Core Support Thread #14
 

Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to come up with a rhyme for 14?? I guess my imagination just flew out the window!

I hope everyone has a great day and weekend! I feel like I'm on vacation -- was off work yesterday, and today, and tomorrow, then Monday for the game and Tuesday for the furniture ... you're probably getting sick of me talking about it but I'm just so darned excited!!! I woke up at 3:30 and turned on the TV, watched a few infomercials until 5:00 (when my big DD got home, by the way ...) and then fell back asleep until around 8 or so.

And for all you who have girls, take note of this. I hope it never happens again: my little DD called me last night around 10:00. I was already asleep in bed, and my big DD brought me the phone. "Kate needs to talk to you." She sounded quite serious. So I said hello and Kate said, "Mom, I'm in jail."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My heart just stopped in its tracks as I sputtered out "Whhhh??? Whyyy??? Wherrrree??? Huhhhhh???" (remember I was asleep) And then she says, "Nah, I'm just messin' with ya, can I spend the night with Beth?"

OH-GOOD-GRIEF!!!!! I told her (1) don't EVER do that again and (2) of course you can. After I knew she wasn't in trouble, I would have agreed to most anything! :lol:

KIDS!!!

Frouf.....Congratulations! Down 2 pounds with the week you had and 10% TOO?! :bravo: You are truly an inspiration. I do hope that you go out for dinner tonight. Your unkind Hubby owes you a good meal for all the drama.

Kathy, I can "hear" the happiness in your voice at being off of work. Enjoy! You certainly deserve it after all the crazy :dizzy: hours you've been putting in. I couldn't think of anything to rhyme with 14 either...that's why I didn't start the new thread. I wonder if your little DD knew you'd be so happy that she wasn't in jail you'd say yes?! My heart would have stopped in my chest. Enjoy your next 3 days off. I like hearing what you're up to.

I'll be cooking in a bit and then spending a romantic evening ;) with my Hubby. We plan them now and then....kinda like date night.

Gotta go!

Hope Frannie is ok. She keeps popping into my mind.

Linda, the Crock Chicken Fagiole should be on the menu subboard. I also posted it as a recipe of the day a while back.

I'm planning on watching Shall We Dance? tonight. I haven't seen it yet, and I felt like a girl movie. I've been good today too, so I may even get popcorn with my movie. :)

Later!
Angela

Kathy-I can't imagine what that phone call was like! Its a wonder you didn't pass out. :lol:
Vickie-Have fun on your date!
Angela-I loved Shall We Dance. It is a great chick flick that I still want to make my husband watch. I keep thinking if he watches it, then he will take me to dancing lessons. And have some popcorn while you watch! :corn:
We have spent the day with dh parents and gave the dog a bath. What an exciting day! ;) Actually it was really beautiful outside, so we spent the day in the backyard. I think I might have actually gotten a little bit sunburnt! :cool:
Everyone have a great Saturday night!

OKAY REPOSTING PREVIOUS MESSAGE HERE FROM BOARD #13!! (did not know where everyone went!!!)

Okay - I am not that great and unselfish a person - trust me! I agree with you Kathy - about "cleaning house", but having already been thru one divorce I am bound and determined to do anything I need to before doing this again. I also am very focussed on our little guy who would be devastated, so for his sake I am desperately trying to keep things going...besides divorce and separation bring a whole lot of other stresses into the picture!

Dh is currently unemployed (altho looks like another gov contract may be coming his way soon??)....so now is certainly not the time to do anything too drastic.

Speaking of which no, dh cannot swallow his pride - has not really apologized for wrecking the end of my birthday - has started talking to me as if there is nothing going on which really pisses me of. Asked me about tonight and I said CANCEL!!...and he went along with that - no discussion or apology or let's try and have a fun time - so be it! I'm getting used to staying home and surfing the net, while he does his own thing in another room or just sleeps!!

Angela - poor you - I also have flat feet so I can relate to your pains. Of course I am not dancing as much as you are so I am obviously not experiencing any pain yet. Hope you can find something that is not as hard on your body! Have fun with your popcorn and movie tonight!

Linda - congrats on the downward trend...good for you!! Okay what are PITA lizards? Heard of pita bread - but that's about it?? ha ha ha. I am amazed that it is hot enuf already to turn on the AC! Warming up here - our yard looks like ****. About 50 degrees today - still a bit of a chill in the air, but very nice and warm in the sun. Sat outside of house and watched the little one biking (just recently got the training wheels off and is going crazy with biking fever!).

Pretty bad eating - well just not planned - no lunch really - just ate popcorn, leftover bread crusts from ds....and what I had earlier (eggs, decaf and birthday cake! )....it's 6:30 and I guess I should have a proper supper as my tummy is now feeling a bit growly! I really don't feel like cooking tho!

Vickie - have a great date!

Will check in later!


Frouf

Congrats Froufy on the loss and the 10% :encore: :balloons:

Linda - the downward spiral has begun, right? :goodvibes:

Vickie - I too went to Applebees yesterday. I had the shrimp skewered salad; I thought that was easy enough to count as CORE and also had the same berry cheesecake that you did. Ummmmmm that was good. I made sure to eat all the strawberries and my portion was also bigger than a tennis ball......whoops......I mean bigger than a golf ball and SMALLER than a tennis ball. I think it's like ice cream scoop size. The shrimp salad was good too, but once I had it and they gave me dressing on the side;; this time they poured it on and it was too much.

Hi Julia and Melissa ! :wave:

Gosh I missed a lot since yesterday! !

Kathy - I too think your DD knew you'd agree to anything after that phone call. You must have almost had a heart attack. Maybe that revved up your metabolism :rofl:

My DS on the mend. Yay! Hope it doesn't come back.

BBL
Lisa

Ugh, my oldest dd had quite a time at dinner. She didn't want to eat the fagiole, and after a lot of attitude, when dh gave her a bite, she took it out of her mouth with her fingers. He gave her another, she ate it, then another, and she started gagging, and then throwing up. Bleah! She's always been picky, but I think that 6 is old enough to not be doing stuff like that! I put her in her pajamas, and sent her to her room. But at least I'm being nice and letting her read books and do a puzzle. I'm just so fed up with making these dinners, TRYING to have them be family-friendly, and having them be rejected. I mean, it's not like I'm feeding them spinach wrapped fish, or lima bean and pig knuckle soup every day!! Grrr. (Not that I'd ever make either of those ANY day, but you get the idea.) I guess if I keep offering it, they'll eventually learn that if they want to eat, that's what they're getting. Years from now, they'll thank me for starting them on good eating habits early, right? :D My mom has a picture in her kitchen that I love. It says, "You have two choices for dinner...take it, or leave it!" I think I need one. :lol:

Any ideas?

Angela

Good Evening Ladies, i have'nt really had too much time to post I work saturday's and sunday's are basketball games, and dinner with inlaws(right off the boat italian).My mil thinks i do not feed my children, ughhhhh...... I dread sunday's sometimes depends on what kinda mood i am in. it is late here and I really need to get to sleep, ds#2 will be up at 5:30 YIKES..... BIG cup of coffee already ready to brew. have a good night everyone, i hope to be able to chat more tomorrow, i just wanted to check in.

Hi Everyone! Newbie Here!
 

Hi EVeryone!

Im a newbie to this site, and to CORE also :D Im VERYYYY excited to be embarking on this journey and in REALLY beleiving in myself !! Now at least when I spend an hour online, I can justify it a little better :lol: I'll tell my hubby that the longer I chat on these boards, the sexier his wife will be :dizzy: :lol:

AnyHoo, I just started Core on April 1st, and lost 7lbs in one week! :D
I REALLY dont wanna lose a huge amount in an unhealthy way, but I was SOO Excited to see ANY results, never mind SEVEN pounds! :dizzy:
I guess it was also because I hadnt memorized many Core foods, so I stuck to my few things that I KNEW for SURE that I could have (chicken, veggies, oatmeal coffee, etc..)

As I learn more from you wonderful ladies and gents, I can expand my horizons and splurge a little :)

I DID make an AMAZING CORE BBQ chicken recipe which is now my FAVORITE ever ! You basically add ketchup and diet soda, and thats it ! :smug: YUMM YUMMM YUMMM is an understatement ! Oh, I also threw in some onions!
Im not one to measure, so I didnt do it with measurements, just by eye..

Well, I will end my rambling for now, and continue to read these great boards and get to know you all ! :cool: :) :p :dizzy: :cool:

Hi Anna and welcome!

Sounds like you had cola chicken for supper? (I think Vickie was also enjoying that as well!). Pretty yummy I know!

Congrats on your fabulous 1st week loss - I bet you were super happy and are now super motivated to keep plugging away at it! The beauty of core is not having to journal everythng you eat and being able to eat wholesome, healthy foods when hungry. I'm sure you'll get the knack of all of the details pretty soon.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Frouf:)

Anna, welcome! We have a bunch in common! I'm turning 30 on June 2nd, I have 3 little girls (ages 6, 4, and 1), I'm also 5'2" and have/had roughly the same amount of weight to lose as you. And my name is Angela. Anyway, thought I'd jump in and say welcome. I love Core, and I've been really successful at it. I'm working on my Lifetime right now, (I set my WW goal at 131) but I'm also working towards my personal goal of 120.

These ladies are great here - they're full of ideas, wonderful support, and they're lots of fun!

Post often - we can answer your questions, and you can fire us up with your enthusiasm! 7 pounds in one week is awesome! :cheer: Great job!

Angela

Hi Frouf and Angela!
Thanks for the welcome! :cool:
Angela, my twin sister has 3 kids in similar ages ranges (6, 4, and 3) and the crazy woman is preggo with her 4th :o and not to mention, she weighs less than me when she's 9months preggo, gotta love that :( :?: :dizzy:
Well, we USED TO look alot more alike, ok :dizzy: and I plan for this summer to be the FIRST TIME ever that Anna is thinner than Lucy :lol: and her being preggo is REALLY giving me the advantage :lol:

So, back to CORE. Im really going to need tips and tricks on eating out, and just different menu ideas that I can make to last a few days. Im student teaching and taking grad classes, so cooking dinner is not my top priority lately, bad mommy :cool:

If anyone gets this message within the next couple of hours, Im going to my nephew's 1st bday party today, and then going to my parents afterwards, and we are a huge Italian family... so I REALLY need pointers to get me through the day. At the party (at a restaurant), I plan to eat the fish dish, grilled with maybe balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, veggies, baked potato...
can I have a spoonful of cake? :?:

and my LONG TERM goal (well for next month), is that we're going to Disney for 2 weeks, and I REALLY plan to be strong about staying on CORE as much as possible. I know I have to "enjoy" a little when on vacation, but I really plan to educate myself as much as possible to stay on track.. :D

Sorry I babbled, I look forward to chatting with you ladies!!

HUGSSSSS (Hey, why isnt there a HUGS icon?? :wave: OK, the wave will do :lol: )

:wave: Hi Anna! I'm Lisa. My DD is 11 and my DS is 5., I know all about birthday parties. You have your flex points, so you must decide what you want to use them for. I usually skip the cake, but then eat DS's leftovers. He usually eats the icing off the top and only a little cake. Just enough left for me to get a sample without eating a whole piece myself. Eat some CORE foods before you go, so you're not so hungry, and drink your water.

:cb: :cb: 7 lbs in one week is awesome! !

Lisa

Wow, I'm gone for one night on a little date and you guys chat up a storm! We had a great evening and I'm tired this morning! ;)

Angela, I missed "Shall We Dance" when it was at the show and would love to see it. Did you like it? I took ballroom dances for many years in my pre-Jim life and absolutely loved it. It was great exercise too. I actually competed a couple of times. I love to watch dance movies but don't like the old musical kind too much.

Frouf, just keep doing the best you can. That is all a person can do in your situation. Sorry you didn't know we moved. On my computer, when I log on to the page the threads that have new postings since I last visited show up highlighted more than the others. That's how I noticed the new Core Board 14 message. Then once I click on it, at the top on the left, I click on view new or view last message posted....something like that. And, it takes me right to the new post in the thread so I don't have to page through to find it.

Angela, I think you are doing the right thing and should hold to your guns. She may never thank you but will be healthier for it. Easy for me to say, huh! I don't have to be there to watch her gag at the table. I like your Mom's sign. That's how it always was in our house. Unfortunately, my Mom cooked fabulous fattening dinners and desserts. They were trying to beat us away from the table! :lol:

Julia, stop in as often as you can. We understand how busy it is with kids and family, etc.! Now that I'm retired, my time isn't as short as it used to be. Gotta love it!

Anna, Welcome and Congratulations on your great start on Core! I haven't read your profile yet but I'll do that soon. This is a great place to be and we love to have enthusiastic newbies in our midst! I just had the Cola Chicken tonight, and I agree that it is fabulous. We have some great recipes here on our site. Another favorite site of mine is www.barbosdietkitchen.com. You change the period to at least 12 months and search Core and you'll get hundreds of recipes! Looking forward to chatting more with you. I eat out all the time and have managed to eat Core really successfully. Restaturants want your dollars and I've found they are very accomodating. I carry my own FF salad dressing, FF sour cream and Smart Balance margarine (points) in tupperware midget containers. I have several places that have FF cheese, avocado, ww pasta, etc. I eat eggbeater omelets dry or with pam spray and add all kinds of veggies, FF cheese, and avocado. Sometimes, I add salsa to the top of the omelet. I eat salads with garbanzos and tons of veggies and avocado. One of my restaurants has ground sirloin (they showed me the package!) so I'll eat a burger and sometimes pay points for a bun. I bring a FF american cheese slice in my purse! Instead of fries they give me a huge fresh fruit salad. When we go out for dinner, I usually order a lean steak, broiled pork chops, or fish with a baked potato or plain ww pasta. I just had a salmon steak broiled dry the other night and it was fabulous. It can take the dry broiling because it is such an oily fish. Italian restaurants are open to broiling other fish in olive oil since they have it available for so many of their dishes anyway. I add Smart Balance to the plain pasta (buttered noodles from when you were a kid!). I always have the salad, and usually order plain steamed veggies on the side. You just have to ask a lot of questions until you get to know the restaurant. I live in a great area. They even know me now and are usually happy to see me because I'll go often and tip well if they take care of me. I always tell them why I'm being so fussy. Most servers understand completely! Sorry I rambled but I love to eat out and like to give my tips. Most new Core people think they have to give up eating out and you don't....it's just a bit of any ordeal.

Big day tomorrow so I'm just going to relax today. Finally going to the Ortho for this elbow from my car accident. I'm guessing nothing much will happen tomorrow excpet for evaluation. Have to be at Niece's at 5:30 a.m. to babysit for Great Niece and Nephew until she gets home at 12:30. Then lunch and Dr. appointment. I'm guessing I won't be talking to all of you until tomorrow night.

Have a great day!

Wowee, Vickie, you're going to be gone until tomorrow night? You're going to have a lot of catching up to do, just a warning!!

A HUGE welcome to all of you people just joining us! Please please PLEASE jump right in and make yourselves at home! We have such a great group here and I know you will love it -- and you'll never get better support from any other bunch of gals than these. Whether you need to whine and cry, celebrate victories or just complain about your husbands and kids ... all of that goes into the equation we call life and it all affects our eating (and consequently, our weight!). We're here for the long haul because even though some are near or at goal, there's always maintenance. I'll be here for that because Core maintenance is different than any other. I'm afraid if I let myself go back to willy-nilly eating, it'll be all over but the crying!!!

So I had a pretty good evening. We did go downtown to Main St. Arts Festival in Fort Worth. It was crowded of course, and we were hungry of course, so we went to a Mexican restaurant. So what do you think I ate? (Keep in mind that Mexican food is my favorite in the world.) Okay besides a few chips with salsa, I had beef and chicken fajitas. Ate ONLY the meat, grilled onions and peppers, and the guac that was on the side. I did not even touch or look at the refried beans, spanish rice or tortillas. Now how about THAT? Oh and I had one beer, but drank half and threw it away, then ordered a margarita with dinner, but drank about 1/4 and gave the rest to DH. When we got home, I immediately crawled into the tub because I felt "downtown" grime all over me, and DH brought me a big glass of ice water to the tub. It was soooo nice to go out and not come home overstuffed with having drank or eating too much, PLUS I didn't even smell like smoke because we were outside! Gotta love that! Now let's see ... that's THREE days in a row I've been good in spite of being at bars and restaurants, etc. It CAN be done!! (Believe me, I'm just as surprised as anyone!!)

Hey, Kath! I just popped in for a minute on my way out. You are doing amazing! It's really hard at restaurants but it can be done and you are living proof of that. Congratulations on resisting all those temptations. Mexican is my favorite too but I haven't gone because I know I just can't be good. What do you think of grilled carne asada. Is skirt steak lean enough? Or is it marinated in bad oil. That's my favorite but I know I could force myself to eat fajitas if I had too. But I LOVE the rice and beans and chips and salsa. Sigh.....maybe I should just avoid it for now. Chipotle has been helping me alot in the meantime.

Talk to you all tomorrow night!

hi girls!

welcome to all the newbies! cool to have you here.

i have been on a hiatus so to say! the snow is gone and the calendar is busy. but here i am. i missed weigh in on thursday so not sure what will happen this week. dh had a going away party thrown for him.....he went from a day job to shift again...so i was his designated driver. he had a good time and they spoiled him rotten. week before that i was in toronto for the week being wined and dined by the hotels who are trying to get the conference i am organizing........lots of fun there

i have an eye infection or really bad allergies.....been dropping in polysporin drops and taking reactine.......may have to go to the dr. if it doesn't heal up. really makes ya tired.....or maybe that is the never ending calendar we have right now

i joined curves on saturday...yippee!! can't wait for tomorrow night for my first workout, i was a member 3 years ago so it is nice to start up again. i am also joining a softball team....if i can get my throwing arm in shape.....hahaha! should be fun. and tomorrow night i am going to a fortune teller.....never ever done that before so it should be interesting.

i better go and catch up on the weekend reading. i have been checking in just not posting

cheers

Hey Frannie - welcome back - dying to hear about all the hotels you visited and the wining and dining - sounds like lots of fun! ;) congrats on joining Curves - I bet you will love it!...and hope the eye gets better!

Kathy - I am extremely impressed w/your most recent efforts in avoiding those things which might be your "nemesis". Good for you....sounds like you are learning how to deal with some of your previous downfalls! Way to go!

Vickie - are you actually going to babysit at 5:30 am??? which obviously means getting up earlier than that, getting ready and getting there? This would be EXTREMELY PAINFUL for me! Have fun (and a nap when you get a chance!).

I am not doing that well today - feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster and dh spends his time either barely speaking to me or angry at me or ignoring me.....this is really affecting my mood as I try to be as "functional" as possible, given the turmoil of the last few days.

This morning I had a lovely birthday breakfast w/my gf who knitted me this wild/furry raspberry pink scarf - it is GORGEOUS - of course I probably can't wear it till the fall - but both my fall and winter coats are black and this will look great (need to find a pair of raspberry leather gloves to complete the look). Ate okay (skillet egg - over sauteed veggies w/ham - told them light on the cheese and hold the toast)...came w/a fresh fruit cup.

Then off to dh's mom's 75th birthday party at his sister's place. They have this huge garage (think rv size) about 25 foot high ceiling...and they put in a dance floor, crystal ball, strobe lights and all decorated w/flowers, balloons for the party. Quite pretty.

Weather was fabulous today so we sat out in the back by the pool (no, not open yet!), but I actually felt like I was burning so went in for a bit. Tables of food around: veggies, dip, chips, crackers, cheese, and around 2 pm they served burgers and hot dogs. I actually was NOT hungry so did not have any at that time...had mainly veggies and dip (lf ranch).....but did do some grazing thru the afternoon, had a few oz of cheese, maybe a handful of chips, and lots more veggies and dip....2 diet pepsi and 2 bottles of water helped fill me up. I did not have any cake or ice cream.

My other sil did come up to me and said that it looked like dh and I had lost some weight (have not seen her in a while!). Of course this was a sign for me to extoll the virtures of WW Core plan and how great I felt not eating sugar, etc..yadayadayada.... she is quite slim but was interested in the "feeling better/eating healthy" scenario".

Of course I was starving when we got home, around 7 pm...broiled a burger and had it w/some peas and ww pasta - that was not the problem..it was the leftover slice of my birthday cake in the fridge which I had for dessert! i certainly did not need it, was not hungry, but this was definitely stress/emotional eating. I am feeling quite overwhelmed with emotions and I feel I just can no longer cope. I don't know how I will got in to work tomorrow, when I feel so unsettled inside? It's probably better for me to go and be distracted.

I feel like such a faker - on the outside I seem happy and smiling and functional - but on the inside I am sad, and crying and wishing I were dead. I have no optimism left yet I keep on going...eventually I know something's gotta give. Had a couple of stomach aches this week which I think are due to anxiety - would hate to think I was developing an ulcer or something like that??? ..and this past week I have been so missing my mom and wishing she were still alive - I know she would be so upset to hear what was going on in my life - but at least she would make me feel better!

Frouf:)

Hi Lisa, Hi Vicky!
Lisa-thanks for the advice on eating out, I definately have to master it, because I WONT deprive myself of eating out! =)
Vickie-WOW you sound like one busy lady! :)
Thanks for that website, lots of awesome recipes!!
Silly question, when the recipe says "CORE" and then in the recipe it says how many servings it is, does this mean that we should only have one "serving" or can we have more than one for a meal? :(
and Vickie thanks for the TONS of ideas on eating out! WOW, you make my packing a diaper bag sound SO EASY, it sounds like you pack so much with you, but Im sure you feel great in the long run when you had your healthy options! GOOD FOR YOU!

Another silly question, does anyone carry evaporated skim milk for coffee with them?

At the bday party today, I had:
Broiled salmon steak in a lemon sauce (They said it wasnt a creamy sauce, and it really wasnt, very liquidy, if thats a word :lol:)
and I also had broccoli (Steamed with just a touch of flavor)
a baked/roasted potato (It tasted too darn good to be totally core :lol: :( )
THEN everyone had pasta with brocc rabe and sundried tomatoe, and I just took the brocc and tomato from my hubbys dish, is this ok???
I skipped the cake! VERYYY proud of myself! :D
and I had some coffee with whole milk twice today, very mad at myself but there was no option of skim milk....
So how would I count my "points used" for a day like today?
The party was from noon-5pm, and then we went to my parents house.
Everyone "nibbled" on food later on, I had nothing (but my 2nd cup of coffee for the day). So I do feel better incase I had too many extra points today...
How did I do? what should I be more careful on ?

Thanks ladies!! :D

Welcome Anna, 2Boysforme, Julia, and Melissa! It's good to see more and more folks joining the Core bandwagon! :) Anna, I'm a strictly at home Core person but don't use me as an example since I can't seem to make myself eat right. I am constantly straying ... mainly because I don't like to cook! It's good to see your enthusiasm! I need to catch some of it! :)

Dear Froufy, no need to feel like a faker because you put on a "happy face" for the world but I do think it makes it harder for you when you internalize all your painful and hurt feelings. I'm very worried about you ... maybe you could work in some extra sessions with the therapist if you feel like talking it out is helping you cope? I hope you are proud of just how strong and focused you are being with your eating, despite all the turmoil you are going through. I hope today is a good day for you! :grouphug:

Vickie, I hope the orthopedic appointment goes well. What a sweetie you are to babysit so early in the morning!

Kathy, enjoy your opening day fun at the ballpark! You should be so proud of yourself for your great eating/drinking choices for the past several days. I think your plan to have just a taste here and there of the things you enjoy seems to be working great for you! Way to go! :)

Linda, sounds like you are doing well also ... way to go on another loss! Two in a row! You go, girl! And yes, we have the little lizards up here too! It took me a while to figure out what P.I.T.A stood for ... :lol: The lizards don't bother me too much but they drive the cats crazy! My cats are indoor only cats and the lizards seem to scamper all around the windows to torment them!

Frannie, it's great to hear from you! Check in as often as you can to keep us posted on your happenings!

Angela, I'm sorry you had a hectic Sunday. Hopefully, it settled down!

I had my usual bad eating weekend. I was busy all weekend, with my various and sundry spring cleaning activities. I got my steam cleaner thing in on Friday but was somewhat disappointed in its performance. Seems like for some things (think soap scum) steam alone just won't do the trick. I blasted all my baseboards too but couldn't tell a significant difference. Maybe this is a good thing ... maybe I'm a much cleaner housekeeper than I thought I was! :lol: My tile floors are shining though! :) Got my pantry organized ... FINALLY ... so I'm starting anew. I've eaten well thus far today and am trying very hard not to let any self-defeating thoughts or behaviors creep in!

Have a great Monday everyone!

GOOD MORNING ALL

Well I did get to bed by 11:20 pm but I do still feel pretty exhausted, I really think I need to sleep more as I believe this might be affecting my emotional well being - everything seems worse when you're tired!

Thanks for the big hug Deborah - I could really use it. Sounds like you are a housekeeping Diva - I am especially impressed w/your pantry reorganization. Boy do I have to do that too! (I even have a dry goods pantry downstairs with some boxes of cheerios that I'm sure even the food bank does not want!!)

Still feeling lousy - dh is now talking to me it seems - I am not that interested, esp as I know that within minutes/hours there would be some blowout on account of 1 child or another pushing one of his buttons, and then again there would be anger/non communication so I am not hopeful of calm environment (which is what I really feel I need right now!).

At work tho - very busy, but feeling quite emotional and unstable, so I am afraid of just breaking down should things not go my way - not a good way to function!

Have a dentist appt at 3:30 pm so leaving early - I am actually looking forward to this - there is a nice consignment shop in the plaza where the dentist is located and I usually go in there and do some browsing. There is also a fruit and veggie store there as well, so will see what's on "sale" this week and maybe pick up a few items if so inclined???

Anna - sounds to me like you did a great job at the party. Congrats on staying away from the cake. As for the whole milk in coffee thing - I wouldn't sweat it - that's what the extra points are for! I personally only like cream in my coffee! At work I keep a container of light cream (5% fat) formy coffee but sometimes when eating out I will have real cream or a combo of 2% milk/cream in my coffee....I do use my extra points for this (probably 2 pts per day).

Okay I just figured out what P.I.T.A. stands for as well - :lol: :lol: - no wonder i never heard of those kinds of lizards - guess pita bread is not qute the same thing?

Feeling very VULNERABLE with my eating today - probably due to emotional stresses? Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? I just feel like right now I don't care - not very motivated, and feel like I'm treading in dangerous waters. Have brought "appropriate" stuff to work today - but one wrong move could spell disaster given my attitude. Need to be extra vigilant and careful until I can feel I am in more control of my attitude and eating!

At least it's bright and sunny out today which does help!

Frouf :cool:

Hi all!

Wow I sure miss alot since I don't visit here on the weekends.

Welcome Anna. I'm on my fourth week of core, so I'm pretty new myself. Love it so far.

Froufy when I'm feeling vulnerable I do something special. Maybe a manicure or a new hairstyle or color? Having good foods around is helpful, but I know what you mean about feeling just this side of out of control. It's good to pamper yourself when you feel this way.

Frannie, enjoy Curves. I have a friend who loves it there.

Vickie, I hope the orthopede fixes everything so you are pain-free.

Linda, congrats on the loss!

Kathy, you're an inspiration. I love outdoor festivals and hopefully I can learn to nibble and enjoy them without going crazy.

I had a good weekend. Did some outdoor cleanup and planted my flowers. There's always more to do, but it looks so much better already. My dh wanted to go out to breakfast, so I had his side order of pancakes and two scrambled eggs. I figured about 15 pts on the pancakes (and sooo worth it). Since I do strict core every day, I had lots of points to spare.

I'm at two miles for my marathon training and I talked my neighbor into going walking with me. We just moved into this area in December, so I was thrilled to have an opportunity to get to know some of the new people. She may stick with the program and do the marathon with me too, which would be very cool.

I made the Lebanese moussaka (I forgot who mentioned buying some a week or so ago). It was absolutely fabulous (and a little dangerous, since I had two big bowls of it). I'm trying to eat very light today and tomorrow for W/I on Tuesday. I will be very disappointed if I go another week without at least a pound or two lost.

Happy Monday - enjoy the springtime.

Deborah, too bad about the steamer. On the infomercial it looked like this miraculous thing. I've been seriously considering one for awhile, but may hold off based on your experience.

Frouf: I hope that your day has taken a turn for the better. I think Terry is on to something--you should pamper yourself, do something extra special. You deserve some stress relief.

I had a very non-Core weekend, despite the fact that it was my first. :( Friday night dh and I decided to blow my points with fast food (bad idea!!). Then we ate with the in-laws on Saturday which consisted of pizza. It was thin veggie pizza, but didn't help with w/i this morning. On saturday morning I weighed and had lost 3 pounds. This morning (actual w/i) showed I gained one back, but I think it might be due to the time of the month. :lol: Hopefully I can control myself this week. I am trying to incorporate points into daily eating instead of blowing them all at once.

Hope everyone has a great Monday night! ;)

Well, I had a no lose/no gain weigh-in. Not a lot of fun, but I kind of had the feeling I was due for one. I'd really like to make 15 pounds before 16 weeks, though. I was good and went for my walk this morning, though, even though I was sore an tired from a marathon of housework yesterday. I've just discovered a wonderful housekeeping tool: A bored 5-year-old and a box of diaper wipes. My son is fascinated by cooking and cleaning for some reason. He's too little to do much, but boy is he thorough if you set him to work on some out-of-the way corner.

Sorry things have continued to be so tough, Froufy. I hate that passive/aggresssive stuff and it's hard having to put on a happy face. I've admired the way you do seem to be able to take some pleasure in little things, like lunch with your gf.

Hi to everyone else and another welcome to the new folks. I'm going to make spaghetti tonight. Not my personal fave, but it's Core and the kid's like it.

Cher, I've noticed that phenomenon too - a kid and a box of baby wipes can go a long way! My 4 year old LOVES to help me clean. The other day when I was doing the master bath, she cleaned the WHOLE floor by herself with a half a sponge. :) I kind of feel like I'm supporting child labor! :D Actually though, I really believe it's important for kids to get a good work ethic, so I'm just practicing good parenting, right? :lol:

Today I ate fairly well. Family had homemade chocolate shakes for a treat, and I did the dishes instead. Yay! I have a physical tomorrow (my first in over 10 years) so I have to fast this evening.

I have a bad feeling that my w/i won't be good this week. I've been off on my exercise since my knee started hurting. Oh well, I'll try as hard as I can, and hope for the best!

Angela

Good luck w/the physical tomorrow Angela - I'm sure dr will notice you are in great shape!...and good for you for resisting the chocolate shakes. As for child labor - enjoy it while you can! :D They do like to help when they're younger, but somewhere around 8 or so they realize it's "work" and can be come quite scarce when there is housework to be done (let alone try and get them to clean their rooms!).

Cher - you're still doing great. Remember that weight loss is not linear and there will be times when you do not lose - this does not mean you have done something wrong - just need to wait for your body to readjust! Thanks for the kind thoughts - and yes I have to take pleasure in the little things or wherever I can find it! :^:

Vickie - did you survive your day? ;) Hope you got a nap in there somewhere!

Terry - thanks for the idea to pamper myself! Dropped dd off at dance class with a plan to go to Starbucks for my favorite decaf cappucino, but she seemed a bit sad this evening, so I went shopping and got her some new undies, socks and a little black blazer - store was closing so no time to get myself something!!! :o

Congrats on your marathon training start! Good for you. ..and boy do I love pancakes - and just realized I have not had any in......well since I've been on WW (Jan 2005)....my favorite are the homemade ones that I have been making for years. Eldest ds will sometimes beg me to make some (even tho it's an easy recipe that he can make himself)...and if I'm not busy I do it for him (and then snitch a few). hmmmm...realize he probably has not asked for some in a while (or I was so careful I did not have any? is that possible? :dizzy: )

Can you also post the recipe for the lebanese moussaka if you have not yet done so? I was the found who found it in the store (chickpeas in an eggplant & tomato/onion sauce)...they were great - of course I can no longer find them there!!! Will have to put up a fuss next time I go to that store!!! Figures you find something all core that tastes great - and then it's gone!

I am still feeling quite sad this evening - I can always find something to be depressed about if I choose to (like dd coming down to dinner and saying "hi" to dh and him completely ignoring her!).... dh is now into this big hugging thing - like that's going to make things better. Was quite helpful at dinner time and I guess is trying to "make nice", but frankly I so "do not care", at least that's how I feel now - like he's just broken my spirit and I have no more strength to try again....hopefully this will change?

As for my eating - it's not too bad, but not great either. Just realized that maybe some of my eating is due to TOM? Yes....remember that 2 week long period I'm having? Well it's now actually the REAL time that I'm suppoosed to be having TOM (and I still am...ugh!)....so this might explain the cake last night and the munchies today. Was still hungry after lunch so ate a mini-bag of popcorn for dessert. Hungry before dinner, had some couscous salad I got at the store, and yes a FRESH slice of bread w/margarine.....was not that hungry when dinner was finally ready so only had a small portion (brown rice, beef teriyaki stir-fry). Still had the munchies so I found my bag of bbq rice chips and nibbled on those for a while.

Probably ate too much, but I know it could have been worse? Tomorrow is an all day training/team building session. Thank goodness a few people decided we should "brown bag" it as the other suggestion was to either order in pizza or chinese food - neither of which would have done me any good (yes I have rice and beef stir fry leftovers for tomorrow!!!). Also packed up a bowl of fresh strawberries and some cut up veggies w/lf dip, sf/ff yogurts and I hope this will keep my mouth busy and tummy full throughout the day (dh laughs when he sees me leave for work with my shopping bag of food!).

Also trying to get to bed earlier as I hope this will help improve my mood and/or help me cope better right now!

So off to bed I go - nitey nite!

Frouf :cool:

Good Morning All! I was so scared that there would be 20 pages of messages that I missed while I was gone. Had to get up at 4:00 am yesterday to shower and get ready to babysit for Great Niece and Great Nephew since I had to go straight from there to lunch and Doctor. Kids were adorable as always but it's stressful because I have to make sure that nothing happens on MY watch! Jim helps but had to go back and forth twice to our house to take care of our Scottie. When he's there he's a big help because he adores the kids as much as I do!

Doctor visit was fine. He did an xray and nothing is broken. I didn't think there was! Have order for PT but don't know how much yet. Orders not to pick up anything heavy, including my purse! I wonder what Ortho would say about my computer mouse and typing?! I'm supposed to ice...I'd been using heat at advice of Internist. If PT doesn't work then cortisone shot and if that doesn't work MRI and maybe surgery. Ortho called it "classic tennis elbow/tendonitis" and didn't seem surprised that it happend from the accident. So I'll be scheduling that PT. In the meantime it hurts from picking up Great Nephew and from Ortho twisting it all around. Ice for me when I'm done here.

Came home from Doctor appointment and stayed up even though we were both very tired. Order pay per view "Shall We Dance" movie and had some popcorn and went to bed at 10:00 pm. Slept through until 8:00 this morning! We were TIRED! I would have been tired just from babysitting but I also get really tired from stress whenever I go to the Doctor. The rest of my week should be easy.

I didn't have time or the energy to exercise yesterday so I'll have to be sure to do it today. I'm going to go read all of the messages from yesterday!

Happy day to all! Vickie, I hope the PT works for you -- surgery would stink! But now would your auto insurance pay for it, or maybe the other person's? I wonder how that works if it's the result of an accident.

I got up with the determination to commit to a full week of watching my Ps and Qs ... except for the daily coke which you know I'm not giving up. I figure I can have it and use either the WPAs or APs for it and still won't feel deprived. But for the other stuff, my lunches are all lined up for the week, and dinner should be a breeze because we have so much good food to choose from after my big weekend shopping trips with the coupons.

The game was SO much fun even though we lost. Still though ... fun is fun is fun. DH bought me a new cap at the ballpark -- it is pink and white with the "T" embroidered in pink. Not exactly Rangers colors (but hey, neither is my favorite Rangers t-shirt -- also pink) but it is VERY girlie and noticeable. I feel like a widdle girl in all that pink!

The new furniture is supposed to arrive today so I stayed home and oh get this -- we got home from the game yesterday to 10 calls on the answering machine. Seems as though sometime during the day, the dogs dug under the chain link fence that separates the back yard in half (we did that so we could put them on one side while fertilizing, mowing, partying, etc. in the other side and then switch) and THEN they knocked out some fence boards and were frolicking in the street! At least we live on a cul-de-sac and all the neighbors know us and the dogs, and they knew the dogs shouldn't be out. So anyway DH had to stay home today too because after the furniture guys leave, he has to go to Home Depot and buy new fence sections. I swear, if it's not one thing it's 400 others!

I'm going to cook some breakfast now, have my chicken salad for lunch already made along with a big bowl of fruit, and we will probably grill tonight. I *LOVE* summer!

Kathy, sorry about the Rangers but hope you had a great fun day anyway! The White Sox hardly ever win their Home Opener. This year was a real fun exception!

Frannie, good to see you back! We'll take whatever time you can give us. Deborah has a great memory. She remembered you were in Toronto. It's good that you had fun but I hope your eyes get better quickly! I'll be real interested to hear how you like Curves. I've never gone but they are all over the place here. I was always afraid that I'd be too big for the machines or that I wouldn't be able to do them. Softball, huh? So your Son isn't the only athelete in the family! This sounds like it would be great exercise.

Frouf, I'm worried about you too. You are so good at taking care of and worrying about everyone else but you don't take care of you. You really do need to talk to someone who only cares about your best interests. You do need to get some more sleep. Yesterday (my kiddie/Dr. marathon) reminded me that everything is harder when you are tired/exhausted. Even I didn't care about my program at lunch yesterday. They didn't have much Core stuff to eat and I didn't care! I understand how you feel about missing your Mom. I still miss mine. She's been gone since 1999 but really she was gone much earlier since she suffered with Alzheimer's disease for 7 years before she died. I really admire you for hanging in there and not throwing DH out with the bath water. But.....make sure you get some help for you too. You cannot live your life hiding all your pain inside. Most companies (don't you work for health care?) have Employee Assistance Programs where you could get counseling for free or very nominal charge. Couldn't you take advantage of this? Ok, I know I sound like the HR person/Manager that I was for 30 years but I can't help it! These programs can be life savers. Many companies will even let you attend during working hours. Check it out sweet Frouf. YOU ARE WORTH IT! My eating advice for you is the same thing I tell myself when times are tough. Do the best you can from meal to meal. If you slip, get right back on program the next meal, have a little extra water, and a little extra exercise, and give yourself a break. You're human. Don't throw the whole program out the window. Look how far you have come!

Terry, I'm really glad that you are still enjoying Core and that you found someone to exercise with. Companionship can be so important to the success of these programs! Two miles is a lot to me! I'm still only doing 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 miles per day. Good Luck on your weigh in today!

Melissa, cheese and fast food are salty so you are probably experiencing some temporary water gain. Drink lots of water to flush out those non-Core foods!

Try not to sweat it, Cher. Believe me, I understand because my weight loss has been like a roller coaster. I lose little bits for a couple of weeks then a good loss! As long as my average is still 1 pound or higher a week, then I'm happy. Steady and slow wins the race!

Deborah, it sounds like Sunday was a very productive day for you. It's good to organize (I'm an organizing freak!) and I'm sure it will help you with your program. Sorry to hear that the steamer didn't meet your expectations but perhaps you are too hard on yourself. Maybe you are a better Housekeeper then you give yourself credit for! Hope your program is going well now that you've got a stocked Core pantry!

Angela, I'm holding good thoughts for you for your physical. I'm guessing your Doctor is going to say you are in great shape!

Good morning all -

Had a bad start to my work day - just office politics, which I can't stand. Oh well, if it were fun they wouldn't call it work.

Froufy - I posted the recipe for the moussaka in the recipe folder. Boy do I love trying new and exotic recipes! Too bad you live so far away. I'd join you at Starbucks. My favorite is the soymilk decaf latte with sugar free vanilla. And one of their pastries would be good too. :devil:

Vickie - PT can be miraculous if you really stick with it. I hope it helps you.

Angela, can I borrow your kid? There's plenty of dusty nooks and crannies in my house and I'll provide the wipes. Anyone else with tidy toddlers I can put to work?

I had the red cabbage with braised pears recipe that was posted as one of the daily recipes. OMG it was good! My dh hates cabbage and he enjoyed multiple servings. We finished the whole thing.

Cher - ya know, when you really wanted to lose and you don't, it feels lousy. Logically in your head you know it could be water retention or muscle mass or your body adapting to the weight you've already lost or any number of perfectly reasonable explanations, but in your heart it just feels bad. Don't let disappointment take you off course. Your body will melt the weight off in its time.

Kat, what kind of dogs do you have? I've got two myself; they're up in age and not diggers (thank goodness). My dobie can still jump short fences, but so far she seems content to stay in the yard.

OK everybody, it's gonna be a good day and we're eat right, right?

Peace.

We're gonna eat right!! Yes indeedy -- because we know what works!

I have a Border Collie, the instigator of all shenanigans. We found her running down a busy street with no collar on; turns out she had heartworms so the vet said someone probably dumped her out. She's about 1-1/2 years old and quite a handful. The other two are Chihuahuas -- the bigger one, Zuki, weighs about 9 pounds and he's a black and tan. He is my DH's "boy", in fact right now they've gone to Home Depot together. We got him from the local pound. The other one is a precious little 4 pounder, solid black, appropriately named Precious. She's around 7 years old and we got her from a breeder in Houston who was getting rid of her because her puppies were too small to live. They knew we had Zuki and asked if we wanted another. She was in pretty bad shape when we picked her up, crunchy ears from bites and practically no teeth. The breeder (stupid puppy mill) took great care of the pups but horrible care of the moms. She has really come alive and acts like half her age, running and playing with the bigger dogs. She wasn't one of the ones who got out though; she never does anything to get in trouble.

So Far, So Good!
 

Well here I am finishing lunch at my desk - we are having our first day of team building and it's kinda fun - just got these fancy "profiles" which are based on a series of questions we had answered. Mine is pretty close to how I think I am - but it is interesting to read the comments and suggestions!

So now I REALLY have TOM - like I figured after already having it for 2 weeks it would be light or non-existant? FAT CHANCE! - feeling bloated and crappy, and this does explain the cravings and extra couple of lbs on the scale! Need to up the water I think.

Vickie - glad you got a good night's sleep - and yes things always seem easier to deal with when you are well rested. And I do appreciate your concern - we do have EAP here but I am now "using" this for our stepfamily counselling. I do plan to talk to that therapist about how I'm feeling at our next session (dh will also be there), cuz I think she is not quite with it - or maybe I have not been vocal enuf - how can she even think dh and I can "be a team" and make decisions about childrearing etc when we have so many personal problems that prevent us from communicating and sticking together. I think she will be quite surprised at what I have to say!

Hope you get set up quickly with the PT and can avoid surgery! I'm sure it will help along w/icing and not using your arm as much?

Kathy - what wild and crazy dogs you have! Just wanted to let their "rangers" spirit out and frolic in the street. And of course I LOVE the pink baseball cap! Sounds very cute!

Terry - thanks for posting the recipe - I will be checking it out!

Angela - how did the dr's appt go???

Trying hard to stick to some good eating today. Had a BIG breakfast before leaving home (a rarity as I usually eat at work), cuz of our training day (and the fear of someone bringing in donuts or cookies and me eating them). Had 2 eggs and 1/2 bagel w/margarine (olive oil) and small glass of milk. ...then a yogurt at coffee break - I find if I am full I don't tend to "stray" as much. Leftover brown rice, beef stir fry and an apple, and a couple of backup snacks for later if I need them (bowl of fresh strawberries or cut up veggies & dip). But ya - due to TOM and my emotional stresses it is a bit harder to stay focussed on Core and other things tend to wander into my mouth if I don't pay attention!

Froufie :cool:

Hang in there, Frouf. I'm glad you're going to be forceful at your next couple session. Therapists needs to know all if she's really going to be able to help. I think your eating sounds pretty darn good with what you are going through right now. Keep at it. 23 pounds is a lot to have lost and soon you will be in onderland!

Kath, how is Zuki? Is he fully recovered?

Kat, I had a border collie named Sandy when I was in college and she was a mischevious pooch. Used to like to tear things up and then look very sweetly and innocently at my labrador (who never did anything, but always looked guilty). Sandy was a good dog, but full of energy and definitely a handful.

OK, now I'm off to the gym since it's raining here and I can't do my half hour walk in the woods. This is my first time at the gym in ...wow, I can't remember the last time.

Frouf, have fun teambuilding. Ahh, corporations and the little exercises they plan for us.

Enjoy.

Thanks for the encouragement, Terry, and everyone. I'm pretty sure it ain't muscle mass, though!

I missed out on my walk this morning because poor dh had to set up for a meeting at 6 a.m. I might be able to squeeze one in later this afternoon, though. I did have a pretty luxurious breakfast: 2 1-point bagels with light cream cheese and smoked salmon. Our WW leader has been reading us these daffy little motivational slogans and one of the ones from Saturday was "Seafood is the Concorde to thin." Can't see it on a T-shirt, but I am having shrimp and salad for lunch.

My doctor's appointment went just fine. He said I was very healthy, and he was impressed with my lifestyle. In fact, he said that if all his patients would take care of themselves like I do, he'd be a much less busy person. So that was very nice to hear. I also got my blood cholesterol tested, but I won't know those results until tomorrow. I'm going to hazard a guess and say they'll be fine.

He also gave me a referral to a podiatrist to get my flat feet looked at. I'm thinking I'll be getting a new set of orthotics (custom-made arch supports) since the ones I have were made when I was 16. I think my feet have probably changed since then!!

Angela

Hi everyone!
I sure missed a lot in the last 24 hrs. Frouf - I'm with you on TOM, he can just go away and never come back. Always- hey......looks like I'm coming, but no, not yet, maybe in a couple of days, or ...........I'm gone, no, wait, I'm back................. Anyway, thought it was coming yesterday, but no. I guess it will wait until WI tomorrow. Thank you!

Trying to drink loads of water and green tea and whatever else is supposed to work. Just stuck at 160 and can't get any lower. I've been eating mostly CORE and tracking my pts., and dug out my old old food exchanges from the Freedom Plan back in 1996 and I'm journaling everything and marking everything in all three plans. I think I need to rev up my exercise. I've basically been doing the same 2 mile walk since January and maybe it's not enough. Might add in another mile on the treadmill or get some ankle weights or something..............of course today I was thinking; maybe I should just eat what I want and see if that boosts my metabolism...............

Yeah Kathy - How is Zuki?

Terry - I have a 5 yr old who loves to dust and he even does windows! ! When do you want him? :rofl:

Angela - great Dr. Appt! :goodvibes:

I should have gotten here earlier. Didn't know you were all eating right today.

Lisa

Cher, I've been trying to eat fish or seafood at least once a week. This is alot for me since I could go my whole life without eating it ever! I've met my goal for the last two weeks. Tomorrow I'm going to lunch and having a salad that has gulf shrimp in it. I'm kinda scared about gulf shrimp in Chicago but hey, whatever! A waitress that I trust says the salad is fabulous. She says the owner is very fussy. I always make friends with the Servers because they take care of you and steer you away from bad things! Of course, Jim is always rolling his eyes because I talk to strangers everywhere. Yeah...I'm the one talking to you in the grocery line, bookstore, restaurant, etc! Jim says people talk to me because I make eye contact with everyone I see. You'd never know that I worked in downtown Chicago for 30 years. I still act like a friendly little south side girl! How on earth did I get off on that tangent! I guess I'm good and rested.

Angela, you go girl! You are our poster woman for getting off the weight and exercising.

Lisa, keep up the good work and think about how excited you'll be when you get under that 160 mark! I'm fantasizing about getting below 250 which believe it or not is pre-Jim weight. That's when he gets a new wife but it'll still be me!

Just got off the treadmill. I was running late today for some goofy reason. Thought I'd check in with you guys while I was cooling down and drinking water. Talk with you all later. Is there Idol tonight?