Rears in Gear for the New Year - September
 

Holy COW where is this year going!?!?! Welcome to the 9th month!

Well I started off last month with a bang, and life blindsided me and knocked me right off my track. I didn't gain, and in fact managed to lose enough to get me back into the 170s, but there I stayed.

I'm moving the horses AGAIN today to another farm, and this will give me more time to work out in the morning and actually work with the horses. But the last week has been very stressful. The last three weeks have been very stressful. I want very much for this month to yield better results, and I guess that means I have to be willing to work harder and focus more.

Four months left in the year. Wow.

Here I am, it's September.... I always feel like it's "New Year's" in September vs. January 1st. School starts, it feels like a new beginning time of year for me.
I shall make this month really count!
Linda

I really need to strengthen my resolve this month. I have been dealing with a lot of work stress, which has led to some old coping habits - food. I haven't been doing a lot of binging on junk food - chips, chocolate, etc - it has mainly been just eating a lot. But it is not good. My exercise is good. I need to stay focused, and make this month count. I am still on track to be below 225 by my birthday, and at 200 by the end of the year. I just need to focus. And find better ways to deal with stress.

The good thing is that I am getting better at not putting myself in the middle of the road to be run over by my bad habits. This morning, I did not stop for soda, as I knew I would be tempted by other junk. Last night, I did not stop for the chocolate I was craving. It is not 100% of the time, but slowly getting better.

Here's to a great month.

Hello Lovely Ladies!

Back from one day off. Mom left yesterday afternoon. My house was cleaned and scrubbed free of all the crap food by last night. No more crud in my house. No more bad influences, no more slipping back into bad habits. NO MORE!!

I'm back to WW tonight. Will probably show about 10 pounds up, but that is better than the almost 15 I gained back. I was up this morning about 9 or 10. I'm okay with that, since September is really going to be my best month ever!

Had my 2 week post-op checkup with the surgeon. He said I looked "magnificent" and that he was not going to lift my light-duty restrictions. He said what he has found is that people push it anyway, and if he lifted my 10 pound weight restriction, then I would probably do deep tissue damage and not even know it, therefore setting myself up to have a longer recovery period.

He did say occasionally I could go without the bra at night, but not during the day. Might try that this weekend. I'm still scared of rolling over and smashing my nice new chest!

Some of us have been faltering a little bit here. I have been pretty much absent due to surgery last month, but feel the "needing a kick in the butt" vibes we so freely give out. I am determined to have a wonderful month of September. Here are my goals for the month:

1. I weighed 226 this morning at home--up 10 pounds post surgery. I can get that gone without a problem by the end of the month, but I want more. When the end of the month comes, I want to show a loss of 40 pounds on WW scales. I was 219.6 the night before surgery, that was 35.4 loss so far. I need to be at 215.0 by the end of the month on their scales, which weigh me 3 pounds heavier. That would mean 212 on my scales at home, a loss of 14 pounds. Aggressive, yes!!! Attainable, maybe not. Gonna try??? OH YEAH!!!

2. Get back into my morning routine of exercising on my Gazelle. I've been walking outside in the morning, but it's turning cold so that probably won't hold until the end of the month. We will probably have snow on the ground by month's end. So, exercise goals are Gazelle 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. I can't do my Pilates or any other tapes until my October 5th post op check up. Walking at work, as weather permits.

3. STAY OFF THE JUNK FOOD!!! No more fast unhealthy food and crap food. I've lived my life full of it up to this point and I just don't want it anymore. I will allow little bites here and there, but not whole candy bars, and three or four handfulls of crud anymore.

We have all worked too hard to backslide now. I would be interested in a mini-September challenge if anyone knows of one they would like to do. Nothing too complicated, and maybe we should all just get focused and back in gear this month, starting challenges next month? Let me know.

Jolly: Okay, we have done well, no more bad habits and old lifestyles creeping back into the mix. Head up, dust off your shoulders, and get back with it! We can do this together, because we need to!

Raven: When is Ian and dad due to arrive? How is your weather? My friend in Savannah says there is a big storm brewing down there. Why did you have to move the horsies again? I was hoping this would be a great move for everyone!

Red: Welcome back. I hope the job front calms down for you.

Happy: I'm still keeping fingers crossed for you and your job situation. The mailing gets really crazy here once the PFD posts and people start shipping stuff out. You can stand in line for over an hour at the post office and not make any progress. Just a mad house and I hate it.

Linda: Great job on the 140's. I'm so happy for you. I go tonight. Halfway there, huh? Keep up the great job, as I have heard the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose.

Have a great day and HAPPY SEPTEMBER you lovely inspiring ladies!

Chach

Sounds like the butt kicking has begun! I'm "there" with you guys. Blew it yesterday with a huge oatmeal raisin muffin and coffee cake at my quilt meeting. I have this problem with social occasions, obviously. I have another meeting today and will bring microwaved 94% FF popcorn. I have to be good! We are heading away for the long weekend and I need to pull in the reigns here.
Haven't exercised in two days, this afternoon will be a "marathon" on the treadmill, probably about an hour????
Think like a cat.... still my theme for this week. The cats only eat when they are hungry, if they get together with other cats their reaction has nothing to do with food!
Linda

Tomorrow is Friday, and it's a three day weekend! Very cool. We got the horses moved without incident, thank goodness. They are safely ensconced in their quiet little pasture now, and looked very comfortable when we left last night. Of course we'll be going over tonight to spend some time with them and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Food for the last several days (weeks?) has been dismal at best. Too busy, too stressed to care. Just grabbed what I could when I could, and left it at that. Most of the time it was food I didn't even LIKE, but it was convenient and fast. Yech. So I think this is a GREAT time to start getting back to the healthier eating patterns.

Chach - You sound like you are taking the bull by the horns, good for you! I'm not sure at all when Ian and his Dad will be arriving in GA. The last time I heard from my ex, they were in Canada and making their way to Oregon to see his folks. His dad wasn't doing so well - apparently had to undergo heart surgery. I hope to hear from them soon. Frances is the name of the latest hurricane barreling towards Florida. It's a Category 4 monster already. It's making me nervous, not for myself, but for my friends with horses down in FL in its path. They went through Charlie and survived, now they're looking at this thing wreaking havoc. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it changes course, loses power, something.

Jolly - You have a lot of resolve, I'm so impressed. I know things get really stressful, but you keep thinking instead of just tuning out and giving in. I need to join you in that boat. :)

Linda - I dunno.. I've sure seen my fair share of FAT cats. Offer any animal unlimited food and generally speaking you've got a fat animal. Especially if you limit the activity. My daughter and I were actually talking about this the other day. How in a different time, people who could get fat easily were the ones who survived the best. We have very efficient metabolisms, nothing goes to waste, all of it goes to waist!! Ha, I made a funny. ANYway... Hope you enjoyed your treadmill workout. :)

My treadmill belt tore. *sigh* Can't afford a new belt. I guess it's taebo for my aerobics, or *gasp, horror* I could walk outside. If it ain't one thing...

Hello Ladies,

I was up 9 pounds at my weigh in last night. You would think I was stressed about it, right? Nope, not at all. It was actually one pound lower than I thought it was going to be. My leader said I did good considering I haven't worked out in a month and have been on light duty for about three weeks. Honestly, a gain like that would have devastated me a few months ago. Now, I know why it happened, and how I can correct it and know I just have to let my body take it's time and heal.

So, that is me in a nutshell. I'm off tomorrow and have the long weekend to look forward to. I probably won't be checking in a lot, but know that I am on program, ready to fight this weight battle and ready to kick my own butt back into shape. I have new boobs, just need to get this tummy gone so my hourglass figure really shows!!

Linda: Have a great long weekend, wherever you end up going. Don't worry about your quilting day--I know that has always been a struggle. Be good the rest of the week and you will compensate for it. Count the points and move on. I'm on Core this week. I'll see how I like it. No portion control scares me, as I have a tendancy to binge eat.

Raven: My relatives are in Oregon, so if you need anything for Ian, let me know. See, I got people all over this country that are there if we need them! I'm glad the horsies got moved and all is good on that side of things. I'm sorry your treadmill broke. Looks like it's time for quality time with our man Billy Blanks. Love that man! Can't wait to do his program again once I am off light duty. Did I tell you I bought a Pilates DVD? It has over 15 workouts on it for all levels of fitness and for all different time intervals. I can't wait to use that also! I just need to get a mat for it. Think I'll make a trip to Sport Authority.

Alright ladies, I'm outta here for the weekend. I expect to hear wonderful results that everyone is right on program all weekend long. Jolly, I know you are weighing in on Monday, so good luck with that!

Hi to Happy and Hippy and Red!!!

Chach

HEy all. Raven - e please!!! What happened with the horses??

I am trying to keep my mouth closed this week, in more ways than one. Not to say negative things, and not shove food in. I have been letting things get to me way too much. I am getting a very negative attitude, and I don't like it. Maybe I need to get the "serenity prayer" tatooed somewhere. I don't want to be negative. I don't want to be a glass half empty sort of person. And I don't want to eat my troubles away.

That said, I hope to use this weekend to regroup, relax, and get a much needed attitude adjustment.

Have a good one all.

Jolly - I sent you an e-mail yesterday? To your work e-mail, I believe...

To spare everyone the gory details, basically things had been deteriorating at the new barn. Rocks with trash (piece of board with nails in them, metal strips) dumped in front of my pasture gate to "stop the erosion" of the little stream... "oh sure, your horses can walk across that just FINE!" *scream* My gate being accidentally left open. Horses being turned out with mine when I'm not aware it's going to happen. Then more horses being turned out with them on a daily basis, but who knows from day to day which horses it will be.... And the unfriendliness of the barn owners towards us was palpable. When I finally called Josh about the strange horses in the pasture and Shadow's leg issue, his whole thing was "if you don't like it, leave, we need the pasture." So... I did. *sigh* I found a nice little place. Quiet, private, small, very pretty, comfortable. I hope this one works out. Of course it's 30 minutes away from my house. And of course it's more expensive. And of course my boyfriend is now threatening to leave me because of the expense of the horses. I'm not joking. Sadly. Ok, I did say I'd spare the gory details, right? I'm sorry! So they're moved and I'm happy. Er.. sort of. *weak smile*

Heh, I just found you again. Wasn't getting any email notifications so didn't realize there were posting. Am at the dreaded workplace now so can't write. Just wanted to say hi and I hope September is a productive month for all of you.

I'm barely keeping my head above water but am definitely trying. The 10-day challenge I started up on the support forum is a big help. Keeps me feeling obligated and accountable. I haven't forgotten you here though. Miss you all and hope to be back posting in the near future.

Take care!

Hey all. Just posting from third shift. Raven, I never got your email. I will not be at my work computer again until Tuesday, so send stuff to my home. I am sorry things went bad so fast, and hope things turn out ok at the new place. Please "e" when you can. REd, I am glad your challenge is helping you get back on track.

Right now, I am just trying to work on my attitude problem. Then, the food. But, the mindset is more of an issue right now.

Ah well, one day at a time. Hopefully the 3 1/2 day weekend will help.

Have a good one all.

Hey all .. I'm much more relaxed at this point. Heard from Ian, the horses are doing great, and I can actually sleep in this weekend. Wow.

I'm still in the 170s, that makes me happy. This month I'd really LOVE to drop that so that I'm in the 160s by October. I gave myself yesterday and today to just enjoy being back on a "regular" schedule, and this weekend I'm going to start working out daily again. I don't even know what, precisely, I'm just gong to make sure I do SOMETHING. Since my treadmill is out right now, I guess I'll probably rotate the taebo, pilates, and weights. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to start riding again soon if my saddle comes in!! woo! And it fits my horse. :D

So I guess that's my biggest challenge to myself right now, is just exercise every day. Something. Doesn't matter what, just do it. So tomorrow I expect to be able to report in that I did some exercise.

As far as food goes, I'm finding myself seriously tired of junk and crap. Now that I have a bit more time, I think I'll start looking into recipes again. Wow. What a concept. :D

Lots to read about with you guys. Raven, I am so sorry about what happened with the horses, but am glad they are in a new place now and hopefully that will work out?
Maybe you could trade off some work with the barn owners for some reduced rates? I have a friend who trades off riding for working, she's quite happy around any horse and doesn't mind the work, she considers it exercise! Sometimes they are agreeable? Sounds like your boyfriend just doesn't understand how these creatures have captured your heart. I hope he can.
Red, I hope this new 10 day thing has you more motivated. I have another thread that is going on in the ww general section and I totally understand that "ownership" of a thread gives you certain responsibility. You just can't lose interest and "drop out". People arrive on the thread and they begin to depend on you. I like it, though, it keeps me accountable. I also consider it very good practice for when (not if) I reach goal and when I can be a ww leader!
Chach, I am glad you were so positive about your gain, you know that it couldn't be helped post surgery and you are so motivated to continue on your path to self improvement, you'll do it!
Jolly, what can we all do to help your attitude? I'm here if you need me! Just put a smile on that face, it's contagious I think!
I stayed on the core program, no cheating, all day yesterday. I was on the treadmill for 40 minutes as well. I felt good. The scale "flipped" down to 146 for a brief second or two this morning when I got on, but settled back at 147. This is the scale that is always 3 pounds less than the one at ww, so who knows? Also, don't even know why I bother getting on it as I know it's different, yet I do!
We are unsure of weekend plans. We are going away for some of the weekend, but we are unsure of when as we are not wanting to leave my son alone overnight. He has to work on Friday and Saturday nights, so we might go away on Sunday and Monday. Weather reports look good, at least.
Linda

Hello all,
I am still in a holding pattern, waiting to hear something about a new job. I know for sure I won't hear anymore about one until the end of the month as they go through th necessary motions but I thought I'd hear something about the other by now. Not taking any chances and still looking at want ads and the like to drum up more leads. It would be nice to know which way the path will run but I guess at this point, I'm still tromping through the woods. I have gotten much more done and I do feel better having spent less time on the computer and more time setting goals for myself to get various tasks done. I'm even exercising regularly again. Food was exceptionally good this week having gone shopping again. And all I need is some fresh meat for next week as I still have a good stock of fruits and veggies. My one foot keeps swelling which is annoying. I'm trying to watch the salts as much as possible. It's nice to have the 3 day weekend ahead of us even tho this is my least favorite holiday (because it means that summer's coming to an end, days get shorter and winter will be here all too soon). I'm hoping to spend one day having fun, one for chores and one getting the treadmill up and cleaned off. I must knock off my post smoking weight gain or I won't fit into my winter coat and I'm NOT buying a bigger one. Nope, no way, nada, zip, zilch.

Raven, sorry to hear you had to move the horses yet again. I hope things work out with all things in your life right now - don't forsake everything for your dream - sometimes we're too close to make good decisions - know what I mean? As you've said may times, it's all about balance.

Linda, I think that's a great goal to be a WW leader some day. Many of them are just not that great and motivating, I think you'd do well and it gives you something to shoot for. Have fun on your weekend away.

Jolly, hope you get some good R&R time to restore the good attitude. Sometimes the mental demons find all sorts of ways to knock us off our thinking. I think you have a good handle on your triggers and you're getting very strong in not letting them get to you. Make this week a no bad attitude challenge for yourself. Did you make loser of the month at TOPS for August?

Red, good to hear that you're doing ok on your 10 day challenge. Bits at a time. Don't get overwhelmed, don't try and do 8,000 percent all at once. Kaisen - continuous ongoing improvement...

Speaking of which, I like your goals for September Chachee - I may tag along and borrow some of yours. Glad surgery worked out well for you - enjoy your long weekend!

My goals for September. I'd like to be down 8 pounds by month's end. My food is back on track - I need to plan ahead and focus on portion control. Exercise - bike and walking along with weights again 5 days a week. I should do the Pilates again too because my mid section and posture could sure use it. I have to force down the water again - not drinking enough and I don't want as much as I should be having. I've also starting drinking a few more sodas than I should be having. Maybe only about 3 or 4 a week but I should limit that to 2 of them. And start drinking green tea again.

Hope you all have a safe and happy long weekend!

Good morning to you all!
Just a quick post, I think we are leaving for the lake later on this morning, still not packed, so have to get rolling.
We are awaiting a chat with my son to see how he is doing before our final decision to leave. Having a kid suffering from depression sure modifies your life a bit.
He's been better, of late, however he's had a bad couple of days. If we left today, we'd leave him alone for one night and we are not sure we want to do that.
Happy, I hope that news of this job comes quickly. I hope it works out whichever way is best.
Red, I'm "off" the 10 day challenge again. I think it was making me worse or something! I blew it with ww ice cream last night. I should have had about a half cup and then ended up re-filling my bowl. I was really stressed out yesterday and I could have eaten an entire half gallon.
Have to get control.... control is my goal.
Linda

Hi all. Very busy weekend, it seems. Happy, glad to hear from you,. I hope you hear about a job soon. Good luck with your weekend goals. Derry, I hope you have a good weekend, and that your son is ok.

Not much new to report. Busy weekend. Having a lot of fun. Very active, and food is not too bad. Though I am binging on fresh tomatos I bought at a farmer's market - yellow and orange cherry tomatoes. Ymmmm.

Have a good one all.

Hi people. How are you all? Haven't been able to read posts, let alone write something. Too much work. Too little money. Have dragged my butt to the gym but my heart's just not in in. Oh well, better than nothing. I've stayed off sugar and that's a big plus I think though I never seem to see the weight loss with it. Guess I "compensate" by filling up on other things.

Sure wish I could get some goals going for September but with work still one giant question mark I am afraid I'll fail. Don't they say you shouldn't be afraid of failure though?

Well, take care all. Linda, sure hope your son has an easier time of it. It must be a constant worry for you.

Jolly, bingeing on fresh tomatoes?!! Way to go!

Later, all! :wave:

Hello everyone.

I cannot believe that it is September already. I actually do not know when the last time I posted was.
(But yes I have been reading mostly everyday what you were all doing.)
We have completed our first summer in the world of horse shows. Both Kristi and Lucky did very well for their first year of showing. I now know that we have to have a separate bank account to pay for next summer. Now we have to figure out where we are going to put Lucky. Move him back to the first farm that we were boarding him at with her other baby, (Wind Passer) or leave him where he is at now.
Between that and looking at acreages so that we can move and not have to worry about board the summer has flown on by.

Chachee I am so pleased that you are doing so well. It was so great to read that you were not stressed over your weigh in, and that you are so positive that you will just turn it all around by the end of the month. You are truly where I am aiming to be.

Happy I hope that you get good news from one of the jobs that you went for an interview with. I will brush the dust off my treadmill with you.

Jolly way to go on eating the tomatoes. Nothing tastes as good as fresh veggies from the farmers market. (Unless it is fresh veggies from your own garden which I don't have)
I hope that you are having a relaxing weekend.

Red I hope that you are doing ok.

Linda I hope that you have a good weekend. I enjoyed your pictures of your family on your last vacation. I hope that you take more to post this weekend. We don't ever go anywhere so I have to enjoy everyone elses pictures.

Raven I am sorry that the last stable didn't work out for you and the horses. I hope that all works out with this one. Are you still looking for a closer and cheaper place though, or are you just going to see how things work out?
I hope that Ian is having a good time. You and your daughter must be having a good time together working with the horses. The place that Lucky is at right now - they are having a horse whisperer type of trainer coming out on September 24. Chris Irvin - have you heard of him?

Well we got a new scale at work for weighing all the freight. It is a huge electronic scale, and I have been weighing myself everyday. It really makes you take notice when you have huge numbers right at eye level, and you don't have to squint and pretend you can't read the little numbers on the little scale at home. My biggest goals are to start to drink water and move my butt a little bit.

Happy maybe you should post our goals by pulling out our little goal fortunes from the jar again.

Must run we have a new little puppy, and I better put it outside. LOVE housetraining......

Miss chatting with everyone won't stay away so long now.

Sassy if you are out there, a big hello to you. To you to Tracy.

Hello Ladies!

Happy Monday to everyone. Just thought I would check in here and see how things were going.

Raven: Glad your stress level has cleared up some. Hey, I finally treated myself to having my nails put back on. Remember, that was my 25 pound loss reward that I never got around to doing. Feels nice and girly to have them done. 160's for you by month's end is totally attainable. You can do it, you have done it before, just focus.

Linda: I'm doing Core this week. Totally different than I thought I would be. Thought it would encourage my bingeing, but it hasn't. It's actually made me want to try new recipes and eat less. Amazing, huh? Get that control back, you are so close to goal!

Happy: I was wondering if you were still a nonsmoker. How is that going? Feel free to borrow any of my goals, I'd love to share them with you!

Red: Check in when you can! Good luck on your challenge.

Jolly: Attitude adjustments are hard, so good luck with yours. Do you ever notice it's so much easier helping a friend out of a funky mood, but when it comes to ourselves we are so hard on ourselves. Be good to yourself.

Ladies, I am down 9 pounds since last Thursday morning. Core seems to be working for me. We'll see if it holds up for Wednesday night's weigh in. Just the right thing to get me out of my slump.

Have a great day!

Chach

Hey all. Nothing new to report here. I ate really bad the last few days. I missed my owrkout today too. WAs too tired last night to groom the dogs, so did it this morning, and it took longer than I thought - no gym time. Now, I am too tired to bathe the dogs like I should. I just want to sleep. Weigh in tomorrrow should be very interesting -NOT. Can I just hibernate for the winter? I have my fat stored already.

I hope everyone else is doing better than me. Lucky, what kind of puppy, and what shows???? Tell more. Red, hope job situation sorts out.

Have a good week all.

I'm back! I was not a good ww person this weekend, and I am re-starting points vs. core this morning. I think the core program is a good one, but I totally lost it this weekend and won't even tempt you all by saying what I ate!
I am putting myself back on points in hopes that getting back to my "roots" of journalling will help get back what I lost.
I weigh in today as well, not expecting any losses, that's for sure!
Linda in chilly NH, 53 this moring

Two more things.... Chach, I do think core is a good plan and will go back on it again, maybe next week or at the end of this week, but journalling is so important when you've gone "off the wagon" and on a binge....
Also, thianks to everyone for their concern about my son. He's still not doing all that great, has another drs. appointment next Tuesday.
Linda

Hey all. Not a good start to the morning. Hopped on the scale, and had gained 2 pounds. That is what I get for making bad choices. It is not even like I am having battles with "Viruqua" and losing - I am just not caring what I put in my mouth. That is my goal for this week. To care about what I put in my mouth, and only fuel my body with the best.

Here's to a better week.

Alright... I feel a bit like I got hit by a small truck. I managed to do hoofwork on one horse each day this weekend. For an experienced person, that would be about 20 minutes of work. For me, it's about an hour and a half workout. Add to that the bruises on my thigh and elbow from being kicked by Shadow three times. She'll get better, it's the pain in that fetlock causing her to lash out. It's a learning curve for both of us. Her, that I'm not going to beat her into paste if she yanks that foot back, and me, how long she can sustain weight on that joint OR flex it enough to give it to me to work on without it hurting so bad that she can't tolerate it and needs a break. We'll get there. Eve was just herky jerky... she just needs to learn to hold still. Arashi was so funny.. he rested his nose on my neck when I was doing his front feet and started to fall asleep. What a character. He loves me as long as I'm not making him run, eh?!

So yeah.. I definitely got a heck of a workout each day this weekend. This morning I was faced with the remnants of Frances, and one **** of a drive into work. Power out to lights, trees down across roads, trash cans blowing all over the place, tree limbs hitting my car... it was a mess. Took me two hours to get here, and by then I felt like I needed a stiff drink. Geez.

Sounds like we're all having a really, really hard time grabbing back our focus. Well, except Chachee.. :D I'm maintaining beautifully, which is something. But it's not enough, and I just don't seem to be able to push just that little bit harder to throw it into losing instead of maintaining. Not sure what's going on here.

Hello Lovely Ladies!

Linda: Sorry I missed the part about your son being ill. I hope things are okay. I will probably do like you once the Core newness wears off. I was down another pound this morning, for a total of 10 so far this week. Remember, though, I have a lot more to lose than you do!! :)

Lucky: Welcome back. Nice to see your cute face around here. I'm with Jolly, what kind of puppy??

Jolly: Tell that Veriqua to get back in the closet and stop making you behave badly! Want Bat to come visit? He's a bit dusty, but ready to travel!! Let me know...

Raven: I'm up for a good stiff drink!!! Tell me where and when!! You must have some nice color on your body from your bruises! Can you play connect the green and purple dots?? :) And I think for you to maintain with everything going on in your life is amazing--give yourself a break. Once your boy is home it will be easier!

Okay, one more day until weigh in for me. You know what I love about this thread? When one of us is having a down week, there is always someone else who is doing really well. For me, with the gains as of late, I was really inspired by Jolly and her successes! Now, when she is maybe struggling a little, I'm here having a good week. I love it that we support each other and can be there for each other.

We all have different means of getting there, but all have the same desired end result--being healthier and losing the excess weight. I'm so glad we are all here for the encouragement, help and tough love that we get. (Thank you Happy!)

Happy Tuesday.

Chach

Oh and ... I really just have to crow about my daughter for just a second. She put together that pretty little avatar for me. It's a picture of my Arashi Rei as he's cantering by her when I was working him in the round pen. She got that and then put the kanji (japanese) for his name on it. I thought it was so SWEET! Aw. *sniffle*

Ok, just had to mention that. Thank you Red. You're one of the coolest chicks around. We all are here in this thread, eh? We so rock. :lol:

Chach - Thank you for your pats... I just wish I knew what was holding me back. I do want to lose... I just can't seem to want it enough to make it a priority. Ten pounds!! OMG! What is this core stuff. Water!?!?! Geez! The incredible shrinking woman. ;) My bruises are just starting to really blossom today. They were pretty deep, so the first day there were no marks at all. Today I'm seeing some lovely blue and greens surface. *lol* If it gets vibrant enough, maybe I'll take a pic and post it. ;) Congrats on your loss, lady!

How could you possibly lose 10 pounds in one week, Chach? I'm intrigued, but are you eating at all????
Well, here I am ashamed of myself. I gained 1.8 pounds. This is so sad as I was doing so well and went into the 140s, finally. I have to do better. What's worse is that ww is looking for help right now and I could get a job working for them if I were within 10 pounds of my goal, as I am a Lifetime member.
I'm so bummed.
HOWEVER.... I came to a decision today about the core plan and have decided to stay on it. I wasn't on ANY plan this weekend, I just blew it. So, have no one to blame but me, not the plan. However, I have started journalling again and tracking points as well as eating core foods. We'll see how this works for a few days and maybe I'll feel comfortable going back to not journalling if I see the scale move a bit?
Have to get control, have to get back to where I was.....
Why did the chocolate thing grab me this weekend more than usual? Why didn't I order GOOD choices in the restaraunts? I knew better, but I went on a binge. What a jerk!
So, here I am getting back to work.
Linda

Linda, 10 pounds so far is kinda easy for me, and let me explain how.

First, remember that I gained 9 pounds from surgery and from not eating well at all for the entire month of August. As is with any new program, I'm really paying attention to what I am eating and being very mindful right now. I've used about 3-5 points per day, on non-core foods.

Second, I usually really blow it on the weekends, sometimes being up around 5-6 pounds from the damage I do. Well, I chose not to blow it this weekend, so I didn't have that deficit going into this week. Amazing, because given the fact I was off work Friday and Monday I didn't go crazy, which I usually do. I had one slice of pizza and two plates full of salad at Chuck E Cheese this weekend, and two helpings of Watergate salad two nights ago, but those were my old splurges.

Third, my mom left and the crap food left my house also, as I cleaned it out and threw it out. Not having it around makes it eating to not that those little "bites" that usually add up to points that we don't count. I know I am guilty of that.

Lastly, I think I was having stress retention and water retention from the surgery. Pain pills and anestesia take about a month to get out of your system, so I am right along the right time frame for the rest of it to come off. Also, with my mom here I was stressed, and I know that makes your body "hold onto" food and fat for storage purposes.

So it has been easy, so far, to have it gone. I am sure it will slow down next week and level out, but I think the biggest thing is that I am paying such close attention to what I am eating. And WATER WATER WATER!! Usually about 96 oz of water a day.

Oh, and I am eating!! A typical day for me is:

B: oatmeal w/Splenda and cinnamon, Diet Coke with Lime
S: fruit, coffee
S: veggies
L: soup or salad with tuna
S: ff Kettle corn
D: meat (usually chicken), steamed veggies, brown rice or potato
S: WW ice cream dessert--where my 2 points usually come from.

See, I'm constantly eating!!! :) I'd be happy to pm some food ideas to you if you want.

See ya

Chach

It is probably the surgery and after affects, then, Chach, as your day and my "good" days are very similar. I am still so bummed about my gain. No one but me shoved those peanut M+Ms into my eager mouth, though! Bad girl!
I'm heading out to another ww meeting in a few minutes, taking my daughter, but I'll be paying special attention myself!
Linda

Hey all. Real quick post, before off to bed. I went to my TOPS meeting tonight. I had a 3 pound loss, was the loser of the week, AND was the loser of the month for August. I don't know how I had the loss for the week, but am glad. It really helped get me motivated again. I had told myself if I had a loss for the night (since I totally thought I would not), I could go to McDonald's for dinner. They have the Cheddar Melt this month which I love. But, after seeing the scale go in the right direction, I decided ot come home, have a salad and a sugar free yogurt. I feel good.

Here's to good choices for everyone.

Hey Chickees,

Quick fly by for me. I'm still waiting on the job front as decisions have not been made and red tape must be carefully stretched out - time marches slowly but I almost hope this goes into October because then I could get some time off. This month is flying by more than ever and it's really hitting home that our jobs are going away. :( Several of the people in the office left last week and most all of us will be gone by the end of the month.

We did want to goof off over the holiday weekend but I stuck to my guns with my goals of getting some things cleaned up around the house. One of which is that the treadmill is operational once more. :tread: Finally!!! Now I have the choice of the bike or the treadmill - no excuses. My food's been clean for 2 weeks now - just have to get the water and exercising back in place. Water for some reason has been difficult - sometimes I just don't want to drink it and now that it's getting cooler, it's even more of a challenge. I might switch to 1/2 water, half green tea just to get it in. Basically nothing exciting going on in my life right now, just kinda hanging in a holding pattern to see how much my life will change by the end of the year.

As for other things:
Raven, love your new avatar. Your daughter is really talented with a good eye for the visuals. When is your son due back home?

Jolly, don't know how to explain the scale weirdness other than take it literally as a sign to pep up your spirit and get you out of a funk and back on track again. High five on passing up the Mc D's drive through yet again :high:

The WW Core program sounds quite interesting that you've been discussing ladies. I just don't know if I want to go through yet another fling at a diet program. I look at the books on my shelf - BFL, Atkins, SB, Dr. Phil, Michael Thurmond, Bob Greene - you figure after all that I should have found something that works. Actually I think it's not so much the foods as much as the portion size. Time to bite the bullet, quit whining and track things - food, water, exercise. Just like you said Linda.

Chachee - what kinds of soups do you eat? Canned? Homemade? I love soups, now that it's getting cooler I can't wait to start making and freezing batches of soup again. Please share some food ideas - always willing to try something new...


Lucky - good to hear from you again. Red - you sound like you're racing around like a crazy woman again. Hope you were not adversely affected by the recent earthquakes. :yikes: Seems to be one of those times of the year when we sort of get caught up in other things going on. I feel like I'm on one of those breakthrough moments myself.

Gotta run now... take care - stay upbeat and on track!

Hello Ladies,

Stepped on my scale this morning, and am down 11.5 since last Thursday. So, if that holds true for my weigh in tonight, this could be the one thing that really helps me get pushed back into the mindset of losing weight again--hard to do after not doing it for a month. I'm very happy with how well I've done this week, and know that it can't last forever, but sure am happy I'm down from my surgery weight.

Happy: I hate to think of WW as a "diet" even though it's a "program". To me, it's more common sense, with a little tweaking. As I have stated before, my biggest problem is portion control and mindless eating. Well, I've starting knitting again and also have pulled in on the portions. I tend to "graze" during the day--eat a little every couple of hours. I can honestly say I haven't been hungry at all this week, except one time I heard my tummy growl. It's just a matter of finding something that works for you body and life.

Jolly: Wahoo! Congrats on being the big loser!! I'm so glad this has helped get the focus back. And great job on the NSV with McDonalds. Taco Bell is my downfall.

Linda: I love M&M's. That is one thing that I can't have just a few--I gotta have them by the handfulls. I found a great snack yesterday. Have you heard of the Necco's candy? You can have 14 of them for one point. Not a Core food, but great for the snackies!

I'll try to find some of my recipes for soups. I made that wonderful broccoli/onion/garlic soup the other night. Very good and filling.

Wish me luck tonight!

Happy Wednesday!

Chach

Woah! Jolly, what a good girl passing up that MacDonalds dinner! No wonder you were "loser of the week, and month"! Cool!
Happy, it must be so hard not knowing what job will be or won't be. I've been there. Hope you hear what is happening soon so you can make plans. The core program is something that I don't consider a "fad" as I do So. Beach, Atkins, etc. I've purchased so many books and taken so many from the library, I can't count anymore. I view this as one of the healthiest things I have ever done for myself, it's not low carb, it's truly being smart for a change (hard to do for me!). I had lunch last week with my friend who is a diabetic and we compared notes and her diet and the core plan are quite close (not exact, but close) and I think a diabetic who is being "good" is probably eating healthier than most everyone else. The core allows more fruits and doesn't allow peanut butter, unless one uses points - something I might do soon as I love peanut butter! She also eats whole grain breads and right now I am staying away from bread, but again NOT carbs - just eating the GOOD carbs!
This morning, I had oatmeal, splenda, skim milk and strawberries. Had a ww 2 points bar as a snack, had a 95% lean hamburger patty for lunch with 1/2 cup kidney beans and 1 cup string beans. For snack, I had 94% ff popcorn and for dinner it will be turkey breast, baked potato with ff sour cream and peas with ww butter spray on them. For dessert, I will have ff, sf, jello chocolate pudding. I was on the treadmill and earned some points today as well, as week 3 of the core plan allows exercise points! I think I am being very "balanced".
Chach, I can't "weight" (get it?) to find out about your weigh in!
Linda, on core, staying portion controled and feeling good!

Holey Moley!!!!
 

Okay, so I was the biggest loser with 11.2 gone this last week, my first week on Core. It shocked my leader, and she was a bit concerned that I lost so much. So, I am going to follow Core again this week, and for the entire month of September, to see if it's just the way my body responds to the type of food we eat.

It was a bit embarassing, though, as I was the center of attention for the entire meeting. So many questions. It was kinda fun, though. Gets me ready in case I decide to pursue the thought of being a WW leader.

This will be quick, as I am on my way to bed, but wanted to check in and let you all know. I am down to my lowest yet, thank you very much. 37 pounds gone now since joining, 65 from my highest. Time for another moo!!

Chach

:cb: :cb: Way to go Chachee! :cb: :cb: You are developing quite a herd there. Awesome job. You have to feel so good. AND perky. Keep up the great work.

I am feeling much more motivated this week. I have to try and find some winter shirts that fit and are affordable too. It is getting cold up here. I stopped at Goodwill yesterday - and a lot were too big :rofl: Ah well. Hopefully the Penneys outlet will have something. Wish me luck.

Have a great day everyone.

Awesome, Chach! I am sure everyone was thrilled for you. If I were you, if you haven't already, I'd take your leader aside and explain the surgery thing so she isn't worrying too much that you will "waste away" or are doing something horribly wrong, etc.
If you body does continue to respond this way to core, I think I would personally want to slow things down just a bit. I know you are quite anxious, as we all are, to drop off those pounds, but I believe it might be a bit unhealthy to lose that much at once. I do think it was the surgery and after effects, though, so this week you will probably see more "normal" results, like the rest of us poor "losers".
I've been an angel for three days now, and that darn scale has not budged a single bit. I am determined, it will work for me, but sure wish that the scale would "reward" me with a little encouragement. :?:
Ah, Jolly, finding winter shirts. I sit here with my AC on in pouring rain with high humidity wondering if I'll EVER feel like I need winter shirts? I keep getting these darn menopausal hot flashes and wonder if I'll ever need a winter shirt again? Darn hot flashes..... feeling like I like :devil: you know where!
Rain, rain go away.....
Linda

Hello Ladies,

Jolly: Good luck finding the smaller sizes. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? I just love it! Part of my new joy in life is going through my closet and finding clothes that either haven't fit in a long time or never really fit right and being able to wear them. I'm so inspired that you found your motivation again! Way to go!!

Linda: Yep, my leader and I talked about the reason behind the incredible loss. We want to monitor it this month and really watch what the numbers do. We both think my stress level when my mom was here had a lot to do with it, and also the fact I am up and moving a lot more now than I was even two weeks ago. There are a lot of contributing factors to it, but I am just so happy that the surgery gain is gone. The extra was just an added bonus. Like I have said all along, I'll be happy with 2 pounds a week, except for TOM week. Around 6 pounds a month will be very good for me.

Hey, Raven, Jolly and Lucky--I'm going to need to borrow your horses soon to corral all these cows in my pasture together! I got the hound dogs to help out, just going to need some "horsepower" to help! Heehee.

Happy Thursday.

Chach

Hey all. Chachee, it is cool to have to look for smaller sizes. I am sort of in between right now though. 18's can go on and get zipped up, but not all brands are "wearable" yet. So, I wait until I find some that do, and look good, and then get them. I hope to find them at the Goodwill store, so I can downsize more affordably. Then, do a blowout when I reach goal. Hurray.

Derry, hope your scale behaves soon. If not, may I recommend Chachee's Bat? He has worked for me :)

Raven, Red, Lucky, Sassy, Happy, and everyone else i haven't heard from in awhile - I hope you are doing well with weight, jobs, exercise, and everything else. Take care and post!!!

Happy Friday everyone.

Not to much going on today. I have a new recipe in the crock pot, so if it's any good, I'll let you all know and give you the recipe. It's got chicken, sweet potatos, corn, spicy tomatos and spices. I hope it's good, just to prove Hubby wrong--he thinks it sounds strange.

I made lemon/herb halibut fillets last night. They were okay. A little too much oregano for me, but they were okay.

Made the menu up yesterday for next week's meals. Did the grocery shopping and have it all planned out. I love being organized.

Bat is available for rent--anyone need him?

Have a great weekend.

Chach

Getting kind of lonely here, Chachee. Is everyone afraid of Bat??? Helloooooooooo? Anyone else out there?

I do menus too. Helps me with the "what do I eat?" moments, and usually keeps me one track.

Have a good one everyone.