Deb54,

There's no helmet law for adults on bicycles in Maryland. There might be for kids, I'm not sure. I wear one anyway. In 1991, the front tire rolled off the rim of my bicycle while I was turning a corner at 25mph and I did an "endo" over the front handlebars (ie bike stopped and I didn't) I hit the pavement head first!! The top of the seat even got scraped! I ended up with 2 dislocated shoulders. I was wearing a helmet and saw the pavement go by.. thought I was frankenface, but just ended up with a tiny scratch on da nose and chin. I hate helmets, but wear one!!

ER supplies on a daily bike ride = I carry a small "behind the seat" pack that is just long enough for a small hand air pump, a spare tire, a set of hex wrenches, house keys and my cell phone. I just carry one water bottle on daily rides because I'm really not far from home.

ER supplies for long bike rides includes above plus a couple protein bars, my CamelBak water bottle backpack, wipes, hand wipes, sunscreen, a small hand towel and few extra dollars.

BikerChick's attire consists of spandex shorts, comfy cotton Tshirt with sleeves turned up, tied head band or bandana, bike gloves and my clipless shoes that look like Tevas. Long rides, I'll wear my contacts and cool amber wrap around sunglasses. Yup, BikerChick is a total bike geek.

Hope some of that info helped!! If not, I've given some people nightmares with spandex mental images. hehe.

Luv,
Ratkitten

Thank you everyone that was wishing me well on my interview. It went well. They asked me if I would consider taking a different position than the one I applied for. It pays more but of coarse has more responsibilities. I told them yes I would consider it. They said they will make a decision by Friday. I got home after walking around Coeur d' Alene Resort for a while and got a phone call from the Salvation Army job for an interview on Thrusday at 11 a.m. Hung up and got a phone call from the lady that I originally left my other job for back in March. She said they want me to start there on Friday! So, I am going to keep my interview appointment and see what happens. I told the lady yes I will start on Friday but I feel okay if the county, State or Salvation Army do offer me a position after I have started working at the other job because it is through a temp service and I know they will be able to fill it pretty quickly. If I'm offered a full time job with the county or state I won't turn it down. If the Salvation ARmy offers me a part time position that pays well I would probably take it. So, It looks like things are picking up somewhat for the job posibilities. At least I have a job starting Friday! Yea! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and good thoughts about it for me.

Debbie: It seems surreal that I have less than 100 pounds to go to reach my goal actually. I didn't really think I would get this close but now that It is less than 100, I really want to get there. Hope you got on the treadmill or DDR. Hugs.

Walrus: Sorry that you missed the biggest looser thing. Maybe you could play along and put yourself on a pretend team and just report here like we are your team or something. I don't know. Just ideas.

Well, have a wonderful evening.
Blessings all,
Annie

Hi Annie:

Congrats on your jobs! Wow! You must feel very wanted

And thanks for the idea about a pretend team -- I think it's a great idea (if it won't bug anyone). I'll start a new thread tomorrow with my report

WARNING: Long-winded post from former poster coming back out of lurkdom.

Hi everyone. I know I have been MIA for awhile. I've just gotten too caught up in work and school to have much time for anything else. Fortunately for me, my boss has finally seen the light and has plans to hire someone soon who will report to me and provide some much-needed help. I have been incredibly stressed out at work for a long time now as the workload just continues to increase. I am relieved to be getting some assistance because it was getting to the point I was dropping the ball on some things simply because I had too many balls in the air to start with! In addition to help at work, my classes are finished for the semester in a couple of weeks. While I do plan to do summer classes at least I will get a couple weeks off before they start to relax and have my evenings free again. I am seriously leaning towards only taking one class this summer rather than two. My original goal had been to do 2 classes per semester in order to get done as quickly as possible but now I am thinking life is too short to overdo it this way. In addition, I am going to do my class (or classes) online for the summer which may help in that I won't have specific days and hours that I HAVE to be in the classroom. Hopefully it will be more flexible for me this way.

Anyway, during my time away from 3FC I have gained back several pounds, which frustrates me and has led me to some soul-searching. Check my screenname...Xena2005. It is now 2008 and I have made little progress in terms of pounds on the scale. My latest "excuse" is lack of time and too much stress because of work and school obligations. What I realized is that while it may be true that I am over-obligated, that is pretty much going to be the case as long as I am still in school part-time. So my choices as I see them are either to accept my weight as it is for now and put off doing anything about it until I have less stress and more free time. OR.....I need to figure out a way to make this happen even with all the stress and lack of time.

Happily, I have decided to figure out a way to make this happen no matter what. I am not so delusional as to think I can flip a switch and *POOF* now I will know how to cope with it all. I think the main thing I need to get a grip on is my mindset and that is why I am trying to use my new mantra "Because I deserve it."

During these past weeks of stress, unhappiness, anger, lack of control, physical sickness, and disappointment, I have come to the realization that on some level I don't feel I deserve to be happy and have a good life. I push myself in so many ways just to prove (to myself? Others? I don't know!) that I am worthy. Worthy of what? I don't know that either. But I just keep pushing and pushing and the whole time I am losing my life. I don't have time for my family, for my friends, for myself. I don't have alot of time for fun or for rest or for taking care of myself. Just a couple weeks ago I had a friend come visit for the weekend which required me to take a day off work. We did have alot of fun, but in order to me to be able to take a "vacation" day I ended up having to work an equivalent of an extra day and half in overtime to make up for it. It's stuff like that that just makes me feel like it's not even worth trying to have a life outside of work/school.

But that is the kind of thinking that needs to stop. I have turned into such an "all work and no play" person. I deserve to not be stressed and to have time to take care of myself and get healthier. Others around me take care of themselves first, so why shouldn't I? I am not completely certain where this feeling that I don't deserve to be happy comes from but for now all I am focusing on is trying to change my self-talk into something more positive. My first step is to keep repeating "Because I deserve it." That is my only focus for now because I HAVE to change my way of thinking or I will never get the life that I want.

One step I have made in living like I deserve it is I have decided to get some help in terms of meal preparation. One of my problems is that I can never seem to consistently have the motivation or organization to prepare healthy meals for myself. I do great at breakfast, but the rest of the day, forget it. I get tired and stressed out, throw my hands up, and say "to heck with it" and off to the drive through for something fatty and counterproductive to my goals. Recently, however, I was lucky enough to discover a service in my area that prepares freshly made healthy food and delivers it to your door a couple times a week so your fridge is always stocked with your next healthy meal. I have just finished a full week with the service and already feel so much better. Yes, it is a little expensive but it is something I can afford and I need the help right now so I DESERVE IT. I deserve healthy, tasty meals every single day. I do not deserve stuffing myself with fatty burgers and fries nor do I deserve self-deprivation. I am still mentally battling with myself that it is a waste of money or that I am lazy if I am not preparing my own food. I try to nip that in the bud as soon as I realize I am thinking it. For now, this is the help that I need. At some point in the future I may not need it, but for now I do and I deserve the help I am giving myself.

Xena -- Welcome back!!!! I'm sorry you've gained, but it's good to see you here again.

I feel I could have written a lot of your post. I'm stressed at work and too busy/overcommitted. Stress brings down my defenses and I eat too much and exercise too little. I've gained a little back too.

I do a lot more than I used to -- when after work was just me in front of the TV -- but too often that "more" seems to be maintenance work. Grocery shopping, food prep, and exercise to enhance my life -- except with busy work my life is often WORK and ALL THAT MAINTAINING WEIGHT LOSS stuff. I have to fight to put in more fun for me -- but that has costs too, as you noted.

I'm resigned to the fact that sometimes my life just IS going to be this busy, but I'm constantly finding ways to make myself more efficient at work -- to free up time for ME. And I'm also deliberately making time for the fun stuff. Scheduling it seems to help. My next big thing is that I'm going to get certified to scuba dive. I've already paid for the class -- which is in June -- so I'm committed!

So, I don't have a lot of solutions for you, but I do have a , and let you know you aren't alone.

Anne, the pics of your flowers are beautiful. Thanks for posting them.

Ratkity, thanks for the supplies for the newbie biker. You really are into your biking aren't you? I don't think I'll be wearing any spandex yet though. Just the thought of all this body squeezed into spandex gives me the jitters!!! Yep, I think we will be getting helmets.

Annie, yep, I got on the treadmill for 20 minutes and worked with my weight for a short bit. I hope to increase a couple minutes each day. Once we get the MP3 player, i think it will be better too and maybe I won't get so bored.
Good news on the job"s". Sounds like you have your pick!

Xena, it's good to see you posting again!! And yes, you do deserve only the best and I think the food delivery is right for you because you are so pressed for time. So good luck and I hope you have great results!

Just thought I would come on here and see what's going on. Can you tell I'm bored? LOL
Hope all are having a nice night
Debbie

hi ladies, i have been lurking as usual. i'm really tired had a VERY long day and TOM is here full blast.

any TOM advice? mine aren't regular, never have been, so when I am on TOM then i cramp like crazy and hurt worse and don't give a FLIP about what I eat. *sigh*

well, i'm headed off of here, DMPLS, I will deff have to get with you about all those lovely places to go to. I'll also have to see if maybe my bro and his wife would like to go with us.

Debi - Thunder over Louisville is a fireworks show, the one in Evansville is a speed boat race, but you knew that! lol

Hi everyone, just a quickie as I have to go catch a bus into the next town for my creative writing class.
Xena, WELCOME BACK!xxxxxx it's great to 'see' you again, and YES you do deserve it, you work hard, surely getting good, healthy food delivered isn't a frippery, you are putting good quality FUEL into your 'engine' to get a better performance. If it was your car would you fill it with cr*p which made it run bad? NO, of course not & you're WAY more important than any car.xxxxxxxx
Annie, WOW, you are doing well with the job search! I hope you get the one you REALLY want.xxxxxxx
Heather, teachers & those who teach 'higher' levels aren't appreciated really, when you add up marking, preparation, meetings; both with students and faculty; to the actual 'teaching' hours it doesn't leave much room. I often hear people b*tching about lecturers & teachers getting 'lots of holidays' & being overpaid, yeah right!xxxxxx
I have to go & sort my bag out for class so no more time but hugs to everyonexxxxxxx
BTW STILL no TOM!(9 days late & still counting)
Walrus, I wonder if we can have our own 300+ SPECIAL thread for a Biggest Loser-type thing? I'd be happy to join!xxxxxx
xxxxxxsharon

lauren.....actually they have fireworks that you use the thurnderpass to get into in Evansville . ITs usually on the 4th of july and thunder is usually the weekend before. Its all part of the festivities. Thunder in Lousiville has a boat race also .

We had a frost last night even though the half of the local weather guys werent calling for one. GOod thing i covered everything.I can tell my sheets blew off of some tomatoes. Guess i better go an hose them off before the sun comes out good.

have a great tuesday
debi

Just checking in before work! hope everyone has an OP day!!!

Welcome back Xena!!!!

Morning Peeps - frosting here too this morning. Possible snow on Saturday - I surrender.

Xena - it's great to see you. You are so right - we do everything else and neglect ourself. I would venture a guess that the pre made meals are no more expensive than drive through. Hugs to you!

Walrus and Sharon - I did sign up for TBL but I would love to join you here for a smaller version.

Rat - glad you're back bikerchick.

Annie - sounds like you will have some decisions coming your way. Great job!

I was down 1.25 pounds this morning - I am ecstatic after feeling like I wasn't losing. Actually I would always be happy with that loss.

Hope you are have great OP day - celebrate yourselves.

Hugs to all,
Carol

rosebud - Just wanted to tell you I wore that same bridesmaid dress that you are wearing in your avatar. It was 4 years ago at a friend's wedding. I loved that dress. And it was a size 16. At the time I thought that was horrible, but I'd love to be a size 16 now!

Thanks, everyone, for welcoming me back. Gotta go get ready for work now. Have a great day everyone.

G'morning all!

Just a quickie flyby this morning. I'm trying to post more and not isolate.

Xena, I could have written your post as well. I get so stressed at work and angry at the world and then my inner child throws a tantrum. I just have no energy left to deal with my inner brat and give in to whatever I want to eat. You are not alone! The good news is that those tantrums are shorter and I'm more aware when I'm getting overwhelmed with life. If I can maintain my weight during those times, I feel like I'm ahead of the game.

Deb54, spandex bike shorts aren't so bad! The padding makes it all worth it. I'm in it for comfort. In the 20 years of cycling, I'm not aware of anyone crashing their vehicle after passing me on the road or calling 911 cuz there was a fat chick in spandex on a bicycle... hehe.

Catherine, have you been released from the docs yet?

Ugh, I'm gonna be late for work.. I must go!

Luv and Hugs,
Ratkitten

Morning ladies.

Debi - we got frost? I haven't even looked outside yet. LOL and now i know... i had no clue about the race in Louisville or the fireworks in Evansville. LOL

Xena - ME TOO!!! and it was about 4 years ago too when she got married. LOL it is SUCH a beautiful dress. It's a david's bridal dress, and it only went up to a 24, which I thought "yeah right" when we were ordering them, but their dresses fit a lot differently... neway... at the time I had to have it altered to as far out as it could go. A few months prior to the cruise I tried it on to make sure it fit, it did and pretty loosly but not enough to have to have it altered again. When it came time to wear it on the cruise, it didn't fit so loosly... BUT... it still fit and I didn't have to be shoehorned into it! LOL

I'm off to start another day of being OP. How do you all deal with TOM and dieting. i STINK at it...

Xena...SO GREAT to see you again!

I love your mantra "Because I deserve it." We all forget that sometimes and then we punish ourselves without realizing we are doing so. Another one that I have been trying to work into my mind is "No Matter What." If I have to get up, go to work, and brush my teeth...No Matter What...then I will stay as focused as I can and give effort every day...no matter what.

Sharon...when you're TOM and trying to stay in control with food...you do the best you can...but you also don't have to indulge very craving and whim that crosses your mind either. When I have TOM..I just sort of accept it...and if I WI and the scale says I am up some...I just sort of ignore it...what is is...and really it's not so much different than any other week...when you were right on target with your food, water and exercise and you show a gain. You get off the scale and keep on moving along until the next time. If I feel like I am eating too many salty things...I jack up my water intake even more.

HOPEFULLY DH's car will be done today and then everything will be taken care of. I can't handle much more of this.