Battle of the Bulge #3
 

Okay- Here is the new thread! Good afternoon everyone.

I will be posting a recap on here sometime today so check back for that.. :D
I lost 2 pounds this week so I lost the pound from last week and one for this week so that is not too bad- especially considering that that my office party caused me to cheat a lot. :lol:

Okay well- I am running a million miles per hour today so I am going to go.
I will be back later for the recap and everyone who wants to- weigh in.
:cb: :cb:

Let's get back into it everyone- it seems like some of us have been struggling (like me for example) but we need to get ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get excited about doing this again. :cool: :strong: :jig: :dancer:

We can do this!! Even if you fall off the wagon - hop on the board so we can get you back on track. :)

Thanks again for all the support from everyone!
:spin: :spin: :spin:

Hi all!

No numbers to report today - I still haven't managed to fight the holiday crowds and get out to buy a scale. But I'm making it a concerted effort to do so some evening this week, at which time I will report the news (however good or bad it may be).

I agree with you, Crime girl, and I'm on board. I have my office party tonight, so I'm sure I will be bad, no matter how hard I try. But that is the end of my holiday parties, and then I should be right back on track. We all need to try to do our best throughout the holidays and keep each other motivated.

I hope that everyone will get back on board and together we can keep going strong. Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, and I'll try to check back tonight after the party.

Kelly

Hi everyone! Today started out slowly for me. I've been scale hopping and they all said something different this week. I have no idea what I did this week. I know I didn't gain weight but I'm not sure if I lost any or not. My clothes are fitting me better. I'm going to have to go with 145 as my weight this week and stick to the one set of scales - even though they're old as dirt. I can't take the scale hopping stress!!

Kjk - Good luck at the holiday part tonight!!! Remember this is a really tough time of year to be good!! Imagine what you would have eaten last year! If you can, eat before you go :) I definately helped me at ours.

Crime Girl - you're going to run yourself dry! Hope you're having a good weekend. Looking forward to the recap.

I'm off to make a meatloaf I can eat. Tough considering the restrictions....Talk to everyone soon!

Well I am down five pounds total for the week. I wish the weight loss would be this much every week, but it will plateau soon I am sure. As long as a get a healthy 2 pounds off a week I will be pleased. I have three more Christmas parties b/t now and Sunday. Last night I did pretty good except I had two glasses of wine. I had no dessert and chicken breast with veggies at the party.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Let's eat healthier and exercise even better than we did last week!

I'm so excited!
 

First, Stormy - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! 5 pounds in one week had to feel really good! And also, great job at the holiday party!

Okay, Tonight I decided to play with some recipes and I made Swedish Meatballs with meat, chicken broth, brown rice, nutmeg and dry mustard, salt and pepper. They're YUMMY!!! Then I made a cream sauce out of butter, chicken broth, rice flour and rice milk. It's a little sweet but the meatballs are spicy so they balance really well!!!

It's a perfect south beach meal :) :) And I CAN EAT IT! I love meatballs and haven't been able to have any until tonight :) :) I'm so excited! :) :)

okay, gotta go eat another one :)

Little grass hopper your meal sounds yummy :dizzy:

Can I come over for dinner? :D

Weekly Recap
 

Hi everyone!!! Finally, I got it together and I am going to attempt a weekly recap- If I forget or miss anything, please forgive me. :D

Stormy- wishes if she was stuck on an island that she would have her hubby with her, a boat to come home, and enough gas to get back. She is finally out of school until Jan and has been busy doing all kinds of chores. Her office party was last night and I am sure she looked wonderful in her all black outfit. ;) All week she has been doing good- she made tons of cookies and only ate one, gave great recipe tips, and has done a ton of exercise. One of her greatest accomplishments was getting through cadavor anatomy and I think I speak for everyone when I say -sounds hard and scarey. Great job this week stormy- we knew you could do it! :D

Little grasshopper- She is a massage therapist and in her spare time likes to read Bella Tuscany and test her willpower. She is still addicted to rice and seems to be in awe of "ice dream" so I am a little concerned about her. She shared some great health facts with us this week- freaky but good. Her bf wised up and took her out on the town to a play this week - good job bf! :D It might just make up for the Turkey fryer. Her dogs went a little nutty this week and tried to eat her vitamins as well as her neighbor is having some kind of police problem so she has had some strange happenings this week. If she was stuck on an island she would want either her dogs or bf, something to make fire with, and blankets. No yacht?? I think her biggest wish has got to be the introduction of new foods into her diet. I was amazed to learn that she graduated with a 4.0 while working 3 PT jobs. :cp: She has been doing really well this week and we are all not a but surprised- we knew she could do it! :cb:

kjk- She re-enrolled in WW this week. :bravo: She braved someone eating candy in front of her without caving. She was in a 7 hr meeting on Tuesday so she has been working hard this week. If stuck on an island she would want matches, water, and her friend Allie. She accomlished earning her BA and MEd while maintaining a 4.0 her senior year. If she were to win the lottery she would buy herself a killer house. She bravely faced the shopping crowds at an outlet mall this week as well. :) :cp:

Cinisha- She has been doing overtime this week and has been doing great following her 1600 calorie diet and exercise program. :dancer: If she was stuck on an island she would want a boat, a male friend, and a cellphone ( I am guessing to call in more beautiful men) :lol: Her wonderful son is one of her greatest accomplishments and I bet she is a great mom. Also, on her cheat day she only had one taco as a treat. She has done really well this week and we all knew she could do it!!! :D :cb:

Susanne- She has a stressed day on Monday but pulled it out anyway this week and avoided the "ice cream" cheerleaders trying to pull her into stores to buy them. If she was on an island she would want a certain man she knows, a nice comfy king size bed, and her bath stuff. Hubba hubba! :lol: I think she deserves it this week- she had a hard exam and she still stayed on course with her diet. :bravo: We knew she could do it and I bet she did really well this semester at school! :) :dance:

Red Balloon- She was only on in the first part of the week but I hope she is reading along in HK. We found out this week she is one of Japan's top ranking horse riders and owns her own horse. ( I am still SO jealous) She is currently covering international horse races in Hong Kong and last we spoke she was doing a great job staying on course with her plan. Come back soon red- we miss you! :D :flow1:

Oraki- She has been on a little less this week but that is OK. We missed her though. If she was stuck on an island she would want her hubby, a yacht, and birth control. (You go girl!) Despite her frustration this week she has been doing really well and we are all really proud of her! We knew she could do it!! :flow2:

Healthy- She is doing a modified South Beach and Sugar Buster diet and has been doing so well this week. If she was stuck on an island she would want a boat,her family and friends, and some entertainment. One of her greatest accomplishments is her marriage and her two wonderful children. If she won the lottery she would want to travel and would dedicate some money to women's health issues. We knew she would do well this week! :dancer:

Jazzmine- She has come back to the land of the living this week and we are so happy she is feeling a little better. If she was stuck on an island she would want Mel Gibson, a fully stocked boat, and some birth control. ( Sounds like a party to me) We all hope she is feeling better and the sty has gone away and left her alone. Despite that- she has done well and we knew she could do it! :D :bubbles:

Michiemish- - She has had a stressful week this week and we are so proud of her sticking it out on her plan. She attended another WW meeting this week and has been following the program. If she won the lottery she would get her own personal trainer and build a gym for people trying to lose weight. She is in our prayers this week and we are so proud of her! :D :sunny:

I hope you all enjoyed the recap and I hope everyone is doing well!
Have a great night everyone!!!
:spin: :spin: :spin:

Crimegirl, great job on the recap :)

I was wondering, would any of you mind sharing what height you are?

I am 5 feet seven inches and I was wondering if anyone else in our little group is the same height?

Crime girl - awesome job! That must have taken forever!!!

Stormy - I am between 5'7" and 5'8", so we're about the same height.....

Hope everyone had a great weekend, best of luck to all this week...

Kelly

mark my words. . . tomorrow is a new beginning. . .
 

Hi there. Found the new thread. Thanks, crime girl. Back in Tokyo now. Break was good. Tiring though. Much too short. Really need a true vacation, not just a change in scenery.

I really want to get back in shape, not that I ever had the body I wanted, but it was better than it is now. I'm going to go off sugar from tomorrow (my Tuesday) and cut all processed food again, then. . . get more exercise back in my routine and slowly work my way to beautiful health again! Yes, crime girl, you're right. some of us have been struggling, myself especially. I really have to start caring for myself again, like I used to. :no:

Oh, and crime girl. STOP with the best rider bit! :lol: please!

kjk -- have fun at your party. of course, parties, especially year-end ones, are for having fun and that usually means eating and drinking. But it's never one or two parties that blows it, and besides, it's a motivator to have the parties to look forward to and lose weight and get healthy for, right? :yes:

little grasshopper -- great to hear the clothes are fitting better. don't worry about the scale. The clothes have it. Good for you. :cp:

stormy -- congratulations on the weight loss! 5 lbs! Wow!! And, you sound like you did a fantastic job handling the parties, now there's something I have to learn. I always overdo it if I'm having a good time. In fact, the better of a time I'm having, the more I overdo it! Well, keep it up. :cp:

While we're on heights here. . . I'm only 5' 1 1/2" Any other short people out there?

Okay, it's Tuesday morning here and this is it, going ot make a new start! Wish me luck!! :cb:

Red balloon, you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey everyone!!! Welll I've gotten myself together and I'm back. I went to the doctor over the weekend and found out I have bronchitis. Yikes!! I guess that's why I've been feeling so blah lately. I had been having this cough and congestion for over a month and I couldn't get rid of it. My husband and mother were very upset with me for waiting so long to go to the doctor. They made me use a nebulizer and gave me some medicine and I feel SOOO much better. I faced the scale yesterday and I'm at 273.5 I GAINED!!! ACCK!!!! Okay I'm going to calm down. I'm just going to keep at it and take it one day at a time. I did go to a local WW office and I'm thinking about joining. I'm not for sure about the price though. Right now me and my hubby are on a budget so I may have to look for a cheaper alternative. Maybe TOPS. Well it looks like everyone is off to a great start. I'm going to hit the treadmill and I'm steaming some shrimp, broccolli and carrots for dinner. Yum!!! I completely forgot I had a steamer. Now I have to find some different things to use it for!!!

Congrats stormy1 on the weight loss!! You're doing great!!!

little grasshopper Those meatballs sound sooo good!! I've been looking for a recipe for lower fat meatballs. The ones in the store have so much fat.

crimegirl great recap!! you're right we have to make sure we stay with it. I'm sorry I was MIA for a few days. But I'm back now. We just have to take it one day at a time. I just got really frustrated when I realized I had gained weight.

redballon How's it going??? I hope great!! I know you can do it!!

Oh almost forgot I'm 5'4". Yeah I'm kinda short! lol

Hello everyone
 

Hey everyone.. Good afternoon everyone

I have been busy lately just like everyone else..But i haven't even done my christmas shopping yet..I have to get it done when i have a day off on weds.Hopefully i can go back to my apartment ..I have so much to do and have to make cookies for work and the family...I'm going to try to resist on eating more than 5...i know i will eat some...Not evn going to trying to say i'm not going to eat any...Also trying to find a housekeeper for my mom for the next 6months i thought it would be a nice christmas present for her when she starts chemo...

Oraki - that sucks that u got sick..But still sounds that u are moving and getting things done..I would be sitting on the couch being lazy..Hope u get better..And don't worry about the gain..i'm sure its going to melt off soon..

Little Grasshoper - I love meatballs too...If it is not a family secret reciepe can u share the reciepe with me please..That sounds good...Espscially with this weird weather i am having out here...

Crime girl - u sound like u always running around...Don't u ever take a breath..just kidding...You rock...

Anyways have to get back to work..Talk to u guys later..
Oh yeah i'm 5'6 and 3/4 last time i checked..

Later gators
Michelle

Hi guys, I just wrote a nice long post and hit the wrong post button and lost it! doooh!

Redballoon - welcome back! We missed you. Glad the horse shows were a hit and good to have you back. Ready to start some serious weight improvements :)

Oraki - man girl, you were sick! Glad you're feeling better now!! Be careful you don't over do it too soon. Good to see you again thoug :)

Michie - great idea for your mom!! She'll love that and really appreciate it during the chemo too. That's a really thoughtfull idea. No, the meatball recipe isn't a family secret. I typed it up and saved it. If you send me your email address I'll forward it to you. The sauce is a bit different because the rice milk makes it a bit sweet but I love it!

Crime girl - did you run yourself out of energy? :) Love the recaps!!

I'd better get to supper. (sorry, I'm southern :) ) It was a LONNNNGGG day and I'm ready to just sit and relax for a while before I have to do it all again tomorrow. :) Talk to you later tonight!

Hi all!

Oraki - so sorry to hear that you were sick, but glad to see that you're back!

Red Balloon - way to get recommitted. That's awesome!

Michiemish - I hear you about the Christmas shopping. I have only bought about 4 or 5 gifts, and they've all been online. So I'm seriously behind the 8 ball....I'm gonna tackle a few places tomorrow but I don't know how long I'll last.

Haven't done too well today - unfortunately! But tomorrow's a new day....I'll be working off my food by shopping til I drop!!!

Have a great night!!!!

Kelly

Hi everyone!
 

How is everyone this beautiful night? It is starting to finally get cold in Florida and I am so happy! :D

Red Balloon- You Go Girl!!! You can do it!!! :cb: :cb: :cb:
I am glad you are back and talking again on the board- we missed you!

oraki- I am so sorry you have been sick and I am also happy you went and got some meds to make you feel better. Get well soon! :flow1: I think I am going to join WW so I know how you feel. If money is tight do what you can. it sounds like you are off to a great start! ;)

michimesh- That is such a great present for your mom!! She is going to love it! :) Don't worry about a few cookies- I have been so proud of you staying on course as well as you have when you are under so much stress. You should be so proud of yourself! :cp:

little grasshopper- anything on the neighbors yet?? I am so curious about what happened. Sorry I haven't been on much- I have been running around like a crazy person- I put so much off when I am in school that I end up with a long list when I get out. On top of that, I am trying to find a job so that has been stressing me out. :dizzy:

kjk- Dont sweat it! Tomorrow is another day- baby steps and each one will add up to a long distance as time goes by. :coffee: Shop til you drop and maybe park way back in the lots and walk that way. Have fun!!

stormy- whats new with you this week?? How are things?

Before I forget- I am 5'5" and about that far across as well. :rofl: I make a perfect circle... :lol:
Anyway- that is all I have for now- I am being a big nerd and already reading for next semester too. It will be my last semester..Thank you God!

Okay- well have a wonderful night everyone!!! Make sure you are nice and not naughty- Santa is coming to town. :D

:spin: :spin: :spin:

Crime Girl - Good luck with the job search! What do you want to do?

JKJ - you're right. Tomorrow IS a new day :) :) Have fun shopping. Don't hit anyone - it's mean out there :)

I got a stocking tonight. I lost mine in our last move. BF SHOCKED me by picking one with a big snow man and a chalk board so I can write my name on it. (he says it's so if I leave him, he can just erase the name and give it to his next.....I wrote in sharpee marker :D foolish boy!) Anyway, he bought me a Christmas stocking. This is NOT the guy I'm use to :) I like what ever is happening.

Okay, time to get ready for tomorrow. Another big day - I hope you guys have a good one!! Be productive and be a great big loser :) :)

Hi guys. Seems like everyone is busy doing Christmas stuff.

Oraki, get some rest.

KJK- have fun shopping!

Michimesh-what a great idea for a gift for your mom. She will really appreciate it!

Red balloon-stay positive

Little GH- wow-what have you done to that BF? How long have you been dating him?

Crime girl-you BIG NERD-now I feel like I better get started on my next term. Good for you but give yourself a little break.

I do have to get myself motivated for school b/c I do not really want to go back. I start back on 1/6/05. I have one more year left. I keep telling myself-one year-one year...but then I think about the 7 1/2 hour drive and the devotion it takes and the time it takes and how everything and everyone else gets put on the back burner and it just sucks! Anyway...

Ate pretty good today. 1/2 pb and jelly sandwich on wheat, 1/2 apple. one Zone bar, one slice turkey, and then for dinner a little roast beef with brown rice and green beans.

Workout-20 minutes elliptical trainer, weight training for upper body

so far so good. . . thanks for the support, all!!
 

Heh people. thanks for all your welcome backs. I don't know. I'm feeling really good. And yesterday I was in the pits. Maybe something's clicked. After feeling awful for a few months now, maybe I've finally decided to stop playing the victim. I've been working so hard, doing so much, all because I needed the money to keep my horse. But the work was just not working out, no pun intended. I was oh so stressed and acting like I had no choice.

But getting away, seeing my brother, talking a lot, meeting old friends, riding my horse this morning, I think I've just had it with the sh*t. I'm hoping I can hold on to this feeling and run with it.

stormy -- thanks so much for your great vote of confidence! I saw your message on my cell phone while I was still out and it gave me a great boost. It helped me get past some usual pitfalls (these include stuffing my face with ice cream and rice crackers usually) and instead I stuck to cashews and giant corn kernels. I even stopped off at the store to get the makings of a from-scratch lentil soup (well, what I thought might taste good with lentils) and got spices too. Got home and had a sweet potato with butter and now I'm cooking the soup. Will probably turn out kinda strange but it's better for me than the stuff I've been stuffing in lately. So, yeah, thanks a ton.

And congrats on what sounds like a great day for you, good eating, exercise. Keep it up!! And you're telling me to stay positive . . . so you too, lay off the beating yourself up about putting things up. It's hard getting it ALL together and you're doing so well with the eating/exercise. Focus on what you have done well, even if it's small (and that wasn't small even) and stop looking at what you haven't done. Good luck, kid!

oraki -- so sorry to hear you have bronchitis. I had that once, wouldn't stop going, and I was running and working out hard with weights. Finally, a friend forced me to the hospital and the doctor put me on immediate bed rest for a week, said I was a hair's breadth away from pneumonia. I had been turning bluish and under my nails was blue but i kept at it thinking I wasn't going to be weak and lazy. This was a long time ago when I pushed myself past the limit all the time. But I'm thinking you may have similar tendencies. If you have bronchitis be careful of the treadmill. Unless you're just walking really slowly. Anyhow, take care of yourself, OK? Heh, and thanks for the encouragement.

Michie -- hello there. I don't think we've met. I'm afraid I havent' been around enough to follow the threads. Does your mother have cancer? You speak of chemo. If that's so, I'm so sorry and I wish her the best. I went through it all with my mom when I was a teen. I'll say a prayer for you.

grasshopper -- thanks for the welcome back. Don't you hate it when you lose the long posts?!?! It seems to happen a lot around here. I would suggest typing your message in on a separate text file and then pasting it in. That's what I do usually. And yes, I am serious now. With me, it's not just the weight. I want to get it all together in so many ways, just start acting like the all-together person I know I can be but tend to only show in small spurts that mean I'm usually in a state of disarray! Not sure, by the way, I follow the boyfriend's stocking gift. Isn't it a bit early for that? Or did he just buy it and will fill it for Christmas later? In any case, if it's a change for the positive, great! Let's hope it continues.

kjk -- Hi there. Yes, I'm doing it. No sugar, no processed food, no caffeine 'cept in the morning and then that's it! I'd done that for a couple years, but have been sinking into very bad habits again. I was pushing myself so hard that I was hyping myself with megadoses of coffee to just keep going. But I knew it was taking its toll on my health and my mental health as well. I have a tendency to overthink things and used to be real bad but had gotten to a point where I could really use my thinking to help me. Well, I tell you, recently, it was getting out of hand again and I blame the poor diet, too much sugar and too much caffeine. Beer didn't help either. So, I'm cleaning up to go out this year feeling good. You know, in Japan, the year end is a time for cleaning (like our spring cleaning). I've never done it before but I think I will this year! Yes!!

crime girl -- thanks for the cheers and saying you missed me. It sure makes me feel good to have people saying that. It's what I need! Oh, you made me laugh again with your height measurements and your width! :rofl: Looks like I'm the shortest one around here. I should be wearing size 6s or 4s or something. Oh well, big bones and all that. . . . .
Heh, nothing nerdy about studying. Are you in school? Whatcha studyin'?
Oh, and heh, for the record, it's not just horses I'm into. I got four puddy cats here as well. Great space heaters in the winter 'cause I don't have any central heating. Anyone else around here with animals? and crime girl, what happened to the weekly question, or is that only on Mondays. I wasn't around for the last ones, or wimped out because I didn't know what to say. yes, and a special thanks for your synopses. That takes a lot of work and helps keep us all together as a support group. You're a good leader and we luv ya! :grouphug:


***

OK, over and out. Hope you're all doing well and will have a great Tuesday. I'm well into mine here. It's now 4 in the afternoon. Ciao tutti!!!

Morning everyone! It's cold here!!!

Redballoon - the stocking was a big change for the better for the BF. He just bought the stocking itself. He knew I couldn't find mine and that I love snow men so he found me the biggest snowman stocking he could find. It was very sweet. I have a fish tank and two dogs. One is a yellow lab puppy that is HUGE (maggie). We rescued her and she has all kinds of fear issues still so it's a challenge keeping her calm sometimes. The other is an Australian Sheppard named Mac. He's 3 but is still a puppy...I don't think they ever out grow puppyhood.

Stormy - glad things are going strong for you!! This is a tough time of year to be good but it sounds like you're doing really well. Good for you! I've been dating Bf for 3 1/2 years. Oh, and he has now decided that he will slack off through the holidays and then he's getting back into cycling shape again. He use to cycle all the time and was on the verge of being too fit - if that's a thing. He stopped just like me and we gained weight together. I've been fighting to get healthy again but he's been bringing in the crap we use to eat. I knew he'd need to sort it out for himself - I couldn't nag him to eat better...well he's finally ready. I'm really glad for him. He's one of those guys that DOES care when his weight isn't exactly where it should be.

I think back at how I use to eat and it scares me!! I use to LIVE at vending machines. I was so addicted to caffeine that I would get a coke and drink 1 swallow every 5 minutes or so, even when it was hot....then as soon as it ran out I'd either run get another one or send my assistant for one. She picked on me all the time about the way I ate but it didn't click. My breakfast was usually a candy bar and coke...then another candy bar if I was hungry. Lunch was either the same with chips, or I'd got to Wendys and get something horrible there....then the afternoon candy bar....then I'd get fast food on the way home. It's no wonder I was getting so sick and in so much pain!! I'm lucky I didn't get more sick!!!! I think I had the worst eating habbits of anyoen I know!!

I really like and respect that we're all making positive changes. And I agree with you Redballoon - it seems like when eating is out of control, the rest of life is too. I feel much more pulled tegether now than I did a year ago.

okay I am late for work, but very very motivated :) Can't wait to read everyone's post tonight. You guys really motivate me :) :) thank you!!

Good morning...
 

Hey everybody!!

It is Tuesday and we are one step closer to Friday and the weekend! Hooray!!

Red balloon-I am so glad you are so motivated and excited about losing weight! To answer your question I am a graduate student in Criminology. I have one more semester and I graduate. As for the daily question I think I must have missed a day- I am glad someone noticed- it means that you like doing them and it isn't just me that enjoys the responses. I will put one on the bottom of my post for everyone to work on today. :D

little grasshopper- I am so happy your bf appears to be on board with the program. It is so much easier when you have support and someone to motivate you. I am also glad he has been treating you so well lately. Is he always that nice? Go bf!! Keep it up buddy!
You are so right about life being out of control when your eating habits are. It does seem like life is in more balance- I was the same as you before and then I would complain I was sick all the time. Sometimes hindsight is shocking- I was also addicted to caffeine. :coffee: ALso to answer your question I am trying to get a job as a forensic accountant. I am applying with the SEC, Secret Service, FBI, and other government agencies. I am also applying to some of the accounting firms and I might end up having to work as a regular auditor for awhile before I can do forensic work. ;)

stormy- Stick it out with school!! That year will go so fast and will be so worth it even with all the sacrifices. I also start back on the 6th and I have one of my hardest classes next semester so I am trying to get ahead. I admit I am such a nerd with school. I am the girl that always has her homework and always goes to class. I am stubborn that if I pay for it I want to get the most out of it. It sounds like you are doing well n your plan- so keep up the great work! :)

Okay- I have to go to work so I better run!
For today- a question-
Who is or has been your role model?? What person or people have influenced your path in life and why?

Okay- have a wonderful day everyone!!
:spin: :spin: :spin:

Hi guys! Great encouragement this morning!

I have three cats. We started with one and then rescued another. They are 8 and nine. I always said I am not going to be the "cat lady" of the neighborhood. Two cats max. Well, as you animal lovers know...we rescued another one. He is nuts. In fact, he is in the Christmas tree right now. I am afraid that when I get home the whole tree may be on the ground.

My biggest role model has probably been my mom. She has always taught me to work hard and to not expect anything to be given to me.

I am going workout now. Tonight I have another Christmas party! So I am working out this AM to get it out the way.

Today everyone should try to remember how long it took us to gain this weight so be patient with yourself when trying to lose it.

Good Morning
 

hey everyone :grouphug:

Its tuesday which means its my friday for work... :dancer: And i have a meeting with the captain the last 2 hours of my shift...so should be easy day...I took my duffle bag with me this morning when i left for work so hopefully i can be back at my own place..have to go talk to the bf...he is being a normal guy and being a dork..all well...

Red Ballon - hello there..I haven't been on much either lately because i have been staying at my parents house..My mom was just diganosed on monday w stage 4 cancer...Doctor said it was advanced but hopefully she she is young enough (54yrs) and healthy enough that hopefully chemo will work..just have to wait and see..But nice to meet u.. :D

Stromy - your now where near being a cat lady....My mom raises persain cats and shows them..We have over 20...now that is a cat lately..Expensive one at that...lol

Well have to get back to work..

Michelle

onto Day 2 of my up-and-at-'em attitude!!!
 

Good morning all. It's Wednesday morning here and I made it through yesterday with flying colors I'd say. :flow1: Life is fraught with uncertainty and I eat out of anxiety but I'm trying to realize that this is only making it much worse, because then I feel bad about myself. So I'm going to really try to just calm down (outside I look like nothing phases me inside I'm all 'aflutter!) and prepare and eat good food. If I have no time, I can always eat nuts or a piece of fruit. This sugar and caffeine is just the pits.

I have so many cookbooks and there are so many excellent recipe sites on the Net that there really is no excuse for not having a repetoire of guick, healthful and easy things to whip up and eat. Sure, it's hard and all that but heh, what's the alternative, giving in to the offerings outside in the restaurants and convenience stores AND paying money for them on top of that.

So, please, everyone, wish me luck on Day No. 2 of taking care of myself and putting myself first again. :sunny:

************

lilttle grasshopper -- Ok, after the stocking explanation I now see what a sweet thing it is. Hope it continues. I mean, that's what boyfriends are for, aren't they?! That's great that he's athletic (even if only at heart at times) and wants to get back in shape. I do think I know what you mean about "too fit." I had a boyfriend once who was in the military here, paratrooper, very fit, nuts about cycling. His great bod is what attracted me to him in the first place but lo! his attitude didn't stop at himself and he was constantly criticizing me that I was too easy on myself, weak, fat, etc. etc. blah blah blah. I got rid of him toute suite!! It sounds like your guy has a better balance. There's also the kind of people who want and encourage others to be UNLIKE them so they can feel superior.

Anybody who rescues animals gets mega gold stars next to her name in my book! :grouphug: Thank you, thank you!! I don't think I know what an Australian shepard looks like. I'll try to find it on the Net. Out at the stable where I ride there are four dogs and on the way there I stop off and give food to two poor dogs who are chained on constantly. They are starving and no one cares for them and I try to feed them but sometimes I wonder if I'm not just prolonging their misery. I mean, they get a little food and usually seem to have water and have little houses but that's it. The people just totally neglect them. This is very, very common in Japan and it makes me sick. Anyone, I'll get off that topic. . . Yes, well the dogs at the club are a lab, a French bull, a mixed dog that was born to one of the dogs chained on and I found a home for her and there's also a little Jack Russell. So, it's like I have all the horses in the stable, about 25, 6 dogs and my four cats. I absolutely adore animals. I used to walk dogs at the animal shelter when I was a teen and always walked the neighbor's dog when I was a kid, in addition to my own dog and we had 8 or 9 cats at one time, mostly thanks to me bringing them home. I guess some things just stay with us all through our lives, don't they? Ok, enough of the animal reminiscing. . .

Yes, vending machine lifestyles. Isn't it great that you now recognize the horrors of the way things were? That just shows how far you've come and that means the battle is more than half won, I'd say.

I've been out of the States for years now and Americans are getting a bad rap because of the obesity that is so prevalent there. I was just watching a program on it while I was on the plane flying back from Hong Kong. It's true, the sizes one sees in the U.S. now are unique, let's say. But I think, Americans are on top of things because they are realizing how they need to change and are changing, becoming educated and aware, like all the people here on this forum. And that means everything because once you've been there and get out you really, really understand it. People who think they are better but have never experienced something are really the vulnerable ones. The program too talked about how Brits were now in grave danger of going the same way as Americans. And I see it hear in Japan. People are eating garbage (fast food and chips and stuff). A lot have not put on weight because they starve themselves otherwise but their skin is bad, their hair dull and I fear they are in for major problems not too far down the road. So, anyhow, more power to you!!

crime girl -- Ok, now the name makes sense!! I was wondering about it. Criminology, that sounds so cool. It's something I would be interested in doing. My great aunt was a detective on the New York police force, I think the first and I think I have it in the blood. Took criminal psychology back in school and found it very interesting. Unfortunately (?) my path went the way of foreign languages and my Wanderlust got the better of me and I went off to Germany, India and now Japan. Anyhow, I wish you the best in your studies and hope you get that job in forensics. Would that make you like Scully on the X-Files?

Yeah, motivated I think I am. I don't know why. But maybe I've just had enough with the farting around I've been doing but just didn't stop until I started getting the short end of things for a while. My pride usually gets me back on track. Let's hope I can keep it up.

Yes, I like the questions you give us, even if I have a hard time answering them. They're great to get us thinking about what we're about, what we really want, value and respect and not. Role model? Hmmm. Difficult. I can't say I have one. I think I have had several throughout my life, all the time in fact, because I'm easily influenced by people. Yeah, really, I think there are too many to say. BUT, now that I think about it, the people in my life recently who have influenced me in a GOOD way would have to be a trainer at the gym, bodybuilder, 13 times Japan champion. His logical, cut-the-bullsh*t, cut-the-excuses approach to things can be very annoying but I always go away saying, "yeah, he's right" and I think I have tried to assimilate that thinking into my own. The other person now is my riding teacher. I probably only see her influence directly where it concerns riding but riding to me is a metaphor for life (I do dressage) and the things I learn there are things I use all the time in other areas of my life, so I'd have to say she is a role model.

stormy -- Allright!! another animal person. AND, another rescuer!! :bravo: More gold stars!!! :spin: Cats in the Christmas tree. Oh yes, they love them. All those neat noises and shaking around, the prospect of birds hiding out in the dark places amidst the needles, maybe a nest or two. Cats are nuts and I love them!

Good for you, getting a workout in. You did go, right? :yes: Workout cancels out party. Great equation. It's that kind of thinking I think that helps us get in shape or at least stop any slides into oblivion. There's a woman at the gym, former Ms. Japan bodybuilder. She's retired from competition now and has dropped most of the muscle but she's still like fatless. She'll be pedaling away hard on the bike and I'll talk to her. She says she does it so she can enjoy the beer that night. That ex-bf I spoke of earlier was like that. He's be figuring out what he had to do the next day to make up for an excess food he'd eaten the previous day. OK, ok, things can get out of hand, but basically, I think that's what we gotta be doing too. ugh. . . but ok, I'll do it. . . . or try. . .

michiemish -- hope you enjoy your weekend and yes, I certainly wish your mother the best. How is your weight loss going? I don't have a handle on what you're doing. Are you following a plan, just trying to eat better. That duffle bag you speak of, is that for getting in a workout?..?..? :strong: In any case, good luck to you. :sunny:

********************


Ok, people, sorry for writing so much. It's caffeine-fuled, my morning shot. Hope I didn't bore you all too much. If it gets too tedious just hit the scroll button. . . Ok, bye for now and good luck with your day. :dancer:

Hi guys - I'm going to be quick because I'm beat. It was good but long, and hard day! It's freezing in my house and I want to go to bed...I can't eat there at least...right??????

The person that I feel had the most influence on my path in life was my doctor after a car accident when I was 15. There were questions as to whether or not I'd walk, have children, or ever be without pain meds. He didn't give much merrit to any of that. He treated me like he always expected me to heal completely and he's the reason I do what I do today. He calmed me when regular MD's gave bad advice and he took the time to teach me about my recovery - not just dictate what I needed. He treated me for several years - until I moved away from my home town and when I went back to college I called him for research all the time and he always ALWAYS returned my calls and gave me all the time I needed. I will always consider him the best doctor I know and he really is the reason I wanted to get into pain management. So that I can help people the way he helped me.

okay, really do need to go to sleep now. I'll write tomorrow. I've been good today - promise. TOM is making me gain weight though so I might have to throw the scales out the windo for a while. night night

Good to know I am not the only one who is going through TOM this week. Throw the scales out the window. Plus, I ate two peanut butter balls and two cookies at the party and now I feel as sick as a dog. Why did I do that?

Red balloon, you lead such an exciting life. Very cool! I have a friend who recently gave up dressage, she is in her 60s. Her daughter still does it.

it's all how ya look at it. . .
 

stormy -- "exciting life?" I don't know. It just seems like a hectic rat race most of the time, but I just happen to be in places that sound exotic. But, you're right, maybe I should think of it as exciting instead and then I won't stuff sugar in my face. hmmm. . . . let's see, I'll try to think of the exciting part tomorrow morning when my alarm goes off at 3:45 a.m. and I have to walk 20 minutes in the dark and cold to get to the train, to get on the train for the 70 min. ride to then get off the train and walk another 45 min. all while freezing . . .to get to the stable where the water pipes are probably frozen and go to see my horse. . . and yes, now that's the part I like, where I can warm my hands on her lovely golden neck. . .well, maybe not exciting but it certainly is different at times. . . :lol:

You know, most people who ride horses are loaded with dinero and can have their $30,000 horse more or less whisked to their side, upon which they'll gracefully place their $1,000 custom made calf leather boots into the stirrup of their $3,000 dollar saddle and voila off they go into the sunset. Me, well you read the part about getting there but the horse is one who's such a stubborn little dear that no one else wants to (or can) ride her. My boots are 5 years old, busting at the seams yet again, my saddle isn't even mine and it's cracked and full of holes and . . .oh, well, what I'm learning from this experience is a whole lot more (I keep saying to myself) than the prima donnas will get out of theirs. What the heck . . . there's nothing like snuggling your face up against a warm horse neck. . . it's priceless. :love:

Red balloon, now the whole exotic image is gone :) Enjoy what you are doing b/c you are lucky to be doing what you love. Not everyone gets to do what they love. Plus you are getting to travel, which is something that not everyone gets to do. How have you been doing with your eating and exercising? What is the time difference b/t where you are located and the States.

Everyone else, where are you? :( I know it is just a crazy time of year, isn't it?

Hope you all have a great day (or night)!

Good morning everyone!!
 

Hi everyone!
Wow- we got quiet there for a little while. Christmas is such a busy time of year. :D Hope everyone is doing well.

red balloon- your life is still glamorious to me! It must be fun to live in Japan- where are you from originally? You are doing so well keeping on plan and you are really motivating me! ;) It is funny you talked about rescuing animals- I have one dog and he is rescued from a guy who tied him to a pole and gave him no water or food. It breaks my heart everytime I think of him being treated that way. His name is Charlie and we got him from a dog rescue organization and he has been the best dog. He is so loving and sweet- there should be a special place in **** for people that abuse animals.

Michimesh- I am so happy that you are checking in and trying to stay in the swing of things. Hang in there and we are here when and if you need us. Have a great time on your "weekend" :D

stormy- don't sweat the cookies at your party. Besides that- how was it? did you have fun?? I am so jealous you have cats- I am such a cat person- unfortunately my boyfriend is allergic so no cats for me. :stress: I hate to say it but it is such a sacrifice for me because I have always owned at least one cat. :^: Anyway- I love your reminder that it took us awhile to get like this so it will take awhile for us to lose it. So true- it is easy to want it to happen right now without thinking about all the time we got to indulge. :)

little grasshopper- your role model was so touching to me- I hope he knows the impact that he had on your life. It is amazing how things work out to me- out of something bad something so truly special and good emerges. Hope you had a good night sleep and you need to turn on your heater. It is a wonderful 29 degrees here in Florida this morning and my house feels like a furnace. I love cold weather! :coffee:

Okay well I have runaway mouth syndrome long enough. Today is "what in the heck have I been eating day". How about we share our favorite quick recipe? and if you have them- foods we eat when we are in a hurry and on the run. Sound OK?
Okay well - have a wonderful day everyone!! Keep up the great work and remember that all your hard work will pay off in the long run. :D

Oh- and to answer my own question- my role models are an English teacher that I had in high school and my mother. The English teacher taught me how to evaluate and appreciate my life- she showed me how to be compassionate and caring - she really made a huge impact on how I view life and how people should be treated. We called her Wanda woman and she is the model example of how a teacher should be. My mom I pick because she is the strongest woman I know- She is the glue that keeps our family together and she gives of herself without complaint nor limit. If I am half the woman she is then I am doing well in life. :)

ALright- I am out of here- off work and need to do some shopping and run some errands.

:spin: :spin: :spin:

Hi guys! I'm feeling much more energized today. Two more days of this and then a long weekend :) I can make it!! Today I got really good news. An insurance patient was paid in full. I've been treating her for 3 months without being paid at all...they paid the entire bill today :) :) Yippeeeeee!!!!!

Okay, Stormy - I agree, don't sweat the cookies. If you competely deprive yourself now, it's more likely you'll eat your way through January!! You have to have SOME fun, right :) I think you did a great job :) I've already calculated how many extra chocolates will fit into my new big stocking :( should probably figure something else out before the big day huh :) How are you spending your break from school...aside from all the baking :)

Crime Girl - Glad you're enjoy your school break too! They're so precious aren't they. I look back now and wonder how in the heck I did all that. Especially late at night when I'm tired and ready for bed and I think "man, I use to be in SCHOOL this time of night!" You're doing great! Keep it up!!!

Redballoon - different is exotic...sorry, you're it :) Unless anyone is interested in the excitement of life in NC....see doesn't work, does it :) Did you always love to travel?? I would travel for a living if it didn't like home stability so much. I've fallen in love with a piece of land and I like being here to watch it change every season...watch the trees grow and the birds feed at the feeders. (I'm sounding like dork to me right now, just so you know....) anyway, I've been all over this land mass but never left it. Some day soon :) How is your program working today??

Michie - how are you doing?? I hope you're enjoying your weekend - doing something completely for you :) Hang in there and in all the caring for mom and the family, don't forget to care for yourself too!

Well I'll post my favorite recipe next......talk to everyone soon...

Easy chili recipe
 

This is a quick recipe that I use to use to get rid of leftover meats or beans :) I have made it many times without meat and it's just as yummy! Promise (even to the guys that swore they wouldn't like chili without meat.

what ever cooked meat you have....I've used chicken, turkey, ground beef, steak, and roast...
2 cans black beans drained (you can also use cooked bagged beans)
2 cans dark red kidney beans drained
2 cans chili beans
1 can beef or veggie broth
1 small jar of picante sauce (I use medium)
I can chopped tomatoes
I bag of Carrol Shelby's chili mix (the one in the brown bag).

put it all in a big pot and cook on a med/low heat. It's ready after about 20 minutes and reheats REALLY well :) You can also put it in a crockpot on low and leave for work if you want..

chicken cacciatore
 

Crock pot it!

3 tablespoons olive oil
chicken breasts
1 small onions
2 tsp rosemary
1/2 cup cooking wine
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp redpepper flakes
1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes (I used diced)

Cook on low in the crock pot while you are at work.

Can serve on spaghetti squash (great sub for pasta)

Little GH thanks for the encouragement. I ate another cookie today b/c I had to make two batches for a party Thursday night. So it seems like all my time off of school has been spent baking, going to parties and working! I am glad that you are having a good day.

Where is everyone?
 

What happened- everyone is so quiet today. Today is "have I been exercising "day..speak up everyone- how have you been doing?? :?:

As for me- I am doing OK with eating and lousy at exercise so I need to get my butt in gear. I have more time off because I dont have school and it is making me lazy. :D

Thanks to those that gave recipes- I am going to try them. ;) I will let you know how they turn out. It is still cold here in Florida so I am going to really like the chili I know.

Okay well- just wanted to jump on and say hi and see if I can get anyone back on the board. I miss talking- :( I will try to get on more as well.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!
:spin: :spin: :spin:

hang tough!
 

Crime girl -- I'm here, wondering where everyone is too. Guess people tend to pop in, write and then go off for a while. Keep the faith and keep writing.

I've been doing very well. Surprising myself. Have some resolve at last. But, I've been away from the office, which I hate, and that always makes it easier. Just going in to that place I see as self-abuse and then I tend to continue that abuse by eating poorly. You see, the place is abusive but I don't know how to get away. I need the money. I don't have enough income coming in from other sources to break away yet. But that is my goal. I really, really want to break away from the office. They abuse me, I further the abuse, because, like I said, going in to the office I see already as abusing myself. It's hard to allow abuse in one way while not allowing it in another. This is my dilemma. Perhaps if I could look at the situation as not abuse if I am aware of it, allow it to roll of me like water off a duck's back. . .

But the abuse is insane. It comes largely through not caring and incompetence, neglect and then slapdash attempts to fix the problems they have brought about. The paper is on the verge of going under (no wonder!) and we, the workers, are naturally the victims. I really must maintain some sort of tie to the outside while I am there. It is horrible.

But, yes, perhaps these past few days will have steeled me for this. In fact, I realize that I now do see things differently. I was not ready to leave before as much as I am now. Perhaps I should see this extreme aversion to the place as a gift.

Crime girl, hang in there. Keep talking to us. What I do in those lazy times is just get to the gym and say I'll do a tiny bit. Sometimes I really only do a tiny bit. Other times I push myself to do more or actually want to do more once I'm there. I used to think well, I can do as much or more at home but realized I just wasn't doing it so I get to the gym for principle's sake as well. If you want to be lazy, remember you can still be lazy at the gym. Knowing you've allowed yourself this can help free yourself up to do something.

Ok, gotta go. :wave:

Red balloon, I am sorry about your job. I hope things start going a little better for you. I was really encouraged that you were feeling pretty good the other day. Keep your chin up! Whenever you start feeling down think of riding your horse. How did you end up overseas?

Crime girl, where is everyone? How are you doing????

Okay working out....Since it is the holidays and school is not in I have been doing a little bit more. I have been doing cardio and weights every day instead of alternating days. I workout in the morning and in the evening. When I am working and going to school I only work out in the AM and I alternate days of cardio and weights.

I ordered two new exercise videos which should be in next week. I am excited! One is a cardio boot camp and the other one is Tamee Lee's "I want that body" video. I will add those to my workout. I like a lot of variety so I do not get bored.

mustn't lose sight of things. . .
 

stormy -- thanks for writing. And please stay encouraged about me for you! I AM feeling better. I'm learning to ride the bull (no taking it by the horns, that's a sure way to kill yourself!) I will try to remember that I have options many people don't. Thinking of my horse is very iffy. It has, in fact, served to probably keep me in this sorry job because I was thinking I just HAD to pay the bills and this was a way of doing it. But I wasn't looking at other ways of paying the bills and that is something I must do. I am sick of the treatment I am getting.

Right now, I have two hours before I have to leave for work. I have finished transcribing the tape of a talk I had in Hong Kong with the stable guys for one of the horses and I realized, as I had feared, that I don't have much material to work with. But I'm going to come up with something because this story is for an outside place (not the newspaper) and I need to have these connections now more than ever. Being in the midst of things, I forget that people on the outside may still find something interesting in what to me is old hat. I say I got nothing but it is something and I should just embellish it and away we go! Talking to people here helps see me and my situation differently, from your eyes and that is important because when anyone writes they're usually writing for people on the outside and if you lose sight of how they're seeing things, you lose sight of your readers, which for a writer, especially in newspapers, Web sites or magazines, spells death or being relegated to hack publications or -- yourownname.com!

And stormy, you're doing great with your exercising. Twice a day!? Wow! :cp: Very impressive. New videos are always fun. Hope you like these. I need to make room in my tiny place before I can hop around without breaking the backs of a couple cats!

Ok, on with the story!!

Hi guys! sorry I've been mia. It's been good but hectic week! I have gotten one lunch hour all week and I've worked late every day - but the good news is that nothing is really falling behind - I'm managing to keep it all caught up and I'm eating really well. I realized today that it's Thursday and I haven't cheated all week :)

Redballoon - I'm so sorry your job sucks! I can understand how frustrating it is. About 6 months before I turned 30 I was killing myself working corporate management. Had no life, no real friends that depended on me, and never saw my family. Then one of my friends had a kind of mid life crisis about turning 30. He had this long list of things he HAD to do before he turned 30. Bought a count down clock and everything. Most of it was positive stuff but he was so over the top it drove us all crazy!! Every email signature was the # of days til he was 30 years old.....it went on and on. Then he started talking about applying for his dream job. He never tried, and he regretted it already. He couldn't face having this birthday without knowing he at least tried. That got me thinking. I hated my job. I cried 2-3 times a week!! That's when I decided I didn't want to turn 30 without knowing I'd made the effort to go back to school and do massage. That's how it happened for me. I was scared too death!! I worked 3 part time jobs while I was in school. Got rid of the company car and bought an OLD car that ran well and got rid of as many bills as I didn't need and then just suffered through. I'm soooo glad it did it now!! When the time is right, you'll know. Until then just know that all things are temporary!!! You can handle anything for a while and this is temporary!!

Stormy - way to go on the exercising!!! I bet your'e feeling stronger and better all the time!! Good for you! How did all the baking go? I was looking through recipes for banana nutt bread today at work. I want a treat of some kind for the holidays. Something that isn't totally over the top but still special to me. I got caught :) The health food, you can't have anything doctors both caught me! They were very kind about it and I assured them it wasn't for me :) :) I've been asking people at work for recipes they've pulled together too - mostly because the diets are so limitting, anythig new is..well...new. No luck. Seems like everyone else is just eating the same meal night after night - I'd go crazy!

Crime Girl - sorry. I've been away too long. I promise I'll be better after tomorrow. Exercise...what exercise. I havent' done any this week other than stretching. I'm really sore and tired though......A lot of work this week. Won't help me lose weight any though. I will be better next week. I'm even calling a gym closer to my house to see if I want to join their gym. I am giving up my current membership because I never ever go to where the darn thing is. it's right by my old house but in the middle of HORRIBLE traffic and I hate going there. Plus it's a cheap, dirty gym anyway. Works, but I never go so it's waisted money.

Well I'd better go. I am hoping to finish christmas shopping tonight. My mom finally told me something she'd really like. An Inrico Iglasious CD I have no idea how to spell it or why in the heck my mother wants it but she gets what she wants! She is learning spanish so that might be why. She's surprising and funny sometimes! See everyone later tonight. mrm

little grasshopper -- That's Enrique Iglesias. Just found it on the Net. Pretty cute but he's got to learn to keep his mouth closed! His mouth is open in every photo (except for the one where you can't see his mouth). Of course, that may be the photographer telling him to give us that "sexy look!" :lol: Here's a Web site with music clips. http://enrique.launch.yahoo.com/default.asp

Oh, look, here's one with his mouth closed. Yum!
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/...3/a/Escape.htm


Thanks for the encouragement. I'll write more later!