Just wanted to get this one kicked off - I still need to go back and catch up on Week 2, but here we are in Week 3!

Everybody done with Christmas shopping (that celebrates that particular event?) Everybody who doesn't celebrate it, busy laughing at those of us that might be freaking out over the aforementioned?

same here...need to go back and read.

tired this morning, not feeling chatty (i'm fine!!!) - and everything is about the same. exciting update, eh?

petra - yay you on the loss and on getting in the groove to being healthy forever! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy the treat ... you have earned it! And thank you for the granola recipe - filing that one for holiday practice!

LC - right on! It's a big shock to see how close to the edge people are - right around us. It's also a shock to see how easy it is to make a difference and let them know you care - like with the coats. And what a good feeling it is to "be the change you want to see in the world."

maggie - you certainly have your share of challenges, and I'm sure you have urges to scream and throw things now and then! I should put you in touch with my GF in Wash DC - she went through the wringer with diagnoses from psychosis to MS and Lupus ... before she pinned things down to celiac disease, mercury poisoning, and environmental hypersensitivity. Fortunately, it seems that as she works to get the toxins out of her life (all fillings removed/replaced, chelation therapy, all carpet/curtains removed/replaced, and gluten-free, seafood-free, nut-free, stone-fruit-free diet), and as her system heals, she's finding she can tolerate more air-quality related things. She would appreciate what you're going through!

wlw - I'm just the opposite of "nobody around to derail me."

primm - good to see you again! 30 pounds is ... a LOT!!!

newleaf - Happy Chanukah! Any holiday that involves a fudge tradition is a good one.

marie - I can relate to wanting to make the drive! Aren't you thrilled, though - to have DONE the heavy labor, and you're not crippled? My goodness, you've lost 3 1/2 BAGS of insulation!! Now imagine trying to help him back at your HW ...

hydra - welcome back, and congrats on staying close to plan through the chaos.

OMW - I have two TSO albums. I don't officially feel like I'm in the Christmas mood til I play them. (Beethoven's Last Night is a killer album too!)

It was a good weekend. Survived the recital - and it really wasn't all that bad. Thank goodness my mom is a STELLAR accompanist! We were able to keep time just right, and although there were missed notes, it wasn't any worse than anybody else. DS10 sang Sunday morning with the church choir. I have it videotaped - it's a huge file - 198Mb - and if I knew how to share it I would. Suggestions welcome! I didn't overeat, or overdrink, and I'm losing the puffy part. I don't have a lot of cookies or other things in the house at the moment, so I'm looking forward to a great week. I want to shoot for 3 pool workouts. Saturday night is our annual trip to the 1913 Room in Grand Rapids - that will be a splurge meal, both in calories and $$$. Could be the last one for a while, too, if discussions with the private school go well and we can get DS10 in. My mom is backing us 110% - even volunteered to help with the tuition.

Petra –
I hope you have a wonderful day! I hope your granola turned out great and your wine is sublime. Sorry that the chicken was a letdown… Thanks for posting the granola recipe; I’ll have to try that. We love granola around here… But I have never made it.

OnMyWay – thanks for the Chanukah wishes! I’m glad that you enjoyed your concert (I’ve never heard of them, will have to look them up) and I bet that your tree looks wonderful. I haven’t gotten started on my cards yet; I guess that’s a project for this week.

Marie – thanks for the Chanukah wishes! And I’m with you. I am so not a manual laborer… We did a lot of that as a kid, helping my parents fix up our antique home, and I always hated it. We also used to heat our house with wood, and whenever I was assigned to move a stack of wood from here to there, I had a habit of somehow chucking ¼ of it into the woods in rebellion (and to make my job easier!) I’m glad you were able to get your sweaters back into circulation… you lost me on all that fancy sewing machine talk, but I’m glad that they came out great!

PresMaggie – I’m sure it’s hard to see that mirrored face on your son’s birth mother… You’ve done a wonderful thing by adopting these wonderful boys; when they look in your face, I’m sure that it’s your love that they see mirrored, and that’s what counts.

Hydra – nice to see you back, and I’m so glad that the scale is still moving for you!

ICUWishing – Thanks for the Chanukah wishes! You hit the nail on the head… I am so happy that last weekend was the big Chanukah flurry and now it’s behind us. We really thrilled the boys with their gifts this year, so that was a nice feeling. Who knew that they had a pent up desire to create spreadsheets and powerpoint presentations? But that’s how they spent their weekend, using their new ultra-cool completely wireless computer. Before that they had a dog of a clunker that never got used, it was so painful. Now we’re pretty much done, although we do have a little more shopping and some parties to go to (and cook / bake for) but our major holiday stress is behind us. Yay! And, we still have 5 more nights of Chanukah, and I love that we still set aside the time to sit and talk each night after lighting the candles. It makes me aware of how infrequently we do that because of how busy our schedules are. So, I cherish that. I’m glad you had a wonderful weekend and the recital with your mother went so well. Enjoy your dinner in Grand Rapids this weekend; it’s nice to have something like that to look forward to!

Here, in addition to all the Chanukah stuff (see note to ICU above) the weekend was spent on two fun things: working with my sister on plans to hike Copper Canyon in Mexico in October (which is a go!) and working on lodging plans in Alaska for this summer. So, life is good. We’ve had our share of years where money has been very tight, 2008 in particular, but 2009 was good so it’s nice to be able to let loose a little, all the while saving like crazy because you never know when the lean years will return.

Petra - thanks for the other perspective. I agree that it's important to have my younger son's birth mother in his life, but it's hard for me. I'm glad I've reached the point where I can acknowledge my pain while still doing the right thing for my son. It just helps to talk about it.

newleaf - glad you had a great weekend. We had a few lean years due to all the $$ we spent on adoptions and having me not working due to our older son's issues and all the work that entailed. We're still going to be catching up for a while, but it's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

ICU - I wouldn't mind getting in touch with your friend. People look at me like I'm some kind of hypochondriac when they hear some of my stuff - and that's usually the really edited version. They usually ask why I'm not eating certain foods and I just give them a short blurb. Like yesterday, when we were at a church supper where lasagna was being served, I didn't eat anything. When people ask me why I don't have some salad, I don't want to get into salad dressings and all kinds I can't eat, either. Anyway, who wants to eat just plain salad by itself? Bleh.

lambchop - hi!

We might get some snow today, but the city we used to live in was -40 degrees yesterday, so I'm not missing that. Typically, we don't get more than a day or two of snow a year where we live now. I miss the snow, but not driving through it.

PresMaggie plain salad by itself is YUMMY!! I just love raw veggies; why ruin them by pouring sauce over them?? That's my perspective anyway...

OMW, I’m glad you had a great time at the concert. Holiday preparations are so much work. At least most of them are fun.

Petra, the recipe sounds great. Thanks for writing it out. That takes time. Happy 44!!! Enjoy yourself.

ICU, I was done shopping and DH needed something that was falling apart that he’d be too cheap to buy so I bought it online last night. I have stocking stuffers left. Even that has a chunk done. Great job on the recital and wonderful news that your mom might help with DS’s tuition. That would be a blessing.

Newleaf. LOL!!! On the moving wood into the woods. Eeks, firewood is precious. It’s surprising your parents didn’t catch on. I know exactly how much wood we have and I don’t chop, more or do anything with it (DH does).Since it saves us tons of $$$, I keep a good eye on the pile. YEAH on the hike being a go!

Pres, I think it’s wonderful that you could share your pain here. The responses I read were so poignant and eye opening for someone not in either yours or Petra’s position. I love the support on this board. We are truly fortunate to have it.

Monday morning – I bet I don’t need to say more. My goal today is to get the cocoa monster eradicated from my body. Yesterday I ended up having a protein shake for dinner to make up for the chocolate munching in the calorie budget. Today, I will eat normal meals and the cocoa monster can get lost.
Marie

maggie - I, too, am a "naked" salad eater. When I do add a smidge of something, it's usually a really peppery olive oil. I will get in contact with my friend - she's crazy busy, running her real estate office, but I know she has the same issue with people not believing all the things she has to avoid (it usually takes 15 minutes for her to order lunch, because she practically has to take a tour of the kitchen to make sure certain foods aren't in too close of proximity!)

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone. Someone at work brought me a sugar free pie. I had a small piece but those things are full of sugar alcohols and I try not to eat that stuff but didn't want to be impolite when someone had gone to all that trouble to think about the fact that I'm watching what I eat, etc. I was supposed to have my second set of weight loss progress pics taken today but the weather here is awful-I think it has been on the national news. There is a goat farm near my house and when I drove past it on the way home from work, the pen where they keep the goats looked like a pond. Also, the lady who takes my pictures had to fill in today for someone who was sick and was more tied up than she usually is. We'll try to do it later this week.

The wine is awesome-Chenin Blanc.

Newleaf-had to laugh about all the maual labor growing up. We all had a lot of chores growing up too. Doesn't sound like it was quite as involved as your family but there was the endless leaf raking in the fall, picking up apples in the summer-my parents had several apple trees in their yard, and I had the joy of doing dishes for our family of 5. I now say that if I lived in a house without a dishwasher I would give up eating

My Dad is a naked salad eater-always has been. Just puts salt and pepper on it. I never learned to do that. I can get away with pretty simple dressing-redwine vinegar and olive oil.

Sorry I've been MIA, my days have been spent cleaning house and purging for one last donation before the end of the year.

I'm eating well and working out and although I'm logging all my food I'm not obsessed with the scales. I've decided that this year I will continue what I have done for the last 12 months. In addition, my goal for this year is to give up processed foods. I'm not much of a cook so this is really difficult for me. One of the reasons I got so heavy is because I'm all about being able to eat NOW when I'm hungry. Most NOW food is not healthy. I've learned to keep cooked chicken, fresh veggies, and fruit around the house but I still eat more Lean Cuisines than I care to admit.

Anyway, I have one last closet to clean out and probably should do that before I lose motivation.

ICU - sounds like the recital went well. What is the 1913 Room? A restaurant? Good luck fitting in those 3 workouts...you can do it! That was great your mom is offering to help with the tuition.

Petra- I hope you had a nice birthday - wow, swampland in the goat pen....hope you get those pics taken and they give you a great big smile

New Leaf - I hope your Chanukah is going well and you're enjoying your family time. WOOHOO on the "it's a go" to Mexico. I understand the ups and downs...and while many see me travel a lot these days, they didn't know me during my times of selling my wedding ring (after divorce) to pay the electric bill - life has ups and downs..enjoy your ups while you can I always say!

Maggie - yikes -40!!! Glad you don't live there anymore....LOL, by the way, nice to see you again!

Marie - hoping the cocoa monster has left the building! Remember - ultimately you're stronger than the cocoa monster is!

Cat - Giving up the processed foods is great, Clean eating becomes much easier once you pick up a pattern, and realize how many clean foods you enjoy. I have a journal somewhere with some of the meals I ate, and things like omelets, salads, chicken with veggies, etc it got easier and easier when i had the right food in the house, nuts, etc. Shop the outside of the grocery store, avoid the inner lanes and you'll see you still have tons of choices.

---
Yesterday I was sort of blah/bored, but couldn't shake it. Just didn't feel chatty - and fought some I want to eat because I want to feelings. I didn't give in to them, and just chugged along. I now stop and think about WHY I want to eat something....which I've always known i was supposed to do, but didn't actually do before..or i'd go yeah, oh well i'm eating anyway.

Yesterday I knew to just push past it, and distract myself from the feelings. I won as I woke up to the scale going down again....and I didn't give in. It was a nice small victory - I procrastinated...if i still want it at 3pm, 4pm, etc...played all sorts of mind games to win..LOL was really quite pitiful, but i'm glad I did it. In the past, I've given in WAY too easy. I must want it more this time...don't know. Either way - i'm grateful I feel more like myself today.

newleaf - I don't mind raw vegetables without dressing, it's just that the salad in question was made of romaine lettuce and cucumber and I can't eat cucumber. I've never been big on dry lettuce by itself. At home, I usually put on some olive oil and balsamic vinegar or something.

Marie - for cocoa munchies, I put pure, raw cacao powder in my morning smoothie and I love the chocolate flavor without the sugar.

Petra - just curious, what is the issue with sugar alcohols? I know they can cause the runs if eaten in large quantities, but I haven't heard of any other issues.

CruiseCAT - if the odd Lean Cuisine helps you to meet your goals, maybe that's an ok thing to do? It's a lot healthier than going through the drive thru.

lambchop - actually, I used to work outside in -40 sometimes (field engineer in an open pit mine in northern Canada). Honestly, if you're dressed for it, it's not so bad. The northern lights were amazing up there and the quiet that comes from the snow blanketing the ground was so peaceful.

Last night our hot water tank started leaking. Luckily, I heard the dripping and managed to avert a disaster. DS5 enjoyed having a sponge bath this morning for a change and we are hoping to get a new tank today.

lambchop: The 1913 Room is a restaurant in Grand Rapids, MI. The menu is as close to "food porn" as we get here, . I've been reviewing the menu online for a week or so and carefully sifting/sorting options. Here's the link, in case you want to appreciate my dilemma completely: http://www.amwaygrand.com/pdf/the_1913_room_menu.pdf

maggie - great job catching the water tank before the catastrophe. They seem to wait until you're away on extended vacation to blow. I second your appreciation for Northern Lights and the quiet of deep snow. I think ... it's something I'd rather visit than see/feel on a regular basis! DS10 and I are big fans of cocoa nibs - we like that crunchy chocolate bitterness. Fantastic on vanilla yogurt or ice cream, and on strawberries or raspberries too.

LC - I totally relate to the boredom! That was the single behavior that I believe was most responsible for my weight gain, and I'm winning (the majority of the time, anyway) by doing exactly what you are doing - making the "deals" and trying to appeal to the rational adult inside. Seriously, I still get a little thrill out of those victories. Congrats! As a recovering sneak-eater/binger, I always feel like I'm walking a thin line between learning how to eat responsibly, and letting the bad behaviors off the leash.

CAT - Can you get Mack involved in the cooking? Could you guys take a class together, or is his schedule too screwy? I think there's traditional processed food (ew!) that has lots of ingredients we can't pronounce, and then there are some smaller companies doing "prepared foods" that have ingredients much more aligned with what we'd do in our own kitchens. I made the switch from the Lean Cuisines to Kashi and to Amy's with zero guilt. Believe me, you'll naturally cut back because the cost is significantly higher! But with active lifestyles and other priorities, I don't think anybody can fault a few frozen dinners being around. If it's a choice between a healthy prepared frozen dinner quickly with time spent on a great activity, or slaving in the kitchen and foregoing the activity ... well, I know what fits the lifestyle I'm striving for! Good luck on those closets - I am inspired to put mine on the list for "before the end of 2009"!

petra - I have the same love affair with my dishwasher. It's NOT a luxury. I'm coming to feel the same way about the seat heaters in my Escape, . Sorry you can't get to your photo shoot as planned. You are just going to love having a record of this transformation! I so wish that I could find a photo from last Christmas. May have to ask the inlaws...

marie - I am not going to bed tonight until my list is at least complete, and all the online shopping is done. I'd promised myself that I was going to be done with this on Sunday, and here it is Tuesday. Grrrr!

I do know where the infernal waster of time is - it's Facebook and Farmville. It's time to do some serious trimming on non-value-added surfing. Unfortunately, I need to do this with 3FC too, and quit surfing EVERY forum here. I want to stick to 40's, Featherweights, and Maintainers - but there's SO many good conversations going on all over and I've gleaned so many nuggets of info from everywhere ... anybody else guilty of "binging" on 3FC besides me???? I wonder sometimes if I'm just trading my food addictions for internet addiction! I think it's my risk-averse nature and the need to understand all possible pitfalls experienced by "losers" and especially maintainers who relapse - I've never lost this much weight, so I don't have much experience with keeping it off.

Speaking of Northern Lights check these out:

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraAlert...26c9ce2bebf3bf

I am somewhat obsessed with the Aurora. On my bucket list is to spend a month in Alaska during the winter.

I'm sure it was peaceful and beautiful at times, but it's hard for me to read this sentence. I've read it at least 5 or 6 times, but I can't wrap my head around it. -40, "it's not so bad"....

anything under +40 is too cold for me!