Karen's Atkins Journal (aka "help a newbie"!)

[MsDisney]

Ok, I've done it, I started my own journal! :D

I am starting this on my 14th day of Atkins...tomorrow is my 2 week mark and weigh and measure day again. I plan to stay on or pretty close to induction. (I think I'll add a couple of different veggies or food that are basically no carbs and stick to the "under 20 per day" deal.

I haven't lost as much as I had hoped, I started at 204.5 and I'm at 199 now...but I started working out everyday at the end of the first week, and exercised everyday last week, so I think the loss slowed down because of that. I'm pretty muscular by nature and working my legs on the total gym has got to be producing some muscle, which we know weighs more than fat. So I won't be discouraged. My big fear was I would do this and work so hard and never lose...but I KNOW I'm a carboholic because starches and carbs made up most of my diet before this! (not so much sweets) But I'm going to carry on! :)

I have learned so much on these boards and I learn something new everyday....I have found SO much inspiration here and hope one day to be an inspiration for someone else!

I'm just going to basically introduce myself to get started and hope for the best! I'm hoping to make some new friends here to work along with toward our goals! :)

My name is Karen and I'm a 35 y/o mom of 2 boys....11 and 9. I'm engaged to the love of my life, Kevin and we met on the DIS! (via the Universal boards...he's MIB999999) We recently bought a house and life is good! We live about 15 minutes from WDW, which is heaven and the real reason I moved here from Boston in 2001. (although, now I believe the *real* reason was to meet Kevin! :bounce: I have definite self-esteem issues and have been heavy my whole adult life...my heaviest being 212. I lost 40 pounds years ago doing low fat and they crept back. I want to do Atkins because I need a permanent change and I want to never see the scale showing me as extremely overweight again once I get to goal!

I workout 5 days (M-F) and have started doing the 2 mile WATP and I use the Total gym daily. Today I added a FIRM abs workout...I never knew 6 minutes could be SO long! I pulled my neck a bit because I think it was doing some of the work! :eek: Abs aren't something that are used normally, so I know that it will be a painful process to get them in shape, so I just did the best I could! I also bought a firm total body workout DVD and a yoga one, so I don't get *too* bored with WATP. I may look at them later in the week.

My mini goal is to lose 25 more pounds by my birthday, Dec. 6th and I want to lose 55 pounds total. (and we'll see where I am, as I said...pretty muscular and big boned...so I think I'd look good at 150)


Anyway, I hope I haven't bored anybody to tears...I'd love to get to know some of you better and I could sure you some help getting through this, especially when the scale moves so slowly!

Thanks for reading!
Karen :smooth:

[Castillo Mom]

Alright Karen! Now that wasn't so hard was it? You have two boys huh? I have three boys and mine are 9, 11 and 14 so two of them are the same age as yours. Aren't boys great? They're hard to keep up with sometimes but they keep me laughing.

If you're exercising regularly, don't worry too much about the scale. You'll know that you're losing by the way your clothes fit. To be honest, that's more important. I know what it's like to be overweight for such a long time. It's difficult to make such a drastic lifestyle change. But remember that our boys are counting on us to stay healthy and be around for a long time.

Congratulations on your engagement. When is the big day? Will you be getting married at WDW? What a dream to live so close to the World. I bet your boys love that!

You're doing great with the exercise. I wish I had as much energy as you. You've inspired me to start sooner than I had planned. I'm a little sore right now, but I know I have to keep plugging away.

Anytime time you're feeling down, just come on over to the Wish board and I'm sure you'll find words of comfort. We can do this!:D :Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Hey, Karen, you did it!!!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: I loved reading your journal entry this morning! You can be sure I'll be checking up on you on a regular basis for inspiration!

How do you like WATP? I know MeMe's going to try it. . .I've got to hear everyone's reports and then maybe I'll give it a go when I need a break from the treadmill.

Maybe you mentioned it, but how tall are you?

What a Disney love story you and Kevin have! When's the big date? I love wedding details, tell me all about it!

I didn't have to time to journal last night, and I'm rushed like a maniac this morning, so I have to go, but I'll check back in with you later. Have a great day and remember I'm in your corner as you make lots of healthy decisions today!:)

[Auntmeme]

I'm happy to read your journal, I was not bored at all. Wow all boys! I have one and what work it is, some day maybe I'll have another.

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials, what a story. Did you move there to be close to your fiancee or Mickey? tell the truth:p when is the date? I love weddings, did all my own planning, saved a ton of $.

I know you'll hit the 25 mark for your b-day, all that exercise will do wonders. Have you tried the yoga tape? I did yoga once and didn't feel it was a hardy enough workout, I like to feel my heart race & get real sweaty. Watch your neck w/ the ab workout, I was told to pick a spot on the ceiling and look at it the whole time.

Good to have you here, stay focused & have a great week!

[MsDisney]

Hi guys! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and post to my "journal"! You guys are awesome!!!

I actually met Kevin online here on the DIS after I moved to FL July of '01. It's a pretty small group and fairly intimate on the Universal boards, so I've met a number of the folks from there and some really great people! As for Kevin, we met at a Universal "meet" (when for some reason I came out of my shell and agreed to have lunch with 3 men I had NEVER met!) and we had already established a pretty good relationship online (friendly banter, etc.) and our friendship grew and grew. It's actually a much longer, involved story, but I'll spare you now and perhaps one day you'll want all the gory details! :eek: Or not...LOL

We don't have a date set, I want to be at a point where I will feel I can put on a wedding gown, or dress and look GOOD for him and for my pictures! It's motivation, not the reason behind my wanting to lose! :) It won't be a very big production since we don't have any family in FL and we both have small families to begin with. I don't know many people in FL yet either. Some from the DIS universal board would plan to be there when we get around to figuring it out! Money is a thing too, we just built this house and closed on it in April, and my ex has been sending WAY less than he's supposed to, so hopefully things will even out soon!

Lisa, I'm glad to hear I can be some kind of an inspiration to somebody! That does wonders for me, and I hope you! It's amazing how quickly the boyd adapts to the exercise! Great job!

Lulu, I like WATP's, it's MUCH more than a walk! LOL I did the 3 mile today for the first time since I decided I should skip the total gym on T&Th to give my muscles a break. I was calling out to the gods by 2.5 miles!!! :eek: But I did it, and I didn't even modify my workout, so I'm feeling good...now that it's over! LOL It's a great indoor workout and I find having someone telling me what to do keeps me focused and motivated. It sure gets the heart rate up too! Oh, and I'm 5'4"...I'm all hips and stomach (well, not all, but that's where I have the most, anyway!) My legs are (if you'll excuse me for seeming conceited, cuz I'm not!) really in great shape...my inner thighs have/had some excess, but that's tightening up. It's from my stomach up! Yikes!

Meme, in all honesty, I moved here to be close to Mickey...I moved from the Boston area and after working myself up to 4 trips a year, I decided to make a change! I was miserable up there...and this is where I've wanted to be for some time. I was still married when I moved with the boys, and DH (at the time) was supposed to move down after we got settled and after tax season (he makes big bucks doing taxes at Block during that season), but he had other ideas...and well, so did I, in time! :rolleyes: (part of gory story out of way, LOL)
I believe somewhat in fate though, and Kevin is from Indiana and has been here 12 years or so, what are the odds of our paths crossing? So I SAY I moved here to be with him...otherwise, he'd be jealous of Mickey and might cause a scene whenever he appears at the parks! :eek:
Thanks for the tip on the ab workout. I decided today I need to do my own abs to strengthen them, those FIRM people are insane to think anyone but them can do what they're doing!!! LOL

I guess this is my journal and I'm just chit-chatting! Yesterday was a great day...I had 2 eggs and a slice or two of ham for breakfast, a fairly small salad with tuna for lunch, a mc d's cheeseburger, patty only for a snack when I realized I couldn't get home to have dinner on the table in time to feed Kevin and I before Ryan's boy scout meeting...so dinner wouldn't be until 9ish. We had boar's head hot dogs (2 for me) grilled for dinner with zucchini and a few tomatoes cooked in butter. (Kevin had sauerkraut, blech!)
I did the 2 mile WATP yesterday, then did the total gym and the abs. Today I did the 3 mile WATP and my own ab workout. So far I've had an egg and a half deviled. I think I'll make something very proteiny (I made that word up!) for lunch!
Dinner will be hamburgers with some onion and garlic and worcestershire sauce mixed into the burger, and a few sauteed onions on them, with swiss...probably lettuce and a little tomato as well. Yum.

I went shopping yesterday and all I can say is thank goodness we got 2 fridges!!! Our fridge in the garage is stuffed with veggies and meat! LOL It all has to be refridgerated! My boys aren't even teenagers....I hope we don't need a third someday! :eek:

Have a great day/night everyone! I'm going to treat myself to a new pair of sneakers today, mine have seen many, many theme park miles and have no support left, my heel is starting to hurt! I hope they have amazon sized shoes that I like somewhere! (11)

Onward and hopefully, someday soon, downward! :rolleyes:

Karen :smooth:

[Auntmeme]

What a great day and a great love story:Pinkbounc

Keep it going, I know you'll look amazing in that dress when the time comes.

Onward & downward:p

[FEEBEE]

HI KAREN,

WELL YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE I AM A NEWBIE TOO, AND HAVE FOUND ALL OF THE GUYS ABOVE VERY MOTIVATING.

WHAT A ROMANTIC STORY, WE ALL LOVE A HAPPY ENDING AND I'M SURE YOU WILL BE A REAL CINDERELLA TOO COME YOUR BIG DAY!


I'M SO JEALOUS OF YOU LIVING SO CLOSE TO THE MAGIC, HAVE YOU SEEN MY COUNTDOWN!! MY PLAN IS TO MOVE OUT THERE ONE DAY. I HATE ENGLAND!! (MAYBE THATS A BIT STRONG!) BUT I SURE MISS FLORIDA!!

WELL DONE FOR YOUR JOURNAL.
I WILL BE WATCHING.........

;)

[Castillo Mom]

Kaaaaren, where are youuuuu?:jester:

[MsDisney]

Was I missing? :confused:

I knew yesterday that after I posted, I wouldn't have much chance to be back on here...I had to prepare dinner ahead of time because Kevin gets home about 6 and we had to leave at 6:30 because Ales (9) had scouts and Ryan (11) and I were going to be dropped off at Ryan's school for open house. What I didn't count on was my pokey son missing the bus yesterday so I had to drive the 13 miles to get him and my younger son lost our mailbox key in the grass somewhere (never did find it! :mad: ) So I didn't get to HAVE dinner at the set time...but, I didn't skip it, I just ate later than I should have (9pm), but I think it's better that I ate, I didn't pig out or anything!

How are you all doing today? I have to catch up on YOUR journals, so I got my workout done early today! :)

FEEBEE, great to see you, I've seen your posts and I've been reading your journal...not sure if I've posted to it, but I'm here with ya! I'd love to visit England someday! There aren't many countries I have a desire to visit, but that's one of them! :)
It's very cool living down here...well, it's very hot, but I LOVE living in FL...there is so much to do! I love the weather too! I am looking forward to more fall-like weather because it is more comfortable and the crowds thin out a bit in the parks!

Ok, I already posted what I ate and planned to eat yesterday and that's what I did! So far today, I did the 2 mile WATP and worked hard on the total gym (legs and arms) and I've had 2 eggs with a few bacon bits on them and about 4 grape tomatoes cooked in butter. I just had a snack of a very small portion of blueberries and cream. I know they aren't "allowed" but I've been well below in my carbs and I think it was a nice treat...and heck, everyone else does it, Mom! :jester:
I plan to have a leftover burger patty for lunch with some salad and dinner...I dunno, it might be roast beef.

Oh, I made the cauliflower (mock potato) salad yesterday and Kevin enjoyed it. I didn't have any because I ate so late, but I'll maybe have some today with lunch. It's not bad...I'm still not past the fact that I'm actually eating cauliflower though, but I'm trying! :rolleyes:

Have a great day and thanks you guys for checking in with me here, it means the world to me! :bounce:

Karen :smooth:

[Auntmeme]

Congrats on another good day. Let me know how the cauliflower is?

Would also love to live in florida but dh is more of a montana man, don't know how we matched up. Must be his good looks and sense of humor:p

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by Auntmeme
Congrats on another good day. Let me know how the cauliflower is?

Would also love to live in florida but dh is more of a montana man, don't know how we matched up. Must be his good looks and sense of humor:p

Good looks and a sense of humor would do it!!! A nice butt helps too! :rolleyes:
I'll let you know how the cauliflower is and if I'm successful in pretending it's potato salad! LOL

Have a great day!

Karen :smooth:

[DoeWDW]

Karen, sounds like you're doing GREAT! I'd love to move closer to the Mouse. Hubby and I plan to retire near Orlando and get part time jobs at Disney for spending money. Your love story sounds wonderful and I'm sure you will be a lovely, glowing, happy bride - no matter WHEN you and Kevin decide the time is right.

Keep up the good work!

[lulu201]

Hey, Karen, how are you today? Sounds like you're exercising up a storm down there in Florida. . .I admire the fact that you're doing those ab exercises. I'm sorry, but that's where I draw the line. I'll lift those dumb weights that my husband makes me do, but I just don't have the personal fortitude to do the abs. You're my hero!:Pinkbounc

Uh, I don't want to get too personal, Karen, but can Iassume anything about Kevin after reading your last post? Hee-hee!

Keep up the great work and congrats on that beautiful clippie!

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by lulu201

Uh, I don't want to get too personal, Karen, but can Iassume anything about Kevin after reading your last post? Hee-hee!

Keep up the great work and congrats on that beautiful clippie!


Um....well...yeah, go ahead! I like his butt...of course he's 6'4" tall, so it's practically always directly in my line of sight! LOL

In all honesty, we're totally wrong for eachother...but it seems to work for us! (he had an internal "list of qualifications" and I didn't really meet any of them, LOL)

Now I feel guilty...I didn't do the abs today :rolleyes: I think for now I'm going to work them in slowly, every other day or something...they're just too tough and they're too far gone! :eek:

Doe, thanks for your kind words! I don't know how far away retirement is, but be sure to look me up when you get here! :bounce:

I feel like I have a bottomless pit for a stomach today and I don't know why!!! Is it the exercise...my muscles are demanding more today? I'm only eating protein when I nibble, but still...I'm not happy about it! :mad:

Karen :smooth:

[lulu201]

Karen, even the fact that you THINK about abs keeps you a hero in my book!;)

Glad you're keeping your nibbles to protein! It's becoming apparent to me that some days are just TOUGH as far as appetite is concerned. On Tuesday I was feeling like a chow hound all day, but yesterday I was able to be OK with much less. Sounds like you're going with the flow quite well.:)

Kevin is 6'4"? That's tall--no wonder you get a good view of his butt!:p Does he know we're talking about him??? My DH is 6'3", but being 5'8" I spend most of my time looking at his neck (not as interesting as your view, sorry to say:p )

I'll be away for a few days, but I'll be thinking about you. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, but STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! We've got to be sporting new clippies before the weather gets cold!:Pinkbounc Uh, wait a minute, you never get the cold, only I get the cold. . .how fair is that??!!!:rolleyes:

Talk to you next week,

ONWARD AND DOWNWARD!

[Auntmeme]

Are you still nibbling? did you do your abs? I know my abs are tightening but I can't see the muscle behind so much pudge:(

My dh is 6'2'' but I like looking at his shoulders, not much in the butt dept. He's the person we all love to hate who eats whatever w/o gaining an oz. Icecream, shakes, brownies everyday - It's sooo hard to go in my kitchen!

How was the cauliflower? my dh was talking about mashed pot yesterday I was about to wring his neck. I need to know if i should bother cause I'm not much of a cauliflower woman:p

[DoeWDW]

We all seem to have so much in common! My husband is 6' even....and while we're on the subject he also has a cute bum. He sounds like your husbands - he eats whatever he wants for the most part. He is small boned and on a bad day he weighs 150 pounds and has the nerve to complain about how fat he is!!!

Karen, you've been doing great! That ab work is hard and I think every other day is a good idea. If that's too much, then to every 3rd day and work up to every other. You'll get there!!

By the way, retirement is probably 10-15 years away, but a girl can dream, right?? Maybe I'll win the lottery...LOL! I promise I'll move to the Orlando area as soon as possible and we can be WISH buddies in person!

[MsDisney]

I just wanted to write a quick entry since I haven't for a few days...I was blindsided Friday and haven't been on since. :(

I was just finishing up my exercising on Friday when my fiance came home to tell me he had lost his job. :( No warning, no real reason...just that the new guy who came in and took over was hiring friends. The "new" guy came in late Feb. and cleaned out most everyone, but DH2B was left and his dept. is the only profitable dept. in the store (he is a construction parts manager) and so we thought it was OK at this point when WHAM...he was let go, just like that.

So....while I have had no problem sticking to my "diet" and I only skipped Sat. for exercise (I usually take the weekend off), I DID drink quite a few rum and diet cokes Friday night since the kids were elsewhere and well...I needed to! :rolleyes: We went to Jellyrolls and had a good time and it kept my mind off of things. He's been great about it and already had put in a couple of applications even before Friday was over. It's just that he lost the company truck he had, so now we have one vehicle and he made pretty good money. We just bought a house in April, so I'm very nervous about how this will all play out. He's proud of me for only crying a little, but I figure, I can't do a darn thing about it, so we just need to hope for the best, crying won't change it! :rolleyes:

Anyway, due to my little drinking binge, which I thought would only stall me, I'm slightly up, by about a pound. The scale had been moving a little each day and the day AFTER (Sat.) I was lighter than ever...but I guess that's changed. I won't do that again much, but I don't feel bad about it either...I had just enough to help me sing along and relax and I'm still on track with my Atkins eating, which is what I think, is most important!

So that's my story, and I'm sorry I haven't posted to anyone's journals, but I will...I'll probably be on a little less with him home. I'm going to enjoy having him around for a bit, but hopefully not long! He rarely took time off, so it will be nice to have him to myself. Hopefully it is really temporary! :eek:

Thanks all and I hope you are all doing well...I'll be around soon! :)

Karen :smooth:

[Auntmeme]

So sorry your dh to be lost his job, hope he can collect unemployment. You did pretty good, considering:p

I believe things happen for a reason and it was probably meant to be. He is bound for better things:D

Keep focused and everything will work out for the best.

[nancyj_pa]

Hi Karen,
What a shocker for you! Just keep on sticking to your goals and you'll do fine. Like Meme said, things happen for a reason. Maybe he'll get a job he likes a lot better.

I would have had a few drinks if it were me. If you need a few more, switch to white wine...chardonnay is very low in carbs.

Keep your chin up and let us know how you're doing.

Nancy

[MsDisney]

Thanks, guys! I hope it turns out for the best...it's just when it's not on your terms, it's hard to see the bright side right away!

He was underpaid for what he gave and hopefully another company will appreciate him more! :)

He's got his resume updated and he's ready to stop in a few places tomorrow. I'm so glad he's not one to sit around and wallow in self-pity...or say "well, I've worked all these years, I'll just take some time and enjoy myself!" He'll work 2 jobs for now if he has to. It's tough with just one vehicle now though, so hopefully he'll get something with good hours and we'll be able to buy something cheap to get around in soon. I won't let him get a motorcycle! :eek:

As far as my alcohol choice...I chose rum because the clear liquors don't have any carbs, so while I'm normally a beer drinker, I am now a rum and diet coke drinker, if at all, I guess. I love jose cuervo, but there is nothing to mix that with when you're out, so I guess I have to pass on it!

I'm proud that I still managed to exercise yesterday and today and that I haven't even thought of drowing my sorrows in foods that aren't allowed!

I just hope the scale moves soon, I'm a little down about that. :(

I'll check in tomorrow, hopefully I'll get a chance to check in on your journals!

Take care and thank you!
Karen :smooth:

[lulu201]

Aw, Karen. . .here are hugs to you {{{{{{{{{you}}}}}}}}}}}}.
What a lousy thing to have happened. Several years ago my husband was laid off and it was so difficult; I hope you're all doing OK there. Sounds like your DH2B is a man of action and is an upbeat, optimistic kind of guy--a good match for someone as cheerful as you are.

Know you're in my thoughts and prayers--

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Karen, how are you doing? I wasn't around the last couple of weeks because I was so busy at work and too tired to hop on the computer by the time I got home.

Sorry to hear about your honey's job. I'm sure things will turn out alright so keep your chin up. You're doing a wonderful job sticking to your plan, so you should be proud of yourself. I see you haven't posted in a couple of days, I hope everything is ok with you.

Just wanted to say a quick hello and I'm hanging in there with you all. Good night!:D :o

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen! Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and yours. Don't forget to take care of yourself, OK?:)

[MsDisney]

Hi gals! Thanks for your kind words!!! I have been a lurker this week, my DH2B has spent alot of time at the computer and we've been doing things together, so I just haven't really had time to post. Plus, I found myself somewhat discouraged earlier in the week, so I just have been "blah". I have been doing well with my eating and exercising and just am not seeing alot of scale movement and it gets me down sometimes, but I brush myself off and tell myself that I'm getting smaller...slowly, but I am. I have no interest in cheating or going off of Atkins, so if it takes longer than I planned, then so be it cuz this is forever anyway. I'm trying different things to see if it changes my loss...but honestly, I have stuck so closely to what is officially allowed on induction, so it's hard to see where I might be going wrong. I was enjoying unsweetened tea alot, so I've gone back to nothing but water...and I'm eating more. I honestly don't think I was eating anywhere near 20 carbs a day and perhaps I just wasn't eating enough. I have eaten well the past couple of days and made sure to eat plenty of veggies (even a little extra perhaps) and now the scale has started to move again...so I dunno.
I only registered a 1/2 pound loss when I weighed in Tuesday, but I seem to be down 1 1/2 since then, so we'll see what happens when Tuesday comes around, I guess!

I'm going to go post to your journals because I have been watching and wondering how you were all doing (and WHERE some of you were...ahem...Lisa! :) ) and hoping for the best!!!

I should be cleaning, but I'm going to take a few minutes and do that now!

Thanks for your support, it means so much to me!!! :bounce:

Oh, and DH2B pounded the pavement all week and so far, not a nibble. :eek:

Karen :smooth:

[Castillo Mom]

I'm here, I'm here!:Pinkbounc I've been lurking too, but I finally got back on track last night and posted to my journal. Things are finally settling down at work (thank goodness).

Don't worry too much about the scale Karen. I was going through the same thing, still am. The scale is moving slower now, but it's still steadily going down. It could have been that you weren't eating enough, I know I wasn't. I'm actually off induction. I was going to stay on it longer but I was really missing fruit and milk, so added an additional five carbs to my diet. I was afraid I would gain weight after that. Talk about paranoid! If you feel your clothes fitting looser, then you're doing fine. Like you, I've come to accept that I may not lose weight as fast as I had originally thought, but that's ok. At this point I feel great and don't feel deprived and that's important in order to be able to continue on Atkins. If you're feeling too deprived and restricted, it's better to add a little bit of carbs rather than going off the deep end and abandoning the plan altogether.

I'm glad to see you're back. You're doing a great job, so keep up the good work. Seems like we're going through some of the same things in terms of worries about slower weight loss and not eating enough. Let's vow not to skip meals, monitor our carbs a little better and make sure we're getting enough to eat and quit worrying so much about that darn scale!

Have a good weekend Karen!

P.S. Your honey will find something soon, have faith!

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen. Thanks for checking in with all of us, I was wondering how things were going for you and DH2B. . .I know it's tough, but it sounds like you're able to take it one day at a time. That's all you can really do. Hopefully those nibbles will start coming Kevin's way.

Your attitude with your weight loss program is great! You just have to do what you gotta do, you know? Eat right, exercise when you can, and you'll see the results. It may not always be the time that we'd like, but it will happen. I always seem to find myself in an all or nothing situation; either I'm completely on track, 100%, or I'm drowning in ice cream sundaes--I'm hoping with a sound plan, healthy eating, and the support of WISHers, I'll make the long-term changes I need to make. It sounds like you, Karen, are well on your way to this with your patience and perseverence.

Now that we're in the fall routine, my time on the boards is not going to be consistent as it was before, but I'm thinking about you and will check in again soon. Let us all know how you do on Tuesday.

Take care. Hey, don't forget: ONWARD AND DOWNWARD:)

[DoeWDW]

Karen {{ hugs }} to you!! You're dealing with a lot right now and doing well! I'm so proud of you. You'll see the results, I promise!! Don't forget to take measurements - sometimes you're losing inches even when the scale isn't moving.

Prayers and pixie dust coming your way for you and DH2B!! When one door closes, sometimes another better door opens - hope he finds something soon!

[Castillo Mom]

Just wanted to say hello. I felt I should check in with everyone tonight since I know tomorrow will be a busy day. I hope things look up for you soon. I'm sure everything will work out eventually. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Take care ok? I'll peek in tomorrow to see you you did this weekend. Nighty night.:o

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen. Thinking about you today.:D Make sure you're treating yourself right. I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday, and I heard your voice bubbling up in the toilet bowl offering me healthy advice. Thanks for that!:p

I made it through my first cheat free day in a lonnnnggg time, and it's because of WISH friends like you.:)

Have a good day,
Lulu

[Auntmeme]

Hi Karen, hope you're doing well and you soon to be dh is making some progress. We're here for you, have a great week;)

[Castillo Mom]

Hello Karen, we miss you. Hope things are looking up for you. Hopefully you're lurking and seeing that we haven't forgotten about you. Take care and hope to see a post soon!:D

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen,
The weekend's on its way. . .do you have any fun stuff planned down there in the Sunshine State? Hope all is well and that you're still looking onward and downward!:cool:

Have a good day, WISH pal. . .

[Castillo Mom]

Karen, we're still here for you when you're ready, ok? Have a good weekend.:D

[DoeWDW]

Hi Karen! I've been thinking of you and hoping all is going well!

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen! Just wanted to let you know that you may be gone for awhile, but you're not forgotten. Be good to yourself and know that I'm thinking about you and sending lots of warm thoughts and prayers your way.:)

Lulu

[MsDisney]

Hi guys! I hope all my WISH friends read this! (that I haven't been gone THAT long!)

I want to thank you all for stopping in and telling me hi and that you're thinking of me!!! I can't begin to tell you how much it means!!! :)

DH2B is still job hunting and so, spends a HUGE amount of time each day at the computer searching and posting resume's etc. so I barely get near it. :rolleyes: In all honesty, with him home, when he's free and has exhausted his search for the day, I like to spend that time with him since I know someday he'll have a job again and won't be here to spend time with me! (it's hard to wish for it, but naturally, we can't live off of our good looks alone!)

So I pop in and read once in awhile, but haven't posted...not because I didn't want to, but in part because I didn't have much time and I would want to post to all of YOUR journals...but also because I am embarassed to have been away so long! :(

We're both doing great on Atkins, that has never wavered...I've never cheated or anything and am down 10 pounds. Slow...but that's ok...it's moving downward, right? He's almost down 20, he's about 18.5 down now! :) 2 pounds a week will add up over a few months if I stay on that course! I will say that I will be terrified to eat more carbs one day! LOL
I've added nuts and we eat some berries now. I didn't exercise at all this week, but in that week I lost the most I've ever lost (since the first week), my plan is to take a few days off once in awhile and kick start my metabolism when I start up again. We'll see! I say I haven't exercised, but that's silly...I walked for anywhere between 45 min to over an hour and a half several nights since my kids are selling popcorn for scouts...for some reason it doesn't seem like "exercise" if I don't put on my exercise clothes and use a video! LOL Silly me!
We have had the best success eating out at buffets...Golden corral is a favorite because it's cheap and not bad! We also hit the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom one day and had the very best lunch there! We do have the FL. resident 20% card for dining so it really wasn't bad at $30 or so for both of us! We shouldn't be eating out at all, but with us on our own and out playing somedays...it's almost impossible not to!

Anyway, thanks again and I feel so blessed to have such support! I hope you know it's MUCH appreciated!
I'll try to post to your journals...the boys have a space derby with the scouts today and it's sure to eat up most of the day, but I'll try to get back on later, or within the next couple of days!

I am going to read your journals now and I'll probably just say HI to each of you in there to let you know I've read them and am here!

Onward and downward!
Karen :smooth:

[Auntmeme]

Hi Karen, looks like things are going well, good for you! You are sooo lucky to be able to hit the MK at anytime you want. Happy to hear about the loss and how you are sticking to it together, makes for a happy home:p

Keep it up and I'll send some wishes for dh(soontobe) for a new job.

[DoeWDW]

Silly Karen! You don't have to post to my journal, as long as I can catch up with you on your journal once in a while! I know how it is when thngs get hectic! Please don't feel obligated to read or post in my journal until things slow down a bit for you!! Take that time to be good to yourself, DH2B and the kidlets!!

I'm so happy to hear that you are sticking to your eating plan and having hubby eat that way helps so much!!

Hang in there, Karen!! You're doing great!!

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Karen,

38 days without a cheat! That's fantastic!:Pinkbounc :D
And to have a partner in it with you is special, too.

Keep up the good work. And I'm sending some pixie dust for your DH2B and his job hunt.
:D

[lulu201]

Way to go, Karen, way to go!:Pinkbounc You're looking awesome in that 10 pound clippie, though, I must say I'm more than a little jealous!:p Next thing I know you'll be wearing one of those gorgeous 15 lb. numbers and then I'll really be green!:bounce:

Glad that you checked in, but know that you may be away for a little bit, but you're always in our healthy lifestyle hearts!

Wishing good things for you and DH2B--

Lulu

[MsDisney]

You guys are awesome!!! :bounce:

I just wanted to stop in...and Doreen, I know I don't HAVE to check in on your threads, but I want you all to know I'm here as part of your support system (although someone missing, but telepathically, I'm ON!:rolleyes: ) So the thing is, I WANT to make time...I just have trouble finding it during daylight hours and I'm bushed at the end of the day...I never used to be so tired at night!

Anyway, thank you for your support and kind words and hopefully I can get to the rest of the journals tomorrow! (see, I spent so much time on Meme's, after learning that wasn't her real name, I was stunned and unable to continue!:jester: )

Have a great weekend!

And I am proud of my star...I don't know if I was allowed to just get one...but I AM 38 days (well, about 39 now) cheat free and it makes me feel good to see it! :)

I'm proud of my new clippie too, but I think it will take awhile to get the next one...I'm definitely not one of those people the pounds melt off of on Atkins, but I have the rest of my life, right?

As long as I'm moving in that direction and am getting healthier! The same is true for all of you!!! The scale can be almost as evil as doughnuts!!! :mad:

Karen :smooth:

[Castillo Mom]

Hugs (((((( )))))) to you Karen, we missed you! I'm happy you're back and understand that with a busy schedule like ours, it's difficult to be able to take the time to post at the end of the day. Just as long as you know that you still have us as your support when you're ready, ok?

Good night and I hope to see you back tomorrow.:D

[Auntmeme]

Just a quick hello - great job on the cheat free days:Pinkbounc

You are awesome - don't tell anyone else about my real name:p

Keep it up to go down!

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Karen, I know you're out there somewhere. Don't worry about not being able to post, I've been in the same boat this week. You're doing a great job and I bet you're still cheat free!

I'll try to pay you a visit tomorrow. Night night!:D

[lulu201]

Hi, Karen! Hope you're having a good week. Keep on keeping on! I bet you're cheat free and loving it!

Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Hi Karen!! I hope all is going well for you and DH2B!! I'm sending good cheat free thoughts your way and hoping you're having a great week!

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Karen! I hope you're doing ok. I haven't been around as much the last week, but I haven't forgotten about any of you. I'm still on the wagon with all of you. I hope that you see this post even if you don't have time to reply. Take care of yourself Karen, hope to hear from you soon.:)

[MsDisney]

Hi guys! I'm not gone and lost forever...just MIA for now, I guess...Kevin is on the computer all the time and I've just been enjoying my time with him when he's not...no luck on the job search yet though :( He does have a few nibbles, maybe we'll hear from someone soon....it's a horrible, horrible process, this waiting game!!! :mad:

I'm down about 14 1/2 pounds and I am finally starting to feel like I look a little different....we went to Dixie Landings the other night to see Bob Jackson and our usual server told me no less than 5 times how great I was looking...she knows she's gonna get a good tip anyway, so maybe there was something to it! :rolleyes: cool!

Kevin is down almost 25 pounds...MEN! ARGH!!! But I'm thrilled for him, it's awesome!

I'm rooting for the red sox and plan to have some Michelob Ultra this afternoon while watching the game at Hooters or someplace...I hope they win! :)

I hope you are all doing well, I haven't even been lurking, but I am definitely pulling for you all and think of you often! I'll be back soon, I'm sure!

I haven't updated my cheat free star, but suffice it to say, I'm cheat free since day one really...as far as Atkins goes! I know any beer or rum is just a slight stall...and even then, not always! But I haven't had a noodle or sugar (except when they give me sweet tea by accident....ARGH!) or start since Aug. 12th...I really can't believe it!

Take care you guys and I hope you will be here when I get back!!!

Karen :smooth:

[UniversalAddict]

Hey Karen, We miss you over at the Universal posts. I was wondering where you went off to. Do you still have Universal passes?

My wife and I have been doing Atkins since the beginning of November. She just had a baby and I gained about 15lb in sympathy weight. She's been doing pretty good but I have lost only 7 lbs so far but I cheat alot with beer on the weekends and on Universal trips. Even though I hate light beer it's better than no beer. I prefer Miller lite (3.2 carbs) over Mich Ultra (2.5 carbs) although they both taste nasty. I guess if you have been abstaining so long then anything would taste good. Maybe we should start a "drinking on Atkins" thread?

I thought it was odd that liquor has zero carbs. I'm sure that doesn't mean it's "free" on the diet. Also, I assumed Rum was pretty bad because it comes from sugar. I thought whiskey would be better although they are probably just as bad.

Hang in there,

Bryan

[Strings]

Hi Karen, I just read your journal. I had to say congratulations on being cheat free for so long. Way to go! You are an inspiration. I hope your DH2B gets a job for Christmas. Congrats on the engagement.:smooth:
Beth