Hi Ladies,

Just to let you know I did manage to lose 1-1/4 lbs. this week at WW and now that I have joined the YMCA I am sure I will do better next week. I went to two senior exercise classes and after each one I went bowling. I also met the nicest woman who has agreed to become my "Big" sister. She, like myself, would like a teammate to exercise with. We are starting this coming Monday. Her sisters don't live here either. Also I have a new book by Art Mollen, he is an O.D. and I went to him in the late 80's to lose weight. His book is entitled "Dr. Mollen's Anti-Aging Program." By getting the flu shot at one of our drug stores, I got the book free. The one thing I like about it, it is only 135 pages long. I am only on page 24. His program is for 4 weeks. Chapter 3 talks about Too Much Protein is Dangerous to your Health. "Eat breakfast like a king...Lunch like a prince...Dinner like a pauper." - Thomas Jefferson. I most definitely will pass along any good tips I gain from reading this. The other thing he talks about is to keep yourself surrounded by "positive" people. I do believe everyone in our group is just that.

Well I need to go and get some dinner on the table.

Will post again soon!
Anita

Hello Ladies,

The walk was a great success. Not sure how much was raised but our goal was 1.2million. My day started at 4:30am and got back home by 3:30pm. I was so tired. Today i'm taking it easy, getting ready for church then relax at home.

Mooz - I'm glad your able to take some time for yourself and enjoy. Shopping with girlfriend can be relaxing. Hope you enjoy your day. Your kids are so lucky. They have really traveled quite a bit. Remind them if they ever come to Texas you have a friend here.

Nita - WTG on your 1 1/4 loss. The Y is a great place and now that you have a workout partner, it makes working out more accountable. Keep us informed on any new information you read. How's Gene doing?

Shad - WTG on losing some inches and 3 lbs.

Hal - Glad to hear your recovered from the Hal concert. Guess you didn't have any exciting Hal sightings like Mooz did. I'm with you on the exercise thing.

Cat - hope your doing ok.

Thin and Mitchellez - Would live to hear from you guys!

Got on scale this morning no gains or losses for the month. So I guess that's good. My goal for October is to exercise 3 times a week. Work has been stressful and I know working out will help that, but I tend to go for the food.

RE: Past The Point of Rescue!!! Hal Ketchum and Connie!
 

This is a picture of Mr. Hal Ketchum and myself just before he went on stage Thursday evening at The Dame in Lexington, Kentucky. My toes b-a-r-e-l-y touch the ground this beautiful Sunday afternoon! It has been suggested I play the lottery since this last week has included not only a personal video from Hal in Ireland saying 'top of the morning' to me, a concert with a personal meet and greet but this picture too! Personally, I already won. OK, so I'll play!

Hi Everyone,

HalGal -- Thanks for sharing your picture--you and Hal look like you were made for each other! I am so happy you got to do this--I only wish I could have a picture of myself and Clay Aiken--that would be awesome.

It's great to read so many posts, especially on the weekend. My new Big Sister and I are definitely on for tomorrow. I did send her the info on WW so I will have to see if she is ready.

Gene is coming along quite well--in fact, he was overjoyed just a while ago because he was able to go to the bathroom on his own. And then he walked around the living room with his cane quite steady two times! I am encouraging him to do this at least twice a day!

I need to pay some bills online so I will post again later. I don't have any more info from my book but I plan on reading some more today.

Take care and have a "super" sunday!

Anita

Good morning everyone - it's Monday again.

Mooz - so good to see you posting again. As you say, the young ones have great opportunities to see and do so much these days. It's great to see them taking those opportunities too. If the boyfriend requires any help or happens to land up in Brisbane at any time and needs a bed, just tell him to ring me on my mobile. Happy to help if I can.

Hal - glad to see you are getting some exercise in. It is so good for you even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. Way to go on the concert and meeting the man himself. Photo looks great.

Nita - what good news on your DH!!! WTG. Good loss for you too. Keep it going.

1Day - Good goal to have. Great challenge for yourself.

Cat - Have you come home from the march yet? :wave:

Not much to report from here. It's been a fine and sunny weekend. I went to the gym for weights on Saturday morning and then to the Body Balance class. Gym yesterday as well and the rest of the day was spent cleaning, dusting and mopping. The house has been a bit neglected lately and the dust around here is legendary. Not to mention that darned cat fur. Hope she has moulted most it now. You should have seen the size of the dust bunnies under the bed. :blush:

Okay, better go do some work. Back later to catch up.

Shad--
I didn't go to the big march in DC--just our local one. We wanted to do some things that would draw in other than the "true believers," so we had music (some people danced), face painting for the kids, silent auction for t-shirts as well as t-shirts, bumper stickers you could buy.

Nita--good for Gene!

RE: A little history lesson for the girls...!
 

Hi Ladies,

HalGal -- Thanks for the chicken suggestions. We do eat a lot of chicken and I almost always prepare it the same way!

Well I met my new big sister, Dorothy, at the gym at 10:00 a.m. We both arrived on time. We then worked about 30 minutes on the different machines, helping each other when necessary. I can honestly say the time went very fast and we even met a couple of other ladies who were willing to help us. We then took a breather to get ready for our Silver Sneaker class which started at 11:00 a.m. The yount wipper snapper really give us a complete 60 minute workout. A lot of the exercises are done on the chair. We also use weights, bands, a small ball and rubberbands which you put on each hand and simply open and close your fingers. They say the instructor on Friday is much better and I am looking forward to seeing him. Today I opted to take along a peanut butter sandwich on Sara Lee's Delightful bread (2 slices - 1 pt) and I added a half of a banana. I read some place that this is an energy sandwich, and it must be because I went shopping after this and never got home until 4:00 p.m. Mind you I left at 9:30 a.m. this morning. Before leaving, however, I made Gene's lunch because he still can't do this for himself. We made another commitment for Wednesday--the machines and then the class. Only this day I will go onto bowling afterwards. It is so very true, exercising sure does give you a lot of energy.

I made the best spaghetti for supper--here again I decided to use a whole lot of veggies--zuccini, celery, orange pepper, mushrooms and 96% fat free hamburger. I realized while I was cooking this that I didn't have my usual jar of sauce so instead I used a small can of cut-up tomatoes and a large can of crushed tomatoes. I also served it over whole wheat spaghetti and it really tasted quite good.

I am just getting into Dr. Mullen's book and he suggests to "control eating." The good news is that you can do this. It will take practice, practice, practice. Eat more often and don't be too rigid about your eating. He suggests using the "10-minute" rule. Ask yourself are your really hungry, or are you bored, or are you using food to procrastinate form doing something else. When you are watching TV do anything but eat. Do your nails, knit or crochet, work a puzzle, or read. It's best to keep your hands occupied.

Well ladies I will sign off for today. Thanks again for all your prayers and concerns for Gene, we certainly appreciate it!

Anita

Wow, Nita, you amaze me!

Good that Gene is doing well enough to leave.

Didn't lose weight this week--but I still think this is the way to go. Met with my counselor to work on some adjustments to plan.

Think I will walk dog up by river today. It is a beautiful day, and she loves being up there.

Earl is getting ready to apply for Social Security. Talked to our financial advisor, and it seems it is best to take it now (at 62) rather than wait for the increased payment.

He looked in the "birth certificate" file--and it wasn't there. So he has to get a new one.

See you later.

Morning all,

Hal - thanks for the information on chicken - I eat it and fish frequently. Actually I have a marinade for chicken that is a bit spicy and divine. I'll sort it out tonight and post it on the thread.

Nita - sounds like life is good for you at the moment. You sure are keeping busy with the exercise and bowling. Good for you. And good news on the DH as well. Controlled eating - well we should all be doing that. I struggle with portion control all the time. It is a trial having to weigh it all.

I am well into my preparations for my trip to Japan now. Yesterday I got my International Drivers licence and picked up Y120000 - sounds a lot but is about $1500. Probably won't need it all, but it's a just in case scenario. I got stuck in Japan without access to money once. That was enough for me. The international drivers licence is a strange thing. I was reading through the book last night and there are several countries which require one of these things. All they really are is a 3 fold brochure, which contains your photo, explains the limitations of your drivers licence in about 10 different languages and is an extension of your own licence. It comes with a little booklet which explains which countries embrace international signs and what they are, what side of the road they drive on, where the Automobile clubs that participate in the international driving scene are. Quite handy. It also warns of some bizarre rules - such as in some parts of rural Asia, if you run over someone!!!! make sure they are dead!!! Hello?? apparently some folk are so poor they send out the old folk to get run over and claim compensation for their injuries. They don't want them dead, they only want them injured. Remind me not to drive in 3rd world countries. Approximately 2/5ths of the countries of the world drive on the left and the 3/5 on the right. Japan drives on the left and so does India - that was a surprise. Not Japan I knew that, but India. Must be the influence of the British Raj. Most other countries in that area drive on the right!! Africa is left, Europe is right. There you go, trivia for the day. Now all I need is the ticket (Thursday night) and I am ready to roll. Chris tells me we are going to explore Nagoya and surrounds, do a tour of the Toyota factory (you get to see the cars being made mostly by robot and then get to see all the fancy models in the showroom and sit in them etc.), make some pottery and decorate it, maybe a tour of the Noritake factory (we did Wedgewood and Waterford in Ireland). We are going to a shrine, castle and garden as well. Oh yes and we have to go to a speech competition because one of the students from the school is participating. While she is at school, I can take the car and go looking for autumn colour. It all depends on how well she is and how much she can do. Only 22 days left to wait.

Gotta go and strike a blow for the working person. See you all later, meantime have a wonderful day.

Hello Ladies,

Work has been very hetic and this past weekend I fell off my eating plan. So we all know when i get stressed I eat and to top it off it's TOM and i'm craving lots of candy, sugar, anything. I have got to get on a exercise program cause i'm afraid with my work load i'm going to end up gaining 10 lbs. Tomorrow i'm heading to a off site meeting which will be nice, but I know my work will pile up and be there on thursday. I talked with my boss about hiring another person, but due to budget they are not. So for now I am literally doing the work of two people, getting the pay of one and expected to help others with their work load.

Nita - Good for you for getting in that workout. I think you are going to see a big difference now that you have a workout buddy. Keep us informed on Dr. Mullen's book. I'm sure you are going to start seeing the results you want.

Shad - 22 days until your trip. I"m getting excited for you. You will have to post some pictures and tell us about Japan. I think your brave driving in a foreign country.

Hal - Great picture of you and Hal. I have to confess up, I did not walk in the event, I was helping with the organization of it. I've been volunteering with them for over 15 years now. I help with set up, t-shirt distribution breakdown and whatever else needs to be done in between.

Cat - speaking of dogs, my dog just ran in and he is stinky. I had the water running outside and he must of gotten wet. He needs a bath, but not tonight.

Mooz - hope your doing ok

Morning all,
It's going to be a stinking hot day here today - they are predicting 35C which is around the 100F mark. Hot gusty winds as well. It will not be pleasant out there. Seems we've bypassed most of spring and gone for the hot stuff already. I can only hope that there will be some rain during the rainy season as well. We are desperately dry now. Garden sprinklers are banned, gardens can only be watered by hand held hosing on certain days of the week, and from 7pm to 7am. Yeah right like I am going to stand there holding a hose for 12 hours of a night. It would actually be more beneficial for the garden to allow us one deep water a week. But there you go. More gardens will die I suspect.

Only 21 days to my trip. Can you tell I am looking forward to this??

Catch up again soon. We are all so busy right now.

Hello Ladies,

Shad - I keep forgetting that your on the other side of the world. We're just getting our fall. A cold front came in last night, this morning and when I woke up it was 63, and kept going down to 60. It's kinda of windy here so it makes i kinda of chilly. I hope we keep this fall weather for a while. We too need some rain. I can't decide if I want to plant some winter plants (pansey or mums) I love to have flowers around but once it get cold I don't really go out and sit on porch. I'm sure your just counting down the days for your trip.

Once again work is hetic. I have got to start meditating or doing something. The last two weeks I have been eating more candy. I purchased some halloween candy and of couse had to try it, we'll that led to more candy. I don't know why I buy it so early, it's not like the store going to run out. I guess TOM doesn't help either. Our State Fair started last week and i'm planning on going sometime this weekend or next. I just love going and eating corny dog and walking around.

We'll I think i'm actually going to get on the treadmill tonight. I think it's the guilt from the candy I've eaten today.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Oh plant some pansies and petunias or similar in a big pot and keep it near the door just to remind yourself of the lovely garden outdoors. I have pots which I bring in and take out and move around just to make the deck look fresh and new. I bought a stack of those trolley things on wheels to make moving them around so much easier - stops the ants as well which is a bonus. So when one is looking exceptionally pretty I wheel it to the door or inside so I can see it. Which reminds me, one of the orchids popped out a couple of pretty pale lavender flowers on Wednesday. Didn't even know it was budding, so I have brought it in and put it on the bench so I can enjoy it.

Have fun at the fair. Haven't been to one in years. I should go but I really don't enjoy the crowds and it seems such a waste of money to just go for a couple of hours.

Better get back to work I guess.

Hello Ladies,

Shad - I think your right about the flowers. Tomorrow going to make a trip by the store and pick up something. I like mums too, so I might pick up some of those. Oh, I have some of those dolley things and they worked wonderful with my tomato plants. I think some of my plants probably weight 30 lbs with all the dirt and plants. I picked up several more at the summer end sales.

Today I got some bad news from a former co-worker. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and last year and her recovery sounded hopeful. But today I found out she was back in the hospital with a blockage and she and her doctors decided not to do surgery, since the cancer has spread. I've know her for over 24 years and the last 4 years she worked in the office next to me. If you all can keep her and her family in your prayers.

I think fall is finally here, today's high was around 65, tomorrow high is 75.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Shad--I envy you your trip to Japan. Do tell us lots about it so we can share in the adventure. I have always wanted to go there.

Took today as a stress day. Breakfast with DH, did yoga, lots of writing, got a massage, some housecleaning--plan to do a little more yoga and send some poems off.

Haven't included any poems for a long time. Here's a short one I think you'll like:

The clock’s efficient buzz calls us awake
purring warmth slips under my chin
follows up the alarm
with gentle rough licks.

I really feel this system is cutting my cravings and helping me control my eating, though I haven't seen as much results as I'd like. At breakfast the food was delicious, and ordinarily I would eat every bite. But today I just knew I wasn't hungry after half. Amazing!

Hello Ladies,

Cat - you destressing day sounded wonderful. I need to get more of those in.
Yeserday I somewhat had one of those, took my niece to our local festival. Played in bouncy house with her and pushed her on the swing set for about 30 minutes. Just watching her laugh, makes all your troubles and stress go away for just that moment.

Today, going to run up to office and maybe hospital to see my friend.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

RE: Lazy Sunday afternoon, just say ahhhhhh...!!!
 

Morning all,

Sorry I didn't get in over the weekend, it just got a bit busy and I thought about it and then forgot.

Patty - so sorry to hear about your friend. Brave thoughts go out to her. Such a rotten disease and so little is known on diagnosis and cure or prevention.
I'm glad you decided on the pots of flowers. They may not be as useful as tomatoes or veges, but they are so pretty. My front flower bed where I planted the blue and white petunias, blue, black and white pansies, not to mention that some of them have turned out orange and lemon and other shades is starting to look really good. Unfortunately with the water restrictions now in force, they won't look that good for long. Still petunias are a hardy bunch - not the prettiest flower but hardy. I have one double white one which last year flowered profusely in a pot. When it died down I pulled it out and threw it down the back of the garden to compost. This year it is blooming again!!! Such a determined plant - it deserves to live on.

Cat - Thank you for the poem. It describes my place in the morning exactly. The alarm goes off, the cat comes and sits on my chest and licks my face. She ensures I do not go back to sleep again. Don't be envious of me going to Japan. Save the pennies and go yourself. It is not as expensive as they make out - at least it doesn't have to be. If you avoid Tokyo, the prices are better. I'm fortunate in that I have a friend who knows where bargains are to be found and a travel agent who always gets me a good deal. Anyway I shall take pictures and you can see them when I get back. I'm taking DS2's new digital camera with me when I go. Should be good.

Hope Hal and Mooz are going okay. Haven't heard from either here for a wee while. Meantime Mooz has sent me some good jokes recently.

My weekend was busy with gardening and cooking. I have been making meals for the DS2 who is looking after my house while I am away. There are now about 10 dinners in the freezer for him. I will make some spaghetti bolognese tonight and that will be it. I'm running out of containers to put them in. It should just about see him through the entire time I am away.

Best run along and do some work I guess. Have a good day.

Hi Everyone,

This has been a pretty busy week for me. I did, however, weigh in Thursday evening and I lost .2 lb. However, I do believe all this exercise has something to do with it. They say muscle weighs more than fat. I am still managing to do the weight machines, and then an hour class of aerobics and then I go onto bowling. I kid you not this exercise plan really gives me a whole lot of energy. My big sister, who is 3 years younger than I am, says she never seen someone with all this go-power.

HalGal -- The fingertip bowling ball is where instead of putting in your two middle fingers all the way into the holes--the holes are drilled in such a way that they only go up to the first bend in your fingers. Today I went to practice and bowled 3 games all by myself. The next two games one of my bowling buddies bowled with me. The first game I bowled with him I got 225 and that is very unusual for me. Here again, it's like being in control of your eating--when you are bowling it takes a whole lot of concentration and control. I might add when I bowl eating never enters my mind!

I am not sure I shared these muffins with you--you take a Jiffy cornbread mix and add 1/2 cup of crushed bananas and 1/2 cup of milk and you bake them in a 350 oven for about 25 mnutes. I believe they are 2 pts. I just made a batch and added some cinnamon, a little sweetner, a few raisins, a little vanilla and a "few" mini chocolate chips. That probably adds another pt.

Patty -- I am so sorry to hear about your co-worker and I most definitely will keep her in my prayers. One thing Dr. Mollin mentions in his book is that Adkins and the South Beach diets are not good for your over-all health. I haven't gotten into his menus yet, but he does have a few recipes in there as well. I also have the book I bought when I was going to him in 1988 and I think I will get it out and see if it is somewhat the same as this one. I managed to lose 24 lbs. back then on whatever he suggested I do. He did have me sit down with his nutritionist and she went over a plan for me. I believe I even have this some place in the house.

This is going to be another hectic week for me because I need to work both Wed. and Thurs. That means I will miss one of my exercise days. However, now that it is cooler I will be able to make it up by doing the treadmill. I am also getting my garage straightened up so my exercise room will be more inviting.

Take care all, and thanks for caring!
Anita

RE: Keep the Peace with faith...!!!
 

Good Monday afternoon Movers and Losers!!!

Just a quick note to say hello! It's been a quiet, rainy and cool day here. I hate to admit it, but I've slept and slept. I guess I need it. Now to oranize my things to do list and get movin!

I am going to make some foil packets for dinner, and to freeze. Tonight's menus is tilipia with chopped green and black olives, chopped tomatoes, capers, and olive oil with garlic. Yummmm.. Low calorie, and very good for you!

Have you guys noticed the home page of 3FatChicks? They have a list of recent posts and you and hit them and just go in and randomly read a post here and there. I have no idea how or why they select the posts they do, but wonder if the reason our read number is so high because we were on it at one point?

It's very nice to have a few minutes to 'notice' things, explore and such! Just say ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... ;)

Hal, nice to see you. The dinner sounds really nice too. Might have to try that myself although at the moment I am eating whats in the fridge and freezer and not getting or making new stuff.

I saw that list of posts the other day while I was puddling around. Didn't realise that we had featured on it tho. I think the number of read posts is because we are due for a new house. It's starting to get a bit long. Wonder where mooz is and whether she is coming in to give us the new home or should we do it ourselves.

Don't know if any of you have seen the new smilies either. There are a couple of new welcome ones :wel3fc: :welcome: :welcome2: :welcome3:

Nita - the muscle certainly does weigh. Do not be surprised if you go up instead of down for a week or so. I haven't lost much weight at all, but I have shed 3 dress sizes which is great - although the wallet is protesting.

The air con in the building seems to have broken down again. Getting a bit warm in here today. Time to go do some work I guess.

Hello Ladies,

Another busy day here at work. I have been walking at lunch with some friends and both of them are out today. Guess i'll have to go alone.

Hal - hope your enjoying your time off. I have a few vacation days left and i'm thinking of taking one or two real soon. The weather has turned cool here to and it is wonderful. I just love the cool crisp air.

Nita - WTG on your .2 loss. If you continue to keep up with your bowling and exercise i'm sure you see more results soon. Keep up the good work.

Shad - I'm sure DS2 will be happy that mom is taking care of him where is meals are concerned. You mentioned you lost 3 dress sizes, how long did that take you?

We'll I need to run, talk to you all later

Morning ladies,

Another beautiful day here although it is supposed to storm later in the day. I will believe it when I see it tho'

Today is the last day of exercise at the gym for a week. I'm really pleased to see Wednesday. I am so tired by the end of a week of solid exercise - guess I must be getting old!!!

Bought in a yummy salad and chargrilled salmon fillet for my lunch today. Lettuce, tomatoes and beetroot are all out of the garden. Such a productive little vege patch. I love it.

Cat - I'm so pleased that this system of controlled eating is working for you. Once you have the appetite under control, I am convinced that you are 4/5's of the way to success. I enjoyed the poem too.

Hal - Only 15 days to go to Japan. I'm really looking forward to this. This is the first time I have had to have an International Drivers Licence. Lucky my friend reminded me of it. India and Pakistan are really having a tough time. One of the biggest problems is that they don't have the tough building regulations of countries which are prone to earthquake like Japan and NZ and the US. Therefore, their injuries and death toll is always so much worse.
I use petunia as a year round flower here. They are supposed to be annual and probably would be if it got cold enough to kill them off. I like their perfume and they are now bringing out such a range of colours and doubles as well as singles. They spread quickly and become a mass of flowers in the garden beds. I don't have as much success with them in pots but that is probably because I don't feed and water them enough. At the end of each flowering season I give the plant a haircut - trim it back several inches and cut off all the dead flowers. It then comes back and flowers again. Feed it up and it will flower indefinitely or at least it does here.

1Day - I've been going to the gym for nearly 2 years. The first year I probably only played around. Didn't push myself too hard and then got a personal trainer who told me I should be pushing a lot more weight that I was. He really got at me. So I pushed the boundaries and gained some muscles and have gone from a size 18/20 to 16 to 16/14 and now I can fit into some 12's. Mind you the clothing industry is weird as far as sizing goes, but I count the size decrease a victory. I basically have to wear separates as the bottom half has decreased faster than the top half.

Anyway, I better go do some work. See if I can find the people I need to talk to - if they don't disappear when they see me coming.

Hi Ladies,

I did get to the gym yesterday and my Big Sister was there as usual. It is so great to have someone you can count on being there. They announced that they are going to be having a Senior water aerobics class at 12:15, right after our hour-long class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday's. I have decided to try the class on Monday because that is the only day I do not bowl after class. I am really looking forward to trying it. The pool is outdoors but I understand it is heated anyway.

Shad -- I have to agree with you as far as the weight is concerned when you are really working out. One thing so far is I have gained more strength in my upper body and my bowling is getting better because of it. The only time I have that food seems to be a problem is after dinner. For some reason I think i have to munch on something! I know I cannot be hungry because I have just eaten.

It seems when I am watching my weight Gene, who is a diabetic, his blood sugar in the morning really is low. It is probably because I am not bringing in those processed goodies I have in the past.

I am going to miss my aerobic class tomorrow because one of my attorneys requested I come in tomorrow and perhaps Thursday. If I do not work on Thursday, however, I most definitely will go to the gym and do the weight machines on my own. They have a Silver Sneaker contest going for the month of October. If you come 12 times during October you get a Silver Sneaker watch! These kinds of things always give me incentive to do what it takes. I understand Silver Sneaker is in a lot of states and if I am ever out of town and one is there, all I have to do is show my badge and I can participate. Several of our insurance companies are in this program and they are really smart because fit people are usually healthy as well.

Take care all and have a "super" rest of the week!
Anita

Quick Report
 

RE: Wednesday, October 12th!
 

Hello ladies,

Nita - I think having a variety of exercise keeps you interested in exercising. I think you will like the water aerobics. On the munchies after dinner, have you tried keeping some ff jello/ff cool whip or some celery sticks with peanut butter. I think like you said it's just habit, but if you gonna munch, might as well make is lowcal/lowfat.

Shad - 15 days to your trip, getting excited for you. I hope you all get some rains to ease your water restrictions. That is great going from a 18/20 to a size 12.

Hal - I found my dolley things at Walmart in the garden dept and at Big Lots. Don't know if you have one of those. They work wonderful with my tomato plants. I was able to move them around the patio all summer long. I did see part of the program Biggest Loser and yes your right they exercise quite a bit each day. I was channel surfing last night and saw some but i'm curious how long they are exercising each day.

Mooz - .5 loss is a loss and a 4.5 lb total loss is great. Sounds like the kids are having fun. Don't know about eating the crickets, unless they were dipped in chocolate.

As for me the same ol stuff. Last night I did get on the treadmill and walked for 25 minutes. Tonight my goal is 30 minutes, since I know i'm going to be watching the tv program "Lost".

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Tired and still need to do yoga. Hi all, love ya and just kicking us pack up to top.

Catlover.

RE: International Friendships rule at 3FChicks!
 

Good Thursday Morning Movers and Losers!

Just a quick pop up for the thread and a note of appreciation for our thread of diversity. Neat things happen here, and I say THANKS!

CatLover: I slept for 3 days until I felt 'back to normal' this week! Sad but true. Mother Nature has a way of letting us know our limits. I hope you are able to get your rest soon. I feel SO much better. I've gone from needing 5 hours to 8 or 9 hours of sleep. Just the facts. I have to plan for it, and it is a real challenge to work it in.

OneDay: Thanks for the heads up on the trolley set ups. I'll check them out, and now I know where to look. I'm glad it was not just me, I wondered how long the biggest losers were moving it daily. I have a feeling it is an incredible amount of time. Again, is losing 8 to 10 pounds a week healthy? I don't think it is, and I am suprised a nationally syndicated show would promote this 'quick weight loss'. I just hope these losers safe healthy and are free of problems.

Here are some tips on shopping for ingredients as we attempt to prepare nutrient dense taste delights!

Buying better quality brands can be more expensive, but since you're using such small quantities, it's well worth it.

Parmesan cheese. Don't use canned, pre-grated Parmesan – it's nothing but oil and fillers. Instead, buy a small block of Parmigiano-Reggiano, a skim milk cheese from the Parma region of Italy. You can tell it's the real thing by the name stamped on the rind. Shave it with a vegetable peeler, or grate it with a microplane grater, available at cooking stores. Taste a bit of each cheese on its own and you'll be converted.

Fresh Produce. Use fresh fruits and vegetables, rather than frozen or canned conveniences. Sure, it's easier to buy pre-chopped, bagged, frozen onions, but your casserole will taste better if you dice a fresh one. Blueberries, cherries, carrots, broccoli — they're all better fresh. And that goes double for herbs. Buy fresh whenever possible. Double the amount of fresh to substitute for dried.

Seafood. Buy fish or shellfish at the fish counter. Avoid prepackaged, frozen, or canned fish (with the exception of tuna fish). Ask your fishmonger if you can smell before you buy. It should smell fresh, like the ocean on a spring morning — never like the tidal flats on an August afternoon. If you're buying a whole fish, the eyes should be clear, not cloudy, and the fish should have tightly closed, shiny scales.

Cold Cuts. Shop for deli meats at the deli counter. Use sliced fresh turkey breast or roast beef for your sandwiches, not prepackaged versions stuffed with salt and preservatives.

Pasta. Go for imported dried pastas like those made by De Cecco — they have a wheaty, bread-like taste and stay al dente better than most other brands. Or buy high-end American brands, like Hodgson Mill: Try their whole-wheat fettuccine. And while you're at it, don't put tasteless tomatoes on good pasta. If the fresh ones you have aren't quite ripe (or they've been refrigerated, which diminishes flavor and texture), use canned Italian tomatoes instead. (Make sure the label says "packed in Italy.")

Olive Oil. Olive oil should taste like, well, olives. There are plenty of good extra-virgin brands available in the grocery store, such as Colavita or Filippo Berio. Or go for one of the luscious new high-end bottlings from places like O & Co.

Vinegars. Use balsamic vinegar when you can – it's light and fruity. Look for Colavita Aged Balsamic, or indulge in a boutique bottling of syrupy balsamic to drizzle over salads or steamed vegetables.

Rice. Life's too short for tasteless rice. Rice Select makes many types that are robust in flavor: Texmati (toothy and mild), Kasmati (slightly fragrant), and Jasmati (almost floral). Try various types and find a few you like.

Honey. Honey should taste like flowers. Buy types from specific flowers or trees, like orange blossom, acacia, star thistle or even pine tree. Read the labels — many "blueberry" honeys, for example, are made with artificial flavoring.

Chocolate. Chocolate is never just chocolate. Some brands are cut with shortening. If you're going to splurge on chocolate, don't you want the very best? For baking, use Scharffen Berger, available in the baking aisle; or Lindt bars, often in the candy aisle.

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough are the authors of The Ultimate Potato Book (William Morrow, 2003).

Groceries are super expensive now, and it is important to make the best choices so we don't have to throw anything out. I hope this helps you, I thought it was really good.

I thought I would mention, after I read the article on the 3FChick that lost the 87 pounds using our site, and at the end I noticed the article was 'sponsored by ediets' I received no less than 10 emails from them! Just from reading the article, I did not reply or inquire about anything. Wild, huh?

Morning all,

Today is day 21 of a challenge I took up over on another thread. It was fairly simple and easy - keep a check on portions, lo carb, drink the water, exercise 5 times a week. However the close I got to the 21st day, the worse I seem to get. I've managed but only just and will have to hold myself together today to stop from blowing the last day. Why is it we crave what we can't have?

Anyway:

Hal - good advice there on buying the good stuff. It really is worthwhile for the important things. I have recently found that I can no longer buy my underwear from Target which I have been doing. It's now rubbish and it isn't that cheap either. Now I will buy from the big department stores where the stuff fits, doesn't shrink or warp and the underwire tends to stay put and has a name brand on it, not generic as Target now are - they sell under the Target brand.

I thoroughly agree with the buying fresh fruit and vege and growing your own where possible and the Parmesan cheese as well. Nothing like freshly grated or sliced parmesan and if you can't get the authentic Italian, go for a New Zealand cheese if you can get it. It's (and I admit to bias) as good as any and certainly better than most. I never buy fish at the supermarket. It takes so long to get there that frequently it doesn't last the journey home. A fish shop or even better the fishing company outlets are a much, much better proposition. Here some of the fishing fleets have a shop where they sell the fish almost straight off the boat. And it is much cheaper than any supermarket. So if you are near the sea, it's worthwhile making enquiries.
I love balsamic, but watch the sugar content. A little goes a long way and the age of the vinegar also affects the flavour and the price.
As for the chocolate - well the Belgians, Dutch and Swiss make the best in the world and having tried all three from the countries of origin, NZ chocolate stands up well to the test. It's because they have a high rainfall and the amount of fat in the dairy (as in dairy milk) makes it so much creamier. You'd think the Brits could feature in there as well, but no their stuff is not as good, IMHO.
When I visited the States - all I saw was Clover honey. I remember remarking to Happy2bme (from one of the other threads) that the bees in the US didn't have much fun. Maybe it was just the supermarket we were in because you mention different flavoured honeys in the article. I'm not talking additives to the honey here, flavours of honey taste different depending on where the bee forages. Here we have Ironbark honey and Spotted gum, not to mention Teatree honey and wildflower honey. In NZ you get Manuka honey, Rata honey, Kowhai honey etc. etc. It all depends on where the bees come from and what blossom is out at the time. It's an interesting taste test (and I am not a honey fan)

I'm glad that you said that about LindaT and ediets. LindaT is a lovely lady, and I have read the article a couple of times now. My firewall keeps telling me someone is trying to access my computer. It may well be that since it has only recently started this gig. I haven't had an e-mail from them, but it could be that the firewall is doing it's job. Doesn't usually work on e-mails though. I still get scads of junk coming from some mailing list somewhere.

Only 13 days to my trip now. We have an itinerary coming together. There's the Toyota factory visit, the Noritake factory visit, a trip to the mountains where my friend is to judge a speech competition, an autumn festival in Tajimi, a visit to a castle, shrine and some gardens. Added to that I will have some hours to myself when she has to teach or visit the hospital. It will be fun. I think there is something else I have forgotten but thats okay. It will happen.

Mooz - sounds like the kids are having fun. Must be your turn soon? As for the boyfriend tramping through the jungle?? and eating crickets?? He must be having fun. The Witchety Grubs must be coming up next. His constitution will be altered forever when he gets back.

Okay, time to go do some work. Nita, keep up the exercise. Things will move soon.

Hello Ladies,

Hal - I found my trolleys at Walmart in the garden center, you might some on clearance. Thanks for the shopping tips.

Shad - 13 days left, by the time your read this it will be 12. I wish I knew of some fish stores, but I don't think there are any in this area. I'm not really use to eating fish but would love to try some different varieties, try some new foods.

Just got home from a meeting. Getting to stressed out at work. Didn't eat lunch til 2pm. I"ll be out of the office for two days next week, kinda of looking forward to that, but at the same time not looking forward to the work load.

Hope everyone is having a good evening.

Good Evening all you fine ladies!

This has been one of those very busy days for me. However, I did survive. Before going to the gym this morning I washed two loads of clothes and changed my bedding. I also replaced the filter for the filter. I then met my big sister at the gym and worked on some of the weight machines before the aerobic class. Joe is probably the best instructor and he really works all of our muscles. It is amazing, however, because when you are through you just have so much energy. I then went bowling and almost made 500 -- 496. I then went on to an office supply store far away from home to get a chair with wheels for Gene so he can do his exercise machine on the patio. On my way home I stopped at the hospital and seen my friend who had his leg amputated almost the same as my sister. Needless to say I never got home until 6:14 p.m. and I had left at 9:30 a.m. While I was gone we paid a guy to come and wash all the windows inside and out and he did the screens as well. They are sparkling at the moment. He charged $90 but it was really worth it. Now, however, I believe I have to clean the curtains to match the windows.

Shad is correct, all this exercising and I am not losing any weight. I do feel a little more toned up but I really hope the scale starts moving again.

Well it has been a long day so I will close for now. Again, you are an awesome group and I hope we stay together for a long, long time.

Take care,
Anita

RE: All things certainly are possible...
 

Hey girls!

What a beautiful Fall Saturday morning. The trees are just beginning to show a hint of the orange and red shades of Fall. So pretty!

Nita; I am right there with you, so thankful for our support thread. You had a great day yesterday! Now, time for me to move! ;)

Shad: Count down time... I know you are excited. I have a freind that works in a Toyota plant here - so does her husband. It is huge. They make very good money also.

OneDay: I'll check out Wally world, don't they seem to be the solution to all that ails? Kind of scary. I was at a good friends home yesterday - she is a newly wed. She had the nicest wooden wagon on her front porch with plants in it. She said someone at her church made it for her. It was really unique, very neat. I saw a clip on the Today show this AM that said we should try to reduce our work day by 30 minutes to 'be more effective'. I will if you will. LOL Sometimes don't you wonder where these folks come up with these ideas? For living in a so called democracy, we really don't have the choices it advertises.

Do any of you watch HBOs Real Time show with Bill Maher? I just love that show. He spoke about the reality of a democracy in the US last night. The wheels are spinning...

I remember the night prior to the sentencing hearing for the young man that took my nieces life last May - I gave it totally to God. I let my stress go (So I thought, hoped and prayed.) When this young man received the maximum sentence of 50 years, and the average sentence in that state was 8 to 10 years - I knew then - all things ARE possible. This is very comforting.

Good Sunday Morning Movers and Losers!

I hope everyone is enjoying a restful, relaxing and beautiful weekend. It is so nice here. My fall break is so over. I am finishing odds and ends here to go in this afternoon to pull a few things together for the week of teaching!

If any of you are Martina McBride fans - do catch the Soundstage show on this week. She recently made an album of classics, and it is Martina at her best. She began her career selling tshirts at Garth brooks concerts, where she met her husband, John. John was Garth's road manager, now he is hers!

I've tried to put the weight tracker on my posting. We shall see. I knew I had gained some serious weight when I had my physical this summer. I did not register on my doctor's scale. She ignored it. Honest. Yes, my friends all say get a new doctor. I bet I won't have a choice. The state department is changing insurance companies in January - and a new list of doctors will be part of it. So... I 'think' this current doctor honestly believes fat folks make fat choices - and who knows - I guess we do. I have no thyroid glands (surgically remove) so I am dependant upon meds for my TSH hormones, and there have been some interesting occurances over the years with lack of responsiveness to the thyroid meds. Anyway... Thi picture I posted of Mr. Hal with myself showed the proof. I've never had a stomach, and I do now. One word - ICK. This tracker will place me one pound under 300 pounds - you do the math.

I was reading the current issue of O. I lost 107 pounds along with Oprah about 15 years ago (she lost 60). Trust me, keeping those pounds off the next 3 years were the longest ones of my life. You cannot, cannot, cannot fast and begin eating food without expecting your body to say thank you, thank you, thank you and return some (much of) that body weight! She said she thought she got it then, but now she has it. Certainly looking and listening to her - she has it. Now for me... It is a choice, a decision to be followed up with actions.

Wyonna is another example. She is on the television as I type. She just published a book on her life. Imagine having Ashley Judd as your sister, and having a weight problem. I love them both for each of their talents. They are Kentucky girls!

So anyway... exercise is key. I think the diet part is not a huge challenge for me, it is movin it.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...lb/0/41/0/.png

Hello Ladies,
Been a busy weekend. I am going out of town monday and tuesday, work related, so I was busy yesterday with getting oil changed, tires checked etc. Just got home from church and I need to run up to office to get a few things done.

Nita - WTG on bowling 496 that is awsome! Remember you might not see the scale move, but like you said your are toning your body, your probably reducing your blood pressure and lowering your cholestrol. Lots of underlying things are improving. But as usual we want to SEE the results. Keep up the good work, you inspire us all.

Hal - Girl i'm with you. I know I have to exercise, but i just don't seem to find the time. And work, we'll i'm off to the office to get some things done because i'm going to be away at work site for a few days. What's wrong with this picture. Let's make a committment to get more exercise in.

You all might not hear from me til wednesday. Don't know if i'll have use of a computer or not.

Morning all,

Nita - glad to hear that the exercise is really doing well for you. I think it is great (most of the time)! Sometimes I really don't want to be there but I have this argument with myself and get along there and just do it. Always feel better afterwards - exhausted sometimes - but good.

Hal, Oneday, Cat, Mooz and any others here that I have missed. Hope you are all having a great Sunday and are getting in some quality time before going back to work on Monday. It's Monday here. Time I got off this site and moved into doing some work.

Come home early from work on Friday not feeling very well. I feel better now, although I still have a blocked up nose. At least the back pain and neck pain have gone. I went to gym on Saturday and did the Body Balance class and I'm sure that made me feel better. Went again yesterday and did a full cardio and half a weights session. Then went shopping. I needed some new gym shoes and a new clothes drying rack (not much use hanging the washing out in the rain). Wasn't that impressed with the price of either the shoes or the rack I might add. What I didn't really need was 3 new tops, but I got them anyway.

We have just had the most wonderful weekend of steady rain and coolish temps. I have no doubt that when the sun does shine again everything will spring up 3 feet (including the weeds). The weatherman tells us there is more on the way at the end of the week. News tells us that the dams have now got 2 more weeks of water in them, and when the run off gets to the dams we might have as much as 2 months more. Apart from the weather and Princess Mary's new baby there hasn't been much else in news. Still I guess both of them were good news stories which doesn't happen very often does it?

Better go strike a blow. 10 days to go.

Morning all, :wave: :wave:

Everyone must be really busy. I'll be back later to say hello properly. Better get on with some work now.

8 days to go

Good Morning Ladies,

Shad -- I am with you there in regard to not always wanting to go and exercise. In fact today I was thinking seriously of missing the aerobic class because my buddy is not going to be there today--she has a doctor's appointment. What I have decided to do is do 30 minutes on my treadmill because our weather finally has gotten really cool. Then I will go to the gym about 10:30 and do the 11 o'clock class and then I will be on my way to bowling. In fact, I bowled in no-tap tournament on Sunday and came in 3rd place for $48. The scale is definitely not moving. This could be because I haven't really been in control of what I eat. I am finding out that no matter how little I eat at night time, I seem to have an indigestion problem. I do not have this problem during the day but almost every night it happens. I was thinking of just having some soup for dinner tonight. Tomorrow is my day at the office so that is going to be a long day!

Do any of you ladies watch Boston Legal. James Spader is one of my favorite actors, however, even he seems to be putting on the pounds. I do believe this obesity problem somewhat stems from what they are putting in our food as well as what they are feeding the cattle and chickens!

Well I had better get moving--I need to take the clothes out of the dryer and get on that treadmill!

Anita