Good Morning to all of the Valentinies!!! Hope everyone had a good nite. I stayed OP, walked with the girls at lunch, and walked/ran with the pup when I got home. (this is becoming my daily regimen) Eventually I will add more-I am going to check out Curves this weekend (Kandice ) and I may pick up that Leslie Sanson tape, "walk away the pounds", I have heard really good things about it. I could do that on rainy days and when I don't feel like leaving the house.

tobaccygirl~you are doing such a great job with your schedule, keep up the good work and you know you will see results on that scale! Florida sounds like it will be a great time for you. However, it will not even be able to compare to Hawaii (6 times? I have never been there) That is where I want to go on my honeymoon, of course I would have to get married first and of course I would have to get a ring before that-tisk..tisk. Oh well, have fun at the beach for the rest of us

KandiceA~you are cracking me up with all of your motivators , but they really do work, so I appreciate that extra little kick in the butt! That is so scary about Chris's work, I am sure that you are happy that he was not in the building at the time. I am so glad to hear that he is ok and even got an extra day off of work, hopefully he took that time to rest up and get well! I think that your business ventures sound like a great idea. You really have some great aspirations, you should follow thru with them. I think the day care idea is really good, no parent likes to feel guilty about leaving their kids with strangers while they are working out and the approach that you are taking with that sounds like it would work. There is a "little gym" in my area for kids to go and play basically, but it is like a workout gym for kids. It seems to have really taken off, you should def. look into your idea, I think it has great potential! So, now you've got people jumping on that Curves train with you, what a motivator you are!!! I am telling you, you were born to do sales and I am sure you get a great feeling from helping someone, esp. helping them to be healthy and happy-YOU GO GIRL!!!

Skinny butt~Good job to you for staying OP! I have also managed to stay OP for the most part. I actually have never been to a meeting, I got the points book from a friend and started following it over the summer, I walked 2 miles every morning and stayed OP, I lost 12 pounds, but gained it back once I started working in an office and couldn't get my walk in and ate too much "office food" (cookies, cakes, candy,etc). I have been trying to keep up with my points, but I think going to the meeting will help me stay accountable for what I do during the week. So, me and a co-worker (who has lost 25 pounds w/WW) are going to a meeting tonite-wish me luck! I will tell you how it goes! Have fun at your sisters this weekend, you need some good R and R!

knsj and Dena~Hope you both are feeling better, I know there is a stomach flu thing and a cold flu thing going around. I had the cold flu, stayed in bed for an entire day to get rid of it! Try to take care of yourselves, get some sleep and drink some green tea (that always helps me)!

DewCan~Oh my, I would absolutely freeze there, it has been in the 60's here all week, but they say a cold front is coming in-yuck. I swear, I could live in a trailer on the beach and be perfectly content! Try and stay warm over there

Off to my first WW meeting tonite! I am so proud of our little group we have going here! I look forward to talking to all of you every day !!! Have a great day.

Good Morning, Everyone!

I'm still under the weather, but I just wanted to drop in and see how everyone is doing. This is such an exciting thread!

Cole, good for you for joining WW. I've been to the meetings, and actually got to my goal weight, so I know it works. (Since then I've gained back about 14 lbs., but at least I kept the other 31 off.) Plus going with a friend is great. You two can support each other while learning what to do. I know you'll get to your goal. You have to tell us about the different plans these days. I'll be rooting for you!

Bonnie, I love your exercises. You inspire me! Exercise is the best medicine for staying young and feeling great. As soon as I'm outta this bed (threw up again this morning,) I'm finding me a gym that I like. You are right... Hawaii is heavenly. I've been there four times. And no you are not nuts about leaviang your pooch. I feel the same way.

Kandice, keep up the great work. I love your ideas. I think there are franchises you can look into. I know there is one called "Little Gym." Good luck to you.

Well, it's time for me to stop typing.
Hugs,
Dena

How's everyone doing today? Things here are good. I was OP yesterday and met my water goals. No exercise b/c church-unless, of course, you count rushing around from work to home to grab a bite to eat, then to the church to drive the van route and then to the hospital to donate blood as exercise! If that counts, I got quite a workout! When I put in my 3 mile (at least) walk tonight, it will give me 22 miles for this week. woo-hoo!

dena and knsj-hope you're feeling better soon!

Bonnie-would you soak up some sun for me when you go to FL? I have some friends who just moved to St. Pete and they really like it there. Since you're going to horse country may I assume that you have a love of horses? I have a friend at church who plans all her vacations are horse trails!

dewcan- -37? Sheeze. I'd be happy w/some snow-it's 56 here-but I don't think I want it that cold! brrrr I just want enough snow to make some snow cream! We are having what I refer to as an "eeyore" day-just a little gloomy.

Cole63-So how did the meeting go? Sounds like you have a pretty good routine going w/your exercise. I will be glad when my living room becomes available again (adult son sleeping on couch!) so I can incorporate my stretching and aerobics back into my morning routine. Oh, I did eat a couple fig newtons last night but only after I donated blood. I figure if you donate blood you surely deserve a cookie!

Kandice-so glad Chris is safe! How scary. He must have an angel-in addition to you -watching over him! Glad all is well. Oh, forgot to tell you thanks for informing about the weigh in date. Sometimes, I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached! Congrats on getting others interested in being healthy! It's a wonderful feeling. I love to watch my DD's reading food labels and making healthy food choices. I also like it when people notice that my eating habits have changed. It opens the door to building up a healthy lifestyle. Believe me, if they open the door for a discussion, I'm going right in. Actually, I have been known to open the door myself!

Don't you just love this place? I know I do. I'm enjoying getting to know everyone and share in your successes. Truly an inspirational group of ladies! Keep up the good work! Talk to ya later.

Howdy everyone,

Well, the storm has passed, and things are beginning to dry out a little. My son’s house survived unscathed, and the evacuation order was finally lifted yesterday. He rents the place with a bunch of roomies, and they were all very glad to find things safe and sound when they returned. When the order to evacuate came (the police came knocking door-to-door), they were told to get out RIGHT NOW. They only had time to grab their backpacks and hop in their cars. The house is located at the base of a mountain and right across the street from a creek. There was imminent danger of slides and flooding. Luckily, all turned out well.

Slowly, but surely, I’m getting back on track diet-wise. I’ve been looking into other ways of getting a low-impact aerobic workout, besides using my stationary bike. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about a three-wheeled scooter called a Trikke. It’s propelled by putting weight on one leg and then the other, like skating or skiing. There was an article about it in the “fitness” section of the paper. It looked like something I might actually enjoy doing, but so many of these things are just a bunch of hype. Has anybody tried one?

Wishing all of you a good Thursday,
Florafae

Hi, my name is Amy and I am new to 3FC. This is my first post. I was hoping to join you because my first mini-goal is set for Valentines day. I am 28 years old and have four beautiful (from a non-biased opinion, of course ) children ages 7, 5, 3, and 1. All those pregnancies have really gotten my weight up. I weighed 125 when I got pregant with number 1 and I now weigh 192. Sigh. So, my first mini-goal is to lose 10 pounds by Valentines Day. That would be 2 pounds a week. I am limiting my calories to 1500-1600 a day and exercising at least 30 minutes six times a week. My overall goal is to lose 50 pounds by September 1. Ideally, I would like to get down to 125 again, but I am going to settle for 140 for now. DH and I want to have another baby (oh, dear) and would like to get pregnant around September. For that reason, I need to stop trying to lose then (140 is considered a "healthy" weight for my height), although I will also try to be VERY diligant during pregnancy. Any advice would be great. I am only on day two of my new goal, and yesterday I struggled with cravings SO MUCH! I made it, but I was discouraged that I was already struggling and it was only day ONE!!!

I do great in the morning and early afternoon, but late afternoon and evening KILL me. That is when all my cravings seem to kick in and I can barely restrain myself from driving to the gas station and just buying SOMETHING, lol. Any advice? I removed all the treats from the house (and DH's coworkers are all cursing me because they're eating all of it now) and that helps a lot.

Anyway, hope it's not too late to join your Valentine's Day challenge.

Amy

Hi gang.
I have been so much out of the loop!!! Son #1 has monopolized the computer all week, working on a science project til the wee hours. But, I have certainly missed logging in and being a part of the group. I have been doing really well on my program. The diet part has not been the problem...I was struggling with the exercise part. But I did learn something about myself early this week..I learned that if I didn't do it first thing in the morning, I put it off and put it off...then I felt guilty, which made me depressed...then I'd have to fight against the hungries a lot harder. SOOOOO, I have been laying out my gym clothes the night before right next to the bed. Just as soon as hubby walks out the door and the school bus pulls away...I hit the treadmill. Today, it was oddly warm (62 F) so I actually DROVE 10 miles to the school track and walk 3 miles on it. Today...more rain, more flooding and temp dropping to the teens.
Sounds like everyone is doing well and I am so proud of our group. I really enjoy all the hints that we are sharing. And it's really encouraging to know that there are a lot of people out there taking charge (and falling down once in a while) and making changes to their lives for the better. I hope to regain the use of MY computer after the weekend so I can go back to replying to all my friends here. Bare with me. Thanks.
Sweetpea

Hello to all well it took me some time to find you guys again Well I have been trying real hard and doing not to bad well as I said I gain 10lbs but I am not saying any thing for the Valentine challenge just that I am staying on plan and doing as much walking as I can last week from Jan 1 to 8th I lost 2 lbs and waked 11 miles and this week so far doing not doing bad I will weigh again on monday so jan.1 I was 185 then 183 so need to lose 7 more to get back where I was be for christmas Bonnie so nice to see you are still here and Den@ good luck to all the new ones Jean

Cole, happy for youthat you're going to WW. There was a thing on the news that said that WW was the best one for success and keeping it there.

Oh, Bonnie, you make me laugh with you saying you're "as old as dirt". I appreciate your humour.

Florafae, glad all is improving there. Oh, and I've never heard of the trikke. Sounds interesting.

Skinny, that's a wonderful thing to do, donate blood. I'd do it but, I'm one of those people that are 'not wanted'.

amy, welcome here. I struggle with the same issues. Some people find it helps them to make a menu for the day in the morning and it helps them stick with it. Just a thought. Hmmm...another baby, sounds rather busy, but fun.

Congrats on the 2 pound loss, Jean

Okay, still freakishly cold here. This is unusually cold, even if January is most often a cold month. Today it was in the -40's, plus wind, so an unbelieveable windchill. I went out at noon and it was still -40 Anyways, I'm sticking with my daily biking and situps, and today I had a good eating day. These good days are very few and far between. It's an addiction, seriously. I sit here and fight myself to not go and eat. It's not htat I'm hungry, sometimes I don't even like what I'm eating, but I just have to do it. I wonder if there's a Zyban for dieters A friend of mine who quite smoking said that she found it easier to quit smoking than to lose weight, and this was after years of smoking. This is depressing, because they say it is so hard to quit smoking Well, I didn't mean to be so depressing, so I'll go to bed as it's almost 1am.

Bonnie- How'd you like the eyebrow wax? I love getting mine done.

Dena- thanks for the info about little gym- I'll look into it. How are you feeling today?

Skinny- congrats on staying OP again. You're doing so good!

Flora- good news about your son. Glad everything was safe when they got back.

Amy- welcome! never too late to join! Have a great time!

Chris is feeling a little better- he still has cold sweats alot- he's cold to the touch but that "calmy" feeling. I actually had to change the bed this AM because he sweat so much last night. Called him this AM to see how he's doing and he said, the big wigs just made their way around and told everyone that they were working 7 days a week- starting tomorrow. The paint area was demolished in the fire- the only thing that survived is a sample paint room but it's tiny and they can only paint 1 piece at a time. I don't know how well thought out the plan is- sure they get the orders out instead of contracting it out but they're paying these guys time and a half. Painters are not cheap- well they pay them good at least. It's good in one way- $$$ coming in but I hate that chris won't ever get a day off. they're going to do it until they're rebuilt- told them about 3 months. Poor Chris.

that's it for me for today- not an exciting weekend- doing our second to last premarital counseling session sunday evening. but that's it. probably early to bed tonight since he's gotta work tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hope this finds everyone doing well. I walked 50 minutes last night, met water goals and was op. Feel like I'm getting back on track.

Florafae-So glad your son and you came through everything unscathed! I've never heard of the Trikke. Have you had any one else respond positively? I'm curious so keep up updated, please.

Cole-how was the meeting? I hope you really liked it. I have a WW question for you-do you count your activity points or stick to just using flex points? Sometimes I use my ap. Just wondered. If we were to count both, we could eat practically anything in sight and be okay! I had a problem at first w/my points b/c I thought as long as I'm within my points, I'll be okay. But I learned you still have to keep things balanced. I'm doing much better getting in my veggies/fruits. OP yesterday and that was even counting a few oreo's! Hey-PMSing women must have chocolate! This one must, anyway! I have 28 FP's that I've saved in case I need them at my sister's house this weekend.

Amy-welcome, welcome, welcome! Glad to have you here. Wow. You certainly are a busy mom, aren't you? Do you homeschool? Just curious. My sister home schools here 8 year old daughter and it works very well for them. I think it's great that parents can do that. I take it from your post that your a SAHM? As for the snacks, we purged our home of them months ago. Even when we get dessert it's a "lite" version. Is it possible to find a lite version of whatever your favorite is? That way you'd get the taste w/o as much bad stuff. I agree w/what someone else said about menu's. We make a menu every week before grocery shopping. It really helps keep us on track w/healthy eating and eliminates stress. Again-welcome. You're at the right place for encouragement and support!

Sweetpea-welcome back. I've missed you. You live in Ohio, right? How's all the rain, snow and flooding effecting you? Stay safe! Congrats on your exercise! Good idea-laying out your clothes before going to bed at night. Smart thinking!

Dena-feeling better?

Jean-nice to meet you! Congrats on your weight loss! Way to go!

DewCan-I donate blood on a regular basis. I'm O+ so they love to see me come in! I have to be careful w/my iron level though. I've been turned away more than once b/c my iron was too low. I'm borderline enemic. So, about a week before I go, I load up on iron rich foods and stop drinking tea. I heard some frustration in your last post so here's a hug for you! I'd like to encourage you to just keep pushing through. You can do it! We all believe in you and are thinking positive thoughts for you! AS for the snacking, do you keep healthy snacks at home? Maybe low fat or lite versions of your favorite? Is there maybe a stressful sitch in your life that is causing you to seek comfort from food? I know I have to always be on guard re: emotional eating. I am feeling a litte frustrated right now as well. I'm PMSing and, even though I'm exercising and eating right, I'm not feeling any different right now. But I just have to keep pushing and I know it will start coming off again. After TOM, I certainly expect a loss! We're all cheering for you to succeed!

Kandice-glad Chris is feeling better. It sounds like he'll need all the energy he can get for his work schedule! Are you doing your premarital counseling through your church? That's how we did ours a couple years ago. I enjoyed it. Hope you're gleaning lots from it. Not much longer now. I'm so excited for you!! Is it going to be a big wedding?

Bonnie-I meant to ask you about eye wax as well. I love it! It's one of my pamper me activities. I like to watch horse events as well and my DD's have horses at their dad's farm. I think horses are beautiful animals but enjoy them from a distance. I used to ride some but haven't been on one for years. When are you leaving for FL? Be sure to use your SPF45!

Boy, I certainly was long winded today! Oh, well. Ladies-have a great day! Remember to be kind to yourself today!

Hi everyone!

First of all, thanks for your kind well wishes for me to get better. I feel better today. I can't wait to get out of the house! I found another gym in my phone book yesterday, which is only 4 miles away, and I made an appointment to check it out at lunchtime. Wish me luck. This is like my 10th one I scoped out. I want a ladies only gym, where I can come or go when I want, with cardio/weight machines at a reasonable price, that is clean without a many-year contract. Is that too much to ask? I'm just not into co-ed, with all those guys and sweaty smells.

Skinny, woo hoo! Good job on walking, drinking your water and being OP yesterday. You're doing great! And I love your encouraging attitude.

Flora, glad to hear that things are improving. Are you in LA county, San Bernardino County, or Ventura County? Isn't that where most of the stuff is happening? I lived in Santa Barbara, 15 miles away from La Conchita. I knew that place well. I don't know wjy those people continued to live there after the mishap in 1995. Too dangerous for me.

Amy, welcome! We're glad you could be part of our group. This Valentinies really provide great support and motivation. And your plan of counting cals and exercise are great. Try making a cup of hot tea when the cravings hit. Or do something nice for yourself like take a hot bath or do your nails. Try to keep occupied at night to start a new habit. Or go brush your teeth. We all have moments when we want to blow it. We have to do whatever it is we enjoy to replace that feeling. (It's usually do to stress.) Good luck to you! Come here and post your feelings if you want. You'll find that we probably go through the same thing.

Jean, so glad you found us. And congrats to you for getting back on track and losing 2 lbs.

Dew, I have to hand it to you. I don't think I could live in weather that cold. It would get to me after a while.

Sweet Pea, glad to see you back with us.

Bonnie, eye brows waxed? You're going to look hot for your FLA trip.!

Kandice, sorry Chris is still under the weather. What he has doesn't sound good at all. Please take care.
Hugs,
Dena

Thanks for the welcome! I am glad to be here. I have discovered that I feel the worst from about 4-6:30 or so every evening. I get that "why in the world am I doing this" syndrome, lol. I have decided that I need to GO somewhere during this time period or something. Perhaps that will help. It sounds like you all have VERY busy lives yourselves!

Skinnybutt-I do not homeschool, although three of my four are still of preschool age. I do a co-op preschool with some ladies in the neighborhood. My (almost) 5 year old and my 3 year old attend it. I teach once a week and the other three weeks a month the other ladies teach it. My oldest (and my only boy) is in first grade.

Florafee-It sounds like you have gone through a really rough time! Hope you're hangning in there!!

Cole-I considered doing WW, but the only meeting place was CLEAR across town and I knew I'd never go. How much does it cost?



My husband and I are both full time students, and my husband works full time in addition. I am a SAHM. That makes for some LOOOONNGG days with all these little kids and a husband at school until 9:30 or so. I adore my kids, though. We are aiming for 6 kids. I have ALWAYS wanted a really big family.

How much weight should I lose a week? I had read that you shouldn't go over 2 pounds a week or it wouldn't stay off. For some reason, I seem to have lost THREE pounds in the first three days! Is that just water weight or something? Is that okay? Let me know if I am doing something wrong.

Amy

SW: 192
CW: 189
GW: 140

Skinny- We didn't have a church when we set out to find a pastor so he's just a christian counselor/ pastor. He said he strongly recommended doing the counseling, he didn't like to marry people without it. We are learning alot- we've talked about our differences in the way we were raised and our expectations of raising our children and things like that. Now, we found a church and invited our pastor from church. we'll ask him to do a blessing at the reception or something. Small wedding- invited 79 people including us and the pastor, but in June we're going to Maine and having a big wedding up there for my extended family- inviting 100+.

Bonnie- ohh a pedi now?! dena got one not too long ago- be careful- they're addicting! manis are too for me at least- I love seeing my nails- hands and feet- done.

I just got done pampering myself a few minutes ago- I bought a pair of undies for the wedding- says "I love Chris" and then I bought a shirt to wear sunday after the wedding and on our honeymoon that says "Mrs. S---" my new last name... Going to try to keep them a secret from him so he'll see the undies after we're already married.

Skinny, thanks for the encouragement

Tobaccy, you CAN do it!!! Yeah, for the loss of the holiday pounds.

Amy, I think big families are great. I come from a family of 6 kids and it was wonderful, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Well, I should go and clean, clean, clean....yuck

Diana

Good morning everyone,

Kandice, the undies and t-shirt are a great idea. I’d love to see the look on Chris’s face when he sees them.

Amy, evening is the hardest time for me to control my eating, too. I get really hungry for salty things. If there are chips in the cupboard, I hear them calling my name. I think your idea of getting out of the house is a good one. One of my tricks is to take the dog for a walk. Being outside, especially when it’s colder, seems to break the spell. I also have some fancy teas that I save for such occasions, and I’ve found that drinking a glass of lime-flavored Perrier also seems to help. I think it’s because Perrier contains a lot of sodium and eases the salt craving.

Dena, glad to hear you’re feeling better. I live in Goleta. What are the odds? My son who was evacuated lives at the bottom of Old San Marcos Pass. All the homes in the area were evacuated. Cathedral Oaks road was closed from Patterson to Turnpike. It’s been very crazy here because the 101 has been closed at La Conchita since Monday, and all the commuters from Ventura have been unable to get to work. I think the 101 is supposed to open today, at least one lane in each direction. (So much for the traffic report )

We have a good friend who lives in La Conchita. The mudslide stopped one block from his house. Those who died were his friends and neighbors. He is badly shaken. After the last deadly slide, everyone urged him to move, but he loves being close to the beach and decided to stay. I don’t know what he’ll do now. I’m with you. There’s no way I would live there.

Diana, I grew up in Illinois and had some cold winters, but never 40 below. Wow. :sman: That’s cold! I understand what you’re saying about the urge to eat even when you’re not hungry. I feel the same way a lot of times. So much of dieting has to do with the brain, emotions, and stress, and nothing to do with the stomach and hunger. I think being aware of this fact is at least a step in the right direction.

And now, back to work. I wish everyone a good weekend.
Florafae