Lisa's Weightloss Journal (Posts welcome!)

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, that silly little ounce will be gone in no time (hopefully along with lots of its closest friends!!).

Your vacation to Florida sounds wonderful!! I also love planning my trips! I can spend lots of time daydreaming about what to do, where to go, etc..... :scratchin

Hope you have a great day, Lisa!! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Haven't posted menus for the last 2 days so I'll try to remember what I ate.

1/16/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 1 polish sausage, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties with cheese, sliced tomato, Crystal Light.

Dinner-I wasn't very hungry for some reason so all I had was two slices of turkey with cream cheese, Fuze lc fruit drink, lc ice cream for dessert.

1/16/04:
Breakfast-I had a big breakfast yesterday. Two scrambled eggs, two sausage links, 1/2 cup of oatmeal with half and half. I don't usually have oatmeal and eggs at the same time. It sooo good.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, broccoli, diet Coke.

Dinner-I didn't really have much of a dinner since we headed straight to the movies as soon as I got off work. I had an Atkins Endulge candy bar at the theater and two turkey rolls with cream cheese when I got home, Fuze lc fruit drink.

Hi Doreen! That once is not only gone, I'm down to just under 182 as of this morning so I lost a pound. 45 lb clippie is just 2 lbs away!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[A1A1]

Yea for you!!!!!! Yea for you!!!!!! You have done so well. I love to read your menus. They give me ideas on different ways to combine foods for my meals. I am interested in trying these cream cheese deli meat roll-ups.

Keep going.......I can see that clippie adorning your signature very soon.

[Castillo Mom]

I'm just going to get right into posting menus.

1/18/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-3 slices of turkey rolled with cream cheese, water.

Dinner-Broasted chicken, salad, Fuze lc fruit drink; lc vanilla ice cream for dessert.

1/19/04:
Breakfast-Skipped it. My cousin called me early Sunday morning due to a marital crisis, so I jumped out of bed, dressed and we met at Starbuck's and were there until about noon. Needless to say we were deep into the conversation and besides, they only had pastries, no fruit.

Lunch-Skipped it too. I was still with my cousin at 2:00. Ran back home to check on the kiddos. I had to wait for them to get ready since my lazy bums were still in their jammies.

Dinner- After the boys showered and changed, we left and met up with my cousin at Hometown Buffet. I had a small salad, two chicken drumsticks, small slice of prime rib, broccoli. For dessert I had honeydew melon and cantelope and a small piece of reduced sugar chocolate cream pie (didn't eat the crust); diet Sprite to drink.

I don't know how it happened, but I weighed in this morning and I'm at 181, so I'm down another pound for a total of 3 lbs lost last week. I know I did a lot of running around, so maybe the increase in activity had something to do with it. I could tell before I even got on the scale that I had lost because I felt lighter on my feet and some pants that I'd worn only a week before felt looser. They were my new jeans I bought 2 weeks ago, and they already fit loose! That was money out the window. I can't stand wasting money so I'm vowing not to buy any more clothes unless I absolutely have to until spring.

I've seriously been thinking about my problem of not getting enough exercise. My thing is that I'm still working 10 hour days. In order for me to get any exercise in, I'll have to get up at 6:00. I know a lot of you ladies get up even earlier than that, but I'm a sleepy head.:rolleyes: I know that it's just a matter of taking that first step and making a commitment. I've been thinking about this on a daily basis which means I'm on the verge of taking action. My wish buddies are a good example for me too and making me realize that exercise is an important part of this journey to good health. And of course it would be good to build some stamina before we go on vacation to you-know-where. I'm not making any promises, but I'm going to try to go to bed earlier tonight so I can get up early and go walking in the mall. I'm also going to look for an exercise tape, maybe Pilates. My stomach is pretty flabby and my thighs could use some toning too. Well, back to work!

[Strings]

Lisa, I hope your cousin is all right. She's lucky to have you for support. Great food choices. Can I make a suggestion? There is a 1 mile walk away the pounds tape. It's still a good workout. The key is it take 18 minutes to do. It's a great place to start from. Hope you have a good day. Don't work too hard.
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Beth, thanks for the suggestion! So that's why I keep seeing WATP mentioned all over the place on WISH. I had asked either Doreen or Erin what WATP and was told it was a walking tape but I didn't know what the acronym stood for until now. I'll have do a search on the web for them. Thanks Beth!:D

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

Boy miss a few days and miss a lot! I just know you will have that new 45 pound clippie in no time. You are doing so well, keep up the great work. Adding execise to your day is not easy, especially with your busy schedule. I do get up pretty early to work out but it's the only way I know I'll do it.

Too bad we won't be a Disney at the same time. We were there last year in August and had a blast. I thought we'd try June this time around. I also miss Universal. I'm going to ask DH if the next time we go, if we can stay at the Portofino again. It was awesome!

Take care and let us know when and how you end up working execise into your schedule.

[A1A1]

You are so close to your next goal! Good for you. As annoying as it must have been to try on the new pants and find them loose, it must also have been validating for your efforts. You are doing a wonderful job.

I am in the same boat with exercise. I have never been a fan, but am determined to start anew. I actually feel very good about myself when I exercise even for a few minutes. I was telling dd today about how we can incorporate exercise into our daily routines by parking the car farther away, taking the stairs, or just taking extra steps during the day. There are exercises you can do at your desk, if you work at your desk---even exercises to do, like leg lifts while using the john (sorry).

I can't wait to read that you have met your goal!!!!!!!!!

[Castillo Mom]

Lisa, I was thinking the same thing. We'll miss each other by 2 months. Have you ever stayed at the BC? If so, I'd love to hear all about it if you're willing to share.

I'm 2 lbs away from my 45 lb clippie. I can't wait to get below 180, another milestone. I'm officially 1/2 to my goal. I'm so anxious but if I keep looking that far ahead I get a nervous feeling inside like how will I ever get there?

A, so good to hear from you.:D You know, those are some really good ideas that I never thought of, parking farther away. I'm not too keen on stairs, but I'm trying to do better in that area. I try to take the stairs on a daily basis, but it's only 1 flight, and going down no less!:rolleyes: I take the elevator up. I'm terrible, aren't I? I had to be honest though. Ok, ok, I'll try to take the stairs up from now on.:teeth:

[Strings]

Lisa, I found the tapes at Target. All you need is a tape, and a set of 2 pound weights. Total cost 15 dollars. It doesn't take much room, or coordination. There is a series of tapes. I reallly enjoy them. You will get that clippie in no time.
Beth

[lulu201]

Wow, Lisa! You are already looking at a 45 lb. clippie? That's amazing! :Pinkbounc It'll be yours before you know it.

Go and buy the WATP tapes--they're fun and doable. Pop it in early in the morning, it'll wake you up, and then you'll be done!:hyper:

Have a good day and TAKE THE UP STAIRS!
:p

Erin

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, i don't know if i've ever posted to your journal before, but here i am to say hi :wave:

congrats on almost getting the 45 pound clippie! that is so great! :hyper:

and working in exercise will certainly help you out and make you feel better. i've only done the 3 mi watp tape, but i think that you will enjoy the workouts! they aren't boring and they get you moving! good luck! have a great day :bounce:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, let me talk about the most important thing first - the Beach Club! :hyper: DH and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Beach Club. Your family will have the best time there! You can't beat the location - walking into the back gate of Epcot, 15 minute stroll to MGM. Stormalong Bay is the BEST pool on WDW property - sandy bottom feels so good on your toes, long water slide for your kids, lots of hot tubs, lazy river. Beaches & Cream has the very best burgers and sundaes - your family of 5 should get a Kitchen Sink!! Beautiful decor - I truly feel at home there! Feel free to PM me with any questions - I could talk about Beach Club all day!! :tongue:

Congrats on your 3 pound loss from last week! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

You'll have a beautiful new clippie in no time, I'm sure! You're right on track! Have a wonderful Tuesday, Lisa!!

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning ladies! No time to post menus right now, I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off this morning, boss is still out. I just wanted to say a quick hello and promise that I'll try to visit everyone's journals throughout the day as I have time.

Beth, I'm definitely going to pick the WATP tape this weekend, need to get this body moving. I'm still leaning towards Pilates because it sounds challenging but I may hold off a little on that.
Thanks for letting me know those tapes are at Target.:D

Marsh, good to meet you and thanks for posting to my journal! It's been hard work trying to lose the weight, but it's worth the rewards. I'm going to try to visit your journal today. Take care!

Doreen, thanks so much for posting about the BC. I'm sooo excited about this trip, I can hardly contain myself. I initially was booked at CBR but changed my mind, SAB was just so enticing, and as you mentioned, the proximity to Epcot and MGM is a plus. We're staying in 1 room which turned out to be a little cheaper than the 2 rooms I had previously booked. Thanks for the invitation to PM you. I'm definitely going to take you up on that offer as we get closer to to our vaction. I'll try to visit your journal later on today, I want to see what you've been up to.;)

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

Sorry things at work are so busy for you. Hopefully, you will get a chance to catch your breath real soon.

Like Doe already mentioned, the Beach Club is just wonderful. It's the first deluxe resort my family ever stayed at on Disney property and we loved it. I was actually having a hard time deciding between the YC/BC and the Grand Floridian for our trip in June but it's just me and my younger sis and we'll probably spend most of our time at the MK and Epcot so the Grand it is. The only negative I can think of at the BC is the bus transportation to the parks you can't walk to can be a pain (crowded) but that's about it. I could be spoiled by staying at OKW though. They don't share their buses with any other resort and of course the BC shares service with YC, Swan & Dolphin and the Boardwalk. But you will love SAB, the BC lobby, Beaches and Cream, the boardwalk area, the beach area at night, the nicely appointed rooms and the character breakfast available right in the lobby. And nothing beats being able to be back in your room in minutes after Illuminations going out through the International Gateway. I am sure you will love the Beach Club.

Have a wonderful trip. Btw, where are you staying for the Universal portion of your trip? The Portofino by chance?

[A1A1]

Have a good day!
:D

[Castillo Mom]

Menus for the last two days....

1/19/04:
Breakfast-I don't think I had breakfast, but I'm not sure.

Lunch-4 turkey and cream cheese rolls. I was too busy to go upstairs and get lunch and this is what I had in the fridge. Better than nothing, right?

Dinner-Wasn't that hungry, had two hamburger patties; lc vanilla ice cream and strawberries for dessert.

1/20/04:
Breakfast-Scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, a small amount of sliced honeydew melon and cantelope. Yum!

Dinner-Ham and salami with cheese sandwich, cottage cheese. Yes I had ice cream again for dessert. Do I feel guilty? Nah!

Lisa, we're staying at RPR. We got a really good rate, $119 a night, ENT rate. I was actually interested in HRH but I wanted to keep cost down since Universal was not part of our original plans. The RPR looks beautiful though. We have our tickets already, 3 days for the price of 2.

I have been extra extra busy but I've gotten used to it. I'm more tired tonight than usual but that's because I was up late last night on the internet. I love my computer and I have to admit I'm addicted to these boards.:D

[Strings]

Lisa,
I don't know how you do it. Still on the boards at 2AM. The impressive thing is that you're functioning this morning.
Have a good day (and a coffee on me)
Beth

[ZerasPride]

(in my sternest mommy voice)

Lisa, you have got to get some sleep! No more playing on the computer with your friends until all hours of the night (or day as the case may be).

Please report back and let me know how you liked RPR. With the rate you got at RPR, I'm sure you'll be very happy there. I know you'll have a wonderful trip. I just booked my reservation today for our June trip and once I buy plane tickets then I'll feel like it's really happening. It will be my 12 year old sister's first trip and I want to make it really special for her.

Take care of yourself and don't work too hard!

[Castillo Mom]

Oh boy, I'm playing catch up today.

1/21/04:
Breakfast-Two eggs, two slices of bacon, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-Two small spice rubbed chicken breasts, green beans, lettuce/tomato, diet Sierra Mist.

Dinner-Ate very late. Had a turkey and cheese sandwich on lc bread. I discovered another new lc bread at the grocery store, Oroweat multigrain lc with the Atkins seal on it. I had been buying either Roman Meal lc or Oroweat whole wheat lc. Both of the latter were a bit on the dry side. The multigrain is delicious and I think I'm going to stick with that. I'm planning on making some french toast one of these days with it, just need to pick up some Atkins maple syrup.

Beth, I think I would have been better off putting my computer in the dining room. I try not to get on it every night but it's hard not to. I do need to get some more sleep though, because it's starting to catch up with me today, have a migraine.

Lisa, how nice of you to take your sister on a trip to Universal, I'm sure she's going to love it. I'll definitely post a trip report when I get back.:D And, yes, I'll try not to be on the computer so late, promise!

Another reason I've been on the internet a lot is because I found out on Tuesday that some friends of ours have finally set the date of their wedding. It'll be in December in Puerto Vallarta and they want us to be there. So that's a trip we weren't planning on but we're going to try to make it. I'm an obsessive planner when it comes to vacations so I've already started checking out airfare and such. To complicate matters, I had just started checking out our options for our trip to Hawaii for summer of 2005. This must sound like I'm worrying about things too far ahead of time, but we're not rich and in order for us to be able to travel, I have to budget well in advance because I try to prepay for most things. Anyway, I'm starting to ramble, lack of sleep I think.:rolleyes: Will try to get around to everyone's journals between today and tomorrow. :D

[LAinSEA]

A friend's wedding sounds like a great excuse for some Mexican sunshine - even if you have to wait almost a year for it.

I'm always talking my parents out of doing too much planning, especially when it comes to airfare, too far away from their vacations. I think it's good to have a ballpark figure for planning, but wait to get your actually tickets until that 30-60 day window when airfare comes way down. (And just hope that the timeframe isn't Christmas.)

I'm sorry you've had a migraine today - terrible. Get some rest.

BTW, I have the Winsor Pilates DVD's. Honestly, I haven't been very consistent with the program and have not ventured past the basic 20 minute workout. I have no trouble doing the legwork - but do have problems with some of the "roll-up" exercises due to pain in my neck and flexiblity. It really works my abs - which is something I need.

take care,
Laurie

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, Lisa!:sunny: :sunny: How are things in sunny California? It is downright freezing here in Pennsylvania--I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat. All your talk of the Beach Club and Mexico and Hawaii has my frozen bod dreaming of :sunny: and warm temps! All this travel will surely be a motivating factor in continuing down the weight loss path. Just imagine yourself on the beach, wearing a bathing suit and soaking up the rays, watching your jealous husband fight off the the surfer dudes!!:smooth: You're going to be looking gorgeous, dahling!

Have you picked up the WATP or Pilates tapes yet? Pilates can really give you a great stretch. I need to do my DVD more often.

Well, Lisa, have a great day!

Erin

[Auntmeme]

Just a quick hi to say thanks for checking in with me. I'm back and hope to get strong again:D

You and everyone else here are the best motivators:wave2:

[Castillo Mom]

Let's see, I'm trying to remember where I left off with my menus.

1/23/04:
Breakfast-Oatmeal with half and half.

Lunch-There was a new item on the menu in our company bistro, chicken cacciatore over spaghetti squash. It was delicious! I just found out the manager there is on Atkins, so she's been adding low carb options to their menu. I love it! I also had a side of broccoli. Oh my goodness, two servings of veggies in one meal. That was unheard of for me before last August. The only two vegetables I would eat together were corn and potato!:rolleyes: Now I don't eat either one.

Dinner-I cheated a little and had chicken strips from Jack in the Box. I did take off some of the breading however.

Laurie, my friends just changed their date to 12/30, right before New Years' Eve! That planner in me is worried about having to pay through the nose for airfare. Thanks for checking in on me, I'm off to read your journal as soon as I'm done here.:wave:

Erin, I'm going to Target either tonight or tomorrow and picking up those tapes. I'm very anxious because I haven't lost any weight this week and I know I need to get my body moving. I have, however, been taking the stairs every day, the UPstairs!

Meme, I was on Doreen's journal and pleasantly surprised to see that you're back. As you can see, I'm still doing Atkins and my weight loss has been pretty steady. I'm losing a little slower than I had anticipated but I'm not too concerned about it. Monday is official weigh in, will it be your weigh in day too? I try to check in with everyone first thing in the morning but sometimes get interrupted since I'm at work when I do but I'll be sure to try to get to your journal then, ok?

[A1A1]

Ahhhhh Haaaaaa! Now I see where all the spaghetti squash went. I went to two stores looking for it, and both were sold out. A hot item lately with more people low carbing. I want to make this spag squash spaghetti dish. I miss my grandmother's spaghetti and sauce.

Glad to read that all is well. Forget about those Jack in the Box's. I know you will get right back on track.

You go!!!

Have a good Monday!

[marsh0013]

hey lisa! i just wanted to tell you that going through everyone's journal tonight has made me realize how many lisa's we have journaling! ok, sorry for being so random :)

looks like you've been making good food choices. and the little cheat with the jack in the box, eh, not such a big deal. and you did make the good choice to take off some of the breading. good for you! hope you get to pick up the tapes and enjoy those workouts. keep up the great work :sunny:

[lulu201]

Hi, Lisa, how are you doing today? Did you weigh in? Did the scale cooperate? If it didn't, I'm going to come over and kick it for you. That's kind of like a specialty of mine.:p

I'm cowardly and avoiding mine. That's all I'll say about that.

I hope you have a great day. Try not to worry about your plateau; your body needs some time to adjust, I think. When you start to exercise more (and here's a :Pinkbounc of Celebration for those UP stairs! :p ) you'll jump start your metabolism.

Have a great day. Is the sun shining there today?:sunny:

Jealous 'cause I'm frozen in the Northeast :mad: ,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I wanna come to warm sunny California!!! :( I'm also frozen in the Northeast!

Your menus always look so good to me! I wish our cafeteria would jump on the low-carb bandwagon. I'm still buying burgers and throwing the buns away! :rolleyes:

Keep up the good work and I hope your meeting with the scale was a happy experience this morning! :sunny:

[Strings]

Hello Lisa,

I hope your rendevous with the scale was a good one. That spaghetti squash dish sounded so good I decided to try one myself. You really help me mis up my menus. Thanks.
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

I only have a few minutes so I'll quickly post menus for the weekend.

1/24/04:
Breakfast-Cottage cheese, Fuze lc fruit drink. Sorry, but I just wasn't very hungry. I wasn't actually going to eat anything but I know it's not good for my metabolism to skip meals.

Lunch-Two slices of lc toast, Fuze fruit drink.

Dinner-Two hot links on lc bread, lc vanilla ice cream for dessert. Oh, oh, just realized I had 4 slices of bread in one day. Huge no-no! It was lc bread, but still, that's 24 carbs worth of bread alone. Including the drinks and ice cream that was about 36-40 carbs, a little higher than what I normally have. Mental note, do not eat 4 slices of bread in a day, even if low carb!

1/25/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambed eggs with chorizo, two slices of bacon and two sausage links. Also some sliced canteloupe and very small piece of sugar free banana nut bread; 6 oz. of milk to drink.

Lunch-No time, I was out doing the week's shopping.

Dinner-Turkey and cheese sandwich on lc bread, Fuze fruit drink.

I weighed in this morning and I'm at the same weight, 181. I'm ok with that though, better than gaining, right? I promised myself I wouldn't obsess over the scale and I'm feeling a little better about it. As long as I don't gain!

Ladies, went out and bought a Pilates DVD at Costco yesterday! I'm very excited but I had one small setback. Hubby bought some high tech remote for all of our gadgets because he got tired of using a different one for each component. Only problem is, he hasn't been able to get the DVD player to do anyting but turn on.
:rolleyes: Anyway, hopefully it'll be worked out this evening. I'm making it a goal to exercise first thing tomorrow morning.

A, I highly recommend the spaghetti squash, it's delish! I'm going to pick some up this week. As for the Jack In the Box situation, I'm convinced that I didn't lose this week due to what Atkins calls "carb creep." But I'm going to try to keep better track this week and see what happens.

Marsha, thanks for posting to my journal. As I mentioned, I picked up a Pilates DVD but I haven't had a chance to exercise yet. I'm looking forward to it though and today I'm going to call the mall by my house to see how early they open because I'd like to alternate walking with the tape. I'd feel safer walking in a mall and I know a lot of folks who do that early in the morning.

Erin and Doreen, it's been sunny out here for the past couple of weeks, maybe a little overcast in the morning, but that's about it. The weather gets up to the low 70s but down in to the upper 50s to low 60s at night which is chilly for us. But it's typical January weather. I love the snow but I wouldn't want to be around it every winter. Ladies, that scale didn't move this morning, think it's maybe carb creep, so I'll have to be more careful.

Well, I hope the scale was good to you all to those of you who weighed in this morning. It's time to get back to work, but I'll try to get to your journals a little at a time throughout the day. Have a great week!

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

I'm sorry it's been a few days since I've had a chance to check on you. I hope everything is well. I'm sorry you didn't lose this week but like you said, maintaining is way better than gaining.

I'd love to know how that Pilates is working out for you once your hubby gets the super duper remote to work properly. Enjoy that great weather where you live and think of us freezing our tails off here in the East! Take care of yourself!

[Castillo Mom]

I'm going to post today's menu before I pop the Pilates tape in my computer.

1/26/04:
Breakfast-One scrambled egg, two slices of bacon, 1/2 cup of whole milk.

Lunch-Pot roast with a side of broccoli, sf jello for dessert, diet Sierra Mist.

Dinner-Had dinner pretty late. Low carb wrap from Subway, pretty good.

I took the boys for their hair cuts tonight and then Baskin Robins afterwards. I was hoping they would have sf ice cream, but no luck, only "no sugar added" and I didn't want to risk throwing my body off after having a such a low carb day. I'd say I ended up eating just under 20 carbs today.

Ok, time to review my new DVD....

[Auntmeme]

Hey Lisa, you passed up baksin robbins - You are a mighty woman, i can hear the roar all the way in PA:p Sorry the scale did not budge, why the carb creep? jackinthebox?

I hear the subway lc wraps are great, I have yet to try but it is on my options list now.

Thanks for checking in with me. I'm glad to be back on the boards, keep it up to go down:wave:

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, congrats on passing up that ice cream! that's hard to do when you're getting yourself all psyched up that they might have some legal food, and then they don't. but you did it! and let us know how the pilates went. hpoe you enjoyed it :)

[Castillo Mom]

Bad news, I can't find my Pilates DVD! I looked all over for it last night and couldn't find it. I bought it at Costco and my boys always unload the groceries but when I asked two of them about it this morning they didn't know where it was. I have another son that I need to ask but he's in high school and was gone before I got up this morning. Oh, well. I'm just hoping it didn't get tossed out with the trash by mistake.

Meme, I think it was the Jack In The Box chicken strips and a couple of other things like ketchup. I also think it's not a good idea to have bread too often, even if it's lc. I did admit to having a small piece of sugar free banana nut bread which was made with white flour, that could be it also. Oh well, live and learn.

Marsha, after I weighed yesterday morning and found that I hadn't lost any weight it wasn't hard to resist that Baskin Robbins ice cream. Now all I need to do is run to the store and stock up on some Atkins treats to get me through the week.

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

I admire you too for passing up Baskin Robins ice cream. I'm sorry you can't find your Pilates DVD. Maybe it's in the car or something. I hope you find it soon, I'm dying to know what you think of it.

Which wrap did you have from Subway. Someone told me the calorie counts on those things was through the roof but I can't remember now. I want to try one myself one of these days. Anyway, take care and I'll check on you again soon.

[LAinSEA]

Do you have your Costco receipt? sometimes the little items don't get into your exit cart or box on the way out. Costco is usually really good about replacing items that get missed, no charge.

Carb creep...I know that this a problem at our house...we weigh or measure just about everything. My DH likes to measure out with his eyes...what is an oz. of nuts to him, really is about 2 1/2 oz. He always trying to make sure I have enough to eat - and portion sizes creep up throughout the week.

We made spaghetti squash alfreado w/shrimp last night - OMG - so delicious! It's so easy to prepare the spaghetti squash too. OK, it's not exactly pasta but it's a really delicious substitute.

Good for you for resisting Baskins. I sure wish they would offer a sugar-free but not low-fat icecream soon.

-Laurie

[Castillo Mom]

After searching high and low both in the house and the car, I still have not been able to locate my Pilates DVD!:mad: So I don't know what happened, maybe the clerk didn't pack it with the groceries, but there's no way I can prove that. I won't be back until next week since I only go to Costco every other week to do major grocery shopping. Oh well, I guess I can just walk in the morning for now. Unfortunately I've been up too late at night on the internet.:blush: I'll try to see if I can muster up the energy to start walking tomorrow.

1/27/04:
Breakfast-Cottage cheese, time was limited.

Lunch-Diablo chicken which consisted of two small chicken breasts topped with a spicy tomato sauce and peppers, pretty good; side of broccoli, diet Sierra Mist.

Dinner-Ham and cheese sandwich on lc bread, canteloupe and honeydew melon for dessert; Fuze lc fruit drink.

I'll go ahead and post today's breakfast and lunch that way less to journal later.

1/28/04:
Breakfast-I was on the run this morning, only had a Morning Start bar.

Lunch-Made up for the light breakfast at lunchtime. Had beef fajitas topped with sour cream and guacamole, side of broccoli and cauliflower with sf jello for dessert, diet Sierra Mist to drink. The lunch was delicious!

I started out early today because I wanted to go to Walmart after dropping the kids off at school. A new one opened up near my home. Very nice, and huge. I picked up some Disney character t-shirts for myself, 4 of them in guess what size? Medium! Of course they don't fit right now but I know they will by the time we go on vacation, probably sooner. And boy, what a bargain, only around $7 each.

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Laurie, I didn't see your post at first. I do have the receipt so maybe I'll have to go in sooner than my next shopping trip there to see if they'll replace it.

Ooh, that shrimp alfredo sounds delish! I still haven't had time to pick up that spaghetti squash and even less time to cook this week.

I'm getting a craving for ice cream right now but I don't want to buy any because I'm trying to stay away from it for a few days.:D

[A1A1]

Hi! You seem to be doing well. Glad to see that you are planning ahead with those size medium t-shirts. You will be in them in no time!

You reminded me again of spaghetti squash. I am going to go get some. Just dying to have it. I remember trying it with my mom years ago when we were going to Diet Workshop. It didn't taste much like spaghetti, but was good just the same. I probably would have more of a liking for it now.

Hope you can make an extra trip over to Costco to explain your situation with the DVD. That really stinks.

Have a good day tomorrow!!!!!!!!

[marsh0013]

aw man, that sucks about your dvd going missing. i hope that it either turns up, or you can get it replaced.

and those shirts sound excellent! how can you beat disney, 7 bucks, and size medium! woo woo! you're going to look faboo in those :bounce:

have a great day today :sunny:

[Strings]

Hey there,

Any luck finding your DVD? You are going to look great in those tiny t-shirts.

I just wanted to thank you for your kind word on my journal. Your support has helped me through some tough times recetly. Thank you.

:hug:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

I'm here, I'm here! Whoa, it's been a crazy last few days. Now let's see if I can remember what I ate.

1/29/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start Bar, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-Had a lunch meeting and they served chicken parmesan.:eek: I resisted the past and just had the chicken with salad and a diet Coke.

Dinner-Hmmm, kind of a blur. Nope, don't remember. Oh wait, got take out. I had a carne asada taco salad, didn't touch the shell.

1/30/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start Bar again! If I buy a whole box of those things I end up eating that for breakfast for several days in a row instead of eating a complete meal. Oh well, better than nothing.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, side salad, broccoli, diet Coke, sf jello.

Snack-Atkins Endulge chocolate bar, 2 carbs.

Dinner-Oh man, don't remember. I think I had a couple slices of turkey with cream cheese. Yes, that's what I ate.

1/31/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, small cup of coffee.

Lunch-Salad, Atkins Endulge chocolate bar, Fuze lc fruit drink.

Dinner-Atkins lc wrap from Subway with roast beef, lettuce, tomato, avocado, swiss cheese, mustard and mayo. Mmmm! Had sliced canteloupe for dessert with a few red grapes.

2/1/04:
Breakfast-Oops, no time.

Lunch-Turkey sandwich on lc bread, Fuze fruit drink.

Snack-Because of the game, I bought chips and dip for hubby and the kids. To compensate, I got myself a bag of spicy pork rinds and dipped those in the sour cream dip I made. Not too bad, but I think I can only handle pork rinds once ever 6 months.

Dinner-Game was still on, made an early dinner, Tequila lime chicken, mashed potatoes, corn. No, I didn't eat the corn or mashed potatoes, those were for my family. I had 3 pieces of chicken and water. Sliced canteloupe and a few red grapes for dessert.

My son is sitting here next to me itching to get on the computer and is now reading aloud what I've written. I'll come back later after the kiddos go to bed if it's not too late.:D

[CourtasanSatine]

Hi :wave:


Just making journal rounds and you did great passing up the pasta at the meeting

[marsh0013]

lisa, that is too cute about your son sitting there reading everything you were typing! (hehe, probably annoying to you, but cute to me :))

i hear ya on the morning start bars. not that i eat morning start bars, but in general, like i made a batch of high fiber muffins (18 total), and i've been eating one every morning! i finally decided to freeze most of them and just leave a couple out. that way i can vary my breakfasts.

you are doing a wonderful job of avoiding un-friendly foods. especially because you made some of them! making those potatoes and corn and then not eating any, i would have had such a hard time. keep up the great work :)

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, what happened with the Pilates DVD? Did you make it back to Costco? Also, I think you're going to look GREAT in those size M Disney t-shirts!! ::yes::

You talked about relying on the Morning Start bars when you have them around. I do the same thing with Atkins Advantage bars when I buy them. It's so handy to grab a bar instead of cooking! :confused: Some day I'm gonna learn how to have real food at every meal. :p But until then, the bars are better than nothing.

Hope your day goes well, Lisa!! :sunny:

[Strings]

I love the morning start bars, well the apple and the choc. chip ones anyways. I'm not a morning eater, so at least it is something right? Dh does the reading over the shoulder thing as well. I'm convinced he reads my jornal while he's at work. He just better be careful, he might read something he shouldn't.:crazy:

[Castillo Mom]

Marcia, I thought my son was cute too! He was just itching to get on and got a kick out of the fact that I wrote something about him on my journal. He's 14, and boy, I do I adore that child. I adore all 3 of my boys. Oh, don't even get me started about them, I'll just go on and on. They're great kids and all 3 are mama's boys in the sense that we're very close. Didn't I say don't get me started?;)

Doreen, I didn't find my Pilates DVD, it's a mystery. With the Superbowl this weekend I didn't have time to go to Costco. I picked up groceries somewhere else since I knew Costco would be packed. I'll be doing my routine shopping next Sunday and will pick up another one then.

Beth, the apple crisp Morning Start bars are my fav! I had one this morning and have one more left which I'll probably eat tomorrow. From then on, no more bars until next week so that I'm forced to eat a full breakfast.

I had my moment of truth on the scale this morning girls. I didn't lose any weight, but then again I didn't gain. I'm in the midst of one wicked plateau right now. I haven't been able to bring myself to get up early enough in the morning to walk. I'm going to have to strategize but for now I'm still on plan. I will not give in because I know this situation is temporary.::yes::

No time to post menus right now, I'm still at work. Will try later.

[lulu201]

:hug: , Lisa. Plateaus can be frustrating, but it sounds as if you have a good take on things. Like you said: you didn't gain. You're holding your own. Maybe your body just has to maintain for awhile. If you keep on walking the walk, it'll happen.

Take care,
Erin

[CourtasanSatine]

:hug: and just hang in there,keep fighting the good fight and things will happen again

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, i totally understand about getting started about your boys. not that i have kids, but i'm like that with my little cousins, and even my "baby" brother, who just turned 17 :p !

and man, plateaus can be so frustrating! but you are doing a great job of staying positive through it. because it is only temporary. that scale will be moving down down down again before you know it! you know you are treating your body right, it will respond :)

have a great day today :sunny:

[Strings]

Plateaus stink. I'm proud of you for keeping on program. It is easy to slide off program when not seeing results. You have great resolve. Keep up the good work, and you'll see some results soon.
Beth

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

I see things are busy with you as usual. I do like your positive attitude about your plateau. I haven't hit one yet but I'm sure I'll be deep in an emotional funk when it does happen. You though have got it together girl! I'm sorry your DVD never did turn up. How frustrating! I'm sure this stall is temporary and you'll have a nice whoosh very very soon. Do you measure yourself? I try to but it's a pain. I'm sure it would help though to know you are losing SOMETHING even if it is inches.

Take care my friend and have a good evening!

[Castillo Mom]

Wow, you guys are a breath of fresh air after a long day. Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I'm going to weigh in on Friday, not my usual day, just to see where I'm at. I still have yet to get that darn measuring tape. I did put on a pair of shorts I bought last July right before I started Atkins and I absolutely swim in them. They're so huge I don't think I can wear them in public for fear they'll fall down to my ankles!:eek:

I haven't visited your journals since Sunday or Monday and I promise I will tomorrow. I'm not in the mood to post menus but I've been a good girl, promise! Goodnight all!:D

[CourtasanSatine]

great news about the shorts and keep fighting the good fight :hug:

[A1A1]

Hi! I haven't been here since you first discovered your Pilates DVD was missing. I am glad to read your journal. You always seem in good spirits. Your boys sound like terrific kids.

Your scale will catch up with your body and your mind soon. Stay with it. I was just thinking this morning, as my own scale did not cooperate, how much healthier I am this time around. I am having more trouble losing weight this time than ever before, but it's okay. It's a lifestyle change, and I am convinced that it will stay off permanently this time. Slow and steady progress over a longer period of time. Works for me.


Have a great day. Congratulations on your superior efforts!

[marsh0013]

lisa, congrats on those shorts. noticing things like that usually helps me to feel better about the scale not moving. hope it did the same for you.

have a great day :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, if you're swimming in those shorts now, just imagine the NEW shorts you'll need by your next Disney trip!! ::yes:: Hang in there - that silly old scale WILL cooperate or we'll send Erin out to kick it for you!! That used to be her specialty, as I recall! :p

Good job staying on plan! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

I'm still alive girls! It's been a very hectic week and tomorrow won't be an less so. I have a kiddie party I'm helping my cousin with plus early morning grocery shopping tomorrow. I've been staying on plan though. I'm still at the same weight but I haven't gained, so I guess that's a good thing. I'm so sorry I haven't gotten to anyone else's journals, I really miss you guys. I'm going to try to check in on Monday. Tomorrow will be too crazy and I'll be gone all day. Take care all and be good!:D

[R_Judy]

Certainly all that running counts as exercize for today ;)

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good Monday morning, to you, Lisa. :hug: Congratulations on those shorts, girlie! :Pinkbounc Just think how far you've come in the last six months!

Did you get weighed in this morning? I didn't. I just couldn't face the scale after my awful behavior this weekend. I sounds like you, on the other hand, while busy and running, were able to be strong and stay with the program. Good for you, Lisa!:Pinkbounc

I hope you have a good week. Don't worry about visiting all our journals--you can only do what you can. ::yes::

Take care, Lisa.

Erin

[CourtasanSatine]

good morning and have a :sunny: day :hug:

[Strings]

So are you exhausted after all that running this weekend? Here's:wizard: and:hug: for weigh in today.
Have a good Monday.
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, just wanted to stop by and say hello :wave:

glad you're sticking to your food plan even though you've been busy. keep it up! :bounce:

have a great day :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! I have a big smile on my face right now after reading all of your posts.:D

I wanted to take a minute to post that I finally broke that plateau. I lost 1 lb, so I'm down to 180. So 1 more pound to go to get that 45 lb clippe that's been so elusive these last 2 weeks!

Thanks to all of you who post to my journal. I was able to get over the hurdle due to all of your support and encouragement.:grouphug:

Gotta go for now but I'll be back this afternnoon at lunch to start catching up on journals. Later!:wave2:

[Strings]

WooHoo! Buh-Bye Plateau. Don't come back. You'll get that clippie in no time. I'm really impressed at the way that you are able to stick to program during plateaus.

Beth

[honeymo78]

Lisa,

Thanks for posting in my journal. I just read through some of yours and it looks like we started out around the same place too. Congrats on breaking through that plateau - you'll be in 12 in no time now. I went and tried on some of my shorts I bought new last summer before I started trying to lose weight - they were 18's and they are huge now, and not just in the waist but also in the thighs. Isn't it wonderful to try something on and see how far you've come. I hope you have another great week of losses.

[CourtasanSatine]

:wave: and a :sunny: day for when you check in

[marsh0013]

congrats on breaking through that plateau!!! :bounce: that can be such a tough thing, but you stuck it out and pushed on through. great job, keep it up :)

[LAinSEA]

Plateaus are awful! Congrats of breaking through and an almost 45 clippie!

That's so great about your shorts - is it shorts weather down there? We are still a couple of weeks away from our trip with my folks and the nieces to Disneyland and I'm so hoping for some warm weather. (Even mid 60's would seem like summer to us.)

-Laurie
:sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

Yes! Plateaus do stink and the clippie is in site:)

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks for posting to my journal ladies, I appreciate your support!

Laurie, right now it's short weather during the day but chilly at night. It was about 75 degrees today and should be in the low to mid 70s the rest of the week. Right now we have what we call Santa Ana winds which cause high pressure, thus the warm weather. Only problem with the winds is that those of us who suffer from allergies are not happy campers right now! Other than that, it's been beautiful and I can't wait for spring. Hopefully the sun will hang around until your vacation.

I'm just going to dive into posting today's menu. Haven't posted a menu in almost 2 weeks.:(

2/11/04
Breakfast-1 slice of lc toast, cup of coffee.

Lunch-We had a bridal shower for one of my coworkers. Unfortunately my boss ordered chinese and I was starving. I stuck to what I felt was safest, beef and broccoli, Kung Pao chicken, diet Coke to drink. Had some of the whipped cream off of the cake.

Dinner-Leftover pork chop, Crystal Light.

I'm going to try to get back on track with posting menus. It's been extra, extra busy these last couple of weeks as we get closer to our trip. I've been doing some shopping on the weekends. Bought new luggage for each of my boys, picked up some swim trunks for them and some tank tops for me. I even bought sunscreen that was on sale at Costco. Oh, and I put a digital camera on layaway a Walmart, the Canon A70. I'm currently looking for a hotel for us for our 4 day stay in Miami. All that as well as still working 10 hour days and another 8 on Saturday. I'll be glad when my schedule gets back to normal, but for now it's what I have to deal with.

Ok, I'm off to see what you've all been up to!:D

[honeymo78]

Shopping for your trip sounds like lots of fun! And just think of how great you'll look in those tank tops you bought:smooth: Hopefully your schedule will go back to normal soon - those 10 hour days have got to be tough. It's just amazing how you and so many others here at WISH can keep on track getting healthy yet still have such crazy/stressful/hectic lives. It definitely helps me when my own life gets bogged down - if someone else can do it I know that I can find that strength too.

[CourtasanSatine]

good morning,some :sunny: to keep the allergies away

[Strings]

I really hope that schedule straightens out soon. Hope you can get some rest in your day as well. Take care.
:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

yikes, your schedule sounds crazy! but it looks like you're doing a great job of plowing through it and still having a great attitude about everything. hope things get back to normal for you soon! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks for posting to my journal ladies! It's been crazy this week and I feel guilty about not keeping up with my journal or all of yours. I'm hoping things will let up soon but it doesn't look good.

Though I haven't been able to come around as much this last week, I can say that I've stayed on plan. Temptations have been all around me at the office. We had a bridal shower last week, a birthday and of course everyone was bringing in candy since tomorrow is Valentine's day. My boss put together these adorable gift bags with all kinds of sweets in them. All I could say was thank you but it's still sitting on my desk at work. I came home tonight thinking I had an Atkins chocolate bar but apparently I ate the last one last night.:( I'm going to have to pick some up tomorrow at Walmart. That's the only way I'll be able to resist giving in to that candy.

I guess as long as I'm here I should post today's menu.

2/13/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 sausage links, water.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, sliced tomato, green beens, Stewart's diet orange cream soda. Had sf orange jello for dessert.

Dinner-Sizzling steak salad, diet Coke.

Well, I'm off to bed. I'm going to try to sleep in a little tomorrow but I have to work 8 hours.

Again, I apologize to my WISH buddies for not being able to be as supportive as I'd like by visiting all of your journals. I truly appreciate that you still post to mine. As soon as things calm down a bit, I'll try my hardest to see what you've all been up to. I'll try to drop by tomorrow while I'm at work, but I can't make any promises. Take care ladies. Goodnight!:D

[marsh0013]

lisa, don't worry about getting to eveyrone's journals. we know you are busy, but when i figure out a way to add extra hours to the day, i'll be sure to let you know ::yes:: . we also know that you are thinking about us even when you don't have time to post, and even though you are so busy, you do find the time to stop by every once in a while. whenever i see your name pop up in my journal, i think to myself "oh, lisa must have had .5 seconds out of her crazy life, and she took that time to offer me support." makes me feel pretty special that you'd take that time for me :). so thank you :)

and oh my goodness, all that temptation, and you resisted it all! that's the worst when someone gives you a gift of yummy goodies and you have to not eat them. i guess i'm thankful that i'm unattached so i don't have to worry about a boyfriend giving me chocolate or other goodies :p .

hope your weekend is going and continues to go well! :sunny:

[Strings]

Hey Lisa,

Way to go. You resisted chocolate. That is a major breakthrough. We know your schedule is hectic, so don't feel guilty about not keeping up with us. We know you are cheering us on. Sometimes posting has to be a 2nd prioity. I would much rather you catch a few zzzzz's.
Keep fighting the goodfight,
Beth

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

I am so glad to read that you are doing well and sticking to your eating plan. I don't get to post to journals as often as I like but you are frequently in my thoughts, as well as my other WISH buds.

I'm glad you are over your plateau and so impressed with your determination and will power to stick to plan despite all the temptations around you. Your schedule sounds hectic (as usual) for you and I hope you don't have to wait until your vacation to get a little rest. Take care my friend!

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! I hope you all had a good weekend and got plenty of rest. I haven't been doing very well posting menus, so I'll just jump right in before I get interrupted here at work.

2/14/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-I was too engrossed in what I was doing at work and didn't want to leave the office to grab a bite. I ran out the door so quickly Saturday that I didn't prepare a lunch ahead of time.

Dinner-I know I'm going to get scolded here and I deserve it, but all I had was two hot dogs, no bun and Crystal Light to drink. I did have some fruit, however, strawberries topped with whipped cream.

2/15/04:
Breakfast-I did a little better with my meals today. Had a full breakfast, scrambled eggs and 3 slices of bacon, Crystal Light to drink.

Lunch-I was out shopping and skipped it. Oops!

Dinner-Was still out shopping but I made myself grab a bite. I had a lc wrap from Subway with roast beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato and avocado with ranch dressing. Very good!

Snack-Went to the movies and saw 50 First Dates. Really cute movie and very funny. Anyway, had 2 Atkins chocolate bars. I know I went overboard on the bars but I don't think I did too much damage, only 2 carbs a piece.

Ok, now for the results of official weigh in. Drum roll please.....I lost over 2 lbs since last weigh in bringing my total loss to 47 1/2 pounds! Yee haa! I'm down to 176 1/2. Time to roll over my clippie and make a new goal. I keep changing my goals based on my progress (or lack of sometimes). You know, those clippies are a great motivator; I have 2 1/2 pounds to go for the next one. I'm going to make a conservative goal of losing 2 1/2 lbs. by the end of the month. If I lose more than that, great, if not, then I'll just have to be satisfied with whatever happens. Ok, back to work for me.

Oh, before I go, Marcia, Lisa and Beth, thanks for posting to my journal and being so understanding and supportive. I wish you all well with your goals and hope that you're staying on plan. If not, you know you can get right back in there and start again. We can do this!:D

[Strings]

Ok I was posting to my journal when Katie overtook my computer. It somehow ended up in your journal. Sorry if it confused anyone.

Lisa, I'm so glad tha plateau is over. Way to Go

Have a great day.
:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

2 pounds, yee haw is right!!! :bounce: congrats, you deserve it big time :jumping1:

those little clippies sure are a good source of motivation! i still haven't been able to change my "pounds lost" clippie, but that cheat free bear is constant in my mind! good luck with those next 2.5 pounds for the rest of the month, definitely a reachable goal ::yes::

and thanks for the encouragement for the rest of us :)

have a great day :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

:p Hey, no problem Beth, I figured it was meant for your journal. That's ok, I love company!

Marcia, thanks for stopping by. A lot of work went into that 2 1/2 lb. loss. Thanks to my DIS buddies, I was able to pull through!

[famfab5]

Hi,

I spent a great part of the evening reading through your journal. It has been so inspirational! Just what I needed tonight...

47 1/2 lbs!!! That is just WOW! ::yes:: What an amazing journey you are on...you must be so very proud of yourself and your accomplishment.

Have a wonderful day, you most certainly deserve it!

Warmly,

E.:sunny:

p.s. first thing I do when I am off phase 1 is to go to Subway for one of those wraps! They sound sooo good.:hyper:

[honeymo78]

Lisa - congrats on the weight loss this week and a new clippiee!!! Gotta love that feeling.

THere is a New York & Company at the mall where I work, actually right next to Bath and Body Works. There is also one right across from where Dan works at a different mall. I haven't checked out their website so I'm not sure you could order the same stuff they have in the store there. I am finding that I just love their clothes - except that I have to buy petite for the pants, I learned that the hard way and now I have to wear heels with those pants that are regular length. Oh well. We don't have Lerner at our malls I guess b/c we have New York.

[Castillo Mom]

Whoa, I was lurking on the journals board, always do even when I don't post, and I noticed that I'm way towards the bottom. Not good, means I haven't been journaling the way I should!:( So I'm here to post yesterday's menu....

2/19/04:
Breakfast-2 slices lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-Chicken salad with ranch dressing, diet Coke.

Dinner-Two slices of cold roast beef rolled with cheese. It was too late to eat a full dinner. The roast beef was very tasty though. Had lemon Crystal Light to drink.

I was over on the main WISH section yesterday and posted a question about exercise tapes that help me firm my abs. I have 6 months to go before vacation and I would like to be able to wear a 2 piece bathing suit. Not a bikini or thong!!:scared1: No girls, a tankini. I'll never have a supermodel bod and I'm never going to get rid of my stretch marks, so I need something that will cover most of my tummy but I want something cute and trendy. Victoria's Secrets has some very sexy tankinis and you have a choice of bottoms, from let it all hang out to modest.

Anyway, my goal is to lose 20-30 pounds by August and firm up as much as possible. Some of you may remember that my Pilates DVD disappeared into some deep dark abyss and I never found it and haven't replaced it yet either. So back to Costco I go, and so far, I'm hearing a lot of positive reviews of the Firm tapes, so I may go with that.

I really miss you guys. I've caught up with a couple of your journals but not all. Take care all!!!

[Auntmeme]

Wow 2 1/2 lbs down 47 1/2:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

You are truly amazing! You say that you were truly committed last week what do you beleive made the difference for you?

I hear you about the 2 piece and stretch marks. Do they ever fade enough? or can you get so tan that they don't show? my fantasy will be the bikini about 2 years ago and didn't wear:p

What other tapes do you do? I tried a pilates and didn't enjoy it, I love watp! I'd love to know if the ab tapes make a real difference.

Have a wonderful night and keep up to great job:wave:

[Strings]

Lisa,

I'm sure you will look fabulous in your sexy little tankini. That is one of my goals for Summer 2005. Costco has Dana Carpender's 15 minute low carb recipes. I highly recommend it. Actually, Costco has more low carb cook books than my Barnes and Noble.

Remember, no guilt allowed. Journal only when you can.
:sunny:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Meme, even though I was at a plateau, I was determined to not let it get to me. That was the hardest part. It was no problem staying on plan, but it was difficult not to obsess about the scale and feel discouraged that it wasn't moving. I just vowed to keep doing what I was doing in hopes that eventually I would start to lose again and I did!

You know, I've always wondered if stretch marks would fade under a tan, but I don't know about that one. Wishful thinking maybe?

I haven't tried any tapes at all. I bought the Pilates one and never even got a chance to try it out. I've heard that targeting abs will help, but how much I don't really know. There's another gal here on WISH that looks amazing and she's been doing weights. Can't remember her name off hand though. She has some great before/after pics and she's wearing a 2 piece suit. Makes me think there's hope after all.:D

Beth, I'm dying to buy one of the tankinis I saw the other day even if it doesn't fit. I've done that before, bought an outfit that was too small and I'd try it on every once in a while and low and behold, it would eventually fit. I have a mini skirt I bought at Lerner 4 years ago and wore once. When I started Atkins in August it wouldn't even go past my thighs and now it fits perfect So what do you think, should I get the tankini as something to look forward to for motivation purposes? Can I, huh?:hyper:

[Strings]

LOL,

Lisa, I say any excuse to go shopping is ok. It also may be the incentive to stay with an exercise program. I say go for it.
:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

definitely go out and get that tankini! if that's not motivation, i don't know what is!!! sounds like an excellent idea. you can try it on every now and again, and when it eventually fits, that will be the best feeling :bounce:

i know you don't get to check in too often, but i hope that your week is going well :sunny:

[lulu201]

BUY THE TANKINI!!!! Yes, definitely, Lisa: go for it! I love doing that--buying things too small and then watching them eventually fit! Do it!

My new bathing suit is going to be a tankini, too--and maybe even one from Victoria's Secret! We'll be spending a week at the beach this summer, and I want to make my husband's eyes pop out!:earseek: Hee, hee!

Lisa, you're just doing such a great job. Your plateau-busting has been such an inspiration for me; your perseverence makes me want to keep on plugging away toward my goal. Here's a couple of bounces to celebrate your 45 lb. clippie!

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Don't work too hard tomorrow if you can help it.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, am I too late to join the plateau-busting, temptation-avoiding, sexy-tankini-buying, pounds-lost, new-clippie party???

What the heck - I'll just throw my own "Celebrate Lisa - WOW!" party!!

:jumping1: CONGRATULATIONS! :jumping1:

Wish I could find some fireworks graphics!! You are doing SOOO well, Lisa!! Now run out and get that tankini, girlfriend! You'll be in it before you know it! ::yes:: Your new clippie is looking very nice!!

About getting around to journals - you do NOT have to go back and read everything! A wise lady (actually Flylady, if you know who she is... :P ) has said "You are never behind - just jump in where you are!" Spend your time wisely, with your DH and those wonderful boys! Pop in and update YOUR journal on occasion so we know how you're doing (and so the Moms in us don't worry about you....LOL!). We know you care about us and support us - you don't have anything to prove.

:hug:

[Castillo Mom]

You guys are so cool!!! I was so happy to come back to my journal to find all of your comments, you all made me giggle.:D

Doreen, I'll be trying on bathing suits this weekend just to see where I'm at.:eek: :scared1: :scared: I'm afraid to look in the full length mirrors, but I must!

Erin, you too with the tankini, wow!!! Do us all a favor and make sure to take lots of pics and post them so we can see how great you look, ok?

Marcia, Beth, I'm gettin' that tankin come heck or high water. Now it's just a matter of picking one out.

I can't believe I'm still up right now. Maybe it's the salsa music playing in the background, it makes me hyper:hyper:

Ladies, I went to the Firm website today. I know a few of you are having success and it seems that although very challenging, it'll get me the quickest results. I think with my schedule right now, it's wiser for me to try to work out at home in lieu of a club membership. I'll be doing my by-monthly shopping Sunday at Costco and will pick up the DVD and then get some dumb bells at Walmart. Oh boy, I'm gonna be pretty sore.

You guys are such an inspiration with all the exercise you all do. If you see me falling behind, please, by all means, give me a good swift kick to get back in there, ok? I need all the motivation I can get.

Ok, there's a great song on right now and I'm going to get up and dance all by myself since hubby's asleep right now. Good night!:crazy:

[honeymo78]

Lisa, tankinis are great. I wore one last summer and I felt better about wearing it than a regular bathing suit. I can't wait to get a new one this year. I think I'll get one from the LLBean catalog. I really like the ones you can get in separate pieces in case you need a different size for top and bottom.

That is so cool that you are surprising the family with a limo too. It will be such a treat!

Keep up the great work and let us know how the swimsuit try ons go.

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, good luck with the firm. i know lots of people around here love it! hope it works out for you, i'm sure it'll kick your butt into shape :p , but that's what you want! hehe. with all the great recommendations about it, it's making me want to look into it too. i just may do that :)

sounds like fun getting up and dancing last night, hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourself. dancing alone can be great therapy :)

[Castillo Mom]

Marcia, salsa music has that effect, you can't just stay in your seat, gotta get up and dance!:hyper:

[lulu201]

Hi, Lisa! Just stopped by with a :hug: and some :wizard: for the scale tomorrow!

Erin

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

Just wanted to catch up with you before nighty night. I'll be signing off after this post but I couldn't go to bed without telling you what a wonderful job you are doing. I hope you decided to buy that tankini. I've never heard of them before, but then again, I don't shop at Victoria Secret (yet). I am waiting for onederland to even get up the nerve to go in that store.

Anyway, keep up the great work and I am so excited you are doing the FIRM. You will see amazing results. My son paid me the nicest compliment tonight. He said that I was starting to get "cut" which I guess is teen speak for defined arms. I was so happy he said that. I was noticing it too but thought I was just imagining results that weren't really there. So, start with those tapes and you too can join me and we can be cut together!

Don't get me wrong, I have a long way to go before anybody will confuse me a skinny person but I know the FIRM has helped shrink my abs, lift my fanny and is helping shape my arms and I'm still well well over 200 pounds.

Please keep us informed as to your progress with the tapes. Again, I am so excited for you :)! Take care of yourself this week and congrats on your loss!!!!!! I am so proud of you that you hung in there despite that plateau.

[Strings]

Lisa,

You sound so excited about the Firm tapes. I'm also going to check it out. Not sure when though. You will look great in the tankini. I love that you are salsa dancing in the wee hours of the morning, but did you get ANY sleep?:p

Have a great Monday. Keep us posted when you can.
:sunny:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

I'm going to have to check out salsa music! I'm getting bored with most of my regular listening options - time for something new! Thanks for the idea, Lisa!

Keep up the great work! :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

morning and here's a :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Can I join the Tankini Club? I was actually looking at them online this morning becaues I really want to buy one. I think I might even go with one that has a skirt as a bottom just because I think it looks really really cute.

You are doing fabulous! Congratulations! I can't wait to see pictures of you in your tankini! You have to post them!

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

Ok, so I went to Costco Sunday morning after waking up with a major sore throat and headache, to find that they did not have the Firm tapes.:mad: As the shopping progressed, I began to have body aches and a fever. Thankfully, my husband had come along with me and pushed the cart around and loaded the van. I usually do the Costco thing alone or with one of of the children and the rest of the gang stays at home enjoying their lazy Sunday morning. Anyway, I had intended to go to Walmart and get the tapes there as well as a set of free weights, but by the time we were done doing groceries, I decided it would be better to just go straight home and to bed. My husband and the kids put the groceries away and my son made me a roast beef sandwich on lc bread and after I ate, I was out like a light for the rest of the afternoon. By the time I woke up it was dark. I hate that feeling of taking a nap when it's light out and then when you open your eyes, it's dark, yuck! Can you tell I'm not used to napping? I had a hard time falling asleep because I felt like I should be doing something. I know, I'm rambling now. Guess it's the effects of medicine head.

Anyway, I decided to sleep in this morning and didn't get to work until about 1/2 hour ago. I do feel a little better today, though, fever is gone. Tonight I'm only staying until 5:00. Can't remember the last time I only worked 4 hours.

So back to the exercise dilemma. I will not be deterred! I'm thinking I'll check Walmart to see how much the DVD set is there or I can also check another Costco to see if they have them. Either way, my mission is to start exercising as soon as I get over this bug!

Erin, I weighed in this morning and I'm the same weight. Oh well, better than a gain right?

Lisa, I'm glad to hear you're having such positive results with the Firm. Makes me realize I'm making the right choice. I wanted something challenging that would get me quick results. Thanks for the encouragement. If I have questions, I'll be sure to come to you since you've been doing the routine for a while.

Doreen, salsa music is so much fun to dance to. Try it, you'll like it! And it's great for the hips, waist and thighs!

Beth, I see you survived your busy weekend! As for the dancing, I'm used to dancing in the wee hours. When my husband and I were going clubbing on a regular basis, we'd stay out dancing until closing anywhere between 2 and 3 in the a.m. Hmm, haven't done that in a while but plan on it as soon as I can build up some stamina.

Satine, thanks for dropping by my journal. Hope you have a great week.

Amanda, of course you can join the club, the more the merrier! Thanks for the encouragement. As soon as I figure out how to work my digital camera, I'll be posting pics, however not in a bathing suit. Not ready for that yet!:D

[famfab5]

Hi,

I wanted to chime in here about Tankinis. I bought one last month from Lands Ends overstocks. (super deal!) It is a pique knit skirted tankini, I can't tell you how much I love it! Personally, I think Lands end does a great job with "curvey" figures. I loved this bathing suit the minute I put it on and that is saying something since it's been years since I've felt comfortable in one.::yes::

So I want to join the club too...LOL. In just 85ish more days I will be wearing it at TL and BB. Can't wait!!

Have a great night,

Elizabeth:sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Ooh, Land's End, didn't think about them. I think we should all post pics of ourselves wearing tankinis at WDW!:D

[honeymo78]

Lisa, I hope you are feeling better.

And staying the same weight this week is definitely much better than a gain. You're just practicing how to maintain lol.

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, sorry you got sick on your day of shopping! and i totally understand your feeling about your nap...waking up to darkness makes you feel like the whole day is gone. i don't like it either. but if your body needed it, it's good that you got to do it.

hope that bug is gone soon so you can get to that exercise you're determined to do :bounce:

[Castillo Mom]

Well, I was able to drag myself into work this morning but I sure would've liked to have stayed in my warm bed. No dice though, lot's to do today plus I have a staff meeting to attend. I'm drinking coffee now to help me stay awake. Boy, can those 2 hour meetings get boring.

I'm going to go ahead and post my menu from yesterday since I haven't been doing that lately and need to get back into doing it on a daily basis.

2/23/04:
Breakfast-Two eggs, 3 slices of bacon and about 1/2 cup of whole milk.

Lunch-Skipped it, didn't feel well.

Dinner-I bought a pre-seasoned pork roast from Costco. All I had to do was pop it in the oven. Made mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables but only my family had the mashed potatoes, I only had the roast with the veggies.

Dessert-Atkins chocolate ice cream.

I weighed myself this moring. I know, I'm weighing too often. However, in my defense, I've been doing better. I'm not perfect 'ya know! I'm happy to report that I lost 1 pound and now I'm 1 1/2 lbs. away from that 50 lb. clippie I so desire. My goal was to reach 274 by the end of February, so we'll see how things go but I don't want to get my hopes up too high.

Stephanie and Marcia, thanks for dropping by my journal. I'm doing a little better today so hopefully I can get this body moving by the end of the week. Take care ladies, I'll try to check in with you later this afternoon.:D

[Strings]

I'm glad to hear you are a little feeling better. I can relate to your napping /waking in darkness feeling. I used to work 12 hour nights 7 on 7 off. In the winter, I wouldn't see the sun for an entire week. Very confusing. I've looked at that roast a Costco and wondered if it was any good. I'll have to try it.

Take care of yourself.:wizard: Extra potent healing pixie dust for you.
Beth

[marsh0013]

lisa, i'm glad you are feeling better. i'm glad your scale moved in the right direction too, even though you shouldn't be checking it :p . hehe, but at least it was a good result. you are so close to that 50# clippie! i can't wait till you claim it and wear it proudly :smooth:

[Castillo Mom]

Not feeling good today, feel worse.:( I'm here at work, I have no voice, both of our nurses are out and my boss isn't in yet. Ahhhh!!! Fortunately our nurse case mgr. is here working the nurses' station but she's not a happy camper so it won't be fun dealing with her today. The docs are only here half day today, so we should be alright. Oh well, better go, lot's to do. Will try to post yesterday's menu later.

Marcia, thanks for the encouragement, always nice to hear from you. I was bad and weighed myself again because I felt extra light on my feet when I got up. I'm down to 175, 1 more pound to go for my clippie!:D

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I hope you're feeling better soon AND that work lightens up!!

I'm crossing my fingers and toes for you, hoping that extra pound is quick to disappear! ::yes:: You know how we LOVE to celebrate around here! :p

[Strings]

WOOHOO! Another pound gone. Hello 50lb clippie. It's right around the corner. You are doing an amazing job.

I hope work isn't as bad as expected. Things can go into a tailspin without appropriate staff. I hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself.
:hug:
Beth

[LAinSEA]

I tried to post yesterday and the darn network kept kicking me out.

I checked the forcast for Anaheim yesterday and Tut, tut - it looks like rain and cooler weather. Cooler weather is OK - but rain? Oh well, at least we get to have a good visit with the nieces (which we haven't seen since Christmas and Thanksgiving.)

I'm sorry your voice is going - it's been a terrible winter for cold and flu. At least the scale is moving the right direction - can't wait to see your 50 lbs clippie!

-Laurie





:sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

I dragged myself into work late again today, arrived at around 11:00. Fortunately my boss doesn't mind since I rarely ever miss work to begin with. It's going to be slow going today though but at least I'll get something accomplished. My voice is starting to come back but I've got that annoying tickle in the throat that's causing me to cough.

Anyway, here goes for yesterday's menu:

2/25/04:
Breakfast-:( Only had lemon tea. Cheated a little and had two bites of sweet mexican bread. One of our patients is a baker and she brought fresh Mexican pastries in. This is the first time I get this sick since I've started Atkins and I noticed that I was getting cravings for comfort foods. I don't really get many cravings but the feelings were strong. Something to think about. Anyway, I don't feel too guilty about the bread.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties w/cheese, sliced tomato, zucchini, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-1 fried chicken breast with the breading taken off, Crystal Light.

Dessert-Atkins strawberry ice cream.

I don't know what the heck is going on with my body right now, but I weighed myself again this morning just out of curiousity (I know, excuses, excuses) and I'm down another 1/2 pound taking me to 174 1/2! Actually I talked to our LVN and she says that your body uses more energy when you're sick trying to fight off infection. Beth, if you're reading this, is that true? I've never heard of that before, but it sure would explain things. Hey, I'm not complaining!

Laurie, you had a doozie of a storm last night. It poured and poured. It's been raining on and off today but we're supposed to have sunshine this weekend. When to come out here?

Edit: I almost forgot, I picked up the FIRM DVDs yesterday! And yes, they made it home and weren't sucked into the great black hole this time like my Pilates DVD. I'm still not well enough to exercise, but I popped them in the computer last night to get a little preview. Me likes! The routines look very challenging and I like that they incorporate weights into them. I picked up a pair of 2 and 3 pound weights also. Now all I need is that stick thingy and the fanny lifter. If anyone knows where I can purchase them serarately, please let me know.

[Auntmeme]

Sorry to hear you've been sick:( Glad to hear your still losing, almost to 50 wow impressive:)

Can't wait to hear about the firm dvds, which ones? will we always be so obsessed with our scales?

I'm salivating over the mexican bread must have been divine. I love cream & orange soda what brand has diet? Keep strong and be sure to get well. :wave:

[honeymo78]

I'm sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. I hope you are feeling better. Be sure to report back after you've tried your new exercise dvds - when you are feeling better of course.

[Strings]

Hey Lisa,

I hope you are feeling better. You are right. There have been studies about the amount of energy expended by healty vs ill patient. When you are sick, you burn more calories doing your usual activities. Add a fever to it and it goes even higher.
:crazy:
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, i'm so glad those firm vids actually made it home with you and didn't disappear into nothingness like the pilates one! maybe someone was trying to tell you that the firm is right for you :p . i don't know anything about the firm, so i can't help you out with the stick or lifter. although, i'd check ebay. i know you don't like to buy things off the internet because you want them *right now*, but it may be the only option. good luck! :bounce:

[Castillo Mom]

It's a beaufitul morning, rain finally let up to blue skies and sunshine. Now for yesterday's menu.

2/26/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 2 slices of bacon, Crystal Light.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties with cheese, broccoli, sliced tomato, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-We were out late picking up movie tickets and window shopping yesterday evening. We stopped at Starbuck's and I had a tall sugar free vanilla Breve latte which was oh so soothing, but alas, no dinner.

Beth, Marcia, thanks for being so nice and stopping by my journal. Looks like my losing streak is slowing down now, I'm still the same weight 174 1/2 which is fine by my. I'm really happy with the progress I've been making and thank all of my WISH buds for their support and encouragement, it's helped immensely.

I'm feeling much better today and I'm anxious to get my exercise routine going. I looked at my FIRM DVDs againt to see if I can just start without the fanny lifter/sculpting stick for now but all 4 require their use. Excellent marketing ploy I must say! So today at lunch I'm taking Lisa's (Zeraspride) advice and calling some local sporting goods stores to see if they carry them separately. There's also a As Seen on TV store at my local mile that I may pop in to. Have a great day everyone!

Oh, I almost forgot to post my bathing suit experience from yesterday. I was at a store and decided to try on a tankini just for the heck of it to see where I'm at and what I need to work on. Talk about an eye opening experience!:earseek: :scared1:n
Standing in front of that full length mirror under the bright (and unflattering) lights of the store, I realized how flabby I've become after the weight I've lost. My upper inner thighs even look a little wrinkly. One problem I've never had even though being overweight is excessive flab, I've always been pretty firm. But now I'm like jello! FIRM here I come!

[R_Judy]

Oh Lisa! What a scary picture you paint. I guess I'm never going to try on one of those tankini's. :faint: I might drop dead from fright. Good luck with your exercise today.

[Castillo Mom]

I've been distracted again with trip planning. I've made so many changes to this vacation, it's not even funny. Yes it is!:teeth: What can I say, they're changes for the better. Good thing DH has left all, and I mean ALL of the planning to me. If he were involved, I would drive him to instanity. As it is, I don't bring up the subject of vacation unless he does, although lately, he's been starting the conversation more and more. I think he's been bitten by the WDW/Universal bug but doesn't want to admit it. Oh, I just have to tell someone what I did today because I'm keeping this a secret even from DH. I changed our reservations from the Royal Pacific Resort to the Hard Rock. I'm so excited. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. I think the theme suits our family more, not to mention I booked a deluxe room which means we'll have a lot more space. Hey, I came over here to post yesterday's menu and I'm going on and on.

2/27/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 slices of bacon, coffee.

Lunch-Chicken cacciatore without the past, broccoli, diet rootbeer. Delish!

Dinner-Ate very late, around 11:00. Went to the movies and had some popcorn and diet Coke. Had dinner afterward at Rubio's, 3 lettuce tacos with carne asada and carnitas topped with cheese and guacamole. My DH thought I couldn't have guacamole and tried to take it off my plate and he nearly pulled back a bloody stub. Of course I can have guacamole, it's one of the luxuries I'm allowed and no one better come near my plate!:mad:

I went to work today as usual. I was sooo bored. This overtime is starting to get to me. Oh well, just a couple more months and things should slow down. Hmmm, that's what I said a couple of months ago. Have a good weekend girls!:D

[lulu201]

Good morning, Lisa, and welcome to March! :sunny: It sounds like you're still working A LOT, but that's life sometimes, isn't it? :D

I loved your tankini story, but I still don't know if seeing myself in one will make me want to do the FIRM. I admire all of you FIRMers so much. . .I just don't know if I can take the pain!

Is Monday still your weigh-in day? If it is, good luck. Hopefully the darn thing will cooperate.

Take care, honey--
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

Dis you find your fanny lifter. I'm seriously thinking about FIRM myself. I hope it works for you, Just remember that you'll be building muscle, so the scale might not budge for a couple of weeks, but the iches will be melting away. I forget, do you measure too? Id suggest it if you are starting a new exercise program.

Looks like your vacation will be awesome. My DH let's me do all the planning. I'm obsessive about it. I'm already thinking about our trip the end of 2005.:crazy: Can you manage to keep the Hard Rock a surprise? I'd never be able to.

Have a great Monday.
Beth

[marsh0013]

lisa, all of that trip planning sounds like such a blast! and keeping that change of hotel a secret sounds like it will be so hard. but i bet it will be worth it once they find out and are thrilled!

sorry that you're working so much ot and it's driving you nuts. i know the feeling. i often stay at work later than 5 because i need the money, but i'd so much rather go home. oh well, i guess we gotta do what we gotta do.

you're doing a great job with your food. enjoy that guacomole, don't let dh take that away! hehe. that's great that it's a little luxury for you. how nice when you really enjoy something that fits perfectly into your plan ::yes::

hope you have a great day today :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I'm thinking of you and that half pound today! I bet it will be GONE very soon! That new beautiful clippie will be yours in no time!

Let us know about your FIRM experiences. I'm like Erin - not sure I could follow through on it - but ya never know! :p Hopefully it will work wonders for you and you'll be THRILLED the next time you go tankini-shopping! ::yes::

[honeymo78]

Trip planning is so much fun isn't it? I bet you can't wait to be there.

Please keep us posted on how the FIRM tapes work for you. I have a feeling I'm going to end up with that jiggy problem too.

Hopefully you are feeling all better now. Have a great week!

[Castillo Mom]

Hey ladies, I've been away for a day or do, busy, busy, busy.

Beth, I haven't gotten the fanny lifter, but I'm ordering it on Friday. Can't wait! I just hope it doesn't take too long to get here. Oh, BTW, I spilled the beans to DH about the Hard Rock. I couldn't help myself. I kept humming Hotel California and he would give me this funny look. Finally I said, " Babe, I have a surprise for you!" He was happy and made me show him the little movie they have of the resort. Fabulous!

Marcia, no one touches my guacamole!:teeth:

Doreen, I gained .5 lb this week, not sure why. So I'm still 1 lb. away from that elusive 50 lb clippie. Oh well, I'm just going to keep doing what I have been and not worry about it.:D

Steph, I'll definitely give some feedback on the FIRM. I haven't started yet, I've had some time management issues this week.

[DoeWDW]

I love trip planning! Sometimes the anticipation is as much fun as the trip itself! The Hard Rock Hotel sounds like such fun! Glad your DH was happy about it - I wouldn't have been able to keep it a secret either! :p

Those FIRM tapes will help get rid of that pound & then some! It's just a matter of time, Lisa! ::yes::

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

We were at Chili's last night, and both DH and Kate tried to swipe my guacamole. I had to laugh when I thought of you and the bloody stumps. I didn't share either.

Have fun with your trip planning.
:sunny:
Beth

[septbride2002]

Good Morning! I'm also waiting for my Fanny Lifter and like you hope it gets here soon. They told me 3 to 6 weeks though (bummer).

The 50lb clippie is almost in your crasp! How exciting!

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, that's so great that dh is just as excited about hard rock hotel as you are! you guys are definitely going to have a wonderful trip! it's still a surprise for the kiddies though, right? the looks on their faces should be priceless :teeth:

sorry about the .5 pound gain. i had one of those last week too. but i'm glad you're just going to keep doing what you're doing and not let it discourage you. that 50 pound clippie is so close! you'll have it before you know it ::yes::

have a great day today :sunny:

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

I have finally caught up with you and all the goings on in your life :)!

You are as busy as ever I see. Your trip sounds wonderful! DH and I will be celebrating our 12 anniversary next year (yep, I'm bad, already planning next year's vacation!) and a commercial came on the other day for Universal. DH and I both looked at each other and I said I wanna go back! He feels the same way. I was researching a trip to Vegas (we've never been) so now I'm trying to decide between our first ever cruise, first ever Vegas trip or returning to our beloved Portofino which we really miss. Decisions, decisions, . . . . Like your situation, DH lets me make all the vacation plans - he just wants to show up when it's time to go to the airport and that's fine by me!

I can't believe you're so close to losing 50 pounds! That is just awesome!!!!!

About the bathing suit incident, I'm sure you were exaggerating about how flabby you looked in the mirror, but once you get started and give the FIRM a few months, you'll look awesome! I can't believe how combining eating healthy with regular FIRM workouts has and is toning me up. Someon just commented to me yesterday that my butt was disappearing. I liked that compliment a lot!

Okay, don't mean to take over your journal. It's just been a while since we have had a chance to visit. Take care of yourself and try not to work too hard!

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! It's a beautiful day out today, the sun finally shining! I just can't wait for spring. I don't like winter, it's depressing. Haven't posted menus lately, so I'll just get started.

3/1/04:
Breakfast-No breakfast, just didn't have time.:(

Lunch-Two turkey patties w/cheese, broccoli, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-I cheated a tiny bit. I made teriyaki chicken for the family along with white rice and veggies. I had 2 pieces of chicken but there was hardly any teriyaki sauce on it, so I don't think it affected me. I didn't touch the rice though, poison! I did have veggies, Crystal Light to drink.

Dessert-Strawberries with a sprinkling of Splenda.

3/2/04:
Breakfast-Ok, ok, I vow to do better next time. All I had was a cup of coffee. I thought I had some low carb bread here at work so I could make some toast, but I guess I used it all up.

Lunch-Some kind of seasoned chicken breast, don't remember the name of the dish, but it was mediterranean, very good, with a side of broccoli and a diet Sierra Mist to drink.

Ok, just so I don't get scolded let me say that I had breakfast this morning. I do enjoy breakfast but I've never been one to indulge on a regular basis as I should, therefore, it's a struggle for me to make sure I get something in my stomach that early, especially when I'm busy. Old habits die hard, don't they?

Doreen, I'm literally counting the days before we get on that plane. Thank goodness I have the DIS to keep me entertained before we go.:teeth:

Hey Beth, we must savor the few indulgences we're allowed. Just think, if we were doing a strict low fat diet, we couldn't have guacamole whenever we wanted. I especially enjoy being able to use butter on my veggies. I can definitely taste the difference between it and margarine and I've gotten very spoiled. Getting back to the avocado thing, when was the last time you had a BLT w/avocado on low carb bread? It's sooo good, in fact, I'm picking up some avocados this weekend so I can make myself one.

Marcia, fortunately, I've at least been able to keep Universal a secret from the kids, although my husband almost slipped up the other day. The kids' bedroom door was open the other night and so was ours. I'm not sure if they had quite fallen asleep yet and my husband said something about Universal and I shot daggers out my eyes at him. Poor guy, he's excited too and is talking about the trip a lot more lately.

3-6 weeks for the fanny lifter to arrive? Oh man, I'm gong to have to improvise with something until then. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

Lisa, so nice to hear from you.:D We're in the same boat with our busy schedules, so don't worry about not being able to post as much as you would like.

I see nothing wrong with planning this far in advance. The way I see it is it keeps us going when our desks become piled up with work and we have to put in extra hours. The Portofino looks like a beautiful hotel. I'm going to take a peek at it when we go to Orlando and if I fall in love with it, maybe that will give me an excuse to take another trip to Universal.

As for the bathing suit, it really was scary. It made me realize that I should have been focusing on exercise a long time ago and then I wouldn't be as flabby as I am now. Oh well, lesson learned. I had good intentions and I almost signed up with LA Fitness, but I put it off due to my schedule. But maybe there's hope for me in the next 5 months to shape up a little.:D

Ok, back to work. I'll try to check out journals later or maybe this evening.

Edit: Oh, I almost forgot to mention something and ask a question to anyone that has been measuring themselves on a regular basis. I finally measured a week and a half ago and wrote down the numbers, waist 39", hips 50". I measured again today and my waist is still 39" but my hips are 46". I re measured to make sure I did it right but it still came out to 46". Is this normal? I'm sure I measured right the first time because I had someone help me. Is it possible that I would lose 4" in less than 2 weeks in my hips and not my waist? What have your experiences been? Thanks for any replies.:D

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I must say that losing 4" in your hips in 2 weeks is a lot. However, whether you lost exactly that much or not, the trend is in the right direction so I say celebrate and don't overthink it! :p

[LAinSEA]

Lisa: We dodged your rain - only a little bit on our last Splash Mt. ride and the dash to the minivan! My face actually got a little sun/wind burned over the weekend!

Knowing you'll love WDW - Universal Islands is very cool! My folks are taking the grandkids in August and telling my oldest niece all about Hulk and Dragons and Spiderman all made me want to go again too! It will be a super surprise for your boys! I don't think you can plan enough for Orlando. Having an idea of where and what you want to experience each day really helps you enjoy your vacation.

Congrats on the inches melting away from your hips - those Firm dvd's will speed up the process.

-Laurie
:sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Getting right down to business!

3/3/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs with chorizo, 2 strips of bacon.

Lunch-Two hamburber patties, broccoli, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-Two pieces of leftover chicken, mixed veggies, Crystal Light to drink.

Dessert-Strawberries sprinkled with Splenda for my sweet tooth.

3/4/04:
Breakfast-1 egg, 1 strip of bacon and about 6 oz. whole milk. Wasn't too hungry this morning for some reason.

Lunch-2 hamburger patties w/cheese, broccoli, diet root beer.

Dinner-Oh boy, here's where I didn't do very well. I worked until about 7:45 and was definitely not in the mood to cook. Made a quick trip to Jack In The Box to get dinner for the family and ended up eating chicken strips including most of the breading. Hope it didn't affect me too much. I plan on having Atkins chocolate ice cream for dessert.

Doreen, I'm convinced I measured wrong the first time, but from now on I'll be more careful. I still think it's impossible to lose 4 inches in 2 weeks, but hey, I'm not at this whole measuring thing.

Laurie, I hope you get to see your nieces soon and not have to wait until summer.

I'm extremely excited about our trip. Wasn't planning on Universal initially, but they have such great deals, we just couldn't pass it up.

[Strings]

Lisa,

You are so busy! Today's a new day. The one slip at Jack in the box shouldn't affect you. You've been op for the week. Have a good weekend. Any more planning for your trip?
:sunny:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Beth, I'm kind of at a standstill with the planning. I'm basically waiting for my tax refund (due today) and I have a bonus coming up from work in 2 weeks. Once the bonus comes in, I'll finally be able to pay off my tickets and the resort. After that it's just a matter of waiting for May to be able to make my PSs.

[lulu201]

:wave: Hi, Lisa. I just stopped over to say hello and to admire that 45 lb. gold clippie. Sigh. It's so beautiful and you look so good in it. Maybe someday I'll have one for myself, but for now, I'll just come over and check out yours. :D You have done the most amazing job since we began this journey this past summer. One little slip at Jack in the Box is nothing but a little blip on the radar!

I hope you have a good week; I'll be thinking of you on Monday. I weighed in today and was the same as last week. The honest truth is that I felt quite grateful! :p Last weekend was not one of my better ones and I paid the price, but hey, it's all part of the ride.

Have a great weekend, and keep giving us all the trip details. I love living vicariously through you! I can't believe you only have 160+ days left!!!

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

:( I'm at a plateau again I think. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself every day, but I keep hoping and praying the scale will move but nothing yet. I'm going to try to take the advice I give everyone else and try not to worry about it.

3/5/04:
Breakfast-Oatmeal w/half and half.

Lunch-Two turkey burgers (no bun) w/cheese, broccoli, diet root beer.
Dinner-2 hot dogs on lc bread, Crystal Light.

Dessert-Stawberries.

Erin, so nice to hear from you. I read your journal and know that you had a rough weekend, but not to worry, I know you're back OP. The important thing is that we get back in the game, right?

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, i haven't been by in a while so i wanted to stop in and check up on you :wave2:

i'm sorry that you think you've hit another plateau...and so soon again. well, i'd suggest just staying away from teh scale, for at least a few days :p . i know it's hard! but you can do it. and the less often you weigh, i think there's more of a chance to see a loss. that's just my 2 cents anyway. take it for what it's worth :) . just keep sticking to your plan, and i'm sure you will see results! especially when that fanny lifter finally arrives and you can do all the moves in the firm without having to modify ::yes::

hope the rest of your weekend goes well :sunny:

[Strings]

Lisa,

you've started exercising. Keep it up, and you have a whoosh soon. Remember that muscle is very dense. When you are building muscle, you might even see a gain. I forget, are you measuring yourself? I'd suggest it.
:hug:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Don't normally post on Sunday night, but things are winding down for the evening, so I thought I'd take a moment to post menus.

3/6/04:
Breakfast-Steak and eggs. My boss sprang for breakfast since we were working on a special project for her. I asked for no potatoes but they included them anyway. They smelled so good. Took 2 bites and threw the rest away.

Lunch-1 chicken thigh from Pollo Loco. I was still at work and didn't have time to really stop and eat a full meal.

Dinner-Wasn't that hungry but had 2 hot dogs on lc bread.

Dessert-Strawberries.

3/7/04:
Breakfast-I got up late and ran out of the house so that I could get to Costco early for my routine grocery shopping. I find that if I get there early I have a much more relaxing time shopping since it doesn't get super crowded until about an hour after opening. I know, not a good excuse to skip breakfast but I slept in instead of eating.

Lunch-Chicken ceasar salad (from Costco). I love their salads.

Dinner-Turkey and cheese sandwich on lc bread. I discovered a new sugar free drink called Ice. It's actually flavored sparking water sweetened with Splenda. Don't know why I didn't notice it at Costco before. Yummy and very refreshing.

After getting home and putting the groceries away, hubby, my eldest son and I went to the Citadel, a local outlet complex. I went to the Old Navy outlet and excercised restraint and only got myself 1 pair of shorts, 1 cotton eyelet top and a pajama set. Lately I've been very tempted to go all out and just buy a ton of clothing, but I know it wouldn't be cost effective at this point since I still have quite a few pounds to lose. Anyway, the shorts I bought are a size 12 and I purposely bought them too small. When I got home I wanted to try them on to see how far I have to go to fit into them. Low and behold I got them past my thighs and hips. Not only that, I was able to button and zip them.:eek: :earseek: :teeth: I was shocked. Mind you, they're pretty tight but I was ecstatic nonetheless. The last time I fit into a size 12 I was 19 years old. I'd say I have a good 5-10 pounds before they're comfortable enough to wear but I'm up for the challenge, that's for sure. I tried the eyelet top on which is a size medium and I was barely able to get it over my head. I forgot about the twins! Means it's going to take me longer to fit into it than the shorts. No worries, it's just another goal to make.

Well, I'm off to the trip planning boards. Good night.:D

[lulu201]

:rotfl: You forgot about the twins??:p Lisa, you're too funny. Thanks for making me laugh this morning.

Girl, you are an inspiration to me--size 12 shorts! I'm so happy for you! Before you know it you're going to be wearing those shorts in WDW. Now that shirt. . .hmm, I don't know. You'll have to ask the twins about that one. . . :p

I'm wishing you all the best at weigh-in this morning.

Erin

[Strings]

Hey Lisa,

I'm here to wish you luck at weigh in. The twins do get in the way don't they. Caongratulations on getting into those shorts. You're obviously losing inches!
:smooth:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I hope the scale is good to you this morning! Plateaus can be such a PAIN! :rolleyes:

The twins - too funny! :teeth:

[Castillo Mom]

Just a quick post to say that the scale hasn't moved yet. Oh well, I must keep going, I must keep giong!

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

I just checked my journal, and thought I'd reply to yours instead of mine. Our Curves is running a special this week only to kick off a food drive. Most Curves do this. Thiss week, donate a bag of nonperishable food, and they will waive the sign up fee. Usual sign up fee is $79 with a monthly charge of 29. Fees vary from location. Just thought I'd let you know about the special. Also, most Curves will let you try it out for a week to see if you like it.

1.)Curves is a circuit training. It uses resistance. They machines vary by location. A basic Curves has 8 machines, mine has all 13. The machines alternate with running boards. You jump in anywhere on the circuit. There is a tape that telly you when to change machines. You spend 30 seconds on each spot in the circuit.
2.) With resistance you get out of it what you put into it. The faster the reps in 30 seconds the more resistance. You can get ALOT of resistance on some of these machines. Resistance vs. weights is individual. There is less of a risk for injury with resistance.
3.) I can only speak from personal experiance. I lost 4.75 inches the 1st month. You are weighed, measured, and body fat calculated monthly.
4.)Yes, you can build muscle. I have some pretty serious biceps right now. My legs are also really well defined. The abs are buried in fat.
5.) There are 3 machines geared for abs. They work upper lower and obliques. I can't tell you how defined MINE are, but I have lost 5.5 inches from my waist. The machines are also easier for me to do now, so I think I will eventually find I have pretty good abs.

6.)I'm happy with Curves. I've been going since the end of Oct. Combined with atkins, I've lost 31 inches and 41 pounds. Keep in mind that I max myself out on the machines.

The other thing I like about Curves is that there are always trainers there. A video can't correct your technique. I feel pretty safwe that they won't let me get injured.

Ok commercial over. Lisa, if you are interested, try the free workout. A trainer will take you through each machine, so you can learn proper technique. I hope you figure out what works for you.
:sunny:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks again Beth!:D

3/9/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 strips of bacon, 6 oz. of whole milk.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, sliced tomato, broccoli, diet root beer.

Dinner-Chicken sandwich w/cheese, lettuce and tomato, Crystal Light.

Dessert-Strawberries and whipped cream.

I weighed myself this morning and I'm down a .5 lb. I'll get that 50 lb. clippie yet! I was told that my car should be ready today by 3:00 so that means it'll be early to rise tomorrow morning to sign up at Curves.

Edit: I had posted yesterday that I discovered ICE, a flavored sparkling water that they sell at Costo. I had been wondering whether it would count towards my water intake for the day being that it's flavored and has 3% juice. I talked to one of the docs I work with just now and he said yes. I'm really happy about this because I've once again made it a goal to drink my water every day. Those of you who post regularly to my journal know that I've been struggling in this area. Yesterday I drank four 16 oz. bottles of water. This morning I had 2 and to be honest, I was feeling very water logged and a bit nauseated. The ICE is 16 oz. which means I can reduce the plain water to 3 bottles.

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

It's been a while since I stopped by and I just wanted to check on you. It sounds like everything is going well. It's so hard not to weigh several times a week. I know I find it difficult too. Your clippie looks so good on you. Congrats too on the size 12! You must be estatic over that one! I know you'll earn your 50 pound clippie soon and that Ice drink sounds good - anything that gets you to drink your water is good by me! :)

[LAinSEA]

Lisa:

I work with an OC boy - his parents just headed back to Newport after visiting this weekend - the report is you've got 85 degree weather! OK, I won't pout too much about it's very rotten timing...

I love Disneyland and I love Disney World. Disneyland and even California Adventure feels like an old friend with a very clutter closet filled with really cool stuff to dress up in. Disney World is so big, I don't think we could spend 10 - 10 day vacations and every see it all.

Disneyland's rides that match MK's all seem longer to me - especially Splash and Pirates. Space Mt and Splash's "cars" are different - you side back to front on Space Mt. and side-by-side on Splash. But the biggest difference to me is the scale - everything is bigger and more spread out at MK. Attractions like Star Tours are found in MGM/DS instead of tomorrowland. The gardens are very beautiful at Disneyland - at MK they are magnificent. Indiana Jones ride isn't found at WDW at all. The Aladin show at CA isn't found at WDW either. However, Disneyland's tomorrowland is really a disappointment right now (with Space Mt. closed until 2005, Buz not open yet, no rocket rods or peoplemover - and what to do with the submarine lagoon - the same at MK). At MK, tomorrowland still has some stuff to call it a "land" and hopefully timekeeper will be open while you are there - it is a favorite of ours. Fantasyland at MK not as nice as DL. New Orleans square is very different from Liberty Square and each has some really great qualities. Fantasmic is much better IMHO at DL than at the Studios - even though you probably have a better view in the stadium at the Studios.

If you are a frequent visitor to DL or CA - I definitely wouldn't short-change time at MK over the other parks - but I wouldn't try to hit all the duplicates either. You will notice that the time you though it would take to hike over to Splash or Big Thunder is much longer at MK than DL.

Our absolute favorite park at WDW is Animal Kingdom. We could spend almost everyday over there. DH and I love to watch animals and the gardens are so lush and beautiful. The Studios is our least favorite - it gets extremely hot over there, no breeze and not enough shade for us.

My advice, get to each park ahead of the gates opening. You will see more in the first two hours than the rest of the day. We were on a meal plan and I had PS for dinners at a minimum and most days, PS's for lunches as well. Planning around parades, shows you really want to see, and fireworks and having a set time and place to meet for meals keeps you moving and minimizes the time-consuming last minute dicussions and decisions that take away park time. While we were there in both Nov. and May, the park hours weren't as long as I thought they should be. Even so, we made sure to take a break for a swim or rest mid-day. PI is quite fun, even for your teens, if you go early in the evening and get out before 10-11pm before things get a little out of control alcoholwise. The comedy club and adventurers club are a kick.

Sorry to be so long-winded. I'm jealous. My parents are taking the girls to WDW in August before they have to head back to Utah for school and I wish I could go with them.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

-Laurie
:sunny:

[honeymo78]

Wow - you're closer to that 50lb clippie and you can fit into size 12 shorts! You are going to look wonderful on your trip! I'm glad that you have found some water that you enjoy since getting those fluids in is very important. Have a great day.

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, just coming by to check in on you :wave2:

i'm so glad to hear that you found this drink called ice and that it's helping you to get in your water! i know it can be tough to fulfill that requirement, and it's so important! but the fact that you found something that counts as water that you actually like is wonderful :). who knows, maybe extra water could even help you break through this little plateau...although, i see you have gotten down .5 more. you're going to make it through it, i just know it!

hope you have a great day :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Good afternoon! I'm not even going to try to remember what I ate on 3/9, so I'll move on to yesterday's menu. Oh, wait, I posted 3/9 already. Nevermind!

3/10/04:
Breakfast-For the life of me, I can't remember if or what I ate yesterday morning.:(

Lunch-2 hamburger patties w/cheese, broccoli, diet rootbeer.

Dinner-Turkey and cheese sandwich, strawberries for dessert.

Ok, so I got my butt out of bed this morning and went to Curves after dropping off the kiddos at school. I love that they're so close, 5 minutes away from the school and 1 minute away from home. Technically I could walk there but it wouldn't make sense time wise. Anyway, I signed up this morning and will have my first work out tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. Yikes!:scared1: I'm very exited and anxious to start this new phase.

Back to work for me.:D

Oh, before I go, Lisa thanks so much for your support and example. You keep me motivated!

Laurie, thanks again for your review on DL and the MK. I can't wait to make the comparisons myself!

Steph, I'm going to make it a goal to try on those size 12 shorts on 3/31 to see how they fit. I can't wait!

Marcia, I'm falling down again on the water today but you reminded me that I need to run to the lounge and fill 'er up!

I'm outa here!

[Strings]

Lisa,

You'll have to tell us how you like Curves. I'm heades to Costco in the AM, I'll try to find some of that Ice you've mentioned.

Take care.
Beth

[Desiree]

Great job on your food! How was curves? Are you enjoying it!

Anyways, I wanted to pop in and tell you to have a great weekend! Keep up the good work!

[Castillo Mom]

Menu!

3/11/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 stips of bacon, coffee.

Lunch-Chopped steak with flourless gravy and onions, broccoli, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-1 hamburger patty with cheese, sliced tomato, ICE sparkling water.

I went to Curves this morning and I have mixed feelings about it. I like that it's a great starting point for me excercise-wise. I also like that it's a 30 minute workout which coincides with my schedule right now. I can see myself doing this for about the next 6 months but I'm thinking I'll end up at LA Fitness later on down the line. I remember the days when I was working out on a regular basis and alternating aerobics with weights and I loved the challenge. For now, though, I'm happy with Curves and today's session made me realize how out of shape I am. I'm hoping my muscles will remember all the hard work I put them through years ago, but I doubt it since it's been many years.

Desiree, thanks for stopping by my journal. Have a great weekend!:D

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

I'm glad your first experience with Curves was a good one. Your muscles will thank you for making them work so hard. At least your work out place so close to home, that sounds like a plus.

I know you've heard it a zillion times but it can't hurt to hear it one more - go drink some water!!! :)

Keep up all your hard work and I hope you have good results on your weigh in day. Take care!

[septbride2002]

Lisa, I'm glad that you enjoyed your first workout at Curves. My cousin has been going there for awhile now and really enjoys it. After awhile you'll start to talk to some of the ladies that are there the same times you are and you'll build up some workout buddies. I think it is awesome that you are taking this step forward! It is not always an easy step but you did it!

~Amanda

[honeymo78]

That's great that you joined curves and that it is so close. Your muscles will remember how to work hard before too long and you'll be seeing some great results before you know it. I can't wait for an update on how those shorts fit!

[Castillo Mom]

Menu for yesterday...

3/12/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs with cheese, 6 oz. milk.

Lunch-Two ground turkey patties w/cheese, broccoli, diet rootbeer.

Dinner-Picadillo, salad, ICE sparkling water.

Good morning! I'm here at work and wanted to take a couple of minutes to post my thoughts on today's workout. I went to Curves this morning and today's session was better than yesterday. I feel it's because I pushed myself harder this time around. I did notice, however, that it's not really a 30 minute workout, more like 45 minutes. I started right at 9:00 but didn't get out of there until about 9:45. No problem though, it still works with my schedule.

It was so hard to get out of bed this morning. Even when I work on Saturday, I don't have to get up as early since the boys don't have school, plus no deadlines to meet at work on Saturday. I have the luxury of sleeping until about 8:30. I got out of bed around 8:30, but hubby had been trying to get me out of bed since 7:30.:rolleyes: He says, " Aren't you going to Curves?" Double :rolleyes: :rolleyes: . It was sweet of him to try to motivate me, but I'm just not a morning person and it takes me a while before I'll even utter a full sentence in the morning. It's like waking up a sleeping bear. I'm glad I went and happy that he got me going. He was so cute, when I came back from working out, he looked at me from top to bottom and gave me a sly smile and said, " Ooh, buttah (butter)!" I know that sounds weird, but he meant that as a compliment. Guess he liked my workout outfit. :lovestruc

Hi Lisa, thanks for reminding me to drink my water, I have a bottle right here next to me!::yes:: Have a great weekend.:D

Amand, thanks so much for your encouragement. You're right, it's not easy but the rewards are worth it.

Steph, I can't wait until I try on those shorts on 3/31!:teeth:

[marsh0013]

hehe, oooh buttah! how sweet :)

i'm really glad that you're enjoying curves! i've heard that it really works great for many many people. and i've definitely heard that you get out of it what you put into it, so good job upping the intensity your second time around. i hear ya on not being a morning person though. i really feel like i get a better workout when i do it in the afternoon/early evening, but sometimes, that just doesn't fit into the schedule. ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

i'm gonna jump on the water bandwagon and remind you to drink it :hyper: . i'm sure you're getting sick of hearing it, but i'm gonna keep reminding you :p

have a great day today :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Good Monday morning!:sunny:

3/13/04:

Worked out at Curves, 3 rounds.

Breakfast-Two turkey rolls with cream cheese, water.

Lunch-Turkey and cheese sandwich, ICE sparkling water.

Dinner-Two hamburger patties (no cheese this time), mixed veggies.

Dessert-Atkins candy bar.

3/14/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 strips of bacon, 6 oz. milk.

Lunch-Two turkey rolls with cream cheese, diet vanilla Pepsi.

Snack-Atkins candy bar.

Dinner-Two hot dogs on lc bread, ICE sparkling water.

Dessert-Strawberries and whipped cream.

Yesterday was a laid back day, all I did was laundry and surf the web, played board games with the kiddos, watched TV.

This morning I had a hard time getting up. I was supposed to workout before taking the kids to school, but I ended up going after I dropped them off. I'm glad I went except I was late to work. Tomorrow I vow to go earlier.

I went to weigh myself after my workout but found out that I should weigh before exercising. The instructor told me that you're heavier afterwards because of your muscles. She was right! So basically at this point I don't know what I weigh.
:( I do know I've lost a little because the blouse I have on right now fits looser today than it did the week before last. I want to roll over my clippie so badly but I guess I'll have to wait.

Marcia, I'm headed to the lounge to go get some right now. I don't mind the nudge, I sure need it!:p

[Desiree]

I need to remember to weigh myself before also. I had been doing it after too. Makes sense though!

Hope you have a healthy and happy day today!

[septbride2002]

Your day yesterday sounds like fun. I think I am going to have to schedule a Mental Health Day soon for myself. But I am waiting for the weather to get a bit sunnier.

I always think my body looks different after I work out - and not in a pleasent way - but the next day I see improvement.

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

3/15/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of dry lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-Greek salad, diet Pepsi.

Dinner-Leftover picadillo topped w/cheese, ICE sparkling water.

This morning I literally dragged myself out of bed. Hubby asked me that question again, " Aren't you going to Curves?" Didn't he learn his lesson the last time he woke me at 6:00 a.m. and I shot daggers out my eyes at him for waking me?:mad: I got up anyway and was out the door 5 minutes later. It was gloomy when I left this morning and the weather matched my mood. I worked out but I'm tired and wish I could just climb into bed and take a nap. I promise to go to bed earlier tonight, I need the rest.

Ok, so back to this weird weight issue. I remembered to weigh before exercising and I was up 1 pound.:confused: The Curves instructor told me yesterday that I shouldn't weigh until I've completed an entire month because my weight is going to fluctuate between here and then. She said that it's normal to gain the first week or so but then drop back down again. She also mentioned that even though I may gain, I'll still lose inches. I'm sorry, but I still can't wrap my brain around that concept, but oh well, she's the expert. I've been monitoring the scale so carefully along this jouney and now I have to change the way I do things. She said from now on, only weigh and measure once a month. I'm not sure I can go cold turkey but I'm making a new goal. I, Lisa Castillo, of sound mind and body (well, somewhat sound) promise to not weigh or measure until 3/31/04. There, I said it and you're all my witnesses. I know you girls will be watching and will keep me in line. Lord help me get through the next 2 weeks!:crazy:

[Desiree]

BAH!! I sure hope your stronger than I am! I see the stupid scale everytime I'm in the bathroom and I can't resist to step on it just about every time!!!

[Strings]

Ok, here's my explanations. Muscle is denser than fat. With the resistance training you will be building mucle and losing fat. 1 poinf of fat takes up more space than 1 pound of muscle. The scale may show an increase in pounds with the increase in muscle. For the month, let's say you gain 1.5 pounds of muscle, and lose 3.5 pounds of fat. he scale will show a 2 pound loss for the month. You will have lost inches because tha fat takes up more space than the muscle, and muscle looks better too.

The reason that you measure before you work out is that during your workout your muscles bulk up. There is more blood flow to your muscles. It takes awhile for them to go back to normal, so you would measure larger than before the workout.

I hope you are liking Curves a little bit more. You really do get out of it what ou put into it. You are doing a great job of forcing yourself to go.

:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

i think beth is right on with her explanation. you often hear "muscle weighs more than fat", and obviously, 1 pound of muscle doesn't weigh more than 1 pound of fat, but based on teh space they take up, the same area of muscle weighs more than that area in fat. so you can weigh more but be smaller. now that i've totally confused you... :p

anyway, i really do like the idea of weighing less often. i think that after my weigh in on saturday, i will be taking a couple weeks off. at least waiting 2 weeks, maybe more. i think we become such slaves to the scale that we focus on that number too much. i know it's hard...but i'm going to do it. i'll keep you on track as much as i can. no weighing till march 31! you can do it ::yes::

i hope you have a great day :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Desiree, I know what you mean. I have a scale right around the corner of my office, a doctor's scale and it calls to me every morning!

Beth, thanks so much for the explanation. It's just that I've been working so hard trying to stay OP and the weight gain is just kind of freaking me out. But what you say makes sense. When I used to work out a long, long time ago, I didn't worry so much about the scale. Thanks again Beth!:D

Marcia, thanks for the encouragement, I really needed that. I welcome all the scolding you have to offer to keep me in line.:p

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

Congrats on keeping up with your work outs at Curves! I'm so proud of you!!!!! ::yes::

I appreciate Beth's explanation of the difference between a pound of fat and a pound of muscle. I read a post where someone says that a pound of fat is a like 5 grapefruits while a pound of muscle is like 2 lemons. That helped me to visualize it a little better. When I started using heavy weights with my FIRM work outs, that's when I noticed the pounds begin to slow down in coming off. I went from 2 or 3 pounds per week to 1/2 to 1 pound per week. It was very frustrating! What has saved me is measuring! I measured myself in mid-January and did so again recently and I was surprised that I lost 27-3/4 inches in a little less than 2 months.

We will all be keeping our eyes on you to make sure you leave that evil scale alone. I'm sure at the end of the month, you'll be sporting your 50 pound clippie!:teeth:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement. I'm trying to hang in there and stay away from that dang scale!

[lulu201]

Wow, Beth! That explanation really has helped me, too! I've been trying to figure that out--how you can be losing inches but not pounds (where is everything going???:confused: ) and now I get it! :p

Lisa, you're such a trooper. That vow to stay away from the scale ALMOST makes me want to do it. Maybe if I join Curves I'll take that vow, too? I'm going to stop by the one near my work today and see if they can talk me into it.:rolleyes:

We've been on this road together awhile now, and I'm so glad of that. You've inspired me so much with your dedication and perseverence. Thank you.

Have a great day,
Erin

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, i'm just stopping by to check in on you...staying away from that scale? i hope so :p

have a great day today :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Oh man, I'm sooo tired. Just got back from Walmart a while ago plus I worked 10 hours today and before that worked out at Curves. But I must say, it was a very productive day. I bought our WDW park passes this morning. I'm very excited and it was yet another major milestone in the trip planning. The next major payment will be the remaining balance on the room. After that it's down hill from there.

I'm going to try to remember what I ate the last couple of days.

3/18/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast w/light strawberry jam, coffee.

Lunch-Stuffed chicken breast and veggies, ICE sparkling water.

Dinner-Toppings off 2 slices of pizza, ICE sparkling water.

3/19/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-For the life of me, I can't remember.

Dinner-Roast beef sandwich on lc bread, 6 oz. of whole milk, Atkins candy bar for dessert.

Erin, so good to hear from you! Yes, we have been on this journey together for quite some time. It really is nice to know that there's someone else out there hanging in there just like you. Makes it seem like I can attain my goals because if others can succeed, so can I. Thanks to you and the rest of my WISH buds!:D

Marcia, thanks for checking on me. Yes, I'm staying away from the scale, although I'm going through withdrawal!:p

[honeymo78]

Lisa - that is so exciting that you went and bought your disney tickets! Every day that goes by is one closer to going to disney :hyper:

I'm so proud of you for going to Curves, even on days like yesterday which were so busy for you, and staying away from that scale. I'm sure it will all pay off - and those shorts are gonna look great on you.

Have a great weekend!

[Castillo Mom]

Oh boy, I know I'm in for a scolding but I cannot tell a lie. I peeked!:blush: I tried really hard to stay away from that scale but it was calling to me. I admit it, I'm addicted, obsessed. However, in my defense, I did go longer than I ever have since I started and didn't weigh for almost a week. Forgive me? Baby steps, right?

Ok, so now for the good news. I lost all of those yucky " just started exerising and now I'm gaining" pounds. And, and, and....I'm even lighter than when I began working out. I made it to 174!!! It's official, I've lost 50 lbs.!!!:hyper:

I shall now go and claim my shiny new clippie.:teeth:

[ZerasPride]

Oh Lisa, my friend no scolding from me! I am so proud of you, I just almost can't put into words! Here are some bounces for you to show how proud I am and since I can't give you a real life hug these bounces will have to do:
:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

You must be just estatic with your progress.

I am finding that I am getting a bit obsessed with the scale too. It can be so frustrating to see slow loses or even a gain when you start exercising but I think I've finally gotten over that and was pleased with the way the scale read this morning but tomorrow's weigh in day so I'll wait until then to report on what it said. Anyway, I am so happy for you. All the hard work is paying off.

Congratulations my WISH friend! :teeth:

[R_Judy]

Congratulations Lisa!:teeth: Your new clippie looks beautiful on you. You must be so proud. I know we are all proud of you. Keep up the outstanding work.

[Desiree]

OMG! 50 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's like 3 4 year old's!!! :) WOOHOOOO I'm so happy for you! (I couldn't resist peeking either)..

Doing the happy dance for you!!!!! :Pinkbounc

You're new clippie looks fantastic!!

[marsh0013]

oh lisa, i won't scold you :p . you have lost a total of 50 pounds, i'm going to celebrate you!!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

i'm so so so happy for you! i know you've been having a really hard time with this plateau, and i'm so glad to see you're breaking through it! the exercise must be helping! keep up the great work!

that beautiful shiny new clippie looks fabulous on you :smooth:

[Strings]

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 50 POUND CLIPPIE!
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
That is an AMAZING accomplishment. I am so proud of you. WOW! You have inspired me so much, Lisa. You have stayed determined through a plateau. Your hard work is paying off.
Congratulations again.
:hug:
Beth

[lulu201]

HEY, LISA HAS LOST 50 POUNDS!! YIPPEE!

I can't help it--you all know I have a weakness for bounces--

Here's 50 bounces to celebrate those 50 pounds gone forever!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Wait, more are on the way!

[lulu201]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Nope, not done yet!

[lulu201]

Here come the last few (they're real stragglers, just like those last few pounds. . .)

:bounce:

:Pinkbounc

:bounce:

:Pinkbounc
:bounce:

Hooray, Lisa! You are amazing!

:hug: ,
Erin

[R_Judy]

Just stopping in to wish you a good week. Keep on keepin on.

[Castillo Mom]

My time is pretty limited this morning. I just wanted to stop in and say a huge thank you and :grouphug:! You ladies are all so sweet and I appreciate your encouragement more than I can express.:D

Well, it's another Monday and time to make a new goal. My goals keep changing as I move along this journey. One month it's one thing, the next month I've changed the game plan around. I think maybe I'll try to make a goal of losing 10 pounds by the end of April. I know, pretty lofty, but I really need to hunker down. Well, we'll see what happens. Gotta go, busy day!

[LAinSEA]

Wow, 50 lb clippie and under 175! Congrats! Keep up the great work!

Lisa, how are you liking Curves? Do you think its speeding up the process?

-Laurie

:sunny:

[Auntmeme]

Hi! Just wanted to check on you and it looks like you are doing fantastic - so great to see. Congratulations and keep up the good work:wave:

[ZerasPride]

Lisa - I'm working late tonight - big yuck - but I gotta make some spending money for my fast approaching Disney trip. I've got a few minutes down time so I thought I would check on some of my WISH friends. I see you are busy as usual but you are wearing that 50 pound beautiful clippie with pride, just as you should! :)

Did I read in one of your past posts that you have a Grand Floridian robe? Do tell more please! I want to get one when we are there in June if they are available for purchase.

It did dawn on me that I might not be able to fit into a normal sized robe but I was so excited the other day when I stepped out the shower and wrapped the regular sized bath towel just about all the way around me. I almost screamed my head off when I realized what that meant. So perhaps by June I could fit into a regular robe.

Thanks for the giving me the details about the robe when you have a chance and thanks also for the inspiration. Keep up all your hard work!

Your WISH-sis,

Lisa

[Castillo Mom]

Oh boy, I haven't been doing very well posting menus. AGAIN! But I'm staying OP. Let's see if I can remember the last couple of days at least.

3/22/04:
Breakfast-Scrambled eggs w/chorizo and cheese, 2 strips of bacon, 6 oz. whole milk.

Lunch-Stuffed chicken breast, mixed veggies, diet Dr. Pepper.

Dinner-Two turkey and cream cheese rolls, Atkins candy bar for dessert, ICE sparkling water.

3/23/04:
Breakfast-Oatmeal w/half and half.

Lunch-Here's where it got a little dicey. We had a baby shower here at work and my boss had chinese catered in. I had kung pao chicken and a little beef and broccoli. I definitely stayed away from the rice and chow mein, however.

Dinner-Stuffed chicken breast w/mixed veggies, ICE sparkling water. Dessert was an Atkins candy bar.

Laurie, I feel that Curves is serving it's purpose for now. In all honesty, though, I find it somewhat boring and I'm already tired of the soundtrack. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to be negative but LA Fitness is more my style but it just doesn't fit into my schedule right now. I'm very happy that I joined Curves though, and I think it's a great program for those just starting out exercising. I attribute getting over my plateau to Curves.:D

Hey there Meme, so good to hear from you! How are you doing? I'm going to have to pop over to your journal and see what you've been up to.;)

Hi Lisa. Thanks for stopping by my journal, I know you're a busy gal like most of us.

Hmmm, don't know who posted about the GF robe but it wasn't me. It sounds fab though and I'd love to have one! If this trip were hubby and I alone, I'd have chosen GF. If he falls in love with WDW, maybe there will be a couples only trip in our future. I can dream, can't I? I think you'd be able to fit in a regular sized robe by June.

Don't you just love it when the towel wraps all the way around? The exact same thing happened to me! Amazing the little things that we don't think about that show that we really are succeeding. I've noticed that when I walk, my arms don't rub up against my body like they used to. That's a weird sensation for me. And I can actually feel my bones and even see them, especially my collar bone. I have bones!:hyper: I know this is really personal but it's mainly girls around here, but I find it easier to shower, smaller body to wash and easier to reach places! Oh, and I find it easier to put a bra on and bend over to tie my shoes. Bending over is much easier overall because my tummy isn't as big. Oh my goodness, I could go on and on with all of the changes my body has gone through. That's why I enjoy reading your journal so much because you write about similar things.

Well, gotta go, need to finish up here at work. Later!:D

[Desiree]

Isn't that a wonderful feeling? I was telling Chris last night that it felt wonderful that I didn't have to yank my leg up to tie my shoes. Man oh man was that a great feeling!

You are doing a GREAT job! Keep up the good work and have a great day today!
:sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Desiree! Yes, it's a great feeling. Tying shoes would leave me out of breath before.:p Have a great day Desiree!

3/24/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start Bar, coffee.

Lunch-Two small mesquite chicken breasts, mixed veggies, ICE Sparkling Water.

Dinner-Grilled chicken ceasar salad from Boston Market, ICE Sparkling Water.

No dessert! Yay!

I bought a new recipe book yesterday that I'm very excited about. It's my first lc cook book called 500 Low Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender. Can't wait to try the Heroin Wings! If I make them this weekend , I'll post the recipe.

Oh, BTW, I lost a couple more pounds and I'm down to 172. Woohoo! 3 more pounds to go for my 55 lb clippie! Thank you Curves!!!
:D

[R_Judy]

Congratulations on losing two more pounds! I just wanted to stop by and wish you a happy Friday.:sunny:

[Auntmeme]

2 lbs you go girl :bounce: :bounce:

Have a fabu weekend!

[lulu201]

Good bye, One!:Pinkbounc :wave2:
Good bye, Two! :Pinkbounc :wave2:

Weigh to go, Lisa!

Your success helps me to stay focused.

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

What a weekend, I actually stayed home with the exception of work on Saturday. I though if I didn't venture out, I wouldn't spend any money. Well, I was wrong, went window shopping on the web and bought a few things. Oh well, at least they were necessities for vacation. Also started spring cleaning. I'll complete it over the next several weekends. I went through my closet and got rid of 3 large bags of clothing, my fat clothes. Not that I'm not still fat, but they were my super fact clothes. It was kind of scary and I thought I may need them some day and it would be a waste to get rid of them. Then I came back down to earth and reminded myself that the journey I'm on is for a lifetime.

Since I was busy, my food choices were kind of weird, but not off plan.

3/27/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start bar, coffee.

Lunch-Turkey and salami sandwich, ICE sparking water.

Dinner-Two small chicken breasts, mixed veggies, strawberries for dessert.

3/28/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs w/chorizo and cheese, 1 slice of lc bread.

Lunch-I didn't really eat a lunch per se, more like a snack. Two slices of turkey rolled w/cream cheese, ICE sparkling water.

Dinner-Again, not really a full meal. Had lc Breyers strawberry ice cream. A couple of hours later I had a slice of salami w/cream cheese.

Ok, I've come to a decision as of this morning. I weighed in and I'm still at 172. Definitely not a bad thing. Anyway, I made a last minute decision to go back on induction for 2 weeks. I'm exactly 2 weeks away from my official weigh in and measuring at Curves on the April 11th. I just feel like I need a jump start. I tried on those size 12 shorts again and they're still tight. I feel I can do this as it shouldn't feel like a huge change since I'll just be cutting out 3 things, namely, bread, low carb sweets like Atkins candy and ice cream and milk. I can do this!

Erin, thanks so much for the bounces, always a great start to a new week!

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

Your eggs with chorizo sounds yummy. I think that ypu are doing a great thing getting rid of your fat clothes. I'm afraid to part with mine. I've been thinking about doing induction again too. I've become really dependent on my treats. I'll keep an eye on how you are doing.

Take care.
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey lisa, good luck with induction! it shouldn't be so bad, you've done it before and survived, right? :) and it'll definitely give you a jump start so that you have a great weigh in/measurement at curves :bounce:

i'm so proud of you for getting rid of those fat clothes! it's such a great step to take, since you know you will never be needing them again! scary, yes, but i'm proud of you for making that leap. great job :bounce:

hope induction is going well, and hav ea great day :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

I made it through my first day of induction and it wasn't bad at all. The only thing was that the strawberry low carb ice cream I bought on Sunday was calling to me, but it wasn't too big of a temptation. I'm going to have to go out and buy some sugar free Jello to help me get through the next couple of weeks.

I'm going to try to be really diligent with posting menus because that'll help me keep on the straight and narrow.

3/30/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs with chorizo and cheese. This is the 3rd time in a week I've had them and my stomach is telling me to lay off for a while! ICE sparkling water to drink.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties w/cheese, sliced tomato, broccoli, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-Two small mesquite chicken patties, a small amount of broccoli, ICE sparkling water.

I'm setting myself a goal for today of drinking all the water I'm supposed to. I've been falling behind with the water again, but I know I need to drink, drink, drink!

Beth, thanks so much for checking in on me. If you're thinking about induction, go for it, it's not that bad since we've been through it before and it's really not that different than what we already do.

Marcia, thanks so much for the encouragement, I really need it right now. Sorry I haven't been to your journal, but I'm going to try to get to everyone within the next couple of days. Have a great day!:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I've been away from your journal too long - you had a clippie party without me!!!

:jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3: 50+ POUNDS GONE!!!!! :jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3: :jumping3:

Lisa, I am so impressed with your dedication and persistence!! You have done an amazing job of sticking to lc and making it work. Induction won't be too bad - you've been there, done that - you'll make it through again!!

You've been CURVing!! I bet that's helping those pounds melt away! Good for you for doing what's healthy, even on those "wanna stay in bed" mornings!!

I can't wait to see that NEXT clippie - and I promise I won't be late for the party this time!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Wow, I made it through day 2 of induction. Not to shabby if I do say so myself. Today was actually a breeze.

3/30/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start bar, coffee.

Lunch-Roast beef (very yummy), broccoli, diet rootbeer.

Dinner-Chicken ceasar salad, ICE sparkling water, sf jello for dessert.

I can't wait to weigh myself on Monday. I might take a peek tomorrow, but I know I shouldn't.

[lulu201]

Wow, Lisa, you sound focused and super motivated. Good for you! :Pinkbounc It won't be too long before those size 12s will be feeling fine!:p

Have a great Wednesday,
Erin

[Castillo Mom]

Ok, so I peeked this morning at the scale.:rolleyes: But hey, I'm down another pound so that brings me to 171. Two more pounds to get out of the 170s and get my 55 pound clippie. Woohoo!

Hi Erin, I'm going to go pop over to your journal at lunch time to see what you've been up to!;)

[marsh0013]

hehe, lisa, what happened to *not* peeking at the scale? :p oh well, at least it was a good peek! 171...soooo close to the 160s and a 55 pound clippie :bounce: can't wait to see what it says on monday. with induction and all, i wouldn't be surprised if you earn that clippie by then, but if not, it can't be too far behind ::yes::

looks like your'e doing well so far on induction. just make sure to get in that water! you can do it, even though i know it's hard for you to get it all in. i'll be sending you "drink your water" vibes :crazy: . alright, enough of my silliness, i hope you have a great day today :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! I only have a few minutes, so I"ll quickly post yesterday's menu.

3/31/04:
Breakfast-Morning Start bar, coffee. Mornings have been hectic this week, no time for a full meal.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties, green beans, tomato slices, diet orange cream soda.

Dinner-I was out and about and by the time I got home at 8:30, I didn't feel like cooking. It's time to go grocery shopping this weekend, so it was slim pickins in terms of frozen foods I could nuke. Anyway, I settled for two scrambled eggs and two hot dogs, no bun of course; ICE sparkling water to drink.

Marcia, thanks so much for reminding me to drink my water! I have it right here next to me and I'm going to start chugalugging right now.:p

[DoeWDW]

:Pinkbounc :wave2: Buh-bye pound!!

Even if it was a "peeking pound" it still counts!! ::yes::

You're doing great, Lisa! I finally made it to the store last night - I can feel for you having to scrounge around. Eggs & hot dogs - no problem!! Good for you for making the most of the situation!!

Hang in there!! :sunny:

[ZerasPride]

Hey Lisa!

I'm checking in on you and what do I find? You are literally disappearing before our eyes! Congratulations on the weight loss! You'll have that 55 pound clippie in no time.

You seem to have a handle on induction and I know you'll hit your goal when you weigh in at Curves.

Keep up the good work Lisa. You are doing so well and I am so proud of you!!! :)

[Desiree]

Just checking in to say :wave2: and wish you a great weekend!!!

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning, TGIF!!! I'm hyper this morning :hyper: cuz I'm in vacation planning mode. Some things I ordered on the internet came by UPS yesterday. I love it when the UPS guy comes! Then last night I ordered some of those Q&C vouchers I heard about over on the budget board. Tonight I'll be trying out my new digital camera for the first time so I can start practicing with the new technology (for me anyway). I'm way excited because we're only about a month away from double digits, woohoo!!! Anyway, back to business and yesterday's menu.

4/1/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 2 strips of bacon, coffee.

Lunch-2 small mesquite chicken breasts, mixed veggies, ICE sparkling water.

Dinner-Steak (yummy), mixed veggies, diet Mountain Dew.

I was sooo tempted last night to have some low carb strawberry ice cream. I bought some last weekend which was right before I began induction on Monday. I kept thinking about WISH and I couldn't go through with eating it.

Hi Doreen! Let me tell you, if I don't have "legal" foods in the house, especially items that are easy to just throw together, then there's no way I'd be able to stay OP. I get home tired and most nights, I just don't feel up to fussing over a full blown dinner, and I especially won't if my husband and the kiddos have already eaten. Thank goodness for eggs and hot dogs.

Lisa! Thanks so much for stopping by my journal, I know you're a busy bee, so I really appreciate your taking the time out. This morning I have that "light on my feet" feeling. It's weird because it just kind of hits all of a sudden and I always notice it in the a.m.
I saw your counter, your trip is coming up so soon. I can't wait until you come back so I can hear all about it. Can I nudge for a trip report? I couldn't remember if you're doing Universal this time around, are you? Either way, you'll have a great time.

Time to put my nose to the grindstone here at work.

[Castillo Mom]

I'm at work this morning, as usual on Saturday. Now let's get to the menu.

4/2/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 1 polish sausage, coffee.

Lunch-We had a going away thing at work for someone and they had Pollo Loco catered in. Unfortunately, no veggies except corn, so I just had to pieces of chicken and a diet Pepsi.

Dinner-I was out late last night with hubby at Walmart, so we had a very late dinner, around 10:00. I had a taco salad, hold the beans and didn't touch the shell.

This morning I overslept. I finally took my digital camera out of layaway. Yay! I purchased the Canon A70. Last night, I played around with my new toy a little bit, took a few test shots. One of the first things I want to do is figure out how to post an image under my signature here. If anyone knows how to do that, let me know, ok? This is my first digital camera so I'm not too knowledgable about the technology. I want to practice, practice, practice before getting to WDW.

I digress. Since I got up late, I rushed it to work without eating any breakfast. I do have bread and lunch meat in the fridge in our lounge, but I'm still on induction. I took the bread out and was ready to toast it because I was so hungry, but resisted and put it back. So breakfast this morning was a slice of turkey ham and salami and a cup of coffee. Oh well, better than nothing. That's what I get for staying up until 3:00 a.m.!:rolleyes:

Oh, one more thing I wanted to mention. Tomorrow we're going to attend religious services with my husband's family. My MIL chose Lucille's to eat at afterward! For those of you not familiar, it's a fabo barbeque restaurant ( a chain) out here in California (don't know if they have them elsewhere). The have the most delicous bisquits that they serve with yummy apple butter before they bring your meal. Oh, and the garlic mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, the desserts!!! Man, oh man! Talk about temptation. If anyone reads this before tomorrow evening, pray for me! The situation wouldn't be so bad if I weren't on induction. Technically I could go off but then I'd feel terrible. I wouldn't have stuck to my plan. I'm bracing for myself tomorrow and posting this to my journal should help because I know those of you who visit will ask me about it on Monday.:blush: :teeth:

[Castillo Mom]

Well, I did it! I survived dinner at Lucille's. I had a mixed green salad, tri tip with no sauce and zucchini. Also had a few bites of a hot link that I had scraped the sauce off of. Let me tell you, it was a huge fiest but I resisted!

Ok, menu for yesterday.

4/3/04:
Breakfast-Oops, had none.

Lunch-Salad from Jack In the Box.

Dinner-Two scrambled eggs with chorizo, leftover steak, sf Jello for dessert.

4/4/04:
Breakfast-I skipped it again, I was super busy.

Lunch-I hadn't done grocery shopping yet so I broke down and had a bologna sandwich on lc bread. Yes, I'm still on induction and know that bread is a no no, but that was the best I could do at the time.

Dinner-Already posted what I ate.

I'm hoping tomorrow's weigh in will bring good news. Nighty night!

[Strings]

Great job staying OP at the feast. It can be so hard when other people are doing the cooking. Here's some :wizard: for weigh in.

:sunny:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Beth! Well, I just broke even at weigh in, still 171 1/2. Oh well, better than gaining. I'm hoping next week I'll break that 170s barrier and will get down to 169.

[honeymo78]

Lisa congrats on getting your 50lb clippie!! I noticed you tried on those shorts and they were still tight - so are mine - but I know they'll be looser the next time you try them on. You're doing a great job.

[Auntmeme]

Hi Lisa, just checking in. Read back a few pages and what plan have you started that your on induction?

Looks like your going strong even though weight stayed the same. Excellent job on the Lucilles trip:)

I'm still searching for the orange cream soda, someday I'll find it and buy a case:p

Hope Monday is going well:wave2:

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

Checking in on you again. Boy are you moving forward! I am so proud of you for staying OP at that dinner. A big WOOHOO for you!!! :bounce:

You have such a good attitude, gaining is never fun and staying the same is way better than that! You will get that 55 pound clippie in no time!

I'm 2 pounds away from my 50 pound clippie so maybe we'll be in the 50 pound clippie club together. At least for a little bit because I know you'll be claiming the next clippie soon!

My trip is just 2 months away. I can't seem to focus on it though. I'm so caught up with my weight loss thang. I've never EVER lost 50 pounds before and it's distracting me (in a good way) away from planning. I never thought anything could excite me like a Disney trip but a pair of size 18 or size 20 designer jeans when I was wearing a size 26 is doing the trick! ;)

I promise a trip report, I haven't done one in ages and I haven't stayed at the Grand Floridian in a few years so it should be an interesting TR. Have a great evening!!!!!

P.S. Drink your water WISH-sis! ::yes::

[marsh0013]

lisa! i didn't get to your journal before you went out to lucille's, but i am so so so proud of you for not caving!!! you had a delicious meal and stayed OP, even though there was plenty there to tempt you! great job :bounce:

i'm gonna echo lisa z and remind you to drink your water :tongue:

hope you have a great day :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, great job at Lucille's!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

You're doing so well, in spite of that hectic schedule you keep! Hang in there, girlfriend - that 55 lb clippie WILL be yours soon! ::yes::

:boat: are you drinking your water?? :boat:

[LAinSEA]

Congrats and keep going. You'll get below 170 with your excercise plan and induction level carbs in no time.

I hope you are having a really good time planning your trip. Almost as much fun as going. (That's why I volunteer to help family, friends and coworkers with travel arrangements - I just love the planning!) It's getting quite close now.

I know that low-carb bread isn't an induction item - but I think if you are 20 carbs or less - you should be just fine.

-Laurie:sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Sorry I haven't been around the last couple of days gals, things have been super hectic this week, but I've been popping in every now and then, just didn't have time to post.

Beth, thanks for visiting. Actually, if I had a personal chef like Oprah does, I'd have not problem staying OP and eating my 3 squares a day as long as they cook low carb!:p

Hi Steph! I'm going to try and not put those shorts on until another month from now to if I've made any significant progress. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Hey Meme girl! Long time no see! I'm still on Atkins, but induction is the first phase of it where you're limited to 20 carbs a day for a period of 2 weeks. I just wanted to kind of jump start myself. It's going pretty well so far. I really really want to try to get to 159 before we leave for vacation in August and I'm getting down to the wire.

Hi Lisa! Wow, you're doing great and sooo close to that 50 pound clippie. I bet you look and feel wonderful! I'm dying to see a picture of you, actually to see pictures of all of my WISH buddies. It's nice to put a face to a name. I'm going to try to figure out how to post pics here on the DIS, but I haven't figured it out yet.

Oh, thanks for the reminder to drink my water, I need all the kicks in the behind I can get!:teeth: ::yes::

Marcia, thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm not so sure how I'll do when we go to WDW. I think I may end up caving some, but hey, it's vacation and I feel it's ok to splurge just a little knowing that I won't go overboard.

Hi Doreen! Thanks again for the water reminder. Actually, I haven't had any yet this morning but I promise I'll get up and go to the lounge to get some as soon as I sign off.::yes::

Laurie, I know what you mean about the planning. I have a coworker and my boss who are waiting for me to return from vacation so they can start planning their first trip to WDW. They know how much time I've spent planning and all of the research I've done and want me to share the knowledge. I tell them I couldn't have done it without the DIS. I'm looking forward to helping them out.

My goodness, it's so wonderful to come back to all of these posts after being gone for a few days. What would I do without you guys, you made my day!:grouphug:

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, if you need some help to get pics posted, just let me know. I'm no expert but I've managed to make it work! :p

1. The first thing you have to do is have a picture you want to post in a file on your computer - preferably in JPEG or GIF format.

2. You have to upload that picture to a website that will have it available online. I use Boomspeed, others use ImageStation or Fotki.

3. You need to post a link to the site where the picture is stored.

PM me if you want me to walk you through this process - I'll be happy to help! It isn't as hard as it sounds! :p

[Castillo Mom]

Thanks so much for the info Doreen! I'm going to try it out this weekend some time.:D

I'm here at work right now with about 10 minutes to go. I'm posting because I'm having a major craving right now. I get lots of goodies from the reps that come in to see me, everything from flowers, movie tickets, gift certs, etc., etc. The problem is they bring eatible goodies, cakes, pies, donuts, pastries and candy. Right now I have a basket on my desk full of suckers and chocolate eggs. I sooo want a chocolate egg! I came over here to post my feelings because if I don't, I'll pop one in my mouth, then another. Nope, I'm finishing up, locking my office door and I'm going home to have dinner, maybe some lc ice cream for dessert.

There, I feel better now!

P.S. If anyone is wondering why I keep the candy in my office, it's for patients and my coworkers.;)

[Castillo Mom]

Ok Doreen, I'm testing the link to some pics.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287208383

Woohoo, it works!!! Ok, so the first pic is of me 2-3 weeks before I started Atkins. The others are of me and my boys at Lucille's restaurant last weekend.

[Castillo Mom]

I weighed in this morning and I'm down another pound. So that takes me to 170, just 1 pound to go for my 55 lb clippie and breaking through the 70's barrier. Woohoo! I'm hoping that Monday I'll make it but if not, I'll just have to keep working hard.

On a side note, my husband made me laugh last night. I was in the kitchen heating up leftovers and he wrapped his arms around me and said, "Oh, you're so skinny!" Skinny?! No one has ever referred to me as skinny, especially not my husband. I was surprised at how far his arms were able to reach around my body, it was weird. I told him I still have quite a way to go, around 40 lbs. and he just shook his head. But not in a bad way, I just think he's not used to all the changes.

I'm totally kicking myself right now. I'm at work right now and this morning before I left, I threw some lc bread and my lunch in a bag to bring to work. Well, dropped the minivan off at the shop this morning (more repairs needed since they didn't do it right the first time:rolleyes: ) and I left the bag in the car. *!@#%!!!!! I'm hoping I have something in our lounge to eat because I'm stuck with no car and I'm going to be a ravenous bear by the end of the day.

[Strings]

cONGRATULATIONS LISA!

I know you'll break 160's this week. Keep up the good work. Get yourself something to eat girl. It will help prevent a binge later.


I just saw the pictures. You look fabulous! It is so nice to have a face to go with a name,

Congrats again.
:sunny:
Beth

[lulu201]

Lisa, I peeked at your pictures--oh, my gosh, you look fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing them with us. . .

Erin

[LAinSEA]

Lisa:

I peeked too - all I can say is WOW! You look great. Your sons are adorable too!

You and I are almost exactly the same size now. Only I'm stuck.

Enjoy your Easter holiday.

-Laurie

[Castillo Mom]

Oh my goodness, I haven't posted menus in over a week and I need to get back into the swing of things. Too many distractions over the the vacation planning boards.

4/11/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-No lunch because I left in the car which was at the repair shop.

Dinner-Two scrambled eggs with chorizo, strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.

I didn't get to go to Curves because of the car being out of commision, but I did walk home from work, about 3/4 mile.

4/12/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 slices of bacon, ICE sparkling water.

Lunch-Turkey and cheese sandwich, ICE sparkling water.

I didn't have dinner per se, I basically snacked in the late afternoon and evening. Had some cashews, then strawberries and whipped cream, then 2 slices of turkey rolled with cream cheese.

Well, it's time to roll over my clippie! I'm down to 169 which means I've broken another barrier, woohoo!!!

Erin, Beth, Laurie, thanks for looking at my pics. I'm having so much fun with my new toy and hopefully I'll know how to use all the features before we go on vacation. When I get to 159, I'll post some more pictures, maybe by the end of May?????

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa,

I must be losing my mind but I thought I posted to your journal about how beautiful your pictures are. I don't see my post now. That's just strange. Anyway, I think you look beautiful, both the before and after picture. I assume the other handsome people in the pics are your family. I also left a comment in the photo box. I hope to be able to post pictures one day. I have to figure out how to use my scanner first.

It's party time!!!! :jumping1:

Congratulations on breaking into the 160's!!! Lisa, you are such an inspiration to me. I can't over your progress. Please keep it up. I agree with your DH, you are skinny! So you go skinny girl!!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, so glad you got your pics posted! You are SOOOO beautiful, girlfriend!! Your DH and sons are pretty handsome too!!

Now, on with the really important stuff......

:jumping3: :jumping1: :jumping3: A GORGEOUS NEW CLIPPIE!!! :jumping3: :jumping1: :jumping3:

WOO HOO!!! Congratulations, Lisa!! I know you've been trying so hard for this clippie and now it's ALL YOURS!!! :sunny:

You are an inspiration!!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[honeymo78]

Wow Lisa you look wonderful!! You should be so proud of yourself. Oh and congrats on getting into the 160's - what an accomplishment.

Keep up the great work. We'll both be in those 12's in May, I can feel it. Have fun with the trip planning. I think I'm gonna explode from excitement over my trip lol.

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Steph, Lisa and Doreen! I'm doing a group reply right now, so, so, so busy this week!!! We're short staffed at work and I'm wearing about 4 hats right now.

Thanks so much for the encouragement and compliments, makes a girl feel special.:D

I've also been distracted with the vacation planning as usual. I'm trying to put together our itinerary and trying to figure out how to do our PSs and it's driving me nuts.:crazy: But it's a fun kind of nuts, right Steph?

Oh, before I forget, Doreen, thanks so much for helping me figure out how to post the pictures.

Ok, back to work.:wave2:

[Strings]

:wave2: Lisa,

The weekend will be here in a few hours. I hope you can relax and have some family time. It sounds like your week has been rough. Make sure to take care of yourself.
:sunny:
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

I'm not going to even attempt to post last week's menus, I don't remember what I ate when, just know I was OP. I did have a girls night out with my cousin last night which was very fun. We had dinner at Acapulco. I had a chicken ceasar salad which was very good.

Afterward we went to their club/karaoke bar. I didn't have any drinks because I didn't want to take a chance that it would throw my weight loss off. I was tempted to have a Bacardi and Coke (diet), but I just don't get how a sugar based liquor can have 0 carbs so I stuck with iced tea.

The whole scene reminded me of my younger "party" days but I was seeing things through different eyes. I must say, it was fun people watching! Anyway, the evening was quite interesting. I wore a cute top with size 12 (yay!) black capri pants and wore my hair down. Well, I got hit on several times but of course politely said I was married. I don't need any other man's approval other than my husband's, but after being well over 200 pounds for so long, it was kind of a boost to my ego. I hope no one takes this the wrong way and hope I'm not the only one that has had these feelings. I'm just beginning to feel attractive again, even with my hubby. Don't get me wrong, he's never been critical about my weight and he's always said that I'm pretty no matter what, but I still felt ugly, undesirable and embarassed. I'm starting to have more confidence and I'm more outgoing with my husband if you know what I mean.;)

I did my grocery shopping last night at Costco which is something I normally do on Sundays, but I wanted to get it out of the way. I went with the intention of only buying food. Well, I failed miserably. Interesting how they make you walk through all the non food items before getting to the grocery section. Anyway, they brought in more summer clothes. They had these really cute capri pants, something I never would have even for one second considered fitting into or buying. I got 2 pair with the excuse that they'll be for vacation. A girl can't pass up a bargain, can she? They're size 13 junior which is smaller than a misses size 12. I tried them on when I got home and didn't think they'd get past my butt but they did! I can button and zip them but they're very tight.:eek: But that's ok, because they'll fit by August come he** or high water!

As long as I was getting something for myself, I had to buy shorts for DH and DS. The whole thing put more $100 over budget.:rolleyes: Next Costco trip I'm going to have DH blindfold me until we get to the food section.

Wow, I'm a little too chatty this morning. Beth, thanks for stopping by. After work today, it'll be family movie night with more family time for most of Sunday. In the evening it'll be date night for me and DH, hopefully a movie (Kill Bill).

Back to work!

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

Congrats on fitting in juniors sizes. WOW! I do understand your feelings about feeling mor confident and outgoing. It is nice to be noticed, and that doesn't make wrong. Take care, and enjoy your success,
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Well, I'm still recovering from Friday's girls' night out. I'm not used to the "party" scene anymore, gettin' too old for that I think.

I took the boys to Borders on Saturday. We could spend hours in there and we did. Anyway, I came a cross a fitness book called Bottoms Up! I can't remember the name of the author but she was very active on the talkshow cirquit a few years ago. At the time, she was pushing 50 and had (still has) a great bod, the bod of a woman much younger. She attained it by lifting weights. Now I know those of you who read my journal regularly know that I've been struggling with my exercise routine. I joined Curves a few weeks ago. I've been going but I'm become quite bored. I really miss working out with weights like I did years ago. But I digress. I read the main points in the book and the routine seemed very challenging and something that I could definitely do at home with minimal investment. I already had 2 and 3 lb. weights but went to Walmart and bought 5 and 8 lb ones. This morning I tried out the routine for the first time. Boy, it was a lot tougher than I thought. But that's a good thing. I've been very concerned about my flab and I feel all jiggly and I'm not used to that, so the weights are going to do the trick. I should see improvement in about 3 weeks, and in 3 months much more. I just know that tomorrow I'm going to be really sore, but I'll just have to work through it the soreness diminishes.

I weighed in this morning and I'm down a few ounces, not quite .5 lb. I'm ok with that. I did lots of walking this weekend. Went to the mall twice.

5/18/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs, 3 slices of bacon, ICE sparkling water.

Lunch-I was at the mall and there wasn't much that looked appetizing so I had a large fruit medley that contained strawberries, mango, honeydew melon and canteloupe. Delicious!

Dinner-Ham sandwich on lc bread, ICE sparkling water. Had a couple squirts of whipped cream.

I'm going to try to be more diligent about posting menus.

Beth, thanks for posting and confirming that my feelings were normal. I was feeling a little guilty there for a minute. Have a great week!:D

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, I know what you mean about feeling more confident in your skin. Sometimes, we need to hear compliments from people who aren't at the center of our world (like our DHs). I know my DH would say almost anything if he thought it would make me happy or make me feel better. He knows how hard I've been working. So, I'm never sure if I can "believe" him when he compliments me. Getting a compliment from someone else really can give me a boost!

Your new weight routine sounds interesting! Please keep us posted on how things are "shaping up"! It always takes time to find the exercise routine that fits your lifestyle and your likes. Maybe this is the one for you!

Junior size capris!! You really ARE shrinking! I bet you're lookin' good and those weight workouts should help you look even better in those new capris! Great motivation!

Have a sunny and spectacular day! :sunny:

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

Boy, you have had a busy weekend! Those pants you wore sound darling! I can't imagine how wonderful I will feel when I get to a "normal" size. You must feel absolutely great!

I don't think there is anything wrong with noticing that members of the opposite sex find you attractive. You aren't talking about leaving your husband or anything, just feeling more attractive and comfortable in your own skin. I find myself watching men watching me now too. It's funny at work, especially, because the men have to be so careful about sexual harassment allegations but I've seen several give me the once over and it's quite flattering. I was walking down the street yesterday to my car in a black clingy dress and I thought the guys in teh car that passed by was going to run up on the curb! It was cute and a definite ego booster!

That work out book with the weights sounds wonderful. That's one of the reasons I love the FIRM so much. I can honestly say that as I get smaller (and it's a slow process but that's okay with me), I am staying compact and not jiggly at all. I know the weights help and I know they will help you so you can fit into those juniors you bought!

Your progress and success continues to encourage and inspire me! You go girlie!!!! :)

[honeymo78]

Buying Junior size pants must feel awesome! I think its great that you are starting a weight training program and its even better that you can do it at home. You'll see some toning and definition in no time.

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! I said I was going to try to do better posting menus, so here I am.

4/20/04:
Breakfast-Two scrambled eggs w/3 strips of bacon, coffee.

Lunch-Two small chicken breasts topped w/cheese, broccoli, sf orange soda.

Dinner-Two hamburger patties w/cheese. Didn't feel like having veggies for some reason. I had picked up some Dreyers sf rocky road ice cream last night. It was soooooo good! Didn't have any marshmellows in it, but that's ok, I don't like them that much anyway. It's the almonds that I love.

So anyway, I've been working out in the morning since Monday, doing the Bottoms Up! program. I was so sore Tuesday but I was loving it. I did lower body on Monday, so everything below the waist was painful but it was a good kind of pain. Does that make sense? If anyone here lifts weights, they know what I mean. I felt like I really got something accomplished. Now what to do about my Curves membership. I'm thinking I can do that on a cardio day, but I have to make sure it meets with the requirments outlined in the book.

I did upper body yesterday, but I'm not as sore in my arms as in my legs or behind but maybe that's because you bear more weight in the lower body just walking around or getting in and out of a chair.

I weighed today and found I'm down to 168. Woohoo! 1 lb. lighter than I was when I was 21 years old. The only difference is that I was firmer then because that's when I was working out. Anyway, I'm hoping to meet my goal of 164 by mid May.

Lisa, thanks so much for affirming that I'm normal. My goodness, there's a lot of different feelings that surface while on this journey, aren't there? Ones I didn't ever really anticipate.

Steph, thanks so much for the encouragement. I haven't fit into anything that small (for me anyway) in such a long time. I can't even remember. I had a tank top on this morning that's a size X-large from Old Navy and I absolutely swim in it. My husband was teasing me about it.:teeth:

Gotta get back to work!

[Strings]

Hi Lisa,

Congratulations on being lighter than your 21 yo self. Do you realize how amazing that is. What are you doing to celebrate. This is a milestone. Congrats again. You are my inspiration.
Beth

[Castillo Mom]

Whoa, I was getting too far down the journals threads so thought I should bump it up a little. Don't feel too well right now, it's allergy season and I've started out full force. Have a headache and sinus pressure, itchy eyes, sneezing, pretty much the works.

I went to the mall again today. I've decided to do this every weekend to get myself used to walking for long periods of time. I've been doing the Bottoms Up! workout as well but Sunday is my rest day. I had a great time today trying on different outfits even though I didn't buy anything. I tried on this one dress, it was a halter made of white eyelet, very cute! It was a smaller size 14 and it fit like a glove. I fell in love with it but decided I should wait; maybe I'll get it next month if its still there.

Hubby paid me a compliment today. I had just walked in from window shopping and he and the boys were watching TV. He said, "Ooh, mommy's lookin' gooood!" and he made me turn around. He just looked at me from top to bottom. It made my day!

Don't really feel like posting menus right now. I did have eggs and bacon for breakfast, tuna salad for lunch and a Grande iced sf vanilla latte at Starbucks. No dinner but I'll have a snack in a few minutes. Will hit the hay early tonight.

[lulu201]

Good morning, Lisa! :sunny: Are you getting some California sun? We sure aren't. . .grey and drizzly, but you know what they say about April showers.

I've been catching up on your journal--and all I can say is "WOW!":flower1: You're doing an amazing job! It sounds like you're enjoying the benefits of your healthy living, too--increased self-confidence, junior sized clothes (personally, I can't remember what these are!:confused: ), and a positive, :sunny: attitude.

Lisa, you are truly making your dreams come true. I'm so happy for you.:hug: . I hope you have a good week.

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

Getting close to the bottom of the Journals threads again!

I'm still at work. Not looking forward to going home to our hot house tonight. I've been in yummy AC all day at the office. Last night when I got home I was shocked at how hot it was, around 83 degrees at 7:30 p.m.! Today was another scorcher of about 95 out where I live. Ok, enough with the weather report already!

So I haven't lost any weight since last week, still 168. No big deal. As long as I can lose another 10-15 pounds by vacation, I'll be happy. I haven't measured this week, though, so maybe I've lost inches huh?

Let's see, what did I eat yesterday?

4/26/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast, coffee.

Lunch-Two hamburger patties w/cheese, green beans, sliced tomato.

Dinner-Two scrambled eggs w/chorizo, 3 slices of bacon. Had Breyers rocky road ice cream (lc of course) for dessert.

In case I don't post today's menu tomorrow, I'll at least put down breakfast and lunch:

4/27/04:
Breakfast-Two slices of lc toast, coffee. Notice a pattern here?

Lunch-Stuffed chicken breast. I forgot my veggies at home!:( Had a diet Mountain Dew to drink.

Dinner-I have no idea and I'm not cooking!

Anyone notice my countdown timer? I'm almost in double digits! Woohoo! Hubby looked at our bank statement the other day and said he was proud of me for all the money I've saved for vacation. I'm the obsessive planner in the family, and that means I'm in charge of the finances as well. If he knew how much this trip is costing us, he'd flip! I'm going to make sure that he and the boys have a wonderful and memorable trip though, one they'll never forget!:D ::yes::

[Strings]

Can I trade you? It is snowing again this morning. You are doing a phenomenal job staying on program. Keep it up! I 'm sure your family will have an incredible time on your vacation.
Have a good one.
Beth

[ZerasPride]

Hi Lisa!

I thought I'd drop by and see how you are doing. Marvelous as usual I see! You are in full trip planning mode! Good for you.

Your window shopping trip sounds wonderful. I'm so proud of you and that size 14 dress. I hope it's still there when you go back for it. It must have really warmed your heart to get that compliment from your DH. You are doing so well and I know you'll hit your goal next month.

That ice cream sound yummy! I discovered some wonderful ice cream myself last week. It's Pierre's crunchy peanut butter cup with no sugar added chocolate ice cream (sweetened with splenda) with sugar free peanut butter cups and whole peanuts. Yummy!!!

I hope you have a good rest of your week. Drink your water and remember to take some time out for yourself! Take care and happy trip planning. I'm sure your family will have the time of their lives!!!!!:wave: