Good morning everyone, and thanks for the warm welcome!

I`m doing well, the eliptical is fast becoming my new best friend. Wed. I did 16 min in the am, 16 in the evening.... Yesterday I was up to 20 minutes in the am. Gonna try for 25 this morning.

Unfortunately this has been a tough week, my time of month, first one to put up with since I got serious.... Been eating very well, and drinking water, but my rings are tight and the scale shows an extra pound or two, so I`m not letting it get me down. I`m heading over to the scale addicts thread, LOL I really hope to stay off til next wednesday (my offical weigh-in day) and hopefully be pleasantly surprised!! :) My goal is 218 for next week.

I managed my cravings with a slimfast chocolate bar, and some baked chips (just a serving instead of whole bag!) Salt cravings really got me early this week. I did eat out Wednesday, that is my "anything for dinner" day, as well as my weigh-in in the morning, that way I have a week not to even notice that wednesday night treat. ;)

My husband works away for 2 weeks, and home for 2. I`m realizing I have a harder time when he`s home than when he`s gone... He likes to cook, where I don`t... so when he`s gone I make the kids their dinner and eat a Lean Cuisine. He is in shock I have not had a "real" coke in a week! I was like an addict with that stuff. I would never, ever drink water... soda all day long! I`m loving the Diet Pepsi Vanilla and sparkling flavored water, not to mention plain water. My skin is looking absolutley amazing, and for this time of month, thats great!!!
Im just seeing so many changes already that make me more motivated, I`m more energized during the day, I sleep better at night, clothes are fitting better already, it`s just a good feeling and I don`t want to go back to feeling miserable ever again.
I remember back in January my sister and I went out for a few drinks, and I squeezed myself into a size 18 skirt that I thought didn`t fit anymore (I was right!) I felt miserable all night, bulging over when I sat, just no longer comfortable in my own skin. That was my first realization that I`m totally losing myself and had to do something. Every day I`d plan to start it would all end in a small slip up, usually by or before noon, and once I slipped or ate something I thought was "bad" I`d eat everything that appealed to me, thinking "i`ll start again tomorrow, or Monday, or the first of the next month". It is such a big thing when trying to do this to remember...and I love this sig...
"A slip-up isn`t a reason to give up!" That is the most important thing I have learned.

Wish everyone a great weekend. I`ve been reading here everyday and you all are very sweet and helpful.

Good morning Ladies,
I showed a tiny loss at the weigh-in last night...down .75 lbs. I'll take it!
I've been so busy with everything. I need to start learning how to manage my time, because right now it's managing me. I have some committments right now that I have to see through, but I'm saying no to everything else.

I know it's important for me to do that because when I'm overwhelmed, I overeat..and ladies, I'm so tired of being overweight. I'm very please with my efforts so far, but it's time to get down and dirty and really get the rest of this weight off. If something is going to interfere with my concentrating on that, then I'm saying no to it from now on.


Holly: Thanks for sharing your feelings. I hope to be in touch with mine some days as much as you are with yours. I think they are a key to this weight loss journey.

Caro: Thanks for sharing the time when you came to the realization that you wanted to do something about your weight. I think that is an important thing for us to remember, especially when we are on this journey for a long time.
As for the quote" A slip up isn't a reason to give up" came from Debbie on this board..but I loved it so much I put it in my signature.

I'm thinking that maybe we should all take a look back at the reason we decided this time would be the time that we would finally get real, be serious and loose this weight, and how we can use that to remotivated ourselfs.

Think about that and then post it. I will if you will.
Susie

hello there chickies!!
the work week is done for me, i came home and changed and went outside for a little bit trying to figure what to do with the garden. major overhaul coming this spring. it has been 6 years since i first planted it and everything needs split and spruced up. lots to keep me busy. going to pick up kids from school soon, DD has a softball game this evening. kids are going to their fathers tonight DH and i are going out to dinner, it was a busy week and i miss him. i have done everything according to plan for 13 days straight, there is hope! i am going to do this! going to WW to weigh in tomorrow TOM started so i am not expecting much, i have a good feeling inside because i have taken the best possible care i can of ME for the past 2 weeks. i can and will keep moving forward.

i will post personals over the weekend! hope you all have a great day!!

Great topic for discussion. I will give some thought, and post, later. Holly-sorry to hear the grief is poking its way back into your life, although it never really leaves us. Just like the daffodils in garden, so are memories in our hearts.

Caro, Great job. I have never used an eliptical. I just use my trusty treadmill, and go, go, go. I should maybe try one. I would like to do some upperbody strengthening. Any one got some idea's?

Spring is here in ND, very windy,and grass is coming. I am happy about that. DS is having a sleepover tonite, (3) 13-yr-olds, BOYS, so I hope I survive. I do love it when they feel ok about coming over and being at our house. Keeps things in perspective. They planned a golf game for after school, so that will keep them busy for a while.

I will definately think about the posting question and get back. Thinking of you strong women, motivating women, and compassionate women, who really are here with a helping hand, shoulder, and heart.
Blessings for a wonderful weekend, whatever that may be for YOU.
Sandi

Reasons~I KNOW that even though it doesn't affect me at all now my wieght will cause me ill health as I age. This is also part of the trouble I have with losing weight because it is not detrimental to me at all.
It is a body, mind, spirit issue for me. I truly believe that a healthy fit body, emotional health and spiritual enlightenment go hand in hand.That is my goal.

Thanks to you gals for listening to my rambles and taking the time to comment. Dont ever doubt it is meaningful!!!

Hello Everyone.....

Speaking from the heart is so comforting coming from a great bunch of lovely women. Thank you for you honesty and thoughts.

Not going to personalize as it is very busy here at work. You all are always in my thoughts and at times, thoughts of you keep me from falling off the wagon. For that, I thank you all.

I am doing great on eating, have not walked as much as I would of liked this week. Rainy two days, and my walking buddy had a wart taken off of his foot, therefore he did not walk and I needed that boost to get my tushie out there. Next week will be better, and I so look forward to this beautiful, warm sunny weather. My brother's band plays tomorrow night and I plan on dancing my tushie off. Well I call it dancing, questionable in other's minds, I am sure. :^)

Everyone have a wonderful weekend, one day at a time, one moment at a time.

Hugs to all

Annie

Hi, ladies! I hope that the sun is shining on each of you today :flow1:

Holly--I've been thinking of you, and how much emotion you are trying to process. It's great that you have a family, a garden and a strong sense of yourself to help you through it. I'm glad that we can be here for you, too!

Caro--Good luck with your scale jones! I do jump on mine every morning, just because it reminds me of my mission. I've finally gotten to 235, in really annoying half-pound increments! When the scale freaks you out, though, I think it's better to focus on behavior for a while, and then you will be pleasantly surprised when you get back on the scale in a week or two.

Speaking of behavior, go Jodi :dance: You are in the groove, girl!

Sandi, I used to have an elliptical trainer. I loved it, too. And ohh, what it did for my calves! Quite sexy. When I relocated I sold it. Sometimes I use the one in my building's exercise room, but I have to work to get back into the swing of it.

Susie--Remotivation! I do it every day. I remind myself that I can do this, that I know what it takes, and that there is no mystical force making me overeat, that it's all in my head. I want to go to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, and I will not be lugging all this extra weight around with me!

judy

Good Day everyone!
Just a quickie for now. I am anxious to get work done and get out into this BEAUTIFUL day!!!!

Caro - good for you on the elliptical! Soon you will be up to an hour like me :) I had to work my way up as well!

Sorry this is pathetically short. I want to get everything done and not be rushed by 5pm. I have a phone interview at 5.30 and a softball game at 7p! Hope to get some cleaning out done this weekend.

Talk to you all soon!

Girlie


Jodi - you can do it too - make use of that one in your building :) I need to get myself on it more often!

Annie - It sounds like you have been doing quite well!

Holly - what an emotional week! I'm sure you handled everything quite well. You do SO much and sometimes it's hard to balance all of your roles.

Spring has Sprung!!!!
There is no doubt!!!!! My willow tree out front has turned pale green with buds.My hedge sprouted tiny leaves yesterday.The bulb plants are bursting in radiant yellow!!!!
We all slept in til 7:30. Just enjoying my first coffee!!!

Apparently, not eating mindfully will cause one to gain a couple of lbs. I do not want this. I WILL focus on my food intake. I will be getting LOTS of exercise in the yard, digging, raking, moving rocks etc. That should help. I WILL not eat at night. I WILL not eat at night.

Yesterday was nice. No headache. DD stayed home so I got to go to Grandma’s alone!! It was a great 3 hour break from here. I grilled up some burgers at 4pm and the boys went to watch hockey. DS puked when they got there. He had been at a Bday party, didn’t eat his lunch but ate cheesies and cake..............
DD played outside and I sat on the deck, in my “new” chair enjoying a tea. She came in for a bath and I did dishes and cleaned the kitchen. DH went to a friends. I asked him to stay out LATE. LOL!!! The kids were zonked by 8:30 and I had the house to my self. I watched decorating shows and puttered.Went to bed at 10!!!
Life is grand. NO headache today!!!!!!!
I arranged the new patio stones where I want them. I will start digging that out this aft. I need to paint 1/2 the basement floor and it is done. I will do the stairwell during the week.
The fam has asked for pancakes. I will get at that in few minutes.
OH, DH got 1/2 the $$$ owed him. He has stopped talking about it at least!!!! yahoo.

Have a brilliant day!!!!!!

Girle~ as long as I let it out I do just fine!!! Journalling and the threads are a true gift!!!!

Busy day planned here too. Going to do yard work today. Already off my treadmill for the morning and going to put some lattice up on the patio. I survived the teenage boy sleep over. Made a batch of cookies for them, then sent over the rest to another teacher's house who just had a baby on Friday. Made lasagna to go with it. Feeling extremely ambitious today. Hope it lasts. It is only 9AM.

Been thinking about the question posed earlier. The reason I think I am losing this weight has nothing to do with the NOW. My mom had a gastric bypass 20 + years ago, and has suffered life long problems from it. As of late, she recently was hospitalized again with complications from that, and ended up on a wound vac, and had a gaping hole in her stomach the size of a large cantalope. She was on that for over 8 weeks. Her knees are shot, she can't be on her feet for any length of time, and is very immobile. This is a life I do not want. I do not want to have to rely on my only son to have to care for me later in life. I want to be able to be as active as I want, and not have to worry about how little I can do. I also want to have a fufilled life. I don't care if I am skinny, I want to be FIT. I want to be able to go hiking with my kids in school, and not feel exhausted by the whole experience, rather I would want to come away feeling exhilarated.

I know it has taken me 20 + years to get to the shape I am in now, I think I can afford to give it at least a year or two, (for the weight loss, not the lifestyle) to see if I can get back into a FIT body. I find myself getting caught up in the here and now, but just tell myself, I can afford the time and work it is going to take to get to where I want to be. I am really not sure where that magic number is, I just know I will know when I get there.

This is a journey for sure. Mindfull eating, exercising, and trying to "live in the moment", with mind and spirit are my main goals. If I can focus on that, I can do it.

Happy day to all you great gals who are such a support to all of us. Tulips and daffodils to all of you today.

Sandi

Sandi~ great post. I hear ya!!! on the reasons. It is not about now for me either.
I am the queen of casseroles( LOL!) for new babies, funerals, birthday's etc....it is the a good to gift to receive and give!!!!!!!!
Your weekend sounds great!

Happy weekend! I've been outside as much as possible, running errands and gazing at the blossoming flowers and trees everywhere. I got a pedicure this afternoon, then went searching for good summer sandals. I walk alot, so it's about comfort, not cute...although I'm trying to find a few pairs that don't look as if they were designed by Roman gladiators. I bought one nice pair today at Macy's. I wear size 10.5 (European 42), so this isn't easy! Next weekend I'll try DSW, and if I have to I'll pony up some money at Comfort One or one of those other places that specialize in hard-to-fit sizes. I've been EPP all weekend, and mentally preparing to spend three days on the road this week--lots of opportunities for mindless munching and throwing my plan out the window. My goal is to work out while I'm away, and not to gain weight.

Sandi, thanks for sharing your reasons. I'm also afraid of having the same physical problems as my mom and some of the other women in my family. I like your attitude. I know you can do it!

Holly--I laughed when I read that you all "slept in" until 7:30AM on a Sunday morning! Bless you and all the moms of the world. I got up early for me--8AM--to get to the laundry room before the crush of tenants jockeying for machines.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

judy

Hello chicks!
hope you are all doing well! i had a fantastic weekend, lots of time outside moving plants and taking care of the garden. not done quite yet more next weekend! i went to my WW meeting yesterday and was down another 2.4 lbs. i am so happy! i know what i have to do to keep it going. i am going to work really hard at staying in the groove this week. clothes are washed, house is passable, shopping is done, meals are planned. i feel good!

judy- good luck sandal shopping! hope the week goes well for you!!

holly- everything you have describes lately sounds so beautiful, glad you are in such a great state of mind. keep the good vibes flowing!!

sandi- thanks for sharing that. i have many of the same reasons for this journey. i want to land in the same spot as you also, i just want to be healthy and fit. the number isn't so important to me. you can do it...we are all going to do it!!

girlie- how was the interview? and the softball game?

mychoice- congrats on the loss! hope you are doing well with the time mgmt! if you have any pointers throw them my way! there are never enough hours in the day!!

hello annie, caro, spores and everyone else i missed hope you are all gearing up for a fantastic week!
xoxox

Hey everyone;
Just a short post to let ya'll know I'm thinking of everyone. I've been busy tryin to get garden in shape and doing a lot of yard work.
I only made it to curves 2x last week.
I have not even stayed op. I am very disappointed in myself. I must do better than this or I'll never made my goal. I've been very mindless about my food choices. I have a headache and
I'm kinda ran down. Well shoot... there is always tomorrow. I'll post personals later after Tylenol does its thing.

Deb~ tis the season for gardening and allergy headaches for me.I think it a joke from mother nature. The gardening is good exercise. Pay attention to your food today!!!
I always eat poorly when I have a headache.

Jodi~ I need to translate the good vibes into good food. I did great most of the weekend!!! Mindful. Hope your week is just peachy.

Judi~ in the good old days I used to go to bed at 7am. LOL!!! I am a Birkenstocks girls. I wear them everywhere and with everything( wooly socks too). I wear them as house shoes all winter. I am a wide size 10. I did find another brand that were contoured last year that were prettier( German brand) for $150. I didn't but them tho.

Girlie~ hope you enjoyed your time outside!!

Annie~dancing style is interpretive to say the least. Hope you shook your butt all night!!!!!!

Caro~ you are off to a great start. How was the weekend??

Susie~I wrtie everytihng down i need to do the night before, I even scedule computer time, dishes, All My Children........ The kids know I have a 1/2 hour on here at 9. They dont bug me anymore. It really helps!!!!!!!

Is it Monday?
She asks all bleary eyed.
That weekend FLEW by!!!!
I am achy from digging and placing patio stones. But it was so much FUN!!
DH and I worked together all day. He was SWEET and tender and romantic. Wow!!
Our path to the house is beautiful. It says ,Come on in!!

We made it out of patio stones that look like a slice out of a tree and squarish stones with leaf inprints in them!! then I spread wood chips in between and around them. It is so heartening to do the finishing work after 5 years of doing the labour that was necessary but doesn’t show.
I ate very well yesterday. NO bedtime snack.
Kids seem great!!
5 kids today. Storytime. Must do yoga. I still need to paint 1/2 the basement floor. may do it at nap time.
It is supposed to be nice again today. I may end up outside with the kids, then I will play in the perennial beds.
Best go get dressed and mix up tuna for DS’s lunch.

Have a spectacular day!!!!!

Good Morning all -

It's so beautiful here! The weekend weather was awesome! I didn't do all the cleaning inside I wanted to do because I was outside most of the time!

Friday night was our first softball game of the season. Our poor team needs work. In the last inning, the other team had 15 and we had 0!!! Somehow, we managed to score 16 points in that last inning and beat them! Their pitcher had gotten tired and was throwing crazy balls, and so we all just decided not to swing at anything and everyone walked! Crazy!

Saturday I spent half the day at a car dealership. I traded in my small SUV for a VW Jetta - I love it! I will be getting much better fuel economy as I wanted: 30-36 miles per gallon! DH stayed home and did school work (slept!) and I did all the negotiating by myself and that made me feel good. So of course I had to cruise around the rest of the day Saturday - a perfect day for a sunroof. Sunday I slept in and went to the gym, got in 63 minutes/5.1 miles on the elliptical...got dressed and met my father so he could take a look at the car and had Sunday dinner there.

I can't wait for the week to be over.

I need to find some sandals too everyone. My dad gave me a certificate for a pedicure...I won't get it done until I find the perfect pair of sandals. I have a pair of Birkenstocks too, and Dr. Marten sandals but they are not for work. I want something that I can wear in the office and for "play" as well. Not sure.

Food is so-so...last week I developed a pattern of not eating lunch and being starving by the end of the day. Must change that!

Hope you all are doing well.

Girlie

Hello All,

What a beautiful weekend it was, today is awesome also, however I am in my office and not at home. Got my dancing in on Sat night, it was a blast, however my ankle was dying all day on Sunday. (I broke it when I was 9 mos plus preggo for my son. Delivered him on a Friday in a full leg cast, then they took the cast off on the following Monday and put a plate and 10 screws in my ankle) Anyway the darn thing swells very easily, and that happened nearly 17 years ago. Hmmpf. HOWEVER, it didn't stop me from walking the dog for an entire mile, had to carry her most of the way home. 16 lbs of Jack Russell. Sheesh. I put her on my shoulders and carried her. Quite a site. haha

Eating has been perfect for the past 3 days, hope to do well tomorrow nite at TOPS. I had to miss last week due to hair appt, so hope to have a great loss this time. Fingers crossed.

Sounds like everyone is enjoying the outdoors and the sun. Puts me in a great mood.

Have a wonderful day and week.

Annie

Hello Ladies,

Today, for a Monday was good. All the sleepy kids were back in school, ready to tackle reading, and math. It hit 80 degrees here in ND today. Let me say this, recess was a bit longer today, and we played hard. I walked extra longer, and my ducklings are growing. It is always Mrs......can we go for a walk with you at lunch. Now we are moving into a hike, around the school, and out to the track. Started with 3 and am at well over 20. Who would have thought that?
Eating went well over weekend. Hubby wanted to go have Chinese food over weekend. I was stress, then decided, You know, I am the one ordering here. I can get what I need, and it doesn't have to be fried. It all worked out.

Holly--you truly motivate me. You inspire me to keep at it, with my house, school, and life. Thanks.
Girlie-- I miss playing SB, no one around here wants to play a girls league. They only have a beer league, and it is all single guys who live with there mothers. Not for me. I bought my very first car about 5 months ago, BY MY SELF. My hubby was shocked, and really didn't know how to respond. It is good for us girls to do that once in a while. We are competent, smart women, who really do know what we want. I need to try an eliptical.
Judy-- I need/want new sandals too. Let me know what you find, and off I will go. Haven't bought any since I bought my born's 2 years ago.

Tommorrow, I weigh in and turn in my final paper for my class. I hope all goes well. We shall see.

Last note, Holly, went with lasagna, cookies, garlic toast, and a huge salad to venture to see new baby. She was soooo beautiful. Newly married teacher right out of school, 1st baby, ohhhh, I remember those days. It was fun to see, and enjoy in the excitement for them. I remember when my own DS was born, and still smile.
Babies in the spring. What could be better?
Happy day to all tomorrow. Wishing you flowers in the garden BLOOMING.

Sandi

Good morning everyone;
I had a much better day yesterday. Headache gone! I ran errands, thats one thing about living in the country I had to put 120 miles on the car to get all this done.
I did better on food. Watched my portion sizes. I ate a few pistachios (sp?) but other than that I didn't snack. I had my water and didn't drink any sweet tea, now thats a sucess!!
I made it to curves. Went back last nite for the food group. Nothing new there after dieting for decades I was more informed than the lady leading the group. I just have problems DOING what I've learned all these years. I like the weigh-in. The scale still hasn't moved... but next time it will. I plan to go to curves again today. Then do
some basic housework and get ready for work tomorrow.

Sandi: great choice on the chinese.. How wonderful to have company on your walk. I'm sure after a ND winter everyone is ready for a spring walk. What age are the kids you teach?

Annie: It great you didn't let your ankle spoil your fun.. Keep dancing.

Girlie: WOW! you are very active. I haven't played softball in 20yrs.

Holly: Glad everything is going well with you. You are a true inspiration.

Judy: I love sandals, But I can't wear them. I have flat feet and have to wear arch supports. I wear a 10 ww.. thats a 10 willy willy wide.. lol. They are shaped like Fred Flintstone's feet... square!

Spore, Susie and anyone else I missed.
Hope ya'll are doing well.

BIG HUGS TO ALL

Spores??? come out and play!!!
Sandi~ I adore new babies. How old are your own kids? What do you teach?
All you chicks ROCK!!!!!!!!

No "Plans"!
Huh???
There is lots to do but no deadlines or commitments! I have 3 little guys today, all of whom nap.
Possibilities: Pay a bill, book campsites for Dh’s family reunion in July, buy hooks for shelving unit, clear off diningroom table,sweep/wash floor, sit on my *** watching mindless tv, read a brilliant novel, take a shower, get dressed.........
Apparently I will change a poopy diaper first.
Tomorrow night i am presenting my parent handbook to the Home and School Association. DD has dance photos at 5pm first.
I had a small( less than 1/2 cup) bowl of ice cream before bed last night.

Nothing too fantastic to say today. I slept 8 hours, exciting.
It is going up to 26C today. Very summerish for April. we need rain. It has been in the forcast but has not appeared.

Off to face the diapers.

Good morning everyone!

I think I'm going to head over to the department store this weekend. Clark's sandals are on sale - a cute pair of slides with flowers cut out in the leather, for $49.99 which is good for Clarks. We'll see.

Holly:
Let me know how your day has gone! It will be nice and relaxing - I'd sit outside near the house of course so I could hear the kids - and get some sun and read. :)

Debbie:
Wow, all the driving! I can see how running errands is truly an all-day thing! But I'm sure the comforts of living in the country are worth it! What part of TX are you in? DH went through military training at Lackland AFB there...he liked the area and has considered moving there but I would miss the change of seasons.

Sandi:
Good job on the Chinese. I usually tend to get one fried thing, but I try to get something like meat with lots of veggies and strain out the sauce, or angel hair with veggies, something like that...and I skip the rice. And congrats on the car. I left the dealer totally satisfied and didn't feel the least bit like I was pressured to do anything. It is a good feeling!

Annie:
Hope your ankle is feeling better.

Hello to:
Spores, Susie, and all I missed. :)

Girlie

Hello Chickies.......

Another beautiful day today! Hope everyone is doing a spiffy job and staying OP.

Got my walk in last night with the dog. She is getting used to walking further, and not wanting me to carry her quite as much. Had to coax her the last 1/8th mile, but did not carry her.

Tonight is TOPS and am actually looking forward to WI. My clothes feel like I am down a few, hope it rings true.

Had Special K for breakie, and then a Lean Cuisine for lunch. Got my 15 minute walk in with my buddy here at work this morning, and going to get my 15 minutes in this pm also. I know the Lean Cuisine has much salt, but it helps me so much with portion size. Portion sizes is one of my problem areas.

I finally feel like I am getting on track and staying on track. Every day I can stick with it, the easier it gets, but by no means is this easy.

I feel happy, jazzed, and excited about life.

Have a wonderfully groovy day!

Annie

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been MIA for a little while. Food/exercise/everything has sucked. Not sure what happened; faltered for a couple of days and just lost it. And for the past few days I've been a depressed wreck: extremely hard to get out of bed, crying randomly, watching television, feeling exhausted every minute, constant headaches, unable to get anything beyond the basic necessities accomplished. And of course, no exercise and very bad food choices to go with it. I know this is all connected. I'm just not sure exactly how. I've been reading a ton about the neurobiology of emotion and reason, and it's really interesting, but that doesn't get me closer to the treadmill!

Anyway. When I get into these sorts of states, I find that I just want to hide form the world and from feelings of responsibility, so I wind up not posting. And I miss it. Sounds like everyone is doing really amazing. It was so inspiring to read all the posts today.

So I'm going to work this week on getting out of this funk. First goal: post every day, no matter how awfully I've been eating. Accountability! And I'm also going to work on getting the exercise going again; even just ten minutes a day. And then food, of course.

Thanks everybody for all your support and inspiration and sharing your stories. Whenever I fall off a plan and feel like I've failed, I want to hide; I guess I feel embarassed or inadequate. I'm glad I can come here to talk about it and know that you all have gone through the same thing.

See you here tomorrow!

Sorry to post and run, but after this week things should slow down a bit. I'm on my way out of town, and am preparing to spend three days away without straying too far off my program. I may not be in front of a computer again before the weekend, but I will jump in and say hello before then if I can. This has been a hellish period at work, lots of work and random ill-will, but I am still maintaining a force-field of calmness around me, more or less, and not compensating by overeating. Your posts will inspire me as I pack my healthy snacks and make good choices.

I'll be back--judy
:grouphug:

Good morning chicks,
I've had a good couple of days. I've been getting my water in. Been to curves both days. I have done fair on food. eating smaller portions. I haven't had sweet tea in several days.
So things are good here. I think ds2 is going to move out soon. My mothers house has been empty for years. Its just 1 bedroom, That would be great for him. We haven't wanted to rent it to strangers, or mess with the hassel of the extra income,ect.
I plan to go to curves this am. I am having a yogurt and glass of green tea for b-fast. I am taking a ww dinner, and a orange for lunch today.

Spores: I don't have depression. But from time to time I get very disorganized and can go for days just doing the very bare essentials to get by. I catch myself watching hours of tv then I'll complain I don't have enough time to get everything done. I'll eat mindlessly. That's when I don't post for several days either. I might get around to reading them, but It's like I can't get my thoughts together. I just call it rambling around. I don't know what breaks the funk. I'll just wake up
and do better. Hope today is better for you!! SENDING A BIG HUG FOR YOU.

Got to get in the shower. Post more later.
EVERYONE HAVE A BLESSED DAY

morning everyone!! trying to stay positive. WOOHOO. scale not moving, but im keeping up with exercise and water. Trying to have 6 mini meals a day with all including either a serving of fruit or veggies.

I want to see 199 on the scale!! WOOHOO!!!!

Raining!!! Just started. A nice ground drenching steady rain. Farmers will be happy. They started to manually water wheat yesterday and they planted corn on Sunday.
My flower beds need it. The ground was too hard to dig weeds out.I went to the church board meeting last night. Interesting.
I couldn't decide what to do with my planless day yesterday so I did an hour of painting(stairwell-yellow), placed 4 patio stones,raked for an hour and then took care of the kids in between. It was enjoyable.( Not exactly relaxed Girlie, LOL)
Errands today.
DH is home so far today-waiting out the rain.
Dance photos tonight at 5:15 then drop kids at home and then I am presenting my handbook to the home and school.

I wrote last night but must have forgotten to post it!

Spores~ I used to feel a lot like you a lot of the time. What changed for me in the last year was journalling every single day and writing my feelings down, no matter how feeble they were. It got easier and I worked through the down times faster.
I think ALL of us on this thread have been where you are. It is part of the food issue.
Change one small thing today, like focussing on just water or posting your thoughts.

HI to everyone else!!!!!!!

Great morning All!!!
 

Hey! I hope you all are doing well!! I have totally missed posting! I have tried to catch up a little on the posts. I certainly can't read a whole month's worth though!!! I was able to check at the website for my actual race time this morning!! 48 min and 13 sec!!! Even better than I thought. I'm so excited about it!! I have also decided when my next 5K will be!! I am going to do another one that I did in 2002, it's in my hometown. It's about an hour and a half away, but there's something about going home to accomplish something like a 5k! That's the race that I won my trophy at in 2002 for my age group!! It was sooo cold. No one else in my age group turned out, so I got the trophy!!! Can't wait!! - Oh it's on May 14th!!!

I'm again without a job for the moment. I'm really learning to enjoy these days. It's such a nice rest. I'm getting in a good habit of doing cardio in the morning before breakfast and I hope that I can continue that habit when I have a job again. This morning I went to the local park and walked briskly for 27 minutes! My goal is to get at least 20 minutes in. And then to do extra cardio for at least 30 minutes in the evenings 3-4 times a week. I'm trying to keep everything a little lower impact until I drop a few more pounds! I think I'll add in some more jogging after I'm under 220 lbs. My eating is going well!! I'm just really happy at the moment. And I feel great!! It feels so good to already have cardio done this early in the day!!

Hopefully I'll post again tomorrow! I'll try to come to the library and check in. You all keep up the great work. Some days are so much easier than others!

Stephanie
234/222/125
SW/CW/GW

Oh Happy Hump Day!!

I am very excited...was down 3.5 at TOPS last night. WEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA!!! Movitation level is high and I am jazzed!!

Spores - Don't fret about the down time. We all go through it. Just pick yourself right up, think positive thoughts and everything else will happen! Happy thoughts and hugs coming your way. One day at a time, one thing at a time, baby steps.

Deb - Great job on exercise and staying OP!

Staying OP has been good for the past several days. Bringing Lean Cuisine for lunch has helped tremendously. I have a dinner date to go to Mama Corolla's Italian Rest. Oh boy, this will be hard. The good thing is at TOPS last night, they pick one food item we can't eat for a week, guess what they picked....PASTA, rotten luck for Italian food tonight. Anyone have suggestions for eating Italian without eating pasta? This will help me stay OP tho.

Going to get one walk in this morning, and if the rain holds off then I will get a pm walk in too. Fingers crossed. Had Cracklin Oat Bran for breakie, and a Lean Cuisine will be for lunch.

Hello to all you chickies!

Be happy!

Annie

Ladies,
I've been thinking about all of you but haven't had much computer time. I promise to be around more in the near future.

Even though I'm busy I'm making sure to log my food, to workout and to take some time for me.

This weekend I'm doing a 5 mile walk for our Women's Center. That should be a great benefit in the exercise department.

Keep working hard towards your goal.

Susie

Hi ladies,
Sad day in ND (sob). Our dog, Maggie Jane became ill last night, and I took her to vet this afternoon, and she is in tough shape. They are going to do surgery on her either tonite or tommorrow morning. My mom gave her a pork roast bone, and they think she has ruptured her bowel. She was sick when I came home last nite from class, and DH was worried about her. This morning she was unable to walk on her own, and was biting at us. So from noon until now I have been dealing with her. SAD day here. We truly think of her as one of our family members. So it is an emotional day here for me, DH, and DS. My mom is feeling just horrible, and responsible. I am a bit upset that my mom would give it to her, when we only EVER give her dogfood. But my mom was thinking she was giving her a treat. I am sure she feels worse than we ever could imagine. Accidents happen. Prayers going to St. Thomas, hoping that he can intercede. Any prayers from you would be greatly appreciated. She is a greyhound/whippet mix.

Weigh in last nite was down 5.2-----So that is some good news.
I truly believe my sucess is in the walking 2 x a day. I do watch my diet, and follow the plan, but I am a human, I like doritos with queso. When I do eat stuff like that I see what is a serving size and STAY WITH IT. I will really be tested these next few days with the stress I am under with worrying about Maggie.

I wanted to post some personals tonite, I have really enjoyed the messages, and the new freindships, but I will have to try and do it another time. Sorry.

HOLLY- I teach special ed, I am in Pre-K, K, and 1st grade this year, however I teach to 6th grade. It just happens my kids are in those grades. I love my job and am thankful for it everyday. There is something about Special Ed that makes you truly see grace everyday, and those milestones are such a gift.
I only have one son, 13, and husband that owns his own business, and we also own one together, plus my teaching and going to school.

Wishing everyone a cozy book, a glass of wine, and a restful sleep.
Sandi

Annie, if it was me I would order the Chicken Marsala, and eat only 1/2 and box the rest. Good luck. Really load up on the salad.
Wish I was going with you, I love BUCA. They make the BEST chicken marsala.

ENJOY
Sandi

Sandi,
I'm sorry to hear about your pet. They really do become like family. I hope all will turn out well.

Congrats to both you and Annie (and anyone else I've missed) for your losses this week. It keeps the rest of us motivated!

Ladies, sorry for limited personals, I did read the posts and I think this is the best bunch of ladies I could meet and race with!

Susie

Judy: Staying on plan while away from home sounds so hard! Hope you have a safe and healthy trip. Sending good vibes.

Debbie: Thanks for the kind words. I know what you mean about “rambling around.” Guess we all go through stretches of that. Good for you on Curves and the portion sizes!

Chocloatecatz: Glad to hear you’re feeling so positive! I hear mini-meals are a great way to go. Keep us posted on how it’s working out.

Holly: Journaling sounds like a great idea. Really can help to get your thoughts out. We got rain here too and it was great; we’re STILL in a drought out here, so every drop is like magic!

Stephanie: Congrats on the race time. What a great accomplishment. Woo!

Annie: Oh, no pasta at an italian resturant?! Yikes! Maybe you could order a really nice chicken or fish dish and ask them to substitute something else for the pasta that usually comes on the side. Or maybe a big chicken-ceasar salad. My thing at italian places is the bread...so hard to resist!

Susie: Wow, a 5 k! Good for you! Hope it goes well. Let us know!

Sandi: Sorry to hear about your doggie. I know how hard that can be. Sending good thoughts. Congrats on the weight loss and the exercise – 2 x a day; that’s impressive.

Well, today wasn’t great, but it wasnt terrible. I weight in and have gained back the 3 I lost plus one more; better than I had expected, at least! I managed a short workout; not much, but at least something. Food was so-so. This headache is really getting to me – it’s been hanging around for over a week now and I think it’s contributing to my mood. I get this headache thing every few months. If this keeps up I might see my doctor. Sounds like everyone is busy and doing well. Sending good thoughts to all.

Good morning,
I got up at 4am to help dh get off to work. I do most days, sometimes he wakes up before alarm and lets me sleep in.
I had a good 3 days. I went to curves 3x, ate moderately. I drank my water.
I don't go to curves on thurs or fri but I walk lots at work. I'll go again on sat.
There nothing new in my life. Just more of the same,same.

Sandi: GREAT JOB ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS.. prayers for Maggie Jane, I also have a 15 yrs old 4 pawed furry daughter. Keep us posted on her recovery.

Spores: sorry to hear about the headache. It sure makes it tough to exercise hurting. I tend to turn to comfort foods.

Susie: great to hear from you. Glad all is going well. Enjoy your 5 mile walk. Hope you have nice weather.

Annie: CONGRATS ON THAT LOSS... WOW!!

Stephanie: good to hear from you. Sounds like you are staying op. Keep in touch.

Holly: good morning my busy friend.. I
truly admire how you squeeze the most out of each day. Hope today is a great one for you.

Chocolatecatz: My scale hasn't moved either. but They will we just have to KEEP TRYING.

OH OH
I ate unbelievably bad food yesterday! I blatantly pigged out last night and didn’t give a rats ***. I was ,of course ,disappointed in myself.
It started early in the day. Breaky was good. Lunch was a wrap with LF cream chese and salsa and an orange, um...followed by a rootbbeer!?? I painted all aft. I made kraft dinner and hotdogs and cut up veggies for an early supper before dance pics. I got the girls timbits for a treat but ate 4.I went to the meeting( went well) at 7 and then came home and strapped on the feed bag.More salsa and cream cheese on crackers, cereal............
I went to bed.Woke at 2 cause DS peed the bed. Argued with him( of course) and then he came into our bed( he won) he has just now peed there too(hence the argument).
I am taking 4 toddlers and him to his gymnastics meet in London at 9 this morning.
It will be okay but I am tired and headachy with allergies.

Best go drink coffee and face the day!

Book club tonight. We all read different Robertson Davies. Enjoyable. it’s been about 10 years for me. It was like going to bed with an old friend. He is “local” born and raised about an hour from here.


I will come back this aft!!!!

Hello all..........

Did really well at Mama Carolla's Italian. Had roasted chicken and vegetables parmesan. No pasta or sauces. It was tough, but I did it. I did eat two pieces of the bread however. I felt successful when I left there. Went home, took a hot bubbly and went to bed. Didn't sleep well, however have not slept well in about a week. Can't figure out why either. Keep waking up all night long.


Sandi - It makes me sad about your doggie, hope all goes well.

Hello to everyone.....

Annie

Good day everyone!

I slept in and came to work in the middle of the day...called in to my manager, of course, but I feel pretty refreshed.

I must say, I've been eating HORRIBLY this week. I can't even begin to tell you all the junk we had for dinner - CAN say that I haven't gone grocery shopping since we got back from Tennessee TWO weeks ago, and that we ordered food from a local bar last night. Just lovely - BAR FOOD! So you can imagine the atrocities I ate. And it wasn't even good.

Going grocery shopping either tonite or tomorrow and stocking back up on healthier stuff. I really need to plan here. And the last two nights - DH had no school, so no commute, and no reason why I shouldn't have gone to the gym. So terrible. I promise myself to go Saturday and Sunday. We don't have too much planned. DH will be inside working on school and I'll be driving around garage sales in the uppity neighborhoods. I hope to find an old softball glove!

I wanted to say hello to SANDI - sorry about your pet...that's tragic...I would be so upset if something happened to my cats - and will be sending prayers along with ya.

Boy, I wish we all lived closer to each other. It would be so fun to meet for events like community walks and such.

Girlie

Hello Ladies,
Well today, Vet called school, and told us they didn't do surgery on Maggie last nite, she was too critical. Just gave her IV fluids, and a sedative to keep her comfortable. Decided to do surgery at 2p this afternoon, to see if they can remove the bone. Which was the size of a "womans fist". I was glad she made it through the nite. He said they would get started about 2:30-3:00 and give me a call. Came home from work, and now he has just called. It seems Maggie does NOT like to be put to sleep and vommited all over before they went in to do it, and LOW and BEHOLD, the huge bone came out. He was shocked, and pleased. Didn't know how such a huge bone could come out of such a skinny dog. They went ahead and did xray's to make sure it was the only one, and so far so good. Decided to let her become awake, and see if she can tolerate some food. So that is where we are tonite. Some concern with her intestines. There is a 2-3 inch spot that looks like a blockage, so they will keep her overnite one more time, and hopefully we can get her tommorrow afternoon, or Sat. I am pleased. My son is at a golf meet, and he is going to be so happy. Middle School principal called me today concerned with him, and wanted to make sure all was well. So that is good.
PRAYER WORKS, thanks.

Annie-- Wow, you have such a great week in weight loss. Good job. It really feels good to know your hard work is paying off. Happy dance to you! Awesome job at the rest. Italian food, aaahhhh, my weakness also. You did great. I always think, You know this meal will only last about 30min to 1 hour. I can get through this, this isn't a lifetime, it is ONE meal. Great job.

Girlie--I wish we lived closer together too. Maybe we should plan a reward weekend, and try to find a central location somewhere, and try to get together. Maybe even figure out on the map where everyone is, and that could be our big reward? Something to ponder. We could pamper ourselves. I also hate to grocery shop. Constantly buying the same things over and over. I know what you mean. Bar food, yeah, we all have done that a time or two. Don't sweat it. Get back on the saddle.

My Choice--Wow, I would LOVE to do a 5 mile, I don't think I have to stamina to do it, but I really would like to someday. How long do you have to train to do that. How do you go about getting ready for something like that? What excersises do you do, walk???? or something else?

Holly----OMG!!!!!!!!! YOU are HUMAN. Thankfully. I am so glad to see you finally didn't have a marathon day, (lol) and your cape is barely wrinkled. Give yourself a BIG {HUG} and tell yourself-- You know what. I have tripped and I am right back on balance. Horray for you that you see it and know tommorrow is just a few hours away.

Debbie-- Great week for you. I wish I had yours and Holly's gardening ability. I really love looking at gardens and admire the people who work hard for their enjoyment, and for others. I would rather mow any day as to garden. SO, you have a gift.

Spores-- so sorry about the headaches. That is rough. Who was the famous person who said "this too shall pass". Although, I am sure you don't feel that way.

This is getting way to long. Thanks for the support. Got my grade emailed to me today and I got a A. So I was thrilled that class is over, now on to another couple for the summer. I did learn alot about Behavior from it, things I can use in my life, as well as my children's lives that I teach. So it was a benefit.

Have a great nite, with stars in the sky, and tender moments.

Sandi

Morning everyone,
T G I F....This sure has been a long week.
This will be short I have to leave for work by 6:15 and still need to get ready. I did well yesterday.. Still no sugar in my tea. I went the chinese buffet yesterday. I made myself a large salad first, then I choice nothing fried. I passed up the rice and lo-mein. Last night I ate some melon and 1 small hunk of cheese. Lots of exercise on the job.
Sandi: Great news about Maggie, Several years ago my ds large muttly decided to eat a chicken. feet and all.
She had to have a couple of places removed from her intestines but you'd never know it now.


Everyone have a blessed day