Marie--congratulations! I'm so glad that you love the baby's mom, and that the whole situation isn't filled with angst and stress. If it's a girl, I think Judy is a fine name ;) Hope your stomach settles down soon, that's not a fun way to lose weight.

Skinny--Double-yaay on the two pounds gone :cool: I lived in Atlanta for about a year, but mostly I'm a midwesterner, born and raised in Cleveland, spent sixteen years in Chicago, and moved to DC after eight years in Brooklyn. But my family is from rural Alabama and rural Arkansas, and as I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate a lot about the South, and enjoy spending time in the larger cities--'specially Nawlins, cher!

Well, my scale said 235 this AM, a startling four pounds less than on Sunday. I'm thinking that Sunday's weight was a 'bloat blip,' but whatever, so far so good. Last night I went out with a friend and had a beer and a Kahlua with dinner, but otherwise I'm pretty much EPP. Got a few short walks in, and going to Curves tonight, before going home to make two scrumptious salads for tomorrow's staff picnic.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

judy

Hi Judy and Skinny, both of you are doing on your WOE. Skinny, congrats on the 2 pounds. I think that you're better off weighing at home at the same time of day without clothes on. Drinking a glass of water, wearing jeans instead of shorts, etc. all make the weight vary. I go to the bathroom first thing in the morning, then weigh without clothes. That way the only variable is the water retention from the day before. Other weigh ins are okay, I just take them with a grain of salt (which, btw, adds to water retention) :rofl:

Judy, you sound like me - I've moved all over the country. Originally learned to talk on the east coast and it was amazing when I moved back for 6 years how all the accents came back. Now I talk like an Oregonian. You probably adapt to the native soundd like I do.

I'm very bored at work. I caught up with everything and all the servers are working. YEAH! So today I'm 3FCing and silently singing along with my music (there's a training going on in my office so those 2 probably wouldn't appreciate me belting it out). tonight I plan to write after I swim laps and do my situps. I didn't do them last night since I was one step away from the bathroom to puke. I do feel better today but just a little queasy. I think I had a stomach bug or the supplements I started didn't agree with me. I didn't take them today. Once I feel all the way better, I will add them back individually so I know.

I guess I should find some work to do...

Please send positive thought waves my way--I'm heading off to our staff picnic. It's been pouring down rain so we'll probably be inside most of the time (with tables of food). I have a strategy of filling up on healthy stuff first; using the fact that I'll have to take an antihistamine (pet allergies) as an excuse to say no to alcohol; and to remember how mad I am at myself for regaining a few pounds this summer instead of losing more.

Now see, you've helped me already, just by being there! I'll let you know how it went.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

judy

Hi all, it's good to be back. Last Monday - the boys were crabby, the house was clean and I was looking forward to a week of referring. Our usual activities were cancelled due to my son's fractured wrist so . . . I packed the sleeping bags, tent, boys and headed to Maine for a nature fix and hiking. It was beautiful! We hiked three small mountains and took a nature boat cruise. This health journey is making me rethink all my choices. I'm realizing that I do a lot of things because I think they are the right things to do when in reality I'm pleasing the person I think I should be rather than the one I am. Hiking in the mountains is me and when I do things that "are me" I eat healthy and live healthy.

I read through the entries. Marie, wow!!!!!! I'm so happy for you. Carol is a great grandma to talk to. You are so loving and kind to your son and I've heard you "talk" about your future daughter in law lots so I know she's a good woman. I'm looking forward to all the news in the months ahead. Good job with the exercising too. Hope you feel better - any chance you're pregnant too???? Remember that old film when the mom and daughter become pregnant at the same time - very funny!

Judy, good to hear from you. I love reading your intelligent insights on life and health. I know you're going to reach your goal. I hope the party went well.

Carol - I'm guessing that you're out in the forest camping and hiking. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Skinny - great job loosing weight. It's good to have you back online. You're so positive and have so many inspiring things to say.

I have no idea how much I weigh. I've been making better choices and not eating as much in between. I've been exercising. I'm glad you're all here. Thanks.

Hi everyone, it's 6:00 am and I'm already up and ready for the day. I can not tell you how much better I feel off the meds. It's now been 2 weeks since the last mind altering drug. I feel free and so clean. It's hard to describe. I do know I'm manic but thanks to my friends on this thread and another, I think we have it under control. My main bad side effect of mania is that I spend money like I'm rich (which I am definitely not). I've gotten us into credit card **** several times. Because my friends here told me to tell DH everything that I do, how I hide it, how I get the cards, etc last February, DH knows how to watch for the signs and I can't get away with squat. Pretty cool how this board has changed my life. So I am not shopping without DH knowing. I haven't even bought anything for the new baby. Pretty amazing, huh?

Oops, I got distracted for an hour and bought two new hummingbird feeders. I guess I'm not being all that good.:devil:

Anyway, I lost another pound (weighin yesterday). I'm eating and exercising. I've given up all diet soda and am drinking only water (this was an effect of the stomach bug - soda irritated it and now it looks icky).

TOF, I'm glad you're making better choices. You're doing really good and figuring out that you were trying to be the person you thought you should be instead of who you are is a great realization. When do you go back to work?

Carol, I'm thinking of you and the granddaughter. I'll need lots of grandmotherly advice.

Skinny, how's it going?

Judy, how did the staff picnic go? Those are hard, aren't they? I'm not a good social eater. I can stay on plan at home and mostly at work, but social situations get me.

Got to get going. TTYL.

Hello everyone! I have missed checking in I was trying to cahnge over my internet service and messed it all up. That is why I have not been on. But I need to ck in to keep myself going. Not to bad lately but letting little things creep in that shouldn't be in my diet. I just need to get into the swing of thing. I was really happy I could ck in tonight.
Marie I'd be glad to give you some tips and share some info. Kids are great and we'd be bored with out them. Looks like your doing really well.
Judi good for you losing some lbs... I need to go there myself.
Tired sounds like your enjoying the end of your vacation with camping. Good for you! If it makes you feel good its got to be good! Keep up the good work!
I am going to log in this week more in my journal I slacked off. I am also going to the gym on monday, wed. this week. We are leaving for camping on friday. So I will fit in some exercise that day with a walk on the beach and some swimming if weather permits. Did you all think I went away somewhere? Not last weekend or this weekend. But the next two. One weekend at Southwick beach and one at FairHaven beach. Some relaxation and fishing, swimming. I got into poison oak again some how this time on my neck. I have been putting stuff on it but still have it. If it gets worse I will have to call the doctor.
Well hope I didn't forget to say hi to anyone? If so hello!
We need to all concentrate on new fall clothes fitting us better! Lets go girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, Carol It's so nice to hear from you. it sounds as if you've been pretty busy. You're right, thinking about fall clothes is strong motivation for me. I have a couple of items hanging on the wall in my walk-in closet, that remind me of how nice it would be to fit into them in October....

Marie, I'm so glad that you're feeling good and feeling in control. It reminds me that we can't always see other people's challenges, so maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge other people based on what's obvious to the eye. Anyway, I'm sure teh hummingbirds didn't mind your shopping habits--they probably thinko fyou as a philanthropist.

Tired: the party was nice, but I'll only give myself a B- on my eating choices. I'm going to the Nationals baseball game tomorrow, so I'll have another chance to practice changing my social chow-down tendencies. There's almost nothing 'safe' to eat at the game.

I've moved my tracker down 2lbs., to 237. I've re-revised my 2005 goal to a very ambitious 200 lbs. That's probably not realistic, but it is motivational--I'd have to lose an average of 2 lbs a week. I struggle with goal-setting (too ambitious or not ambitious enough). But I finally asked myself, "What do you really want?" and that's what I really want, and I can visualize it, so that's that!

Have a great day!

judy

Judy, it's a good goal and if you don't make it by a pound or two, just think how much closer you are to your final goal. I like asking myself what I really want - food or to lose weight. Lose weight is the answer and I've been able to stay away from foold. You sure are doing great. Also, are you the Judy that was on Full Time Working Stiffs? If yes, you're missed there and was even mentioned today.

Carol, it's amazing how the little things creep in and eat away at good health. It's good to notice and make them go away. You're doing fabulous. Are you maternal or paternal grandma? I will alway be paternal (only had boys) and I wonder where the boundary lines are. Yesterday I offered GF that when baby is born that if her mother want to use our guest room for a week or two, that she is welcome. I know my mom stayed with me for a while, but having MIL might have been hard. Sometimes, I wonder where the line is. Yes, I'm in a reflective mood today.

I'm going through caffeine withdrawal today. I've weaned it down to very little and today went without. I have a nasty headache - I had to leave work to go to bed - and am still really tired. It's the first day I don't feel manic since going off my bipolar drugs. I just want to curl in a ball and hibernate. I bet I feel a lot better tomorrow.

TTYL.

Marie when is that little bundle due? Nice offer for the other grandma. I was very lucky when the kids were born that my daughters offered for me to be in the room with them. It was a moment that I will cherish forever. I have a picture of my little grandaughter whom is now 6 that she is holding onto my little finger and my hand shows just how little she was. It helps to have a photographer in the family to catch those special times. I have 2 grandaughters 5 and 6 only 11 months apart same parents, 2 grand boys one 3 and 8 their bithdays are in Oct. The 8 year old has the two sisters. I just love them and enjoy their company. We do a lot with them and I think its important. I guess we are lucky that they want us involved in their lifes not every couple wants that. Some want space and thats okay too I guess but people sure do miss a lot. A friend of mine never takes the kids says shes raised hers I think its awful to feel that way. I know as we grow older our kids will be there for us and to continue to care as we have taught them well. Good luck sorry to ramble!
Your doing well with your new lifestyle keep it up. You'll be a healthier gram! Good luck with the getting off the meds becareful try some yoga to relax at times of need!
Judy sounds like your setting some goals for yourself. I was going to the gym yesterday but didn't make it. I have some poison oak on my neck and it is driving me wild. I think its starting to clear up. I don't even know how I got it this time around? I am doctoring it up myself no shot in this butt if I can help it!!!!!!!!!!! I made some veggie stew yesterday really healthy stuff and so easy. But my mistake was buying bread to go with it. I finally wrapped up the bread and stuck it in the freezer.. The calories in the stew have to be really low its only veggies and some lean hot sausage. I froze some for another time and taking some for lunch. It was the easiest stuff to make and really tasty. The hubby wouldn't try it so I have extras! I put on an old pair of pants today and a dress shirt. I feel really good in them haven't had them on in a while. I want to buy some fall clothes which will be fun this year as I have lost some wt. and toned up. But I really still want to lose some more and better get on the stick.
Exercise seems to be hard for me lately I fit it in sometimes but not at the gym. Maybe with fall coming I will do it better lets hope so. You have set some realistic goals and I know you can do it. I have done much better with having water in the ref. and some fresh fruit on hand. At night that is what I snack on and its working out well I don't feel the need for junk food. I did make some homemade hot salsa froze some and ate some with baked chips. Have you ever tried the pita shells and baked them? You cut them into triangles and spray with cooking spray and add a bit of garlic powder, cajun spice if you like. Bake them and put them in a ziploc. Great to snack on with salsa or low cal low fat dip. Well gotta go hope you doing fine Tired I know summer is coming to an end for you with vac.
Sorry so long today I guess I missed all of you!

Carol, you sound like a great grandma! Don't worry about writing too much, I am always happy to hear your throughts. The poison oak is pretty awful, I hope that goes away soon.

Marie, are you feeling better today? Yes, that was me on the other thread. I was active on three at once, but it was too ahrd for me to keep ups, especially with the personals. I'll pop in and say hi to the Working Stiffs. It's nice to be missed!

Heading off to the game soon. I'll eat a veggie burger and some mixed veggies before I leave, and I'm taking an apple and string cheese (if I can smuggle them into RFK). My 'treats,' if I need them, will be peanuts. The beer is so expensive, and bad, that it should be easy to say no :lol:

Be well--judy

Hi all, things are really busy here as we have an ill relative who is requiring a great deal of time and care. I'll hopefully be back on in a bit once her illness seems to settle down. Hope you are all doing well. I'm thinking about you even if I don't have time to log on right now. Take care.

Hi all,

Carol, I think that I'm in the same mindset as you. I really want to be part of the baby's life. Since they are moving into my house, I think it would be difficult to deny me access to the baby. :) I think after they move out will be very hard. There aren't jobs in this area and after they graduate they'll have to move. By then I'll be very attached. Sort of scary that I'm worried about that already. Anyway, baby is due on Valentines Day.

Tired, hope your life calms down so you can enjoy the last couple weeks of your vacation. I have hated being back at work. I've been really resentful of having to be there and helping idiots. I know, there are no stupid questions... but there sure isn't a lot of smart ones.

Judy, thanks for popping in at Working Stiffs. That was nice. I'm on 3 threads and when I don't post it's usually because it takes to long to post something 3 times. I definitely understand.

I'm feeling better today, but I'm still a little cranky. I worked 12 hours today and that could be part of it. I'm tired and ready for bed at 8 o'clock. I usually go to bed at 11:00 but I'm beat.

Tomorrow we're going to Portland for the American Idol concert. DS's GF, DH and I. We should have a good time. I took Wednesday and Thursday off. Now I just need to take the rest of tonight off.

Exercise - a long lost memory lately. With being sick and working like crazy, I haven't done it in about 2 days and I'm not going to tonight. Tomorrow morning, hopefully.

Water - beyond excellent. I've drank a river full.

Food - stayed in my calories. Even had a smore and hot dog for dinner (Oscar Meyer lite dogs are only 90 cals and the smore was a 1/2 one with one graham cracker, one marshmellows and 1/4 chocolate bar). The caffeine withdrawal is almost complete. The head aches are gone so I'm almost there.

TTYL.

Hi all, I just read something about obesity and how it really causes all kinds of problems in your older age. That's what we are experiencing will our ill relative. It is so hard to see, but motivating as far as my own health journey goes.

I've definately gained weight. I can feel it in my clothes. I'm going to focus on my food intake and exercise whenever possible. I'm going to include "power cleaning" in my exercise regimen because when my house gets really messy I get out of sorts too.

One day at a time! Marie, I'm going to think about what you wrote - "You like being thin more than food." I want a body without the extra flab. I'll be back at work next week. I organized my classroom this week and have thought about stress-reducing strategies all summer. Let's see how it goes. My b-day is Valentine's Day. It's a great birthday. It's good to have a chance to read your insights.

Judy, I struggle with emotional, fun-time eating like you. Making a plan does help me. I have to get back to the good strategies I used last year like substituting. Here are some successful substitutes:

Seltzer was a good substitute for alcohol at parties - I always brought a six-pack of flavored seltzer.

Non fat yogurt smoothies are a good ice cream substitute.

Carrot sticks are a good chip substitute if you're craving munching and crunching.

Salads are great meal foods because they take a long time to eat and are very satisfying - healthy too.

Having a healthy snack basket of apples, etc. helps at work.

Power bars are good "on the run" meal substitutes as they are filling. I like the Cliff Bars.

If anyone has other substitute ideas, please let me know. I'm going to put a list on my fridge to remind me. None of this health journey info is second nature to me - it all requires thoughts and planning. Second nature to me unfortunately is eating to soothe the soul.

Carol, always good to read your uplifting entries.

Skinny and Roll - how are you? Miss you.

Take care all. It's good to be back.

Tired talking about flab I feel my stomach getting a little flabby lately. So that will get me to the gym. That has been hard for me lately to get into the swing of things. Last night because of being in a bit of a rush. I thought it would be easier to stop for a pizza. At least it wasn't a greasy one. I had hot pepper rings on my side. But I could of made much better choices. Today I will do my journal that helps keep me balanced and add up those cals. Hope things calm down the relative being ill most likely would make any of us think about our intake. I was out with a friend whom has health issues currently low iron. I told her I know what its all about as I went with my sister in law to the doctors whose in the same boat. My friend doesn't take it so seriously and that is a dum move. Cause it can wear on your kidneys and the results of that aren't so good. Sometimes I am unhealthy to but I never get so far away from making good changes to put myself in danger. Make sure you take care of yourself if we don't we aren't there for our kids, hubbies etc.... We need to make changes and stay as healthy as possible. When our wt. is up we put ourselves in a different area which is more risk towards diseases etc. So lets pledge to get healthy together as a group we can do it!
Marie being so close will give you time to bond thats for sure. How nice will that be. My son tried to live in OR for awhile years ago it was beautiful but he couldn't make the money at that time he needed. So he caught a train home. I never made it for a visit there. Keep up your good work!
Judy sounds like you've been pretty busy lately. I am going to eat healthy today if it kills me. My pizza was my down fall yesterday. But today is another day. I am going to pack in some cukes, tomatoes and fruit for lunch today. I am making dinner for my future son in law and grandson tonight. That I am not sure what I am making as of yet. I will pick something on the way home.
I went to get my haircut the other day. A little uplift new shorter style. I dyed it a bit darker for the fall. In the summer with the sun and pool it always turn lighter. Time for some changes for fall. I am going shopping for a few new things too. I figure we can't make fall go away so we might as well enjoy it.
Take care everyone and lets get moving! Let those muscles build, tone up!

Hi Carol and Tired, sounds like you're both ready to get really back on track. Good for you. I hate when after losing weigh, I gain a couple pounds and feel bloated. I love the non-bloated dieting feeling. My stomach is also my first place to feel it. That's part of the reason that I added situps to my routine. I may not be perfect on exercising daily, but I can fit in situps. Ive been doing it for 3 weeks and am up to 25 situps. I donn't think as a kid I could do that many. :)

Carol, I hope you like the new hairstyle. I usually dye my hair darker for the fall too, but since I'm growing it out, I can't afford the chemicals on the end. So I'm thinking of highlighting the new growth through fall and winter. Sorry about the pizza choice. Did you have too many pieces because pizza shouldn't be a bad food, just too much should be.

Tired, thanks for mentioning that something I said made you think. I think that my desire for a thinner body is why I'm not struggling food wise. I want it so bad. Then there's the fact that if I overeat now, I feel nauseous. The harder part is choosing low call foods. But I'm finding lots that I like that is good for me. Hence, the easy street on the eating side. Exercise I still need to buckle down more regularly. It's amazing how being sick the last few days has made me feel guilty because I haven't done my situps since Saturday and I haven't exercised since a lazy workout on Sunday (slow laps in the pool). Still the rational side of me knows that I was sick. It's just that desire for being slender that has the guilt going.

Well, I've chatted long enough. I'm going to the American Idol concert in Portland today and that should be fun. We might have an hour or two to shop. :)

Good morning
 

Just a quick note to let you know I'm alive and kicking! Things here are good but hectic. We had company from MI all weekend on top of band stuff and church stuff and DS drama so I didn't get to post. I didn't weigh this morning but will tomorrow a.m. and report. I think I'm down some as I'm wearing a 14/16 outfit today and I haven't been in a fourteen for at least ten years. So, feeling good about where this is all going. I didn't behave as well as I should have during my TOM but didn't blow it, either. Believe me, if anything would have caused me to blow it, it would have been our problems w/DS this weekend. He's DH's son from a previous marriage but he's my son as well, you know what I mean? Well, he called Saturday morning and had been cutting himself and was threatening to kill himself. We called the police and went over there. He finally, after about an hour, put down his knives and let the police take him to the hospital. He was relased last night, which seems quick but I'm not the doctor. Anyway, he's bipolar and scitzophrenic (sp?). He hadn's been on his meds for a while and he hadn't slept in 6 days and a friend of his was killed in an accident the day before. He hates his meds b/c they keep him from sleeping (he takes lithium) and the doctor's won't give him sleeping pills. We've rounded up a couple of places for him to look at. He really needs to go spend some time somewhere until they can find the right kind of meds for him. He has the insurance now to pay for it. But, he's 21 so we'll give him the info and the rest will be up to him. We'll be there for him as much as we can but it's his life. It hurts so much to see them suffer.

Good news: we ate healthy all weekend and not only did our company like it, they asked for recipes. This is a good thing b/c they do not eat healthy at home and I worry for them. So, maybe this weekend opened their eyes to how fun it can be to be healthy.

Well, gotta run. I'll read everything later and respond. I hope everyone is doing well. TTYL. Thanks for being here. :)

Wow, Skinny, that's a lot to deal with. I hope that you are taking care of yourself during this stressful period. At least you aren't indulging in comfort foods. My brother has been in the hospital since Monday with blood clots on his lungs. It's hard to be so far away, and I'm thinking about going home for a few days to see what's what.

The baseball game was fun. I didn't have anything but sliced veggies at the sports bar, and my splurge was an Italian sausage sandwich and a beer at the game. Afterwards, I walked with my friends to their home, about 20 minutes or so, before heading for the Metro. This AM, I did my 55-minute walk, and don't feel nearly as wiped out as I did before--yaay!

I will try to come back later. Gotta run now!

judy

Marie I had 3 pieces my friend. But I guess when you think of it thats not that bad.It had peppers on it and wasn't the greasy type. But I think maybe I could of had 2 and some salad but no time! Oh well one must move on they say! Just start in again.
Skinny sorry to hear your troubles. In my husbands family a member took pills recently and ended up in the hospital. It is about his 10th attempt. For him I think its attention and away to get out of some other trouble with out wanting to face it. But I did have a niece 3 years ago that did go through with it. Bipolar and other diseases like it are so hard ones mind. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from them. Memories of my niece at 21 will never go away completely. Hopefully things will get better. In the field I work in I deal with info. on meds. doctor appts etc. some of them are trying to get away from lithum and putting them gradually on risperdal. But its not for everyone!
Most of the time they take two meds increasing one and gradually decreasing the other until their off it completely. Good luck my thoughts are with you and your son. Ask about meds. new to the market too! Ask lots of questions and write down the info. its alot to take in and you can refer back to it as time goes on.
Judy your getting into the swing of things. Its so hard sometimes to get back in. I did pretty good calorie wise yesterday.
Peach for breakfast
bagel rye w/ mustard/roasted turkey/ lettuce/ cherry tomatoes for lunch
no snacks in between
goulash for dinner small bowl 2 slices of italian bread
1 small choc. ice cream cone
So around 1450 even with my ice cream. I used to eat a big dish of pasta I have noticed lately my portions are better. It seems like it just happened. I guess maybe I don't need quite as much to fill me up. I am going to do the scale thing on friday before camping. But I have decided during the night when I couldn't sleep due to allergy meds I took that I will pack healthy stuff. So I am going to the farmers market to get some fresh veggies and fruit this a.m.. I am going to make a fruit salad w/ walnuts. Also taking some baked tortilla chips to go with my homemade salsa. We usually only eat two meals as our breakfast is normally good size. Well I will have to have a bit of wine of course. So that is up a bit! But better choices than sometimes I think. I will do some hiking while camping, swimming, and fishing. I also have been reading it seems to help me have less munches at night. Well be good girls and lets keep moving! Hey great situps! I am still fighting with my poison oak!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only on the back on my leg. It is more painful than poison ivy I think it bothers your nervous system. Boy I tell yah leave it to me to get this junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning, friends
 

Hope this day finds all doing well. I'm sitting here w/coffee, of course, and listening to Veggie Tales-Veggie Rocks. Ahhh, great start to the day. :) Is anyone here familar with Veggie Tales? If so, this cd is some of their silly songs sung by some contemporary Christian artists. It's a fun cd.

Judy and Carol-thanks for your words of encouragement re: my DS. He was released yesterday and he is open to the info we have gathered for him. I think he realizes that he's going to have to do something or next time, it might not end so well. Please keep us in your thoughts/prayers. Thanks bunches.


Carol-so sorry about your niece. :( Hoping you can take comfort in your good memories of her. Also sorry to hear about your poison oak. Yuck. My sister, Carol as a matter of fact, one time got poison ivy in her system through a small cut between her fingers. She looked like a blow-fish she swelled so much! so, you have my sympathies. Sounds like you did okay with the pizza. I used to be able to eat three-five pieces without even thinking about it. The fact you are thinking about it is good.

Judy-sorry to hear about your brother. Let us know what you decide to do about traveling. It sounds like you handled your eating quite well at the baseball game and your exercise is going well. Keep up the good work!

Marie-how's it going with your exercise? I think of you everyday while I'm exercising so I'm sending positive thoughts your way.

TOF-How's it going for you? I've been thinking about Maries words about liking being healthy better than junk food. It seemed to hit a nerve with me as well. Plus, I have extra incentive to try to be at my goal weight by April, 2006. It looks like my oldest DD and I will be going on a mission trip to Honduras! So, I definitely want to be as healthy as possible before we go. I'm so excited. I've never been on a mission trip before and neither has my DD. Yea!

Well, life is good, isn't it? Even when it's hard. I have health, good friends, family who love me, a job, a car, a house; we're just blessed all over the place, aren't we? Thanks so much for your friendship and support. It's greatly appreciated and needed! Have a great day. Be kind to yourself.

Forgot to tell you that food and exercise are going well. I've walked everyday this week and been to the circuit room at the Y twice. I plan on doing pilates on Saturday at the Y. I didn't see the scale move down this week but that's okay. Another downward spiral will happen soon. I just have to hang in there and continue making healthy choices.

Hi everyone, well I'm back from Portland and the American Idol concert was pretty good. I wouldn't do it again. Too much driving, we ended up staying overnight since it was so late and the 5 hour drive was too tiring, etc. But Carrie Underwood is one talented young lady. It was cool to hear her sing live. I did fine food wise and yesterday morning DH and I took the dogs hiking so I did exercise yesterday. I'm pretty wiped out today but I'm going to ride the exercycle or Gazelle to try to get my head on straight. This morning I did have a cinnamon roll, but I have it planned in the calories so I should be okay. Since I rarely ever want to eat anymore, making room for it wasn't too hard.

Carol, I wish I could help with the Poison Oak. Have you taken Benadryl - it's the best stuff for allergic reactions. And I'm very sorry about your niece. That must be so difficult to adjust to. I know that I've been playing with my meds so that I'll lose weight and I do wonder about my choices. I tried to call my psychiatrist but she must still be on sabbatical. I will try again in a couple weeks.

Skinny, your last words of how blessed we are made me think. Thanks. I'm glad that you're hanging in there even though the scale is being stubborn. Tomorrow is my weigh in day and I'm hoping for some loss. I'm not greedy - a 1/2 pound makes me happy.

Judy, my thoughts are with your family. That is so scary. Do they know what is causing the blood clots? I can understand your wish to travel to be with him.

TOF - hope you're doing well and are staying on track. Enjoy your last couple days off. Our teachers return to work next week too. That' make my life more hectic.

Well, ttyl.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Carol, you're doing a great job in planning ahead for a healthy camping trip. I hope that you have perfect weather and no more itchy vegetation.

Skininy, tell me more about your walks! I hope the scale reflects your hard work, but if it doesn't, you're still getting closer to your goals. When I can fit into a size 14 like you can, I will shout hallelujah!

I'm doing well today, did my long (55-minute walk) this morning and will be heading to Curves shortly. Thanks for asking about my brother. The doctors say that he doesn't have blood clots after alll, and have taken him off blood thinners. But they don't know what to treat him for, so he's still weak as a cat and having trouble breathing. He's never stayed at a hospital before, but he's being entertained by a steady stream of visitors and is in good spirits, I think.

I will have five days off over Labor Day. If I don't go home to Ohio to see about my brother, I plan to play Spa Vacation--spa menu, lots of working out and pampering, just being as healthfully self-indulgent as I can!

Keep making good choices--judy

Judy, I'm really glad for the good news about no blood clots and still will keep him in my prayers for a diagnosis. Good job on the walk and Curves. You and I will both be shouting hallelujah together. I wear a comfortable 18 now and have been happy about that. 14 will be even way better.

I rode the exercise cycle for 30 minutes, did my situps and arm weight this afternoon. I'm starting to feel a lot better. The headache is easing and my neck isn't as stiff. The nausea and runs aren't as bad so I think whatever bug I had may be easing.

Talk to you all later.

Hi Judy, Marie, Carol, Skinny, Roll (where are you?),

Wow! You're all off to a running start despite so many issues arising all around you. Skinny, I'm so sorry about your DS - it's so hard to have a child with a problem you can't fix. It's so hard to see people struggle when you know they have to find their own way. You and your DH have been great supports. The Honduran trip sounds wonderful. I'll be heading south to a family reunion in Brazil in April. So I have an incentive to lose the flab too. Just think we can be talking about the shorts and t-shirts we'll bring with us.

Marie, the concert, though a long trip, sounds like fun. You have been so positive and inspiring. Thanks. Thanks for encouraging me for back to school. My home life has been so crazy lately and very, very busy that the first week of school is looking like a vacation to me - some time with only adults.

Judy, I'm glad you're looking at your visit to your brother as a vacation for you too. Is this the brother that visited you. It sounds like you two have a great relationship.

Carol, as always you have the right thing to say and wonderful advice. I'm sorry to hear about your neice too. I hope your poison oak is better.

I'm off to the mountains for a few days. We're planning to climb Mt. Washington tomorrow - New England's highest peak. We're climbing with my sister's family. I'll let you know how it goes when I return on Monday. Until then, enjoy one of the last weekends' of summer.

Hi all, just a quick note before to share the good news. I lost another pound. That's 6.5 pounds since I returned from the cruise 4 weeks ago. I'm so excited, I had to share wiht my friends. Definitely it was the meds that was causing my body to hang onto the weight. I haven't eaten more or less since stopping them.

IT'S FRIDAY! HAPPY, HAPPY FRIDAY!

TTYL.

Hey, there--

Marie--congratulations :cool: Happy, happy Friday, indeed! Keep it going!

Yes, Tired, this is the brother who's visited me last month. They finally figured out that he has 'atypical' pneumonia, so they've begun treating him for that. It's still a bit mysterious, and we're wondering if there was a problem with his lungs before which was exacerbated by the hike up Mount Fuji. Poor guy, every time I call him on the phone someone has just stuck, probed or drained him...In any case, it looks like he's finally on the mend. He's beginning to eat again and hopes to be out of the hospital in another day or so. Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes.

I didn't have time for my long walk this AM, so I did the 25-minute alternate route, and will do it again this evening--or maybe the long walk, it depends on how hot it gets later on. So far none of my joints are complaining about so much walking and going to Curves, so I'm feeling very good looking towards a fall routine. I still struggle not to eat extra snacks in the evening, but it's getting easier.

I've been trying to visualize success, which is always hard for me. What am I really looking forward to when I reach my first big goal (200 lbs)? I'm looking forward to wearing cherished winter clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years (if ever), and to not laboring to get up out of low chairs or couches. Anticipation....what are you ladies looking forward to?

judy

Good Afternoon.

Congratulations Marie! That's a lot of weight to lose, enough to really make a difference in how your clothes feel and look. Inspirational once again! Keep it up!

Judy, great job taking an alternative route rather than skipping it all together. It's good to hear about your visualization - I want to do that too.

Great hike up Mt. Washington - 11 miles round trip (5 miles up and about 6 down - two different trails). The view up and down was spectacular. If you haven't hiked a mountain in a while I highly recommend it - a fun way to exercise. I took my time and was the last one up and down but I did it - first time in 23 years. The good news is this year I've run three miles and hiked many mountains - things I haven't been able to do well in a long time. The challenge remains to eat healthy and live a more balanced life. I'll do some visualizing about that today. Take care all. Time to rest now.

:bravo: Tired. I've hiked up Mt McLoughlin that is around here (all right I quit about 150 yards formt he top but the angle was horrible and it was all lava gravel - I was terrified) and it was quite a workout. At the time I was 35 pounds less and very into exercise. I couldn't move for days. I definitely couldn't do it now.

DH and I talked about next summer when I'm slim and fit (pretty cool conversation). I told him I wanted to start biking and rollerblading again, that at this weight I'd be terrified of falling and hurting myself. We also talked about where my goals are. I'm an 18 right now and want to be a 10. Alas, I will need a new wardrobe and he was okay with that. I did tell him I could stay fat and save us clothing $$$ but the food $$$ would go up. He chose the slender me. I think he really uinderstands that this is the focus of my life. This is something I want so bad that nothing and no one will deter me. I wish the millions of other times I started a diet I wanted it this bad - then I wouldn't be in the place I am now - 194 pounds.

We finished walling in where the garage door had been. Tomorrow I will paint the siding so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, but we made major progress.

We also took the dogs for a hike on Hamaker Mountain. It's about a 2 mile hike and it was great. For the first time this summer, I didn't have to take rests on the way up. Could be that I was breathing decently since I used my inhaler before we started. :) We also lounged in the pool late this afternoon to cool off.

Yesterday and Friday I used the exercycle for 30 minutes each time. Once when I was chatting on the phone, I sat on the cycle and pedalled for the 5 minutes of the call. Much better than sitting on the couch.

So basically I had a good weekend. I've still had a slight headache, but much better than early last week. I'm still a little nauseous, but that's okay - makes dieting a breeze. :rofl:

TTYL.

Hi Marie, you are doing awesome. I like your goals. You'll save lots and lots of health dollars by losing weight. So many health problems in older age are related to being overweight like diabetes, joint replacements, asthma, etc. I imagine that my weight is about 180 now. I haven't weighed myself in a while but I'm around a 14-16 size. In Feb. I was a 12-14. A 10-12 is a perfect goal size for me. You'll be able to chase your grandchild around better at a lower weight too. I'm trying to imagine myself without all the flab - I just want to get rid of it. I know I will feel great. I'm still slimmer than I was last year at this time and that feels good.

I start back to work today. My dh took the week off to support me and the children. That will really help me make a good weight loss start too. Take care all.

Hey, Tired, congratulations on the hiking trip! I like the idea of hiking, but I am never sure of my footing and am miserable on steep, uneven surfaces. It's wonderful that you've been able to do some new/old things this year. Good for you!

Marie, your hubby sounds very cool and supportive. Does he have any brothers ;) .

Don't look now, but I've changed my ticker--down a few more pounds, or 7.5 lbs less than two weeks ago. I started the Fat Flush detox yesterday and am doing pretty well so far. I really want to see 229 by Labor Day, to give myself some momentum. So far, so good.

I'm thinking a lot about people I know who are affected by this latest hurricane. I've spent a lot of time in New Orleans, and it's hard to see the pictures on the internet of the damage being done. And the storm is moving up through one of the poorest regions in the country. We should all count our blessings!

Carol, Roll, Skinny--I hope you are all doing well.

judy

Hi all. Judy, thanks for heightening our awareness about the storm. It looks awful on the news. My heart is with all those people. A few years ago we lost power for four days in the winter. It was so hard and it's so minor compared to what they have to deal with.

Congrats on the awesome weight loss. You'll definately hit 200 in no time - you're on your way! You must feel good.

Yesterday, I started back to school. I'm hoping to have a healthy routine this year.

I ate
two apples (140)
two granola bars (300)
one tuna sandwich (400)
chips with avacado (400)
one chocolate sorbet bar (excellent chocolate fix) (80)
watermelon (50)
tomato (50)

all in all about 1500 cals - a good start. I really want to achieve my goal of 150 by next summer. I know I will feel great without all this flab. Plus I love to wear nice looking clothes and last night when I went shopping I was feeling the extra weight.

Take care all.

It nice to find people who understand...
 

I'm 41 & married, we don't have any children. I've been struggling with my weight since I was 12. I've never been this heavy. I'm 5'7" and weigh around 275, but I want to weigh about 150...I know its going to take a long time...I work in an office so I'm stuck behind a desk all the time...I think my main issue is getting into a set plan & sticking to it...My work hours have been changing from week to week & nothings regular for me...

I started my first diet at 12...my babysitter encouraged me & the only thing I remember about it was a breakfast bar for breakfast...

When I was 18, I did some strange starvation diet..during the week..mainly only eating dinners...and blowing it every Saturday. I did get down to 135..but too many men were noticing me, so I put the weight back on...

I tried WW 15 or so years ago, that worked pretty well, but I hated the meetings...who wants to be weighed by a bunch of strangers?

I'm starting the OA diet (Plan "A" Abstinence) on Friday.. My sisters been on it for 5-6 years & it worked really well for her (shes a size 8 or 10 at tops)

When I met my husband 11 years ago I weighed about 170 (used fen-fen to get there) from 220

My husband & I tried the Southbeach diet about a year ago...but it got too expensive..we have limited income...hopefully that will change soon.

I just had shredded wheat with skim milk & a cup of coffee with skim milk.. not sure of the calories...i know i won't be able to eat this way after friday...

I'm looking forward to meeting lots of supportive people in this forum...I like the posts I've read so far...

Thanks for listening,
Alipea ;)

Alipea welcome this is a good site for support, encouragement and full of new ideas on how to reach our goals. Welcome aboard!
Marie keep up your good work it is starting to show on the scale just think what it will be like if you continue to be good and reach for your goal. I am going to set some mini goals for myself next week. After my camping trip. We are off and running again on friday. Last week end I did pretty good didn't really over induldge too much. I did have a bit of white wine. Snacks I kept at a limit. In fact over all I did pretty good. Not as much exercise as some other trips. This week is suppose to be beautiful so kayaing is in the plans for at least a couple of times an hour at a time. I am taking extra funds for that still haven't bought mine yet. Gotta ck it out this week. I am planning the menu for this weekends trip. I am adding in fruit, veggies and lean meat to be grilled. I think we might try some grilled marinated veggies. I haven't been on the scale but feel good and the clothes fit well. I have had a few compliments from others on my wt. Thats always a nice feeling for all of us. When other women notice you've lost and are nice enough to say so. I love it! I did attend the fair two days in the row lots of walking. I didn't do to bad with the eating yesterday I had a chicken pita. It was good. The other day camping I took a whole wheat pita put lean hot shaved ham on it an jalopeno cheese slice wrapped it in some foil stuck it on the grill to heat up! Yum! And the calories not so bad. I haven't been doing a lot of snacking on chips etc. I have indulged in fresh fruit lately in the evening. Well thats it on me!
Judy you are doing well trying your best to stay on track even know you've had extra to worry about. Hope your brother is doing better you two seem pretty close. I wish my brother was more like yours. He is married and all for her side of the family distant with his own more so. Oh well what can one do? Move on I have lots of my own family now. My grandsons went to the fair with me yesterday lots of fun and so well behaved. My 9 yr. old grandson and I built a blue bird house together my treat. That was fun!
Tired glad your thinking ahead about school setting up your room and thinking of how you will handle stressful times. That is important don't forget to have some good treats in your desk to choose from for when you need a little something. Brazil sounds wonderful you will have something nice to work towards. I am working towards Hawaii in the spring time or summer. When ever I can budget enough for it.
Skinny your doing well keep it up girl!
I think it would be a good idea if we all wrote what we do for wt. control or loss. Mine is calorie counting trying to stay at 1400 or 1500 a day. Some special occassion days it goes up but then I try to preplan the day ahead. THis has helped me to control my wt. I like calorie counting as I feel I have more control over what I can have to eat. I just need to count it in or pre plan. How do you do it? What has worked for you? Why do you like your plan? Don't want to put anyone on the spot just wondered what others are doing out there?
Hope i DIDN'T FORGET ANYONE?

Morning everyone, Alipea, welcome to a great thread. Sounds like you've been on the weight merry go round for a long time. I hope that your OA plan is exactly what you are looking for. I've never tried their plan (or know very much about it for that matter). I have tried Adkins, the Weight Loss Clinic (lost 85 pound with that but they're out of business now), briefly WW and now I just watch my calories. I stay about 1300-1500 calories a day. Someday a little less, rarely any more. I don't count per se, I know the calories of pretty much every food I eat, so I add it in my head. I stay around 300 calories for breakfast, 500 calories for lunch and 500 calories for dinner. Makes adding it really easy.

Carol, making the blue bird house sounds like fun. I'm looking forward to playing with my grandbaby and doing grandparent/grandchild things with them. My kids didn't have involved grandparents. Your grandkids are really lucky. And your meal planning is great. Pat yourself on the back - camping is not easy to be on a diet.

Tired, I thought of you yesterday. Our teachers returned yesterday too and I know how stressed you get at work. I hope that you've been able to de-stress other parts of your life so that this year doesn't have you in so mnay knots as it did last spring.

:bravo: Judy. You are doing great. What is the Fat Flush detox? I don't think I've heard of it before. You'll make your 3 pound loss by Monday and if you don't Tuesday will be okay with us ;) I hope you do make it but if you don't you're doing so great and doing what's good for your body that if it takes a little longer, then it takes a little longer. But if I were a betting person, I'd bet that you'll make it.

I had weigh in this morning and stayed the same. I was so hoping for a little movement on the old scale (just to perk up a day that I know will be yucky at work) but the scale said so sorry. I'm not as bummed as I was an hour ago. :) I made myself a real breakfast of an egg, 3 slices of bacon and a half and english muffin (=299 calories according to Lifeform) and I'm ready to hit my day. I woke up an hour early so here I am surfing before work. I'm teaching an 1.5 hour inservice to the teachers this afternoon and the presentation is only about 1/2 hour long. So I've got to work on it this morning and get it up to at least an hour with time for questions at the end. I don't mind teaching, it's just not my favorite thing to do. Tired, FYI, it is what my masters is in - I just don't do it.

My headache is back - I think it is a M-F thing. I know excedrine will get rid of it temporarily but I don't want the caffeine. I think that it is work (which has really been irritating me lately) or still the withdrawal from the bipolar meds. I don't know but it is starting to make be grumpy. I do think that the mania has subsided and I'm coasting along at a normal level. Certainly not depressed, but I'm not acting manic. (Could be the headache that is toning the mania down).

My thoughts and prayers are with those in the gulf south. The devestation is just so horrible. Katrina looked terrifying. Judy, I agree it makes one realize how lucky they are.

I suppose I should should stop rambling. I only have 15 minutes left before I have to go to work. TTYL.

PS Hi Skinny!!! Where are you?

Good morning, friends!
 

Aahhh, it's good to be back. My computer has been less than well-behaved since last Weds. so that's why I haven't been around. I missed you guys!

Things here are going well. I had a bad day Saturday; very grumpy and moody and no-it wasn't TOM! :D I had some things running around in my head that I should have talked to DH about instead of keeping it inside and brooding. So, I did some emotional eating but not bad. I'm back on track now with exercise and eating so no worries. Oh, I also talked to DH about what was going on in my heart and head. We've worked through everything and have decided to be more committed to making time for each other. Bottom line, I was feeling a little neglected by DH b/c we've been so busy and we have to focus on our kids so much right now. So, committment is there for daily communication, a date every three weeks-alternating who plans it-prayer time together at least twice a week and a weekend couples retreat within the next 6 months. It's such hard work to have a great marriage and its easy to get distracted but we're getting back on track. I want my marriage to be a good example to my DD's.

Marie-Congrats on your weight loss. Don't get discouraged b/c it didn't move today. You're doing great. Just stay faithful to what works for you and you'll come out a winner, I have no doubt! Hang in there. Are your kids going to find out the gender of the baby? Feel better soon.

Judy-How is your brother? He's in my thoughts and prayers. Congrats on your weight loss. Way to go! I've been thinking about what you said about visualizing. I have a formal, long black velvet dress that I'm looking forward to getting into. When DH and I are where we want to be with our weight loss, I'm going to wear my dress and DH is renting a tux and we're going to the opera and a weekend out of town. *sigh* I can hardly wait! Also, I just like being able to play volleyball with the kids and not feeling like I can't breath!

TOF-Sounds like you're hike was great! Congrats. You've come a long way, haven't you? Keep up the good work! How's your first week back at school? I've been thinking of you. My oldest DD is in an Honors English class this year and they're reading the Shining by Stephen King. UGH. I really wasn't crazy about her reading that but expressed my concerns and left the decision up to DD. She's very grounded and I decided to trust her judgment. She's reading it. She actually likes the plot but could do without all the language and sex. She's very excited about this class and it's good prep for college.

Alipea-Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! You are in the right place for encouragement and good info. It's so great to come here and to know everyone here is pulling for you. I am doing WW right now and I love it. I don't go to weekly weigh ins at WW. I weigh in w/a group of friends from church. That way, no strangers and no $$! Be sure to check in often to keep us updated.

Carol-Congrats on your good eating choices-especially at the fair. I don't know if I would have been able to pass up the cotton candy! Glad you had a great time w/your grandkids at the fari. You're doing well with your healthy lifestyle. Keep up the good work.

Ladies, my DH has been doing WW for 6 weeks and has lost 26.5 pounds! I hate him. :D Seriously, I so glad he's doing well. He was on the verge of giving up b/c nothing seemed to work for him. It's so much easier to do this when he's doing it as well.

My thoughts and prayers are with the folks who were caught in Katrina's path. It does truly make one realize how blessed we are. Those trivail complaints just die on my lips when I think of all they're going through. I was watching the news at the Y this morning and just about cried right then and there. They interviewed a man who couldn't get out. He was protecting his grandchildren and wife; trying to hold onto his wife to keep her from being swept away. She looked at him, told him she loved him, to take care of their kids and grandkids and then she was gone. I felt so sorry for this man! Ugh. We are blessed, indeed. Hug your family extra tight tonight.

Gaaaaah!!! Once again I type a lengthy mesage, and lose it because I get kicked offline if I don't post or click regularly. So here's the Reader's Digest version of my post.

Alipea--nice to meet you! We have a lot in common. I used to weigh around 275, although most of my adult life I've been between 220 and 240 (which partly explains why I've been stuck in the 230s for so long this year). This is a great site, and I'm looking forward to your support on this thread.

Tired, you are starting the school year off on the right foot! You deserve a gold star today.

Carol--I rarely associate "yum" with camping food, so I admire how much thought you're putting into planning delicious, healthy choices for what I know will be a great trip.

Marie, I'm sorry to hear that those headaches are back. Have you tried alternate therapies, like acupuncture? I hope they go away soon; M-F is too long to deal with headaches!

Skinny--your husband is a WW poster boy! He lost nearly five pounds a week, that's really something.

My brother is hanging in there, thanks for asking. He made a dr's appt for Friday, and realizes that he's just got to let his body recover from the pnuemonia (and from the hospital "treatment").

Carol asked us to describe our programs. Ignoring this detox thing, I'm eating lower-carbs, good-fats, avoiding sugar and processed flour. I do cardio most days, mostly 25 minutes-one hour 20 minutes of walking, plus Curves three days a week.

Okay, gotta get back to work. See you tomorrow--keep it going, ladies!

judy

Hi all. Welcome Alipea! Congrats to all. We've got some great energy going here. I'm back to counting calories and I plan to exercise tomorrow morning early. It's been a very positive start to school. I'm ready and looking forward to meeting the children. Take care.

I've got to write down my intake before I eat more as it hasn't been a bad day. Tracking my food and calories really helps a lot.

breakfast - cereal, milk, blueberries (300)
lunch - fish/veggies/small dessert (400)
dinner - pasta/cheese/sauce (not too much), wine, salad (900)
1600 - that's it for today - a good day! Not the best choices, but not too too many calories. I'm back!

Good Evening Everyone, I hope your day was good. I was dreading mine - I think I mentioned that I ws conducting a teacher inservice. I don't mind presenting to people, I don't get nervous, but with the long lasting headache I wasn't looking forward to it. Well, it went really well. Had a big turn out and I was really prepared. I spent the morning extending everything I was going to talk about and it was time well spent. I had several people tell me what a great job I did. I was wiped out though and have just been a slug this evening. I took TWO naps. :) Now I'm just surfing my way through to going to bed. I'm really beat. Anyway, it went good and that's all that matters.

I didn't exercise today - too busy napping this evening. I just couldn't crag myself to the exercycle. Tomorrow I will exercise and do my situps. I'm slacking there. I ate really good and am a few calories short of my goal. I may or may not have anything. Lately the only thing I like late is cheese sticks. I've had 2 so far today. They calm the stomach, take the edge off being hungry and are so good for me. Maybe a 3rd won't be a bad idea.

The headaches. I wasn't sure if my neck on the right side was stiff because of the headache or the stiff neck was causing the headache. I'm 99% sure that it is the stiff neck causing the headache. I tried switching pillows but that hasn't helped. When I'm cold I tense up and that makes the neck/head worse so I have to overdress for summer so I'm not shivering (BTW there was frost on my windshield this morning - winter's coming even though it was 85 degrees out by afternoon). So if any of you have good stretching exercise for the neck, please let me know. At this rate I'll be going to the dr. for a referral to a physical therapist. I don't have the extra $$$ for that so let me know if you have any ideas.

Judy, I'm so glad to hear that your brother is doing better. And you're an exercise fanatic. I can't exercise that much or I burn out and quit all together. What is Curves like? DH said I could join if I want but I don't know if I would be consistent in going. What do you think?

Tired, glad you're doing good at the start of school. Please make priority choices this year so you don't get to stressed. I think it would be great to have a group of new kids to meet and teach. What grade are you teaching this year?

Skinny, good for you in talking your feelings out with DH. BTW, how's his job going? Is he still working for the park service and walking all day? If yes, then the 26 pounds is understandable. Sounds like he's very active. Tell him congrats from me. That's just an awesome weighloss. And don't worry, I'm jealous too.

Carol, hope your day was great. Great question of what each of us is doing for our diet. I wish I could preplan like you do but I have such a need to think of what I feel like eating that I can't do it very often. The times that I plan dinner a day or two in advanced, I rarely make it. The best I do is to plan what to take for lunch in the mornings. Even then I tend to ignore what I brought and get something else. You're lucky you can preplan - it is truly a gift.

Take care my friends and thank you for being here. This board has made my change of eating so much easier and that's because of you all. I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Hi all, I'm checking in to get a good start for the day. I started the day with stretches and sit-ups (thanks for the idea Marie). I can do 20 now.

Marie, congrats on the great presentation. I'm not surprised you were tired. To make a presentation work well you give a lot of yourself. So sorry about your neck. I hope you find a solution. I occassionally get a stiff neck but it goes away so I don't have any advice.

I've been obsessed with the disaster in Mississippi and Louisiana. I wish I could just take in some children for a few weeks to give them a change of scenery while their parents deal with the disaster. My heart aches watching the devastation. I think our country has been too slow to act, but it seems like help is on the way now. As far as the looting, I think the punishments should be low - hey, all those companies are going to get insurance for their goods and where are the people going to take all the stuff anyways. The companies will have to clean out all the businesses for the most part to rebuild and most of the people looting probably have nothing as it is. Just my thoughts. Thanks for letting me go on.

I wish everyone a good day and as Skinny would say we all need to count our blessings.

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. I think it helps to know what others are doing. For those who do the calorie counting I like it as I said it lets me fit in what I want. Yesterday I had toast for breakfast and fruit 300 cals., lunch and dinner combo chinese food appox. 700 calories? then an ice cream cone kiddie size for snack. I than snuck in a 1/2 of a donunt! Still my calories were with in my guidelines. The last one surely wasn't the best choice! Oh well I was so tempted couln't chase away my temptation.
Everyone is doing great we all seem to have a good attitude on moving ourselves forward. Don't worry too much about the scale , go also by how your clothes fit. Visual is a good measurement also. But for some of us the scale helps with balance to make sure we aren't going up.
I agree with everyone that storm was awful and my heart goes out to everyone there. We started to get the rain last night and its been nonstop I can't even think how it is for those people. The communities hopefully here will start some packages going out to help folks. I agree Tired we should of been in there sooner. Someone in that big office should of made a better attempt sooner! We need to concentrate on our world sometimes a little more. We always seem to be elsewhere. if that had been Bush's home town it woould of been quicker. Sorry for going on! Opps!
Todays intake plans: breakfast= cereal kashi 150 with a small peach sliced in 30
snack= apple 81
lunch= salad w/blk olives,mild ch. shredded,beans,cukes,tomatoes and low cal. dressing 350 appox. 1 plum 37
snack on the way home apple 81
dinner=shrimp sauted in a bit of olive oil fresh broc. pasta, garlic
snack= frozen fruit bar 150
Appox.1400 cals.

I'm so glad that today is over! I have a big deadline but have been procrastinating for several days. Today it occurred to me that no one expects me to have a perfect first draft of the 2006 budget, just put something out there and ask questions and learn....sometimes I get in my own way. Well, I'm mostly done now, and will be going to Curves when I finish this post.

Everyone is doing a great job this week!

Marie--The best thing about Curves is that it's non-judgemental and very accomodating. they are great for women who have never felt comfortable at the gym. The basic workout is over in around half an hour, but some of the more fit (or more determined) women do an extra lap or even two. The weight machines are hydraulic, so you don't have to futz around with adjusting the resistance. They are cheaper than regular gyms because they don't have many amenities. You can ask if you can have a trial membership before signing up, to get a sense of the staff and members. It's been good for me. I started going in February. At some point I'll probably switch back to a full-service gym (I miss the sauna and whirlpool at my old gym), but so far so good. This is the first time I've ever gone to a gym so regularly for so long.

Okay, I need to run. More later!

judy