:coffee:Good Wednesday (hump day) morning to all.

It's another rainy day here on the coast of Maine So far my week has gone pretty good. The scale is down another couple of pounds. 4.6 more pounds and I will be in the 200's again. Granted by the skin of my teeth, but I will be back.
My glucose checks have been a lot better lately. Yesterday a friend who occasionally eats lunch with us wen to the chinese place and got Shrimp Egg Foo Young and white rice. I ate my salad and yogurt. Later at the end of the day she brought me in what was left and told me to take it home....she knew I had been wanted to try it with the shrimp. So, I did and I paired it with some fresh cooked spinach and opted for no potato or rice (trying to cut more of the simple carbs and some of the carbs out of dinner time) Testing how this works with my glucose numbers and the neuropathy in my feet. Still stayed in my calorie range but way over on sodium. But keeping up on water intake, so hoping it just washes away.

Today I have my yearly girly exam. I hate this visit. Last year I had to have day surgery to have a D&C and biopsies taken for uterine cancer. They came back A-typical something or another and they will watch the cells. For now, I am negative but now have to have biopsies every year, this will be an office visit now and boy oh boy did that hurt!!! I also had an IUD put in last year because of TOM and how often and how heavy I was having it (I had already had one ovary and tube out and had the other tied) this was for treatment. This is what led to all the testing, after years of dealing with it to the point of being anemic. Anyway.....a few months after having my IUD put in my periods pretty much stopped all together. I love it. I still have hormonal days but I'm not sure if that is due to the IUD or being menopausal age too.

So enough about me today...

Angelia~ Congrats' on the 273 mark. Can't wait to join you.

Watchoutforthatcar~ I've had to send myself to bed many nights to stop wanting to eat just for the sake of eating and "my calories allows me to" I have to talk to myself and say...do you need it or want it, usually it's a want. You're not alone. Keep up the good work.

Jane~ Way to go on the class! You are brave, I'd have the same "being out in public" issues. You rock! You inspire!!!

Shell~ Awesome picture progress! I love to see photos of people and their journey, it makes it so real.

mnem~Loved your NSV. That is awesome.

Ok~ Off to get ready for work. It's hump day!!!:carrot:

Cuter - you look amazing! I also really love the top you are wearing in the February 28 picture. Where did you get that? It is adorable. And the compilation is just impressive.

Jane - congrats on making it through yoga! I'm so impressed, I've not taken a class like that, and cannot see myself doing it for a while yet, but WOW. That's a real victory.

Congrats sassyangies - on consolidating your losses. That's amazing. I'm also ridiculously impressed with sandy's inventiveness in the kitchen. I love to cook but I tend to make the same things regularly and then just eat the leftovers during the week!

Devon - good job not letting that head thing of water weight get to you. Congrats! I have the same urges; some things I just cannot ignore if they are in the house and/or close to me. That's why I only buy snack-size chip bags. I can ignore them, but not big bags that are open. Even now, even if they aren't even something I really like, ugh.

Good job getting through that challenge last night, though. Small steps indeed!

sandy - good job with pairing your leftover shrimp with spinach! I really love fresh spinach. Heh, I also hate the yearly girly exam. Ugh, I need to schedule it soonish, but I don't want to do that.

I went home from work early yesterday with a migraine (okay, this is the bad thing: I get them more often now that I have lost weight than I did before. Twice a month, it seems). Mine aren't usually too bad, so I took home some work to do at home, but never got going on it. Instead, I cleaned out my closet and drawers of too-large clothes and have four big bags full to take to goodwill. This does not include the 'nicer' stuff I kept but put in the closet in the spare room to either take to the consignment shop or do SOMETHING with.

I have very few work-appropriate blouses for summertime, though I am good for casual wear. It will be 85 here today and I had a hard time coming up with something to wear.

Happy Rainy? Wednesday from WA state. The rainy? is because it's looking like it might rain, but at this time of year it could or could not. This is the only place I've lived where there are several different descriptions for precipitation when listening to the weather forecast.

Jane, are you enjoying the Yoga? I want to try doing that when I get to the point that I can get down on the floor and back up without a large piece of equipment being required to assist with the hoist. Getting closer, but still not there. I have bad arthritis in my knees, hips, and back and I've been told that Yoga will help immensely.

Getting real close to my first mini-goal. Hopefully I'll hit it this week, but definitely hope I see it next week. Setting a 50 pound mini-goal wasn't the brightest thing I've ever done.

If the rain holds off, I'm going to get all my windows washed and finish sterilizing the water tanks in the RV. And at some point, I'm really going to have to start getting the weed population in the yard under control -- UGH!

Have a great day!

Mnem - Great flowers! Also that is awesome about the chairs. Those types of chairs have been the stuff of nightmares.

Patti - I think stress can definitely be a factor in weight gain. I'm not sure how much has to do with how it effects our desire to eat and how much is actually chemical. There are some good articles about it around. From what I have read, cortisol, the stress hormone interacts with insulin, which can cause issues.

Isles - I love that good muscle ache feeling of really using something. It feels good to feel strong.

dgramie - That is fantastic news about your sister!

Cuter - You look great!! I always see people doing pictures like this and think it is such a great idea and then don't do it myself.

Jane - That is awesome about the yoga class! I figure we have to start somewhere and how are we going to get better if we don't try?

Sassy - Grats on 273!

WatchOut - Simple carbs without protein will almost inevitably lead me to wanting to snack when I am not hungry. This happened to me last night too. I was out and decided to eat a nutrigrain bar (it was my only reasonably healthy choice) and the rest of the evening was terrible with wanting to snack,

Sandy - Hope your appt wasn't too bad. I have mine next week. I also got an IUD a few years ago and I went from crazy heavy periods to almost nothing. I love it!! It is time for mine to be replaced.

Betsy - Have you tried the Just My Size yoga dvd? It is a great place to start with yoga. It is really gentle and you can start at home.


I am trying to figure out what to do with my day. I have ceramics class at 6:00, but until then... It is a gorgeous day and I should get out and enjoy it. I can go for a walk down by the pond and get some sunshine. Or I could go to the gym and lift, which is my scheduled thing today. Or I could do both. Right now I am watching my cat snooze in the sun and that looks like a better option. :)

I am just finishing my TOM and really hoping for a whoosh, since I have only lost 2 pounds in the last month and have been working so darn hard. It is frustrating. At the same time, I suppose if that's what it takes, that's what it takes. Two pounds in a month is still better than nothing, or worse, going up.

Betsey I really did enjoy it, and I'm not going to lie, a big part of it was marveling at the fact that I can get up off the floor - not gracefully, but there have been periods in my life where it's taken equipment and two people to hoist me. Anything that had me on my knees I had to do with a blanket under them, but you can't put 320 pounds on ANYONE's knees on a bare floor.

There are a lot of poses you can do just standing too. I'd google videos specifically for mobility or arthritis issues to start.

I took care of my PMS water weight in short order yesterday by accidentally throwing myself into hardcore ketosis. I was late for work so I grabbed a leftover salmon fillet and had a few bites for breakfast. Then I had to go to the doctor's at lunch, so I just ate the rest of the fillet when I got back to work. Well that's pretty much zero carb. I attributed the headache to TOM, but when my breath went I thought "Whoops". (I don't mind ketosis, I don't think it's dangerous, I just usually try to eat a more balanced diet). But voila, this morning, back down to 321. Still no budge below that though. Gah.

Jane, I'm glad you took care of TOm weight. LOL.. maybe I'll try that when I'm around that time. Drives me crazy what when my weight flucuates like that around that time. Don't worry you'll see it go down soon enough. BTW your new pic is so so cute. You are beautfiul!

nancy you have the right attitude. 2 pounds is better than nothing. You'll probably get a good swoosh soon.

Betsy you are so close to your goal. Congrats!! That is so awesome. Must feel so good. Can't wait to join you on the 50 pound loss mark.

Mnem, migraines are so horrible. I hope you are feeling better. Beautiful flowers by the way!!

Today has been a good day. Took my parents to the store.. Out to eat of course. My parents think that taking me out to eat is showing me love. I keep telling them they don't need to, but I'm not sure they are ever going to get it.
I'm so close to losing 40 pounds. I'm feeling so good about myself right now and just waiting to hit it. I'm also going to get another bird tatooed on my hand when I reach the 40 pounds. Nothing much else here though. I'm on plan drinking lots of water and I'm hoping for a good loss this week. I hope everyone is having a great week!!

Thanks for your input everyone. I'm definitely eating less calories than normal.

Hi ladies. May I join you here? I am just under 300 now, but 310 was my highest. I'm kind of getting lost out there in the forums, they are so much fun to read through, but I'd like to find a home base of sorts to check in and see how everyone else is doing with their goals as well. I'm using MFP, if you'd like to add me, feel free, I am Yesterdayusaid2morrow.

Here I am again, Just had so much going on in my life. I finally realized I really need to buckle down and do it, I have been walking and I have sort of been going to the gym but I really need to start hitting it hard. So I am back ladies, I hope you are all doing well. I am not sure who is still around.

Lectoms~ Please feel free to pull up a keyboard and make yourself comfy. Congrat's on your loss so far, it's awesome!

Hi there TracyB.

Hey Jane~did you get your hair done? I like it.

Angelia~ hope lunch went well. Are you having little birds on your hand?

Mnem~ hope the migraine went away.

Nancy~ I don't have to have my IUD changed for 5 years total (4more) and I am so loving having NO periods...I had such heavy ones for years...I should have owned stock in tampon and kotex.

My appointment went well, she did my pap and said as long as that comes back clean I dont' have to see her for a year, then it will be biopsy time. Alexis (DD) went to Walmart after for hair cuts...they have a new 2 for $22 on Wednesdays...then we went to Applebees for dinner and I scoured the menu for the lowest calorie meal. We ended up having the 2 for $20. meals...Alexis had Chicken tenders and I had Bourbon street Chicken with Shrimp (ate 1/2 the potato with it) and I had 3 cheese sticks. I knew I shouldn't have the cheese sticks, but I did...and I recorded them on sparkpeople, I stayed in my calories still for the day, over on fat and way over on sodium.

Well gotta go get ready for work...everyone have a wonderful day.

Betsey - that is a very impressive mini-goal. How will you celebrate? Speaking of arthritis, I know I read a study that said that Tai Chi was as good for arthritic knees as medication. I gave my dad a Tai Chi video, but I know he won't use it. The good news with that his: no floor work! I would also bet there are yoga videos or even classes where poses are modified for people with arthritis?

Nancy - thank you! And heh, yes. I have been in too many similar scenarios with nightmare chairs. Did you make it to the gym before your ceramics class? (Which sounds like fun, also, though I am so uncreative I am nearly anti-creative. Terrible with my hands.) Fingers crossed for a WOOSH for you.

Jane - hah, I still modify some of the moves on my weight videos so I am not on my knees. It just hurts and I think if I can modify them, I will. Though I am finding that it hurts less and I have more mobility now. Hoping that you'll see movement soon!

sassyangeies - I am feeling better. My migraines are not too bad compared to many. I just need an afternoon and I am better. I love your idea of a bird tattoo to mark your accomplishment, though. Where on your hand will you get the bird tattoo?

Welcome Lecomtes - please join us! I don't use MFP, but I check in here regularly. Use the forum as regularly or as little as you like. Some people post personals, others just chat. I really appreciate it. It helps me mark the milestones as my weight loss continues. :)

Welcome back Tracy! I don't think we've chatted before, but congrats on getting back into exercise and the gym. That is always a hard step.

sandy - glad your appointment went well. I think the cheese sticks are okay (not ideal! but okay) ESPECIALLY if you stayed in calories. Congrats!

I went to Lane Bryant last night (they had a 50% off flash sale) and bought three blouses that are spring/summer appropriate. I'm wearing one now, the others are a WEE bit tight. Getting to the place where my arms (ugh) are the limiting factor in some blouses fitting, not the rest of me. Afterward I went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner (it was late) and had the veggie trio and garden bar. Good for calories, but the only protein I had were the edemame I put on my salad.

It was so hot here yesterday, it got up to 86 degrees. My tulips are not happy about that, and it will be in the mid-80s again today, before cooling down on Friday. I hope the tulips make it, but I think they are done almost as soon as they started thanks to the long cold March / early April and sudden heat.

Thanks all for the feedback on Yoga and Tai Chi. I am going to the gym again -- have made it every day for two weeks now -- and it feels great to be able to do this again after the heart scare at the beginning of March. Still dealing with that, but a plan's in place and I'm not on any activity restrictions (which, unfortunately, means I can also clean the house and cut the grass!).

And thanks for the feedback on the arthritis. I can already tell the difference in the knees and hips. They're not great yet, but a whole lot better than they were.

Hit the 50 pound mark this morning. Two more pounds and I'll hit my first mini-goal. Next mini-goal will not be so dramatic! ;)

It is so good to see all the new faces and good job ladies on your goals and hanging in there. I didn't get to the gym this morning but the dog and I have four walks planned today and then a walk tonight with my soon to be hubby. Thanks so much for the welcomes.

Sassy & Sandy Thanks! That's a couple months old actually. My boyfriend had it on his phone. But I like how narrow my face looks :)

LEctomes Welcome! It's a great place to be!

5 pounds of water back on from eating out/alcohol last night. Gah. But, I have a nice new shirt that shows my progress!

Lectomes welcome!! We started at the same weight and were 1 pound away now. Great job on your losses thus far. Keep up the great work. We can do this!

Jane.. yay on the new shirt. I love finding new stuff. Makes me feel like getting to the next size so I can buy some more..hehe.

Tracy, welcome back!

Betsy, that's awesome! I bet it feels so good to meet that goal. Good for you!!

Mnem, sorry about your tulips.. Thats so sad. They would not last here at all. The onlly tulips we have here are the ones they sale in the stores that we keep in our houses. haha.. About my tatoo, when I started this journey I knew this would be the time. It had to be the time. I went and got an infinity sign and 3 small bird on my right hand. One of the birds is resting on the infinity sign and the other two are in flight. It's to remind me that no matter what I do this is a life long journey that I will be on forever and even though that's a scary though it's freeing as well. Because if I can make this journey I will in a sense be freed from this obstacle and free to move on and live my life. So then I decided for every 40 pounds I will add another bird. I love the tatoo and I'm so glad I did it. It reminds me everyday what I'm fighting for.

Todays been a good day so far. I'm still a little hungry. I only ate a Pear for breakfast because I was cleaning and making my husbands lunch. I am going to have a great lunch though that will make up for it. I hope everyone has a great Thursday!!