Hello all... I'm hanging in by a dainty finger or two, to quote wsw, but only one more class and I am FREE of that burden for good! Tomorrow night and out! :cp:

I took a boxing class tonight! It was offered free to the group at work that runs our 'Biggest Loser' (knock-off) program. Intense... very intense. We gloved up and had at it with full size, uh, what do you call them? Punching bags? Whatever... it was extremely sweatifying! The instructors were kind of obnoxious though, so I quickly opted out of the sales pitch at the end of the session. Great workout, though I did miss my favorite step class to do so. Am definitely getting into a groove with the exercise. I have been trying to form a lunchtime habit of getting outside, just to get a 15 minute stretch of the legs/air out the brain walk in! I've been out there for the past 4 (work) days, cold and wind be damned! 17 more days to make it a habit!

Despite the successes with exercise...I will not discuss my WI today. :no: Or, maybe I will. Or, maybe I'll wait and see what's on tomorrow's scale... see if I like that better. :yes: That is what I'll do. :censored: grumble grumble :censored:

It's late, I'm here longer than I wanted to be... I already know I'm going to be in a bit of pain tomorrow, so I'd better hit the rack.

I should be back on Thursday, when I will be free once again... and I'll tell you all about the 26 mile breast cancer walk I've committed to do!

Take care, pretty :queen:s!

Sorry - must have been wandering in la-la land or something. Anyway, I am amazed at your current progress, wsw. Congratulations - and I must remember to learn "dainty" portions.

I had committed to a grand restart as of Ash Wednesday with a whole plan, etc. Then later in the day visited an old acquaintance in a "rehab" - Well, if I lacked motivation - that did it. She is in such horrible shape and at least a goodly part of it attributed to her weight - lots of other issues as well that will keep her from ever getting a handle on it all - but I thought "I can't ever let that happen to me".

Then heard another old acquaintance was in same facility so dropped by there as well. She's a year younger, had just had some back surgery but was up and about and, all things considered, looked great and well. Of course, it helped that an "old" high school love recently came back into her life and was there taking care of her. Love these real life romances and hopefully happy endings. So motivation, motivation. I don't want to be unable to walk, with swollen legs with wounds that won't heal, etc. Sorry if that's not pleasant thinking but it IS motivating.

The last two weeks have contained several upsetting deaths, funerals, viewings and now the nursing home visit. Only sounds and signs of spring have helped. And I'm heading to Princessville tomorrow which always brings me back to "good" things. Though it often disrupts my eating, exercise patterns. But hugs are good medicine too..............Poor friend mentioned above gets precious few of those either and I think a few more along the way might have helped.

So - motto for the day - hug a few people............(might shock some to pieces ;) ...........

:luck2you::cupgold::luck2you::cupgold::luck2you:

:belly:

Back in the saddle
 

This is a kind of fly-bye as I am falling asleep for some reason.

Wsw, the study concluded that the most effective weight loss "diet" is basically to eat less. :) No magic pill.

Arabella, congrats on the pound down. That's great. I honestly can't remember if I posted this here but I did find my old Callanetics book on Tuesday and have decided to work some of that kind of stuff into my week instead of one weight workout. Good stuff. I never did Lotte Berk per se but consider it very close to Callanetics. I am going to research it also.

Anagram, I have also been motivated in some cases by seeing the situation of another who has for whatever reason health or other major problems caused by weight or being out of shape and I've vowed never do I want that to happen to me. Not postive thinking, no, but a reasonable way to use our sadness at the situation the other person is in and whom we can't do much to help.

Arabella, I am also working hard on all fronts to face reality.

All in all, I don't like reality much, but there it is. :)

Kat, congrats on thy impending state of being done with the classes.

To all, mentioned or un ...

Hmmm, I really need to go to bed, was up so early to jog and walk for two hours and then went to Black Lagoon to work, problem solve and mostly get frustrated, managed not to stress eat.

S A T U R D A Y !
 

I feel like a kid anymore, what with the weekends off and all. For soooo many years, I had to work every other weekend, so the scramble to 'do stuff' always had to be squeezed into "my" weekend, compounded by whether or not dh was off, blah, blah, blah. He still has crazy weekend hours, but the weekends are now MINE, ALL MINE, mwahaha! :lol: Not that I'm doing all that much stuff, other than catching up on housework, food shopping, laundry, etc... BUT I don't have to wake up at 6, get dressed up, and put on make up to do so!

I'm down another pound... s l o w l y coming off, but I daresay it's a comin' off! The pants I'm wearing today feel a bit strange because they aren't cutting me at the waist like they did before. :carrot:

I think I may have finally come to the realization that this is not temporary, not a diet, not something to do just until I like what the scale says... this is how I need to live my life from now on. I'm trying not to take having a 'bad day' as a sign of failure. It is what it is. This is a daily process. I have such a long way to go, I have to just take each day as it comes and string together more good ones than bad ones.

Janga... I'm so impressed with your "two hour walk." I need to seriously start training for my walk... any pointers? :kickcan:

Arabella... so nice to hear about a breath of Spring! We've had a few of those too, and now I'm hearing about a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for tomorrow. *sigh* Here's hoping your doldrums have passed... :bubbles:

anagram... I'm so sorry to hear about all the upsetting events of the past few weeks for you! There is nothing like thoughts of Spring and Princesses to put a smile back on and give one hope! :hug:

wsw... By George, I think you've got it! "stick to dainty portions and exercise" Mystery unraveled! Now get out there and market that, and you're a millionaire! Problem is though, how to stick to that plan... :chin: Congrats on sending another fluffy on it's way!

Hail to the rest of our :queen:ly group... hope to see you all back in the palace soon!

I need to get back to my Saturday list of things to do. Was hoping to squeeze a manicure onto said list, but then I won't be able to scrub the tub! hmmmm...

:wave:

Hey.... me again. Just checking in, traffic is rather light these days, huh? Just wanted to report that I have exercised 6 out of the past 7 days, yesterday's workout was strictly of the housework variety, so no slacking there, really. Food choices keep getting better each day. I'm striving for preservative-free, fresh-only choices... I'd say I'm compliant about 90% of the time... I have been filling in some gaps with WW treats: the little 1 point bars and 2 point bags of pretzels or chips. Amazingly, a little goes a long way, and gives me enough leeway to not stray too far into dangerous territory.

I did some yoga this morning and a "Bodies in Motion" routine, TiVo'd from FitTV. I plan on spending the rest of the day reading the paper. A Restful Sunday. :yes:

Here's hoping that my fellow :queen:s have a lovely, restful day as well!

Huzzah Kat, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE POUND DOWN!!!! That's great.

I finally had a happy loss today also and am my way down, which is extremely odd considering it's been one of the worst weeks in my life for various reasons, not major ones, exactly, but a lot of problems, angst 'n sturm 'n drang! However, I am pleased that I did not stress eat much and Diet Bunny Am 'n Diet Inner Bunny Child Maisie lost two pounds, which had previously been regained, of course, but t'is all good.

Kat, I did two hours today also, or rather 100 mins walking and 20 straight jogging. I don't really have any pointers, I often go that long as I like doing it. This year I am doing my countdown and am at, if memory serves (can't see my log from here) I'm at 4960 minutes of exercise so far for 2009, all done in the morning (I'm not logging lifestyle activity, just formal workouts, including any extra ones in the afternoon but I'm finding I'm more complaint if I don't skip any mornings). I am doing this streak just for fun and health and "workout" includes days of "active rest" when I just do a short session or something different and light.

T'is March 1, woo hoo, wonderin' how all the palace denizens are. T'is spring, almost, definitely well past spring where I live, with all the beautiful yellow poppies in bloom on the desert.

Huzzah!

Hello all,

Believe it or not, I am still getting caught up on things here at home. I have had to literally force myself again and again to remain focused, even if its getting laundry together.

I appreciate eveyone's kind words and supportive thoughts. My mom is doing well, everything considired and has begun the rounds of changing info at the bank, updating SSI, etc, etc. She is very, very involved with her church which is not too far from her home and has many active service projects.

We have a Noreaster here today so I called out of work. I am doing laundry, will wash some floors and vaccum, have thank you cards and etc to catch up on and think a pot of beef stew would be nice too.

Yes, I agree you never know where you will find motivation.... It's so true with me too.

Congrats WSW and Empress Janga for pounds down.
Kat, I am so impressed with your boxing. Good idea signing up for the marathon....a plan is good thing...step by step....there's so much common sense there....


Ok. I need to swap the washing machine loads.

Oh, and by the way, my employer is in the news again...........



**********************
Here's the today's Thought:

Thought of the day:

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no ones definition of your life; define yourself.”
Harvey Firestein

Question of the day:

"How do you handle driving in bad weather?"

******************

WSW! 25 lbs is a GREAT number!! TA DA!!

Good for you! And you are so right... its every ounce that adds up....

I just saw a quote today i(n an investment magazine)
"Four steps makes 1 long stride".....

You are doing it!!!!

;):carrot:;)

Hello all!

Almost zero here, winds are howlling, wind chill temp is one I'd rather not think about.....

But I am on cup 2 of coffee and am going to turn the car on so at least the steering wheel is warm.....

Someone sent me this last night... I thought it was so cute... hope you do too!


**************
Good Morning Tuesday 3/3

The Push

A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00 am
by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up
and goes to the door where a drunken stranger,
standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

'Not a chance,' says the husband, 'it is 3:00 in the morning!'
He slams the door and returns to bed.

'Who was that?' asked his wife.

'Just some drunk guy asking for a push,' he answers.

'Did you help him?' she asks.

'No, I did not, it is 3:00 in the morning and it is pouring rain out there!'

'Well, you have a short memory,' says his wife. 'Can't you
remember about three months ago when we broke down,
and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him,
and you should be ashamed of yourself!'

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain.

He calls out into the dark, 'Hello, are you still there?'

'Yes,' comes back the answer.

'Do you still need a push?' calls out the husband.

'Yes, please!' comes the reply from the dark.
'Where are you?' asks the husband.
'Over here on the swing,' replied the drunk.

*************************


:hug:

I am so full of awe at my :queen:lies

25 pounds in 3 months, wsw - you are a marvel! And Empress Janga - your commitment always boggles my mind. And now :queen: kat seems to have made a true lifestyle change! Do you feel the job and hours change were a help in all of that? i.e., giving you more regularity?

Yes, be gentle :queen: kaylets - it will take a while - a good while - and keep in touch w/Mom - 'tis fortunate she has so many good activities but it will still be so hard for her. (And clue from a Mom who's done it - we oft put on a better face for our kids so as not to add to their grief.)

I was only away for three days and am still digging out and trying to get back on track. Weather NOT helpful but we didn't get hit as hard as Kaylets, kat, wsw. Snow is about all melted but still so cold. I'm going to go out and do 2 or 3 small errands just to get out and about.

Wrestling with a mental mode change for myself - while it has nothing directly to do with diet - it does affect that and health. I'm realizing one of the biggest stresses in my life (other than the economy) is the amount of stress in DDs life. There is a lot of REAL stress there (a lot related to health) and she is not handling it well (read: my way) - ergo, adding to my stress. I AM sympathetic though, apparently, never sypathetic ENOUGH. Truthfully, DD is a TYPE A personality which can be good but also can be Bad. I am definitely not a TYPE A. I was able to tolerate her Dad's Type A characteristics and accept him as he was but her somewhat similar behaviors tend to wear me down. So I am reminding me that when we love someone, it means accepting them as they are (even when they're irritating). And remembering she has his same generosity and stalwart character, etc. And, Lord, if I could stand up to him I should be able to stand up to her and be myself too whether it suits her or not. Sometimes we have to keep repeating to ourselves things we learned long ago and have let drift away.

QOD - I'm with wsw on that - do as little as possible but not afraid to do it. It's more a falling thing once I'm out of the car that keeps me in (besides the comfort of home).

Just a note to say, yea, congrats to wsw for so many pounds down and to all for their accomplishments that I'm missing posting on lately and a huzzah to all, mentioned or un-

Was going to post more but truth to tell I have a pounding headache tonight that I think, actually, is because I've eaten some cheddar cheese in the past few days. I believe it has triggered a migraine, hopefully that is it, anyway.

So shall go back to bed.

Sorry for the migraine, Janga. Will assume, with you, that is what it is/was. I used to have them a lot but, mercifully, not so much recently.

Though I did have something new recently - at least new to me, I woke up early Sunday morning (2:00 a.m.) and had flashes of light in my left eye. Uh, oh, I said and on Monday made an appt w/ophthamologist. fortunately, it was not a detaching retina but was, he believed, something called an ophthalmic migraine (or ocular migraine). No pain, though though he said there sometimes can be but usually is not. So a wee bit of a scare but it seems that was the worst of it.

Still cold today but sun is bright and supposed to be warming up. Having my little buddy after school for a bit today. Have already accomplished several things on today's list but now must tackle the biggie for the day (postponed almost a week ;) ) Paperwork, of course.

:patrick::patrick::irish::patrick::irish::patrick:

A good and glorious day to all floating around the palace and its environs - or out and about otherwise bringing good vibes to the world!

:belly:

Janga, just noticed the new pic. Be that thyself?

Happy Belated, WSW!
 

Huzzah, queenlies! :wave:

Thanks fer those who wisheth me well re the cheddar/migraine debacle, t'is better and I am fairly certain as to that being the cause, but it was unusual.

Anagramatic, that is scary re thy experience re the eye scare, glad it seems to have resolved itself.

Nay, that be not a real pic o' Janga, just a random photo from a royalty free site where I enjoy poaching pictures from. I like to THINK it looks like the new me WHEN I grow more hair and when I lose a number of years. :lol: I am very drawn to the picture and it motivates me because it does look like who I think I am.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WSW! Sounds as though thou hadst a good one. Congratulations on the great weight loss also.

Wood Nymph, I am with ye on the weigh-ins, whether they be at WW or my "ceremonies" regularly each Sunday (although I occasionally vary the day if I have to work on a Sunday or something). I would not have ever had any success with losing weight had it not been for the regular scale checks, although I don't do it daily as some do. For me, it's essential data in the journey.

Actually, must go lie down right now, so to all ... mentioned or un ... huzzah!

Belated Happy Birthday, wsw!!! What was the surprise event?

Thanks, WN, for the site! Mine was more a number four but I realized looking at some of the other pictures, that this was probably NOT my first episode but was likely more noticeable in the dark room.

Glad your migraine has gone byebye, Janga. I too have mental pictures of myself; however, none of mine resemble the real me. Durn!

Today is to be lovely here - almost 70 - just a taste of spring, of course, but I think we'll have a foot in the door. Gent helped me clean out the flower beds yesterday and now I can more readily see the tulips, daffs, hyacinths, mums, etc. emerging. I'll be out after brekkie checking out every inch. Wandered into a garden section at Wal Mart yesterday and bought some grass seed and plant basket liners. Am I getting with that program or not?

Working on getting with the other program too and doing better. However I am in need of a real epiphany and a kick back onto the fast(er) track.

:hug: to Kaylets, kat, ceara and all others. Any lurkers out there? Feel free to speak up - your thoughts are welcome.

:luck2you: :luck2you: :patrick: :patrick: :cupgold:
:cupgold:

SO, SO lovely out there. Everyone out doing yard cleaup! It probably won't last very long but it is such a foretaste of what will surely be here in a few weeks! Cut some more forsythia to force. Keep this up and bushes won't need any trimming!

This is just a me-me postie to say that Janga/Am be super busy this coming week also but will again use the technique of almost ritualistically dedicating this state of stress filled days to improving her weight management and fitness project. That was a very helpful image that got me through last week.

Did not loss weight, did not gain weight, so am good to go, plan being to increase calorie "budget" with a cap (haven't been using a cap for awhile, just a target, and it's a different thing, actually) that is higher daily than previous target but will result in a lower weekly average because it theoretically will prevent very high days while allowing enough calories for higher moderate days during stressful times.

If that makes no sense, ignore it. :lol:

We are also experiencing cooler weather but I am glad as my AC is still broken and I live in Arizona, so need a few more months as I have to fix the roof first.

Avanti, queenlies.

Sorry the lack of responses. Seems like there's always a lot of things to do these day.

OMG, I did it again! Was just finishing up a nice long post... scrolling back to see if I missed anyone or anything, and was chuckling (again) over Kaylets' tale of "The Push," so I copied and pasted into an email to send to my sister...FORGETTING TO SAVE WHAT I HAD JUST SPENT AN HOUR TYPING. AUGHH!

Short version:
wsw! Belated Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like it was wonderful!
Anagram...gardening! Ohhhh, I can't wait!
Janga...your calorie plan made perfect sense to me!
Arabella...hang in there, Spring's a'comin'!
Kaylets... THANKS FOR THE PUSH!

I have to get to bed... must be up earlier than usual tomorrow... car issues to be dealt with. :p

More tomorrow, I promise!
:wave:

Fresh Start Monday!
 

Ah, Fresh Start Monday!!!!!

Doing ok today - not TOO bad over the weekend. Someone said over the weekend that I looked like I was losing weight. Sorry to say, I had to refute the thought.

Well, we're in cold and windy weather now but with a bright sun today and more March-like than the weekend.

Hey, kat, can't you copy and paste back from the email in your Sent file?

Lovin' the red purse image too! Go, wsw. "Sass" that's what I need to.

I've been concentrating on eating more slowly too, WN. And trying to savor each bite and let the message get to my brain. I have ALWAYS been a very fast eater and have tried many times to slow down but never seem to learn.

Well, off to a dinner meeting tonight and it's at an Irish pub so I must be wearin' the green. Will forego the Guinness :p

:belly:

wandering thru
 

Well, now... let's try this again! Must focus and not be steered off course by funny stories. (I sent that to everyone at work today!) :lol:

I am on total SPRING WATCH here. Loving the surprise of the odd crocus blooming through the raggedy, brown lawn... wee green buds on the magnolia tree outside my bedroom window... green shoots where daffodils will be in a few weeks... I even saw a pair of swans (thanks for reminding me, ceara!) a few weeks ago, while out walking. I took a long, roundabout path that I'd never been on before, and came upon a neck of a reservoir that I didn't know even existed in this park. There, gracefully gliding through the water, were a pair of swans! I was mesmerized, had to stop and watch them for a bit. I don't know why I was so taken with them, but it made my day for me!

My *lost* post told of the MEGA walk, my dog Molly and I took yesterday. :running: We hit our favorite trail at (another) park, and had the whole afternoon to ourselves for hiking and exploring. Explore we did... even got somewhat lost after walking for about and hour and a half... covered quite a bit of the trails, LOTS of hills, and way more mud than I would have liked, but it was a great workout.

I worked a little later than usual today, because I need to leave early tomorrow for a dentist appt. :p Getting up extra early for a 6am POWER class :strong: because I didn't workout today, and I do like a good one under my belt before WI. Am getting WAY tired of up 1, down .8, up 1.5, down 1.... I need a WHOOSH! On the bright side, there is a definite change in the way clothes are fitting, so that makes me very happy. I feel stronger too. :lifter:

anagram... So? Did you avoid the Guinness? :drinkup: Must be a fun meeting if it's at a pub!

arabella... sounds like you've got your plan in place. It does make a big diff, doesn't it, when we sit and eat with no other distractions. Hard though, I'm always looking for something to read while I eat! Bad habit=must break.

wsw... A little SASS goes a long way, doesn't it? Your tales of birthday celebrations tells me you are truly loved. As you are here!

Janga... when you figure out how to "lose a number of years," you will share, won't you?

Kaylets... re: QOD, "How do you handle driving in bad weather?" 4WD, baby! I don't mind driving in bad weather, but the other crazies on the road scare the daylights outta me! :yikes: People, what is your hurry? You have the best excuse in the world for being late: THE WEATHER! sheesh...

Okay, I must gather my things together for the early rising. Grab an outfit, pack the lunch, pack the gym bag. Oh! and the toothbrush for my boyfriend, the dentist.

Monday's over... let's make this a GREAT week!

:wave:

Day 2, uh huh!
 

Hello all!

Happy Belated WSW! What a wonderful gift to go to meet Judy Collins!


Hugs to all! Sorry to be so brief... Time change is killing me this year....
I am jeaous Empress Janga of your state NOT doing the time change...

I am going to bed now and hoping I don't lay there with my eyes wide open.....

PS....I know 2 ladies with the ocular migranes too......

Hmmmm......

Day 4!
 

Huzzah to all 'n this be a fly-bye as pretty overwhelmed this week on the work and personal front, weight is stable with a visit from the Maintenance Angel at an early but official Sacred Ceremony o' the Golden Scale o' Dietary Justice a few days ago and Diet Maiden Am 'n Inner Diet Child Maisie 'n some other diet folkettes have formed a committee to set the next ceremonial date, which is March 22, giving Am a number of extra days between since there is so much going on right now that this will allow her to focus on steering a steady GOOD WEIGHT BEHAVIOR COURSE during the hullaballoo and have a nice day off for a weigh-in, brunch, etc., on that Sunday. It's important not to get too married to any one weigh-in day.

Huzzah, Sword Bearer, nice to see thee! Ye are doin' so well.

Arabella, that is wonderful news about the SIL's better diagnosis. I am sure thy reiki helped. Thy Cape primrose is beautiful.

Happy belated birthday, WSW!!!

Hope ye got a good night's sleep, Kaylets!

Royal ones, those are the only posties I can see on my screen so to all unmentioned as well as those mentioned, consider this a response to all as I must away, actually not away, I am just lying around following a two hour walk. I had some situations yesterday and realized I am very tired and burned out and there's so much coming up to deal with that I need to rest and read a cookbook a friend sent, and I may bake something from that.

Friday!
 

So, ummm... I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth; I just ventured into the "there be dragons" portion of the map for a while. Thank you for the messages and encouragement while I was wandering in dark places.

I need to do some catching up in the palace, it appears. There are names I don't recognize, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the new royals. :)
I'll do some reading and some posting tomorrow, but I seriously couldn't let another day go by without dropping in and dusting off my corner of the palace. There are just too many lovely people here that I care about!

Andria

Day 6 + Saturday!
 

Happy Saturday, :queen:s!

Andria, you made my day! So good to see you back in the Palace... no need to dust out your suite... the chamber-boys kept it just as you left it... always ready! They're also very good at keeping the dragons at bay! Welcome home! :hug:

Arabella, your menu sounds fabulous! :T What time are you serving? I'll be right over! It sounds as though you're firmly back in control, and that's where you wanna be... :cp: BTW, your Cape Primrose are lovely! I've never seen them before... are they like violets?

Operation Spring Clean-Up/babystep version will be implemented this weekend, so I can't linger here. So much to do, hence the babysteps, so as to NOT get overwhelmed, just happy with each bit that does get accomplished! Later today, we're taking pictures for our Avon Walk for Breast Cancer website... I promise to share when posted!

Okay, I'm outta here, have a good day, kids!

Kat, the Cape primroses are like African violets on steroids (or primroses on steroids, except violet-colored). Huge -- the leaves get to be over a foot long and the blooms maybe 2 inches? And they just bloom like crazy almost all year. I'm hoping mine aren't set back too badly by being divided.

Dinner's at 7!

:)