Exercise, Diet and Support #5
 

Hey Girls I thought the other thread was getting a little too long so I started a new one...it also coincides with end of summer and fall starting.

I got back on the bike last night and cycled for 15 minutes until I noticed a poor tiny ant on the floor that was struggling...I think it had been partially squashed so I got off the bike and put it out of its misery....:^: at least now its not suffering.

I did ok food wise...I was at 1550 cals and 35 grams of fat. I have been reading alot about the south beach diet and I might give it a try...I'll see.

Here is a great article on dieting:

The Secret to Burning Fat Up To 300% Faster, by Tom Venuto
---------------------------------------
When is the best time of day to do your aerobic exercise? The answer is any
time! The most important thing is that you just do it. Continuous cardiovascular
exercise, such as walking, jogging, stairclimbing, or cycling, sustained for at
least 30 minutes, will burn body fat no matter when you do it. However, if you
want to get the maximum benefits possible from every minute you invest in your
workouts, then you should consider getting up early and doing cardio before you
eat your first meal - even if you're not a "morning person." Early morning
aerobic exercise on an empty stomach has three major advantages over exercising
later in the day:

Early in the morning before you eat, your levels of muscle and liver glycogen
(stored carbohydrate) are low. If you eat dinner at 7 p.m and you eat breakfast
at 7 a.m., that's 12 hours without food. During this 12-hour overnight fast,
your levels of glycogen slowly decline to provide glucose for various bodily
functions that go on even while you sleep. As a result, you wake up in the
morning with depleted glycogen and lower blood sugar - the optimum environment
for burning fat instead of carbohydrate. How much more fat you'll burn is
uncertain, but some studies have suggested that up to 300% more fat is burned
when cardio is done in a fasted, glycogen-depleted state.

So how exactly does this work? It's quite simple, really. Carbohydrate
(glycogen) is your body's primary and preferred energy source. When your primary
fuel source is in short supply, this forces your body to tap into its secondary
or reserve energy source; body fat. If you do cardio immediately after eating a
meal, you'll still burn fat, but you'll burn less of it because you'll be
burning off the carbohydrates you ate first. You always burn a combination of
fat and carbohydrate for fuel, but depending on when you exercise, you can burn
a greater proportion of fat relative to carbohydrate. If doing cardio first
thing in the morning is not an option for you, then the second best time to do
it would be immediately after weight training. Lifting weights is anaerobic
(carbohydrate-burning) by nature, and therefore depletes muscle glycogen. That's
why a post lifting cardio session has a similar effect as morning cardio on an
empty stomach.

The second benefit you'll get from early morning cardio sessions is what I call
the "afterburn" effect. When you do a cardio session in the morning, you not
only burn fat during the session, but you also continue to burn fat at an
accelerated rate after the workout. Why? Because an intense session of
cardiovascular exercise can keep your metabolism elevated for hours after the
session is over. If you do cardio at night, you will still burn fat during the
session, so you definitely benefit from it.

However, nighttime cardio fails to take advantage of the "afterburn" effect
because your metabolism drops like a ton of bricks as soon as you go to sleep.
While you sleep, your metabolic rate is slower than any other time of the day.

Burning more fat isn't the only reason you should do your cardio early. The
third benefit of morning workouts is the "rush" and feeling of accomplishment
that stays with you all day long after an invigorating workout. Exercise can
become a pleasant and enjoyable experience, but the more difficult or
challenging it is for you, the more important it is to get it out of the way
early. When you put off any task you consider unpleasant, it hangs over you all
day long, leaving you with a feeling of guilt, stress and incompleteness (not to
mention that you are more likely to "blow off" an evening workout if you are
tired from a long day at work or if your pals try to persuade you to join them
at the pub for happy hour.)

You might find it hard to wake up early in the morning and get motivated to
workout. But think back for a moment to a time in your life when you tackled a
difficult task and you finished it. Didn't you feel great afterwards? Completing
any task, especially a physically challenging one, gives you a "buzz." When the
task is exercise, the buzz is physiological and psychological. Physiologically,
exercise releases endorphins in your body. Endorphins are opiate-like hormones
hundreds of times more powerful than the strongest morphine. Endorphins create a
natural "high" that makes you feel positively euphoric!

Endorphins reduce stress, improve your mood, increase circulation and relieve
pain. The "high" is partly psychological too. Getting up early and successfully
achieving a small goal kick starts your day and gives you feelings of
completion, satisfaction and accomplishment. For the rest of the day you feel
happy and you feel less stress knowing that the most difficult part of the day
is behind you.

So, you say you're not a morning person? Take heart; neither am I. I can sleep
in like you wouldn't believe! But I get up anyway because I know the effort is
worth the results. When I have a bodybuilding goal that I am clearly focused on,
such as reaching 4% or 5% body fat for a competition, I'm on my Stairmaster for
45 minutes every morning at the crack of dawn without fail. Sure it's a
challenge at first, but you know what? After a few short weeks, It's no longer a
chore and I'm "in the groove" - and you will be too. Just try it. Make a
commitment to yourself to do it for just 21 days. Once those 21 days have gone
by, you'll already be leaner and you'll be on your way to making morning
workouts a habit that's as natural as brushing your teeth or taking a shower.
Once you start getting used to feeling that buzz, you'll become "positively
addicted" to it. The more you do it, the more you'll want to do it. Before you
know it, early morning cardio will your new habit; you'll b!
e leaner, your metabolism will be faster and you'll feel fantastic all day long!

Tom Venuto



Later Ladies

Cyan

Hey Cyan, thanks for starting a new thread. I guess that everyone is very busy lately. Well, I AM busy, but I wanted to come in and post. I wanted to post my measurements but I can't find my measuring tape.:?: However, on June 9, 2003, I weighed 196 pounds. Today on August 27, 2003, I weigh 170 pounds. That's 26 pounds! I have 30 more pounds to go to get to my goal weight of 140. This diet is so easy for me, that no matter how long it takes, I'm not going to give up! I feel too good (and look so good too!). The compliments keep coming and now my mother-in-law is giving it a try!

Well, I'll go for now. I have a drug calculation test I have to study for!

Lisa

Hello Ladies
 

Hey Lisa...amazing...you got take pictures and post them...I have to see the new and emerging you...how cool is that:)

Well I exercised again on the bike last night for 20 minutes...slowly I am getting back to it like once before ...so thats a great thing for me.

I have a mini vacation starting tomorrow...until monday and then I am back at work for tuesday...it will be nice to have four days off in a row...I am looking forward to that very much.

I am planning on going hiking in the exercise corridor in Morin Heights....it used to be a railway track but they turned it into an exercise route..people ride their bikes, run and walk there...its cool.

Anyway, have a great day everyone and keep plugging away at it

bye
Cyan

Finally!!!!
 

Yesssssssss....I am off that stinkin plateau after 3 long months!!! Since May I have fluctuated between 198 and 200 but today even after weighing 3 different times thru the day, I am at 195! I couldnt believe it! Majorly re-motivated now for sure! Dont have long to post because lots to do still before bedtime, but I just had to come share my news. My goal of 165 doesnt look nearly as impossible now.

Lisa, Cyan is right...we wanna see recent pics! That's an amazing amount in that length of time. You'll be at your goal in no time!

Cyan, wonderful for you having some time off. Enjoy yourself! My sis is doing the South Beach diet and so far, she's liking it. I think she lost 3 lbs the first week. She hasnt been doing it long.

Well really need to go get some stuff done. Talk to ya'll again soon!

Miki

Hi, everyone! Thanks for the new thread, Cyan; that other one was getting long.

Great job, Lisa, on the weight loss with Atkins--that is wonderful!

Congrats, Miki, on getting off the plateau. It's so frustrating when you're stuck, but doesn't it feel extra great when you didn't give up, and it pays off in the end?

I've had such a week! I won't go into it, except to say that it was one rough one, and my day today consists of mixing my regular Saturday errands, plus a noon dance class for my youngest, with going in to work for short periods to help out because no one except one girl wanted to sign up to work today. Even the boss made plans for the day!!!

My clothes are getting looser, especially pants. I have these size 18 khaki jeans I've been wearing for about two years that I can't wear in public anymore because they are so baggy. Because I loved the cut, I tried to find the same jeans in a 16, but Wal-mart didn't have them anymore :( Now I'll have to actually go shopping for new khakis. Maybe the "shopping for clothes" experience will be a bit more positive even with the small weight loss progress I've made.

I walked 1 3/4 miles on Thursday--was all ready to do it yesterday, but it started pouring rain. One thing about the distance--that was my summer goal--1 3/4 miles--so I've achieved it, even though I haven't done it consistently.

Well, got to go. Have a happy long weekend everybody!!

On my way to USA.....
 

WEll, this is my last message from Taiwan for awhile. Though there is a typhoon at the present moment (never a dull moment here), we will be heading out to Taipei at 11am on Sep.2 and heading towards the USA 9am Sep.3 (that's 9pm Sep.2 EST).

I haven't been too consistent with the Xenical. I am right at 185, a little up from before, but oh well. The past week has been hectic so I am not worried. I am thinking of joining WW in the states. Not sure yet. Alot of people have been talking about the South Beach Diet too. We'll see.

Lisa and Miki and newbie you all are encouraging!!! that's great about losing. Nice Sep. beginning. Hopefully I can add some later. I will write you all when I get settled in the states.

Say a prayer the next few days. Thanks

Hi, all! The weather has turned sour here, so I am not having the gardening weekend I was hoping to--rain, rain, rain, rain!! :( Remnants from Hurricane Grace, the weather people say. I was hoping to restructure my flower garden because I've come to see that it is too big for me to care for properly. I did get started yesterday, but then it began to rain. I worked in the rain for about 3 hours. I transplanted about 1/4 of the flowers before I finally stopped. I'll have to work on it a little at a time this week in the evenings. I really need to get all the perennials moved ASAP because they need about 6 weeks to get established before 1st frost, which around here is about October 5-15. I love being in my flowers, though. It's really a great spiritual and creative experience for me.

Speaking of rain--Taiwan, take care with the weather coming home. There is some rough stuff near Hawaii these days.

I've got good news from the scale department. I lost another pound last week--I'm now at 161.5. (I'll be so excited to get below 160. I haven't been there in about 5 years.) And better than that--yesterday when hubby and I finally got to see "Open Range" (I enjoyed it--lots of killings at some points, but a good movie with interesting characters, an interesting plot, and a nice ending), I wore a pair of size 16 jeans that I could not wear 2 months ago!!!!! :D Actually I tried on two pairs I had, and they both fit!! That made me feel wonderful. I do have a little concern, though. I need to go to the grocery store and find some protein items that are good for a snack for me--maybe different from what I've been eating--for variety. I've awakened hungry in the middle of the night the last two nights, and Cheerios is what I've eaten. Now Cheerios aren't unhealthy, but carbs are a problem for ME, and I need to get some alternatives, so I don't stray from what I'm trying to do.

Well, I'm going to get going now. Take care, everyone. More later.

Hello Ladies
 

Hope you all had a wonderful long holiday weekend...I had a great one...it was kind of strange having all this time off from work...i felt a little jittering not working on friday..like i was playing hooky or something....yeesh!

Anyway, I have been cycling regularly over the weekend and I hiked for 5 kms on sunday...so it has been a pretty active weekend.

Food wise, I have done pretty well too, staying within my limit of 1500 cals and 30 grams of fat...i think its time to weigh in again and see what the nasty scale says.

I tried on my size twelve jeans and they fit...I still think a little to snug but my friends say I am crazy and that I should wear them...I will wait until they are just a little looser...hopefully it will be the end of this month.

alrighty then...yes I am at work so I best get to it

Hey Taiwan...are you visiting the states or are you moving back to the states? and where will you be?

Have a safe trip and take care of you

big hug to everyone

Cyan

Remember me???
 

Hey Ladies,
Hope you are all doing well…I didn't have a computer connection at home all last week.
Cyan, thanks for starting a new thread.

Cyan, Good for you that you are keeping up with the calorie count and still on that bike.

Lisa,
What can I say, you are a true inspiration!!!! :bravo:
What am I waiting for, I need to seriously get on that diet you are on! BUT, I am such a carb addict, I don’t know if I can go cold turkey!!!! Any advice you can give me, let me know!

Miki,
Congrats on breaking that plateau!!! I know how bad I want that feeling of getting out of the 190’s and I just can’t get myself there. But pretty soon! I will have the mindset to my butt back on track!

Taiwan,
Nice to see you are coming to the states. Good luck with whatever you decide to go on. I am gonna read up on that South Beach Diet…

Well,
I was out of work for 4 days and I also took advantage of the long weekend. And guess what I did.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, NOTHING!!!!!!!!. That is right ladies, I didn’t nothing but hang out at home and rest. It was much deserved. I have been going for over 4 months now and I haven’t stopped, and I pulled out my WW books and I went and bought all my low point foods. And then, it happened!!!!!!!!!!!
My fridge broke down and all my fruits, veggies and meat went bad! This is just so typical of my life! But my landlord is going out to buy a new one and I will have it by Saturday, so it is eating out again this week. I have gotten to the point where I don’t even want to think about food.

I am having connection problems at home, so I will pop back in during the week at work.

Have a great day ladies. Take care.

Hello everybody!

Taiwan, sorry I didnt read your post in time to reply before you left out, but I hope you have a safe trip to the States. As soon as you're able, locate a computer and check in ok? We want to hear that you made it here ok. :)

Reina, I was just thinking about you today. I have no idea why, but driving home from work, you popped into my mind and I wondered how you were doing. Came home and here you were..lol Glad to hear from you! Sounds like you had just the weekend you needed. Hope you get the computer up and in good running order soon so we can hear from you more often.

Cyan, it's good to hear that you enjoyed your long weekend as well. A busy one but nice. How are your mom and dad doing these days?

Newie, try not to let the rain get you down. I know I start to get depressed if the weather stays bad for several days in a row. So far here, for the past week, we've had just quick little showers that only last a few minutes then it's over. Hasnt cooled things down at all. Supposed to be down to 60s this weekend. I'll believe it when I see it. And I hope they're right! Way to go losing another pound. Slowly but surely, we're gonna reach our goals.

Lisa, good luck on the drug calculation test. Check in again when you can.

Well all, better run. As usual, plenty to do before the nite is over.

Miki

Good Morning Ladies
 

Hey Reina ... glad you checked in...sorry to hear about the fridge going south on you...my fridge did the same a few weeks ago...lost all of my food too...that sucks!! I hope you get back on your diet schedule soon and that you break out of that plateau.

I do my weigh in this sunday so I am hoping to see that darn scale move to the left!!

Does anyone know if Taiwan is moving to the states or just visiting the states?

Lisa good luck on your test...kick some butt

Miki....How is the diet going this week...have you been walking? And what does the scale tell ya....is it good news?

Newie...hope you are doing well and hope to hear from you soon

Well Ladies...as usual, I am at work so I best get going..we didnt have internet access most of the day yesterday due to a blown router...but we are live today...ok...big hug to everyone

later

Cyan

Good Morning Ladies....

Well, after reading my weightwatcher magazine yesterday, I am jumping back on the bandwagon! I am searching for a new location for meetings, but for now, I am just counting points... Come Saturday, once I fill my fridge, I will have better options, but for now, it will be Subway for lunch.....and Dinner, maybe....

Anyway, I am giving myself the ultimate goal.... I have 3 brand new pair of pants that are size 16, that I have had in my closet, get this!!!! For 5 YEARS! still with the tags on them. Nice dress pants. Well, I had Alex and need I say more... that is why they are still in the closet. Well since funds are kind of tight right now, and I need new dress clothes for work, I am making myself fit into these pants by my 1 year 3FC Anniversary which would be for all of us this october.. SO I have my work cut out for me this month!!!! CAN I DO IT?:jig: Let's Hope.....

Cyan, maybe I will start doing my weigh-in at home on Sunday's too.

Miki, Thanks for thinking of me!!! That happens to me all the time, you guys just pop in my head! We just all have that bond!!!Can you believe that most of us have been talking for almost a year??? I can't believe it... Has anyone heard from Lady?? I am still looking for her address, I know she sent me a message. I am searching my old files.

Hope you all have a great day!

Hi, everyone!! I'm not lost--just busy, of course. I'm home this morning, but have to go in about 3. It seems like something crazy has been happening every day. Yesterday my Kathleen (3rd grader) was sent home from school for being "sick". She had the very beginning of a cold. I told her yesterday to save the sick day for when she really feels sick, but she didn't listen. I had to leave work 30 minutes after getting there. Now that probably doesn't seem like something I should be upset about because I am a mother, and that's what it's about, except that Kathleen has done this several times before, so I was really angry with her. Today she is more under the weather than yesterday, but I sent her to school as a lesson. We also discussed the story of "the boy who cried wolf" and the problems it can cause. I gave her medicine for sniffles and aches, and told her to use tissue if her nose ran, but she had to get through the day. I then talked to her teacher about the whole situation.

Miki, I did get out in the yard Wednesday evening, and plan to do so again for a little bit this morning. I think I was so depressed about the weekend because I've felt very overwhelmed lately--tons of stuff going on--both good and bad, and I really NEEDED to get out there for mental health reasons. It just gets me away from all my responsibilities and troubles for a while. I am feeling somewhat better now, which is good.

I've considered eating during this stressful time, but I haven't. Actually I didn't really feel like eating much of anything at all, though I didn't skip any meals. And I think I am learning the lesson that if I eat lots of empty carbs, etc. when I am depressed or angry, I end up feeling worse than ever when I've finished. I know I'll consider eating something empty, and then I remember the consequences. Then it's not too hard to say no. I've done walking three out of five days this week. I skipped this morning because I'll be outside digging soon.

I've had lots of fun reading everyone's posts for the past few days, since I haven't been on line since Tuesday, I think. I feel sad for all the refrigerator breakdowns. Mine is 14 years old. I hope I'm not next. I asked hubby to clean ours this weekend. I hate that job!!!!! He doesn't seem to mind. Well, I've got to go. I'll try to keep better touch. Talk to you all soon.

TGIF Ladies
 

I love friiiiiiiidaaaaaaaaaysssssss yipeeeeeeee...but before I know it...it will be monday again but today is friday!!!

Its not that I hate my job or anything like that...its just I love the idea of not having to report in anywhere ...it feels great!

I'm gonna go hiking again this sunday..its just so beautiful this time of year .... the air is crisp yet warm enough to be outside...the sun is bright...the sky is blue and the clouds are white....what a day...can't wait to get outthere.

I have been doing well foodwise so no complaints....I havent cycled in the past few days but I will make up for it tonight.

Newie..sorry to hear that you are a little down with all the stuff going on in your life...we are always here to listen so I you want to vent ... tell us all about it and we will listen.

Reina...you can do it so get pumped up! now is the time to meet your deadline...thos size 16 pants need wearing...so go get em on ...but wait till there not too tight...dont want them to be "puta" pants :lol:

Ok ..gotta go...have a grrrrrrrreat weekend everybody and stay OP

check back in monday morning;)

bye
Cyan

Hey ladies. How was everyone's week? Well, mine was okay, it had it's okay moments and not so okay moments. Last Saturday my daughter had to get 9 stitches in her face because her and her brother ran into each other!:?: I took the stitches out yesterday (I'm quite the nurse!) and we are putting scar cream on to help reduce any scarring. I'm so worried about my little girl's beautiful face!:o

I flunked a test on Thursday so that kind of sucked. Oh well, better next time right? I must learn from my mistakes and keep on trucking! :^:

The weather is beautiful here as well. Tomorrow I hope to get some yard work done.

I'm doing well on Adkins. I cheated a bit on Monday, but have been faithful ever since.

I guess that's all, so I'll go.... hint hint...I hope to have some fun news by the end of the month.;)

Lisa

Hi, everybody--It's 12:11 a.m., and I can't sleep. The reason I can't sleep is that I quit my job tonight, and I am pretty much in a state of shock. I'm glad I did it--as you all know, I've had my ups and downs in that job and with my boss--remember how I tried to quit last spring? But this week something was wrong--she criticized me for every little thing. Then tonight after closing, she took me aside and began basically to tell me that I was not doing the job she hired me to do, not working enough hours, (she compared me to herself and how she comes in at all hours to work--as if that was what she expected me to do too), and that she was taking away a pay increase she offered me the first time I tried to quit. I tried to quit because she piled so much work on me that I couldn't keep up. She also has a history of browbeating employees. She had tried to do it to me, and I wouldn't put up with it. The raise she gave me allowed me to do some of my computer work at home, which I was doing. There were only two weeks out of the whole summer that I didn't do computer work at home, and that was because I was so busy at the store right before school started that I needed a break from it once I got home. I did come to work on two extra Saturdays, once a full day, and the other a half day, to make up some of the time. She never before tonight questioned me about how many hours I worked at home or anything. This was absolutely the first mention about any of it. Another problem was that she would give me responsibilities, and then in effect tie my hands so I couldn't do the job she wanted me to do. She wanted me to take initiative--do things on my own, but when I took the initiative, I would be criticized for doing it differently from how she thought it should be done. Of course, I wouldn't know how she wanted it done until after I did it, and she didn't like it. If I didn't take the initiative, she would criticize me for that. So basically I've been in a catch-22 situation for some time. I think I've known it, because I haven't been happy for some time, but family finances made me feel that I had no choice but to stay. After what she said to me tonight, I knew I couldn't work for her any more. I told her this wasn't the job for me. I didn't even really clean my desk--didn't care. I just took three things that were mine, said bye, and walked out the door. In a week or so, when the bookkeeper comes back from vacation, I will call her to find out about a 401k account I want to cash in and to mail me any check that is still coming to me.

Right now I'm not going to do anything except stay home and collect myself and get some rest and catch up on all the things I am behind on. I don't want to make any hasty decisions about my future. I feel a great death-like loss inside myself. Part of me wants to blame myself. I'm not perfect (just like everyone else) but I know I was doing my best, and that this woman has a reputation for treating employees badly. Most people don't like her. I honestly think she wanted me to be a superwoman. I'm not one of those. I guess it's credit to me that I refused to be her doormat. I used to let myself be one to people. I'm kind of scared because we have some credit card debt, and I don't know how we're going to work that out. I have a strong faith in God, though, and I know He'll pull us through it. I also think maybe He had a hand in this. I've often been thinking lately that I wanted to spend more time with my girls, enjoy them during this time of their lives, have time to enjoy life a little more, spend more time doing what I wanted to do, rather than always juggling six or seven things and being forever tired. I've learned in my experience that having something on my mind like that for a while is more than just me alone feeling--that it's a power greater than myself directing me. I know it will be okay--we got through hubby's unemployment for 2 years when I had no job and two small children. I just want the hurting/death feeling to go away. Hubby said it would take time. He was really supportive of me--much more than I expected. He told me to take a few days for myself and do whatever I wanted--that he'd handle the house and stuff like that.

Also, I just wanted to say--also to my credit--I did not use food to anesthetize myself in my grief. I did have a bowl of cereal, but it didn't taste really good to me. I also ate an Atkins bar, and I had a glass of wine--I really needed to take the edge off my shock. I am going to make sure to walk in the morning and every morning. I really need to take time for me.

You know, it's 1:00 a.m. I feel much better having talked about all this. Thanks for listening, ladies. You're a real support to me.

Its monday morning AGAIN!
 

Hey Everybody..I hope you enjoyed your weekend...As usual, mine just flew on by...I saw a movie...The Order on saturday night....man is Heath Ledger a hottie...even in a priest's outfit...:s:

On Sunday, I went hiking in Mont Rigaud .... a very pretty setting..we did a 5km hike through the mountain....but I ate buger king...a whopper with onion rings!!!:^: So when I got home, I cycled for another 4 km because I had spaghetti for dinner.

Hey Newie...hang in there...you did the right thing quiting...life is too short to be in a work enviroment that is killing you...it doesnt seem like your boss would have changed and you gave it your best effort is trying to fix your relationship with the boss. I think it was time for you to move on to better things and a better work situation. Its a good idea to take some time off and relax a little bit...like you said...get caught up on things and when you are ready to find work...I am sure you will. Stay strong and good on you for not eating away your stress with lots of fatty foods!

Hey ladies...post in and let us know how you are doing

Cyan

Hi, everyone--I'm here and making it. My hubby has been wonderful with all the turmoil this weekend, and friends I saw this weekend were so supportive of my decision to leave my job!I've also seen a lifting of stress in myself each day, and a similar opening of my eyes in regard to how I haven't been able to be really there for my kids, husband, or home in the last few months. My husband (his name is John) told me this morning that I seemed different. I did send a message to my kids' school principal that I would be available for substitute teaching (I am a teacher by trade), but other than that, I'm just going to try to get my life and my family's life together. We're trying to make some financial decisions now--about how to eliminate what we owe on credit cards (that's our only financial issue).

I do feel a sense of loss that John told me won't go away for a while, and I feel an unfinished feeling in that I left my desk just as it was except for three things that were important to me (my Smurf coffee cup--given to me by a former student nearly 20 years ago--my white-out pen, and a special ruler). I have no intention of going back there for anything, so I'll have to get over that feeling. I plan to write the bookkeeper about mailing me my final check, and I'll ask her to send me a couple of tiny photos of my girls that I had hung up with it. If she doesn't, oh well. I have more. I guess I took with me the important things--my dignity, self-esteem, and self-respect. Material things aren't important.

On to other things--I weighed myself this morning--I lost another pound--I'm down to 160.5. I'll be so excited to get under 160. It probably will happen fairly soon, because I really don't have much of an appetite right now. The most challenging thing for me to do is to maintain the low carb plan without some of the more expensive options I've been using up to now--some of the Atkins products--very pricey--and low-carb bread and peanut butter. I know it's only a matter of making good choices and limiting portions of high-carb foods, and I can do that.

Well, I'm going to get to the grocery store and get some housework done--is this house ever a wreck!!!!! I didn't see how bad it was till I slowed down. I'm also going to my local bank to discuss a financial option a friend in the banking business told me might be a good option for us. See you all tomorrow!!

I need to say this--it's so nice to be able to slow down!!! I was so exhausted and stressed!

Hey Ladies,
I hope all is well with you and you all had a great weekend!

Newie,
Cyan is right, you did the best thing. Being in a horrible work environment doesn't do any good for your inner self, and we all know that In order for us to be happy on the outside, we must be true to ourselves on the inside.

You did the right thing. Clear your mind of any wrong doing that you think you did. You worked hard and you know that, so don't browbeat yourself for that.

Lisa,
I hope you daughter is doing fine. I am sure her scar will fade away in no time.

Cyan, keeping busy I see... Good for you.

Well, I filled my new fridge with all healthy and Point -friendly foods this weekend. And today< I officially started writing down what I eat again and counting points right.

I weighed in yesterday and I am still 191.2(which is good for me) I didnt' gain anything since the last time.. Now, I want to be down at least 1-1.5lbs by next week...
We will see....

FYI, I found Lady's home address and sent her a card telling her how much we all missed her and to please drop in and check in with us...

I hope to hear from her...

Talk to you all soon!!

Reina

Hello Ladies
 

Things are going through a slow period here at work...I should take this opportunity to read up on the lates trends out there in my field but first I will post here.

Hey Reina..I hope you hear from Lady soon and keep us posted.

I didnt exercise last night..but tonight I am on that bike if it kills me:^: I will focus on doing weights as well and some abdominals on my ball. All in all it should be about a 30 minute work out...yeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa....ok gotta go but stay strong everyone and lets keep losing losing losing.

Cyan

Hi, everyone--enjoying being at home--I walked two miles this morning. Still working through some emotional issues with leaving the job, but that's normal, and I am feeling better each day and more peaceful too. Thanks, everyone, for your supportive words. I haven't heard anything but support from everyone I know who knows what my situation has been. The only unresolved issue is finances. But we have a good friend who is a banker, and he is going to advise us on eliminating any debts so we can live just on John's salary. I think it will work out just fine. Take care, all--have to get something done. Bye for now.:)

hey Ladies
 

I have been working hard on my diet...every once in awhile I get away from the basics and start introducing very caloric and fatty foods in large amounts!!!...then I wonder why I am not losing weight...sooooooooooo......

This week I went back to the basics of no regular soft drinks...even if its one can per week...it then becomes one can per day ...one can per meal and so on:nono: I do this for all forbiden foods but I digress:blah:

Anyway, so I have gone back to the basics and we will see what happens with the nasty scale...please move left:^:

I have found it very hard...I got used to drinking my regular sodas and loooooove them...so good..especially in the mornings..I also got used to having desert after dinner which ten turned into desert after lunch and then snacks accckkkk!!

So does anybody have similar stories where you slip back into old ways..I would be interested in hearing about that...

big hug

Cyan

Well, we made it and are all caught up on sleep
 

Well ladies, sorry I haven't written sooner. We all made it and everything is going well. My boys adjusted well, quite suprising actually. We went to the Philadelphia Zoo today for Joshua's 5th birthday. Had lots of fun.
I won't be writing individual posts this time, but maybe next time. Has anyone tried Sugar busters? I am looking into trying something as I see it will be hard to watch my weight here in the states---too much food here in the USA:-)
Well, gotta go.

Deana

Hi Ladies,

I missed you all !!! The summer is over and I am ready to get back on track. My weigh loss has stalled and I need to get motivated again.

A quick update on what has been going on with me this summer...
we spent most of the summer at the lake house, renovating, fishing, boating...it was very nice. Although it needs a lot of work, the house has a beautiful view and the sunsets look like paintings. The house has no cable or computers and this forced my 5 and 8 year old sons to play together instead of watching tv or playing video games. They played chess, spent hours with their lego "inventions", built sand castles and forts on our beach, roasted marshmellows, and Jimmy my eight year started to get l interested in fly fishing. Now that school has started the boys are not watching as much tv and only played a video game once (when a friend was over) I hope to keep up the family time with them here.

Foodwise this summer has been bad! Too much ice cream , pizza, cookouts, wine, s"mores, fast food, you name it I was eating it this summer. Starting next week I am getting back on track. By Dec. 1st I plan to lose 20 pounds so I can look good for the holidays. Anyone want to join me?

I will do it by:

1. Eating breakfast every morning with the kids.

2. Taking a multi-vitamin for energy

3. Walking, biking, gardening, hiking, rowing, and doing my yoga tapes.

4. Put together a low-fat recipe book for myself of things I like to cook and I know my family will eat.

5. Take time for myself now that the kids are back in school ...get a massage, manicure, go to a few art museums, buy an outfit that I would not normally wear.

6. Instead of watching tv and snacking at night do something else..I signed my husband and I up for a landscape garden course that runs for 6 weeks on tuesdays in oct and Nov. I also want to put togethr some scrapbooks for holiday gifts and would like to work on them in sept, oct nov.

7. keep a food journal again and of couyrse start posting here again.

8 join weight watchers again.

9. Keep track of my goal on a weekly basis.

Currently I am 132 with 32% bodyfat up from 127 when I last posted and would like to be 112 by Dec. 1st with 25% bodyfat.


Well, I read a few posts and wanted to say I was so happy that lisa lost all the weight on adkins, cyan broke her plateau and is still as motivated, miki is still exercising, Deena is back in the states (and needs to visit me!), sad that lady is still missing, Happy that Reina is filling the fridge with healthy foods, and that newie is still part of the group. I'll write more individual posts in the next few days. I'm glad to be back!
1.

Hi ladies!

It's almost 11 pm and I still have things to do tonite but wanted to check in. I was thrilled to see everyone had posted! (just wish LadyRider would get back.) I dont have time to post much but foodwise I'm doing ok and still walking. Scale hasnt moved down anymore since last week or week before when I told ya'll I had finally gotten off that plateau. Maybe this week. I'll let you know. Sounds like summer is over and everyone is ready to get back into the groove of things. Hope we can all check in more now. Gotta run for now.

Miki

Hi, everybody! I haven't checked in for a day or two--still adjusting to my new at-home schedule and working through various feelings about my decision to quit my job so suddenly. I honestly don't regret it--I don't think I could have handled working for that woman anymore. Also, I've seen so much that I've neglected and am feeling so much less stressed. I've been very crabby for several months, and really wanted to stay at home anyway. I think God has been nudging me that way. The suddenness of the change is just a real shock to my system. The slower pace seems so weird right now--I'm so used to running everywhere, and everything always seemed to be a race against the clock. I can actually supervise my daughters' studying, and they've had afternoon phone calls from friends, which they could never have had before because they were in the school's extended day program. I'm yelling less and feeling less out of control, which are both good. There are just some things that feel so uncertain right now, like "what is my life about now?", learning to structure myself in an unstructured setting, being alone more, and learning to live on one income. Although John is very supportive of me, it has also caused him some anxiety, now that he is the sole breadwinner. He has experienced job loss himself a couple of times, and he has found himself asking if it could happen to him again, especially since his yearly review is coming up. That, I guess, no one can answer. We just keep prayer in our lives. The only other thing I am experiencing is this feeling of real inner sadness that comes and goes--I've been told that's a feeling of loss normal in this situation, and it will take time to go away. I feel sad that I really didn't get to say goodbye to my coworkers, and there were several I really liked. Anyway, I'm trying to be good to myself during it all--got a haircut today. And I work on household things that have been neglected, but I'm not killing myself to get everything done by tomorrow. I'm really trying to be very gentle with myself. I'm not sleeping well, so if I want a nap during the day, I take it.

I'm trying to take good care of myself food and exercise-wise. I'm walking 2 miles in the morning now--no deadlines to make me leave the track when I want to walk more, and I'm trying to stick to my low carb routine as much as possible. I am avoiding sweets like the plague--I'll get addicted to them again if I try even a cookie. Cyan, you really were talking to me when you spoke of how you start by having one of something daily, and then it leads to two daily, and then it grows and grows from there till you are out of control. I honestly think it's the addictive power of certain foods--for me it's sweets, anything crunchy that's either sweet or salty, and anything in the grain family--anything carbs, I guess. If I let myself start eating those things, then I begin thinking about ways I can include them more and more frequently, and then the more I eat them, the more I think about them, and on and on and on.

Anyway, it was great reading everyone's posts, and I'm sure that I'll be able to respond more individually as I get my head together. Thanks for listening as I work through this whole transition. Take care, everyone!!

Hi everybody:)

Newie, I'm sorry that your job ended the way it did, but overall, I'd say it was a positive thing. A paycheck isnt worth being stressed out and feeling as if everything around you is out of control. That's the way I had started feeling when I finally went from fulltime to parttime. I was feeling like none of it, my job, husband, kids, house, etc. were getting the full attention they needed. Now, I still work most days but just knowing I have the option of saying no when I need to makes it so much less overwhelming or stressful. Just the fact that you are feeling better and are in a better mood and frame of mind makes it worth it. I bet your family wouldnt trade that for anything!

Debee, so glad you're back! We missed you too. Your family time all summer sounds wonderful. I'd love to lose 20 lbs at least by Christmas so I'm going to join you in that challenge. My losing has been crawling lately but maybe together we can get the speed back up.

Cyan, I've been much more slack too in what I let myself eat or drink. I need to get more strict with it like I was in the beginning.

Deana, glad you made it to the states safely. Will you be in the Philadelphia area the whole time or traveling to different places? And for how long? You're welcome to drop by Arkansas. :D

Reina, I'm happy to hear your found Lady's address. Maybe soon we'll hear from her again. I hope everything is ok. How are you doing with your points so far? I hated finding out about your fridge...it's sickening when that happens. Girl, you are right about the year flying by...I cant believe we've all been around that long! Pretty cool our group is still going strong.

Lisa, how is your daughter's face healing up? Good thing she has a nurse for a mommy. :) Dont worry too much about failing that test...I'm sure you'll do better next time! Ok Im curious about your fun news...I'm not a patient person.:p :lol:

Well all, better run. Almost time for "taxi mom" to round up the kids. I swear I stay in the road as much as I stay at home!
:dizzy:

Miki

Hi, everybody--it was great to read your post, Miki. I agree that being stressed out for a paycheck isn't worth it. I'm a better wife and mom already. Everyone in my family can tell. I'm now struggling with something else related to the topic of jobs which has added a bit of stress to my life. My hubby got a short evaluation from his supervisor at work--he's in graphic arts--works for a publishing company. She said he hasn't been growing as much as the department had hoped he would. She said he needed to make improvements in his performance or she'd give him about six months to make other employment arrangements. Now I don't know how long he has to make the improvements--that all was pretty vague (my hubby is fairly new in the field and doesn't learn as quickly as some of the younger folks), but it didn't make me feel very good. I'm still glad I quit my job--I literally couldn't take that woman any more, but since 1995, when the General Mills cereal plant my husband worked at for 20 years closed down, my husband has spent 2 years in school full-time studying graphic arts, and has had three different graphic arts positions. One he was let go from, and the other one he quit for what he has now. Job loss, unemployment and financial insecurity are very scary things for me to deal with. We've been praying a lot about it and decided he should simultaneously do two things: 1) work to improve his performance so he can hopefully keep his position, and 2) begin a job search in case he is ultimately let go. As a matter of fact, I just finished helping him revise his resume. For now, I am still staying home--there is so much here that needs my attention, we're going on with our financial plans with our banker friend. At some point I may go back to work, maybe even teaching again. I am trying very hard not to worry about the future. I am a very religious person, but I have trouble with things that are out of my control. I am sure that a lot of my overeating behavior originates with that issue. I have used it to comfort myself in situations that were out of my control. I'm not doing that now, though. As a matter of fact, since I quit my job, I've lost 3 lbs. I'm down to 158 1/2 lbs. That's the lowest I've been in years. The change and loss and all that has gone on recently has kept me from eating very much. Anyway, I don't want to keep going on and on about my problems. It was so good to hear from all of you. I'll keep in touch. Tomorrow I am cutting the grass and beginning to work on the sponge painting of my daughter's room. I guess that will keep me busy for a while. I guess I'm taking it one day at a time. Thanks for being there for me. :)

Hi,

Back from another busy weekend at the lake. We had the house painted last week and I was anxious to see how it came out...we painted it something called cape cod gray..sort of a creamy tan color and had the trim painted a dark green. During the summer my son and hubby made pine tree cut-out shutters and I filled window boxes with flowers. It is beginning to look real cute! This weekend I vowed not to eat any junk food and I was pretty good...friday night we went out to dinner and I had one whiskey sour and a chicken dish, saturday I had one blueberry pancake for breakfast, lunch was some very hot chili, dinner was a little pasta , leftover chicken and a glass of red wine. sunday I had whole wheat toast and a small amount of eggs and ham, lunch was some brie, ham and french bread and dinner was an apple...although it is 8:30 and I could really go for a small snack..maybe some popcorn. Exercise this weekend was gardening and a nice long family walk. this week I plan to go for a walk each day and begin my yoga tapes again.

Miki, I would love for you to join me on my Christmas challenge! It would be great if we could package up a 20 pound weight loss...what a great gift it would be for ourselves!

Cyan, how is your mom doing. I think of you often...everytime I am food shopping and see sushi you pop in my mind.

Lisa, isn't it great that your first year of nursing is under your belt..also you muat feel so good with all the weight you lost.

Reina, make sure that refridge is filled with healthy food...hey I just had an idea..let's name the three most unusual things in our fridge. Here's mine

1. A three year old jar of lemon curd. My husband got it for me on a business trip in London and I don't know what you use it for but I can not throw it out.

2. Ginger root. I read somewhere if you suck on it if you have a headache it helps.

3. Slimy basil from my garden that about a month ago I was going to make pesto.

Newie, my mom always told me "When one door closes another opens ...or at least a window of opportunity " I believe things happen for a reason, at the right time that you need them to happen.

I would love to hear from Lady...maybe her new business really took off and she is really busy.

Deana, please check in with us and if you get a cahnce let's try to meet up for lunch (low-calorie of course!)

Hello Everyone!

DEBEE, HELLOOOOOOO There, I have missed you, I just found your address the other night, I tore it off the mailing you had sent me and put in a box and I just found it...

Sounds like you have a beautiful Lake house! I would love to see it sometime! Sounds like a regular Home and Garden Viewing Home!!

Well, I have tried to stay good this week, but I have to be honest, my flab is reallyyyyy getting to me. I am noticing that flab below my belly button is getting well, let's say FLABBIER!:(
and maybe bigger???

So, I am on a hunt for the perfect ab trainer! I need to get rid of that quick!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I got sick last week with Sinusitis and it wasn't pretty, my eyes were all swollen and red and I had to wear sunglasses for 4 straight days! But I am feeling better, I ate lots of sugar free jello, so hopefully that helped!

Well, gotta get back to work, I still haven't heard back from Lady! I gave her my phone number, hoping she would call me.....

talk to you all soon!

Debee, I am gonna take you up on your challenge, 20lbs by December! I am so there!
Let's plan out!

Hi,

I have a few minutes before I have to start cooking dinner and thought I would write. Today I skipped breakfast (very bad) and took Jake to McDonalds for lunch so I ended up having a small fry for lunch (very bad) about an hour ago I had the munchies and ate an apple (very good) but still was hungry so I had popcorn (sort of good) and I am cooking a pork roast for dinner with snow peas and baked potato. I will just have the baked potato with salsa and the snow peas. Hopefully I can keep the snacking at night under control. Exercise wise today it was very humid and cloudy so I didn't walk ((we may be getting some bad weather on Thursday with hurricane Isabel. It has rained so much this summer that I did not get a chance to do as many outdoor activities . I did use the row boat and tried to row by myself..half way out in the middle of the lake I needed to get towed by another boat...I guess I am not coordinated enough to row.

Reina, oh how I can relate to the flabby belly. I have a "spare tire " that belongs on a four wheel truck. I found that I need to eat less first then exercise to tighten. Eating right and eating less is key. The less you eat the less calories you need to burn.

Tonight I want to go through Halloween outfits so I can be prepared. Last week I got Jake a fly costume at Costco it is very cute. He is going to carry a piece of board and be a "fly on the wall" Jimmy can not decide yet what he wants to be ...we always have a big kids halloween party the second week of october and an adult one the night after the kids one. My younger sister is crazy about halloween and her house always wins the town decorating contest so my kids expect big plans from me! I was thinking about making a witches cafe in the garage this year...serving eyeballs (peeled grapes), bat wings (chicken wings) finger sandwiches. I have to think of more menu items.

Well, need to cook dinner....

Raindrops are falling on the road....
 

Well, this has not been a fun day. Just rain, rain, rain. Thought I left typhoon season behind in Taiwan:-)

Haven't even budged on the weight control (aka--eating habits) thang yet. My mom gave me some WW material she had. honestly, I don't think I can work $10/week into my budget. Really, sounds awful I know, but it's true. i am still between the WW or South Beach (or anything else that lights my fancy). What do you all think? Of course, i need to start exercising. I need to get a pair of sneakers, but I need to get my driver's license first so I can go out and get a pair of sneakers. I don't like bothering people, especially my parents, about needing to get out of the house and get this or that. See, I let my license expire while in Taiwan, so I had to retake the test and have to wait like 10 working days while driving with a permit (welcome to teen years!!) and then take the driving test. Sooooooooo annoying.

Deb, I may take you half way up on the weight loss goal:-) I would like to lose 10lbs by Dec. 1, 20 would be great, but sounds to much for me. I like the numbers lower on the scale:-p

Reina-sorry to hear about your sickness. I had a bad sinus headache on Sat, my oh my, worse than I have ever had. I was in tears.Hope you are feeling better. You have a new job right? how is that goin?

Newie--sounds like you are doing well with all the stress in your life. Wow!! another 3lbs?!! that is great. Me, i would be chomping away, you've got great will power and determination. Sounds like you just need a rest for awhile. Sorry to hear about your dh's situation. Just support him the way he needs it. DH's are funny about certain situations. Will be praying for your situation.

Miki--sounds like things are going good for you. Well, for those of us who haven't lost, hopefully we haven't gained anyway;-) I really need to get something to get me moving. We live 20min from Philly, so yes, we'll be hear most of the time. Though we are traveling down south for a few weeks. Wish we could stop by Arkansas, that would be great, but doesn't look like we will this time.

Well, I know i have missed some people, but sorry, not that I am not thinking of you, I have to check on Josiah. Poor guy has had a horrible few days. Sat. started with a fever and moody(teething isn't helping). I noticed some canker sores on his gums. Sunday he wouldn't let me out of the nursery. Sunday night, sleep? he forgot about that, though he wasn't playing, he was screaming. Poor thing was tired, but just couldn't sleep. He is funny though. i think his binky is hurting his mouth with all the sores (he is hardly eating or drinking anything!) so he like gets mad at it and throws it across the room. He is sleeping fine now, hopefully he will tonight as well. He has slept a while so i should check on him.

Write more later ya'll.

Hello Ladies
 

Just wondering...are you living in the US now ...Taiwan?

Hey Debee I think I will join you on 15 pounds lost by dec 1 challenge...I need a goal. And you know...I think I will probably have sushi for dinner tonight:lol: So cool that your lake house is turning into your little haven...it sure would be nice to have one of those to relax in on weekends....you should post pictures of it so we can see :smug: all the hard work you have put into it.

Reina sorry to hear about your sinusitis..those suck....I suffer from those ocaisionally and oh...are they ever bad...I send you a big hug. I hope you hear from Lady soon

Hey Newie...Hang in there...sorry to hear that your hubby is having a hard time at work...I am a web developer and often have to do graphics so I understand how demanding it can get. But good on you for losing another 3 pounds...158...that rocks! Stay focused and before you know it...things will work out with your recent job worries...somehow things usually do.

Hey Taxi Mom Mikki...vroom vroom...can I get a ride? Its been working...tightening up on my slack list of what I can eat...every once in awhile I gotta sit down again and trim the fat off of my daily intake of food....my lunch today isnt the greatest but I forgot to make it last night so this morning I quicly made mortadella sandwiches ..I used white bread and buttered it:^: I put it into FitDay and the two sandwiches I made totalled up to 457 calories and 20 grams of fat!!:o So I will have sushi for dinner to counter act all the fat ingested for lunch! So my grand total will be 1515 cals and 51 grams of fat...sushi is amazing...thank goodness its there to save me from ingesting way more fat grams!

Lesson learned...never make your lunch in a hurry and the day of...I just plain forgot and I dont want to go out for lunch ...cause then I get used to that and before I know it...its 100 bucks later and way too many calories and fat grams ingested Ugh!

Hey Lisa...how did that jalapeno fudge turn out! Nice chatting with you on msn...later dudette

Okay I gotta get back to work...later all

Cyan

Hi,

Quick note before the school bus...had breakfast out with my hubby this morning but just had an english muffin with jelly and coffee. Lunch was a half slice of pizza. Planning to make a chicken pesto pasta for dinner tonight. Last night I started munching and had a handful of chips, blue cheese and almonds, small candy bar...if only i could stop the mindless evening snacking!

Today is a beautiful sunny day and I plan to go for a walk this afternoon and try to clean up the attic a little. We plan to stay home this weekend so I would like to get stuff done around here. This Thursday is my anniversary and Friday we are going out to dinner in Philly and maybe a show. I am going to save my calories for Friday night.

I am going to keep my weigh-in day as Friday and hope to post my measurements this week for my starting point for my 20 pound goal. Last January I started my weigh loss journey and wanted to lose 30 pounds...I lost at my best 15 and now gained back about five so 20 would be great but I would be happy even with 10 more. December 1st is about 10 weeks away so if I can lose 1 or 2 pounds a week I'll make my goal (not counting Thanksgiving) Also it will help me to stay good during holiday parties.

Hello ladies. It's been a week or so since my last post so I thought I'd update you and say HI!

Debee!!! I'm so glad you're back! Didn't you once say that you had a neigbor or someone that lost weight and was on the cover of a magazine? My family doctor's sister was on the cover of a magazine and I was wondering if it's the same person.

Well, I also wanted to let you all know that I'm taking some time off on the weight loss journey. I'll still be eating low carbs pretty much like I'm eating now, but I thought I might not keep my goal to lose weight for about the next 9 monhts or so. Actually, about 8 months now. In fact..... I might gain a few pounds here and there....if you know what I mean!


See y'all later!

Lisa

Congratulations Lisa
 

Congratulations Lisa,

You take care of yourself and stay as stressfree as possible these first few months.......

Debee, Keep up the momentum and motivation.... I so need to hear that right now!

Cyan, good for you that you know your flaws and are fixing them. I have to get organized enough to make my lunch in the morning!
But didn't that sandwich taste good??;)

Taiwan, I understand, I am itching to go back to WW meetings but my budget just can't afford it...Knowing their system helps me keep in line, and I am trying to do a good job. Whats with the South Beach diet... I don't think I can go through that 2 week period they want you to go through.
Good luck in what you decide.

Gotta get back to work, talk to you all later.

Hi,


Lisa, what wonderful news! Do you know if you are going to have a boy or girl? By the way my neighbor was not on the cover but instead in an article during this summer in Fitness magazine...she and her friend lost weight with a "buddy system" and they did an article on her.

Reina, that is what I loved about this site and really missed this summer is our buddy system of motivating one another. I feel accountable and can really picture each and every one of you when I am eating or food shopping... Cyan is always on my shoulder trying to make me buy that sushi, Miki is whispering in my ear that I should walk more, Lisa and newie are saying maybe Adkins will work, reina you are saying remember to count your points, Deana is giving me ideas for new diets, and all of you have helped me lose the weight.

Right now instead of heading for the fridge and doing my rountine evening mindless snacking I am writing here. Before I put something in my mouth I am really trying to take a few minutes and ask myself...am I hungry, is this really what I want to eat, does it taste good, is there something else that I can eat that is less calories but will satisfy the craving, can I control my portion size. Thinking while eating I think will help me. It is when I snack in front of the tv or computer and not even remember what I ate or how it tasted that really bugs me. I don't exercise enough to burn off all the calories that I consume and I will either have to start controling what I eat or exercising alot more...I think controling what I eat might be easier than exercising.

Well today was a good day, I ate a small breakfast, lunch an d for dinner had chicken pesto pasta and two small candy bars for dessert...no snacks. One day down....another 10 weeks to go until my goal.

Hi, everyone! Great reading in all these posts this evening! I've been adjusting to my new schedule and trying to change my point of view about the uncertainties of life, especially where jobs and finances are concerned. I really wish everything in life was all secure--ha!!! Isn't that a joke?--I've always had this problem with life and financial issues. I guess it's time I dealt with it. I am doing a lot of prayer about letting go and living in today and not worrying about the future. I've also come to the conclusion that I need to support my hubby as he needs it (like you said, Taiwan), not as I may think he needs it. I took my oldest to her allergist today for a check-up. She's doing very well. I then spent about an hour helping out at lunch at school, and then this afternoon I worked on some of my paper mess in our home office. I'm trying to clean this place without putting a lot of pressure on myself. My whole family has some stage of a cold. I just have the beginnings of it right now, as does oldest daughter. Youngest daughter (the one who brought it home) is done with it, and hubby is right in the middle of his.

The weather is absolutely beautiful here in Chicago--sunny, breezy, warm. I wish it was always like that. Take care of yourselves, Taiwan and Debee, with hurricane Isabel on the way.

I've changed a bit of the way I am eating--watching the dollars. I find I am eating more bread--not because of snacking but because of available choices. I am absolutely staying away from sweet carbs. I did have a few homemade tortilla chips yesterday, but they weren't that good. I am really aware that the carbs are what cause me to gain weight, so I have to be careful about what I put into my mouth.

Lisa, you'll be fine with the easing of your food plan. I know that keeping with the concept of low carb is the thing that helps me keep on track the most.

Debee, it sounds like you have a beautiful summer home. It sounds just great. I'd like my yard to be a haven like that. Maybe now that I am home, I can work on it more.

Well, I can't think of any more personal messages, though I'm thinking of everyone. I'm not going to join any challenges right now; I'm just going to try to do my best with my food and walking one day at a time--up to two miles now--just have to make sure to do it every day. Talk to everyone soon.

Hi everybody!

Lisa congratulations!! How exciting! Now, arent you proud of the weightloss you accomplished? Even tho you'll gain some naturally, I doubt you gain back more than you lost. It's like you already have a headstart on getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Newie, I hope everything works out for the best with hubby's job. Sounds like you're as busy as ever even without a job...painting, mowing, tending to kids, being supportive to hubby, doing housework, etc. But arent those daytime naps the Best?? Now that's what I call luxury. lol

Cyan, I so need to get back into logging my foods into Fitday. I think that made me feel more accountable just knowing each nite I'd find out the caloric intake for the day. It's just hard finding time to sit down and do it. I know tho that when I dont do that, my estimates of what I've had thru the day are way off. It's easier to fudge with it when I dont calculate them exactly.

Taiwan, poor Josiah. Sorry he's having trouble. Probably not only his mouth hurting but just adjusting to a new place and change in time, etc. lately. Maybe tonite he'll feel better and you'll be able to get some rest for yourself. I really feel for him. Mouth sores hurt sooo bad even for adults!

Reina, I have honestly been thinking lately that my flabby parts are even more noticeable the more weight I lose.:?: That "inner tube" around my waist AND those flaps under my arm...ewwwwwwwwwww! Even tho I've lost 47 lbs now, I still could never wear sleeveless shirts. It's really discouraging. I am realizing that I have got to add some type of weight training to my workouts in order to tone up. I dont want to be flabby! I'd rather be a toned size 14 than a flabby size 8.

Debee, Happy Anniversary! How many years? Wow, I didnt realize there was only 10 weeks til our goal...maybe I should lower mine too...20 lbs would be tough in 10 weeks considering I've only lost 4 in 3 months:lol: (oh and I didnt have anything weird to share from my fridge..I actually cleaned it out 2 weeks ago. Now back then there was some stuff, but I honestly couldnt tell you what it was....too green to tell:joker: )

Well, Luke is calling me to come tuck him in. He's 11 but still likes mom to come say Goodnite. :) Josh, my 13 yr old, isnt so thrilled about it anymore so I have to enjoy Luke. Hopefully he wont outgrow it. (of course, like it or not, I still tuck Josh in also)

Bye for now..

Miki

Hey, Lisa!! I read your last post really fast, and I didn't realize you're having a baby!!! That's wonderful!! I still think keeping the carbs low and focusing on all those wonderful baby-growing foods (in moderation, of course) will keep you on track--even during the pregnancy. Great news!!!!