Hi all!
Nola-so sorry to hear about the possible gallstones...I hope everything goes alright! You werer also crackingme up with the girlie farts thing...:lol: I actually watched a comedian do a skit on that subject, talking about how men are known for doing it, but when a woman does...IT"S BAD. I guess when we let loose, we can outdo a man anyday! :lol:
No-the stomach tattoo is not done yet...the shops have been very busy with everyone getting their tax returns back-he wants to wait a bit until it slows down, so he can take more time with me. I am using Mederma twice a day on my stomach though, it is really lightening the stretch marks up a lot, and smoothing them so they are closer in texture to my other skin. Trying to get these babies as close to invisible as possible!
I went to ther store last night-bought more apples, green seedless grapes, and baby carrots-the produce on sale. Great for snacking! I also bought a ton of my favorite yogurt and orange juice-which were also on sale!
We also completed the one side of the house where we pulled out all of the bushes-got the edging up and the rocks down. I am excited about it! I will have to take a picture of the other side of the house, where there are the same exact ugly bushes-just in the opposite order-and send it to you Holly! They are that ugly.
Well, I need to get my strength training done...gotta build those muscles!
Aphil

Resisting temptation--or trying anyway. My DS was home early from school today and I took him to lunch. I told him that we could go anywhere...he suggested the dreaded CHINESE BUFFET!! Of all the places he could suggest...this is one restaurant I have avoided for the past several months because it is my favorite. We used to visit 1 - 2 times a week. Anyway, I brought my little notebook (much to my DS's surprise) and sat at the table and tallied up the calories...my guestimate was around 480. I did not go back for seconds and that is a first for me. Actually, it all turned out okay....I won't go back to visiting once a week but maybe every now and then.

It is so warm outside right now...the heat has not been on in days. Our trees and azaleas are starting to bloom and there are BEES everywhere!!

I'm starting to try on clothes -- getting ready for our trip in a week or so...I so need a tan it is not funny. Better be sure to bring lots of sunblock!! I look okay in most of my outfits but know that 20 more pounds off will look a LOT better. Going to have fun anyway and just not worry about it.

All right, back to work for me!!!

Hi,
Boy did I have a killer workout today! I did upper body strength training for about 15 minutes of pretty intense arm, chest, back, and shoulder work...and 10 minutes of intense ab work. For my lower body-I decided to take Raiden for a walk in the stroller-since Jasmine is with my mother in law for the day-for long walks, the double stroller can be too much to control at times-going up hills, etc.
We have a city walkway in our town-paved with park benches every half mile or so-for walkers, runners, rollerbladers, etc. Raiden and I walked about 3 miles in an hour-a decent pace pushing a child. :) The last half mile about did me in, as it got very windy outside-VERY windy-and I was walking against the wind pushing a stroller-plus uphill for part of that. My thighs were really burning!
Aphil

Doen't it feel good to have those burning thighs? Yesterday, I was driving an agency car and thought I was stitting on something, so I literally felt under my butt, finding nothing- it was my butt muscles!!! I still have them!!! I am hoping to be down 30# on Monday at WW, I have worked out everyday this week (the first time in all my years!)!! Look what you all have created in me-thanks for being a great influence!

Hello!
 

Hi there!

I've been reading a lot of the older posts and I thought you were a great group! Can I join?! :)

I am "doin' it the old fashioned way." Over the past four years I managed to gain nearly 50 pounds.

I'm making a healthy lifestyle change -- eating low-fat, watching my calories, and cutting out processed carbs, and eating more protein, fruits and veggies. I also exercise 45 minutes, 5 days a week (either the exercise bike or the elliptical machine).

I'm a newlywed (just celebrated our 6 month anniversary) and married life is great for me: my husband is my best friend and supporter. We live in Chicago with 6 cats :o

We're actually going out tonight to celebrate our anniversary although we're a week late...hubby is in broadcasting, and with the war, he's been working a crazy amount, and finally he just said, enough! We're going out to celebrate! We're going to a favorite French restaurant and I've already pledged to myself that I'll have the steamed mussels for an appie, then grilled fish and a salad for the entree. Sorbet for dessert, and one glass of wine.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself!

Rapunzel
192/188/130

Hi Rapunzel!
Sure you can join in, the more the merrier! :lol: (I am such a goofball!)
Those sound like very good restaurant choices!
Well, the patterns came in for the costumes, and we are going shopping for fabric and notions sometime this weekend...I am anxious to get started on these babies! :)
I had a very sensible high protein dinner, and am having my evening snack of some baby carrots...I am really trying to get the most out of the next couple of weeks...to try to achieve my mini-goal of 175 by my son's party. I am staying the same with my calories, but upping my cardio, and cutting out my treat foods and placing more fresh fruits and veggies in their place...hence, the carrots and grapes for my bedtime snacks.
Well, I need to get going-I have a busy weekend ahead of me...lots to do and I need my beauty sleep...I REALLY need some beauty sleep! :dizzy:
Aphil

I found that good old fashioned weighing and measuring (though it can be a pain in the neck) in addition to my exercise regimen and supplements have helped me, as well as made me less hungry. I've also cut out red meat, and Splenda is the best sweetner around (Equal is OK too, but Splenda doesn't leave an aftertaste!)

Good morning everyone!

The lesson I learned last night is that I cannot go to our favorite "special" country French restaurant and be confronted with French baguette, hot out of the oven, and whipped butter seasoned with dried tomatoes, rosemary and garlic, and terrific Alsatian wine, and dark chocolate cake filled with hazelnut and a glass of cognac that goes with the cake...and NOT eat these things.

So I did, despite my best intentions. I also had salmon and Israeli couscous.

But, as I told my husband, I don't think it's the special celebratory dinners that ultimately make a difference: I think it is the daily consumption of filet o' fishes and other McDonald's McValue meals that wreak havoc on a weight loss plan.

So, with no further ado, I started again today. Breakfast was egg whites and a cup of bran cereal. Plan on doing 45 minutes of cardio today.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Rapunzel
192/190/130

holy cow. I think I just gained a pound *reading* about that meal Rapunzel!! wow. *wipes drool off chin*

Today was my induction to the Alpha Betta Gamma Honor Society. It was wonderful and I had to keep myself from getting all teary eyed. But of course as soon as I looked at my mom and saw how proud she was of me I started to cry. What a baby! I tried to keep myself from getting all emotional throughout the whole thing but once I saw mom I knew that was the end of it.

I also dropped one of my classes, which is the online course. It was so stressful and it was keeping me from concentrating on my other classes and was bringing my grades down. So I dropped it without any damage to my GPA.

We have so many new people here that I feel as if have moved into a new neighborhood...wow that is great. I feel the energy in every post, which is very motivating! I have to honestly I have not been trying but once this semester ends at school I will be pounding the track to get the scale moving.

Well it is great reading all the posts and it is wonderful to see so many becoming active and taking charge of their lives.

Hugs to you all, until next time!
Kina

Kina-your new picture looks great!
Guess what? Monday is my weigh in day, but I jumped on there this morning-and the scale did the "waver" where it goes back and forth between two pounds...it wavered between 179 and 180...so hopefully tomorrow at official weigh in it will be at 179-then I will do my happy dance! ;)
I am really busy with housework and getting ready to go pick up the patterns for the troupe costumes, and pick out the fabrics today with the girls...I am very anxious to get started!
I went out to Pizza Hut with the family yesterday-I did SO well. I avoided the pizza-had a diet Pepsi, one breadstick without the dipping sauces (150 calories) and the salad bar. I was impressed, because with all of the regular dressings, they also had a basket of fat free Marzetti's dressing packets-Italian, Ranch, and Honey Mustard-so we are going to have to go there more often-Jason and the kids got their pizza, and I had a sensible lunch. (I am all ofr salad bars that have diet dressings available-there are still some who don't! Even more impressed that they had 3 kinds!)
So-another restaurant that I can eat at and stay OP is on my list! :)
Everyone have a great day, drink your water, exercise, and stay OP! Summer is around the corner!
Aphil

Hello everyone!

First, is everyone else getting slammed with pop-ups here? I never got them before, but lately they're constant! And for stupid weight-loss pill offers, too...

Aphil, I just know the scale is going to be in the 170's now for you! Woohoo! What a great job you did at Pizza Hut, also!! and thanks for keeping the ugly bushes in mind for me :lol:

GeorgiaLady, woohoo to you too, for exerting such good self-control at a Chinese food buffet!!! That would have been killer for me.

Nola, gosh, we're so sorry to hear of the gallstones - hope everything turns out well for you !!! :grouphug:

Idealperson - yay for feeling butt muscles! :lol: that was so funny to hear, but good that you're working them enough to feel them! Keep up the good work!!!

Rapunzel2, welcome! We're always glad to have new friends!

Lori, welcome also!

Kina, congratulations on your induction! Of course your mom is so proud of you; we are too!!! And yes, nice new photo of your pretty self! When YOU are ready to get back on track, we are here to cheer you on!

Hello also to Christine, tryin'hard, Jacklyn, missymont, and Nancy! Hope I haven't forgotten anyone!

Hey, when we start a new thread, how about if we do a kind of "roll call", as there are a few new friends here - we could just list a few facts about ourselves...? just a thought.

Well, ladies, FINALLY the scale has moved a smidge to the left of 145 for me! It's wavering between 143-144. I'll take it!! I can only blame myself for having alot more starches and a few sweet treats, and not drinking the 64 ounces of water daily...but I have been right on with the exercise (the "legwork torture chamber", as I affectionately think of it, on those days! :lol: )

I recently received my latest collage.com video catalogue, and am going to ask my husband to take some digital shots of me in exercise gear, and submit them with my story...if they use it, the pic gets published in the catalogue and I receive $100.00 worth of videos!!! I'm gonna go for it!! There's a pic of a lady who's in her 50's and looks just GREAT!! An exercised, toned body is so attractive for anyone, at any age. And such a compliment to the person's self-discipline and control.

Oh, how about mentioning the importance of...good socks?! :lol: I hadn't realized how cheap and no-good the "economy" socks I was wearing were...until I bought a pair of $3.00 92% combed cotton/8% Lycra-Spandex cushiony crew socks...they feel SO good...I just bought the 1 pair to see if I like them, and will get some more.

Hey, does anyone else here know about the Nantucket Nectars Cap Club? You collect the caps from bottles of Nantucket Nectars/juices, create your online account and send in the caps...they have ALL kinds of cool stuff to get free!! I just send in 350 caps, and chose to receive two $75.00 gift certificates to Foot Locker.. am going to treat myself to two pairs of New Balance cross-trainers! (no, I didn't drink all that juice! We sell them at work, and when people put their jars in the recycling bin, I take the caps then :cool: )

My husband and I went for a nice, long motorycle ride yesterday; we ended up only 8 miles from the Canadian border! We went about 80-90 miles altogether. And I wasn't sore at all afterwards, which is good, 'cause that ride is nothing compared to what we'll be doing soon! (in 28 days, not that I'm counting, haha )

Have a GREAT day, everyone! It's snowing here (BLAH!) but I'm still in a good mood! :cool:

Oh, and THANK YOU everyone for your support for ME and against the jealous general-store lady! You know, she even said that "mid-life crisis" thing to our son. She's not an unattractive person, prolly a size 8 or 10, walks 2 or 3 miles daily for keeping in shape, but has NO animation or friendliness in her face, which makes her extra mean and nasty! grrr. My comments, that are in my head, are, "well, Kathy, what did YOU do to deal with YOUR mid-life crisis already?" or "gosh, I'm just happy that my husband and I LIKE to be with each other", as she and her husband don't seem very loving with each other! oh well. I'll just sashay my black-leather clad butt in there with confidence!!!!!

Your friend,
Holly

Monday blahs...
 

Hey girls!! Looks like you all had a busy weekend!!! LOL

I had the worst day today :(

I booked in for the ultrasound (possible gallstones) for tomorrow morning at 10:30 am... meaning I am having a DAY OFF!!! And blood work too. I have to not eat/drink for 8 hours before the test... grrr... I am one of 'those' who HAVE to eat almost immediately after I get out of bed so this will be a challenge. I am going to stay up later and sleep in a bit while hubby goes to the gym and then brings the car back for me to drive during the day. I will drive him to the train station tho!! :)

My work hit me with some hard news this afternoon as well. Our contract has been renegotiated and it looks like we won the tender. That is the good news. The bad news is that there will be a total restructure of the department, and looks like I will be heading for redundancy.... s*&^%s me off because I spent 8 months fine tuning the finances and data.... go figure. Looks like a good opportunity to dust off the resume, and go job searching. I have never been out of work so I am not too worried about that.... and I have some freakin fantastic experience and references from my 8 months of ****. I will find out on Thursday what is going on, but from the phone call I had today, looks like a sure thing. I am going to call my old manager and the agency that head hunted me for this job tomorrow after the tests..... I already have a flash new resume saved too!!! I hate job hunting.

I think that is enough stress for one day!! Crickey mates!! I stayed on track even though I was stressed. Went out for lunch with my team .... because one of them was on a 4 month contract and she had not gotten her residency status yet. She was from the UK and is on a bridging visa until she gets her residency but still has the 4 month work restrictions. They are not filling her position (which means double workload for me) and that is when I got the phone call about the restructure. I had a beautiful mongolian beef at a wicked chinese restaurant, lots of green tea and diet coke!! I got NOTHING accomplished today work wise and left early after the phone call. GRRRRR.

Hope everyone else has a much better start to their weeks!!!

:)
Nola.

Oh ya....
 

I hate the pop up crap ads too.

I am off for a hot bath.... some yoga...... get rid of my grumpy mood!!! :P

I just kissed the 180's goodbye!
 

I hit 179! Yippee! :cb:
Holly-that is so funny about you taking the juice tops! When I was a younger, I worked in a gas station while I was going through cosmetology school, and we had 4 pop machines outside and had to fill them every week...it was when Pepsi had that big promotion with Cindy Crawford, and you saved the points to get stuff. Us girls who worked there filled the machines with pop cans, and saved all the points from the case boxes...shute, we had the beachtowels, the shirts, you name it! :lol:
Good for you...have fun when you get those Foot Locker certificates! I just love new athletic shoes!
We got the fabrics for the troupe costumes...I am going to try to describe it for you-there will be 5 girls.
girl one-wrap half top with flared sleeves and hip sash in black fabric with a silver metallic design, and her skirt and the inside of her sleeves in silver metallic.
girls two and three-same costume, but the tops and hip sashes will be in white fabric with a silver metallic design, and the sleeve lining and skirts will be in a whitish silver metallic.
girls four and five-same costume-tops and hip sashes in chocolate brown with a metallic gold design, and sleeve linings and skirts in gold metallic.
I have the sashes cut (did it last night) and will get them all hemmed hopefully today...and then start on the skirts.
I am so pumped up about getting into the 170's...I think when I hit 175-if I meet my mini goal of getting their by Raiden's birthday party, that I am going to treat myself with something. I don't know what yet, but I am.
Well, I am gonna run...lots to do today-Nola, I hope that you are feeling a little less grumpy and stressed. I know the yoga or bath always helps me...but when it is bad, so does punching a pillow! :lol: (We can always pretend it is Holly's general store lady...:lol: )
I will start a new thread after my next post...when I have a little more time!
Aphil