Hi girls, I stopped in July 4th and wrote a long heartfelt emotional post and when I hit the submit button it disappeard into cyberland, so I didn't try to reconstruct it.

Basically I just said that I have been having a rough life here lately and after 4 years of working with my husband and son in our own business, I was going to have to get out and find a "Paying" job. Well at 58 years old and 100 pounds overweight, that wasn't going to be easy.

But this week, I have to say that God moves in mysterious ways. The girl that had my "old" job just up and walked out on them on Tuesday and they called me and starting new week I am going back to the group of Rheumatologist I worked for for 5 years.

I am using this as a new beginning and getting my act together and get serious again about health, weight and exercise.

Wish me luck on my new life.

Barbg

So, is anybody still around?

Gloria, I didn't see you last post until now or I would have been posting! I just assumed I had run everyone else off. I decided tonight to post and move this thread to the top hopping that if anyone were still lurking out there they might be motivated to post. Lo and behold, there was your post from July 5th!

Barbg, it is good to here from you again. How awesome that things have worked out for you the way they have. My grandparents owned a restaraunt most of their lives so I've seen first hand the toll owning a business can take. They loved it but as they got older it was so hard for them to let go - they didn't want to do it anymore but they didn't want anyone else in charge either. They leased it for a while and ended up selling the business and it was a bittersweet time for the whole family. Anyway, I'm glad you found a way "out" so to speak.

So, where are we all doing with our weight loss and exercise efforts? I'm hanging in there but could definately be doing more and working harder to shed these last pounds. I've noticed that I've been snacking more here and there but am thankful that I have caught myself each time and gotten back on track. I've wasted a week here and there when I could have buckled down and lost a few pounds but at the time the calories seemed worth it. I suppose it will be that way from here on out - always prioritizing between my goals and my wants. The key will be making sure that my goals win out more often than not. I've let my calorie level creep up to maintainance level but have been careful not to push any further than that. I spent this week being really disciplined this week and I feel like it has helped be regain that old drive that I used to come by so easily.

Hope somebody is still out there? Lucky? Kat? It would be great if we could all get back on track together. I for one have found staying on track is much harder without you guys!

Tricia

Just thought I'd make one more stab at moving the thread back to the top and see if anybody is still out there. I hope you all find your way back soon!

Hi Tricia,
I see that your weight scale has gone down considerably. Great big YA for you. Keep up the good work.

I wish i could say that i will be posting everyday like i used to, but visiting with my cyberspace friends is just one of the things, that i loved to do, but no longer am capable of doing. The strength in my hands and arms is diminishing fast and i am forced to come to the conclusion that the more i try to do, the more extreme pain i am in everyday. I now know why some peoples attitude towards life is always angry and bitter. Hopefully i wont become that kind of person and be thankful that i can still take care of myself without to much help. Trust me when i say i will miss all of you, but doing the simple things that most people take for granted is a major big deal with me now.

Tricia, i wish i could send you my email so that we might send little notes to each other, but i know that this website tells everyone not to do that. You never know just who is lurking out there. I would love to hear about the changing life of your children and your progress in loosing the weight.

So, i guess that is it for me. I still have my quilting and my dear sweet hubby manages to come home for lunch now. I think he was getting a little worried about me being home alone so much that he now finds a way to come home in the middle of the day. Carl is one of the good things in my life now that i am so proud of.

Hugs to all of you.
Gloria

Hey out there

It has been a really long time since I've posted on 3FC. I had just hit a hard time where I couldn't do even this one more thing to help myself and had convinced myself that my words here didn't matter to anyone. Well, things are moving ahead again, and I'm taking some new steps in a direction that feels pretty good. Basically, I'm ready to get back to work and stop wallowing around in my own garbage. If any of you are still out there, it would be great to hear from you.

Gloria, you should send a PM with your email addie to Tricia so you two can keep in touch. That way it isn't as dangerous as posting it in the forums where everyone can see. I haven't had a chance yet to read back, but it sounds like things are very difficult for you. I am so glad you have your amazing Carl there. He isn't just a good thing, he sounds like an incredible thing in your life. *HUGS*

Andria

Good morning!

And a good morning it is I realized yesterday that I have been letting guilt and bad feelings hold me back. I haven't lost a pound and kept it off since the start of this year, and it was time to clear things up and get moving forward again. My fear has held me in place for too long now. So, I wrote to the person I felt the strongest need to make amends towards, and she wrote back! She gave me the most amazing gift of forgiving me and freeing me from my guilt. I honestly feel like my world is sitting upright again. I am so happy!!!

I'm taking this positive energy and heading out the door to Curves with my eldest daughter. The next step is to open up my DietPower and begin logging foods.

I feel like someone has done more than turn on a light for me. It feels like the sun has returned and it is a bright, summer day! YES!!!

Andria

What great news, Andria! Isn't the power of forgiveness incredible? I've been on the giving and receiving end of it and there really is nothing quite like it to lift a heavy heart.

I've been posting steadily at 3FC despite so little activity on this thread. I am glad that you have posted again - maybe a few more will come out of hiding. Gloria, if you happen to still be luking out there I hope you might find the strength to pop in for a short hello and to let us know how you are doing. I understand why you can't post with the same frequency as before but we would love to hear from you when you do feel up to it.

Okay, so diet and exercise. I think I'm doing okay. I'm inching my way towards my goal and feel like I've really got a handle on things this time. Right now I am focusing on making sure I am losing in a way that I can keep up with. I'm not really worried about eating - that's fallen into place. I still have cravings and make bad choices sometimes but I've become really good about identifying the mistake, forgiving myself, and moving on. Exercise is a little stickier for me. I love it. But I am looking ahead to coming years when the twins will be starting school and Will has an even more hectic schedule. I don't know that I'll have the same flexibiltiy time wise that I do now. On top of that I paid my two year gym membership up front so I haven't had to make any monthly payments. I have about a year and half left. I don't know if we'll be able to budget payments at that point or not. I assume we will of course, it is only $40 (I think) but who knows. So, I'm trying live day by day but plan for what may be an obstacle down the road. I figure it is better to be proactive than reactive in this case as it would be much to easy to fall into old habits and ruin all of the progress I've made (and will make).

So, anyway, I hope some others will stop by and let us know how they are doing. We were such a supportive group it would be a shame not to get things rolling again!

Tricia

Hey Tricia

Sounds like things are pretty darn under control in your part of the world. I can tell I'm going to struggle, but I have been doing positive things all day long and have asked my 14 yo daughter to be my ally. I explained that I would love to be at my goal weight in 2 years. Funny thing, that would be just in time for a wedding... Mine! I explained to her today how hard it is to say no when she asks me to buy and share something like a shake or some other treat. We both consider those to be bonding experiences, but I don't want to bond with her over food. I want our experiences to be real and memories we can hold on to, not just empty calories. Anyway, she really liked that I want her to be part of this with me. We were out shopping together when we had this chat, and we came home and worked together on preparing a nice soup. Now that is the kind of bonding I want with my daughter!

I've got to get back to the real world now. I'm a little bit behind on my water consumption, but food is good for the day, and I've already exercised! Wahoo!

See you later

Andria

That is awesome, Andria. And what a terrific example you are setting for your daughter. Having friends and family to support us is absolutley critical to our success. How wonderful that you have someone so important to be there for you through all the ups and downs of losing weight.

I am hoping for a good weigh in this week. I'm having one of those rare moments of feeling "light". Who knows, though, it could be the heat. LOL.

Have a great weekend.
Tricia

Me again

Sorry for not posting yesterday! We had a training meeting at work, which turned out to be equine therapy as a team building experience. It was really amazing, but we were out in the 100+ heat for two hours, and I got so heat sick. I came home and slept a couple of hours and then was groggy and felt ill the rest of the night. Still, my food was good, and I logged everything the best I could (we had a potluck luncheon afterward training). I tried to steer clear of anything I knew would tempt me to give up and not log my foods. Since pies and cakes and such were still sitting in the fridge all night at work, it took a lot to keep out of them, but it felt really good to walk away and eat the more healthy choices. I even made apple cinnamon rolls for the breakfast this morning and purposely made half size ones for all the staff so that I could have one and not feel deprived yet not feel like I had blown things.

Anyway, I'm just up for a short time because I need more sleep. 3 hours so far won't cut it for work tonight, funny thing! See you tomorrow

Andria

Andria, I just want to say how very proud I am of you. Your are making reasonable changes that will give you the results you desire. And the cakes and pies! Those are always tough so what an accomplishment that you walked away. You hit on a very important point - how good it feels to make the right choices. I'll be honest, it isn't that hard for me anymore but I remember (how could I forget?) what it was like. I when I first started losing weight I'd pass up an extra helping or a dessert and go to bed on what felt like an empty stomach. Of course, my stomach wasn't empty I just didn't know any feeling other than full. Anyway, I would lay there and actually wonder if I'd done the right thing. I knew I'd done the right thing in terms of my diet and health but I couldn't help but question whether or not it would have been worth it. Wasn't it possible that my favorite (insert ANY food here) would have been BETTER than losing weight? I never really knew for sure but continued to force myself to ignore those cravings. Then something crazy happened. I allowed myself to splurge and knew IMMEDIATELY that it wasn't worth it. I didn't just feel guilty I felt physically gross. I still overeat from time to time and it is always a reminder of how unsatisfiying poor food choices can be.

You did the right thing with the rolls you made. It just isn't feasible to deny yourself all of the things you love. As cliche as it is, moderation is the key. I've learned to enjoy my favorite foods just less often and in smaller portions. You will too, if you haven't already.

Andria, I know you are going to succeed. You seem determined. Keep making the right choices as hard as they may be sometimes. You deserve a long, healthy life and one that you can physically enjoy to the fullest.

This is only semi-diet related but I got a new haircut and highlight that I just love. I've always had to consider a fat, round face when chosing a cut - and even then there's no hiding the fat just not emphasizing it so much. It was so liberating today getting the cut I WANTED. I think it is very becoming and it was a great reward for having come this far. I still have a way to go but I'll get there and having a new style and color somehow makes me feel even more motivated to buckle down and get there. I hate to sound corny but I feel pretty and I don't remember the last time I had confidence like that. To be honest, it is an awful big pill to swallow. I bet I can get used to it though - LOL!

Have a great weekend!

Tricia, grats on the new haircut and the great outlook! I really do understand that issue, because I love to wear my hair long, but I really worry about it looking like that stereotype of the fat woman who doesn't do nice things for herself, take care of herself, etc. My self image is still so distorted, I honestly can't tell what looks good and what doesn't. I'm getting there, albeit slowly.

The last couple of days at work were so rough on me. The graveyard shift is physically draining, but there was a lot of mental strain as well, and I just feel drained. At least I have the next 3 days off to get rid of it all!

Oh, not diet related at all, but definitely self esteem related, I got registered for classes today! Wahoo! Last year I had signed up and screwed up my ACL the second day of class and had to drop for the entire year. My knee has healed enough now that I'm feeling moderately confident about going back. Scared, but willing to face my fear.

Got to run! Girls just came in and think they are hungry or something... Silly children...

Andria

Ok, challenges abound today! I am really excited because I get to write my second restaurant review! I'm also really nervous because that means eating at a restaurant I am not familiar with, and having to try lots of different foods I am going to have little idea of how to journal. I don't want to blow this day by lunchtime! So, my plan is to try things, but to not worry about eating everything I am offered/served. I've made good choices so far today and will make sure to have plenty of water between now and then as well. The rest of the day can be salad and soup if necessary. Oh... *groan* I just remembered we are all going to a movie this evening. I guess I'll just have to decide now what I want, a few handfuls of popcorn or really good food at a very nice restaurant. Ok, writing it out like that makes the choice sound a lot easier.

Take care! Hope your day is going well.

Andria

That is how you have to do it Andria - just work it out. It sounds like you have a plan. I agree that a taste or two of each thing you are offered is your best bet. I would think doing that would make it easier to distinguish between all the different flavors. And that means you can write a more accurate review. Eating too much of one thing might end up overshadowing the other foods. So, think of holding back as part of your job rather than part of your diet.

And, yep, good food wins out where I'm concerned every single time. If nothing else I know I can make crappy popcorn at home but I might not be able to duplicate something good from a nice restaraunt.

I am glad to hear your knee is healing. I imagine that is going to make exercising much easier. And school - you've got a busy year ahead of you. I don't think I could buckle down and study anymore. I have to talk myself into doing laundry and cleaning the house. Studying would kill me.

I am doing okay. The scale is not my friend I don't know why I get on it at all anymore. I'm frustrated with my clothes. What I have is too big but I'm not quite ready to spend the money on the next size down. Anyway, wearing what I have makes me feel fat which gives me a really rotten attitude. How silly is that? My pants are hanging off of me and I feel huge. But, I look in the mirror and these baggie clothes look all puffy and well, just ewww. I'm doing fine on food and exercise. That isn't going to change. But I could really use an attitude adjustment. TOM is here and I'm sure that makes me a tad more irrational than usual so maybe by next week I'll be a better person. I sure hope so.

Have a good time taste testing and enjoy the movie. What is it that you are going to see? Let me know if you liked it whatever it is.

Tricia

Eeeps!

It is frustrating how easily I can go an entire week without posting here. Of course, that is just as easily as I can get away from journaling and exercising and all the other stuff I promise myself I will do daily. Actually, I haven't been quite that bad, but I did take one day off of journaling and had to force myself to do it the next day. It isn't a true habit yet and doesn't come easily. I promised myself a day of rest from exercise, but had to take an extra one because of slipping and twisting my knee a bit. Mostly, I just had to accept the fact that my period had arrived and I was in that funky, feel lousy about myself state. Since it is past now, I need to make sure I'm working things properly. So, I guess I'm struggling a bit more than I had hoped, but I'm still doing pretty well. Keeping the food journal honest is the best thing I can do for myself, and getting out walking every day makes me so proud of how far I have come. I actually made it almost two miles the other day, and that is with a huge hill in the middle!

Have to get this posted before the weather goes all funky again and I can't. We've had thunderstorms every day for almost two weeks, and since I use a satellite connect, it doesn't work when the sky is all clouded over. Glad I could get in this evening!

Oh, almost forgot, the movie was Sky High, and we really enjoyed it. If you were ever a comic book fan or were into super heroes growing up (Wonder Woman, loved her!), I bet you would as well.

Andria