Good Morning!

Jolly, you gave me a good laugh this morning! I'm still tickled, :lol: I can't imagine a big horse trying to help! That's just because I would not get that close to one! They are beautiful and if they are on the other side of the fence I love to pet them but that's it. I'm scared to death of them, I know that's crazy! I really don't know why....maybe because...well, I don't know! We had horses when I was a kid and I tried to ride once but always felt like I was going to fall. They would get all ancy so I just started staying on the other side of the fence. Who Knows!

Happy, you are so right. I think it's a constant battle when it comes to weightloss. In my mind I imagine what it will be like to be thin, healthy, to feel great and I thin I want it so bad I can't stand it but I'm not good at self control. I'm a big sweet eater and I ask myself what I want most, to look good or to eat that piece of cake and the sweets usually win. You know, alot of people say deprivation of your favorite foods isn't the way to go but to have them in moderation, I'm sure you know this but for me moderation doesn't seem to exist. I can't eat a bite or two of a candy bar, I want the whole thing so therefore I eat it. It's definately, for me, being a case of what I want when I want it. Just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one fighting that battle.

Okay, time to get my started, to everyone else have a great day and I'll check in later!

Wow. Happy, you are so right about how there are all these zillions of "diet" books out there, but nothing that gets to the heart of why we overeat in the first place. But why should there be? The diet/fitness/nutrition industries make millions, if not billions, of dollars off of people like us. Hey, we're gullible. We'll try anything.

From personal experience, and listening to everyone here, I think impulse control is something we all deal with. And, not to be contradictory Happy, I don't think that is the bottom line answer to why we are overweight. I think it is a symptom. Something happens in our life, good or bad, which threatens us - who we are, how we see ourselves, the way we do things - and we want ot get back to our comfort zone. So by doing something that has comforted us in the past (eating, shopping, drinking, whatever) we put ourselves back in the habits that we are comfortable with.

I am dealing with that right now on many levels. I am trying very hard to improve my spending habits and budget. So every once in awhile that inner three year old comes roaring out and I want to buy buy buy. I had the urge to drive to IKEA today and get that darned futon. I do not have the money right now. I have no business getting it right now. As soon as my taxes come in, and if I pick up a couple more extra shifts, I can get it and not feel guilty. But I really have to talk myself out of it. Eating healthy is adaily battle. And changing how I see myself as a woman, a person? Well, that road is even longer than my weight loss.

So I don't think it is just about lack of self control or impulse control for any of us. It is about how to change our comfort zones slowly and gently so we don't have to jump back into them.
OK. My deep thoughts for the day :( Have a good day everyone.

Hey you lovely wonderful inspirational women, you...

This is a quick one (I hope) because I'm still in the middle of a busy day, but just wanted to come in here for a quick read and post and boost to my motivation. Trying to use the time excuse to get out of working out. But it's not gonna fly. It's been SO long since I've been able to do any real grocery shopping that this paycheck with it's extra boost from the raise was the time to do it right, and WalMart was the place to go. I got HALF of the things I needed, but by that time my basket was overflowing, so I said fine, ok .. I'll get this and come back tomorrow morning again. Bah. I left here at 7:30, it's now 11:45. I've done the run, put away the stuff, gotten the meat repackaged and in the freezer, had my coffee and cereal (ahhhh Raisin Nut Bran, my weekend treat), fed the kids a donut or two (their weekend treat) and quickly checked my e-mail. Now it's time to suck down some water (oops) and hit the treadmill. Then a quick rinse in the shower, and off to the stables. Back here, a real shower with shaving and everything, and off to get the kids their fast food (a MAJOR treat since I'm eating out tonight) then off to dinner with the Boy. God help me, I'm so anxious about this. I would rather we weren't going out, but I promised him we would. I'm doing so well on food, and I still haven't lost that pound though I know I will any morning now... so we shall see how I handle this crisis.

Happy - I think you and I are really in the same place in a big way. Struggling to figure out what in our heads is causing us to gain weight, eat inappropriately. I too find that instant gratification is a big issue, because I can even hear that little kid throwing a tantrum in my head sometimes. "But I want it, and I want it NOW!! I deserve it! I've worked hard to earn it!" *sigh* But I know too that when I think of being in a situation where intimacy is involved, I get extremely anxious. Probably some of it has to do with what happened to me as a child. Maybe a lot of it. One side of me wants to be attractive and well .. you know. But part of me runs screaming from that in fear of my own behavior, fear of my partner's feelings for me (be they disrespect, disgust, etc.), and fear of my own emotions. Sex has been a weapon far too many times in my life. And if I'm fat, I don't have to worry about that, and can blame it on the men in my life that they don't want me, the jerks, they should love me and want me no matter what I look like. Bah, it's me who doesn't want me. ANYway.. my lord look at me ramble on.

Hippy - I have to confess to feeling bad for anyone afraid of horses. A healthy respect is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but fear... It's not that I don't respect that fear, I just feel bad. My horse has been one of the things that has truly helped me deal with a lot of emotions this year. He's a focus, a big, strong, warm rock of an animal that I can lean on and cry into his fur. There isn't any connection quite like it that I've ever felt before. I love my dogs, I love my snakes even, but... that click between my horse and I is something completely unique. Thank God for horses. I know my boyfriend doesn't understand at all, and I know, frankly, he's rather jealous.

Jolly - :nono: C'mon girl. I know things have been stressful and hectic lately. And yes, shoveling is really good exercise, it is, I know. :lol: You're doing really good on getting yourself back into a good routine on the eating and working out. Don't give up now, don't get discouraged or complacent, keep pushing it! I'm going to drag you along with me this year if it kills me!! ;) (Road trip!!!) Lord I want that new truck. Argh.

Ok enough blathering on ... I must go do the treadmill thing. I must go ride, the weather is wonderful!!! And I must (groan, whine) go out to dinner. Who woulda ever thunk I'd be complaining about going to The Outback for dinner! Woe is me. :D

Happy weekend!!

HA! Jolly we cross posted. *hug* I agree with you on the symptom thing. For me the things causing those symptoms are big and dark and scary. I'll kill them eventually. I will indeed.

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Wow I have missed some deep discussion this week. Its been quite a week for everyone.

Jolly thank you so much for the chuckle of the horse helping you out. :lol:
That is way to funny.

Raven is this the weekend of your date night with Richard? Hope you are able to get out and see your pony this weekend. That is the problem with where we are boarding now is that unless it is extremely nice, Kristi can't ride Lucky, Good thing she still has lessons every week.

Hippy hope that you have fun with your nephew this weekend. Does your hubby and your brother get along well? Or are you having to listen to them also in your hectic week?

Tracy, I also am waiting to hear if you don't drive because of your glasses. ;) I hate mine also, but I do wear them. How are you feeling? Did your kids manage to miss the bug that you had?

Happy, my downfall is also chocolate chip cookies. I have gone cold turkey with this. I have not bought or made any since November. Maybe one day I will try and have one.

Well my little nephews ended up in critical care intensive care up in the city on Monday this last week. They got that RSV virus that is so dangerous to babies. They were not expected to live. They have pulled through, but we spent alot of time up in the city with them. They should be home sometime next week.

Well I must run and get a few things done.

Have a great day everyone.
Kathy

Blurry Fuzzy Me
 

You know i just love you guys..i rant..and it is cool wiht you..thanks for being such amzing women..Truly you all got your heads on super straight..well from where i can see..but you know kinda fuzzy..lol

Oh lucky i am so sorry about your nephews..my prayers go out to them. My firl had it at 13 months..it was awful but the best news is that they are in the hospital..for the danger is the dehydration..so prayer and hug to all fo you..i will be waiting for some more news!!

Raven i feel in that boat too..i mean..hello..what is wrong wiht me..three pieces of bread for b'fast is way too much..why cannot i see that??I know emotions trigger me..i just do not get it..ok..my life is not perfect..and yes i would UPGRADE my hubby ..but not so bad when you hear other people lives..sigh..

Jolly iw ould kill for an ikea..i mena..hello people here do n ot even know what that is..sometimes..for me..i think spending just a wee bit more on one good piece would have been a whole heck of a lot better..than the couches I bought a few years ago that now are splitting...me..never going to buy a diet book again..i am fed up wiht them..if they worked so great..then why are so many of so fat?? Boy you hit the nail wiht the hammer today!!

Hippy is is a constant battle..i mean..just becasue you meet your gaol..well it still means we have to maintain...so any plan or prgram has to be doable in and out 356 a year..right..that is another great piece of advice..super great stuff today

Happy..i felt the light go on when i read your post too. Hello a million books,. a million pills a million shakes..new tapes you know..the industry does not want us to lose weight..they would all go out of business...think about it. If we figure what or why we eat..maybe at that time..we can say..ok..no..i will not do this right now..maybe saying no..just once..will break it.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh some great stuff today...thank you ladies!!

Ps got a slow cooker todya..anybody got any good recipies??

The supersta)(ie molly shannon in the catholic school girl skit!!)

G'morning ladies. Oof. I ate a lot at dinner last night. About 1/3 of a bloomin' onion, and I ordered the Queensland Chicken and Shrimp - I ate mostly just the chicken and shrimp with a little bit of the pasta. Of course I had to order dessert, so ate about half of one of the Cinnamon Apple Oblivion things. It was absolutely wonderful, and I woke up feeling completely hung over.

Outback doesn't provide nutrition data on it's food, so far as I can tell. I'm going to have to guesstimate, but I already know I went just a WEE bit over my ideal last night. :o It *looks* like I was at about 2000 calories total yesterday. This ONLY because (I'm a bad girl, but...) the only other thing I'd had to eat all day long was a serving of cereal in the morning. I'd been running around so much all day that I hadn't had a chance to eat. So, not that two wrongs make a right, but... well. pft. :lol: My tummy is still rumbly and trying to get back to normal, this morning I'm right back on plan and happy to be that way. I had my serving of cereal, three big glasses of water already, and my coffee. Lunch and dinner will be light and big on veggies.

I did three miles yesterday on the treadmill, and had a bit of an attitude shift. I rode my pony, too, so got almost everything done I was supposed to. Today I may give myself a break from working out. I'm doing laundry, got the dusting done, need to vacuum and clean the kitchen counters, but got part of the bathroom cleaned. The weather has gotten disgusting again, temperature is going down, it's been raining all day, and the wind is blowing. I guess I just need to be happy I had a good day yesterday for riding.

Lucky - How very scary about the little boys!! I'm so glad they're ok now, and I hope they continue to thrive. How is your new pony doing? How old is he now? What was the final name you settled on?

Tracy - You should know you can come here and vent.. that's one of the most amazing things about this place. We can come here and unload instead of eating it. ;) I hope things are smoothing out for you.

Well, it's Sunday. As usual the weekend went far too quickly. I hope to have a relaxing day and get to be fairly early so I'm up tomorrow, ready to run, ready to tackle this week. Hope everyone's weekend was wonderful!

Ooooooowwwwwwww!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry: This rotten tooth of mine. Whatever the dentist did last week did NO good whatsoever. I am in MASSIVE pain. The kind of pain where if I was an animal I would be hunting down anything in sight and slaughtering it. The Davocette pain meds he gave me do nothing, and I have taken as many as 5 Motrin at once just to dull the pain enough that I don't want to put my head through a wall. I guess this tooth will be coming out tomorrow which presents a problem of it's own. I seem to have had this nerve problem with my teeth over the last 2 years. Bust the tooth, get a crown, the nerve gets inflamed and eventually the tooth has to come out. I am missing 2 teeth on the lower right side that he pulled 6 months ago. It takes time for the jaw to heel before they can replace those teeth. So I have nothing to chew on the right side. This current tooth is the bottom LEFT side. If he pulls it, how am I going to eat???? I have found that no matter how much soft food you eat, you really don't feel full until you've eaten some solid food. This is sooooooo frustrating. My tooth, face, jaw and ear hurt - cripes even my LIPS hurt! My husband said maybe it's time for a new dentist but I really think it's just my body. Maybe it's just a test to see if I can keep my resolve.

So I'm going to bear down, manage to get something done around here and now blow another day away. I'll be back later when I can think straight...

Oh Happy, I'm so sorry! I thought maybe it was under control now. I tend to agree with your husband, I think you need a second opinion. I'm big on getting as many options as possible out on the table before you make a decision.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope it resolves the pain issue quickly for you!!

Good morning all

Just popping in quick to wish everyone a happy monday. I am wishing I could hibernate today. Its cold. -34C and then add the wind chill -44.

Raven can you help us out? We got a baby cockatiel, and it is still being handfed. Question - how do you teach it to eat by itself? Kristi decided on Top Secret as her babies name.

Tracy, Jolly, Hippy, Happy have a great day. (Happy hope yours is pain free also.)

Kathy

Ooooooo Kathy I'm so sorry the temps are diving for you. I can say I'm sure glad it's not me. *ahem* I found this page on handfeeding, and they go into weaning to regular pelleted food down towards the bottom. Looks like a good information page in general.

http://www.lafeber.com/feeding_instructions.asp

I never had to handfeed babies, nursed a few adults back though. I hope you have great luck with the baby!

This morning was a little frustrating for me. I woke up later than I should have, the dog got into the trash, and the weather is not cooperating. Temp is dropping, and the rain will start, so we'll have a nice little ice buildup on the roads. I'm hoping I can bug out of work early so I can avoid the worst of it. And if I get home a little early, I can run tonight since I didn't have time this morning. I'm still suffering from my overindulgence on Saturday weight-wise, but I'm hoping to see that drop off, as well as that lingering pound remaining between me and my goal for this month. I know I didn't get really going till mid-month, but it would be really nice to meet goal anyway.

Hope everyone's Monday is going well.

Hey sometimes a little outbakc is just right..i bet your tummy was like..ok..i want my diet back..lol every once in a while no big thing!! plus look at you on that readmill YOU go!! I am thinking how I can sneak one in w/o the hubby finding out. My stairmaster was fried by him trying to fix it..hmm

Oh happy I am so sorry you are in pain. Tooth pain is the worst. Can he not call you in somethig elsie. Bless you. Would rahter have cold than a tooth ache. so so sorry!!


Lucky,.brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..i mena it is what 27 here..and I am cold but 34 brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..what an awesome name for the wee one. Be interested to know about the feeding.

My hubby is home and i am going nuts..for goodness sake sun..MELT the blooming ice

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr

Hi all and happy Monday ? Lucky, I love your baby's new name. How great!

Well, we have crappy weather here too. I am leaving at 4 to go home, get some sleep, and do a 3rd shift. I am actually glad that is the plan, and that I am not scheduled to go to the barn tonight. Brrrrr.

Well, I gained a pound and a half this week. Not good, but I have made some baby steps in other areas. One day, one decision at a time.

Stay warm, drive safe, and have a good day.

I called the dentist this morning but he was still out of town from his weekend trip. He did prescribe me antibiotics - should have know this was an abscess and I am seeing him first thing in the morning. Everything has tightened up in sympathy so now my jaw, throat, head, neck and back hurt too. Tracy, I would take the flu any day over this. I think I would feel better if I could pop my head out the door tomorrow and it would be sunny and 70 degrees but the forecast is more bitter cold and some additional snow it seems. Sorry to all you ladies down south who got ice today. Be careful out there!

I didn't see the posts until late but Kathy my sister had to wean her baby cockatiel - I can ask her how if you like.

Just a quick check in for me tonight - I'm going to try and get some disruptive sleep now.

Have a good day tomorrow - stay warm and safe!

Goals for the week
 

Oops, I forgot it was Monday. New focus for this week -

1) Eat on Plan or practice portion control

or

2) focus on eliminating impulse spending. Before you buy anything this week, ask yourself "do I really NEED this?" If so get it, if not perhaps delay your purchase until you've given it a bit more thought.

Hey all. Do we love this weather or what???? I am sitting here at work. I think I will only be picking up a few more shifts, then I should have my positions filled - at least for the moment. We will see.

I am working to remember one decision at a time. And to focus on my long term goals, not immediate gratification. Writing down everything I spend is really an eye opener. I see how much I spend on extra stuff - mainly food. So I try to remember my house and weight goals whenever I have the urge to "just pick up a little treat." It has helped. Right now I will take any help I can get. That is another reason why I need to cut out the third shifts. I am just spending the money, using it to splurge instead of save, and I eat more on thirds. I am trying for healthy things, but it still adds calories.

So, I guess I am going to tackle both of your goals for the week, Happy. I hope the antibiotics kick in soon, and you start to feel better.

Everyone else, have a great night/morning/day - whatever.

Good morning! It's a better one than yesterday. :D

Tracy - Oh yes, my tummy is very happy to be back OP. I felt bloated and stuffed. The food was so good, but the consequences were not so great. It took my system two full days to get back to something approaching normal. I got my treadmill used for $300. It isn't the greatest, most awesome thing in the world, but it works. That's all I really cared about. The treadmill is the one thing besides my freeweights that I find I will use consistently. It was a very good purchase for me. Things still strained with the husband? I hope it's going better for you.

Jolly - It is so hard to have all these goals - financial, emotional, physical - and to focus well enough on all of them all at once to actually make huge progress in any one area. I can't do it at all. I find I really need to focus hard on one area for a long time before it becomes even remotely second nature enough for me to tackle something else. It's frustrating and I'm not a patient person, but geez, I guess that's another area I have to work on, eh? :lol: That you keep tackling those goals from new angles and keep making progress is a wonderful thing.

Happy - Oh OUCH! I'm so sorry! Gads I hate stuff like that. I've been remarkably blessed on the tooth front. My mom had to deal with abscesses a lot, and I remember how much it hurt her. I hope now that you've figured it out it will be taken care of and GONE. I'm doing pretty good on the eating OP and the portion control finally. It took me a couple weeks to get it reined in. Impulse spending, though... boy, that's a good one. I need to work on that ALL the time.

I'm making progress, and I'm happy about it. I increased my distance on the treadmill today to 1.86 miles in 30 minutes, which means I'm moving a little faster. I managed to run 7 tenths of a mile and a half, which is also an improvement. AND I dropped a half a pound. I have 5 days to drop the other half a pound to meet goal. You better believe I'm going to be running my butt off. OP with food, OP with water, and I missed one day of working out. It doesn't seem to have hurt my progress, though.

The weather is supposed to break today, clearing up and slowly warming up till it's in the 50s this weekend. And so far, no rain called for till Monday or Tuesday. *hope pray* That would be a GREAT riding weekend!!

Time to get some work done. Have a great day, everyone!

Morning Girls! Just a fasr post before I lose electricity again! Ice storm Sunday night, 3/4 of an inch on everything. Tree branches falling all over my yard, little limbs everywhere! Dense fog advisory Monday, more freezing rain last night now a couple inches of snow. Not going to warm up until Thursday. No school today and both big guys are home from work so everyone is safe.

Just wanted to check in and say hi to everyone. Lights are flickering, gotta run!

Hey all. :( Not doing so well today. I lost the lunch battle. It is so stupid too, because I know it is due to being over tired, and I was frustrated. So, instead of eating healthy, and affordably, I did a super - plus- sized McDonald's run with a couple of candy bars thrown in for good measure. I won't even try to rationalize, Raven. There is no excuse. And the whole time I am eating, I know why I am, and that I shouldn't be. Sigh.

On a happier note, though, I did make it to the gym today, even though I worked last night. And, I had a talk with one of my group home managers, and asked him NOT to bring me breakfast when I work at his home. It is incredibly sweet of him, but he doesn't need to spend the money, and I don't need the calories.

I think I am going to leave a tad early, and skip the barn tonight. I am going tomorrow, and tonight the weather is still a bit rough, and my mood is even rougher. No need to take it out on my pony.

Have a good one all. Drive safe.

Good morning all. Where is everyone? It feels a tad lonely. I hope things are going ok for you. I am so tired this morning, and not even sure why, as I got to bed decent last night. I may not make the gym - we shall see.

Hope to hear from you all later :)

Hi everyone.

What is the only thing that can halt a trucking company? -40 degree weather. Wind chills of -50. Raven does Alaska even get this cold?? We don't so I don't know why we have been blessed with this, but I'm thinking that we will all go to a tanning bed tomorrow seems as a vacation is out of the question.

Happy did you get to see the dentist today? I sure hope that the pills kick in and start to take the pain away. That would be great if you could ask your sister how to wean this bird. It is going to drive me crazy, it keeps screaming, and it can't possibly be hungry - it took us awhile but we figured out it wanted to be picked up.

Hippy sorry to hear about your power. Hope all is restored quickly for you so that things can get back to normal. On the plus side I hope you all enjoyed your unscheduled day together.

Jolly that is so nice that someone brings you breakfast. Even if you have to ask him not to. It is nice to be thought of. Way to go on making it to the gym.

Tracy how are things going? I don't know if you can sneak in a treadmill, just hint for the rest of the year that it is what you want for your birthday or Christmas. Just keep hinting. Or check out the papers and see if you can find one that someone is trying to sell.

Raven look at you go. I am most impressed. You are doing so wonderfully well on that treadmill. The kids will have to come out to the garage to visit you soon. :lol: Actually it is amazing how knowing only half a pound to go to reach goal will give you an extra little kick to lose it. I am so proud of you that you are doing so well. I am still trying to get all the kinks out of the new routine around here, so am mopping away at work. (to fast music to help me go faster.) Thanks for the website for the bird. This one eats more than it says it is suppose to. Oh well we will get this worked out also. The people we got this one from say that they have one that is 5 and they still hand feed it, plus it eats on its own. I sure hope we can wean this one as it is time consuming to feed them on demand.

Well I must run and get ready for work. Have a happy Wednesday everyone.

Good morning chickiedoodles...

I am in a great mood this morning. I managed to break the running goal I'd set for myself by two weeks. This morning I ran OVER a half mile without stopping. I actually did six tenths, and of course my lungs are paying me back now. *cough hack*

I am also really beginning to understand so much more about myself, the reasons I stayed fat and angry, and how to let it go. As I start to do that, the fear of losing weight is slowly diminishing, though it still exists. It took me a year to get to this point, a year of 3FC and introspection and wanting so badly to figure this out. It really is all about doing the exercise and watching the food and water. The scale will come bumping along behind, but as long as I stay OP, the weight will come off. It really will. Maybe at its own pace sometimes, but that's just the way it is. I can't force the scale to change, but I can make myself stay OP.

Jolly - I wanted to come online, really I did!! A contractor somewhere managed to eat through 30 feet of Bellsouth cable, and we lost internet and phone here at work. Was a major bummer. I know I was fighting fatigue too. The weather doesn't help. That food you ate yesterday probably doesn't help, either. Jolly - why are you doing this to yourself? The things you talk about are more symptoms than causes. Why do you continue to sabotage your efforts? Why are you holding yourself back?

Hippy - Ack! Hope you get the electricity back on soon!

Lucky - Well in Anchorage no, it doesn't get that cold. But up in Fairbanks, yes, absolutely. Sometimes much colder. Without any wind chill, you can easily expect air tempuratures of at least -45 for at least 2-3 weeks out of every year, and that's inside the city limits. The outlying areas get hit harder, and I do remember days of -65, nearly -70. Again, that is without windchill. That's when the truck tires freeze, the trees explode, and running to the outhouse REALLY wakes you up in the morning!! :lol: Then lets not even talk about temperatures up on the North Slope oil fields where I worked for so long. That's on the edge of nowhere, and the word cold doesn't even mean anything anymore. And THAT is why I live in Georgia now!! :p I hope you get the baby bird thing figured out! I think handraising a cockatiel would be so fun! If I had the time. Which I don't. *blink* I wish I had something physical I could do at work... I spend 90% of the day in front of the computer. Ohwell, at least I'm a geek and enjoy that kind of thing.

Happy hump day, folks!

Hi peoples,
Brrr sure is cold out here tho not 40 below like you Lucky. It's going to be a loooonnnnggg February. My body does not like winter.

Lucky, my sister got her bird at 2 months. It had learned to eat pellets from watching the other birds in the cage. She said the baby pellets were really messy and she put a regular seed cup in for a few days and gradually moved the baby pellets out. When she'd feed him the liquid he'd squawk like crazy but she gradually cut out the liquid feedings as she monitored his food intake. I think she had him weaned in 3 weeks. Here's another article on weaning - http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww50eii.htm I didn't realize they ate so many things and another article from a breeder said it's best to have them eat more than just seed for longevity. My sister said she didn't mind hand feeding Sydney but most people found it too much of a hassle and let the breeder do it. I guess those birds make quite a bit of noise, don't they? But my sister loves them. She's had 2 and is pining for another I think. Good luck to you.

Raven, I think you are right on the mark about staying on plan being the most important focus and not paying much attention to the scale. I have gotten off base these past few weeks and I need to get my momentum back again. The lure of excuses is getting more tempting so it's time to buckle down. But I think you have hit your stride and I will follow in your footsteps. Wait a sec, what do you mean "TREES EXPLODE" - from the cold? :yikes:

Jolly, I hate to say it but I think you have to put McD's on your "Do Not Call" list. I know myself, I can't walk in there without getting a Big Mac so I've had to force myself to just drive past it because otherwise I'm doomed. I can understand being hungry and rushed for time, Subway would be a better choice. And one doom leads to another, that's the bigger problem I think. If it was one meal once a month, that's one thing but it seems like one snowball starts a whole downhill avalanche. It was also a good move on your part to ask the manager not to bring in breakfast anymore.

Hippy, hope the weather has cleared up for you a bit. Ice is the worst. I'd rather have the snow and cold. It was bad driving yesterday but I think today was worse with the unseen layer of thin ice on the roads - black ice they call it. Lots of spin outs and accidents today, more than with all the snow we got yesterday.

I am doing better with the tooth now. The antibiotics are working and I can eat now. The tooth is not excruciating like it was, just feels now like someone cold cocked me in the jaw but I know that's part of the routine. I just hope this clears up for good because I absolutely cannot go through this again.

Past my bedtime so y'all be careful tomorrow.

A quickie!
 

*sigh* I WISH it were that kind. Stop it, you'll make me blush.

I met my weight loss goal. *dance* I lost 5 pounds before the end of the month. *gigglesnort*

Off to the treadmill, more later.

Go Raven, Go Raven, Go Raven!!!!! Congrats on making your goal woman!

:cheer: :cb: :cheer: :cb: :cheer: :cb:

GOOOOOOOOOOOO RAVEN :dancer: What a great accomplishment!!!! I haven't weighed, too busy going crazy! I hate being iced in but things have improved. The kids are back in school but they are calling for a little snow tonight and a bigger storm Monday. Guess we will see.

Kathy, to answer your question from days ago, my hubby and my brother get along great. They help eachother out and so on so it makes life around here alot better. I can't imagine if they didn't get along.

Happy, did you ever read the South Beach book? What did you think? Do you follow a plan or just control portions?

What about you Raven? How did you lose the 5 pounds? Portion control and exercise?

Jolly, hope you aren't feeling lonely here anymore! Isn't it odd that we eat things we shouldn't and we know that the whole time we are eating it? I do the same thing. I think alot of mine has to do with my mood. I sometimes get a piss on it attitude and eat what I want when I want it but am always sorry about it later.

Tracy, How are you??????

I have been out of sorts this week, no excuse but I'm useing it as one. Everyone has been home because of the weather, my nepher was here an extra day because Chris couldn't get him home. Anyway, I have spent alot of time in the kitchen cooking for all of these guys. Quick and easy stuff that isn't healthy at all and I would eat it too instead of taking the time to make myself something different just because I wanted to hurry up and get out of that damn kitchen!!! We picked our vacation dates and I really want to lose 30 pounds by then. I am refocusing and preparing raw veggies and stuff again hopeing to get myself back on track. I know I can do this, I think it's just a matter of getting everything worked out. I am still adjusting to having an extra person to cook for and clean up after and when Alex is here that adds another one. I love having him and my brother, I am just so use to it just being the 3 of us and my routine is all screwed up.

I'm really hopeing that I can get all of you to help me out. I need for you guys to help me stay focused. I'm not very good at holding myself accountable on if I eat right or exercise so you all stay on my *** and make me tell....Okay?

Gotta run...talk to you later!

Hey Hippy, I'd like to lose at least 20 pounds by mid April for my vacation and birthday, so we can team up together as a challenge if you like. I'm sure Raven would be happy to be our exercise :coach: :drill:

I have the South Beach book but haven't had time to read it yet though my sister just got it and said it's a quick read. She is considering it for her and her husband and we talked about buddying up on it. I am following a diet I started in 2002 which is very similar to the SBD. I try not to eat processed foods (too much salt for me), cut back on white stuff as much as I can - white bread, pasta, sugar tho I haven't cut it out completely. I just try to eat a balance of fruit, veggies and protein. I did lose a few pounds this month but I attribute it to portion control. I am not a person to log every bite into Fitday and figure out my calories. When I started up again in January I had some long talks with myself to figure out where my problem areas are. Giving in to cravings, late night nibbling, no regular exercise and eating more than I should even if my food choices are basically healthy. I started measuring my portions and using the smallest plates in the house. A tiny dish for sides like salad or fruit or veggies, a luncheon plate instead of a dinner place and smaller cups for my coffee and milk. I'm trying to stick to only 1 Coke a week and even then, I don't finish off the can. Sugar is a big trigger for me - the more I get the more I want. It always sends me on a bender or makes me look for things to nibble on at night. I am also trying to exercise at least 30 minutes 5 times a week - walking, free weights and Pilates. I need to start my yoga again to stretch my tight muscles. So I'm not on a formal plan, just trying to do good things. I have it easier on the food front as there's only the 2 of us and my husband eats pretty much whatever I put in front of him. I just make minor variations. He gets corn, more potatoes than me and the full fat salad dressing. He likes ice cream and cookies - I just buy him the stuff I don't like so it's not so much of a temptation. I also found that I really have to plan my meals ahead of time and know what I have available to eat. When I just stick my head in the refrigerator - I'm doomed for failure.

Sorry to be so long winded tonight. :o

Hope you all stay warm and safe and comfy. The only good thing about time flying by at such speed is that winter will be over soon although when it's this cold that's hard to believe.

Good morning! It's Friday! Wee!

Happy - :lol: Yes, when the sap expands in the trees as it freezes, the tree can actually explode. It sounds very much like a gunshot. It's pretty cool, and I know it happens wherever temps get real low. And I don't think you'd like me to be your exercise coach, I'm kind of a hardass. It's kind of stupid, I know, especially when I've gone through so much, but the harder I work, the less tolerance I have for slacking off. The more I accomplish, the harder I get on myself. It almost seems like some sort of internal mechanism of setting the bar higher and higher till I fail. I'm trying not to fall into that this time. So far not doing too badly. How is that tooth? Sounds like you might have whipped that one into submission! I sure hope so. 20 pounds by mid-April?? :eek: That's a hefty goal. Lets say we use till April 16. That's 11 weeks. That's 1.82 pounds per week. I know that doesn't sound like much, but ... are you up to it? Gads I'm such a troublemaker.

Hippy - How did I lose it? By making a comittment to drink my water, work out at LEAST 5 days a week, and by making sure I stayed within 1200-1400 calories a day. I have a problem of going off the deep end and not eating at all. I had to use fitday to teach myself how much I could eat safely so I didn't suffer anxiety attacks. For me it was always all or nothing. I ate like a pig or starved myself. Neither approach is real good for healthy fat loss. I don't seem to suffer from the food triggers - I seem to be able to incorporate a little of whatever I like into my diet and not have that switch on any compulsions to binge. I had to learn how much protein I could stand in my diet, how many carbs, how much fat. I learned that I must have some sort of treat at the end of the day, or I feel resentful and deprived and the next day I'm hitting the chocolate in righteous indignation. :rolleyes: I've had to learn a lot, but it's coming together slowly. The next big challenge for me is eating out. My boyfriend likes to go out once a week or so as our "alone time" and I've been avoiding that like the plague for the last year. Well, I think I have quite a bit under control, now it's time to face that monster. We'll go somewhere like Friday's or Chili's where they have the lighter fare on the menu, and I can get the nutritional content breakdown and start learning what I can and can't eat when I go out. He's been really understanding, and even last night when I talked to him about it he offered to stay home, but I told him I can't hide for the rest of my life. I have to learn how to do this. So... wish me luck! I know that when myt routine is all jumbled up like yours is right now it's SO hard for me to stay on track. I need so much focus to do this right now. One year it will be second nature, but for now I'm still having to think about everything, plan everything, and any interruptions really mess up the program. I hope you can get things into a workable routine.

This morning was a rather humorous one for me. I inadvertantly yanked the headphone adaptor out of my stereo, and it went flying, of course the stereo is turned up LOUD so I'm now waking the dead... Took me a while to find the adaptor, and by the time I got everything all hooked up and I was ready to go again, the treadmill had reset the numbers. I figured I'd done about 20 minutes and needed to do about 10 more. So what happens? I can't even begin to make myself get off that treadmill till the clock says I've been going for 30 minutes. Can we say slightly oc? I got in a nice little workout, though. Did a lot of incline, trying to get that rear in shape, you know? Plus it really helps the calves. Stepping on the dogs ball at the top of the stairs while I'm running to the bedroom to get the spare adaptor, running into the laundry room door on the way back OUT of my room, and nearly falling down the stairs and killing myself all must figure into the calories burned somehow. :p

And after what I really thought was an excessive dinner last night (till I logged it into fitday and found out it wasn't) I weighed in this morning with another half pound loss. I hope it stays gone. I kinda like this trend. :D

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!!

Throwing caution to the wind here, and making a new goal for February. I want to be at 185 by the end of the month. I might be able to drop that other half pound by Monday, which would put me at 192. That means I'd have to lose 7 (*faint*) pounds in 4 weeks. That puts me more in line with what you're trying to do, Happy... Are you with me? That's a half pound more a week than my original goal. But lately I've been doing so well that I really think I might be able to actually do this, and it would feel SO good to be back where I was when I fell off the wagon up in Alaska so badly. Then I could go back to my originally stated 5 pound goal for each month, but darn I want to be losing "virgin fat" as Linda calls it. :lol:

Jolly - Should we start a new thread for the new month?

You got it girl - I'm with you. And I could use a bit of a hardass training coach too. I also hate this back tracking to get back to where I was a few months ago but that just goes to show you where giving in to the inner demons will get you.

I am going to continue to focus on portion control but like you, I think the difference will come in really stepping up the workouts. Better go clean that basement tonight so I can get the treadmill rev'd up. But do I HAVE to put it on a high incline she whines... only if you want results you loser :drill:

And yes, let's start a new thread for the new month.

:rofl: Happy. Ok girlie girl... ;) Since we both know we really can't control the scale, and we both know all we really can control is what we put in our mouths and how we work our bodies... shall we play a game? :s:

A distance challenge for each week, perhaps? :tread: Or? Suggestions are welcome. The loser owes the winner a foot rub. :D

:s: :s: :s: :s: Raven you are such a :devil:

May I call you Evil Trainer - with the utmost respect of course!

And I do love a good challenge. However, I must say I might just let you win so I can escape these frigid temperatures even if it involves a foot rub :lol:

Let's see, how do you want to do this?

I'll talk to the husband tommorrow. The problem with the treadmill is that it's HUGE. And it's in a part of the basement where he's still drywalling and sanding and dust is the major killer of treadmills. Maybe we can move it to one of the smaller rooms for the time being. Without the treadmill I can't really log miles or calories expended. BUT I can do other things and log minutes.

My exercise focus for February is going to be:
- Cardio (walking) - 5 times a week
- Strength training (back to the weights again) - twice a week
- Crunches to slim down my big bellzo - 5 times a week

I'm thinking (and open to suggestions) to increase the workout each week
For example: Cardio 35 min / 45 min / 55 min / 60 minutes increasing by 10 minutes each week
For strength I will probably increase reps/sets. I have a degenerated disk in my neck so I will try to increase the weights but will see how it affects me, I think reps is a safer route for the time being
Crunches 50 / 65 / 80 / 100

I know you are trying to build up your endurance with running and the incline and I thought you said you were trying to get back with weights tho I might be mistaken. So maybe you can increase your incline or running speed or decrease your mileage time - running farther in less time.

Let me know. I'm game to start on Monday. Thanks for asking!

You girls are so funny :lol: I have no excuse to not exercise at some point during the day other than I just don't do it. When I was following my program I did WATP everyday but I had to do it first thing in the morning, as soon as I got Jordan off to school. If I walk outside I want to do that first thing in the morning. Now my mornings are so screwed up and by the time I take care of everyone, get Jordan off to school, Gary fed, Chris fed, clean up the mess................I just don't have the want to. I know, :blah: :rolleyes: I am also having a hard time planning. My guys are the biggest meat, potato, bread, beans people I have ever seen!! By the time I cook for them it's easier for me to eat what I already have cooked. Just an excuse.

It's colder than a welldiggers *** here today. It was 12 yesterday and right now it's 2 below. BRRRRRRRRRR. We still have snow and ice. We got sleet and a little snow Thursday night. I think we are suppose to have snow, measurable, Monday night.

Happy I have until July to meet my goal. I keep thinking I have plenty of time but I know if I don't work hard and pay attention then It will be July and I will still weigh the same :o

Better get going, talk to you soon.

:devil: Happy, thank you for the compliment!

I'm going to think about how we can work this. My time is somewhat limited in the mornings at this point - I suppose it wouldn't kill me to set the alarm a little earlier each week to accomplish the cardio challenge. I can definitely add in the weights twice a week. I've been trying to ignore the UB flabbiness, especially the tricep area, but it's getting harder to "not see" it in the mirror. It bothers me. So I might add in no weight lunges and squats just for flexibility, plus a decent UB two nights a week. I don't have a way to measure the incline, unfortunately. It does the auto incline thing, but no read out. I might be able to put something next to the belt area to measure height and use that, then up the time spent at an incline. *ponder* I don't have a DVD player and won't till mid-February, but then I can start adding in the pilates again. You want ab work... do the pilates stuff. Dang. I've never seen anything sculpt that core area faster. Lets bang this out and yes, I'm very game to start Monday!

Where is everyone else?? Anyone else up for our little challenge?? :s:

I'm not trying to look a gift horse in the mouth here, but any time I drop a significant amount of weight in a short time I want to make sure I'm not doing something stupid, as I am wont to do. Like not eating enough. I dropped another POUND AND A HALF this morning. That puts me down to 191. I checked fitday, my calories are in a good range. I could be eating a bit more protein and a few less carbs, but my fat is a good number, too. I'm drinking water, and I feel ok. So I guess I'll just accept the number for now and move on. And pray the scale doesn't bounce back up another two pounds tomorrow as IT is wont to do. ;)

If Jolly doesn't pop in, I guess I'll start a new thread tomorrow or Monday for our second month.

Today, peruse the web a little more, catch up where I can. Then get a load of laundry going, hop on the treadmill, then off to the stables. I need to stop and get dog food and chewies so Artemis stops eating my recliner, then tonight is my big challenge - dinner out with the boy. *panic* We're going to go to Chili's or Applebee's or something like that so I can pick out something relatively healthy, but passing up the appetizers and dessert is going to be hard. I can do this. I just need to treat it like any other dinner. Wish me luck, folks! I'll report back tomorrow on my SUCCESS, because FAILURE is NOT an option! Right? :drill:

Morning ladies

sorry i have been gone..wiht the school out for 3 days and the hubby home..ah..i was so glad to be back at work.

I bought a pedometer..logged in 700 steps thursday but only 2550 on Fridya but I was playing basketball for an hour and a half.

Wednesday was my little girl's 6th b-day..i still cannot beleive it!!

Raven how awesome are you on that running??You serisouly are kicking some exercise booty!!

Hippy omg totally on the meat and spuds..my hubby that is all he eats..ugh..my girl is the same way and my son..forget it..junk or chef b ar dee..

Happy i am sorry about the drywall problem..move the treadmill girl..i wish I had one but as all of my exercise equipment has been broken by me..i think i have a problem just like with plants!!

I was so glad to see the ice melt..my driveway was skate central and I bite the dust many time.s

well hubby is working today..YEAH!! (how sad is that??)

Goal.10,000 steps a day..come on Tracy you can do it!!

oops..typo central here..that was

7000 steps...on my first day :^: ..lol with weights..HA!!

Morning, ladies. Happy February.

Hippy - Meat and potatoes aren't as bad as all that. Portion control and the cuts of meat you use, and how you cook things is the key. Along with generous helpings of veggies, either in a salad or as a major portion of the meal. I'm finding slowly that almost any dish can be redesigned to be healthy, and our meal plan is getting more and more varied as I go. Thank goodness. I don't think I could have survived another year of grilled chicken and broccoli. ;) I know if I don't totally commit to working out, it won't get done. I know you're in a rough spot right now, I don't know that I could focus on food and exercise either. OTOH, how long is this going to last? Can you rework things so you CAN schedule time in for working out? What is your priority?

Tracy - Slowly but surely the running is coming along. I have managed more than a half a mile at one time so far, and now I'm kind of scaling back and working on walking speed (trying to comfortably do 4mph for up to an hour at a time) and hitting the incline. Some days I do interval. I just really like to shake it up, and I seem to see progress that way. Keeps me from getting bored. :D I wonder how many miles 10,000 steps is?

Ok Chicks... Jolly appears to be MIA, so I guess I'll start the new thread. Look for me there!