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.