Judy awesome on your loss. I love sales and will try to fit in a couple this weekend. With all my camping lately I haven't hit as many sales as normal. Last weekend I bought some lovely outfits for my grandaughters and a couple of shirts for the little guy with tags still on them. Yes thats the way to pick up reasonable stuff and hardly used the kids in the area I frequently sale have more than they ever need if you know what I mean. Well you keep up the good work on your diet and exercise. Tired is so right that is great news and something to be really proud of you deserved a special treat!
Tired sorry to hear your guy was sick. I think its something going around. As I was at a site yesterday and the little boys mom had to pick him up with a 101 fever. We all don't need any of that no do we? Good to hear you are feeling better too! Get back on your feet quick! Green Tea helps with everything sip a cup and think of all the good things in life. You will feel better!
Marie hope your doing well and keeping up with all your projects and changes.
Today I have to go to the dentist I chipped a tooth eating corn. Go figure! Well I was just at the dentist the day before that chipped. Lucky enough they got me right in. I really like this guy. I spoke to my son in Hawaii last night. The gas there is 4.00 a gallon. He said it cost 75.00 to fill his work truck. Boy things are costly. We talked about cutting out cost other ways. Less driving when possible and grocery cost. Buying sale items etc. He has lots of fruit trees in his yard. The mangos, tangerines etc. are just about ripe. I said that would be fun just to go out and pick them. Bill wishes he could send some but there are lots of regulations. Their flowers are beautiful but to send them you can't just do it they have to also come from a special place to enforce the shipping laws.
Well I am off to work. Yesterday my calories were a bit up as I purchased lunch with the girls. Not that I do that often. But I had a 58 chevy. It is a club sandwich I did throw out some of the bread and wiped some of the mayo off. But all in all its more cals than I needed. Today I will work on making good choices again.
Have a great day everyone!

Carol, sorry about the chipped tooth. At least the dentist got you in really fast. I would love to go out to my yard and pick fresh fruits. I can do that with strawberries but I'm sick of those.

Tired, sorry your son was sick. I hope he feels better.

Judy the jazz festival sounds like fun even though you went alone. And congrats on all the weight loss, you are doing so fantastic.

Today is the last day of the prednisone. Thank goodness. It has really warped my mental well being. I'm irritable and apathetic about everything. I'm not sure it's worth easy breathing to be so grumpy. I think it would be more worth it if I felt all the way better. I'm still down in my peak flows but I never want to be on the steroids again.

I had yesterday off and we went across the mountain to costco and lowes. Now we're broke. Oh, well. Nothing new there. :) We did go out to Olive Garden and that was tasty. I had Chicken Parmesan and no dessert. It counted as lunch and dinner so the calories were fine.

Well, that's about it. I'm too blah to write much more. Talk to you later.

Just a quick hi to say thanks for all the pats on the back! I'm feeling pretty good. Didn't have time to walk this AM, had an early meeting, but I've been EPP and heading to Curves in a few minutes. I think I veered a bit this weekend because I'm in such an eating rut--and I do ove to eat!--so I'm trying to remember to change things up a little. I didn't have time to make the salad with left-over grilled salmon that I planned to bring for lunch, so I packed the salmon and lots of frozen Asian veggies, and my coworkers were envious. Who knew!

Marie, I hope the blahs are almost gone! Have you had energy for any of your creative arts?

Carol, it's so nice to have a dentist you like, isn't it?

More later--judy

Hi Judy, way to go on getting right back on track. We're both going to make our Christmas goals with room to spare. The blahs have lifted a bit. I refused to take the last dose of prednisone because I was so miserable. The asthma is okay but not good. I've only used the abuterol twice today. Once because of an attack and once because I was bound and determined to exercise.=, so I used it first. And I did exercise - I rode the exercycle. I didn't push it at all, heartrate stayed about mid to upper 90's, so that the asthma wouldn't be too bothered. But I feel better having exercised.

I plan to work on either stained glass or knitting tonight. I don't want to vegetate like I have the last few nights. I recorded 2 shows for nocturnal viewing (I'm still not sleeping). One is House, which I like. The other is Bones, and I think it's based on a series of books by Kathy Reichs so hopefully I will like it.

Work was okay - the blahs had me most of the day but I started to perk up after 2:00 (conveniently it was when I took an Excedrine (with caffeine)). Hopefully I didn't bark at too many people today. I swear I work with some idiots.

Well, that's about it. I will chat with you all later.

Hello everyone! Well I am in a great mood this morning because I got out the white square and was down a lb. . I just got rid of Tom he is such a pain. Well I figured out afterwards just think if you hadn't eaten this or that you could of lost more. Well a loss is a loss and this girls not complaining. Maybe its the start of some movement. I have been trying to reduce my intake not a lot but some. Most days I make it. I think having variety in foods makes a world of difference. Judy you also had mentioned something similar. I think it helps us not to be bored. If we try there are alot of tasty things with lower cals etc. and with some creativity wow! It can make a world of difference. Lately for lunch I have enjoyed some veggies steamed in the mico. w/ garlic powder, ground pepper and my laughing cow cheese. It ends up tasting like veggie parm. and seems to meet my needs. I just take fresh veggies broc, carrots pre cooked, red pepper, caul. and any others on hand. Put a little water and garlic powder, pepper dash of salt mic. for 4 min. put my laughing cow on and its lunch. I add a piece of fruit and I am set to go. Check it out girls it might be a quick lunch or dinner for you when your in a hurry. I only get a half an hour lunch. The dental appt. went well no shot just fixed it and out I went.
Tired hope your feeling better.
Marie we will continue to work on the christmas goal. We will all be hitting our deadline if we continue to work hard at it. I think routines and new habits will make the world of difference. After doing things for awhile they become more natural to us. Your trying so hard with your health issues and new lifestyle keep up the effort it will pay off. I also love chicken parm. its a real favorite.
Judy keep making those lovely lunches. My coworkers call me Martha I am not sure these days how that sounds? But she has always had a way in the kitchen and house doing good things. I try to eat healthy at work so many of them eat junk food and its easy to get into that stuff when they have it. My cals were up yesterday as a friend bought some popcorn and it was like 180 cals a serving. Well needless to say the stressful day didn't help and my hand kind of fell into the bag two times! At least I knew enough to stop at that.
Well gotta go I have an all day conference at the Holiday Inn. Wellness At Work not this should be interesting huh???????????????????????????????????? 8 HRS WORTH!

Hi all. Good to hear that everyone is doing well.

Good eating day:
kashi bar for breakfast
salad for lunch with orange
pasta broccoli and low cal choc. bar for dinner
total cals: 1500 or less
lots of water

Take care.

Good Morning! Just checking in to get myself off to a great start. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Hello everyone! At my conference yesterday they tapped into overall health food etc. It was interesting enough I guess but I really didn't learn much just confirmed what I already knew. But we are suppose to eat 2 1/2 cups of veggies a day, 2 cups of fruit. That is part of the new pyrmaid. She also mentioned eat less move more well yah!At any rate she was about 105 soaking wet. sBut she did have some good info..... They also had a great speaker on stress and reduction. He had some interesting points.
Humor is something he said we all need lots of as it is a big stress reducer. So if your stressed get some comedy in your life. Interesting day!
I didn't do to bad for calories at the conference we had no breakfast other than a sm. apple. I ate a good lunch w/salad veggies, chicken br. passed the desserts and had fresh pineapple, melon. But I went to the casino for crab legs last night oh so good! My friend is having surgery on friday so we were out for a fun evening. I won a 45.00 and the dinner was free so we had a good evening. I had a piece of blueberry pie but only ate the fruit part. My friend laughed and I said gotta make choices!
Well hope you all have a great day. I just packed my lunch mozz.,,tomatoes, peppers and salad dressing, croutons, apple. Going out for dinner again on friday so I need to do a bit of preplanning here. She did mention to find wiggle time in your schedule for exercise. And exercise should be what ever you will enjoy walking, biking etc... no set thing, start finding 10 min. at least a day then inc. it as you go along.

Hi, all--

Forgot to check in earlier, and I have dash off to a meeting in a minute. But I wanted to say hey, Carol, Marie, Tired...Leslie, Alipea, Roll and other MIA, hope you're doing well.

Yesterday and today were both good. Not enough exercise, though. Will go to Curves later tonight, and do the long walk in the morning if the rain holds off.

Keep it going--judy

Judy I need to exercise more also. I just need to get it in that crazy schedule. Work has been crazy this week and I am ready for a break. Lots of reports all due and training for 8 hrs. just killed me. I am making some head way though and should be caught up today to at least a normal basis. This has been nuts! The full moon I think had something to do with it lots of extra issues to deal with and 24 peoples lifes plus my own families wow! The pressure is on! Sounds like your doing well keep it up!
Tired , Marie , Leslie and Skinny Butt are you all out there? Hope your doing fine!
Hey something different for lunch yesterday. I took crispy little cukes and cut them in spears and wrapped pepper turkey around them. I though they were quite good and no starch. I try to keep a lot of variety in my diet so I don't get bored. My friends are visiting from Florida and we are all going out for dinner tonight. So I am trying my best to preplan my meals. Breakfast = bagel w/ff c.c. / coffee blk.
snack= apple 80
lunch= cukes, tomatoes, mozz., peppers w/ plain yogurt, cuke , garlic dip.
Snack= apple 80
Dinner out

Hi all. Just checking in. I've been doing fairly well - not as good as I should - just have to keep my mind on the goal which is 150 by next June. I'll shoot for 165 by the holidays that's about 15lbs. Here goes. . .

Take care. I'll check in again tomorrow.

The snail continues to inch along the trail...this morning the scale said 227.5, which was really motivating. So now I'm 5-6 lbs away from my Columbus Day goal of 222--it's neither too ambitious nor too easy, which is the best type of challenge for me. After so many stutter-steps and side-steps since the spring, it's a relief to have real momentum. :strong:

I'm a little nervous about the Pilates class, which starts Monday evening. I stopped by the facility last Monday evening, to see what it was like. It's a community center, so there's lots of kids and adults playing baseball, basketball, field hockey, etc. I'm 47 years old, but I felt just like I felt back in junior high school--fat and out of place. But that's how I felt when I first started going to gyms for adults a few years ago, I got over it, more or less. I can do the same thing here. I have to remind myself that everyone is too busy doing what they came to do to spend time judging other people, particularly ones who are heading off to separate rooms for classes. It's amazing to me how ingrained this stuff is, decades later. :^:

Carol, I like your recipes! It reminds to look at the threads where creative people like you post interesting ideas to keep your taste buds happy, so you don't feel deprived or angry because you're just not enjoying your food. I just can't stick with a program that makes you eat stuff you don't like. Most mornings I have a fried egg for breakfast--yes, fried in a little butter. I almost never eat deep-fried anything, and I'm generally making low-fat choices, but I don't like eggs fried with Pam, and I refuse to eat foods I don't like. So far, so good....

Hey, Tired, I'll glad to hear that you're doing 'fairly well.' One of those diet guys promotes the 80/20 plan, which says if you stay on program at least 80% of the time, you'll lose weight. No one can be perfect all the time! So if most of your choices most days are good, you'll keep moving ahead on the journey.

Today I'm going to Curves. I'm not really having breakfast first, just some kefir, so I can treat myself with a salad from Chipotle after the workout. Then I'll stop by the library, and go grocery shopping. I have more purging to do in my home office this weekend, and some volunteer stuff to catch up on. I hope you all have a great weekend.

judy

Morning all, it's good to read everyone has been doing pretty good. Judy, I know that feeling of feeling fat and out of place. I don't think it ever really goes away as we age. It a big reason to lose weight. You're doing so great so just keep telling yourself that. The pilates class will be fun. Enjoy the salad for lunch.

Tired, glad that you're doing okay.

Carol, I'm glad your crazy week is over. Did you have fun going out to dinner? I admit when I go out - it's so seldom - that I don't worry too much about healthy choices. I like what Judy said about 80/20. I strive for 95/5 with that 5 being times of going out and really having something I enjoy and wouldn't make at home.

I had a bad week and didn't feel like posting. Work was irritating but overall I was just cranky. This morning is better and since I don't have to go to work, I think it'll be a good day. I did start exercising on Wednesday again. The asthma is still no good, but it is better. I thought that would improve my mood, but it didn't. I think I should have lost weight considering how much I didn't want to exercise. Instead, I think last Sunday's number on the mean scale was just a fluke. So after weighing a few times this week at 192, I moved the slider back up this morning. I guess I'm pretty stuck there since I've been there for a couple weeks (except the 190 last Sunday). I think the scale has made me a little cranky but mostly it has been work and my kids. DS2 decided to not go to college until he goes to basic training in January. Instead he took a job in construction so he can earn $$$. I don't think he has a clue how hard he'll have to work to get those $$$. He's 5-6" and 120 pounds. He's totally clueless. I let our benefits dept know that he won't be a fulltime student so he's getting cancelled off the medical/dental insurance. So now he'll have to pay for that. So much for the extra $$$ - I told him he has to buy med insurance and that we won't pay a cent of it or medical costs. Dumb boy...

DS1's GF listened to me when I asked that they ask for a week extension on staying in the house that they're renting. The room isn't done - it will be this coming week - and she called and got the extension. DS1 said no, it wasn't possible. Another dumb boy. Just where did he think he was going to put all his stuff??? At least GF thinks about more than just herself. DH was quite relieved they weren't moving in this weekend. He's going to sand the walls today and then spray the texture tomorrow. Then we can paint the ceiling and walls. Then we can put the laminate flooring down and voila, it'll be done. I will be happy when that's the case. Oh, DS1's GF also asked if they should get a storage locker - I said yes if all their stuff won't fit in the room. As I said, she thinks about more than herself. DS1 just figured he could store all the extra stuff he has throughout my house.

Break to chat with DS2... Just had a good conversation with DS2. It's the first good one in a while. I actually said something positive about his choice of new jobs. He's currently working for an inconsiderate employer (they have him working till midnight on Fridays and then at 8:00 on Saturday mornings) and I said that it'll be nice that he'll have a regular schedule with his new job. I think he was shocked that I said something nice about his choice. :) We talked about what to do for his birthday on Tuesday. We decided that we'll go out to Applebees and have DH meet us there (DH hubby works swings so he'll just have to take a long dinner break). We'll invite DS1 and GF but I don't think they'll be able to make it. So at least he has DH and I instead of just me. So my baby will be 19. I'm sure getting old. :)

Eating wise, I'm doing good. No reason for a 2 pound gain since Sunday, but I think I was dehydrated on Sunday from drinking tea all day on Saturday (since tea is a diuretic). Exercise wise, I've exercised for 3 days in a row and DH said that we will take the puppies for a mountain hike this morning. We haven't gone in 2 weeks because of the asthma (the mountain is so dusty since we haven't had rain in 3 months). But yesterday it rained a little, enough to make the dust level a little less so I'm excited to go out. I'll use the abuterol before we go.

That's about enough since I rambled for so long. I will check back later.
Marie

Hi all. Judy, I know how you feel about the gym. It's been a while since I've been and I've gained, so I'm hesitant to go. It's the only way we'll lose though and like you said, people are more concerned with their own plans than looking at a 40 something like me.

Marie - you sure are busy! I can't believe all that you and your DH have done in the past month.

My clothes are tight, but my schedule and class are conducive to weight loss so there's no excuses. I'm feeling good too so here goes. I've got to lose the weight I gained at least so that I can fit into all last fall and winter's clothes. The next size in the store (yes I thought about buying new) are too big.

Off to see "Constant Gardener" tonight. Judy, I'll let you know what I think. Take care. - M

Girls girls now don't let anyone ever stop you from feeling comfortable at the gym. You have every right to be there too. I did have a time when I felt uncomfortable going and so I started with something simple that I knew I could do. Then watched the ones who had been going for awhile and picked up ideas from them. There all so into their self at the gym they hardly know anyone else is there. Are you kidding me they flex in the mirror check their muscles. I say ignore the world around you go in and do your own thing before you know it you'll be comfortable. Maybe if time allows you could get there during a slow time so you would kind of feel the place out. But like I said don't let your feeling even know their very real stop you from going. Your both wonderful people and your not asking anyone to be your best friend in fact I find their all into themselves that they hardly know anyone else exist. Put yourself into your own world and mind set and go do it!!! I would love to go with you for support. Let me know how it goes. Remember your worth every little change you make in your lifestyle.
The visit with our friends from Florida was fun. We ate out on Fri. I had what I wanted no dessert though. Then saturday I had lunch out with them again but I had cuban blk. spicy bean soup in a bread bowl. I didn't eat all the bread but it was great. Then for dinner I made a pita sliced in half w/ a thin ham, onion slice, provolne cheese, tomatoe slice, garlic powder, pepper baked in the 350 oven for 20 min. Oh so good. Next time I will use whole wheat pita. The store didn't have the sale kind I used onion pita. Check it out easy and good! Yes I do love to cook and my friends call me Martha I hope not in every way! Sunday we got together for a picnic and to say good bye. We had a nice time. I did good not over eatting and I did have some portions just to have a taste of potatoe and mac. salad. But it was my lunch and dinner. So overall not a bad weekend of eatting but added some extras in but in moderation. I hope to see my scale move again this week now that would be nice. I am going off to buy some new sneakers after work tonight, and taking my gym clothes so I might start my jumping back into the gym thing. I really would like to start going in the a.m. again. So we'll see depends on my day today. Work has been so stressful lately. I have a lot of extras going on with a client and my heart gets in the way sometimes making my life more stressful. I guess thats why I got into this field was to try to make a difference but the system is tough and rules aren't always set in a friendly way to help people. Oh well gotta go to work sorry for venting so loudly.......
Tired you hand in there I know you are going to get down there! I set a mini goal to lose 5lbs. by Thanksgiving. I can look at it a bit easier when its smaller amts. to reach at first. Then I would love to take off 4.5 more by christmas. We'll see if I reach it! It took me a year to keep off my 10. But if I lose this amt. I will of reached my goal and just need to maintain.
Marie you have a very busy lifestyle that must help you burn some calories for sure. I also went through the ins. thing he can get his own ins. but it will be based on his income. I am not sure the name of the program. But it might not be in your area?
Judy have you tried poached eggs? Thats my favorite but not runny, and with dry dark rye toast. Then I dip my egg in. Oh so good. I gotta go have breakfast have a super day.

Goodmorning everyone! Well I went out and bought my new sneakers yesterday. That will maybe get me a jump start on going to the gym. I hate the fact that it is dark when I get up now. That makes me feel like not leaving the house early. It must almost be time to change the clocks around. This morning it is cooler and a bit rainy so no outside walk. Sometimes I wish that I lived in the village with sidewalks etc. it would make it easier to go walking. I live on a country road but it gets a lot of traveling to and from work etc... Well enough of that I must get my butt in gear to workout. Tonight I have to go for an eye exam at 5:00 so that messes up my after work thought of exercising. Unless it stops raining then I will jump on the canal for a walk. On wed. morning I am going to get there for sure! I need to get it in my mind. Now that the weather is changing and it gets dark earlier the amt. of normal exercise in the yard is less. Is anyone else feeling the same things? Sorry for babbling! Need my coffee to kick in. I ate dinner a bit late last night. I already made lunch for today with some of the roasted chicken leftovers. One of the guys whom I share a client with saw me yesterday and said hey you've really lost a lot of wt. Its funny how some people you don't see for awhile give you nice compliments. I said only about 11lbs. He said it really shows. I think alot of it is that I have more muscle now instead of my flab. I did buy some new fall clothes just a few things. It was nice to have them fit so nicely. I wanted to just keep buying but stopped myself,new sneakers, 2 new shirts and 1 pair of choc. colored pants. I love earth tones and boy are they in the stores this fall. Oh I spent some more money on myself the other day with getting my hair colored and highlights put in. Oh my everyone has had such nice things to say about it. I guess the buying new things and new hair do is all to do with the fact I am feeling better about myself. When I started this journey a year it really helped me to make some changes. Thank you girls for all your support. This is my one year on the 3 fat chicks!!!!!!!!!!! I am working on my sweater at night it gives me something to do. I am not snacking as much in the evening I noticed for the last month or so. Unless I am camping or have company over. Well gotta go take care and hope your all doing well.

Weigh In
 

Hi everyone,
I am also new to 3FC and I was worried this time around that since I did not have the finances to go to a gym or WW to weigh in and be held accountable that I could not do it....MAN I am glad someone posted this forum NOW I can be accountable.

Today's weigh in 167.5, the tickers do not show half pounds, sigh. I started at 169.5 and down two whole pounds whoo hoo.

Thanks for letting me share
Jess

I hope everyone's making good choices today! Carol, you are a great role model for how to have a fun weekend with friends and eat yummy food without going off program or feeling deprived.

Welcome, Jess! What's your strategy for reaching your goal?

Tired--what did you think of The Constant Gardener? I am having clothes issues, too. This weekend I need to go through my fall and winter things. I know that I need shoes, and maybe a trench coat. I haven't lost as much as I'd hoped by now, so some of my old clothes will fit, but others won't. Either way, I will have motivation to stick with the program. I tend to be "hungrier" in the fall, and more sedentary as we get closer to the cold weather. It's easy for me to slip back into more food/less exercise--not to mention the holidays! Plus I really do react to the light, so I want to sleep later in the mornings...I will definitely need your help over the coming months. :cheer:

Marie, I hope that your week is better than last week! You have so much and so many people to juggle. I hope you enjoy tonight's birthday dinner at Applebee's.

I went to my first Pilates class last night. Most of the women in the class were bigger than me, and several had taken this class before, with the same instructor or with another one. You wouldn't think that wriggling around on the floor would make you so tired! But it was good--I can see the potential benefits, if I practice a few times during the week.

I have to scoot. Meetings all afternoon, and Curves after work. Hugs to everyone--judy

Hi all, sorry I've been so short with my entries - life has been very, very busy. The boys' activities are in high gear. DS1 Xcountry and church group, DS2 football and soccer, DS3 soccer. We're also still dealing with an ill relative which is taking a lot of time and effort, but at least everyone is doing their part - that helps.

Judy, I liked everything about the Constant Gardner except the speed of the film footage at times which made me so so so dizzy. I always love movies about Africa - I'm intrigued by the continent and excited by the vibrant energy. I felt overwhelmed by the theme of the film because corporations like the one depicted are so powerful and can be so evil! My world (education) is so pure in comparison. I have always fantasized about traveling and living in other countries for some good cause like the people in the film, yet I'm a bit fearful too particularly when it comes to situations as depicted in Sudan. My husband did that - he traveled all over working for public health. I had the chance to meet many Africans and others from countinents and countries throughout the world - very interesting. That's why I'm always drawn to films like the Constant Gardener. Let me know if you have any other film suggestions.

I wish everyone well with their health journeys. Hopefully my life will gain some sort of balance with thoughtful entries as a component. Marie, I keep hearing your encouraging words about balance playing in my mind and I'm heeding the message. I'm always remembering how kind you were to me last spring when I was really losing it. I know you are dealing with a lot right now, I hope I can be a good "listener" and "supporter." Hang in there.

Carol good luck with the new sneakers. Welcome Jess!

Today's diet
2 kashi bars for breakfast 260
apple snack 100
salad with feta for lunch and dressing 400
broccoli, pasta, avacado, some blue chips and 2 chocolate sorbet bars (800 or so)
About 1560 total - that's it for the day!

Tired, thanks for the compliment. I really hope that you can keep your life in balance. It's amazing how just a little stress can throw the diet way off. I've been busy the last two days - no exercise and a little overeating. I'm back on track today and decided that I always don't have time in the evening to post so I'm just going to take time a work and do it.

Judy, I did have a good time at Applebee's. I love their Chicken Parmesan and ate the whole thing. The portion is really big and I was a stuffed pig last night. The upside to that is that I had the tiniest piece of birthday cake in the world. :) I also didn't take any cake for lunch today. I love birthday cake and said no to it. I'm glad the Pilates class went really good. On sunday I purchased a Pilates Performer from Amazon.com for 129 (free shipping). From what I read the original pilates was designed to do the mat work (what you're doing) and the machine work (what I will be doing). So between the two of us, we'll have a complete workout. :rofl:

Jess, great job on the 2 pound loss. I can understand not affording WW or the gym. If you want variety for exercise, go to ebay and get some exercise videos for really cheap. I did that and have a bunch of them and spent under $30, including shipping. That way you have a variety on a budget.

Carol, congrats on the 1 year anniversary on 3FC. Mine is next month. I don't think I would be doing this good without all of your support. This is a great place to be. I hope the eye exam went good. I hate having my eyes dilated. I had the lasik surgery 5.5 years ago and have been contact/glasses free ever since. I love it!!!!

As I mentioned earlier, I have been overeating a little. The mania side of the bipolar left and I'm swinging pretty neutral right now. The mania made dieting a breeze so it's gotten a little tougher. I've been lonely in the evenings since DH is working swings so food is my friend. Actually that's not true, I'm overeating at lunch. So today I brought a lean chicken fajita pocket (220 calories) and a Klondike ice cream bar (lite at 180 calories) so I should be much better today. And this afternoon I will exercise when I get home.

The asthma is still holding steady at about an 8 out of 10. I wish it would get all the way better, but it's not getting horrible like it was a coule weeks ago. I only use the inhaler to exercise or if I'm giving a presentation.

That's about it. Tired, it was nice to read a long post... Keep up the good work.
Marie

Tired, I'm so glad you liked The Constant Gardener, too! I generally don't enjoy movies about Africans made in Hollywood or by the Brits, so this was refreshing. I've only been on Africa once--to Capetown and J'burg, in 1998, and really want to go again. One day I'll go to West Africa, to do the obligatory African American diaspora visits. Your husband was lucky to be able to travel so much as part of his job. I've been to Mexico, Russia (when it was still the USSR), England and Japan. I almost went to Uruguay once, but knee surgery got in the way :(

Marie, your post cracked me up! My abs are still sore from Monday night's class, which tells me that my Curves workouts aren't doing anything for my belly and back.

I'm having a good day, eating on program, 25-minute walk this AM and Curves at lunch. Hope all of you, including the lurkers and the long-lost Dailies are dong well, too!

hugs--judy

Good evening! Good to hear from everyone! Not the best eating day - oh well, it was a busy day.

breakfast - cereal, milk, coffee (good!)
snack - apple
lunch - salad w/tuna, cheese
snack - cookies and chocolate
dinner - american chop suey
snack pretzels

I should of taken another apple in the afternoon instead of lunging after what was available in the car - the kids' cookies and chocolate. Just shows that this isn't second nature for me yet. There's more work to be done.

Take care all.

Jess welcome! We would love to have you on this site the more the better! We like to support each other, share ideas, vent went needed, just get to share girl stuff etc.... So again welcome! Sounds like your in a good frame of mind to get started that means alot.
Marie you had my favorite dinner. I need to make some of that soon. I do like to get it out but sometimes enjoy making it at home though I don't think its any cheaper. When I go usually it is big enough for two meals. Yummy choice! Good thoughts on the birthday cake a little is better than none and I am a person who thinks everyone shouldn't do with out but have less.
Tired than movie you and Judy talked about sounded great. Is it playing now I am so out of the loop! We don't go often to the movies to much walking and sitting for the hubby. Sounds like your doing very well keep it up. I am starting to get into the exercise frame of mind. Judy your exercise class sounds wonderful. Good for you going and getting right into it. She must be a good trainer if people have returned! I need to ck the gym and see what classes are available. Great idea thanks!
Did you all know when I was at the health food store yesterday I found out that black licorce relaxes you. Yah! Now how crazy is that? I bought licorce which is made of all natural ingredients. Though the licorce root it is used to relax the body and reduce stress. Hey now I am going to take this to work. 15 PIECES equal one serving on 130 cals. I surely wouldn't eat that much. Now heres the thing will my teeth all turn black before a meeting? Oh now lets see that wouldn't be so good. At any rate I am taking it into my high stress office and trying it out on people. Hah! Hah!I purchased soft and chewy. I think I'll give the hubby some too! Oh its fat free too! Oh well that was my shared info. for the day.
I did well with calorie intake yesterday. But being I went out to the casino with a friend I never ate til 9:30 now thats a no no! So I will be more careful in the future to eat before I go. Other than that not so bad. I did a lot of walking yesterday up my work stair case 4 times I did the stairs 20 each and parked way out in God's country yesterday. I did meet a client out for ice cream I only ate 1 scoop of the 3 brought out. Don't you hate it when you order one scoop and they put in 3. Oh just testing me I guess. Have a super day!

Hi all. Wish I had some black licorice right now - I love it! I helped out with my son's K soccer practice - lots of fun! Still keeping the peace and balance around here which is my primary goal this year. I hope everyone is doing well.

Here's the day:

yogurt for breakfast 130
salad bar for lunch 500
apple snack X 2 200
lots of water
sandwich for dinner and a few cookies probably about 800 or so

Have to be a bit more specific about calorie counting, but I'm done for the day.

Hey girls I lost 1 lb. doesn't sound like much but I'll take it. One day someone said to me thats like losing a lb. of butter of your body. I think that sounded funny but kind of true. This is my losest pt. yet in years. I might just make my thanksgiving and christmas goal. I was scared to get on the scale I had a little bag of chips yesterday and they have salt on them. Oh and more bread than usual. I thought I'd retain fluid if nothing else.
Oh the licorce thing was so funny. My boss came in and we were all having a little morning social time discussing some client and other issues of course. My friend offered her some licorce. She said oh I don't like blk. so S said well this is really good! So she tried a piece and came back for another handful. Oh after she left we all just snickered. Then S said to me in the afternoon I think it worked but it has worn off got anymore? We said better buy stock in it. Oh how funny! We need to laugh sometimes its can be so stressful and the little things kind of annoy yah as they come in. Tired it really was good licorce. I think I will get some more. Fat free and relaxing now thats not bad!It was all natural licorce root...
I continue to do my journal everyday with my intake, etc. It does seem to keep me on track more. Tired I'm with you aren't the apples great right now? Good fiber and tasty! Have you ever baked them in the mico? There is a little ww recipe. I think its just core it out then add walnuts, cinn, little syrup or brown sugar and a dab of water. Oh its a great treat and you feel like your cheating. I think I will look up some of the ww recipes for fall. Take care and have a good day. Hope everyone is doing well!

Hi everyone!!! It's FRIDAY!!! With me hating my job so much, this is like heaven. I have Monday off so it's a three day weekend in 6.5 hours. YEAH!!!!

Carol, sounds like you found a new snack. I don't like black licorce - but I do like the red stuff. What I'm really partial to dark chocolate. Good for you on the pound loss. I've always thought of the pound of butter equivalent when I lose weight. Unfortunately I haven't lost any lately, but I'm ok with that. I'm at a plateau.

Tired, sounds like you had at fun time at the practice. That's great!

Well, I really should work. So I'll talk to you later.
Marie

I may have had a mental breakthrough. For years I've struggled to visualize myself at a healthy weight, but since I've ben overweight since childhood, it's been difficult. I can vaguely imagine being a 12 or a 14, and even that is more in my head than in my core.

But lately I look in the mirror and I can really picture me, not someone else, with markedly smaller arms and legs, and a normal big American butt :lol: . Maybe I'm just hallucinating, maybe it's a symptom of severe carb withdrawal, but somehow I may have crossed a huge psychological barrier that keeps me stuck well above 200 pounds. We'll see!

So I wore my black dress last night and generally looked great, according to several people. The reception was inspirational and fun, but I was on my feet almost constantly for over three hours, and never had a proper dinner, so I was beat when I got home, and dragging this morning. This won't be one of my lazy weekends. I have a lot of running around to, alas. But I will try to pace myself.

Carol, I'm so glad to hear about the one-pound loss, hooray :cb: Soon strangers will refer to you as that skinny woman with the black teeth.

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable weekend. And let's all pray for our sisters and brothers on the Gulf Coast.

hugs--judy

Judy I enjoyed the future image of me Hah Hah! That was good I really laughed out loud! I am up early and almost packed fully to go to the Adriondacks for the rest of the weekend. My friend asked me to go yesterday at 7 a.m. . We are staying at a really cool old fashioned bed and breakfast. They wait on you like royalty. Should be fun we are going to take the fall train ride, shop, walk, and I am planning some kayacing as the place has a couple we can use. We are going to be right on the water. Moose lake is beautiful. I am so looking to a break it just the girls. My hubby was really good about it. He knows that once in awhile I need to get away. Its hard cause he is limited and sometimes acts a bit like he can't go places. Sometimes its he prefers not to go. He never liked to travel where as I love it. Now it is harder for him to do. Oh I am babbling on sorry. Proably trying to not feel to guilty about going. Judy hey good for you seeing that other side of you in the mirror. I never dreamed I'd ever be back down to my current wt. and wearing smaller clothes. There is a rainbow out there for all of us. In my journal I reflected back to see what I did differently to start losing again. It was reducing my calorie intake. I used to shoot for 1400 to 1500 now I go for 1300 to 1400 usless it is a special occassion. I preplan when possible for my extra treats. Like last night I had my fried haddock but not fries..... etc....
Marie sometimes maintaining your loss is just as important as losing. I stayed the same for quite awhile and I was okay with that. The slower you lose the better chances of keeping it off. Then after awhile I changed the calorie intake and tried to increase my walking exercise and taking the stairs at work only. The elevator comes and I put it in my head its going to break down. So I throw my work bag over my shoulder and walk down the steps.... Park out in God's country also helps a bit.
Have a good one I gotta fly. Hope everyone else is doing good. And lets pray is right for those effected by our crazy storms. Its so sad and not right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Judy, way to go on the visualization. That's just awesome. I once got to my goal weight so I know what I look like at that weight - although considerably older.

Carol have fun this weekend and don't feel too guilty. Maybe DH will have fun regarless. I wish I was going kayaking with you. I love doing that (although I've only done it once). My weeked is filled with helping DS1 move. YUCK!!! although I admit i's better than working. :)

DH just got up so I'll be back later.
Marie

Hi all. Good to hear from you. Marie, I like your pound of butter analogy. Judy, great job visualizing. I bet you look beautiful - every pound makes a difference. Focus on that as you continue. Do you give yourself treats every time you make a goal - like a special soap, new clothes, movie night? I try that. Carol, congrats on the pound. I hope you had fun with the girls.

Marie I have some similar feelings to you about work. I actually like my work with the children (Thank God!) but it's all the peripheral stuff that gets in the way. I'm trying to avoid that as much as possible and focus on what's important with the job which is what I like best too.

On that note, I've been a bit off at work lately. I find that if I don't have a project the usual routine sometimes leaves me with a little too much mental power. If it's not directed I sometimes throw that energy the wrong way (ADHD perhaps?). So, I'm thinking of writing books. I've always wanted to try my hand at it. We'll see. . . I got up early this morning and started a short story for children.

Diet wise I'm trying to start up again after many fits and starts. The school routine seems to help since I learned last year not to touch all the treats in the staff room. Like Carol suggested I've surrounded my desk with healthy treats and yesterday I did a great grocery shop and bought a few new pieces of clothing to start on a good note. I went to a road race yesterday too. It inspired me to continue this health journey. I'll have to remember to add health events to my schedule weekly (daily would even be better). My neighbor ran her first race ever yesterday at 40 something - she was elated and I was so happy for her.

Have a great day everyone!

Here's my food plan

breakfast - kashi bar/apple
lunch - salad
dinner - meat/veggies and maybe a low fat, low cal choc. sorbet bar (great dessert)

new commitment - little to no wine, desserts and breads!!!!

Marie wish you were there too! It was a fun weekend with the girls. I loved seeing all the beautiful trees which are turning to fall colors. It wasn't peak though a bit late this year most likely a week or two it should be even prettier. I saw the deer just walk through the village without a care in the world. We did manage to see one bear. And I got my girlfriends mom whom is 79 to go on the ski lift. We went up the McCauley mountain. The sceenery was breath taking she was so grateful afterwards that she did it. I said you have to live everyday to its fullest and try and enjoy life when the opportunity knocks. She was grateful afterwards for my encouragement and it will be the talk of the trip to her friends.... I enjoyed being out on the lake we stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast. The house was an old colonial and spotless to say the least. You had the run of the whole house. The guys waited on us and gave us a super breakefast no dieting that time. Pumpkin pancakes, homefries, sausage, bacon, fruit cup with a bit of yogurt on top and crumbled granola. Then they had mini muffins, toast, etc..... extras if you wanted it. The tables were set in china. It was beautiful. I enjoyed getting out on the Moose River to kayak after breakfast. I needed to burn a few calories. We did a lot of walking but mostly in and out of little shops. Got a few christmas presents to put away.
Tired sounds like your trying to get a handle on your feelings? That is a good thing! I think writting childrens books would be great fun. Good luck and keep me updated with that. Sometimes we get wrapped up at work with others and their thoughts or feelings. I have tried to stay away from some of that lately. It has been better for me. I am trying to go in do my best for my clients, meet the needs of my job and not get overly in to the rest of it. Sometimes its hard and I have been right in the center of it all before. It just doesn't make for a very happy Carol. It makes me stressed and I overeat! I also need to take in some special treats for myself that are healthy. I didn't overeat this weekend except for breakfast and that took care of two meals for me.
Judy hope your doing well and did we loose everyone else again? Where is Skinny Butt etc.?????????????
Take care and have a good day I am going to try to eat healthy today. On tues. I will work out at the gym..

Morning everyone, well today will be a nice day - I have it off from work. I'm taking every other Monday off, and today is one of them. The room is basically done and the kids are moved in. So DH and I can do whatever we want. Actually, he can't since GF's car is broken and DS1 can't fix it - he's tried for two weeks so now it's time for DH to step in. DS1 starts his senior year at college today. I hope he takes this year seriously since he hasn't since he was a freshman. I don't know what I'm going to do for the day. I think I will take the time to wash all the counters (under the appliances) since it's so dusty here.

Tired, go for you on trying your hand at writing. I think you'll be very good at it. I have to make myself re-edit one of my books and then submit it to an agent. I found an agent I'd like to query, but I really hate rejection. I never started writing with the intention of trying to get published - it was just for me. But there's one manuscript that I really like and have had thoughts about it. Good luck with the writing.

Carol, your weekend sounds wonderful. The bed and breakfast sounds beautiful and I wouldn't have dieted through that breakfast either. Good for you in getting the older woman to go on the ski lift so she could see the beautiful scenery. When I read that, I remembered taking my parents river rafting last year and they're in their upper 70's. At the time I thought I was nuts for doing that, but they still talk about it.

Hi Judy, hope you're doing great.

I will talk with you all later.
Marie

Marie thanks for your kind words. It was a fun time. You should put your book in for review it would be good for someone to take a look. Live everyday to its fullest don't put things off we never know if we don't try! Get into it and take the bull by the horns! Even if it has to go to more than one spot before someone realizes it need to be published. Sometimes they want things rewritten a bit no biggy you won't know unless you try! Good luck with it and keep me in touch with the progress if you go forward.
Tired and Judy hope you having a good start to your week.
I went over a bit on calories yesterday more like 1600 when I recalulated. I bought my lunch and it was chinese good but not that good. Should of taken my own stuff. Oh well should of should of! Today will be different I have preplanned my day. That helps me so much even if I put a change in it in the long run its better!
B=Kashai Cereal 170
S= apple
L=goulash 350/ apple 80
D=grilled steak w/ garlic and onions, sweet squash, baked small potatoe w/ little marg.
yogurt90

Hi all,
Carol, your trip sounds wonderful. Marie, I hope you had a good day off. Judy, I hope things are going well for you.

I'm off today since I have a doctor visit. It's a good thing because I'm exhausted. I worked late last night to catch up.

Good plan
breakfast - cereal and yogurt
lunch - something healthy
dinner - again, something healthy

Hi, all--

Sorry I haven't been checking in. Things have been very busy, more meetings and after-work commitments than usual, but it's all good. My second Pilates class was fine. I tried to take notes, which was hard while stretching out doing the poses, and I can barely understand what I wrote :lol: I had a very busy weekend, culminating in nearly finishing up with filing or tossing a backlog of material in my home office. This has been hanging over my head since the spring, so it feels great to know that the end is in sight.

My weight hasn't budged, but I feel lighter, and the pants I'm wearing today are really just too big. Yaay!!! although I do love these pants, we've been through a lot together these past few years.

I'm trying to keep this coming weekend free of commitments so that I can focus on being selfish. I'll be at a conference in Oregon 10/7-12, and in Boston for a few days the following week. In between I'll have lots of work and volunteer projects to move forward, so I want to remember to make the most of my precious free time when I can.

Marie, I hope the move was relatively painless!

Carol, your weekend was lovely!

Tired, get some rest!

judy

Hi everyone,

Well I made it through a day at work - a major accomplishment lately. I truly hate to be there so coming home in a good mood is nice. I'm trying not to let my job ruin the rest of my day. I think it helped that I cut the amount of trazedone that I'm taking so I can sleep through the night down to a quarter of a pill. I wasn't as tired today. Hopefully, a quarter of a pill will continue to work. I hate not sleeping but then I was sleeping during the day too much.

The kids are settled into their room. Everybody is gone right now at either work or school. So I have the house to myself. I plan to ride the exercycle. I got my new Garth Brooks Live in Central Park video in the mail (I ordered it on Amazon) so I'm going to peddle to that. I'll crank the stereo up loud and enjoy the concert. I somehow lost my old copy so I had to buy a new one last week.

It's a beautiful day here. It's sunny and in the seventies. I was outside for a little, but I wanted to write here so I came back in.

Judy, wow!!! Your going to have to retire some clothes. That's a great thing. Enjoy giving to Goodwill. I know I love giving the big clothes away. I hate giving the smaller ones that I grew out of out. :) I haven't gotten my Pilates machine, but Amazon finally shipped it yesterday.

Tired, I hope the dr. visit went ok and that you got some rest today. I had yesterday off and slept for 3 hours in the middle of the afternoon. As I mentioned earlier, I needed to tweak the trazedone amount. I was sleeping too much. I feel much better today. I hope you do too.

Carol, I will start re-editing the manuscript tonight. If at some point you want to read it, just PM me your email and I'll send it to you. And 1600 calories isn't that much. I think I'm staying around that at this point. I'm not losing but I'm not gaining. Right now, I'm aiming at maintaining, then when I'm not as sleepy and feeling better, I will get back on a more rigid calorie limit. For now, maintaining is all I can do. That and exercise.

I brought my lightbox to work - didn't get to use it today but I did set it up at the end of the day, so tomorrow I'm going to start using it again. It's close enough to October for using it. And I've been a bit depressed lately (although not today - again I think it's the trazedone thing).

Well, I'll chat with you tomorrow.
Marie

Hi all. Judy, I did get some rest today since I had a medical apt. I wasn't sure about the results - but the conclusion was that there was nothing wrong! Terrific! Funny, I didn't think it was bothering me but when the doc told me there was nothing to worry about I felt relieved. Must have been some worry back there somewhere.

So I rested a bit the rest of the day and then did the usual p/u and drop-off routine. It went like this p/u at school, p/u soccer supplies at store, go to soccer, go home to find one son is still not home, go to high school to p/u - he's not there, after a phone call or two I locate him (he was fine), drop off at football, p/u at party, p/u at football and now I'm writing. Crazy schedule but I'm glad that the boys are involved in so many healthy activities - it's good for them. What's best is that so many great adult coaches and supervisors are involved too - really makes where I live seem like the "village" one refers to when they say "it takes a village."

I've really got to get on track. Last year I read the Dr. Phil book about weight loss (I recommend it) and he said to throw out all those old "fat" clothes and I did - now I'm squeezing (literally) into last fall and winter's newer skinnier clothes. Not all is lost as I can still squeeze into them (provided I have the right undergarments on), but I want to enjoy wearing those clothes and not buy bigger ones. I want to be slim enough that I don't feel the flab - what a relief that would be.

today's eating wasn't great though but I'll post
- nuts
-cereal/milk/yogurt
- very healthy smoothie (strawberry, nonfat yogurt, banana, low fat milk) - this was the single best food for helping me lose weight last year. Non fat milk and yogurt really help with weight loss.
- glass of red wine (good benefits as long as you drink only one)
The nuts put me over the cal. limit unfortunately. Back to work and healthy eating tomorrow. I've got my Brazil trip (April) and 25th college reunion (I'd love for those old boyfriends to see a slimmer (sexier) me!!!!! What fun that would be)

Hope you're all doing well. Hope I can be a better team mate on this journey in the coming weeks.

Take care.

Judy sounds like you deserve a break this weekend. Your one busy lady! My daughter does a lot of volunteer work as well. She does thing for the Peace Council. Last week she did photo's for the anti war protest. I told her not to get arrested and she informed me what she does is not illegal. Thank goodness! Your most likely losing inches and thats not a bad thing.
Marie that medicine your right can make you really sleepy. Cutting back isn't a bad thing as long as you can still sleep at night. Sounds like your trying to get a handle on work. What kind of work do you do ? Only answer if you want to no presure I just wondered.

Tired your village sounds like a great place to raise kids. Being involved with the social events and sports keeps you busy. I reflect often to the days when my son played football. The games in the mud, snow, rain you name it. But the memories are positive ones and I enjoy having them. I hope your feeling better. Reading that Dr. Phil might not be a bad thing to do. I always have to look back on some readings to keep myself motivated. Sometimes we get sick with just having our weather switch seasons. I am off today from work I have a doctors appt. for my big squeeze its that time again. Then I have to go to another appt. So off I am but busy. I am taking my workout clothes and going to finally stop at the gym.
I noticed my intake yesterday was off I actually felt hungry really hungry. I looked back this a.m. and I think it was from having pasta. That is an area I cut way down on and it made me really crave more foods..... I will see today if I feel differently. Pasta is going back on the bottom of my list if so. It was the only differnce I have added in lately.
hAVE GREAT DAY EVERYONE!

Carol, I'm a database manager and web master for a school district. I really like the work, but schools are so cheap that it's frustrating. Like right now I'm trying to set up a message board and "they" want it to be a free one. So I'm trying to make MYSQL, PHP, and PERL work on our webserver. Oh, I can't reboot the webserver since it's being used by others. So make it work without rebooting - very frustrating. I wanted to install this bulletin board program (since I'm so familiar with it) but it was $110 for the license. No, no, no. Use a free one. I'm so frustrated since freeware has no support documentation. Anyway, it's just 8 hours out of my day... I will get it to work, but I'll probably mess up the webserver in the mean time. :)

Tired, good luck fitting into the clothes. I know why Dr. Phil says to get rid of the old clothes but it's not very economical. Maintaining is hard when you've been overweight all your life. I decided to keep my old stuff that I brought this spring because you never know. If nothing else I can try it on next spring and enjoy watching them fall off my body. BTW, I don't know about you, but if I'm wearing tight, uncomfortable clothes, I feel fat and that makes me eat. If you're like me, I'd suggest buying a few comfortable outfits until you gain total control again.

Carol, I love pasta and it's my main type of food that I like to eat. I read your post and thought, no, I couldn't give it up. But it's not protein so it probably would be a good idea. I just know that I could do it. I love pasta so much that I have my own pasta machine. Lately spaghetti is a constant craving.

Okay, back to my webserver problems. TTYL.
Marie

Marie wow your job thank goodness is only 8 hrs. I used to work at a school district myself about 7 years ago. We had to fight for every little raise. Good luck! I agree pasta tastes so good. But with South Beach it was pretty limited and then afterwards I had adjusted to not having it very often. Homemade oh my would be so good. I would have to limit myself or I'd eat it all! I still carry with me some of the ideas of south beach even though I don't really follow all of it. I have decided to create my own dieting and so far I am doing okay. I take a little info. from different diets and just do my own thing oh and with counting calories. Years ago I did fiber and fat counting it was called the Tfactor diet. I still have the book and reflect on the info. once in awhile. We all lose differently and therefore need to find out what makes us tick and what works for us. I know preplanning is another biggy for me. I need to think ahead of time to make it all work out in the end. I still love fried haddock and a few fries. I know that I can have what ever I want in moderation and counting. Thats what I like by doing it this way. Good luck!
Tired hope your having a good week.
Judy hows that exercise class going?
I have been skipping out on the gym. Yesterday I had every intention then got groceries with my sister inlaw after my appt. Well I had to come right home to put the meats away. I live a bit far out with gas prices to go back in. My meeting went well it was a Comp. meeting about the loss in my wrist. I had carpal tunnel surgery in 2003. I went in without a lawyer. It was a bit scary but it went smooth. I hate any type of meeting like that. I just used a poker face and answered the questions. In the end it went fine and to think I almost canceled. Good thing I didn't. But I think I was a bit stressed about it and maybe thats where my weird eating came from this week. I just ate differently than I have been maybe it wasn't the pasta after all?
Have a good day! I made stuffed cabbage last night ahead of time to plug the crockpot in this a.m. and let them simmer all day. Thats one nice thing about fall weather we tend to use the crock pot. Its nice to come home to a meal waiting for us.