Daily Check In - Long and Mini Goals
 

Hi Everyone, I hope you join us in setting some long-term and some mini goals on your way to better health. We're a group of chickies that have been chatting daily for a long while and we love new chickes to join us. I believe officially it's our third thread, but don't let that we're a continuation stop you from joining in. We'd love your company.

Basically we check in daily to share our goals, struggles, achievements and frustrations. There are no rules, just a lot of support. So please join us!!!

Morning chickies. So far today, things have been going good. I got up at the crack of dawn and exercised again. Yesterday I did take the doggies for a walk around the block. It's a two mile block with the first half very steep incline. Huff and puff, but I made it without taking a break. So total miles yesterday was 5 miles. I had set a goal of 75 miles for April and I'm already up to 25 miles. I'm just cruising.

Foodwise, I'm not quite making my goal. Small portions and healthy choices is my plan. I'm doing pretty good, about an 8 out of 10, but there's that room for improvement. So far today I'm doing great. But there's lots of today left.

Jules, totally agree with you saying that it costs nothing to dream. I love dreaming of winning the lottery. Things I'd do, places I'd go. But then I only buy a ticket once in a great moon. As far as my luck goes, that's okay since I don't think I'm apt to win with the odds the way they are.

Carol, I hear you about the cost of home improvement/renovations for converting living space for others. Converting the garage for DS and GF was many $$$. Well worth it but still spendy. Your SIL will appreciate everything you're doing for her.

Quiltmama, should we just call you Firewoman now? I think you should definitely start refocusing on yourself. There's only so much you can do for your family when they don't really want to help themselves. It's tough watching others make poor choices.

Freda, you're right we all have become friends. There's something binding about the journey we're on and that we can share with relative anonymity is precious. Totally agree about the addictions in our families and that it's not just in alcohol. I'm definitely addicted to food. I think if I was really honest, I'd eat non-stop 24/7 just because I enjoy it so much. Luckily my stomach has more sense, but there are those pesky days...

Well, back to work. I'll chat with you all later.
Marie

G,DAY :angel:s, Hi Marie well I see we have moved its so good to move and all you have to is click a button and not pack;) I thought I,d come and keep you company I too dream about winning lotto dream about how I would divide the money with family I wonder if they would have the same thoughts about giving any to dear old mum:rofl: like I said dreaming;) you are doing great with your exercise and well on your way to your goal for April I bet at the rate your going you meet it and break it you go girl :carrot: and I agree we all have our addictions mine is shoe shopping I just love shoes my hubby asks how many pairs of black shoes do I really need I try to explain that each is a different style that goes with certain outfits he still doesn,t get it :dizzy: :?: ;) Hey Carol I have sent Tired a private message but no reply but I,m sure she know we all miss her and that she is in our thoughts and prayers, I know what you mean about the costs of renovations even if your not building just painting and things it can get out of hand but I,m sure it will be worth it and it is for a good cause, good on you for the loss every little bit helps so don,t say only say another one bites the dust and it is one of many never to return:hug: and there is still this week to go before Easter arrives so you will be saying YEH :carrot: there goes another one, it is good to take control no one can do it for us your right we are the one to say yes or no to what we put in our mouths so we just have to remember healthy choices and how hot we will all lokk when we get to our final destination and always remember its not when we arrive its the journey we take the plan we make up along the way thats going to get us there ;) Hi Freda we are all friends :hug: I was busy for awhile with family issues and things lot of emotional crap and hadn,t been to this thread for well over 12mths but I was overwhelmed how eveyone remembered me and welcomed me back as if I hadn,t even left the support, understanding and acceptance I get here is priceless from people I can,t put a face to but I feel I,ve known for a life time, I also like James Patterson I love his Alex Cross stories and they are even more fun to read as a few have been made into movies and you can visualize Morgan Freeman as ALex and really get into the story, Judy look forward to catching up when you return, G,day Quiltmama I agree with Marie try to focus more on yourself I know at times that is hard to do and we feel a little guilty and selfish if we do but if you aren,t good to yourself and take care then you,ll crumble you are a good and loving person who goes way and beyond the call of duty so start giving some of what you give others to yourself:hug: BYE ALL, TAKE CARE, SELF LOVE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS LOVING OTHERS, BLESSED BE...JULIE

Hey there... it seems like this thread is already pretty tight but would you mind terribly if I joined too?

Hi lesel, definitely please join us. The more the merrier. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm in my forties, married with two kids and one grandchild. I work sort of full-time as a database manager and webmaster. Mostly I'm a doggie person. My doggies are my life - I have three of them. An Alaskan Husky, a Siberian Husky and a Golden Retriever. I've been overweight the majority of my life but always am fighting to keep from gaining more - with the hope that I'll lose some but that doesn't seem to happen with any ease. :) I walk a lot for exercise and I log it in an Excel spreadsheet. I earn $1 for every mile I walk and I'm saving up for an LCD projector for my entertainment system.

Jules, good day to you, too. I forgot the lottery ticket this week so I don't think I won last night. No dreams for a few days. :) I would definitely think the kids would share with dear old mum. At least we can dream. I like James Patterson too, but I like his murder club mysteries best. But since I'm obsessive about reading I can't read very often or I do absolutely nothing else. So I haven't kept up on hte series. The Alex Cross ones I just never got into.

Well, chat with you all later. Again, welcome, Lesel.
Marie

Welcome Lesel there is always room here for more gals to join. We aren't a tight group as much as a group of caring and fun folks which started on here and became friends. So please feel free to join us and share your life with us as well.
Just for the introduction here. I am a 52 yr. young gram! I try to live life to its fullest as sometimes its too short! I love to travel thanks to my son whom has decided to go around the world to live. I have 3 grown children and a lovely daughter in law my 3rd daughter. 4 grandkids whom live within 5 min. of my home. My hubby and I are lucky enough to see them often. I just returned from a trip to Hawaii to Maui to see my son and daughter inlaw. I am looking forward to summer. I love to camp, garden,knit, quilt, decorate, cook and bake, being outside, and living a healthy lifestyle. My job is in the social work field and I work with the dev. mental disabled adult population. My work is very important to me and I try to do my best for others. I hope you will share your background also so we can get to know each other. WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My mini goal is 4lbs. and long term 14lbs. and then to maintain. I also caught the walking bug from Marie! I am behind her a bit though. My goal is 12 miles a week. In hopes of 50 for the month. I enjoy going to walk around the lakes at our state park. I am journaling my walking, calorie intake, loss etc... This helps me to keep track see where and when I lost wt. and what activities took place. I do belong to the gym but in good weather enjoy the outside more.
My son is coming home to help with the new room so that will be a blessing. I not only get a visit but help too. He is currently building a 5000 square ft. house for a lawyer in Maui. Mom's job is a small one. We are in hopes that he will get in town for a family wedding as well. But it depends on how the house is coming that he is building and if things run on time. It would be great for them to see the rest of the family. Its been a bit over a year since he has been here. My youngest daugter would like to go to Hawaii with me next year if he is still there. We are going to start saving for it. She is a photographer and would love to take pictures there, it is so beautiful.
Have a great day. Its monday and only a 4 day work week. Lots of things to do for Easter. I am having 20 for dinner. Then we have an Easter Egg Hunt w/ 200 eggs in my yard. There everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has become a tradition and its fun. The older children put them out for the little ones. Grandpah and I better get filling those eggs up we use plastic. A little money, candy, stickers etc...
Today I plan to walk 4 miles with the girl friends. My friends have started to be healthier as I promoted it so much! Hurray! Helping others see the light of healthier lifestyles is a great thing.

Well girls it wasn't the lottery but my friend and I won at the casino. I came out 300.00 ahead and she came out 160 ahead. We laughed, carried on and had a super day. We actually forgot to eat lunch and stopped for a burger on the way back. Then my little grandson came to stay the night. We went for an ice cream. I had hot fudge but it was so rich I only ate a little fudge. No walking this weekend but did a bit of yard work,pruned the apple trees etc..
Well off to work girls the sun is shining and it is beautiful out. Oh I also have a little shoe thing too. I lost a couple of pair of sandals to the ocean during my visit so I purchased two new pair yesterday. One black and one brown really cute and 1/2 price. I did need them! I am going to go through my clothes and shoes tonight I hope. Time to regroup the closet stuff I started last week then stopped.

Good morning everyone,

And welcome to the group Lesel. I'm new too, only been posting here a couple of weeks and I was greeted warmly and feel like i'm part of the group now. It took me awhile to get to know everyone, so stick around and get aquainted.

I"m 58, I still work part time as an RN, I'm married and have 1 son and 2 grandchildren! I baby sit with the kids 2 days a week and love being part of their lives. I'm so happy that they live close and if they ever move I will probally be right behind them!

Looks like most of us are shoppers!!! I hae bought a few new things for spring (if it ever gets here) including a couple of pair of cute sandles! Men just don't get shoes, do they? My husband has tennis shoes a pair of boots, and dress black and brown, maybe a pair of casual thrown in there! Who could live with that many, I ask you!

Did pretty good with the food choices over the weekend at work. One of the nurses is retiring and she brought in her own dinner before we got a chance to! She bought chicken shack! Love it! But I ate sensibely. I took the skin off the chicken and had moderate portions of the coleslaw and broasted potatoes(which I love). So, pretty good!

Have lots of running around and cleaning today, Have to take my little doggie in for shots and heart worm medication! then it's bank, groceries, post office......run, run, run...

No chance to read today, but I will be listening to my book on tape!

Take cae all, Freda

Morning everyone. It's actually not raining here today. It's not sunny but the gray clouds don't look like they're filled with water. So maybe this afternoon I can take my doggies for a walk. I already did my exercise this morning - 3 miles - but the doggies love to g out around the small block (2 miles).

I'm making banana bread and I'm sitting next to the bread machine. It smells so good. I didn't have applesauce so it's the high fat version - that means a smaller piece.

I finished the sleeves of my sister's sweater yesterday so today I'm going to do the facings and then sew it together. Then that's it for making stuff for others. I'm going to make myself a purple sweater. I have two different purple yarns but I'm not sure which one I'm going to use.

Well, I must be off. TTYL.
Marie

Welcome Lesel
 

G,DAY, :angel:s, First of all a big :welcome3: :hug: to you Lesel I think Carol is right we aren,t tight but we are caring and sharing and believe me once your here we don,t like to let you go, I,m Julie I,m 48 pretty weird sometimes but hey thats what makes life interesting :rofl: I have 5 kids all grown 3 girls a boy and then another girl my son tells me I couldn,t have another son after him I had alredy created perfection I think he is modest NOT;) I also have 8 grandkids 5 boys 3 girls and another on the way I,m studying a Business Management course at present thats about it, G,day Marie I forgot LOTTO to really :mad: I bet I would of one :rolleyes: :lol3: is that dreaming still or dillusion :dizzy: banana bread sounds yummy I make that for DH I found a low fat recipe in one of my mags not to bad, sorry your weather is still yuk, I,m a bit like you once I pick up a book nothing else gets done but do I feel guilty :chin: :s: :nono: I look at it this way house work will still be there the day after I die its not like its going anywhere;) :D Freda your going really well pleased to see you are being sensible taking the skin off the chicken it is a shame that its the best bit but good for you :carrot: have fun with your running around sounds like exercise to me;) Carol sounds like your winning every where, in finances, weight war hope your doing well everywhere else too, sounds like a great day with your friend isn,t it funny when you start eating healthy that every now and then if you do indulge like with the ice-cream that you can only eat a little where as before you would have pigged out on the lot and felt sick afterwoods, Hey Qulitmama hope your well thinking of you, and Judy it will be good to have you back, well BYE FRO NOW, TAKE CARE, BE GOOD TO YOURSELVES, TODAY IS ONE STEP OF MANY, BLESSED BE...JULIE

Juls your right when I over indulge now it taste great when I am doing it but later its different than before. I should of played the lottery! Glad to see were all making it to this new site.
I started off the week with 4 miles after work yesterday with the girls. The lakes are beautiful spring signs are everywhere. The wildlife is coming alive. Todays weather is to be in the 60's. I might go after work to walk. My friends aren't going today but wed. thurs. and sat. I will see later much to do before Easter with all the family coming over. I bought new drapes from Pier 1 and am changing rods etc.. Then it created a problem with the couch pillows so now I need to make some slip covers etc. re decorate with some things I have around the house. Its a matter of moving things around to make it all come together. I think a couple of my Hawaii pictures are going to get blown up larger matted and framed for behind my couch. Lots to do some will be done later on in the month. I would like to get things cleaned up really nice before the kids come home for a visit. I miss them already!
Marie the banana bread sounds great. That is my mom's speciality. I have never made it in the breadmachine. I have a good roll recipe I like though. Maybe I will do those for sunday. It would be really easy. I have to go shopping. I decided a fruit salad would be a good thing to add to the menu. Off set the pies! I am going to make a ham of course.
Lots to do good thing they give us friday off.
My eating yesterday was good til dinner. Then I got into the italian bread. I should of never bought it. My hubby could care less if he had it or not and I get into it. Learning and changing our ways is tough. I think after my walk I was really hungry. Too little breakfast and a quick lunch. I had a baked sweet potatoe for lunch with marmalde instead of marg or butter, 1/2 of a health bar Kashi and celery sticks with a couple of tab. of dip. It didn 't carry me over to well. Then I made chicken parm. but didn't bread it at all, 1/2 c. pasta, but the italian bread that was the no no! But with the long fast walk we broke our time record. I wanted to get home I guess.
I purchased a new melon colored shirt the other day it looks nice with my tan. I love getting some new clothes. I still need to buy a new dress for a May wedding. I will wait in hopes to tighten up my body a bit more. I will do the crazy scale on friday.
Take care all!

Just a really quick note since I'm about ready to leave. Carol, you mentioned melon skirt - that's a good description of the color of my jacket I wore today. It's really pretty but I couldn't figure out what color it is.

Pink, definitely pink is one of my two favorite colors. Love, love, love cherry blossom pink. Diet Soda - definitely my most major weakness. I'm a Diet Pepsi freak. I buy 20 2 liter bottles at a time (about once a week), 12 for me, 8 for DH. Once there was a sale and I bout 35 2 liter bottles - I couldn't push the cart through the store. I figure that it's way better than other options - not as good as water health wise - but hey, I can't give up everything I love. :)

Jules, hope you're doing great. I just love the way you "speak". This is by far the coolest site on the internet. FYI, I started saying g'day to people and they think I'm nuts. Since I am, that works.

Well, I must be off. I'll chat more tomorrow.

Welcome Pretty in Pink! Everyone is welcome here we are always glad to have new folks join in. After all we are all working towards making changes for a healthier life.
Today wasn't a bad day except for the choice to buy some bagels. I took them into work instead of making breakfast. I shared with the office mates. I did purchase lite cream cheese veggie kind. I think I ate a bit extra as they were there. Just picking adds up though. At any rate this evening I did better ate dinner didn't take extra and haven't had anything since then. I am going to have a 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple to top off my evening.
I used to drink a lot of soda then switched to diet. I now drink mostly water but like to have a soda once in awhile. My favorite would be fresca with extra slice of fresh lemon added in and lots of ice. I do like to have a regular pepsi at times when I splurge. Soda always seems to go well with pizza. But for the most its water. I find if I stick a bottle in the ref. its always easy to grab. I also take 2 bottles to work with me daily. I put one in the freezer and its really good with my lunch. Sometimes add fresh lemon to it or lime. CK that out it may help yah out to drink more.
Juls Marie is right I love your talk too! Your too cute! Well its almost hump day! Talk to you all soon i plan a walk on wed and thurs this week around the lake if the rain holds off.

Yeah, I found you guys. My diet is still doing good and going strong, in spite of all the stress the last couple of weeks. I'm under 160 so I'm very happy and I'm hoping the rest won't be a fight to get off.

Glad to see everybody chatting away and happy. Nothing big planned here for Easter, my brother is in route back from Iraq, the doctor wants to deliver the babies so they did the Red cross thing. He could be home as early as today or tomorrow and the babies to be delivered some time Friday. all else is good, I'm low on energy, too much stress, but I'm handling it. some days not well.

Congrats on the wt. loss and your brother returning. That is super news. I must of missed the babies entry before. His wife is having babies? At any rate little ones will bring sunshine into your life. Hang in there!
This a.m. I am up and dressed for work just having my whole grain cereal and coffee. I have a meeting this morning and then some reports to work on. It is suppose to rain if it holds off I will get my walk in.
Have a great day girls. I am going to work on my calories today!

Hi Carol and Quiltmama, sounds like we're all hanging in there. Quiltmama, babies? Is your brother going to be the father to twins? Do tell. At least he'll be here and out of Iraq.

Carol, your breakfast sounds like mine. But then the cereal just didn't hold me over and I got into some cheese puffs. Bad choice but I did it. At least I exercised again this morning. Some days it's hard to get up at 5:15 just to exercise. I'd rather be sleeping. Especially on a rainy morning like this.

Work is okay but I'm a little tired this am. Probably the exercise. :) I pretty much want to go home, roll up in my blanket and read a good book. I just "read" (listened to 4th of July by James Patterson) and now I want o listen to 5th Horseman - a continuation of the series. Work, yuck. Plus if I went home I'd be wtih my doggies.

but I won't go, I will stay and diligently work (I've got 4 computers working at the moment and 3 are doing my exports so I am working). Well, I'll chat later.
Marie

Oh am I glad its my last work day this week. Its been busy, demanding, stressful and almost over! I had a bit of a crazy day the client I lost last month has a new coordinator. I am pleased that he will be getting services. But in my heart I had to beable to share the history of the past year at least. The company policy is to forward a yrs. summary. Well I tried there is no way I could put the right touch on it. It just wouldn't spin so I asked for special consideration to send all my case notes. The rule has been bent to allow me. That ended my day a bit better. I guess at least I feel I am giving him a good start with knowledge for the new case manager. He will be calling me he has already told my boss he feels my client should of not moved out of his family care. That at least made me feel better in one way. Maybe I didn't advocate strongly enough in the end? Well l wish him well in any case. My job can get quite stressful. A friend told me last night what a good job I do and that made me feel better. I didn't go to food after work but to the lake for a 4 mile walk. That was a positive step for me. I am feeling quite good about my exercise. I haven't gone to the gym maybe on a rainy day. I plan to walk after work today in hopes to end a bit early. I wait for my friends somedays to get out of work. Today I may walk by myself time will tell. Already have 8 miles for this week. I plan on walking today and saturday to off set my extra EASTER calories. Preplanning!
Marie I am with you lets end this work week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like those corn curls too! Not too bad if we limit ourselves but in less I put them in a bowl my hand can't stay out of the bag. That should be something we do count them out put them in baggies. What a yah think. I used to do that with snacks that way the portion control is there. It can sure take a toll on the hips if we eat too many. All our long miles gone down the toilet. Easter Menu: Oh I am still figuring it all out. I keep changing it a bit. In any case I think buffet style we have too many to try and sit at the tables. If its nice out they have enjoyed dining out there. So I am going to make it as simple as possible. I have to ck the weather out. Hope it is nice for the little ones to have their hunt in the yard.

hi
 

Good Morning everyone,

:welcome2: Pink, glad you decided to join the group! i know you will like it here!

My computer has been down for awhile, couldn't get it going again! Where is a computer expert when you need one! But it's up and running for today.

What does everyone have planned for Easter? Traditional dinner? What are your traditions? Are you planning some low-cal dishes?

Take care and everyone have a wonderful day, Freda

Carol, I like what you said that all our miles are down the toilet. That's a great way to look at it. Sometimes I think that my mind plays the game that well you've exercised so you should get more food. No, no, no Marie, you already eat plenty of food. I will have to think about the waste of getting up early if I keep overeating. Good thought.

Freda, aren't computers wonderful??? I have to admit I don't like them nearly as much as I used to since I now spend my workdays in front of them. Then my family wants their computers fixed. My mother calls me if she has a computer question at the drop of a dime. Hmm, I wonder why I don't like to answer the phone.

I got up early to exercise and I think that it's probably a good way to start my day. I've been questioning whether it's worth it, but now I realize I'm in a lot better mood in the mornings. The other drivers aren't driving me nuts so I'm not as irritated. so I'm going to keep on doing it. Though today I promised the doggies a walk after work since it is supposed to be our first full day with sun in 6 weeks. It's nice out. YEAH!!! Snow and rain due to com back tomorrow but I will enjoy it till then.

Chat with you all later.
Marie

Typical of my day--I lost the long message that I was sending a few minutes ago, arrrgh!

Welcome, Pretty and Lesel! I hope you get half as much encouragement as I've gotten from the cheerleaders on this thread, they are all awesome! Just seeing Jules' lively posts perk me up.

I have been off my game all month. I didn't eat poorly while I was away, but I did eat more bread than I normally do, and I lost it over a plate of brownies on Saturday. Its good to be home, but now I am sick with some nasty sinus thing. I haven't done much working out, and won't today either--besides the cough, sneezes and headache, my head is a bit woozy. I wanted April to be a big weight-loss month for me, but I will be doing well if I don't gain anything this month.

Marie, I like to exercise in the mornings, too. I hope that the sun is shining on your walk today.

Freda, I will celebrate Easter by doing my taxes:?: and watching the Sopranos. So far I have successful eluded the chocolate bunnies and eggs.

Quiltmama, you must be very excited about seeing your brother and the new babies!

Gotta go, see ya later--judy

Judy hope your feeling better soon. We all fall off how quickly we pick ourselves back up is the important thing. I have also been eating more lately the increase in walking has gotten me all mixed up. I have to get a handle on it so it works or it will be in the toilet lots of effort for change and down the drain. I haven't lost any wt. according to my scale but I think inches are going away which muscle does weigh more. So I don't know I am a bit frustrated I think. But I am going to keep exercising and try harder at adjusting my intake accordingly. I am taking a apple to eat before or after my 4 mile walk. I heard something crackle in my knee yesterday after jogging up a hill. It is a bit swollen and sore behind my knee. I had surgery 5 years ago new ligament laced in and repair to my minuskis? oh really messed up that spelling! So I hope I haven't screwed anything up. I kept walking there was no choice figured I might walk it out. I was right in the middle of the 2nd lake. APPOX. 2 miles to go! Motrin 800 mg. helped when I got home. Yesterday I reached 12 miles for the week so far. I plan on saturday doing 4 more if my leg is okay. Marie we will show some changes on the scales with our walking eventually it has to show up don't you think? I do notice a difference in my clothes and how they fit. But the lbs. would be nice so less bad carbs and eating healthy. Easter will be tough but its only one day. The next day and the days after are what will count. Fridays are my scale days. So I have charted them into my journal. I will move that scale this month down some how.
Freda for Easter I have decided to have a buffet. Easier with 20 people and throw away plates. Tradition is having it at my house for the last say 12 years. Ham,scalloped potatoes, brussel sprouts, broc, green salad, pot. salad, kielbasa, homemade rolls, carrot cake, lemon pie, pumpkin pie, bunny cake and of course appt. ahead of dinner my niece is bringing some. Needless to say not a cal. free but a little of this and that one could becareful. The children will have a easter egg hunt in the yard. We have about 200 plastic eggs with change or candy in them. Each child can only get a certain amt. of eggs so its fair. I have a gift also for the kids. They get a little something from great gram and my sister as well. It should be a fun day. I will miss the kids in Hawaii but will talk on Easter day. They will get some pictures of the kids gathering eggs etc... I developed some of my pictures and I am in the process of taking some enlarged prints of the star flower for my bathroom walls. I took some flower pictures knowing I wanted to use them to enlarge for the house. So its all coming together. Just hung new curtains in the livingroom and redecorated. It came out nice a whole different look. Spring makes me want changes.
Have a super day. I am off to have some fun with a couple of girl friends today. Few garage sales etc... Gotta get back to clean and bake.

Morning everyone. Judy, I hope your day goes better today. The way I look at a month without gain is a good month. Better if I lose, but good if I maintain. So set your sights on May and try again. You can do it. You've been doing absolutely great.

Carol, I'd like to come to your house for Easter. Sounds yummy. I love carrot cake and bunny cake sounds divine. Ham, though, I could live without. I'm not a big meat eater. Carbs in every way, shape or form, but not meat. Also, I hope your knee feels better. I do know about problems mid-walk. Yesterday was gorgeous out (more snow starting this afternoon) and after work I wanted to take the doggies on the 2 mile block. After huffing my way up the hill, my shin started to dart pains through it. I just kept walking, what was I supposed to do, sit in the middle of the road? I was pretty sore last night and just veged out. 5 miles in a day is just too much for me, especially when 2 of them are basically mountain hiking. today the yucky weather is supposed to come back so I think I'm safe in just the 3 miles I did this morning.

Have a great Friday!!!!
Marie

Happy Cambodian New Year! I realize that it's also Good Friday, but I thought it was interesting that it's a special day for other folks for an entirely different reason.

I'm feeling better this afternoon than I've felt since Tuesday, just congested and a bit tired. I almost worked out this morning, but thought better of it. I miss working out, and hope to ease back into it over the weekend. I've been eating more this week (and just had good-bye cake and ice cream with a colleague:o ) so I need to head to the grocery store and stock up on my usual fresh produce. My frig has been on a diet for a few weeks, since I've been out of town a lot.

Carol, I have bad knees (and had one 'scoped' twice). If you're feeling some soreness, you might consider having it checked out now, so that you can build up muscle or whatever, and not feel like you can't do your long walks. I used to have to ice my knees after long walks, but luckily, that hasn't been a issue for several years. I hope you have a great weekend--an Easter egg hunt sounds like fun!

Marie, thanks for the encouragement. I'd really wanted to build up some momentum this month, but it's just not in the cards. Life is that way sometimes. If this is all I have to complain about, I am a very lucky person! I'm focusing on getting better, catching up on work and chores, and centering my energy after so much traveling and rushing around these past few months.

Jules, Lesel, Freda, Quiltmama, Tired, Pink and all you lurkers, hope you have a great weekend.

judy

Good morning everyone,

Judy, hope you're feeling better. Just concentrate on getting better right now, restock the fridge, and aim for a better week. We all have times when we just have to do the best we can!

Marie, 5 miles!!! Wow, more than I could manage. You are doing great, just don't over do and hurt yourself! Bet the Doggies were happy though. I took my little dog for a walk yesterday but it was hot out (80 here) and he wasn't used to going that far and his little legs just gave out. I had to walk home with the addition of carrying a little dog in my arms!

cacsms, I agree, I think everyone seems more hungry right now. Think it's the changing season? Your menu sounds yummy! We are having the traditional dinner, but with just the few of us we can't have a HUGE dinner! Too many leftovers! And most of those are going home witht he kids! I want nothing left here to tempt me!

I broke out the shorts yesterday for out warm day and went for a long walk! I hope I can do the same today but I don't think it's going to be quite so warm,

Everyone have a wonderful, blessed Easter, Freda

Oh Freda, you're making me jealous. Eight degrees. That sounds like heaven to me and you got to wear shorts. The green eyed monster is me. It started, then stopped, snowing a few minutes ago. There's a big snow storm coming our way. So sad. Freda, the doggie story was funny. When I've taken my doggie for a walk and had a puppy, I'd have to carry the puppy for part of it. Now if I had to carry one of my doggies, I'd be flat on the ground in cardiac arrest. I have big doggies.

Judy, you're one hundred percent right - if all we have to worry about is our weight, we are indeed very lucky. I appreciate the change of view on that. Life is pretty darn good. I hope your starting to feel better.

I didn't walk this morning. I might exercise later and I just might not. March 25th is the last day I didn't exercise so I won't feel too guilty if I just play bum today.

We made cheese blintzes for breakfast today. I found a recipe (actually I combined 3 recipes to make the one I made) and decided I wanted to try to make them instead of driving to town to have them. They were delicious. A little pesky to make, but wonderful. And I got to use strawberries from my last year's garden to top them. Much better than store bought.

Well, I guess that's about it. I don't have big plans for the day, but I think I will listen to a book on my ipod. Talk to you all later.
Marie

G,day Nice To Meet You To Pink
 

G,DAY :angel:s, SOOOOO :sorry: MUM Judy I didn,t mean to Lurk ;) you sound well and your doing great on your walks :carrot: and I agree if weight is our biggest worry then we should really remember and be thankful for what we take for granted everyday and appreciate it especially ourselves :hug: I know I for one don,t give myself enough credit for what I can do and have accomplished, so I think we all should give ourselves a big pat on the back and a :cheer: and when it comes to clocking up those miles walking Judy and Marie and Carol you to Freda you guys can sure :kickbutt: Judy I hope your feeling better nothing worse than feeling crook, Marie you cack me up please don,t carry your doggies and please do share your recipe sounds yum, Carol hope your knee is feeling better so you can get back into your walking Hey guys ENOUGH already everywhere I look I see food MENUS all sounding healthy of course and all this exercise people will start to talk are we suppose to be on diets or something :rofl: Quiltmama 2 babies twice the excitement I remember when my eldest daughter had her twins 5yrs ago, birth is just so fully sick awesome I can,t wait until my baby she is 20 now has hers in 4mths, OHHHH boy I do ramble before I forget :welcome: PINK always room for more you sound like fun hope you stick around for awhile, Hey Lesel hope your well don,t forget we are here, well I had A WONDERFUL EASTER A COUPLE OF MY KIDS CAME FOR A VISIT but I did :sssh: put on a kg (2lb) but it will be gone by the weekend don,t like unwelcome visitors, well I,m off catch you all later take care be good to yourselves, BLESSED BE...JULIE

Marie the shin thing my friend had last wk. too. I think sometimes over doing too soon at least in her case. She has learned to enjoy walking and was going almost everyday. But not warming up at all sometimes the hills will get us too. I found myself having problems with shins when I was using too high of an incline on the treadmill. It hurts like heck! Hope your better soon. My knee is better a bit swollen after my busy day yesterday. But I need to walk today I over ate this weekend too much junk food. The carrot cake was awesome great recipe and you can make the lighter calorie version. I will do that one next time. But it was a hit not my curry pineapple dip thats a never again dip. Marie that breakfast sounded wonderful. Yummy! I have a few strawberry plants in the garden. Spring is here in my area we have been able to wear are sandals and shorts already. The easter weather was great started off cloudy but changed to sunny day for all. The kids had fun runny around the yard to gather eggs. Funny how times change now the older kids hide them for the little ones and then take pictures. Its great to hand down traditions. This marks 11 years of egg hunts in this house with everyone. At any rate I over ate this weekend and today I better start in with watching myself or I will be in a mess. I am planning on walking at the lakes today after work. THe other girls are busy but I will go myself. I have packed a lunch for work. Sent home lots of leftovers for others. Still have plenty no cooking for days. Moms lemon pie and sweet maple rolls were wonderful. She is slowing down at 84 and it scares the heck out of me. I love my mom and can see her age catching up to her. Its tough. I need to spend some more time with her. I am always doing my own thing. Time to reconsider some of my time and taking a little for my mom. Just stopping over or taking her places etc. She is a sweetie and time is a precious thing. Well enough of that!
I plan on getting on track this week. Really paying attention to my intake. Since I started to increase my walking I also increased my intake. Now that isn't goign to get me anywhere I figure. So time to get it all figured out and take the right route. Hows everyone else doing? Am I alone with when yah increase yah eat more? Oh! Yah fix one thing break another! Oh well today is a new beginning right. Monday and all!
Have a super day everyone the sun is shinning!
Carol

Good Morning All,

Hope everyone had a good Easter and managed to avoid TOO many pitfalls! I did pretty well, I think. Went for a long walk in the morning, did my weight training and didn't eat TOO bad. I did have a piece of chocolat cake that Sonia brought for dessert! I was hoping she would bring some other kind, since chocolate is the only one that temps me! But, i made a baked sweet potato for me and that helps curb my appetite for the rest of the stuff.

Marie, I know what you mean about getting asked for advice. My family calls me for evry medical question! My niece even called me one time to ask me if I thought she was having a heart attack! I was supposed to diagnose her over the phone! Son't be too jealous of our warm weather, it's come and gone again! I always have a book tape going too! What are you listening to now?

Julie, You have twins in the family too? That is so awsome, but I don't know how any one takes care of 2! I sure give them credit! 1 is so hard! Were you able to help your daughter with the twins? Just get in some extra exercise for the next few days to get rid of those unwanted visitors!

Cacmsc, Hope your knee feels better soon! Hope you are able to go for your walk today. Don't over do and injure it again! My grandma is 97 and she is such a special lady too, like your mom. They have to be pretty strong people to still be here! I love spending time with her but don't get to nearly enough since she is 600 miles away. So, if yours is close, consider yourself blessed and take advantage of it. I know we hope they will be around forever but one day we will lose them!

Seems that everyone'sappetite is picking up! I asked my husband and he said he had been eating more than usual too! Think it's the weather?

Ok, today we have to walk away those pounds! Freda

Morning everyone. I hope you all had a great Easter. I had a nice day. Quiet day. Actually, I made pizza for dinner (homemade crust and all). DH and DS had a good time skiing/snowboarding yesterday. They had a really good time. It was just me and DS's GF and DGS here. They were in their room watching movies most of the day and I listened to my book on the ipod. Freda, I'm listening to James Patterson's The 5th Horseman. I love that series. I have about 1 1/2 hours left. After I cool off and shower, I will finish listening to it. I just finished exercising, clocking another 3 miles. I think I'm going to blow by my April goal of 75 miles. I did take Saturday off and that was sort of nice. My dream for life would be to eat whatever and how ever much food I could and never exercise. To me, that would be heaven. Just lots of time to play and eat. Okay, that does sound bad. :)

I had trouble with food this morning. I reheated the cheese blintzes for breakfast. I was so good. I cut them in half and put them on a small plate so that it looked like lots even though it wasn't. Ate happily then did some morning stuff. I was sort of sleepy and had the munchies. So I had two oreos. Not too bad 90 calories. But that didn't stop the munchies, so I at my lunch at 9:00 this morning. Now, two hours later, I'm definitely not hungry or munchie. So hopefully that will last. I figure mid afternoon I'll make myself a strawberry yogurt smoothie and I should be okay. But boydo I hate when I just want to eat.

Jules, I will print out the recipe later and post it here. There are places to cut some calories but the first time I made it, I wanted to make it full version. Things like using fat free ricotta instead of regular.

Carol, I completely agree about eating more. Since I started exercising, I must have increased my portions because I'm not losing weight. All clothes fit the same. So now I have to get the portions smaller again. I hate that I slowly let them increase over the days. I need to be more vigilant.

Okay, I should be off. I will be back later with the recipe.
Marie

Gosh I've lost so much time the past week, but in spite of all that has been going on, I've maintained on my diet. First, the red cross paper work was started to get my brother home from Iraq on Monday, then the waiting game began. The doctor said he would deliver the babies the very next morning after he got in and we all prayed she would make it.

He got in on Wed night very late, and they still scheduled her for a 7am delivery it was 4 weeks early. The boy was born perfect and wonderful. The girl, we knew would not live very long and the expectation was not more than a few hours. She did survive 2.5 days and it was so very hard on them, she died Saturday around 2pm. Then of course Easter was the next day but the mom and baby boy went home so now they can enjoy their new family and the time my brother has before he has to return.

I've had a case crazy munchies going on and have tried to maintain by eating things that I could count the calories and holding off as long as I could.

While reading all of your post, I see I'm not the only one with that problem. I just thought it was the stress and everything else.

Today has been better and I'm glad Easter is over and I managed to survive it.

I spent Easter lying on the couch watching movies...it was delightful. But I'm still not feeling well, so I'm leaving work early to camp out at the clinic. I hope that they will give me something stronger than over-the-counter medicine, so I can say good-bye to this cough and congestion and get my energy back.

Quiltmama, I'm so glad that your brother was here for your nephew's birth. It was good that he could all be there for your SIL at this emotionally difficult time.

Back later--judy

Quiltmama, I'm so very sorry about your niece. I'm very happy that baby boy is doing good but it' so sad to lose a child.

Take care of yourself.
Marie

thanks a bunch. I've done my lazy day today. Will probably just have a salad tonight for dinner. Sometimes we just need lazy days.

I've got things to do but just wasn't motivated to do them.

It is hard about the baby, I never realized how common or often this happens. being my age I guess I'm out of the loop on baby info.

G,DAY :angel:s, I,m sorry for your families loss Quiltmama sometimes GOD sends down an angel by mistake and realizes their needed more in heaven and so he calls them back I am happy that your nephew is well and home with his mum and dad shame your brother has to leave again soon but he has something preciuos to take with him in his memory chest, by the look of things we all had good intentions but all got off the train at platform EASTER but a little bit of what we love now and then will not completely blow all our good work we will just have to suck it up and start again today is fresh with no mistakes in it :crossed: I love the lazy days too Quiltmama but I think of them more as re-energizing days time to think and reflect way things up see the negative side of things then take a longer look at the positive we can,t control a lot of things in this life but we can make a difference in what we can and as long as we have love around us and people who care we are half way there;) :hug: Judy sorry your still feeling yuk , hope you get something for it but good excuse to catch up on some you time and some movies just being able to sit down and actually watch a movie right through is heaven Marie can,t wait for the recipe I love to try new things and I love to cook, I told you you would nail those miles you go girl your are an inspiration to me when it comes to exercise but then again all of you are :balloons: :cheer: Carol hope you knee feels better but you sound in good spirits, I know what you mean about your mum mine is 74 and has had 6 bypasses including then main part of the heart I,m not going to even attempt spelling it correctly but iorta sums it up, she is remarkable we lost Dad as you know 5yrs ago now but she still gets out and mows the lawns and is always on the go, well thats it for me I will check in later Hi to everyone else take care bye for now ...Julie

Quiltamama my thoughts are with you and I also believe she was a little angel. One whom touched your hearts and will be remembered forever. I am glad to hear the little boy is in good health. He cares a special place I am sure in everyones hearts. Sorry to hear the dad has to go back so soon and I am sure ISthankful for his time home with his family. Tge war keeps too many folks away from home. I wish along with everyone else it would be all over soon.
Well everyone the carrot cake is almost gone 1 piece left for a friend. Thank goodness cause it was so good its hard to stay out of. I ate pretty healthy til I got home then went a bit off. My knee is better now my shoulder hurts.It could be I slept on it wrong? Oh I am just a mess! Gotta pick myself up and get in shape here. I am trying to make healthier choices with left overs its a bit hard soon they will be all gone. I never went walking yesterday. My body just caved in . I will give myself a brake til wed. then its up and at it again. I think my hips are changing and that could be some of my achy body? Just a hopeful thought. Clothes are fitting nicely and thats a plus. The scale oh thats most likely the same after easter. Well Judy I hope your feeling better after going to the clinic. My daughter had something similar now is feeling better. She was ill over easter. I spoke with the kids in Hawaii on sunday and they are planning on still coming home at the end of May. Don't think their going to make the family wedding. He might not beable to fit it in with the projects he needs to finish. Bill will make sure his guys are having enough work while he is gone so the timing is important.
Work has been okay one girl's client passed away yesterday after a battle with cancer. That is never easy.
Talk to you all soon lets get those portions going. I think a little measuring and maybe a food scale would help me. Also a lock on the ref. and give the hubby only a key.

Good morning all,

Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day here. Hopefully I will be able to get outside for a walk sometime today. I don't have the kids today since it's spring break and mom is taking them to a water slide park! So an extra free day for me. I have a Dr. appointment this morning, nothing special, just to check my liver enzymes again! I think this is just so unfair, and I get upset every time I have to go in! I've never smoked, drank, done drugs and my liver has to be messed up! There, got that out of the way!

So sad about the baby! Prayers for the family. It must be so hard to be joyful over a birth and still morn for another baby.

Hope you're feeling better Judy, and were able to get something at the clinic to help. I had something back in the winter that sounds like that. I coughed for a month! And that was with medication! Hope you get better quickly!

Are those leftovers almost gone? I got rid of the biggest portion of mine this morning. Into the garbage or into me! I chose the garbage. But it's still so hard to throw away good food when "people are starving". Can't you just hear that little voice? I cut the ham into slices and froze it along with the ham bone for soup. Out of sight...

Everyone, have a wonderful day, Freda

Freda, I chatted with my DH about throwing food away. I think our generation just can't do it. Wasteful food was a big no-no when we were growing up. But I watch my DS and his GF, they can just stop when they're doing eating without a blackward glance. I'm thinking that might be the wave of the next generation and maybe the trend of Americans being fat might start to go away. Just a theory, but I watch how younger people throw food away and I can't do it. I just can't. :)

Jules, loved your view on the angel idea. That's very neat. give your mum a kiss and help her with the lawn. :)

Carol, I started taking Gloucosime and Chondritan (spelled wrong in both cases I'm sure) about 3 months ago since my hips hurt. Between the regular walking exercise and those herbals, there's absolutely no more pain. I started because I've been giving it to my doggie with hip dysplasia for the last 5 years ad she's great. I know that new reports say it doesn't help but I disagree. Just an idea.

I walked this am and can play in the SUN after work. Yes you read that right, the sun is shining on this particular desert. YEAH!!!
Marie

Marie thanks for the info. I think it might be worth a try. Can't let it get me down. Today will be a walking day around 70's here! Wow its nice to have spring. I think I may walk by myself as I am getting out a bit early today. The hubby has a doctors appt. I am attending. If I don't go and ask questions no one does. The doc pats him on the back and sends him on his way. So I don't think the he likes it when I go. Oh well thats life. I will take a couple of hours of sick time. I made a pasta salad to take in to a potluck today at work. Its someones 30th birthday. The 3 colored pasta had a veggies primavara salad recipe on the box. So I kind of followed it. It had ham in it so of course I have that left over. It was very lean, carrots, peppers, tomatoe, onion and spices with a italian dressing and a bit of mustard. We'll see how it goes over. Oh I have to add a little cheese in the end before serving. It was quick and looks springy. I tried yesterday to becareful of my intake all in all didn't do to bad. A bit high on cals but healthy. I had cottage cheese and cantalope for lunch and a apple for snack. So that was good choices I felt. Well every little change helps. I need to make sure I buy some yogurt. I am not getting my 3 dairys a day in. Got to straighten up on that. Has anyone heard of the diet where your on a few days off then on? There is some study out on it? Well let me know just wondered if there is something I am missing.
Take care everyone eat healthy and lets reach our mini goals. I have 10 miles to walk at least. 4 TODAY!

hi ladies! new to the board and trying to lose
 

hope you don't mind if i jump in!
I am tracyg. I am almost 40 *yikes*, sahm to 3. Homeschooling 2 of them.
As if Easter and all the related junk isn't bad enough, today is my ds 11th
birthday and tomorrow my dd's 7th....can you say CAKE????? Actually I am not doing cake lol, making cupcakes for my kid's awana group tonite;)
In any case, i have been watching calories ala calorie queen for almost 3 weeks now. i was getting very frustrated as i was being soooo good and not losing a thing. but af showed up and i dropped 2 lbs. so my first loss! yay:carrot: . I need to lose about 53 more.....:p
well, nice "meeting" you all. look forward to getting to know ya' some.
While my kids are at awana, I am hitting the track at the 'y' and will do the same tomorrow while the girls are at gymnastics. Trying to add more exercise
and protein to my life....oh and water instead of soda, so that is my goal for the day! Well, i guess i better get the kids off the trampoline and 'into school'.
hugs
tracyg

Hi all -

I hope you don't mind me joining in. I use to have a real good support thread and it sort of faded. I am 27 and I lost 34 lbs in the last year. My goal is to lose 12 more by June 1. I would like to be at my final goal of 135 by the end of the summer. Right now I am at 164 so that is 29 lbs to go. I am waiting for summer to swim . I can't currently workout due to an ankle injury but I am hoping that changes fast. I did real bad last week with all of the candy and even today I had a handful of jelly beans :(

cacmsc- good to see you again. I miss our other thread.


love and light
Nikki