[carla49]

Hey Red, Mez, Fluffy - long time no chat. Well, not actually a long time, but I DID promise to post daily, so I guess I'd better get my act in gear here.

Right now I'm on day nothing of challenge number 3. The 2 days I spent in bed with my head kind of threw me off. I think that in spite of several chocolate and cookie incidents, my real deal breaker was the lack of exercise. No 5000-10000 steps, no Gazelle. And the chocolate really did break my unwritten rule, so it's time to start over again. I'm hoping by tomorrow I'll wake up with a clear head, ready to begin anew.

Today the weather here was incredibly beautiful, one of those perfect fall days. It was actually quite warm out, but crisp, and there were cyclists and runners all over the place. (Not including me.) And we went back to standard time too, which meant an extra hour in bed. Once I did my groceries I came home and fell asleep on the couch (again), and have since done my best to make a mess. The fold-out futon/couch has a broken slat in it and lists badly to the right, so it's upside down with staples undone to assess the damage. Of course I have no idea how to repair it, and have neither a handyman nor the materials to do a creative repair myself. So it's doing an admirable job as a cat toy/jungle gym while I ponder on it. If I leave it like that long enough, they will destroy it and I'll have to throw it out unrepaired... As well, my new 42" plasma tv (!!!) is waiting to be installed: a friend is going to come help me lift it into place and we'll try to figure out how to make it go. Of course I could have paid the store $150 to set it up for me, but am determined to do it myself. Or at least almost myself. The box it came in is in the dining room: it's probably about the size of the average Tokyo apartment. It's a good thing Flylady has taught me that I am not behind and must not try to catch up, because this place is quite a mess.

Red, congrats and putting a temporary lid on that rampant alcoholism of yours. Seriously, I know how hard it is to not have a drink in social situations where you usually do imbibe. It gets easier as time goes by. Now for the link between sugar and boozing, have you seen the movie "The Days of Wine and Roses"? As for WW, you don't need to have access to any special foods, or even to count points for that matter. Given the type of challenge you tend to go for, you could do a three week stretch on their Core program and only eat core foods (fruits, veg, limited whole grains, limited animal proteins... you'd need the list) and you'd lose for sure. Especially if you didn't allow yourself the "extras" that do need to be accounted for by points. Tough, but then you prefer a tough challenge.

Tomorrow early my kitten has to go in for her operation, and I'm afraid she'll hate me for it. It seems so mean, but I know I don't want to share a home with a cat in heat, so...

Hmmm. No sign of my tv-helper. I feel a burst of destructive do-it-myselfism coming on. If you don't hear from me again, you'll know I'm lying on the floor with a wrenched back, under a small fortune's worth of brand new broken television....

Until tomorrow then! BBFN

[mezmerize]

Red – Thanks for the link. I’m glad you didn’t think my question silly. (or maybe you did and was to nice to say it ) I loved looking at the writing it amazes me you can read it. I don’t think it sounds like you drink all the time and I completely understand why/how those drinks come about when you do drink. I know when I’ve over came something I feel wonderful. Like if I ever get below 200lbs I know I’m going to feel great!!! I’m going to try and hold that moment so I don’t forget and can get to the next steps. Me checking up on you??  yup guilty told you I was going to be by your side. Let me know when you need your space ok? I won’t be the least bit offended.
For my challenge I’m just watching how many points I eat careful not to go over. Plus the whole you look nice today and lets to our best speech in the mirror. Then workout I have some 10 minute workout videos. They are actually very good!

Carla – TOM is my chocolate war and it’s on it’s way. Some days there is nothing like a piece a chocolate to help me make it thought the day. I’m can be such a different person at that time. Crying one minute and mad as h*ll the next. My poor poor DS and DH. They do feel me chocolate like one would feed an angry bear. Did you try to google how to set up a plasma t.v. ? My husband is so jealous he’s been wanting one forever. I feel we have more than enough T.V.s that work great. We have one in everyroom except the bathroom. Sending kitty good vibes for her operation. Well I have to check a couple things on her then off to bed before I stuff my face.

[redballoon]

mez -- I'm at work now so just replying to you now, but will be back (carla, silly!!! ) to write more later. I just wanted to say, of course I didn't think your question was silly. In fact, the Emp and Empress do wear traditional costumes at times, some things from ancient times. When the current Crown Princess was married she wore some ancient costume. And at the track there was a horseback exhibition of some ancient ceremony and the riders were wearing ancient costume. So, you see, not a silly question at all! Here's a link that shows what they did at the track yesterday (though the pics are from another time). It's the row of top ones, just click on them and they'll get big and you can see the old dress, from the Heian Period, which started in 794 A.D. Don't know what it was about, just them running around with these big banners behind them. Guess I should study up.

http://www12.wind.ne.jp/babusan/kosiki.html

Also, you will NEVER be in my space. I love you checking up on me. Makes it feel cozy and I need cozy now.... Thanks.

[carla49]

Operation tv set-up semi-complete. Haven't figured yet how to connect the VCR/DVD combo, but LOVE my big clear screen. My helper showed up to help lift, and is very jealous like your DH. I just love my new toy. Sometimes conspicuous consumption actually works.

Goodnight Red, Mez, and all you MIA's and lurkers out there.

[mezmerize]

Still not in bed. I just had to check back. lol

Red - Thanks for the links. Those horses were breath taking! One can feel how proud they are doing their thing! I think they knew all eyes were on them they held their head and and look just perfect!!! I use to hate histroy in school and now I can't get enough of it!!! I'm glad that my being here is making you feel cozy. We all need cozy. Nite Red enjoy your day.

[redballoon]

Good evening, all. Well, I made it through Day 3 and stayed on both my challenges, CRAC and SMAC, the no sugar, no white flour and the calorie limit. I even got to the gym this morning, though I didn't do all that much. It was very hard getting out this morning at all and I almost just stayed home in a low, low blue, but then I rallied and went! Sad, then mad, probably a bit of PMS, but aggravated by my reality. Still, I got out and then to work and now I'm just in and looking for bed soon!

Silly -- Hello. Good to see you again! I'm glad you came back. Are you going to start in again with us?! I hope so. I don't see HOW you could be embarrassed. I mean, have you seen how many of us have restarted?! Tons! even our star challenger, curly! So, I really wish you wouldn't be silly! Oops!, guess it's in the name...no, seriously, come on back! Thanks for asking how I was. Things are just rough and I was getting sick last week and just as I say, crying into my belly button. I was feeling very alone on the thread as many of our regs seemed to have hit a quiet time, and didn't feel the support, but really, I think it was just because I was feeling so weak and lonely, which is rare with me. Too much at once, and the weakened physical state just wreaked havoc on my mind as well. But things have picked up again, including myself. Nothing that was wrong is really any better as far as work and money goes, but my health is better and I got a bit more fight back in me again. Thanks!

mez -- Glad you liked the horses. Yes, they looked to be proud. What they do, the picking the feet up high and sticking to a fast trot is hard. I suppose it's something like what a Saddlebred horse does.

Hope you're doing well and had a good sleep. I'll be turning in very soon myself. Good night!

carla -- congratulations on getting your TV up!! You did it!! I'm glad we didn't have to envision you "lying on the floor with a wrenched back!" But, 42"?!?!?!!? Enormous! I would have to go down the street a ways to get far enough away to see it without zapping my eyes, and I really don't think it would even fit in the tiny door of my room. Besides, I would have to sleep on top of it!

I'm sure your kitty won't hate you. It would be horrible to be constantly crying in heat. God, they sound horrid. No one can live with that howling. And spaying these days is not a big thing, at least, the vets I know. The incisions are so small now and the stitches dissolve away and don't have to be taken out. Back when I was a kid, the poor cats practically had their whole belly split open and the stitches would get infected and/or overgrown and then have to be yanked out. I'm sure your kitty will be fine and herself in just a couple days.

I don't think I've seen the movie, "..Wine and Roses." Name is familiar though, probably just the song. I'll keep my eyes out for it...that is..if I ever can afford a working TV. Mine is nearly dead, I can only hear it and sometimes get a bit of a picture. I was looking for a used one in the ads today and may have found something, if there is a cheap way to get it delivered.

WW core program sounds good, but to tell the truth, I think I may even find it too restrictive, even for me. It's okay when I inflict the restrictions on myself, but anything out there, any "program" and I tend to feel it's being "done to me." I know, silly, but... Then again, maybe I could give it a try on certain days....anyone have a list?!

Well, carla, I hope to see you back on the challenge soon, okay!!

[curlylocks]

OK back in action.. and ready to start my challenge again... my challege this time will be 2 hours of exercise per day.. in some form!

I know i can get 1 hr from my circuit training.. and the other hour i will walk or walk/Gazelle..

this way i can accomplish it in the morning or evening...


Silly dont fret.. u see i had to restart... after making it 17 days!!

[friendsforfitness]

Looks like dh got the virus out, thank God. I am officially restarting my challenge to exercise no less than once a day. I'd like to take one day a week off if possible, do I have enough pause days to take Sunday's off? I did 15 minutes on the Gazelle today, I couldn't believe it!!Whoooo-hooooo!

My baby started walking this weekend. It's sooo sweet. (insert mushy kodak moment here)



Hope everyone is well and have a Happy Halloween if you celebrate it,
Lisa

[derrydaughter]

Hi there guys! It's Linda from New Hampshire. I know Red and probably a few others that are here doing this.
Just want to say that I've been totally off for a long time now, we had a death in the family and it was so awful and stressful that I lost my way, or should I say weigh? Hmmm..... at any rate, it's not been a fun time and I hope that I am finally working my way back to where I was before all of this.
Today is actually Day TWO for me, as I've been on my WW program again, officially, for two days. Right now journalling is way too hard for me so I am trying the CORE plan and tracking flex points only. Once I get on track a bit, I will then go back to WW's flex plan as that is my preferred program.
My challenge to myself is to stick with something, either the core of flex plan and get totally on track again. I plan to attend a WW meeting tomorrow, perhaps.
Linda in NH

[curlylocks]

1 hour of circuit training
1 hour of walking

20 days to go!

[mezmerize]

Linda - I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I'm happy you've found your way back and we'll do all we can to help you with your challenge which is off to a good start! I'm doing WW Pure Points. It's software a friend got me. It is from the UK. I've not ran into anyone here that uses it. I really like it because I can type everything in and it's adds the points. It some very nice features I think everything that WW program offers just in software. Only thing is I can't take it with me. Well I guess I can if I install it on my laptop.

Lisa - I bet your baby looks so cute walking! Just in time for Halloween! You know the mummy walk. Or maybe that was just the way my kids looked when they started.

Curly - HAPPY 1 DAY!!

Red - PMS is here also! Geez sure does get around! I hope your having a great day! Oh yea my theory about handing candy out of the bag didn't work. I ate a piece or two. I did have one guy (juding from his hand I'm sure he was at least my age or older) piss me off. If I didn't have PMS or hubby and dog near by I think it would of scared me. I gave out the candy and when I went to shut the door he grabbed the door then the the bag. I pulled it away and my dog started to bark. It was then I took a look at what I thought were kids but turned out to be growups my age or above. They had one kid with them I'd say 12 years old. I don't mind the 12 year old or even giving an adult candy but that was just plain rude! When a older brother or sister ect.. comes with a child I usually give them candy you know to keep their energy. I called my nephew he lives up the street and told him not to answer the door for them. He stayed home while his mom took his brother out. Well once again that warm bed is calling my name. Nite

[Apple Blossom]

Hi everyone. I just spent about 20 mins catching up on all your posts and now I'm just too tired to post much myself...Halloween was fun but it was exhausting!! I'm stiil rolling along with the challenge I'm somewhere around day 10.I'll have to look it up later!
I'm supposed to start my second challenge tomorrow...1500 cals...I'm afraid it's going to be really hard......

DERRY! It's so good to hear from you. I figured you were gone because of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I was also worried about all the flooding out there, were you spared the worst? Hope to be chatting with you more....

I promise to post longer tomorrow! Good night!

[redballoon]

Hello, all. Having a good day here, one that started out very rough with me sneezing and blowing my nose for hours but then it got better, no doubt because I stuck to it. Rode and really felt I was making some progress. Two people commented on how much better I was riding! Got both cats to the vet (of the ones who need to go every month) for their painkillers for this gum inflammation they have. Bought a new vacuum cleaner as my old one was shot and I couldn't even vacuum because if I did the dust would come out the back and I couldn't breathe...literally! Credit cards...but, at least I could get the vac.

Oh yes, the challenge!! Sorry to babble. I'm doing okay so far. Still have some hours to go. Any Aussies out there? How about Makybe Diva! History-making racehorse...a mare..the first horse to win the Melbourne Cup three times!!! Go Makybe! Here's some stories. Great stuff!

http://www.aapracingandsports.com.au/racing/

Apple -- Hi there. I was starting to get a bit worried but figured you'd pop in soon. Glad you had a fun Halloween. I didn't do anything here but I have been reading ghost stories and that is fun! Congrats on the challenge. You're doing so well this time around. Good for you! 1500 cals. is tough. I would give yourself a 300 calorie leeway or something maybe or do what I'm doing and add on extra calories for extra walking or other exercise. It helps. Otherwise, if you're at all active, even just brain work, you're going to be hurting I think and we gotta think of this in the long run I think....okay, off my soapbox..... Looking forward to that longer post!

mez -- I am having a surprisingly good day, as I wrote in the above intro!) Hurrah! It started out very roughly though and I felt absolutely horrid. But okay now! Yeah! That was kind of a scary Halloween you had there, eh? What a jerk that person was! And more than rude, I'd say it was downright violent. Scary, really. Imagine, an adult doing something like that. Damn, I would have been really shaken. I hope someone was home with you then. Oh yes, I see, you did have hubby and dog there. Good. I would have worried about you! Take care!

curly -- You are one ambitious woman!! Wow! Two hours!?!?! Good luck! and for bagging Day 1!!!

derry -- So great to have you here. I'm hoping we'll be seeing lots of you. Keep us posted on the Day you're on always....this is my one rule.....just to keep things moving and give the thread structure....and most of all remind people of what they're supposed to be doing!!!! Some people aren't saying anything right now, because they are in between challenges, yet they post, because we NEED them!! But, if you're in the middle of a challenge, if you're not ON the wagon, then you're GETTING back on. There's no failure here....just restarting! Good luck!

friends -- Ooooh, "mushy Kodak moment" Love it!! Your baby must be so cute. Hope you did get lots of pictures.

Glad that virus is gone. I was wondering what happened to you. You have one challenge done, right? That means you have two pause days, so if you started on a Monday and took the two Sundays off, it would be almost the end of your challenge, just have to go through the next Sunday. But really, you can ease through it by just allowing an "easy exercise" day, no? I mean, walking, gardening, practically any movement can be considered exercise, no? I would just do that. We trust you!

[redballoon]

Heh, what's this?!?! No one posting in over 12 hours?!?! Where is everyone??!?

Well, I'm starting Day 5 on both challenges. Wish me luck.......

[curlylocks]

Day 2

1 hour of circuit training... 45 min walking.. 15 min gazelle!

19 days to go!