Monday Monday....they are so tough for me...I wish I could be sleeping right this minute! Snuggled under my covers...dreaming of hunky men...but alas..I am infront of a computer instead.

I didnt do any exercising over the weekend although I did heavy cleaning for 2 hours on sunday...I had a full sweat on so I am sure I got some exercising in...I also washed the car on sunday too cause on friday, I parked it under a tree and it got full of sap or something like it on my car...It washed right off!

Anyway, today is back to exercising! Oh I had a big mac with fries on sunday too but back on track for the week.

Reina...have a wonderful, fun and safe vacation! and come back soon to tell us all about it.

Hey Newie...good to hear that you are replacing your emotional eating with healthier choices like walking...keep going.

Hey Taiwan...its easy to stop exercising...if I dont keep doing it and let a few days go by...its always harder to start again. When are you going to the states and where?

Miki...how are you feeling today? and kudos to you for exercising through it all.

Well I best get back to work...gotta pay for the car

Have a great day everybody

Cyan

Hi ladies

Had a miserable day at work....worked from 10 a.m. til 7 pm. with my poor nose running the entire time! Feeling much better now tho...isnt it funny how just getting home can make you feel so much better?? I even was able to get in my abs workout. Luke, my 11 yr old, did it with me.

Deana, doesnt sound like this is the place for you to get help with your meal planning. I'm awful at it too! Picked up Subway tonite mainly because I had no idea what I was going to cook if I hadnt. Every nite I go thru the ordeal of trying to figure out what to cook and half the time I dont have all of what I need for any particular dish. I definitely need to work on that.

Newie...I was dying for an ice cream cone last nite!! I really did want one but I was too lazy to get up to go to town and we're out of ice cream around here. You and Deana are right..I have GOT to start getting in my water. I'm terrible at doing that lately.

Cyan, I'm sure your cleaning burned some calories this weekend. House cleaning really is WORK. ( at least mine is cuz I let it get so bad before I get it done..lol ) I hope you had a good day at work.

Reina, I guess by now you're at your vacation destination. Probably out and about having a great time!

Debee, girl, where in the world are you?? Are you finally having some cheery sunny days? I hope so. I know how depressing it can be when it stays wet for so long and you cant get out and enjoy nice weather.

Lady, are you ok?? How are things going for you? I'm anxious to hear all about the new job and what all you've been up to the last month or so.

Lisa, are you back in school?? Time flies these days and I cant keep up. I hope you're doing well and can find a minute SOON to check in with us.

Well ladies, I'm tired and cant wait to pile up on the couch. Have a great day tomorrow!

Miki

Hi Ladies,

Miki, I have been battling a sinus infection for the past week too...by mid afternoon I have a bad headache and I am blaming the sinus infection and headache for my bad food and exercise choices this past week. Your on my shoulder --you need to start jumping on my head and tell me to stop eating junk!

Deena, are you going back to Delaware? If so, please come and visit me. For food suggestions I have a few...I try to plan only two or three choices for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is oatmeal, whole wheat toast with jam, or peanut butter on english muffins, lunch is a turkey pita, hummus with carrots or soup, ...dinner is where I mess up ...I think it is because of my picky family..hubby is a meat and potato guy, kids only like three or four foods and most of the time by 5 p.m. I am stressed and tired to cook...either we eat out or pick on junk food or overeat. When I was loising weight I would grill chicken breasts on Monday and then use some for a stir fry on Monday, Wednesday for pasta and then for soup. By the way if you e-mail me your address I'll send you the first article and some recipes ..my e-mail is [email protected]

Cyan, heavy cleaning burns calories and it also gives you the double reward of getting something done! You are still the McDonald girl...stay away it is a evil place. Pretty soon you'll be driving that new car and you won't have to dream about the hunky guys ...they will be following you.

Newie, sometimes you do just need that ice cream cone... as long as you do not over do it.

O.k. you know I love lists and tonight I am going to write myself a list of the top ten reasons that I am over eating...if any one wants to make up their own

1. It has been raining so much that I have been inside more and therefore near the refridge.

2. Feeling overwhemled with house stuff and stuffing my mouth to feel I have control over something

3. Sinus infection has me not exercising because of the headache

4. Eating out more beacause I am too busy to cook

5. Not making good choices

6. Allowing junk food in the house again

7. Not planning my dinners

8. Mindless snacking in front of the computer, tv

9. not as commited because the scale is not moving

10. I am two weeks from my 6-month goal and instead of losing the 20 pounds by now I only 10 pounds and gained back a few. In january I was 141, my lowest was in April just before vacation at 126, now I am 129-130 and I can not get back in the groove to lose the next 10 pounds.

Ok once again I will tell myself that tommorrow is anothe rday and I will try again to stay on track.

Hi, ladies!! What a great read this morning! You brighten up my mornings unbelieveably with your thoughts and support. Also, I think it's cool that you have given me a nickname--Newie--I love it!!

Everyone's telling about the activities they do that qualify as calorie burning got me to do a little thinking of my own in that department, and what I do. Well, my job in itself is a workout. My boss calls the place a gym, and she's right. Unfortunately, I missed the unloading of the semi containing 4 skids of paper yesterday, so I didn't get a weight lifting session, but yesterday I did sell a school 125 summer workbooks that had to be lifted and packed for delivery. That's an arm workout. I also rearranged my workstation, which involved moving of furniture. Also, I do a tremendous amount of walking at work. If I am not working in the store--helping customers and working on displays--I'm walking back and forth between the store and my desk in the office (I must do that 20 times a day, at least). Last night I worked in my garden potting plants for my deck flower garden. There were squats plus lifting involved there.

I used the WATP 1 mile tape of the video set I bought, and I really liked it. I haven't figured out a regular time to use it, though. That's what helps me get into a habit--having a set schedule in which to do things. That's also why continuing the walking on the track in summer is such an adjustment for me--I have to create a new routine.

Debee--I completely relate to your dinner dilemma with the husband that likes one type of food, plus the fussy kids. It absolutely drives me crazy!!! I get so frustrated with the girls at times that I won't even cook for them. I keep several simple things from the main food groups I know they'll both eat, and when I simply can't take it, I tell them to make a "pick-up" dinner for themselves. ("Pick-up" means you go into the kitchen, pick up your own food--balanced with protein, carb, milk, and fruit or veggie is the rule--and fix it yourself.) Another thing I do, especially with my 8 year-old, who is the worst, if I've cooked something the other three of us (hallelujah!!) all like, is say--"there's the bread and peanut butter, the baby carrots, and milk--that's your dinner--fix it yourself." I am trying NOT to cook separately for everyone. It's not fair to me to have to do that. I think it's that picky eater situation that sometimes sets me up for portion problems when I eat the leftovers--because I don't want to go to the trouble just to cook for myself, and I don't want the heavier dinner I may make for hubby. Oh, if only everyone would eat the same things!!!

Well, girls, I'm hitting the track before work. Miki, take care of that cold.

Talk to you all later, Newie

Well, today went well again. Well, except for the pizza for dinner. We don't have any water. The city didn't tell us they were stopping water for awhile.DH figured that out (even our neighbors asked about if we had any water or not) and no one told me so I let one of the girls wash clothes. Well, no one got showers tonight and dishes didn't get washed and so we didn't have any rice (needed to clean the pan that goes to the cooker, plus wash rice). So dh decided to order out for pizza. Oh well. I did 20min aerobics, 10min buns, 10min abs all this morning (while a bat was watching me!! yes, there is this bat that comes back to our house, it was on our living room blinds--inside!!). Later tonight I went walking with one of the girls for 30min. hopefully I can stay on track somewhat.
Yes, going back to the states in Sept. for furlough (suppose to be a rest of somekind for missionaries, BUT missionaries are usually busy visiting churches to drum up support, and boy do we need it!!!). Will be there for 7months.
We had an earthquake today. Freaky, didn't panic as Joshua was in the living room with me. It was 6.5 on the scale and our county was the epicenter. Any earthquake brings back bad memories of the Sep 21 earthquake about 4 yrs ago now. Bad, just put it at that.
Ok, it's almost midnight and Josiah is not asleep yet. He was asleep and don't know if it was big brother that woke him up or what. Hope it's not going to be a long night.
Have a great day ladies.
Deana

Oh what a harried morning I had..I absolutely could not find parking on my street! Its very complicated here in our friggin city...anyway..I drove around in circles until I drove to work and did the same there...I finally drove to the permit office and had to buy a parking permit inorder to park on my street! Yes, you have to pay to park near your house. So 50 bucks later and 2 hours later...I finally had my parking permit and am now at work!

Ah.How frustrating..not only did I miss time off from work, paid for my parking permit, I had to take the bus back to work! More of a hassle owning a car...but when I am behind the wheel of my new beetle...boy, it sure puts a smile on my face.

Ok...Taiwan...wow, scary earhtwake! And how come no water! Thats gotta suck..especially in hot water..I send you a big hug.

Miki...I hope you feel better soon and amazing that you still worked out! Wow I am so inspired now cause the last week I have been very sluggish on the exercising although I am playing badminton tonight.

Hey Newie...seems to me like you run a tight ship with the kids and good on you..or else ..they will run you...yikes. And all that moving around and lifting at work sure does count...its waayyy better than sitting at a computer all day long.

Debee stay strong...the last few pounds are always the hardest...your body sure wants to hold on to them but keep at it.

Ok ladies...as usual I am at work...I wish I was somewhere else today...its bright and sunny but not scorching hot ..so perfect weather to be outdoors!

Big hug to you all and kudos on everyone for exercising and keeping me motivated to do the same..you ladies rock

Cyan

Hi folks!

Had a good day off today. Got my highlights done finally and yes, I did get in my Thigh workout this morning. Runny nose is a little better but my poor nose is red and almost peeling now. Looks lovely and I gotta work tomorrow.

Cyan, I cant even imagine that parking situation. That's enough to drive a person nuts for sure. $50 to park on your own street, wow. But just think how cool you look sitting behind that wheel as you drive around looking for an empty space.

Deana, bless your heart. Having no water is awful! Right up there with no electricity. I hope that doesnt last long. A bat in the house and you keep exercising?? You just earned the new crown of Exercise Queen Bats are scary! No way I could just ignore it.

Newie, sounds like you get in lots of exercise at work so dont feel too bad if sometimes you cant get it in at home. I have the 2 miles WATP tape and I loved it while I was doing it but got out of the habit once the weather here turned nice and I could get outdoors.

Debee are you feeling better? (except for the slight burn in your shoulder where I'm propped up ) Hope you're being careful about what you're eating...I SEE YOU! lol

Well, I have to work tomorrow and still need to iron, etc so I better get going.

Miki

Last night I played badminton ...I still cant get over how much of a work out I get from it...so needless to say, this morning I had generalized soreness all over...but its wearing off quickly! Its another gray rainy day here in montreal...ugh!

Miki..you are the exercise queen as of late...i am so impressed by your motivation and determination to exercise even when you are not 100% It definitely keeps me motivated to do the same...what a great example you set for the rest of us. Keep going. Oh yes...my permit for parking runs out at the end of september...and then I gotta pay another 100 bucks for the whole year..so this year..it will cost me 150 for the priviledge of parking on my street!

Well...tonight in honor of Miki's dedication to her exercise regime, I will cycle and lift weights!

Have a great day everyone

Cyan

Hello girls. I'm so sorry I've been out again for awhile. I did start school again on June 2. Microbiology! I'm also taking an online course for Music appreciation. My Micro class is 4 nights a week 36 miles away in another town and it's 3 1/2 hours long. Needless to say there's studying to do for that class also.

Anyway, I've still been going to the YMCA every morning. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I do 30 minutes on the treadmill and then my weights. I walk about 1.8 miles and burn about 210 calories plus whatever I burn doing the weights. On Tuesdays and Thursdays (my favorites) I do 60 minutes on the treadmill and walk about 3.8 miles and burn over 500 calories. I brink my walkman and I can tune in to a certain station to match up to one of the TV's on the wall. That's pretty cool....as long as all of the TV's arn't on sports!!! YUCK! Also, on Fridays, after my workout, I go swimming with the kids. It's great fun and a great reward for my week of hard work.

Another bit of exciting news is that since Friday, I've lost SEVEN pounds!!!! I know that's a lot for five days but I started the Adkins diet. I know that that has been a very controversial diet, but a friend of mine was over at my house and she's always been very large (325 pounds). I mentioned how good she looked and she told me that since March 9, she's lost 65 pounds! On Adkins! I bought the book and read it and it makes really good sense. I can't believe how good I feel and how easy it is. I feel like I'm cheating. I have some of the best food I've had on any diet. I can have butter!!! I can have bacon!!! I can have cheese!!! I could go on and on and if any of you want more details you can ask me...that way I don't bore you.

Well, I will definitely keep posting more now that I have weightloss to share!!!

See you later!
Lisa

I'm posting at night for a change--checked my messages this morning, and I couldn't get through to the site. I am also doing some of the computer end of my job from home now, and 6 a.m is when I like to work, so I was trying not to delete anything this morning. Just to tell you, I'm pretty much self-taught on computers, and sometimes I learn how to do things the hard way. Tuesday morning I accidentally deleted almost an entire file for the inventory part of my job and spent most of the day putting it back in, plus doing my other work. I only have two parts that I didn't have hard copies of to recreate, and they aren't urgent.

I do get a good workout at my job, and every day is different. Today I spent quite a bit of time scrambling on the floor, bending, stretching, etc. to count paper products we carry. For some reason, I am very sore tonight. I didn't do anything really unusual. The only thing different for me is that this morning I didn't do my walk. Maybe it's stiffness from NOT exercising that has me sore.

I'm being reasonable with my food. I am more aware of my stomach telling me if I am hungry and listening to it. I've never had a very good relationship with my hunger sensation. I'd just keep eating no matter how full I felt.

Anyway, the only other thing is that my kitchen sink is stopped up, and I've been using lots of drain cleaner without much success. Hubby did fix a leak that was part of the problem, but now it's the plug. I hope we don't have to call a plumber. I'd really like to get it opened up. I've got a back-up of dishes, of course.

Lisa, you sound incredibly busy with classes. Keep a good balance. Miki, I'm glad you are getting better. Cyan--I thought Chicago was expensive--we pay $75 per year for a city vehicle tax for each car--we have two. I'm lucky that parking is free, and where I live, there's enough. Deana--that earthquake sounds scary. I once experienced the shuddering of a very mild earthquake. It was kind of weird feeling; I can't imagine what your experience was like.

Well, it's time to go. I need to go to bed and start all over in the morning. Talk to you later. Bye for now.

Wow Lisa...7 lbs??!!!!!!! I bet you are thrilled to death about that for sure. Lots of people here are on Atkins also. I had a friend who lost 100 lbs in 4 months!!!! She went from a size 22 to a 4! She is now giving classes out of her house for others and invited me to attend. I admit I was a little tempted to try it but honestly losing it so quickly made her look lots older. I dont need that.. Just be careful and dont do too much too fast.

Cyan, I am going to make a point of getting out that badminton set this weekend. I still havent tried it out. I actually almost forgot about it. It's in the trunk of my car..lol

Newie, nothing makes me feel worse than a sink full of dirty dishes. Sometimes Im lazy and just stick them in there and I HATE waking up to them. I always wish I'd already done them so I feel for you having drain probs. Good for you for listening to your body concerning hunger. We all have to relearn that.That's really how it was meant to be, just as natural as breathing or anything else. We just abused it so much that the hunger mechanism quits working.

Well all, hubby is rushing me to get off here and get ready for bed so I better go.

Everyone have a good day tomorrow!

Miki

Its Grand Prix weekend here in montreal...so lots and lots of tourists and todo people in town to see formula one racing! I could actually here the race from my house...those engines on those cars are so loud...its like a constant distant buzz.

I have been physically hungry the last couple of nights...it happens as soon as I get into bed...I feel hungry...but thank goodness I dont get up from bed to go eat! I just roll over and sleep.

Miki..you gotta try the badminton..it wont dissapoint.

Lisa...you go girl..7 pounds! wowowowow...amazing...keep going!

Newie..sorry to hear about your stopped up sink! I sometimes have problems with mine too...very disheartening.

I wonder where LadyRider went to...how sad...I miss you..come back and post.

Also, I was wondering how Anne was doing..I hope she is healing and getting stronger everyday. And remeber Cjunk? I hope she is doing well too

Ok Ladies..as usual, I am at work...talk to you later

Cyan

Only have a minute for a quick post. Just got home from visiting my youngest sis in Shreveport, LA. Brought home my 2 yr old neice, Kaylen ( in the pic with me ) to stay with me til Saturday. She doesnt seem to be anywhere near ready for bed yet..lol I havent gotten a workout in but I was on the road driving for almost 6 hrs. I'm going to try to do my Stretch tape shortly if I can manage it with Kaylen.

Well, better run. I'll post more later...

Miki

Hi, all! I'm here--just checking in--no time to write lots this morning. Sink unplugged!!! Now we are going to use this enzyme stuff to keep it that way. More later. It's Friday!!

Its Friday! I love Fridays....I cant wait to chill and hang out this weekend and perhaps...do a little leisure driving!

Not much to report this week...so I hope everyone has a great weekend. Keep motivated and stay OP.

bye ladies

Cyan