Heather – That was a very interesting thread. For me there are two answers. Of course part of me says YES!! Let’s get this over with – I have other things to do. BUT, I know that it would be folly. As much as I might want that and think I could handle it, I probably couldn’t. As I lose weight I will find weird emotional and psychological issues that I never even realized were there. This was definitely the case when I quit smoking. A thing I hadn’t even thought of ended up being one of my most difficult things to overcome, which was my sense of time. How long should I take a break for – a cigarette. How long should I wait for something – a cigarette. How long do I cook pasta, etc. My sense of time and how long things took directly revolved around smoking and I hadn’t even realized it.

What other thing, attitudes, ideas, values, thoughts, etc. in my life revolve around my weight that I am not even aware of? It could be something I would never think of and if I were to plunge instantly into it I might not be able to handle it – especially since there are probably many of them. Going there gradually I can handle things as they come up. I can build new and healthy coping mechanisms and I can learn how to better handle my emotions. Instead of just reacting I can build myself how I want to be. I couldn’t do that if it happened all at once. Also, if someone or something can grant you something like that, then they can take it away again. If I earn it, no one can ever take it from me.

You know the other thing that is amazing to me is that I always thought of dieting as being extraordinarily painful. That going down would be so much worse than going up. Going up I could indulge in what I want, eat whatever I want, etc. But it is amazing me that I am finding that I am truly enjoying the journey down, in many ways more than the journey up. I feel like I finally have control and I can still eat things I love, but now I savor and value them. A treat means far more now than it ever did. I feel better, have more energy and know in my heart that I can be healthy. What’s not to enjoy?

Wow – that ended up being WAY longer than I had intended.

I have just a bit of work left and then I head home early since we are going away for the weekend. So I wanted to wish


Hope you both have a fabulous day tomorrow.

Hello All,

I am absolutely worn out. We went to the doctors today and then walked all the way from there to my step daughter's school. We met her and then went to town and spent the afternoon shopping, me in my fave clothes shop, well fave out of the two for fatties and Daren and the girls went to buy my birthday presents. All in all I walked 5 kms and my feet are killing me

I had THE MOST AMAZING NSV today. There was a continental market in town and they were selling an amazing assortment of goods from Europe. One French stall was selling a huge selection of dried fruits. I bought some dried apples, apricots, melon and papaya and decided that that would be my birthday treat for tomorrow, instead of a bag of Jelly Belly jelly beans that Daren was going to buy me I can't believe I chose something so healthy....I guess I really am making a lifestyle change Add to that the fact that my day out tomorrow (weather permitting) will be a lovely long walk along the beach followed by a not too naughty meal out, instead of going to the movies and having a pizza which I normally do on my birthday and I am one happy lady

I am way too tired to even attempt personal replies tonight, and I know I will be pretty busy tomorrow. I will try to pop on and let you know how my day went, but if I can't, then I will be here on Sunday Thanks to all that wished me a happy birthday, and Sharon, I got my card today thank you so much. I haven't opened it yet, but thank you in advance Oh and Misti, so sorry you are on a plateau, you keep kicking those scales, maybe they will learn to be nice to you next time Brenda, have a happy happy birthday tomorrow

Anyway must go now, I have a long day again tomorrow and need to get some sleep. Take care all,

Hugs,

Ammi

Still packing. It is so hot here! UGH. It was 102 today without AC. Tomorrow will be more of the same. I tell you guys on Sunday after church, I'm going to the closest lake and taking my floater! lol

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dearest Ammi and Brendaaaaaaaaahhh Happy Birthday to you! And many more. May your wishes come true!

First, AMMI and BRENDA -- Happy birthdays! Celebrate yourselves and the wonderful women you are!

Nancy -- Wow, lots of insights about weight loss and I agree with you that I am learning things I never realized were related to weight and that I am enjoying so much of this journey down. I feel like I'm undergoing a metamorphesis... like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly or a cygnet becoming a swan. All sorts of realizations around every corner. Plus, I'm really loving the food I'm eating and not feeling deprived! Who knew!

Kayley -- Congrats on the loss! You KNEW the scale would move eventually! Patience, grasshopper!

Wyllenn...you know, I'm dense, and never read that you are near Chicago! LOL. Where abouts are you at? I'm about 90 mins from there!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENDA!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you both have a wonderful day, full of love and laughter and basically doing just what you want to do.

Take care,

Zelma

Wow! I didn't even know that it was anyone's birthday when I posted yesterday. :| Well just a quick note to say

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!!!!

Ammi and Brenda. I hope it was a good one for both of you.

Vicki

Kayley, I am so pleased for you, what was you saying on messenger???? wasn't it something like YOU WERE SICK OF NOT LOSING WEIGHT!!!!!!!!?????? Well it looks kike the FAT FAIRY was doing overtime on you!!!! lol. Your hard work has paid off.
Ammi what shops did you go to, I only know Evans? And just lately their stuff has been very boring AND very poor quality fabrics/manufacturing. I hope you have a fantastic day, I just wish I could have found something to send to you as well as a card.
I've totally forgotten what else I wanted to say. We didn't have time for pics last night, I was running late : I had to shower the boys with me, steve had had a nap as he's on 'earlies' and was tired; they were jumping on the bed, ever tried applying mascara & eyeliner when you have two crazy boys jumping all over you??? It is NOT the best look!!!! though probably ok for a panda!!!
My sister's friend told me she could tell I'd lost weight, I was really pleased as it was nearly tme to go home and I was upset that no one said anything. AND I got on the scales & saw a 1 lb loss, not good, but a loss is a loss and weigh in is tomorrow, fingers crossed it will be 2lbs. I'm still spotting, coz of the new 'pill' so I think that's affecting me too, my ankles & legs are a bit swollen, as are my fingers.
Well I have lots of cleaning to do, so you all have a wonderful week-end.
xxsharon

Thank you all again for voting for me (once, or twice, or…) I have no idea how the voting is going, but I have my hopes up that I will get a positive call early next week.

I enjoy collecting quotes and often print some off to display around me here, or in the classroom. My favourite one for the classroom is “A child doesn’t care how much you know until the child knows how much you care.” That may not be the exact quote, but it is close. It kinda explains well how I run my classroom.

I found a few that I thought were relevant for those of us who are on the journey to a healthier lifestyle and I wanted to share them with you. I’ve added my ‘thoughts’ after each one.

I don't know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future. (Ralph Abernathy)(Zelma – The answer to this one is a definite ME! I have a lot more control of my future than I give myself credit for)

"Nothing is as real as a dream. The world can change around you, but your dream will not. Responsibilities need not erase it. Duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away." (Tom Clancy)(Zelma – Never lose sight of your dream. Many things may get in the way, but they can be overcome and should not detract you from returning to your dream, sooner or later.)

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other. (Douglas Everett)
(Zelma – I can truly say that I have turned my personal dream into a reality. And I LOVE this reality!)

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it. (Maya Angelou)
(Zelma – I have come to believe that I HAD to reach the weight I did to finally see that enough was enough and it wasn’t an option to do something about it.)

Now for some responses...

First… Ammi and Sharon – (I think you are our only England/Wales posters) How are you going with the current heat wave? I just heard on the news that England was facing the hottest temps on record. I hope you are both doing OK.

Also… my sympathy to all of you in other places where the heat is becoming unbearable. I hope things cool down for you soon. I’ll try to send you some of our cold weather. I can’t send you the rain though, as we need the little we get.

Brenda – It sounds as though you had a beautiful day making jewellery. I would love to do something like that. I know people say that it is easy, but I feel as though you have to have an ‘eye’ for what looks good together. I am much better on the ‘purchasing’ end of things, rather than the production end.
I look forward to hearing all about your birthday. I hope it was a good one.

Melissa – I LOVE your photos. They truly are beautiful. You certainly have an eye for what makes a good picture. I tend to just snap away and hope for the best at times. I suppose that is the wonderful thing about digital cameras – you can take HEAPS of shots and just pick out the best ones. Good luck with the sales. Are you mounting them in any way, or just selling them ‘as is’?

Misti – I was sorry to hear that you had gained a few pounds when you were doing everything right. I have NO idea what it takes to gain muscle, but I DO know about gaining FLUID. My body does NOT like TOM and does not like salt. These things just make the scales tell me really nasty things. I don’t always feel bloated, and my clothes don’t seem any tighter, but the scales let me know that I need to keep away from salt… well, and TOM, but I don’t really have a choice when he comes to visit. I truly hope that it was just fluid retention and you will be back onto those losses soon enough. I read about your frustrations with the plateau and I can certainly sympathise with that feeling. It is a pity that your scales didn’t respond positively to a little aggressive treatment. Better luck next time.

Ammi – Well done on still exercising even though it has been hot. That is what I like about having my own equipment at home. I don’t have to worry as much about outside temps. It can still get pretty warm inside, but we have fans and airconditioning to make that a little more comfortable.
I hope you had a special birthday. It was great that you made choices that you would never have made before. That shows that you have made this part of your lifestyle now. I look forward to hearing how your family spoilt you for your birthday.

Idril – Good for you for choosing to spend the time with your family instead of some guy who doesn’t appreciate what a wonderful person he has in his life. I hope you have a fantastic time and I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. It sounds like you are going to have a VERY relaxing week, in beautiful surroundings. Bliss! Maybe the guy will work out what he has missed and will try to make amends, but you make sure you do what is best for YOU. You only deserve the best treatment and if he isn’t going to give you that, then you have to give him the boot.

Rkrs – I LOVE your pics! I think you look beautiful in all of the photos, as you just have such a lovely face, but the more recent pics are great! You can definitely tell the difference. I hope you have lots of people telling you that they notice the weight loss. If not, then you SHOULD.

Vicki – I’m sorry you are going through this hassle with your boyfriend’s ex. At first, I was beginning to think that he had done the dirty on you, but from more that you’ve said, it sounds as though she is just trying to cause trouble. It just seems like an odd time to bring up the paternity issue. If she really thought that he was the father, you would think that she would have pushed for some kind of support earlier. I am not sure, even if he IS proven to be the father, that she could expect back-pay of maintenance if he didn’t even know he was the father. I don’t know the rules on that one, but it doesn’t sound right to me. Good luck with getting it all sorted out though.

Sharon – Yep, you were kinda right about my loose skin. I refer to it as my “badge of honour”. I don’t particular like it, but I can live with it because I EARNT it. I still have a little trouble with it, particularly my stomach, but I was thinking about this last night and I definitely had a LOT more trouble with my FAT stomach, so this bit of a ‘skin apron’ is nowhere near the hassle that my bigger stomach was. I can certainly do a lot more now, so that kinda put things into perspective for me. Someone made a good point at some stage that perhaps the government should offer ‘free’ surgery to remove excess skin after someone has lost weight. That would offer some kind of incentive I would imagine, and a ‘reward’ for all of the hard work. They want people to lose weight, but they don’t seem to be doing a great deal about it.
I look forward to seeing the new hair colour when Steve has time to sort out the pics. I can’t imagine you with straight hair. I was going to ask if the beautiful curls were a perm, but from what you’ve said, I imagine that they are natural. I am SO jealous!

Nancy – Have you managed to get a workout in yet? I understand your frustration at missing the one the other day. I have a pair of sneakers that I keep at school, just in case I want to do any daily fitness with the kids, but I don’t really get too sweaty as it is only for 20 mins, so I don’t need workout clothes, just shoes. I’m not sure I could have a spare set of clothes there all the time as well.

Crock – I can’t wait to see pics of the pups. Can you block off her entry under the house so you don’t have to go crawling in there every time she wants to ‘hide’ them from the public?
Good luck with this latest job. I know how much you want to be earning your own money so you can get back on track with the healthy eating. Do you get any kind of government support? Over here you can get the Dole (unemployment benefit) pretty much as soon as you lose your job. Well… some people NEVER work and just go from school to the Dole. They are bringing in some kind of “Work for the Dole” program, but I’m not sure how successful it is, or how well established it is. Last time I heard, you just had to prove that you were applying for jobs, and you could get government assistance, even if you couldn’t get work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that THIS one isn’t filled internally. Oh… I suppose that being a ‘new’ business, they shouldn’t have internal people to fill the position yet huh? I’m not really thinking too clearly at the moment. Almost ready for bed.

Kayley – Well done on pushing your way well and truly into the 70s. You probably won’t stay there long with the way you are going. The 60s had better be looking out for you. I hope work is still going well for you. When do you start back at school?

Nelie – I totally understand you about seeing what others have to lose in here. There are some people who don’t weigh much more than I do at the moment and they want to get down to just over 100lbs. I can’t even BEGIN to imagine someone being that weight. I can’t even get below 160, let alone close to 100, and some of these people are around the same height as I am. Oh well, I will just have to be happy with where I am at now.

I was thinking about how much weight people have to lose and how frustrated I usually get when I see people on here who only have to lose 10 or 20 pounds. Then, I talked to my sister the other day and she said that she had gained weight and now she weighed more than me. (That makes me the lightest member of my family I think, for the first time in about 30 years. YIPPEE!!) Anyway… She now has to lose just over 30lbs. After thinking about it, I realised just what this meant to her. She has NEVER had a problem with weight before, well for most of her life anyway. She was just ‘naturally’ slim until she hit her 40s. I suppose, that for someone who was VERY slim before, this extra 30/35 pounds must be pretty awful for her. I also believe that it will be hard for her to lose that weight because she has never had to be conscious of what she ate before, or how much she exercised. It really made me think a little more and perhaps I’ll now have a little more sympathy for those ‘skinny minnies’ that I see on here.

Well, I’m going to get these notes posted, then I’m going off to bed. I’ve had quite a bit of this typed up for a couple of days now, and I need to get it posted before it is totally out of date. Sorry to those people I missed answering, but hopefully I’ll catch up with you next time.

Take care,

Zelma

hey guys!

I am still here just busy getting things ready for the craft show on sunday. I had the kids too for the past few days so it was busy busy!

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I am pretty much spending the day at home by myself. Steve is working and the kids are at home with their parents. I had already gotten my gifts from his folks (a soldering iron and some handmade gormet chocolates which I have promised myself that I could eat one per day for the 8 days it takes me ) and Steven and I are going to celebrate my b-day in a few weeks by going on a huge camping trip with 2 other couples.

I have been "almost" behaving which is more than I was a week ago but as of tomorrow I am COMPLETELY going to behave again! I have lost over 70lbs in 365 days and want to renew my committment this year to myself to do it again! Happy Birthday to me.

So when I say that I am "almost" behaving it is because I am stressed to the MAX the past couple of days and that I have had to struggle NOT to turn to food for comfort. I have a gut-wrenching feeling that I might be pregnant and OH BOY will that be a surprise!!! I am 5 days late now and have not been late AT ALL in about 8 years. I refuse to go and buy a test on my birthday *L* so I will just wait another day or two. Either way, tomorrow brings a healthier lifestyle with all the right choices whether it is for one or for two.

ok guys, even though it is my day today, I have to clean my house at least a little! So I will return later

Happy Birthday Ammi!!!!!!!

Brenda

Not meaning to "argue" here -- I understand that you mean it in reference to yourself and not trying to start a dispute. But can't resist pointing out that the general reference in this common quote is not ourselves, but God. It comes from 1 Cor. 3:21-23... and I think other Scripture references as well. There are some more direct but can't locate them at the moment.

"So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God."

There is a very popular Christian song... it was even sung by Elvis Presley... based on this which says

"Known only to him are the great hidden secrets
I’ll fear not the darkness when my flame shall dim
I know not what the future holds
But I know who holds the future
It’s a secret known only to him"

Since Ralph Abernathy helped establish the Christian Leadership Conference, it is highly likely IMO that he was aware of his source when he said this.

But hey, I sure don't mean to preach... we all choose what we believe -- just wanted to set the record straight.

Hey Kayley, that is wonderful that you lost those pounds... good job!!! Personally I gained one again, sheesh! But I am glad people got a good laugh out of my slamming the scale around. I guess I should point out though that I was not kicking it and stuff... it is one of those big professional kind like in a gym... I just got a little "rough" in shoving the slider back over into the low numbers.

Yeeks it was in the mid 90s yesterday and I still did my walking at lunch... shorter route though and yikes!!! This is Seattle, for Pete's sake! What is all this super hot weather doing here? I am getting ready to go to a public market in Edmonds this morning so will be out in the heat again, yikes.

Hope you all are a bunch of big LOSERS today!!!

Just a quick post to say hi. Just finished another exceptionally busy work week and haven't had time to post.

I'm not doing well on the diet front. At all. I am just generally not feeling positive about my ability to do this.

Anyway, I did skim through the threads I missed and it seems like others are really rocking along so a big for all of you.