Terri and Nan: Thanks for the reminder about the measurements. I will take them tonight. It will be good to see if at the end of 7 weeks if I show a loss in them as well.

Terri: I have mixed feeling on staying away from your grandmothers. I can see why you would want to avoid the desserts but being with family and friends is important.

Maybe you can decide ahead of time on just a couple of things that you want to have and then have small portions for them? What about suggesting a walk around the neighborhood sometime during the get-together? That way you will also get in a bit of light exercise and be able to vist with someone and you will work off a little of what you ate.

Nan: You are inspiring me to really work on keeping that journal of what I eat.

Thanks gals for your support and for sharing yourself so freely!

TGIF Everyone....

Trying to stay focused today. Very physically and emotionally whipped. I had my life's priorities put in order yesterday. The heck with my truck, it can be fixed. My son was in a car accident. THANK YOU JESUS, he was not hurt nor his car for that matter, but it could of been very serious. He passed out behind the wheel, crossed over into on coming traffic on a 4 lane highway, then crossed back and ran up into someone's yard. He only lost his hubcaps. He has been sick with a cold, sore throat, nausea and the squirts. He had been complaining of dizziness since Monday. Just being 16, and not even had his license for a month yet, it scared him something awful. He did this on his way to school yesterday. Small miracle here.

Anyway, trying to stay OP. Not too bad yet, 710 cals. I did pretty well yesterday, staying within limits. Have not walked in the past two days as it has been raining. I need to find another outlet for exercise, walking just seems to be the easiest for me.

Holly - hope you get to feeling better, and the wee one too. Are you taking vitamins. Especially vitamin C. It always seems to help when I have cold like symptoms.

Susie - Good job recognizing the areas needing improvement. mmmmmmmmm Vanilla Creme Cookies, I wouldn't have survived that one either. Especially if you put them in the refridgerator and eat them cold. OMG. I craved those things right after my son was born. May the force be with you, sista!!

Teri - Great job on the loss! 3 lbs down, you are so awesome! Keep the motivation going. Do us proud.

Jill - jot down your cals on paper...when we keep totals in our heads we seem to forget some things, untentionally, but we do, then tend to go over. Even if I don't get to write the food item itself down, I write down the calories and keep a running total for the day. Otherwise, I over eat. As far as DH not understanding the weight issue, it goes back to the ole saying.....until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes, you cannot truly know....

Jodi - way to huff and puff and get the heart rate up! Sweating is good. Keep the motivation, soon it will become a habit. Then no struggle to accomplish!

April - Sorry about your down day. Don't hesitate to come here and post anyway, even if it is just to vent or let your feelings out. We are here for you, and you may even feel better once you get it out. and very glad you are feeling better today.

Jansan - hope you have gripped the hunger pangs without splurging. It is a very difficult battle for me.

Nan, Heather, and everyone I have missed, how are you, and hope things are going your way.

Have a marvy weekend, hang tough!!

Annie

OH Annie~ you must be freaked right out.Eveytime one of my kids have had a near miss,I really re evaluate what is important and am beyond thankful. Your son must be shook up!!
I do take echinacea, vitamin c and a multi. It certainly helps. I think last night was the worst of it.I just have a annoying cough right now.
I did not overeat at all yesterday and been good so far today.I am going out for pizza tomorrow so I will eat light at breaky and lunch.
I have read everyones posts and dont have time for individual comments. Please consider yourself hugged and thanked for all of your kindness.

Afternoon all!
 

Annie - I'm so glad your son is ok. You're absolutely right -- THANK YOU JESUS! :angel:

I'm on top of the world right now! I just went to my son's high school parent teacher conference and they tell me he's doing awesome, no grades below a C+, and that's in physics class. That's a huge deal for us because my son is severely dyslexic. In 9th grade he's reading at only a 5th grade level so for him to be doing this well is awesome!

Gotta feed the kids, be back later,

Nan

getting closer
 

:smug: undefined
I have just found this site today and am thrilled to meet your challenge as I race to 199. What an exciting thought! I haven't seen 100 and anything in so long I had begun to dispair that I ever would again. But, since Jan, I have dropped form 281 (formerly298) to 228 so the end is in sight. My difficulty is this darned plateau thing. I haven't lost and ounce in 2 months. I workout at Curves (love it because there are no mirrors!!) 3 times a week or more, I walk my doggie every day for at least 30 minutes (alot for me!), and have been (mostly) faithful to Dr. Phil's eating guidelines and I'm FRUSTRATED!!! I had hoped to see 200 or less by Christmas but I'm begining to think I may not make it. Still, I want to break this dead zone I've landed in and get the weight moving down again regardless of how fast or slow it comes off...just as long as it's coming OFF!!

JaciMcD

Hello everyone, what a busy Friday on the thread today!

I don't have much time...I've finally been able to make in online. My first busy Friday in a while!

I took the morning off of exercise again. Didn't I just say yesterday that I wouldn't take two days off in a row? Heh heh...I'm doing what I can! I was really tired this morning and let myself sleep in again.

I think it's best to make smaller goals. Three mornings at 5am this week...I think that's good for me. I took Thurs and Fri off and I'll go to the gym tomorrow and Sunday. I doubt there's a loss this week but at least I'm still at it. I'm going to try not to focus on the scale for these first few weeks as I try to get a routine down. Next week, I'll shoot for 4 mornings at the gym instead of 3. Eventually, I'd like to make Mon-Fri at 5am gym time, and take the weekends off from the gym, maybe take a walk or do WATP on those days. So I'm getting there.

Food wasn't good. Liquids haven't been good the past couple of days. I'm still working on my first sippy cup of diet 7up. Next week I'll go back to calorie free tea. I drink at least 3 of those a day. It's hard for me to drink water but I'll try. My body could be holding onto all the water.

Gotta go. Sorry for the ramble. Hello to everyone, there are some great things going on here. Annie, thank God your son is okay. My father did the same thing. I got a new car about 5 years ago and he took it out on the highway for a trip to test it out. He passed out at the wheel and my new car was totalled. The pictures are scary. My dad walked out with some cuts and bruises...they found out he had high blood pressure and that could have caused it, and shortly after he was diagnosed at Diabetic...so it could have been his sugars. Who knows, but thank God he is okay.

Have a great weekend.

Girlie

Hello everyone!!! Just thought I'd pop in and post something. Been a busy friday here on my day....payday which meant I was out doing shopping and paying bills for most of the day. I did not make it to the gym again....But I did do alot of walking around the stores and stuff so I at least got some sort of exercise in.

I've also done pretty good with my eating.....its just the water I'm having trouble with....I actually do like water but after a couple of glasses of it I am sick of it.
I might try some of the falvored water thats out there....see if I can maybe drink some plain water and then some flavored water to get in the water I need.

I had a good friend come up and visit me today for awhile it was really good to see her!!! We had fun just sitting and chatting and looking through old photographs.
Its always fun to take a trip down memory lane.

Well I will back tomorrow sometime to post more for now I have to go becasue I have to get ready for work here in a few minutes...........

I hope everyone is having a good day!

hello everyone,
another late night check in for me, it was a busy friday all the way around i guess. i worked my half a day today and then met DH for lunch. i was good i ordered a cup of soup and a salad with ff dressing. just what i would of eaten at home. i came home from lunch and did the stairmaster and heavy bag workout again, it was a little easier today. punching the heavy bag is actually very theraputic for me, i find myself getting tired and i get angry at it and i really pushed myself. what a way to get out frustrations!! tonight the kids went to visit their father so DH cooked king crab legs and steamed veggies (i went way easy on the butter) and we had a nice dinner together sort of our early sweetest day celebration since the kids will be here tomorrow. off to bed soon.

annie- oh my goodness your poor son!! thank God he wasn't hurt!! hope he gets feeling better soon! you are doing a great job keeping track of all your calories along with sbd. keep up the good work!!

girlie- sometimes making a small goal (like exercise 2 or 3 times a week) is easier to stick to at first. good luck getting your early morning exercise next week you can do this!!!

mychoice great job on the test last night!! also great job outlining your problem here. sometimes the hardest part is getting down to the problem. you have a very good plan there!! you can do this!! we are all doing this together!! good luck with the measurements. i am going to do the same tomorrow, my clothes feel looser but the scale isn't cooperating.

jacimcd- welcome!!! great loss so far!! maybe you just need to shake things up a little to get off your plateau. this is a great place for support, there are alot of great ideas in these threads!! keep looking forward and you make it to your goal you have come so far already!!

labchick- great job for your son and his school work!! my oldest daughter is a freshman this year also. my youngest son has alot of learning difficulties so i really understand your excitement!!! oh and great yob on the loss!! your gonna be lapping us all in no time!! water weight or not it makes you another 2lb closer to your birthday goal!! when is your birthday by the way??

holly glad you are feeling better and good job sticking to your plan!!

april glad today was better!! we all have them good and bad! as far as water goes, i have a hard time getting enough on the weekends when i am at home but during the week i drink alot just keeping a full glass at my desk at work all day. some days i drink close to a gallon, i don't know if that is an option for you?? just a suggestion.

cateyes so good you are motivated!!! keep it going. make your trip to grandmas house all about visiting with family!! if you can't resist the treats she has there then just promise yourself to have a little taste!! everything is good in moderation! have a great weekend.

greenlass- that is funny to me that you know 2 jodis. it isn't a real common name around here. growing up the only one i ever heard of was the red haired freckle faced boy on the show "family affair" i always wanted to change my name!! i've grown into it now though and i like it!!

well if i missed you here is an extra hug!! let's all do this !!! the weekend is tough for alot of us!! do something nice for yourselves this weekend!! we all deserve it!!!

Pulleeese Let Me In......
 

Hi... I really like it here. I have been reading pages of your posts and its amazing how much success you guys have had just since April. Way To Go!!! :cp:
I'm excited to be here...please let me stay.... :crossed: Well I guess I'll start with the fact that I need motivation and I found it here today. I used to be apart of Cyberdiet.com until they starting charging to post.. Well my highest weight was 318 when I delivered my son a year ago... Currently I am 255 -260. I fluctuate so quickly. I have been at this weight for a month... I got lazy and stopped doing everything but now I ready again to put my willpower to the test... WATCH OUT Body! The brain is back in control.... :jig:

Welcome
 

Welcome Skinnymemories, I Am Still A Newbie
Myself But I Love All The Great Support And Ideas I Get Here. I Havent Posted Since Weds
Been Too Busy. I Work From 9am-7pm Or Sometimes Later On Thurs. And Then From 7am- 5pm Fridays. With A 30 Min Drive Both Ways. So Finding Time Is Hard @ The End Of The Wk.
The Upside Is Most Of It Is Walking And Outside. I Dont Even Try Anyother Exercise
Then. I Have A Lot Of Errands To Run, I Will Not
Eat Any Junk Food On The Go. I Plan A Salad Only W/ff Dressing Wish Me Luck Ha! Ha! Everyone Have A Great Day! 199 Im On The Way. Op! Op!

good morning everyone,
nice to see you here dpulley, the weeks are really busy for me also. great attitude today!! good luck running your errands! keep up the great work!

welcome skinny memories, great job so far!!! there is a lot of great support in here, and a ton of motivation too. good luck you can get it back together!!

so i planned the meals and the shopping list, got my exercise in for the day, now i just have to get my but to the store, clean this mess of a house and hopefully do some yard work if the rain holds out. npt much else going on here today. hope you all have a great weekend!!!

I'm up4it
 

Folks...I would love to join the race to 199. I am new to this site and am learning the ropes slowly but surely.

SW 250
CW 230
GW 175
mini goal 220

Good morning everyone,
It is my Saturday to work until noon. I don't really mind, it's nice have the extra money in the paycheck, but I have a ton of things to get in order this afternoon. The house needs cleaned, the laundrey needs done, I've got to go grocery shopping.

I just found out they are taking my nephew (he's 17) into emergency surgery in just a few minutes. He is having trouble with his gallbladder and appendicts and on top of everything he has mono. He's one sick kid right now. I would ask you to say a prayer for him.

He's at Children's hopsital in Cincinnati (about and hour from where I live). I asked his mom if she wanted me to come to the hospital. She said not right now, but maybe tomorrow.

My tutor for my Accounting class comes on Sunday's. I think it will work out though. I'm going to tutor with here for about an 1 1/2 and then go to the hosptial.

Life sure can get crazy in a hurry! But I'm determined to keep everything under control and that includes stress eating! Right now, I'm not sure how I'll get a workout in, but I'm going to, even if I have to run the stairs in the hostipal.

Welcome to all you newbies. This is a great bunch of women!

I know the weekends can be really hard to stay on plan, so try and get here so we can stay encourged.

Hugs for you Susie and prayers for your Nephew. Poor little man.
Welcome to the new chicks!!!
I went to the DR and I have a sinus infection. I feel very sick. I am on antibiotics and hopefully will turn the corner in the next day or two.
Eating has not been an issue , for the first time in my life, I have no appetite.
Lots of rest is on the menu.
Take care you wonderful women!!!

Evenin' All
 

How goes it? I went over on my calories today, but only by 150 so I'm not feeling too badly about it. I have a long way to go still, but this is going to work. Just gotta stay OP.

Holly - rest up and feel better! That's the ONLY good thing about a sinus infection, no appetite. ;)

MyChoice - I certainly hope that your nephew is back to his old self again as soon as possible.

up4it, SkinnyMemories and Jaci - WELCOME! The more the merrier!

Jodi and Holly - you two are my organizational heros! I thought I was pretty good about multitasking until I started reading about all the things you two accomplish!

dpulley - you can do it! Just stick to the basics!

Annie, April and Girlie - you chicks all sound like things are right OP and that's great!

If I've missed anyone, I'm sorry, but got alot to get done before bed and then to work tomorrow.

Nan

hello everyone,
not much going on here today, same old sunday routine. where is everyone?? i hope you are all doing well this weekend. i have been mindlessly picking at little bits of things today, not really hungry but it is TOM and i just feel like tasting everything.

mychoice- i hope your nephew is doing ok. sending hugs and prayers your way!!

labchick- you can do this!! you seem to be doing great so far!! keep the great spirit up! i'm sure you get just as much multitasking in as we do, your family sounds as busy as mine.

holly get well soon!! sinus infections are miserable! soup tea and a good book always seem to help me.

up4it welcome!!

Hello Everyone,
It's been a very busy day for me today. DH and I went to church this morning, then my tutor came at 1:00 to work with me for a couple of hours. We got halfway through the problems I'm to have ready for class on Tuesday. This accounting class takes a lot of time! But I'm not giving up...don't know if I'll take anymore of them (and that's a whole different problem..changing colleges, changing majors--who knows!) but I'm determined that I will get a B in this class!

DH went grocery shopping for us while the tutor was here...THANK YOU DH!

I then went to the Y for a workout. I didn't get to add the full 15 mn to my cardio because I only had an hour to workout before they closed. So, I added 7 min. At least it's a start towards my new plan.

We just had a nice dinner of meatloaf, boiled potatoes and carrorts, and peas, and I had a small slice of apple pie. With my IC I can't eat many fruits and if I do, they are better for me if they are cooked..so I'm qualifying the apple pie here!

Thank you for the prayers for my nephew. They took out his appendicts (sp?) and said the gallbladder looked ok for now. He's feeling pretty miserable still. He does have an infection in his blood as well as the mono. I guess the infection was from the appendicts? He's doing better; at least he's complaining like a teenager! When they got him out of bed to stand up, he really grouched around. I was there and he said "I can't believe you've had to do this 3 times--I've had 3 major abdominal surgery" I told him to suck it up! :lol: He snarled at me. But he loves me..and I love him. He's my first nephew and while I love all of my them, he's sort of really special to me. He's 6'4", a junior in high school and wears a size 14 shoe, but he's still my baby. The difference now is that instead of me picking him up and setting him in my lap, he does that to me.

Thanks so much for all your prayers. I really appreciate it.

Holly: I think you will start to feel better in just a few short days. Sinus infections can really take it out of you! I'm glad you went to the doctor.

Labchick: You've done great with the calories and I wouldn't worry about going over the limit by that small amount. You are doing awesome!

Jodi: That TOM can be a tough one to get through. I hope the urge to pick will leave soon.

Well, I need to go do the dishes and then I'm settling in on the couch to watch Desperate Housewifes. This is fast becoming one of my favorite shows! I really laugh when I watch it. Anyone else seen it?

Talk to you all tomorrow.

Well today has been an alright day for me. I got home from work at 730am then helped the kids get dressed so my sis could go out and get her things set up for her yard sale. Then my mom kept an eye on them while I showered/changed..then we all had breakfast. I had 2 small freid eggs with wheat toast and a glass of OJ. I probably should have fixed the eggs differently but I don't think I did too bad.
I crashed around and then woke up in the evening...missing lunch altogether....then
ate dinner. We had chicken helper,mashed potatoes,green beans and bread and butter for dinner. I ate small portions and only had one serving of everything so I am doign better than I used to. I did not get enough water yet.....but then I have been asleep part of the day and technically I did have some today. I drank 2 20oz bottles at work...one around 2am one around 4am. Early in the morning but still technically today. I have also drank 2 other glasses of water since then....so though I at least got some water in me.

Exercise I have not gotten today but I did a ton of walking last night so I guess that makes up for my non-exercising today. Tonorrow I'll get back in the swing of things doing something.

Jodi---Oh I know how you feel...I hate TOM.....thats when I want to snack all the time hungry or not....I have to realllly watch myself those few days.

mychoice--Glad to hear that your nephew is doing ok. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

holly-I hope you feel better soon. I get sinus infections alot so I know how much they suck. Thats about all I ever get.....*knocks on wood* I seldom ever catch anything else. Its crazy b/c I can be around someone with a virus and not catch it but don't let me within 10 feet of someone with a sinus infection or else I''ll get it.
Well I did have the flu once and that was it....and I never want to get it again. It was horrible.....I thought I was for sure dying!!!


up4it,skinnymemories,and Jaci---Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm trying to hurry so I can go read a bedtime story to the kids....so If I missed anyone please know that I am thinking of you and hoping things are going good for you.

May everyone have a great night and a wonderful tomorrw!

Good Monday Morning, all you wonderful chicks!

I made it through the weekend and only gained 1 pound back of my 2 pound loss last week! I know I should be down, but I didn't exercise, ate pretty good and am expecting TOM at any moment. Usually those three things would conspire to make me gain at least 3 or 4 pounds. Well, today is D-Day....I start writing down what I consume and the calorie amounts. No more ifs, ands or butts! I am going to try and stay between 1100-1400 range. AND-the walking shoes are back on. As soon as I sign off here, I will be going for a 2.5 mile walk-maybe farther.

I have a mini-challenge to lose 1 pound by Friday. Anyone else want in?

Welcome to all the newbies.

April-Sounds like your schedule is rough. How do you stay awake all night?

My choice-Congrats on making it to the Y and adding to your workout! I hope your nephew is going to be allright. I have 3 sons, the oldest being 13, so boys have a special place in my heart.

Well, I'm going out to walk. Anyone wanna come with me?

Jill

Good morning ladies,
Are you ready to hit the ground running? That's always my first thought when I wake up on Monday morning. :D

I had a pretty good weekend and I feel I stayed on plan most of the time. I'm going to remember my game plan that I posted last week. I've got a copy of it pasted on the inside of my journal. Now, about that journal. I have such a hard time doing it everyday! Why is that? It really is something that I want to do, but I just can't seem to make it a priority. Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get in the habit>

Also, I need help in coming up with a name for my TOPS team. We have two teams right now A & B, and it's a contest to see which team can loose the most weight collectively by the end of the year. We are to come up with a name for our teams and we are to use this as a way to inspire each other. Any ideas you have would be most welcome.

Jill: Enjoy your walk...wow! 2.5 miles..you go girl! I'm at a 2 mile walk now...and I'm hoping that with the added 15 min to my cardio I'll get to 2.5 miles. About that mini-challenge. I'm in for it. I have to use a Thursday evening date...will that work?

How's everyone else doing? I'm looking forward to reading your posts today.

Let's do this Ladies!!

good morning chicks,
the scale finally moved!!!! i am down 2 lbs 229. this was a mini goal of mine to make it into 220's this month. now if i can just keep that 2lb off and hopefully add to it i will be very happy. as much as i hate to admit it because i truly hate to exercise, i am pretty sure the new routint i came up with last week has helped alot, so after work today as soon as i get home it is exercise time!!!

greenlass- i'll join you in the 1lb mini challenge. i think i can do 1 lb this week, unless the munchies take over again. we can do this!!! great decision by the way starting to write down your cals etc. i try to stay close to 1300 a day. good luck with your journal!!

mychoice- so glad your nephew is doing ok, hope he has a speedy recovery!! i love "desperate housewives" it just cracks me up! great job upping your exercise routine! sometimes the smallest changes can be a really big help!

april- working nights is tough, sounds like you got a pretty good amount of water in though. keep up the great work!!

to anyone else that i missed have a great monday!!!

HI gals,
I am still very sick. I dont feel much better after 3 days of antibiotics. BAH!
I had an emotional weekend. I spent some time with a close friend whose husband died in an accident earlier this year. She is spinning out of control. I feel so helpless. I have talked to a counsellor,resolved some of my guilt and have a plan. It is heartbreaking. They have 2 boys ,aged 2 & 5. I have no plans for today. i have 3 girls here. They play well independantly so I wont have to be of my feet entertaining all day.
Greenlass~ good luck with the recording. Do you use fitday.com? It is great.

Susie~ what about journalling at lunch time or while you eat?

Yeah Jodi, Yeah Jodi,Yeah Jodi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How's everyone else doing?

Hey, chicks!

Hollyhock-Sorry you are so sick! Being sick stinks! Thanks for the idea about Fitday. What a cool website! I think that will really make me think about what goes into my mouth before I eat it.

Susie-I'm glad you're in for the mini-challenge and Thursday night is great if that is your usual weigh-in. A friend of mine used to work for Quick Weight Loss Centers and she swears by weighing in first thing in the morning, after you go to the bathroom and before you shower. I'm for doing anything that'll help with the scale saying a lower number!

I did my walk this morning and completed it in 40 minutes with a little bit of jogging thrown in. Halfway thru my cd player ran out of batteries and that hurried me along a little bit, too. :( Anyone else listen to audio books while working out? I find that it passes the time a little faster than music. :)

Jill

Hi everyone. Hope you had a great weekend. I ate horribly and was lazy but I did the 5am thing this morning, even though I went to bed at almost 2am. I was up late trying to destroy the viruses on my computer. Arrgh. No luck. I am going to stay off the computer tonite...I just don't feel like stressing about it.

My tummy hurts today though from all the icky things I've been putting into my body. Waffles for breakfast, fried chicken for lunch, no veggies. I feel bloated and a bit down, but I'm glad I did my exercise. Will definitely try to get to bed earlier tonite.

Congrats to the losers and good job to all the tryers out there. I am sorta trying...LOL. The scale hasn't moved but at least I feel better. So much for my October minigoal. The month is halfway gone and there's no way I'm losing 7 pounds in two weeks lol. Well, I could starve myself but we know that's not good.

See you at the gym at 5am.

CD

hello everyone!
it was an ok day, the furnace was broke at work so i sat at my desk with a little space heater at my feet, it was freezing in there. the furnace man said he has to order parts and goodness only knows how long that will take, i think i'll wear alot of layers tomorrow and try to tuff it out. i don't want to loose the hours and i'm not willing to give up my precious vacation time for something like this. i came home from work warmed up, and did my exercise. it is getting easier actually, i can do 2 full sets before i start getting winded now. i'm in here because i want something sweet, i made myself a sf iced tea with an extra pack of sweet-n-low it is sweet hopefully the urge will pass by the time i am done with it.

mychoice- i have a hard time with journaling also, i started keeping photo copied sheets i printed from a diet book, i staple together enough for a week and then i fold it and keep it in my purse so i can write whenever i get a minute. the shhets i carry have space for all the food for the day, cal count and portion size, the date, my weight, exercise and a few extra lines for feelings, ideas, whatever. it makes it easier to jot things down when i have a free minute instead of trying to schedule yet another thing in an already too busy day. maybe something like this could help you? names for your tops group??? that's a tough one, not much help there ...sorry.

holly- you poor dear!! i hope you took it easy today hopefully the meds will kick in soon!! get as much rest as you can, well that was silly of me to say to a mom!! anyway get well soon .....and thanks!!

girlie- keep trying!!! great job getting up at 5 for the gym!!

greenlass- wow 2.5 in 40 minutes that is great!! keep up the good work!!

hevron? annie? where are you girls? hope everything is going ok.

ok i think it is safe to say the sugar craving is gone....at least i hope it is.
good night

Just checking in real quick here.....sorrry no personalized posts tonight...will try to do that tomorrow. Know that I am thinking of you all and hope that you all are doing good.

I'm doing pretty good here on my end I've managed to get in my exercise for today and to eat right. I have'nt got all the water I need yet.....but I am only 2 glasses shy of my quota which is'nt bad for me.

Someone asked how I stayed up all night...please forgive me I am in a hurry and don't want to go back and re-read posts.....its not easy....I sleep most of the day before I go into work that night and by 4am I am ready to lay down and sleep. I would prefer daytime hours but then I'd loose $2/hr in pay and I don't want to do that. I know the pay should'nt matter that much but I'm barely keeping the bills paid as it is so taking
a pay cut would not be a good thing for me.

I am still here!!!
 

Believe it or not, I do still exist!!!!

The divorce is U-G-L-Y! I feel like I'll be alone forever and my heart is so broke I feel like screaming. I have that nothing satisfies me feeling. I can't sleep, I can't eat, all I do is walk because otherwise I'll scream. You know the knots in the stomach you get before you hear really bad news. I've had that feeling for weeks non-stop.

I went to the doctor today to get weighed in for the first time since 8/04/04 (I was 247 then). I lost 21 more lbs. and now weigh 226. Yay! But...I haven't really exercised in the past 2 1/2 months, which means...how much of this weight loss is stress related...all I'm sure. I know I should be thrilled I lost more weight, it just hurts how I've lost it.

I move into my new apartment on 11/10. The day I move out...my ex's "fiance" (can you believe that one) moves into what I've called home with him for two years. So much for 10 years of marriage...

So I haven't posted in a while, and as you can see by this melancholy post that would be why. I will try to start posting more, but getting my heart to do anything is unbearable. I'm barely functioning.

Hope everyone is well and I miss our convys.

TardyAngel : I wish I had the words to say that could ease the hurt in your heart. Just know that after reading your post, you will be at the top of my prayer list. I've been married 16 years and when I think about something like that happening in my relationship, I feel physically ill. We did go through a tough time in our marriage when we had been married 5 years and we almost divorced. I remember that time all too well. It was the first time in my life that I couldn't eat. I remember being surpised that I couldn't. I had always ate when I was stressed, but not that time. I felt so hollow. I couldn't focus on anything and I was so sad.

Does your doctor know what you are going through? The reason I ask is because during that time mine gave me an antidepressent. It help me get back to myself. It didn't mask the pain, but it help me deal with it.

Even though my marriage didn't end, the situation really scared us. I'm a different person because of what we went through, but I like the person it made me into. Before that, I always did things to please my husband, and I totally forgot about me and what I wanted. I don't do that anymore. I also learned to not let my obession with him and what he was doing to me be the navigator of my feeling and actions. I truly learned to stand as my own person.

Here's a big (((((Hug))) for you. Feel free to come and post anytime, or PM me. I can't do much but over an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on.

:grouphug:

Jodi: You did awesome in avoiding that sugar craving! Thanks for the idea of the journal sheets. I might make up a few of my own to carry with me. I could punch holes in the and then put them in a notebook later. That's what I've been doing with my posts here. They serve as a "diary" of sorts for me.

Girle: We all have overdone it before. Just drink the water today, to help flush that excess sugar and fat out of your system. Eat a lot of veggies, and some protein. You will be back on track in no time.

I'm doing pretty good today. I'm not up to the full 15 min addition to my cardio. I did 8 more minutes last night. But I did get in the extra reps during my weight workout. And last night I managed to pass up apple pie. I had already had a French Chew earlier in the day and when I allowed myself to have it, I had told myself that I wouldn't have dessert after dinner. I had to do a lot of talking to that little voice in my head that kept saying "It won't hurt you this time". The heck it won't! The voice in my heart was strong this time than the voice in my head.

I better get busy at work. I'll check in later.

Tardy~ I have been thinking about you off and on hoping you were doing well.I can only imagine your pain right now.I,too, like Susie have had rough patches in my marriage and have had brief separations and have seriously considered divorce and I have been changed by those experiences.I do have an inkling of how you feel.My husband was going through a super ugly divorce when I met him.It went on for years and it took it's tole on him. Sometimes I feel like he has recently found himself again in the last year.He really shut down and pulled away from life.Please talk to your Dr. or go for counselling or journal or anything that will keep you from losing yourself in this.
How are the kids doing? Please take care of yourself. You deserve to be happy!
HUGS and PRAYERS comin' at you full force!!!!!!!!

Hello Everyone....

How's everyone doing on this fine Tuesday? I hope great!

Tardyangel: I am so sorry to hear you are going through rough times with the divorce. It must be very hard. My divorce was just final July 22. The only thing I can tell you is time does heal. The bad part is, time seems to go very slowly when you want relief. My heart and prayers are with you. There are good days ahead.

Jodi - great idea on the iced tea with sweetner. Hope it got you past your sweet tooth craving.

April - we just like to hear from you. You don't have to personlize post. Great job on the exercise.

Susie - I loved your dessert rationalization and more than that, is you stuck to it. Congrats on that battle. You rock girl.

Holly - Hope you are feeling much better today...you and your sweet lil' angel.

Girlie - Everyone has a "bad eat" day now and then. Pick yourself up, and don't look back that was yesterday! Today is a clean slate.

Jill - I have never tried headsets for walking, everyone tells me it does make time go faster. Good job on walking.

Heather - where are you girl? Did we lose you?

Nan - Going over your cal limit by only 150 is not bad at all. Keep up the great attitude.

Welcome to the race Skinny Memories, Jaci, and Up4it. Great place for support!

Good morning to those I have missed, and stay focused.

As for me, well the weekend was great as far as staying OP. Didn't exercise, but worked at Kohls. Monday was a total bust. It started with the piece of cake for bosses day, and was all down hill from there. So I am making today, Tuesday, my Monday, clean slate day and gonna knock the socks off of this weight issue. So far so good, 200 cals for breakfast. Hope to get some walking in later.

Thank you for all the kind words concerning my son. Heis back in full swing and I finally allowed him to drive yesterday. I wanted to make sure everything with him was "ok" first.

My truck needed an ignition switch, oil change, tires rotated, final bill $347.46. Whew wee. Thank you jesus for the part time job at Kohls, altho I haven't even received the first check yet, consider it spent...haha

Hope everyone does well with their program and has the power to overcome all those little devils talking to us in our heads, about eating stuff we shouldn't.

((((HUGGS)))) to all. and an extra ((hug)) to Tardyangel, PM me, I am hear for you.

Annie

Hi Chickies
 

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been getting things ready for my next class and it hasn't been going all that well. With fall in the air, it's damp and cold and not the best weather for my preschooler to be outside. He's already starting to show signs of cabin fever and winter hasn't even begun UGH!

I haven't lost anymore, but haven't gained either, so I'm completely ok with that. I've been better able to keep the calorie count down to just under my goal. Just pluckin' along.

Annie - I'm glad things are going so much better for you. OUCH on the truck repairs, but at least it's up and running again.

MyChoice - YOU ROCK! Nice nerves of steel on the desert challenge!

Tardy - My heart goes out to you! I'm remarried and it's been over 10 years since my first marriage fell apart. It does hurt and it is extremely stressful, but if you will get through this. If you ever want to talk, I'm here.

April - I hear ya on the shift differential thing. I work weekends because I get a shift differential and don't have to pay for daycare. It works for us, but some day I want to be like normal people and have my weekends off.

Jodi - Do you like ice cream floats? Sometimes when I've got a real craving for something sweet, I go for a Diet Vanilla Pepsi because it tastes like an ice cream float to me. It seems to do the trick for me, hope it helps you.

Girlie - Just pick yourself up and start over! That's the trick to this--NEVER giving up!

If I've missed anyone, I'm sorry, but I have a 3 year old who's been WAY too quiet for the last 5 minutes for me not to be checking on him. Toddlers can be so darned sneaky! ;)

Nan

Afternoon Ladies!

I am feeling a bit better today. Whew! I was starting to get worried last night because I was still as sick as ever.I have pretty much lost my voice. A blessing to some.
I weigh in tomorrow. I just started my period.I haven't a clue as to what has passed these lips in a week. I have not exercised. It will be interesting.
I am thankful I am on the mend.

Hugs and love to, April, Susie, Tardy,Jodi, Girlie,Annie,Greenlass& Nan.
Hope you are all focussed and OP today!!!

Hi Ladies,
It's lunch time and I'm just taking a quick 15 min at my desk. I leave early on Tuesday's so I can go and work out before my accounting class.

Annie: I'm really glad to hear your son is ok. And I'm glad the repairs for the truck weren't sky high..they weren't chicken feed eithier! but it could've been worse. At least you have the Kohl's job to help pay that bill. God always provides doesn't He?! :D

Nan: What sort of class are you getting ready for? I hope the sun shines soon so you can get your little one outside. I chuckled when I read that he's already getting cabin fever. I have a little friend, who is 3 yrs old, and the first thing she will ask when she gets up is "Where are we going today"...she can't stand to stay at home or inside. I think it's our fault, because since day one, we have taken her just about every place we ever go with her parents. She's really well behaved in places because she's used to being out.

Holly: I'm glad you are feeling better. Don't worry about the weigh-in. It will be what it is and you know that the circumstances weren't normal ones. Just take it and go on. Now that you are begining to feel better you will be back on track.

Ok..time to get back to work.

I get my test scores back tonight when I go to class. I'm praying they are good!

MyChoice - I'm working on my bachelor's degree in computer science. It's something I've been wanting to complete for a long time and I finally have the chance to do it. It'll take me about a year and a half which is perfect because then my preschooler will be in kindergarden so I can pick up extra hours to pay for the student loans UGH!

I'm worried though. I tend to be victim of "sophomore spread", so I'm going to have to watch myself even more. I know I can do it though.

Hope you kick serious butt on your test scores! :D

Nan

Susie - got my fingers crossed on GREAT test scores tonight!!!

Some good news......My daughter received a grant for college, 2K for this semester and 2k for next semester, we have been struggling to pay for her college, and is one of the reasons I got the second job. SOOOOO.....she is all paid for for this semester and should be able to save to pay the difference for next. Whew who!!! and YES, Susie, you are so right about God providing. I completely lost it on Sunday and had to call my bestest friend in the world to get support, she walked me through all my woes and I felt better. I am blessed and thank you jesus....again.

Annie

Holly - glad you are feeling better too!! ;0)

I'm back!
 

It's good to know when you're missed. Thanks for everyone checking in on me! I just haven't felt at all like dieting or even talking about it. Not to say I've gone crazy...I just haven't felt like exercising, eating right or any of it. I know, I know. I should check in here to get my motivation!

It's been crazy at work, I've had arm pain for about a week now (I type on a computer all day long), and it's just been a sucky the past 5 days or so. I think I'm going to start journaling my food or something. I can't seem to get a handle on those hang-up areas. There's a web site I'm going to try that I heard about on another thread - fitday.com.

Most of all I just get tired of watching what I eat all the time! Guess we get so used to not eating well that we sometimes miss that old life. But I'm not turning back! I'm determined to stay on the healthy track!!

I'll check in w/you gals tomorrow. Have a great Tuesday.

fitday.com
 

Just got done visiting fitday.com. What a cool site! I love it! It's so easy to track your food on there; you just have to take time to enter the right amounts and servings. You should definitely check it out...

hello everyone,
i just got home from my son's last football game for the season, they won!! it was an undefeated season. they were soooo excited!! their coach wanted to celebrate and invited them all out for wings after. so dh took ds with him to the restaurant to party, and i came home. there was no way i could stick to this plan if i was tempted with greasy wings today, i knew i would cave, so i avoided the whole thing. sort of a cop out maybe, but i hadn't eaten since lunch at work and i was starving. so i came home and ate my planned meal. it was a good choice, i feel a little bad though, not sure why???

hello there hevron- sorry you are in a little slump right now. i love fitday it really gives you a lot of good info and helps keep track of everything. the nice thing is it stores the foods you use daily so you don't have to look up every little thing everyday. hope it helps, i know when i use it faithfully it really keeps me in check.

annie congrats to your dd on the scholarship!! that is great!! so glad ds is feeling better! sorry about your truck repairs though. if it isn't one thing it is another. hang in there!!

labchick thanks for the diet pepsi tip, i have a bottle in the kitchen i'll try that next time. it does taste alot like an ice cream float. yum yum. good luck with your class! i so admire all of you bright beautiful women that are going to school!! i wish i had the guts to take a few classes, i always seem to find a good excuse not to though!

mychoice- great job on the apple pie pass and the extra workout!! you go girl!! you are doing great!!

holly so glad to hear you are feeling better!! good luck with the weigh in and be kind to yourself. not a whole lot you can do when you are so sick!

tardyangel, hello, so sorry you are going through such a tough time. i remember my own divorce (9 years ago) i was the one who wanted it, and i was the one who totally fell apart. stay close to good friends and family and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! sending you a big (((((hug))))) i hope it gets easier for you!!

april28 great job getting your exercise in!! i am off to do the same thing myself righ now!
hope everyone has a great evening.

Preach to the Choir!
 

Hello everyone. Most of you will not read this until Wednesday morning.

I went back and read through everyone's posts. I wanted to give a shout out to:

TardyAngel: I'm very sorry about what you've been going through. I'm approaching my 1st wedding anniversary and couldn't imagine...no one does. I don't know what to say...except that perhaps you can think of this as a new beginning. Granted the pounds are gone from stress...pick up where you left off and start anew before you start gaining. This is your new beginning and it's all about you, your feelings and your health. Do this for yourself.

Everyone...okay, I have had a sort of epiphany today. Suzy, hope you are reading because you asked a while ago about what makes us pick up and go on...well, I had one of those revalations here today. The past couple of days have been horrible eating days. I did manage to get up for the gym yesterday, but my eating has been horrible. And just to shame myself, I'm going to tell you what I ate. It's so embarassing...but perhaps this can help someone.

After being more careful about what I've been eating, I've been laying off of fried foods...my favorite. Well, this weekend, I've had more fried foods in a few days then in the past three weeks I'm sure. Yesterday at lunch, I had a craving for fried chicken, one of my faves. NEVER go grocery shopping on your lunch hour...when you're STARVING. I bought a 10 piece box of hot fried chicken...I figured it was quick...and if I'd gone home and eaten a piece and some veggies, wouldn't have been too bad. BUT, as soon as I left the parking lot of the grocery store, I had a drumstick in my hand. I'm assuming I'm not the only one who has ever done this! I scarfed that thing down...while driving. Then I ate two more when I got home, skin and all, and didn't manage to make the veggies I'd planned. Of course I had at least another two pieces for dinner that night, one for breakfast and two more today, PLUS I went in the candy aisle at the drug store yesterday which I never do and bought a gigantic king size candy bar and finished it off today. It wasn't even king size...it was bigger than that! I've also been drinking Country Time lemonade for the past couple of days instead of my usual calorie free beverages. It's like I don't let myself think about any of this...I just put it in my mouth....feel guilty...and shrug my shoulders. I've been thinking about giving up again...because of feeling shameful. Not thinking. Not caring.

It's the devil, I tell ya! It really, truly is. He wants us not to think. He wants us not to care about ourselves. He wants us to think that we are unworthy of doing this for ourselves.

Well, I had an epiphany today. It was while watching that new show, The Biggest Loser, about two teams of people competing to see who can lose the most weight. Now, that show is totally not realistic for those of you who have seen it. These people exercise like 5 hours a day, that's all they do. In their first week, many of the people lost 10, 12, 22 pounds! It's all for show! But watching them exercise empowered me. Some of these people were pushing it to the limit, to the point of crying. I realized I needed a jump in my routine. I haven't seen the scale move in two weeks! I need to really feel it and sweat. Plus, I liked Bob Greene's food idea of eating more to lose more. I could be eating twice the amount of food that I am eating now, feel totally satisfied and even full, and consume half the amount of calories that I am.

SO, after the show was over, I actually went to the gym...I was just planning to eat a few cookies that I baked and go to bed early so I could get up to exercise at 5am. Well, I was in mid-bite and shoved the cookies away. I put on my workout clothes and headed to the gym and had the best workout I've had in a while. It was simple...50 minutes on the elliptical machine. I skipped the 20 minutes on the bike (I think I was getting too relaxed with the bike) and bumped up my 30 minutes on the elliptical to 50, and I kicked butt! I was sweating hard, I wore my glasses to the gym and took them off so I didn't see around me very well and could concentrate on the beat of the music and my pace. I did 6800 strides and my shirt had a lot of sweat. I was dripping. After about 20 minutes, I felt the most amazing feeling...I was just running...almost sprinting on the glider...and I felt nothing. I couldn't feel my legs or arms...they weren't hurting or aching and I felt like I was just going, going, flying. It was totally awesome. Then around 40 minutes I started to feel the burn again...I kept the pace up, kept sweating, and slowed my poor heartbeat down closer to 50 minutes (the machine measured 175bpm). But it was so awesome. I bet I'll hardly be able to move tomorrow! I can't wait until I do that every day, and make it up to 60 minutes a day. I was totally psyched afterward! :strong:

So I realized I must really change. I saw myself going back into the same old pattern...slacking on eating...not caring, not feeling, not thinking...and almost giving up.

You guys, we have to be determined. Don't let the devil get you to eat that thing that you aren't hungry for or don't need! :devil: We'll always give ourselves treats to keep us sane...but I want to learn to feed my body what it needs...veggies, vitamins...etc. I chugged my 20oz bottle of water after I showered and headed home. My body needed that. I felt bad that I wasn't giving my body what it needs. I haven't been. Just a bunch of junk. I deserve better.

SO...I am SO determined to make my October goal of 225. Do you know that just earlier today I was thinking, "oh well, I'm not gonna make that one". How could I let myself think that? I'm GOING to do it. I also want to set a goal for January 1, 2005. Anyone want to join me? I think 199 by then is a bit steep. I want to stay more realistic and say 210 by January 1st. That is just 7.5 pounds a month for Nov and Dec. And yes, through the worst holidays ever. I told my husband...we're making some major changes in the kitchen. This has got to stop. Although we're short on money, I'm going to cut out a lot of meat and make more salads chock full of veggies like carrots, sugar snap peas, radish, tomatoes, bean sprouts. I could eat a giant fresh salad for dinner every night and feel satisfied and still save tons of calories. I'm going to stock up on chicken breast when it's on sale and boil and cube it for use in the salads. I'm going to get a wide variety of low calorie salad dressings. Maybe I can make Sundays the days that I boil the chicken and shred or cube it for use in salads all week.

The reason why I'm setting a Jan 1 goal is because I get so depressed during that time in the past few years...because I have been weighing more and more each year. I don't want to make my resolution on January 1st...I want to be LIVING my resolution of weight loss. I'll start working out, then taper off after a couple of months....and gain. It's a pattern. NO MORE!

WATCH OUT SUMMER 2005!!!!!

Whew...long post....I'm just so psyched I had to share. Please, I hope you all join me in a New Year's goal! We can totally do this. All of you are so darn great. Thanks for listening!!!!!

Girlie