[Angela_aka_Alice]

Thanks for starting the new thread, 2Cute. My internet connection was up and down; it went down right after I wrote "Stop!" and then I couldn't get it back!!!! I knew one of the regulars would come to my rescue!

SueMarie--Sorry to hear you've been sick. Hang in there.

Congrats to all you losers!

cd, sounds like some good reflection you've been doing.

[Terri in MO]

Hi ladies!

to the group!!

I've tallied up 39 pounds lost!! Thats a grand total of 117 for the year. 300 pounds gone here we come. We'll have to change that once we achieve it.

I may have to have everyone PM me next time since we have so many. Its great!

We went to see Million Dollar Baby. OMG! What a great movie. So no evening exercise for me. But since I'm in "training" I did go walk the stairs a few times today at work. And I did some pilates this morning.

I'm watching Oprah now so I'll say goodnight.

[Terri in MO]

Hey, our night owls must have been busy elsewhere last night.

Get up! Get up! Get moving!

No excuse for being in a funk today. Tuesday tip day. You're not going to get to goal by sabotaging yourself. My tip for the day is to do what you know you need to do to get restarted, jump started, moved to the next level. Drag out the journal. Drag out paper to make a plan. Make a contract with yourself. Drag out the exercise vids. Get rid of the negative thinking. Other people do this. Other people work hard. Other people make the life-changing decision and stick with it.

My tip then is to live your decision.

Oops. That might be more Motivation Monday!

Can you tell I watched Oprah last night?

Make today a great day!

[Iwillbe]

Hi Terry, this night owl was up, but didn't post anything I was just reading. Not much going on to talk about. Tip for Tuesday??? HUMMMM! When you feel the urge to eat ....run don't walk...anywhere away from the fridge, and all other food places, items etc. Do something with your hands, or read a good book, no not a cook book! That is about all I can come up with. Iwillbe

[esmaraude]

Man, I don't feel good today; I'm tired and I ache all over. I haven't made breakfast quite yet. I'm gonna try something new: wheat waffles (they were hard to find frozen!) with suger-free syrup.

I weighed in today instead of yesterday; I've lost one of the three pounds I gained back. Not bad, says I.

I was in a bad mood last night, so instead of reaching for the leftover snack cakes from the school Valentine party, I made a little gif of two of my characters:

[j-ann]

Afternoon,

My but we're quiet today. I've been busy at work. Almost slipped off program yesterday. Someone brought in Valentines cookies, homemade, and I figured 1 was 4 pts. and had it early in the day. Big mistake. That one cookie left me wanting til bedtime. My choices during the day were not that good but I did manage to stay OP.

Hope those of you who aren't feeling well take it easy and mend quickly.

Off to my Lean Cusine lunch.

[2cute2Bfat]

Good morning friends. I "think" I am considered one of the night owls.
I have just been "living" instead of posting.

Hubby and I went to the casino for our Valentines Day date.
I can take or leave the casinos ... but my hubby loves them... so that was one of my gifts to him.
Went to first machine... LOST.
Went to second machine .. LOST
Went to third machine... and WON !!!!
I sat at that machine the rest of the night and lost back down to the money I started with . It was fun.

I am VERY pleased with my eating at their buffet.
I made GOOD choices ... and I did NOT get seconds.
I did treat to myself to a small bit of dessert.
Overall ... I was very happy with myself.

Our weather here is WONDERFUL !!! 73 -77 degrees every day !!! I LOVE IT !!!

I too watched Oprah yesterday. Loved it. I recorded some of it. I missed half of the segment about Tawny because I was answering the door to recieve a beautiful floral arrangement from hubby for Valentines day. I did see the part that she shared she decided to walk on the treadmill while watching Oprah. I was impacted by her saying when she began... she could only walk until the first commercial. Then walked till the second commercial. And finally progressed her way up to the entire hour.

That is my Tuesday Tip. Pick one of your favorite tv shows ... and exercise as long as you can ... and work your way up to the entire show. (Of course that is a tip for beginners... I know some of you exercise more than that now.) LOL

[hilta]

Good afternoon ladies. The weather here in OH is wonderful.

It is 56 supposed to go up to 58, I just love it.

2cute- I watched Oprah yesterday and went to her Bootcamp site.
The exercise she does is tooooooooo hard for me. But I am
still reading her motivation and recipies and etc. I figure every
little bit helps.

esmaraude-cd-- I get weighed once a week at my TOPS meeting.
I usually weigh myself at home too, the scale changes so much
with your water intake and such- I just go by my once a week
weigh-in.Its just like riding a bike. If you fall off you get back
on and go again. There is no magic pill. Like Oprah says-If there
was such a pill she would have bought it and gave it out as one
of her favorite things.

Iwillbe-Thanks for your tip I could also suggest

determined to succeed- Thanks for your tips. I just love Oprah
too. If only I had some of her loot.

angela_aka_alice- Glad your computer internet came back on. My
computer is making a funny noise every now and again. I hope its
not on its last leg !!! Mercy Me


Thanks to all. I just think by posting here is a great tool to
keep me on track. The support is just great

[Angela_aka_Alice]

Terri, I missed something: What are you in training for?

Esmaraude, Good job turning that bad mood to creativity! I'm going to try to remember to do that next time, remembering that you succeeded. Hope you take care and feel better soon.

2Cute: Good job with your food choices!

Hilta: Alas, the internet connection continues spotty. AAARRRGGG.... I hate the lousy technology infrastructure at this darned state school!

[Grannie39074]

I'm here just in the dumps. Food is soso. Birthday was good. I was sick all night.

[therubyslippers!!]

Oh, Mary, you sound soooo terrible. I know you have been having troubles lately, I hope that they are resolved soon. I'll send some prayers up for you. ((hugz)) - Ruby

[thinthinker]

Hi all! I know this post is going to take forever, but I'm going to get it done, by golly!

I took today off since Honey and I are playing share the cars with the "Baby". Yes, you got it right, his car is STILL not out of the collision shop! They say maybe by the end of this week. The "Baby" is counting on that as a bunch of the Delts are getting together for a ski trip (read drinking party here ) in Buffalo, NY. He had better have his car back or he'll be renting one for the weekend. This has become ridiculous! His accident was on the 10th of JANUARY!!! Geez!

We're supposed to get a winter storm again starting tonight. Our snow is almost gone. It's been raining for the last couple of days. So just as it's gone, we get to do it all over again. The weatherman promised he'd be back on in a minute to tell me where it's most likely to get 6" or more by morning. Those 9 "bank jobs" I was supposed to pull yesterday got postponed because I went to a 3.5 hour lunch with a friend who needed an ear. Now I'll have to do them tomorrow and/or Thursday. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE working in that kind of snow???

I'm busy trying to get some paperwork done and laundry too. I have to set the timer to remind myself to get back downstairs and swap washer for dryer. Otherwise, I'd get nothing done.

Our dishwasher died Sunday on my way out to the Wedding Shower, so Honey and #1 Son tore out the old one. Guess it was a bit of a problem because we've had new linoleum twice since installing it and it was a very tight fit. Honey and I are going out to shop for a new one tonight when he gets home from work. FUN, FUN!!!

We've also got to get to a furniture store and pick out a new mattress. Our warranty is going to cover it, and we already selected a replacement, but Sealy called and said, "sorry, you can't pick one from Art Van because they have styles that are exclusive to them". Now, couldn't they have told me that to begin with???

I'm going to try to catch up with everyone, but you'll have to forgive me if I miss someone. It will not be intentional, I promise!!!

Judy: I liked what you said about "we need to remind ourselves that we are "normal" human beings who love, lounge, teach, play, and make mistakes and correct them just like the rest of society." I DO think that as large women we are harder on ourselves. I was reminded yesterday about what a good listener people think I am. I guess that could be a good quality. Congrats on being 10 POUNDS DOWN!! WooHoo!

Hilta: Are you going to get part of tonight's Winter Storm too? THREE big pounds!!! Good for you!!!

SueMarie: I keep thinking about you working out on the DDR. That's gotta be a GREAT workout as well as alot of FUN!!! * FOUR POUNDS is WONDERFUL!! Great job!!!

Leanne: I'm so happy for you and your First Class Honours!!! WooHoo! All that hard work and persistance really paid off!! *2.7 Pounds is GREAT!!! You're doing so well consistently and that's what really matters. Keep going. * I liked what you were saying about having lost a significant amount of weight, but all others see is someone who has alot to lose, not someone who's already had significant success. I feel like that especially when somebody makes a rude remark. I want to say to them "you should have seen me 30 pounds ago." Rude people SUCK!!!

Terri: SIZE 18!!! OMG! That's wonderful! I started to say 'I would kill to be a size 18' then remembered I won't even stay OP to be an 18....who the heck am I kidding!! You are determined, you are successful, you are inspiration!!!! Yay, YOU!!!! *I'm so sorry that you are having such a stressful time with your BIL and all the related relatives. If he truly loves his girlfriend I hope that he has made arrangements to set her up when something happens to him or she will be left out in the cold. It's a tough postition to be in from all sides.

CD: I hope I didn't sound preachy about the protein. Just want you to be healthy, sweetie! I'm glad you and your Dr. have it worked out. *Isn't it the pitts that low fat, low cal, low carb, low sodium, low sugar and all the other healthier stuff is soooo much more expensive? They leave stuff out and it costs MORE!!! Makes life soooo much harder....and more costly!!! *How is the independent study going for you? Are you keeping motivated? The "Baby" took an independent study class last term and didn't do anything with it. No motivation when he didn't have to actually GO to class. Hope it's working out for you. *"I know I'm weighing random times and I dont know if that plays in so much ". Yup, it DOES make a difference. If you weigh in the morning, stick with it. If you weigh at night, stick with that. I always weigh in the morning (without clothes) because I want to be as light as possible! THREE POUNDS is GREAT!!!! You're doing awsome! Still losing through all the stress! Good job!

Marcie: We would have stayed in NC too. We were there on a job transfer in the early 80's. When Honey got laid off, he really searched for a job down there but couldn't break into the southern job market so we came back home. But we sure would have stayed if we could have found a job opportunity to keep us there. *Congrats on the new niece! I know just how you feel. When we moved to Carolina both my best friend and my SIL were expecting. We moved on July 4th and my niece was born August 2nd and my friend's baby was born August 7th. Needless to say, we made a trip home for the weekend in September so we could greet the two new babies!!! It was really rough. [[[hugs]]] * FOUR POUNDS is GREAT!!!! Go for it!

Mary: Sorry you're having stress over your son. You didn't mention what was going on, but I hope things will work out for all of you soon. * Sorry you're sick. That's a terrible way to spend your birthday.

Ruby: Hope you're feeling much better by now. I know my wishes are a bit later. *Sometimes a "maintain" is a blessing. Too bad you had to be so sick to counteract the effects of the 2 birthdays.

Angela: You wrote this to me, but it should have been to Terri: "Thin--Sorry things are so crazy with in-laws. Sounds like a dreadful situation for just about everyone. Hope folks get their heads on straight soon. And I hope things get easier for you. CONGRATS on the 18s! Can't wait until I can ask to borrow them". My inlaws are a pain, but nothing compared to hers!!! And 18's??? That's surely not me, although I wish!!! * I wish your friend the best of luck keeping off the sauce. It will be ever so much better for everyone involved. * Congrats on the 2 POUNDS. Doing good, moving down!

Barbg: Sorry things are stilling roller-coastering for you guys. Hopefully the ride will come to an end soon and everyone will come out smiling!!! Sorry about the kitty. They really do become a part of the family and it's soooo sad when they're gone. I loved your story about the company cat! How cute is that?!?!

Esmaurade: "like that funny commercial with the guy weighing himself, running around the gym, and weighing himself again: I want faster results". Yup, me too! What is it with human nature that we want that instant gratification??? I think we all do that when what we really need to realize is that we didn't get this way overnight and there's no way that our lives will change back to healthy overnight without alot of work. Good for you deciding that the jeans were motivation and getting yourself another pair that are just a touch too small. Whatever works!!!

Iwillbe: "plan what you eat and stick to it". What great words of wisdom! Glad you are doing well OP. 5 POUNDS is AWSOME!!! Good job!!!

Joyce: 5.5 POUNDS! Whoa, girl! good going!!!! How was Sideways? I didn't really see any commercials for it and haven't a clue what it's supposed to be about.

2cute: Sorry to hear about your grand-nephew's troubles. It's terrible when the little ones are plagued with nasty stuff. Hope all works out for him. [[[hugs]]] Congrats on your loss! At least you've surpassed what you gained previously. I'm still working on getting back down there. * Sounds like you had a great Valentine's Day. I always like it when I don't lose at the casino.

Blissful: SEVEN POUNDS is Wonderful!!! Good for you!!!!

BarbPA: Glad you got back home safely. I'm sure you're exhausted mentally AND physically. It's been an awful couple of weeks for you. I hope that now that you are home, you'll be able to find some peace and quiet. Hope you realize we are all sending love your way.

Michelle: Glad to see you peeking in. Hey, do you guys have Darrell's restaurants down there? We did on the west side of NC. They're really cool. They usually have a year after the name, liKe Darrell's 1892. They're usually in really old buildings that they convert and the place is all decorated with old stuff. Cool places if you get a chance.

Well, I think I've managed to catch up. I went back to #650 to try and get caught up. I hope I caught everyone.

I'm adding the Roll Call in again because I'm adding my name. I did well on the 2X2 Challenge but did not lose anything that will count towards the challenge. Just trying to lose back down to where I was 4 weeks ago. Almost there.

Roll Call for the 2x2 Ending 2/28

Terri
Iwillbe
j-ann/Judy
Angela
Ruby
Hilta
gmalil
Leanne
Jibbelle/Marcie
Thinthinker

Well, I've had this reply window open all afternoon and have been running up and down the stairs intermittenly putting in laundry, etc. Guess I'll sign off for now and get ready to go out and shop dishwashers and mattresses. FUN!

Oh, BTW, the weatherman did come back and we're not in the 3"-6" area, we're in the 6"-8" area! WooHoo!

See you all later. Love ya bunches!!!

[gmalil]

Thin, thanks for the congrats. it feels good!
Sideways was good, but very 'R' rated.
this is the write up:
Two best friends, a struggling writer (Paul Giamatti) and an ex-t.v. heartthrob (Thomas Haden Church), tour 'wine country' for a week before one of them gets married. In hilarious and poignant fashion, they examine their relationships and the turns their lives have taken. They also encounter two beautiful women, a waitress (Virginia Madsen) and a wine pourer (Sandra Oh), who change their lives forever. It was longer than it could have been because of lots of scenery in wine country. There were some absolutely hilarious parts though.

Terry, we liked Million dollar Baby too, until the end!
Thanks for your tip on not sabotaging ourself. I don't know why it is so hard for me to journal! Maybe becasue it is hard to admit the cheating!

CD, after I got heart damage from phenphen, I don't take any pills conected to dieting! I hope you find a healthier way to energize! (IMHO)

Sue, and Mary GET WELL!

Congrats esmaraude, on making gif in place of eating cake.

2 cute, congrats on a successful Valentine buffet! and it is always a win at the machines if you break even! (IMHO)

[Terri in MO]

Hi ladies!

Its been a fairly calm week so far. Thank goodness!

I don't even know anything to talk about so I'll attempt a few replies.

Joyce - Yep, I agree about the journalling. It really take so little time but its hard for me too. I don't want to face the reality and admit that I eat more than I really want to acknowledge. Sometimes it just feels like a pain in the butt. But darn the luck, its helpful to success. I had no idea about the movie. (won't say anymore!) I did want to throw a punch or two while watching!

Thin - Wow, that's some post. Those jeans were 18 WOMEN's btw! Thanks for the well wishes with all the family crap. I did tell DH on Sunday that, for the record, the only one I am *required* to love is him and there are more of his family moving over to the "not required" list every day. He sort of laughed but agreed himself. Amazing what family will do to each other that they wouldn't do to friends. SUCKS about the snow! Hope they are wrong.

Mary/G - Sorry that you're not feeling well. Get well soon!

Angela - On Sunday, I signed up to ride in a bike ride to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Its in June so I have three months to get into shape enough for 35 miles. Doable if I don't "forget"!

Hilta - We had that weather on Monday! Gorgeous. Send it back!

2Cute - about the buffet. What a bummer about no big winnings like your DH had last year (or was it before that?). But sounds like a fun evening. I liked Tawny on Oprah last night too.

Judy - Good job about staying OP. I'm really inspired about how you're working the points.

CD - Stay away from the pills unless its something your doc gives you. Eating well and exercise will give you that natural boost. Study hard!

to everyone else! I'm headed off to bed. Goodnight!

[hippygoddess]

Hi All,

It's wish list wednesday here ... and I'm wishing for a large miracle in some shape or form. Lots of things seem to be not so great around here, and no solution in sight for any of them - and I have no idea how to start on making it better. I am feeling a bit hopeless and feeling like I've wasted the last 5 years in a lot of ways.

One bright moment in an otherwise yuck day - I went fruit and veggie shopping today and my daughter and I bought a large watermelon - 13.5 kg (a smidge off 30 lbs). As I was staggering carrying it in, it hit me that I used to carry around 1 1/2 times that much every moment of every day, only 12 months ago. It really brought it home to me how important it was to keep going and how different I am going to feel as I lose the extra 'watermelons' I'm carrying now.