Judy - Your bike sounds great. Buying clothes always makes me feel good I hope that it did the same for you.

I just got done working out. Keeping my fingers crossed all the way for this week. Yesterday I had some potato and macaroni salad I prob should not ave but I figured what the heck.

Nikki

Hi, chickies--

Hey, Carol, that's a great price on a bike! Hope you enjoy pedaling away the pounds. You are doing a good job in planning ahead for special occasions. Does this mean that your b-day is coming up?

Nikki--the idea of 70 shots gave me the shivers . But good work on keeping the momentum going, and my fingers are crossed, too.

Marie, you are doing so well! I agree with you about the variety, and I bet that's one reason you've kicked so much weight to the curb lately. Go, go, go!

Penpal, Freda and everyone else, I hope you're feeling good. I had company this weekend (including a lively, very smart and very dramatic 4-year-old). I managed to work out once with the mini-DVD player in my bedroom, but I ate more bread and sweets than I normally would. I did a cardio workout this morning,and will do Curves tonight, and I'm back to my usual eating plan. I'm off to a good start, for a Monday, and I hope that you are, too!

judy

Judy -

the 70 shots gives me the shivers too I usually binge afterwards because I am just so emotional. Hopefully this time I won't or I can keep it to a kids meal or something reasonable.

How do you like curves?

Nikki

Marie - Way to go for reaching your July 17th goal early! Keep up the good work! Sorry to hear the casino was a bit of a drag - at least you got some walking in.

Nikki - I hope you are doing ok after having all those nasty shots. Good for you for keeping up with your exercise - sometimes it helps to keep our minds off things when we can stick to our routines.

Carol - Happy Birthday! I hope you have a nice time at the clam bake. Clams are so yummy. You can fill up on all that great seafood so you won't be so tempted by the desserts!

Judy - I find it's a bit harder to stay on plan when I have company. Running around after a 4 year old would help burn off some extra calories though!

Freda & everyone else - hope your week got off to a good start.

We got back from California yesterday and I gained 4 lbs!!!! I'm not too worried, though - I always bloat up when I fly and it takes me a week to get rid of the water weight afterwards. My bad foot was almost twice it's normal size, but the swelling has mostly gone down. It was also very hot and humid down there. We had a really nice time at the wedding and visited all our old 'haunts' at Laguna Beach and Dana Point. It was nice to get back to the fresh air and greenery of Oregon though. One good thing I noticed about flying is that I fit into the seats much more comfortably now!

Nikki I am sure you are pretty brave going for the shots. Maybe afterwards have a special lunch like a hot fudge or something in place of a reg lunch. I went to a nutritionist way back years ago it was when we all decided to count fats and fibers. Oh well she advised that once in awhile if you wanted something you should have it just fit it into your day. So maybe a special planned treat after your shots would be a treat within your days plan. Everything in moderation you should be able to have mac/pot salad but just a scoop. I think thats the trick. The other day I wanted vinegar / salt potatoe chips I ate a few handfuls oh yeah then sent home with my friend the rest for her daughter to eat the tiny little 17 yr. old. I never like to go without either so I just try to have things in smaller portions and less often. I am still doing pretty good with my choices and intake within my limits. I did have those clams but I think it really couldn't of been to bad not too much butter. I think thats the real no no! Yesterdays intake was good, one day gone. Yes Judy my birthday is on the 21st and my daughters as well. I really want to get her something special. She is getting married next year. I am going to attempt to make her necklace with wire and pearls. I have to go ck. out today to see what the damage will be to make it or maybe I will just find one and purchase it. We got together last night and she showed me the jewelry she picked out for the girls, wedding favors etc. She is doing well with being so organized. We talked about flowers etc. Lots of ideas and money of course. I will help her out but its limited and his family is old fashioned I guess and believe its the girls family who foots the bill. Though the kids are really doing a lot of it we are helping but can't do it all either. Its almost like buying a house lots of expenses. Oh well it will all work out.
Marie I am sure your enjoying being off for a few weeks good for you. Oh this not having time off is killing me. I am taking off my birthday though. I also feel a sick day coming soon my way. Maybe monday we'll see no appts. scheduled on that day and it is going to be in the 90's. I just might have to do it. I have lots of sick time limited vac. Well I purchased a couple of tops yesterday and some new sneakers. Now I am ready to start some serious exercise I did manage to get some walking in yesterday during work time. Running from one building to another and using the stairs. Have great day girls and together we are all going to reach our goals.

Cacmsc- Getting ready for a wedding is so exciting. Your daughter sure is lucky you are so helpful and involved. Ohh I love salt and vinegar chips have not had them in years though. I usually do the portion thing as well. I am sort of hoping I have the oposite reaction this time and I don't feel like eating lol.

Yay on your walking !


Peny - I am sure you will take off the lbs in no time. I'm glad you had a nice trip . Congrats on fitting better in the seats on the plane that is awesome.


Marie and judy hope you are having an easy time of it !

Nikki

Uggh, another Code Orange Day here in the nation's capital of humidity. I did yoga this morning instead of cardio.

Nikki--Curves is okay, the price is right and the atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging. Plus, you really can get in and out quickly if you want. I supplement the Curves circuit with other strength-training at home, to get at other muscles (particularly abs). I would pay a little more if it had amenities, especially showers, steam and a whirlpool, but the convenience (just a block from my office) is what keeps me from going to a "real" gym. Since I don't have a car, it's gotta be very near home or the office, or I would blow it off in the winter--which is when I need to work out the most.

Penpal, I'm glad tat you had a nice trip. Isn't it great to have a few more inches of room on the airplane seat? I'm flying somewhere at least once a month, and it's embarassing to see someone wince when they see me headed down the aisle in their direction... I stick with window seats so I can squish up against the wall, but it will be better when there's less of me and more room for my seat mates!

Carol, I feel a sick day coming on, too . But maybe not until later on in August. I have to schedule lots of interviews for job applicants this month (I'm hiring for three positions, lord help me). Good luck staying within budget on the wedding. I can't get over what people spend these days. I've never wanted to be princess for a day--I'd rather have a casual party and use the money on a downpayment on a house...but that's just me!

Freda, Marie, hope you're feeling good today!

judy

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I overdid. Maybe not overdid, just did something dumb. I did the 3 mile advanced like always and then the toning before work. Then after work I went rollerblading. Now, I'd been in my office all day and was cold from the air conditioning. So I go outside and think it feels nice and warm. I get to where I'm going to rollerblade and get set up. After about 100 yards I realize it's strong winds I'm heading into. Okay, I think and plow along knowing that the reward is being pushed back. After a mile I'm still going into the wind and uphill. I'm getting hot. Really hot. But being a stubborn a$$ I don't turn around. I plow on and reach my goal and turn around. All along I'm drinking my water. But by the turnaround I'm feeling yucky, light headed. But now I must make it back. Wind or no wind, there's still effort involved. I start going and halfway back I puke my water. I keep going and am feeling horrible. I make it back and sit in the shade for a while, not thirsty, actually despising the idea of liquid. I finally realize I'm overheating and force the water in. I make it home but I drove right by the right road. Wow, was I out of it. So..... that's why no posting last night. Way too out of it and I had to prepared interview stuff for two positions. Try doing that when you're loopy.

So the moral of my ridiculously long story is to give up on short term goals when you need to. Keep the long term one in focus. I could have really screwed up my exercise plan if I'd gotten hurt. I'm thankful I didn't fall. BTW, the nice and warm temp was 102 degrees. Way too hot for exercise in the sun. Told you it was dumb...

So anyway, I'm feeling better today but not great. The scale was wonderful for me. I lost 2.2 more pounds (I forced myself to drink so much water yesterday evening I don't think it was dehydration). We had the interviews for the 2 positions and I now remember why I left the Human Resources field. Geez are interviews boring or what??? The good candidates are fun but the ones that shouldn't have gotten an interview are horrible. My pity level was on high all day. Regardless we found good candidates for both positions and the references were good. Basically a good day although I do hate interviewing...

Carol, I'm not on vacation/break yet. I have 24 hours of work left (aka 3 days). Friday at 4:00 I'm on my own for 3 weeks. On Monday DH and I are flying to Minnesota to visit family. This will be the ultimate test of my diet/resolve. I've been known to lose resolve when there. I think I identified why last December (actually after I was home and why I blew it). I was bored silly. Visiting aging parents is boring. So DH promises o keep my on track and entertained. Keep your fingers crossed...

Nikki, how did weigh in go. I thought of you this morning. My body loses weight in cycles. At certain points in my female cycle I drop pounds, other times I maintain. Averages out to 8 pounds/month about but it's in whooshes and plateaus. Maybe your body does the same thing.

Judy, you can not be a sales person for Curves. After your description I vowed to never go. Sort of scary that you have to go home to continue to strength train. BTW, I really feel sorry for you that you have to fill 3 positions. That's much worse than the 2 I did today. You have my permission to overeat carrots that day. Gee, I'm such a crack up aren't I? See still loopy from the interviews...

Penny, you make me scared that I'm going to gain 4 pounds flying on the plane. Just to be safe, I won't weigh the day after I get back. I will wait a couple days. I hate seeing a bigger number even if it's not warranted. I'm such an easy target for the evil scale.

Well, time to hink about dinner. Not too hungry but I'll find something.
Marie

Penny your trip I am sure was worth the few lbs. You can take it off and most likely will with just jumping back into your reg. routine. Glad you were able to go away.
Girls a sick day is coming my way for sure. Yesterday I realized a report should have been done a week ago. Oh did I beat myself up with that one. It was done and other things canceled. I never want that to happen again. Just too many things on my 40 hr. week. I really need a break! Maybe friday. We'll see how thing are going. I have to say my boss was pretty understanding and that was nice. She figured I was pretty hard on myself I just expect alot out of myself to do my best. Oh well things happen today is another day.
Diet wise I have been doing well sticking within my cals. hoping for a loss this week friday will be scale day. Thanks everyone for your support. And I hope we can stick to the budget but have a lovely wedding as well. I know we can its just got to be that way. I agree Judy but the kids already do have a house. But my daughter may decide to look for new employment which means lower pay most likely. She needs to have better hours.

Marie oh I thought you were on vac! Interviews sounded crazy but interesting. I hope you have learned a lesson that was awful and scary. See somedays are just nuts like mine yesterday. Today I pray things are better or I am going to lose it myself. I will make it through and then try relaxing later on. I am not going to do much after work. Go straight home.

Hi everyone -

Marie you have to be careful I am glad you did not get hurt.

I weighed myself yesterday and saw a nice loss. However since tomorrow is my offical weigh in day for the week I will wait til then to post and change tickers. I am sitting here waiting for my aerobics show to come on.


Hope everyone has a good day,
Nikki

Marie, you goof, don't go overboard! Perhaps three workouts on 100-degree days is a bit much to expect of yourself .

And no, I'm not a Curves salesperson . For some women the simple circuit, the women-only clientele, the personal attention and the welcoming atmosphere is what matters most. That's been most important for me right now, along with the convenience. Some women would never set foot in a gym, and some, like me, are trying to get back into the habit, and others want more than the "30 minutes and you're out" at Curves, Ladies Workokut Express, etc. ....there's something for everybody, so Nikki, I hope that Curves works for you! I don't do another strength routine on the days I go, but at least once a week I try to do free weights or pilates because of the limitations of doing any routine over and over again, I can tell what needs more attention. When I was going to a full-service gym, I loved the 'spa' aspects and other amenities, but of course that means more time and money. I've been Curving for a year and half, and it's helped me maintain some level of strength training, even when I was slacking off on other things. Actually, I'm going there shortly. I cranked up the AC and did a cardio video this morning, and have been eating on program today.

Nikki and Carol--hope you see a loss this week! I spoke with my sister the other night--she's lost 30 pounds since February, from watching what she eats and going to the Y. She has four school-aged kids and a tedious night job in a hospital, so this has taken some real dedication. I'm trying to work some sibling rivalry for motivation, but so far I'm just proud of her!

judy

Golly, I am still trying to figure out how to respond to these threads. I thought i was doing it, but realized that with putting a title up there I had started my own thread. UGH. I feel that I really need the "one day at a time" approach. I can't get into a pattern of staying on my diet. So, I am trying to just get through each day. I have made it through yesterday and today, both days I also did exercise and that felt great. BUT, I am no where close be being in a groove.

Tomorrow I have a business lunch and then I am visiting some friends for dinner. The husband is a fabulous chef. Soooooo, I will need a lot of stamina to not overeate.

Will check in tomorrow or friday morning. This site is wonderful and from what I have seen, really supportive.

Nikki hurray for I am very pleased that you had a loss. Eventually it had to happen you have been trying so hard. One time someone said if you keep doing something long enough its got to happen and it sounds like it did for you. I got on my treadmill this a.m. very early then my new sneakers hurt my feet and ended my workout. My other ones are in the camper so a little time was better than none. But I will take them back. I tried a new brand silly me. Its an investment and yah gotta have a good pair in order to have a good workout without the feet hurting. I did okay on my food intake yesterday. A bit more bread than normal and the rest of the day not too bad. I did buy a almond joy bar a double and only ate a 1/4 and saved the rest for the hubby. It satisfied my urge. I had summer squash for dinner with nothing on it for a side dish and one corn w/out butter, grilled chicken down fall was barbeque sauce oh so good but higher in cals. Gotta have something tasty! All in all not a bad day. Seems to be getting easier to stick to healthier choices. Nice that we have so many to choose from. I think I have a blister darn! Judy great for your sister its not easy to juggle all of that. You are making life changes in your diet and exercise. So hang in there and just keep doing things good for yourself your worth the effort. Yesterday was another crazy office day and running in and out. See don't yah think just the running around would burn extra calories. Lately it seems like my caseload responsiblities just don't slow down but soon I need a break or I am going to lose it. Next week I have planned friday of for the b day. Gonna have breakfast with my daughter its her birthday too. In the afternoon my girl friends and I are heading to the casino for a little fun and lunch. Then in the evening the hubby and I will maybe go for dinner. Wow don't count the cals on that day! Catch yah all later be good and stay on track for me friday is wt. day. I need to drink more today yesterday i forgot my water not good at all. Marie hope your hanging in there and feeling better now. No more going crazy with exercise you almost did yourself in.
Marbai hope you find your way back here it is a great site.

Morning everyone -

I thought I would check in before I head to the doctor. I weighed in today instead of toomorrow. I lost 1.6 this week. I am happy but thought I should have lost more. That makes it 2.6 in 2 weeks. only 13 more to go to meet my september goal. I'm going t be good today I decided to have either sushi or a greek salad as a treat for dinner tonight and I will have a yogurt before I leave.


Hope everyone has good day. Wish me luck
Nikki

Mirabai--When I first started coming to this site, I had the hardest time finding the threads I'd seen before. Once I learned to use the "thread tools" button to bookmark threads on my User CP (control panel), it got a heck of a lot easier! Hope you find your way back to us. One day at a time is always a good philosophy! They say it takes three weeks or more to begin to reorient old patterns, so I guess we just need to focus on stringing those days together....

Congrats again, Nikki! I are making great choices. My fingers are crossed for you and your doctor's appointment.

Carol, I love summer squash cooked quickly with a little bit of water and a lot of sliced onions and pepper...yum, yum! I'm a huge fan of winter squash--acorn, butternut...just wish they were easier to slice when they are raw! Good luck with the weigh-in.

Marie, I hope you're back to your normal energetic self, and Penpal, how's that foot?

bye for now--judy