TOF-Thanks for sharing. I understand what you mean about God moving you. Sometimes, I look at the things going on in my life and around me and I say "okay-God what am I supposed to be learning here?" There are constantly demands on our time and strains on our emotions. But like you-as long as I know I'm moving towards some learning or some compassion or some understanding-I'm okay. I'd much rather be moving that lying at anchor w/algae growing on me. Yuck! :dizzy: I know b/c for years, I've been stagnant in the health arena and that effects every other aspect of your life. Isn't amazing how much easier things are b/c you're concentrating on health? I know it amazes me.

Do you have to take any more continuing education classes soon or do you get a break? I'm sure you're ready for one! You've been working hard and I know you'll meet your classroom goals when it's all said and done.

I know when things are hectic w/my family I just long for some "me" time. Women wear so many hats; mother, lover, daughter, wife, worker, cook, maid, taxi driver, best friend, nurse, etc...that I sometimes just crave time alone w/no demands being made on me. I usually get a little of that on Thursday nights-my girls have horn lessons and DH takes them-and I thoroughly enjoy it. I won't get any tomorrow, though as DH has a meeting and I will be taking the girls to lessons. But, I don't have to work tomorrow so I will manage to get some down time. I'll need it before the weekend! We have a lot of stuff going on this weekend!

New outfit? Depends on DH work sitch. Maybe, maybe not! But I have a dear friend whom I know would let me borrow a shirt at least from her or might check consignment. So, maybe something new to me! That will work. :)

Well, gotta run. You know, we are really blessed, aren't we? Even w/everything we're each dealing w/we are so much better off than most folks in the world. We have family, friends, jobs, health, food, homes, etc. I think you're doing a great job of counting your blessings during your trying times and I believe God will bless you b/c of it! Hang in there!

Hi all,

First of all, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the good wishes you sent to my mom. She is doing better and is on the road to recovery. I flew home yesterday and am thrilled to be here. I really missed my life. I'm glad I went because she and and my father needed help, but now I just want to be at home. I worked today and have the next 4 days off. I think that will help me slide back into my life.

I was scared to weigh in. Eating at my parent's house was difficult. Every meal is precise. I don't know what else to call it. I eat on the fly, serve an entree, have a bowl of cereal, make something quick and easy. At my parents, every meal has several courses and everything has to be just perfect. It was starting to drive me nuts. Anyway, I didn't weigh in this morning. I weigh in on Tuesdays and Saturdays so I'm just going to wait. I did weigh at my mom's house and I was the same as before I left, but that was a different scale... So Saturday I will weigh in and post my weight. Even if I gained, I'll lose it because this diet means everything to me. It's now my life.

Skinny, congrats on the weight loss. You did great especially since life has thrown you some curves. Tell your hubby I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

TOF, you're doing great. I know how hard it is to take classes and diet at the same time. There is something about that combination that is just plain hard. Enjoy the short weeks.

I got my lightbox for my bipolar while I was gone and I used it for the first time today. I'm so positive that it's going to help that I will be crushed if it doesn't. But it will and I really liked the brightness. I love light - sunlight is my favorite but this box could come in a close second. :)

I taught a 4 hour class today and am exhausted. I figured that I got a little exercise walking around the board room helping people with their questions that I can skip exercising tonight. Listen to me rationalize. I did not get enough exercise, I know that. I am exhausted so I think I'd trip over my two feet if I tried. I'd fall on the floor and start snoring. Okay, enough about that.

Again thank you for all your thoughts. That means a ton to me. I love this board and want only the best for you all.

Hi all. Marie, it's good to hear from you. I'm glad you're doing well. I've found that when you're exhausted you just have to give in to it and not feel guilty. Get the sleep and rest you deserve. Some of my most damaging acts in life have happened when I'm tired and then when I'm rested I feel like I can move mountains. I don't know if that connects with the bipolar, but my energy goes from low to high so sleep is even more important to me. So I hope you'll be able to get some sleep and catch up from all that nurturing you did with your mom and dad.

Skinny, thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad to learn that you like to grow towards the positive. When I was in college (catholic college) I learned about a philosopher/theologian named Theihard de Chardin (spelling?) at the base of his theory was that the human race is always evolving towards greater good. I've kept that image inside me and like to think that I'm evolving that way. I really want to become a more loving person. The quest to love in the fullest definition is such an awesome quest.

By eating healthy, I've really freed up my life to grow more fully. I really find that I'm eliminating a major obstacle not only in terms of a bad habit but also in terms of what unhealthy food does to your thinking and acting - it literally weighs you down. Thanks for letting me theorize as you can see I'm trying to reach deeper and grow more fully in light of this change. I appreciate your caring support. I feel so grateful that I've found this community. Thanks and have a great day!

Hi all. TOF your theories are always welcome. I agree with you. Junk food literally weighs you down. I always feel better when I'm eating healthy and exercising. What constantly amazes me is how often I fight that. One would think that that high I feel from being good would make my choices simple, but they still aren't. I'm lured by the naughty stuff.

I did weigh in this morning and I'm back to 190. Not too bad but it's pretty amazing how easy that was to regain. I'm back on track and feeling good this morning. I went to bed really early and slept late. Right now I'm sitting in front of my light box and I know the day is going to be great.

TOF, you comment about being a more loving person really hit home with me. I'm not by nature a really nurturing person. With my children and hubby, I am, but with my parents I wasn't. I don't even have a clue what made me volunteer to fly to MN to take care of them. But while I was there, I got to know two really wonderful people. More than a surface level and they got to know me. It was really weird that I was the nurturing one. I kept thinking about that and was happy with my decision to do so. It was natural. Strange to think about, but natural.

For now, that's about it. Today is an exercise day and I will exercise to get fully back on track. Then the rest of the day is time with my kids and hubby. Stained glass - I need to get working on the panel I'm selling and I bought yarn in MN for my knitting machine. So many things to do.

Good morning, ladies
 

Boy, I need your encouragement and "happy thoughts" today! My emotions are all out of whack and I'm really fighting to urge to pig out on junk food! :eek: I'm not PMSing so I'm not sure where these feelings are coming from. I'm looking at it to see if I can figure it out. I bought a cappucino hoping it would help ease the cravings for something sweet. It does seem to be helping :coffee2: but cravings are still strong!! Quick-say a prayer for me! :)

Yesterday was good. I ate some popcorn and a cowtale while watching a movie w/my family but didn't overdo anything. Cardio-30 minutes. Weights-25 minutes. I also increased my weights by 5 pounds on each exercise.

Marie-glad you made it home all safe and sound. Hope you have a wonderful chance to catch up w/DH and kids. I don't blame you for taking a day off. It's very draining to take care of someone, even-sometimes espcecially-if it's someone you love! However, it does sound like you learned a lot about your parents as individuals. Sometimes, it's hard to see our parents as people, you know what I mean? Sounds like you handled everything well. Oh, the light you're talking about: where did you get it? My DH suffers from depression and wondered if it might be helpful for him.

TOF-I agree also w/what you said about junk food weighing us down. I think it weighs us down physically and emotionally. I know the old me would have already given in to the temptation to pig out! But, b/c of the lifestyle change going on, I'm not giving in. I have too much good stuff going on to let myself get defeated! I also believe that we are called to loving people. That is something that comes very naturally to me. I'm a cargiver/nurturer by nature. That can be a bad thing, though, if you overextend yourself. I'm wondering if that's part of what's wrong w/me today-stretched to thin.

Well-gotta run. Have a great health day. Be kind to yourself!

Hi Skinny and Marie. Skinny, hang in there you've done so well so far you can keep it going. Perhaps going to bed early tonight will help. I had to do that last night. I, too, have felt like eating up a storm today. I think part of it is the cold weather - it definately makes me want to eat more. It snowed for the first time today here. I looked past the chocolates, candy, cookies etc and grabbed some almonds (1/4 c. - 170 cals. very filling) and some mineral water.

Also with what your husband is going through has an affect. In the old days you may have comforted yourself with food to deal with his worries, your worries, etc; but now you can't use that crutch. Please you this site a lot to vent, share, look for strength. You know I come here all the time for strength. You may have to look for other sources of strength too. It's very hard when a husband loses a job, its scary and very hard on the men.

I really appreciate everyone's dedication to this site. This healthy lifestyle has me really looking at the crazy pace of my life - something's got to go eventually. I'll get through this course and then reassess. I want to have a better attitude and more time to love and take care of the people I care for most in my life. I want to move in this "love" direction. Thanks for the good vibes everyone. I appreciate your support. I hope I can be there for you.

feeling better, thanks
 

TOF-thanks for your words of encouragement. I am feeling better. I talked w/DH, my pastor and my sister and I know they've been praying for me. I had lunch w/DH and did eat a subway choc. chip cookie (5 WW points) but will be careful the rest of the day. I plan on going to the Y tonight and trying to get in bed earlier than normal tonight. We'll see how it goes! We're having a friend over for dinner. He's a young man, 20 yoa, who's having a difficult time right now. His grandmother asked if we could talk w/him and spend some time w/him. So, we're going to try. He's been over before and spends as much time as possible w/my family. I think he sees something in all of us he wants. But, I can still go to bed! I'll leave him up w/DH! :D

Well, gotta go. Thanks for your encouragement and kind words. I'm hanging in there. Change of plans for exercise though; DH has asked me to go for a walk w/him tonight. So, exercise and spending time w/DH; a win/win situation! Have a great weekend ladies. Weigh in on Monday! I'm actually looking forward to it. I expect a loss-even if it's just a little.

Boy, I'm glad this site is here. I'm glad TOF and Marie are here. We're in this thing together and we WILL BE VICTORIOUS!!

Just checking in for a last time tonight. Went over a bit on dinner but not awful. I tried some food that I haven't eaten in a long time - fried food. It didn't taste good so i guess it was worth trying it so next time I'm not tempted. I'm taking my advice and going to bed - I'm beat physically and emotionally tonight. I know I'll be back on track soon. I'm going to study all day tomorrow and all day Sunday. That should put me in a good place. My dh is going to take care of the kids and I'm not going to feel guilty about it since I'm almost at the end.

Glad to hearing you're feeling better Skinny. I can't wait to hear about your loss after weigh in. Take care.

Good morning, ladies
 

Hello! Just wanted to check in. Went to the Y for an hour this morning-35 cardio, 25 weights. I feel sooo much better today! Back on top of my game. Hope everyone is having a great day. I'm actually looking forward to weigh in tomorrow. How weird is that? :D That's something I wouldn't have said a few months ago!

TOF-I'm so proud of your hard work w/your class and your weight maintenance. I went back to college as a single parent and it's a rough job to be the mommy and the student! You're doing great, though and you're almost through! Hang in there and hang tough. I'm rooting for you! :cheer:

Marie-be sure to ck in after your family time and let us know how you're doing! Hang in there!

Reds- I miss you, girlfriend! Ck in w/us when you can.

Ladies, I'm off to prepare for a fundraiser our youth is having tomorrow after church. Got some decorating to do! Have a great day. Be kind to yourself. Give someone a great, big hug!! :grouphug:

Hi all,

Skinny and TOF, thanks for all of your thoughts over the last couple days. It has meant the world to me. Skinny, I bought the lightbox over the internet from alaskannorthernlights.com. They are having a special on the full spectrum 10000 lumen box that my psychiatrist told me to get. I can tell it is making a difference. I really like it. Actually, I'm sitting in front of it as I type. :) Anyway, it's only 209 and they divide the payments up into thirds if you want. I know that money is probably tight right now, but the deal and payment plan is good.

I have had a couple great days with DH. We rarely get to spend much time together because he works swing shifts and I work days. But with Veteran's day and a day off yesterday, we've spent time together. It has really been nice. Sometimes it's easy to get so involved in my own life that I forget how wonderful it is to be married to him. He is a great person.

Today I'm working on the stained glass panel I'm selling. It got delayed by two weeks and now I want it done. So I'm going to work diligently on it. I also have been playing with my knitting machine and am making myself a new sweater. It's cobalt blue (20% wool for the winter). Instead of making the extra large size, I making the large. It is smaller but looks like it will fit.

That's about it for now. I will keep checking in. My thoughts are with you and your DH skinning and TOF enjoy those almonds and congrats on passing up the chocolate.

Hi all. Marie I just noticed how much you've lost - 18lbs. That's great!! You must be feeling the difference. I know I'm beginning to feel it. I was able to put on a pair of pants the other day that I haven't worn in years! I'm at about a size 16 now. When I was 150 (my goal weight) I wore a 12 or 14. Glad to hear you're enjoying your DH. I know mine could use a little attention. If we can last the next five weeks I'm sure I'll have energy to give to the whole family.

Skinny, it's good to hear that you're feeling better. Good for you getting to the gym. I can't wait to focus on the gym visits like you and Marie. I really want to train for that August triathlon - I think I can finish it, but if I don't no problem. After this course the only pressure I'm going to put on myself is the pressure to be a loving wife, mother and teacher. That's going to be the focus.

Have a good day all. Keep in touch. Thanks again for all your time and energy. I appreciate it.

Morning All,
The last day of my four day weekend. That's sort of sad, but I'm ready to go back to work (if one can ever be ready). TOF, you'll survive the next five weeks, I promise you will. Just take it one day at a time. I know this is corny, but I always look at unpleasant tasks that way - that the day will end. It's my coping method for the icky things so I don't stress out about things.

I'm still in a size 18. I think my stomach won't give in to a 16 for a long time. I've always measured 2" above the size charts on my stomach than the rest of my body. Doesn't matter what size I'm at, that's the case. My goal is a size 12. If I really do get to 135, I should be a size 10 based on past experience. But I'm older now, so 12 seems realistic.

You guys would have been proud. I was busy with stained glass all yesterday afternoon and then there was dinner and I didn't get to exercise. I was exhausted and Cathleen (eldest son's girlfriend) was over and she got me to exercise. So I did it, I exercised sort of late. I don't ever do that. But Cathleen conned me into it and we danced to Richard Simmons together. She decided she didn't like Sweatin' to the Oldies 1 but she still did it with me. So that makes day 2 of exercising in a row. Today I will exercise much earlier.

Food wise, I'm back on track. It took a couple harder days after being with my parents, but now it seems to be coming easier. I'm a fruit person and I love the summer. So this time of year in Oregon is not my favorite. I have found I love Honey Crisp apples and I bought bananas so I'm still getting fruit. Just not as much and not my beloved peaches. Oh well, next summer is getting closer every day.

Today my Packers play my son's Vikings in football. We're a divided house when the teams play. I hope the Packers win, but it makes Robert so happy when the Vikings do, I can live with a Packer loss. Aren't I generous? :) So it's football and stained glass today.

Talk with you later.

Hi Marie, good to hear that you exercised. Thanks for the advice. I actually managed well today with the studying. I got up very early around 5 or so and studied until 1pm. I finished the bulk of this week's work - the last major assignment with the exception of a couple minor, less time-consuming assignments and studying the reading so I'm feeling good. I actually am going to spend the afternoon with the boys which I'm really excited about.

I went to a dinner party last night. I was so proud of myself - hope you don't mind me saying so, but I managed the party fairly well. I brought lots of seltzers which I drank instead of wine (I did have one glass). I had one fair portion of dinner - delicious ground nut stew - a peanut base chicken stew- an African dish. I tasted two appetizers, just to get the taste. I skipped the dessert and didn't go for seconds. I left feeling good about myself and enjoyed the company. Each time I do well it sets me up for doing well another time. This is such a change. Thanks for listening. Good luck with the game today. I appreciate the compassion. Plus, your son's girlfriend sounds like a nice young woman. Take care.

Good morning, ladies
 

Hello! Hope everyone is having a great health day. Things here are good. Yesterday was very hectic as we had a fundraiser for our youth at church yesterday and I'm the fundraiser coordinator. However, everything went off w/o a hitch and the kids made over $600.00! This money goes directly towards the cost of a conference they will be attending in Dec. So, it was a success! Our church is always very generous and the kids worked HARD! So, didn't get my usual Sunday nap yesterday but that's okay!

Weighed in this morning-down another pound! Woo-hoo! :dancer: Didn't expect that much of a loss right on the heels of the two from last week but I will take it! :D How's it going w/everyone else?

TOF-Way to go!!!! :dance: I know dinner's that include socializing are sometimes hard to deal w/when you're making lifestyle changes but you went in w/a plan and stuck to it! That's great! I agree w/Marie about your studies-just take it a day at a time. You seem to be doing well w/it. Not much longer and you can get back to your normal life. Hang in there.

Marie-how did your football game turn out? I don't keep up w/professional sports that much. I prefer college and generally root for my alma mater-Western Kentucky University as well as rooting for the University of Kentucky. Glad you got some time w/DH. I believe that couple time is very important for married couples. My DH and I try to "schedule" couple time every week-even if it's just an hour to go somewhere for coffee and talk. It's nice and it keeps us connected when we're so busy we can't see straight. Also-way to go w/your exercise! :cp: It's nice to have encouragement from family, isn't it? Sounds like the girlfriend is a pretty nice young lady.

I have no clue what size I'll be in when I reach 180! I can tell you that I'm in 16 right now and pretty close to downsizing to a 14. I have always carried my weight well. Plus, I truly am big-boned. At my very slimmest, 135 lbs, I still wore a 8 1/2 ring size (thanks, dad!) and I have no waist! I used to wear belts a lot just so people would know there was a waist there! :D So, I'm figuring maybe 12's at 180 but not sure. My oldest DD walked by me the other day, grabbed the butt of my jeans and said, momma-you need smaller jeans again! Felt good to hear it!

Gotta run-court today. Ladies, keep in touch. I enjoy my visits here so much. It, along w/prayer, is the only thing that keeps me on the straight and narrow sometimes! Thanks for your encouragement and your contagious enthusiasm!

Hi all! Skinny great to hear that you're another pound down. I'm glad that the fun raiser went well. You're such a nice mom! So devoted to your church too. That's great.

I predict you'll be sliding below the 200 line just about Christmas - that will feel great. You're getting so close to your goal. Actually you and I are about the same distance away. You're 27lbs and I'm 30 lbs to go. I went shopping on Saturday night. I didn't know where to turn, my body has changed a lot - the clothes that fit me went as low as 12 (for some styles) and up to 1x for others. I'm big boned too. My sister says that's why it's hard to notice just how much I've lost. It felt great though. I didn't buy anything because it's going to take longer to figure out what looks good since my shape has changed too. I'm going to try to buy a holiday outift - something simple, classic that will serve most of my holiday dress up needs. What fun to fit into styles that I haven't worn for a long, long time.

Thanks for all your encouragement! I've needed it, appreciated it and stuck to my because of it. Take care.