Hi Everyone,

Jilly: Hugs and glad that you came back.

Accounttess: Great job walking. I do know exactly what you mean about the bathroom I was there and it is weird to go into a small stall now even though I can fit no problem. Hugs.

Beth: Sorry that your back is sore. Hope you get better soon.

Kayley: I saw the pics of your dress. You look stunning. Truly beautiful!

Well, I hope everyone is well. Where are you guys? Debi, Debbie, Carol, Becca, Catherine, Val, Bernice, oh, everyone.

Okay, off to bed now.

blessings,
Annie

Purpleorc – Oh, London! I love it there, and can’t wait to go back! Just take it easy, and enjoy your weekend.

Last night, I had such trouble sleeping again. Ugh. I didn’t get to bed until 6, and had to be back up at 8, so I could submit some of my homework. I have class this morning at 11:30, and then heading to lunch with my Mom. Staying at my best friend’s house for the weekend, because her roommate is heading to Chicago for the weekend, and she wants some company. Just have to be good, and avoid temptation this weekend. I’m looking forward to my weigh-in Monday.

Good Morning all,

Where is everyone?

Purple: nice to see you back. Hope you are able to relax a bit and settle back down.

Kayley: Good luck at your weigh in on Monday. Mine is offically Sunday. Not seeing any progress so far. Oh well.

Well, time to head off to work now. I hope you all come back soon. You are sooo missed everyone.

Blessings,
Annie

Annie - I'm here - have been lurking - thanks for missing me. I had a message from Debi - they are without power due to the ice storm and it may be Feb 15 before it is restored. Keep them in your prayers. I'm glad you gave up the long hours - need to take care of our Annie. Is the receptionist job something permanent for you? Do you like it? Sorry to hear about Joel's job. Take a deep breath and hug each other.

I've been lurking but had a tough week at work - one of those full moon type weeks. I made good food choices, drank my water and exercised on schedule. I have learned for me the exercise 'schedule' is a big key - otherwise I can put it off in so many ways.

As I look at my January results I'm very pleased - I have gone back to basics and the success shows - weighing my foods, using TDP each and every day, exercise 6 days a week. It's not rocket science until it comes to overcoming a craving or urge for something. Last night we went out for dinner - I came home and logged every single calorie.

I am nearing the number on the iron monster that says I will no longer be "morbidly obese". This is a big one for me - the last time I was "obese" was over 20 years ago - at least. I seem to have some mental block about this - not sure why - but like when I was trying to get under 300. I know I need to just keep on doing the right things and it will happen.

We are 2 weeks away from the Caribbean - it has been nice to think about the tropics with the long cold winter. DH is looking forward to my improved stamina over the last trip - that is his single biggest compliment to me - my stamina. I like it!

Johnnie says HI to you all and looks forward to being back.

Keep on moving, making good choices and drinking your water.

Hugs to all,
Carol

I am still here as well, just been a lurker as I have not really had anything to contribute to the thread other than the fact I am still here and alive. Food is going well. I have quit staying up late as that is a killer for my temptation fighting. I always seem to give in but have had some success fighting it lately. One victory leads to another just the same as one defeat can lead to another. Just gotta get on the right track and keep moving!
I have been going to the gym every day but on fridays as they are so busy for me. I didn't go yesterday though as my Menses are turning into Menstrosities. There is always one day I can't even leave the house. I am enjoying the exercise for the most part. The worst part is getting myself socked up to go. Socks are really hard for me to put on. I put my shoes on when I get there as you have to have separate gym shoes as per the rules. I really like it when there is someone there who will visit a little as it seems to go faster. There are TV's but I tend to hate TV.
I go weigh in this mid morning, will check in later and see you all again.
accountess, the bathroom issue is very common I am sure. After all, our arms do NOT grow in proportion to the reach we need to take care of ourselves, we just wish they would. I was there as well. Things will get better, I pinky-swear.

I'm having trouble lifting my arms to the keyboard to type. The water aerobics instructor did something different yesterday. We square danced in the water for 15 minutes. That was as silly as it sounds, but incredibly difficult. I have enormous well developed shoulders, and for an exercise to make me sore across the back of my shoulders is beyond belief. The last time my shoulders hurt like this was after shot put try outs in high school. I haven't hurt anything, just muscle soreness.

Himself missed out on it because he's been in meetings all week. I had to partner with an 80 year old woman who kicked my butt. I practically crawled into the locker room, and she was still out there swimming laps. One of those pioneer farm women types. I want to be in that kind of shape at 80.

I forget who asked, but my paper is on the Christology of Mark. I had Christology last semester, so I hope it is still fresh in my mind. I'm finding it much easier to keep up with a lower class load, and I am really enjoying the extra day a week to spend in the pool. I think it is better for me all around. I'm getting ready to start cutting out a new swim suit. This one has a zipper down the front, and has a bottom more like shorts than briefs. I hope it works out okay because I don't want to buy any more fabric right now.

Hello ladies. :]
I'm feeling very happy because I have managed to achieve my exercise goal! This month, I set myself a goal of 1000 minutes and I've managed to do it. :] In January, I have exercised for 1240 minutes. It might be not much to some people but at a first attempt, it's really good for me! So come February, I will be setting myself a goal of 1200 minutes. Let's see how that one goes!

kayleystar
You're a photographer? That is awesome! I love taking photos of random things and the scenery. It's just a shame that there's not much to look at round here. LOL. Ah yes, I hate being in front of the camera too. I look horrid in ALL angles.
I've developed stretch marks as I gained weight and they have faded too but the ones on my arms won't seem to shift! Ouch, I hope those stretch marks will go away soon! It's like a road map on my legs, so yikes.
Aaw, thanks. I've finished the exam today so I'm glad!

Annie
My back is a lot better today. :]

purpleorc
Nice to see you posting! I hope you had a wonderful time in London. I hope to go there one day. :]

Take care all.
Beth
xx

Hi chickies,
Not much to add here so sort of been lurking. The days just seem to fly by anymore. I've been busy doing clay as so many people have been putting in special orders so I try to get them out as soon as they're made.
Other than that, I DO plan on seeing a weight loss this week...finally, not that TOM is over. Just have to behave over the weekend which will be a bit trying since it's my dil birthday and we're having enchiladas and cake here for her. I'm having a big green salad too, so I hope that fills my plate more than the enchiladas.
Tonight is karaoke so maybe I'll make Jim take me out on the dance floor to get my steps in. I'm already over 5000 and think I'll hop on the treadmill right now, so toodles!
Debbie

Carol: I'm so glad to see you. Glad that things are going well. Joel and I needed to hug tonight. He was so tense and started yelling which is soooo not like him then I reacted and started yelling. It lasted about 10 minutes but I hate arguing and it was 10 minutes of ****. We made up and went to Costco for groceries and gas in my car. We are trying to hang in there and praying for some financial relief soon. My job is actually a Vocational Consultant. I wish it were just receptionist but I am almost a Voc like I was before. It is a very busy place with 100s of people on food stamps or Welfare coming in each day. Most of them at feeling hopeless and helpless so I try to give them a smile and a caring word. It is both a job that I helps me to remember to be thankful for the blessings I do have and frustrated that some folks just don't want to work.

I am so happy for you that your Caribbean vacation is coming up. I can't wait to see some pics. Tell Johnnie hi and hugs for me.

Toni: Hi sweetie. Glad you are doing well.

Catherine: Sounds like you have a wonderful pool instructor. Hope your arms get better soon.

Beth: Woo hoo! Congrats on making and surpassing your exercise goal. Way to go.

Debbie: I love to dance. Have a great time.

Well, I made some dips and beer bread for the superbowl party we are going to on Sunday. I also am making Joel some cookies for his empty cookie jar. It is almost 10:00 p.m. but I want to get as many chores done as I can to have tomorrow to iron clothes for work and relax.

Blessings all,
Annie

Oh, ladies, this is a tempting weekend! Tonight we have a birthday party and of course tomorrow is the SuperBowl. My mom lost over a hundred pounds and her philosophy is work hard, diet hard, indulge on Friday & Saturday nights. But I definitely haven't worked hard enough for that!

I'm going to make sure I hit my treadmill before we go to the party tonight and tomorrow morning DH and I get to go to the gym! (With a baby at home, that's quite a luxury!)

I hope all you chickies are able to push past your temptations this weekend, if you have any!

Good Morning Darlings!

Just made oatmeal carrot snack bars for the kids. Hoping they like them since they are cheap to make and healthy! Trying hard to keep the grocery budget shrinking as I shrink too! Today will be the first day that DH and I get to workout togehter at the gym. Leaving the boys at home and dd is going to the gym daycare.

Kayley cant remember if I told you how wonderful you looked in the dress. But the colouring suited you very well and the cut flowed nicely! Yahoo you get to go to the gym tomorrow!

Debi - Praying that you get hydro soon!

Debbie - Wanna see who makes it under 300 first? You have 5 to go right? I have 2 lbs to go. I need new batteries for my step counter. Eletric Bill sucks! Cool wildlife.

Catherine - Good job on the aquafit! She sounds like a great instructor...the kick but kind!

Rosie - I am so tired of the snow! We shovel at church (not home as we are in an apt). It felt good at the start of winter. But now its getting alittle old!

Accounttess - Great to meet you! It is wonderful news that you are more aware of what goes into your body! That is such an important baby step. Little changes are the way to go. It not so overwhelming!

Annie - I am praying for you and Joel. I get how stressful the $$ induced arguments can be. DH and I usually have a heated conversation every pay day. I also deal with people thru subsidized child care who complain about not having enought $$. But they get free child care, spend $$ on beer & smokes. Then dont go to work cause there is no money left for bus tickets. I struggle with seeing that.

Cyn - Have a great weekend. Remember to take a break for yourself. Even is it is a 10 min relaxing bath!

Jacquie - I love procrastinating housework. Only cause it always comes back. Its not like you do it and its done. The kids are a tornado behind me and undo my work LOL. Glad to hear that your scalp is feeling better. Dont you think that issues around your head always cause more pain and stress than pains in other body parts?

Hi Emily May - Looking forward to getting to know ya!

Baz-xo - Hope all went well on getting your exam sent off. Remember to stretch when you exercise...I am sure you do...but just a reminder. Good job on meeting your goal this month!

Purpleorc - Hoping you are feeling more rested.

Carol - Thanks for the updates. I am also trying to work on the same type of routine as you watch the food intake, healthy choices,the h2o, and structured exercise every day. Still trying to get the hang of TDP. Its kinda overwhelming. Envious of your up coming holiday. Did Johnnie make the move closer to home? Is there an address?

Hey Toni - You are too funny about the growing arms!

Will add more later.

Hi all,

Quick swing by. Things are ok here, just busy. Worked 14 days in a row, and most of the days were 12 hours. This weekend I am kicking back some. Bodybugg is a good driver for me. I am not seeing weight fall off, but it is coming off slowly. And that's ok. I am hoping (fingers crossed) to lose about 7 pounds this month, which is what I would like to see continue on a monthly basis. Time will tell. I didn't even eat that poorly on my birthday, so I was happy about that.

Sorry to all struggling financially. It seems it is runny rampant. I must admit, I am compensated well. Brian and I do ok, are trying to pay our house off before we are 40, saving money where we can. We live on a budget, and part of me feels like we do it because everyone else seems to have to, so we should too.

I almost got a puppy today. They had some at a pet store. I so wanted one, but I considered my 13 year old cat who I love, and decided not to. I hate to admit but there were nearly tears in my eyes realizing I so want one, but knowing it isn't fair to the cat. So I did the responsible thing for the family (ok, only the cat) and didn't get one. Brian wanted one too, but he isn't nearly as disappointed as I am. As we drove away he said "maybe in 10 yrs or so, because that cat of yours is living a LONG time". It made me happy (I love her with all of my heart) and sad (because I love dogs too). Oh well, that was truly drama for no reason.

I am off to clean, do laundry, and make sure I get my steps in. I will be back to weigh in tomorrow.

Angie