Hello, everyone. Quick check-in - finally braved the scale and it read 153. I've been feeling so bloated....it seems that TOM has arrived and I didn't even realize I was in PMS mode. Ever since I had my annual pap smear about 2 weeks ago, I've been crampy and spotting. So, it's kind of been like a month long period, except now it's here for real. Oh well, at least I will be feeling better and hopefully less bloated and fewer cravings in a few days. Lots of housework and laundry to catch up on today - for a mom, there is never a vacation from the daily drudgery!

Happy holidays, everyone! Thanks so much for sharing your lives and giving your support every day. I honestly think 40-something ladies are the coolest!

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well. Not sure how many remember me but I started here shortly after my dad died, then two weeks later I lost my job....well I kind of fell out for a bit...I think it hit me harder the closer to my birthday it got. I am still the same weight...so that part is good. But I have been only working out and eating right every so often.

I need to continue on and quit feeling sorry for myself. I am tired of being fat and out of shape. I hate looking pictures of myself....

So I am getting up, shaking myself off and get busy on this.

Hope all have a great christmas or happy holidays..which ever greeting you prefer...And here is to a WONDERFUL 2013!

Pretty decent day over all. I walked for 45 mins. Ate okay. Food may have been a little over. It's okay though...I'm going to give my very best each day. I hope the lbs will come off, if they don't...I'll cry, then I'll ask a dr. about it. All I can think is that menopause/something else physical may be at work here.
I'll admit it ladies, I'm a little nervous. I watched a repeat episode of Dr. Oz where Rosie O'Donnell was the guest. I'm not a fan of Rosie's, but that episode made me think. My dad battled HBP & heart disease...it ran in his family. So it can be in me...but I don't know because I haven't had a physical in waaaaaaaaaay to long. I'm really hoping I can get a physical in the next month or so, that is one of my goals for this coming 2013.
So for 2013...I hope to get a physical, lose weight/get in shape, help my hubby with his health & maybe even a job change. But I will take it one day at a time. One healthy day at a time!

onmiwei: Welcome back! Sorry about the loss of your dad. :hug: Been there, done that...really a rough, rough road. Do what you can, don't be rough on yourself...just put one foot in front of the other. Next thing you know, you'll be on your way.

guacamole: Yes, we are the coolest! Nice of you to notice! ;) Yup, being a mom is the toughest, greatest job you'll ever have, but not get paid a wage.

Sheila: I really, really hope you & your brother reconnect. I used to be really close to 1 of my bros & a cousin. Things came apart horribly...haven't spoke to either of them in nearly a yr or more. My brother even remarried & I found out 2 wks later. I hate how things came unraveled & I have zero clue to put it back together. I tried to mend things with my cousin, but she never responded....oh,well.

zumba: It can be the time of year bringing you down. Don't look it as a yr of what the ****, look at it as a chance to try something new. So maybe it's not perfect or even what you expected, but is there not some positive aspects in it? Build on those! It may only be a few tiny things, but they are yours! You did well with the work-out!!! Maybe focus for a while on your fitness...then when you are ready you'll feel like working on another aspect of your life. ENJOY your kids while you've got them. Let them know they are loved. Pamper yourself when you are apart. Find support in others who are on this path with you. Try to keep bitterness out of the equation, bitterness is never positive (for you or the kids). Okay?

SeeMyFeet: Good for you on the loss. Staff in drs. office's know how hard it is to lose weight, cause they see people battle with it constantly & may even themselves. Take care of yourself! I hate being sick! I usually battle broncitus or a sinus infection every year. This year, no. I'm hoping (knocking on wood as Mom would do!!) that it stays that way. GET WELL so you can enjoy Christmas. Hope you didn't get to mangled by the crazy crowds out there!!!

Anywhos...Santa's on his way!!! :santa:

MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHES COME TRUE!! BE HEALTHY!! BE MERRY!!

P.S. This board is the best gift I've gotten in a long time!!!

:rudolph: Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate this Holiday! :rudolph:

To those of you who celebrate Christmas - Merry Christmas! :)

Kids woke up at 4AM - uh, yep...my house now looks like Santa's workshop exploded. Thank goodness my daughter is a neat freak....she'll have it cleaned up before she and her brother go to Dad's :) I know I've said this before, but I seriously don't know where she got that from...LOL But what a BLESSING!

The kids bought me several running shirts - a headband and running gloves (for those chilly days), a "Mommy" necklace (I cried), a couple of coffee mugs, candles and some shower gel and lotion....such sweeties!!! We had a wonderful Christmas. :)

Unfortunately, my TOM kicked into high gear - and I think it must be due to all of the junk food I've been eating, but I have HORRIBLE CRAMPS - UH!!! Glad I don't have to go anywhere today....just going to relax. :)

Tomorrow - grocery store early - snow storm will start around 8am - we are supposed to get 6-12 inches!!!! I know this sounds crazy, but I love shoveling snow...LOL. I don't have a big driveway - I just like being out in the weather. :) I'm really looking forward to it! I didn't make my minestrone, so I'll do that and also some chicken noodle soup for the kids tomorrow. I absolutely love the idea of getting snowed in when I know I don't have to go anywhere! I will also run 5K on the treadmill tomorrow (by then my cramps should subside) - and then - - DEEP CLEANING. So many rooms to tackle - but I'm starting with my exercise room! I want it to be in perfect form by 2013!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

A little Christmas miracle---scales back down to 236. As predicted, from my posted low of 35.5, the slinky went up to 39.5 (really???) but back down today to 36. I'll take that! I was telling my husband that I haven't been on a real plan for a week or so, just nibbling, but I haven't ever felt full or stuffed. I think I have the portion control down, ladies!!! But a new problem has arisen....I am addicted to cooking and my food is getting more and more tasty! Anyway, gonna go with the flow and start Atkins today. Two eggs for breakfast, and already cheating with the coffee!!

I have to say...that shadowy crevasse in the back of my brain has been growing these days....I've been having distressful dreams and waking up with memories of past hurts, insults, rejections.....and the dread of more in the future from current demons and AHs....I'm workin on it...opening my eyes to all the joy the world has to offer (like this guy: :carrot:)...I guess I'm mostly afraid of letting myself down--I know I will be making some big NY resolutions soon....This forum is a gift and a great resource...and you guys are treasures....

Happy holidays! I thought what a better day to explore these forums more closely then today. :) I have some time to myself as the turkey roasts away. I love how quiet it is in the neighbourhood today.
I am 46 soon to be 47 and as you can tell from my ticker I have a large amount of weight to lose. I do not really know what my goal will be as I have been obese most of my life, since about the age of 7. But I see so many inspirational stories of others that were as big as me or close and get down to a number much lower then my set goal. This gives me hope.

I follow WW and go to therapy for overeating.

Will check in later or tomorrow.

Good night.

A very quiet Christmas. Went for a walk in the rain with my hubby. :rain: It was pretty cold out, but it was needed. I got an awesome gift from me..2pairs of EarPops. They are basically earmuffs without the band, so I can wear my headphones if I want! So needed when the north wind blows. I can't wear knit hats, I'm a hot head (so to speak).
I've been a bit melancoly today (a lot?). I honestly thought my family didn't celebrate Christmas, I was wrong. It's just my hubby & I aren't part of it. I called my mom today to tell her Merry Christmas anyways & let her know I was thinking of her. She let it slip that she was just on her way out the door to spend the day with 3 of my brothers & THEIR families. To be honest, I've feel like crap (sorry if I offend). I know my family is dysfunctional. I know that for some reason they don't want baby sister & her better half around, it hurts. I can't help but wonder that if God forbid anything ever happened to me or my hubby they wouldn't give a rat's behind. I really wish we could move away, perferrably FAR AWAY...so they aren't just 30 or so mins. away. I can't/won't tell H what Mom said. I can't bare my family hurting him more.
Then on top of that...false alarm on menopause. Right after I got off the phone with Mom, TOM showed up. I guess it was just too much for my body to take. I now have ugly cramps, back ache & head ache to go with the ugly feelings in my heart.
Sorry, gang. I've promised myself not to get so freakin' wrapped up in this mess. TO **** WITH THEM! Daddy would be furious! I can't/won't blame Mom, I know she's lonely & that this time of year has to be rough. She deserves to be happy.
So my walk is the only thing I got right today. I've over-eaten, skipped on water (drinking diet soda again :( ), & all I've wanted to do was lay around watch tv & try to forget.
*****SHAKING HERSELF**** ENOUGH!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Time to check-in & be an encouragement!

pluckypear: Usually play games against you! ;) My neighborhood was quiet today, too! I love it like that! Yup, I have a lot of weight to loose too! It's not cooperating much, but I'll be darned if I'm going to give up! Glad you joined us! This is an awesome group!

SeeMyFeet: I think your pounds may have come to my house. I haven't stepped on the scales, we aren't on speaking terms. I know I'm not loosing. Decided to weigh myself only like once a month, unless I get in for a physical. I know about old nightmares & demons. THEY SUCK! But try not to let them suck the life & happiness out of you! :hug:

Sheila: GREAT! Glad you had a good Christmas with your kids! Love the necklace. See? Told you that you guys would have a good one! Be safe with the impending storm. Starting the cleaning with your exercise room? Love it!!! :lol: Sounds like your taking 2013 on full speed ahead. You inspire me! Thanks!

Well, I'm going to go take a hot shower & go curl up in bed with an old movie of some kind. I can now look forward to the holidays soon being in the "rearview mirror" & breathing again.

BE HEALTHY!!!! BE AN AWESOME 40-SOMETHING!!! CYBER-HUGS!!! :hug::hug::hug:

LET'S TAKE ON 2013 LIKE WOMEN HALF OUR AGE & SHOW THEM HOW IT IS DONE!!!!!!

Happy Holidays everyone! To those that need it, a big hug :hug:

I'm staying with family and had a nice Christmas. I'm on a 2 week diet break to see if that will help me bust through the plateau I've been on. I'm a nervous wreck about it, though. I'm not preparing or planning my own food, nor am I anywhere near my treadmill or my scale. And I've been eating PLENTY the last two days with the holidays. I'm afraid the scale could have a bad surprise for me when I get home.

On the upside, my relatives keep oohing and ahhhing about how good I look. My mother-in-law even suggested I might want to stop losing weight! And tomorrow I am going to take advantage of the sales to get some badly needed smaller clothes. :)

Take care everyone. You are a great group of ladies.

Today is my hubby's bday. It was supposed to snow so I was going to go take sr pictures of my daughter ( I am an artistic photographer who has done portraits at one time for a living) but now I am not sure if we will get any snow..it is still raining. We might have to drive north into KY to see any but hubby sounds sick.

I am slowly getting back on the eating right wagon and today we are also supposed to head to the gym.

MrsTryingagain-thank you for the warm re welcome :D It has only been 4 1/2 months since dad died and I live half way across the country from my sis and mom. I know if I lived closer I would be there with them on holidays but since I live so far I call them to hear what a good time they are having...my sister goes to my mom's house ever other week to help her out (she lives 3 hours away) Keep up the good work on walking and working out...and maybe stop by one of the blood pressure kiosks in the stores just to get an idea of what it is...or see if you know any CNAs, LPNs, or RNs who might be able to take a quick check of you BP. I just took a CNA course to get ready to go to school to be an RN (quick decision when I lost my job) and we learned how to take bps..normally mine is super low esp for my size but during class it was super high. More than likely from the stress of losing my dad, losing my job, and then deciding to go back to school right afterwards. My hubby took a CNA class a while ago so he takes mine every so often now. Still not down to what it was so I am thinking it is time for my physical anyway. Hubby is retired military and last time I went to the military hospital the doc said when I was 40 they had tests to run..I just won't go back ;) good luck!

Seemyfeet-CONGRATS on your Christmas miracle :D I also have been having past insults come back to haunt me and it sucks. I blew an interview of a job I wanted very badly because those insults came to the surface and I couldn't help thinking the panel of interviewers were thinking that of me..I got nervous and just acted like a blundering idiot in the interview..ugh..and I knew it while it was happening I just couldn't pull it together. i think I have a tad bit of depression with all that has happened in the last 4 months so the past insults seem to drag me down even more. So here is to a new year of not letting those drag us down :D

Movingfoward-I bet that felt good getting all those compliments on your weight loss!

pluckypear-I have a lot to lose as well. I picked a number as a goal but really I will stop when I get into this one pair of jeans that I had as teenager...I still have them. I liked how I felt when I was that size (size 10) Though at the weight I was when I was in them I was told by docs I was 30-40lbs overweight but I looked better than my friends who weighed the "right" weight. So i'll stick with how I feel rather than what the scale says.

Hello Everyone,

UH - I ate and drank WAY TOO MUCH yesterday! Feel like crap! Maybe that's a good thing? Just ran to the grocery store - snow is scheduled to start in exactly 8 minutes... LOL

We are supposed to get 5-8 inches today and then another 2-4 tonight. It was hilarious - everyone was at the grocery store buying water - I bought a box of wine. :p (I have jugs of water already at home...LOL)

I'm actually looking forward to the storm - I'm going to use the day to deep clean the first floor of the house. I know I said I was going to tackle the exercise room, but I just really need to get this first floor done - it's driving me crazy! Maybe this afternoon I'll tackle the exercise room. I love having this week off and just staying at home! I sincerely want to get more organized this coming year....way too much junk and clutter!!! And it always seems that after Christmas I just add to it - so I'm in serious "purge" mode....out with the old, in with the new!!

onmiwei - Happy Birthday to your Hubby! I'm sorry he's sick - hope you get to see some snow today!!!

Moving Forward - Love the idea of a "diet sabbatical" :) That's how I'm going to think of my week this week and I do think that sometimes you have to mix things up to break out of a plateau!

MrsTryingAgain - :hug: I'm so sorry about your family. I tried to call my brother several times yesterday - finally last night he called me back. We talked for a few minutes so it was nice - but a pity we live so close and are so far away from each other...hang in there honey - and DO YOU!!! :D

pluckypear - awesome to see you on the boards! This is literally like a family to me! And where you are isn't as important as where you're GOING!!!! We are here to support you!! :hug: You can do it!!!

SeeMyFeet - uh, sweetie - how can you cheat with "COFFEE"?!? LOL Guess I'm not familiar with Atkins....LOL Chips and dip I could understand, but coffee?!? Kudos to you for kicking your plan into high gear during the holidays!!! WOOSH!! ;)

Well - no snow yet - I'm going to put on some music and start CLEANING!! :)

It's SNOWING!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!:carrot::carrot::carrot:

WOW! The snow is really coming down fast! Roads are covered - thank goodness I have all the supplies for some yummy soup! :)

I just cleaned the first floor - will make soup then tackle the laundry room this afternoon before going out to shovel (for what will be one of many times I'm sure!) - - - burn off the binge calories! LOL

I can't believe how fast it came! WOW!!!

You must be south of us, Sheila. I am in Michigan and we are just waiting for the snow to start.

Ugh. 235.5 then 239 then 236 then 239. Bouncy Bouncy Bouncy.

1st day of Atkins...good....still counting calories as well, and keeping fat low.

Welcome pluckypear and onmiwei! Great user names!

Shiela--I did update my knowledge of Atkins, they recommend eliminating coffee and alcohol, but seem to have backtracked a bit on coffee and veggies. In induction, up to 2 C of coffee are "allowed". The concern is hypoglycemia or cravings that caffeine might cause. P.S. you can keep the snow!

:hug: MrsT....well....I could write a ton of words, but I'll just offer hugs. In the 'things for a reason' category, maybe it would have ended up being much more stressful for you, or your husband, or your mom, if you had all been together for the day....maybe something worse would have happened.....maybe you were meant to spend a relaxing day with your DH....maybe your absence will cause them to appreciate you more. Bottom line is, someone else was taking care of your mom, so you could focus on your DH. You know your relatives....for your own sake, try to find forgiveness and keep bitterness away. That's been a constant lesson for me to learn as well.

Well...after plotting my weight and calories on excel (in addition to cooking, i'm also addicted to my weight loss spreadsheet--i think i've convinced myself that it's a crystal ball or something....i keep staring at it...willing the graphs to slope downward....don't think that's the way it works, har), I'm going clothes shopping for my boys. Prolly return most of the items I buy for them--who says girls are easier????

Hello and hugs to everyone! :hug:

I see so many emotions here surrounding the holidays. Holidays can be the best and worst of times.

I went over my food logs for the past few weeks, and am really not happy. So many treats and carbs, not enough healthy vegetables and fruits. I also have the tendency to track my food until dinner, and then stop tracking. Some of my entries have calories for breakfast and lunch totaling between 800-1200, and then the dinner portion is left blank - not because I didn't eat a large dinner but because I didn't log it. I know I have been eating between 1800-2200 calories per day at least 4-5 days per week. Probably for the last month or so at least. Of course I am not losing! I need to get a grip and start tracking my food more accurately and portioning out my calories more evenly so that I don't use them all before dinner. So far so good today. Let's see if I can get this runaway train back on track!

Good luck today, everyone!

:dust:

I need me some of this magic dust. Atkins is soooooo HARD!!! (I hate being told what I can or cannot do!)

Here's some for you guys:

:dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust:

Afternoon All,

Has anyone read the book by Judith Beck? The Beck diet solution? A preliminary look into the Beck way seems to be all about how you think about food and how to 'think like a thin person'. I found it through 3FC search and I think I will order it. No library within 3 counties has it and the closest bookstore is 98 miles away. *Sigh*

I know how I should eat, how to exercise, how to lose weight, etc. I'm actually VERY good at it (done it so many many times;)). Apparently, though, I don't know how to keep it off. Maintenance is my nemesis. SO - I need to change the way I think about food. Not just while I am 'dieting' but forever. I tend to beat myself up for failures (whether real or perceived) but not reward myself for successes - that's about to change! Go ME!


:hug: to all!

3FatCats: Do what I do when it comes to books. Buy online. Check out eBay! I just looked it up & it could be in your hands for about $7, probably by the end of the week beginning of next! I haven't bought a book from a bookstore in 2 yrs since my favorite used bookstore owners retired, closed their doors & moved away.

SeeMyFeet: Thanks for powdering of Will Power Dust! I'll be sure to put it to very good use & not be stingy with it! You're right I can't be bitter. However I am hurt. It feels like we've been pushed away & not told why. They have made it clear in the past that they feel I could've married better...frankly, that's none of their business! And who are they to judge? H is a good man with a heart of gold who'd do anything for anyone. Sure, it would be nice if he was wealthy or highly educated, but I've seen many unhappy people who are wealthy/educated. I've just learned to accept that it's part of our family dynamic. So I cry, get it out of my system, pick myself up & move on. As long as Mom is being taken care of, loved & cherished...that is what is important in her remaining years.

3Sheila: Enjoy the snow! Be careful out there shoveling! Don't overdo it, be careful where you step & enjoy it! Let me know when it's time for soup! I love soup! NUM! NUM! NUM! Don't give up on your brother. My brothers may not know it, but my door is always open & I will always answer if they want to call. I hold no ill will towards them cause in the end...they are my big brothers! Not only ag-wise, but height-wise 5'11" all the way up to 6'5"! ;)

Gotta go for my walk. Work this afternoon. UGH! Oh, well. Took H in for a blood test today to check his med levels. If all the paperwork gets approved he'll go in for his monitor in a week or 2, depending when/if he's approved.


HAVE A GOOD DAY! BE HEALTHY! GEAR UP FOR A HEALTHY 2013!!!

The snow let up for a bit and I went out and shoveled about 3-4 inches off the driveway! And so glad I did! It's really coming down heavy now!!

Cheesy potato soup for the kids and minestrone for me! :) The Minestrone turned into a "goulash"...LOL not enough broth and the elbow macaroni soaked up all the juice! But it's a high fiber macaroni, and I used veggie crumbles - so it's all good!

Put our Honeybaked ham in the oven to heat up...can't believe how hard the snow is coming down! WOW! I'm going to finish this post, do a little on line after-Xmas shopping (surfing), and then lay down for a nice winter nap!!! Then get up and shovel again...LOL.:snowglo:

2nd shoveling DONE! Snowing hard again - sheesh! I know though that I have to keep up with it or it will be too heavy to deal with! Almost nap time - then I'll shovel again - I'm considering this my workout for the day...LOL

Disappointing after Xmas online shopping....the good news is I'm not buying anything! LOL

It is SO beautiful outside! I love it!!!

I had horrid week...scale jumped from 154.5 to 158.5 :mad:

So ladies I am back :D No more excuses.

Sum38 - I can't even step on the scale - too afraid. :( Kudos to you for being brave and facing the music!!!!! :)

I know it needs to be done though - UH!!!!

Third time shoveling - - need to shovel once more before bed....I'm hoping it helps burn off the junk I've been eating.....(sigh)

....I'm ready for 2013!!!!!

I hear ya...ready for 2013....want to ACCOMPLISH much next year....ready to take down the tree and get ready for the bestest year ever! :carrot:

I want an apple...I never crave apples....it's the Atkins....not sure I can do this...I was hoping for two weeks on induction...not sure I'll make it past 3 days...:dizzy:

I spent loads of $$$ this morning--none of it on me....but i'm sure the boys will reject half the clothing I bought for them at first sight, so I'll be taking most of it back.

Using leftover ham from yesterday for a split pea and ham soup, making more bread, and hummus.....none of which I will be eating...scrounging around for more variety...already sick of eggs and i've only had 3 the past 2 days! Gonna make it work, ladies! :genie:

SeeMyFeet--Best of luck to you with Atkins. Like you, I hate being told what to do. Sometimes if you tell me I can't have something, I want it more--even if I might never have wanted it to begin with. Ha!

Sheila--I love that your workout has purpose. And better yet, you seem to have real enthusiasm for it. That's the best kind of exercise. Just don't overdo it.

Sum--so sorry! Your scale and mine must have both been on the naughty list. They both say bad things... :hug:

MrsTryingAgain--So sorry to hear about the family situation. I hate hate hate stuff like that!

2FatCats--Let us know what you think of the book. I'm getting pretty close to maintenance and need to study up how to do it. I'm curious if that book would be helpful.

Guacamole--You're definitely not alone. I've been faithful about logging my food since August. With the holidays, I haven't logged for several days. Come the end of my diet break, I have to get right back at it.

--------------
I've been so bummed about this plateau I've been on since early Dec. I've taken a diet break to kick start everything again. Well, today was the shopping day I've been looking forward to for months since the after Christmas sales are so good. Ladies, I was absolutely stunned to put on a pair of size 8 pants and they fit! Only about a month ago, I was elated to be buying size 10's. I have NEVER worn a single digit size as an adult. I just beamed all day long as I tried on pair after pair of size 8 pants (not to mention the small and medium tops) that fit. I spent a boatload, but I am so excited. Now, my next project is to empty my closet of all the 14's/XL's. I didn't have a particular size in mind when I started this weight loss journey and I wouldn't have believed you if you told me I would someday be a size 8. This really feels like a dream to me. I imagine myself waking up tomorrow and pinching myself as I find something to wear. :carrot:

AARRGGGHHHHHH!!!! What else can go wrong?? Seriously???? I hope the bad luck from 2012 doesn't follow me into the new year. It was my hubby's bday today and as we were leaving his bday dinner we were nearly hit by some stupid idiot who was driving so fast in the parking he had to screech his tires not to rear end us..then 2 miles down the road..well the stupid drunk idiot hit us hard...he never even braked and we were stopped at a stop light. Spent several hours in the hospital..we are ok but we are sore..so working out won't be happening in the next few days. My car is more than likely totaled and I loved my car. It was the best ever..and paid for. Supposedly he has insurance the cops check for it's validity. He had an open 12 pk in his truck. GGGRRRRRRRR....these past 4 1/2 months since my dad died has really just sucked. Luckily my husband is a very cautious driver and was watching behind us when he saw him speed up so he tried to get into the turning lane..we didn't make it but the move made it so we didn't plow into the car in front of us. We flew at least 20 feet down the road from where my bumper pieces were to where we stopped. I am so sore right now..had pain meds when I got to the ER because Iw as shaking so badly..and I had a panic attack. There was a news story in our area about a fire chief who died yesterday from falling off a ladder on his head and it just brought back everything from my dad. And then this..I just couldn't handle the stress. luckily we also have 4 cars and 3 drivers so I won't be out a car...I just don't like my husband's trucks or my daughter's car. I liked mine.

I know this has nothing to do with weight loss..well it does..it hinders me from working out the next couple of days when I was so gung ho about it..trying to get back up...I swear I have never had this many bad things happen to me in ten years..and in 4 months..dad has an accident, we have to take him off life support, he dies..I lose my job..I can't find a new one and now my car and hurting..gggrrrr...I want good Karma..what did I do to deserve all this bad...

onmiwei :hug: - I'm so sorry to hear about your accident - that is absolutely horrible! And yes - you have definitely had a rough four months :( I'm so sorry!! I know your car is bad, but thank goodness the accident wasn't worse - so many people are killed by drunk drivers every year! And it's good that the guy has insurance! I hope he loses his license!!! I'm sure the hospital told you this, but I'm sure you can expect to be sore for awhile....just pamper yourself - the workouts can wait...your recovery is the priority now! And I think these major life stressors you have gone through have EVERYTHING to do with weight loss! They can really throw a monkey wrench in the mix...just focus on "doing you" - - and know that even the little things you do for yourself count! We are here for you!

Moving Forward - WOO HOO!!!! YOU ROCK GIRLFRIEND!!! I completely know your feeling - I did the same thing with the clothes - donate all of your big clothes, and don't look back!! :) Congratulations!!!!!

SeeMyFeet - I clearly don't know enough about Atkins - so split pea soup isn't allowed? Sounds like that would be healthy and low-carb? Maybe it's the lentils? Again, I'm so impressed that you are starting "bootcamp" before January 1st! You go girl! :)

Okay - TOM is still going strong (sigh) - I simply can't get on the scale until it's done... I've been binging on junk food for the last few days - and Moving Forward, I got rid of all my larger clothes - so I have to recalibrate soon!!! :) It's 2:44am here and for whatever reason, I am WIDE AWAKE!!! GRRRRR....

Hair appointment today - I'm going to drop my teenagers off at the mall while I get pretty ;) My daughter wants to return some things and has Christmas money she got that is burning a hole in her pockets...LOL Both kids will bring a friend, then after my hair is done I'll pick them up and we will go to a Hibachi restaurant for a late lunch / early dinner. I will have some Kani salad and the Hibachi shrimp (no rice) - I have them make mine in the kitchen and just use soy sauce to stir fry it (no butter or oil)....I really need to start shifting back into "me mode" - I've been on that Vegas diet again...LOL seriously - yesterday I ate cheesy potatoes and chips and dip!! :?: And I haven't gotten on the treadmill all week! I've been using TOM and the holidays as an excuse - but know it's just me rationalizing....so this morning I am DEFINITELY running on the treadmill before my hair appointment - need that metabolism fired up! Even if I only power-walk for 30 mins...I'm doing it! (after I shovel the driveway again...LOL)...I'll have a protein shake for breakfast, then the shrimp for lunch - dinner will be the minestrone (goulash) I made with the high fiber pasta...I have a plan! :)

....Just wish I could SLEEP!! sheesh! Very frustrating. I know I'm going to fall asleep around 5 or 6 (sigh)...

Did not get the laundry room done yesterday (sigh) - tomorrow the kids go back to their Dad's for the week :( I love that my daughter can drive - he only lives 5 minutes away, so she always pops over now. :) But before the kids leave tomorrow, I need to get the tree out of the house and have them help me clean the basement storage area and put all of the decor away...thank goodness my daughter is a neat freak - she will actually jump all over this and enjoy it! LOL Wish I was more like her!!

Both of the kids want to be healthier in 2013. I got them both ipod nanos for Xmas to load music and use on our treadmill...they're excited! And I also bought a smoothie maker - it is awesome - you can blend in "to go" cups!! so I'm going to make the kids smoothies every morning...sneaking in some protein powder and ground flax seed....;)

....the difficult part is when they go to their Dads - he doesn't have a treadmill or any workout equipment, and it's too cold out for them to go outside to walk....I'm going to ask my daughter if she can just pop over here after school on the weeks they are at Dad's so she and my son can get their "workouts" in...I know she'll do it...and I also know my ex will make them healthy food if they ask him too...we just need to plan. (WE including ME!!! LOL)

For Easter I'm buying us all new bicycles!! I need to start saving now for them - we have a trail that is close and it will be awesome for us to do as a family!

3:04am and I'm still wide awake...(sigh)....think I'm going to throw in a movie and hopefully fall back to sleep soon!!!

uh - someone is literally out there with a snowblower right now - 3am?!? LOL Maybe I'm not the only one with insomnia....:D

2FatCats - I just saw your post! I am SO checking out that book! I have the same challenge!!! THINK THIN!!! :)

Okay - "Party's Over" - I just weighed in - 149. I was at 142 last Friday!! I know I've been "bad" but 7 pounds in less than one week?!? Might be TOM - I'm hoping - - - that said, I'm leaving "Vegas"... :( How in the world is it possible to gain 7 pounds in a week - wish it were that easy to LOSE 7 pounds!!!! SHEESH!

It's good that I stepped on the scale before I did more damage - the truth hurts, but there is NO WAY I'm going over that 150 mark - for one thing, I don't have larger clothes to fit anymore. :/

Okay - plan the work, work the plan. As predicted, I'm now finally feeling a bit sleepy - so I'm setting my alarm for 8am. Need to leave the house at 10ish for my hair appointment...I have to shovel (just looked outside - more snow) - then I'm getting on that treadmill for 30 minutes - will shower, blow dry my hair, and then leave. I ate some minestrone and am watching Burlesque (fun movie :) ) - I'll grab a 180 calorie Svelte shake on my way out the door to tide me over until our late lunch today...I have to believe this weight is either retained water from all the salt I've been taking in and/or my TOM. Sheesh! I'm in serious shock here (not a bad thing I guess)

At any rate - I want to feel and look good more than I want to eat the junk! Why isn't losing weight as easy as gaining it?!?

I am so sorry onmiwei. That is terrible.

Sheila you braved!! It is a lot of water weight you are carrying...I am hoping to drop 3 pounds of water weight this week!

Moving :woohoo: on 8's!!

Thank you Sheila and Sum. We are pretty sore today and and couldn't sleep last night. We are all up early. We are going back to the doc for my husband because he had so much adrenaline rushing through he him didn't realize how badly he really did hurt. He had hernia surgery just barely a year ago on his abs..3 different places where the seat belt hits and his stomach is burning. My ribs burn today..and sting..My daughter hit her head and still has a headache but she had a CT scan last night. We also have to go get thing out of my car and take pictures of it, continue talking to our insurance agent and try to get the police report. My husband is pretty bad today...He is the only one who knew what was about to hit us. So I am sure he tensed up.

He was so mad when the drunk driver hit us he ran back to the truck and was trying to get the guy out of the car so he couldn't leave. The guy who was behind him told the police my husband tried to grab him out of the car he thought my husband was going to beat him. When the police found out he nearly hit us in the parking when we were leaving dinner the officer said he would have done the same thing. Said he would want to get a few licks in if a drunk driver nearly hit us and hit us as hard as he did. The guy behind the drunk driver was getting ready to call 911 because teh truck was hitting the curb. My husband normally isn't an angry man but he does have some PTSD symptoms from his several tours in Iraq and I think he kind of went into that mind frame because my husband is not the kind to get into fights...He might have been a little Platoon SgT mode too because he was yelling orders at the drunk driver when trying to get him out of his truck. I am the one who normally who freaks out on idiots. I did jump out after I processed what just happened ready to beat the guy but then I heard someone say CALL 911!!! so i said..oh yeah..we were in a wreck..call 911. I think I also told off a guy checking on my daughter thinking he was the drunk driver. I don't recall saying anything to him but he looked at me and said "ma'am I am jsut checking on your daughter.. I was behind him...I was getting ready to call 911 on him because of the way he was driving."

The poor guy in front of us was kind of freaking out. Here he was sitting there minding his business with no idea what was behind us. He had been sitting there for a little bit. We were behind him then a loud massive crunch and we were beside him. I said thank goodness my hubby tried to get into the center lane so we didn't hit him. I think he realized he would ahve been hurt as well.

The guy got a piddly bond and I thought he had a DUI test on site but his mug shot says he was also arrested for implied consent violation. The police officers were great to us..the EMTs were great..and firefighters. It is nice to know they are wonderful when you need them.

Onmiwei:Glad you guys are okay! My husband and I are both prior service ---I totally understand the NCO thing. My DH occasionally breaks out what we call 'the NCO hand', where he points with his entire hand (nodding it at the wrist), not just his finger, to emphasize a his point. Sigh.

Sheila: I wear my hr monitor to see the calories burned while I shovel snow - that way I figure it counts as official 'exercise' and I can log it! At 10 calories for every minute out there - it counts! And you bet I'm counting it again when I go back out there in a few minutes.

Mrs: So your truck talked to my jeep which then yelled at my husband's truck. It's in the shop for a new muffler. Seems like as soon as you pay them off they get lazy and don't want to work right.

Was everyone up early this am? I've been up since 0430! And Boy Oh Boy was there (and still coming down) SNOW. Well over a foot (up to my knees when I walked)- I couldn't see my front 5 stairs or my side 4 stairs. At one point this am I had nowhere left to put the snow I was shovelling - the banks are almost to my shoulders. I looked up and saw the lady across the street trudging where the sidewalk should be to her mom's house (next door). I felt bad for her - she might be 5 feet tall with shoes on so the snow came up to her thighs. She was walking holding her purse and work shoes above her head, too. Poor thing!

I saw the cutest quote last night - Unknown author. I think am going to use it once I can get a signature block!

Sweat is just fat crying!

Onmiwei--Wow! I'm so glad that you and your husband are OK! I was in a bad accident in 2009 and I remember the emotional reaction and stiffness/soreness for days. I hope the guy got a DUI and gets his license taken away too! So irresponsible.

Sheila--Boy, I occasionally get those bouts of insomnia and they bite. I'm sure that a majority of your weight is just water. I can't imagine you would have eaten that many calories in a week. No way. Good for you for getting rid of the bigger sizes. You are absolutely right that I need to do that too. That's my next project.

2FatCats--I love that quote too!

-----------
I'm so excited to get dressed today! I'm not sure what to wear first. I'm feeling a little self-conscious because I'm with family and I know they will all be checking out how I look in these new clothes. :dizzy:

Onmiwei--been there, too...rear-ended at a stop light...saw it all in the rear view in slow motion....nothing I could do...car totaled...left stranded in a strange town by myself...whiplash hurt for weeks!...hang in there...think of it as a vacation and focus on getting better...

Shiela--my fam likes chunky soups, so I usually add potatoes to their food (not mine, too many carbs).

I decided I'm not going to call my plan an "Atkins" plan anymore....I just cannot condone their philosophy...."if you're hungry, add more olive oil to your salad...feel free to have your eggs swimming in butter while they cook....keep some bacon slices on top of the refrigerator for quick snacks.....try drinking bacon grease if you get tired of water....order whale blubber from our online store..."...yuck...I have good choh levels and bp, but still.....my house is well insulated and has a good heating system, but I'm not leaving the doors and windows open! I like the low-carb notion, and Atkins did inspire a lot of low-carb variations...I'm trying my own low carb, low fat, high protein version. For a while anyway.....so anyway....today is day 3...going better today...back down to 36....bouncy bouncy bouncy...but in the right direction today...

There was a lady in the checkout line yesterday...older than me....friendly, petite and stylish...making lots of purchases for herself....nice, flowy, fancy blouses....I smiled inside and out...giddy...thinking..."that'll be me this time next year...I'll be tall, willowy, twirling in fancy clothes"....and then....And THEN...I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.....Loud Balloon Pop....

But you know what....I'm not going to be that person anymore who thinks about past mistakes and wrongs, who thinks about what's wrong right now and worries about being stuck in the status quo...I'm going to think ahead and MOVE ahead...and I'm going to think happy thoughts about the future...I have a lifetime of knowledge and experience and I have a lot to offer the world in the 2nd half of my life...I will not let my insecurities paralyze me into inaction...no more balloon pops!

Dealing with a huge headache. Gotta go to work in an hour. Didn't get my walk in. TOM is here & I just feel ucky. Going to do what I can to eat healthy & drink my H2O. Hopefully I'll feel up to walking during my lunch break. I just fee lost without exercise, but this throbbing head AIN'T going NOWHERE! I'm sure it's just part of the cycle since I haven't had one in 3 months. Maybe my iron is bottoming out, too.

Onmiwei: I am soooo sorry about what happened! I hope like heck this driver gets the book thrown at him! I'm so sick of people drinking & driving...hurting innocent people. I can speak about this..I've lost 5 friends to drunk driving (the other driver was drunk). My grandma (maternal) was permanently crippled by a drunk driver on Christmas eve when I was 7...she almost lost both legs & her left arm. And my middle sister can't seem to stay sober behind the wheel that she hasn't had a licence since the early 80's!!! To me, drunk driving should be attempted murder, because we ALL KNOW that it can lead to death & it is 100% preventable!
I hope you all get better soon. But please, please see about suing this jerk (being kind here). I'll bet my last dollar it's not the first DWI he's had. He needs to be taken off the street & get help BEFORE he kills someone. Maybe contact your local MADD to see if there is a lawyer who can help. Yes, I'm angry at people who drink & drive, because they never seem to hurt/kill themselves, just others! I step down now.... :soap:

2Cats: Love snow...but not that much! Kinda glad I live when I do. Hmmm...not sure what to do with the snow you still need to move...maybe a HUGE blowdryer? ;) Either way, be safe when waundering around in your winter wonderland.

Sheila: I'm sure I'm up on the scale too. I'm not sure how much, too scared to try it. But I'll join you. The stresses of the holidays are behind us. Only a new year ahead of us...let's go kiick some butt!!! :kickbutt: I double-dog dare you!!! :lol:
Love the idea of bikes. I haven't ridden in years. Wonder if it's like they say, that you never forget. Might have to look into that for H & I. Add something new to our regiment. Start saving! Sounds like a lot of fun!!!

CYBER-HUGS TO YOU ALL! HAVE A HEALTHY THURSDAY! SHORT WEEK! WE CAN DO THIS! LET'S GET REVVED UP TO BE HEALTHIER IN 2013!!!!

Got my hair done! I feel better. :)

Didn't run today (sigh) - just didn't - no excuses. But I shoveled snow this morning - my shoulders are really sore from yesterday!

Kids and I went to the Hibachi restaurant - I had a little white rice - and a kani salad and grilled shrimp and veggies....

I'm ready for 2013 to get here! I had so many things on my "to do" list this week, and didn't get ANY of them done! (sigh)

Falling off the physical cliff
 

ooooooooo........I'm so bad.....I stopped doing my exorcises when the cold turned into bronchitis....now I think I have a stomach virus....How am I ever going to get back up that cliff????

rant rant rant :tantrum:

Thank you all for your kind words. Still sore today...I think it helped us getting into the hot tub before we took our pain meds and went to bed last night. My lower left ribs started swelling and bruising today then I started shaking all over, got freezing but my cheeks were flushed and i was sick to my stomach since the wreck. I went back to the doc..possible cracked ribs bu not sure..ggrrr...Found out the guy has multiple DUIs in another state from several years ago. Got a hold of MADD they are having an advocate go to the DAs office with us to try to get him prosecuted Thank you MrsTRYagain for that info! I also want the book thrown at him. We actually got to look at my car in the day light and I am sure it is totaled. The whole back cargo area of my vibe crunched up into the hatch and then into the back tire. The back passenger door won't open because it also was scrunched up into the mess..I loved that car..but at least my family and I are semi ok.

I did get a lot of moving done today going to the doc twice, getting police report, cleaning my car out per insurance request saying more than likely my car was totaled, making our claim, taking pictures of every inch of my car....oh we were gone all day. I didn't eat much which is bad I know but I was afraid I would get sick and that would hurt even worse than it does.

I hope all us well this coming few day!! Then the new year!! then all good things only!! please please please!! :D I think maybe sat depending on how I feel I might go the gym to either do some light swimming or get on the treadmill slowly. The doc said to keep moving it would help the soreness. I will jsut take it super easy. I have a hot tub but the gym has a sauna that might be useful for sore muscles as well.


Here is to only good days ahead of us!!!

I can't believe how fast this week has flown by - it's already Friday?? (sigh)

Scale went down to 146 and 1/2 - so it looks like the 149 must have been water - realistically given my eating over the past week, I wouldn't be at all surprised to have gained 5 pounds :(

That said - it ends today. Right now I'm having a cup of coffee - then before I do anything else I'm going for a 30 minute run on the treadmill. It is simply WAY too easy to fall back into my old lazy, over-eating ways. Then after the treadmill I'm going down to clean out the basement storage area and taking the Xmas decorations down! Christmas was great, but I'm glad it's over.

Kids go back to their Dad's tonight. :( The good news - I'm meeting a friend for dinner (definitely having a salad with salmon or some type of seafood). Tomorrow I will kickbox, then deep clean and re-decorate to get the house back to "normal" again.

I have 5 more days off before going back to work - and I'm not gaining another 5 pounds!!

onmiwei - I can't even imagine how sore you must be...the hot tub is a good idea! I can't believe how sore my shoulders and arms are from shoveling all that snow over the last couple of days - I'm sure my soreness is minor compared to yours....EXTREME SELF CARE!!! :hug:

SeeMyFeet - Hang in there! You need extreme self care too!!! :hug: I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well...hopefully you're getting it all over with and will enter 2013 all better and charged up!!!

Well - another cup of coffee - then treadmill. Hope everyone has a good day!