The 21 Day Challenge: Making Healthy Habits #5
 

Re: The 21 Day Challenge: Making Healthy Habits #5
 

Good Morning Blockettes!


Hope this morning finds you all happy and rarin' to go. I myself have been a bit down in the dumps. I don't know if it's because of that stupid gain last week, or whether it's some weird hormonal (menopausal) thing that is responsible for both gain and mood. Ugh. Nevertheless, I continue to persevere in the hopes that both weight and spirits will rise.

Anyway, I've been trying to be extra extra careful this week and am hoping to see results on the scale tomorrow morning.


Elaine, that's great progress. Compulsive eating is so nasty. And any kind of compulsion is by its very nature difficult to beat. I remember doing it and feeling like I had no control, and was hopeless and helpless. Still waiting to get that rush that makes me feel like doing stuff, though. It feels so GOOD when I'm living my life and not just pushing myself through the things I absolutely have to do.

Katrina, Barbapapa is a sort of amorphous blob (oh dear! is that why i relate? :eek: ) who can magically turn into various shapes and things -- hard to describe, but there was something warm and wonderful about them (i think there was a barbamama and so on too).


Which episode of I Love Lucy can you still sit down and watch??
~I don't remember I Love Lucy at all. Some vague memory about her not telling Ricky about something or other and getting in trouble (sad to say, I recognize that scenario all too well :o )

Which song from your teenage years STILL makes you tap your foot and hum when you hear it??

Layla! (but just about any of them, really!) Layla's a funny one, because when I was a teen, there was this frantic, passionate version, and in middleage, Clapton did the sedate un-plugged version. WAY too appropriate!

So many others: All along the Watchtower (Jimi version), Gimme Shelter, I Feel Good, etc, etc, etc...

Which age span could you have done without? (for example- 20-25) ?

Oh, 9-13 I guess. Not a good time.

How many sizes of your clothes do you still own? Yes, even the stuff that you couldnt wear even if it was the right size because it is sooooooo out of style??

Guess I must be an optimist in some ways, because I immediately get rid of clothes when they're too big. However, I have clothes packed away that are a couple of sizes smaller than my current one.

Do you really drink all the water you say you do?

Gurgle. Slosh. Glug. Uh...Yep.

Oh, I must get to work. Ick.

Love to all!

xo
babette
2/208 (-7)/2

Movin' on up
 

I've been lurking a while, and now that I've moved into my new house, I'd like to add this thread to my list of transitions.

This is Day One for me. I had a nice spate of days behind me, but yesterday I was feeling particularly lugubrious about all the changes (new neighbors, new routines, completely unfamiliar walking route, and WHERE THE HECK ARE MY UMBRELLAS?) and had a little binge-purge slip. Fortunately, I was able to stop it from spinning into the whole evening by diverting my kitchen attentions toward installing wire shelving in the cupboards. Nothing like power tools to put me in charge of my environment.

So. This morning I did 25 minutes of interval racewalking. And even though I had no idea of the distance, I can fix that tonight by driving around the neighborhood for five minutes and planning out a couple measurable routes. (My goal is to do 13-minute miles at my Labor Day half-marathon.)

Good breakfast -- 1/2 of a Zone Perfect bar after walking, then Irish oatmeal with blueberries an hour later. Plenty of water so far. My lunch bag packed with fruit salad, fresh chicken salad, grapes, and a Fresca. My head packed with thoughts of making the evening enjoyable amidst chaos.

I'm alright.

Thursday am
 

What a morning!!!
Car won't start, AAA says "lady, you need a new battery". Ok, that's good news. EXCEPT, a corroded post won't budge so, we are waiting for DH to figure something out tonight. Which means I couldn't go to work. I will know tomorrow if this is getting me in trouble- yesterday was only day 30.

Had 3 Pria bars packed in my lunch and was glad for the chocolate taste as I was stressing waiting for the AAA man.

So, faced with the day off, I said," look at all the things you can get done here in the house. " and then I answered " are you kidding, I need to check the thread and see what's going on!!"

so here I am--

Queen Babette-- I think I have at least 2 copies of "Layla" on cassette right now-- The original, with Eric Clapton. Its a classic-- in fact, it took me a long, long time to even give the newer version a chance. Do you remember the early Alman Brothers too??

Queen Venus Envy- Moving can be a great catalyst for change-- I always get frustrated in new grocery stores though- Sometimes its a real "Don't Look For the Logic" moment. Tell us some more about the Irish Oatmeal- Does it have a different texture? I think I have had it before( but since it was a cafeteria, there was no one to ask).

Queen Aramantha--We'll keep the throne warm. Ditto about the jesters!!

DG Kerrie-- How are the Firm videos working out? I saw another thread wishing for an instructional video. Did your set have one?

Queen JoJoJo-- I can relate re; fire worries .We had smoke from the Canadian fires down here in DE. The smell of wood burning was unnerving even though we knew it was just the smoke.
You think you're sympathetic to those folks on the news, but it really hit home with the smoke.

Queen Punkinseed- You will still have the last laugh when you go into the drs office. You know they are expecting you to come in and blast them. It will be interesting. At least they didn't try and tell you that they had left you a message cancelling.
I figure, its the doctor who decided to cancel all the appts at such late notice. So, they might have been really stressed. And I know you made the trip. I wonder if you went in there and said that you know it's really that the doctor's fault and you could understand how it all happened but you DID drive there for nothing -- I wonder what might happen.

Queen Wildfire- Isnt Wed your weigh in day? Did you come howm with the 10lb ribbon this time?

Queen Brighterdays-- are the Tai Chi classes expensive? I would think I would like to try Tai Chi

Queen UpandAway- Is your perseverance starting to pay off? But for sure, if you are working your plan, even if the losses are slow, THERE IS NO GUILT-- Don't forget about the tortoise and the hare- do you know what the snail riding on the turtle's back said
" Whoooooaaaaa!"

Queen Katrinabegood-- so,--- tell us about Day 7 treats-- how is that all coming together for you?

Queen Elaine R.-- What's new in your kingdom? Have you sentenced any royal jerks to the tower??

Queen Edyie- How are the little Royal subjects treating you?
Have they all mastered the curtsey??


To everyone I haven't mentioned specifically-- How is it in your Kingdoms? Are all the members of your court keeping your crowns nice and shiny? Are they keeping us "amused" ??

I guess I'll sign off with my new favorite word gem ;



The road to success is always under construction :p

Day Four and still posting
 

Good morning all! It's raining here in Kansas City, but I've had a beautiful morning. There's a song going through my head, "Good morning beautiful, how was your night? Mine was wonderful with you by my side. I open my eyes and see your sweet face and its a good morning beautiful day."

Stay happy my dears! The answer to "Live long and prosper" is "Prosperty and long life."

Cheryl

Oh, yeah! The Allman Brothers!
 

Too exciting, Kaylets! I downloaded "Live at the Filmore East" from audiogalaxy, and it's every bit as good as I remembered. (i can send it to you if you'd like!) Hmmm... maybe that's what I need -- a good dose of the Allman Brothers! Hey, I noticed that nobody yet has mentioned "Donnie and Marie" or "Abba" ;)

When I was a teen, my sister had a Donnie Osmond record and would play "Puppy Love" repeatedly, while I wanted to play the Stones, Jethro Tull (yup), Steely Dan, and etc. I think something terrible happened to her record....

DID I REALLY MISPELL ALLMAN BROS??
 

I can't believe it, just points out to me how distracted I am this morning.

I think DH has downloaded it for me, but thanks. He has watched me dig thru Vinyl at yard sales, etc, looking for the double album even though I have more than one copy of the cassette.
Guess what I found recently on cassette !! Molly Hatchett, "Hot and Nasty" . The lyrics could use some soap but its still a heart starter!!
Music is a great hobby of mine. Has gotten me thru some very crazed and crazy times.

Am recollecting my vinyl collection. Nothing like an old turntable stacked up with your favorites of the day while you go about your business.

Do you still listen to Clapton?

I almost wore out his "From the Cradle" -

PS-- My husband was on an Abba kick this spring--

We are truly an "eclectic" house here:dizzy: :rolleyes:

Greetings your Highnesses!

Hot, hot, hot here in central Oregon today!! Supposed to get up to 105. Thank the Gods I spent the extra $ and bought a heat pump when I built my house! Air conditioning is bliss....

We have a creepy guy parked on our street - he was in his car at 6:15am when I saw him and now he's gone, but the car's still there. I live on a dirt road with 3 houses - mine, my Mom's and our close friends (who are out of town). I've called the police twice, they can't be out until 10am (gotta love small towns without our own police). Very creepy... my gut tells me to keep an eye on this situation.

Messages to the court:

Wildfire - I LOVE the WW cookbooks! I actually bought so many when I worked there that I have a book shelf in my kitchen to hold them! Now, if I'd just USE them.... :rolleyes: I'm learning that I'm a hoarder - I love to possess things and keep them close to me, touch them occasionally. What a Capricorn...

VenusEnvy - OOOOOOH! Power tools!!!! I got a cordless drill for Christmas from my stepfather (who calls me his "other son"). If I'd had this tool years ago I wouldn't have needed Prozac!

Kaylets - My condolences on the car... must be going around - my best friend called and asked what are the odds of her car dying (needed to be towed), her husband's differential went out on his truck and their spare car blew a head gasket - all in the span of 3 days.... :eek:
As for the Dr.... I still haven't called them back, I need to find out when I can get the time off again. I'm so far out in the boonies it takes me 30 minutes to get to their office (20 of that trying to just get to a highway). Oh, I'll be super sweet to them when I go in, that's just how I am - they appologized, that's what mattered.

Ok, I'm starting to feel like quite the 80's girl here. You're all humming meaningful "songs of the day" and all the music that runs through my head is of all the big "hair bands". I had a friend that worked for BAM magazine (Bay Area Music) so I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting all the cool bands of the time, Poison, Ratt, Black Crows, Warrant... I don't think any of them wrote many songs that could be my anthem nowadays! But aaaaah, memories.... :devil:

Well, better get some work done!

Terri :cool:
day 3/1.5 pounds/block 1
(so do I keep adding up my pounds until I change blocks or whaaaat?)

Amarantha, I understand about wanting to rest and regroup for awhile--we'll miss you like crazy while you're gone but we know you'll be checking in on what's going on.

Venus--good to see you're back. Moving is the most disorienting thing, isn't it? Sounds like you're settling in nicely though.

Babette, I'm in a weird mood myself these days--can't seem to find "the groove"! Maybe because I'm having the ankle surgery on Monday and I feel like everything's on hold till then. The suspense...!

Kaylets, I hope your afternoon's better than the AM! [I love Pria bars too, one of those sensible indulgences.]

And to all the other Queens---Hail!

Hey, thanks to everyone for comforting me when I was feeling so weird after my latest misadventure. It helped a lot, really. And I'm feeling tons better about it---'just one of those wacky things'!
:)

Day 1 again

Have fallen off the block big style, having subsisted the last few days on red wine and chocolate.:(

Work has been very stressful - a huge project with short deadline and no non-teaching time, followed by the announcement that I am to be inspected for 'Advanced Skills Teacher' status - next Wednesday.
Then this evening was parents' consultation evening and I was verbally attacked and intimidated by an angry father. This is often parr for the course in my job, but this guy actually works in our school...so I now feel very insecure, despite the support of my boss (who will want to avoid any confrontation or aggravation.)

I thought that, if I didn't get back on the block today might be a big, damaging blow out. It isn't worth damaging myself over.
Need to cry it out, not eat it in.

1/?/1(again)

noon-no work in sight
 

Boy, I feel silly for having such a good morning-I hope everyone's day improves.

Indigo-I'm so sorry about the situation with the angry parent. When I was growing up I had some of the most wonderful teachers (I don't know how I would have got to college without them!) and I remember how awful the parents could be. Some people can't separate the problem from the person and they take stuff VERY personally. You should be proud that you had the guts to tell it like it is in the first place. Way to go! Try to get some exercise-I used to play tennis and imagine that persons head as the ball. I went through a lot of balls.

:dizzy:

Amarantha-I hope you're not gone for long, I truly enjoy your posts!

Kaylets-The situation with your car has to improve. Our vehicles went through cycles and when they break down it was terrible. I'm just glad that you weren't someplace desolated and broke down.

Pumpkinseed-Child of the 80's are we? I still remember those bands! It's funny when my brother-in-law's girlfriend's daughter (what a mouthful) shows me her copy of this "new" artist's album--String!

:lol:

As for the rest of the court-may your days improve, if they don't I can always break out the wedding photos (my husband in tights is enough to get a few grins!). At least it is almost Friday!

Day One, for sure
 

Yep, back in the saddle again! I stocked up on fruits and veggies and stuff to keep the appetite happy and satisfied. Making low fat Vegetable Lasagne for dinner tonight, a big salad. Breakfast will be a lovely fruit salad (I just got up, I work nights) better yet a smoothie...lunch: an eggwhite omelet with mushrooms, peppers, low fat cheese. Ok...food for the day is planned out...on to replies and then I must get outside, the weather is absolutely heavenly...77 degrees, sunny, breezy...ahhh!

indigogirl...ahhh...the red wine and chocolate diet...gotta love that one! Not too effective for weight loss, but it soothes the savage beast when employed...good luck with your work situation...I ALWAYS say God Bless Teachers...you have got one of the hardest jobs in the world. Try not to let the idiot parents of the world drive you into the arms of the chocolate :devil:

Eydie...good luck with your upcoming surgery...glad you're feeling better.

punkinseed...is the creep gone? That's scary. Take care of yourself. Good for you on being the "better person." I wouldn't be TOO nice to the office...just civil...let them suck up to you!

Kaylets...hmmm, let me see, in order to give myself a Day 7 treat, I would have to get through days 1-6...I'll have to get back to you on that one! We have an eclectic musical selection here too...rock, country, Broadway, blues, jazz, swing, classical...it's all good! All this talk about the Allman Bros has me yearning for "Live at the Filmore East!" ahh, memories...my brother almost killed me the day I broke one of the albums in that set...well, I DID fling it at him like it was a frisbie!

babette...I love the Layla analogy, it's true! I love both versions...I was just listening to "unplugged" the other day...great music!

I am on here WAY too long already...must get outside to the sunshine! so Hail and Farewell to all...Have a most pleasant day!

(curtsy)

Wow, is it Friday??? It's SO quiet here at work I'm about to doze off... the 99 degree temp outside isn't helping matters either! (zzzzzzzzz.......)

Scarey guy literally flew outta here at 9:30am. My Mom got his license plate while he wasn't in the car and I called the police back and gave it to them. An hour or so later I heard an engine revving real high then saw him damned near do a donut in our court (which is dirt so it made a huge cloud) and then he blew outta here. I called the police back and they asked what direction he went and said they'd keep an eye out on our ranch and that I should call back if I see him again. Very odd...

Cindelier - Yup, graduated in '88 so I was old enough that in the hight of the whole L.A. heavy metal music scene I could be found in Hollywood. I look back now and think my parents must've been insane for giving me so much lead, but then my Mom always used to say "I trust you" - which amounts to an enormous amount of guilt should you screw up... When Goldie Hawn's daughter got married I showed my Mom the picture in People magazine and told her years ago I helped rip up raw chicken and cabbage for a backstage food fight with Goldie Hawn's new son-in-law. My Mom looked absolutely horrified - and terribly curious... :lol:
I'd have to say from 17-20 were the best years of growing up!

Sigh.... back to "work" I guess

Terri :moo:

Howdy Highnesses and Royalty!

It has been a strange couple of days here as well. Things just seem, for lack of better word, dickey. Like something's in the air. Glad to hear it's not just me or my funky neighborhood. I'm proud of all us though for keeping on keeping on, coming here and as Indigogirl said, 'cry it out, not eat it out', I love that!

Kaylets, the only payoff so far for all my perseverance is that I feel good about myself for not bailing out. This is the longest stretch of on program days I've had in, well I don't even know how long. I won't let myself get on the scale until Sunday so I'm just going by how I look, which is the same, and feel, which is terrific.

Cindelier I love the Borg line! DH and I are shameless Trekkies, with the exception of Deep Space Nine and the one with the woman captain, Janeway or whatever. She just bothered me so bad on that show, like she had always just had a hit of helium and her voice was unnaturally high and squeaky. The new series, the 'pre-Star Trek' one is pretty good.

You're wise to be wary of strange cars and even stranger drivers, Punkinseed. I keep telling my 12 year old DD, you literally CAN'T be too careful.

Greetings and salutations to the rest of the Royal Court. Queen Aramantha, know you are missed here, hurry back.

upandaway
4/4/2

Good Evening all,

Just came back from the "Ya-Ya" flick---quite a hoot! My sis says it's the best she has seen for awhile....hope you all have had a chance to catch it. (My YA-YA name is "Countess Wants it ALL"--doesn't that say it all....)

Sorry, I haven't been able to post for a bit....our ISP in this area has been having difficulties and it dumped me off the net too many times to count and I gave up for a few days. All is well now.

Kaylets, my tai chi class is thru the gym that I already have a membership at (it helps if your employer is part owner) and I only had to pay 15.00 extra. Our teacher is very patient but a perfectionist so any praise is good. I got my feet placements correct at the last class WITHOUT having any instructional footprints painted on the floor! (We threatened that at the first two classes...) Babette, how's your class going....mine is only 6 weeks this time but I'm sure I'll continue with the next session since I am finally doing it right. Now if I could only remember flow-ing instead of jerky cheerleading movements with these arms!

Doing well on my challenge but went out and purchased a new scale so that I can keep up better (one of those lithium battery digital scales).

Hello to all not mentioned...I know you are out there but I can't find all the threads to respond to after being gone for a while.

day 9/ -2/ block 1

Woohoo! Here I am on Block 2!

My habits for this block are:
Take supplements
Eat a salad with dinner
Drink at least 64 oz water every day
Brush/floss after dinner (=> no night time snacking)

I had a nice surprise on the scale this morning, but I don't want to post it because it's probably a fluke. So, I will update with my weigh-in tomorrow.


Indigo, sorry to hear about your stressful encounter. Even if someone has legitimate issues, personal conflict is no way to solve them. If his child is having difficulty, I wouldn't be too surprising based on what you said about his father's conduct.
Chocolate and wine... well, at least they are both supposed to be good for your heart, so you're all charged up now! Actually, my "dessert" pretty much every day is one drink and a small piece of chocolate (the same size every time). It's part of my "program" and I think it helps keep any additional cravings at bay.

Punkinseed, good for you keeping an eye out. We also live a little off the beaten track and the local kids sometimes used to use our "driveway" as a lover's lane/party spot. At least the beer bottles were returnable! I'm happy to say that seems over now but it still concerns me whenever I see a car I'm not expecting.

Fighting tooth and nail to get those pounds off...
 

Good Morning Blockettes!

Well, I weighed in down one (1) pound of the undeserved 3 that I gained last week. I still live in hope that if I continue to plug along and do what I have to do that the weight will (sometime) leave in a mysterious chunk, just as it came. Although I'd hoped to make more weight progress by this point, I have to be proud of the behavioral changes that I've made and continue along, rather than letting them slip away. Eventually :rolleyes: this WILL work (won't it?) I will start measuring things more carefully, eating veggies more often for snacks, trying to keep my points a little lower when poss.

Venus, so happy to have you on the block! Welcome! Didn't I see at some point (yes, your progress has been watched!) that you had a significant drop of body fat without a corresponding weight loss? (she asked hopefully)

Indigogirl, at least you did it in style! What kind of chocolate was it... mmmm... don't spare the details :T Sorry about the nasty conflict. That kind of thing is my absolute worst trigger. I'm fine if something is seriously wrong, but average life stress can push me off the wagon on the PDQ.

Brighterdays, Tai Chi is going well. I'm almost to the point where I can get through a whole set on my own, just have to get the last few sequences right. And then, I swear, I will do a set every day!

YYM, bet your loss is not a fluke -- someone has to have the fluky losses to make up for the fluky #!%*ing gains. Congrats if it's you!

Upandaway, it's funny when a mood or phase or something seems to cut a swathe through the forum. I've seen that happen before -- hope the next one will be positive!

Punkin, so glad you involved the cops. That creepy guy would be freakin' me out big time. Be careful!

Katrina, is low-fat part of the fit for life thing? I guess I had assumed that it was just a matter of combining and timing. Still thinking I might give it a shot. I'd sure love to drop some weight!

Cindilier, sounds like you're lucky with the songs you have playing in your head. I generally get stuck with something like "Disco Duck." :lol:

Eydie, sounds like we're not the only ones in a weird mood, either. I guess we forge on and eventually our moods change, huh. I've finished with PMS and so on, but I'd swear I still get it sometimes, complete with the weight gain. Hope your surgery goes well, and that you recover WAY faster than you would have thought poss.

Kaylets, I paused over the spelling, thinking "surely to god I would have noticed -- esp. in my teen years -- if the name was the "All Man Brothers" ;) Maybe not though... or maybe I did and just can't remember :rolleyes:

Oh, it must be time to be productive. Let's make it a great day, Blockettes!

Love to all!

xo
babette
2/208 (-7)/2

Happy Friday
 

Hello all :wave:

I can't wait for tomarrow. My brother is flying in and I haven't seen him since Dec. '99! :spin: We work "together" (he's one of our L.A. mechanics, I'm in Oregon) and I talk to him every day, but it's just not the same.... not to mention I haven't seen my neice either! So, I'm going to be offline all weekend and possibly Monday (they leave Tuesday morning).

HUGE food victory last night... Took a family friend out for her birthday dinner (Mexican food, my weakness) and before we left the house I decided I was going to cut my burrito in half and have the other half for dinner tonight. Now, normally, I *do* cut it in half, and take it home but then I usually scarf it down when I walk in the door.... Last night, I didn't. It will STILL be there when it comes time for dinner tonight, which for me, is just absolutely amazing.... :cool:

Babette - Congrats on the pound - YES it will work if we keep it up! I know, I sometimes doubt it too, but then I try to remember the focus is only partly on loosing weight, the other part of my focus is creating healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Indigo - Wow, that Dad sounded like he needs a talking to by his boss if he works in your school. There's no excuse for *any* adult to talk to someone like that! You handled it well!

Well, I'm off to "work" (aka read my newspaper and new People magazine). TGIF!! Have a great weekend everyone :dizzy:

Terri

At work so I have to be quick!
 

Babette-Disco Duck? Wow I didn't know anyone else remembered Rick Dees?? I'm original from around Chicago and he was the DJ that created the Duck. Never have I been so ashamed to be from near the windy city. I prefer The Weathergirls (It's Raining Men), these divas come in the larger size and it's good to see artists that aren't anorexic!

Upandaway-glad to meet another Trekkie, although I've been called a Trekker because I like the Next Gen better. Can't wait for the new movie. Yes I've even been to conventions-got to meet John DeLancie ("Q"), he is so tall and gorgeous! I never mention that around the DH. I like the new series, because I really love Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap fame) and think he's an excellent new captain. I wish the Voyager Series could have been better, we finally get a woman captain-but as luck would have it she, stereotypically, can't drive and gets lost!

My best friend used to have a bumpersticker that read "He's Dead Jim. Pass the Ketchup." A little diet humor.
:lol:

Pumpkinseed: I graduated in '90. Decided NOT to go to the reunion - but I really didn't hate/love high school. Chicken and cabbage, I guess I should be glad that you weren't an Ozzy fan, then the chickens would be alive still. That really conjures up some weird images. You sound like a ton of fun-what do you do when not throwing poulty and vegetables??

I have to get my lunch ready now-our office is having pizza today-my "weakness" but I have a weigh-in tonight-so I'm determined to eat that salad. I'm down another pound (17.5 in total, this is week four). Have a great weekend guys-I'll check back over the weekend and for sure on Monday!

<<<<<hugs>>>>>

Cheryl

Cindelier, actually I was a huge Ozzy fan, but it was only so I could drool over Jake E. Lee :lol:
When not throwing produce I mostly just "hung out" and behaved like 'one of the guys' - I wanted to be their friend more than I wanted to be a $crew. I despised the "groupies", so I made a point of NOT being one and having a ton more fun than they ever did! ;)

Terri :moo:

Day 2 is going well...

This will be quick, I have SO much to do today...everyone here is pluggin' along, sounds good!

babette, Fit for Life is not a low fat diet, per se, it's all about how you combine foods and lots of fruit and veggies. I will use butter, for flavor, but not a lot...lean proteins, complex carbs...it works when I stick to it! don't they all?

I hope to get back later when I have time to report another fabulous day on the block!

Day 3

Thanks for all the support on my conflict with Angry Dad at work!
My boss has been great - he dealt with the incident yesterday with regards to the guy's role as a parent and the verbal assault on a colleague part of it will be dealt with on Monday. I'm this guy's line manager for part of the week, so I'm not sure how things will go on that...

I have given up the red wine and chocolate diet in favour of real food again.:) My DH had some good news yesterday and my DS got a fantastic school report so we drove down to Whitby (on the coast of North Yorkshire in North East England, where we live) to find a fish restaurant. None of the ones that looked really nice served anything my DS would eat (i.e. no pizza or burgers) so we ended up with a compromise of a meal in a pub.
I tell you, my new orange silk trouser suit fitted in just perfectly there:dizzy:
Elegant dining experiences and 10 year olds are difficult to gel together...
Never mind. Next time we'll get a sitter:devil:

Congratulations to everyone who is sticking it out on the block. I was so disappointed to have fallen off program, but coming back has actually been a big thing for me. I have a long history of thinking - 'Oh, well, I've failed again. I'll try something else next time.' That must say something about you lot!!!:D

I've just braved the scale - Saturday is my weigh in but I was thinking about skipping it because of the aforementioned food/drink intake this week. Strangely I have lost 3lbs. Must have been the stress.
I cannot recommend last week as an approach to weight loss but will gladly accept the results and aim to look after myself better next week.

3/-3/1

Hi, folks,

Yesterday went well with my additional new habits. I have a big mug (from a hospital, actually) with all the ounces measured on it. So, I know I've started drining enough water. 24 ounces down today, already.

I really feel good about commiting to these new habits and it helps to make me feel like a winner even on those days the scale is telling me otherwise. Commiting to small changes that I can succeed at are what seem to work best for me, and as I add more they should add up to a healthy life style.

The extra weight loss I had yesterday didn't stay off (for the most part), but I'm still down an additional 0.5 for the challenge. So, my official total weight loss for the first block is 5.5 lbs. I actually started the second block yesterday, though maybe I have a fence-post error, but I'm counting today as day 2. So, here I am:

Day 2/Lost 5.5 lbs/Block 2

I've got friends coming for lunch, so today will be a little more challenging than usual, but most of the food choices will be OP for me. I asked DH to pick up something for dessert that I wouldn't like!

Day 3
 

Just occured to me that since I'm doing WW, each day doesn't have to work, points-wise, as long as it balances out. So -- that glass of wine that put me over last night will be made up for today! Friday night is always a little bit of a splurge: pizza or nachos or something like that. I held firm against the extra piece of pizza last night (veggie pizza on whole wheat -- LOTS of cheese though :T ).

I'm thinking that maybe Amarantha's One (1) Day Challenge might be a good spot to journal food and exercise. Those of us who wanted to could post our challenges and then go in and say what we'd actually done.

Off to pursue quest for world domination! Or at least get the shopping and cleaning done. Have a great day all!

xo
babette
3/208 (-7)/2

Well, I'm back at day 0...I haven't committed to today being day 1-- I know that's bad, but TOM started this morning and I'm onery to say the least.
The last couple days have been washes as well. Yesterday the donut monster attacked and night before the jalapeno cheddar doritos! Plus more diet coke than I can count with the 100 degree temps- it's what sounded good yesterday.
At least today I've only had water and a bit of OJ for breakfast. We've been out garage saleing this morning-- DH found tons 'o tools to make him happy for a long while. I got crampy and nasty so now we're home for awhile. A nice air conditioned movie sounds nice for later.
I agree with you yo-yo mom about the habits being a nice measure as opposed to the scale. Even though I'm experiencing a hormonal -oh- lapse today I feel good about the overall changes I'm making and I know that as long as I change those habits long-term the scale will catch up eventually.

Sorry if this post was a downer-- I really haven't felt this crappy in awhile. The heat doesnt' help either. Promise to be more chipper next time I post! :D
Later :wave:

Saturday PM
 

Hello all!!

Well, got to work ok yesterday but believe it or not, ran out to exchange something at lunch and got stuck in construction traffic. They were paving the road. If I had just done the one errand I would have been fine. But figured, why not and then it was too late. I had to run back in to work 1/2 hr late from lunch and explain myself. My boss was wonderful about both Thurs and the long lunch ( I stayed the extra 30 minutes to make it up) but still--Its definitely, NOT the way I want to be known at this new job!!


Today, we got up early and have been waiting for a new refrigerator delivery. Between making room for them to bring it in and emptying the existing fridge, lots of activity points!!!

Where does this stuff come from? Good news is I found some things I had almost forgotten about, including a big bag of cassette tapes from a yard sale--Even two comedy cassettes, Robin Williams and Howie Mandel-- I'm excited!

The new digital scale is very accurate!! Its true, I look daily- try to use whatever it says as motivation-- and to see it jump up 2.5 from one day to the next and then back down the next day- it makes you realize, we are constantly changing. I am not sure but maybe, am down another lb or two. I'll give it a little longer (or lower!!)

Am reading (finally) Naomi Judd's book "Love Can Build a Bridge".
I was a fan before I read the book, and had seen many of her interviews but am really impressed with the book. She calls herself a Hillbilly and lets you think she's naive but is a very bright woman with lots of commonsense. I wish I could just read it straight thru but I really only have about 30 minutes a day I can just sit and read.

Ok your graces, I will check in later, I think I hear a truck out front .

Take care!

Saturday
 

Day 6 still doing ok.

Pumpkinseed, I like Ozzy myself but I'm glad your chicken tossing skills weren't tested there. I always got along with the guys better too. They didn't treat me like competition, like most of the girls I knew growing up. Competition for what? I got boobs before a lot of them, part of the weight problem thing.

WARNING: Depressing material ahead!!!

Anyway its Saturday and I'm really in the dumps. Background: My husband and I are from Illinois, but we lived real close to my parents. When they didn't come to my wedding, I stopped talking to them and decided it was time to change. We haven't spoken since October 2000. Sad huh? Well we moved to Kansas and stayed with a friend until we got jobs, now she's getting divorced (nothing to do with us-in progress before we even came out). My husband and I have been sharing an apartment with her (and her 4 year old on the weekends), but it's clear that she and he don't get along well.

It's been a year August, I we're ready to get our own place. She wants to stay here-but is dragging her feet on getting the paperwork done. To stay she needs her parents to consign for her (which she doesn't want to do). I don't want to pressure her, but we need out for the sake of our friendship and my marriage. I don't know what made me think we could all benefit from sharing the bills anyway. Its my problem because if she doesn't assume the lease-we're still liable (we still have a mortgage in Illinois!).

I have an application she needs to fill out, soon-if we want to get out on Sept 1st (the date we told the new place-which has our deposit). BUT I know if I bring it up she'll get angry or cry. I feel terrible. My husband can't say anything without setting her off and I feel like a referee. I know I should do the talk and get it over with, but I'd rather have a cookie.

I can't sleep, I keep having dreams about physical fights with this person (my best friend). However, I am trying to stay away from my "Comfort" foods--but I am soooo ready to crash! :(

Sorry for the dump-just needed to spill w/o getting yelled at.

Thanks--for the shoulder to cry on.

Cind, be straight with her. Take her out for coffee or pick a bottle of wine and tell her you need to have a serious talk with her. Tell her that she is still your best friend, but this is how things have to be, and they have to be done now. Surely she can understand that your marriage needs a place of its own, and she will still have a place in your life. Maybe ask hubby to go out for a bit and leave you two alone to talk if you're going to approach her at home. She needs to be responsible for herself and not hold you up from what you need to do. Let us know how things go, okay?

Hello to everyone else! :wave: Sorry I've not been around much, I've been working 12 hour days and packing and travelling back and forth between the two apartments. I'm back OP...I think this is day six or seven...I'll have to go back through the old thread to see for sure. If anyone missed my last post on the old thread, my weigh in was a maintain. Nothing gained, nothing lost.

I'll be in and out sporadically for a couple of weeks until we get moved, but I think of you all during the day and I hope everyone is doing well!

Happy Sunday Royal Blockettes!

I am so relieved to (finally) see a loss, 2 weeks worth to be sure but the scale was down 5 lbs. today. Yippee! I had begun to worry in ernest, what if WW won't work for me any more, what if I've messed around and messed up too long? It would be hopeless! Well not really. Because I have realized this time around that loss or no loss I just plain feel better when I'm on program, and that's a huge reason to keep on keepin on.

Cind, I agree with Wildfire, be straight with your friend. It's these tests along the way that strengthen those ties, it may strained for a bit, but likely not broken. Best of luck in a sticky situation.

Wishing us all a great Sunday,
upandaway
8/9/2

Congratulations, UpandAway! 5lbs...wowee! Keep it up!

Where is everyone? Did we declare a Block holiday while I was absent and I don't know about it? ;)

I spent the day cleaning dead bugs (thankfully no live ones appeared!) from the window tracks in my new apartment. That's one thing I'd forgotten about living near the ground...bugs galore! Nine floors up you rarely see a bug. I also hung my shower curtain, washed and put away fancy wine glasses and other glasses that won't get used a lot, and installed new shades in my daughter's room. I called hubby and said "cook something...I don't care what...just have something cooking before I get home." I came home to find him broiling boneless, skinless chicken breasts and working on a side of sweet potatoes and broccoli. I changed the oven back to bake and turned it down from 500 degrees. :eek: Oh well...he tries! I headed straight for the shower...felt like I had bugs all in my hair.

So, I'm checking in here to avoid munching while dinner finishes cooking. I got on my scale today and it said 176!! I won't believe it until I weigh in on Wednesday night, but at least I know it's moving again. I checked the old thread, and today is day seven for me.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

7/-9.8lbs/2

Day 1.
 

Hello Blockettes!

Yup, I'm back to Day 1 again. This is so reminiscent of how long it took to get going in the first block. But I guess if you consider that I'm taking what I did in Block 1 and adding more constraints to it, that makes sense. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking that what I will do is to post my challenge for each day in the One day challenge thread, and then count my days in here. That way I can use the other threads as a journal for the particulars. I still think that trying to get 21 days together is a good idea.

And I'm THRILLED to have overcome the binge demon (although I know that eternal vigilance will be necessary, I don't have to fight as hard) with the first block. I'm sure I didn't have a week without a binge before that for quite a while. And they just make me feel so CRUMMY :(

Upandaway, 5 POUNDS!!!! That's fantastic! Proof that continuing to work on it makes it work! Good for you!

Wildfire, congrats on the unofficial WI! You're doing fabulously!

Cindilier, I agree with my esteemed co-royals. Being straight with your friend is the only way to go -- elsewise, it sounds like you're putting both your friendship and your marriage at risk.

Time to apply nose to grindstone. Hope it doesn't get all pointy. Let's make it a good one!
xo
babette
1/208 (-7)/2

Getting on the new track
 

This second block is a little harder, but I've squeaked through the weekend. Getting in all the water is tough and it's clear I haven't been drinking enough in the past. I did sneak in two cookies yesterday, but that's not part of my block commitment (yet), so I don't have to reset. The scale was still pretty friendly this morning, but I think I will only update my numbers with mySaturday weigh-ins.

Jelynn, hang in there! Do you feel you have to give up diet coke? It may not be the healthiest drink in the world, but at least it's diet-friendly. Maybe you are trying to eliminate too much at once. Like I said, I find it easier to commit to small goals.

Cind, what a tough situation! I agree with the others that you've got to have that talk soon to clear the air and get yourself some peace. Is there anything you can do to help soften the blow and show that you are concerned about her? If no deed, then words maybe.

Upandaway... Woohooo! You go! It's so rewarding when the scale finally pays off.

Wildfire... congrats on your scale budging, too. Maybe you should "let" (i.e, make) DH cook dinner more often. Either he will improve with practice, or it will be easy to pass up seconds!

4/-5.5/2

Hello all...

Well, I'm at day 0, won't even consider it "1" because today's my Mom's birthday and I know what's on the menu for her dinner. I am down 1 pound from last week - which given how the weekend was, it's a miracle I'm down ANYTHING.

The goal of this block is going to be meditation. I will destress before I sit down to eat. I will breathe while I eat. I will not eat standing up....

If you've seen anything about the Eyerly fire in central Oregon you know now where I live. Friday night the fire was close enough that I could see orange smoke from my kitchen at 11pm. I hopped in my car and could see flames after 5 minutes of driving. Saturday my Mom, neice and I watched the helicopters dump water on homes already on fire. All very sad, very scary and I ate my way through a 1/2 gallon of ice cream.... if I ever needed comfort food this weekend was it. We're all keeping our fingers crossed for cooler weather and sending strength and energy to the 1,000+ fire fighters working so hard.

THEN, this morning around 1am, one of my cats woke me up banging my wine rack around. I have a mouse... I also have 3 cats with all their claws (some of them have extra toes with claws no less). Silly mouse, you picked the wrong house..... When I left this morning I told my oldest kitty, Luna; "get the mousie for mommy, but don't get any blood on the carpet". I think she smiled....

Babette - Congrats on the binge :devil: battle. I feel like I'm getting a slow handle on it too. I may have found the bottom of a container of ice cream, but I did it a small cup at a time, hours apart! Hey, look for progress ANYWHERE! :p

Upandaway - WooHoooo!!! 5 pounds!!!!!! :cool:

Jelyann - It's ok, you come here to vent any time you need to. No apologies! :nono: If you can't come here to let off some stress than where can you go???

Kaylets - I'm with you. I weigh every day, sometimes more. It's a bad habit, but I figure it's better than not weighing, which for me is a sign I'm off program (my form of denial, if I don't know what I weigh then I can't gain weight).

Cindelier - I agree with Wildfire. Have a talk with her. If she's going to blow up or get all emotional over something that so obviously needs to change (no, it's not good for her to be living with you and vise-versa) than I almost wonder if it's not a sort of emotional blackmail. Like 'if I cry and get all emotional they won't make me leave'. I hope I'm wrong.... nothing is worse than having to walk on eggshells like that. Your marriage is more important at this point (jmo).

Well, off to get some work done. I'm having a great visit with my brother and neice.

Terri
259/232.5/140'ish
Day 1 tomarrow/ 1 pound/block 1 indefinately

Day 8
 

Good Morning all.

Wildfire, I hope your move is going smoothly. I always see how much stuff I've collected whenever I move. Congrats on the loss-I'm sure your weigh-in will confirm the good news.

Upandaway..wow, 5 lbs-that's terrific! I'm so proud of you and happy for you too.

Babette---keep going with the binge battle, you will win. I have faith in you. It's tough, but you're tougher. Remember that!

Yoyo Mom-At least it was only 2 cookies that called your name. You indulged but didn't go overboard which is great!

Pumpkinseed-Still praying that fire doesn't come closer to you. Hopefully your kitties will get that mouse today! Good luck.

As for me--I haven't talked to the roomie yet. She had her daughter all weekend and was constantly yelling or crying because/at her. She's only 4, when she says I don't love you, she doesn't even know what it means. Anyway-we upped the move out date to Aug 15. Will have to let her know tonight, at least now I know the apartment manager will allow her parents to co-sign and she won't loose the apartment.

Sometimes I think there must be something wrong with me-I love my friends but they seem to go to the extreme needy end. Oh well, I help where I can and try not to be a serogate mother. This move will be good for her, she really needs time to herself for growth and my diet and husband will be better afterwards. I just wish it didn't have to hurt her too.

Happy Monday!

Cheryl

ps-I'm down a total of 19.5 lbs (this is week 5, since I started). I hope it continues this way but I know plateaus are coming.

Hi all,

Cheryl.. I don't know the whole story.. but it sounds like you are doing the right thing... I just had a conversation with my dearest, best friend about how each of us had gotten much tougher about setting boundries. He and I have had a hard time with needy people in our lives.

Tomorrow marks the end of my 21 day compulsive eating challenge.. I am down two pounds.. and definetly feel like I am making better food choices. I plan to do another 21 day challenge.. this time making more specific changes. The first one will be WATER. To drink at least the 10 glasses daily. I always think I do, but I know I don't.

Saturday had all the earmarks of a challenge, but I decided ahead of time that I would be proactive about taking care of myself. A friend had a brother visiting from overseas.. so naturally she wanted to show him a good time.. and naturally that involves eating and drinking and staying out late.. in the past I would avoid social situations that had food/alcohol/lateness attached.. then end up binging anyway because I felt alone and isolated. I told myself I could go out and still take care of myself.. and I did! The only thing that I probably would have done against my better judgement was stay out late at a club even though I didn't want to.. thankfully.. THEY got tired and bailed. I was definetly NOT upset and very happy to be home by 10PM! I always think I have to do what everyone else is doing, and that I can't mix being social with giving myself what I need... so I isolate to avoid the food and alcohol.. then end up binging on even more food than if I had just gone out! What a mess!

Best,
Elaine

215/208/120

Good Monday everyone!
Day one for me-- rearing to go again! I got up early and did my Step tape before the kids woke up-- this is a big breakthrough for me-- I always say I will when I go to bed-- then don't and then feel like it's too late for a work-out. Anyway-- felt great to be all done by 7:20!

I've also accomplished quite a bit work-wise this morning. I do a bit of merchandising/coupon set-ups in several stores around town. I got a friend to watch my boys and went out for 2.5 hours and I'm almost done with my week's work! That feels great too.

It's been so hot which is good for the appetite. It's so hard to think up meals for my family though! I made a big pasta salad and we ate that several days last week. I've got to stock up on more fruit though!

Cheryl- good luck talking with your friend- you are right though- it really is the best thing for both of you! Congrats on the *almost* 20 lbs down!! That is great!! You are right, the weight-loss will probably start slowing down, but don't get discouraged! You are working on behaviors and the scale will reward that in time.

Elaine-good job to you getting through your 21day challenge and good luck with the water-- thats something I"m working on right now too.

Terri- how scary about the fire being so close to you! I'd probably eat some ice-cream too. Sending rain vibes to Oregon!

Yoyo mom- about the diet coke- no, I'm not giving it up-- I'm really just trying to drink more water than pop. It's also a behavioral thing for me-- I just do so much better all around staying OP when I'm conscious of my water intake. The day I posted that I had had 3 44oz. diet cokes and no water at all :o

Congrats to wildfire and upandaway on the scale moving DOWN!!

Babette- hope you're having a great day (And that your nose isn't too pointy-lol) You are overcoming so much-- I hope you aren't getting discouraged. I think you are doing great and that metal monster should be rewarding you soon!!

Well, better get to cleaning etc...have a great day

Emily
1/-2/1

UpandAway, yeehaw! 5 pounds gone forever! You're an inspiration.

Wildfire, how's the big move progressing. I must admit I was a little disappointed to hear that you lightened up your purple bedroom--I was visualizing this very exotic opium den-like chamber!:)

Cindelier, dealing with friends is always a little tricky--being a human being is a great challenge! Just stand in your own truth and don't be intimidated. And a big woo-hoo for losing almost 20 pounds in 5 weeks!:D

Punkinseed, very scary picture you painted in your post about the fire :( ---is their any rain, any relief in sight? I noticed you have a cat named Luna. I used to ; when we moved [10 years ago] she disappeared and I miss her still. She was such a little amazon of a cat that I vowed that I'd try to be more like her!

Greetings to everyone else!

Had the surgery this morning and it went well. It was my first surgery and my one fear was that when I was "under" I'd shame myself by saying something really vulgar. See, I don't drink or smoke but I swear like a sailor. And sure enough, I told a dirty joke to the OR as I was coming out of it--seemed like a good idea at the time! Oh well....something for them to talk about over dinner tonite! Don't know what kind of aerobic activity I can do besides sit in a chair and flap my arms like a crazy chicken, but I'm willing to do that to keep my heart rate up!!!

LOVE TO ALL! ~~~Eydie

Eydie - Yea, I have a Luna kitty (she's 1) and her sisters from 2 other back-to-back litters are Stella and Maia (my moon, star and earth). I'm hoping they had a mousie treat today...
I can also relate on the anesthetic cursing. I also can swear like a sailor when deemed necessary - I had my wisdom teeth pulled when I was 14 and woke up saying God d#$& it and told my Dad my face f#(8in' hurt. :eek: He just laughed thankfully!

No rain forcasted for us, but it's a "cooler" 93 today and still. I can tell the wind's died down because it's become VERY smokey around here! Cough, choke, gasp....

Tuesday am
 

Hello all!!
Isn't it crazy how Monday's are either just to-the-wall crazy or not??
Short story- Mine was crazy and was only royal in one respect!! You know what I mean!!

It started to go the other way when on the way home, I popped in one of the those cassettes I mentioned. I knew it was Eric Clapton but hadnt read the song titles. A song was just ending, there was that long pause and then, Queen Babette, are you listening>>>>>>>>>LAYLA<<<<<<<< the original-- The LONG VERSION-- I had forgotten how great the piano solo was-- A gift for perseverance during a horrid Monday--

Queen Elaine-- GOOD FOR YOU!!!! You're right !! Planning always makes a difference-- and congrats on making it thru your block-- You crown is getting very twinkly!

Queen Jelynn-- You're soooo right!! Early mornings can be so motivating--- and the best part is, no matter what else happens during the day, what was done early is still done.
I personally would rather excercise in the am and use the boost thru out the day-- Lots of times, excercising at night keeps me awake.

Queen Terri--I am awarding a NO GUILT card. Fires are so so scary-- NO GUILT-

Queen Cheryl-- I wonder if you're friend is as unhappy as you are- she sure doesnt sound happy- The only advise I can offer is to stay honest-- Kind but honest-- I would tell her that you must move for the sake of your marriage. A new marriage has trouble sorting itself out when there are only the two partners in one house. Keep us posted!

Queen Upandaway and Queen Wildfire-- GOOD GOING!!
Got any tips to share??


Queen everyone else, keep up the good work! My boss loves Bob the Builder -- " Can we make this challenge??"
All together now " YES WE CAN!!""

or, if Bob doesnt appeal to you-- Have you seen the car commercial with Tony Bennet singing " The best is yet to come and baby, won't it be FINE" ---

Now, I did warn you, I have very eclectic music tastes

Third times a charm, I hope
 

I wrote a loongg post yesterday, got bumped just as I hit submit, couldn't get back on. Did the same thing just now, wrote to everybody on the thread, thanks so much for the congrats and warm wishes, same thing--bumped AGAIN! :mad:

I feel like I need to hurry hurry and get this posted before I'm bumped again! Forgive me for not addressing you all personally, again! Thanks so much for being here, Blockettes!

upandaway
9/9/2