning, and tomorrow is a rest day.

Diane I love desert-y areas! It sounds beautiful where you live. Are you from there, or did you move their later? Regarding the weight, that is frustrating, but on the other hand, down two is heading in the right direction. I think you are just sitting at a happy place for your body. I know that my body will happily hang out in the low 260s-- I can eat a lot and not gain, and restrict a lot and not lose. What happens with me is that all of a sudden I get really hungry again, and then I start losing again. It's as if the body says, "oh, she really means it, this really is all the calories I'm going to get..." I've been looking back at my old weight loss log from 2009-2010 and weirdly enough, my patterns are eerily similar... slow through the 250s and 240s, and much faster through the 230s... And on the flip side? When I was gaining it all back, I never lingered in the 230s at all, I zipped right through them too fast to even record a weight. In short, I'm a believer in the set point theory and I think we stall at certain weights.

Toasted It is so frustrating when you give up something for a long while and then start feeling like you can handle bringing it back to your diet and then you realize you are back at square one. I really hope your tummy problems settle down!!!

Jenni Hooray to the end of the plateau! And even more so, hooray for hanging in there through the dreadful amount of stress you've been going through. That is always the thing that sets me back! 224 is just terrific!:carrot::carrot::carrot:

Nothing much to report over here. Still sitting at 235 this am, so I guess the 234 was a bit of a fluke. Planning to swim tonight. The bra saga continues. I returned the 44DDDs and ordered a couple of 42Fs. One I liked and one didn't fit, but I decided I liked the other one. Put it on this morning and started wearing it, and darned if the bra straps don't slip. :( Which I hate! And I'm annoyed, lol, because the last time I lost a major amount of weight, I lost in my boobs right away and started wearing a much smaller bra size, but this time, I seem to be losing everywhere except my boobs! Meanwhile, my thighs are so thin that I look like a stork! :D

I'm here...I'm alive...I'm still off track but made better choices today.

I have been so crazy busy that I've not had time to read the thread. I'll try to do that tonight or in the morning and get caught up on everyone!!

Thanks for missing me. I'll come up for air soon!

Weight couldn’t tell you
Water non existant
Exercise whatever I found raking my front bed and walking the greenhouses

Morning all!

Windy: hope your world settles down some soon!

Diane: maybe you either need to look at your calories and maybe even if you have enough drop 50-100 and see if that helps. I can’t recall if you are really low or not. Are you eating what you’ve worked off? I just read an article that some people are finding a low carb diets they aren’t getting enough and when that happens the weight is static. I don’t know where else to point you unless you are making lots of muscle and that’s who you are. I sound like no help!

Jen: ugh - on everything feel horrible! How’d your kitchen turn out or is it still a work in progress?

Toasted: oh I have no clue what I could even speculate how my body will look - maybe it will be a bit better in time. I’m just kind of weirded out by the landslide look that progresses and I “feel” like I’m tucking in all the flab in my undies or my spanx when I dress up. I had found a dress pattern that piqued my interest but I feel it will showcase my current problem area more than I am willing to.

Oh and the ratadine - ick one of my littles when an infant had to take that. Not a fan and the liquid smells funky if I recall. I know they didn’t like it!

Have you tried probiotics? There are certain ones better than others and maybe that would help clean up your gut some?

Uber: I LOATHE bra shopping and what I ended up doing is taking all sorts of bras in the dressing room and just try them all on. I had an idea of where I was starting using the best measurement and go from there. I was having problems with underwires being too long or way too wide. I send you strength in dealing with it all because it’s a huge pain in the butt. How’s swimming going? Please go for me as I miss it something horrible.

Morning all!

Am: have a bday to prepare for this week and a cake to make. I’m doing a pound cake with drizzled icing. It’s one of their favorites so I will oblige!

As for weight I didn’t hop on the scale. I’m running around so much this week I’m feeling behind. And fitting in my scale these last few morns were not caught.

On my flowers: I got them all! I’m not potting them up for a while because the temps are wonky right now yet. Two weeks ago it was 14” of snow and yesterday it was 80 and so so dry. I don’t need to stress the plants out further. Soon though!

On everything else: going bonkers with spring! And kids sports! And life at full tilt this week. Hope everyone is doing well. I do hope weight is coming off - with me I’m still sliding ambacka And forth and perhaps soon enough I’ll trip out of this stupid decade. It’s not like I’ve never gotten stuck here before - I have and I hated it! The only thing that moved me out of the 220s was swimming. Right now not so much unless I dig my own pool! Hah!

Happy day all!

Diane: do you measure your food? I went back to measuring last week when I was 3 weeks plus of being around the same weight. It really made me realize I was adding extra to things. With exercising that is a hard thing some aps say to eat back calories and others say not too. I might measure for a day and write down everything you would normally eat to see where you have been then subtract 100 calories for a week if that doesn't do much subtract more. Another thing is you could calorie cycle.

Uber: thank you for the props! It has been hard work getting here! I'm 52 pounds in and it still feels like a long journey! I do know one thing......I am NOT giving up this time. I don't care how long it takes to get this fat off I am doing it. I haven't been below 216 in 8 years, below 200 in over 10 years, and below 180 in almost 20 years! I really want to see those points hit and will be celebrating in a healthy way.

Lemon: I'm working on my front room right now. I'm almost done painting then I will lay the floor. My kitchen counters go in at the end of May and my cabinet refacing is sometime in June. I will be doing the backsplash after the countertops! Eating will be hard as we have to live without a sink for two weeks! I totally get the deflating feeling of the body. I think I have lost 52 pounds but look in the mirror and still feel uncomfortable with myself. We are a work in progress. I think part of it is our minds too. This weight loss thing is difficult!

Windy:. You can do this! We are here for you!

I have my training again today and tomorrow. Looking forward to pushing myself. My stomach is still very touchy. Anyone want to trade me???????