Good morning. I hate to mention this because so many of you are in the midst of one of the longest and worst winters since they started keeping records, but it's another gorgeous day here. Maybe we need to just convene a meeting of the chicks at my house!
Scoble -- Just being aware that there's a high likelihood that you'll want to use food to substitute putting a cigarette in your mouth is a big step. Quitting smoking was when I found out that I am totally orally fixated! But, quitting smoking was the best thing I have ever done for myself healthwise. Why don't you start a reward fund. Every time you want a cigarette and have to fight to resist it and fight to resist eating something not on plan, put the cost of a pack of cigarettes aside. By the time the urges have passed, you can get yourself a nice treat.
Terra -- Sounds like you're one of the people trapped in the throes of winter. Hope your OB/GYN appointment goes well -- always hated going to them!
Tootsie -- Love your imagination -- stinky Play Doh. Maybe you should contact the Play Doh people with the suggestion although I don't know what they'd call it!
Fi -- So glad that you bought the trekking poles. I use them a lot as well. Do yours have the cushioned bottom? It's a spring in there so that they give with each step. And I totally understand about trying to find a wide toe box walking shoe. Somewhere along the line, I went from a AA shoe to wearing a walking shoe that is an EE width. You'll do fine with having your great nephew there with you although it will definitely be a change in your day. Is he anywhere near Grace's age? Maybe they can hang out a little together on Friday. Hope your mobility comes back soon, but glad you're having a 0/0/0 day.
Magpie -- Sounds like you have a great artistic streak in your soul. My ordered little mind that is so wonderful at doing project work would never think of leaving the lights up all year and swapping out the bulbs. I so envy and admire people who not only think outside the box but don't seem to care if there's even a box involved!
Shan -- Welcome back. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and have experienced the joy of shopping being a fun activity again!
Andrea -- Being that close to the snacks would be an all day challenge to me. You are showing great fortitude in resisting it at all! I love your morning posts. You sound like I used to be -- get in to the office before anyone else to just have some quiet me time and get my day organized.
Donna --
Of course you crashed. It showed great fortitude to have gone this long before the crash. And it's ok to let your little boy understand that you're hurting in spite of this being the best thing for both of you. Yet again, wish we were neighbors.
Since the weight is not coming off easily or at all and since I have yo-yoed for most of my adult life, I am looking at some real behavior modification. Started with reading Brain Over Binge and it is definitely helping on controlling the urges. I spent a good deal of time yesterday with again reading about serving sizes and recommended number of servings each day. I realized that in spite of tracking that I was probably having between 1,000-1200 calories per day, I was more likely having closer to 2000-2500. I have always eyeballed serving sizes with the occasional (very occasional) nod to measuring such as for dry cereal. Well, I need to start measuring a lot better and tracking the number of servings that I'm having each day. Even what is listed as being at the 1600 calories/day level would be a lot less than I've probably been eating. I really want to get this weight off, but I also want to keep it off this time. And that means I've got to finally learn what a serving size really is and start eating at those levels.
In the meantime, it's time to start cooking. A friend went in for knee replacement surgery, and I'm fixing them dinner so they'll have food for the next few days. And then there's the endless housework -- time to dust again and Toby has managed to drag in enough of the outside that I need to vacuum as well.
Sam and Ubee -- Where are you guys? Hope you're both ok.
Have a great day.
I finally got that resolved Thursday but was kind of afraid to try anything until I could make sure it was gone. Other than that glitch, I have had a pretty good week actually. 
and I could not go anywhere so I did Leslie Sansone on YOUTUBE in order to get my steps in. Yesterday it was cool but I took one of the dogs around the block for a walk to get steps in. I can tell it in my feet when I get up in the morning so I know I am getting in more movement so that in itself is a very good thing. 
I use CALORIE COUNT app and website to keep up with that part of my journey. I have not been very strict this time around so far just staying within reason more than anything. Once before when I was going to the doctor he put me on 1700 calories but this time he didn’t say anything about a number but specifically put me on magnesium and vitamin D. 
I can remember a time when I had a picture taken of me in a bikini but was way to self conscious to wear it out in public and I looked pretty darn good. Oh to weigh 131 again. 
CINDY!!! I think you will love it here!!!
