Hello everyone! It's been a while since I have left a message. I read the board pretty much every other day, I'm just bad about posting!
GeorgiaLady~so sorry to hear about your neighbors!That must be so difficult, especially after you having to deal with installing that pool over the summer!
I wont respond to everyone individually because that would take forever! I am sorry to hear about all the personal difficulties. Hopefully things will work out for the best...they usually do, its just hard to see it at the time.
Anyways, we are planning our yearly trip to Cancun. We are leaving April 1 and my weight has sky-rocketed!!! I am trying to get back into exercise but I have only shown a 3 pound loss in the past month.....I keep telling myself its better than nothing, but its hard to work so hard and see so little results.
On a good note I have found something I really enjoy. I bought my first Pilates tape and I am hooked. I figure if I can do that along with my walking, I will at least be toned up a little...even with no weight loss. But I am of course shooting for a weight loss as well. Anyways, I need to get back to work, I will post more later!
KC, hello, oh my gosh!!!! My jaw dropped reading about what has been going on with you. That is just so awful. I can't even think of what to say. except that I am SO sorry to hear that. That YOU and your family have to give up YOUR treasured home, because of those...people. So unfair. No wonder you're depressed. Please come here to vent, you have our love and sympathy!
Hello jacklyn!! so good to hear from you. Oh yes, the Cancun trip! Hope it's wonderful for you..how soon is it?
Hi Christine, hooray for you for doing the tape! Just doing it, and knowing that you did, will help.
Hi vmelo, thank you for your tips also! Could you please describe what a walking lunge is? Anything for my legs, I will try!
Hello to everyone else! Hope you're encouraged by it being February as I am. Even though we received about 6" of snow last night, it's not heavy to shovel, and it's actually warm here (well, for us, 30 degrees IS warm!) We also had ttwo nice sunny days in a row, which is great for my spirits. I can't wait to get on my 'cycle again!!!!!!
Have had so-so days on eating...exercise, as usual, is still going fine; infact, after giving a girl at work some advice, I realized that since I'm not sore after my strength days, I've got to up it again so the other day, when I did the Gilad Step and Tone, I used 8 lb. dumbbells, instead of the 5lb. Couldn't do the whole tape with the heavier ones, but stuck it out as long as I could. And yes, I felt it the next day! sore!
I have to share a compliment I received yesterday; a lady whom I haven't seen in...7 years?..she took off her sunglasses, stared at me, and said that I looked younger than when she last saw me That was GREAT to hear, as I know that my body is much better, but am always worried about my face and lines and wrinkles...at least the lines I have are the ones generated by smiling anyway, the words she said were "you look phenomenal" (spelled wrong, I'm sure) and I was so pumped by that. It helped me NOT snag my afternoon cookie!
I have today off, but have lots to do...laundry, clean kitchen, prepare for a meeting tonight, so I'd better get going. Have a great day everyone , and again, KC, god, what a horrible thing for you to have to endure. Will be thinking of you!
GL, wow, that is just awful!! Its hard to believe that the police can't do more than that. I hope it all works out for the best for you and your family!
Jacklyn, I'm jealous! I think even I could be motivated by a trip to cancun I'll have to let my husband know (once he gets a job) that we need to plan a trip for motivation Think he'll go for it?
Well, that workout didn't do much for me. I felt nothing yesterday... no effects.. no soreness whatsoever. However, I'm going to continue on the 12 minute workout because I think its really more to get me into a habit than anything else. I'll stick it out for 2 weeks and then hopefully I'll feel motivated enough to move on to the slightly harder workout.
It'd be really nice if I could get my bedroom organized enough to make space for the treadmill too. I think adding in a couple days of walking on there would help. We're currently working on the room because my inlaws are visiting this weekend and my mil and sil haven't ever seen our house so we'd like to be able to show them an uncluttered bedroom during their tour So perhaps after they leave, we can drag the treadmill in from the garage!
VM, when my sister worked at a fitness club, she swore by walking lunges. Apparently they're the best leg exercise she could find. Basically its like a lunge but instead of pulling back up to your original position, you pull your second leg up to meet the first (like taking a giant step forward). So you're doing lunges but getting somewhere at the same time My sis used to do these back and forth across the gym during her breaks.
I haven't stepped on the scale in a day or two so I'm not sure how that's going (yes, I'm a daily weigher) but I'll definitely update tomorrow (Thursdays are currently my offical weigh day).
Hey Christine! You have no idea how much of a motivator it can be! The thought of me in a swim-suit at this point scares me enough to where I will pass up that extra serving. Sad thing is that I tend to always lose weight this time of year, but it is all back by the beginning of May. I am hoping that I can stop that yo-yo this year. We'll see.
I was doing my Pilates last night and asked my husband (jokingly) if he wanted to join in. After he quickly said no, I responded "well just dont hate me when I have a six pack stomach". He dryly responded that he was happy to keep his keg. That shut me up. Everyone have a great day!
thank for the lunging description, Christine! I would like to try them...but will have to wait 'til it's nicer outside, because (no exaggeration) my house is too teeny and crammed with stuff to manage more than two of 'em
this is a quick post about a good kind of bread I discovered - Arnold's Carb Counting 100% whole wheat. I had a coupon for it, which was then doubled, otherwise it would be difficult for me to spend $2.99 for a 1lb. 4 oz. loaf of bread.
I've always liked Arnold bread, as it's a bit firmer than other types. And this kind is also firm, has 70 calories per slice, and 3 grams of fiber per slice. They're not over-sized slices, but not skinny-skinny-sliced. I like it!
Good morning! well, late morning.
It's so nice to have two days off in a row...because I slacked yesterday, and didn't clean the kitchen, nor do laundry! So I HAVE to do it today. sometimes I just need the pressure put on me to accomplish things, lol.
Was naughty at my meeting last night and engulfed two cupcakes, but they sure were good. I'll try to keep remembering them, as it helps me if I think of my intake on a weekly basis; then if I have a bad day, I won't think of it as a total write-off.
Tried to find some different exercises on FitTV, but nothing clicked,so I just did my regular Gilad arms/abs/butt/leg tape, and added some weights. Also left the ankle weights on while doing the ab work; it helps add some tension.
We have another sunny day, which is so good for the spirits! Deep snow everywhere and cold, but with sun!
Georgia Lady, like everyone else, I was appalled when I read what you're going through. I can't believe that the police haven't done more than just show up. It seems as if these people should be taken to court, fined, or whatever it takes to stop making everyone around them miserable. I do hope it works out for you.
VermontMom, glad you got the description of those walking lunges. When it is nice outside again, give them a try. I think you'll find them challenging and effective.
I weigh myself tomorrow. I'm not going to make once-a-week weigh-ins a habit, though, because I find that I just get too focused on it. However, since I went back on program three weeks ago, I am curious to see my progress (my official weigh in for my "start" weight was last week).
I've been doing pretty well on my food and exercise. The couple of days I've gone over my calorie allotment, I've somehow found the will power to cut back on my calories the following day to make up for it. Actually, I like varying my calories like that once in a while anyway because I think that doing so "fools" my metabolism so that my body doesn't get used to a certain number of calories everyday. (Don't you just love the faux science that we come up with when losing weight!)
I've done pretty well with exercise, too, managing to get it in somehow even if I didn't get to the gym as planned. On Tuesday, I was just too beat to get up at 5:10 a.m. and go to the gym. I was supposed to do my weight lifting routine that day. Even though I missed going to the gym, I still did some weight lifting on my own at home after work, using dumbells and a toning band. Today, my alarm clock went off 50 minutes late so I wasn't able to go to the gym today either. So, on my way to work this morning, I stopped by the mall (down the street fr/ where I work) and did a fast "mall walk" for 30 minutes (I took 1/2 my "lunch" in the morning! Lucky thing my boss allows a lot of flexibility in our schedules). I'm really pleased with myself because these two incidents show what a completely different mind set I have about dieting and exercise now than I had years ago. Years ago, if I somehow missed my "planned" workout, I would just not do any exercise at all that day. Now, I think I've gotten rid of that "all or nothing" mentality and will just create a "plan B" if my "A" plan pans out.
Anyway, I'll check in tomorrow and post my weight. Hope everyone has a GREAT day!!
Okay.. I refuse to share today's weight! I think its water retention as AF is due tomorrow. I think I'll just skip the weighin this week and wait til next Thursday
Vmelo, I totally hear you on mixing up the calories like that. When I was being good, I'd hit a plateau (sp?) and the only way out was a day or two of higher calories. I really do think it boosts the metabolism. Otherwise, your body gets used to the same thing every day. I like to allow myself one cheat day a week... not only does it kick the metabolism but it gives me something to look forward to. If I really want some cookies... I'll just remind myself that Saturday I can have them. It makes them much easier to pass up until then!
I've done my DVD twice now... I'm happy that I'm making myself do it, even though its not much. I may move to the 16 minute workout next week instead of doing two weeks of the shortest one first. I just feel like it'll be a little more challenging. Then when I get to workout C (the 41 min one), I may go to 2x per week of that and then 3x on the treadmill. I think I can handle 20 min on the treadmill mon/wed/fri and 40 min with the dvd tues/wed. I know that exercise makes all the difference, so even if I can't get totally on plan with the diet, that working out should make a huge difference. A few years ago, I lost 10 lbs just from walking 3x per week... I wasn't even trying.
I got some books from the library on exercise and diet. Anything to motivate Then I went and made chocolate chip cookies.... I'm so bad! I've been having some serious stress steming from my mom's new husband though so of course I'm turning to food... blah!
This weekend my inlaws visit... doubt we'll have much healthy eating then. Plus AF is coming... can we say, cravings!? I think the world is against me!!!
Anyway, I have no hopes for behaving until at least Monday... I'm not going to try to fool myself either. I'll get there eventually! One step at a time (and at least Im exercising now!)
Hope everyone else is having an easier time lately!!
Hi, Silence. Kudos on sticking to the exercise plan. Every little bit DOES help. All your upcoming "food" circumstances sound like mine when I go visit my family. I tend to simply give up on the calorie counting (so many of the things I eat with my family are homemade and difficult to calculate calorie-wise) and just have small portions eaten in moderation. When I do this, I find that I really don't gain weight.
By the way, VermontMom, congratulations on meeting the challenge of those 8 lb. weights. In a way, challenging ourselves to continually improve workouts keeps them interesting.
...By the way, VermontMom, congratulations on meeting the challenge of those 8 lb. weights. In a way, challenging ourselves to continually improve workouts keeps them interesting.
Thank you, vmelo! I'm enough of an exercise-phile now to actually look forward to trying something like that, "can I do that? we'll see ". I went as long as I could with the 8 lbs-ers, then had to drop back to the 5 lb. standby's. But I'm proud that I tried, and kept going until I was groaning out loud and my arms felt like overcooked spaghetti
and you, vmelo, kudos to you for having a "Plan B"!!!
yay Christine on doing the DVD again...sorry for the angst in the family. It sure is hard to not lapse into our old habits when faced with stress. I liked the funny face you put in your current weight, lol!
Hi everyone...boy I have been busy!
KC-I am so sorry to hear about the trouble with your neighbors. I hope things look up for you on that front very soon. Meanwhile...try to keep your spirits up...and come here for support as often as you need it!
My weekends have been full lately with dance classes on Sundays, and rehearsals on Saturdays..we have a show in a couple of weeks. I have been busy sewing and doign things of that nature...expanding my little home business.
I went to the second hand thrift store last night...as you long timers know I am a thrift store junkie...and I must have been meant to go there...I found two skirts there that are the kind that are made in India...they are long flowing "hippie" type skirts...I wear them in the summer...but they are alos commonly worn with tribal styled belly dance costumes over harem pants. They are full...and drawstringed so that they fit most sizes S-XL...and they have little bells and jinglys on the ends of the drawstrings. In belly dance shops they sell easily for $25-$30 each...and I got these in like new shape for $3.50 each. Oh yeah. I also found a skirt there that is not my size...but has some great embroidery and "shisha mirrors" on the bottom edge of it...and I am going to recycle this trim and use it on a dance top. I also found a great scarf that will be perfect to use as a turban wrap...I may even wear it for the show in a couple weeks. It is black...with different colors woven into it and gold metallic thread woven though it. Gorgeous...and 99 cents. Needless to say...I was happy.
I have had a bad cold...so I have not worked out in 2 days...but I am feeling well enough to give it a go today...and I have to tomorrow and Sunday...with rehearsal and class...so no choice there. I love having "mandatory" exercise 2x a week...that is guaranteed...whether I feel like it or not.
I am going to color my hair today...it needs it. Holly...don't worry about your laugh lines...just use your little cream you bought...and smile away. I know you look great. I am 28 and have quite a bit of gray hair for my age...so that is my little thing to deal with. Usually my hair is colored a classic auburn...like what most natural redheads have...a lighter coppery red. Well...I was feeling a bit frisky last night...and chose a deeper more "RED" red. Not one of the burgandy colors....it is still like what a natural redhead would have...just more INTENSE.
I was looking at greeting cards last night in the store...and it is so great. I remember when I was a kid...all greeting cards were so "general" and they were either funny, or too lovey dovey...and you never saw cards aimed at a "son in law" or "stepmother" or "stepfather" or anything like that. It was either Mom, Dad, Grandma/Grandpa...that sort of thing. I have noticed that there is so much more now...I can find the perfect card...for my stepmother or stepfather...for "troubled times" in a relationship and not just gushy-love cards...cards for "I was wrong" or "I am sorry." It's about time!!! I got Jason a card last night and here is what is said:
Cover: I LOVE YOU
Inside: Remember that when I snap at you for no apparent reason...
Hi, all! Aphil, you remind me of my sister; she's a thrift store queen. Oftentimes I'll admire something she's wearing and she'll tell me she got it at the thrift store. I'm new to the thread, so I don't know everyone's story, but I'm assuming you belly dance. That's something I've always wanted to try. When did you start and how difficult is it to learn? I also had to comment on your comment about coloring your hair. I got my first strands of grey hair when I was 9 years old!!! By my mid 20's, I was at least 75 % grey. I decided to color it when someone called the office and asked to speak to "the young girl with the grey hair." Up until that point, I'd always thought of myself as a brunette with "some" grey!
VermontMom, I hear you about the exercise thing. Only lately (I'd say the past few months) have I actually begun to enjoy exercising. I love working up a good sweat; I feel as if all my stress is sweating out of me. I keep thinking that this mindset is too good to be true and that I'll start to dread it again, but I hope not!!
Okay, I weighed in today. For those of you who remember some of my other posts, you may recall that I don't usually weigh myself, but since my "official" weigh-in last week (my first one since I've been back on my program), I thought I'd weigh in to see if what I'm doing is working. Well . . . (drum roll) . . . I'm down 2 lbs. !!!!! I was 149.4 last week and today I weighed in at 147.3. Yay!!! I can see how people can become addicted to weighing themselves, but I'm going to still try to limit my weigh-ins to once every two weeks or once a month.
Well... the cookies are almost gone. I'm not sure if that's a bad thing (I ate too many!) or a good thing (no more to eat!)
I really want to start drinking fewer sugary drinks but I've got a dilemna. Lately, whenever I drink an artificially sweetened beverage (like Crystal Light for example), I wind up with a headache. Its not so bad with diet sodas but I'm not crazy about them (especially colas). Also, since I've moved to Arizona, I'm disliking the flavor of the water. I have a Pur pitcher and even the filtered water just tastes... icky to me! And, since we're still jobless, I can't afford to be buying bottled water or anything like that. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I make myself some lightly sweetened tea sometimes but its still not sugarless.. its just LESS sugar And I'm not fond of it with NO sugar in it. Any suggestions?
My bedroom is almost done being organized. I think once my inlaws leave (after this weekend) that we'll be dragging in the treadmill. Then I'll have no more excuses I have to make myself do my DVD again today. I'm feeling sooooo tired. Kairi decided that it was awake time, just as I was lying down to sleep (at almost 1am!!). She stayed up for at least an hour and then was kind enough to wake me up early too. She's nice and high energy today... but not me... wish she could share with me
I'm hoping to get all my organizing done in the next week or so... and really hoping my husband gets this cable job he's going on a second interview for next week. Perhaps we can finally feel settled in here and I can quit all this stressing (and eating!!).
Hope everyone is having a great week... sorry I didn't respond to individual posts this time.
vmelo-I have been bellydancing through professional instruction for about a year and a half now...the basics are about as difficult as learning any organized dance form...such as tap, ballet, clogging, etc. It isn't just "shaking it." ha ha Then to pump it up a bit...we dance with props like veils, finger cymbals, canes, or swords. THAT is where a lot of the difficulty lies. There are also some difficult backbends and floorwork moves and such that you can learn to do at higher levels...but the beginning classes are basic enough that just about anyone can learn...and then you just go at your own pace to higher and more difficult things.
Yeah...I hear you about the gray hair...I am only about 5% gray...but it is concentrated in the top and in the front hairline/widow's peak in my hair...it definitely "ages" me if I don't keep it colored regularly. My natural hair color is a drab medium brown...I never had the "pretty" golden brown...or the nice chocolate brown that some women have...mine is just "there," so I always either have it colored with red tones....or I have may natural color with added highlights to camoflauge the gray...this past year I have stayed with the red tones.
silence-I hope things get better and less stressed for you soon. It seems like this time of the year is "the time" for personal troubles...we have all been here lately talking about what is going on with our lives. Whether it be money, marital problems, idiot loud neighbors...or what have you...it is nice to have a place where you can talk about it and get things off your chest.
Aphil
Hi, All! Thanks for the info on belly dancing, Aphil. If I can find a place that offers it and if I ever get extra $$$, I'll definitely try it.
How did everyone do this weekend? I didn't fare too badly, although I did exceed my allotted calories by 100 on both Saturday & Sunday. I'm not freaking out over it or anything; I'll just reduce my calories by that amount for the next couple of days. I find that journaling my food really helps me to stay on track and eat what I've planned to eat.
Let's all decide to stay on track this week! "Talk" everyone soon.
Please come here to vent, you have our love and sympathy!
so the other day, when I did the Gilad Step and Tone, I used 8 lb. dumbbells, instead of the 5lb. Couldn't do the whole tape with the heavier ones, but stuck it out as long as I could. And yes, I felt it the next day! sore! 
That was GREAT to hear, as I know that my body is much better, but am always worried about my face and lines and wrinkles...at least the lines I have are the ones generated by smiling 
I'll have to let my husband know (once he gets a job) that we need to plan a trip for motivation 
/130
Not one of the burgandy colors....it is still like what a natural redhead would have...just more INTENSE. 
