Good morning, All. I'm feeling droopy today -- sad, burnt out, etc. Evaluating job and life and feeling like I need to address issues with both. Well, that's the only way to get through. I'm thinking of trying to wiggle my way back into freelance writing so I can do more of the kinds of writing I want to do (in theory, at least -- in practice I've ended up trying to grab semi-secure, more lucrative stuff to keep the coffers fed). The job is very demanding, a lot of work and pressure and precious little time off. *See: burnt out.
I may end up just working my way out of the funk and carrying on. But... maybe I can start doing a little other writing on the side? Baby steps?
Katrinabgood, you are a very funny girl! I'd say more but must be off -- it is imperative that I begin stockpiling loose leaf paper, highlighters and post-its, as soon as I can whip self into frantic frenzy. Staples, here I come!
Pyro, I concur -- sounds like you're doing great! It takes a while to "remember" stated goals. That's part of the 21-day deal, keeping on until we remember them automatically. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Oh, I feel the need for a fresh start card, a great big, all-purpose one. Do they have them at Staples?
Let us take this day and do our level best with it.
Yes! I got my sheets washed and on the bed....heaven. And I walked. And I made it through the day. Thanks friends....if I didn't post here daily, I'd have dropped off the wagon like a stone. That night-time snack thing. Had a couple glasses of wine, and then decided I was hungry. Debated whether it was worth it to start over again, and went to bed. I have a really nice blue cheese in that fridge that compliments the wine nicely. NSV! So onto Day 8....first week hump is over!
To add to the melee...1 litre of water / day. I have been doing about that, now let's keep track! Still walking but not counting them...less pressure that way. I don't feel like I'm meeting a quota.
Hmmm...gotta shop. Arabella that sound yummy....need to get some yogurt...we wrap salmon in foil and BQ it all the time....that would be good in there too! Do you use it on sweet potatoes too? I missed the reference. Meno-mind.
Katrina, both of mine are at the U now...they do their own shopping. I hand out money as requested. But I remember how I despised that part of the school experience!
Well, gotta boogey....we had some rain yesterday and I need to plant those irises! They are still in the wheel barrow, likely floating. We also had a tornado near here last eve....I saw it on my way to work....very beautiful, but dangerous in a shivery way. Of course Environment Canada hasn't confirmed it yet....what do they think we are...dummies? It was very visible, white against the greeny-grey sky. Wide at the top and swirling down to a narrow tip...thank goodness it was up quite high. I heard that someone may have lost a barn, and the OPP were sending the school busses back to the schools...like it was safer there... We don't have a basement at my branch. Maybe the Environment Canada people should interview the OPP...I wonder if their eyes are better than ours? Surely their reputation is. OK, ok, enough ranting. Arabella may bean me with a rolling pin.
to all s. Nice to see you Pyro...a mini-streak of 2 days is better than a 2 day binge. Look at it as training for the big event. You will do it! Glad our "sickies" Wsw and Anagram are on the recovery road...Kaylets...how are you? Eydie...nice to see you popping in. What do you think of that Ultra Metabolism book? I need to see if we have it in the system.
K...I'm really going this time...highlight, post and change the siggy.
Thanks friends....if I didn't post here daily, I'd have dropped off the wagon like a stone.
You said it, ceara! I may not even get here daily, but I always try to check in, and the inspiration, encouragement, and camaraderie is a daily motivator!
So...thanks from me too!
I went to WW tonight, lost a pound. This is certainly slow going, but it is consistent. I was happy to note that the loss was a whole number, anyway, and not a fraction this time! Still two tenths of a pound away from that elusive 10 lb star!
Last week's topic was about the 'masterpiece' that we are all working on. I have held that thought in mind all week, thinking of Michaelangelo and the big old slab of marble that eventually became David. So I picture myself with my artist's beret and smock, with my hammer and tools, tapping away at the awesome masterpiece that will eventually emerge! Seems like it's taking just as long sometimes, though....
I'm thinking that the difference, this time around, is that I'm not giving up. No matter how long it takes. I need to do this, not only for the weight loss, but for overall good health and to sail gracefully into ...ulp...MIDDLE AGE. <what do you mean I'm already there?> I'm going to be 50 on my next birthday, and would really like to began the second half of my century slim, trim, healthy and happy!
Only 303 days til my next birthday! I'd best be keeping my hocus pocus focused!
So that's it for me today...
Ceara...how cool, seeing the tornado! Scary though. I'm glad you only saw it and didn't feel it...must be quite an impressive sight. (Of course I'm picturing the tornado in The Wizard of Oz...the only one I've ever seen!)
Arabella...Listen, the great big, all purpose fresh start cards were temporarily out of stock, but the day to day ones are always available! Can I get you some smiley face post-its to go with yours? Hope you come out of the funk with everything all figured out!
Hey hey hey to everyone else! Hope everyone is doing well....
I'm going to make myself some oatmeal now...I had
promised my stomach that I would feed it not a minute before 3am, and now it is wildly protesting that I'm 30 minutes late! Work is somewhat slow tonight, but I know the minute I sit down with my food that #&@! beeper will go off.
The gloom has lifted. I know when I feel like that, all I have to do is acknowledge it, go ahead and feel it and I get through it. Best thing for me to do at those times is house clean -- it feels good, I work things out and come out in a good mood with a clean (er) house. Can't beat it! Sadly, I had to do paying work instead yesterday but will pick away at housework and life and work issues.
I've been sitting on an exercise ball at the computer and finding I like it -- gave my chair to DS. Then, yesterday afternoon, there was an earth-shattering KABOOM!!! and I very suddenly found self on floor. Took me a second or so to realize what had happened. Guess I'll just go out and get another one, but I think I'll get one that is guaranteed or something. This one was for Pilates and may not have been intended for day-in, day-out use. It was not really opaque in some spots which made me wonder initially how strong it was. Now I know.
I've got to go to a WI tomorrow morning so as not to have to pay for missed meetings. I'm thinking I'll just let that be my reintroduction to weighing in every day. Hoping not to have lost ground, but if I have it can't be more than a few pounds.
Ceara, thanks for the description of the tornado -- it sounded very dramatic. I'm envious -- I love storms of all kinds and I don't think I've ever seen anything like that.
I love sheets fresh off the line, too. When I get them done and back on the bed I feel like I've got a treat waiting for me all day.
Katrinabgood, congrats on the fluffy one gone where the bad fluffies go! Slow and steady wins the race -- it's that "steady" that does it. My losses are never very consistent, no matter how well I'm doing. Sometimes it's a pound, a pound, nothing, and then 3 or 4 pounds. Ah, yeah -- let's think about how far along we'll be with our masterpieces next summer
Out of funk, I am. Everything is not worked out, of course, but I feel more able to live in that state today.
Oh, BTW, I keep forgetting to say -- hocus pocus FOCUS comes to us from our beloved Empress Amarantha (who you know, I think, by some other name if I could just remember what it was ) who beith on walkabout. She has some compatibility issues with this site and her computer.
Well, 'tis Saturday Eve. Punkinseed?
I must get work done to stay the heck out of the office this weekend, because as burnt out as I've been I surely need a break.
On my way into work, just wanted to say hello......
The comment about " stopping in or falling off like a stone " resonnates w/ something I heard yesterday listening to Oprah on the radio..... "I didnt fall off the wagon, I DOVE".......
I have a full day in of no chocolate. I bought a box of Cream of Wheat for work but am starting to think that it puts me into super carbo craving too....
and then, lo and behold, I saw familiar symptons of TOM which I had nearly forgotten.
Such a shame to have facial breakouts when I'm over 50!~
Ah welll....
Glad to see everyone is still on the wagon or on the road w/ me. So, lend a hand, I am trying to swing myself up from the shoulder of the road, up onto the wagon. I am aiming to take a window seat and get back INVOLVED w/ the journey instead bumping my way along.
My plan is this:
Do what I know.
Do something different.
Hugs to all!
Sweater and tea weather here.... at least for a few hours!
Work? On a beautiful Saturday morning? Ah, Kaylets, my commiseration.
Glad your gloom is lifting, Wood Nymph. Hate those days. And also hope you ARE able to skip the office part today.
Haven't read all back posts yet, so more anon.
Today in PA is a lightly foggy fall morning - the kind that promises a gorgeous day later. Saw a large, gorgeous spider web on my mail box post and decided to leave it there - looked like a nice precursor to Halloween!
I have four decent eating days in - lots of oatmeal and apples. Not exercising and am feeling a little better than in the beginning of the week. I did do my tai chi class yesterday but skipped earlier ones and pool. May continue this for another week to see how much better I can feel by end of next week.
Don't have a "plan" yet for today. Need food for thought so, breakfast here I come.
Glad to see you Kaylets and Anagram! Is an overcast, dampish day here too....foggy. Some chance of rain later.
I too had to make that decision yesterday Kay...the other 13 year old girl....she was losing her balance, falling over and I think she may have cracked something in one of those falls...they get brittle just like people. Not a nice day at all.
The quartet that I coach sounded awful yesterday...they had some good moments...but I believe that this is past of the process....getting the notes down. Some of them have been singing the wrong notes for a while. However, they are very good sports about the process....and we get worse before we get better...I always did on the piano.
Well, gotta run...have a tentative brekkie date with GF, and I'm tying up the line.
Quick "Hi" to all...and I'm off to tackle those irises, ala ceara! Food is going extremely well. As I was tallying up yesterday's points, (2am this morning) I realized that I hadn't done any exercise, therefore couldn't declare it a perfect day. So I popped in my newly obtained WW dvd and did 20 minutes of cardio and 30 min of toning and felt a whole lot better! DH was somewhat when he heard the shower going at 3:00.
Ceara, so sorry to hear your sad news.
Arabella...glad to hear the funk has fizzled. I have to tell you that you gave me a wee chuckle with your KABOOM tale! Was that wrong?
Kaylets...Here's a hand, sister! Climb on board and don't forget to put your seat belt on...sometimes it's a bumpy ride!
Anagram...sounds like you are progressing slowly but surely. I'm glad that you're feeling better.
Okay, I've dawdled long enough...gonna put the clothes in the dryer and I'm off to play in the dirt. Feels like summer is trying to re-assert itself. I'm pretty much done with the hot weather and ready for some 'tea and sweater' days!
Hi, also, to our MIAs....
I hope you all have a great weekend, doing something that makes you smile!
Last edited by katrinabgood; 09-09-2006 at 04:42 PM.
On day six of good food but still not much exercising. Beautiful day here today. Kudos to all hanging on to the wagon, whether firmly strapped upright or clinging on by their toenails!
Lessee, now... It's been a pretty good weekend, for one that I'd decided to dedicate to taking it easy. I went to WI yesterday and was up .6 from last WI, which was about a month ago now. Sooo... would have been much better to lose, but it could have been worse and now begins the plunge. Tomorrow's my regular meeting, so I'll be weighing in again. Not expecting a lot of change.
I was quite worked up while I was lining up for WI, thinking, "Have I just been fooling myself? Can I be up a lot? 10 pounds?" So I was very relieved that it was minimal. Although I think it's actually more like 2 pounds up, because I went to a meeting expecting my 20-pound ribbon (or whatever) and the darn thing was cancelled. Ah well. I guess I can't really expect to have 2 pounds off by tomorrow morning but I'm going hiking next weekend so maybe NEXT Monday. I'm going to restart my challenge tomorrow, work out what I've got to lose to hit my Christmas goal. And how I'm going to do that
We had a nice day yesterday. After morning fog, it was warm and sunny. DH was off for a business lunch and I decided to make a trip to the beach when he came back. He didn't get here until 3:30 but that was the cut off "is it still worth going" time, so I went. And I was very glad I'd gone. I swam and then lay on the beach for a bit. It wasn't as warm as it would have been earlier, but quite acceptable. And I felt like I'd done something good for myself instead of staying home and resenting that I hadn't been able to go.
Took a couple of moonlight strolls too, the last couple of nights. Went out looking for the moon this evening but it doesn't seem to be coming out yet.
Ceara, so sorry to hear about your "girl."
Tomorrow night's the first meeting of the choir I'm joining. I'm a bit apprehensive, but it should be okay. The biggest gig for this choir is a performance of The Messiah in early December. My friend in the choir said that there's a woman who sells tapes of the various parts, which should help immensely.
Katrinabgood, wow -- a 2 a.m. workout? I'm very impressed! Do you sleep, BTW? It must be hard having a schedule like yours and adjusting it when you're off. But then again, maybe you get so freakin' tired that you can sleep whenever?
You LAUGHED at my earth-shattering KABOOM!!!? Oh, you cruel woman! I went to try to replace the ball yesterday and all they had to offer me was the same kind. Uh, no thanks.
Anagram, look at you go -- getting your Halloween decorations started already! Hope you're feeling a bit more rested.
Kaylets, I know that "diving off the wagon" thing. Certainly have had the falling off the wagon experience, even like "Well, now, how did that happen ? Other times though, I think especially in times of stress, it's like I suddenly think: "HEY!!! I can EAT!!!" and it isn't until hours, days, weeks or months later that I remember all the reasons that's not a good response.
Well, I'm tired so I'm heading for bed. I feel excruciatingly dull today -- my apologies. G'night, All.
...here too, anagram! I spent the entire day devoted only to gardening, my favorite kind of day! The boys went sailing, a Boy Scout outing, which left me alone to my own devices. I was out fairly early, headed right over to the flower farm. It's a bit of a ride from here, but a nice one, so I take my time and enjoy the scenery along the way. There are closer places to buy flowers, but this place is hands down, worth the trip. Their flowers are incredibly huge and healthy and CHEAP! Five big (10") pots of mums for $10.00, Six smaller (6") mums for $10.00. Two big ornamental cabbages for $2.99 each, and four big coleus(es?) for $10.00. Oh, And! four big bags of mulch for, you guessed it, $10.00! I wandered up and down every single row, (the place is huge) and had all the time in the world. There was no one along, tapping their toes with that thinly veiled impatience. I was scoping out all the things I'm going back for. I need a shrubbery (I sound like the Knights Who Say "Ni!") or two, or three...(3 for $10!) and some perennials.
Got home and needed to clean out a flower bed before I could get down to the fun stuff. It's all fun to me, though. Even the weeding and clearing out. I yanked out some shaggy old mums and transplanted them out back. Pulled out some sedum too, put that in the back yard also. Yoinked out some lillies that were way overgrown...they're going out back too!
I got three of the big mums in, plus the cabbages and the coleus. Was going to make up some big pots and decided to just arrange them right in the ground as I would have in a pot....came out really nice!
All in all, it was a great day, lots of exercise and sunshine, good, healthy eating, and now hubby and I are going to the movies to see "The Illusionist." Will give review later!
I'd better get some coffee before I get all cozy in a warm, dark theater....it wouldn't be the first time I snoozed through a movie!
Ack! What a week-end. The only things I did that I wanted to were read, and plant the black-eyed susans. Nope not the irises yet. This day...today as soon as I get off the computer I am going to do the ones sitting up on the ground. Then I have a few to move. Geesh. The BE susans went in where the irises came out...because they will spread there and no weeds will have a chance....that will take at least 1 year to happen, but that's ok.
Arabella WTG on the minimal gain.
I'm officially off the wagon with 2 of my goals....happened late Saturday night....still not eating after 8, but the water and vitamin got me. Maybe I'll just continue on with the no eating rule, since I haven't mangled it yet! I have been drinking water, just not a religious liter.
So, gotta go....get dressed, do rhizomes and walk. The preggo girl scarfed down her brekkie, so no puppies today. Thank goodness, she is supposed to go to the co-breeders on Thurs am...which I think is too close to her due date (she whelped early last year), the accomodations for my son may have fallen through on Sat pm for the winter months, and DH hit a deer yesterday morning...lottsa damage to the vehicle. I should just be drunk and the size of a house. I ate more than I should but at least was disciplined enough to not do it after 8 pm. So, today is Monday. Fresh start et al.
Good luck on the WI Arabella. Your garden sounds loverly Kat...aren't coleus annuals that seed? I moved my lilies yesterday too..3 that had multiplied into thirteen. Just dug 'em up, suplemented the soil and stuck 'em back in a little more spread out. That's why I had so many b e susans...they were encroaching.
I'm hopping on! I've been doing okay but not putting in a full-out effort -- which, sadly, seems to be what's required I've got to lose 5-6 pounds in each 21-day span to make goal by Christmas. I was just thinking of how many Christmases I've tried on some item of clothing for a party and, finding it too small, thought "If ONLY I'd gotten a grip back in the fall this would FIT!" Gripping, I am. Here's my plan:
Non-negotiables:
WW Core (including actually tracking all non-core items)
At least 2L water a day (preferably 3, which I usually get)
Meditation each day
Aerobic exercise of some sort each day
Some mind-body each day (tai chi, yoga, Pilates)
Some FUN each day
Only exceptions to be exercise if I'm honestly not up to it. Which really doesn't happen often.
Let's HIT IT!!!
Soooo, I went to the first choir practice last night. This is going to be challenging, but I shall persevere. I was very tired yesterday but had no thought at all of skipping Which is not the case with most things -- if I'm tired in the evening I'm not inclined to go out if I don't have to.
DH is going to help me learn to read the music. I've got a vague idea about it but it will be really helpful to have his input. I went to the Naxos website to play the two pieces we worked on last night and did a very feeble job of singing along. But, yup, shall persevere. I'm going to see if I can pick up a digital recorder for practices. Even last night, the sound inside the choir was quite wonderful sometimes.
Ceara, oh, that sounds like a LOT of stress! Fortunately, it would take a long time WAY off the wagon to undo all the success you've had. Hmm... do coleus self-seed? I've got a few flowering now.
I decided not to take the time to go to WI yesterday since I'd just been on Saturday. However, am weighing in every morning again to ensure nuthin' fluffy sneaks up on me :s
Katrinabgood, I wish I had your garden center AND your gardening mojo. You and Mme. Ceara are very inspiring! I'm hoping to be able to devote a few days to my gardens before long.
How was "The Illusionist?"
K, Chicklets -- I must be off and running. Or woggling, as the case may be. Let's make this a good one!
Oh, how I know that feeling! Whether it's been for that holiday outfit, or for bathing suit season, a big party, whatever....where I've had plenty of time ahead to make a significant difference....all of a sudden, it's a week before and I'm scrambling to find a decent dress/bathing suit/outfit that somehow conceals how fat I am....or even just fits. I've spent many a day in a dressing room, fighting back tears, disheveled, sweating, ready to hit my head on the wall for putting myself through this AGAIN, when I swore the last (five) times, I would never ever do this to myself again.
...so....where was I? Kinda got lost in those ugly memories, when I was all pumped about my day's accomplishments.
I went for two walks today, even got dh to accompany me this morning! We went to a nearby park after dropping sonny boy off at school. Walked around the track for about twenty minutes. Very manageable, and we both enjoyed the lovely morning. Miss Molly (my chocolate Lab) came along this evening. She's way more enthusiastic about walkies than hubby is, but I'm kinda hopeful for some future walks with him. I think it was just the right amount of time for him that he wasn't feeling like it was "work." Gotta fool these men sometimes.
I also got some Yoga in tonight. I bought this great dvd at WW last week. (the one I was doing at 2am) It's called "Get Moving," and it has four different workouts, 20 min each: Fat Burning, Toning/Strengthening, Yoga/Pilates, Cardio Dance , and a 10 min Abs workout. I've been trying to get at least one, if not two in a day. It's quick, easy to increase intensity if necessary, and I feel like I'm really working it this week. between that and the walks!
Gotta hit the shower....I should be preparing for work and my first class tomorrow...right after work: Computer Literacy. Should be good, since I am quite 'technologically impaired' as my son says....nice kid. (he's right)
I will leave you with a great EASY, dee-licious recipe I found at one of the WW threads here...
Black Bean Soup
1 can balck beans drained
1 1/2 cups (or so) vegetable broth...or whatever kind of broth you like
1 cup salsa
Mix together in a bowl, microwave til hot...It's great as is, but I've been sprinkling about 2T light shredded cheddar on top.
2 points per cup. Very very good, and it keeps well in the frig, I just finished up the batch I made last week! Hearty!
Now I really have to get moving...time's a wasting...Good night, ladies!
to all 
s. Nice to see you Pyro...a mini-streak of 2 days is better than a 2 day binge. Look at it as training for the big event. You will do it! Glad our "sickies" Wsw and Anagram are on the recovery road...Kaylets...how are you? Eydie...nice to see you popping in. What do you think of that Ultra Metabolism book? I need to see if we have it in the system. 
on my next birthday, and would really like to began the second half of my century slim, trim, healthy and happy! 
Good morning, Queenies!
Can't beat it! Sadly, I had to do paying work instead yesterday but will pick away at housework and life and work issues. 
Now I know. 
My losses are never very consistent, no matter how well I'm doing. Sometimes it's a pound, a pound, nothing, and then 3 or 4 pounds. Ah, yeah -- let's think about how far along we'll be with our masterpieces next summer 
comes to us from our beloved Empress Amarantha (who you know, I think, by some other name if I could just remember what it was 
) who beith on walkabout. She has some compatibility issues with this site and her computer.
when he heard the shower going at 3:00. 
*yawn* Hi Queenlies.
Ah well. I guess I can't really expect to have 2 pounds off by tomorrow morning but I'm going hiking next weekend so maybe NEXT Monday. I'm going to restart my challenge tomorrow, work out what I've got to lose to hit my Christmas goal. And how I'm going to do that 
Onederland Express: Day 1
