I wanted to add these thoughts since it has been a while... I did not post that much, but because I read everyday, I feel as if I know you.
2ride...your new pic is AMAZING! A complete transformation and you look great girl, do your dogs recognize you?
Jellymae, I remember when you started IP, so awesome to see where you have come since I was here last...GO GIRL
Busymomx4, BellaMack, Sandralosingweight....great job! So nice to see you again too!

Hi all, haven't been reading or posting lately (bad, CAT, bad!). Life is getting in the way. I'm doing fine and constantly moving forward attempting not to stress when things aren't going the way I'd planned.

I came across this in one of my newsletters and even though it pertains to yoga, I know a few of you can go a little deeper and see where it might be a little helpful for you in your journey.

Life's obstacles cause even the most accomplished yogis to wobble. Thankfully, yoga has a proven track record of helping practitioners get through the worst situations. The next time you're facing a difficult life challenge, keep in mind the following coping techniques inspired by yoga.
Dedicate space for reflection. It helps to have a corner of your home that feels sacred—somewhere you can retreat when you feel overwhelmed. It can be something as simple as a candle on your night stand or as elaborate as an altar.
Find a personal refuge. Choose a location with meaning for you—a beach, a park, a special place from childhood—and go there. "Even if it's just for a few hours, find a way to take a mental hiatus...."
Calm your breath. Notice when you're holding your breath or taking rapid, shallow breaths, and make an effort to focus on your inhalation and exhalation. A few breaths with a present can change not only your day, but your entire outlook on life.

Well. I'm glad you're back. And I really like the quote. Problem is I want to be home and just go listen to the ocean.

Thank you. Nice feeling knowing my shared words are greatly appreciated. Rock on, Sista!

Thanks Linden.....distraction in the face of temptation is a wonderful thing. And if we really center ourselves in the process, I think that's priceless. And I too love the ocean. A favorite line from a special song of mine "Did I tell you the sound of the surf makes strange things happen to me" (strange = good) Most definitely my happy place!

Another 100% OP day, praying the scale moves downward in the morning. I have new (smaller) size jeans calling my name and I've been a little afraid to try them on again until I saw a smaller number on the scale. I know that's just silly but that mind/scale number plays some mean head games on me.....on all of us. Just not ready to go there.

Home this weekend cleaning closets, getting rid of clothes and organizing clutter. Also checking out a restaurant to host my son's wedding rehearsal dinner. Wish me luck. Hoping this very local venue will handle EVERYTHING. All I want to do is show up, have fun and then leave after my ex husband pays the majority of the bill. ......I'm so bad.

By home, do you mean Hawaii? Are you going to move back there in the future?

Well thank you!! I needed that so much... Been having a rough time with medical issues lately getting in the way of my losses.... But I'm hoping I've got it all figured out now!!

Jellymae..I hope your medical issues are getting better. You deserve to have a wonderful day.

Linden..I miss the sound of the waves also..Hope your pain is better.

Thank you, actually with all the changes the only ones that do recognize me are my dogs and my friends dogs. One of the lady's at work showed this pictures to all the guys she works with and asked them if they knew who this person was, no one knew it was me... it was very funny. I recommend to everyone to have a day of spa makeup and picture taking, it makes the work so worth while... I have been stressing a lot about my weight as I have gained but have decided to up the exercise and get me and my Red dog back in shape as she no longer has a waist and that isn't good when doing agility. I love this time of year when it is a little cold, I run best in colder weather. Started this week and it seems to be going well, will keep you all posted on my progress. Take care all and have a great weekend.

Yes, Hawai'i. I may go back for a while later this year but I don't want to keep transporting 2 animals across 12 time zones, one of whom will be 20 years old by then.

Maile, had the CT scan today and got a good look at the fracture, and huge bruising, and bone splinters. Yech. Right now I'm more concerned about getting over a revolting head cold that's going into my chest. Don't you just hate it when one thing goes wrong, then another, than another? Hoping this run is about to wear itself out.

Sorry for your pain...I hope the tides turn for you very soon. And then I'll meet you in Hawaii.

I do Have to say, That I have been feeling pretty down lately with my losses being close to nothing due to some new medications that I was put on, So I talked to the Dr, and we agreed that they werent right for me... I think that she was more bummed than I was that I didnt change as much as she hoped... Anyways to make myself feel better, I went a took a visit to my old employer, and went and said Hi to everyone whom I havent seen in since Sept... Everyone was shocked... But then I get the usual 1 million questions. which I just hate saying over and over again!!

But it was definetely a confidence booster. I left with a smile on my face!

Hopefully you and your Doctor will find the right mixture... You are doing so great you just keep going.


Linden - you have had your three things going wrong now you will continue everyday to get healthier and stronger. Take care.

Now why didn't we think off that when we were planning lunch earlier?

And thanks, Joanne. I was sort of in a "my cup runneth over" mood earlier today but the petite pity party is over. I just wish the doctor who showed me the CT results hadn't said, "Well, I'm glad to see you can walk."
Shoot, I'd just walked to their offices and it was almost 2 miles. I was so taken aback, though, that I didn't think to ask him if I shouldn't be walking. So I walked home.

For those of you that DO exercise I would like to do some toning and core exercise. I would like to do it right away after I wake up. I would eat breakfast first tho and then do it. Here is the question. After I am done I would only need half a pack then right? I know they say to add a extra pack if you do exercise but since I am doing it right after breakfast would I still need to have the rest of the pack at some point in the day?

Thanks all