Day 5 Week 2
 

Well, it’s me again. Friday morning and everything.

My summer project is going very well, I’ve almost finished my second week. Yesterday I ate 1.516 calories, went jogging, drank lots of water, and went to bed relatively early. Today I’ve been to the gym and done weights (chest + triceps) and cardio (elliptical machine).

Wish you both nice weekends. I’ll probably report in during the weekend too.

I think that one of the main reasons why this project is going well is because I actually *like* the exercise and food I’m eating. I talked to a friend on the phone yesterday – she’s trying to lose weight, trying to start exercising, which for her means to eat food and do exercise she doesn’t like. And this is why there’s no way she’s going to last on her regime longer than a week or two. We tried to talk about food she would want to eat and exercise she would enjoy – but she doesn’t *want* that. She just wants a magic pill (a diet for a limited period of time) so that she can be thin and enjoy her body again – she really doesn’t want the lifestyle of eating restricted and exercising several times a week. :p

Have a nice Friday. Talk to you guys tomorrow.

I'm not even getting reminded at all right now. I dont' know why but don't have the time right now to figure it out. I'll just have to make it a point to visit without the reminder. :)

Stress at work sucks. The garden stress is manageable. At least there is something to look at and be proud of when I'm done. I came up with my new plan for the summer.

Try to eat 1700 calories per day. (Suggested by Slim Fast - next week going to right down everything and I'll report here.)
45 minutes of exercise or 2 hours of yard work 5 times per week.
Weight training/toning/stretching 2 to 3 times per week.

I am back to 206. I've lost the 2 pounds I put on. I'm hoping I'm on the right track. I had a physical yesterday and I'm in pretty good health. If I lose a few pounds the cholesterol should come down and I'll be all set. :)

Congratulations mette on your jogging progress. Have you ever thought of taking one day a week just to do hill training and maybe one day on a different course that doesn't have the steep hills? I believe it is best if you mix things up (different training, different course).

The Slim Fast plan has you eat a shake or meal bar twice a day with about 150-200 extra calories at each meal (e.g. half a sandwich or small salad). You eat two 150 cal snacks and a sensible dinner. I have my cereal in the morning and then use the shakes/bars at lunch with something else. If I don't have milk I'll have a shake in the morning too. It's easy for me and I love chocolate so it's not hard to eat/drink the stuff. It also makes me crave chocolate a lot less because I am getting the flavor during the day. I like it so far and think that if I can keep making changes I should lose something.

I have to say mette that your dedication and consistency is amazing. I think I could do it if I could get some organization to my life. I'm working on that with myself and bf. Stress and schedules don't usually go together for me. I guess I need to look into that more too - how to balance everything.

I think a lot of people think like your friend and you are right that they probably won't succeed. I like many healthy foods and love to be outdoors exercising and working in the yard. It is hard in the winter but if I can schedule my life so I'm not stressed and can do the 'good' things I am actually happier. It's when I get swamped and stressed like this week that I don't make time to go grocery shopping and then I don't eat as well as I should. It is definitely a lifestyle change.

Have a great weekend. Renee, are you out there? I hope you are well. I'll try to get on e-mail over the weekend but I can't promise anything. Take care and enjoy the good weather. :D

Day 6 Week 2
 

Good morning. Another day, another report! :D
Yesterday I ate 1.832 calories, did weights (chest + triceps) and cardio. As usual after doing lying triceps extensions, I’m sore today. It’s one of my favourite exercises. Today I have a rest day, so no exercise for me. I’ll probably go out to enjoy the nice weather though.

Ang, I wanted to thank you for your post yesterday. Your suggestion that I take one day a week to do hill training, and to mix things up more with my jogging – is very good. I think one of the main reasons why I stopped jogging last autumn was that I was bored with it, bored jogging the same course twice a week. So after losing the weight I wanted to, I just dropped it and kept the fun exercise (the weights). I’ll change the jogging around a bit this summer.

One very weird thing about my jogging is that I have absolutely no confidence and can’t really look at myself as a runner/jogger. I get strangely embarrassed when there’s a lot of people around when I jog, so I prefer to jog in the mornings. But next week when I start working, I have to do my exercise in the afternoons, after work – and while I have no problem doing the weights in the gym (I obviously have no problem seeing myself as a weightlifter) in the afternoon, I feel strangely uncomfortable about jogging in the evenings. It doesn’t make any sense; I know that. I mean, I have no problem jogging on the treadmills in the gym, no matter how many people are there. It’s all very strange. So this will be a challenge for me this summer: to jog in the park when there’s a lot of people watching me. :fr:

I also wanted to say that your goals for the summer look really good. I’m very glad you’re losing again, but it’s even better to hear that you’re in good health! :D

I’m so glad you like the SlimFast drinks, and I totally agree with you that getting something sweet and chocolate flavoured can help with cravings. I do shakes (protein) and bars (protein & snacks) too.

Ah well. I’ll hopefully see you guys next week, but I’ll be back tomorrow for another (exciting) daily report! :hat:

Day 7 Week 2
 

The second week is almost over, and things are still going well. Yesterday I ate 1.520 calories, drank lots of water, and didn’t exercise. It’s nice weather again today, I’m going to use the computer room at the faculty later – to do literature search for a paper on DSH (deliberate self harming).

Renee, where did you go? Are you never online during weekends anymore?

I’ve been reading Peeke’s “Body for life for women”, but I’m not very impressed by it – so it goes slowly. The most helpful thing so far has been her principle of regrouping, and to always have plan B, plan C and plan D when it comes to food and exercise. So that, when our days are stressful and not going according to plan, we don’t get paralyzed when the original plan – plan A – doesn’t work anymore. But regroup and try out plan B, then plan C, then plan D, etc – until we find a way to eat and exercise that works for us.

Have nice Sundays guys, talk to you again tomorrow.

Good morning - at leaest it will be if I get my conference paper done today. It is due today. Yikes!

mette - sounds like you had another great weekend. Please keep me updated on how the jogging goes. Although I am not great at it, I have read a lot and learned a lot at the running club (in case you want more detailed info). I think Renee was going to start jogging too. I wish there was something I could tell you about your perception of yourself as a jogger. The fact is, if you jog then you are a jogger. Most people aren't even paying attention to you while you jog so try not to worry about it. Also, notice during your day the variety of people that you see jogging. Not all of them are 'runners' who complete marathons. Personally I have a lot of respect for anyone that goes out there and tries, regardless of size and ability. Please tell me more after you try it once. I'm sure you have no reason to be hesitant or embarrassed. If I can go out there, so can you. :)

I'm going to really try with these goals. Over the weekend my eating wasn't too bad. I finally got to the grocery store yesterday and bought lots of healthy 'snacks'. Saturday I worked in the yard for at least 2 hours and yesterday I went for a run/walk. I was out for a total of at least 45 minutes but jogged about 28 minutes. Unfortunately some things came up in the morning so I went out at 12:30pm. It was super hot and humid so I think that had something to do with my poor performance. I'll be in the yard tonight and hope to jog tomorrow - I'll let you know.

I'm back to my cereal in the morning (got to look up the calories) and a shake with fruit for lunch. Hopefully I won't be too hungry. The weights may have to wait until next week. I am still too busy trying to finish my garden planting and I'm way behind as it is.

mette - I'm sorry the book isn't better. Are you finishing it anyway just to see if you get another nugget out of it? Do you find reading about nutrition and fitness helps keep you motivated?

I'm interested in this paper on DSH that you are writing. What is it for? What is the emphasis of the paper?

Good luck today to all. I'm off to finish this paper.

Day 1 Week 3
 

I have to keep it short today. To sum up week 2: I averaged on 1.530 calories a day, did (at least) 30 minutes cardio 5 times, lifted weights 3 times. Ate vegetables, fruits, drank water.
But like you Ang, I’m not losing weight. I get thinner, but I don’t lose weight. I don’t know what’s going on.
I don’t think I’ll change anything yet – I start work this week and will probably need a couple of weeks to get into the new routine. So I aim for the same thing: between 1500-1600 calories, 5 x cardio, 3 x weights.

Ang, good to see you – good luck on finishing your paper! We’ll talk more about jogging when we have more time, because I love to hear what you say about it. Good work on your plan this weekend too.

The paper on DSH is one of my last major papers – and I chose the topic because it’s a continuation on the research project I worked on last summer. It’s about the increasing problem of DSH among adolescents. It’s both very disturbing and strangely familiar – not that I ever did that – my self destructive behavior as a teenager was bulimia. My focus will be on DSH as a very lousy coping strategy – but still a coping strategy that works in some ways.

See you guys again tomorrow.

Day 2 Week 3
 

Renee, where did you go?
Ang, hope you finished your paper OK.

Another day, another report. Yesterday I ate 1.781 calories (I was *starving* and overdid the protein bars), did weights (legs) and cardio for 30 minutes. Today I did weights (back + biceps) and 30 minutes of cardio. I’m slowly getting stronger.
Right now I’m very motivated to work out a lot this summer. Sometimes I get a glimpse of certain parts of my body in the mirror (yesterday it was my shoulder from an unfamiliar angle) and see muscles. And get impressed. And very, very motivated to keep lifting heavy weights and getting the fat off. :p

Anyway. Another busy day today. Have a nice one, guys…

mette - good luck with your new job tomorrow. How late do you have to work? I know you mentioned exercising after work.

The paper is finished! :) I had some trouble uploading it and it's not my best work, but it is done. Today I am taking the afternoon off to finally finish planting my garden. I still have peppers, cucumbers and some squash and pumpkin seeds to put in. The garden will be smaller than last year (only 160 tomato plants versus 350 last year) but that is fine with me. The main thing is that I have fun, eat good veggies and make enough money to pay for my investment. It's good activity too! ;)

mette - I wouldn't doubt that if you're getting thinner and not losing weight it's more because of weightlifting and redistribution. OK, maybe it's lame but I think it is true. I support your decision to just keep doing what you are doing. You don't want to eat too little and you are working out a lot. My ONLY suggestion would be to increase your cardio to 45 minutes when you can. It has been suggested that 45 minutes is better for fat loss and 30 mins is best for overall health. Just a thought. Are you still walking as much as you were now that you're not in school? If you are than disregard the above because that is a lot of exercise on top of your cardio. I'm also glad to hear that you are making progress in the gym and feel stronger. Your abundant motivation sounds awesome. It is helping me find some motivation too. Thank you. I would conservatively say that I lost a pound. I weighed myself Sunday and this morning and was 205 so I changed my signature. I get motivated by weight loss. I will also be happy as I begin to fit into my clothes again. I do still have to buy a dress for my talk in two weeks though. :(

I feel like I am getting a little bit more stamina. Running was better on Sunday and working out in the yard doesn't make me tired. Yesterday I only had time for about 45minutes in the yard. Today I'll be there all afternoon (taking a half day to finish planting and such). I am drinking lots of water and eating better. I started keeping track of my food at slimfast.com and it seems helpful. I had 630 calories before I got home for dinner. Unfortunately my plans for dinner at home got changed when bf wanted to go out and get something. I had a cup of soup and a little chicken fajita stuff. I'm not sure how I would calculate the calories.

Your paper does sound interesting. I enjoy hearing about other peoples behavior. Sometimes it helps put my own in perspective.

Enjoy your day. I hope busy doesn't mean stressful.

Hey ladies! I am soooo excited. After last weeks 2.2 gain, I was down 4.8 this week, so I must have lost the flash pounds, AND some. That is the most I have lost in a single week since March! I am not going to get spoiled though.

The sad thing is, the reason for my success, is that I have stopped exercising. I have long assumed that the exercise vs points thing in weight watchers didnt add up right, and this seems to confirm it. I still get out and move a bit, a bike ride here or there, and softball, but no more hour long cardio sessions.

I think I was eating too little, and asking the body to do too much before, and now that I am just eating less, and not asking it to do more, it's working. Again, the sad part on this is that I WANT to be more fit, so I think I am going to have to give up on WW soon and find something that works better. Perhaps MFD. Where I can plug in so many calories, and then so many calories burnt, and make sure I aim for 1300-1700 a day.

How is every one else doing? We've had great weather here, (of course some folks are already complaining too hot) in the upper 80's and lots of sun. We really need rain though, everything is wiltiing.

I head up to Canada at the end of the month, I am already trying to mentally prepare for being 'good' while up there.

Congratulations Renee and welcome back. I would ask that you really think about not exercising. I would think that exercising and eating a little more healthy stuff would be a better route. mette - you seem to have a handle on the balance, what are your thoughts?

I'm feeling a little under the weather so I am going home early. I'll try to get on tonight but I may not be back until tomorrow. Enjoy!

Day 3 Week 3
 

So good to see both of you back! :D

Unfortunately I don’t have time for more than a quick report. Yesterday: 1.670 calories, did weights (back + biceps) and 30 minutes of cardio. I have to do better on drinking water, especially now that it gets hotter.

Ang: congratulations on losing weight again! Yey for you!!! :woo:
Renee: congratulations on losing weight too!!! :cheer:
It sounds really weird that it takes *not* to exercise for you to lose weight though! Really weird! Being fit is definitely the best goal – and I eat more on days I exercise too. I seldom go under 1600-1700 calories the days I lift weights...
Ang: sorry you’re feeling lousy: get well soon! :goodvibes

I’m on my first day at work – have to run, just wanted to report in as usual. See you guys later.

Yesterday was not too fun but at least I got some rest (although the cats and a coyote kept me up from 3-5am) and am back to work feeling a little better.

I have been getting into this Slim Fast website and using their nutrition log. It is a long time coming but I guess I was ready now. It takes longer at the beginning because I have to put in all my favorite foods but I'm getting it going and if I keep up with it it's not too bad. There is a space for notes, so if I eat something that I don't know the calories I put it in the notes (e.g. if I go out and can't figure it out). It's not perfect but I think it is a good step for me. I found out that I eat about 700 calories or less by the time I get home for dinner (this includes an afternoon snack). My problem definitely occurs at night. I am supposed to eat 1700 calories a day. Yesterday I went to book club and had eaten a small dinner knowing there would be snacks there. 1330 calories going to book club. If I had just eaten one brownie I would have been fine. At least I know my normal eating is good, I just have to stop indulging so much in the sweets at night and keep dinner portions controled.

mette - please let us know how work goes.

I'm so happy we are all making progress. I am still drinking lots of water (>64 oz a day) but no exrcise still since I am under the weather - hopefully tomorrow. Tonight I'll water the garden but that doesn't take much effort.

Renee - are you going to Canada for a vacation? How long will you be there? It's good to hear that you are dedicated to your health that you are going to bring your good habits with you to Canada. I've been thinking about my trip to Las Vegas and hoping to be good and planning on getting some exercise.

What's up with the weather? It was beautiful for a while and now the last couple of days it has been about 50 and dreary. I guess it's a good time to be sick since I wouldn't want to be outside anyway. :)

Take care.

Day 4 Week 3
 

Ang, it’s so wonderful to hear you say that you’re ready now. It just shows how this is about finding the right time to make the changes. After the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on the last year with your ex-bf, mother’s illness, relationships with your family, and your mother’s death – it’s no wonder you needed time to get ready. Your attitude seems very positive and realistic – I’m sure you’ll do great.
Finding the way that works for us takes time sometimes. :D

Work seems OK so far, but I have yet to find out what I’m supposed to do. I’m not sure how much work there will be either. Are your job slowing down in the summer too, Ang? So that you’ll have less to do and more time to write and do good stuff? What about you Renee? Slow summer?

Yesterday I ate 1.502 calories and didn’t work out. I’m going jogging tonight though, and I’m taking Ang’s advice and will focus on hill training.

I’m still trying to make a good impression at work – so I’m off again…. :p
I’ll write more this weekend. Have a nice day everybody!

My work isn't seasonal at all. To be a good performing I have to be busy. It'll never slow down but after June things will change and shouldn't be as stressful. I don't like presenting at conferences so I'm a little stressed about that (June 28). I'm also not a big fan of travelling (Las Vegas). I am going this afternoon to look for a nice dress for the presentation. :( Wish me luck.

I think I have more time in the summer because of the weather and sunlight. I am happier and push myself to do more fun things. The garden is in the next stages so that's good. Most of the plants seem to be doing really well. Next step...mulching.

Do either of you have some ideas for fun stuff for the summer? Of course lots of activity is in order. :)

I'm feeling a lot better so this weekend I am going to get outside some more
AND start my weight training. Yesterday I ate 1200 calories. I didn't cheat really but had 2 pieces of a small pizza and 2 squares of a Hershey bar with almonds. Maybe not the healthiest choices but not too bad with the calories - unless I calculated wrong. I'm loving this food diary stuff. :D

mette - I'll be interested to hear about your hill training. Good luck.

Renee - what are you doing this weekend? How is work?

Day 5 Week 3
 

I’m having an overeating episode today: I can’t seem to stop eating. It’s sort of fitting that the last time I overate for several days was when I started my hospital practice in January/February. For me, this has something to do with finding my footing in new routines and jobs, finding new ways to organize my days.

My hill training yesterday went very well, Ang! I focused on a steep and long hill (it’s the one I’ve almost been able to jog up on my normal route). I jogged slowly up the entire hill, walked down, jogged up once more, walked down again and actually managed to jog up for the third time in the end. The second time up I was just about ready to throw up, but on the third time I almost blacked out ;) So, yes, I completely overdid it. :D
But walking home (no jogging!) I felt just great – dizzy and queasy – but I still felt like a CHAMPION! I mean, I jogged up that hill three times!!!

I’m going jogging again tomorrow morning: I’m doing the usual route. Anyway, yesterday I ate 1.851 calories, jogged for (over) 30 minutes, drank lots of water.

Ang: best of luck with the dress buying! Hope you find something cute. I’ll see if I can stay away from food. (Good luck to us both!) :p

Day 6 Week 3
 

:wave: I'll come back tomorrow and write ...

Day 7 Week 3
 

Yeah. So I took the weekend off. I stopped overeating, but I took the weekend off.
I’ll be back tomorrow.

Congratulations mette on the hill work. That'a amazing. :woo: :bravo: Please be careful though as I don't want you to hurt yourself.

How long did you overeating episode last? How were you able to stop it? Did you do anything this weekend for you?

Renee - what were you up to this weekend?

I bought a dress on Friday night. It is a simple black dress and then a bought a 'sweater jacket' to wear to make it a little more formal and cover my bare shoulders. It should work out for the conference and now I have a little black dress to wear in case bf wants to take me someplace nice. I'm not holding my breath though - that's not our style. Now I just have to go through my closet and make sure I can piece together an outfit or two for the rest of the conference (not as formal but a skirt would be nice).

I went to see my father for the weekend and it through off my eating terribly. I was doing so well and had actually lost a couple of pounds. I don't dare step on the scale. I feel like I have to start over. I didn't make all terribly choices, I was just asked to eat too often and at places I would never pick normally. I got in yard work on Saturday before I left at least and also put in about 30 mins late last night. I'll do about an hour or two tonight because I need to remove all the brush from the tree that is being taken down. I'm hoping to get back to jogging this week. My allergies have gotten a little better.

mette - I know what you mean about adjusting to a new schedule, particularly ones that aren't as flexible as you are used to. I still haven't figured out this work schedule after being in grad school for so long. I'm really not sure I ever will.

I have no motivated to be at work and to do work. I don't know how long I can keep up this charade at my job. It pays the bills for now at least.

I know it's Monday but I hope everyone is doing well.

Oh yeah. It’s definitely Monday. :s:
Ang, it’s so nice to hear that you found a cute dress! I hate going shopping for clothes, so you have my sympathies. ;)

Every time I overeat I relearn that the thing for me is "how to end the episode". For years I thought it was about getting to the point where I never overeat, but I think I’ve finally figured out that it’s all about ending it as soon as possible. To do that I remind myself what’s worked for me in the past: writing down what I eat, getting enough sleep, working out the things that bother me (schedule!), and find new fun things to do when I’m bored. I basically have to take a look at myself and my life and figure out what isn’t working, what isn’t OK.
It’s as if – when I get into the routine – I just start to do things automatically (eating, sleeping, exercising, etc), but when I start to overeat it’s as if I wake up. And find out that things aren’t working, and I have to figure out why, and then fix it. And make things feel a little new and fresh again by changing things around a bit. If that makes any sense at all! :p

My summer project is still in progress, but I think I’ll be posting less here. I’m not comfortable posting at 3FC when I’m at work; my computer is out in the open where everybody can see what I’m doing. I’m just a temp there, and I’m really not comfortable doing stuff that *obviously* isn’t work related. I do school-stuff (reading articles, taking notes, and researching stuff on more ‘plain’ sites) instead, when I don’t have anything to do.

And since it’s finally summer, I don’t want to go home to the computer after work either: I want to stay outside, meet people, do stuff.
That’s why the daily reports will go away. And it’s why my reports from the weekend were missing: I was out doing nothing instead of sitting at home in front of the computer… :^:

Renee, did you go on vacation already?
Ang, have a nice Monday at work!

mette - I totally understand about posting at work. Luckily I have an office so no one can tell what I'm doing. If I have a few minutes there is no problem getting on the site. Of course sometimes I don't have a few minutes. I do worry that especially with Renee not around regularly and Jessica gone for the time being, what will happen to our 'group'. I will be at a conference next week but otherwise will be around. Please post when you can and have fun. Summer is for outside. :)

Renee - are you still around? Hopefully you are also enjoying the summer. I believe it has officially started.

I was outside last night for a while removing brush from the tree that is coming down. It's not really cardio but it uses some muscles and gets me moving. I'm planning on walking at lunch today.

I have been counting my calories online and even though I don't seem to be eating a lot of calories (yesterday about 1300 - I can't believe it was that low) I am not losing weight. I guess more exercise and being aware of water weight is important. I'll keep at it since staying the same is better than gaining.

Ang – I don’t want to disappear completely from this thread - I do want to keep posting. But right now it looks as if it’s just you and me left here?
When do you leave for your conference? Will you be away all of next week? I hope you have a great time!

Your life outdoors in the summer sounds so nice; it makes me want my own (small) garden. A place to drink my coffee in the morning, a place to work a little, have some flowers, a few vegetables – or at least some spices. Where I could read under the threes and just relax. Do you ever get to relax in your garden, Ang? Sometimes it sounds as if it’s just work for you?

If you’re eating 1300 calories a day – you’re really not eating much, and it’s weird that you don’t lose weight. But I agree with you: maintaining is better than gaining.

I have to go – but I’ll look in again soon. Have a nice day everybody!

mette - I will keep checking in too. I wish I could get the alerts to work again though so I'd make sure I didn't miss a post. Oh well - I'll just post when I can. Hopefully Renee will come back.

I was in Las Vegas this past week, which was why I wasn't around. The conference was boring but Vegas was fun. I ate whatever I wanted and it was nice. I ate good food (and too many desserts) for a change. After two days of eating whatever, I found that I craved good healthy foods and didn't even have dessert the last dinner out. It made me realize that I am feeling like I deprive myself at home and I eat sweets more for psychological reasons and not because I really want them. I'm not sure how, but I definitely need to increase the quality and diversity of what I eat. I think I will eat less sweets that way too and feel less deprived. Sometimes food just gets so boring (and costly if you're not creative).

I need to get back on track after being away. The house needs cleaning, backed up at work, etc. I must start fresh and change my ways (not just eating) though because I am not happy with the way things are and I know I am the only one who can change them.

The garden is usually great and relaxing in its own way. It's not really a sit and read type garden. I enjoy seeing the plants grow (I now have green tomatoes) and tending to something that needs me. Sometimes I walk around my property and just enjoy being outside. It's great for me to be with nature that way. Soon I will get some deck furniture so I'll be able to sit out and read. Right now I read in my sunroom, which is almost like being outside.

You could easily do some potted (or not) herbs that you cook with. They aren't hard.

How is work going? Are you staying with your eating plan? Any additional weight loss? I have realized that I don't lose because I don't exercise enough and mostly because I either eat too little or WAY too much. I need to learn how to regulate consistently in the middle.

I'll ponder over the weekend and let you know what I come up with. Enjoy the holiday!

It was so nice to have a long weekend. Although I didn't really do anything for the holiday, I had a relaxing time and spent much time in my garden - weeding! I also met a neighbor who is training for a triathlon with her husband. I'm hoping to go for a bike ride with her over the weekend. This may be a good way to jump start my exercise program.

I walked at lunch. I would've run but my head is killing me (migraine coming on to go with TOM) so I thought walking would be better. Eating has been under control, so that's a step in the right direction. Except for physically hurting while I sit here, my attitude is pretty good. I have a TON of work to do this month but am determined to take a few days off later in the month. Gotta have priorities. :)

I hope everyone is doing well.

It always happens that when I decide I'm ready to try and find/make a change, something happens to derails my efforts. This time it was terrible rain, TOM and migraine. The migraine is gone, the rain leaving and in a couple of days it won't be TOM. At least I still have a good attitude. If the rain stays away I'll do a big chunk of weeding in the garden tonight.

I'm excited that I have my first fun trip planned in a long time. In a couple of weeks I will return to VA to visit one of my best friends for an extra long weekend. Can't wait!

Not much else has changed here. Same struggles and same joys. BF situation still stressful but good. Too much work but trying to get things done one at a time.

Hope to hear from someone soon. I hope you're out enjoying life.

bump
 

Hey there...is anyone still out there? Things here are going along. I'm enjoying the weather and long days tremendously. What is everyone up to?

Wow poor Ang, we all left her!

Sadly, my having vanished was not just being busy and good, it was me being totally bad and falling off the wagon. I feel horrible about it, but still can't pull myself back into focusing on food and exercise.

I am going to really try to start, and I should start tomorrow, but then I convince myself tomorrow is a bad day to start, start on Sunday.

I had surgery on my toe on Saturday, permanently removed an ingrown toenail, so I have lost the ability to run and jump and dance until it gets better, and go figure, for weeks I didn't feel like it, and now that I can't, I want to.

Anyway, going to try to get back into checking in here. How's things going?

Welcome back!
 

Hi Renee - I'm so glad you're back. Hopefully mette will rejoin us soon. I am sorry to hear that things have been so tough for you. Did something happen in your life to cause you to fall off the wagon? Hopefully by the time your toe is heeled you'll be raring to go. About how long will you need to be nice to your toe? How is the rest of your life/summer going?

The short answer of how things have been for me is that I am in Virginia right now visiting a friend (so this will be short) and taking a short vacation. I celebrated another birthday since you guys took your hiatus so that was a little tough. I also am getting ready to embark on a new 'attempt' at being healthy as soon as I get back home. I feel relatively motivated so we'll see what happens.

The rest of life is just going along. Work is not fun and too busy but still the same. My garden is doing well so that's rewarding, although a ton of work. The bf is still around, which is good. The summer is going by way too fast but I'm enjoying the nice weather.

I hope to hear from you again soon (and mette). I check in regularly but can't get the notification option to work anymore so I have to rely on remembering to check in to see if anyone has posted. I'll be back soon though (Tuesday or Wednesday). I hope you had a good weekend and found that one of these days was a good day to start. Just take small steps. :)

Take care of yourselves and enjoy the outdoors while you can!

Well, I don't know where everyone is but hopefully you're having fun.

I am back into regular life after getting back from Las Vegas. I have started picking lots of veggies so I am eating more fresh veggies, which can't be bad. ;) Unfortunately spending so much time on the garden means that I'm not making time for exercise. I need to remedy that.

What has everyone been up to? I'm status quo with weight but in general a little happier with life. I'm considering doing this bike/run/paddle race with people from work but it's $50 and I'd have to get dedicated to training. The bike segment that I would do is 22 miles. I'd be in in a second if I felt like I fit in better at work. Do you think I should do it? It ends up being a whole day thing since we support the rest of the team when we're not in the race. Did I mention I'd get a free shirt? :) I'm just not sure.

I hope to hear from someone soon. I'm also thinking of starting WW on Aug. 1 and wouldn't mind some opinions or advice.

Hey Ang, hope you still check in here. I am currently doing weight watchers and it is a sound program. Hey, since I am so forgetful checking in here these days, would you like an email that you can send stuff to?

I just recently signed up for Weight Watchers ETools, which lets me track online everything I am doing, but you need to also attend meetings to get that. (ANd it it still Extra $$)

I would recommend doing the meetings though because there is something about it that really makes it work better when you do it that way.

Anyway, was just thinking about you (all you guys) and thought I'd drop a line in.

Hi Renee - I did get the e-mail saying that you had posted. If you want to correspond by e-mail that would be good. You can post it here or send me a private message and we'll chat more. I'm still hoping mette will come back but...if she does I should get the alert.

I just started WW today with a friend. We're going to try and support each others efforts and hold ourselves accountable. It's been a while though so I don't remember any of the points. I guess I'll be calculating some this weekend.

Have you tried any of the WW forums here? I haven't looked too hard but am not sure which would be the best for just starting out. I don't know if I want to join an already established group, particularly if I can't post everyday.

I hope you are doing well. It was good to hear from you.