HI everyone, glad we're gaining steam with the suport. I've also got a pilates dvd, although i'm waiting fro the snow to come, so I can use it. I actually love aerobics, and attend a class mon/wed of each week. finally got back in, after breaking for Christmas. I enjoy the company,a nd the music keep s me excited. just have to learn the routines, which can be frustrating. I've been to that curves gym once, and felt clostrophobic. I've purchased the thigh master, cause my thighs are flabby, even after losing so much weight. So, i'm trying new things. I've not dieted, per se. I've eaten better, but eaten what I want. I'm not aprt of a certain plan, just eat fat free dressings, eat fat free hot fudge sundaes. find whatever i want, but with as little fat as possible, eat lots of veggies.... try to get my water in. but, it's the exervcise that keeps me losing. i'm sure if i dieted, strictly,a nd exercised i'd lose faster,a nd tone up faster too. but i'm stubborn, and i wanna eat and exercise too... it's all on what you wanna do, and how fast you wanna do it.

Hey I'm here, I've been doing my walking and my weights, but have been very busy lately to report. I have been at this for two weeks and am a little frustrated:mad: as the scale hasn't moved. I don't know what to think, of course I am fighting that hypothyroid thing..but at least a lb would be nice. I'm glad to hear you all are doing so well:cp: Well I need to get off here..I guess I've hit the bumville road:snail: but I won't give up.

Ugh, skipped my walk, actually, was gonna do a pilates dvd, but got wrapped up in a package i'd received... love packages. long day at work, and wishing i'd get a regular schedule again. in time i guess. ate okay, and stayed moving, so that's good for my body. just need to get enough sleep now. used to be, too much, now not enough. i'm a mess sometimes.

Did anyone walk today? I just finished my 1.4 miles. That's twice around the block. That's all my family will let me walk after dark :)

What kind of work do you, Svelte? I thought I'd sleep better now that I've started exercising regularly again...but I'm up 2 or 3 times a night. Just can't get comfortable. And don't get me started on the snoring. I'm selfishly looking forward to the next few weeks when my DH will be working straight nights on a turnaround and I won't have to listen to the buzzsaw inches from my head. I do love him, I do, I do :love:

Tricia, never fear...you'll get off the plateau soon! Just keep pluggin' in there... one foot in front of the other ...

Got to go update the journal...

g'night,
Jane

Hey Jane~~ bravo on getting that walk in. I did my usual route today too which takes me anywhere from 55 min. to an 1hr 5 min. My sister and I take the dog out with us to give him a little exercise and he's like a deterrent to any would-be attackers :lol: . He's black lab/rottweiler mix. Not too friendly looking. I'm trying to shoot for 5 days straight this week.
**that's a great picture of you by the way.

Tricia, try drinking as much water as you can hold in a day. I find that this works wonders for me even if I don't exercise as much--lbs kind of "wash away" (oh if only it were that simple!) . You're doing good, just keep at it.

Chris, you're doing great. Just watching what you eat will keep you on the right track even if you don't exercise every single day. Once your life gets into a routine w/work and everything, you'll do better than ever. Go get that goal girlie!

Everyone else still burning up the pavement or treadmills? Hope so. Forward march to a healthier us!

I have been sick since last Thurs so not doing my walks. I went to the Dr. on Monday and I have strep throat. Started takem meds and now I am feeling better. Hope to get back on track today!

Good morning, I didn't treadmill today, but I did do my ball video that was fun, very different..but I liked it..I hadn't done that before. I am trying on the water I get about 64 oz. in, but I know I need to drink more as years ago I remember running to pee:o at least every 2 hours and at present maybe 3 xs a day. so I got room. I did measure though and have lost inches...everywhere but my thighs hum..:mad: Although you'd think my clothes would feel different, but I'll keep on truckin..Speaking of which I must go:chef:

163/163/130
:( WNY- hope you feel better soon..I'll pray for ya..
Have a Great Day guys..I got to run..

Hi everyone
I would love to join in and walk/talk with all of you. I am at a current weight of 197 and I am aiming towards 145. Any other diet tips please share.:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I hope everyone does well and good luck.

Welcome Smileybug. Glad you could join us. I am at about the same weight as you are and am aiming for about the same target goal. Walking is my main source of exercise since it's easy to do and is free. As far as diet, I'm just cutting my calorie intake by watching the fats and sweets...portion control, etc. Nothing to the extreme of low carbing or proteins only. Seems to be working so far since I'm down 23 lbs. Tell us a little about yourself. We're all here to cheer each other on.

Welcome, Smileybug! I'm also in a very similar boat as you...started out at 185....currently at 182...and my target is 145, too. This worked for me before...counting calories and walking for exercise and drinking plenty of water helped me lose a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I slacked off of all that and gained almost all of it back. So, here I am again! I'm new here too and I'm looking for new friends to walk with.

I walked tonight...despite the cold! I'm in Louisiana and it's in the 30's tonight..with windchill in the teens right now. The wind was a whippin'! But I managed to log in 1.7 miles in 30 minutes. [pats herself on the back]

So, did you walk today, anyone? Plan a walk tomorrow?

gotta go journal and record my food

g'night,
jane

Hey Jane, that's great that you braved the cold. It was a little chilly here too (high 60's :^: ) ... for me anyway, but we (my sister and I) kept up the pace and broke a little sweat. I love it that these walks are getting easier. I guess I need to change routes...make it more challenging. Speaking of which, we always take the dog with us. Today there were 3 feral dogs in a vacant lot which we always walk past. They all jumped up at once when we came around the corner. We had to throw rocks and keep yelling at them to keep them at bay. They didn't get too close to us since we were being agressive but they did advance a couple of times. I called the humane society when I got home to see if they could round them up and take them in.

WNYmom, feeling much better? I hope so.

Tricia, what kind of exercises do you do with the ball? I've seen 'em before but not really being used. That sounds interesting.

JaZvIneZ have things settled down for you yet? It's always nice to get back into some sort of routine with eating right and exercising. Always a little hard to start up, but once you get into the groove it's great.

Everyone else, where are you hiding? Hope everyone is busy walking or at doing a lot of moving around. Hope to hear from you.

Thanks!!! I did not get to walk last night but I did do some step aerobics and drank some (not enough) water. And :moo: I ate some pep. pizza. I would not have but my husband wanted pizza, so. I have been drinking water and counting calories, for about two weeks now. It seems like once I start counting calories I cant stop. I hope this is normal. Everytime I look at a drink, a snack, a dinner I check out all the calories. I hope everyone is tough today:drill: well me for sure. Talk later. Keep up the good work!!

Hi JustJane, Smileybug.... Noelle. hey Tricia, WNY... I feel like slug, after reading all the lively discussion. I just can't get here like I usd to. I used to be on at work, and just laugh at all our posts to each other. now i'm lucky to get on once a day.

Justjane: I'm a juvenile delinquent Counselor. I work with kids 15-21. I have 18 kids right now, and half of them I have to stand up in court with. That's scary. But the judge is very laidback. I get frustrated, because my job is to spend time with the kids, and it has often left me working late evenings, and even suggested I take the kids out together, on the weekends. Give me a break. Thi is a job, not my life. So, I"m trying to find a normal routine to see my kids each week. Frustrating. Also started a Scrapbooking Business early Jan. Trying to get taht off the ground is another hurdle for me.

I did take my walk yesterday, right before the snow started falling. Doesn't look lik emuch now, but when it's faling it feels like a storm. Schools are delayed this morning. They're chicken wihtt hose buses. Can't blame 'em. Well, gotta check my planner, see what's in strore for me now! See you ladies later.... walk if you can!

I have a suggestion for you lone walkers
 

If you don't have a dog, ask a dog-owning neighbor if you can walk his dog. I did this all during my childhood because my parents didn't want the responsibilty that goes along with owning a dog. I have my own now--of course--and I feel safe with them. No, they're not vicious, but I've no doubt that they'd protect me if they had to. Doesn't matter what size dog either--I've always found that the size of the dog is inversely proportinate to their fierocity. I've also found that a lot of people are outright afraid of dogs--I've seen passers-by shy away from the Bichon in my dog group. :rolleyes: Try it! I know when I was a kid, the neighbors appreciated me walking their dogs, and the dog(s) associate me with good times. :)

DawnStorm, that's a great idea! Although my sister's dog is great protection, it's a job to walk him because he gets very aggressive whenever he sees any other dog. It's always a workout just holding on to his leash. Believe me, we've tried obedience training and sessions with an animal behavioralist. The problem only got minimially better. I'd really rather leave him at home and let him run freely in our backyard. I think I'm going to start asking around my neighborhood if anyone has a nice dog i can walk that will actually heel and can walk past another dog and be happy instead of go nuts. :lol:

GOOD IDEA! never thought of walkig aneighbors dog,a nd gives you a chance to form that relationsihp we rarely get to have nowadays. Wish everyone was issued a porch swing and a big porch when one gets a home, that way we could get together like yester year. Wish we lived in a more friendly neighborhood. It's every man to himself. But now and then I see dogs getting walked. I cn't imagine my dog not getting a walk. She'd probably crap everywhere, and gain weight like crazy. it's my gift to her. And she's my gift. She reinds me when i'm thouthless.

Yes, I thought about it, especially in these dangerous times... but like svelte says, I don't really know my neighbors well enough to ask them to borrow their dog! My direct neighbors have a dog, but she is so psycho that I'm afraid she'd turn on *me* when I'm out walking with her if she got scared. I think she must have been abused, because she is a whole different, scary, animal when her owners aren't around. I have no idea what she'd do if she encountered another dog on a walk! The lady across the street has a cocker spaniel, but they tend to be pretty excitable too, do they not? I'll have to canvass the neighborhood for likely companion pooches. Thanks for the suggestion, dawnstorm.

How much snow did y'all get, svelte? We're supposed to get down in the low 20's tonight. I won't make it to Curves by close of business tonight, so I'll have to choose between staying in my nice warm house and watching a video, or braving the cold and going for a walk....talk me into it, pleeeeeaaaaseeee! :)

Here I am, :dizzy: I have been doing my walking 1 and a half miles in 30min. at 7 incline..I'm feeling good I actually can't go through a day and not exercise in some way..I never thought I'd feel that way:strong: not in a million years. melekalikimaka- the ball it was a lot of fun and seemingly painless...:devil: you sit on it and the balance alone helps but you walk down to the small of you back and do crunches, you can put it between you and the wall and do squats there's actually a lot. I got the ball at walmart and then later found a video by Kathy Smith. I was sore the next day and yet I didn't think it was anything doing it, in fact I wasn't sure I would do it again because it seemed too easy:lol: As you can see I was wrong. Well my children are home from school I must go..till next time

I always suggest going for that walk, cause the fresh air tends to get me singing,a nd I feel better for it in the long run. Just got back from my walk. thouth I"d do the pilates video, again, skippe dit. i'm gonna get my aerobics friend to come over on monday, since clas is cancelled, and have her do it with me. better motivation when you're with someone. better accountability too. she's been in the classes with me since Sept, so we keep track of each other. she's my hubby's cousin, and we're watching each other.

We got about 3 inches, more like a dusting really. Took the walk, bundled up big time, biter cold out there. It's powdery snow though. Althought he sdirvers probably packe dit down pretty good. Freezing cold I tell ya. I still have cold rosy cheeks as I type here. Good for me and the dog to get some brisk air in us.

That ball soudns really good, My chiropractor has one of them, helps the back, stretches the spine, and makes you work harder with crunches. I'll try pilates, i'm afraid of too many props. i'm still waiting for the thigh master to get here UPS. I'll try anything once. Or twice. But taht ball sounds great for joints too. I'm big on helping your joints stay strong. that way as you age, you're not so weak, and your back tends not to hunch. My grandmother is bent half way over. She is in bad shape makes me look at myself, and try to change that for me in the future. ok i'm rambling now....

Well, it was late but I did get my walk in for today! I normally drop my younger son off at preschool then come home and have lunch then do my walk then back to pick my son up but today I went and did some shoping instead. I also stopped at BK and picked up a Chicken Whopper Jr. with no mayo and a side salad with low fat italian dressing. Didn't use the croutons and also didn't use all the dressing. Used about half on the salad and about 1/4 on the Chicken Whopper. I ate that in the car then finished my shopping.
I really like having the treadmill cuz then I can do my walking when it fits in my schedule and not have to worry about weather, darkenss or if the gym is busy or even open for that matter.:cp:

Well, I braved the elements! Bundled up in a turtleneck, sweatshirt, fleet jacket and fleece vest + head band, scarf and gloves...walked 1 block and then actually had to take a layer off cuz I was too hot!

Did 2 miles altogether in about 35 mins. I feel...victorious! for conquering the elements.

Now I'm enjoying a good movie and a small glass of red wine :)

y'all have a good evening

Good Morning thought I'd write before it got too busy. I decided to for go the walking today as I am taking my Girl Scouts ice skating and then to the holidome for some swimming so I figured..that should do it:s: or do me in:yikes: I couldn't help myself I weighed today wasn't suppose to till Wed .but I'm a loser :dancer: -3 lbs..finally..I couldn't believe it and actually have went back twice to make sure I was seeing what I thought I saw..I feel good ..well I got to go pack ..pray for me...I have only ice skated once in my whole life and I was 16 at the time..so ...:joker: it'll be interesting..

Hope she's not in an Er somewhere. I'm scared stif fto ice scate. Hard enough walking in snow, let alone balancing on a blade on ice... more power to those who are braver than I. Great news taht you're down 3 lbs. That's a start. And you'll start to feel better and better wiht walking. Good!!

I have been laying around today, since going to the scrapbooking workshop. Feeling nostalgic, wiht pictues of my grandmother, who has alzheimers. She a sweet soul. Hope she lives froever.. though I'm not in denial. she's 89.

Hubby and I are finally feeling a hundred percent again. Cold about kicked his butt, and started in on me. I deflected it with meds. I get over stuff faster than him. But it's good not to see him suffering with that aweful stuffy nose and cough.

Well, it's freezing cold,a nd i've vowed, for probably 2 wks now, to do that Pilates dvd. here I go.........

I know this is off topic but can I ask that you pray for a friend of mine from another board. Her DH is in the hospital on life support. He collapsed the other day and they found a brain tumor. There is no hope so it is just a waiting game for them to OK the removal of all support. There was no waring to this so quite shocking. He will leave behind his wife and 2 young girls ages 9 and 3. Pray that DonnaLeigh has strength to endure this horrible time. :cry:

Ohmigosh. What an aweful situation. I can't imagine, But i'll pray right here, right now.

Dear Lord, I want to thank you first for WNYmom, who took the initiative to make us aware of this aweful situation for DonnaLeigh. I know that You are higher than us,a nd You know what we can handle. You are the author of our Faith, and You can give us what we need to get through times we never imagined we'd live through. I ask you, and stand with all the laides here who belive in You, for two things, Power to heal, and do a miracle in his body. And, if you find it your will to breing him home, Strength for the family to Heal from this loss,a nd Celebrate his life. I pray that many, many will come to you, from this, and that You will be glorified. We believe you can do all things.

Amen.

WNYmom, my thoughts and prayers are going out to DonnaLeigh and family. The Lord works in mysterious ways but He always provides strength and comfort to those in need.

Chris that was a beautiful prayer.

Amen. My heart goes out to everyone in the family...

Thank you so much for that beautiful prayer. Patrick left us at 4:04AM Sunday morning. His family was around him and as far as I know they are donating many organs. DonnaLeigh is surrounded by her family and several friends along with her 2 daughters. She also has the thoughts and prayers of hundreds of friends from 2 message boards with members from around the globe.

My eyes well up as I type, Hope God gives them all strength to get through today, and the grace ot getu p in the morning, and go on. Breath in and out, that's the plan of all of us here. Thank God for today. I pray that the family is able to bless someone else wiht his organs. There are many lives being daved because of their generosity. His heart will beat on. I always get a burden for families like that.

My prayers are with you. Unfortunately God's will is not always so easy for us to understand.:( As all this war talk starts coming to a head and I keep hearing of people I know being sent over I just keep praying that is all we have..Trust in God and it will be ok... I feel that way about everything I do. Even with my exercising I pray for him to heal me and strengthin me Mind, Body and Soul..God Bless, and pray for us all..

Hey has anyone out there been walking or moving around for that matter? I know it's been freezing cold in some parts. I went for my normal walk yesterday and it was actually warmer than the past week's been (low 70's). I had to take it easy though as I was having some shin splints and some really achy pain right above my ankle. I even stretched before I left...hmmm, maybe that was my problem, I don't usually stretch beforehand. Anyway, bought some Flexall and it seems to be okay for now. I'll pop some ibuprofen before I go out again tonight. I did 6 consecutive days then 1 day of rest. Then 5 consecutive days with 2 days skipped, then 3 consecutive days. The 2nd day after I skipped the 2 days was the day I had trouble...how can you lose so much ground after missing just 2 days? Maybe I just need new shoes?

I am lucky to have a treadmill right in my livingroom!!!! If not for that I would not be doing my walking!!!!!!!!!! The temp today was only around 4°F with wind chills in the -15 to -20°F range!!!!!!! Way to cold to be out walking!! Anyway I would have had to drag my almost 4 year old out as well. No way would I do that!!!!!!!
I did do a 30 minute workout with iFIT.com at level 2 but had to modify it. I just couldn't do the 5MPH run so did a 4MPH run for 1 minute then back down to a 3MPH walk for 3 minutes then back up to the 4MPH. Did this for 3 sessions during my 30 minutes. Felt good but I was beat!!!!!!!

Hey, y'all! Well, I did try. Not as cold here as in some places (like NY--brrrrrr!) but it was, um, nippy. Temp 25 with wind chills in the teens. I bundled up but my face couldn't take it! I had a terrible headache from one time around the block. I wish I had a ski mask...but then the neighbors would probably be calling the police about some weirdo walking the neighborhood in a ski mask!

Also did 30 minutes at Curves. It was actually warm in there! Geez, it's supposed to be even colder tomorrow, and I won't make Curves by closing tomorrow. Guess I'll be getting up early on saturday!

Where's everyone else?

--jane

HI, I'm here, just spend mroe time in my journal, venting. I walked today, after a few days of doing something else. Anything to stay indoors. It's freezing cold, not that it's news to you girls. I've done everything to sty warm. Hard to exercise when you know you gotta get all sweaty, then shower off. Sometimes just staying warm and toasty is more appealing. But i'm still getting my workouts. Cant wait for the weekend.

Hi guys, as it turned out I didn't ice skate, I chickened out..but regretted it later:eek: I opted to hang with the other leader. My daughter later tells me it's like roller blading. ..well shoot I can do that..oh well next time. I did my walking all week, it was hard to get back on it after taking the weekend off..but I missed it..I'm so confused:spin: Today I put a book on my treadmill, and before I even knew it I walked 2.5 miles..CAN YOU believe it..:hyper: I think I'll try that reading thing more often I worked up to 7 incline. I just got an invite to my 20th Class reunion:balloons: I didn't want to go, but I'm thinkin..that's my incentive..I just may go it's not until the end of summer..which gives me plenty of time..I'm with you WNY..I just shut my door and spend and hour that is all about ME:flow1: on the weekends the kids know don't knock on that door unless it is an emergency during Me time. The weight is finally budging..that is probably the most discouraging part how slow it is..I just tell myself that's hidden muscle building..Well til next time..have a great day..stay warm ..and safe..I tell you I have to give it to you people who brave the weather to do you walking..:bravo:
163/159/130 ish

Hey does anyone get involved with the superbowl ? My hubby and I never watch football but since the rest of the world is watching we pick teams and make little bets for the super bowl just for fun . Neither one knows about either team..this year I picked the Raiders..and does anyone have healthy snack ideas??:cbg:

Happy Saturday, y'all!

Just finished a Curves workout and threw in 15 mins on the elliptical trainer and some bench presses to boot. I really have no upper body strength, it's quite sad. I've pretty much stayed inside the last couple of days cuz of the weather, but no excuses! I am probably going to walk this evening too.

Grocery shopping is main agenda today. Going to get some recipe ideas from 3fatchicks and make good choices! Of course, teenage daughters are adding things like potato chips and ice cream to the list even as we speak

My daughter is attending her friend's debutante ball this evening, and I'm elected to crimp her hair and help her get dressed. I wonder if I have film to take a pic (mentally adds to grocery list).

Tricia, ice skating is not quite as easy as blading...but it really depends on the quality of the rental skates I think. I did it alot as a kid, but as an adult it just *kills* my ankles. Plus, that ice is a LOT harder than it looks! Good for you on the treadmill! Makes me wish I had one--we have a stationary bike but I'm not sure I could read on it. and 20th yr reunion--ah, the pressure! I skipped mine, but only because it just didn't seem worth the travel from LA to Mich.

Anyone else walking or working?

have a productive day, everyone!
--Jane


__________________

hello all! I walked today, froze my poor ears off, but worth the raised heart rate. Still battling headaches and sore throats. i think the weather is playing with all of us. Can't wait for Spring. I jsut feel better then. Always see pretty color swhen I walk. Winter is so desolate, and bitter. Seems I walk faster, jsut to get it over with. Haven't done my Pilates tape in a few days, but I'm seeing results in my body from doing ab work. I know I need to keep that up. Even walking, I can tell my body's shaping up. Gotta keep this up, cause it was hard as ever to get this weight off. Noticed a magazinea t Barnes and Noble today. So many, miracle pills out there, promising weight loss, wiht no exercise AT ALL.

Worries me, cause the only thing that helped me get healthy was exercise. I cheat more than I should, but the workouts, and the increased metabolism has saved me a lot of grief. Can't imagine how much money people dump into those pills. Although I started out on Ephedrine, and learned the hard way. it's not worth the chest pains, and palpitations. Not to mention the sweating... and jitters. Okay i'm rambling. Just checking in, and love to read the posts.

Hey, Svelte...I'm walking with you out there! It's probably not quite as cold here, but last week was plenty nippy with temps down in the 20's. I'm trying to walk at least every day, and do a Curves workout the days I don't walk. Tonight I did both! but mainly cuz I got to Curves late and had an abbreviated workout. Doing okay on calories too. Overall a little depressed because the scale's not moving like I'd like it to... I am trying to keep in mind that it WILL happen and I just need to keep it up. It's just hard when the balance of EFFORT vs REWARD feels so out of whack...

Anyone else walking?? mele, how's the weather in Hawaii!! (we are all SO jealous!)

Hey Jane, I did get my walk in this evening. It's been warming up again and it's been a little muggy (like LA in the heat of summer) but that's okay. We're expecting another cold front soon so it should start to rain a little to cool us off. It's easier to dry off from the rain than to warm up frozen noses and ears. I feel for you gals I really do. I was enjoying the cooler than normal temps the past few weeks and got a little uncomfortable at night when the temps went back to normal. I like to break a little sweat when I'm out, makes me feel like I really exerted myself :lol: .

Don't worry too much about the scale. Have you tried the measuring tape or your pants-o-meter? Maybe you're losing inches. I was interested in joining Curves but still haven't worked up the guts to go down and check it out...it's great that you do one or the other or even both. Just keep at it and yes the rewards will come.

On another note, do you participate in any of the Mardi Gras goings-ons in New Orleans? It's coming up soon and I would love to visit for Mardi Gras but I'm a little apprehensive about the infamous antics that go on just to get some beads or doubloons...that would definitely make me sweat :) . Sounds like a wild and crazy place to be though.

hi, I am still treadin, my hubby went to 2nd shift for a week or so, has really messed up my schedule:mad: I didn't think it would bother me so much to change from mornings to evenings, but I definitely like getting it done in the morning. JustJane, hang in there I too am seeing slow results:snail: but I just read that some people see weekly results and others it takes a couple of weeks. Many times too if you aren't eating enough it won't come off or if you are suddenly eating healthy, your body holds out to make sure you are going to keep feeding it. Before it will release. But it will happen..I refuse to give up and don't you either..we will all succeed together:grouphug: Oh, and melekalikimaka here you may need this:rain: you go girl. :bravo: take care guys