Hello All,

Am happy to report that I lost 3 lbs last week I only have 11 lbs to go before I am back to 100 lbs lost. I think I’ll feel a lot happier when I am at least back to that milestone.

Donna – ooh I think I would have shouted at my daughter too if I had been sitting around for soooo long. So don’t feel too bad about it. It sounds like she had a great time even if poor you didn’t. LOL about you still sewing that quilt for your great-nephew How much have you got left to do? Do you think you really will have it finished for his first birthday?

I hear you on the burning feet on the Gazelle. I am guessing at least in my case that mine were caused by my weight. The more weight I have lost the less my feet burn. I used to break my work up into 2 sessions of 15 minutes, why don’t you break yours up to 2 lots of 10 minutes. It’s no fun on the Gazelle if your feet hurt.

Dusty – I’m glad we don’t have any pets, it sounds like the Gazelle is a real threat to them lol. The only thing under threat in my house is the TV If I don’t position the Gazelle just right I’ll be kicking right into the screen (small living room).

That’s great news that you are feeling so great on the Special K diet. I actually love Special K. I love it too much though and would find it hard to stop at the 2 daily bowls

Annie – who’s a naughty girl then lol going on the net in work, tut tut Seriously though, I think with all the hours you work you deserve some Internet time in work hours

Oh yes we have a LOT of those WW snacks you mentioned. My problem is that they are TOO nice. It’s as bad as having chocolate in the house. When I eat one, I need to eat all of them!! I just have no self control.

I can’t wait to hear how you feel after putting on that jumper at group therapy, you are going to be absolutely gobsmacked at how much weight you have lost. I know you are going to wonder how you managed to walk around when you were that much heavier!! It might even help you to realise just what an amazing achievement you have had

Sugarcoatit – when I’ve hit mini goals I’ve given myself an assortment of rewards. I’ve had a gorgeous face cream which I wouldn’t normally buy myself, perfume, a handbag, a CD, a new exercise DVD, and my fave reward came courtesy of my hubby, he would give me a half hour foot rub every time I lost 14 lbs!!

Carol – how are you feeling today? I hope you are having an optimistic day? I was very interested to read what you said about the rule of thumb for how much water we should drink. I worked out that I drink just about the right amount, so that’s good news. I always wondered if I was drinking enough or too much.

Heather D – how has today been for you? I must say that I wasn’t surprised to hear that you went over your calories, it’s so hard to stay strong on a diet when you are feeling so defeated Come on, you must ignore those scales, and just keep on trying your best. You WILL see the rewards soon

I’m sorry that you have such a bad earache, it really upsets me when I hear my American friends can’t get the health care they need. This country might be cold and grey, but I’ll always be grateful that we have our national health service. I really hope that the vinegar or alcohol will work for you, and hey if it doesn’t, you could always drink the alcohol, that’ll numb the pain

Debbie – wow 2 hours on the DDR, that must be an awesome work out. I had a go on my kids dance mat about 3 years ago and it nearly killed me!! I am very impressed that you can do 2 HOURS

Oh yes, I notice my rings get tighter after I’ve exercised. I don’t put it down to bloating as such, I just put it down to getting hot. It’s like if you go to buy a ring on a hot day, the jeweller will measure your finger and suggest a size smaller than what actually fits on the day because when it’s cooler the ring won’t be snug anymore.

BattleAx – that’s wonderful news on your 1 lb lost, onwards and downwards from here on. I know you’ll be able to shave some calories off what you have been eating and you will soon be reaping the rewards

I bet you will see a big difference in how you fit on those plane seats on Thursday, I can’t wait to hear from you after that to hear how happy you were with how you fit.

Tina – big to you, I’m sorry you are going through so much now. You deserve a big for staying OP and not giving in to comfort eating!!

Patti – I sent you a message on MySpace asking how your weekend went, I didn’t ask how it went OP wise because I guessed it might not have been so good Don’t worry about it though, I bet you had a lovely time with your sister, and you can be good all week now to make up for any naughty eating you did

Ratkitty – sorry to hear that your BP is giving you some problems. It’s a good job you have some of your old meds that you can take. It’s weird isn’t it how we can lose a lot of weight, and still suffer problems that we thought we would leave behind with all the fat we’ve lost

Jeanne – woops about the wine drinking Sorry you felt a bit under the weather the next day! I don’t know about you but I can drink hard liquor like vodka or Southern Comfort and a lot of it and not end up with a hang over, but if I drink wine which is far less strong in alcohol levels I always always end up with a stinking head ache. Needless to say I don’t drink wine often lol.

Catherine – glad to see your post, and am glad you are keeping busy, sometimes that’s the best way to get through things

Sharon – sorry I missed you today, I had a migraine and had a sleep before tea to try to get rid of it. Hopefully I’ll catch you tomorrow.

Ok time for me to go now, take care all and I’ll be back tomorrow,

Hugs,

Ammi

Break time and I thought I'd check in with you all.

Battle: Congrats on -1 pound. Better than up. I hope that when you get in the plane it is such a wonderful experience and the seats are much nicer for you. I am planning a trip in March and I am so nervous about it. I haven't been on a plane since 1999!

heatherdw: Hydrogen peroxide may help some with your ear. Feel better soon.

Tina: Good job staying positive.

Patti: You can do it. Back on the op wagon.

Catherine: Welcome back. Hugs.

Ratkitten: Sorry about your bp. Hugs.

Carol: Good luck as you plan the party.

Debbie: Enjoy the snow. I sure do. It is so beautiful here. It looks like a winter wonderland seriously. All the pine trees are covered wih snow. It is lovely.

Jeanne: I wish I could go to the YMCA. Have fun.

Ammi: Woohoo! Congrats on -3 pounds. You are rockin it.

Well, back to the grind.

Blessings all,
Annie

I checked the seat width for the planes, and on all the flights it's the smallest seats possible-- 17" (43 cm). The last time I flew on Delta with these same seats, I was in pain and practically crying. At the time I was a size 24. I hate to be full of anxiety about my upcoming flight, but I am.

This is one reason that being fat is utterly miserable.

------
Ammi: Congratulations on your 3 lb. loss! You are doing beautifully, and before you know it you'll be past the 100 lb. mark.

Catherine: It's great to see you around.

Annie: Hi!

Debbie: I have gotten bloated from time to time exercising, especially if I got really hot while exercising.

Carol: You have all week to do well on your plan before the party. You could very well have a nice little loss leading into the event. Won't that be nice, and a great reason to not overindulge at the party?

Ratkitty: Sorry your BP is up. It's not fair.

Good P.M. friends. Been awake since 2am, and work a little OT, then discovered my battery was dead. Happily, the security at the hospital came and quickly gave me a jump. Coulda been a better day; coulda been lots worse. I lost a filling and then the tooth broke, so I'm getting that out on Friday - to the tune of $170-195. It's not feeling too good, but it keeps me away from the kitchen. It will also keep me from donating blood a while longer, too. Boo hiss. Hate the needle - like the $20 gas card my company gives for donations. Hey. That's life.

OH, ya know how you get bonus or pay-back points with some credit cards? I just cashed in enough points to get $100 in gs cards. They came in the mail the other day... and that's when I discovered there are NO shell gas stations in the AKron/Canton area any more. Silly me. At least I can use in when I drive up to visit my dad in Buffalo.

Tah-tah! Good night, and good menus... you know what I mean.

Hi All,
Today was a ok as I worked 11.5 hours. Can't go off program when you're that busy. I'm really tired so it'll be bed time for me really soon.

Debbie You rock girl!!! Keep on movin'!! And I'm proud of you too. xxoo

Battle Hope you have a good trip. Can you stop by the grocery at your destination to pick up to pick op snacks and microwaveable
meals??? Just a thought. I wish you the most success & comfort.

Heather_dw I have to tell you, your pic in your avatar is just adorable. Sorry about the ear, I'd put my $$ on the alcohol.
Let me know what you think of that angel food cake recipe you got. I may want it in the future.

Tina Hang in there and "welcome: by the way. Just remember
we can't chose our family but we can chose how we deal with them.
..........I'm one to talk. I have a relative that at the moment is making me CRAZY!! xxoo

Patty, Glad to see you! How's the knee?? Hang in there for today!
You can focus on tomorrow when it gets here.

Ratkity Sorry you're back on bp meds, but I'm certainly glad
you had some on hand and caught it early on. Let us know how your 2/5 appointment goes. xxoo

Carol, Are you responsible for the cake or dessert?? Abby's birth day is next month and I'm making her a low carb, low-fat cheese cake she's all excited about.

Jeanne

Ammi :woo hoo: for you!!! I KNOW you'll get to that milestone quickly!! xxoo

Hi Kayley & any others I missed. I need to get to bed soon as tomorrow is another full day.

Hugs

Ugh. I ended the day at 2075 calories. Dang it.
Late night/afternoon snacking is my downfall. Ugh!
How do you guys cope with that?

2075 is still not too bad for my weight, right???

Hi Peeps - another great OP day - I still hold some hope that perhaps the official WI tomorrow will bring at least a little loss. I will stay the course - I am strong - I will reach my first goal (someday) - I cannot compare myself to the speed others lose at as it's probably time to admit I'm 50 and my metabolism may have slowed a bit. I will continue to exercise. I will continue to drink my water. I am actually starting to entertain the idea of using the treadmill at home on the off days from my scheduled classes.

Remind me of this when I need it. I usually can deal with the slow loss but it really got to me yesterday. Thanks for all the support.

Sandy - yes, I'm in charge of the cake - but it is 2 full sheet cakes from Sams - we are expecting about 75 for the party.

Battle - good luck on the seat belts - I was fortunate when we flew in December we flew Midwest who have just 2 seats wide that are large. That has kept me from flying too often. Where are you headed?

I am not really worried about not staying OP for the party. It might be more of an issue at the dinner party at our house after - the wine will flow.

Ammi - have I told you how happy I am to see you again? Your happiness was missed so much - I always love to see that you've posted.

Annie - thanks - it will be an easy party. Keeping it a surprise is really the only thing. We're trying to get 80 cards for her - I think we will do it - she got 14 today - everyone mails them to me.

A big HI to everyone! Anyone have big super bowl plans? I think we will stay here with a pot of soup - maybe a vegetarian vegetable soup in case the munchies hit.

Move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

Val - get some sleep girl!

BattleAx – I’m sure you’ll fit MUCH better in the seats now. But it’s understandable to be nervous. I’m sure I would be too. When are you flying?

Val – Yikes. Good luck at the dentist on Friday!

Sandy – I love working full days! Lol. Everyone always thinks I’m crazy, but that way I don’t binge eat or anything. Make sure and stay SANE, though! Lol

Carol – Good for YOU! Don’t let it get you down, no matter what. Just keep up the positive attitude, and you will succeed. I sound so cheesy when I try to be motivational! Lol

Okay, ladies, just wanted to catch up with you all. I’m off to bed, as I have to be up at 4am for work. Yowza!

Hi Guys,

Battle, Good luck on the flight. I am sure you will be fine. As Debbie said, you are much smaller than me and last time I flew I was miserable but I thought, hmmm 10 pounds less and I’d be okay….so I am sure it will be comfortable. Make sure you have fun. When I travel, I fixate so much on the plane trip that it dominates my trip.  My favorite flight ever was one I had three seats to myself. I keep wondering what it is like to fly an airplane and be small and normal. It must be a whole different ballpark! Also, you are right, in the early morning I do the same workout and I don’t change routines until my evening workout.

Heather, ear pain!? That is the worst. It’s as bad a toe pain. Some pains are just more unbearable than others. I hope you feel better!

Tina, you are amazing, all that on your plate and you are still on plan! You’re in my thoughts this week.

Ratkitty, Good luck with your BP. I hope it evens out again soon.

Debbie, I don’t know about the Bollywood video yet. It should be here tomorrow, or Wednesday. I can’t wait thought! As for the belly dancing, this one is really great because it’s more about muscle tuning than juggling around….and trust me the blinds are tightly drawn every morning for the entire time! My sister and I do it together, but my dad knows that for an hour every morning he is banished to his room! As for feeling bloated while working out, I do feel funny. I don’t know if it bloated or not. I feel heavier and thicker.

Jar1985, Ohhhh I don’t drink much either so when I do, bang. You’d think I wouldn’t be such a ‘lightweight’ but I am. I haven’t got drunk again in a long time because my family is still teasing me about the day after. Uff.

Ammi, Congrats on the mondo loss! 3 pounds! Woooo! And also, I really love special K too. But honestly, eating it for 2 meals a day for 2 week….there is no threat of me eating more than 2 bowls! I had a Gazelle but I sold it in a garage sale for 5 dollars one day. On one of those days where you just get rid of things irrationally for the sake of space….I regret it now!

I can’t believe I’m about to go work out at 10:30 at night. It’s my TOM and I feel like a baked potatoe in my sauna suit tonight. Ughhhh!

Dusty

Heather dw, nope that's not too bad for your weight. I guess the norm is around 2000 for our sizes. I keep mine around 1400-1600 a day and I seem to do fine around that. Although today I'm having a hard time getting even that many in. As for the late night snacking, I have puzzles, the internet, and anything I can think of to keep my mind off of my gut.

Carol, Jim and I plan on just having some chili and a veggie tray. I don't want to bring the chips and dips and all that garbage into the house because I would be the one sitting there pigging out on it.

Val, hope the tooth doesn't hurt too much til you can get to the dentist.

Annie, we might get 1-3 inches of snow tonight. Earlier when it was snowing I just stood outside and enjoyed it. So beautiful.

See y'all tomorrow!
Debbie

Catherine - Glad to see you posting. to you. I hope you are feeling alright.

Ammi - on being down 3 pounds. I will be celebrating with you when you break that 100 pound mark.

Annie - I can't wait to hear how your group therapy goes when you get to wear the weight suit. Sounds like a really interesting therapy!

Nothing new here. Same old, same old.

Carol-We are having a Superbowl party. I'm doing a Mardi Gras theme since it is the Sunday before. I'm doing alligator chili, shrimp gumbo, and something horrifically decadent for dessert. It is the last hurrah before Lent, so we are going to get silly. I have no idea how many are coming. If we run out of seats, they can sit on the floor. If we run out of food, they can run next door to the Safeway. People know to come early or go hungry when I'm cooking something special. The best I can figure, between the two of us, we have invited 50 people. If they all come, I'm going to a sports bar to watch the game, and leave the animal house to himself.

I'm flying to PA. My flight is Thursday night. Red-eye. 2 legs. Ugh.

It's not a pleasure trip. I'm going to help my mother with her house.