Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[lulu201]

Good morning, WISH-sis.:wave2: What's your exercise strategy for rain? Do you walk in it anyway? Whatever you do for exercise today, you know that it'll make you feel well and strong, so GO FOR IT! Remember, little portions for your dainty little stomach.:p You're a princess, after all, so eat like one!

:hug: ,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Thank you all for stopping by! I was feeling down but coming here and reading notes from all my WISH buddies has lifted me up. You are the best and I am truly blessed to be a part of this group! :flower3: :love:

I did get my walk in last evening. DS was nice enough to accompany me and we had a good time talking and walking together. He's turning out to be an amazing young man!

I did well in the food department until I got home. I MUST eat a snack before I leave work - whether I'm hungry or not. If I get home and am hungry, there is just no hope. :rolleyes:

Today, I'll be remembering my dainty princess: -sized tummy - thanks for a great visual, Erin!! Breakfast was half a ham & cheese sandwich and some applesauce.

Onward, inward, and downward, all while looking Upward! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[Strings]

:rotfl: Doe,

That is just what I needed. A dainty princess: stomach. You are right, it is a great visual. It sounds like you have a good plan for battling the evening munchies. Doe, have you tried the Hormel ready made potroasts? They have a few of them. You boil for 100 minutes, and then the roast is ready to eat. Throw a salad and a quick veggie with it, and it is not a bad lc meal. Quick and easy.

I hope your day at work is a quiet one with no struggles.

Take care,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Beth, I've never heard of those Hormel potroasts but you can bet I'll be at the store looking for them tonight!! Thanks!!

[traceycooper]

:wave2:
Hi doe, glad your feeling positive and motivated, keep it up and i'm sure the pounds will melt away, i like your idea about eating lots of small portions, hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by on my journal! Take care:teeth:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning dainty princess: Doe! :) I am so glad to hear that you got in your walk last night! Great Job! We were certainly :cool1: walking the walk together last night.

Erin asked a good question about rain and walking - our plan right now is that unless it is pouring and lightening we are walking! If it is dangerous then we will stay home and make up the time later in the week. Those are just our thoughts. Personally I'm more concerned about when it starts to snow - but we've a good month until then.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:eek: :eek: :eek: Amanda!! How could you put that 4 letter S word in my journal!!! We're not going to get any of that S stuff here this winter, at least not until AFTER the half!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I haven't really thought about training in the rain. However, I like Amanda's idea - a little rain shouldn't stop me, but I won't walk in thunder & lightning or in a hard rain when hail is a possibility. I always have my WATP DVDs to fall back on, I suppose, if I have to get some indoor exercise.

[sharoncity]

Doe I hope you had awonderful day! Did you walk today? I hope it was as enjoyable as yesterday!:teeth:

Have a great evening and STAY AWAY FROM THOSE NASTY CARBS!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :crazy:

TTFN-
Sharon :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Doreen! It's been so long since I dropped by, I had to come over and say a quick hello. You've been so kind to keep up with my journal even though I haven't been posting nearly as often. I see you're still doing a great job and wow, I sure admire you for keeping up with exercise on a regular basis! I really appreciate all of your encouragement along with all of my other WISH buds that still drop by my journal from time to time. Take care and hang in there!:D

[septbride2002]

I hope you got in your pilates tape today because I did my weights! :) Have a great evening!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Sadly, Amanda, I did NOT do my Pilates last evening. :( I could make lots of excuses about being busy, having battles with my DD, going shopping for Halloween costumes for the kids, etc., but if I honestly look at how I spent my time, I could have done it if I really wanted to. I could have carved out half an hour and I just didn't bother. I was my own worst enemy last evening, with no exercise and very poor food choices involving a few glasses of chardonnay, some chips & some microwave popcorn. :( DH and I had an intense political discussion and I just was not focused on how often my hand was travelling to my mouth.

Today is a new day, a new chance to treat myself in a healthy way. Maybe I should go back to what worked in the past:
1. Devotions - a new daily habit I'm working on to help me stay centered and focused.
2. Meds & vitamins
3. Water - lots of it to flush out all the toxins I ingested last night.
4. Food - sensible and healthy choices fit for my dainty princess: tummy.
5. Exercise - 2 miles of walking AND 20 minutes of the Pilates that I didn't do last evening.
6. 20 minutes of life analysis to think about why my eating has spiralled out of control.

These are not "wish list" items but are important and must be a priority to me. I've got to take good care of me or I won't be able to take care of those around me or the other areas of my life - wife, mom, employee, etc.

I'm tired and my tummy is feeling the effects of that chardonnay, but I must focus on my healthy living goals and move forward.

EDIT: 9 AM
1. Devotional :D - it talked about giving my fears to God, and about being an overcomer, not settling for just being a survivor. I've been doing a lot of "just surviving" lately.
6. Life Analysis :D - spent 20 minutes and made some progress, more to do though to truly identify those things in my life that make me fearful or uncomfortable or anxious - will do more of this later.

EDIT: 9:45 AM
2. Meds & vitamin :D
3. Water - finishing 1st mug
4. Food - B = a blueberry bagel with a little butter - a decent choice considering my tummy's reaction to the wine from last night. :p

I can see that I'm practicing "work avoidance behavior" this morning. I'm going to get off the DIS and get started on those projects - yes projects with an s - that are causing me to feel fearful, anxious and uncomfortable. The only way to make the feelings go away is to tackle the projects, not avoid them and eat to give myself a false feeling of comfort.

EDIT: 1:15 PM
3. Water - only 2 mugs so far - gotta drink!
4. Food - L = the innards of a chicken cheesesteak and as little bread as I could get away with, and a wild cherry Pepsi for the caffeine.

I actually napped during lunch hour - am just so tired. Work is going a bit better - I got a warm pep talk from a wonderful co-worker. She felt I was taking a situation too personally and the person at the heart of the problem is lashing out in frustration at anyone and everyone, not just me or my performance. I felt better after our chat!

EDIT: 8:45 PM
I did great in all areas today for the most part. I did get my walk in with DH - we did 3.75 miles instead of 2 miles. :D Food at home this evening hasn't been great but c'est la vie! No Pilates yet but the day isn't over. :p

[septbride2002]

Wow! We are being a little hard on ourselves today aren't we? Doe it is okay that you didn't do your Pilates! The marathon should be our focus - which for you it still is! The only reason I'm doing weights is because I HATE my arms! The remind me of big marshmellows that are just hanging there. :laughing:

Besides any day that ends with a glass of Chardonay is a good day! So you had a deep political discussion with Todd? I love those! I hope you guys were on the same side though - otherwise I have found those to get very intense. Drink lots and lots of water today so that when you go for your 2 mile walk to you don't become dehydrated from the wine last night.

Talk to you soon and :teeth: !

~Amanda

[wilderness01]

Wow you are being too hard on yourself. Actually your night sounded so relaxing and enjoyable. Today is a new day if you feel badly about yesterday. Keep pushing your water and you can do your pilates today if you choose. Have a wonderful day.:D

[lulu201]

:hug: to you, dear WISH-sis. You sound like you could use one. . .or 10.:p I'm proud of you for taking some time to look at your life and to prioritize some healthy behaviors ("these are not wish list items"), and for recognizing a wee bit of procrastination and changing your course and hitting those projects with the s.

Let's make a date to talk about teenage daughters.:crazy: :tongue: :crazy:

Hang in there--
Erin

[sharoncity]

Sounds like today is a productive day on many fronts for you Doe! Soul searching, work progress, recognizing poor habits..... These are all things we need to look at in ourselves. It is very nice to come here and receive support from all our WISH friends. But sometimes they are just TOO nice to us! ;) They say it is okay when we fall off the wagon. It is OKAY, as long as we get back on it. These healthy habits have to be for life, right? I think you are headed in the right direction dear Doe! And I think this marathon training is gonna be just the push you need to get back to all those wonderful habits you practiced just a couple of months ago. ::yes::

One step at a time princess: Doe! I know you can do it. You have been an inspiration to me, so I hope I am retuning the favor.

TTFN-
Sharon :sunny:

[septbride2002]

You had a good day! I especially liked your lunch. I'll have to try that sometime! :) I hope you have another good day today - focus on the big stuff and the rest will fall into place!

No fair you and Todd walked further! LOL! Remember you have to walk another 2 miles tonight. You don't get a rest day until Friday!
:cool1: :drinking: :cool1: :cheer2: :cool1: :flower:

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Yes, Amanda, the long walk was DH's idea! :p He wanted to walk by a house that his brother's girlfriend is interested in buying. I did warn him that we still have to walk 2 miles tonight, no matter what. :p I do enjoy walking with DH - we always find so much to talk about. After 19 years of marriage, we still enjoy each other's company. :D

Gotta run - have a meeting to attend. Probably won't get back until lunchtime. Duty calls! :space:

EDIT: 7:30 PM
I just got back from my 2 mile walk with DH!! YAY!! We walked in the rain - well, the mist - but I had my trusty Mickey umbrella, the one with the ears ::MickeyMo and we made it!

Let's see, I did my devotions this morning, took my meds, drank lots of water, ate reasonably well and did my marathon training walk! All in all, it is a successful day for me - more on track. I also got lots done at work and am feeling good about that!

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

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Great job with the walk yesterday. I think it is awesome that you and DH are so close. So many of my friends have nothing to talk about with their spouses. It is sad. Obviously you two make your marriage a priority.

I hope today at work goes well, and that you have a great walk this evening.
Beth

[wilderness01]

Good job with the exercise.

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Keep up with the great walking, Doe! We're all with you! :Pinkbounc

[geetey]

Hi Doreen!
Just stopping by to say Hi! :wave2: and see how your marathon training is going. It looks like we are both staying on track! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep walking and I will see you in January!! ::yes:: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: It's Friday!!!! :sunny:

I'm a happy camper :cool1: , dancing my way toward the weekend! It's also pay day for me - a good thing for my poor checkbook balance. :jester:

Work will be busy but it will be a good day. Tonight - the last home football game so we'll go and watch the marching band. Tomorrow - I think an open house at a local art school that offers an Associate's degree in animation (my DD's interest). Sunday - still up in the air.

I'm dong the usual 5 goals - devotions, meds, water, food & NO exercise (a rest day on the training schedule). Haven't started on any of them yet.

[Strings]

Good morning Doe,

It sounds like you are feeling good today. You did a great job, not using the rain as an excuse to not exercise. I am so proud of you.

Enjoy the band tonight. The open house sounds like it will be interesting. I hope it is all you DD hopes for.

Have a fun Friday,
Beth

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Doe! Yeah on the 2 mile walk! Good Job! We are doing so good! I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning when Brian and I will be able to go to the track and actually run some of that 3 miles. LOL! Great job on all your goals yesterday - doesn't it feel great to get back on track? I know I am feeling stronger and better everyday. We are all going to slip up sometimes but this is a marathon and not a sprint.

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Good morning, WISH-sis! :sunny: The sun is shining here--for a minute--hope it's shining where you are, too.

It sounds like you have a nice weekend planned. The Open House definitely sounds like something your DD would be interested in. . .I hope you go and share some nice Mother/Daughter time.

Have a good walk tomorrow--
Erin

[sharoncity]

Hi Doe! Want some music for your happy dance?:cool1: Here ya go!
:rockband:

Gotta love payday Fridays, huh?! :jumping4:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with plenty of time to recharge the batteries!

Here's Doe marathon training last night! :earboy2: Well sort of, right?!

TTFN-
Sharon :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

You have done a great job this week! Way to go!:Pinkbounc

Did you say that you have a Mickey umbrella with ears?:earseek: Please tell me....where did you get that??? I want one too!::MickeyMo

Have a Happy Friday and a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Tracy:wave2:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning princess: Doe! Did you walk your 3 miles yesterday? Tell me ya did! Today is a rest day - I'm going to be doing my weights and ab work today - are you going to have time do pilates?

:rolleyes1 Lets sing a happy tune and get motivated sister!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Amanda, I definitely walked my 3 miles on Saturday! YAY!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
You can bet I'll be walking my 2 miles today, too!

The weekend went by so fast! It was a good one, in the sense that I got quite a bit done around the house and got plenty of time to just "be".

I'm home from work today - still have things around the house to catch up on and am taking DS to a doctor's appointment (nothing serious). Still I must admit it's nice to not have to join the hectic work world until tomorrow.

The scale and I are NOT getting along. I suppose it has a lot to do with my food choices lately. I'd like to say I'm going to get back on the low-carb track, but mentally, I'm just not there yet.

All in all, life is good and I'm feeling :sunny: today!

EDIT: 8:50 PM
The 2 mile walk has been completed!! YAY! DH walked along.

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm so happy to hear you had a good weekend with time to relax. I hope today can be relaxing for you.

As for the scale and lc thing. It seems that most of us are struggling right now. When you are ready, you'll go back to lc. In the meantime, you are taking your meds, drinking your water, and getting your walks in. Concentrate on the healthy things you ARE able to do right now.

Have a good day,
Beth

[septbride2002]

I agree with Beth! Give yourself a pat on the back for all the things that you are doing right! ::yes:: Great job on the walk Saturday! I have to admitt our walk was a struggle. There were several points where we wanted to say - okay we almost did 3 miles. But I pushed Brian and myself to finish because ya know this weekend we are suppose to walk 4 miles :earseek: !

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Count me in: I agree with Beth, too. I think that sometimes we focus more on those things we didn't do rather than applaud what we get accomplished, and you've been doing some great things for yourself! Your walking has been so consistent this past week--hooray for you!!:Pinkbounc

Thanks for remembering my birthday, Doreen, and posting such a lovely message in my journal. You really made me smile.:D

:hug: for your day,
Erin

[traceycooper]

Hi Doe, glad you had a great weekend, well done for getting all that exercise in, dont worry about lc you will know when your ready and the exercise is a good way of keeping the weight stable for now.
Take care, Tracey XX

[lulu201]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis, good morning to you!:rockband:
Happy Tuesday. I won't bounce :Pinkbounc too much, 'cause this might be a little difficult for you--it is after all a Re-entry Tuesday--but just think: even if there's some work backed up from yesterday, you're headed toward the WEEKEND!

Here are some :flower: :flower: :flower: for your day. Be sure to stop and smell them! Seriously, though, take some time for yourself here and there. Get out that lavender hand lotion, turn up the Christian music--whatever will feed and nurture YOU.

Are you walking today? Hit it hard, girlfriend. You may have a tiny princess: like tummy, but you're a Jock Athlete. Never forget it.

:sunny: and :D for you,
Erin

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doe!:cheer2:

You are doing a fantastic job with your marathon training! Keep up the good work!:Pinkbounc

You know, I have been having a hard time staying OP; definitely NOT low carb for me. Maybe it has something to do with the changing of seasons? It's getting colder so our bodies are storing more??? Just a theory.;)

I agree with Beth. I think it's a great idea to focus on all of the good things that you are accomplishing. :teeth: ::yes::

Have a great day Doe!:sunny:

Tracy:wave2:

[DoeWDW]

I'm at work and trying to ignore all the stuff piled up from yesterday. :teeth: :crazy: I'm taking babysteps trying to get through it all without getting over-stressed but I can feel that stress bubbling beneath the surface.

I brought all my food for the day. Breakfast was an apple. I have an LC ham & cheese rollup, a grapefruit, and a blueberry yogurt. However, I'm feeling the urge to do the emotional eating thing. I'm going to do my best to resist.

I've taken my meds, eaten my apple, and have started to drink my water. I'll wrap up this journal entry and take a few moments to read my online devotions and pray.

Today is a rest day on the half marathon training schedule but DH & I walked 2 miles last evening to fulfill yesterday's assignment. I'm in week 2 and haven't missed any training yet! :D

Not sure how many journals I'll get to today - lots of work to do - but know that I'm thinking good thoughts for each of you.

EDIT: 2:50 PM
I added a Momentum low carb bar and a mug of hot tea (decaf mandarin orange flavored green tea w/ 1 splenda packet) to my menu. So far I've avoided the EVM and I still have my grapefruit to eat at 3 PM. YAY! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Your menu sounds yummy today. Try not to get overwhelmed and when in doubt make a list and work your way down. Sometimes you just have to do that to stay focused. I hope your day goes well and I'm sure you will feel centered soon.

~Amanda

[LAinSEA]

Doreen:

I'm so proud of you for getting in your training and planning your meals! I just noticed that your within 75 days of the marathon and it looks like you are right on track with your training.

We are studying lesson planning right now in my class. It is very much like goal setting. You have your main goal and then you must break the goal into sub-goals or short-term goals. Then you have to write objectives that help you meet those sub-goals. It is really important that those objectives are seen as obtainable or you will get frustrated in making the sub-goals and give up well short of reaching your main goal.

Your contant reminder of "baby steps" to yourself reminds me of those objectives in lesson planning. Giant steps are frustrating, baby steps are a small move in the right direction each day.

Keep on going, Doe! You can do it!

-Laurie:sunny:

[lulu201]

:thewave: :thewave: :thewave: :thewave:

Just a little celebration to start your Wednesday: you've been true to your training goals! That's a great thing! Reward yourself and celebrate you! Sticking to this schedule is no small feat when you put it into context. . .you're a busy working mom with a very full life and you're managing to do this for yourself!
Good work, Doreen.

This morning I'm going to have a cup of decaf mandarin orange tea to show my solidarity for my Jock Athlete Princess: WISH-sis.

:hug: ,
Erin

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
:Pinkbounc :bounce: Bouncing through to wish you a Happy Wednesday !

[DoeWDW]

I'll be walking 2 miles today - gotta stick to that training schedule! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc I'm excited that I've done every training walk on the schedule so far! I'm usually not that consistent. Thanks for the celebration, Erin! It inspires me to keep on going! ::yes::

I'm hanging in there as far as meds and water - those goals are easy for me now. Food - well I usually do OK during the workday and then fall apart when I get home. But some good meals are better than no good meals. :p

Work - well right now that's a 4 letter word. :teeth: I have been enjoying some aspects of my job. I've been providing help desk support via phone and in person for one of our reporting tools. It's nice to have a frustrated user come to me and within a few minutes I can help them with their problem and have them smiling. It's very gratifying - much more than setting policy and strategic direction. :rolleyes: At least I can feel like I've directly helped people on a daily basis. Those other long-term projects of setting policy and strategic direction are the ones that are draining me but the little bursts of one-on-one customer support are lifting me up and reminding me of why I took this job.

I unfortunately seem to be gaining weight instead of losing it and I'm afraid I'll need to buy a couple pair of size 14 pants to tide me over until I can get focused on weight loss again. I'm running out of pants that I can wear to work. Hopefully as the half marathon training schedule requires more miles, I'll begin to expend more calories in exercise, raise my "feel good" hormone levels and fight off this stress, Then the weight should start to decrease again. There is always hope - I truly am the eternal optimist. :sunny:

Moving onward, looking ever upward.

EDIT: 8:20 PM
3.25 miles walked with DH!! YAY!

I stopped at the local Fashion Bug and got 2 pr of size 14 pants - they were each only $19.99. Hopefully I won't have to wear them for very long. :D

[lulu201]

:hug: , WISH-sis. You ARE the eternal optimist and are always spreading :sunny: . Let's raise our glass (of water, of course) to the journey we're on, pressing onward, even if we're wearing our size 14s.:crazy: :drinking1 Have a good afternoon.

Erin

[wilderness01]

I'm right with you on trying to get back on track of losing weight. I have been failing miserably but I will keep at it and try to get on the straight and narrow. Good luck to both of us.

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I am wearing my fat pants as we speak. I kicked up my exercise today, and I am also hoping the exercise will help. You did really well today, and I am really impressed with your dedication to your training. You are going to kick some butt at the marathon.

Regardless of the size of your pants you are a beautiful WISH princess: .

Have a good night,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

I bought 2 pr of size 14 pants at Fashion Bug last night - they were only $19.99 each. I have the blue cords on at the moment - so much more comfortable than trying to squeeze into pants that don't fit. :rolleyes: I also indulged in a bit of "retail therapy" and bought the new Mulan DVD - nothing like a little Disney magic to help me feel better. :p

I'm going to do my best to accomplish some work today, to make some progress on these projects that are stressing me out. I'll be back with an update later.

[Auntmeme]

Hi doe:wave2:

Sorry to see you've had some stress lately. Happy to see you are being so positive and walking through your training schedule:bounce: Way to go:Pinkbounc the weight will come off again. We all want sooner than later but then reality comes shining through the door::yes:: it isn't easy so make the best choices & decisions you can! stay focused, only 72 days to go -oh my:earsgirl:

Have a wonderful wonderful Thursday - get out and walk in this beautiful sunshine:sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe,

I hope the :sunny: is shining where you are today. You are doing a fabulous job with your marathon training. That marathon will be here before you know it! (And you'll be seeing ::MickeyMo again!:teeth: )

I hope that work goes smoothly for you today.::yes::

Have a great Thursday Doe! Keep up the good work! You can do it!:cheer2:

Tracy:wave2:

[septbride2002]

Good Job on the walk last night! Ya know I was thinking - with the increase in activity your body is probably holding onto some extra fat because it wants to see how long the activity will last. You might actually find yourself to be hungry all the time. Giving into the hunger is okay - but try to make good decisions and keep the carbs a bit lower so that they body is forced to use some of the fat it is storing. I know I'm not telling you anything new - but sometimes we all need reminders.

Due to scheduling conflicts we will not be doing our 2 miles tonight but we will do them tomorrow! Think of me tonight while your walking!

~Amanda

[wilderness01]

"retail therapy"

:rotfl: :lovestruc I love retail therapy. Hope you feel better and your projects are completed soon with no stress.:D

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

At least you didn't have to spend a fortune on the pants.

I hope your day has impoved. I know that you are stressed with this project. Keep doing your baby steps. there is only 30 more minutes, and then you can leave.

Have a good evening,
Beth

[geetey]

Hi Doe!

I am finished with my long training day (YEAH!) and thought of the other WISHers sticking with their training as well. It sounds like you are doing great. Keep walking those miles! ::yes:: Pretty soon those 14s will be hanging on you! :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

IT'S FRIDAY!!!! YIPPEE!!!

Well, last night did not go as planned. I got home around 5 PM and was so tired. I laid down for a nap at 5:30 and slept until 10 PM. I got up & helped DD with some homework issues and then went back to bed around 11 and slept until morning.

Now, normally one would think I'm tired and I just NEEDED the rest. However, I know me better than that. I fear it was my mind shutting down, which happens when I'm really anxious or depressed. The funny thing is that I don't FEEL all that anxious or depressed but the signs and symptoms are certainly there - I had a shut down episode where I was extremely fatigued and sleep didn't help, I'm gaining weight and my eating has been out of control, I'm fussing at the skin around my fingernails, I'm avoiding tasks that have me stressed, the house and my office are looking awfully cluttered, I'm not cooking meals.

I'm 40 years old and am still unraveling the mystery that is me! :p So now that I've identified all of this, what do I do about it? I guess I just try to recognize the patterns. There are all the usual steps I take to cope - exercise (been doing the training walks), drink my water (yep), take my meds faithfully (yep), break things down into baby steps (am trying), ease up on my expectations of cleaning and cooking without feeling guilty, However I'm still showing all the same signs and symptoms and they're getting worse instead of better.

Now is usually the time when I frantically try to find some new plan or program to help me get back on track. I know that just adds more stress though and more expectations that I probably won't be able to meet.

I also need to remember that I'm headed toward the latter part of my cycle - the DZone. My hormones are probably all out of whack because of my bad eating lately. When I stay strictly low-carb, my monthly cycle symptoms are so much better. However I just don't have the strength to jump back into low-carb wholeheartedly at the moment.

I think maybe my plan of action is to just feel the anxiety and keep going. I can acknowledge it without letting it pull me down into the abyss. It will pass as I work on the stressful projects at work and as my monthly cycle progresses. I'm going to be gentle with myself and the expectations that I have for myself.

Sorry for the deep ramblings but I need to get these thoughts down somewhere.

Oh, and obviously I didn't do my 2 miles of walking last night - I'll get that done tonight while taking my niece trick-or-treating. :p

So, the plan is to be gentle and loving with myself and understand that I'm not "running on all cylinders" so to speak. I'll lower my expectations and do what I can do, without guilt. I'll take baby steps to make progress on the work that is making me so anxious. When all these signs and symptoms lessen, I'll know that it's time to start being more strict with my food and pump up the exercise but until then I'm going to cut myself some slack.

We'll see if all this helps! Time will tell.

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe! I think it is great that you are putting all of this into perspective. I do think though that you need to get back into the low-carb lifestyle. Easier said then done - I know! Let me know when you are ready to make a go of it and we will do it together!

No worries about the walk - we will get it done tonight. Remember we've got 4 miles due on Sunday!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Gentle :hug: for you, Doreen. I think being 40 (or 40+ in my case:p ) is a good thing. Like you said, we're finally getting to know ourselves. Reading your journal entry this morning was a positive for me today--it made me think about how we've all learned about ourselves and grown in self-knowledge while here on the WISH.

You know yourself. You know that you're down in the valley right now, but, more importantly, you know that you will rise up out of it again. I'd imagine that the descent into the DZone is making things worse--I know that my own level of fatigue (we kinda share this problem, don't we) is practically debilitating when I'm in those "last days"--hopefully the edge will be off that body and mind-numbing tiredness soon.

What struck me about your entry, though, was how your self-knowledge is now your plan, your tool. "Now is usually the time I frantically try to find some new plan or program" were the words you used. By choosing to allow yourself to pass or float through the anxiety, tension, fatigue, you don't add extra worry and fear to it. Just like you said, fighting it or scratching and clawing toward more energy and enthusiasm just requires more effort and sets up unrealistic expectations.

The fact of the matter is that you're not an Energizer Bunny. To work each day with deadlines and stressful expectations and to deal with busy schedules, family issues, etc. is difficult. Sensitive people who feel things deeply often have physical and emotional reactions which also require periods of healing. You need some of that, honey! Every day! Time to heal from all that you're bombarded with and from all that you're going through. Your depression is alerting you that you need to take care, to take stock of things, to lighten your load some. By releasing some of the expectations on yourself you're doing just that!

Fortunately, you know you've got all of us here to help share that load you've got. Plus you also know that there is Someone to lift you when you're weak, to hold you hand as you shuffle through the day to day when you're tired and you're weary. This was my Upper Room verse today:

"The Lord says, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."
Isaiah 43:2

These deep waters that you're dealing with will not overwhelm you, Doreen. You know too much about yourself to fear that any more. You're doing what you can to honor yourself, your emotions, and your physical needs right now and you're going to
float through the rough times. Before you know it you'll be sitting on the beach, drinking a margarita, and calling for the pool boy.
:p

Love you, WISH-sis,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Dear Erin, some days I think we were separated at birth! :p You know me so well! The verse you quoted was also in a devotional I read this morning. I'm meditating on it and it is helping. I'm praying more and turning these feelings over to God. I'm also practicing my deep breathing to ease the tension built up in my body. I'm at Day 21 of my cycle so I'll be feeling better in another week - 10 days.

Dear Amanda, you are right! Low carb will definitely be a priority once I am through the DZone. I'll be ready in about 10 days and until then I'll try my best to make decent choices (in spite of all the Halloween candy at work and at home! :p ).

:grouphug: to both of you! Before WISH, I felt so alone and hopeless during these times. Now I truly feel I have my WISH friends walking with me every step of the way and it has made all the difference in the world.

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

I am really proud of you for recognizing these symptoms and working to stay out of abyss. You are a very strong woman.

I want you to consider something. You have depression that you are treating with medication. You were doing great with it in the Spring and summer. Is it possible that the shortening days are affecting you? Could you also have seasonal affective disorder? You might benefit from light therapy or an adjustment of your meds during the winter months. I know that you don't want to take more meds. I just want you to consider the possiblilty, if you aren't feeling better on the other side of DZONE.

I hope this weekend is stress free for you. Take some time just for you and do something fun. You deserve it.::yes::

I'm sending you a PM.
Beth

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Doreen,

I pray that the Lord would give you His strength to help you meet the challenges of each day and His perfect peace to calm your heart and mind.::yes::

Take extra special care of you this weekend:hug: ,

Tracy:wave2:

Psalm 23:D

[traceycooper]

:hug: Hi Doreen,
just wanted to offer my support, it sounds like your plan is a good way of getting through this tough time, i hope you start to feel better soon, in the mean time take it easy.
Take care Tracey XX

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all! :grouphug: :grouphug:

I hosted my family on Friday night for Trick or Treat (my 4 yo niece always trick or treats at our house) and to celebrate my brother's birthday. All went well. I walked 45 minutes around the neighborhood at a slow pace but I figure it was about 2 miles.

Yesterday I did nothing - yep, just laid around and rested and recharged the batteries!

Today, I've already walked my 4 miles. DH was nice enough to walk with me. It was a perfect fall day with a strikingly blue sky, bright sunshine and leaves of all colors on the trees and ground. We finished in time for DH to see the start of the NASCAR race, so all is right with the world. :teeth:

I'm definitely feeling more rested and less stressed. We'll see if I can carry those peaceful feelings to work tomorrow - I fear not.

Tomorrow is the start of a new month. Part of me wants to set goals and get all enthused but I'm going to refrain. I think I'll wait and start NEXT Monday, after the DZone is over. For now, I'm just riding out the wave :boat: .

Bon voyage! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Yep, November 1 - start of a new month!

As much as I said I didn't want to set goals, I think they are already in the back of my mind. I know the habits that are healthy and even when I stray, I feel those healthy habits calling me.

Okay, why not! I'll set some modest goals and try to account for the DZone in my expectations.

1. Devotionals. This is a new habit for me but one I'm finding helpful. I'll try to do this daily, but since it's a new habit, I'm going to allow for some forgetfulness on my part. I'll try to read my devotionals 22 of 30 days - that's 3/4 of the time.

2. Meds & vitamins. The meds are an imperative. The last time I forgot them, I ended up with severe vertigo. I haven't had a problem remembering them since then. :p Vitamins are another story. I get lazy with them. If I put them with my meds, I should be able to remember them. I'll shoot for 30/30 for both.

3. Water - lots! I NEED to do better on this, especially when at home. I need 60 oz of water a day at a minimum. I'll shoot for 22/30.

4. Healthy eating. Oh boy! This is the one I've been struggling with. What's reasonable, given how I've strayed lately? I want to set a goal I can be successful with. I know what is healthy for me so I'm going to be a bit subjective. I'm going to assess each day honestly and decide if I made reasonable choices. I hope to make reasonable choices 22/30 days.

5. Exercise. I will do all my half marathon training walks for November, even if I have to shift the actual DAY I do the walk. There are 17 training walks scheduled for this month so I'll be 17/30.

Those look like good goals to me and I've allowed some leeway for the DZone and other stressful times.

I'm feeling upbeat on the outside but stressed and anxious on the inside, if that makes sense. I'm going to finish this journal entry and get down to work for a full hour before I come back to the DIS. Maybe I should consider a goal of limiting my computer time - between the DIS and Pogo games, I've been using the computer as an escape too much lately. I'll think about this.

EDIT:
1. Devotions - :sunny:
2. Meds & vitamins - :sunny:
3. Water - Mug 1 (7:30 - 8:30), Mug 2 (8:30 - 11:15), Mug 3 (11:15 - 1:15), Mug 4 (6:15 - 7:15), Mug 5 (7:15 - 8:30) :sunny:
4. Healthy eating - B = half C sugar free pumpkin custard, AM snack = an apple, L = burger (no bun) w/ mayo and a Coke C2, D = 2 crab cakes (6 carbs apiece) :sunny:
5. Exercise - 2 mile walk on schedule for today - walked with DH :sunny:

[lulu201]

:Pinkbounc Good morning, Doreen! :Pinkbounc We're here together with our WISH friends taking this healthy living journey step by step, day by day. I'm glad about that!:Pinkbounc

I read over your goals this morning and it struck me that a year ago, we were both all about that number on the scale. I'm not denying that that's not important, but it seems to me that we've come to realize that there's a whole lot more to healthy living than just our weight. Looking over the goals that we've both set, I think that they reflect that we're intent on nurturing ourselves as WHOLE people--our spiritual, emotional, AND physical sides. Hmmm, :scratchin , makes me think we're growing here on the WISH!::yes::

I hear your anxiety about goal setting, Doreen, but cast your cares on Him and celebrate your bravery for stepping out there on the limb. You can do this.

:hug: ,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Okay who else needs the recipe for the Pumpkin custard? ::yes:: Good morning my dear friend! I'm in the same boat as you - I will be working on my goals for the month. We have a lot of walking this month but it is okay to switch the days around if our schedules conflict. How are your legs feeling after 4 miles on Sunday? Mine are a bit like jello.:teeth:

I think you need to reread "How I gave up my lowfat diet and lost 40 lbs." I know I get it out every now and then to boost me up. Maybe start modestly with your carb goal at 75 per day and then try to lower it every week. Only by counting carbs do we actually become accountable.

I'm home today so PM me or IM me. We haven't chatted in forever!:chat:

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Sending gentle:hug: your way today, Doe. Let the Lord lead you beside quiet waters while He restores your soul today. (Psalm 23) He will give you the strength and the peace that you need. I am praying for you.:hug:

Tracy:wave2:

[lulu201]

Just stopping by for an afternoon "hello". . .I hope that you're remembering to treat yourself well. I know that I may be overstepping my boundaries a bit, but I don't think anything that is in that EVM could possibly be a nice thing for you today. Also, if there's any Halloween candy lying around at home, AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE! It's only going to make your blood sugar dance around and make you beg for more.

There. I'm through.:rolleyes: For now.

Hugs, dear WISH-sis,
Erin

[Strings]

:wave2: Doe,

I am impressed with your goals. Perhaps by keeping track of what your do accomplish everyday, the rest will come easier. I think they are reasonable, and you can achieve them.

I know you are deep in DZONE today, so I am sending extrapotent :goodvibes :hug:and :wizard:

Beth

[sharoncity]

Hi Doe! Just a few additional thoughts from me. :teeth: I am glad you set some goals for yourself. You have made them reasonable and obtainable. ::yes:: Now, when you meet them, you will have that wonderful positive :goodvibes to help you cope with the other issues! :smooth: Seriously, I have definitely strayed over the summer, but having come back to WISH and WW in Sept has gotten me back on track. Although the weight is going down slowly, it is going. And I have made so much positive progress that I am EXCITED again!:hyper: That is a really nice feeling! The positive "I can do this!" attitude makes me meet all my other issues in a more positive light as well. I WISH that positive sense of accomplishment for you dear princess: Doe!!

And as for that Halloween candy, well as Marcia said to me last winter about something else - "Someone sneezed all over it! Big gooey mess! Yuck!":crazy: You definitely don't want any of that now do you??!:teeth:

Have a wonderful day Doreen. Small baby steps towards your goals and an over all positive attitude!

TTFN-
Sharon :sunny:

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
I just read through your goals for the month and they all sound wonderful. Sending a :hug: to help get you through the DZONE. I hope tomorrow is a good one for you :sunny: !

[DoeWDW]

I'm borrowing Princess Michelle's idea (thank you, Michelle :wave2: ) and considering yesterday a 5 :sunny: day! I met every one of my goals! What a wonderful way to start off the month! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Tonight the only thing on the schedule is voting. I'm guessing there will be a long line and I'm happy about that! I'm glad to see so many people willing to take the time and vote this election! DH and I will go after work.

I'm feeling good this morning!!

Today's goals are the same and I'll update my progress throughout the day:

EDIT:
1. Devotions - II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." :sunny:
2. Meds & vitamins - taken. :sunny:
3. Water - Mug 1 (7:15 - 8), Mug 2 (8 - 9:30), Mug 3 (9:30 - 11:15), Mug 4 (11:15 - 1), Mug 5 (1 - 2:30) & still drinking more :sunny:
4. Healthy Eating - B = 1/2 C s/f pumpkin custard, AM snack = small grapefruit & QSmart lc bar, L = burger (no bun) w/ mayo, PM snack = apple and trail mix, D = grilled cheese sandwich, noodle soup and half a cup of ice cream - I'd call it a healthy day as long as I can keep from snacking on candy tonight :sunny:
5. Exercise - today is a rest day :sunny:

I've avoided eating evil candy so far, but it's getting tougher!! I keep repeating my Bible verse and reminding myself about the "strong mind" part! :p

LATER: Beth, thanks!! The extra pixie dust helped and I've remained candy-free! YAHOO! So far my food has been healthy - just gotta make it through the evening! I'm winning the battle! :Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Good morning, princess: Doe-Doe, good morning to you!:sunny:

I hope you're still :boat: along through the DZone. Before long you're going to feel all strong and renewed again, just like a :cutie: . Keep riding the wave, though, 'til you get back to being your royal self.

How did yesterday go? You know I'm thinking about you and lifting you up in prayer as you go through the challenges of work and family life.

Have a good day, Doreen, and stick your tongue out at the EVM whenever you get the chance.

Erin

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

They are thinking it will be a record breaking turnout.:bounce: :Pinkbounc I waited for 1 hour. I didn't mind, but the guy behind me did. Then he found out he was in the wrong place. He wasn't a pleasant man, so I am evil. I don't feel bad for him.

Great job yesterday! 5:sunny: is AMAZING with you being in DZONE. I feel that November will be a great month for you.::yes::

I hope that you have a wonderful and peaceful day.
Beth

BTW, I'm wearing my princess hat.princess:

[stego]

and read some of your journaling in between design sessions.
I wanted to take a moment and tell you personally I appreciate your support and advice. Thanks for taking the time to encourage me and give me motivation. I only read a few pages in the beginning, and now towards the end of your journal. From what I gather, you're stuck. I remember the past couple of years I was out walking daily and reguarly. I was very consistent with it. One of the neighbors even remarked so, said she always saw me outside with our son, walking through the neighborhood. What I think I figured out is I have obviously upped the intensity and endurance level. But not at the fanatical pace when I was 20 something. Oh, yes, I can excercise at this level now, but that's NOT at the level I was 8 months ago. And I know that my results are pretty much extraordinary.

Just for laughs, I recently tried on my wife's new jeans to see how a 10 fits. Yes, they fit. Obviously, they were a little short.
How does a 203 lb. man fit in a size 10? I have no clue. As it is,
I am once again going the rounds with clothes getting big.
It has gone beyond costly. My wife seems to think I'll get in a waist 32. At this point, I guess anything really is possible. The way I felt after my riding this weekend is that I could probably get down to a final goal weight of 175. I think that is very unrealistic, and would require quite a bit of committment and time to reach that level of fitness. Maybe WW could sponsor me to be on their Mountain biking team, if there is such a thing.

I hope that in my sharing/journaling I have at least brought some humor and amusement to the journey I've been on.

Soon enough, it will be time to post those pictures. I don't know how I'll do it, but I will figure it out. It's always good to have something to look forward to.

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm sending some extra :wizard: for you. It seems this is about the time you have trouble. I hope it helps.
Beth

[wilderness01]

Hi Doe,

Hope you have a wonderful day and that you don't have to stand too long in line to vote. I had to wait about 35 minutes, but it was indoors so that was fine. You are doing a great job with your goals.

[geetey]

Hi Doe! :wave2:
Just stopping by to say Hello and wish you a Happy Voting Day! Only a 30 minute process here. I hope that means there are more polling places in STL, instead of it reflecting a low turnout. Voting is so important. http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/UsA_smilie.gif

Sending you loads of pixie dust :wizard: , lots of http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/sun_smiley.gif and a couple of good http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/laugh2.gif .

[DoeWDW]

I managed to avoid snacking last night and so had ANOTHER 5 :sunny: day!! No line when DH & I went to vote because everyone went earlier in the day.

This morning, I'm headed to a local college with a group from work for a presentation on data warehousing. This afternoon I have a high level meeting about SAP reporting. Tomorrow I'm off work - I'll be at the hospital with my father as we wait through Mom's laparoscopic gall bladder removal surgery. Friday is another high level meeting on the CRS data warehouse. Stress??? What stress?? :p :crazy:

I'm handling it all pretty well at the moment, although I did escape on the computer more than I should have yesterday. At least I'm not a total basket case. I keep reciting my Bible verse and praying - a LOT! :D I have NOT allowed myself to turn to food for comfort, so I'm proud of that.

Today, with updates throughout:

1. Devotions - :sunny:
2. Meds & vitamins - both taken. :sunny:
3. Water - 46 oz - not enough :(
4. Healthy eating - B = blueberry bagel w/ butter (the best option I had), L = cheesesteak sandwich (yeah, I ate the bun) and a Coke C2, PM snack = a navel orange (love that smell!), D = small fried chicken breast, 2 fun size candy bars, 1/2 C ice cream - not as healthy as I could have eaten :(
5. Exercise - didn't walk :(

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen. Know that you (and your mom and dad, too) are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the next few days--they sound quite busy and intense. Step by step, you'll
manage.

Enjoy your 2 miler with DH tonight; it'll be nice conversational time for the two of you.

Take care,
Erin

[sharoncity]

You are doing great Doreen! Those 5 :sunny: days look amazing!!:teeth:

Good luck tomorrow with mom and dad. I think it is worse for the people waiting than the person going through the procedure. Just tends to be a LONG day all the way around. Go with a plan for healthy eating and stick to it!::yes::

I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

TTFN-
Sharon :sunny: :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Mmm....Blueberry Bagel w/Butter. Well now I'm hungry!
I will say a quick prayer for your parents and the doctors tomorrow.

You are doing so awesome girl! Aren't you starting to feel it? Tonight is a workout night! 2 miles - are you ready! You are doing better then me this week - this will be our first night of walking. But I am looking forward to it.

I sent you a PM.

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Congratulations on another :sunny: day.

I will be sending prayers for your family over the next few days. I am also sending major :wizard: for you. Your schedule is very intense the next few days. Baby steps, prayer, and deep breathing will help.

Try to have a good day,
Beth

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hi Doe,
Just wanted to tell you that you're awesome!princess:
Have a great day!

[DoeWDW]

Well, I got 2 :D and 3 :( yesterday. Devotions & meds account for the :D. However, I didn't drink enough water, eat very healthy when I got home or get my 2 miles of walking in. It's OK - life happens and I've allowed myself some leeway on these goals.

Today it's back to business though. I have lots to do at home before I leave around 9:30 AM for the hospital to meet my parents. I'll be there until about 8 PM tonight. I'm going to stop by the store and pick up some healthy snacks and bottles of water.

So here are the goals, along with my progress so far this month:
1. Devotions - 3/3 - :D
2. Meds & vitamins - 3/3 - :D
3. Water - 2/3 - 12 oz down, more to come
4. Healthy eating - 2/3 - B = small bowl of Total protein
5. Exercise - 1/3 I'll walk 2 miles today (on the schedule) and walk 2 miles tomorrow to make up for yesterday.

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doe-doe:wave:
Wishing you a stress free Thursday:) Hoping and praying all goes well with mom!
I want to see more:) for today! It's a bit chilly so layer up for that 2 miler and drink your water:drinking: yummy

See ya soon:sunny:

[septbride2002]

Take care of yourself at the hospital today. Don't let the EVM get ya! Focus on what you can do instead of what you didn't do. I know you will make up those 2 miles - your legs are probably ready for the exercise. I know mine are liking all the walking. And ya know - it's not just training for the marathon - it is good WDW training for your next trip as well!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

Oh, shoot!:mad: I missed you! See what happens when I dilly-dally? I'll be thinking of you at the hospital, though. You know that. :hug:

What a good idea to stop off and pick up some healthy snacks and water before heading over to the hospital! You're fortifying yourself and that's good!::yes:: Like Amanda says, STAY CLEAR OF THE EVM. Ya can't trust those blasted things!!!

Hmmm, maybe some Christmas mall walking is in order? Maybe we should get a plan in action? Check the calendar. . .you HAVE to shop, so we might as well walk, right?:p

Celebrate all of your healthy living victories, Doreen. Two :D are better than 5 :( , right?

Take care now,
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I hope all goes well with your mom today. I'll be sending prayers. It was very smart to bring your own food. You know what they say about hospital food is absolutely true.

Get some rest tonight.
:hug:
Beth

[Princess Michelle]

Hey Doe! I love seeing thos 5 sunny days! :teeth:

I hope things went well for your mom today! :)

[DoeWDW]

First and most importantly, my mom is doing well. Thank you all for your prayers and words of support. They helped buoy me up through the long day yesterday. Mom came through surgery fine but was very slow in coming out of the anesthesia. They kept her overnight. When we found her room number, we couldn't help but laugh. My 66 yo Mom was in Pediatrics! :D

I was thinking about Beth & Wilderness (our resident nurses) all day. Every nurse we encountered was professional, yet warm and caring. They were all a credit to the nursing profession. My only regret is that I didn't have the presence of mind to stop each of them and thank them personally.

You know what they say about the road to Hades being paved with good intentions??? :p Didn't have time to stop for water & healthy snacks yesterday. I did well at the hospital - no EVM junk for me! Dad and I ate beef barley soup and cheesesteak wraps for a late lunch. Didn't eat dinner til I got home around 9 PM but by then I was starving and stressed from the long day, on top of having my DZone carb cravings - 2 slices of pizza, 4 fried mozzarella sticks, 3 fun size pieces of candy. :rolleyes: I'm proud that I stopped there - I WANTED to eat everything in the kitchen. :p

I had 2 smilies yesterday - devotions & meds. The other 3 I can't in good conscience give smilies to - not enough water, very little walking and there wasn't a lot of "healthy eating" involved in my dinner last night. :p

So on to today. I have a major meeting at 9:30 that I'm not even close to ready for, but I'll pull it together as soon as I finish this journal entry. I'll have to visit other journals afterward.

Today:
1. Devotions - 4/4 - not yet.
2. Meds & vitamins - 4/4 - not yet.
3. Water - 2/4 - not yet.
4. Healthy eating - 2/4 - B = blueberry bagel w/ butter & a Coke C2
5. Exercise - 1/4 - I have 2 2 mile walks to catch up on or I may choose to just let one go - not sure yet.

[lulu201]

:hug: for your Friday morning, princess: Doe-Doe. I'm glad to hear mom is doing well, but it sounds like you're having major crunch time over there! Hang in there and know I'll be cheering for you at 9:30.:cheer2:

Take some time for yourself this afternoon if you can--
princess: Lulu :p

[Strings]

:hug: Doe,

I am so happy to hear that your mom is doing well. Personally, I think an overnight stay is a good thing. A Just In Case type of thing, at least for my own family.;) I am also glad to hear that the nursing staff was professional.

As for your smilies. 1.) You are in the throes of DZONE. 2.) You were under a great amount of stress. It may have been a routine surgery, but nothing is routine when it is your mom. 3.) It was an incredibly long day. Your energy reserves by the end were used up. 4.) You were out of your routine. We all know that routine may be boring, but it helps keep you OP.

I think you did a remarkable job. You didn't eat the entire pizza. You stopped yourself, despite wanting more. Please give yourself a bit of a break.

I am sending you major :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: for your meeting. It will be over soon. You'll be posting that it went well, and give a big sigh of relief. At least it isn't hanging over your head for the entire day.

:hug: ,
Beth

[septbride2002]

I'm glad to hear your Mom is doing well. :sunny:

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Good news!!!!

1. Just got off the phone with my Mom. She's home (came home early this AM) and is doing very well! She had a good night with excellent care from the nurse and student nurse who were watching over her. Such a relief!

2. My meeting is over and all the participants were on the same page and liked what we presented. I'll be taking care of the next steps over the coming days.

Life is good! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[lulu201]

Good news about mom + a successful meeting =
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

HAPPY FRIDAY!

[toystoryduo]

That is great news, Doe!!!!:Pinkbounc I'm sorry I haven't posted to your journal in a couple of days. I have been sick and my Turbo Lister has been giving me fits. I've spent a lot of my computer time talking with eBays "Live Help" trying to fix Turbo Lister.:badpc:

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Tracy:wave:

[geetey]

Happy News, Doe! Happy News!! What a great way to start the weekend!!

Here's to a :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: days!!!

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I'm sorry your mother was in the hospital and I'm glad to read that she's now home and doing better. It also looks like you are doing a great job, stress not included, in meeting your daily goals.

Please have yourself a restful weekend...

-Laurie:sunny:

[septbride2002]

Glad to hear your Mom is doing so well! :)

Now - Have you sent me that Pumpkin Custard recipe? :p

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I' so glad that your mom is home. I am sure you are visiting her this weekend. I hope the weekend is a great one.

Do us all a favor and post the recipe on the board or in your journal. It sounds YUMMY!

Take good care of yourself, and remember to get some time just for yourself this weekend.

Beth

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, I'm glad to see that your mom is home, I hope she is recovering nicely. :)

I hope you are having a great weekend. :)

[DoeWDW]

:wave2: Good morning!! :wave2:

Today is a new day and the sun is shining brightly. Thank goodness for new beginnings, because I don't think I earned even 1 smilie this weekend. :p I'll have to go back to Friday to check on my totals so far this month - I'll post them later.

Saturday it all started with my van breaking down (I LOVE my AAA Plus membership!! :p). DD and I were within walking distance of the movie theater where my son was working so we saw "Shark Tale", complete with junky theater food as a substitute for lunch, since we were starving by then. The rest of the weekend just went downhill from there.

I've got lots of work on my plate at work, so I'm going to jump into it right now while my energy level is high. I'll be back later to update my journal and visit other journals.

Today:
1. Devotions - (5/7) already finished. Thanks, Erin, for posting about dailyguideposts.com. I'm using the positive thought conditioning section and am finding it really helpful! :D
2. Meds & vitamins - (5/7) :D
3. Water - (2/7) mug 1 (7:30 - 12:30), mug 2 (12:30 - 2), mug 3 (2 - 3:45) - not enough :(
4. Healthy eating - (2/7) B = blueberry bagel w/ butter, AM snack = trail mix, L = cheesesteak, D = movie popcorn, PM snack = 1/2 C mac & cheese :(
5. Exercise - (1/7) I totally missed 3 training walks for last week. I walked with DS & puppy for 1.5 miles and got another .5 mile walking around the grocery store - I'm counting it! :D

Onward, looking Upward, :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[lulu201]

:wave: Hi, Doreen! It sounds like you have a fresh commitment to healthy living today. I think I need I've got it, too--except I have to get it fresh EVERY day for it to stick!:p Ah, thank God I have you to help me face this struggle. It's a battle worth fighting, though, isn't it?

Enjoy what's left of this day, dear WISH-sis. Get in that training walk with DH tonight. You'll feel proud of yourself for accomplishing it.

Much love,
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

You sound cheerful. I hope you are enjoying your walk with DH right now.

I am sorry to hear about the van. I hate beeing stranded, even with AAA. It is time consuming. At least you were able to make the movie.

Take care,
Beth

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
I hope your Monday went well. I know a lot of people didn't care for Shark Tale but I thought it was really cute :blush: . I think it was much more of an adult movie than a kid's movie though. What did you and DD think?

Have a great Tuesday :sunny: !

[lulu201]

:sunny: Just stopping by to say :wave2: on this cold and sunny morning. :sunny: It was 29 here this a.m.; makes me yearn for central Florida!:cool:

OK, here's what I want you to do today: treat yourself right. Drink water, take vitamins, spend some time in quiet thought and prayer, and eat in a responsible way. Why? Because YOU'RE WORTH IT!:Pinkbounc Come on, you know you want to!:p

Take this Tuesday in stride, Doreen.

:hug: ,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I finished yesterday with 3 smilies (devotions, meds & exercise) - not too bad! Even in the other 2 areas I did pretty well - just not good enough for a smilie. Water - only 3 mugs yesterday. Healthy eating - no sugar (except for 4 small sips of soda last night) but dinner was movie theater popcorn. :p I did avoid a lot of food temptations yesterday so I'm making progress.

The kids & I went to see the Incredibles last night. I enjoyed the movie, just as I enjoyed Shark Tale, but I don't feel like either one is a classic that I'll want to buy on DVD later.

The van is still in the shop - it's starting fine now and they can't find anything wrong. :rolleyes: I'm not too thrilled about driving a van that may or may not quit running as I'm driving down the road. I'll be working with the service guys today on a plan of action. I think the service manager ought to drive it for a few days - let HIM take the chance.

I have plenty of work but no meetings at the office today - YAY! Tonight, DS and I need to go to the bank, the mall & ToysRUs so he can get a video game (not sure which one) and a CD (Vanessa Carlton) that both come out today.

Today:
1. Devotions (6/8) - :p
2. Meds & vitamins (6/8) - :p
3. Water (2/8) - 3 mugs down :(
4. Healthy eating (2/8) - B = blueberry bagel w/ butter, L = cheesesteak, PM snack = orange, D = spaghetti (reasonable portion) & 2 glasses of wine :p
5. Exercise (2/8) - it's a rest day but I may walk a mile just to get out and move. I'm wearing my pedometer but I'm not sure its working right. I'll be testing it today. :p

[toystoryduo]

Hi Doe!

Sounds like yesterday was a great day!:cheer2: Keep up the good work!

I'm sorry to hear about your van.:( Our car has been giving us fits lately. I think we are going to start looking around for a new one. I hope that they get your van fixed soon!::yes::

Have a great day!

Tracy:wave2:

[geetey]

Happy Tuesday, Doe!
We saw the Incredibles this weekend and the kids really enjoyed it. I got a couple of giggles from it as well. Sorry about the van troubles. Thank goodness for AAA!!!
I hope things get worked out soon. Way to go on that 3 mile walk!! You are doing it!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I hope you had a productive day. Not having any meetings hould help with that.;)

How did you do with your pedometer? I need to get one for myself. It would make a great stocking stuffer.

Good night,
Beth

[toystoryduo]

Have a wonderful Wedenesday Doe!:teeth: :sunny:

Tracy:wave2:

[DoeWDW]

I earned 4 out of 5 smilies yesterday!! That's a really good day for me! I did devotions, took my meds & vites, ate reasonably and had a rest day for exercise. I didn't get enough water - had 3 mugs instead of 5. All in all, I'm feeling good about yesterday and the healthy things I did for me! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

My scale is happy at 147 these days. I haven't been actively trying to make it go down and am just working to maintain. I'm not sure I'll worry about losing until after the half marathon. For now, my focus is on training for the half and on my 5 healthy goals for each day.

Work today should go smoothly. Tonight there's nothing on the schedule. Tomorrow I have off for Veteran's Day and I'll be cleaning and cooking, since my parents are coming for dinner and we'll all go to see the marching band do their end-of-the-season review. They play all their show and stand music but they do it in the auditorium where it is warm! :p

Today:
1. Devotions (7/9) - already finished :p
2. Meds & vites (7/9) - took my meds but forgot my vitamins :(
3. Water (2/9) - 5 mugs down :p
4. Healthy eating (3/9) - B = 12 almonds and a banana, AM snack = Momentum low carb bar, L = chicken cheesesteak, D = Total Raisin Bran :p
5. Exercise (2/9) - 3 mile walk finished! :p

[lulu201]

Will you be walking in the cold??? :( Please bundle up if you are. Maybe you could walk over at your health club?

It sounds like you're enjoying your stroll on the healthy living road, princess: Doe-Doe. Today's one of those days you can go give that EVM a firm kick in the coin return!:p

Take your vitamins AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME! THIS IS YOUR CYBER MOTHER TALKING!:teeth: OK, I'm done. :p

Enjoy this Wednesday that must feel like a Friday ('cause you have tomorrow off)!

:hug: ,
Erin
princess: Lulu:p

[septbride2002]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: 3 miles tonight! I know we can do it! Be sure to bundle up so that you do not get sick! Can you believe we are going to walk 6 miles this weekend? :eek:

~Amanda

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hi Doe,

Yes, yes, you and Amanda need to dress warmly tonight. I do my little 10 minutes around my neighborhood and it is freezing out! Layers, running tights, hat and gloves are in order for all kick-butt athlete jock princess: 's!!!

Glad your mom did well with surgery too! (From a nurse anesthetist!)

Have a wonderful day off tomorrow!!:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

I earned 4 smilies yesterday - forgot my vitamin. :p I'm happy though that I was able to earn 4 - I'm getting back in the healthy groove and starting to care about what I eat again.

Today:
1. Devotions (8/10) - already finished :p
2. Meds & vitamins (7/10) - already taken :p
3. Water (3/10) - 5 mugs down :p
4. Healthy eating (4/10) - B = bowl of Total Raisin Bran, AM snack = banana, L = 2 crab cakes, D = chicken corn soup, ham sandwich on lc wrap, baby carrots, 1 glass of wine :p
5. Exercise (4/10) - 2 miles today

[lulu201]

You didn't listen to your Cyber-Mom now, did you?:teeth:

E.

[septbride2002]

Didn't that 3 mile walk feel great? Okay - so I'm overstating a bit - my feet were killing me during that walk but I know it is good training for this weekend - 6 miles!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

I hope your day wasn't too terribly busy. How was your walk. I hope you don't have frostbite.;) Take care of yourself.
Beth

[lulu201]

Good morning, WISH-sis! It's FRIDAY! Strike up the band!:rockband: Looks to me like you're ROCKIN' on the healthy living trail! Way to go with all those smilies!

:hug: and :goodvibes for your day,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

WOO HOO!! Erin, I can HEAR that music playing :rockband: and I'm gonna :cool1: dance my way through this grey and rainy Friday! Anyone wanna know why I've got a bounce in my step today??? On Saturday my scale said 147 and this morning it says 143!! Remember how I said the scale didn't matter?? Well, seeing it go down sure is nice! I KNOW it's because of all these smilies I'm earning every day.

It's also because of Erin's "no sugar til Thanksgiving" idea. There is an incredible amount of junk food in my house at the moment and I have not even had a nibble since Sunday! YAY! Thanks for the idea, dear Erin!

Yesterday I earned 4 out of 5 smilies - didn't get that 2 mile walk in. I have another chance today to get it done.

Today I had to drive to work myself - always stressful, and more now because of the van just quitting on me last weekend. The van got me to work and my son is on standby for the trip home. I know I shouldn't worry about it but I'm afraid it will nag at the back of my brain all day. I think I'll include this little worry in my prayers.

Today, there's more healthy living on tap!
1. Devotions (9/11) - already finished :p
2. Meds & vitamins (8/11) - took my meds but forgot to bring more vitamins to work. I hear ya, Cyber-Mom Erin - take 'em when I get home, right??
3. Water (4/11) - 2 mugs down, 3 to go!
4. Healthy eating (5/11) - B = pecans and an apple, AM snack = baby carrots & a few more pecans, L = cheeseburger
5. Exercise (4/11) - gotta do the 2 miles I didn't do yesterday!

[tlgoblue]

:wave2: Glad to see there are a few of us who have managed to stay with wish through good and bad! Just wanted to say hi and hope you are doing well. I can't possible read your journal, but it looks like you have things under control. I am amazed at how many of us have fallen off the wagon, but are now returning to WISH. It's nice to see I'm not the only one. :D

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

[septbride2002]

You are so awesome! Your post this morning put a huge smile on my face. I am almost afraid to get on the scale at home - I don't want to know what it says! :scared: I probably should though - maybe tomorrow morning.

Have a great day today and Brian and I will be walking with you tonight - we skipped yesterday too. Remember we've got 6 miles to do on Sunday!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:teeth: Sharing your joy, princess: Doe-Doe!

--Do I have to come over there and pin a note on your coat or will you remember to take your vitamins when you get home?;) --

E.

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doe!!!:Pinkbounc What a great way to start the weekend! :Pinkbounc Have a wonderful Friday!!!!:sunny:

Tracy:wave:

[geetey]

WOOO HOOOO, Doe!! What a great way to start a Friday!!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc for those 4 pounds that you have bounced from your body with your no sugar challenge!!!

[jodistar]

Wow - looks like you are having success - You go girl! :) Have a great rest of your weekend.

[vald1977]

Hi Doe,
I hope your trip home Friday was uneventful.

:Pinkbounc :bounce: Congrats on the four pounds!! That is awesome :jumping1: !

Have a great Sunday :sunny: !

[Tera]

Hi Doe...

Just popping in to say Hello and congratulations on the weight loss :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc Keep up the great work and getting those smilies:p

[Strings]

Good morning Doreen,

I am definately late, but CONGRATULATIONS ON LOSING 4 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

That is incredible! It is also great incentive to keep at it. I'm really proud of you. You have had some major stressors in you life this last week, but you are still getting :sunny: . WTG!

I hope you have a pleasant Monday.

BTW, I am headed to the post office today,so expect something soon.
Beth

[lulu201]

Just wanted to stop by and give you a quick :wave2: and a :hug:
for your Monday. Hope your weekend was healthier than mine!

Erin

[septbride2002]

Hi princess: Doe! Well I finally finished the scrapbook page of you and I in our princess hats. I've been working on it for what seems like forever because I could never get it to look exactly how I wanted it to. I am happy to say that they are now perfect! I can't wait for January.

How did your weekend go? Did you do your 6 miles? I didn't get mine in - I was bad, but I am determined to stay on schedule this week and to get my 7 miles in this weekend. No slacking just because I missed a day.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Well, I've been avoiding this journal all weekend cuz I have NOT been earning my smilies. :rolleyes: I DID earn 1 smilie each day for taking my meds & vitamins, though! :p :p :p If there was a smilie for hanging out in pajamas ALL DAY Saturday with my kids, I would have earned it easily! :p Yesterday I helped at Sunday School and then did housework and relaxed with the kids some more. At least I got lots of rest and quality time with my teens.

Amanda, I didn't do my walking either, but you're right - we're gonna stay on track anyway!

OK, moving on into Monday....we'll just forget about this past weekend. :teeth: Lots of work on my desk and the stress is building. I'll be taking baby steps, as usual, and avoiding anything that looks like stress-induced eating. ::yes::

Today:
1. Devotions - still not done.
2. Meds taken, vitamins at home. Erin, would you be a sweetie and come over to my house around 4:45 PM and remind me to take them?? :p You can stay for dinner! EDIT: 6:40 PM & I just took those vitamins!! :p
3. Water - 4 mugs down, 1 to go!
4. Healthy eating and no sugar! B = Total raisin bran, AM snack = apple & some pecans, L = cheesesteak and a Coke C2 (yeah it has some sugar in it but I really needed the caffeine), PM snack = sugary junk - gotta be more careful when I get home from work!
5. Exercise - 3 miles on the training schedule and DH says he'll walk with me tonight. I may do more since I didn't do the 6 miles I was supposed to do yesterday. :p

I'll be back later to update my monthly stats.

[septbride2002]

Is it really 3 miles that we are suppose to do today? I just checked the schedule and it is 3!!! Yikes - I wonder how my neighbor would feel about doing 4?

~Amanda

[geetey]

Hi Doe!
Happy Monday!! Sending some :goodvibes for this week, and for your training. It gets tough as the weather gets colder, but we can do it! ::yes::

[toystoryduo]

Hi Doe!

I hope the weather warms up a bit where you are. We're supposed to be in the upper 50s all week here in Ohio. Not Florida's weather, but we'll take it.:teeth: :sunny:

Have a great Tuesday!

Tracy:wave:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Doe.... it's me again.:teeth:

I just read in Erin's journal that you got a copy of the book!:Pinkbounc Have you started reading it yet and if so, do you like it so far?

This has been a wonderful book for me. It has challenged me to see if my priorities are lining up with God's priorities. It has also helped me to see areas in my life where good time mangagement skills could help alleviate some of the stress in my day-to-day life.

If you have a chance, please let me know how you like the book.

Take care,
Tracy:wave:

[DoeWDW]

Here we go again, into another day. I had a close encounter of the worst kind this morning - my scale has decided to reflect my poor food choices of the weekend and of last evening. I was 147 last weekend, then 143 on Friday - now I'm 148! :eek: :earseek: I'd better get back on the healthy eating wagon QUICK!!

I got a copy of the book A Woman After God's Own Heart last night. I'm feeling particularly unlovable at the moment, with my weight up and knowing it was my own poor choices that caused it. I'm just reading the very beginning about King David being "a man after God's own heart" and it's helping me feel better. Look at all the good things David did and how much God loved him, in spite of all the unbelievably bad things he did. God is still showering me with love and blessings, whether I feel I deserve it or not. He still loves me, so who am I to question my worthiness? I'm going to spend some time reflecting and praying about this today - it will be my devotions topic.

I also got some warmer workout pants so hopefully I can walk comfortably in the cold weather. I didn't get any walking in, but figured shopping for cold weather workout gear was just as important.

Enough of my ramblings! I only earned 2 smilies yesterday for my pill taking abilities and for drinking lots of water. I must do better today. The strong resolve I feel in the morning and afternoon at work has GOT to be followed by healthy habits at home in the evening if I want to continue to fit in my clothes.

Today:
1. Devotions - finished :p
2. Meds & vitamins - Meds taken, the vitamins I THOUGHT I brought to work must be on the kitchen counter at home.
3. Water - on my 5th mug!
4. Healthy eating - B = blueberry bagel w/ butter, L = cheeseburger w/ half the bun and 1/2 a grapefruit, PM snack = peanut M&Ms from the EVM and some peanuts
5. Exercise - walked 1.5 miles during lunch hour.

[lulu201]

:hug: to you, dear WISH-sis. Stomp on that old stupid scale!!:mad: Don't fret about it, Doreen; you know your vitamin-taking skills are solid!;) :p The scale will cooperate eventually!

We're in a book club! Cool! I got the book, too, and have read up to Chapter Two. I found comfort in King David's story, too. There's hope for me yet!:p

OK, we're going to move forward into this Tuesday relying on Him and knowing we're loved children of His. You have warm pants, it's a :sunny: day, and you know you're going to go for it!:Pinkbounc Nothing will hold you down!

This afternoon let's make a pact to lift a glass of green tea and toast all the blessings of friendship we've found on the WISH.
:drinking1

I'll try to check in later to see how you're doing--
Erin

[septbride2002]

I LOVE YOU DOE! :hug: :lovestruc :hug: :lovestruc :hug: :lovestruc Betcha feel loved now! :)

Get some workout gear girl! We need to get walking! About 2 years ago I got some really warm pants they look like sweatpants but not in the "traditional" sense - I have no idea where I got them but that warmer wear is out there. Also no matter what wear a hat while you walk and some gloves. I wear my princess hat almost every time I go for my walks - it helps motivate me.

Have a great day - avoid sugar - and know that I feel very blessed to have you in my life!

~Amanda

[septbride2002]

18 days - WOW! I really wanted to see the Osborne lights at MGM this year. If you get a chance, could you oooo and aaahhh at them for me??? Oh, and the gingerbread carousel in the lobby of the Beach Club is not to be missed!! You and Brian are going to have the BEST time!!! Oh, and by the way, please pack a sweatshirt for that guy of yours!!!

Ya know...you guys could always get away yourself and join us. I will try to take lots and lots of pictures of the lights for you. And I promise that I will pack more then one sweatshirt/sweater for Brian. I can't wait for this trip - I am getting a lot of flak at home from certain family members - but I don't care. I'm going to Disney and no one will stop me!

~Amanda

[tlgoblue]

:hug: Doe!

You know all those pounds aren't for real. Nobody gains 5 pounds in a weekend, not even me at Grandma's. Don't fret. You will be back to 143 by the end of the week. Sometomes we need to relax and even go off plan for a bit, but you can't beat yourself up over it. Smile your beautiful smile and look yourself in the mirror while you do. What a brilliant picture you will see, and you will inspire yourself, the way you do all your wish pals!

Keep the Faith Doe!

Tracy

[lulu201]

Hmmm, you haven't edited yet today. . .I'm hoping that means you are so totally busy at work that you've stayed completely away from the EVM. Is that what it means? :p

Here's some :wizard: and :goodvibes for the rest of your Tuesday.

Erin

[wilderness01]

I betcha it is just a little water retention. I agree no one can gain 5 lbs of real weight in a weekend. Hang in there. You are doing great. :D

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

Don't let that evil scale get you down...it is in league with the evil vending machine and you just can't let them win!

I have to agree with Tracy, no one gains 5lbs over the weekend (well, except me), you have to stay away from the scale and see it only once every few weeks. Use a favorite pair of slacks to gage your progress...they are a much fairer judge of your fitness.

And you are well loved, Doreen, and not just by the One above, I love and appreciate you too.

-Laurie:sunny:

[Tera]

Doe - Hang in there girl!! Don't forget to drink LOTS LOTS and LOTS of water.::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[geetey]

Another person chiming in! It's completely impossible to gain 5 pounds in a weekend! My goodness you would have to eat the entire Thanksgiving Meal and start on Christmas. Or go on a cruise! You haven't been on a cruise, have you, Doreen? :boat: I would be upset if you didn't share that exciting tidbit with us. :)

Don't worry, Doe. Drinking your water :drinking: until you feel like a :fish: . The WHOOSH Fairy will bring you back down where you truly are. ::yes::

You are doing GREAT!! How did those new pants work out for you?

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all!! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

I fell apart yesterday when I got home. I decided to be pro-active and take the puppy for a walk, instead of grazing through the kitchen. Well, we ran into a very friendly off-leash golden retriever and Maya slipped her collar. :rolleyes: She was so scared she was cowering on the ground and making these horrible crying noises like the golden was killing her - but they never even touched and the golden was just being friendly and sniffing her. She did come when I called her and we got home OK but it stressed us both out.

I'm noticing all my depression / anxiety symptoms getting worse and I need to talk to my boss about it. If he doesn't know how I'm feeling then how will things ever change? I wanted to hide under the covers this morning but I got myself into work. Now I have to figure out what to say to my boss - which tasks and projects are giving me the most anxiety and why - so we can work on a plan of action that will help. As it is, I'm not being very production on ANY of my projects so it can only get better, right?

I'll have to go back through my journal and figure out my monthly stats, but it will have to wait until later.

Today:
1. Devotions - half done.
2. Meds & vitamins - taken! :p
3. Water - 3 mugs down, 2 to go
4. Healthy eating - B = blueberry bagel w/ butter, L = apple & peanuts
5. Exercise - 3 miles tonight w/ DH.

[lulu201]

:goodvibes coming your way. Oh, yeah, and a PM, too. :p

Erin

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

Sending big :hug: and some strength from Phillipians 4:13. Take good care of you, today.:hug:

Tracy:wave2:

[septbride2002]

I am proud of you! You realize that your anxiety at work is bad for you and you are going to do something about it. That is awesome! Good for you!

Don't worry about last night - all the walking will be good for you. Just concentrate on what you can do today. Try to simplify it. I really had great success yesterday just by saying - I won't eat any candy. I avoided the candy - sure I went over in carbs on other foods but I avoided the high sugar candies and that is important as well.

Have a good day today!

~Amanda

[vald1977]

:wave: Hi Doe,
I'm sorry you and your puppy had a stressful night. Poor little thing :( . I am so proud of you however, for taking your work anxiety and talking to your boss about it ::yes:: . You're right and the only way it will get better is to do something about it.

I hope the rest of your day is sunny and stress-free :sunny: !

[Strings]

:hug: Doreen,

I am so proud of you for taking steps to handle your anxiety/depression. I hope everything can be worked out with your boss. You are an amazing and strong woman. Please use this journal to help you deal with these emotions.

I'm so sorry that you and DPuppy had the encounter last night. I hope she is ok today.

Take care of yourself.
Beth

[geetey]

Sending more :wizard: and :goodvibes your way, Doe!

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

Horatio (whom I miss more than words can describe) used to go on walks with my mom's old dog Benji. Benji was about 14 or 15 years old at the time and deaf and blind to boot. Horatio appointed himself Benji's guardian - just as he was always my guardian too. One evening, a big happy golden lab decided to make friends with poor old Benji. Horatio attacked that lab with a vengence - it looked like some kind of cartoon with the cat blurred spinning about the dog's head. It took me 5 minutes to get a hold of Horatio and pull him off. After that, the lab would pull his owner to the other side of the street when he saw poor Benji coming just to avoid that mad cat!

Poor Maya. Maybe she needs an "attack cat" to protect her on her walks too.

Doe, I'm proud of you for looking into what tasks cause the most stress and anxiety for you at work and to build a plan for dealing with them. I wish that I can the guts at the moment to "just say no" more at work right now too. I tend to just dive in - skipping water breaks and meals to get them out of the way. Then I wonder, hours later, why I'm either ravenous or light-headed? Duh! Holidays are coming soon, which means a break. See if you can decide what projects can be put to bed or handed off to someone else to learn from by the first of the year. You can build yourself a kind of advent calendar that lets you cross off tasks and look foward to Christmas all at the same time.

-Laurie
The grey and dark is starting to get me down too. My goal is to spend at least 15 total minutes outside each day during daylight hours to push away the blues.:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

I've met with my boss about the project causing me the most stress and anxiety. It was a great meeting and I'm feeling much better! I still have the same amount of work to do but I have it broken down into smaller tasks and a timeline of when each needs to be done, how they all coordinate together, etc. He is wonderful about helping me refocus and see just what needs to be done, and he often adds great ideas into the mix. I am blessed to have him for a boss.

I think it's cool that there are 4 of us avoiding candy & sugar until Thanksgiving! What a wonderful group we make! I can be stronger, knowing that princess: Erin, princess: Amanda and princess: Beth are all walking the straight and narrow with me! :grouphug:

[DoeWDW]

I only have a few moments - am headed to a meeting with a co-worker and won't be back til lunch.

Walked the puppy last night without incident. :D Messed up on the No Sugar challenge but today is a new day and I'm feeling less anxiety so I'm hoping to do better. I forgot my purse - no $ and no ATM card to get $. It could be a long day. :p I'm sure a friend at work will loan me a couple bucks until tomorrow but I won't have extra $ for any EVM trips. I'm counting this as a blessing! :p

Today - same goals, new resolve:
1. Devotions - at lunch time.
2. Meds & vitamins - gotta take em.
3. Water - tough when I'm at an offsite meeting. I'll try for 3 mugs at work and the other 2 at home tonight.
4. Healthy eating and no candy.
5. Exercise - 2 miles tonight.

Gotta run - be back later! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, I'm glad that you talked to your boss and are feeling better about things now. :hug:

I hope you have a great day and, yes, I would consider no money for vending machines a true blessing! LOL :teeth:

:sunny:

[septbride2002]

I'm glad the meeting with your boss went well and I can tell by your post that you are feeling better. Did you walk the full 2 miles last night? Brian and I are going to do 4.2 miles tonight since we didn't walk last night. I'm hoping the rain lets up by tonight so the walk isn't completely miserable. I'm sending you lots of :sunny: my dear friend!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hello princess: Doreen,

Hmm, have you stumbled on a new way to avoid the EVM?;)

I'm so glad the meeting with your boss went well. You seem to work best with a deadline looming, so having a few mini-deadlines instead of a huge one at the end, might help.::yes:: Regardless, you are feeling better, so that is the important thing.

I hope the meeting goes well today. You plan of the day looks sound.

Take care, sugar/candy free princess: .
Beth

[tlgoblue]

Morning Doe!

Glad to see you are doing better. Your boss sounds like a prince. What a great boss to be able to help someone become more effective/efficient by lending an ear and an ovbjective outlook! Hopefully your strss/anxiety level will diminsh. Holidays are very tough for me. I can pretty much keep my anxiety in check but when the holidays roll around, I just have a hard time staying focused and stupid little things start bugging me. then I start losing sleep and that exacerbates the problem. Nest thing you know I'm having night tremors, dizzy spells and nausea. All spelling ont thig. Anxiety attack! Take it easy Doe. Stay focused and you'll be fine. Have a wonderful candy free day. BTW, I haven't had candy for almost 2 years now. Yup I'm a chocloate snob! Most candy to me just isn't worth the calories, unless it is dark chocolate, which is hard to come by where I shop, so the temptation just isn't there, thank goodness!

Talk to you later!
Tracy

[geetey]

I agree with the others, Doe! You have a fabulous boss!! It is wonderful that he is willing and able to work with you to make things more managable.

:hug: for you, Doe. Remember to :drinking: your water! Sending some :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: your way!

[wilderness01]

How wonderful to have such a nice and understanding boss. You truly are lucky. Hope your day was good.:D

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

Praise God for a wonderful and understanding boss! I'm glad that he was able to help make the project to be more manageable with smaller tasks. What a blessing that you have a supportive boss!::yes::

I hope that you have a wonderful Friday!:sunny: :sunny:

Tracy:wave2:

P.S. We are :chat: about the book in Erin's journal today. Hope you can come on over! ::yes::

[DoeWDW]

It's Friday!! :rockband:
Time for our Friday celebration! :thewave:

Last night I didn't walk - I took a long nap after work! I was so tired and I needed the rest. I'll be walking tomorrow, though - you can count on that!

Today I'm feeling more centered and focused. I've spent time reading devotions and praying. My devotion today talked about saddles & yokes. When things get tough, I get anxious and fearful. I want to saddle up my horse and get away, thinking that if only I could, I'd feel better. Instead, I need to come under God's yoke, be part of His team. I don't even have to lead the team - my job is just to walk beside Him and follow His direction, putting my faith and trust in him and boldly walking beside Him. I needed these words of wisdom today and felt much better after some thought and prayer.

I haven't read any more of my book but I'll be over to Erin's journal to check out what Tracy and Erin are learning.

I have a major meeting at 11 AM to prep for so I won't be around to journals until after that's over.

Today:
1. Devotions - done, but I'll be bowing my head many times throughout the day to reaffirm and draw strength from God.
2. Meds & vitamins have been taken.
3. Water - 3 mugs down, working on 4.
4. Healthy eating - today is the day that I'll get this No Sugar thing right! ::yes:: B = blueberry bagel w/ butter. L = cheeseburger, 1/2 an apple. I also have a banana and a grapefruit with me at the office for snacks. There will be no sugar and no binging.
5. Exercise - I'm planning to walk 8 miles tomorrow so I'm taking a rest day today.

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good Friday Morning!!!!!! :sunny: Isn't great to wake up to Friday?:Pinkbounc And next week is a short week! YAY!:Pinkbounc

It sounds like you found a lot of comfort this morning with your devotional reading. . .it's a good way to start the day, isn't it? It's like if you put "first things first" the rest of the day falls into place, don't you think?

An 8 mile walk tomorrow--you go, girl. I'm proud of you and the commitment you've undertaken. You can do it, I know.

So. . .the weekend plan is the same? Let me know if there are any changes.

:hug: ,
Erin

[tlgoblue]

Just popping in to say Good Day and I hope it is for you. Have a great weekend!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

[Princess Michelle]

You're doing great, Doe! Enjoy that walk tomorrow! <a href='*******************************************ZSzeb008_ZSxdm31547US' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_5_119.gif' alt='Walking 2' border=0></a>

[geetey]

:earseek: EIGHT MILES?!?! Good luck, Doe! I know you can do it! My schedule calls for 7 miles. It make take a long time (for me) but I know we can both finish! ::yes::

Have a great weekend! :wave2:

[DoeWDW]

I rechecked my schedule - it says 7 miles instead of 8! YAHOO! I've already walked the puppy this morning and I have my workout gear on. I think I may actually get this walk in today!

Yesterday was a good one. I did my devotions, took meds & vitamins, drank lots of water, ate sensibly and had no candy! It was a rest day for exercise. Looks like I got all my :p in!

Today there's nothing solid on the schedule but each family member seems to have "things" they'd like to do. :p My list includes my 7 miles of walking, a trip to the local craft fair and some cleaning around the house.

I'm finished through chapter 8 of my book. The preceding chapters have talked about how I should serve my husband and how he should be my second priority (after my relationship with God). I've been working on these concepts for my entire marriage so these chapters were not hard for me to read, but they did give me some new ideas for making our relationship better. The biggest thing I need to work on is creating a home environment that is physically clean and free of clutter and chaos. I know this would help my DH (my kids and me too) to feel better. I'll be thinking about these chapters on my walk today.

So here are the goals:
1. Devotions - finished :p
2. Meds & vitamins - taken :p
3. Water - always tough on the weekends but I'll try.
4. Healthy eating - no candy today! I did have a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast - not much of anything else in the house. :rolleyes: Add a grocery shopping trip to my list of things to do today. :p
5. Exercise - 7 miles!

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
I hope you were able to accomplish all that was on your to-do list today (sounds like you were busy ::yes:: ). Congrats on having a great day yesterday and remember to keep :drinking: .

Have a great weekend :sunny: !

[CheapMom]

Doe- I just wanted to pop in and say hi. Are you ready for the 1/2 marathon?? You sound like you are doing really well. Have a great weekend-
Mary
:D

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

How was your long walk? I hope you stayed warm.

I hope that your weekend is peaceful.

Take care,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Sunday, the Lord's Day, a day to celebrate being a Christian, according to the book I'm reading. I must admit that I've never looked at it that way in the past but I like the idea. ::yes::

I spent my devotion time this morning reading the chapters about being a good Christian mother. I must say I have a lot of work to do in this area. My biggest challenge? Remembering all the lessons I've learned about healthy habits here on WISH. We've all discovered that baby steps are better than trying to change an area all at once. We've also discovered that working on making ONE thing a habit and then moving to the next is better than trying to change everything at once. This book has sparked so many good ideas for me in so many different areas that I must be careful to take baby steps and to only take on one new habit at a time. These are lessons I'm still learning. :p

I didn't get all 7 miles in yesterday. It was very rainy! I did try out my new workout pants and they did a great job of keeping me warm and dry, well worth the $30 I spent on them. I did walk for an hour and a half but I'm guessing I only covered about 5 miles in that time. I don't have a reliable pedometer and I took a different route - my DD and I walked to the video store to return some movies. We had a wonderful time together and lots of good laughter. She's a great young lady!

Today:
1. Devotions - done.
2. Meds & vitamins - taken.
3. Water - started.
4. Healthy eating - B will be a banana, L will be a low-carb Subway wrap, PM snack will be a slice of low-carb cheesecake, D?? not sure.
5. Exercise - more walking even though it's a rest day. I'll make up the 2 miles I didn't get in yesterday. Maybe I'll be able to find a pedometer too! I'm crossing my fingers!

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, sounds like you had a good devotional time this morning! ::yes::

I'm glad you enjoyed your walk with your daughter and that your new pants are doing their job! :teeth:

[geetey]

Great job, Doe! The more you and the others talk about your book, the more interested I become. I am not sure I am up to the challenges you ladies have mentioned however. I am happy you are finding direction/challenges in it. It's great to find a book that touches and teaches us. :)

Yeah for good pants! That's great news that you found something that works! ::yes::

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm glad you have warm pants. What kind are they? I'm needing some new workout clothes soon.

I think it is great that your daughter went with you on your walk. I think that one-on-one with your child is the best gift you can give your child. I'm glad the walk went well.

I'm glad that you are enjoying the book.

Take care,
Beth

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: I'm feeling sunny and centered this morning. :sunny:

Yesterday I earned lots of smilies - devotions, pills, healthy food and exercise. I drank a good bit of water but not enough for my smilie. Still, 4 smilies is a darn good day! ::yes::

I'll have to check on the pants, Beth. They were made by Nike and had a light fleecy lining with an outer shell.

Today I feel like I'm up to the challenges that will come to me, including my healthy living goals:
1. Devotions - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Psalms 46:1
2. Meds & vitamins - taken.
3. Water - yep, I'll be drinking like a fishy! 1 mug down.
4. Healthy eating, no candy, no binging - this feels entirely possible today! B = oatmeal w/ raisins & Splenda.
5. Exercise - I have to get out the training schedule but I THINK it's a 3 mile day. I'll be walking with DH tonight.

[septbride2002]

It is a 3 mile day. I am so tired from doing almost 8 miles I don't know how I am going to do 3 miles tonight. But I am sure as heck going to try. I am proud of you for this weekend! Weekends are the hardest but you did really well. Are you patting yourself on the back? Because you should be! I didn't get the package out to you today. It is on my to do list for this week.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I have gotten so engrossed in reading "A Woman After God's Own Heart" that I just could not put it down this morning. I actually called into work and told my boss that I'll be taking a vacation day today. I have been particularly challenged about God's plan for me to be the caretaker of our family's home. I will be the first to admit that housecleaning is NOT my thing. I'm not good at it and I don't like to do it. However, God has called me to this role and it is a blessing for myself and my family to have a clean home. I'll be cleaning with a happy heart today, if that's possible! :p

Another challenge that Elizabeth George talks about is "eating the bread of idleness" (sorry, can't remember the Biblical chapter & verse). I'm definitely guilty as charged on this one. I can waste time so well! :p Playing on the computer can become a real time waster for me, and I don't mean my time spent here on journals. I LOVE my computer games and can while away the hours playing as an escape from the stresses of life. I'm sure I can make some time for playing but doing this for hours several times a week is NOT helping me or my family.

I truly feel that reading this book is going to be a life-altering experience for me in a very positive way. Thanks, Tracy, for the suggestion!

Today:
1. Devotions - not yet.
2. Meds & vitamins have been taken.
3. Water - started
4. Healthy eating, no candy, no binging - I was successful with this yesterday and am hoping to repeat that success. B = a bowl of Total raisin bran
5. Exercise - didn't walk yesterday so I really MUST do 3 miles today.

My biggest challenge seems to be fitting all these different things into my schedule. I want to exercise, eat healthy, spend time with God in devotions and prayer, drink my water, clean my home, nurture my husband and each child, be a good mommy to my furbaby, make delicious food for my family, work a fulltime job, visit with extended family and friends,........ The secret seems to be in creating routines that help me accomplish many of these things without a second thought and in an orderly fashion. I don't have those routines yet so I'm getting frustrated. I'll be thinking about this in the next few days. If anyone has any words of wisdom, I'm listening. :wave:

[septbride2002]

Are you trying to be superwoman?:confused: I know this book is motivating you and that is great but please don't take on to much at once because I'm afraid you will crash :( One thing at a time okay?

You do sound nice and positive this morning - and yeah for you for calling in a vacation day. Sometimes we just need that alone time to focus on what needs to be done. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I'll be baking pies tomorrow night and preparing the stuffing. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday so I can't wait!


~Amanda

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, the more you guys talk about this book the more I know I'm going to have to read it soon. ::yes::

It really is so hard to fit in everything that we need to do each day. I find it hard sometimes and I have no husband, no children and at the moment I'm not even working. :eek: I have other responsibilities that need my attention though. I find that I waste a lot of time as well and something I've started doing recently is asking God to give me wisdom in planning my days and the drive I need to accomplish all the tasks He's set before me. I know He has everything I need and all I have to do is ask and take the action and He'll do the rest. It's not easy, that's for sure but it is most definitely rewarding to reflect at the end of the day on all that you've accomplished (even playing games on the computer, there is most definitely room for that! :teeth: ) and knowing that you've done something good for yourself, your family, others and that you have also pleased God by living the life He's given you to the fullest. You have a wonderful heart Doe. :hug:

[DoeWDW]

Michelle, it sounds like you're on the right track!! I've finished the book! If anyone is feeling overwhelmed like I am with all the challenges, there is help in the last section! HOORAY! Elizabeth outlines how she plans her days and I found this section most helpful. I did it her way and then I started into the things I had planned. I've even managed to fit one or two extra things in. Will I get it all done? I don't know but I do know that I've gotten more done already than I usually do in a whole day and I feel like my focus is in the right areas.

At this point, if you walk into my kitchen, it is neat and tidy and relatively clean. I have brownies baking in the oven as a treat for my kids when they get home from school. When I walk into that room, I feel so much more at peace than I did this morning when it was cluttered and filled with chaos.

Next stop.....the bathrooms!! :p

[Princess Michelle]

That's wonderful, Doe. I'm so happy for you! :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

I am so glad that you are liking this book!:teeth: I like the book too, but sometimes find myself on information overload. I know that I can not make all of the changes that I need to make over night, but gradually I can with God's help. ::yes:: I am taking this book on vacation with me so that I can absorb more of the information. I do have an 18 hour drive both ways.;)

Way to go on taking a vacation day today! I hope you enjoyed your day off.:cloud9:

Take good care of you!:hug:

Tracy:wave2:

[lulu201]

Happy Thanksgiving, dear WISH-sis. You know I'm truly thankful for you and our special friendship. Please give my best to your lovely family and let them know I'm wishing you the warmest and happiest Thanksgiving yet!

Our book has surely challenged us and helped us to center and focus on what's important, hasn't it? I think that what will be the most challenging aspect for me will be how to make all or some of her suggestions applicable to my life and my personality. She sure is a "go getter"! I'm also eager to read that other book we discussed--the Mary in a Martha World (wish I could remember that title) and see what that author has to say about being a Christian woman. Also, I'm going to try to pick the brain of my sister, the minister wanna-be (she's in seminary :p ), and see what her opinions are about different things based on her life experiences. Any good stuff I get, I'll be sure to share!

Oh, gee, I just glanced at my watch. I have to get to work and get ready for my class of toddlers and moms. I'll talk to you Monday, Doreen.

Love,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Guess what I did??? I stayed home from work AGAIN! :eek: :p The kids are home and we're enjoying some time together. I had a 3 hour nap this morning that I desparately needed. :p

Now I'm off to do some more cleaning. I'm determined that the house will be nice and clean top to bottom by the end of this long weekend.

I also have to make a quick trip to the store for some last minute things I need to take to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner. That should be a real circus! :crazy: (the store).

I'm looking forward to going to mom's tomorrow and spending time with my family.

I hope everyone else has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

I hope the store isn't too crazy. I managed to get in and out in less than an hour, so I ws happy.

Good for you! You slept in this morning. you definately deserve some rest.

Have a great Thanksgiving at your Mom's place.

Beth

[Tera]

Hi Doreen - I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day and then we'll all get back on track on Friday.

I did a quick trip to the store too and it wasn't too bad. Good Luck;)

[Princess Michelle]

Have a great Thanksgiving, Doreen! :sunny:

[vald1977]

:wave: Hi Doe,
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

[geetey]

LOL! Doe, it looks like you are taking some much needed time off work. I hope you feel recharged and relaxed!

Happy Thanksgiving!! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgpilgrim.gif

[toystoryduo]

Good morning princess: Doreen and Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so happy to hear that you took some relaxing time off from work.:cloud9:

Have a wonderful day today filled with God's blessings, family, fun, laughter, and lots and lots of love!:love:

Take care,
Tracy:wave2:

[jodistar]

Happy Thanksgiving Doreen!

[septbride2002]

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Black Friday! I've been neglecting other journals so I have to catch up! Okay I swear I am getting your package out at some point this weekend. It is on my to do list along with 80,000 other things! :)

I am glad to see you are putting yourself first these days - good for you! That is a nice big step in the right direction!

I hope I "see" you online soon - we havne't chatted in forever!

~Amanda

[wilderness01]

:wave: Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

[jodistar]

Hi Doreen,

Just stopping by to see how you are doing! Have a great rest of your weekend. :D

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I hope you are having a very restful Thanksgiving weekend and that family hasn't stressed you out!

The book you are reading sounds very inspirational. Sometimes finding a book that becomes a "friend" is a wonderful way to leave the world behind for a few hours and if it helps you to center yourself that is all the better.

You will have to ask your DS for a full movie review - which holiday films are must see's and which are wait for the DVD to come out.

-Laurie :teleport:

[septbride2002]

Come on Girlie! I know we can each do 3 miles today!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:wave: Good Monday Morning, dear WISH-sis! I hope that this finds you easing into the day with little baby steps. You know that our Father has given you the strength and the courage to deal with whatever you find sitting on your desk! And if that doesn't comfort you, know that you have only 38 more days until you're in WDW again! :earboy2:

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? I know that being home and surrounded by your family had to give you lots of warm fuzzies. Maybe today, in the midst of all the hectic re-entry stuff, you can get out your calendar and plan a holiday pajama day for you and yours? Just so you know you have some relaxing time on the schedule?

I wish I could say I'd treated myself in a healthy way over the holidays, but I really can't. I did, though, spend a good deal of time reading our book and found a lot of good ideas in it. The chapter on prioritizing particularly appealed to me. What about you? Did you get a chance to mull over any of it?

Have a good day, Doreen. Be kind and gentle to yourself but believe in your God-given ability to see the sunshine in the midst of the chaos! :3dglasses

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Wow, what a neat new look to the DISBoards! :flower:

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent with family. Friday found me shopping - my teenager & her friend wanted to go. Saturday - more shopping because my Mom wanted my son to help pick out his presents. Sunday - a day of celebrating being God's child. I helped at Sunday School and went to church. I walked 3 miles with DH. I did the grocery shopping. I put Christmas lights on one bush in front of the house. Then I made a delicious dinner for my family and set the table with a good tablecloth and the good china.

I am feeling so centered and focused on God and my family, thanks to "A Woman After God's Own Heart." I have gotten so much out of this book and it has translated into action on my part. I've started reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". I haven't gotten very far yet but I like what I'm reading so far.

Today I am back in the work world and I'm feeling mostly OK about it. I'm praying over tasks and getting a lot finished. There's still some anxiety about a large project and how it will turn out based on the differing expectations of the key players, but God has a plan and I'm working hard to trust Him and listen to His guidance on this one without getting wrapped up in the anxiety.

I've brought my own food. Breakfast was some raspberry yogurt with walnuts - delicious and filling! I also have leftover rice, an apple, string cheese and carrots. I'm focusing on smaller portion size and eating until I'm satisfied instead of stuffed.

Today:
1. Devotions - finished. :D
2. Pills - taken. :D
3. Water - on my 2nd mug
4. Healthy eating - shouldn't be too much of a problem.
5. Exercise - did 3 miles yesterday and would like to get 2 - 3 miles in this evening. The puppy is no help - she's so freaked out by the outside world right now that she hides if I jingle her leash & collar unless I tell her we're going for a ride in Mommy's van.

I'll be back later to update.

[toystoryduo]

Doreen,

Your positive, upbeat post put a huge :teeth: on my face this morning! I am so glad to hear that you had a wonderful weekend, full of family, fun, and :love: .

I have read the new book that you are reading, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." It has been a while since I have read it, but it is a good book. On my vacation, I plan to re-read A Woman After God's Own Heart. Elizabeth George has a website: www.elizabethgeorge.com. She has a daily devotional there and has a list of her other books as well. As a matter of fact, I think her husband wrote the book, "A Man After God's Own Heart" as well. My DH is interested in that one, but only if it is a book on tape. (He doesn't like to read.)

I hope you have a wonderful day today princess: Doe. Take good care of you!

Tracy :wave:

[septbride2002]

Great job on the walk Doe! I knew you could do it! And didn't you feel awesome when you were finished!?!? :cheer2:

You have a great plan today and you sound so focused and centered. That is a great way to be! :cloud9:

~Amanda

[Strings]

Wow Doreen,

You sound like you are in a really good place right now. I am so happy to hear it. Good luck easing back into the healthy eating today. Controlling portions is a big issue with me. I hope you enjoy your walk sans puppy. Enjoy your evening.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

:sad1: I felt so good yesterday morning, so centered and on track, so ready and able to face the world and anything that might come my way. I got a lot accomplished in the morning at work but started lagging by afternoon. By last evening it all fell to pieces and resulted in me sitting on my butt and eating junky food. I have a project at work that is causing me much anxiety. After nearly a week off work, I felt wonderful. After a few hours at work, all that anxiety has returned. I can't live like this. I wanted to cry this morning when I thought about coming into work. This isn't healthy or productive.

Well, I am ever the optimist so I'm going to try to sort through this again. I am going to write down the SPECIFIC thiings and issues about this project that are bothering me. Then I'm going to try to address them one by one. Hopefully, instead of feeling general anxiety, I can contain it to anxiety about a couple specific concrete things that either can be tackled or that I cannot change and must just accept.

I also realize that I am within the DZone and any anxiety I feel during this time seems to hit me harder than at any other time of the month. Therefore, even though I may sense that the sky is falling, some of that general anxiety is hormone related and doesn't need to be taken as seriously. Yes, I can feel it and acknowledge it, but I don't necessarily have to act on it since it will go away on its own in another week or so.

Prayer is also part of my strategy. I am spending time throughout the day to hand this over to God. I must confess though that this doesn't seem to be helping me as much as I would like. Not sure if I just don't have enough faith or if the DZone hormone thing still makes me feel anxious in spite of prayer. Who knows. :rolleyes: However, I'm still going to continue this, and trust that He is listening and has a plan. I hope that having me feel anxious for an extended period of time is NOT part of that plan and I have told Him so. :flower: Hey, even God has to have a sense of humor, right?

Sorry for the ramblings but I just need to sort this out.

I'm not giving up. I just can't. I'm going to do what I can today.
1. Devotions - as soon as I submit this journal entry and before I do anything else.
2. Meds & vitamins - will be taken with breakfast.
3. Water - started my first mug.
4. Healthy eating - this will be a tough one but I brought my food with me so the odds are in my favor.
5. Exercise - I didn't walk last night and I KNOW I should but I just don't feel like it. We'll see.

[lulu201]

:hug: :hug: :hug: for you today, WISH-sis. Some days are just hard, aren't they? All you can do is what you're doing--putting one foot in front of the other, praying along the way. I don't think you lack faith, Doreen. Quite the contrary, if you ask me. You're walking IN faith--trying to address what needs to be done on your project, acknowledging your fears, and moving along the best you can. I also don't think you give yourself enough credit. This job of yours is tough for you. It takes you out of your comfort zone on a DAILY basis yet you continue to stick it out day after day, year after year. You keep moving forward, always looking for the positive. If that's not faith, princess: Doe-Doe, I don't know what is.

Today, as you peek from your cruise ship in the DZONE :boat: , just do what you can do. Rely on Him as you feel your fears and know that we're all here around you. :grouphug:

Love,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Everything Erin already said! :)

In regards to your walk - if you can't do 3 miles then do 2 or 1 - do what you can. Focus on the good in your life. Plus maybe the walking time will give you some quite time to figure out the anxiety you are feeling. I know on my walks I tend to sort out all sorts of things going on.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:grouphug: Thanks, Erin & Amanda! I can truly feel my WISH-sisters all around me today.

So far:
1. Devotions - done. :p
2. Meds & vitamins - taken. :p
3. Water - still on that first mug.
4. Healthy eating - B = leftover homemade cranberry sauce with walnuts thrown in - truly a yummy treat!
5. Exercise - Amanda, you may be right - I'll walk for a bit during my lunch hour.

If anyone has any extra prayers, would you please send one up for my friend Jerry. He's in a domestic violence situation - he's the victim. My heart is breaking for this family and I'm praying for a resolution that allows them to repair this and create a loving and respectful marriage.

EDIT: 3:45 PM
3. Water - 3 mugs at work - will drink more at home.
4. Healthy eating - AM snack = string cheese, L = pineapple yogurt, PM snack = another string cheese. No binging!! No emotional eating! YAY!
5. Exercise - none yet but hopefully when I get home.

The day turned out to be productive. I stayed focused and am feeling better. I'll have a meeting tomorrow which will be stressful but then things should start to get better if I can get everyone to agree to realign this project to coincide with another project (a real win-win situation for all involved).

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

I need to catch up on the last few pages of your journal, Doe, but I wanted to send some prayers and encouragement your way today. Now my kids need to use the computer...I will post again later!
Jean

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hi Doe,
Finally got caught up with your journal. That book you guys are reading sounds interesting...I might have to pick it up. You sounded so positive and upbeat when you were doing your "housewifely" home things, like cleaning and baking. Then you sounded bummed about work. Work seems to be your major stressor.
I like my job, but I hate doing it 5 days a week because I feel like my house falls apart, which I hate. I am trying to find a good schedule that allows me to work, keep my house clean, and take care of my exercise needs without having to let something go. Just the everyday cleaning like vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms is such a hassle when I have to spend my only day or days off doing it...Do any other full-timers out there have any suggestions? I tried doing one room a day, but it's such a hassle dusting one room, or dragging the vacuum out for one room. And forget the big stuff like windows, cabinets, closets and walls....I just wish I could get more organized at home. I am extremely organized and conscientious at work. I have to be.
Is that book you were reading geared toward SAHM's? I find some Christian books for women tend to denigrate full-time working moms like we're doing something wrong by not being home with our families. Believe me, I'd love to stay home...my house would be spotless!
Sorry for rambling in your journal. I think later I will check out Erin's journal to see what she has to say. I definitely need some organization in my life!
Jean :flower:

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, I'm praying for Jerry, please let us know how he's doing whenever you have some updates. I think there are more men in his situation than anyone knows and they just suffer in silence out of fear of appearing weak. I hope his wife gets the help she needs soon and as you said, that they are able to restore their marriage to a place of respect and happiness.

My prayers are with you too, hon. :hug:

[DoeWDW]

Can it reallly be December already???? :eek: :p Wow, time sure does fly!

I got home from work last evening and promptly put on my walking gear and headed back out the door for 2 miles. I mapped out a new 1 mile loop so that I can go by my house every mile. Knowing that I'll only have to do one more mile makes it easier to do just one more loop, if you know what I mean. I'm proud of me for getting out there alone and getting it done. I took Amanda's advice and did lots of thinking and sorting things out while I was walking - very helpful!

My eating wasn't on track, but at least I exercised! :p Baby steps, not perfection.

I'm feeling more positive today. I've been reciting scripture (I know a whole 2 verses by heart :p ). 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 46:1 both speak to me of God being with me during times when I'm anxious. I also have been praying instead of worrying - something constructive.

I've brought my food with me today - that's been working out well this week.
1. Devotions - as soon as I finish this entry.
2. Meds & vitamins - as soon as I finish breakfast.
3. Water - started my first mug.
4. Healthy eating - B will be peach yogurt with walnuts mixed in.
5. Exercise - a mile after work tonight if the weather isn't too bad - we're supposed to have wind gusts of up to 50 mph. :rolleyes:

It's going to be a good day! :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe,

You are doing a great job with your walking! :cool1: Keep up the good work! Please be careful if you walk today. Here in Ohio, the winds have been ferocious (sp?) and we have already lost power once.

Have a great Wednesday!

Tracy :wave:

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I will certainly pray for your friend. It is unfortunately so underreported that people have no idea how common it it.

You are a walking machine, woman. I am so impressed. Please be careful when you are walking alone. I know that it must be dark when you get home. Do you carry your cell phone? Try not to get blown away tonight.

Have a peaceful Day,
Beth

[lulu201]

:flower1: :flower1: Just wanted to offer a little Flower Power for your day! :flower1: :flower1: It sounds like you've got a plan and you're going to make it happen! I'll be thinking about you and your meeting. I hope it all goes OK.

How lucky I am to have you as my WISH sis!
Erin

[septbride2002]

Yeah on getting your walk in! Great job! I had every intention of doing one but then crashed on the couch when I got home. You sound so positive today! I love hearing that tone in your voice! I can't believe I am going to be seeing you in a little over a month! So exciting!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I went back through my journal and calculated my stats for November.

1. Devotions - 18/30 = 60% - For December, I'd like to try for 24 of 31 days.

2. Meds & vitamins - 18/30 = 60% - It's important to note that I took my meds 100% of the time. I only missed the vitamins. I'd like to try for 24 of 31 days for my vitamins and all 31 days for my meds.

3. Water - 7/30 = 23% - I'll be trying for 24 of 31 days.

4. Healthy eating - 7/30 = 23% - My scale definitely reflects this. It's stuck at 148. I'll be trying for 24 of 31 days. I am going to allow myself 3 bites of something yummy each day if I want it. I'm going to try for portion control and no binge or emotional eating and no overcarbing.

5. Exercise - 7/30 = 23% - Boy, I slacked off on my walking! I'll be trying for 24 of 31 days and getting ready for that half marathon coming up in early January. This is NOT the month to slack. :p

I've also slacked off on getting around to everyone's journals. In some ways this is good because I used to make the rounds while I was at work, because I was very anxious about my work and was escaping on the computer. I've actually been WORKING at work so I haven't gotten to visit as much as I used to. I'll try to find another place in my schedule to get around to everyone.

Always onward, looking Upward and reaching outward to all my WISH buddies! :grouphug:

EDIT: 11:40 AM
3. Water - 2 mugs down
4. Healthy eating - B was strawberry yogurt with walnuts. L will be turkey pot pie soup from a can (Chunky variety). I have string cheese and an apple for afternoon snack. D will be hot dog w/ cheese wrapped in a crescent roll and 3 bites of pumpkin pie.

EDIT: 1:30 PM
1. Devotions - done :p
2. Meds & vitamins - taken just now (I would have forgotten if I hadn't come to update my journal!). :p
3. Water - finishing #3 and headed to the cooler!
4. Healthy eating - following "the plan"

Now, no more DISing - I MUST get some work done today! :p

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday, I earned 4 out of 5 smilies. Devotions, pills, water and exercise (2 miles after work) were all good! I ate a bit too much at dinner to call it healthy eating but it wasn't a binge. I did pass up a lot of junk food so I'm proud of that!

As soon as I got home from work, I changed clothes and did a 2 mile walk. I wore both pairs of pants - my usual Nikes plus a pair of fleece pants over them - and my legs were very comfy and not frozen - HOORAY! I also got my new pedometer in the mail. I actually ordered 3 so when one gets run over or sent through the washing machine, I'll have extras! :D

Amanda was kind enough to sell me her Firm equipment & tapes since she no longer wanted them. I got them in the mail yesterday. I'm so excited to try them!

Today (plus the monthly stats in parentheses):
1. Devotions (1/1) - done. :p
2. Meds & vitamins (1/1) - taken. :p
3. Water (1/1) - 2 mugs down - working on my third.
4. Healthy eating (0/1) - B was blueberry yogurt w/ walnuts, L = PBJ sandwich, snacks at work = 2 string cheese, an apple & some baby carrots. D = spaghetti (I think).
5. Exercise (1/1) - I'm debating about this one. I've walked 2 miles for 2 days in a row. Today may be a rest day or I may try out one of my new Firm tapes. I'll decide on the way home.

I'm off to a good start and I'm feeling good!

[septbride2002]

HOLY COW! You got your package already! SHEESH! I told them the cheapest shipping possible - I figured it would take at least 6 or 7 days. Well I'm glad you like it! Did you like your other surprise ;)

Good job on the exercise! You are way ahead of me this week. I am planning on making up for it today and tomorrow though. I may walk on Saturday when DH is taking the kitty to the vet - she has a cold. Not sure if I'll do the scheduled 9 miles (WOW!) But I'm thinking I can do the 4.2 by myself without any issues.

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Great job sticking with your training program. You know, you could always head to the mall for your walk. Any packages obtained on the way is just strength training.

I hope your day has been productive. Enjoy your evening, and if you do go for the walk, keep warm.
Beth

[Tera]

Hi Doreen - Sounds like you had a good day. I think passing on junk foods is way better than eating a little too much. Great job on the walk. I wish I could get out and walk, but we still have too much ice on the ground, plus it's TOO COLD :earseek:

[DoeWDW]

:rockband: It's Friday!!! :rockband:

Yesterday I earned smilies for devotions and pills. I was a bit short on water, a bit over on food and didn't find time to exercise. :D Looking back on the day, though, I did pretty well with the choices I made so I'm happy.

Today:
1. Devotions - done. :p
2. Meds & pills - as soon as I eat breakfast.
3. Water - 5 mugs is the goal.
4. Healthy eating - still trying. B will be pineapple yogurt w/ walnuts.
5. Exercise - gotta get some mileage in tonight after work.

I have a lot on my plate at work today so I'll be working hard to stay on top of it and not resort to escaping via the DIS too much. :p

Tonight, the kids march with the band in our town's "Santa Parade". It's a fun small-town affair with lots of scout troops, civic organizations, homemade floats, and the local fire company. Of course, it marks the arrival of Santa to the town square, where he'll be meeting & greeting kids through the holiday season in his little Santa Shack. :p I love living in a small town! All the local Main Street businesses will be open and we'll get to see people we rarely see, so we'll be walking there and back. That may be my walking for the evening, as I usually put 3 - 4 miles on the pedometer walking downtown and back.

[lulu201]

Oh, can I come over? I love stuff like your Christmas Parade--I marched in so many small town parades when I was in high school. Your post today took me down Memory Lane. . .

Sounds like you're starting today with a smile, princess: Doe-Doe. The sun is just shining through your words. Do what you can do at work, and let that be enough. :D

:hug:, :flower3:, and :goodvibes for your day!

princess: Lulu

[septbride2002]

Sounds like a fun evening ahead! Enjoy it! And yes that will count as your walking ;)

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

:cool1: That's me! I just finished walking for the day. I walked somewhere between 11 and 13 miles - still working out the exact distance. I wore the clothes I intend to wear for the half. I figured out that I can regulate my body temp very well by putting on or taking off my gloves and/or my ear muffs. I think I'm ready for the half! This will be my last long walk before the big day. I'll stick to 8 or 9 miles on the weekends from now on out and 3 - 4 miles 2 times a week. That should be enough to keep me in shape.

Yesterday I did devotions, took my meds but forgot my vitamins, drank plenty of water, ate just so-so and walked in the evening. Therefore I earned 3 smilies. All in all, it was a good day. The parade was fun to watch - the entire marching band used Santa hats instead of their usual band hats and some of the instruments had Christmas lights on them! :D

I've already met my exercise goal for the day but haven't done anything else yet. I'll have to start working on those other smilies. The Christmas decorating inside and out needs to get finished and I've got lots of cleaning and laundry to catch up on. It will be a full day.

[septbride2002]

Great job on the walking! I was going to walk 3 miles this morning and then got distracted with everything else that I needed to do. I know - excuses excuses. Have a great week while I am gone - I'll be thinking about you!

~Amanda

[lulu201]

:cheer2: Wow! You go, girl! :cheer2: I'm so proud of you and all that you're accomplishing, Doreen. Never would know that you're 40. ;) Hope you've got some R and R planned for the rest of the day.

:cool1: Doreen's walking that Half Marathon walk! :cool1:

Erin

[Auntmeme]

Wow Doreen - you go girl :cool1: I wish I had been with you yesterday. I also have realized about the gloves & ear muffs, feels so much better when I wear them :D did dh walk also or did you listen to music? what was the time? A little over 30 days to go, getting so excited :Pinkbounc

Have a wonderful Sunday, yippie it's almost Christmas :earseek:

[DoeWDW]

Boy, did my day fly by yesterday! Smilies - no devotions, took my pills :p, didn't drink enough, let's not even talk about food, exercise - oh yeah! :p. That makes 2 smilies for my day yesterday. I thought I was feeling awfully tired and achey after my walk but then TOM showed up a couple days early. :rolleyes: That explains a lot, including the urge to carb-load. :p

After my walk I planned to clean and decorate but my niece needed a ride home from college, we got sidetracked at the mall, etc. etc. :p All this adds up to nothing done at home. Today I've gotta make some headway.

I'm headed into my day and my legs & feet feel pretty good. My hip joints are a little cranky but I feel good after my walk yesterday. At least now I know I'll be able to walk through the airport the day after the half, instead of needing a wheelchair.....LOL! :D

Blessings to all on this beautiful Sunday! :flower1:

[lulu201]

:goodvibes and a :hug: for your Sunday afternoon, Doreen. Thanks for stopping by my journal this morning.

I was wondering how your hips were feeling after yesterday's little stroll. :cool1: I remember how I felt like mine were cast in cement after our walk around Valley Forge. Sounds like you're in shape and ready to go!

Make sure you take some time for yourself today. It sounds like you spent yesterday helping others and doing some shopping--you need to take care of YOU somewhere in the midst of all of this.

I put Jerry's name on a dove that is on our Christmas tree at church; it'll be put on a prayer list for the congregation.

Enjoy your day, sweetie pie.
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, thanks so much for continuing to remember my friend Jerry. Things are spiralling out of control in his life at the moment and he still very much needs all the prayers he can get.

Yesterday - devotions - no, pills - yes, water - no, healthy food - no, exercise - no. I didn't do so well.

Today is a new day! I'm in training this week (Monday through Thursday) - I get to be a student instead of the teacher. :p My DIS time will be severely cut. :(

I'm hoping to get a walk in this evening but the weather sounds yucky. I may have to try out one of my new FIRM workouts. My daughter tried one and says they're tough! :D

Blessings to all!

[lulu201]

:wave: Hello, Doreen! :cool1:

First of all, please tell Steph how impressed I am that she did one of the FIRM workouts. Seriously, a teenager wanting to do workouts--good for her!

Second, let me say, "HOORAY!" for Training Weeks! :Pinkbounc Don't you just love it when someone else is responsible for the organization and leadership of an event? :D I'm always so grateful when it's not me doing the planning!
Enjoy your chance to soak up some new stuff, and if it's not worthwhile, plan your grocery list! :bored: :

The weather is supposed to be nasty tonight. My vote is for the FIRM and not the walk unless you're going like this: :umbrella:

Take care, dear friend. Thank you for all the positive encouragement you've been giving me in my journal. You always uplift me.

Love,
Erin

[geetey]

:cool1: That's me! I just finished walking for the day. I walked somewhere between 11 and 13 miles - still working out the exact distance. I wore the clothes I intend to wear for the half. I figured out that I can regulate my body temp very well by putting on or taking off my gloves and/or my ear muffs. I think I'm ready for the half! This will be my last long walk before the big day. I'll stick to 8 or 9 miles on the weekends from now on out and 3 - 4 miles 2 times a week. That should be enough to keep me in shape.

:earseek: I'll say you are ready for the Half! Way to go, Doe!! Things are falling into place! Only 5 more weeks until we are in WDW!!!!!!! :jumping4: :Pinkbounc :jumping4:

[Strings]

Doreen,

I'm glad to hear that you seem recovered from your own marathon. You are one amazing woman. I hope your training went well. There is nothing worse than wasting your time, so I hope this is helpful for you.

I think it is awesome that Steph is doing the Firm tapes. She must be following her mom's example.

I'm sorry that Jerry is still having difficulties, but this will take time to resolve. His family will continue in my prayers.
Beth

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, I will keep praying for Jerry. Such a sad situation. :sad:

Way to go with your private marathon! LOL Wow, that's simply amazing!

Good luck with your training this week! :)

[lulu201]

:umbrella: Good morning, WISH-sis. I'm sending you lots of :sunny: :sunny: and a :hug: for this rainy and grey Tuesday. I hope that they're letting you fill you mug at this training that you're at. :drinking1
Did you take your meds and vitamins yet? Don't forget that you have to take good care of yourself.

Just think: one month from now and you'll be heading to WDW for the Half Marathon. There will be sun, laughs, and Mickey Mouse! :earboy2: Keep on moving toward the prize, dear friend.

Erin

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hey Doreen,
Go over to the Transportation forum. Someone there has a question for you about Transmeridian Airlines.

Jean princess:

[lulu201]

:wave: Have a great day, Doreen. :cool1:

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Sorry I missed posting yesterday - it was a busy one! Smilies - not many.

Today, I'm still in training and am learning a ton! This class is really worthwhile.

I've been doing no devotions this week (I miss them!), have been taking my pills every day :p, drinking my water :p, eating carby stuff, and not getting any exercise.

Training really wears me out mentally and I'm also tired physically when I get home. I also need a grocery trip to stock up on low-carb foods. I have a feeling that this won't happen until Saturday.

Til then, I'll do the best I can.

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I am really glad to hear that your class is rewarding. It is good to learn somethng new.

There is only so many hours in a day and so much energy one can expend. You are doing your best, and that is enough.

Have a great training day.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

I'm using the new DIScreet format at work. Unfortunately, there are no smilies. :( I'll have to rely on typing in the commands for the ones I know. :p

It's Friday!! I'd put the band smilies here but I don't remember how! :D What a looooooong week!

I'm back in the office at my normal desk - feels like an old friend, comforting somehow. Training was excellent - if anyone needs help with a software package called Crystal Reports, I'm your girl! :D Today I'll spend catching up on all that has gone on while I was away - lots of email, phone messages, meetings, etc.

I had a meeting with the scale this morning. It said 150. This is the highest weight I have ever been. Since I'm 5'2", it is too much for me. I'm wearing size 14 pants that are starting to feel snug. I truly must start to avoid the junky comfort foods I've been eating. No magic wand will appear to take this weight off - I have to do it myself. I keep thinking of Amanda's reference to CONSTANT VIGILANCE! That's what it will take.

I have created some really good habits and I'm thankful for those. I just need to build on them. Drinking my water and taking my pills are automatic now. I'm still working on the healthy eating and exercise and devotions.

My biggest downfall has been the evenings at home. I'm so tired that I just don't feel like cooking foods that are good for me. I end up grazing on the junk that's around the house. If I want to break this cycle, it will take some planning on my part. When I walk into the house I need to know what healthy snack I can eat, what healthy foods I'll be making for dinner, and what healthy treat I can have later in the evening if I feel the need. I haven't been doing any of this planning and my waistline shows it.

So, I'm raising my mug of water (my second for the day :p) and toasting to a new day, a new start and a new chance to make choices that will help me slim down instead of grow wider. I'm thinking of moving the scale into the kitchen and weighing myself before I graze! :D Might help me when my tiredness tries to overpower my good intentions......

Warm wishes to all for a wonderful day, filled with choices that make us healthier!

To be edited throughout the day:
1. Devotions - God is always there to love me and care for me - all I have to do is ask. What a comforting thought! :p
2. Pills - Taken. :p
3. Water - 3 mugs down + 1 mug of decaf green tea.
4. Healthy eating - B was the insides of 4 inches of sub along with about 4 bites of the roll, and a banana. L was yogurt with walnuts and a cup of peppermint decaf green tea. I'll be back here to plan for the evening at home.
5. Exercise - gee, I really should, but I'm really tired. I'll be listening for God's voice on this one.

I want 5 smilies today - I'm working on it!

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I am very glad you enjoyed your training. Crystal Reports is something that comes up quite often on some of the jobs my DH has applied for. Do you think that no or little experience with this system should learn it quickly if they are familiar with similar systems?

Please have a wonderful weekend. I'm feuding with my scale right now too! It has been banished to the closet until spring!

-Laurie

[geetey]

So, Doe, is the DIScreet format, really that discreet? I think it was a nice touch for The Powers That Be to include something for the At Work DISer. :)

Here is your party :cool1: :rockband: :cool1: :rockband: :cool1: Wow - things are rocking!! Looks like a great weekend ahead! :)

I also face the cooking challenge. So many times it is just easier to 'grab' something, so I understand what you are going for! I suppose I need to focus on being a better planner. :teacher:

[lulu201]

:cool1: Good morning, princess: Doe. I hope you :moped: motored on through yesterday. It sounds like you took some time to reflect on your healthy living issues yesterday. . .I hope that time is serving you well today and you've got a plan of action that's feeling right for you.

What are your plans for the weekend?

:hug: ,
Erin

[vald1977]

:wave: Hi Doe,
I hope you are having a fun and relaxing weekend :D . Take good care of you :flower1: .

[Tera]

Hey Doreen - Just wanted to see how you were doing. Sounds like you had a tough week. I know how tough it is in the evenings, when you want to have a snack and there isn't anything "good" for you. I actually have a cabinet that I keep all my Weight Watcher and low cal snacks in that is just FOR ME... So when I do need something, that's where I head.

I like the idea of having the scale in the kitchen, even though I'm not "suppose" be weighting myself at home. I think it's a visual that most of us might need.

Keep drinking that water, taking those pills and doing your devotions :flower:

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I hope you are having a great and relaxing weekend. You certainly deserve one. When you figure out the evening snacking/eating thing let us know. I definately struggle there as well.

I know that you will get back to a comfortable weight soon. You are in this for the long hual, and we'll be here to help.

Thinking about you,
Beth

[lulu201]

Dear Doreen,

I just wanted to stop by and offer a :hug: and some :sunny: for you today.
You're in my thoughts a lot. . .is everything OK? I'm here if you need to talk or anything.

Hang in there, kiddo. Friday's coming! :earboy2:

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Good morning! It's a cold, damp, grey day here but I'm going to try to make the most of it! I'll have to turn on my sunny smile and make my own brightness! :p

The weekend - well, I did drink my water and take my pills! :p

Moving on!

Today: (EDITED 2 PM)
1. Devotions - done. I got a lovely reminder to trust in God, so true! :p
2. Pills - I love noting this in my journal. Invariably, if I've forgotten them, I pause and go take them just so I can put a smilie here! Just took them! :p
3. Water - on my 4th mug!
4. Healthy eating - B was strawberry yogurt with walnuts. AM snack was a banana. L was beef w/ wild rice soup and a string cheese. I have a Clementine and another string cheese for snacks this afternoon. Dinner and evening snack - uh-oh, I'd better start thinking about this now so I have a plan when I get home!

[septbride2002]

Hello Friend! How was your training last week? I did lots and lots of walking in Disney. So much that my feet still hurt a little bit. Hope you had a great week - your plan looks good for today - just stick with it and you will be successful.

~Amanda

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doe!

I'm back journaling again and can't wait to catch up with all my WISH journal buddies. I wanted to send a quick hi and give you a warm cyber hug. I hope all is well. I haven't had a chance yet to read through what's been going on with you lately but I will. Take care and know I'm thinking of you! :)

[geetey]

Good morning! It's a cold, damp, grey day here but I'm going to try to make the most of it! I'll have to turn on my sunny smile and make my own brightness! :p

What a great attitude!!
Sending some extra http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/sun1.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/shine.gif http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/sun_smiley.gif to help you through this grey day!

[jodistar]

Hi Doe,

Just stopping by to say "Hello" and have a great week! I will do my best to check in during the week.