Morning chickies!

Well, I'm feeling much better today, probably because it is the last day of the work week! YAY! I'm SOOO ready for this vacation!

Today promises to be a busy day at the office though, so I need to keep this short.

Food... eh. Calories are a little high, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1700, if I remember correctly. I'm really not working at it too incredibly hard right now. I would have been fine if it hadn't been for that guacamole. You chicks know how I am with guacamole.
Water was better... not great, but better, so that is something.
I did a 45 minutes Y!F workout with a weight loss focus, so it was straight aerobics with a couple minutes of strength stuff at the end. It was a good workout. Starting December 1, I'm going to increase my minimum workout length from 30 minutes to 45. I know I need to exercise for longer periods than I am, and this will be my solution. So I'm going to do 45-minute sessions for a while, then I'll work in some 60-minutes sessions.

OK, I need to get moving. I will try to make some comments at lunch, but if I don't have time I promise to comment this evening! I hope you're all having a wonderful day!
~Elisha

HI Everybody,

Not much time today.

Thanks for welcoming me.
Joy asked me to share a little about myself...goals etc.
Not enooooough time today..llWill do next week.

One tidbit...I'm doing Jenny Craig. WEigh in tonight...and I'm afraid it may not be good.

More about that next time.

Happy Thanksgiving.

---Babs

Evening chicks!

I see it has been a slow day! Well then, you didn't miss me much, did you? But I promised I would be back to comment, so here I am!

Babs, I don't remember if I've welcomed you to the group yet or not, but if I didn't (and I suppose even if I did) I don't know much about the Jenny Craig program. Would you mind giving a quick overview when you get a minute? I hope your weigh-in goes better than you expect.

Joy, you seem to be back on track! You need to spread a little of that around! Remember a couple of weeks ago when you said I was motivating you to get back OP? Would you mind returning the favor, because I'm kind of floundering about at the moment.... :-D

TBJ, don't you hate it when the weather doesn't cooperate with your plans? What's Mother Nature thinking anyway? As for your training schedule, I won't be biking, but once we move I want to take up jogging, so perhaps I will follow a similar schedule with the rest of you chicks. The more exercise I can fit into my days, the better!

Betani, 40 minutes in the morning is good! I can't get myself to do anything other than make coffee in the morning! Have you ever thought about putting together some aerobic routines for yourself, or just making them up as you go along? I mean, if you think of all the workout videos you've seen, you have a TON of moves you can use, and really, as long as your moving, that's all that matters anyway. But seriously, it could be fun. Put on your favorite music and start cranking out your favorite moves. It could work. *shrugs*

Julie, your exercise minutes are improving, and that is a good thing! You travel around so much... we really should meet up some time. I love to travel, even if it's just for a day or two! I hope you're enjoying your time in TN, and have a wonderful Turkey Day!

MsRD, I always know when I've gone over my calorie budget. Like today, I'm not even going to add it up, because it'll just be ridiculous, and then I'll feel guilty, and there's nothing I can do about it at this point except do better next time. Pecan tassies sound wonderful right now... luckily for my diet, no one in my family makes them. We have a friend who gives us about a dozen every year for Xmas... that's more than my calorie budget needs! But I think there's a recipe for them in my Cooking Light cookbook, so I may actually try to make some this year.

For some reason I've gotten very interested in trying new recipes, and if I'm going to the effort to cook something new, it's going to be as healthy as I can possibly make it, darn it! This evening I made a double-stuffed pumpkin pie as an alternate dessert for tomorrow, but I used all reduced-fat/calorie ingredients. Granted, I don't think anyone would call it "healthy," but it's better than it was. The way I see it, since it's new, no one will recognize that it's missing all the fat, grease, and calories.

Rosie, how are you doing? How's the job search coming?

OK, I need to get to bed. Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving all you American chicks! All other chicks, well, just have a WONDERFUL Thursday!
See you on Friday, chickies!
~Elisha

Yoo hoo where are you all

Today was great. 1259 calories, 64 oz water, 30 minutes exercise, it's after eight and I'm not eating ... and I definately will be in bed by 10pm tonight.... and look here I am posting YEAH 6 for 6 today.

Elisha The increased exercise sounds like a good plan ... it sure couldn't hurt . I've read somewhere that you burn more fat after 35 minutes... Don't know if it's true ... but here's to hopin'

Babs Good luck with the weight in

That's it for now.... have a great Thanksgiving my American friends

:

Okay well I'm going to try to answer everyone's questions to me in a general statement. i'm kinda tired and not really in a writing mood. but i've been kinda mia so here goes.

My diet plan's going alright. Some days are off on more things than other but generally okay. I should definetly be drinking more water and getting back into exercise for sure. My week's been pretty empty; nothing to report on that end. I haven't been too into the job search lately. Still waiting on the status of the last interview I went on (last tuesday); they're in the process of a background check etc. Generally I've been on the low end. Just the calm end of sad; you know when you just get used to things being sucky? lol

Btw... Joy i'm glad that i remind you of your baby doll that makes me feel warm and cute haha.

As for thanksgiving, i'm cooking. so portion is in my control! i weighed in earlier today and i'm done 2 lbs and have made my weight loss goal for the month and officially in the 320s (FINALLY!). well that's it for now. sorry its not longer (& less about me).

At least this is an easy day for me food-wise! My son is off to his Dad's for a traditional Thanksgiving gathering. My hubby is working as usual (paramedic) until 6pm. And I have the day to myself.

I needed a day to unwind and have quiet time. This week at work, the 3 days felt like 5 as I have to do as much work in 3 as in a 5 day week. I'm the controller for a small mfg company...so I had to pay bills, run payroll, deal with many mgmt issues with the owner, year end issues are starting to come up and on top of it, my boss decided this would be when he told me what my annual bonus was...which turned into a battle as I thought it was too low...I did get him to increase it some. Doggone him, I work my tail off for him, he better come through!! Promises promises! ;-)

I only have 2 years left at the job, then we are moving to the country ...I've had it with suburbia life!

Anyway, a quiet day is in order. And I weighed myself today and I am down another pound, so very happy about that. Now I'm thinking I would like to be 165 by Christmas, is 10 pounds a realistic goal for a month? Might be a bit aggressive considering the passive way I am doing this.

I've cut out my nighttime ice-cream and most of my fast-food runs for lunch...well, I do eat fast food once a week still. I purchased those little bags of 100 calorie snacks to take to work instead of hitting the candy machine for a 300 plus calorie candy bar. I also cut down my portion sizes at regular meals.

I wish it was easier and faster to lose weight?! DON'T YOU?!?!?!

I'm going out to the stables this afternoon to putter around with the horses.

I have a turkey to roast sometime...probably this evening so we can have it for supper tonight and leftovers tomorrow. I usually like to make a turkey soup too with leftovers. That sounds good with it being so cold outside today! Sunny, but very cold and windy.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Birdiegirl

I wanted to mention that one of the changes I have made in the past month is to switch from Diet Coke/Pepsi to Crystal Light.

I still have Diet Pop once a day, but I found some flavors of Crystal Light that I really enjoy (Iced Tea Peach and Rasberry flavors and the new Ruby Red Grapefruit flavor).

I think it's good for me to have less caffeine, and I also think pop for some reason encourages snacking or increases my appetite in some way.

So even though the Crystal light is more calories (5 instead of none), it's been a good trade off.

Birdiegirl

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is finally quiet here.....a lovely noisy well-fed day was had by all! I'm not going to think calories......there was pumpkin pie and chocolate covered peanuts involved somewhere....other than that, it is a blur

Elisha.....Wow! Exercise sessions of 45 & 60 minutes! That is incredible! you are doing so great! I love to try new recipes too.....and the magazine, Cooking Light gives you great tips on making them healthy too.

Joy....You had an awesome day in all departments! Way to go!

Rosie.....Thanks for the great post.....especially loved that part about being down 2 pounds! Job searching is hard work......stay strong!

Birdiegirl......How wonderful to have a day to yourself to just unwind! You want to lose another 10 lbs by Christmas? We are behind you all the way!

I did get on the scale this AM.......to find I was only down 2 pounds, instead of the 5# I wished for! So......I am going to give myself til the end of the month to see if I can make those numbers better!

Too tired to put any more thoughts down here......gotta get up at 5:30am tomorrow and go to work.....

Evening ... just a quick post... we went to a wills & estate planning seminar tonight...

Last night I got into a cheese sandwich after 8pm so ... I have to make some adjustments to my points calculations. And tonight, of course, they had refreshments.

I did exercise this morning and went for a walk to the mail box at morning coffee for a total of 45 minutes.

I dranks LOTS of water today. Tonight after the seminar I must have drank 24 oz alone. Hopefully I won't have to get up too much during the night

Better go... dh wants me to make tea ... and I am very weary.... 4am comes early... I'm hoping to make it five days in a row ... but we'll see about tomorrow.

a few days later!!!

We have been in Tennessee and various other places since early Wednesday morning, so that's why I have not been here! We got dumped on (almost a foot) with snow while we were gone and today it's raining and it's all going to be melted before the next storm dumps more on us!

The trip to Knoxville was to pay last respects to DH's grandmother who died in Sept. He just needed to say his goodbyes. He did that without us. I was indulged in hotel living and restaraunt food (and munchies) all week! UGH! I was so sick to my stomach on Friday that I ate very little. That, of course, was the day that I got to meet Lisa...yep...our very own Lisa that some of you may remember from this very challenge. We've been corresponding since our challenges started well over a year ago...more like 1&1/2 years. So we both felt like we knew each other but had never met! It was great fun...got to meet her DH & 3 boys! Very nice family! Our kids loved hanging out in the pool and eventually started acting like siblings toward each other! HA!

Lisa's adorable...and skinny! Darn her! Here I've gained weight since she stopped showing up here...and I'm fatter! I'll try to attach a photo to this post of the two of us at the pool! It was quite an adventure to drive down and back in less than 5 days! But a whole lot of fun!

I've been reading all of your posts...

TBJ...When are we starting this biking training? Since I haven't exercised since last Monday (ugh!) let's start tomorrow! I know that 30 minutes are doable for me! I just hope that when we get up to the LONG rides, I can find time to fit into my day! What do you think about exercise at night...like after supper? Otherwise, EARLY mornings ARE an option (not my favorite, but I can do it!) It might take some prodding from all of you, though

Joy...You are kicking serious butt girl! I'm proud of you...Keep up the great work! You are inspiring me!

MsRD...2 pounds gone forever! Yea you!!! I've managed to gain the last two challenges...just want to take this fat and CUT it off me!!!!!

Birdiegirl..."I wish it was easier and faster to lose weight?! DON'T YOU?!?!?!" YES I DO!!! I have been literally obsessing about it lately, which is probably why I have been gaining instead of losing because I am just THINKING about it and not doing anything about what goes in (or doesn't go in) my mouth! But you have done so well~you are losing! Be proud of yourself!

Rosie...Same with you chickie...Be proud of yourself for your accomplishements. This is not an easy thing to do! Don't be so hard on yourself and try to find something that makes you smile every day (not food related)! I was reading a little book by Oprah...she makes so much sense to me. She says the more we are aware what we are grateful for, the more grateful we become and the more blessings come our way. I need to be more aware of my gratefulness, too! Let's challenge each other every time we post to find at least one thing to post that we are grateful for! The sky's the limit! I am grateful to have such great, inspiring friends here at 3FC!

Elisha...That would be cool to meet up with you, too! You are right...we travel a lot... considering we have a 6 year old. Thankgoodness she's a great traveller (and it didn't hurt that our new van has a DVD player! ) I'm going to research some recipes as soon as I get off here, too. I like to try new things, but my family likes the same ole standby's! Boring!

Betaini...40 minutes a day is great exercise! Don't worry about husband...they can fend for themselves, but it sure makes it a lot easer to be accountable for our own exercise, doesn't it? Mine won't EVER exercise with me! I've given up on him! We have to do this for ourself, don't we? Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Hugs to everyone! Ihope I remembered everyone!

Hi!

Well, I posted yesterday.....a wonderful, long, inspirational epistle.....only to have it blown somewhere out in cyberspace! Grrrrr. Will try to duplicate it tonight, but I'm not promising anything.

Rosie.....I love your quote! It puts the responsibility of our successes or failures squarely on our own shoulders... ...can't blame the DH for bringing home donuts or the co-worker for the birthday treats. If it goes in my mouth, it is my own responsibility!

Babs.....Soooooo? And how did the weigh-in go? Got my fingers crossed for you!

BirdieGirl......yes, I do wish the weight loss would be easier and faster. I am resigned to the fact that I have to fight to lose every ounce... ...and every misstep is reflecting on the scale!

Julie....Glad to hear you had a good vacation! Thanks for the pic of you and Lisa.....she looks fabulous! Can you talk her into coming back in here and sharing her tips for success?

Joy....Yowser! You are going great on those short term goals......which are now going to be reflecting in long term success!

Due to a conflict in schedules, we will be celebrating our family Christmas on December 18......that means I have one less week to get this party pulled together! Maybe I better start shopping!

Evening everyone.

Well, as usual, my goals started out good at the beginning of the week but ended up in a complete slide at the end. But I guess I can't expect perfection or I wouldn't be me I can look at it that I did better than 50% towards making my better habits. Next week I'll be sure to do better than 25.5/42. I want to continue with this plan because at least I have to look at each item when I post.

Julie So glad you had a great trip and were able to meet Lisa. Thanks for sharing the picture. We had a snow flurry here this morning around 8am. It was gone by 9am tho. YEAH.... I hate driving in the snow when we get it here, lots of slush and ice ... also, we're not used to it and then everybody with a 4x4 or SUV turns into "super driver", drives like an idiot creates total havoc. It can snow on Christmas Eve and be gone by Boxing day and I'll be happy.
MsRd Please don't stress about being ready for Christmas by the 18th. Just make plan and do a little everyday and you'll be ready with no stress. Just think how relaxed you'll be on the 25th.
Birdiegirl That Crystal Light sounds like it makes water a real "treat". I'm going to check out what favors we have up here.
Rosie .. Doll It's awesome that your able to stick with your food plan. What do you use for motivation. What kind of a food/exercise plan are following? Sometimes I have trouble just sticking below 1500 calores for more than three days in a row.
TBJ How are you doing? Will the bike training start this week?
Betani ?? How was thanksgiving?
Elisha I miss your daily (and multiple daily) posts ...are you back yet chickie?

Well good night everyone

Morning chickies!

I've been around the past few days, but not really feeling like myself. The past few days have been mental and emotional mayhem, and part of it is still here. And today, physically... ugh. But I'm going to go about my day as if everything is just peachy and hope for the best.

Weigh-in this morning was high. 214.8. I didn't lose the 5 pounds I wanted to this month. Maybe if I don't eat again until Thursday.... yeah right, like that could happen!

I did make it back to exercise yesterday, and calories were heading back toward a decent range (though still high). Not enough water, but I'll work on that today. I've already got a headache, so I know there's a big glass of H20 in my near future.

I'll exercise again tonight, and calories will be in a decent range.

Steve just called and offered to bring me some breakfast. Honestly, I know he was just trying to be nice (he forgot his keys last night and made me drive all the way to Morgantown last night at 1am), but why on earth would you offer to bring me fast food when you know perfectly well that 1. I am trying to lose weight, and 2. I *always* eat breakfast before leaving the house? Does anyone else see the sense in that, because I can't seem to find it?

OK, chicks, I'm going to go try to orient myself a bit so I can get some work done. Have a good one!
~Elisha

Thanksgiving:

Food= bad
Exercise= bad
Fun= great

And now I'm going to do things right again. I'm back on exercise, re-working my Flylady routines, and getting ready to start logging food again in December. I've gained weight back, but this has been about habits, not pounds lately.

***

Elisha-- Take it easy and be good to yourself today. Don't sweat the breakfast offer too much. Even when you tell people about your diet changes, most people still think that you think like they do.

Joy-- Eh, slides happen. That's why getting back on track feels so good. More than halfway towards your habit goal is great!

MsRD-- Wow, that's an early Christmas! But think of it this way: your stressful bits will be over before everybody else's, and you'll still get to enjoy the season a while longer.

Hikein-- Sounds like you had a great time! I'm really hoping that once I get my act together and get healthier through exercise, DH'll see that and follow suit. We'll see, though. It takes an awful lot for him to pick up the hint sometimes!

Hi everyone!

I still haven't received my bike, so will have to wait a few days to start biking. But Julie, don't let me stop you! I'll join you as soon as I can.

Tonight... is my first... jujitsu class... *deep breath*

Did I set a quantifiable goal for our November challenge? Well, I'm down .6 lb. since I last weighed myself in September, so I'm happy about that. Oh, I just remembered that I committed to taking an action this month, to just doing it rather than talking about it. Tonight's class is a big step for me, so assuming I make it, I'll count that as meeting my goal.

I started the December challenge. Let me know if it is too complicated.