Hi, all. Sorry for all those feeling under the weather. Stay strong to all of us faced with holiday party food! I myself was at a dessert buffet last night! Had a few goodies, but not as bad as it could have been. I went for a 2 mile walk this morning and I also stepped on the scale to the tune of 151 - 2 lbs lighter than my last Friday weigh-in, but it could be water weight fluctuation. I'm keeping my head out of the clouds and NOT giving myself permission to eat extra because I've "earned" it.

Have a great day today, everyone!

Good Morning ladies!

It looks like we need to start the Roxy Fan Club here! What a cutie, and you are so kind to bring Roxy into your home and make it a safe place for her to live out her days. We have a Chihuahua mix that we got from the Humane Society. He had been mistreated for the first 6 years of his life at a puppy mill. When we got him we thought that, over time, he would relax and become less scarred of EVERYTHING. Sadly, that hasn't been the case. He is a perfectly normal dog around DH and I but is still terrified of strangers, sudden movements and loud noises of any kind. He also FREAKS out anytime a strange man with a hat comes near him. We theorize that he must have been mistreated by someone wearing a baseball cap. What kind of loser is cruel to Chihuahuas??


Anyhow, lost of rain out west here. Normal for this time of year. Picked up a few days of work this week so I am trying to plan my lunches today so that I can stay on plan. Wish me luck :)

Best of luck to all of you! Love being part of this community ;)

Popping for just a few mins. before I have to get ready for work. I'll hope to write more & check postings when I get home tonight....
Hope all are doing well. BE HEALTHY! If you need a little kick or push, let me know. I'll get my combat boots on! ;)
H has a drs. appt. this afternoon. I really hope it goes well. I'm a little nervous, mostly cause H won't be "blunt" with the dr. Tell him what's working, what's not & other issues. I love him, but he can make me crazy....well, more crazy! :dizzy: I'm sure any of you who have a spouse or kids know what I mean.

Personal question: Who here has gone through menopause? I think I might be...I thought I was having my TOM after a month's absence (I didn't miss it) of October. I thought it was stress from H's health issues & stuff. I spotted for like 2 days...(Sat & Sun.) and nothing yesterday or today. Could it be? I'm 48, overweight (currently about 90 lbs), no kids, generally good health & working a part-time, busy (somewhat stressful) jobb. My mom/aunts/sisters went through the change at about this age. I know I need to get a complete physical...hoping to give myself that for Christmas. Any input would be awesome. I know you guys are drs, but maybe some of you have been through it & know the signs. Thanks!


Hate to post & run, but work calls...again. Have a great day everyone! Cyber hugs!!! :hug::hug::hug:

Nicky

http://www.mootwodesigns.com/photopo...and_alddfe.jpg

hi there guys..did some pilates last night..spent most of yesterday in pain though so i have decided to do the exercises once a day for this week and then up it to twice a day next monday..been for my walkie around the bend!!...sometimes i feel like i am going round the bend...i have a good friend who walks with me when she can..she is a little overweight not much and then my hubby goes with me and roxy after dark..too darned hot to go any other time...had a nice banana smoothie for breaky...will follow that when i feel peckish with a coffee...probably some steamed vege for lunch and salad for evening meal...i cooked myself some sweet poatoe in the microwave last night...did not eat it all..think i only had one mouthful.. funnee how your taste changes over time...did not want it!!..lol..lol..lol..gotta go out later...running out of apples...need to buy some chicken thigh skinless fillets and some no sugar gum too..oh darn forgot to give my friend that wombok cabbage for her chooks..have not felt like eating the cabbage so it has
gone bad in the fridge...oh well i hate that but can't be helped..i am not going to eat anything i don't want to!!..going to be hot again today...sigh...i feat it is going to be one HOT summer here!!..enjoy the cool or cold guys!!..have a good day! Cheers liz

kelipa-thanks soo much for the lovely comment...i think roxys beautiful too!!..everyone seems to love her!! oh i agree roxy is part of my motivation to walk!..she needs as much as i do!!...this is how i do my posts- i open up a notepad and then read everything and type a response to each person then i cut and paste! Oh wow yes this is very hard...i am constantly stopping myself and thinking no you don't need that make a better choice!! oh sorry about my posts i tend to get a bit long winded!!


see-whooooooooot what good news about your exorcising (love that word i might just have to pinch it)...i only wish i could exorcise for that long!!..i have asthma too and so far so good it has not hindered me (god knows i have enough to deal with otherwise) so i can sympathise with you..i have had it all my life and it is triggered by allergies mainly!!..asthma tis another reason i need to do the pool thing!!

zumba-oh sweet that must be disheartening for sure...hang in there hun...do a bit of jiggling with the food and i am sure things will move again..you certainly are doing the right thing with the exercise bit!!...it must be frustrating..i suppose that is one reason why i am not weighing myself!!..yeah i think we do get taxed more...but not sure on that though...just soo used to it we don't even notice!! oh yeah hun i am allergic to cats too but i think over the years i have beaten it due to becoming desensitized!


sum-as with zumba this must be frustrating for you!!..all i can say is hang in there you will do it..oh and boy do i not envy you all that temptation...yeps tis the season for sure...enjoy yourself though you deserve it!!..you look amazing!!

olehcat-oooooooooh yours must be similar to my nicky...we call them tabby points here...he is a chocolate tabby point siamese...and he is very clingy too and an absolute sook..i think male cats are more sooks than females..i will post a pic of him if you like...i think having 2 kitties is the best thing cause they keep each other company (even if they blu a bit)..sorry aussie slang i mean fight a bit..lol..lol..lol good luck at the doctors appointment..i sooo hope you feel better and soon...hope all goes well!!

gauc-stay strong hun you are doing fantastic..good that you did okays with the desserts!! congrats on the loss too..good to see!

synde-i sooo am envious of your rain..wish it would rain here..i love the rain..i think i was a duck in a past life..wow chihuahuas are one of my fave dogs..i soo love them..it is good that he is fine around you guys..he must of been soo traumatised poor little bloke...give him lots of love and kisses and he
will be fine...not all doggies need to be socialised..little ones like yours is happiest at home!!..sounds like you will be fine at work!!

mrs-men yeah i hear ya...mine snores and i know he has sleep apnoea..i was just recently diagnosed and i have a cpap machine..i feel amazing after using it..wish he would see the sleep tech too!!..but no it will have to wait...sorry i cannot help you with the menopause question..but i am not looking forward to it!!..lol..lol...having no periods yes!!..the other hormonal things no!!

oh something funny hilarious just happened..i just sat on the toilet with my pants still pulled up..DUH!!

Hey Liz, thanks for the laugh! lol

SeeMyFeet, the thing at work is online, so I log in my exercise, weight, etc. and it gives you points for different things, but I don't know who else might be doing it, it is helping just having another place to be accountable. I did Ww at work at my old job, it was pretty good, once you get past letting people know you're doing something they are pretty supportive.

So, I started tracking my food as well, I felt I needed to take a good look at what's going in, I have some old trackers from WW so I'm using them. I think it'll help.

It was a great day, 60+ here, I got to take my walk outside today, that was great!!

best to all :sunny:

Hello Everyone!

Quick post - just went out on another date - this one was handsome and FUN! But - - he lives 90 minutes away so I don't think a real relationship is possible - we'll see - we are going out again, so I'm just going to go with the flow.

Haven't ran for two days - early morning work and late evenings...tomorrow morning 5K on the treadmill!! Then big business meetings and another business dinner.

Food today was good - banana for breakfast, crustless leftover veggie pizza for lunch then a piece of swordfish for dinner. No starchy carbs!

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Hey Guacamole and others who are being bullied by TOM--what is going on these days? something infectious in the jet stream? magnetic poles reverse? too much estrogen in the water? seems to be a tough time for everyone. Hang in there. Hot tea. Punch your pillow. Woot woot for the 2lb lost! :goodscale:

Zum--:kickbutt: I also need a kick 'cause I don't know how to tell time--I'm actually not up to an hour of exorcise yet--must've had an interruption yesterday. I'm only up to 35-40min. I'm keepin' up with the perky, skinny girls and have the routine memorized. Hoping to add weights.

Sum--wow, selling your house in winter. We've been in our house the same amt as you. I cannot imagine moving again. (although an excuse to purge would be fantastic!......the house, people)

Feel better olehat!

MrsT--not gone, unfortunately. Still going through. For a couple of years or more (I lose count). I've been praying for minipaws since my last was born! I skip a month or two or three every now and then. Last month was a first--2 in one. I had always been very regular before, so the unpredictability is annoying. Otherwise, no real problems, except I do get really really tired for a day or 2. I cannot blame my wt on it tho. I remember a time in my 20s when I worked with a lady 50ish who had a really really tough time with temperature control. She had a personal fan on constantly and drank iced bevs all yr long....I will be glad when the spigot shuts off.....I will be a little girl again!

Shiela--date!!!!! woweeeee!!! on a school night?!?!?! woo hoo!!!


Good day OP. Did my exorcises. Staying away from liquid donuts....Scale was back down again, but still 0.5# above my ticker/tracker. Not movin' it!... I stopped to get a haircut on the way home today...On a school night!...I know!.....Did not like what I saw in that big mirror. Ugh.

Okay...busy, rainy day. It's really getting to be the holiday season here in my part of northern CA. We don't get snow, just rain/fog. I don't mind though, it makes it easy to sleep at night.
H had a decent appt., but the biggest problem is that the paperwork H was given to get assistance for his medical needs was the WRONG FORMS! We are livid! Gotta try & straighten this mess out tomorrow. I want to just hurt someone...I won't but I want to! I am NOT going to go through another stressful, crying situation. Nope, not going to go there!
Anywhos, the dr. changed up his meds, added a couple of others..including insulin. :( He's trying to keep his spirits up, but I totally get his frustration. We'll keep working forward & getting his health under control, I need my yang.
I ate well. Had plenty of H2O. Also went for a 40 min. walk in the rain this morning. I love nature like that.

SeeMyFeet: I know what you mean about looking in the mirror when getting a haircut. I got my cut last week. UGH! I'm hoping to get some sort of new hairstyle when I loose like 50-60 lbs or so. I'm just having a hard time finding something. I have a round face, curly hair with a cowlick on the right side of my forehead. Not fun to work with at all.

Sheila: Enjoy the dating! Sounds like fun. If you don't mind...how'd you meet? I met my hubby through a personal ad. I'll write a blog entry about if anyone wants a giggle. It's a crazy story.

kelijpa: Tracking is important. It helps you see what is working & what's not. It helps you stay accountable & I have to admit I love looking at my calendar & seeing all my colorful check marks.

liz: Love Nicky! Whatta cutie! And loves to have his ears rubbed....awwwww!!! My Agatha is cute, but she in no way would put up with another creature in HER HOME! She's a feral kitty we adopted 12 yrs ago this Christmas, but she's never really became a calm, socialized pet. Frustrates us at times, but we still love her.

syndehat: Planning is a great way to stay on track. I usuall keep all the fresh fruits/veggies then just add either tuna, turkey or I just make a big salad.

Want to read an inspiration about weight loss? Look up Breanna Bond. She's a 9 yr. old who just lost 65 lbs.! I love her story! Read it on CNN, she is my new inspiration! I think she'll inspire you too!

Well, night gang! I'll catch up with you when I can. Be healthy!!! Cyber-hugs!!!:hug::hug:

I weighed in at 143.2 today. Finally some of the bloat disappeared. I am sick still so I'm just off my usual plan. While sick I have no desire to eat vegetables or anything that isn't comfort food. I don't know why that is, it's like I want to eat tons of carby, fatty foods. So it's hard to quell that desire. I hope to be feeling back to normal in a few days. Meanwhile I'm eating few enough calories that my weight is not going up at least.

So disappointed. Doctor scale said 146.something yesterday. Ugh. I guess it's not surprising. My morning weigh-in at home was 144.4 and by then I'd had some coffee and water in my stomach and was fully clothed. So it proves that my home scale is really close to my doctor scale in accuracy.

I got my new kitty yesterday!!! He's a sweet tuxedo cat who so far hates my Siamese cat, haha. They can sleep and hang out in close proximity, but if one of them approaches the other, he goes crazy and there is "blu" as lizarddau says, haha.

Sheila- a DATE?? Wow. I am recently divorced and I was married all my adult life and I just don't even have the courage to even start the dating stuff yet. How did you get into it? Do you do it online?

MrsTryingAgain - WRONG FORMS? That's awful. I would be livid too. Wow, it's someone's health on the line. :( And I've not gone through menopause, but I don't get a period anymore because of medication that I take to stop it (my periods were so horrible that they were ruining my life essentially, so I was put on non-stop pills to make it all go away!)

lizarddau - awwwww...Nikky! He is a sweetie! He has a similar look to my Siamese, but a different head shape, I think!

guac - good job with the scale going down!

kellijpa - I do find that tracking food is good for sticker shock! I use myfitnesspal right now, but I feel annoyed because there is no way to add food purely by the gram. Not all foods give you a choice of how to enter it (like with some foods you can ONLY enter it is 1 5-oz portion, for example). On caloriecount at least there was some option where you could ALWAYS just weigh things by the gram, which was perfect for my scale that I have at home and for when I'm in a hurry and don't want to do extra math....

Good morning y'all, just dropping in to say hello before I start this day. I don't have to go into work today so I can finally catch up on tons of housework and maybe take out a Christmas deco or two just so things seem a bit jolly around here. I need to get organized, and maybe if I do that I can get my personal affairs in order with a clearer head.

scale is mean to me again today....145.8. yuck yuck yuck. The harder I try the more weight I gain, maybe I should just give up.....Cutting back big time today on carbs. Eggs for breakfast, my shake for lunch and not sure what I'm doing about dinner yet. Maybe salad and tuna fish for me and pasta for the kids.

Olehat mazel on the new kitty.....what a blessing. And about the dating thing, you'll know when you're ready. Some things about dating are fun, some really stink. Last week I went out with a guy that spoke and acted just like Tony Soprano, I was waiting to get shot all night. He really was playing my nerves and by the end of the night I made believe I fell asleep in the back of the limo (yes, he has a driver) just so I wouldn't have to listen to him. He also made a comment about his ex wife looking like a barbie doll....uh..yeah that makes me feel really great given I'm feeling like a cow lately. I can't make this stuff up.....

Good morning to all my fabulous 40 something friends!

Ohlecat- Congrats on the scale going down! Don't worry about the what the scale in the doctor's office says, use yours because it is the one you normally weigh on.

Shelia - Congrats on having a fun date. Try not to stress about where it will go and enjoy the time you spend together. 90 miles is not that much in the grand scheme of things. You have a busy life the way it is so having someone special you only get to see on weekends or special occasions might be best for your lifestyle.
MrsTrying- I am so sorry that you are having such a rough time getting help for your husband. This has got to be so frustrating for both of you. Please hang in there! It will work out!!!
Liz- I love your fur babies. I have a house full too and could not imagine life without them. However, there are days I wish we had fewer of them.
Zumba - Hang in there. The scale will move. Have faith my dear. Sorry your date did not turn out well. Don't give up and try to have some fun in the process.

My scale was a little lower today. I generally lose weight in cycles. I will hold steady or go up a few pounds and then right around ovulation time, I will drop a few pounds and this will be my total loss for the month. I guess I am start ovulation about now. However, my cycle and hormones are so out of whack it is hard to tell.
I went out and purchased an e-cig to use. Today is my third day with it. I still have a cough but the raspy feeling I have had is gone. The e-cig has definitely had a bit of a learning curve, I even had to go back to the store I bought it from last night because I was just not getting the hang of it. After my tutorial the rest of the night was better and so is this morning. I really do like it and have high hopes this may be the thing I need to finally kick the cig habit to the curb.
Have a great Wed. all!!!

NEMOM: how exactly does that e-cig work? Just curious.....Glad you're feeling better. No worries about my date, I take it all with a sense of humor.....

Zumba - There are a couple different types of e-cigs out there but they all basically work on the same way. There is a battery and when you puff on the end of the e-cig it heats up a part called an atomizer. This atomizer heats up the liquid which causes the vapor you inhale. The one I have uses liquid drops which are flavored and have nicotine in them. There is a store in town which mixes the flavored drops so I can gradually decrease the amount of nicotine used.
Did that make any sense????

yes, that makes plenty of sense..thank you..so does it smell like a cigarette....

Nope, it does not smell like a regular cigarette. The vapor that you exhale has a faint smell of whatever flavor you are using, I started with peppermint flavor, but it dissipates quickly.

urghhhhhhhh in pain this morning and last night...i needs a new back and can't find one on ebay..lol..lol i know it is the pilates so i had a hot hot shower first thing this morning so that i felt good enough to go for my walkie..could only do the block twice...so frustrating but persisting...on plan still despite enormous cravings and hunger...wow this is hard!!..i think my appetite is shrinking cause i am not eating all of my meal...

sheila-oh how exciting a date!!..i hope you two have another one!!..he sounds like fun!

see-yeah i knows what you mean about those mirrors..i would wiggle and squirm in the hair dressing chair completely ashamed of my triple chin...i would try sticking my chin out..did not help much..lol..lol.lol

mrs-oooooh i love the rain too hun!!..miss it horribly here!!..nothing nicer than doing your hydro exercises in a shower of rain!!..no lightning though..water and electricity don't mix!!..rofl..i have a cowlick there too and i always part my hair on that side it will not go anywhere else..hmm your hair
sounds lovely..i would suggest a nice shoulder length bob...my hair at the moment is short and spiked on the right side and longish and bobed on the left..about 5 cms past my ear...it is a purply blue colour at the moment but that can change week from week...lol...lol..lol..i love experimenting with colour!!oh my hubby and i met through a blind date about 11 years ago and we have not been apart since!! yeah well nicky gives my piper a hard time and abuses roxy but mainly we are a happy home!! and i sooo love him...he
is such a sook and loves a cuddle and lots of kisses!! oh i am discovering turkey bit by bit..here in aussie land it is not such a big thing to eat..but i love that it is soooooo low in fat..i was tempted to buy some turkey burgers yesterday but thought i would leave it for another day..bought some chicken
thighs instead! oh and i wish you the best of luck with your hubbies paper work..you are one strong amazing lady for sure!!

olehcat-ooooooooh i hope you feel better soon hun and a new kitty how exciting...my two get along okays just takes time...and tuxedo kitties are soo handsome..you must post a pic...i would love to see him.. oh your siamese is jealous and that is only natural..when the tux gets bigger things will sort themselves out!! oh yeah siamese have different head shapes..there is the rounder ones and then the pointier ones.. my oriental girl was soo pointy with huge ears as a kitten that my niece called her a gremlin!!..lol..lol


zum-oh wow don't get sooo down on yourself hun...you are doing amazing...just stuck in a temporary rutt.. this will change...i think cutting the carbs will help...do ya feel okay though??..healthy and strong..that is what matters...i try to focus on that rather than the loss!!..i am pretty sure you look amazing too despite the extra weight...and wow on the date...a limo??..wow!! and i don't know who tony soprano is but i am thinking an italian godfather type of guy??..keep going gal you are an amazing woman!!

nemom-oh i love them all to bits..and they are my company during the long hours when hubby is at work and i am at home by myself!!..you are never alone when you have kitties!! and of course roxy is my walking buddy
and she also keeps me company when i clean the kitchen as well!!..but suspect it is because there might be a treat or something i dropped on the floor..she is very good at hoovering!!oh i soo wish you the best of luck with the ecig! sounds promising! and i think it sounds like you are getting some kind of aromatherapy with the e cig too..sounds fantastic!

have a good day everyone!! wishing everybody a loss and a happy and healthy day! cheers liz

Greetings all, finally got decorations on the tree, the poor thing was sitting there waiting for over a week.

Was in a bit of a funk today, not sure why, but just rolled with it, kept off the snacks, so that was good.

just wanted to check in quick, loved reading everyone's posts.
best to all
:sunny:

I am slipping...keep eating like a pig and scale shows it 156 this am :mad: I NEED to get this eating under control.... No more excuses for me.

Kel We have not gotten our tree yet. Hopefully weather is good enough this weekend when hubbs is home. -- I hope you are feeling perkier today :hug:

Liz I hope you back feels better!

NEMom I am so rooting for you!! You can go smoke free!! :hug:

Zumba How did you do yesterday? I LOL:ed on your date... That was funny. I bet his ego was bruised when his date fell asleep..LOL, LOL!!!

olehcat I hope you are feeling better today!

MrsT UGH...wrong forms. I hate filling forms and to get wrong ones. That just ain't right!!!

SeeMyFeet Woot on the 0.5#'s!! I HATE those mirrors at hair dressers...But a new haircut always feels so good!

Sheila22 Finally a nice date!!! :yay: and if it is meant to be, 90 miles won't be that big of a deal...my hubby lives 500 miles away :)

To everyone else :wave:

This is just a drive-by post because I hAVE to get up and take a shower and get ready for work like right now, haha, but I am really enjoying your comments and support, ladies!

Today I weighed in at 141.4!!! I think it has to be a glitch because I was a little dehydrated last night (all this cold medication) and my appetite has been so off, but it's SO nice to see that lower number. I haven't seen that number since May! So it might go up again tomorrow, but today I'm going to enjoy it! :)

Good morning all!!!
Quick check in to let ya all know that my eating has been OP ALL week so far. Three whole days I know but its still three days and working on four today. I have also exercised for four days this week. Feeling good. Of course, that can change with one bad decision but trying to stay positive. Scale is not going down but its not going up either.
Day four of using the e-cig. In all my thousands and thousands of times trying to quit smoking, this is by far the easiest. Of course, I say that with caution because a) I have tried so many times and failed and b) because it is only day four.

Have a great one ladies!!!

NEMOM: Good for you for keeping this up...i give you so much credit..they say stopping nicotine addiction is as hard as stopping heroine....that e cig is such a great invention...keep up the good work.. not to be morbid but I saw a friend die from lung cancer and it was horrendous...and it was all because of frigin cigarettes..so senseless and so sad! :(

OLEHAT: Yay, a drop...who cares about the reason just let this be what you need to keep on going!!!!:carrot:

SUM: I dont' think he was that insulted because he asked me out again....can't blame a guy for trying. He's actually a really nice man and a total gentleman, I just am so not attracted....cupid was definitely NOT shooting his arrow that night....

KELIJPA: I'm sure your tree feels so much better now...LOL

LIZARD: Thanks for the pep talk...I think i"m just taking this badly for a couple of reasons...for one so much in my life is out of control right now, I want to be able to control something. This is a high weight for me, I have a small frame and it just doesn't look attractive....I hate how none of my clothes fit, I am living in stretch pants....not fun...Yeah, re: the date...a limo..didn't really phase me, I only date successful men....not on purpose that is just how it turns out. Definitely a character out of Sopranos...the accent was starting to really annoy me. Some accents just aren't that nice....any hot Aussies you want to send over here for me feel free! :D

I all..I had a tiny one lb. loss from yesterday, I am glad though because if the scale went up anymore i was just going to give up. Going back to the low carb thing.....it is the only thing that works for me..but not being as extreme as I was on Atkins. I love Atkins, it has worked for me in the past...but I work out a lot and need my carbs..the induction phase leaves me potassium deficient....not fun. Better jump into the shower....today is a "me" day (no kids) so I'm going to therapy (if only they can shrink my arse like they do my head) and nail appointment. May hit up the gym tonight to lift some weights and run on the dreadmill.....yes, I dread it, its the dread mill. I'm so tired of walking around with all this extra junk...I don't feel healthy and peppy and bursting with love...LOL......have a good day y'all (or in Lizards' case, night)

Hello, everyone! Nice to see everyone hanging in there, holding themselves accountable, and trying new techniques to improve. I'm feeling pretty sluggish. Cooked today instead of walking - my son is having a few friends over for the weekend. Of course, I sampled and tasted everything I made! Ugh! Luckily lots of roasted veggies were prepared. Unluckily, so were chocolate chip cookies. :(

Have a great on plan day, everyone!

ooooooohhhhh Ladies.....I am sad and worried. I have tried so hard to stay perky and optimistic, but I realize my weight loss is stalling and I'm getting bummed. And I've been at this less than one month!!!! I don't want to fall off the wagon. As fat as I am, I feel like I should be melting this off faster--I've lost more in the early days in years past. To make things worse, I have a big event in summer that's motivating me, and I'm afraid I won't lose enough to make a difference by then.

......I don't know ladies......I really don't want a pity party.....I guess I just need a big kick in the pants.........I HAVE to lose this, and I refuse to accept this slow pace of wt loss. I have a LOT to lose and I have GOT to get it off NOW!!

(tryin' to get mad about it--thanks for letting me rant)

ok......I got it.....I'm visualizing my fat cells as bedbugs. Hard work and drastic measures are required to eliminate them--but it must be done! Those gross things have got to get off my body. Gross Yuck Bleh Ewwww Nasty

:df:Morning to all the lovely ladies of the board! :df:
Well, have an appt. to go in & get the RIGHT paperwork for H's health assistance. It's going to be hard to keep emotions in check, but we're going to try. We know that we'll get more accomplished taking the calm approach, but it's really a screwy situation. Also getting furious won't help H's heart.
Yesterday was a good, healthy day. Walked. Plenty H2O. I also had a nearly 100% veggie/fruit day.

NEMom: I really hope that you are able to kick the smoking habit. My dad smoked for about 20 yrs. & I know it was really hard for him to quit, but his health REALLY APPRECIATED it. I know yours will too! Also I lost my MIL to lung cancer...she unfortunately was never able to quit. YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT!:cheer2::cheer3:

olehcat: Enjoy an little frop on the scale. Also get feeling better soon! I know there's a lot of icky things going around right now. Isn't nice to see something you haven't seen in months? I'd be sooo rockin' with it! :woohoo:

Zumba: Enjoy your ME day! LOL! Shrink your bum like your brain. That's a giggle. Imagine how much more $$$ shrinks would make if they could do that!!! Anywhos, be really good to you, K? :hug: :hug:

SUM: Okay, no more excuses! :drill: I need to keep doing that same thing. I won't accept yours if YOU don't accept mine! Deal? :chin:

kelijpa: Good job getting the tree done. Hope you're able to get out of the funk. I know those aren't always the most fun things. I applaude you for not reaching for the snacks to get through it. That's awsome!! :bravo:

liz: Thanks for the encouragement! We need it that for sure, but I know we'll make it. I may be a strong lady, but it's only because I've had a lot of strong ladies in my life: my mom, my maternal grandma, and my MIL. They all taught me sooo much, I just wish I had a little more grace/patience like my mom. Mom is strong but she is a tempered strong...she knows when to "hold her tongue" and I swear she can get her point across without EVER raising her voice. She's amazing. I've written about her in my blog. My grandma & MIL are both gone....I"ll so miss my mom when her time comes. May that not be for years & years to come. Keep up the good healthy work!

EVERYONE BE HEALTHY!!! HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY & MAY IT CONTINUE ON INTO YOUR WEEKEND!!!
My Agatha Noel, in one of her usualy positions. Mom! Don't wake me up!!

Hello Everyone!

Well - big business meetings are OVER! :carrot: Now I'm home wrapping Xmas presents - I love on-line shopping. ;)

Trying to determine whether or not I want to run, and think I'm going to just rest and relax. I'm going to run tomorrow morning, and then we fly to NYC tomorrow night - I will ice skate (more exercise) also run at the hotel Saturday morning but then do A LOT of walking throughout the day - then I'll run again when we come home Sunday (okay, I'm rationalizing, but it sounds good doesn't it? ;) )

I just rarely get "just ME" time....and this afternoon I'm at home, it's nice and quiet....aaaaaahhhhhh....LOL

Hope everyone is having a good day!

:cheer2::cheer2:Just want to pop in quick to let SUM know you are doing GREAT!!! You have lost 11 pounds in one month, that is awesome!!! Do not let the negative self talk defeat you. I know it is hard not to get frustrated when we do not lose what we feel is fast enough but stay the course. YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING JOB!!!!!

gosh i am sick and tired of back pain!!..i began to feel off yesterday afternoon...i think it was hormonal but not sure...not due for TOM till the end of the month or there abouts..felt very depressed.....even not sure if it was that??...felt off...teary and just not right..did not go for a walk...did not do
pilates..hubby was very reassuring and absolutely lovely..tis not like me to feel this way...ate on plan for dinner and all day until before bed when al brought me an ice cream...chocolate covered with vanilla middle....so i had half of it and gave the rest to him...you know i did enjoy it but was not esctatic about it..a bit disappointing oh well perhaps my body is going in the right direction...back on plan this morning despite everything..still in pain but it is subsiding...went for a walk this morning...going to try and do pilates this morning and evening today....time to step it up a bit...will be doing hydro on monday.. i guess i just had a bit of a bad end to the day...determined not to repeat it today...going to go out later and get some chia seeds and make a pudding for a snack...i am going to add low fat milk..some vanilla protein powder and a no sugar strawberry drink mix...i figure this way i am getting a boost to my fibre intake seeing as though i am eating very little in the way of whole grains...grrrr back uncomfortable now...sitting here tooo long bummer!!..better get up and do some house work..then i will come and sit down again..lol..lol..lol..i am a bit of a jack rabbit up and down up and down!!...oh i am going to ring centrelink soon and see about the disability pension...we are struggling financially at the moment because hubbys work is very inconsistent in hours at the moment..i am hoping this is only temporary though!! fingers crossed!! wishing everyone a wonderful day of healthy eating and good exercise!!


kelijpa-yeah i am too in a kind of funk...still feeling off..hope that we both feel better soon!!

sum-oh sweet!!..eat healthy you will feel better i am sure!!

olehcat-applaud applaud..congrats on the loss!! whoooooot whoooooot!!

nemom-oh wow 4 days that is amazing..just think if you have made it through 4 days without smoking you can do 8 and so on!!..i know you can!!..keep up the good work!!..let us know how you are doing! focus
on the feeling good hun!!

zumba-hey thats better...i had to laugh about the hot aussies thing...there are tons over here!!..lol lol...oh and hey we are always our own worst critic i understand!!...but i am sure you can and will make it!! oh hey a loss!! whoooooooooooooooot whoooooooooot!! you go girl..yeps i second on the low carb thing.. i think carbs are poisonous to me!! oh wow do you have gel nails or real ones?..thinking of getting mine done they look so awesome on!!

guac-hey yeah hun i hear ya..i had half an icecream last night..it wasn't as good as i had hoped which makes saying no next time much easier..boy could i do with a whole bag of microwave popcorn though..triple butter flavour would be awesome!!

see-yeah i knows how you feel..i am feeling depressed at the moment but i am not sure why??..oh i soo love your sense of humour!!..bed bugs how hilarious...mind the itchig though sweetheart!!...mind you all the dancing around and itching will burn calories??..will it not??....and we have to be patient!! stop watching the scales soo much and take some quiet time out to think about how fantastic you are feeling and about how proud you are of yourself for losing at all let alone working hard on it!!!

mrs-wishing you good luck with the paper work..i am going to try my hand at getting some financial assistance from the government...trying is the right word here...oh well they can only say no!oh wow your kitty is adorable..i soo love her stripes and white tummy..gorgeous!! thanks for the photo!!

sheila-good to see you are having me time hun!!..spoil yourself too!! this exercise sounds fantastic! have fun on your break away!!

Wishing everyone a healthy active day!!...Cheers liz

Good evening!

Zumbachica – Thank you so much. New kitty is settling in, slowly but surely! Less growling, sometimes sitting in near proximity to other cat. Holy crap, dates like you describe make me want to never even venture out into the world of dating, lol! And I hear you about having a small frame and the extra weight. Ugh, I absolutely HATE being in the 140s at my wee height and small frame! My wrist size is under 6 inches, I have petite features, child-sized hands, so the extra weight is really out of place on me! I think I’m going to love being at goal weight.

NEmom – yeah, I always cringe and dread going to the doctor. I would like for once for the DOCTOR scale to read under 140. I think that hasn’t happened to me in YEARS. During the last few years I’ve mostly been hovering between 137-139, but that means that by the time I go to the doctor fully clothed, I am already 140 at least, lol. I remember a few years ago, I lost down to 134, but then I got sick and I went off my plan and ate a lot of carby comfort food and sodium high soup and I shot up to 139 on my home scale. So even though just a week earlier I had been 134, doc scale said 140. I can’t win, lol! Good luck with your cig habit getting kicked!

Lizarddau – I’m sorry you’re in pain!!! :( And I will certainly post a pic of my kitties as soon as I can figure out how to post pics on this site. I may not have been a member long enough, not sure! I’m still waiting for my ticker! :)

Kelijpa – hope you’re feeling better by now!

Sum38 – do you have a long distance marriage? Before the divorce, my ex and I lived in separate countries for 4 years but saw each other during the summers.

MrsTryingAgain – thank you! I am rocking it today. I actually wore a pair of size 8 jeans that I had put aside since this summer since putting on the extra 8 pounds or so! You are going into a very frustrating situation with a good and calm attitude and I think that will only help you. How frustrating, though!

Sheila – sometimes you just need time to yourself to relax. I 100 percent agree with that!

Still more paperwork & hoops to jump through! It'll probably be at least another week to 10 days before we'll get it figured out..if then. I'm soooo over it! Ended up having a ugly crying jag over it. Could truely be menopause kicking in. I'm having flashes, mood swings & just feel kinda "outta sorts". Hormonal changes? If so, it's gonna happen to all us females...can't fight it.
Anywhos, I took a walk after we got home. I needed to work my frustrations out. I forgot just how good walking hard was for that. Turn on some nice hard-hitting metal & go! Better now... :D

olehcat: Size 8! I'd love to be in 18s! I'm a "big gal". When I at my slimmest I wear at least a 16. Enjoy, enjoy...remember loosing weight is like getting a new wardrobe! ;)

liz: We alll go through times like this. I soooo understand. :hug::hug: Be patient with yourself & your health. You can do this, I know you can! Don't make me come to Australia (I'd love to see your country) & give you a kick! :kickbutt: I will if I have to, but I really dislike flying! Funny you had ice cream today...I've been craving something like that. Maybe just maybe I'll get a very small frozen yogurt tonight/tomorrow. No toppings though. Good job on not devouring the whole thing...I probably would! I have a HUGE sweet tooth! Thanks Grandpa Jim!!! (I inheirited my maternal grandpa's sweet tooth--ice cream was one of his all time favorites!)

Sheila: You're so right about online shopping! The last time I had to shop for Christmas...that's how I did it. I just had the gifts forwarded to my family's ranch, wrapped them when I got there & just love it! Remember when you tell us you're going to do such & such...you are making it a promise! We're gonna hold ya to it! :lol:

SeeMyFeet: :hug::hug: Don't you dare give up! I know that it's hard. But YOU ARE making progress. Think about it sweetie! How do you feel as compared to before you started? Look at even the little things. Are you sleeping better? Do you feel like your clothes are a little looser? Course I guess you'd give us exercise giving you a kick in the butt! :lol: So if you really want one, come on! I've got my combat boots laced up & ready to go! :kickbutt:

Well, I guess I better get dinner ready. H is hungry, Agatha is hungry. Me? I'm just wanting a shower & bed. And it's only 6 PM here in no. CA. Go figure! Crazy for a night owl like me! I'm just really...:tired::tired: Catch up tomorrow.

BE HEALTHY! BE KIND TO YOURSELF!

pleased to say that i am feeling sooo much better within myself..no crying or depressiveness today..feeling pretty good..still in pain but that comes and goes...hope everyone else is okays!!..thanks soo much everyone for your well wishes..this group is fantastic!!

olehcat-you must be able to post a pic hun..i could...oh heck i can kinda understand you i think i am about your height....lost a couple of centimetres due to the osteo arthritis and shermans but still over 5 foot.. just!!..lol...lol..lol..i wish i was taller then the fat would be better distributed rather than a round shape..a butter ball am i..like i always say i am not fat i am fluffy..but mind you i am fat!!..and boy if i had a dollar for the amount of times a doctor or another person has stated that fact i would be a millionaire!!

here is how i post pics..i go to photobucket and upload my pic to my account then i grab the relevant url..usually the image one and cut and paste into my post!! and wallah there you go!!


mrs-oh bummer about the hormones..i had a friend who would say she was having a tropical holiday when she had hot flushes oh funnee flashes..lol..lol..lol..sounds like me on pms...mood swings etc..my fave band
of all times is Def Leppard and they are good to listen too when i am pissed off..well i enjoy them anytime really!! oh hun if you get the chance you must visit..thanks soo much for the support means a lot to me.. tis hot here and hubby has heaps of different ice blocks in the fridge..cream ones and ice ones..i am not tempted cause i love savoury stuff more..lol..give me a bag of chips or a dip and bikkies anytime or even a bag of microwave popcorn with that buttery stuff!!go have a good night sleep sweetheart you deserve it!
oh i haven't pursued the government assistance yet but it will be interesting to find out if i can get it or not!! i will keep you posted!

now i had better go start dinner for hubby and i...he is having meat balls grilled on the georgey and i am having chicken thighs grilled on the georgey with salad i think...easy that is...gotta have cooked vege tomorrow though!! oh the chia dessert turned out cool..it is a nice purple colour due to the
mixed berries i put in it..here is the recipe if anyone is interested!!

1 cup of frozen mixed berries or whatever fruit you want!!
(you don't have to use fruit)
1 teaspoon of vanilla or just add what you want?
1 tablespoon of vanilla shake powder
1 cup of chia seed
2 cups of low fat milk
some sort of sweetner if you want to have it sweeter!!

i put all of this in a blender and blended it up and then poured into a plastic bowl..it will set into a jelly like consistency and be like eating a pudding..refrigerate when set!!

mind you though i found the chia seeds to be rather expensive to buy!!!

goodnight guys see you in the morning!! cheers liz

best to all, have to go to work...

SeeMyFeet, you need to applaud yourself for getting started, sometimes you have to just work on keeping off what you got off, that's a success. I like your bedbug analogy! You're doing great, don't quit!!

NEMom, congrats on staying OP while giving up the cigs, that's awesome.

To all, leaving funkytown, looking over my shoulder, it's going to be a little tight moneywise over xmas, but the spring brings some ease, so looking forward to that.

Guac, I might be making some xmas cookies with my mom next weekend, so that will def. be a challenge.

well, I REEALLY have to get going now. talk to you later!
:sunny:

Hi all, had a little swoosh this morning.....I was out for most of the day yesterday and skipped lunch...did not have any carbs except for salad and veggies.....feeling like i'm on the road albeit a long one. I teach zumba this morning and i'm hoping to find time today to do a Yoga DVD and stretch out these muscles. I feel achey.Am a bit melancholy about the holidays, hoping to bake some cookies this weekend and do some Christmas shopping/wrap just to feel a bit more in the "merriment".

LIZARD: that chia dessert sounds good...thanks for sharing!

MRSTRYING: can understand how paperwork and jumping through red tape hoops can make you nutsy...I know it does me. Hang in there!

OLEHCAT: You totally get the small frame thing. Even though I'm not a short girl I have teeny wrists , fingers, etc. Fat doesn't settle evenly on me......I look deformed when i get to a certain weight. and don't worry about the world of dating...take it in stride. It is nothing to be afraid of if you have your wits about you.

SUM: You are kicking butt , out of all of us you are probably the most successful...so you have a minor setback, its all part of the game. I met a woman that lost 100 lbs and she told me that she had to start over many many times. So......no more negative talk from you , eh? Today is a new day and you will get to where you need to be.....

Happy Friday All!!!

Liz - I am so sorry about your back pain. Being in constant pain is really stressful. Good for you for working through it.

Zumba - I am sorry you are having such a rough holiday season. Be sure to be nice to yourself, if that includes a bottle of wine and a crying jag, go for it.

MrsTrying - Gosh, I am so sorry that trying to get help for your DH is so stressful. It sounds like you are getting the royal run around. I really hope there is light at the end of the tunnel for you both. I was so happy to hear that you went for a long walk to help work off some of your frustration. Amazing what a little physical activity can do for you.

Did not have a good food day yesterday. We went out to a buffet last night. Started with a salad, had the best of intentions not to stuff myself until I tried the yeast dinner rolls and a piece of carrot cake. Lost all control at that point. Luckily, scale is not up this morning. Its not down either but after last night I will take it staying the same.
I am planning on a good food weekend. Have to work my PT job tonight and Sat. night, and will be busy cleaning house and putting up tree the rest of the time.
Have a GREAT weekend all!!

:cheer::celebrate::bday2you::celebrate::cheer:

My baby girl is 18 today. I love her so much! :love:

SUM....happy bday to your baby girl!

Hey NEmom--Wow trying to quit cigs and lose wt at the same time! Power to ya! I'm prolly not one who should advise, but maybe you should consider a new hobby for your hands--knitting, crocheting, needlepoint? hear that helps.

Zum--trying so hard to feel bad for you about your date, but cannot stop laughing! Keep us supplied with stories, will ya? Yea, living vicariously here.

I'm with MrsT--cannot relate to Zum and olehat and liz on the tiny bones thing. Brought up an old memory RE a chatty (in an irritating way) colleague from China:
As he watches me type at the computer:
--"Wow! You have big hands for a girl!"
--"All the better to strangle you with, my dear!"
(he never got the hint) Big boned for an American girl....must've been a shock for him.

Lizz--I'm worried about your back. Tried yoga?..........I've heard people call it "My Own Personal Caribbean Vacation"

keli--the bedbug visual didn't take root in my brain. Too yucky, I spose......Still on the wagon......Scale still stalled.......Really want to move that ticker down.

Sum---Awwww!!!! I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and visit the younger versions of my boys..... I miss them all..... almost like a death in the family.

Hey Lizzz--thanks for the Def Leopard mention......Was wondering what music helped perk everyone up.....and what a coinkidink!....DH and I caught Def Leopard on Letterman this week........So my ears had to get me some DL--love that amazing guitar and percussion......although........I have to say, DL makes me feel kinda......illegal!........I like lots of music genres....My mood picked up significantly this week on accounta my boys' choral concerts. I feel like such a fat old fool cryin' at their concerts.....but I tell ya......seein my boys up on those risers belting out Vivaldi's Gloria amidst ALL THAT AMAZING TALENT......the orchestra.....the beautiful, gorgeous music. Whew! pure Beauty and pure Love. Made me bawl like a baby.......These days, I'm havina OK Go fetish. They have some weird/funny phrases in their lyrics "badheartedboytrapbabydoll" and some break-up songs that crack me up--you ladies going through a divorce might like them. "Don't ask me." (I wanna look like that girl dancing in the video) and (my theme song) "Invincible": "When they finally come to destroy the earth, they'll have to deal with YOU first" .....haha that's me, baby.......Invincible!.......My brothers used to call me SIS-TOR (imagine lightning bolts)........And I tell ya, if I were years younger, I'd give that lead singer Damian Kulash a good run around the playground!......ahem........sorry......didn't mean to go all cougar on ya.

Speakin-o-which. I'm gonna start referring to hubby as TH instead of DH.....He's my Trophy Husband......gotta run!

2 days of running around & jumping through hoops. Now we just have to wait for an answer. It's crazy because that wanted a list of ALL medications H was given at the hospital & what he is currently on. For it, they left 2 small lines. RIIIIIIIIGHT! Sure, 10 meds are going to fit on that (that's why he is currently on) and 13 meds. when he was hospitalized. Get real! :dizzy:
When I think about having to into a government office, I find myself getting a knot on the right side of my neck that runs from my ear to my shoulder. :mad: It lasts for like 3 hrs. AFTER I leave there. Does anyone else have localized stress muscle knots or pain? This one was a first for me...only showed up once we started trying to get H assistance for his medical care.
I did pretty healthy today. Walked, ate pretty well (maybe a little over) & drank my H2O. Sleepy though. I think it's because of having 2 busy, stressful days. I have to work tomorrow, so I'll probably crawl in bed early.

SeeMyFeet: I love Def Leppard! I have all their cds! Outside of that, I love metal, metal...& yeah, metal! Fact is for my 40th bd, I went to a Seether concert. But I also like classic rock, even classical music (Beethoven, Bach, Chopin). Not a fan of pop nor country (sorry if I offend). If you want to get me to move...CRANK UP THE METAL!! Yup, I'm a headbanger....:lol:
Love what you said about big hands! I do! My ring size when I married was 10.5, just 1.5 smaller than H! Smallest waist I have had as an adult...33".

NEMom: Hope all is going well with your effort to kick the habit. :cheer::cheer:YOU CAN DO IT!!:cheer3::cheer3: Forget about the buffet. It's done, it's over with, forgive yourself, don't forget that it might be a trigger for you. I have decided that buffets are a no-no for me...til I'm probably half way to my goal. But I'll have to see.

kellijpa: I hate when $$ is such a headache. I know you want to be able give your kids a great Christmas. I wish I knew the answer...I'm sorry. :hug: May funkytown be nothing more than a distant memory.

liz: Glad you're feeling better. Yup, gotta love the mood swings! I wish they'd count as exercise though! If they would, I probably wouldn't have a weight issue! :lol3: Oh, I've cranked up some Def Leppard from time to time...along with several other hard-hitting bands. If anyone were to get ahold of my MP3 & didn't know me...they'd be shocked. Outside of my ears being pierced multiple times, nothing shows me as a metal head...my tats are where my clothes cover them. Dragons, scorpions & a black rose really paint the real me. I also have a tat memorializing Dad. I'll get one for Mom when her time comes, too. But DO NOT tell her! She hates tattoos. :o

Gotta scoot. H needs a haircut. Catch up with everyone later! Cyber-hugs!!! :hug::hug:

I survived DD's birthday dinner!! I had a filet and a sinful baked potato, BUT I had no wine, no cake and no bread; last two items because I can not have them anyways :) I did have a spoonful of icecream, just a bite.

Tonight I'll have a Finnish independence celebration and I know it will be oozing with yummy dishes from my childhood...Life is filled with temptations.

Nice thing; since I have lost a few pounds, I have this really pretty dress I have been dying to wear and it fits!!

Mrs T Your life is so stressful! :hug: Remember to take care of yourself as well... sometimes us women forget all about ourselves and our own well being!

SeeMyFeet TH!! That is fantastic! And sweet!! :love: I refer mine as :drill: because he kicks my butt and challenges me with new work outs, lunges etc...

NeMom I cheering you on!! I know how hard quitting is...but it is one craving at a time! Just babysteps...even if it is one ciggy less each day.

Zumbachica :woohoo: And hopefully scale went down a bit more this am as well!!

kel I have been baking cookies and it is a challenge :eek: But having that time with your mom is priceless. -- I miss mine, it is hard when she lives 5000 miles away.

olehcat Yup..my hubby works out of different state, but he comes home every weekend. -- Michigan, where I live, is so dead that in order to keep our family afloat, he took a job where he travels. He is amazing! -- We did not want to uproot the kids with a move...plus he travels from client to client, he never knows which city/state/country he is next. -- It has made us very close...it could have gone either way; strong together or grow apart.

liz :cheers: to your fab day!

To anyone I missed :wave:

Sending :dust: to all!! :grouphug: