WELCOME

We are a group of people who are working together to lose our excess weight.
We are on different plans and are of different sizes.
We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We recently started a Topic of the Day.

Monday........Motivation Monday
Tuesday.......Tuesday Tips
Wednesday..... Weigh ins / Wacky/ Way to go Wednnesday
Thursday......Thankful Thursday
Friday........Friday Facials, Fingernails and Fun
Saturday.......Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Sunday.........Soup and Salad Sunday - recipes

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We have found them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears...joys and celebrations.

Please feel free to jump right in with us.
And be sure to check if there is a second page. We don't want anyone to miss any posts.

Hi everyone... I am back for a couple of days again.

My trip to see my parents was sad. My mom is not doing well.
She said maybe it is time for us kids to put her into a nursing home. I told her that would have to be her choice/decision not ours. She had to make that determination. We would not "put her away" into a nursing home. I have such mixed feelings. I would not want to die in a nursing home. I would rather die at home. But... as humans we fight to stay alive. To stay alive will mean a nursing home soon for my mom. She doesn't want to go back to a nursing home. I suggested some one come to the house for a couple of hours a day... but that doesn't solve the other 20-22 hours.

I have not read any prior posts. I just saw we were at 30 and started this new one.
My food was pretty good... but could have been better.
No fear of a gain... but no hope for a loss either.
I do want to share... I am more mobile. I like that !!!

I am tired ...very tired... so I am going to bed and will read tomorrow.
I have a TON of things to do tomorrow... so I don't know when I will be in... but I will return.

I have been reading about the Protein Power diet. It is recommended by a doctor that wrote a book on menopause. I am not in menopause yet but know it's coming and am trying to get prepared. Anyway, I ordered the book from a discount place. Then I found a discussion group and was reading that yesterday. It sounds like one of their main things is journaling. You know I hate that.

I suppose it is divine justice....I pick a diet with journaling. I suppose the darn diet will even work!!!

I always do this type of thing...it's just like when I ended up studying Russian by mistake.

Baylee, what's an ezboard?

I read this today in a magazine and wanted to share:Giving up some foods was hard, but being overweight was harder.

Okay, Baylee, here is my Russian story. I was doing my Grandfather's family for our family tree and had found a lady in Norway I am Norwegian NOT Russian that lived in the town he was from that was willing to look things up for me. We corresponded for years but it was hard because I didn't know Norwegian and she didn't know English. She would have to have her daughter-in-law translate my letters and write to me for her. So, since I live in Norwegian country (Minnesota) I thought it might help if I took a class in Norwegian plus I had always wanted to learn another language anyway. Low and behold there weren't any classes anywhere and that is when I lived in the Cities. Finally, in our local Community Education classes I saw a class for Russian and thought, "this would be a good way to get used to learning another language until a Norwegian one comes along." I had always heard once you know one language it is much easier to learn others.

Are any of you Russian?????? Imagine my horrer, when on the first night of class I discover they don't even use our alphabet!!!! They (and now I) have a whole book of over 200 verbs!!!! There letters are almost like Chinese symbols - nothing resembling our alphabet.

I took the class for three years (I can hear you all laughing) and still only know - wall, ceiling, red, bathroom etc.

I still haven't taken Norwegian, unless you count the swear words my Dad taught me!

Lucky...

I used to be good friends with a girl whose parents were from Norway...I learned (and taught my dog) a phrase that sounded something like "ska duut?" It meant, "Wanna go out?" or ""Do you need to relieve yourself?" that's all I know...sorry!

Hi all not much going on I've been going through all the files we were given. Food is soso
on a happy note DH and i are going away for the week end we are going to stay in a casino hotel in Vicksburg Mississippi. I bought me 2 new swim suits. haven't tried them on yet though.

Kat, I will try the next time I go to a bar!!!!!

I heard it was suppose to be in the 90's Fri, Sat and Sun so I mowed my "buns" off. Now my feet really hurt but at least it is done.

Baylee, is there a fun way to journal???? I think I will change my lunch hour and do it then. Maybe waiting until the end of the day is what gets to me???

Hi everyone,

Day 3 done and over with. I lost two pounds. Every evening I'm hungry. Taking a nap is helping with that. Hopefully this is it.

Kat, my girlfriend does fit for life. She says it's easy. If she feels bloated, she does it for awhile and loses weight. I'm thinking of trying it. At times, I do eat veggies and meat without starches. Variety spices things a bit.

What are you doing to celebrate July 4th? My dad's one year is on July 2. We'll celebrate a mass for him and go to a japanese buffet for dinner. It seems odd a whole year has passed. I had one of those wonderful dreams early this morning. I can't explain it, but I don't wake up scared. Very soothed and comforted. A happy dream.

Tomorrow, it's walking with Mikey. He's scheduled for neutralization on July 16th and will stay for two nights. Poor thing. My brother was outside today and I showed him Mikey's tricks. Unknowing to my brother, Mikey always rolls over to scratch his back. I told Mikey to "roll over" and he did. Had him sit and shake hands. He did it. Afterwards, I told my brother he always roll over. It was pretty funny. My brother was amazed he could do tricks. And he got had.

I tried on my size 20w bathing suits and I look lumpy. For acceptance standards, I have to lose another 40lbs. Yikes, pretty long way ahead.

Have a great Friday,
Malia

Happy Friday everyone
I did invite you to be on my buddylist I guess I forgot. I do use marygschwab as a handle. So lets chat sometime.

I can't wait till we leave I have to work today but we leave in the morning. I do hope I win some money but I am only setting aside $20.oo to put in the slots. And I will eat at the buffet.

Hope all of you have a great weekend I'll try to check in before we go.

Happy Friday !!!!
Seems we are missing quite a few people here lately...including me. LOL Summer seems to be such a busy time for everyone.
Today is FUN FRIDAY... I wish I was out going to garage sales. I have to babysit again today and tomorrow... and those are the two best garage sale days.

I got myself up early this morning and went swimming. It was pretty nice. The early hours are reserved for lap swimming but there was a couple who were there to play. They were constantly getting into others lanes and then started playing with a hard heavy basketball in the pool. It is not relaxing fearing being hit in the head with a heavy basketball. The life guard explained to them that lap swimmers had top priority at that time but they didn't seem to care.

My food is still good enough to not gain... but I just can't seem to lose. I know what it takes... but my thinking keeps falling into that line Baylee posted.... "Eat right, exercise regularly... and die anyways" LOL. I am enjoying eating what I eat. I eat sanely, but not enough veggies. I do not overeat. But that does NOT produce weight loss for me. But I seem to be HAPPY... and that may be my problem. I am too happy to change. I don't know if that is curse or a blessing? LOL

Well friends... I have got to jump into the shower and wash this pool water out of my hair. It sure is good to see you all. I know that summer is a hard time to keep this site going strong... but I hope we ALL take a few minutes and contribute to its success.
A garden never watered will die out... and that is true of this web site too. We have to contribute to its life. Love you all.

Hi everyone,

Day 4 is done and over with. It's Friday. No work until Monday. Yes!!!

Mikey and I walked this morning. He was running in circles trying to catch the eye of a scottie. Poor thing, better enjoy his hormones because they'll be history in two weeks.

Baylee, I loved your 25 phrases of wisdom. Middle age had me chuckling. Very true.

Saturday, will be yard cleaning day. Have a wonderful Saturday.
Malia

Well ladies... I am here... but I am very stressed.
I feel like a terrible grandmother because it is not as much fun watching these little ones for "days" as it is for just a few hours.
The baby is 4months and the older one is only 22 months. They keep me hopping.
I resent that my husband helps "mi-nute-ly" and thinks he is a saint for it.
He goes play golf before coming home to help. Then he takes the 22 month old with him while he goes to the driving range with our daughter. And in the morning he plans to go fishing and then golf before he comes home to help again. (Which his help will consist of taking a nap.)
The story gets even more one sided... but I am too angry to discuss it now. It just makes me want to cry. I love my grandkids... but I definitely feel "used".
My son doesn't even think of it as me doing Them a favor.... he acts like he is doing me a favor. Three days of no kids for them... and three days of me alone with the kids... is NOT doing me a favor.
I enjoy spending the evening with them. When they are older it won't be so hard on me. Now it is a lot of work. Both in diapers... both needing carried a lot. It is hard enough for me to get around alone... but with a baby on each hip is hard on me.
I don't want to complain. I know they will take it wrong. But I expected HELP from my husband.... not being left alone with them for three days.
I wish I could write a more uplifting note... but I am very depressed right now.
I feel used, I feel ashamed I can't be more mobile, I feel angry with ALL of them... my son, my d-i-l, and especially my husband. He always says he will help... but... his kind of help isn't much help. I HATE sounding soooo gripey. I hate sounding like I don't love my grandkids.. I DO. I hate being taken advantage of.

My son did ask if I was okay with them staying. I just don't have the courage to say "no I am not okay with it. It is too hard on me for days"
I HATE being put into a situation that would require me to have to admit it. My whole family knows I am OBESE and can barely take care of myself. They know... but they want their freedom too. They don't want to admit it is too hard on me because then they wouldn't have a babysitter. The other grandma told them all the kids were too much for her. I felt sorry for them. I always have put others well being ahead of my own. Gee... that sounds awfully conceited. But.. I have always been a people pleaser. Well... I AM TIRED OF IT.

Okay... please disregard everything I wrote. I am just rambling. I think I will end now. When I reread this it makes me look soooo shallow. But it is how I feel.

2Cute,

Two kids at those ages would wear out a 20 year old! If you are old enough to be a grandmom, you have legitimate reason to need help taking care of two young children without having to mention weight.

One way to get the message across that you are taking on too much without sounding like you are just complaining is to engage your son and/or DIL in "problem solving". Do they have any suggestions as to how to make the grandkids' visits any easier on you? How about a baby carrier or snuggly? That might make it easier to carry at least one kid. Are there any special TV shows or toys that work with each child? For the baby, a vibrating seat or baby swing might give you some peace. For the toddler, favorite videos might work. Ideally, these would be reserved for trips to your house so the child doesn't get jaded with them at home. Your son may not want to give you exclusive access to some favorite entertainment of one of his children, but tell him you want the kids to think that visiting you is very special and fun and that you need the help otherwise you won't be able to take them for as long or as often. Similarly, if meal times are a hassle for you, ask if it's OK if you break all the dietary rules they usually follow. Ditto bedtimes and any other rules that make the visits more difficult. Visiting Grandma is special.

In addition to coming up with some practical ways to make these visits easier on you and lots of fun for the kids, it might also have the effect of reducing their dependency on you for baby-sitting without your having to ask. They may know the kids will be spoiled rotten while they visit you (Grandma's perogative) and when they get them back they will have to deal with the let down. So the attraction of leaving them with you will be somewhat reduced.

Involve your husband in the same way. Tell him that you don't feel you can manage without *even more* help from him. Remember that for his generation, he thinks he is helping you out a lot and is probably somewhat put out that you aren't appreciating his efforts. Do you have access to a double stroller or carriage? Ask him if he would be willing to take them out on a long walk twice a day or even just a long car ride to give you a baby break. Don't forget whenever he does help out to pet him emotionally to motivate him to do more.


Good luck!!!!

Just a quicky. We are getting ready to leave. I feel for you 2cute keep your chin up. talk when I return from my mini vacation.

G'day Ladies,

At 2cute's prompting, I thought I'd take a few minutes to "keep this site going strong." Btw, 2cute, I feel for your situation with your family. Yo-Yo was right; taking care of kids that age is exhasting for someone in their 20s! We're thinking of having kids in a few years and I'm scared of all that exhasting responsibility myself!

Well, it's been a couple of days since I last posted. My diet has been going well but I've been REALLY annoyed at my husband and haven't felt like posting. Fighting with him kinda zaps all my energy. *sigh* Sometimes I look back wistfully at the time when I was single (5+ years ago)!

Malia... hope your yard cleaning day went well and it wasn't sweltering out there! Congratulations on day four!

Howdy to everyone else out there... Baylee, Lucky, Thin, Tina, Mary, Kat... Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Toodles,
Sara