Hey Girls:wave: I didn't workout yesterday, the new job excuse and all! But, I did bring my workout clothes with me today and will get to it. I also have a business lunch and am going out tonight with friend! Not a good day for point counting, so I had better get my butt to Curves!

We have four men up for parole on Friday, so I have to update myself with their files and have meetings with their families, so a very busy and interesting day ahead...

Do something good for yourself today....bye!

I did a basic short 20 minute Pilates workout this morning, nothign too strenuous, because I have dance class tonight, and that really takes it out of me! I had Kashi Gol Lean cereal for breakfast this morning, and I have planned on having 2 clementines for my mid-morning snack. If your grocery store has them (they are usually in a little crate) they are GREAT! They are a variety of small tangerine (about half the size of an orange)that are EXTREMELY easy to peel compared to an orange, and they are seedless-and extra sweet! And-only 40 calories each! My kids just love them! Yummy...
Aphil

Hi all.. just checking in :)

Still doing well with my WW. Feeling good about it too!
Did my new Pilates DVD for the first time yesterday. That felt good too... although its not really a challenging one so I hope to move up to the next level DVD when I perfect this one :)

Sorry I don't have the opportunity lately to respond to everyone else.. hopefully my life will declutter a little soon and I'll be able to!!

Hope you're all doing well :)

Christine
176/173/130
Mini-goal: 169

Christine-I am glad you are doing well-the two Pilates dvd's that I have been doing are more beginner level ones with basic moves and 20-30 minutes long-but I have a new one that is 50 minutes long and uses the Dyna-Band, if you have seen those before inPilates workouts. It is the Stott's Pilates workout with the Dyna-Band. I think I am going to get brave on my Pilates day next week and try it out and see how I do...glad to hear you are doing well on WW and that you are 3 pounds down from it!
Aphil

Hey girls... I am still here!! and keeping up with all of you!! Just wanted to stop in and say Hi.... I am finishing up Week 11 on BFL!! Wow, hard to believe I am so close to finishing!!

Keep working at it everyone!! I will post more this weekend!!

Nola.

Good morning everyone!

Thanks for the nice comments regarding my sis. We did have a good time, and I could tell it really lifted her spirits. And she said that the good effects would continue for a couple days. She admits that medication is not a solution; just a temporary fix; that the real root of the problem is that she is not working; she is just definitely a "people person" and needs the social stimulation. She actually has not lived in such a rural place before, and with no close neighbors. I really hope she can find a job soon.

She brought over a bag of clothes for me; she takes absolutely meticulous care of her clothing, and can have items last for years! She used to be smaller, at least a size 10 and almost an 8, and at that time she was living with a man who was quite generous with clothing money, so I have "inherited" some nicer quality items that I wouldn't ordinarily have. :D Just need an occasion to wear them!

aphil, those 10-minutes workouts sound like a great idea. That's just the thing to do, keep the exercise varied, and isn't it cool that we are at a point when we actually look forward to doing something different and new? I found a tape I bought years ago, something with Tamilee Webb and using a step, that I don't even remember how it is...I am looking forward to my next day off to give it a try. With a new video try-out, I know not to count that as my exercise for the day, 'cause new ones are hard for me to absorb at first! (meaning "ahhh! what are we doing now? what is that move? wait up, wait up!" :lol: )

Zadie k, do you still ride? My odometer just ticked over to 13,000 miles...from being brand new in May 2002.

My husband had/has been doing Atkins...he is psyched now, as the scale is down 19 pounds, which is quite alot...being realistic, he also has alot to lose, so we know that the inital loss can be quite dramatic. I do encourage him, and he knows that it isn't a forever things; I keep gently saying, "and soon you'll be exercising with me, right?" It's ironic that HE has been the one telling me for years that to look really good, one has to do the exercise...I remember watching the "Solid Gold Dancers" w-a-y back in the early 80's, and saying that "they must starve themselves", and he corrected me by saying that they look that good by exercising, with weights. Smart man :p

Yay Christine, keep up the good work!

Hello to ALL the others who might be too busy to post; hope you are still reading and with us in spirit!

Your friend,
Holly

*shopping carts at the "Fireworks Supermarket" - too funny!!!*:lol: :lol:

Holly-it would be great to have your husband start to exercise with you...maybe you could start by getting him a short ab tape-one of those 8 minute abs or something that is short just for the tummy? When I first started working out, I eased into it slowly like that, with just such an ab tape-I think it was Denise Austin Hit the Spot Abs...when I was doing that regularly, then I added some time twice a week on the stationary bike-about 15 minutes each time, and slowly kept working up until exercise was a regular habit for me.
Maybe you can even "trick him" and plan to go to the park or to the zoo or something where walking or some activity is a factor-or check to see if there is any sort of cancer walk or some charity event going on. I would actually like to participate in a walkathon or something like that some day soon-exercise and help others at the same time, you can't beat that!
My dance class was a real toughy last night...we did a lot of the moves we do, but did them in combinations while playing our finger cymbals and going across the floor...my thighs are really sore and stiff this morning!
Nola-glad to hear you are almost through with your BFL challenge! I bet you are excited-it is great to finish a fitness goal!
You will have to tell us all about it!
Aphil

Well, I was a bad girl yesterday, my co-workers took me out to eat at this fabulous Bed& Breakfast Inn. I had the chicken salad and Italian Chicken soup...no problem right?...then we decide to share the dessert special...I thought, "Oh, well split three ways it won't be so bad and I don't have to finish it all...it was a fried tortilla with sugar and cinnamon, inside was a cheesecake and sliced bananas. It was rolled up and topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, hot caramel and cool whip...to die for...I finished every bite and it was worth it! Today I am sticking to the points and eating lots of fruits.

I didn't make it to Curves-dispite my best intentions, but didn't get out of work until after 6! Best of luck to everyone...:rain: rain rain go away!!!

Pool Woes
 

Hi Everyone,

I haven't lost my mind yet but I'm working on it! My "work in progress" pool has water in it but no pump running yet. Let's just say it's not "clear" and that's really bothering me. :rolleyes: Hopefully they will have it circulating soon as I am quite perturbed about it.:bomb:

We enjoyed a wonderful day of constant jack-hammering as the "unskilled" laborers removed the rest of the patio in 4" segments. I thought I was going to start crying :cry: around 3 in the afternoon when they still weren't finished and I had to stay home and couldn't leave. After they finished, we discovered that we had TERMITE damage :sp:under that section of the house!! Of course I just took that to mean the end of the world was coming:yikes:...thanks to DH and the trusty exterminator, I found out it was just a couple of boards and it will be taken care of by the end of next week.

I have to admit to you that this has been very wearing :tired: on my nerves...I don't think I'd be a good canidate to have a house built from scratch as I want it all done now and with no mistakes or surprises and that's just not the way things work. I also do not like people telling me they are going to do something and then not show up or call...I believe that's grounds for imprisonment:bomb:..ha, ha.

I am having someone come out tomorrow to give us a bid on putting a screened enclousure over the pool as opposed to a fence...I really do want to do this as it will keep a lot of bugs and debris out of the pool area. We'll see, I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much...the cost is going to be several times more than a nice fence. :crossed:

On a brighter note: I have lost most of my vacation padding and I'm hoping to be back down to where I was some time next week. The Dr. appt. I was supposed to have right before we left for vacation was cancelled so I need to set another one up to get me blood checked.

It's no fun being a responsible adult...:no:

Hey Georgialady hang in there..it will get better. We put in a pool two years ago and I went through ****, too. Of course they were over budget and behind schedule-it's all normal and this too shall pass. Right now we are putting a fireplace and hearth in our family room and tearing out the wall between the family room and computer room. Try living under the same roof with construction. I cleaned and vaccumed (for what seemed like hours) one day after the drywall was torn out, later that night I turned on the ceiling fan and it looked like a snow storm in my house...nothing ever goes according to plan during construction/remodeling projects. Hopefully you can get some enjoyment out of the pool yet this summer...best wishes!:cool:

This thread is my lifeline today, here I was bragging about this great new job, but the stress is killing me-I am making a decision if this man gets released from prison or serves out the rest of his sentence. I started out with a bag of Quakes-(carmel corn) and now I have eaten about 4 servings-stress! I can't seem to stop this snacking, TOM is right around the corner and my DD birthday party is this Sat. Ouch!

Hello everyone,

Sorry I havent posted in a few weeks(but have been reading) its just that life has been a real bummer lately. My older sister (she is 49) who had cancer two years ago, has it back in a very severe way. She had a hysterectomy 2 years ago to prevent cancer (that is what her gyno told her) well it turned out that almost 4 months after her surgery the gyno just happened to see her one day and say "oh by the way you need to see an oncologist as you have cancer" (this was after she had told her that she was all clear) so immediately she went in for radiation for 6 weeks and then the radioactive isotopes in isolation for 48 hours.
Every thing seemed fine until we found out at the end of May that her cancer had come back and that she would have to have chemo. She knew she there would be a possiblitiy that she would lose her hair and she was coming to grips with that but she never expected what would come next. She had to go for a complete body scan to make sure that the cancer had not spread and the results came back that it "was not" any where else. Well it seems that "they" (who ever reads the results) made a mistake and it has spread,,its in her bladder, rectum and vagina.It is a very agressive type and it was weeks before they found the mistake with the scans.
So now as the result of the mistake she is set to have surgery on July 21st to remove her rectum and bladder. She will be wearing bags on her side for the rest of her life. It seems so unfair that this has happened, as her new doctors (cancer specialists in St Louis) said this all should have never happened if those two mistakes from her previous doctors weren't made. She cries so much and I cry along with her, I am a loss for words to comfort her, I want to be strong for her and to give her strength but I cant get over the tears myself.... I dont want to lose my sister, and to be so far away from her at this time in her life is tearing me apart.

In the meantime, I too have been going through some medical tests. I found a doctor here in Calgary that listened to me and what has been happening to me for years and he told me straight out that he will find out what is wrong with and fix it !!! I feel comfortable knowing that.

On the WW front, I have not been back since I had that tremendous 1 week loss of 8.4 pounds. It has been so hard to stay focused when I know what my sister is going through.

I miss my meetings and my routine. It seems so shallow to think about myself losing a few pounds when my sister is faced with losing her life.

Congrats to everyone on their accomplishments, maintenance and efforts. You are all doing wonderful! and remember to keep on smiling !

Nancy:df:

:cry: Oh, Nancy! That is SO terrible, and just so god-awful that stupid mistakes contributed to the spread...I have tears in my eyes, commiserating with your family. Of course you cry with her...sometimes being a rock of strength is possible, and sometimes it just is not possible, and you cry and hold each other. Please know that we are all feeling so terrible at hearing this awful news, and thinking and praying for your poor sister, and wishing you strength.

Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about what your sister is going through. Thank goodness she has you to talk to and count on. Please feel that you can come here any time and just vent. You are in my thoughts.

IdealPerson...thanks for the comment...I guess I'm thinking that if I put some of my problems in perspective, I don't have a lot to complain about when I realize what others are going through.

I'm going to try to work on being more thankful.

Nancy-I am so sorry to hear about the news. Everyone here is right-she is lucky to have you to talk to and lean on. We have had our share of fatal and near fatal doctor's "mistakes" in our family as well, and it is such a shame. I realize that they are only human and make mistakes too, but I think sometimes after years and years of doing it, it becomes a "job" to some of them, just as with our ow careers-but in that field you simply cannot space out and "go through the motions." You have to be there, and realize how many lives are in your hands.
You and your sister are in our thoughts, but don't feel like you are being selfish when you miss your meetings and long to still do things for yourself. That is still vey important. Like Dr. Phil said on his show, you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.
Take Care,
Aphil

*hugs* for Nancy
 

Nancy.... what terrible news and my heart goes out to you and your sister. I just hope it all works out in the end and that she comes out of the surgery just fine. Keep us updated on how things are going, we are all thinking and praying for you both.

Nola.

Hello everyone,
Hope everyone is having a good Monday! I just finished working my upper body for 35 minutes, had some water, and am posting. I need to get my tush in there and get my abs and lower body done! :s:
I have been really busy, Jason went to the lake over the weekend, and my mom came up and spent the night with my and the kids. They thought it was the coolest thing-to have Mamaw stay with them instead of the other way around. :lol: We took them to the park, rented them Sleeping Beauty at the video store, and took them out for lunch. They had a really nice time.
I indulged a little over the weekend, and it is just about TOM, so I need to get busy, because the scale showed a little creep upward this morning...and I need to get that under control rght this minute and not let a couple pounds turn into 10...we have all been there. I want to get it right back where it was, and get it going down even further after that! :) I have been staying steady at about 176 for quite a while, and have been steady in my workouts, but it is the little nibbles, bites, and licks that are keeping the scale from going down any further. :(
I have been doing a lot of sewing lately, and finishing a few last things for my stepbrother's wedding on the 26th...it is coming up so fast. Jasmine is SUPPOSED to be a flower girl...we shall see. I don't know if she will actually be able to do it or not, with everyone looking at her.
Well, I best get going and work these buns and legs...have a good day ladies.
Aphil

Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with the "good news"/"bad news" stuff this week.

The Bad News: The repairs and extras associated with the pool are costing much more than I anticipated. The pool is STILL GREEN!! The "critical" part of the pool pump assembly was damaged and they had to re-order it. The yard is a slick muddy mess.

The Good News: A relative is giving me some $ to help with the pool project...a true "no strings attached" gift. The pool part came in today. The electrician showed up. We accepted a bid to put a screened enclosure over the pool. The pool will NOT be GREEN much longer!! And....Drumroll here.......I am back down to my pre-vacation weight!!

I have to tell you that I'm so excited about going ahead with the screened enclosure...it will help so much with the bugs and debris in the pool. We will also have some "semi-clear" roofing over and out from the house about 16 feet which will provide shade and protection from rain. I had given up on getting the enclosure and figured it would just be a fence but then I found this company that specializes in enclosures and pool enclosures just about 30 minutes from here.

Anyway, I'm a happy camper and just had to share with you. I'm hoping to keep focused on eating right and journaling my calories so that I can continue losing weight. I want to get into the 140's ASAP and clicking on down to 149 will be a big boost for me. I've got a wedding to go to in 3 weeks and I want to look the best that I can...I'm finally starting to feel good about myself for the first time in a long time....

Talk to you all later...

Hello,
I just got back from Winnipeg late last night. I am still dragging. Ate really poorly.

Nancy, I am so sory to hear about your news. I hope everything is going as well as can be expected for now. Hopefully things will go well with the surgery and the new treatment team for you sister. I hope she has doctors now that she feels confident in. Please let us know.

I hope everyone is doing ok. It is kind of the mid summer blahs arround here. Too much to do, too little time. Totally blew off syudying this weekend and am now living in regret.

At any rate, back to the books.

zadie k, at least you helped me today! After reading that, I jumped up and just did what I needed to do, even though I didn't want to (which was a week's worth of laundry). Even when I totally don't want to do something, the regret at the end of the day is even worse, isn't it. So just do it!:D

Hey, I see we have even more new smilies to choose from! Thanks, whoever the Giver of Smilies is!

oh no, if Aphil has to get tough on herself...watch out for kicking your own rear end :D just kidding you know, let us know if you need the drill sargeant routine from us!

Had a compliment from a guy in traffic today; I was on the bike, and concentrating on watching the car in front of me, which was behaving suspiciously (I had an intuition that he/she was going to stop abruptly) when I heard a guy's voice from a vehicle say "suh-weeeeet!" Even if he only meant the bike it made me happy :lol:

GeorgiaLady, best wishes on getting the pool just the way you want it, as soon as possible!

Kanola, congrats on how great you are doing on your program! I have some more bike-related stuff that I'll share with you pm-wise, so I don't bore the others ;)

Idealperson, wow, what huge decisions you have to make. Obviously you are an educated and informed person, and I'm sure that you always make the best possible decision. But don't lt some sweet snacky foods do in your hard work! Take out your frustrations on some crunchy carrots or long-to-chew celery!

Nancy, how are you doing? We were all so immediately concerned about your sister, of course, but then there was the news that you found a doctor that LISTENS to you and has your trust that he/she will help you! That is wonderful!!

I just realized, the other night, that it is now a habit for me NOT to prepare a starch for our night meal. I'm okay without it, and I tell the boys that they can have a slice of whole wheat bread/toast if they want, but mostly we have a serving of protein, and lots of veggies - Dole-type green salad (and yes, aphil, we try to get the "greener selections" :D ) and cooked veggies. Once in a while we will have corn or peas; and of course some nights we do have spaghetti or ravioli; but the days of automatically cooking potatoes or rice or pasta are out. And I think that's okay.

We are not having a wet summer - though I know many folks in many other parts of the country are - I can get away with cutting the grass only once a week; it's still nice and green, but just not growing like crazy. And I've been able to ride (motorcycle) to work about 98% of the time, woohoo!!

Hello to eveyone else, and I hope everyone is well and happy! And working towards your goal!

Your friend,
Holly
(hoving at 141 this morning!)

Ooh Holly...141? Cool.
I am getting strict with myself...I am being strict about the workouts and the food intake-no nibbles or licks, and no finishing anything of the kids. I need to get in control again!
Aphil

Hello! Finally got back to this site...I weighed in on Monday and was up .4#. I was good 90% of the time, but on Tuesday my friend "Flo" came to visit...(got my period) so that explains it! This week I am trying to be sooo good and stay OP. I am still in the maintenance mode.

Has anyone tried the Slim Fast meal replacement bars? I like the candy bars for a quick 2 point snack, but was wondering if the meal bars were worth the 220 calories (just in a pinch). Are they good tasting and filling?

Great to catch up on all the new posts, keep those motorcycles running (and be safe). Enjoy this great weather:cool:

The new construction to this site is great!

Hello,
Just got back from a practice test. It went well. I am within one percent of passing with two weeks to go.

Someone asked, and yes I still have a cycle but it is broken. 1968 gillera 125. I am short so I got a short bike. Used to have a kawasaki kz400 but it was a little too tall and I did not feel quite comfortable. So now I can just putput along which is perfect in the city.

Well, back to the grind. Tonight it is more flashcards. Yuck.

Idealperson-the Slim Fast snack bars/candy bars are really good-and they are great for the occasional "gotta have my chocolate" attacks-it is better to have 130 calories of sugar then 250 in a regular candy bar...and they taste really good.
The meal bars, since there are so much vitamins and stuff added to them-do not taste that great. They have a lot of sugar in them and less in the taste department-so I would avoid those. They are chalky/grainy...and you can have a much more tasty snack or mini meal for 220 calories.
I had a great workout in class last night-since I have started my continuing class-I have really been working up a sweat each week in there! I am really learning how to play finger cymbals really well...and I talked to my teacher about taking a few private lessons later on so that I can learn to balance swords...(what I have always wanted to do!) She does that privately, because not everyone wants to learn it, or pay for their own sword. I am excited that she DOES teach it though...that should be an empowering experience!!!!! :devil:
I am working on my husband's stormtrooper costume-hoping to have it ready by Halloween. I will have to get a pic up when it is done-you really won't believe it when you see it. He is going to be the coolest dad taking the kids to rick or treat this year...:lol:
I have been slowly easing into some of my new exercise videos that I got in the exchange-I love it. I have done the basic Stott Pilates, the Walk Away the Pounds 2 mile, and the Kathy Smith Lift Weights to Lose Weight. I have a few more still to try-and couple on the way. It is just like Christmas.
I had a girl send me 5 videos last week for making her a belly dance top in exchange...I got two belly dance videos, and 3 strength training ones which I am going to try tomorrow! It is working out so great for me...now I think I will need a larger video cabinet for my birthday in October! :lol:
Aphil

Thanks Aphil on the insight of the Slim Fast bars. I hated to buy a box and have them go to "waist". That stuff usually tastes like the box that they come in. I do like some of their candy bars, infact...a little too much! But when you need chocolate, you need it!

Today I was feeling a little fun, so I am wearing a white eyelet tank top with a neon green jumper. It's the first size 10 I have worn in 10 years! I felt like something bright and it is lifting my spirits. Wish you could see me...the jumper hides my stomach! My problem area-but after 4 kids it could be worse!

Have a great day everyone!;)

Hello everyone!

Idealperson - that outfit sounds so cute, and how uplifting for your spirit, to feel cute and attractive, and it was all due to your hard work! Yay!

aphil, balancing swords?! Whoa! Double Whoa!! :D

Hey, I thought of you all today, at work, when I was dumping a 4o pound bag of sugar into the bin - on the side is listed the nutritional info, and serving size was 1 teaspoon - shall I leave this open as a fun trivia question, and ask you all to guess how many servings there were in that 40 pound box of sugar? :lol: :lol: I think I will let you all hazard a guess! *and round it off to the hundred, because I forget the last two digits :D

Well, my 141 weight was fleeting - now back to the regular 142. Oh well!

Have a great night, everyone, and a great day tomorrow!

Your friend,
Holly

2560 servings? I'm guessing 4 teaspoons in an ounce and 16 ounces in a pound times 40 pounds.

This makes me feel like I'm playing, "The Price is Right!"

What's scary is that I've eaten no telling how many pounds of sugar over the years.

I definitely was stressing today...but I snacked on my safety net of "okay" snacks and still kept the total cal's around 1800. I must do better tomorrow though!!

Georgia Lady-I think it is perfectly alright to snack a LITTLE when you are stressed or at that TOM, as long as you did what you did and keep it at a reasonable level-just a couple hundred more than normal. I often do the same thing myself at TOM, because it is either eat 200 more calories for 2 days, or hold off until I can't any more and then binge on junk...so indulging a little-but keeping control at the same time is a good coping habit. Besides-soon you will be at goal, and then you can eat around 1700-1800 calories every day as long as you continue with your exercise for maintenance! Wonderful things will continue to happen as you maintain your weight when you stick with the exercise-you will continue to get stronger and firmer, expecially if you continue to challenge yourself as time goes by...like walking 2 miles instead of one, or raising your weights in weight training, or Doing Walk Away the Pounds 4 mile tape instead of the 2 mile one...there is a way to advance your exercise to get even fitter no matter what type of exercise that you enjoy!
Holly-yes, balance swords! Namely...on my head, my chest above my bosom, the side of my hip, and on my knee with my leg bent and lifted up. :devil: Now I just need to ask the old hubby for a belly dancing sword for my birthday in October...:lol: I could print out a few pictures with website information and stick it in one of his Harley magazines....:lol:
I am trying some new tapes today for my strength training-it is a series of tapes by Tamilee Webb-each has a couple different 15 minute workouts on them-I Want Thos Arms! (for arms and upper body) I Want Those Abs! (for abs and back) and I Want Those Buns! (for butt and legs) You just pick a 15 minute workout from each, and you can do them separately, but I will do them one after another for a full 45 minute strength training routine.
I have Denise Austins Hit The Spot series tapes, which are similar-I have had them for a few years and they are staples in my workout. They each have three 10 minute workouts, each for upper body, abs, butt, and legs. I like it because I get a 40 minute strength training routine and it changes each time. I have body building books by Joyce Vedral, Rachel McLish, and BFL-and I find that in a lot of strength training tapes that they are doing the same exercises-just in videos lighter weights are used. I just advance them by upping my weights a bit, because I like following with a video rather than a book. I am looking forward to trying these new tapes today-and seeing how I like this strength training workout.
I have been a little frazzled the past week-my stepbrother's wedding is next Saturday (one week, one day) and I have so much to do-my mother in law and I are making the wedding cake-4 round tiers high, stacked right on top of one another-and it will be decorated really simple and elegant. Plain white icing, and a mauve wide ribbon around each layer. The icing border around the edges will be more elegant-not the traditional shell type of border, but with a round large tip-that makes the border look like "beads" or a large string of pearls. I am sure Holly knows what I am talking about.
I have the same type of border on my wedding cake a few years ago...we had 5 round layers stacked, with a layer of fall flowers and autumn leaves between each layer...it was gorgeous. Crimsons, burnt oranges, burgandies, browns, and gold...
Our whole reception hall was filled with Indian corn and pumpkins and the colors of autumn. I loved my wedding day...
Alysha's is going to be a little more traditional with mauve and silver as her colors. My theme was autumn Renaissance Faire, and hers is "simple and elegant." No laces, frills, or ruffles anywhere. Nothing puffy. Her dress is a simple strapless gown with a little light embroidery, and the bridesmaids are simple stright mauve gowns with spaghetti straps...Nothing is "foo-foo" girly. (ie-no dresses with a big satin bow on the butt!)
:lol:
I am really just frazzled about setting up the cake, and getting back in time to get Jasmine's hair done (flower girl) and getting her and myself ready in time to get her to the church for pictures before the wedding.
Well, I better go-I need to get some laundry done, and get to sewing and exercising.
Aphil

Aphil, your wedding sounds like it was beautiful!
I'm still to this day dissappointed in my wedding.
I was married in October (but planned for August originally). I wanted a beach wedding so since I'd started planning around that theme, I stuck with it in October, even though we were now getting married in my in-laws backyard! I really should've gone with an Autumn theme. I LOVE Autumn, its my favorite season!
Some day, when I've lost all this weight (notice i say WHEN not IF!!), I plan to renew my vows. I was thinking of doing it on the beach somewhere but the longer I think about it, the more I think I might prefer to go to the mountains and do a little ceremony there with the changing leaves and whatnot!

Okay, so now that I'm totally off topic for this board ... lol... I may as well continue on...
I really envy you your skills... sewing, cake decorating... you sound so creative! I mentioned to my mom that I'd like a sewing machine for Christmas but I don't think I could get nearly as creative as you! *sigh*

Annnnyway... on the weight loss subject, I'm doing great still. Sticking with this WW thing. I still have to add in the exercise on a regular basis though. But, even without it, I'm now down 6 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks! One more pound and I'll break the 170 barrier and reach my first mini goal of 169!!!

:)
Christine
176/170/130
mini-goal: 169

silence-you are doing great on WW! Sounds like it was just what you needed...
I have always been creative...always doodling as a kid, sketching...a normal factory or office type job was never for me. If you get a sewing machine, just start with simple patterns like tote bags or throw pillows to get you started, and get you to learn your machine and good technique. At Wal-Mart in their pattern they have "For Dummies" patterns that are good-because they explain things like how to put in a zipper, how to put in elastic, etc. easier for beginners. Just start simple, and work your way up. Let your creativity come from choosing what fabrics to use, and just take things from there.
Aphil

I have to agree with "silence" concerning your wide range of skills, Aphil. I have often thought that there could not be many things you were unable to do if you put your mind to it. I can tell you are a very "high energy" person. I wish I were more like that but I have periods where I just have to push myself to get things accomplished.

I have felt more energetic, though since I've been losing weight and exercising....

I felt like I needed to have a bit of a pep talk with myself today....I'm tired of being in the 150's and I'm ready to get down into and through the 140's. I tried to put my wedding rings back on today and they are still a bit tight. I'm determined not to have them sized so I have to DO SOMETHING!!

So, that's it....I'm going to focus on what I'm eating...going to write it down...going to keep it under 1400 cals. a day and keep up the exercise....I do not want to weigh 150 a month from now and that's exactly what is going to happen if I don't say, "no" to myself when I'm freakin out over the fact that every day brings a new and previously unexpected complication associated with our construction project.

You know what set me off yesterday was the fact that the pool guy actually showed up and tried to start cleaning the pool...then he tells me that we don't have enough water in it so I spend the next 9 hours filling up the pool and shutting off the water before it overflows. At the same time my DH is bringing in extra dirt in an extremely old dump truck and it get stuck...he gets mad...he brings in another worker and a piece of equipment to get the truck unstuck and the backhoe dies on him...it is now sitting in the yard awaiting rescue. We did manage to get about 6 loads of dirt hauled in so that should help out quite a bit.

I'm trying so hard to not let this stress cause problems between me and my husband....he's got so much to do without having to call these people several times a week and do extra work around here...I've really made it a point to thank him for all his help...cooked him a big steak last night.

But, my nibbling was definitely my way of trying to deal with the stress of it all.

I hope I'm not boring you all with this....

Georgia Lady-you are not boring us...being able to vent our problems somewhere and not be judged for it is a lot better than overeating because we are stressed. it is a great coping mechanism.
I am not as high energy as you all think...I have to talk myself into doing things, and make sure that I do not procrastinate. I sleep a lot-at least 7-9 hours a night-I CAN'T go on less. I actually have heard that hard driving type-A personalities require more sleep because we have our brains and stress levels on overdrive all of the time. Must be true.
I am always making sure that I am doing SOMETHING...it really helps to keep me from eating...I am a stress and a boredome eater. I am a real perfectionist when it comes to my art/crafts/sewing...the stitching, fabric, everything has to be perfect. My mother in law is the same way-so when we don't get along in other areas, this is a big common ground for us, and we often go to the fabric store and make things together.
I am not actually much of a people person either...I would much rather watch a movie alone or sew than hang out with a bunch of people having a drink. I never had many girlfriends...I guess it was because I never had any that I had enough in common with. That is why I love the internet-I have many new friends that I can talk about exercise and diet with here, and other friends to talk about my dancing, costuming, and sewing with on other forums.
I have gotten to meet a few of them, and I feel closer to all of my online friends than I do with people that I am around more at social events. I have a lot of "friends by association" and I love all you gals so much more. (definition: girlfriends and wives of MY HUSBAND'S friends...meaning-we have nothing in common, and I am forced to entertain them when my husband's friends bring them along. Isn't that terrible that I feel that way?) The only real friends I have of the female sort that I have anything in common with are some of my dancing friends and my mother and stepmother...both of whom I go out and do things often. My husband thinks that is really wierd...because he doesn't go out and do things with his mother or father like that, but I have more of a friendship relationship with both of them than most people do with their parents.
Most of my friends in high school were guys...because I was not into the cruising the mall and getting my nails done and dressing the same way as all of the other girls...I was a rebel. (laughs) I was the first girl around to get the tattoo...hung around all the skater guys...(laughs again)
So actually-a lot of times I feel like I am low energy-because I expend so much doing and going all of the time. In other words-I do a lot, but I am not "peppy" like a cheerleader. :lol:
Aphil

Hello,
Just a quick stop by to say that I am alive and will be once again sane in aproximatly 9 days. I have not yet calculated the hours, butI am almost there. No time to even weigh in (which is probbaly ok becuase I step on the scale too often normally). Just a heck of a lot of studying.

Sticking fairly well to the plan even now, but getting very bad about writing stuff down. It does not take that much time or effort, I am just so darm drained. Once again it is another thing that I will have to get serious about after the bar. Like so much else.

At any rate, back to the grind.

Great day...
 

I am in a strangely good mood today...
I did a great hour of strength training today...in a trade I aquired a great strength training set of tapes by Margaret Richard-I just love her. (She has the show Body Electric on PBS in the very early morning.) It is a set of two tapes with four workouts on them...
I stayed 100% on track today in my eating, and filled my fruit and vegetable requirements for the day...adequate protein...so I had a really good eating day.
I have gotten some things around the house accomplished that I have been meaning to do for a while as well, and have another dance top for the September workshop halfway finished.
We just got our invitations and all of the details for the upcoming class reunion next month...so I am really going to kick in the workouts over the next 5 weeks so I can get in as good shape as I possibly can...try to get things firmed up a little more so I can wear something nice. :)
We had a heck of a series of thunderstorms last night-took our power out for about an hour. It sounded like the lightening was striking right outside our bedroom window. Luckily-Jason's alarm clock for work has a battery back up just for nights like that-so he got up on time.
My brother's wedding is Saturday, and we have the rehearsal and all of that good stuff on Firday evening. I am excited, but will be glad when all of the running and planning and making things for it is over.
How is everyone?
Aphil

to release you all from the suspense - :lol: - there are 4536 teaspoons in 40 pounds of sugar!

I have today off, but it's been raining non-stop - I shouldn't complain, as we haven't had much rain, but it just zaps my initiative to do things!

Had a good workout with my bud Gilad :D yesterday, and will do something soon for my exercise for today. TOM is also making me feel sluggish and crabby, but hey, that's life.

My husband has lost 20 lbs. so far with the Atkins Diet - again, I'm not crazy at ALL about the nutritional aspect of it, but glad that he is feeling better about himself. He still hasn't picked up any exercise, though. Thanks for suggesting about us exercising together, aphil - I really thought that he would start going for walks with me at least. And I keep inviting him to join in with me when I do a Gilad tape, but oh no, I guess doing a tape led by a man isn't a manly thing to do :rolleyes: Well, I've got tons more toned muscles than he does; that shows that the exercises work! (again rolling my eyes).

What do everyone's kids do for the summer? My 13-yr-old goes to a town recreation program, from 10:00 to 3:00. For the first two hours they do outdoor stuff at the school, on the field, then have lunch, then go to the lake for afternoon swimming. Since the beach is just 1/2 mile from our house, our son has permission to walk home from there, instead of being bussed 5 miles back into town, then we'd have to pick him up from there. But on rainy days (like today) he's home, and jonesing to just play videos all day (rolling my eyes again!!)

Yesterday both my husband and I had off, BUT he chose to put himself on the Rescue Squad schedule as being available ALL day, so he couldn't leave the 5 mile radius of the town. That puts an extreme damper on us taking a long motorcycle ride together, so I was irked, and headed out by myself to explore a route we haven't done yet.

But a couple of miles out, I got the "guilts", that I was going to explore the road that we had wanted to do together, so I turned from there, and headed for a funky clothing place where I bought a black strappy tank top (has a built-in shelf-bra, so can be worn without a bra) and bought DH a pair of socks :D

Hope everyone has more energy than I do today!

Hi everyone!
Holly-my kids are still pretty young-so it is the basic going to the park when it is not too hot, going camping at the lake on weekends sometimes, playing out back on the swingset...I try to keep them inside between 11-2 to help avoid sunburn and the strong UV rays at that time or day-so then they have lunch and watch a video. I let them watch videos daily, but they are educational ones...not like Pokemon and junk like that. We have Baby Einstein videos, Exercise with the Teletubbies-which I LOVE. They actually get up and get involved and not just sit on the couch. Any of you with babies/toddlers or have any close in the family-try to find this video! It is so great. I always thought they were annoying, but this video is good. They come out and keep repeating a certain phrase like "Stretch up High" (stretching arms above their heads) or "Marching" or "Side to Side" (bending at the waist to each side) and they do it over and over again. It was great because it taught Raiden what jumping and marching and other simple activity actually was-like what the word was as well as the exercise. Jasmine is almost 5 and she still does it along with him and they have a blast.
I am actually looking to find a video I saw on Collage called "Yoga for the Kid in All of Us." It is a yoga tape for a child/children to do with their parent-I thought it would be fun to do with Jasmine.
Well, the kids have decided on their Halloween costumes-now I just have to search around for the materials...this year we are going to have "Dorothy and a Lollipop Munchkin" from Wizard of Oz. The costumes won't be too much of a problem...it will be finding the funky shoes for both of them. I can't wait to mousse Raiden's hair up into the Munchkin's little "devil horns!" :lol:
I think rather than the nude baby pictures...this will be the one he will be emberassed about when he is 16 and has a girlfriend...:lol:
I have already done my abwork today...and I need to get my cardio done...I plan on staying 100% until the reunion August 29-30, and hopefully I can get below this darn 176 by then! (laughs)
Aphil

Hey ladies :)

Today is official 3rd weigh in for me... I've been on WW for 3 weeks now. I'm at 170 still. I probably would've hit the 169 mini goal but I always allow myself to slide a little on weekends so 170 it is! And, I'm certainly not complaining! This brings me down 6 pounds in 3 weeks! I know things will be slowing down but its a nice start!

I wish I could make costumes for the kids... my mom used to for me and my sister :) Perhaps if I do get a sewing machine, I'll eventually get to that point (wishful thinking) ;)


Christine
176/170/130
mini-goal: 169

Hey All, how's everyone do'in? I feel like I have been gone so long! This time I flew to Florida for a three day parole training-not alot of fun, but the resort was nice. I missed WW this week, but feel like I may have lost, clothes are feeling loser.

On Saturday, I went to this party, my husband had to work and he didn't think I should go without him, But my mom had the kids for the night and I thought..."why sit home, he can meet me there?" Anyway, he did show up three hours later, but he said,"You look so nice, I don't like it when you go out without me." He never would have been jelous, but losing 55 pounds has made a difference. It's good for a man to be on his toes, don't ya think?

Another girl at this same party was talking to me about WW, she told her husband/boyfriend that I had lost 55 pounds and said that they couldn't afford for her to go to meetings. He said," if you can go and look like her I'll pay for it". She was rude to me for the rest of the night...oh well...

I need to get back into exercising, I've really lost my will to do it. Today hasn't even been a good eating day, too many carbs and now I feel tired.

Hope all is well and drink your water! (at least that is easy) :cool:

Great News!
 

Hey everyone!
Great news today...my instructor has worked out a trade with me...I will make the curtains and crib bumper for her nursery, and she is going to give me some private lessons!
I am going to be learning sword dancing-yippee!!!!!!! What makes it even better, is that she asked me if I wanted some performance experience...one of her more advanced classes is doing a show in September, and she said she would teach me the routine and I could perform with them! :hyper:
I am totally geeked up about this...my first performance, and with a more advanced class!!!! Yee Ha!
If an upcoming public performance isn't motivation to stick with my eating plan and exercise-then I don't know what is!!!
Aphil

Uncomfortable moment at party!
 

Yikes! But also yay! Talk about feeling flattered yet slightly uneasy at the same time! :lol:

But wow, that is so great - and the compliment from your husband too; yes, it's nice to have a little jealousy factor! As long as it's just a "little".

Those triumphant (sp?) moments are what we are working so hard for. DO get back into your exercising mode, as soon as you can - to keep your metabolism burning high, to tone and tighten that bod, to keep the clothes feeling looser all the time! :strong:

Aphil, Big congrats on the swap! You are a daring, wild grrl, balancing swords!! :bravo:

I tried the step aerobics tape that I found way back in the cabinet - it was Tamilee Webb, with two other instructors - now I remember why I tried to "hide" the tape - bleh - just couldn't connect with their obnoxious fake cheery plastic smiles and attitude. They all have very nice toned and shaped bods, but I don't know if I can stomach doing the tape. What a bad attitude I have! :lol:

I've had a change in my exercising schedule, in that I used to be pretty consistent in doing it the FIRST thing in the morning, like 5:00 or 5:30 am; lately it's being done in the afternoon, but so far that's OK, it hasn't made me miss it. When it is too warm in the afternoon, I do close up the house and put the AC on for a while; it sure feels GOOD to exercise with the cool, blowing air!

Silence, congrats with keeping with WW and doing great! How is the baby doing?

Hello to everyone else! and hope everyone's well.