Hey Miki....I am glad that you are staying honest about your lack of exercising....but now that you've come clean....its time you get back to it and start moving again...or else....I am gearing up for a cyber kick

Hey Newie....yep that sun sure does me in...right now I sit here at the computer and my arms have this fine red rash all over them...and boy...does it itch. Sounds to me like you have a very busy life full of errands...but you must make time for yourself...you are important too and keeping you in top shape is the best gift you can give yourself and your family...so its time to make some time for your exercises....I send you lots of good energy and a hug

Hey...I chatted with Reina...and she told me her house got robbed a couple of days ago So now she is having to deal with the insurance and getting things back to normal. On a brighter note, she did have a blast on her vacation and didnt gain a pound! She is also enjoying her new job.

LadyRider's name is Chris Dunn...and she lives in Florida....thats all I know....Ladyyyyyyyyy come back and post will ya.

And that goes for Reina too...get your butt back in here .

Hey Lisa, Taiwan, Debee...hope you lovely ladies are doing excellently well...I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

I think we need a challenge to get us motivated again...Can anyone come up with a good challenge. Let me think of a good one and I will post it when it pops into my head.

Well as usual, i am at work ...and I am happy too cause today, its 34 degrees celcius here...veryyyyyyyyyy hot!

Later Ladies
Cyan

Whew! I'm sure glad I did 20 min on my AirWalker before I signed in here. Dont wanna experience one of Cyan's kicks again!

How awful that someone robbed Reina's house! That's a scary thought. At least nobody was hurt right? Reina, we miss you! Havent heard from you in ages. Glad you had a fun vacation.

Newie, I couldnt help but laugh when I pictured you in that huge bonnet. Especially the part about your hubby not wanting to be seen with you in it. Thats hilarious. Did you get your walk in today?? I hope so because I can tell you from experience...you dont want one of Cyan's kick..

Debee, are you still out celebrating that birthday?? Get back in here and post SOON ok??

Lisa and Taiwan, we miss ya'll too! I know you too are always extra busy but get back as soon as you can.

Miki

Hi, all! I am so glad it's Friday!! The weather here has turned much cooler--upper 70's--much more breathable and livable.

Thanks, Cyan, for the encouragement about making sure I take time for me. I have been very frustrated about that fact, because I didn't want to stop taking care of myself in order to take care of myself. Actually I can't take very good care of others if I don't take care of myself first.

Miki--Yes, I did get my walk in yesterday! And I did the whole 1 1/2 miles! I did it at 5:30 p.m. I brought my kids to the park with me straight from their grandma's house after I got off work and let them do their own thing while I walked. I didn't even let myself go into my own house because I knew I'd never get out again. It was a little harder physically to do the walk in the evening after a full day's work, but I found it made me feel not so heavy/dead, like I usually feel after work. I even had the energy to use my new battery operated floor sweeper to clean several rooms in the house and get a decent dinner together for my husband after I got back from the walk. I'm going to give it a try again tonight. I will say that I feel much less pressured this morning, knowing that I don't have to go out now, yet not guilty because I've skipped it, since I'll do it this afternoon.

Reina--I'm sad to hear you were robbed. Speaking as a fellow Chicagoan, I know it's something you always know can happen to you living in the city, but it's something you hope doesn't. We've been very lucky. We had some car vandalism about 10 years ago, when my hubby had a custom car stereo, and people walking through our yard, but we've never had anything stolen from our house or yard--only a shovel I accidentally left in the alley--but the alley is fair game for anyone going by. I bet that's a scary thing, having some stranger go through your personal things.

Well, got to go--have a great day, everyone, and thanks for the encouragement you give me.

This hot weather is beating me down..I cant wait for a break!

Miki glad to hear that you did your airwalker.

Newie...good to hear you got in your walk.

I think I may have to kick myself in the butt I havent exercised since sunday...except to go to work..I walk for about 20 minutes...but other than that..too hot.

anyway...I am just too drained today...I wish I was at home..sleeping.

Ok ladies..just wanted to say a quick hello and to wish everyone a great weekend

Cyan

Hello girls. How is everyone. Well, I'm great! I've lost 13 pounds!!!!!! This Adkins diet is the best. It is sooooo easy. I used to think I couldn't give up bread or milk or stuff like that but it's really easy, because you get to eat things that you normally can't eat on a "diet." For example, I can have regular dressing instead of fat free dressing, I can have butter, I can have steak, and chicken WITH the skin, and I can have sour cream and cheese. I eat lots of vegetables and I'm so thirsty now, I have no problem getting my water in and all my cravings are now gone! I have to force myself to eat. I'm just not hungry! I'm about to go to lunch at Burger King and I'm going to get a Bacon Cheeseburger and I'm going to take off the bun and eat it. YUMMY. I can have mayonnaise and I can have bacon and IT"S AWESOME!!!!! the first couple of weeks, it was kind of a struggle, because I had to overcome my sugar addiction, but now it's great. I get these little candybars from Wal-Mart called Pure Delight and they are awesome. YUMMY. that takes care of my chocolate cravings.

Well, I have to go, I'll post more later!
Lisa

Lisa that is soooo cool!! I want to know more about it. When you have time, post a day or two of sample menus you are eating. I dont know a whole lot about Atkins. How long have you been on it...3 weeks?? I cant remember when you started.

Cyan, it's hot here too. That's a lot of the problem with me not being motivated to exercise I think. I havent done any today so far but it's a while before bedtime so I still hope to fit in some crunches, etc.

Newie, Hooray for you for getting to go for that walk. 70 degree weather is long gone for us ...you're lucky. It's already hit 100 F or so several days here lately.

Reina, come back and tell us all about your vacation and that new job.

Ok Debee, now you're worrying me too. It's not like you to be gone so long with no word

Deana we all look forward to hearing what's up with you.

Well take care ladies...Bye for now

MIKI

Hi, everyone! Well, I did it again! I walked last night after work--the whole mile and a half! I almost didn't do it because I was really tired from work, but my daughter wanted to go to the park, so I took a little rest, ate some dinner, and then went out. It's a lot harder to do it at night, and I don't walk as fast. I don't know if the benefit differs from a morning walk. At least I'm getting it in, though.

Lisa, I too am interested in what kind of menus you are eating on this Atkins diet. I've heard things both pro and con about the plan, but I've never heard a first-hand account from someone on it. I am definitely a carb addict, though I have become aware that if I eat carbs, especially refined ones, I want to eat more sooner, but if I add some protein and fat to my diet, I am not as hungry and don't eat as much. That's why I eat a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast just about every day. Please share with us.

Miki and Cyan, I feel for both of you with the hot weather. I'm waiting for it to come here and stay for a while--we've not had much yet, but it will be here one of these days. I just hate hot and humid weather. And when it gets like that, I don't even want to go outside at all, let alone work out. It's a real struggle. Just hang in there, and don't give up. I'll do the same when it gets hot here too. That may be when I give those WATP tapes a real go.

Well, have to get going. Talk to you all soon. Keep cool!

It's me I am still here, no change. Just ultra busy!!! I was doing soooooooooooo well with exercise, then dh goes out of town last Friday through Monday leaving me with the one year old--not much you can do with a one year old around. Then on Monday, dh and Joshua get back at 11:30am and we take a plane to the north to work on visas/passports (we WON'T even get into how UNHELPFUL the US consulate is!!) at 6:30pm (I teach Monday's from 4:30pm to 6pm) and we get back on Wedn. afternoon. Out of town guests come in and we take them around town. Meeting Friday morning, kindergarten graduation Friday afternoon, ESL class on Friday night!! WOW It makes me dizzy thinking about it. Sooooooooooo we can see how Deana's schedule has been TOTALLY messed up!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, Miki, yes, I am starting to homeschool all year long. We weren't consistent before, but Joshua is only kindergarten age (though he is doing 1st grade math and science!!!). We do Bible, Math, writing letters, English workbook(MWF), science and Chinese (occassionally) and reading all in about 1.5hours. Homeschooling is great that way.

Well friends, I will TRY to get some exercise in this week. My leg has been bothering me for a few weeks, don't know how to explain it. I am going to try and watch my foods, I am not disciplined in that area. Weight has gone up 1lb, though I have been floating between 187/188. Not really a gain. The exercise will make a difference, not to mention drinking water again. I have popped in and read the posts, just to busy to write.

If you have read this far, thank you.

Taiwain, great hearing from you! I figured you had just been busy as usual. I dont see how you get it all done! I doubt very seriously I could keep up with a one year old anymore. And I'm sure I couldnt do that and homeschool all at once! I'd say staying within a lb with as little free time you have for exercise that you're doing a good job. I'm still not back to drinking my water either..I dont know how I got out of it or why it seems to be so hard getting into it.

Newie, good for you for walking again! Wish I could say the same for myself. I WILL exercise tomorrow tho! No excuses!!

Lisa which vegetables do you eat most? To get started that first 2 weeks, what were you not allowed to eat?? I dont know what fruits and veggies are considered bad carbs. And everyone always talks about eating their hamburgers the way you said...just taking off the bun, but isnt that extra messy?? lol Do you ask for a fork or what?? I know that sounds stupid, but I really was wondering how you do that.

How did everyone else do this weekend? Better than me I hope! I had Pizza Hut buffet for lunch, went to see "Rugrats", then headed to Baskin Robbins afterwards. At least I passed up the buttered popcorn and candy at the movie.

Later folks..

Miki

I have missed you alll soooooooooooo much!!!!

I am so sorry that I haven't been around! But life has been so crazy lately, and it just keeps getting more and more out of hand.

As you all know, my house was broken into this week, which totally threw me for a loop!!!! Like Newie said it is something that you kind of expect in this city, but you really don't want to expect it.... Well, that is what happened to me, I have always thought it would happen here, and it did!!!!
the worst part about the whole thing
They got my digital camera full of all my pictures of Alex at Disneyland. And I mean all my pictures.... I am more upset about that than anything else. Not only that, my grandmother's ring was taken also!!! That meant the world to me! But life goes on and I go crazy in the process!!!
I am looking to move this month. I just can't stay here any longer. I can't even sleep in my own room! I am just so uneasy knowing someone was all over my house!

Well, about the vacation, It was beautiful, Alex had the best time, and we were just so happy with all the arrangements that we made
San Diego was beautiful and I can't wait to go back one day!

OK, now about the diet. Well, I haven't gained a pound in over 2 months. I am holdning strong at 190.2
Yes, I can be happy about that, because I haven't eaten great these past few weeks, and my body is holding the weight fine. I have been very active and keeping busy, so that is what my exercise consist of. I haven't been to curves in 2 months but I plan on getting back there, as soon as I get the chance. We have found a new place, and I think we may be moving in next month and there is a curves like 10 mins away so I have no choice but to go.

My new job is great, I don't have access to the web as much to post, but I promise I will try to get in here as much as possible. I work non-stop all day, it is great, becuase my days go by faster, but god, you need a break sometimes!

Well, it is late, and I have been had about 10 hours sleep since Tuesday, so I wish you all continued success, and I will try to get back here as soon as I can.

I miss you all, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Hi, all--I hope everyone's weekend was good. Mine seemed to go so fast! I'll be glad for the holiday coming up--three and a half day weekend!! I could really use it.

I went shopping with my older one Saturday--I love shopping with her. We just have to watch how much money we spend. I think I could get in trouble if we love it too much. Anyway, I was so curious about that Atkins diet we have been talking about. Even though I am working to eat healthy and exercise, there is a part of me deep down that would really like to lose those pounds. While we were out, I bought the new Atkins book at Wal-Mart. I wanted to see what it was all about. Well, I read about half the book over the weekend and saw myself a lot in the people he described who had trouble losing weight till they tried Atkins--carbohydrate addicts, I mean. I think that's probably over half of what I've been eating. I have also seen things in my own body that matched what the book was saying. Also, in the two times in my life past where I have lost a lot of weight--when I was 17 and when I was 30--both times I restricted carbohydrates big time. Anyway, I've decided to give it a go. Yesterday was my grocery day, so I made sure I had plenty of protein and green vegetables, and I did it for the first day. It seemed weird to be eating mostly meat--I've never been much of a meat person, but I was full a lot more than I expected to be. Anyway, I also took my measurements, which is recommended--that was enough to motivate me--46 1/2 bust, 37 1/2 waist, 43 hips--horrible for me. And I really didn't have a lot of trouble drinking water. Actually it seemed to match what I was eating. I did have a hamburger for lunch--I wrapped it in 2 romaine lettuce leaves. It tasted good. I did the same with some roast pork I ate in the evening.

Anyway, I'm going to try it for the two-week induction period and see what happens. I'm also going to keep track of how I feel energywise and moodwise--usually I am very tired, no matter how much sleep I get. I won't weigh myself for a week. At last weigh, I was 169, so we'll see how it goes. I'll keep everyone informed.

Some bad news on the walking front--I injured my right leg walking Friday night. I was very tired when I did it (I had been on my feet most of the day) and pushed myself. It hurts in my shin, only when I walk or when I press on this one area--sort of like a sore muscle, only a little sharper. I don't think it's a bruise. Anyway, I haven't done any abdominal crunches or leg stretching exercises for a long time, so I'm going to do those for now. I know it's important for me to let my body heal.

Well, I've got to get going. Lots to do today. Talk to everyone later.

Ah its monday again...I dont like mondays The good thing, its tuesday tomorrow and its a holiday...Canada Day So another day off.

I have been very bad with the exercising...no cycling, no anything except for housecleaning! So tonight I get back into the swing of things by cycling! I have been ok with food wise but I havent really been trying to cut back a whole lot.

Hey Newie, let me know how the atkin's diet works for you. and sorry to hear about your right leg being injured..I hope you heal up fast.

Lisa...I wonder how many pounds you have lost now? Do tell us.

Reina...welcome back...sorry to hear about your home getting broken into...thats gotta be scary. They broke the Dad's car window yesterday and his car mirror too....all in one day in two separate incidents...now thats gotta suck too.

Hey Taiwan...good to hear that you keeping busy...and let us know how you do this week with the exercising.

hey Miki, at least you passed up on the buttered popcorn and candy...op

Well..I just wanted to say a quick hello before I get to work. have a great day everyone and stay

Hello ladies. Well, I haven't weighed myself again, so I am still at 13 pounds lost. I will weigh again on Friday. I'm delighted that you guys are interested in Adkins. Newie, good for you for giving it a go. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It does feel weird cooking with butter and oil and eating mayonnaise, but...OH WELL!! IT WORKS!!! I went to the grocery store also, and I got 18 steaks for 20 dollars! 10 of them are filet mignon! YUMMY!

For those of you who want to know what I've been eating...Well, I started out with eggs for breakfast. They could be scrambled with cheese, an omelet with cheese and mushrooms or fried with some bacon. However. Now, I'm not hungry at all in the morning but I do make myself eat something. Today I had a few pieces of lunch meat. (chicken). For Lunches I like to have a salad with hearts of romaine lettuce, a boiled egg, cheese, bacon bits, cucumbers, mushrooms sunflower seeds and ranch dressing or ceasar dressing. YUMMY. I've also put pepperoni sliced in my salad also. Sometimes I would have some lunch meat with mayonnaise on it and some grated cheese and some lettuce. I would roll that up and hold it together with a toothepick. I make about 4 of those and eat them. YUMMY.
For diners, I've had pork chops, steak, hamburger, vegetables...whatever I'm in the mood for. I've also had taco salad with cooked hamburger with onion, cheese, salsa, green onions, sour cream, and it was yummy! There are also some great recipes in the book. I made the crustless quiche and It was GREAT!! I also go to the website.. www.adkins.com and they have some good recipes. I made the baked stuffed mushrooms with sausage and mozzarella. THose are the best! For snacks I like cucumber slices with dressing, or the Pure Delight bars from the store. They have 2 to 3 effective carbs and they are heavenly. Adkins also has Endulge bars that are pretty good also. I've also bought some ice cream from the store called LeCarb. They're a pint and 4 servings a pint. They're wonderful. I took some of the vanilla and put it into diet rootbeer. Yummy!

Okay...I'm getting hungry, so I'll have to go.

I highly reccomend the website. There's lots of information there!

Lisa

Hi everybody!

I am happy to report that I am now back on track and in full gear!! My sis and I did our Abs tape this morning at 8 a.m. after a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. I went to work at 10 and around noon, I had a grilled chicken chef salad with ranch dressing. I worked til 7 and around 7:30 pm, my sis and I walked 2 miles. After that I had a roasted chicken sandwich with honey mustard from Subway. I also drank 64 ounces of water today! Oh, almost forgot...sometime between breakfast and lunch, I did have a miniature hersey chocolate. I dont figure that hurt me too bad.

Anyway, I am just glad to be able to post something positive! Hope everyone else had a good start of their new week. I'm off the rest of the week so I have no excuses...I should be able to keep this up for sure, for awhile anyway.

Miki

Where is everybody?? It's almost 24 hrs since the last time I was here and not one post since then! I dont think that's ever happened before

Foodwise I didnt do quite as well as yesterday but I did manage to do my Thighs tape this morning and then tonite I walked a mile with hubby. Both kids are visiting friends tonite and tomorrow so the food thing should be easier. I babysat a 7 yr old little girl today for a friend whose father is in the hospital so of course we went to McDonalds. I did ok there, just a grilled chicken sandwich and water but on the way home we all got snowcones. Still wouldnt have been too bad if I hadnt been a tonite!

Ok girls, it's lonesome in here so somebody come post before this time tomorrow nite, ok??

Miki