Trish Congrats on the walking . I know it is the best feeling when your child takes their first steps . At least it was to me.

I didnt do any workout today I have been busy Cleaning house and doing laundry and stuff so I will hopefully take my walk later. If the rain stays aways. Boy has this board ever been dead lately. Where is everyone??
My Step Daughter is mailing me Pictures of my Grandson He is sooo cute. We havnt got to met him yet I hope soon though. He will be 2 here in march . I hear he is a real terror on wheels.

I better be going gots more laundry to do and stuff to put away.

Can I get in?

I know it does seem like we're slowing down a bit on here. I have to admit I got really busy there for awhile and just couldn't keep up.

I have to update the September challenge board for last week also.

Melissa: Good luck on the test. Thanks on the little one. I didn't have my water but I do now. I can get about 40 to 60 oz in a day, then I get tired of the water. It was really easy in the beginning now its becoming a chore.

I love the exercise though.

Hi Bonnie: I haven't been able to re arrange my living room in for ever. especially now with the littleone. I love doing that kind of stuff. I want a new house then I'll start that process over.

Hi Danielle: I'm going to do the read in October too. I need to go get the book tomorrow.

Hi Amanda

Hi Iwantnewpants

Hi Aqua

Hi Heather: Young lady stay away from all those crazy drugs some work some don't. Glad you dinner turned out good.

Hi Sara it sounds like your dropping a lot weight. Congrats are in order. :carrot: :carrot: :carrot: Keep it up. Mike going to be apologizing soon.;)

Remeber ladies Mia is on vacation. I don't know where Aqua is. Aqua where are you? :o

:welcome3: Aliceshellique and Bajachick3. Nice to have you with us. make yourself at home. Tell us all about yourselves.

oh oh! Can I get in on this too? I just signed up! Where are the goals at, like what are the water goals for the day? Or do we set our own goals? Thanks ladies! I am still trying to find my way around this place!

Trish, good to see ya lady! :wave: OMG what wonderful news about your DD!!! I can only imagine how proud your family was watching her this weekend. Aren't kids somethin' else? Sometimes I look at mine and they literally take my breathe away. My sis is encountering the same thing as far as walking babes...my niece who is just turned 9mon. has taken it upon herself to walk. She skipped crawling completely and went straight from sitting up to pulling herself to standing. Needless to say, dear ol' mom was not prepared for such an active kid so soon! lol Glad to hear ya got back on the wagon today and are starting again! No time like the present is there? Good luck with the water, its just one of those things isn't it? I know I am thankful that I don't work otherwise I know for sure I'd be struggling with it too! I don't know how you gals do it! BTW, be sure and check half.com for our Oct. read if you can't find it locally. Out of 5 libraries here, not a one carries it so had to order it. Can't beat 75cents for a book!

Melissa, yeah definitely don't get any change of seasons here! lol Being a California girl I can't say that I have ever experienced it in my life. I think the closest I ever came was living in Northern Cali--still, no snow though. If the kids weren't so settled here, I seriously would have half a mind to move somewhere where we could experience all that. Not to mention buying a house for LOTS cheaper! The exercise was supposed to commence this morning however dh had other plans for me! :rolleyes: He had a list of errands for me to run since he's working all day. Looks like tomorrow he will be doing my bidding since it's his day off! :devil: I am seriously gonna try and get some in tonight though as I watch tv if I can get thru all the chores I have lined up. The cough is still there but it feels like it's losing steam. Thank God! Am looking forward to sweating for a change! Bob still keeps whispering to me, especially now that I have to see him once a week as it is on Wed. LOL Oye, I am seriously delusional, ain't I?

Bonnie, a busy bee today huh? I'm gonna have to get that way real quick here in a sec. if I can ever peel myself away from the computer that is! LOL Ohhhh a new grandbaby!!! Betcha can't wait to lay on eyes on that cutie, huh?

♥danielle

Aliceshellique and Cartersmama!! Welcome welcome!!! Its great to see some new faces around here!! Jump in wherever you want! As far as goals we all set our own, for instance my goal this week is to get 100 oz of water a day.

We have a couple of challenges going, one is the Tour de losers where you figure out how far it is to a vacation spot you'd like to visit and you exercise your way there!

Another is the Fall Leaf Challenge where you make a tree (get out those crayons and paper) and some leaves and you tape it up somewhere in your home. Then every pound you lose during Fall (september 23-december 13) you take a leaf off your tree. The idea is to have no leaves on there come winter!

Other than that, just jump in where you can! We are thrilled to have you! You'll see we are pretty laid back and all about support and motivation around here! Cant wait to get to know you better!!

~melissa

Are They Jealous of Your New Body?
 

Ran across this article on another board I lurk on and found it very interesting. I experienced this the first time I lost a huge amount of weight. At first I thought I was nuts or being narcisistic in thinking that anyone could be jealous of me! lol So glad to know that I am normal. Well. Almost anyways! :dizzy:

♥danielle


Are They Jealous of Your New Body?
Why friends and family may not be thrilled with your weight loss -- and what to do about it

By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Feature

Reviewed by Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD

You've given up most of those high-calorie foods you used to love. Exercised every day, even when you didn't feel like it. And finally, it's all paying off: You're edging toward your weight loss goal -- and looking pretty terrific!

At the same time, you've encountered what seems like a surprising lack of enthusiasm from some of your family and friends -- maybe even your partner -- about your new look.

As unusual as this may seem, experts say it's actually quite common to receive some unexpected reactions when you dramatically change your appearance.

"Human beings are hard-wired to resist change, so it's not uncommon to encounter some resistance whenever change occurs," says John McGrail, a Los Angeles clinical hypnotherapist and behavior expert.

Complicating matters further: When we accomplish a goal -- particularly something as difficult as losing weight -- it may serve to remind friends and family of their own failed attempts. That, too, can spark a negative reaction.

"In some ways, your weight loss becomes a symbol of their inability to accomplish their goals, so they may begin to act resentful -- or even mean -- oftentimes without even realizing they are doing so," says Christian Holle, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J.

If their goals happened to also involve weight loss, the resentment (especially from friends) can be doubly strong.

"You may find that they are suddenly excluding you from activities, saying mean things, taunting you about your new body or even your new clothes -- all born of resentment about not being able to achieve their own weight loss goals," says Warren Huberman, PhD, a psychologist who often counsels patients in conjunction with the New York University Program for Surgical Weight Loss.

What's more, Huberman says, when you experience that resentment, it's not uncommon to have a "knee-jerk reaction" yourself and to pull away in anger and hurt. But this is the last thing you want to do.

"You have to think about how you would feel in a similar situation, or maybe how you felt when others lost weight and you couldn't," Huberman says. "Try to put yourself in the place of the person who didn't win the lottery, so to speak, and you'll see that the resentment is all about them and not about you."

Love, Sex, and Weight Loss

For many folks, the decision to lose weight is met with an enthusiastic response -- particularly from intimate partners. Most relish the idea of having a healthier, happier (not to mention hotter-looking) significant other.

But sometimes, even the most encouraging partner can turn into a less-than-stellar supporter once the weight loss actually begins to show.

The reason: Your newfound good looks might be encouraging some formerly well-hidden insecurities in your partner.

"If a spouse becomes slimmer, feels better, and gets more attention from friends and strangers alike, their partner can suddenly feel threatened by the change in the status quo," McGrail tells WebMD.

Some may go so far as to accuse their newly slimmed-down partner of seeking out attention from the opposite sex, or of having an affair -- even when there is no real basis to believe that, Huberman says.

The answer, Holle says, is don't get mad, and don't feel bad. Instead, recognize that it's your partner's insecurities talking. And try a little gentle persuasion, aimed at soothing what is likely just a temporary slump in their own self-confidence.

"Remind them of how much their support has meant to you, and how happy you are to be healthy enough to do more things together," says Holle.

Often, he says, all that's needed to put the relationship back on track is letting your partner know he or she is wanted and needed -- along with a little reassurance that your feelings have not changed.

Huberman agrees: "The key is not to recoil and let walls build. Recognize what is going on, address it gently, and keep the lines of communication open."

Most of the time, experts say, a moderate jealous reaction from a friend or lover is normal and not indicative of any serious problems.

"Weight issues are sometimes used as weapons of control in a relationship."

At the same time, McGrail reminds us that weight issues are sometimes used as weapons of control in a relationship. When this is the case, a partner or friend may have used your weight as a kind of "emotional hammer" to keep you down and keep themselves the center of attention.

When this is no longer possible, experts say the whole dynamic of the relationship can change. And sometimes, it may crumble.

"If this does happen it usually means there were serious problems all along, and the weight loss just forced the issues to come out," says Huberman.

At the same time, don't be too surprised if weight loss also triggers the idea in you that certain relationships are no longer satisfying or healthy.

"Many times a person will remain in an ungratifying relationship because of their weight, because they have feelings of diminished self-esteem," says Huberman. Sometimes, he says, overeating may have even been triggered by problems in the relationship.

And once the weight is lost and you begin to feel better about yourself, it's not uncommon for you to want more from all your relationships, experts say. If that's not happening, it may be time to consider moving on.

"It can be a hard decision to leave friends and lovers behind, but sometimes it's just necessary to get on with your life in a positive and more healthy way," says Holle.

Dropping the Pounds, Keeping the Friends
The good news is that, most of the time, the really important relationships in your life will remain.

The first step in making sure that happens is to acknowledge that your weight loss has changed certain relationships. Be the first one to bring it up with those who are involved.

"You don't want to be accusatory because that only puts people on the defensive and drives a bigger wedge between you," Holle tells WebMD.

His suggestion: Open the conversation with your friends or family members by acknowledging that there seems to be something on their minds, and ask if they'd like to talk about it.

"Bring it up, bring up the changes in your appearance, and ask gently if there is something about the way you look now that is upsetting them," says Holle. "Don't accuse, ask."

The goal of the talk, he says, is to open the lines of communication in a very empathetic manner.

Huberman agrees: "It's perfectly fine to tell your friend that you notice a change in attitude towards you and ask if you can talk about it."

When you do, he says, tell them gently that you've noticed they don't include you as often, or don't seem as open to you as they did in the past -- and ask why.

Often, he says, you may discover your friends have been feeling they aren't "good enough" for the new you.

"When this is the case, some reassurance of your commitment to the friendship may be all that's necessary to put things back on track," says Huberman.

It's also important, the experts say, is to do some soul-searching about whether you may be putting a bit of distance between your new self and your old friends or spouse.

"You deserve to celebrate your achievements," Huberman says, "but it may also be worth asking yourself if your newfound joy might be perceived as a tiny bit arrogant."

If you think this might be true, don't downplay your accomplishments. Instead, share your joy about your new body, while explaining how, in the past, your weight may have kept you from being the assertive, active person you are now.

"In most instances, those who love you will not only get used to the new you, they will celebrate your newfound good health, good looks, and new attitude," says Holle.

If even after you try to include them in your joy, a partner or pal still resists supporting your achievements, it may be time to discuss the problem with a counselor. A professional can help you sort things out and determine whether the relationship is worth saving.

Published Mar. 10, 2006

Aliceshellique & Cartersmama :welcome2: It's wonderful to have you with us. Pull up a chair and stay awhile with us. We are a very laid back bunch who love a good time! We are here for you in any way we can help you. Looking forward to getting to know you ladies better!!!

♥danielle

:welcome3: cartersmama

The Water goal is 100 oz a day, Whew.

The tour de Highway is pick a place you'd like to travel and how many miles it takes to get there by bike, jogging, or walking. You also what to know how long it would take you to get there as well. Like my goal is New york its going to take me until january and its approximately 964.7 miles. I got aways to go yet but i try to do about 8 to 9 miles ( bike or treadmill for me) each time I exercise. It really depends on the equipment or none equip you use to.

I believe danielle can explain the tree challenge to you for the fall.

sorry melissa we were posting at the same time.

LOL no problem trish...tour de highway...I couldnt think of what you named that challenge! Sorry I stated it wrong a couple of times!

~melissa

Hi Danielle and Ladies! Thanks for the invitation Danielle. I love the picture of Bob! I don't know how you stand that heat! We're on our way to Alaska! Talk about opposites! LOL So, what is the book you're all reading?

Well, a little introduction...I'm a SAHM of three (11, 7 2). We're leaving on a once in a lifetime trip on Friday - moving to Alaska! I'm so completely geeked I can't hardly stand it! We sold our home (and thankfully made a very nice profit) and we packed everything we wanted to keep into an enclosed trailer and we're heading out across the Dakotas, over to Washington up through British Columbia into Alaska. No home to go to. No jobs. Yep, our families (and every other person who hears our story) thinks we're crazy. BUT, they all say they wish they were doing it too! LOL It's going to be quite an adventure. If the trip is even half as great as I think it's going to be I'll be thrilled! I plan to make a huge life change with my eating/exercise lifestyle on this trip also. Hiking/biking is on the daily agenda. I finally broke down and weighed in today...189.5...UGH. But, it's a starting poing right? This is the last time I will see that number. 50 pounds to go. I lost about 85 pounds a few years ago - but managed to gain it all back. When I had dd (2 years) I topped out at 245. So, I'm down a bit - but not enough to be happy. And.....when Momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy. Okay, I guess I better stop blabbing.

Thanks again for the invitation. You all look like a great group of ladies and I look forward to being a part of your weight loss success!

Hey there Alaskan Melody! I am thrilled you decided to join us here. These women here are wonderful in so many ways, and you can certainly count on any one of 'em to jump in and give you the support you need!

Wow! Your trip sounds amazing and wonderful and a lil' scary all rolled into one! :lol: I gotta tell ya tho', those are the kind I love!!! Your kids will never forget it that's for sure! Oh, and the hiking & biking out there, will be absolutely breath taking I'm sure!! During all this move will you be able to keep in touch with us? I certainly hope so!

You sound like a woman on a mission, I say GO FOR IT! You will definitely get results with such an awesome attitude and winning spirit. Again, it's great to have you here with us! Lookin' foreward to the journey ahead with you.

♥danielle

Hi all.
I lost some momentum but I didn't slip up. However, I took my monthly pictures and got a bit discouraged. I can see the changes, the very slight changes, but I look so "puffy." I don't know, it's just getting to be too daunting, the amount I want to lose. I feel like I can't keep going...