hi again everyone! happy new year! it's so great to have the holidays behind us and now there is no excuse to not be op :) i tried to catch up on the posts but all that really sticks in my mind is that nasty wal-mart incident -- omg!!! i can't believe they would do that!
as far as the loose skin is concerned, i think it is just totally random. they say it is based on pounds lost and age, but i have only lost about 50 and am 25, but i still have it. it's nasty. yuck.
i just started my new job and it's terrific. i am so glad to have something useful to do. i think i am really going to enjoy it because my coworkers seem really nice and coffee is my one true love anyway. but it may be rough on the old diet because part of my job is pairing pastries with coffees and how else to do that except by tasting? lol! i could have gone my whole life not knowing chocolate pairs perfectly with cafe verona ;) i am still waiting to find a good match for broccoli.
also i'm pretty excited because my brother is coming to visit today for a week and a half. i just saw him in texas, but he decided he needed a break from all the craziness there. his friends are totally nuts -- they seem to think hitting up on girls, getting drunk and starting fightings, then getting locked up is totally normal. he is not into that kind of thing at all but apparantly decent folks his age to hang out with there are hard to come by.

Welcome back and I am glad you had a good time and like your new job. The only thing I can possibly offer is that when I worked at subway many years ago, I loved subs-after a month, I was giving them to my daughter or sending them in hubby's lunch. I still don't eat them very often. I hope you have a great time with brother visiting too. When you find a good match for broccoli-please share with the group-lol. I have always wondered why those things that benefit our bodies the most is the least appealing thing to eat. I guess that is a question for God when I get to heaven which I probably won't care anymore.
Melissa

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

I know, I'm late! Good to see everyone setting realistic goals for the new year! I'm not setting anything in stone except to keep on losing. It has taken me a year and a half to lose almost 50 lbs, I just want to lose the next 50 a little faster!!!!!!(OKAY, A LOT FASTER!! :p )

I have been so busy since Christmas, I don't think I've posted since then? I remember telling about my in-laws though! While they were here they were sick, when they left, it stayed here. My hubby, 5 yo, and brother-in-law all got it:mad: The Tuesday after Christmas my mom flew in from Seattle, then Wed morning my daughter flew back to Seattle and we came home from Reno. My mother has had 3 heart attacks, has emphysema, asthma, and anything else you can think of! She has been on oxygen 24/7 since August and takes lots of medicines! Wakes up in the middle of the night coughing so bad and breathing so hard, it scares me! I haven't hardly slept in the week she has been here, and she doesn't leave until Tuesday morning. I feel bad cause I really want her to go home so my house can get back to normal(normal as it is anyway:dizzy: ) and I would like to get some sleep! Is that terrible? I feel terrible!

I haven't been to Curves at all, wiegh and measure is tomorrow, so I might go in when Caitlyn and Harley get home from school. My younger sister(the one on drugs leaves her 4 1/2 yo with my mom all the time, I don't want to leave McKenna and Sam with her alone? What if something happens? My dad told me that mom is to have NO stress, my kids should be named STRESS!

Well, I better go. Caitlyn and Harley have appointments to get thier hair cut after school. I did get my hair done before Christmas, it turned out really nice!

See ya'll later!!
Kathy

So glad everyone is back.
I saw a trainer this AM and she showed me a bunch of stretches, a few machines and some weight lifting positions. It felt good. I am in really bad shape, but I am optimistic because I know changes come fast when you work out. Unfortunately I can't go again till Monday because we are workingThursday-Sunday.
I like the training center because it's very laid back, no one is cutesy, everyone is in sweats, and the music is ok.
Food is good too.
Laura

:wave: Hi everyone! It's good to see all of us back and ready to go after the holidays. So far I am 4 days OP WHOO-HOO!!! My scale is showing 3 pounds down but I am not counting it until I weigh on Sunday. If it is still gone by then I will count it. Went to the Dr today, his scale weighed me 9 pounds heavier then at home and when I got off I noticed that the needle wasn't on zero. Of course the very skinny nurse looked at me like I was crazy when I pointed that out. They also measure height wrong, have me 2 inches shorter than I am. It just bugs me that they don't seem to care.

When it comes to loose skin, the biggest factors are age, genetics, and how long a person was overweight. The longer the skin has been streched the less elasticity it has. I have a skin roll on my tummy already from the weight I have lost. One other factor is how fast the weight is taken off. That's why people who had gastric surgery tend to have a lot of loose skin all over. I think there is a faq or forum here at 3fc that talks about this.

Just my 2 cents!!!

I have a great feeling about this year. For some reason I feel calmer about dieting this time around. Last night at work they had onion rings which I truly love. My hand started reaching out automatically, then my brain kicked in and I asked myself, did I really want to blow a whole day OP for just a few seconds of taste?? I resisted those evil little rings and got a salad instead. LOL!! We have a lot of candy left from the holidays, about 4 boxes of truffles (everyone gives them to my DH because he is crazy over them.) I put them in a container in his closet and so far have been able to stay out of them.

My challenge to myself for this month is to start drinking more water-- a tough one for me--and to exercise more. Time constraints make the exercising hard but I am really going to try.

I was wondering if we were going to start back with the group challenges? They were very helpful when we were doing them, I guess because of the accountability involved.(Don't want to let the group down!!)

Okay---really long post---sorry guys.

Have a great week, I'll try to post more often this year. Did I just make yet another resolution?? Got to keep track of these things.

Suzette

Suzette is right. We haven't set a challange yet. I love the non scale victories. How about a NSV everyday this month, even if it means repeating one. For example, not touching those onion rings, or exercising even when tired, or standing up for someone.
what do yo think?
Laura

I think the NSV challenge is a good one to start the year out with. Today mine would be walking/jogging in place for 15 min. to round out my last workout to a complete hour...when I really wanted to quit and go take a bath.

What I did today toward my goals:
1. 45 min. fat burning pilates workout
2. 6 miles on gazelle
3. 15 min. walk/jog in place
4. 50 minutes jumping on trampoline with kids

I didn't count calories today because the choices are slim around here right now. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day, but I don't know how much I can spend because we have bills and it will be a low paycheck for us. Hubby was home last week and I got lots of time with him, but unfortunately I have to trade part of our $$ for that time :cry: I hate his job.

Okay, enough of that! It was a very productive day as far as exercise goes, so hopefully I'm okay.

Suzette--they didn't fix the scale when you pointed it out? They really should be worried about those things...it's their job! I feel very positive about this year as well. I am not fad dieting or taking diet pills or try to wish and dream the pounds away. I'm not setting resolutions, but just continuing the process of getting healthier. I have never made it this far and at this point everything is habit and routine, just my lifestyle now so it is a very different feeling of hope and accomplishment that I have not had in previous years. Yes, it is a great feeling not only to want to lose weight but already know you can do it and you ARE doing it...isn't it great?

Laura, it's okay you can't go back until Monday, because I'm sure some of what the trainer showed you can be done while on your trip, right? Even if there isn't a gym where you stay, you could do lots of things in your hotel room. Jumping jacks, running/walking in place, push-ups, other moves, I bet she showed you some good ones! I like to do push-ups on the wall, they kill.

Kathy, I am sorry about your mother and all the other family issues. At least it is all behind you now...it is, right? :lol: you deserve a break! I know you feel terrible about wanting your mom to go, but you really are not a bad person. It is hard to have your life rearranged by other people, esp. when it's someone with problems that make us sad and worried. Besides not getting much sleep, I am sure being so close to her and hearing the problems stressed you emotionally. You just needed a break and some relief and there's nothing wrong with that. :hug: you're not a terrible person.

Cadwell, enjoy your brother while he's visiting! Can you get a decent guess at how many calories you might take in sampling, then lower your calorie intake some for the days you do that? Another thing is to commit to just one small nibble each time, and not eating the entire thing for each sample. Just enough to taste and move on. It sounds like an awesome job though! Be careful during TOM, cravings might really get ya!

Melissa, I am not sure I want any type of surgery, even a tummy tuck. I am horribly scared of needles and surgeries like that terrify me. I have heard so many stories of people getting messed up as well, a lot of doctors do it and are not properly trained, etc. I'd be afraid of getting one of those, esp. since I would never be able to afford a really good surgeon.

Theresa

It is so nice to have us here again. Still no Melra though and it has been an age since she was here. I hope she is ok.

As much as I abhore surgery(I have had many things removed) I will definately get a tummy tuck. In one of my surgeries they cut me vertically instead of horizontally and just killed the stomach muscles and when I had lost a bunch of weight before in my 30's, it was just ugly and I never wanted anyone to see it. I may let them put my bosom back too where it belongs while they are at it. They have in Seattle a couple of top notch surgeons. I live close to a huge metropolis so I can get quality care if I want it. I wouldn't go to anyone here in Everett even though we are pretty big city. I would have made an issue out of changing the scale and height too. So many things hinge on that information and it is their job to care.

I found out that Katy will be released sometime tonight. She does have two more court appearances this month and I just hope to Hanna she goes to them. David is still in jail and will remain there. His bail is 10,000. Michelle never went to go see her yesterday like she was supposed to and that irritates me to no end. If she had, Kate would have had a warm safe place to be tonight. I guess she is going to some friends house but I am not sure that is a good place for her to be. Katy said she is going to see Michelle tomorrow so hopefully Michelle can get her placed-I truly hope so. It is looking like she is really prego again and I just don't know if I could take on another baby. It makes me feel selfish to feel that way-it is my grandchild but I do have limitations on what I can do.
Melissa

WHOO HOO :carrot: We are all back on OP :carrot:

Candace -I agree with Melissa- you will hate the pastries after a while- there are certain foods I can't eat after being a waitress years ago. you'll never see me in a Burger King EVER. But i am glad you like your job. Umm broccoli & maybe a light mocha frapp- no whipped cream??

Laura -I am glad you got to the gym. and i am glad it isn't a cutsey place!

Loose skin may just be a part of life.. i am gonna take my chances- i can always hide it somehow! I've had practice hiding flab for years so can't be too hard. OOO Straight hair! I am jealous- when the humidity is high ( as it always is in FL I turn into a poodle) No matter what i do i have a mop for hair. it's almost time for a cut. Theresa- you made me laugh so hard on the TOM shows up in the a.m. it really made me feel better! and wall push ups rock!!!!!:carrot: !

Suzette- i am calmer too so far. I think it is the support here and knowing i am not alone in my struggles. I agree a challenge will be good- I know Theresa and I are aiming for 15 down in Feb . but i like Lauras idea of every day posting a NSV. and don't get me going on DR.'s scales- i see 3 different dr.s and each ones scale is different by 5-6 punds! one takes off for clothes and shoes -2 don't and they always weigh me heavier. :mad: of course wearing big old sneakers are gonna add at least a pound..and i always throw a fit about height! when one is only 4'10" like me every half inch counts!

Hey Kathy- I wouldn't feel bad at all wanting mom to go home so you can get back to normal.. and i agree- i want to lose the weight faster this year.

Melissa- i was asking about doll repair as i have 3 beautiful dolls that are over 100 years old and in need of a bit of repair work- i thought maybe I had found someone i could trust with them to fix them up. :D ! my MIL had an old doll and they lost it on her when she sent it to them. I hope Katey can get herself together. and don't feel bad abouit maybe saying no to another child- there is more than 1 person involved in making a baby and unless the other grandparents are bad people (or dead) they should help out too. Boob job would be on my list before a tummy tuck..of course i am still getting from hubby- are they gonna get smaller and i say i hope so & he pouts...MEN.

today was not an OP day- i overate all the way around
Ievenateonechocolatecookie. I didn't exercise- i drank diet coke instead of water and if i could have mugged the youth guy and took his fries i would have eaten them too. yeah it was a day. no excuses- it just started out bad and it went down hill all the way. and the bad? or good ?? part of it is I accept I was not OP, it's not bothering me right now and tomorrow i am back OP.

well i just found out they are having a bday party for me at the inlaws this weekend.. not sure if that is good or bad..good cause i like PRESENTS! bad cause they will have CAKE .

oh I ramble too much - sorry! just in a mood i guess!
My NSV for today I only ate 1 cookie and not the whole box
See ya'll tomorrow!
Sandi

lol sandi.. i worked at burger king for two weeks a few years back and i still won't eat there. no part of mayo should be yellow. not that burger king is op or anything. my brother is dying to go to in-n-out though.. that will be a struggle for me because i red-heart in-n-out. of course the only op thing they have is diet coke. very simple menu, which is one of the things that makes it so great. if i ever leave ca, i won't miss the beach, the weather, or disneyland. i will miss in-n-out. i already do, danged diet!
can't say i have an nsv for yesterday.. i succumbed to every temptation :(

Hubby's check today was very, very little and I was a bit shocked...though I shouldn't have been, it happens every holiday when he doesn't work as much. I grocery shopped, but it's still very far from a well stocked, healthy kitchen. Split breasts were on sale and I usually would stock up and buy a ton, but can't afford to this time :( I do have 3 packs of boneless/skinless chicken, 3 packs split breasts, and 2 lbs. lean hamburger, so we will eat healthy suppers all week...it's just lunches that I don't have a clue what we'll be eating. I bought hot dogs and mac n cheese, and it was horrible. I haven't bought those things since we started this group, but there is no choice this week. I will just be very, very strict with counting out the calories to limit the portions, and will try to take most of my calories from supper instead of lunch.

Melissa, if she is prego, then you have maybe 7-8 months (who knows how far she is along) to get her straight and living with you. If she can stay straight and move in with you, then she can help with the kids and together you can deal with another baby. She needs to realize that YOU are the one who will support her, be there for her, and do everything possible to provide for her kids. She can't do this without you, and hopefully she is waking up to that reality and will lean on you instead of the jerk and drugs. I know it is very hard for her to just get clean and she needs rehab of some sort...esp. if prego. I saw the author of Million Little Pieces on Oprah, he's a recovering drug addict, and he said this for parents of addicts: you have to let them know that you love them and will help them get clean when they are ready to receive that, but then the choice is up to the addict. So, if he is right then you have let Kate know you're there and will help and now it's up to her. I would talk to her and try to let her know over and over that you love her and want her to be straight, etc.

:rollpin: Cadwell, get on the ball girl! You can give in to some if you must...but not EVERY SINGLE TEMPTATION!!! :rollpin: :rollpin: your head is going to really hurt if you keep it up girly!

Sandi, my hubby is the same way about the shrinking chest. I have lost a lot of my inches off chest and stomach and he doesn't enjoy that much. He feels they are his toys and I'm taking them away :lol: I still have my big butt though, so he can't complain too much...for now!

Theresa

Better chase me with that rolling pin too-I need it! I am still waiting for mom to pick a day and I am antsy to get started with meetings. I am expecting Katy to call me today sometime or just show up. I am just glad LB is still in jail and it doesn't look like he will be out too soon either. Hopefully Michelle can get her placed and she will be out of circulation by the time he gets out. There is still a chance she will have to do some time. I just really hope and pray that she is serious this time. She is so missing out on some really awesome kids. Pretty proud of myself-it is 719a and Logan is fed, bathed, and dressed, I got a shower, and Odessa is in the tub now having the time of her life. Course when you are up at 5a more gets done earlier and the only one I got to go back to sleep was Amanda but she is my sleeper. I am in the same boat for groceries for the next few days Theresa. Crappy top ramen, hotdogs. I have some money but I am kind of hording it so I can pay for WW and there is food, just not the things I would really prefer or that are good for me. I am going to need to renew my lisence next month and I would like to have a better picture this time.
Melissa

Oh, I soooo hear ya on the license pictures! I have always taken horrible, horrible pictures but the one I got here in NC is not too bad. It's because my hair was down and over one side of my face and you can't see my chin :lol: I was surprised they allowed it because you can't see my face very clear, noticed that after the fact but they didn't say a word about it :shrug: I really hope Kate is serious as well. You can do it if she can help, but another baby would be asking so much of you. Maybe when you are face to face with her, you can tell her that you are not sure you can handle another one and who knows what would happen to this baby if you can't. I know you won't want it to go into foster care or something, but maybe it will scare her if she knows you cannot handle another one and it's going to rely on her. There has to be a motherly instinct and love in her, and if she stays off the drugs she can tap into that...I believe the motherly instinct is so strong, she just has to find it.

Theresa

I am hoping she contacts me today so we can really talk. It is only a little after 8a here so I am sure she is still sleeping. I am not sure what time last night they cut her loose but it had to have been at least 10p and not sure how long it took before someone got her. I am going to try and pin mom down to a day today-I just know that if I can get my butt in there it is going to help me get back on track. I would like to not have to lie too big when I get my lisence. I will definately pay the extra to get a new one when I get to my goal weight. The only way I could possibly do another baby is if it was short term. If she has to do a year or something it would only be a few months before she got out and she would have to come live with me. It will take her time anyway since I am sure she will have fines and she has some debts she really needs to take care of. She also should pay me back the 572.00 it cost me for the truck I gave her-she never changed it over to her name and it got towed and I never found out until like 3 weeks later. I would be happy if she just helped with the kids and got diapers once in awhile. It would be nice to have another set of hands to help out. I would have to move again if she did move in or even if I just got the baby because 3 bedrooms wouldn't be enough for 5 kids and 2 adults-we would be stepping on each other.
Melissa

double post **sorry**