Sorry I was missing yesterday. I've been really busy at work and my wrist is giving me trouble right now so I have to limit my computer time at home.

Judy - Good job getting rid of the deficit and staying off the scale. Hope you are feeling better.

Carla - Congratulations on the great loss...especially after a holiday weekend. You'll be in that new decade soon. Glad to hear the candy is gone...now stay out of Ana's! I remember sneaking candy of the girls when they were little. They used to come up to me and tell me they could smell the chocolate on my breath.

Angie - Way to go handling Easter. Sorry your meeting was snowed out, but just think of the great loss you'll have next week. I was pretty sore from the upper body workout yesterday and today, but it seems to be getting better. I keep reminding myself of how firm I'll be.

Karen B - Congratulations on a great loss. Good job planning ahead for your meals out. Yeah, the boss is having a hard time deciding what to do. He was sick for two months last summer and didn't think he would feel able to come back. As he has felt better, the talk of retirement has almost stopped, but whenever he feels bad he starts talking about it again. I've just quit thinking about it for now.

Michele - Welcome back. Glad you had a relaxing trip. Way to go on the maintain. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for good results.

I'm on a roll...exercise three days in a row. Yesterday I went for a walk/jog...been a long time and I'm really out of shape. Today I did a lower body weight workout. I've done pretty well with the eating. Planning on six mini meals a day seems to help. It has kept me out of the cookies at work all week. I'm still having some trouble with the evening nibbles, but I've been making better choices.

Talk to you later.
Pat

Karen - Gillis - how could I forget??? How nice for you that he's taught Lucy all his dead critter tricks! ;-)

Pat - sorry to hear about your wrists bothering you. Way to go on the exercise. Listen, as far as the run/walk - keep it up and you'll be surprised at how fast you get your "legs" back. I went through the same thing in January. I got the treadmill and the first time I did a run/walk I felt so out of shape. It didn't take too loing though - I just made a little more progress each time I did it. I know what you mean about the muscle soreness reminding you how firm you'll be. Sometimes (and I know this sounds a little sick) I am disappointed if I don't feel sore after a muscles workout - that soreness tells me I worked those muscles! I'm gld to hear that the six mini meals is working for you. Hey, snacking in and of itself is not bad (I heard that at my meeting) - as long as you make healthy choices and don't overdo.

I had a good day yesterday. I had 4 food points banked after lunch (when my day ends). I felt pretty crummy when I got home from the cold (which thankfully is only in my head so far) so I didn't exercise. I was feeling a little sorry for myself last night so I had the Cadbury egg - but I used my 4 food points and that was it except for some fruit so I think I'm OK. This morning I feel OK - still have the cold but it's still in my head so I did a new step tape - almost 60 minutes and I worked up a good sweat. Oh, and I haven't stepped on the scale and I don't plan to.

Have a great Think Think Thursday!
Judy

Hi everyone.

Michele - Welcome home. I'm glad to hear you had a good time in Florida. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending you some cyber {{{hugs}}}.

Judy - The hamburger was delicious - every last bite of it. I"m feeling very confident about dinner on Saturday. If I'm tempted to overeat, I'll remind myself that there isn't anything that I've eaten that I won't be able to get again. Good for you for staying off that scale!

Karen B - It's great being motivated these days. I know that you'll be saying goodbye to those 230s next week. (I can't wait to say "hello" to them.)

Pat - Sorry to hear about your wrists bothering you. Ana actually confiscated a Robin's Egg from me last night. Good for you for being on that exercise roll and for staying out of the cookies at work. Sounds like you've really found something, mini-meals, that work for you!

:wave: to Jennifa. Stop in at let us know how you're doing.

I did pretty well yesterday. As I said, I enjoyed every bite of my burger. I split an order of fries with my co-worker and spent the rest of the afternoon feeling very satisfied, but not stuffed. And when I started with the "you've had a burger, you might as well get some candy", I stopped myself. Had some Green Giant brussel sprouts in low fat butter sauce (one point of pure deliciousness, if you like brussel sprouts, which I do) and a glass of tomato juice for dinner and some pretzels for a snack. So all and all I think I did ok. I'm feeling strong as we're heading into the weekend and determined to see another loss next week. Now, if it would only stay sunny for more than 1/2 hour, life would be good.

Have a great day everyone.

Carla

Hi Everyone!

Carla - I can't remember the last time in ten years that I was in the 220's, so it'll be quite the moment when I next climb on the scale! I'm with you about brussell sprouts; I love them too! You did great in not falling into the "I ate this, so I may as well eat that too" trap. Big pat on the back. I hope your weather improves - it's a fantastic warm sunny day here. Keep that great momentum going - you're sounding a lot like the Carla who lost 40lbs!

Judy - I hope you treasured every moment with your Cadbury egg! And way to go with getting up and exercising with a nasty cold! It's not sick to like having a little soreness after a workout, plenty of folks feel that way too ... unfortunately I'm not really one of them! The aches do remind you what a great job you've done.

Pat - hope your wrist gets better asap. Congratulations on your consistent exercise, it's really nice to hear you sounding pumped and enthusiastic! When we really get our heads around what it is we have to do consistently to win our battle it's a little easier to face each day in a positive state of mind.

I had a good day foodwise and exercise wise yesterday, and so far so good today. Mike and I are both off today, so we've been out for a long walk with the dogs. I used to have to drag DH out for walks, but now he's really enjoying the exercise too. Our back yard project should be done early next week, the pavers, walls, waterfall and pond are done, the shed is being built today, and all that's left will be bringing in topsoil, planting, and rebuilding the fence...I will attach a photo when it's all done!

Have a great day!

Karen B

Judy - Way to go keeping off that scale. Hope your head clears up soon. I know what you mean about being disappointed when you don't feel sore after a weight workout. I did a lower body workout yesterday and didn't think I had worked hard enough. I'm feeling it tonight though! Since I'm eating the mini meals, I'm trying to stay away from snacking. I know I'm not really hungry and its emotional eating.

Carla - Sounds like you are on a roll and feeling confident again. Good job fighting off the urge to get into the candy. Sure hope the weather improves. I know the sunny days have improved my mood a lot.

Karen B - HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope you enjoy your day. Glad to hear Mike is enjoying your walks now too. I know how much nicer it is to have someone to walk with. Can't wait to see the photo of your backyard. I'm sure it will look great when its done.

I went for a walk/jog again this morning. Had to go a little slower because of some soreness in my legs, but didn't use it as an excuse to stay in bed. My boss put their Easter candy near my desk and the peanut M&M's started calling me. I did eat a few, but had a light lunch and dinner to make up for them.

Talk to you later.
Pat

Michele - you'll be in my thoughts and prayers today!

Carla - I'm glad to hear that you did so well with the burger - not giving in to that "well I might as well have...."! Has it been raining in Chicago a lot? While I love the sunshine we've had, I'd trade some with you for some rain. Oh, and I love Brussel Sprouts too. I'll have to take a look for them. How many points in the whole package (it's got to be more than 1).

Karen B - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!I can't wait to see the picture of your finished backyard project. Did you do it all yourselves? That's great that Mike likes to get out for walks. I hope by this summer shoulder will be good enough for some tennis on weekends - Tony is always up for that. I enjoyed that Cadbury egg and I savored every bite - I'm glad it was the last one though!

Pat - I'll bet that those mini meals are going to give you a great result. Way to go on getting in another walk/jog!!! Just be careful not to do too much when you are first starting out - you don't want any injuries. Sounds like you did a good job in dealing with that Easter candy - I think you did what "naturally thin" people do - indulge a little and then eat lighter.

I had a good day yesterday - very moderate snacking last night. I have PT this afternoon - I may get in a short yoga tape later but that will be it for exercise. The congestion has moved down to my chest - it's not too bad but I don't want to risk anything worse.

Angie - how are ya?

Have a great Fiber Filled Friday!
Judy

Good morning!

Michele - keeping you close in thought and prayer today.

Pat & Judy - thank you for the birthday wishes! I had breakfast in bed courtesy of Mike, going out with the girls to a beautiful garden then out for lunch, then Mike is taking me out for dinner. All point counting is off today...I'll just try to be sensible. The garden is going to be great, and unfortunately all I can take credit for is contracting the landscape company and saying yes or no to their various suggestions! Hopefully I can attach a pic sometime next week.

Hope you all have a great day...

Karen B

Hi everyone,

Karen B - Happy Birthday. Mmm - Breakfast in bed served by a real chef. What a great way to start the day. Enjoy your lunch and dinner. I bet you find yourself making smart choices naturally. Can't wait to see the photos of your yard!

Pat - Good job limiting yourself on the peanut M&Ms and then eating lightly the rest of the day.

Judy - It's been raining, snowing lightly, you name it. The sun peeks out, but doesn't stay very long. I could deal with it being cold in April if it weren't so damn grey. I'll gladly trade you for some sunshine. Yep, the brussel sprouts are 1 point. It's a smaller box. Someone on one of the boards here calculated these out a couple of years ago. I think they subtracted the calories (and fiber) of the sprouts from the overall calorie count since the sprouts are a free veggie and came up with a point left on the sauce. I hope your congestion clears up soon.

Angie - Where are you?

Well, since I posted yesterday, I've been struggling. I've been doing ok, but its been hard. I've been in a bad mood the last few days - like non-stop PMS. I think its a combo of the weather and the job situation. As much as I'm relieved to be moving on, I have to acknowledge that it does hurt to be expendable and to not have my years of experience and hard work count for anything. And it is hard coming to the office every day but feeling like I don't really belong. Hopefully since I've let myself be ok with feeling that, my mood will improve. I'm gearing up for a really hectic day tomorrow, ending with my MIL's party. Hoping for some rest and relaxation on Sunday.

Have a great day and a terrific weekend.

Carla

Happy Birthday KarenB:)

Gosh, Fiber filled Friday is here and somehow I lost two days of my life. Been incredibly busy at work and Anthony started his swim lessons again at night so I haven't been able to do my usual routine. Still on plan though!

Judy- you go, girl!! Keep staying off the scale. I can't wait to hear about the loss you'll be finding out tomorrow when you step on the ww scale. Then say goodbye to the scale until next week! Remember to take it easy with the congestion hanging around. Sure don't want to hear that bronchitis has found it's way to you;)

KarenB- fabulous loss!! Way to go! So fun when the current loss 'takes' with it a gain which happen to find you. So satisfying to kiss those pounds goodbye!

Carla- Awesome loss!! I'm going to hold you to those pounds being gone forever. No going back only forward and down on the scale! Keep yourself pumped up! Nothing feels better than a new decade. I'm having that satisfied feeling, not a stuffed one, more often than not these days. Isn't it grand?! Great job sticking with your plan. Yes you had a burger but you counted the pts. Feels wonderful being able to enjoy foods AND remain on plan, doesn't it?? Good luck on your dinner on Sat. Keep in mind your progress, you're feeling better, you are more energetic and you will stay on plan!

Michele- Welcome back!!

Pat-sounds like carpal tunnel, huh? I've got it in both my wrists and am waiting for a 'good' time to have the surgery. I went through the testing with the neurologist last fall and I'm a candidate for the surgery. Good to hear you're making better choices for your nibbling at night. I stumbled upon pretzels which are honey/mustard. They are really good. It's 3 pts for a svg but if you savor each one (remember, it takes me 25 mins to eat a slice of pie;) ) they are very satisfying. I'd have to throw the peanut M&M's in the garbage...don't know if I could maintain control around them! Pat on the back for getting out and walk/jog with the leg soreness :)

Think I've caught up on the thread for now! I've been having a good week. Tony and I went to Outback Steakhouse on Wed to celebrate his 12th ann of being 'smoke free'. Came home with a doggie bag and had gone to Dotti's site to determine my choice before arriving there. So cool to remain on track even while enjoying the sirloin steak! Have a list a mile long of things I want to do this weekend so if the munchies call me I have a plan of attack! Have a great weekend everyone :)
Angie

Carla- I must of been doing my reply as your post came on for the day. So sorry to hear you've been struggling. Nonstop PMS would be dreadful. I think allowing yourself to validate the feelings you're having is a healthy response. I can imagine how difficult it must be to feel like you're on the outside. Are people starting to treat you differently? Keep your chin up, Carla. You're going to be so much more relaxed and organized in a very short time. Don't let your co-workers get you down. You've got a fabulous summer to be looking forward to! Fun in the sun! Let your work thoughts stay at work when you go home this afternoon. Don't drag them with you...they will ruin your weekend. Take care.