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 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: 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

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!!!!

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

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
Ok week for me so far--hope to see some results on Sat.--think that will be my weigh in day-
Talk tomorrow.
Jo

Good evening guys!

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

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???!!!

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

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"!

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

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

Okay, what did I do??

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!!!! 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

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
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

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!

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!

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

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: 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
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

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