Redballoon: No, I didn't take your post that way at all. Kat is right. Everyone who posts here is very accepting of the others - differences and all. After getting to know all of the others here I can honestly say that I can't imagine ever reading a post and being offended, hurt, or angry. Everyone here has such a genuine personality that I know nothing would ever be said in a condesending tone or out of jealousy or judgement. I don't think any of us feel as though we always have to agree or even like what someone else has to say. But we take it for what it is, an honest opinion or contructive critisim meant to help the rest of group or intended recipient to grow as individuals.
I did have a good workout at the gym. Thanks for asking. I didn't get to stay but 45 minutes because they close at 5 on Saturdays and we had soccer games yesterday and I couldn't make it in until after 4. I don't really have a standard routine. I do full body weights every other day and cardio (at least an hour) each day. If I work out on the machines I do the elliptical for about 35 minutes, stationary bike for 20, and 15 to 20 on the treadmill or rowing machine. On as many days as I can I go to a class just to mix it up. Step is my favorite class but I always try as many new ones as I can. We have lots of toning classes - yoga/pilates, BLT (buns, legs, tummy), Strictly Abs, and some that mix step or kickboxing with strength training. So, sometimes I'll go to those instead doing my usual weights. But since I am home with three kids my schedule isn't hard and fast. I always make sure I can go everyday but I am flexible as to what I do once I get there. I love my gym. It is a ladies only facility. They market it as "no men, no intimidation" but I have to say it was never the men I found intimidating - it was those fit and trim women. lol. But, I like it because I don't have to worry about whether or not my underwear is hanging out of my shorts while I do bends and stretchs or if my boobs are getting squished out of my top while I do leg curls. Plus, all of their weight machines are sized smaller for women so there isn't a lot of adjusting to be done to the seats and all. And I am much more comfortable with a female trainer than some guy who has been body building since high school!
Kat, thanks for all of the advice. That is exactly what I am going to try to do. Isn't it funny? Your post is EXACTLY what I would say to someone else in my position. And, yet, I NEED to hear it from someone else as confirmation. I guess it is the old do as I say, not as I do rule. Like I said, I am more anxious than frustrated at this point. I just feel sooooo close to where I want to be. I think it boils down to the realization that I am going to get to my goal weight this time. That has created a lot of bottled energy - hence the decision to step up my workouts.
I am also working on redefining my goals. I think this plataeu - no matter how long it lasts- is a great time to adjust to my "new skin" and take a second look at what I am working towards. In the beginning, 130-135 was just a number that I remembered being comfortable at in the past. It might not be the right goal though. So, I am trying not to focus on the number (ackk! it is sooo hard not to) and more on what I want my body to be able to do and how it needs to look for me to feel good about it.
But don't hold me to that - I know I'll be in here mumbling about the scale and babbling about my magic number again. I'll count on you guys to remind me how SANE and LOGICAL I spoke in ths post.
I can't remember if I mentioned this before but we got a new puppy. She is a cockapoo and so very sweet. Well, we haven't actually gotten her yet. She won't be ready for us to bring home until the 25th. This is the first dog I've ever gotten that wasn't rescued from a shelter. And I have to say that I feel a little guilty about that. But after the heartache I went through with Sweetie Pie there was some comfort in knowing EXACTLY where the puppy had come from, the temprement of its parents, etc. I know we don't have any guarantees (well, actually we do have a health and temprement guarantee from the breeder for a while) but I feel better having been able to research the different breeds and know that we are getting a puppy that has been properly socialized with other animals and children from birth. Anyway, I'll post some pictures as soon as I can.
I gotta run. We are taking the kids for a walk through the woods. They love to go "exploring."
Tricia, I am SO jealous of your gym. The closest one to me is two hours away but of course when I lived in Minneapolis and there were all over I never did go to one!!!
I can't wait to see the puppy pics. I am sure, Dusty (my cat) will enjoy them too.
I am so happy - I have all my chores done plus got through a stack of papers - sorted, threw out or filed away.
Now I will be tackeling some computer "issues" I have been having.
Hey, hey, hey - BarbPA should be back tomorrow with tons of pics I hope!!!!
Well Tricia, i owe you a big thank you. All last week i just couldn't get myself motivated to get my butt up and get to the Y. I get the blues sometimes but i have learn to recognize the first signs of depression. Your words to me let me know that everyone has days like that, so i figured if a person that has a busier schedule than mine can find the time and the energy to exercise, then i should be able to give a least half hour a day to some kind of exercise. Anyway, i just want to give you a big hug and thank you.
As you know Lucky, i have five dogs. Well, when we first got Digger our male dog, he had no manners and what ever he wanted, he took. One day i had put a whole frozen chicken in the sink to defrost before i went to work. I only had to work about four hours that day so i figured the chicken would be okay. When i got home, there were chicken bones in the living room. Digger had managed to pull the chicken out of the sink and ate it frozen. He also managed to eat a frozen T-Bone steak i put behind the kitchen faucet to defrost. Somehow, he pulled the steak out from behind the faucet and across the sink. Digger had been abused by his former owners, so we had to use a gentle but firm hand with him. He no longer pulls food out of the sink, but man, a T-Bone steak?
Take a deep breath Kat and think. The last time you used your past port, what were you wearing? I hope they didn't get washed.
This weekend has been very busy and I'v gotten behind in my reading and posting but i just have to put my two cents in here. One of the mane reasons why i love coming here to Sanctuary is, no one hinders anyone from reaching there goal. We all know why we are here. To look really good in a string bikini. (Maybe in my dreams) If talking about kids and pass ports, and husbands and all the other stuff we talk about helps us reach our goal, then so be it. What we don't talk about is, buying a box of chocolate and eating the whole box is okay. Never exercising and the word gym doesn't even enter into the conversations. I think it all comes down to one thing. Do we come here to get motivated and inspired so we can lose pounds and inches, or do we come here to just socialize and find out what each of us had for supper last night?
I for one don't want to live in a box. I love it that we all have a different opinion on life, and if you ask a question, you may get ten different answers. If anyone wants a "Yes" man to question or problem, then this is not the thread to be in.
Speaking of supper, i have to get mine started so i guess i better get going.
Talk to you soon.
Gloria
Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my shape to keep. * *
Please no wrinkles. Please no bags. And please lift my butt before it sags. * *
Please no age spots, please no gray hair, and as for my belly, please take it away. Please keep me healthy, please keep me young, and thank you Dear Lord, for all that you've done. *
* * * * * * * * * * Five tips for a woman.... *
1 It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob: *
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."
Gloria, now I owe you a great big hug and a thank you. I actually laughed out loud at your post. I have been so cranky today. There is no reason for it - I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I just know having a chuckle before bed is going to make tommorrow a MUCH more pleasant day! Oh, and my family thanks you too - I don't think they could take another day of my bad mood.
Everybody sit down. Are you sitting? I went JOGGING today. I don't think you heard me right...I went JOGGING today. And, you know, it wasn't that bad. I've decided I'm going to start working and see if I can ever make it a whole mile without stopping to walk here and there. It will be my spring project cause Lord knows I won't be doing any running outside once summer hits here. I, unfortunatley, do not have the coordination it takes to run on a treadmill. Somehow my feet always get all tangled up when I try to push the buttons to slow down and stop.
We did something fun today. When I take Will to school in the mornings we always pass this monument for some cemetary. But you can't see anything back there as it is all wooded. I knew it wasn't one that is still used but we've always wondered what the deal was. So, I packed up a back pack and we all went hiking through the woods - there are woods behind our house that we were able to cut through to get there without actually getting on the main road. Anyway, it turns out that it is one family's cemetary from the 1800's. The memorial said that this family were the earliest settlers of our county. We could only find 5 headstones. The husband and wife who originally settled and what we guess are their children and spouses. There was one for a little boy who died when he was only one year old. He had the sweetest engraving that said, "Little Ben Culley: Bloomed On Earth So He Could Blossom In Heaven" The last two we looked at had only lived to their early 30's. I don't know, it was just really interesting. It made me feel lucky that we were born in a time when life spans are typically so long.
I will talk to you all in the morning. Have a good night!
Wow, jawsmom, excellent going on the jogging! Congratulations! That's a big move for you, right?
The cemetary adventure sounds interesting. I used to be into grave rubbings. I know it sounds weird but it was so interesting learning about history through the graves, especially in different areas. Where I grew up the stones were mostly of some stone that wore easily so there weren't many real old ones like I hear there are in New England. There was cemetaries behind both houses I grew up in in the States so I guess I found being in them natural. Different countries, different customs makes a walk through a cemetary really educational. Well, just saw your message and though I'd try to pop in. Have work to do now. Gotta get to it.
Let me be the first to say "WELCOME BACK" BarbPa. I hope you took lots of pictures. We want details girlfriend, details!
Went swimming yesterday at the Y and felt so unbelievably good. If i could bottle this feeling, i could be rich, rich, rich. I have a lot of dutch blood in me so my complexion is very fair. When i get even a little sun you can see it right away on my shoulders. This morning when i was getting dressed, hubby was laughing at me because i have a very, very slight tan. He works outside most of the day and is very tan, so when i was admiring my almost nonexistent one, we had to laugh. Hay, its a start.
Oh poo. Its starting to rain again. Looks like i will have to take a step class tonight instead of water aerobics.
I have a thought provoking question for all of you. Do you believe in fate or do you think things just happen because they happen. I think there is a purpose for some things that has happened in my life and i also believe in guardian angels.
About 20 years ago, i was driving to work and it was about 5 A.M. in the morning, still dark outside and i was the only car in sight. I was stopped at an intersection waiting for the red light to turn green. The radio was on and something soft was playing. Just as the light turned green, this noise came over the radio. I quickly turned the station and in that second, a mack truck went whizzing by in front of me. If i had gone ahead when the light turned green instead of changing the station on the radio, i would not be here today. It has always amazed me how one little insignificant event can change a persons life.
Anyway, i was just wondering what all of you thought on this subject?
Have to go. Carl will be home soon for lunch and i like to make him something hot to eat.
Later Gator.
Gloria
I have decided to increase my calorie intake by 200 or 300 per day. I chose this amount because, given my current weight and activity level, 1700 to 1800 calories would still allow for a loss of half - 1 lb each week (well, if this stinking plateau ever ends!). As you know I stagger my calories rather than eating the same amount each day.
My problem is that I actually have a hard time reaching 1500 calories these days. I guess because I've been doing this for so long I just can't eat that much at once anymore - it makes me feel yucky. For this reason I don't want to just eat bigger portions to fit in the extra calories. Obviously, I don't want the extra calories to be from junk. So, what are some calorie/nutrient dense foods that I could add a little of here and there to sneak in these 300 some odd calories? I already eat almonds, advocado regularly. I've never used protein powders. Would something like that do the trick? Any other ideas?
Also, has anyone ever tried any of the cleansing programs or recipes to remove toxins from the body? I've seen them specifcally for the colon and liver plus some for the body as a whole. Do they make you feel any better? I sometimes shop at our local whole foods store and see all the wheat grass concoctions but I don't want to choke down something that tastes like sludge until someone I know personally says it is worth it. Anybody?
Gloria: I'll put my 2 cents in about fate. Be warned though. This is one of those questions that I might have a different answer for on any given day. But TODAY I believe that things just happen because they happen. I don't believe that any of us are on a predestined path. I don't think we are designed with a purpose but that we have all been given (or evolved - depending on a person's beliefs) the tools to add purpose to our lives. Some of us take advantage of it, some of us don't. Neither way is right or wrong in my opinion. I've had things like your mack truck incident happen to me before too. I don't think anything of them. The same goes for bad things that happen to me. Sure, I have "why me" questions but the real question is "why not me?" These things happen. I am special but no more so than anyone else.
For me what is important aren't the things, good or bad, that happen to me, but how I handle them after the fact. A close call like you described is just that unless you walk away from it with a renewed vigor and appreciation for your own life. I think very rarely does something like that change the way a person lives for good. Now, the BAD things that happen I do think can change a person's life forever. But I also think that change is more of a DECISION on the person's part not a mystical force of any kind.
Just my personal opinion, take it for what it is worth.
My knee did not swell to the size of a grapefruit yesterday so I'm going to give jogging another try. I might very well have found myself a new hobby. Who would have thunk it?
Have you tried peanut butter Tricia? Smucker's has a natural peanut butter that i find quite tasty. Two Tbsp. has 210 calories, 1g sugars and no trans fat. I put it on celery because i like the crunch plus i get some fiber.
Thanks for sharing with me your views on fate. My son Will believes that what happens, happens. I like to think that there are certain things that were just meant to be.
Yippee, skippee, the sun is out and i might be able to go swimming tonight.
Have a good one.
Gloria
Hay Lucky, I've been meaning to ask you, did you ever decide on what plants you are going to get. The weather down here is just starting to get a little warm so i guess i should be thinking about my garden. Have you ever grown yellow squish? If so, is it hard to grow?
I just got back from my water aerobics class and am feeling pretty good. They had the pool lights on and it felt like swimming in stars.
Gloria, thanks for the "cat" message. I have been laughing through all the other posts so now I have to get serious about your thought provoking quesion. I don't know that I have enough time to tell you all I think about what you asked.
Quote:
Do you believe in fate or do you think things just happen because they happen.
I don't believe in fate as my life is all plotted out and nothing can change it. SOS I am not good at explaining myself so if I make this sound too stupid don't hold it against me. For example I don't believe it is my fate to be poor. Maybe I was born into a poor family but I can still do many things with my life to improve that situation. But like you I have had many "mack truck" events in my life. I don't know what to call them but "luck" doesn't cover it!! I guess I have never "liked" fate because that takes all of my input out of the equation. Why try if it's "fate". Which just made me think of my weight by the way!!!! It is NOT my fate to be fat!!!! Just wanted to throw that in.
I went to a psychic once many years ago and he said I had an angel that sits over my left shoulder. He said it was a woman that had died young - late thirtys or so and her name was Mo or Marie. I actually felt my whole body have a tremor. My Mother died at 42 and her name was Ramona Marie. I know, don't get all weird on me I am just telling you what happened.
You will love this, Gloria. I had a friend in Minneapolis that was a ghost buster.!!!! She seemed so ordinary when we were together - I would look at her and think "I can't believe she thinks she can see ghosts" but she is so honest etc. It makes me wonder, even though I have never met one !
I am really rambling here and not concentrating. I have to say after all of this I also totally agree with Tricia (how is that for diplomatic) No, really I do!!! Life happens and it is up to us to handle it.
I also had a friend that would say when his life was in trouble and he was ignoring it he would start to have "fender benders". Each one more serious than the last until he took stock of his life and worked on correcting what was wrong. Interesting!!!
A good one for this question is Skitt - she can write exactly what I want to say!!!
Whew, the weekend flew by. Just now getting a chance to get on the puter and check out whats going on. I was good on friday night as far as eating. We went to applebees with some friends and I had something from the weightwatchers part of the menu. It was pretty good and I will definately order it again. We all came back to my house and played cards, I did good at home too. Made a weight watchers dessert and some fruit and baked chips and some snacks. Not bad at all. But sat. I had euchre at my house and there was so much food. Everyone brings a dish and I must say I got off track sat. night. I am back this morning counting calories and went to exercise after work. I know my trouble will always be on the weekends. And also I honestly need to stop with so many get togethers that revolve around so much food. Thats really hard to do though. Anyway, I'm back on track and will just have to try to manage my weekends better.
Also, Gloria, on your subject of fate, I must say that I do not believe in fate. I don't think we are just out there aimlessly going through life with a preplanned destiny of some kind. I think it's up to us to make our destiny. I think it would drive me crazy to just think that i had no control over the course of my life. Not going to get any deeper than that about the subject.
And Lucky lady bug, I've never been to a psychic but I think it's amazing how some psychics are able to solve crimes and missing persons and things like that. I love to see Sylvia Brown when she's on TV. and she definatly believes in angels around us.
Also, while on the whole subject of strange things, my husband and I and some other couples are looking into going to spend the night in a haunted hotel. We live in indiana but I guess there are several places you can stay in kentucky. We are doing this just as an adventure and a fun weekend. Have any of you ever done this before. Let me know if you have. We are searching the net to find as much info as possible.
Also, I wanted to tell you about a website my daughter sent to me. It's www.chocoholicsrevenge.com and it has alot of low calorie, low fat chocolate recipes. You might want to check it out.
Anyway, one more week and then it's spring break for me. School will be out after this friday. Hip Hip Hooray!
Better get busy and I'll talk to you later.
cheryll
Am i the only one here that does stupid stuff? Went to the Y tonight for my water aerobics class as i mentioned earlier. What i didn't tell you was what i did before i got there. I always put my swim suit on at my house, then put regular clothes over it so when i get there all i have to do is take off what I'm wearing and go right into the pool. Tonight i was watching Dr. Phill and putting on my swim suit at the same time. Not paying attention to what i was doing, got the suit on and regular clothes went on over it. Got to the Y, the regular clothes came off and out i go. I was in the pool when i realized that my swim suit was inside out. Good thing my suit is black and the sun was setting so there wasn't a whole lot of light. I quickly went back inside and fixed the inside out swim suit before the class started. Maybe i should wright a book about all the stupid things i do. Maybe its fate?
I have made a decision as far as my weight is concerned. I have decided to stop weighing myself every week. I have noticed that when i start to loose the weight, i start taking it for granted that the scale will continue to go down. For some reason i have it in my head that one cookie wont hurt, or a handful of potato chips wont matter because after all, I've lost 4 pounds and its only been 4 weeks. Now, my clothes are getting tighter and i haven't had a "feel" thin day in a long time. I will still watch what i eat, and exercise everyday, I just wont be able to tell all of you how much I've lost.
I almost forgot to tell you what also happen to me at the Y tonight. Just before class, i was talking to a woman that was a new-be at the Y. She had a granddaughter there that was taking one of the cheerleading classes. Anyway, this woman asked me if i had any young children of my own. I told her my kids are grown adults and have lives' of there own. She was looking at me as if to say "How young were you when you had your kids". I told her i was 53 and to old to have young kids living at home. She just wouldn't believe me when i told her how old i was. Made me feel good. I guess what Tricia said is true. When you lose weight, you look younger.
Carl will be home soon from bowling so i guess i better get going. Carl doesn't mind me talking to all of you, its just that he likes to tell me all about his bowling games when he gets home and i love to watch the twinkle in his eyes when he gets excited.
but of course when I lived in Minneapolis and there were all over I never did go to one!!! 
Congratulations! That's a big move for you, right? 
I have been laughing through all the other posts so now I have to get serious about your thought provoking quesion. I don't know that I have enough time to tell you all I think about what you asked. 
For example I don't believe it is my fate to be poor. Maybe I was born into a poor family but I can still do many things with my life to improve that situation. But like you I have had many "mack truck" events in my life. I don't know what to call them but "luck" doesn't cover it!! I guess I have never "liked" fate because that takes all of my input out of the equation. Why try if it's "fate". Which just made me think of my weight by the way!!!! It is NOT my fate to be fat!!!! Just wanted to throw that in.
