Hot & Healthy Challenge Chicks 2/19/07 - 2/25/07
 

What is Hot & Healthy Challenge Chicks?
A bunch of us were all part of different challenges together, and when the challenges ended, we decided not to! So we all came together and decided to start a long term challenge group, and we called them the Hot & Healthy Challenge Chicks!

-Anyone can join the group no matter what your goals are or where you are in your weight loss journey.
-We are here to support each other, encourage each other, laugh together, and cry together.
-Our unified goal is to exercise, eat right (whatever diet plan we may each separately be following), and have fun!
-We encourage new members, as the more that join, the more friends we have to support us along the way!
-We only ask that you follow one teensy, tiny rule. At the beginning of each month we state what our goals are, and they can be WHATEVER YOU WANT!
Then at the end of the month we can share how well we did with our goals, etc. However, sharing at the end of the month is completely optional.

We can do this!!

Okay thought I would start the new thread for the week. My first time... Well things have settled down at work and at home. Made it through the weekend without over doing it. The first time in a while, it is probably because we didn't go anywhere or no one was at our house. My goal this week is going to increase my running and run for 28 minutes straight, it will be a challenge but I am up for it!

I muddled through the weekend...I was good (productive & organized) and I was *bad*....I ate 4 coconut macaroons........but they were good (damit)! and worth every calorie...so I'm sucking it up and cutting back today.

my tailbone is healing nicely so there is no reason not to exercise.

Sharon I'm sorry for your loss, it's hard to take care of a parent, My brother and I take turns with mama, but now my bro (only sibling) is seriously ill, dx w/an aggressive BIG C..... lately I'm the only game in town...(no wonder I *deserved* the macaroons?)

Dollie you are doing great, I try to set a little challenge for myself too. I still haven't hit the 4 hour per week goal (i've been at it for 8 weeks now). The best I've done is 3hrs. and 20 mins.....soon, soon! If I don't get off the buttisimo and start working it, I'll be embarassed later in my shorts and bathing suit.

Hi to everyone else who is MIA, they are enjoying president's day off from work?

SHaron I missed the last part of the last thread but you lost a parent? Honey I am soooo sorry! I have already lost my mom at age 52 and my dad at 65. I know how hard it it. I hope you can find peace!!! *big hugz* If ya need to talk just shoot me a pm hun!

Dolly:

Keep up the great job!

Marbles:

I am sure you deserved the coconut!

Well ladies I haven't been focusing much on cal counting or walking like I should. I am not gaining, just maintaining! With all the upset of the last few weeks I shouldn't be surprised! Two days after cps knocked at my door, the police did! The cps guy told me they cross reference and when they come to give them his card and say we are clear etc. Well the cop came the nite after valentines day. And guess what? The house was clean, the kids were clean, there was still plenty of food and I was (horror of horrors) cooking a nice pot of chili and corn bread!!!! How did that happen? Oh and I forgot, we still weren't abusing the kids!!!

hahahahahahahahhaahahahah

The cop walks in and he's like, "Something smells good!" lol

I told him I know what this is about , cps stopped already etc. He said, well I can see there is no cause for concern here but I still have to go thru the motions and talk to the kids. I said that is fine and he went and got something from the car.

It still really pisses me off being accused of "neglect" or not feeding them enough.

I almost lmao when he went and asked my 14 year old daughter who is like 285 pounds if she gets enough to eat!!!!!! Ummm hello???? hahahahahahaha

I am so far from the food neglect thing it is not funny. I not only feed them, we not only have food stockpiled, but I make ALOT of stuff from scratch every week!!!

Just in the last two weeks I have made from scratch,

Cornbread muffins
blueberry~ rasberry muffins
chocolate chip muffins
rolls
bread
choc. chip cookies
sugar cookies
meatballs
sphgetti sauce
enchilada sauce
salsa
pizza sauce
pizza dough
pizza
chili
chili beans
mayonnaise
tortillas
home made burritos and froze them

etc. I can't even think of what else. Why would I spend so much time cooking from scratch when it is so much easier and quicker to throw them convenience foods. (I am not knocking anyone who doesn't and/or who works and certainly doesn't have time)

Because I am concerned with them eating nutritious food. Cause I don't like all the trans fat and preservatives and stabilizers they put in already prepared food. We also just purchased a grain mill so that we can grind our own org. wheat so we can have it fresh and get all the nutrients possible. Did any of you know that wheat actually goes rancid 72 hours after first ground? Yep! Sheesh.

You ladies really give me alift. I know alot of you have been there, Canuk and Marbles in particular! *BIG HUGZ* and it really gives me a lift when we can all sit here and laugh about it. Marbles I am sorry you are jaded about marriage but I can understand why. I try to look to my grandma as and example. She was married and had two boys and her marr. fell thru. She picked herself back up, met and married a wonderful man and they had 3 girls, my mom the first. They were married happily for about 46-47 years before he passed on at 84. That was 11 years ago. I am so proud of my grandma and the life she lived. She always stressed healthy living and exercise and her house was always really clean. My mom was always sick when I was growing up so she was not as rigorous about stuff as my grandma, kind of like vacuum once a week but never even think to steam clean.

Anyhow. I am also very proud of my two aunts and the way the have lived as well. My Aunt M and her dh after being married 20 years or so they hit a rough patch between two jonbs and going to some college classes. He moved in with his sis for about a month. But you know what? They got counseling and they worked it out and that was years ago and they are stronger than ever now.

Marriage doesn't have to be this terrible thing. But it also takes two people who actually care and want to work on it. That is what I really love about Joe. He has taught me the value of taking care of things and fixing what is broke. And even the things we try to get, though it may sound silly, it is like building a future and basing it on something stronger that is less likely to wear down.

With my ex it seems like our relationship was characterized by disposable items. A cheap $20.00 mixer. It breaks? So what, throw it out! A cheap $50.00 vacuum. It breaks? So what, throw it out!

My ex was notorious for not knowing how to fix anything! Believe me that man could even screw up a brake job!! :lol:

Anyhow with Joe from the moment he got here he has been fixing things. If something absolutely can't be fixed we replace it of course but the big thing I am talking about here is taking great care of the things you have and getting something that has quality, not something just plain "cheap".

Like our kitchenaid mixer we got for the wedding. We did get it as a gift but we were planning on buying it if we didn't get one. That is something that when taken care of will last a long time. We also spent $1400.00 on a kirby vacuum. We are making payments on it but after 10 years of having to get a new cheap one every 6 months come on!

Anyhow that man has been fixing things since he first came. Fixing cars, he knows alot about mechanical and electrical which is a real blessing. Patching walls, fixing faucets, toilets, painting, etc. He also fixed my broken heart. :)

I just notice a huge difference with him. He takes great care of the things he has and is very organized. He is definately rubbing off on me! :lol: It has been thru his tender love and care that I have come this far. Back to caring about myself again, caring about my appearance, the house, etc. I still have a ways to go but being 204 is a huge difference from 280!!!

Anyhow. Our old stove completely broke down. The burners still work but the oven doesn't. We have been making diue for a few months with the turkey roaster oven we got after turkey day. But it is annoying and I can't even fit a real cookie sheet in there! Bread has to bake two at a time and sometimes things get too brown on the edges etc. We decided to get a brand new one and before we leave here to get a used one to leave with the house we are renting. I have never bought a brand new oven before! We also had to get a dishwasher. My mom fell on this one years ago and it still works but you have to put a stool in or it falls to the floor.

I went searching yesterday and there was a frigidaire one for $312.00 at Best buy. Simple but nice. He said delivery is 35.00 and they price match. There was also a dishwasher for $189.00 with a $40.00 gift card cause it was an open box item. Still warrantied, looks great etc though. So basically for $149.00!

I did go to lowes, home depot, a discount appliance place, the thrift store, Sears, etc.

I was thinking of the thrift store for if we move, what we will leave behind. We do not want to leave broken appliances behind. There is no way to fix the dishwasher door.

There was NOTHING at the thrift store! There was one add in the paper we called and it was a kitchenaid stove for $125.00, 10 years old!!! Allegedly it works great! *rolls eyes*

At Sears they had something for $299.00 so 10 cheaper but it was not as nice as the BB one. At home depot they had one that was really generic looking and nasty. lol 299 with 10% off so 270. But I would NOT want it. The only comparable quality wise was a sears kenmore reg 379 on sale for 329. BUT delivery would be 65.00!!! So we are talking 395.00. (they did have a special if the appliance you bought was over 400 free delivery. BUT you could not combine items to equal that amount)

All the dishwashers were 200 and up so the same as best buy

Anyhow I went back to best buy to see if he would price match the 270.00 Now mind you the stove would of been comparable btu burner wise but not looks wise. i would NOT of bought that thing even for 40.00 cheaper!

He did say the stove was already down from 329.00 at bb , down to 312 but he would be willing to go down to 300 even. Not bad. the dishwasher would of been 190 so roughly 490. BUT he also did inform me that bb was doing a special where when you spend 500 you get free delivery. So we decided 310 for stove and 190 for dishwasher would = 500 plus free delivery, if it were 300 plus 190 that would be 490, BUT we would have to spend an extra 35 for delivery so that would be 525. So we would lose 25 bux. lol SO we did it the other way plus got a free 40 gift card! Yeah!!! Not bad. Like I said the only comparable stove would of been the sears one and after delivery that would of been $395!! This one was 310!!! Hooray! I can finally bake like I want to!!! They will deliver it on wednesday!!!! I cant wait!!!

I went and got one of those sheets for the bottom of the oven, you know never clean the bottom of your oven again. lol I also got some silicone muffin pans. Anyone have those?

hey
 

Just thought I would throw in a pic while I am at it. That was one of my new skirt/blouse combos from Mervynn's.

Anyhow my arms are fat! :( *sigh*

Jasmine

Everyone else feel free to post pics of your progress as well!

and while I am at it, where the heck is Hun E B? Haven's seen her since xmas! And Jeni!!! :(

Hi Jasmine;

so sorry to hear that you are starving your children.....the X is wasting everyone's time, perhaps social services should bill him for their time and the police too! (there's a thought to stop him in his tracks).

I went without an oven for almost a year....I have a GE Profile that is about 15 years old, very nice with cast iron burners, covers, etc.....it was a freebie, my brother was remodeling and went to a smooth top...
(dontyouDAREthrowthatstoveout....justGIVEITTOME).. .mine was about 20 years old and the self cleaner had gone, etc.

I was shopping for a new stove/oven combo....and what I wanted was overkill for someone who cooks big meal once a week when we are home....I loved the stainless 5 burners grill etc....but the cat would probably wind up sleeping on it when i'm at work...(I don't need the convection combo, but of course I wanted it....they are pricey).

Fixing the igniter on the freebie stove cost me $165. with the 23.00 lightbulb and labor....the repairman told me that my stove was better than some of the new ones, as long as the computer was still functioning (it's about 15 degrees low, so i just adjust the digital thingie manually)..I used my allocated stove $$ to buy new windows for the kitchen instead & save the excess for my anticipated furnace/AC replacement.

my place is about 25 years old and I've only remodeled 1/2, the bathrooms are pathetic, but I'm taking my time and trying to make it nice....I was very happy to replace old indoor sliders with french doors in master bedroom and living room, I pickled them (whitewash stain)...they are one of my favorite looks, very spacious and I have a great wooded view.

my clothes still fit properly after my macaroon binge, but I've been doing the salad, veggies, protein light meals all week...today is split pea soup and a turkey burger...dinner (its FAT TUESDAY) should be some sauteed shrimp and rice...if I eat more baby spinach my complexion will be green!

hi to everyone else too.....hope you all are well. BBL, j.

ok, let me try the picture thing (again)

Jasmine, Have you thought about an auction for appliances. When DH and I moved to Houston we bought a house with no appliances. We couldn't afford all new ones. Someone told us the idea of going to auctions. We went to two and got all of our appliances less than five years old and they we stainless steel and beautiful. When we sold our house we included the appliances and the buyers said that was one of the main draws. Just an idea. PS I love the red hair!

SDgal, your not being whiney. I can relate to the rain, it just makes everything a mess when it comes to exercise. Hopefully your DH will get better soon too.

marbleflys, Cute picture!

I will see what I can do about a picture to share with you girls!

hi everyone im back i fell way off the wagon Valentines was my 2yr anniversary and since my hubby was in iraq for our first anniversary this one was really special and then since im in new orleans we celebrated Mardi Gras
Now that all the partying is over its time for me to get serious again my 27 b-day is in may so i have want to lose something by then

how have you guys been doing?

Good to hear you are back on track SDGal. Finding home church is hard when you are new to an area. It took DH and I along time when we moved, but know we love where we are at.

miafluker, sounds like you had lots of fun with v-day, mardi gras, and your anniversary.

Welcome back Jasmine, like I said "love those X's" I did not lose a parent, I lost my aunt, whom I was very close too, but she was 84 and had Parkinson's, my mom died of Parkinson's and complications 10 yrs ago this coming Dec. she was in her 80th year. My dad is still going strong, I actually got him out today, first time since Xmas, between first the cold, then his bad back, he was thrilled to get out, so we got him a haircut and picked up a few groceries, then I had to drop some cat food off at my daughter's, so took him, he had not seen even the outside of the house before. No one was home so left it between the doors, took dad home, made him a light dinner and he got in his chair to have a nap before the news.

Marbleflys and Jasmine, great pictures, I will post my high school one. ha ha I don't feel I have lost enough to post a picture yet.


Got on the scales and was up again, was too emotionally and physically drained to go to aqua fit today and too lazy to do my walking tapes. But did pretty good in the food department at least. SDGal, why don't you try a walking tape, I am not sure where you live, so do not know if you get a lot of rain normally or not, just a thought. Glad to hear you are back on track.

Miafluker, welcome back, you have been missed. Sure don't blame you for celebrating, if my husband had been away, I certainly would of, till the cows came home.




Marblefly, I am so sorry to hear about your brother, we have had a number of deaths in our family of cancer, my cousin died two years ago at the age of 46, she left behind 3 boys ranging from 8 to 13 sometimes it is still hard to realize she is gone, I was with her sister and mom these last few days. Sometimes I am very proud actually (mostly) of my dad, who will be 95 the end of the month, other times I get a little self conscious, as I feel bad for others who have lost loved ones much younger. I will pray for your bro. And being the only daughter, I know what it is like to pretty well be the only one to look after dad.

Stove talk, that is weird, we just had to replace the bottom element in our oven about two weeks ago. It is about 12 yrs old. I too shop around when I am buying large appliances, I bought a fridge 2.5 yrs ago with the freezer on the bottom, I bargained for it at Sears, because it was a floor model and was a milky white colour (not too popular) I got a really good deal for it and then my son and his friend picked it up, with his friends work truck that had a hydraulic lift on the back. They moved my old one downstairs (it was still working) and put the new one in place.

Dollypie, sounds like the running is going to be on this week, good for you, you will do great.

Well as it is getting late and I have to do some shopping for darling daughter's surprise birthday party tomorrow, as well as get some laundry done, I better say goodnight ladies. Here is wishing you a really good day tomorrow at work, home, food and exercise.
Sharon S. (I wonder where Sumi is? Anyone know?)

hi everyone just wanted to stop in before i get my workout in ttyl

Morning everyone! Yesterday was the beginning of Lent and my challenge and I already messed up! LMAO I had a diet Coke at Waffle House but it's alright because I was eating out with my BFF Nikki who had to stop eating after midnight cause she's going into surgery today. She's having her gallbladder removed. She had a awful nicotine fit which was funny to me because she just started going off about little things like boys who wear sagging pants and such. And Nikki's a funny girl so my sides were aching.

Hi everyone;

I see that both Jasmine and Sumi are MIA...they must have an exciting life? Sharon, i have a fridge with bottom freezer....My Akita loved it (he passed last year) he would stand there every time I opened the door....it's typical, I live alone and have a fridge/freezer big enough to hold 3 adult bodies...why, I don't know, my brother talked me into buying it. Most of my kitchen appliances are stainless and or black, I have a white/green ceramic tile floor, white wooden shutters on the pic window bottom and celery color ceiling molding....my washer/dryer is in the kitchen in a separate closet, they are just plain old-style white...I love the new LG fancy colors.

I've had a so-so week, needed to force myself to exercise and got lazy....I read back through my journal and that was the kick I needed. I revved up the morning coffee and switched my workouts so I'm more motivated. The weather has warmed up a bit to the high 40s and 50. My mom is 87 and she really perks up in good weather....yesterday she was outside trimming bushes in her garden....shes s/p fracture in her femor last year and has amazingly bounced back both physically and mentally, but I'm still doing the bulk of work. Before bro got ill, he took care of everything except medical needs (my department)...luckily my mother lives local so I have a minimal commute after work.....but i am pooped by 8PM...I hope I can stay awake for Greys Anatomy tonight.

On the UPSIDE, my pants are loose and there is a noticably smaller abdomen, waist and BACKFAT is almost gone...I'm glad i force myself to do push-ups, my arms are worthy of a tank-top. (almost).

what is new with everyone else?

Hi everybody,

Sorry Jasmine that the ex is still bothering you. One day it will come back to bite him. I, too, went without an oven. It worked poorly for 3 years. It would burn 1/2 a pizza and the other side would be frozen! I had to constantly rotate any food I put in there. I finally was able to get on at Sears. It was a floor model but it works very well. The delivery was horrible and took three days longer than promised but I got $60 off. Really cool picture!

Sharon - I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt. Losing a loved one under any circumstance is so difficult. :(

Marbleflys - I love loose pants! Huge congrat!!:carrot: Loved the picture!

SDgal - I don't like walking in the rain either.

Miafluker - Glad to see you back!

Jasonslea - I'm so glad you found a place to live. You've been missed!

Boy I must be tired tonight, I read my last entry and thought no one had posted today at all, needless to say I then pushed page 2, dah dah

Marbleflys, congrats on the loose pants, that is such a great feeling. Your Mom sounds like my Dad, that is what keeps them going is being busy. I am sorry it is all up to you to look after her and your worn out by 8pm. That is not the nice part, I love my Dad for his great sense of humor, he cracks me up all the time. And it is such a relief he is doing better, especially with my surgery coming up. We only live three streets apart, my dh is great with him most times. My dad is a very kind and giving man as well.

I have some exciting news, I have been so worried about my son and this girl he is with, it has all but drove me to distraction all day, every day. I have been after my husband to talk to him after he made some comments to him about all women being moody and miserable. Just to let him know he has it so wrong, all women are not like that. He finally admitted tonight things are not going very well, everything is about her and what she wants, nothing about him. I know my son and even his personallity changed, he was so sober and very rarely cracked a smile. He was brought up for the most part with fun and laughter and tricks played on him and him playing them on others, he has a heart of gold and would give 110% to every aspect of a relationship. So I pray and will ask you's to do so too, that he finally get the heck out of there and get some fun and laughter back in his life.

Thanks Stopeating for the condolences.

SDGal, your welcome, the tapes and dvds come in handy in our very cold climate for me anyhow. What a great and nice thing you came up with for lent, instead of giving up something, give something, I really love it.

Hi Miafluker, hope the workout was good.

Today was a busy one here in the house, I folded a little laundry, dh did the rest, then vac down the stairs, some of the rec room and the laundry room, then vac. the kit. bath. and bedroom as well as the living room, dining room and hallways. I cleaned the bathroom and some of the kitchen, did dishes twice and made supper. But did no formal exercise. Aquafit tommorrow which I am looking forward too. Eating was pretty good, should of got more fruit and water in though. There is always tommorrow right girls.
Well good night, have a good one tomorrow as well.
Sharon S.

I decided to *treat* myself today....I placed an order from Collage Video for BillyBlanks new Tae-Bo amped series with the 3# mini-body-bar...I watched the informercial today,...(oooh it looked very kung-foo with the bar, I could play Jet Li)!
went to HIS website where they wanted to charged me $21.90 for SHIPPING....are they INSANE? Collage was $7.99 (although the price was a bit higher) and I ordered another DVD (billys celebrity sculpt) and a 4# body bar....These bars can do double duty....I can thump the BF on his head when he misbehaves...

it's so windy here in Jerzey today, I could fly.....

Go Marble, go Marble.. you go girl. LOL

Hi everyone.

Hope you have great plans for the weekend. I'm going to be bad because my dh just arrived with chinese food. I haven't had it in ages! I love Columbo movies and I think I will watch one tonight with my plate of food. Sweet & Sour chicken here I come. :D

SDgal - I do love Lean Cuisines. My favorites are the pizza and panini's.
We had a sale of $1.50 each. I bought enough for a month and just recently ran out. I'm waiting for another sale.

I don't have too many issues with back fat, but boy do I have the thunder thighes! I have a terrible time finding pants that fit and look right!:o

I hope everyone is doing well!

I don't have to worry about back fat, it just goes with the rest of the body, which is fat.

Stopeating, enjoy that Chinese food you deserve it after how hard you work and the hours you put in!

I have alot of video's and dvd's, I have a whole set of the Pilates one's and I don't use them very much at all. Arm and knee prevent most. And when I hear you girls talking about weights and bands it makes me angry, I wish I did not have these body issues. I did not go to Aquafit today either, I did not get up in time, read to late last night, feeling guilty about that. I know as well that it will be a bad weekend as it is my daughter's birthday party, lots of snacks and dips (I know I am making three, as well as the birthday cake) and next weekend is my Dad's birthday party. But I am determined to get to aquafit next week as it will be the last week for a while as I will have a cast on. But at least I didn't eat much for a few days after the last operation, hopefully that will help!

It was lovely and sunny today, still cold though, snow is melting slowly.

Thanks for the compliment SDGal, I think you have me beat though. Your going to lose some working on that kitchen and painting, even without dvd's. What colour are you using? I love Lean Quisine as well, a little more expensive here, even on sale, usually $1.99

Marbleflys, I have never heard of BillyBlanks, I do have a dvd with Tai Chi, from a class I took, no one famous. But don't know anything about weight bars etc. with Tae-Bo, where did you find this? It sounds pretty neat, you really have to shop around, don't you. Good for you, I am sure it will help with your fitness routine.

Well my friends, I better go and try and get some decent sleep, it will be a busy day and evening tomorrow. Sure hope we have pulled off this Surprise for my daughter. (I did not mean I am baking the cake, just have to remember to pick it up). Need to go make a list before bed or I will forget what I have to shop for and pick up. Suppose to have another storm tonight, hope it is not a bad one.

Have a great day tomorrow and will talk to you again, probably Sunday.
Take care all. Sharon S.

SDGal - Looks like we have the same idea. Just got back from Lowe's. We've been working on my son's room for two months - a slow but sure process. Just bought a ceiling fan and 5 x 7 area rug. Picked up a desk on clearance at Staples - all glass. My son wants his room to look like a science lab so everything is stainless steel and glass. We have a big winter storm on the way so I thought it would be a good day to work on the room. Maybe I could even exercise...it's only been a month. :( Shame on me!

Sometimes I think there must be this wave of energy that we girls have, I washed down the bath tub area and ceiling today and was thinking how the ceiling needs to be re-painted, actually the whole bathroom. I was luck enough to get my sister-in-laws shower curtains, mats and even some towels when she moved, they would not match either of her bathrooms. And my daughter was talking tonight about re-doing there kitchen and painting through out there house. I knew you were working on painting the kitchen SD Gal, but did not know you were doing over your son's room Stopeating. Funny how these things go.

Well tomorrow morning I have my pre-op for my arm operation, I don't know why, but feel a little nervous, silly really.

I finally got to Aquafit this morning and ate well today, did not do too bad with the water either. So feel good, now if I can just keep it up for the rest of the week.

My daughter's surprise party went great, she did not have a clue. Now just get my Dad's done on Sunday and we will be away, thank-goodness he is feeling better.

Have a good day tomorrow everyone.
Sharon S.

I can't believe not one person posted after me last night. Oh well, guess everyone is busy.

Went to pre-op today, it was okay, don't know anything more now, than I did yesterday. Mainly for bloodwork etc. making sure your healthy and I passed.

Weighed in today at 229, finally back to it, it would be nice to keep going down, will see what tomorrow brings. Did good with food and water today, did 30 mins. exercise. I got my ball out again and did some sit ups, will do another 15mins. before bed. Aquafit tomorrow as well.

Have a good one ladies.
Sharon S.

Hi Sharon;

I'm in the middle of exams for my group of darlings...it's been a busy week and now I have a new batch of students...

Hope your surgery goes well and you recover quickly....my exercise plan is currently on hold...I'm over worked, stressed and I think I am coming down with this damn nasty virus that is affecting many of us...(its like the Cruise Ship virus)...one of the Trauma docs. had it and was sitting in my office for 1/2 hour the other day, breathing my air.....I'm toughing it out at work so far, but I'm feeling dizzy and really NAUSEATED...(or maybe I have sympathy nausea for my brother who is sitting in chemo right now)?

I'll talk to everyone sooner or later.....don't forget about me!

hi everyone, I need to catch up here :) My Internet went kaput for a while but I am staying on plan still. I am a bit frustrated since I am not LOSING. I went to a hematologist and they quadrupled my iron intake, I started at 150 went to 300 and now he upped me to 1300! I am hoping that it is all just because the iron is clogging up my system. I go down back up down and so forth, and really it seems I am losing at a rate of 1/2 lb a week, where the numbers show I should be at 1 1/2 lbs a week. I feel like lowering down to 1200 and really sticking to that number, but I know I shouldnt. I have been averging about 1500 calories lately. And still no loss, and no gain either.

Oh one thing that I am so so so stoked about is I am eating 5 small meals a day. Each one is about the same calories and I am SO much more satisfied, I totally avoid cravings and go to bed thinking that I ate, instead of knowing I am on a diet LOL I have only been seriously doing it for about 3 days and am trying to keep each meal around 250 but they are usually a little more here and there so I am still getting in about 1400 calories.

I started Power 90 and today is day 3. So I am hoping that will help alot on the calories. Maybe my body is on strike because I dont use it and is using passive resistance by not losing without exercise.

ok I need to read, also is this the current thread? I was confused by the dates :) --Sumi

Sharon - I hope surgery goes well. You have so much on your plate! I was thinking about your daughter's surprise party this weekend and I had hoped it went off well. Have you told her about your surgery? Now that she had her party, maybe she can be supportive of you.

Sumisan - So glad to hear from you! Don't get discourage, a lost is a lost no matter what. (But I do know what you mean). I have to give myself these pep talks all of the time. I don't know much about iron but that sounds like a ton! I don't know why someone needs so much, but whatever it is I hope it works. You are on the right thread, it just gets quiet at times.

Marbleflys - I'm sorry you're not feeling well during such a hectic time. That cruise virus is suppose to be really nasty so don't let it get to bad before seeing a doctor. I'm not sure what grade you teach, I just had conferences today for my senior and I don't think I envy their job! ;)

Okay where is everybody at??? Jasmine, SDgal I hope you're doing okay.

Hi all, Sumi so glad to hear from you, you were missed. I was worried you were sick as it seemed to be just after your procedure that we stopped hearing from you. Glad your back and fine and don't worry about the ups and downs, that seem's to be how I go too. Just like Stopeating say's a loss is a loss.

Thank-you both Marbleflys and Stopeating for you good wishes for Monday.

Marbleflys, I am sorry you are not well, I have heard about that flu and it really does sound bad. I am sorry your brother has to go through all the chemo stuff, it is really nasty, my cousin went through it. I will say some
pray's for him. And you should get home and get to bed and be careful driving, feeling the way you are.

Stopeating, I am also wondering where everyone is. I agree with you about being a teacher, I don't think they ever get enough praise or thanks or help. We have a few in the family.

No I still am not telling my daughter, I talked to her fiance yesterday and he has her birthday off as well, so I told him to have fun and keep her busy, then they will come for supper here for 5pm. my hubby and son should be back from the hospital and the lasagna is made, just has to be thawed and cooked a little more, as well as do garlic bread. Anyhow that will be time enough for her to know. My son has taken the day off to spend with us at the hospital, then here afterwards, she was there last time, I can live with that.

We are having so much fun with telling my Dad this party on Sunday is for my daughter. Last night we were at my brother's for dinner for my Dad's offical birthday, on the way home Dad is asking me what he should get for my daughter for her birthday, then today, at the store, I said I was going to pick up a card, he said "Get one for me too, for your daughter". If I get through all this, and all the lies I have told, I will be surprised if I don't end up downstairs, if you get my meaning.

Well we are having a real blizzard, snow, freezing rain, wind, sure glad I am in here nice and warm. I only pray we don't lose power. It was the first night, my girlfriend and I were getting together to go out for supper in ages, looks like that will be put off for awhile.

I will check back later, I have to go write an E-mail reminding everyone of Dad's party and the time etc. Hope by then Jasmine and SDGal have checked in.

Take care and feel better to the sick ones.
Sharon S.

Oh yes, I finally got down two more pounds. Sumi that has taken me weeks! So do not despair.