I don’t think I have time for many personals today – lots of work to do, but . . .

Annie – 8.6 more pounds is so awesome!!!

Catherine – Even if it you never lose another pound you are still an inspiration to me. You have completely changed your life and that is what means the most. Going from being in a wheelchair to being where you are today is miraculous in and of itself.

Misti – Glad to see you back!

Xena – Congrats on the GMAT!!! That is so fantastic.

Well, for those of you who have commented that my ex is possibly trying to sabotage me, I thought I would let you know that I had it out with him on Monday afternoon. I have been journaling my days to try and find my patterns and the reasons why I am having such trouble staying on plan, and so much of it comes back to him. Of course I know that ultimately I am responsible for what I eat, but he is not helping at all and I do think that he is going out of his way (even if he is doing it unconsciously) to make things more difficult. I got really angry with both him and me and I really blew up. Part of that is the fact that I have been feeling really badly about how I am not making progress, and when I was standing in the kitchen that morning he told me I was looking “droopy” when he looked at my stomach. That just set me over the edge. After a bit of yelling I then stalked out to go to the gym to burn off some of the frustration – and they were closed for the holiday!!! That was really disappointing. I still did a little walking at home but it would have felt better to get on the elliptical. The one thing I vowed was that I would eat by myself for awhile – that I wouldn’t share any food with him.

Yesterday I had a fully on plan day for the first time in – wow – I can’t really remember. It felt really good, and I am going to see if I can do it again today! Part of this is that I have gone back to my old lunch routine, which I had previously tired of. For a long time I brought the same things every day, and loved it. My menu was a little salad, a cup of soup, a chicken breast and some spinach, followed by a piece of fruit. Then all of a sudden one day I couldn’t stand the thought of another chicken breast for lunch, and it has been tough to get into a good lunch routine. I also had a really good workout and a new woman at the gym came up to me and commented about how long I could go on the elliptical. She wasn’t a large woman either, but she was really impressed that I could last a half hour on it. She said she tried it and couldn’t last 5 minutes. Not only did I do a half hour, but it was at random level 6. I didn’t tell her that I had done a whole hour on Friday. I did tell her that I couldn’t last 5 minutes when I started, and it reminded me of how far I have come. Even if I haven’t been doing as well as I would want I am still WAY more fit than I have ever been before and I haven’t given up.
So much for not spending much time here this morning. Hopefully I will be back later today when I have gotten some things done.

Kayley - I don't know how I missed the post about your friend, but wow - that is so tragic. Funerals can be so emotional - remember to give yourself some extra leeway for the grief. It can hit you in strange ways.

Kayley: Thanks hun.

Nancy: I am so happy that you stood up to your ex. Way to go. Good for you too in recognizing all that exercise that you had done is still with you and your stamina is really up there. Hugs.

Blessings,
Annie

Xena-You can make an extension for the flotation belts. Find out what size buckle, got to the fabric store and get one the same size plus two slides. Then get a foot or two of belt that is the same size. Heat seal the ends with a match, and slide on the belt at each side. When you get there, just snap it together with the belt, and cinch. I made one for a woman in my class, and the biggest problem was she was always forgetting it.

Kayley-My driver’s license photos are always horrendous. The worst by far is the photo on my new Permanent Resident card. I had poison ivy all over my face. It either looks like I was dragged behind a car, or I’ve got those sores that meth users get. I’m really sorry about your friends passing. That’s one of those things that starts happening more often the older you get, but you never expect it at 20.

Bloomer-My body does the same thing. It has a mind of its own when it comes to losing weight. I’ll lose weight when I shouldn’t, and then maintain when I’m working like crazy.

Annie-I’m doing better. I just had to throw a hissy fit, and that usually involves chocolate. We sat down and had a long talk about diets, dieting, and exercise. I think that for now, until things settle down for us, that I will exercise at home, doing something that doesn’t hurt my body. Even if I end up one day OP on and one day off, that is still better than completely giving up. You are doing so great. 10% is great. I’ve never reached a goal weight before. I guess I’ve always set them to high, and give up before I have a chance to get there. Are you starting to feel better on top of the weight loss?

Catlover-I got a email from the professor today warning me that the first assignment was the hardest to understand, but that if I could crack it, that would be great. It would be easier to understand if he didn’t keep sliding into Latin. When this was written, all Catholics knew a bunch of Latin. I’m a post Vatican II baby. The only Latin I know is Corpus Dilecti. Ten pages in he is starting to talk about Thomas Aquinas. That can only lead to trouble. It literally reads like stereo instructions.

I’ve had plantar since I was skinny. My arch is outrageously high, and my foot very narrow. I do all the exercises, and even the “scrunch a towel with my toes” one while I’m sitting down. Nike Airs are the only shoes I’ve been able to wear for over 10 years. I’ve had some luck with New Balance and gel Ascics, but Nike has the highest arch and narrowest shoe. I use crocs around the house, and when I’m in choir. They seem to work best for standing still like doing dishes, but not for walking long distances. Constantly changing shoes helps to. The only thing I haven’t resorted to is the braces to hold your ankles at 90 degrees while you sleep. I guess that is next if they don’t get better soon. My exercise bike is what started them, about 2 months ago. The pedals hit my foot in the wrong place or something.

Soulbliss-My husband and I are both on disability. His Canadian and my US. I get to be on the state insurance, but his through his disability covers more. Spouses are supposed to go on that supplement stuff too, but since he sponsored me to come to Canada, he had to agree to provide for me for 3 years without my becoming a burden on the Province. That means no supplemental stuff. I have a supplemental policy that pays most of my medicine and stuff, it was the automatic qualifying for the leisure pass to city rec facilities that I really wanted. We actually make too much money to qualify for the pass on low income, but don’t make enough money to pay the monthly access fees. Dealing with the government is like pulling teeth sometimes. I actually had to file tax returns in the US and in Canada this year. If I didn’t love him so much, he would so not be worth the extra paperwork. I’m feeling better. I just had to get some rest, and rethink things through. You wait for one thing for so long, and then when you think it is within reach, it gets snatched. I just had to make new goals.

Michelle-My mom was the same way about hounding. I just screamed once when she started like some kind of werewolf. That rebooted her. I think she was so used to saying that stuff that she didn’t realize it anymore. I would have hit her nose with a rolled up newspaper if it would have helped.

Brandnewme-Thanks. I’m okay. My sil has always been the family savior in their little dysfunctional family. Now that she has been outed for what she is, she is losing it. His parents are beside themselves.

Heather-I know I could figure out some way to pay for the classes, but I’d be mad the whole time there feeling guilty that the money could go for something else. I wish that I could just be like everyone else, and not need special food or shoes or gym memberships.

Kymberly-I used to use an exercise video while lying in bed. I may try that again. I guess I felt like I had grown beyond that. Sometimes when you’ve lost something, you have to go back to the last place you saw it. I can’t seem to get back into a groove, so maybe that’s what I need to do is go back to the place I last had it.

Nancy-I want so much more out of life, that I forget that at least now I have a life. Before all I had was a dead body that somehow kept breathing. It is a miracle to walk. I sometimes just watch my feet while I walk down the street in amazement. Someone would look at me and think I was dejected walking with my head down like that until I look up, and they see a big goofy grin on my face.

Now I am off to another government building to get my Social Insurance #. That’s like a Social Security number in the states. That should be the last of the paperwork for the next 3 years until I can take the citizenship test. Then I get to finish my first assignment. I’m having to read every line 10 times, but it’s not because I’m over the hill mind you, it is just a very obscure reading. Thanks for everyone who has been worried about me. My husband reminded me this morning that we have just been under so much stress, that surviving it is a victory. So I am declaring a victory, and now I’m looking forward to returning to boring.

Misti, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...y/2ebc9c4f.gif that you went off track and gained some weight back. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...e/49ac0007.gif The important thing is that you're turning that around. It's good that you've found a friend and you can keep each other accountable. I think sometimes we can have more success that way. Your rewards plan is quite creative. :goodluck: with your progress. You can do it!!! :cheer:

Brenda, :congrat: on getting back on track and setting up a 3FC blog. I'm sure it will help you with your progress. Enjoy the sunshine http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...r/cbd00b78.gif and the gardening http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...s/bbb0dd49.gif

toofatforu, just be careful with your knee. You should probably ice it when you have pain. I had a knee problem a few years ago. My knee kept buckling on me and then one day it finally gave out. I couldn't put any pressure on my leg at all. I had to get my sister to pick me up from work (yep that's where it happened) and take me to emergency. She sent my BIL to go retrieve my car for me. I had torn in half the tendons, had no cartlige (sp?) left and had lots of arthritis. I did physio-therapy for almost a year, 3 times a week and then ended up with surgery and almost another year of physio. It's a lot better now, although I still feel the odd twinge in it. I'm extremely careful with it, as I weigh more now than I did when I injured it. I don't want to go through all that again. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...h/587f7881.gif So, don't overdo it and :goodluck: with it.

kayley, :sorry: about you losing a friend and especially at such a young age. My condolences to you and your friend's family and other friends. How tragic. Hope your busy life settles down soon. :hug:

Annie, if you're interested in buying a pair, just go into a store that sells all the athletic shoes and ask for Nike Airs. Mine are for walking. :running: There are several different ones. They are a tad expensive though. I think I paid approximately $150 Cdn dollars for mine a few months ago. I swear by mine. I wouldn't even consider wearing anything else. You'd be surprised how comfortable the air pocket feels underneath. They also put a bit of a spring in your step as well. They are however not a lightweight shoe. http://www.nike.com/nikeair/us/

Nancy, :congrat: on having someone come up to you at the gym and compliment you on your stamina. Sometimes progress can be found in other places, yet we pay so much attention to the scale. You're obviously much more fit than you had been when you first started out. :broc: I'm :sorry: that your husband has not been supportive for you. :hug: I was impressed that you took your frustration and anger to the gym, albeit not open. :broc:

Catherine, I'm glad that you've decided not to give up. I'm so glad. :carrot: As far as that assignment is concerned it sounds all 'greek' or latin to me. :goodluck: with it. I hope you find a way to sort it out. It looks like you're on top of it when it comes to your feet. It sounds like they've been bothering you for a long time. I do hope you can get some relief soon. :hug: Somebody mentioned (:sorry: I can't remember who) about Richard Simmons videos. He has one called 'Sit Tight'. The routine is done from sitting in a chair. You might be able to find it on ebay. I've been thinking about it for myself actually. I'm glad you've declared a victory. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: But, you'll be anything but boring. Hang in there.

Oh, I totally forgot to mention

I HAVE HOT WATER!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...g/8690631a.gif

lol thanks cdncat... i'm happy about it too... in fact, i am thinking on going shoe shopping!

Annie- Yay on your goal!

Catherine- It's so good to hear you won't give up! Have you thought of the local Y for water arobics? They usually have them and can offer a subsized membership. You could just call your local one and ask. I'm wondering what kind of disability you are on, provincial or federal? I'm on a provincial one, (I'm in Ontario) and if my doctor wrote me a perscription for a particular kind of exersize that couldn't be done at home then my disability would cover it. Ditto for a special diet. Maybe you could find out?

So, as for myself, I had a really good OP day yesterday, despite all the stress and anxiety I had! I had rushed home to be here for the cable guy to come, and found that my once clean living room was covered in kids, wood shavings, video games and junk food/containers and wrappers! My DS (darn, definitely darn!) had desided to carve himself a sword out of an old tree branch, invited kids over, brought in my most favorite junk foods, and left the mess to me! Just then the cable guy came, and I was SO embarressed! It completely stressed me out, and since I have an anxiety disorder, got me anxious. But instead of eating it away like I ususally do, I walked around the block. By the time I got home, I was laughing like crazy! The expression on the cable guy's face was priceless! A sort of mix of sympathy and ewww! BTW, how do you all get the smilies into your posts? I'm new to forums and don't know how! Anyway, sorry to have talked (written?) your ears off! lol

me

Catlover-I have done regular aerobic tapes while lying in bed, and have thought about trying chair aerobics. I think I will see what the library has. I would want to try them out before investing. I’ve got several tapes right now that I just can’t use because they make one of my injuries worse. Sometimes I swear I feel like I’m held together with bailing wire.

Michelou-I have thought about the Y, but the one here is in a place I can’t get to easily on the bus. I’m on US Federal disability, my husband in on Alberta provincial. That’s why I moved instead of him. Mine would transfer across the border, but his wouldn’t have. As a new immigrant, I can’t receive any benefit from either federal or provincial government for 3 years. I can pay property taxes, and income taxes, and GST, but I can’t even get a low income discount on my library card.

Wow...I missed so much with my internet being frinkly the last few days. :D

Well, I hope ya all had a good holiday weekend. :D

My apologies for not getting back to you in the last thread dogpal, but I had Lap-Band surgery on 5-3-2007. :)

I finally jumped on my scale two days ago and it gave me a 2 pound loss, so I am happy about that, though, those of yas that have read my posts, know I have issues with my scale. :lol: But, 2 pounds is 2 pounds, so I'll take it as long as it isn't a gain, I am happy. :)

I am about to start solid foods tomorrow and I am a bit scared as well as thrilled to be able to eat some of what my boyfriend and son are able to eat freely. :lol:

However, through all of this, I am really wondering what/if I am doing something wrong if I only managed to lose 12 pounds in four weeks after having surgery. Not discouraged, just wondering is all. :?: :)


I hope everyone has a great week!!!

Good evening everyone!

Miss a day, miss a lot around here!

Kayley - I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

Annie - Congratulations on making your goal!! You are doing really well and your outlook is always so good. I am so jealous you've seen a moose! I've lived in Maine since I was 2 years old...and moved further north into Maine almost a year ago. Never seen a moose. Never. That bums me out. Even my kids have seen one when they were with their dad!

Heather - ditto on the hard work- -thanks for all you do here!

Nancy - good for you for having a great op day! And your ability at the gym is fantastic! Definitely a NSV!

Gosh...I know there are things I'm forgetting I wanted to comment on. I need to start taking notes! Well...a big hello to everyone else.

Things here have been good, although today was my first completey op day in the last few. Not that any of them have been terrible, just not completely op either. Tim took yesterday off and we went out to breakfast after the kids left for school, then for a drive. We ended up buying a canoe! We already have two kayaks, but they are only singles so we can only go out by ourselves in those. The canoe will hold us and the kids (human and fur) we just need to pick up a couple more life jackets (human and fur....lol!). It was a nice day.

Today was back into routine- -which is great for me because those are the days I stay op.

Hope everyone had great op days!

Cris

Misti - Nice to see you back among us. Were you disappointed Blake lost to Jordin in the AI finale? Although I liked Jordin, I have to admit I was a little disappointed, but not suprised. I really liked Blake and think he is very creative and talented. Will be interesting to see what kind of a CD he puts out.

Kayley - So sorry to hear about your friend's passing. How shocking at such a young age. :(

Nancy - I am glad you stood up to your XBF. I really hope you are able to find an apartment soon. I am sure this limbo you are living in (not together, but living together) is not good for either one of you. I will be nice for you to be able to cut the ties and move on completely. :hug:

Catherine - Thanks for the tip about making the belt extender. If I decide to do the classes (which I probably will) I will have to give that a try. As for your exercise situation, I really hope you are able to find some tapes that will work for you. I'd give anything for you to be able to get back to the pool again. I remember you talking about how much you enjoyed it.

As for me, I am in pain today. I've been having trouble off and on with my right foot. I get a strange pain along the side of it....it's sort of sharp and achey at the same time. I don't necessarily need to be on my feet for the pain to hit. Well, it's been getting worse and my foot swells up now too. I am going to schedule a doctor appt tomorrow and see what she says. I am supposed to be walking a 5K this Saturday (Race for the Cure). The way I feel now, I think this foot's going to put a crimp in that plan. :mad:

Hi Xena... good to see you still here.

As for AI well yes I wanted Blake to win... but in one sense I was glad Jordin did because I am not sure Blake really WANTED first place as it would have tied him in so much to the AI contract. He is not the type to conform to their image. When he was here I heard he kept saying he thought it should be Jordin. It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo fun having the parade and concert here though. So in one sense I was disappointed but LOL one thing we ALL here wanted and we got was the acknowledgement that they were wrong about Seattle. :) 3 of the top 7 auditioned here (two from here), both finalists auditioned here, one a local guy... AND then the songwriter winner was from Seattle. :) So we got our "justice." Tee hee

Misti

hi dogpal i am still here just mostly lurking and hoping for a scale victory soon. how have you been doing?

thanks for the advice cdncatlover i will heed it.. i hate limping around like 100 year old person!