(Yet another) Return of the MIA...

I finally have my computer at home working, sorta. For the moment anyway.

QUESTION :
Can anyone tell me the name of that organization that doesn't tell you what program to follow exactly, but they have support meetings? I don't wanna do WW because I just don't want to learn the whole point thing. I'm still an SBD kind of girl. I really want to have a physical weigh in and place to be accountable. I THINK Jilly used to be a member of that group, and I THINK it starts with an "L" (or was it "T"?) - but don't make me swear to it. I thought we had a group on 3FC for it, but can't find it.

I think I'm in self destruct mode, and I have to snap out of it. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe it's panic at my friend's situation, although my reaction to that was and should be to straighten up. Maybe I'm afraid of never riding Gabe to the level I feel he deserves or I desire, so I'm trying to destroy myself that way. I don't know, but one minute I'm eating really well, and the next I'm eating chocolate or pizza - Dark chocolate and veggie pizza, but that's still SO not the way to lose weight.

Anyway, please let me know if you can think of whatever the name of that organization is.

In other news, Gabe will be coming back to his new home on about the 12th-15th. There's an indoor arena there so I'll have no excuse to not ride every night. The dark & cold of winter may be descending on NE Ohio, but I'll be riding anyway, and hopefully when the flowers emerge in spring, Gabe will be confident and much better trained, and I want to be confident and much healthier AND a much better, more conditioned rider. That, or I'll have a horse for sale.

Thanks to all of you who've been so supportive when I told you about my friend with cancer. I really didn't know what to say to her, but you've helped me feel more comfortable. It's just so sad, but there's no time to waste feeling sorry for myself.

CONGRATS to all you beautiful winners and fighters!

AND HAPPY 'FALL BACK' to those of you on daylight savings starting tonight. YEAH! An extra hour of sleep!

Val, I think you are thinking of TOPS, take of weight sensibly. It has a $1 meeting fee I think. I've never been.

I understand needing to be accountable. I do WW online.

You better not have a horse for sale in the spring!! Gabe loves you and you are a great mommy. Hang in there!

Luv,
Ratkity

Yes! That's it. THANKS! I've been searching the net and couldn't get that to come up. THANKS again! As for Gabe loving me - he loves "Uncle Ken" right now, but he'll be loving me alone soon enough.

Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Nancy: I'm so glad that you enjoyed your new class. I hope you continue to enjoy it. I hope that your Landlord finally made an appearance and got all the things done he should have.

Rat: I think we will have fun on our cruise too. I sure hope so. My sisters can be very tricky though and I am praying they don't get angry at each other and then we become a show on tv about a family member who didn't come back from a cruise because another family member pushed her over board. lol.

Battle: I am so happy for you on getting to shop in other stores. I can't wait honestly. You gave me so much hope and inspiration today about your clothes story.

Debbie: I took a hot bubble bath this morning in the pumpkin wash. I loved every minute of it mostly because I FIT SO MUCH BETTER IN THE TUB! Congrats on needing smaller clothes. Make a trip over here and I'll take you to Ross and anywhere else you want to go shopping. Seriously, I'd love to have you come for a visit any time.

Xena: Hi sweetie.

Carrie: Sorry that school isn't going the greatest for you. Congrats on the 2 pounds gone though. Hugs.

Val: Hi sweetie pie. Glad to see you and big hugs to you.

Well, I had an interview today at Noon. It went okay I think. Never know really what the people are actually thinking. I do have 2 more this week. One I really, really want on Tuesday at a place called SL Start. It would be helping people with disabilities to fill out job applications and other paper work related things. The one on Thursday is my final one with Kootenai county. It is at the Justice Building.

Blessings to you all,
Annie

OMG if any of you live in the south, get out while you can. if i eat one more deep fried thing im seriously going to die.

i did have an amazing time tho, we roasted a whole pig.

Annie, if my family can make it through a cruise, anyone's can. At the time, we were on the edge of pushing each other off the boat hehe. The boat is big enough to do your own thing and then meet up for a nice meal. Food is served 23.5 hrs a day everywhere on the ship. The stuff scattered on deck might look good, but it's icky tasting. Stick to the dining halls!

Hugs!
Ratkity

Morning Peeps

RK - thanks for the cruise advice - that's my biggest worry is that I need to taste EVERYTHING (more than once). Hubby isn't a big eater at all so I plan to stick with him for food times. What do you feel like you get from WW online? I've considered it but can't come up with enough benefits - your help is appreciated (as always).

Annie - I'm hoping I can bring you some food strategy - even though you have not asked - I feel accountable to help you with how it can be done correctly. Isn't it funny - we can be more easily accountable to others than to ourselves.

Valerie - you've had a big shock - take a deep breath and when you release it just let it all go - then the next breath is a fresh start. Talk out loud to Gabe - he's a great listener. And visualize what the two of you will look like in spring.

Carrie - nice to see you. Hugs to you!

Nancy - wow - the dancing sounds like so much fun - and to do yoga after. How long have you been exercising in a gym? I just can't bring myself to do it publicly yet - I am researching our local hospital's program which is more discreet and you can work with a personal trainer.

Debbie - your slippers made me laugh - our pups just met my Grinch slippers - hilarious - two big dogs - one 75 lbs and one 100 lbs scared of slippers. By the way I finally tried the jeans on - I thought they were a 26 but are a 24 - I will try them on each 5 lbs - not sure how long it will take for them to button and then to zip. With some work I did get them pulled all the way up though.

Well we did the Mexican restaurant thing last night. I ordered grilled shrimp - but the chips got me. I haven't had heartburn/indigestion for two months - another benefit of being OP. Today will be a good day - gotta make up for the exercise I didn't do yesterday. The knee feels a bit better today - not sure how I would be handling this whole knee thing if I hadn't started my weight loss journey.

Enjoy the day all.

Carol

Is Determined
 

Hey my name is Patty. I started to lose weight 7 weeks ago. Its slow but then again it didnt show up in a short time either. I started at 315 am now at 306 and will someday get to 160.

Val -- :hug: I hope you can figure out how to get back on track. I hate that feeling of being out of control!

Annie -- :crossed: for you getting that job you want.

Luan -- My husband grew up in KY and worked at a truck plant for a while. He claims virtually everything at the cafe was available fried: vegetables, bread, and even bologna! :yikes:

Carol -- I can't even have one chip at a Mexican restaurant... unless it's the last one!

Patty -- Welcome!! That's great progress so far (it NEVER feels like it's fast enough).

I had a great time shopping yesterday. I bought a purse and gloves... and THREE suede jackets!! (They were blowing out last years inventory, and I had additional discounts, I got 2 under $30 and one under $20!). I also bought a few of sweaters, which are really needed. Last winter I didn't have to teach in the winter, so I pretty much got along with old sweaters that are way too big. I can't not teach this year and need something to wear!

Well, I found TOPS on the net, and it looks like there are about a half dozen meetings held weekly in my area, so I’ll check out a couple of them and see which group I feel most comfortable with, as well as which time and place work best. It looks like it’s $24 a year membership, which is certainly doable as well. I’d like to start back at Curves, but I don’t want to be tied in to a full year contract. The sense of community there is a great attraction, but their hours can be difficult for me. There’s a great local fitness center that I looked at, but I need to have my exercise program in full swing to be able to do it on my own there... although I think I remember that they have classes I could join, which could be a fun option. I’m really hoping TOPS gives me more of a center, and definitely somewhere to be accountable to witnesses, with a regular weigh-in.

ANNIE, I’m glad to see your awesome success, and I’m crossing my fingers that the job you end up at is the very best and most fulfilling, as well as lucrative. Good luck with all o f those! Hugs right back atcha!

LUAN, when my mom moved to the South she sent me a list of advice to northerners moving there. I remember one that said “Save all bacon grease drippings. You will be advised what to do with it later.” I have no idea how anyone stays skinny livin’ down yonder. The pig roast sounds fun.

RATKITY, I’d love to try a cruise some time. I used to think it was just for the bathing beauty type, but I don’t think so anymore. Just sounds like fun now.

CAROL, I think the advice you gave me was the best I could ever have. Breathing deeply even now. Gabe and I will be spending some serious, quality mental health time together as soon as he comes home – for his sake as well as my own. Thanks! The Grinch slipper story had me laughing out loud.

:welcome: PATTY You’re headed in the right direction! Congratulations on the success you've already have!! I hope you find a lot of help here. I know I have!

Thanks HEATHER – I know it’s coming. I just can’t believe the wild cravings that are raging in me right now. Must be hormones. Who knows. But I won’t give up the fight!

Winter. It’s just about here, and that means bird watching in my back yard. Not only have I filled the hanging feeder with all kinds of seed, but yesterday I took an empty planter (10-12 inches wide, 2 inches deep) and filled it with millet, sunflower seed, fruit & nut bird feed and put it on top of the BBQ just outside my window. The nuthatches & chickadees are going nuts out there today. One tiny bird grabbed an almond and took off. Now what do you think he’s gonna do with that?

So far, so good. Breakfast was eggs laid by hens at the barn, a yellow pepper from my own garden, with some cheese and a glass of milk… but no, I don’t personally know the cow. Today will be a good day I hope.

Xena~The schooling will be well worth it. I personally admire how you keep up with your schedule and keep your food program in mind AND being successful in that too!!! :cp:I loved the dog story too. Very sweet out come. Just think, you saved that dogs life!

Good morning all! It's a lovely cool sunshiney morning down here in the Lone Star State. I will definitely have to get out for a walk at some point today even though it is technically a "rest" day for bootcamp. But hey, the way I look at it is compared to what we do in bootcamp class, dog-walking IS a rest! :lol: Yesterday I got most of my Org Behavior group project stuff done and today is slated for studying for my Stats test which is Tuesday. Whew! I will be very glad to have this upcoming week behind me!

Nancy - They did take my measurements when I first started bootcamp as well as measure my body fat with calipers. I don't know if you have ever had this done, but it is HIGHLY embarrassing when you have lots of body fat. :o Anyway, I have not measured again since my first set of measurements. But I have a few pairs of pants that are starting to fit looser and some tight-fitting tops that are getting closer to being wearable so I guess I am getting a little smaller. Glad to hear you had so much fun at the dance class. It sure makes getting the exercise in easier if it feels like it's not a chore!

midnight - I am sorry to hear about the financial problems with school. Have you tried talking with them? If they know you have some student loan money on the way they may work with you on the deadline. :hug:

Valerie - I hope you find the IRL support you need at TOPS. Keep us posted. :hug:

Annie - Good luck to you with all your interviewing. :crossed: As much effort as you are putting into trying to find a job, something is bound to work out soon.

Carol - That made me laugh that your dogs are scared of your Grinch slippers. :lol:

Patty - :welcome3: Great job on your progress so far. I look forward to getting to know you!

Heather - Way to go finding all those bargains on the jackets. I cannot wait for the time when my weight is stable enough that I can stock up on clothes that I like when I see them on sale. Right now I find that I just buy enough stuff to replace the stuff that is completely worn out. I need to add "having a fabulous wardrobe" to my list of reasons I want to lose weight!
Take care, everyone, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday. :D

Xena, that's great news that people are commenting on your losing inches!!!

Nancy, so glad you got rid of all the candy!! I probably won't send the tops back because I like to wear them a bit loose. There is one that is really a bit to large, but I can pull my sewing machine out and alter it. But thanks for the concerns anywhooo! I hope you get your apartment fixed and it sounds like that class you're taking could be pretty interesting.

Carrie, I sure hope you get your schooling taken care of. I would hate to see you have to see them kick you out. Can't you tell them a loan is coming thru but you don't know if it will get there in time? Congrats on the weight loss!!

Valerie, how exciting for Gabe to be coming home to where you can ride him every night!!! You better not even think about getting rid of your dream!!! You just get your hiney in gear young lady and get back on the wagon and start losing!!! Do it for you!!! :kick:
It sounds like you have started your day pretty well. Just keep it up, be focused, and give Gabe a big hug when you see him again. Have fun with the birdies!

Annie, I'm still afraid to get in the tub and take a bath. I don't want to get wedged in there and not be able to get out!!! :rofl: Maybe next summer I will come over and we can go shopping. Thanks for the invite and know that you are always welcome here too!!! We can do lunch and shopping.....I can't wait!!! Still keeping my fingers crossed for one of these jobs to come thru for you!!

Carol, that's hilarious that your dogs are afraid of your slippers!! It's too funny, these animals!!
Congrats on getting the jeans up and I'm sure you will be in them in no time!! Glad you got your nerve up to at least try!!!
Don't feel bad about the chips....I had some yesterday too. I was doing so good too. Glad the knee is easing up.

Hi Patty...:welcome:

Heather, what great prices on those clothes!!

Today I'm going to watch a play that my niece is in, in NY. It's online from the theatre that she's performing in. Should be interesting. After that, I have to straighten up a few closets, rearrange and move things around. After that, I don't know. I did exercise yesterday...surprise surprise!! I plan on doing that around 10 today again. Only 20 minutes but its better than nothing.
Everyone have a great day
Debbie

New Here
 

Just wanted to say this is a hard thing to do but I'm gonna do it. Is tired of looking like this

Hello my Peeps!

TOM was on time this month and here with a vengence. Ow ow ow. Despite that, I went and got new pants (as per instructions from my peeps here!). I fit in size 18 from Dress Barn, even with TOM and bloating! Yay! I also bought 2 new sweaters, as I live under a vent in cube world (work).

GGG, I am part of the forums with the WW online community. It's a different feel than here, but nice non-the-less. I also get some great ideas for recipes and like to read the success stories online. Too funny about your grinch slippers and your dogs!! A crazy friend of mine got me some ronald and nancy reagan slippers (yes, they were scary!!). hehe. My dad (staunch republican) said with a straight face "wow, one foot will always be cold and the other will be asleep!" I about laughed until I wet myself.

:welcome: Patty! Just hop right in. We have similar goals, although you are an inch taller. I used to be 5'7", but I'm shrinking!! hehe.

Dang Heather, those are some GREAT buys! Go girl!

Val, excellent about finding TOPS. My gym's pool is getting some work done on it and it won't be done until Tuesday. Hopefully, I can do my water aerobics again then. Wow about the birdies and food! I had to laugh when you said you didn't know the cow personally.

Hi Sandy. I can tell by your posts that your soul seems a little lighter and happier. Keep up the great work!! Sounds like you'll be busy all weekend.

Xena, I'm so impressed that you are doing bootcamp. I just don't have the umph in the morning (or coordination). I think I am getting more energy as I exercise. Yay for looser clothes!

Deb, yay for exercise! I did some walking today, but nothing strenuous. I did buy a brownie at Starbucks .. took one bite and threw it away. I just didn't want it all the sudden! It's hard for me to throw away food.

Hugs and Luv to all! I know everyone is busy as the weather changes for good.

Ratkity

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I donated a big bag of clothes to Goodwill. In it were my largest size 26 dress pants. I found a couple more pairs of pants in my closet that I can wear until the 22s fit. They are both size 26 but smaller than the ones I gave away. So I will have 3 pairs to wear for work, doable since I don't have coworkers to notice I'm wearing the same things day in and day out.

It was scary letting those biggest clothes go. I wondered if I was making a mistake giving them away. What if I gain the weight back? Ugh....that was not a good direction to go in. I have to have the belief that I can do it. When I first started, getting below size 26 seemed impossible, yet here I am, I've done it.

I'm having a tough day with eating. So far on plan, but not great food choices. I have been disappointed to discover that Jolly Time discontinued their light tender white microwave popcorn. It was the only brand/variety with no butter flavor. The smell of the fake butter in the popcorn makes me gag. It used to be a real problem when I worked in the corporate world in sealed office buildings. I'd feel sick at the smell when coworkers made the stuff. I can't stomach margarine, either, or any artificial butter flavor in food.

Anyway, I found a new selection in Walmart from Orville Redenbacher. This one is called Simply Salted. It's not light--a package is 400 cals, a lot for a snack but thought I could carefully use it within my daily calories if the craving hit.

Last night I made a bag. It was greasy and way, way salty but I scarfed the whole bag down and wanted more, more, more. Today I had another bag and am struggling again to avoid more or to binge on greasy foods. Seems that this high fat, high salt treat is wreaking havoc with my binge tendencies. I'm throwing the rest in the trash before I set myself up for more problems. Fortunately, my local supermarket does not carry this variety.

Ammi: if you're reading this, I am so very happy that you fit into all the rides at Alton Towers. What a monumental accomplishment and gift to yourself and Daren. I hope you had a wonderful time and that your skin condition was under control. Please check in and let us know how you're doing.

Sandy: it's nice to see you full of energy and drive today. Enjoy your gardening. Have a good OP day, too.

Xena: you are doing great keeping up with school and boot camp. Kudos to you for sticking with getting up early and the boot camp exercise.

I know what you mean about buying the bare minimum clothes. When clothes buying is an expensive chore, choices are limited, and the body is changing sizes rapidly, it's hard to do any more than that.

Heather: congrats on your bargains, and enjoy wearing your new clothes.

Valerie: c'mon, you can do it. Today is a good day to be on program. I want you to continue to have Gabe in your life and the energy and stamina to do what you love.

Debbie: Have fun organizing closets hehehe. I encourage you to try shopping in a store soon. You're probably close if not already able to find some clothing in the discount and department stores.

Nancy: good job on ridding yourself of the candy. I know you can refocus and get back to losing. I'm impressed that you are trying out new classes. I've heard of NIA and wanted to check it out some time.

Luan: you made me laugh. OMG the Southern cooking is so good and I'm glad I don't live there! I couldn't handle being around the fried food and rich desserts all the time.

Patty: welcome!

Midnight: Hi!

Ratkity: Wow! Size 18? You're doing GREAT! Congrats. In my experience, Dress Barn runs true to size. They don't generously cut the clothes.

Hi to everyone else. Have a great OP day.

OMF am I tired. Abby and I got her science project finished. She did most of it and leared about how to read a tape measure, how to hand sew a
straight line etc. Got 4 pair of pants hemmed and made 4 meals. One for today and part of the week. I don't think I'll have to cook at all. Just make taco salads one night, salad with roast chicken another and heat up home made chicken vegetable soup with a little bit of whole grain wheat penne. Then repeat. All that makes me feel more in control. I didn't get to fertalizing the lawn. I hade to take sd to a program for school and that was the time I'd set aside for the yard. I still need to fold laundry, y'all know how I HATE that. And I'm gonna clean the bathroom right before I take a shower. Happily, sd is cleaning up the kitchen. She and Abby made cup cakes & I iced them. I had one, counted it on my fitday.com and I'm still op for the day. I'm happy about that and have no desire to have another. I'll probably have Andy take them to work. I had some frosting in the freezer and had to get rid of it cuz when I'm weak, I'll eat 1-2 spoonfuls of frozen frosting. Bad, I know, but now it's gone!
I have a confession. I played about 15 minutes on defense with Abby yesterday so she could get the kinks worked out of a little offensive shot.
It's absolutely ridicilous how sore my legs and ribs are. It's pathetic. So, enough of that b.s. My muxcles might get scared, but too bad. The challenge between my muscles and determined mind is on!
I feel really weird this post is all about me and my day. But, I'm finally feeling like I can handle life again. I'd do personals, but I still have chores to do and the shower is the last thing, as a long relaxing treat.
Hope all of you are well and/or feeling better. :welcome3: new ones I may have missed.
Have a good week, my friends. I will check in for reading, but can't promise to post.

Hi All - I for one am glad the weekend is over. Time to get back to my routine. Hasn't been a horrible weekend but could have been better - certainly pushed the limits food wise.

Hugs,
Carol

Sharon-It doesn’t take much to hurt my head, but you’d think I’d notice a two inch scrape.

I have been knee deep in early church heresies and the history of confirmation all weekend. I’m a bit buggy eyed. I have to sing at a priest’s funeral tomorrow. I’m about to get caught up. Good thing since I have to finish my Creeds class in 6 weeks to graduate, and I’ve already gotten my graduation stuff. I’m also supposed to be editing two speeches and an article for the Edmonton Journal. He’s so funny. He asks me to turn his stereo instruction English into readable English, and when I give him that look that says, “I’m too busy,” he says, I’ll let you spend the money. So I’m going to have some mad money for our Banff trip next week, and the Journal will get an article on homelessness that isn’t written in Geek. Hopefully I’ll have more time for personals after that.

For those who did pumpkins, remember that pumpkin is actually very good for helping your skin stay elastic, just not in pies.

Battle, I have a big bag of bigger clothes sitting in my bedroom right now. The charities keep calling to come pick up things each month, and I keep telling them next month I should have a bag full. I guess I'm sorta chicken to get rid of the big clothes, but seeing how you did it, it's given me the strength to get rid of mine. So the next time we go into town, I WILL take them to the charities.
Also want to mention, I'm now able to wear my size 24s!!! I tried them on today and found that I can wear them fine and it feels good to have something just a wee bit tight on, which will hopefully make me stay OP all the more.
I'm going to go look thru the stores for something to wear to my husband's Christmas dinner at work. Hopefully I can find something that will look half way decent.
I'm glad you decided to throw that popcorn away. It sounds like it was just making you crave more! Plus just think of the water weight gain from all the salt. You did the right thing.

Ratkity, YAY to you for throwing the brownie away!! Wasn't it a great feeling to realize you didn't need it? I'm so proud of you!!

I didn't end up getting the closets done. I DID do another 20 minutes of exercise and I really feel it in my arms today. I'm doing the WATP Muscle Mile One. I have no upper body strength at all...ugh. I stayed OP very well.
The play that my niece was in, wasn't working right so I guess I have to wait til the next time she's in one.

Our dog Daisy that we've had for about 16 years is not doing well. Her back end is going out and we just don't know what to do. We don't want her to suffer or hurt, and we give her doggie aspirin which seems to help, but she keeps falling down. All her other body functions are fine, she's fine in the head, but her back end is giving up on her. We just don't know what we should do...it's so hard.
Hope everyone is having a good night
Debbie

Luan: Glad that you had fun in the South.

Ratkitten: Thaks for the eating info on the cruise. I hope I remember it. My cruise is a year away. lol.

Carol: Hope your knee feels better soon.

Patty: Welcome. I am really glad you are here. All of these ladies and our occasionaly gentleman are awesome. Just so you know there is another Patti on here but she spells her name as Patti. Again, Big huge welcome.

heather: Glad that you scored with the shopping. Sounds like you are more prepared for winter. I noticed today when I was wearing my smallest size 28 jeans that after wearing them about an hour or so they are sooo baggy. I guess soon I will have to break down and get some. I think I am going to search the 2nd hand stores first.

Val: Have fun watching the birdies. Glad that you found a TOPS near you. I hope you really enjoy it sweetie.

Sandy: Sorry that you are so sore.

Xena: How was your walk. I hope lovely.

Debbie: It would be fun to meet up. Congrats on the size 24's. Hugs to you about Daisy. We have our dog Pepper on "Duramax". It is for her hips and she has been thriving since we put her on it. She used to have a slight limp. Maybe it will help your sweetie girl. I hope so. Hugs.

Rat: Woohoo on the size 18's. You are rockin. Now let them take a picture of your bootie.

Battle: Good for you giving your big clothes away. I am taking mine to a ladies shelter. I called and asked them if they would have any use for SUPER Sized clothes and they were very happy to have them. Hopfully they will get some more good use.

Catherine: Sounds like you have been busy with school and speaches for "himself". I have never eaten pumpkin before. I have tasted it in pumpkin pie and I am the odd ball that can't stand it. lol So, how do I fix pumpkin to help my skin or do I smash it and smear it on? lol. Today I was cleaning our front yard and I had a tiny pumpkin sitting on the steps and my DH gave the pumpkin to my dog Pepper to see if she wanted to play with it. Well, she took it, layed down on the lawn and started to chow on it. lol. AFter she ate it for a bit she walked away and then my male came and started eating it. No butter, sugar or anything. LOL. They took it with them when we moved the yard work party to the back yard and were still chowing on it. Silly dogs.

We went to church today then came home and had lunch. We then worked in the yard until nightfall. I got an email from Ammi today and she is not doing well. She is home from Alton Towers but her rash "Sweet Syndrome" is continuing to spread, burn and itch. She is pretty discouraged. The Dr's have her on some medication that was used for lepers in the past. Please keep her in your prayers if you pray because she is so discouraged.

Blessings all,
Annie