The Royals' "Slimmin' to Summer Solstice" Challenge!!!!!
 

I'm signing on to the Summer Solstice Challenge but will need time to process all my thoughts regarding how I can best work on this challenge while working on a few others. But count me in - I'm up for a feisty May.

I'm there!..er..here...wherever. ;)

I have decided to undertake this challenge a week at a time and goals for this week ending Saturday, May 7th are:

1) Increase water intake...that's really been neglected lately. :no:
2) Daily walk, whether it's around the block or around the neighborhood, just to get out there.:kickcan:
3) To set up my weight bench that was stuffed in a corner of the laundry room when we moved. Sold the treadmill, but still have the weights. :barbell:
4) To start USING the weights/bench again (No getting out on a technicality here!) :workout:
5) No "diet" really, just to watch and make better choices when possible. :eating2:

There. That's doable.

It's COLD and rainy here today. Blech. :rain:

Pitter patter, let's get at 'er! :cheer:

Hello all!

Here I am!

Yes, this is terrific! hmmm

Now, what would really be a challenge....

280 minutes of activtiy a week.... I like that one a lot....

hmmmm

I'll be back soon!

KETTLE IS ON!@

hi royals!

thanks for starting the thread, amarantha!

i am definitely up for summer solstice bootcamp. my goals for this challenge are:
-SMALLER food portions
-continue with my regular exercise, including:
tai chi, back exercises, and chair exercises, etc.

I'm in! :D I just need a little extra time to come up with a cunning plan...... :s:

Hi everyone! :balloons:
1 ~ Drink more water
2 ~ Go for a daily walk

Thanks, Amarantha!

HEllo all!

Went to my WW's meeting last night and happily, their scale also showed a loss so I am finally back at goal weight,.... had been .6 above the 2 lb grace allowance since almost the first week after I had met goal.... of course, thinking the maintanance "point allowance" for the week was the day allowance!!! Yikes! ... guess that would explain a gain!


so....

Live and learn...
Live and learn...


In fact...

That's a good thought for the day....

Take care all!

KETTLE IS ON!

Mornin' all!

Sign me up for the great Solstice Slim Down!!!

Goals:
Some form of exercise 3x week (starting slow)
Cut out excess sugar (weening myself off!)
Journal my daily food intake

I decided last night that I'm going to go to WW tonight and get the new program. Points work ok, but I've had the problem from the get-go that I'll spend the points poorly if given the chance. I'm hoping the "new" no counting program is actually them going back to the portions - ya know, 4 proteins, 3 milks, 5 fruit/veggies? Anyone know for sure??

Otherwise, life still throwing one-two punches. Found out an old friend in CA has breast cancer again and not only is she refusing treatment this time, but her doctors don't think she'd survive chemo again if she did want treatment. She's got a 14 year old daughter, somewhat lousy new husband, ex (dd's dad) is all but out of the picture.... a very sad story. I'm trying not to get too emotionally invested in it all, I can't handle it and I know my blubbering would be of NO help. But she knows I'm there if she needs me (although there's nothing any of us can do at this point except just be there).

Hmmmm.... what else..... I guess that's it! Mums and I have some family coming this week - step dad's cousins that never made it up here while he was alive. They're very nice people, but I don't know them that well.... guess that'll change since they're staying with my mom - and that's where my office is!

Must away, work calls!

Terri

Well, the roster is growing.

While I was taking my time and about to come up with "the best challenge plan ever", life sort of happened (that old one-two punch, Punkin) and my challenges were sort of set for me.

Basically it will be to just hang on the the wagon. I've been doing fairly well despite the prednisone and not seeing a major gain after about ten days worth - been using the nervous energy to tackle all sorts of little projects - can't concentrate long enough for big ones - but little things need to get done as well.

Then DHs bloodwork took a turn for really bad and looks like he'll be having the surgery soon to prepare him for going back on dialysis. Which will likely occur about the end of this challenge. He's also been having trouble walking because he's been swollen and goutish, etc.

SO ---

Next two and a half weeks on prednisone - struggle with ravenous food demons, continue getting enough fluids, etc., etc. Continue/improve w/exercise. (Yard work coming up!)

Continue/improve stress relieving meditation, prayer, counting the good things. See dh through the next few rough weeks (thank goodness, he's a gem and a trooper) and just keep on keeping on.

Will try to keep coming to court but some days may be more quiet than usual. Don't want to dump all the bad stuff in the Grand Hall. We have, always, so much more good than bad and I want to concentrate on that. Somehow, though, I think this is going to be One Tough Challenge.

anagram, we have a special place in the palace where any Royal, such as you, can visit and unload whatever burden they may be carrying, even if only for a short while, and she will be met with a sisterly hug, a comforting hand, and a knowing nod. Of course, there is always a good strong shot of scotch or a soothing cup o'tea, whichever one needs/prefers. ;) We are here for you anytime, my dear. :grouphug:

Took today off work to attend to some personal matters. Walked for an hour, food okay, need to work on more water.

Punkin, sorry to hear of your friend's illness. Very sad situation.

Aria, I don't think I've officially welcomed you! Welcome! Glad you are with us.

Ah, the virtual Scotch has a GREAT APPEAL at the moment. Thankee for the kindness, dear :queen:s - as I've mentioned before, my royal friends were a great assist to me during the dark times when dh was seriously ill before. And we are both viewing this now as a bad spot to get through and looking on the dialysis as what it truly is - a great tool of medicine which will allow us to extend our good time together. In the days of our youth when there were so many fewer such tools, we'd have been separated about 15 years ago. Instead we've had some seriously great times those 15 years and look forward to lots more.

Let us welcome you back from the deep forest, Empress. Those paths are indeed dark and slippery. And sometimes the crumbs indicating the trail to the Palace are hard to see in the gloam.

And yesterday does sound like a nice respite, Wildfire. Spring is just such a great time for an hour's solitary walk, no?

Not too much to beat meself up o'er yesterday. To finally be a bit warmer today - plans not firm yet. Thinking of tai chi (missed last few to rest joints) - maybe just enough yard work to be pleasant - maybe just a tad of shopping. Gentle pursuits overall - stress not allowed. Just that dh will cause by insisting he mow lawn, trim bushes. I've come to accept that this is important to him and no longer fuss. Just take out drinks and seduce him into enough rests.

Sending out vibes for a most glorious spring day for all Sovereigns of Slimming.

Hello all!

Computer issues most of the week, am going to post really quickly just in case.

Hard to believe its Wednesday already! So many things going on am really starting to feel stretched. We havent been to the gym since Sunday.... good thing I am still wearing my pedometer and walking for 25 minutes at lunch...only about 5000 steps for the day but still more than the 3000 I was ordinarily getting.

DH and I watched the Band of Brothers on CD from the library the past few days.... Amazing.
If you havent seen it, I really recommend it.
Even if you are not that interested in history, the characters are very easy to get to know and all of it is based on real soldiers, some of them appear at the beginning of each episode.

Let's see if I can post....

Hmmmm..... my computer and /or internet connection seem to be perfect today....

Isnt that just like my program?? Some days are so easy... everything falls into place...and the scale does just what I want it to...
Then other days.... no matter what I do, I'm hungry... My meals either don't turn out as expected or I just don't want them....
and forget about activity unless you count a nap....

or....I've done everything exactly as I should have and still, on weighin day the scale doesnt move... OR moves UP.....

Hmmmmm

**********

Punkin-- We're with you!

Anagram-- Ditto above and ditto again!

I can't say it better than Wildfire....this is the place...


**********
Thought of the day :

"If you think you can win, you can win.
Faith is necessary to victory."
----William Hazlitt


Question of the day :

"Is it easy for you to count backward?"

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

KETTLE IS ON!

I agree with Kaylets---well said, Wildfire! Thinking of you, Anagram and Punkin.

We're missing Ceara--and I'm hoping our new queens will post today.

I'm doing okay, but just okay. I'm feeling overwhelmed with so much work, and a few other things---nothing that time won't take care of. If I can get thru Saturday, I can relax. Tomorrow we're having a book discussion at work and it's going to be attended by about 70 of the local Red Had Society ladies and I'll be providing an informal tea after--so today I'll be doing the prep work on all that. Lots of lttle details, fussy stuff. So I must continuw thinking "pretty pink and blue thoughts". {I'm listening to The Divine Secets of the YaYa's right now!}

The thought of Eydie's sweet treats are enough to make me consider becoming a Red Hatter! Actually, I doubt I could ever wear red and purple together (neither is a fave color) but I do have a sister who is/does and she's almost a perfect stereotype of R.H. but has a ton of fun.

I'm just so happy your Royal Son is OK, ceara. What a shakeup on top of all the other stress. The Court does not seem to be having its best cosmic period. Perhaps :queen: Arabella can come up with some winning predictions for us.

Must add that I weighed in this a.m. Down below where I was at dr. visit 6 or 7 weeks ago. Definitely down from higher weigh in a week and a half ago. Must not loosen hold on frenzied food folk. Must not.

Mornin' one and all!

Decided to forego WW last night (thank you Amarantha). Cuz if it's just a reworking of the Points then I'm not going to waste my money. I've decided to recreate my own portion based system. Points just make me loopy - I mean, I even decided how much ice cream I can have in a day and stay on program - that's WRONG!!! But, it's how my brain works, so Points aren't for me, at least for now!

Anagram, I'm so sorry to hear of DH's blood work taking a turn. You're right though - look at all the years that technology have given you - and all the years to come too! I'll be thinking about you both... Oh, and I believe the palace does have a padded room for such life moments when you feel like you've got to unload. We'll all meet you there! :spin:

Ceara, omg!!!! You've had quite a week! I'm SO thankful that your son's ok!! Hope the mediations go well - or quit being called mediations if that's not what they are... Go get 'em!

Well, should get some work done... woke up to rain this morning and thought it was Thursday (bummer, only Wednesday). It's been a looooong week for some reason.

Hangin' in there!

Terri

Hello everyone!

Ceara ~ Thank God your son is OK!
Anagram ~ Hope your DH feels better!

I am drinking more water today and will do my best to get out for a walk, but everything else seems to be a priority at the moment!
It is like "they" are all screaming " No! Me first!" lol!
Trying not to get too stressed out.

Have a great day! :grouphug:

Hmmm, p.s. I LOVE the RH ladies! Do yours have Pink Hats in their groups as well? These are members in their 40s I believe.

"When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple and a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me ..."

Who wrote that?

I am too lazy to google it! :)

Thanks Amarantha, I just looked up the new food pyramid, did a little figuring and am going to attempt a journal of sorts that I can print out and use based on exchanges.

I really think it's the best way for me to do this once and for all - I screwed around with Points horribily (oh, I can have 4 candy bars for 20 pts and still have food? Right on!!!) and it was the ooooold exchange WW program that got me to goal and maintained for almost a year (before meeting now ex-hubby). That should tell me something! (like exchange programs work and men are fattening???). I also would like to incorporate some of the GI diet stuff because I don't believe all carbs are bad.

Hey, maybe if this works I can publish it and become a multi-gazillionaire!?!?! Buy us a real freakin' castle with real towel boys and a real spa. Yea! :cool:

Aria, I'm with ya on the "priorities need to get in line" thing. Tell 'em you're important too!!!! Hang in there!!!

Later gators,
Terri

Thanks for the support, Amarantha and Punkinseed!

Ah, yes - playing solitaire - it's getting me through at the moment. Beats eating. But I should have played more last night. Went over (not WAY OVER) last night. Smack, smack.

Love Lazy Maisie - nice to be reminded we all have that IC and must sometimes listen and realize it is she (not our Regal Selves) speaking.

I'm seeing aria out there SHOUTING back to all of "them" - I CAN'T DO A THING FOR ALL OF YOU UNLESS I TAKE CARE OF ME ONCE IN A WHILE TOO. Seems to be one of the most difficult things to do - so, aria, just see all the Court behind you shouting at "them" in unison "Aria must take care of Aria - so back off".

I know a good tax accountant, Punkin, for when you make your first million. Look forward to seeing you on Dr. Phil and Oprah.

Agree w/Empress on the unpleasant recollections for ceara and son. Can still vividly recall thoughts/feelings/flinches of 1988 accident. But may have good effects on son in the sense of bridling that "I'm invincible" feeling of young'uns that can sometimes get them into things (in case of my own son, it was the auto death of friends when he was 16 and again about 22 - it was hard to watch him suffer their loss but it seemed to influence him for the good).

No, Empress, have not heard of "Pink Hats" but sounds great to me. Why should we wait until we are "A Certain Age" to have fun? I loved the poem and even find purple flattering - am just too inhibited - just ask my uninhibited sister, she'll tell you. And since I sent her the poem and some purple and red stuff, years and years ago (before commercial RH products were so readily available), I'll say I inspired her.

Other than last night's overage, yesterday was a pretty fair day. Hoping to do that and more (which is really less in the caloric sense) again today. Frost on the lawn again this a.m. - must go uncover the hot pink geraniums and bright yellow marigolds I bought yesterday.

Into the fray!

LOL anagram! Thanks for the visualization experience!
Actually, yesterday was a small victory: I had planned to have a salad for dinner and someone :devil: offered me pizza anyway :T , so I turned it down saying "I would love to be able to eat pizza like everyone else today, but what I really want is to lose weight, so I am having a salad, you see".
So I ended up with 1545 calories for the day!
After reading a few helpful posts, I have been thinking that it is ok to "just say no to stress" hahaha.
I guess it boils down to the terrible word "NO".

Yo!
 

Bumping for :queen: K to find us!!!!

I'm posting even though I'm exhausted to the bone. Have been on my feet all day long. Made lots of little fussy dainty little delicacies for the ladies tea today. We ended up entertaining 50 or so of the Red Hats, and I've got to say they were pretty darn adorable, and quite LOUD! I looked out and there was a sea of red and purple. I knew a lot of the woman but didn't recognize them at first because of the big church-y hats!
I have an overnight guest coming tonight too, so as soon as I got home, I threw myself to work cleaning up the house. I did manage a 20 min. weight session, and maybe I'll do some yoga tonight; that sounds good. I'd really like to go to bed right now, but it's not to be. SIGH.....

Ceara, I'm sending you "COURAGE" vibes, my dear. What a week you've had. I'm so glad your son's okay, good luck with the mediation. When I first read that, I thought you said 'meditation'. Maybe try to get in a little of that action too. Just breathe....

Speaking of that, we have our little meditation group meeting at our house tomorrow night. I generally look forward to that, but right now it feels like another chore to get thru. I don't really mean that---aww, you know what I mean! I'm just tired. :dizzy:

"CLUNK"--- as she lands with a thud after skidding down the hallway twisting and turning....

How did I get so turned around???

Interesting example of how you can't see what you're looking for when its right in front of you......


DH and I realized last night how much we were enjoying just the 2 of us......
He recvd an email from DS mentioning that his current living arrangements are in flux and could he move back in ( he did include the statement " if I paid rent to you..").....
DH didnt respond until this morning and then it was the old Magic 8 Ball response..." Explore other options, this is not a good idea at this time."......

I would've preferred a much clearer response but again, because this is a D stepS and because of DH's health, I tread very lightly......

Last night, DH sounded very firm but I am nervous...... in fact, my gut's response when I heard about DH's reply was an immeadiate mini colitis episode....
I am trying not to project but am writing now w/ a clenched jaw and knotted stomach......

I know this sounds very harsh to many of you but in short, there are serioius substance abuse issues, refusal to work or hold a job, etc, etc....

Ceara-- Glad to hear your DS is ok....

and did someone mention scotch?/



Kettle is on...

No, Kaylets, I don't think it's too harsh. All sorts of repercussions to you and dh for ds irresponisiblity (including potential for loss of home, etc. if he's not reliable about not using in the home). I had just been thinking it had been going well for a while now. I do understand dh's feelings - I'm sure he's torn. But also sure ds isn't "hearing" what's being said but what he wants to hear. An obvious, immediate impact on your health.

Hope you got some rest, Eydie. Timing, timing, timing. Makes pleasant things less so when we're worn out.

Bubble off plumb yesterday but not a BAD day. Heading to pool today - exercise has been down. And my only exercise the next two days will probably be playing with the princesses. Heading to DDs tomorrow, dinner out with all my personal court, then dd has arranged side-by-side pedicures for the two of us for Mother's Day. I bought us matching thong sandals so we don't ruin the "do". Will prolly also celebrate DDILs 40th b.d. too. It's the following weekend but they're going to VA Beach to celebrate. Isn't that about when you're going, Eydie? I think you two almost crossed paths there last year too. I suspect she's going down for a run again but didn't ask DS. I think she does a big breast cancer one there most years.

Sunshine, y'al. It's cloudy here and a slight chance I'll share Kaylet's rain. But nice enough to do a little yard work. Mebbe!!!

Special Hi to Lazy Maisie!!