LWL #140: Week of 19-25 April
 

Good morning LWL!

as I'm up early today (3 am NY time),even earlier than mrs Jim, a lovely and chilly good morning from Lyon.
Yesterday was lousy, so we sat stayed home day and did chores. SH actually fixed up the sofa with new grey velvet cloth. Hurray for the handyman!
I got an extra special present on friday: a brand new iron.... so I did that in stead + some other stuff we never have time for.
Have to go now, gym is opening.

Wonderful day all!

GG

G'day mates! Monday is ending here, off to pack my lunch and gym bag. Went to a monday night pilates instead of my Saturday because the instructor is in a wedding on Saturday.... kind of rushed to get there after work but I sure loved those stretches and my back is oh so happy :)

Must go get some zzzzzzz's.

Have a good one everyone!
N.

Just to tell you that it was someone's birthday on the weekend.... :hb: She knows who she is!

It's a BEAUTIFUL day in the neighbourhood here today!! :dance:

So on that note it's almost 8AM and I'm off to the gym to do legs, and I'm actually going to wear shorts! :fr: The gym will never be the same!! :lol:

Back later...

Hi Ilene, Jack, GG & Nola,

Oh, its so nice out today. I cannot wait til it warms up even more. Good Morning everyone!!

Had a great weekend, spent it with hubby just hanging out and doing errands, nothing too exciting but we had fun together. We worked out together yesterday afternoon, my chest & tris were sooooooo tired, it was great. Hubby is squatting 315# - eeks, I was impressed. He's in such good shape, I'm jealous!! And he never cheats on his diet, only maybe 3 or 4 times a year. Its crazy, but at least he helps keep me on track.

Didn't do so well with my Friday evening meal, Mom & I went out for dinner and I was too hungry, I couldn't pace myself. But Sat & Sun were great & today I feel awesome in my size 4 capri's!! Yippee!!! 5 more days til Florida, so I'm going to be REALLY good this week.

Enjoy this great weather if you're getting it. BTW, Ilene, I live in NH, live freezing or die!!

Anne

Hi all,

This weekend was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I spent the entire day yesterday outside. I did legs and cardio Sat. AM and then went bike riding with DD and one of her friends on Sunday. It was a GREAT!!! Of course, my legs are killing me today. Oh yeah, I went up 20 lbs on both the seated leg press and the calf press. Go Tiki, Go Tiki.

I grilled a bunch of food yesterday for us to eat the next few days..... Man I LOVE warm weather.

How did everyone else's weekend wind up?

Tiki.

Happy Monday all!

Jack, you are inspiring your entire neighborhood. Good job!

Tik, I LOVE grilled food, especially grilled onions, steak, and tomatoes. YUM!

Anne - size 4?!? WOwzers!

Lanaii, how are you doing? You always have the nicest posts. Thanks.

Greekgirl, how DO you get up so early?! I just can't do it, have to get those evening workouts instead..

Today I am wearing my Calvin Klein jeans I haven't been able to wear in like forever. And what's between me and my Calvins? AIR! ha ha ha I waited too long to reach for them and now they are a bit loose!!!

I've always been a stress eater but something has happened to reverse that. Last week was extremely hellish and for the last few days I have really been struggling to get in 1000 calories. I don't know what to do. It seems like I just cannot eat and then when I do I feel like I'm gonna barf. If anybody has any suggestions I'd appreciate it. I wrote a note to myself in my journal, back on track today. I just pray I can stick to that!

The good news is that stress is a great change-inducer. I like windy weather because it brings change. I guess there's a part of me that really identifies with Bill Phillips about how stress is a guaranteed part of life and you can use it to spur your focused goals. (I think this is around page 100 in the BFL book.)

So I'm taking this stress to renew my promise to myself: all the way, no matter what, no excuses. Because when you use excuses, they are all you are left with.

Ok off the soapbox now. I really had to get that off my chest. Thanks.

Jennifa

242/191.5/lookin good

PS I haven't considered competing in bodybuilding competition but I have considered competing in LIFTING competitions.....

Anne - SIZE FREAKIN' 4!!!!! :high: Good for you! Florida I'm envious!!

Jennifa - Loose Calvin Kleins? That's the greatest feeling! :high: So I guess excuses can go both ways -- to force yourself to eat healthy when you are eating too little OR too much... But they are both equally important! I only wish I had the problem of eating too little, but it doesn't happen very often... Jenn I just noticed your numbers there girl, you've lost 50.5#... no wonder your Calvin's were loose!

Hey guys,

I haven't been around much lately sorry - I have been crazy busy with work and the move etc. Dove - I am moving to the Sunshine coast in a month's time and looking forward to the warmer weather!

Eats haven't been good but the food isn't the issue it's the eating bit - I keep forgetting!

Take care all,

JC

Sunny Tuesday morning
 

Good morning, everyone out there!

It’s been a strange few days. The Boy has chickenpox and he needs a lot of cuddles. The Man’s mother has visited. We only see her about once a year. She’s a peculiar woman, queen in her own castle, queen in everyone else’s, oddly ungenerous, very unaware of other people. She gave her only grandson nothing, not even an interesting pebble from the beach or a leaflet to read. Her only granddaughter receives many gifts. There was scope for things to go haywire but we’ve all coped well, despite the stress. I’ve been in charge of food so it’s been good (!) And she’s gone now. I intend to resume hula hoop training sessions this evening!

One question for you all. I was detailed to meet the Outlaw Mother’s train and it turned out to be 1.5 hours late. So, rather than starve, I went to the nearby Chinese restaurant, made what I thought were good choices (clear soup with meat, paper-wrapped prawns dim sum) but found they weren’t good choices at all (soup far too salty and prawns deep-fried, not steamed). I know some restaurants are a bit more sophisticated than others, and that different regions of China have different food but … what would you have chosen? Or if you don’t have Chinese restaurants, what would you have done? (Pookie - you've answered this question! Very, very good work in the diner!)

Dove - There is no doubt, you will succeed. No doubt about that. One step at a time and please watch out for those falling coconuts and mangoes!

Ilene - 'It's like we're not getting older, we're getting better.' Quite right! Bravo! Encore! Couldn't have put it better myself.

And Anne - size 4?! (I think that might be UK size 8 which I can hardly envisage at present ..)

Hullo to everyone else out there. Have a good day, friends. I'm focusing on digestion today and it's going well so far.

Silverbirch x

Silverbirch - about Chinese food - I usually try to go to a Chinese buffet, which there are many of in the US (!), where I can pick different parts out of different dishes. I will usually have just a little sweet and sour soup, and then will eat unbreaded chicken with veggies. If I had to order off of the menu, it would be "chicken and broccoli", which is a common dish at places here, skipping the rice.
Cindy

Ahhhh, I remember when my crew had chickenpox. DS had it on his 2nd birthday (which was also Easter that year). He was miserable cause he couldn't play with any of his cousins. DD got it when she was 8 mos old. 6 months later, the vaccine came out but I'm glad mine got it the old fashioned way and got it over with. I am leery of new vaccinations. Just keep him cool and happy. He will be up, happy and eager to get into stuff in NO TIME.

I did both bike riding AND running yesterday. DD and I rode bikes up to DS' football practice. After it was over, they rode the bikes back and I ran home. It was pretty cool, but I wore the wrong shoes. My NB's are better suited for outdoor sidewalk running, my Nike's are better for treadmills and cushy indoor tracks.

Food is off again, but not far gone like last week. Rein it in girl, rein it in!

Peace. Tiki.

Chickenpox!! I remember back when I was a kid - all FOUR of us got it simultaneously. What I remember is calamine lotion and the socks Mom tied to our hands and feet to keep from scratching ourselves. (I went through it again during my 7-year-old summer - not from chickenpox but from a week at Girl Scout Camp and the POISON IVY I came across just before the end of the session... :) )

Wish we had bike riding weather here - it's been raining the last couple days. :(

Chinese food - I LOVE IT! Unfortunately it's generally very salty around here...at least the stuff I like. Figures. When I was in NYC last November, I went to a Chinese takeout and was able to get steamed veggies with the sauce "on the side" - did my 'dip and stab' like I do with salad. The only issue I have with chicken at Chinese restaurants is that it seems that they generally use a lot of dark meat (at least, that's what ends up in *my* dishes...). I'm not all that familiar with Chinese food other than 'American Style' but my boss just came back from a 3-week tour of China and said the food was delicious. Lots of veggies and fish (steamed mostly). She did have a couple of nights where they were served Beijing (Peking) duck with those little pancakes though. Calorie laden but it sounds pretty tasty...

I'm back!

Wow, I missed you guys and thought about you all every single day, especially Sunday morning after the Saturday night birthday feast (guilt). Yes, it was I who had a birthday, and BIG THANKS to all for your wonderful messages.

Ya know, this had to be the best birthday I can remember. It's been a long time since I have been this happy, if I've ever been this happy. ;) I love being this age - 52 - and I love that I look almost *normal.* I loved the fact that I could wear clothes that flatter me rather than those I used to choose to cover me up. I love that I feel healthy and can do things that I couldn't do well before. The differences between last sailing season and this mini-vacation were phenomenal. :cloud9: However, there was one thing that stood out that truley came as a surprise and has befuddled me:

I've read on these forums, and have heard on TV shows like Dr. Phil and Oprah about how obese people are treated badly, or practically ignored. I never related to that, because I *thought* it never happened to me. Well, it did - but I didn't realize it until people I have seen for 2 seasons, who could hardly be bothered to say "hi" in passing, are now suddenly friendly and talkative. It took a few days for me to get what was going on. I used to think, especially of the folks with the really big boats, that they were snobs. Well, they are snobs, -prejudice snobs. The marina personnel were also very different to us also. And believe me, after I got it, I made a concerted effort to go over and talk to an obese couple, also boat owners, who were new. The experience was quite the eye-opener. I am naive in many ways, especailly because I believe that everyone out there is as nice and friendly as me. Some day I'll learn.

I left by myself on Thursday morning to clean and put things away. I really enjoyed the alone time, but by the time DH got there on Friday night, I about talked his ear off. We got to sail on Saturday and Sunday, but the wind was so strong, I would have preferred it to be a little bit calmer when learning this new boat. It is bigger and heavier, has a steering wheel instead of a rudder, an inboard engine instead of an outboard, and just overall a whole new ball game. But we had a great time and can't wait to go back this weekend. DH left Sunday evening and I came home last night.

Eats were clean for the mostpart, but I didn't do any walking other than the trips back and forth from the vehicles to the boat with loads of stuff. We are on a different pier and the walk is further. It was just like moving. Now that we're pretty much set up, I'll have time to walk/run in the future. I hit my treadmill this morning like a banshi, and will be going down to lift in a bit.

Ilene - my sweetie queen - I forgot the camera so no pictures this time! I didn't wear the red/white striped top because I was doing much cleaning, and with bleach. I did ruin a new pair of pants with the bleach, and ended up making them into "cut-offs." :lol:

Pookie - I was reading back and you are on fire, girl! Keep up the great work, and I'm so proud of you. :cp:

Hi to everyone! and sounds like you're all doing well!

Jennifa - Hang in! We all have something at one time or another, and we all don't always earn a gold star in the coping dept.

Meg - so great to hear you're back at gym already, even if just to walk. That was awesome news to come home to!

Well, down to lift and I hope to get back this evening and check in.

Hugs,

dip

Soooo Dipster...

Is it okay to talk about this week's episode of Deadwood yet??

:lol: :dizzy:

Hi Everyone,
The week is off to a good start here. Eating clean, lifting hard. Maybe a little too hard. I did arms this morning, then a client cancelled and I had an extra hour, so I did MORE arms. Another hour's worth :strong: Tomorrow they will probably fall off, but that's ok, it leg day :D Only need to be able to hang onto the squat bar or barbell for lunges. Now that the weather is lovely, it's back outside for parking lot lunges :p

Who has chicken pox? I must have missed the original post. My dd had it horribly- her back looked like hamburger and I was petrified she'd need plastic surgery, but there's not a single mark. Amazing. My son got the vaccine because the miniscule case he had when he was 6 months old wasn't enough to confer immunity :( I worry about the longterm, too. We had an adult friend who contracted meningitis after chicken pox ( not uncommon in adults) and died.

Dip- What a wonderful time you had! I had such a similar experience when I lost weight. I always just assumed I was "invisible" because I was a woman over 40. Doesn't say much for human nature that people are so much friendlier now. Maybe I'm more outgoing now too, tho.

I love Chinese food but try to avoid it. When I have it, I write it off as a lost meal. I don't think there are any good choices if you go the traditional dish with sauce route. And the buffets are an invitation to disaster for me.

SilverBirch- Ah, now I see who has the chicken pox! Hope you are coping. Your Man's mother sound like MY mother. You described her to a T including ingoring the fact that I have 2 children.

Hi to all, JC- hope you come up for air soon!

Mel

Karen - Yep, it's OK to talk about Deadwood and Sopranos. I got home in time to catch the reruns last night. I asked DH if he knew what Calamity Jane died from because she was drunk when she came upon Andy after they dumped him in the woods. I know she's buried next to Bill but thought she lived quite a bit longer. Did they say if anyone notified Bill's wife?

Hi Mel! >>"Doesn't say much for human nature that people are so much friendlier now. "<< No, it sure doesn't. In Chicago, or at least when I lived there, people talked to each other - in the supermarket line, waiting for an elevator or bus. When I moved here, I lived in smalltown, southern Indiana where I was shunned because I was a stranger, and a stranger with a Chicago accent. But even here in a suburb of Indy, people don't talk to each other. I've always been friendly and outgoing, and will talk to anyone. Here they look at you like you're going to grab their purse or kid. Down in Kentucky, the local folk are very friendly and appreciate the tourist trade because we feed their economy. But I just can't get over some of those folks at the marina.

Did a killer full body work-out and know I'll feel it in the AM. GOOD! Now I have to catch up on laundry and do some food prep because Friday will be here before I know it.

BTW, it's 60 days til the first day of summer and I am challenging myself to be in a size 12 so that means much hard work ahead. I've got the pantsometer staring at me every time I walk into the laudryroom at least 5 times a day. Gonna give it a shot!

Edited for - just looked at the album to see if there are any additions and Tidey posted on 4/18. I want that chest!

IN Robin - I know that the Inaugural is over, so where are you?

dip

Actually Calamity Jane died in 1903 or thereabouts, I think. Have you been to the Adams Museum site?

http://www.adamsmuseumandhouse.org/

(Sorry all you LWL's who don't follow Deadwood... ;) )

Another show I'm looking forward to seeing (next month on PBS) is Colonial House. Especially where eating is concerned. Anyone else catch Frontier House a couple years ago - that was REALLY good, even though the wealthy California family cheated big time during the show. It was interesting that, since they were eating so little sugar and sweets, everyone lost quite a bit of weight. I'll be interested to see what the bill of fare is for 1628 - the year they're going back to in the series.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/

Probably a lot of the same thing day after day - beans, bread, meat and what vegetables and green stuff they could forage or grow.

Good morning, LWL! Things are :sunny: here: I’ve been able to walk for about an hour a day since last Friday and I’m feeling better and stronger every day. It’s drives me :crazy: though, to walk around the indoor track in the gym and watch everyone else lifting weights and none for me. But I go back to the doctor's this morning and will ask when I can start some light lifting and other cardio. I did abs on Monday (since I don’t have any incisions around my middle) and it was PATHETIC! My abs need major work, like 3X week. Ilene, my virtual gym buddy, have we been neglecting our abs? :lol:

Dip’s back! We missed you! It sounds like a great time with the boat. Oh, do I hear you on the people treating you differently after you lose weight! I have no doubts that there are plenty of people in my life NOW who wouldn’t give the time of day when I was heavy. But there’s a converse to that: I’ve lost friends because I’ve lost weight. And there are heavy people who look at me now and assume that I don’t/can’t understand their weight issues because all they see is the surface “me”. At least until I talk to them a bit! Really, it’s all about the stereotyping and prejudices we all consciously or unconsciously have about others. It so often pays to take the time to go beneath the surface.

Mel brings up another good point too: Maybe I'm more outgoing now too, tho. I spent a long time insisting to everyone that I was exactly the same person on the inside that I always had been and that the only thing that had changed was the body I was in. It turns out to be part true, part not. Yes, I’m the same person on the inside, with the same experiences, values, plans, dreams etc. But more’s been added: feelings of strength, control, and confidence that I never had. So what happens now is that I’m a lot more willing to be visible because I’m not embarrassed about my size. I’m more open and willing to let people in instead of being quiet and mousy, always defensive and on guard, and wanting to stay in the background and not be noticed. So, in the end I’ve had to conclude that I HAVE changed, even though I was convinced that I hadn’t.

Another way that I’ve changed — and I think it’s a positive one (except for financially :lol: ) — is that I want to take care of my body now. Aside from the diet and exercise, which are the biggies, I now love indulging in all the fun body maintenance: manicures, pedicures, facials, highlights in my hair etc. When I was in heavy, I never felt worthy of spending time and money on my appearance. I rarely wore makeup and just let my hair dry — no styling. I hated to look in the mirror and pretty much just tried to ignore how I looked. But that throws you into a vicious cycle of not taking care of yourself, hating how you look, and eating to cover up the pain. So I tell myself that these little treats are a lot better for me than food as a reward/pleasure. And let’s not even start talking about clothes …. :faint:

Mel! Yikes! My son got the vaccine because the miniscule case he had when he was 6 months old wasn't enough to confer immunity. The only time I had the chicken pox was when I was two months old (my big sis got it first). My kids never got it and ended up with the vaccine so I haven’t been exposed again that I know of. Do you mean I might be able to get it again??

I'm happy to see everyone posting and having a good week! I hope that I get the OK today to ease back into my normal exercise routine. :crossed:

Hey gals. sorry i've been a stranger. i don't know what's going on with me, i've been battling lack of motivation for a month now :mad: . it's like with my first daughter, loosing the weight, i lost all but 10lbs and at some point i just accepted that and kinda gave up on loosing the rest. i don't want to do that this time, i only have 15lbs more to lose, i just can't stop now!
well eats are fairly unclean, and only been getting about 3 workouts in per week and so i've slowly been gaining, back up to 176#! so frustrating. so i think i may go back on the Atkins cause thats what boosted my weight loss when i first started over a year ago. i need to lose 10# in about 6 weeks in order to meet my short term goal. Well, i've got some time now so i'm gonna go do legs,
send some motivating energy and prayers my way friends!! :^:
-E

I'm back from the doctor's. Everything is healing beautifully and I'm cleared to do everything -- even weights! :strong: When I asked about what I could do now, my doctor just laughed and said that most patients who are 2.5 weeks out from surgery are just getting out of bed now and "here you are, ready to run a marathon" (not really :D ). So he said to go for anything that I feel up to doing. :cheer:

Healing so fast and so well and getting my energy back so quickly is the big pay-off for all that exercise and healthy eating . Sometimes I tend to forget that this is really for our health and not just for how we look or the size that we wear. This is a big reminder to me that I need to keep on doing exactly what I'm doing now if I want to be an active and independent person for the rest of my life.

yeah, i want my $20 bucks toward your motorized chair back!

Tiki

Hi everyone. The university's computer system has been buggy all day ... up one moment, down the next so I'm going to try to sneak in here for just a sec ... The inauguration went splendidly; beyond my wildest expectations. Everyone was very pleased, which made me a happy camper. Life has returned to normal now. I did a really vigorous LBWO at noon; may not be walking by bedtime. Tee hee hee. Greetings to all -- I dare not try for individualized responses; I'm surprised I've made it this far. So, see you later chickies.

Sorry, kids, I only have time to pop in!

Ms. Jim, I just saw a commerical with OPRAH on PBS for Colonial house. I have Tivo set to record it. :)

Evening Everybody!

Had a bum tum today, not sure why. Of course I had a zillion errands to run, so I thought I'd stop by right quick before getting on the treadmill.

MEG - That is such awesome news. I heard a news brief that seniors (not you of course) who work out in some form 3 X a week heal faster from illness and injury. The study was on men, though. So what's it going to be first? legs?

Mrs. J - thanks for the link, and I'll take a look as soon as I can sit down and do some net reading. Seems I've been using computer time for boat stuff shopping. Argh, spending way too much.

Elasky - hang in there, and I hope you get your mojo back.

IN Robin - Hey woman! Good to see you back, if even briefly.

tikster - leave it you you, wisequakker girl.

Hey Jack!

Hi to all! Where's Colleen, Tidey and Cindy this week?

dip

Hello girls:wave:

Meg -- Wow What a super healer you are! WE had a great workout today! Shoulders and a good run... ran for 25 minutes did 2 miles...Is that good? I ran from 4.5 to 5.5 mph... I'm not sure, but it's better than what I was doing in January :cheer: ....
Food has NOT been good yesterday and today... So I went for a reality check and tried on some shorts... Food WILL be GOOD tomorrow... It was good for supper too, that was after the shorts fitting fiaco...I did buy 2 pairs for the gym, 3 t-shirts, D a t-shirt and sunglasses because she now wears contact lenses, she has the most gorgeous violet blue eyes... then S got 2 t-shirts because he saw us get some stuff... Oh well!...

Elasky -- Hang in there we know you can do it, stay focused...We all had a difficult spring it seems...

Hey Indi Robin :wave: nice to see you back!

Dip -- I'm so happy that this has been the best birthday you can remember, you certainly derserve it you've worked so hard....Interesting about the prejudice towards obese people, I will try to be more open and help them more in the gym. But on the other hand I feel like if I approach someone to help them, sometimes they look at me like..."She thinks she's a know it all..." Or Meg and others, do you feel, specially from women, that the ones who are a bit on the pretty good shape side, who don't know you, will look at you funny. I've had women do double takes, or look away very quickly if we happen to make eye contact... I guess it comes down to the being stereotyped I guess... Women who know me, well we have a riot at the gym... And I honestly don't consider myself in that great a shape either or intimidating... I don't think anyways... I should ask Luanne what she thinks my attitude projects, I know she'll give me an honest opinion...

Tiki -- You back on track cheerleader girl?

Mel -- How do like just working arms? You mentionned a while back it felt funny to you because it's not a large muscle... I actually like it alot now and look forward to it because I superset between bis and tris, sure makes for pumped arms at the end of an hour... Last week I saw a girl that I know, she says: "Ilene, you better stop working those arms!! :fr: I wouldn't want to get slapped by you!!" I did want to slap her just then and there! :lol: Some people have no class... Oh well, I'd actually rather have big arms than flabby ones... C'est la vie! We all have different ideas of what we want ...

Cindy where are ya? How are your abs? Mine are doin' good ;)

Hey to Jessica hang in there, Jack such a funny guy, Karen always nice to see your informative posts...

Well I have to get going ... D wants on here...

Later all...

Later all....

I’m floating on :cloud9: this morning. Just back from the gym and I was able to do thirty minutes on the elliptical at a fairly respectable pace and resistance. It felt so good to be moving and sweating again :D . Last night I went in and did Arms Lite. Surprisingly the strength isn’t too diminished though the endurance is (probably due to the vast quantities of opiates still circulating through my body! :lol: ). Walked out of the gym exhausted, dripping sweat, with a big old goofy smile on my face. Hurray — I’m back in less than three weeks!

Ilene — I really like doing bi’s and tri’s together too. Sometimes I superset, sometimes just alternate a bi and then a tri exercise. Lots of drop sets. About your big arms story: last night, when I was doing my light arm workout, I only had a 25# plate on the Hammer preacher curl machine (if you don’t have one like that, it’s a pretty light weight). The woman who was waiting for the machine felt the need to inform me that SHE only uses 20# because she wants “slim arms, not muscular arms”. Whatever. :dizzy: It’s not like I’ve got mighty biceps or something. Honest to goodness, the more muscle I put on, the smaller I get. I had to roll the waistband of my gym pants up yesterday because they were getting so loose that the crotch was halfway down to my knees. And I haven’t lost a pound — it’s all squats and lunges tightening up my behind.

Robin — great to see you back — we sure missed you! You too, oh my Goddess! :D

OK, time to do some laundry and get the house cleaned up. I’m going to try another workout today — back? Shoulders? Not sure yet.

Have a great day, all! :sunny:

First of all: Elasky – you can do this. Stick at it. I’ve got 15 or 20 lbs to lose too and they are very stubborn. But we can be stubborner!

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words about the chickenpox and the Visit. The Boy’s chickenpox is in the itchy state now which means it’s on the way out. Yes, Meg, you can get it twice if you don’t have a good dose the first time round. And, once you’ve had it, the virus lies dormant in your body and can be prompted to turn into shingles in adults. Shingles is grim. The chickenpox vaccine isn’t in general use in Britain.

I think the Outlaw Mother’s visit has shaken us up more than I realised. The Man and I look very pale and we were a bit snappy yesterday evening (not common at all). I slept for 10 hours. Mel, thanks for telling me about your mother. Naively, I really didn’t think anyone could be like that or, at least, not in my life! Better grow up, I suppose!

Chinese food: thanks for the input. I think I’ll work on safe options for me for next time. We have a Chinese restaurant in almost every town but buffets tend to be in the cities or on Sundays.

But I have been to the gymn. Halfway through my treadmill session I was ready to throw in the towel but, somehow, my mind wandered and I carried on. Then I did as the man sampled on the gymn’s soundtrack said. ‘Move on up!’, he said, again and again. So I did, to my destination of the elliptical trainer. (Thinking about my gen-eration there, thought you might like that reference!) And I finished the whole session I’d had planned. Endorphins are good things, you know. (But I’m still looking pale.)

Last of all, I think that possibly, don’t know, perhaps, well maybe my tummy looks a bit smaller. It might be, you know. Keep you posted.

silverbirch.

Hi all,

Dip - SO HAPPY YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!!!! And mind your purse strings. Don't spend so much on the boat that you end up having MOVE TO THE BOAT! Just kidding, I know you ain't that crazy.

Silver - Excellent job on the elliptical. Music while working out really helps me out too. Instead of setting time goals, I will sometimes set music goals and then I don't watch the timer at all.

Hiya Robin - Glad your inauguration went well. Also glad to see that although you've been too busy for us, you haven't been too busy to care for you.

Ilene and Meg - I am proud of both of you and I am ashamed of me. No, I am NOT back on track, getting worse and haven't worked out hard since Saturday and only a light work out on Monday. My clock went off this morning and I just couldn't get out the bed. May have something to do with being up until midnight eating crap and watching TV. I have cheer practice this evening so I can't hit the gym tonight so this day is shot workout wise. My digestive system is protesting over my lack of activity and food choices. HOWEVER, if Meg can get up work out, sweat and eat like a normal person after only 3 weeks of surgery then I can do it too.

On a good note, I did get up and cook a healthy breakfast, packed several healthy snacks and carried NO MONEY to work so I am on the right track.

Peace. Tiki.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Well today is my birthday! i'm a ripe 27 :lol:
well if 27 were ever ripe, it is for me- 7yrs marriage and 3 kids :lol:
and Happy Birthday to Dip! (i get the impression from the other posts that you celebrated a Bday recently)

My DH is planning something, i can tell, which makes me very happy cause, to be honest, we've been together 12 years and he's only given me a gift or taken me out on my birthday mabey, like, half of those years. Actually i told him a month ago i wanted a nice pair of sunglasses, and he told me he's only working a half day today and then i suspect he's planning on taking me to the mall so i can pick them out.

So, i gotta get to my laundry folding and leg workout in before noon so i better scram. Did upper body yesterday, my arms and shoulders are litterally HOT today. Really, they are sore and feel warm like i soaked them in a hot tub or something, felt like that since last night, strange.
Hope the weather stays nice, hiking on the agenda tomarow!! :D
tootaloo
-E

Hey Gang! :wave:

Silver -- I positive that your tummy is looking smaler, it's from all that work on the treadmill and elyptical! Good for you! I must say I had the greatest MIL, she past away at 81 about 5 years ago... She was so gorgeous too!

Tik -- I have song and musc goals too! "Just one more song, one more...."

Meg -- Congrats on the workout! I didn't have a workout at the gym today I've been out galavanding the stores out of town in Ottawa, it was my usual 6 month eye exam at the Eye Institute... My eyes are holding really really well he's impressed with me, or my eyes that is... Today I told the technician that he had lost weight and looked really good... Then afterwards I'm thinking maybe he thought I was making a pass at him, because he is cute! Oh well :shrug:... He did loose a good 30# at least...

Well gotta go take Hubby out for a walk, I'll wait to digest a bit tho, speaking of Chineese that's what we had for supper... I had mostly veggies, yum... Today wasn't as clean as I would have liked because I ate 2 restaurant meals, but I chose wisely...

Later all...

Elasky I bet you thought I'd forgotten you eh? Well I didn't! ;)

:hb: :balloons: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :balloons: :hb:

Hi Gang!

Well, another crazy day here at the homestead. It's been raining all week and this morning I had a window to weed whack and mow the front before it started raining yet again. I wasn't going to let the rain stop me from weed whacking, and as heavy as that sucker used to be, I handled it quite well I must say, and continued to work on the back for another 4 hours until it oveheated and began to die. I think it safe to say my arms got their work-out today.

Eats have been really good, and same for cardio this AM. I should have lifted today but didn't, and now feel guilty. So I may skip cardio tomorrow AM and go straight for the weights. We'll be leaving again for the lake tomorrow as soon as DH can get away from work, and be home Sunday night, hopefully in time for Sopranos and Deadwood. The National Park, Land Between the Lakes has a planetarium and Saturday is "Astronomy Day" with a special viewing Saturday night. SO if it rains during the day, we'll have something to do, but will definitely go for the evening show and discussion, hoping for clear skies.

Meg - you go, chickie! But how much smaller do you think that cute little butt is going to get? What's it like not to be self-conscious about bending over in front of anyone? :lol:

Tiki - I haven't paid attention to the weather up there, but down here and even south of us it's been a "slow Spring." I've been struggling a little too, but noticed last weekend when I was south and it was beautiful weather, it was easier for me to eat clean and be energized. So ya think the weather may still have something to do with it? However, at this point, the only way is up! No worries, mate, about spending too much money because I'm pretty good here lately about knowing when to stop. Believe it or not, I would give anything to be able to live on a boat, bigger than what we have of course. I am so sick of this big house and big property because the price I pay for not working is having to take care of it, 90% by myself. And when I worked, I still took care of it 60% because I had a housekeeper. DH works alot of hours, but when he is here, the last thing he is willing to do is anything in the maintenance dept. Life's too short anymore to waste time on domestic stuff.
At this point of my life, the dream home has become my nightmare. I don't mean to sound ungrateful because we are very blessed, but it's time for a change.

Ilene - my jelly bean! Glad to hear your your eye exam went well, but not to be nosey, why do you have one every 6 months? I'm hoping Monday when I return I will be full of P&V, and hope you'll join me. *You* keep me straight, my dear.

Hi Jack!

Silverbirch - I love reading your posts. It's like reading a novella, and getting insight to a different way of life, in a different land. And please, don't get me going on mother-in-laws. It took me a few years, but I now understand why, even though unspoken, my husband choses to live away from his parents. Close enough, but far away with our twice yearly obligatory visits, they are 500 miles away in the next state east, Ohio.

:hb: :hb: HAPPY B'DAY, Elasky! :hb: :hb: I hope you picked out a really nice pair of sunglasses. Or better yet, had a nice surprise from your DH.

BIG HELLO! to all. I *know* some of you are lurking out there, and I'm not alone in that we'd like to hear from you, even if it's just a quick hello.

Well, I better get off of here. The talk about supersetting bi's and tri's got me motivated, and I can do that before I go to bed, and the rest tomorrow.
Y'all be good now!

hugs,
dip

If I don't get a chance to stop by tomorrow, I hope you all have a great weekend! :coffee:

Tiki – how did the cheerleading practice go? Hope you didn’t pull any muscles this time! And how’s the rest of it going? What’s happening? Did you leave your money at home today? I want you to succeed. You are one of my role models!

Dip – thank you for your kind words about my posts. I’d wondered if I’d be as exotic to you as you all are to me. I find it endlessly fascinating to hear about how people, in their very different lives around the world, deal with eating, exercise, what life throws in their way and all the rest of it.

Here, I’m at work in the draughty stone cottage in the wildflower garden, next to the meadow with the tinkling stream, adjacent to the bird-song-filled woodland. Idyllic? Well, yes, but today I wanted to ‘achieve closure’ on a final report for a group of clients. I would like them to pay the invoice very much indeed. But they aren’t quite there with the final comments and it’ll be next week before I can get it out of the way. Next week which is already looking rather full. Luckily, I’ve packed my food for the day so no naughty nibbles are available. And I feel on a roll, in a forward and positive direction, about food and exercise at present. So I might encourage myself to go out for a brisk walk. But we still need money so I’ll have to spend some time trying to drum up business. Self-employment is not all a bed of roses. No, not at all.

For me, food planning is an excellent weapon in the armoury. That and portion control. It really does help in keeping me on the straight and narrow. Every day, I eat the same oat-based breakfast, either home-made muesli soaked overnight in fruit juice or porridge (I eat whole oat groats – steel cut oats in North America) steeped overnight, with cottage cheese, a bit of yoghourt and a banana. And the same thing most days I’m at work (home-made soup, cans of sardines or mackerel, raw vegetables, wholewheat couscous or left-overs). Apple/carrot and cheese/cottage cheese for mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. The meals at home are more unpredictable but evening meals cycle through red meat, white meat, oily fish, non-oily fish, tofu, vegetables, pulses. And a lot of organic vegetables. Yes, a lot, raw or cooked or half-way in between. I’m not sure what it’ll be tonight as the Man and the Boy are in charge, but they know to include good protein and it’ll be delicious. So will the bread they’re going to make today but that’s a story for another day.

Silverbirch.

Hiya all,

I did some serious discussing with myself and with a good friend about my eating and weight loss patterns. I wish I could say that my binges were poor planning, but they aren't as I had to toss out my cottage cheese, eggs, lean turkey breast and some yogurt because it all sat in my fridge and went bad while I chose to eat bad stuff instead. I think that what Dip said on the other thread is correct - it's sabotage. When I am a larger size, I am comfortable with myself and comfortable with how people deal with me. Of course I get frustrated with clothes not fitting right or not looking healthy or being healthy, but it is what I am used to. I guess I gotta work on getting rid of some demons.

Yesterday was not totally clean. Boss took me to lunch and the place had a very limited menu. I "healthied up" my meal as best I could but it would have been better if I hadn't gone. Then other boss had a birthday celebration and I slid a little there. However, at home, after thinking about my convo with my friend and after tossing all that healthy food, I ate a healthy dinner and didn't eat any junk. The crew is going with their dad this weekend and I am sending their snacks with them. I don't think I will do all that great with that stuff in the house. If I can get my eats on track, I can get my butt in the gym. I can't seem to ever exercise if I am not eating clean. It is always both, or nothing.

Tiki

Tiki - good luck with your demon work. And have a good weekend.

And everyone else - have a good weekend too!

Silverbirch.

Hello all! I had to go out of town this week (back to Detroit), Tues-Thurs, so I've been laying a bit low - no computer access while I was gone.

Eating wasn't too bad - had more bars than I should have, but when on the road, there isn't much choice... Did get into some stuff I shouldn't have - will confess on the C thread. And, a few bad habits are starting to reappear - need to nip that in the bud! I think the use of bars (especially certain flavors!) and my fiber solution are to blame - I'm thinking both need to be eliminated again as they are triggers... Now I seem to always be wanting something sweet after every meal! Not a good thing :(

Only missed one workout this week because of travel - stayed with friends while there and they have good home equipment.

Happy belated Birthdays to Dip and Elasky! Sorry I missed wishing you on the actual day!

Well, lots of work to catch up on, so I'll keep this relatively short - will try to catch up with everyone on the weekend.
Cindy