Amy's New Start : Comments Welcome! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Amy&Dan

01-03-2009, 10:55 AM

For the past month or so, I have been toying with starting up a new journal. My old one (Amy's Journal) has gotten pages long and to be honest, I am not the same person I was when that journal began! I wish I could say I am not the same because I lost my weight and that my new journal is about maintainence and staying healthy. Instead I am changed because in the span of that journal, I lost my mom to cancer (she had Alzheimers too). It was a seven year family struggle of watching her fight two diseases, being her caregiver (along with my stepdad) and then having her pass away last January and now my subsequent grief process. For the past 12 months (my mom died January 12th), I have been in a fog. My mother was really the most key person in my life. After my dad died when I was 7, she and I became inseparable. We had lots of adventures together, particularly after my older siblings moved away. Even after my mom remarried when I was 23 and then when I married a few years later, we had this huge, very special bond. Even now as I type this, I am crying, thinking about how sad I am that is over for me. But they are happy tears too. Having a parent is special. Having one like my mom is a gift only God could have given me. So I have that for the rest of my life and now its time to give myself a gift. Getting healthy! I think its a really good tribute to my mom to get myself in a better place. The one issue my mom and I had was around my weight! It drove her nuts and at times she tried to help but in her 1950's fashion often made it worse. I spent a lot of years blaming my mom that I was fat, and she spent a lot of years telling me I was too pretty to be fat. The one good thing about her Alzheimers is that she sort of forgot I was fat! Seriously, the last year or two of her life, she would tell me all the time "you are so beautiful". I used to laugh thinking of all the times she said and indicated otherwise! It was nice to have that battle just done and over between us I must say. And now, I can't sit around and blame her for feeding me too much fried chicken and bananna pie the whole time I was growing up! And I think she came to realize that making me often feel second best to my skinny sister wasn't the best way to handle things. So it was good we both learned a little together before she was gone.

So here I am, 44 years old, happily married to Dan for 16+ years now. I have two beautiful kids, ds who is 14 and dd who is 12. I have a beagle named Daisy who is my most treasured little friend and who I think came into my life to bring me some fresh air and laughter when I needed it most! And I have a mutt named Shelby who looks like an alien but is very sweet and I love her dearly too! I currently weigh 244 pounds (hmm, 244 at 44 would be catchy if that "2" was a "1"). I rejoined Weight Watchers for literally about the 15th time yesterday and am excited about that. In spite of my frequent attempts and failings at Weight Watchers (I once said they should give me a Frequent Failure discount), I believe in the program and I have been successful at times. In 1998 I lost 30 pounds and kept some of that off for several years. But when my mom got sick in 2001, I let the stress of that derail my efforts. Then in 2006, I rejoined WW (by this time I had gained back my 30 pounds plus 20 more) and lost 33 pounds that year and into 2007. I began to Wish and made lots of friends here, learned a lot but again, let the stress of my mom's now two illnesses plus other family stress get to me and I have now gained back all but about three pounds of that 33 pound loss. Clearly I am a stress eater of the worst variety!

I am so extremely tired of being in physical pain. I think its safe to say that carrying around an extra 100 pounds is not easy on the body. I huff and puff, walk like an 80 year old arthritic and often have heartburn and stomach woes. The good news is that my cholestrol and blood pressure are both good and other than being morbidly obese, I am in perfect health!

So I am excited for 2009 and my new journey! For my old Wish Buddies, welcome to the new me and for anybody new reading this, I look forward to getting to know you and hope my journal won't be too boring!

lovinaz

01-03-2009, 04:10 PM

I found you!! :banana: I like the new journal, I think it's great that you started one. New book at WW, new journal here, it all makes sense! ;)

You are going to do great this year, I know it! Focus on the positive and don't look back. Only worry about things you can control and surround yourself with people who make you feel good. :goodvibes

Goofydiane

01-03-2009, 08:31 PM

Amy - New Year, New Journal, New Successes and a New You!

goldcupmom

01-03-2009, 09:26 PM

I've been thinking about a new journal, too, Amy! Great minds think alike!!

Yes, we must do this together. We are both major stress eaters, but we have got to STOP. Somehow!!!! I love your idea of a WW 'frequent failure' discount! Sign me up!!

Amy&Dan

01-04-2009, 10:48 AM

Thanks Amy, Diane and Julie. My new Wish journal looks like "home" already now that you all have come in to visit!

Yesterday (Saturday): I journaled what I ate and drank my water, but I used up 12 flex points by the time it was all said and done and I didn't exercise. But I am okay with all of that because after basically not being on program for two months, Rome won't be built in a day! I had my last holiday party to attend and that was part of the problem, too much good food that was so hard to resist. Although I did pretty well considering. I didn't take my veggie tray, we had a snow and ice storm here yesterday and I didn't feel like going all the way out to Sams Club to get one. And I didn't feel like cutting up all the veggies myself (can we say lazy?). So I took cheese and crackers instead, way easier. I had one very small plate of food at the party, a diet coke and only one piece of candy. No cookies or cake and my friend brought homemade peanut butter cups dipped in dark chocolate and I knew if I ate one, I'd be sunk. So I ate some store bought piece of candy instead that was tasty but not enough to make me want another one but it did get me over my sweet craving which I had been fight all day long.

Some of you asked me about the new program. I like it. To me its a combo of Flex and Core with a lot of emphasis on eating right, not just eating within points. Which I think is a good thing.

Today I plan to make a healthy dinner. We are seeing a movie and I am budgeting in some points for popcorn. Normally, this early in the game, I'd be saying no to popcorn. But the bottom line is that this is the rest of my life I am embarking on, its not feasible to never eat movie popcorn again, so I might as well learn how to eat a normal amount without fake butter on it right now! And that should keep me from feeling deprived.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend, I will post my food later!

lovinaz

01-04-2009, 10:54 AM

Great idea budgeting popcorn into your points. There is nothing wrong with that, it is all about planning to succeed. And if you indulge in popcorn, just make sure you are spot on for the rest of the day. You can't live life without treats! :)

You had me salivating at the thought of those homemade pb cups. Great job resisting those!! :worship:

Do the kids go back to school tomorrow? I'm sure you can get into a more normal exercise routine once things are back on a regular schedule.

toystoryduo

01-04-2009, 08:45 PM

Hi Amy,

I love the new journal! I think I'm going to start a new one myself. I like the idea of starting all over in the New Year!:cool1:

I know that 2009 is going to be your year! I love your enthusiasm! You CAN do this, Amy!:banana:

I hope you have a great evening! :hug:

traceycooper

01-05-2009, 11:03 AM

Happy New Year Amy :)
I cant believe it has almost been a yr since you lost your mom :(
I cryed too when i read your 1st post!!! but i feel you have reached the last marker - the 1st christmas, birthday & now the 1st anniversary, by no means will life suddenly be easier to bear but hopefully you can now start to move forward & you are remembering good times now.
Good luck on the WW programme, i know when your ready & focused you will do what you have done in the past - watch those lb's melt away :)

Amy&Dan

01-05-2009, 01:37 PM

Thanks Tracy, I saw your new journal, we are on the same wavelength!

Tracey! I talked witha friend on Saturday night who lost her mom many years ago. She said that once all the "firsts" are over, it gets easier because you know you can get through the special occasions. I plan to just stay by home on the 12th and then go to bed knowing I made it through that first year.

Amy: Resisting those pb cups was really hard. But I am so glad I did, I know they were deadly with fat and calories.

Here is my food for yesterday:

Breakfast: Slim Fast: 3
Lunch: Veggie and bean quesedilla with cheese and whole wheat tortilla: 6
Snack: Lots of popcorn!: 10
Dinner: Taco Soup (5) and 1/4 of a cheese quesedilla (2)

Total for the day: 26

So I came in under but I was feeling bloated after that popcorn. Got in three servings of veggies so that was something. No exercise again. :sad2: But I am okay with that because I feel like I am getting my food in order. I plan to walk today for a half hour and then go to the rec center tomorrow for a longer walk.

Thanks for reading!

lovinaz

01-05-2009, 04:32 PM

It's perfectly understandable to focus on getting your food right. Believe me, I know that food is the key! I exercise quite a bit, but get NO results if my food isn't in check. Heck, usually I get no results even if my food is in check, but that's a different story... :rolleyes1

You are doing great with planning ahead, which is the key to success. How was the movie?

Amy&Dan

01-05-2009, 04:59 PM

Amy, the movie was great. We saw Marley and Me and omg I just loved it. We had actually seen it last week and all loved it so much we wanted to see it again. What else do you do when its 19 degrees for a high temp???

I am really working on the planning ahead with food. I spent more time going over cookbooks today, getting some recipes together and entered into the WW recipe builder. I also have decided to calculate my points for dinner each morning. So that I know exactly how many points I have to work with during the day. I am forever running out of points for dinner and I think this will help.

My only problem today is that I am literally starving. I am just dying to eat, eat, and eat. So I am trying to eat as filling of foods as possible. Clearly my body is adjusting to the lesser amount of food I am eating.

No exercise yet but I am hopeful to at least get in 20 minutes on the treadmill.

Eeyores Butterfly

01-05-2009, 10:42 PM

Amy, I like the new journal! I thought about doing one but decided to stick with the one I have since my goals are still similar... weight loss by my Master's.

I'm sorry to hear this has been such a tough couple of years for you. :hug: It's always hard to face a loved one's illness and death. It's hard to take care of yourself when you are taking care of others. I'm glad you have decided to give at another go.

I'm glad you like the Momentum Plan. I am loving it so far, it's got the best of both worlds (or Flore, as my leader calls it!) Good luck!

toystoryduo

01-05-2009, 10:49 PM

Great job on food yesterday, Amy! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

I'm glad that you liked the movie. Is the movie appropriate for children? My girls want to see the movie because the dog is so cute, but I've heard that it's not really for kids. What do you think?

I hope you have a good evening and a great day tomorrow!:hug:

Amy&Dan

01-06-2009, 12:31 PM

Thanks Jessi, the last couple of years have been hard but they are behind me now and its time to make my goals a reality!

Tracy, I pm'd you about Marley and Me.

So food yesterday was okay, but oh did I struggle and I ate a lot! I was hungry and feeling tired all day. Clearly, I am in that adjustment mode. I pretty much ate like a pig for two solid months so coming off my binge is not easy. I did use up some flex points but I am okay with that.

Food for Monday:

Breakfast: 1/2 bagle w/ 1t butter: 3
Snack: sugar free/ff cocoa: 1
Snack #2: ff refried beans w/ 1tb cheese: 2
Lunch: Lean Cuisine w/ 1 t olive oil: 8
Snack #3: Wheat thins: 3
Snack #4 (are we seeing a pattern here?): yogurt: 2
Dinner: Pasta with chicken, spaghetti sauce and parmesan: 12
Snack #5: Bagle Crisps: 4
Points for the day: 35
Used 4 flex points.

Clearly due to my high number on the scale, I get a lot of points. And clearly I was really struggling with hunger yesterday! Had I been of a normal weight, I would have been out of points before I ever got to dinner and Snack #5! I had that high point Lean Cuisine because I thought it would fill me up more (it was the squash ravioli one very yummy but high in points). It didn't. I added the olive oil thinking that would help satiate me. It didn't. Oh well, for now, I have 30 points a day and I have flex points so I'll stick with that. It just seems hard to believe I am going to be able to lose weight if I keep eating this much! But then again, I frequently eat under points (did that on Sunday which may explain yesterday) and end up going off program. So that's not working either. I guess if WW says I get 31 points a day, I get 31 points a day. Maybe I'll follow the program and see what happens for a change of pace!

Today I HAVE to get to the store and get some more veggies. I need the bulk! I did get in three veggies yesterday but no fruit. Eating more of that should help me stay fuller. And maybe more water, I only drank 60 oz yesterday.

Today I walk no excuses.

goldcupmom

01-06-2009, 12:38 PM

Looks like you're getting on track fast, Amy!

Try the ff rf beans on hard taco shells. Better than tortilla chips as they are about 1 pt/shell. Break them up add the beans, heat & dip in salsa. low points & filling! one of my favs!!

Hope today is going good! Stay warm!!!

lovinaz

01-06-2009, 01:36 PM

Ahh, looks like a good ole fashioned carb fest! My guess is TOM is lurking... Sometimes no matter what you do, your body just wants to eat and eat and eat, hopefully you get out of the transition mode quickly! :wizard:

Biggest Loser starts tonight, DD9 is so into that show! She has been talking about it ever since the last one ended. She cracks me up, she always knows everyone's name and does her own little 9 year old analysis after each episode.

Did you get your walk in???

toystoryduo

01-06-2009, 04:20 PM

Thanks for both of your PM's, Amy.:hug:

Were you able to get your walk in? I still need to workout at some point today. We can do this!:cheer2:

Hope you have a great evening and a wonderful day tomorrow!:hug:

traceycooper

01-06-2009, 04:59 PM

My mum did WW a while ago & lost loads & she said she had never eaten so much food!! so i say go for those points your allowed :)
(she did put it back on when she stopped going - didnt stick to it, so make sure you stick too :))

Amy&Dan

01-06-2009, 11:26 PM

Thanks all!

Amy: I thought about TOM but since I am going through peri menopause, my periods only happen about every 4-6 months and I just had one last month. So I think its just my piggish appetite!

Tracey: You do get a lot of food on WW. I am going to stick with it this time if it kills me!

Tracy: Always happy to be help in the Owen Wilson Movie Department!

Julie: So far so good. I am keeping my fingers crossed this isn't another false alarm in the getting fit contest I keep NOT finishing!

I walked today! It was only for 20 minutes but it was something and right now I'll take anything. I think one of the reasons I have been really off on exericse is because I am trying to buddy system with dh. Given his schedule, its been hard. Too often (as in several times a week) he promises to leave early so we can walk then doesn't. I of course have no problem waiting around for him and then using the excuse "oh well, not my fault" when he can't make it. Today, I was all set to go to the rec center, dh calls and says, today I am leaving at 4:00 and we will walk. I make him promise and he actually did leave. However, by the time he got home, it was windy (we have 70 mph winds around here this evening) and cold. Like 33 degrees with high winds. I just didn't feel like it so I made him treadmill and me too. He really grouched, dh hates the treadmill. After some whining I told him to get his butt on there and not get off until I said so. He did a half hour, I did 20 minutes and I told him that right now, when its getting dark so early and cold, he needs to treadmill and I need to rec center. We can buddy up in the spring. I explained that I have to do this for myself and we have to support each other but also each be responsible for our own workout. He listened intently, we'll see! If I bully him he'll do it. And I need to do it too otherwise how can I yell at him when I don't walk the walk myself? I also miss the rec center walking track. I enjoy walking outside when its warm, dead of winter, not so much! I just need to be smart and do what I know I will stick with.

I watched Dietribe on Lifetime. It was a good show. Nobody gets voted off and the trainer is very cute! Its also only one hour. I recorded it and watched it this evening before Biggest Loser. Amy, my whole family is hooked on BL, did you watch tonight? I was really pulling for all of those people, the young kid who was over 400 pounds broke my heart.

Food today was better. We had Del Taco but I held my own. I added a big green salad to go with it. Tuesday is 3 tacos for 99 cents and its a nice break for me from cooking. As long as we put a salad with it and skip the fries and fried stuff I am okay with this.

I came in at 31 points on the dot today. And I got in three veggies one fruit plus 80 oz. of water. So I am pretty happy with today's results. My food all around was better and I didn't feel as hungry. I am starting to get excited to see if I have taken off a couple of pounds by Friday. If not, well, then I'll have to rethink things. But for now I am going to keep my 31 points a day, try to walk and slam the water. We'll see!

DisDee

01-07-2009, 08:00 AM

Hey Amy, I found your new journal. I was wondering why you hadn't posted recently. (silly me) I wish all the best to you in the new year. You have been very supportive of me and always know just what to say when you post on my journal. Thank you for being a friend!

Much success to you on the new WW program. I know that you have the strength to make 2009 your best year ever!

goldcupmom

01-07-2009, 08:40 AM

Amy, yesterday was AWESOME!!! I LOVE Del Taco!!!! Their nachos are a carb fest/fat fest wonder!! And the chili cheese fries are the BEST!!

OK, not a good post.....:laughing:

anyway....... Great job getting the walk in . I hear ya on the winds. Ours were in the 50mph range all day. Poor little Max couldn't even lift a leg to pee...it kept blowing him over!! :rotfl:

don't totally rule out TOM. Could be a phantom TOM, or I went thru the phase of 2 months on like clockwork, the 4 -6 off. No idea where I am now.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

lovinaz

01-07-2009, 01:04 PM

I think you have a great plan for exercising. Heck, just the fact that your exercising gives you ammo to bully DH should be enough motivation! :laughing:

I only watched 1/2 of BL last night. The kids' bedtime is 8:30pm (I know, I'm such a mean mom!) and I refuse to watch "live TV" so we always wait until about 7:30-7:45 and start watching the recorded show. And we usually make it to the 1 hour point before their bedtime. And unfortunately DD9 has tap/jazz on Wed nights, so we don't get to watch the last hour until Thursday!

Great job sticking with your points, I'm sure it'll pay off at weigh-in this week!

toystoryduo

01-07-2009, 11:16 PM

Great job getting your walk in yesterday, Amy!:cheer2: Great job with food yesterday too!:cheer2:

Del Taco sounds yummy!:thumbsup2 We don't have any around here. Are they anything like Taco Bell?

I hope you have a great day tomorrow!:hug:

Amy&Dan

01-08-2009, 02:12 PM

Tracy: Del Taco is sort of like Taco Bell, except they have burgers and fries too. I sometimes wish Colorado didn't have Del Taco's (I have spent a lot of calories there since they came on the local scene) although if I stick to plain tacos or their del carbon tacos, I feel okay eating it.

Amy: Bullying dh is always something to look forward to.;)

Julie: Oh Lord what is a phantom TOM? Why do we women have so many weird things associated with our reproductive organs????

Yesterday was a good day. I walked 30 minutes, had hoped to get in an hour but I just ran out of time. I FINALLY got to Sams Club, the grocery store and Target. It was a long day getting all that shopping done and then coming home and finding a place in my small kitchen to put away over $400 worth of food. I bought a ton of healthy things and I also picked up a new workout DVD. It's Jillian from BL's circuit thing. Might be good for me to do some strength training since I NEVER do!

Food yesterday:

Breakfast: Bagle w/ 1 t. butter: 3
Lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich, no mayo: 9
Snack 1: celery with peanut butter: 2
Snack 2: veggies w/ 2 TB hummus: 2
Snack 3: Mini Luna bar with 1 cup skim milk: 4
Dinner: WW oven fried chicken, 1/4 baked potatoe w/ 1 TB butter, 1 cresent roll, salad w/ dressing, 1 cup grapes: total for dinner: 16
Total for the day: 36

Again, over points and a lot of food but today I got in 4 veggies and one fruit so that was good. And I did get that 30 minute walk in. I just wish I had skipped the cresent roll (3 lousy points for one tiny roll) but I did resist my second roll and threw it out. And that McDonald's chicken sandwich was high in points, but I was so hungry and not near home. I thought I could hold out for a home lunch but my errands took so much longer. So I pulled through the drive thru and resisted the fries. And I still have flex points. But I need to watch those high point choices. Had I eaten a lower point lunch and skipped the roll, I wouldn't have used up 5 flex points. Live and Learn!

Today is going to have its ups and downs. Dan and I have our meeting at school to discuss the learning issues with dd and see what the test results showed. I have a feeling its not going to be good news. No parent wants to hear their kid has a learning disability. But at least this school has taken the time to test her and come up with a plan. Then stepdad is coming over tonight for dinner. My new plan is once a month to see him so I guess this will be "it" for January. He is the kids' grandpa and they do love him so I need to make that effort. Then I can take him home and not worry about until the next time!

traceycooper

01-08-2009, 03:01 PM

Well done for getting those walks in Amy :)
i wouldnt worry about the scale this week i would stick to it for another week before you make a decission - sometimes it can take a couple of weeks for your body to adjust.

I'm watching the US biggest loser show but i think i'm one season behind!
the one i'm watching has the black team added - is that the old one for you??? if it is plz dont tell me who wins!!
i like to watch for motivation ;)
Also watching Paul Macenna's i can make you thin....still not sure about that one!

How did the meeting at school go? Its good that they're are trying to help & if anything has shown she can then get the support she needs (& you :hug: )

Hope dinner was fun with stepdad :goodvibes

goldcupmom

01-08-2009, 04:30 PM

Tracey, I think that's 2 seasons ago! But, I know you can watch the current season online ...full episodes!

Back to Amy's journal.....

Phantom TOM is when you have ALL the symptoms of TOM, but it never happens....even cramps sometimes. REALLY a bummer!!

Yesterday you did GREAT!!!!

You aren't near the wildfires, are you? Those things are SO SCARY!!!!

lovinaz

01-09-2009, 12:47 PM

Does Jillian yell at you and threaten you on the DVD? Some of the things she says absolutely cracks me (and DD, of course) up! :lmao:

I'm no WW expert, but don't you get extra points for exercising? And at least you know what you could have done better, which will help you prepare for the next time you are in the same situation. :)

How did the meeting with DD's school go? I know that is always a source of stress for you, I hope everything is OK and you have a plan forward. :hug:

goldcupmom

01-09-2009, 12:50 PM

Hope all is well, Amy! Are you getting snow again? BRRRRRRR!!!!! Today is the first we haven't got the wind....but it is supposed to pick up again this afternoon.

Have a GREAT weekend! TAKE A WALK!!

Amy&Dan

01-09-2009, 05:08 PM

Thanks All!

Tracey: Definitely go onto NBC's site and see if you can catch up on episodes, you are behind. And stay off the Community Board, there are biggest loser threads with the winners in the title!

Julie: Okay, I get Phantom TOM ALL the time! Very weird to be a woman sometimes! I am about 35 miles from those fires but I could still smell them. Can't believe we are so dry we are having wildfires in January.:sad2:

Amy: It was a stressful day between stepdad and the meeting, but I coped.

First order of business: I lost five pounds! Very, very, very happy needless to say. And I was somewhat shocked, since TOM did make a very brief appearance yesterday. Go figure. Lasted about four hours and then was gone with the wind (literally, since we still have horrible winds here). A friend of mine and her daughter are doing the same meeting I am so it was nice to have some company. I walked for an hour at the rec center afterwards, that was beyond hard. I hadn't walked for that length of time in over two months and I could feel it big time. But I stuck with it. I am behind on minutes and I need to catch up!

Meeting at dd's school was okay. They were very nice and finally after 7 years in school, she has been formally diagnosed with a learning disablity. The general consensus is that her elementary school dropped the ball big time. She should have been diagnosed with this back when they tested her in Kindegarten and she could have been receiving special ed this whole time. She got some support but never had an IEP (Individual education plan). They were disgusted and apologized on the district dropping the ball. I just decided to be happy finally somebody took the time to figure it out. Basically her brain doesn't process information in the same way a normal brain does. She is intelligent, has average verbal and reading skills but things like math will never be easy. She literally doesn't process or see things the way we do. Poor little girl, she has probably been so frustrated. I know I have. So they are getting her an IEP, each teacher will have to work with her and amend assignemnts and she'll recieve special ed. There is no cure, just ways to help her work within her limits basically. So that was done.

Dinner with stepdad was fine. He and I both worked hard to not bring up any touchy subjects. No stupid comments about my weight and I didnt' say a word about dd's meeting. If my mom were here she would have been informed. Stepdad typically just says something stupid about how my mom's grandkids struggle in school (two of the five have learning disablities, my nephew being the other one) while his are all genius. What he doesn't know can't hurt ME!

Food was perfect yesterday and today has been good too. I started to snack and then decided to mop the downstairs and if I was still hungry go eat more. I wasn't so I didn't! Constant battle to keep from eating in the afternoons.

I will check with journals later today, my internet connection has been touch and go so if you don't see me much in the next two days, that's why! Until dh has time to figure out what the problem is on Sunday. Although it magically came back on so maybe it fixed itself!

lovinaz

01-09-2009, 05:35 PM

CONGRATS on the 5lbs gone!!! :cool1: :banana: :yay: :cheer2: :thumbsup2 That is great news and hopefully will motivate you to chug along in the right direction.

I know what you mean about getting back into the exercise routine. But hang in there, pretty soon it will be easy walking that 1 hour. It comes back pretty quickly when you are consistent.

I'm glad DD is getting the help she needs. Better late than never, right?

You made it through your monthly stepdad meeting, so now you don't have to worry about it until next month! :goodvibes

Have a great weekend, and be sure to stick within your points.

goldcupmom

01-09-2009, 06:09 PM

Five Pounds!!!????!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!:worship: :woohoo: :thumbsup2

Belle1962

01-09-2009, 07:58 PM

5 pounds in a week? WOW. Your'e my hero of the week :worship:

toystoryduo

01-09-2009, 10:33 PM

Weigh to go, Amy!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: You are off to a great start in 2009!!!!

Hope you have a great weekend! :hug:

traceycooper

01-10-2009, 10:24 AM

well done on the 5lb loss Amy :cool1: :banana: :worship:
I'm sooo proud of you :hug:
I think this year is going to be your year for a healthier you :)
Looks like the eating more has worked :)

Glad DD is going to get the help she needs now, sounds like shes at a good school :)

Amy&Dan

01-10-2009, 09:47 PM

Thanks everyone, my five pound loss made me proud I must say!

Today and yesterday were both struggles but I managed. I went through a total of 15 flex points in the last two days. And too much salt. Right now I am up here on a Saturday night WIshing to get out of the kitchen! Came home from church tonight and was standing and grazing and had a wth sort of moment. Old habits die hard. So I disentangled myself from some cheese spread and escped to the computer. Dan and I walked tonight for 35 minutes, it was all we had time for before church and darkness. It was cold. Have I ever mentioned I hate winter? Well I do.

We had very sad news this weekend, our neighbor across the street died. He was just 41 and left behind a wife and a daughter (she's 14). He had a lap band procedure done in early December and was doing very well, but got a clot that got into his chest and he died very suddenly on Thursday. All day yesterday I had a bad feeling watching people come and go from their house so Dan went over today to check and sure enough, he had died. He was very overweight and trying so hard to get healthy. Just makes me realize I need to forge on. Please pray for "V" and "R", the mom and daughter. They surely need prayers for the days ahead.

Although the actual day my mom died is the 12th, it was Saturday when she did so today sort of felt like the one year anniversary. Same sort of weather, gray, windy and cold. I can't believe its been a year. Find out about our neighbor go to church for some uplifting words and he preaches about death! 35 minutes of talking about death, facing death etc. And I wonder why I came home and ate! But it was a good sermon, just not the best timing for me personally!

Tomorrow we are spending the day with my sister in honor of a year ago, she is taking us out for lunch. First time I can ever remember her taking us out to eat! She has apparently cashed in some 401K. I am excited for a free meal but its Mexican so I need to be careful. It will be nice to see her. Then come home of course!

Oh and dd and I went with a friend of mine and her dd to see Bride Wars. Very funny movie! I have good friends, she knew this weekend is hard for me and wanted to make sure I had some laughs. I resisted all but a small amount of popcorn and drank a 32 oz bottle of water instead. Tuesday a friend is coming over to take me for coffee and Monday I intend to stay close to home and just get through the day. My last milestone is almost behind me and while I am sad, I am thankful I made it! With help from a lot of good friends, including my Wish Sisters. Thanks for sticking with me this past year, I am on the upswing and excited to be a new and thinner me!

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend, thanks for reading!

lovinaz

01-11-2009, 10:01 AM

Good job making the best of your flex points! That's what they are for, right??

That is horrible news about your neighbor. They always say there are complications to any surgery, but what a shock to have something happen several weeks afterwards, after you think everything is OK.

You do have wonderful friends to help you through your tough next couple days. I think you are stronger than you realize and you will make it through just fine. :hug:

Be sure to plan ahead on the Mexican lunch and you will do great! :thumbsup2

Amy&Dan

01-11-2009, 07:52 PM

Thanks Amy, it was very scary to hear about my neighbor on so many levels. And for sure, this makes me realize I need to lose this weight without surgery. Sadly if not for that lap band procedure, he'd still be alive.

Food today, not so great. Eating out is hard, eating out at Mexican harder still. I ordered a healthy chicken burrito (no guac, sour cream or cheese) and brought half of it home for dh's lunch. But the chips and salsa and worst still the queso did me in. I think I am going to call it quits with flex points for the week! I did skip a margarita or beer and resisted ice cream back at my sister's after lunch so I did some things right, just didn't resist chips like I should have. I was going to walk with Dan this morning but deciced to skip that and make a casserole and some cookies to take to my neighbors. Which she really appreciated, she has a house full of people so it helped out. But I lost my walk. I may walk tonight, frankly I am so bloated and tired. Nephew accidentally called at 6:00 this morning, he hit redial on his phone accidentally when he got up early and since Dan's cell was his last call we got woken up bright and early! Tomorrow is a new day, this weekend had its bumps but overall I did fine since I have the flex points.

Stepdad called and wants to take us to dinner tomorrow night since its the day my mom died, I suggested Applebee's, since they have a Weight Watchers menu!

If I get on the treadmill tonight, I'll update but don't hold your breath.:sad2:

Goofydiane

01-11-2009, 09:30 PM

Amy - CONGRATS on the 5lb loss!!! What a great number to see on the scale.

I'm very sorry to hear about your neighbor and will keep the mother and daughter in my prayers. You are so on target with the knowledge that you have to lose weight the right way - eating right and exercising in addition to addressing why you eat. This is the struggle we all are going through and we are here for you.

Someone noted earlier as you pass the first anniversary of a loved ones death, you are now past all of the 'firsts' and you survived each and every one of them. It wasn't easy to do, yet you did it. I hope the lunch with your sister went well. Mexican is a tough one for me - I love cheese and sour cream and Mexican food is something I try to avoid.

I'm so proud of you getting out and walking with Dan. I'm with you, I hate winter and I live in MN, so I know how hard it is to get out and exercise in the winter. Keep that up!

Have a great week!

toystoryduo

01-12-2009, 08:43 AM

:hug: Amy,

I'm so sorry to hear about your neighbor. :sad1: We'll keep his wife and daughter in our thoughts and prayers.:grouphug:

Sending a :hug: and lots of prayers your way today. I know that the past year has not been an easy one, but you have shown amazing strength during some difficult times. I am so proud of you, Amy. :hug:

Sending lots of love and prayers your way today from Ohio!:hug:

lovinaz

01-12-2009, 01:01 PM

Amy, just a quick note to let you know I'm thinking of you today. Surround yourself with loved ones and you will get through this day, as difficult as it may be. :hug:

Mexican is hard, those chips and salsa are the worst! Maybe try avoiding Mexican for a while??

Did you hit the treadmill yesterday?

goldcupmom

01-12-2009, 02:23 PM

Sad to hear about your neighbor. Will be praying.

Also praying for you today as I know it is a tough one! It will get better over time, like Amy said, the 'firsts' are over, but try to focus on the happy times.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

traceycooper

01-12-2009, 03:03 PM

Thinking of you today Amy :hug:
I hope your ok.
That is so sad about your neighbour, it really hit home for me too as my DD is 14 & SD & I are 42!
I hope they are coping & that was so nice of you to cook for them.
take care sweetie :hug:

Amy&Dan

01-12-2009, 11:01 PM

Thank you everyone. I made it. I sort of feel like the last year was one big rollercoaster and that now, hopefully its some even ground. We had a really nice evening with stepdad, and we had a nice evening last week. So thats two for two in the past week. He touched me at dinner saying if it wasn't too hokey, could we all take turns with special memories of my mom. He got choked up a few times and as weird as that sounds, I like it when he does that. Too often in the last year, it has felt like he doesn't care. For a long time, it was so much negativity about all the things my mom did that irked him. Maybe it was a defense mechanism, who knows. In any case, since Christmas, he has been more his old self. I thought maybe it was just me but dd remarked on the way home "GRandpa is normal again". I hope it lasts, I have missed his friendship and being at odds with him has not been good for any of us. I also think maybe he is not spending as much time with his sons or has found a way to just stop trying to sell them to me and tell me all the things they are still mad about. So that has helped. In any case, I am just enjoying it, he is the kids' grandpa and he was my mom's husband and life is so much easier when we all get along.

I love Applebees! They have so expanded that WW menu. I had a steak with portobello mushrooms and it came with broccolli and steamed pototoes and it was so good. I didn't feel one bit deprived. I did have a couple of bites of ds' fettucine alfredo and I allowed myself six bites of dessert. But I stayed on points today and that felt good. I woke up to snow and lots of it and for obvious reasons felt blue, but I didn't eat my way out of it. I also didn't exerise but I plan to get on that big time. By Sunday, I want to be at 400 minutes total (my halfway mark) so that I am not scrambling beyond reason or just giving up the latter part of the month.

Thank you so much for all your support. It was a tough day but I could feel those good wishes and prayers from all of you and I got through it. And of course the six bites of dessert helped too.;)

goldcupmom

01-13-2009, 08:53 AM

Amy, I'm so proud of you and very thankful that yesterday was NOT a horrific day! You did WONDERFUL!!!!!!:hug:

toystoryduo

01-13-2009, 09:08 AM

Amy, I'm so proud of you and very thankful that yesterday was NOT a horrific day! You did WONDERFUL!!!!!!:hug:

I totally agree with Julie. You did a wonderful job yesterday!:hug: I'm glad that you had a good time at dinner with your stepdad and that you were able to share your special memories of your mom with each other. :grouphug:

I hope you have a great day ahead, Amy!:hug:

lovinaz

01-13-2009, 05:58 PM

I think that was a great idea to share special memories! And everyone grieves differently, your stepdad's behavior might have been his weird way of grieving. He has also passed all the milestones, maybe he feels a sense of relief/peace now which has calmed him down. Whatever the reason, I'm glad he is back to his old self!

Great job resisting a full-blown dessert, sometimes a couple bites are all you need! ;)

I'm glad you have a place to go where you can eat within your points and not have to put a lot of thought into it. You did great, and I know you will catch up on your exercise minutes!

Amy&Dan

01-14-2009, 10:10 AM

Thank you Julie, Tracy and Amy. Its funny how something little like a date passing can really make you feel as if you are in a new place. I just sort of feel a "I made it and I did it" mentality about this grieving process. I feel like my heart, mind and soul have gotten a bit less overcroweded and overwhelmed. I am so, so glad this year is behind me. I think one of the things that has helped stepdad act better is that I stopped taking crap off of him. I think he is seeing me as less of a doormat and more of an individual not to be taken for granted. And I do have acknowledge that his grief over losing a wife and facing his own mortality were obstacles for him. I feel bad for him because he often says how his own kids don't care and he doubts they'll grieve for him. What a horrible feeling that must be. So sad.

Yesterday I did perfect. Right on points, I got on the treadmill for 40 minutes and had coffee with a friend. I have to get out more. I have been such a hermit the past year. We went to Starbuck's, I resisted, hot chocolate, donuts, muffins, pumpkin bread and a latte. I mean all things I love, and while I stood in line I kept changing my order thinking "to heck with it, I'm splurging". The smell of a starbucks is like a drug! But when I got up there, I got a green tea instead. I put a splenda in it for some sweetness and concentrated on the conversation, not food and fattening beverages! I was pretty proud. The only bad thing was going out like that sort of derailed my schedule and I didn't get to the rec center. Then the kids came home slammed with homework, my brother called and I talked with him and suddenly its 6:00 p.m. We had our Del Taco night, I ate less than last week and then after dinner, I went down and treadmilled for the last 40 minutes of Biggest Loser. So I got it all in. Not easy, it was 8:15 by the time I got on the treadmill and I was tired and so not in the mood. The moral of the story is get the exercise in before its so late!

Food yesterday (Tuesday)
Breakfast: Whole wheat bagle with 1 t. butter and 1/2 yogurt: 3
Lunch: Salad with turkey meat and cheese: 9
Snack: Wheat thins with cheese and turkey and orange: 6
Dinner: taco and 2/3 of a burrito: 9
Snack: Pudding with ff redi whip: 3
Total: 30

december14disney

01-14-2009, 12:33 PM

traceycooper

01-14-2009, 02:29 PM

Hi Amy
well done for getting the TM in!!
You also did great only having 6 bites of dessert! That is such a good way to still have a bit of something you really want without going over the top :)
AND resisting starbucks goodies - you have definately turned a corner, i hope WI shows your hard work - it certainly should!!!

Amy&Dan

01-14-2009, 02:41 PM

Hi! Just read through everything. :surfweb:
I really am enjoying your journal! I wanted to tell you that Starbucks now makes this drink: Vanilla Roobius (spelling?) Tea Latte. Its a tea latte and if you get it with Skim milk there are hardly any calories. Its verrrrry good and decaf if thats your pleasure! :)

Thanks Katie! You know I saw that (vanilla roobius) yesterday and wondered. Next time I'll have to try one. It just seems almost criminal to go to Starbucks and get plain hot tea!

december14disney

01-14-2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks Katie! You know I saw that (vanilla roobius) yesterday and wondered. Next time I'll have to try one. It just seems almost criminal to go to Starbucks and get plain hot tea!

Agreed! Its funny how if someone goes to the counter and orders a medium black coffee the employees look at them if they are crazy. If I go up and order a iced venti non fat no whip double pump raspberry white mocha....it makes perfect sense to them! :rotfl2:

lovinaz

01-14-2009, 04:00 PM

Great job yesterday!!!!! You are right about Starbucks, I am addicted to the chai latte. Even though I get the non-fat version, it's still about 230 calories of pure sugar... You did great getting a green tea, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! :cheer2:

And even though you waited until the last possible minute to get your workout in, how great did you feel that you got it accomplished??

Keep it up, you're doing awesome!!!!:woohoo:

toystoryduo

01-14-2009, 07:05 PM

You are doing a great job, Amy! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

I hope you have a nice evening and a great day tomorrow.:hug:

Amy&Dan

01-14-2009, 09:02 PM

Thanks Amy, Katie, Tracy!

I got 60 minutes in at the rec center. I must say, I sometimes feel like a slow gal! Got passed on the indoor walking track by senior citizens! One lady was literally about 4'10" tall, and was pumping a couple of dumbbells. Great, shorter, older and packing and pumping iron and she still passed me by! Oh well, my day is coming right??

Food today:
Breakfast: Slim Fast 3
Snack: Pudding with ff redi whip: 3
Lunch: Lean Cuisine: 7 and wheat thins: 4
Snack: Fiber one bar and milk: 4
Snack: Cheese Its: 4
Dinner: Weight Watcher recipe (tried a new one), Turkey Meatloaf: 5, pasta, 2 and green beans 0
Total for the day: 32. Went two points over. I was so starving this afternoon after my walk. In fact I was shaking the last ten minutes, I think my blood sugar was really low. I found some cheese its in the car, ate those and then came home and did the Fiber One bar and milk. If I had eaten my yogurt before the workout, I would have not eaten the cheese its and been on target. Oh well. I never use my exercise points so maybe it will even out. I am still hungry but can't eat this late in the day!

december14disney

01-15-2009, 08:50 AM

lovinaz

01-15-2009, 02:34 PM

You were probably hungry from that long workout, and it sounds like you already know how to prevent that from happening in the future! Great job only going over 2 points, I'm sure you got 2 points from working out.

Amy&Dan

01-15-2009, 04:53 PM

Thanks Katie and Amy. I think having somthing before I work out is a must. Especially when I am doing an hour of walking, three hours after I last ate!

Went to my neighbor's funeral today. So sad. His 14 yo daughter and his wife both gave eulogy's, it was really touching. It was so sad to see his mom sitting on the front row. Parents should so NOT outlive their children.

Came home feeling blah and not with it at all.

Food today: I am going to go ahead and post because I want to stay legal and when I write it down in advance I do better.
Breakfast: Slim Fast: 3
Lunch: Leftover meatloaf and pasta: 8
Snack: Wheat thins (6) Hot chocolate: 4
Snack: Yogurt 2 orange 1
Dinner: Crockpot Chicken 6, Broccolli (0)
Total: 30

My plan is to walk for at least 40 minutes later. I weigh in tomorrow and really hope the scale is nice to me. I had some bumps (Mexican food so no happening again anytime soon) but I stayed on points overall (used up my flex points but only 2 of my activity points) and drank my water.

I made my own hot chocolate with real cocoa and splenda. It was really good and really satisfying and kept me out of the kitchen during my danger time between 1-3! I may do that again, I need more dairy. Making it myself was so much better than the packets are.

Amy&Dan

01-16-2009, 05:04 PM

I weighed in and was down 1.2. So I was pretty happy. Puts me at 6.2 in two weeks. I am going to go ahead and post my food for dinner again. We are eating out tonight, I picked Chipotle because I am craving Mexican and can easily count the points. And the chips are not free refills!

Food for Friday:
Breakfast: Slim Fast 3
Snack: Mini Luna Bar: 2
Lunch: Wrap with turkey, lettuce and tomato and 2 TB cheese: 8
Dinner: Steak Burrito Bol with, steak, rice, cheese and lettuce: 14
1/2 order of chips: 5

Total for the day: 33

So I am using up three flex points but its a new week!

And I plan to walk for 45 minutes today with dh, its 54 degrees here today and he has promised to leave work early. If not, I"ll go without him.

lovinaz

01-16-2009, 05:41 PM

CONGRATS on the loss!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

I hope your DH gets home in time to take the walk with you.

Way to go planning your dinner ahead. See, you can still get your Mex fix without totally blowing it! It's been one heck of a week for me, I am about ready to drive to my fave Mex place, dive into a bowl of chips-n-salsa and wash it down with a pitcher of margaritas... Hopefully DH will talk some sense into me when I get home!

You are doing awesome, I know you will keep it up and do great this year!

toystoryduo

01-16-2009, 08:52 PM

Way to go on the weight loss, Amy!!!!:cheer2: You are doing a wonderful job!!!!:cheer2:

Great minds think alike.....Guess what I had for dinner? Chipotle!!!!:thumbsup2

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!:grouphug:

Amy&Dan

01-19-2009, 02:50 PM

Ahh, Chipotle was yummy! But I ate more chips than I needed and had two beers. So that plowed through 12 flex points, not three. Then on Saturday I ate and drank my way through another 10 flex points. We had dinner at friends, and in spite of my best efforts I grazed on chips and guac and a bit of queso plus 2.5 light beers. I didn't eat a burrito however, I had the snacks and skipped dinner. Then it all made sense (my carb fest) when TOM arrived yesterday mornign for the second time in two weeks. And like last time, it lasted a few hours. I am bloated and disgusted with myself!

We didn't get our walk in on Friday, we got to talking to a neighbor and never got off the driveway! But we did walk yesterday. And we plan to walk today, Dan is leaving early, since he worked until 1:00 a.m. last night. I love this warmer weather and its staying light until 5:30 which helps.

Food today:
Gensoy Shake: 4
Snack: French Toast sticks: 4
Lunch: Sandwich: 3 (made on a Wonder light bun)
Snack: tangerine and yogurt: 3
Dinner: Pork chops, salad and broccoli: 10
Total 24

I have 6 points I need to make up someplace, I am sure I'll find a way! I am so behind on my exercise minutes but I think I can catch up. I still have all of this week and all of next. But I wish I was further than I am!

traceycooper

01-19-2009, 02:57 PM

congrats on the loss Amy :)
so you had a food fest this weekend....your back on track & planning to make up with points & exercise :)
Hope you have a great week :)

toystoryduo

01-20-2009, 07:03 AM

Great job getting back on track, Amy! :cheer2: I know you used more flexpoints over the weekend than you wanted to, but you got right back on track and you're ready to go...Excellent!:cheer2:

Can you send some warmer weather our way.... Please?:flower3:

Have a wonderful day! :hug:

lovinaz

01-20-2009, 01:16 PM

You are tracking your flex points, and you are supposed to use them, so good job! :cheer2:

Were you able to catch up on some of those missing exercise minutes??

Amy&Dan

01-20-2009, 11:15 PM

Thanks Tracy, Tracey and Amy.

Man today was tough. I did okay on food, but TOM arrived again, third time in less than two weeks. But this time for real. I am so wiped out and so miserable it was hard to just put one foot forward and get through the day.

I stayed on points but ate nothing but carbs and protein. Not one fruit or veggie. I did at least get my dairy in. I also got 30 minutes on the treadmill (and 40 on the walking track yesterday) but I am still woefully behind on exerise minutes.

This TOM thing might very well derail my weigh in as I know I am bloated. Oh well, such is female life.

I am going to take a hot bath and hopefully get a good night's sleep.

lovinaz

01-21-2009, 01:13 PM

Sorry you are going through this! Please don't do what I do when this happens - use it as an excuse to splurge. Even if your number isn't stellar this week, you KNOW what the cause is, and you KNOW it will eventually go away on its own. If you splurge it may not go away as quickly - take it from the expert!!! :crazy2: You have worked too hard these past couple weeks to make that mistake, I know you can get through this the exact OPPOSITE of how I would!!! :thumbsup2

You still have plenty of time to catch up on your exercise minutes, I know you'll make your goal this month! :cheer2:

DisDee

01-21-2009, 02:01 PM

Amy, Hang in there and keep up the good work! Don't let TOM spoil your success. You can still attend your WW meeting and skip the weigh-in if you choose. I know its hard to stick to your program when you're feeling crappy but try to cause you are definitely worth it!!!!

Amy&Dan

01-21-2009, 03:47 PM

Thanks Amy and Denise. I have really been good today with food and water. I grocery shopped and saw the Long Johns (my favorite type of donut, basically its what a donut and a twinkie would procreate if they got married:rotfl: ) in the bakery case and omg, it was so tempting. But I got the heck out of there and bought my new favroite treat: Lemon lowfat, sugar free yogurt. Not a long john, but only 2 points!

I am going to post my food for the day to keep me legal!

Breakfast: Gensoy shake: 4
Snack: 1 oz of turkey breast, tangerine: 2
Lunch: Bowl of soup (3) 6 triscuits (2) mini Luna Bar (2)
Snack: sf/ff yogurt (2) 1 oz turkey (1)
Dinner: whole wheat pasta w/marinara and turkey meatballs: 8, piece of garlic bread (2) salad (2) pudding (2)
Total for the day: 30 ritght on the money!

I haven't exercised yet, its been a busy day and I was walking out the door to the rec center my friend called and needed a ride to the mechanic. Which was fine but by the time I got her back home (and of course we chatted for a few minutes) I was out of time. So I need to get a walk in tonight. Dh and I will have to walk at the outdoor mall. But I have to do it!

Amy: After not having a full blown menstrual incident in probably 6 months, this one has hit me hard. PMS that lasted for weeks and two false/mini alarms and now this. It sucks. I am not so used to this anymore! But I am determined to make today and tomorrow perfect becasue as you say, its temporary and easily lost as I long as I don't snack my way through it.

Denise: Good to see you! How was the cruise? Gotta go see your journal for updates...

toystoryduo

01-22-2009, 10:49 AM

Great job on avoiding the pastry yesterday, Amy!:cheer2:

I'm sorry to hear that TOM has hit with a vengeance. :( TOM can be a real pain! :headache:

I hope you're feeling better today! :hug: Have a blessed day!:goodvibes

lovinaz

01-22-2009, 12:42 PM

Great job stocking up on healthy choices at the store!!! :thumbsup2

Did you get your walk in last night?? You are doing really good on your exercising, you are more consistent than you have been in the past. Keep it up!!! :cheer2:

traceycooper

01-22-2009, 02:42 PM

Amy&Dan

01-23-2009, 11:37 AM

Thanks everyone! Ds needed the computer all afternoon for homework so I never did get on to post.

I did exercise both Wednesday and Thursday and got 100 minutes between the two days. Today I plan to rec center after WW to add another 60. So that puts me at 510/800. So I have some minutes to get in next week but I think I can do it.

Due to TOM I am not sure what weigh in will be today. I am hopeful because I have done really well. But that water weight gain may just negate all my efforts. Food during the week has been near perfect. Resisting carbs and junk during this hormonal thing was tough! I ate some sugar free jello last night to stay out of the Pasta Roni I made with dinner!

I'll post my weigh in later. Win, lose or draw, I am going to consider this a good week. If I did gain, it will be gone next week, I just need to not let somehting out of my control bring me down.

We are going out with my nephew and his girlgriend tomorrow night and I know I'll have some drinks and some food. Thank goodness for a new week and new flex points! This week I came up with 12 flex points left over. Too bad I can't use those up tomorrow night, but alas, they are lost to me now.

Thanks for reading!

Amy&Dan

01-23-2009, 11:38 AM

Hi amy well done for resisting the long john!!! - do you know thats what we call thermal underwear that you wear under trousers???? :)

Hope Tom eases off soon & well done for staying on track through it :)

We call thermal underwear long johns too! Not sure how those donut type things got named the same thing. They have been my longtime favorites but I am so glad I resisted!

lovinaz

01-23-2009, 01:01 PM

Amy&Dan

01-24-2009, 11:56 AM

Ya, too bad you can't have "rollover" flex points. Have you seen those commercials where the kids always want new minutes but the mom makes them use the rollover minutes?? I don't know why I think those are so funny!!!

Good luck at weigh-in and great job getting those workouts in! :cheer2:

Everytime I see those commercials I think that if I could rollover flex points, I'd keep an eye on those very carefully!

I was down 1.2 yesterday, exact same amount I was last week. So I have lost 7.4 in the past three weeks. I really hope to get my 10 pound star next week to make my goal of 10 pounds in January. I did walk at the rec center after WW, I was happy I was able to really keep up a good pace. I was so out of shape when I first started back up with WW and exercise earlier this month, I am happy to report I feel almost back to where I was intensity wise on the exercise front.

I had a great day yesterday until I talked with stepdad. Called him to check on him since hey, I am a nice person. During our conversation he starts making fun of dh's cousin. Saying she needs to die her hair and diet. I was just outraged and sort of let him have it. I reminded him that this woman flew almost 2000 miles to come to my mother's funeral, that if Dan and I drop dead she'll make sure our kids never want for a thing and that I find his attitude really nasty. Does he get my drift? Heck no. He then goes on to say he feels so darn bad that I keep this weight on. He's just never known anyone who has been overweight as long as I have. Apparently every other fat person he's known has managed to eventually get their weight off, but alas, I just can't seem to. He's "mystified". Yeah, I am "mystified" too old man. I for the life of me can't understand why I continue to call your sorry a** since basically you are no more related to me than the guy who fixed my car yesterday.

I wish I could say I just blew it off but it hurt. My whole life I have had people, family members make fun of me, critque me and judge me. It never fails to upset me. To this day, I won't buy a Butterball brand turkey because that was my sister's favorte pet name for me when we were kids. To this day, I still remember how hurt I was when my own grandmother remarked how fat I looked in my weddiing dress. So yeah Mr. Stepdad, its taking me awhile. Maybe if I got some halfway decent support, I'd be more successful. What a jerk. And that is not the first time he has said that. So not the first time. I can't believe this man made his living being a minister and counseling people.

So I overate and had three beers. So I can't really afford to blow it tonight with my nephew and his girlfriend. But that's okay. Today I feel better. I am still miffed but determined that I just get back on track and not let hurtful comments derail me. I guess I just have to consider the source.

I need to figure how many flex points I plowed through yesterday and plan accordingly. So I am taking a deep breath and officially moving on!

Amy&Dan

01-24-2009, 12:06 PM

Forgot to add that I made plans to go to lunch with an old friend next Saturday. I suggested Applebees so I can get the WW menu. I looked on their site, found a location that is good for both of us and got it all set up. She was thrilled, she had gastic bypass six months ago so she needs to watch it too. I am really trying to plan ahead to avoid slip ups! Because I really wanted to go to California Pizza Kitchen but I know full well I do horrible there!

I also informed Dan that if stepdad calls, to tell him I am in the bathtub! For the next month. I don't really need to hear his garble right now so why bother?

traceycooper

01-25-2009, 02:53 PM

Amy i'm so sorry stepdad upset you so much, & its understandable your hurt i sometimes think older people just dont realise what they are saying sometimes & i'm sure he thought he was helping - in some weird way!!!!

A good idea to keep apart for now!
Congrats on another great loss :) you are doing a fantastic job, way to go & keep it up girl :)
oh & enjoy all those baths ;)

DisDee

01-25-2009, 04:36 PM

Amy, sorry to say this , but your stepdad is an insensitive old coot. You're right to steer clear of him for awhile. I can never understand why some people take pleasure in hurting others. You've done such a great job for the past several weeks. Do not let him derail you. Hang in there kid and make this a great week!!!!!

lovinaz

01-25-2009, 06:33 PM

WOW, I'm so sorry you had to deal with that stepdad nonsense! Like I've said before - don't waste too much time with him! Surround yourself with your friends and family that motivate you and make you feel good about yourself. On one hand, he is an old man and probably doesn't realize what he is saying half the time, but on the other, he is unpredictable and surrounds you with negative energy! I know it's hard, but you can rise above this and continue doing what you're doing. ::yes::

CONGRATS on the loss!!! You are doing awesome!! :cheer2: So you had a couple beers - figure the flex points and make sure you are on track the rest of the week. :thumbsup2

Amy&Dan

01-26-2009, 10:46 AM

Thanks everyone. I do agree that as people age, they sometimes lose their mouth filter!

The strange thing is, stepdad fancies himself as Mr. Sensitive. I watched him work his magic with my mom for over 20 years, so what he thinks he is and what he really is, are two different things. He said he admires me for trying so long, but then proceeds to point out my long going failure. :rolleyes: And I do find it hard to believe I am the only person he's ever known to be overweight for a long period of time.

Sadly, I didn't do well with food at all all weekend. I also had way too many cocktails on Saturday night, but I had a good time and its done. I think I had been very good for awhile and then when stepdad opened his mouth, I just sort of blew! But its a new week and I am ready to tackle it.

Today its freezing so I plan to go to the rec center. It's only going to get up to around 12 degrees so no way am I walking outdoors!

I hope everybody had a nice weekend. Thanks for letting me vent. I just need to grow a thicker skin because in the end, there will always be people around to say something hurtful and insensitive. Its just part of life.

lovinaz

01-26-2009, 01:08 PM

Great attitude! I'm glad you enjoyed your weekend, and I know you'll get back on track during the week. ::yes::

And it's going to be cold here today too, I think it's only going to be 66... :p

traceycooper

01-27-2009, 05:17 PM

well done for having such a great attitiude amy & getting back on track!!
hope you have a great week :)

Amy&Dan

01-28-2009, 11:15 AM

Amy, Keep your weather comments to yourself!!!:rotfl:
Tracey: Thanks for always stopping by!

Well I was sick on Monday. No idea what I had, thankfully noboby else got it. Now you may assume that with a stomach bug I might have lost some weight! In fact, I got on the scale today and its says I am up two pounds. :sad2: Major bummer. I did do well yesterday and managed to get in 80 minutes of exercise yesterday. By the time I was ready to walk on Monday, I had started feeling really ill so didn't get anything in that day. Today I plan to go to the rec center. Dh and I walked at the track yesterday for a half hour, it was 24 degrees and the wind was whipping and causing all this snow to blow right in our faces. It was miserable. But I made us stick it out. Then I came home and did another 50 on the treadmill during Biggest Loser. I was set to do 60, but the treadmill burned out. I think it may be shot. Really a bummer, I don't love walking on it (kills my knees) but I love having it as an option for days when I can't get out to walk. Maybe I just overheated it. I hope so, I don't have the money to replace it so if its shot, it'll be awhile before we can get another one.

I need to grocery shop today and stock up. I have a very empty frig and that generally leads to trouble!

Hope everyone is having a nice day, wish me luck on making the January challenge, its going to be tough but I am determined to do it!

Amy&Dan

01-28-2009, 12:02 PM

I forgot to post anything recently about my job search. In a word, nothing! I had filled out some apps in late December and there was one little shop I was pretty enthused about. The owner said she had holiday help but that most of them were seasonal and that in January she'd call me. When I walked by that little store the other day I noticed it had a going out of business sign. I feel bad, she was really nice. Nobody wants their houses cleaned so that seems to be a bust. I also had filled out an online app to do work for some temp agency (clerical stuff) but they sent me a thing back saying they only hire people with degrees. Why do I need a degree for a $9 an hour file clerk type thing? Very discouraging. Obviously I picked the WORST possible time to go back to work. I am not worried, as long as dh keeps his job we are fine. If he loses his job, even my working part time won't help much but I so wanted to get back into the work force and do something. I'm 44 years old, I have no experience, no degree and its obvious that if I want to work, I need to go back to school and maybe get some sort oftrade school degree. I looked into a few and was just shocked at how high they are. A one year program costs upwards of 25K. I just can't put us into that much debt. And I don't want to work full time anyway. But I might look into some sort of medical terminology class and see if that might open up something at a doctor's office or something.

I am just thankful we aren't in a position where I HAVE to go to work. Or we'd be in big trouble.

Guess I'll just keep my eyes open, you never know. I do think if somebody will give me a chance, they'll be pleasantly surprised. This is all giving me some serious cause to make sure both my kids complete a degree and that if dd gets married and has kids, she needs to keep herself in the workforce to some extent. So she doesn't end up like her mom!

And one final update. Ds went to his first high school orientation last night. How did my little boy get to be ready for high school? I ended up putting him in our home/neighborhood school. I have my concerns, I have heard for years this school has issues. But the open enrollment process is too risky. They couldn't guarantee he could get into the school we wanted for the whole four years. I decided him going to the same school is too important. I can't risk him losing open enrollement if the school should get full. Its four years of never knowing if he'll have to leave. His three best friends are going to our home school so he is too. His grades right now stink (less than a 3.0 average for the first time ever) so he needs to buckle down and get serious. I confiscated his new PSP Player until he gets at least a 3.0 back. Its kinda cool, I watched a movie on it the other night, I may just keep it and tell him he needs a 3.5!

toystoryduo

01-28-2009, 12:17 PM

:hug: Amy,

I'm sorry to hear that you were sick earlier this week. :( I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better though!:goodvibes

Sending some job pixiedust: your way. I'm trying to find something too, but I'm limited to at home jobs right now because of my DH's schedule. Here's hoping we both find something soon!pixiedust:

You're doing a great job on your January Exercise Challenge! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

Have a great Wednesday! :hug:

lovinaz

01-28-2009, 01:10 PM

I think you are doing the right thing about keeping the school consistent for DS. What are the problems with the neighborhood school? Obviously it's nothing too awful or you wouldn't let him go there!

Try a different temp agency, I'm sure there are several in your area, and not all of them will require a degree. I am really surprised to hear that! But maybe they are a specialized agency, so look somewhere else! It'll happen for you, and you are right - you are in a good position right now. And who knows, you might find a job somewhere that pays for you to get your degree. Then you can work, get your degree at the same time and not have to worry about going into debt because of it. ::yes::

I'm glad you are feeling better. BUMMER about the treadmill! At least you have the rec center. And I was bragging too soon about the weather - the past couple days it's been cold - low 60's. But it's supposed to be mid-70's by this weekend! :sunny:

DisDee

01-28-2009, 02:53 PM

Amy, glad you're feeling better and good luck getting those exercise minutes in! Thanks for being here for me!

Amy&Dan

01-29-2009, 03:44 PM

Tracy: I know you are right there with me on the job struggle. I can't believe how even the usual stores hiring aren't right now. HOpefully things will get better.

Amy: This school has some gang issues. They've tried to address it but stuff keeps happening. When we moved to this house, our high school boundry was supposed to change to a different school but that never happened. Its just sort of tough school, which is weird for this area but it happens everywhere I guess. Of course with all these issues, so many people open enroll so that's tightened up big time. When ds was a 6th grader he went to the middle school next door to this high school and it was a nightmare (as you may remember). So I am a bit worried but my options are limited to the point of being non existant.

Denise: Thanks for being there for me!

Food yesterday was spot on, today has been good too. I walked yesterday and am just walking out the door to go to the rec center this afternoon. I am not sure what the scale will say tomorrow but if its bad, I know what I did wrong and I just need to clean up my act on the weekends. Because last weekend was not too good! I have done worse but it was still pretty much a disaster on both Saturday and Sunday. Oh well, a new week starts tomrrow! And maybe the five days I have been perfect will offset, we'll see.

Okay, off to walk, this walk will put me over 700 so I should just squeak in. I am thinking I may do 900 minutes next month. That is still very doable. This month I didnt' start exercising until about the 6th or 7th. So if I get on board first thing, I should make next month's goal a bit easier.

Thanks for reading. I also need to start posting my food again. I have slacked off with that.

lovinaz

01-29-2009, 05:30 PM

I think having your weigh-ins on Friday is a great thing. That way if you do splurge on the weekend, you have plenty of time to behave before weigh-in! :thumbsup2

Yikes about the school! But unless you want to move, what else can you do?? :confused3

Great job getting caught up on all those exercise minutes! You are rockin' that challenge!!! :cheer2:

traceycooper

01-30-2009, 02:34 PM

Glad your feeling better Amy :)

The scale didnt 'play' for me either!!!
At least your keeping on the look out on the jobs front - something perfect will turn up eventually i'm sure :)

Have a great weekend

Amy&Dan

01-30-2009, 06:57 PM

Thanks so much for stopping by Tracy, Tracey and Amy.

Quick post, I was down one pound. My goal was to lose at least 8 pounds i January and I made that. I actually lost 8.6. Its nice to actually make one of my goals for change of pace!

I have gotten in an add'l 100 minutes of exercise in the past two days. So I have just 50 minutes left to do tomrrow. I went to a movie last night and didn't eat one morsel of candy or popcorn. Then went to Starbucks and reisted all the sweets and just had tea. It feels really good to be in control.

We have company tonight for drinks and dinner, know I'll use up some flex points but I have a new weeks' worth to enjoy!

goldcupmom

01-30-2009, 08:41 PM

You are doing GREAT, Amy!! 8.6 lbs in a month is AWESOME!!!!! Especially knowing the weather & stress January has delivered to you!

Hang in there & keep it up!!

I hear you on the job market. I have a degree, and a masters & can't find anything. And, like you said, as long as DH is employed, we're ok, but.....
I figure when the time is right it will happen & God is still in control....but some days I think He's on vacation at WDW!!!

Hope your weekend is a good one!! Wish I could pop up & meet you at starbucks!

lovinaz

01-31-2009, 10:43 AM

CONGRATS on the loss!!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: You are doing GREAT, what a way to start the year! :thumbsup2

And you also did wonderful at the movies and Starbucks. And the more you resist those types of things, the easier it will become. You will realize that it's not all about the food and you don't need that junk to survive.

Have fun with your company. The day I've been dreading (food-wise) is coming tomorrow - Superbowl Sunday!!! I already know it's going to be bad since I'm making Cardinals red jello shots... :rolleyes:

traceycooper

01-31-2009, 02:05 PM

wow Amy - 8lb's is fantastic - i'm sooo proud of you :cheer2: :cool1:
that was my aim for january too ....:(

toystoryduo

01-31-2009, 03:37 PM

Amy,

You are rocking your goals this month!:rockband: You made your weight loss goal and you are almost at your exercise goal as well. You are off to a wonderful start in 2009!:cheer2:

I hope you have a great weekend! :hug:

Goofydiane

01-31-2009, 06:01 PM

Amy - I know I've been out of touch. thank you for all your support to me on my journal, it has gotten me through some tough weeks.

Now....CONGRATULATIONS!!! On the 8.6 lb weight loss. I've read the last few weeks and you are handling the daily stuggles and frustrations so positively - I'm so proud of all the walking and I know you are going to make your goal for January.

My thoughts on your step-father are simliar to many others that have been posted. At this age, he isn't going to change and you need to do what is right for you. I think it is a great idea to take a break from him and focus on you and continuous success.

Keep moving forward and staying strong, you've been such an inspiration.

Amy&Dan

02-01-2009, 10:52 AM

Thanks so much Tracy, Tracey, Diane, Julie and Amy. I feel really good about the changes I have made lately and really do feel like this "is it".

I had lunch with an old friend yesterday. She had gastric bypass last summer and has lost almost 90 pounds. It was so awesome to see her looking slim, she has about 40 pounds to go. She paid for her surgery herself, in spite of her diabetes and other health concerns, her insurance woudln't cover it. I asked how much it cost and she told me $12,000. That is a lot but whattaya bet I have spent that much on: WW, Jenny Craig, Weight Loss Clinic, gym memberships, and all the other "stuff" I have purchased and joined in the past 20 years. I do have to confess, it was bittersweet. I am thrilled for her, but for the almost 20 years I have known her, she has always been heavier than me. She sure has me beat now. Good for her and I hope that the next time I see her, I have my own transformation to show off!

We have a wedding in Texas in just three weeks. It was supposed to be in July but they moved it up so that gave me practically no time to lose any weight. And I have to pull the kids out of school two days and hope the weather holds. But I am excited to see family for something besides a funeral.

We are seeing stepdad tomorrow night. He has been diagnosed with some heart problem so I took pity on him and said we'd bring dinner over. But old and sick aside, I am not taking one bit of guff off of him. If he makes one comment about my weight, I think I'll point out a few of his struggles. People in glass houses.:rolleyes:

Today, we plan to grill a london broil. I have been craving steak and this will get me my fill of beef but in a lean sort of way! And hopefully dh and I can get a walk in, its time to get moving on the February challenge!

Thanks for all the support, I couldn't have gotten this month accomplished without it!:grouphug:

Oh forgot to add, I did make January's challenge! So I am going to up my minutes to 900 for February.

traceycooper

02-01-2009, 11:32 AM

Amy&Dan

02-01-2009, 01:33 PM

:cool1: well done on making the challenge Amy:cheer2:
Hope all goes well with stepdad tomorrow!
Thats good news about your friend - but a gastric band is a very drastic action to take - theres no doubt it works, & for some its the only option or last resort, but i would worry about the risks!! It may take longer but your way will be much healthier & safer :)
Be proud :)

It is drastic and rather scary. Just two weeks ago, my neighbor across the street died from a blood clot he deveoped after gastric bypass surgery. I of course didn't mention this to my friend yesterday! But it made me more determined than ever to lose weight without surgery. But I am happy for my friend. With her diabetes, it was a last resort. No such excuse for me thankfully

Goofydiane

02-01-2009, 03:21 PM

Congratulations on making your January exercise goal - way to go!

I'm cautious of gastric surgery's or anything like that - part of the issue with weight is why we eat and what are our triggers - I'm not sure if people who elect to have the surgery address the emotional reasons for eating. I've had friends who have had the surgery and when they put weight back on, it goes almost anywhere but their stomach. I think of Mike from Biggest Loser and he had surgery and his weight went everywhere else on his body.

You are doing what is best for you and making the changes to your life that are going to suit you over a long period of time and result in your success.

Amy&Dan

02-01-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks Diane. Yes, when I see that man from BL, and the almost freakish way his weight distributed on his body, it makes me so sad. I am happy to say my friend is doing a support group weekly, even 7 months post surgery, I hope she keeps it off, I can't even imagine gaining weight back post surgery.

I completely blew it today. I had a total meltdown following a bad haircut. Dh and I were all set to get our london broil and walk and I decided to run into Great Clips for a quick triim. I have been trying to grow my hair out all through the fall and haven't even had it cut in two months and it needed to be shaped up. When I walked in, nobody spoke English, I almost walked out (had a bad feeling) but a nice lady came up and so I followed her back. Well she either didn't understand me or she just had her own idea but she cut off about an inch and a half. Which is a lot given my short hairstyle (that is now butch short. I now am back to a very short hair cut, shorter than its been in many years. I took my glasses off and sort of zoned out and then noticed the amount of hair on the cape and by then it was too late. I was really mad. I tipped her but she knew I was upset. I guess a woman in the throws of hair turmoil is the universal language. I am just sick. It looks awful. I hope it grows out some in the next three weeks before the wedding.

So I came home and ate; a twice baked potato (I have 8 of these in my freezer as part of an Omaha steaks xmas gift), some nachos, some cookie dough and a beer. I threw out the rest of everything but I feel bloated and sick at heart and I look like GI Amy. Really bad end to the weekend. Even dh who rarely has anything but positive things to say about my appearance is upset and admits it doesn't look very good. Great. The man who never notices when I do most anything to my hair stood up with this deer in the headlights look on his face as soon as he saw me! Even ds said "are you upset about your hair?" That would be a YES.

Well tomorrow is a new day. I may have still lost weight since I lost about two pounds of hair off my head.:sad:

DisDee

02-01-2009, 07:09 PM

Well Amy, a haircut is one way to lose weight. You made me chuckle even when you're upset. I know how frustrating it is to grow out a short cut. I try it every now and then cave and get it cut again. One good thing is, it will grow back. Do you have a regular stylist who can fix it before the wedding? I feel for you kiddo, but don't let the bad hair sabotage all your other great efforts. How do you feel about hats??? Don't fret too much, you will get thru this!

Goofydiane

02-01-2009, 11:10 PM

I know the feeling about bad haircuts, been there done that. the good news is that it grows back. I'd look at soem short haircuts online and see if you can style yours to something different - use a manipulator or something to change it up slightly.

the other thing I would do is lose directions to that salon you went to!

lovinaz

02-02-2009, 01:57 PM

Bummer about the haircut! I agree with everyone else - maybe see if you can find someone to "fix" it before the wedding. Or maybe find a nice hat to wear if it's really that bad. But 3 weeks is a long time, I'm sure it will look fine by then. pixiedust:

How did the visit with stepdad go? If he starts in again, just tell him it's time to go, then leave. Maybe eventually he will know that he needs to watch his mouth a little more...

Get over the bad day, so you plowed through some flex points. You can re-group and get back on track starting NOW!

toystoryduo

02-02-2009, 09:35 PM

Hi Amy,

Sorry to hear about the bad haircut. I hope it grows out quickly for you! :hug:

How did your dinner with your stepdad go? I hope it went well. :goodvibes

Have a great evening! :hug:

Amy&Dan

02-03-2009, 10:44 AM

Thanks everybody. My bad haircut is still in a word, BAD. I need to find a hairstylisy. Ever since mine retired (went to her for like 7 years) I haven't found one yet that I can afford so I go to Great Clips type places. I am hoping that by the wedding it will look okay. I am really hesitant to let anybody cut it now, but I may go in someplace and have it colored and then have them style it for me. I have had it this short before but I find as I get older, I need more hair. It basically looks like Jamie Lee Curtis' hair. Her long, thin face compliments her short boyish hair cut much better than mine does. Oh well, such is life.

Dinner with stepdad was nice, he was on very good behavior. He looked old and tired. Of course he is old and tired. I took sloppy joes made with 96% lean ground beef and some whole wheat pasta and he had a veggie tray and an apple pie. I had one tiny slice of pie. He didn't say one thing about my weight or hair. Of course he is practically blind so if he had noticed my hair then I would have really freaked me out. I agreed to meet his girlfriend next month. I did tell him I didnt' want to meet her at my house or his so he said maybe we'd just go to her place. Dd is especially dreading this but I told her it will be fine. She is afraid they will want Ruth to be her grandma, I told her Ruth has lots of grandkids of her own. I am betting Ruth will have plenty of female intuition and make the meeting run fine. Grandpa, not so much. He told dd she would like Ruth because she isn't sick like her grammy always was. He is such a dork sometimes. So I did my duty for awhile, he is coming over here on the 14th for dh's birthday and then we wont' see him for a couple of weeks at least. As I drove home I was reminded again of how much my family dynamics have changed since my mom died. Who knew one person could hold so many relationships together?

Ds wants to go on his church mission trip in July. So I am going to have to be nice, mature mama and let him go away from me for one whole week. I have no idea where they are going, just that its out of state. Last year I think they went to an Indian reservation. Ds is really wanting to do this, he is all set to start earing some money with babysitting or yard work to help pay for the trip. I asked him if he was worried about being homesick and he said "Mom this isn't about us, its about our fellow man". Well alrighty then! When you are 1000 miles from home you just remember that kiddo!;) I am pleased he wants to go. This is the kid that sobbed every morning from pre school through about 2nd grade and up until about a year ago said he would buy the house next door so he could see me everyday forever! Ahh, times change. I think it will be really good for him. I can already feel the peace and quiet of my life when he is gone for seven days!

Food yesterday was perfect. Today I am walking with a friend of mine. She is also overweight and really hoping to make changes. I want to support her but have to say, I want to be careful doing an exercise partner. In the past I have often gotten off kilter trying to walk with another person. If they don't go, I bag it too. So I just need to make sure stay on task even if my friend doesn't!
I'll also walk with dh tonight. And then tomorrow I am going to the rec center alone and that will be nice. Its good to walk with somebody else, its good to walk alone.

Edited to add: Back from my walk. I have to say it was amazing how fast 45 minutes went when I walked with my friend. We got to talking and it flew by. It doesn't go that fast when I walk with dh, probably because its late in the day and I am more tired. Its also colder. Today it was only 48, but the sun was shining and it felt so nice and warm. We are going on Thursday too. She's out of a job right now, once she's back at work, its back to walking alone. And that's okay too. But I must say, when two women get to gabbing, time flies!

traceycooper

02-03-2009, 03:50 PM

Hi Amy - i'm sorry you dont like your haircut, sounds like it would make you feel better is you went somewhere else & explained & had it coloured & shaped :) I had mine cut really short once & hated it & funnily enough just before a wedding!! i coloured it & used lots of pretty hairclips!
Glad dinner went well with step dad :)
My DD went away for a week last year for the 1st time, she had a ball & cried when she came home!!! i on the other hand missed her loads!!
Its good that your DS is confident enough to want to do this :)

lovinaz

02-03-2009, 03:59 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed walking with your friend! But I agree with your DH, you are ON FIRE right now with the whole exercising and WW business, and if you do better when you are alone, do it alone. Do whatever it takes to stay in the goove! :cheer2:

You have one classy DS. You should be proud of him! I doubt my DS would do something that doesn't benefit himself somehow. It's not from a lack of trying to teach him otherwise, that's for sure! :confused3

You are already doing great on your exercise challenge, way to go! :thumbsup2

toystoryduo

02-04-2009, 11:14 AM

Walking with a friend does make time go by much faster!:goodvibes I'm glad you had a good time.

I'm also glad that dinner went well with your stepdad.:goodvibes

That is so cool that your DS wants to go on a Missions Trip!:thumbsup2

I hope you have a great day! :hug:

Amy&Dan

02-04-2009, 09:38 PM

Thanks Amy, Tracy and Tracey.

I am afraid I fell prey to my old friend/enemy emotional eating today. Had a conference with all five of ds' teachers. His grades have fallen lately and I know he'll get on track but dealing with this stuff with ds really gets me down. He's a great kid, so mature beyond his years and in spite of a very high I.Q. and strong work ethic, school is seldom easy for him. The conference was fine, he really has a great group of teachers and yet to see five adults basically go against one kid wasn't easy. I really had to fight back the tears a few times. Life is just never easy for that kid, and I so wish I knew how to make it better. But he seems okay, still upbeat and trying hard. Probably just having this on the heels of dd being diagnosed with a learning disablity just got to me. I sort of feel lost and alone with this, dh is busy, swamped and stressed running his office and I have found through the years that people can be very judgemental about stuff like this. Just recently I was talking with a friend, who has a 7 year old who has seen some falling grades and I said "oh I can relate". She basically ended up telling me her kid is so much smarter than mine that somehow his crappola grades are more of a tragedy. Whatever. This is the kid who stuck his wet finger in my light socket about five times one day and kept screaming how much it hurt. Um yeah, smart boy that does hurt. Anyway, dh came to the meeting and I was really relieved and happy to have him there. I also feel guilty, I keep thinking maybe I am just a lousy mom. I guess you never think when they are babies they'll grow up less than perfect. But I guess they usually do. One thing about it, this is a great school they are in so I feel very good about that. I just hope ds gets his act together. Until the next crisis of course.

So I ate too much, didn't work out and TOM came back yet again. What is up with that??? I feel bloated and tired and worried about Friday's weigh in. But if I don't do well, there's always next week.

My friend and I are all set to walk tomorrow morning the weather here is warm and it will be almost 70 tomorrow. 25 degrees above normal. I'll take it!

toystoryduo

02-05-2009, 11:23 AM

Oh sweetie....I am sending a gentle :hug: your way.

Please, please, please, please don't ever feel like you are a lousy mom. I think you are a wonderful mom and an amazing woman and I know that your family agrees!!!! :hug: I think that all kids go through different bumps in the road of life at one time or another and that sounds like what your DS might be experiencing right now. Do you think that maybe making grades a condition of the missions' trip will help?

I know yesterday was a tough day. Please try and take it easy today. No worries about the scale either. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. You can do it, Amy!:cheer2:

Sending you a PM......

lovinaz

02-05-2009, 01:09 PM

Sorry to hear about all the school stuff! It is easy to say you are a bad mom (I do it every time DS gets into trouble) but that is not the case. He is a caring young man. School is not easy for everyone. It won't last forever! It's just a flash in the pan. If he grows up, gets a decent job and is an asset to society, you have done your job well. ::yes:: I know it's hard to constantly be dealing with this (I have been there, but more on the behavior side instead of the academic side) and I know how gut-wrenching it is, but you'll get through it! :grouphug:

I hope your walk with your friend puts you in a better mindset. Don't get sucked into the trap and start the downhill spiral. Snap out of it and get back on track!!! :cheer2:

Amy&Dan

02-05-2009, 01:37 PM

Tracy: Thanks so much and thank you for the pm. You always know what to say to make me feel better.

Amy: I thought about you yesterday and knew you know just I how feel! When you have a kid that falls outside the box, it can be a real challenge.

I got right back on track today. I just sort of allowed myself to take yesterday off, regroup and feel a bit sorry for myself, but today was back to business. I walked with my friend (45 minutes) and dh and I will walk tonight (30) So that puts me at 150 minutes for the month, a decent start.

Walking with my friend was good, she has two kids who have the same issues mine do so she had some good suggestions and input. And a nice shoulder to cry on.

Its 65 here today, 11 degrees warmer than in Orlando! How often can that be said in the month of February? It was so nice to be outside and I didn't even need my jacket once I got warmed up.

The latest school drama is that the choir teacher is really upset that dd won't be there for the February concert. Its the night we will be enroute to Texas for my niece's wedding. She feels a wedding isn't a valid excuse. This performance is 20% of dd's grade and given her overall GPA she needs a B or better in her elective to balance things out. Dh hit the roof, I sent a very nice email asking if dd could do something else. She is going to think on it. Think away lady, but I find it hard to believe my kid is the first kid in the history of a school choir to miss a performance. Dd is crushed, she can't stand it when a teacher gets mad at her! Public school can really be an experience sometimes. From the pan, to the fire, and back to the pan again. :rolleyes: Given TOM, yesterday's conference and my hair from hell, this teacher might want to think twice before she gets in my face! :rotfl:

Speaking of hair, have I mentioned that mine looks like Demi Moore in GI Jane? I'll say this, it only takes me 25 seconds to do my hair so thats sort of nice. Its so short I had to buy a smaller brush for when I blow it dry. I may have to put the Great Clips lady and the choir teacher in the same category!

Thanks for the support. Ds will be fine, I may be in the looney bin however!

lovinaz

02-05-2009, 05:48 PM

I'm glad you got right back on the wagon today!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Hopefully the teacher will let DD make up the grade some other way. She should be happy that you are taking an interest and trying to work something out. Would she rather you just had DD miss the concert with no warning?? Being a teacher can probably be pretty stressful - hopefully she was just shocked and will work with you once that shock has worn off!

Amy&Dan

02-05-2009, 06:11 PM

Thanks Amy. She's actually always sort of unpleasant. She seems to really want the kids to take choir seriously but makes it so unpleasant, they just want out! I think she seems like maybe she doesn't like teaching that much. I am bummed, dd doesn't want to do choir next year as her elective. Bottom line, it'll be fine, I just felt bad for dd because she wanted to take responsiblity and talk to this woman on her own and was just heartbroken when the teacher got miffy. I can't help it that my niece planned her wedding when she did and no way will I cancel going. I did look into dd and I flying out to Amarillo on Friday morning, but then that leaves dh doing all the driving Thursday night (we can't afford for all four of us to fly roundtrip plus rent a car) when he's tired and been working all day. So it just can't be helped. And I do think teaching is so stressful, the last thing I want to do is make this woman's life more that way. I might add this whole thing just came up, I didn't even know this wedding was happening in February until a few weeks ago so I couldn't talk to the teacher in advance which may be why she is upset. I'm also bummed to miss it, dd has been working on this choir music since November. Oh well, enough about that.

I NEED to start posting my food again so here is today:

Breakfat: Cheerios with skim and one oz. of turkey: 4
Snack: Mini Luna Bar: 2
Lunch: Grilled Chicken wrap (8) diet coke (0) and whole grains crisps (2)
Snack: Yogurt (2)
Dinner: Chicken with pasta and broccoli (8)
Total 26

I'll need to eat something else before bed since I am under on points.

lovinaz

02-06-2009, 01:20 PM

Great job on the food! How did WI go this morning?? Hopefully you have good news to report.

I caught up on Biggest Loser last night. I'm so sick that one of the teammates that got voted off was the victim of choosing the wrong partner! That's too bad, but it looks like they will both be successful in the end.

Amy&Dan

02-06-2009, 04:46 PM

Hi Amy, I'm probably only about one of five people on the planet that felt sorry for Joelle. To me she looked so sad and once people started getting disgusted with her (which in many ways was understandable) they just never let it go. She just gave up in my book. I hope she's successful and I hope Carla is too. Its a shame about their friendship but I guess when you put $250,000 worth of pressure on two friends, it takes a toll!

Weigh in was not great, I was up .6 I do have to say, I was proud for going. I knew I was up, I knew it was from overeating and TOM but I went anyway. I love my WW leader. She already knows my name, she is just so positive and I feel like she really cares and wants me to succeed. And guess what, she has super short hair!

I left WW and went shopping. We have a birthday party tonight and I have nothing to wear. I ended up feeling like I was going to be sick or pass out, I was on an almost empty stomach and so I went and grabbed lunch at Chick Fil A. I asked for a sandwich without fries, got my bag, drove off and guess what's in the bag? Fries. And guess who ate them anyway? That would be me. Oh well. I must say, I enjoyed them!

I got an email from dd's music teacher. Omg, the woman is clearly peeved beyond reason that dd is missing that concert. She sent me three assignments Maria could do in place of the concert. All three were college level type assignements. I knew right off the bat dd could not do any of these assignments, heck, I am not sure I could. I sent her counselor an email asking for some guidance and she hit the roof as did the principal. Neither one of them could figure out the assignments either. And they were both upset because since dd has an IEP, this teacher knows full well she can't handle that level of research and work at age 12. The counseler said it was just unacceptable and apologized. So dd is now out of choir and in art. With a teacher that ds has had who is wonderful and makes the kids feel like they are all gifted artists. She met dd and gave her a big hug saying she can't wait to have her in her class. So what dd needs right now, just a feel good, fun elective. I am sad about choir, she has a lovely voice. But this will be a much better fit. So that crisis is done. I love this school. They really work with the kids as individuals and the parents. I just know they can help dd at long last to be more successful. In the meantime, she can have fun drawing and painting and not doing graduate level research projects!

I have a lot of food fests this weekend. Tonight's birthday part. Then on Saturday we are going out for CiCi's Pizza with our church group after services. All you can eat pizza buffet, now there's a potential diet diaster and then on our good friends are going with dh and I to a place that has like two things on the menu: chicken wings and burgers. Its dh's birthday and he picked. The man loves his wings. My plan is to save flex points for the wings, and eat my own dinner tonight before the party. I also plan to take my herbal tea and drink that over ice and maybe nobody will notice its not a cocktail. And then at Cici's I just plan to figure out the points for a couple of pieces of pizza off DWLZ.com and then have salad. At least I know what I am doing, now its up to me to make it successful. I can do it, I just need to keep remembering how not good it felt today when I was up on the scale. Nothing tastes good enough to compensate for that feeling. Although those Chick Fil waffle fries came close!

Amy&Dan

02-06-2009, 04:52 PM

Forgot to post food:

Breakfast: Yogurt (2)
Snack: mini luna bar (2)
Lunch: Chick Fil A (20)
Dinner: Was going to be: Lean Cuisine: (4) orange (2) but I just read the email invite and it says dinner. Not sure I want or will be able to eat nothing at a dinner type party. So I may just take a very small portion. I have 9 points left so I have to make whatever I eat fall in that. And absolutely no birthday cake or alcohol. I blew it at Chick Fil A but you know what, I dont' care! It was what I wanted and I am fine with splurging on that and limiting tonight.

These weekends KILL me.

lovinaz

02-06-2009, 05:21 PM

I love Chik-Fil-A! But DH hates it, so I never get to go. Probably a good thing! :) In fact, I can't even recall the last time I've eaten fast food. :confused3

I'm glad DD had the option to switch to art instead of choir. It's always nice when the teachers work with the parents. I got an e-mail from DS's teacher today, letting me know that he is missing 2 assignments but he still has time to turn them in. Funny, he never mentioned that to me! :rolleyes:

Good luck at the parties this weekend. YOU CAN DO IT! :cheer2: Remember how bummed you were when you saw that 0.6 lb gain (which is nothing by the way!) and how proud of yourself you will be when you keep yourself under control. ::yes::

Amy&Dan

02-06-2009, 05:49 PM

Amy, for years the only Chick Fil A we had was at the mall all the way across town. Now we have one very near our house.:sad2: I eat fast food once a week but I have a list of legal stuff I can have. I tend to stick with tacos no cheese, grilled chicken sandwiches and if they have a chicken wrap I'll get that. And I always ask that they put romaine lettuce on if they have it. We rarely get to eat out at full service restaurants so for us, fast food is the only way we get to eat out. Today, was a bust, but its what I wanted. I just have to plan around it.

Isn't it funny how kids forget to mention those missing assignments? If not for Power School, I would never know what is going on with ds, he doesn't volunteer much info!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Amy&Dan

02-07-2009, 12:01 AM

Quick post: I behaved at the party! I had a very small serving of chili, a few bites of cheese soup (not many, I know it was fattening but I wanted to taste it), a bunch of veggies with dip (very little dip) and a few chips and salsa. I also had one bite of cake. And four glasses of water. So in all, I am proud. It wasn't even that hard. Of course I was still full from my 2:00 p.m. Chick Fil A run!

Now if I can just survive tomorrow, I'll feel like I can have a couple of beers and a few wings on Sunday. So far I haven't used any flex points.

DisDee

02-07-2009, 05:02 AM

Congrats on getting thru the party Amy! You are doing so well and being smart about your choices, including the Chick Fil A. I just love them too, and did a drive-thru earlier in the week. Yum! If you logged your points, you're good so just work around it.

goldcupmom

02-07-2009, 09:10 AM

Great job at the party, Amy!

I posted yesterday, but for some reason it disappeared!??!?

ChickFilA is a big scary no no in my house. I CRAVE their fries! But I can't even taste them or it's all over for me. Caffeine free diet coke & a grilled sandwich.....5 pts & I have to RUN away!!

Hope you have a good weekend. Is it storming there yet? I need to get out for a long walk before it hits here.

Hey, do they sell caffeine free diet mt dew where you are in Co? I'm craving it & may have to do a road trip! NM doesn't sell it! Only places I've found it are Iowa & Colorado.

lovinaz

02-07-2009, 10:41 AM

AWESOME JOB at the party!!! :cool1: I am so proud of you for making good choices!!! I'm sure with that under your belt you will have no problem behaving tonight and earning your beer and wings treat on Sunday!!! :thumbsup2

Amy&Dan

02-07-2009, 12:18 PM

Julie, I don't know if they sell that Mtn. Dew, I'll have to look. I'm not a Dew fan myself. Its all about Dr. Pepper in this house! (Its a Texas thing ;) )

Denise: Chick Fil A and me go way back! Its the only ff restaurant on the planet where I want a fried chicken sandwich.

Amy: Those wings are calling my name and I am not going to let them down!

I am going to post all food today so that I will hopefully stay legal!

Breakfast: Alternative bagle with butter: 3
Mini luna: (2)
Lunch: Subway Club (6) chips (3)
Snack: Yogurt (2)
Dinner: 3 pieces of pizza (9.5) salad (2) bread stick (2)
Total: 29.5

That sounds like a lot of pizza but Cici's has sort of puny pieces which is good. I just picked out my 3 favorites. I know what I can eat and I know what I have to do so now I just need to stick to it!

Edited to add: We went to the mall and before we got there we passed a Tokyo Joes. I decided that sounded better than subway and since we all love Japanese we went there instead. So I had a 10 point bowl. I am estimating those points, I had the fat and calories but not the fiber, but since I had them add veggies and gave dh some of my rice, I think I came in about right. I also skipped the yougurt. And I stuck right on target at CiCi's. I was so wanting to go back up to that buffet. But I didnt'. I just kept concentrating on our friends and the conversation and drank three glasses of ice tea with sweet and low. I had one tiny little bite of a brownie and one even tinier bit of dh's cinnamon roll. They have these huge trays of both, as much as you want. But I resisted.

Went shopping all day, both kids have grown out of everything. I got dd the cutest dress for the wedding. And ds now wears mens jeans and clothes, very expensive! I wanted to get myself something for the wedding too, but Macy's didn't buy any dresses for plus sized women. I was peeved. Racks and racks of sizes 4-14, but nothing higher. I asked a sales lady and she said the bad economy had Macy's thinking plus sized women woudn't need dresses. WTH??? Just another reason to lose weight. Hopefully I'll find something this week. I hope to get that dress and then not venture into a mall for a few months. I also didn't get my walk in today since I was at the mall for so long. Maybe tomorrow, but I think we are to get snow.

I am so proud that I have held my own two weekend days in a row. Now I can eat a few wings with a clear conscience as I have all 35 of my flex points left.

traceycooper

02-07-2009, 12:35 PM

wow Amy i can feel your energy & positivity coming out of the monitor :)
Well done for resisting at the party & i'm sooo glad you have such a great school to help you & your DS & DD :)

Goofydiane

02-07-2009, 06:20 PM

Great job at the party Amy! I know I wouldn't have been able to control my eating.

It must be that I'm in the mid-west....not sure what a Chick-fil-A taste likes, I've never been. At dinner with our old boss last night, two of the people at the team who are having their jobs eliminated in May joked about opening up a Chick-Fil-A franchise, so everyone knows about it but me maybe.

I'm not sure what to say about the choir teacher, other than moving your daughter to art was a wise choice!

Amy&Dan

02-08-2009, 12:37 AM

Thanks Diane and Tracey. I have two very sweet, very special kids and I am thankful they are in a school that strives to make all students successful. The past year, I have had more issues with both of them and school than the ten years prior. Its just been one thing after another. I was worried when this music issue came up with dd maybe I am just a nut but the school counseler said she couldn't have done any of those projects either. I was talking with a friend whose daughter was in choir last year, I guess this teacher really wants to be teaching on the college level and maybe is getting ahead of herself with her current age group. In any case the art teacher is wonderful (ds had her last year and this year for art and photography) and I think dd will have fun and improve her drawing skills.

I have to say, ds kills me. He has picked ballroom dancing for one of his electives in high school! He says he wants to be ready to dance at his wedding. He also figures the ratio of girls to boys will be high. Maybe he can teach dh to dance so I can finally have a dance partner at weddings! I mean of all the classes for a 14 year old boy to take. :confused3

Found out the mission trip is South Dakota. I guess they will see Mt. Rushmore and work on an Indian reservation. Should be a great experience, but I hope he can get some pet sitting, baby sitting and yard mowing gigs to help pay for it!

toystoryduo

02-08-2009, 08:26 AM

You are doing such a great job, Amy!!! :cheer2: I am so proud of you! :hug:

Did we have a conversation a couple of weeks ago about a taco place named Cap n Taco? If we did, I found one out here where we live! Of course, now I can't remember where I saw it.:lmao: I'll have to ask my DH when he gets home from work.

I think that is so cool that they offer ballroom dancing at your DS' high school! :cool1: We never had classes like that. I would have taken a dance class (any dance class!) in a heartbeat.

I hope you have a great Sunday! :hug:

lovinaz

02-08-2009, 10:16 AM

GREAT JOB sticking within your points! I hope you enjoy every single wing and sip of beer today, you have definitely earned it!

My DS12 signed up for Home Ec (it's called something else now, but that's what it is!) next year because there will be tons of girls in it. :rolleyes: Great...

That stinks about the dress! I'm sure you can find a nice one somewhere else, just keep looking! I am right there with you on the kids clothes situation! DD9 is going to need a whole new spring/summer wardrobe, since most of her things from last year are now too small. DS has outgrown all his jeans that he got for Christmas! Yes, in less than 2 months he has grown at least an inch. And I have no idea how I am going to get pants to fit him! He has about a size 12 waist, but needs size 16 length... I was getting size 14's, but those are way too baggy and now those aren't even long enough. Any suggestions???

I am so happy for you that everything is falling into place - your kids at school, your weight loss, and life in general. You deserve it! :goodvibes

DisDee

02-08-2009, 02:51 PM

Amy, if you have a Catherine's near you, I would check it out for your dress. I had never been there before and popped in last Sunday to look for a dress for my SIL's wedding in March. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and I did find one that I liked. I almost bought their discount card (25.00) for a year which entitles you to all kinds of extra savings, but I thought, why? I hope not to be shopping for plus sizes in the next 6 months or so.

Good luck on the dress search!

Amy&Dan

02-09-2009, 09:52 AM

Denise: That is so funny you suggest Catherines, I thought of that about 2:00 a.m. this morning when I couldn't sleep! We have one across town but I remember getting a dress there for my cruise and they did have a nice selection. Since all they stock is women's sizes, I assume their buyers purchased dresses!

Amy: Matthew has the same size problem your ds does. My best luck has been at Penny's. I get slim cut jeans with adjustable waist. I have also found them at Wal Mart before and I think Old Navy. I also order them online since they don't always stock a lot of them. Good luck, its a pain to have a tall skinny kid!

I did enjoy my wings and beer. I figured I had 65 points total to work with and I think I came in about that. But now I have to be perfect the next four days. They were very good but I couldn't sleep last night, too much heartburn! But worth it (thank goodness for flex points!)

I'll post food and exercise later. Hope everybody is having a good Monday.

toystoryduo

02-09-2009, 01:10 PM

Great job staying within your flex points, Amy!:thumbsup2 I hope you're feeling better today and that the heartburn is gone.:wizard:
Hope you have a great Monday!:goodvibes

goldcupmom

02-09-2009, 01:11 PM

Sounds like you are doing GREAT, Amy! Good luck on the dress hunt.....that's one I HATE!!!

traceycooper

02-09-2009, 03:07 PM

I have to say, ds kills me. He has picked ballroom dancing for one of his electives in high school! He says he wants to be ready to dance at his wedding. He also figures the ratio of girls to boys will be high. Maybe he can teach dh to dance so I can finally have a dance partner at weddings! I mean of all the classes for a 14 year old boy to take. :confused3 !

Good on him ;)

He sounds like a very clever, thinking ahead young man :)

lovinaz

02-09-2009, 04:09 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself without an ounce of guilt! :thumbsup2 I know you will be able to be spot on with your points for the rest of the week. Make it your #1 priority!!!

Is Daisy a wimp? Buckley sure is! We had a severe thunderstom yesterday and at one point we had lightning immediately followed by super loud thunder (must have been in the front yard or something!) and that poor dog yelped and about jumped right out of his skin! And then he wouldn't go out of the doggy door for hours, he was so freaked out.. :confused3

Amy&Dan

02-09-2009, 11:30 PM

Amy: Daisy is a total wimp! And a horrible watch dog.;) Just today some guy came to the door and rather than bark, she went and hid under the table!

Julie: I hate to shop for clothes almost like I hate the dentist!

Tracey: Ds has always liked the ladies, so I shouldn't be surprised with his elective choice!

I went shopping today and finally found a dress. I like it, its hard for me to feel good about anything I wear when I am this size but I think its the closet I'll get. By the time I added shoes and rounded out ds and dd's wedding clothes I am broke! I had to transfer money from savings which makes me very nervous. I feel like I am just hemorraging money right now. I really hope I can get our WDW trip paid off in time and get my savings back up.

I was spot on with food today:
breakfast: turkey and cheese sandwich: 4
Lunch: burrito: 8
Snack: Fiber bar: 3
Dinner: chicken, rice and veggies: 13
Total: 28
I came in one point under but its late and I don't want to eat anything else.

I didn't exercise again. I feel like all I have done the past few days is shop. I have plans to walk with my friend tomorrow and then I may take another solo walk. I walk a bit faster than she does and I want to make sure I push myself. I was just beat today, I only managed to get about 4 hours of sleep last night. So I plan to turn in early and make sure I get in some serious exercise minutes tomorrow.

lovinaz

02-10-2009, 01:02 PM

I'm glad you found a dress you like! :cool1: Just think, after the wedding, you will have to get the dress altered to be smaller the next time you wear it!:thumbsup2

You have a lot going on right now, I'm sure you will get back on track with your savings soon.

Buckley is a surprisingly good guard dog, he loves to bark when the doorbell rings. It really throws him off sometimes because we also have a doorbell outside the garage, and when DS rings it (when he comes back with his bike or scooter and the garage door is closed) the dog automatically runs to the front door barking, then starts whining when he can't see anyone out the window! :rotfl:

Food looks great! Have fun on your walk(s)!!!

Amy&Dan

02-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Amy: Benjamin was a wonderful watch dog. Daisy not so much! Although the upside to that is that she is sweet and not an alpha male nuthead like Benjamin was!

Today was hard on the food front. I am so exhausted and sleep deprived I can barely stay awake and its freezing cold, dreary and snowing. I just wanted to graze all day long! I've only managed to get about 7 hours of sleep in the past two nights, tonight I absolutely have to get to bed earlier!

Here is my food:

Breakfast: Kashi wi/ skim: 4
Snack: tangerine: 1
Snack: rice cakes: 2
Snack: Fiber Bar: 2
Snack: cookies: 4
Snack: cheese and crackers: 5
Lunch: Lean Cuisine: 7
Dinner: pork roast: 4, salad: 1
Total: 30

Right on target, however, I am currently starving. So I may have an alternative bagle or something else for a couple of points. I did walk 60 minutes so I managed to earn some activity points, I don't usually take those but I may have to make an exception. Way too many carby snacks. I did at least get in four veggies and one fruit. But those snacks were insane!

Goofydiane

02-10-2009, 08:58 PM

Congrats on finding a dress, I know how tough that can be, I'm glad you found something that you enjoy.

Good job getting the walking in as well. hang tough with the starving, or just have some vegetables to fill you up and low calories!

lovinaz

02-11-2009, 04:17 PM

Sorry to hear you are not getting enough sleep! I went through that, but at least I was getting more than you seem to be. It makes the day a lot harder, that's for sure!

You are probably extra hungry since you burned a lot of calories walking today! Hopefully you were able to find a low point snack to tide you over. :goodvibes

toystoryduo

02-11-2009, 04:18 PM

That's great that you were able to find a dress, Amy!:cheer2:

I hear you about the savings and WDW thing. :hug: We just had a situation come up that put a major crimp in our finances yesterday. :eek: I hope we're both able to add some money to the savings account soon!:goodvibes

Have a great evening!:hug:

traceycooper

02-11-2009, 04:55 PM

Hi Amy - nothing worse than lack of sleep :hug:
Is there a reason for it??

i bet the dress looks lovely :)
At least you managed to stay within point today, & the cold weather makes us want to store up food - natural instinct & all that...;)

night, night, sleep tight, dont let the bed bugs bite :hug:

lovinaz

02-13-2009, 09:30 AM

Oh Amy, where are you??? Maybe you've been sleeping for the last couple days??? :rotfl:

Hopefully everything is OK and you are happy with your WI today! :goodvibes

Amy&Dan

02-13-2009, 03:30 PM

Thanks everybody. Sorry I have been MIA. I have no good excuse except that I am so discouraged! I got on the scale on Wednesday and it said I was up six pounds. No idea why. Then I weighed today at home and I was still up two pounds. This after an absolutely perfect week. Dh's birthday was on Wednesday and I did have a piece of his cake but I figured the points and that was my dinner. I walked several days this week, drank my water and did what I thought was really well. No idea if this is still some sort of gain from Sunday but I had those flex points available and in spite of a very heavy eating and drinking day, I am 99% sure I didn't go over on flex points. So I got myself in a mood. I didn't even go to WW today. I am just so tired of trying, not trying, being on the wagon, being off the wagon, worrying constantly about what I eat, how I look and am just weary of the whole thing. So I just sort of hit a wall and sat at home, hating our snowy, cold weather and hating myself for not working out and weighing in. Finally called a friend, got the house ship shape and my friend is coming over today. She is really depressed, for some unknown reason this made me feel better. I can concentrate on helping her and listening to her woes and take a break from the whol Amy Needs to Lose Weight saga.

I already feel better. However I did graze a bunch today. We are supposed to meet friends tonight for their son's hockey game and then have a drink after and I think I'll just stick to a diet coke or club soda. Tomorrow we are having a dinner with several other couples and she is making prime rib so that will be a challenge and Sunday we are going to my sister's for Dan's family birthday lunch. I am bring pizza for that and told my sister to make a chocolate cake (not real fond of chocolate cake, go figure). Oh and I have girl scout cookies in my house so that is a challenge. Then we leave on Thursday for the wedding. So I also feel that I just have one challenge after another to face and get through and again, I am so sick of having each event, get together and holiday making me wig out about food. Then I overeat and feel guilty. Viscious cycle!!

Okay, rant over. I am not giving up, I just hit a roadblock. So that's where I've been! I need to check journals but may need to do that tomorrow, I am rushing to pick up the kids and finish the house. At least my house is clean. ;)

Thanks for reading and checking up on me.:grouphug:

toystoryduo

02-13-2009, 04:58 PM

:hug: Amy,

No worries, my friend. :hug: We all hit roadblocks at one time or another. ::yes:: You are doing such a wonderful job! :cheer2: I know that the number on the scale can be discouraging, but you are more than a number. You are an amazing woman!:goodvibes I am so proud of you and all of the progress that you have made this year. Please don't let the number on the scale take away from what you have already accomplished.:hug:

It sounds like you have a great weekend ahead of you! Have a wonderful time!:goodvibes

lovinaz

02-14-2009, 11:02 AM

HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!:hug: :grouphug: :hug: :grouphug: Don't get too frustrated. You have come so far to let a bad week get you down. You know you did everything right, sometimes that stupid scale just doesn't play nice!

Weekends are really tough, but they are part of life. You can't avoid social gatherings (well, you could, but that is a whole different set of problems!) so you just need to learn how to make good choices and take the focus off food. And that is HARD, but I know you will get there. Some weekends will be harder than others, but just like you train your body through exercise, you also need to train your mind to get stronger too. :goodvibes

Enjoy your weekend!!!

traceycooper

02-15-2009, 09:27 AM

:hug:
Hi Amy - the scale does weird things sometimes (remember my 5lb loss & 5lb gain??) I'm glad you have a friend who will help take your mind off it, maybe the lady at WW can shed some light on it??

you have been losing every week lately so maybe your body is just trying to rebel a little, hang in there, keep doing the fantastic job your doing & all will be ok :hug:

Amy&Dan

02-15-2009, 12:30 PM

Thanks Tracy, Amy and Tracey.

I ended up getting sick on Friday afternoon. It came on fast and then was over. Nobody else got sick so no idea what it was. I had to cancel seeing my friend which was a bummer and also had to cancel our dinner out. Did go to friend's for dinner last night and ate and drank more than I should but didn't really stress about it.

Amy, you are right, weekends are just hard but they aren't going anywhere. I just need to find some sort of strategy for getting through them.

I plan to weigh in on Thursday before we leave for the wedding. I so wish I could pull my kids out that day, I don't relish a long drive through some very deserted areas of colorado, new mexico and texas late at night. But given ds' grades, he can't miss more than one day. I checked the weather and it is so far predicting really warm weather in West Texas on the wedding day, hopefully
Dan and I can find a nice place to walk, my cousin is a high school teacher so maybe he can point me to a school track!

Walked an hour yesterday and plan to walk today when we get home from my sister's.

I just have to keep on, keeping on. I refuse to give up. But I also know that with a journey as long as this one will be (100 pounds isn't an easy task) I will have those ups and downs.

I missed seeing my leader this week, and I will miss her next week to. When I heard her the first time I just felt that click and connection. So I am thankful for that! Nothing against my old leader but this just reaches me more.

Okay, off to get ready for pizza and birthday cake. :sad2: I told my sister to make a chocolate cake, that I can resist believe it or not. And she says she is making a salad. I just need to figure the points and hang in there.

Goofydiane

02-15-2009, 02:45 PM

Amy - don't get discouraged. Even great weeks can result in a weight gain for a variety of reasons. My nutritionist has me eating all day long, but it is eating better foods, and she warned me that I was going to gain weight that first week. So a week of great eating can result in a gain, she also said to stick with it and the next week I would most likely lose what I gained.

keep in mind that it is just a number on a scale and how you feel is so much more important that what that number says. Look at what you are doing..making good choices, exercising and staying positive, that's what you want to focus on.

Hang in there, we are all in this together!

traceycooper

02-16-2009, 06:33 AM

good luck with the pizza & cake!!
your doing great :)

toystoryduo

02-16-2009, 08:02 AM

:hug: Amy,

I'm sorry to hear that you were sick on Friday. :( I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better though. :goodvibes

How did the party go yesterday? We had a 40th birthday party for my SIL yesterday and we had spaghetti and cake. The good thing is that my DH bought a small cake that came with cupcakes from Sam's Club and I was able to stick to just a cupcake. (We won't talk about how much spaghetti I had though. :laughing: ) I hope the party went well for you. :goodvibes

I like what you said...Keep on keeping on...You CAN do it, Amy!:cheer2: There may be an occasional bump in the road, but I know that you can get past it with flying colors. Always remember that your WISH sisters are here cheering you on to victory!:cheer2:

Have a great Monday!:hug:

lovinaz

02-16-2009, 12:41 PM

How was the party?

You are right, this is going to be a long and bumpy road and it's not always going to be easy. Look at that lady on BL last week - she gained 2 lbs! And you know she was working out 8+ hours a day and eating right. It is even more hard when you are at home, but YOU CAN DO IT! :cheer2:

And I am so with you on the chocolate cake - :crazy2: But brownies on the other hand... :rolleyes1

Amy&Dan

02-17-2009, 11:18 AM

Amy: I too LOVE brownies, but for some unknown reason, choc cake is something I can generally resist!

Tracey: Thanks, pizza and cake was resisted!

Diane: I think I just need to stop thinking about that long term goal/time frame. It makes me dizzy and overwhelmed!

Tracy: Thank goodness it wasn't spaghetti, I cannot resist pasta no way, no how!

The party on Sunday was nice. Now that I have only my sister and nephew left in this state to spend time with, I value that relationship. She is trying much harder too and now that I don't have to see how crappy she treats my mom, that lessens the strain. My nephew's girlfriend has also added a great deal to our family, I hope she's "the one" for him.

Dan and I went to pick up the pizza and right next to the Papa Murphy's was a Subway. So I decided to go in and buy myself a sandwich. I got a subway club loaded with veggies (I am so happy Subway added spinach to their veggie offerings). Of course I arrived to my sister's and she had queso and chips so I did eat some of that. But having the sandwich and skipping the pizza (had two bites of pizza) was a big help. And then I had a tiny sliver of cake. So I feel like I got through that day pretty unscathed.

Did well with food yesterday and plan to do well today. I have also added another 90 minutes of exercise in the past two days and by today should be over halfway to my monthly goal. And I called my cousin and got some information on a good place to walk near our hotel in Amarillo. That way Dan and I can for sure walk at least once during our trip.

I fully plan that this weekend will be a food and drink fest and I am okay with that. We are only there for two days, so even if I blow it, I can recover from two days. I also decided that on the way down and back home, we'll have Subway. The hotel has a full breakfast and I am sure they'l have fruit and oatmeal on the buffet so that should be okay. I am just trying to plan ahead and get through some of the meals so that for the wedding, rehearsal and bridesmaid luncheon, I can splurge a bit easier.

I am feeling better but hopeful that when I weigh in on Thursday, I have a loss. I was hoping to get my 10 pound star by this week, we'll see. I haven't weighed at home because if I show a gain, it will completely derail me again!

Thanks for reading and the support, this has been one of those weeks I have needed it!:grouphug:

Amy&Dan

02-17-2009, 12:01 PM

Okay, minor little pity fest here! I had to cancel our plans to go away with friends (adults only weekend) in July. The deposit is due this month and we simply cannot swing it because of the wedding (which as you may recall was moved up from late summer to this weekend and we had only about a month to get our act together for that trip). I wanted to go, it would have been the first weekend Dan and I had alone since 2004 but its just not meant to be. Of course, I can't help but think that if my sister would have ever paid me back, that would have helped. I also went ahead and cancelled our trip with the kids up to the hot springs in early April. Again, its a lot of money for just one night. I just wanted to be away at Easter and do something different. But for sure, I am NOT doing a family dinner that day. If I post that I am, please remind me about how much I hate family dinners now that include stepdad and holiday traditions that arent' any fun now that my mom is gone.

Sometimes I really wonder if our yearly trips to WDW and DL are "worth it". I love going but basically to do that, we have to do nothing else. We are lucky to eat out once a month, I have to get butch hair cuts at the cheap place and I feel like the money we spend to do Disney might be better spent, spread out throughout the year. But I know we'll never do that;) . I am loyal to Mickey and no other destination!!:smickey: I do wonder however if this economy doesn't pick up, how much longer we can afford to do what we do, let alone anything else.

Oh well, rant over. But me being me, I wanted to go. I want it all!!:laughing:

DisDee

02-17-2009, 01:29 PM

Amy, I throw those same kind of pity parties now and then too, so I know exactly how you feel. We all use our Disney vacations to help us get thru the everyday doldrums, but you're right, there is so much else out there waiting for us to explore. It stinks that you have to cancel your other get-a-ways, but I'm sure an opportunity will present itself at a later time when you can do a weekend trip.

We also have that wedding coming up in March with all the expenses that go along with it, and the shower is this weekend, so that's more $$$, but I keep thinking about how happy I am for my SIL, so it makes it all worthwhile. Good for you to plan ahead and think about walking while at the hotel and being honest with yourself about the eating and drinking.

Keep up the good work with your healthy lifestyle!!!!

lovinaz

02-17-2009, 01:43 PM

Great job at the party! That was a wonderful idea to get Subway instead of pizza! :thumbsup2 And I think you have some really good plans for your weekend trip as well. The healthy options are there, STICK TO THEM! ;)

Not that you asked, but I will give you my 2 cents on vacations... :rolleyes1 I feel that there are so many places to explore in this world that we RARELY go somewhere twice. Especially if it means not being able to go somewhere else! So if you feel you are missing out on other opportunities, maybe do 1 Disney trip and 1 non-Disney trip next year instead. See how it works out for you! Your kids are old enough where they can have input into vacation plans, you might be surprised where they want to go! Again, just my un-solicited 2 cents, you obviously know what is best for your family! :goodvibes

You are doing great, and stay off your home scale! You don't want to ruin your momentum before your trip!

Amy&Dan

02-17-2009, 02:00 PM

Denise: I am so happy to have a happy occasion in my family to celebrate its so worth the sacrifice! The last two times I have seen my Texas family has been for funerals (my mom's and my uncle's). So its a real blessing to have a happy day to celebrate. But it adds up! Thanks for understanding, Disney became my savior through the long seven years of caring for my mom. It was a great place to take my kids to make up for what they had to witness here at home. Now we're just sort of happily addicted and don't want to vacation much of anyplace else per se. I just wish I had more money for some little odds and ends. Thank goodness we camp up in the mountains for virtually nothing in the summer!

Amy: As long as we have our DVC payment, that is where we need to vacation. I am okay with that, I totally get not being a repeat vacation offender ;) but for us, staying on points is the wisest way to use our vacation dollar right now. Once our contract is paid off, we can explore other areas. We do Disneyland because fil lives five miles from the park. Now that he can't come to Denver, we have to go to him. And I figure if I am going to put up with fil, I am going to get a Disney fix thrown into it! ;)

toystoryduo

02-17-2009, 02:16 PM

Great job at the party, Amy!:cheer2:

Girl, I hear ya about the Disney thing! Don't get me wrong...We absolutely love to vacation there. Sometimes, I get in the mode of wanting to go elsewhere and we can't do that due to the Disney expense. I say we all move to Florida!:banana: We can have WISH meets on a weekly basis over a mai tai or two and just hang out in our favorite place on earth. Then, we can travel the rest of the world (no pun intended) at our leisure. Now, where to come up with the money for that kind of dream? :scratchin:

I bet you will have a great time this weekend! I love how you are planning ahead for food and exercise. Great job, WISH sis!:hug:

Have a great evening!:hug:

traceycooper

02-17-2009, 02:59 PM

I say we all move to Florida!:banana: We can have WISH meets on a weekly basis over a mai tai or two and just hang out in our favorite place on earth. Then, we can travel the rest of the world (no pun intended) at our leisure. Now, where to come up with the money for that kind of dream? :scratchin:
:

ohhh i'm their, lets all buy a lottery ticket - & if one of us wins & moves us all out their we'd make the news & then someone would write a book about it & then they'd want to make a movie about us & then we'd be famous & make even more money to stay :) & then we could be on cribs & in OK magazine & throw annual DIS WISH bashes, that all the rich & famous would come to & we could advertise diet products or even better create our own weight loss programme........i'm getting carried away ...great idea Tracy :)

Amy - in the mean time you enjoy those WDW trips :)

lovinaz

02-17-2009, 05:42 PM

Ahhh, I forgot you have DVC! That is definitely a financial motivator to stick with the WDW trips! :goodvibes

Maybe you can reschedule your adults-only trip for later this year or even next year?? Better late than never, right?

Goofydiane

02-17-2009, 10:49 PM

Amy - I forgot you had DVC too. I've never purchased, although I've thought about it.

I'm sorry to hear that your vacation with friends needed to be cancelled. In these times, it is about making some non-fun decisions. Maybe you could invite these friends to a Disney vacation?

Or we just have a WISH board vacation at Disney and we all meet up!

DisDee

02-18-2009, 05:45 AM

I'm in for the WISH trip. When are we going and where are those Mai Tai's? I actually know a couple that hit the Pa. lottery for 13 mill, so it does happen for us everyday people. If I hit, you're all invited.

goldcupmom

02-18-2009, 09:16 AM

Hope you have a safe trip, Amy! If you fill gas in Pueblo, you should be able to make it to Albuquerque area without having to stop & pay a fortune! I'll be thinking about you coming thru here! I'd recommend not hitting albuquerque during friday morning rush hour, as I-25/I-40 interchange is usually a MESS!! Also, if you fill in Albuquerque, you should make Amarillo without having to get gas. (Yes, I've done MANY trips in both directions for gymnastics)

You did really well getting a sub instead of Pizza. Willpower is STRONG!!

I, too, vote for us winning the lottery! I'm so there in wanting to move to FL!! My DNieces who live an hour from WDW just booked camping at FtW every 6 weeks for the year (with a 40% off coupon, of course!) I am SO JEALOUS!!!!!!

Have a great rest of the week!

toystoryduo

02-18-2009, 09:58 AM

ohhh i'm their, lets all buy a lottery ticket - & if one of us wins & moves us all out their we'd make the news & then someone would write a book about it & then they'd want to make a movie about us & then we'd be famous & make even more money to stay :) & then we could be on cribs & in OK magazine & throw annual DIS WISH bashes, that all the rich & famous would come to & we could advertise diet products or even better create our own weight loss programme........i'm getting carried away ...great idea Tracy :)

I like how you think, Tracey!!!!:thumbsup2 Sounds like a great idea to me!:cloud9:

Amy&Dan

02-18-2009, 12:54 PM

Okay gals, I am IN for moving to Florida and having weekly WISH meets. We can just drink our way around the World Showcase and as long as we run between booze stops, we'll burn calories! I have my lottery winnings spent. Now I just need to start buying tickets!

Julie, I am not going that route, we always go through Raton and then catch 287/87 into Amarillo. But I'll be in your state for a couple of hours or so!

So my latest sad tale is now our October Disneyland trip is cancelled. :sad2: All this wondering about trips, money, etc., got me to figuring our budget for the rest of the year. Given our trip to WDW, ds' mission trip and this wedding we just can't do that one either. We are also going to Chicago in July to see my brother. I had thought we would stay at my brother's house but then realized this is not a good idea. So I booked a hotel for that, which is more money than I had budgeted for that trip but probably money well spent. So no DL trip this year. We will probably do that in the summer of 2010 and then "gasp" not go to WDW at all that year. I have to realize that Dan no longer travels for work, ff miles are over for us and that the expenses with my kids are so much higher right now. We just cannot travel to the extent we have in the past. Oh well, poor us. I know, I know, I am whining. Diane is right, this economy is about no fun for all of us. So I just need to suck it up.

I am just packing, cleaning and trying to get ready for the wedding. I need to try on my dress with my shoes, panty hose, etc. When I tried it on at the store I had on gym socks and in that tiny dressing room it was hard to tell. I hope I like it and it fits as well as I think it does. If not, I am in trouble, its too late to buy anything else!

My sister was bragging about the lovely dress she bought at Macy's in the petite department. Nice for her. Never mind she got that dress with the beyond generous Macy's card I gave her for Christmas. Whatever. One thing about it, me looking like a fat house frau in my dowdy dress from Catherine's will give her a new lease on life. ;) I am always happy to oblige!:rotfl:

lovinaz

02-18-2009, 01:22 PM

I'm sure your dress looks fine! Stop being mean to yourself (even though I was cracking up! :lmao: )!!!

Bummer about the Oct trip, but you are still going on a couple different trips this year, so focus on that! I'm pretty sure Disneyland will be there in '10. :goodvibes

Hope your WI goes well tomorrow so you can start of your trip with some fresh motivation to behave! :wizard:

Amy&Dan

02-19-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks Amy, yes I know how lucky we are to travel as much as we do! Its just hard for Dan and I to realize that here we are, with him making so much less than he used to. Its hard to give up a lifestyle we loved and adjust to the fact this is the way it is. Oh well, its amazing how many things we have cut back in our lives and still lived to tell about it. ;) We have now come to realize life is not going back to the good old days for us but we have each other, healthy kids and if we can still take a Disney trip every year, I'd say we are doing better than most.

I think one of the things that made me sad about this DL trip is this was also going to be time spent with fil. His health is not good and although he at times drives me batty, we love to see him. He is going to try very hard to come to Florida in June. He can travel, just not to our altitude. This is another thing I miss. In the past, Dan and I paid for fil to come to us, we just can't do that anymore. So if he can't come to Florida and we can't go there, its going to be awhile before we see him. Its never really apparent how he is doing, he has been known to be less than honest about his health so we have to sort of see him with our own eyes to know that he's okay.

Food yesterday was weird but came in okay on points. I am so tired today and must take a nap. I have 420 miles to drive beginning at 4:00 p.m. Dan got very little sleep (up working most of the night, why do problems always come up when he's about to take a day off?). So I told him I'll drive and he can sleep.

I packed my own food for the trip. This way we aren't eating out meals in between all the meals that are provided by the wedding. Save some money and calories! I am bringing turkey and lite bread for sandwiches to eat on the way home. Its supposed to be really nice, we can stop at a rest stop, stretch our legs and have a picnic. This is going to be my first road trip to not pig out across state lines! For some reason being in the car always makes me insanely bored and hungry. So here's hoping my 100 calorie snacks and fruit holds out!

toystoryduo

02-19-2009, 10:28 AM

:hug: Amy,

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to cancel the DL trip. :sad1: I totally understand where you are coming from.:hug: It took my DH and I weeks to decide that our annual WDW trip was not in the cards for this December. (We decided to go with the September trip since the food is free. :rolleyes1 ) Here's hoping that the economy picks up sooner than later and we can all resume travel plans for next year!:wizard:

I'm sure the dress looks fine, Amy !princess: Maybe a reminder to your sister about how grateful she must be too have gotten such a generous Macy's gift card to purchase the dress in the first place will help. :rolleyes1 (I'm just sayin'....:laughing: )

Sending some :wizard: :wizard: to help you with your packing. I hope you have a safe, relaxing, and fun trip this weekend!:hug:

Amy&Dan

02-19-2009, 11:42 AM

Tracy, when we decided not to take our DL trip I thought of you and your dh and how you had had to cancel your December WDW trip. If you guys can do it, we can! I haven't officially cancelled, (it was points at the DLH so no money in yet) but will in early summer. If Dan should get any sort of bonus and if fil can't come to FL we may still go. But I think that is so slim its not even worth considering. Bonus in this econonmy? Porbably not.;)

Weighed in and was down a pound. So I am at 9 even since Janury 2nd. Not as much as I would like as usual but I am happy I lost. Given my spotty food and no exercise since Monday, I am pretty lucky I lost even that pound!

Just packed my cooler, now have to pack clothes. I just keep saying this wedding isn't about food so I need to not make it that way. Losing the pound helps me hopefully to stay motivated. If not, well its two days!

I am taking the computer so I'll check in on Saturday!:)

traceycooper

02-19-2009, 01:49 PM

so sad you had to cancell your trip Amy :(
I'm sure the dress looks lovely, remember if you carry yourself with confidence & pride you'll look 10 lb's slimmer ;)
Enjoy the healthy snacks - have a safe, fun trip :)
missing ya already ;)

lovinaz

02-19-2009, 03:31 PM

Great job getting that healthy stuff packed for the trip! I am with you on the eating in the car thing, it's just so BORING! Maybe you can read a good book or something to pass the time?

CONGRATS on the loss!!!! I'd kill to be 9lbs down since the beginning of the year, you are really close to that 10lb pin!

Have a great trip, and you have the right attitude - the wedding is about FAMILY, not food. :thumbsup2

Goofydiane

02-19-2009, 09:22 PM

Amy - quit putting yourself down, you are going to look great in your dress and your family (husband/kids) love you for who you are inside. Who cares that your sister is in a new dress from Macy's, she doesn't seem happy. From what I've learned about you, you are the glue that holds everyone in your family together, your family looks to you for strength and you have it for everyone.

Look at what you've accomplished this year -
9 lbs lost!
exercise goals met!
planning good choices when you know you will be tempted
giving support to all of us here

I don't know where I would be without your support on these boards, you are strong for all of us and you are beautiful inside and out!

toystoryduo

02-20-2009, 10:07 AM

Great job on your weight loss and on planning healthy foods for your trip, Amy!:thumbsup2

I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding!:hug:

toystoryduo

02-23-2009, 08:53 AM

How did the wedding go, Amy? I hope everyone had a great time!:goodvibes

Have a wonderful week ahead!:hug:

traceycooper

02-23-2009, 02:30 PM

hope you had a fab time at the wedding Amy :)

Amy&Dan

02-23-2009, 05:20 PM

Thanks everybody, you ladies always say the nicest things! The wedding was wonderful! My niece looked gorgeous and we had so much fun with family. The weather was also perfect but I didn't manage to exercise. We had brake problems and Dan spent much of Saturday finding a Ford dealership that could fix it, leaving me and the kids stuck in the hotel room. I should have walked on the treadmill and I did go down but some young guy was running on the other one and I just felt too self conscious. Isn't that stupid? I was also stressed and so worried we would not be able to drive home if they couldn't find the part. I did horrible on food on Saturday but much better yesterday and today. It really helped having food to eat on the road going out. I just really didn't stress too much about food because it was a special occasion. It was really only Friday and Saturday that I ate too much. The rehearsal dinner was Mexican and no way was I going to sit there and stress. So I ate til I was full and just had fun.

I must say, I hated my dress. It was soooo clingy and I forgot my slip and by the time Dan got back, it was too late to go buy one. I could have my sister take me shopping but I would rather eat dirt than have her take me to a big size store or department to find a slip. I just didn't think it was that flattering and was really wishing I had just worn the dress I bought for my mom's funeral last year which fit much nicer. Oh well. It was comfortable which was good, the dumb people my cousin hired to clean up the reception didn't show so we all pitched in and cleaned it up ourselves! I really hope my cousin hadn't paid them yet. In any case, it probably looked fine, I should have shopped around more but really and truly who cares! The great thing about a wedding, is that all eyes are tuned to the bride, not my clingy dress!

Came home with an upset stomach, probably a combo of nerves and all that time in the car. We have dinner with stepdad tonight which will be frozen pizza and potato salad. Yummo (not!). I also don't feel like going over there tonight in the slightest. Stepdad kindly informed me last week he feels sorry for me because people probably make fun of me behind my back. I really think maybe he has a lack of oxygen to his brain! It'll be interesting to see what he comes up with tonight, can't wait for that.:sad2: This will be my good deed for the next several weeks.

There is no way I can make February's challenge. Oh well, there is always next month. I think I'll go back to 700-800 minutes. 950 is apparently too much for me which is pathetic given how so many people on this board do as many as 3000 minutes! I am actually okay with this, but hate to lose my own game! I really miss my treadmill, its not my favorite but it was such a great backup on cold days. Oh well, that treadmill is as old as dd so it lasted quite awhile! I may check out some garage sales this spring and see if I can pick up a new one. And I need to break out the exercise DVD's and do those when I want to exercise at home. I have a Jillian one I have never used (loaned it to a friend and she just brought it back at long last). If Jillian can't motivate me who can!

Thanks again for all the nice comments, as always you all motivate and inspire me!

Goofydiane

02-23-2009, 10:00 PM

Glad you enjoyed the wedding, and you are right - all eyes are always on the bride. Sorry to hear about the car issues, nothing like being out of town and having a car issue to add to the stress level. Happened to me once while driving to Disney - my car key wouldn't come out of the ignition and I didn't know what to do, it was at night and I wasn't leaving the car outside with a key in it all night! Nothing like stress when you are miles from home.

Check out 2nd Wind or something similar for a treadmill, they usually have some great deals on used treadmills.

and know that we inspire each other!

toystoryduo

02-24-2009, 08:13 AM

Hi Amy,

I'm glad that you enjoyed the wedding. I'm sorry to hear that you had car trouble. :( That would have stressed me out too!

How did dinner with your stepdad go? Has he always made comments like that to you? :( Going to dinner last night was your good deed for several weeks! ;)

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!:hug:

Amy&Dan

02-24-2009, 09:41 AM

Diane: I was really worried about that car issue. It started when I was driving over Raton Pass late at night. Its very isolated out there so we pressed on (horrible noise stopped) thinking maybe I had run over something like a tumbleweed or piece of plastic (which was all over the highway). It all worked out, thank goodness the Amarillo Ford dealership had the part.

Tracy: Stepdad used to be the quite the opposite. But as he's gotten older he's sort of lost his filter! He does it with everyone. I remember my grandmother being like that too as she got older. But for some reason it bugged me less with her!

Dinner was a diet disaster! The menu: pepperoni pizza, cashews, potato salad, seafood salad and ice cream. Luckily he only made one tiny pizza for all five of us so I only got one piece. But the cashews killed me. And I had done so good all day! Oh well. I think next time I'll have him over here. For one thing, ds has so much homework at night and he can't do it over there (no computer) so by the time we got home it was past 7:30 and he was up until 11:00. Way too late on a school night. I also just hate going over there. Without my mom that house feels so empty. And seeing the furniture etc that stepdad still refuses to sign over to us in his will, upsets me too. When I think about all the happy times we spent there, it makes the here and the now depressing.

Today I plan to walk, finished getting unpacked and finish our budget for the year. All fun stuff. Or not! Its a nice day and I plan to call my friend, if she can't walk I'll just go myself. I haven't exercised properly since last Tuesday. I also need to grocery shop, we have no food in this house or so my kids tell me.;) And I also plan to spend a couple of hours job hunting. A friend of mine told me about this one ladies clothing store in the mall that is hiring part time help. So I plan to check into that and an employment agency she says has lots of entry level jobs. I figure after I work on our budget, that will really motivate me to job hunt.

Hope everyone is having a great day.:)

lovinaz

02-24-2009, 01:27 PM

Glad to hear you had fun at the wedding!

My grandfather has also lost his filter to a point. When DD decided she didn't want to do ballet anymore, I mentioned it to him on the phone, and he asked why - was is because she's fat? Where the heck that came from, I have no idea! She's not close to being fat, she's not even overweight! So try not to be too hard on him, just bite your tongue and move on ;)

I hope you get your walk in! And good luck on the job search. :wizard:

toystoryduo

02-24-2009, 02:53 PM

It sounds like you have a really busy day ahead of you. Please be sure and take some time just for you today. I don't think I saw any "Amy time" on the to do list. ;)

I'm sending you a PM....Have a good evening!:goodvibes

Amy&Dan

02-24-2009, 03:13 PM

Amy, I do try where he is concerned and I feel like I cut him a lot of slack. If he was actually a member of my family and I had lots of happy childhood memories and a blood tie to balance some of this stuff out, it would be so much different. Instead I have a whole lot of memories of him being a real jerk and at times down right abusive to my mother. Somehow, she always loved him and I know she wanted me to be there for him when she was gone, but it is so hard. I made her a promise I probably won't be able to keep. But you are right, it is time for me to move on from him and probably stop posting about him. Sometimes I look at my journal and it looks so whiney, always about the same old stuff. Gotta work on that!

Tracy: Thanks for the pm. I ended up having some "Amy time" on the phone with a friend who lost her job recently. Thanks for always be so supportive! We compared notes on job hunting. She gave me some good ideas and I hopefully I gave her a few too!

I called the store to apply that my friend told me about but they aren't hiring right now. She said maybe in the late spring. She advised me to fill out an app in a couple of months. They only keep apps for three months and she said it might get thrown out before the next hire. But I have a name and a gameplan on that one!

Oh, here is food:

Breakfast: Alternative bagle with 1t butter, small orange
Lunch: Lean cuisine three organic cookies
Snack: Yogurt
Dinner: Bean burrito and salad
Snack: milk

Dan is coming home early so he and I can walk. I did do a stretching toning DVD for 20 minutes. My muscles are really sore from that long car ride I guess. I haven't been keeping up with my exercise minutes so I am not completely certain where I am at. I think I'll just call it a day for February's challenge, walk as much as I can and then join March's. My friend didn't want to walk today but we made plans for tomorrow so thats good.

Found out what ds' mission trip will cost. Not too horrible (around $500) and they are doing some fundraising. He really wants to raise his own money for this so in essence he's paying his own way. Not sure how many Old Chicago coupons people will buy in this economy though! I am really excited for him, this is a big step towards growing up and spreading his wings.

Food has been good and I have been slamming the water. I have a lot of salty cashews to flush out!!

DisDee

02-25-2009, 07:19 AM

Amy, there's nothing more important than carving some time out of the day that is just for you. I'm glad to hear that you did that yesterday. It's kind of funny that we have so many hours in the day that are spent doing household stuff, taking care of the family, bills, budgets, running errands etc., that we forget about the "me" time. I actually read a little article yesterday about that same topic on the WW Website.

Have yourself a great day and enjoy the walk with your friend!

Amy&Dan

02-25-2009, 11:00 AM

Thanks Denise, it is so easy to get lost in your own life sometimes!

I am going to try a new tactic with food/points/posting food. I am going to attempt to most days post my whole day's food in the morning to see if I can stick with that. I have been doing that for dinner and its worked pretty well. Now I want to try to plan the whole day first thing and see how that goes.

So here is today (Wednesday):
Breakfast: Gensoy shake w/ 1 t. peanut butter: 5
Lunch: Lean Cuisine and orange: 8
Snack: Kashi w/ skim: 4
Dinner: Pasta w/ turkey sausage and tomato sauce and salad: 12
Total for the day: 29

Interesting that I came up with that menu and when I added it up it was exactly the amount of points I get!

I am feeling much better today, I was so down yesterday following phone conversations with two friends. One of whom has lost her job and house and the other who is about to lose her house and her car (single mom with two young kids). Then I got an email from another friend whose sister was just diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. So not a particularly happy day. And I didn't walk last night. Was about to start and got a nasty bloody nose. It is so dry here right now and my allergy medicine dries out my sinueses even more. We had another brush fire in my neighborhood the other day, I am telling you these high school kids that go smoke in the field near my house are going to burn the whole neighborhood down one of these days. We need rain or snow!

Plan for today is to walk (about to leave for that in 15 minutes), organize the house and call and check on my friend. I also need to work with ds a bunch, he's home sick but has a ton of work to do for school. I haven't been helping him at all because I want him to do it on his own but I feel like he at least needs me to check some things over. He needs to get these grades up! I let him sleep in and last I took it his temp is normal (after being 103 in the night) so its time to get up and get going for him!

I'll let you know tomorrow if I stuck to my food schedule!

lovinaz

02-25-2009, 12:29 PM

I think planning out the day is a great idea! I do that too, that way you can make same-point value substitutions if needed, but you'll always know where you are. :thumbsup2

That stinks about all your friends' hard times! Makes you put things into perspective, doesn't it?

I hope you got your walk in. :goodvibes

Amy&Dan

02-25-2009, 03:16 PM

Thanks Amy, I sort of borrowed my idea from you, my favorite disciplined eater! And yes, I got my walk in! And I also walked up a huge flight of stairs at the track. The track is sort of sunk down low on the school grounds, then there is a bunch of stairs (four flights) that take you up to the baseball field. So I told my friend, lets finish our walk by getting up those stairs. When Dan and I go tonight, we can do the same. I also set a goal that by April 15th, I will be able to do a combo of walking/run on the track. And be able to get up those stairs like four or five times in a row. I don't have the money to join a gym and don't really have the money for a treadmill so I need to make my outdoor walks and DVD's work for me.

Got another bloody nose, went to Burger King to get ds a chicken sandwich and sprite for his lunch (he is home sick) and the guy said "um ma'm, you have blood coming out your nose". I am sure that made his day.:eek:

Here are our (I think) finalized plans for dining in WDW: We have nine nights at ASMU on the DDP with Dan's family and then a week off the DDP at Old Key West. We'll probably eat all cs and self cooked meals at OKW, after 9 nihgts ont he DDP we'll be sick of eating!
1. Chef Mickey's for dinner (dd's choice)
2. 1900 Park Fare dinner
3. Boma, dinner
4. Yachtsmen (counts as two, ds' choice loves his meat like his dad)
6. Sci Fi
7. Cape May breakfast
8. Biergarten (really not excited about this one at all, anybody been there?)
9. Will either do O'Hana for dinner or maybe we will pay OOP for Sci Fi and use those credits and these to do Hoop Dee Doo. Dan loves that place and I could take him there for Father's Day. He likes the free beer!;)

It will be fun to do all those meals with Dan's family and then it will be fun to just have no plans and chill at Old Key West just us. Now I just have to wait a few more weeks to call and make all those ADR's. If only I put this much thought into everything else in my life.;)

I also want to really try to be able to run/jog by then. I would love to be able to do the path from OKW over to Saratoga Springs one day. I think its around a mile and I would love to be able to run that! Just around 4 months to make this happen! And I am determined to get in that bathing suit I have yet to wear in time for that trip. Same goal as last year but this year I am going to do it!

lovinaz

02-25-2009, 04:04 PM

I wouldn't get too crazy following my lead if I were you... I'm not exactly the poster child for successful weight loss, am I?? :rolleyes1 But I bet you will find it eliminates a lot of stress and unplanned eating.

Cool deal with all the dining reservations! I am getting totally stressed out trying to get our itinerary figured out for our trip. And isn't the whole point of a vacation to get away from stress?? :confused3

You are doing great making your own outdoor gym! :yay: And you will be very surprised at how quickly you will build up jogging stamina. If you are consistent and increase your jogging time by a little bit every time, you will have no problem running that mile in June. :goodvibes

Amy&Dan

02-25-2009, 04:09 PM

I wouldn't get too crazy following my lead if I were you... I'm not exactly the poster child for successful weight loss, am I?? :rolleyes1

Any girl who can stop herself after only 3 Samoas, is disciplined by my standards!!:rotfl:

I hear you on the planning thing, sometimes I envy people who just get on a plane and play it by ear! But I like to plan and Dan's aunt needs a cool, air conditioned place to eat each day. I swear myself off the DDP everytime I do it (so regimented and so much food) but if you plan to eat much ts, its the way to go. I bet your kids are so excited for Europe and flying first class!

I kinda wanted to begin running on my treadmill in the privacy of my own basement but now I have to attempt it in public!

toystoryduo

02-25-2009, 04:10 PM

Yummy!:goodvibes You have some great dining choices there!:thumbsup2 Oh what I wouldn't give for a scoop of cream cheese mashed potatoes or that shrimp salad stuff from Chef Mickeys right now....Mmmmm.

You did a great job getting your workout in today!:cheer2: I like the goal that you have set for yourself. I know you CAN do it!:cheer2:

I hope you have a great evening ahead.:hug:

lovinaz

02-26-2009, 12:46 PM

Yes, the kids are very excited about the trip. Usually I don't plan quite as much as I am for this one, but 2 weeks goes by fast when there is so much to see! I am mostly doing it to estimate how much $$ we are going to need. It's gonna be EXPENSIVE, that's for sure!

Did you go jogging today? Start with baby steps, and don't worry about anyone else, I bet no one is even paying attention to what you are doing, they are too focused on whatever they are doing!

DisDee

02-26-2009, 02:30 PM

Amy good for you to set that goal of adding some running to your workout! My joints ache at the mention of it. LOL! Our cable system has some great video workouts that are included as part of our package and many subscribers here in NJ don't even realize it. I always try to mention that bonus, cause other systems may offer it also.

16 nights at WDW...I'm jealous! The most we ever spent was 9 nights which included the 3 nights on the Wonder. I'm sure you'll have a great time and its nice that you'll have the down time at OKW. We stayed there last year for 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I bet you'll soon be counting the days until the trip.

Hope you had a great day today!

Amy&Dan

02-26-2009, 05:51 PM

Thanks Denise and Amy. DD and I are both sick today, she was up all night poor thing, and then about the time she got to sleep, I got sick. She has the same thing as ds I guess but about 1000 times worse. She and I spent the day on the couch miserable watching tv. Conferences are today, Dan is going, first time ever I have not gone to conferences. I hope he thinks to ask a question or two! Ds is with him so that will help.;) Poor Dan, he had to leave work early and do parental duties, I am sure he is nervous!;)

The kids have a four day weekend due to conferences so thats good, we can get them well.

No exercise today but I also ate hardly anything. I plan to WW tomorrow as long as I feel up to it and feel like I can leave dd home alone with ds.

I'll catch up on journals later, thanks for stopping by.

toystoryduo

02-27-2009, 08:31 AM

I'm sorry to hear that you and your DD are not feeling well. :( I'm sending lots of get well soon :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: your way. I hope you're both feeling better soon.:goodvibes

lovinaz

02-27-2009, 01:13 PM

I hope you are feeling better! :wizard:

Did you make it to WW?

traceycooper

02-28-2009, 09:57 AM

hope you feel better soon Amy.
Glad you enjoyed the wedding :)
great dining plans for WDW - I've never been to the German place - not a fan of the food, i hate the smell when i walk by!! But they do say the entertainment is great ;) & its a lovely room :)

Amy&Dan

02-28-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks so much Tracy, Amy and Tracey. We are still sick, poor dd is miserable with flu and stomach woes. Called the doctor and the nurse said there is some sort of nasty bug making the rounds and it can last up to one week! She's mostly living on gatorade and 7 up. I am not as sick but I am not doing so great either. So its a stay around the house watching HGTV sort of weekend I predict. I did go to WW, I was the same, which given my wedding weekend last weekend, I'll take it. I also drank a 24 oz Diet coke right before weigh in, I typically don't eat or drink anything for three or four hours before I weigh. But I got there an hour early (long story) and my friend and I went to a Quizno's to wait it out. Didn't eat a thing but that large drink was still on me when I got on the scale!

I am not sure when I'll walk again, its cold today but supposed to be warm tomorrow so maybe dh and I can steal away for an hour and go over to the track. The kids are off on Monday (had yesterday off too) and I plan to take them to rec center so they can swim and I can walk if dd is feeling better.

Hope everybody is doing well and having a nice weekend.

Goofydiane

02-28-2009, 06:10 PM

So sorry to hear that the house is under the weather. A weekend of HGTV isn't a bad thing, it's nice to kick back and relax.

With a wedding, dinner with FIL and pop right before weigh in, staying flat is an accomplishment and should be celebrated!

Hope you are feeling better soon!

lovinaz

03-01-2009, 09:08 AM

I hope everyone is better soon! :wizard: HGTV weekends are dangerous! If you are like me, you will be walking around the house with a sledgehammer in hand, looking for a wall to knock down! :rotfl:

That is awesome that you maintained! :cool1: And even more awesome that you resisted Quiznos. :worship: I bet you would have had a loss if you didn't have that 24oz of liquid in your belly! :thumbsup2

And just to be a meanie, I will tell you it is going to be 89 here today... :sunny:

toystoryduo

03-01-2009, 05:22 PM

:hug: Amy,

I'm sorry you're still not feeling well. I'm not feeling well today either. I hope everyone feels better soon!:wizard:

Amy&Dan

03-01-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks everyone. We are still sick and in fact so sick I was almost scared last night. We all had high fevers and I was so out of it, I could barely walk. Today started out awful but has slowly gotten better. I haven't been this sick in about 13 years. Should have gotten the flu shots.

I will catch up with journals tomorrow, no walking today and no rec center tomorrow obviously. I am hopeful the kids get better and can go back to school on Tuesday. Thank God this didn't happen last weekend.

TOM hit too, I guess when it rains it pours. I hope to be back to normal very soon. One thing about it, I am not eating too much. But I am sure I'll gain, I always do when I am sick which makes no sense whatsoever. Heck I weighed more when I left the hospital after both my 8 pound kids were born!

Tracy: I am sorry you are sick too!

Amy: 89 degrees? why do I not live in AZ???

toystoryduo

03-02-2009, 07:33 AM

:hug: Amy,

I am sending tons of get well :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: your way. I hope everyone is feeling better soon!:goodvibes

Please be sure and take it easy the next few days. Your body will need some time to recuperate from this.

I hope your Monday is a good one.:hug:

traceycooper

03-02-2009, 01:35 PM

oh dear - get well soon Amy
congrats on not gaining :)

Amy&Dan

03-02-2009, 05:52 PM

Thanks Tracey and Tracy.

I can't belive TOM hit now when I am half dead with the flu. I guess I am back "on" again with that. Seems like I have two or three normal cycles then nothing for 4-8 months. Pretty sad when the thing you look forward to the most is menopause! Only to be disappointed!

I still feel like crap. Ds is now the sickest. He isn't eating much, that's how I know he's sick! Right now we are all living on Kool Aid and crackers. DD is definitely better. With all the coughing around here, it sounds like an infirmary.

I am supposed to walk tomorrow but am definitely playing that by ear. I have not left this house since Friday so it will be nice when I finally do.

One thing about it Daisy Beagle lovvvveeessss all the kleenex from our runny noses! Crazy dog.;)

Have spent most of the day on the couch and planning for our trip until my head starts to throb and I have to lay down again. Can't help but think about my mom. She lived with chronic pain and nausea and just not feeling good for six and half years. I would have never done as well as she did.

toystoryduo

03-03-2009, 08:17 AM

Sending a gentle :hug: and lots of get well :wizard: :wizard: your way. I hope you and your family are feeling better soon.:grouphug:

That is too funny about your dog! :laughing: Is she being nosey? ;) LOL!

Hope your Tuesday is a good one!:hug:

lovinaz

03-03-2009, 10:48 AM

I think the Kleenex-loving gene is standard in all beagles!

Hope you are feeling better soon, at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel if DD is recovered! Hang in there!:wizard:

Amy&Dan

03-03-2009, 12:29 PM

Thanks Amy and Tracy. Last night was rough, I got some sort of stomach bug. Dd has had that too, so I guess its just part of it. Ds started spiking a high fever and got worse. I was miserable all night and feeling like I would never get better but somehow feel much better today. Maybe its finally out of my system. I am slowly getting the house cleaned up. Poor dh has been working round the clock, going to the grocery store for constant refills of crackers and gatorade and he is also still sick. But at work. Someday maybe he'll work at a company that gives sick time and employs enough people that if somebody gets sick, they can stay home.

I kept dd home one more day, she probably could have gone but she is so run down and tired I thought one more day. She got up and had some breakfast and is now fast asleep. So I think I made a good call.

Ds is also home and since he was the last one to get it he's behind me and dd so he may or may not go back to school tomorrow.

And I vacumed up all the Kleenex bits and put that crazy dog outside, its 75 today. Poor girl, she's spent the last five days hanging around all of us trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

I really hope I am mostly over this. Last night I was begining to wonder but today its amazing how much better I feel. I am not eating much and am slamming the Crystal Light and water and hopefully the scale won't freak out on me Friday. If it does, well not my fault, God knows I haven't been overeating!

goldcupmom

03-03-2009, 01:09 PM

Lots of Prayers being said for all of you Amy! This is a horrid flu going around. Relatives of DH up in Los Alamos NM all had it & in some of them it lasted more than a MONTH!! Do not overdo & don't push yourself. Just rest & push the liquids.

lovinaz

03-04-2009, 12:53 PM

I'm glad you hear you are finally starting to feel better! :goodvibes Hopefully everyone else will recover soon. It's definitely no fun being sick!

If the scale freaks out on Fri, you are right - it's nothing you did! I am the same way, you'd think a couple days of barely eating would result in a loss, but it never does for me! :confused3

toystoryduo

03-04-2009, 12:59 PM

Hi Amy,

Thanks for the PM this morning. How are you all doing? Are you guys feeling any better? I woke up this morning feeling like I was coming down with a cold now. I'm taking some vitamins to hopefully keep it at bay. I hope you and your family are feeling much better!:goodvibes

Have a great afternoon!:hug:

Amy&Dan

03-04-2009, 05:52 PM

Thank you Amy and Tracy. I am feeling much better but its a slow go. I am amazed at how tired I am. Dd went back to school today and came home and is already up in bed asleep. Ds stayed home, he got it last so he's behind the rest of us. Today, for the first time in a week, nobody in this house has a fever. So that is a very good thing. Ds is doing a unit on genocide and his class was watching Hotel Rwanda yesterday and today. I remembered my mom had the movie so I looked through some of her stuff and found it and we watched it. What an incredile story but so, so sad. I remember being pregnant with ds when that whole thing occurred. Hard to believe the same world that has so much good, can produce such horrific things. It was hard to watch that with ds but I was glad I did.

I am really hopeful I can get out and take a walk tomorrow. Its been in the 70's and so nice and I haven't been out in days. In fact last night was the first time I had left the house since Friday!

Food is still fine, I am not eating anything in the way of vegetables but I have been drinking plenty of water. Haven't stepped on the scale, guess I'll do that at WW on Friday and see what the verdict is!

DisDee

03-05-2009, 07:00 AM

Amy-I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better! That's great that you're having good weather and you'll be able to get out and walk. That in itself will help you get back to normal! Hope the family is doing well too!

Good luck at the WI tomorrow!

toystoryduo

03-05-2009, 07:34 AM

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better, Amy. :goodvibes Please remember that your body is in a recuperating stage so try and take it easy for a couple of days, okay?:hug:

Can you send some of that weather our way? We've got 50s and sunshine/clouds forecasted today, but I would love 70s and sunshine even better!:thumbsup2

Have a great Thursday!:hug:

lovinaz

03-05-2009, 01:13 PM

Yay, the light at the end of the tunnel! :thumbsup2 Your body is just beat up, trying to fight off that bug. You'll be fine in a couple days, I'm sure! :wizard:

I hope you can get that walk in, if you get tired, just make it a short one. And good luck at WI.

Amy&Dan

03-05-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi ladies, I woke up with a low fever today which was disappointing. I just cannot seem to kick this thing. I got the kids off to school and then laid back down and took a nap. I was so tired, I couldn't sleep much last night because of my cough. I do think the nap helped and now I am back up and intend to get at least a few things done before the kids get home. When the doctor said this flu can last, she wasn't whistling dixie. I do think the nap helped. I haven't heard from the school so at least the kids are doing okay.

I rarely get sick so I guess I am making up for lost time! Dh called and said he is feeling worse too and may come home early.

I'll check journals later, I hope everybody is having a nice day.:)

toystoryduo

03-06-2009, 08:35 AM

Sending more get well pixie dust for you and your DH.:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

I hope everyone is feeling better soon!:grouphug:

lovinaz

03-06-2009, 12:39 PM

How are you feeling today? Did you make it to WI? Inquiring minds... :rolleyes1

Amy&Dan

03-06-2009, 04:30 PM

Thanks Tracy and Amy. I am feeling better and this time I think it might be for real. I am starting to fumigate the house and wash anything I can to clear this house of whatever germs remain! I actually left the house and put on make up and saw other humans for the first time in a week! My friend and I went to Quiznos after WW and it was so nice to be out and about. I still sound like Kathleen Turner after she's smoked 20 packs at once but I feel soooo much better.

I was down .8, bringing me to 9.8 in 8 weeks. I was glad, so often when I'm sick I somehow gain weight. Considering I have been completely inactive for a week, that wasn't too bad. I told my leader I was bummed I hadn't lost more and she said that is the perfect amount of weight to lose. I think I have been watching too much Biggest Loser, I have really been feeling like a total failure, when in fact I am doing pretty well.

My plan is to get back to exercising. Today I am cleaning and doing laundry which is wearing me out so I think I won't walk (its also cold, we are supposed to get snow). And tomorrow I am having a family dinner so that won't work (and its going to be cold). But Sunday is supposed to be nice and I figure by then, I should be about back to normal. And then with the time change, dh and I should be able to walk more in the evenings. I also made plans to walk a few days next week with my friend.

I would love to be down to my summer 2007 weight by WDW. That would give me a bit over 3 months to lose 15 pounds which might be pushing it but I want to at least try and have that in the back of my mind as a goal. I have a lot of clothes that I could wear in my closet so it would be like free shopping to pull those out and wear them. Last summer I didn't get into any of them.

Goals this week: Journal food very diligently each day and walk 4 times minimum. I don't think I'll join March's challenge. With being sick, I am behind schedule and with two walking buddies I feel confident I can move more. I want to concentrate very much on food and behaving on that end because that is my biggest weakness, esp. on the weekends.

Its been a total week off of being healthy in more ways than one and I am ready to get back down to business. I am okay with a pound a week, but any less than that is not acceptable!

lovinaz

03-06-2009, 05:12 PM

Congrats on the loss! :thumbsup2 I think you have a good plan for next week and 9.8lbs in 8 weeks is GREAT!

I have the same "Biggest Loser mindset". I think I should be able to lose 14 lbs in one week too! But those people are working out 8+ hours a day, so I guess my 45min on the treadmill just doesn't compare... :confused3

Keep up the good work, I know you will get to use all of those "new" clothes this summer! :woohoo:

toystoryduo

03-07-2009, 07:34 AM

Congrats Amy!!!:cheer2: 9.8 pounds in 8 weeks is awesome!!! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

I like how you have goals setup for the week.:thumbsup2 Maybe you can come up with some mini rewards for when you meet those goals.

I hope you continue to feel better. Try and take it easy until your 100% okay?:hug:

Have a great weekend!:hug:

Goofydiane

03-08-2009, 10:37 PM

Congrats on the weight loss! You are on a great streak and doing so well. I'm so happy for you!

It's tough to say, but you need to be a bit patient on the recovery. I know when I got sick a few months back, it took about 2-3 weeks to get back in the swing of everything and feel like I was back to where I was cardio wise. It's terrible, but hang with it and don't overdue your recovery. Stay the course with food and you are going to continue to lose weight each week.

I'm so happy for you and this path you are on.

Amy&Dan

03-09-2009, 09:31 PM

Thanks Tracy, Amy and Diane. I am doing so much better, its amazing how tired I still get and of course I still go through about a half a box of kleenex a day and cough half the night! But today I finally got caught up with life in general and at long last I walked. It was so cold and windy outside which was probably not what I needed but the walk felt good (did 45 minutes). I had hoped to walk with Dan again tonight but he came home pooped and it was freezing (29 and so windy), we got a cold front and we both just didn't feel like it. Its supposed to be warmer tomorrow, so that should be better.

Food was good on Friday, lousy in Saturday (which I planned for) and good yesterday. Today I snacked too much, my appetite was back with a vengeance!

I paid off our WDW package yesterday which was a huge relief. Now I just need to save for: dog sitting, tips, food for the week we are at OKW (should be too much since we have a kitchen and I plan to buy a bunch of snacks to eat that week while we are still on the DDP earlier in the trip), Sea World tickets for me and dd, and the transportation to SW and Universal. I really regret buying Universal tickets. I should have waited for the Harry Potter thing to be open and the cost of the tickets plus getting over there twice is adding up. But ds is so excited so I guess it will be worth it. We've never been.

lovinaz

03-10-2009, 09:53 AM

Universal Studios will be worth it! And even more so if DS is the one who picked it! :thumbsup2

Sounds like you are doing great with food and getting back into the swing of working out. Is everyone else recovering as well?

toystoryduo

03-10-2009, 12:18 PM

Congrats on paying off your WDW package, Amy!:cheer2: Maybe you can have a garage sale or eBay some stuff to pay down your vacation. If you're interested in earning Disney gift cards for your trip, let me know and I'll send you some information about SR.

I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better!:thumbsup2 No worries on food for a couple of days. You probably didn't eat much while you were sick and your body needs the extra calories to make up the difference and to continue healing.

I hope you have a great day!:hug:

traceycooper

03-10-2009, 04:31 PM

glad you are finally feeling better Amy!
congrats on paying off WDW - i need to save £4500 before i can do the same :(
you have done sooooo well with your weight loss - i know what you mean about biggest loser though - i watched the finally today of last seasons - the 1st female BL!! wow DH said if that doesnt motivate you nothing will - i said why do you think i've been watching it!!!

Amy&Dan

03-11-2009, 10:38 AM

Thanks Amy, Tracy and Tracey. Still improving. I still have a lot of congestion and when I laugh it reminds me of my 3 pack a day Aunt Deenie's laugh. Raspy and rattleish! And my one ear finally unplugged. Its amazing how nice it is to hear out of at least one ear now! My sister came down with this thing, not sure if I was still contagious when she came over but its a worry given her MS. I hope she gets over it quicker than we did.

Food yesterday was perfect. I went to Chick Fil A with a friend for lunch. I am going to start cleaning her house twice a month so we met for lunch near her house and then I took a look at it so I could figure out how much to charge etc. Disney money on the way! She also has the sweetest beagle so of course that will make it nice as I will have good canine company while I clean! I got a regular chick Fil A sandwich but had them leave off the butter and I got fruit instead of fries. So I survived fast food and then had a healthy dinner.

Today I plan to walk, catch up on laundry and work on my trip budget. I want to get that trip budgeted down to the last dollar. I always forget to include the odds and ends which for a 16 night trip, will really add up.

Tracy, I am pm'ing you about SR!

toystoryduo

03-11-2009, 01:15 PM

I'm glad that you're feeling better, Amy.:hug:

Great job on food yesterday!:thumbsup2 Keep up the good work!!!:cheer2:

Sent you a PM....Let me know if you have any questions!:goodvibes

Have a wonderful Wednesday!:hug:

goldcupmom

03-11-2009, 02:27 PM

Glad you're feeling better, Amy. Spring is always a hard time to be sick!

I don't think you will regret Universal. It's my kids favorite! But, you have to love rides!! Did you already buy tickets?

Have a GREAT rest of the week!

lovinaz

03-11-2009, 04:11 PM

It's going to be pretty hard to clean with a beagle attached to your heels! At least that is what high maintenance Buckley would be doing...:lmao:

That is cool that you will be earning some extra $$ for your trip! And having a realistic budget is SO important. It makes everything less stressful when you know you are covered. And I always seem to overestimate, so we have leftovers for surprises and what-not.

Good job behaving at Chik-Fil-A. I need to follow your lead and get my act together and off the carb-fest train!:rolleyes1

toystoryduo

03-12-2009, 11:23 AM

How's it going WISH sis? Done any Disney planning lately? How did your trip budget work out?

I hope you have a great day ahead!:hug:

Amy&Dan

03-13-2009, 03:15 PM

Thanks so much Amy, Tracy and Julie. I am so sorry I havne't been on since Wed. Ds has been using my computer non stop in the afternoons and evenings for homework and I can't get on! I cleaned my first house yesterday, hard work but so nice to get a check with my name on it! I tried to do a really good job and she seemed happy and asked me to start doing it twice a month. Now if I could just get a few more....

I havne't finished my budget yet, again, no computer in the evenings.

Good news is that I was down 3.6 pounds. My total loss is 12.4. I was not actually down 9.8 like I thought. I must say, the WW ladies don't add and subtract too well. I looked at my book while I was in line and realized I was down 9.2 last week. Oh well, I made up for it, got my 10 pound star and am halfway there to the next five pound star. I really hope I can be at 30 pounds by WDW. That means 17.6 pounds in three months. We'll see.

Dh is leaving early, we will walk and I am having friends for dinner tonight. My friend and I did go to Quiznos after WW but I skipped chips so that was something. I am going to try to splurge within reason tonight. I was picture perfect all week for the most part and I want to keep my momentum going!

And I am trying so hard to be more thankful and positive. I realized that in the last couple of months, Fridays have gotten so much easier. For years that was the day I had set aside to do something fun with my mom. We always tried not to schedule any dr.'s appts that day and just get her out of the house doing something for fun. I really have been missing that. So often in the last 14 months I wake up on a Friday morning and feel so sad knowing those days are over. But now I have made that my WW day, I have my friend who goes now too and we have decided to have lunch afterwards, and dh tries to leave early and its helped me make a new kind of Friday. But I still miss my mama and the pie we used to eat! But I am thankful that I have kept on, keeping on. A friend's dad passed away yesterday and I think about what they have to go through in the next days and weeks and I don't mind saying, I am so glad I am where I am at and not where they are God bless them.

We leave for WDW three months from yesterday!:cool1: Which means three months from today, I'll be at Blizzard Beach, hopefully 17.6 pounds thinner!

Weight on January 2: 244
Weight on March 13: 231.6
Loss so far: 12.4

Goofydiane

03-13-2009, 09:58 PM

You can come and clean my house anytime. I'll pay you for it!

Congrats on the weight loss this week! I'm so proud of you and you are doing just fabulous with choices, exercise and meeting your goals.

I hope you have a great weekend!

toystoryduo

03-14-2009, 08:39 AM

Congratulations on your weight loss, Amy!:woohoo: Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

That is great that you are only 3 months away from WDW!!!:banana:

Have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

Amy&Dan

03-14-2009, 08:42 AM

Blew it with food last night but that's okay. Thank goodness for Flex Points!

So I have been up since 5:00 a.m. stressing out about WDW in June. We are getting a decent tax refund and we decided to upgrade to a moderate for our 9 nights. I love the values but as my kids have gotten older, the rooms seem smaller and 9 nights is a long time. No mods available, but WL is. But not for dh's cousin and aunt under the 3/4 deal. So I am emailing back and forth with my TA, trying to find some sort of a deal that will work for their dates and ours. Dan says maybe we'll just help them with the difference if we get the 4/3 deal and they don't. Since we are the ones chaning the game plan, plus they treated us to a few nights in Rehoboth Beach a few years ago so it would be nice to do something for them. Naturally, once I got on the WL idea, All Star Music aint' lookin too good!:rotfl: I love having a balcony and some extra space. If I have to cohabitate with my kids, I need more space to do it in! So hopefully it will work out one way or the other. If not, well, that's life.

Plan for today is walk, work on WDW details, namely make sure I have all my info down right for ADR's, which I can make tomorrow. I keep seeing reports of people holding for two hours since they have this new system in place and very few cm's that know how to do it. Gotta love Disney. They want your money but love to make it complicated for you to give it to them! Then we have church tonight and a bbq to go to (think my friend is ready for spring if she's already having a BBQ ;) ).

I am determined to be on target the rest of the weekend!

Amy&Dan

03-14-2009, 08:42 AM

Thanks Tracy, we were posting at the same time!

toystoryduo

03-14-2009, 08:52 AM

I hope you're able to get WL!!!!:goodvibes I love BCV, but told my DH that one day I want to stay at the WL and at the Poly. Of course, once we did the Towers at Bay Lake tour last year, I added that to my to do list as well. ;)

That is so awesome that you get to make your ADRs tomorrow!:banana: You're gonna share your dining plans right? :flower3: I can't make my ADRs until June so I'll have to live vicariously through yours for the time being. ;) I hope you don't have a 2 hour wait tomorrow!:eek: I told my DH that on June 15th, he better not schedule anything for the morning because both of us may be on the phone trying to get those ADRs.:laughing:

Have a great day today!:hug:

Amy&Dan

03-14-2009, 10:43 PM

Well no going to the Wildnerness Lodge for us. :sad1: The 4/3 special was available for our dates but not my inlaws and their room would have been at full rack. The difference for them would have been over $1400 from what we have at Music and that was just understandably not doable. I would have loved to help make it happen by kicking in but that difference was just too high. They told us it was fine if we swtiched but of course there is no way we would do that or even want to. The point of this vacation is to spend time with them, not very easy at two different resorts! I am firm believer that if something is meant to be, it will happen. So this obviously wasn't. But I am still bummed. That is by far the deepest discount I have ever seen for a deluxe. But hey, I am still going to WDW! I still have no idea why, when their dates are basically the same as ours (we have nine nights, they have seven but within our timeframe) that discount wasn't available for them. Disney is a wacky thing sometimes.

I didn't do well with food today either. And I didn't exercise. I am still okay, still had enough flex points but I am out now so its got to be picture perfect the rest of the week! Its supposed to be nice again tomorrow I think so we'll take a walk.

I call for ADRS in the morning and hopefully I will get what I want as far as that is concerned. I plan to call from our home number and a cell. I keep hearing reports of people being disconnected after being on hold two hours. Disney just kills me sometimes! Tracy, when I get them all set, I'll post. I am afraid of jinxing myself since my pixie dust isn't happening this weekend! I told Dan that when we see the WL from the bus or wherever, I am covering my eyes!:rotfl: ;)

You know its funny, we had the Contemporary booked for two nights years ago. My parents were to join us later in the trip but then when my mom got offically diagnosed with Alzheimers, I decided to change their flights to come with us for the whole trip which cost a fortune, so I couldn't afford the CR for them and us so we switched to All Star Sports. It was a great trip, so all things do indeed work out as they should! I intend to allocate a nice, fat amount of money to enjoy the All Star Music Pool Bar in honor of staying there!

Goofydiane

03-14-2009, 11:28 PM

sending good thoughts your way for your ADR choices in the morning!

traceycooper

03-15-2009, 03:35 AM

good luck with the ADR's Amy - cant wait to hear what you got :)
hoping the booking system will be better by next year for when i make mine - definatly cant be on hold for 2 hrs from the UK :scared1:
congrats on the awesome weight loss too :thumbsup2

Amy&Dan

03-15-2009, 12:39 PM

toystoryduo

03-15-2009, 12:56 PM

I got my ADR's and I only held about two minutes! However, I had a hard time getting my times and I couldn't get one of them at all. So the moral of the story is call at 7:00, I didn't and the rep said now that its back at 90 days, people call early on the dot. So here they are:
Cape May Character Breakfast
Chef MIckey's Dinner
Yachtsmen Dinner
1900 Park Fare Dinner
Tokyo Dining Dinner (couldn't get Chefs de France at all that whole day)
Sci Fi Dinner
Boma Dinner
The Wave Dinner
O'Hana Dinner

I was bummed about Chefs but we also love Tokyo Dining (which will also be healthier) and dh loves that place. I accused him of calling and making 50 fake Chefs ADR's so I couldn't get in there!:rotfl:

Hope everybody is having a nice weekend!:)

It's official.....I'm coming with you! ;)If I start seriously dieting now, I can fit in your suitcase by the time you leave for WDW, right?:flower3: Just kidding! :laughing: Your dining choices look almost exactly like the ones I hope to get for September.:thumbsup2

I understand your disappointment over WL. :hug: I feel the same way about BCV this year. :hug: I can't avoid BCV because my DH wants to eat at Cape May for dinner and wants to walk the Boardwalk as well. Oh, the things I do for my DH. :rotfl: :rolleyes1 ;)

I hope you have a great afternoon!:hug:

Goofydiane

03-15-2009, 09:44 PM

Amy - so many of those choices are on the list I've got going for my trip with mom later this year. I'm so glad you got the choices you wanted.

I'm going to sneak down there and join you at all your meals!

Amy&Dan

03-15-2009, 09:57 PM

Diane and Tracy, I would love that if you and all my other Wish sisters were in WDW when I was! I have eaten at all of those places except The Wave. And like I said, call at your 90 day mark at 7:00 so you can get what you want, esp in Epcot.

Now that WL is a no go, I am toying with keeping my DL trip in October. I never cancelled my DLH reservation since its on DVC points. If I can get good airfare I think we'll still go. I just have to see how far I can stretch this IRS refund!

Food today not stellar AGAIN. We went down to Colorado Springs to see my sister and have lunch at a Mexican place. I brought half my dinner home but the chips and salsa were a bit out of hand. This is what happens when I skip breakfast and arrive starving to a Mexican place. I had a very light dinner (like two bites of chicken breast) and Dan and I did walk for 45 minutes. But I need to get back on track with food tomorrow. I did slam 128 oz of water today so that was good.

I am off to finish my WDW budget. I am determined to get that done tonight so that I know exactly what I need to save between now and then.

Ds gets his braces off tomorrow and it takes two appointments across town (ortho's nearby office didn't have an app't open) so it will be a hectic day. I am meeting my friend at the track first thing so I can get my walk in and I have leftover spaghetti planned for dinner so it should be good.

Ds also announced recently he is joining the Navy. The kid has been saying he would go into the military his whole life and I keep waiting for him to outgrow that. I can't believe that in four years he could be off to the Navy. Its terrifying I must say. But I am very proud of him too. Of course he's only 14 and could still change his mind. :confused:

toystoryduo

03-16-2009, 07:57 AM

Hi Amy,

Did you get your WDW budget finished? My WDW budget is one budget I don't mind working on. ;)

I hope you have a great Monday!:hug:

Amy&Dan

03-16-2009, 08:45 PM

Yes Tracy, I got my budget finished! I agree, that is one budget I actually enjoy working on. I think I have figured everything in and I figured high so we should be good.

Ds got his braces off today, he looks so handsome. He now has a killer smile!

Today was a good day. I was extremely busy, ds actually had two ortho appts and they were both across town. I walked early with my friend for 45 minutes, managed to get the house cleaned up and dinner cooked in the midst of running around town to the ortho office. And Dan and I walked 30 minutes tonight. So I got in 75 minutes of walking which was good. Here is my food:

Breakfast: Soy shake: 4
Snack: 2 Burger King chicken fries and ten fries and two sips of ds' dr. pepper: (I treated him to lunch since his appt' ran over and he missed lunch at school. Didn't order anything for myself but of course I ate his leftovers!) 4 pts. for that not so healthy snack.:sad2:
Lunch: Sandwich: 5
Snack: Yogurt: 2
Dinner: Tortellini and salad: 10
Total: 25
That makes me 4 points under. So I guess maybe I'll eat something before I go to bed. Right now ds is at church so as soon as I pick him up, I'll figure that out. Cereal most likely.

I am beat but happy my day was good on the food and exercise front. I got my fat butt up those four flights of stairs at the track twice today. Hate it but I know its a good way to end the walk. Someday I'll run up those stairs just like Rocky did in the movie!:rotfl:

toystoryduo

03-17-2009, 08:21 AM

Great job yesterday, Amy!:cheer2: Glad to hear that you got your Disney budget figured out. :) Those are fun numbers to crunch!:thumbsup2

That's great that your DS got his braces off. :thumbsup2 I bet he'll be getting some extra attention from the girls at school in the next few days. ;)

I hope you have a great day! Happy St. Patrick's Day!:goodvibes

Amy&Dan

03-17-2009, 03:01 PM

Tracy, ds did say this one girl in his science class told him he looked very nice!:eek: Honestly, it is weird for me to see my son, 5;7" tall, so grown up and thinking about everything from girls to the Navy. He told me he can vote in the next national election, I hadn't even thought of that! It goes so fast.

I walked this morning for 45 minutes and plan to walk another 30 with Dan. I am going to go ahead and post today's food to keep me legal and behaving!

Breakfast: soy shake: 4
Lunch: tortellini and a cookie: 10 (so didn't need that cookie)
Snack: fruit, 2
Dinner: Bean burrito and taco: 13
Total: 29

I am pretty excited, Dan and I get a night out on Friday. We have not been out, just the two of us since last summer. We thought about a nice dinner out but are committed to only one full service restaurant every three months and it doesn't seem fair to use that up without the kids! We have a Tokyo Joes coupon for a free bowl so I think we'll go there. And to a movie. Also, by not eating out at a full service, I can't drink or overeat so much. But on the 27th, I think we'll go to our favorite bbq restaurant with the kids and then no full service til WDW. Its amazing how much we are saving by never eating out at a sit down restaurant. But I do miss it!

Hope everybody is having a nice day.:)