Well is everyone on vacation? Not me until friday then off to camp. On the healthier life style I have some good news my new insurance through work is giving us a choice to have 300.00 a yr. towards a gym membership or the new eye surgery. I would like the eye surgery but in the end I hear its around 2,000. So I think having my gym membership will be the best choice. I currently have a membership which is only 15 a month but the trouble is the gym got closed in my areas so its not convient. I am going to ck out a few different ones and see what they have to offer. I woke up pretty sore this morning with the back pain. And it isn't nice. I know I have to do something with that. I have been walking more within the last few days and I feel good about that. Well hope you all come back soon kind of lonely here all by my lonesome self. Had a good start to my day with grapenuts and fresh wild berries, flaxseed toast.

No, I'm still here! Monday was actually the opposite of vacation, and I scrambled around from one thing to the other like a ball in a pinball machine. I try to work out most mornings, but looking at my calendar I see that Monday AMs are the hardest, so unless I know that I will have other time challenges during the week, I'm going to forgive myself if I don't manage a workout on Monday mornings!

Marie, you can only keep up a stiff upper lip for so long! You have been phenomenal trooper with surgeries and accidents (your own and canines). I've admired how you've embraced walking, even running, swimming, biking, skiing...you even whine in a disciplined way :hug:. Be kind to yourself now and this rash of ailments will pass, and you'll be good as new.

Carol, most of my soups used chicken broth. I used the lower sodium canned stuff, but when I roast a turkey over the holidays (which is kinda nutty for a single woman, I know!), I make up a big vat of turkey broth and freeze it. These particular soups don't have much of a recipe, but I usually throw in diced tomatoes, yellow and/or zucchini squash and some kind of protein. This week's protein: tofu. Stop making faces, it actually turned out really well.

And just a reminder: we've been asked not to post in big unbroken chunks of text, but to use punctuation and paragraphs. It is easier for us all to read and to follow each other's train of thoughts this way.

Emma, I know you feel good about your weight loss! :carrot: I'm usually in the opposite position, weighing less at home than in an office. Good luck on following that up with another big loss.

I did a cardio/weight workout this morning. We're having a field trip this afternoon, to see the new Leonardo DeCaprio movie (it's in line with my job). It's a matinee, so I should be full from my lunch meeting (I will have a big salad). But I packed some sliced sweet bell peppers, grape tomatoes and almonds, just so I can munch along with everybody else :corn:

I've been solidly on program, and really, really, REALLY wanting to lose a couple more pounds this week.

judy

Emma - Congrats on the weight loss :woohoo:. You're doing fantastic! I'd definitely go with your dietician's scale - usually it's the other way around. I have two digital scales and use the one which always shows 1 lb. lower :dizzy:. Have you changed anything major in your eating habits?

Carol - I've been eating more flax lately too. I grind some up and chug it down every morning mixed with milk or water. I also bought some flax/raisin/sunflower seed cereal but only have a tiny portion because it's high in calories. It's yummy though and I'd rather have that than a piece of cake (much healthier too). My 20 grain bread also has flax in it. Flax is supposed to be a good cancer preventive (especially breast cancer) and it's also great for keeping me regular :o.

Sorry to hear your back is still acting up. Take it a bit easy with the exercise till it gets better. I was overdoing some of my yoga poses and messed up my hip and so I took a few days off from yoga and it's much better. Now I'm skipping the poses that hurt my hip.

Judy - Let us know if you liked the movie. I'm not a big fan of Leo but I'd go see it if it's a good film. Good for you packing some healthy snacks to take along. It sounds like you're eating very healthy with all those good veggies and soups.

I'm still on track food-wise but should be doing more exercise. I'm afraid of overdoing it and wrecking my hip, foot or back before my trip to England in in a couple of weeks. I'm still working out 3 times a week at Curves and doing a bit of gentle yoga at home.

I've been eating a few Lean Cuisine meals, which I haven't done for years. They've improved a lot with healthier ingredients and they taste better with lots more choices. I like it that I don't have to do any figuring out of calories and I always add an extra veggie.

I feel thinner, so I'm hoping to report a loss on Friday. My new pants are too loose - not sure if they've stretched out or if I'm getting slimmer in the waist. I need to take my measurements as I haven't done that in months.

Marie, Nikki and Jennelle - I hope you're doing ok.

Boo, no movie today! One of my co-workers has to deal with an illness in her family, so we'll try again next month. The movie is a documentary called the 11th Hour, which DeCaprio helped bankroll and narrate.

I'm also a flaxseed fan. I grind it in a coffee mill and use it in smoothies or atop cottage cheese. I have been making salad dressing with half virgin olive oil and half flaxseed oil.

Penny, hooray for loose waistbands :cloud9:. you are figuring out a fitness program that works around your challenges. I just picked up my sneakers from Curves :(. I just haven't been motivated to go, and it doesn't make sense to spend money on something I can't talk myself into using regularly. I hope that the folks at the physical therapy place can recommend a personal trainer who will help me with a routine using the weight machines in my apartment building. The other guy was nice, but he gave me his standard routine, which only used two of the machines.

Carol, I've heard that for chiropractic, it's all about who you go to. So it helps most to get a recommendation from someone you know.

Okay, back to work!

judy

Hi all, definitely no vacation. The start of school is next week and the teachers returned to work yesterday and today. The tech's phones are ringing off the hook - luckily mine is a bit quieter. But busy, busy, busy.

I think Penny was right on with the PMS making the pain worse this weekend. The TOM came and PMS left and I feel better. Not great but better. Thanks for letting me whine the other day.

Today I have to bring Bliizie back to the vet. Her foot is getting worse again. It's so frustrating. And because it's open again I didn't take the doggies out for a walk this morning. I slept in. Oh lazy me. :)

Emma, way to go on the weight loss. You're doing great!!! Maybe inspiration will come my way. I can hope right???

Penny, loose waistbands are divine. Excellent job. Definitely don't push it with exercise before your trip. I do think I'm going to start the yoga idea soon as my balance is getting worse and I should get at it before ski season.

My new bike helmet should be here soon. I bought a pretty pink one. I hated my gray one and sort of avoided wearing it biking (alwasy wore it rollerblading) and I didn't have it on when I went over the handle bars. So I bought a pretty in pink one.

Carol, I had the lasik eye surgery done 7 years ago. Best $4500 I ever spent. Defnintely, without a doubt. I know my vision for close-up is starting to change from age and that's not fixable but distance is so nice.

Carol, I agree with Judy on the chiropractor - a recommendation is the only way to go. I did try on last year and it was a bust but I know others that swear by it.

Judy, you go chickie. You are doing so great. Motivate me too!!!! Good luck finding a personal trainer. It's probably like the chiropractor idea - recommendations.
Marie

Carol ~ I agree with Marie, lasik eye surgery is definitely worth it! I was scared to death of the idea, I kept imagining my self walking out of the clinic blind! but omg, I can't imagine myself still wearing those ugly thick glasses! I say go for the lasik surgery if you are a candidate.

Judy ~ Hope you get the motivation to work out! Sorry you didn't make it to the movie :( Hope the personal trainer thing works out for you. sometimes we do need some one to push us through workouts.

Penny ~ yay for the loose pants! we're waiting to hear about the losses on Friday. Go easy on the exercise, wouldn't want to miss that trip to England. Sounds exciting!

Marie ~ I'm glad you're feeling better today. Yay for the new helmet!, pink, sounds cute. Hope your doggy gets better :(

I've been doing alright on food. Been slacking on exercise for the past 3 days but got on the treadmill yesterday and did 30 minutes, and 10 minutes on elliptical. Will try to do 60 minutes today :running:

Nikkie & Jennelle ~ hope you guys are doing okay!

:dust:

Morning all, just a quick note since I have 3 inservices to teach today and I'm not quite prepared (nothing new). Food yesterday was bad. Yep, just plain bad but I do admit I really enjoyed the strawberry shortcake. DH picked the strawberries right before dinner and they were so yummy. Today I will be better. Actually that shouldn't be hard to beat...

I used the treadmill this morning for 1.5 miles. Blizzie is ok, but the walks on the dirt roads are over till her paw heals. So Kody just gave me the sad doggie face this morning as I walked and he didn't. Poor doggie.

Emma, I think if we shook you and me in a box, we'd come out with one of us being a losing success. You've go the food under control and I've got the exercise. Hmm, how do we get both of us consistently good on both????
Marie

Nikki and Jennelle, I hope that you are both doing well.

Re lasik: I was told a few years ago that I wasn't a great candidate, but the technology has improved so much, maybe that's changed. I know several happy lasik folks. I've worn glasses and contacts for so long I can't imagine not needing them. The idea of the surgery is creepy, tho.

I slept a little late this AM, so I pulled out my rowing machine and puffed away for 15 minutes. I will either row more tonight or go by the fitness center for more cardio (I need at least 45 minutes at least 4 days/week). The eating's still on program, and I've stuck with it long enough that I'm not always needing my planned snacks :D. Me and the Coach are hanging in there--this is the longest I've been able to force myself to track my food in some time, so I am pleased to have gotten over that hump.

Anyone up for supporting each other in a new short-range challenge? I'd love to discover 215 by October 8 (Columbus Day). That might help me through a wedding and other events, mega-stress at work, and at least two trips out of town.

judy

Judy I need a challenge also so I will be with you on this one. I am still checking into a new gym or the YMCA.

Marie the helmet sounds wonderful in pink and people will beable to spot you.
Sometimes we fall off our foods a bit I think its normal to slip just don't slip to far is the main thing. Good luck with making healthy choices today.

Penny Congrats on the loose pants thats great. Lots of hard work and I also have a hip problem which is causing my back issue. I am also going to try and sleep in the other room on a firmer bed and see how that goes. Maybe I will have to get a new mattress. Time will tell. Hope your feeling better soon and I am going to give yoga a try as well just with a video for now.

Emma thanks for the info. And we all have a day or so off being off track the thing as I said is not to stay off. Your doing so well overall remember that to.

I am off camping this weekend and hope I feel okay for it all. The doc said kayaking is great exercise just watch lifting for right now. I liked the chiropractor he seems very knowledgeable. Some of the things he said I knew were true such as one leg a bit shorter etc. cause I had been told that years ago. I guess for me its more that I twisted myself lifting pellets last August and now need to get things back where they belong. We'll see how it goes. Work is good very busy one girl is leaving and not the one I would personally of liked to go. But for this young lady its going to be a good move for her more income etc. So I am happy for her sad for the dept she knows her stuff.
Last night I ate clams not sure how good they are for me but really tasty. I did them in the microwave they were better than steamed flavor wise.
Well take care everyone and I will have to decide what my goal will be for October Judy but I will think of it.

Judy - I hope you find a good PT. They can really help with good form and also giving you a personalized program. I'll join you on your challenge! I'll go for 3 lbs. Doesn't sound like much, but I want to be realistic, especially as I'm going to England next month and it will be harder to keep track of my calories. Especially with Mum force-feeding me cream puffs! :lol:

Marie - I'm glad your pain eased up a little. It's not whining - I prefer to call it "venting". I like how I can share my ups and downs here - I find that my other friends expect me to be "up" all the time and not put a damper on our get-togethers. When I vent to my husband it seems to fall on deaf ears - I just think a lot of guys just don't have the empathy gene!

I have one friend I can really confide in but she often suffers from severe depression and I'm afraid to make her feel worse. Somehow there is a different atmosphere here on this thread and we all understand how important it is to "vent". So vent away whenever you feel the need!

Carol - I went to a chiropractor for a while for a back problem. It helped a bit but even more so when he sent me to a very good masseuse who did deep tissue massage.

I also have one leg which is a tad shorter and this is also what caused my problem. I got orthopedic inserts for my shoes, but don't wear them because I found them uncomfortable.

A new mattress really helped my hip. Our old mattress was very firm. We got a new one with a puffy top layer and it made a big difference.

Jennelle - Good for you keeping on track!

Nikki & Emma - I hope you are doing well.

I'm feeling a bit down and haven't been sleeping - got 2 hours last night :tired:. I've been worrying about our son, who found he has borderline lead levels on a blood test. What's normal is 0-25 and he is at 25. It's probably due to his competition shooting which he loves doing and will never give up. He's going to try out for National competition next year and may even get a sponsor as he's very good at it.

It's just a fluke that he got tested as his architechtural firm is doing renovation work on the old State Capitol building which has leaded paint in it and they wanted anyone who will visit the building pre tested for lead. It's so frustrating knowing that there's nothing I can do or say to make him give it up. All he can do is take precautions, but the levels may continue to go up anyway. I did a web search about lead poisoning and it's very scary. Thanks for letting me "vent". I'll just have to accept what I can't change.

Penny, that's very scary with your son. Perhaps when he practices he could load with gloves and use a mask? Gee, I don't know but thought I'd throw it in. I know whatyou mean about venting with the depressed. I don't do it either. BTW, did you get your orthotics from a podiatrist? I literally couldn't walk without mine and it might be cood with the short leg problem to revisit the issue with a good podiatrist.

Carol, eeks a harder bed. DH and I tried that once and we were both miserable. We went back to water and I love it. I guess we've been friends a while, I remember the pellet incident. I'm glad the dr. was good.

Judy, you're just cruisin' and I'll join you on your goal. I will weigh in tomorrow and then by Columbus Day I will lose 5 pounds. You're on, chickie!!!!

I made a orthopedist appt today for my knee. My friend who recommended the dr. said it takes a month to get in. But apparently a cancellation and I will go next Thursday. Since my wrist will still be in a splint, I'm waging that'll be x-rayed too. :)

I treadmilled again this morning and I need to start logging everything again. So I will put my morning's food in and be on top of that.

Back to work. :(
Marie

Yikes, I'm being taken over by a demon who wants to eat junk! I did a cardio/weights workout this morning, and have been eating as planned, but I just had some potato chips and now I'm obsessing over carbs. I splashed some OJ into a liter of water (it looks and tastes like Tang :lol:) but that's not doing it. I had the same problem yesterday afternoon. I guess my body is stepping up its revolt against losing weight, so I need to change my tactics accordingly.

Carol, it's good that you found a chiropractor so soon! It's great that you aren't letting this issue keep you from having fun in a kayak. I love steamed clams (and all other seafood) but I never thought of nuking them.

Penny, you will have so much fun when you go back home! My mum's version of stuffing me is heading directly to the grocery store as soon as I get into town, and figuring out which restaurants we'll go to for which meals. Re your son: lead poisoning is scary, but I am glad that it's been discovered before it's popped up as a problem.

Marie, I'm glad that you have a dr's appointment next week. Your doggies will be happy to be back in their normal routines! It sounds like several of us are dealing with our aches and pains lately.

Okay, so I think it's safe to step away from my desk now! Thanks for being here.

judy

Marie ~ I'm glad that you are feeling better. Its great that you are getting someone to look at your wrist! Hope the doggies are doing okay, you'll soon be back on track with your exercise, just hang in there and take it easy. I'm planning to log as well, it worked for me before and helped me balance out things :hug:

Judy ~ Yay for the exercise. OMG that demon visits me sometimes and unfortunately I give in, specially afternoons and evenings! Did you try to eat less but more frequently, like six mini meals a day? might help. I'm in for the challenge btw, just need to think about my goal for then, will post later.

Carol ~ camping sounds fun, love the outdoors! your dr sounds good, hope your back feels better soon. hate losing good people at work, its been happening where I work a lot. I hate the part where you have to get to know the new person coming in and training etc.

Penny ~ that scary, its good that he got tested and diagnosed. I think all you can do now is get him to take precautions and get more frequent tests. you are always welcome to vent here, I usually don't vent with my friends who are down or have depression issues too. But we're all ears here :hug:

Nikke & Jennelle ~ hope you get the chance to post updates on your progress etc.

Yesterday was a completely 'off' day for me, I binged & didn't exercise ugh! I've decided to start logging like Marie and will log any binging or off track meals in a different color.
I'm off work today so will do some exercise in the morning and probably later in the evening too, will keep me away from the fridge.

~ Emma

Penny sorry to hear the news about your son. I am not familiar with that too much either. Never a dull moment. Hopefully they can give him something to reduce it. Or prevent it from increasing. Is it from his building or his hobby? Or I guess a mixture of both. Sometimes its hard to give up something we love and for him it sounds very important and who knows if he stops is it really going to make a huge difference if not he should do what makes him happy. I will say a prayer for him. Thinking of you! Your goal is realistic.

Marie he seems really good and I can already lift my legs in the a.m. higer than I could for awhile and I have only had two visits. He said that I have had progress so far and I think he's right. I can only hope to even feel better and its worth every cent so far. My brother says most people have a shorter leg? Who knows? Anyone else here got one they know of? At any rate all my siblings seem to have a bit of a hip issue. Marie good choice for a goal!

Judy I am telling you that nuking those clams is wonderful and for a quick nice dinner why not? Salad on the side etc. I only wish I had saved the juice from their little shells to make clam chowder next time I will. If you do them do not add any water to the batch when you cook them. Just rinse them super good put them on a lipped plate and do about a doz. for 7min. or til they open. Good with nothing on them. We all get taken over sometimes its not easy trying to make a health difference for ourselves.

Emma camping is fun and I love the outdoors and taking walks, kayaking, sitting by the campfire etc. I think our weather is to be beautiful and it will be a lovely weekend. The kayak is already on top of the car all I need to do is get ready this a.m. go pay a few bills and we are off. Feel free to vent here at times we all need to. Sometimes I just need to get on here and touch base it helps me from over eating.

I am cutting up some veggies and taking a little lite dip, baked chips and salsa and some fruit etc. so when everyone else is having something great so can I. This weekend I will burn off calories but at the same time I could really burn off some wt. if I am a good girl. I will try and my goal is 4lbs. for Columbus Day challenge. Lets go girls!!!! We can Do it!!! Have a super weekend Nikki hope your doing well too!!

Marie - I hope the orthopedist has some good ideas for your knee. Good thing you could get in fairly soon with the cancellation. Also, it's a good idea to get your wrist checked out - just in case you have a small fracture.

Judy - Tell that junk food demon to get lost :rollpin: :devil:. When your body rebels against your new plan, eat some healthy low cal snack. So long as you keep track it won't do any damage. Also, if you're cutting back very drastically you may get more cravings. I've found that just cutting back a couple of hundred calories a day on a regular basis will get things moving in the right direction

Emma - Sorry you've had an "off" day, but there are 365 days in a year and a few "off" days won't make a big difference as long as you jump right back on the wagon! Logging is a great idea - even just jotting down a running total of calories helps.

Carol - You are so creative with your food! Clams are great and low call too!
I hope your back is feeling better.

Jennelle - Hope everything is fine with you.

Nikki - We're all thinking of you and hoping you're ok.

Thanks, everyone, for your good wishes for my son. I've decided to just accept the fact that he is ultimately the one to decide - if I nag him that will only drive a wedge between us and I sure wouldn't want that. He has promised to take some precautions, although he'd never wear a mask while practicing (a macho thing you know).

There's no possible way he'd give up his shooting competitions which involves a lot of practicing. I'll leave it up to God. Thanks for your prayers Carol. He's always lived life to the fullest and is a bit of a risk-taker, having got his scuba certification when he was 12 and always takes the double black diamond ski runs! He's also full of fun and laughter - a wonderful son. I need to live in the moment (as in the great book by Ekhard Tolle) and not waste my life worrying.

As for me - good news - I'm down a pound :carrot:.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Hi all, just a quick note as it's time to pack for the mini trip to the LA area. DH and I are meeting DS1 in Sen Bernardino tomorrow then are going to the NASCAR race on Sunday. Then driving back on Monday. I'm not bringing a computer so I'll be posting again on Tuesday.

BTW, DS1's new company just laid off 1/3 of their employees - DS1 being one of them. He didn't like it so all is good. So on Monday he's driving back with us. Almost DIL and DGS will be soooooo happy.

Penny, down a pound!!!!! All RIGHTTTTT. Great job. You are doing so great. I know about risk taker sons. DS2 is one - just gotta let them do their thing. Not the easiest motherly task, but one we're both resigned too.

Carol, enjoy the camping. The snacks sound good for you. Me - I've packed Oreos, moose munch, lemon cookies, cantaloupe. See - one good for me thing. I also will find a few others. I eat my way across driving trips and it's the only way the ADHD monster stays at bay. So if I gain a pound, so be it - I'll need to lose 6 instead of 5 for the challenge.

Judy, the monster moved West and is now in my house. Scat, I tell you. Scat. How do we rid ourselves of this deamon????]

Emma, I hope today is going better than yesterday food wise. Penny's right, there are many days in a year so you'll be right back at it.

Well, time to pack. I did walk on the treadmill yesterday and today - 1.5 miles each time. I propelled across my pool yesterday for a little over 1/8 mile but since I can't swim at the moment, that's all my body could take. It was nice though.
Marie

Arrgh, I woke up this morning totally congested, a full-fledged sinus problem jumped out of nowhere and attacked me! Never a dull moment. Speaking of which, on Friday I learned that I have new torn cartilage in my knee (this is probably what happened earlier this summer). So instead of physical therapy, all I'm supposed to do for a while is ride the boring exercise bike for 30 minutes most days, and maybe throw in a little ellipitical trainer at a low resistance. And avoid stairs as much as possible. With any luck, I will be able to avoid more knee surgery. I'm going to continue to do my low-impact aerobics, too. So much for learning challenging new routines on the weight machines.

This has all taken the wind out of my sails the past few days. I know I won't be at 220 by tomorrow morning :(. Oh, well. We will carry on!

Marie, I hope your trip goes well. Maybe you can leave the monster in desert or in the mountains along the way.

Penny, yaay on the lost pound :cheer2:.

Emma, I do eat several small meals...maybe too many, I feel like I'm grazing all the time. I have had trouble this past week sticking to my planned snacks.

Okay, I need to work on my attitude, and pronto.

judy

Ugh, I hate month-end reports, was too busy to post. Got my exercise in yesterday and food was okay, planning to exercise today as soon as I get home. I'm off work and will be out of town for 5 days will have to work hard to stay on plan and get my exercise in but I'm excited, I really need the time off :D

Carol ~ Your snacks sound yummy, will try to make some of my own for the trip.

Penny ~ Yay for 1 pound down! you're right 356 days one day shouldn't make a big difference:p

Marie ~ Hope you're having fun in LA. Sorry to hear about your son, that's really bad that the company is laying off 1/3 of their employees. We had a similar cut last year, lost a lot of good colleagues :(

Judy ~ Wow, judy that's really bad. I hope your knee gets better, just take it easy. :hug:

~ Emma

Camping was great sleeping of course is always a little off. But lots of exercise and for the most part good choices with foods. Lots of fruit and I even took little scallops and grilled them for a snack before dinner time. Put them on skewers over the wood fire. Lots of great kayaking so lots of exercise there then hiking. Lots of bird watching also saw some cranes huge ones, 2 swan families, geese, golden bald eagle and hawks. Some of the kayaking was tough due to some winds but just a little more effort. I feel great this morning accept for my body still is giving me some issues but it is getting better. Kayaking was super! The hubby is also enjoying it which is so great to see him active with something fun and enjoyable.

Penny congrats to you! That is wonderful. I am hoping to lose some this week and I feel good and on track. A few little oops but not bad nothing to regret at this time. I am hoping for a good choice week.

Judy I also had that knee problem but had to get it replaced as mine was too far gone. So good luck and try your best to follow the doc's directions maybe you can avoid surgery. At least with biking you can ride and read or listen to a book or something??? Got to find some good in it. I am going to start exercising good this week as I figure I already have a great base after this weekends activities. Still looking for a gym.... Think I will ask for a week free to figure out what I like maybe they will let me?

Marie did I miss something what or who moved in with you? Hope your trip was fun and a few extra snacks to make a happier you isn't a bad that once in awhile. As you said just a little more to take off and for a good cause this time. I like licorce for long trips normally red. Just a thing we did with the kids.
Hope the trip was fun.

Emma being out of town is never easy but you will be okay. Just remember to do some walking or exercise of some sort it always helps to balance our extras during these times. Well I must go put my face on for work and time for a new hairstyle I think maybe after work tonight.

Marie - I hope you had fun in LA. I heard they were having a heat wave. Sorry to hear that your DS1 got laid off. I hope things work out and he finds a new job soon. How are you doing with your sore wrist, etc.?

Judy - Sorry about your knee acting up again and that you're having sinus trouble too - you poor thing! Be kind to yourself and I hope you can find an exercise that won't over stress your knee. My sinuses are also bad right now - I think maybe there's more mold in the air at this time of the year. I've been using those breathe right strips and they help a bit, also taking some sudafed non-drowsy.

Emma - I hope you're enjoying your vacation.

Carol - Your camping trip sounds great. I'm glad your DH had a good time too. You got to see a lot of wildlife - that's good for the soul! I hope you find a suitable gym.

I'm getting psyched up for my trip to England that's coming up on the 13th. I can't believe how quickly it's come around! I'm just hoping I can shake my sinus thing and get caught up on sleep before the long haul flight from here. It will be great to see Mum & Dad again. I'm fortunate that they are still in pretty good shape health-wise as they are both 85.

Have a good week everyone.

I'm back and over it...I've been bombarding my sinuses with natural and homeopathic meds, nasal irrigation (hey, you get used to it), and nightime antihistamine, so right now I have the upper hand. :D. I'm used to creaky knees, and have had two surgeries on one of them already. My goal is to avoid any further cutting on either knee for as long as possible! So the bike it will be, but I will do other aerobic things, too, or I'll go crazy:dizzy:. I always listen to music and read magazines while I'm on the machines. It's hard for me to stay on the bike for more than 10 minutes without major distractions.

Penny, lots of folks are dealing with sinus things here, something is definitely in the air! I hope yours is fine before that long flight. I flew to Japan once with a sniffly nose, and ended up with a sinus infection that nagged me the whole trip.

Carol, you are quite the outdoor gourmet! You are smart to ask for week pass at a prospective gym. I made a huge mistake once and signed up for a gym before checking it out on days and times I was mostly like to use it.

Emma and Marie, I hope you are having nice trips. Nikki and Jennelle, I hope you are doing well. Let us know!

I'm headed out tomorrow for New Orleans, back late Friday night. I will try to check in everyday. I'll need to--so many boring meetings and yummy distractions....My goal for Columbus Day is to keep logging, bike the blasted bike at least three days a week, and get down to 217.

judy

Penny your trip sounds lovely what a beautiful place to beable to go to. I could only dream of visiting there I think. I guess some high tea times are in order? Hope it all goes well.

Judy have a safe trip. Take care of the knees flying is hard for me with mine. I am quite tall and in the airplanes it bothers me to sit to long without streching them out for a bit. New Orleans I always think of gumbo.

Marie hope your doing well.

Nikki where are you? Emma your missing too? Hope everyone is doing well and checks in soon.

I did pretty good with eating today pretty much on task. Didn't get to exercise other than walking to my car and office etc. Pretty busy day. I will plan some on wed though and of course this weekend. Had to get some housework done tonight before it gets too out of hand. Boring stuff!

Hi all, the LA trip was icky. Penny mentioned the heat wave. 10 hours out in 111 degree sunshine was horrible. But not as back as the venue for the race. I would never, ever go back there. The gouged the fans for $4 per 20 oz bottle of water. To justify it in my mind, I just thought of what a hospital co-apy would be. That was just plain wrong. But it was great to see DS1 and he's very happy to be home with his DS. He didn't like the place he was working and had planned to quit in 3 weeks. I'm not sure he would have made it that long so the layoff was good for him. Not a resume ding this way. I don't think he's actually looking for another job. He's waiting until almost DIL finishes school in December. He wants to be a stay at home daddy and he's working on a game programming with another programmer. If that sells, that would be his one adventure into the working world.

Carol, the munchie monster moved in with me and no Judy, it wouldn't leave me. I couldn't get it off my back all weekend. I'm gaining and that's bad. Today I've been angelic to get on track. I want all the bad foods out and for my stomach not to expect so much food. I'm on my own induction plan. For two months, I'm going to be at abou 1300-1400 cals (today a bit less as it's too late to pread out the remaining calories).

The left wrist is still not good, the left rib is healing slowly but is much better than last week's whine, the right wrist is so-so. And tomorrow my left knee is going to the orthopedist. The right toe surgery is healing and will take about 2 more weeks. I'm just literally falling apart.

DS2 brought his treadmill in from the garage and parked it next to mine. After work, he ran while I walked a mile. I felt like we were in a gym having them lined up. Tomorrow I'll walk 1.5 miles before work. I didn't want to get up this morning.

Penny, I bet your Mum and Dad are so excited to see you. You'll have a wonderful time. Keep your thoughts on not binging but know that you'd get right back on track if you splurge.

Judy, so sorry about your knee. Riding the exercycle actually aggravates mine (whereas my bike doesn't except when I flip it over - okay that knee was the only thing that didn't get hurt in the fall). I agree with Carol on the audiobook idea. The treadmill and exercycle don't bore me when I'm listening to a book. Music- I still get bored. Not wiht a book that takes me away.

Carol, sounds like your camping was great. It's awesome that your DH is able to join the kayaking. That'll be wonderful in the future.

Emma, enjoy your 5 days off and good luck with the eating while away. Just like Penny, you'll get back on board if you don't. I can't say that to Judy as she's always out of town and must then always be vigilant even on the road.

Well, I'm tired so I'll chat more tomorrow.
Marie

Marie I have faith in you girl and know that you will be just fine. So sorry the body parts are giving you some trouble but don't feel alone there. I am right next to you too. I still am having some trouble and sleeping last night wasn't great. I am ready to take a little something to help that but maybe a little wine is healthier before bed. I haven't been on the scale but will by thurs. just wanted to give myself time to adjust a bit. A couple of weeks ago I was really feeling bloated etc. so now I feel better and seem to be on track. Off track on track its the worse for us and we all know it but somehow we just slip sometimes. Remembering whats important and that we need to do this not only to look good but for our health in the long run is thee most important thing here. So with that said I just measured my grapenuts, added a banana and a splash of milk took my meds and added in my womans vit. which I am trying to take daily. OFF to work again this a.m. need to get my reports written up for last months meetings. Next month I have 7 to schedule yuk..... Do to DH's hospital visit and then most likely surgery I am blocking them all in the first two weeks of the month again yukkkky!!! But they will be done. Then just need to write them up and put them together with everyone elses info. Talk to you all later and hope you have a super day.

Judy - I hope your sinuses are getting better. I talked to a girlfriend yesterday who is a naturopathic doctor and she does a treatment for sinuses involving irrigating with a herbal mixture. It sounded a bit drastic and she said it is kind of "intense" but really works. I didn't want to risk doing it shortly before my trip in case it backfires and makes things worse, but I may give it a try in the future. I have a hard time doing the exercise bike too as it's really boring but I may try Marie's suggestion of a book on tape to make the time go by quicker.

Carol - Sounds like you are super busy at work. I hope things quiet down a bit for you. I hope your DH is ok and that the surgery goes well if it turns out he needs it. I often take 1/4 of a melatonin pill if I can't get to sleep. It doesn't make me feel groggy the next day. It sounds like you are making good food choices and staying on track.

Marie - I'm sorry to hear that your trip to La La Land was a bust. I'm so glad we moved up here to Portland. We lived there for 15 years and I can't imagine why we stayed so long - I hated the heat and the smog, which was bad even though we lived on the coast. That was a real rip off with the water for $4 - I guess you were at their mercy with that heat. It must be hard for you to get back on track while you are hurting so bad. I know you can do it as you've always been an inspiration to us all. I hope you'll soon feel lots better.

Nikki, Jennelle and Emma - I hope you're having a good day.

My group met yesterday and it was a very long meeting as we are starting to organize our fall fundraising activities. We had a potluck lunch and everything was healthy. Nobody brought any cakes or desserts except for a beautiful fruit platter with yogurt dipping sauce. I was dog tired when I got home as I'm still fighting off some kind of bug. Now I have to type up the report :(. I need to do it while I can still decipher my notes!

Happy afternoon to all!!! I had a good orthopedist appointment. It's the exercise doing my knee in. Apparently the ligament that holds the kneecap in place move a tad too much and all the WATP with the sidesteps aggravated the ligament. He said I was born with it as it's in both knees and just the left is bothered at the moment. No surgery (yeah!!!!). I was fitted for a brace for the exercise that bother me and for walking. the breaststroke is history as I can't afford 2 braces. :) I wore it for a while while I walked costco - it's not to be worn while sitting for any length of time. So at the moment it's in the car as I'm at work. Anyway, we talked about the wrist but didn't do anything about it (he was willing, I wasn't). All was good.

Penny, "intense" sounds painful. My sister has loads of sinus problems and I don't. I have allergies but never (knock on wood) have had a sinus infection. I remember once having pressure with a cold but that was it. I've also never had an ear infection. But by what my sister describes, the sinus stuff is horrible. Both you and Judy are in my thoughts.

Carol, sounds like you're a bit busy. Great job on measuring the food. You can't go offtrack doing that.

Now it's time to log my cals so far today.

Yesterday's stats: 980 cals (no that won't happen again) and I walked 1 mile on the treadmill. I'm going to post the cals and exercise again daily and then weekly post my challenge calorie average. My challenge is 1350 cals/day for all of Sept and October.
Marie

Penny sounds like you girls have a good start on your fall activities. Being organized for events makes a world of difference in the outcome. I actually slept better last night and yesterdays cirop. appt. seemed to really help me. I had no discomfort last night. Hurray!!! I have another appt. on friday. Thank goodness for ins. I was doing quite well with my choices but had a girls night out last night. We had chinese buffet but other than a bit off course I stuck pretty much to the seafood shirmp etc. It was really good and only a little rice no pasta or sauces. So it could of been worse. I am trying again today to be good. I feel better lately with the healthier choices for the most part. I am trying to go off my med.s for trigcerides messed up that spelling as our ins. co pay is going way up for them. So I visited the natural food store and am trying cq10 and something red yeast rice etc... My brother said it works for him and its about half the cost of my reg. one. Its worth a try has anyone ever tried these?

Marie hows it going? Sounds like the doc knew what he was doing and I hope it all works out for you. Your a strong willed lady so I am sure it will sking is around the corner you need to be on the mend soon. I have been doing quite well on breakfast and lunch no snacking after 8. This is what I should of been doing all along. Have a good day.

Well I stayed on tune with my cals for the day. Even added in some peanut mm's. But I took 10 and then shared the rest with my coworker. It was a nice treat. I seem to be a bit more in control and thats a good thing for me. I did have a BLT sandwich for dinner and some fresh corn. But the rest of my day was simple just grapenuts for breakfast, salad for lunch with a small bowl of chili, a little ice creamsicle for a snack last night and that was it. So the cals added up but not over my limit. A week or so ago I felt very bloated and uncomfortable now I FEEL much better so its good to be feeling this way. A coworkers wedding is Oct. 5th and I would like to be down a bit and meet my 4lb. goal I set for myself. Time will tell and all I can do is work on it. Hope your all doing well and feeling better. I go back to the chiro. today. The last visit was wed. I seem to be feeling more restful at night and not so achy. So I am hopeful that this is working for me. Well take care eat well , keep moving and if we keep trying and don't give up we will reach our goals!! My problem in the past is I get comfortable and then allow things to creep back into my intake thats a no no long term for a day or two it might be okay???

Marie - I'm glad you were able to get some answers from your orthopedist. At least you know to avoid certain movements with WATP until your knee gets better. It sounds like you are feeling more motivated to stick to your plan. Way to go! :carrot:

Carol - You are making some good food choices. I'm glad the chiropractor is helping with your bad back. I've heard good things about red rice yeast - at least it doesn't have some of the side effects of other meds. My DH and I take COQ10 every day - our naturopath said it's one of the best supplements to take for heart health. It's a bit expensive but we get ours from Costco.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

I have a slight cold and sore throat, which I hope won't get any worse and will clear up before my trip next Thursday. The good news is I'm down another .5 lb. to 186.5 :dancer:.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hi, all, I'll be leaving New Orleans in a few hours. I managed to only eat one pralline while I've been here, certainly a personal best:D and have made good choices, not many indulgences. Several people have mentioned that i look different, that my face is thinner or something, which is nice. I haven't worked out, though. We've been in meetings from sunup to late evening. I'm taking Zyrtec to help with my sinuses, and I think they are interfering with my sleep. So I've been physically sluggish, not even going out to to hear music....but a good, very prodcutive trip.

Time to check out of hotel and finish up the meetings, so personals tomorrow. Have a great weekend!

judy

TGIF All!!!! I'm so thankful it's Friday. I HATE the 1st week of school. Every day my head is mad. But on the bright side, I'm doing great diet/exercise wise. Since the HORRIBLE weigh in on Tuesday, I've lost 5.4 pounds. But since that's what the scale I said I gained last weekend I think it was the heat/travel bloating. DH said he also gained several pounds that have gone away. But the nasty scale on Tuesday, it kick started my willpower. I am as determined as I was last year. So watch out scale, I'm going to win.

Yesterdays stats: 1212 cals and 1.5 miles walking. And 1/4 mile propelling through the pool.

Penny, I never really would have thought about travel weight gain if you hadn't mentioned it about a year ago. Definitely my scale agrees. I hope you feel bette. Relax and rest all weekend and early next week.

Judy, oooo a praline sounds divine. I love caramel, chocolate and pecans. Very excellent that you had only one!!!

Same to you Carol - only 10 M&Ms is fabulous. I'm glad the chiro is helping.

I'm so excited weekend is in 3 hours 45 minutes!!!!!!
Marie

Penny the other natural vit. is omega 3 which I purchased from the chiro. today natural for only 10.00 for 90. Not bad he also is a nutritional counselor even though I am not going to him for that reason. He said this will help with the trig. the best. We will see. Hope you feel better soon.

Judy flying home again you sure do get around. Glad to hear people are telling you nice things. I had someone ask me today if I had lost wt. I said not really sure as I haven't ck'd lately but I feel good. But this evening slipped and had pizza and a few wings. My daughter and I are going to celebrate our birthdays finally they were 7/21st. Just to busy I guess to go away for a day trip. But we will on saturday and are having greek food for lunch. Shopping at the natural food store too. They have a great one in the area we are headed to. Just a mother and daughter trip should be fun and we will shop. I am giving her some cash to buy what ever she needs for herself. I was lucky at the casino and then on a few scratch offs so I am sharing nicely. Hope you enjoy your own bed and feel better try some tea.

Well girls I am a bit stiff this a.m. but its a bit rainy here. So who knows could be weather induced. But I am going off with my youngest daughter and going to have a good time. We are off to venture together and that will be fun. I am trying to go through bills and straighten up a bit before I venture out and that will be fun to leave behind. Bear was very naughty last night and jumped on a little chair and I found him on top of my island in the kitchen finishing up 5 chicken wings. By the time I caught him they were consumed completly. They aren't good for a dog I know but by then it was too late. So I don't have to think about those cals crazy dog. All for legs just standing there he knew oh trouble was brewing. I would of never dreamed he'd get up there. Well that was my laugh for all of you when you picture this all black 4 legged pup on top of an island being naughty. Their as naughty as can be sometimes good thing I love him.

Marie so glad your back on track and feeling energized and upbeat. Its so hard when we lose that incentive and feel like we have slipped off track . Congrats for being back on!!

Well have a great day we are off to shop, eat greek food and to stop at that wonderful natural food store. I am taking a cooler to bring back some goodies. Also hoping to find some home grown veggies and fruit along the way.

Hi all, Carol, I'm having a day out with my almost DIL. We're going over the mountain (no Judy, no sheep following) and going shopping for the day. Basically Kohls and Costco. She'll be here in a little over an hour but knowing her a bit more. Girls day out I guess.

Yesterday's stats: 1192 cals and walked 1.5 miles. I think the stress of the first week of school burned a couple cals yesterday too.

Today's weighin - 7.2 pounds lost from Tuesday. I definitely had bloating form the trip. I'd have to say realistically more like 2 pounds. Another 6 pounds to get back to my lowest weight form last spring. I'll get there. At least I don't feel fat anymore.

Today I walked the doggies around the 1.5 mile block. They were so excited. I'm hoping Blizzies paw is good. DH and I tackled her and took a close look and it looks good. So I took them out. They pulled on the leashes a bit much for my poor right wrist. I wouldn't hold one of their leashes with the left leash at all. And then there was the left knee brace. Between it and the left wrist splint I look like I should hve stayed home. :)

Well, I guess that's it as I haven't done anything today...
Marie

Judy - I hope you're having fun in New Orleans and that your sinuses are better.

Marie - Congratulations on the HUGE loss! :carrot: You deserve a pat on the back! Good for you getting back on track. I hope your injuries are healing.

Carol - Congrats on winning at the casino - it's always nice to have a little extra pocket money! I hope you had a good mother & daughter shopping trip. I had to laugh about your naughty puppy - I can just imagine his guilty look when you caught him eating the chicken wings.

Nikki, Jenelle & Emma - I hope you guys are doing well.

I'm feeling better today and hope my cold bug stays away. I'm getting excited about my trip coming up next week. I've packed and repacked - trying to keep things to a minimum as I'LL be the one lugging my suitcase around! I got a nice new lightweight one with wheels which I'll check and it came with a very small carry on bag which will I'll take on board with just the basics in it.

I'm doing ok calorie wise and hope to stick to my eating plan as much as possible when I'm away.

Waaah, I'm not done yet with my weekend! Saturday was great, I spent it outside at a neighborhood jazz festival I packed snacks--almonds, cherry tomatoes, string cheese and an avocado salad--so my only indulgence was a mango frozen fruit bar. Although the BBQ and other fewstival foods were awfully tempting :devil:.

Today I slept in and went grocery shopping. Soon it will be dusk--where did the time go? I've eaten on program today, and am on my way to ride the bike to nowhere for a while. I have to read and listen to up-tempo music. If I watch TV or listen to a book, I slow down :ebike:

Carol, maybe Bear thought he was doing you a favor by eating those wings. wonder how long it took him to figure out how to get up there. Cats are always jumping around, but I guess dogs have to be really motivated.

Marie, your scale really gave you a good boot! You are doing great with the calories and working out. It's great that the extra weight didn't stick.

My sinuses are a little better. I started irrigating my sinuses again last week. It feels very weird at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's no big deal. It is helpful when you have lots of congestion. My ex was totally grossed out by the thought of it, I could chase him out of the house just by waving the little neti pot at him!

Okay, back down to the fitness room. Hope everyone is feeling good!

judy

Hi all, I totally agree with Judy. I do not want the weekend to be over. :(

Penny, I'm glad you're feeling better. I know that I tend to pack lighter when I know DH won't be ther to help. You'll have a great time with your parents.

Judy, the scale knocked a bunch of sense in me. It's odd, I haven't wanted to lose weight this much in a while. The willpower returned. Thank goodness, I couldn't keep waffling like I was. Thank goodness for exercise as it kept my weigh under some control.

Yesterday's stats: 1218 cals and 1.5 miles walking the doggies. Oh were they happy!!!!

And today, I swam. Really pretty much swam. I used athletic tape and splinted my wrist to that I coud swim. The rib didn't hurt at all. I got my face in the water, my hair wet (beforehand with conditioner and the cap). It was heaven. Tomorrow I will do a bit more of a taping/splint job as the thumb must be secured too apparently. Live and learn. :)
Marie

Well sounds like everyone is doing well vacationing and being out of town.

Judy congrats to taking snacks and making good choices. I agree a longer weekend is in order for me too. So count me in.

Penny have a good trip and enjoy your family visit. I bet its beautiful there wish I could fit in your suitcase. Have a special cup of tea for me.

Marie good for you losing the extra lbs. doesn't it feel great to get back at least to where you were comfortable. At least you caught it in time before it was harder to remove. Thats the key I think catching ourselves and turning it around before it gets to hard to make a change. Its so easy to mess up we don't give it much thought just a little of this and that and before we know it we get fat. At least thats how it is for me I shouldn't speak for others. So darn easy to put it on and hard to take it off. Congrats I knew you could do it.

The darn dog didn't look a bit concerned when I found him with the empty bowl. Go figure. He does enjoy veggies though which I find kind of funny. If I am peeling carrots he gets a treat of one. Yesterday my daughter dropped a piece of lettuce making a salad he ate it. She is a veggie and laughed and said he must take after me. It was cute. We had a good time on saturday in the Hippie town. Healthy little town where everyone is careful about their eating, keeping things clean and real natural way of life. Just a cool place to visit. We enjoyed going to the Green Market and thats their healthy food store. Got lots of bulk stuff including some pumpkin granola which I measured and had for breakfast this morning. Its a bit high in cals so I was careful to measure but oh so tasty I added walnuts to it. I found out too that for my trig. to add omega 3 so now I am doing that too. Yesterdays cals within my limits had the kids over for a turkey dinner and made falafs for my daughter in pitas with a cuke sauce I created not so bad. I am taking the leftovers for lunch. Well take care girls and lets keep moving forward. We can do this!!

Well, I stopped whining and came to work...so far most of my day has been devoted to figuring out what I should be doing the next few days. I wore a dress today. Somehow I feel more on top of things when I make the extra effort to look "professional." I have to dress up for certain meetings and trips, but our office is very relaxed and casual. Soon it will be too cold for my one-dress-a-week policy.

Penny, I am so excited about your trip! Your p's will be so happy to see you. I know that the compliments you'll get on your figure will help you balance the special treats or pints that will come your way.

Carol, you are a good role model to your doggie! Now he'll know that the occasional chicken wing isn't a huge deal, as long as you're eating your veggies too (and you didn't help yourself to someone else's food). :no:

Marie, I'm so happy that you're swimming again! I think once we've trained our bodies to look for regular exercise, we're almost like kids again, remembering how much fun it is to get breathless and tired.

I am pleased that the seesaw of my daily weigh-ins is staying closer to 222 than 223 or 224. I really want to be under 220 by my visit with the nutritionist next Wednesday. I'm also glad that I was able to stay on the hated bike for 35 minutes yesterday...a personal best :D. It's still my least favorite exercise!

Hang in there--judy

Hi all, things are a typical Monday. It's been nasty but I haven't been tempted to console myself with food. That's a good thing. I'm so ready for weekend and it's only Monday afternoon.

Yesterday's stats: 1225 cals, 2 miles walking and 1/4 mile swimming (YEAH for swimming). The scale was again nice this morning. 8.6 pounds since last Tuesday. I'm not to where I was (very briefly) in May but I'll get there.

Judy, amazing what a nice look can do for the mental state, huh? I love wearnig very casual to work, but it's school year and now I can only do business casual. I miss my jeans (or I would if they fit right - but they probably do now - I just haven't tried since the weight gain). I bought a couple new outfits on Saturday and m wearing one. It looks really nice and even DH commented on it. I don't think he's EVER done that.

And way to stay on the exercycle. Once you find what wil divert your attention the best, it'll be easier.

Carol, my doggies, especially Kodiak, loves fruites and veges. I hate the white stemmy area of lettuce so I always divide it evenly between the 2 puppies. Blizzie doesn't like fruit, but Kody does. Especially melon.

Penny, Nikki, Emma, Jennelle - hope you're all doing well.
Marie