Same here! I make goals the type of goals that it is totally up to ME as to whether or not I make them based on my behavior. But of course if I make the eating right and exercise goals the scales WILL reflect it... but not necessarily in the time frame I want it to.

good morning everyone. i was up bright and early.5:00 a.m and got half my exercise done. will do the other half after the workers leave for the day so i will not post on the exercise board til tonight. it was easier than i though it would be doing 35 minutes instead of my usual 25/25/20.!

Gosh, I just can't wait to get some more of this weight off. It really does affect my daily living. Take yesterday, for example. I did a pretty light exercise routine (about 15 minutes of ab work and upper body exercises) and then spent the day doing errands and having fun. I got a pedicure, got my car cleaned and the oil changed, browsed the bookstore, went to the camera store to crop and print some of the Europe pics for my scrapbook. Nothing here was physical exhertion, but let me tell ya, I was pooped by the end of it. I had planned to go to the scrapbook store to pick up some more things for the pages I am working on but I was just too wiped out. That is so sad! Oh well, nothing I can do to bring about an immediate solution. I can just keep doing what I am doing. It just strikes me as pretty sad that a 36 year old woman gets so tired just wandering around a few stores. I need to add this to my list of reasons to lose weight!

Sharon - To answer your question about my trip to Europe, we went ALL over the place. We only spent a day or two in each location so it was a whirlwind to say the least BUT I am glad we did it that way so I got just a "taste" of what each place was like and could make plans to go back and see more! Anyway, the trip started in Rome and ended in London. We saw Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Lucerne, Paris, and London. It was quite an adverture for me and my friend as neither of us had been out of the country. Well, my friend D had been to Mexico but I hadn't even been there. (Pretty pathetic since I live down here in TX and we are neighbors...then again, Mexico is a beach vacation and I have not been in "beach condition" for quite some time.) I loved everywhere I went. I was like a kid in a candy store. I would just stand there and think to myself "Oh my God, I am standing in front of the Vatican, the Coliseum, the REAL statue of David, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, etc..." It was incredible. I'd like to go back to any of the places I visited, but my most favorites were in Italy and London. I'd love to go to both places again. I have a funny story to tell about London. We were really only there for a day and a half but that didn't stop me from making a fool of myself. The first day we were there we were really tired because it was the end of our trip. Our hotel was right across from Hyde Park so we decided we would just wander around the park and see what we could see. The more we wandered we saw a sign that said Notting Hill. So we decided to walk that way to see if the real Notting Hill looked anything like the movie Notting Hill (Hugh Grant). Yes, we were being completely touristy. Anyway, I had gotten used to the Euro and what size coin was what denomination, but, as you well know, England is not on the Euro. So on the way walk from our little wandering excursion we stopped in a shop so I could buy a bottle of water. The price was something just under 2 pounds. Well, the biggest (in size) Euro coin is the 2Euro coin. So I handed the cashier my biggest coin and he just stood there staring at me. I immediately apologized and said "I am sorry that is all that I have." Still, I am thinking I have give him a 2 pound coin and I thought he was annoyed to have to give me change. Then he goes, "You only have 2 pence?" Duh! I hadn't paid enough attention to the money to realize that the biggest coin in England was 2 pence, not 2 pounds! I was so embarrassed. We walked out of there giggling to ourselves and imaging what an impression of Americans we had given that guy. I promise, we are all not as dingey as I am!!! Anyway, sorry to ramble, but if I get started on that trip I can't stop! But this reminds me that I never did post that pic of me and Simon Cowell's wax figure at Madam Toussaud's for Ammi. I need to go do that right now. In the picture I weighed about 195 so you all can see me 100 pounds lighter.

SueMarie - Puppy dog eyes or no, you are on your own with your garage. Sorry.

Annie - How exciting you are reaching this milestone birthday and making such positive changes to your life and health at the same time! Good for you and Happy Birthday early!

Prof - Welcome to our group! Glad to have you. I have to agree with wyllen about setting deadlines. For me, they definitely do not work. I've noticed anytime I have joined a "challenge" on this or other boards where we set a goal to be reached by a certain date it seems to backfire on me. So I have also stopped setting timelines for myself, as tempting as it may be. That being said, different things work for different people and setting goals like that are motivating for alot of people. Either way you go, we are here to support you. You can do it!

Sassy Chick - back to you! Are you new here? I don't recall seeing your screen name before. If so, then a big to you too!

Nancy - Do you have a date set for your procedure? We'll definitely be thinking of you that day.

Hypnotq - My condolences to you.

OK, I am off to start my day now. Have a great one, everybody.

typical... i get early and do some exercises cuz workmen coming to work on my house... round about 9:30ish they call and say it will be tomorrow before they come... grrrr i am so annoyed! anyways i do 25 more minutes , rested and now gonna finish my last few minutes on treadmill and take a nap!

Zelma- my daughter is 5, we are working with her about the ventilator. It's one with the mask and tube attatched, don't remember the actual name for it LOL Right now, she can't hold it flush enough with her face so the seal isn't tight. But her preschool teacher has a son with asthma, so she knows how to use it if needed. I'm hoping she'll get the hang of it over summer, she's a quick learner

Sue Marie- good luck on all your tests! I am soooo glad I don't have to write essays anymore I've never been one to enjoy the research part, it makes me

Annie- What a great treat to have family come to visit for your b-day. I'm lucky enough that I am living with my dad right now, so I get to visit with him every day! (Thanks for the reminder to be happy about that ) Good luck with all the cleaning you want to get done.

SSProf- Good motivation can work wonders! That said, I'm another one that doesn't like to set deadlines for weight loss. I am in the June exercise challenge this month, and it has really encouraged me to make extra effort to get moving! I am also a slave to rewards LOL If I meet my exercise challenge, I get to but myself a new pair of jeans. Small, but something I want but don't need. I also have a sticker chart set up and everyday I stick to my plan, I get a sticker. When I get 14 stickers, I get a manicure or pedicure.

TFFU- WTG changing your work out schedule for the workers- even tho they didn't show LOL

Well, my groceries just got delivered, so I need to get them put away then make lunch see y'all later

Xena: I hear you about getting pooped from shopping. That is a great thing to add to my list as well. I used to be able to shop all day long and not get tired. I'm gonna add that one as well. Sorry you felt bad but happy that you are taking it one step at a time and not getting too hard on yourself. Hugs.

Luxorbea: So, you are a Daddy's girl too huh? I sure miss seeing my dad all the time. I do call him a lot though. Glad that you get to see yours daily.

Stinger: I live in Post Falls Idaho which is between Coer D Alene Idaho and Spokane Washington. I'm not sure where Olympia Washington is but I will look it up on the map. We have another neighbor here in our boards and that is Misti. She lives in Seattle. I'm sure you will get to know her. She is a sweetie too.

Well all I'm off to Curves. Blessings to you all,
Dogpal/ Annie

ZELMA~ This is the first Powderpuff ride, if it is a success, It will be annual. like the other 3 we do..

All is well here in Central West Virginia today, sun is shining,, there is a hint of rain in the air. but still a nice day. I am tired today.. PMS is exactly what is going on with me.. Glad I am not getting sick. Allergies still have me somewhat slowed down. But that is an everyday fight, somedays are better than others.. Take Care All..

Ammi~ Glad you like my emoticons,, You are worth everyone.

Melissa ~ We must have posted at the same time,, WELCOME good luck on the goal you have set for yourself and I am sure you will be fine,,

Good morning ladies.

Thanks again to those who posted on my "can I join you" thread and to the ladies who sent me private messages as well.

Since I'm newly back here I should probably reintroduce myself. I'm Ingrid, turning 40 on 7/11. I'm a single mom of a just turned 4 year old son. I'm an office manager for a legal services company and have been at the same job 21 years in August.

As far as my weight is concerned, I was about 20 lbs overweight when I graduated from high school. Since then I've gained and lost a lot over the years. I lost 96 lbs in 10 months in 2004 but have gained it all back, to the lb, lol. I'm determined to lose weight again because I remember how much better I felt and I want to be able to do things with my son more comfortably than I'm able to now and I want to be healtier in my 40's than I was in my 20's and 30's.

I applaude everyone one of you for being here and being such a great support to each other. I look forward to supporting you all in any way that I can. We can do this!

Have a great day everyone.

Patti – CONGRATS on getting to that –30 pound mark!!

Lilion – Haha, your vacation is ALMOST here!! I hope you have a lot of fun! And bring back PICTURES!

Robwen – Welcome back!!!

Sharon – Hope Aiden gets to feeling better!

Ammi –

Zelma – Sounds like those shots are making you feel a LOT better! That’s GREAT!

Annie – You’ve been doing so WELL with your exercise lately! So proud!!! Hope you and DH get the garage done quickly!! Have fun looking for a house!

Supersizeprof – Hello and Good to see you come out of the shadows! What kind of plan are you going to be following? As for your goal, it’s different with everyone. I’ve lost 65 pounds in 6 months, but then again, I’m only 20! Hehe…Look forward to seeing you around!

Melissa – Good to see you back!

Ingrid – Welcome back! I wish you much luck on all of your weight loss goals, and I look forward to seeing you around here more often!



Thanks for all the well-wishes for the job. I went to one of the offices yesterday, and I had to do a couple simulations. First, I had to do some research online about appliances for this fake customer, who had specific needs, and make them a research fax with the one best suited them, and make this like…research report. Then, I had to do a mock phone call, and the woman called me, and had a complaint, and I had to handle it in the best manner I thought, and then write up a complaint report. I think I did fairly well. Then, I went in, and did another 15 minute interview with the lady who runs the new hire stuff….and she said I should be hearing back from Aerotek (the company that does the hiring for Whirlpool) within the next couple of days. If I get the job, I’ll be starting out in customer service. The world headquarters is in Benton Harbor, Michigan, so that’s where you get transferred when you call their 1-800 number for support. I would be scheduling maintenance, ordering parts, and answering general concerns with the customer. I really hope I get it, as there’s LOTS of room for advancement within the corporation. I’m still going to go to my interview at the newspaper tomorrow, just in case. And who knows…maybe I’ll like this offer better!

Today’s been a good day. Andrew came over, and we went swimming for an hour and a half. Love being able to get that much exercise in! Cooked on the grill again…just a chicken breast for me. And layed out in the sun…as my arms/face/back is getting tan, cuz of my bathing suit, but my legs are still very PASTY. My freckles are out FULL FORCE. And I have LOTS. Andrew says they’re cute, so I’ll take HIS word for it…haha.

I HATE HATE HATE daily weight fluctuations! Shows me at 288! GAH! But nothing’s official until Sunday, right? Heh. I know I need to get more calories in. I sorta HATE the fact that I’m not as hungry as I used to be…because I know not getting in enough calories hinders weight loss. And I hate to force-feed stuff down my throat. The past couple of days have been pretty good, but for the most part, not so much.

I finally found an “ideal weight” calculator that takes into account your FRAME SIZE! I have a large frame, so if I weighed 115, like all the others say I should for my height, I would look very very sickly. This one says I should be weighing roughly between 150-170. I think it’s MUCH more accurate. Big bones pay off…lol!

Well, I’m off to work more on my Excel course work…but I’ll be back a little bit later! Sorry if I didn’t get to everyone, but I was nearly 2 threads behind…ack!

Good luck on the WhirlPool job Kayley. and for getting in the exercise .. sometimes it is so hard to get it done!

Hello All,

I have had another busy day today, not just housework today, I caught up on all of my emails I am late posting again, but I am glad to see I don't have too many posts to catch up on.

Zelma - we don't have to pay for kids to have braces over here, so apart from the cost of getting there, we didn't have to worry about money. Caleigh had her last two of four teeth out today, so now we just have to wait for an appt for her to go have the braces done.

I know what you mean about finding healthy food to eat when you go out. Every time we go to BK I go to a shop and buy a low fat sandwich and drink. We all go downstairs in BK to eat, and while Daren and the kids eat burgers and fries, I eat the sandwich. Other than that when we eat out it's just the Pizza Hut and I know what I can eat there and for how many points. I haven't had to deal with eating out anywhere else.

SueMarie - if you can't come here to vent then where can you go I am sorry that you were feeling a bit defeated yesterday but was glad you could come here to vent.

Annie - I love seeing your ticker and how you have gone from 505 lbs to 473, it looks awesome!

Prof - hello and glad to see you post here. All I want to say is positive thinking, positive thinking, positive thinking. Don't say 220 is unreasonable, it's not. You can do it, but just don't put a time limit on it. Just look forward to getting the weight off and being positive that you can do it.

Brenda - 70 lbs in 8 months is wonderful. I look at the scales now and see the loss I have. 26 lbs but very little change in my body right now. BUT I just like to picture what I am going to look like perhaps 6 months down the line rather than just 6 weeks. If I keep up the good work then I am bound to be looking good :lol:

Sassy - are you near here, to the 300+ board I mean? What part of the board do you normally post one. I see you have more than 100 posts. Well as I haven't seen you around here I will say anyway.

Hpntoq - that's the worst kind of emergency, a funeral. I am sorry that you have lost somebody

I know what you mean about getting behind on posts. Sometimes it just seems impossible to catch up. Thankfully I normally have a lot of spare time so I try to keep up as best I can.


Nancy - it's weird isn't it that you aren't allowed any meds at all when you are due to go for surgery. I even had to stop my antidepressants before and after my surgeries. Not long now until you have your op, I hope you aren't too nervous about it and that it all goes well for you.

Misti - just saying hi

Sharon - you are so right that doctors put every single problem we have down to being fat. I guess we know how smokers feel because that is the blame for all their ailments. In a doctor's opinion that is, not my own.

I am glad that Aiden is feeling better now, no more cleaning up sick for you!! I think most people gag when they have to clean it up, even if it's their kids, but honestly my friend in Birmingham can be sick herself just hearing somebody being sick. Her greatest fear is actually throwing up herself!!

Heather (wyllen) - you always write such informative interesting posts. Your recent one about it not being so important how long it takes you to lose the weight as long as you are losing it, it's very true. I never put a time limit on my weight loss, I don't even like mini goals having time limits. It's too disappointing if I don't make the goal in that time, so I prefer just to focus on the weight loss itself.

Patti - oh no, you got up so early to exercise only to have the work men cancel on you. That must have been so frustrating! I bet you will be wanting an early night tonight.

Xena - I hear you on how much weight tires us out. There are many times when I just go shopping and come home worn out, and aching. I feel so fed up and angry at myself for letting myself get this big. My life is not a life, and I am so glad that finally I am doing something about it. I want to be fit and healthy, I want to be able to shop for clothes where I want to, not where I have to, I want to be able to go on fair rides, and to sit on a bus with Daren and not have him hanging off the seat. There is so much I want, and I am going to get it all. Just as you will. Just as we all will!!

Luxorbea - I love the sound of your sticker chart, what a great idea, and so cool to have those rewards to look forward to. I have bought a handbag for every 13 lbs I have lost so far, but I don't need more now lol. Also Daren rubbed my feet for a full half hour as a reward for getting to 24 lbs, an idea that I had from Annie whose wonderful husband did the same for her! Right now for some unknown reason my nails are growing long, so if they haven't broken by the time I have lost my next 13 lbs then I am going to go for a manicure. I haven't had one for years, so it will be an excellent reward.

Melissa - hello and welcome to what I think is the best place on this board (but then I am biased lol). I love everybody here, they are so great and so supportive, they are making this diet/lifestyle change so much easier, and dare I say it 'fun'!!

Crock - you know how to make a girl feel good about herself, thank you.

Ingrid - hello and good to see you here. You are right about what wonderful support the women here give each other. I have been on many weigtht loss support sites and not one of them has offered the friendship, support, and encouragment that this one does. Yay for 3FC

Kayley - aww that was sad seeing my name in your post, and nothing next to it

If you hate hate hate daily weight fluctuations, then why do you put yourself through daily weighing? Though I could be wrong about how often you weigh, didn't you once say that you only weigh at Andrew's. Either way, Don't let the scales get you down, you are losing weight even if they don't say so.

Glad that the Whirpool interview went so well, I hope the same will happen at the newspaper. I tell you, you are going to be offered both jobs, what a buzz that will be. From being on a job hunt to be offered two great jobs! Good luck with both

Well it's time for me to get some sleep now, weather permitting Daren and I are going to the Mumbles tomorrow, so I want an early night. Take care all, and thank you ALL for being here for me and for each other. I appreciate you all

Hugs,

Ammi

Luxorbrea – Yeah the research papers are making my loopy too.

Vilandra – WELCOME!!! And AHHHH! I love your avatar picture! Is that darling little puppy yours?

Stinger – WELCOME!

TooFatForU – You’re Welcome

Xena2005 – Awww! I guess it didn’t hurt to try I’ll tackle the garage this weekend hehehe!

AmmiUK – Not to many posts to catch up on?? You wrote a novel Everytime I come in, I’m always a thread and a half behind hehehe… I also write my posts in Word because I hate it when I write big long posts and I end up loosing them because something crashes or the site didn’t post correctly. What is the mumbles?

*Sniffle* Tommorrow is my last day at work. Then it’s summer break. All my 8th graders are graduating and everyone signed the commencement book that I got when I went to their graduation. I cried at their graduation hehehe. Took lots of pictures, oh and I had my named screamed out loud while on stage We’re loosing a lot of teachers next year. Many have moved on to work at different schools or the new high school that opened up. Many of the teachers I worked with are leaving… They will be missed! Thursday is the last day for work and then Friday we have the staff luncheon.

I’ve got an exam to study for tonight, so I’m outta here!

Take care everyong!