Morning everyone

This is just a quick post to say sorry I didn't post yesterday. I'm at work so can't really post much. Yesterday was a long day and got too tired to remember to post. I'll post more this afternoon when I'm home just didn't want anyone to think I was going away again...TTFN!

Good morning.....or at least I think it's morning. Two nights with minimal sleep and my mind is fuzzier than normal.

Fi I missed posting yesterday, and after reading your later in the day post, it was encouraging to see that some things are beginning to improve for you. Baby steps. Definitely baby steps. And hopefully we'll be seeing a new collage soon -- they're part of your soul.
MaeCrochet Have you been able to get back on track? I'm asking so that you'll share your techniques! Hope the work week goes ok.
Rabidstoat Yes. All of those things are probably contributors to having the mini-binges of late. So, so, so hard to get back on track once those receptors have had a carb/sugar/salt feast thrown at them.
Cindy Computer problems at work -- UGH! We are so dependent upon them for just about everything. Hope yours is fixed by now.
Terra You sound like you're having some sleep problems, too. Hope you got the cleaning done.
Ubee Sounds like you're still meeting yourself coming and going......but glad that it was a better day foodwise. Hope the doctor allows for the old meds to be reintroduced as I remember your saying that your daughter was doing so well on them.
Sam Thanks for posting and letting us know that you're ok. Some days, life just gets in the way.

The sleep problems are due to getting up 2-3 times during the night for bathroom trips. I started on low carb to both get the weight off quickly as well as break the sugar/refined carb cycle. Of course, this is just the water weight coming off, but it's time to stop this self defeating cycle I've been on for the last......gulp......two years.

And on the there's-always-something-to-do-around-here list, I am washing the windows now inside and out. Fortunately, most of them tip in or else I can reach them from the deck that runs across the back of the house. Started doing them yesterday, but just ran out of steam. Does anyone else have days where you feel ok, but just don't have enough energy to do much of anything?

Time to have some breakfast and let the dogs out to do their business. Hope everyone has a great day.

Hi everyone. I've been watching the posts. I just wanted to pop in and tell you all about a podcast that I had just listened to today. I get Half Size Me podcasts in my e-mail box, for free. I don't usually listen to them because many of them are about maintenance, and I'm definitely not there. I did listen to episode 165 though, with Jennifer, and I'm glad that I did. They talk about maintenance, but how they got there as well. They said that there is no one right way to do a diet, you do what works for you. As many of you have seen from my previous posts, I think this way as well. Sometimes, I just need that reaffirmation of belief though, because I doubt myself all the time.

I've lost weight. My diet hasn't exactly been good for me this past week. I've been keeping track of portions, though, so I got away with it. I can't do this long term if I want to be successful. I don't want to look very doughy at my goal weight. I know, it's vain, and I know that I may not ever look perfect, but if there are things that I can try to look more toned at my goal weight, and they are reasonable. Like eating less junk food, then I'd like to at least give it a shot.

No personals today. We're having guests over tomorrow, and I am a horrible housekeeper, so I have tons of stuff that need to be done, to make my house only "slightly messy".

Hi everyone.
Found out today why I was in a funk. My gall bladder, liver, and pancreas like to throw a hissy fit every once in a while. It is a slow build up until I figure it out. Hopefully this time I caught it early and can prevent a blow up. No pain luckily, I just am exhausted.
Thinking of you all ...

Ubee Sorry you're in a funk but glad that you've found the root of the problem. Gallbladder issues suck big time. I had mine taken out when I was in 5th grade (20 years ago next year) and afterwards I've had such a hard time with digestion that until my adult years I didn't even know that it was due to my gallbladder. Luckily the healthy way I'm eating now has helped that a lot. I wish doctors knew then what they know now about the gallbladder but alas here we are. Hope you are back to the old Ubee soon but please know we're all here for you!

Betsy Sound like your rest day was so lovely. Sorry to hear about you not getting any sleep. Last night was a bit rough for me too but hope you get on your regular schedule soon! Keep on truckin busy bee! I'm over the little tummy issues thankfully...I am just getting back to my usual self I didn't want something to throw a monkey wrench in it. I laughed at what you said about the microwave deal. We never called the office because DH wanted to get our own microwave in case we ever moved out so when it became his idea to call the office miraculously I made him do it lol...

Fi One day at a time it seems like your legs are getting a bit better. I hope that you are back to normal soon. Great job on the accomplishment with the futon You're one tough lady and so proud of you! You'll get there honey I know it!

Mandie TOM cravings suck so bad!!! I hope you make it out alive! I know it's a dangerous time for me too!

rabid Noticing little changes in your habits will turn into huge changes as your journey continues so it's great that you are noticing that even though you may not be eating at your healthiest, you've made progress and aren't eating as bad as you once were! I LOVE popcorn too...especially kettle corn. There's a store here called World Market that has the most amazing kettle corn I have to stay away from it every time I go in...More power to ya hun!

Cindy I'm feeling better thank you for asking. No microwave yet, the maintenance people at the apartment complex I live in came and took it on Monday, no clue when I'll be getting a replacement. I've actually gotten used to not having it around since it's been geeze maybe 2 months almost? since it went out. I do miss being able to warm up a cup of coffee though once the pot has already turned off. Work + Computer problems = explosion in my book...If I didn't have my computer working I'd be a complete mess. Hope its working better today!

Terra The weather was so nice here today I got to go on a walk...Hope the weather near you is starting to look nicer!

tootsie Never heard of the podcast before but I'm interested in checking it out. You aren't vain for wanting to look good after losing weight...Part of our reasoning for losing weight is to look nice...there's no way to cut that..yes health is part of it too but I'm sure everyone can agree here that we would like to look "normal" whatever that is...I've already started to have issues with excess skin in certain areas and I'm sure it's only going to get worse as I lose. I have no idea how I'm going to tone it all up but I'm hoping I don't have to have surgery. I can live with my arms and probably my legs being the way they'll be but my belly already hangs kind of low (think chef's apron I think is the term) and it is starting to shrink but I almost know I'll want to have that skin cut off...where am I going to find the funds for this though is still a mystery for me, I'm sure my insurance won't cover it. But I'm going to keep trucking and hope for the best for now and worry about it later when the time comes.

So yesterday was so long for me I forgot to post. I got off work with intentions of meeting my mom at the gym because she NEVER GOES so I wanted to be there to help her around and stuff. DH had band practice and both places were close to eachother so I figured hey why not. Well my mom got there way before I did so we didn't get to work out together. I didn't get to exercise until about 7:30 last night and didn't get home till probably 9 or so. Luckily I had left overs from Sunday's dinner so I didn't have to cook but I ended up eating late. After dinner I just went straight to bed I was so tired. Being up late last night made it hard for me to get up in the morning too.

Had a pretty decent day at work. It's work so it can only be so good you know? My greek inspired salad I've made for this week has been wonderful. I might need to back off putting pepperoncinis and kalamata olives in it though and just stick with one because I feel like I might be retaining a bit of water even though I'm not putting but 2 pepperoncicis on my plate and a little bit of the olive pieces. That's the only thing I can think of that would make me feel like I'm retaining water (I notice my ring get tighter even with the snuggie on).

Today was so gorgeous outside so when I got off work I ran to the grocery quickly to pick up a few things and then went to the park. The breeze was so great. I walked 4.4 miles today. My left foot is mad at me now though...I have a bit of a blister and it's hard to walk around but it was worth it. Got a good bit of exercise in and was able to enjoy the sunshine.

Tonight I'm having grilled pork tenderloin for dinner with some green beans. Nothing fancy but I'm starving...eating a little later than usual. I better go finish it up but will be sure to post tomorrow...It's a scheduled rest day for me...WEEEE!!! Night everyone!

Betsy, I wish I had a "trick" but really, I ate all the junk food, and now there is no junk food left for me to eat! I do MUCH better at work than I do on the weekends at home. I have my entire day of food planned out before I leave for the office in the morning, so I just don't let myself have any crap. Once Monday rolled around, I was good to go. I just need to figure out a way to get my weekend eating under control.

Today was finally a more even-keeled day than the past. Reasons why include getting involved in a new coding project that really had me captivated (and forgetting to eat!), and the fact that I had a good workout yesterday. Plus it stopped raining, after about a full week of constant raining! And I found some pills my doctor gave me that is supposed to help with food cravings, I tried them before and didn't stick with them but I'm not sure if it's a placebo or not, but they seemed to help today. It's-- not phen-fen, but the half of it that isn't super-unhealthy for people and is still on the market.

Anyway. I'm all scattered, though. I've been scattered for a while. It makes me not able to sleep, my brain is just buzzing and I can't calm down. Not sure what to do about that, I swear I feel like I have ADHD sometimes, been like this for a few days now.

Hello lovely ladies,
Ubee.....my gallbladder sends comforting messages to yours.
Well I am still absolutely on plan and have been enjoying walking the dogs in the sunshine. We are having the most gorgeous weather here in Wales....in fact the whole of the UK. It means that I have been walking the dogs more and really enjoying it.
I have been parking 10 minutes or so away from school to encourage my little boy to walk a bit more. We live too far away from school along a country lane to think about him walking the whole way, so this is a start.
I have also mowed the lawns today which according to My Fitness Pal burned over a 1,000 calories!
No wonder I am tired!
I am sorry not to do personals I read all the posts and think of you all!!

Take care

Donna

Good morning everyone. Gorgeous day here when we were supposed to be having rain, so I guess I have no excuse not to give Toby his semi-annual hair cut. It's like trying to trim a tornado.

Tootsie Thanks for the info on the podcasts. Totally agree that there is no right way -- really it's what works for each individual and it may end up being several what works by the end of the journey. That's one of the many good things about having company over......our houses get cleaned up.
Ubee Geez. I'd be in a funk too if my gallbladder, liver, and pancreas were mad at me. Glad you caught it early. What do you do to deal with it?
Sam Sitting here chuckling over DH deciding to call the rental company. Sometimes good ideas have to fester awhile before someone else can think they had a good idea! Your days always sound so busy -- exercising, work, cooking meals.
Mandy Not having it in the house is definitely something that is a good trick. Do you find that you get to the point where you don't even crave the stuff any more because it's been so long since you had something on the binge list, but if it's there it will get eaten? Yeah, me too. I can't have chips, ice cream, or chocolate in my house. Just can't.
Rabid Did the scattered feeling start when you started taking the pills from the doctor? Glad the new project is so interesting and helping with staving off the eating desires.
Donna So wonderful to hear you talk about being able to walk and do things like cut the grass after all you've been through both physically and emotionally. Add feeling good about staying on plan and the gorgeous weather -- definitely a mood enhancer!

Got the windows all washed on the upper level and will need to do the lower level sometime soon. As I mentioned, Toby is getting groomed today -- I have to do it because he won't let the groomer do it.

The low carb (trying to stay at 50g or less each day) is working and some of the weight gain is coming off. With the a fib problems, I had gotten to the point where I was having shortness of breath, much more trouble just moving around, and a severe disappointment in myself on letting me regain 40 pounds -- most of it since last summer -- and primarily due to ending the long distance relationship. We talked on the phone a week ago, and it did help me realize that ending the relationship was the best thing. Now to get to the point where bumps in my life don't result in 30-35 pounds weight gains from emotional eating.

Need to get going to the gym as trimming up Toby takes about 3 hours. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

I haven't been doing so hot, but I'm trying to take it in stride.

I had a suite of neuro tests scheduled for today, so it was imperative that I take a shower last night... which meant climbing the stairs. I tried the first few steps in a zillion different ways, but my legs kept giving out under me, and I'd have to back up and sit in the wheelchair, pondering. Finally I tried Bob's suggestion of literally crawling up the steps, on my hands and knees. That eventually worked, once I got the courage to throw myself into it, but by the end Bob was having to help by pushing me. Then I did my alligator crawl into the bedroom and was humiliated again by how hard it was to get my bod onto the box bed.

That was yesterday. This morning I fell down in the unfamiliar master bathroom, five times. My legs are not just black and blue: they're also swollen and lumpy. And then I fell again while trying to walk just one very short step into the carport. I am no longer strong enough to walk to the car. We have to take me to the passenger side door in the wheelchair. It's truly annoying. I appreciate all the enthusiastic comments about baby steps, but in truth, today at least, I'm losing ground.

The neuro tests were so grueling I couldn't finish them. About half-way through the second test I couldn't take it any more, mostly because both of my quadriceps (muscles on the front of your thighs) went into the spasm to beat all spasms. It had nothing to do with the test, but the combined spasm pain and pain from electric shocks they were giving me.... I just got completely overwhelmed and had to quit. So we'll have to go back next Wednesday and finish that test. =sigh=

I'm kinda scared. I don't mind the pain nearly so much as I mind the progressive loss of function. How will I get up the stairs to my studio, if I could barely make it on hands and knees last night? And it freaks me out that I am incapable now of standing, just standing straight up like a normal person does. Am I getting worse, or are these just fluctuations in the illness?

Rabid Glad to hear you've had a better day. There's probably a crazy amount of caffeine in those pills that are making you the way you are recently. Just be careful lovely

Donna So nice to hear from you! Glad to see you are doing well and the weather in your area is bringing you out into the sunshine! You're a great mom and good thinking on getting your boy to walk more ...1,000 from mowing the grass? GO YOU!!!!

Betsy Hope Toby looks all prettied up with his new haircut ...I am pretty busy...Way busier than I was when I was heavy and I guess that's because I'm making time to do stuff for myself to better myself. Today all I wanted to do is come home and relax, make a good meal but unfortunately more work was to be done so my rest day wasn't really much of a rest at all. :\
I'm an emotional eater too so I do understand where you are coming on but so proud of you for making the observation that the relationship ending was what was best for you. Your happiness needs to be above everyone elses, it's just hard for people like us who put ourselves last to realize it sometimes. (((HUGS)))

Fi You poor dear! I wish I could come help you....I can completely understand you feeling so down The neuro tests did sound so painful...I hope you get better soon lovely!! ((((HUGS))))

Another busy day at work...when is it not busy there these days. I can't complain too much though it's job security. Got off work and had to go get photos of two houses on two different sides of town. Stopped at the grocery to get stuff to make dinner. We're having a healthy and clean version of sloppy joes....I'll be putting mine on lettuce leaves instead of a bun though. Its pretty much done I just have some sliced cukes with vinegar and some potato salad chilling in the fridge. I will eat mainly the cukes and just a little bit of the potato salad. I also went before I came home to visit my grandma a little bit and pick up her cordless drill so I can install some new blinds in my living room this weekend. Found out my aunt finally remarried (she's a rich wench and I don't keep up with her) and my grandma and mom are getting ready to go to Dallas for a week to visit her and my cousin who lives out there now.

I'm already pretty beat. Either going to bust out a walk tomorrow or do some Turbo Jam for exercise tomorrow...Maybe DH will want to go on a walk with me. If not I'll probably end up doing the Turbo.

Hope everyone else is doing well...I'm hoping for a nice loss this week...Fingers X'd!!! Hope everyone has a great night!

Hello everyone.

I'm here, and still doing well. I got my new computer at work yesterday and so far it's working well. But I can't seem to get caught up from the down time. I will eventually, but it's frustrating. Oh well, only two more work days this week.

My knee is feeling better though, as long as I still don't walk or stand too much. DH is still getting up every morning to drive me to work. He's retired and about as much of a morning person as I am, so it's a big deal for him to get up that early. But, he always tells me he will do anything for me. He's the best!

I'm not doing personals tonight. I just wanted to check in because I didn't yesterday. I will try to write more tomorrow, I hope you all have a good day tomorrow.

I was scattered before the pills, which I take a few days at a time. And I don't take that much caffeine in beverages (though I probably ought to cut it out altogether for a bit, do another detox).

Last night was good in that I didn't obsessively work all night. I even got 5-6 hours of sleep, hooray! That's much better than normal. I have been on an even keel eating wise, though I had a bit too much pancake this morning when I went out to breakfast with a friend. I thought I could eat half and then see if I was still hungry, but half was apparently enough to make me a tad over full!

Also after 3+ weeks of hovering in the same 2-pound range on the scale, I'm down half a pound! Well, okay, not really, it's because I had some, er, gastrointenstinal issues last night, so it will be back again tomorrow. But hey, I'll take it for today.

Good morning and hope that everyone is having a good on plan day.

Fi My heart is just breaking for you. It sounded like things were getting a little better a couple of days ago, but yesterday was nothing short of a complete nightmare. Hopefully you -- and Bob as I'm sure he's worried sick about you -- will finally be able to get some answers as to what is going on. And then get some help with getting it fixed. I have to be honest with you. Reading your posts and knowing what you're going through has made me realize that my piddly little problems that I've been using as an excuse to overeat (and regain 40 pounds) are nothing. But I'm not even going to pretend that this is a silver lining to your cloud (heck, you passed cloudy a long time ago......more like a hurricane hitting!). It is just so wrong that you're having to go through this. I hope that as the day goes along today that it is a little better for you.
Sam Toby looks.......well, like he got a home haircut! However, he will be much more comfortable. Took me 3 hours, but the groomers all want $150 because he's so big and has sssssooooooo much hair. After reading some of your posts about using a spiral slicer, I went ahead and ordered one. I do miss my enormous plates of spaghetti which explains why I'm posting. Hope you can talk DH into taking a walk with you.
Cindy Sounds like things are going more smoothly in your world. Your hubby sounds like he's definitely in the good guy category. Glad your knee is beginning to respond and that your computer is again available. You'll get caught up, but it sounds as though the weekend coming up is a really good thing!
rabidstoat Hey, every tenth of a pound lost is to be celebrated! And good news on a) being able to stop with only eating half of your pancakes and b) being a tad over full with just half.

I've been laughing at myself because I ordered a Dyson stick vacuum cleaner with a motor driven head. It's cordless, and after charging it last night, I actually got up this morning and vacuumed before doing anything else. I have to admit that it did a great job of cleaning up, but for what I paid for it, a genie should come along with it to do the vacuuming for me.

Weight wise the low carb is definitely working well. I know it's primarily water weight, but I've been eating healthy and am beginning to see some of that 40 pounds gain from mid-2013 (30 in the last year!) go away. I am still determined that I will be below 300 pounds by the end of the year. It amazes me that even with still needing to get 30 more pounds off to get back to my previous low point, that I can already tell the difference in my breathing and walking and stamina. While I think we all need to be kind to ourselves and put ourselves first more often, this is one of those time where if all of you said, Dumb, Betsy, dumb! I would feel that I deserved it.

Off to the gym, home to test the vacuum on the stairs to the basement, bookkeeping, more windows downstairs, dusting, bathrooms.......in other words, dirt removal seems to be the order of the day. Have a good day.

Cindy Yay for the new computer and your knee improving! DH is very sweet to get up early to take you to work I'm behind on work too guess it's just part of the job but it will get better. Tomorrow is FRIDAY! WOO HOO!! Hope you enjoy your upcoming weekend

Rabid A half pound is a half pound, bask is the glory of a loss! You're doing great keep going!

Betsy Hey! Glad I could be of assistance in the spiralizer!! The one I have is very small and compact so it fits nicely in my silverware drawer. The zoodles are a good alternative to pasta. I've even heard of people making lasagna and ravioli with zucchini, but I have yet to try it. Ever since I felt a little sick the other week from the zoodles that I guess were a little past it's prime I haven't eaten anymore. I bought a spaghetti squash to cook at some point this week/weekend since it's been a good while since I've had one. DH isn't going on a walk he has erm....bathroom issues so I'll be working out inside tonight.

Ubee Hope everything is going good for you. Miss you and thinking about you often!

Today was just another day at the office....nothing exciting. I feel like I'm running on empty this week and not sure why. Haven't had my TOM yet and hoping this isn't a month I skip. That's the thing about PCOS that will happen from time to time but I have been pretty consistent in recent months so this will be a first in awhile for me. My doctor wants me to call him if I miss 3 in a row but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.

My best friend just found out she's pregnant again. This will be her second child. Her first will be 2 in October. I'm happy for her but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous. She had a good pregnancy on the first one then found out she had uterine cancer but had it removed. She can live through that and have another baby but yet I can't get pregnant. That's just how life works I know but you all know how bad I want to be a mother so it kind of hurts to hear but I'm not any less happy for her....she is a great mother. This is just another reason I need to continue on my journey.

I got on the scale this morning and was hoping to see I had lost more weight than I have...I was down to 246.0 so I've lost .8 pounds so far. Sunday is my official weigh in and I'm hoping to see more by then. I think I really need to re-evaluate what I'm eating to figure out what is keeping me from losing the weight like I have before. I'm eating on plan but can't seem to figure it out. I'll get there though and can't complain at least I'm making a slow and steady loss.

Just had my after work snack, just ate an apple. Now I'm going to go do a Chalene Johnson video...I think today is going to be an ab day. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their evening. Keep posting gals!