Quick like a bunny--

Annie--yaay for your loss so far, and for not letting a little rain stop you from moving!

Girlie--Good luck with your road trip. I laughed to see that you have a workout drawer, I do, too. I keep my walking socks and presentable tee shirts and workout pants there, so all I have to do in reach in and grab something.

Spores--I love Chipotle! I usually bring my lunch, but on days I have to grab fast food, that's always my first choice. The bowls aren't too bad, and you can tell them not to include rice, cheese, beans or whatever loads it up too much for you. I ask for extra lettuce and salsa, and it's just like a yummy spicy salad.

Debbie--I hope you're feeling better. Take it easy this evening, and tell your hubby that he has to be extra nice to you, since if he hadn't forgotten his phone, this would have never happened!

Susie--good luck with your weigh-in. And congratulations on re-orienting your sense of an appropriate order of french fries. I saw an exhibit of what a typical McDonald's lunch was when I was a kid, and it looks embarrassingly small, not even counting super-sizing....

Holly--I thought that you were supposed to send pinecones to the dry cleaners! In these days of PlayStation and whatnot, it's nice to know that kids still are fascinated by stuff youca find in the back yard.

Something good that happened today? Well, the nutritionist was happy with my weight this morning. I'll do my official weigh-in this weekend, and I'll be about to nudge the ticker a bit more.

Be well, everybody--judy

Girlie~ Our summers here are around 75-90F, very humid, usually from mid July to Sept.

Susie! compliments work!!! Very nice. How did the weigh in go?

Judy~ Happy works too!!!

Quick checkin for me. I'm determinded to leave my desk tonight caught up.

I had one of those nights at the scales that didn't make sense. I was up 2lbs. Have no idea why? I didn't feel up..I worked out..ate well...who knows.

Those gains are hard to take, but I've got to just move on and hopefully it will all show up next week.

Have a great day gals!
Susie

Hi all. Quick check in. Well, I had a rotten couple of days, plan-wise. Wednesday I was too wired before and after the performance to exercise, and I was so relieved that it went well that I overate at dinner. New Cajun resturant in town...darn that fried fish. And yesterday just sucked. I overslept, felt bad about myself for oversleeping, so then I went back to bed and felt even worse! What twisted webs our minds weave. So I just wrote off the day and did no exercise and ate poorly. I am not so good at bouncing back from things.

But today has been okay. I had another interview for the job and it went really well. I have not been exactly on plan, but have not been pigging out either. So my plan is to spend some time tomorrow with my meal plans and get myself re-motivated and re-committed. Acknowledge my successes, look at the failures, and move on.

Personals later. Off to a meeting. Have a great Friday night, everyone!

hello everyone!
sorry the whole week slipped by and i didn't get to post, i have been thinking about you all though! i had a good week, no binges or stupid eating. all healthy stuff i planned in advance. i even went to a stressfilled meeting for work on thurs (yes they had donuts there) i am happy to report i didn't have any. i choes wendy's for lunch after too, small chili and side salad with ff dressing. i have my WW meeting tomorrow and i am feeling like i lost so we'll see. it is suppose to be a beautiful weekend so i am hoping to get out in my flower beds and clean away the winter mess. it is youngestDS's birthday snday so we're going out ot celebrate tomorrow. dinner and the activity of his choice, should be interesting. sorry no time for personals but i will make time this weekend. glad to see everyone!!

Lots of quickies today.
Happy to see you Miss Jodi! I was gonna send out a search party!

I am pooped and happy!

Hi! I have struggled mightily this week with emotional eating, and so far I have emerged victorious :cb: I really felt the pull of rich, greasy food yesterday, but I literally walked away from the urges. I think my work life will be crazy-making until I get another job, so I have to bear down, practice centering myself (and holding my tongue :mad: ) and remember that I have three-year goal that's more important than immediate satisfaction. I took two cooling-off walks yesterday, and am actually pretty proud of myself for not going out and gorging because I "deserved" it.

Spores--I hope that you are bouncing a little higher this weekend! Remember the 80-20 rule.... :smug:

Jodi, congratulations on a good week! How old is the birthday boy?

Susie--the scales, they are evil creatures! I've read that what matters most is the average from day to day and week to week, because there are way too many things going on in our bodies for the numbers to mean very much. I always bloat up just before TOM. Recently I fell in love with Savvy Faire frozen dinners (expensive, so I stock up when they're buy-one-get-one-free). Then I noticed how high the salt content is, which I'm sure has been one of the things keeping me from losing faster. I weigh myself at the same time every morning, but I've noticed that if I do it twice in the morning, sometime my weight will 'go up' a pound or two....so I try not to let the numbers determine how I feel I'm doing. They lie! :lol:

Holly, I hope you are getting some rest this weekend. And everyone else, too! :wave:

hello everyone!
it was a good day, i went to my WW meeting and was down 4.6! i really put a lot of effort into it this week so i was very proud of the loss. the best part is it didn't kill me, i wasn't deprived, i ate normal stuff and healthy portions. i was calm all week and relaxed about it. i am praying this stays with me for a while, i feel good!

well the birthday boy picked dinner (chinese buffett) i did really well only one dish a little of each of my faves. i had some left over flex points to use, and a movie the pacifier with vin deisel (totally hot!!). dorky but kind of cute. tomorrow my youngest baby turns 10!! i don't know where the time went! that sounds kind of sappy i know. tomorrow will be cake and presents day. i am totally prepared for the cake, i bought an angel food cake, fresh strawberries ad ff whip cream and i will also have a small traditional cake. this way i don't have to pass on dessert.

i spring cleaned the dining room last night, scrubbed carpet and all it looks nice and fresh again. on to another room in the morning. also bound and determined to get outside!! not much else going on here really.

judy- good for you taking the walks! emotional eating is a big thing with me too. it is good to feel in control enough to find something else to do whenever possible! keep up the great work!

hi holly! i missed you guys but the week just sped by! hope everything is going well!

all you other chicks enjoy the weekend!!

Hi, new to thread, and trying to get into a group to stay somewhat accountable to. I am a 38 year old mom to a 13 yr. old son, and a 18 year wife. I teach special ed, and it is quite stressful. My journey has been a TON of things, phen/fen, WW, Jenny Craig, fad diets, and now am going the route of a dietician, and a behavior science group that is an 8 week course, that will be ending in 2 weeks. I am going to try and "plug in" so I can get used to this instead of the group. I will try to contribute some things I have learned, but I am learning alot too. Just a note to drop in and introduce myself. I have enjoyed reading most posts, and I am sure I will feel right at home soon. Thanks for having this group.

Siouxchef~ welcome!! Jump right in!!
Judy~congrats on your victory!! You are doing so well!!
Jodi~woooohoooooooo, you too!!!!!!!!

The cherry in my fruit salad!
The basement floor has one coat of paint. It is red. Like a big cherry. Mom and Dad went out for a drive yesterday and stopped in to see it. My Dad went to TO for a meeting a few weeks ago and came home with a Cadilac. Brand new. Apparently retirement agrees with him. He has lost 20 lbs too, working out and playing golf. Since I am made just like him, I figure when I retire( what is that) I will have no trouble losing weight. LOL!
Went to the first bonfire of the season last night.
I was super tired. I had cleaned in the AM and painted all aft, made pizza, gave the kids haircuts&baths and then baked a cake and made coleslaw. We got a call at 8 that friends in town were having a fire. I went down at 10. I had 1 cocktail. It was nice to go. I pushed myself to do it because the “friend” that has been stirring up trouble at the school was there. I do really enjoy her company.DH and I decided we can still have a social relationship and keep it just at that.The rest of the group are so wonderful. It is interesting to see her in a different light. I hear /see things differently.Maybe more clearly.
I am teaching SS this morning. We are having a christening so I will have 7 extra kids.
We go up to Clinton this aft for easter dinner with DH’s fam.
Tonight I RELAX!!!! This week is looking less busy so far.
DH did a bunch of yard work yesterday. Kids were outside ALL day!! Very nice.

I stepped on the scale for the first time in a couple of weeks. it does look like I am up 2 lbs. I need to focus. I have been eating lots of carbs.Mostly bready stuff.

Off to face the day!!!


Edit This Entry

good morning chicks!
i slept in a little for a change, tons of laundry to get done etc, typical sunday. DS (birthday boy) is awake, excited for his celebration today. the rest of the house is asleep, we are being quiet. the sun is shining it will be a good day.

holly- the bonfire sounds fun! glad you got out last night. have fun with easter #2 at the inlaws.

siouxchef- welcome! there is a lot of support here! check in often. i also have a 13yo son, difficult age for them. i'm really interested in hearing about the behavior science group. i am currently doing WW (for the past 5 weeks) before that, you name it i tried it. it is all slow going but whatever works. we all follow different plans on this thread. looking forward to getting to know you!
happy sunday everyone!

thanks Jodi, and Hollyhock, I am home from a nephews birthday.... Yikes all that food, and desserts, and WINE. Horrible temptations at every turn. Didn't turn down the wine, and decided I was going to pass on all desserts, and eat selectively at the meal. Did well. Really should have passed on the 3rd glass of wine, but decided that I walked extra on my treadmill this morning to prepare for the day, so I figured, either the dessert or the wine. Picked the wine. We will see if it was the best choice at the weigh in. YIKES.
Yes, 13 is a rough age for boys. But I am thrilled at the kid he is. And grateful for it.
I am really enjoying the BS class and all that there is to learn about it. It defiantely has kept me more of a "mindful eater" than normal, so that is a positive. It is the same class that is being ran through the Tufts University program for all gastric bypass, and Lapbands. I am taking it for credit for my degree, but also as a patient. So, from a patient stand point, it is very thought provoking, as a student, I find that the patient in me is showing up in my papers, and in my research as well. I am hoping at the end of the class I will be wiser, and more determined to do what is best for me on all levels, emotionally, physically, nutritionally ect.
The day was a good one on all levels, spent some good time with nephew whom I adore, and just relaxed and took in the moment. On a sad note, Hit a deer on the way home. Big bummer. Didn't kill it, just rung its bell, but did some damage to my car. Thank God I sleep with the bodyman, who by the way is my hubby. So not all is lost.
Wishing you a happy week starting, and a sucessful one, on whatever level sucess is for you.
Sandi

Hello,
How was everyone's weekend? Mine was jam packed but I did some fun things. I went for my massage, it was so nice! and I swear that I keep feeling better and better each day.

My nephews Confirmation was yesterday. I'm not Catholic but I always enjoy those things and the Bishops message to them was very inspiring.

My YMCA is starting a new 6 weeks challenge. We have weigh-in tonight and take our measurments and body fat. There will be weekly weigh-ins and we have to turn in weekly food and exercise journals. There are some nice prizes to win and I'm excited about it.

I must get to work, but I wanted to start the day off right by getting here and checking in.

I also want to WELCOME Sandi..it's nice to have you here with us.

I hope to be able to do personals at lunch today. It's good to see everyone here and posting.

Susie

Happy Glorious Monday!!

Hope everyone is having good start to a new week!

Congrats to all the losers (weight), and Susie, stick with it, weight fluctuates so much for unknown reasons, this week will be a great.

Welcome to Souixchef, this is a great place for support.

My weekend was simply wonderful..didn't work at Kohl's this past weekend, first one in six months. I had the entire weekend to do as I please. Friday and Saturday's eating completely stunk, so I evaluated what had gone wrong and got back on the truck yesterday and did marvelous.

Saturday, my son and I cleaned out the garage. Got a truckload of junk and took it to Goodwill. Getting the garage cleaned out was a major task and a thorn in my side. What a relief. Got lots done around the house. Even washed my truck and cleaned the inside out, vacuumed, did the glass, it was so nice to drive to work in cleanliness. Took the dog for a long walk, she was completely tuckered out and slept like a log next to me all night long to the point if I moved, she growled. Too funny!! A friend of mine call yesterday and wanted to know if I wanted to go on a motorcyle ride, weeehaaaaaaa, I went. I love to ride. Both kids were home by 9 last night, and all was peaceful.

Its good to have this happy feeling inside, more than not. I have been reading Joel Osteen's book "Your Best Life Now". I watch him regularly and love to listen to him. He seems to hit home in my life on most occasions. Makes me think more positively about things. One thing he says quite often, is expect the favor or God. I believe that.

Anyway, have a warm, wonderful day today.

Annie

morning everyone!

my left shoulder blade is killing me this morning..i have a habit of sleeping with my arms all twisted..ai ai ai

anyway happy to say i am down a pound!!!!!! almost back to 225 where i was when i first joined this group a couple months back...have a healthy day!! woohoo

Good morning, everyone!

I had a great time this weekend! I was thinking about all of you so much...I have to say. Foodwise...not that great, but not as bad as it could have been. The way down wasn't too bad because I fell asleep and woke up six hours later in Tennessee! We met DH's friends for breakfast at a buffet, and I had little eggs and little carbs and added fruit instead of biscuits and things. And that night, we ate at a great little seafood place and I had fried catfish...better than the BBQ ribs that I wanted. Saturday was tough because I was on my own in the hotel, but I made good decisions. I also went out and walked for over an hour. On my way back, I realized the county library was right up the street and I was so excited because I wanted to post here, but the library closed in 5minutes! So I headed back to the hotel, had a nice shower and was going to order something from Pizza hut because there wasn't anything around and I had no car. I opened the mini fridge in the hotel - Dh had come in very early that morning while I was asleep and he said hello and I knew he brought me some milk and things, but didn't know he got healthy choice meals for me!!! I was so excited that I didn't have to order out and had healthy foods to eat! He's so sweet.

That night we ate in town at a place called the Worleybird Cafe - so awesome - it's dedicated to a country singer named Darryl Worley who sang some sort of 9-11 song I think...not a big fan of country but the cafe was awesome, and the people were great, and the grilled pork tenderloins and veggies and baked potato were awesome...

The drive back home wasn't so awesome. It took us 9 long hours to get home, and I did a bad job eating. We nibbled on candy and cookies to stay awake...I didn't do well. But I'm glad I got exercise in yesterday and a bit of a tan. I did much better than I thought I'd do all weekend, especially in the hotel and I was thinking of you guys!

Welcome to Sioux!

Jodi, you had an awesome loss!

Spores - I'm with ya on the fried fish...the catfish I had was awesome. At least it was lightly coated with cornmeal...and not greasy. Better than many other choices!

Hello to Holly, Judy, Susie, Chocolate and Anne. Let's make this week a very great week.

Sorry to blab so much! Back to work for me!

Girlie

Hi everybody. Sounds like everyone's doing so well. Glad to hear so much positivity!

My weekend wasn't so great, eating-wise. Ate out Friday, then Saturday we had a blizzard (no fair, it was 75 on Friday and now I am sitting in a foot of snow!), and I felt all hunkered down, so I just kept eating.

I'm hoping to get back on rack this week. BF is going out of town tomorrow, and I stress and worry too much when he travels. My hope is to keep myself busy with exercise and cleaning so that I don't mope and eat too much in reaction.

I'm feeling rather out of it today. Need to wake up and get motivated. I didn't weight this week for fear of a gain, so I'm needing a kick in the pants to get myself going so I won't be afraid of the scale at the end of the week!

Hi to all. Thinking of you.

PS: Welcome to Sandi! Glad to have you!

Success!!!
 

Hello to you all!! I suddenly got a job and I haven't made it to a computer for a while!! This is the last week of my job. It was supposed to last 2-3 weeks but it is lasting four. I had a dental appt this morning and some things to return to the library so I thought I would pop in and say hello! Maybe next week I'll be able to read some of what's going on right now! I made it to my 5K on saturday! I was so happy about that. I finished it. I came in last but that was ok. My goal was to finish. I think my finish time was 48min 54 sec. But they haven't posted anything yet on the website for me to verify that time! I was at 222 lbs. for the race. My job has been to help a business prepare for an audit. It was a little exciting and stressful at first and I didn't watch closely what I was eating. I'm back on track now though. And completing the 5K is even greater motivation. I hope you all are doing well!! I will check in again a bit sooner!!

Stephanie
234/222/125

Stephanie -
The time for the 5K is GREAT! And congrats on finishing it - what a great accomplishment!

Girlie

Busy little bees today!!!

I ate a large amount of really good food and dessert yesterday.
I have been mindlessly eating a bazillion breads every day. So that is my goal. To eat mindfully and cut back the breads and sweets.
So far so good today!!! I am happy to say.

Hugs to all.

hello everyone,
glad to see we all have lots to say! it must be spring we all have a little more excitement in our typing! i had a nice weekend. DS's birthday was good. he was very excited to turn 10. i got lots done in the house spring cleaning, walls, carpets, curtains. worked out in the yard too raking leaves, pulling weeds. food was good and portions were great. still feeling very positive (fingers crossed that it lasts a while)

spores- i know how you feel, when DH goes out of town for work i am a mess. do the best you can! gentle kick in the tush to get you going girl!!

holly- i love the bread too, and cookies and cake. good luck cutting back!! you know i made a great cake yesterday, you mix a regular cake mix with a can of diet soda and bake, it was delish! and not to bad in cals as far as desserts go. i topped it with ff whip cream mixed with sf ff pudding. it totally satisfied my sweet craving. good luck!

annie- you sound so positive! good for you! sounds like the weekend break from work was good for you!

mychoice- how exciting!! good luck at the Y challenge! what a big motivator that will be!

stephanie- good to see you pop in! congrats on finishing the race!! wooohooo for you girl!!! that is a great time!!

girlie- thank you! sounds like you had a great trip! good job on making better choices!

siouxchef- sorry to hear about the deer and your car! the class sounds very interesting. being more mindful is really important, although i don't always make the best choices, i do mull it all over before hand.

chocolatecatz good job!!
to anyone else i missed hello!

Hi Girlies,
Thanks for the warm welcome. I love the posts, and it is as if we are all just chatting away on the party line. LOL
Day started out good, with the exception of rain, it blew my plan to walk to school everyday this week, so that was a slow start. Instead, Me and 18 kindergarteners took laps in the gym after lunch for 25 minutes, and let me tell you that was a workout in itself. LOVED every minute of it.
I weigh in tommorrow, will be curious how I did. I don't own a scale at home, so I never know if I am up or down. I really need to invest in one. I just HATE them so much.
Girlie--I can tell my classes are paying off, I seen in your post that you said you did a BAD thing with the cookies and candy to stay awake. That would be called a Negative Consequence. That I even identified it is making me scared. LOL. Really what you did is something we all have done, now you know a weakness, or a trigger for you, and next time you can plan, or figure out a way to overcome it. Turn the negative into a positive. I often think when I see all these skinny people if they are constantly thinking like we are about every morsel that goes in our mouths. Is there ever going to be a time when we are like them, and don't even think about it?
That is my question of the day. Looking for an answer.
Happy Tuesday tommorrow, Rain, Rain go away.
Sandi

Hello,
I weighed in last night for the YMCA 6-week fitness challenge, their scales are right in line with the TOPS scales. I think it will be a good challenge for me to be in because with knowing I have to weighin on Monday and Thursday's there's not a lot of time to cheat in between. Also, for the Y challenge I have to turn in a weekly food diary and exercise log. They have a lot of cool prizes up for grap and I hope to win one. They also took our measurements and caculated our body fat, and that will be recorded at the end of the challenge as well. I'm pretty excited about it, can you tell?

I've been making time to journal again. I feel so much more balanced when I do that.

Holly: How are you doing with cutting out the breads and sweets..it can take a few days to come of that sugar, but I know you can do it.

Girlie: Don't despair over the candy on the trip back..just pick up and go on. How sweet that DH made sure you had good choices.

Stephanie: You did great at the 5k..don't you just amaze yourself when you can do things like that? I know I always feel so powerful. That's what I like about working out..makes me feel confident.

Jodi: I need to get busy with Spring cleaning...it makes you feel good doesn't it?

Annie: Nice to know you had a break over the weekend.

Spores: Did BF leave yet? Instead of thinking about how you hate being there without him, why not use that time for yourself? I remember you posting that you feel selfconcious exercising in front of him...well, he's gone for a while..so now you can exercise with freedom...go to it girl!

Sandi: Nice to hear you got in some exercise, and it's great that you participated with the little ones..they need to exercise too.
You asked a very good question: I often think when I see all these skinny people if they are constantly thinking like we are about every morsel that goes in our mouths. Is there ever going to be a time when we are like them, and don't even think about it? My thought on that is no. We might be thin, but we aren't typically thin. Typically thin people plan a day of shopping and they never think to plan what they are having for lunch. Think about it...when I go shopping with a group of gals, I'm thinking about where we are going to have lunch..it's a big deal..not just the food, but the atmosphere of the place that we might be going..the sight, the smells. I think we can learn to control our desire to eat more than our bodies can process, but it's something that we will think about each time..we made it our lifestyle therefore we can do it, but it's not our typical lifestyle. That's ok with me. I know thin people who aren't healthy and I want that as much as being thin, so I'll also be thinking about what I'm eating.

Time for me to get to work ladies. Have a good day..stay on plan, move your body a little, smile and think about how nice it is that you are taking care of yourself.

Girlie~your trip sounds PERFECT!!!!!!
Spores~ I eat better when I am alone.Which never happens, of course.
Hope you are not worrying too much and all is well!
Steph~ you rock!!!!! A great accomplishment!!!!
Sandi~Happy to see you posting!! Are you a Teacher? I babysit 6+ my 2. My son is 6, DD is 4.I volunteer in their classes too. I LOVE it!!!
Annie~ your weekend sounds WONDERFUL!!!!! How's the week going?
Chocolate~ how's the shoulder? I do that too. I fall alseep reading, all twisted up! I recommend yoga!
Jodster~ I always pop in before bed to see you cause I know you post in the evening! Makes me smile. Nice way to end the day!!! Glad the litle man had a good day!!!
Susie~ you will do great wiht all the accountability.
I did great yesterday with the carb control. Day 2 today!

I need to get a life!!
I moved a round table that my cousin( deceased) built out onto the deck. Everything he made was SOLID and huge.I have several pieces. This one has never had a home. So, I was looking in flyer for a round table and 2 chairs. Well, they are all about $200. So I look at this table and go, hmmmmmmmmm. It looks great. It has a dark walnut finish. So then, I have these 2 old lattice back plastic lawn chairs. Very stained and ugly. I pick up that bonding spray paint for plastic. I paint the chairs( in walnut of course). It works beautifully. I am just tickled. So now I have a little seating nook on my deck that only cost $14. I am beyond excited.
Once the chairs dry I will be able to go out and have my morning coffee on the deck, and lunch, and sit and read...........
I just astound myself( and DH) with my cleverness, ROFL!!!!!!!!!I did FANTASTIC with food yesterday.
I was a completly exhausted by 4pm. Made it through supper, took DD to dance. I popped over to the bank and started back, except I just kept on going towards home. Opps. Forgot about DD. Mosied back to get her.
When I got home all their voices started to sound lke the parents on Charlie Brown. I went to bed, slept for an hour, got up did dishes, laid on the couch watched 24, went to bed and slept from 10 til 7 this am. Whew! I needed that. No meeting this week! I go to do grandma's hair tonight.it will be nice to get out by myself.
5 kids today. 2 are not coming cause they are sick. Beautiful morning so far.
Aiming for good food intake, low amounts of bread, again today!!!!!

I miss commenting here. Hugs to you wonderful gals!!!

Good Morning Ladies!

Holly:
Forgot about DD LOL! You must have been tired. You do so much in a day!

Susie & Sandi:
I often wonder about the question of whether thin women think that way. I look at thin women and what they eat and get critical. Either they pig out and I roll my eyes, or they get a salad and I roll my eyes. LOL. I'm usually the "fat" one eating something healthier. Oh well. I think to be honest, people who have weight and eating issues like this...we just have to realize it will be like this for the rest of our lives. Many women will never be overweight no matter what they eat, some will have to watch it as they get older, and some people like us who will be watching our whole lives. Even once we all get down to better weights, we'll have to watch and exercise or we'll gain it back!

I went home last night and was hungry...I was going to pop a frozen pizza in the oven and say whatever, but I found a bag of stir-fry veggies and sauce in the freezer and made a big wok of veggies and had a piece of grilled fish. It was yummy. And I ate most of the red peppers because I know the best stir-fries are very colorful. I ate a ton of the veggies.

I went grocery shopping and bought a pack of Stewart's Diet soda in bottles as a treat for the mornings. I'm not a soda person, but Stewart's is so good - today I've got an Orange and Cream diet soda. It will be a nice pick me up. Also, Weight Watchers frozen meals are on sale - 4/$5...so I got four, enough to have one for lunch each day this week. DH has things like frozen pizzas, pancakes and eggs and corn dogs at home to eat. I packed my single serving tub of cereal, banana and a granola bar for the morning. The afternoon will go WW veggie lasagna, and another granola bar later in the afternoon. DH has class tonite and I'm not sure if I'll go to the campus with him.

At the grocery store, I noticed how I just pick things up...first thing I picked up when I walked in the store was an angel food cake. It's not bad, but I looked in my cart and had that and 2 boxes of granola bars, and something else, I forgot. I was just realizing all the "snacks" I was getting that had no nutritional value - like the angel food cake. I want everything that I put into my mouth be something with nutrition, especially any snacks that I eat. I realize that's my problem - I'll eat something that' s low in fat, but it still has no value, no point in eating it. I kept telling myself, how bad do you want this?

Sandi:
Just wanted to say welcome again. Cute play on words on your screen name. Yep, it's a party on in here! Please stay with us and share! Your class sounds interesting, sounds like a psych class I took.

Spores:
Has the snow gone away? I saw all the snow you guys got on the news. How crazy - it's supposed to be spring! Today our high is 59F. Yesterday was probably 70F. These crazy fluctuations are gonna get me sick!

Talk to you ladies later!

Ps - I made it to the gym, 55 minutes and 4.7 miles on the elliptical - I went at a higher resistance than I usually go too. Very proud because my main motivation to keep up the pace - my CD player - ran out of batteries after 20 minutes! Hope to do the same 3-4 more times this week. I was so nice and sweaty when I was done, and when I got off, these ladies came up to me and asked me how long I'd been on, and one remarked, "I can't even do it for 20 minutes!" I was beaming. I told her that I had to work my way up, and she can do it too. She got on and started running on it like I do and after I'd walked around the track once, she was breathing hard and wanting to stop. I told her just to focus on doing it, not going fast, not going at a certain resistance, just doing it slowly and getting her body used to it. I was proud.

Girlie

Hi everyone... this is a wonderful thread, I`ve been reading the last few days and would love to join in. Got room for another? To me it IS the ultimate goal right now to get under 200! I`ve been doing well and have lost 9 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Anything under 200 by July is my goal!

I`m not really on a program, just what works for me. Eating less, even my slip-ups are not turning into binges (as they always have before). I bought an eliptical last week, was only doing 2,3,4 minutes at a time... today I am so proud to have done 15 minutes straight this morning! I was terribly inactive-stay at home mom on the computer or in front of tv- so I`m working my way up slowly.

Hope to be a part of this thread, I think it`s just the support I need!

Just passin' through...
 

We're in the midst of a conference at work, and I haven't have much time at a computer. Everyone sounds like they're doing well :high: Welcome, Sandi and Caro33! This is a great thread, the support I've received has been priceless.

I'm doing well--eating per plan, working out, and doing more stretching, meditation and self-care, to keep the stress levels down. the weather is helping a lot, although it's supposed to rain most of the week. Still, I'm in a good place, just on the run. I'll be back with more tomorrow, if not this evening.

In the meantime, keep making good choices!

judy

hello chicks!
it was a nice full day, got lots done at work including a meeting i had been sort of dreading. went to DD's softball game after work, they lost their first time this year. tomorrow is practic and then more games thurs and fri. DH met with his team for their first practice (he coaches 11-12 year old softball rec league) and finally got youngest DS back and forth to his baseball practice. spring is here ahhh a new season begins!!! in our house we don't have regular spring, summer, winter we have baseball, football, and basketball. lol the joys of active athletic kids!! food has been good (almost afraid to say that out loud!) i haven't done any traditional exercise but i am being plenty active with yard work and running around so i have no worries in that dept. life is good!

holly- that is so sweet thanks! i look forward to your posts too! glad you are doing well! your story about DD reminds me of many lol mom in a hurry stories i have! one in particular when youngest DS was about 4... he had a habit of sleeping under his bed at times, one morning i got up early before he and DH and decided to go for a quick trip to the grocery alone for a change, only while i was out DH got a call to go into work and didn't realize DS was sleeping under his bed. so i came home about an hour later to find DS sitting in front of the TV eating cheerios all alone in the house!! LOL the little one always seems to take it tough.

judy- glad to hear things are going well!! keep up the great work!

siouxchef- good luck on the weigh in!! good question, we can all dream i guess! i am working really hard at making permanent changes to the way i take care of myself so hopefully at some point it just becomes a part of me. then hopefully i won't have to count every morsel that i eat. there will always be maintenece though, exercising, eating healthier etc.

mychoice- you sound so revved up about the challenge!! you are going to do great! the 2 weigh ins a week would put me on the straight and narrow too. good luck and keep us updated!!

girlie- good for you getting to the gym!! great choice for dinner you are doing this little baby steps girl!!

caro30- welcome!! hop right in! the support here is great! good job getting on the elliptical you'll be a pro in no time!

hello to all the rest of you chicks i am off to bed!! have a good one!!

Woke up to DS barfing. Poor kid. Sigh. it never ends. One of the babysitting kids was a bear yesterday. Now I am thinking she might be sick too.
I was not supposed to have any kids today. I had big plans. Scratch those.
Oh well, lots to do here.
Food Basics has a GREAT flyer. Tons of stuff we use. Zehrs had topsoil and peat moss on really cheap too. I have til Saturday!
Food was good again yesterday. I was actually feeling hungry for supper and at night. I had a little snack. And a glass of wine. I needed that!
I saw a old friend from the rocker chick days at the store in town. She has 2 kids same age as mine, married a country bumpkin, live on a acre out here....... she called last night, we talked for an hour. Amazing how fast 10 years drop away.The parallels are interesting.
The sun just poked through the trees in the bush, pretty.

A neighbours MIL works at a childrens store.She had a display shelf they were going to toss, gave it to the neighbour. It is big and was in pieces, no idea what it was supposed to look like. It was going to the thrift shop. I brought it home. Put it together. it is adorable.Yellow,3 sided , a little cupboard and a roof on top. I will get rid of an old hand me down shelf that have seen a bazillion relatives and is crap!
I also tossed some more toys. I hid them in the van. Hoping the kids wont notice. It is not stuff they ever use.
DH was chuckling. He asked in there would be anything left in the house by spring clean up in a few weeks. Maybe not. Still feeling very minimalist. I am itching to paint the livingroom. Is is a smokey purple. I am feeling lighter. I want to paint it a pale yellow.It is battered by the kids. Needs to be done. Big job tho. Big furniture to move and the ceiling is stained so everything needs to be done. I will need DH’s help.
It is too cold to use my patio nook. Only +1C. Maybe I can have lunch out there.
Maybe i will paint the basement floor today, hmmmmmmmmmm.
I am babbling. I am up a hour early and avoiding DH, LOL. He is a morning person, bah, likes to discuss things. I am a quiet ,coffee, dont talk kind of morning person. I just realized I stay in bed til I hear him leave, LOL!!!
Maybe I will take a bath.

Have a peachy day!!! The sun just crested the trees.

Good Morning!!

Thought I would drop a few lines before starting work. Am working OT in the mail room from 6:30-8:00am, then my regular job from 8-5:00. The money is great, but have to go to bed so much earlier to get up by 4:30. I am hoping to have finances bareable by mid-summer. Fingers crossed.

Didn't get to walk yesterday, rainy and miserable here, had a hair appt directly after work, by the time I got home at 8p, I was pooped. Got a new doo going on, not sure if I like it or not, may have to grow on me. Eating has been much better since the weekend, not great, but much better. Had to miss TOPS due to hair appt, but will go back next week.

Just a few minutes before I need to get to work, so all have a wonderful day!

Annie

Hi everyone.
Dh has been off work since friday. I can't have any peace when he's underfoot. FYI everyone new I've been married 31 yrs so I don't mean to sound harsh. He just has constant plans for us. I missed curves sat and tues. Everytime I started to post it was a "come on lets go".
I weighed at curves mon and my weight is the same but I've lost 5 inches.
I feel better. Maybe next month the weight will drop some.
Everyone sounds great. I plan to go to curves before work so I'll do personals later.
WELCOME TO EVERYONE NEW!!

Hi everybody. Boy, I have not had a very good week at all. Monday I was all anxious about BF's trip the following morning, and skipped exercise in order to obsess over helping him pack. Then we went out to dinner as a treat since we wouldn't see each other for a few days, and it was a classic case of angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. I was deciding between a cheeseburger with fried onions on top and a turkey burger with avocado. I went with the devil's choice. :( Yesterday I got up at 5 to see BF off, then spent the morning writing (which was great, something I keep trying to fit into the day, but it didn't help my diet any). The airline had a real-time plane tracker online, so I basically stared at the little plane icon inching its way across the screen for two and a half hours until the status changed to "landed." We're talking major anxiety-induced obsessive beahvior here! Then I wasted a good deal of the day surfing the web reading horror stories about moving company scams (we're moving in July and I am getting myself all worked up about it). Then I had to rush to get a bunch of grading done, and I wound up ordering a pizza in the evening and eatching TV to fill the quiet of the house. No exercise; I was mopey and let myself wallow.

I'm pretty disapointed in myself. I'm trying not to fall into a negative thinking pattern; I need to remember that I can do this. But I'm feeling awfully overwhelmed with it all right now. I think I've been avoiding thinking too much about it, and avoiding posting, because it seems like such a big overwhelming thing!

It sounds like everyone is doing really well, and it's inspiring to read what you all have to say. Congrats to all who are losing and doing so well on plan. Welcome to the new folks. I'm so glad I have all you guys here to share even when I'm doing terribly. Makes a big difference.

So I need a plan for today. Im out of groceries, so I'll pick up a healthy granola bar at the gas station to munch between classes. Then tonight, I will make a rule: no TV unless I am moving. I know I'll want to have the tube on to make the house seem less empty, so while it is on I will be on the treadmill or doing crunches. Tomorrow I have to substitute for another teacher at 8 in the morning, so that will get me up and moving. I'll do my exercise after class, and when BF gets home, instead of going out to dinner for a treat, I will hit the grocery store and cook a lovely healthy meal as a treat for the two of us. On Friday I am getting on the scale no matter what, and if I've gained, I will use that as motivation to work harder!

And I'm going to journal about anxiety. When I think about it, I can see a pattern happening. When I'm anxious (which is often), I avoid exercise and eat a lot of white flour and sugar. I sort of freeze and get stuck in safe-feeling patterns. So I need to think about how anxiety is affecting my life and come up with some coping strategies. Ack. Any ideas?

Thanks for listening, all. Sorry no personals; I'll do beter tomorrow. Sending lots of good thoughts.

Spores:
I LOVE your "no TV unless you are moving" idea. That's great! In the past six months, I've found myself watching more TV than I ever have - there are around 3 shows that I like to watch if I'm home. I kind of feel guilty every time I watch TV because I know I could be doing something else, but it's a great way for me to unwind and get involved in someone else's life for a change LOL. Doing crunches or stretches, etc is a great idea!

Debbie:
I haven't even been married 2 years now and I already know what you mean about getting some peace LOL! Gotta love the men!

Judy:
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well!

Caro:
WELCOME! You are in the right place!


As for me...
food has been a struggle, but I've been doing okay.
DH got out of class early last night and we went to a chinese buffet. Not sure what's up with DH and the buffets...on one hand they are deadly, but they are actually a good thing, a great way to get a variety of items (and make good choices).
I got two plates: one had some rice noodles, grilled chicken, a few coconut shrimp and some broccoli. The other I filled with fresh fruit. I feel I did a very good job last night and am proud of myself. I was at the point where I watched DH fill up his 3rd plate and I was disgusted (and amazed at how much he can eat). I wish he was at the point where I am, but I don't want to add more pressure to him while he's in school. Come graduation in May...I'm going to talk to him further about our eating habits.

Talk to you all soon!

GIrlie

Just a quick checkin. I'm in an Excel class today, so I'm not at work. Wondering how many messages I have piling up.

I'm going to do some shopping, when I leave here, for my little friends birthday party this weekend. She will be 4. She told me to buy her clothes because I buy KOOl things...and a Barbie. I can't tell her no...so I'm going to have fun shopping for her.

Then I'm meeting a friend of mine at a place called "The Thirsty Dog". On Wednesday's a local radio station is there and they have a theme broadcast called "Working Women's Wednesday". I've never been to this but it always sounds fun...a lot of free prizes and half price appetizers and drinks (I've got to remind myself to be careful with those...calories ladies!).

Hi, there!

Jodi, thanks for sharing the story about your son! That's very sweet.

Holly, if you have the itch to break out the paintbrush, c'mon down to Washington, I have some lovely walls that could use your help :)

Debbie--31 years! Wow, that's quite an accomplishment in this day and age, to stay married so long. What's your secret?

Spores--I hope you are feeling more centered. I like your idea about no TV if you're not moving. I try not to turn my on unless I actually want to watch something, or else I find myself parked in front of it watching any old thing, just 'cuz it's on.

Gotta get home, it's late, and I have to come to work early to meet some deadlines, so hello, everybody! Keep it up!

judy

Hello Ladies,
Last nights weigh in was great. Down 6.2 pounds. I was so thrilled, I almost peed myself. Still staying focused on the mindful eating, and trying to follow the diabetic diet plan. (I am not a diabetic). SO, all is well in mind, body and spirit for now. I am hoping I still will have a loss next week, as I have lost every week, with the exception of last as it was TOM. One other thing I have done this week, that is a bit different. I have tried to do treadmill 2 x daily about 9-10 hours apart. Someone told me it will boost metabolism, if you do it 2 x a day? Not sure it that was what it was or not.

Hollyhock-sick son is sad. Sorry to hear that. I am such a wreck with that, or any kid for that matter. You take care of you too. I wish I had your motivation, and your energy. I am jealous, you inspire me.
Spores-- so sorry to hear about the anxiety. I too, suffer from that, and at times it can be crippling. I don't think most people realize the impact (neg) it can have on you or the severity. Have you ever tried Thought Chaining? It is kind of confusing, but if you can TRY to do it, you might be able to minimize it. I have found that it doesn't always work, but that it can be less severe. Just a thought.
Mychoice2bfit--Skinny people. huh. I too think it is a lifestyle change. I also think that I have to come to the realization that being skinny isn't always healthy. I want to be healthy. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I wholeheartedly agree with your description of our planning a day out with friends. It truly is like that.

Have lots of assessments to score, and to get some work done on a paper for my class, so I am off. I am geared towards a good, healthy week, and one with NO RAIN, so I can walk to work. Tommorrow hopefully.

Blessings and peace to all.
Sandi

Good morning,
I'm sitting here sipping my green tea
trying to get awake. This is my long day at work so I ease into the day. I'll be up and running soon enough.
I made it to curves yesterday am. I am really getting comfortable there. I did fair on food, I missed b-fast (not on purpose) ate a lean cuisine lunch. Then I made spaghetti for supper, I tried to control the portion size but I ate more than I should have. I don't plan to go to curves today. 10 hrs on my feet is enough for this old body to take.

Sandi: WELCOME...WOW!! that is a fantastic loss. Your idea about the treadmill is a great one, the way you are spacing it out keeps the body in high gear most of the day.


Judy: I'm not sure what the secret is? The years just keep clicking off and we are still together. I can't imagine being without him.

Girlie: love the chinese buffet, I try to make good choices but can't resist the orange chicken..

Spores: BRIGHT SUNSHINE AND GOOD THOUGHTS YOUR WAY.. Have a better day today.

Holly: Hope ds is doing better today, and that the "bug" stops there..

Have a blessed day..

BIG HUGS

Monumental Joy and Sadness all at Once
It is an overwhelming, mixed up feeling.
Hanging out in my head.
Lots of thoughts. Mostly I am feeling insanely happy. I am lovin’ getting this house in shape. I feel like I am taking charge of my life. I feel like I am an empowered parent. I feel like I am making wise decisions. I am in a totally fantastic groove with my husband. I am living in awareness.
I was verbally attacked at the church last Tues by the woman who doesn’t like me, in front of about 10 people. It got back to one of the Mom’s I babysit for. She said the kindest, most thoughtful things about me, to me, and how much she and her husband and her parents and in laws adore and value me .
I was not upset about the attack. In fact, I laughed and told the woman to get over herself , that I had done nothing to deserve it.
I have been thinking a lot today about how much my perception of myself and my place in the world has changed in the last year. I am approaching my 40th birthday(in July). I keep thinking we will have a party and maybe we will. The weird part is that I would be inviting “old” friends who don’t really impact my life any more .I do care about them and it would be nice to see them.
All that truly matters to me is the well being of my children , my husband and myself.
I keep bubbling over with a sense of joy.
The old me would have doubted or second guessed it, or sabotaged it somehow.

April 26th is the anniversary of our friends death. The flower bed I was working in when I got the call to meet his wife at the hospital to ID his body , is right outside the window of this room. Every time I have gone to work in it this spring I cry.
When I have been painting the basement I think about how excited my husband , this couple and I were about last summer. I think about the plans to play pool in the basement when it was done. The card games, going to the beach, pizza nights, sleep overs........ I think of our 4 kids running through their backyard at dusk 2 nights before he was killed.
I think about the endless pain and bullshit my friend has faced besides her and her children’s grief. I want to scream at the unfairness of the world sometimes.
My emotions are all LARGE right now.The joy is winning .I know Ben would be happy for our happiness.
I cherish every moment of my life with my family and with those dear to my heart.

I have decided to take a break from the TOPS meetings. I will weigh in every other week. I did get to food Basics last night. Lots of fresh stuff in the house.
DS really wanted to go to school. I am not sure he is all better. I sent a note. I have 6 kids coming and going to day. A few hours here and there. It is a beautiful spring morning!!!
Lots of bedding to fold. it was glorious getting in between crispy sheets that were hung on the line.
I had a great sleep. Allergies are happening but I am managing them.

Have a blessed day dear chicks!!!

I come here to visit friends. I have posted every day since last June. It has filled a huge void in my life. I think we are truly blessed in this site and each other. I think it so so cool how people find a group they connect with, with all the choices between ther journals and the threads.We are fortunate.
I try to live my life well and appreciate each moment.
Grief is a funny thing. It was actually a release to think things through yesterday and I DID go clean up that garden. 2 daffodils are peeking at me right now.
Yesterday was a weepy day. I had 7 kids here.We spent most of the day outside.They played I gardened ,some helped me.I love that everything in the yard that is growing I planted myself.All trees, shrubs and perennials.The day lilies I planted last year are sprouting!!!
Rhubarb is poking through. I have the yummiest recipe for a low fat rhubarb bread.I bake tons and freeze it. Give it as gifts too.
I copied yesterdays entry for my friend and wrote a letter. I included pics of our kids together.
I emailed it to some friends and the principal. He and I have really connected( kindred spirit).He is 60, of course.LOL! He sent back to most beautiful reply.
Touched my heart.
I had a pounding headache last night. I did the dishes, folded some laundry and was in bed by 9.DH went at 8:30,kids went at 8. Quiet household here. We all slept til 7am, woohoo.
Happy bunch this morning.
DH got a call about another job.He has a phone interview today.
Big kids all in school today. I have 3 little ones here. 2 girls are staying over night.Their Mom is at a conference and Dad works 18 hours today.
My Mom offered to buy patio stones for the walkway between the deck and shop for me for my Bday. I may go look at those today with the kids.
I didn't get more painting done. Sleep won out.

Have a delightful day dear chicks!!!!!!!