I guess I will start the new thread... but it is Plain. I miss Barbg's cute graphics. BARBg WHERE ARE YOU ?????

I don't really know where to start. I am new, and just joined today. I am looking for support of some kind. Have been fighting my wieght almost all my life. I am in my late 40's, and it seems like it gets harder and harder the older you get. I have two goals, I am going on a cruise in Jan.2007, and would love to take some weight off before that, and am going to be 50 next year, and would love to be to my goal by then.

I have tried everything. I even thought about gastric bypass, but do not want to do that. I would rather take it off by diet and exercise. I have been on WW, but have not had alot of success, but have not really been trying either. I do know that works, because have done it before. I lost 90 lbs, 8 years ago, but didn't do it the right way, and put it all back on, and more. I feel out of control, and stress over it all the time, which doesn't help things either. So any support that anyone can give me will be so welcomed. I just need to get control of my life, and I feel that this is a start.

thanks so much,
Hairdresser

Hi everybody, how is it going with you? I have been so busy I have neglected posting. Sorry about that. Well, at least the garden is about shot because of the dry weather we are having, so I am not working with the veggies as much. Now the Dr. appts start again tomorrow. Bummer!

2 cute, thank you for starting the new thread. Yeah, I miss Barb too. I also don't see Thin posting. Is she ok?

I have missed welcoming a lot of newbies, please forgive me Here is for all of you

Hairdresser, Your story could be mine as well as a lot of others on here. The only difference is that I am a lot older than you. Yes, it is extremely hard to lose as you age. Why didn't we know this years ago?? I bet we had heard it but dismissed it. I always thought I could lose when ever I wanted to. The weight had always come off so easy! AHHH! If only I had kept it off. I must have lost a couple or three people over the years only to gain them back! I stress over it also. My first thoughts in the morning are about dieting .....food...and how to not overeat. That doesn't mean that I win the battle. Sometimes I think the more we think about it, the harder it is to just do it! I wish you success. There are some great gals here to help you along in any way they can. Some of them are away right now, but they will be back. Won't you ladies?

Roll call......Thin, Val, Barb, Michelle, garnetfairy, michelle2, Oh heck, there are a whole passel of you missing. Roll call ladies


I guess that is about all I have to share right now. I will try to check in tomorrow after the Dr. Ruth

Good afternoon,
Welcome Hairdresser, yes, you are in the right place. I found these ladies about a week ago and every where on the site they are wonderful!

I just had my 44th birthday and I'm in school full time to change careers. Talk about scared! I have about a year and a half to go, then out to look for the job. I know how hard it would be for anyone, but if I can't get at least a good portion of this weight off, i'm going to be in twice the trouble.

We can all relate.

I started a journal today as well as signing up on Fitday. Has anyone actually gotten the paid software from that site? I'd like to know what you think about it.

Off to Whole Foods!

Karen

Now that I've just posted a response to Bridget in volumn 67 I see a new thread opened.....oh well...that about sums up my weekend.

I have my "work week" eating plan down pretty well....I work in Maine and spend the nights with my eldest son and his family and they are super supportive.....My "home" family is also supportive but eat at very odd times and NOT fat or weight conscious things....also even finding the place to get enough cold water to mix my supplements was difficult between graduation parties, anniversary parties and family erands.....It was my first weekend "home" since I started 2 weeks ago....so I"m back to doing pretty well today...will spend this coming weekend housesitting here so that won't be an issue...and I have two weeks to plan the next weekend disaster...so any hints would be greatly appreciated (just a reminder..I'm doing Medifast for 12 weeks...with only 1 lean and green meal and a fruit in the am...along with supplements that have to be either done in a shaker or the blender and are putrid unless ice cold....

OOppss .. I forgot to announce in #67 that I started #68. It has been a longgggg time since I have started a new thread. THANKS Thin for doing that for me. But why haven't you posted yourself ??? YOU ARE MISSED !!!
And Barb.... why are you avoiding the group ????? Let's do that roll call Ruth suggested !!!!

Oh.. wait ... I want to WELCOME the newbies.
We love having newcomers join in. We all follow different plans.. but the struggle is basicly the same. Making that DECISION to change our food, our exercise, our lives. Hanging in there even when we are disappointed in our results. We seem to take turns leading... and following. But what is special.... we are here for each other.

Okay... lets here from EVERYONE... posters and lurkers alike.

ROLL CALL ...

2cute ... here

Karen, "cantforgetthis" HERE!

And, by the way, were can I get some of those cute smilies???

Oh, Baby steps...I don't know your specific situation or what problems you have, but do you have a FoodSaver by any chance? I love mine; foods keep a lot longer, their vacuum sealed and the bags go from freezer to micro with no problems and no dishes needed! Just make a slit in the top. They're great for carrying on the go. If you're traveling, just throw some frozen thing in your bag and it should be thawed by the time you need it. If you have left overs or just want to use the bag over, wash it and reseal for the next time.

Karen

Hello everybody, how are you this fine morning?

Terri, hurry up and get back to us. I miss your opening post every morning. How did the move go? I know you said you wouldn't be here for awhile but I hope it won't be too long.

Roll call wasn't very productive yesterday. Maybe a lot of you are on vacation? We miss you!.

Someone asked about the cute smilies...they are located by clicking on more under the smilies on the right side of your screen when you are typing your message.

I have an early morning appt. with the Dr. Have to fast for it, and boy do I miss my coffee! By this time of the morning I have usually had a couple of cups.

To everybody struggling with your program.....like me! Take care, Ruth

Sorry, sorry ... deadlines - you all know the drill!

Well, the leg soreness caused by the bike riding has faded, so I'll try again tonight. Except for Memorial Day weekend, we have had a long, cool spring here in Michigan, so outdoor exercise is possible and pleasant. It's just sort of hard to go to Rec Center.

Speaking of which, we had a robbery in our women's locker room. I got back from my lap swimming, and walked around a corner and smacked into a door ( have a nice bruise on my arm as a result), and realized that my stuff was out of my locker. Not that I ever have anything anyone would want to steal (large granny panties, large, stetched-out bra, cream rinse), but I stopped by the desk to ask why all the locker doors were open, and there was a woman and her daughter, wrapped in a towel. Rather than giving her bag to her mom, the daughter had put it in her locker. Gone were her PDA, cell phone and wallet. Well, she had no credit cards, but still. And somehow, they had no tapes - taping had stopped from 6 to 8. Hmmmm...

Well, daughter started driving school yesterday. I don't understand all the rules, but kids in Michigan have to take classes, and there are all kinds of restrictions on their licenses. Part of her is really excited, and part is nervous, because of all the responsibility caused by this multi-ton vehicle under her control. And with attention disorders ... Well, I'm glad she's concerned. Her instructor is also a special ed teacher (husband talked to her this AM), so this could turn out to be a good thing.

Has anybody else on this list ever read the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series, by Alexander McCall Smith? The heroine is the "traditionally-built" Precious Rhamotse, married to Mr J.L.B. Matekone, and they are the loveliest books. I just finished reading the latest - Blue Shoes and Happiness. Highly recommend. Mma Rhamotse is now concerned about her weight, and her blood pressure, since her little white van lists on the driver's side, and people all over seem to be making comments about her weight. If you've never read any, you can get into the series at any point, although my favorite is Tears of the Giraffe.

My weight is once again hanging at the bottom of a decade. I stayed at 260 for several weeks. Last week, I bounced between 250 and 251, now the scale seems to be holding on the 250. I refuse to buy a digital scale, because, really, I am on a life style change and not a diet, and the spring scale is good enough, but, since I get on every day, I sometimes wish I were more in the ballpark. Maybe when I get closer to goal, and what I weigh matters more. Right now, even though I am losing steadily, it really is saying "Too much." A half pound one way or the other really doesn't matter.

My husband is cooking again, since he isn't driving daughter to school every day. Guess what his first meal was - pot roast and new potatoes. The man "forgets" to buy and cook vegetables as though his life depended on it. Well, we see how it goes. If worst comes to worst, I'll start cooking my own.

Take care all. Will try to write again soon.

Sue

Karen,

Thanks for the suggestion...I don't have one but it sounds like a wonderful device and I can see packing up my cooler Friday night with frozen goodies to carry me through the weekend......

I don't expect everyone to be on a diet just because I am (no one else needs to be) but it does add to the struggle when lots of goodies are around....Thanks for the sprinkling of will power dust...I'm in a lot of need of that right now as well.....

Baby steps, I was going to send you a private message but you don't seem to be set up for that. For some reason, my mind kept going back to your question. I also was thinking that since you couldn't find enough cold water that the food saver could also help with that. Just measure and freeze your drinking water in blocks, seal them in the food saver bags, use those as your cooler ice and when it is mostly thawed cut them open and you have cold water for your supplements!

I think i'm still in the excited stage of this whole thing. I have 3 chicken bought on sale, skinned, stewed with my veggies, portioned and frozen all ready to go and nice broth for soups as well. Did I mention, I HATE COOKING??? LOL Ok, i'll shut up now and have someone slap me on this end...

It's been a long day at work.

Ruth, thanks for the smileys.

Have a good night everyone!

Karen

Hi ladies,

I finally have internet access again. If you could call it access! I have earthlink dial-up for the time being. I think the phone company is supposed to be checking the phone line for DSL. I'll have to call in a few days to follow-up.

We are moved. Not all moved but we are out of the other house and living at new place. It certainly was a trial of my endurance. Trying to coordinate everything and get it all done when it was an hour's drive each way was not easy. The previous owners were not out when they were supposed to be and we had carpet cleans scheduled that had to wait. The people left the place filthy. They didn't attempt to clean anything and it appeared they hadn't cleaned in a long time. I was horrified by what I saw. I had to clean the place on Friday night and at one point sat down on the tub and cried because I couldn't get it clean. Saturday was a long and miserable day. Very hot and very humid. The moving crew was awesome though. They crammed everything they could on that truck and they had such great attitudes. On Sunday, we had to go back and get more of the miscellaneous stuff that couldn't fit the day before. Plus I was trying to clean that house because I was not going to leave it dirty. I didn't done everything done for the new owners that I wanted. We were supposed to be out at noon. By about 11:30 I was wasted - I had to go and go now because it was too overwhelming (i.e. dehydrated, tired and emotional about leaving our home). I sat down and cried because I couldn't get it done fast enough to get out. The neighbors came and finished it up for us and then came down to the new place to help us unload. I never would have made it without mom's help and their help. It was just so miserable heatwise. I told DH to start saving now for the next move. Because next time, I'm not moving a box. I'll be happy to pack the boxes but I'm not doing that again. Too damned hard and I'm too damned old. We have the stuff in the storage unit still to move and I may pay one more month just to give me time to get more organized. We have nothing organized.

We have four of the five horses here. One won't get in the trailer. We may try to get her tomorrow night because she's been left behind at DSS's and she may not do to well with that.

Bear is doing well with being able to be outside without having to be on a leash. Except he thinks it is okay to run through the fence to chase the horse. He won't after I put the fence charger on the fence and he gets shocked. Dumba$$ dog. It is nice to look out the front window's and see our horses grazing.

I have been getting up to do some exercise this last couple of days. I've just been doing some pilates and small amount of work with weights. I'm trying to get my body over the shock of all the moving work. My lower back was so sore and my hamstrings so tight; the pilates has been helping a lot. We have DirectTV now and it has FitTV. Cool channel. However, a little too gungho for me at this time. Fun to watch though. Tonight, Bear and I did a few laps in the driveway. It is long enough that I can walk that a few times and get in a good workout - especially since I did some jogging.

That's about all I know for now. I won't do any replies tonight. Hopefully I'm not paying long distance on this dial-up.

Welcome to the new ladies!

Welcome Back Terri !!!! You were missed !!!
I am so sorry it was so traumatic on you. I remember crying when we moved too. I was not just too darn old for all the work... I was too FAT too !!! Much bigger than you and much more out of shape. IT WILL GET BETTER !!!
That is a great idea to leave stuff in storage there for another month.
It can all be just so OVERWHELMING !!!!! My "clutter" has gotten that way again here. But I boxed some of it up and put in the garage.... but I know it is sitting there haunting me. PLUS... remember when I had the garage sale.... well Amvets never picked up my left overs... and it is still CLUTTERED in the garage too. DH is getting kind of tired of waiting on me to get off my butt and get it hauled off.

I am rambling here. It is late and I need to be in bed. I have an appointment with a dietician in the morning. I am really trying to reset my mindset and get my butt in gear and EAT HEALTHIER. I know this sounds bad.... but I don't know that she will teach me anything I don't already know... but I NEED to be told AGAIN ... because I haven't been living it.

I told my son today... ( the one with "the cheating wife" ) ... that he does not learn from his mistakes. And that statement slapped me in the face.
I obviously don't learn from my mistakes either.
I hope that is changing for both of us. Two different problems... but still lessons in life we can LEARN from.