Petra-Glad you like 'em. We went and found some more caches and took lots more pics today. Easy stuff and mostly flat. Think we're going for more adventures tomorrow, with more hiking involved.

Kathi-You'll settle in and I know it will feel more home-ish in a few months. Moving is always a lot of work. I still have stuff to unpack, but I've only lived here 8 1/2 years, so I'm sure I'll get it done eventually. I know you must be feeling super relieved to have the packing and hauling over with at least.

PMom-Sounds like a fun weekend for you. Happy Birthday to your dad!

Well, tomorrow is my weigh in and I don't feel like it will be very much this week. I rode the bike once and did a small bit of housework. Went on short wlaks/hikes today. Have bee eating at the upper end of my colories most of the week. I guess the scales will do what it will do and I need to get more exercise. Keeping my fingers crossed that at least I didn't gain anything. I feel like the exercise part is really important for me so far...and worry that on the weeks I have to slack a little I will gain back what I've lost. Haven't yet, but it is always a possibility.

Barb

It's been a busy few days here and I haven't checked in. No time for personals going back, but I do want to say that both of you who posted pictures that I think they're great. Angelskeep, you don't look like a fat person hiking at all. You look strong and fit if you made it up those hills! Be proud. And AnnieDrews...there is SUCH a difference in your face. Great job...keep up the good work.

I have been doing pretty well. Food this weekend wasn't bad. I cooked Fri night, so that means healthful and nutritious food. DH cooked last night and did do a better job, though I didn't watch how much butter he used when he sauteed the onions. We did talk about my wanting to eat better, but I'm not sure his idea of "better" and mine are the same. He's learning, though.

My dog had to have stitches last night :( She's now not allowed to go out off-leash for 2 weeks. So that means I will be sure to take long walks so she can have her exercise each day. She's SUCH a pain on a leash, but at least she will make sure I get my exercise.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms - and also to everyone else. "Momming" isn't just about children - each one of us has mentored, nurtured, comforted, fed, encouraged, and disciplined somebody else (and I count pets, plants, other people's kids, the SO's, coworkers, clients, etc.). Bless you all - keep up the good work, and be kind to yourselves! :hug:

slroth-sorryto hear about your dog. Hope she recovers soon.

Happy mother's day to you all too. My job is a lot like parenting most of the time.

Well, I'm gonna claim it. I've seen it on the scale about 3 times in the past week. I think it's real. And Becky-I do think you are right about the fat thing. I have trying to keep my fat content between 30-40% and I have been feeling perfectly comfortable. I even find I can eat a few extra calories on a few days and it doesn't seem to affect the scale. It's a beautiful day here. Wish I didn't have to work but oh well, someone has to do it.

YAAAAY Petra! Congratulations! I am really pleased for you and proud of you. I truly believe that once your body get past the work stress and if you can minimize that stress, it will go smoother for you.

You made my day, twin!

Barb

Lots of optimistic updates from people this weekend. It perked me right up.

And, Barb, thanks for posting the pics. I have a phobia of flying so I don't get to many beautiful places. And I was inspired by the landscaped. Looked chilly as you were bundled up.

As for me, I am trying to practice flexibility in my eating and exercise. I tend to be overly rigid and driven, which makes me obsessive and unhappy.

I practiced flexibility this weekend. Instead of doing my planned 4 mile runs on Friday and Saturday, I did half-hearted 3 mile walk/runs. I wasn't into the running at all, but at least I moved. But the good thing about that was my legs were feeling fresh on Saturday night and I danced all night for about six hours. My legs and back were a little fatigued, but nothing hurt. :)

On the eating front, I took some risks. For dinner on my way to NYC, I picked healthy box meals at the train station. I had fruit, blue cheese, hummous and vegetables. The portions seemed big, but I told myself not to restrict. Ate them all and was quite satisfied for my 6 hours of dancing.

And then I took another food risk, I picked up breakfast/lunch in NY to eat at home. (Have y'all noticed that I almost never cook :D), I bought egg salad to eat. The calories were okay, but it was protein and 24 grams of fat. :?: I told myself that it's okay to eat more fat calories today and nothing bad was going to happen.

We'll see what the scale will say tomorrow. But I think even by diverging from my usual food/exercise, I stayed on plan.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms. I'm not a mom, but mine is well and am visiting her today. :)

Petra -- congratulations; I am so happy for you!!! You have worked so hard to finally see this number; way to go!

Yay, Petra! Woohoo! And very, very happy to hear that you can do it without being miserable! ;)

Originally Posted by angelskeep:
Behind me, you can see the hills I climbed to the top of.
Barb

Great photos! You look awesome, and those are quite steep hills; WTG!

I'm back in sunny Aus, i survived the flight ok, arrived yesterday morning then spent the day trailing round kitchen shops (we're planning rennovations in theory although getting decent quotes for the structural work seems to be hard for some reason - and that's just the first hurdle in this procedure). And i had a good nights sleep despite the time change so i'm feeling quite pleased with myself.

Well that's a bit of a lie. My diet wasn't very good the last 2 days. eg pancakes with maple syrup on the plane and a chocolate croissant!!!! And a burrito at the pub yesterday lunchtime with glass of champagne..... I'm keen to get back to being good again this week though.

I'd just like to say to all you regulars how impressed i am with your weight losses, and how you've kept going as long as you have, and how you plug away and lose weight sensibly and encourage each other and slowly and steadily make great progress.

Here am i meanwhile, been at the job about 5 weeks and i just don't have the right approach for success at the moment. Initially i was making changes that are too big which just aren't sustainable, then i have a few days 'off' and feel bad about myself, and now i need to knuckle down and get back into it.

I haven't been on the scales yet since i got back, so that will be an interesting experience for tomorrow morning!

I'm just too impatient at the moment to change slowly, but i KNOW that this is what i have to do.

So anyway, i'm in awe of you all.

just a quick post to say YAY PETRA. Goodbye 220s!

woohoo!

Now it's time to take my dog for a walk.