Off to CURVES! See ya later!

I'm back girls. It's 10 minutes until the weekend, I just wantedt to finish up my replies before I leave you for the evening.

Tina,
OH MY GOD! You and hubby are so freakin' cute! I love those pics. He's such a sweet heart.

Meliss,
Good for you to pick up a lifting routine. A combo of lifting and cardio is supposed to be the most effective way to lose. I am only doing upper body for now, mainly because I'm lazy. I just do the basics. I couldn't tell you what the names of any of the workouts are. But if you check out Oprah's website there is a great section with Bob Greene. He goes over the proper form for 8 upper body movements. I've based my workout on those, and also what Tom helps me with.


Pam,



Later girls!
Natalie

Tina those pics are soooo cute! I don't know about where you are but WW has the $20 special right now. Check the www.weight-watchers.com board and type in your zip code and it will give you the closest meetings to you and then click on the link for specials. It should tell you there. I still have prepay coupons plus I found 5 expired ones. I called them and they said to just send them to them and they will send me new ones! How cool is that!! So I have right now 13 weeks already paid! I am going to put $10 a week away in an envelope and when I use the prepays up I will have the $120 to buy 12 more!

Barb...no we didn't go to the game tonight. Our friend decided that he didn't want to spend the $3000 on the season tickets that they were offered...it was behind the goal post. So, John picked up a case of beer on his way home and he is lounging out there on the couch right now watching the game.

Pam congrats on the weightloss....right now you are my idol!!

Thin good job on getting back to Curves! I need to get this rump to the Y and start exercising again. I am signing Andrew up for swim lessons beginning in September! So hopefully that will motivate me!

Sandy...I am off tomorrow but want to get an early start grocery shopping...Andrew has a hair appt at 11:30....so no sleeping in for me tomorrow...but watch...he will want to just because I need to get going early! But now Sunday...he can let me sleep in but gauranteed he won't...he'll be up by 6 am watch and see! If he doesn't I 'd be surprised!

Hi Terri...exercise is a dirty word you know...I'm surprised 3FC lets us type it! LOL

Melissa isn't moving the worst!!! But at least its exercise!

Oh HEY BARB...are we on for this Sunday or do you want to make it two weeks from now? Choice is yours! Just let me know!

Connie...hope your HIND END is feeling better!!

Mary whats up with all that itching? Are they going to run any other tests?

OK where are the rest of you chickies today?? Come out and post now...I will be back before I hit the hay! I gotta go cut some coupons now!

TTFN Michelle

The itching is getting better. But I am sstill broke out It maay be some better.

Wow, we have a couple of losers in the group.

to Barb and Pam!

I think I'm down a half pound myself. Still short on the exercise due to the heat and laziness but I WILL make up for it this weekend.

We lazed out and had Chinese for dinner. I had Shrimp Lo Mein - regular size - and only ate about a third of the noodles. We did have appetizers and did eat those.

It was only 96 today. I know 2Cute and relate to the heat. A cold front came through last night. Who'd think you'd be grateful for 96 degrees? The dog thinks its cool enough to play.

Tina - Loved, loved, loved your pics. What a couple of cuties. Now we both have our goals for the weekend and let's not just be determined to succeed - let's JUST DO IT! We'll miss you while you're off.

Connie - I hope you get to feeling better soon. As others have said, don't rely on food for comfort. Its only a temporary comfort and then the guilt starts to seep in over what we've eaten knowing that its keeping up from our goals. Hang in there! :

Thin - I'm proud of ya! Good girl for getting back to Curves.

Pam - Good luck with resolving your issues with Jane. You too don't fall into the food comfort trap. You've worked too hard and you're doing great.

Melissa - Yuck, moving in the summer is not fun!

Mary - Good golly, wonder what you got into? Hope it continues to improve.

Kat - How did the move go? How exciting for your daughter, and scarey too, to head off to school. for you.

Seems like there was someone else I wanted to reply to. Sandy, 2Cute, Amanda, Natalie, and everyone else - hello and have a great evening and a successful weekend!

Pam: I know what unresolved dreams are like...I always get those kind of dreams where you KNOW you are supposed to be doing something, but for something in the dream you get distracted and it NEVER seems to get done....once in a while when I am on the warpath trying to remember to do certain things, and I get distracted, I get the chills cause it makes me think of those nightmares I get sometimes...

Barb: Congratulations on the two pound weight loss You're so brave to join a gym..I have a hard time with gyms because I am so self-conscious about my weight and I hate the thought of people watching me as I work out...

Sandy: What's this talk about "dear husband.."...I seriously always thought 'dh' stood for "damn husband..."....oops....LOL

Tina: Those really are the CUTEST pictures...ha ha I hope you don't mind me admitting to having a chuckle at the time warp those pictures seem to have come from..they totally scream 80's LOL..but you have grown into a beautiful couple.

Michelle: To respond to your comment..YES moving out is the WORST...gah. I know it is exercise..but I'm obviously not in the best of shape, so it IS hard for me.

Natalie: yay! thanks for suggesting the Oprah web page, I'm DEFINITELY gonna check that out and start working in my weights...I think that may be a reasonable first goal for getting my activities into my program.

WHICH brings me to my next point: the reason I started coming back here is cause I'm FINALLY deciding that I am SICK of being the way I am...I literally have let being overweight run my LIFE.
I don't know if anyone else can relate (is that an arrogant thing to ask? Surely I'm the only one with problems!!!) Lately I don't want to go anywhere because I don't want people to see how I look, or I'm afraid I'll run into someone I haven't seen in a while and they'll see that I've gained weight since I saw them last. Movie theaters SUCK because let me tell you..they are BUILT FOR SKINNY PEOPLE....AIRPPLANE SEATS SUCK...they are ALSO built for SKINNY PEOPLE. ...what else...AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES...DESIGHED FOR SKINNY PEOPLE....I could go on. I hate seeing myself in the mirror, and I hate feeling so achey and sore at the end of the day because I am carrying too much weight and being on my feet all day does a number on my legs and back. Sometimes I wake up with a sore back in the morning and feel like I need to roll out of bed like an egg ...not good.
I think the worst part about being overweight is the sleep apnea....I don't know if any of you ladies have had it..but it's a scary experiences because people like me (with overactive imaginations) wake up in the middle of the night and think they are dying because they are short of breath for no real reason.
These health concerns have scared me..and I think I've gotten to a point where I don't even want to lose weight for other people (like I used to feel)...It's finally coming from within me and it has taken me (quite literally) all of my life to learn this.


So...sorry for the morbid entry but I just had to get it out in the air..and I would like to know if any of you guys have had similar problems.

Any rate...I'll probably check back once more before bedtime...

Hey Chicks!!!

I did it --- I just got back from the gym!!!
Tonight was a trial work out. The girl took me through all the Nautilus equipment and I did 15 minutes on the eliptical machine and 10 minutes on the bike. I am going back tomorrow to join!!!
YAY for me!!! It wasn't too crowded tonight but there were all kinds there - young, old, skinny, fat, muscle heads, etc. I didn't feel like anyone was looking at me, everyone was doing their own thing! I think this is going to be great for me!!!

Then I stopped at Subway and got one of the lowfat Chix subs. Yummy. It was a little out of my way, but I like their subs better than Wawa -- those of you in the Philly area know what I mean. Wawa is a very popular convenience/deli store.

Now we are watching the Eagles!!!! They are struggling a little bit.

Michelle - I am glad now we didn't get tickets with this 'lovely' weather we are having tonight. Sunday sounds good to me it you are coming down this way. Looks like it's suppose to be a nice day - sunny and 78. Do you want to meet at the nearby park I mentioned? PM me and we can work out the details.
Good job on WW!!!

Natalie - Good job on the workout routine and the maintained weight this week! You are going to be at your goal by your b-day!!!

Tina -- You and Ron and adorable!! Thanks for sharing all the fun pictures!! Yep, I am very familar with Krystal from my younger days growing up in FL. You're gonna get that piggy-back ride again one of these days.

Mary - Glad to hear the itching it getting a little better. Hopefully soon you'll be back to yourself and you can spend more time with us.

Terri --- Hope it cools off for you this weekend so you can get in your exercise. We've been in the 90s here as well, but it's suppose to cool off a bit this weekend. Thank goodness! Good job on the 1/2 pound --- every bit counts!

Melissa -- No need to apologize for your entry. You are only speaking the truth about many things that I am sure we have all thought! Don't try to do it all at once. A little at a time and you'll start seeing improvements and feeling better. When I first started exercising in February I could barely make it 10 minutes on the treadmill. Now I am good for about 40 minutes plus other exercising. I never would have joined the gym 6 months ago, but now I am feeling better about myself and am ready for this next step. I've learned that even 5 minutes of exercise is better than none!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! WE ALL CAN!!!! We are here for you for support! Set some goals for yourself, even if it's 10 minutes of exercise on the family room floor -- anything!! Keep us posted!!


Thin - Good job getting back to Curves today!!

Kat - I hope moving day went well and you are hanging in there!

Big hugs and Hello to everyone else!

Amanda, Lynne, Joanne, Joanne, who else? --- Where have you guys been???

Love you guys!
Barb

Ok I'm here to report another successful day....I came 4 points short of reaching my target points...oh well....I was quite satisfied with all that I ate today...I actually feel like I pigged out. My new thing at work now is to chew gum as much as I can to keep my mouth out of trouble! Its been working!

Well I'm off to bed...want to get an early start in the morning so I can get back and clean and do laundry!

TTFN Michelle

Hey girls! No time for replies tonight, I have been sleeping on the couch since dinner and have to be up early in the morning.

I did go back to Curves today. There was a post it note on my sign in sheet from the girl who signed me up saying she missed me. Awwww, wasn't that sweet?

I'm headed to Toledo, OH in the morning. I'm going to an all day Mystery Shopping seminar. Now, before you all crack up, I have to tell you that I'm sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place with this. It appears that the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (which is made up of mystery shopping company execs) has determined that 'certified' shoppers would be a fun thing to have. So they've developed a certification program. To get Silver certified, you have to take a 35 question test online for $15. Then to get Gold certified (and you have to be silver certified first) you have to attend an in person, all day seminar somewhere for $99. Well the closest they've gotten to me is Toledo (about an hour and a half).

Now, after 10 years of doing this, I'm sure that an all day seminar is just the thing I need to waste my time and money on. NOT! But (and here comes the rub) some of the companies that I've 'worked for' for years are now taking newbie 'certified' shoppers over oldie non-certified shoppers like me. Also, any companies that are members of the MSPA, seem to be interested in the certification. Soooo, I'm thinking that it is in my best interest to attend this thing. I only pray that they will share some wonderful tip on efficiency (either for doing shops, scheduling shops, or keeping track of shops) that will make my day worthwhile.

Can you tell I have an attitude? I guess I shouldn't, afterall, I'll be on my own all day long, just me and my lonely. Could be fun!

Anyway, that's tomorrow's saga. I did as promised and went to Curves today. I had to have quite the argument with myself. 'You're going', 'I don't want to', 'well, you're going anyway', 'who's gonna make me', 'you told the chics you were going', 'ok, dang it, I'll go!' It was touch and go there for awhile, but I did feel like I accomplished something by doing what I said I was going to do.

I truly don't have time for replies, but I have to say to Tina: My gosh, what babies you two were!!! I thought honey and I were young! Too cute!!!

Gotta run and get some sleep. You all have a wonderful day tomorrow.

I have been trying to read all the posts I missed ...but ... I keep falling asleep sitting here at the computer. I am going to have to go to bed and finish them tomorrow.
I love you all.

Good morning gals!!
I hope everyone's Saturday is off to beautiful start! I just rolled out of bed and am still 1/2 asleep. My back is a little achy from last night's workout. But that's ok --- guess where I am off to. ???? Yep, the GYM!!!! I am going to see what the Sat. morning crowd is like and get my workout done so I can enjoy the rest of my day. I have a list of several errands to run and then DH just told me a bunch of people from his work are going to be at Delaware Park today so we are going to me them there. It is a Horse Racing Track and they also have slot machines.

I'll check in with all you lovelies later!!!
Barb

Good Morning Ladies. I am going to try a little post.
I still itch some but not too bad. I still have a rash all over my upper body, but not my face. I have no idea what caused this.

Work is soso still haven't hired a new person yet. Maaybe soon we have had several good applications.

DH and I are going out to eat today we are going to Ryan's.

The Prednizone I am taking makes me hungry. I think I am up 4 lbs. since Monday.

Well I better run Need to do some hemming beefore I put my sewing machine in storage.

Tina the pics were good.

Love to all of you

Good morning!

I'm up! DH has headed off in search of tomatoes and Sam's Club. I made the dog go outside for awhile. I have the house to myself for a change. Its nice to be home on Saturday morning with no plans to go anywhere.

When I wake up and can see, here's what I plan to do today:

8:30 - do my morning exercises with the handweights, etc.

10:00 - do the WATP for 1 mile or do 20 minutes tae bo

1:00 - 40 minutes on the spinner

8:30 pm - walk the dog for 30 minutes

I know its ambitious but I'll do it at reasonable intensity so I don't pull a muscle. However, I know my body can handle it. I have to do a lot of sitting this next couple of weeks while I cram for a test on 9/5 (over Commercial Insurance) so I'll need the exercise breaks.

Now that I've typed my plan, I'll report in later.

Melissa - You are right about the stuff being made for skinny people. We were at the ballgame recently and the seats are so narrow and so close. Only a small boned skinny woman and kids are comfortable. They jam in the seats to make more money but never take a look at the size of most people. I can relate to how you feel about being tired of being overweight. That's a weary feeling. Focus on all the positive things you are doing for yourself and don't quit! But don't hide from people either. I used to do that - wouldn't go places, wouldn't wear shorts, wouldn't wear short sleeve...wouldn't..wouldn't..wouldn't. Life is too short for coulda, woulda, shoulda..embrace life now as you are and feel good about yourself now and you'll be surprised at how that helps you stay focused on your journey of feeling better physically.

Barb - Great job on going to the gym. You've inspired me to get up here soon and exercise! Have fun today!

Now, I must get up and get busy.

TTFN!

Gah!! I hate my bathroom scale...it's one of those cheap scales where if you move in the slightest it changes, so it's hard to actually tell how much you weigh I got on a few hours ago and it said that I've gained 15 pounds which I KNOW isn't true...any thoughts or suggestions?? Maybe I should just get weighed every other week that way I notice some sort of difference because now I'm all depressed, and wondering if I started out this diet weighing more than I thought that I did.

Gah.

-Melissa

Good morning Chickie Poos!!

Well Andrew let me sleep till 7 am this morning which is an hour longer than usual! But up we got, I gave him a cup of milk and a mozzarella cheese stick and I got washed and dressed and got him dressed and then we went to the grocery store. Only spent $108...and got tons of stuff...that 10 for $10 sale is a killer. 10 jars of skippy peanut butter, 10 pks of the danimals drinkable yogurt, 10 32 oz bottles of gatorade, 10 8 pks of deer park bottled water, can't beat that...thats 80 bottles of water! I'm going back to get more. 10 cups of fruit naturales..cut up fruit in its own juice! I need stuff like that to get my fruits in. And tons of other stuff too!

I just finished a bowl of oatmeal w/peanut butter, oh so yummy and filling for 4 pts...its just 1/2 c of quick oats, 1 cup of water, 1 T of peanut butter and 1 pkt of sweetner, microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and enjoy, if its too thick then just ad a splash of milk! That with a 16 oz bottle of water is enough to fill you up for a bit!!

OK I gotta get off of here for now...I need to give the boy a bath since I didnt' do it last night then take him for a hair cut and then to the credit union!

I'll be back!!