Gary... as someone who has fundraised for the church for years _ I can tell you there are easier ways to earn $60.00. In fact we just raised approximately $3000.00 over a three month period to offset costs for our upcoming family camp.
Anyway - I like the baked potato bar Idea and can see a lot of potential. In New Zealand, potato is a huge part of our diet. Most families would eat potatoes in some form every night with their dinner.

Body for Life is working really well for me, and my husband who has lost 15.4 pounds in 5 weeks. Yes - it is VERY hard work, but we were ready for a lifestyle change and thats what we've done.
So far I'm loving it.

Its turned out that I have to be out every night this week - and it does make it a challenge for me and hubby to both fit in work, and work outs as well. Whats exciting, is that for the first time ever in my long history of dieting my workouts are a priority and now so much a part of my lifestyle that I just FIND A WAY to fit them in. It is simply not an option to just skip a day, in fact I have only missed two days in six weeks and that was due to illness. It is such an awesome feeling to be in control of this area (instead of food controlling me!)-
we are learning to "honour self promises". & the impact is huge.

anyway - sorry for prattling on - hope you are all doing well
Carly:sheep:
(just had to put the sheep in cos you know we have lots of them here in NZ!)

Hi all,

Reading your posts this morning is helping me greatly.
Been feeling really down the last few days. It didn't help that
yesterday was the day from h--l at work. Too many cheifs that don't know what they are doing and not enough of us little guys. Is it just where I work or does everyone find that there is so much hustle and bustle and everyone is always yelling at each other.

In the past if I had a bad day I would have icecream or something really nasty. Last night at supper I didn't have the icecream and felt really good about it. BUT...... before bed I did a healthy eating trip. I tried to look at it positively instead of a huge sandwich I had a wrap with salmon in it and instead of a whole bag of chips I had about 3 handfuls. BUT..... still beating
myself up badly. Wondering if it is really worth it. Can anyone give me a good kick in the butt!!!!!

I love to quilt and don't have aplace to leave my sewing machine set up all the time. When I got home last night my husband had made a spot in the corner of the den with my own desk for my machine. This should make me really happy but was too hyper after the day at work to really appreciate it. Will try to throw myself into quilting and get out of the dumps I am in.

Just don't feel like I am ever going to get any thinnner!!!!!
Need motivation +++++++

Now that I have been such a downer, hope everyone else's day is going much better. Pretty dull and dreary day here.
My nephew is coming for a visit maybe that will cheer me up!

Take care all,
Canoes

Hi Canoes. Yes....been there, done that. My weekend was basically, (well Sunday for sure...) a free for all. I started well with good intentions and did a great grocery shop. When I came home, there was dh working in the yard clearing out the scrub and scraggles of brush. Within 2 hrs, a friend of his dropped by and then all work stopped and the beers started to flow. Next thing another friend stopped by and more beer. Well, I guess I got a little envious...why should I work and finish the laundry when I could be outside enjoying the sunny 70f weather. So after giving myself permission to 'enjoy' the day, I started thinking....hey the guys need some munchies....out came the tortialla chips and salsa. From there it was downhill. Cookies, chips, pudding....at least I can say I did it with moderation. But adding up all the "indulgences" at one time did put me way over in my pts!! And I'm blaming it on the guys!! ( lol )

But Monday came around and then I got back on track.....back to my regular foods and journalling my points. So you see? IT HAPPENS!! but the real lesson is learning from it, and turning it around before a major slide happens. YOU CAN DO IT!! Now with several great days backing me up, I know I'm back on track. But if, I let that slide happen...who know's how long I would have been off plan.

ps....I thought your hubby was a real sweetie for setting up your table. He deserves a big hug. what a nice thing to do for you!

Well, it's Thursday...weigh-in day! Yuck!!! Well, I can report only a half pound loss for this week. I know I was good this week and excercised every day, sooo...I am not going to get discouraged. I will keep doing what I have been doing...and see what happens next week.

The weather here is great today, except for the monster winds. I hope to get out after work and go for a walk. If not, I think I'll do Miss Annoying (Tracy Austin) workout tape.

I went to Goody's yesterday. I don't know if you guys have these stores. Kind of like a Kohl's or Gordman's. Anyways....I saw some really cute swimsuits. I eyed up some of the tankini's and am hoping that come May I can slip one of those on and look good! Not just "oh, she looks fine in that suit" BUT "WOW! Look at the BABE in the suit over there!!! Wonder if she's with someone?" THAT Kind of good. To which I'll have to reply that I already have a sweetie pie of my own. BUT.... Okay, break the day dreaming...

Well, I hope you all are having a GREAT day!!!! Hope to hear from you soon.

Boating
Oh, by the way, Canoes, I agree with Angel...what a sweet husband to give you a little space to do your thing. Quilting is vitually impossible to do with food in your hands, so I am sure it is good for a healthy mind and body!

Hi Everyone- The potato dinner went o.k.--kind of felt like we were having a party and nobody came for awhile! We had 57 people counting the 8 helpers--made a profit of $6.00--yes that's 6 bucks! Oh well--- Carly, I know I said fundraiser but I really didn't mean that exactly---what we try to do is provide dinner before Lent service at an economical price--$4--$12 max. per family--if we would have gotten the 80 people we realistically had hoped for we would have netted $76. It is mostly a way to help people get their families to church for Lent services--so glad the BFL is working for you and your husband---it is nice to have your spouse work with you isn't it? I am very fortunate in that regard, we do alot of training together.
Canoes why don't you try to treat yourself with something healthy after a bad day for awhile and see how that works--I know after I stay off the junk for awhile my body doesn't crave it as much. Angel-eyes I live your attitude opn re-focusing- Boating, that one-half pound loss just makes you look that much HOTTER!!!!
Love you guys--off to my Christian Thread then to my son"s softball game---no exercise today for me.

Hello Ladies, and EZ$. Well, not a good weighin. Tommorow,(my regular weighin) was not a good day for my meeting due to activities for the boys so I took the bull by the horns and rather miss a meeting went today. BIG MISTAKE!! I am so upset I could cry for the frustration. This is my 8 th weighin and I've only lost 8 lbs. I thought for sure a loss was going to happen. And other than a few little slips early on a couple of weeks,( but I've had the points to cover them.....) I have stayed true to my pts and really doing well. I think better, and I know I eat better.....so whats the problem then? I am very very discouraged!! I want this to work!!! and I'm so frustrated!!!! (#*??%&$#@!) Not that , that will help....but I feel angry with myself even though I'm following plan, and like I've said before....walking the walk and talking the talk. Any ideas? suggestions? pull-eaze!!

Okay Gals and Guy!!! Where are you hiding? Come out, come out, wherever you are!!! I was looking forward to reading some stuff since yesterday was weigh-in, and....not much happened! Now...I know that these are tough times....and it's easy to give up. But....I NEED YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH....DON"T LEAVE ME!!!!

Angel. I don't know anything about weight watchers. I don't know anything about counting points. What I do know is that I have lost two pant sizes since Jan. 1. From size 18 to size 14 and I haven't counted anything, or weighed anything (except my butt!) I honestly think that the best weapon I have used is asking myself "Am I really hungry, or just eating? Is eating this (Brownie) worth the frustration of stepping on the scale and not seeing what I want?" Another trick is...before I sit down and start eating I mentally picture myself thinner (or some skinny chick like Cindy Crawford) and try to imagine what a skinny person eats. I kinda talk to myself and say "would a skinny person eat the left over macaroni off three 1/2 year old's plate?" Of course not! And don't give yourself the "kids are starving in Ethiopia trip...so I shouldn't throw away two spoonsful of food".
Another thing I used to do when I lost the first 50 lbs 2 years ago... I would sometimes eat something because I had "saved calories" (kinda like banking your points) by watching a certain meal. Let's say that I ate a really light lunch and ate good for dinner...so I'd tell myself that I deserved that Hot Fudge Brownie Delight, "and what the heck...I ate really sensible today!" That's great....if you aren't expecting dramatic results. Dramatic results require drastic measures! Drastic measures means keeping to your points, but not necessarily using all of them if you don't need to.
You're walking the walk and talking the talk... It sounds like you are doing what your plan says to do. Another idea is adding a few extra minutes to your excercise, maybe not every day, but to one or two workouts a week. Your body may have a harder time burning fat and the extra couple minutes adds up to another couple hours a month! I know that you are a positive thinker...I have read it the past couple of weeks...so I know that you are going to get past the 8 pound mark!!!
I hope I am being helpful and not sounding like some know-it-all ***** who thinks because she lost a few pounds she is the dieting guru of the universe!!! I have a long way to go, yet. And I have come from where you are at now...so I know YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!!! You will lose that weight..,you will have more energy to play with your boys, you will go out and buy smaller clothes ....YOU WILL be a goddess among women on that beach!!!

YOU WILL!!! I have faith in all of us!!!
Boatingmommy
Everyone, PLEASE write soon!

Well as many of you already know I was feeling really down last week with no weightloss. But I decided to pick myself up the next day and keep going. I felt frustrated but I knew DEEP down inside that I would NOT quit! Quitting is the worse feeling I could have! Well anyway my weigh in is today and I sneaked on the scale lastnight just hoping to have lost at least 1 lb. Well I lost 4 lbs this week! I'm on my way. I know my body had to budge. All I can say to anyone else who went through a no weight loss week is this" It's totally normal to feel upset because after a good week you didnt lose a pound, But dont let that make you quit"




Starting weight :
2/01/02 : 194 lbs
3/16/02 : 176 lbs I want to lose 35-40 more pounds

Gen

Hello everyone! How are you? I am doing good. Had a decent weekend....didn't over-do-it! I am very proud of myself. I am looking forward to the end of the week...Next week is vacation. Hooray!

I bought some clothes for vacation this weekend...I was really dreading it. It wasn't so bad. I am down a size and I felt really good about myself. I don't feel so uncomfortable wearing some of the things I have before....this has been good for me, and I thank everyone for their encouragement as well as sharing their own battles to keep us moving on the right track!

Next week is Easter...and I am looking forward to the next challenge already! One at a time though...lets get this one over first.

The weather here is nutty...warm, cold, rain, sunny, snow...we have it all. I can't wait for it to get straightened out so I can get outside more and walk. I am staying after work everyday this week for meetings...I am thinking of bringing my videos along to do afterwards. I would be more prone to doing them then. Once I get home- forget it!

Well better be moving along...time to get to work. I am looking forward to hearing from all of you! Keep up the good work everyone...we are winning the battle of the bulge!

Trace

I havent heard from Gracenote in a while. I looked back at her last post and she was having computer problems. I havent seen the weekly Weigh In for everyone in the Spring Challenge ,now I guess I know why. If anyone feels comfortable with PM me their last weigh loss ,no loss or gain . Please PM it to me so I can post it for this time , until Grace comes back. I miss her Motivational Posts!!!! I will just check last week's weigh in losses and add what pounds anyone has lost from there. If this sounds like a bad idea please let me know! I will try to PM grace ,hopefully she could get to read my PM


ttyl, Gen

Howdy partners!!! Hope you all are doing well. Trace, Glad to hear from you. Vacation, Huh? Going anywhere good? Or are you staying at home and just enjoying NOT being at work? And you bought clothes!!! That is exciting! And a size smaller no less...a testimony to your hard work. Good for you!

I got over one hurdle...St. Patrick's Day celebration. Didn't eat too much, but definitly could have drank less. I payed for it on Sunday. Green beer goes in and comes out...green. UCKY! I am kinda trying to prepare myself for the Easter festivities. My mother and father in law always get a honey baked ham...delicious We aren't buying the kiddo much candy for her basket this year. She really doesn't like much of it...and then it sits around and sweetie pie and I eat it. Soo...I hope to keep it under control.

Gennel, way to go with the loss. I'd knew it'd have to come off sometime...you've really been pushing hard!! Swimsuit is looking more attainable all the time.

Gary, haven't heard from you in a couple. How much driving did you do this weekend? And, how is that workout room? Did you get everything put together?

Okay...it's everyone else's turn to smack me...I really am stuck...the scale hasn't budged in two weeks...but I haven't given up. I will admit to being in a huge blue funk. But I really did want to make that spring challenge a reality. There are a couple of days left...we'll see what happens.

Boating

Hi everyone,

Haven't posted in a bit again. Worked 3, 12 hour shifts this weekend and didn't even have the computer on. Walked home from work though on 2 of those nights and it is a mile home. Doesn't sound like much but better than sitting in the car on the way home. I find the walk just clears my head and let me wind down before I get home.

Lost 3 lbs this week. Can't believe it but feeling great.

Sounds like everyone is doing well too.

Keep up the good work everyone!!!! Spring is coming strap on those sneakers and get walking.

Canoes

Ok ladies,
Why arent the people posting here?? The last weigh in chart I seen was 3/4/02 . Where is everyone. I hope you guys are still around. Is the Spring Challenge over 3/25 or 26 ? Come on ladies we still have like another week to lose 1-2 lbs WE CAN DO THISSSSS! My weigh in is in four days. I promised myself not to be so upset with myself it shows no weightloss. Does anyone know Gracie's email address? I know she was having problems trying to get into 3fcwebsite but I wonder if she's still able to check her emails... Since the spring challenge ends on the 25 or 26th I will weigh myself on that date and give my lbs lost if any!

Hope those that are feeling blue get back on track, no matter how hopeless you may think it is. Its worse to quit for a few weeks or permanently.
I miss everybody!

Gen

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been neglegent in posting recently. I do check in on a frequent basis, but am usually in a rush so I just scan the postings. Work has been very VERY busy and has me pretty stressed But that's ok because I have the next week off and am going to our cabin in northern Wisconsin. It's on a small lake and no one will be around this time of year..no tv no phone (well cell phone, but only family has the number) no neighbors just peace. I'm SO ready for this! I'll check back in in a week or so (no computer)

Hi and good morning.

Gennel..... I'm not sure when our challenge is over, or when our final weigh in is supposed to be. I used to have Grace's email, but that was before she moved. I also hope she is still on plan and is okay.

Canoes......Good for you, another 3 lbs lost forever!! Yeahh, way to go!!

Return2tra......Wow....shopping for new clothes, sounds like you had a great time. So nice to be able to fit into new ones in a slimmer size. Keep up the great job....that bikini is getting closer and closer!!

Wisconsin Woman......Enjoy your holidays....a little r and r will let you rejuevinate yourself and come back like a new person. Bring a good book and get lost in it.


I have been picking myself up and trying to get up over last weeks hurdle of yet another bad weighin. Yuck...and now I have TOM again, after only 2 weeks.I have been popping in here reading the posts but confess, have not been posting so much....(tsk tsk, naughty angeleyes...lol) Hope everyone is doing well, not much going on here....but am trying to follow my pts and go for a nice half hour morning walk each day. I'm hoping the walks help for a bit of a loss, if not.....at least I'm enjoying them! take care