Ok, Ladies........
Just because Faye is gone, doesn't mean the rest of us can slack off too! We all enjoy coming here and chatting, so lets keep the postings up while she's away I volunteered to do the smileys, so you gotta post if you want your "cookie".

I got 4 points for yesterday. So I get a I'm trying to take today off from exercise, but that didn't turn out so well last time. We'll see if something unexpected pops up today.

Well, the van didn't pass inspection....again! But at least the ladies at this garage were nice, and they want about half of what the other place wanted to fix the rear shocks (which would make it pass). Plus, they had a WELL stocked play area for my son and a CLEAN bathroom.....they even gave him a donut (after we were ready to leave, of course!). So, I'm pretty pleased with them. It's obvious that they were thinking of their customers comfort. People are so stressed out when they have to wait for a car to be fixed......it was nice to have a comfy place to relax. I wish more women owned garages! Of course, then everything would get fixed right the first time, and half the mechanics in the world wouldn't have jobs!

Anyway, gotta go grocery shopping....I'll check back later.

Stay everyone!
Julie

Good Morning Chickies,

pts for yesterday: 2 pts for program, 1pt for water, 0 for exercise, will do on Sunday which is my make-up day.

Job interview tomorrow, could turn into management position if I do well enough. So keep your fingers and your toes crossed for me. I am not unhappy where I am, but it would be nice to have a more "normal schedule"...so I will let you know.

Hope you girls have a strong and healthful day....

Good morning girls

Well I got all 4 pts yday.. but any exercise is out for awhile now. I have a bad knee due to an injury and it looks like someone beat it with a baseball bat today! Started hurting badly last night, couldnt even touch it. I didnt do anything to hurt it.. sometimes it just flares up and boy is it flared! I have to try to get to the post office and to the grocery somehow. Its gonna be an ugly sight.

GMA was great yday morning. I even got to watch almost all of Montel before my baby got up wanting his breakfast.

Well, I guess thats all for now. My time for me is going to be a long hot bath tonight. Thats my favorite way to relax. Dim the lights, a few candles and lock the door!! I even put up a note that says
"This is Mom's Time - Do not knock, yell or disturb me in any way unless someone is bleeding profusely or the house is on fire. - Thank you"

I even warn my kids and it goes something like this -

I am alive, I just do not wish to be bothered. Do not talk to me, call me to the phone, stick your fingers or any other object under the door. Do not peek in the keyhole and do not rattle the door knob. Do NOT fight in front of the door. I will be out in an hour but until then, you must take care of yourselves. You will all be just fine.


LOLOL- a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to get some peace.

OK everyone...how are you all doing?

Faye - a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! But I guess you'll be back by your actual birthday...it's just a little early.

I did a small taboo today...I stepped on the scale the day before I was to weigh in, but it was OK. I'm pretty happy actually. Looks like I'm at about 146 1/2...lost about half a pound since last week. Not too shabby.

I've just been feeling generally down lately...I've come to the conclusion that I have a real problem with stress and I think it caues me alot of anxiety issuas just wondering if anyone had a good tip for being in a stressful situation. Like I'd like to have some phrase to repeat to myself or...something to that effect. I'd also like to hear some good ideas for general stress relief.

Anyway...yesterday was a 4 pointer for me!

Thanks Julie!

I got 4 points yesterday - I am pleased with myself because Nigel was asleep on the couch in the living room where my exercise bike is. So that meant that I couldn't go on it as it would wake him. So did I give up? Noooooooooooo.........I dragged that exercise bike into the bedroom and did my workout there! How's that for dedication??

PAM - I emailed Darlene from that web site - I got a really lovely reply back from her. She seems a really lovely lady and she's still suprised when she gets emails complimenting her.

SANDY B - That CD of your brother sounds really special, I am glad that you can listen to it and remember happier times.

MISSY - Stress! I know how you feel! I find it very hard to deal with. My solution is to pack up and move to rural Ireland where the pace of life is much slower! The only thing that helps me is to lie on my bed listening to relaxing CD's - but that's probably not much help.

DOT - Hope everything goes okay with Andrew - be strong and don't let him think that he can pick up where he left off.

DEBBIE - I like your idea about having your own time - I get lots of 'me' time because I haven't got kids yet, but I feel for you! When I visit my sisters I am amazed by how little 'me time' she gets - she can't even go to the toilet or have a bath on her own! It's important we all get some time to ourselves - we need it and we deserve it!

JULIE - Hope you sort your car out soon - that garage sounds wonderful!

RITU - Missing you! Hope you'll come back soon.

Bye bye

Amanda xx

Hi girls!

I got 2pts for program and 1 pt for water. I actually count seltzer water as part of my water...is this ok??

Julie-Sorry the van didn't pass the inspection, but that garage does sound great! Good job on your pts well earned.

Pam-Good luck on your interview. here's a little good luck magic coming your way

Honeyrose-Hope your knee gets better. I love the way you take take to yourself. Hehehe and I also like how you tell the kids not to bother you. You go girl

Mugirl-congrats on your weight lose. Hmmm about the stress...take a deep breath or you can also step out of the picture for a while. Go for a nice walk in the park find a nice quiet place to sit and just stay there and who knows look at the clouds in the sky...anything as long as you forget just for that moment all the stres in your life. In this way when you go back at least you'll be calmer. Hope it helps.

Amanda-LOL I love the exercise bike idea and thanks about the Andrew advice. That what I am trying to do even though its hard sometimes. (Its been a week since his last screw up, but I never like to get my hopes up high with him.)

Well girls take care and have a lovely day...oh and don't forget to dedicate some time to yourselves. As for me today I will just go home relax and watch a movie while I eat my dinner. The WW is going good I feel lighter, but I am fighting the temptation of going on that scale before time.

BTW the dog in the picture is Gizmo- he's my soon-to-be 2yr old chihuahua and weighs about 4lbs. What do you girls think?? lol.

Wow, I meant to get back to you gals sooner than this! I got caught up framing and hanging about 10 pieces of artwork that I've had in a cupboard for YEARS! I'm finally getting "a round tuit" on alot of things....

So, here goes on points.........please forgive me if I forget you, I'm new at this!

Dorothy--You get a for points. Great Job! I think seltzer water counts, but I'm not sure....maybe check it out at Fitday?

Amanda-- for points! Way to go for not giving up on the exercise!!!

Missy-- for points! But LAY OFF THAT SCALE, GIRLFRIEND! I don't know how to hypnotize What to do about stressful situations? There are several yoga breathing techniques to deal with different types of stress (like, are you PISSED OFF, or are you tense from overwork, or are you worried...) Type in "breath of fire" and "yoga" into a search engine and you should get some good descriptions. I would have to go look it up in a book, and I'm late cooking dinner....If you can't find it online, let me know and I'll describe it when I have more time.

Honeyrose-- to you too! I wish I could get the kids to follow such simple directions as "Leave Me the *** alone!!!" It never works, though. Maybe in a few years. About exercising with the bad knee...have you thought about just lifting some weights while sitting in a kitchen chair? Or doing some seated yoga? Might help you keep your spirits up until you heal. Exercise is for you whole well being, not just weight loss!

Pam-- to you for points! and a great big for the interview

Ok, I think that's it........I'll see you chickies tomorrow!

Sleep tight..
Julie

I can't remember who suggested this thread, but I do distinctly remember being told to visit it. After looking it over it sounds very fun, motivating, and positive and that's exactly what I need.

A lot of the threads on here ask for bio's and since this is #29, and everyone seems to know each other I thought it might be the right thing to do so here goes.

Well, I am 34 years old and have struggled with weight loss for over 15 years. The last time I was skinny (far from healthy, but definitely skinny) was when I was 18. I was a size 5. I had never had a weight loss issue in my life, unless your talking about being pre anarexic for a short period of time. Thankfully a gym coach busted me weighing myself and the school staff stepped in as well as my Mom. The sad part is at 98 pounds I truly believed that I was huge. If I could only be that "FAT" again... :LOL: I was about 15 then.
I am a typical statistic. I got pregnant at 18 and married two weeks after we found out. I gained about 80 pounds during that pregnancy. Then over the years I have tried slimfast,weight watchers, Atkins, the Zone,the cabbage soup diet, the cottage cheese diet, and who knows what else. Only to lose and gain back again plus more each and every time. My marriage to my high school sweetheart did last almost 13 years and then he woke up one day to say he was not in love with me anymore, he felt like his life was passing him by and he wanted to "expierience" other women, he wanted to be single, he didn't want a family. He was 30 when we split, but I say he went through his mid life crisis early since he was forced to grow up early. He went out bought a sports car and started wearing gold chains, met a hot little chica, got married and bought a house and they now have a beautiful newborn???? Don't know about you, but it sounds married and un-single to me. :LOL:
Went off a bit there for a sec, sorry, I am now happily married to a wonderful man who is very supportive of me and who loves me for me. I am also a natural mother of one daughter who is 15 and step-Mom to two boys who are 10 and 13. As I said before this is my very first time trying to lose weight for real and for good. I know it's different this time for me, because I'm in no rush. I know it will take a long time to get where I need to be and I'm ok with that. I am a very open to any constructive critisism, suggestions and knowledge anyone has to offer. I need all the help I can get. Currently I am journaling all consumption and documenting calories and most carbs. I am trying to stay away from the really taboo carbs like white bread,pasta, and rice. I am on a 1900 calorie diet right now and as I lose I will cut back in 100 calorie increments. I am drinking 64 ounces of water a day and exercising 2-3 times a week. That's something I need to improve upon for sure. I can only handle 25 minutes of brisk walking right now. I suffer from depression, bursitis in my left hip, a bad left knee from a past injury, and a sciatic nerve that flares up frequently. These are all obstacles that I have to overcome I know. I'm hoping the walking will strengthen my knee and eventually it will no longer hurt. I don't think there's too much I can do about the other things though. If you know otherwise please let me know.
I work as a site manager at a Mini storage facility here in the sunshine state and I'm working on going into business for myself as well, but I can't talk about that on here, because I don't want anyone to think of it as advertising. I love this site too much to risk losing my membership here.
I like swimming,walking,spending time with family and friends,being a Mom and taking care of my family,reading,writing,scrapbooking,watching movies and the beach.
My favorites are:

Music-Dave Matthews Band, Tori Amos, Phil Collins, Bare Naked Ladies,Sister Hazel,Tom Petty,Meatloaf, and a ton of others.

Movies- The game, bed of roses, untamed heart, Identity,Cape fear, and a ton of others.

Color-PURPLE

Oh I don't know what else, I think that's good enough for now. I really look forward to getting to know everyone.

Take Care & Keep Smilin'
Lisa

Hey Lisa!

I think it was me who invited you to join this thread! It's so great to have you here.

This group is full of lovely ladies who are fun, friendly and supportive. It has helped me no end being part of this group - and I'm sure you'll feel the same.

Our group leader Faye is on holiday for a few days so we are muddling through on our own. I'm sure the others won't take offence if I say that Faye is the backbone of this group - she has lost 90lb and is always positive and supportive. She has got a copy of all of our profiles so she will post them when she returns.

Most of us post daily and it doesn't take long to get to know eachother.

I'm really glad that you decided to give us a go and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Love Amanda xxx

PS: Faye/Julie - do I get an extra point for bringing a newbie into our fold?

Yeah... It was you! Now I remember on my helpful hints to stay on track thread.

Thanks a bunch for inviting me and for such a warm welcome,

Lisa

Hello You Lovely Lovely Ladies!!!! I cant believe that this is the first time here today... but i have been busy!! LOL laundry, getting out the cold weather blankets... making a messages station in the kitchen... that and hubby didnt go to work til 1pm today.,.. so we had the morning to just be...
I got all my points yesterday!
Julie that garage sounds wonderful and what a fabulous idea... u know i wanted to be a mechanic.. but my dad talked me out of it... well i can always go back to school cant i...lol
Pam... i am keeping my fingers and everything else crossed for u so u get that job!! Good Luck!
Debbie... U R MY HERO!!! what fabulous idea with the kidlets... mine would never follow those orders... well the older 2 would.. but not the 4 year old...
MugJulie...lol Stop the scale stuff!!!! LOL
Amanda... thank you for the kind words and u deserve a WTG for the exercise bike thing... u go girl!!!!
Missy... try the yoga breathing... u could also try a yoga tape... i love my AM Yoga with rodney yee... its refreshing and relaxing... gets u ready for the day!
Dot... just remember to be strong with Andrew... and U r in charge of your happiness... u will be just fine I think Gizmo is adorable!!
Welcome welcome welcome Lisa!! Its nice to meet u. I think u will just love it here! The support, the friendship the laughter and even the tears... this is a FABULOUS group of women!!

If i missed anyone i apologize greatly... u all have wonderful evenings and i will try to get back on here later... I love you all!!

Sandy

Debby --

I have had terrible troubles with my knees swelling up like basketballs, but a doctor actually gave me something that works:

Take a zip-lock bag and put ice cubes in it. wrap in a towel, lie down, put a pillow under your knee, and wrap the ice package around your knee.

Keep it that way for at least a few hours -- get your husband or kids to refill for you!
I actually have a cuff attached to a water cooler, that I can fill with ice cold water, drain when it warms up and refill.

I developed bursitis just before we went to Disneyworld, and icing the knee actually allowed me to have a good time.

Sometimes, now, when I exercise and can feel my knee (bet ya know what I mean), I ice it before it swells up.

After all, losing weight is the best thing we can do for our knees!

Hi girls...pretty busy but just wanted to drop in and say hi

I probably won't get to log in til later on in the evening Friday so until then take care...oh yea and 2 more things

1-I got 3 pts again
2-Welcome welcome Lisa...I hope you enjoy it here. Oh and I am doing the one week at a time challage think I've seen you there...keep the good work up!

Good Morning Lovelies!

IT'S FABULOUS POUNDS DOWN FRIDAY......SO LET'S HEAR THE GOOD NEWS!!!!

Well, I had a cold wet bike ride this morning...but I came so close to just going back to bed, that I am very proud of myself now! I kept thinking "Oh crap, I gotta post everyone's smilies....and I promised myself I wouldn't log on until I exercise...so, I better haul my butt outta bed now!"

I didn't weigh in this week cuz it's TOM for me, and I always gain about 5 pounds.....so I'd rather not get depressed! I'll weigh next Friday and should get a nice 2 week loss.

Sooooo..........
BIG WELCOME TO LISA I'm Julie and I'm kinda filling in the best I can for our fearless leader Faye. She's in Chicago partying her butt off (at least I hope she is She deserves it for sure! When she gets back, she'll post all of our little bios. But it doesn't take long to get to know everyone. I live in the middle of Maine, am a stay-at-home mom of 3 (ages 9,8 and 4) and am currently trying to lose about 80 pounds....I'm 15 down so far (since August). Many of us are on weight watchers, but I think most are just counting calories the old fashioned way. You have a great head start if you're already journaling all your food!

So, Points this morning go to.......

ME! I get ALL the points! No, just kidding......I'm in an odd mood

I get a for 3 points yesterday. I "made it" through the day with no exercise. Phew, that was a close one!

SandyB gets a for Wednesday! Way to go BABE!

Dorothy gets a for 3 points. Awesome job! It gets easier to get all 4 points after a while....you just keep aiming at the target, chickie......we're proud of you!

AMANDA--No, you don't get extra points for recruiting....but you do get a We love newbies!

Well, that's it for now....Gotta go get some sewing done!

Stay everyone!
Julie