Welcome!

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

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 often use a "Topic of the Day" for discussion.

Motivational Monday
Tuesday Tips
Wednesday Wish List .. and What you are doing to obtain it.
Thankful Thursday
FUN Friday ... don't wait until you lose your weight.
Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Share your Success Sunday


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

We have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, and more. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have a bi-weekly 2x2 Challenge.
Our goal is to lose 2 lbs in 2 weeks.
We have a long term goal of losing 300+ lbs within our 300+ group in 2005.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group...
we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.


WELCOME!!

OMG, Mel, get a new avatar would you? My husband came in while I was reading the post and he drolled all over my computer! Iwillbe

Good Morning Ladies! (for another few minutes at least!)

Well, another day, another dollar...for a few days at least!!!! I'm sorry about my Whine-Fest yesterday. I'm feeling much better now!

Back OP today, if I was even off yesterday. You have no idea how hard it was for me to peel that greasy, crispy, yummy skin off my chicken last night. Fried chicken and bread and butter is my comfort food. If I'm sick, sad, or just in a funk...that's always been the food I wanted. (I'm also the girl that picks the skin off the Thanksgiving turkey...not to toss, to eat!) I suppose it's kinda gross when you think about it.

Anyway, peeling it off and tossing it is a small victory for me.

Guess I better get back to work before the boss decides I'm expendable! I'll pop in with more to say later!

Oh, and I LOVE Mel's avatar! She's so Sassy!

Lilion

Gosh, where is everyone today? I'm replying to myself! Is that sorta like talking to myself?

Well, it's been a pretty nice day. DH brought Applebee's from the WW menu and we split a salad and some kinda fajita thing, then took a walk around the capital and looked at all the early flowers and trees in bloom. It's a nice, mild day and it's so nice to just take a stroll and get out of the office for a few. Men like my husband are very rare! He works four-10 hour days and helps with cooking, cleaning, etc at home. To be honest, he does more housework than I do. And on his Friday off he often brings me lunch, just to say hi! And he never gets mad at me when I'm a complete witch...which is not all that infrequent of an event! What a sweety! = DH!

This weekend is going to be very hectic. Tomorrow I'm herding six 10 year old boys to the arcade for DS's birthday party. I pledge to have little or no cake! We have to finish SO MUCH housework this weekend and I really have to get some gardening done...hopefully. I really need to come to the office on Sunday. I just don't ever manage to work at home and if I come here I can work and although DH will get stuck with the housework alone - I don't have to feel guilty about it! = ME!

I vow to eat better this weekend than I have the past few days. I'll eat more veggies and do my best to get some exercise. I'll try to check in here too...cause I miss you ladies when I don't get to visit!

I almost forgot!!! Happy Birthday Meliss and Shop!!!

and Happy April Fools!

Later,
Lilion

Happy Bday Shop @ Meliss. Hope you have a great day!!

On a personal note, I shouldn't even really be commenting b/c I know I'm definitely a downer today. But what the ****. Today we got some really bad news in our house. You see my Mom turns 55 next month and had been checking into early retirement. Ok she works at this horrific plant and isn't in the greatest of health... and they've been making most ppl out there work 12 hour shifts 6 days a week forever now. And she's on 3rd shift so it makes it harder on her. The plant is so evil; I hate it with a passion. They have literally told people that they're just a number - so it doesn't matter to them if they drop dead b/c there's 10 more in line for their job. Ok, so like she was so excited b/c the job is literally killing her. The way she looks... just so tired and always depressed. It sickens me that this sort of thing has to happen to people. (And there's nothing that can be done about it. No union, no going to the employment board... people have tried and always just get fired, which Mom really can't afford). Her and dad went to the bank today and found out that if she retires early, they automatically take a third out in taxes. Then what's left over, she can't touch until she's 59 years old anyway. So there goes that idea. We can't afford it. The other thing that really sucks is that we were going to start fixing up the house with that money so we could sell it... the neighborhood is horrible here now and there are too many nights where I personally lay awake b/c I'm scared if I fall asleep someone will break in and I won't hear them. But no chance in doing that now b/c we hardly see Mom with her working and there's no time to do anything other than sleep for her.

I hate to vent and be a downer but there's really nowhere else to do this. And I know this sounds selfish, but it's days like this that I fly back into my old self so fast that it's unbelievable I don't get whip lash. I feel black today - and it amazes me how easy the thoughts come back. Would it help if they could collect on my insurance policy? Would it make a big difference if I wasn't here eating up their finances? Is my 28 year old fat bumming good-for-nothing *** (I say it because it's what I'm feeling at the moment) bringing them down as much as it feels like it is? *sigh* Why do I have to be like this where I am so weak and pathetic that I just can't get out there and help them somehow?

I hate this. And I feel worse now for taking her bad news and making it about me. But I know deep down that a lot of it is because of me. She would have had savings and less bills were I not still stuck here. So ultimately in the choice between her working herself to death (and I can see her heartattack coming everyday) or being able to get out early and just get some part time job at Walmart and being able to RELAX and focus on her health........ it sickens me to know that I'm just one more peice of crap that's forcing her into an earlier death and stress.

Ok well that's bout it for my day. How's everyone else doing? LOL.
Sorry for the *****iness. I swear I'll try not to do it again.
Julie

That was supposed to be d r o o l e d on my computer, and yeah my husband likes mels avatar too. It was cute, he said who is that? As if it were the real person. Men!

Loki, I am so sorry you are having a down day. We all get them. I wish there was something I could say to help your feelings. I am not much good at finding the right thing to say, just know that I care that you feel bad.

Until tomorrow... Iwillbe

Loki~ I thought "Eyes" was fantastic. I like it a lot. I'm surprised they killed someone off the first night.

Everyone~Thanks for the birthday wishes.

Once again I have a bajillion people to reply to and have completely blanked on who or what I am saying...

To all of you who use this as a forum to vent, whine, scream, or whatever...

MORE POWER TO YOU

I know what sort of damage I can do when I don't have an outlet...so if typing it on here is what helps you either avoid doing something worse, get through a tough spot, or whatever..then RAGE ON MY SISTERS!!!!

Butter...I had a hard time finding something low enough in fat..I finally did and I use it so rarely. I love the ICBINB spray and Butter Buds sprinkles though...they are good stuff.

Who was it that said you can return LB online stuff to the store? Wow..I have 2 pairs of size 26 pants I bought in December and have not worn yet or removed the tags from. I know they are out of season but I wonder...hmmm.

The weather is gorgeous again which I know helps my mood. The crockpot is full of tonight's dinner experiment...chicken with a sauce of pineapple, soy sauce and dijon mustard with a little garlic. I thought is smelled good when I left but I promised Jason that if he didn't like it I would treat him to dinner. Being diabetic he doesn't eat pineapple too often and when he does it is only a few pieces... so more for me. He also doesn't like dijon mustard either (peasant) whereas I have 5 differnt types of mustard in my fridge...ok I might be compulsive. But we shall see. I think he is to sweet to admit he doesn't like it anyways.

My 4-6 graders are off to their camp weekend this weekend and I GOT OUT OF GOING!!! My advisor is taking them up...I didn't have as many kids as last year...so YAY for a weekend at home

I went out for kosher chinese last night at a meeting...the people working there were IDIOTS...they lost my order, didn't charges us for everything and then got it mostly wrong. I asked for steamed chicken and snow peas cooked with no oil and no rice. It was close..but no cigar. Oh well...but I was able to very successfully avoid the egg rolls and the General Tso's chicken. They also have really good fried chicken there..Lilion you speak to my heart when you talk about that being your weakness...KFC bisctuits...ohhhh. When I was little and we'd have KFC for dinner, I'd always volunteer to clean up so I could eat all the crunchies out of the bottom of the bucket. I used to wish they would just sell those.

There is actually an old Jewish recipe (old country) called Gribinis...which is deep fried chicken skin...sort of like kosher pork rinds, but without the pork. It sounds vile, but if you love the salt and the fat...good stuff. Jewish women who were from my grandmother's generation cooked with Schmaltz, pure chicken fat. And they wonder why I got so fat? LOL

So this week I was surprised (and shocked) by an email from my former best friend. We were the best of friends from 7th grade until we were 23....then we had a HUGE falling out and that was that. To hear from her again after 9 years realy threw me...but it has been nice reconnecting. Although I feel like she is trying to impress me. There is still a certain distrust between the two of us over the way our friendship ended...hopefully it will pass. But she has been sending me photos of her and her husband and kids...all gorgeous. She was always the thin one and I was always the smart one. I am almost ashamed to send her current photos of me...probably because when we had our final falling out she made some very hurtful comments about me being fat. I hated being judged by her then, because I had stood by her and stood up for her so unconditionally for so many years...and I don't think I can do it again.

Does anyone else find themselves having trouble with their water on the weekends? I need to work on that.

OK...a few more things to tidy up in the office, then off to see the kids off to camp...then the grocery store...then who knows what. Hopefully this weekend BF and I are taking all my junk in my hosue to Goodwill and putting a bunch of boxes in my storage unit..if my neighbor will move his car.

Happy weekend...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL & RACH!!!

Well I am off once again to a whirlwind adventure to Central Kentucky. My brother is picking up the bike this afternoon so it will be there waiting on me. I will get him to take my pic with it and I will post it this weekend.

Loki: I hate that your family is going through such a rough time. My dad worked at an "evil" plant also. He worked at a Nuclear plant here in town. he worked there for 34 years. He was finally able to retire 2 years ago. He would literally come home just exhausted. I know it feels like you hit a mountain and can't seem to move it. But as with everything this too shall pass. Its just trying to get it to pass the way you want it to that sucks. Don't blame yourself that will just make it worse. Everybody in the house just has to work together and figure out the best solution. Also I will definitely tell you about my bike. The only thing I am worried about is the suspension on the seat. I am not sure how it can handle 300lb but we shall see. It costs $300 but you can't fight love at first sight

Julee: I have a horrible time with my water on the Weekends at work it is automatic. At home I have a bad habit of just drinking coffee with lots of sugar

Well I will be on my way in a little bit. Y'all have a great weekend. And I will be talking to you later!

Scooter

Oh Julie - I feel so bad! Here I was all moody over the stuff I need to do to get ready for vacation and worried about maybe having my job cut. But you must'nt feel like they'd be better off without you! That kind of feeling is totally counter-productive. I'm sure you help out your folks plenty and I'm sure you'll continue to do so. Maybe your mom can put in applications elsewhere? Or maybe there's some way to cut the budget so she can earn less and get by still? I don't know, but I'm sure this will get better and I'm sure it is NOT your fault!

Julee: Fried chicken skin....Chicken Rinds! How disgustingly yummy!

Back to work!

Lilion

Loki-Breath. Also get the insurance thing out of your head. I have 5 older brothers. Two of them have lost sons. One as an infant, and one as a young man. I helped raise the second one. Parents should not have to bury their children, and your mother would have a heart attack if she knew how you were thinking. You can't change your mother's path, so focus on what you can change. If you can't significantly add finances to the household, add your time and talent. Cooking, cleaning, chores may seem like a drop in the bucket, but each one of those is a gift to your mom. The gift you give to yourself is a feeling that you are helping out to the best of your ability. The only thing that parents think that their children owe them is unconditional love, and to be happy.

Happy April Fool's Birthday to Melissa and Shopaholic.

Thinthinker-My roomate is not on the patch. She is using that new prescription nicotrol inhaler. It looks like a short cigarette holder with a whistle on the end. Kind of like a small kazoo without the noise. She's tried the gum and patches, and everything else, but this really seems to be working. It's like $150/month, but she got it free through insurance. Some people probably spend that much on cigarettes a month.

Lilion-Budget cuts suck.

Iwillbe-Promising not to regain is the mantra of the yo-yo dieter. My biggest problem always seemed to be celebrating my success. Too bad I didn't even get to goal weight once. I start celebrating kind of soon.

Today I was excited about signing up for the YMCA. I was all set to hit the water, but I have to go to new member orientation on Monday first. It's not the Y's rule, it's my insurance company's. I guess since they are paying they have the right to insist that I know what I am allowed to do first. It is a brand new facility, and even has a rock climbing wall. Monday I am going to stay in the pool so long that I am going to look like a big prune.

Catherine

Ok...so today is my first official day in your "group" and I know it'll take me a while to get to know you all (but I look forward to it).

Jen

Just popping in before my horribly unhealthy birthday dinner (Chinese food).

THin - Talk about fast moving - I signed up for a few mystery shopping companies today and I already have like five assignments!!! One of the places never even contacted me, it's like all automated!!

Anyways, I'll check back later, but for now I'm off to eat.

Bye!

Thanks gals for the good thoughts. I am feeling a bit better now, still depressed but better. I should know better than to type in a forum when I'm in that ultimate moment of self-pity. But thanks for letting me vent. It helped!!!

Scoot - I hope the suspension is dynomite. I can't wait to hear about it! Have a safe trip.

Catherine - I know you are right. Knowing and feeling are two different things for me so I need to just kick myself and drop the feeling and move into the knowing.

Lilion - Don't feel bad! Like Scoot says... it'll pass. I know, I just am so worried that my Mom will drop dead from working to death. It just pisses me off so much that our world is so dependant on money... I almost wish we could just go back to the bartering system. Bah. Have fun on your vacation and bring back lots of pics!!!!

Lots - I'm glad you're here. I'm usually happy so ignore my post above. lol.

Shop - I don't know what "Eyes" is, but it sounds interesting. I'm guessing you got me mixed up with someone else and replied to me. heh. That's ok too. Or did I post something earlier and totally forgot what I wrote about? (more likely the case!!!)

A bit of good news, a lady in a town over from me is giving me a big bag of clothes. Not sure what yet, but any new clothes are cool. Well, some are used but hey... we all know how expensive big stuff is!! Incase you gals have never heard about freecycle, it's a neat program that you may want to check out. They have one for just about every average sized town. I think the site is something like freecycle.org but I'm not entirely sure. Anyways, tomorrow we shall see what I come back with.

And now I'm off to play some dominoes. Does anyone on here do any game playing online at night? It would be fun to play someone online, or even chat. I've been into the chatroom here but there is NEVER anyone on. Have you gals ever done a scheduled chat???

Lator gators, Julie