Marie give yourself some credit your whole household has over come extra people living in it. That takes some adjusting. Sometimes people are brought up differently and just over all expectations in life are different. This is hard to grasp when your a thoughtful and giving like we know you are. Just look at yourself for a min. remember the day you offer us a lovely sweater? Now that was so nice and even know we couldn't use it cause of size it was so generous. Not many people would of done such a nice thing. This girl maybe just never was taught the ways of apprecitation. Maybe you will rub off on her? At any rate don't over due people can become dependent on you for a long time. Hopefully they have a plan and time line set up for their future.
As far as your own well being I think its great for you to focus on what you need. Taking a step towards eating healthy to go along with all those miles is great. Do it for yourself. Sometimes we need to do for us! You can do it!
I worked out two times this week and they were good workouts it felt great to accomplish the harder workouts. I pushed myself but it felt great. I even got on the scale and lost 1 lb. not much but I will take it! I think inches is what I have been losing and thats fine cause I am building muscle. The hubby had homemade pizza last night. I made a calzone with spinach, cottage ch., egg, onion, mozz. It was good and I only ate 1/2 and sent the other home for my daughter the veggie. I only have 12 days left until my trip still 3.5 lbs to go. I will never make the goal but hope to come close. Judy now I know how you felt with your valentine goal. But having mini goal was a great idea it gives me something to work on short term. Do able if I stop eating! Oh maybe just being much more careful might work too! Have a great day girls!

Carol, thanks for the great advise and words of wisdom. I really appreciate you. Things haven't improved much but I'm just going on wtih my life and trying to focus on what makes me happy. Today I plan to knit. I have this incredible Bernat yarn that's called spring. It's a beautiful mint, satin yarn. My goal is to wear it on Tuesday. Talk about setting goals a little too high. :)

I made the 80 mile mark on my walking log. That's $80 to my projector fund. I'm so excited about the way I'm motivating myself. I just wish that would rub off on the food choices. I'm using food for comfort and I think it's worse even knowing I'm doing it but still choosing to. Hmm. Someday I'll get my head together. At least I'm thinking about dieting again. That's a good sign.

Well, have a great weekend, Judy and Carol. I think of you often. You are both great friends.
Marie

Marie you are very welcome and you motivate me to. Its funny how we all haven't met in person but feel this bond with one another. Its nice and I think of you both that way too!
Today was a me day! Selfish yes but did it feel good indeed it did! I started my day out with two friends went to tan, then shop. I was the only one shopping really but they went along. I tried on 2 bathing suits oh they even fit nicely. But one black 2 pieces but yah know with the skirt look and longer length top. The top was blk. with a white halter strap style. Nice but with a tan on those wide straps I'd be looking like a zebra later on. Now we can't be having that after all the hard work on looking better. Oh well the other one was nice and a possibility but there are more out there to try on first. I only have 12 days to figure this one out. I then brought my friends back home had coffee and a little cherry pastry not to high in cals. Then they left and I went off to the salon. I not only got a cut but a new style and dye job and highlights! Wow it looks great not cheap but then again aren't I worth it? Oh well good thing I don't get these ideas too often I could go to the poor house east! Just a little humor. At any rate I drove through an awful snow storm on my way back my 20min. ride took double the time and I almost slide in front of a big orange plow. Thank goodness I WAS able to gain some control and wasn't driving too fast. Oh! Now we can't be having any of that stuff happening. I got home and called my daughter to ensure she got to the city okay to work. She did but also had an awful drive. Then talked to the second daughter and she was caught out in it to. I hope it isn't to bad later on when my daughter has to drive back home from the city. Thanks for the venting I needed it. Better than eating extra cals already had a little no no today!
Marie your sweater sounds pretty. I still got to get that picture w/ Thomas on here!

Hi Carol, your day sounds wonderful. I love "me" days. Sounds like your hair change was perfect. Last time I got highlights, there were so many of them that my hair looked like it had no color left in it. So Now I'm unicolor of dark blond. I will let the sun do it's thing this summer. But when I see a good highlight job I'm always envious. They look so pretty. Me, I'm just scared now. :)

I got a bit done on the sweater yesterday. I finished the hood and the fronts (except I'm not done with the ribbing on the left front - soon though). The yarn is ownderful but has no elasticity to it so the ribbing is difficult - pretty much why it's not done. You might really like the yarn - it's Bernat Satin. It is soft and hs a pretty sheen to it.

I'm sure glad that you regained control of your car yesterday. Those plows are humungous.Snow driving is so trecherous.

Our pretty weather is supposed to go away today. I looked at the 10 dayt forecast and it's rainy/snowy for the entire 10 days. Yuck. I did enjoy yesterday. I took my huskies for a walk around the block (up a steep hill, then down for 2 miles). I was beat but I didn't wear a jacket and when we got back I sat outside on my swing for about 20 minutes, just enjoying the weather. It was about 60 degrees. I sure did enjoy it.

Well, that's about it. I will chat with you later. Take care of yourself!!!
Marie

Marie the weather sounds wonderful. We are currently in a cold point now. I hate it to say the least. We were suppose to get a really bad day today but it looks okay so far. Just cold. That I can handle. I bought my bathing suit yesterday a bit tropical style on top and black bottoms. It is a two piece but one of those longer tops. I couldn't get over how lucky I was with the way the suits fit this year. That made me know I have at least lost inches and wish I had measured myself now. Oh well. I am feeling great about my health and want to continue so I will be working out tonight after work. I am also really paying attention to my foods. I did well last night with fresh strawberries and lite cool whip for a snack. I bought the last groceries before we go away. Fresh fruits, veggies and some shrimp. Tonight I am going to whip up some shrimp scampi. Its so easy and tasty too. Not too bad on cals as I monitor what goes in. I am on a seafood need this week. Not a bad thing I guess. Well gotta go to work Judy hope your doing well too! Have a great day girls. Oh I only have 10 days left but who is counting?????????????

Sorry I have been MIA, ladies! I was away from the Internet for the past few days. I was also MIA re eating on program while traveling. I wasn't as bad as I would have been in the old days, but I ate my share of junk. I should change my ticker (up:mad: ) but I will wait 'til the weekend, when the effect of salty food and pre-TOM will have lessened. I hope...

Marie, you are doing so well in an emotional, stressful time. With baby, company and related stressors, I'd be bouncing off the walls! Congrats on the growing projector fund.

Carol, I'll bet you look great in your tankini and new hairdo. You are inspiring me to get focused. I have been eating on program since I got back from San Francisco, and did a hard workout this morning. I've already changed my wall calendars to March. It's not as motivating as a count-down to Hawaii, but it helps me remember that everyday is a brand-new start, if I want it to be.

judy

Judy I would wait to do the scale also. Give yourself a few days to get back into the swing of being home. After all we all know falling off but not completly is a step in the right direction. Knowing we haven't been great and doing something about it is a good thing. At least we are all headed in the right direction.
I worked out last night after work. I only did 45 min. on the treadmill 3 miles! I was really pushing myself and felt it. But I have to think oh I will only do 25 min. then change my thinking to 35 and then oh well I can do another 10. But I will say doing it on a saturday v.s. a work day is different. I felt wiped out. I then called home told the hubby I was stopping to tan on the way home. I didn't get home til later but it was worth it in the end. Lots of me time lately guess I AM a bit selfish! But yah know what it feels great! Thank goodness I had my babies young and now I can do these things without worrying too much.
Marie and Judy 20 days til spring! 9 til my trip oh I can eat healthy for 9 more days. I did eat an ice cream sandwich last night. But I burned 400 cals alone on that treadmill did the stairs several times yesterday at work and walked to the site next door and back. So in calories I was okay no more than 1400 before wiping out the ones I earned from exercise. I hope to see another change on the scale friday.

I was reading through your thread and really liked the support I see all of you giving each other so I'm going to join you guys. I don't know how overweight I am, have not weighed TOOO frightened to check! I've been dieting about a week and tonight I will probably join TOPS in my local town. I've also ordered the one week supply of Nutrisystem food from QVC and I'm going to give that a try. I know it works as I've seen wonderful results on a cousin.

I'm 50 years old and have yo-yo'ed for the past 10 years. I want to lose this weight and keep it off. I'm sure I'm somewhere in the 40+ pound range.

I have no children at home and my hubs and I are both retired.

I've been counting calories since I started dieting and I know that works but I also know I need to be distracted from the doldrums of it all.

That's all I know to tell and all of you keep up the good work and support and hope to hear from you soon.

Afternoon everyone!!! It's actually sort of nice out and a surprise since it's supposed to be snowy and rainy. I'll take it. Hey Carol, you're in the single digits for your count down. I'd be so excited to be going to Hawaii.

Welcome, Guiltmama. first thing I thought when I read your post was I'm envious. 50 and retired??? That's just so cool. You said you don't have kids at home. Does that mean you have kids, but they've grown up? I'm a little envious of that too. :)

Well, life is good. I exercised yesterday. I'm up to 48 miles for February and tonight I'll make my goal of 50 miles walking. Yeah!!! Then I have a goal of 54 miles for March. That gives me a couple days off. That I will use wisely this month. Heopfully I don't get sick again and need my days off for that.

Judy, definitely hold off on the weighing. There's no reason to do it if it's going to bum you out.

Okay, I'm at work and should get back to it. Talk to you later.

Yep I agree don't weigh if it is going to bum you out, thanks for the welcome Marie. I broke down and weighed myself and I will need to lose 31.5 pounds so not bad but not good either.

Ah, guiltmama, I wish I only had 31.5 pounds to lose. So I think you're doing great!!! I have more like 65 pounds. I haven't weighed myself in 6 months. That scale just bummed me out too much. And I haven't been motivated to diet so I'm trying to maintain and using my clothes as my marker.
Marie

Marie that is a great idea and that is what I wanted to do too, but I'm going to a TOPS meeting tonight and will probably join them. Also, I'm reading the book Calorie Queens and will use the program Weight by Date for tracking my food. My Nutrisystem didn't arrive today dang it! But maybe tomorrow, I want to be on Nurtri system for the next couple of months then roll into the food plan with Calorie queens, I really got into the book.

I understand I lost a bunch of weight 2 years ago and I'm feeling very fortunate that I only have to lose the 31 pounds this time, but something has got to give with me, I need to learn to keep it off.

Quiltmama welcome aboard! I take it you quilt too? I do but wish I was retired so I could finish something once in awhile. Too many hobbies and lots of interest. I think you fit in just fine here and hope you will stick it out we would love your company. I heard a lot of positive things with Tops. Hope you'll share some information with us along the way. It is good to get new recipes and stay motivated thats part of learning to live a healthier lifestyle. You are the same age as me except for one yr. I want to be retired too! I bet you are enjoying life? My children are all grown as well and I have 4 grandkids that live locally. I have 2 daughters local and one son is Hawaii which I am going to visit next week. I am taking a nice vacation for 2 1/2 weeks to see him and my daughter in law. Well welcome again. Look forward to hearing from you again,.
Marie hows it going? Sounds like your feeling better. That is good and your the one who motivated me to get walking. The treadmill just about killed me monday. Its so much easier on a off workday. I pushed the 3 miles and also had other exercise stairs, walked to a site next door down a little hill etc. But it wasn't easy on the treadmill. I set myself for 25 min. then push it a little more, more til I have reached my goal. My hubby commented my butt is getting smaller. I wonder what he thought before ? Did he call me big butt??? Hah hah! He is a skinny little guy and never in his life has he had to worry about chol. or any of that. But his other health issues surely out weigh all of that. Oh well gotta get off to work. I am planning to go work out this afternoon. Can't remember my schedule other than my 8:30 appt. Oh the drs' office called and I need to see how I did on my blood test last week. Oh I can't wait! Hah hah! It usually isn't such good news but with my better eating and all we will see.

Good morning Quiltmama, Carol and Judy. It is a BEAUTIFUL day out - such a nice surprise since it was supposed to snow/rain. When I got up this morning, I peeked out the shade and was pleasantly surprised there wasn't any snow. And Mr. Sunshine is out. Can you tell that makes me happy.

Carol, I'm going to miss you while you're in Hawaii. Just thought I'd mention that but I know that you will be having a blast.

Quiltmama, how did TOPS go? I've heard both good and bad things about them. I can definitely relate with wishing I could get it right once I lose weight. I know that I can lose, I just can't keep it off. About 15 years ago I lost 85 pounds, looked great, felt great. It took 10-12 years, but I put all bu 20 pounds of that back on. I'm still so mad at myself. Now I wonder if I really get to it and lose the weight, will I keep it off? Mostly I don't think so since I've been yo-yoing with the same 15 pounds the last 3 years. I don't know, it's such a difficult journey. for now I'm just trying to make exercise a real part of my life.

So with that, I will tell you I made my February exercise goal of 50 miles walking. that meant I walked all but 3 days. March's goal: 54 miles. I was very happy last night when my tracker made 50 miles.

Okay, I'm at work and should think about doing work.
Marie

Speaking of Hawaii, Carol be sure and wear good SPF you won't feel it because the weather will be so nice but you can really burn in Hawaii.

Marie at least you are doing the walking. TOPS was good, like I said earlier they are a friendly group, not very aggressive weight loss and everyone is supposed to do their own thing so maybe the no pressure is good support. I was a bit disappointed to see several folks there that had been there a number of years and were very, very overweight. In fact several of them had gained that weekly weigh in so maybe with some folks the idea is to not get bigger and go from there. I don't want to judge but I do want to be serious about this but I also want to keep it off this time.

I think that is why I'm so enthralled with the Book Calorie Queens because it is a modest diet, not drastic, no disallowed foods but also it focuses on the maintenance as well through out the losing process. So much of what I already knew it pieces was put together in this book. Believe it or not, another lady on 2fatchicks told me about it. It is easy to read and I wish I was cleaning house today and could be reading more of it. LOL

Welcome, Quiltmama! The more, the merrier. It sounds like you already know how to do this: start reading, find some support...you're a quilter, Carol's a knitter, Marie knits and makes stained glass, and I'm just a slacker:D .

Marie, congrats on meeting your February walking goal! That's so cool.

Carol, we will miss your steady presence while you're vacationing. You will take pictures, yes?

I'm doing well this week, despite serious work stress and deadlines. I've gone to Curves and/or done cardio every day other than that. I'm not religious, but I've decided to give up white flour, white rice and sugary foods for Lent. Luckily, those things aren't on my eating plan anyway....but they've drifted there too often this year, one reason why I've been stuck.

Heading to Curves now. I have a huge knot of tension behind my shoulder blade. If I work out, stretch, then go home and wear one of those heat things, I'm hoping it goes away. It's been making me miserable all day.

Be well, everybody--judy

thanks for the welcome Judy, how is your pain today, Work stress, oh how I remember it too well. I weighed this morning and I've lost 5 pounds, gasp, shock. I don't know what happened there. I'm a bit scared since I made cabbage last night for dinner, and cabbage is a natural diuretic that a couple of pounds of that is water loss. But I'll weigh again tomorow to check. It seems unnature to lose that much weight in a week on the second week of a diet, maybe on the first.

I did my free weights yesterday but didn't do anything else. I'm a slug! No motivation for exercising yet and the only reason I can actually say is because I find it too boring! Ok, ya'll can comense the beatings down.

Quiltmama don't sweat the little stuff. If the scale says 5lbs. be happy for the day. If it adjust a bit the next day its okay. At least your on the right track. Sounds to me like you will motivate some folks at that meeting. Hah hah! Sometimes we all get in a comfort zone and don't lose but figure if we don't gain thats okay too. Maybe they all got stuck at that point. You may be just the one to help get them jump started again. I will have to ck out that book. I am always up for new info. I try to stay on top of stuff to keep myself motivated. This week hasn't been a great exercise week. I didn't get there only once. But I am going to try today.
Judy and Marie I plan on taking my web site info. with me. Maybe my son can setup a email address for me during my visit. Then I can keep in touch a bit I might need a reality ck once in awhile. That I have to come back to NY etc... this is only a visit not permit residence etc..... I wasn't too great with eating last night but that happens I WILL try to get back on track today. I didn't feel great sinus stuff. I got some meds into me and went to bed at 8:30. I feel a bit better this a.m.. I think I may take off a half of day sick. I have a meeting this morning and need to do that. I am working with my sec. to type up a couple of reports to so I can get some other ones done. I wish my supervisor would give me back what I handed in early. I swear I got things done so I could take care of things before I left and she is not looking them over. It is a bit stressful. I did tell the director yesterday that as always I have done everything I could before vacation time. That way there is no misunderstandings if somethings aren't done while I am away. I can only do so much! I have been seeing some clients so that its done before I go. I have 24 to see for the month. I have 6 done as of today and 2 meetings held. Oh can you tell I am stressing a bit?????????????????? Oh it will be okay!
Judy hope your feeling better.
Marie keep up your walking I am sure your building muscle. If you have accomplished a certain amt. of walking in a day maybe pushing yourself a little more will make even more of a difference. In a few days even a little more would become a routine....

I wish I had all of your exercise motivation. I'm disappointed in myself in not getting all the ball with it, but I know it will come so I'm trying not to get bad o n myself. I love hearing all ya'lls motivation to exercise it does make me move forward a bit.

Yep, Judy I can see the stress. It reminds me of my life before retirement. I don't remember in fondly but I'm so very glad I don't have to live with that now. But stress is still there in any bodies life, but thankfully that one is not there for me. Trying to go on vacation was the worst, it is like working two days in one for every day you work before you go.

Good luck and I hope you get to pop in and chat.

Morning everyone. sounds like everyone is doing okay. Sort of interesting that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Guiltmama, you're strength is controlling your food and mine is making myself exercise. shake us in a bag and we'd be the perfect dieter. :)

Carol and Judy, take a deep breath and relax. One thing I've tried to learn is that life is more important that work. Relax and enjoy the weekend.

I think that I'm going to tak Monday off but I'm not so sure. Things have been weird at my house since the baby was born. Has turned DS's GF into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. So I guess if it's a good weekend, I'll take the day off. If not, I will seek refuge at work. That's sort of a bummer that my house is no longer my refuge. I hope they all straighten up soon.

Well, I suppose I should work...
Marie

Yaay, it's Friday!!! I was going to work a little over the weekend, but I think I need to just slow down and take care of home stuff, and relax a bit. I've spent most of the afternoon cleaning up my office and sifting through the backlog in my email inbox. I haven't finished either, but I feel pretty good about what I've done so far. My arm and neck hurt last night just putting my coat on , so I didn't go to Curves, just went home and put on one of thos heat wraps. It worked like a charm, and I'm only feeling a little bit of tenderness today--and am sneezing again:mad: Ha, it's always something, right?

Carol, you don't need an email address to follow 3FC, just get online, go to the website and plug in your name and password. If I were in Hawaii I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in front of a computer, but it will be nice to hear from you even so. I hope you got through the day okay, and will be able to de-stress this weekend.

Marie, I'm so sorry to hear about the drama at home. I've never had a kid, and I guess I realize that hormones and exhaustion and strangeness might make me crazy, the daydream we all have is of happiness and bliss, cradling a new baby. I hope things settle down soon.

Quiltmama, I'm one of those girls who always had the cramps when gym class rolled around. I do enjoy walking, though, and have learned to look forward to how good my body feels after a cardio workout. When I first discovered this site, I went to the exercise threads sometimes, and 'listening' to other women who also were self-conscious, uncomfortable or just hated working out gave me a lot of inspiration. Marie focuses on putting in her miles, and I focus on putting in the minutes (at least 250 a week). You will find you motivation, too, if you hang in there!

I'm going to the second-run theater in my neighborhood to see "Walk the Line" tonight. I might have a movie marathon this weekend, in honor of Oscar.

Be well, y'all.

judy

Judy, I saw "walk the line" and loved it, the actors are great in it, and I like the movie sound track with Reese Witherspoon singing more than I do the original songs with Johnny cash and June Carter.

I'm doing some arm reps with my free weights, every other day. The hubs and I went out last night and I did get some audio books in prep for my treadmill, I just will not get on that thing with out a good audio book going to distract me. When I do start I plan to start at 15 minutes, and then every week bump it up 5 minutes. I'm hoping I can also get myself motivated to do that *&^&^^ tybo DVD I keep talking about, LOL, I've not even found it yet, but know it is here somewhere.

I guess the big thing for me, is keeping focused on the food, I slip too easily with that. I also think....I'm really trying to take it slow and not let anything rush me or overwhelm me...my hope is to make life time changes and stop this yo-yo business.

Marie, I understand about having a kid at home, and am thankful ours are all grown and on their own. Lots of work and lots of pleasure and lots of worry tossed into the middle of it.

Carol, hope to hear from you but I agree totally with Judy, no way I'd spend any good daylight hours in front of the computer. Hawaii is beautiful, I was there in 87 and would love to take the hubs there, as he has never been. Maybe that would be a "goal" present I could set for myself.

I feel very fat this morning and guilty. We ate out last night at a Greek Rest and I had a salad and a Gyro, I was still under my calories for the day, but felt so stuffed and still do, even this morning. Next time we eat there, I intend to have them take half the meat out, way too much!

Everyonoe have a good day.

and nice hugs to you all

Girls your right and I will be extremly busy I am sure. I am really geting tanned. That feels and looks good. Having a little color does help this time of year. My eating hasn't been so great the last two days. Most likely nerves... Stressing out about getting things done at work etc. Well we are playing cards tonight with friends. I have a huge crock pot of chili going. I also started my spaghetti sauce and meatballs for sunday dinner with the kids. I bought some desserts too. So I at least won't be baking. Well talk to you soon. I leave on thurs..... a.m..... We will get there around 7:40 p.m. their time.Long trip any ideas of what I should bring to pass the time away?

New here, looking for a group to hang with. I started the Medical Weight Loss Clinic program a week ago and have lost 6 lbs. Married 5 months ago at 48, no kids, 5 doggies.

cacmsc--sounds like a longish trip, ever try sudoku puzzles?

Sox

hi and welcome sox.

cascmc, do you like to read? If it was me, my face would be in a book the whole time. I love to read and what a good legal excuse, flying or waiting in a airport!

Sox welcome to the site. I hope you will continue to join in with us here. We all try to keep each other updated on information regarding a healthier lifestyle, exercise etc.
Today it is so beautiful outside the sun is shining. I think I will walk outside around the lakes today. That will give me a 4 mile start on the week. Everyone was encouraging me to go to the Casino on monday nite. I won there last week 125.00 and at cards last night 30.00. My luck was good you could say. But that doesn't mean it will continue. But I will take my 30.00 and a coupon for 10.00 free play and let it roll on monday. Today I plan on packing. I spoke to my son last night he sounded excited to see us. He is very proud of his new 1948 chevy pickup and can't wait for his dad to see it. They will have fun puttering with that throughout our visit. He was telling us because they live on the island many entertainment things are discounted to them. Like whale watching 12.50 per person. Aloah not to book it as they know where there are good reasonable ones. Kayaking his friend is a tour guide so discounts there. Wow how exciting nice to know folks and how to get things a bit cheaper. He has fruit trees on his property tangerines, comquats? sp. avocados. Then bananas will be free at his friends home. So lots of fruit. There is a Coscos store which is discounted like our BJ's wholesale. He will take us there to purchase some stuff we want. I will enjoy doing some cooking while I am there. I love to cook for them. But will not miss anytime doing other things. I am a pretty fast paced person and never sit around doing nothing very often. The hubby gets upset cause I always have to be busy. Well I will continue to chatt with yah all over the next few days. I have to go do my spring clothes so I can pack them. Just dug out my sandals yesterday. I think 3 pairs should be good and sneakers. My tan is coming along I did mega min. yesterday it was a free thing since my friend signed up. Well take care everyone and hang in there spring is coming next wed. thurs. fri. 50 - 60's here in NY.

Well girls the time to go away is coming really quick. The family came to dinner yesterday. That was nice we enjoyed their company. I ate a bit too much of course. So that wasn't great dessert pecan bars got me! Today I have a busy day with doing reports then an ins. meeting at the main office. My company has applied for a grant and it was approved for our out of pocket medical expenses. We can get up to 568.00 back from last year and this year. So needless to say that will be nice if I AM reading it properly. Time will tell. I still need to try on some shorts to decide which ones to take. Other than that I am pretty well packed but need a bigger suitcase. The hubby took the bigger one go figure! I will take an extra anyways with the kids gifts in. My daughter is sending a christmas package, birthday gift. So on the way back I should have an empty suitcase in case we want to bring stuff back home. Time will tell. My son said lots of rain but if we drive 30 min. to the beach no rain sunshine. Sounds like Florida to me. That is how it was when we visited a few years ago. My friends want us to visit in November to Florida. We haven't been in at least 4 years so I wouldn't mind going. Depends on money after we return this time. My son said things aren't as bad as one might think? I think he's gotten used to the cost thats all. But I am planning on making some meals etc.. So grilling of course no pans to dirty.
Talk to you all soon. No exercise other than house work and packing this weekend. I will stop to tan today after work. But exercising Tues. morning before work. Up early and moving Tues.... It will be my last workout.

Cascms, sounds like you are getting the excitment bug. I can't blame you, I'd be all up in there if it was me.

Sox, how was your weekend? How does your plan work?
I have two dogs, 2 inside cats, 1 outside cat, 1 African Gray Parrot oh yea, one husband. I have to include him in the animals, LOL

I feel very tired and sluggy over the weekend. I've started taking my vitamins today, something I'm bad about neglecting. Today is my day for working with the free weight and I've set a goal to get on the treadmill and begin with some exercise. My eating is ok, but I need to get a handle on the exercise.

Hi, everybody! I was up late last night, watching the Oscars and so got a late start this morning, and now Monday's almost over and I don't think I ever did catch up! I had a calm, selfish weekend. Walk the Line was really crowded Friday night, so I saw Capote on Saturday instead. It was great! For once I saw most of the movies and performances nominated this year, so I felt invested in watching the whole Oscar broadcast. Went to Curves Saturday and got two good workouts in Saturday and Sunday, and was mostly feeling low-key and relaxed. My eating had been pretty much per program, although I did have a glass of port during the Oscars, for some reason.

Nice to meet you, Sox! I hope you're able to find your way back! That's the biggest problem for newbies, I think--figuring out how to navigate around this site. If you find the "thread tools" button and add us to your User CP (Control Panel), all you'll have to do is go to User CP when you log in and the link will be there. Congratulations on getting off to such a good start with weight loss!

Carol, I love to read, and it feels like a special treat to be able to read for hours at a time on the plane. Sometimes I bring part of my backlog of magazines, and then I toss 'em when I'm done, and a couple of big novels. I also bring some music with me (an old-school Walkman and a couple of tapes), in case I have trouble tuning out conversations I don't want to hear. Is you hubby a card player, or do you both play chess or Scrabble or something? And (I travel a lot:D ) I have one of those inflatable neck pillows. I put one of the airline's pillows behind the small of my back, and between that and the neck pillow, I don't feel too badly after a long flight. But do make a point of standing and stretching every 90 minutes or so, you'll feel a lot less beaten up when you land.

Quiltmama, back in the old days, they would have had you take a nasty-tasting spring tonic, or at least a dose of cod liver oil! It's a little cloudy here today, whenever I'm in the sun I automatically feel more energetic, getting ready for spring. As soon as the temperature's steadily in the 50s in the mornings, I'll be out walking for an hour again on the way to work, woo-hoo!

Marie and Maureen, I hope you are both doing well!

judy

Hi all, everything is going good here. Ds and I just gave DGS a bath. He wasn't too thrilled with it. But now he's all clean and I love the smell of clean babies.

I had today off and knitted. I'm making my sister a lilac cardigan for her birthday. It's a really cool yarn - it's like it has a thread of nylon through it to give it texture and sheen. Looks sort of dressy. Anyway, it's turning out good.

Today marked the 100 mile mark on my walking program. Not bad, if I say so myself. I ordered another Walk Away The Pounds Video - the 5 mile one yesterday so I get some variety. Apparently you can program the 5 miler for the number of mile you want to do and it's a quicker pace.

Judy, good advice on the traveling. I take my IPod and listen to music or an audio book to help pass the time. I rarely chat with anyone (I've only travelled alone and this July will be the first time DH and I fly together). I like to zone out. I didn't watch the oscars, but I did watch the recaps that were on during Oprah and the View. I like having the TV keep me company occasionally on my days off.

Carol, the count down is on. I bet work is hard, trying to focus. I'd be too excited. Hawaii will be great.

Quiltmama, I hope the vitamins help. I started taking htem regularly and someone here at 3FC (maybe Carol) got me started with B12 for energy. Somedays, I just feel sluggish for no reason. Drives me nuts. :) Especially when I want to do things.

Sox, I'm a doggie person too. I have 3 of them and they are my babies. My huskies are the world to me.

Well, that's about it, I'll chat with you tomorrow.
Marie

Hi all, I sure hope the vitamins work too, I've gotten pretty tired with feeling sluggy. I guess it will take a few days to get with it all. We had a bit of a drama yesterday, my dad is in the hospital and has been for a week, and my step mother called and said he has acted up so bad that someone must be with him all the time, so my sweet hubs went over there so I could attend my meeting tonight at TOPS, then I'll go over on Wed (they live 1.5 hours away) to relieve him for a couple of days. I'll be taking my Nutrisystem meals I purchaed as a try out so now they will come in handy and keep me on track with my eating while being the "baby sitter" my father is an alcoholic and has emphazma and his lungs fill up with fluid easily. So when he is put into the hospital (read that as forced) he tends to act up very badly. We are forcing him to stay until he is completely well so he is acting out and being as bad as he can get. Drives us all nuts!!! But, I'll be the big bad meany over there for a couple of days and he'll really appreciate my step mom, after I leave. I won't pamper and spoil him the way he does. I'll pack plenty of fruit and things I can hit when the furstration gets bad. LOL

Hey Marie, did you do a sweater in one day? I haven't knitted in years but I do keep a crochet afghan going to keep me occupied at night.

I think I'll be ready for a trip to ANYWHERE, after my little jorney as a daddysitter.

Well girls your all correct on the excitement growing inside me. I can't wait most of all to see my son. It is the longest time we all have ever been apart. I realize he is older but he is still our little boy! Boy do I sound like an old mom today.
Anyways focusing at work is tough I spent the whole day doing reports yesterday. Today I need to sneak out and see some folks. Bring myself back to the reality of my job not just paper shuffling. Anyways the weather is great maybe I can sneak in a little 25 min. walk. I need to do that. At anyrate I took my winnings from our friendly saturday night Texas Holdem and turned it into 100.00 last night at the casino. Good timing it went into my wallet for spending cash. I will buy myself something neat jewelry wise to keep forever from my trip. I have a ring from Colorado which is amber and I wear almost all the time. Its nice to have something special to remind me of the kids so far away. My intake hasn't been bad but I have had better I think it is related to nerves. Making sure things are done is stressing me out a bit. The boss says oh don't worry but I do she is a bit layed back in the fact of procrastnating sp. ? I am not and not good at it at all. I am a do as soon as possible person so it can stress me out.
Sox hope yah find your way back. Judy great work out over the weekend. Quiltmama the yarn sounds lovely. I think I am going to take my knitting. Judy can I bring knitting needles on the plane?????????????????? Oh maybe not? Let me know please as that would sure be great. I could start my new sweater forsure. Well girls gotta run have breakfast with a friend before work poached eggs dry rye and of course a half of orders of potatoes.... HEALTHY LUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all your support and ideas as always their appreciated more than you will ever know.

Carol, I guess the folks at TSA think that anyone who knits is too nice to be a terrorist. You certainly can take knitting needles on the plane, which doesn't make much sense to me, but is certainly handy for you.

Quiltmama, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I don't envy you having to treat a grown man like a child. It's smart of you to plan your hospital snacks ahead of time. I would end up getting bored and and stressed and wandering down to the gift shop for M&Ms or something.

Hi, Grandma Marie--wow, 100 miles! Think of how far from home you'd be if you had just pointed iyourself n some direction and started walking! That's so cool.

Too many distractions yesterday, I didn't get much work done at the office. Gotta put pedal to the metal today. I may not be able to check in every day between tomorrow and Saturday while I'm away, but I will do my best to visit the hotel fitness center at least twice, to keep my food log and to remember my eating plan.

Carol, have a great trip!

judy

Hi everyone, just a quick note since I'm "working". Carol, my mom is a knitter and said that she's allowed to bring knitting needles on the plane as long as the project is started and a little done on it. Shows that knitters couldn't be terrorists. :)

Quiltmama, so sorry to here about your dad. My father's a recovering alcoholic and to get him to admit the problem, they had to do lock up. I can't imagine what he would have been like (I live 1500 miles away). So I bet my mom can relate. And no, I don't finish a sweater in a day. Supposedly you can make a sweater in two evenings, but I couldn't. Too many other things going on and I'd get bored. I take about 2 weeks.

Judy, good luck sticking to the plan while you're gone. I don't envy you - you travel way too much for me - I'd eat my way across the country on every trip. :)

Well, back to work.
Marie

Boy we all have so much in common. Its wild that we all seem so connected in so many ways. I am so happy to have you all as my friends. At any rate my dad passed away quite awhile ago but his alcohol issues had quite an effect on all our lifes. I am only a social drinker and I know that its because I will never let it control me. But my older sister followed in his footsteps. It is hard for me at times to see her drink so much and so does her hubby. I hope Quiltmama that you will know my thoughts are with you caring for him. I have been there and its not an easy situation. Just remember pick and choose with him. If he is too hard to handle take a stroll come back he might of calmed down or thought about his behavior. Sometimes their just looking for attention positive or neg. any thing to get it. Its crazy but kid of like having a teenager again. I am glad you feel that releasing here is okay. Because it is and sometimes its what one needs. Hang in there!
Thanks for the knitting info. I do have a project started but don't care for it. I won't rip it out but buy a pattern today and take it with me to do. That will be something to keep me upbeat and not bored. I always have to be busy sitting for 14 hrs. Oh my! How will I ever do it???????????? Because in the end I will see the kids.. Thats how!
Judy I like that idea about the knitting. Seems as though they could trust one a bit too easily! But not me of course!
Marie your doing so well aint no one gonna stop this grandma from being fit! Great job its also a nice outlet for you to get out of house and have some alone time. I will miss you all while I am gone this site means a lot to me. Thanks for all your support during my preparing to go away to Hawaii. You all have been wonderful. I have my to do list for work and home ready and I am going to stop at the store on the way into work today. I haven't gotten to the gym but increased my speed of walking to and from places and using the stairs. My last tanning is also today. It worked out well and I do feel better having a little tan. I wish my legs were a bit darker but that is a harder area I guess. Talk to you when I return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

checking quickly from my hotel room...which is filled with chocolate and other candy! Some of it is ridiculously expensive, as part of the mini-bar, but some of it is on the house, because I have so many hotel stays. The desserts and the sweets on the buffet tables look scrumptious....But I'm hanging in there. I over-noshed yesterday at the opening reception, but not too crazy, and today I've not strayed far from my program. I didn't go to the fitness room today, but I did a dance workokut in my room for over an hour this afternoon, and that felt good.

Bon voyage, Carol! Quiltmama, Marie, Maureen and all you lurkers, I hope you're having a great day!

judy

well I'm back from my visit with my dad. He is really not in good shape. My husband has continued to stay over there. He is really being a big help because he want let my dad pull the tricks he does and get away with the things he does. Its very hard to see someone that sick, and know that they wouldn't be if they would stop doing some of the things they do. The doctors told him his alcohol will kill him, and besides destroying the quality of his life too. To say nothing of the stress it puts on all of us. I came home furstrated and wanted to eat everything, but I stayed legal and managed. I tried to focus on watching TV, a good CSI, get help me detox from it all.

I guess I missed saying a last good bye to cscmsc. I hope her flight is going or was good for her.

Judy so glad you resisted the tempations put too close for you. I know it was hard and way to tempting.

Something I think about when I get temped to overeat, is a visualize my goal in my head. Also, LOL, When I get clothes catalogs in the mail, I will pick out and outfit or two, that I would really love to wear and look at it when ever I get tempted. I love bring out this one pair of pants I want to get into. I have them hanging in my closet and bring them out and look at them and compare visually my body getting into them.

I don't think it matters what you do, but trying to find something that helps you refocus you goal in your head when ever it gets a bit fuzzy.

Morning Quiltmama and Judy. I hope that your day is going good. I'm so happy it's Friday. There's a soap opera going on at work so I'm very glad I'll be away from it for 3 days, starting in 5.5 hours. Can you tell that I'm ready to go home? :)

Carol, I'm thinking about you, envying the fact that you're in the sun and warmth while it's cloudy and pukey here. :)

I took 2 days off from walking and that was sort of nice. Yesterday when I exercised, I was much more motivated then I had been for the last few days. My goal for March is 54 miles so that equals 4 days off. I used 2 of them on Tues. and Wed. Oh well.

I'm not doing good with the food, though. I'm very munchie feeling. I really want to get back on track, but the motivation to stay on track during the day wanes. I'll get there, though. I haven't given up.

Well, back to work.
Marie

Don't ever give up! I wish I had some of you motivation for exercise.

Well I had a rough weekend emotionally but not food wise, for some reason all the stress I'm going through has made it a small battle with food, but also has made me not hungry in some ways and it has been a strange effect.

I try and eat at least 1400 calories a day, the book I've been reading says by going under 1350 there is a strong chance we can put our bodies in hiberation and begin lowering the metabolism rate. I try and pack as much nutrition in those 1400 calories as I can, mostly in the meals and add fruit as a snack and also cookies from the 100 calorie pack that are out. I've been working on a presentation for my TOPS group, Take Off Pounds sensibly, if you haven't heard of it. amazingly it has helped me to sort through a lot of things and has helped a bunch in my own understanding. Plus it was a great distractor from dwelling on my fathers condition, which I can do nothing about. I don't know what I weight until Tuesday but I've kept my calories where they are supposed to be so it is what it is.

I'm still not exercising, and I'm wanting to, but finding too many excuses at this point to avoid it, and I'm working on that problem.