Good Morning Ladies!

Holly:
Forgot about DD LOL! You must have been tired. You do so much in a day!

Susie & Sandi:
I often wonder about the question of whether thin women think that way. I look at thin women and what they eat and get critical. Either they pig out and I roll my eyes, or they get a salad and I roll my eyes. LOL. I'm usually the "fat" one eating something healthier. Oh well. I think to be honest, people who have weight and eating issues like this...we just have to realize it will be like this for the rest of our lives. Many women will never be overweight no matter what they eat, some will have to watch it as they get older, and some people like us who will be watching our whole lives. Even once we all get down to better weights, we'll have to watch and exercise or we'll gain it back!

I went home last night and was hungry...I was going to pop a frozen pizza in the oven and say whatever, but I found a bag of stir-fry veggies and sauce in the freezer and made a big wok of veggies and had a piece of grilled fish. It was yummy. And I ate most of the red peppers because I know the best stir-fries are very colorful. I ate a ton of the veggies.

I went grocery shopping and bought a pack of Stewart's Diet soda in bottles as a treat for the mornings. I'm not a soda person, but Stewart's is so good - today I've got an Orange and Cream diet soda. It will be a nice pick me up. Also, Weight Watchers frozen meals are on sale - 4/$5...so I got four, enough to have one for lunch each day this week. DH has things like frozen pizzas, pancakes and eggs and corn dogs at home to eat. I packed my single serving tub of cereal, banana and a granola bar for the morning. The afternoon will go WW veggie lasagna, and another granola bar later in the afternoon. DH has class tonite and I'm not sure if I'll go to the campus with him.

At the grocery store, I noticed how I just pick things up...first thing I picked up when I walked in the store was an angel food cake. It's not bad, but I looked in my cart and had that and 2 boxes of granola bars, and something else, I forgot. I was just realizing all the "snacks" I was getting that had no nutritional value - like the angel food cake. I want everything that I put into my mouth be something with nutrition, especially any snacks that I eat. I realize that's my problem - I'll eat something that' s low in fat, but it still has no value, no point in eating it. I kept telling myself, how bad do you want this?

Sandi:
Just wanted to say welcome again. Cute play on words on your screen name. Yep, it's a party on in here! Please stay with us and share! Your class sounds interesting, sounds like a psych class I took.

Spores:
Has the snow gone away? I saw all the snow you guys got on the news. How crazy - it's supposed to be spring! Today our high is 59F. Yesterday was probably 70F. These crazy fluctuations are gonna get me sick!

Talk to you ladies later!

Ps - I made it to the gym, 55 minutes and 4.7 miles on the elliptical - I went at a higher resistance than I usually go too. Very proud because my main motivation to keep up the pace - my CD player - ran out of batteries after 20 minutes! Hope to do the same 3-4 more times this week. I was so nice and sweaty when I was done, and when I got off, these ladies came up to me and asked me how long I'd been on, and one remarked, "I can't even do it for 20 minutes!" I was beaming. I told her that I had to work my way up, and she can do it too. She got on and started running on it like I do and after I'd walked around the track once, she was breathing hard and wanting to stop. I told her just to focus on doing it, not going fast, not going at a certain resistance, just doing it slowly and getting her body used to it. I was proud.

Girlie

Hi everyone... this is a wonderful thread, I`ve been reading the last few days and would love to join in. Got room for another? To me it IS the ultimate goal right now to get under 200! I`ve been doing well and have lost 9 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Anything under 200 by July is my goal!

I`m not really on a program, just what works for me. Eating less, even my slip-ups are not turning into binges (as they always have before). I bought an eliptical last week, was only doing 2,3,4 minutes at a time... today I am so proud to have done 15 minutes straight this morning! I was terribly inactive-stay at home mom on the computer or in front of tv- so I`m working my way up slowly.

Hope to be a part of this thread, I think it`s just the support I need!

We're in the midst of a conference at work, and I haven't have much time at a computer. Everyone sounds like they're doing well Welcome, Sandi and Caro33! This is a great thread, the support I've received has been priceless.

I'm doing well--eating per plan, working out, and doing more stretching, meditation and self-care, to keep the stress levels down. the weather is helping a lot, although it's supposed to rain most of the week. Still, I'm in a good place, just on the run. I'll be back with more tomorrow, if not this evening.

In the meantime, keep making good choices!

judy

hello chicks!
it was a nice full day, got lots done at work including a meeting i had been sort of dreading. went to DD's softball game after work, they lost their first time this year. tomorrow is practic and then more games thurs and fri. DH met with his team for their first practice (he coaches 11-12 year old softball rec league) and finally got youngest DS back and forth to his baseball practice. spring is here ahhh a new season begins!!! in our house we don't have regular spring, summer, winter we have baseball, football, and basketball. lol the joys of active athletic kids!! food has been good (almost afraid to say that out loud!) i haven't done any traditional exercise but i am being plenty active with yard work and running around so i have no worries in that dept. life is good!

holly- that is so sweet thanks! i look forward to your posts too! glad you are doing well! your story about DD reminds me of many lol mom in a hurry stories i have! one in particular when youngest DS was about 4... he had a habit of sleeping under his bed at times, one morning i got up early before he and DH and decided to go for a quick trip to the grocery alone for a change, only while i was out DH got a call to go into work and didn't realize DS was sleeping under his bed. so i came home about an hour later to find DS sitting in front of the TV eating cheerios all alone in the house!! LOL the little one always seems to take it tough.

judy- glad to hear things are going well!! keep up the great work!

siouxchef- good luck on the weigh in!! good question, we can all dream i guess! i am working really hard at making permanent changes to the way i take care of myself so hopefully at some point it just becomes a part of me. then hopefully i won't have to count every morsel that i eat. there will always be maintenece though, exercising, eating healthier etc.

mychoice- you sound so revved up about the challenge!! you are going to do great! the 2 weigh ins a week would put me on the straight and narrow too. good luck and keep us updated!!

girlie- good for you getting to the gym!! great choice for dinner you are doing this little baby steps girl!!

caro30- welcome!! hop right in! the support here is great! good job getting on the elliptical you'll be a pro in no time!

hello to all the rest of you chicks i am off to bed!! have a good one!!

Woke up to DS barfing. Poor kid. Sigh. it never ends. One of the babysitting kids was a bear yesterday. Now I am thinking she might be sick too.
I was not supposed to have any kids today. I had big plans. Scratch those.
Oh well, lots to do here.
Food Basics has a GREAT flyer. Tons of stuff we use. Zehrs had topsoil and peat moss on really cheap too. I have til Saturday!
Food was good again yesterday. I was actually feeling hungry for supper and at night. I had a little snack. And a glass of wine. I needed that!
I saw a old friend from the rocker chick days at the store in town. She has 2 kids same age as mine, married a country bumpkin, live on a acre out here....... she called last night, we talked for an hour. Amazing how fast 10 years drop away.The parallels are interesting.
The sun just poked through the trees in the bush, pretty.

A neighbours MIL works at a childrens store.She had a display shelf they were going to toss, gave it to the neighbour. It is big and was in pieces, no idea what it was supposed to look like. It was going to the thrift shop. I brought it home. Put it together. it is adorable.Yellow,3 sided , a little cupboard and a roof on top. I will get rid of an old hand me down shelf that have seen a bazillion relatives and is crap!
I also tossed some more toys. I hid them in the van. Hoping the kids wont notice. It is not stuff they ever use.
DH was chuckling. He asked in there would be anything left in the house by spring clean up in a few weeks. Maybe not. Still feeling very minimalist. I am itching to paint the livingroom. Is is a smokey purple. I am feeling lighter. I want to paint it a pale yellow.It is battered by the kids. Needs to be done. Big job tho. Big furniture to move and the ceiling is stained so everything needs to be done. I will need DH’s help.
It is too cold to use my patio nook. Only +1C. Maybe I can have lunch out there.
Maybe i will paint the basement floor today, hmmmmmmmmmm.
I am babbling. I am up a hour early and avoiding DH, LOL. He is a morning person, bah, likes to discuss things. I am a quiet ,coffee, dont talk kind of morning person. I just realized I stay in bed til I hear him leave, LOL!!!
Maybe I will take a bath.

Have a peachy day!!! The sun just crested the trees.

Good Morning!!

Thought I would drop a few lines before starting work. Am working OT in the mail room from 6:30-8:00am, then my regular job from 8-5:00. The money is great, but have to go to bed so much earlier to get up by 4:30. I am hoping to have finances bareable by mid-summer. Fingers crossed.

Didn't get to walk yesterday, rainy and miserable here, had a hair appt directly after work, by the time I got home at 8p, I was pooped. Got a new doo going on, not sure if I like it or not, may have to grow on me. Eating has been much better since the weekend, not great, but much better. Had to miss TOPS due to hair appt, but will go back next week.

Just a few minutes before I need to get to work, so all have a wonderful day!

Annie

Hi everyone.
Dh has been off work since friday. I can't have any peace when he's underfoot. FYI everyone new I've been married 31 yrs so I don't mean to sound harsh. He just has constant plans for us. I missed curves sat and tues. Everytime I started to post it was a "come on lets go".
I weighed at curves mon and my weight is the same but I've lost 5 inches.
I feel better. Maybe next month the weight will drop some.
Everyone sounds great. I plan to go to curves before work so I'll do personals later.
WELCOME TO EVERYONE NEW!!

Hi everybody. Boy, I have not had a very good week at all. Monday I was all anxious about BF's trip the following morning, and skipped exercise in order to obsess over helping him pack. Then we went out to dinner as a treat since we wouldn't see each other for a few days, and it was a classic case of angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. I was deciding between a cheeseburger with fried onions on top and a turkey burger with avocado. I went with the devil's choice. Yesterday I got up at 5 to see BF off, then spent the morning writing (which was great, something I keep trying to fit into the day, but it didn't help my diet any). The airline had a real-time plane tracker online, so I basically stared at the little plane icon inching its way across the screen for two and a half hours until the status changed to "landed." We're talking major anxiety-induced obsessive beahvior here! Then I wasted a good deal of the day surfing the web reading horror stories about moving company scams (we're moving in July and I am getting myself all worked up about it). Then I had to rush to get a bunch of grading done, and I wound up ordering a pizza in the evening and eatching TV to fill the quiet of the house. No exercise; I was mopey and let myself wallow.

I'm pretty disapointed in myself. I'm trying not to fall into a negative thinking pattern; I need to remember that I can do this. But I'm feeling awfully overwhelmed with it all right now. I think I've been avoiding thinking too much about it, and avoiding posting, because it seems like such a big overwhelming thing!

It sounds like everyone is doing really well, and it's inspiring to read what you all have to say. Congrats to all who are losing and doing so well on plan. Welcome to the new folks. I'm so glad I have all you guys here to share even when I'm doing terribly. Makes a big difference.

So I need a plan for today. Im out of groceries, so I'll pick up a healthy granola bar at the gas station to munch between classes. Then tonight, I will make a rule: no TV unless I am moving. I know I'll want to have the tube on to make the house seem less empty, so while it is on I will be on the treadmill or doing crunches. Tomorrow I have to substitute for another teacher at 8 in the morning, so that will get me up and moving. I'll do my exercise after class, and when BF gets home, instead of going out to dinner for a treat, I will hit the grocery store and cook a lovely healthy meal as a treat for the two of us. On Friday I am getting on the scale no matter what, and if I've gained, I will use that as motivation to work harder!

And I'm going to journal about anxiety. When I think about it, I can see a pattern happening. When I'm anxious (which is often), I avoid exercise and eat a lot of white flour and sugar. I sort of freeze and get stuck in safe-feeling patterns. So I need to think about how anxiety is affecting my life and come up with some coping strategies. Ack. Any ideas?

Thanks for listening, all. Sorry no personals; I'll do beter tomorrow. Sending lots of good thoughts.

Spores:
I LOVE your "no TV unless you are moving" idea. That's great! In the past six months, I've found myself watching more TV than I ever have - there are around 3 shows that I like to watch if I'm home. I kind of feel guilty every time I watch TV because I know I could be doing something else, but it's a great way for me to unwind and get involved in someone else's life for a change LOL. Doing crunches or stretches, etc is a great idea!

Debbie:
I haven't even been married 2 years now and I already know what you mean about getting some peace LOL! Gotta love the men!

Judy:
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well!

Caro:
WELCOME! You are in the right place!


As for me...
food has been a struggle, but I've been doing okay.
DH got out of class early last night and we went to a chinese buffet. Not sure what's up with DH and the buffets...on one hand they are deadly, but they are actually a good thing, a great way to get a variety of items (and make good choices).
I got two plates: one had some rice noodles, grilled chicken, a few coconut shrimp and some broccoli. The other I filled with fresh fruit. I feel I did a very good job last night and am proud of myself. I was at the point where I watched DH fill up his 3rd plate and I was disgusted (and amazed at how much he can eat). I wish he was at the point where I am, but I don't want to add more pressure to him while he's in school. Come graduation in May...I'm going to talk to him further about our eating habits.

Talk to you all soon!

GIrlie

Just a quick checkin. I'm in an Excel class today, so I'm not at work. Wondering how many messages I have piling up.

I'm going to do some shopping, when I leave here, for my little friends birthday party this weekend. She will be 4. She told me to buy her clothes because I buy KOOl things...and a Barbie. I can't tell her no...so I'm going to have fun shopping for her.

Then I'm meeting a friend of mine at a place called "The Thirsty Dog". On Wednesday's a local radio station is there and they have a theme broadcast called "Working Women's Wednesday". I've never been to this but it always sounds fun...a lot of free prizes and half price appetizers and drinks (I've got to remind myself to be careful with those...calories ladies!).

Hi, there!

Jodi, thanks for sharing the story about your son! That's very sweet.

Holly, if you have the itch to break out the paintbrush, c'mon down to Washington, I have some lovely walls that could use your help

Debbie--31 years! Wow, that's quite an accomplishment in this day and age, to stay married so long. What's your secret?

Spores--I hope you are feeling more centered. I like your idea about no TV if you're not moving. I try not to turn my on unless I actually want to watch something, or else I find myself parked in front of it watching any old thing, just 'cuz it's on.

Gotta get home, it's late, and I have to come to work early to meet some deadlines, so hello, everybody! Keep it up!

judy

Hello Ladies,
Last nights weigh in was great. Down 6.2 pounds. I was so thrilled, I almost peed myself. Still staying focused on the mindful eating, and trying to follow the diabetic diet plan. (I am not a diabetic). SO, all is well in mind, body and spirit for now. I am hoping I still will have a loss next week, as I have lost every week, with the exception of last as it was TOM. One other thing I have done this week, that is a bit different. I have tried to do treadmill 2 x daily about 9-10 hours apart. Someone told me it will boost metabolism, if you do it 2 x a day? Not sure it that was what it was or not.

Hollyhock-sick son is sad. Sorry to hear that. I am such a wreck with that, or any kid for that matter. You take care of you too. I wish I had your motivation, and your energy. I am jealous, you inspire me.
Spores-- so sorry to hear about the anxiety. I too, suffer from that, and at times it can be crippling. I don't think most people realize the impact (neg) it can have on you or the severity. Have you ever tried Thought Chaining? It is kind of confusing, but if you can TRY to do it, you might be able to minimize it. I have found that it doesn't always work, but that it can be less severe. Just a thought.
Mychoice2bfit--Skinny people. huh. I too think it is a lifestyle change. I also think that I have to come to the realization that being skinny isn't always healthy. I want to be healthy. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I wholeheartedly agree with your description of our planning a day out with friends. It truly is like that.

Have lots of assessments to score, and to get some work done on a paper for my class, so I am off. I am geared towards a good, healthy week, and one with NO RAIN, so I can walk to work. Tommorrow hopefully.

Blessings and peace to all.
Sandi

Good morning,
I'm sitting here sipping my green tea
trying to get awake. This is my long day at work so I ease into the day. I'll be up and running soon enough.
I made it to curves yesterday am. I am really getting comfortable there. I did fair on food, I missed b-fast (not on purpose) ate a lean cuisine lunch. Then I made spaghetti for supper, I tried to control the portion size but I ate more than I should have. I don't plan to go to curves today. 10 hrs on my feet is enough for this old body to take.

Sandi: WELCOME...WOW!! that is a fantastic loss. Your idea about the treadmill is a great one, the way you are spacing it out keeps the body in high gear most of the day.


Judy: I'm not sure what the secret is? The years just keep clicking off and we are still together. I can't imagine being without him.

Girlie: love the chinese buffet, I try to make good choices but can't resist the orange chicken..

Spores: BRIGHT SUNSHINE AND GOOD THOUGHTS YOUR WAY.. Have a better day today.

Holly: Hope ds is doing better today, and that the "bug" stops there..

Have a blessed day..

BIG HUGS

Monumental Joy and Sadness all at Once
It is an overwhelming, mixed up feeling.
Hanging out in my head.
Lots of thoughts. Mostly I am feeling insanely happy. I am lovin’ getting this house in shape. I feel like I am taking charge of my life. I feel like I am an empowered parent. I feel like I am making wise decisions. I am in a totally fantastic groove with my husband. I am living in awareness.
I was verbally attacked at the church last Tues by the woman who doesn’t like me, in front of about 10 people. It got back to one of the Mom’s I babysit for. She said the kindest, most thoughtful things about me, to me, and how much she and her husband and her parents and in laws adore and value me .
I was not upset about the attack. In fact, I laughed and told the woman to get over herself , that I had done nothing to deserve it.
I have been thinking a lot today about how much my perception of myself and my place in the world has changed in the last year. I am approaching my 40th birthday(in July). I keep thinking we will have a party and maybe we will. The weird part is that I would be inviting “old” friends who don’t really impact my life any more .I do care about them and it would be nice to see them.
All that truly matters to me is the well being of my children , my husband and myself.
I keep bubbling over with a sense of joy.
The old me would have doubted or second guessed it, or sabotaged it somehow.

April 26th is the anniversary of our friends death. The flower bed I was working in when I got the call to meet his wife at the hospital to ID his body , is right outside the window of this room. Every time I have gone to work in it this spring I cry.
When I have been painting the basement I think about how excited my husband , this couple and I were about last summer. I think about the plans to play pool in the basement when it was done. The card games, going to the beach, pizza nights, sleep overs........ I think of our 4 kids running through their backyard at dusk 2 nights before he was killed.
I think about the endless pain and bullshit my friend has faced besides her and her children’s grief. I want to scream at the unfairness of the world sometimes.
My emotions are all LARGE right now.The joy is winning .I know Ben would be happy for our happiness.
I cherish every moment of my life with my family and with those dear to my heart.

I have decided to take a break from the TOPS meetings. I will weigh in every other week. I did get to food Basics last night. Lots of fresh stuff in the house.
DS really wanted to go to school. I am not sure he is all better. I sent a note. I have 6 kids coming and going to day. A few hours here and there. It is a beautiful spring morning!!!
Lots of bedding to fold. it was glorious getting in between crispy sheets that were hung on the line.
I had a great sleep. Allergies are happening but I am managing them.

Have a blessed day dear chicks!!!

I come here to visit friends. I have posted every day since last June. It has filled a huge void in my life. I think we are truly blessed in this site and each other. I think it so so cool how people find a group they connect with, with all the choices between ther journals and the threads.We are fortunate.
I try to live my life well and appreciate each moment.
Grief is a funny thing. It was actually a release to think things through yesterday and I DID go clean up that garden. 2 daffodils are peeking at me right now.
Yesterday was a weepy day. I had 7 kids here.We spent most of the day outside.They played I gardened ,some helped me.I love that everything in the yard that is growing I planted myself.All trees, shrubs and perennials.The day lilies I planted last year are sprouting!!!
Rhubarb is poking through. I have the yummiest recipe for a low fat rhubarb bread.I bake tons and freeze it. Give it as gifts too.
I copied yesterdays entry for my friend and wrote a letter. I included pics of our kids together.
I emailed it to some friends and the principal. He and I have really connected( kindred spirit).He is 60, of course.LOL! He sent back to most beautiful reply.
Touched my heart.
I had a pounding headache last night. I did the dishes, folded some laundry and was in bed by 9.DH went at 8:30,kids went at 8. Quiet household here. We all slept til 7am, woohoo.
Happy bunch this morning.
DH got a call about another job.He has a phone interview today.
Big kids all in school today. I have 3 little ones here. 2 girls are staying over night.Their Mom is at a conference and Dad works 18 hours today.
My Mom offered to buy patio stones for the walkway between the deck and shop for me for my Bday. I may go look at those today with the kids.
I didn't get more painting done. Sleep won out.

Have a delightful day dear chicks!!!!!!!