300+ Weekly Thread #1163
 

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Good Morning,
Lets see how good we can do this week!! I am going to be on plan everyday this week.Also try to get some exercise daily this week. The weather is suppost to be cooler here so im going to try and walk outside again.

penny- my machine is older. Mom got this one when i was a kid. It was a very expensive machine back then. Its is a singer so that should help me try and get a new presser foot. I had a brother machine which hubby got me for christmas one year but it was light weight and if i was doing a lot of sewing it would vibrate really bad. All 5 of us kids went together and bought mom a new machine($1400.00) a few yrs ago and she gave me this one. I sold my other one in a yard sale. Mom seems to think you can buy plastic feet for the machine now.
I am heading out in a few minutes and get my walk. Have a wonderful day everyone.

Good Morning Peeps - seems I lost track last week and couldn't ever catch up. But here I am! Raring to go.

I think I was on the maintenance wagon last week too and I'm with Debi - this week I am on the veggie and water wagon - my body feels different. Being on the road, then the lake and then fathers day took away my "comfort/control" zone. Nothing stopping me now.

Battle - great to see you - nothing wrong with maintenance. I hope you find the way to deal with the work foods presented - I've found I can't have the first one - the others are easy after I say yes one time. Please keep posting!

Monday morning is here and I need to head out - everyone have a great day.

Hugs to all,
Carol

no time for personals
I just needed to vent! in the past 4 weeks I've maintained 2 weeks and lost 2lbs once......I guess I need to really step it up on exercise.........since my eating is keeping the weight off but honestly I haven't felt like exercising at all!

gotta go to work.........its storming and suppose to be 90 today.......NOT a good combination for KY LOL

Happy Monday everyone!

Here's my report for last week (6/8-6/14):
Average daily calorie deficit: -708
Walked 5+ miles on 3 days; walked 3+ miles on 2 days
Weight loss: up 3 pounds :?: :mad: :?:

I know the fluctuation is probably some water retention from the heat and humidity, but I'm still so annoyed . . . it would have been really nice to see some results from week one back on plan. Oh well . . . when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and I'm going to get going to the park right now!

Julia -- what a nasty family - good job not letting it get to you.

Rat -- sorry about your kitty's tumor! Thanks for posting the link to "why the scale lies" . . . I needed to read that this morning!

Carol -- good luck getting your groove back this week . . . I also find it really hard to stay on track when I'm not home/not in my usual routine

Penny -- stay safe, and congratulations on your loss

dgramie -- great plan for the week - I'll second those goals!

heatherdw -- so glad to hear that the shakeup in your foods got the pounds moving again - KUTGW

Cyn -- have fun at the gym . . . I'm thinking of rejoining a gym, but will probably just stick with walking until I lose a few more pounds . . . stupid I know, because I enjoyed the weight training last go-round and should really get started with it again ASAP

Debbie -- I hear you on the bread . . . it is tough to give up. Does your plan allow whole-grain bread at this point?

angels -- glad you enjoyed your camping trip

brandnewme -- congratulations on your new place . . . enjoy it!

battle -- wow, your trip sounds wonderful . . . you make me want to hop on the next plane! Hang in there . . . maintaining during a period of a lot of change is a big accomplishment and may be the better part of valor.

DMPLS -- I sympathize -- hope we'll both see a good loss this week!

Just got back from my walk...I did a little over a mile and a half. It felt good and i really worked up a sweat!! The humidy is really high today in KY.
Has anyone made a smoothie with vanilla yogurt and frozen strawberries...yummy. I think i am going to do them this week for breakfast. Something different and cold after my walk.
I think alot of us feel the same way...summer seems to throw plans off and eating is so much harder with all the get togethers. I have been doing ok with my calories but not always getting the most for my calories. I have not been exercising enough but that is changing today!! I also need to increase my water back up to about 8 16 ounce bottles a day instead of the 4-5 i have been drinking.
Well i think im going to go clean a closet..and then hit the dinning room cabinets before starting outside.Hubby is planning on mowing but i may suprise him and do it while he is gone.

Morning all! I can't keep up with you all!

Battle -- I agree with maintenance -- try it for as long as you need!

dgramie -- I make yogurt smoothies occasionally, but I love protein smoothies: protein powder, OJ and several frozen berries. Try lots of frozen berries in your smoothie!

I had a great day yesterday. It was Day 2 of scuba training. We started learning different entrances without the tank. Then we suited up and got in the water. The divemaster said, "Go to the bottom of the pool and..." and my brain went "NOPE." I was so anxious and scared! I couldn't do it!

Thankfully they are very patient (I'm guessing I'm not the first) and got me started more slowly and soon enough I was hanging out at the bottom of the pool! Next weekend we move to open water!

I'm not MIA...just lurking with little to say. I haven't been trying as hard as I should be and I haven't been tracking. I know I am going back in to WW this week and have nobody to blame for the results but myself. I so do not want to go out of control in Vegas but I also don't want to feel like the only way I can stay away from temptation is to sit up in our room all night. I can do that at home for free. I don't want thevacation to be entirely about eating and drinking either. I am just frustrated.

This will be a very overwhelming week for me work-wise. I have so much to do and on one of my big projects, we just had a bunch of dates fall through and all the motivation I had towards it last week just disappeared last night.

Sorry...wish I had better things to share.

Heather-We air breathers have problems with the idea of just going to the bottom of the pool. It unnerves me so much sometimes that I just prefer to snorkel. Easier on my bad sinuses too.

We went for a long shopping trip yesterday while we had access to a car and driver. Today we are off to give a workshop for the chaplains who work the large psychiatric hospital. This is where they also keep the long term forensic cases. I hope it looks nicer than the one on Silence of the Lambs did. Tomorrow is pool day. It's rare that I get out of the house 3 days in a row. I know it is good for me to slowly build back up the stamina I had before hurting myself last November. I sure didn't expect it to take this long.

Well, I finally got a scale. and reluctantly stepped on. <sigh> The good news is that it wasn't quite as bad as I had thought, but it's not good either. But now I know where I'm at and able to really plan a few realistic goals for myself. I've been on SBD phase 1 for almost a week so it IS possible that I've dropped a pound or two, but this is what I'm going with for my starting weight.

What is encouraging to me is how easy this has been so far. Ohhh, don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking this will be an easy road at all, but I have been religiously following the plan and have only had a few cravings but I've managed to get through pretty well so far. (i was about ready to sell my left leg for a cold beer the other night though.) But overall, my cravings for sugar and stuff haven't been bad at all. I'm always amused at how much I avoid vegetables sometimes because I really do love them. I've enlisted the partnership of a good friend who drags my butt out for walks when I'm not in the mood and she's such a good motivator. not to mention I've been spending a lot of time hanging out here which had been great motivation and helped keep me focused.

hubby won a gift card to a local restraunt. he wanted us to go seeing how i didnt have any of my little kids this morning. So we went..i ordered a grilled chicken taco salad..........i wasnt going to eat the shell.......but i did!!! I came home and figured it up as close as i could and it was 750 calories....lesson learned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so im heading out to mow the yard now and burn more calories.LOL
debi

Hi! My name is Kirsti and I am 300+. I hope it ok for me to jump in.

Ria, nope, on the first phase you get no bread or pasta. Both are my faves, but so far, I just don't have the cravings for them. So that's one hurdle passed. The second phase is where you get to start adding things back in slowly and the one I will be on for the rest of the time losing weight, then on to phase 3 which is maintenance

Debi, how did the closet and cabinet cleaning go? The walk sounds nice and hopefully it wasn't to bad on the humidity. I feel for you people in the mid-west. I wouldn't last a day there.
Yep, even those salads are packed with calories. I try to not eat the shell and have only given in once to eating them when we got them. Hard thing to pass up, isn't it?

Heather, sounds like you are doing really well with the scuba diving after the little incident of not wanting to sit on the bottom of the pool. The open water, now that would be fun!! Just imagine all the things you're going to see!

Julee, sorry to hear your having to deal with so many things. Hopefully they will smooth out soon and things will get back to normal for you.

Catherine, YAY for pool day tomorrow!! Have fun, little guppie!

halcyon, it's great you have someone to help keep you motivated and to get you out walking! I'm on Phase 1 of SB too and don't have the cravings.....so far. We can do this together!!!
There's some great recipes on the SB thread too. I'm going to try the Protein packed cheesecake cups! They look really yummy.

Hi Kirsti, sure just jump on in so we can get to know you!

Went and got the stuff I needed for Phase 1. Man, is it expensive stuff, but in the long run, well worth it. I still have a few things to get on Friday, but I got the staples for it.
Today's another beeeeeutiful day!!! I've even got the windows open. Slight chance of drizzle the next couple of days but I think we are done with the downpours til at September.
Hope everyone is having a great day Op-wise, and drink that water, and move!!
Debbie

:welcome3:Kirsti

:wel3fc: Kristi!!!! Jump right in and tell us what your plan is. I am counting calories and portion sizes.

Just got back from the psychiatric hospital. Hannibal Lector wasn't in residence. We talked for two hours to a group of chaplain students from all over the country. They had wobbly eyes when we were done. The course is for chaplain that want to work in psychiatric hospitals, or on the psychiatric wards of regular hospitals. For most of them, the only time they will see someone with a serious mental illness, is when they are actively psychotic and really sick. They have to work more with family members at that point, and if they think the future is hopeless, it is easy to transfer that to the family, at a time when hope may be all they have to hold on to. Seeing someone like himself, who has a serious illness, but takes his medicine, is stable and healthy, and leading a normal (if eccentric) life can make a huge impression. Plus seeing that he can be married to a normal(ish) woman, amazes them. If he was deaf or blind, people wouldn't assume that I was also deaf or blind. I guess everyone assumes you have to be crazy to marry a crazy person. I see them looking at me, watching for tics or something, and finally someone always gets up the courage to ask me. I always say no, I don't have a mental illness, but I have fallen on my head, head over heels.

Catherine - what a perfect answer!

Ladies this has got to be the stupidest lesson I have ever learned. Tonight I licked the lid of a yogurt and now I know that it is never worth the taste! I papercut my tongue! Fairly painful. Kids are tying to convince me to apply a band-aid. Please learn the easy way from my example. DON'T DO IT!

Thanks for the warm welcomes! :)

I am still struggling with my plan. I have done WW in the past, phase 1 of SB, many years ago I did Jenny Craig and Optifast. You know how it goes :rolleyes:

My husband is diabetic and one of my kids has a dairy allergy. I cook a lot from scratch, do very little processed foods and we try to eat a wide variety of fresh produce. All on a budget. :dizzy: I have been looking at Superfoods Rx but I think the reality is that I just have to eat less, eat better and move more. So right now that is my plan. I have done well today although nights are hardest for me to make good choices.

kirsti -- That IS a plan! If you know nights are hardest, think about strategies to deal with that.... or post a question on the main forum!

Eat less and move more is the basis of my plan -- STILL!

:)Catherine you are one smart girl!

Julia ....Lol laughing at your kids suggestion! ..... just for your information the tongue is the fastest healing part of your body....hope yours heals fast!

Welcome Kirsti I think you have it right ...We all need to shop at the outside aisles of the grocery store....(that is where the healthy food is)

Heather moving more is what I am trying to do!!But tonight I walked for 57 minuites...And came home and gardened for half an hour .....Now I am so tired !! Waa I exercised too late I missed my night snack ......( I don't eat after 9 pm) Hope tonight I don't try to swallow my pillow!!(lol)

Merksie!! You are doing great keep it up!! It tooks us a long time to gain these pounds so it will take a while for us to lose them...And you are doing wondeful!
dgramie ...way to go!!you had a treat now you are exercising it off!!
halcyon .....keep going girl!!Eat healthy and exercise means success!!
Debbie 54 you are inspiring losing 69 lbs So far!!

Hi Everyone,

Well... I actually have time to post today because I am sick... AGAIN! It is almost exactly the same as I had a few months ago. It is a cold that has moved to my sinuses, as well as giving me laryngitis. It is VERY difficult being a Music teacher when you have laryngitis, so I have two days off school. I have a certificate for tomorrow as well, but it is an IT day, instead of a teaching day, so I will probably go in if I have some energy back. It is funny how good I actually feel, and I feel guilty having time off work, then I start doing things and my energy levels plummet. Yesterday morning I had to go in to school for the first lesson, as it was a choir rehearsal. We are performing tomorrow night at a Citizenship ceremony and I want to fit in these last couple of rehearsals (one before school tomorrow) just to get the fine-tuning done. Interestingly enough, the last time I had this type of cold was just before our first performance last term. Perhaps it is stress induced. I also know that it has something to do with my new teaching role. This is the first year, in 26 years of teaching, that I have not had my own class. I am teaching a totally new subject (have always had music specialists before, so never actually ‘taught’ music) and I work with over 200 children. I think part of the whole thing with me getting these bugs is that my system is getting run down with all the new stuff I am doing, not just the subject content, but teaching Music is a very physical job and you have to be ‘up’ for the entire day so you can give the last class the same attention/energy as the first class. Thankfully I only have one totally full day (and I am thoroughly exhausted by the end of Monday) and two half days of music, but I’m not sure my system gets the time to recover between times, because I am running all over the place sorting out IT issues with staff. This year I am also exposed to a HUGE range of kids with their own bugs. I know that last week I was sneezed on or coughed on (yep, always a fun thing) at least twice, and I probably just overlooked another 10 times that this happened, because we have a LOT of sick kids at school, sniffling and coughing. So, with these issues combined, I suppose I’ll just have to ride through the year and hope that I build up a little more immunity before next year. I think it is just a bit of a shock because I had NOTHING last year. I had figured that my healthier lifestyle was helping me to avoid colds and other nasties. Nope, just maybe a lucky year. This time the doctor has put me on antibiotics to try to work out any infection, so maybe I’ll recover fully instead of having it hang around for a LONG time. I have also bitten the bullet and decided that I am not going to exercise for a few days to give my body time to recover. This is REALLY hard for me. I’ve rested for a few days before, but I think this time it is going to be closer to 5 or 6 days. My cold started Friday and I had exercised in the morning, but nothing in the afternoon, and nothing since then. With the Citizenship ceremony tomorrow I won’t have time to exercise after work, so I have decided to just leave it until Thursday, if I am up to it. Thankfully I haven’t been too bad with food, so my weight dropped last Friday, (after my period was ending, so expected a drop) then was stable for a few days, and it has actually dropped again today. Not sure if that will last, but I’m thankful that it is doing OK even though I am being VERY sedentary.

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary and I probably won’t see much of hubby, even though I am home all day. He is the head cleaner (janitor?) at my school, so we usually see a bit of each other during the day, but he starts very early (4:30am) and works a split shift, so comes home for a few hours, then is back at school to spend lunch with me then work until 5pm. Well, this week he is helping our gardener with a job at another school. We share our gardener with another school and they are painting a maze on their oval this week. He asked Neil to help him, and it will mean a little more money, not a lot, but they do help each other out a lot, so it all balances out. Anyway, I was hoping that the weather would be too bad for them to work today, so I would get to spend time with Neil, but it is turning out to be a beautiful day, so he is over there painting. Oh well. We didn’t exchange gifts, as we are seriously saving for our holiday at the end of the year. I wrote him a poem and he sent me an email that made me cry, it was so lovely.

Well, I suppose I had better get my act together and work on some personal replies while I have time and am still awake. I have been taking a lot of naps over the last few days. I’ll put the personals into a new post, so this one doesn’t get any longer. Sorry about the verbal diarrhoea, but once I start ‘talking’ I find it hard to stop. Surprising huh???

Take care,

Zelma

Greetings all,

No bike ride today.. There were lots of storms. My old Captn kitty started eating with all the appetite stimulating meds, anti-nausea meds and extra fluids. There was some side effects (aren't there always) and he was meowing and not feeling himself and pacing around. He did eat a half of can of food. That was the great part! It's a wait and see game now. I have a pharmacy to give him in the morning as well as some IV fluids. Looks like I'll be late to work in the morning.

Julia, just had to laugh at your injury. Ever think about a tongue piercing??!! hehehehe. It would thoroughly mortify your kids.

Welcome Kristi!

Heather, go girl! I love your scuba stories of triumph.

Catherine, I see a romantic side of you!

Zelma, oh my, get better quickly!! Happy 8th wedding anniversary and think of that wonderful vacation you two will be taking soon!!!

Hugs GGG and Angel!

Luv,
Ratkity

Luan – I am SO sorry you have been suffering this grief from your family. I lead such a sheltered life that I am always appalled at how family members can treat each other. My family isn’t exactly ‘close’, and we don’t see each other that often, but I can NEVER imagine that any of us would treat each other with the neglect/aggression/anger that your family is dishing out to you. I hope you find some way to stay strong around these ‘poisonous’ people. With your work possibly being on the line, I understand that it isn’t really possible for you to move out, but I will keep my fingers crossed for you that something else comes up and you will be able to walk away from this situation in the near future. From what I understand, you may be worried about what will happen to your great-grandmother if you are not there for her. I think you may have to just depend on the other family members to actually do something right for once if that happens. You can’t destroy your own life just because they can’t be the children/grandchildren that they SHOULD be. You will be of no use to your great-grandmother if you end up having a breakdown. But... I am not in your situation, so I probably shouldn’t be trying to give advice. It just hurts that someone who seems so special is being treated like dirt. You don’t deserve it and I wish your family could see that.
OK... off my soap box now. I am not sure if you saw my post a while back, so I’ll repeat my question. You mentioned seeing Fantasmic (I think that is what it is called) at Disneyland, and I looked it up on the Internet and it looks great, but from what I read, it seems as though it is only on in Summer. Would you know if it is also on in Winter? Thanks.

Julee – I am sorry you are feeling so down about your weight loss at the moment. I kind of felt that way a few weeks ago when my weight had crept up again and was sitting there, no matter how much I tried to convince myself it was just hormonally induced. So, I started really watching what I ate again and it is gradually coming down again. I tend to have to do this every few months, as I get a little lax. I am not saying that is your problem, just explaining that it is common to have these frustrating ‘blips’ along the road.
As far as Las Vegas goes, I truly hope you don’t let this stop you from having a fantastic time. Remember, I want to hear all about the wonderful things you have done so I can get some ideas for our own trip. As far as the eating goes while you are away, I have been worrying about this already and our trip is still 6 months away! After a lot of though, I have worked out that I am going to try to be good ‘most’ of the time, but I am not going to worry about every bite I eat while we are away. Now... we are away for 4 weeks, and that is certainly enough time to put on some weight if I don’t eat what I usually eat, but I am willing to cope with that AFTER the holiday. I am hoping that all the walking we do will make up for the treats I may have along the way, and I plan to eat my usual meals most of the time, as I said. Most of the hotels we’ve booked into already have a fridge, and some have a microwave (great, I can still have my oatmeal for breakfast) and one has a full kitchen, so I don’t really have any excuses for not eating properly most of the time. We have had to book a fridge at the Paris, Las Vegas, for an extra $10 dollars a night, but I think it’ll be worth it. I tend to get cravings for my fresh produce and yoghurts if I miss them for too long. I made the mistake, on our last holiday to the US, to really restrict myself from having anything that was too far off plan food-wise. Now, I still put on a pound over the three weeks, even with LOTS of walking, but I don’t really know if that would have been that much more if I had actually had a special meal now and then. I think, over the whole three weeks we had ONE dinner out, and that was because it was booked and paid for by a colleague of Neil’s and it included a cruise, that I didn’t want to miss. I still didn’t eat what I WANTED to eat though and that kinda put a dent in an otherwise perfect evening. This time I have told myself that I can have at least one special breakfast, lunch and dinner in each of the three major locations we are heading to. One each in Hawaii (which will probably be Christmas lunch or dinner), one each in Las Vegas and one each in either Los Angeles or San Diego. That may sound like a lot, but when I say special, I mean a meal that wasn’t eaten in the hotel or prepared by myself. I may end up having a lovely salad in a restaurant, or some scrambled eggs on whole wheat bread for breakfast, and maybe I’ll splurge even more than that once or twice, but that will still be OK, because I am PLANNING for it. I will perhaps have lighter meals for the rest of those days, or fit in some extra exercise, but it will still be OK. I know that I won’t splurge too much, because my stomach protests at a lot of fatty/creamy foods now, so I won’t be getting too carried away. I don’t want an upset stomach while I am away if I can avoid it.
Last time we went away I was also paranoid about not weighing myself every day, but that hasn’t really been much in my mind this time. I may try to weigh myself now and then, but I may also just wait until I get home and plan on a few months to get back on track.
Wow... that was LONG! But I want you to realise that worrying too much about this can ruin a holiday. At one stage I even sat and watched Neil and his mum (who I was meeting for the first time) eat their dinner as I had already had my salad in our room. That wasn’t enjoyable at all! I am not going to make that mistake again and I hope you can avoid making a similar mistake on your holiday. It is too special to worry that much over. It may take you a little while to re-lose the weight, but you know that you CAN lose it, so it isn’t something that you can’t recover from.

Oops... I have spent so long on these two responses that my elbows are starting to ache. Yep... those are still causing me problems as well.

More personals to follow...

Zelma

Zelma: Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. Our plan is one really nice meal at a lovely restaurant, one buffet...hopefully one with a lot of fresh options...and then the rest of the time i am fine on salad and fruit...DH needs his protein fixes...but I want to walk and swim while we are there and not depend so much on the shuttles. We won't have a car. I just want to enjoy the time and be carefree. I'm booking some spa time and we have tickets so far to one show. I will for sure let you know how it all goes.

Zedaus You are so inspiring and encouraging
JuleeCees have a great vacation ...Have of your battle is already won because you are planning so well!
RatakinSorry you missed your bike ride...Hope the weather gets better.....Hope the kitty feels beter also!

Wish I could sleep!! In an hour I have to get ready for work and have been a wake for 3 hours ...

angel_ hope you sleep better tonight. Were you upset over something? I know when i have stuff on my mind i dont sleep as well. Great job on the exercise yesterday... I have found if i exercise in the evenings i have trouble falling asleep...kind like it wires me.

julee_ how is hubby sugar levels? have a wonderful vacation!! You so deserve it!!! Relax and enjoy it!!

zelma_ sorry your elbow is still bothering you.

rat_ we have beautiful weather right now...lower humidy and temps in the lower 80s. Looks like I will be taking the little ones to the playground today.

kirsti_ Welcome...I am a calorie counter and its the easiest thing i have ever done and believe me...i have tried alot of diets out there...tops...zone bars...slimfast..low carb...low fat...

julia_ drink milk..its suppost to help heal mouth issues. LOL

kirsti-WELCOME

Zelma-Happy Anniversary!

Good Morning All,
Today I hope will slow down some as it is that wonderful, joy-joy time of the month. Busy day at work planned. I had to ride the route yesterday, it was quite different than I thought. I hope I don't have to do it today. Well older daughter has a boyfriend that is official as of last night. She was in a great mood! NO DRAMA or ATTITUDE. Let's hope it lasts! HA! HA! Younger daughter thinks it is cool. She said, "Mom, sissy was nice to me!" Kinda funny huh. We are doing well and not flooded! Thats always positive. Ya know, anytime I don't have to go to the basement is good. Plan today is drink lots of water!! I need to wash out the "4" pieces of pizza I ate last night. I can't believe I ate that much. I was miserable. Weight this morning said the same so I need to work on that. Gotta go to work so will check in later. Penny

Hi all, I’m back!

I dropped off the radar for a while, but I am back on track again. I had a very painful embarrassing mini-intervention with my family. They kind of cornered me and told me how scared they were. I knew it all was true, but it’s never fun to experience that. I am glad though, I know they love me and it gave me a chance to tell them honestly what I needed. Like—For my mom to stop going to garage sales and buying my size 16 jeans as “goal pants” and for my sister to stop pressuring me to go out to eat when my parents aren’t home. And for all the other little things.

It’s so difficult being told that everyone talks about you when you aren’t around. I mean, I already know that. The Diabetes threat was tossed around quite a bit too.

I’ve never been a binge eater, I just have to work hard to change. I am lucky in some respect. I went off my diet for a whole month and didn’t gain a single pound back. But maintaining is NOT my current goal.

I had a lot of time to analyze myself over the last few days and I think I understand the problem a little better. Whenever I start a new diet or program, I get so excited. I burst with energy, I hit the gym equipment with gusto and determination. I eat raw bell peppers and pretend they taste good, and I buy journals, make posters and march around like I have an amazing, unheard of agenda. There is SO much glory and power in my new decision that in three weeks, I am utterly exhausted. NO ONE can keep up that level of enthusiasm, and if they can, they are really annoying to be around after about an hour.

So my new plan is, I’m just doing this. It’s not exciting, it’s not amazing, it’s just simple what has to be done. I’m not spring-boarding myself into the clouds with overzealous workout schedules and ridiculous food plans. I’m not shelling out my life savings. I’m just gonna stop eating the stuff I shouldn’t eat, and start eating the stuff I should. And if I eat a bell pepper, I am gonna make a face and say eee-gads, this is foul, and go find a way to spice it up and make it tolerable. That way, in three weeks, I won’t be burnt out, exhausted and sick.

I can’t ever have my family talk to me like that again. I can’t listen to people I love cry about their inability to sleep while thinking about me. Fear of burying me. Fear of the diseases I may contract. Fear of me being alone my whole life.

So with that plan set in motion, I would like to mention how very much I am enjoying my new Wii Fit. I didn’t want to step on the thing until I was under 310 pounds, because if I stepped on it and broke it, I would be mortified. I wish Nintendo had decided to make it a bit sturdier, so it could hold more than 330 pounds. But now that I can use it, I am crazy about it. It’s the best work out I’ve done in a while. It’s fun, it counts my minutes, and it keeps charts for me and encourages me. Since I first got on it 6 days ago, I have done over 9 hours of exercise. That’s a record for me. I don’t feel burnt out either, I feel sore but that’s always a good feeling for me when I first start working out, it means everything is working.

My big fear right now is that in August I am starting grad school and I have been chosen to teach a freshman composition class all by myself. I’m terrified. I seriously can’t fathom standing in front of a class of people. I have nothing I can wear. I have the self-confidence of a groundhog. I know there is no way I can lose enough weight by August to feel good about myself in front of these people—to teach them and hope they aren’t just looking at me and thinking “what a fatty”. In the past year, I’ve lost a lot of faith in the human race to be acceptable towards me. But then again, I can’t ask the human race to do something I’m not willing to do myself.

Sorry for the long post. I am so glad to see everyone here since when I left last. I have been lurking regularly, but now I know that this is no longer an option. You guys are my best bet of dealing with my situation without becoming a crazy person. I seriously have you all in my heart with my every decision and every difficult step along the way.

Dusty

Dusty-I've been offered two really good jobs since I've been in Canada. I took neither. I can tell myself that I'm not up to either one yet, but I have this nagging thing in the back of my head that if I was smaller, and could wear what I would consider a proper professional wardrobe, that I might have taken them. Sometimes I think we hold ourselves back more than anyone else possibly could.

I had to skip the pool this morning to wait for a courier with more books to sign. I hope after the signings in Vancouver and Victoria next week that things will slow down. That's also going to be the last trip until October. I'm doing it only because it is a short flight. I've put my foot down that I'm taking no more long flights until I can sit more comfortably on the plane. That gives him incentive to help out by not scheduling things that he knows I have trouble with.

I'm looking forward to working the football game on Thursday more than I am anything else. How weird is that? I'd rather stay here and work 5 hours in a hot kitchen for free than fly off somewhere exotic.

G'afternoon all,

Catherine, sometimes the thought of being able to chuck a frozen hotdog at a drunk is incentive to work in a hot kitchen at a football game...hehe. There is also a sense of accomplishment when it's over too.

Dusty, I am so sorry your family cornered you about their concerns. It's not as if your self-esteem isn't already at an all time low, they needed to add to it. I know they think they did it out of love, but I think interventions need to be limited and kept in the hands of professionals. With that said and it already being done, I'd like to say that your approach today is a healthy one. I've certainly done *exactly* the same thing you describe... being totally enthusiastic and high energy for a time and then give it up. My energy only lasted 3 days though..hehe. Today, I am doing my best to eat healthy. If anyone asks what I do, that's the answer.

w00h00 for having Wii fit! I can't afford a Wii system yet, but I have a ps2 and an xbox with DDR on it. It's called Dance Dance Revolution and it's loads of fun and great exercise! I've even gotten my family addicted to it. I heard the Wii version even uses the arms. There's no weight limit to the dance pads and they are meant to be stomped on!! I continually wow my family when we get together.."man, if the fat chick can dance that good, *I* can certainly do it". heheh..that tickles me to no end.

About your teaching fear, you can do it! I taught at my highest weight (freshman biology) and also made professional presentations in front of science peers. My fear was just knowing the material correctly! I never could imagine people nekkid while doing a talk, but could imagine them all being 4 yr olds and I was in charge. That gave me confidence.

An update on Captn kitty:

Captn kitty is feeling the same and not eating. I have totally ticked him off by giving him 3 types of medication and 150 mL of IV fluids. I'm hoping he'll rest a little bit. Then I'll start the meds again in 8 hours.

Meanwhile, the boss has been wonderful and allowed me to work at home the rest of the week to take care of him. I oscilate between hopeful and fits of crying. Why is it that none of my animals can just fall asleep and cross the rainbow bridge quietly? He's in his box sleeping on his towel. I have to resist going over there and fussing with him.

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkitten

Ratkity, I'm glad you got to work at home so you can tend to Cap'n Kitty. Poor little kitty. I totally hear ya on wishing they would cross over into the light by just falling asleep. We have a dog, Daisy, who is about 17, and I know she's in pain from arthritis, and we have her on Rymidyl, but she just pants and pants and walks in circles and around the house until she exhausts herself and finally lays down. But when she's outside, she lopes along and she smiles (yes smiles) and is full of life. Sometimes I just pray that God will take her, but I don't have the guts to put her down myself. I know it's selfish, but i just can't do it. So, I feel your pain. Just give him all the love you can and make him comfortable.

Dusty, welcome back! Even though your family pulled an intervention on you, and it made you feel bad, it's still great that they love you enough, and care enough to give you the wake up call that you needed. And yeah, you're going to do it right this time without all the hype that you had before. Just drinking the water and exercising is a HUGE step in the right direction. Good luck to you, and I know you can do it!!

Catherine, what day will you be in Vancouver? That's only a couple hours away from me!!

Last night I spotted the wascally wabbits surrounding my veggie garden. I went out there and ran 2 of em off, but one stood it's ground and stared me down!!! We have plastic all the way around it now and I know it's only a matter of time before they chew thru it. Hopefully we will get the chicken wire this week. I've gotta get out there and plant some more radishes and cantalope and mabe a couple more lettuce seeds.
STill OP and drinking my water. Can't wait for Friday to get here!!
Keep movin' and groovin'
Debbie

Hi everyone!

Well, yesterday wasn't the greatest on-plan day for me . . . I did walk 5 miles in the park, but I spent the day/evening playing bridge & went out to dinner in between sessions. Restaurant meals and eating on plan just don't get along for me, so my calorie deficit for yesterday was a (not so) whopping -31. At that rate, it'd take me over 100 days to lose a single pound :dizzy:

I am meeting some friends for dinner out again tonight, so I'm going to head out for my walk shortly so at least I get my exercise in, and I'm going to try to limit the damage tonight. I have GOT to figure out a way to stay on plan when I'm eating out . . . or maybe become a hermit . . . a THIN hermit ;)

dgramie -- cleaning and mowing will def burn off that taco shell - good for you!

Heather -- I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive . . . I hope you keep posting about your experiences as you learn . . . it's definitely on my "bucket list"

Julee -- Vegas can be tough . . .temptation of all kinds just abounds out there! Your plan to do a lot of walking and treat yourself to some time in the spas is great . . . hope you enjoy your trip.

CatherineM -- love your response, and glad your visit to the hospital was so productive.

halcyon -- congrats on getting back on the scale and facing the task at hand . . . I know from personal experience how hard that can be. It's great that you have a walking buddy!

Debbie54 -- glad to hear that the program is working to curb the cravings!

Zelma -- sorry you're not feeling well . . . your trip sounds like a great anniversay present to each other.

Penny -- I've been there with the pizza . . . that stuff is evil :devil:

Dusty -- welcome back. Sorry you had to go thru the conversation with your family . . . it's so hard to hear, even when you know it's done out of love. It's an honor that you've been chosen to teach that class, and YOU CAN DO IT . . . you don't need to put your life on hold while you're losing weight. Stay on your plan & make progress toward your goal - and love yourself just as you are while you're doing it. Like many who are actively trying to lose weight, I can't relate to all of the FA stuff, but I do find some of it helpful . . . here's a link on the subject that you might enjoy. http://kateharding.net/2008/02/04/here-to-go/

Ratkitten -- :hug: to you and cap'n . . . glad your boss is understanding so you can be home w/him

Kirsti -- welcome!

debbie- how long till you see cantalopes after the blooms. We have had blooms for weeks now.
i picked a zuch today and a few more grape tomatoes...i should have more reg squash by the end of the week if they dont develope blossom end rot like the one did last week. GRRRRRRRRR

Hi Peeps - what a beautiful day! Hope your day is as nice as mine.

This week I gained 3.25 pounds - OUCH - I had once bad meal out and one 'iffy" meal on Father's Day. What changed? I did not drink my water and I did not exercise the day I was at the lake. So guess what - logging at the Daily Plate, making sure I get my water and exercise! This is not a feeling I want to experience often.

Hugs - have a great day,
Carol

Dusty -- I've taught at my high weight, and I was morbidly obese when I started teaching in grad school. I won't lie. I was bothered by it.

But I found that I just needed to have confidence and be myself as a teacher and students warmed to me. If students were ever bothered by my weight, I never heard about it.

I did always make sure to try to dress nicely. I knew some grad students who could wear jeans to teach in, but I couldn't. I didn't necessarily "dress up" but I did do my best to wear nice, clean, clothes, etc...

Good luck!

ok posted a screen capture of my spreadsheet on my measurements....(an image) anyhow

I am thrilled about the inches in 2mths!!! even though I haven't lost alot and stayed the same a couple of weeks in a row!!!

I know some of those titles I have for measuring sound odd....but that's how my body is and I needed something concrete to know where I measured the last time LOL

well I will pop on later and do personals gotta go cook dinner for dh....he is on his way home now!!! LOL

ttyl
Bernice

Debbie-His speech is at Douglas College, Wednesday June 25th from 7 to 9 pm. There is one other speaker, and the thing is being put on by the BC Schizophrenia Society, so it is free to the public. There will be a table with my books, that God I hope they don't expect me to sit at. At least I don't have to write a new speech for this one. He can give the same one I wrote for Calgary. I don't know yet where the speech in Victoria is going to be.