Back to Basics April Edition - We're No Fools!
 

We are a bunch of strong, intelligent, powerful women. We know what we want. We are committed to making healthier choices for ourselves. All friends old and new are welcome to join on this journey to better selves.

My goals for April are: 1)to recommit to my average two pounds lost per week. 2)To get to the gym at least 5 times per week (should be daily), and to incoporate either classes or weights back into my routine (will work on the other one in May). 3) To think about what I am putting into my body. I know there will be some times when I do choose to eat foods that aren't the healthiest, but I want to at least be stopping the mindless eating.

Here's to us, ladies. Despite all the challenges each of us face, if we commit to our best selves, we CAN do this!

Have a great day.

Thanks jolly, for starting up the new thread. I like the title, "we're no fools!"
Yes, it's about time I stopped acting like one, a total fool, a friggin' idiot! I have more than enough knowledge, I have the means, it may be hard finding the time but it's really more about really, really wanting it and not letting the screwballs of life leave me battin' the air.
I like the way you've restated your goals for April, something I never do, even though I think I know them.
Well, for now, it's going to be mainly to start putting exercise back into my life, exercise I can do at home, at work, all during the day, not just so I'm sitting there like an inert mass that occasionally moves toward the gym, goes through a bit of motion, then returns to inertness!
I'm also going to keep a food and exercise journal. I bought a new notebook yesterday with little blocks on the pages, not graph paper but squares with room to write in each one. I'm going to write in them chronologically, so I know just what I was stuffing in my face when and when I was moving my body. The save, especially, the small triumphs, these I will make note of. The slothful periods, the period of glutton I will TAKE note of and try to eradicate them from my life! Onward, march! The season of the cherry blossoms is upon us!

Good idea with the journal, Red. I am always looking for the perfect journaling method.

I am still self medicating with the food (oh yeah, and a couple of mixed drinks REALLY helped Justin's recuperation). I need to stop that. I know it doesn't help anything. I am, however, proud of myself for getting to the gym even today. I was going crazy cleaning things in prep for him to come home. But I still ran to the gym before picking him up. Hurray. I have, however, ignored the horse the last two days. Bad mommy, but there is only so much I can do. HE will probably appreciate having less of a lard *** to carry around. I will go tomorrow.

Hope to hear from others soon. Take care, and have a wonderful day. Good luck wth your goals, Red. You can do it :cb:

OK. No fool, but lonely. Where is everyone??

I am still stress eating like crazy. But, I did go ride my pony today (a very nice ride), and did go work out today. Two positive things. I am staying pretty much on track with my to do lists. Another good thing. Justin is sooooo active, I am getting gray hairs. Good that he is feeling well, not so good that I wish he would just rest until the stitches come out. :fr: Getting by though.

I can't wait to hear from everyone else. I hope things are moving along for you too.

Take it easy, all.

Thanks for starting the new thread Jolly. I too like your choice of a title. Tho sometimes I too feel like I am the village idiot with my skewered thinking.

It's spring, rebirth, time for renewal. My goals for April are to get back in water mode again - at least a liter and 1/2 each day. Start out with regular exercise 3 times a week and work up to 5 days a week by month's end. Then I have to work on this food thing...

Red, the cherry blossoms and many other things are in bloom here. It's lovely...

Hi jolly, sorry to not have been posting, though I must say it is very quiet around here. Derry, Chachee, where are you? Rave, when you can please come back. Happy! glad to see you too.

jolly -- glad to hear you were able to get a ride in. I did today too. Moreson, I'm glad Justin is back and seems to be doing well. I couldn't remember who Justin was (sorry!!) and I was thinking, husband? son? boyfriend? then I remember DOG! At least, I think I got that right, right? I really have nothing much to say. I am dead tired. Want to sleep. Have to work. May have to meet someone tonight. I've put the pedometer on, over 15,000, over 22,000, today already at 12,000 but may not have much more. Good past three days, eh?

happy -- sounds like you're getting back on track! village idiot?! :rofl: Nah, don't think so. You can do it. Don't give up, ok? Good luck with the exercing. You're in Tenn., right? lots of blossoms and flowers, eh? The cherrys are not out much yet but will be soon, any day now. We've has some warm ones.

Well, gotta go. Ciao tutti! :wave:

Happy Sunday chickies.

Short day today as we get "cheated" - well at least I always feel that way - cheated out of an hour today as we move the clocks forward for daylight savings time.

Yes Red, all is in bloom down this way - with the pinks and whites and purples and reds it's gorgeous. The opposite of fall up north - spring pastels. Here's a pic of just 2 of the azaleas in our yard - we have about 25 bushes. There's all sorts of flowers and colors. I love sitting out there. Big ole pat, pat, pat on the back on getting so many steps in - high five too :high: But do get yourself some much needed sleep, ok?

Jolly, hope you have a better eating day today and that you were able to make it to the gym.

Raven, so sorry to hear about your puppy :grouphug: - it's been a really rough year for you.

Hellos, to Chachee and Linda and all other peekers. I'm off to get busy at last...

Well, here I am on the new thread. I have been so bad this weekend.... don't even want to tell you all what I've eaten. I was convinced that I was starting over and I just feel like I am wallowing in bad habits. I must have eaten three days worth of food/calories/ww points in one day yesterday. What is wrong with me?
Have been really busy as DH is setting up a new home business and I'm trying as hard as I can to be supportive and help him, and I think emotionally it's all killing my successes. I've not had time to read your posts, forgive me.
I filled out a form today that WW gives people....I had it in my pile of papers and had never filled it out. It's really interesting.
I think I'll share it.... it will help me to type it all out and you guys might find something that "strikes" you all in it....

"Mental Rehearsing".... is practice in your imagination
Since the mind and body form one system, your mind can help prepare your body for the actual situation in which you want to behave or act a certain way. It's practiced by all top performers, be they athletes, actors, musicians, artists, public speakers or salesmen. It can also be practiced by people who want to become top performers at losing and managing their weight. Mentally reheards for weight-management success by doing the follow:

1. Identify a weight-related situation where you want to respond in a more resourceful way: __________________________________________________ ________________
2. Create a movie of yourself in the situation. Imagine yourself responding the way you want. Watch the movie. What day is it? Where are you? Who are you with? What are you saying? What exactly are you doing and how are you doing it?
3. When you're finished watching the movie, step into it, and rehearse your response in your imagination. See what you will see. Hear what you will hear. Feel what you will feel. Do what you will do.
4. Mentally rehears everyday before the actual situation.

So... I have rehearsed NOT overeating this evening while the family watches tv. Let's see how I do!
Sorry for any type-os, I am so bad....
Linda

Hey all. Real quick post. Glad people are findingthe new thread.

The only good I have to post is again making to the gym. Food is still a huge issue.

Yes, Red, Justin is my dog. He had cancer, and had to have his rear leg amputated last week. He is recovering well.

Take care everyone!

Just a quick post... on the fly here. My mental rehearsing did me well last night as I resisted cake and had a WW frozen 2 point dessert instead. I always have dessert!
By the way, just clarifying that my daughter is totally "off the wagon" and has been on a baking binge, hence cake in the house. She is learning how to decorate cakes and has had a lesson on it and is collecting all the specialized equipment. I think it's very artistic and she really enjoys it.
I did suggest that she practice decorating cake pans inverted to practice, and not keep baking all these wonderful things.... she is really into it. The temptation is killing my efforts, though. I love cake.
Well, off to another challenge today, my monthly quilt guild meeting - there is always tons of food!
Linda

Good evening all. Still keeping the steps over 10,000. Months ago that would have been a cinch, but I've fallen into bad ways and now I have to think to get those steps in.

happy -- where you are sounds beautiful and thanks for the azalea photo. Things are much earlier than Tokyo it seems. Here the azaleas follow the cherry blossoms. Azaleas are usually blooming in May and there are as many of them as there are cherries in Tokyo and that's a lot! I did not get enough sleep last night thanks to a evening out with a former coworker. I didn't take my bike to meet him, thinking I could get in more steps walking there and back, which was a very fast 30 min. walk. But when we came out of the bar it was raining and I didn't have an umbrella so I grabbed a cab. Just as well I guess, I was pretty tired. It was near midnight and I'd been up since 4:30 a.m., had gotten in a tiring ride that had my horse in a nice sweat. So, happy, what are you doing with your eating and exercise. I noticed you didn't say anything. When I do that it usually means. . .well. you can imagine! ;)

derry -- glad you found us! :wave: Again, don't fret about your overeating. Change is always stressful and you sound like you're going through a lot of it. You'll get this eating out of your system and move on. Don't worry. We are here for you so just keep sharing. I've heard about that "mental rehearsing" and I am going to try it. I think that is an excellent idea! Thanks for writing that up.

jolly -- oh, jolly, I'm so sorry to hear your dog had to have his leg amputated. I know he had to have an operation but I had no idea. You didn't say. Yikes, no wonder you were so upset. But a hind leg is easier for a dog to get along without once they get used to it. Let's hope he will have many long happy years with you! By the way, have you heard from Raven. I sent her an email. Just feel so bad for here. She has had so many rough times. And she was so sweet when my cat died. I wish there was something I could do. I know you and her are close. Please let her know how much I am feeling for her now, will you please?

hi derry! Just saw your post. We must have been typing at the same time. That's a tough one for you with your daughter baking. Wow, maybe you can ask her to limit it to once a week or so, or can she bake when you're not home and then give away the cakes or something. Is there any cake you don't like? I can't stand bananas so banana cake would not even be touched by me. Also, anything with a lot of walnuts I don't like much either. Maybe she can make your least favorites? Hmm. Just a thought. . .

Hi all. Derry, that is a great idea to have your daughter decorate the cake pan bottoms. Less calories, and cheaper. She can take pictures of the ones she likes, for her own portfolio.

Well, I made a baby step this mroning. I had bought some chips and dip yesterday, and threw out what was left this morning. Baby steps.

I am off and running. Have to finish up my resume, go ride, go work out, and do a few other errands before hanging out with the pets and then going in to my part time job.

Have a super day everyone.

OK. Quick post to get us off the second page - we are starting April off slowwwwww.

the only thing I did not get done today is ride. but, since I am going to wait to get Justin's drainage tube removed Thursday, I will be able to ride tomorrow.

Hope to hear more friendly voices soon. Take care everyone.

Hi jolly, sorry, no time to post and things are so slow here, it's like talking to myself. No fun at all. Good at least you're here. Glad to hear you'll be able to get a ride in. I'm off to try to do the same myself. Others! Where are you? :shrug:

I hear you on the talking to one's self thing. And I thought the medication was supposed to take care of that . . . . Just kidding.

Nothing new to report, just wanted to give you someone to talk to!

I don't know, Jolly, is it just you and me on this thread?! Well, I've busy working and I need to get to sleep for a while, then up and continue working, sitting here at the computer. I did get out for a walk though and I have kept my steps for the day over 10,000. Today they were over 16,000 actually. So, that is better than nothing and I think it's much better than what I was doing recently, which was sitting here all day long with but short trips to the store.

How was your day? Get to the gym or to ride? I rode this morning too. It is so tiring. My horse works up a sweat these days too. I'm able to get her working better. But, it is warming up too! ;)

Take care. Hope to hear more from you and the others as well! :wave:

Hello. Everyone? And good morning to you too, Red.

I did not make the gym today. I was so tired from my part time job last night that I fell asleep on the couch this morning. I will go tomorrow. I did not make it to the barn yesterday, but will tonight after work. Glad you got a good ride in.

Good job with the stepping. Have a great day.

Good morning, or evening depending on where you are....
Great idea on photographing her cake decorating efforts! This way, she'll see improvements and changes! I like that!
Well, just back from my WW meeting and I lost 2 pounds! I managed to salvage the week, I guess. Last week I gained 2.8, so I am still up from where I was a few weeks ago, but I am re-gaining control, I hope?
I am relieved, it's been a tough few weeks, and I still really blew it on Saturday, so I was really double relieved, if that makes sense, that I had a loss. I don't FEEL any thinner and keep wondering if last week's weigh in numbers were an error? I didn't feel heavier last week and really was shocked that I had put on so much weight.
So sorry about the dog's leg, Jolly. I haven't had time to backtrack and read all the old posts I missed, what happened? You must be heartbroken.
Where is Raven, I wonder? Times have been really rough for her and for the rest of us, yet we are hanging in there.
Let's keep trying guys!
Linda

Hi all. Derry - my dog had bone cancer. We amputated the leg to save his life. Hopefully.

I need to stop the food madness. That's all I have to say about that. the madness! And get to the gym tomorrow. I was just soooooo tired this morning. But i am off to bed soon, so have no excuse for not going tomorrow.

have a great night all.

Hey all,
Sorry I haven't been posting. Seems like I only get to post late t night and then have to choose between sleep and posting. Sleep has been winning out. But now guilt is taking over...

Jolly I'm sorry about your dog. I hope he will get along well and that the cancer is over. Dogs are remarkablely resillient. Stop the eating madness right now Missy! Good for you on the chip toss the other night.

Red, get yourself some sleep. Do you work like 20 hours a day? Sounds like it's long days for you. Remember that after enough sleep deprevation you do get goofy, make bad choices and don't see your typos and spelling errors!

Yay Linda on the loss for the week - let it be the start of good momentum for you.

I myself am struggling to stay on track. We started walking the neighborhood after dinner. Got to meet several neighbors. The houses here are really nice - charming but not pretentious. And everything is in bloom so the colors are a nice treat for the eyes too. Come to think of it I do have a bit of a stuffy nose and runny eyes. Hope I don't have pollen allergies. At least I didn't think I did. I am also trying to stick with the "if I didn't pack it to eat, then I don't eat it" philosophy at work. I do admit to gazing fondly at the candy machine. And then I see my reflection, fat and slouching and I remember why I don't need anything behind that glass. I have gotten back to 2 liters of water a day also - that was really hard, the only way I can get through it is to make a game of it and take 8 slugs of water out the bottle at a time. Slosh slosh. I just keep reminding myself - it's getting hot here already and in another 2 months it will be sweltering. Sweltering is so much worse when you're way, way overweight. So the time is here to finally do something. No more excuses.

How about you guys? Let's back each other up, ok?

Jolly, I am so sorry about the dog. Poor thing! I hope this is "it" and he will be ok now. You must be so sad about this, no wonder you are eating extra. Don't we all do this when we are feeling down? I know I do. Food sometimes makes it all feel better for a little bit of time.... I guess we revert to our childhood when "mom" gave us food to make us happy? I am trying to tell myself all the time that food isn't going to change what is wrong and makes me feel sad. It might make me feel good momentarily, but in the end I end up with "eater's remorse" and the thing that made me sad is STILL hanging over my head.
What a good thing that the candy machine is giving you a reflection at work, Happy! I think you have to adopt that philosophy! I have temptations like this as well and it is awfully hard to resist. You should ask the vending company to put a few healthier choices in there so you can have treats as well! Or, bring your own VERY controlled treat, maybe one day a week?
I had an NSV last night guys! We ate out at an Italian place. Everyone else has high calorie and high fat content incredible pasta dishes and I had minestrone soup, bread and took margarine as an option and then had Greek salad as my entree'. I felt good when I left there, not overloaded. I didn't overdo it, I had self control!
Have you all heard of a yahoo group called Freecycle? I joined it a few weeks ago in my area, you must check it out! http://www.freecycle.org/
It's a great new trend that is sweeping (really!) through our area really fast. Read up on it! The point I am making about it here is that you can get a bit of exercise for yourself and clean out unused items and find people to take them. You can also get items FREE that you want, I even see treadmills given away for free and bicycles!
Linda

Hi all. Good job on the NSV, Derry. I have heard about Freecycle, but never checked it out. I have been donating a lot of stuff to Goodwill, maybe I should check this out . . . Good job with all the positive changes you are making, Happy. Sounds like things are beautiful by you. It is unseasonably warm up here, but not a lot of flowers or trees yet.

I know I need to stop the eating. I know it doesn't help anything. But like you said, goes back to when Mom gives you a cookie for having a bad day at school (sorry Mom). Some primal comfort in food. Just makes me feel icky though. I even missed the gym this morning because I was up all night with acid reflux :(

Anyway. Just trying to get through this crappy day. Have a good one everyone.

Just checking in...
Did well for 2 days and shot today in the foot. We were having a lunch and learn - a training seminar where you get lunch. I was going to have a salad but the order got mixed up and they brought in sub sandwiches. I don't think the tuna was all that healthy and yes, I ate the chips and part of a cookie too :o Tonight's dinner was spagetti. Care to join me in a Pepcid toast Jolly :cheers: talk about acid reflux. All I can say is how dumb am I to do this knowing the consequences?

Tomorrow it's back to bringing a healthy lunch and I can control the chicken fajiitas for dinner. I will walk, either outside or on the treadmill and I am sticking with the water goal again. Glug, glug, glug.

Have a terrific Thursday all.

Hi all. I did some better yesterday with eating, so actually slept well last night - HURRAY! So off to the gym now. Have a great day all.

Hi guys, Trying to get a post in here sideways. Well, I've gone and had another disgusting day eating-wise, really going overboard on the junk these days. I don't know, just am thinking of myself as old and ugly and a hopeless slob. If I could just get some of that acting practice in, that visualization thing derry was talking about.. . .but, at least I wrote everything down today, as I said I would be doing and haven't. I wrote it in a small notebook but it's too small, am going back to my big one, where I can doodle and make comments and see the day develop. I feel like I don't deserve to be thin, no, really, I don't, not unless I can control this overeating. Oh well, got over 13,000 steps in today and that would have been a lot less if I didn't go out of my way to add them in. :cp:

jolly -- thanks for keeping the thread alive with your little posts. Glad to hear you had a better eating day and got some sleep. Ah, sleep, yes, I could use some of that. Couldn't sleep at ALL last night, tossing and turning all night. . .do I hear music?! I was dreaming I had to get to the riding club but everything was slowing me down, putting obstacles in my way. I did get there but it was too late to ride, then the alarm went off. I did get there today. My horse, I dion't know, I'm feeling so bad. She just doesn't want to go forward much. She's not responsive to the leg. I am starting to get doubts about being able to carry on with her. Then again, the teacher can get her going OK, so I feel I should. Sure wish I could lighten up for her too. Well, jolly, hope you get some rides in and hope you got to the gym. I don't know where the eating comes from, I think I always wanted to eat, always enjoyed it, and my mother didn't give us food as rewards or to make things feel better. Oh, well, whatever, I guess it depends why we're doing it now, right? I think I just enjoy it, who knows? How's you dog doing? I hope better. It must have been a hard decision for you to make, really hard, but I, for what it's worth, think it was the right one. You did what you could. Animals are very resilient. You have such a good heart to be helping your dog the way you are.

happy -- Yes, I think I do work like 20 hours a day! Oh well, the life of a freelancer who needs lots of money and time to ride and have to do it all on my own, well, that's my choice. Sigh. Glad to hear you're walking at night, getting to meet the neighbors, sounds so nice. Ah, everything in bloom. . .it's heavenly here too. Hope you don't have allergies either. I had to laugh at you looking at your reflection in the candy machine :lol: Why are you slouching?! Back straight, chest out, look proud! Good you're drinking water too. Yes, the hot months are worse when you're overweight and more embarrasing too! No place to hide the rolls. Ugh! Yes, let's back each other up! What are you doing with your eating, happy? Are you on a special plan or counting calories? I have to start something. The natural way just ain't doing it!! :lol:

derry -- :bravo: on the 2 lb loss!! :cp: Good for you for getting that back off. And getting back in control. Alright! The other week was probably water, don't worry. I'm worried about Rave, too. I emailed her but got no reply. But, I doubt she feels like posting. Imagine, that poor dog that she told us was off her food, dying on her. God, it's so sad. You're right about the food not changing anything, except for a very short time, and then you feel worse. Darn! Why don't I just be nice to myself and eat the good food, not the junk. Do I really have to go off sugar again totally to start being good to myself, trying to make the most of what I have instead of p`ssing on it!?! :dunno: Great going on your NSV too! I checked out freecycle. Found they have a place in Tokyo too. Not much action on it though but could be interesting. I'll keep my eye on it. There are papers here with lots of ads for free stuff but things get snatched up. This may be a better option for me if people don't know about it too much.

Ok, gotta go, get some sleep! Hurrah!

So, I am a good girl one day and "bad" the next day.... I'm not being consistent. Yesterday, I blew it on goodies and today I have a "pizza party" planned by my quilting group. I think I'd better go outside and do some serious yard work to burn off these calories, time permitting later on.
I had a chat with a CPA yesterday about running a home business that kind of stressed me out and I kind of "lost it" after that. I have to do better than this. The day before was so successful and I was proud of my NSV and I have to reach inside to me inner diva and figure out what can make me stronger.
Linda

Hello everyone, I hope you don't mind a new face in the crowd. :)
I've been lurking for a while and after a few days of utter and complete self-disgust, I decided it's time to get off my butt and *DO* something.

Every diet I've ever been on has failed, so this time around, I've decided just to get back to basics-- which is why the title of your thread caught my eye!
I'm trying to do the water thing.. and aside from Karate (2 nights a week for the last couple of years. I'm due to go for my purple belt soon!) I'll be walking on the three days I'm not at class. Also portion-size-- this is my biggie. And it's what I really need to crack down on. Anyway, I've made up my mind to be postive about this-- for the long haul this time. I know it'll be a struggle, because I've always fizzled after about two weeks of hard work. :(

Jolly~~Justin will adapt just fine to only having three legs. Our dog Kate suffered a nasty break after being kicked by one of our mares. The darn thing refused to heal, so after surgeries, we had to have her left rear leg removed. It hasn't slowed her down a drop!

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble. I look forward to hearing from you all.

Hi everyone, and welcome to our new voice, Tanzie. You have come to the right place - several of us have horses.

I am doing ok food wise today. And, did make it to the gym. So, two good things. Justin gets his tube out tonight. A third good thing. I need to get my butt back to work, OOPS!

I will try and find time to leave a longer post tonight, but here's to us. We ALL deserve our best, healthiest selves.

Well, good evening!

I walked today and went to class-- where I sweated profusely. :D
Somehow I managed to choke down all my water. I swear my eyeballs are floating.

Now I'm off to bed and hopefully a good nights rest.

Take care all,

Tanzie, welcome and I sure don't mind having you aboard.
Jolly, glad you are getting back into the "swing" of things.
I had a really bad day yesterday, guys, this is just overwhelming to me. My dad was diagnosed with bone cancer yesterday, he's had "under control" prostate cancer for years, but now it's spread and this is a very painful type of cancer. He's 82 years old, keep us in your prayers please.
I totally lost it yesteray, don't want to get into it, but today I dug out my journal and logged in breakfast. I will work out. I can't let what is going on cause me to lose direction, even if it did for one day.
Linda

So sorry to hear about your Dad, derry. :sorry: I'll definitely put you guys in my prayers.. Goodluck with the journaling. It's something I've never been able to maintain. Too much trouble, I guess. I know it makes things easier, but stupidly, I've never been one to do things the easy way.

I got up this morning and walked after the bus came by and picked up the heathens. They are the first ones on, so it runs by here at 6:00. I bought an IPOD shuffle for walking and listening, but somehow it just seems wrong not to listen to the birds wake up, yanno? Anyway, I listen to it when I walk in the afternoons, or when I'm bebopping around the house cleaning. That way, nobody else has to suffer through my 80's hits collection. :cb:



Hope everyone else's day is good,

Hello ladies.

Sorry to be MIA. I haven't been able to get on the website since March. I don't know what happened, but I have been checking daily and today was the first day I was able to get online to the site.

I'll keep this short, because I'm heading out the door, but I wanted to let you know, Derry, I'll keep your dad in my prayers. Sorry to hear it has spread. I lost two grandparents to cancer and I know how horrible it is.

Hi and Welcome to Tanzie.

I'll try to post more often, but I need to make sure I can get online to the site. I haven't talked to Raven, but will try to email her again next week.

Happy Friday to all.

Chach

Jolly, thank you for your inspirational statement of recommittment. Your list sounds like everything I am trying to do : workouts every evening (5x/wk), with weights and the bike; I've signed up for some weight loss classes (though I could probably teach them, I figure they will help keep me motivated). I have cut back my intake both on calories and fats. I'm journalling. I've eliminated sodas and chocolate (Yes, I've read the latest on it, but it is my worst trigger to eat.). I've basically returned to a vegan diet, except that I have about 1/2 c skim milk on my oatmeal or cereal for bfast. All this is working, if I can just stick with it. Thanks for the pep talk! It really helps maintain resolve.

HEllo all. Derry, you are definitely in my prayers.

Did not make it to the gym today, nor to the barn. Justin (my dog) got his drainage tube out last night, and there is quite a bit of drainage. I really need to go take care of him. I feel like a bad horse owner, but there is only so much I can do. Sigh. I wish I could clone myself - but only need enough money for one of me :D Too bad it doesn't work that way.

Welcome also to Sea. Have a good evening everyone.

Hello everyone. Or should I say, Hello anyone??? Not much new to report here. Did get to the gym today, and got everything else I wanted to do before work done. Got a nice ride in. though I was riding to the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge, and found out my horse really does not like violin music :lol: I am making better food choices, so that is good.

Have a great day all.

Hello everyone!
Sorry I've been out of touch. Easter week/spring break was really busy and then my husband was working on taxes and I haven't been able to get near the computer until today, and only because he left this morning on a business trip. He is awesome with our finances, I don't think I could do our taxes without help and he was able to figure it all out. It was a little more complicated this year because we sold out rental house and there were some changes in the tax laws yadda yadda yadda.
Anyway, I was able to achieve my goal of losing 2 lbs before Easter. And even though I've been really lax diet wise, I've only gained 1 back. I'd like to lose 3 more while DH is gone. There is no beer in the house and it's going to stay that way!!!
I've been walking regularly too, that shouldn't be too hard to keep up.
The pool we swim at opened today. Swim suit season is not too far away.....
I am sad to hear about all the sad things that are going on with everyone. I'll be thinking about your dad, Derry. And the doggies too.
Talk to you tomorrow!

Howdy girls. :)

Well, the weekend has come, and is halfway gone. The weather here (In Southern Miss.) has been wonderful for the last few days, and I got out in the sunshine today and put in an impatient bed and planted a few shrubs around the house.

I'm doing really good on my water! I'm finding it's getting easier, as I go along. I didn't walk today, but I figure the work with the shovel has to count for something. ;)

On another note, I got back on Abby for the first time in over a year. :cheer: I took a really bad fall off her the last time I rode, and it put the fear of hospitalization in me. Anyway, I did get back on her right after it happened, but I was terrified. (I'm too big and too old to hit the ground that hard too many more times.) So, I watched from the sidelines as hubby and son rode off into the sunset without me. Until yesterday. I only rode around in the round pen, but it was a start. Yay me!

Anyhoo, hello to anyone I've missed saying hello to and I hope you're all doing well.

Have a great tomorrow~

Hey, guys. Good to hear from you. This weekend is going fairly smoothly. Getting everything done I need to. Had a nice ride on my pony today. It is so nice when he uses his brain for good! Justin is slowly healing. I am making some better food choices. The big news is (drumroll, please) I started my 10 weeks to your first 5k running program again. It felt so good to just get out there and do it. Hurray. I would like to get a couple of 5k races in this year. We shall see.

Have a great day all.

Heyas chicks.

I think I'm starting to get better.

I got on the treadmill yesterday, and did three miles. After that, we went out to the stables and I faced the evil Shadow monster and actually trimmed all four of her feet. I am intimidated no longer. Today I feel (imagine) like I wrestled with an 1100 pound horse for an hour. So I gave myself a bit of a break and watched the history channel all day. Yeah, that's motivation for you.

My daughter told me a week or so ago "Mom, something has to change." I thought about what she said for a long time, and she's right. Something does have to change. That something is me.

Again, I'm letting fear rule my life. Again, I'm letting fear paralyze me into inaction. Again, I'm letting fear push me into feeling sorry for myself, into sitting in a corner and waiting for something good to happen.

I know better. I need to make the good thing happen. I know that. How can life be so bittersweet? How can so much beauty and joy exist in the same time and place as sadness, loss, pain? It's so contradictory. I guess I was having - and probably still am - trouble accepting both without feeling guilty in one form or another.

Tomorrow I'll trim Eve's hooves, and I promised Ian that I'd show him how to start working with her in the round pen. She's so bloody smart, and so eager to please, she makes training an absolute joy. But then, I get such an immense satisfaction out of working with any of them, truly.

I've come to the conclusion that not only do I truly despise shopping, I really loathe cooking as well. That was a rather surprising conclusion for me... I've always insisted that I liked to cook, I just "didn't have the time" or "didn't like cleaning up after." Honestly, I'd rather clean up after than do the cooking. So .. what am I to do? I resort to pizza, fast food, instant meals FAR too often to be healthy. Interesting little question for myself. I was hoping someone here might have suggestions. Two kids, a boyfriend, and myself. If it were just me, it would be SO much easier. Rawr.

I'm sorry I'm not up with everyone. I've been rather lost in my own little drama.

Jolly - I really hope Justin is doing ok. Please give him a huge hug for me, ok? Our little dog Ursa is very needy lately, always underfoot, always up in your face. She makes me cry, because it's obvious she misses Callisto too. I keep finding pictures of her, keep seeing her everywhere. The walks are the hardest... outside last night, in the dark, I kept looking for that bright white flash of her running... I've never lost a dog to anything but old age before, and it's like a very large hole has been torn in my heart. She was so much my companion.

Enough.. I'm making myself cry again. Jolly. I'll join you. I'm going to go to the coolrunning site and Ian and I will be doing the couch potato to 5k program.