Congratulations Lisa!
 

Let us know of your ins and outs during your pregnancy. Its a good thing you lost weight before getting pregnant...did you and your baby some good healthwise ...I am sure!

Well I had my Sushi last night for dinner...yum yum yum...I forget how filling it is aside from how good it tastes.

I need to get back to exercising...once again I have become slack in that department...I still walk to work and this morning I had to walk up the dreaded hill to make it to my office...ugh!

I brought a frozen meal for lunch today and I am not sure what dinner will be...I will figure that out later on in the day ... but I already know that I will make chicken breast and turn it into chicken salad for lunch tomorrow.

Anyway, I am rambling....good to hear that we have all decided to put forth a little more effort and take Debee's challenge to lose a determined amount of weight by a certain date..the only problem is my thanksgiving is sooner than yours:?: So I guess I will use the american thanksgiving date as my goal date of 15 pounds lost....hears to our challenge..cheers everyone.

So by my accounts it looks like Taiwan, Reina, Miki, Myself and Debee are doing this. Are you in Newie? Lisa ofcourse is preggers but I am sure she will be here to encourage us. I guess her goal will be to eat healthy and maintain her low carb diet.

so I want to lose 15 pounds by american thanksgiving..lets stay focused...and have a great op day

Cyan

Yes, Cyan, I'm in. I'll make the goal of 15 pounds lost by Thanksgiving. At first I wasn't in the mood--so much going on, but I think it will be good for me to have a positive personal goal going on in my life to focus on. I'll work to keep up my exercise and low carb plan.

I spent the morning sponge painting my daughter Veronica's bedroom (pink and blue on a white background--very pretty), washing towels, and a writing a cover letter for a job lead hubby has. Will okay it with him and fax tomorrow from the local currency exchange. Also have been praying for inner peace and to be a supportive wife during all the changes and potential changes going on. It works, but I have to keep at it. I've caught the kids' school cold--feels like I've got cotton in my vocal cords. Veronica is home today with it too--laryngitis and croup.

Well, there's stuff to do--finish the dishes, take some cough medicine, and some paper work to do. Take care, everybody. Talk to you soon.

Hi,

This is great that everyone is up for the challenge I really think having a goal and a deadline helps us keep focused and accountable ...well at least for me it does.

Today is a beutiful sunny day but i am in a bad mood...we are having a neighborhood water/flooding problem and just got into a "discussion" with our next door neighbor that regraded her water problems onto our property line..we now have two "lakefront" houses. Thursday night Hurricane Isabel is going to hit and I don't think our lawn can take any more water. About a month ago our new remodeled basement flooded a little (we were lucky it just dampened the under rug mat. I hope we don't get flooded.

Well, foodwise today I had an english muffin with a little melted cheese on it and a cup of coffee for breakfast, lunch was a turkey pita and a few carrot sticks, dinner will be chicken stir fry (I'll try to get more veggies and less chicken and rice.) Each night I am allowing myself a small chocolate treat (pudding, a mini candy bar)

Exercise will be trying to clean up the house a bit.

Hope everyone is having a great day and is making healthy eating choices!

Must Read Great Article
 

Chewin’ the Fat
Our columnist analyzes the American Journal of Public Health’s reasons why the country’s so fat, and interviews a politician who’s battling the bulge


NEWSWEEK WEB EXCLUSIVE


Sept. 15 — You may have heard that America is fat. You may have heard that nearly two-thirds of us are overweight and 31 percent of us are obese. You may have even heard last week that the Department of Agriculture will soon decrease the number of calories a person should eat every day, an admission that there’s no point in designing diets for the healthy average American when the healthy average American no longer exists.

WE MUST BE fat. After all, Katie Couric did a two-hour special on it on Friday night. And even Dr. Phil, who previously spent his time shrinking heads, has moved on to shrinking bodies.
That’s why I was so happy to see that my favorite academic publication, the American Journal of Public Health, had devoted its entire September issue to why Americans are so freakin’ fat.
If you guessed, “Because we eat so freakin’ much,” guess again: The supersized portions are only the half of it.
You may not be a regular reader of the august AJPH (and when I say “august,” of course I mean, “widely unread”). That’s understandable. There’s not a hot celebrity on the cover or articles that offer new details of why Ben dumped Jen. Second of all, the writing isn’t too stylish. For instance, they keep using academic terms like “the built environment” when they really just mean houses, roads and neighborhoods.
But this issue is chock full of reasons why we’re a flabby nation:

1. We’re the only animals on the planet that live in communities that make us more obese. We’ve built suburbs (“the built environment”) so spread out that people must rely on cars because walking or biking simply isn’t an option. Many developers today don’t even bother to install sidewalks and some communities intentionally build new schools on the edge of town, hindering children’s ability to safely walk or bike to school (whatever happened to President Bush’s “Run No Child Over” education reforms?).

2. Americans bike and walk far less than their European counterparts (what article about American obesity would be complete without a gratuitous comparison with good ol’ Europe?). In the U.S., only 7 percent of all trips outside the home are made by walking or biking, compared to 39 percent in Sweden (hey, it’s cold there), 34 percent in Switzerland (hey, it’s hilly there) and 46 percent in The Netherlands (hey, it’s low and swampy there).

3. If you put less than three items in a list like this, it feels like the problem is too small to worry about, but if you put too many items in a list like this, it sounds like the problem is so vast that it will never be solved. I’m going to err on the side of the latter.

4. Transportation, environment, economic development, legal and public safety officials typically must sign off on new development. But public health officials are rarely, if ever, consulted, so our subdivisions actually make us fatter and lazier. And a lack of public health scrutiny goes well beyond new construction. New York City just signed a deal with Snapple to become the exclusive vender of soft drinks in the city. A spokeswoman for the city’s health department told me that the Health Commissioner was not even asked to review the deal, even though Snapple drinks are actually just liquid sugar. (Snapple’s own website admits that a 16-ounce bottle of “Snapple Apple” has 240 calories and 20 percent of your daily recommended intake of carbs and consists of only 10 percent real juice. The “best stuff on Earth” turns out to be “water, high fructose corn syrup, pear juice and apple juice from concentrates, citric acid, natural apple flavor with other natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice (for color).”

5. Suburban sprawl also makes us lonely. Our communities, the journal says, “are not interconnected” and cause “a lack of social networks and diminished social capital, which can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health problems, and increased rates of mortality.”

6. And not only are we fat and lonely, we’re poisoning ourselves. Suburban sprawl turns farmland into housing, meaning that food producers must create the same amount of food on less and less farmland. That makes “agriculture more dependent on the use of pesticides [which] has had a debilitating impact on human health, resulting in greater rates of asthma and other respiratory problems.”

7. We haven’t learned from the past. In the 19th century, a new type of architecture was developed to cut down on epidemics of cholera, typhoid and tuberculosis. Yet in the 21st century, we’re doing just the opposite: Instead of designing walkable cities, we build sprawl that makes us even more dependent on the automobile—and only exacerbates the epidemic of the age: obesity.

And last but not least: No. 8. No one is doing anything about all these problems. OK, that’s not entirely fair. One of the articles lauded a handful of politicians who have been waging the battle of the bulge with their constituents, among them Mayor Charlie Ealy of Bolivar, Missouri (“Visit our new airport!”). After the 300-plus-pound mayor’s doctor gave him two choices—start exercising or start shopping for a casket—Ealy began walking. And he encouraged the citizens of Bolivar—average, patriotic Americans who, like Ealy, are very fat—to join him.

The journal article filled me with the vision of thousands of Bolivarians walking briskly with their mayor every day. But I knew something wasn’t right, so I called Ealy immediately. The Bolivar City Hall operator told me he couldn’t come to the phone right now because, wouldn’t you know, he’d just had quintuple bypass surgery. But under my relentless questioning, the operator gave me Ealy’s home number.
The mayor, it turns out, is recuperating nicely (I sent your best wishes, by the way). In fact, he credited the “Walk and Talk with the Mayor” program for keeping him alive.
“The doctors told me I would be dead if I hadn’t been walking for the past nine months,” Ealy told me. “It’s a real lifesaver, if you’ll pardon the pun.” (Sorry, Mr. Mayor, but only the governor has the power to pardon a pun that lame.)
But while Ealy was pleased with the personal results of his walking regimen (some regimen! One mile around the park three times a week. The mayor is a regular Rocky Balboa), I felt he was holding back, so I asked him the tough question: Just how many Bolivarians were joining him on these walks?
“We were averaging about 10 or so,” he said. “A lot of people didn’t find it convenient.”
Most of the country knows what Ealy means. On a recent road trip through Pennsylvania, a recent headline in the Daily Item (“serving the Central Susquehanna Valley”) caught my eye. It said that “many find it hard to exercise” because they can’t find the time. But you wouldn’t need to “find” the “time” if walking wasn’t “exercise” but a way of life.
“Going to the gym or using exercise equipment in the basement is not something most people have the discipline to do,” said John Pucher, a researcher who wrote about the importance of promoting walking and biking. He also walks roughly 10 miles a day because he doesn’t own a car.
“Whether I’m tired or it’s cold out, I have to walk to the office and back. My exercise is part of my daily life.” (So is bumming a ride from friends whenever he needs to buy something bigger than he can carry, Pucher admitted.)
So what’s the answer? Simply put: Burn down the suburbs, junk all the cars and start over.
“We need to change people’s minds about the benefits of living in places where you walk more,” said Richard Jackson, director of the National Center of Environmental Health and the editor of the AJPH special issue.
Will people really give up their Hummers? As we like to say in America: Fat chance.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gersh Kuntzman is also Brooklyn bureau chief for The New York Post and a formerly overweight apple juice addict. His website is at www.gersh.tv

Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing great today....Well there isn't much to report, I am trying to stay current with weight, I am eating pretty decently..

I am a bit frustrated right now. I went to pick up Alex from school yesterday, and he had a large Scratch(cut) on his neck! Do you know another 4 year old boy and Alex were sitting cutting pictures with the teacher and the other boy, grabbed Alex from behind and tried to cut his neck with the scissors!!!:yikes:


Yes, He ran the open children's scissors, you know the ones that are supposed to be safe, ran those across my son's neck, he broke the skin a little in the middle of the cut, but other than that there is a large long scratch on his neck, right over his juggler...
Do you know how :censored: pissed I was yesterday!

I just don't know how to react with this..... I have a picture of it, I took one for the school, for the boy's file, but this is unreal!!!!

I am soooooo :censored: upset and aggrevated! These aren't 6-7 year olds, where you can take them aside and have the talk with them. These are 4 year olds. How do you deal with this??

Well, I have to go, I am getting pissed again, and I have lots of work to do.

Keep up the good work ladies!!!

Reina

Well girls, it's getting windy here in Delaware. Cyan, I am here for 7months and then going back to Taiwan. We are on furlough, that means, missionaries go to churches sharing what we are doing and if we are lucky the church will financially support us. So this is no vacation mind you:-)

reina--you have EVERY right to be mad. Man, I can't imagine. I mean, Joshua was bullied at school at 3yrs old and I was quite upset, but what happened to your son is outrageous. I would call a conference with teacher and the kids parents to let them know that this WILL not happen again.

Lisa--congrats!!!!! Hopefully I can lose some weight and be in the same boat you are:-) My sister in law is going to have her baby anytime now (and a hurricane is here!!!). She lost over 120lbs and then unexpectedly got pregnant (and they have been married 15years!!)

Well girls, I have gotta do something. I discovered my pants are a little more snug than when I came, and it's only been 2weeks!!! My sister has a treadmill, I need to force myself to use that. I may check out the South Beach thing. Yes, the first two weeks are hard I think, but then you get to get back to normal again I understand, kinda like Atkins. We'll see. It's hard while living at my parents house as I am not the main cooker here.

Well, I need to get some things done. Talk to you later.

Hi Ladies TGIF!
 

Today after work my friends come over with the dryer...My old one had to be thrown out...it was too old...the ball bearings were gone aside from a few other bits..the guy said it was too old to fix ...better to get a new one...so last friday at the movies...I was telling my friends of my woes and how I had to go buy a new dryer when my friend ...who I just met that day...says he has an extra dryer in his basement...and that he could give it to me if I wanted it....woooooooohooooooooooo...I said you bet I want it..how much do you want for it...and he said ...nothing...its yours:D ....so I said thank you so much....and then he offered to deliver it to my house and install this friday...now arent there amazing kind people in this world!...So Him and my other friend which happens to be his friend too are coming over after work...so I will take them out to dinner to say thank you afterward...and then, we are going to the movies to see Underworld.

I made an amazing lunch today...cant wait to eat it...its 2 bean salad...didnt have a third bean to add:lol: with tuna salad! oh yum yum yum.

Hey Reina..I cant believe that kid....I would be angry too if my kid came home with scissor marks on his neck! What did the teacher do? Unreal!

Oh cool Taiwan...7 months in the USA! I hope it all goes well for you and that you get the financial backing you need. Also...I hope you stay focussed and not gain all the weight you so diligently worked so hard to get off.

Debee...sorry to hear about neighbor problems..keep us posted.

Newie..how are you doing? Are things getting better...let us know

Well...its friday morning and its 9.30 am...A day of work ahead of me...well best get started...later ladies and have a great weekend

Cyan

Hi all,
I wish I could say I am being good today, but I am PMSing and I want Chocolate!

Alex is doing better, and I am working with the teachers and the parents on the issue...

I hope you all have a great weekend, and Taiwan, take it easy in Delaware... I hear those winds are crazy!


Cyan, how cool is that you got a free dryer! I believe there are good people out there.......

Talk to you soon,

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! we have electricity! man, 22hours without electricity entertaining a 14month old and a 5yr old is not what I call fun. Of course we all pigged out:-) what else is there to do without electricity. Didn't realize how much I was addicted to the computer. We are all fine, nothing happened to the house thank the Lord.
This weekend I am going to look at some books about weight loss, I DO NOT WANT TO GAIN!!!!!
Well, I need to check my gazillion other e-mails.
Take care

Hi, everyone! I am feeling pretty good today, despite the fact that I have a bad cold--caught it from the rest of my family. I get lots of bronchial congestion, croup, as well as the whole sinus clog mess that is part of a cold. The hardest part of it for me is that I cannot take anything for the sinus part of it because I am hypothyroid, and all the meds for nasal decongestion react badly with my thyroid med. (I know for sure because a couple of times I tried to take the decongestants--OTC and prescription--and--talk about a rapid heartbeat and dizziness!!) So I use a lot of tissue, cough drops, expectorant for the chest congestion, and cough suppressant if the cough gets out of control. I also drink warm liquids, eat soup, and cough out congestion (we won't go into that in any more detail, but it has to be done). Anyway, I am on the mend, day by day.

I am experiencing healing where my ex-job is concerned too. I received a note from one of my favorite former coworkers which indicated she understood why I quit. That helped because I was feeling very alone and as if I had never mattered to anyone in that job (I know that's not true, but when you're feeling down, you think goofy things). I also did receive my final paycheck, and a note from another woman in the office about obtaining personal items that I had left there--a table in particular that I want. I've decided that when I contact her about how to get the table, I am going to tell her why I quit as I did. She told me not too long before I quit that I was a real asset to the company. I believe that the owner more than likely said false or misleading things about me after I left, and I really need (for my own personal dignity and healing) for my words about my work, contribution to that company, and feelings about myself to be the last words spoken on the subject. That will really help me move on.

In regard to my husband's situation, I am praying very hard for myself to be a good, supportive wife to him in his situation, and for God to be with him and help him in every area of his life so he can go in the direction which will help fulfill God's plan for him. I am also praying for my own ability to let go of the need to control the situation, and to live for today, one day at a time. We were at the bank with our friend yesterday, where we applied for a home equity line of credit, which should help us manage our finances and even help us improve them, no matter what happens. We should know by Thursday or Friday if we've been approved.

We went to hubby's mom's 80th birthday party last night--I drank two glasses of wine on a pretty empty stomach, so I was feeling a bit drunk for a while (I'm not much of a drinker), but I laughed and had a good time for the first time in a while, which was really good for me. I really needed it. I think the wine even helped my cold, because the congestion is less this morning. I did eat some pizza, chicken, salad, garlic bread, and birthday cake too, but it was also the first time in two weeks that I've actually been hungry, and I stopped when I got full.

Other than the party, I'm doing pretty well on my food. People are beginning to notice my weight loss--11 pounds since I joined you wonderful ladies at this site. I found low-carb bread at the local bread outlet for 90 cents a loaf yesterday, so that will help me there. I'm not eating sweets except for special occasions, and I don't snack on any kind of junk food. I'm not going to weigh this morning because of the salt content of last night's dinner, but I'm still on track.

Thank you all for being there, sharing your stories, and supporting me. Congrats on your free dryer, Cyan--they're really expensive to buy. I'm glad things are getting better for you, Taiwan, in the aftermath of the storm. Reina--I feel for you with your son and the problems with other kid in school. I think it's wonderful how you are handling it. I've had a situation with my youngest that I probably should have handled more as you are doing yours. My Kathleen, who is incredibly shy and quiet, has always been placed next to the noisiest, rudest children in her class in order to help discipline those children, and I've never liked it because those kids keep her from getting the best out of her education and make her unhappy. But I never spoke up. I've never been much for questioning the teacher, since I'm a teacher myself and know there are usually reasons for certain decisions made, but now looking back, and hearing what you have done, Reina, I really wish I had said something. It's gotten better, though. Finally---this year the 3rd grade teacher moved her next to someone quiet, telling Kathleen it wasn't fair for her to have to endure a noisy person--thank you, Lord. My baby came home the very day her seat was changed to tell me how happy she was. I've made up my mind that if she is ever placed next to a noisy person again, I'll definitely speak up. Thanks, Reina. You really helped me.

Well, time to go now. I've got stuff to do. Talk to everyone later.

Hi everybody :)

Had a nice weekend but didnt get to walk Fri or Saturday.:^: Walked 3 miles this morning early but shortly afterward, it started raining and has been the rest of the day. I was hoping to get another walk in.

Reina, what a wild experience to go thru with a 4 yr old! I cant even imagine. You were right in stepping in now before something like that happens again. How did your battle with the chocolate cravings go?? I had peach cobbler today.:s:

Cyan, I enjoyed the article you posted..thanks. Very good points in it. That is so great about the free dryer!! Such a generous offer! Sounds like a good guy to get to know better for sure.;)

Taiwan, you poor thing...22 hrs with no electricity would drive me crazy even without little ones!! Thank goodness nobody got hurt and the house withstood all the wind, etc. Did you find any interesting new weightloss books you're going to check out?

Newie, sounds like doing well and getting on with life after the job-loss. That was a sweet gesture by your co-worker sending that note. I'm sure it made you feel much better. Good luck with the line of credit. That should ease your anxieties some about the financial change you're going thru now with only one income.

Lisa and Debee, I hope the two of you had a nice weekend! Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Well, tomorrow it's "Just another Manic Monday":dizzy: Try to have a good one!

Miki

Hi Ladies
 

Its monday...mondays are so friggin hard for me...but if I didnt work mondays..well...tuesdays would be hard for me...oh well...how did I do food wise this weekend..well I went to Santropol on friday...a huge sandwich filled with chicken salad and cream cheese and honey and nuts ....sooooo good but its like eating a mcdonald's value meal!!:^: I then went to see The Underworld...pretty cool movie..it was entertaining.

On Saturday...I had chinese buffet...although I had mostly sushi and no deserts...I did have general tao chicken..but just a few pieces..I am sure a few pieces too many...I also had water with my food....I a had water with my sandwich too.

So not to good food wise this weekend....I also didnt do much in terms of intentional exercising...but I am back to it tonight...back on the saddle....

Oh since I have stopped taking the pill...I havent had a real period since july 16 :rolleyes: Thank goodness I dont have a boyfriend or else I would be freaking out right now. I hope my system kicks in soon and things get back to normal or else I may have to go back to the pill inorder to get things normal again...My doc did say to give it 6 month...so I am two months in...we will see what happens.

Hey Miki...good that you got your walk in this morning...better than no walk...right?

Hey Newie...good to hear that you are slowly getting back to normal. How is your hubby doing with his job? Let us know.

Oh Taiwan...22 hours with no electricity...yikes! Good to hear that you are electrified once more! Let us know how your book hunting went...I am curious about the South Beach Diet too.

hey Reina...good to hear that you are working out your son's incident...yeesh! scary situation there. Were you able to stay away from the chocolate:s:

Debee hope you are doing great..let us know

Well its monday and I gotta get back to work

later ladies

Cyan

Happy Monday everyone!!!

I wish it was a good start to the week for me. What normally takes us 30 mins to get to work and school this morning, took over 1 1/2 hours today! There was a bad accident on the xpressway this morning that had ALL the inbound lanes closed for over 3 hours, so that just created havoc on all the streets...It was horrible...

Ok, I wish I could say I stood away from the chocolates, BUT, I compromised.....I bought the mini chocolates from the candy store, and had those, rather than a large bar, I had a small piece when I was craving it this weekend! Other than that, I ate pretty good this weekend.
Right now I am eating my Burrito Bowl from Chipotle.... I love these things. I have them fill it with veggies and guacamole and grilled chicken breast and I hold the cheese and sour cream... It is awesome! I think I eat these at least 3 times a week! I am getting as addicted to this as Cyan is to Sushi:lol: :lol: :lol:

Taiwan, how horrible to be without electricity that long, how did you do it??

Newie, I am glad you were able to use my experience and learn that you can speak up when you need to... Believe me, if we don't speak for our kids, who will???

Cyan, Sounds like you had a fun weekend! It seems like eating bad comes with the territory! Glad to hear you are getting back in the Saddle. Then I will feel that I have to jump on too! I need to get back into the swing of things again!

Miki, your 3 mile walks inspire me. Where do you walk, what do you do, how do you past the time and not think of it as a "3 MILE WALK"????
I need the secret???

Have a great week ladies....

Hello everyone....

How was everyone's Monday? Mine was pretty good. Worked from 10 til 7 but not a bad day.

Cyan, that sandwich sounds Delicious!! You know I love anything with chicken. Hope your system gets regulated soon. Must be aggravating not to know if and when you'll get your period. Have the pills affected your weight any so far?

Reina, believe me, I am not some exercise finatic for sure. I only am able to walk everyday because my sis walks with me, and if either of us isnt in the mood, the other always insists we gotta do it anyway. On days when one of us cant make it, then the other usually ends up missing also. I just cant seem to motivate myself to go alone. We pretty much walk 7 days a week as much as possible. She comes to my house because my road is better to walk on than hers. We go as soon as the schoolbus runs, usually around 7:15 a.m. The time flies because we talk about everything under the sun the whole time. My husband cant understand how we can have so much to say...usually by the time she gets home, 2 miles from me, one of us calls the other cuz we forgot something.:lol: We never seem to get caught up with everything we want to talk about. I think you did well with your chocolate...the mini ones were a good choice.

Hope the rest of the ladies had a good start of the new week. Reina and Cyan, have a good nite. Talk to ya'll later...

Miki

Hi, everyone--I'm waiting for time to get my girls up for school. Last night I worked with older daughter on science report till 11:30--it turned out pretty well--I never could have helped her if I had been working--would have had no energy.

I received my last paycheck in the mail over the weekend and talked on the phone yesterday to two other ladies in the office where I worked (owner on business trip)--got some much needed closure--said goodbye, told them what happened, did some venting, made arrangements to get several personal items of mine that I left in the office. All I have to do now is pick up the items at one of the 4 stores owned by the company (the one where I originally started), and speak to the manager there about getting a letter of reference that I can use in future job searches--she will give me a good one, I know.

As far as hubby's job is concerned--he is on 3 days vacation (I was supposed to go on that business trip with boss), and we are doing lots of house work in preparation for carpet coming for girls' rooms (planned before I quit) as well as a new bed for us (also ordered before I quit). Last week he had a good week--his supervisor, he told me, took some time to work with him on some stuff he's been doing, and in general he felt he did a good job. This is how we're doing things right now: He's taking the opportunity he's been given to try to improve his work, in whatever capacity he can, get help if needed--whatever he can do to do his best day by day so he can keep his job if possible. We are also putting out feelers for job openings--sending out a few resumes, signing up with online services, stuff like that. After all, he hasn't been given any walking papers--told for sure he is losing his job or anything like that--just that he needs to improve or he will be given 6 months notice to find work. What I'm doing a lot of is prayer--as I've told you, I'm a very religious and spiritual person--have seen the power of prayer and faith in my life and in the lives of others I know. I've been praying both for myself--that I am a support to him--not a nag or someone who wants him to become what I think he should be (I've been guilty of the latter in the past, and it's time for me to change that.)--and for him--that he will be the person God wants him to be one day at a time, that he will be blessed in his work and led to the work he is supposed to do. I also pray that I can live one day at a time without worry about the future knowing that we are and will be taken care of. I've been praying with this book called "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian--very powerful. It talks so much about letting go of control of your husband and giving him to God. In the last week, I've seen growing peace in myself and good things in hubby. At times I want to worry, but that just makes me feel crazy, so I keep going back to prayer.

Anyway, hang in there, ladies, with your food and exercise--I know how hard it is to stick with it all. I am needing to drink more water; also I wonder if my activity level has dropped significantly since I'm not working like a crazy woman anymore--I'm trying to be careful and keep up with my walking. Well, got to go--one kid is in the shower, and the other one needs to get up. I'm going to see the Gyn. today for my yearly check-up--haven't had my period since June--actually 100 days today--not pregnant, took a test a few weeks ago--just working on that menopause--feel great that way except for some interesting hot flashes--it will be interesting to hear what she has to say to me. More later. Bye, ladies, for now. :)

Well, it's raining again. I was supposed to take my road test yesterday (but DMV only takes so many and I was one number late). Now because it's raining, they don't have tests today. They don't test tomorrow, so I have to wait til Thursday. It's pretty humbling being 29yr and sooooooooo dependent on my parents. I know they are ready for me to get my drivers license too. I had let it expire while in Taiwan, something i just never thought about.

I don't know if josiah is going through a growth spurt now or what. Man, the past 2 nights he slept sooo well (previously he was sick, a mouth full of canker sores and wouldn't eat). now he is eating like there is no tomorrow!! He was up at about 1am and took a cup of milk. Up at 7am screaming! i ran into his bedroom and what was the problem? his mum-mum (binky) was on the floor! that was it. I thought he was in pain or something.

I am reading the south beach diet. It seems to deal alot with the glycemic (sp?) index. The first 2 weeks look pretty tough, but friends of mine who went on it said yes, the weight came off the stomach first. After getting into phase 2 they said it was much better since you could add things back slowly. the theory is that things high on the glycemic index burn faster and so you get hungry faster (kinda like a quick sugar high) things low in the index, burn slower so you stay full longer. I think I got that right. I haven't really tried it yet, still reading about it and checking the website out.

Well, I need to go. We may be visiting my brother today. My sil had a baby early this morning. Their first after 15years of marriage! she had the gastrio....bypass (i can never say that word) and lost 125lbs!! 1.5years later became pregnant. Dr had told them many years ago that they could never have children. she had something growing on her ovaries. So, she had a little boy Jacob Wayne Frost. 6lbs and? oz and 18in long. He will be spoiled rotten. She had way to easy a pregnancy and 3 hour labor---not fair I tell you, not fair. But I am happy for them, though seeing my brother as a father is hard.

Well, enough. talk to you all later.

Deana

Good Morning Ladies
 

I've decided to do an internal cleansing of my major organs..So after work I went to the herb store and picked up the stuff I needed...It will go on for about a month! I have another cold ...which is unusual and its good to clean out once a year...So I bought Milk Thistle...cleans out your liver, kidneys, spleen and stomach. I bought Sage...good for the brain (memory)cells and I bought grape vine...good for the blood. So I will keep you posted how things turn out.

Hey Miki...you are so lucky you have your sister to hang out with and exercise with....I am sure it makes things easier when you have someone special to share your activities with. I havent gained any weight since being off the pill so thats good.

Hey Reina Did you get some exercising in? I had all the intentions but I am under the weather again...another sinus cold...I hope to nip this in the bud with my body detox program...yeesh.

Taiwan....good luck on your driver's test thursday. And let us know how you are doing on your south beach..I am thinking of trying it but I might as well wait and see what you say about it.

Newie...stay strong for you and your family...I hope things work out for your hubby and work...keep us posted. have a good trip to the gyne's.

Hey Deb and Lisa...say hello when you get the chance.

Cyan

Hey Ladies,
Hope all is well today.

Miki, it sounds nice how you and your sister just talk and talk....I wish my sister would talk! she only wants to moan about all her health problems now. This is someone who never hurt in her life....

I don't know, but anyway, I wish I could say I exercised, but I didn't. I will try to work on some sit-ups today, my goal is to work on my stomach right now, nothing else! That is why Taiwan's idea of the South Beach diet caught my eye....:s:

I wish I got rid of this gut! it is yucky!!! and I feel like I am preggers! and I don't like that right now....

Well, I am off to pick up Alex and go home and watch 8 Simple Rules with the last of the John Ritter episodes.

Have a great night....

Hi all..

Reina, I forgot to watch 8 Simple Rules tonite!!:( I cant believe that. I watched all the specials about John Ritter last week and was so sad. I dont see how the cast is going to make it thru the first show without him where they deal with his death. It's still just so unbelievable to me. Hubby and I loved him...he was so hilarious. I cannot miss that show...in 3 weeks I think.

Cyan, I've never done an internal cleansing. Dont know alot about herbs, etc. Makes sense to do that occasionally, just never thought about it.

Taiwan, you must have brought all that rain with you!:rain: :lol: Good luck on your driving test Thurs. Congrats to your brother and SIL!

Newie, I too believe strongly in prayer. I've seen too many prayers answered not to believe. So just keep your faith...things will work out for the best, whether it's OUR idea of the best or not. Hope you have a good report at the doc tomorrow.

Well all, time for me to hit the sack. See ya tomorrow!

MIKI

Good morning, ladies! I took my walk this morning--2 miles, I think--I use the time walking for prayer. It also gives my day a good start--puts both my body and spirit in the right place for the strength I need now.

Yesterday was a busy day--somewhat stressful, and I didn't always feel good throughout it, but it was a day where many good things happened. First--my trip to the gyne--I see his nurse practitioner--she is absolutely wonderful--spends time with me, and is probably more thorough than the dr. himself is. She was thrilled with my weight loss and walking, and thinks I am truly on the way to menopause--100 days since my last period--only 265 days more to go. Of course, I had the pap and will soon have my yearly mammogram--don't really mind either of them--more an inconvenience than a discomfort to me, but they are very important.

I got all my personal stuff from my old job--down to a table and a garbage can I took with me to the office--had the opportunity to talk with two other women I was close to--asked one of them (a former supervisor) for a letter of reference for my files; it might come in handy someday--she said she would, but to remind her, since she can be a procrastinator with paperwork. Believe me, I will. I got a lot of emotion out of my system and received more closure. After seeing the two women yesterday and getting my stuff, I ate an ice cream cone. I was feeling pain, and I just couldn't deal with it. I knew I was comforting myself when I bought it, but at that moment I just really wanted something to help me feel good for a moment. It tasted good at the time, but later I got a stomach ache from it. Later, after the "drug" effects of the ice cream wore off, I still hurt. Anyway, that whole situation is working itself out.

We received preliminary notification from our banker that our home equity line is on the way to approval. There's just a drive-by viewing of the house by the bank to do, and whatever other official paperwork still has to be completed. Anyway, that is another thing that seems to be moving in a positive direction--I am grateful. I will feel even better when all the papers are signed, sealed, and delivered. Patience and prayer, I tell myself.

Taiwan--I don't know anything specific about the South Beach Diet, but when I have shared with friends the low-carb plan I am on, I have been told what I do is very like the South Beach Diet. I have also read about the glycemic index of foods playing a part in weight gain and loss, and in my personal experience, I have learned that the more carbs I eat, especially if no protein is involved, the more hungry I am quicker, and the more I get into a cycle of repeated carb craving and eating. I think it has something to do with insulin levels too. I have found if I eat plenty of protein--I personally am not particular--meat, cheese, fish, other dairy, soy, peanut butter (I don't eat eggs--make me sick)--as long as it's protein, I can eat a reasonable amount and not be hungry for some time. I am careful with anything with a high sugar or carb level, whether it be bread, fruit, cereal, pasta, yogurt, or desserts, because for me they trigger that cycle of carb eating. Anyway, that's my personal experience. Also, good luck on your driving test. I never cared for that experience myself. You'll do fine. Also, congrats on the new baby in the family.

Cyan, I also have never had experience with internal cleansing, though I have heard of it. Does that mean you are on the toilet a lot? I do like to eat plenty of fiber to keep regular.

I considered watching 8 Simple Rules and watching the other episodes leading up to the death of John Ritter's character, but I decided not to--too sad for me--I'm only 7 years younger than he was. I always have enjoyed him--he was hysterical in Three's Company--such a down to earth comic.

Cyan, take care of that cold of yours--I hate colds--thankfully mine is nearly over--pretty miraculous for me. It usually takes at least two weeks.

I agree, Miki, you are very lucky to have your sister as a walking partner. Having someone there to drag you out by the collar if you are trying to talk yourself out of exercise is a great thing. Thanks for your good wishes for me and hubby. One way or another, things will work out.

Well, got to go--things to do. Talk to you all later. Bye for now.

Well, sounds like everyone is doing well anyway. Anyone want to try the SBD (south beach diet) with me? I won't do anything till monday cause we go to a church on Sunday and they are taking us out to eat. SOOOOOOOOO I will wait til Monday, then I can also store up on somestuff.

Newie-sounds like you are doing good. Yes, the SBD is similiar to Atkins, but a little less strict I guess (so I've been told:o) It is starting to make sense to me. I did get a multivitamin today and flax seed oil and folic acid. I no longer take the Xenical, though still have some left. We are trying for #3 and so i don't want to take any medicine.
Cyan, I have heard of cleansing the system and have thought about it. Let us know how it goes. Some say you should do that like once or twice a month. Really does make sense and is probably more necessary in today's time.
Miki--I need to get my rump moving. I read today in the SBD book that the minium of 20min a day is necessary. If you sweat, you've reached your goal. So, gotta get moving.
Reina, how are you feeling? The weight I have gained has gone DIRECTLY to my midsection, the last place I want it.

Well, all, I need to do some schooling with Joshua, though it is about 1pm. Did errands this morning. go tomorrow at 6:30am to line up for the road test, tomorrow is going to be a busy day!!!

Talk to you all later.

Hey all,
Hope you are all having a great day!

Well, ok, I THOUGHT about working out, and then it went away! so no workout for me yesterday!.
I was way to aggrevated that my dinner just wouldn't come out right. My chicken quarters took forever to cook, and I don't know why, my oven works fine, but they just looked so darn pick, so I didn't eat dinner..

But I did watch 8 Simple Rules, and Newie, yes it was very very sad, it is so hard to see something that was so fresh, just recently taped and then poof, he is gone! that so scares me. You just never know! That is the scary part. But he had a great life, and that makes me look at all this so much differently... Live life for Today, not for yesterday, last week, or last year!
Wow, that was deep!!!!;)

Anyway,
I have lots to do today, so I better take off, I will talk to you all later.
Have a great one.

Hello Ladies
 

Well I am day two into my cleansing....

Newie...yes I spend a lot of time on the toilet:o But its all good!;)

The odd thing is...I was sick yesterday...truly feeling miserable...I slept for 10 hours...Today, I am so much better..I an not even taking any meds for my sinus cold...which is healing rather quickly.

It could be because I am cleaning out my organs! While I am doing this, I wont eat fried or processed foods of any kind. I will drastically reduce my intake of meats and dairy. I am also drinking lots and lots of water.

I feel great thus far! no weird symptoms or headaches..but being that I have a cold..its all a bit confounded. After the month is up, I will replenish my colon with good flora....its another set of enzyme pills to take...and then...I should be good for another year of poluting my body:lol:

Anyone interested in doing a cleansing: very simple....100 pills of sage (taken 3 times per day at each meal..two pills) 100 pills of grape seed...ditto above...100 pills of milk thistle dito above.

I would seek the advice of my doctor if I were on meds of any kind..and if you are pregnant..these herbs are not for you!!

I was told ..sometimes you body has a harder time losing weight if there is too much "guck" So I decided to give this a try and see what happens.

I will also add a glass of water in the morning with squeezed lemon in it.

Have a great day

Cyan

Hi ladies,

Well the past few days have been crazy! Last week we had heavy rains and our back yard flooded, then just a few days ago it rained more so...yesterday morning it was heavy winds and more rain, big trees knocked down and today we had landscapers regrading our yard bringing in tons of dirt ($4,000 worth) and I was so upset I started to EAT! I bought lots of junk food and have spent the evening munching away.

Now I have a wedding to go to on saturday night and need to fit into a long black shirt and sleeveless sequin top I bought hoping that I would be thinner. And to make matters worse I just got an invite to my 25th high school reunion for Thanksgiving weekend.

Ok I will stop complaining and start to take control I am interested in The south beach diet and in Cyan cleansing.


Well need to get the kids to bed....

Hi everybody!

It's 11 pm already so I dont really have time to post. Just had to drop in to say hello. Somehow I ended up with that stupid Blaster worm again!!:mad: Spent 2 hrs getting it removed. Seems that everything with the computer is fine again now tho, thank goodness.

Sorry I cant post individually. Hope you all had a good day. Just think, already it's almost the weekend again..Hooray!! Plus, I'm off tomorrow!! :D Will definitely get a good walk in the morning..supposed to be cooler and wont have to be in a hurry to finish.

Well, nite all!

Miki

Hello Ladies
 

I could have sworn I had posted today...anyway...if I did...dunno where it went...so Its day 3 of my cleansing and I am feeling a little headachy but it could be that I am just tired from working at a computer all day long:tired:

I am looking forward to going home, taking a nice long bath...eating something good and sitting in front of the tube and watching survivor!!! What a perfect evening.

I was planning on waxing the silverbeega this weekend but..looks like its gonna rain! My pod needs a good washing ...my bug has bugs on it...:eek: I might have to take it in to a detailer and have it done if the weather ceases to cooperate...although I think its fun and good exercise to do it yourself.

So whats everyone been cravy lately? I am having vivid thoughts of bigmacs! :s: and as you may remember..I pass one everyday on the way to and from work...ah the temptations one faces on the road to better health.:devil:

Well I shall be good...this is my mantra until I am safely pass the golden arches and in my cabana for the evening

later ladies

Cyan

Hey ladies
 

Looks like everyone is enjoying their friday...two more hours for me and then its FRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAAAY after work...ahhhhh two whole days to chill and not have to deal with clients and coding and all that jazz

Looks like saturday's weather is improving...it might not rain sooo what that means...I can wash and wax the silver beega myself:D

I had sushi for lunch...so I am not sure what dinner will be.

Well everyone..just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a great weekend and I will see you all back here on monday

bye girls

Cyan

Hi, everyone! It's the end of the day, and I'm ready to go to bed. I've been very sore today--yesterday I spent about 4 hours doing yardwork--everything from weeding a flower bed I hadn't touched in months to moving concrete scallop dividers to make another one smaller. I also cut the grass, cleaned a bit, met with some other mothers to help out with a character education program at the school, and signed my Veronica up for the school band. Today I did some painting--flowers on a painted wall border in my Kathleen's bedroom--in preparation for the carpeting, took mother-in-law to the doctor, entered 100 checks into my check balancing software (only 2500 more to go before I'm caught up--I'm three years behind), and did some cleaning. The kids were off from school, so they were hanging around the house all day--rained today--they did clean their room and fold some laundry.

I think I am starting to become accustomed to being at home--I still feel a little bit empty at times--and I'm so behind in so many things that sometimes I don't know where to start. But it is getting better, and I definitely feel less stressed as time passes, and I get farther away from the job. And the further away I get, the happier I am that I finally got out of there. Wednesday I substitute taught at the kids' school for the last 2 hours of the day--2nd grade teacher got sick and had to go home. Since I am busy for the most part just being home, I keep asking myself how I managed before. I do know that I was pretty much on the edge of insanity quite a lot of the time.

I've been walking 2 miles per day, except for today. I was just too tired and sore this morning. I'm trying to be careful on the food, but I find that I am eating things like pasta--not much--that I wasn't eating before. We'll have to see how things go.

I am really taking hubby's situation a day at a time--praying for him a lot and trying myself to live in the moment and do the best I can where I am planted today. I am trying to be as supportive as possible. We're waiting for word from the bank on our equity line--supposedly yesterday an appraiser took pictures of our house--he called Wednesday night to say he'd be here. I never saw him when I was working in the yard, so I don't know when he came. Anyway--that's one day at a time too.

Cyan--that cleansing sounds like something different to me--I know there are some people who really swear by them. What does it do for you long range? Do you feel better--healthier, I mean?

Taiwan--I hope your dl test went all right.

Miki--It sounds like you're really looking forward to the weekend. Enjoy it.

Debee--hang in there!!

Reina--I know about waiting till the exercise urge passes--I do much better when I have a routine, and it's just part of my schedule. I'm sure I would have walked today--tired or not--if my kids had gone to school and I was driving by the park. It's hard to motivate myself without that routine.

Well, ladies--time to go--I'm going to look at some frugality sites--trying to get into the money-saving mode. Have a great weekend!! :)

Hello girls
 

Ah yes...its monday morning yet again! Sometimes it feels like there are only two days in the week...fridays and mondays:lol:

Anyway, I did get to wax silverbeega on saturday...she is sparkling like a jewel now...but it promptly rained on saturday evening and only stopped this morning...but the coat of wax get my car clean!

So it day 6 of my cleasing...things are coming along swimmingly...the only minor side effects I had were headaches over the weekend. I feel great...I was able to fight off my sinus cold. I seem to have more energy and I am more focused. I am not as foggy brained in the morning.

I must confess...:^: I have been very bad with the exercising...I havent done any intentional exercising in over a week...but tonight...this is gonna change...I will cycle for sure.

Hey Newie...I always wanted to try a body detox ...they call it this cause I heard it helps revitalize your liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, blood and intestines. So I figured...maybe thats a good thing...hopefully stay disease free for my life....I like the idea of preventative medecine a lot ...so after doing research into this and finding out about side effects and such...I figured it would be a good thing for me to do.

I am drinking juices...like carrot juice, organic apple juice, orange juice and lemon water. I have noticed that I am not craving junk food as much and that I am not as hungry...so far its been a positive exerpience for me.

Well I hope all you lovely ladies had a wonderful weekend..and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Cyan

Ok,
I know I posted here before the weekend, so I don't know what happened????????

But I wish this was a good message today... I am flying out tonight to Vegas. I wish it was for a nice little vacation, but my aunt passed away in her sleep Sunday morning, so I am off to a funeral....

I am really bummed, because she was the only connection I had to my father.... That really blows!!!


I will try to touch base with you all when I get back Thursday or Friday...

Have a great week ladies, and stay on track.....

FYI, I haven't heard anything from Lady, so I am kinda worried...

Take care..

hey ladies
 

Well I got back on the wagon last night and cycled for 30 minutes...a distance of 9.1km

Tonight I plan on doing the same thing but add some ball exercises!

Hope all is well...I am busy here at work so I gotta get back to it...hugs to all

Cyan

where is everyone
 

hey where is everyone....come back and post!:cry:

anyway...I am on day 8 of my cleansing...all is well...no side effects anymore...feeling good actually. I also exercised for 20 minutes on the bike and cycled 6km.

Food is ok...I am drinking carrot juice, organge juice, apple juice and lemon water on a regular basis. I have a ceasar's salad for lunch and multigrain snacks with me.

Well I am looking forward to hearing from everyone soon

hugs

Cyan:grouphug:

great article
 

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Did You Inherit "Fat Genes?"
---------------------------

"Battle Your Biology? Fat Chance," proclaims a recent headline in the health
section of a popular newspaper. Quoting new research and citing psychologists,
dietitians and physicians, the article says that more and more evidence proves
that your weight is genetically determined, and if you're fat, "it's not your
fault." "We've known for a while that genes - more than environment and behavior
- explain obesity" argues Dr. James Rosen, an eating disorder specialist and
professor at the University of Vermont. While genetics are definitely a factor,
believing you are destined to be overweight for life because you've inherited
"fat genes" is the most disempowering and self-defeating attitude you could ever
adopt. The only way you’ll lose weight permanently is to accept total
responsibility for yourself and acknowledge the fact that you have the power to
change, regardless what mother nature has given you to work with.

There's no denying that heredity plays a major role in how difficult it will be
for you to lose fat. You inherited a body type, a predetermined number of fat
cells, a metabolic rate and body chemistry just as you inherited your eye color
and hair color. In the 1930's, Harvard psychologist Dr. William H. Sheldon
developed a classification system for these different body types called
"somatotyping." While there are no absolutes, Sheldon identified three basic
somatotypes: ectomorphs, mesomorphs and endomorphs. Ectomorphs are the lean,
lanky types. They are usually very thin and bony, with fast metabolisms and
extremely low body fat. An ectomorph can eat like a horse without gaining an
ounce. Mesomorphs are the "genetically gifted." They are lean, muscular and
naturally athletic. Mesomorphs lose fat and gain muscle with ease. Endomorphs
are the "fat retainers." Characterized by round features, excess body fat and
large joints ("big bones"), endomorphs usually have great difficu!
lty in losing body fat. They have slow metabolisms, they are often carbohydrate
sensitive, they gain fat quickly if they eat poorly or don't exercise, and they
lose fat slowly - even on a healthy diet.

The tendency of endomorphs to store fat easily can be partly attributed to
metabolic problems. For example, endomorphs often metabolize carbohydrates
inefficiently. Normal people can eat lots of carbohydrates - up to 60% of their
total calories - and they still stay lean. Endomorphs produce too much insulin
when they eat carbohydrates and this leads to increased fat storage and
difficulty in losing existing fat. This condition is known as "insulin
resistance" or "Syndrome X."

Scientists claim that the tendency to gain weight easily may also be due to
chemical imbalances in the brain that cause people to overeat. Researchers at
Johns Hopkins recently announced the discovery a compound called C75, that
blocks an appetite-regulating hormone in the hypothalamus. In mice injected with
the substance, 30 percent more weight was lost because the drug caused the mice
to eat less. More research is planned to develop a similar appetite-suppressing
drug for humans. Unlike Xenical, which blocks fat absorption in the intestine,
this new drug would affect the brain's chemistry so that people feel full
sooner.

Many physicians and health professionals consider these metabolic disorders and
chemical imbalances as genetically transmitted "diseases" that require medical
treatment. "Obesity is a disease and should be treated like one" says Jackie
Newgent, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association . This idea should
be viewed with a great deal of suspicion however, because weight loss is
potentially the biggest market in the world for drug sales. According to Justin
Gillis, a staff writer for the Washington Post, more than 45 companies worldwide
are trying to develop new obesity drugs, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Gillis writes, "In world where a blockbuster drug is worth $1 billion a year in
sales, analysts give $5 billion as the low estimate for sales of an important
obesity drug. If a company developed a truly safe, effective weight loss drug,
and sold it for $3 a day to one quarter of the 97 million American adults
estimated to be overweight, sales would exceed $26 bi!
llion a year in this country alone."

Basically, what the medical community is trying to tell you is that if you are
overweight, it's not your fault; you were born fat, so don't feel guilty - and
don't worry, we have a drug that can "cure" you. Sounds like there's an ulterior
motive at work here, wouldn't you agree? Before you run to get a prescription
for the next "miracle" drug, you'd better wonder whose interests are being
served; yours or the pharmaceutical giants. Besides, drugs can never be the
solution if they treat the symptoms and not the cause. Drugs should be
considered a last resort for the morbidly obese who have already tried
everything else without success and who will face serious health consequences if
they don't lose weight. The editors of obesity.com said it best: "Weight loss
drugs do not take the place of diet, exercise, patience, and perseverance."

"Dieting can be an uphill battle against your genes." says Post writer Joyce
Cohen. Unfortunately, if you're an endomorph, Cohen is right. Losing weight is
definitely easier for some people than for others and that doesn't seem fair.
But that's the way life is. Life isn't fair. Let's be honest; not everyone is
going to become an Olympic Gold medallist, a Mr. America or a fitness model. But
don't despair - you are not doomed to live a life of fatness if you don't have
"athletic genes."

Obesity is the result of many influences. Genetics is only one of them. Like it
or not, the primary cause of obesity is your own behavior. Most of the factors
that affect body composition are entirely under your control. These factors
include how much you eat, what you eat, when you eat, what type of exercise you
do, how frequently you exercise, how long you exercise and how hard you
exercise.

If you have the genetic predisposition towards obesity, you can lose fat like
everyone else, you're just going to have to work harder and longer at it than
other people. "There is a genetic component to weight," Says Dr. Thomas Wadden,
a psychologist from Syracuse University, "but no one is destined to be obese. If
weight has been a major problem in your family, you may not be able to become as
thin as you'd like, but you can lose weight."

If you find losing weight to be a slow and difficult process, the empowering
thing to do is to look at it as asset, because overcoming this obstacle will
force you to develop discipline, determination and persistence. These traits
will carry over to other areas of your life and make you a stronger person all
around. Arnold Schwarzennegger said, "Strength does not come from winning. Your
struggles develop your strength. When you overcome hardships, that is strength."

The first thing you must do if you want to lose weight or succeed in any area of
your life, is to accept complete responsibility for your situation. In a short
but powerful little book called "As Man Thinketh," the author James Allen wrote,
"circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him." What he meant was that we
are not products of our environment or our heredity (our "circumstances"),
instead, we products of our own thinking and belief systems. We create our own
circumstances through positive thinking and positive action and we create
negative circumstances through negative thinking and lack of action or wrong
actions. In other words, we are responsible for where we are, what we have and
how our bodies look.

Some people get very angry with me when I tell them this: They say, "Wait a
minute, Tom. Are you trying to tell me that when bad things happen to me, it’s
my own fault? That I brought unemployment, financial hardships, failed
relationships, weight gain or even health problems onto myself? Because if
that's what you're saying, that's totally unfair!"

Well, my friend, with very few exceptions, (some things really are out of your
control) that is exactly what I am saying.

If you refuse to accept the fact that you are 100% responsible, you will never
be successful. When people find themselves in undesirable situations or they
aren't getting the results they want, it’s all too easy to make excuses: It's my
genetics, I have big bones, I have a slow metabolism, I don't have enough time
to exercise, etc. etc., etc. Making excuses is relinquishing control. It is
conceding that you a victim of circumstances instead of the creator of your
circumstances. Stop blaming and start taking responsibility for your life. Take
action! Start working out. Eat better. Do something - do anything - but don't
just sit there on the couch and curse your chromosomes.

So, are you a frustrated "endomorph?" Do you feel like dieting is an uphill
battle against your genes? If your answer is "yes," please don’t just quit and
chalk in up to "bad genetics," and don't believe that drugs are the answer
either - they're not. Your genetics will largely dictate your athletic ability
and how easily you will lose weight. That doesn't mean you can't get lean; it
only means that you're going to have to work harder and be more persistent than
the genetically gifted people. You're also going to have to adjust your diet and
training to fit your body type. Maybe obesity really should be classified as a
genetically inherited "disease." But frankly, if you have a "disease" that
forces you to learn more about exercise and nutrition, to eat nutritious foods,
to adopt a healthier lifestyle, to develop a strong work ethic and to become a
more persistent person, that sounds like a blessing in disguise to me.


Tom Venuto

I am here and PMSing :p I haven't started any diet yet, I want to read the book first and understand it before I dive into anything. So, i will write when my mood is better:-) and hopefully my 5year old will still be alive then--ah! the joys of boys
Bye for now

Hi, everyone! I've been very busy the last few days--being at home doesn't mean I have nothing to do. I've been cleaning and organizing and in general making up for the stuff I haven't done for the 6 years I worked! I'm still having down moments, but those are more about having hubby's issues on my mind than my own new life. I'm still praying and taking it one day at a time, and I know that somehow everything will work out fine.

I've been doing my walking except if the kids don't have school. Today I walked 2 1/4 miles!! It's the first time I went over 2 miles. I haven't lost any more weight--still at 158.5--but I haven't gained either. Today I ate a brownie that I made the other day--that happened though because I woke up with a headache today, and I haven't been able to get rid of it, though I've lain down on the couch, in bed, put ice on the back of my neck, and ate about 10 ibuprofen (since 7 o'clock this morning--not all at once). Hopefully it will go away by tomorrow. I have to start washing a couple of bedroom walls because the bed we ordered the day before I quit my job has come in. It wasn't supposed to be in for another 2-4 weeks, so I need to get on the ball.

I've also been getting my garden ready for next spring--transplanting and stuff--and working on painted borders in my girls' rooms--we're getting carpet for them soon too. Yesterday I cleaned both bathrooms in our house. The girls' bathroom hadn't been cleaned in literally months!!! It took me an hour and a half to do it, and there isn't even a tub or shower in there--terrible neglect!! I do hope I can stay home for a while--I've been remembering what I wanted to do with my life when I was a little girl--it was always to be a wife and mother--the idea of career came when I was in high school. I've been praying that I will have that opportunity. I'm a much nicer and more productive person when I am not constantly running--wearing myself out.

Well, not much else to report--Cyan--I skimmed the article you posted--very interesting. I figured that there was some kind of genetic component to weight and weight loss--you should see all the big girls on my side of the family--from my father's side. My mother has 11 granddaughters--from mid-20's to 1 year old--and 6 of 10 older ones are and have been overweight since about 6-8 years old. I was the same way. Thank God my two daughters were spared. I know that Kathleen takes after her father--tall and skinny. Veronica is petite and tiny waisted--not at all like me. I do agree with the author, though, that genetics is not a license to do nothing about being overweight--we just have to work harder at it.

Well, time to go--have to check some other e-mail. Talk to everyone later.

Hello everybody!

Well, I've had a busy several days. I kept my adorable 2 yr old niece, Kaylen, from Saturday until yesterday. We had so much fun with her! Didnt find time to post or exercise any while she was here.:^: I took her home yesterday afternoon. I really hated for her to leave.:( I dont think her mom and dad would have let me keep her another hour tho...they were missing her by the first nite.:lol: My sis called me probably twice a day every day Kaylen was here.:dizzy: I think her feelings were hurt because Kaylen didnt want to take out time to talk to her. Of course, why would she...she rules the roost at Aunt Miki's house.;)

Reina, I'm sorry to hear about your aunt. It's hard to lose someone suddenly like that. Hope you have a safe trip there and back.

I hope the rest of you are having a nice nite. I was off today but I've got to work the rest of the week. Tomorrow I will start back walking for SURE!! Next week, I plan to work in some weight training also.

Gotta run for now....still lots to do before bedtime. Ya'll have a good day tomorrow!

Miki

Good Day Ladies
 

Well I didnt cycle last night...but I most certainly will tonight...its a must! I have to add air to my exercise ball...I will have to attend to that.

I was planning on going hiking this weekend but the weather is forcasting rain for both days...every weekend it seems...rains:(

I am hooked on survivor...and its friends too...and will and grace...lets just say..its great tv night.

I have to organize my closet...I need to bring forward the winter clothes and put away the summer clothes...its getting rather cold rather fast..it will be 1 degree celcius tonight..almost freezing:eek:

Looks like Cyan my furbaby might be providing me with some btu's of warmth ...we havent turned on the furnace yet.

Miki hope you get back to your walking soon ...how cold does it get in your neck of the woods?

Hey Newie...good to hear that things are starting to settle for you...how is your hubby doing with work? Are things better? Is your headache gone?...headaches are the worse.

Hey Taiwan..sorry to hear you are pmsing...mine has been very eradic since I stopped the bc pill...but looks like things are straightening itself out.

Well girls...have a great rest of day. hugs to everyone

Reina...my deepest condolences to you and your family...sorry to hear about your aunt..I hope you are feeling better.

Cyan

Hi ladies,

just a short note to say that I am trying to get back on track. The past week I had so much junk food that I did a mini-cleansing and tried to drink fruit juice today. Yesterday I had a big mac the first in about 5 years and it really upset my stomach. I have also gained almost all the weight I lost last year and my jeans from last spring do not zipper up...my mini goal is to zipper those jeans!

Hope to be able to write to everyone more next week. we are going for a long weekend to the lake house and won't be back until Tuesday.

Hey girls! Sorry it's been so long, but you have no idea how horrible I have been feeling.

Well, I'm six weeks preggers today. This week has definitely been the worst so far when it comes to sickness. I don't know why they call it morning sickness and not all day sickness. I've been eating carbs again...not because I have to health wise, but because of cravings. I'm always hungry and if I'm not at home I have to eat whatever is available.

Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled to be in this "condition" but I still need to whine and complain so I can get sympathy. Sympathy from others makes me feel better. (I'm such the narccisist) (sp)

Well, that's all,

Lisa

Hi everybody!

Hope you all had a nice day. Mine was ok. Eating was so-so and I only got to walk 2 miles, but considering I havent walked in a week, that's an improvement.

Cyan, the weather around here is so unpredictable. For instance, this week the morning temps have been mid40s-50 F, but I heard that by Saturday it may be as high as 82 F again. We rarely get a good snow in the winter, mostly ice, and winter days can vary from freezing down to the low teens. You just never know. This week has been great tho. Hardly any humidity and cool. Highs have been upper 60s. Tonite was perfect walking weather. Never even worked up a sweat.

Debee, have fun at the lakehouse! Try not to snack too much while you're there.:s:

Lisa, poor thing. I don't envy the sickness part of your condition for sure. I never had it very bad, but my sis who is due in Nov was sooo sick at first. I felt so bad for her. You deserve a little whining having to go thru that.:) Try to be careful with those cravings. Dont want to undo all the good you've accomplished. You definitely need to gain, but hopefully it'll mostly be from baby. I bet the cravings will subside some once your body adjusts to this new phase it's going thru. How is school going? I bet it's tough concentrating while feeling yucky. :grouphug: There's you a big hug from all of us. Hope that helps.

Taiwan, I can relate to the 'joys of boys'. My Josh will be 14 next month and Luke will be 12 in Jan....wish I could tell you it gets better as they get older...but it just gets different. :dizzy: Don't get me wrong...I wouldnt trade them for anything, but they can be trying at times to say the least. Hope you're having a better day today.

Newie, I'm glad you're able to experience being just a wife and mom for now like you used to dream about. I worked several years myself ( about 10 yrs) before I realized that being home was something I really wanted. I still work alot, but it's not nearly as important to me now. I'd much rather be home tending to my house and family. Good for you going past your 2 miles this time!

I hope Reina had a safe trip to Vegas. I too am really worried about LadyRider..just wish we knew what was going on with her.

Well folks, need to get some ironing done. YUCK.

Later!

MIKI