Good morning. Happy Monday early! Crime girl, thanks for the new thread. You are so efficient, putting in the link and having the old one closed.

Crime girl -- I'm glad to have you back on the thread. We miss you greatly! So the ipod has won out over us, has it?!! Well, can't say I don't blame you. . .

I haven't seen Supersize Me but I agree with whoever it was said it, I'd buy it and share. It surely is educational and maybe it'd be good to watch over as a reminder if you start slipping. Fast Food Nation I think too is a must read though I have it and haven't finished it. That reminds me, I will get it out. It's not an easy read but it is extremely informational and I think we all owe it to ourselves to inform ourselves about things. This book also talks about how workers are exploited and how these jobs are really deadend for people. People don't realize the exploitation of workers that is going on right in their own country, not just in Chinese factories. Definitely, read it CG. I think you're the type that likes to be informed. Hats off to you!

Send your boyfriend to Japan for a while. He will be astounded at how "tiny" the portions are and the jolt he gets from that may make him realize how huge the portions are in the States. Not in some cities, like New York, but elsewhere I've been, I am shocked now to see them. It actually makes me angry because it is almost insulting to be shoving this amount of food on people, so many of who have weight and health problems. It's like giving candy to a kid with diabetes. Also, the baskets of bread that come out are unbelievable. I get upset when I see my father eating piece after piece as we wait for the meal. Not only is it unnecessary, it's bad for you. When he came to Japan he said for the first time he didn't feel uncomfortable after eating and during the day from heartburn, gas etc. Overeating is so not just about looks and fat. Ok, offa my soap box! Morning caffeine kick!

Thanks for the congrats on my weight loss. I am feeling so much better now that I'm seeing results of my efforts. I have confidence back that I can whip this once and for all, or even for a while for that matter. Your help has meant so much. Thank you as always!

Ah, you saw my Clooney dream. I was wondering why no one commented on that. Of course, he looked much better in my dream than he did on TV. And yes, though I was playing it cool on the outside, I was all a giggle inside. Don't I have great dreams. And that was just one part, the Clooney part. There were others! ;lol3; Heh, if you don't have a real life, it helps to have a great imagination! In fact, when I was a teen and starting the battle with my weight, I remember for a while there I would just totally imagine eating pizza or so and I would be satisfied with that. I was always kind of a trip. Don't need drugs even. Cheap and not dangerous!

As for the job front, I'm still stalling there. My heart is not with the publishing. I'm not a publishing type. It's all too serious for me. I love books but the people who tend to make them tend to be far too serious for me. I can be very serious but I need to have my fun too. I'm really torn and I'm afraid the publishers will sense my hesitation and decide against me. And I'm thinking I may be kind of happy. At the same time, I'm thinking this is an opportunity to expand and do more things later that will help me to really have the life I want, not just in my dreams, not just in my head! Tough one. But one thing you said really hit home, that the people who are real friends will keep in touch. I don't really need many real friends. I like the camaraderie of the guys at work. It's mostly just jesting and joking and shooting the bull over beers afterward (or in between deadlines even!) but I suppose, as I've said before, that's no reason to stay at a place. And sometimes I do start to think something more might develop from just a friendship and it's easy to allow yourself to just keep dreaming with all the banter, which sets you up for a letdown when you realize there was nothing more. Making a break is perhaps the best. I understand why guys get into their circles of friends, especially in countries like England, Ireland and Australia, where pub life is a big part of the culture. It's easy and it feels good and it's easy to just never go anywhere your whole life except between your house, the office and the pub. Not a good thing.

Speaking of Ireland, the Irish fellow at work brought me back a jar of Irish relish made with Irish stout. You can definitely taste the beer! It's neat. I put it on sandwiches. Relishes, mustards, spices, they're lifesavers for keeping the calories low and yet not having things so boring.

What kind of facilities do you have at school to cook if any? You say you want to freeze things but is that for eating once you get home or can you zap some things in a microwave during the day and eat? I do that at work. Freeze stews and curries and brown rice, bring them in to work and heat them in the microwave.

stormy - three pounds!! Great going!! You've beaten me and you deserve to. I don't think I even deserved to lose 2.2 lbs this week. I was out drinking twice and even though I was exercising and eating better when I wasn't drinking I wouldn't have been surprised if I'd stayed the same. I'm going to try to be much better this week.

I understand your picking 142 now. 140 sounds kind of boring, doesn't it? The ravioli incident! It sounds like a crime case. Amazing that you could work out the next morning after being sick the night before. You see what you can do when you put your mind to it, eh?

little grasshopper -- I am reminding you of what you told us to. You will gain because of the water gain because of your detox program. So, DON'T forget that!! I'm really glad to hear you seeming to take this gain so easy. You've got your sights on the right things, the jeans fitting better. You know this only a temporary thing and doesn't reflect the real picture. Good for you!

You are really doing well with the gym, aren't you. How much more weight are you looking to lose, or are you just going by how much fat you have on you. Numbers are hard to gauge unless you've been there and can keep muscle tone constant.

My week is looking so-so. Got an interview Wednesday which always make me kind of nervous because I have to be "up" for them. (I'm doing the interview not being interviewed.) But it's in Japanese and with an older man and I'm often worried about "getting the story" and hoping he'll be talkative enough and say interesting things, which makes my job later of writing the article much easier. That's Wednesday morning. Hope it goes well.

Jacque -- Congratulations on your loss!! Three pounds! Hurrah!! Hurrah!! You SHOULD be proud. You've done so well this week and you really, really deserve to have this victory. Well earned. Well done. I'm so proud of you! : Yes, actually, I thought you would have lost more and you probably have. It'll show up later so if you're at all disappointed, although three pounds is nothing to sniff at, just hang in there and keep it up. Don't slack off as I would tend to do when I'm doing well. Good luck!

Michi -- Good for you too! Looks like whatever you're doing is working for you. Your goal sounds very doable. 210 by Valentine's Day. You can do it! Yes, I was wondering about the rain. Seen some really bad pictures coming out of there, houses washed away and all. Have you been affected at all? I hope not.

*********

Well, I had a great day Sunday. Walked over an hour to the gym because I got a little lost, then took a longer route to stop at a store and the library. Went to the gym, and it's all without coffee this days! Amazing how my body is adjusting. It's definitely harder without the caffeine boost but I can do it. I just realize that I won't be as revved but the energy is still there to draw on if I just get going. In fact, it seems much more stable, more dependable. I am something of a workhorse, have incredible stamina and can just keep going and going once I DO get going and that can take some doing. I'm learning to just jump in, kind of like jumping into the pool instead of going in inch by inch because it's oh so cold! There's a big bookstore under the gym and I'd been stopping in there, losing momentum for the gym but recently I've been forcing myself to just get in the elevator and get up to the gym and jump on the treadmill while I'm still warmed up from walking there. I get the cardio out of the way because I know I tend to blow it off and then I do the weights, which to me are like no work at all. Sitting down, lying down, I could just work out all day with weights, especially because in between sets means chatting up all the cute guys! I give lots of compliments to the bodybuilders, especially those with great thighs! my weakness! They love it. I also give form pointers to the beginners. Yesterday there was a cute Aussie I know there. He's obviously gay (the dolls usually are!) but since I'm not looking to pick the guys up, just enjoying myself and them! I had a great time. In fact, it's fun with the gay guys because when I say something like, "now that guy's got fantastic legs," and look on admiringly they're more likely to readily agree with me! The women aren't such unabashed flirts as me and also, most of them down in the "heavyweight section" (and there aren't many) are not too friendly, either kind of scary themselves like I wonder if they're on steroids or something because they look so mean or they're the ones looking quite scared of all the moaning, groaning, and grunting going on around them. Those type usually flee back to the cardio machines pretty quickly and never return.

Anyhow, when I'm in form I am totally in my element in the gym, admiring the boys and working up a sweat myself.

So, then I took the bus home and actually made a salad with hot brown rice on it. Delicious. I definitely feel the fat disappearing from my mid-section. Now, to just KEEP it up!!

Wow, I see there are all these posts while I was typing. I wasn't getting notices, guess because i hadn't subscribed to the new thread. So I'll have to get back to you later. NBK, hi there! I'll read your posts later. I was wondering where you were, but remembered you'd said you'd be away for a bit. Later!

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the well wishes. I'm feeling a little better today, still a little lightheaded, but all in all, doing so-so. I'm off work tomorrow, so hopefully I can sleep in and get some rest and then be able to work out. Keep your fingers crossed!

So, I weighed in this morning, and I lost 1.5 pounds this week...which I am amazed at because it is that time of the month, and I thought for sure I had gained! But at any rate, I'm stoked. Now I'm at 8.5 pounds lost, moving along on that journey!

Going to go grab dinner now and relax some more....hope everyone is doing well! Congrats to everyone on doing fabulously last week, let's keep it up this week!!!!

Kelly

KJK pleased to hear you are feeling better but have the day off work tomorrow. I think so often people try to be staunch and don't take the time to allow their body to heal properly. Well done of the weight loss too! You're doing so well. 8.5 lbs is heaps!

Hi there. We did our weekly grocery shopping and I'm finally eating dinner. Salmon with green beans and cauliflower...that's a veggie I have never liked but I'm finding I can eat it now. Yeah!!! Anything new is GREATLY appreciated

Everyone is doing so well - it's really exciting! Too bad we can't do a total pounds lost as a group thing. We're using so many different methods of watching though - jeans, tape measures, scale, any anything I've missed It's very exciting!

Red - My original goal was 125 but I'm going to wait and see. I'm mostly going off fat. I will keep working out and keep eating well and see where I land. I know me and if I set a goal - as soon as I hit it I will pig out! and celebrate my way all the way back to my high point again

NBK - you and I seemed to be built very much a like. I gained 20+ pounds once and no one aside from my boyfriend could tell...I could tell because my clothes were REALLY uncomfortable - jeans especially...thank god for low rise jeans! It's sounds great, doesn't it - to be able to gain and no one realize it but the problem is that I can carry a ton of weight and not realize how unhealthy I am! I'll think I'm doing great and I'm actually at risk for heat attack!

okay - I have to cut this short. Sorry. Have to make chicken and dumplings for Bf this week.

LGH - I KNOW.. my other problem is that somehow I have naturally low blood pressure and VERY low cholestoral, even when I was on my "sit on your bum and do nothing but study and eat junkfood all day" 4-year diet. So aside from the weight issue, I could convince myself that otherwise I was healthy! he he..

But the cool thing is that my resting heart beat is now about 54 bpm and with a body fat of (don't be scared now) 38% i still have a long way to go with my fitness etc.. so hopefully i can it down to like 44 bpm! now that would be cool. I would be in league with olympic athletes.

Red, you are in this to win it, eh? I am so proud of you. Glad you are enjoying going to the gym. It really helps if you like it.

KJK, glad you are doing a little better. Luckily you have MLK day off. You are really doing well with your weight loss.

CG, one crock pot thing that I do is that I put green beans, zuchinni, white corn (lower carbs), peas, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, fat free beef broth, meatballs, and italian seasoning and cook it on low all day. When you get home you will have a great soup you can eat all week.

Jacque, I am watching Home Makeover and I just thought of you (b/c of Ty). These
shows always make me cry. This one hits home especially b/c this guy who they are building the house for reminds me of one of my patients who I had several years back. He was also shot and b/c a quadriplegic. We b/c very close through out his rehab process. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. Anyway, I really like this show, they do awesome work.

GH, I too really want to get my body fat down. I started at 34% and now I am at 32%. It gets me sick to even think about that. I would like to get to about 16-18%.

Hi guys! WOW- the posting machinery is at it again. You guys are so good about posting and chatting- it so nice that there is always someone to talk to.

Jacque- Thanks for the info on Fast Food Nation. I think I am going to attempt reading it in my nonexistent spare time. Maybe I can download and listen to it? I might try the iTunes site for it. I hope it totally turns me off from fast food.
Veggie soup is a great idea- I think I will put some on tomorrow in my crock pot. It is getting somewhat cold here (50 degrees) so soup would be good!
Congrats on getting your car back- bf is getting his truck fixed this week so I can feel your pain. I have been running around like crazy to take him everywhere- it is getting old.

stormy- Congrats on the 3 pounds!!!
I will check out Slim in Six- thanks for the suggestion. I will have to get back with you on points- I have no idea but I log them in my journal so I will check.
I watched Office Space last night too while I was reading and downloading tunes. I am sorry you got sick last night! That stinks. You are feeling better today though right?

little grasshopper- I am so happy you are seeing results in your clothing!! That is what counts in the long run!
Don't be jealous of my iPod- I will tell you if you are thinking about getting one it is worth every penny. My bf really delivered this time so I have to be nice to him!
It is so funny- I just got back from doing my grocery shopping too. WOW- it costs an arm and a leg when both me and my bf are trying to eat right. It was about double what we normally pay.

NBK- Good job with the jeans!
Thanks for the Bofy for Life suggestion- I actually have that book and just forgot that he does put a routine in there. I will go get it out and look at it.
Great idea about renting from the library- I am going to check into it.

red balloon- you are sounding much better! Keep up that great work you are doing!!
Like I told Jacque I will definitely try to read or listen to Fast Food Nation- I am glad you guys have read it or heard about it. A bunch of people at school are reading it.
As for your dreams- I want to trade dreams with you. Yours are much better than mine. I would love to see George Clooney in them. I am normally doing something boring or being chased by someone.
You have had no coffee??? You are my hero- I have to have coffee!
I have decided I am sending my bf to you- so please straighten him out for me on portion sizes and the fact that we are gluttons over here. He goes beyond what is considered normal here so his portions are huge.

kjk- I am glad you are feeling better and the migraines are fading. Stay away from caffeine and sugar until they are gone.
Congrats on the 1.5 pounds!!!

As for me today, I have done pretty good. I cleaned my house, bought groceries, and did laundry. I have not had a lot of time to read so tomorrow is going to be crazy. I have to finish reading so I will be prepared for class.

I bought two new pair of sneakers today and I am thrilled with them so that should motivate me to exercise.
Until later- have a great night everyone!

WoW! So much and so little time, so sorry for not a "real" reply to everyone!

Congratulations to everyone on the weight lost this week! We've all been working hard and deserve to see these numbers drop

As for my drop, I kind of expected more, but my favorite Aunt, Flo... is due tomorrow so I'm sure she's the culprit in some of it

Help! I've been eating sugar, scones and chocolate and now Good & Plenty that my sister sent me. This is what I get for not eating "real" food after a lot of walking. Oh well, I'll stop now. Bad girl!!

I got on the subway two stops later than usual and got off one earlier going both to and from work today! That is about an extra hour or walking BOTH ways!

Sorry, but there's no time to write now. Must be up very early tomorrow morning. Wishing all well. Please wish me luck, perseverance, not to go lax after a mere few days of being good. Well, foodwise I was good today but just now was kind of losing it. Later, people!

Mornin!

Jacque - I'm right there with you! Just stay away from the scale. Take it from me - I didn't take my own advice - stay away frome them

Crime girl - you too sound like you're doing better. Is the shock over being back in school wearing off? I'm sure this is a HECTIC semester though!! Last night I dreamed I was back in school and had to take some math class....the only problem - we had this eatstern modalities teacher that was the WORST teacher I've ever had in my life. So bad that every single student complained about her - in my dream SHE was the math teacher and we were all screaming about it! I woke up so mad. This woman was such a bad teacher every student failed her final. She didn't give us a text book (or tell us one to buy) didn't even teach what she tested on and used different names for the stuff we had heard of. She taught her day class all this stuff and just figured if we were missing it we could get it from them. HELLO - we didn't KNOW them! WTF??? I'm so glad that part of life is over.

Stormy - a 2% drop is huge! Are you doing the math yourself? When I did mine at home I got different numbers but then I have no idea how to measure myself. I just use the same place and tightness and that is enough to tell me if I'm losing..then I'll have the gym do it again. I'm shooting for the same. I feel crappy today though - I will try to get a ride in but I don't see lot of lifting today.

Last night my lab got a bit too excited and hit me under my chin with her head. hurt like all heck. I have a HUGE day and a whopping headache to match it.

Red - you DO sound much better this week! I'm glad you had a loss. You fought very hard for it. Just keep moving and eating clean and that weight will fall off

NBK - That is a LOW heart beat I have no idea what mine is. I know it's much higher than that. I use to have low bp too but over time it's leveled out a bit. When I get scared it drops again though. I use to have a real problem with the dentist...my bp would keep dropping and dropping and I'd pass out! scared mom so much she never made me go I'm jealous of your hot weather. Our windchill factor today is 11! tomorrow the actual temp is suppose to be 11!! I'm so glad I got a gym membership!!!

Well I'd better get going - Hello to anyone I've left out. I know I didn't hit everyone but as usual I'm running late. AG! Talk to you all this evening!

Good morning, just a post to say that and I'm off to the stable, trying to get in a ride. Hopefully, the ground won't be frozen. Haven't been out there this early yet this year, not without not being able to ride. I'm jealous of all your losses. I want to see a bigger one this week! But you know, I was just looking at Jacque's weight tracker and I thought, wow, 7 lbs lost. I remember when it was just 4 lbs lost and then there was this 1 or 3 somewhere in there, which didn't sound like much by themselves but now when I saw 7, it was like wow! Yeah, simple math, simple addition over time adds up and that is something. I will aim for at least a pound loss this week. I think I can do better but even if I don't it will be something, right? Gotta keep moving. Gotta keep moving forward and downward with my weight. Say goodbye to this fat, free myself from it!

Ok, gotta go. will read the posts and write more later.

Red - grr I am sooo jealous.. The horse I have been offered to ride isn't available now until late february... It's so hard, I got reminded how much I love riding and now I'm being made to wait he he.. I hope you get a good work out with your horse. what sort of movements are you working on? I think ages ago you said you would love to ride in portugal? me too.. or I would just love to even to got hte spanish riding school in vienna. The world is really small tho - I have a serbian friend whose father used to groom at one of the lipizzaner studs! hmmm horse smell. I might just clean my gear tonight for the memories he he...

Work is boring today, more drawings to do and after the excitement of yesterdays site visit and getting to see all my design work in the flesh I just can't settle. Of course it would be ona day when the office is full of important people so I can't fluff around! he he..

Eating is going well this week, I seemed to have tamed my never decreasing appetite. Now to get the exercise going as well and I will be sweet! he he.. getting a little stressed about not meeting my valentines day goal, but these things take time and I know I am not as committed as I could be.

LGH- yeah the bloodpressure thing is a doozie, combined with my low oxygen levels in my blood, when I go tramping in the mountians all sorts of fun and scary things happen! he he... but the dentist one is classic.. good move.. ugh I have to get braces this year...

Jacque - TOM will play havoc with your weight! But a loss is a loss is a loss and as red says, they all add up, no matter how small!

CG - yay for new shoes. I really need new sneakers, but my current ones are just sooo comfy i can't bear to part with them. But I do agree, it should make exercise more fun! just think how cool you'll look!

Well back to the grindstone. I hope everyone is having a great day!
T

Hi everyone. Long day at work today. First day of TOM and it was **** this month. I finally caved and got a chocolate candy bar. It was too good! Worth every bit of it. But of course now I feel guilty. I had a ton of clients today and all I wanted to do was come home and go to bed. Oh well, I'm home now and planning to go to bed right now!

see everyone tomorrow.