Lulu201's Healthy Living Log (comments welcome!)

[lulu201]

Well, I'm logging in to complete my day, then I'm going to put on my pjs and knit the night away!

Final recap:
b--pb oatmeal special, plus coffee w/cr.=5
s--cheesestick=2
l--egg salad (5.5) w/mini bagel=7
s--chex mix :rolleyes: (3) and diet hot chocolate=4
d--two tacos=12
dessert--sugar free cherry jello w/lite whipped topping=0
Total=30 (24 plus 2 AP plus 4 flex)/31 left in the bank

Came home in an icy mess; Steph, be careful out there!

Beth, thank you for your concern. I'm not sure how far along my friend's cancer is. . .I do know that they want to take some lymph nodes to make sure it hasn't spread, plus she's going to start chemo soon. I spent a lot of time today just wondering what she must be thinking and feeling. Thank you for your prayers.

I'm going to turn over the clippie bear and stay away from the kitchen. I have another couple of glasses of water to drink; that should keep me satisfied 'til tomorrow.

Good night, all--
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend :( . I'll keep her and her family and friends in my prayers. I can't imagine the thoughts and feelings she and those close to her must be going through.

I'm glad to hear you got through the day cheat-free. I think an early PJ night combined with some relaxing knitting is a great way to spend your evening.

Sleep tight, WISH-sis.

:hug:

[septbride2002]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. My aunt is a Breast Cancer Survivor and I can tell you with great confidence that they are finding more and more ways to safely treat breast cancer everyday. The way she was diagnosed 5 years ago is obsolete to how they do things now. I'll keep you and your friends in my prayers.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, WISH-sis! :sunny:

I've seen the sun this morning - what a nice change from the grey and dreary weather we've been having!

I know your heart may be heavy this morning. :( Even so, we have been given another day and I know we both want to make the most of it. Healthy living is one way to honor this gift of life we've been given. Let's walk through the day with our healthy habits and look for the little miracles all around us. I'll continue to keep your friend and all those around her in my prayers, that they all may be surrounded by God's love, peace and strength, and that they may feel His presence abiding with them.

I hope your DD is on the mend. I'm sure your extra TLC the past few days has helped.

I'm sending warm thoughts your way today and keeping you always in my prayers.

:hug:

[lulu201]

Good morning, WISH! :sunny: It's a brand new day, and I'm ready to ease into it. I have some curriculum writing to do, but I'm ready to tackle it bit by bit.

First of all, let's see what the plan is.

1. Vitamins--hmmm, gotta do it.
2. Exercise--I'm going to try to squeeze in a two miler again today before work. TRY is the key word here.
3. Water--I'm going to make an effort to really push this today.
4. Coffee--Today I invented another new recipe!:p A "Snow Day Mocha Latte!" Take your regular cup of coffee, mix a pack of sugar free instant hot chocolate into it, and top with a dollop (teaspoon size) of lite cool whip. Yummy! Green tea this afternoon, I think.
5. Points--I finished yesterday with 31; I snuck a juice bar in there, so I ended up taking 5 from the bank. That's OK, though--today is Wednesday and I still have 30 points on account. I'm going to try to keep things low--around 24; 26 if I have AP. The plan:
b--peanut butter oatmeal surprise plus Snow Day Mocha Latte =5 (Recipe revision to the oatmeal surprise: add the bananas after cooking--the heat is too tough on the bananas I think)
l--egg salad on a mini-bagel=7
d--McDonald's salad=11.5
dessert--orange jello=0
snack--piece of fruit or a cheesestick

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers for my friend L. Hey, thank you for the prayers that you send my way on a regular basis anyway! I appreciate your warm thoughts. DD is on the way back to recovery; it sure doesn't hurt that she hasn't missed any school this week except a half day yesterday. We are closed today, were closed Mon. and yesterday afternoon, and are closed for in-service on Friday! Her only full day is tomorrow!!

I'm going onward and downward, no messing around!
Erin

[marsh0013]

hey erin, that "snow day mocha latte" sounds excellent! you're giving me all these great ideas, first the pb banana oatmeal (which i think i'm going to do for breakfast tomorrow), and now this! thank you very much :)

your plan for today sounds good, you should have no problem sticking to it! hope you have a great day :sunny:

[lulu201]

Well, the day is done. I had a few more points than I had planned earlier in the day, but hey, I was hungry and that's what the bank is for. As long as I don't binge out, I'm satisfied.

So, I ended up with 28 points, 4 from the bank. Total in the bank=26.

I have to go in to work early tomorrow, so aside from posting my plan here, I won't have a chance to check in on anyone, so everyone have a good day and do the very best you can!::yes::

:wave2: Erin

[septbride2002]

I'll have to try your Snow Day Mocha Recipe.

Thanks for being so supportive today it really really helped.

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin, don't worry about us, we'll still be here when you come around again. Try not to work too hard and stay on plan, ok?:D

[lulu201]

Thursday, January 29, 2004

I'll be leaving for work in a few seconds, but I wanted to get my plan in here first. DD is well enough to go to school; fortunately with all the snow days, she's only missed a half day so far this week!

I'm kind of at a loss today--I don't have any idea what to eat! Nothing sounds appealing. This is how the day looks:

1. Vitamins--:D
2. Coffee--drinking one now, but I feel like I might have to have another one later. I'm really dragging this morning for some reason.
3. Food--I want to stay around 26 points. Breakfast was 6 (I added extra milk to my oatmeal), but I don't have any good ideas how to spend the 20. That makes me feel kind of vulnerable; I like to have things planned out, but like I said, nothing sounds good today.
4. Exercise--really, no time. I just didn't want to be on the treadie at 5:45 this morning, and I won't be home until 7:30-8:00 tonight and then it's too late for me.
5. Water--have had 18 oz. so far. I'll really try to push the water today.

So, that's it. I'm just going to try to stay in the game, doing the right thing. Sometimes all you can do is try!:D

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, even though you won't see this until later, here's a :hug: and best wishes for a good day. You know by now what is healthy food and what isn't - do the best you can. ::yes:: Your best effort is always enough, girlfriend!

:hug: , dear WISH-sis
Doreen

[A1A1]

Hi Erin. Hope you have a great day. You'll get some good, healthy food ideas a little later. Maybe something will come to you on the way to work.

I am here hoping for a terrific day for you. One filled with music, magic, and pixie dust!!!!!!!!

[marsh0013]

hey erin, even though you didn't plan out your food, i'm sure you are good by now with figuring how much stuff is on the fly. you can do it! hope you had a wonderful day :sunny:

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

I hope you make it through your busy day with flying colors. You know what you're doing, but here's a :hug: and some:wizard: just in case.

I just wanted to say thanks for your support yesterday. You helped save me from disaster. Thank you again.

:hug:
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey erin, i just wanted to report that i tried that banana peanut butter oatmeal surprise this morning! i modified it a bit (i cook my oatmeal on the stove, not in the micro), but it was delish! thank you so much for that wonderful idea. i can see that becoming a regular for me :teeth:

hope you have a great day :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Hi WISH-sis!! :wave2:

I'm heading to bed soon so I have lots of energy for our power walk tomorrow morning! I hope I recognize you - there's a lot less of you now than when we met in October!! ::yes::

Hope your Friday turned out well! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Recognize it's me, princess: Doe-Doe???!!!! Of course you'll recognize me--I'll be the one with the princess hat!!!:p Seriously, though, you're the one who is so tiny that she could blow away in the wind! :p I'm looking forward to our walk.

Well, yesterday was Friday so that means I used up all my remaining flex points for the week!:p We went to Applebees for lunch, and let's just say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself--but, dear friends, I'm happy to report that this time, I did it within reason. We had a late lunch around 2 p.m. and I didn't eat again until I had a cheesestick at 8:30 and then my jello at 9:30. NO BINGES!!!! I have to admit that I thought about some popcorn at 10:10, but DD helped me to step away and I'm glad she did.

So now, I'm moving into a busy Saturday. I'm starting my day with my power walk--something that will feed and nurture ME. After that I have a rehearsal at church and a performance tonight (it's Broadway Night:D ), then regular services tomorrow and some grocery shopping and laundry. Throw a trip to Target in there somewhere and the weekend is complete!

The plan has nothing new, really:

1. Vitamins.
2. Exercise--princess: power walking
3. Points--uhh, 24 plus AP (no flexpoints left to use!)
4. Water--have had 8 oz. so far.
5. Coffee--one nice tall one for the road trip ahead!

I'm hoping to stop in at journals and catch up later.

:hug: to all,
Erin

[marsh0013]

hey erin, glad you had a wonderful lunch at applebee's! you did a great job without overindulding and also making it through the rest of the day. yay for dd helping you stay away from the popcorn :)

hope you enjoyed your walk this morning with doe. i'm sure you guys had a wonderful time :). have a great rest of the weekend! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Erin I'm not sure if you rolled over your bear last night or not so I am going to have to use that number. You were: 80.6% cheat free for the month! CONGRATULATIONS! GIRLIE! You did awesome!

Now onto February!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hey Erin,

I hope you've had a good weekend. Enjoy your walk with Doreen? Great job at Applebee's. 80+% cheat free is AWESOME!

I have a question. The cheat free challenge worked great for me. Are you continuing it? My real question is, Do I start over at 1 each month? Thanks.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Erin, have I told you lately that you're just about the sweetest WISH-sis a girl could hope to have?? Thanks for taking some time out of your busy schedule to walk with me yesterday!

I'm sitting here with a raging head cold (it really kicked in late yesterday) but am sipping on the most wonderful decaf green tea. It's flavored with mandarin orange (reminds me of Florida and warm sunny days) and passionfruit (appropriate as I approach 40 and realize that I'm not old - I'm very passionate about my life and all that is to come!). The tea is warm and comforting - alot like you, WISH-sis!! It's just what I needed this morning. ::yes::

Here we go, bravely and confidently entering the month of February. Even on the days we don't FEEL brave and confident, we've got each other and our wonderful WISH-buddies to help us through. :happy1: :grouphug:

With the Super Bowl festivities, today may not be cheat free (I've heard someone refer to it as point-less! :laughing: ) but I bet both of us will be making healthier choices and feeling better about ourselves than we did at this time last year! You did great during January - 25 days cheat free!!

Onward and downward, WISH-sis! :happy1:

[CourtasanSatine]

Congrats on the good month of no cheating :) I'm making the rounds just saying hi and the usual,:hug:

[Castillo Mom]

Erin, congratulations on being cheat free for January, woohoo!:D

[lulu201]

I had some computer wackiness yesterday and couldn't log on until late in the day, so I decided to just wait until this a.m. I missed everyone!

The weekend was great--it started with a terrific meeting with Doreen. We were quite athletic, girls, strutting around the mall as fast as we could go, wracking up the miles on our pedometers!
For those of you who haven't had a chance to meet Doreen yet in person, let me tell you, she's as sweet and wonderful as she is on the boards. A friendlier person you never did meet!:D Which makes her recent illness even more awful! Doreen. . .honey. . .you've got to get better FAST! I'm afraid that our walk just took your old immune system and flattened it out. I feel so awful about that:worried: ! Please, get well, so you can get to that Florida sunshine!!!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

I'm looking at the clock and realizing I have to get DD off to school, so I'm going to quickly jot down my plan, and then try to get back to the boards througout the day to post to everyone and catch up!

1. Vitamins
2. Coffee--just one
3. Exercise--doing a 4 mile treadie today, no excuses.
4. Water--hardly drank a drop over the weekend. I was so bad. I used the Super Bowl as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted!:rolleyes:
5. Food--I'll try to go with my 24 points and AP for today. No flex if I can help it. I have to get back on track in a hurry!

More later,
Erin

Oh, and much thanks to the mod or whoever it was who got me straightened out yesterday--I appreciate it!::yes::

[DoeWDW]

Erin, our walk was the highlight of my weekend! I figure all that laughter and fun boosted my immune system! I could've had pneumonia by now, but thanks to you I've just got this itty-bitty head cold! No worries, WISH-sis - you can read my journal to see my battle plan for routing this cold! :teeth: :crazy:

Today's Monday, the start of a new week, so it's back to business, girlfriend! You were lookin' good on Saturday - we need to stay on plan so you can continue to melt away (there isn't that much more to melt, ya know!!). :p

Have a :sunny: day!!

[lulu201]

Today I'm going to change my siggie to my last weight the last time I was brave enough to face the scale--it's up a pound from the last time I changed. I didn't weigh in today what with my super bowl chicken wings attached to my thighs, but it's my goal to get back to regular accountability, though.

Even with the pound gain, I'm happy with my overall progress. Thank you, Amanda, for that 80% statistic. Seeing it in numbers like that makes me want to push forward and to improve my number of cheat free days in February. I'm going to go for 28 this month!!!! What do y'all think about it? Should we just have a "cheat free February" or should we just try to continue to add days to the bears we've already started? I think I'd like to just continue on--I'd love to see what it looks like at the end of the year--but I'm interested in knowing what everyone else thinks. Speak up, ladies, I'm listening! Beth, what are you thinking?

I checked my bmi over the weekend. Normal is 20-25. When I started watching what I was eating (back in June, in my pre-WISH days), I had a bmi of 30.5. Now it's 25.4! I'm lovin' that!
I checked mine on the weightwatchers.com website; feel free to check yours out, too!

I'm going to spend a few minutes reviewing the journal entries from the month of January so I can get some coping strategies. I clearly know that the weekend is my toughest time. The last three weeks I've fallen apart on Sat. and Sunday, and it's really hampering any loss. Now if I wanted to maintain at this weight, I guess it would be OK, but I really want to be lighter for the half marathon and for my general health, so I have to come up with a better plan.

Progress on today's goals:
1. No vitamins yet.
2. Coffee almost done.
3. Water--none yet.
4. Exercise--not yet.
5. Food--Pb banana oatmeal, coffee w/cr=5

I'm going to check in briefly at journals and then get some housework done before I head out to work this afternoon.

Erin

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hmmm, I'm back from reviewing my journal for January. I lost a total of three pounds. I'm not satisfied with that. February is going to have to be better. If I'm perfectly honest with myself, I see that I've been dropping the ball more than a little bit here. ::yes:: I wanted to lose 12 pounds for the Valentine's Day challenge, and I'm not going to get even close to that goal! Nope, it's a new month, and I have some new resolve going here. I want that 30 pound clippie before February is over, and that's that!

I'm going onward and downward into February!

[honeymo78]

Erin - one the best things about this journal is that you can look back and see how you've been doing. Good for you for using last month to see where you can improve for this month.

I've got a question for you - I rememeber a little while ago you had egg salad and I was wondering how you made it and how many points it was. My online ww subscription ran out and I didn't renew so I can't check out my recipe.

[marsh0013]

erin, if you want to be cheat free in february, this year, it'll have to be 29 days, because it's leap year! haha, we're thrown an extra day to be cheat free during. i think that's a nice little challenge though! and i have no doubt that you will have that 30 pound clippie by the end of february. continue with your walking, make sure to stick to your points, and it will be smoooooth sailing :boat:

hope you have a wonderful day today :sunny:

[Strings]

Hey Erin,

Thanks for your post, but ZerasPride is definately the queen of that clippie. I think it's great that you went back over your journal for January. You identified trouble spots, and can be prepared for those times this month. I read mine too. It is really helpful. You have done an amazing job. Decreasing your body mass index by over 5% is a huge accomplishment.

I've given the cheatfree clippie some thought. I'm definately going to continue. I think it would be more useful for me to do monthly challenges. They are shorter term. I can track the months and see where I was most vulnerable in the year. Yes, it would be great to see a 300 for the year, but I think in the long run monthly totals will give me more info and help. Do what works best for you, girlfriend. Just like the diets, nothing works for everyone.

Have a great day.:sunny: :sunny:
Beth


Erin, I just had an idea. I'm not sure the clippie can do it though.The clippie might just support 3 digits. What if we did a month/year challenge. When we edit the number, put 1/32 or 1-32. That would be 1 day in Feb/32 for the year. The only thing is that people not in this group would think we're pathetic when they see the clippies. Imagine your clippie being cheat free for 23/325 days.:crazy:

[lulu201]

Progress so far today:

1. Had a multivitamin; not the whole handful I usually take, but I haven't given up on them yet.
2. Exercise. Oh man, I'm in trouble. I'll be lucky to get in two miles now. My time before work is running out!
3. Food: b-5, l--8
4. Water: about 42 oz. so far
5. Coffee--all done, but I could use some more!
:rolleyes:

Beth: I agree; Lisa Z. is the Queen of the Clippie Challenge, but you, Beth, are the Queen of the Monthly Clippie. (How's that?)
I've decided I'll have my bear read the # of cheat free days in Feb., but I'll keep a running tally in my siggie of healthy days in the year.

Marcia: I popped in at your journal for a minute and I saw you're wearing size 10 jeans. AMAZING! :Pinkbounc That's fantastic. With the way you're working out, you're going to be the Bally Poster Girl! It's nice you and your mom are going over together.

Steph: How did things turn out with you and Dan? I hope you're past that now. I was thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way. Oh, egg salad. Well, my odd little recipe is for two hard-boiled eggs, about a teaspoon and 1/2 of lite mayo, 3 medium/large green olives, cut up very fine, some salt and pepper, and some mustard to taste. No onions--they're yukky to me. Total points: about 5.5 If my husband knew I was handing out recipes on line, he'd crack up. I have the family reputation of being the world's worst cook!:crazy:

OK, I'm going to hop on the treadie and get whatever work out in that I can. See you all tonight.

E.

[septbride2002]

Hello Erin! I'm going to do the bear like you suggested. I was just about to chime in and ask what we were going to do. So far so good for me at the moment.

Is it just me or is exercsie harder to get in when it is winter time. All I want to do at night is curl up and take a nap or read a book. Which is exactly what I will be doing this evening.

Glad to see you are doing so great! I know we will have an even more successful February then we did January!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Ooh, Amanda, I like your spirit--I WILL be more successful in February than I was in January! I WILL, I WILL!:p

The day turned out to be great. I walked two miles (hey, it's not 4, but it's something), had my handfull of vitamins, drank tons of water, and only had that one coffee. I stayed within my points and didn't go near my flex! Today's my first healthy day in February! :Pinkbounc

Tomorrow's supposed to be a yukky weather day, but I'm holding out hope that I'll be able to get to work without a problem. I'm tired of cancelling stuff!

Will get to bed soon, just have to peek at a few more journals.

Erin

[CourtasanSatine]

You did great today trying to make your goals,small goals are sometimes the best :hug:

[lulu201]

Tuesday, February 3

I'm moving forward into the day. No sign of the bad weather yet; I'm going to turn on the tv and get the weather scoop!

Thanks, CourtasanSatine, for posting your support. I appreciate it! I agree, small goals are often times the best. If I can just do this healthy living thing day by day, I'll go onward and downward!

So, here's the plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Water--tons
3. Food--stay around 24-26 points.
4. Coffee--just one, with green tea in the afternoon

Amanda, I think that it is just plain harder to exercise in the winter--at least for me. Maybe it's our human nature to curl up and hibernate a bit. No, wait a minute, that would be "bear nature," wouldn't it? Still, I think it's easier when the weather is nicer!

Here I go!
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, your enthusiasm is wonderful! I see you've decided to use the bear for the current month's count of cheat free days while using your siggie to count total days in the year. I LOVE this idea and think I'll use it in my journal as well.

Stay safe through the yucky weather. It hasn't even started in my area yet, so you've got quite a few hours til you see anything. My kids started school on time but I'm guessing they'll get sent home early before the rain turns back into frozen stuff around 3 PM today.

Let's make it a sunny day, in spite of Ole Man Winter! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

I agree Erin - it is so nice to get out and walk in the sunshine and warm weather rather then forcing yourself to do it indoors at home. I know I have been having a tough time getting motivated. I gave myself this week off from exercise (figure I'll get enough walking in WDW - plus planning on using the fitness room at the AKL for some running on a tread mill.) Once I get back I'll have to start doing my tapes on a regular basis again.

~Amanda

[Strings]

Erin,

How can you be so cheerful at 6AM? You are inspiring in more ways than one. I have to agree that it is much harder to exercise in the winter. I need the :sunny: . Weather here is horrible, but I've got too much to do. Your clippie suggestion is awesome. Thanks.Have a wonderful Tuesday.
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey erin, thanks for the congrats on the jeans :)

and you're doing a great job staying within your points. i agree with you guys about exercise though. it is much harder to get motivated in this weather. we need the sunshine! but any exercise is better than none, so even if you only do 2 when you wanted to do 4, that is still a victory, because you didn't give in to the urge to curl up on the couch :)

have a great day today, hope the weather doesn't hit you too badly! :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

Erin,

I second the how can you be so cheerful that early:) Just wanted to say have a great day :sunny: in spite of the weather

[lulu201]

Hi, everybody! Thanks for stopping in today. It was fun to check in tonight and see all the visitors I've had!:D

I had my vitamins, drank my water, limited my coffee, and ate within my points. Another cheat free day!:Pinkbounc I wore a pair of jeans with the shirt tucked in today. It made me feel skinny!:p

The weather was rainy here, but didn't cause any problems at all. Hooray! :Pinkbounc

I'm going to change my clippie and take a look at some lesson plans I need to write.

'Til tomorrow,
Erin

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
Today's a sunny, bright, warm-ish day! Hooray!

I've got quite a full day planned: new classes starting and lessons to write, but I'm just going to move through the day bit by bit and it will all get done. Philippians 4:13.

So, the plan for the day:

1. Vitamins--gotta take 'em.
2. Exercise--will wear my pedometer and get as close to 10000 steps as possible.
3. Water--will drink at least two glasses of my big WW cup (total of 64 oz.)
4. Points--will do my best to stay within the 24-26 point range.
5. Coffee--hmmm, I had my cup this morning, but I have a coupon for a free latte at the Dunkin Donuts around the corner. Maybe I'll walk over this afternoon, since it's sunny, and try one out. I'll figure out the points first.

I'm going to work to keep myself centered and grounded today; my guideposts devotional suggested that its readers "find the heavenly blessings in every hour" today. I'm going to try it! The first thing I'm going to do is to take my beautiful bouquet of pink tulips (I was given them at Broadway Night) down to the studio so that I can look at them throughout the day. They're a sure sign--along with all this sunshine--that spring is on its way!

[DoeWDW]

WISH-sis, enjoy your warm and sunny day!! :sunny: Those tulips sound so beautiful!

I'm counting YOU as one of my many blessings today! I'll miss our daily journal chats while I'm gone, but I'll be thinking of you often for sure! :happy1: I have a mental pic of you in your "United Kingdom" sweatshirt so I'll especially think of you in the UK pavilion at Epcot!!

Have a wonderful rest of the week and a restful weekend. Ease into the work week next Monday. I'll be checking on you bright and early on Tuesday morning!!

:hug: , dear WISH-sis!!
princess: Doe-Doe

P.S. Shall I bring us matching princess: hats back from WDW?? :crazy: :teeth:

[A1A1]

I love your plan for the day. I, too, will try to find a blessing every hour. What a great idea.

Flowers can boost my appreciation of life, too. Pink tulips....sound beautiful.


Have a great day Lulu. I will be thinking of you.

[septbride2002]

Erin I love your post this morning! :) Can I ask you what your scripture passage is? I'm not as familiar with the bible as I would like to be.

Doe I think we should all get princess: hats at Disney! We could wear them as we post. Oh! I'm so going to get one now! ::yes::

I hope you have a great day Erin and that you find a blessing in every hour of today. I am going to try to move forward with that philosophy as well because my job is really getting me down at the moment.

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

erin, i'm so glad you're in a :sunny: mood today! makes life so much easier when we're feeling wonderful! enjoy that latte if you go and get it. and do please report back on how it tasted. i have some coupons for dd latte/cappucino as well :). those tulips sound absolutely delightful. and they sure are a good reminder that spring is on the way. wahoo! have a great day today :sunny:

[DizMare]

Good morning, Erin!! Happy "warm" and sunny day to you!

Did you know there is a diet help site called: Philippians 4:13@************? Didn't spend too much time there, but it looks cute. I just googled Philippians 4:13 and it popped up as the second hit.

Be careful crossing that intersection between the school and the DD! It is a madhouse! (Been there, done that, running all the way!)

I can just picture those tulips on your window sill. Sigh. Sure miss ya!

Good luck with your day!
Love,
Mare :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

Hi Erin :wave: Hope you had a good day and I'll be back later :)

[lulu201]

Well, it was a good day. . .lots of great moments--I just needed to be looking for them! I actually kept a little list of all the nice things that happened--from lunch with my husband to a surprise visit from a former student's parent. Many, many good things.

I stayed on program today, too. I had a rather lovely little mocha swirl latte from Dunkin Donut and that cost me 5 flex points, but it was worth it. :p I recommend them highly!

b--peanut butter banana oatmeal surprise and coffee=6
s--apple=2
l--McDonald's salad=11.5
s--cucumbers and peppers=0
s--mocha swirl latte=5
d--English muffin pizza=5
jello=0

Total: 29.5

:wave2: Hi, Marcia, A, Courtasan, Amanda, and Mare. It was great to hear from you all today. I hope that you all found the beauty in your day, too. You know that you were all on my list, don't you?:D

I have to work on some lesson plans before I nose dive into the computer keys and snore my way into a deep sleep. . .

See you tomorrow.

Erin

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Phil. 4:13

[DoeWDW]

I'm happy to hear you had a joyful day, filled with blessings! I bet you created some joy for others, too! ::yes::

Sleep tight, WISH-sis! :happy1: I'll see ya Tuesday. Please take extra good care of you until then, princess: Lulu!! :sunny:

:hug:
princess: Doe-Doe :sunny:

[ZerasPride]

Erin it sounds like you are in high spirits. Good for you! You are so right about having to find the bright spots (and there are many) in each and every day.

It's good to know you are doing well. Take care!

[Strings]

Erin,

Thank you for being such an inspiration. It is so easy to forget that we all have blessings daily. I'm glad you had a good one. I'm off to bed, but I'm going to give DD an extra kiss now. Sweet dreams Erin.

Beth

[CourtasanSatine]

Erin

:hug: and thanks for stopping by my journal :)

[lulu201]

Thursday, February 5, 2004

:sunny: :sunny: Lots of clear, bright sunshine this morning!:sunny: :sunny: I definitely am a "light" person; my body seems to just CRAVE it! I've heard that there's a storm on the way, but I'll have to see it to believe it!

Beth and Lisa Z. and Satine-how nice to hear from you this morning! :grouphug: Our buddy Doe is on her way to WDW and Amanda is soon to follow. . .what do you say we pack up and join 'em? :teeth: Boy, if it were as easy as just wishing. . .Anyway, I feel awful that I haven't been posting to everyone's journals while you all have been so incredibly supportive to me. I just have to accept the fact that Monday p.m. until Thursday p.m., I don't have much computer time. Weekends are much better for catching up, so I'll be making the rounds soon.
I have to admit that I've peeked at journals--I've just been too tired to post much.

I'm so tired this morning! It's going to be another long day, but I'm in a good :sunny: mental place--now if my body would just cooperate! When I'm tired, I'm most vulnerable to bad food choices, so I'm going to try to get a healthy plan posted for the day and then stick to it!

1. Look for the blessings in every hour. I found this to be really rewarding yesterday.
2. Vitamins--:D
3. One coffee--:confused:
4. Exercise--tomorrow is the treadie.
5. Food--stay between 24-26. I'm going to try to avoid the flex today.
b--the usual :p =6
l--tuna salad and crackers=7
s--apple=2
cucumbers=0
peppers=0
d--peanut butter sandwich=8
dessert=skinny cow at 2
Doesn't sound too exciting, but I can live with it.

Some good things about losing 36 pounds:

1. I can move through my day without hip and back pain.
2. I can see old friends whom I haven't seen in awhile and be confident that I look better than I did the last time they saw me!
3. I can wear all my skinniest clothes!:p
4. I feel less self-conscious in all aspects of my life.
And the number one good thing about losing 36 pounds:
5. I've lost some pounds, but gained some wonderful new WISH friends!

:grouphug: to you all,
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

Looks like you'l be busy today. Here's a l:hug: :wizard: to help you through and help you make wise choices. Erin, don't worry about not getting to jounals daily. We know that youre busy. We also know that you think of us often. Enjoy your :sunny: :sunny:
Have a good one;
Beth

[septbride2002]

Hello Erin! You sound like you are off to another wonderful day. If it is the storm that just passed here in St. Louis you have a big one heading your way. Watch out!

You sound so happy and confident about your weightloss and you really have something to be proud of. Those stats are amazing!

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

erin, your last few journal entries have put such large smile on my face :teeth: . i just can't help it but smile when i'm reading about how you are doing so well, appreciating the little things, and just how overall happy you are! that in and of itself is reaching out to your wish buddies, even when you don't have the time to make it to our individual journals! you are providing us with the sunshine right from within your own journal :)

one of the particular things that made me smile (maybe not anyone else, but me) was how you listed breakfast. "the usual :p" because i know exactly what that means. maybe it's because i love your usual as much as you do, who knows, but that's a little thing that just made me smile :).

oh, and i agree about all of us following doe and amanda. we deserve it right? maybe if we all really wish hard enough... ;). ah, at least we have next january. i can make it, i can make it ::yes:: . but until then, i'll live through everyone else's trips :)

looks like you're already on your way to it, but have a great day today :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

just stopping by to say hi and leave a :hug: and a :sunny: for you today

[A1A1]

Hi Erin!!!!!!!! I was so happy for you reading the things that have changed for you since losing nearly 40 pounds. These are so wonderful. I am at the point now where you started, and I look forward to being where you are soon.

When dh was so ill, it was that verse on a plaque that someone gave me that got me through each day. Didn't know that's where it came from: Phil. I will now be able to look it up, and read it in context.

It was sunny here, too, the last couple of days, but was very cold today. I hear we are to get snow and ice tonight. Be careful driving if you get that same awful weather. We are both in the same part of the country.

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!!!! I will be thinking of you.
:Pinkbounc :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :teeth: :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Hi Sweetie! Take it easy on the roads if you have to go out. That snow storm was no fun here in St. Louis! I'll be thinking about you on my trip!

~Amanda

[CourtasanSatine]

be careful on those roads and here's a little :sunny:

[lulu201]

Hee, hee!

Today has been all discombobulated because of the two hour delay for ice this morning. I never made out my plan here in my journal, I haven't taken my vitamins, I haven't had enough water--I've been running around all day doing little odds and ends. BUT I had to come here and post this because it's making me :rotfl: . Seriously, :rotfl: . I stopped in a Kohls and got some new things: two v-necked tops, size M. A new straight skirt, size 10. And a new pair of jeans (now keep in mind they're relaxed in the seat and thigh), size 8!!!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: I don't know why this is cracking me up, but I almost laughed out loud in the store! I never in a million years thought that they would fit; I just tried them on because they were black and there were no size 10 black. Me--in a size 8 jean! :laughing: I think the problem is that I have no perception whatsoever of what my body looks like. It's so weird. I feel different than I did 20 pounds ago, but I don't see it when I look in the mirror too much. Now I know that I'm smaller than I was 36 pounds ago. . . . . .Maybe it's because, even though I'm 5' 8", I didn't think I'd wear and 8 or a 10 at 164.

It's a happy, silly kind of day for me! :crazy: Who cares if it's icy? I'm feeling :sunny: enough for everyone!:p

Erin

[honeymo78]

Erin - woohoo!!! Look at you in that size 8:smooth:
What a wonderful way to start the weekend.
:cool1: you rock!

[marsh0013]

congrats erin! those jeans sound wonderful. i love it when you grab a piece of clothing thinking, haha, no way, and then it fits, and you're all "what the heck is going on??" it's great! i can totally understand why you were :laughing: about it though. i totally relate to that feeling! i'm glad you are having such a wonderful day! and i'm glad you've got that :sunny: out and are sending it to us! we could sure use it in nj!

hope the rest of your day went wonderfully, and have a wonderful tomorrow :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

congrats on the size 8 jeans :bounce: :D

[lulu201]

Hee, Hee, it's Saturday, Feb. 7, and I'm sitting here in my size 8s!:laughing: It's funny, I guess, because I can't believe it's me!
Now before you think I'm too over the edge, I do I realize that it's only the make of the jeans that are enabling me to wear an 8--I tried on a pair of 10s that were just a bit too small in the seat to be comfortable, so I know that I'm not quite in 8-land yet, but let me tell you, the view from where I sit at the moment is pretty nice. I think that I could get used to it!:p

My little shopping trip yesterday has really motivated me to stay on program this weekend. Weekends have become real problems for me, so I want to stay on track. I ate a lot of flex points yesterday, but I didn't deplete my bank. I didn't exercise OR take my vitamins, so I'm going to try to get myself focused today, even in the midst of Saturday running around.

The plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Limit coffee
3. Drink lots of water--had maybe 3 glasses yesterday!:(
4. Watch the points--24 plus activity points ONLY
5. Exercise--four miles, even if I have to be up until midnight to do it.

Now I'm off to the groomer. DPuppy has foot-licking problems brought on by what we think is another food allergy (keep in mind the dog already eats one of the most expensive skin sensitive versions of dog food out there--duck and potato!), so the groomer is going to give me a recipe on how to MAKE the food and also some info about vitamin suppliments. I also have to blow dry the dog's feet every time he goes out and bathe and powder them before he goes to bed at night. DH, who does not have the strong attachment to the dog that I do, cannot believe this I'll do all this, but I can't let the little guy suffer now, can I? :(

DMIL and DFIL are coming tomorrow, so I have to get the house straightened up today. It's going to take a major overhaul! I have piles of clean laundry (at least it's clean, right?) all over the living room. Yikes! :crazy:

I'm out the door and off to the groomer. I'm going to rotate through everyone's journals before the weekend's over--I'm dying to read what everyone's been up to!

Erin

[Strings]

Hey Erin,

I bet you look awesome in those jeans. HOORAY FOR ERIN! You should be on cloud nine for a while. I hope Dpuppy feels better. It is amazing how far we'll go for our pets. Have fun with your family tomorrow. Don't work too hard. Remember those baskets of laundry can always be shoved into a closet somewhere.
:sunny:
Beth

[CourtasanSatine]

:wizard: vibes for Dpuppy

[Strings]

Hey Erin,

I'm just checking in before I hit the bed. Am I wrong, or is DZone approaching for you? If so, here's some extra :hug: :hug: and :wizard: :wizard: for you. If it's not use it for your weekly weigh in. Enjoy your family time.
Beth

[lulu201]

Good intentions don't always equal good actions, I'm sad to say.:( Yesterday I binged. I understand why I did it--tired, crankyPMS, but those reasons don't excuse it. It's over. Today's a new day, but I doubt that I'll be able to go cheat free w/DMIL coming and vanilla ice cream in the fridge.

Beth, you're right. I didn't realize how close I was coming to the D-zone until I had to take a nap yesterday (a sure indication that estrogen levels are dropping!) in order to be a decent human being to others--I kinda had to send myself to bed for the well-being of my family. Upon some quick calculations, I realized what was up and used it as another excuse to eat any chocolate I could find. I maintained control of my eating until around 2 p.m. and then fell apart. Geesh.

Yet with my miserable failure yesterday and the D-Zone surrounding me, I still feel myself in a happier place today. Have lots to do before my MIL comes--floors, dusting, etc., but I think I can do it and be gracious about it. At least that's what I'm praying to do!:p

Will check in tonight--
E.

Puppy update: Mickey the Westie enjoyed his chicken and barley homemade meal.:p He tolerated the foot bathing, too. Hopefully we'll see some improvement in his skin and move him toward wellness; he's been battling allergies and ear infections for almost a year and has been taking steroids for about 4 months (off and on). We thought it was seasonal and that the cold weather would knock it out of his system, but it didn't. We noticed that Mickey "pinked up" (his skin turns bright pink under his white coat) mostly in the evening, so even though we didn't think it could possibly be food-related ('cause he was already on that special blend), it seems that that's what could be causing the problem. Last night he pinked, but not quite as much. Hopefully he'll continue to improve day by day. He has an appointment with the Westie specialist vet in two weeks. He has to be off the steroid and medication free so that they can do a blood work up on him then. Thanks, everyone, for your concern. To know Mickey is to love him.:lovestruc He's a mama's boy.

[marsh0013]

aw, your puppy sounds so adorable, and i can really feel the love that you have for him through your posts. that is so sweet, and i hope that he continues to improve, with all that extra special food and tender loving care from you! :lovestruc

i am so sorry you had a run in with the horrible horrible binge monster :( . that dzone is not a fun thing to be dealing with. and on top of that, dealing with the dmil and dfil coming...i can totally understand why it happened. i'm glad that you are feeling better and that you are back on track. just do your best to make it through this time, i will be sending positive energy your way :goodvibes, and of course, lots and lots of :wizard:

[lulu201]

Never checked in last night--just too tired. That's how the dzone starts with me--extreme fatigue. We had a nice visit with the inlaws and the house is really clean :p , so I'm starting the week in a good place.

So far today:

1. Vitamins--:D
2. Coffee-:D
3. Exercise--1 mile done, hope to get in a few more this a.m. before I go to work; I'm spacing it out, though, because I have lots of other little stuff I have to get done.
4. Food--breakfast (special K bar=2, coffee w/cream=1) total 3.
I'm going to stay seriously within the points; I've got to make up for the binge-mode I was in this weekend. I'm changing my weigh in day to Friday, so I'll give an official report then.
5. Water--I've got to drink in an intentional way today. My water intake has been terrible since Thursday. Two big glasses are down already.

Off to start the day--
Erin

[CourtasanSatine]

good morning and have a :sunny: day plus get well vibes for Dpuppy :wizard:

[honeymo78]

Erin,
I'm glad to hear that you made it through the weekend. Here's some :wizard: to help you get through the week staying within your points. I know you can do it. Just take it one day at a time. Way to go for getting in some exercise this morning too. I wish I was that productive in the morning.

[Strings]

Hey Erin,

I know you will conquer Dzone. We can do it together. Keep drinking that water. I hope you can get some good rest tonite. Try not to be so hard on yourself. You do an amazing job. To quote someone I admire, "You are a work in progress."

Here's a :hug: and some:wizard: to get you through your day.

:sunny:
Beth

[ZerasPride]

Hi Erin,

{{{{hugs}}} to you! It must be a wonderful feeling to fit into those size 8 pants. I couldn't even imagine how good that must feel. Try to concentrate on all the progress you have made. We all have to be careful around that time of the month. Cravings can get so strong and you just want to eat everything in the house!

Keep up the fine work and I know you will be at your goal soon.

[marsh0013]

good morning dear erin :) . glad to see you've got a plan of attack for the dzone. i know it's not easy to make it through. but you can do it. and good for you for realizing that you need to be deliberate about your water. you'll definitely get enough if you pay good attention to it ::yes::

i'm happy to see that you are in a good place for the beginning of the week, and i hope that you can stay there! have a wonderful day today :sunny:

[lulu201]

:grouphug: to you all: Beth, Stephanie, Satine, and LisaZ.! To come to my journal and see all your good wishes makes me feel so special--I feel like you're holding me up with your friendship and kindness. Thank you so much.

All that :wizard: is bound to keep me on track today! I'm going to take your advice, Stephanie, and take this week just one day at a time. The weekend is over; I have to put my best foot forward and release what's past.

Satine, thanks for your :goodvibes for dpuppy; he seems to be a little better. I hope we're on the right track. I notice he pinked up a little again this morning--maybe he's allergic to something in the pillow he was laying on last night? It's like a big mystery we're trying to solve.

LisaZ. and Beth---how do you stay cheat free???? You women are amazing! I want to grow up to be strong like you! We WILL conquer this, Beth. We won't be slaves to our hormones! We will be FREE!!:crazy:

Update on Mon., Feb.9

Exercise--walked two more miles for a total of three today. Total time, 44 min. I'm pretty tightly scheduled this afternoon and won't get home from work 'til about 8:30, so that's the mileage for today. It felt good to get in gear.

Water--Have finished 3 large glasses. I'd better measure them out and see how much is in each so I can get the oz. total.

I made some jello for our sugar free treat tonight. DH enjoys it as much as I do.

OK, back into the day. . .

E.

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin, how 'ya doin' girl! Don't feel down, ok? Just pick yourself up and start again, today is a new day! Give yourself a pat on the back for walking 3 miles today and drinking all that water.

You asked me on my journal whether I weighed in and I did. I want to thank you for your support during my plateau. My WISH friends made it easier to get through.

You can do this Erin, look how far you've come already. Hang in there, ok?:hug:

[DoeWDW]

I'm back, WISH-sis!! Missed ya!

I'm gone for a couple days and you're off shopping for teeny tiny new clothes!!! Size 8 pants - WOW!!! :bounce:

Can't stay long - need to get to bed. Trip was fan-tab-u-lous! Will have more updates and pics on Tues. evening.

:hug:
princess: Doe-Doe

[CourtasanSatine]

:hug: and :sunny: plus more :wizard: for Dpuppy

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning! :sunny:

I brought back some warmer weather for you, princess: Lulu! Hope you like it! ;)

In spite of the d-zone, I hope you sail :boat: through your day with a sunny disposition. Keep looking for those blessings - they are in the most amazing places!! ::yes::

I'll be checking in on you later! :happy1:

[lulu201]

Feb. 10, 2004 If truth be told, I'm feeling kind of worn and weary today, but I'm not going to sweat it. Rather, I'm going to accept it and just plug along the best that I can. Sometimes when I'm feeling this PMS tiredness, I try to push through it--I use a lot of energy fighting against it, I think. Today I'm just going to ride the wave:boat: , taking care of myself the best that I can. I have a full day, but I'm not needed at choir rehearsal tonight, so I'm going to come home early, put my feet up, and do some curriculum writing while DD does homework.

Healthy living-wise, here's the plan. No surprises here.

1. Vitamins--haven't taken them yet.
2. Coffee--one and some green tea.
3. Exercise--no treadie today, but I hope to do 2 miles tomorrow.
4. Food--26 points, tops. (24 plus 2 AP) Breakfast was coffee and a special K bar=3
5. Water--I'm going to really push the H2O today. I think it helps my PMS a lot.

Hi, Lisa C! I'm going to peek at your journal and see how you did; sounds like you were plateau-busting this week!

Satine, dpuppy was all pinked up again this morning, lying on his favorite pillow. He HAS to be allergic to it!::yes:: Thanks for your concern.

princess: Doe-Doe, I'm glad to have you back in town! :p I missed you, friend. Yeah, I own a pair of size 8s now. Hee-hee! I can't wait to hear all about your trip.

I'm going to run downstairs and grab my vitamins and then dash off into the day--
Erin :D

[marsh0013]

hey erin, sounds like you've got a great plan set in place to conquer that nasty pms. i hope all that water does the trick. and getting home early to put your feet up should definitely be nice! enjoy your day, and you night of rest :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, dear princess: :sunny:

I hope yesterday turned out wonderful and you were able to ride the d-zone roller coaster. Today is a new day and we're going to sail :boat: through it together. :happy1:

A PM is on the way to you, princess: Lulu!

:hug: and :sunny: ,
princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

Here I am. Wednesday, 2/11.

Hmmmm, a new day. A :sunny: day, too. Sweet messages from Marcia and Doreen--words that make me :D . Thank you, girls, I'm needing it today.

Today, I'm going to put on my :D , and shuffle into the day. No :hyper: for me--it's enough to just put one foot in front of the other some days, you know what I'm saying? I'm just going to care for myself the best that I can and know that this yukkiness will soon pass. Man, I feel old. :p Still, I'm on the lookout for my blessings, and I know I found a whole bunch this morning on the WISH! Thanks, Doreen. Thanks, Marcia.

I'm taking it all day by day. No looking forward, no looking back. Today, with God's help, I'm going to be cheat-free and treat my body in a healthy way. That's all I need to know. I'll rely on Him.

The plan:

1. Vitamins--:D
2. Limit coffee--:D I'm going to buy some more green tea this afternoon as a special treat. :D
3. No extra exercise. Romping through the day with the little ones in my classes will be enough. I'm so blessed to have these children and families in my life. When I teach later today, I'll forget my "old" feeling! I'm going to accept that right now I just can't exercise T, W, or Th. My days are just too full. No more beating myself up about it. I'm going to design an exercise plan for Fri, S, Sun, and M that works for me. I'll have more time to train this summer.
4. Food--I'll limit myself to 26 points.
5. Water--I'll take every opportunity the day offers me to drink, drink, drink!

:D ,
Erin

[marsh0013]

erin, i'm glad you are charging into this day with a great plan to stay on track. it may not be easy, but like you said, rely on the strength that God gives you, and cherish the little things. i have faith in you :goodvibes

and i'm very glad that you are accepting your schedule and what it is doing to your workout schedule. it's tough to have to give it up on those days, but as long as you accept it, and look forward to the other days, i'm sure you can do it ::yes::

enjoy your time in class with the little ones, and do treat yourself well today :sunny:

[CourtasanSatine]

must be the pillow and have a great :sunny: day

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

You look like you have a great plan for the day. I'm proud of you for recognizing taht the day is only 24 hours long. You will exercise when you can. That is still VERY frequently. Good for you.

Enjoy those kiddies today. Maybe you can absorb some of their energy. They always seem to have excess.

:hug: and :sunny:
Beth

[lulu201]

Whew! I made it through the day--and I'm still wearing my :D . Amazing and nothing short of God's grace, I'm telling you. I'm in the deepest, darkest part of the dzone :p , but I have felt totally uplifted and carried by support all day--even now at around 10 p.m. when I'm just finishing curricula writing for the week. Thank you Beth, Doreen, Marcia, and Satine--for your kindnesses.

I had so much on my mind and heart today--issues with various children/parents, my friend starting chemo, work deadlines and concerns, but I worked to truly give it all up to God, to let Him take care of me and my problems, and to walk through the day with a grateful heart instead of a worried one. Blessings were there at every turn--from the child who nestled in my lap instead of screaming for his mommy (like last week!) to the Fed Ex lady who showed up at the exact right moment, from the surprise news I got in a PM (all I can say is that it involves princess fashions) to having the strength to stay within the points. Just an amazing day.

I hope that I don't sound too syrupy for those of you who visit my journal, but I do have to tell it like I see it, and if anyone's read my journal from the beginning, you know how difficult TOM is for me. Over the last few months, the insights and support that I've gotten here at the WISH have helped me to learn how to live in the most optimal way possible during this time each month. Why, the whole healthy living process--the faith walk that it's been for me, the changes that I've made in how I eat and how I live, the wonderful friendships that I've made, the new goals and challenges that I've set for myself (like the half marathon)--it's been an amazing journey. I am so happy to be on it, taking things one day at a time. Day by day. Pound by pound. Onward and inward.

I've been having a lot of guilt lately about the half marathon. DH and I have been back and forth about whether he and DD should go with me--I have really wanted them there to share all of the excitement, but DH and I really think it's best financially not to do another WDW trip yet, since we've done two this past year. Today I told him that I was feeling so bad, that maybe I just wouldn't go--I would miss him and DD too much. (I know, I know, it's only a few days, but DH and I are really close. Hey, we must like each other--we work together every day!) Anyway, he said, "Erin, you deserve this. You deserve a special reward for all that you've accomplished, for how hard you've worked." He was so sincere. I thought some more about it--how this journey has been something that I've done as woman for myself, and I think that I have to continue on to the half marathon on my own, with just my WISH pals with me. Simply said, it's a trip that's just going to be about me (and all my WISH buds, of course:p ) this time.

Gee, I've gotten quite wordy in my sleepiness. I think I'd better just turn off the computer and get some zzzzzs. Tomorrow's another one of my long days, but hey, that's OK. ::yes::


Big hug to all,
Erin

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin! I just wanted to stop in to see how all of my WISH friends are doing before I hit the hay.

Your husband sounds like a wonderful man and you're so fortunate that he supports you the way he does. You're truly blessed. You do deserve to go on this trip and you have worked hard. I wish you well with whatever decision you make. Take care Erin!:D

[lulu201]

Good morning!:sunny: It's an "ibuprofen and tea" kind of day here in the dzone, but my WISH-sis has told me that valentine fashion helps to ward it off, so I'm wearing my conversation heart earrings (pink and purple) and my sparkly heart socks. There are definite advantages to teaching children--they love holiday accessories!:p Even my adult students love it, if they let themselves admit it!

Anyway, I'm ready to start the day.

Here's the plan:

1. Vitamins--gotta take 'em.
2. Coffee--only one (or two:p ), but I gotta have it.
3. Exercise--gotta forget it ('til tomorrow)
4. Points--gotta have 26.
5. Water--gotta drink it.

That's it, folks.

Oh, Lisa, it was nice to hear from you this morning. Thanks for your support about the half marathon. I'm definitely going to go--DH really helped me lay my self-imposed guilt to rest! I never stopped wanting to go--I just doubted whether I could go alone. We talked a lot about him and DD going--but another Disney trip isn't where we want the bucks to go right now. (Sorry, ::MickeyMo , but there's more to life than WDW. Sad, but true.)

I'm running out the door to get DD off to school.

:hug: to all,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Hey WISH-sis, I'm sending extra :sunny: , lots of :hug: s and some special d-zone :wizard: your way this morning! Your accessories sound like just the ticket to help you smile through the day today!

I know this is the tough time for you but it's temporary and you're doing a great job of living through it with grace and humor! You are inspiring me to do the same! :happy1:

:boat: Sail through the day, Erin, calmly knowing that God is in control and walking with you. I'm walking with you, too - boy, you have quite the entourage, princess: Lulu! :p

Take good care of you!! :sunny:

[honeymo78]

Erin - I'm glad you and DH worked it out about the half marathon. This definitely is something you should do for yourself. I know you'll miss them but this is your journey and it would be a shame if you couldn't let yourself shine in Jan. It's okay to think about ourselves and be "selfish" once in a while. Keep up the great work and have fun wearing your valentine's jewelry.

[Strings]

Erin ,

You keep inspriring me. You are so together with DZONE this month. I'm proud of you. I'm glad you will definately do the marathon next year. You deserve it. You'll also be able to spend more time with your Wish-sisters. I know my DH would be a little uncomfortable hanging out with a bunch of women he didn't know. You certainly deserve a trip as a reward for all your hard work.

Keep the :sunny: going today.
Beth

[lulu201]

Humph. I'm not the happiest WISHer at the moment, but what'cha gonna do? Some times the scale doesn't cooperate! Just a fact of life. I weighed in this morning a full two pounds heavier than last week. I know, I over did it last weekend. I know, it's TOM and Bloat Fairy is in town. I know, I've done really well since Monday--my healthy living behaviors have been good. STILL, I wish the scale were different.

It's not, though, so I'm just going to keep on plugging away, not worrying about it. I almost didn't get weighed, but I wanted to be able to post at the Valentine's Day challenge (my whopping 4 pound loss:mad: ). I was feeling quite content just knowing I was cheat free for the last few days. Now I'm disappointed.:( Oh, well, I'll get over it. On with things:

1. Vitamins--I'll take them this morning.
2. Exercise--Treadie, it's you and me, baby.:hyper:
3. Food--my goal is to stay within my points plus AP. I haven't used my flex this week at all; I'd like to continue with that today.
4. Water--now I'm motivated even more to drink myself into a visit with the Whoosh Fairy!
5. Coffee--Friday, it's two cups.

I'll post again later. . .I'm just in a snit right now. Maybe after I exercise, I'll feel better.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Do ya want me to come show that scale who's boss??!!?? ::yes::
I can do it, ya know! I'm a jock athlete now and I can kick that scale until it will willingly say any number you want!! :teeth: :crazy: You just say the word, girlfriend, and I'm there!!

Wish I could make all your disappointment go away. You've been working so hard and that stupid scale just will not acknowledge it. Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm proud of you - no matter what that scale says! You've gotten yourself through the d-zone the best way you could. You're doing all the right stuff. It WILL pay off!

Sorry you didn't meet your expectations for the Valentine's Day challenge but 4 more pounds are gone, sweetie! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: I saw you the other week and you are looking fabulous! You're feeling better about yourself than you have in a long time. You're inspiring me and quite a few other WISHers.

I'm sending you 5 days' worth of :sunny: , a month's worth of :hug: s and enough pixie dust :wizard: to cover up that scale completely!! By the time you find the scale again, it'll be singing a different tune - one that you'll like much better!!

:hug: , WISH-sis!
Doreen

[marsh0013]

gosh darn scale not cooperating! i can't wait to see what mine says tomorrow :rolleyes: . it must be something going around right now, we all seem to be in a funk! but this too shall pass. hope that exercise gives you the boost you need, that usually helps me a little bit. great job not using any of those flex, i couldn't survive without them!

hope you have a great day today erin! :sunny:

[lulu201]

OK, here's how things are going:p

1. I haven't had my vitamins. :p
2. I've had 2 cups of coffee and a large diet coke.:hyper:
3. I've had one glass of water. :p
4. I walked three miles on the treadie. :D
5. I've eaten 16 points today which as included:
b--big bowl of pb/banana oatmeal surprise and the coffee=7
l--a mini cinnabon and a large diet soda=7
s--coffee w/cream from WaWa (it's Fri., after all) and a cow tail=2
Did you ever see so much high carb, junky eating in your life?
:p

Now, I'm not proud of my day so far, but I'm not out of control, either. This is just what I wanted for today. It is what it is. I'm kind of taking an "Erin's Day" today. After I got DD to school, I WENT BACK TO BED!!!!!! I slept from 8:15 to 10:15 and it was delicious! I haven't made the bed, however, or unloaded the dishwasher or started the laundry or worked on lessons or taught any lessons/classes. I will go to work (for two and a half hours :p ) and then go out to dinner with DH tonight. Girls, I just needed a break and I took it, just for me. :p

I'm feeling so good, I just might not kick the scale after all. :p Though, Doreen, maybe you should come over and threaten it a little. Thanks, Marcia, for stopping by. . .I hope your scale acts better than mine did!

Erin

I'll try to check in with everyone later.

[DoeWDW]

Erin, your day sounds heavenly!! Going back to bed is such a luxury, isn't it?? Oh, and your junky high-carb eating can't hold a candle to what I've been doing lately! :teeth: :crazy: :eek: Of course, this is NOT a contest either of us should be trying to win! :p

Thanks for your words of wisdom today. I'm feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted from me. I am so blessed to have you to help me through the rough spots!

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your DH and DD!

:hug: , WISH-sis!

[lulu201]

Hey, there! I'm back to finish telling about my funny day. I never did take those vitamins, though I might go downstairs and take them later--I guess I have 'til midnight, right?:p

Anyway, I ended up working only two hours today because one of my student's mom was sick and unable to drive--only two classes. Not too bad. ;) After that DH and I went out to dinner--his choice, and of course he picked the Chinese buffet. :eek: Now usually I can make it OK through the buffet, but then I come home and graze, eating all the flex points I haven't used during the week. Then on Saturday and Sunday, I just fall totally apart and eat everything that I see or think about. Well, tonight, I used one flex point. One. One! :laughing: I'm done with eating for the night, so I'm going to turn over my clippie and be happy! :teeth:

I'm off to do a little journal-peeking, then I'm going to read a good book. DD is at a sleepover; DH and I are enjoying the quiet for a night.

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, princess: Lulu! :sunny:

You have conquered the Chinese buffet and the after-buffet grazing!! WOW!! You are doing such a wonderful job right now! I can feel the positive energy and enthusiasm when I read your journal! What a great feeling when we can overcome past destructive behavior!! :Pinkbounc

I hope you have a fabulous Saturday and Valentine's Day, WISH-sis! I'm sending you an extra :hug: for helping me through such a rough spot yesterday. You give so much encouragement and inspiration to others here on WISH and I bet you do the same in your "real" day-to-day life, too! I feel blessed to have you in my life, Erin!

Onward we go! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Here I am, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, on the WISH:

I hope to do a little better on the old plan today (maybe less caffeine would be an appropriate goal?:p ), though I am happy with how I limited my eating yesterday.

1. Vitamins--I take them.
2. Water--I will drink it.
3. Exercise--I will walk 4 miles. Oh, and Mickey will get a walk in, too.
4. Coffee--No, problem, I will drink it!:p Oh, but only one cup. :rolleyes:
5. Food--I will limit myself to target and AP points. Maybe, just maybe I'll use a few flex if it seems right, but I'm not going to count on it.

The day's plans are sounding simple, which is good, because I don't think I could handle much more. I have lots of chores to do, some errands to run, and DMIL is back in the hospital with complications from her knee surgery. That means we'll be making a run out of town this afternoon to go visit her. Hey, we gotta do, what we gotta do. We also are doing some home improvements this weekend--yikes!

Off into the new day, :sunny: all around!
Erin

************************************************** *
An update:

1. Vitamins--done.
2. Coffee--done, though I could sure use some more.
3. Food--13 points done, 11 left. No activity points today because I'm not doing any exercise whatsoever. I know I'm going to have to use some flex.
4. Exercise--I just can't fit in the walk. I had to run out and shop for Valentine's Day, then go to Lowes, and now have to head up to the hospital and out to dinner. MAYBE, I'll get a couple of miles in tonight, but I doubt it. Not having the time has really been a bummer today and has weakened my resolve--I thought I could do it when I woke up today, but I just didn't plan well.
5. Water--I am doing OK on this; I'm drinking tons.

I feel like today is critical for me. I want to make it through this day and break the weekend binge pattern I've established for myself lately. I've maintained control through two dangerous situations so far today--one involving a heart shaped iced brownie, no less--but I know I'm vulnerable and weak. Yikes!!!

Now I'm off to get ready for our trip to the hospital. Maybe a little snooze in the car will take the edge off my urge for french fries?

Erin

************************************************** *

With God's help, I MADE IT! I'm vowing not to eat anything else today; I've had all I'm going to have. I took a substantial withdrawal from my point bank, but it was all perfectly legal and not a binge.

I'm not going to exercise tonight--we just got home and it's 8:30. No energy left. I have high hopes for tomorrow, though, and am looking forward to a good workout.

DMIL looked great and was in high spirits.

Off to bed,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Hiya Erin! How ya doing buddy? I've caught up on your journal and it sounds like you had a tough week while I was away but it also sounds like you are getting back on track. Cool on the size 8's! Oh how I would love to be in a size of single digit jeans. :)

We are going to start off this week on the right foot starting today right! Lets be cheat free till Saturday! Think we can do it? I know I am going to try. After being in WDW for 7 days I can only imagine what the scale says:scared1:

I'll have to post pictures of me and Doe in our princess: hats later!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Sounds like your Valentine's Day was hectic but you made it through and met the goals that were most important. The exercise thing - I just know we'll be able to do better when it's WARM outside!

Have a :sunny: Sunday, Erin!

[lulu201]

Yay! Amanda's back in town! Thanks for stopping by, Amanda. It sounds like you and Doreen had a nice visit.

And Doreen, I've been thinking the same thing. I can't wait until it's warm and then we'll just walk 24-7!

Today is a work around the house day. I hope to steal some quiet time for myself this afternoon, but this morning I've got to get some home projects done.

The healthy living plan is the same as always, but for some reason, writing it down helps me to commit to it emotionally!

1. Vitamins
2. Water
3. Limit coffee
4. Exercise--today I'm doing 4 miles before anything else is done
5. Points--24 plus AP. No anticipated withdrawals from the bank. Nothing special is going on to warrant it.

More later,
E.

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
**32 oz. of water done.
**walked those four miles!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
**had my cup of coffee
**27 points to use for the day, had 6 for breakfast=21 left

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Have to continue these all-day updates to keep myself on track. I'm determined to be binge free this weekend, and this helps me stay on that way.

**drinking peach green tea right now, it's nice.
**having a bit of a tough time controlling the points, but no binges. 21-11 for lunch-5.5 on snacks=4.5 for the remainder of the day. Uh-oh. I'll withdraw from the bank, but that's OK.
**need more water.

I went out and picked up a few groceries and prescription at KMart. Have to cook chicken for the dog's special diet. Have the laundry going and the kitchen cleaned up. . .hope to crash for a nap soon then will straighten up some more. I feel a cold coming on.

:sunny: :sunny:

**finally took my vitamins. :D
**snacked a little more on a couple of pretzels. Before changing to a new way of life, pretzels were a mainstay of my diet! Now a couple are just enough.
**took a wonderful nap in a big chair in a sunny corner. Feeling better already! :p
**still need more water.

:sunny:

I'm going to make it! I'm going to turn over my clippie bear and celebrate my healthy living weekend! I feel like I've cracked a secret code in my life--the Mystery of the Weekend. My strategy for this coming week is to NOT use any flex Mon.-Fri. and then have all of my flex points available for the weekend.

I'm tired--even with a two hour nap--and my throat is scratchy, but I'm ready to bring on Monday!

Thank you, Marcia, for dropping by this afternoon and offering your support. I appreciate your visits so much.

I'm going to fold some more laundry--

E.

[marsh0013]

oh no, not a cold! hope you do have a chance to get that nap in, hopefully ward off the illness. you definitely don't need to add that to your plate!

i know you can meet your goal of being binge free this weekend. using flex is a-ok, that's what they're there for ::yes:: . so take a few from the bank and have a real dinner, yup, that sounds like a good plan. maybe even some sugar free jello if you want dessert, because there's always room for 0 point jello ;)

hope you got all your stuff done and also took some time to relax for you :sunny:

[Strings]

Erin,

Here's some :sunny: and:wizard: and:hug: to get rid of that nasty cold. Try to get some rest tonight. I'll check in on you tomorrow.
Beth

By the way, I'll be happy to kick your scale for you.;)

[DoeWDW]

Here's extra :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: to send that nasty cold packing! I truly hope you are feeling better very soon, princess: Lulu, because you have so many royal duties to perform and all your students would miss you terribly if you got too sick. :( However, if your body is very tired and rest is what you need, then you take care of yourself FIRST and rest, OK? No heroics necessary - your students wouldn't want you to make yourself worse just to teach them this week!

Now, if you need some cheering up, check out the WISH board! I posted pics and an account of my meet with Amanda last Saturday night! ::yes::

:hug: ,
princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning!:sunny: :sunny: It's a beautiful sunny day! I'm going to make this short as I'm headed out to work early today. Usually on Mondays I don't go in until after lunch, but I re-arranged some of my evening students so I could come home earlier this afternoon and now I've got to be in around 9:30.

The plan is basically the same:

1. Vitamins--:D
2. Water--my big WW mug is filled with my first 32 oz.
3. Food--24 points plus AP.
4. Exercise--hmmm, the plan was to walk 4 miles again today, but I'm not sure my body is up to it. I may just try for 2 and if I'm feeling good, go for 3. I don't want to overdo it, what with this cold and all.
5. Coffee--one, that's it. No discussion.

Doreen, Beth, and Marcia, thanks for being my moms. It's so nice to have someone say, "take care of yourself." I appreciate it.

:grouphug: to all,
Erin

[ZerasPride]

Hi Erin,

Just stopping by to see how you are doing. I hope you have a wonderful stress free (if that's possible) day. Take care of yourself and listen to your body, when you're sick you might just need to slow down just a little. {{{{hugs}}}}}

[septbride2002]

Hiya Erin! Sorry that you are not feeling well today! Big :hug: to you. I agree with everyone else - take your time today and don't push yourself with that cold - it will just make things worse ;)

I hope you have a great day!

~Amanda

[honeymo78]

I hope you are feeling better Erin. It sounds like you have a good approach to exercising today. Listen to your body and don't overdo it. Now where's some more of that warmer weather we saw this weekend? Although I can't complain about the sunshine.

[lulu201]

Oh, thank you, everyone for stopping by and sending me get well wishes. I only have a baby cold at this point, but it's bringing me down. I just want to take a nap. . .or eat a medicinal Butterfinger.:rolleyes: Hmmm, it's a toss up at this point. . . .

Erin

**12 points done; 32 oz. gone; no exercise**

[marsh0013]

go for the butter...i mean, na ...uuuuum.... nap, yes, nap it is! ::yes::

hope your day worked out well what with the rearranging of schedules and fitting in a walk, and taking care of your "baby cold". just as long as it doesn't become a grown up version of itself. feel better erin :sunny:

[Auntmeme]

How are you? was it the butterfinger or nap? hard choice:p

Your constant motivation inspires me even though I haven't been around lately. Time escapes me.

You are down 35 and I am so happy for you. I love how you stay focused each day with your list. How is the walking plan going? where did you and Doreen power walk? when the weather shapes up I'd love to join you.

I hope you baby cold is better, get some rest and have a great Tuesday!

[lulu201]

When dealing with a baby cold, dr. lulu says to do both! A nap AND a Butterfinger! Isn't that awful? Still, it's just what I did. Needless to say, the old bear didn't advance last night. I feel like a dud, but I was tired and cranky and had that scratchy-coughiness and I just had no resolve.

The plan.

1. Vitamins
2. Exercise-none planned.
3. Water--drink lots
4. Food--I just took yesterday off, didn't count or try past the Butterfinger and nap. Today I'll stay at 26.
5. Coffee--Just my one cup, I guess.

I'm just trying to stay in the game.

Thank you Marcia, Steph, Amanda, Lisa Z., and MeMe for visiting yesterday. Your posts made me :D . I'm feeling so grumpy that they were rays of :sunny: . Thank you!

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

**Did the vitamins.
**b--oatmeal (5) and coffee (1)=6

I just checked out Amanda's trip report. Amanda, you're making your trip come alive for me! I almost feel like I'm there! Last January when we were there, it was the coldest it's ever been on one of our trips. I didn't buy DH a sweatshirt either.:p

[DoeWDW]

Dr. Doe-Doe concurs with the opinion of Dr. Lulu! Believe it or not, your body needs extra rest AND extra calories when the immune system is working overtime to fend off a cold. Dr. Lulu, your prescription was PERFECT so you should NOT feel like a dud - you did just the right thing! How would you like to hear THOSE names over the hospital loudspeaker??? "Paging Dr. Lulu & Dr. Doe-Doe"......just cracks me up!!! :teeth: :crazy: Can we wear our Princess hats with our white lab coats & those stethoscopes around our necks?? :tongue: :tongue:

Hang in there, girlfriend! Your cold is a lot like the d-zone - you just have to do the best you can to :boat: sail on through it. ::yes:: In a few days, you'll be feeling better again and at the top of your healthy living game, I promise.

I'm wishing you much :sunny: with added vitamin C today! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[marsh0013]

well, if dr lulu prescribed both the butterfinger and the nap, then it was the right thing to do! can't argue with the doctor :p . in all seriousness, you gotta do what feels right for you, especially when dealing with being sick. i hope that you are on your way to recovery, but make sure to listen to your body while it needs the extra care :)

here's a little bit of extra :sunny: to help you through your day!

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, Dr. Lulu! :sunny:

We must be like Barbie - we change our careers like we change clothes, LOL!! One day we're princesses and the next day we're doctors! :p

I hope your baby cold is responding well to treatment. Are you feeling better today? Here's some cold-banishing :wizard: to help if you need it!

I WISH for you a :sunny: day, filled with the smiles and laughter of precious children to warm your heart.

:hug: ,
Dr. Doe-Doe :sunny:

[lulu201]

WARNING: DO NOT READ IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR CHEER! THE ERIN THAT YOU KNOW IS NOT HERE. HER EVIL TWIN HAS TAKEN OVER HER JOURNAL!!!

:mad: Sorry, but this is how I'm feeling. No :D here. Only :mad: .

I feel lousy. I want to go back to bed. I've been a carb and sugar addicted maniac for the last two days. I've undone all the good I did over the weekend. My hormones are in a state of confusion--Aunt Flo was packing her bags to go visit someone else when she decided that she'd stay for a longer visit (part of the fun of being over 40, I guess). I feel stressed, sick, exhausted, and miserable.

:mad:

Here's the plan:

1. Vitamins. I took them. OK, I give it just a little :D
2. Coffee. I'm going to drink as much as it takes to get through the day. OK, I'll drink some green tea this afternoon. :D
3. Food. I've got to break this sugar thing, so instead of oatmeal with banana and brown sugar, I had an egg and high fiber toast.
I guess I get a brownie point for self-care.
4. Water. I'd better drink a lot 'cause I'm filling up with yukky green stuff.:rolleyes: Sorry, about that.
5. Exercise. You've got to be kidding.

OK, so here I go, into my day. Wouldn't you love for me to be your teacher today? Don't answer that.

I'm going to put myself into "the thinking chair." I'll think about my bad attitude and won't come back until I can be nice. I might be seeing you next Tuesday. . .

[lulu201]

Oh, Doreen, thank you for your warm and :sunny: thoughts. I appreciate them. I need some sunny thoughts today. When I'm done being in a snit, I'm going to wrap myself in them and be grateful.

[septbride2002]

Okay! Who are you and what did you do with my princess: Erin!!!:mad:

Just teasing! Erin pick yourself up my friend! Here's lots of :hug: and some :wizard: Pixie Dust. Try to take extra care of yourself today. Go home and take a hot bath and relax, try to get to bed early (the dishes can wait one day - trust me) and I hope you will feel better in the morning.

Like I told Doe I'm going to be thinking of my fellow princess: today!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Umm Erin,

If you could be :sunny: and cheerful when feeling that lousy, I'd want to know what kind of drugs you were on. Then I'd ask you to share.;) I'm sorry you feel so lousy. Rant away. Try to keep the green tea and water going. Here's some healing pixie dust.:wizard: :wizard:
:hug:
Beth

[marsh0013]

good morning erin!!! here's some :sunny: to hopefully brighten your day.

don't feel bad about not being positive. it's ok. you're gonna have bad days. so today is a day where you feel all around crappy. no need to put on a fake smile when you're really not feeling it. i do hope that things go well for you today, or at least as well as they can go. try to take care of yourself, and i hope you feel better :hug:

[ZerasPride]

{{{{hugs}}}}} to you Erin. I am so sorry you are not feeling well. That just stinks! This is your journal and you can be in any mood you feel like whenever you feel like it.

I hope you are feeling better really really soon. You have to take care of yourself and if that means eating off plan then that's what it means. Dr. Erin knows best.

[DoeWDW]

Hi Erin! :wave2:

Are you out of your snit yet?? :scratchin

Just wondered. :duck:

:hug:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, Erin :sunny:

I hope you're feeling better today, but if you're not, that's OK too! I'm sending extra potent :wizard: to chase away that green gunk! Having a cold isn't any fun!! Please take some extra vitamin C today and get some extra rest while your body tries its very best to fight off those nasty cold germs. If you're really feeling bad, forget about the points and eat whatever your body is craving - like a big bowl of chicken soup.

:hug: , WISH-sis!

[lulu201]

THE COAST IS CLEAR. . .IT'S SAFE TO COME BACK TO ERIN'S JOURNAL. . .

:D I'm still sick with a cold. Oh, in case you didn't notice, I discovered that I'm a LOUSY sick person. I just don't have time for it! The TLC provided by you all--Doreen, Lisa Z., Marcia, Beth, and Amanda--really brightened my day and made me smile. Thank you for mothering me with your love and kindness. It helped chase my "blue meanies" away.

:sunny: It's a new day, though, and while it's a long one for me, I'm ready to jump into it. I don't have time to write out my plan, but it's pretty much the same. I'm watching what I eat, but I don't have the energy to be overly point oriented, so I'm just working to keep track of what I'm eating, not to binge, make good choices (uh, no medicinal Butterfingers), and to maintain where I am. I'm retaining a lot of water, though, so I hope to flush that out with lots of good water today.


:grouphug: to everyone. Thank you for being my wonderful WISH friends and accepting me even when I'm mean and ugly.:rolleyes:
I'll be making journal rounds this weekend.

Erin

[Strings]

Erin,

Ugly? Never! We all have bad days. You are sick. Please don't feel you have to be cheerful for us. If you are crabby, be crabby. Who knows, maybe we can make you smile. Even though you are busy today, try to take sometime to relax. You have to get better for the weekend.
:hug:
Beth

[septbride2002]

Mean and Ugly? A princess: is never those things. Erin, I have one word for you - DIVA. Next time you are just being a princess: Diva. Mean and Ugly are bad words and therefore should be eliminated from your vocabulary.;)

I hope you have a great day and that cold starts taking a hike. Remember to drink lots of Orange Juice and to keep your energy up. Take it easy in the evenings be relaxing.

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

good morning erin :sunny: (ok, so it's not really morning anymore, but it's taking me extra long to get through journals today, so i say it's still morning :p )

you have an excellent plan to get through this illness. definitely don't worry about the points, just make good choices, and make sure to have lots of medicinal soup and orange juice, for sure ::yes:: . just listen to your body, it will tell you what you need.

and i like amanda's suggestion...mean and ugly? what is this nonsense. diva. most definitely :teeth:

hope you are feeling better and that you have a great day today :sunny:

[lulu201]

Hee, hee, I like those word choices better. From now on, instead of being mean and ugly, I'll be a Crabby princess: Diva (CPD, for short)! Definitely more appropriate terminology to describe myself on my bad days! Thanks, girls!

DD woke up sick and I took the morning off to be home with her. I went down to work for an hour or so and then came back home. While I didn't sleep, I did put my feet up while I did lessons; seeing my dd and resting a bit continues to improve my disposition. :tongue:

Here's how I'm doing:

1. Vitamins--done.
2. Water and herb tea--going strong.
3. Coffee--done, but I may bend on this.:rolleyes: What can I say? Whatever it takes to make a diva happy!
4. Points--b=5, l=9
5. Exercise--:eek: What a thought!

I'll try to check in later--
E.

[Auntmeme]

Hello DIVAprincess:

I hope today has brought you much :sunny: and you are feeling better. We can't do much when we are sick, I want you and Doreen to be my doctors:p

And I agree with the DIVA categorization! Hugs to you and here's to a better day:hug:

[lulu201]

Today's Friday! YAY!:Pinkbounc DD and I are still sick--she's home again from school--but company's coming so I have to get my act together and do some clean up. DSIL is sleeping over, so I've got to make the house presentable and run out for a few groceries before work this afternoon. I've got until 2:30, so no worries there.

Thanks for stopping in, MeMe. I always enjoy a visit from you.

I got weighed this morning. Oooh, talk about mean and ugly--that scale has to learn something about how to treat a Crabby
princess: Diva! Who will come over and help me kick it? It was up THREE pounds from Monday, but I'm not too worried. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with my high sodium intake the last couple of days--lots of soup, cheese, and crackers will do it. I'm not going to change my siggie yet; I'm going to give the scale a week to come to its senses!

The plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Water
3. Coffee--limit today. Yesterday I had a 20 oz. cup from 7-11 in the afternoon. It was kind of "energy in a cup" for my p.m. schedule. It worked.:p Today, though, I have to be more careful.
4. Exercise--I'm missing my treadie; I've got to get on it today. I think I'll set my goal for two miles, but just a stroll. No sweating--just want to give my metabolism and endorphins a jump.
5. Points--I think I'm ready to count today and stay within the boundaries. I'm yearning for my routine. I also think it's time for me to lower my target to 22 and to just add activity points from there. I'd been holding on to my 24, but I don't think it's low enough. Here's a :( for the dearly departing two points. . . they'll be sorely missed. :(

Yesterday, the mom of one of my students caught me eating an apple after her son's lesson. She said she'd been reading Bob Green's book and he talked about how permanent weight loss means changing your whole lifestyle. She looked at my apple and said, "I like fruit and all, but if I'm going to eat healthy, I'd have to remind myself to choose it. I'd have to think about it all day long." I nodded, and said, "that's how it is. I think about it all day long. I commit to it all over again, each and every day." Some days are struggles and some days are a breeze, but it's new every day, and after doing this w.o.e. with the WISH for six months, I know that this structure, this plan--as rigid as it sometimes feels--is so much better than the alternative. I don't want to regain this weight that I've lost. I don't want to go back to feeling heavy and out of control. This narrow path is the one that works for me and helps me to feel the best about myself. With God's help, and the help of my family and awesome WISH friends, I can keep walking it, day after healthy living day.

Hey, I think the diva has left the building.;)

Until later. . .
Erin

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

7:30 or so:

Hmmm, after reading Marcia's journal, I'm inspired to plan, so here's what I've got so far:

b--oatmeal is sounding good, so I think I'll have some w/pbutter and bananas and coffee (not mixed together, mind you :p ) for a total of 6. That's a big breakfast, but it'll last me a long time.
l--salad w/tuna. I'm not sure what the salad will look like, but I have lots of veggies in the fridge, so I'm thinking the whole meal will be 6 again. That'll leave me 10 points for dinner, along with AP. I guess I still have flex to use, but I'm not really looking at them yet.

10:35 or so:

b--had my YUMMY oatmeal :p , and my delicious coffee. Also one glass of water. No vitamins yet.

Guest room/office/gym is looking a bit tidier. Downstairs, too. I'm just going to keep moving around at my own slow pace, getting the job done bit by bit. I guess if I didn't stop for a computer break every half hour or so, I'd move a lot faster.:rolleyes:

2:15?

l--had my tuna and salad=5.5 points and jello w/lite cool whip.
Had the vitamins, three more glasses of water. I'm really dragging now. I need a nap, not more house cleaning. I wish I had the skills to manage my life so that when someone came to spend the night I had to work all day to make the place decent!:crazy:

I'm hopping on the treadmill now to do 20 minutes--I'm matching Doe's time. Originally I was going to do two miles, but I'm running out of time before I have to leave for work (I can leave later than I thought earlier) and I figure that all that vacuuming has to count for something!:D

[DoeWDW]

Dearest princess: Lulu,

I'll send you the same care package I'm sending our dear Amanda - a gentle :hug: , super duper cold-fighting :wizard: and :sunny: fortified with extra vitamin C! I'll send an extra package for Liz - make sure she gets it, OK?

I'm thinking we should soon issue a royal decree banishing all uncooperative scales from our kingdom! We all seem to be having problems with them at the moment - do you suppose it's a scale rebellion???!! :eek:

Hopefully your DSIL is the understanding sort and not worried about what the house looks like. It will be obvious that you & Liz are sick so I'm sure she'll cut you some slack in the "perfectly neat and tidy" department. Don't wear yourself out getting ready for her, OK?

I like your idea of a low-key just-to-get-moving-a-little stroll on your treadie. It inspired me to set a goal of walking 15 minutes at lunch today at a nice strolling pace, just to get back in the groove. I'll think of you today as I'm walking. :happy1:

As my tag says, take good care of you - you're worth it! ::yes::

:hug: , dear WISH-sis

[Strings]

Erin,

I'll come give your scale the boot, if you're too sick to do it yourself. You are absolutely right that it is all sodium related. Your plan for the day looks good. Take that stroll nice and slow and baby yourself. Remember your vitamins please. Have a great weekend.
:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

i feel like i'm the queen of kicking the scale for others this week. whack, bam, boom! sharon even left hers on the front porch for me for easy access :p .

i'm so glad to have inspired you to plan! even though i really didn't plan today till this morning. i actually went to bed last night with a plan (kinda), but totally changed it when i woke up because i wanted pb/banana oatmeal :teeth: . that seems like a trend going around today, noticed it pop up in doe's journal as well!

i know that dropping down to 22 points will be something to adjust to. but that's all it is, an adjustment. i know that you can make small changes that will go a big way to get those 2 extra points out. maybe as you get lower in points, it will help to plan out a little more, or if you don't want to actually plan out meals, at least make a rough estimate of how many points you'd like to spend at each meal and on snacks through the day, that way, you have flexibility as well. oh, and don't be afraid to use those aps and flex points! i hope it's a smooth transition for you :)

hope you continue toward the road to recovery. like doe said, take it easy with the house, your dsil should understand that you and your dd are sick, and the house is just not the number one priority right now ::yes::

here's some bright :sunny: to help you through your day :)

[honeymo78]

Erin I know exactly how you feel about cleaning when someone comes over. My best friend is staying for the weekend and it has taken a lot longer than it should have for me to clean off the futon and make the house look less cluttered. I hope you and DD start feeling better soon. It's no fun to be sick. I'm glad you're getting in some exercise today but taking it easy while doing it. You've got a great plan.

[lulu201]

Friday in review:

I'm home from work. DSIL's bed is ready; I just need to finish a few last minute things. At this moment I'm afraid I'll crash before she even gets here (anticipated time of arrival 10:30)!

1. Vitamins--took them.
2. Water--I've had five glasses so far; I'm going to have three more before I call it a day!
3. Coffee--:rolleyes: Well, yesterday's 20 oz. coffee helped get me through the afternoon and evening, so it made sense :rolleyes: to have some more coffee therapy today.
4. Points--see menu below.
5. Exercise--1.05 miles in 20 minutes. My hips ache :confused: for some reason. Must be just from being sick.

Le menu:

b--coffee and oatmeal=6
l--salad=5.5
d--soft chicken taco, soft beef taco supreme, pintos and cheese=13
dessert--lowfat vanilla cone=3.5

Total for the day=28 (22 target, 1 AP, 5 flex)
Not the best, but certainly more on track than I have been. Even though I'm cheat free, I'm not advancing my bear; I thought back on yesterday and don't feel it was quite good enough to call "cheat free" though I didn't binge. If I'm on program tomorrow, I'll move it ahead then.

Steph: I hope you and your friend have fun together this weekend. I have to say that I love getting the house all cleaned up on Friday--I can usually get in some R and R during the weekend itself. Do you have to work a lot this weekend?

Marcia: I totally agree with you--moving down to a lower point target is going to force me to plan better. What are some low point snacks that you recommend?

Doreen: Liz says thanks for the TLC package:wave2: (that's a wave from her. She lives to peek over my shoulder! Liz: "yeah, you know I do. You only called me in.":rolleyes: Insert serious teenage eyerolling here.) Oh, and about my scale. . . do you know anyone who'd like a beat up, battered, weigher? They can have mine!!!

Beth: I took my vitamins. Thanks for caring.:D

Well, I made it through the healthy living day, thanks to you guys. You know that your support and humor make this journey a lot fun, don't you?:p

[marsh0013]

let's see...my favorite low point snacks are:

*baby carrots - either plain or dipped in hummus
*light yogurts - either dannon light n fit or columbo...both are 2 points, but dannon is 6 oz and 90 cal, while columbo is 8 oz and 120 cal
*apples, strawberries, bananas, etc - can we see i like fruit? :p
*pria bars
*small portions of nuts - ie, 7 almonds
*hot cocoa - nestle fat free with calcium comes up for me as 0 points in the points tracker, it's just 20 calories! good with either skim milk or water
*cheese - i've just started having a small portion of cheese as a snack every now and again. and i just bought snack string cheese. the fat/protein content stick with you

i'd also suggest checking out light wheat bread, if you don't already eat that. it's 2 slices for 1 point. also skim points by getting sugar free preserves instead of jam/jelly (if you like these things). i've also recently discovered the wonderful world of boca/morningstar products. now, granted, it may be something that not everyone would like, the whole soy thing. i've had boca/veggie burgers before and knew i liked them, just hadn't been eating them in a long time. but i highly recommend the morningstar breakfast patties. tastes *just* like sausage. take that, a slice of 2% cheese, put on a toasted low carb thomas bagel, and that's a nice big 4 point breakfast with lots of protein.

now obviously, this is geared toward my tastes. but at the same time, i never used to eat real sausage for breakfast. i used to have the same exact thing every morning - a carnation instant breakfast. and that was it. now i absolutely need a more substantial breakfast. and most of the time, a morning snack too.

aaaanyway, this was supposed to be about helping you find low point snacks. i guess my best suggestion is to just load up on the fruits and veggies. as you know, most veggies are zero points. i know it's not very exciting, but such is life i guess :)

hope this helps! feel free to ask if you need anything else or more specifics, and i'll keep you up to date if i discover anything new :)

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin, sorry to hear you were sick this week. Hopefully you'll get some rest this weekend. Take care and I'll check in with you on Monday. Oh, and thanks for the encouragement you gave me today, I was really happy to see that you had posted, you made me laugh. Good night!

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning!:sunny: What a treat to come to my journal this morning and find that Marcia and Lisa have stopped by! :wave2:

Oooh, Marcia, you've given me a lot to think about re: the bread situation. I have never been able to bring myself to buy that low calorie bread. . .I guess it's a great way to shave the points, though. Maybe I'll break down and give it a try. ::yes:: And the yogurt--I know I should eat that, too. The Boca burgers--well, let's just say it's not calling my name like peanut butter oatmeal surprise!:p

Lisa, I'm still dogging it with this cold, but my attitude is better, at least. It's a good thing--our house has a revolving door this weekend! DD has a friend who needs to spend tonight, DSIL may come back again. . .oh, well, I keep telling myself the more the merrier. :p

OK, let me see. Today's plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Water
3. Exercise--at least two miles today
4. Points--22 plus activity and then a few flex?
5. Coffee--I'm really cutting back today. Seriously. REALLY.

b--mini bagel (2) w/ lite cream cheese and a minute amount of blueberry jam + coffee=5
l--uh-oh, I see the problem here. I haven't the faintest idea what we'll be doing or where we'll be by lunch time. Maybe this is why I fall apart on the weekends (ya think????).
d--uh-oh, same problem. We might be at the mall, we might be home. Hmmm, a healthy living dilemma.

Guess I'd better get some family plans in place before I do the food plans.

I'll get back to this later. . .

Edit #1 10:15
1. Done
2. Working on first glass.:rolleyes:
3. Exercise--well, it's nice out, so I think I'll do my two miles in a leisurely stroll this afternoon. I'm just not feeling up to the speed thing yet. Lots of chest congestion still.
4. Food--lunch will be a McDonald's salad because I'm going into work for awhile. d-will be baked ziti and a another salad w/sugar free jello for dessert.
5. Coffee-done, no more shall pass my lips today.

I passed a running shoe store as I was taking DD to a rehearsal today; I'm going to stop back in and see what they recommend for the half marathon. Also see if they sell those cool max socks and clothes. I want to price everything out. It's exciting to think about. :hyper:

One luxury I'm going to allow myself is a nice tall glass of OJ. I'll figure out the points, but I just have to give myself some sun in a glass!

Edit #2

Total points so far: 5+10+1+2=18--4 points for dinner?
I'll be back. . .:confused: Guess I'd better get on the treadie, don't you think?

I changed my siggie so that I could get a clear idea of where I'm starting on the April challenge; I'm happy to say I dropped a pound of my water weight yesterday. I'm going to try to lose 10 pounds and get down to 157.

Am doing better on the water--I'm on my 5th glass.

Edit #3 3:40 p.m.

Did 2.03 miles in 30:06; a decent walking pace today! Getting into the endorphin zone has helped out my mood a little bit--have a little family frustration going on at the moment. Enough said. Anyway, have had the water and am looking at pizza at the mall for dinner. A slice is 8 or 9 points, so with my AP, I'm looking at a 2-3 point flex withdrawal. I can live with that. Just one slice though, and of course, jello at home later on.

9:30 p.m. FINAL EDIT OF THE DAY!

As it turned out, DH, DSIL, and I went to DH's favorite: yes, girls, you know it's the Chinese Buffet! Well, I've got that place down to a science now, so I had my usual 1 cup of steamed shrimp, 1 cup chicken and broccoli (heavy on the broccoli), some mushrooms, and some rice noodles. Total points: 9

Went to the mall with DD and her girlfriend. Remembered I had my starbucks gift card with me:rolleyes:. Had a tall DECAF sugar-free vanilla latte at 1 point, I believe. Total points for the day=28
(22 target, 2 AP, 4 from bank).

I've had lots of water, too.

At the mall, I picked out a new suit for Easter in a pretty "tulip pink" shade. It's a simple sheath dress with a matching jacket--both size 10. I'm not cutting the tags off because it's snug through the bust, but I couldn't see buying the 12 and then losing 10 pounds. What if it didn't fit?:p So, I'm going to hang it on my closet door and use it for inspiration to stay on plan. I'm determined to wear it by Easter time!

Also at the mall, I took myself for a walk through Victoria's Secret. This was a big deal for me, because I've never felt sure enough of myself to go in. This time, I browsed all around--didn't buy anything--but I had lots of fun looking at all the pretty things. Over the years, my weight has made me self-conscious in many ways; being free from the weight has made me more confident.

I took a cue from Amanda and went to the bookstore and bought a motivational book (on sale for $5.98:p ) on healthy living.

I've also decided to walk every day this coming week--either outside or on the treadie. Even if it's only for a mile on my busy days, I need to stay connected to my physical goals. I'm going to remember Dr. Phil's words and do it whether or not I feel like it. Truth be told, I didn't feel like it today, but it felt good and I felt good about myself afterwards. Exercise is so empowering.

Also, I've decided that I'm going to concentrate on losing three weeks out of the month, with one week for maintenance during the D-Zone. During that week (and I already have in marked on my calendar in my purse), I'm going to do everything I can to support myself both mentally and physically.

Though I had my DD and friend along for the ride, my time at the mall tonight was really some "me" time. (Did I mention I tried on a Ralph Lauren suit for $350? That was fun:teeth: ). It brightened my outlook and helped me to focus, if only for a brief time, on the positive changes that have happened the last few months.

I'm going to turn over my clippie now and call it a day. I never did get to the running store (I decided to walk instead), but at least I
know where it is now. I'll look at Target, Marcia, for my cool max. Thanks for passing that tip along. And thank you everyone who stopped by to say "hi" during the day. You know how I appreciate it.

Good night--
Erin

[septbride2002]

Hi Erin! I am the same way on the weekends just sorta flying blindly. I guess during the week we are more structured because we have to be. I am trying to be the same way about the weekends. Lets make a commitment to both have a plan in place for Sunday. I know I'm game if you are.

Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful day - hope you find some healthy menus for your lunch and dinner!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I'm glad you had some OJ, Erin! It sounds as if you need it to kick that cold out of Bucks County!! I'm also glad you walked on the treadie instead of outside. If your chest is congested, you should NOT be outside walking in the cold air. I'll turn Mom-mode off now.... :p

I keep thinking about walking but I'd have to walk outside and you KNOW how I hate the cold.... it's too late to get to the fitness center and use the treadmill there.

Your day sounds like it's going well. Your food plan keeps changing but you're staying on track - way to go!!

Good luck with all the company, girlfriend! Keep an eye out for a PM from me.

:hug:

[marsh0013]

hey erin, definitely sounds like a good idea to head into that running store for shoe recommendations. they'll be able to figure out a good shoe and fit for you. as for coolmax socks and shirts and stuff...i'd check out target type stores. the stuff at the running stores is waaay pricey, and they have good stuff for much cheaper at target, tj maxx, etc. but if you just want to do everything in one trip, well then, treat yourself to the running store stuff, you're definitely worth it ::yes::

pizza for dinner sounds good. you earned it with that walk, and a few points from the bank is definitely not bad.

and good luck with the april challenge. i'm in too...and i think i saw some other names i recognize. we'll definitely be supporting each other, and 10 pounds sounds like a great goal for you. i know you can do it :bounce:

[Castillo Mom]

Erin, I'm totally able to relate to your experience at Victoria's Secret today. For the longest time I wouldn't even walk in the store because I felt like all eyes would be on me and people would think, what's she doing in here, nothing will fit! Erin, next time you're in there I encourage you to buy something for yourself that you normally wouldn't. Go on, take a chance, get yourself something really pretty. You deserve it with all of the hard work you're doing!::yes::

[DoeWDW]

Erin, good for you!! It sounds like you had a wonderful day!!

I'm envious of your Victoria's Secret foray - haven't been brave enough to go in there yet myself! I agree with Lisa C. - next time you should treat yourself to something nice! Your new suit for Easter sounds so beautiful and I bet that color looks soooo good on you! You're going to feel like a princess: when you wear it!

I have to run - need to get ready for Sunday School & church - but I'll be thinking of you today, WISH-sis! :happy1:

:hug: and :sunny:

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

I personally think you need to buy 2 things at Victoria's Secret. 1 pretty thing for yourself, and One thing the mill make DH :earseek:.

It looks like you've found some extra motivation to stay op. I think the dress sounds fabulous.

Enjoy your day.
:sunny:
Beth

[septbride2002]

Erin I am sitting here just :) at your updated post. First off great job on the Chinese Buffet and look at how much more you were able to eat for 9 points rather then having just one slice of pizza. :bounce:

I love the sound of your Easter dress. And I think it is great that you are using it as a goal for April. I bet it will look awesome on you.

Now you are to march back into Victoria's Secret and buy yourself something. Seriously they have the best bras ever! Although they are expensive. I have several little things from Vicky's that I wear every now and then - drives DH wild ;) Don't be self concious of anything - you have curves and you should show them off. Those skinny stick figures in the pictures are just :crazy2: to represent real women.

Your recommitment to yourself sounds great. I am off to my journal to post my goals for the week.

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Have I told you guys lately how much I love you all? :grouphug:
Who else could understand what a big deal it is to go into Victoria's Secret? And Lisa, that is exactly how I always used to feel, too--like everyone was wondering what the heck I was doing there! Sometimes, when I look back at how I felt about myself. . . . . .it was painful at times.

I'm so thankful to have all of my WISH friends helping me to live this healthier life. I would like to say--"I'll never be heavy like that again"--but I can't do that, I just can't. All I can address is the way I'm going to live today. Maybe if I hadn't had the years of :yo-yo: dieting, I'd be braver, but as it is, I'm OK with living in this moment. I can't really imagine going back now, and if I fall, I'll pick myself up, with "a little help from my friends" (C'mon, Amanda and Doreen, help me sing a chorus or two.:p) , but still, it's got to be just one day at a time.

OK, down to the basics.

1. Vitamins. I totally forgot to take them. I'll do that in a minute.
2. Water. I've had a little, but not enough.
3. Coffee--at home and church. I'm done for the day. I had a little diet coke with lime (ooh, I love that stuff :p ), but I'm going to cut myself off from caffeine for the rest of the day. My skin is looking a mess and I know it's from all the medicinal coffee I had last week.
4. Points. MARCIA, YOU HAVE SAVED MY POINT-LIFE! I found some really tasty high fiber, low point bread today and had those two slices for one point!!! YAY!!! Sandwiches are back in my life, thanks to you!

Here's how it's looking
b--slice of toast w/pb=4 plus coffee w/ 1/2 and 1/2=5
l--cheese sandwich=4 plus pickle (0) plus baked lays (1)=5:D
Total for breakfast AND lunch=10 :p

I hope to walk this afternoon on the treadie and have some AP points saved up for this evening. Also, I weighed myself and I've lost another pound of water weight. I'm not going to adjust my siggie, though, until Friday a.m.

I'll be back later to make more journal rounds, but now I'm must go take a nap and have a cuddle w/dpuppy.

Erin:wave:

Edit:

I took the vitamins and I took the nap and I took a walk (2 miles at 29:10). They all made me feel good!

More points to add--1 for pineapple, and 2 for raspberry yogurt (Marcia and Lisa Z. influenced that choice).

I'm going into dinner (baked ziti and salad) w/9 plus 2 AP. Still haven't made complete journal rounds, but I'll be back again later.

And now to close:

What a great day! I did some serious resting and I feel so much better. I'm still coughing now and then, but my voice sounds better and I'm less stuffy, too.

Finished the day w/one cup of baked ziti for 6, a salad w/poppy seed dressing at 3 and some fresh fruit w/ lite cool whip.

Total points: 23 with one AP left over :Pinkbounc

I'm going to have some more water and then make it an early night.

:wave2: E.

[lulu201]

I'm doin' it, uh-huh, uh-huh, I'm doin' it! :cool1: It's 8:20 a.m., and I'm happy to say:

1. I took the vitamins.:D
2. I'm finishing my coffee.:D
3. I've had two glasses of water.:D
4. I walked two miles on the treadie. (A little slower today at 30:46--hey, my bod is pokey at 6 a.m.) :D
5. I had a healthy breakfast: coffee (1), oatmeal w/milk, 1/2 banana, and 1 tbsp. almonds (4.3)=5.3 so far today. Target and AP is 24; whole new 35 in the flex bank! :D

Food plans for the rest of the day:

l--tuna on lite multi-grain, apple=6.5
s--strawberry yogurt and veggies=2
d--salad w/hard-boiled eggs, olives, dressing=8
dessert--s.f jello or skinny cow=2

The sun is shining so brightly today. Thank God for that. Seriously, I can't wait for :sunny: and warm temps . How many days until Spring, Beth?

Yesterday I walked in my sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt; I had some of that "cut" going on, Lisa Z! I looked at my arms and they seemed smaller and more defined (particularly the upper arm) than I remember! I don't think I've EVER had a summer season approaching and felt like I wanted to give up my sweaters and layers to wear bathing suits and tank tops, but today I'm saying, "Bring it on!" I'm joining the Tankini Club this summer, ladies!:p

:cool1: I'm walking the healthy living walk!

Erin

Oh, I almost forgot: I dropped another pound of that evil gift from the bloat fairy. The Whoosh Fairy has passed my house and is now making her rounds. Be ready, everyone!:Pinkbounc

[Strings]

Wow Erin!

You DO realize that it is Monday, right? Today you must be Super-princess: Way to go. You've already accomplished so much today. Exercise, water, vitamins. Incredible. Keep up the good work, and any other cliches I can think of.

28 days until Spring.:sunny: :sunny:

:smooth:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you sound so sunny and positive! I can HEAR the enthusiasm in your post!! :sunny: :sunny: We have a couple weeks to thoroughly enjoy these upbeat feelings and make this healthy living walk look easy! :Pinkbounc Glad to hear the scale is coming around - we all knew it would!

Best wishes for a good trip to the vet specialist. I'll keep Mickey in my prayers. Our furbabies are such a big part of our family and I hope the vet has some words of wisdom for you to help the little guy!

You're so ahead of the game - vitamins done, water started, exercise finished - WOW! Now you have me thinking about summer and tankinis!! :sunny: :sunny:

We have so much to look forward to - no reason to be sad this Monday! Even work isn't dampening my spirits and you seem to be happily sailing into the week! Yay for us! :happy1:

:hug: and :sunny: , WISH-sis!!

[septbride2002]

Hi Erin! Can I ask what is wrong with Mickey? My FIL is a vet and I might have some info for you as well.

You sound so bright and happy today! Yeah for you! And that ugly pound is down the drain (literally)! :)

I hope you have a great day!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Good afternoon, WISH buddies! Thanks for stopping by and sharing my :sunny: mood. 28 Days until Spring? YAY! :Pinkbounc Four weeks to go! We should all make a pact to buy ourselves a bunch of flowers or lift a glass of something in celebration when that day comes.

Thanks, everyone, for your concern about my little Mickey. Mickey is a West Highland White Terrier, a breed known to be prone to allergies, as are many white coated dogs. Anyway, he's been a pink-skinned, itchy mess for the last few months--since his last fall allergy season. Since he was about 18 mos. (he's almost 6 now), he's had seasonal allergies that have sent him to the vet. Usually he has some itchy feet and an ear infection. This year he had his allergies, but instead of them getting better, they've continued to worsen. Until two weeks ago, he'd been off and on steroid treatment since October. At a visit to his groomer on 2/9, I got the name of a vet who practially has a specialty in westies w/skin disorders and we saw her today. We're monitoring Mickey's diet--he's going back on the duck and potato, Doreen, for now--and he's getting a new antihistamine (he'd been on benadryl before), along with ear drops, ear wash, and malaseb (sp) foot baths to help with itching and a secondary yeast infection. The dr. thinks that his primary problem is inhalant allergies, but because of a weakened immune system (made even weaker by vaccines given to him during a particulary bad allergy season in Oct.), he's got full-blown reactions going to other allergens (foods, dust, etc.) which might not have been that problematic up to this point. Fortunately for Mickey, his problem has been controlled enough so that he hasn't developed secondary bacterial infections or had any hair loss, but since dogs w/allergies usually continue to worsen as they get older, every effort has to be made to help Mickey's condition from progressing. In the dr.'s and groomer's opinion, he's too young to be dealing with all this at this point. AND I AGREE! I just want to help my little guy have a good quality of life! ::yes::
So, if foot baths/soaks every other day, ear washes 2x a week, ear drops 2x a day, and antihistimines 2-3x a day will do it, I'm game! He goes back to the dr. in 2 weeks and we'll go from there.

Amanda, that's Mickey's story. . .any info you find out from your FIL is good to know-- if you ever happen to be talking to him about little white dogs. :p

Now I'm thinking I should take my pup for a walk; it's so nice out here and he's been through quite a lot this morning. I don't have to go into work until later, so I think I'll do some housework, type up my lessons, and take Mick for a stroll around the block.

Until later,
E.

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I'm sending a :hug: and some special allergy-alleviating :wizard: for sweet little Mickey. I bet he was a trooper today and deserves that stroll around the block. Glad to hear the doc has some new ideas for you to try and hope he's feeling better real fast!

[honeymo78]

Erin - it sounds like you had a great weekend. And thanks for the reminder that spring is only 4 weeks away. I really needed that today.

I'm glad you discovered the low fat bread. I don't know what I would do without it - I love bread.

[marsh0013]

erin, so much has happened since i was here last! guess that's what happens when i'm mia for a day or 2 :p

first off, i'm so glad to have helped you with the bread! i'm very glad that you decided to give it a chance. see, not so bad :teeth:

second, whoosh fairy came by, wahooo! keep sending her around, we love that fairy :)

third, victoria's secret, i agree with the otehr girls, definitely go in there and don't just look around - buy! it's amazing the wonders that sexy underwear do. it can make you feel so confident ::yes::

and you sound absolutely radiant in your posts! i can just tell that you are on such a high right now, and i'm so very happy for you :hyper:

hope the rest of your day went well :sunny:

[lulu201]

I AM POOPED AND I HAVE TO GET TO BED!

The day's points ended up being 24.5; half a point from the bank. I'm turning the clippie over and hitting the hay. Mickey, by the way, is totally zonked from his meds. DD is on her way to bed to and says "hi to anyone who knows about me." :p

Night, all--
e.

[DoeWDW]

Hi Liz!! :wave2:

Now, off to bed, Erin!! :wave2:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, princess: Lulu! :sunny:

I hope you're not getting too much of the white stuff there today. It started snowing on my way into work and we're supposed to end up with 2-4 inches. Be careful out there! ::yes::

I was participating in the WISH chat last night and we all were wearing our hats. I was thinking of you as I was wearing my pink Princess hat and can't wait to give you your hat!! Of course I was also wearing my flannel nightgown - the kids were having a good laugh at me on the computer in my nightgown & princess: hat! ::yes:: :crazy:

Hope Mickey is back to normal today!

I hope you have a :sunny: and smooth-:boat: day!

:hug: for you, WISH-sis!

[lulu201]

Back to normal? :rolleyes: I'm afraid not. I woke up to the sound of Mickey licking his feet. Not a good sign. I had to up his dosage of the antihistimine. . .he's a drowsy dog, let me tell you.
Hopefully I'll be able to wean him from it soon or he'll build up some kind of tolerance. :(

Other than that, it's a brand new day!:sunny: We had some snow flurries earlier, but nothing major. You're to get more than us, Doreen. Don't worry, though, spring is only 27 days away!

Hmm, the day. Let's see:

1. Vitamins--check.
2. Coffee--check.
3. Exercise--one mile at 15:20 or so on the treadie.
4. Points:
b--oatmeal w/almonds and bananas, coffee=5.3
l--salad w/eggs, olives, veggies and poppy seed drsg.=9
d--chicken tacos supreme (Tues. night run to T. Bell)=10
soft serve vanilla and cone at McD.=3.5
snack--I don't think I'll have one.
Total: 27.8 (yeah, .8!:rolleyes: )/4.8 from the bank, OK, I'll round up and say 5.
5. Water--I have to drink tons. My cold is a baby again, but it's still hanging around more than I'd like. Hopefully the water will help zap it.

I'm going to work and then to choir. . .I probably won't get to pop around the boards much tonight.

Take care, everyone.

Erin

:D Princess hats and flannel nighties:p

[septbride2002]

Hi Erin,
I know my FIL has had patients with White Westies run into the same problems that you have. And they usually find a solution through medications, watching of diet, and foot soaks. So it sounds like you are doing all of that already. Just remember that it takes time to figure out the right combination for your baby to start feeling better. In the mean time give Mickey lots of special attention and I'm sure you and your vet will find the right combination soon!

Only 27 more days until spring! YIPPIE!:bounce: I'm ready for it now but I am willing to be patient. :tongue: I know your busy today so here is your reminder to take care of you and to do something for yourself today!

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

i'm going to chime in and add my well wishes for your puppy. sounds like he's going through rough stuff. hope that you're handling it okay as well.

reading through your points, i saw 5.3, and thought...hmm, was that a typo? haha, i know i've read about some people counting points down to the .1s, i just think it would be such a hassle! i figure, it all evens out in the end. .5s are good enough for me. hehe, then i saw you ended up rounding up anyway.

busy day for you today, hope it all goes well, have a great one :sunny:

[honeymo78]

Way to go for getting in your exercise this morning. Lots of :wizard: for your puppy. Hopefully that water will wash that cold away. Its time for it move on. Have a great day.

[Strings]

Good Morning Erin,

I just wanted to say have a good day. How's Mickey this morning?
:sunny:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Erin, hope yesterday turned out :sunny: and that today is looking like another :sunny: day!

[lulu201]

Whew! I'm back! We had some phone line troubles on Tuesday night and were without a phone or computer from Tuesday p.m. to Wednesday p.m. I COULDN'T GET ON THE WISH!!!:eek: Somehow I've carried on, though, and now I'm here to catch up and plan today. :p

Tuesday and Wednesday were both cheat free, with teeny withdrawals from the bank. I walked one mile on Tuesday and two miles on Wednesday--I'm not sure what my total is since last Friday, but I know it's more than it has been lately.

Today's plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Water--lots and lots
3. Coffee--I'm dragging today and Dunkin Donuts is right around the corner. . .:rolleyes: Maybe I won't have time to go?
4. Food--Target is 22 points, gulp.
b--banana/almond oatmeal=5
l--pb sandwich=5
apple=2
s--yogurt=2
cheesestick=2
d--?
5. Exercise--none today.

I'm sorry that I haven't been around to check in on people. Doreen, did you ever get the email I sent? I hope DD is feeling more like her old self today. You did the right thing by letting her rest.

Off to update my clippie.

Have a good day, everyone, and thanks for all you kind messages--

Erin:grouphug:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, Erin! :sunny:

Sorry to hear of your phone troubles, but happy to see you back! ::yes:: DD is back to school today. Didn't check my email :eek: so will go look for your message at lunch-time today.

Sounds like today may be a tough one for you - those points are kinda like the limbo - "how LOW can you GO?". Hang in there, sweetie! I'm thinking of you and will be walking beside you in spirit today. You've got your food planned for the most part - way to go! You'll find something appropriate for dinner - you can do this! :happy1:

Onward and downward, dear princess: Lulu!

:hug: for you, my WISH-sis!

[Strings]

Erin,

I'm glad you are back. I go through serios withdrawl without my computer. Take care of yourself today. I know you can handle 22 pts. You have a plan.
:sunny:
Beth

[septbride2002]

Hi Erin - the dreaded 22 target range. That was where I always was- I won't lie to you, it is hard, you may have to give up some things that you really really don't want to give up. But in the end it will be worth it. And nothing taste as good as thin feels. Just be sure to get lots of APs so that you can eat those. I am sending you lots of ((((((((((((encouragement)))))))))))))))) vibes so that you will have a good day! Once you get use to being at 22 and find a combination of foods that work for you it will get easier.

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

hey erin, glad you're back! that sucks about the computer issues, i don't know what i'd do without wish :eek: . glad you made it through okay :smooth:

i say grab that coffee if you need it! it's not a good feeling to be dragging, so a little bit of a pick me up isn't such a bad thing ::yes::

you've got a great plan set out for yourself, with points left for dinner, and of course, flex if needed. i'm sure you'll find something good to fill up that blank dinner spot. 22 points will not get you down! :hyper:

hope you have a great day today :sunny:

[Auntmeme]

Spring is around the corner-yeah:Pinkbounc

22 points is low, did you make it - Oh I'm sure you did. You have been really on target and motivated, it is truly inspiring:hyper:

For your walking plan do you go for distance at a slower pace or try to keep a quicker pace?

I didn't know your dog was named Mickey so is my cat. Sorry to hear about the problems, my cat was just diagnosed with hyperthroidism, he can't gain wait (can you believe it) so he'll take a pill every day for life.

Have a wonderful night:wave2:

[honeymo78]

Welcome back Erin - you know we missed you. How are you surviving on 22pts now that you have been doing it for a few days? Good to see you've been keeping up with your exercise while you were off-line.

[lulu201]

Doreen, Beth, Amanda, Stephanie, MeMe, and Marcia: you guys mean the world to me. Thank you for stopping by today and encouraging me with this 22 point thing. Your supportive words helped to hang in there!

I knew I was going to be vulnerable because I was feeling so tired and headachey this morning. I went to work and was doing OK, but was so HUNGRY at lunch time! I stopped by WaWa and picked up a small soup and half of a roll (DH had other half) and added it to the big salad I ended up making. . . oh, heck, instead of explaining, I'll just write it out:

b--the banana/almond oatmeal thing w/coffee=5
l--salad w/meat and cheese, poppy seed dressing=8
soup and 1/2 roll=5 (you can see I'm going to start having problems here--will I have snacks during the day? Will I have points left for dinner????)
s--large DDonut coffee w/low cal creamer (yeah, I know:rolleyes: , but Marcia said it was OK!:p Thanks, Marcia, you were right)=2
d--peanut butter sandwich=5
jello=0

Total for day=25; 3 points from the bank. I walked 8408 steps--didn't take any for AP.

I was on shaky ground after lunch, but I checked the WISH from work, and though I can't post there, I could read your encouraging comments and I'm telling you--it kept me together and from chucking the whole day. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Tomorrow I'll be able to start making my journal rounds for the weekend. I'm looking forward to stopping by and catching up with you all.

Good night,
Erin

[Strings]

Erin,

I'm glad to hear we were able to help you through your day. You did a great job. 22 points will be a huge adjustment, and I know you can do it. It will just take practice juggling those points. You did great today. Here's a :lovestruc :hug: :wizard: for the AM.
Beth

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: "I'm walking on sunshine, oh-oh, and don't if feel good!:p ":sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Hey, how do you like my new outfit! This morning I'm wearing GOLD!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

:p

I couldn't wait to get up this morning and check my scale; I've been watching it all week, but I promised myself I wouldn't make any changes until today, my weigh-in day, 'cause I know how cranky and uncooperative the darn thing can be, but today it came through for me!

Wait a minute--

I'm back: I had to leave for a second and check my journal from this past week. I wanted to put in my mileage (see below).

The week in review:

1. Water--I made a conscious effort to get in more water and it really helped. I filled my 32 WW oz. jug repeatedly throughout the week. Why is drinking water so much easier when it's in that big cup with a big straw?
2. Exercise--I went back through my journal this week, and since last Friday, I've walked 11 miles on the treadie. Not even comparable to what the half marathon schedule says I should be doing, but it felt so good to do something almost every day. I think it revved my metabolism and helped keep me on track.
3. Points--I jumped into 22 World this week, and I guess this is where I need to be. Now that I'm smaller (hehe) I don't need as much food (darn it). I haven't binged this past week, and I know that staying on track over the weekend has made a huge difference.
4. Coffee--Hmmm.:rolleyes: This is such a huge weakness for me, but I have cut back and I have added more green tea to my diet. This week I mixed some teas together and had some delicious cups of orange mint. Yumm.
5. Vitamins--I took my vitamins every day. I learned that I definitely have to take them with or immediately following food. I don't tolerate them on an empty stomach.

OK, now it's a new healthy living week, and I start it with 25 points in the bank.

Today, 2/27

1. Vitamins
2. Coffee--may skip my one at WaWa today
3. Exercise-- hope to do 3-4 miles on the treadie as soon as I get back from taking DD to school.
4. Points--22 target, 3 AP (if I do 4 miles)=25
5. Food
b--banana/almond oatmeal and coffee will be 5
l--tuna sandwich on high fiber bread will be 5.5
s--apple, veggies, yogurt 2-5 points depending on my hunger level
d--and this is where it gets tricky, at the movies. :eek: It'll probably be popcorn! Hopefully I'll get around this somehow, but I'm not sure how yet. Maybe I'll have a salad for lunch and then pack the sandwich to eat in the car after work? (We're going right from work to the movies. DH and I will have a movie date of our own while DD will go see "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" with two girlfriends (you don't know how appropriate that is!:p ). Yeah, that might be the solution. I'll have to check the points on movie popcorn. . .it might be better to avoid the whole situation. It sounds dangerous and could be the prelude to a binge. "Prelude to a Binge." Now that sounds like a movie title for me!!:p

Geez, I know, I go on and on, don't I? But hey, it's my journal, I can do whatever I want, huh?:p

Thank you, everyone, for all the :sunny: and good wishes and vibes of support and encouragement. It got me through the week.

:grouphug:

Erin

[septbride2002]

:jumping1: NEW CLIPPIE! :jumping1:

And you look fabulous in it! Way to go sweetheart! I am so excited for you! I am just sitting here with the dumb smile on my face and wiggiling around in my chair at work!

"I'm walking on sunshine! Whoaa! I'm walking on Sunshine! And it don't feel good! yeah! All right now! And don't it feel good!"

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Me, too, Amanda! I'm doing a giddy happy dance! I haven't been grinning this silly grin since that day in the Kohl's dressing room with the size 8 (relaxed seat and thigh:p )jeans! Thanks to you and Doreen (in that sweet pm) for sharing my joy!

I'll be coming around soon to visit you in your journal--
Erin

[marsh0013]

wahoooooo!!!! yay for erin! party time :jumping1:

erin, i am so proud of you for doing such a great job on your first week down at the 22 point level. you really can do it! :bounce:

sounds like you have a wonderful movie night planned for tonight. i'm not sure on the points for movie popcorn, but i'm gonna guess it's pretty high. maybe you could do the salad thing for lunch, spread out your snacks through the afternoon as needed, and bring your sandwich like you said. and if points allow, maybe a small popcorn, or even a child size. just so you feel like you're getting a little treat :), and you won't have to worry about bingeing if you only buy a small size to begin with ::yes:: . no prelude to a binge needed :p

i'm so glad you're in a sunshiny mood :sunny: . hope that it sticks with you throughout your day. have a great one :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

Let me just publicly state:

:jumping3: :jumping3: You look GREAT in GOLD!! :jumping3: :jumping3:

Erin, you've done an AMAZING job! I've been walking this walk with you for a long time now and you are STILL inspiring me! I'm so proud of your success!!

It just keeps getting better!!

:sunny: She's walkin' on sunshine, yeah, and she looks GOOD! :sunny:

:hug: and :sunny:, dear WISH-sis!!!

[Strings]

:jumping1: CONGRATULATION ERIN!:jumping1:

YOU LOOK FABULOUS IN YOUR GOLD CLIPPIE!

Sorry, I hit caps lock, and decided this was something to shout about. Enjoy basking in the :sunny: today. You have worked really hard for the clippie. Maybe we can supersize it, since you've shrunk your points? Congrats, I'm so proud of you.
Happy :hug:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, princess: Lulu! :sunny:

I hope you are rested and refreshed after a well-deserved night of peaceful sleep! I also hope your body is happy with all the exercise you did yesterday and not sore.

Today, it's back to basics - water, eating right, we know this routine, don't we? I believe I'm going to skip any heavy exercise - my pedometer racked up about 11 miles yesterday! :eek: I will probably walk the puppy a bit just to limber up, though.

Have a wonderful :sunny: day and try to get outside a bit to enjoy the spring-like temperatures! ::yes::

princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

Yep, I'm back to the routine this morning. Wish I could say that I've been cheat free the last two days, but I haven't. Let's just say it's involved more pizza than it should have. Still, I did get in plenty of miles on the ole pedometer between my little walk on Friday and my big event with Doreen yesterday. That should counter some of my pizza damage!

Doreen and I had a good time walking and chatting--I don't think anyone could ever get a word in edge-wise.:happy1: I don't know which move faster, our feet or our mouths! Then, to top it all off, Doreen gave me a Princess hat so that I could be in the Princess Hat Club with her and Amanda! princess: Yep, I'll be looking mighty fine strolling around my development today in the :sunny:!

Yesterday's plan didn't really hold together too well. I even forgot to take my vitamins--I think it had something to do with bringing 3 teenage girls to the mall with me yesterday morning. The whole "getting out the door" experience is kind of a blur in my memory. Even though we have three bathrooms, it was a challenge.

So, looking at life today, I'm going to

1. take the vitamins.
2. drink the water.
3. limit the coffee (uh, Doreen, I had to stop at Starbucks on the way out of the mall.:rolleyes: That was after I had a Razzle Dazzle smoothie:rolleyes: Hey, I needed the restorative qualities of fruit!!!!!)
4. walk outside in the sunshine
5. eat within my target plus activity points (probably about 24)

Here I go! Today I'm making my journal rounds. FINALLY!

Erin

Edit at 1:45

1. Haven't had the vitamins
2. Have had a little bit of water
3. finished the coffee
4. haven't walked outside yet; I want a nap instead
5. have had six points for breakfast, 2 for a snack, and 6 for lunch=14 for the day so far.

Guess I'd better get the vitamins in.

[lulu201]

Well, I'm finishing up for the day.

I had my vitamins.:D
I took a little walk in the sunshine.:D
I ate a bunch of stuff I shouldn't have. :rolleyes: Oh, well, tomorrow's a new month. I'm going to jump into it.:hyper:

Good night, everyone!:D

[hlane]

Erin,

Congrats on your gold clippie!!!!:hyper:

Holly

[DoeWDW]

Thinking of you this morning as we both try to get back on plan. :happy1: The weekend is over so maybe our routines will be easier?

:hug: and :sunny: , WISH-sis!

[lulu201]

That's so funny, Doreen. I just came over to my journal and saw that we both used the hugs and sunshine as our closing in our posts. We're scary sometimes!:p

Hi, Holly! Thanks for the congrats. I'm proud of that gold clippie. I don't know if I'll be wearing it on Friday, though. :rolleyes: I was kinda "off plan" this weekend.

I did exercise a lot, though, and that is something I feel good about. This :sunny: is something else I'm feeling good about, too! I'm going to hit the sidewalk in a couple of minutes; I just need to get the day into focus first.

1. Took the vitamins. I wish I could remember, though, NOT to take them on an empty stomach. By the time I got home from dropping DD off at school, I was queasy as all get out. I'm better now. :D
2. Coffee. Hmm, I'm going to a luncheon today and I know I'm going to have another cup with dessert. Better be careful.
3. Water. Yikes, I have to drink a lot. I just haven't had enough this weekend and I can feel it. Also, my voice is pretty rumbly--I need to keep hydrated so I can teach and sing this week.
4. Food. I know that I'll be dipping into flex today, but I'm going to try to be cautious at this luncheon. I think it's supposed to be roast beef, but I'll take it easy. I'm feeling so bloated from the weekend :rolleyes: that I just want to get back to normal!
5. Exercise: a stroll through the neighborhood in the sunshine oughta do me good. I'm going to wear the pedometer so I can see how far I go.

That's the plan. I'm going to be cheat free today, because I promised Doreen. I have to get back on track, that's all there is to it.

I'm onward and downward, zooming into MARCH!:bounce:

Erin

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

I'm glad you enjoyed your walk with Doreen. It sounds like you really booked around that mall. Great job. The weekend is over, and I know you will be back on plan for the rest of the week. You have that beautiful new clippie at stake.

Can you put some saltine's by your vitamins? You could eat a couple when you can't take your meds with meals. It would be a visual reminder to eat with food.

Thank you for your lenten suggestions. I was feel horrible because I didn't follow through on my exercise over the weekend. I'm seriously considering a few of those. Thank you again.

Enjoy your walk in the :sunny: .
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey erin, i'm glad you're putting the weekend's eating behind you and diving head first into march! isn't it just wonderful how it's starting out with all this sunshine and beautiful weather? seems to make this healthy living thing a bit easier :sunny:

i have problems taking vitamins on an empty stomach too. if i forget to take them with breakfast, i'll wait till lunch. then if i forget again, i try for dinner. and if i forget again, well, i just don't do it for the day. i know it's not good to skip vitamins, but i'd rather not upset my stomach. funny how i usually think about the vitamins when it's no where near food time. beth's suggestion sounds like a good one though. visual reminders are a good thing ::yes::

have a great day today, enjoy this wonderful weather :sunny:

[septbride2002]

:happy1: Am I the only one relieved to know that I wasn't alone in going off plan this weekend? Not only did I go off - but I just completely ignored it. :)

Erin we are going to get back on track and start heading downward! Do you have a goal set for the month in how much weight you want to lose?

Did you like your princess: hat?

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning Erin! It was so nice to see a post from you on my journal, so I just had to come over and say hi. Looks like you've been doing very well. Walking at the mall can be really good excercise but it can get expensive if you're like me and have no willpower.;)

Yes, I still weigh in on Mondays and every other day in between as the mood strikes. I'm up .5 lb today for some reason, don't know what it could be because I stayed OP this weekend. Oh well, no worries.

Have a great week Erin!:wave:

[DoeWDW]

Hope your day was cheat-free and wonderful, Erin! Gotta love any day that is sunny with temps over 60 degrees!!

My bear is back - YAY!

[honeymo78]

Erin,
I hope your luncheon went well and you were able to stay on plan. Enjoy the great weather while it lasts!

[lulu201]

Good morning! :sunny: It's Tuesday, March 2nd, 2004.

Here's the plan for today.

1. Take the vitamins with my oatmeal!:D
2. Eat within the points. 22!
3. Drink a lot of water. I have a raspy kind of voice (a bit of a problem for a music teacher), so I'm going to keep drinking that water.
4. Exercise: no, I'm just going to go to work. I stayed in bed later this a.m. just so get a couple more zzzzs.
5. Coffee. Probably just my morning cup.

I stayed cheat free yesterday. That was a big accomplishment because my food plan was kind of vague. Those are just the kind of days I binge, but I made it through OK. I think it's because I had all you guys on my side rooting for me! By the way, Amanda, I love my pink hat!!!!! princess: I wore it yesterday on my walk in the sunshine.

Grey skies are predicted for today, but I'm OK with that. I'm feeling :sunny: anyway.

Thanks for stopping by, friends. :grouphug:
Erin

[lulu201]

Hmmm, :scratchin , goals for March. Gotta think about this. . .

1. Vitamins: 31 days out of 31 (100%).
2. Water: Two large WW mugs/day 64 oz., 31/31 (100%).
3. Exercise: Walk of a least one mile, 4x a week=16/31

More later. . .

[septbride2002]

Hi princess: Erin! I'm glad to hear that you love the hat! I know Doe and I thought it was perfect for all of us. Sounds like you have a good day for today! I'm WISHing you Cheat Free Success!

~Amanda

[marsh0013]

good morning erin, let me also send you some :sunny: , since it's so dreary out today!

great job staying within your points yesterday and registering the first cheat free day of the month! it really can be hard to stick to your points when you don't have a plan, so i'm very proud of you for eating well and not binging.

you've got some great goals so far, and i see that more are coming. i'm sure you can stick to your goals and accomplish them ::yes:: . we definitely are all here right behind you, supporting you along the way. just remember that if you ever feel weak :)

hope you have a great day today :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, Erin! :sunny:

I hope your voice is healing. I must confess that I feel somewhat responsible - our long chat on Saturday couldn't have helped. :( Take extra good care of you today, OK? Maybe you can practice really quiet whispery music with your little ones today? Does tea with lemon help? Whatever will soothe your throat and help your voice should be considered on plan today! ::yes::

I like your goals for the month - they look reasonable. Looks like you and I have the same ideas about the importance of our vitamins and water! I'm very glad to see you set a realistic goal for your exercise. Committing to a one mile walk 4 times a week is reasonable with your schedule. If I can help make any of those walks more enjoyable, you just let me know the date, OK? :happy1:

I'm sending you :sunny:, an extra :hug: and some vocal cord soothing :wizard: ! Tell that sweet Liz hello - has she worn her new shoes yet?

Onward and downward, dear WISH-sis! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Wednesday, March 3, 2004 :sunny: It's another beautiful Spring-teaser day. The robins are already flying around; soon the flowers will be starting to peek out of the ground. I love this time of year.

Yesterday didn't go too well. I can't call myself cheat free, but I did drink a lot of water and I did take my vitamins. That's something, right?:D When I came to my journal this a.m., I had decided that I wasn't going to have any formal goals for the month--I was just going to take it day by day--but when I stopped by other journals and read and felt the energy that these goals were creating, I decided that I'd have to get on the bandwagon. I don't want to miss the fun! :Pinkbounc

So, here's the plan, as I hope it'll work out:

1. Vitamins. Like I said above, I want to take these 100% of the month. So far I'm 3/31.
2. Water. I want to drink two large mugs 31 days out of the month. So far I'm 2/31.
3. Exercise. I want to walk (1 mi. minimum) 25 days out of the month. So far I'm 1/31.
4. Food. I'm just going to do the best I can. I'm going to take this day by day. I've learned over the years that I'm a compulsive eater and I have to just take it one day at a time, celebrating my successes as I go and moving on past the failures. I know that I have to plan to be successful, but I also don't want to overthink this. . .I don't want to get caught up in the thinking about when I'm going to be cheat free and not cheat free, etc., etc. It's hard to explain. Anyway, I'm just going to take today and celebrate that I'm 1/31!
5. Coffee. I'm going to hang loose with this. :p

So far today, I've had my coffee and oatmeal=6 for breakfast.
Lunch will probably be a salad=10
Snacks=veggies
Dinner=6" ham sub from subway, WOW potato chips

I'm looking forward to today--my classes and my students. My body is tired, but I feel centered and peaceful. . .I think I may try to get out for a one mile stroll in the sunshine. . .I'll see. I'm taking tomorrow morning off, and even though I have piles of clean laundry that need to be put away and a ton of things that have to be done, I've pencilled in my appointment book: "do whatever I want." Sometimes that's the only way that I can schedule meaningful "me" time! I like thinking about what I might do. . .read in bed after I get DD off to school, call a friend for coffee, take a walk. . .having space in my life that is mine
for the choosing feels luxurious!

Yesterday, one of my student's moms commented to me about my weight loss and she wanted to know how it was happening. I was happy to say "I have a lot of friends who are working on living a healthy life, too, and they provide incredible support." That's all of you--thank you for being the circle around me, girlfriends.



:grouphug:
Erin

Edit:#1

I got out and took a nice walk: pedometer says 1.3 miles. I'm 2/31! :Pinkbounc

I'll be back to edit tonight. . .

Edit #2:

1. Vitamins=3/31
2. Exercise=2/31
3. Water=3/31
4. Food=stayed within the points; I'm moving my bear up a day.
5. Had plenty!;)

I'm happy with how it all turned out today. Now I have to get ready for bed.

[Strings]

Erin.

I like your goals. Writing goals can put more pressure on you, so I'm glad you are doing what's right for you. Your day tomorrow sounds good. You definately deserve some ME time. Take care of yourself today.
:sunny:
Beth

[septbride2002]

I've pencilled in my appointment book: "do whatever I want." Sometimes that's the only way that I can schedule meaningful "me" time! I like thinking about what I might do. . .read in bed after I get DD off to school, call a friend for coffee, take a walk. . .having space in my life that is mine


Good Job on pencilling in some time for yourself! You need to do this - I think it helps me to stay more centered. Your monthly goals look great - but don't feel pressured to do a list if you don't want to. I happen to be a list person I operate better with a plan - others don't. No one way is right or wrong. :)

I know you are going to great today Erin!

~Amanda

[ZerasPride]

Hi Erin!

I just spent some time catching up with you on your journal. First congrats on the gold clippie! It looks so good on you girl! :)

I plan on jumping on the March goal bandwagon too and I'm glad to see you've listed your goals for us all to see. I'm going to list mine today before the month gets too far along.

You are doing so well, keep up the great work. You are an inspiration to the rest of us!!!! Take care! :)

[marsh0013]

glad to see that this beautiful weather is putting you in a sunshiny mood :sunny:

i love that you're scheduling out "me" time. you've gotta do it! with such a busy life, so many other things that need to get done, if scheduling it will make you take time for yourself, then good. please do enjoy the time you set aside for yourself :)

1.3 miles on the pedometer sounds like a good walk to me! you're just going to keep racking up those miles, one at a time :cool1:

hope the rest of your day continues to go well :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis! :wave2:

I hope this morning finds you well rested, peaceful, centered and happy. I also hope your voice is getting back to normal.

I've been thinking about your goals and your past journal entries. Maybe you should stop fighting the coffee thing? If you allow yourself 3 cups a day, would it really hurt? You have to know the answer - I just hate to see you struggling with this most days. Maybe getting your other goals accomplished is enough and you can save this one for later - you only have so much energy and willpower, ya know?

Anyway, I'm sending some extra :sunny: to get you through this grey day. I'm also sending an extra :hug: - miss ya!! We need to check those calendars for walking days. My March weekends are looking pretty empty. Maybe we'll get that Valley Forge walk in?? Todd still wants to do the New Hope walk. We can always do Doylestown again - it starts at Starbucks now! Of course the teens will want us to do King of Prussia, but I think that should be our rainy day plan. :D Let me know if any dates look good to you.

How's your sweet little Mickey doing?

Enjoy your special "me" time this morning!! ::yes::

[lulu201]

Hi! It's Thursday! It's my morning off!:p

Let's see, so far I've made a few general plans and NONE of them include housework! :p This morning I'm going to practice the piano--just play and play and play until I want to stop. I'm going to lie in bed and read for awhile. The library called and told me they have a copy of the Da Vinci Code; I may go over and pick that up. Maybe.:p I want to walk on the treadie, but I can't say how long my walk will be.:p I'm just a free agent and I'm lovin' it!

Yes, Doreen, I'm agreeing with you. The whole coffee issue is not going to be one of my monthly goals. I'm going to try to keep track of it and not overdo it, but hey, I can only do so much! :p I say that, though, and then I read that Beth didn't have a cup the whole day--and I wonder, how the heck does that happen???? I can't even imagine it! Well, it's something to aspire to. . .

It's funny that you mentioned the walking because before I came up here, I was down in the kitchen looking of the calendar, princess: Doe-Doe. I'll be sending you a pm today regarding our scheduling. :hyper: :hyper:

So the grand plan:

1. Take the vitamins. So far I'm 3/31.
2. Drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water. Today I've had 40 already!
So far this month I'm 3/31.
3. Exercise. I'll be walking. So far I'm 2/31.
4. Food. Stay within my points. No bingeing. I've got 2 cheat free days this month on my clippie. So far today I've had 6 points.

I read this in WW Magazine:

"Losing weight is not a 100-yard dash; it's a marathon," Dr. (John) Norcross points out. As your excitement from the early weeks begins to wane, it's time to commit to the steady work--namely, maintaining the diet and exercise habits that have already helped you drop pounds--over the long haul. "There are no simple cures for obesity," Dr. (David) Stettner says. "It's a matter of managing your food intake and maintaining a consistent physical activity program FOREVER (emphasis mine).

"Losing weight is not a 100-yard dash; it's a marathon." That's my thought for the day--I'm walking the walk for the long haul.

Take care, everyone--
Erin

Official check in #1:
1. Took some of my vitamins.:confused:
2. Water at about 56 oz.
3. Points--16 (b, s, l)
4. Opted out of exercise for today. Yeah, I know, but I started the Da Vinci Code and I couldn't put it down. As it is, I thought about calling out sick and work just so I could read, but that wouldn't be too good when I have to pay bills. I never played the piano, either, but that's OK. I've been doing what I've wanted to do. :D

Off to work and then to a meeting. Won't get home until late.
Till then--

Quick edit (before I go read!:p )

1. Finally took all of the vitamins. 4/31
2. Went over the water limit. 4/31
3. Stayed within the points. 3/31
4. Exercise--Just a passing thought this morning! 2/31

No coffee this p.m., green tea instead. :p

I'm diving back into my book. . .

E.

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Erin! Thanks for stopping by my journal and making it all :sunny: for me this morning.

I'm with you on Coffee - it is one of my vices. I am a flavored coffee junkie. I love the stuff - of course I don't have it anymore because it is loaded with carbs but I miss it terribly. I substitue it by having lots of diet soda. I'll never be one of those women who gives up soda or caffine completely. I just don't have the will power to do it.

I wish my library would get the Da Vinci Code in for me - I am dying to read it. I need to get over to my library tonight because they have 3 books waiting for me :)

I know you are going to have a great day today! Go put on your princess: hat and enjoy a walk!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Erin, that book is sooooo hard to put down!! I read it in 3 days - just had to keep turning pages! :p Hope you're enjoying it as much as I did!

Have a wonderful day! :sunny:

[Strings]

Erin,

Are you enjoying your day? I'm reading Davinci Code right now. I want to check out of my life for the next 2 days. I need to finish it! Enjoy
Beth

[marsh0013]

i absolutely love that quote "Losing weight is not a 100-yard dash; it's a marathon." i'm definitely better at slow and steady than sprinting anyway :p . and how appropriate for all of us doing the marathon/half marathon. thank you so much for sharing that :)

i truly hope that you enjoyed your "me" day. you deserve it! glad you had the chance to take that time for yourself :)

all this talk about the da vinci code has got me interested. i'm not a big reader (i do love my harry potters though), but the buzz around here makes me think i should try to read it. i will definitely look into it.

hope you have a wonderful evening and an even better tomorrow :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Erin, thanks for posting that quote from WW Magazine, it's something that I'll keep in mind.

Hope you enjoyed your free day yesterday. Isn't it wonderful not to have to rush or have any plans in particular?

Well, the weekend's coming and then Monday weigh in. Hope you have a restful Saturday and Sunday and that the scale is good to you. Good night!:D

[DoeWDW]

Just a quick thought before I get ready for work:

I'm going to modify your WM magazine quote - "Getting healthy and staying healthy is not a 100-yard dash, but a marathon." I can't stop when I get to goal - this is a lifelong daily commitment to being good to my body (good food, exercise) and good to myself. Ya know what? I'm worth it!!

Thanks for the inspiration!:sunny:

Have a fabulous day, WISH-sis! :happy1:
:hug:

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, everyone! Today is Friday!!!:tongue: Whoopee! (What can I say? I love my weekends!:p )

Today I've got to get some house cleaning done! Yesterday morning I had a great time relaxing, but now I've got to get things straightened up!

I weighed in this morning the same at 162. I can live with that. :Pinkbounc After all, it's a marathon, not a 100-yard dash. ;)

Everyone always asks "how are you losing weight?" and I think the biggest part of it is giving it all up to Him EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Coming here and writing out a plan, remembering why I want to lose weight and treat myself in a healthy way, staying focused through the support of all you angels here on the WISH. . .all these things make the difference.

So, here's the plan I hope to follow today, 3/5/04

1. I'll take my vitamins.
2. I'll drink lots and lots of water.
3. I'll stay within my points.
4. I'll walk 1-3 miles.

I'll be back later to check in, but now I have to help DD with a few
things before school. . .

E.

Edit #1--

Hee, hee, I love it when I'm posting to someone and she's posting to me! Hi, Doreen and Beth!:wave2:

OK, quick update:
1. Vitamins, done.
2. Water--:confused:
3. Breakfast--oatmeal and coffee=5
4. I'm not coming back until I take my walk, so good-bye for now.

Edit#2 @12:15

YAY! I did my walk! :Pinkbounc Two miles!:Pinkbounc
I've been drinking the water. I need to add a point to my total so far--I had some cinnamon raisin crunch fat-free biscotti w/my peach green tea around 10:30. I'm heading to work, but want to put in the rest of meal plans for the day. Maybe then I'll have a greater chance of sticking to it?:rolleyes:

l--light today: cheesestick, yogurt, veggies=4
s--apple=2
d--small serving of chicken parmesan w/small side of spaghetti
sugar free jello for dessert.

Still have to look up points for that yummy dinner, but that's what I want, so I'm going to have it, even if it fits in a teaspoon!:p

Edit #3 at 8:30 p.m.

Dinner is done and was quite good. DH is a great chef!;)

Day is finished--

1. vitamins=5/31
2. water=5/31
3. exercise=3/31
4. food=4/31

Whoopee! :Pinkbounc

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

You sound :sunny: this morning. I think you have a great attitude towards this journey. You are an inspiration. I hope you have a great weekend despite the rain. Take care of yourself this weekend.
:sunny:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

I'm sending you some extra :sunny: , although it sounds like you're already pretty sunny today! You are doing so well, Erin!

I hope you enjoyed your stroll on the treadie this morning (tre-dee! tre-dee! tre-dee! :teeth: ). I think our March walk will be over your way. DH says he may not be available in April, so you may have to come to E-town for that walk! :D I'll be checking the weather to see if an outside walk is possible but there's always KofP, especially if you want to work in some Liz-time. :p Either way is fine with me!

Silly Erin! Of COURSE we're posting at the same time! We're WISH-sisters!! :teeth: :crazy: We think alike! :happy1:

:hug: and wishes for a wonderful day! :sunny:

[hlane]

Erin,

You sound like you're off to a great start to the weekend:Pinkbounc Keep up the great work & the positive attitude!!:sunny:

Holly

[lulu201]

:smooth: It's Saturday. I'm still in my pajamas, drinking my coffee. Life is good. :smooth:

No sun this morning except for the :sunny: feeling I'm carrying with me. That's enough for today. :D

Thanks, Holly and Beth, for stopping by. I appreciate your encouragement! I don't think I could walk this walk without my WISH friends!

Goals:

1. The vitamins.
2. Water--about 32 oz. done so far.
3. Exercise--want to do 1-4 miles on the treadmill.
4. Food--b was strawberry/almond oatmeal (3.5) and coffee (.5) for a total of 4. Lunch will be 2 chicken tacos at tacobell (10) and dinner will be out with DH at his favorite place (and we all know that means the Chinese Buffet.:p )

The book that I'm reading, "Thin Tastes Better," is talking right now about how you have to look deep into your eating past to prevent certain mistakes from happening that will prevent you from maintaining your weight loss. The book says that you absolutely CANNOT ignore your trigger foods, your eating "print" (eating style), or your chemical makeup (hormonal fluctuations, carb sensitivity) if you're ever going to keep control of your weight. I find all of this particularly helpful to learn about, because I've been down this road before--I've lost weight and thought I'd never in a million years gain it back. . .and I always have (plus more). Hopefully I'll gain some insights and prevent another :yo-yo: experience.

I'm off into the day. I have to wash little Mickey's feet with this special soap (he's such a trooper), and then take DD to get a haircut and out to lunch. Later I have to take her to school so she can ride the bus to where she'll rehearse and then give a concert tonight. I'm going to squeeze in some housework and some reading (I'm enjoying my books) where I can--oh, and of course, some time visiting my pals on the WISH!

Edit #1 @2:00 p.m.

1. Vitamins--OK
2. Water--still around 32, gotta work on it.
3. Exercise--haven't gotten around to it yet.
4. b--4, l--10=14

I won't be back until I walk!

Edit #2 @ 6:45 p.m. The Big Wrap-up

1. Vitamins-6/31
2. Water-6/31
3. Exercise-4/31
4. Food-5/31

I'm going to move my clippie ahead and call it a day as far as my food goes. The only thing left for me the rest of the night is water.

[Strings]

Erin,

That book sounds interesting, I might check it out. Enjoy your whirlwind of a day. Great job on the water.
:sunny:
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey there erin! i'm so glad to see that you are sounding so cheery lately. it's contagious :). you're doing a really wonderful job, so i can see why you would be in such a :sunny: mood.

hope that your busy day went well, and that you have a great rest of the weekend :sunny:

[lulu201]

:sunny: What a bright and beautiful Sunday!:sunny: I hope to get outside with Mickey for a stroll later today, but I feel the Call of the Treadie, so my mileage will be on that this morning.

Thanks for dropping in Beth and Marcia and Doreen--I always like it when you guys check in on me. ::yes::

Just wanted to post this from my reading of "Thin Tastes Better." It spoke to those times when I get annoyed at following a healthy living program (yeah, what can I say, sometimes I get tired of it:rolleyes: ):

"Only children live their lives believing they can have it all without any cost. It's time to bring this part of your life into the adult world. All of life contains adjustments and trade-off. In accepting this, you not only establish a framework for a lasting solution to your weight problem, but you become a more resilient and mature human being. It's time to stop resenting what you do to keep your body healthy and attractive. (emphasis by the author). Everything you value in your life--relationships with your life partner and children, your career--has taken work, focus and endurance. Why should it be any different when it comes to food?"

While I will say that I'm much better with this issue of deprivation, it has been a long time coming. I can see the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle and following an eating plan, but there have been many times in my life that I have resented following points or counting calories or carbs or whatever ('cause I've counted just about everything at one time or another!). I'm learning that the framework that I follow actually provides great freedom--freedom from negative thoughts about myself re: food, freedom from guilt about what I've eaten, freedom from a lot of baggage that comes with trying and failing again and again.

Yeah, this healthy lifestyle. . .it's a good thing.:D

So, after that time of personal reflection, it's time to get down to business:

1. Vitamins--done them.
2. Water--32 oz. gone.
3. Exercise--getting on the treadie for 60 minutes.
4. Food--cinnamon almond oatmeal (3), coffee x2 (2)=5
Lunch--tuna sandwich (5 or so), fruit (1)
Snack--hard-boiled egg (2) and skim milk (2)
Dinner--pork chops w/roasted veggies.
Dessert--sugar free jello w/lite whipped topping=0

OK, now I've got to get on that treadie before I lose my resolve.

Oh, one last thing. . .D-Zone is fast approaching and I'm getting ready to ride that wave. I'm hoping that by increasing my calcium, taking my vitamins, increasing my water, exercising daily, taking the naproxin as directed I'll be able to hang on and not have any bingeing days. I'll see what happens.

Till later. . .
Edit #1:

2. Water at 64 oz. gone.
3. 4.07 miles/60 minutes; feels good!:hyper:

Edit #2, 4:15 or so:

4. lunch was tuna salad (whole can of tuna) on low cal bread=5.5
and sliced banana (2) w/melted peanut butter (2) drizzled on
top. Boy, that was yummy! :p =4

11 points left for dinner. (22 plus 3 AP)

[DoeWDW]

Girlfriend, you are on a ROLL!! Good for you for visiting your treadie!!

Thanks for the profound excerpt from the book you're reading! Some days it's so easy to see all this healthy living stuff as a gift to myself, and other days I am like a petulant child - "I don't wanna!!". :p Not a very becoming image for a 40 yr. old woman, is it?? :rolleyes: Maybe keeping that image in my head will help me become a bit more mature on those days. I love your idea that following this framework is actually more freeing than the alternative. I've never thought of it this way and it makes a lot of sense. I'll be pondering this more, I think. Thanks for sharing your insights!

Onward and downward we go together, sweetie! :happy1:

:hug:

[Strings]

Erin,

Thanks for the quote from the book. It came at just the right time. Great job on the treadmill. Who says Sunday is the day of rest? I'll be riding that Dzone coaster with you. We can do anything together.
:hug:
Beth

[lulu201]

Yep, Beth, I'm buying a ticket for the DZone Roller Coaster Ride-of-the-Month. You wanna have the seat next to me?:p We'll brave it together and give a sigh of relief when it's over!

I'm glad you guys liked the quote from the book. . .it just spoke to me. I love being able to come to my journal and process things in writing. It's made the self-discoveries I've made on this journey more meaningful and lasting.

The week in review:

1. Vitamins--7/31
2. Water--7/31; I'm doing much, much better with this.
3. Exercise--5/31; I think I walked around 10 mi. this week; I'll have to check.
4. Food--6/31; stayed within my points and no binges.

I'm still working on laundry; I'm going to read between loads and get it all done and put away--even if I'm up all night!!

Tomorrow little Mickey goes back to the vet for a follow-up check up, I work on lesson plans, and then I go to work. It's going to be busy, but I think I'm going to try and get a walk in early so that it's done and over with before the day gets away from me. I also have a sketchy outline of what meals will be like; I like feeling like I'm in control.

Day by day, onward and downward.

Erin

[lulu201]

Geez, never did get that laundry all done. Did finish the Da Vinci Code, though.;)

OK, I've gotta run out to the vet with Mickey now--it's about a half hour drive and the vet is coming in early just for my little guy, so I don't want to be late.

1. Vitamins--didn't take 'em.
2. Water--haven't had 'em.
3. Exercise--didn't do it yet.
4. Food--banana walnut oatmeal w/coffee=5

I'll check in later with food plans.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Do ya have an extra seat on that D-Zone roller coaster for me?? I'll be right behind you ladies!! I'll be the one screaming....LOL! :hyper:

I do hope things go well for Mickey at the vet's. I've been wondering how he's doing.

I hope you find lots of :sunny: and happy smiles :D , laughter and love in your day, WISH-sis!

[septbride2002]

Just wanted to post this from my reading of "Thin Tastes Better." It spoke to those times when I get annoyed at following a healthy living program (yeah, what can I say, sometimes I get tired of it ):

I hear ya Erin. There are days when I just throw my hands up in the air and say forget it - I'm eating what I want today. Your quote is really important to remember - thanks for sharing it.

I'll be joining you on the Dzone roller coaster - although I really do feel more prepared for it then usual. Either way I'll be there, screaming along with Doe! :)

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:rotfl: Maybe it'll be a contest to see who screams the loudest!

OK, girls, book time:

"For many women, the day or two before the menstrual cycle is the time when they are most likely to cheat during weight loss. They experience strong cravings for certain foods, particularly chocolate. If you are prone to such cravings, don't panic and don't try to fight or ignore these strong hormonal messages. Instead, plan for them! In the day or so before your period, add a fourth meal to your day, consisting of a large salad with protein (such as tuna) or an extra serving of yogurt. If chocolate cravings are your downfall, add an additional chocolate shake, frozen yogurt, or other allowed chocolate snack. Remember, premenstrual cravings are time limited, [ooh, I love this part:] and it is far better to work with your biology than to fight it! "

Now how many years has it taken me to learn that?????:confused:

So, girlfriends, let's get our ticket for the D-Zone and forge ahead, knowing that we're knowledgable (sp) and able to help each other. Like Beth said, we can do anything together. :grouphug: .

Book time is over for now.:p

Here's how things are going:

1. Vitamins-:D
2. Water--about 52 oz.:D
3. Exercise--going to try my advanced Fitness Shape CD; I'm going to try for the whole thing (kinda procrastinating on the lesson plans :rolleyes: ).
4. Food--holding at 5
Lunch chicken/egg on tossed salad w/yummy dressing--about 10
Snacks for the day: yogurt (2), cheesestick (2), veggies
Dinner: soup and crackers or pb sandwich=5 or 6

Looking at 25 points, 22 target and 3 AP

You're not seeing me again until my exercise is done!::yes::

[Strings]

Erin.

I just ordered the book from BN. I think it would really help me. I haven't heard of that DVD, is it a Pilates tape? Hmm, can you tell I'm bored with WATP?
I hope the rest of the day is peaceful for you.
:hug:
Beth

[lulu201]

Hi, Beth! We were simultaneously posting again!:p Cool! Oh, anyway, the Shape Fitness series are cardio CDs. The music is set at a certain beat so that you can be really sweating by the time they're over. They have quite a number of different kinds in the series. I have the medium level and the advanced walking ones. I tried to get through the advanced today--my first time--but it was a little too hard. Also, I accidently hit the reset button on my treadie, so I lost track of my time and mileage. It's safe to say I did at least three miles, but I started aching a little on my left arm and I decided to call it quits until I talk with my dr. next week. (I was walking faster than I usually do) I take 20 mg. of inderal at night to ward off migraines--I've taken it for 10 years--and I don't know if it has any effect on my heart when I'm exercising. I'm not scared or anything--my arm could've just had an ache, but I thought I'd stop anyway. I think it'll be good to talk to the dr. and see if maybe my meds should be adjusted. Now that I'm getting lean and mean, that is.:teeth:

Edit: Geez I have a lot to say today! Update on Mickey: DVet says Mickey's doing better--foot baths, ear washes, pills, are helping. She wanted to test his thyroid, so a full panel screen (?) was done. DPuppy is happy. DH is not. Today's bill for Mickey=$126. Visit two weeks ago around $110. March trip to the groomer will be $37.10. Another follow up visit with the vet=$24. I keep telling him to look at the bright side--at least the dog doesn't have to go to college!:p

[ZerasPride]

Hi Erin,

I'm just checking on your progress. You are doing so well, especially with your attitude which is very important on any weight loss plan. Thanks so much for sharing the quotes from the book you are reading. I found them very encouraging.

Keep up the good work! :)

[Strings]

Erin,
I sent you a PM.

[Castillo Mom]

Good afternoon Erin! I'm glad to see your dog is doing better but too bad about the expense. I can sympathize because I just found out Saturday that I have to shell out $500 to have my minivan fixed.

How did you do at weigh in? Good I hope. No change for me. Better than a gain right? Yeah, whatever! I'm just kidding. I'll do what you and my WISH buds do and just keep looking forward.

Have a great week Erin!

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning--it's Tuesday!:sunny: I've got to get moving, but I wanted to stop in a plan out the day. Also, I want to say :wave: hi to everyone who stopped by yesterday--Beth and Lisa C. and Doreen and Lisa Z. and Amanda. I'm so lucky to have you in my life, sharing the the Healthy Living Journey AND the Dzone Roller Coaster Ride--what a combination, right? :p

Anyway, I wish I could say yesterday ended as well as it started, but it didn't.:rolleyes: I can't count 3/8 as cheat free, but today's a new day and I'm going for it!:Pinkbounc

1. Vitamins--waiting downstairs. 8/31
2. Water--none yet today. 8/31
3. Exercise--none planned for today. 6/31
4. Food--6 points so far. 6/31

Overall, I'm pleased with how things are going this month. I'm on the scariest part of the coaster right now, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel :sunny: ;I'm going to put on my :cool: and coast on through to the end!

:grouphug: ,
Erin

Edit: Oh, I forgot to say, Lisa C.: I stayed the same this week. I've switched my weigh in day to Friday, so I'll let you know then if I avoided my usual monthly gain. There always is one week where I spike up a bit. . .

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

Glad I could help. Looks like you've got a great attitude for the day. All we can do is go day by day, and in some cases hour by hour.:( I hope today is peaceful for you. You've got a plan. Here's :wizard: to get you through your day. Remember you are a divaprincess: .
:hug:
Beth

[septbride2002]

Hi there princess: Erin! I know you are going to have a fabulous day today. We all have those days where things get out of whacked. It was Saturday for me but I know you are going to get right back on track.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Hang on tight as we ride the coaster, and if you feel the need, just let out a scream!! Sometimes it helps! :crazy:

I hope today goes better for you. You can make it, Erin! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Yeah, there were times today I felt like screaming. Two words: teenage daughter. I love that kid with all my heart, but oh, man, some days. . .

Anyway. . .I managed to get through the day. This is the day on my calendar marked "deep in the danger zone." Truly, that's what it says, and yep, I was. I felt the cravings on my shoulder all day long, but your visits, Doreen, Amanda, and Beth--they made all the difference. I was able to ride the wave. :boat:

I know that you've been waiting for this. :p It's book time.

"Never say "I blew it." It undermines your containment skills like no other phrase or thought. The best diet counselors, diet books, and diet plans all know that a far better response to an occasional slipup--no matter how extreme--is to say nothing, do nothing.

That's right--nothing! Don't berate yourself for your failure. Don't give up and eat everything else in sight. Don't try to make up for it by starving yourself later. Don't try to work off the extra calories by exercising obsessively.

In fact, the only realistic way to handle an occasional dietary slip is to acknowledge your mistake, pick yourself up, and get on with your life. You can't turn back the hands of time. You can't make the calories go away. There's no sense in punishing yourself or trying to make up for your brief slip. That's the road to paranoia, despair, and eating disorders. It's normal to feel some guilt when you've broken a commitment to yourself but feeling guilty and beating yourself up won't burn up any caloires. Only stopping the behavior and moving on will rememdy the slip.

Think about it. Do you know anyone who has mastered a skill without ever making an error? Even the greatest hitters in baseball's Hall of Fame never batted a thousand.

. . .If you occasionally slip up in the practice of food control, don't go into a tailspin of despair and reproach. Keep your perspective. You didn't completely surrender your free will just because you make one poor food choice. You can and will do better in the future. And the future starts now."

Just wanted to have that in my journal.

Stats for 3/9:

1. Vitamins: 9/31
2. Water: 9/31 (had to work hard on this today)
3. Exercise: 6/31
4. Food: back on track--7/31

I'm ready for bed. Good night!

[lulu201]

Rough morning and it's only 8:30 a.m.! I'm trying to separate my feelings of frustration regarding work and family from a compulsive need to medicate myself with food. . .I've got to work extra hard today to find my "happy place." ::yes::

Maybe it'll help to focus on the plan:

1. Vitamins
2. Water-64 oz. minimum
3. Exercise--I'm going to get in a mile on the treadie just to help release some tension.
4. Food:
b--coffee w/ half and half=1
banana walnut cinnamon oatmeal=4
l--McDonald's salad=10
s/d--veggies, cheesestick, yogurt=4
extra points to work with--3

The Bloat Fairy is in the house.

Onward into the day. . .

Erin

[Strings]

Erin,

:hug: :hug: to you. I know you are deep into the dzone, so I wanted to drop by. Erin you are one of the strongest women I have yet to meet. Today will be hard but I know you will make wise choices. Here's some:wizard: to help you on your day. You just may surprise yourself.

I'll try to check in with you later today. Take care of yourself.
:hug:
Beth

[lulu201]

:hug: back at ya, Beth! Thanks for your warmth and generous spirit--it has brightened my day already.

Here's how I stand at 9:15 a.m.

1. Vitamins--:p
2. Water--8 oz. gone
3. Exercise--a quick mile on the treadie. It's enough.
4. Status quo w/food.

[septbride2002]

Okay Everyone! Come into Erin's Journal and Gather Around for a Group Hug. Everyone ready - Doe stop giving Sharon bunny ears! Okay and .... :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

I love your entry from the book you are reading. That is some really great stuff and worth remembering. Thank you for sharing it. I love to read - it is one of my hobbies and there is so much to learn from taking 20 minutes and reading something informative.

I know you are going to :boat: the wave today with the Dzone. If you feel yourself getting close to binge mode give into temptation and satisfy that munchie monster. Maybe try to find a low point snack you could have. Like low fat chocolate pudding?

I'll be thinking about you today!

~Amanda

[DizMare]

Go Erin, go Erin, you can do it, go Erin (read in sing-song manner).

Yep, nothing like a teen girl to make you lose some hair, sleep and patience! And during D-zone too! How cruel!

You inspire me, girl! I even reserved that book from the library to read more - altho I love your quotes. Food for thought (with absolutely no calories!)

Hang tough, sweetie! It's all downhill from today (downhill in a good way, of course)

Mare

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope you are hanging in there so far today! I'm sending lots of good vibes :goodvibes your way! You can make it through this d-zone! You'll be feeling better by Saturday! :happy1:

I like Amanda's idea of a low points indulgence like fat free chocolate pudding or maybe one of your famous Skinny Cows? :p

Amanda, you weren't supposed to tell Sharon about the bunny ears until AFTER we snapped the group photo!!! :mad: :crazy: :teeth:

I'm also getting a lot out of "Erin's book time". Thanks for posting all these very insightful quotes! :hug:

Oops, I see another big hill coming up on the roller coaster! Now, don't tense up your muscles - just try to breathe deep and relax and go with the motion. We'll :boat: right through together! :grouphug:

Love ya, WISH-sis!

[honeymo78]

Erin - hang in there girl. I know you can make it throught the dzone. I'm glad you were able to get a walk in. It's amazing how some exercise can help us get through a tough day. Keep your head up high - you are doing a great job.

[lulu201]

Steph, Doreen, Mare, Amanda, and Beth: Your posts today filled me with such happiness and strength. You picked me right up and carried me through this day! I'm cheat free because of your support. Thank you, all.:grouphug:

This morning started kind of rough and while some things are still unresolved at work, things have calmed down at home. Thank goodness.:p I feel successful because I stayed on plan and didn't use food to distract or to comfort me.

I finished the day like this:

1. Vitamins--10/31
2. Water--10/31
3. Exercise--7/31
4. Food--22 points, 8/31

I'm still working on lesson plans (due tomorrow!), so I'd better get them finished up.

Good night. . .and thank you.

Erin

[septbride2002]

:bounce: I knew you were going to be cheat free today!::yes::

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Long, long day today. I have to be in the studio before 8 a.m. and won't be home until 7:30-8:00 tonight. It's OK, though--there'll be lots of music and smiles to get me through the day.

The plan:

1. The vitamins.
2. The water.
3. No exercise today, but I already have some hopes for tomorrow.
4. The food. . .shooting for 22.
b--oatmeal and coffee=5
l--1/2 subway wrap and WOW chips=6 or so
s--cheese stick and or yogurt=2-4
d--1/2 subway wrap and some veggies=5
That leaves a couple of points to play with.

I'm on my way to work. Bye.:wave:

Edit: Thanks, everyone for stopping in and offering me your good wishes. It helped a lot. I'm barely hanging in--I'm so ready to just plow my way through the kitchen. I'm running to bed as soon as I'm done here.

Stats up to date:

1. Vitamins--11/31
2. Water--11/31
3. Exercise--7/31
4. Food--9/31; I have to fix my clippie and go to bed.

[DoeWDW]

I know you can't post to your journal while at work, but I bet you'll sneak a peek here during the day! ;)

My dearest Erin, I'm sending loads of extra :sunny: your way today! Close your eyes and feel it warming you. Soak up its energy and brightness (aren't we all solar powered to some extent?? :p ). Let it help you to refuel for your busy day ahead.

Count your many blessings - they are all around you. There are miracles, large and small, happening around us every day! The world is a good place to be!

Take extra good care of you today - you truly are worth it!! :sunny:

:hug:

[Strings]

Erin,

I'm in Mom mode today, so I'm posting to remind you to take care of yourself today. You are very busy today. Try to take a few seconds of Me time occasionally through the day. You've planned out your food, and it looks yummy. Pamper yourself tonight, if you can. You are worth it.
:sunny: and :hug: ,
Beth

[marsh0013]

hey erin, i just got to catch up on your journal. i knew it was dzone time, and i hope you're making it through okay! i know it's really hard, but you seem to have a great plan, and that book that you are reading (and so generously quoting :) ) sounds like it is really having a positive effect on you. heck, it's having a positive effect on me too!

i know you had a long and busy day today, so i hope that you made it through to the other side :). have a wonderful evening when you see this :bounce: