300+ Weekly Thread #1137
 

WELCOME!!!!!

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for the Amazon "store" in the upper right hand corner of the screen on the PURPLE tool bar. A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!!

Just wanted to say thank you for those of you who asked where I was/how I was doing. Things have been all over the place for the last several months, but I think they are mostly settling down at this point. We are waiting on some test results for my dad that may or may not change everything, but at this point, I know there are absolutely no guarantees and I am trying to stay positive rather than stew over it. Whatever happens will happen, ready or not.

My weight loss is still where it was a couple months ago - going nowhere. Still trying to get my synthroid dosage right, and have had to up it again. I feel a lot better most days, but there are still some days where I am just downright exhausted and not functioning well. Plus the winter really hurts me, and some days it literally brings me to tears when I try to get up and around. I'm not entirely sure what I did (or didn't do for that matter), but I have had a lot of pain in my left shoulder and in my tailbone, in addition to the pain in my ankle & my hips. I worry that I may have the same nerve disorder that my dad has, but at this point, I fear it is more a paranoia issue than a real consideration.

I started work again the 26th of November. I love it. The pay isn't that great, but it's a job and it's something I feel I am meant to do. I have to start somewhere, so this is as good of a place as any. I had to miss three days last week due to not being able to get up and around.. guess I am going to have to start doing more preventative treatments and see where that gets me.

Anyhow, hate to sound like such a downer because I'm really not feeling that down in the dumps. Despite the issues, I am still managing to hold it together, and that's all I can ask right now. One step at a time.. as long as I can take that step I will be okay. Hope everyone is well, and I will try to stop in more often. Take care.

Saying Hello, Again
 

Hello all, been a while since I have been on here, A lot has been going on and has happened. I see a handfull of you still remain, Heather, NottheCheat,Brandnewme,Dogpal,Zelma,and Sharon(voodoo)It seems as it took me around 6 months to lose 80 lbs, and it took 16 months to put it back on. Man do I love to eat. I have such and obsession with it, rather it be dieting or not. I quit smoking after 20yrs 2 months ago. Why can I qiut something like that , but I can not control my food intake of consumption?.. I am not depressed , nor disappointed, I need to find out what makes me do this and work on that. Doing some soul searching right now and thought I would hang here while doing so.. It is good to see some old faces here,, Where is Ammi? and Hello to the new ones... ( new to me...)

Hi everyone! Have a great day and get that Christmas shopping done this week!:D

Catherine - :rofl: You're so funny! I always say I could eat a styrofoam ball if it was dipped in chocolate!

WELCOME BACK CROCK!!!!!!:hug:xxxxxxx I missed you! Ammi peeks in but has had some health probs though I'm sure she'll be back posting soon.xxxxxx
I'm having some confidence issues again,:( I don't want to leave the house but I have to take Aiden to nursery the rest of this week. It is his last week at nursery, he starts 'big' school (infants 4-7yrs) after Christmas. I'm eating for no reason other than I can, :?:I keep telling myself 'why bother Christmas is nearly here' not a good train of thought. I have to go & get ready to take him but hugs to everyone.
Brandnewme :carrot:CONGRATS:carrot: on the job.xxxxx
Annie WTG on the :devil:scales,:D lol, was it great fun?xxxxxxx
xxxxxxxsharon:hug:

I tried something different and added some of the posts from last night/this morning to this week's thread...

Hope everyone has a good day!

OOh Heather you are so organised! Thanks.xxxx
xxxsharon

Good Morning!! :coffee:

Well seeing John Edward was fun. He didn't read any of us :( , but he was really interesting to watch. It was very similar to his show on TV. He is so cute, I could watch him all day!!! Very entertaining and he read one man in the audience that I thought was going to have a heart attack because he was so dead-on. (no pun intended!) I don't know if I would spend the money again, though. But it was good to go one time.

"Fake Christmas" went well...at least I didn't get the usual "ugly shirt" this year!! I have so much food left over, I don't have to cook for a week!! And I am not worried because my SIL made baked ziti and I thought it was pretty gross, so I won't be tempted at all!!! :rofl: I am not saying that my eating was under control at all, but at least the leftovers won't be calling me!!! :D


Heather: I read your letter to "your future self" and it was so enlightening! You could be looking over my shoulder right now!! Thank you for posting it and I just might hang a copy on the fridge for some well needed inspiration!

Annie: I love, love, love your scale breaking pics!! You look so happy!! I can't wait until you hit your 200 lb goal!!!

Catherine: You consistantly know how to crack me up!! I have a galley kitchen also, so I know exactly what you mean!! ;)

Sharon: One day and one step at a time. You can do this! :hug:

Brandnewme: I hope things go well for your dad. I am glad you are enjoying work, and hope your aches and pains feel better soon. I am sure the change in weather is not helping. :hug:

Crock: :welcome3: back.



Not much time for more personals...gotta get to Tar-jay for more shopping :faint:...at least it is for duvet covers and not presents!!!! :lol:

Have a Great Day!!!:cheer2:

Oh yeah...I donated blood a few weeks ago and got a letter telling me my cholesterol count was 172!!! The last check up I had (about 3 years ago) it was 219. Yay me!! LOL!

Crock -- Wanted to welcome you back!!!!

Sharon -- I think if I were organized I'd have figured out how to copy posts LONG ago! :lol: It is actually kind of a pain as the posts come up chronologically, and you all posted before I started the new thread. I kind of "cheated" to make it work!!

Donna -- Glad you liked the letter and YAY! on the cholesterol!!

Quiet day for me. Only one meeting. I am hoping to get both of my classes for winter term prepped this week. Classes start Jan 2nd and I want to take next week off guilt-free!

Meta-I met the magnificent primate I’m married to online too. It was a very safe site where you have to go through a bunch of screening and it’s seriously monitored. I think it gives you the opportunity to get to know people without stuff getting in the way first. I don’t make good first impressions, never have, even when I was skinny. Don’t know why, but accepting it and learning to deal with it has helped.

Annie-Ooo, maybe we should get into a swimathon. He’s got to go check the pool to make sure it has a boat ramp since I can’t use a ladder, and if it is suitable, I should be good to go right after Christmas. He’s trying to talk me out of going to Christmas services. He’s afraid it will be too much too soon, and I’ll have a re-injury. I guess we are going to get to see who’s the most stubborn come next week. As for the scale smashing, doesn’t that just feel so freaking good. I almost wanted to go buy some more to smash.

Rat-I’m not rewinding the motor on my machine myself. I leave those things to the guys at the sewing machine place. It is just something I recognize when it happens. If I had my way, I’d hook it up to an old treadle so I never had to mess with the motor again. Except for the part that broke when I mailed it from Florida to Canada, the motor is the only thing that has ever broken on it.

Nancy-At least skirts are pretty easy to take up. When I started having to take up my pants, I could get the waists right, but the crotches started ending up near my knees. The Ali Baba look is just not for me.

Brandnew-I have a lot of pain in my left shoulder. It comes from the extra pressure on it to get me in and out of chairs. The crutches haven’t help any either. We put some much extras weight on our joints and such. I’m hoping mine will get better when I can swim again. I actually put some extra pillows under the cushion on my chair to make it sit a bit higher, so it is easier for me to get up, and that has helped some.

Donna-Good for you giving blood. When I was 10, one of my brothers needed a bunch after getting his throat slashed trying to stop someone from beating their wife. When we got to the hospital, my folks were trying to get people on the phone to donate. Neither of them could donate because of health trouble, and my cousins in Kansas were going to donate. I was in a panic that they wouldn’t get there in time to save my brother, and asked them to take my blood for him. My dad calmed me down telling me that he had already gotten the blood he needed, that someone had come in yesterday to donate for him. Then I asked if they knew he was going to get hurt, why didn’t they just stop it from happening. He said they didn’t know he was going to get hurt, just that someone might. That was back in the days that they didn’t let kids visit in the hospital. I didn’t get to see him for a couple of weeks, and when I did I promised him that I would be a blood donor as soon as I was old enough. That’s what I did on my 17 birthday, and have done ever since until I came to Canada. Every time I try to donate here, they don’t have anyone there to take it. We’ve got a bad labor shortage.

I’m off to start my Christmas house cleaning. God only knows how many are going to show up this year. He actually printed invitations and has been handing them out all over.

I just have a few minutes at the end of my lunch before I have to get back to my audit.

Crock – It’s so good to “see” you again! Welcome back!

Annie – I LOVED the pictures of you bashing up that scale. You have this fantastic grin on your face. That must have felt wonderful!

I had a funny NSV this morning that I had to share. I got a part delivered for a computer, but shortly after the delivery guy left I realized it was the wrong part. So, I RAN after him and caught him in the hallway. I actually ran pretty fast (well, at least for me) and wasn’t anywhere as winded as I would have thought. The only problem was I had to hold my stomach down to keep it from making those lovely fat slapping noises. I guess if I decide to actually run I will need some really good compression pants. :lol:

Ack! Gotta run! :)

Hi everyone,

No time for personals today.

I am suffering with a cold. It's not the worst, it's just enough to make me miserable and want to stay in bed and do nothing.

This weekend's eating was really, really bad, and I know why. I was feeling sick and miserable, and tried to comfort myself with food.

My network of friends, which is like my family only they're there and supportive, is in flux. One of my best friends, who lives 5 minutes from me, is moving back to Europe. Several other very close friends are considering moves as well. Yet others, a couple I'm close with, are going away on sabbatical for 6 months.

So I ate.

I'm back on plan today and that's all I can do.

Have a good OP day everyone.

Donna - I had to comment that I only just realized you haven't been talking about John Edwards the presidential candidate all this time. When you said, "He didn't read any of us" I was like What? Then it hit me. Red hair or not, I really am still a natural blonde under here! :lol:

Battle - Sorry to here your friends are in flux. As a single person I do realize how important that network is. I moved about 4 years ago to the Dallas side of the Metroplex from the Ft. Worth side. I didn't think it would make a big difference since it's all basically the same metro area. But it did. :( I hope that some of your pals decide to stay put. :hug:

Nancy - WTG chasing down the delivery guy! It's fun to notice improved fitness at more than just the gym!

Brandnewme: Congrats on the job! I hope you continue to enjoy it. I also hope that your Dad is okay and that you feel better very soon. Hugs.

Crock: Hey girl. Welcome back. I have wondered where you went off to. Glad to see you back again. Don't be such a stranger.

Sharon: Hugs to you sweetie. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Donna: Glad your "fake Christmas" was good. Congrats on the good cholestoral too. Way to go.

Catherine: I am game about the swim a thon if you are. lol. I know that 40 laps of my pool is 1 mile. Or if you want to do minutes. Or, if you just want to swim without the swim a thon that is fine too. I did have fun smashing the scale. I tried to focus on the feelings that I had when I was standing on 2 scales trying not to move so I could get a decent weight for myself. I did take it out on those scales. lol.

Nancy: Congrats on the run! I don't think I would want to hear myself run or even attempt it without a good STRONG girdle. lol.

I'm off to be early tonight. My body is fighting trying to keep away from this darn cold that is hounding me to catch. Hopefully I won't give in.

Blessings all,
annie

Good Morning!:coffee:

Xena: :rofl: Thank you for the chuckle this morning!! I always said I should have been a blonde, as my Sammi should too!! She was for a little while and I think it stuck with her!! Although, we are much more apt to have what we call "visions"~not the John Edward way, but we fall alot. :D Just last week we had a "double vision" walking to the car after school. I wish we had a copy of the schools tape to put on YouTube!! First I found the 2 foot hole under the leaves and went down. I thought Sammi was gonna wet her pants!! Then I finally stopped laughing long enough to get up and a few steps later, she found another hole!! We laughed all night long about it. I think the worst part was that one of the mom's of her friend saw this(she was waiting in her mini-school bus) and tried to be nice and pretend she was covering her eyes. So being me, I took a deep bow and claimed my shame!!
All in a days work!!:rofl:

Battle: I hope the "Jewish Pennicillin" is working! Feel better!:hug:

Annie: Maybe you should get some "Jewish Pennicillin" too!! Rest and maybe you can fight it off!:hug:

Nancy: I would have needed to hold on to the "girls" too or I would have wound up with a black eye!!:rofl:

Catherine: I used to give more often when I worked for 911. We actually got 1/2 day off if we did. But this time it was 2 steps away from me at work and it started when I got off for the day so there was no reason to say no. It felt good to do it again. My Scott has given 2x since he turned 18 in May. They even sent him Mets tickets during the summer as a Thank You. Crappy seats, of course, but it was the thought!! And your "primate" reference really is too funny!!

Speaking of my darling son Scott...once again I got the call from him that he was in ANOTHER accident. This makes #4 since he has started even attempting to drive!!!! :yikes: This kid is killing me!! :faint: He has only had his license since June. He has taken driver's ed, and even a defensive driving course, but he still doesn't get it!!! I don't know what I am going to do with him other than selling him to the highest bidder. Thank God he hasn't been hurt or hurt anyone else. And my poor little car is going to be a Bionic vehicle...how many times can they rebuild it??? :shrug:


Have a Great Day!!:cheer2:

Thanks for the welcomes guys.. You are a nice bunch.. Everyone seems well, I am glad for that. My leg is still messed up, ends up it is my Siatica nerve (sp) causing the pain and swelling. Not much to report today, still getten mentally in shape and all.
I am finally ready for Christmas. Need to do some wrapping and I am all done.
After the holidays I will be getting back on the right path. I know it should not matter what day you make a change. But I am choosing to Wait a couple more weeks. Take Care everyone and see you tomorrow.

Hi peepers,
It's great to be back again. We had to fly to Kentucky because my Fil had taken a turn for the worse. We stayed until Saturday and on the way back after we landed we turned on our cell phone only to have a message that he had passed away. He will be greatly missed. He was a great guy and so funny, even up to the last moment. His one wish was to see his kids, and to be able to go home. He got both.
While we were gone, my dog Sadie, decided to eat Daisy's Remidyl pills. They were up on the counter, but she's so tall, she just grabbed them with her teeth and ate thru the bottle and all. My parents had to rush her to the vet to get her tummy pumped. She had them in her system for about 2 hours, so hopefully it won't harm her kidneys or liver. She seems to be fine now, just keep your fingers crossed for us that it doesnt affect her later.
It seems the bigger the airplane, the tighter the seats got as well as the seatbelts. When we flew out, everything fit ok, tight, but I could get the seat belt fastened. I thought, hey, this is great....I FIT!!! A skinny guy sat next to me, he was really nice, asking me if I had enough room. I told him yes, and asked him if he did and he said he was fine. So that was a relief. The next little plane we took from St. Louis to Nashville, was a little 3 across seater. The belt was a little tighter, but fit and no one was next to me. That whole trip was fine but the trip back was a flippin' nightmare. We flew from Nashville to Chicago. I took the window seat this time but the belt I could hardly get buckled. We were delayed on that flight for an hour. Then from Chicago to Seattle, it was delayed 3 hours. That plane was the biggest and the worst. When we got our seat assignments, the guy saw my size, and put me in a seat where neither side would go up. So I was smashed in this tiny seat, with a seatbelt that closed only by smashing it around me, giving me indentions on my hands from trying so hard to get it fastened. That was the longest flight of my life. I was totally miserable and the turbulence was so bad, they told us to keep the seat belts on the whole time. I couldn't take it anymore so I took off the seatbelt and if the turbulence lifted me out of that seat I was crammed in, well, more power to it. Then they were showing "Hairspray" the movie but the little thing that you put in the hole to be able to hear thru the head phones was on the side towards my body, so I couldn't reach it in the first place, and then if I could of, it would of dug into the side of me. Not fun! Anyhow, we landed and we made it. No more planes for this gal til I lose more weight.

Otherwise, Jim and I are fine. We know that his dad wouldn't of wanted to lay in bed hooked up to oxygen. It was a lung disease he had, to where he couldn't take in oxygen unless it was more or less forced in. He was too active to be like that. We were just so thankful we got to see him before he left this world.

I stopped and talked to my son when we got back. Let's just say, things are not any better between us. He still doesn't see where he and Amy had done anything wrong and totally put the blame on me. All of us are to blame for what happened. At this point, I don't feel anything either way. I'm just sort of numb inside. I'm fine, but numb.

One good thing, I didn't gain any weight thru all of this. We sat at the hospital from 9 am til 9 pm everyday. We switched off sleeping at the hospital every other night just so someone would be close to him if he needed anything. With the plane incidents behind me, I'm more than ever committed to losing the weight. I don't ever want to have to go thru that again.

Ok, now I'll try to get some personals in.

Lindsay, I sure hope Muffin is going to be alright. Give a big hug and kiss from me to the poor furbaby.

Battle, congrats on the two pound lose! Hopefully they've gotten the plumbing problem under control by now. Sorry to hear about your friends moving away. It's hard when that support leaves, but I know that you can do this. You've done so well already, and it all came from within yourself. Just hang in there.

Story, congrats on the 6 lb loss. You are doing so well. Keep it up my friend.

Brandnewme, Sorry to hear about the pain your in. Good news on the job front though and even better that you enjoy it.

Hi MsCrockett, glad to see you return. Hopefully this time something will click and you will be able to lose again. Sounds like you did a great job the first time around so we all know you can do it again. We're here to help, anyway we can.

Hi Donna, Sharon, Heather, Catherine, Nancy, Deb

Annie, haven't seen the pics yet but can't wait!! What a great feeling that must of been!!! Thanks for asking where I was last week too..it feels good to be missed.

I also want to thank you all for the Christmas cards. I received most of them after our return from Kentucky, and it was just a good feeling to see all the cards. It really cheered me up, so thank you.

Time to go finish up shopping and get some packages mailed out.
Have a great day!
Debbie

Debbie -- My condolences on your FIL. It's hard to watch someone you love die...

As for the seatbelt, my condolences there too. I took so many flights when I was big and I remember wondering how in the heck I was supposed to plug the earphone things in. And I couldn't use the tray table. And the seat belts! *ugh* I did four flights to Asia when I was morbidly obese and hated them all. Feeling like I was crushed into a space for 12-14 hours is really not a good time. I got up every couple of hours to move and use the restroom. I was always relieved that I could at least turn around in those restrooms, if barely. Good motivation to lose!!

hello everybody just peeking in here . ive been rather busy with my hubby being in hospital than home for a week . i plan on being back here in full force after christmas. the good news is a will be using my new gazelle ridger whhen i get back to exercisng !

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling better now. I haven't exercised in a while because of my cold, but tomorrow I'm going to hit it hard. The eating has been better, but not great.

My kitchen sink is usable again, but they are still working on the problem. Now I have to get the landlord to clean the carpets because they are yuck, dirty from the dirty water that spewed everywhere. I hope they don't put up a fight about it.

Earlier I went to rehearse an act for my Rotary Club talent show on Thursday. Initially, I was reluctant to participate because I cannot carry a tune to save my life. But, hearing the other people in my group, I am no longer concerned. There are about 7 of us participating in the act. We are all located on the same street in the same business district, and the area has been dubbed "Rotary Row." There is me, the personal financial consultant, and then we have a chiropractor, dentist, contractor, art gallery owner, accountant, and public relations consultant. The dentist has a way with words and wrote the lyrics to the tune of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. My solo part is 4 lines, and that is a huge challenge for me--I can't memorize anything! Here are my lines:

When money's a chore, your coach I will be
I'll have you on a budget and not on a spree
I'll pay your bills and increase cash flow
I'll help calm your worries and make your wealth grow.

Here is the dentist's lines, which I think are a hoot:

I am the doc who treats teeth and gums
But first I inject you with good stuff that numbs
I clean out decay and get at the plaque
Your teeth should be white--not green, red or black

It was loads of fun rehearsing. I'll let you know how it works out on Thursday.

Personals will come eventually. In the meantime, hugs to Debbie.

Good Morning Everyone. Snowing here and gonna have some freezing rain,So for this morning I am home bound.

Debbie54~~Thanks for the thoughts, I need to make a goal of KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF! I just am working on the fact of I need to get to loosing weight then keeping that mind set, then at some point find the goal of keeping it off.. Weight Watchers appears to be the only one I can find at this time to show me Portion sizes.. I have never learned that in 36 yrs... I need to learn that and learn When I am hungry....

Well dears, I will be back sometime today.. Take Care all

Hello everyone,
It looks like I've caught the cold going around the world. It's just beginning, so hopefully, I'll be well part of the long weekend. Abby had the cold and it knocked her on her little butt. She's better now though. She was sick all weekend and Monday. The kids had a snow day Monday, cuz we got about 16" of snow Saturday night and Sunday. It was awesome!!!
SD is still being a pain. She keeps running her mouth. The life of a 16 year old, huh?
The bake sale went well, I didn't take any $$ so I had to be good. Last week we had a special lunch provided by our manager, I did well that time too. Our company party was Saturday. I wasn't horrible, but I wasn't wonderful either. The bad thing I had was these mini fried taco snacks. And, I had a brownie. I think the alcohol and the tacos were the worst.
Yesterday was our department carry in, it was breakfast. I was very naughty. One of my customers sent me a wonderful basket of various pistachios. They are my favorite nut! One of my sales reps sent me a box of those special round ball like chocolates. OMG were they good! (yes, sadly, past tense) She also sent a beautiful pair of ear rings, and a treat from bath and body works. The warmed vanilla sugar lotion and shower gel. I just LOVE that stuff.
I had my final dr appointment in Indianapolis Monday. This is the doctor that did my surgeries in the summer. All my parts are now where they belong, and everything has healed well. I am officially released. So, my personal womanly nightmare that started in April is now over. I'm so, so glad.
Sorry no personals, but things have been crazy busy. I've got lots of baking and candy making to do yet as well as 3 -4 sewing projects to get done by by Sunday too.
Take care everyone and I hope all are well. Hugs to all.

Good morning all,

Donna: :)

Crock: I think it is fine to wait until you are good and ready to work at loosing weight and getting healthy. If you don't wait until your ready it will just be a nightmare and depressing.

Debbie: so sorry to hear about your FIL. HUGS. I will pray that your little Sadie is fine. Silly girl. Sorry that the plane ride was so awful. Hopefully you won't have to do anymore flying for a while. Hugs to you on your son too.

Patti: I hope your Hubby is okay after his being in the hospital.

Battle: I bet you will rock the talent show!

Storey: Glad you are feeling better. I hope you get rid of all that stress real soon too.

Sandy: Hugs to you on this cold. I have been feeling better then get a bit worse. It stinks cause it is throwing a wrench in my exercise.

Well all, it is 8 a.m. and I am at work so I need to get going just wanted to check in with you guys. I am down 2 more pounds, won't change my ticker though until official weigh in tomorrow. I am sooo close to that 200 pounds mark! UGH! Hope you all have a wonderful op day.
Blessings,
Annie

MsCrockett: Try using a tennis ball to relieve some of the sciatica pain. When you are on the computer or sitting anywhere really, even in the car...put a tennis ball under yourself directly on the pain. I have my sciatica massage clients do the same in between visits...it really helps.

Wow – It’s been pretty quiet here. Is everyone busy getting ready for the holidays? I am sneaking in some time while the auditor is busy with something else. Let’s see how far I can get!

Annie – It can be hard when we aren’t feeling well not to exercise, but sometimes our bodies just need rest! Congrats on being down another two pounds. How did the official weigh in go?

Sandy – Sorry to hear you have a cold. I hope it goes away soon! I have been really lucky this year that no one has sent food gifts to my office. I think I would have a really hard time saying no to good pistachios too, although I am a pecan girl. It is nice that you got a couple of non-food items as well.

Crock – So you are doing Weight Watchers now instead of South Beach? It is really hard to get used to smaller portion sizes. There are a lot of good tricks though. A great book is Mindless Eating, which is all about how our brain perceives our fullness.

Story – You baking list sounds both heavenly and devilish at the same time. Please don’t get too stressed and make sure to do some fun things for yourself!

Battle – I bet you were smashing in the talent show. It seems like everyone has colds right now. I hope yours has cleared up enough to feel back to your regular self. I have a big issue with eating when I am sick because I have always looked at feeding as a form of self care.

Patti – I hope your hubby is ok.

Heather – I dream of being able to put that tray table down. I don’t think I will be flying for awhile, but when I do I hope I am there.

Debbie – Wow, what a lot of rough stuff to be happening right now. That is very difficult with your FIL passing during the holiday season and then the scare with your cat. Make sure to give yourself some extra TLC (and I don’t mean the Learning Channel).

Donna – Four accidents? Oh boy. I think it would be time to take the car away and go back to driver training.

As for me, I posted a pic on the pics page that I took last night. My family does a yearly holiday card that has turned into a pdf with each of us recapping our year and adding some pics. I wanted to be a bit festive so I put on my Christmas shirt and a bit of red lipstick. I then realized that one of my before pics (the one in my profile) was with me in that same shirt and lipstick, so I had to post it!

I got my new dance shoes and wore them last night. They fit, but feel rather strange. I am sure I will get used to them soon.

Also, I am down 2 more pounds this week. Now if I can just maintain until the New Year I will be ok. That is going to be tough, especially with our Christmas dinner being at my favorite Indian buffet.

Well, I better get back to work. Hope everyone is doing well and avoiding the minefield of unwanted holiday treats and practicing some merry moderation. :xcheer:

Nancy -- holy moly what a difference! Does that shirt swim on you now????

Good morning.

I updated my tracker. I offically have lost 3.5 pounds this week. 2 more to go
until I have lost 200!

Nancy: Congrats on the -2. You are doing so well. I looked at your photo and WoW. You look like a different person! Congrats hun.

Everyone be blessed,
Annie

ANNIE - The scale pics rock! Keep up the awesome progress. I was thinking of challenging you to a race to 250 or something - I get there first and you drive here to ride, you get to it first and I drive out there. Good thing I like driving - cuz you'd whip me, no doubt.

CROCK - welcome back! Mostly I lurk, but I love to see old friends, as well as new.

Chiming in today on the blood donation issue. I tried to donate about 27 years ago, but between my fear of needles, passing out and getting yelled at for it, and several other events that I'm SURE aren't part of the normal procedures, I haven't done it since. Until now. I gave platelets about 3 weeks ago, and that went really well. Heck - they let me watch a free movie while I was hooked up. Then yesterday I gave whole blood, in spite of the panting involved when they first put the needle in, and it went great. No dizziness or anything. The $20 gas gift card given by my employer & the meal donated by local McD's didn't hurt my feelings either!

SO, how much does a pint of blood WEIGH? The scale was down a pound and I'm hoping that wasn't the only reason.

Doing good diet-wise lately. I just got the word today that I'll be able to move all three of my (horse) boys back to a stable I boarded at for years. It will be such a load off my mind, and I won't lose 2-3 hours every single night to barn chores. I can do them voluntarily, but am not commited to stripping stalls & scrubbing buckets 7 days a week. I'll be able to actually RIDE more, visit here & post more, and even squeeze some housekeeping in. maybe. This year's been so insane, I have almost NO shopping done, no tree up for the first time in my life, and I'm tired all the time.

BUT, in spite of my schedule and the endless supply of goodies, I appear to be making a bit of progress on the weight lose front. I've been riding on the weekends at least, and GABE & I are making such wonderful progress. He's a major inspiration.

Best wishes to you all, for a lovely holiday season, and a successful and happy New Year!

Sorry I'm short on personals - I just hadn't posted in so long I wanted to touch base with you great folks!

Thank you all for your condolences. It means so much to me that you all care.

Nancy, you look so pretty in your new pic.What a difference a year makes...indeed!!!! What kind of dancing shoes did you get? Congrats on the 2 lbs gone forever!!

Heather, I can't even imagine sitting in one of those tiny seats for that long of a trip but, you don't have to worry about that any more!!

TooFat, how's hubby doing?

Battle, thank you and how did the talent show go? I'm sure you did great!!

Story, I'm comin' to your house!!! YUM!!

MsCrockett, I'm with you on learning portion control. I think it's the hardest part of all. I have to measure everything because it seems to keep creeping back up to bigger portions when I just try to eyeball it.

Sandy, so glad to hear you've been released by the doc and all your parts are where they should be. Let the new year be healthy and happy for all of us!

Hi Annie, thank you. I'm sure things will be fine. Just alot to handle at one time. I plan on getting involved in volunteer work and finding a part time job to keep me occupied. I'm sure not going to swrivel up and blow away in the wind....um...well maybe but only if I lose enough weight. :rofl:
I've got something I'm going to PM you...let me know what you think. Congrats on the 3.5lbs gone. You are doing wonderfully well. 200 lbs gone soon, that is just amazing...simply amazing.

Val, so glad to see you here! We've missed you. Glad that you are going to get more time in with Gabe. Give the boy love and hugs from me.

We finally finished our Christmas shopping. We just have to get stuff for the dinner. We are having ham, roasted veggies, and yams. My Mom is in charge of dessert. Compared to all the previous years, this is a pretty lo cal dinner. The yams I will make with splenda. Usually I make a bunch of goodies for my hubby to take to work, but I dont think I will make as many, but will do a few. It seems since we started taking trays of goodies to work, some of the other guys are having their wives bake up goodies too so they get a good variety of stuff. It's all guys on the night shift so they need that special attention so they don't feel left out of the events that go on during the day at work.
I can't wait to get back to being OP again. I'm really looking forward to getting back to it and things settle down and back to normal. I plan on being Op as soon as Christmas is over. I'm not going to wait til the first of the year like I normally do. I'm just maintaining, not gaining or losing so I feel like I've accomplished something.
Well, gonna run
Debbie

Vallie: so happy to see you. Congrats on the -1 and also on giving blood. I have thought of it often but right now is not a good time until I am back to normal.

Debbie: :) Thanks and thanks for the cute elf thing. I loved it. Fun.

Blessings all. Had another meeting today with pizza and cookies. I didn't touch a thing except my home packed lunch of cheese, wheat thins and a protein bar! Yeah me. lol.

Blessings all,
Annie

Morning all..sorry I have been MIA! UGH holidays are just not going well lol. Now I wonder how on earth my grandma use to get things done?????

My exercising has gone to the dogs..lol...Hubby and I use to walk everynight. Then it got cold here..well as cold as it gets in Arizona...and stopped walking. Guess that was my excuse..I need to get back into it!

I was going to start my jouranling and well I did one day and nothing else..why is that?

I am thinking this is why I am obese. I want to start and I get all excited about it and then...nothing! I cant stick to anything.

I went about bought a new shirt the other day..I am still at a 4x..the 3x don't even fit anymore. I don't know why I would think the weight is just goingt o disappear. I guess I need to really focus and get with it..but how?


We are going to visit my sister in law in Alabama this summer in June. I wanted to be under 300 lbs. I don't know how that is going to happen if I don't get to loosing. Is 30 lbs by June realistic??? I don't think it is at this rate.

Hubby thought we should join the YMCa..since we have kids..and they are teens..and we are raising my cousin also..would give them something to do. Also it is not like a gym memebership so if we ended up not going. UGH!

I am also trying to get Christmas shopping done. Again for the first time in my life..not in the mood!

Thanks for listening to my pitty party..lol..sometimes you just gotta do it. I will keep reading the posts here and find inspiration to hopefully get my butt into gear!

Hello everyone,

Judo~~~ Hey thanks for the advice,&any thing else let me know; will be trying that, The past3 days it has been acting up terrible, I cant stand up straight, lye down,set,, Nothing.!ya Know? schedule me an appt.. I am coming your way,, should only take 13 hours or so... lol

Nancy (aka) notthecheat~~ Hello, No I have not chose WW yet,, I am wanting to be on Sout Beach, BUT I NEED TO LEARN portion control. is it true that if I learn portion control I dont have to depend so much on "Hi dollar "diet" food?.. Im a HAVE and HAVE NOT kindadieter. just give me the list and I can do it. I just need to LEARN from the list!...Maybe learn for WW and eat from Southbeach??.Any input would be great...Thanks

Hello ANNIE. How in the world are you girl? been a long time.So happy to see you here.. and hugs and hi fives on yourweight loss.. you rock!

Nolifewithouthorses Valarie.. How have you been?

Debbie54~~Love the cats in your pic. I love animals.. I want a horse when I grow up..lol

Well,you wonderfull group. I will chat some more later.. I am on the hunt for tennis balls... woot woot

Kayley: Of coarse we remember you. Welcome back sweetie. Post when you can.

Cyn: Okay. I hope I don't make anyone mad here but, 30 pounds by June is totally realistic if: You need to commit to it and stick with it, drink more water, exercise at least 3 times a week, follow a sensible diet plan. That 5 pounds a month. You can do it Cyn. You have it in you. I know it. Come on Cyn, go, Cyn, go!

Crock: I'm feeling great! I am feeling so much better since I've lost a bunch of weight. I do have about 152 more to go though. I'm not supposed to look at that side. The wonderful news for me is that I am well over 1/2 way there and every week or two I am closer and closer to the goal I have for me. Did you do any hunting this year or was the leg too painful? My Dad and DH went out and both got a white tail each. Hugs to you and I truly am happy to see you back here.

Well, at work now and break is over so need to get going. I switched offices and am so much happier for it. My new office feels like MINE and not like I am taking over someone else's office. I have been decorating slowly but surely.

Blessings to you all and have a wonderful op exercise filled day,
annie

KAYLEY!!!

Ack! I was already supposed to be on the road to my parents' house for the weekend. I just wanted to check in before I left and thank everyone for your comments on my recent photos. The shirt is indeed swimming on me now.

I should be back in time, but just in case I'm not MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :gift2:

Kayley, welcome back hon! We missed ya!! The exercise thread needs you! It needs everyone!!

Cyn -- You can lose that weight by June, but you have to find a way to commit to what you do. I knew HOW to lose weight for years, but not HOW TO make what I needed to do a part of my life. I had to get desperate enough to make it a priority, and also not try to be perfect!!!

Keep posting here!

I think my cookie bender of the last couple days is over. It was pretty ugly. There were cookies sure, but also candy, and just extra of everything. I'm keeping quite busy today and I think that will help. The scale is up a couple of pounds, but hopefully at least some of that is temporary!

Woo-HOO! KAYLEY'S BACK!

Does anyone have a bit of time to do my shopping for me? Plenty of time left - like, 20 hours. But of course that includes wrapping and baking.

SUPER-YAHOOO! It's my favorite day of the year - Winter Soltice! It's all sunnier from here on in. Spring is on the way. Time to start thinking of what to plant in the garden this year, and planning on how to keep the varments out of it! HERE COMES THE SUN!!!!!!!!

I'm slowly but surely getting ready for our Christmas Eve party. He did the shopping for me. I sent a shopping list with the pictures cut out of the paper. He did a great job, but the turkey he got is almost too big for the oven. I have only seen turkeys that big on Christmas Carol movies at the end. We probably won't have any left overs, so I guess I can't fault him. I will put it on to cook Saturday night around midnight and slow roast it all night. That way it will be ready to go by noon. Hard to sleep with that thing cooking though. My mom always did it that way because she needed her oven for pies and yams, and needed the turkey out of the way. I can get it carved, and have the kitchen clean before the guests start showing up. That way, I don't have to get up again. When the crockpots on the table start getting low, he is capable of refilling them from the stove. I'm fanatical about keeping things at the proper temperature. My mom did catering, and she always said that if people get sick, there goes your business.

The house won't be a clean as usual, but I guess that I have to make some consolations because of my leg. I only did the one foot Christmas tree instead of the big one, and stockings this year. We will make up for it with extra cheer. The local Christmas bureau found out that we do an open dinner for people who don't have anywhere else to go, I'm not sure how, but they sent us a gift card for the grocery store that paid for the food for the whole party except for $3. People with mental illnesses have trouble going to the large shelters like the Salvation Army for Christmas dinner because large crowds and lots of noise can aggravate their conditions. So I'm going to get to play frat house mom for the day.

Either my mom or my Godmother ended up being the last stop for La Posadas. That's the Mexican celebration for the 9 days before Christmas. Kind of like a progressive meal. Everyone would go to a different house to eat each day, with the biggest party for Christmas Eve. You actually go to several houses to get turned away before ending up at the right house. It’s supposed to represent Mary and Joseph getting turned away. I’m not doing a piñata. I’m not having people (some on serious medications) swing bats in this little condo, and no one would want to do it outside. The candy would all fall and bury itself in the snow. I’ll make Champurrado (a type of Mexican hot chocolate) right before midnight mass. The sugar and caffeine helps you get through the service without falling asleep. He’s actually just left to go to the Latin grocery store to get the supplies I need. He never complains about going there. The couple who run it are from El Salvador. Friday is when a bunch of little old ladies render fresh lard in the back, and if he times it right, he can get fresh chicharrones. That’s fresh pork rinds, but they don’t taste like the ones that come in a sack on the potato chip aisle. I’ll bet he comes home with twice as many things as were on his list, and a big smile on his face. At Christmas, he’s about 6 years old for the duration.