Eeks, Carol!!! I sure hope your at the end of the illness. I definitely would rather keep the 2 pounds than lose it that way. I hate stomach viruses.

This morning I did a DVD I cut and spliced together yesterday. I took the 1 mile jog and spliced the jogging together for 2 miles and then spliced in the fast 1 mile walk. At the end I spliced in the yoga stretches. It's about 44 minutes long and was quite a workout. I think I will really like it. Technology is grand!!!!

DH and I are going rollerblading this morning, then to Walmart. I'm going to get a fitness ball and learn some back and nect stretches. My sister's physical therapist got her using one and she straightened her posture. My neck has hurt recently and my sister showed me the exercises when I was in Minnesota. So that's the reason for Walmart. Then later today we're going to do a 23 pound turkey on the Weber grill. BTW, when I bought Tom, I saw it was 23 pounds - the amount I've lost so far - and it's heavy. Holy moly that was mind boggling.

Have a great day!
Marie

Marie isn't it knid of funny to think of that turkey as your wt. lost. I love it! Congrats to you. I am feeling much better today. Off to work I go. Yesterday I ended up going to a site for a little while as I needed to complete at visit. My supervisor was out for the day and my director too busy. I also had a call in the a.m. and a consumer on my caseload passed away. Oh wow what a bad day to not work yesterday. But it happens I guess no control over somethings. I am going to work and calling hrs. later this afternoon his funeral is on wed. morning. He was only 54 and very unexpected. I feel really bad he was a nice guy and I enjoyed working with him. When I would take him for a haircut just an extra service. He would fly back into program and with a big smile say I feel like a new man!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great smile and sense of humor for sure he will be missed.
I didn't do the scale this a.m. I will wait til wed. then again on friday. I am taking cantalope, cuke and a yogurt for lunch. Lots of water today it will be in the 90's. I will fit a swim in later on today. Well take care and Marie your exercise ball sounds like a good idea. I bought one but gave it away as it was for someone shorter. Guess they go by ht.

Hi--a quick hello from my BlackBerry, as I ride the commuter train from Grandma's to Los Angeles. It was a good visit, but somehow Grandma sees me as a straveling child...Idid well not to let her stuff me with food every hour.

More when I get back to a computer. But it's good to be able to follow the check-in on line.

Judy

judy - I know what you mean by a 'carb hangover'. I get that too if I eat too many empty carbs. Hope you are over it by now. I'm glad you had a nice visit with your grandma - they do tend to want to force feed us! Nurturing=feeding for a lot of moms and grandmas. I know I'm guilty of that with our son .

Carol - Sorry to hear you've had a tummy bug - I hope you feel better. Go easy for a bit until you get your strength back.

Marie - The fitness ball sounds like fun - it probably helps with your balance too. I hope the exercises help your neck pain. That's a pretty big turkey to cook on the grill .
I bet it's delicious made that way and lots of yummy leftovers! It's fun to compare our weight loss to objects - it brings it home just how much we've lost.

Nikki - I hope things are going well with you too.

I've been walking approx. 40 minutes a day for the past week and it's been great discovering all the great trails in the local parks. It's a whole new world for me as I haven't done much walking for years because of my foot. My favorite trails are the ones that are in the woods where you can look out on the river. The weather has been fabulous for the past week - around 75 deg. and sunny (wish it was like this all year round). I hope all the extra exercise shows up on the scale soon!

Hi everyone, it's been a really nice day. I was in a b*tchy mood yesterday and am glad that's past. Even when the dreaded scale said I gained .6 pound I didn't get upset. Yesterday I would have throw it in the pool. Today I shrugged knowing there was no way on earth I could gain fat, so I was okay with it.

DH and I sat outside enjoying the beautiful weather Penpal was referring to. We didn't hardly do anything. Just sat and chatted, admiring our pretty pool and the loads of hummingbirds. Did I ever mention I'm obsessed with hummingbirds??? I have 4 feeders and have to refill them daily. In the last week or two, their desert natural source must have dried up and they invited all their friends. So I'm making their nectar constantly. We tried to o**** how many were out there at one point and DH gave up at 12 - said they wouldn't be still long enough to count them. I just adore those birdies.

Judy, I'm impressed at the blackberry message. You are a techno gal. I've never gotten into the blackberry but give me time. Sorry about the food = love thing. That was my problem in butter land. I just tossed my extra food onto DH's plate.

Carol, I'm glad you're feeling better but very sorry that one of your client's passed away. You are such a caring person and I'm lucky to have you as a friend.

Penpal, so your foot is feeling better? That is so great to hear! The turkey was divine and there's tons left over. I love it on salads. BTW, all your walking will show on the scale unless you make mine (and Carol's) mistake and eat more since you're hungrier with all the exercise. We learned the hard way this past winter/spring.

Talk with you all tomorrow!
Marie

Thanks Marie for your thoughts they are appreciated. I am off to the funeral this a.m. after a couple hours at the office. His family was so nice yesterday and I know how much he was loved. I have never been so overwhelmed with such nice compliments from people. I wrote a letter to the family and one to his mom this a.m. just wanting to put some thoughts on paper to them all. It was tough but better for me to lose it this a.m. alone than totally later on. It will be a tough morning for sure. I did alot of extras with him and never cared that it was above what I needed to do. Thats what its all about in my book helping others making things happen etc. I know I served him well and that I can rest with now. This jolly green giant of a man was very caring and loving to many others. Not always so easy to handle but we had a respect for one another and our friendship grew over my 6 years of serving him. It is a loss for me too thats for sure. Thanks again.
Well my 2 lbs. found there way back for a bit. I hope to re lose them the right way not being sick. Oh that was bad stuff.
Judy our families always think food is what we need. Isn't it funny but we are breaking the trend I hope with exercise and healthier thoughts.
Penny that turkey sure did sound wonder huh? How is that ankle coming along?
Marie did you enjoy making all of our mouths water for turkey????????????? It sounded so good. Wow wouldn't it be fun to all really meet in person someday. What a blast we all would have!
Gotta get going lots to do today.

Carol, I'm so glad that your client's family is appreciative of all that you did for him. Caretakers often get lost in the shuffle of family and other friends. Folks like you who are 'just doing their jobs aren't always acknowledged. I hope that the service today isn't too tough for you. You're a treasure.

Marie--I'm an inconsistent techno-gal. I only just bought a DVD player this winter (and now I have a travel one, too, which I used for a workout this AM), and I really rely on IT folks for computer issues. But I was an early adapter of PDAs, and having notes, address book and calendar in one small electronic package! The extra expense of the email/Internet on my BB is a splurge, but it's worth it to me.

Penny, way to go with the walking! Besides burning the calories, I bet it's good for your spirits, too.

I am struggling to make good choices on this trip. I worked out this morning, and hope to visit the lovely fitness center (complete w/Jacuzzi and sauna) later today. I ate sports bar food yesterday--including every last french fry on my plate--because I waited too long to eat dinner, and my stomach was still on Eastern time. Today will be better. I'm doing an August challenge--be logging onto FitDay routinely by the end of the month, and be under 230 pounds (I'm still around 234 now). Remind me of y'all's short-term goals....

Freda, Nikki and all, hope you're doing well.

judy

Marie - I'm glad you mentioned about getting hungrier now that I'm doing more walking. I noticed that I've been snacking a bit more since I started walking every day, so I'll have to nip that in the bud otherwise it will be counter-productive! I love humming birds too. We have two tube feeders and get Anna's and Rufus humming birds. The feeders are stuck on the kitchen windows and it's funny how they give us dirty looks if the feeders are empty. They are greedy little devils and empty the feeders in no time, even though we have lots of their favorite flowers. They are such bold little birds and don't seem afraid of anything. My foot has been much better since the guy at the foot massage place told me how to do the lymph drainage massage and also to ice my foot when I get home. I seems to be working!

Carol - I'm sorry you've been going through such a sad time with the passing of your client - I can tell you're a very caring person. I'm sure the family appreciated your letter of condolence.

Judy - I hope your trip is going well and that you managed to visit the fitness center. It's amazing how technological advances have come such a long way so that we can stay in touch no matter where we are (this can be a mixed blessing!) I hope you enjoy doing Fitday. I've been doing Nutridiary (similar system) for a year and it's been very helpful for me to log my calories. In fact, I don't think I would have lost the weight without keeping track of everything. It's so easy for me to have a nibble here and a bite there and before you know it I'm 500 calories over for the day! It keeps me (fairly) honest. You asked about our short term goals - mine is to lose 3 lbs. (weigh 185 lbs.) by my birthday (August 18).

I went for the longest walk yet today! 45 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon! It feels so good to be able to walk more than 10 or 15 minutes without severe pain. I still get some pain, but it's bearable (I'm not taking any pain killers) and I hope that the walking will actually strengthen my ankles.

Marie I only wish I knew as much as you with the computer. We are starting a new system soon at work where we have to punch in for the day on the computer. It is a bit hard for some of us that have such up and down schedules. I sometimes don't get right into the office. Then I guess we will have a phone available to call to and report our time. They say its new teck and we'd better get used to it. So many changes all the time but we all manage to grumble then adjust. So I will suck it up I guess.
Yesterday was quite hard for sure. I really didn't keep it together so well. I tried but lost the battle. He will be missed we were all saying this gentleman was our Jackie Gleason. Our gaint with a big heart. Grumpy sometimes but really a pussy cat. At any rate this has been a heck of a week from being sick to this. Friday can't come soon enough. On a good note my SIL furniture is coming today. She is pretty excited and we will start to decorate her area tonight. I think maybe a nice silk flower arrangement maybe in order for her livingroom. I will have to do that on my way home today.
My eating has been pretty good. I skipped cake yesterday after services. Had a dinner roll but left the butter behind. I figure its little changes that make a difference eventually. I did make dinner last night and was the only one to eat. They forgot to tell me they ate. Oh! I would of just had something simple. I guess its okay cause its there for tonight. I only at half as it was a hot meal. So I am trying. I am working on getting below 170 so close but not there. If I try hard enough it will happen soon. Its nice to have my clothes fit so nicely. I went to shop yesterday for a few min. tried on a pair of pants. I really liked them but they were from the Limited so I needed a size bigger. I found myself asking the sales girl are these jrs. she said yes then I felt better otherwise they could stay on the rack at a size bigger. But the 14.99 a blk pr. of nice dress pants came home with me.
Judy lately I have been so busy I have been tracking my food in my head. But its easy to slip things in and forget tracking on fit day is a good thing. I used to and should do it again myself. Maybe I will join you in that journey company is always a good thing.
Penny keep up your hard work. We are all going to make it with this much support it has to take us real close.
Thank you all for your support as always on this site. We have really learned to lean on one another and that is a good thing.
Nikki where are you? Hope your doing okay.
Have a good day. I am going for a bagel w/lt. veggie cc. But will be careful the rest of the day of starches etc.. Veggies and fruits lean meats.

Hi Everyone-

I'm around just going thru **** at home. As for my weight. ... I have my TOM and have not really weighed. we will see what it says tomorrow.I'm glad everyone seems to be doing good. Keep it up

Nikki

Nikki just wanted to say your in my thoughts. Don't let the stress your going through take control of how far you have come. You deserve to reach for what you want and need. Hang in there! Hope you have sometime to relax this weekend.
Girls I know that the scale today didn't really move and its my fault for having too much bread and pasta the last two days. Naughty girl I was so today I am warding off to all bread and pasta. I will not having any bread for a couple of days. There are times it sounds so good to make some pasta and have fresh Italian bread or a bagel. The thing is it catches up with me in the end. I know if I hadn't the scale would of most likely been down today. SO now I will concentrate on being better with that. Its all a trial an error game of some sort I just don't always win. Darn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well my spirits are still up and my wt. stable that is something to be grateful for. I can't say I'm not happy this week is over after today for work. I closed my case yesterday all but a final case note. I will take some time to do that this a.m.. I have a picnic to go to this weekend with my SIL her family that aren't local are in town. I will try to eat with in portion control and count my cals. in my head. Of course I am the one bringing the dessert. Now isn't that kind of funny they are the ones whom choose that. I will take something from my Cooking Light cookbook I think. Good idea to have a bit of control people never know unless you tell them.
Well hope everyone is having a good day so far. I am going to move my SIL inot her area this weekend. We still need the Fire Safety approval so no sleeping there yet. But it will be nice to have my house and room back there is stuff packed in boxes all over the place. Oh two houses in one doesn't look so good.

Hello everyone, where are you all? Must be sleeping in?
Well the sun is shining and its beautiful out today. I am up and moving around early. A friend and I are going to breakfast then to a few garage sales. Later on I am helping my SIL and doing some gardening. Wow Marie how it does get ahead of us. I just have been so busy with everything else lately. I didn't do as well as I wanted to yesterday. I didn't give in to donuts at the office only a little corner 1" piece. Proud of that. But later on gave into a pecan square. Oh now that was not good. I ate only part of it but its high in cals. I did keep my word on no pasta or bread. For dinner had a omelet with broc. cheese, ham. Not too bad but ate late that was another no no. Well my confession is over and today is a new start. I will count cals today. Grill something for dinner tonight and have fresh sweet corn to cook. Have a great day everyone. Our summer is flying by and I feel I have missed most of it. Soon I will have to take a day off and enjoy it.

Hey Carol, today's a new day and you're set to go. I love the grill and corn on the cob. Sounds delicious!!! Enjoy the garden and time with SIL.

Nikki, we're all thinking of you. I'm so sorry that you're family is causing you so mush stress.

Penpal, it's cool that Carol's and my experience with the weight gainw ith exercise could help. My hummer's no longer even make it 24 hours with one of their feeders. They're little piggies.

My birthday was really nice (Thursday). DH and I went to Crater Lake and hiked Mt. Scott. It's a 2.5 mile trip up and an ascent of 1500 feet. Way easier on paper than in reality. It was hard!!!! But I made it. Next year I'll be carrying lots less weight and that should make it a little easier. Here are some pictures.


This is the look up. The little speck at the top is the fire lookout tower which is where we were headed...


Here's the view looking down at the little parking lot. Our little red car was almost visible. And yes, that's snow you're seeing...

Yesterday's appointment with the chiropractor was good. My neck felt good for a little while, but it'll probably take more visits. So we'll see. He had good advice on the problem (computer work posture) and I'll try following that.

Diet/exercise wise I'm still going strong. I ate about 300 cals more that usual on my birthday but the hike used way more than that so I did good. Yesterday and this morning I WATP. Yesterday's weigh in was good - I lost another .8 pounds (past the .6 I'd "gained" on Tuesday). Slow but sure, right???

Talk to you all later.
Marie

Marie - Belated birthday wishes! It sounds like you had a lovely time at Crater Lake. Thanks for posting the great photos - it's amazing there's still a bit of snow left at this time of the year. Congrats on losing almost a pound - you're doing great!

Carol - I hope you find some good stuff at the garage sales. The summer is flying by for me too. I hope things quieten down now your renovations are almost done so you can relax a bit.

Nikki - I've been thinking of you and hope that the situation at home will soon get better for you. Hang in there!

Judy & Freda - Hope everything's going well for you guys.

I'm pleased to say that I've managed to go walking with DH every day this past week for at least 45 min. and up to 1 hour!!!! The weather has been perfect for walking - in the high 70's to low 80's. I didn't lose any weight - I'm still at 188 - but my legs are feeling more toned. I was suprised I didn't get any aches and pains in my legs since I haven't walked this much in years, but I think the strength training I do at Curves has helped.

Hi ladies!
My name is Angela and I am just getting started. Do you mind if I join you? I just had a baby 7 weeks ago and have already lost all my baby weight! Yay me! Now I need to lose 28 more. I am breastfeeding so controlling my calories is tricky. I want to consume enough to contine bf but not too many so that I can keep losing weight. I look forward to posting with you so I can keep motivated.