Happy weekend everyone! Sorry I haven't been around for a couple days, but the nasty virus (cold) made it's way back to me. I guess I should be thankful for the 1 week reprieve. DGS had gotten a 2nd cold and I couldn't resist him so I got it.

But for the great news... You all know I've been tracking my walking miles and I made it over 800 miles this week. We'll I've paid myself $1 for every mile and have been saving for a new projector for my home theater. I BOUGHT IT YESTERDAY!!!!!!! Today is movie day (especially since I'm sick). I reached my goal. Took me a few days shy of 10 months, but I did it.

Food intake is still good. Weighloss is almost non-existent. I did lose .4 pound this week. I'll take it. I don't really care how long it takes to lose this fat, just so I lose it.

Oh other fun stuff. I bought new pjs at Costco. They had S, M, L, and XL. I did not buy XL for the first time in a long time, I bought L. And they fit perfectly and I'm wearing them right now. How cool is that???

Penny, Judy is right, Leslie's DVDs can be chatty but she entertains me so much that the time flies. To be honest, I know all her mannerisms and chatter in the videos that I mimic them during the whole thing. Whatever keeps me entertained, right??? Besides, I really like the exercise itself. It's something I can do for life.

Judy, search for shoes??? Last I heard you were searching for sandals. Right??? I hate shoe shopping. I'm very picky on fit. Actually I hate socks more. If the stupid seam over the toes isn't in just the right place, it drives me batty. I often take my shoes off during the day and move it around. What I need to do is find seamless socks for very narrow feet, then my dilemma would be solved.

Carol, good for your upper management in taking that stressful decision away. I love Kohl's too. There are (were) none around here but the Mervyn's in the mall over the mountain folded and the Kohl's signs are up. They're supposed to open this month. I'd been addicted to Kohl's when we lived in Minnesota and every trip to anywhere, it's the only place I look for. Their clearance sales are to die for. Can you tell I'm excited to have one relatively close by???

Well, that's it for now. It's almost movie time. But I'm going to exercise first. I do need a new goal to walk for. I haven't decided what yet.
Marie

Marie - Congrats on fitting into the smaller pj's! :carrot: You're doing fantastic with all that walking - 800 miles WoW! :running: You are a real inspiration! I hope you soon get over your cold - what a bummer getting another one so soon.

Carol - I'm glad the job stress has eased a bit :stress: I hope you can reach your Thanksgiving goal. I love oatmeal too. We had a big lunch today for hubby's birthday, so I just had some oatmeal for dinner. I always seem to sleep better if I have oatmeal before bed.

Judy - Thanks for the encouragement about the test results. You're right - I'm doing everything I possibly can (eating right, exercising, losing weight) so the CRP should eventually come down. I don't envy you shoe shopping. I hate buying new shoes - I have such a hard time finding comfortable ones because of the arthritis bone spurs in my feet. I have a couple of pairs that I've had repaired about six times because they are comfy! I wear my New Balance sneakers with my orthotics most of the time now. I'd love to wear heels, but my ankles are too unstable.

I tried on a wool coat I bought last year that was a bit tight and it now fits perfectly! I'm definitely feeling thinner, even though it's not showing on the scale yet - I'm hoping for a loss by next Friday's weigh in. I don't think I'll make my Christmas goal at this rate, but you never know!

Penny, great news on the coat. Sometimes losing weight is like a whole new wardrobe if you kept the clothes. Last year, DH got me a purple leather coat for my birthday (was in August) and I sent it back because it was an 18 and I was trying to lose weight. I exchanged it for a 14. To say the least, it never fit all last winter. Last month I pulled the tags off it and have been wearing it in the mornings to work. Sure feels good, doesn't it??

Okay, movie day. DS, DGS and I watched Star Wars Episode 1 and 2. I've never seen Star wars (prided myself on the fac that I never conformed). But DS has all 6 so we're watching them order. I'm not a science fiction fan so it was hard to get into it, but I'm starting to enjoy it. 10 hours more and I'll know the whole story. :)
Marie

Marie make sure you get a charge card then the extra savings and special deals will come your way. Great kids dept. I got an extra 30% off of every sale item and etc. I saved big bucks even got a new coffee maker thats way cool. Nice having a housemate she is really fair and put in half too. Wow this is working out quite nicely. She even went with the kids to do something the other day when I was a bit too busy. Congrats on the 800 soon will be 1,000 before you know it. Hurray Marie! Sorry your a bit under the weather. I have a little drip coming on must of caught it from them cute kids. We went on a hike in my woods, ck'd out some nature and the horses in back of our land. Then picked grapes. I made grape jam 3 batches, applesauce, butternut squash for the freezer and managed a little yard work. Its been a busy but productive long weekend and I shopped. The girl friends and I went to the casino. Fun weekend! Burned some cals and exercised. No scale yet but the clothes fit okay. So I must be alright so far.
Penny glad you are doing so well. I have enjoyed my oatmeal with some dried cherries not too many, walnuts, a tab of brown sugar and cinn. dash of milk. Oh so good and it is the kind of carb, to slowly burn off so you feel fuller longer. I am reading a new book called Natural Energy Boosters. Quite interesting and lots of good ideas and facts. I am in hopes it will motivate me a little extra for a boost. Well gotta go get ready for work. Judy hope your shoe shopping is done. But if not have any of you tried those new plastic looking clogs? My SIL has problems with her feet do to her illness she loves the crocks or something like that they are called. About 29.00 or so. Gotta get the right ones Eastern Mountain store sells them and most sports shops. Even if you get them for around the house and weekends it may help your toes to feel comfy.
I am trying my best to eat helathy and exercise this week.

Hi Carol, sounds like you had a good weekend. I started the echinecea again and am feeling better. Work was bad yesterday - crashing and dead servers - but hey, what else to expect on Monday. So far today the day looks okay. Cool thing is that the server that died was the phone system one and there's no phone calls. YEAH!!!

I didn't weigh in since it's TOM and why bother. Friday I will get on the stubborn scale.

I walked 3 miles on the mountain roads after work yesterday and then did a 2 mile jog/1 mile walk this morning. I ordered 2 more of Leslie's videos that the other thread I post on recommended. Variety.

Well, back to work.
Marie

Hi! I had a busy, long weekend--busy sleeping. It was one of those times when despite my best intentions, I just shut down and recharge, which is what I guess I most needed to do. I did spend an afternoon shoe shopping. I gave up on finding bargains, finally, and bought three pairs of sturdy, comfortable shoes--Clark's, Born, and Easy Spirit. My feet are picky, too, so I hope none of them 'turn' on me and end up hurting. My computer guy came over and did a little trouble-shooting for me, too, so I can spend the next few weekends bonding with my new desktop and loading programs like Quicken onto it.

I worked out quite a bit, between naps, and rigorously tracked my portions. The November issue of Fitness has a really scary article about misjudging portion sizes and calories, it's worth checking out. But today I have something weird going on with a muscle or nerve in my side, so I keep twisting in my chair as if I can stretch it away.

Marie, congrats on earning that new projector! What a nice way to recuperate from a bug, hours zoning out in front of a fantasy spectacle while wearing new, smaller pjs:cool: . I am glad that you're feeling better and are back on the trail.

Carol, I have seen those shoes everywhere! I can't wear clogs without a backstrap, but these have a strap so they should work. They would be okay for hanging out on the weekends, but not what I need for office wear. They look like fun, though! I should try 'em on just to see how they feel. Good luck with your goals this week.

Penny, isn't it nice to fit into your old coat? Congratulations, the scale will catch up sooon with reality. I have a closet full of coats and jackets that I'm just 10 pounds or so away from being able to wear comfortably again. I have arthritis in my hips and especially in my knees, plus I just don't like wearing shoes :) . I walk a lot, so it's really important to have the right shoes. My mom taught me never to pay full price for anything, which makes it a little more challenging....

Time for our staff potluck. I brought fruit salad. I also made "Texas caviar" but the recipe must of had a typo, that was way too much salt, so I left it at home :(

judy

Judy those shoes are well worth a try. Maybe not for work etc. but for wearing with jeans or messing around on weekends. Hers have a back strape too. Thats all she wore all summer and with her arthritis it all worked out very well for her that normally can't wear much else. Sometimes she has to buy shoes bigger to fit her feet. Good luck!
I did pretty good today with my intake. Healthy breakfast with oatmeal, lunch I had a veggie sub 6" from subway. Then for dinner some leftover pot roast and boiled cabbage, butternut squash. Nuts for a snack and a pear from my tree. Well all in all not so bad. I jumped on here to stay away from the kitchen. Hah hah! Less cals.
Marie your school wasn't closed on monday? I hope your feeling better?
Penny hows it going????????????? Looks like we lost everyone else too bad huh? Well it happens sometimes. I roam onto different sites but always keep this one. Have a good evening. Eat healthy, and keep moving.

I thought I was handling yesterday's 'interesting' news at work pretty well, but then I went home and had a beer and two handfuls of tortilla chips, so I guess I was kinda stressed! My boss told me and the other manager something in confidence which will have ramifications on several levels. It isn't a horrible thing, but it will set many changes in motion and force me to take on a bigger leadership role than I want right now. I'll be glad when this is out in the open--others suspect something is up, and I don't like lying to my colleagues. I'm not even comfortable saying more here yet.

Anyway, my side feels a little better, so I will go to Curves today. I haven't worked out since Monday, although I walked for about 20 minutes this morning. My feet are complaining, especially one of my toes--I can't tell if it's my new shoes, old shoes or something else, so I will go ahead a schedule a visit to the podiatrist. It's always something!

Carol, It's good that you 'jumped in here to stay away from the kitchen.' I will try to do that more often in the evening, which is always my danger zone. We have lots of leftovers at work from yesterday's potluck. I brought a salad from home which I'll make sure to eat first. Byt then I should be too full to indulge in anything else.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

judy

Hi Judy, Carol and Penny.

Yeah, Carol, looks like we've lost a number of posters. I guess that happens. Mostly I worry that they fell off the wagon and aren't here because of that. I hope that's not the case.

Judy, sorry about the stresses at work. Sometimes it's hard knowing something that will affect many and you can't do anything about it or warn them. It is stressful. Sorry about the foot problem.

I jogged 2 miles and walked 1 mile this morning. I really hadn't wanted to mosey from my nice comfy bed, but I did. So that was good.

We don't have Columbus Day off so work, work work. Actually, funny story about it. Last week when interviewing the job contestants, one was Native American and at the end of the interview we asked if he had any questions. He asked about benefits. Co-worker said we have all federal holidays, then glance at me (I'm shaking my head) and he goes, oh yeah, no Columbus Day. The contestant said that was quite alright - his people didn't celebrate it anyway. It was delivered so deadpan, it was funny.

Well, back to work.
Marie

Marie - That was kind of funny how the Native American guy wasn't so keen on celebrating Columbus Day! Yes, it's too bad that some of our posters are awol. At least we're still here - right? I think Nikki was trying to lose without obsessing about the scale. Whatever works for her. For myself, I need to weigh regularly so that I know where I'm at and can catch myself before I start gaining!

Judy - I hope your foot problem and the pain in your side get better soon. I'm glad you were able to work out at Curves again. I always find it helps with stress when I do my workout. I'm sure things will turn out for the best for you at work. Your bosses must have a lot of confidence in you if they want you to take on more responsibility.

Carol - Sounds like you had a busy but happy weekend. I love being outside at this time of the year. I still feel like it's a miracle when I can pick delicious pears and figs right from the tree and eat them. I'll have to get some of those Crocs. I'm always looking out for comfy shoes. I like those Subway sandwiches too now and then - not too bad in calories at all.

I've been getting some nice compliments lately - that really helps me to stay the course, especially when I've been feeling like I'm looking dumpy.

I enjoyed my workout at Curves today. Several of the 'regulars' were there and we talked up a storm. The workout was over before I knew it. I've been doing more stretching afterwards and it feels good. I've been stuck at 187 for soooo long - but I think I feel a loss coming on! :lol:

Have a good evening everyone.

Judy yes work can have some effects on us that is for sure. I hope that everything works out well in the end. Changes aren't always easy to adjust to. I will be thinking about you. So far so good at my work. She even told me yesterday how well I do. Its nice to hear that she realizes I take my job seriously. Some of my old reports have also been reviewed for a few years back so she knows I am not just putting a front on but this is who I am. Nice to have a good relationship and to be treated equal.
Judy having a drink sometimes happens I bet you slept good.
Penny good for you with the kind words you deserve every one of them I am sure. She swears by those shoes. Just kind of look like clogs with back straps.
I fell of my wagon yesterday in the evening this is my confession. I had come home and made homemade sloppy joes and then made homemade frenchfries. Oh no that was naughty and followed with a small bowl of maple walnut ice cream. Okay no thats over I feel better. The rest of my day was healthy thank goodness maybe not too much damage. Today I will stay on track!
Marie I loved your story and so real. Sometimes things like that happen we slip and recover quickly without any damage. Have a great day rainy here today. I am off to work after my lovely oatmeal.

More complaints from Yours Truely: I think Marie gave me her bug, my throat is scratchy and sore, and my head aches a bit :( . So on my way to work this morning I bought some Airborne and oscillococcinum, trying to nip whatever this is in the bud. Two of my co-workers are out with something, so it may be too late. My side is much better, but my feet are still bothering me, so I haven't done as much walking or working out this week, boo. But it's a lovely day--the ground is covered with acorns, and I was laughing at the squirrels, who are totally chubbing out, waddling around in the grass.

One of the shoes dropped at work yesterday, when we told the staff that we have a budget shortfall for the year, and have to cut back on the spending. No one will be laid off, but the managers (which includes me) will take a pay cut for a while, which will force me to be a lot more disciplined about money for the next few months, especially since I just made this big financial commitment to this weight-loss program. But it will all work out in the end, I've certainly dealt with worse!

Marie, I've worked with lots of Native Americans, so I am careful not to "celebrate" Columbus Day, even when I get the day off. At one place I worked, the office be would officially closed to accomodate parents (whose kids were out of school), but we could choose to work anyway and take an extra day off another time in the fall.

Penny, congratulations on the compliments! You must be looking really good. I miss going to Curves, I have been there much these past two weeks. I want to go tonight, though. I like the cameraderie also.

Carol, it's good of you to 'come clean' with us about your extra calories. It's funny how hard it is to be honest about what we eat. I even want to hold back in my own food log, essentially lying to myself! You've consistently been the best of any of us, I think, about taking the "Daily Check-in" seriously, and the proof is in the pudding, so to speak, in how well you've done over time. My hat's off to you!

I just had a protein shake this morning and a 20-minute walk. I'll be meeting a friend for lunch soon, so I'm about to have an apple and a string cheese. We're going to a place that has good salads, so I know what I'll have for lunch. Plus lots of water and tea all day...

Hope everyone has a great day!

judy

Evening all, I hope your day was good. Judy, I'm sorry about the budget shortfall. That sure does make it tought. I'm sorry I passed my virus on. A computer virus. ;)

Carol, for some reason I'm betting that the homemade fries weren't deep fat fried and that the burger in the sloppy joes was lean. So all in all you probably did fine.

Penny, great job on the workout and enjoy those compliments. They were hard earned.

I had a good day at work. We're going to offer one of the job contestants the position tomorrow morning. YEAH!!! :carrot: We had a couple back for a 2nd interview. Very wise. One weeded out quickly.

I exercised loads today. I did 2 miles jogging and 1 mile walking this morning, then I was peppy after work so I did another 3 mile walk. 6 miles today. Hopefully the scale will be kind tomorrow but TOM is still around so who knows???

Talk to you tomorrow.
Marie

Judy thanks for the support sometimes it helps for me to just vent. Hey about the extra dollars for your help with the wt. loss is there a way for you to claim it through you insurance. Sometimes if its for health reasons and a doctor stands behind you it can be counted. Just a thought always trying to squeeze a buck myself. We all adjust to extra money all of a sudden it doesn't seem to be more. But with that said I also think we adjust the other way too. I am sure you will do okay as your a wise person and can readjust for awhile to a new budget.
Marie well you only win on part of the bet. I used 90% lean beef so that wasn't so bad. But the fries were deep fried with the skins on sliced fries in the fry daddy. Oh so good oh so bad!!!!!!!!!!!! It was quick and just a fast move to make dinner. I will be more careful in the future.
I really wanted to lose some wt. before the holidays. I am taking my sneakers and going to the gym or walking today on the way home. It gets dark so quick now I don't like that so much. Have a nice day! Remember every change we make adds up to making a healthier lifestyle for a better life.
Hope everyone has a restful weekend and do something fun for yourselfs. I am getting a bit selfish in my old age as far as doing something for me. I do have the grandson tonight the little guy 4years old. I might bake some pumpkin cut out cookies with him? I will only have 1 and add it into my #'s.

Carol - I'm hoping to lose a few more pounds before the holidays too (those dreaded Christmas photos!) Making pumpkin cookies with your grandson sounds like fun.

Marie - I'm glad your candidate selection process in going well. Way to go with all the walking!:carrot:

Judy - I hope you managed to ward off that cold - there's lots of them about already. Sorry to hear about the budget cuts. We have lots of squirrels but no acorns. My DH surprised one in a pear tree the other day as it was carrying off a pear as big as it's body! It screeched and chattered at him as he picked some pears - like "hey, leave MY pears alone!" :lol:

I weighed in the same today 187 - I think my scale is stuck!!!

I just got back from a nice tour of the Portland Japanese Garden with a group of girlfriends. The weather was gorgeous and the trees were just turning color. Having a tour guide made so much difference and I learned lots of things, such as that they don't feed the koi fish from now until Spring! The poor things looked desperate, but I guess they're doing things right as most of the fish were 45 years old! We went for lunch afterwards (of course) to a ritzy restaurant with very small portions (just as well). I didn't get to Curves today, but we did do a lot of walking in the garden.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Penny sounds like you had a fun day. Just an FYI, my scale appears to be stuck too. I want it move. Maybe it's gravitational pull from the changing seasons.

Carol, ok so I was only half right. Next time give the oven a shot. I have made some but microwaving them till hot then crisping them in the oven.

I jogged 2 miles and walked 2 miles this morning. The scale didn't move - phooey on it.

DH and I are going to movie Man of the Year in a little bit. Then we;ll go to Applebee's for dinner. I like their steak kabobs on the weight watcher menu.

Marie

Sound like everyone's doing well! Keep it up, Marie, you are my workout heroine.

Penny, the Japanese gardens sound lovely! I used to live nxet to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and I loved hanging out there. I could go to the National Arboreteum here more often, I guess, but it's more of an expedition, instead of a few blocks' stroll away.

Thanks, Carol, I will just have to curb my implusive shopping tendencies, and stick to a budget for holiday spending. I will get a little money back from the insurance company after I get a formal "diagnosis" from the clinic when I see the doctor in a couple of weeks. How much will depend on if instead of just being really fat, the doc says that I have some "itis" or "osis." Afterwards, I can get some of the remaining $$$ back from my flexible spending plan. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm officially sick! Yesterday I started to lose my voice, and by the time I got home from an all-day meeting I was alternately feverish or shivering with cold. So I've been napping and lazing around today, taking TheraFlu and missing out on the beautiful weather. But I'm feeling better already, a little achy and limp, but internal heating and cooling system has mellowed out. If I take it easy this weekend, I hope to be in recovery mode by Monday. If not, I'll stay home and sleep...after my adventures with upper respiratory infections last spring, I don't want to have another illness that lingers for weeks.

This has been a bad week for the journey, between whatever was going on in my side (which is fine now) and being flat-out sick. I was noshing on extra carbs earlier in the week, but now I don't have much of an appetite. Oh, well, we do what we can do.

I hope you're all enjoying the weekend!

judy

Judy, hope you feel better soon. I think once you're sick with a virus your immune system is compromised for quite a while. I was sick last December and January. I made it until September but then I got mildly exposed to a germ and bam, I was sick again. Before last December I hadn't had a cold/flu for 7 years. Now it's second nature. So.... it's a good idea to rest until you feel at least 75% because you'll just keep getting sick.

I walked 5.5 miles today. 5 miles a day is the goal and I WILL breadk the @#$@#$ plateau. :) I'm also making sure I don't eat anything I don't know the exact calories for, i.e. deli made stuff that you must rough estimate the calories. If I don't know the calories, it won't go in my mouth because you never know when devilish cooks add more fat/calories. I think I've been more lax than I should be the last 1.5 months and I don't want to get stuck. I'll let up when I'm maintaining and don't want to lose more.

Man of the Year was very good - much better than I expected because the critics knocked it. Thought provoking and funny - a good combination. And my 460 calorie Applebee entry was divine.

Well, have a great Saturday night.
Marie

Well girls I have had a weird weekend. Yesterday with the earthquake in Hawaii and not knowing for sure how my son and DIL was. But I was able to hear from them after a few calls. They were able to contact me knowing I was very worried and wanted to ensure they were okay. Oh I will be so glad when they move a bit closer inland. He said that other than lots of shaking and the dogs all barking in the neighborhood so far okay. They have some roads shut down as well few land issues. I will hopefully followup with the news today. In the future they are looking at land to purchase in Steamboat Colo. Oh I hope so. So pretty there too and lots closer to home. I didn't think so til they moved to Hawaii. It is much more reasonable to visit to. Well I finally did the scale today its been a few weeks. Oh next time yell at me and say get on it. I was up and I wish it had been stuck that would of been better. I have been slipping in a few extras and eating a little different with comfort foods. So today is jump back on. I am glad I got on that little white square as you say Marie it helps us stay balanced. Being honest with where we are and whats up helps us deal with it better. Guessing givings me to much space to be naughty. ALL said now I am on the path again. I will give myself a week to get thing a bit under control then change my #'s if I need to maybe I won't have to if I get serious. Judy hope your feeling better today? Once we get down like yah all said its easy to catch something else fast. Marie the movie and dinner sounded like fun. I was off to the pumpkin patch with the grandson and mom, dad and grandpah when we got back was when we got a call about the earthquake. At that time we didn't know much just that there had been one. Scary! Being on an island isn't always so good.
Well take care Penny hope your doing well.

Hi Carol, sorry about the evil white square. They do keep us in line though. I read last week the results of a pretty thorough study about people who had lost weight and were maintaining. Basically they divided the people into groups - those that weigh daily and those that didn't. Those that weighed daily kept their weight off because they didn't let it fluctuate. Interesting. Never thought to weigh daily. I will keep to the 2X week though (except during TOM).

I did 2 walking and 1 jogging mile before work and 2 walking/kick boxing miles after work. I'm aiming for 5 miles per day. I will break the plateau.

Work is okay. The new person starts 2 weeks from today so it should get better.

TTY Tomorrow.
Marie

Well Marie at least I got on and bit the bullet. Sorry to say it wasn't what I wanted but it wasn't a total surprise. So now its facing the issue watching more closely. Portions, exercise and doing my journal. I did okay yesterday but too many starches, good on my water intake. I also got some walking in on sunday. We did a corn maze and had trouble getting out. One way to fit in a walk. Hope your new employees will work out. A little gossip has started around our office again. I just don't get why people always have to look for trouble. At any rate it was bosses day yesterday another friend and I organized bringing in bagels, cc. Nobody else wanted to do anything when we asked the other day. Well its not worth making someone feel not wanted so we did it. I felt good about taking the measures. Everyone else participated in the intake of the bagels a couple donated some funds. Not that we really asked though. Well I hope by friday I have some loss. I also wonder about this new dosage of thyroid? Well we will see.
Take care all and have a nice Tues.

Hi, ladies--I didn't log on yesterday because I was feeling too whiny. I'm home sick again today. The congestion is improving, but my head, throat and body still feel pretty bad :( . I am going a little stir crazy in my apartment! Last night I got dressed to take out the trash and pick up my mail, which was exciting, and I will see if I can manage my laundry this afternoon. Most times I'm happy as a clam being a singleton, but times like these it is nice to have someone around for little things and moral support.

Carol, I'm glad to know that your family is okay after the quakes. One of my colleagues is in HI, on a rare gala vacation with her sisters (and no kids!), that they'd been planning for six months. I'm sure she'll have some stories to tell when she gets back. You don't have to be on an island, Carol--wasn't there a pretty strong tremor in NY State earlier this year? And besides California, there's a major fault line in Missouri...I'd rather be in Hawaii than St. Louis when my time comes!

Marie--Kick-boxing? I missed that one! I had a Tae-Bo tape that I loved, but it fell apart, and they don't make that one any more (it was lower impact than most of Billy's workouts). It's good that you are mixing things up. Re the daily weigh-ins: I had a fierce argument with a friend this summer, who insisted that getting on the scale so often was a sign of obsession. For me, when I'm avoiding the scale, it means that I know that I'm straying and don't want to face the music. But everyone's different, as long as you know what works for you.

Okay, time for a a light b-fast and a nap. Have a good day.

judy

Judy - I hope you're feeling better soon.

Carol - Glad to hear you're getting back on track. I know how easy it is to backslide with eating a little bit extra here and there.

Marie - You must be so fit with all that exercise! You are an example to us all!

I'm a bit under the weather with an ear infection AND a bladder infection - talk about double-whammy! :( At least the antibiotics should take care of both of them in a few days according to my doc.

The combination of cooler weather and not feeling well has had me reaching for the carbs, so I'm tracking everything carefully. This time of the year can be very tough when I go into my 'hibernation mode'! I'm getting really fed up with this plateau - I feel like I deserve to lose at least a pound!:mad:

I managed to go to Curves yesterday but I think I'll take it a bit easy for a couple of days.

Okay I've got to say it...

:D :D :D The scale woke up on the right side of the toilet today.:D :D :D

The increase in exercise and resolving not to eat anything that I don't absolutely know the calories of worked. I lost 2.4 pounds. Yippee!!!!!!! Best morning I've had in a long time.

Judy, I sure hope you start to feel better. I got WATP Walk and Kick. It's not like Billy's video but I do have that one if you want mine. It's the Tae Bo Basic VHS. I don't use, never will so if you want it you can have it.

Carol, office gossip is so obnoxious. At least you like your boss and honored bosses day (which I didn't know it was but since I'm sort of boss-less - I guess it doesn't matter).

I did 2 miles jogging and 1 mile walking this morning and will do the new Walk and Jog DVD when I get home. I really like seeing a loss.
Marie

Marie - Congratulations on the loss :woohoo:. You've really worked hard for it!

Judy I think thats what I was doing with the scale avoiding because I knew it was up thinking I could lose before I went on. I also had a client there on vacation in Hawaii she I am sure will tell me all about her experience there. It is her 3rd trip. She works and saves for things like this. I am going to attempt to call my son today and ck to see if he has power now. Being a camper I am sure he is okay with no elec. for a few days. Feel better soon.
Penny I hear you with the hab. fact I feel the pressure as well. Hope you feel better too.
Marie congrats pass some this way. I think I will try the counting cals and mix the exercise.
Today I am trying to really get back into it. The girls talked me into going out to the buffet last night. Not the best choice for me. I ate but not as bad as it could of been. Today I will write down things and becareful. My friend was going in for surgery today she is the one whom had a stroke last year 2 weeks after surgery. So we all got together last night to get her mind off of it. Well take care and hope everyone feels better Marie keep up your losses they are surely adding up. I am motivated today by your loss.
CC

Yaay, Marie, great work!!!:carrot: Thanks for offering to let me take Tae-Bo off your hands! The routine I liked was called Tae-Bo Gold. It had people in it who didn't look like professional "talent," including a few middle-aged folks and a guy in the back who they didn't show up close but seemed to be a very eager developmentally disabled guy. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to get through most of the moves, but over time, I got pretty good at things I wouldn't have tried before. I haven't clicked with other Tae-Bo routines, though.

Okay, Penny, you win, you are more miserable than me :( . Hope the antibiotics are kicking in. I'm with you about wanting more carbs. I made myself throw some things out of the cabinet last week, because I couldn't stop digging in. Just remember how you feel about the plateau, keep our friend Marie in mind as an example :D .

Carol, I remember the situation with your friend, and I hope she's doing well today. I bet she felt good knowing that her friends are looking out for her.

I am back in the office today, coughing a lot and being medically "productive" but feeling much better than I have in several days. It will be a while before I can officially work out. Just getting dressed and coming to work this morning was a physical chore. I keep a calendar in the kitchen where I mark the minutes logged exercising or power-walking each day. I hate seeing so many blank spaces! If I can sleep better tonight, I might try a little yoga in the morning, just to stretch a bit. I've made it through this day; off to make a brief appearance at a reception, waving my bottle of Purell in front of me like a force field, before toddling back home where I belong.

judy

Hi Everyone,

Penny, wow you sure go a double whammy. Bladder infections were my specialty until I got my tubes tied. Then it was only occasionally and I now drink lots and lots. Ear infections - believe it or not - I've never had one. I had strep throat repeatedly as a baby through 11 so maybe all the penicillian kept the ears healthy. My thoughts are with you.

Judy, I'm glad you're a litle better and can work. But take it way easy. Have you searched ebay for the tae bo tape you like?

Carol, I hope your friend is alright. That has to be mighty scary. Good luck staying on track.

This morning I did 3 miles jogging and 2 miles walking before work. That was the first time I bumped the jogging to 3 miles. I just can't believe I can do that. So this afternoon, I don't have to exercise to get my 5 in. I did them all but I am a tired cookie (I can be one just can't eat one).

Food and all is good. I've been at 1500 calories and very careful - hence the loss yesterday.

I think I'm going to do a little knitting this evening then vegetate. :)

TTYL.
Marie

Carol - I hope your friend is doing ok. I sent up a prayer for her. Buffets are tricky, but I think it's possible to do them if you count your calories like you are doing.

Judy - Don't worry about missing out on exercise while you are sick - you can catch up later when you are all better. A few nights of good sleep make all the difference.

Marie - It's interesting that having your tubes tied would make a difference with UTI's. I've had a few bladder infections and they are the pits. Kind of like a nagging toothache (but lower down :lol:). The earache is better, so I'm half way there. I find it amazing that you do all that exercise, yet you still needed to lower your calories to lose weight. I would have thought you could eat at least 1700-1800 calories with all the exercise you do. You must be 'blessed' with a slow metabolism like me. I don't think I could survive on less than 1600 calories. Well, I'd survive but I'm not sure I could stick to that low an amount for long. This doesn't bode well for me as I do a fraction of the amount of exercise that you do. Sorry if I sound negative, but sometimes it gets so frustrating :^:.

I seem to be eating about 90% carbs lately :o but at least I worked out today.

Judy glad your feeling a little better. Boy lots of stuff going around. At work a couple of girls have that awful cough. Then others have had a stomach thing. Yuck! I called my sons home in Hawaii and their answering machine picked up so electric is back on. I am pleased for them and feel better knowing their okay now.
My friend is fine and already planning a day with the girls. Thanks for asking.
Marie keep it up I want to be like you. Your so motivated.
Penny hope your feeling better too. I hope everyone gets through this sick thing quickly.
I did good with drinking plenty of water yesterday. But then made some jam last night had to taste it a couple of times to ensure it was okay. Most likely added in extra sugar there!!!!!!!!!! I did okay with the regular eatting though. But all calories count. Today will be a challenge I have a conference with lunch provided. Usually thats a buffet but maybe not. If so I will have to becareful. I have my workout clothes and plan to stop in the gym today. Seems were going to be getting some rain here they say. Last night I made saurerkraut and polish sausage for dinner. Most likely more salt then I should of had. But my breakfast and lunch was good. Today if they have cake I will have fruit if its available. I am trying to preplan and jump back to doing whats best for me. Wierd how easy it is to get off balance and track with all this stuff. Take care.

Hope everyone is doing well today!

Marie, what knitting project are you working on now? I bought yet another book, but I can tell by the diagrams that this is one that will clearly show me how to do more than cast off.

Penny, the last time I had a UTI was about five years ago. I was at a conference in Atlanta, and had to find an urgent care center to hook me up. During the first two days of the conference, I always took aisle seats near the door...what misery!

Carol, I love sauerkraut, but it's hard to buy a little of it, and I don't know a lot of things to do with it. Maybe your dinner was on the salty side, but sauerkraut is like yogurt, with all kinds of invsible healthy things for your system, so I bet it all balanced out.

I'm back at work today, but I am giving up and going to the doctor in the morning. What good are sinuses, anyway, if all they do is cause trouble? Actually, without sinus cavities our heads would be too heavy for our necks to carry, so maybe I shouldn't complain:D .

I'm afraid to get on the scale. I don't think I've been overeating, exactly, but I haven't been tracking my intake, as Carol would say. Because I didn't go grocery shopping last weekend, most of my meals have been hodge-podge frozen left-overs and pantry creations. I'll get back to tracking tomorrow, and will pick up fresh produce and dairy at the grocery store after spending the morning at the doc's office.

judy

Hi All,

Penny you need to get pyridium or phenazopyridine hydrochloride, an over the counter analgesic for UTIs. The stuff turns the pee bright orange, but it takes all the pain away. My dr. told me to take it as soon as I had symptoms even before the lab test because it won't alter the results. It works incredibly. The only side effect I can remember was it caused cotton mouth. But you had no idea you had a UTI. I had to ask the pharmacist the last time I needed it because it's hidden (it used to be prescription). Well worth it to have it on the shelf. I believe I still have a packet.

And Penny, I definitely have a slow metabolism. I think mostly everyone with a weight problem does. I think abou raising the cals but that's all I do. I think about it. Since I'[m doing so good I don't want to mess with success.

Judy, get on the scale and face the mean box. I hate getting on the scale even when I know I've been good. But the cool thing is when you see the number, you deal with it. Ostrish approach is normally my motto but I'm trying to overcome it - scale, finances, etc. I like to hide from the truth but my DH hounds me till I face it. So I'll hound you. :)

Carol, I am glad that it sounds like your son is doing okay. And your friend too. Good luck with staying on track. The jam sounds divine. Spread on a bagel with cream cheese, Mmmm divine. :)

DId good with eating again and I jogged 2 and walked 1 mile before work and DH and I took the doggies on a 2 mile walk. So I got my 5 in. Tomorrow is weigh in and I have this fleeting thought that Tuesday's weighin was a lark and I'll be back up to where the plateau was. Ah, the mind games.
Marie

Girls I went to a conference on health and well being yesterday. Quite interesting many different cultures working together it was great. Thats the way the world should run all working together towards the same goals improving peoples lifes. Well I was very impressed that they have come out with some videos and DVD's for developmental disabled to exercise with. Thats great see things are improving and moving forward just not at the rate we all would like to see sometimes. Anyways great motivating speakers and a married couple whom run a gym for children. I think its great get them moving early. At any rate I picked up lots of information and have enough free little note pads for a year! They talked alot about maintaining and making a lifestyle change. The buffet was good and pretty healthy too. It was a Spanish Flare with many yummy dishes. I especially liked the black bean salad with corn. I am going to try to do it myself. Oh and they had brown rice spicy with olives in it never had that before but it was tasty. Well I packed my salad for lunch and am having my sunflower toast for breakfast. I plan on walking today after work for a half an hr. at least if its not raining. Hope you all have a great day.

Hi everyone. Happy Friday!!!!!

Weekend is almost here!!!!

The scale woke up on the wrong side of the toilet today and I was almost tempted to flush it down the toilet. But I had an inkling that the 2.4 pound loss on Tuesday was too good. So I'm okay with staying the same.

I walked 3 miles and jogged 2 miles before work. I'm done for the day. I sort of work up early and decided to get it done.

I also practiced the piano today. It's been a while since I really played. I thought the movement would help my poor wrists. Dr. thinks there's arthritis in them from the many skiing injuries.

Tomorrow I'm going over the mountain to shop at Costco and Kohls. Apparently the new Kohls is open and I've been bad by not going. :)

Judy, I didn't answer your knitting question the other day. I'm making a wine colored boucle sweater (in a smaller size). I had the right front done but I couldn't see the stitches to rib the hem. So I threw it out and redesigned the pattern. Probably would have worked if I did it by hand but I machine knit.

Carol, sounds like a good day yesterday. I hope you get your walk in.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. The weather is just gorgeous here, perfect fall day.

I got some kickin' antibiotics from the doc yesterday, and it's already making a difference. I also got some cough medicine with codeine, which made for a very interesting day and night...it was a relief, after a week of coughing so much my groin hurt, but I've put the rest of the bottle in the back of the cabinet, and will hope I won't need to resort to that stuff for a long time.

This is one of those times that I am glad not to be living close to my immediate family. There's some sort of uproar going on with my sister's family back home (loud idiot husband, mildly rebellious teenage daughter (who has a different father), escalating drama, extended family all sharing their opinions, etc.), so my mom called twice to vent, once at 11:30PM, trying to involve me in it, too. Today I have been thinking of how so many of our feelings are related to our own experiences growing up. My mom had a hard time of it, major loss, burdens and a wild stepmother, which she admits still affect how she relates to her grandchildren more than fifty years later.

Marie, the sweater sounds lovely. Purples and burgundies are among my favorite colors, especially for this time of year--especially in a smaller size :D .

Carol, I hope that you are relaxing this weekend. It sounds like you're build ing momentum to get back to being as rigorous about eating as you were previously.

I was weighed on the doctor's scale yesterday, it said 236. I was in bed until after noon today, so I didn't check my home scale--Marie, I promise to do it on Sunday. At any rate, I'm sure I'll be weighed again on Tuesday, when I meet with the doctor at the weight loss clinic, so events will force me to face the music. Which I'm glad of. I'm still too weak and congested to do much more than float around the apartment. but I can tell that my energy level is improving, so maybe I can ease back into working out or walking early next week. I bought a few groceries yesterday while waiting for my prescriptions, and will load up on fresh produce tomorrow.

Thanks for bearing with me this past week or more, as I've whined on and on about being sick. I'm looking forward to having news to share about good habits and smaller numbers....

judy

Judy - That's interesting what you said about sinuses! I wish I didn't have any sometimes - all they seem good for is getting infected or stuffed up! I hope your antibiotics work for you. I just finished mine but I still have bladder pain :(. If it doesn't clear up soon I'll have to go to a urologist. I'm hoping it's not intersitial cystitis. I had some of that codeine cough syrup once and it made me feel reeeeal good :lol: - I could use some right now. I hope you soon feel better and that you have a good weigh in on Tuesday at your docs.

Marie - I've always wished I could play the piano - you're a woman of many talents! My scale woke up on the wrong side of the toilet too! Luckily it doesn't fit, or I may have just flushed it! It shows I'm up a pound, which is not surprising since I haven't been doing as much exercise since I've been sick and missed one of my workouts last week. Thanks for the tip about pyridium. I tried it but it didn't work for me. I wouldn't be able to take the other medicine you mentioned because I'm allergic to sulfa drugs. I may have to go back to the doc if my stupid bladder doesn't settle down soon. I'm like an old car - you never know which part is going to break down next!

Carol - Your conference sounded interesting. There's always something new to learn.

Have a nice Sunday everyone!

Penny, I'm deathly allergic to sulfa drugs too. About 10 years ago they came out with Macrodantin (sp?). It's an antibiotic that targets just the UTI system and does NOT give you yeast infections. Best stuff in the world. At one point, I was on a daily dose for 6 months. Since that time (about 8 years ago) I have had only one UTI and I asked my new dr. for Macrodantin and it made it go away in a week.

Judy, I'm sure glad you're feeling better. Don't worry about whining. That's what we're here for. I can picture you floating around your apartment.

Well the scale was nice today. I lost about a half pound. Yippee!!! On Wednesday is my 6 month anniversary from starting my diet. That was the day I joined Nikki on her 10 pound challenge. On Wednesday I'll weigh and see exactly how much I lost in 6 months.

I did something I'd never have dreamed of - I jogged 5 miles this morning. I definitely couldn't do 6. My feet were pretty achy the last mile. My lungs and endurance were fun. How cool is that???

Yesterday was a blast. I drove over the mountain by myself and went to my favorite stores on earth. Medford just opened a Kohl's and I spent a fortune (over 300) on clothes and stuff. It was so fun. Then I went to Target for a couple items. I like Target and HATE Walmart. So that was cool. Then I spent another 300 at Costco. Spend, spend, spend. DH guestimated I spent 1000 and I laughed - asking if I could have the 350 dollar difference. Nope.... :(

Well, I'm going to be crafty today. I'm going to knit and maybe draw and maybe stained glass. I love weekends. Why must it end tonight???
Marie

Good morning, well I see everyone has been away and most likely really busy. I am still trying to get back into a routine. The conference I went to related to health and well being. It was motivating and helps me to realize how badly I need to get into the swing of things. The food was good spanish menu and I loved it. Wasn't too unhealthy for me. This weekend I did a lot of walking on saturday. I spent the day with the little ones. We went to another pumpkin farm with a corn maze those mazes get me everytime. Lots of walking to the maze, in, out and back then to pick pumpkins. So it was a good thing. Sunday we celebrated the boys birthdays one will be 5 on thurs. the other 10 on sunday. So yes pizza, chicken wings, pizza but not too much. I had a small piece of cake and a little ice cream. Combined lunch with dinner for calorie counting. Today I am ready to start the treadmill schedule everyday 30 min. of exercise unless other exercise has been done. Then I will add in more after this accomplishment. Marie they say if you exercise regularly for 3 months you have set a habit you will continue. Congrats on that. I figure scheduling myself will make it happen, chart will add up my min. in the end I will of set myself some goals to reach for. I have to figure out a reward kind of Maries idea with her mileage. Well gotta go hope everyone is feeling better and ready to go forward.
cc

Happy Monday!

I'm back at work, clearly on the mend but still barking with a cough. I weighed myself on my own scale--232.5, so I haven't gained anything during all this (and probably lost some muscle). So I'll go to the weight doc tomorrow and see what there is to see.

Penny, I hope you get better soon :( !

Marie, you deserve to splurge on new clothes. That's what credit cards are for. I like Target, too. I don't like Walmart, but that's more in theory than anything else, I've never seen one around here. They take up too much space for the center of urban areas, so Walmart's are a bit exotic to me. Although I was in Bentonville, Arkansas once for a long week, running a training. That's where the company is based.

Carol, are you still working towards an Xmas-time goal?

judy

Judy - I'm glad to hear you're on the mend. Good luck at the weight doc tomorrow!

Carol - Pumpkin patches & corn mazes are such fun - I miss going to them now that our son is all grown up. The little kids always have a ball. Looks like I'll have to wait till some grandkids come along! Good to hear you were able to limit your portions of those birthday party treats.

Marie - I'll make a note of that Macrodantin in case I need to go back on meds. You must have had a ball shopping for clothes. I'm looking forward to doing more clothes shopping once I'm closer to my goal. You're doing great with the walking!:carrot:

I'm still having some problems with my cystitis, but it's better than it was on the weekend. I missed my Friday workout but I managed to go to Curves today and I felt better afterwards.

Have a great week everyone!