Linda and Kathy, I'm so far from maintenance that I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. Everyone's body has such individual needs but with time, I'm sure you'll both arrive at the eating combination that works for you. Please don't be feel blue though ... you've both accomplished so much and so many never even make it close to goal. Can you see my hand raised up high in the air!

Vickie, have fun with the your little ones today! You'll get lots of APs chasing after them.

Froufie, even though you didn't lose, you didn't gain either and I think your attitude about that is perfect. Sounds like you had a good meeting too. Poor guy ... I sympathize with him about the embarrassing lap tray thing. Not to mention I always hated to fly because I had to ask for a seat belt extender ... that was so embarrassing, even though it never constituted the "last straw" for me. I've never even really considered what WAS the last straw that made me join WW in 2003, much less this time around. I'll have to chew that over for awhile, I guess ...

They delivered our new elliptical a little while ago! Finally! I'm going to give the booklet the once over and get these tree trunks moving! I'll be lucky to be able to do 5 minutes, after my long sabbatical from regular exercise, I'll bet. Then I've got to get a set of 5 pound weights to start doing those 8-minute exercise routines from O Magazine. I do believe strength training might help my middle-aged metabolism utilize what I eat more effectively.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Yay, Deborah!! Woohoo for the elliptical! You go, girl!

Thanks, Kathy ... I need the cheering. That thing kicked my oversized butt! I could only do 10 minutes and was puffing like a steam train. I plan to try again after my food digests so I can accumulate my 30 minutes of activity for today.

How are you doing with your Gazelle? Still enjoying the workout you get from it? We're such gluttons for exercise punishment, aren't we?

I love that darn thing! Everytime I walk by it, I jump on for 9-10 minutes. It's not much but it sure adds up! And my heart is racing when I get off, so I know I got some benefit from it. AND my legs have been sore for the last two days, so that's even more validation that something's working!

Now on to the abs!

You go, girl!

Are you doing crunches for abs? I'm thinking about bidding on one of those ab lounger things on E-Bay. My husband tried it out at Sears and said it's tough. Of course, I don't know where we would put it since the elliptical uses all our spare bedroom space.

Oh, to have space for a home gym!

Hi Ladies
I had my WW meeting this morning and I did OK 205 which was less than i was expecting
The leader was great! I was suprised the last time i did WW at a different place i couldn't stand the leader so i didn't work as hard
and DH said tho he didn't join he would do core with me! so tommorrow hitting the grocery
I love ellipticals its such a good burn!
Oooh The ab lounge looks cool!
I'm going to try the aerobics DVD i got in the turn around kit and the yoga vid i found
and my dear friend Richards simmosn if all else fails
Nite nite

Good Morning All! We'll I'm here to bow to all you Mothers, especially of young children. I do NOT know how you do it. There was NO time yesterday for me to do anything BUT take care of the Great Niece and Nephew. My Niece and I laughed about it when she came home. She bought some Suzanne Somers SF/FF hot chocolate that she wanted me to try and had made me a crustless pumpkin pie. I had not had time to try either. I was lucky that I got dinner in and that was because my Hubby brought me dinner and watched the kids while I snarfed! I'm sure I was extra vigilant because I didn't want anything to happen to her babies while they were in my care! We watched them from about Noon until 8:30 and I bet I only sat down for about an hour! We had fun though, and my Hubby was real helpful and loves the kids too.

Kathy, I have an idea that you might consider. I always thought that when I get to my goal I will follow the plan on Monday through Friday and eat what I want on Saturday and Sunday. Would this work for you? Or maybe you could pick two different days to be off program. The toning stuff is never going to be resolved by losing more so you were smart to start the Gazelle. Exercise is all that's going to get that off, darn it!!!!! Hope you're feeling perkier today. Even if you're not, no one can be perky every day!

Frouf, sorry you didn't lose but you sound real well adjusted about it. I'm sure you'll lose good next week. Core seems to be funny. There were weeks in a row where I lost .8, .6, then 2.4. That's why I'm trying to be patient now because I think my body is really trying to readjust to the 25 pounds off. I do think you'll reach a point where you won't lose much each week unless you start to exercise. That was why I wasn't successful with WW before....I absolutely refused to exercise.

I didn't really have one last straw; I had a lot of them. The airplane thing was torture and I was travelling a lot for work. My Gynnie (former Gynnie) was horrible to me. She ranted and raved and disgustedly (that's the part that really upset me) told me that if I didn't start losing weight I wouldn't be able to walk soon. She told me that I should have Gastric Bypass before I have no quality of life and said not to bother with WW. Now mind you, I had not asked her anything about my weight nor was I having any problems. I think she was just irritated. I think the thing that finally motivated me was that I no longer felt desireable. Even at 250, I still felt sexy because my husband thought so. He hadn't changed but I had changed about how I thought about myself. I just couldn't bear this the most....so Core....here I am!

Linda, I think you and Kathy might be in the same place. Unfortunately, I think exercise might be the only answer if you are happy with your weight. Maybe you could exercise in the morning before work? I used to get up a half hour early so I could walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes before work. At that time I was on SBD and exercised every other day. I understand how you would be too tired after work. Besides, it's supposed to be better for you to exercise in the morning.

Deborah, I couldn't deal with the embarassment of asking for an airplane seat extender so I bought my own and carried it with me! There's a catalog called Ample Stuff that sells all kinds of practical stuff.....like a Doctor's gown. It is so humiliating to have to wear a gown that doesn't fit. Harumpf. Anyway, I hardly ever needed the extender, but when I did I just clicked it on while I was sitting down and no one was the wiser! Enjoy your eliptical but don't do too much at first. Maybe 30 minutes a day is too much for you right now on the eliptical. If you haven't exercised in a while you need to start slow. Otherwise, you'll injure yourself and won't be able to exercise at all for a while.

What's a good exercise/machine to get rid of belly fat/skin? Please don't say sit ups. I can't do them. My back does all the work and then I can't walk!

KO, I'm so happy that the scale wasn't as high as you feared. You'll be back under 200 in no time flat. It really does make a difference when you have a good Leader. Good Luck!

Vickie, watching other people's children is always harder than watching your own, I think. Your's know the home, what's off limits, where they can go to relax, etc. I'm glad you had a good time though. We managed the 11 kids the other night pretty well. We had movies running in two different locations, which helped a lot. And now for the next two weekends, dh and I will actually be able to go out!!! Yay!

Ugh, I had a little run-in with homemade cookies this weekend. I just can't resist them! I think they are just one of those foods I'd better stay completely away from. But I'm not going to obsess about it - I'm moving on. I did walk for an hour yesterday, AND did my ddr game for about an hour. Maybe that'll take care of 2 or 3 of the cookies I ate. :P

Regarding maintenance issues, I have always wondered how it will be. Right now, I'm at my lowest weight since I started weighing myself many years ago. I don't really feel comfortable in my own body yet. I bought my reward outfit, and it looks great, but I'm not entirely comfortable wearing things that show my body yet, if you know what I mean. The funny thing is, if I saw someone else wearing the same outfit, looking the exact same as I do, I'd think they looked fine and think nothing more of it. But I'm super conscious about it on me. I guess I've always been that way though - a bit of a prude. But dh assures me it looks wonderful. I got a pair of boot cut Levis. I think Levis must practice that "vanity sizing," because I got them in a size 8! I've NEVER worn a size 8. And in the other brands, a 10 or a 12 would have fit better. So anyway, I have about 7 pounds to go to get to the WW range, and 17 to my personal goal. Not too far away. I like the idea of being on plan during the week, and off on the weekend. Although I think I'll still stay away from the sugar, because it's a spiraling downward slope I can't control!!

Well, gotta go get the kids ready for church. Love all the posts lately. Sounds like everyone's really getting into exercise. Yay for us!

Angela

Vickie I had a gyno similar to that who when i had my period for 3 months blamed my weight and wouldn't explore anything else
Angela!! I don't think Levi's Vanity size lol I think you're a great success in progress!
Today is gorgeous out so we are doing something fun and hitting the store later
we're not big football fans so Don't really care about the superbowl but i'd like the eagles to win
and it would save crap food temptation not to do something

Hey Angela - way to go on the size 8 - put them on start prancing in front of the mirror - and wonder who that cute chickie is with the skinny body - I hope you will eventually get used to it!

Vickie - your former gynnie sounds horrid!!! I'm glad you found someone new! And I appreciate your comment re exercising - that is certainly my downfall...but even if I lose all the weight I will be a saggy, baggy elephant so I need to exercise to try and tone up as much as possible while I can!

KO - sounds like you're on your way - and it's nice that dh is there to provide support along the way! Good luck!

Kathy - you sound like an exercising diva - good for you. If you have not yet done so you might want to pick up the book "Thin for life" - I think it was discussed on some of our boards - but don't remember by who? I have ordered a copy and await delivery!

Sounds like everyone was busy with kiddies (and cookies??) last night? and had lots of fun. Angela - maybe you can wear your new outfit when you go out next weekend?

I am feeling a bit crappy today. Last night I made a beef stirfry and used some 3 peppercorn marinade we had (kinda spicy but not too bad) also had a glass of red wine - which kind of reacted w/the peppery taste, and then for dessert had a slice of fresh pineapple - which really reacted with both of the above. Today my tongue looks and feels very funny - like bumpy and cottony and I can't really taste anything!!! I am assuming this is a temporary condition due to the acid/pepper/wine combo? but it is making me cranky - and I also have a bit of a headache.

Dh and youngest gone out all am so I am on my own this am - It's a gorgeous day but too busy indoors! Catching up on TONS of laundry and making a huge pot of soup (can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon, barley, onion, carrots, celery and white kidney beans, spices, splenda) so I can have lunches this week! Also defrosting a HUGE chicken for dinner - yum yum (hope my taste buds are back in working condition by tonight). In fact I was having trouble seasoning the soup cuz I don't think I'm tasting right

The dryer is "calling" me now - have a nice day!

Froufie

Yum ... Frouf your soup sounds great! I made my leek soup this morning but reserved the leeks and am cooling the "juice" to drink as a tea for the rest of the day. I think I'll go get those leeks and add some ... potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and chicken. I had bought a whole roasted chicken on Thursday but we didn't eat it, so I took it off the bone and it awaits inspiration. DH will be gone to a Superbowl thingy tonight ... costs $100 to go so I am *NOT* going! I can think of a zillion other ways to spend $100!!! Anyway, one DD spent the night out last night and I don't know when she'll be home, the other DD is at work and gets off at 6:00 but will be with friends. We have an absolute TON of Campbell's Chunky Soup in the pantry because little DD works at Tom Thumb and last week they had it on sale for $1 per can ... I think she bought and bought and bought! But I would really like some homemade soup and since everyone else is saying ewwwww to the leeks, I guess it's up to me! Oh and speaking of being home alone, I also think I'm making salmon patties tonight from the recipe posted on recipe section (under lunch, I think). I won't have to worry about stinking the others out.

I managed 22 minutes on the Gazelle and the phone rang. Grrrr! I'll get the other 8 in a little while but decided to just break it up. Off to the shower, wash my hair, do some laundry, and work on gathering income tax info for the CPA.

Froufie, I LOVE fresh pineapple, but if I eat too much, I get sores in my mouth from the acid. It takes about 24 hours to go away for me. Hope you're feeling better soon.

I'm making Chicken Fried Rice for dinner. We really planned ahead because Hubby did not want to go anywhere near a grocery store today. We'll be having popcorn later during the game. We won't be watching it but will be checking in at the quarters. We have a little special interest in the game.

well after my strange dinner (see menus posting) I'm still feeing not great today. Altho my tongue is getting better - some sensation back now - kinda tingly??

Poor dh not feeling well - maybe caught what our youngest had on Friday? Has a slight fever 100.8 and feeling queasy and headachey. My headache mostly gone but feeling pretty lethargic myself?? Hope we are NOT coming down w/anything. I have a super busy week at work, and an important meeting at 9 am tomorrow! sigh...

Have NOT been eating well today - nibbling on things here and there. I guess the weekend (non-work) lack of routine is something I need to work on?

Your dinner sounds yummy Vickie! Does a "little special interest" in the game involve $$?

Frouf

Hi everyone!
First congratulations to those that lost! and don't fret to those that didn't. Sometimes more comes off the next week.

I've been busy this weekend fighting with the new computer. After hrs. on the phone with AOL , then holding forever for NOrton, only to find out that if I keep holding it will cost me to talk to tech support. Eventually sent an email which will be answered in 4-5 days. Turns out (from AOL tech) firewall on computer not recognizing aol, so unable to get into secure sights, such as banks and credits cards etc., unless we disable the firewall. That's done, but don't want to have to disable it everytime we sign on.

After all that, tried to get on this message board this morning only to have it say, that my password is no good. Changed that several times and finally I am back on here.

Had a family birthday party yesterday for my kids. DS was 5 in Jan., and DD will be 11 tomorrow. Tried to have good food, veges, dip, fruit salad, but there were 2 cakes which are still here.............ugh !! Gotta get back OP tomorrow.

Hey, you know that ab lounge? I think my mom had one of those back in the 70's.

Lisa

Y'all are making me want soup! I'm probably sticking with a salad for dinner tonight. For one thing, DH got called into work, so I can't see making anything big for dinner. (He works for Time Warner Cable..and well, Superbowl Sunday is a mess for them, and he managed to be on call this week! bah.) Secondly, last night we went to a Mardi Gras party, and I could NOT say no to the red beans and rice, a little jambalaya, and burbon chicken! I swear I didn't go overboard. BUT...they also had a freakin' COTTON CANDY MACHINE. That's my Kryptonite, I swear. So I had a poof. Pretty sure I'm out of points. hehehe. Salad it is!

Frouf, I hope everyone feels better. I don't know what it's like by you, but here in Wis, we're really just hitting the flu season in full stride. The last two weeks, we've had lots in clinic, mostly high fevers with respiratory symptoms and body aches. All confirmed flu from our viral cultures. We even had a handful we had to rehydrate via IV, so yanno....push the fluids over there! Also, if you think you have the flu, you can go to the doc w/in 48hrs of onset, and get an antiviral which will at least shorten the duration, if not the severity. Anyway, sending get well wishes!

Hope the rest of you are having a nice Sunday evening. I don't watch football, so I revised my English essay, and came on here to say hi. I really am trying to work up the motivation to workout. We'll see how that goes.

--Spring