I'm back from my walk. I did 1 1/2 miles today. I was a bit tired. The extra quarter mile takes me a few times to get used to, but it will be worth it in the long run. That's my July 4 goal--to keep up with the 1 1/2 mile walk. I'd like to do it every day, but we'll see. Right now my goal is for 5 days per week. If I set a goal I can't meet, I get discouraged. But I know I'm ready for the 1 1/2 mile. It was such a beautiful morning in Chicago too. It has been so cold and rainy lately--very unusual for late May and early June. Today it was warm enough that I actually got a little sweaty while walking. And there were birds out singing and squirrels playing in the grass around the trees, plus a lot of other walkers on the track I use. It gave me a good start on my day.

I think I'm going to have to revise my Sept. 1 goal a little bit on the eating of sweets. I made my goal for a sweet only 3 days a week, but I find that I crave chocolate. I think if I'm really strict on myself with the three-day thing, I might eat more sweets than if I just allowed myself a tiny bit each day. So--that's what I'll do. I am going to give myself a tiny sweet treat every day--probably at work, when I'm burning a lot of calories, and see if that doesn't help. After all, I am learning a lifestyle!! Also, the protein/good carb snack in the afternoon--2-2:30--has helped me eat less at dinner. I've decided on 1/2 peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread--a long-lasting energy combo for me.

Also, some other good news--I have lost one pound--to 169. I don't take much stock in that, though, because I've lost and gained that pound a million times. What is the truly good news is that on two of my bras--different ones, but I bought them together, and they fit at that time--I have had to move the hook over one notch because THEY'VE BECOME TOO LOOSE!!!!! That is so wonderful for me, because my bra sizes have been only getting bigger over the last few years. What a victory!! Something good is happening--I'm not sure what because I'm not comfortable 100% with the weights/walking routine, so I haven't been doing it consistently--but I'm happy something is working. Thanks for all your support. I know it has given me "newinspiration".

Another thing, ladies--I know I go on and on when I write my posts. I've always been a writer type (former English major/teacher), and my thoughts just keep coming. It also helps me to work through things to get them out in writing. I hope I don't babble on and on too much and get boring in my sharing. I hope among some of it all is something that helps you in your goals. I know telling you my story has REALLY helped me!!

To all of you: Have a wonderful day! Take care of yourself and work on those goals. I'll talk to you later.

Yes, it's me!!!!!

My home pc broke down, and I have been unable to get to email or the web. I am working off an old laptop so I thought I would get on and check to see how you are all doing.

Sounds like you are all doing good. Staying motivated and keeping up the challenges

I have to say, right now, I am keeping current with my weight, and I really haven't paid much attention to my diet. I have so much going on in my life, I just needs some stability right now. Once I start the new job and have a place to call home, it should be easier to get back on track

I will try to catch up on everyone's posts, and I will be back soon. I will be on vacation from this coming Monday until the 16th. So I won't be able to post during that time..

I will catch up with you all later today, I am off to the hairdresser!

Hi ladies

This week has been rough...I think it is because of all of the rain, I felt depressed, unmotivated and overwhemled most of the week. We are still doing some remodeling on our house and a complete redo on the lake house so I am stressed out trying to pick workman. The weather ...cold and rainy has been making me crave comfort food...explains the brownies and popovers. However, they are predicting a sunny warm day Friday and I hope to do some walking and gardening. I also decided today to treat myself with things I like to do instead of comfort food.

For example today I went to the bookstore and spent two hours looking for books of interest. I bought a spa cookbook, yoga and a book on fly fishing(something I would like to try as a hobby at the lake house), I also did my first transaction on e-bay ( I am addicted to live auctions but never tried e-bay until last night when I bought a smokey the bear items for the lake house. I started reading the yoga book and it is very interesting...more on the whole concept of yoga rather than just the exercise part of it.
I made a list of some of the things I really enjoy and need to make more time for...maybe if I am busy doing things I enjoy I will spend less time eating. Does anyone want to come up with their own list for the next month?

Things I would like to try to do in the next month.

1. Spend some more time with my kids..playing board games, going for walks, playing sports, reading, planning our summer activities together

2. More romantic time with my husband...meeting him for lunch, taking time for a glass of wine before the fire, scheduling a saturday night date night.

3. Time for me...gardening, painting ( I would like to make a pen and ink and watercolor nature journal) start making some scrapbooks, entertain some friends over the summer...brunch, 4th of July party at the lake, small dinner party, decorating the lake house, reading, sewing, yoga, taking walks, long bubble baths, buying new summer clothes in a size smaller, trying new low fat recipes. I think these things would make me very
happy.

Well my weigh-in is Friday and I have not shown a loss in weeks. I hope that I have at least not gained and maybe if I am lucky I 'll be a pound lighter.

Cyan, when are you picking up your car? I guess if I keep eating this junk food I'll be carrying both you and Miki on my shoulders. I don't mind I need the extra willpower!

Miki, you are just so motivated. By the way my mom told me that she was in the food store when someone robbed the bank in it and I thought it might be your robber who took a trip to Connecticut. Did they ever catch him?

Reina, hope your new job is going great. Have a wonderful time on vacation. Are you taking your son to lego land in San Deigo? I heard it was good.


Newie(I gave you a nickname) glad to hear that the meeting with the boss went well...sometimes it pays to be the squeaky wheel!
Deena, lisa, lady and hope to hear from you soon.

Owwwwwwwwww!! My hubby, sis and I are all hobbling around today like 90 year olds.. That Bun workout gave me a sore rear end and legs. I can barely sit in this hard chair! Feels great tho knowing I did enough to get sore from..lol Good thing today was the 'off' day. Just hope we are able to do tomorrow's tape.

I ate too much again today and am disgusted with myself. I'm completely sabotaging all this exercise when I overeat. I know that so why wont I stop it?? I did fine until tonite. We had pork roast, mashed potatoes and fresh squash and I ate tooo much! It's not junk food I'm having a prob with...it's just my meal. Lunch is fine then at nite the last few days I've blown it. Making a vow right now that I wont do that tomorrow. I know I wont show a loss for sure which is my own fault.

Welcome back Reina!! I was so glad to see a post from you! Have a great time on your vacation and then come back and tell us all about it.

Cyan, you've had such a busy week, I hope this weekend you'll have some time just for yourself.

Newinspiration, way to go both on the outcome of your meeting AND with the loss of a lb!!

Debee, now I know you dont want Cyan and me both on your shoulders. Just one of us is enough but if we have to, we'll definitely both hop on! lol I liked your list of summer goals. I havent had time to think of mine yet. They did catch our bank robber, only an hr and a half after he did it but maybe your mom's is a relative of mine..LOL

Lady, Deana, Lisa....how are ya'll doing??? As soon as you can, find a minute to at least drop in to say hi! We miss ya'll!

Well, this chair is getting harder by the minute. I'm heading to the soft couch now...Bye all

Miki

Hi, everyone! It's 2:34 a.m., and I can't sleep. I had trouble sleeping this week with the work thing going on, and am struggling to get back to a good routine. I had a good day at work today, and even though I didn't take my pb sandwich for the afternoon, I didn't go nuts at dinner out of starvation. After work, I came home, ate a popsicle while I watched TV for a few minutes, and then fixed a reasonable dinner for myself and the family. I am trying not to get a cold. There has been one going around with all this goofy weather we've been having. I hate getting one. I get very sick with croup and laryngitis, and it takes about 3 weeks for me to get over it. It's just awful. And I can't take nasal decongestants because I am hypothyroid, and those OTC meds interact with my thyroid hormone med--make me dizzy and my heart pound. I was very motivated about the exercise this morning when I went 1 1/2 miles, and a cold would really throw the exercise routine down the tubes. Well, I'm going to be strong and fight it.

Debee, I think it's great that you are trying to find other enjoyable things to comfort you other than food when you need a boost. Someone told me to do that last week when I was using food to fill emotional needs.

Here's an interesting thought I've had over the years--don't know where I got ahold of the idea, Debee--this might help you: The place in my body that aches when I need my emotional self filled up is about in the area of my heart, chest, breast area. Am I filling my tummy--not too far from the other achy area--in an attempt to fill the emotional emptiness? I know I've done that 7 million times at least, and I used to be fooled. I thought a full tummy felt like a full heart/soul. But then later I felt emptier than ever, while at the same time having a real stomachache from the eating!!

Be good to yourself in every healthy way you can--get into a habit of doing nonfood things for YOURSELF that make YOU FEEL GOOD. I love to read magazines in bed when I am tired and down. Sometimes I read garden books or watch garden shows on TV, and think of all the pretty flowers I would love to grow in my yard. You can do it. You've taken a step in the right direction. I'm going to keep an eye on you. I'm not too athletic, so not much of a climber, so I won't climb on your shoulder like Miki and Cyan do, but I'm going to check to see how you're doing with filling up your emotional self.

My June "happiness and fulfillment" goals are as follows:

1. To spend more activity time with my girls--especially personal time with each of them individually. They're especially fun one on one--no competition or jealousy--I can really enjoy the kid herself.

2. To go to bed earlier so I can sleep better.

3. To read more.

4. To spend more short periods in my garden in the evenings after work--and break out the bug spray if necessary. (West Nile virus disease from mosquitoes was a real problem in Chicago last year, so we don't want mosquito bites!!!!!)

5. To spend more time with my husband just being together and enjoying each other's company.

Well, I'm feeling sleepy now, so I'm going to go. Thanks for being there--even in the middle of the night. Bye for now.

I clicked new thread instead of post reply...so if you want to read my post...its the one that says ...good morning ladies....doh!

ok...sorry about that

Cyan

LOL Cyan...I'll head right over to read your post.

I did make it thru my workout tape this morning but I have a really sore throat. Kept me awake alot last nite and not a bit better now. No other symptons, just that. Anyway, I didnt try to make it thru the tape again this afternoon. I'm just hoping I will able to do tomorrow's.

Newinspiration, hope you were finally able to get some sleep last nite. I should have been here too since I was awake also...lol

Well hope everyone has a great weekend.

Bye for now

Miki

Just a quick hello...I was able to get in my Thigh workout tape this morning but still have that yucky sore throat. I doubt I'll get in my 2nd tape today. Having a family get-together later on to grill hamburgers. Yummy! (if my throat isnt too sore to eat one)

Anyway, I'll check in again later..

MIKI

just checking in to say hi. I am still here, been busy. Will write more later.
Deana

Hi, everyone! Just wanted to let everyone know I'm not lost--just busy. I got a great night's sleep last night, slept in till 7:00 (I'm an early riser, so that's late for me), had a nice talk and coffee in bed with hubby. I spent the day running errands--bought my girls summer clothes--always an interesting experience taking them both out together--the two of them compete for my attention the whole time and fight with each other off and on all day when they're not being best friends. This evening my hubby and I went out to buy a new gas grill (the other one died after 9 years). Anyway, it's been a go-go-go day. Work has been going well (my stress level has decreased immensely since the meeting with the boss on Wednesday), and my eating is very reasonable. I did not walk yesterday or today, which is not a good thing, but I have to get used to the new routine with the girls being home from school. I know I will get it together because the walking helps me feel so good. Well, got to go--have to search something out. More later.

Deana, thanks for checking in! Missed ya!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends. I'm feeling awful. Altho my sore throat is better, I now have a constantly running and stuffy nose. I havent done any exercise today. Not sure if I'll be able to or not. I just took some Tylenol Sinus and hope it works fast! I hate having to miss my workout.

Newinspiration, glad you got a good nite's sleep. Sounds like you're having a busy but fun weekend. Mine has been pretty uneventful. Very lazy day today.

Cyan, we need to see a pic of you in that cool new car!!

Everyone else...take care and post soon.

Miki

Well ladies,
I am packed and ready to go! I can't wait to get on that plane tomorrow morning! Well, ok maybe a little, I don't like plane rides.....

Anyway, I have a packed vacation ahead of me, I am heading to Disneyland for 4 days, and then to San Diego to go to LegoLand, SeaWorld, and the Wild Animal zoo... Of Course, I will be having some relaxation time to myself as well..

I hope to be back on track when I get back..


I will catch up with you all the week I get back.

So take care and have a great week!

Reina, I'm jealous...your vacation sounds like a load of fun. Glad you came in before you left. You'll have to tell us all about it.

Just came back to say I did get in today's workout..yeahhh I actually felt better after doing it.

Nothing much else to tell...just a lazy day today and back to work tomorrow. I'll check in tomorrow nite.

Miki

Reina have fun on vacation. We were thinking of taking a vacation, but we are going back to the states in 3months, so there went our plans. Have lots of fun and pampering. Tell us all about it when you get back.

Miki--hope you get over your sickness soon. Make sure you are drinking your water (oh yeah, like I am one to say that at the present, not getting my water in, only 6more cups to go today!!). I have really got to start exercising. I use the computer too much!!!

Debee--could you send me that article you said you found in First Magazine. I am really interested in it.

Newinspirations--glad you got some sleep. hope all goes well for you.

Cyan--come on girl, show us your car!!!!

Well, ladies, I really should do some type of exercise. Maybe I can get Joshua to let me use the tv for a little bit:-) We are stressing about one of our fostergirls and what was said to her during her visit this weekend. Her family is trying to bribe her (she is 14yr old) to tell the police she lied to them about what her uncle did to her. They don't want him to go to jail and obviously care less about her. BUT her social worker thinks it's time for her to go back. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, we know we are only going to run into more and more cases like this with the way today's society is going. God will give us strength I know.

Hey, anyone got any ideas about easy cooking? has anyone tried a specific menu and just rotated it? I have heard of people doing it that way. What about cooking for like weeks at a time? batch cooking? I think this is my downfall not preparing and planning. But what I don't get it that I had a small cantelope for breakfast (yes, it was small and yes the whole thing!!!) but I didn't get full and stayed hungry until my stomach ached and I couldn't take it anymore. Popped in some animal cookies (low fat!!) and decaff coffee with equal. Maybe I should go back to oatmeal for breakfast. I am a lazy person I admit. My name is Deana and I am LAZY!!!!!
So how far in advance do you all plan for dinner? I should ride my bike or walk to the open market (good points and disgusting points about it!!) and get the veggies and stuff. Oh, I don't know what to do.

Deana--back at 188lbs:-(
mostly fluid retention though I think

Hi, everyone! I am about to go for a walk--I think 7:30 will be my time, but I wanted to post before I go.

MikiG--great that you were able to get in some exercise even with that cold. When I get a cold, exercise goes out the window because I usually can't breathe, and then I have trouble getting back into it. It turns out that my cold really didn't materialize more than just some background noise in my life. Thank goodness! Take care of yourself, Miki--drink fluids--coming from another person who somehow has trouble taking in her own liquid.

Have fun on your vacation, Reina mia. It sounds like a good time!

Cyan--I'm going to have to go back and read that oops! post you did as a new thread because I don't have the scoop on your car. You must have put the info there. I'll read it tonight.

Deana--I'm in the same boat as you as far as planning meals goes. I'm really terrible at it, and it doesn't help that I get home from work at 5:00 and hubby gets home at 7:00. I just can't wait that long for dinner. I usually end up with leftovers for myself--sabatoge for my food plan, I know--the girls either eat with hubby after having a snack at 5, or I fix them something quick, or they fix something simple for themselves. Both of them are picky eaters--one more than the other, which makes for interesting planning as well. Lots of times I have no clue as to what I'm going to actually cook until the moment I go into the kitchen, and I know that's not good. If anybody has any suggestions for me too, I'd be forever grateful!!

Guess what, everyone? Last night I made a choice to eat for comfort (plumbing problem under the kitchen sink with dirty dishwater coming out of the pipe--GROSS!!)--another ice cream cone--even though I knew why I was doing it, and it didn't comfort me!!!!! I'm still sad this morning because hubby can't fix it till Tues. or Wed., but I am drawn to walking instead of eating this morning!!!! Small victories, I guess! Well, have a good day, all. I've got to find some sweatpants and gym shoes.