Sometimes all you can do is laugh...I had an early meeting at another office this morning, and this is the start of a long and busy week, so I made a big point of getting organized last night and meditating this morning. So what happened? I got so relaxed meditating that I fell asleep and was nearly half an hour late to my meeting:dizzy:

Penpal--When I was a consultant, I worked from home (when I wasn't on the road), and I loved it! But it was hard to separate out my work life, and I missed the steady paycheck and benefits.

Carol, good luck at the picnic. You are dong so well at making good choices while traveling, campling, etc., a picnic oughta be a breeze!

Nikki, good luck washing away the salt! I've heard that food high in potassium, like carrots and bananas, help.

Marie, re the metabolism question: yeah, your friend might have issues, but she might have a point, too. Everybody's body responds differently. The Curves people go on at some length about deliberately adjusting your intake up, then down again, then up a little, to shift your metabolism and not get stuck in a plateau. Whatever, everyone has a different answer, you have to go with what feels healthy for you.

Freda, the yard sale was okay. I didn't have much to sell, mostly books, but I made about $30 between 8-noon. I'd forgotten about my tote bag collection, though. I accumulate them somehow, at conferences and the like. I managed not to buy anything, because I'd already decided to buy a mini-DVD player so that I can take workout videos with me when I travel. No excuses! I hope that we have a sale in the fall. Maybe I can unload some of my Xmas decorations. Now that I'm single again, I don't bother getting a tree, cuz I leave town for the holiday. I didn't think folks would go for Xmas stuff right now, but maybe in the fall they will be interested.

Okay, gotta go drink some water, like Nikki--I just ate a bag of popcorn...

judy

Nikki it sure does make a diffference where we walk. Sometimes we burn up more cals. and work different muscles. It sure is good to try different places. Good work!
Freda the wether here hasn't been great so I feel your pain. We went camping last week and I think the kids were thinking we left Hawaii for this. But they were good sports and had fun. After all my daughter in law is from Colorado orginally. They will head back there in a year or two. I like that area to and its closer.
Judy way to go relaxing hah hah! Keep up your good work and thanks for your words of wisdom they are always welcomed.
Marie some people think we should go up in cals. one day and a little lower the next? I guess it tricks our metabolism. Its called Dee's diet I think. At any rate your doing good. See when I have 1400 cals or around there I don't really feel hungry. Maybe you should try an apple or pear before or after working out. They have fiber and that tends to make us fell fuller. I have to say when I exercise I do feel much more hunger than normal. I have been hiking this past weekend and did gardening last night. Trying to stay ahead of my veggie and flower beds not an easy task. My daughter inlaw commented on don't you ever run out of energy. Well I do if I sit down its all over quickly if I stay moving things get accomplished. So few cals burned last night. I planted a few more plants. Now we have some hot peppers, sweet peppers and cukes too along with all the rest. Hopefully it all does well. The kids have been busy starting the extra rooms. They redesigned the plans and it will be easier and more space. I think it will be really nice when its done. They are both so talented we are so lucky and the hubby has been busy helping too. He loves seeing his son and spending time with him . They all went out for lunch yesterday at the Olive Garden. Well I am trying to stay on track its tough. I did well at the picnic yesterday and knowing I was going drank a yogurt shake for breakfast. Boy they help keep you filled at a 100 cals. not bad. Have a great day everyone hope I didn't leave anyone out.

cacmsc- You sound like you are doing great. Are those yogurt drinks any good? I eat yogurt for breakfast maybe I should switch it up with the drink. I think that the terrain defintly affects us more then the actual miles. I was so glad we found the woods. It is going to be our spot and we are going to work up to 3-4 mile hikes. It is so nice to have someone to exercise with.

I am waiting a little while before I weigh in but then I will let you all know how much damage was done over the weekend. My ticker won't change though since Fri is my official day.

Nikki

Ok so I weighed in and I am at 159.8 that is a 2lb increase since Friday. I am slightly concerned but not much. I know I can get back down by Friday. I just wish I did not have these bounce backs they stall me in the beggining of the week. I have to figure out what to do to kick them. Friday nght I had soup and salad. Saturday I had 1/2 a wrap and 1/2 a quesidila. I really don't think that was alot since it was all I ate all day. Sunday I blew it I had an egg mcmuffin and chicken from KFC for dinner that is full of salt and fat. Oh well, Marie I hope you do better then me. As I said since this is unofficial I wont change my ticker. I have to say it kinda feels god to gain and still be in the 150's I can't wait to see 155.

Nikki

Hi Everyone, It's a lovely, cool day here in Michigan. One day we have the heat on, next day the furnace! I guess that's typical weather for us this time of year. I took my GS to school this morning (last day of the school year) and went on the the mall and got my walking in. Did my lifting yesterday so i'm doing ok.

Judy, WOW, can you meditate!! I've never quite got the hang of it. I just can't clear my head enough! What a good goal, to get a portable player so that you can do your exercises where you go! Something to look forward to. And you'd be surprised, people buy Christmas decorations all year long!

Marie, You just have to do what you think is best for you. I think it's trial and error untill you get it right. But 1400 calories sounds good. You could probally go up a little bit. But no lower than 1200, so you're doing well. And you exercise great! I love all dogs and I agree, they're so often what we make them. My son has a rotweiler that is the biggest baby ever. He was lap trained and still thinks he should be able to sit on your lap!

cacsmc, Sounds like you are having so much fun with the kids there! Enjoy every second! And I agree that walking in different places uses different muscles. Even on the treadmill I try to change the sped and elevation from time to time. Makes a difference. I wish I had more room for a bigger garden! That's good exercise too, very hard work!

Nikki, it is so much more fun to walk with someone! You start talking and don't even realzie how far you've gone!

Take care, Freda

Freda, I'm just learning how to meditate. If you listen to CDs, it's not so hard, after a little practice. I was doing it almost every day earlier this eyar, then fell out of it, and it feels good to take it up again. It makes me feel so much more centered all day, and more in control of everything. I just got a hypnotherapy CD for weight loss, and while it's almost the opposite of meditation, it has the same affect of helping me stay calm and thoughtful. It just takes 15-20 minutes and is like taking a little tiny vacation.....

Nikki, unless you ate a whole chicken, I don't think you can blame 2 pounds on one meal. You're eating so little most of the time, I think your fat cells are in a life-and-death struggle for survival, and hanging onto every little slip for dear life. You're winning the fight:carrot:

Carol, it sounds like you're having a lovely time with the family. I hadn't realized that your son might be moving stateside again in a few years. That must be a relief!

I did yoga this morning but I didn't do my walk. My ankles are a bit sore, I haven't been so good about stretching. I don't want sore ankles or shin splints, so I pulled out my book of stretches and will cut back on the long walks until next week. My eating has been on program the last few days, except there's a tin of mixed nuts at the office, and I've eaten more of them than I shoud. My favorite new discovery: Klondike Bars Slim-A-Bear. I don't buy diet desserts, they frustrate me and make me crave the real thing, but I had a dollar-off coupon, and they were buy-one-get-one-free at the grocery store. They'll be good treats--on days that I don't eat too many nuts:)

Judy - I hope the meditation and hypnosis work for you. I tried hypnosis once (with a hypnotherapist) but it didn't work for me. I do like meditation and especially enjoy listening to 'sounds of nature' dvd's - my favorites are a thunderstorm and ocean sounds at bedtime. I find them very relaxing when I'm stressed.

cacmsc - Sounds like quite a remodelling project you've got there. A lot of work, but worth it when it's done. Roasting marshmallows and hotdogs brings back memories for me too. Sometimes it's the simple things that mean a lot. I love yogurt shakes too. I sometimes put yogurt in my morning breakfast shake and it keeps me going till lunch without getting hungry.

Marie - I hope your contract renewal, etc. went well.

Nikki - Don't worry about the temporary gain - you're doing all the right things, so the 2 lbs. should come off soon.

Freda - I know what you mean about having the furnace on at this time of the year. One day it's 80 deg. and the next in the mid 50's! Walking at the mall when the weather is lousy is fun and you can window-shop at the same time!

I went to Curves yesterday, so I'm gradually getting back to my exercise routine. The shin splints seem to be getting better, but I'm being a bit cautious because I sure don't want them back again! We're looking forward to DS's college graduation next weekend. He's starting work next Monday with an engineering company in Portland. His job is only 12 mins. commute from his apartment, so that's great - especially with the price of gas these days!

Judy - I feel like my body is figting me on this it does not seem to want to go below 157. When I get there I gain. I am hoping to break it this week or next.

Penny- I am so glad you were able to get back to curves,

Freda - It is amazing how lost you can get in conversation. This weekend I will ask my boyfriend to take a walk with me after dinner. I am sure I can go father with company !

Marie - I hope you are having a good day.


Speak in the Am ,
Nikki

Hi everyone, I had to laugh. Nikki wrote that she was hoping I was having a good day. Not even close. I hate Tuesday's and today was really yucky. But now I'm home, listening to my doggies play and I'm playing on the computer. The day is looking up. I just love all of you guys. You cheered me up, except Nikki's temporary weight gain.

My unofficial Tuesday weighin was good but I won't count anything until Friday. I got up at the crack of dawn (actually a little before that) and exercised. I should exercise again just because it de-stresses me and I could use that. But alas, I don't want to. :devil:

I have to find something for dinner. I was going to make dinner for DS and me, but he ate at McDonald's on his way home. It was a dinner that both of us love, but his GF and my DH don't. So I thought since we were the only ones home, it would be a perfect time. Apparently I should have told him. :o

No word on what the board did last night so I don't know what's up with my contract. I'll let you know when I know.

Freda, our weather is icky. Not too icky, but very windy and chilly (high of 65). I want my hot, desert summer to arrive. It's sort of maddening when you pour chemicals in the pool week after week without being able to swim (although I did get in with DGS on Friday).

Penpal, I'm glad that Curves went okay and the shin splints are easing. It's too bad that you have problems with altitude. I would have loved meeting you before your DS graduation. That would have been awesome.

Nikki, I know what you mean about the body fighting weight loss. If we stick with it and NEVER give up, we will win. Judy did make me laugh with the idea of eating the whole chicken.

Judy, I always thought that meditation would be cool. I did a little in graduate school but never really got good at it. My mind likes to fly about, flitting over every subject imaginable. Judy, I bought the one mile Yoga Walk WATP DVD and was thinking of doing it tonight, just to unwind. I'm just not very flexible. Oh, and I saw on Regis yesterday a DVD called Yoga in Bed, they were showing easy yoga moves that you could do in bed. If I had a normal bed, I think I'd order it. But sitting on a waterbed is nearly impossible. Also, Judy, the Slim A Bears are great. There a really good treat.

Darol, once, many years ago, I lost 40 pounds by having one cheat day a week. And I really cheated. But then last year, I read that varying the cals didn't help the metabolism, that it was a myth. And that having a cheat day was ridiculous since all calories add up. So now I'm an angel (at least I am now) and stick to the plan 24/7. It was a bad article... :mad: I liked the cheat day but it does make mathematical sense.

Okay, that's about it. Time to scavenge for dinner for one. Talk to you tomorrow evening.

I've been doing better w/working out.. My last dance class is thurs but I want to work out a lot b4 i leave

Marie thanks for the info. on the cheat day I knew it was to good to be true. Nothing is easy we have to work for it. I think thats what my mom said years ago words of wisdom of course. Sounds like your doing really good keep it up.
Nikki hang in there your doing well and Judy is most likely right with the struggle of a lb. or two.
Penny I haven't gone to curves but it sounds like a good plan and done in a short period of time. I haven't been to the gym to busy lately. Lots of yard work and hiking on weekends when I can.
Intrigue dance class sounds like fun and what a way to burn cals.
Freda our weather has also been up and down what the heck. I don't like it but my gardens seem to enjoy it. Everything seems to be growing including the weeds.
The remodeling job is coming along nicely. He is so talented with his work and in such a short time is turning the garage into quite a nice living space. Yesterday the garage door came off and entrance way. A wall was built and 3 windows put next to each other like for a picture window effect. In the time I was gone to work he accomplished so much. I am taking Monday and Friday off next week to spend some time with them. On monday I pray for nice weather we are planning a trip to the Adirondacks. I will take them sight seeing, kayaking and hiking. Maybe we will see a bear? At any rate it will be fun. Yesterday I made some good food choices. I took my grandaughter to McDonalds but I went to Paneras and got soup and a half of chicken salad. Then when I got home the kids had pizza and wings hours later. I had 2 little wings and a little piece of pizza. All in all not so bad it could of been worse and I felt in control. Yesterday I picked up items to make sandwiches at work we all ate healthier. Nikki I like the yogurt shakes the one I get has only 100 cals and 3 fibers and 3 protiens. Yah have to read the ingredents to ensure you get one with low sugar. They slip so much junk into something healthy. What is wrong with these people???? Keep up the good work everyone. I am taking the kids to the Casino to play tonight and out to eat there. Kind of a fun evening treat for their hard labor of the day. Work has been really busy but things are going okay. I finally got all the info. I needed for my high needs person so now we can move forward. That felt so good to accomplish the paperwork end. It was a bit stressful to say the least. Now its awaiting game for the higher ups to give me an okay to move forward and funding to be approved for her.

Morning Ladies -

I am down .8 today woohoo. Now I just need to take off another 1.4 to get to where I was last week. I can do it !!!! I walked 3 miles yesterday and will hopefully do 3 more in addition to my exercise ball video today.

cac- Have fun at casino night.

Marie -go you on your loss.


Nikki

Marie and Nikki, congrats on moving that scale downwards!

I just have a minute to say hi. I won't be sitting at my desk much these next few days, but I will be thinking of you as I ignore the snacks that will be surrounding me during these day-long meetings. The meetings start an hour earlier than I usually get to work, which will throw off my workout schedule, and the sessions are alternately stressful and tedious, which makes me want to munch....if I can't check in here every day, I'll think of all your wisdom as I pack my string cheese and apples!

judy

Judy- Good luck with those meetings and the cravings.

I threw caution to the wind today and had a bowl of ice cream. I figured maybe having a few more calories would stimulate something in my body to lose.


Nikki

Hi everyone, sounds like things are going pretty good around here. My day was WAY better today. Much, much better. I walked before work and really dreaded going back, but things are fine and I figured some things out. Tomorrow I'll be out of the office for a presentation on a new student information system. So I have to drive across the mountain by 8 in the morning. Eeks. It's about a 75 minute drive. But then I get to go to Costco and I love that place. Many $$$ go there. :) This weekend DH and I are thinking of taking the "new" car to Crater Lake. He got the engine rebuilt and back into the car. Tomorrow he's going to test it a bit, then Friday we'll license and insure it. Then we're in the mode of having an economy vehicle. Cool.

Nikki, you're on your way. Good for you making some of the weight go bye-bye. BTW, while I was reading the posts, I was munching on an ice cream cone. I once measured out exactly what a half cup looked like. So that's 160 calories. Then I like the Keebler sugar cones and they're 50 calories. So EVERY day that's my treat in the evenings. I bet I've had one every night since we started on April 25th. 210 calories of heaven. :devil:

Judy, I definitely get very munchy in stressful, tedious meetings. Yesterday I was stressed yet sort of bored and I day-dreamt of food all day long. Enjoy the apples and string cheese (that's one of my favorites). And don't you hate when work gets in the way of a set schedule? I had to figure out what time to get up tomorrow so that I could walk before work - that's my schedule and just because my boss is sending me over the mountain isn't going to be a reason to deviate. Geez, I am obsessed. :D

Intrigued, dancing is a great exercise. Keep at it and you'll win the battle.

Carol, Good job on the food choices. Its not easy when high cal foods surround us but you did great. Do you remember about 3 months ago when we had a going away party for a co-worker that quit and I had a big piece of cake (everyone else's was gigantic)? I made myself exercise it off and the such? Well today was another co-worker's last day. She didn't want cake (thank the heavens). So we went to Elmers. Penpal probably know about them. Basically there aren't great lo-cal stuff on the menu but I improvised. I had a chicken salad and I had them hold the cheese (the high cal/fat ingredient. I ate about 1/3 of it and was done. I survived. So Carol, we're getting stronger and better about choices.

Well, it's timre for me to get ready for tomorrow. I'll chat again tomorrow evening. Have a great day!!!!!
Marie

Marie - That sounds yummy. My little experiment in uping the calories did not work so far. Today I will go back to healthy eating. I am still at 159.0 today. I am trying not to be to disappointed tomorrow on my official weigh in.


I walked 2.5 miles yesterday my pedometer is messed up so I am getting discouraged. It only measures 6 or7 steps for every 10 I take so I have to guestimate my miles.

Nikki

Hi Nikki, I hope tomorrow morning's weigh in goes good for both of us. I know I didn't gain weight since Tuesday, so since last official weigh in last Friday, I know I lost. Tat will be good. But you know me, I want to see faster progress.

Today's meeting was okay. The information system is thorough and well thought out, but there was something I didn't like about it. I don't know why. But my recommendation would to look further into it.

Costco was good although many $$$ escaped my wallet. It looked like I went to a famer's market. Cantaloupe, grapes, tomatoes, lemons, peppers all jumped into my cart. It's amazing how fast $300 can go. :(

I also went to PetsMart and bought 2 Gentle Leaders for walking my huskies. I'm so sick of them yanking me for mile after mile. So everyone I know that had that problem recommends them. For Blizzie, within 30 seconds she was walking like an angel - to the point I almost dropped the leash because I forgot she was on it. Kody was a different matter. He still pulled, but didn't yank. for about 10% of the walk he didn't pull at all. I think he's going to be one of the "resistant" dogs they referred to in the training DVD, but I will eventually win. So to train them, I walked the 2 mile block and had WATP for 3 miles this morning. I'm sincerely thinking of taking tomorrow off, at least in the am. I might rollerblade after work so you never know.

Hope the rest of group is doing good. It was scary to see that we had slipped to the middle of page 2 in Support Groups. Yikes.

Again, Nikki, here's hoping for a nice scale tomorrow.
Marie

Morning Ladies-

My weigh in was horrid today I weigh 160 a 3 lb gain from last week. I can't figure it out for the life of me. I did cheat a little but not 3 lbs worth. I feel like I just can't get ahold of this lately. I haven't been feeling ood and when I don't feel good I tend to say forget it to the eating right. I am so bummed today. This is my biggest gain since the end of April.

Marie - I hope your weigh in goes better.

Nikki

Hi Everyone, I did it!!! I made GOAL!! Remember I couldn't lose that last pound or so and just resigned myself that I wasn't going to reach goal? I haven't done anything different, just continued my exercise and healthy eating. Preserverance does pay off.

Judy, Hope the meeting aren't too boring. Sometimes we just have to make the best...

Marie, I do the same thing at Sam's. I go in for a few things and buy way too much! But everything looks so good and the prices are so great. I wish I could roller blade but I would end up with a broken EVERYTHING! I've never been able to stand up in skates. They lok like os much fun! What a great way to exercise.

Nikki, just hang in there. The weight will come off! I hate plateau's and especially gains, but they happen. Can't get discouraged after all the hard work. Just tell yourself that your body is getting ready to leg go of some weight and doesn't want to! And you're right about hidden fat and sugar in calories in so-called healthy food. Got to read those labels. I don't know why the companies try to do this to us! Probally because they can get away with it?

Cacsmc, Sounds like the project is comming along nicely and you'e having fun with the family! Good for you! Enjoy every moment that they are there.

Everyone have a good day, Freda

Way to go Freda!

Nikki

:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: A big Way To Go for Freda!!! Wow and double wow. That's so awesome that you made your goal. You must be walking on air today.:D Those last pounds are by far the hardest, so it's so wonderful that you perservered.

Nikki, oh sad time for you. :( :( :( You'll make it. Look how far you've come. Drink lots of water today and tomorrw, stick with the plan and weigh each day so that you can eradicate the 16X number from your head. BTW, I'd give my arm to see the 160's so you're doing so good. But I feel you're pain. I was so bummed last week and it stays with you. So you need to wash whatever is in your system out and get a different number in your mind.

I had the surprise of the morning. I lost 3.5 pounds this week. I sure didn't expect that. So when you take the aggravating reading of last week (.5 pound loss), it averages to 2 pounds a week. That's my ideal but I rarely do that good. So I was a very happy camper. I have 4 more pounds to go for July 17th goal. I'm counting on you to stick with my Nikki so stay angelic. :devil:

I walked this morning but I'm not doing anything this evening. I'm pooped and had a long, sort of icky week at work. So I just want to veg.

I bought the 1st and 2nd seasons of Rescue Me on DVD and am TiVo'ing the 3rd season. So tonight I'm going to watch another couple episodes. Since DH is on nights, I odn't have much to do in the evenings and there's nothing on TV so I decided on that show and to start watching 24. I like the 1st 4 episodes I've seen of Rescue Me. I bought the 1st season of 24 and DH started watching them with me last weekend so that kills the idea of my watching them during the week. No problem, I have other things too. Anyway, tonight is Rescue Me.

I also have to make dinner and the such. Blech!!! I wish I had a maid. ;)

Talk with you all later.
Marie

Marie good job on the wt. loss. Your right about better choices it seems to be a bit easier lately. Not that I have been great with the kids home but could of been much worse. Nikki I hope I have stayed stable during their visit. Sometimes we lose inches maybe with all your walking your building muscle and taking inches off. How do your clothes fit? Your rings? These are things you also want to take into consideration. If you feel like sharing we are all here to help you out. Sounds like your doing all the right things so far. A little cheating shouldn't cause a gain. But salty foods sure will. I agree on the water drink enough and you might have some better scale days? Well my time with the kids is flying by. I will miss them so much and wish it had been a longer stay. They have been busy but we fit in camping, shopping, dinner and the casino tonight their out with friends. They will have a good time. Time is flying by fast. The rooms look great he is very talented young man for sure. It makes me proud to have such a son. Well gotta go to bed my daughter is setting up a garage sale in the morning gotta go help. My junk is over there too. I took today off to spend with the kids it felt great. Talk to you all soon hang in there we are all making positive changes. Marie and Freda hope you luck rubs off on us all soon. Continue to do well!

hi All-

Marie - I am down today to 159. If I can be real good this week I can see 157 or 156 by Friday. I may notmake the 10 lb goal for July 17 but I will stick to it and whatever I lose is better then none. There are 29 days to goal day and I lost 9 last time in that time frame. I am aiming 6 right now and hopefully more.

Way to go on 3.5 lbs that is awesome :cb: :cb:


Nikki

Hi Everyone - We just got back last night from our son's graduation from O.I.T. in Klamath Falls. The event was held outdoors on the school's sports field with the guests seated in the bleachers. Everything went great - the weather was gorgeous, the commencement speech was short and sweet :lol: and it was great to see all those young, enthusiastic faces - so happy that they're finally done with school! We're so proud of him - I'll never forget that day.

When we got home (after a 4-1/2 hour drive) I had about 20 min. to get ready to go out to our celebration dinner at Ruth's Chris steakhouse. We hardly ever eat steak, so it was quite a treat for DH and DS and I sampled some of their delicious steaks while I enjoyed my fish entree and a yummy lime daiquiri.

I was down a pound to 188 on Friday, so that's icing on the cake! Hopefully it will stay off by my next weigh-in after all the celebrating!

Hope everyone has a good week. :carrot:

Way to go Penny :cb: :carrot:

I'm back! Three days of meetings didn't kill me, although my brain is fried!:dizzy: I was pretty much on program Thursday and Friday, but Friday night we had a little party and I began to lose it, and I definitely over-ate on Saturday:( . I got some workouts in, which I am pleased with, and am back in the saddle today. After sleeping in this morning--yaaay!!!--I did a strength-training video, and will do a little aerobics this afternoon. I'll have dinner out this evening with relatives I don't see much (and a cousin I've never met), so I want to have a nice meal but not obviously be stressing about food. I feel fat today, so I'm not going to weigh myself until Tuesday, which should give me time to unbloat myself. Folks in town for the meeting made comments about how good I look, and I can tell that something's happening because my clothes are fitting better, especially through the waist. I'm not good at measuring myself, so maybe I'll ask them to do it periodically at Curves.

Marie, Penny and Freda--woo-hoo! Go, go, go!

Carol, your time with the kids sounds wonderful. I know you'll be sad to see them leave, but you'll have great memories of fun times hanging out and having fun.

Nikki, you are doing so well by not letting this plateau kill your motivation. You're right, I think, that the main thing is to keep the downward trend, even if it's not at the pace we want. Come over to the thread and vent whenever you need to, and I know you'll reach your ultimate goal, even if it's not on the timeframe you had in mind.

This week I will get in my workouts and earn my daily smiley-faces for staying on program, there shouldn't be a lot of distractions. The following week I'll be on the road again, in my favorite eating city--New Orleans--so I want to build some momentum to help me stay focused when I'm away. I want to reach my July 17 goal, too, and I won't do that by eating pralines!

judy

Crater Lake National Park
 

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday, DH and I went to Crater Lake and found summer hasn't arrived yesterday. There were no open hiking trails - we should have brought our snow shoes. Because it was warm and summery weather but in the midst of winter it was just awesome. I thought I'd share 2 photos that I took yesterday. For reference on the 2nd picture my DH is 6 ft. tall.

http://www.mariesdogs.info/images/crater_lake.jpghttp://www.mariesdogs.info/images/crater_dave.jpg

Food and exercise wise, I'm doing great. Water wise yesterday I didn't make my daily goal. but I suppose I'll live.

Judy, good job on the exercise. New Orleans and food go hand in hand. You'll need to be strong.

Penpal, congrats on your son's graduation.When we drove by OIT yesterday I thought of you. That's such a proud moment.

Nikki, yeah!!! You've erased that 160 mark from your mind.

Wel,, I'm going to go swimming now. First I have to get the cover off, then I'll do some laps. I'd play on the diving board, but there's no humidity and it's very windy - in other words, I'd freeze regardless that it's warm out. ;)
Marie

Judy your right our time is running out with the kids. They have done so much for us while they visited. They are very special and we are grateful for such good people. We are lucky in so many ways. I only wish they were closer to home with living. But they give me great vacation places also. But I would trade that in a second to have them closer. We had a family gathering yesterday celebrated fathers day and birthdays for May, June and some of July. Lasha and I decided to do it as we won't have to ship things. It was fun. They purchased a nice knife set for Dad and I. My birthday isn't until July but this way its done. I did her birthday in August too. We all enjoyed a lovely day together. Even fit in a little swim. Now the pool time is here I will try to swim at least 2 times a week. My sister has a nice inground and my neighbor has a above. So exercise will be nice in the pool. Today I am taking another day off to be with the kids. We were going to the Adirondack mountains but my son wanted to finish some more work on the room. It is really nice and my sister in law can't wait to move in. That will be end of next month. Well Penny congrats on graduation!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats fun times. Judy your doing great and you deserve to have a break once in awhile keeping under control is the important part not giving it up completly. Nikki you did it congrats. Marie and what a beautiful picture you took! I would like to adventure there. Our weather temps hit 95 yesterday a bit warm needless to say. My sister brought a great tasting salad yesterday. Fresh strawberries chopped small, romaine lettuce cut to 1" pieces, red onion chopped in the dressing was Kraft creamy poppy seed. Oh so easy and so tasty. You can most likely find low cal poppy seed. I am going to ck it out as I really enjoyed this salad. My son liked it as well and when she told us how to make it I thought how easy! I am doing okay I think with my intakes a few extras here and there but not over doing it. I feel in control so I am hoping fridays scale day won't be to mean to me. I have been taking in a lot of ice water and don't stop moving much. My daughter in law wrote in my card yesterday how amazing she thinks I am that meant alot to me.. She recognizing that things aren't always so easy but that I handle them as they come along. Yesterday she said that they were thinking of moving closer to home if my husbands condition gets worse so they could help more. I really was surprised and that meant alot also. Well talk to you all soon and ck out that summer salad we'll just lighten it up. I also am going to try to eat more veggies and less meat for a bit. I will try some veggie meals at least 3 times a week. Going to shake things up a bit.

Marie, thanks for sharing the beautiful photos! Although the idea of snow is a little disorienting for me--it's a Code Orange day in DC, meaning that the heat and humidity is dangerous for some folks.

Carol, it's so nice to have a good relationship with your in-laws, and to know that you are special to your DIL. I hope that your son's family ultimately moves closer to home.

I met one of my cousins last night. He lives in San Diego, and he and my uncle were in town being tourists. He's a really nice young man. I must have more than 60 first cousins scattered around the country, and I confess that I haven't tried to keep up with them, and don't plan to start at this late date. But I'll try to see this uncle and cousin--plus an even younger cousin who I've never met--when I'm in California in August.

I planned to do my long walk this morning, but it's just too hot!!! So I'll go to Curves after work, and maybe do an extra lap around the machines in air-conditioned comfort...

judy

Nikki - I'm keeping my fingers crossed :crossed: for you to lose the two pounds by Friday.

Judy - That's a good idea to get measured at Curves. Sometimes we lose inches faster than we lose weight. I haven't been measured since I started 2-1/2 years ago but I'm planning on doing it at the 'half-way' mark when I've lost 40 lbs. (hopefully soon!) I know what you mean about getting back on track after a lot of distractions. I think that's been my downfall in the past when I've just kept on getting sidetracked and before I knew it I'd gained back all the weight. Not this time though!!!!

Marie - It's too bad we didn't have time to get together in K-Falls. As you know, the weather was fantastic. Thanks for posting the gorgeous photos of Crater Lake. I hope it soon warms up enough for swimming. :sunny:

cacmsc - Good for you eating more veggies. I need to do that too. I don't get anywhere enough veggies in my meals. I'll have to get a bit creative and put asparagus in an omelet for breakfast now and then, etc. I eat a lot of salads, but mostly lettuce which isn't all that nutritious.

I sneaked a peek at the scale this morning to see what damage had been done the last several days "off plan". I gained .5 a pound to 188.5, but I thought it would be at least 2 lbs. I hope I can lose another pound by Friday. I'm off to Curves after lunch - the shin splints are much better now. Thanks, everyone, for your congratulations re Mike's graduation!

Good evening everyone, I hope everyone's Monday went good. Today was the first Monday I have work so far this year. Sort of weird feeling. I kept thinking it was Tuesday all day. It wasn't bad, but I just much rather stay at home. DH ook the top off the Jeep yesterday so I drove topless today.:o Actually, I probably looked darn funny this morning. It was 39 degrees when I left the house. I had my knit jacket, my winter jacket with the hood on and my winter gloves. All bundled up for the drive. Since it's a 1/2 hour drive at 55 mph, it got chilly. Tomorrow I add a sweater under the winter jacket. On the way home, it was fabulous. In the upper 70's and not a cloud in the sky. DH and went swimming when I got home. I did 21 lengths of the pool - about 1/5 of a mile. I don't want my pool to be my exercise because then it's like a chore instead of pure fun. I learned my lesson the hard way a couple years ago. I WATP 3 miles before work this morning. Tomorrow is the trial weigh in - not official until Friday, but I get to take a sneek peek.

Judy, I remember those hot days in the mid-Atlantic states. I was in the last trimester of pregnancy the first two summers I was there - totally miserable. The temp at Crater Lake was about 70 degrees - even with all the snow.

Penny, good job on not meeting the 2 pound gain. That's fabulous. A half pound can be eradicated quickly. I am glad the shin splints are better. That makes exercise way easier.

Carol, you mentioned the salad having strawberries. I've OD'ed on them tonight. My "little" strawberry patch is producing strawberries at an alarming rate. DH picked them today and I cleaned them and now most of them are in the freezer. I can't keep up with them. Too bad I can't send you some for your salad. They are unbeliveably good. Way better than store bought things (bet you can tell I don't purchase them anymore).:)

Well, that's it. Talk to you tomorrow.
Marie

I'm leaving Friday! AHHH so soon but I am going to work out when I go to Europe. I will be there 6 weeks but I will work out some how someway.. I already packed my work out clothes!!!

Judy its fun meeting some family members for the first time. I know what you mean with so many all over the place. We keep in touch with some close knit and then some we don't. With many weddings over the past few years we are seeing more of each other. Next year with my daughters wedding too. Well Penny good for you .5 might just be nothing but salt? I agree with the inches coming off but not the lbs. I know myself that happens alot with me. I should measure too but don't. I can tell by clothes though. Yesterday I had a pair of 11 jrs. on they were a little tight but gave me good reminders to be good. Marie burr but so much fun. I am sure your starting your day feeling pretty perkie riding in with the top down. Keep up your good work. See how well its paying off for you. Well I am a bit sad today as the kids are leaving in the a.m. . Seems like time went by way to quickly. But the time was well spent some work and some play but never enough time to spend with them. We all packed up and went to my sisters pool last night. Tonight their going to all meet me in the city and we will have dinner at a favorite restaurant. So I am planning a yogurt and banana breakfast and low cal lunch. Cause later on I will have something special. The room looks great and my sister in law is so happy. We picked out paint yesterday. My exercise for the day was lifting with the kids 30 sheets of sheet rock and fire wall. It was heavy but at 52 I do pretty good and don't let that age thing scare me. If I can do it I do. No growning grass under these two feet. I feel pretty good but haven't gotten on the scale friday I will. Meanwhile forward we go. I did put on a pair of capris which were a size 11 jrs. yesterday a bit tight in the butt but it worked for me,. Good reminder for me to be good. Europe sounds wonderful maybe someday I will make it there. My son is looking forward to going with his buddy this weekend to another island. It is a bikers weekend and their in some type of build a bike contest. Sounds like lots of fun for him. I am glad he will have a break before he returns to work. Love those kids, hate the distance so much. But its life and gotta go with the flow.
Talk to you all soon hang in there and lets keep it moving girls we are all making some progress, changes in life style habits, wt. , inches, etc....

Thank God for last night's torrential rains, which gave us a little relief from the humidity. I did my long walk on the way in to work this morning, which felt good. Marie, a dip in 70-degree water sounds so refreshing! Especially followed by a strawberry smoothie...mmmm:)

Intrigued, I'm sure you'll do fine on your trip. A friend advised me that, when I travel, just ask myself, "Would I be eating right now if I were at home?" If the answer is no, then don't. Sounds simple enough....I'll have to try it next week. I know you can do this, Intrigued, you've put so much effort into the journey so far.

Penpal, I'm glad that your shins have stopped 'splinting'! Your post reminds me of how crazy it is to blame a small gain or loss on a single meal or on a good or bad day :dizzy: . I love veggies, but since I live alone, I have to shop carefully to avoid having things go bad. So I've learned to appreciate some frozen veggies, and I love making up big vats of veggie soup, freezing it in smaller portions, and then adding chicken, shrimp, etc., when I'm packing some for lunch. Today I had a big bowl of clam-veggie soup, and my co-workers were envious.

Carol, I hope you're enjoying your special meal with your family. And congratulations on fitting into those capris. If I could squish into a size 11 I would feel like Calista Flockhart.

Since having my little feeding frenzy on Saturday, I'm struggling with wanting to eat too much in the evening. And there's still lots of left-over food at the office from last week's meetings, and just now I had four little cookies. So I slathered some spicy hummus on crackers to take away the taste of sugar and am pounding down extra water. I just peeked at the Success threads again for inspiration....and checked in here for moral support.

Back to the grindstone. Be well--judy

Hi everyone, things are going fine here. I didn't freeze as bad on my way to work this morning. I added a heavy sweater to the two jackets. Much better. I must get the strangest looks, but since my hood give me semi tunnel vision, I don't notice. ;)

Judy, interesting piece of advice from your friend. I will follow that on my vacation in a month. If I wouldn't be eating at home, I won't eat there. Good luck to us all - probably easier said than done. At least I'm not going on a cruise this year. Last years was nice, but I was bored, so I ate and ate and ate... I love strawberry smoothies. I ate a bunch more today and there are more to pick. Literally I have them coming out of the woodwork.

Carol, congrats on the skirt and I'm with Judy. I'd be squishing into that size too. And it would be scary and painful. :o I'm sorry your time with your son and DIL is over. It does seem like it went by quick. You have a great attitude though so give yourself a pat on the back.

Intrigued, good luck on your vacation workouts.

Penpal, Freda and Nikki, I hope you all doing great.

I did weigh in today. No loss and no gain. Since I had the big whoosh last Friday, I wasn't too optimistic. But come Friday, I'd like a little to go. Okay, I'd like a lot to go.
Marie

Hi All- sorry I have not been around. My internet died tuesday night. I just wanted to post now to say hi. I am on my way out and will catch up with everyone tonight.

Nikki

Nikki, sorry to hear about your internet service! I'm planning to buy a new home computer this summer (I bought my old one in 1998) and I'm still using dial-up, so my internet service is a little cranky. That's my excuse for visiting this thread while at work :D

Not much to report today. I did a good workout this morning and am heading to Curves after I post this. My eating has been on program, I managed to ignore the sweets still lingering at the office. I just figured out that I'm less prone to snacking when my home and my office are neat, so first thing tomorrow I'll close my door for 20 minutes and catch up on filing. Whatever it takes!

Hope everyone is donig well!

judy

O kI'll try to address everyone-

Marie - no gain is good! remember that sometimes the body needs time to adjust to a big loss.

cac- vegeterian meals sound great I always like to eat veggies.

judy- I can relate to you sugar leaves a bad after taste when you know you should not have eaten it.

Intrigued be safe and have fun.


As for me I think I may see 157 this friday. I peeked today and I am back down to 158.0 I prob will not make the 10 lb goal by July 17 but I'd like to try for 7 by then. That would put me at 152.

Nikki

Marie - We have such great strawberries here in the Northwest don't we? - Small but delicious. I'm hoping to harvest some more before the birds & racoons get them all! I grow rhubarb next to my strawberries so I usually make strawberry/rhubarb compote to put on my oatmeal, cottage cheese, etc.

Intrigued - I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Carol - Wow size 11 capri's! :carrot:

Judy - Yes thanks, the shins have stopped splinting! I'm glad you reminded me about vegetable soup - it's a good way to get in some extra veggies. I'm trying hard to eat more veggies at each meal. Today I got some takeout teriyaki chicken (no sauce added) and ordered all veggies and no rice with it.

Nikki - I hope you see 157 on Friday :crossed:

I weighed myself this morning even though it's not my 'official' weigh-in day because I was sure my over-indulging last week was going to catch up with me but - surprise, surprise - I was down another .5 lb. to 187.5! It's unusual for me to lose steadily like I have in the past couple of weeks and I can only chalk it up to eating more protein (I'm making sure I get at least 30% of my calories from protein). I'm getting excited as I'm only 2.5 lbs. away from my half-way mark of 40 lbs. I just have to be careful I don't start sabbotaging myself (which I've done before when I get close to a goal :o)

Hi everyone, it's another beautiful day here in the desert. No humidity (I would like a litle but that isn' going to happen) and the temps are around 80. I sure do like to drive my Jeep topless :o even when freezing in the morning.

Work is interesting. Another co-worker quit and my boss's last day was today. It's definitely getting interesting. We have 7 people that are technically assigned to technology and there's 3 of us at the moment. With vacations and quitting exits, by next week we'll be down to 2. Yikes, guess who's in charge.:dizzy:

I'm going to swim again in a little bit. I've been swimming and easy amount of laps and really enjoying it. I'm not giving up the WATP before work, but the swimming is working out my arms. Nothing but good can come from that.

Nikki, the fingers are double crossed for Friday's weigh in. I'm so happy that you're back down. Internet woes are bad. I can't surf at work anymore so if it goes out here, I'd be bummed, bummed, bummed.

Judy, have fun getting a new computer. It's easy to overspend so just remember what you need it for and don't go overboard. Then you'll have to get DSL or something to speed up your connection. Dial-up would be so painful with today's cumbersome websites.

Penpal, I do love our strawberries. My problem is the amount. I still have a few frozen leftover from last year. Oh well, not a bad thing. We can't grow anything else - literally the desert or Bambi gets it. I wanted no garden but the strawberries this year but DH decided to try green beans. Our growing season is short because of the altitude so he's hoping that will work. Good job on the additional .5 pound loss.

I guess that's it. I hope Freda and Carol are having a great day.
Marie