Hey calling all smartie pants!

I want to make an excel spreadsheet ploting my weight release progress. Can some one please help me. Sure I could just do one on a sheet of graph paper. But common its 2008 and I left 5th grade math loooong ago. But I really would like to learn how to do this!

Greetings all!

Debbie – I’m happy to hear you had such fun shopping. I agree with you about the short tops…what are they thinking? Apparently real women don’t test the clothing style/sizes before the before the clothing is approved for manufacturing. The proportions are way off. I know popular styles, in general, are running toward the short side and sometimes just plain skimpy, but that doesn’t work for larger people. I’m so envious of everyone who’s getting into smaller sizes. I’ve haven’t been releasing much by way of the scale and I haven’t been able to get into a smaller size yet. All probably due to the fact I buy oversized shirts, t-shirts and pull on stretchy jeans. I am improving though, my knees don’t hurt much anymore, mobility is easier, I’m gaining the ability to walk longer and further, so all in all that’s good news.

Bumblebee – I hear ya about the treats at work. This morning one of my co-workers ran out and bought an apple kringle from the bakery next door. It’s a big temptation when there are fresh baked goods sitting on the counter in my office. As for staying strong, if people push the treat on you, take it and cover it with a napkin then put it somewhere out of site. I usually take treats home to the family this way or I’ll offer it to the UPS man when he stops in. When it gets too tough to resist, the cake goes plate down into the garbage. I’ve gotten to the point that I figure today is for me. When I’ve released the weight, then will be the time for an occasional treat. I’m sending positive vibes your way!

Annie – It’s hard to make sweet treats for the family and not get into them myself. Good job on keeping your distance. I usually make lunchbox treats on Sunday, package them up and stash them in the breadbox. Since I’m not eating bread at the moment they are out of sight, out of mind, well mostly. This week it was so hot and humid, I put the triple chunk chocolate brownies in the frig. Bad idea. Every time I went to get a bottle of water, there they were.

Julia – 30 pounds Fabulous!

CatherineM – You go girl! It sounds like you’ve just been a cleaning machine! Doesn’t it feel great at the end of the day to crawl into a fresh bed and feel the cleanness of the house? To know everything is in order? I love to take down the window coverings, strip the beds, pull off the furniture throws and pick up the throw rugs. Do a few loads of laundry, wash the windows and floors. Everything gets hung on the clothesline. When it all gets put back together I’m wiped, but it feels wonderful. I remember my mom and I doing the whole house in a day and she still cooked the meals.


On the subject of TOM – You’ve probably heard that when a group of women work or live together, their cycles will synch up after a while. This happens at my job. I wonder if it can happy by osmosis. I was so horrible yesterday. I had consumed all of my calories for the day between 5 and 9 am. I schlumped back to my old ways. When I can’t sleep I’ll try reading, but nighttime reading leads to reading and snacking. Eventually, I came to my senses, I used TDP to document and calculate the damage. It wasn’t pretty. I do believe TOM is heading my way. Since 10 am yesterday, I have been OP. I even passed by that apple kringle.

Last night I worked till 9 pm. When I got home I cleaned up, put my jammies on and hit the hay. I woke up two hours later for a potty run, then again at 2:30 am, and finally at 5 am. (I drink too much water and green tea when I work Thursday nights). When I finally got up it was 8 am and I’m due at work at 8:30am. I made it but just under the wire. I left home in such a hurry; I didn’t pack my lunch, snacks or even water. Luckily I live a short drive from work, so I ran home on break, ate lunch and grabbed snacks for the afternoon. I need to hit the grocery store tonight after work in a bad way. I have a bare frig. No milk, no fresh veggies, no eggs…

I hope everyone has a great weekend with lots of rest and relaxation!

Miz M

(for Carol I think)

FOCUS every day - Find One Change towards Ultimate Success

I know I snuck 'towards' in, but I couldn't work it out any other way.
This is what I did... just kept chosing one different thing to change that would help me to reach my ulitimate goal.

I'll keep thinking. I just had this one pop into my head, so thought I'd throw it out there.

Gotta get ready for my Saturday morning shopping experience. We have to get groceries, but we are also looking for winter jackets to take with us to the US in Dec/Jan. We figured it was best to get looking now, while we still have jackets in our stores and many are on sale. We want something light, and easy to roll up, so it doesn't take up much room, but we also need something 'weather-proof'. I found a beautiful ladies jacket from an outdoors store yesterday and it looked GORGEOUS on, but cost $350 and I'm not sure I can justify that cost just for the holiday. I would maybe wear it a little here, but not enough to justify the cost. It isn't really 'school' wear. I'll keep looking, but I really never should have even tried it on, as it is stuck in my head now.

My visit with Mum was pretty good. We helped her out a little and she loved having the company. We spent a little time with my brother and sister and their families, which is always nice.

Neil and I are hoping to go to a large park in the city tomorrow to see if there are any flowers worth taking pictures of. We think we are too early for wildflowers yet, but we seemed to be too late for them last year, so we figured that it was worth the try. It is a lovely park to walk around anyway, so the outing won't be a waste.

Back to school on Monday after two weeks off. Monday is a professional development day and I am off to a nearby school to talk with another music teacher and get some ideas, then it is off to lunch in the city. Should be a good day.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Zelma

ok, so 1.5 closer to not being a liar on my ticker. lol

Hiya Peeps - busy day returning to my lovely routine. Also went to the travel agent about a February cruise to the Caribbean - that should be incentive. I was way too low on calories today - 940 - but tomorrow we are having dinner with friends at our favorite Mexican haunt and I have yet to figure out how to completely handle it.

Luan - yay for you! This week I've thought a lot about you and what you are going through - remembering my pain and knowing there are no words. Big hugs my friend. You are a beautiful, kind person - remember that!

No time for personals other to to each one of you - THANKS. OOPS - yes Penny, drink your water!

Hugs to all,
Carol

carol - thanks for your kind words. its just hard when the one you want to see it just wont. *sigh* i'll be ok. i love your picture in your garden. it looks very peaceful

Juilia: Wooohoo to you on releasing 30 pounds! Way to go.

Angie: Tomorrow is a brand new day hun. Hang in there.

Anne: Hi busy girl.

Carol: So happy to hear your spring back in your step. Hugs.

Debbie: Some day I will plan a visit to come see you. Congrats on the new jeans. I like Kmart jeans.

Debi: Yes, I am interested in seeing that cake. Please post. How did you do on your yard sales?

Sharon: Woo hoo to another -2 pounds. Way to go. Slow and steady wins the race. Protein shakes are slushy drinks with protein powder in them usually. You can see a variety of them and GNC stores. I get my protein powder called, EAS powder at Costco. I get about 8 pounds for $35 and it lasts me at least a month maybe longer. It feels me up and helps me to get in my daily required protein amount since I can't eat that much.

Mchelle: I hope you were able to forgo the cake but if not there is always another time. I say poo to them if they get offended for you not having cake. You are more important than allowing someone to be offended because you don't taste their stupid cake. It only means you care for your body and yourself. I do know what you mean. When I was working a lady brought in fudge at Christmas time and I told her no thank you when she offered it. She practically tried to put a piece in my mouth and I had to tell her NO THANK YOU a bit more stern. I simply told her that I am on a medically supervised diet and am not eating sugar at the moment. She got over it real quick and felt bad for trying to make me eat some. If you don't want to tell them you are on a diet or not wanting sugar just stick to your guns and say no thanks! Hugs and good luck.

Rat: My dogs are both 1/2 goldens and 1/2 labs and you are right. They pretty much want to eat a snack, be cuddled or played with. lol I adore peanut butter cookies too and do make them every other time. The only kinds that I don't make often are choc. chip as DH doesn't care much for them. So, I make oatmeal/raisin then peanut butter and sometimes sugar cookies too. I admit it is a bit harder to not eat a cookie when it is a crunchy peanut butter one. lol.

Penny: I hope you get to take that vacation!

Mizm: Thanks hun.

Zelma: Have fun shopping.

Luan: woo hoo on the -1.5 pounds! Way to go.

Catherine: Yipee for himself coming home.

I am feeling much more human today than I have been. Glad those first few days of TOM are over. I weighed this morning and have lost 1 pound this week. I will adjust my ticker on Monday though after the Biggest Winner weigh in. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Blessings,
Annie

Its so nice to hear the weight losses and holiday plans!

We are planning a little trip to Brussels in September for 3 nights. Hopefully we can book this weekend. Ive already told my husband I can eat chocolate while I'm there but the only ones we bring back are to be presents.

We've been together 10 years and its only going to be our third real holiday , my family are in the UK so we usually go there. Of course we enjoy it but its not really a holiday by the time we have to visit all the relations! Im really looking forward to something thats just for us!

Greetings my Peeps,

Like Annie, I am feeling more human as TOM slowly slinks away. I have lots to do this weekend! Ugh. The frig is empty and the grass is long outside.

Hugs and Luv to all!
Ratkity

Wow its humid already. This mornings shower fresh sure did not last long! We are headed out to the farmers market. Have a wonderful day

Carol -- Here's my strategy for my favorite Mexican place. There's so much cheese, so I don't go much.
1) either skip the nachos for the table or put them far away. If I have 1 I have 200, so no nachos.
2) order a salad (without cheese) or soup (same)
3) order 2 tacos. regular tacos. not a big burrito or a chimichanga.
4) enjoy!!!

Last night we went out for breakfast -- you know, to those places where eggs come with pancakes and hashbrowns! I did well! I got 2 scrambled eggs and for once did not just get egg whites. I did eat bacon! But I got toast instead of pancakes and ate just one piece (hubby ate 2nd) and we subbed fruit for the hashbrowns.

I leave for Europe tomorrow. I am excited about the trip, but after months I am finally back on plan for eating and exercise, and I know the trip will throw that off. I'll do the best I can for food and movement (and will also indulge some, I'm sure!), but it won't be the same! I hope I can get on track quickly when I get back...

Heather - thanks for the suggestions for Mexican. You are so right about the chips and cheese. Have a wonderful trip - how long will you be gone? Pictures please also. We will try to behave while you're gone.

Luan - your new avatar is beautiful!

I'm still a daily weigher and very much like what the scale said this morning - I'm hoping to remember that as we head to the Mexican restaurant tonight. I think I will treat myself to a manicure this morning - which also will mean no weed pulling. Why didn't I think of this before.

Penny - this ones for you - drink your water! Move your bodies and SMILE.

Hugs to all,
Carol

The diaper cake turned out cute..I figured out that we rolled the diapers differnt than the one I had seen and will do them different next time. Will try to get a picture of it posted today.

Well even with Tom here in full force and not playing nice I lost 2lbs this week. I am now under 250

Gotta go and get ready for this baby shower and stuff. Hope everyone has an awesome day!!
debi

Carol-Just remind yourself when confronted with chips at a Mexican restaurant, that in Mexico, the fried ones are what they do with stale corn tortillas. Frying them and giving them to gringos is better than throwing them out. Real Mexican tacos are made with steamed corn tortillas and a lean meat that's been braised all day. My favorite is tongue, but most TexMex places don't really serve that.

Heather-Have a good time, and don't ruin your trip with food guilt. Have fun and worry about getting OP when you get back. You will get a lot of exercise in Europe. People there actually walk.

Hi All!

I had a fun time with my supervisor's birthday. I spent Thursday evening decorating our cubicle like an Hawaiian grass hut, complete with an almost 6 ft tall blow up palm tree. Our manager loved it so much she wouldn't let me take it down, although I'm sure we'll have to when the DC manager gets back from vacation. My supervisor says the blow up palm tree stays whether he's there or not, because she wants to be able to vote people off of our island! She's really funny.

I am happy to report that I said no to the cake...and the early morning donuts AND the donut holes! Yippee!! People weren't too bad. They seemed more surprised than anything else. One lady who has been doing Jenny Craig said I was making her feel bad because she was having cake and I wasn't. Oh well. Then they put the cake on the counter right behind me and I could smell it...grrr!!! I kept putting on hand lotion and smelling my hands so I wouldn't smell the cake . God rewarded me, at least. This morning I got up and I lost the 1.4 lbs, and another lb on top of that. So I'm happy for the moment...hehehe!!

Ratkitten - Hope you are feeling better w/ TOM. It can really be a bear! I wish everyone at the office would just have one cake a month and be done with it. Unfortunately, the DID have one birthday cake for the office earlier this month. This one was extra. Go figure. Don't work too hard this weekend!

Penny - Hello! Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, I sweated plenty

CatherineM - Congrats on all of the housework. Just tie him up and put him in the corner so he can't make any messes. You'll be happier that way...lol. I didn't know turmeric was a natural anti-inflammatory. I'll have to tell that to my Dad for his shoulder and knee. You can also eat fresh cherries for pain.

JuliaHood - If you'll pm me your email address, I'll be happy to send you a copy of the Excel spreadsheet I created back in April to track my bike riding. I added another tab in for weightloss later. Or I'll walk you thru creating your own, if you would like. Spreadsheets are alot of fun, and it's helped me stick to my exercise plan quite a bit. I'll be happy to help any way I can. Have fun at the farmers market!

MizM - Thanks for the positive vibes...they worked . And way to go on being OP and passing up that Apple Kringle! Glad that you got thru your hectic Thursday night. Is it like that every week?

Zelma - I was looking at the before and afters on your website. What an inspiration you are. And you have the prettiest smile and eyes on your avatar pic! Have fun shopping today!

Luan - love the new avatar pic...you're such a pretty lady! Congrats on the 1.5 gone!

Carol - Oooh, the Carribean...how fun!! On the Mexican food - my boss is always wanting Mexican food...I think she has guacamole in her veins instead of blood. One thing that works for me is to get a Chicken Taco Salad. It usually comes with sour cream and guacamole, which isn't usually a problem for me because I'm doing the low carb thing but you can have them take it off if you want. It kind of gives you a taste of Mexican food without a lot of the bad stuff. 1 Manicure = no weed pulling...my kind of logic. I like that! You know, I also read somewhere to keep a bottle of clear nail polish in the kitchen where you can see it. If you feel the urge to snack, put a coat of clear nail polish on instead. You can't reach into the bad stuff with your nails wet, and it give you time for the urge to go away while your nails dry.

Annie - glad TOM is over and 1 lb gone! Woo hoo! Thanks for the good luck vibes!

SuomiSara - Brussels sounds exciting! That will be a nice trip!

dgramie - i've done one of those diaper cakes before. They're alot of fun, and everyone seems to like them. Have fun at the baby shower!

Well, dh just got back from the bank and he's wanting to go out running around so I guess I had better sign off. I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend!!

Hugs,

M'Chelle