Hi all,

Marie, did you watch the Patriots game. We did. We were sad to see them lose.

Pretty good eating day. Lots going on here - the usual parenting and teaching work. The temperature went from the high 50's yesterday to around 12 degrees tonight. It's nice to have tomorrow off.

Take care. - M

Good morning everyone, it's been a good morning for me. I've already exercised and am almost done in front of my lightbox. I'm starting to get hungry for breakfast so I'm going to find something tasty for that.

Maureen, I did watch the game, but I don't like the Patriots. Sorry. I guess I'm so sick of hearing about their "dynasty" that I cheer for any team that is playing them - hence the Broncos on Saturday evening. I can, though, relate to feeling sad when your team loses. Mine lost lots this season - the Packers stunk this year. So sad a lot for about 5 minutes after the game. :)

We got snow last night and it's pretty. Lots on the pine trees. So it's white and wintry outside and I'm sitting here in front of my "sunshine" (lightbox) in my shorts (from exercising) pretending it's summer. I can dream, right????

Well, chat with you later.
Marie

Hey, ladies! I'm working for a few hours today, even tho the office is closed, and enjoying the peace and quiet--and not ringing phones! I worked out this morning (more salsa) and have done pretty well in staying on track as I enter Week Two of the Curves six-week challenge. I can up my calories all the way to 1,600, yee-ha!

Watched a little football, too, but basically everyone I wanted to win lost. I had a fun free facial and makeover at Macy's on Saturday. I looked very glamorous as I shopped for groceries afterwards;) .

judy

Thank you all for you words of wisdom and I will use them in my first day back. I like your ideas and I think it is best for me to keep the job I have. After all why should I give up 2 weeks vacation and less money an hour and benefits. I get extra in my 401 as I have been there for a bit. So yearly they add a little extra in on their own if the company does well. There are times which I let things get to me and I need to not listen to others just do my own thing. Not let the crap get to me. So today I will center my thinking on my work and not the other stuff. If someone starts to talk about - stuff I will remove myself from the area. We'll see how it goes. I know I can deal with it just need to figure out the best way. Thanks for the ideas girls and I WILL go with them.
Yesterday the hubby and I HAD to clean out the whole kitchen. I contracted those little pantry moths. Oh not so nice. Brought them home most likely in bulk food. Needless to say lots of hours of cleaning out throwing out dry goods etc... Costly and not fun. Lots of reaching etc. must of burned a few calories. Now everything goes into plastic containers or my seal a meal bags or containers. Wow at least some early spring cleaning has begun. Forced but at least done. Hopefully we got the source of the problem. So watch out for bulk especially nuts.
Judy the facial sounds like a real treat. Good for you. I got in only 110 min. of my 200 goal workout. But I am going to reach it this week. I got to the gym 2 times . Really enjoyed it on saturday as there wasn't a crowded gym or machines to have to wait for.
Tired you sound like your doing so well. I am working on some of the same stuff you were at work. I am going to take the sounds advice and go in with a good attitude today.
Marie the baby will be such a pleasure that the time you spend will work out for you. After all put the baby in a stroller and walk that way you don't have to give that up. Your going to enjoy all the time you get to spend with the little one. Have you been knitting any blankets or sweaters? I am finishing up a Thomas the Train sweater for the youngest grand baby. He is 4 and waiting for gram to finish it up.
Well have a great day girls.
I am taking my bean soup for lunch and ate a healthy breakfast. I am calorie counting today and working out. Forward march thats for sure bathing suits in a few weeks to try on for my trip. That will motivat me!

Carol--good luck with resolving the things on the job front. You don't want to go from the frying pan into the fire! If the benefits of staying outweigh the risks of leaving, it will be important for you to figure out how to keep the petty stuff from making you insane:mad: I'll think of you as I do my next workout, as we both try to reach our cardio goals. I did a Charlene Prickett tape this morning, and will go to Curves after work.

Marie, Maureen, hope you're having a good day!

judy

Hi everyone, sounds like everyone is on track to make their life better. I'm at work and sent DS#2 off to the military this morning. I'm very happy he's gone. He's been so self-centered the last few months that I'm glad the military gets to put up with him. My hope is that basic training and tech school will make him grow up. If not, at least I have a break from him. I was definitely not said when I left the airport after bringing him. Ecstatic, maybe. :)

Tonight is the start of American Idol and I really like that show, so that will be fun. It'll have to be recorded so that I can do my walking. I created a spreadsheet to track the walking distance. I decided I get a dollar for every mile and every two weeks I'll put that amount into a savings account. When I have enough (probably a year or two), I'm going to buy a new LCD projector for my entertainment system. My current one has a shadow and it's annoying when watching movies. So I have a goal. Cool, huh????

Carol, I think you're making a good choice not to let others drive you from a job you like.

Judy, I hope you enjoyed the quiet at your office. I used to do that but decided that my personal time was mine, so I stopped. Something about getting my workaholic problem under control. It is nice to work in peace, though. I definitely understand.

Tired, have a good week.

Well, back to work. Talk with you later.

Thanks again girls for your advice and support. It was much better yesterday I confronted an issue early on in a calm manner. It was resolved quickly and I have decided to hang in there. Not try to get over excited about the little stuff cause stress is not good for me it drives my blood pressure up and my eating pattern wild. I do have to say its not just me at work with issues a coworker had her run around last week and continued a bit into yesterday. I will try to keep calm and think about my vacation. My job isn't so bad its just the little extras. I went to a needy families home yesterday afternoon and realize I do make a little difference in their sons life and it felt good. Pretty bad somethings we take for granted others just can't even do the simple things like get a new calendar for 2006, or figure out how to get their medicine etc... Sad but true. Every job would have its highs and lows I guess from talking with you all. Well my eating wasn't too bad yesterday except I did buy some choc. hearts with peppermint. There not as bad as some things but were my down end yesterday and probably ended in my rear end! Hah hah! I didn't go workout as my daughter called on the cell and said we were getting freezing rain and I'd better head home. Funny how the tables turn over the years! Well my lunch is made tuna with a little miracle whip, onion, celery, romaine lettuce on fresh Italian bread and a tomatoe sliced, yogurt. Have a great day sounds like we are all motivated Hurray for all of us. Marie I like your idea of a dollar a mile! I might have to try a spread sheet myself!
Judy I have a Denise Austin Pilates video tape and yoga its a twin set. Never used them got them at a garage sale. Maybe I should try them this week. Have you ever used those ones girls?

Good morning! It's a good day for sleeping in--cold, gray and wet--and I had a hard time getting out of bed. I did a short workout, packed my lunch and am planning to have a good day. For several days my morning weight has fluctuated between 235-237. I really want it to be at the lower end for my curves weigh-in on Friday.

Carol, good for you, not letting your buttons get pushed! I struggle to remind myself that I can't control other people's actions, but I can control my reactions....doesn't always work for me, but it helps! Thank for sharing the thought about your clients. I have my health, a nice place to live, a job, etc., and should keep life's little irritations in perspective. :cool:

Marie, you post made me laugh out loud! I hope your son grows up a little while he's away. I like your incentive system, but wouldn't it be even better if someone else paid out the money?

Maureen, hope you're feeling good today!

judy

Morning everyone, Carol, glad to hear that you're letting the little things slide. Looking at how lucky we are helps. Perspective is a great thing. Good luck with getting some exercise in. I've never used those exercise videos. My little experience with Pilates is my machine and I don't like it. I guess I really like walking. I did the 2 mile walk yesterday. That was the fourth day in a row. Wow.

Judy, I'd love to give my spreadsheet to my kids and say pay up, but that isn't about to happen. I'm taking it out of my husband's pay every two weeks. Can't do it with mine since my paycheck is totally gone with the monthly bills. Sometimes it feels like I work for nothing, then I remember my house and know that my paycheck pays for it.

Good luck on the weighin on Friday, Judy. Even if the damn scale doesn't tell you, you're doing great. Just think how much healthier you are than you were before you started this journey.

Marie

Girls I just want the little white square to change its numbers of course down and not up! I got on this a.m. because I am going to the doctors to get my bloodtest taken and I know they will put me on the scale. So figured might better do it myself so I have no shocks! I haven't moved it yet. I am trying increased my exercise but still need to do more, inc. water intake, still letting a few things in my intake I guess. THis will tell me for sure to straighten up. I put on about 3.5lbs over the holidays. I tell yah how dum that was! But we all seem to get taken in by all the goodies I guess it could of been worse. But Hawaii trip is coming. I did manage to go work out and pushed myself to do an extra few min. on the treadmill. 50 min. total workout. I am going to go back today or at least go for a walk depending on the weather. Then friday for sure back to the gym. Thanks for sharing Marie about your son, they all grow up someday and he will there for sure. I can't wait to visit my son and his wife. I need to bake cookies tonight to send off for his birthday the 24th. He love choc. crinkles and I didn't make them this year. His wife said at Christmas he was looking in the box and mentioned mom didn't send my favorites. So I will now! He will enjoy them and a little ck to go out!
150 min. to go before sunday. I am trying the 200 min. a week thing. Last week I didn't make it. I am going to try and eat less bread and I got back into pasta too. GOTTA let it all go. I am thinking of revisiting the South Beach diet. Oh why can't we just get thin quick???????????????????????????
I know off slow stays off! I know it all to well just doing it and making it stick is tough! Good luck all!

Carol, good for you for not gaining. I think it's extremely easy to put on pounds and nearly impossible to lose them. Maintaining is a good thing. The cookies sound delicious. I can see why you'd send them away.

I bought 5 outfits for the baby this morning. A local department store was clearancing things and I got really beautiful Carter sleepers for about $7-$8 each. They are adorable.

I walked again last night for 2 miles with WATP video. I did 11 miles in 7 days. YEAH!! I think I'm going to try the 3 mile walk this weekend just so I get a little variety.

TTYL.
Marie

Baby clothes! Oh, Marie, I love ohhing and ahhing over them. Guess it's a good thing I've never had kids myself, we'd have to build extra closets just for all the cute clothes and shoes! Good for you, getting those walks in:cheer: I'm finally understanding that I'm always in a better mood on the days I have a good workout.

Carol, I'm so sorry 'bout that mean ol' scale. Do you like the SB diet? I very rarely eat bread anymore. I had a sandwich at this lunch meeting today, and I felt almost wicked.

Judy and Marie thanks for all the support. I got on that little square this morning and it was down 1 lb. hurray! Yah know I needed it even if thats all it was I'll take it and run! I felt so much better to see some movement and that was even after I ate chinese for lunch yesterday. I didn't have breakfast due to a doctors blood test checking all my levels. oh now I am in trouble for sure!!!!!!!!!! At any rate by the time I got a chance to eat it was almost lunch so I combined breakfast cals with lunch and had chinese. It was chicken with garlic sauce and not to heavy of a sauce at that. Lots of veggies and I only ate part of the rice and a little wonton soup. Judy I did SB before and it taught me some good things. Like eatting certain foods caused cravings, made me eat more at least it seemed like it. So I figure if I just cut back on white breads, pasta and sweets it will help. I have purchased water with a friend to keep at work. So my level of that has increased. I also have taken the stairs and not the elevator and trying to fit in the gym. Yesterday I didn't get there as I am fighting off a cold and was with a client a bit later. I just didn't feel like another late night. But today I should finish at 4 and will get there. I really enjoyed going last saturday in the afternoon it was empty at the gym. So I will try that. I want to find a place to take water exercise classes. My gym got rid of their pool. I need to ck that out. My mini goal is to lose 4lbs. at least before Valentines day. That is a realistic goal for me! That will put me at 169lbs. My lowest was 168 a while back! I can do this so God give me the strength to eat well , drink lots of water and exercise! lETS GO GIRLS! Tired where are you???????????????????????????????? We need you on this road too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marie baby clothes shopping can get dangerous everything is so cute! Are you making any sweaters or blankets? I have saved the ones I made when the kids grow out of them. That way someday they will go to another one.

Hi everyone. Judy, I definitely feel better now that I'm exercising daily. Physically and mentally. I'm very excited that when spring comes and I can walk outside again, I will already be in shape to be able to do the hills. I've done the 2 mile walk every day and this weekend I'm going to try the 3 mile walk for a little variety. I didn't want to go overboard so that I stop but I do need variety.

I ordered a new lightbox this morning. It's a blue lux spectrum light that a friend on another thread said works magic for depression. She also used the full spectrum like I have and swears by this new one. So I ordered it and put my full spectrum up on Ebay.

DH like the clothes I bought baby. They were so adorable that even the miser had to like them. He especially like the price. :)

Well, back to work. Good luck on the journey everyone. We can do it!

Well girls its monday and I feel like staying home today. I have that bug that was going around with the cold symptoms. Crazy dry cough and a bit of congestion. But the State is coming in to review some of our folks who live at home,that means a file review etc. So I thought there is no choice but to go in. If they questions one of my files I want to represent myself as I know my caseload the best, so off to work I go. I'm suppose to go out to dinner with a client tonight and another client and his coordinator. I might decide to change that to another night this week. They will be disappointed but sometimes thats life. Well not a bad weekend with eating except for those cinnamon buns I bought. Now that was my downfall. I had my mom for dinner yesterday. I made some chicken and did mashed potatoes with some added in sweet potatoe. Not so bad and a change. I need to pick up some more sweetpotatoes. They are good with a little cinnamon on baked with just a little marg or butter. Well have a good day and lets make some healthy choices. Lately at work I think stairs or elevator and have been picking the stairs every little change counts. Do it for 10 days and habits form.
Marie you are going to love that little one to pieces! Fun Fun! Glad your exercising even though I feel like yuk I may stop to at least do the treadmill for a bit. I feel more in control when I work out. I have my doctors appt. on tues good timing with being sick. Oh is anyone else on Omega 3 fish oil? I have heard some good things and going to try it out. A cholestrol lowering thing , circulation improver and all around good for our heart!

Carol, I just love cinnamon rolls. Cinnabons are my favorite. Thankfully there isn't one anywhere in the vicinity. Our dinners were a lot alike too. I made turkey and mashed potatoes. Yum. I think though that my portions are growing a bit and I need to cut them back again.

I sure hope you feel better. I'm still coughing and a little congested from the cold I got at Christmas. But I feel fine and that's all I care about. Take it easy so your body can recover.

I did the 3 mile WATP yesterday and it was definitely harder. Today I'm going to do the 2 mile. It's a good length for me. I got bored by 45 minutes with the 3 mile walk, so 30 minutes with the 2 mile walk is good. I might try to add the 3 mile once a week for a little variety.

I took the day off and set a goal to finish my white cardigan hoodie. I really want the pink one I have planned and I can't start it till this one's done. So today I'm going to finish it.

Talk with you all later. It's almost time for me to exercise.
Marie

Marie I worked late last night so no knitting but I have to finish the little guys sweater. I only have a little more than a half of sleeve to go and sew it together. I keep saying oh this week and then it has come and gone. The late evening take a toll. Today though I am only working a half a day got to go see the doctor. Good timing to get my blood results since I am still coughing and can't sleep well etc. I don't feel awful just a bit drained. No work outs do to all this either. I am gathering my tax info. and hoping to file right away to get back hopefully some funds never know for sure til we do them but it would all come in handy. I will flex some time on thurs. to only work a 6 hr. day. The girls and I are planning a dinner out at the casino. We aren't taking much to spend but have dinner coupons so we will eat for free. My friend is renting a room for two days so we are just visiting and maybe going to fit in a swim if we can under her room #. Well I took a couple of clients out to dinner last night even though I couldn't taste much. I of course still ate but not over eating. I had chicken parm a favorite of mine. I brought 1/2 home. Today I had a whole wheat eng. muffin with blueberry jam for breakfast with 1/2 of a sm. banana. I plan a salad bed with tuna for lunch with lite dressing. So my calories today will not be to high. I have started myself on Omega 3 fish oil. I read how its suppose to cut down the chol. and help with the heart, metabolism etc. So what the heck its worth a try. My sons birthday is today and how I wish my visit was today! Oh well soon enough I will be on that long flight to Hawaii. Still have to purchase a new bathing suit. My friend is traveling with us and we plan on doing some fun things. The hubby won't be up to some of it so it will be good to have my friend to sight see with. He will enjoy seeing the kids but hates traveling all together. Hang in there girls we are climbing the mountain to greater health!
It will be great when we can see the tip of that mountain up so high!

Hi, Ladies!

I'm at home today with a vicious sinus headache. I was in Boston yesterday, and spent the morning working in a home with two cats and a dog before heading downtown for meetings. I think the combination of the dander (I have mild allergies) and the flying wacked out my sinuses. So I'm napping off and on and trying to get some work done. The napping is going well, the working isn't quite as good.

My weight is stubbornly stuck. I haven't been exactly on program every day, but I have been pretty disciplined, except for a margarita and some tortilla chips on Saturday, and a chocolate bar yesterday:devil: I had a 6:45 flight yesterday AM, and got back home around 8:30 PM, so no workout, and I did about 20 minutes today, which actually made me feel a little better until I pooped out entirely. Three weeks into a new routine is right around the time most folks drift off or give up, and I'm not doing that!

Marie, I love your stained glass avatar, how gorgeous! Congratulations on getting a lightbox and doing what you need to do to keep your spirits and your energy up.

Maureen, I hope you're feeling good today!

Carol, I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well! Practically everyone I speak with is either getting or getting over some bug. I hope it moves on soon. You are making such good choices with food, thinking like a thin person and not overeating just because food is in front of you! I hadn't meant to eat those tortilla chips on Saturday, but the waiter brought them automatically, and automatically I started munching....well, I will get there.

I really should try to do a little work. I have a big deadline, and I will be in a pickle if I haven't gotten myself organized today.

Be well!

judy

Good Evening all! Gee, I hope you both feel better. Carol, how did the dr. appointment go? I'm glad that you had the appointment. Feeling rundown is lousy. Judy, you're traveling day sounded atrocious. One thing you might want to try if you have long layovers is to walk the airport. I did that in Minneapolis and was literally exhausted when I got on the plane.

Judy, thanks for the compliment on the stained glass. A friend on another thread commented about my old one and I decided it was time to change it since I had yesterday off. I thought springy would be nice.

I had a good day at work. My new lightbox came today and I like it. It's a blue lux lightbox and one of my co-workers came in my office and said"Wow, you're purple!" Cool, I think - I love purple. :) Also, my old lightbox is up to $150 on ebay. YEAH!!!!!!!

I walked after work. 2 more miles on my tracker. My hip and butt are sore today so I didn't push it but I still did it. Then I had an orange!!! no cookie - just a good for me orange. It was delicious.

Again, I hope you both feel better. I'm sending good thoughts your way.
Marie

Girls the doctor said its in your family history like it or not you need to take the Tricor! So my battle is up and I am giving in no matter what I eat it will never change things with my blood count. So my #'s doubled from where they were before. I have to go back to have that ck'd before Hawaii trip and my thyroid was a little out of wack so she lowered that a bit. As far as my not feeling well she said it most likey was a virus and I was prob. at the close to the end. So I am taking over the counter cough syrup to losen it all up. I feel a little better today.
Oh forgot to tell yah all down one more lb. on my little square scale! That is now helping me get closer to my goal. I am still up from my lowest wt. last year but glad I am making some movement. Hawaii incentive is working!
Marie the light sounds like a great purchase and will give you a sense of relief from the winter. I think I need one too! Good choice with the fruit. I ate a cookie last night but had a lighter food intake for the day so I think it worked itself in. I need to get some more fruit. The tulips make me feel like spring!
Judy wow what a crazy trip that was huh? No fun! You deserved those chips sometimes we just have to have um. At any rate if I skipped them then I would of been trying to replace them with something satisfying all night long and would of ate more calories. Sometimes less is best and have what yah want but not always just special treats. Hope your feeling better sounds like we both need a shot of ginger brandy warmed up!

Carol, I totally agree with you on eating what you really want and eating less of it. I definitely snack on lots if I don't give in to what I really want. My whole goal for losing weight (at least not gaining) is to eat no diet foods (unless that's what I want) and to eat smaller portions. so far I'm doing okay.

I finished all the knitting last night. So tonight I'm going to sew the sweater together. Maybe I'll be able to wear it tomorrow. :) When it's done, I will post a picture of it. It's looking good so far. Today I'm wearing it's buttercup yellow twin - I love hoodie cardigan sweaters.

Carol, great job on losing a pound. :carrot:

Well, I'm posting at work so that I have a little more time to work on the sweater tonight. I know, bad me. :devil:
Marie

Another sniffly day, but better than yesterday. I was up half the night fighting off crazy fever dreams, and today's not so bad, I'm just tired. I have to fly again tomorrow evening, so I will throw in the towel and start taking medicine, to help the congestion move along a little faster. I try to avoid cold medicine, I hate the way it makes me either dozy or hyper.

Way to go with the weight loss, Carol!:carrot: I'm humming "Tiny Bubbles" as I write this. Take care of that virus, you don't want it to linger.

Marie, you're right about walking in the airport. I usually don't take the moving sidewalks, and when i have a long layover, I do spend a lot of time walking the length of the terminals. Monday morning I almost got in a little running--I'd just settled into a quiet spot not far from the gate when I saw a mouse out of the corner of my eye! I'm petrified of rodents, but I did very well to just quickly gather up my things and stand right by the gate attendant. I'm sure if I did what I wanted to do--run away screaming--TSA personnel would have chased me with billy clubs and hauled me away. Ewww, I still hate thinking about it.

Okay, I think I'll heat up some lunch. When I feel achy and sluggish, I tend to want heavy comfort food, so I'm focusing on staying on program (which I haven't done so well this week).

Have a good day!

judy

Judy, too funny. I despise mice and their kind. YUCK!!! Good thing you thought about TSA and running around crazily. Good luck feeling better. BTW, what do you do that you travel so much. I could never do that. :)

Judy years ago when I was prego for my first child we had mice in our country little home. Well I stood on top of the kitchen table screaming for the hubby. He came to my rescue and the little mouse prob. had a heart attack. This huge prego lady standing on a table etc... Too funny! Your right about the airport. In fact maybe since you fly so often you could give me some tips on snack foods etc. for the longest flight of my life to Hawaii that is. Oh its coming quick. I have to count up the days today. March 9th through the 25th.
I am still sick myself isn't this junk yukie! I have the cough thing going on and a chest cold. I finally started yesterday on medication from the doctor and feel better already a bit that is. They don't like to give us antibotics anymore until you really have it! Oh! At any rate I had yesterday off and feel a bit better today. My friend and I did my taxes yesterday thank God we are not paying in and are getting a bit back. It will pay for some expenses of our trip. The rental car etc.. Aloha! Gotta get my summer things out to see what I have. In a week or so I will ck out some new bathing suits. I ck'd my journal and had to go back all the way to Oct. to find the wt. I am at now so I guess I am doing okay. I have to lose 2.5 lbs. to be in the 160's that will feel so great. I know I can do it. My thyroid was out of sorts again to so with that being better maybe I can reach my goal. I have been drinking lots of water no soda not even diet. I have enjoyed more tea lately hot tea. Cut back on my coffee at work and home. I am trying to do better but some snacks still make their way into my mouth not sure how that happens! Hah hah! Gotta keep a sense of humor.
Marie I am with you I just finished knitting the little guys sleeves last night. I will sew his sweater together today some time. I am going to line the inside where I put the design of the trains. I hope to give it to him on sunday. Good for you finishing your sweater too! When we are busy we aren't munching so much. I have to buy some yogurt, fruit and fresh veggies today. I am making chicken strips for dinner grilled and then we dip them in hot wing sauce. They take the place of chicken wings with no fat, I use chicken breast skinless. Well take care girls it is going in the 40's today my friend and I may walk 3 miles around the lake later on. Due to my not feeling well exercise has been minmal.

Carol, I really hope that you start to feel better. I hate being sick. The cold I had after Christmas still lingers with a cough every once in a while because of mucus in the bronchial tubes. Basically I feel fine, but I definitely have morning congestion. So, I hope yours last shorter and that you feel good very soon!!!!

Please take a picture of the sweater (preferably on your grandson) and post it here. I can not wait to see it. I LOVE trains!!!!

I'm a little bummed with my sweater. I sewed most of it together and apparently I forgot to mark that I altered the pattern from the first time I made it that I had lengthened it for the second sweater. So now this third sweater is a little short. I will probably finish it but I was definitely bummed.

I've walked every day and decided that I like late afternoon walks best. I tried a morning exercise, but was sort of miserable. So today, I got up and took my shower and will exercise later.

Yesterday I shopped a little at Walmart. I got 6 long sleeve knit shirts for $5 each. I was so sick of my old ones, they were too short and kept coming untucked. Drove me nuts. I also got 2 sweatpants and a pair of knit exercise pants. It was like Christmas. :)

Well, I suppose I've rambled enough. Have a great weekend Carol, Judy and Maureen!
Marie

Hi all, I finished my white sweater last night even though I knew it was too short for me. I really like it but I can't wear it. So I'm offering it to my friends here at 3FC. First PM asking for it, get it. The size is an XL Petite. DH guesses you'd probably need to be about 5' 1" to wear it. So let me know if this would fit you and I'll send it to you.

http://www.mariesdogs.info/images/sweater2.jpg

Happy New Year! It's the Year of the Dog. I spent the day recommitting to my goals. I've slacked off a lot in the last week, enough to make my Val's Day goal highly unlikely at this point. But I feel good about my plans for this week, and was perky enough to get through an entire workout for the first time in several days :carrot:

What a cute sweater! Sorry it's too small for me, Marie. Like you, late afternoon is my favorite time to walk, except for summer here in DC, when it's miserably hot sometimes, or when it's cold enough to need gloves. My fingers are over-sensitive to cold, and literally turn colors and ache, thanks to something called Reynaud's syndrome. When I was self-employed, I loved walking in the park mid-mornings and around 4 in the afternoon. I can't wait to resume my long walks again.

Carol, I really struggle with eating at the airport. I may not be the right person to ask:( Most of the options are too fatty, too sugary, too big, or all of the above (ex. Cinnabon). I try to have the same snacks I'd eat at home--string cheese, fruit, grape tomatoes, whole wheat crackers, almonds, a protein bar--which are all things you can stick in your purse on your way out the door. And a bottle of water! I used to feel weird with my little baggies, but since you're lucky to get a tiny bag of pretzels on the plane these days, I'm not the only one doin' it. If you have a layover and it's mealtime, just have a healthy fast food or restaurant meal, which is probably better in the long run than trying to fill up on the snacks in the terminal.

I travel so much because I work for a national nonprofit, and I'm on the board of directors of a couple of other national groups. I end up traveling once or twice a month, usually, for meetings, workshops and conferences. It can be quite tedious sometimes, and I was happy to sleep in my own bed last night! But I enjoy traveling, and it helps me keep up with my friends in other parts of the country.

Hugs to everyone!

judy

Oh Marie how I wish that sweater would fit me. I am 5 7" so a no go here though I LOVED it! Boy you and I are batting a thousand finally finish our projects and they don't fit. My grandsons sweater went to him yesterday and I got a call it didn't go over his cute little head. So I will beable to at least take the neckline out and recreate it to fit. I was a bit disappointed myself thought I finally got it finished!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you take it apart and just make it longer? Oh maybe not! Its all sewed together. Hey sell it on ebay its a real cutie! Sure it would sell and then you could buy some more yarn and also make a some cash.
I am off to work this a.m. took friday off as I was still sick. I still have my cough and it wakes me during the night. I did do my scale the other day and remain at a 2.5 loss. Still need to lose somemore with only 5 weeks until my Hawaii trip. I am getting so excited. I mailed out our refund for tax dollars yesterday not a lot coming back but better than oweing. Also it will be our spending funds for the trip. Well I grocery shopped yesterday and stocked up on fresh foods so lunches should be a breeze this week. I made some great homemade chicken noodle soup yesterday in my pressure cooker. So I will take that for lunch with a orange and yogurt for snack time. I will not attempt a workout today still under the weather a little bit.
Judy I will pack some snacks for sure. It is a long flight around 14 hrs. yuk! We are flying with United Airlines.

Ah Carol, the knitting whoas don't end. I'm glad you can repair your GS's sweater. I am looking forward to a picture of it. Hint, hint.

I worked all day yesterday and half of today on a new pink sweater. I got everything done but the button bands. I ran out of yarn. I go on the internet and the manufacturer says the yarn has been discontinued. But they still have some in stock. YEAH!!! I ordered more and more of all the colors that I have, figuring I underestimated all of those too. So I still don't have a new sweater to wear. :( But I will next weekend. I paid 2nd day shipping. :)

Judy, good for you on getting through an entire workout. I hope the week's plans go smoothly.

Time for me to exercise. I've got to WATP. I don't feel like it but I will. I always feel better so I have to push myself.
Marie

Carol, I'm glad to hear that you're feeling a little better. I'm sure that the chicken soup is helping! I love making soup. I want to buy a slow cooker, now that you can program them. Nothing like a homemade soup, stew or chili on a blustery day, or when you're feeling a little lethargic.

Walk off thoe pounds, Marie! Didn't the tape perk you up a little?

I changed my ticker to reflect a pound up :mad: and a more modest Valentine's Day goal. I'll be on the road again for four days next week, and I'd have to be on a fast or something to lose eight pounds in two weeks! But six is worth stretching for, and I will ultimately be happy to made progress teh first six weeks of the year. Had a good work this morning, went to Curves last night, and am eating on program.

Maureen, hope life is treating you well.

hugs--judy

Morning Judy and Carol! I did WATP yesterday and I can't say it perked me up but in no way did I have a guilt complex that I didn't exercise. So that is good. :)

Judy, Sorry that you had to move the ticker in the up direction.That is a total bummer. I think having realistic goals for just a healthier you is a good idea. I stopped working towards a number that is usually arbitrary.

Well, I'm sort of swamped at work. TTYL!
Marie

Oh girls still feeling a bit under the weather or at least not like myself yet. I get so tired easily. I did the stairs at work v.s. the elevator and it makes me short of breath. I don't like it at all. Oh it will pass in a day or two I hope. I have lots of exercise to catch up on. Last night it was like I couldn't stop eatting. It wasn't bad choices just extra choices. I guess maybe food was finally tasting better. Today I did great in the a.m. whole wheat toasted english muffin a bit of canola marg, 1 hard boiled egg, 1 orange for snack and some almonds, order chinese for lunch no that wasn't low! But for dinner had chicken noodle soup and 3 chicken wings. Oh not smart huh???????????????????? I will get this all together soon! Snack tonight will be an orange. On the water front I have been doing better drinking more daily.
Hope your all doing okay. Marie I will get a picture on here. I ripped it out tonight and will try it on him wed. Good luck with the pink one. I am starting to like soft pink myself.
Judy good job being more realistic I guess we all want to do this faster but it just doesn't happen the way we want it to. Slow is better they say.

Carol, I sure hope you feel better tomorrow. On the eating front, tomorrow is another day and you'll do great. I have faith in you. I'm looking forward to the picture.

Drum roll!!!!!!! I walked 38 miles this month. And that was starting on the 12th so I missed 11 days of walking. Wow - 38 miles. :)

Good night all!

Marie hurray for you! That is just wonderful I am very happy for you!
See we can do this don't you feel great for what you have accomplished?
I sure would think you should track for the year how many miles wouldn't that be neat to know how many miles?
I will be trying the sweater on the little guy this evening I sure hope it works out okay. I didn't finish it off not til I see how it works first.
Yesterday I worked with a client on some future housing I felt really good about it. Positive move for him etc. Not a doubt in my mind that this work be a wonderful move. I have feeling it is going to be shot down by the parents. Sometimes things just have a way of twisting and going the opposite way. I hope they can see it is best for him. They would like him to move home with them and his this wouldn't benefit him as much as others. So today even though I feel better I weigh this on my mind and it is a bit of stress though I can't control the outcome only put in my two cents. Its the end of one month and the start of the next and I still have some stuff to wrap up. So today will be a busy one.
I have preplanned my intake for the day. No chinese today!!!!!!!!! I am going to even try to make it to the gym. If its even for a little while it will be a step in the right direction. Intake plans: raisin bran cereal, 1 banana
snack: yogurt 80 cal.
lunch: salad with 1 egg, turkey br. croutons, dried cranberries and salad dressing olive oil and vinegar seasonings 1 orange
Snack: 1 apple before working out
Dinner: 1 lean grilled burger w/ cheese reduced swiss ch. w/ no bread , salad with leafy greens and dressing.
Snack: 1 skinny cow ice cream 140 cals.
Lots of water, 1 cup tea, 2 coffees
Exercise: At the gym!
Good luck all!

Marie, 38 miles in less than a month is great! Do you use a pedometer, or have you tracked the distance another way? I've had no luck with pedometers. I really miss walking, can't wait for the warmer weather.

Carol, if you use food to feel better (like I do), it's hard not to nosh when you're not feeling up to snuff. Your plan for today sounds like you are back in control, good for you! Good luck at the gym

This morning I did 30 minutes of a dance video, had a hard boiled egg and half a cup of Kashi w/milk, and my mid-AM snack was a cup of cottage cheese w/half a cup of blueberries. Going to Curves after work this evening. I just found out that the conference center I'll be staying at Sunday afternoon-Tuesday afternoon doesn't have a fitness center. I was going to stay over one extra night, for meetings the next morning, but I've decided to check into a hotel w/fitness center on Tuesday, so I can for sure get two days of treadmill time. Gotta move, gotta move, gotta move...

Gotta work! Gotta go. Have a great day, ladies!

judy:hug:

Failing already today,lol
 

I havent even started yet, and im failing,lol. I am willing to do everyhting that this group asks for. Unfortunatly that means telling you what i have already eaten today...which is sad just to think of it.

Breakfast: 4 cups of cereal (4 different kinds), and a 2 pieces of leftover pizza and a breadstick. ( who?? who eats that for breakfast???)

I am already up to about 1500 cals today. I guess its salad for dinner,lol.
Since i just joined though ...tomorrow will be better. give me strength.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...5/125/145/.png

Judy sounds like your on the right track good for you. Yes your right about the food and being sick. Well now I am feeling better. I didn't make it to the gym yesterday though. Got caught up in a meeting I didn't plan on and stopped at the yarn store instead. I guess I need to get it together with the gym thing or exercising. I did manage to use the stairs and parked out a ways today. But I pretty much stuck to my plan for food. I did end up having bread with my hamburger italian to be exact. But no cheese. Continue your this way and you will reach your goal. I also like Kashi and have purchased at BJ's an 18 bar box. I have taken some to work and especially like the ones with almonds and cranberries in. 140 cals, filling and healthy!
Marie I purchase myself some beautiful yarn made in Italy. It was normally 10.99 and on sale for 4.49. It is light gray blue and is 100% nylon. It is so soft I can't wait to make a sweater. I finished a scraf, scraf and hat last night better than munching. Did you get your pink yarn? Hope your continuing your walking I need to get out there around the lake again.
Brokeneye welcome here at this site. We might be small but we seem to help motive each other. Hang around and it might help you. Have you tried to use portion control? Sometimes premeasuring can help measure out the serving into ziploc bags, Have some yogurt or fruit with your cereal and a glass of water. Walk away and find something to do to keep you busy. Giving yourself some time to feel full. Apple slices or something crunchy might be needed. Try celery with some natural peanut butter. Some folks need protein in the morning it helps fill them up. Try poached or hard boiled eggs with your cereal. Good luck and hope some of this helps. Reading other peoples ideas sometimes gives me a boost to try something new. Another thing is sometimes I will use smaller dishes or bowls to portion control more. Good luck to you its life time changes which seem to make a real difference for me.

Welcome, Brokeneyes! Don't worry, if you're tracking what you eat, that means that you have started, 'cuz that's the first step--paying attention instead of mindlessly grazing like a cow:hungry: I'd love to hear about your goals and your plans to reach them. I do a high-protein, lower-carbs, healthy-fats food plan, and am aiming for 250 minutes of cardio every week. I have a lot of weight to lose, so I'm not in a huge hurry, but I do want to see progress every month!

This will be a busy and somewhat stressful day. I do look good, though, in a new black and gray power jacket, and I'm listening to jazz as I work, trying to remember to take deep breaths....Hope you have a good day!

judy

Judy sounds like your upbeat and ready to challenge the work load. Sounds like a good purchase and an outfit that makes you feel good. That is someting nice! We all need a treat once in awhile just to make us feel good. I had a stressful day yesterday just some interesting stuff on my caseload. It keeps me going though. I guess if I were the type of person who just sat back a bit my job would be much easier. But as the hubby says I try to solve everything, help too much and it makes more work for me. I guess thats true but the reason I took this human service job was to help others. So I guess I'd better just do that.
Today it is rainy no walk today. Yesterday would of been a great day and I didn't get there. After work today I have planned a trip to the gym. Our weekend weather is taking a turn to snow. Yuk! We have been extremly lucky this year here. I plan to try my video on saturday and sunday. I also have the old video working out with the oldies with Richard Simmons. What ever happened to him? I use to like watching it before I became a working mom years ago.... I am dating myself I think. I feel good today and ready to challenge the day. That virus really knocks you off your feet. I did well with my intake yesterday all but a few potatoe chips. My jeans are fitting better again and thats a good feeling. I did the scale yesterday no loss but no gain so maintaining for a weeks not so bad. I hope to show a loss again soon. Feeling more in control the last couple of weeks really makes a difference. Before my day begins I try to preplan and it helps me for my intakes. I did slip a few chips in but held steady for the rest of the day. This weekend will be relaxing I may even get the sewing machine going on the girls quilts I have been working on for 2 years. Its just like exercising got to get going! Oh 33 days left to Hawaii I have to stay motivated and my hopes are to lose at least 4 more lbs. but more would be nice. I bette think twice before things go in my mouth! Move more and get losing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!
Marie are you knitting your little self away yet? Hope your doing fine!
Brokeneyes hope you return!
Maureen hope your doing well on your journey!

Intake plans: Breakfast:cereal, little milk 150 cals.
Snack: 1 orange
Lunch: salad with tuna, cuke, croutons, almonds, tomatoe low cal low fat dressing. 1 yogurt 80 cals.
Snack: 1 apple
Dinner: scallops broiled with lemon and seasonings, broc, baked potatoe med. size.
Snack: baked sesame seed pita chips with salsa
Pita's cut in half cut in 8's sprayed with Pam and then sprinkle with garlic powder and seeds. Bake 375 7 min./ Ck it out girls!