Ok I've been lurking on this board for a little while and just have to finally jump in.

I started WW again on my own in Jan and am down around 70 lbs but for the past week or so have been having a dilly of a time keepin on the program. Mostly because old family issues keep resurfacing - ugh.

I know what I have to do to get it going again I'm wondering - does anyone have an inspirational book they can recommend for me to read? I love reading the posts here and God knows they help quite a bit - just wondering if there is any thing you can recommend that would give me a boost!!

Good morning friends.
I just finished my exercising and just wanted to peek in while I recuperate.
I am committed to getting my house clean AGAIN.
I don't know how I lose control so fast.
Indecision is one reason. I can't decide how to decorate or where to hang what ... so it is sitting all over the place.

I PLAN to stay on program today. I PLAN to drink more water today... in fact I PLAN to drink 64oz
I am going to go right now and drink my first 20oz bottle.
Hope everyone has a great day.

Houndlver2... you posted while I posted. welcome back to our group. I remember you... haven't you posted here before??
My mind is drawing a blank on motivational books... but just read all over this board and you will find Lots of motivation.

Today is a truly beautiful day..... Yes, I may be holed up in the office only able to look out the window to see the lovely blue sky and fluffy white clouds and I keep getting interrupted while I'm trying to post this message, BUT I am here, alive and reasonably healthy, so that is a good thing.

I gave myself a break yesterday from exercise and that was ok. Sometimes I feel like you push yourself too much and it causes you to burn out and I don't want to do that. Monday, I did my 1 mile WATP including an extra 10 minutes of ab exercises, 5 loads of laundry, 30 minutes of mowing the yard and even squeezed in a big n tasty. Yes, I know...... TMI Tuesday, I did my 2 mile WATP using the purple "stretchie" thing. (VERY good dvd) So, I felt completely fine that I was not exercising last night. Well....to be honest, I did have a few moments of scolding myself, but then the better part of me kicked in and realized that it was ok, and missing one night was better than feeling like you "have" to do something and burning out later.

Did that just make sense?

Natalie: Isn't it nice to start the day here? Since I have no home computer at the moment and my internet time is limited here at work, I have made my time here my first priority.....even if this is the only place I get to come, it's worth it to me. P.S. I have faith in you too. You WILL reach your goal this time.

Pam: Sounds like you will be "stylin" little girl! I remember when I was young, our car broke down and we were test driving a new lincoln town car and I thought I was the stuff! Of course, I was only nine. It's a whole lot better when your strutting your own stuff, huh? Have fun and enjoy! Also, in case I haven't said it lately, your posts have been very motivating and inspirational. Thank you SO much for sharing your life with us.

Terri: How motivating is that? Thanks so much for saying that. I hope.....NO, I plan to do better about saying that.

Jen: Thanks so much for posting recently... I know you do not post as often as others, but I truly enjoy your posts. I was "oh so careful" about what I said about the GBS because I would never in this world want to offend you. I think some people will always go back and forth about it. I am just so happy that you came through the surgery ok and are not experiencing any problems. I also have faith in you that you can do this, just like the rest of us.

Mary: First of all... we could NEVER forget you. Second of all, don't wear yourself out helping your son move. Third of all...I hope you stop itching soon and hear back about your bloodwork. {{{{hugs}}}}

Michelle: I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! I just knew the real you was lurking in there somewhere, it just took some doing to get it out. How awesome it was for you to re-join WW. I KNOW that you and I both can do this girlie.... we are women, hear us roar!!!

2cute: What a wonderful post you wrote to Thin and to all of us. That's you of course, always thoughtful and caring. You are definitely the of the group. Thank you so much for offering all types of laughter, love and inspiration.

Sandy: First of all..... you were very pretty 14 years ago and you are beautiful now. Never, ever do you doubt that. And.... you don't have to promise us anything. Besides that, not a one of us are perfect anyways, so how can we hold you to anything? Just take it a day.....no, a moment at a time. Remember, we've all been where you're at and will probably be there again, but we CAN do this.

MissMeliss: In case I haven't said so yet... (and I haven't) WELCOME BACK! It is very good to have you back here with us. I always hate it when we lose friends here sometimes and how nice it is to have them come back into our lives again. We can always use another friend on this journey.

Thin: I'm so glad you're feeling better, my friend. You've always been the one to buck me up when I'm feeling low, you're always the one with the logical, yet loving advice and an occasional kick in the pants when we need it, so I wasn't sure I would know exactly what to say to you to make you feel better. I just wanted to somehow make you know things would be alright and hope to offer you some of the love and inspiration you've given me over the years. I didn't even try when I made my last post...the words just came flowing out. I guess that's what happens when you love someone.

Lori: Those were some serious hard questions that you asked yourself and I'm sure the answers didn't come easy. I do have to say that I am surprised though, that you felt insecure with yourself. I have always looked at you as a very confident, strong and proud individual and have been inspired by you and have hoped to have some of your strength at times. I used to be one of those people that just "blended into the background" or tried to be as non intrusive as possible as to not draw attention to me and my weight. I now have figured out that I have just as much right to be here as anybody and if they don't like me, they don't have to look at me. Your vivacious personality gives me hope that I can continue feeling this way.

Well gals..... I've depleted almost an hour and a half of my two hours of internet time, but you are all worth it. I know I haven't responded to everyone, but I have responded to all that have posted on this thread so far. You all know I love you though, don't you?

One more thing..... for years and years, I've noticed that I tend to look away from people when I talk to them instead of directly in the eye. Why? Because I was uncomfortable with myself, unsure of myself, embarassed of my weight, so it was easier for me to look away then to look them in the eye. Not until a co-worker and friend asked me why I didn't look her in the eye, did I change my ways. I commented about this to dh and he said he always wondered why I did that. He said it made me look dishonest because I wouldn't look people in the eye when I talked to them. I explained to him why I did it and I'm sure he still didn't understand because.....well, he's a man. So, to this day, it is still an effort for me to look people in the eye, it makes me uncomfortable, but I DO IT. You know what else I've found? People smile a lot at me.... You don't notice that when you're not looking at them. I like that.

That's your challenge for today: Look someone directly in the eye that you don't know and smile at them. It really does make you feel better.

Here's mine for you....

I love you all.

Hey there.... you snuck in on me while I was posting. Welcome to our happy home. While I don't have any suggestions as far as an inspirational book to read, I'm sure there are lots of lovely ladies here who will. The only thing I can suggest is just continue reading here with us. This is the most inspirational place I know!!

Welcome again!

There is a website that my dh and visit. It's called Ringo.com. It is basically a website that you join and set up yourself and then invite your friends.... kinda like Myfamily.com.

Anyways, I belong to it along with my dh, some friends from work and some of their friends. I think all in all we have about 15 members. Anyways, we have a forum with different topics. One of the most recent topics was "What Makes You Mad?"

This was my dh's response to that question:

The bottom two paragraphs are the words to a song that we used to listen to.... isn't he the best?

Hmmm, wonder what he's done though?

Hi Ladies.....

Not time to really comment...feeling kind of blue. Just wanted to post and say Tina you are one lucky woman

Stay cool

Deb

Awwwww....Tina! Give that man another big n tasty! That's really sweet...it's good to be so loved!

Yesterday's posts were all so good! So honest and full of insight. A good purging was had by all.

I can't stay and post...must pack the car...tomorrow is moving day.

Can't stay long, have to get dinner ready. Tina, you are 1 lucky girl. You have such a romantic hubby. I know mine loves me, but he stinks in the romance department. I would just melt if he ever did anything like that. You better hang on to him, he's a keeper.
Steph

Wow, the fact that it's thursday should be good news..but to someone who works in retail it seems like another ordinary day
In fact it means I'm closer to going back to work on Monday (Though it IS my weekend off and last weekend was my vacation so I am happy for that....)

Today has been good so far, I've had a bowl of cornflakes (I have to have five points worth of cereal in the morning or else I get hungry by 10 am )
Lunch was good too, I had some spaghetti and turkey meatballs leftover from last night..and a glass of iced tea
I also just had a small bag of Rold Gold pretzels...yum I love those things. I'll have to watch myself tonight though cause my grandmother wants to go out somewhere and eat...

Tina: So you have an office job...mind if I ask you what you do?

2Cute: Once I start getting my food back in order I'm going to start slowly working an exercise routine back into my life....I actually have those "Walk Away the Pounds" with Lesley Sansone..for some reason those are the only tapes that I have been able to stick to...plus my brother has a home gym too that I'm gonna start working into my schedule too ....Can I ask you what you do for an exercise routine?

Or anyone really..what do you all do to keep your activity in check? I'm just looking for creative new ideas....I think walking might be out because the new house is right on this super busy main road and the cars just seem to FLY around those corners like you would not believe....

JustMe: I'm with you on that one..it's so nice to come here and post among people who are REALLY serious about losing weight. One of the annoying things about Weight Watcher's (at least around here) is that you tend to get those super thin waif-like girls who want to lose ten pounds in order to fit into her bikini at the beginning of the summer or something..

Pam: I can say that I still have my Barbies left they may be all dirty and have snarly hair, and an occasional missing leg...but I still got 'em! I used to LOVE playing with them because I loved making up stories and having huge soap opera-esque escapades. I even had names for them, plus I sorted them out into the "bad guys" and the "good guys..." And I don't remember the original Chatty Kathy....but I DID have a doll in the 80's called "Chatty Patty." She was the kind of doll that you pulled the string and she's say something like "I'm chatty kathy, let's play together.."..."after we open our presents..let's brush our hair..."

Jen: I got a good laugh at your little story about shoving cookies into your mouth ..I would totally do something like that...except I've been known to get up in the middle of the night and eat a BOWL OF CEREAL..or even a DOUGHNUT and not even remember doing it!

All right i Better go for now, i've spent faaar too long sitting here at the computer, and i'm actually starting to get hungry...

bye bye for now!

Blood work came back all clear

Mary Hope you are feeling at least a little better today!!

Hey you all....I think I am liking this new flex plan ww has out. Its still the same basic plan only you have a target point that you have to eat each day. Its 2 points above the low end of your old points range....so if your points range was like 18-22 then your new target point is 20. Then....you have 35 flex points for the week to use as you please...all in one day...over the course of 7 days...use em all or use none its totally up to you...but once the week is over whatever you don't use you lose...no more banking points...and for exercise points...you have to eat them the day you earn them....and if you earn more than 4 exercise points in one day you HAVE to eat all the excess over the 4 or you may gain or maintain. But again...whatever you earn you have to use that day OR lose them...no banking! They have 12 weeks worth of stuff to give you....good healthy information. Not all recipe cards either...they have a booklet for abs, arms and legs you get along the 12 weeks. I can't wait to get those puppies!

I had a pretty good day today...I ate my target points and then I used 3 of my flex points tonight for a snack and I drank all 8 glasses of water! Now if I could just get the exercise in...well I did walk across the street to my neighbor's house. I had to get her husbands insurance info from her. Last year he had an accident and this year he had passed away and they are sending her a bill for $700....and what do I do best? I get that money written off! Either that or make sure they billed all the proper insurances. Thats what I do at work every day....I'm a personal injury collector..I make sure we get paid from all the insurance companies from motor vehicle accidents, workers comp and all that stuff!

OK I better get off her now...I have to get stuff ready for work tomorrow and then hop in the shower.

TTFN Michelle

Hi Ladies -
I know I haven't been around much the past few days. I have been reading everything and can appreciate what everyone has said and the struggles, deep thoughts, emotions you are all having. I've been taking the past couple days just to figure myself out.

Food is good, exercise is good, just trying to figure out how to break through this little plateau I have hit. I will never give up and try not to get frustrated, but I've got to find a solution. I think I may have figured it out today. It's all about the exercise for me. Yes, the food too, but without the exercise I know I won't lose a thing. Up until now I have been keeping my exercise program at home on the treadmill or Total gym, some pilates and light weights. I am getting a little bored with it and I need to increase the intensity. I was going to join the Y, but was torn between the Y which is about 15 minutes from my house and the gym which is about 1 minute from home because I want somewhere with a pool, but also convenient. I just found out today that the gym has a pool (I initially didn't think they did). So, I went in tonight for a tour and to find out pricing. I got a couple passes so I am going to work out there tomorrow and Saturday to see if I like it and then I'll join. They have a 3 month option which I'll probably go with first and then sign up longer term assuming I like it and feel comfortable there. So, this is my next step in my journey to a healthy me.

Jeff has been in NYC the past couple days. I feel like I haven't seen him in weeks - I basically haven't. He was there last week, then I went to FL and then he's up there again. Hopefully this weekend we'll get some quality time together.

We both Dr. appts on Monday to continue our infertility tests. That's adding a bit of stress to both of us.

Wow, it's amazing how much better I feel just typing to you all. It really does help to get thoughts off my chest.

I really would like to reply to you all, but I honestly don't know where to begin. Just know that I love all of you and have been reading every word! I'm really doing great, just trying to figure things out.

I'm going to head to bed. I'll talk to you all later.
Love,
Barb

Just wanted to let you know that I spent the last hour replying to everyone on the thread and it won't post my reply! Not only that but it told me to go back and fix the problem and when I pushed the back button my reply had been erased !!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have the energy to reply again. I am going to bed. I will post tomorrow.

Laura

Oh, I know I sound mad, but not really, just diasappointed. Tomorrow will be a better day!

Good evening ladies. I did not get much accomplished today...
but I did workout twice.
It got to 104 degrees here today AGAIN. Heat index like 117.
Ordinarily I would want it to cool off and turn to fall... but since I just got a pool I want it to stay hot until Sept 15th.... but not THIS HOT. I would like low 90's.

Barb...you sound like you are really doing great!!! That is wonderful.
I am like you... without exercise I don't lose.
Plateaus are hard to ride through... but if you just keep hanging in there one day you will be happily blessed with a new losing streak. Drinking that water really does help. The more the better.

Michelle.. the new WW plan sounds pretty good. Glad you like it.
I am sure the old plan is still good too... they just need something "NEW" every couple of years to keep people coming back.
Mary... I am so glad your blood work came back clear.
What reason does the doctor give for all of this itching??
Are you having any relief yet??

Melissa... My exercise is water aerobics every morning while the weather is warm. I have more than doubled my walking just walking around my new house. LOL I no longer ask people to get things for me... I get it myself now. I walk around stores now... I could not do that before. I used to avoid SuperWalmarts because I could not walk that much. Now I have my daughter ask me to leave because she is too tired.
I don't want to mislead anyone... I can't walk like most of you... but I can walk three times as far and as long as I could before.
In the fall I plan to either join a gym (maybe brave swimming there too) but if not... I am definitely going to do my home videos.
I know one thing... I LIKE moving this body... I hate it when I am immobile.

Steph... I am glad I am not the only one who's husband is nothing like Tinas. LOL My husband has many good qualities... but romantic is NOT one of them. His idea of a compliment is..." that looks a whole lot better than what you wore last night." Oh well... we can't all be as lucky as Tina.

Kat... you scared me...
I thought YOU were moving and I missed the post telling us about it. And the sad face indicated it was not a happy move. THEN... I finally remembered.... your DAUGHTER is moving away to college. I think this is going to be much harder on you than your daughter. LOL

Deb... sorry to hear you are kind of blue. Just wanted to wish you back into the pink real soon. {{{ hugs }}}

Tina... what can I say. I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS !!!!
That husband of yours has to have some fault. So far he seems like a true saint.
I can't imagine someone loving me as much as he loves you.
My husband "used" to adore me... but somewhere along the way of our 35 years together he has just become accustomed to me. I am more like an old worn out pair of slippers he won't throw away than a love goddess to him. LOL
BUT... to be fair.... I am not much more romantic than he is.
I came in here last night to whine about how TOTALLY FRUSTRATING my husband can be to me but changed my mind and chose to be more positive. LOL

okay... I have been here long enough.
I have to get up early tomorrow. That big garage sale is at 7am and I have a doctors appointment at 9:30. Then I am meeting two realtors at our old house to check out who will be the best choice to use to sell it. After that I have a dozen or more errands and returns to do... so .... I may not be in here untill late tomorrow night again.
Hope everyone has a wonderful FUN FILLED FRIDAY !!!!

I came back to edit a post to Lola... I am so sorry for your loss.
I hate it when it does that. I try to remember to copy before I hit submit... but sometimes I forget. I appreciate the post you did not get to submit.... it has happened to all of us.