We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We recently started a Topic of the Day.

Monday........Motivation Monday
Tuesday.......Tuesday Tips
Wednesday.....Wednesday Weigh ins
Thursday......Thankful Thursday
Friday........Friday Facials, Fingernails and Fun
Saturday.......Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Sunday.........Soup and Salad Sunday - recipes

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We have found them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears...joys and celebrations.

Please feel free to jump right in with us.
And be sure to check if there is a second page. We don't want anyone to miss any posts.

WELCOME!

Hey Thin... where did you run off to.??? You ended the last thread and started this one but left no message for us.
I am so excited about the added photos. They are GREAT !!!!!

Tina... I can't wait to see your new hairdo. My daughters boyfriend likes her hair long too but she looks so much better in shorter hair. She FINALLY got a haircut that is shorter around her face and left longer in the back. She looks sooooooo much nicer now. Hurry hurry and post pics !!!!!!!!!

Peekabooangel/Sandy... you are so cute. I think you are cuter than ... 2cute.
Oh well... I will just have to draw a mustache and beard on your face when I print it out. Can't have anyone cuter than 2cute here. LOL

Lucky... I think we need to hop up on that rocker together and comfort each other. Maybe it is the weather that is causing our parents to stress us so bad. Or.. maybe it is the fact we are NOT stuffing our feelings down with food.

Kat...oh that recipe sounds good. Mmmmm
I know what you mean about wanting to give the books to someone who will appreciate them. I sometimes donate things that I could sell at a garage sale because I know they are appreciated. If any of you are bosses... remember that when it comes to your employees.... and families. How often do we tell our families how much we appreciate them ??
And as far as mood swings... have you ever tried St Johns Wart?
I used to have mood swings but cutting down on carbs has really helped that 200% !!!! And occasionally when I have something worth being upset about. ... lol ... I use St John's wart. Not often.. but it does help.

Jackslady/Donna .... I am going to have to use both names untill I can remember they go together. LOL What a great photo you posted too. It is so nice to have a face to go with the posts. I have copied and printed them out. I will get to know everyone soon... I promise.


Mary... I printed yours out too. Did you do the xmas exchange? I couldn't fine your photo.

Baylee... darn... I knew I would forget what someone wrote. Grrrr
Well... I did read it. I am just too lazy to go back to the last thread to find out.

Now I can be even more embarrased because I can't remember if anyone else posted since my last post. Oh well....

I really liked the idea of keeping totals for the month. It was so awesome seeing Tina's efforts in black and white. I am going to start doing it too.

Okay... my granddaughter is sleeping and my house is a disaster so I have to clean before she wakes up.
I sure am glad that my mommy days are over. It is fun for a short visit... but I am too old now to be a full time mommy. I am too spoiled to be able to get on here any time I want too. I thought I was going thru withdraws having to wait until she took her nap.

Just peeking in...I can make it to chat around 8pm est...hope to see you chickies there...

Man, we have us some GORGEOUS ladies that post here don't we!

Sandy: You are beautiful honey! You look so much like a girl I went to school with in Jr high.

Tina: Big smooshie (what my grandson and I call kissing) to the dh of yours. What a honey pot to do something so nice for you!

Let's be sure and say a prayer today for our astronauts' families. I loved what President Bush said in his message. God Bless him he sure has gone through the wringer this administration.

You guys I am feeling so great. I have been so busy today though. Got up at 7:30 and walked even though I was sitting here posting at 2 am! Had my breakfast, went grocery shopping at the commissary (where there are concrete floors that kill my big ole flat feet), came home and went on my second walk while dh fixed burgers (mine was sirloin) for lunch and watched the shuttle info for awhile, got up and cleaned up lunch and then cleaned the laundry room, entranceway, bathroom, kitchen, mopped all that then cleaned the living room, and front room that we use as a play area/ tv area for Thomas. Did three loads of laundry (sheets, rugs, load of clothes) and am going to try and get upstairs bathrooms cleaned today too! I am behind in my cleaning schedule and want to go to church in the morning so I have to get hopping today and get 90% done so I can just finish rest tomorrow afternoon.

I got so jazzed when I got an e-mail from my sister this morning. Last time she saw me was Thanksgiving. I sent her the pic I posted and she told me I looked terrific and she couldn't believe I had only been doing this a month etc. That was so sweet of her.

Well, on to my next duties so TTFN!

Love you all! Donna

Hi girls, how has the day gone? Good here!! Guess what?????I exercised....me....I did the word I hate the most....LOL, heres the deal, I tried to find an exercise tape that I have that is low impact from my days at Nutri System, well I could not find it, I tried to talk myself out of exercising after that but that little angel inside my head so nope, you have to get off your duff and get that butt outside and walk. It was a balmy 36 degrees today so I did it, I took a 1 mile walk. From my driveway to end of our road is exactly 1/2 mile, well I got to that point and turned around and forgot that its all up hill (gradual) to get back....but what could I do? I had to get back so one foot in front of the other and huffing and puffing a bit I did make it back and yes my shins and back were a little tender but guess its carrying all this extra lbs around with me, you'b be tired too.....But someday this will all change I know!! I just keep telling myself to look ahead at whats to come..........only good stuff from here on in, it will be work but what isnt? Anything worth having is worth working for.

I changed my pic next to my name so you can always put a face with the name, I love reading MDonna/jacksladys post with her pic, as I can always picture her smiling. Thanks for the good idea.
TTYL....Hugs to all

Hello Ladies
Thanks for the book offers I would take them if you are willing to ship them. Maybe we could pay you back for postage

We had our Chinese Childrens festival today it was a mad house.

DH took me out to eat and we went to Sam's club to do some shopping

Isn't it sad about the space shuttle

I'm on chat now come on over

I am really sorry I couldn't chat with you guys. I tried a zillion times and it would always let me get into the room, type what I wanted to say and when I hit send it would either kick me off, my screen would go black and I would have to reboot completely or my cursor would lock up on the send button and I would have to restart my computer because I couldn't even get it to do anything using control alt delete. We have been having tons of problems with our internet server so I don't know if it is that or the computer which is only about 18 months old. Anyway, sorry I missed the chat and let me know about next time and I will try again.

Donna

Hi everybody! I've checked in periodically through the day and just am overwhelmed that I haven't posted at all on the last thread. I thought I had done so good at keeping up for a change and here I am so far behind once again.

I really did great with food all week through Thursday. Then Friday I took my mom to mass. It was the two year anniversary of my dad's death. Then we went out to breakfast afterwards. Then I thought maybe she would like to take in a movie since I had to do a quick 'showgirl' job anyway. So I dropped her off after breakfast, ran a few errands and then picked her up again. I couldn't resist the popcorn at the show. Of course, I bought a large thinking mom would share it with me, which she didn't! Honey and I had to run to the funeral home at night for a co-worker of his. Then he took me out to dinner. We both ordered fish and chips, nothing 'diety' about that! So, my Friday wasn't so good and today hasn't been much better. Tomorrow I will be on my best behavior once again.

Michelle: I'm so glad you finely found a pediatrician to make Andrew feel better. What a worry all that has got to be.

Sandy and Donna: I'm so glad to see both of you still around and becoming real regulars here. You are both delightful. So many times we have people stop by, stay for a couple of days, and then go their own way. It's nice to have you join us 'for real'. Thanks too for the pictures. I have a hutch on my computer desk and the two doors are plastered with pics of all my favorite people from this thread.

Sandy: WOW, Sandy, 6 pounds is AWSOME!! Good going!!! Here's the info you asked for on the Chicken Whopper's from Burger King. Pay close attention to how many points you add for that little dab of mayo! YIKES! Chicken Whopper (430 cal/24 g fat/2 g fiber/32 g carbs) 10.5; Chicken Whopper w/o Mayo (330 cal/7 g fat/3 g fiber/32 g carbs) 7; Chicken Whopper, Jr. (370 cal/23 g fat/2 g fiber/31 g carbs) 9; Chicken Whopper, Jr. w/o Mayo (270 cal/6 g fat/2 g fiber/31 g carbs) 5.5. Sorry it took me so long to post it to you. * That’s really awful about the grocery store. I don’t think people think anyone notices how they act.

Duckie: Thanks again for posting the tally. Sorry I didn't have any good news this week.

2cute: Sometimes we just have to stay home for ourselves. Your folks will be fine without you this week. Take care of YOU!!

Tina: Look how nice Chatty Cathy is being. You just can't help but love her! :; I just loved your comment to your mom about walking faster and the sacks of potatoes. They just don't get it. My mom's no lightweight, but she couldn't figure out why I would rather drive my van and take her and my aunt to the casino rather than take the bus for $5 and get a $15 lunch coupon. Finally, I said to her, "mom, I'm afraid I won't fit in the seats on the bus." She was very embarassed that she had not considered that. * Your story about your youngest being overweight hit home. I bite my tongue all the time, wanting to say to both of my sons 'do you want to look like your dad and I?' I try really had not to, but with the youngest bulging in 44's and the oldest bulging over 42's, I really see it coming. * And your evening out with your honey and the haircut story was so nice. Can't wait to see the results of your visit. * Just one question though.....Ron wears lace????

Katrina: Hope the hospital isn't flooded this weekend with that doctor boycott you were talking about. Could make working be horendous!

Baylee: I don't think I even want to comment on chat. :

LuckyLadyBug: Oh honey, I feel so bad for you with your 'dad troubles'. Know that others, myself included, have been there too. I know it doesn't do much when you're going through it. All I can send is a BIG [[[[[HUG]]]]]

Donna: "except for people in your own situation, you are not understood". That is precisely why we're here and we stick together!!! And BTW, exercising twice a day religiously??? You're my HERO!!! You go girl!!! You can't get me within 10 yards of the big "E"!!!!

Mary: What kind of books are you looking for? I've got a bunch on shelves downstairs that DH would be thrilled if I got rid of.

Ok, the 'bra lady' is checking in on the booby issue. Yes, you do lose a bit in the boobies too, but even after losing 85#, I only went from a DD to a D, so it's not awful and honey still has plenty to play with.

Well, girls. I have been here literally for hours. I started long before I went to chat and now it's after 11:00 PM. I think I caught up with everyone so I will say goodnight and hope that I don't lose this post. Love to all.

WEll here I am and it is not even midnight yet. LOL Almost but not quite.

I had my youngest granddaughter here for 2 full days. She turns 1 on Thusday and she wore me out.
I am soooooo glad I do not have to be a mommy again.

I am not going to reply to everyone tonight. I am going to do my best to be off of this computer before midnight. The weather here is WONERFUL and I want to rise and shine early and get outside tomorrow.

Sit up Saturday... no "official" exercise... but I walked more miles than I can count chasing me darling baby. I consider it exercise if it is above and beyond what you normally would do. LOL

I am so excited... my food is still GREAT and I LOVE THAT !!!
Salads, fish, veggies and water too !!!! My food choices are getting better. My portion sizes are also getting better. Not perfect but definitely better. I have my HOPE back. I have my dedication back. I am getting my life back too... slowly but surely.

Hey guys! I am up and addem as usual this morning. I am definitely a morning person. Unfortunately, hubby is a night kind of guy so our "romance" suffers a lot! lol

2cute: Good Girl! You are catching on to what I did. I know about chasing that grandbaby. My grandson runs me ragged, but I love every minute of it even though I need a respirator when he goes home!

Hey thin: I bet you thought I was a yoyo last night huh? I felt like one and was getting royally #&$^5 OFF! So I finally gave up! lol It is so nice for you to be able to visit with your mom. Mine was difficult, but she and I got along great and I miss her. She passed away 6 years ago this March. You know my wildest "bra" dream is to get into one of those Victoria's Secret babies! (That is Jack's wildest dream too. Who'd have guessed!) My problem will be that hubby thinks goal weight means all of a sudden I will have a passion for wearing garter belts and stockings etc. He is gonna have to get real on that issue. I am not about to try and go to church or some other fancy function with my hose being held up by two suspenders that buckle every time you sit down. Maybe I should buy one and let him wear it around to see what a pain they are? DID I SAY THAT?


Well, I have to get my good ole walk in this morning so I can get around for church. See ya later, girls!

Donna

Thin we really need non fiction type books but all are welcome

Ok, I just have to talk to you guys about this. Sometimes you feel like you have to put on a front in front of people, and believe it or not, sometimes... JUST sometimes, I feel like I have to put on a front to you guys. Not that you won't understand, or that you will criticize me, because I know you won't, but because I don't want to let you down or let you know how I beat myself up about things. The thing is, I KNOW that each & every one of us feel the same about this weight issue, or at least I think we do. The point that I'm getting to, or trying to get to, is that I ate over my points on Friday night. WAY over. I ate aproximately 50 points, or there abouts. Well, I came here and I told you guys that I splurged and that I was OK with it. The truth is, I was NOT ok with it. I was horribly agrivated with the fact that I gave up control. Now, I know there are those of you that will say, "Big deal Tina, you were good the whole month of January, so what if you splurged one day." And believe it or not, that's even what I say to myself. But then, I have that little voice in my head that says, "I can't believe you did that. You have worked so hard and then you blow it on one day....you'll not have a loss this week for sure." So my plan was, that since I went over my points on Friday, that I would make up for it on Saturday by strictly limiting my points. I had planned to limit myself to between 10-15 points yesterday. Well, of course you know what happened. I ate nearly nothing at work and then got home and pigged out. When I went to bed last night, I had that horrible sick feeling. You know, the one when you've eaten too much and you just can't get comfortable. Ok, I'm done now.

You have no idea how much better I feel now that I have talked to you guys about this. Don't get me wrong. I want you guys to kick my butt when I need it. I don't want you to treat me with kids gloves because I'm such a nut. I just have to get a handle on this whole beating myself up thing. I do know that I am not perfect. I think I just need to start taking some of the advice I dole out to you guys. Thank you so much for listening. I love you all from the bottom of my hearts.

Tina , Tina, Tina .... {{{HUGS}}} {{{HUGS}}} {{{HUGS}}}

Isn't confession good for the soul. LOL
Let me remind you that you are in a learning mode. "Learning" how to eat correctly. We all have messed up a few times ...some of us (me) more than others.

Let me share something someone taught me years ago.
Well.... actually it is a couple of things. LOL

We all will mess up in life. Sometimes it is concerning food... sometimes raising our kids, sometimes being a spouse.. even sometimes just being too cheap when tipping. LOL
The main thing is... we have to come to the decision to correct what we can, make amends if we owe them, and then FORGIVE ourselves and move on. I think you already know all of this... but I still feel a need to write this.

My friend told me it was okay to grieve my mistakes for a while... a short while. BUT THEN to make the "decision" to move on.
Do NOT dwell in it. ANd when it pops back into your mind (which it will) to verbally say aloud. "I have made the decision to put that behind me and move forward" THEN DO JUST THAT.

Life is full of choices. It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and then move on. And I think you have done all of the above.
{{{ HUGS }}}

Tina,

I sit here at the keyboard trying to think of some words of wisdom to relay to you, but have none. I have been at that same spot you were at millions and zillions of times. It's hard to be good all the time, we are in the midtz of learning a new lifestyle, so along the way mistakes will be made, just like 2cute said. We have all made mistakes not only with the food issues but in life general, Kids, marriage, school, jobs, everything, its all tied together. But just forgive yourself and move on, yesterday is gone and theres nothing that can be done about it, so lets cover it up and say okay today is a new day and I will stay on the program. But as you spoke on the computer I know you felt you needed to let someone know and who better than us, we all understand, at least I do!!!!
NOW JUST WORK ON TODAY
HOPE I HELPED?
Hugs to all and talk later...

TINA! FRONT AND CENTER!!!

Now here this!! I am NOT going to yell at you!!

Honey...what's done is done. End of story.

One day will not undo 30 days of being in control. (you said it yourself) I sincerely doubt that you will gain anything, unless you ate more than 3500 calories. And if you did, and you DO gain weight, then look at it as a lesson learned. I'm sure you'll work that much harder in the next week to make up for it. May I just point out (what you probably already know) that instead of limiting your food intake, maybe you should have increased your exercise for that day? WE ALL KNOW by now that restricting your food intake severely will bring your metabolism to a screeching halt, to ward off starvation. Not to mention that it makes us so damn hungry we'll eat the legs off the kitchen chairs!

I honestly believe that we need to lose some weight in our brains too...we need to lose all those silly misconceptions and bad feelings and self doubt and funky feelings that mess up our other-than-that perfectly normal common sense.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

...and that's all I have to say about that.

NOW, DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY!

Did I miss a good chat session?? Geez, it seems that I can only ever chat on the days that I should be sleeping for work! When I have all the time in the world, something pops up and I can't come out and play with you girls! My sister asked us to dinner last night, kind of last minute...since I hadn't made anything yet and I had a hungry hubby on my hands, off we went! We ended staying there til about 4:00 this morning! Just talking and laughing...and drinking some wine. I will say that I did NOT overeat at all...(OK, maybe I over DRANK a wee bit...probably about 12 points worth of wine ingested...4 glasses. I'm hoping the laughing and giggling burned some of that off!)

I took the boys to see "Kangaroo Jack" yesterday. I didn't eat as much as a kernel of popcorn! Or one Skittle! No soda! Victory is mine!! I didn't burn too many calories laughing at the movie, though...P.U.!! Well, let's just say, extremely mediocre. At least the kangaroo was cute!

One of the topics sissy and I discussed was Weight Watchers. Yep, we're going back! They just opened a new WW center nearby, one of those places that has about 4 meetings daily, so you have NO EXCUSE to miss a meeting, EVER!! DH just kind of rolled his eyes like, "Here we go again!" I don't blame him really...I'll just have to show him this time!!!

Well, girls...the sun is shining once again in my neck of the woods...it's 43 degrees out there...I simply MUST take down those Christmas lights!!! It has been either raining or snowing or just too damn cold to take them down til now...opportunity knocks! Good exercise, going up and down that ladder, too!

Have a great day all...

Mary, do you want me to ship these books to your house or directly to the library? I have your address, but If you want them sent to the library,, just PM me with the address. I'm so glad they'll be getting a good home!