Time For Serious Fun #79
 

TIME FOR SERIOUS FUN

We are a thread dedicated to making losing weight a pleasant experience. We laugh, cry and talk together. We have challenges, points for staying on program, drinking our water, and exercising. We have a daily topic to join in. Our only focus is to help us realize that dieting and all that goes with it need not be unpleasant, but can be fun. Come join the fun here at Time for Serious Fun! Everyone is Welcome!


TOPICS:

Monday: Mission Monday New mission each week
Tuesday: Target Tuesday We target something to work on
Wednesday: Wednesday's Woes Our day to complain about anything and everything
Thursday: Time for Us Thursday The day set aside to pamper us!
Friday: Fabulous Lbs Down Friday. Report our losses!
Saturday: Sunny Thoughts Saturday We share stories and jokes to help us smile
Sunday: Silly Poll Sunday A new poll to give your thoughts to every week


POINTS VALUES:

STAYING ON PROGRAM IS 2 POINTS
DRINKING YOUR WATER IS 1 POINT
EXERCISING IS 1 POINT

POSTING A WTG: A WTG IS WHEN SOMETHING NON WEIGHT LOSS HAPPENS TO YOU LIKE A NEW DRESS IN A SMALLER SIZE. TO POST A WTG, USE ALL CAPS AND POST IT IN PINK. FOR EXAMPLE: WTG: I rode my bike 2 miles instead of one today.

SECOND QUARTER CHALLENGE MAY 1-SEPT 1. THE MOST LBS LOST WILL WIN A $30 VISA GIFT CARD! ONLY THOSE WHO ARE MEMBERS AS OF THE START OF THE QUARTER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRIZE, NEWBIES, ARE ELIGIBLE THE NEXT QUARTER THOUGH ALL MAY JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

WEDNESDAY: Today is Wednesday's Woes. What can we help you with?

Jaymi: Hard as it is to do, when you have a child that will drink from a cup and still takes a bottle, you have to just toss all the bottles out and tough it out. It only takes a couple nights (I am assuming that is when you give them to her sleep time) and I highly disagree with your Ped. My dd was 18 months when I took hers away and it ruined her teeth and my dr said it was directly from the bottle. Even milk turns to sugar in the mouth when it sits and if she is taking a nap or sleeping with it, milk is lingering in her mouth when she drops off to sleep. Ask your dentist not your dr next time and see if this is not so. As to your other problem, there are a few things you can do. Try and find a group of ladies with children and start a play group where each of you in turn gets to take a couple hours off while the olthers watch your children then switch, gives you some time away from the kids if dh doesn't watch them much, if you cannot get into free therapy, dh won't do it even if you can, and you don't seem to be able to solve your problems, find SOMEONE to talk to about this, a minister or someone. Look into free clinics where you might be able to get some free advice. Lastly, I am really old school believing you should stay in a marriage but if it is bad it is bad and if you can't see any other way YOU MUST START PREPARING TO END THE MARRIAGE. Don't sit back and say you can't you can. You have to make a commitment to yourself and to your kids to make your home a happy place. It is not good for the kids to see you and deal with you crabby and unhappy all the time and believe me, they notice. Listen, if it is impossible to be in this marriage and make it happy and you really cannot see anyway out, this is what I would suggest. Start running your home like a single parent except your spouse is the breadwinner. By that I mean, quit depending on him for emotional support if he is not giving it, if you have to pretend he would not be in the home to help with the chores etc instead of getting mad because he doesn't help. If he is causing the chaos, make it stop. I firmly believe both parties have to take responsibility and if he is not physically abusive and you have talked about him helping, cleaning up etc, stop enabling him. He will wake up if you quit doing his laundry etc believe me and when he wonders why, tell him he helps or he does his own. You are no different from any other wife really. My dh tried that crap when we were younger and I made it clear that I was not his work horse. That I would take care of the home like he worked outside it, but there were rules and he either followed them or I quit doing for him, PERIOD! Honestly, part of it is how he was raised and part of it is being younger and probably immature. YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD AND BE THE MATURE ONE AND FIX THIS SO YOU CAN BE HAPPY AGAIN. We love you and want was is the very very best for you!

Faye :)

Faye, you're awesome!

2 points yesterday for op....no exercise and not enough water.

I am going to aerobics soon, and I have to perform at the "big city" public library tonight. Three of us will entertain a crowd for an HOUR with just dancing and talking about the dance.....wish us luck! :crossed:

Jaymie--does bi-polar disease run in your family? You mentioned that your father does the same up and down mood swings.....it's worth asking a doctor or therapist about it. Because there is medication that can help, if you are bi-polar. (This coming from me...who comes from a totally screwed up family. My father and brother are bi-polar, my uncle is schizophrenic, and I'm a belly dancer! :lol: )


Gotta fly.......have a great day everyone!
Julie

Hello all! Well today is just starting for me really… I’ve been up for maybe an hour and a half… decided to sleep in today…. No exercise today… yet. No exercise yesterday. I don’t remember drinking any water either! I want to go to the pool or something today. No beach with that stupid hurricane or whatever that is. That weather totally sucks… The sun is beaming again.. Right now.. But I know that at any time…. It could start pouring… My hubby cut off all of his hair!! Woohoo!! I wanted to show him how much I liked it…. :lol: but… my daughter never went to sleep! At least she didn’t before we did! Ha, ha! She wont sleep in her toddler bed now..but we are gonna change that! Sometimes I think I’ve got a split personality… but maybe not! I had terrible, terrible nightmares again last night…. They really bite! I think that is a big part of my problem… now if anyone can tell me how to get to the route of THAT problem… I’d be happy to oblige! :lol: I’ve tried the stupid medicines from the doctor.. But they don’t work. So of course when you have a sleepless and bad night.. You wake up cranky…. So sorry chickies! Anyways we got about 10 bucks in our checking account… but I sure wanted to go buy me a swimsuit at walmart.. They are on clearance for 5 bucks! They are like a cotton-like material though… wonder what would happen if they got wet…hmmm… I’m just thinking that the boobie part won’t be enough room! Probably not! My favorite swimsuit broke at the beach.. Did I tell you all that?!? But luckily I caught it before my boobs popped out! I want to fix it… but it has that stupid plastic thing.. I was sooo blessed…. I had some safety pins inside of it… So for any of you with a two piece.. Always put a safety pin inside of the top just in case… I kinda like going to the beach… there are people there that you might say are too big to where a bikini! :joker: and there are people that are too skinny to wear a bikini!! :lol: So… who cares… I don’t… no cute guys either! :lol: Just my ol’ husband…(which is a cutie.. But doesn’t count!!! :) ) who doesn’t even pay attention… so no reason to be embarrassed! At least I could care less! Anyways….. I might go write a check…. Walmart usually takes about a week before they cash them anyways!! I’m so bad!!! I’m a baaad girl!!!! Well anyways I better get to doing.. Something! I need to get a move on because I gotta cook today…. Anyone want the recipe?!? It’s supposed to be a kid based recipe.. It sounds weird.. But I though.. What the heck…

Campbell's® Golden Sauced Meatballs
Prep/Cooking time: 30 min.

Ingredients:


1 lb. ground meat OR 1 lb. turkey
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. onion powder
0 dash worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 can Campbell's® Golden Mushroom Soup
1/2 soup can water
1/2 soup can milk
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1 green onion, chopped OR 2 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. minced garlic OR 1 tsp. garlic powder
1 packet artificial sweetener OR 2 tsp. sugar


Directions:

Mix thoroughly ground meat, bread crumbs, onion powder,
1-2 dashes Worcestershire and egg. Shape into small
meatballs.
In large skillet in a little hot oil, add meatballs and
cook until browned. Drain off fat. Mix together soup,
water, milk, 1 tsp. Worcestershire, green onion, garlic
and artificial sweetener. Add to skillet and simmer till
thick. Serve over cooked bow tie pasta, egg noodles or
mashed potatoes.
Tips If desired, stir in 1 can mushroom pieces (drained)
or 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms.



Anyways I will come back and comment later…. I gotta get a move on.. I will probably exercise later… Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi Ladies,

Jaymi, Jaymi, Jaymi, You are a younger version of me. We are so alike that I could have typed your post :rofl: believe me you are not depressed and I don't think you are bi-polar either :lol: you make me laugh :lol: I know that you grumble a bit in your posts but its an upbeat grumble not a "i'm gonna end it all" one :rofl: we all have are little grumbles in life and I can totally relate to your situation with your hubby :rollpin: but you must remember that the people you see holding hands and looking :love: at each other are probably in new relationships :dunno: every relationship 'cools' down over time and we all fall into a routine and lose the romance :( its a pity :p but its a fact of life. It does'nt mean that you don't still love your partner it just means that you don't show it to each other as much. I think if my hubby brought me home a bouquet of roses I'd wonder what he'd been up to :chin: :rofl: I suffer from depression too but not clinical :nono: and I would'nt go on Paxil or any of the others if I were you :eek: a doctor once prescribed them for me and I could'nt function properly :crazy: think I took them for a week :lol: NEVER AGAIN!! I did'nt need them anyway, I figured out what the problem was, I like to go places and meet people and hubby is happy to hang around at home drinking beer with his pals or going to the bar with them :rollpin: and that was the other thing that was eating away at me :( the fact that I was'nt invited to go with them :rollpin: now I just think to **** with you i'll do my own thing then ;) if you want to pm me your email addy i'll be happy to listen to your daily gripe ;) :D as for the bottle thing have you tried to coax her out of using it? say things like "you'll be a really big clever girl when you start drinking out of a cup all the time" ;) I did stuff like that with my kids :lol: I used to say to them "spit that dummy out" (pacifier) and make a spitting sound and my son thought it was hilarious and did it :cp: then i'd say "dirty dummy, lets throw it away" after a few times he threw it in the garbage and that was the end of it :yes: no distress involved. :goodluck:

I'm back to working part-time this week which i'm glad about cuz i've got to get ready for relatives arriving next thursday, I think we are going camping the day after they arrive :lol: i'm sure they'll love that after just flying 5000 miles :lol: I hate 'roughing' it but i'll do anything to get out of the house and see some new sights and who knows it might even be fun.

POINTS:

Faye :bravo:
Julie :dancer:
Jaymi :dancer:

Jaymi: What would your hubby do if you took his hand in the mall or in public? Maybe you just need to work on the romance a little, honey. Jack and I have been married 32 years in November and we still can't keep our hands off each other. No, we are not having sex 7 days a week but we hold hands in the mall or when walking, though it is like holding the hand of a chimpanzee because his arms are so long and his legs take 2 steps to my one! :lol: Romance doesn't have to be about sex. Give him an unexpected back rub when he gets home, ask him what he would like to eat and fix it and put it on your nicest plates. Take him with you on a shopping excursion and buy him something cute but not expensive. I have something my husband bought me at that screwy mall shop with all the sex toys and stuff (can't think of the name) anyway it was a report card on how I was as a wife. I loved it and cherish it even though it probably cost him less than $5. You two may just need some time together without the little ones. It is always tough when you have little kids to find quiet time but maybe you can get friends to keep your two and then you reciprocate. Don't spend money, just rent a video you both like, fix yourself your favorite foods and cuddle on the couch for a couple hours. Believe me, we NEVER had any money and my first child was born 11 months after we got married so we seemed to always have kids at home until they were grown and left the house so I do know how tough it is. Give him a big kiss when he gets home tonight and tell him you appreciate all the hard work he does and believe me doing it several times and he will get the message.

It is hotter than hades here today. The heat index is 110. Poor Jack was out in the sun all day yesterday and got bbq'd. I have this great stuff I got at Walgreens that is an aloe vera gel with lidocaine and it helped him a lot. The worst part is his forehead where his hairline has receded. He looked like a cooked chicken, poor thing.

Well, I shampooed my office carpet and cleaned the upstairs today so it is downstairs tomorrow and I need to get a shower before Jack gets home in a couple hours.

Everyone have a great day!

Faye :)

Hello All.. Quick check-in! No exercise yet, I ate 2 sloppy joes.. (not good) but they tasted good!! No pool, no walmart.. I’ll save it for tomorrow.. I still havent’ journaled.. And I need to. I am gonna go do that right after I get off the computer! I havent done hardly anything today… I need to do a lot!!! Well I put some dishes in the dish washer. Boy my daughter is mischievous!!! She snuck the tape box out of the closet and ate half the box… What am I gonna do with her!! Anyways… That’s about all for me today.. I’m in an ok mood… trying to stay away from EBAY!! Tomorrow I’ll try not to go overboard at Walmart.. But I probably will! Anyways gotta go now.. Time is running short. I need to start cooking!



Ta-Ta All !!!






Faye- that’s even better advice.. I’m gonna try it.. You made me think about it… I probably have been pushing him away.. And not realizing it… I don’t do any of those things you said… which means I need to work on my self.. I just kept trying to push him away to protect myself.. Thanks Faye.. Very much Sorry to hear about Jack.. My hubby is already darkskinned… so that’s the good thing about that.. He’s really hard to burn.. But he does get tanned.. I told him if he don’t start wearing sun screen, I won’t be able to see him in the daylight or the dark!! :lol: But hey.. That’ how I like em’ anyways! :joker:

Cat90- I will pm you with my email address! I guess I figured my daughter would just stop drinking the bottle.. She just stop sucking the pacifier… Dang…. guess I gotta work harder! :lol: Good luck with the relatives, camping and working… Whoo… you gotta busy time ahead.. Oh and “dirty dummy” that is sooo cute!

Well gotta run!!!

THURSDAY: Today is Time for Us Thursday. Make your time count for you today!

I will check in with you all later in the morning

Faye :)

Morning Ladies,
It's FAIR DAY...........and thanks to Faye's advice last year at this time, I've got a bottle of water frozen and chocolate graham crackers and raisins already packed! I also looked on a weight watcher's site that had fair food listed by points....ok, most of the stuff is ludicrously high in fat and calories. But a whole bag of cotton candy only has like 53 calories!!! I can't believe it. That is the only thing I really HAVE to get at the fair. Last year I was strong and forced myself to only have a bite of my daughters. But now that I know, I'm going to let myself enjoy a bag. I guess it's just all that 0 calorie AIR that's in it! :lol:

Yesterday went well. 3 points, not enough water. The dance show at the library was nice, too. It was one of their weekly concert series, and there were 3 of us filling up an hour long concert. It was outside and really nice!

Faye, I hope Jack is feeling better. My husband goes out kayacking on the weekends and always ends up burning the insides of his knees and inner thighs. Gotta remember the sunscreen at the fair today! :cool:

Jaymie, just throw out the bottles.....she'll be upset for a day or two, but she won't let herself starve. It's just not human nature, no matter how stubborn you think she is. YOU are the grownup and YOU make the decisions.
She needs to learn that now, or you're in for a world of trouble when she's older :lol:

Where the heck is everybody?????

TTFN,
Julie

hello there!

Sorry I've been MIA for about a week now - things have been pretty crappy for me. Firstly, I've struggled with my PMS and TOM as always and have gone way off trackiand stopped all exercise. I feel :crazy: and my mood has dipped because of all the rubbish I'm eating - but I'll sort it out.

Secondly - would you believe I lost my job before i even started?I had said that i would start on wednesday if the bus strike was sorted by then, but it wasn't and I couldn't get in , and even though i had told my employer this the day before and she said 'I understand' - she phoned the agency the next day and said I didn't turn up and she didn't want to employ me anymore! What an absolute cow!:headache: :bomb: Nigel rang her up and gave her a piece of his mind and she knew she was out of order - especially as she'd given me all this crap about how supportive she was and 'if there is anything i can do to help your transition into work easier'. basically, the agency said that i should have got taxi's into work if there were no buses - like i can afford to do that! So I say screw the lot of them! I'm sick of dealing with employers and agencies who are just out for themselves and who don't give 2 hoots about the worker - me and Nigel are going to set up our own business and work for ourselves!

I really think that God does not want me to go back into social work (which suits me fine! :lol: )- that is the second time i have accepted a job only for it to fall through. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways , and even though i really needed that job and we are down to our last pennies - i still feel hopeful that God has a greater plan for us!

I am just so angry that people treat me like that - I am a good person and deserve better!' I spent our last money on new clothes for this job and now have to go through the process of signing back on benefits which will take weeks - I've probably lost about £400 because of this damn job.

But I know God will provide for us as he always has - i really don't know what i would do without God in my life to turn to at times like this!

Sorry to go on girls! Thanks for letting me vent!

Love Amanda xx

Hi Ladies,

Enjoy the Fair Julie :) I thought there was one on here last weekend and drove down there to find that there was'nt :mad: I guess I did'nt hear what the announcer on the radio said properly :doh:

Jaymi, thats right STAY POSITIVE and stay AWAY from Ebay :lol: I can't say too much about Walmart tho' cuz i'm guilty of that one too :o Maybe you've overdone something to have hurt your knee :dunno: young people can injure themselves too you know ;)

I've gotta go grocery shopping this afternoon have'nt done much else apart from play with a photo program and make a calendar for my daughter with our photo's on :D its her birthday next month and I thought it would be something nice to send her.

Amanda i'm so sorry that the job did'nt work out :sorry: what a *itch that woman was for treating you like that :rollpin: I think you are better off without her in your life anyway ;) :goodluck: to You and Nigel in your new venture :D

POINTS:

Julie :cp:
Faye :dancer:

Amanda: Honey, just think what it would have been working for someone that two faced. You will find something just right for you. I will start praying for it!

Gotta go vote.

Faye :)

FRIDAY: Today is Fabulous lbs down Friday. How are our losses ladies?

We are missing some folks, Carri, where are you sweety and Beth?

I will check in later

Faye ;)

Morning ladies,

quick check in--2 points for me, water and exercise. I went over at the fair afterall, but not too badly. Plus I probably walked it all off in the 4 hours we walked around and went on rides. Just me and 5 kids! They were all so awesome, no fighting, no wandering off......just lots of fun. Woo hoo....last year when I was a good 40 pounds heavier my legs wanted to drop off after 2 hours. So, I guess there's some use to this weight loss thing after all :lol:

Amanda--I'm so sorry about your job. I know you were looking forward to it. Maybe it really is time for you to look around for another line of work. What are you and Nigel planning to do together? I'm intriqued.

Oooh, gotta fly..........lots to do today.

Later babes,
Julie

Hi Ladies,

:lol: Jaymi I can relate to the boobs spilling out thing :yikes: not a pretty sight :eek: well i don't think it is :nono: but guys have other opinions :rolleyes:

We finally got some rain today :rain: i'm so glad :) now I don't need to go out to water today :lol: No loss for me this week :rolleyes: company arrives next thursday for 3 weeks so thats me out of commission for the next month :yikes: if I can maintain i'll be happy :)

POINTS:

Julie :dancer:
Faye :dancer:

Hope everyone is having a good afternoon. I am kind of sick but it is menopausal and there isn't much I can do except wait it out. Right now exhaustion is the big thing and I couldn't go to the pool today as they are making a repair on it and I am too tired to walk.

Jaymi: One of the good things but funny was last year's suit got too big and my boobs would flop out of the cups all the time when I was in the pool! :lol:

Everybody make it a good OP day

Faye :)

hi
I was down 1 pound as of yesterday morning
I'm at the parent's house for the weekend. I needed to escape college for a while. What I talked about in my last post...I know its been a few days now. Is not getting better exactly. Its not something I can wait out anymore and hope it goes away...it always comes back. Its becoming more and more clear that I might have anxiety problems. I talked with a few trusted people and I when I get back into town I'm going to check out what the University has to offer for things like this.
Hope all are well

SATURDAY: Today is Sunny Thoughts Saturday. What do you have to share with us?

Susan: :goodscale Good for you !!!!!

Sure has been quiet here lately. That usually is not good. Hope all is going well with everyone.

Have a great weekend!

Faye :)

I miss you all sooo much!
 

Hi there everyone!!

This will be a really quick update since I am at work. I am 38 weeks pregnant due on 08/22, but being induced one week early 08/16. Ppregnacy has gone well overall with a few bumps, but both baby and I are fine. :D

I gained 15lbs so far and lost one this week. super yay! :D :D

I think about this group often and plan on getting back on program as soon as doc gives me the ok.

I even have a plan in place to buy myself a two month gift certificate to curves. I just made bonus at work. If I do this I know I won't spend it! :lol: That way when doc gives the go ahead I can jumpstart my program and making time for myself.

I am sorry I haven't been in more often, but don't think I haven't been thinking about ya's with every glass of water, walking and trying to watch what I have been eating!!

big hugs to all, and I'll update you sometime after baby is born!

Lisa

Lisa: it is terrific to hear from you! Glad you and the little one are doing fine. We will be anxious to hear all about it. Keep up the good work with the pregnancy.

I was busy today. I cleaned downstairs, did an hour in the pool, went to the post office, shopping and library. Jack cooked a roast out on the grill and it was yummy along with some grilled corn. I found I have to stay away from the Pepsi Edge. They just started carrying it here and I found I can't handle it so it is back to diet for me permanently. I even did my morning chores for tomorrow this afternoon, woohoo. I feel better than I have the last two days thank goodness.

I read about the dweeb who did the fake beheading. What a dumb ***. I hope they can file charges against the stupid jerk. Our country has enough sadness going on without someone faking it with wives being murdered and such. It is truly an ugly world sometimes. I am just thankful we have a group of lovely women who make it a better place to live in just being you!

Have a great weekend ladies!

Faye :)

SUNDAY: Today is Silly Poll SUnday and our silly poll this week is when you were a little girl, what did you want to be when your grew up?

Check in later girls.

Faye :)

Hi girlies,

First, I must say LISA it was so great to hear from you! i think about you often and am so glad to hear that you are both doing well. I can't believe it is 9 months already - time really does fly! All the best for the birth and we will look forward to meeting your little nipper soon.

I went swimming again yesterday and it was heavenly! It was such a hot day and the walk there was just baking me, but as soon as i stepped in the pool I felt so cool and relaxed - it was wonderful!

Money is so tight for us now - we are going to have to contact everyone tomorrow and let them know we can't pay them :( I've felt awful over the last few days - worrying myself sick about money, but now I am just accepting that there iis nothing I can do about it and that God will look after us. We really are at rock bottom financially, but the good thing about that is that the only way is up! Having nothing also helps me to give everything over to God - I've been struggling and striving to find SOME way to keep in control of my finances, but now I admit i am helpless and am totally reliant on God to get us through this. I am so lucky to have Nigel to share all this with - so infact that makes me very rich!

I'm keeping our business plan under wraps until we are able to get it established. It is nothing that will make us millionaires, but we hope it will be able to provide us with a basic income - we can only try can't we?

SILLY POLL - Up to about 12 I wanted to be a teacher (as most little girls do!), then a nanny and then a registered sick childrens nurse. I decided to go into social work as I didn't think I'd be able to cope with blood and trauma. Funnily enough, my brother is now training to be a childrens nurse at the age of 33 (and he's more squemish than I am!)

Welll done Susan on your pound loss - you have definately broken through that plateau!

Love Amanda x

Hi Chickies!
 

Been missing everyone - read up on your posts occasionally. You all give me hope.

I have been too absorbed in work! This is my last week on part-time hours but I am almost done with my summer tasks. I revised 99 % of all the forms, developed this year's program calendar, training and orientation for our student workers, and the parent education component. I present to the administrative body on Thursday. After approval - the parts will be divided amongst the staff and the implementation of the work will be a team effort! :^:

I am making red valances for our family room with hand stenciled and painted black chinese characters! :D Still trying to find my passions (Art) :?: Haven't done much on the book except prepare a proposal for a publisher. Wish me luck!!!

Recommitting myself today! I have not been on the scale since bouncing back to my favorite :( plateau. Haven't recorded inches either but I have noticed a few of my clothes fit better. Alas when you are 220 + it all seems so far away. Of course dh has lost 10 lbs!!! :?: Testasterone and muscle mass metabolizes so much faster in their bodies :?: ????? Oh well, I know why I have not been losing and it has nothing to do with why he is. If it is to be it is up to me.

Silly Poll - I wanted to be a horse! :D I have always loved them so much so I used to run around on all fours, galloping! Later when I realized that would not be possible, I dreamed of being a famous actress.

Lisa - You are doing so well! Can't wait you are back. Best wishes with your baby!

Amanda - I so admire your faith but remember the story about the man who was caught in a flood? The water kept rising and when it was up to his waist, rescuers came in a row boat - "Get in, we're hear to save you!" The man waived them on, "God will save me." The water reached the second floor and he was hanging out of the window when a speed boat came by. "We're hear to save you! Climb aboard!" Again he refused. "God will save me." The man was standing on his roof when a helicopter came by and threw down a rope. "Grab the rope! We are here to save you!" "No, I am waiting for God to save me!" And the man drowned. When he got to the pearly gates he was quite angry. "God," he implored. "I prayed and put my fate in your hands and you did not save me!" And God said, "I tried! I sent you two boats and a helicopter!" I believe that God helps those who help themselves. He did not give you gifts, talents, the ability to think and choose, and His word for you to sit and wait to see what happens. Pray for wisdom, opportunities, and use His gifts to take action and make something happen even if it is a baby step in the right direction.

Have a great week everyone! mscat816!

"If you keep doin' what your doin', you are going to keep on gettin' what your gettin'. "
"Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results!"
If you can see, hear, talk, walk . . If you have hands, if your heart is beating, or you can think, take these gifts from the Almighty and use themt o create your world and future, beginning right now!

MONDAY: Today is Mission Monday and our mission this week is FAITH! Now some of us have deep religious faith and in my opinion it is the best to have but we need faith in OURSELVES too. Let's look at ourselves and several times a day tell ourselves we can do this, we can do this, WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

Amanda: You keep that faith and remember we are on God's time not he on ours. I remember the first time dh got laid off. We were devastated as he had worked for the company for 8 years. Then the only job he found after 2 months was in Chicago and 2.5 hour drive one way. He did that 2 years and they laid him off. Then he got a job that lasted 2 weeks and they laid him off because he has a slight shaking in his hand and they felt his work quality wouldn't be good enough, Then we went through 2 more jobs each lasting less than 6 months and he got laid off twice more, one with a company that was a highly respected Christian organization and had promised when they sold their company to a secular one they would not get rid of anyone and Jack was gone within 2 weeks. He then took at $10 an hour pay cut with NO benefits to work for a company with 6 employees and then ended up in the hospital having to have surgery which left him out of work for 2 weeks and NO PAY at all. That is when we decided to move here. When we did, we moved here with NO JOBS and only the money I had in my 401K from my partime job at the law firm. We lived in one of those long term hotel things and it was awful but we had no choice. No one would rent to us because we didn't have jobs. We finally found a nice little older house in a rougher part of Memphis with landlords who were adorable to us. He even built us a garage! I hated leaving them when we did because we were good tenants and they had trouble renting to responsible people because they were too nice and the area was not good. I went to work within about 3 weeks but he was out of work 6 months. We barely made it, BUT THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: We trusted God to provide for us and to provide a job for Jack. Each time he lost his job and would walk in the door with that look on his face, I would fall apart and sob and cry and it would last about an hour or two then I would pick myself up and know that we had each other and could go on. You and Nigel have each other and will make it through. I will pray for you! I know you can weather this storm as we did. Jack has the best job he ever had, can retire with a full pension in 10 years and though we are not wealthy, we get to take trips, etc now that we have never been able to do. You keep praying and trusting God, he will get you through this!


Faye :)

Good Morning lovelies--

Well, I've stayed away from posting for a few days, and I finally realize that it's because I feel like total CRAP! I can literally feel a layer of extra fat and bloat around my limbs that wasn't there a month ago. Part of it is TOM, but mostly I've just been eating and eating and eating........all the wrong things, which makes me want to eat more. I've been telling myself that I'm doing "ok", but I"m really not. I can feel myself sinking both in how my body feels and how my mood is. I'm so glad I have you gals to talk to about things like this.....it all sounds so silly coming out of my mouth.

So, in the spirit of today's mission........here's what I plan to DO about the situation before it gets any worse:
I'm leaving for Pennsic very very early Friday morning. Pennsic is our vacation, but it is a week of medieval camping and fighting and dancing.....It's not unusual to walk 8-10 miles a day! just to get to the various activites around the site. Normally, I eat a TON of fat and sugar to give me the energy to get through it all and I weigh the same when I get home. THis time, I'm going to eat healthy the whole week and jump start myself into losing again. I have a "buddy" in camp with me who is trying to do the same thing, and we are driving to PA together so we won't be eating crap on the road either. I also hope that eating right during the week will help me avoid the 24 hour headache from **** that I usually get around Wednesday of Pennsic week.

Now, my behavior the past month or so has put me on a bad path for craving pasta and bread and sugar. So, I'm going to spend this week detoxing. No sugar, no starchy carbs, and very little sodium. I may even cut back on the meat, which I've been eating WAY too much of. I fully expect a withdrawl headache tomorrow and for a few days.....but I hope that when we leave, I'll be fresh and clean and ready for a great vacation. A new start....I deserve to feel GREAT! And I really haven't all summer.

I'm going to need your strength, girls, to get through the next few days....so think good thoughts for me. I think I just got so tired of "fighting the good fight" that I let myself go, one meal at a time, over many months.....and now I feel like a failure because I haven't lost. But I need to look back at how far I've come and see that I really am half way to my goal, and I don't have to stop here.

Ok, enough about me....

LISA--It's GREAT to hear from you and I'm so proud of you for how well you've done this pregnancy! :cp: You've only gained 15 pounds, that's awesome! I lost weight with all 3 of my pregnancies until the last trimester and then gained about 20 back at the end. It was so nice not to get the "you're gaining too much" speech from the doctors! Can't wait until you get back here on a regular basis. Here's wishing you an easy delivery! :grouphug:

Amanda--You are right to lean on your faith when things seem bleak. AND MsCat is right too....you've got to help yourself and God will work through you. But I'd say you're already doing that since you and Nigel have a plan. Don't let this all derail you........keep going to the pool and keep following those points. You'll be glad you did.

Faye--Sorry the "change" is giving you such a hard time right now. Hope you perk up soon. Oh, and thanks for always being in here cheering for us, even when the traffic is slow and it seems like you're talking to bare walls. It's comforting to know that we come back after a few days and you're always here.

Jaymie--Two words......CARPE DIEM.....ENJOY LIFE......I will if you will.

Where's Carrie???? Did she get that new job?

Sheesh, this is a long post....ok, I best be going now. Gotta plan some menus for the week that will use up all the food in the fridge before Friday.

TTFN
Julie

Hi all!

Thanks for the advice about my situation - you all make valid points. My faith in God is such that I know he will find a way forward for us and I know that opportunities may come in many different forms that I don't expect! I know God has a plan for me and he will lead me in the right direction - I am open to whatever he may put in my path!

JULIE - good luck with your detox, hope it goes okay! Your holiday sounds like fun - and you'll get lots of exercise aswell! I know what you mean about feeling that extra layer of fat - it's amazing how in tune we can get with our bodies and can 'feel' even slight shifts in our weight.

MSCAT - well done for re-committing to your healthy lifestyle - you can do it! Thanks for your advice - I understand what you are saying and agree, I believe strongly in FAITH IN ACTION !

FAYE - thanks for the great support as always!

JAYMI - Sorry you have felt depressed this weekend - it sounds like you did the right thing by getting out and about and keeping busy, that usually helps me when I feel bad. I hope you pick up soon and are feeling better.

CARRI - Where are you? Hope you are well!

Take care

Love Amanda x

Hi all.
I'm back from my weekend at the parent's house. It was a needed vacation, from school, from worry, from....*cough* being OP. But I'm back in action today. I brought clothes with me to go to the gym after class but all the bad food I think has drained my energy so I may have to detox before I can get back into workouts.

Julie - will be thinking good thoughts for you and you are NOT a failure because you still know what you want and still come here to discuss it. You'll set things right, I'm sure.

We have all got to really examine ourselves and believe we can do this. I have had a terrible time lately and am back up to 325 which is a terrible admission for me. I give no excuses and make none. I worked with dh last night to come up with a plan to get me back on track including talking to the dr about my menopausal issues and what if anything I can do about them to help me. Sweet man that he is, Jack set up two things for me, buying an expensive dress in the size I should be by August of next year to wear in Vegas and each quarter that I lose 30 lbs he is going out and buying me something special. I am doing well today and am working hard on eating for nutrition instead of for pleasure or boredom.

THIS GROUP CAN SUCCEED AND THE TIME IS NOW TO DECIDE TO DO IT. WE ONLY HAVE ONE MONTH UNTIL OUR SECOND CHALLENGE IS UP AND I AM NOT SURE ANY OF US HAS DONE VERY WELL. I AM 7 LBS OVER WHAT I STARTED AT. LET'S GO BACK TO BASICS AND FIX IT AND GET BACK ON TRACK TODAY!

Faye

***I WANT TO SEE GOOD POINTS FROM EVERYONE TOMORROW. TODAY IS BEHIND US AND WE CAN JUST LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT IS AHEAD!***

Hi Ladies,

Its hot, hot, hot :hot: just the sort of day when you want to sit around and drink cold drinks :T and i've run out of diet sprite cuz hubby drank it all so i'll have to grab some when I go shopping, I get coke for him :rollpin: I don't like that stuff :p but what does he do? drink my diet pop :lol:

My visitors are'nt coming now cuz their son has had to have an operation so i've just taken some pics of my hubby and a friend holding up a big get well sign so I'll get them developed and send them to him with a gift ;) i've no excuse not to get back on the 'wagon' now have I? :eek: so I'd better come up with a plan and start working it again :)

Congrats on another 1lb loss Susan :cp:

TUESDAY: Today is Target Tuesaday and our target this week is nutrition. In this day and age we eat for pleasure not nutrition. Let's focus this week on eating better nutritionally, zapping the junk food out of our diet and remembering to eat because our body needs it not because it is something to do.

I got 4 pts yesterday and I am going to work hard to continue with it.

I will talk to everyone a bit later.

Faye :)

Morning ladies,
Well it's day 2 of sugar detox and my killer headache arrived right on schedule. :( I have so much to do to get ready to leave on Friday, though. And I can't function when I hurt this badly....so I just had a few frozen grapes, hoping that the fructose will take care of the headache and I can still get the refined stuff out of my system. Regular headache drugs do nothing for the withdrawl pain...it's weird, like your body punishing you and there's nothing you can do about it except give in and go back.

I did have a great 4 point day yesterday, and will try to have another one today...though exercise will probably be a nice gentle yoga session.

Hope everyone is doing well...
Later babes,
Julie

Hi everyone, sorry I have not posted in a while, but just thought that I would check in on you girls...

I am doing really great on my program, I am down to 191 as of this morning!!! Wooohooooooooooooo :high: and I am so excited that I am this close to the 180's... :cheer:

Julie - Sorry to hear about the headache, hope it gets better soon!! :(
This too shall pass....

Amanda - Sorry to hear about the job, and good luck with your new business!!
Hope it goes well for you :goodluck:

Faye - Dont get so hard on yourself on the weight gain, you know you can do it and you have a wonderful supportive husband to help you through!! :love:

Cat - Have fun with your visitors :wave:

Lisa - Great to hear that you and the baby are well, good to hear from you :flow2:

Well I hope you all have a great day and stay OP!! You guys REALLY can do it if you put your minds to it!!!! Be Strong!!! :strong:

Have a good one!!!