Yay! another 1.20 lbs down for a total of 8.9 lbs lost.

I was thinking last night that I would be thrilled with a 50 lb loss in 1 year. After all, I'm not dieting and don't plan to so I naturally expect my body to slowly set itself to my "normal body weight" (whatever that will be) as I continue recovering from binge eating and increasing the types and duration of my workouts. A loss of 9 lbs in 2 months is keeping me right on track!

OK, off to working out I go.... :-) I am tickled pink!

Have a great day everyone! Don't forget the water.

Hello my Peeps!

I know I don't live way north like some of you chickies do, but it's in the 30's here at night and it's c.c..cold for me! I pulled out the electric blanket last night and had a velcro psycho kitty all night long. It was hard to get out of bed this morning.

Debi, I hope your gums are healing faster and faster. I hate mouth pain!!

Anne, you are an inspiration for weight lifting!

Hugs to all my sweet peeps!

Luv,
Ratkity

BAD DAY!!! I got upset over a few different issues and ate...I cried alot and still dont feel any better and eating only made me feel sick!!!! I mean i ate ...and to much of it..a greasy grilled cheese sandwich with chips and that stupid nuttybar that has been calling my name all week. TO top it all off I realised TOM is a week late already...no wonder i feel so bloated and yucky..and that was before pigging out on food!!! Going to bed and praying tommorow will be a better day!!!!!!Cant fix how i ate today but i can make sure i dont do it again!!!!!!

Annie, Hope your hubby had a great birthday!
dgramie, Tomorrow is another day, now is another chance.
Ratkitty, It has been cold here at night also, in the 30's. I like fall and spring the best but am looking forward to a winter of snuggling with my quilt and cat.
Nuevavida, Great job on the additional pounds lost!
Bunny, thanks for the recipe link!

Tomorrow is my weigh in and I am kind of afraid to go for the first time in a long while. The retreat was tons of fun but I did let myself indulge and found myself out of control at times. I didn't gorge but I did eat things I don't usually eat anymore and the amounts weren't little tastes. Lesson learned, Don't sit near the snack table!

Quick Check In
 

Hello fellow chickadee's! I have to do a quick check in because I need to finish up some homework.

First thing I want to say is not to beat yourself up! There will be great days, good days, not so good days, and bad days. But guess what, it's just one day and tomorrow you can start a new. No one is perfect, and we will make mistakes and bad judgement through this journey; however, the one thing we can do is learn from it.

Dgramie: You had a bad day, okay. Acknowledge it, and then let it go. Try not to hold onto it. You've had one bad day but how many good days have you had? Try not to be so hard on yourself. Your still going to make and achieve your goals! Don't let the negative thoughts be your focus.

Anne: Girl, I can't wait to see all your new muscles! That's some serious lifting going on right there! I'm going to see this personal trainer and get a weight regime from him and start there. But, I do want you to know that tonight I cut up lettuce and placed them in containers by servings so when I felt hungry or wanted to eat my lettuce was already prepared. I sauteed chicken breast and put them in containers by servings so I could grab them quickly and put them on a salad, or eat as a protein filler. And this weekend, I plan to buy more foods that I can do that with, prepare them, and freeze them or fridge them; to plan my meals during the week. In doing just that little bit today, I was able to eat my dinner before 8pm!!:carrot: I was so excited! That was a first for me. I hope to keep it up. Thanks for the encouragement Anne.

I didn't make it to the gym today because it took me 4 hours to vote! I was pretty upset about not making it to the gym, but, I will be there in the morning I won't beat myself up because I did some good things today as well. I am slowly making small changes that will lead to bigger changes and results.

I hope everyone will have a blessed and safe night. :hug:

scales??? confuse me at times..my weigh day is tommorow but i expected to get up and see a gain(from the amount of food still in my system)....but NO i see a pound loss!! Just have to make sure today is a good day!!!!
Daughter is coming home for the weekend.IM PUMPED!! Im hoping son will bring that baby here this weekend also..if not then we may have to take a trip on sunday to see her. That little sweetie is growing already!!
hope everyone has a HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!!!
and stay out of that candy bag!!!(that goes double for me!!)

First, Happy Samhain/Halloween to you all. :)

Secondly, you all are such an inspiration to me. I just wanted you all to know that. :)

dgramie: *HUGS* I like to think of those days as the days you get all your feelings out and though you may not have gotten them out in the way that you wanted to, at least they are out and in the open. Now you can, the next day, focus on a new day. *HUGS*

Things I've noticed this week. I am going through a bit of a depressive time, I'm sleeping a lot, and am finally getting my feelings out so I can work through them and get to that "new day" feeling! I haven't exercised this week and have craved comfort foods, but I haven't gotten those foods in the house so I haven't been over eating. I have lost more weight and am feeling like I want to move a bit and wake up. You know when you get in those down times and you feel like you're "sleep walking" and you start "waking up" and dealing with things? I'm at that point...so tomorrow I'll probably be flexing my muscles (well not many, but i'm getting there) and becoming strong and defiant. Today I'm just making myself face things so I can work through them. Hopefully that makes sense...

*HUGS EVERYONE*

morning all...

Well with Tom going away I am hoping soon lol..I can get back into things. I tell ya he is just trouble!

Happy Halloween to all!!

Today will be a hard one at work..everyone bringing in candy..cookies..you name it! I am going to try to be strong!

Good LUCK cyn___ you can do it!!!!!

jacquie_ hugs for what your going thru. Its sucks when depression shows its ugly head!! Just keep looking at how far you have came already!!

Hiya Peeps - I am HOME. It was a long week but I am happy to report the stress of the airplane seat has passed. I fit and even though there was no one in the middle seats I think I would have been OK anyway.

DH is a limo driver. Last night he picked me up at the airport - I walked off the plane and he is holding a sign THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THE WORLD. My brother happened to be with him and he told me several women said "that's me" as they got off the plane. My brother told me DH said - "not even close". DH won't even tell me about that so I'm glad bro did.

Food was some good choices while gone, some bad. I did eat bison for the first time - I couldn't tell much difference from beef. I probably still prefer poultry but would not hesitate to eat it again. The scale is up a bit this morning - could be from food or from the travel also.

I had a dr appt this morning. I had lost 36 pounds since last there. He was on the extreme side of pleased with my overall health. He encouraged me to see a plastic surgeon NOW about my excess skin to have a better shot of insurance paying for it when the time comes. He said they can start a photo documentation process - I'm not sure about that - will have to think on that for a time. He also said he feels like 200 would be a good goal weight for me. I was shocked at that. I told him what I had been thinking about 175 or so. We agreed to discuss as I move closer to it but he was pretty adamant about his thoughts.

Chores need to be started but had to stop and say a big I MISSED YOU ALL.

So...........move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Good Morning and happy Halloween all,

I went to work and then walked directly in the front door right out the back. I grabbed a rake and went to town on the leaves in the yard. I worked for 2 hours straight raking and then picking the leaves up. My DH will be so excited! I was so excited to be able to do that this year. It has been years and years since I have done raking!

Mimi: Woo hoo on the -1.20 more! Way to go.

Rat: It is getting colder and colder. lol. I heard that the s word is supposed to happen on next Thursday. Just in time for us to be driving in it. lol.

Debi: Hugs to you and I am so glad that your weight didn't reflect your eating.

Toni: Thanks. Hugs.Remember that what ever the scale says, it is a temporary thing and you can get right back on track.

Purple: DH birthday was great. I came home from work and he was still sleeping. I made him some cheese cake cupcakes for his birthday and we went to the movies and saw, "Quarentine". I made him his most favorite dinner which is home made tacos. lol. He loved it. Happy late birthday to you!

Jacquie: Hugs.

Carol: I'm glad that you are home. Glad that the airplane wasn't so bad. I love Buffalo/Bison. The jerky is really good. It is way leaner than beef. Ed is sooooo sweet to do that sign thing. I just love how he loves you and you love him. lol. If you go to the plastic surgeon let me know what I should tell them when I see them. lol.

My weight is the same again. So I will post that on the Biggest looser thread here. No change there. I am so excited because next Wednesday when Joel gets off work we are going to see my Dad, Step mom, Uncle and my Aunt is coming from CA down by Boise. I can't wait to spend time with my family. Plus I have Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to spend with Joel!

I have cookies to bake. My sweet niece Lindsey's birthday is on the 5th of Nov. and she wants something I baked for her birthday. I have some zuchini bread and banana bread and I will make some cookies too. I need to make them and get them in the mail tomorrow. She lives in CA. lol.

Blessings all and stay safe,
Annie

I didn't go to my TOPS meeting, part of me wanted to go but part of me wanted to avoid it altogether. It turned out that was the only time we could go to the butcher and get our yearly pig. I am determined to be watchful this week.

Hi Everyone,

I have no excuse to not have posted, as I've had five weeks off work (two weeks of holidays and three weeks of sick leave) and have had plenty of time, just not a lot of motivation.

I went to the doctor on the first day back at school/work after breaking down in tears a couple of time for no apparent reason. I wanted her to do something about my hormones, as I was positive that my problems were hormonal. Well... after talking with her for a while she told me that it didn't sound as though it was my hormones, seeing as it was almost constantly that I was feeling this way. She has diagnosed depression again. So, I'm on medication - again - and I'm still waiting for them to kick in. After the first week I decided I would be fine going back to work, but I was feeling REALLY anxious all day. After going to the doctor again she told me that this could be a side effect of the medication, so gave me another week off work. Well, then last Sunday I started feeling REALLY bad, emotional, anxious, teary etc. So I went to another doctor Monday morning (my doctor was booked out, but this one is in the same practice) and he said that I would need to give the medication more time to work. So he gave me ANOTHER week off. Well, I went to the Clinical Psychologist yesterday and after talking with her, and feeling even worse than I have for a while, I have decided that I will have to take next week off work as well. Things just don't seem to be working as I had hoped they would. I am seeing my doctor early Monday morning, and maybe we'll have to look at increasing or changing the medication. Although she may still just say that I have to give it more time. We'll see I suppose.

I have been thinking that maybe I was too quick to stop the medication early this year. I had NO idea how difficult my new job at school would be (never having taught music before, and really having NO idea what I was doing) and when I come to think about it, I have been blaming 'hormones' for a LOT of problems throughout the year.

Anyway... I wanted you all to know that I still come on here every day, and I am always thinking of responses I would like to give, but I just never get around to writing them. I hope that soon I will feel up to it.

Luckily I have a wonderful, patient husband who is SO supportive. I am sure he is a little lost at times, not knowing how to help me, but just having him here is help enough. It is his birthday on Tuesday and we bought him a new camera yesterday, (Canon 50D, I think) so I am hoping we'll get out this weekend so he can experiment with it. The weather is supposed to be lovely, so it will be nice to be outside in the sunshine for a while I think.

Take care all,

Zelma

Zelma, Hope you feel better soon, take this time to spend with your husband and yourself. I know sometimes it's hard to see there will be a better day, I have been there. It will come though. You are such an encouragement to all of us looking to lose weight and you are a lovely wonderful person, inside and out. (your smile tells me this)

Hello and Happy Halloween to all!

Zelma, I'm glad you posted. I've been going through a similar experience and have contacted the employee assistance person again. I thought I was getting blown off because I didn't hear from anyone in a couple of weeks. Come to find out the email system has been down and EAP person couldn't get her email. I got a call from her and will meet with her on Monday. I'm going to try to get a referral for some outside help. *hugs* while you go through this difficult time; you are not alone!

Meanwhile, I had my 3rd guitar lesson tonight and did very well. I think the teacher was pleased at my progress. Yes, I am a people pleaser even if I'm doing something good for me in the process. It makes me happy and I'm learning new stuff.

Hugs to all!
Ratkity

Ratkitty, What are you learning on the guitar? If I took lessons, I would want to learn all that picking stuff, all I can do is one pattern.

Good morning Peeps - Happy November to you! October was not a big weight loss month for me but in terms of exercise it was over the top in what changes were made. The number of minutes wasn't as high as in the past - the things the new trainer has worked with me on in the last month are so awesome! Seems the first of the month is always a reflective time for me. My goal for December 1 is to no longer be morbidly obese.

Zelma - you've been in my thoughts the last few weeks. I always wonder how you are doing. I'm sorry to hear you've had a rough time of it but I am happy to see you post and that you are thinking of us. I hope you and Neil enjoy the new camera today - maybe some new pics are in order.

Rat - are you a rocker? Do biker chic and rocker chic get along? Have you seen the ortho yet? Hugs to you too my friend.

Catherine - please take care of yourself and get all the rest you can. We miss you - thanks for checking in.

Annie - I had this mental picture in my head of you raking all the leaves up and jumping in the pile like we did when we were kids. Fess up sweetie - did you? Great job!

Toni - is food back on track for you? I so understand the not wanting to weigh in but also needing it desperately. I wasn't sure what I would see yesterday when I was back home to weigh. It wasn't pretty. I was back OP in full force yesterday. Today I need to reintroduce veggies to my world.

Last night I tried another new recipe - Crock Pot Carne Guisada - it was a hit! Wasn't sure when DH would be home so it worked wonderfully. If anyone is interested let me know and I will post.

Busy day today - water aerobics, church bazaar, clothes shopping, grocery shopping, laundry and .....................

OOPS - I forgot to mention what happened as I was leaving town on Tuesday morning. The airport screener said she needed to pat me down - I asked why and she told me because my pants were so big I could possibly hide something in them - time for those pants to go!

Move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs to all,
Carol

gggirls, Now that halloween is done and my husband got rid of the extra candy I will be fine. I didn't even buy chocolate as I knew that would be virtually planning to fail but I still had a hard time with it. Veggies are going to be my new best friend this week as well as a reintro to walking.

We worked the last football game of the season last night. It was practically anti-climatic. They were expecting such a large crowd, that everyone came early, so we got to kind of cruise. Then, no one bought anything. I think 20,000 less people came than they expected. The homeless shelters had a very good night food wise. I'm glad the wastage doesn't come out of my pocket.

I'm starting to feel like I'm catching up. I hate it when I feel like I'm behind in everything. I don't like rushing or doing things last minute. So I am off to work on a paper due on Monday.

Carol, so glad to hear you're home safely and the plane trip went well. Great news on the doc being so pleased and already helping you to prepare for when you reach goal weight. Did you ever think you could accomplish something so great as this? You've done a great job my friend!!
What your husband did for you just ....gosh...was WONDERFUL!!! He's such a thoughtful guy. You make me jealous!!!

Annie, YAY for getting out there and raking all those leaves!!! It's funny the simple little things that most people take for granted mean so much to those of us who couldn't do it before because of our weight. Have a fun time baking for your niece. Tell Joel Happy belated birthday for me! Sorry I missed the actual day.

Zelma, sorry to hear your going thru a rough patch. Seems like depression is hitting quite a few of us here. I know that's why I haven't been on much and also it's affecting my weight loss which is non-existent right now. Take care and I hope the meds kick in for you soon so you can get back to your happy self. :hug:

Ratkity, pretty soon we can call you the guitar playin bikerchick!!

BarbPA, you lost all that weight in just a couple months??? I am so proud of you and you can definitely see the change in your face! You look so happy and healthy!

The Halloween party was alot of fun last night. I posted some pics on the pic thread if you want to see how lovely we looked. LOL. We went as a bride and groom, yep, Jim was the lovely bride. I even got him to wear a garter and false eyelashes and makeup! Too funny this guy of mine!
I was planning on going to Walmart today and buying candy. But after reading Carol's post about how happy her doctor was with her, and how he wants her to start planning for the loose skin surgery, it made me think, What the heck am I doing? I could be there too! So with that in mind, I'm hoping that this will get my butt in gear since I have a doc's appt at the first of the year. I don't want to go in and have a gain or be close to where I was 6 months ago, so I have to step it up. Thank you for that Carol!
Have a great day today and don't forget to turn back your clocks!
Debbie

Hello my Chickies!!

GGG, you are so funny about the pants and hiding something in there.. yep! time for them to go! I'm glad you are home safe.

Catherine, nothing goes to waste if the homeless shelter gets some food. I'm glad you folks have a plan when you make too much. Now that football season is over, do you get to just concentrate on school? I know you were nearly overbooked there for a while doing lotsa stuff.

A bit about my guitar playing... I've been playing since I snuck into my big sister's room (when I was 9 yrs old) and played her classical guitar with a pick (and ruined the finish under the sound hole.. had to pay for that repair!) hehe. I normally fingerpick and play folksie type of stuff and am self taught. I wanted lessons to learn some chord theory and learn to pick bluegrass type riffs. Last night was my 3rd lesson. He said I was doing well. So before lessons, I was more of a Peter, Paul and BikerChick type of player.. hehe. It's my treat to myself to take lessons and fill in the holes that I have in my technique and style.

Hugs to all and my lurkers! I lub you all.. yes, you.. toni, Annie, Anne, debbie, Debbie, orc, cyn, zelma, catherine, GGG, Battle, Realist, Luan, Val, Heather... omgosh if I forgot your name it's cuz my one brain cell is full.. hehe. I still lub you.

Hugs,
Ratkity

Hi Ladies,

I hope everyone is doing well!

Zelma, I will keep you in my prayers that you will defeat depression, and have the control that you need to enjoy your achievements, and your wonderful life!

I can not thank you enough for sharing your story. I don't even remember how I came across your story, but it was you made me feel like "I can do it"! That I didn't have to be stuck in this body! When you responded to my email, I cried again:o It was so encouraging that I read it to my cousin who said she is going to join this site too and start treating her body right!

You just keep saying positive things about yourself and the situation. Don't let those negative thoughts take over. Remeber, you have conquered the flesh, now it's time to conquer the mind. Don't say what is happening to you right now, only speak what you want the outcome to be! Don't focus on the problem focus on the solutions. You'll be happy to know that I've lost 3 pounds since writing you that email! I've taken your suggestions and put them into action!

For all of us, who experience those hard times, depression, negative thoughts, frustration, and doubt, never forget.....that these things shall pass, and you will rise above the storm and soar on top like the eagles!

Mi Mi:hug:

Mi Mi - what a lovely post to Zelma. Thank you for your caring and compassion. Zelma is one very special lady to all of us isn't she. I am looking forward to getting to know you.

Hugs,
Carol

mimi- I agree with what carol said 100%. I cant wait to get to know you also! We are like a family here! When I have a bad day and no one around me understand i know my friends here will not only understand but care!

zelma- HUGs and hang in there! We are all here for you!!

NSV....hubby bought me a necklace a few yrs ago and it didnt fit. Last night I tried it on and it fits!! Looks like I will be wearing it to church today!!

zelma: Sounds like you need a really big 3FC (((( HUG)))). Glad that you posted, and hopfully things will get better soon!

Carol: Hahaha about the pants being to big! That is so awesome!


As for me..yesterday was hubby's birthday. We decided to pack the kids up and go up North to the cooler weather and pine trees. We had a good time. Hubby wanted to go on this nature walk...it was a 3 mile hike! I about died..but muddled my way through it. Iavoided ALOT of goodies at work on friday. BUT on Halloween my friend and I passed out candy and sat ourside because our neighbor across from us does a big ole scarey production. It was so much fun!

I am going to spend today deciding what I am making everyone for Christmas. Money is low this year so I am spending it on my kids...others will get homemade gifts! Which they love anyhow.

Take care...
Cyn

Hello Ladies,

Cyn - I am making all my gifts for Xmas this year like I did last. Let us know what you are making! My version of Santa's Workshop will be busy till I drop this holiday season! :-)

I'm doing OK today but not great. Have been going through some really hard personal stuff this week and today is going to be an incredibly difficult day. Those of you who pray, please say a prayer for me. I need more strength than I have.

Trying to focus on the good stuff: I made my exercise goal for this month - 640 minutes (my goal for Nov is to almost double that to 1200). I haven't binged ONCE, even with all the sh--tuff hitting the fan. My clothes are all fitting better as my belly is shrinking. All in all, a good month for me.

Hugs to all of you.

I don't want my kids to buy us stuff this year, money is too tight for that. I have what I need and they should spend it on the babies/kids. I will be giving them meat for their freezers.

Toni - I agree with you - have you all heard of the Advent Conspiracy? It is giving of yourself - if you are interested PM me and I will send you the link. For me it is the true spirit.

HI EVERYONE!!!! I'm almost completely back to normal.....we are officially in the new place....not yet unpacked completely at least! I want to have a yard sale next weekend......before the real bad weather starts here....and so that I can get rid of junk I don't want then after that I will send the rest to Goodwill or the Women's shelter or anywhere else that it will do some good other than my closets!!! LOL

I guess I have been working out.....with all the boxes packing carrying and unpacking.....bending and putting stuff up.....alot more than I have done in awhile! LOL

Okay ladies, I am having a major "what in the #()*#@ did I do to myself?" moment tonight. My nephew's 2nd birthday party was tonight, and my mother, God love her, thought it'd be nice to take a picture of me holding my great-nephew, who is 8 months old. It looks like I take up the whole chair, and it looks like he is swimming in a sea of fat - and he's not a small baby by any means. I look absolutely horrid in that picture. This picture will be the most dramatic before picture I will ever take, because I refuse to continue this way after seeing it.

I'd break down and cry but to be honest, I don't even know if it's worth it to cry at this point. I'm just numb, and not in a good way. I haven't been gaining lately (success in itself), and I have been staying in a 3lb range since I gained on my out of town meetings / conventions, so I know that if I actually put my mind to it, I can lose this weight. I just need to do it.

So I made a few guidelines to get me back in the game. Obviously I will tweak them when I can stick to these, and I will get more in-depth when I am at a point where I feel like I can, but here's the plan for now:

1) Eat breakfast every day, even if it's something small.
2) No calories from drinks. Soda is my major problem, and it needs to just stop.
3) Watch portions closer - no seconds, no heaping plates, etc.
4) Exercise a little bit every day, even if it's only for 5 minutes at a time.
5) No fast food, period. I've no need for it when I live in town, and right next to the grocery store. No excuses.
6) Go to bed by 11pm every night. I've been staying up way too late and then I wonder why I feel like I need a nap the next afternoon.
7) And finally, post every day, because otherwise I don't believe I will be able to hold myself accountable.

Please help me hold myself accountable. I will do my best to help you guys out too, because I know we all need that support. If I need a kick in the butt, please do so. I just want to live and I'm not living right now.