:hug: G,day ladies hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.
As for the Chocolate cake maybe it was the :devil: it is sooooo wicked.

Hey Marie you little snow :bunny2: I hope you enjoy it I bet once your DH is there he will too.

Penny some people do have Chrissy on the beach there are always a lot of Barbies too, I have a friend that,s a pom and she is,nt quiet at all I guess it is a stereotype with the stiff upper lip and all that jazz, you are a lovely lady and I bet heaps of fun. I hope you had a nice lunch/Christmas party good luck with your protein shakes I find thay are good for a kick start to losing again to if the scales aren,t moving in the right direction, sometimes I have one for brekki they fill you up until lunch so that,s a good thing.

Carol Im glad you have such good responses at work from your supervisor you deserve the recognition, I bet you are getting sooo excited about getting your hands on that baby, my thought,s are with you and your DH as always.

Judy I,m sure the scale will start moving in the right direction again soon, good for you for getting rid of your roomier pants and tops if you haven,t got them to fall back on then the only way to go from here is down down down and you know you can do it, I find if I worry over my weight I don,t lose but if I forget about it and stay to a healthy eating plan than the scale moves in my favour they say stress can cause weight gain so I try not to focus on it to much but just try to stay on track.

Well take care everyone don,t obsess over the weight issue just try to keep your focus on healthy eating and portion sizes and those :devil: scales will move in all our favour.

JULS..... :grouphug:

Hooray, this is my last work week of the year! This is one Monday I've been looking forward to for a long time :D. Things have been challenging at work, but overall we did well. I was afraid that the stress and travel would lead to weight gain, but I'll be ending the year at least a little lighter than when I started, so I should remember that when I frown at the scale....you're right, Juls, we don't want to get too fixated on numbers.

Yesterday I wrote out half of my Xmas cards, I probably have another 25 or 30 to do tonight. It's old-fashioned, but it helps me keep in touch with friends across the country. Except for a long (70-minute) workout, it was a lazy day. I had a crazy carb fit, and ate about half a box of dry Puffins cereal. :eating2:. It was as if I was possessed by a demon! I'm throwing the rest of the cereal away. Today is back to normal--a protein shake for b'fast, and half a pear and some string cheese for AM snack. I'm having a small salad, cup of shrimp creole and some almonds for lunch, veggies and hummus late afternoon, and steak and veggies for dinner, after pedaling the ExBike to nowhere when I get home from work.

Tomorrow's The big Five-Oh...and I have an enormous pimple near my chin! Sometimes I feel more like a teenager than a woman at the half-century mark.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

judy

Judy, you sure made me smile with the pimple remark. I'm amazed how often I still get a pimple. I remember being a teen being told that eventually they'd go away permanently. What a crock that was. :) I hope you have a FANTASTIC birthday. 1/2 century is quite a milestone. I've got a couple years left then the 5-oh - so celebrate and have a great time.:hb:

Juls, portions are what kills me. I finally noticed this weekend, my mentality has reverted to the "needing" more. Today I packed a 1/2 sandwich and I'm going to try to re-program my portion desires again. Drives me nuts that the more is better mentality won't go away.

No, no, no Penny - don't tell me bangs are back in fashion. For the FIRST time in my life I successfully grew them out. I guess I'll be out of fashion for a while as I know that no bangs will be back eventually. I did start noticing about a month ago that "stars" had bangs. I was hoping I was seeing things.

Skiing was very nice - it was snowy and Christmasy. I learned quite a few things. The bike, then car accident screwed up my courage. I was much more cautious which then made me more tense. I'm hoping next trip will help loosen that. Then I noticed the portion stuff as I'd packed a full sandwich which thankfully I didn't finish but ate more than I should have. And lastly, outdoor walking didn't strengthen my quads like WATP (walk away the pounds videos) did the prior year. My quads were very tired and are tight today. So today I did the 3 mile WATP and will get rebuilding the quad strength. So far the ski area I have the season pass isn't open even with some snow. We haven't gotten dumped on so it might be a bit before skiing again and that gives me time to do some squats and work WATP back into the exercise routing. Since I love to walk my dogs in the morning, I think that I'll add WATP in the evenings.

Food is in control so far today but I'm starving. I have about an hour before lunch and I won't give in as the bigger portions seemed to stetch my stomach and it needs to revert as well.

Well, back to work. Like Judy, it's a welcome week as there are no teachers/students and it's QUIET. :D:dance:
Marie

Well girls its one week away ready or not. I made a small batch of fudge last night and think it started my hot flashes going crazy awful night sleep that will teach me huh? Anyway this year it hardened nicely but is a bit grainy any ideas on how to solve that for next years batch? I am taking in a nice plater of cookies on my polish platter they look pretty good. Just some treats for the coworkers. I have a christmas party at a group home tonight and wed. then thurs get out early and don't return to work til next thurs. Hurray a real holiday break. Still have a couple of little nighties to make for the grandgirls but that will be fun. Also a little pillow but it will be fun. Few more little gifts to pick up nothing hard and some gift cards.
My intakes haven't been to bad but the cookies are naughty. I know! Got to be stronger its easier after their baked and in the ref. downstairs out of sight. I will try to keep them there unless we have company. Going to the gym today in between my work and party. At least thats something huh. Sounds like everyone else is trying too. Its tough I know and for someone whom loves to bake its not so easy let me tell yah.
Juls the good news is you made it through a tough year taking on more job responsibilities etc. so there is a an up swing to this see how well you have done and be proud of yourself! Hurray for you! Marie and look at you skiing and having fun! Me kayaking in the lovely weather! Penny you are the tea party queen and still moving forward! Juls you are the lady down under whom has a great spirit and keeps us all in an up swing! So together we are all a team of support and friendship I am grateful for all of you and hope each and everyone of you has a super christmas and a great new year full of exercise and a strong will to make a difference in your life and someone elses too!

I feel better with that paper work and decision out of my hands and in the hands of someone else. Let them decide not us. I have to call the doctor today we didn't hear anything last week from the hubbies blood work so I assumed it was fine. Oops a call yesterday and to late to return it for the results and a change in the med. Hopefully its reduced and a good sign not the other way. So I will see this morning. Just want this all behind us soon! The actual surgery seems to be fine its just all the other stuff and the hubby is starting to get back to his normal routine its nice to see.
Well catch yah all later and I will try to be good. I heard if you eat a cookie you should work out a half an hr. for each one. Holy I would be on the treadmill for a bit from the tasting of fudge and trying to figure out what I did wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:hug: G,day ladies good to see you all in good spirits, I think with Chrissy coming I,ll be in the spirits in more ways than one :lol:

Well I,ve had a great day watching my points and staying on track :crossed: I,ll be able to stay that way next week :hungry:I have a very healthy Chrissy day planned and the good thing is nobody will know it is all low fat and good for them.

Judy hope you had a great day :bday2: I get pimples to but I did,nt get them when I was young go figure :dizzy: you sound like you didn,t do to bad with the food intake and :woohoo: a 70min workout you go girl if that,s a lazy day wish I was that lazy ;) your ending the year lighter than you started we all are and by this time next year we will all be at goal and ready to buy that slinky dress and strutt our stuff on Christmas day :cp::yes::hat:

Marie I know it is hard to watch portions but if you get into the habit of cutting things in half it gets easier I use smaller plates and pile them high with vegies it tricks my brain into thinking I,m eating much more than I am. I,m glad you had fun skiing maybe you will get some good snow falls soon so you can use your pass, and you too :cheer2: on your exercise routine between you and Judy you really are great motivators now if you can just apply the same enthusiasm to your food intake well there will be no stopping you, you will be on fire :flame:

Carol it is soooo good that your DH is getting back to his normal self even with the other stuff that must be a consulation. You are right together we are a force to be reckoned with and we should all give ourselves a big pat on the back for what we have achieved so far no matter how big or small. your cookies sound yummy and oooooh fudge I,m glad I,m not there I would eat the lot :devil: :D I hope all goes well with hubby,s results and he can cut back on his Meds.

Penny I hope you are in good spirits too, I had my hair cut in layers and short about 8mths ago an I have been growing it out it is to my shoulders now I went to the hairdressers the other day to and got some blonde streaks put through it looks nice with my red and I have had bangs all my life I have a high forhead so for me there isn,t much choice but I think I wouldn,t be me if I didn,t have my fringe.

Take care everyone, boy I can waffle on can,t I

JULS :grouphug:

Morning all, just a quick note as I finish soaking my toes. They are ok, except the right one which still has the strange bump the dr. was unsure about.

DH and I took the doggies out yesterday afternoon after work and then I took them out again this morning. We gave Blizzard a bath (her first) as she spit up the other night and then laid her head in it. Yucky to snuggle even after just washing her head. So she got the full bath and she's sparkly white. When she's so clean I forget how snow white she is. And Fluffy too. :)

Carol, the fudge - I think DH (our fudge maker) said that when it's grainy, the temp went too high. Good luck with DH's meds.

Juls, you are doing so great on food and your points. Good job tricking the family into eating healthy.

Well, I should get ready for work. TTYL.
Marie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY!!! :celebrate: :woo: Congratualtions on your big five-Oh! I hope you have a wonderful day. You are a real inspiration with all the exercise you've been doing and your great attitude! :carrot:.

Marie - Looks like your wish for snow will soon come true. I hope you have a fun time on the slopes next weekend. Blizzie must look like a small polar bear now she's all cleaned up. She probably can't wait to roll in something again! I hope the bump on your toe isn't painful.

Carol - It's good to hear your hubby is starting to feel more normal. The Christmas goodies you made sound yummy.

Juls - Good for you staying on track. It's so hard to do this time of the year. Your hairdo sounds very pretty. I like having a fringe (bangs over here) because it hides my wrinkles! I grew out my bangs last year but it made me look a bit harsh. When I had them cut again, I got lots of compliments and people said I look younger. I guess it just depends on your face shape, etc. whether they look good or not. I think we like to play around with different hairstyles because it's kind of instant gratification - not like being on a diet where it takes a long time to see results (for me at least!) I don't think you're 'waffling on' - I love reading your posts, as well as all the lovely ladies on our thread! :grouphug:

I'm still struggling to lose the weight I gained in England, so I'm glad I can come here and get inspiration and encouragement. I WILL get back to losing regularly again! I have tossed the chocolates my parents sent (despite telling them I don't eat them any longer). I made some of my DH's favorite Swiss Christmas cookies which are made with no flour - just chocolate, ground almonds, sugar and Kirsch liquor. We sent off our son's Christmas package yesterday and I put some of the cookies in for him. He's being sworn in this morning as a reserve police officer, he's very excited about it and looking forward to starting training in January.

Hi, all! Thanks for the b-days wishes! It was a good day, in the evening I attended a fun reception and a friend took me out for sushi. This morning I put on my exercise gear and sat down for my morning tea before I realized that I was more than a little hung over :headache:, so I took off the sneakers and went back to bed for an hour or so. But it was worth it to hang out, even on a school night! I'm still hearing from friends and family, and that's nice, too.

Marie, I agree that sometimes the videos give you a better walking workout--you lift your knees higher than you would if you were just out walking. And riding the hated Ex Bike has been good for my quads. I can feel the muscles getting toned, under that big slab of fat.:lol:

G'day, Juls. The point system sounds like a good match for you! Good luck sneaking a healthy meal past your family at Xmas. And waffle away here to your heart's content, I enjoy reading your posts. I can certainly natter on sometimes.

Carol, I wish I had your skills with a needle! It would be great to be able to alter my own clothes. I can sew on buttons and fix a hem, that's about it! I hope the party went well last night.

Penny, you and I will hang in there together on this thing. I was doing well until later on last week, when I was just voracious and not trying to make good choices. Then TOM started, which explains part of it, but it's also the fat cells fighting back...I'm afraid to look at the scale until the weekend. But we will keep a stiff upper chin and stay on the path:carrot:.

judy

Hi everyone, a quick post while I soak my feet. I was bad (like Judy) and slept in a bit this morning. I skipped the morning soak because I liked the idea of a little exercise instead. I rode the exercycle for 3 miles and upped the resistance since it was going to be a short workout. Definitely have to agree with Judy, it worked the quads. After work I did 3 more miles and the yoga video. I haven't done it since the toe surgery. I was very careful and didn't aggravate them so that s progress. I got my new contacts today and they work better then the first pair. I could tell the moment I put them in. So hopefully when the dr. checks them on 1/2 he'll like them too.

Food - so so. But at least I'm not devouring all the christmas goodies insight.

Judy, happy belated birthday. Sounds like a great night. Hung over mid week is perfectly acceptable on such an occasion. I loved the description of your quads. I have that same slab of fat. :)

Penny, good for you in tossing out the chocolate. DH can't/won't throw out stuff. I do it behind his back. He probably thinks I eat it all. ;) I think that 2008 should have a big challenge to get off our standstills. What do you all think?

Well, the feet should be done. So off I go...
Marie

PS Hi Carol and Juls!!!!!!

Merry Christmas
 

:hug: G,day to all you lovely ladies I hope you are all well and in good spirits. I,m going to give the :devil: scales a vacation until the New Year I think they deserve it the poor things it can,t of been easy holding up my gorgeuos big butt every Wednesday ;) Anyway I,m off to Sydney on Saturday I can,t wait until I get my hands on my DGK,s ooooooooooooh I just love Christmas. I,m sending you all my warmest thoughts and wishes for a VERY HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS enjoy the holidays and your family and friends after all that is what is really important let the weight issue take time off too hey as we all know it will still be there in the New Year :D but not for long.

JULS :hug:

Morning all, Penny was right - I got my wished for snow. There's about 6" on the ground here and loads more at the ski area. Saturday and Monday are ski days - I warned DH. This morning's walk was quite a bit harder. Trudging through the snow is much more work. Good for the legs. :)

Driving to work on the other hand was tricky. Oregon doesn't maintain their roads in the winter. Occasionally they'll plow, but no salt to make the ice go away. Makes for non-rusty cars but many more dents. I took it slow and easy so there weren't any problems.

Juls, have a great time with the grandkids. Have a very merry Christmas.

Carol, Penny, and Judy - have a fantastic day. Now I should work. :(
Marie

Juls, I hope you have a blast in Sydney! I know that your grandkids will be thrilled to see you.

Marie, have fun in the snow, better you than me! :coolsnow: I would be up for a strong challenge, but I would need weekly or monthly behavioral mini-goals so as not to get too discouraged. My supermicro-mini goal is to not eat any of the liquor-filled candies in the back of the office :nono: I have indulged every day this week, but not today! Instead I've been drowning my desire in mint tea, which I'm getting heartily sick of.

So far today I've been on program. I did a cardio workout this morning, had oatmeal for b'fast, half an apple and a string cheese for a snack, and a handful of trail mix before going to a lunch meeting. the person I met with commented on my weight loss (I last saw her a few months ago). I had a cup of butternut squash soup and a chopped salad with shrimp for a late lunch, and later half an orange pepper to snack on. I'm having one of my last bits of steak from the freezer for dinner tonight.

I've just signed up for a second seminar for first-time homebuyers, so I guess I'm serious about this idea! And a little intimidated. This is one of those situations where I wish I had a hubby or partner, to help with big decisions. If dithering over choices burned calories, I would be inching my ticker down every week....

judy

FRIDAY!!! And a 4 day weekend to boot!
 

Judy, I love the idea of dithering causing cal loss. You're too funny. Good for you on the micro-goal. It surely is a one day at a time thing. My micro goal is no snacking this morning. None, nothing, nada. Then I can have the lunch I brought (pasta on the higher cal side). If I snack, I don't get the whole thing. So I defintely understand the hourly, microm-minute fight.

Today it is sunny and cold. First non-cloudy day in about 8 days. It's gorgeous out. The snow is scheduled to return tomorrow night and that's cool too. There's quite a bit on the ground. Very wintry and Christmas-y. Even my scrooge personality is getting holiday spirit. I finished shopping yesterday for the groceries and stocking stuffers and the doggie gifts. Can you believe it - I almost forgot to go to the pet store. Luckily it was next to the grocery and their big sign poked my memory. Although DH let them see their monster sized rawhide bone - so much for surprising them. :)

I took the pups out this morning - even the dirt roads were icy. Probably wasn't a great choice to go, but they're so cute. No aerobics as I had to walk very carefully. Maybe a little WATP after work. And skiing tomorrow morning.

Carol, Judy, Penny and Juls. Have the very best Christmas ever!!!
Marie

Judy - Thanks for the pep-talk - I needed it! I promise I'll keep a 'stiff upper lip' (probably better to just zip my lip when temptation arises! :lol:) It's a good idea to get as much info as you can before deciding whether to buy a home - there's so much to know and 'forewarned is forearmed' as they say. Your food choices sound delicious and healthy! I like your idea of supermicro-mini goals. Those little liquor chocolates can be so more-ish! :drool:.

Juls - I hope you have a wonderful time with your family in Sydney. You're right, our scales do need a vacation! I'd like to send mine somewhere very hot! :devil:

Marie - I bet you're in a winter wonderland right now :snow4:. I wish we'd get more snow up here, but I think it's very rare for Portland to have a white Christmas. I wish you sunny skies and fresh powder! I hope you hide the dogs' gifts well, probably best not under the tree! That's so funny how your DH couldn't resist showing them.

Carol - I hope everything is going well for you & your hubby.

Our poor DS is sick with the flu and has been off work for 3 days. Good thing he wasn't set to fly up here tomorrow as he probably couldn't do so as he has bronchitis. I wish I could email him some chicken soup! He's supposed to work on Monday, so hopefully it will be a quiet day as most of his coworkers will have the day off.

There's just so many temptations around, so I thought it would be handy to have a Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder for my "Official Conscience" this time of year :lol:. Here he is (just in case you need to borrow him):
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8...iny2az5.th.gif

Girls life will slow down a bit soon with the holidays creeping up so ever fast I have been so off tune here. But things are going well I think my wt is staying where it was before the season so thats okay with me. I am wearing my smaller sized clothes and especially now to remind myself to still fit in the I need to becareful. I have the time off till thurs after christmas when I rtn to work. Its nice yesterday the hubby and I shopped a little and then we visted my SIL's grandson at his college dropped of his presents and cookies and hung out for awhile. It was good for him and all of us too. Nice family time. Still finishing up the last few min. stocking stuffers today then going to sew the requested nightgowns for the GD's. Tonight I will not be on prog. at all christmas gathering with pizza and wings. Oh well its not something we do daily so I will enjoy.
Marie glad yah got the snow keep it. We still have enough base here for skiing and a white christmas but the temp is going to 58 on sunday crazy huh for NY.Then as far as I am concerned it can stay your way for skiing. Enjoy I also read in the winter if we walk outside we burn more cals to stay warm and heavier clothes makes our bodies also work a bit harder good to know huh?
Juls enjoy your time with the family sounds lovely.
Judy glad your serious about a house. Mine is almost paid off in two more years 2010 I can't wait. Make sure you ck the difference between a 20 yr. 15 yr. etc. morg. We did a 15 and I have never regreted it and now we are almost done. The difference back then was about 45 a month I figured if I couldn't afford that guess I shouldn't be buying it to start with. Never regretted that at all. Now super happy I did it. Good luck and how nice this will be even a 2 family isn't so bad and let them make your morg. payment but that comes with fixing things etc... Oh well enjoy cking it out.
Penny wow time goes by so fast bet many folks are enjoying your soaps. My director at work said she yelled at the hubby for using hers she could smell it on him. Hah hah lavender vanilla with a hint of lime. Sorry he is sick at christmas thats just the pits. I will never forget the yr. my daughter had it around the age of 10 didn't even want to open presents it was not nice hope by christmas he is feeling better. Jimmy is cute between him and my tighter pair of pants I got my reminders for today!!! Hubby is getting back to normal. I can't wait to see his face when he see's the kayak all wrapped in newspapers with a red bow sitting in the front yard. The kids will bring it over in the afternoon so we can exchange gifts. In the a.m. we are going for a lovely no cal. breakfast at my SIL and DD house it is a feast. Then go see the other DD house and DG presents and tree in the afternoon they will stop in for a very casual dinner by mom and open stockings and have a few presents here. Well take care and may santa be good to all of you good friends. Talk to you soon.

Happy winter everyone. It's snowing again. DH and I had a blast at the ski park. We got our season passes and did about 8 runs, then came home. My legs are a little tired but got lots of other stuff done to. After 1.5 runs, I got my mojo back. Swish.... Down I went with gusto and no fear. It's like the curtain lifted. The two accidents this year had made me cautious and timid which is more dangerous than going with gusto. It was weird, just like I let the fear and all the pain from the two accidents go. I feel normal again. So I had a blast. Last week was fun but the fear had nagged me. Not today. We're going back on Monday morning. DS2 plans to join us. BTW he's the one that put my Eclipse about 70 feet in a neighbors yard from driving too fast on icy roads. DH had to winch him out after we got back. DH wasn't pleased whatsoever. :)

Carol, I'm very glad your DH is feeling better. That kayak will be a great present. I thought of you yesterday - it's snowing and I'm driving on icy roads and a truck is stopped at a stop light next to me - on it is a big yellow kayak. I thought of you and decided the guy was nuts as this isn't the time of year for kayaking. How is your SIL doing a lovely no cal breakfast???

Penny, it wasn't sunny but it was great powder. I liked the groomed runs and the conditions were perfect. I'm thinking ll the other skiers/snowboarders were last minute Christmas shopping as we got to ski straight up to the lift. Absolutely no lines. Heaven, I swear.

DS1 really likes his new job. I just spoke with him and he paid the deposit and rent on a house. So they have a place to live. He and DGS might come out tomorrow for football, but he's not sure since the roads are like a skating rink.

Well, I will chat more tomorrow.
Marie

Marie keep that snow honey! We have the weather in the 50's very unseasonable for us here. Still white stuff packed in the yard the driveway is a sheet of ice. I was really naughty yesterday with eating cheeses, and wings one piece of pizza. Then a few cookies oh well tis the season. It will all be over soon and it only comes once a year. I am almost done wrapping the gkids are coming over today one is staying over. Haven't done that in months. Kind of fun I think. Well I made lasagna for christmas today all set to just bake a ham that day and some scalloped potatoes, veggie and salad. Not too many for dinner but we will all be together on the eve and in the a.m. for breakfast it will be a relaxing day to sit back and say hey we did it again. Then start picking things up for next year. We had our christmas with our good friends last night and exchanged gifts and wine. It was a pleasant time. My SIL will be going to her families house on christmas eve and christmas day. She is doing well and really gets into buying for everyone. Bear ruined his toy already one of many he just pulls the cotton out crazy pup.
Well have a good one and enjoy christmas.

The big day's almost here! :clause:

I finished celebrating my b'day week with a facial on Friday, and got my hair done on Saturday. Gift shopping is almost done (I'm literally buying a TV after my bro picks me up at the airport tomorrow), and I've just finished with laundry, so now all I have to do is pack, pay bills and put my donation checks in the mail. I will have sporadic access to the internet, at best, until New Year's Day, but I will check in when I can. Today's weight is 223 :mad: and it's not very likely that I will lose much while I'm away, so my goal is to maintain by making good choices and working out. I did a short cardio workout this morning, and am heading down to the ExBike after I finish this message.

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well! I hope that the New Year brings some of our other chickies back, rarin' to go! Marie, Carol, Penny and Jules, thanks for being there these past few months. I can't imagine that I would have survived this fall, especially, with all the stress, travel and limping, and not have gained a bunch of weight back, without your steady voices on this thread. Thanks !:grouphug:

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday. I'll stop in when I can!

judy

Carol - It's nice your DH was able to go shopping with you. It sounds like you've got a busy holiday coming up. Have fun with your family, especially the grandkids. Your DH is sure going to get a surprise with the kayak - that's an inventive way of wrapping it!

Marie - I'm glad you had such a great time skiing. I hope you had a nice time with your DGS. It must be a relief that your DS1 likes his job and has already found a place to live. We may possibly get a sprinkling of snow on Christmas Day! :crossed:

Judy - You've given me lots of encouragement too with your positive attitude. I admire how you've hung in there exercising and making good food choices even though it's been difficult as you've been on the road so much. It's tough when we don't see the results we'd like but we never give up, do we? Hopefully 2008 will be a breakthrough year for us and we can start to see some lower numbers on the scale.

Juls - I hope you're having a bonzer time with your family in Sydney!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! :santa: :rudolph: :wreath: :present:. May your day be merry and bright!

Happy Day After Christmas to Everyone.

I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful. We had a very nice one. I already broke one of my presents. DH gave me a pedometer (very wanted) and it flipped off my waistband and splashed. I think that I will give exchanging it a try as it shouldn't have come off so easily.

I'm back at work and don't want to be here. Ok, I rarely every want to be here but today is worse since I loved my 4 day weekend. Luckily I get another one starting Friday afternoon. I am leaving early today to have a hair weave. I love that pampering.

Well the eating season is done for me. I'm back on my diet. I have 5 months till the 2 yr anniversary since I started losing weight. And as I haven't really lost any in the last year, it's time. So my goal for April 25th is a bit different. I WILL track everything. I WILL then put all the calories in my database. I WILL average 1600 cals a day during this 5 month period. I WILL NOT weigh myself. Healthy eating and fitness is the goal and losing weight is secondary. So far today I'm doing good. Usually after the first day I'm easily on track and mornings are my downfall. I made it through the morning of day 1 and all should be good. I overate yesterday so much my stomach hurt. I'm not doing that again. So I WILL be healthy!

Oh, I did a 3 mile WATP this morning.

Hope everyone is okay.
Marie

Well girls its almost a new year think we need some new goals? I am going to think hard on mine so I can make some good changes and meet them the best I can. I am off to HI in March towards the end of the month so I need to get in shape. I started to walk again yesterday at the lake with Mr. Bear. We got in a good 50 min. which was a start to success. I am trying to stay out of the sweets christmas left behind. Got to work and there was a nice gift from a client of course my favorite choc. stores peanut santas. But so far so good stayed out of them. But had a few peanut mm's after dinner. Back to the nothing to eat after 7 pm. So a few things I am working on before setting my real goals. Sorry I have been MIA here I am going to be better about being here on this site as it is my success in the long run. To keep track on the good changes and lifestyle long run changes I need to have. So hang in there we can do it.
Christmas was nice kind of quiet but in a good way I guess. Anyways our weather sure was super. We have had it in the 40's today and no snow but still leftovers from before. Bear and I were careful on our walk and didn't do the whole lake as it was muddy and icy. Gym day is friday. So I am making some good choices.
Marie I am with yah girl we can do this all of us. I need to track as well cause when we don't the little devil gets the best of us. Funny we should both decide this is it must be we have had our fill of junk foods except my mm's of course at least they are part healthy. Well take care and lets get it moving and grooving for the new year I agree its way overdue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Start of the year 2008 with some positive changes ones we can reach out and make a routine in our daily living.

Good morning all I said its time to buckle down and get back on track and wow I am really going to make an effort to be in control. This a.m. I had a raisin english muffin with a little jam no butter. Then one boiled egg and blk coffee. I have packed my water and plan on buying a salad for lunch. Dinner I am making homemade pizza no pepperoni plans on my side just veggies sauce and a bit of cheese and a side salad of my choices. Its time to get this ball on the road. Oh my snacks today I have preplanned a fiberone bar for a snack this a.m. around 10 as I eat breakfast so early, then my afternoon snack will be a nice orange after dinner a nice glass of red wine. Trying not to eat after 7 is tough I think I am going to say 7:30 and work my way to 7. Hah hah! Gotta get this thing moving many folks say they are starting after the first why wait? Best to start now then take off the eve and the new years day and jump back on.I am packed up for the gym as well and going to cut out of work a tad bit early to get there before everyone else. I feel so much more in control between the hubbies issues earlier on and stress etc. now its time for Carol and whats important to me and thats getting back into shape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HI here I come and will be feeling great when I do. Wouldn't it be great to just feel so in control all the time and not have our slip up times? Oh what a great feeling that would be. So my new goal here it is I am going to do something daily for myself to feel in control, try my best to eat well and exercise on a regular basis. I am not putting a lb. amt. that I will lose as I know if I do all the above things that is going follow. Having a number sometimes is too stressful and when I don't see it happening makes me binge or upset so for me I am trying this new method say a prayer for me that it works. I will be in control. I am going to wake up and tell myself that daily and when I go to bed say it to myself again maybe after enough times it will come true and I will be in the driverseat. Attitude is good got to do this!!! Hope your all off to a great start to day! I will keep posting as part of my starting off on the right foot.

Marie - I'm on board with you for a healthy 2008! I'll still be weighing myself, but will try to do so less often. :o

Carol - I'm glad to hear you're feeling so motivated. I'm also starting to eat healthier right away and not waiting till the 1st. I felt so bloated with all the rich foods over Christmas, so it's a relief to start eating healthier again.

Judy & Juls - I hope your holidays were terrific and look forward to hearing from you.

I've come to the conclusion that I MUST keep a food journal. I slacked off in that regard and have now paid the price of gaining 9 lbs. from my low weight last September. I just read an interesting article in Good Housekeeping that a study recently came out saying that keeping a food journal is the number one best way to lose weight and keep it off - no matter what diet you are on. I know this works for me and I already feel so much more in control since I started keeping track in my Spark People journal again :comp:. It also helps me to keep track of how much protein I'm eating, and I know I haven't been eating enough protein for quite a while. I will also be very honest and put down every little snack. No more cheating :nose: :nono:. Since my foot isn't very reliable for long walks I'm going to dust off the treadmill and use it more often :tread: :woops:.

I think we'll ALL do GREAT in 2008! We're motivated and we know we CAN eat healthy and delicious food and even lose some weight in the process! :carrot:

I also read that info. in the same place Penny see we are all tuned in together. Yes having a food journal makes a lot of sense and I am starting one on sunday. The preplanning sure seems to make help me but the documenting on paper helps too. One doesn't replace the other it is all important. Well take care and enjoy your weekend.

Hi all, well day 3 of logging my food and staying in the 1600 cal range is going good. I've been more like 1450 but since the goal is an average of 1600 over 5 months, being lower helps deflect the naughty days.

Today is Blizzard's Birthday. My doggie is 7 years old. :hb: Still a puppy at heart but with hips of a 20 year old dog (she has severe hip dysplasia and arthritis). She's the reason I'm obsessive about walking her often. Keeps her limber. I took her out in the snow for her walk before work.

We were going to go to Reno to help DS1 move but his car broke down right outside of Reno as he was coming back here. So DH and DS2 took the Durango and will tow him back to his house then bring him back here. DS1 and almost DIL will drive her car tomorrow, no longer needing us to drive it. So poor DH got stuck with a 10 hr round trip on snowy roads. Me, I'm at home surfing. Bad me... At least I did the bills while he's gone. :D Because the weened plans changed I don't know when we'll be going skiing. Maybe on Sunday. :goodvibes

Carol and Penny, I'm totally on board with the logging. Since I started on Wednesday, snacking hasn't been nearly the control of my life. I'm putting everything in my mobile phone diet program. I set it on my desk at work and it reminds me that I'd have to log if I eat.

Wel,, I'm pooped and am going to give Blizzard another birthday kiss. I just love my doggies. :)
Marie

Well girls I am a bit sore but thats a good thing after my 70 min. work out yesterday at the gym. Yes I finally got myself there. My close friend is on a one month free bee started yesterday. It was good as she is willing to try new things and eager to do this to lose. I am trying some different machines. My food intake was good except for the popcorn at the movies we went to see The Golden Compass not a bad movie but different than I thought it would be. We went to the little country movie theater its on 5 a head there. A bit cheaper on grandma's pocket. I did limit myself and had a bottle of tea my daughter brought me. I made some flaxseed muffins with apples, grated carrots, almonds and banana. Not bad and real healthy.
Marie I need to start the intake documentation today. A trip to the health food store yesterday was good to buy flaxseed meal, oatmeal, dried peas and oh my QC10 how I have missed being on that. So I got that too and ran into a lady which gave me good info. and told me about the flaxseed recipe on the back of B.Mills flaxseed bag. Thats how I got started making these muffins. I will freeze them individually for my fast flying out the door mornings. Happy birthday from Bear and I. He has been on much better behavior since the purchase of his behavior collar we have only used it a couple of times if he has it on just behaves better. I think he will be a puppy forever like your doggies. I had 3 grandkids overnight and the fourth went to the movies with us and his mom. So its been a nice weekend. I am suppose to go to the gym again today just to use the treadmill, pool and sauna if my friend feels like it. Otherwise on NYeve we are planning on going right after work 3. Then having such bad things for dinner steak grilled lobster tails, shrimp, cheeses I will try to limit myself here and some fuzzy navels for drinks. I figure if we do the gym at least that is a little good to go with the rest.
Hope everyone is doing well and Marie glad your feeling more in control me too! Just comes to a time when yah say okay this is enought lets get it together. I will be working on taking control again on NYday. A little of this and that but with a eye on my intake and not stand or seat by the snack table. Thats a no no! Also only a little piece of cake mom turns 86 and thats her birthday the hubbies is monday.
Hey wow I just added up my intake for yesterday and it wasn't even any foods I was super glad over and wow many unthought of cals jumped in intakes documented is a must. Thank G I worked out as my end intakes were over the edge counting honestly at 2100 and what the heck fun was it all?? Oh journal here I come started todays alread and will reflect back to yesterdays as a reminder when I get lazy here.

:hug: G,day lovley ladies well it looks like we all survived Chrissy and stayed on track to the best of our good intentions ;). I had a lovely time with the family and friends a bit of tension between my ex and my eldest and youngest DD,s but I just pretended I didn,t notice and the day was pretty good I was more involved with my DGK.s anyway so I didn,t bother with all the other crap. I ate well and even managed to lose a 1lb :carrot:, well it is New Years Eve here downunder that,s :cool: I,ve never pigged out on New Years so shouldn,t be a problem.

Carol, you put me to shame when it comes to workouts but I,ll get there, after all my hinting I didn,t get my treadmill so I have to take my DGS back to Sydney tomorrow he came up to stay with me for a few days, so I just might get one for myself :p.

Marie I hope Blizzard had a lovely birthday I,m with you I love my doggies too but then again sometimes I like animals more than I like some people animals either like you or they don,t there is no b***s**t in between :)

Penny I did have a bonzer time thanks hope yours was just as mickey mouse.

Judy your facial sounds great it has been along time since I had a professional facial I do my own. I agree with you all of the support I get from you wonderful ladies is a God send at times and has kept me focused at my lowest of times.

EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT NEW YEARS EVE, AND WE WILL ALL BE BACK BETTER BUT SMALLER THAN EVER THROUGH THIS NEXT WONDERFUL YEAR.
TAKE CARE
JULS

Hey Juls it will come its not easy nor does it feel real good today on my body but no hurt no gain I guess they say. I worked out last night at the gym but it was a swim and exercise in the pool no equipment then we sat in the hot tub. The jets were great on my sore back. I am not letting it get the best of me. Today will be my 3rd day at the gym. Going to have a nice party with my close friends at my home tonight figure we might want to burn a few cals. to start with I am now tracking my intakes. But not today as there is no sense. My hubbies birthday is today also. We are having a family get together on sunday for that and then will end celebrations for awhile.
How everyone is ready to start 2008 here! I am 07 was tough in the end and I am ready to put it behind us thats forsure. Well talk to you all after the new year comes in. Juls wish you were closer I would give you my treadmill. Could never get into using it at home it isn't so new but it works. I will put a free sign up in town. Talk to you all later enjoy!

Looks like Ruth has closed this thread and started us off on another thread for 2008.

I don't think this one's been locked yet as I was able to post this as a heads-up for you guys in case you were wondering what happened to 2 pages of posts!
Here is the new thread - it took me quite a while to find it:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...14#post1996314