Well..last night was opening night of our big show. This week has really tried my patience and sapped my energy but by the end of the show last night it was all worth it. Today I have to sneak into work for about 2 hours and do a few little things....then it's home to get all prettied up. Tongith DH is taking me out to dinner for our 5th anniversary. We started dating exactly 5 year ago today (3/28/03) which as also the Friday night of the show that year s well. We started dating and never really stopped...

I as way too keyed up to eat properly last night. I had a good lunch and then just stopped. Had plenty of water and a Coke Zero...and I had arranged for an after-party for the kids...bagels, cream cheese, fruits and veggies...HOORAY for there being 4 veggie trays. I wish the dip had not been so good. But in the end I had one bagel, a LOT of veggies, a little fruit and one cookie. Not too shabby. I was proud of myself.

Sorry for no personals...I am trying to read along but I am just pooped beyond belief.

BATTLE...good luck on the date. If he already saw you...then he knows what you look like. And as far as the pretty undies....I am a big fan...even if I KNOW that they're not going to be seen that night by anyone but me. Being as girly as I am...it's sort of a confidence booster...it's like having a secret.

Happy Weekend...

Catherine - I hope you're feeling better!

RainbowSmiles - You made me wanna get busy and start planting, too!

Julia - Welcome to the neighborhood!

Annie - Great fortune on your job interview! SOOOOOO cool about those cubs!! I know what you mean - I got to actually pet a grown male lion a couple years ago & I was high for weeks.

Battle - have a great time on your "real time" or "slow motion" date, and be sure to report the details. =)

I'd love to do more personals to you special folks - but gotta get back to work!

Oh wow.. I am having this problem now. I told hubby this week that I miss the times when we could just "go eat out" instead of what we do now. All can I do now is either skip going out, when we usually like to go out once a week OR I have to scour the net to get their nutritional info and plan the lowest cal thing and skip eating my fave things. I miss just "getting some pizza" or just "hey, wanna get ice cream?". I miss the "no worry attitude".

It seems very hard, and with my slow loss, it's sort of hard to stay happy about it. I'm at the stage where the motivation is not as big as it was, but I'm just plugging through because I know it's what I should be doing.

I'm trying to get used to this, but part of me still goes "aww,... no more fun yummies" I know I'll lose that thought eventually.. I hope . I've been chewing a decent amount of sugar free gum. I figure it's better than eating something when I am feeling "snacky"

Well I have had the past 2 days off, and will have a 4 day weekend. You think I would be happy right???? NOT!! I have realized that being home let's my mind ponder and make up all kinds of crazy stuff...lol. I was asking myself this morning how did I get to this point..the point of being obese. Then I thought well don't matter you gotta get fit missy. I know it takes time to loose BUT it also takes time to get started. I have such great intentions but intentions are not going to get me fit. I know I have to start small..but heck I can't even start. I think I "think" to much about it. First thing I need to do is..JUST DO IT!. I know I want to count calories..and I know that I want to exercise. But I tell ya the starting part is what gets me the most.

Sooooo that was my mini rant this morning. I have got to start I just gotta.

Hi all!

Battle -- how awesome to go on a date Relax and have fun!

Cyn -- you can do it! I'm in the same place -- it doesn't matter how it happened; what matters is that it has to stop! Too bad that's the hard part!

Last night was yoga -- it was challenging but fun, and I was sore this morning. I'm exciting to be moving around more -- looking forward to walking for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time! Yay!

This morning, I bit the bullet and weighed myself -- cast and all -- and at most, I've gained 3 pounds. Can you hear my jaw hitting the ground? I feel totally vindicated about being off plan while healing -- though I know I've traded leg muscle for belly flab, I'm hoping that it will not be that long before I'm up and losing again (plus, that cast has to weigh something, right? ).

Have a great weekend!

Walrus: casts are heavy! It's probably having an effect on the scale. When you get up and going, those pounds will start to come off!

So, I did the WATP 1 mile again today. I don't have those weighted balls she yaps about but I do have these weights I got from Amazon that have these little pockets where these weighted pouches slide in. You can remove them if you like and it has straps so you can wear them on your ankles or wrists. I took out 3 of the sand pouches, which made the weights about 2 pounds each (about the weight of those Leslie Sansone weighted balls) It did seem to up the intensity a little.

Do you guys think that doing that one mile each day is enough? I haven't been doing the Richard Simmons one because it's always such an undertaking. It's difficult and sometimes I have to rest in the middle to finish it. With Leslie, it's quick and easy. I can do the 2 mile but I usually break in the middle and I'm wiped at the end so I don't think I'm quite ready for it yet.

I really need to target my arm flab and the tummy flab. Any ideas?

Donna & Sharon: So nice to see you 2 back....hope ya'll get those computer problems solved soon.

Julia: I also think breaking your goal into smaller increments helps. I started out with my ultimate goal, but that seemed quite daunting plus I realized I'm not even sure what I want that to be since I have no idea how my body will be after I lose 200+ lbs. So now I've broken it down....my first goal is to get under 300 lbs which will also help me achieve the second part of that goal, which is to lose 100 lb. After I reach that goal, the plan for my next goal is to get down to 250. You will hear people here talk about "baby steps" and they are so right. I feel more every day like I can "baby step" my way right to my end goal, whatever that is.

Annie: Awwww....I hope you get to touch the bear cubs. I want to hear all about it.

Valerie: WTG on turning away all that chocolate. I'm not sure I could have turned it all away if it was presented to me especially in that short a time period. I am a serious chocoholic.

Julee: I'm glad your show went well, a great reward after all the work you have put into it and to top it off you did well with your food choices. Happy Anniversary to you and DH. Have a wonderful evening.

Battle: I agree with Julee. I think pretty undies make you feel prettier even when no one else sees them.

Heather_dw: I plan about one day a month for a "no worry day" when I don't count calories and eat basically what I want. You might try this once or month or maybe even once every 2 weeks to see if it helps you. Also, I've found that this time around I'm not missing fun yummies so much because of all the 100 calorie packs I'm finding on the store shelves. I usually allow for one of them a day in my daily calorie count. This has really helped my cravings for sweets and treats, especially with my chocolate addiction.

Cyn: That getting started part is soooo hard, but all of us seem to find it in our own way and time. At least you are thinking about it. That's the first step. I spent way too long not even thinking about it. Good Luck to you.

Walrus: You are awesome. Each day I am amazed at how active you are with that cast on. Keep up the good work. I know you will get your eating back OP and be back to losing in no time.

I had my weekly WI today and was down 4 lbs so I'm a happy camper

Hope everyone has a wonderful OP weekend.

Hi everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. These last few weeks have been extremely difficult for me and instead of turning to my supports I spent most of the time looking inward. And I'll tell you navel pondering does not equate with weight loss. I don't know that I have gained much, but we'll see tomorrow. I am starting the Fat Smash Diet tomorrow and I will have to weigh for the first time in 3 weeks. Let me tell you I am not looking forward to it.

Although I need to keep in contact with my support system, both online and in the outside world, I think some of this deep thinking has given me some good ideas. I have begun a meditation routine that I am now following daily. I am hoping this will enable me to discard or compartmentalize some of the extreme stress I have been under lately and which has seemed to paralyze me. The diet, coupled with meditation and the "hopefully" warmer, sunnier weather should have a very positive effect on me.

The workout front has been bad as well. I have been getting some good long walks in where I have worked up a sweat, but I have this irrational fear that since I am not weight training I am losing the muscles I have built, especially in my upper body. I have been limited in what I can do since I have been in PT for my shoulder (tendonitis of the rotator cuff). I have decided I am going back to water aerobics and I asked my therapist if I could do upper body work and she encouraged me to do back work, but to avoid overhead movements, chest presses or push-ups. I will just have to develop a workable plan. Wish me luck.

Anyway, I am sorry I have been gone so long. Work has been crazy. We are in the midst of a huge financial crisis and I am attending a lot of troubleshooting meetings on top of a lot of extra work. Hopefully things will be better soon, or at least I will have a moment to breathe.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Good luck with all of your endeavors and wish me luck with mine. I will try to catch up on all of your postings and send personals soon.

Wendy

Johnnie, I bet it's just beautiful. I can't wait for it to start blooming here. We are getting snow. It's not sticking, but it's chilly out.
Enjoy the warmth!!
YAY on the 4 lbs gone!!!

Debi, YAY on the 2 lbs gone!!!

Susan, I have to get my buns in gear and start my seeds indoors too. It's so fun to see them growing and then reap the fruits of our labors.

Myrfy, great news on the 9 lbs gone forever!!!

Donna, wow! We've missed ya. Glad to see you back and posting.

Battle, the outfit you've picked sounds really nice. I know that black and white is the big thing this season. I think it looks so classy. You're going to be a knockout!!!

Sharon, I"m so glad you gave the egg to hubby. That's will power plus!!! Good news on losing a couple pounds too. Sorry about the pc. It seems the season for computers acting up. Our's was on the fritz too but Jim was able to fix it. Good luck with yours.

JuliaHood, So many of us feel that way. I guess it's denial but it all goes away once we look in the mirror. Don't look at the whole amount of weight that you have to lose. That has scared all of us at one time or another. Just take small steps and if your a goal setter, set a small goal, maybe 10 lbs or even 5 to get you started. You're going to do just fine with the right mind set, and realizing that you want a healthier happier life.

Annie, I'm doing ok. Each day is a bit better, it's just the evenings that are a bit rough with the breathing. O I sure hope you get to touch one of those baby bears!!! How exciting is that? What a rare event that would be.
How did the interview go? Of all the jobs you might get, which one would you like the most?

Val, hey girl, what ever works for ya. That's how I see it. I think you've got a good plan though.

Cyn, it is so hard to start. And then it's hard to stay on it. That's just part of this journey. But I know you can do it. You've done it before so come on, grab ahold of my hand, and I'll drag ya on up into the wagon!

Walrus, yep, that cast has got to count for something. Heck, you'll have those 3 off in no time.

Heather dw, yep, I have the batwings too. It's the hardest part to firm up from what I've heard. Pretty soon, I'll be able to fly away with those batwings.

Wenny, good luck!

Well I didn't lose any weight this week. Matter of fact, I'm up a pound but I know it's water weight since I haven't even come close to what I should be drinking. We went and bought all my healthy lovely foods again so I'm set for the next two weeks. Its so good to see all my faves in there instead of the peanut butter and jelly sitting there.
In the 100 calorie packs, they now have chocolate covered pretzels. O my gosh!! These are soooooooooo good. I love em!
Anyhow, I hope to have a better WI next week. At least I didn't gain what I lost while I am sick which is something for me.
Have a good night and keep moving and drinking that water.
Debbie

Well Ladies.....today was yet another HORRIFIC day at work. and this time it really wasn't the kidlets....but one set of parents! GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR ok since I really truly cannot elaborate on the subject.........I will just encourage each and everyone of you to PICK UP your kids when they are sick AND trust their Teachers when they tell you about a situation that occured in the classroom!!!!!! GRRRRRRR

Ok I'm off my soap box!

Did alright on eating I know I am wayyyyyyyyy under.....I ran out of the house w/o breakfast....grabbed a yogurt and figured I would eat something at school.......well I left my yogurt in the car and ate 2 graham crackers with my coffee............ummm at some of my Ceviche I had at work with some whole wheat tortillas and an orange. so of course by after school I was starving......went to get dd & ds's taxes taken care of.........and stopped by Sonic.....I did good!!! grilled chicken wrap & about 1/4 a small order of tator tots.........making dinner for dh .......and then we are going to visit with friends I know they will have some sort of dessert.......I think today I can splurge since my calories are low anyway.

This week was like a whirlwind!!!! Next week wont be much better its our last week before spring break and we have to pack up our room and store it somewhere.........since they are ripping up our carpet and putting in linoleum........so most of next week will be packing up EVERYTHING!

ok well I'm sorry I havent been on here much for personals.....will try this weekend!

toodles poodles!
BErNICE

Hiya Peeps - I've been reading and not posting. I am so proud of you all and all of your great weight loss. It's a good thing I feel close to you all because my slow poke weight loss doesn't put me in the same boat with you all - I know you'd all throw the life preserver overboard and haul me in though. Thank you all for that. My food is great - my exercise is great - my weight loss is not. I think the last few weeks its been a little too much for me to handle and I started feeling jealousy rather than offering support to you. I will try to do better - I have missed posting and feeling connected. Someday soon I hope to replace this ambivalence with celebration of being under 300 and 50 lbs gone.

Heatherdw - I so hear you on those spur of the moment things - it takes 6 months to change a habit - I'm finally feeling like I have changed some - this is not a diet - yes, if I want pizza I'll do pizza. I also understand the obsession of it and how you can let it control your life. It does get easier - look at how far you have come. Keep it up!

Debi - have a wonderful time at the wedding - it sounds great that everyone in participating in the celebration. Let us know how it went.

Battle - it's wonderful to hear you excited about your date. Love that you are planning what to wear, how to do the hair, etc. It's even more fantastic to see you back in the groove - I know you had a hard time getting back to it. I think someone asked for a pic on Sunday - I'd like to second that request.

Cyn - hi girlfriend. It's so hard not to dwell on how and why - I went through some of this a few weeks ago when I started to think - wow - almost 50 lbs gone - that's a lot of weight - and I still have all this to go - how did I ever let myself get this way. It got me down a bit but I had to move from the negative thoughts. I know - easier said than done. I have missed your posts too! Keep posting - or PM me if you like.

Johnnie - WTG on the -4. You're approaching that 3 number too - keep up the great work. Glad you are sharing spring with us. My dogwood hasn't even started to bud yet - I did see one daffodil blooming yesterday though.

Bernice - sorry for the tough day. Can you stash some emergency reserve somewhere at work? Maybe instant oatmel, protein bar or premade protein shake, sf fruit cups that don't need refrigeration. I have access to a fridge too and I keep string cheese and apples - sometimes yogurt but then I forget its there - LOL - and have to throw it away.

Debbie - did the doc give you an inhaler too? I'm worried about your breathing. I only do the 100 calorie popcorn but the pretzels sound great - maybe next time although today I stocked up on protein bars since I don't get to Wallyworld often.

Julia - Welcome - this is one great bunch of folks. Keep posting - i look forward to getting to know you.

JulieCee - I'm with you - I love special undies - even new ones - makes me feel good when I treat myself. Enjoy your date with hubby tonight.

Walrus - wow - I bet when that cast is off you will see a big loss. I'm trying to picture yoga with a broken leg.

Annie - so did you get to touch the bears? That sounds absolutely wonderful. I have to comment on the dogpile - I think that happened once before. One of my nieces is Melody - at Christmas one year my mom's writing was hard to read on the gift tag - it looked like Meldog - she's 20 now and she's still Meldog - she loves it though - and loves my pups (oops - they're both two years old now - oh well they'll always be my pups).

Wendy - seems we may have drifted off in the same boat. Yes - we need our support system. Let's help each other back - won't be a big trip as we're neighbors up I-35.

Catherine - what's up with you? Feeling better I hope? We haven't heard any antics about himself lately - does that mean he is behaving? Have you been able to get to the water this week?

Sharon - hi to you. Red wine sounds wonderful right now. I gave away my treats too - didn't I feel righteous - well maybe a little bit.

Val - I love the count down idea. Gabe plans in the weekend?

I'm sure I have missed some in personals - not intentional so hugs to you all.

Well today I saw the ortho surgeon. No surgery - that is the fantastic news. The bad news is - 10-15 years down the road knee replacement if nothing changes. He gave me another cortisone shot and information on protein injections he would like me to consider when this one "wears off" in several months. He was adamant about exercise - walking, bike, and water - nothing else. And when walking hurts - push through it - don't exceed 3 mph - adjust the incline. And keep up the weight loss - he hoped this was good incentive to keep up what I'm doing. I am so happy with how this turned out.

OK - see what happens when I haven't posted - I write a novel.

Move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

HI Everyone!
I just wanted to say thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
My son got home Wednesday afternoon but went back to the ER last night (Friday) He was having chest pains again, tingly arms & sweaty. (sorry if that's tmi) They got him stable again last night so they sent him home. He & his fiancee' got home around midnight by the time they got meds etc.
(I stayed with the kids)
He went to the dr today. His vitals were good. The doctor reviews ALL the meds he is son so maybe now things will stay calm. (they thing part of last night's episode was due to meds)
The doctor said they'd still like to do a cardiogram or angiogram or whatever it's called, but not just yet. They'll have to use the dye again. I always thought there were alternative dyes, but the dr said they all use idodine, (sp) but are just different brands.
My food has been horrid. I mean really HORRID this week. I've got to get myself where I don't use food when I'm upset. It's just so stupid. I weighed today and I'm up to 297 again. I'm not going to change my ticker cuz I AM
going to get it under control right away.
Congrats to all those experiencing success this week and hugs to those who are struggling.

Battle, I'm excited for you and your upcoming date. How brave of you to do the speed dating thing. That's so cool!!!! Let us know how it goes.

Gotta work on the house a little. It's a disaster zone. Nothing that a morning of cleaning while rockin' to tunes won't cure though!

Hugs,
Sandy

Carol: If I remember correctly, you are a whoosher, like me. I can go for 3-6 weeks without a loss, then finally the scale moves down. Let's see what happens on Monday. Sooner or later you're going to see the result, and then some.

Julee: You did great handling the challenge of the show plus the choice of food afterward. You have a lot to be proud of.

Valerie: Nice to see you.

Cyn: I spent years thinking about how I got fat. Now I'm just doing it. There are probably a combination of reasons for how we got here, and they can be worked on as we work the program. Or not. We can do the best we can and learn to live life without overeating.

Heatherdw: Yes, we do give up eating with abandon. I miss it sometimes, too, but then I think about what eating like that got me. Misery.

Walrus: I doubt you gained even the 3 lbs. The cast has to weigh a good amount. You've done well given the circumstances.

Texark: Woo hoo on the 4 lbs. lost!

Bernice: Sorry you had a bad day at work. You can be proud that you did not eat through the stress and horribleness.

Wenny: Good luck with your new eating plan. I find that coming here for support helps.

hi all! well i'm so glad it's the weekend! now i can just relax.

Last night DH and i went to TOPS. i really like it and we are both doing good so far (one day in hahaha). Zack was so funny b/c he said when we left there that the people in the group were all lightweights and that he was going to blow them out of the water! we'll see! bad thing though... my starting weight has to be changed. i was bummed about that BUT it was in the early evening when i weighed and i was fully clothed and i normally weigh with nothing on first thing in the morning after going potty. so i'm not freaking about that too much. i'm just ready to get THIN!

Debbie - i know exactly where Gilbertsville is, i bet you've been to Patti's! my ex-in laws lived there, well in Lake City but close enough. my parents live in Paducah and that is where i'm from, i'm sure you know where that is.

i'm pooped and have a headache, i'm going tto bed now. ya'll have a great weekend!

Lauren

good morning everyone,
Well today is my weigh in and im actually up 2lbs. I am not going to worry about it because even though we had pizza last night i was still within my calorie range. I bet it was the extra water I drank with the sodium from the pizza.
Also I lost 8lbs in the few weeks i was sick and it may have been to fast. Well see in a few days what it says...
Im eating light today so I can enjoy tonight. I am excited about tonight plus excited to have all 3 of my kids together. They havent seen each other since sons wedding on new years eve.
Im still not sure what Im wearing..both daughers hate the dress I bought and said it looks like something my mom would wear.lol
I may just end up in black pants and a nice top....or we may end up making a flying trip shopping.lol
Not sure yet what my day holds...I still have to make ham and creamcheese rollup I got the other stuff made last night but got tired. Mom called this morning and she is kinda freaking out...lol
You think after as many weddings as we have had she would be calm about , this is the 8th wedding. She has 5 kids. ONe brother has been married 3 times.LOL
Well Im heading to get some stuff done and lift weights this morning. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
debi