Debbie and Judy: Welcome back. Hope you can find time to post regularly, and if not...just remember that we're thinking about you anyway! :)

Not feeling good. My "Aunt Flow" finally came, a week late. I haven't gotten so bloated all of a sudden like this in a while. Breakfast of a bottle of Hawaiian Punch isn't going to help. I noticed they added HP to the vending machine here at work and I ran out of my calorie free iced tea, and my mouth watered for this. A simple bottle of punch...300 calories! I deserve whatever pain my bloating takes me to after this. Just one bottle, and never again. I always feel so guilty when I drink calories, especially when it's not a real juice or something healthier like a smoothie.

Came home to a 12 foot hole in the side of my yard. City is doing some work on the plumbing. To make a long story short, when we flushed our toilet this weekend, it went into our neighbor's basement...ick (thinking about how sick I was Monday night)! They found out that we share plumbing and the city had to come and dig and figure out the problem. It's going to cost $3000 but the city will pay half because part of it is on "their" part of the plumbing, the other parts on our property and the neighbor's. The neighbor came to us and told us they'd pay for it all...they are so nice and have been the past almost five years since we've had our home. They know that DH is a FT student and I am (well, was) working 2 jobs and decided to pay for all of it...they expected to have to pay all of it anyway before they found out we shared sewage lines. How nice of them. It definitely helps us to breathe easier.

Also got home last night from work and the bathroom and kitchen were all clean, living room and dining room picked up and vacuumed and poor weary DH was studying. What a guy, what a guy.

Gotta run. Was quite productive at work yesterday! Sorry so quick today. Will make time for personals later!

girlie

hello everyone!
hope everyone is doing well this evening! i am feeling well. TGIF for tomorrow, this week has drug on long enough! i am planning on spending my weekend remodeling our bathroom and re-centering myself! getting back in control so to speak.

girlie- who'd of thought 300 cals in a fruit punch?? hope you were able to slough it off! glad ytou don't have to foot the bill for the plumbing repairs!

holly- glad you are feeling better!! good for you on the loss! that is fantastic. i know it wasn't under the best of circumstances but it seems to make you feel good so very happy for you! the kids you sit for are so lucky to have a caring person like you!! the moms appreciate you and that is great!!

mychoice- your snacking chain of command is a lot like mine. i'll go for healthy (orange) then middle of the road (LF yogurt) then it is on with the doritos! don't know why i loose a little willpower with each bite! getting back on track though right with you!!!

spores- how was the eyecandy?? (lost) i can't get into that show for some reason but DH abd the kids like it. hope you are doing well today!!

have a great night everyone!!

Spores~ was Dominic a hobbit from LOTR. If it is the same guy, you might have to wrestle me for him!!! I am in silly luv with Merry and Pippin.

Jody~ I was down 12 lbs from being sick but had already gained back 5. I hadn't weighed in in 2 weeks. So most of this is probably a real loss!!!!!!!! I was already down a couple from my last weigh in.Clear as mud??? I will see what happens next week. There is a noticable difference anyhow. LOL!!

Hope everyone is having a good evening.

The New LOW!!!!!
This was my plan and it is WORKING!!!!!
There was a segment in the Dr Phil diet book that struck me and then in Dec there was a thing on Good Morning Canada that hit me too. So in January( actually Dec) this is what I did.


Both had info about....eg. if you were to eat a handful of chips every night for 1 year you would gain 15 lbs a year, or if you ate fast food 3Xs a week you would gain 10 lbs a year, 2 glasses of wine a day for a year- 10lbs................. The list was huge.
If you binged 2 nights a week the gain per year was 25 lbs. This really hit home.
I did all of those things sometimes but added together It was about 20 lbs a year.
SO, If I could consistantly control 1 of those things I could lose 10-15 lbs this year. That was my plan!!

I DECIDED in Dec not to drink any alcohol except with the Christmas meals and New Years Eve. I did it. I haven’t touched a drop since.
After the holidays I DECIDED to give up cheese except once a week. It took three weeks for it to become a habit. Now it is my routine. Usually on Thursdays( good TV night) I have cheese and crackers while I watch ER. It tastes sooooo amazing. I have a little party just for me while I watch my favourite show. I dim the lights, light candles, everyone else is in bed, woohooo.
Now I have decided to stop eating after 7pm( except Thurs). This is my 2nd week. I have averaged 5 nights. Not bad. I will keep at this until it is habit.

I have always eaten healthy balanced food 95% of the time. I overeat the good stuff and I eat for reward. With a lot of self processing and getting in a good place with myself those “rewards” just aren’t as needed.

The result so far is a 2 lb loss in Jan and **drum roll** my official ,monthly, post period, post potty, first thing in the morning weigh in is 225!!! Down 2!!!!!!!!!

I haven’t weighed this since before my son was born 7 years ago!!! SEVEN freakin years!!!!

I think for me the big picture was just too big.I tried setting small goals but still knew I needed to lose 50 lbs. When I saw it in terms of changing 1 bad habit and the result would be a loss of 10 lbs for year, I would be thrilled with that and it seemed doable. And it is.

At this rate I can lose 24 lbs this year and I dont feel deprived or disappointed. I feel better about myself all the time. I have made personal changes to feel more like the real me and the weight loss is an added bonus.

I was exhausted yesterday by the evening. It was a good day though. The kids were great. I rested a lot. I am feeling good today. I have 6 kids here. I will take them all to the Early Years Play Group at 9:30. Yes ,I have 3 car seats and 3 booster seats in my GMC van. It’s the toddler bus.
I am thrilled it is the weekend!!!!! We have hockey at 9 tomorrow. I am then going to London all by myself to putter around, window shop, grocery shop, do grandma’s hair, maybe visit a friend.............
Tonight is veg mode again.
Hope everyone is a having a great day!!

Holly:
How exciting!!! This will keep you enthused for quite a while!

It's time for me to start losing again! I need to get into the 220's as well.Summer is right around the corner.

I cooked a great meal last night. I seasoned ground lamb with mint and garlic and broiled lamburger patties. Made homemade mashed potatoes, cauliflower and sauteed mushrooms and onions and mixed in some of the natural low-fat gravy I found on sale in the health food section. It was yummy, and I didn't make too much food - just two patties, enough potatoes for our two servings, and the veggies. That is a good start.

I'm broiling salmon tonite and making fresh green beans, and probably boiling red potatoes again.

Hitting the gym hard both days this week. I only went twice this week.

Girlie

Hello,
It's good to see everyone excited today about getting back on plan and staying there.

I've had that mind set for a couple of days now and I've been working it again. Unfortunatly it didn't show at my TOPS weigh-in last night. I gained 2.50. It's ok...I know why it happened and I can change it...more importantly I want to change it and I'm already starting to.

I did some core strenghting exerices this morning. That plank is hard! I'm able to hold it for 17 seconds before I collaspe. I did that 3 times. Then tried to do that yoga type move where you are on your knees and you lift the opposite hand and leg straight out in front of you...I had a hard time holding that pose. So I can tell that I need to work on that core strength. I also did some standing crunches that I saw a trainer show to someone once who had low back problems.

Holly: Your plan is working for sure! Thanks for sharing it. It's those little things that make the difference and in order for anyone to keep the weight off, those changes have to be something that a person can put into their everyday life.

Jodi: How are you doing with the WATP?

Spores: Thanks for the "pebble" idea, it's really what got me back on track.

Girlie: Sounds like you are in a good frame of mind. Don't overdo...just keep working at this one thing/day at a time. I hear you on Summer being just around the corner.

I better get back to work ladies.

Susie

Hello,
Where has everyone been today? I couldn't believe there were no posts.
I know it can get very busy for everyone on the weekends.

I had a very productive day today. I finally got that spare room cleaned up...it feels so good to be sitting here in organization!

I'm still trying to keep to my plan. It's hard to stay on track when I've let myself get off track..but I will continue to fight my way back!

I didn't do the stomach exercises today. I felt that I did enough with all the housework. I'll do the exercises tomorrow.

We went to the Custom Bike show today. It was a lot of fun. My husband watches all those Biker Buildoff's. I watch them sometime with him. My favorite builder, Billy Lane, was there and I got my picture taken with him. If you have never seen him..he's very nice looking..has that "bad boy" look to him.

That's about it. Just wanted to check in. If you are on plan...tell us...motivate us...if you aren't come here and yell for support!

Susie

hello!! wow it is quiet in here! i had a nice day, DH and i are remodeling our bathroom so we spent most of the day shopping. we picked ceramic tiles for the floor. a nice oak vanity and mirror, and a very nice wallboard. we are taking our time with the project since it is our only bath. we're planning on doing it in stages over a few weekends. this week was shopping (the best part!!). my food has been BAD to say the least, i wanted to get back on track today but didn't. going to try harder tomorrow! i've done 2 WATP miles, that leaves 6 left for the month, better get my rear in gear this week. tierd tonight so no personals thinking of all of you though!!

I had a super busy, wonderful day. I will write more after Sunday School tomorrow.

Awesome, Awesome Day!!!!!
It was a wonderful day in every way. I felt free and easy in everything I did.

I woke up at 6:45, had a coffee, showered, ate a healthy breaky and we all went to hockey. DS played well. He has been trying really hard to pass the puck to help the other boys score. What a sweety. He will be back in net for the next games.Another boy had been switching with him.
We came home and DH made brunch. I tidied up. By 11 I was out the door. I ran a LOT of errands BUT I was not rushed or tired and no was screaming at me. I went to Walmart( ran into a friend and chatted), the bulk store, bank, I went and had my hair trimmed( i am happy with the cut), I went to see the “the guys”, gave them hair cuts, T bought a new electronic drum set, tried that out( very cool), sat around and yacked and laughed.The “guys” are all my friends too I just never get there anymore.They are committed bachelors( old hippies) and it is not great for the kids. I enjoyed it. I had a visit with Grandma and did her hair. I went grocery shopping and picked up LOTS of fresh fruit and veg!! My Grandma gave me a gift certiificate for Tim Hortons so I got a grilled chicken and roasted pepper sandwich and soup for dinner, YUM!! I went over to a girlfriends. Visited and laughed a bunch.She did a relaxtion treatment on me( something like Reiki). It was *sigh* devine.
I stopped in at my Sis’s to pick up tax stuff and had a visit there. We are POOR!! but HAPPY. I am not sure how we manage to live but we do. The expenses beyond our control go up all the time and our income is much less( like 1/2 of the low end) than most families of 4. Oh well. We keep it real simple and certainly have enverything we could possibly want in life and then some. These are our choices and values. It is pretty scary to see it all on paper. Before I was babysitting it became impossible for us to live debtfree off of 1 income, although we tried for 3 years. We did NOT have internet, TV, we ate very basic food.......
My income is small but it sure takes the edge off of things with out compromising how we want to live and raise out family. It means the kids can play hockey and dance. it means we can go out once in a while. It means we can have internet.It means we can breathe a little.
I got home a 9:20 pm to an empty house. My friend from Nairn had called up and invited us down for the evening. DH took the kids down for a visit. He had NEVER done anything like this before.I thought it was wonderful. Spread those wings honey!!!
We tucked the kids in. I really missed them. Huh!? My honey and I had a little chat and then I went back down to S’s and a couple other “girls” were there.We had a great gab session.The is the friend whose hubby was killed. She is in the middle of all kinds of legal baloney with the insurance companies,settlement stuff....... Hello??? Her husband was killed by a driver who ran a stop sing at 90km and hour. How can they question this. She is doing so well as a single,working parent, trying to make all the right choices for herself and the boys. Anyhow, much support and uplifting went on!! I was SO glad I went.
I got home at midnight. Cuddled with the rabbit and then the kitty.I put some wood on the fire, kissed my babies and husband and drifted off to sleep.
It was a perfect day.

DS is at hockey. WE go to church at 9. DS has a friend coming over. I have a bunch of housework to do. I will make something spectacular for supper.I am off to cuddle with DD before we leave.
Life is wonderful.

Back to chat later.

holly it sounds like a perfect day yesterday! good for you!!i hope today is wonderful as well!! congrats on your loss!! you are doing wonderful! all of those small changes are really adding up!!! you totally rock!!!

i just got home from the grocery store, lots of fruit and veggies. good meals planned for dinners this week. i will get everything started today to make the after work rush run smoother. i am going to salvage this month and stick to my plan this week. i have moaned and whined long enough it is time again to just get on with it! walking 1 mile every morning, eating 3 healthy meals everyday, not eating after 7pm. no excuses!!! i have everything i need to make this work. i didn't buy any junk at the store, i am on plan!!! who's with me?? there is just one more week of February we can do this!!! Easter and spring are on the way girls!!!

I just had a YUMMY pesto wrap with grilled chicken, refried beans, plain yogurt, spinach leaves and homemade salsa and then a handful of good grapes.
Church was nice. I held a 4 day old baby girl. MMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Jodster!! I am with you!!! All the way. I bought all the same kinds of groceries!!! We all rock!!!! Remodeliing the bath ina few weekends???.... we have beena t ours for overa year!! Thank goodness we have 2. Although the ceiling is out of the downstairs one too.. Ick!!

Susie~ Glad you are doing well. AND a tidy spareroom. WOOOOHOOOO!!!! Sounds like a nice weekend.

Girlie~ your meals sound devine!!! What time is supper? I can be there in about 5-6 hours!

Spores~how is your weekend going????


Off to tidy the house. Sounds like DH is taking the kids skating at 2.
I LOVE my life.
Ahhhhhh....putting on some Doobie Bros and dancing the dust away!!!!!

Hey everyone, I had a good day. I've done laundry and cleaned this morning Now I've kicked back watching the Daytona 500. Dh got called into work.
The boys are gone so I have the place to myself. VERY RARE

Susie: yes, Billy Lane is easy to look at. We love to watch bike build-off also. We have had bikes all of our marriage. I have had 2 Harleys of my own, but when we came home off the truck I didn't have a car so I sold mine. We still have 1. Hopefully I'll be able to get another bike later.

FOREVER IN THE WIND

Everyone have a great day

Good morning everyone,
I just did WATP, OK only 1 mile. thats the most I've done in days. As far as structured exercise goes that is.
I'm still struggling with food, but I'll get it. Got to go the washer just stopped.
It's going to be almost 80 today. I'm
going to air this place out.


BIG HUGS TO ALL

Hello everyone.

Holly -
you are sounding very positive and upbeat!

Jodi -
Congrats on the 50 pound loss so far!

Debbie -
Good job on doing the WATP! Maybe try again this week?

Susie -
I really need to work on my "core" area too. I know I'm so weak in that area!

My broiled salmon dinner on Friday was a hit. DH absolutely loved it. Last time I made salmon he wasn't impressed and ate half of his piece and I had leftovers for the next day. I think it's because of the difference in flavor between wild and farm-raised salmon. This time it was wild, and seemed less fishy than the other salmon I've made.

Saturday and Sunday I didn't eat breakfast or lunch...that's always hard when you don't wake up until 1pm! I did munch on pretzels and we made frozen pizzas for dinner Saturday and had Chinese last night. High in fat and calories. At least if I know I'll eat out or eat something high in fat that night, I barely eat during the day. It's not good to skip meals like that but at least the calories are banked.

I also had a great workout on Sunday. I love going to the gym that day because the TV near my elliptical is on MSNBC and all day Sundays they have biographies on all day. When I got there, a bio on Cindy Crawford was just starting and the hour on the elliptical just flew by - I didn't even need my headphones. I am back up to 5 miles in about 62 minutes. One of these days I'll hit 5 miles in 60 minutes.

My goals for the week - go to the gym at least 4 nights, have light lunches during the week and eat more fiber. I've got split pea and a few bean soups at home that I need to take advantage of. I'm going to make veggie sloppy joes this week too - lots of fiber in that.

Talk to you all soon.

Girlie

Debbie~LOL I was excited because it was a warm 0 here that's 32F. 1 mile is WAY better than none. Sometimes that's all I have time for.

Lots of new snow yesterday.Nice day out there today. I have much shovelling to do. Gets my heart pumping.
The 4 "big" kids are off to school. The 4 toddlers are toddling about.
8 to 8:45 here in the morning is a sprint. I sweat!!
I took these monkeys to storytime at 10. We are all bug free it seems. All the family have had it!!
Yesterday was dreamy. I put on some Doobie Bros and danced while I wiped down the whole kitchen, washed the floor....... It sparkled for about an hour, woohoo.
I put on some harder rock to dust and the kids "jammed". Air guitar, air drums, stage diving off the couch. It was HILARIOUS. DS had a friend here. Fun!
Made pork roast, potatoes and veg for supper. We all had baths. Gave DD a haircut.Sweet! Lots of snuggles. They were in bed by 7:45. DS actually slept til 7:30am. Wow.
I watched Desperate Housewives, tidied up and zonked right out!!
Nice.
I munched too much yesterday. All OP food. I will be more careful today. Need to get more water in. Shovelling will be my exercise!!

Off to tidy the kichen, change some diapers. Never a dull moment!!

Jodi~ i just noticed too you are down 50 lbs. That's a gigantic achievement.

Girlie~ your goals for the week sound good and doable!!

Hello,
I've been in bed sick most of the day. I woke up with an upset stomach. I had an Access class to attend today for work and I had to drive 45 min to get there. I took some Pepto and Immodiam (sp?) and made it, but after the first 2 hours I just couldn't hardly hold my head up. I realized it was something more than what I ate. I asked if I could registar for the class again and not have to repay for it. They said yes, so I called my boss, left a VM and went home and crawled in bed. I hate being sick to my stomach (who doesn't) but with the IC, I can't have 7-UP or Sprite, or Tea, or popsicles, or jello. I've been sipping a rootbeer most of the day (rootbeer isn't acidic) and I just ate 5 Zesta crackers. I'm headed back to bed but I need to get up and move around, my body felt restless.

The one good thing is that I don't want to eat!

I'll check in tomorrow.
__________________

hello everyone!!
so far so good today, 1 did WATP 1 mile 2 times. once early this morning and then again this eve with the kids. all my meals were healthy and full of veggies, i drank water. i am doing the same tomorrow!!

girlie- thank you! i always loose sight of the fact that i have lost weight, i get in these slumps and have a really hard time trudging out of them. onward and downward though i guess! good job with the workouts!! keep it up girl!

holly- thank you too. i love you new ticker!! it is so festive and springy!! you sound so happy and fulfilled in your posts i am so happy for you!! it is so good to feel like you are in a good place! keep up the great attitude it is starting to rub off on me. thanks for all the encouragement!!

mychoice- oh get well soon!! that flu is horrible, take care of yourself!!

debbie- great job with the exercise!! you can do it!!

oh spores???? where are you???? pop your head in a minute when you can!!
so i resolved to keep plodding along and living a healthy lifestyle, had a good cry last night as i was just about to give all this up for the millionth time. today i feel good and seem to be creeping back on track! thank you all so much for being out there, it helps so much!! really!!
xoxox

Woke up again. My Grandma always says thats a good way to start any day.

Yesterday was fantastic. Very busy for me. I had 10 kids coming and going all day. I met with our financial planner at 5pm. I had a cabbage casserole in the oven ready to go. We ate at 5:30. The kids and I scooted off to dance. DS and i did some reading. I watched Idol then 24. DH has pinched a nerve so I worked on that for him.
Went to bed. Slept well!!
I am going to be busier with babysitting. I need to put it all down on paper.

I have 2 families who have been on Mat Leave coming back. It is a bit overwhelming so I am going to make a chart and put in all the regular kids and hours. Let the parents go over it and see if it will work.In the summer I will hire a highschool kid again.
The day just flew by yesterday. I liked it. I ate OP all day. I had rice crackers and yogurt before bed. I wasn’t hungry. Totally a comfort thing. I am about 50/50 on quiting this habit. Maybe I need to replace it with an activity. MMM..sex would make DH happy. Of course he would have to be awake. LOL!
I will have 8 kids all morning today. 4 go home at noon and then 2 nap and 2 will colour or craft. The 2 six year old bays come home at 3:40. I will earn $130 today. Wow. That’s a huge help.
Best go feed the boy and get him ready for school!!!

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE life! I have been feeling crazy in love with DH too. woohoo.

Hey there everyone.

Starting to feel a little more up. Didn't make it to the gym last night. My friend who I haven't seen in a year is back in town. She's been traveling the world the past year, Chicago, California, England, Thailand, Korea. I stopped by to see her after work and we had tea and talked for three hours. She brought me some Hello Kitty stuff! By the time I got home and Dh and I were having turkey sandwiches, it was 9pm. I just decided to watch a little TV and let my food digest a bit before bed.

Today has been okay, and a little more positive. I have a job interview on Friday which seems quite promising - it's for a project manager - wish me luck. It would be an awesome job at a great local advertising company.

Girlie

Hi everybody! I have been incommunicado for a few days, as things just got out-of-control hectic. It is finals week for two of my classes, and time to turn in first big papers in my other two classes. So I have been swamped with that, and will be until I finish all my grading this weekend. But come Monday, two of my classes will be OVER!!! That means I actually get more than one day a week off!!! I am really looking forward to taking a breather.

Also in the midst of getting my magazine to press, which is a whirlwind. A million things to do: submissions to read, editorial content to write, layout to design....it never stops. It’s absolutely the most fun and rewarding thing I do, but it is a ton of work.

And on Friday I had to have an MRI, which put me out of commission for the whole day. They gave me valium to take beforehand, but it was still really scary and stressful. And afterward I was loopy from the valium and somewhat shaken up from the whole thing, so I took the afternoon off and snuggled under a blanket. BF was very sweet and took care of me. Results were normal (whew!), which is good, but still leaves me with no idea what is causing my headaches. Doctor suspects tension (who, me, stressed?), which would also explain my new jaw-clenching habit. I wake up with my teeth clenched nad my jaw aching! So I am going to think about some non-medical ways to reduce tension. Exercise, of course, is a biggie. Gotta get moving and let that tention dissapate before bedtime!

Holly: Congrats to you on the loss and on all your positive changes. Those numbers are really amazing. Your reslove is so inspiring! Happy dance for you! You are so positive; that really amazes me.

Girlie: Mmm, your meals sound wonderful. I always get stuck in a rut with cooking. Good for you for making healthy, delicious food!

Mychoice: Core strengthening...cool. Do you have a specific plan or tape or do you just think up the exercises? Sounds like a good idea to try. Hope you are feeling better soon. Sick is no good!

Jodi: Remodeling sounds fun! That counts as exercise, right? :) I’m sure you can hop back on plan in no time. Don’t despair! You have come so far already; you’ve got it in you to keep going!

Debbie: Hope your days are going well! Glad you got some time to yourself.

So great to see you all here; I missed reading your posts these last few days. Last week I only managed to get one workout in. I put a sticker on my calendar every time I exercise as a reward, and it is really helping. It was sad to look at last week’s one lonely sticker compared to the 2-3 stickers on previous weeks. So I am going to make this a 3 sticker week! Everyone’s success and great attitudes are such an inspiration. Woo!

I've been away from a computer for a few days, running around in my old haunts in Manhattan and Brooklyn for hte long weekend. I meant to stop at an Internet cafe, but was too busy shopping and catching up with friends to be that organized. I didn't model how to stay on program, but I didn't overeat, and really didn't indulge myself (tho God knows I was tempted). I also walk around a lot in NYC, and I dragged my bag around with me for hours on the last day, so that should count toward weight-lifting :lol: . But I've probably lost ground/gained weight, because that's what I do when I'm not focused and careful for more than a few days.

So I'm back at home and back on track. Went to Curves last night, for the first time in a week. Curves is okay for now. As they gain members, they expand their hours, so the one by me now opens at 7AM and closes at 8PM. I think they're best for beginners, people who have issues about going to gyms, and women who really don't want to take advantage of all the features of full-service gym. If I'm still going regularly by the start of the summer, I'll switch back to a regular gym--I love the sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzi, etc, you can use at bigger facilities.

So far, so good today. Good luck to everyone on doing the best you can today. See you tomorrow!

judy

judydc: Wow, your weekend in the city sounds fun. Sigh, I miss the city. And all that walking definately counts! I think that if my car exploded tomorrow, I would be a skinny thing in a flash. Good for you for hitting the gym! I agree that Curves is great for getting into the gym habit. I myself find most gyms pretty intimidating. I just don't know the protocol.

Just wanted to say that I did my treadmill today, and I went longer and faster than every before! It was such a great feeling!

Hello Everyone,
I'm feeling much better today, despite this sore throat that I have. It's not to bad though. At least I don't feel tired and draggy. I usually feel that way when I have a sore throat. I have a 3 month check-up at the doctor's tomorrow. I'm thinking of calling and seeing if I can get in today. I really have no tolerance for not feeling well. I'm a very busy person (who isn't?) and I just don't have the time! lol

I'll go to the gym tonight and do my walk. Not sure if I"m going to try the weights. When I don't feel well, I"ll scale back my workout.

I had a realization last night. I was thinking about this 4 lbs I keep loosing and then gaining and I know why. See on Thursday's I weighin, so I allow myself to cheat a little that night. Well, this cheating as now expanded into Sunday and then I scramble the next few days to show a loss at my weigh-in. I've admitted it, recognized it and I'm not doing it anymore!!

Spores: I wish I were finished with finals! I hate going to class during winter quarter. The cold really gets to me. We have a two week break at the end of March and I'm marking off the days. You asked about the core training. I don't have a tape, I'm just looking through my past Shape and Fitness magazines and coming up with exercises to try.

Jodi, Holly, Judy, Girlie, Debbie...anyone else I might be forgetting: I'm sorry to not answer your post individually but I'm running late this morning. Please know that I'm inspired when I read your posts and I'm out here cheering your efforts.

Got to run ladies!

Susie

It has been busy. I am handling it with awareness. I think I can manage. I made a daycare schedule. It is a lot on paper too but it is manageable. I fed 8 kids lunch yesterday and then 2 went home, 3 napped and 3 played house. I had lunch and watched my soap and did some stretches. The big kids are in in school today. I will have 3 little guys.
I made chicken breast and a spinach salad for supper last night. Still have salad for lunch today. I went to the library.Got my angels ready for bed, ran the dishwasher, watched Idol.I shovelled the driveway for a hour, gathered garbage , did some yoga and came here to read. I had a sandwich before bed. I was a feeling hungry. I could have made a better choice.
TOPS tonight. Reading Club tomorrow night. Taking DD to the lake to my folks on Friday night for the weekend. DS is in a hockey tournament Sat and Sun.
Remember the horrible family I was sitting for this spring/summer....the boy was in DD's class.Some parents fought to have him removed. It was horrible for the boy. I advocated for him several times. It was a clear case of parent bullying. The kids blame him for things even on days he was home sick!!I love this kid. I feel so much compassion for him. HE is sensitive and so messed up. it is not his fault. I agonized over letting him go. He was doing really well here. I felt like I let him down. An innocent child. Anyhow. The principal did move him to another class but not because of his behaviour but to give the kid a fair shake because of the bullying from the other parents and kids. I am pretty worked up about it. I feel helpless.DS said the other day that everyone hates the boy but him and DD. sigh
His parents didn't even show up for meetings with the teacher...hello??? Now they cant understand what the big deal is. Arg.

I had a bagel with chicken and an orange for breaky. Spinach salad and ?? for lunch.Lots of water so far.

Susie~I did the same things ALL last year, up and down the same 5 lb. It was more how I was feeling inside than anything else. Once I got my head staraightened out it has been slow but it is coming off.
Judy~ that sounds like such a good time. All the walking has to count for something. Glad you are on track!!
Girlie~ I am so glad you are feeling more positive. I can hear it in your words!!!
Spores~MRI, Magazine to the presses, exams...... whoosh. HUGS!! Hang in till Monday and breathe. Woohoo on the treadmill.
Jodi??? What up??

Susie:
I totally know what you mean about the weigh in. That's what I used to do when I was at Weight Watchers...and it just became this very stressful issue to me. So now I weigh myself once a week typically, and sometimes I don't. But although I have bad days and some good, I try to stay consistent throughout the week with what I eat and balance out each day. The scrambling to see results a couple days before weigh in works...but after a while, gets stressful.

Spores:
Awesome on the treadmill! I stare at the treadmill...it's like this mysterious thing to me. I'm still intimidated by it. I have heard that it is much easier to walk at a faster pace if you push the incline up...I will try that. The incline button scares me, not to mention the treadmill as a whole! There is a woman at work who has lost around 115 pounds in the past couple years. She's around my size now, and she regularly runs on the treadmill...meaning around 5.0-5.5. I get scared around 4.0! She can run for 45 minutes. If she can do it, I know I can.

Judy:
Your trip to the city sounds great! I was born in Manhattan! I haven't been back since I was 7 years old. I'd love to get back sometime! I'll be in Chicago this weekend, hanging with my good friends. I like the way you are using Curves. If it will get you back into exercising and in a routine, that will be awesome. You will be back in the "gym gym" this summer!

I'm making a veggie curry tonite for my friend. Hope it turns out well! I've been VERY lazy this week. I haven't been to the gym since Sunday. Probably can't go tonite since I'm having my friend over, but I'm making it mandatory Thursday and Friday. Hopefully I'll get lots of walking done in Chicago on Saturday, and I will hit the gym Sunday when I get back.

Talk to you soon,

Girlie

hello everyone!
sounds like we are all doing well. it has been a good week, i have been paying attention to extra veggies and water. 3 good meals a day and nothing after 7. i exercised mon and tues took today off. TOM is back for a return visit this month grrrrr. sure does explain my moods recently though. i have a gyno appt next mon and am really stressed. otherwise doing well.

holly- sorry to hear about the little boy, good for you sticking up for him though. it is tough being a kid, when you have parents that don't care it is much worse. hope it all works out for him.

girlie- have a nice visit with your friend!

mychoice- hope you get better soon!! i am with you on the 5lb problem! we can do it! need to loose it once and for all!! don't push too much at the gym if you aren't up to it!

spores- yahoo for you with the treadmill!! hope your world calms a bit!! hang in there!!

judy- sounds like you had a nice visit to the city, good for you being on track!!

hope you all have a great night!!

Hi Ya Ladies........

It's me anne, I'm back, Holly you sound marvelous! Susie hope you are feeling better. Hello Jodie and Girlie and everyone else I have not met yet.

My new job is going great and I love it. The pay and bennies are awesome. I am happy!

eh, the weight issue, um, well, I gained back to 264 but now down to 252, and moving in the right direction now. I really missed posting here and chatting with you all. I hope to get on here a few times a week. I don't have internet at home, so I have to access here at work before or after hours.

Holly, I got the WATP's CD over the weekend and started it Tuesday night. I really like it. I started taking the three flights of stairs to my office at least 3 times a day. Yes, huffing and puffing when I sit down, but that too will get better.

Glad to be back, hope its ok with you all.

Have a wonderful day.

Anne

Annie!!!! HI!!!!!

I am not sounding as great today, LOL!
This is how the morning went....it is on an upward trend right now!!
I Just sat and closed my eyes and did some yoga breathing. This is why..........I am procrastinating a bit,better get a move on. I'll continue once the lad is on the bus!
Lunches made. 4 toddlers toddling. DS is tied to a chair( kidding),super spazzy today.Whoosh! 20 min til the bus. Double whoosh!
DH is MISERABLE. His boss finally pushed him to the limit. I have been telling him for 2 months to look for another job.This guy is a knob and is disrespetful, messes up the pay.........
DH has this rule that he doesn't "quit" jobs. When the builder has no more work he moves on. He should have quit and saved us the grief. Of course, his "rules" and "stick in the mud-edness" is what makes him a good provider, husband , father....... Anyhow, he called at lunch yesterday asking me for #'s for other contacts. I went on the web and found a few leads for him last night. He was beyond grumpy, had too many beers, he was edgy this morning. ACK! Thank god I am in a good place and I can handle it for now. My limit is a few days,though. It is hard on the kids . I have explained the mood but they want happy daddy back. Can 44 year old stick in mud learn not to project his issues on others??? This would be the biggest challenge of our relationship. His head is sooo far up his *** with this that he honestly cant see it clearly. It rears its ugly head a few times a year. I must admit I hate it. It is very child-like. I use the same language and tricks with DS and DH. Bah!

I am busier with work. I am more tired out. I eat more. Gotta be aware and make better choices. I crave carbs. I did yoga twice yesterday to stretch and centre myself.
TOPs was good. my weight was the same! I have been munching at night too often. I will see a loss when I stop it!

I haven't said lately how much I appreciate all of you here!! Thanks for being your wonderful selves!!

Hi, all--

I was a little disappointed to see so much snow again today--I am more than ready for spring weather! It's a veritable winter wonderland out there today, most schools didn't open and the federal government shut down early.

I'm feeling pretty good. My food choices have been good, although not perfect. One of my co-workers (the skinny food pusher) brought in some chips from Chipolte, and found myself digging in without noticing. When I groaned and said, "I'm not supposed to be eating these," she said, cheerfully, "but they're so good!" Well, yeah...I read the posts from the woman who's gone down from 280 to a size 14 in less than a year. It reinforced to me that I must bump up my exercising. I live in an apartment building with a workout room. I don't like it much--too many mirrors, and not very charming--but I need to start visiting it, at least until the weather warms up and I can do my long walks.

Spores: Way to go on the treadmill! I used to worry about the protocol at gyms, too. But you know what? You pay good money to be there, just ask the staff or somebody whenever you have a question. This is how gyms make their money, people sign up and then are too lazy or intimidated to show up. The few times I've picked up some attitude from somebody, I remind myself that I'm not in junior high school any more, and stare 'em down or speak up. Hmmmph!

Holly: you must have a lot of patience to work with kids! I love other people's kids, as long as they go home after an hour or so :lol: Hope your hubby's situation gets better soon.

Girlie: I worked in Manhattan and lived in Brooklyn for nine years, and although I've been gone for three years, there are lots of things I actively miss anout New York. And a few things I don't, like the dirt and the sheer volume of people sometime. But I love the energy, there's no place like it!

Have a great evening, ladies! Make good choices!

judy

This is how the afternoon went.....So, I did the job search thing for DH and there is a great opportunity. He has been looking for a change for a year now. Applied for a few things,no dice. He is very skilled in a few trades.He is a monumentally hard worker. He has got to move and work with his hands. He is the WORST communicator on the planet. He has a warped sense of humour that cracks me a few others up but annoys the heck out of many.
Anyhow ,the position is for a fulltime ,with benefits, custodian/maintenance guy for a big , busy United Church in London. We are members of our local United Church. He would work on his own, not have to communicate with too many people. I am assuming church staff are better employers than pigheaded constructions workers.I dont he would be told to go F*** himself.
I emailed his resume.
So now I am pacing all through the house. I want this so badly for him. Inside work after 25 years of working outdoors in all weather, year round, way less demanding physically. It would be good for his soul. Benefits!!! Salary. He is a true hearted Christian. I feel sick with hoping!!!\
Need positive energy, hopes, wishes, fingers,toes and boobies crossed. Pleeeease!!

Judy~ YIKES skinny food pushers!! Glad you are doing well with food.Ignore the dreary workout room!! I moved from a city of 350,000 to Hamlet of 150. I must say I love. Did the city thing for 34 years.Good luck!

Jody~ you are sounding much better. What's up with the gyno?? Good thoughts coming at you!!

Girlie~ How was your visit?? How was the veggie curry??

Anne~ happy to see you back!! Glad the job is going well!!!! Good for you for getting on track and losing 12 lbs already!!!!! Keep on posting!!!

hello everyone,
i finally peeked up my head and tomorrow is friday!! THANK GOODNESS!!! i love these weeks that fly by! i have done well all week with food and extra walking. felling good about it even if the scale is not cooperating. looking forward and trying my hardest to not let myself get discouraged. gave myself a pep talk at work :-)

holly- i've got it all crossed for you!! good luck with the job hunt for DH a change might do him good! the gyno is because i have been having some problems, extra periods, pain etc. my reg dr. can't seem to pinpoint the problem so he suggested i see the gyno. i am sure it is nothing but worried none the less.

judy- good for you deciding to use the gym! be strong! i bet the chips were really good though!! i'm with you sick of the snow already! i hope spring is on the way soon!!

annie- so glad to see you!! great job on the loss so far!!! steps are great! keep up the good choices!!

hello to everone else!! hope you all have a wonderful evening!!

Hello I am 3 216 down 10.5 about 5 weeks slowely`but surly in our town we started a little group 4 people for suppor I think that is really important

sorry about that 53

Hello,
It's been a struggle for me this week. I had that stomach virus and then a headcold started. I'm coughing and coughing. I don't feel bad except for the cough. I saw my doctor yesterday; it was time for my 3 month blood draw for my thyroid. Anyway, she checked out the cough for me. She said my lungs sounded clear. She gave me some antibodicts to take if I start to feel worse. I'm trying to do without them. I had just finished a round of them for a bladder infection. I don't want to take them to often. At least with all this coughing I can tell I'm working those stomach muscles!

I had a good weigh-in last night. Down 1.50 lbs. I'm still in that range of lbs that I've been playing around with since the first of the year. My goal this week is to lose 1.50 lbs again. That way I will be under 240 and I'll be in a new set of numbers. My TOPS club has a workshop to attend on Saturday, March 5, and I want to go to that workshop weighing in the 230's. So that's my focus this week. Can you all help me keep it in mind?

Holly:I've got my fingers crossed on that job for DH. I'm happy for you that you stayed the same at the weigh-in. You sound like you know why the scales didn't move...so I'm sure you will change it and get them going in the downward direction.

Girlie: How did the interview go?

Spores: Judy gave you some great advice on the protocol at the gym. I used to be a little intimadated myself, but not anymore. Lifting weights gives a person attitude! lol

Jodi: I'm so glad it's Friday too! I hope the visit with the gyno goes well. I've had a lot of female problems, so if something comes up and you want to talk about it, feel free to pm me or mention it here. I've been through it all when it comes to the gyno thing.

Well, I must get to work. Just wanted to check-in.
I WILL TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY!

Susie

djcbt~ WELCOME!!! Support has been key for me. I go to TOPS In the town where I live and the support here is beyond phenominal!! Keep posting.

Gosh Susie~ you have really had a bout of illness. My head is full today. Dasn kids! You will be in the 230's for Mar 5, you will be in the 230's for Mar 5 ,You WILL!!! Congrats on the loss!

Jodi~ I am looking forward to tommorrow( weekend) too!! I am tired out this week. I am planning on sleeping as long as I want to!! I will skip DS's moring game and stay home and putter. I will go to the afternoon games Sat and Sun.Wishing you a peaceful weekend.

I made spaghetti with WW pasta and sauce with ground turkey,lots of fresh veg and my own canned tomato sauce and roasted tomatoes and garlic. MMMMM!
We had our Book Club meeting lasat night. the book was Fall On Your Knees by Anne Marie MacDonald. The night was WONDERFUL. There were 8 of us( 2 men) the discussion was intelligent and varied and flowed for 2 hours. The "host" made a recipe from the book to try. It felt very good to be a part of it!
I am the next host. The book is The Life Of PI by Yann Martel.Mar 17.
My kids were over tired and crying this morning. I felt like joining them.
The house in monumentally untidy.The toddlers do it and I have been out 2 nights in a row.
ER was awesome last night.
I took the 4 toddlers to Early Years play group and then picked up some whole chickens on for $1 a lb!!!!!!!!!
I am having left over spaghetti for lunch.
I am super tired and a little congested. I will nap at 1 when these kids go far a nap a listen to All My Children. LOL.
Roast chickie for dinner. Take DD to the lake. Stay for a hottub and home to bed, jiggidy jig.

Have a groovy weekend dear Chicks!!!!

Hey there Everyone!!

I started a post and personalized then got zapped. So this is just going to be a general post. Altho Holly, I do have everything crossed for DH getting the new job. Prayers too!! and Susie, please get to feeling better...you sound like you have been thru the sick mill.

I have been doing pretty well with staying OP, excluding this morning, when I broke down and had a donut. Could of kicked myself in the heiny. Wasn't even that good, cept the carmel and nuts on top. LOL

I think I will check into the TOPS program in my area to see if timing would work for me. I need some physical support with this weight loss, someone to be accountable to. I love the WATP CD, finding the time is another thing. I am still working at Kohl's part time, plus my full time job. The extra 100-140 a week can make the difference.

Everyone have a marvelous weekend, and hope to chat next week.

Keep the spirits up!

Annie

Annie~ 2 days ina row woohoooo!! Lol! Happy yo see you!! There is something about going and standing on a scale in front of someone that motivates.Time to exercise is an issue for me too.

Dh is out getting his pay and meeting a new builder. The critters and I are alone. I just laid on the floor with eyes closed, listened to All My Children and did some stretches. Gave the kitty a good brushing. He was my first baby. A gorgeous long haired silver tabby with a snow white mane and tummy. He will be 16 next week. MEOW!!
I keep thinking I want to paint my livingroom a lemon lime green. The previous owners put a deep mauve carpet in the room to sell the house, weird. So I painted the walls the same colour.It has been 5 years with 2 -8 kids all day every day. It is sticky, dinged up and feeling tired. I just recovered the cushions of a golden maplewood sofa and chair with caramel oelifin. So can I have green walls, purple rug and caramel furnitue??? hmmmm. It is big and bright. The toyroom and bathroom are a dijon mustard yellow, the diningroom is pumpkin orange with a burnt orange wash and the kitchen is navy and cherry wood. I am feeling very green.Is green a mood?

Some have asked… I read Fall on Your Knees by Anne Marie MacDonald for the book club. It is a first novel, published in 1996. It takes palce at the turn of the last century in Cape Breton Island , Canada and New York City.It is a epic that follows the lives of a family and some towns folk. It covers a lot of social and racial issues of the times, there is incest, abuse.....It is written in a intriguing style that keeps you thinking all the time.It is a big read with lots of twists and turns. It is a dark story but one with moments of humour, joy and I felt hope at the end. The human journey.
Her newest novel is loosely based on a true story in a small town about 15 min from where we live. I will read that too.

I am enjoying the quiet right now. I am doing DD’s laundry for her weekend away.
We will have my fav meal with roasted carrots, celery, onion and potato for DH. Got some more ww pasta for a buck a box too.

I had a nice visit with some Moms at the play group. We are going a a field trip on Wed to the sugar bush. I LOVE that.

I didn’t snack last night and I have eaten OP today!
I am chatty today!

Have a nice weekend.

Wow, am I looking forward to going home this evening! This has been a long week for me. But I'm picking up a little momentum again, and have been more focused on my plan than I have been in weeks. It shows--I finally got back down to where I was a few weeks ago, and have even lost a little more, yaay!

Jodi--congrats on kickin' butt this week! :bravo: If you keep putting weeks like this together, pretty soon you'll have a great year before you know it.

Susie--Good work on losing despite feeling so crummy! When I'm sick I just want to lay around and eat macaroni and cheese and ice cream! We're right around the same weight. I hope to join you next week in 230s, but don't wait up for me ;)

Holly--I love reading your posts. You make me feel so lazy.

Annie, Anne, Spores, Girlie, djcbt, everybody--have a wonderful weekend! Keep losing!

Hi all. Last two days have been insane. Things still crazy, but I wanted to check in. Anne, nice to meet you; glad you're here! Djcbt, welcome, hop on in! Holly, thinking good thoughts for you and your fam and DH; good luck with job and all. Mychoice, you changed your avatar! Hope you're better soon; sending feel-good thoughts. Judy&Mychoice, thanks for the gym encouragement. Any gym ettiquette tips I should know about before plunging in? Something about towels? Everybody else/anyone I missed, hope you're well and having great weeks. Hope everyone's weekend starts out wonderfully!

Just a few days of insanity left ebfore a brief breather. My last day with the high school kids was good -- they were very sweet. A few told me it was the best class they'd ever had, made me feel nice. One girl, who has had many troubles at home, gave me the sweetest card saying how I had touched her life. Sniff, sniff. I got so choked up. Meant a lot to me. So now I am buried under grading, since their final grades are due on Monday morning, and I have about 350 pages of essays to grade by then. Plus my magazine and other work and general life stuff. But despite it all, I've had a decent week. Was great on food and exercise until today. Was sad/overwhelmed/etc and skipped treadmill, ate fast food. Planning to get back ont eh horse tomorrow; maybe walking will be my relaxing break from grading. This is the true test for me: I can manage to do all right when things are normal and hunkey-dory, but when there's too much to do and I'm stressed and sad, that's when everything falls apart and I just eat and eat and eat. So that's my challenge this weekend: keep the eating under control, get at least a bit of exercise in, and don't let the avalanche bury me.

I hope to check in over the next few days; you guys keep me motivated!