Dear Chris, Jo and Grandma! Glad to see a new face in here! Welcome Jean....

Jo: You're doing good girl, resting and staying low....and relaxing...you will surely be ready for hubby's reunion in spring....and

Chris: My daughter won't allow her baby to cry, I think that's bad, she thinks it upsets the dog, the cat and her husband (but I'm sure it's hereself it upsets the most), baby's need to cry, it's good for their lungs or something (and gives everyone else a headache), but if they can't talk or bark or meow...they have to do something...am I scewed on this one?

I'm still "on program" had lunch out today, had my salad and NO homemade hot breadsticks...I did well...pat - pat.....

Be good, and we'll all be 10 lbs. lighter by Xmas...I find my 20 mins. on the treadmill just flies past now.

Kermie.

[SIZE=6]undefined[/SIZE


Hi again Kermie just notice you are Canadaian too eh :lol: I am in Sault Ste Marie Ontario Hope every one is having a good day I am trying hard to stick to eating right I was down to 174 this summer and now I am 179 not good but going to keep that 10lbs gone by Christmas :D Jean

Hi Kermie & Jean--dang--had a post started to you both and I think I lost it--went back to check on something and it wasn't here when I returned--Kermie--loved the shower post--SOOOOO TRUE!!! Jean-glad to see your sticking with us. We love to hear from new people--let us know a little about yourself--I know you have 2 sons and a hubby--how old now--if your a grandma--they must not still be 6 and 12:lol:
I have 3 adult children 35, 33 and 29. My oldest daughter is married with 4 children--so I'm really grandma4 now but never changed it--- I live in Minnesota--just north of the twin cities. Work in Human Services with handicapped adults. My husband is semi-retired--works 2 days a week. Empty nesters these days in a new home we built last year. Enough info about me
Kermie--I am laying low. Worked all day yesterday and came home exhausted--in bed by 7 pm. Hubby and son are hunting this weekend--so I only have to worry about me. Planning on a little early Christmas shopping this afternoon but I will take it easy--and not over do. The good news is DOWN 2 POUNDS THIS MORNING!! Just hope it doesn't take surgery for the next 2 pounds :devil:
Heard from Lynne this morning---she hopes to re-join us soon. Is having sporatic computer problems still--Said she is doing ok. and misses us all. She is up for the Christmas challenge. Hope to see a post soon.
I agree with you Kemie on the crying thing--but your daughter will have to learn on her own---or have a very spoiled baby!
Chris--how are you and your little guy??? Haven't heard from you lately.
Gonna run---or walk slowly---maybe there are two post from me today--not sure where the other one went.
Jo:wave:

Hello again well I have 4 grand kids One is 23 today and one 19 the other two are 10 and 7 .Well I had three boys oldest 44 and 2nd one was 39 when he passed away then the youngest is 36 . One lives about 7 hr.drive and the other is about 3 hrs away so I dont see them as much as I would like .I have been dieting all my life up and down .But now I think I am going to do ok just have to put my mine to it I like to walk and I have a excerise bike and Leslie Sansone walking tapes so no excuses for me I am 62 years young and weigh 178 lbs so hoping by Christmas I will be 168 ...... well thats it for now Jean

Hello strangers! :D

Firstly, THANK YOU all for your thoughts and kindness in remembering me. I had tears in my eyes tonight from reading that you hadn't forgotten and wanted to know how I am - it makes me a little less lonely!!!! :grouphug:

Secondly, I've had to change my name cos I couldn't remember my password, and then they gave me a new username, but the activation wouldn't work, so I had to completely re-register! :mad: But that's cool, cos it's kinda appropriate to be starting new.....

Although it's only been a few months, it feels like a lifetime ago since I talked to you all. My life before Marc's death is such a blur, and pretty much everything since then has been too. But I'm attempting to function, mainly cos everyone expects me to - I've got children, I'm not allowed to crawl into a corner and mourn for months! Pity...

Life is slowly taking shape again. I've gone back to work, which was hard. I got a call from a recruitment agency that I was listed with, asking if I was interested in a part time job they had. They knew I wasn't really looking at the moment - I wasn't going to consider work until next year - but they said the job would be perfect for me. It was really hard to say yes. I get panic attacks every time I try to do anything that takes me out of my little cocoon of safety at home with the kids and my family. But I'm so glad I did. I started 2 weeks ago, am doing 15 hours a week, and really enjoying it. I really thought my brain was too mushy to be much help to anyone, but it's actually got the old wheels turning again, and I'm finding I haven't lost my touch.

I signed up for a gym membership just before Marc died, and I started back again a couple of months ago, and discovered they're offering a deal at the moment where you can have a personal trainer who helps you with your diet and exercise for a 12 week period. I have always wanted to do that (oh the envy of people like Oprah!), but because I inherited some money from Marc, I was able to afford it. I've been doing it now for 5 weeks. I haven't got very far with weight loss, but it has certainly helped me get back on track with food awareness and regular exercise. The last couple of weeks have been hard, cos of starting my new job and being really emotional and stressed, but coming out of that adjustment and trying to find my feet again.

I hate the fact that the sadness won't leave me, and it creeps up on me at unexpected times, like hearing a song in the car that gets me crying again. People find it so hard to deal with, they either pretend they don't notice, or immediately start suggesting counselling. It's a very lonely time, and I'm trying to deal with it as best I can cos people expect me to, but sometimes it really pisses me off.

Although it's not good how it happened, Marc's dying has lifted the awful financial burden off my shoulders. I'm now completely debt free, have a car, and my house and gardens are actually looking really nice. I was able to pay for a gardener to come in and get everything tidied up, and get a few bits and pieces for the house so it doesn't look so much like a garage sale!

I still have to pinch myself, cos it all feels like some really bizarre dream where really good stuff and really awful stuff has happened, but now I'm getting adjusted to the fact that the dream won't end, and this is my life now. I hate being a widow at 34. It doesn't seem right.

The kids are doing ok. Josh is coping a lot better now - oh the joy of being a resilient kid! - we are able to talk about Marc and our memories without him feeling he has to blame himself for what happened. Becky is now 20 months, very little, very cute and certainly knows her own mind - 3 very independant, stubborn people in our little family! :lol: It makes me sad that Marc is missing out on all of this.

Anyway.. now to you guys...

I'm really really really really happy to see you all here still - I think that's SO cool!

Chris, congratulations on your little man. I wish I'd been around to talk about your pregnancy and upcoming birth. I had caesars with both mine - Josh was breech too - and I know how hard it is to deal with being a first-time mum when you're recovering from an op! Sounds like you're coping really well! Josh went on bottle when he was 7 months, cos we were having so much trouble with the b/feeding, and Becky only lasted 2 months. My opinion - formula these days is so close to the real thing that if that is what makes mum and baby happy - GO FOR IT!! I agree that formula fed babies seem to be a lot more content, cos if the milk supply is slow, baby can get distressed and unsatisfied. Mind you, Josh got TOO much milk and ended up with chronic wind.
I really wouldn't be stressing too much about not losing weight - it's only early days! Be kind to yourself and your body - you've been through a rough time and you need to look after yourself. Don't push yourself too hard, otherwise you might burn out when baby starts having growth spurts and waking you 2 - 3 times during the night!
Watch out with the dummy!!!! With Josh, he wasn't interested, and took to the thumb right away. Which was great, cos he slept so well, and has kept him happy the last few years - admittedly he's only just stopped, but he was only doing it at night, so that didn't bother me. I didn't realise how lucky I was - Becky was given a dummy after birth to help her settle, and it started a pain in the bum time of it right up until she was about 1 1/2 - she'd keep losing it during the night, and there would Marc or I be some god-awful time in the night, crawling around under the cot trying to find the darned thing!!!!! It wasn't until she was 1 1/2 that I got fed up and attached the dummy with a small piece of ribbon to a small dummy clip to her pj's that I actually started getting a full night's sleep! Obviously you've got to be careful that the ribbon is short to prevent choking, but she could actually find it herself and resettle. But my god the dramas we go through if I won't give it to her (she's only allowed to have it at sleep times). I'd love to be able to toss it in the bin, but I know I wouldn't get a moments rest if I did!!!

Jo, what is a D & C? Sounds awful, whatever it was, and I hope you're now ok. Sounds like you're having a rough time of it in general. Sorry to hear you so down - you're always such a motivated optomistic person! Still busy with your groups too. Hopefully you'll have a quick recovery and will be able to absorb all our renewed motivation to get you moving!
Sorry to hear hubby is having a rough time as well - you 2 must make a right pair! Good luck with your appointments.

I really need to get myself a treadmill or something. It's so hard to get the walks in - it's supposed to be spring here, but it's been raining all week! :mad:

Kermie, lovely to see you in here too. What's this dinner you're going to? And who's the man?! You sound like you're doing really well - I think we all need to take a leaf from your book! I totally agree with what you said about babies - you can't creep about and not make noise and freak out the moment they cry. You have to try and have as normal a lifestyle as possible, and don't fly off the handle the minute they make a squeak, otherwise you'd go crazy! It was really funny when Becky was born, cos I was pretty casual about it all, whereas Marc was the frantic first time parent, and he kept saying he was glad that at least one of use knew what we were doing! ha ha

Jean, welcome to the group - hope we can help you gain your goals!

Ok, hope I've got everyone up to date. I feel like I have to get to know you all over again....

I'm really glad to be back. It's nice to talk to people who are in the same boat as me - I'd forgotten how much I appreciate it!

Here's where I'm at:

I'm 113 kilos, which is 248.6 pounds
I'm 34, 170cm tall (luckily I am, helps carry the weight!)
I want to get down to about 75 kilos (165 pounds), so I've got 38 kilos to lose (83.6 pounds)
It's a lot to lose, but one thing I am finally learning is PATIENCE. I have finally accepted that this weight will not come off quickly, but each kilo I lose brings me just that one tiny step closer to my goal. I am learning to accept that it is not easy, changing a lifetime of bad habits, but I am reintroducing myself to regular exercise and healthy eating that I used to have as a child/ teenager. For example, I'd forgotten how much I love almonds (not too many tho'!) And I've discovered dates. I've started keeping multiple bottles of water in the fridge so I can just grab a new one out without thinking. I've reconciled myself to the fact that white bread is JUST NOT GOOD FOR ME! I've bought a Crock Pot so I can make meals for when I get home from work, so I don't grab crap because I'm too tired to cook. I've taken to carrying a "snack bag" in the car everywhere, which has meusli bars, boxes of dried friut etc, so that I won't buy chocolate. And the list goes on!
At the gym I am actually improving - my trainer, Kerrie, got me to go up and down 3 flights of stairs 4 TIMES last week! The fact that I was almost crawling by the end is beside the point! ha ha

Definitely up for the challenge - I'm sure my trainer will love to see the scales move when I have my next weigh in! Maybe we should do what we used to do, where we have a weekly focus. Would I be right in saying that EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE is the one?! :lol: Should we make a promise to exercise at least 4 times over the next week, and then compare notes at the end of the week? Make Sunday's our catch up and compare time? Then Monday can be the first day of the next week in our challenge. How does that sound to you all? :tread:

I'd better sign off - sorry this has been so long - bit of catching up to do!!!

Missed ya, love ya, will be back real soon!!!

Lynne :wave:

WELCOME BACK LYNNE--You have been missed. Glad to hear things are turning around for you. I had been very worried that your financial difficulty's had increased after Marcs. death. Glad to hear the opposite is true--even if the circumsances of your windfall are horribly sad. Now to get your state of mind in an upward swing. Good for you going back to the gym. I would love to have a personal trainer. Still just me and my walking friend. I know that some light weight training would speed up the weight loss but don't have the time or the convenience of a workout place close by. Can't take you up on the exercise thing this week--still re-couping--but the week after this I'm on. I did do a little walking yesterday--while shopping--but it was exhausting. My hemoglobin counts are still extremely low as well as my blood pressure. I see the doctor on the 17th and if she clears me for exercise I'll be with you. Can't get enough exercise with the holidays coming up. What kind of a job are you doing? Just being with adults may help lift your spirits.
Jean thanks for the info. Sorry to hear you had lost one son--was that due to the diabetes?? Walking is the best exercise around--you can do it anytime you have a few extra minutes in your day. Many of the so-called experts are incouraging 5-10 minute spurts of exercise--as being the way to incorporate it into our busy lives. I try for 30-40 minutes before work--3 days a week and then any additonal walking I can get in above that. I may be fat--but otherwise I'm pretty healthy. No bone loss, heart problems etc--just this darn female stuff:rolleyes: Bought a pedometer last week--to replace my misplaced one. It is a great motivational tool. You can see how far you've really walked and keeps you striving to do a little more the following day.There are many days I feel I haven't sat down--but then when I see the numbers I know it isn't true and it's motivates me to take a little walk after dinnner--even if it's only out to the mailbox.
Kermie--how has your weekend been? Mine has been ok--eating pretty sensibly and taking it easy otherwise. Read a little and shopped--tough life--HUH?? I did buy a new pair of jeans yesterday--getting too cool for capri"s--and they aren't as big a size as I thought I'd need:D: So that was a day brightner. Actually washed them before wearing in hopes of shrinking them a little. That is a FIRST for me--I usually buy them tight to force myself into watching what I eat to fit into them in a few weeks. That's what I did this time--bought the size I thought would be tight--but they weren't.
Gonna run--just got home from church a little while ago and have a few thngs to do around the house before my energy runs out and I need a short nap! Hope the rest of you can take up Lynnes exercise challenge for the week--I know you've been on your treadmill Kermie--keep it up!! My own goal will probably be to walk for a little bit each day--increasing as my stamina comes back---
Jo:wave:

Hi all!

Jo, sounds like you're doing really well all things considered! I surely don't expect you to be jogging around the block after what you've been through - I think you're doing a great job! Good news on the jeans - what a cool surprise!

I've been trying to get my hands on a bike or treadmill today, but no luck so far. I was hoping to pick one up second hand, but there's a huge demand for them so everyone around here has sold out. I'm gonna go to my local big department store and buy one new - luckily they aren't hugely expensive - depending on what I get, somewhere between $100 and $200. I figure if I'm gonna be committed I might as well get one to keep rather than hire.

Had gym this morning and did really well. Kerrie "upped the ante" on the training, making me do more repetitions in a shorter space of time. I must be getting fitter cos I didn't without too much of a strain! I also did the usual 10 minute treadmill warmup before we got started, so I've had a good exercise day today. Eating was so so, but I'm gonna work harder at it tomorrow. Definitely want to get the crock pot going!

My job is PA to a Director of Agricultural Biotechnology! It's full on! This guy is part of huge group of scientists etc who come together to advance the understanding of genetics in food and animals.... and that's about all I understand so far. It's world wide and really impressive. My job is fairly standard stuff - phones, diary organising, filing etc etc. But it's really nice to be in my office, on my own, just getting the job done. I really miss it when I'm at home at 6pm with Becky whingeing in one ear and Josh rabbitting on in the other!!!! :lol:

I'm off to try and get some decent shut-eye. I'm going to leave a message on the old thread forum just to make sure everyone finds us here.

Night all!
Lynne :wave:

Lynne--sounds like your ready to commit to working out. Hope you find a bike to your liking. I have one here--but rarely use it--don't know why--guess I prefer walking outside better. Feeling stronger every day--all though I am exhausted when I get home from work..Hope to start walking again next week. I do have more energy when I take the time to exercise.
Jean, Kermie & Chris--how are the 3 of you? Thanks for snowballing me Kermie--did you have to remind me how close the holiday season is???? Gee , I went shopping on Sat. with the thought of getting a little early start on my Christmas shopping--but alas--I only shopped for ME:devil:
Ok week for me so far--hope to see some results on Sat.--think that will be my weigh in day-
Talk tomorrow.
Jo:wave:

Good evening guys!

I'm posting early cos I want to get ON MY NEW BIKE! :D

I bought one new today that doesn't have wheels, but all the bits are in a sealed section at the bottom of the bike, and it just has 2 stands, front and back. It's really good and I'm about to go and do my first workout on it. My plan is to get up earlier in the mornings and do my workout before the kids get up.

Today was reasonably good. I've recently discovered bbq chicken with alfafa sprouts on soy and linseed bread (with low fat margarine of course) - and it's so yummy! I used to HATE alfafa sprouts! All these new foods I'm discovering! I've also vowed never to buy processed meat again, or white bread, after watching a show called "You Are What You Eat" - this nutritionist in England has been going around to homes of people who are not eating well and have weight problems, and showing them where they're going wrong and what they need to eat to improve their health and lifestyle. It's really good, and I've learnt quite a bit from it. Like what she told us about eating white bread. I LOVE white bread, but I was totally put off by the fact that she was saying that it's pumped full of extra yeast to make it soft, and when squooshed together just becomes paste, and that the yeast just sits in your system doing nasty things - well, that was enough for me! And as for where processed meat comes from!.... GROSS! So no more fritz, processed chicken slices, ham... only ham off the bone, bbq chicken (no skin!) and tuna!

I also have to go and record what I've done today - my trainer gets me to keep a record of what I eat so that we can make sure I'm having the correct portions of each food group - very similar to WW. I guess the few Fantales I had after lunch don't count???!!! :lol:

Jo, I definitely prefer walking outside too, but I find so many days where I run out of time and the kids are in bed at night before I've had a chance to stop and think about exercising! That's why I reckon doing it in the morning would be better - get it out of the way!

I'm quite proud of myself - this year I've had the chance to do quite a bit of the chrissy shopping already. Josh's birthday is coming up, and then christmas, and then Becky's birthday, so I really need to start stocking up on pressies from about August onwards. Luckily I've been able to afford to do it this year.

Well, I'm off to put on the sneakers.... catch you all tomorrow.

Lynne :wave:

PS It's so good to know I've got you guys to "report" to at the end of each day - keeps me feeling motivated and "good"! :D

Woo hoo! They've fixed my original user name! Sheeeeee''''sssss bbbaaaaaacccckkkk! :lol:

Hey Lynne--great to hear you so motivated. No time to post tonight--but I'm thinking about you all. Morning workouts are the best Lynne--I've always said that and then if by some miricle you have a little extra time in the afternoon or early evening you can work out again. Congrats on the new bike and the early Christmas shopping--I'm jealous!
Jo:wave:

Okay, what did I do?? :lol:

Where are you Kermie and Chris? I hope you get in soon!

Another positive day - don't you love it when you have times like these, when you feel like you can conquer the fat forever! Pity it's hard to maintain, especially at TOM!

I had gym this morning, and Kerrie really pushed me - I love pumping weights, it's so satisfying when you start to increase what you do. I discovered this afternoon that I HAVE MUSCLES!!!! :strong: Josh was very impressed - in fact he wanted to know how long it would be before he had muscles like mine! ha ha Pity they're surrounded in a layer of FAT! *chuckle*

Food was good - finally got to test run my new crock pot. This is what I made:

4 chicken breast fillets rubbed with low fat margarine
Sprinkled with salt, paprika and lemon pepper seasoning
1 cup of chicken stock poured into pot
chicken layed in stock
1/2 packet of frozen mixed veggies on top of the chicken
8 peeled baby potatoes in amongst the veggies
5 garlic cloves pushed in amongst the veggies

Cooked it for about 6 hours on the higher setting, and the chicken was so soft! Really cool. Not quite sure about the meal - bit too much like hospital food, but definitely worth working on. I served it with rice, and the kids enjoyed it, so that's one good thing!

I'm off to hop on my new bike, so I'll catch you all tomorrow.

Nighty night!
Lynne :wave:

Hi everyone! Warning...this is going to be a quick post.

Lynne!!! It is soooo glad to have you back!!! I have missed you!

Jean, Welcome to our group!

Sorry I have been MIA, but I have had my hands full.

Brooks has Acid Reflux. He is projectile vomitting EVERYTHING he eats. He is on two different meds right now. I have to keep him upright for 30 minutes after every feeding, only feed him every 3.5 to 4 hours and now we are getting ready to start adding rice cereal to a few of his bottles per day.

I can not even put into words how stressed I am. To make matters worse, I am a stress eater.....so needless to say I have been eating anything and everything in sight.

Kermie, I know what you mean about your not being able to tell your daughter anything cause she gets upset with you. My mother does the same thing to me and it drives me crazy. She was over here last night when I gave Brooks his meds and she says things like " he doesnt like that" or " he is gagging" or my personal favorite " he is holding his breathe". I reply with "well would you rather I didnt give him his medicine and then he can spew all his food". Then later when it was feeding time, I didnt warm his bottle up enough to suit her. She commented on that as well. I asked her at that point was there anything that she felt I did good enough for my son. I love my mother, she is my bestfriend in the whole world. But I am hanging on here by a thread...I am doing my very level headed best and I am trying to figure this all out. I swear before she left last night she told me no less than 3 times to be sure and give Brooks a warm bath and he would sleep better-----GEESH!!!!!!!
I think that the thing with your daughter and myself is that we are trying to do everything the right way, but when people try to suggest something it feels like they are being critical of us and we are already so critical of ourselves. Does that make sense??
As for her not letting that baby cry....I totally disagree with that theory. I let Brooks cry for a while before I run into pick him up. I will go in after he has been at it for 5-10 minutes or so and reassure him that mommy is there and he is ok and then I leave the room again. His crying is not going to bother the animals or the husband. And if it does then they will adjust. He needs to expand his lungs some.
Barry and decided before he was born that we were not going to keep the house perfectly quite for him. We go about our daily business and he adjusts to the noises.

Well I have to run....this was a much longer post than I expected.

Love to you all!

Chris

Chris & Lynne--glad to see your both hanging in there,. Sounds like you have your hands full Chris. Are they looking at medication only for treatment--something he'll grow out of?? My middle daughter was my spitter-upper. She didn't outgrow it--but it did improve greatly with age. She was however the one who always got carsick etc. Good luck--I know it's very freightning and you feel pretty helpless---
Lynne--good for you trying out the crock pot. I use mine a few times a month--more so in the winter. It is wonderful to come home from work and find dinner almost done--I like cooking small roasts or stews. Chicken noodle soup or beef stew are both wonderful in the crock-pot--and everything gets so tender. I usually cook on low all day--Keep up the bike riding--and going to the gym--is that on non-work days?? You go girl---your heart is loving you for the effort:spin:
Kermie & Jean--where are you two? I know I've had a terrible time getting on the site the last few nights--thought it was my computer but maybe not--and thats why we haven't heard from you two.
Feeling good about my eating this week--not sure how much I'll lose without the exercise--but by next week I should be able to get back to it--feeling stronger each day and not so tired.
Talk tomorrow night
Jo:wave:

Good evening all!

Had a busy day at work today - my boss is going to New Zealand next week and no one had yet organised his accommodation as of Monday! So I had to try and rush bookings through so I could have his itinerary ready by the end of today! I think it's typical of my life that the first thing I have to do in my new job is deal with a trip to New Zealand. It was very hard to look at the maps and talk about Auckland, which is where Marc was from. It was so hard not to burst into tears every time I talked to someone about the bookings....

On a brighter note, my food has been quite good today.. apart from the small bucket of wedges I had with lunch.....

Chris, glad to hear from you. I know it's hard with a new baby, so it's not surprising if you don't get in too often. I'll give you a very good piece of advice that I was given when I was expecting Josh. Almost everyone you talk to will want to give you their advice about child rearing - this INCLUDES those who don't even have any of their own! You just quietly acknowledge and thank them... AND THEN DO WHAT YOU WANT THAT FEELS RIGHT! It's not so much that people are being critical of you, just that they think that because they've had the experience they know best. And sometimes, just sometimes, the advice they offer can be helpful. But don't worry about your mum - mine's the same. You just stick to your principles and what you've been taught, because you have to be comfortable with the way you raise your child. Don't worry about your little one - it all passes. When Becky was born, she kept bringing up a lot of her milk after feeds. It would freak my out, because I was worried she would choke. But it did finally settle, and she doesn't do it anymore. Little ones just have a hard time don't they? Josh used to feed too quickly because I had so much milk that he had wind problems for months. I was having to sit him up for a burp 5 minutes after starting, and I'm sure you can imagine how impressed he was with that! Both my kids ended up on the bottle cos it got too difficult. It's interesting that you put rice cereal in the bottle - is that how you guys start introducing solids? Anyway, hang in there. The first 6 months are the hardest, and then by about 12 months it really does start to settle down. The biggest hurdle is getting them through that baby stage. It's hard to know what they want at the best of times, let alone when it's the first time!

I'm so glad that Becky's coming out of all that. I've got the toilet training and bed introduction to go, and then we can cruise. I really don't want any more kids after this! :lol:

Jo, I do go to the gym on my days off. I've got quite a busy schedule now - Monday afternoon I work, Tuesday is gym, chiropractor and cooking, Wednesday morning work, Thursday gym and chiropractor and Friday work all day. And somewhere in all that extra exercise, housecleaning, gardening and spending time with the kids!!!!! Oh yeah, and remembering to eat right and record it all! DOH! :lol:

I'm going to go and enjoy a glass of wine, and yes, I confess, a cigarette - will keep my mind off the fact that it's a Friday night and I'd normally be enjoying quite a few drinks and some kind of very yummy but very fattening foods....

And yes, I will be getting on the bike like a good girl. I was on it for 10 minutes last night while I watched Law & Order in my bedroom - works out really well. Got the remote and glass of water next to my on top of my ironing board! HA HA

Do you guys get any Aussie tv there? We've got heaps of American stuff of course. I love all the law stuff. And of course we're now just seeing the last episodes of Friends and Sex & the City. *SOB*

Have a great night, and if not before, I'll catch up with you all on Sunday night for our "weekly review"!

Chris, I just want to say that I know what you mean about the food - don't feel too hard on yourself - this is a crazy time for you, and you're allowed to be a bit slack - however, in 6 months time we're gonna get on ya case babe! ha ha

Bye buddieeeeesss!
Lynne :wave:

PS I want to write this article to you all:

"MORE FRIENDS = LESS STRESS

Think you couldn't live without your girfriends? Well, you're right. Not only are they good at force-feeding you Kit Kat Bites when you're upset, they also help reduce insane stress levels. What the...? According to a study done by Pennsylvania State University, when faced with a stressful situation, women tend to seek out other chicks. Men, meanwhile, cope with it alone. The study shows that seeking out your female posse when you're stressed releases a chemical called oxytocin that has a calming effect. Of course, they're also good at telling you honestly when your bum looks big in something - but you knew that didn't you?"

Lynne--great to hear your doing so well--no I don't get any Aussie tv that I know of--of course we get so many different channels--who knows-maybe I haven't found it yet--
I'll be weighing in tomorrow--my own scale--not expecting a loss because of the no exercise this week--but we'll see. Hubby and I bought another new vehicle--supposed to come in tomorrow so we'll have a busy day--company on Sunday so the weekend will be gone before I know it. We have to sqeeze in some grocery shopping sometime this weekend. Cupboards aren't too bad--but I am running out of the basics--milk, bread, fresh fruits etc.
How is everyone else doing on their Christmas challenge??
Jo:wave"

Hi to all every one sounds like they are doing realy good I am still hanging in
trying hard got to get more outside walking neen the freash air . I need to give my self a good talking and hope I will get moving got to get that 10 lbs off by christmas time is moving fast . Jean

Hey everyone--Jean--glad to hear from you---now get away from your computer screen and start WALKING:D: Weighed this morning--down 2 1/2 pounds--not sure where that came from--but I'll take it!!!!! Thats a total of 4 1/2 toward my 10. Before I get too cocky--I need to remind myself that i can GAIN 4 1/2 easier than I lost it--so no celebrating with a food reward:devil:
Lynne--how goes the weekend??? Your coming into summer now--right??? Wish we were instead of winter--but that's ok--I love the snow also--just not as much as warm and sunny. Today is beautiful--low 50's and bright. Are you losing any weight yet??? I know your eating healthier and working out. How are the kids?
Kermie--where are you?? Haven't seen a post in several days.
Gonna run--I still haven't gotten to the grocery store and the day is almost gone. We have company coming tomorrow--and I do need to feed them!
Jo:wave:

O.K. It's Monday and I'm back to walking before work. Went about 2 1/2 miles this morning. Tired me out but it felt good to be back at it. Walking again tomorrow. Not sure what the weather will bring later in the week so we're trying to get in 3 walks early on. Usually we walk, rest, walk etc. We're striving for M-Tue Thurs this week. But that could change.
How did everyones weekend go??? Mine was alright. Pretty sensible in the eating department--now to string a few good days in a row during the work week.
Talk tomorrow. Hubby is home and ready for dinner.
Jo:wave:

Good evening folks!

Jo, GREAT JOB on the weight loss! I think we are all too quick to disparage what we achieve, so BE PROUD of yourself - considering what you've been going through, I think you're a CHAMP for being able to stay focussed and lose weight!!!!!! :dance:
Glad to hear you're back on the regular walking - makes a difference doesn't it?!

I haven't been out for my walk cos I've been so busy, so all the more thankful for my bike. Haven't been on it in the last couple of days = been really tired today. I hate the mood swings I go through, but just gotta keep going I guess....

I don't know whether I've lost any weight. My scales died, and I won't be weighed at the gym till Thursday. I'm not feeling hugely optomistic, but you never know. My progress has fluctuated quite a bit, so my weight has probably remained fairly much the same.

Work's going well. I went into head office today to be shown their procedures on petty cash and stuff. It's so interesting going into a new office and seeing all the procedures that they are used to where you can see some room for improvement and change - that's one of the areas I enjoy the most - being able to go over Admin procedures and processes and help improve and streamline them. My theory is that the job should be as simple and straightforward as possible so that if you aren't there, anyone who's familiar with the field can take over.

I went shopping yesterday. I'd promised myself I wouldn't buy myself anymore clothes until I lost some weight, but have found that I don't have very many nice summer clothes, because haven't really been able to afford to buy anything for a while. I love all the colours in at the moment - my favourite colour is pink, and all this season's clothes are pink, lime green, lilac and white. Great! So I bought a light pink skirt and a lovely floral summer top to wear under a jacket for work, and a couple of 3/4 length pants in hot pink and lime green. Love it! Sucked that I'm a size 22, but at least I was being realistic! I'm not sure whether you guys have the same sizing there?

Well, I'm going to go and read a book and relax.... Hope everyone is doing well.

What was the summary of people's week with the exercise? I think I managed to do 4 or 5 days? Definitely can improve on that. My problem is still the food, as I slowly get used to having to plan my meals better around work.

Gotta go, catcha soon.

Lynne :wave:

Hello well I am getting my walking going a gain it is so hard to get back on track but no more excusses I do my one mile tape every morning and try to go out for a walk in the after noon or do biking but I havnt any lbs off yet.....Christmas is comming fast and if I want to eat some cookies I have to have 10 lbs off well that it for now Jean

Hey--glad to see a post from Lynne & Jean---hang in there ladies. I go back in for my check up tomorrow--will find out if I'm cleared for more strenuous exercise. Walked this morning--2 days in a row. Back to wearing my pedometer--helps keep me motivated. Planning on walking tomorrow--then any other days I get in this week will be a bonus---
Good for you Jean working out to your tape. The more you work out--the more energy you have. The experts are telling us that 2 or 3 shorter workouts a day are just as beneficial as a long one--so keep it up--before you know it, you'll be:strong:
My eating today hasn't been the best--came home starved and had downed the leftover spaggetti before I knew I was in it:devil: Oh well--a new day is coming! Breakfast and lunch were on program.
Kermie & Chris--how are you both doing? Chris--any change in Brookes? Hope the meds are helping him keep things down--are you back to WW??? Re-joining during the holidays is a good idea--your still really motivated so you stay on program so much better during all the parties etc.
Gonna run--I'm going to settle down in front of the tube--it's been a long day.
Jo:wave:

Hey everyone--another foggy day here in Minnesota. Haven't seen the sun in days:( Did walk before work. It was a struggle. Hard to get motivated when the weather is so crappy. Went to the doctors after work--didn't find out much--just donated more blood samples. Should know something by the end of the week. I do know my hemoglobin count is still only 8.6 so no heavy exercise yet. Just walking at a mid range workout--no fast walking or running. Oh well--at least it's higher than 23 weeks ago. Hope you are all fine. Will post tomorrow.
Jo:wave:

Hey everyone--another weekend almost over--why do they always go by sooo fast and the work week crawls??? Babysat the grandchildren this weekend, so I didn't weigh in yesterday. I was lucky to get in a shower--the sun is finally out today--going for a walk when i sign off here. Predicting clouds again tomorrow. Christmas is coming up fast--how goes everyones challenge???
Jo:wave:

Okay, where did that week go???!!! :eek:

It was Josh's birthday, so with work and organising that, my week went haywire! Most of the week was pretty much a write off, so I'm trying to start again this week.

The training program that I've been doing at the gym has not been a huge success. I mean, from the point of view that I'm getting more educated about my food choices and have increased my exercise, that's all good. But I had a bad time there for a few weeks, so in the whole time I've been doing this, which is about 9 weeks, I haven't lost any weight. I haven't GAINED weight, which is another bonus, but would've been nice to see some SCALE results. However... I have to remind myself of the good and move forward. I'm really going to try and be strong and focussed over the next few weeks before christmas. I'd like to have a little loss at least before I finish the program. I've got 3 weeks to go.

Josh's birthday was a headache - 8 year old kids can be a right royal pain in the butt!!!! :mad: VERY demanding and expecting everything they liked IMMEDIATELY! They were worse that little kids! I was feeling very tired, grumpy and unappreciated by the end of the day!!

Jean, it's great to hear you are trying so hard. The exercise will definitely help you! What are you doing about food control - do you follow your own program or are you doing Weight Watchers or something?

Jo, I hope your appointment went well. You are certainly trying hard that's for sure!

Chris, hope you and family are well.

I watched a really interesting episode of Dr Phil today about handling babies and toddlers, especially kids who scream and cry all the time for attention. It was nice to sit there and say "hey, I do that! Dr Phil would be proud!" hee hee I love that guy, I think he's got some amazing advise. What's the feedback from you guys about him? Does Oprah hate him or is that just a nasty gossip magazine rumour?

I'm going to go and put some washing on before it gets too late. I'll try to get in tomorrow night and let you know how my second day of week 10 went!

Kisses and hugs
Lynne :wave:

Lynne--don't despair--at least your showing up at the gym--and without it you probably WOULD have gained weight. Don't envy you with the b-day party--glad those days are past for me.
Got some more test results back--very depressing. One year ago my blood work showed that I had started menopause. All of my hormone levels are back up this year---which explains the heavy periods again. Doctor says it is highly unsual to go back out of menopause but not abnormal---Yea, right. So I'm back on yet another medication to try to shrink the rapidly growing fibroid tumors and stop the floods! If this medicatatiion doesn't help it will be hystorectmy time-- oh well. Just hope one of the side effects of this medication isn't weight gain:(
Gotta run--oven timer is beeping at me--time to get the rest of dinner going. WIll touch base tomorrw. Hang in there--one day at a time!
Jo:wave:

Okay, that's really annoying - I posted yesterday, but it's not showing! I can't figure out what's happened, cos I know it was there before I quit...

It was a lovely motivating post, and now I can't remember what I said! :mad:

Guess WHAT???? I got up at 6.10AM!!!!! and got on my BIKE!!!!!! and did 15 MINUTES of exercise!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so NICE to do it in the morning, when I don't have the kids around but aren't leaving it till the end of the day after they've gone to bed when I'm too tired and just wanna veg. So... BIG PATS ON THE BACK FOR ME!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Eating was good too - helps doing the exercise in the morning, cos then you want to be good for the rest of the day!

Hope everyone else is doing well... I'm going to go and make myself a chicken sandwich (on multi grain bread of course!)

PS it is SO HOT here!!! *gasp*

Lynne :wave:

What is going on??? Now there's the post, plus yours Jo.... wierd!!!! We'll have to report it if it keeps up.

Lynne--I got your post yesterday and todays--but I know what your talking about with the posts not showing up. This site is getting very slow again--with all the pop-ups. Good for you getting up early to exercise. Thats what I/ve been doing for the last 4 years--then it's out of the way, you have more energy for the day and it feels good to get moving right away before your too tired. Had an ok day myself. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here--so there will be lots of eating--but thats ok. Back to basics on Friday. I'm having it here--so I'll be sending leftovers home with the kids. But right now it's pretty unbearable. Just finished baking 2 pies and it smells wonderful in my house:devil:
Will talk later in the week. Keep up the great work!
Jo:wave:

:?: Have you scanned your system for spyware lately? I've added a post to the Help forum to explain that we limit pops, and give information about programs that might cause more pops than come from us.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49738

Yay! I can see you all again! Suzanne was being very helpful in trying to find out what was going on, but I've scrolled through the pages which seems to have made a difference.

Jo, I used to have pop-ups coming up all the time, but not any more thank goodness! I agree with you about the early exercise. I did it again this morning AND went to the gym, so I'm pumped! I've been so energetic today, which is quite amazing considering how hot it is. We had 35 degrees today, will be 36 tomorrow, and then pretty much the same for the rest of the week. I'm not sure what that is in your temp, but it's darn hot! The house is foul. The kids are coping ok so far, keep them with as little clothing as possible, lots of ice and a spray bottle to keep us cool. Yuk! I bought an air conditioning unit to put in the window, but it hasn't been installed yet, so having to cope with a couple of fans! :(

I've gotta go and load my new dishwasher, and then off to bed. I don't want to go to sleep too late if I wanna get up in the morning again. Working all day tomorrow temping as head office's receptionist, which should be fun. At least I'll be in an airconditioned office!

Have a good night folks, and talk to you soon. Kermie, Chris, hope you can post soon.

Lynne :wave:

Read Suzannes post. I'll have one of my kids down load for me later today. My hubby does visit a lot of political web sites--which explains the tons of junk e-mail I get everyday. Todau is Thanksgiving so I've been up since the crack of dawn cooking. Well maybe not the crack of dawn but pretty early. Good for you getting in your exercise. If it's hot there now morning exercise makes even more sense. Will post later today after my company has gone. Take care. Where is everyone else????
Jo:wave:

I’d love to know how everyone is going as well. Although it’s not surprising Chris can’t get in very often – babies are rather time consuming aren’t they???

I’m VERY glad to be exercising in the morning considering the heat. Mind you, it only got down to 26 degrees last night, which would normally be a nice warm spring day!!!! Suffice it to say I was feeling rather WARM as I peddled along on my bike in my bedroom. RATHER glad to be sitting down with an icy drink after!!

Just to give you an idea of how hot it was today, it got up to 37.00 degrees Celcuis, which is 98.60 degrees Farenheit – and we’ve got a whole week of it!!!

Hope everyone's had a good thanksgiving - it's sort of a lead up to christmas isn't it?

I'm off to watch Notting Hill which is on TV - love Hugh Grant!

Have a good weekend - I've got a wedding to go to tomorrow, so won't get a chance to post until Sunday, SO BE GOOD!!! ;)

Nighty night!
Lynne :wave:

Hi everyone!!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!!

Sorry I have been MIA lately, but you would not BELIEVE what we have been going through here. I will try to give you the short story....

You all know that we have been treating Brooks for Acid Reflux for the past 3 weeks. Well it has been getting progressively worse and he was projectile vomitting everything he ate. I mean we were changeing him and ourselves 2-3 times everytime he ate which was every 3-4 hours. It was HORRIBLE!!!! Well on monday I demanded tests be run and we found out that he didnt have reflux afterall. Instead he had a condition called Pyloric Stenosis. It is a condition that effects 1 out of every 1000 babies and while it can effect female babies it is most common in the first born male. The only course of treatment is surgery. So they transported us by ambulance Monday evening to a childrens hospital about 2 hours away and on Tuesday morning they did the surgery. The results were immediate. He has only projectiled a few times since the surgery which the doctors said was normal for a week or so.
We came home Wednesday evening and I mean to tell you this baby is a completely different child!!!!

Anyway, that is my story. I have to scoot now....I hope you are all well!!!!

I'll be back soon!

Wow Chris--you have had a run--but a wonderful Thanksgiving with the surgery success I'm sure. Glad they figured it all out--makes you wonder though how long they would have let it go if you hadn't insisted on the additional tests--poor Brookes------
Lynne--yes 98 is a bit warm for exercise. Hope your summer levels off soon--we didn't get much hot weather this summer--just lots of rain. Today it's snowing--and it's beautiful. I'm planning on putting up my outside lights etc. Not sure how cold it is--but it can't be worse than my experience 2 years ago. I know I told you guys about that. When I went to put out my light-up deer and trees the ground was so frozen I couldn't get the stakes in the ground--i ended up using hubby's blowtorch to soften the earth and then hammered them in. In the spring i had all these brown burn marks in the yard--quite the sight! Hope I don't run into that scene today--don't think so--it's been pretty warm during the day. Thin layer of ice on the pond out back.
Thanksgiving was very pleasant. Had only my own children and 1 grandchild here. Played cards and dice after. Quiet group overall--no little children with too much energy! Hubby left for South Dakota pheasant hunting today. He'll be gone until Monday so I can get a jump on my holiday stuff. Usually try to get most of my cards written out etc. In the past I have gotten up very early on Friday morning to hit all the big sales--but not this year--just didn't have the energy. I'm sure it's because of my low hemoglobin counts. Don't want to think about getting on the scale tomorrow--but I will--haven't weighed in 2 weeks.
Kermie--loved "the fork" it is so true-----thanks for sharing.
Gonna run--the snow is calling. Hope you have fun at the wedding Lynne-
Jo:wave:

Oh my gosh Chris, how awful for you!!!!!! Poor little bubs. I'm glad he's better, but far out, having to go through surgery at his age!!! :( Big hugs and kisses to all of you for a speedy recovery and chance to return to a "normal" household again - as normal as you can with a baby anyway. Becky was very sick after she was born, and had to have antibiotics administered by a drip which kept falling out. It was awful, so I know how worrying it is when you are just trying to deal with being a new parent.

Jo, sounds like you had a nice thanksgiving. We don't get snow here, so it's hard to imagine the type of cold - and a frozen pond - sounds so romantic to me! :lol: I'm sure it's a whole other story when you're living in it! The only time I got to play in the snow was when I was 21 and went skiing in New South Wales. I even made a snowman! We went to the snow in New Zealand when I was a kid but don't really remember it. I could do with some right now I can tell you!

It was so hot last night I ended up camped on Josh's bedroom floor, cos we've only got 2 fans at the moment - one for each of the kids - so I was lying in my bed sweating until about 3am before I got fed up and moved.

Anyway, I'm off to do a bit of shopping before it gets too much hotter. I can't believe we've gotta go to a wedding this afternoon, up in the hills where it's bound to be hotter. I'm taking up Becky's little inflatable pool so the kids can cool down for a while. I'm sure they'll be the envy of all the adults there!

Catcha tomorrow!
Lynne :wave:

Lynne, Would think it should be cooler in the hills--but it's not huh??? I love the colder weather. And the snow is beautiful. Went out early and shoveled a little--don't really have to do it though--we have a service that takes care of the shoveling--but I've always enjoyed it. Very icy under the snow--which I don't enjoy:( Finally got moving enough to get out shopping. Got Birthday presents for 2 of my grandchildren--but didn't get any Christmas shopping done--just not in the mood yet--stores were crazy--toy departments anyhow. Maybe after church tomorrow. Isn't there anyone around who can help you get your new air conditioner in the window?? Nothing worse than trying to sleep in the heat. Do you also have high humidity????
Well the scale wasn't very kind to me this morning--back to the weight I was at 3 weeks ago:shrug: Guess I had better REALLY kick it up a notch if I'm going to make 10 by Christmas----9 to go-----how is everyone else doing???
Gonna run--want to get a little start on Chirstmas cards--gonna curl up with a cup of fat-free hot cocoa and a good book after I make a small dent in them. Take care all--and try to stay cool Lynne
JO:wave:

Bump!!!

Hi guys!

Sorry I've been out of action - Becky had gastro, which we discovered when she threw up in the car on Sunday on the way to the swimming centre!!! She's been sick since then, and is only just tonight starting to show signs of improving. Poor little munchkin! You can tell when they're really sick when all they do is lie around.

Food has been pretty bad, cos it's been hot and I've been stuck in the lounge most of the time keeping an eye on Bec, so I'm sure the scales would scream at me if I went near them! Managed to get on the bike this arvo for about 10 minutes, but didn't get near it all weekend. :( I got my period today, which I wasn't expecting, cos I didn't suffer PMS as much as I did last month, which is a good thing, but it certainly explains why I've had a chronic craving for chocolate over the last few days! :lol:

Anyway, I'm going to go and relax with a book - my favourite pastime I must admit - Jo, sounds like you've got the right idea!

And yes, it does get pretty muggy sometimes - did today cos there was lots of cloud and then it rained. Enough to wet the ground, but I'm sure it's not a great help to the farmers! Here, a lot of the time, the further out you get, the hotter it gets. Especially where we are, situated between the hills and sea.

I'm going to tackle my chrissy cards next week, but I've gotta think about some pressies cos I want to get some off to New Zealand, and they can take ages to get there.

I've gotta go say goodnight to Josh, so I'll catch you all tomorrow.

Take care
Lynne :wave: