Sandi, why doesn't your hubby go to the fish fry without you, since he really doesn't want to miss it? I do that with my hubby all the time, though he prefers me to go with him EVERYWHERE. But, when I really don't want to go, he has no problem going alone if he doesn't want to miss something.

I think Melissa's idea to do the WI email the first of the month is a great idea. we still have the board to do the tickers and yell out gains and losses as we feel necessary. I am going to start weighing in on Mondays because it's just better for me, first of the week and all.

Theresa

Hey! I noticed something today at lunch: I don't have a double chin anymore! And I can feel little hollows under my cheekbones! I must have lost that last pound from my face! lol! :lol: I hope that weight loss goes down to my neck next then, so it will be long and slender...well, slender anyway.

Took kids to library today and picked up a copy of Body for LIfe. The opening chapter is written by a guy who did the 12 week program and lost over 50 lbs and has kept it off for years. I felt so motivated by him, so I thought I'd share a few quotes from his little piece:

"You're not living at 260 pounds. You're dying."

"I was finally fed up with being fed all the time. Just fed, fed, fed."

"I craved going the entire 12 weeks way more than I craved a piece of key lime pie or a beer."

"I was going to make it through those 12 weeks, or they were going to find me dead in the gym."

"You look in th emirror and it's like meeting an old friend you really liked a lot but haven't seen for quite a while." (Talking about after he lost weight)

"I know bad habits wait on us forever. They don't ever go away. They will always be there, just around the corner, lurking and looking for an opening."

"If a 49 year old guy like me, who works in a bar, who is around almost everything you can think of that is detrimental to good health--if I can do it, anyone can do it."

"Don't wait until you have a heart attack before you remember you have a body!"

That last one just sticks out to me. I'm going to hang it on the fridge!

Hope you guys get as much out of this as I did.

Theresa

Melra, losing the double chin is a GREAT achievement! Great motivation as well, I bet. I can't wait to lose mine.

Theresa

Theresa, I picked up body for life weeks ago and thought it was great for motivation but I felt I couldn't stick to it.it's hard to eat 6 small meals a day when you work where I do. if they have the video it's really great to check out too. there's a mod on this site who has lost so much doing bfl and she is awesome.She is so smart about eating and has really great tips on weight loss- lots of common sense. I said earlier I think I can become a weight lifting junkie - I just like it lots. But that would be a good habit to get into- especially if they say to replace one bad habit with a good habit. Thank you for posting those motivational thoughts- they are all so true! I also like denise austin's books she alwasy make sense- exercise & make better food choices.

the fish fry is being given by the sr. adult group from where I work. I get alot of invites cause I am on staff. (holidays/ Christmas is bad- I get too many invites and I've already told everyone who mentions something taht I'll bring the veggie platter/salads) I told hubby we'd get some mahi and he could grill it this weekend - he was all happy about that. he fancies himself a grill master
(grilling is man's work)

Great job on double chin gone! I want my round face to go AWAY! my waist seems to be losing it faster than other places- I've lost 4 &1/2 inches off my waist and 2 inches off my hips.
I am off to go peddle the bike and do some lower body stuff- most hated but effective is my kind of squats- take a kitchen chair and ALMOST touch your butt to the chair ( like you are going to sit down) but stop right before your butt hits the edge of the chair-arms out in front and it's a killer. But I do it cause i want my bottom to get smaller...
Have a great night everyone!

Sandi, those chair squats really get the rear end burning :o i do squats in my lower body workout dvd, but actually going over the chair is a lot better, thanks for the suggestion. I haven't gotten into the actual eating suggestions in BFL yet, just got through the opening stuff where others share their stories....so amazingly motivating! I have been eating 5 small meals a day, just started that last week and realized it works well for me. So, if this program is 6 I might actually try it. I was just looking for some motivation and this definitely is packed with tons of that! As for the program, have to wait until I read what it is exactly. Right now I am at the page where you ask yourself all the deep questions and find your real reasons for doing this to begin with. Made me cry answering the questions :cry: but that's good for me, been doing all the emotional stuff lately and it's helping me not to have cravings...finally!

Theresa

Today was the worst. I weighed myself as I knew I shouldn't. I lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks/ I was crazy upset and started to eat cause I felt totally hopeless, which I know is irrational, but I thought I deserved more cause I've been so OP almost totally. so I've probably had 4000 calories. Now I will stop.
I am not going near the scale till Oct 1. It's just too awful.
I know better than to care about a stupid number, but I just fell apart.
Laura

Laura I know it's so hard not to get upset over those things but just let it go. Don't beat yourself up over the extra calories. Just pick youself back up and get back at it. You can beat this as long as you don't give up. 2 pounds in 2 weeks is not bad at all. I remember shortly after I started losing weight when I went over 3 weeks with NO loss at all, and I had not had even one indiscretion during that time. I was so down about it for so many days and then boom....6 pounds down in 2 days. Now I know I did NOT lose 6 pounds in 2 days. I weighed myself at least once a day at that time and for some reason my losses just didn't register and then it happened all at once. Just be patient and don't give up even when there is a roadbump. You can do this!

I've not been keeping up with things here and I am missing so much. With going back to work full time and my son's football games 2 nights a week, my daughter's llama club at least once a week...I feel like I just don't have any time to myself anymore. On weekends we've been trying to do family things because we have so little time for each other during the week. Our last llama show is this coming Sunday (also my daughter's 13th b-day!), but we still have football to deal with until the end of October. I am enjoying it all but I do get worn out! One thing I have not sacrificed is my daily exercise. I walk at least an hour a day at the school and most days I try to do something else when I get home, too.

My weekly weigh in is Sunday and I was able to move the ticker another 3 down! I am so excited to be in the 150's!! It's been years since I've been here! For some reason I was just HUNGRY this week so I was surprised w/the 3 lb. loss. No bad cravings...just hungry, and when I'm hungry I eat and don't beat myself up about it, I just made careful choices (low calorie and high fiber to fill me up without bulking me up). So I am extremely happy with the loss.

Somebody had posted something about people trying to guilt a healthy eater into eating things they don't want. The people who did that to me were the same ones that complain that they "just can't lose weight no matter what they do". One person in particular did this to me all the time. I finally got tired of listening to it and pointed out to her that her refusal to give anything up was the reason that she "just couldn't lose any weight no matter what she does". At first she got defensive and said that, well, SHE didn't want to have to live like I have been...eating healthy food and exercising all the time! I told her that was fine but leave me alone about my choices. She quit hounding me about things then (this happened a couple months ago already), and just lately within the last couple of weeks she has started eating better and walking occasionally and lo and behold she has lost a few pounds! So...you are right...stick to your guns and you will be doing yourself a big favor, and even though they may act annoyed with you and try to make you feel guilty...they are paying attention!

Well sorry for the long post and sorry I couldn't respond to everybody. I miss checking in every day and I'm always so psyched when I have a few minutes to catch up on the reading and post something. Hope everybody is having a happy AND healthy Tuesday evening!!

Don't beat yourself up-the actual healthy weight loss per week is one to two pounds so really you are doing it the right way. It is hard not to focus on the numbers instead of doing what is right and healthy for a long good life without diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and all the other things that go along with being overweight. I think if the scale causes this much anxiety, you made the right decision to stay away from it and just go once a month. Chances are it will be a bigger number too and give you a sense of accomplishment when all is said and done. I think too I am going to try and stay away for a week (biggy for me) and see how I feel about it. I get hung up on the numbers way too much myself. I am just so desperate to get under 200 that is all I seem to focus on and then when I have an emotional upheaval like I did this week and eat too much, I then get sad about it and hopeless feeling and then have to go through the task of relosing again what I had lost before. Viscious circle I tell ya. The thing to remember is you made the right choice to stop and you got back up on that horse again.
Melissa

Caldwell - I am having the same issues with the scale yo-yoing all over the place - I have met, unmet and remet my goal I think 8 times since 8/25! :p It's ridiculous! But I don't let it get me down - i look at the total I've lost and am happy to be chugging along!!

I do weigh everyday sometimes 2x a day :devil: so if we decide to keep it at once a week - maybe we should try to curb the scale obsession as one of our goals for next month! I can adjust to 1x a month is that is what the majority would like to try!

As far as people judging you for making choices about eating out, etc. - It's YOUR choice not theirs you have to do what you feel is right for you - glad your FIL was able to joke about it after.

LauraB - your doing great! 2lbs in 2 weeks is right on target for a healthy loss!
Keep up the great work everyone!!!!

Ok it seems like we are in agreement about the once a month email-which is fine by me too and then it isn't a weekly bombardment of emails and there are still tickers and the board for everything that happens in between.

Congrats on the lost chin-(I wouldn't file a missing person report-let him stay lost)

For my fellow yo-yoers-it will level off I AM DETERMINED

Melissa

Hi all,
Just wanted to drop a quick one to check in. I also wouldn't mind having an official WI once a month, but I personally feel it necessary to actually SEE it in big ugly numbers once a week, this way I can't pretend that Im actually doing good if Im not. Anyhow. Today was pretty good, went to my 11 yo daughters soccer game, its game 10 out of 11, Im fairly certain that this is in fact the 1st game that she has actually shown up at. I couldn't believe it was the same child as 3 days ago, it must just be the genes. I can't think of any other good reason why she hasnt had any motivation this entire season until now???? AHHHH PEACE AND QUIET, the children are finally in bed. SO now Im off for a bike ride in the dark, its my favorite time :dizzy:
Michelle
*****************
170 minutes exercise so far....



http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...3/140/163/.png

20 more min of exercise tonight -- I think I did really well on my running, but 20 min was all I had time for. I totally would have done more though. I was on track all day for my calories, but I never had time for snacks and didn't eat dinner until 8:30 so I was pretty cranky and had more than half my daily calories just at dinner. I do not want to do that again--the urge to overeat was just too strong by then.

kayelle-you are so right about those friends of ours that complain about no loss but aren't actually doing anything about it. I used to be one--always whining about my size but never actually sticking to anything. This is the longest I've actually stayed committed to a realistic approach and it's working for me. Congrats to you for breaking into the 150's! I hope to meet you there soon!

theresa~great quotes! thanks for posting those. good luck to you applying the book to your plan--it sounds like you've really made a connection to it. I love reading the success stories on this forum and the "turning point" stories. Very inspirational.

laurab--You know, you've actually come so far in your relationship to your scale--you overcame your fears by getting on it in the first place and that was less than 2 months ago! We are all in this for the long haul and 2lbs in 2wks seems fine! Stick with it and don't rely on the numbers as your only measure of success.

melissa--I gotta say, you've been a great "matriarch" for this board--thanks for keeping us all together!

progress!
 

I weighed myself this morning--I don't think I can wait a month for WI! I'm down 1 more pound! I don't know if I'll make the 4pounds for the month, but I'll take 3 or even 2!

Thanks everyone for all the encouraging words after my off day yeaterday. If I didn't have this group, my binge would have turned into a month long affair. My resolve is back.
What's funny about yesterday was that as soon as I started eating off program, I felt so fat and horrible. Even my hair was a mess and I was ready to cut it all off. I think everything is all connected, how we stay OP, how we feel about ourselves, what success feels like and how falling off affects the whole person. We are very complex.

I think the once a month WI is a good idea, but anyone who wants to WI at anytime and report it via email certainly can or else just report it here.
Laura

I think you are right about the self-esteem thing when we go off program-especially since it is a decision we make to do it and we know it is a mistake. I also think that the monthly thing is a good decision too. I will reflect on my ticker when I go down but I also kind of felt like some pressure was taken off. Yesterday was much better eating wise for me and I really want to make my personal september goal. Even if I am off by few pounds will be fine-I just really want to be under 200 by the time we all start getting together for family functions for the holidays. I also decided that I was going to shoot for a size rather than just a weight to weigh. I am thinking 7 but my mother says 9-I asked her to be a gage for me since I really don't know what I am supposed to look like. I have been overweight my whole life practically and I can't go by what I was when I was a teenager since that is unrealistic when I am actully basically middle aged. Thanks for being there for me!
Melissa

I have read the Body for Life for Women and it was good basically the same but a couple little alternative due to womens issues, monthly's and menopause and such, good inspiration. Puter still isnt fixed so using one at work so figured I would check in. I did go to curves and get weighed and measuered and all that but forgot to bring in progress sheet, to repost, I know I lost 1 pound but just about 4 or 4 1/2 inches all over,somthing like that. so once I get my puter back I will post up before and after a month of Curves. Take Care

Ice - Congrats on the 1 lb loss and the inches loss is great progress!!
I am back to my goal (for the umpteenth time!) 170 - now if I can break through to the 160's finally I will be happy!
I have been exercising more regularly - so that should help and have been avoiding the school cafeteria like the plague - Only Lean Cuisines and the salad bar for me!

IMHO every pound down is a success! every inch gone is an inch goodbye.
I am one of those who always wanted to see fast results- (I have no patience with myself) and I have had to constantly tell myself - you can't lose weight really fast because it is a lifestyle change you are after - not to just get thin and then gain it back again. I'm sorry but this is HARD and I don't like HARD - I like easy going and calm- I do not want to go thru this again. Not saying thst once I lose I can eat whatever or exercise less- I just don't think it'll be as hard- I could be wrong?? I'll have to wait and see.
TOM came unexpected today :mad: ( medication I am on messes it up now and then)- and I was sitting in my bosses office taking notes for letters and he was eating Reeses PB cups like a bag of them. ARRRRGH - those are my #1 fav in the world. and the smell was killing me- I wanted to rip them out of his hand and eat the whole bag. or at least lick the wrappers :rofl:

Melissa- that sounds like a good idea- I think I'd be happy just to shop in the regular sized clothes. I know some of you are height challenged ( we don't say short :lol: ) like I am and buying plus sized clothes is not an easy job.

Laura - we are positively complex- I mean I have a friend who can eat candy/ chips/ regular soda all day long and is a size 2 & she eats no veggies- if I ate like that I'd be 700 lbs. and I want to kick her at times and then I feel well if I have only 1 candy/cookie/soda with her it won't hurt and then I get all grumpy and cranky because I thought about going off plan.

Melra- this is the longest too I've ever committed to a plan and continued success with it- I am a slacker on exercise but I am getting better. I never ever thought I would give up sodas- EVER! and i never thought I would drink so much water But I did and I am.

Congrats to everyone for progress no matter what you achieved - :cheer: either thru pounds lost, eating better, feeling better, inches lost , good choices or exercise- every little thing we do is a step closer to what we are striving for. ( sorry- I was rambling there...)

Have a great night everyone!
Sandi

Well today was a better day. I was actually able to keep my calories and fat in a healthy range to actually possibly loose a little, but I didnt get any time in for the exercise. I read everyones posts on here and I begin to wonder if I am just constantly making excuses for myself or if everyone else is just way more determined than I.
:) I do want to say congrats to everyone who has lost lbs or inches this month. And keep up the good work too!!! Hopefully it will start to rub off on me. :D :D
I am trying, but I dont think its enough. I can't understand why if I am riding my bike to and from work 4 out of 5 days for 5 miles over 1/2 hour everyday, I am losing nothing, and I am eating better. I feel like I will never see a change. I am very frustrated :mad: :( Well, Sorry to everyone for my complaints today. Hopefully I have better things to talk about tomorrow.
Michelle
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...3/140/163/.png

What method are you using for weight loss? You might want to check and see about time of the day you are getting the bulk of your food too. I know for me, eating at night is a killer and I don't lose a thing or else I gain. Don't give up-you body has no choice but to conform to the changes you are making even though it can be stubborn at times.
Melissa

laura, don't let the numbers on the scale get to you. scales are dumb and they don't always reflect the changes our bodies are having. you may be surprised soon when you weigh and you see a big drop after weeks of nothing. two pounds is good though. my philosophy on losing weight is that progress is permanant and set-backs (scale, going off plan, etc.) are temporary. just yesterday i was angry at the scale and it showed a loss (back down to low weight). i was ticked because i am always hoping for more and this is so slow :(
everyone is doing great! i am so proud of our group.

Michelle, I have been in the same spot as you the past couple weeks----thinking I'm doing so much exercise and eating better, but am just not losing anymore, and not feeling good either. I realized yesterday taht I just am not doing as well as I THOUGHT I was...or, as well as I convinced myself I was. I was skipping a lot of workouts and my eating really wasn't as great as I was making myself think. Going back to writing down every little thing yesterday was a shock, it opened my eyes that I have not been OP as I convinced myself I was. Until you write down every little thing you're eating, it's hard to realize it's not as good as you made yourself feel it was.

I am back OP and feeling better today already. I'm going back to eating 5-6 small meals during the day, because that worked for me before. I am also making sure I get the exercise in...2 workouts a day! I am recommitted, now that I know I was slacking. This might not be the case for you, but thought I would share my experience since I was saying the same thing you are the past couple weeks. I was deceiving myself into thinking I was eating a lot better than I actually was. No more of that I hope!

Theresa

Ok guys be praying. I am waiting for a call back from a bail bond company out of Tacoma and I am afraid it pertains to my daughter. I don't know anyone in Tacoma and I am just hoping that she and the baby are ok. If it is her in jail, I will have to find out where Logan is and go get him-I don't want him in a foster home somewhere until she can sort it all out. He is only 4 months old. And then pray for me too cause that will be 3 kids under the age of 3 for me.
Melissa

Oh my, I am so sorry to hear this Michelle! I hope it is not anything as bad as it sounds and that the baby gets to you safe and sound. I would not want him in foster care either, you are so wonderful to step up for them. Keep us informed.

Theresa

This waiting is driving me crazy! I am already taking care of my other two grandkids and I sure would like to know what he meant when he said he would call right back-that was an hour and a half ago. Already got Dad lined up to drive me out there-it is about an hour away from me and my poor car Mabel wouldn't make it and plus my Dad is a rock. I tried calling her house too and just got a machine and the beep lasted quite a bit too. But on the upside I have not gone to the refidgerator! Something like this normally would send me into an eating frenzy but it looks like I am just going to worry like a skinny person this time.
Melissa

I have some newfound motivation today, realizing how close to the holidays it is getting. I told myself when I first found this board that I want to feel and look different when I walk into holiday parties and get togethers, and so far I haven't gotten very far. I am just determined to get as close to 200 as I can before the new year. I have set some ambitious goals which I feel are possible if I really push and demand a lot of myself. If I fall short I will still be happy, but this is my ideal for the rest of the year:

1. Reach 230 by Thanksgiving---this would be 2 lbs. a week for the next 10 weeks.
2. Reach 220 by Christmas---roughly 10 lbs. in a month.
3. Take off a couple more before end of year.

I have thought about all the holiday goodies but really I don't feel tempted. I want to feel and look better more than I want the goodies. Sweets are becoming more and more undesirable anyway, so I am hoping I won't be as tempted as in years before. These are the things I will be doing to get to these goals:

1. Very strict on getting in my 2 workouts a day, which includes a mix of strength and cardio.
2. 4 of my jugs of water (not sure how much it is, but it's a good amount) per day.
3. 5 small meals per day. I have a little plate that I am eating off, and for each little meal I can fill the plate, but not all the way to the edges and piling up is not allowed. I will be using a method I found in body for life, measuring according to my fist or open palm.
4. Since emotional eating will be my biggest challenge, I have already decided that I'll clean instead of eat. This really does work, it takes out the frustration. If smaller chores don't work I'll get out a rag and bucket and scrub the floors by hand. For some reason that works best to clear my head.

I am determined to get to the end of the year feeling better about myself. I want to look better and have people say "oh, look at Theresa!" and for this year the reason not to be "look how much weight she's gained!" I dont want that this year and I am going to do something about it. Nothing is going to just drop on my lap, I have to chase after it!

Anyone else want to set a challenge for the end of the year? Just ask yourself where you would like to be come holidays, set a goal and decide how you will get there...then join me! I think it's important to lay out exactly HOW you will get there, that is a big help for me.

Theresa

Melissa,
I am thinking about you all afternoon. I hope you can bring the baby home and then I wish you the strength you will need to deal with all the kids.
Maybe an arrest will serve to knock some sense into your daughter. Sometimes our darlings need to hit bottom in order to pull themselves together. Maybe this will be her wakeup call. But right now the baby needs the help. Stay strong.
Laura

Ok the good news is that she isn't in jail. Apparently her boyfriend has a warrant for not going to court and now she is responsible for his 6000 bond. She also told the bondsman that she is being evicted and man it is all I can do to stay out of it. I did call her and left a message so whether she calls me back or not, I don't know. But all through this I DID NOT EAT! I think this has to be a first for me. Thanks to everyone for keeping me in their thoughts! I still need it until this is resolved one way or the other.

Good goals Theresa! Mine is to be under 200 by Christmas which means I would have to lose less than 10 a month to make it. If I really keep it together, I should be able to do it no problem. I guess since my heart is now not pounding as hard, I should do something productive around here. Waiting bites.
Melissa

Hang in there, Melissa. You can get through this without overeating. YOU CAN! YOU CAN! YOU CAN! I believe in you, so hang strong. The good thing is it's no your daughter in jail, so at least you have that worry behind you.

Theresa

I just spoke to her on the phone. She was very evasive with me and denied everything the bondsman told me. It just kills me but I did get to hear Logan in the background. I haven't seen him since he was a week old. I feel robbed. I did stay away from the fridge and truthfully I just want a nap. My heart doesn't even beat like that when I excersize LOL. Thanks everyone!
Melissa

First- Melissa, I am so sorry you had a rough day with the daughter situation.
I never knew having older kids would be so difficult until all heck broke loose at my house last year with my 20 YO. I think you are so awesome not running to the fridge and eating.

theresa- so wonderful you set goals - It made me realize I don't push myself enough either and I need to.
where I work I have to plan and order and arrange everything and do schedules months in advance . today I was finishing the Oct. calendar and I also realized how close the holidays/end of the year are. This is the time when i start carrying around a large bright pink notebook with calendar pages and things to do lists in it. I started my october lists and calendar and every day except Sunday I am scheduling in an exercise session and I made some pages that have alot of motivational saying on them. I also made pages to go in for a food diary. Every October 1st I buy either bright pink or purple notebook so I can keep track of everything. ( the kids hate the notebook - MOOOOOOMMMM you are so ICK with the notebook) the Notebook keeps grocery lists, parties scheduled, gifts to buy, lists of what work I have to get done at the job etc.. ok rambling again sorry-
anyway what I am trying to get to in a round about way is that I have put my goals in writing -I would like to lose 8-10 pounds a month between now and my 43rd birthday in January. 24-30 pounds GONE
I am going to see the liver doc. tomorrow- he's the one who said I can't lose any weight because of my liver . well he's wrong (HA!) and it may be harder with type 2 and a liver disease but I will LOSE THE WEIGHT.
Have a good night everyone- Thank you for supporting me in my journey! You all are fantastic!

I am so glad to see I am not the only one with all the notebooks! I got one that is my food diary and mini thoughts, a bigger one for my devotions and thoughts feelings ect and then another one with a running grocery list and menus, not to mention just a regular calandar for appts ect and then just the running list of chores I need to do that day. Must be a forty something-LOL I turn 42 in Feb.

Odessa dumped water in my phone so now tomorrow I get to go buy a new one. It was on its last leg anyway (it gets a workout) and I tried drying it ect but it still is toast. I had to move my Batty bird because she also won't leave him alone. Up on the counters everytime I turn around-Man I had forgotten toddlers!

I am so glad there are several of us buckling down and setting some definate goals for ourselves. I know personally, I am tired of "playing" with the same few pounds and would like to just see a downward spiral. I really would like to walk in during the holidays and family members to say "WOW!! Girl you look awesome!" I just want to see the underside of 200-it has been 9 years since I have been under that weight. My heaviest was when I joined this site. I feel so fortunate to have found all of you. I don't get out much and you all have been so supportive and given me great tips and shared the happy with the sad and mad. You gals are awesome!
Melissa

Hi All
The month is half over and i have just totally wasted the last 3 days by feeling sorry for myself and eating stupidly. I am ready to buckle down and stop. I feel so much better when I am OP, so tomorrow is definately another day and I will be OP and I too would like to look good by the end of the year. Let's try together.
Melissa, I'm glad the day ended better than it started for you.
Laura

Hi Ladies!
Haven't had much time lately, but I have been keeping up on reading posts.
My name is Kathy and I am a scale addict! So I agree with only having WI once a month-if I can keep myself off of the darn thing! Maybe I should have hubby hide it? Don't know if I'm strong enough to ask him to do that?

Ya'll are doing super! It is great to see those who are having a tough day or two keep going and going-we can't let a slip up on calories or exercise slow us down!

Melissa-I'm glad your daughter wasn't in any trouble. You are such a wonderful mom/grandma to take care of those two little ones along with Josh!

Theresa-I'm going to join you on this challenge! My goal for Thanksgiving will be 215(-20 lbs) and 205 by Christmas. My big goal is 200 by the end of the year. I will get my notebook out in the morning and write this all out, along with my exercise and food goals. WE CAN DO THIS!!

I'll check in with you all after my morning walk!

Kathy

melissa i'm so glad you're daughter is not in jail. you did great by not letting worrying deter you from your diet goal. you definitely have enough to worry about already, so she can deal with the wayward bf. whew!
laura, hang in there.. it will get easier. everyday is a new day and you can start fresh. we can have brownies today and broccoli tomorrow. that's what i'm going to do anyway. personally, i had a brownie today ;)
well i can't believe how late it is. hope y'all have a great op day tomorrow (today) ;)

My first goal is to stay OP till Thanksgiving. If I set a weight number goal, I might be disappointed cause it doesn't come off the way I expect and then I flip out and go off.
Within that goal, I need to know that i will stay OP in all circumstances- stress, company, eating out, kids home, etc. That's the hardest part for me
My second goal is to try and move more. It has been hard cause Lyme disease leaves me tired and aching, but I can still go for a walk, no more excuses!
My third goal is start each day by coming to this site and posting something, and then coming back later in the day. My computer is on all day so that's easy.

I must say that I realize how much harder it is for those of us with kids at home than for empty nesters like me. My son and DIL were here for 2 nights and the amount of food that was prepared was so much more than just for my cooperative DH and me.
They are coming back tonight and I wil stay OP. If they need dessert they can go to an ice cream place themselves. I'm not bringing anything into this house that will make my life harder. Selfish, but necessary right now.
I hope everyone has a good day.
Laura

Not selfish Laura not at all. I have also quit bringing anything into the house that might cause me to stumble. If it were a spouse that needed a special diet we would think nothing of it to not have certain foods in the house and completely change the way we cook ect. We are just as important as those in our family and in many ways I think more important because of all that we do for our family.

My daughter's boyfriend probably got arrested last night. The bondsman called me about 9p and they were on their way to pick him up. Not sure what this is going to do for Kate. I am trying not to think about it and just wait and see what happens. I just wish the kid would wake up and smell the coffee cause it is DONE!

I got to move my ticker down one pound and I feel confident that I can make my september goal and my longer term one too. I just feel very determined and if I can make it through all the stress of yesterday without hitting the fridge, I can make it through the two birthdays coming up ect. I am fortunate that I cook WW and the relatives don't even know that is what they are getting-LOL and they go on about how yummy the meal was. That is one thing I like about WW-real meals, real food, and something for everyone's tastes. I can't believe how domestic I have become! Never thought it would happen.

I will check in later today. Need to get groceries-again. I have tried to talk the kids into eating in shifts or alternate days but they just won't bend on it at all.

Melissa

Oh my...I feel like I've missed so much here! It sounds like pretty much everybody is having more than their share of problems. I'm no exception, it's been a very difficult few days here. Wednesday morning (the day my youngest son left for Iraq) we got word that a young man who graduated a couple of years ahead of him was killed in Iraq on September 11th. Jeremy worked with our oldest son at the Steak House while they were in high school. He was in the Army, but did the same job that our son will be doing for the Marine Corps. That news combined with the fact that our son was leaving really put me into a bit of a tailspin for a few days. I am doing better now and trying to get back on track....especially after the comment my husband made this morning, he asked "just how much weight have you lost anyway???" He's barely said a word about the diet and exercise thing! I told him that I had lost 15 pounds and asked if it showed and he said "Yeah, it really shows!" Hooray for me! :D So stick with it everyone...it does pay off!

:grouphug: Suzy, so very sorry about your son leaving combined with that horrible news and jumping up and down that your husband recognized the weight loss. He gave you some motivation right when you really needed it, that's awesome. You are doing so well under these circumstances...feel proud!

I'm glad others are joining me and setting personal goals for the end of the year and/or holidays. Whether you set number goals or action goals or both, you will succeed and be so much happier with yourself come 2006! I did my first official friday WI and of course I'm still at 250 for the third week in a row. It's okay, I am glad I didn't gain and now I'm on track with my new challenge so I will see it going down next week, I'm sure. How I did today on the goals:

2 Exercise Sessions--I spent the entire day on hands and knees scrubbing floors by hand so i am counting that as one exercise session. I definitely sweated more than I do during some exercises. For the second, I'll be doing 4 miles on the gazelle while watching Big Brother at 8.

4 jugs water--2 down, 1 more will go down while exercising and I will inhale the other while getting ready for bed...on schedule as far as the times I normally get them into the day.

5 small meals--done! We did go to Taco Bell for supper, I was so tired from scrubbing floors and didn't want to load the dishwasher (lazy, I know lol)...but I got a chicken quesadilla and only ate the portion that fit on my little plate. This is the area I've been struggling, so I'm pleased with myself.

OHHH Big Brother is on, time to exercise...catch ya all later ;)

Theresa