<<<<<<<<<<<<<<KICKKKKKKKK>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ok Cyan, that was for you missy. Now how is that for motivation?? Just remember...it hurts me more than it hurts you.:cry: :lol: No more excuses, young lady....get on that bike or drag out that badminton racquet and put it to use! (oh and hubby loved your last post;) )

Newie, that's great news to hear your leg is so much better so soon. You're smart to just ease back into your walking. You're also smart staying away from that scale. I put too much stock into what the scale tells me and I get really discouraged quick.

Jlmsandi, were you able to fit in any exercise today??

Taiwan, is it Meridian you're taking? I've heard of that and the side effects sound like what you described...just wondered. Be careful with whatever it is and be sure to stop if you notice anything weird going on with your body ok? You just never know these days..always something in the news about pills etc.

I just cant imagine where Debee is! I have her home address so I'm going to try to write her this week and hopefully I'll hear back from her.

Reina, Lisa, hope you girls are doing well!

LadyRider, we miss you Bunches!!:(

Bye for now all..

Miki

NewInspiration: I guess we do have a lot in common that way! I know a lot of people who fell apart when it happened to them but I think we got it together!

Miki: Exercise? Darn it! I wanted to yesterday but I did not. OK, I played around on the driveway with the tennis rackets and did about 30 situps on my new big bouncy ball but other than that, not really. We had those torrential rains yesterday and I couldn't get out and walk or ride yesterday. Quite frankly, I stayed up too late last night to get up this morning and go walking so I brought my shoes and my book on tape to try and get some walking in at lunch today. That's if it doesn't rain again, apparently there are more flood watches out there.

Last night was the kind of night to just sit around and watch t.v. I admit it, I'm a reality t.v. junkie! I watched Big Brother 4 and Cupid. And then I had a netflix movie that I needed to watch, Bourne Identity. So it was close to 1:00 before I made it to bed. I had some lovely dreams about Matt Damon though..... :devil:

I just read this motivational quote that I loved:

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. "

Hope you all have a great day!

Morning Ladies
 

Its almost lunch time and I dont want to eat what I brought! Argh! I just dont know whats up with me lately...I dont like what I make 90% of the time, I am not motivated to eat....I think I am in a slump or something. I wish I could take a vacation now but my boss is away until early next week and I gotta keep an eye on the company for him.

Anyway, I would eat a big mac right now...but I wont...I am thinking of getting a salad...yum yum...ceasar perhaps...we will see.

Hey Miki..ouch on the kick...I hope it gets me moving again.

Hey Sandi...I totally understand about you being a tv junkie...I too live vicariously through reality tv shows...I need a life! LOL

Anyway...man do I ever not feel like working today...I need an attitude adjustment...gotta get back into the game here.

Ok ladies, have a great day

Cyan

Almost Friday..hooray!!:D

Jlmsandi, dont be down on yourself....playing around in the driveway and 30 situps is exercise! Any extra movement counts. :) I watched Cupid last nite too. Could you believe some of those weird guys?:dizzy: And the two friends didnt hold back much did they? :lol: Did you watch For Love or Money? I felt bad for Paige but I figured he'd pick Erin.

Cyan, what did you end up eating for lunch today? I had a Caesar grilled chicken club wrap.... grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and lite ranch dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla..YUM!! Tonite I had a grilled porkchop, blackeyed peas, and mac/cheese. I should have left off the mac/cheese but I just couldnt.:^: When do you think you'll be able to take some time off? I hope you can work that out soon. It's so hard working when you're getting burned out and need a break. How is your mom? I dont think we've had an update on her lately.

Well, went and got Josh from basketball camp today so didnt have time to exercise this morning. Still havent done any yet. This may end up being my "off" day for the week. Not sure yet. Kinda hurt my back earlier. All I did was turn to look over my shoulder and I felt a twinge of some kind. Now every once in a while, it feels like it might get 'caught' or something.

Need to run for now. Everyone have a great Friday!

Miki

Hi, everyone! Sorry I missed everyone yesterday and this morning. It was great to get caught up reading the posts. I've been very busy the last couple of days. Yesterday after work I did the second of 9 volunteer bingo operator nights I do at my girls' school. That made for a long day--getting up at 5:30 and not really getting to bed till about 11:30. I was kind of dragged out today.

I am very proud of myself foodwise. I am staying on my food plan with Atkins. Normally fatigue is a cue to eat for me. I haven't done it this time, though. I am trying to be more conscientious about portion size of my veggies. It is easy to cheat if you don't measure. I did cave in to the scale a couple of times. I hate when a stupid box on the floor means so much. I think I got nervous because after the 3 pounds, nothing more happened, and even a little water weight came on. I'll try to do better. I'd really hate to get one of those cyber kicks of yours, Miki. That one you gave to Cyan looked very scary on my screen!!

A bit of discouraging news about my leg--at bingo last night, I walked a lot and more quickly than I have been--it makes me nervous being in charge of that much money--and I aggravated it a bit--not too badly, but I wrapped it today, and it felt much better. I think I need to support it with the wrap while it is healing. I hate being injured. I'm not a person who likes not being able to do whatever I want to.

Guess what? The coolest thing happened to me at work today. First, things have been going much better for me since my talk with the boss last month. Things are more balanced and manageable for me than they were before. And today I got to do a job I have been wanting to do for 2 years in my position as her assistant. She's always talked about me learning to do an actual order of merchandise for the company, and I've given her recommendations and helped do research for orders and traveled on buying trips, but I've never done one myself--till today!! It was great! I was so happy! I came home really beat, but it was a wonderful day! I got a lot of praise for my work too.

I can't wait for the weekend--I think the weather will be nice. It has been horrible here in Chicago all week--rain every day--storms too--and the heat and humidity--yuk! I really want to get in my garden. That really doesn't bother my leg. It's the walking that does.

Well, everyone! I've got to go to bed. Hang in there, all. It's easy to be discouraged. I know. I've been there so many times myself. Each day's brand new to try again. Talk to you all soon. ;)

Happy Friday all
 

I love fridays...even though is gray, wet and colder today! I still love fridays:lol:

Hey Miki...I ate salad, ceasar's, bean and vegetable salad with a scoup of tuna! It was ok. I had cheese and crackers as a snack later on. Sorry to hear about your back...be careful with back injuries...they are very painful and can take a long time to heal...I once injured by back by sneezing! It took three days for it to feel better.

Newie, what exactly happened to your leg? And why is it taking long to heal? Should you see a doctor about it? Just worried that you are alright. And kudos to you for flying solo at work! Must feel great.

Well as usual, gotta get back to work...have a great day and weekend everyone!

Cyan

Hi all!! I had written a nice response before but something happened and it got lost--grrrrrrrrr!!!

Miki--be oh so careful with back injuries, they take awhile to heal, so don't overdoit as you are our exercise queen:-) THe pill I am taking is Xenical. I have been reading up on it and it seems safe. I will go off of it when I go off the b/c pill as we would like to have #3 sometime next year (glutton for punishment I know, praying for a girl!!!!). Have been feeling pretty good. At least it will teach me not to have greasy or fatty food!!!!!

Cyan, how is your mom doing? My friend is going to give me her badmitton set, she doesn't play and someone gave it to her. Badmitton is a big sport here in Taiwan.

Well, I need to go, sorr I can't get more personal messages in. Hey, anyone heard from Lady?

Deana

Hey girls!OMG! Yes, I watched Cupid. It made me so uncomfortable to watch, but that didn't stop me. Some of those guys were so pathetic. Love or Money was another one that I watched too. I think he should have chosen Paige. Even if he didn't love her, he knew that she would have kept him and he could have made at least a 1/2 million right? He creeped me out a bit. I can't believe he was an attorney, he seemed so not very smart.

Rain, yes, I am sick of the rain too! Luckily, Indy didn't get any flooding. Whew!

Newie ~ Congrats with your job! I love when good things happen. Amazing what communication can do. I love that my boss and I are good friends. That really helps because we have completely open dialog at all times. I really admire her too. After one year together, I think I am still in my honeymoon phase. :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Biking Goal: 100 miles
Miles to go: 88 miles

Walking Goal: 30
Walked Today: 3
Miles to go: 15

It's Friday...YESSSSSSSS:D

Man, I am sooo glad this week is over! One more week in the new accounts department, thank goodness. Not my favorite place to work in the bank and I have one more week of it. It has been a very good week tho workwise. Every customer I had was very patient and pleasant...that doesnt always happen when it comes to people's money, especially with CD rates so low these days, at least around here.

Newie how cool you had such a good work week also, especially today! Dont worry about a kick..I'll give you a little slack til your leg gets better then watch out!;) :lol:

Cyan, it's the weekend! Finally huh? Try to relax and rest a little if you can. You deserve it.:) One of these days soon maybe you can work out some time off from work. My back is still really weak feeling. I havent worked out yesterday or today but I may try just the "Stretch" tape later.

Taiwan, girl you amaze me! I was so surprised to hear you're planning another baby next year. I dont see how you do it. Are any foster kids with you at this time? I cant remember. Oh, I never thanked you for the bday pics you sent me. Thanks! I'm hoping for a girl for you also...if she takes after her brothers she'll be adorable for sure.

Sandi, I see you're heading on toward reaching your goals. Good for you. I need to think of a new motivator too, maybe something like that.

Cyan, what's our Labor Day challenge? I need one.

I better go for now...my back is really aching from sitting here in this uncomfortable chair. One of these days I'm going to get me a good office chair for this desk.

Miki

Hi, everyone! It's Saturday!! The weather has cooled down, and I plan to work in the garden today. I also have a flower bed at our church that I care for. It looks horrible, so I'm going to give it some attention.

Some sad news--the man next door to me died Thursday night. He's been sick for a long time--a heavy smoker and alcoholic--I think throat cancer finally did him in. I saw the ambulance come and take him. He looked all waxy and skeleton-ish. Ugh! I don't know if he was dead then or died at the hospital. He was only in his late 50's. It's been a really rough go for his wife. I guess I was touched pretty deeply because my father died very early (at 55) due to complications of drinking and smoking. It's hard to watch someone die of alcoholism. It's very slow and ugly. Now I've seen it twice. Sorry about the sadness--I just can't get it out of my mind. Another related thing--I'm going to go to the wake to pay my respects, but I don't know what to say. Do I say I'm sorry? I wasn't when my father died--there was a loss but also relief. I bet she feels the same way. She said something of the sort to me over the back fence last year. Anyway--it's just been on my mind. Hope I didn't depress anyone.

Cyan--to answer your question about my leg--I believe I have shin splints in my right leg. Since I did it, while I haven't gone to the doctor, I have read in a home medical book and a lot on-line about it, and the symptoms and what causes the injury seem to fit perfectly for me. How it occurred was like this: I decided to do my daily walk after work instead of before on a couple of days because of time problems. Well, the second day was a day where my legs/ankles were very sore and tired because I had been on my feet all day. I almost didn't go because I was so tired. Anyway, I pushed myself through the whole 1 1/2 mile walk. The next morning there was sharp pain in my shin, along with muscle soreness. I really didn't pay attention to it; I thought it was just stiffness. Well, I went shopping with my daughter, and the more I walked in my unsupportive sandals, the worse the pain became. The next day I could only walk a little, so I stayed off it. The following week, I used an elastic bandage around my leg, stayed off it whenever possible, and it helped tremendously. There was still some pain, but much less. Last weekend I worked 3 hours in the garden with no ill effects. Then I walked at a slow pace that one day--1/2 mile--no problem. This past Wednesday I worked bingo--basically 8 hours on my feet, lots of walking--and it got sore again. I started wrapping it again, and that helps. I've also started using ice on it in the evenings--right where it's tender. And I am also gently stretching my leg and ankle muscles as it is comfortable to do so. All three of these remedies are recommended in the reading I did, and they all help. It's getting slowly better (now mostly soreness and stiffness), but I know it will take time.

I learned that shin splints are an inflammation/pulling of the muscles and tendons in the area where they attach to either leg bone at the bottom of the shin. It can be caused by trauma to the leg from repeated impact from running or walking or from straining those muscles because of walking with tight calf muscles in the back of the leg. The latter is me to a T. My calf muscles are always tight. Even a leg massage from hubby only relieves it a little. On that last day when I walked, my legs were so tight and sore BEFORE I walked! And I don't stretch before walking--big mistake, I see. Because I'm seeing gradual and steady improvement, I don't think I need to go to the doctor at this time, but I'm not ruling it out if I don't see enough improvement soon enough. From what I read, shin splints can take up to a month to heal, if you are just totally conscientious about limiting walking. Well, I do the best I can, but how do you not walk? And in my job, there can be a lot of walking. I think that consistently wrapping it is the best thing I can do in that situation. It gives the muscles support. Anyway, I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

Miki, be careful of that back!! Sorry you have joined me in the "injured ward". I agree with everybody else--backs are very tricky, and injury can cause a lot of problems. Be careful not to restrain it.

Sorry, ladies, that I am unable to join in the reality show conversation. I watched The Bachelor once and Joe Millionaire, and then I gave them up. I think I'm getting old. Also, I get really grossed out by shows like Fear Factor. I like to watch Antiques Roadshow on PBS. That's my speed. My 12-year-old was watching Cupid the other night, but hubby made her turn it off. I didn't see, but he thought she would learn to be even more nasty/b----y than her moody, adolescent self can be at times by watching the girls on that show. It must really be something to see.

I think I am going to go on to Phase 2 of Atkins on Sunday, which will be two weeks on the program for me. I am getting bored of the limited choices of Induction. Phase 2 is called Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL). You get to slowly--a week at a time--add a greater variety of low-carb foods, as long as you are still losing weight. The idea is to get to a situation where I am losing about 1 pound per week. I really need some fruit--strawberries will be my first pick, and then melon. I bought some Atkins breakfast bars at a health food store--can't eat eggs because of intolerance/can't eat bread/cereal on this part of the plan. The bar plus some fruit will be a good breakfast for me. I've been having some very weird breakfasts over the last two weeks.

I'll let everyone know Monday about my official weigh-in tomorrow. I'm sorry to say that I can't completely stay away from the scale, but I'm trying not to get nuts about it.

Well, I've written on and on today. By now you have all probably fallen asleep. Well, wake up!! I'm finally done. Have a great weekend. Looking forward to all your posts. ;)

Newie, sad news around here also. One of my good friend's father died this morning so I had to go be with her earlier today. I just dread doing things like that but it went well and she's holding up for now. He had been really bad for the last couple of weeks so she's relieved he's no longer having a hard time breathing and is in no pain now.

Other than that, a lazy day around here. I have to mop before this day is over! I keep putting it off. I havent worked out but I plan to do somethign before bedtime. I cant miss another day!

My back is feeling better so I wont do anything too strenuous tonite but I dont want to make it 3 days without exercise.

Hope the rest of you ladies are having a nice weekend!

Miki

Good Evening Ladies
 

Its Saturday night and I finally got back on the exercise wagon..thanks Miki for the cyber kick...it finally took effect..I cycled and trained on my exercise ball.

Sorry to hear about the deaths...oddly enough, my friend told me that her friend's mom passed away yesterday...she was 82 but it was sudden. Apparently she was fine with no illness...she let out the dog, went to the couch and died.

I pray to the lord their souls to keep.

So tomorrow I am going berry picking...raspberries and blackberries...yum cant wait...one for the basket, one for me, one for the basket...one for me:lol:

Have a wonderful rest of weekend everyone

later

Cyan

Cyan, I know what they say about paybacks and now's your chance...I still havent gotten in a workout this weekend!:^: :o SO go ahead....let me have it! Somebody needs to. Hopefully yours will help me the way mine did you..lol

Well just came in to confess. I'll try to have a better report tomorrow!

Miki

Hi, I'm here! Really pooped out after the weekend. Did about 5 hours of yard work total in both days--I think that was some good exercise. I'm wrapping my leg all the time now, except for sleep, and it feels good--virtually no pain. I'm going to try for an easy 1/2 mile today. Got to get back to the walking. That may be part of why I'm so tired. Weigh-in--3 pounds total lost--I would like to have had more, but some progress is better than none. Well, I've got lots to do before work this morning--boy, would I like to stay home! See you all later.

Good morning ladies! I hope you all had a great weekend. I didn't do anything towards my walking and biking goal, however, I did get a lot of tennis in! Bad news, I am PMSing and I feel fat and gross. Good news, the scale indicates otherwise with a five pound loss for the week.

I never knew what to say when someone dies. I have never known anyone close to me that has died so I am not sure how I would react. I guess the best standard answer is, " I am sorry for your loss." Because no matter how much of a relief something like this is there is still a sense of loss.

Anyways, I hate to cut this short but I have a busy day ahead of me, actually all week! We are short staffed all week and I am trying to get ready for a trip to Vegas on Thursday and I have a girl scout training session one night too! It never ends!!!!!!! :D

Good Morning Ladies
 

Its Monday...ugh...need I say more.

Hey Miki...ready for the kick....>>>>>>>>POW!:sorry: ...I hope this gets you back into your exercise queen mode...your crown is waiting for you :lol:

I went berry picking yesterday for about an hour...ouch hard on the back! Then I went to the movies and saw League of Extraordinary Gentlemen...real cool...lots of fun.

Other than housecleaning...thats it folks! Oh yes, spent quality time with my fur children...they are so lovable.

Sandi...cool...going to Vegas! vacation or work? And kudos on five pounds lost...amazing!

Newie..good to hear that your leg is bothering you less. Same goes for you for losing 3 pounds!

Well..I gotta get back to work...argh..later

Cyan

hello ladies! I've been reading a lot of the posts...and I'm sad...no one really seems to miss me. :( Oh, I'm just kidding with you.

Right now I should be doing school work, but I just can't seem to get into the groove. I'm doing an oral presentation tomorrow over the West Nile Virus and I have to have visual aids and such. I'm working on it slowly but surely.

Well, total weight-loss on Atkins in 5 weeks, I've lost 161/2 pounds! Yipee! :bravo: I could definitely eat this way the rest of my life. Today I've had a problem drinking my water because for some reason the water from our tap tastes and smells like dirt. Not sure what's up.

So where are we at on the Chicago trip? I guess Reina hasn't posted in a while and she was putting it together. Someone needs to get a hold of her!

Jismandi, I don't think I've welcomed you, so WELCOME!! I've been posting here since last October I think but since I started nursing school, I haven't been able to post as much as I used to.
Well, that's all for now! See y'all later!

Lisa:wave:

Hi all :)

Thanks Cyan...I needed that!:dizzy: :lol: My sis is on her way over to walk so I should get in at least 2 miles if not 3 or 4.

Lisa:grouphug: Girl, you know we miss you when you arent here! Right now you're the contagious inspiration with your great success! I love the excitement you have right now with your new eating plan. Hoping it'll rub off on me..lol

Jlmsandi, I love tennis. I played on the tennis team in highschool and played alot in college but got out of it for a long time. This summer I've played a few times after YEARS but I do still love it. It's great exercise too. Oh and congrats on the 5 lb loss!

Newie, 5 hrs of yard work definitely counts as exercise. I'd be sore from that much I'm sure.

Well gotta run....my sis is here ready for our walk. Bye all!

Miki

Good morning, ladies! I am feeling somewhat better after a dragging day yesterday. I think that 5 hours of yard work over the weekend did me in. Today I only have to work 1/2 a day--have to go to the dermatologist to get a large mole off my older daughter's thigh.

In the last few days, I have been struggling with the Atkins plan. I moved up to Phase 2, but I find I am hungry a lot and can't find something I want to eat that's on the plan that will satisfy me. That's not good, and I think it could eventually lead to a binge. I think I have several problems: 1) I can't eat eggs (tummyaches), so I have to leave out a very large group of foods allowed on the plan; 2) I really like dairy foods, and they are very restricted on the plan, especially milk; 3) animal protein is the main staple of the plan, and I don't have the desire to eat meat/fish as much as the plan requires; and 4) I want a greater variety of vegetables and fruits than are allowed on the plan. WHAT IS REALLY WORKING FOR ME is the abstinence from sugar and flour. As I mentioned before, I know I am a carb addict. I like that part a lot.

I think I am going to modify the concept of controlled carb eating to suit my personal tastes. It won't be the Atkins plan, but it is inspired by it. I'm going to try to stress eating enough healthy proteins and fats, like Atkins, (there has been lots of positive stuff in the print media about that concept lately) to satisfy, and control my carb intake, like Atkins. I am going to come up with a daily food plan including 3 meals and a snack, like Atkins, and count my carbs, like Atkins. I will probably not eat as much protein as Atkins suggests, and I will probably eat more veggies and fruits. I am going to consider the amount of sugar in all foods I eat, and stay away from those with high content--they make me crave more. I find that drinking the water is very helpful--I am working on making it a habit. Atkins recommends the last two of these ideas. I will definitely stay away from sugar and refined flour for now. I think I might write out my food plan in a coming post. I think making is "public" will help me stick to it better. I am getting back into the walking too. Yesterday I didn't have time or energy, but today is another story. It's been raining this morning, but I think it's pretty well stopped by now.

Lisa, I wish I felt as comfortable on Atkins as you do. But I want you to know that it is your experience that inspired me to try to lose again. I had pretty much given up hope. Your enthusiasm is really catching. Thanks a million!!

Hey, jlmsandi and Miki!! Good for you at having tennis as a source of exercise and loving it!! I tried to play tennis in high school in gym and on my own, and I got lots of exercise--chasing the ball that I kept missing!! When I did hit the ball, my backhand wasn't too bad. (I'm a lefty, and I've heard the backhand can be easier for them.) I always wanted to be good at it. I think it's great to have a variety of exercise options.

Cyan--we have a cat too, Nikki--actually just got her in April from an animal shelter--7 years old, mackerel tabby--she's a big girl--about 10 pounds. She's the friendliest cat I've ever seen. Our whole family just loves her. She sleeps with me--I never thought I would ever let an animal sleep in the same bed with me, but she picked me, and I like it. She is just so comforting a companion.

Well, I've written way more than enough. Back tomorrow. Have a good day everyone.:)

Good Morning Ladies
 

Lisa...you are always missed! And I am so excited and happy for you that you are losing...wow 16 1/2 pounds! You rock girl...how much do you weigh now and how loose are those clothes! Your success is inspiring me to keep trying!

Hey Newie...I too have the same problem with the atkins plan...I cant handle eating all that meat all the time....it makes my stomach turn. I am a carb and sugar junky too. Let me know how your modified atkins plan works for you and if it does...share the secret with us.

Miki...good to hear the cyber kick got ya going again...since your kick, I have cycled and done my exercise ball the last couple of nights...although I am having a hard time removing your footprint from my clothes;)

Hey Debbie..where are you?

I chatted with Reina yesterday briefly...her new job is keeping her very busy. She is moving into her new home in a couple of weeks..I think the end of july. Anyway, she is doing fine and I hope you come back and post with us soon.

Ok..I guess we should find out who is interested in coming to Chicago in october ...so let us know your dates and if you are seriously interested and we can start putting it together.

Ok ladies..later

Cyan

Good morning!

Lisa, thanks for the welcome! School, fun times. I am actually going to take a class in January. I need to work up to get back and finish my bachelor's in my "free time". It's a lot of work but worth it in the end.

Newie: I was wondering if you ever thought about Sugar Busters. It is a lower carb diet that allows you to have carbs but only if they are non-refined with a low glycemic index. That way you can have an apple or some whole wheat pasta or oatmeal. You do eat more proteins but this diet stresses leaner cuts of meat and lower fat cheeses and lite dressings. It takes some getting used to because it requires a lot more preparation but it does give you a wider of variety of foods to eat. Just a thought really.

Cyan: Vegas is for a high school alumni reunion. So all 30 classes that went to my high school are invited. Because we live all over the world (being military brats and all) we may have about 5-10 people representing each class. It is a good time. They have one every three years in a different location. They try to pick different regions. The last was in DC, this one in Vegas and we will vote on which mid-state location we want next. I am voting for Chicago or St. Louis. Either one is within driving distance for me and will better fit into the budget.

I'm a lefty too! But my backhand leaves a little to be desired. However, I am developing a very consistent serve. DH was commenting that I am getting very competitive these days. Just trying to work up a sweat! :D OK, and beating him is always fun too.

Have a great day!

Well, I only got in 2 miles of walking last nite. Even at 7 pm, it was stifling hot and humid still. Wasnt even under 90 degrees yet! So we're going to wait until 8 tonite and hopefully get in more miles before dark.

I have Debee's home address so I'm going to send her a card this week. Maybe we'll hear back from her soon. Glad to hear things are going well with Reina. Now if LadyRider will just check back in also.

It's almost 8 so I gotta get moving if I'm going to be ready when my sis gets here.

Later chicks!

Miki

Hello Ladies!!!!!

I hope all is going well with you all... I am doing fine, life is just a little chaotic right now. I don't mean to neglect you all!!!! You all have been such an intregal part of my journey! I feel horrible that I am not following suit right now, but life has thrown me some curve balls and I have to keep ducking!!!!LOL

I can say that I am still however, at 190.2. I haven't budged, nor have I binged!!! So that is good. My job and the move are keeping me quite busy!

Lisa, I haven't given up on planning the Trip to Chicago! I think once I am settled in the new place, we can really get an idea of how many are coming and I can start getting the hotels and plans set for the BIG trip. I am so looking forward to that event!!!

I take it Lady is still MIA, I have her home address somewhere, I will look for it and drop her a note and see if everything is okay!!!

I will drop back in soon and let you know how things are going!
You all take care adn keep up the good work....

Oh, and Welcome JLmSandi,
Newie, how are you handling this crazy rain we are dealing with???

Take care everyone and I will talk to you all soon.

Thank you for the welcome Reina.
I didn't get any exercise last night. I was out shopping until 8:00 and then had a phone call to take. Tonight I have a girl scout training and I have to pack. I will try to find some workout time in there as well. Luckily, I don't do the housework anymore so I am not stuck with that as well!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm off to Vegas in the morning.....Yippee!!!!

Reina....so glad you had a chance to check back in with us! We miss you. I know you have a ton of stuff going on at the moment and hopefully soon everything will be back to normal.

Jlmsandi, Have fun in Vegas! Dont lose too much money.:lol:

Cyan, Newie, Lisa, Taiwan...how was your day?

Lady and Debee, WE MISS YOU TOO!!

Well, got in 3 miles of walking last nite. Tonite we're going to do the "Walk away the Pounds" video. It is just sooo hot to walk outdoors these days! Even going at 8 last nite, it was still 89 degrees with 61% humidity.:(

Gotta run for now...

Miki

Hi, everyone! Sorry I missed you the last day or two. On Tuesday I took my oldest to the dermatologist to have a large mole removed from her thigh, and I missed a part of my day's work, so I was doing computer work in the evening, and yesterday was my bingo volunteer day at the school, so my day started at 5:30 a.m. and ended at 10:00 p.m. I must say, I feel like a truck hit me this morning. Just a comment about adolescents (referring to my daughter)--talk about dramatic!! She was the one who brought up getting this mole off her leg (self conscious of it), and it was a good thing too because it had grown a bit and was turning dark in spots. We're very fair, so I'm not interested in inviting melanoma. Anyway to get back to the drama--after having it done, you'd think we'd had her leg amputated with all the moaning and groaning about pain and how gross the stitches looked, etc., etc., etc. I comfort her and reassure her that everything will be all right, and I tell her not to stretch the area so she won't have a scar to feel self conscious about now that the mole is gone, but inside I have to chuckle. What we don't know about life when we are kids!!

I'm feeling much more comfortable with my modified Atkins plan. In the next few days I will let you know how I am eating. Guess what!!! I am back to walking! Yesterday and Tuesday I walked a mile each morning. I plan to go this morning too. I don't walk as fast as I did before the injury, and I keep my leg wrapped for support. But, boy, did I miss it!

Miki, I don't know how you stand all that Arkansas heat. I just hate it when it gets really hot--can't breathe. Thank goodness we haven't had too much heat this summer in Chicago--short spells but nothing horrible. And Reina's right--the rain here lately has been insane--and afterward it's like a steam bath because the sun comes out--ugh!

And Reina, luckily for me, when most of the rain has been going on in this area of Chicago--south side--I'm either asleep (I haven't even heard most of the night storms) or at work in my fine windowless office. I always fear the basement flood when it rains heavily (didn't happen this time), but I'm glad I haven't had to water my flowers. I do know someone who was badly affected by the weather here, though. A young girl I work with had a tree fall on her house during one of the storms--a near-miss for her father, who was sleeping at the time.

Hey--what's this Chicago trip about? It must be something you started planning before I joined. Seeing as I'm already here, there's no traveling involved for me, but I'm very curious to know what the scoop is on it.

Well, got to go. Hubby needs to have his lunch made, and I am the counter person at work today and tomorrow, so I need to get an earlier start than usual. See you all later.

good morning ladies
 

Not much to report....as usual I am at work! Just wanted to drop in and say good morning.

Newie...we are planning a meet and greet in chicago this october...we are planning on going to the oprah show as well..if we can get tickets. Thats pretty much it...so I guess we need to figure out who is coming and when to come. Of course, you are invited...everyone who is part of this thread is...so welcome.

Well, tonight I plan on exercising...cycling and lifting weights.

later ladies

Cyan

Happy friday everyone!
 

hey where is everyone...i guess everyone is off to an early start to their weekends...have fun

Tonight I am going out to dinner with friends...sushi!! yum yum

I was gonna go upnorth this weekend to my friend's cottage but...its gonna rain! argh...sunday anyway ..rain..yep

Ok ..well not much to report...I will as soon as I have some news concering losing weight...I am trying a new twist on my diet and I am hoping to have good news soon.

later ladies

Cyan

Well, I don't have much time as I'm about to fall asleep from staying up too late last night and getting up too early this morning, so I'm about to take a nap. I just wanted to check in and report my weekly weight. I am now 177.5 pounds. That is a total of 18.5 pounds lost!! I'm really starting to feel it!

Lisa

Hi, everyone! I read the posts yesterday but did not write. I was still very tired from Thursday's day at work--spent the day on my feet working the counter in the store (busy too) plus worked on the ordering and inventory stuff which is part of my normal job. Then just as I was getting home about 5:30, we had the start of this horrible thunderstorm. Luckily the worst of it happened once I was home, but it was horrible--the worst I've seen in ages. My husband works north of Chicago (we live on the south side), and it took him 3 hours to get home because of flooded streets (normally a 1 to 1 1/2 hour trip). I spent the storm comforting my 8 year-old and our cat. There was a lot of wind damage in the town directly west of where I work--trees uprooted, siding taken off homes, phone and power out--stuff like that. One of our stores didn't open yesterday because of power failure.

Thanks, Cyan, for the info on the Chicago trip. I'll keep watching for more news from you guys planning it to see what would work for me when the time comes. I'd love to meet you all.

Congrats, Lisa, on your great weight loss. Again, your enthusiasm has been very contagious. It's helped me a lot.

I'm doing pretty well on my modified Atkins food plan, though I was hungry yesterday and had a rather large protein snack late in the evening because I couldn't sleep. I have to make sure I eat enough protein to keep myself from being hungry. That's what causes me problems. I'll do an official weigh-in tomorrow and let everyone know Monday how it's going.

I am also going to confess that I didn't walk Thursday or yesterday--tired from bingo and work. My feet are still tired today, though I only spent about 5 hours on them yesterday, but a walk would probably do me good this morning--and the weather is absolutely gorgeous. I'll see what I can do. Also, I am experiencing NO pain in my leg!! Yaay!

I just have to do some mother-venting. I love my daughters immensely. They are such beautiful girls--inside and out, in so many ways. But lately, THEY ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! I know I've told you their ages--12 1/2 and 8 1/2. They are as different as night and day in personality, preferences--everything. They are absolutely lovely creatures to be with separately. But when they are together, anything can happen. They can be the best of friends, or the younger one can pester the older one practically to the point of violence, or the older one can try to run the life of the younger one, or they can fight over which Barbie dolls belong to which girl, or who did or didn't do their chores, or who had the most computer time, or the younger one can complain that she doesn't get to do as many things as the older one and why wasn't she born first. It goes on and on and on. I avoid getting in the middle of their arguments as much as possible, and I never believe the story of any one girl (I figure the truth is somewhere in the middle of the two stories, and that both are somehow at fault in any fight), but it can be wearing on the nerves. I know it is all normal "sisterly love", but sometimes I feel like I want to lock myself up in a dark closet or something. I think they need to go back to school. Too bad there are 6 more weeks of vacation. Thanks, ladies, for reading that bit of frustration. I feel better now.

Well, time to go. Have a good weekend, everyone. I'll be looking forward to your posts. :)

Hi everybody! I hope you're all having a nice weekend. I worked yesterday-Yuck. But on the positive side, I've been walking again. I dont think I've posted since Wed...unusual for me. Wed nite my sis and I did the Walk Away the Pounds video, Thursday we walked 2 miles, Friday I cleaned house after work and didnt have time, but yesterday walked 3 miles before work and this morning at 7:30 we walked 2 1/2 miles before getting caught in a huge downpour.:rain: We were soaked by the time we finished that last 1/4 mile but we didnt even care because it cooled us off!

My eating has been alot better too excluding today's vanilla ice cream cone.:s: I actually think I may have lost a little but going to wait until next Friday for my formal 'weigh-in'.

Newie, dont feel bad...my two boys act exactly the same as your daughters. (they are 13 and 11). There are times I just want to cry because they seem to just despise each other. Everyone says all syblings go thru that stage but I dont remember it with my sisters and I had 3 of them! We didnt always get along perfectly but we NEVER fought the way my kids do! Drives me crazy!!

Cyan, cant wait to hear your report after your new twist on things. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will be just the thing to get you off this plateau you've been on for so long!:crossed:

Lisa, still doing great girl!!:bravo: You'll be at your goal in no time!

I bought Debee a card yesterday. I'll put it in the mail tomorrow. Didnt someone say they have LadyRider's home address? Or did I dream that?:?:

Taiwan, how are you? I know you're busy as always. Just wanted you to know we're thinking of you. :)

Reina and Jlmsandi, hope you're both having a great weekend also. Check in again when you have a spare minute k?

Well, gotta run for now. Both kids have company coming over to spend the nite..what fun! :p I need to go check out the snack situation.

Bye for now
MIKI

Hi, everyone! Is it Monday already? The weekends seem to go by so fast. In my weigh-in yesterday I lost another 1/2 pound. Actually I think there's more, but I am having some fluid retention--need to drink more water. At least things are still going down, even though it's at a snail's pace. I did lose 1 inch off my hips also.

I've got to get back to walking regularly. I know that will get me losing faster. Miki, I think I need one of those cyber kicks of yours.

I know this is going to be hard to believe, but I can't think of anything else to write this morning. Have a good day, everyone! Talk to you later.:)

Good Morning Ladies
 

Oh its monday already...man do weekends go by fast! Argh!

Miki...thanks for keeping the fingers crossed..I will weigh in at the end of the month...so I will tell you guys all about it then. Good to hear that you are back to exercising...I have been cycling regulary over the weekend and doing my ball exercises...but I ate way too much on sunday! I went to a chinese buffet...not good at all:nono: I gotta give up going to those places cause I cant control myself and all the effort of the week is gone when you ingest over 1000 cals in one sitting if not more!:^:

Newie..I dont have kids but I was a kid once and I have a sister and there were times when we were mortal enemies..but we grew out of it...so I feel very confident that your girls will be best friends as the years trickle by. Congrats on losing the 1/2 pound...better than nothing..right?!:) keep going...get back to that walking..doesnt it feel good after? I know I always feel better once I have worked out.

Okay ladies, as usual, I am at work...so I best get started on my day.

Later ladies

Cyan

Hi, everyone! I got my walk in today--the whole 1 1/2 miles!! I didn't walk as fast as I used to because I didn't want to hurt myself again, but I experienced no pain at all. I even went with my leg unwrapped. Thank goodness! I really missed the exercise. And I think it showed in several places. I've felt so tired lately--I'm very busy, but I know I have more energy when I exercise. Lately I also have not been sleeping very well, and the last couple of days I've been having hot flashes--not painful, just annoying and puzzling. Hopefully the exercise will help me have a better night's sleep tonight.

I'm still working on my modified Atkins plan--trying to get a set routine going. I am trying to pay attention to what my body asks for in making the plan. I hardly miss the carbs at all, and I find that a good protein breakfast helps me be productive during the first part of the day. I try to measure my veggies and fruits and any dairy I eat to keep the carb consumption down. I found out that part of my problem with the official Atkins plan was that I don't like to be told from an outside source what I can and can't eat. (I tend to be like that anyway--hate to be told what to do.)
Once I decided to individualize the plan, I am much more comfortable with it. It isn't truly Atkins anymore, but it's still low carb with very little sugar and no refined flour at all. Hopefully it will work for me.

I hope everybody had a good day. I'm going to get ready for bed now. I've got a book that helps me wind down. Talk to everyone soon.;)

good morning Ladies
 

Sorry I havent written in awhile...I took my Mom to see her doctor yesterday for a check up.

I will post later...gotta get going

later

Cyan

Hi everybody! Looks like we've all been busy the last few days. Hard to get many posts in.

Newie, glad to hear you got that walk in. You barely missed that kick:lol: Cyan, way to go getting in that cycling. I'm actually proud of my accomplishment lately too. Since Sunday, I have walked 23 1/2 miles!:o We have been walking 3 miles in the morning and 3 more in the evening (besides the time we got rained out before the last 1/2 mile) The humidity is still a killer but I still enjoy walking outdoors much more than exercising inside. My sis and I never run out of things to talk about so the time flies by. It takes us 45 min to walk 3 miles but it seems like just a few min.

How is everyone else doing? Great I hope. Looking forward to hearing from the rest of you 'chicks' soon. Sent Debee's card yesterday. Hoping for a reply.

Well better run. Going to try to talk hubby into a foot massage:s:

Nite all...

MIKI

Hi, everybody! I've had a busy last few days--difficulties at work, struggles with my girls, trouble sleeping, and bingo last night. Hope you are all okay. I'm thinking today might be an easier day. My food is okay, but walking is irregular. Does helping to carry 8 banquet tables to prepare for a big sale at work count as exercise? It was definitely an upper body workout. Weather is cool and beautiful in Chicago. Looking forward to hearing from everyone soon. Take care.

Good Afternoon Ladies
 

Man last night was so hard for me to cycle...but I struggled through 6km of it in 20 minutes! Ugh! My food intake has been decent..I am trying to eat more protein in my diet...which brings me to this...I am going to try guinoa..pronounced keenwa...this weekend..it is a grain that is rich in protein, gluten free and low in carbs! Apparently it has a nuty flavor to it...I am going to mix it in with tuna and turn it into a salad. I will let you know how it turned out.

Most natural food stores carry it...its naturally grown in south america but is making it big up here because of its high protein low carb components..I guess its good if you are on the atkins diet ...they also turn it into pasta and you can use that instead of real pasta.

Ok enough about my new find! But I am excited to try it.

Hey Miki..wow 3 miles...good on ya! Looks like you are keeping a good pace too...gotta get that heart pumping.

Hey Newie...looks like you got a good work out with those banquet tables. Anything is better than nothing.

Have you heard the lastest about ice cream and how fatty it is...how depressing.

I just love this cute emoticon ;) so I had to use it...

Later ladies

Cyan

HI all :)

Walked 5 more miles today. My feet are beginning to get blisters. That pavement gets hot! Anyway, that makes a total of 28 1/2 miles in 5 days. I weighed this morning and guess what...I was UP a lb!!!!:( I havent lost in two months!!! I just dont get it.:( A plateau is one thing but this is Ridiculous!

Newie, I'm jealous of your cool weather. The humidity was at least down this morning so it wasnt nearly as stifling trying to walk. My eating was pretty good all week til tonite when I regrettable tried the Jalapeno Cheddar 3D Doritos and couldnt quit eating them.:^:

Cyan, I've heard of that quinoa but have no idea what it is like. Be sure to let us know how you like it. I bought the veggie "chick patties" for sandwiches this week and I really like them. Taste exactly like a chicken sandwich with the added benefit of veggies and soy. How is your mom? Find out anything new at her checkup?

Wonder what everyone else is up to. All doing well I hope.

It's only 9 p.m. but I think I'm going to go on to bed. I am sooo tired! Cant wait til next week...hubby and I are both off! Hooray!

Later chicks!

Miki

I am still here...
 

Well, I am still here. Yes, we have been busy and still are. We have 3 days of youth camp (with 130teens/adults) starting on Monday. This year our church is hosting it. After that just a month till we get back in the states!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so we are and will be preparing for that. We are visiting 15churches to talk about our work at church and with teens here in Taiwan.

Ok, let me tell you just how it's been (this is not complaining, just maybe I should write a book about missionary life in general): Our car is having problems. My dad said it sounds like the battery is not grounded --- ok, whatever that means but hey! SOOOOOOOO we have to disconnect the battery (luckily it's very easy) everytime we park the car or it may not start. so when we go to drive it we have to reconnect. WELL, an American friend here, who doesn't speak much Chinese and whose husband was away playing called and said she had been puking and had a migrain all morning. Ok, I pick her and her dd up and take dd to our house so LUke can watch her. Friend and I spend 3 hours in the ER (but hey, it only cost $9US!!!). Going home, time to hook up the battery. JUST as I pop up the lid what happens? it starts to pour!!! A typhoon was on the outskirts of our area (thank God it didn't hit us directly!!!!). So here is the big butt white woman out in the rain (in a dress none the less) while it's windy and pouring trying desperately to hook up the battery. It was a sight. All I could do was---:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Anyway, never a dull moment at our house. We won't go into the baby creepy crawlies that fly---aka Flying Cockroaches!!! our friendly neighborhood bat hasn't come back though. Ah, the joys of the tropics.

Anyway, I am at 186/187 not up not down. today I decided to stop taking Xenical. Reason? I have had a pain (wondering if it is gallbladder attack or some intestinal problem) since I had Josiah (via c/section). It doesn't necessarily happen daily, though I think it's gotten worse. Last night I about made dh take me to the ER (he wasn't home, he was playing basketball). It's a pain under my ribcage that radiates to my back and chest. It's not a sharp pain, just a gnawing pain. After youth camp I will probably go to the dr. I went off Xenical cause I was wondering if the extra trips to the bathroom were making it worse. Like I said, I started having this about 6months ago, but it just gets worse and worse. Sometimes when I am hungry and sometimes not. Go figure.

I am not worrying about my weight until I get to the states. Only a month to go and it's so stinkin' hot here I can't stand it!!!!!

So, I am still here, have been reading posts, just a little on the busy side.

Hey, if anyone wants to see recent pix of the boys (I will put some of me up soon, gotta get some decent ones though!) check out the photos of the week on our web page. Most recent (this week actually) are at the top.
www.morninglightministries.org

Chat later,
Deana