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

[septbride2002]

LOL! I'm cooking a chicken in my crock pot today - I guess you and I are looking for easy dinners tonight! LOL! I am sending you lots of :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes today Wish-sis!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

THE BMR IS FINISHED!!

Happy me!!! I sent it on to my boss for review. I'm sure there will be some tweaking needed but the worst is over!! YAY!!

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning!! :sunny: :sunny:

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!! The report is finished and now it's time to return my energies to taking good care of me! I've let the food and exercise slide while I was doing this report but now I must return to taking good care of me - because I am worth it!! I can do more for everyone else if I am in the best shape I can be.

Water (& decaf green tea) so far today = 48 oz.

8:30 AM - apple with peanut butter, meds & vitamins

10 AM - 12 oz decaf mandarin orange green tea, 1 splenda packet

10:45 AM - 1 string cheese
- I'm feeling thinner - could be my monthly whoosh but I'll take it!

12:30 PM - 1/2 lb sirloin burger w/ secret sauce

2 PM - Atkins Morning Start bar (creamy cinnamon bun)

5 PM - 3 oz leftover roast beef, 2 Dove dark chocolates

9:30 PM - 1/2 C low-carb ice cream, handful of roasted peanuts

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Doe! You sound bright and :sunny: this morning. I guess you are really happy to have that report done! :smooth:

I'm glad to hear you are going back to concentrating on you. Remember to do something nice for yourself today to celebrate being over the BMR hurdle! :)

Lets :moped: on the wagon together today!

~Amanda

[CheapMom]

YAY:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:
I'm sure it feels good to be done with that report!
Enjoy your day!
Mary:sunny:

[Strings]

CONGRATULATIONS DOREEN! You finished! What a relief.. Good for you focusing on yourself today. I'm proud of you.
Beth

[LAinSEA]

Yeah! that big nasty report is done!

I'm so proud of you - look at what you've accomplished!

(now, take a great big deep breath, because I'm sure you did such a great job that more of the same is coming your way.)

Parallel parking - OK, this is strange but very effective. You need friends and family members. Friends and family members position themselves where the cones/cars would be. People are taller than cones/cars and easier to see... Roll the windows down and coach so DS can hear you. (yes be prepared to get out of the way if necessary) Replace the people with cones/cars when he's confident. This worked for me - aced it on my drivers exam.

thanks so much for checking in on me in my journal. your support means so much to me.

-Laurie:sunny: :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

I did it!! I had a cheat free day yesterday!!! FINALLY!!! :teeth: I didn't tally up the carb count but I made good choices and passed up oh-so-many junky foods!!! I spent a day RIDING on the healthy living wagon instead of waving as it went by me! :hyper:

We scheduled DS' driving test - he has 2 weeks to master parallel parking. Thanks for the great idea, Laurie!!

I think I'll try for another cheat free day today! I've worn a pair of pants that are a bit snug to remind me of why I should watch what goes in my mouth.

Water so far today - 48 oz.

7:45 AM - apple w/ PB, meds & vitamin

12:45 PM - 1/2 lb sirloin burger w/ mayo

3:30 PM - pineapple yogurt (I'm guessing 20 carbs)

7 PM - 2 oz roast beef, 1 string cheese

9:30 PM - 1 C lc ice cream, handful of peanuts, handful of chips :rolleyes:
- What is it about late nights?? I was tired & feeling sorry for myself - there was really no need to eat this stuff.

[Strings]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc WTG DOREEN!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Congratulations on the Cheat Free Day. You are an amazing woman. I have a confession to make. I can't parrallel park. I passesd the test, and haven't done it since. Everywhere I go, there are parking structures. I'd rather pay for parking than make a ffol of my self trying to PP.
Beth

[septbride2002]

Parallel parking is the pits. I did pretty good on it with my exam but I hate to do it. Thank Goodness I live in an area with driveways!

Congratulations on being cheat free yesterday!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: I was on the wagon with you until about 9:30 last night and then :space: I was taken from the wagon by unknown forces who made me eat Karmel Sutra Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream. I mean they were making me Eat and eat and eat even though I protested as much as I could ::yes::
:p

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I did good right up until the end of the evening yesterday. :rolleyes:

Today I drove to work. I'm here early so I'll get to leave early - YAY! Tonight we're headed to a local community theater version of the Wizard of Oz. Tomorrow evening DH & I are going out to dinner with friends. Sunday DH & I are going to a picnic with some of his coworkers. I'm feeling bloated & flabby so I'll try to ramp up the exercise and eat healthy.

Water so far today = 80 oz

8 AM - apple w/ PB, meds & vitamin

1 PM - Subway lc turkey bacon wrap - soooo good!!!

8:30 PM - at the production of the Wizard of Oz - peanuts & water

11 PM - Wendy's mandarin chicken salad

[septbride2002]

You've got a busy weekend a head of you! Remember to do something for yourself in between all the other stuff.

I hate it when the bloat comes on. Drink a little extra water today and watch the carbs and hopefully it will be out of your system by tomorrow! Try to walk the puppy today since you are taking off early ;)

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

You get to leave early. I love that. When I only work til 4AM, I am always secretly thumbing my nose at the people stuck there until 8. I do have my not so nice moments.

Enjoy your weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.
Beth

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doe:wave:

Looks like we are all struggling with the cheat free:rolleyes: What makes us do it? I know you are as committed to losing as I and we both are doing well with the walking so why do we let that food tempt us so?

I'm happy to hear you have a full fun planned weekend - I'll pray for lots of sun:sunny:

I'm going to really try to have a cheat free weekend - join me??

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

Your weekend sounds really busy. I agree with Amanda - do something for you!

Let your DS know that we are all behind on the parallel parking - he can do it!

-Laurie:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

A cheat free day yesterday!! YAY ME!! :Pinkbounc

Today I'm dressed & ready to walk! Time to get back into the walking habit! Tonight - dinner out with friends at a very nice restaurant famous for their steaks - a low-carber's dream!!! I'll be staying on plan!

EDIT: 9:30 AM
Just got back from my walk - 5 miles in an hour and 20 minutes! YAY! That's race pace for the half marathon!! I've mapped out a nice loop through our town that I can easily repeat and it's full of hills! I'm really excited about this - finding a 5 mile loop I like that is a good workout and doing it in race pace. Now I just have to KEEP doing it! :p

I did take water with me but haven't eaten yet this morning. I'm just psyched that I've finally gotten off my butt and done something healthy!

EDIT: 10:30 PM
Today I ate 1/2 a protein bar and 1/2 a PBJ sandwich. I just wasn't that hungry after my walk. Then we went out to dinner. I had a salad with raspberry vinaigrette, a filet mignon that was heavenly, a double portion of green beans instead of the usual rice or potato, several glasses of a very good Robert Mondavi pinot noire and I splurged on a raspberry tart for dessert. I didn't stay on plan perfectly but I'm happy with the choices I made! I stayed fairly low carb, all things considered.

[lulu202]

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

WAY TO WALK, DOREEN!

[LAinSEA]

Doe, that's terrific! You did great. I got my walk in this morning too (first time in 3 days). I feel so much better because of it.

Now do one more thing, at least, just for you this weekend!

-Laurie

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Your walk sounds fabulous. WTG! I am also proud of you for splurging on a dessert. You definately deserve a treat after finishing BMR. That treat even included fruit.;) I'm glad you enjoyed your evening.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

What a wonderful day so far!

DH & I woke up around 8 AM (that's really late for us! :p ). We headed out for a 3 mile stroll (3.1 miles in 50 minutes). We came home, lazed around and took a nap. We made tuna salad for lunch with lots left over for this week. Aaaahhhh.....relaxation! This afternoon we're off to a picnic w/ some of his former coworkers - people he hasn't seen for a while - so he's really looking forward to it. I'll be on plan.

No breakfast.
Lunch = tuna salad on Wheat Thins (heavy on the salad, light on the crackers) and a string cheese.

24 oz of water so far. Still have to take my meds & vitamins - forgot them yesterday, so I'll do that as soon as I post this.

EDIT: 6:45 PM
Boy, can things change fast! :p

Right after I typed the last entry, I started to feel sick to my stomach. I took a Gas-X and got ready for the picnic. We drove for about 20 minutes and the further we got, the worse I felt. I had DH bring me home - we never made it to the picnic. He decided to take the kids to the movies instead and I've been either sleeping or reading or in the loo. :rolleyes: :p I'm starting to feel a bit better and I'm sure I'll be at work tomorrow, but I never did take my meds - that's the second day in a row. I promise I'll take them tomorrow - honest!

[DoeWDW]

I'm still sick to my stomach - no work for me today. A few sips of water made me feel just awful. :rolleyes:

[Strings]

:hug: :hug: :hug: Doe,

I'm sorry that you are not feeling well today. Get plenty of rest. Here's some healing:wizard: .
Beth

[septbride2002]

Doe take care of yourself today and rest up. I'm sending you lots of Get Well Soon vibes!

~Amanda

[toystoryduo]

Sending you lots of healing :wizard: for you today. Please make sure to take it easy and get plenty of rest. I hope that you start feeling better soon!:sunny:

Tracy:wave2:

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Sending PD your way for a quick recovery :wizard: . Take care and rest, rest, rest :D .

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doreen,

So sorry to hear how sick you are. :hug: I hope you are feeling somewhat better tonight, rest is always what helps me:)

Your walk on saturday sounds amazing - congrats and at the right pace - We will not be swept! I also did a 5 miler on friday not sure of pace though and it also had hills, my thighs were screaming:scared1:

Hooray for your cheat free- except dessert however great choice:D I also had cheat free on saturday until the icecream fairy took me away:teeth:

Hope to hear you are well - I'll check tomorrow:wave:

[DoeWDW]

Still sick, still home.

Last evening I forced myself to eat a little. I had 1/2 C applesauce. Later I had 1/2 C plain rice. Drinking even a sip of water is still making me queasy. Guess I'm off to the doc's today if I don't start feeling better soon. Not sure what they can do for me but I'm worried that I'm going to dehydrate.

Any advice?

[Strings]

:hug: Doe,

I'm sorry you are still ill. I think you should go to the dr today. They can give you meds that will help the nausea so you can stay hydrated. Suggestions until then Suck on ice chips, You will get very small amounts of water at a time, and shouldn't affect you stomach. Other suggestions weak tea (might be better with this than h20), warm 7up of coke, jello.

:wizard: :hug: :hug: I hope you feel better soon.
Beth

[Auntmeme]

Sorry you are still sick:hug: Go the the doc and see what if anything he can do. Hope you feel better later:)

[septbride2002]

Feel better soon! :hug:

[DoeWDW]

An update - the doc says vertigo. She put me on meclizine for the dizziness, and once my world stops spinning, my nausea should lessen too.

No driving, no going to work, no computer (or very little), no reading. I get rechecked on Thursday afternoon. I'll pop in when I can but hopefully I'm on the road to recovery. :sunny:

[nancyj_pa]

Hi Doe,
So glad you're starting to feel better. I had vertigo the first couple of days of my last cruise. It really does a number on you! The medication should do the trick.

Get lots of rest if you can.
:flower3:

[disneygoof]

Hope you're feeling better soon, Doe.

When you feel yourself spinning, pretend you're on the Carrousel or Teacups. Tell Mary Poppins and Alice I said hey.

[septbride2002]

Hey there princess: Doe! I hope you are starting to feel a little better today! It was good "seeing" you last night! I love :chat: with you about ::MickeyMo and ::MinnieMo .

Rest up today, cuddle the puppy, and try to post if you feel up to it!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Disneygoof, LOVE your idea! I'll definitely say hi to Mary Poppins & Alice! :p

The meds are helping my tummy feel less nauseous, so I'm able to eat and drink as long as I choose wisely. :p I still can only stand for 3 - 4 minutes before I have to lay down or risk fainting. The puppy is getting LOTS of snuggle time and loving it!

I'm so sorry I can't get around to other journals. I have all this time and I'm so BORED but I can only handle about 5 - 10 minutes of computer time before I get dizzy again. I miss hearing about all my WISH friends! Please know that I'm thinking of you all and sending out good vibes. :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Hi Doe...I just wanted to say that I just read through your journal and you are an amazing person! Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well! You are such an inspiration on these boards! Thanks for your words of encouragement.

Gail

[Auntmeme]

Good vibes to you dear Doe:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes Hope to see you soon:wave:

[Strings]

Just wanted to give you some extra :wizard: :wizard:
:hug:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Good news from the doctor! This whole vertigo thing should run its course in the next week or two - YAY! I'm off work until NEXT Friday and the doc says if I need more time, just call & he'll write another note. Of course he also said I might feel better sooner. Who knows! :rolleyes: He said I'll KNOW when I'm ready to go back to work. :p He knows I have 2 teenagers at home and that I'll only be able to take so much of them. :teeth: :crazy:

I'm relieved that it's nothing serious - no brain tumors or debilitating syndromes. I think I'll throw a little celebration tonight - not sure what I'll do but I'm in the mood to celebrate! :teeth:

I've been low-carbing today and I think I'll try to continue the trend. I still haven't ventured out for a walk but DH fixed my eliptical trainer. I figure I'll try that today. I'm actually MISSING exercise! :eek: :p

Hopefully I'll be feeling up to more and more computer time and I'll be able to get around to journals over the course of this weekend.

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

[LAinSEA]

Doreen:

I do hope you are feeling better soon. Vertigo - I get this when my sinuses get all blocked up sometimes...I really feel for you!

Please take it easy and don't let the teens drive you crazy! I'm sure they are very helpful.

take care,
Laurie:sunny:

[jodistar]

Doreen, I am so glad it wasn't anything serious. We always do imagine the worst. I know I do the same thing. If something goes wrong for me, I look it up on WebMD.....That is the worse thing I could do. There are so many similarities sometimes and you really should always seek a doctor's help....This turned out to be a speech to myself somehow. LOL

Glad to hear that you will be yourself in no time at all.

I know I am a little early in doing this but I wanted to wish you a wonderful weekend.:wizard:

[CheapMom]

Hi Doe-
I have been away and I have just caught up on your journal. I am sorry for what you have been going through. I am glad that you have got good news from the Dr.. I think this mandatory order for you to take a rest may be a little gift in disguise. Please enjoy your down time and your puppy and some quiet time with your thoughts. You will be up and around in no time and then you will be longing for a quiet day in bed with the pooch!
Mary:D

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery ::yes:: . Enjoy your celebration tonight and have a great weekend :sunny: !

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday I was feeling better but today I have that spinning sensation again. It was very rainy today - I wonder if vertigo acts up in rainy weather like some people say their arthritis acts up?? I still managed to have a semi-productive day but I did take 2 naps. I'm getting lots of rest!

Thanks for all the encouraging words. I am truly trying to use this time as a gift, a time to slow down and contemplate what's really important, a time to do those things that never get done, like straightening out my sock drawer and getting rid of those socks I don't wear, and a time to sit and talk with my family at a leisurely pace with no pressing places to run off to.

Sending a big hug 'round to all of you!! :wave2: :grouphug:

[Auntmeme]

Good am Doe:wave2:

so happy to hear about the docs report, rest, rest, rest! You could spend the time planning your next Disney vaca:earsgirl:

Does your celebration include food? you're planning low-carb, right????

Have a wonderful weekend! is it raining there? it won't stop here:mad:

[lulu201]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis, good morning to you! I hope this finds you feeling better this morning. Less :crazy: , if you know what I mean.:D How did your weekend go? I hope you ate right and took good care of yourself. You're worth it, you know.;)

Thanks for visiting on my new journal; I appreciated your support.

Have a good day--a :sunny: Monday!

Hugs,
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I am hoping today finds you well. How's the spinning? :wizard: headed your way.
:hug:
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Lazy me! I haven't been doing very well in the healthy eating or exercising parts of my life. I've been taking it easy and resting a lot and grabbing whatever food is handy.

I really must get back in the groove. I'll be going back to work on Friday. The vertigo is a lot better. It's time to get off my lazy bum and get back to my healthy living.

My goals for today -
1. Meds & vitamin
2. Drink 48 oz. water.
3. Eat at least one healthy low-carb meal.
4. Do 10 minutes of exercise.

I'm setting my goals at a very modest level so I have no excuses not to meet them.

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doreen:wave:

Hope you made your goals today:) Glad you're getting rest, sorry about work on friday:(

Walk walk walk.........I know I need a big walk tomorrow, so maybe you can up yours to 15min? Let's pray for:sunny:

[lulu201]

Good morning, princess: Doe-Doe! :sunny: The sun is shining again in Pennsylvania! :Pinkbounc I hope you're feeling better today. . .don't let the threat of work on Friday overshadow any happy feelings you may have for today--tomorrow will take care of itself.

Take care, OK? You know I'm thinking about 'cha--
Erin

[septbride2002]

I'm sending lots of :sunny: , :hug: and :goodvibes your way!

~Amanda

[CheapMom]

Hey Doreen- I hope you are improving more each day. Thinkin' 'bowtcha!
Mary:D

[DoeWDW]

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement.

I'm off to work in the morning but am having trouble sleeping tonight.

The vertigo seems to be gone finally. I didn't even take my anti-dizzy meds today and did fine in the car and walking. I'll keep the meds with me, in case I need them, but I'm feeling confident that I'm over it.

I have not been drinking my water, eating on plan or exercising. I have been faithfully taking my meds and vitamin, so that's a plus. I think being at work will help me, at least with the water and with eating lunch on plan.

My DS took his driver's test today and passed - he was so excited and relieved! I'm also relieved but we'll still be riding with him for the most part. He will be allowed to drive short distances on his own as long as he checks in with DH or I before he leaves and when he gets to his destination. Guess we're a bit overprotective but he doesn't seem to mind.

I'm looking forward to catching up on journals! I'll be visiting each of you very soon!

[DoeWDW]

I'm back at work. I'm feeling a little anxious but am basically doing OK. I'm not going to have a totally "on plan" day but I'll do the best I can.

1. Meds & vitamins - out and ready to take after breakfast.
2. Water - 5 12 oz mugs = 60 oz during work hours.
3. Food - one low-carb meal. Breakfast = yogurt (about 20g carbs) and a pack of crackers (21g) - 40g just in breakfast! :eek: Lunch - a burger w/ mayo (1-2g). Dinner - ?.
4. Exercise - walk the puppy for a mile tonight after work.

My goals are modest. I've been out of the swing of things and I'm trying to ease back in. My biggest goal today - NO STRESS BINGING at work or at home.

I'm wearing a new skirt and blouse today. The skirt is long & flowing. I've never bought anything like it because I tend to look very wide in these kinds of skirts - I usually look thinner in more tailored clothes. However, this outfit was on sale and is sooooo comfortable. I've decided that comfortable wins! I feel very feminine and graceful and to heck with what others think it looks like! ::yes:: I can hear strains of West Side Story - "I feel pretty, oh so pretty....". princess:

I'm easing back into my comforting work routine and am feeling good about it. :sunny:

EDIT: 9:30 AM
1. Meds & vitamin taken. :D
2. 1 mug of water down - 4 to go.
3. Breakfast finished & no snacking.

EDIT: 3:15 PM
2. Drank all my water - just a few sips left of mug #5. :D
3. Lunch was a burger. Afternoon snacking - well, I didn't meet my goal of no stress binge eating. However, I'm not going to let it ruin my whole day or my other goals! ::yes::

EDIT: 8:20 PM
3. OK, there was the ice cream when I got home......:rolleyes: but I am having a Wendy's salad for dinner and nothing else this evening. :D
4. Just finished the mile with DH & the puppy - boy, is it humid out there! :sunny:

All in all, I'm calling it a successful day. I met all 4 of my goals - what a nice change!! I'm going to try to keep the momentum going through the weekend!

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe! You sound so much better! Remember to take it easy today - you don't want to get sick again. So take it easy and just follow your plan and you'll have a great day!

~Amanda

[CheapMom]

I'm not going to have a totally "on plan" day but I'll do the best I can.
Don't worry about that today- just take it easy getting re-acclamated to work. Try to drink your water, though- since that is an easy one and so good for you.
The weekend is just a few short hours away!
Have a good one-
Mary:D

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doe:wave2:

Welcome back to the swing of things, your goals sound great! I love the new outift it looks fantastic & comfortable to boot:)

Have a wonderful friday:sunny:

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Glad to hear that you are feeling better. The work routine may help got you back into the swing of the lc thing. It is good to hear about DS's getting his license. Now if you need something from the store this fall/winter in the evening you can send him. I think it is wise of you to put limitations on him though.

Have a good afternoon,
Beth

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I'm so happy that your son passed his driver's exam! He deserves a great big pat on the back - it is a huge accomplishment.

I'm also happy to hear that your vertigo problems are gone...you are right to ease back into things, no use in bringing it back. Slow and steady...

-Laurie:sunny:

[jodistar]

Hi Dorren,

I am so glad that you are feeling better! I hope that you have a fabulous weekend. I would rest up if I were you, after all you will probably need it after getting back to work this week.

Wishing you the best. :wizard:

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doe on meeting all 4 of your goals yesterday!:jumping1: I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better too.::yes:: Take good care of you and have a wonderful weekend!:Pinkbounc

Tracy:wave2:

[DoeWDW]

It's a new month - a great time for a new beginning!

I've joined Rae Ann's challenge on the main WISH board. I'm going to exercise for 1000 minutes in August. That's about 32 minutes a day. Maybe it will help me lose some weight. I think a little success would help me stay motivated. Of course, to succeed, you usually have to TRY and I haven't been doing that lately. :p

So here are the usual goals for the day:
1. Meds & vitamins - gotta take 'em.
2. Water - at least 60 oz.
3. Food - make reasonable choices and journal all food eaten.
4. Exercise - at least 32 minutes.

Plans for the day include Sunday School and church, balancing the checkbook and reading more of Cold Mountain (my current book).

EDIT: 12 PM
1. Taken :D
2. 8 oz down.
3. No breakfast - was running late for church. :D Lunch - 2 slices thin crust pizza w/ lots of veggies (puppy got the crusty ends - we call them pizza bones :p ) and sf jello w/ whipped cream.

EDIT: 9:30 PM
1. Done :D
2. Not quite enough water but I'll drink some more before bed. I should end up around 48 oz.
3. Afternoon snack - bowl of soup and too much ice cream. :rolleyes: I should have just had a tall glass of water - I think I was thirsty after my workout. Dinner - a taco salad, definitely low-carb, and 3 handfuls of blueberries.
4. I went to the health club (it's been MONTHS!!). I did 20 minutes on the recumbent bike and 10 minutes on the evil stepper (thinking of you, Sharon! :p ). That's 30 minutes for my August challenge - YAY!

I've been craving sweets. I have decided that I'll eat fruit (more than my low-carb plan usually allows) instead of ice cream or candy. It's gotta be better for me, right?

All in all, it was a good day! :sunny:

[jodistar]

Originally posted by DoeWDW
It's a new month - a great time for a new beginning!

I've joined Rae Ann's challenge on the main WISH board. I'm going to exercise for 1000 minutes in August. That's about 32 minutes a day. Maybe it will help me lose some weight. I think a little success would help me stay motivated. Of course, to succeed, you usually have to TRY and I haven't been doing that lately. :p
Good luck Doreen, I know you can do it. That exercise challenge seems very attainable.:sunny: You will definitely loose weight. I try to make it to the gym everyday or at least every other day depending on what my week is like.

[CruisingCA2005]

Great job on getting back to the gym & exercising today Doreen. You're off to a great start in the exercise challenge!

[DoeWDW]

Back to work - yippee! :p OK, maybe I said that just a little sarcastically, but I am trying to be thankful for the job the Lord has provided for me. He obviously wants me here so I will do my best job and be thankful for the opportunity.

Goals:
1. Meds & vitamins.
2. 60 oz of water.
3. Breakfast = 2 ham & cheese rollups on lc tortilla (22g). Lunch = taco salad (5g) and an apple (16g). Dinner? don't know yet.
4. Exercise - 35 minutes to keep up with the August challenge. I'll do my Pilates routine and walk the puppy as soon as I get home.

I'm feeling good about my day! :sunny:

EDIT: 10:15 AM
1. Taken.
2. 24 oz down.
3. B = 1 rollup (11g) - who knew one would be so filling??!! The other is in the fridge in case I need a snack.
4. I spent part of my AM break briskly walking 1 lap around the block. That was 7 minutes of exercise I can add to my challenge!! :hyper:

EDIT: 1:10 PM
2. 36 oz down
3. B=11g, L = taco meat & cheese (2g) and apple (16g).

EDIT: 5:45 AM Tuesday
1. Taken
2. Finished
3. Food fell apart when I got home. I think I was thirsty but I ended up snacking my way through the kitchen. :rolleyes: Dinner was grilled chicken on salad.
4. That 7 minute walk was my only exercise. No excuse - I was just lazy.

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
You have a contagious sunny attitude this morning :sunny: ! I hope you have a fabulous Monday ::yes:: !

[Desiree]

I haven't checked up on your journal in quite a while! I hope you have a great and healthy Monday!

[septbride2002]

Your post are making me :teeth: this morning! It is so great to have you back! I like your plan for today - it looks awesome - I know we can do this today together!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Wow, this challenge seems to be exactly what you needed. You are inspiring me today. Of course, I'm still going to take a nap in 15 minutes.;) Keep up the great work today.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

1. Meds & vitamins
2. 60 oz water at work
3. Reasonable food choices. B will be a ham & cheese rollup on lc tortilla (11g). L will be taco meat & cheese and some fruit. D - again, who knows. It will be a busy night so I'll have to grab something fast.
4. Exercise - I've just finished 40 minutes on the eliptical trainer and I have an appointment at the health club to learn the weight circuit this evening. I'll be all caught up on my exercise challenge minutes by tonight!

Besides my appt. at the health club tonight, I also have to take DD to the doctor's for her sports physical.

I'm feeling proud that I got up early and did 40 minutes of exercise this morning to make up for yesterday's lack of motivation. I really want to stay on track for the exercise challenge. YAY ME!! :sunny:

EDIT: 9 AM
1. Meds & vitamins taken.
2. 24 oz down - 36 oz to go.
3. B = ham & cheese rollup (11g).
4. Just finished 7 minute brisk walk around the block. My total for the day is now 47 minutes!

EDIT: 11 AM
3. CarbWell cranberry almond cereal bar (12g) - I was hungry but at least I didn't go for the junk in the EVM - a victory for me!!

EDIT: Wed. 7:40 AM - Tuesday recap
1. :D
2. :D
3. The food thing fell apart even before I left work and continued into last evening. :(
4. I did quite the workout at the health club. 8 minutes on the recumbent bike to warm up, the weight circuit, 20 minutes on the treadie. I'm going to count the weight circuit as 12 minutes so I come up with a nice round 40 minutes total. I was working with the trainer and he was showing me each machine so I can't count all the time. I did enjoy it - neat how lifting weights can help me feel strong and powerful and healthy. :D

I accomplished 3 of my 4 goals - all in all, a pretty good day.

[lulu201]

:cheer2: Go, Doreen! :cheer2: Posting to your journal at 5:49 and exercising for 40 minutes! YAY!:Pinkbounc

I'm sitting here all dressed to go walk, but haven't made it out the door yet. Your enthusiasm is pushing me out there! Thanks!

Have a good day, Doreen, and make healthy food choices, you hear me? YOU DESERVE IT--BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!:sunny:

:hug: , WISH-sis--
Erin

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doe!!!:jumping1: Have a great day today!:sunny:

Tracy:wave2:

[septbride2002]

:worship: Way to go Doe :worship:

That is awesome that you got up early to workout! That is something that I can never seem to accomplish. I like your goals for the day. Doesn't it seem like we are all finally getting back on track?

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I replied to a post in Erin's journal and I wanted to save the thoughts here as well:

"I think you described me perfectly when you talked about defining oneself as a "struggler" or as a "healthy eater" and "exerciser". Our self talk and self image so often dictate our actions, especially those unconscious actions (like my mindless grazing through the kitchen yesterday afternoon).

When I feel most at ease, it is because there is a harmony between my words, my actions and my internal self-image. I think I need to hold a picture in my mind of me as a person who delights in treating her body well with healthy food and exercise. I feel like I've been saying the words and sometimes even following them up with actions, but I'm not sure I've ever really changed my self-image from "struggler" to "healthy eater" and "exerciser". When will I feel, all the way down to my soul, that those words truly describe me? Will it take training and finishing the half marathon? Will it take a year of maintaining healthy eating habits? I don't know the answer but I thought I'd add my ponderings to your journal. :p I think I'll copy them in my journal as well."

Even when I was at my lowest weight, I didn't feel like those labels described me - "healthy eater" and "exerciser" desribed other people I knew but I never really believed they described me.

Could this be why my words and, more often, my actions cause me to veer off the healthy living path? If you tether a baby elephant's foot so he cannot move, then even when he is an adult and could easily escape, he often won't even TRY, because he BELIEVES he can't. Am I the same way? I can muster up the energy to TRY for a while, but maybe I don't truly BELIEVE in my goal so I sabotage myself or just give up for a time when I get tired.

I don't have the answers yet but I'm intrigued with this concept and will be giving it more thought. :sunny:

[lulu201]

Just stopped by to ask:

:drinking: Are you drinking your water?:drinking: Go have some right now!


About our deep thinking: remember when we were in Starbucks on Saturday and we were saying that some people have a certain stick-to-it-iveness? It seems to me that they just say, "This is how I eat now" or "This is who I am now" (like Lisa Z. and her total commitment to her way of eating). They step off the platform and just go for it! Well, that's what I haven't done lately. I've tried to walk both roads--I want to be healthy yet I want to eat whatever I want whenever I want it :p . Even though it seems like sometimes it takes an incredible amount of effort to walk the narrow healthy living road, it's actually much easier than trying to walk two roads at the same time.:p I think Dr. Phil talks about willpower and energy (that you can't rely on having them to succeed) and sometimes I think I place too much emphasis on needing to "feel" like I want to eat right or having the strength to say no to a Butterfinger instead of making myself "just do it." I don't know if you see yourself in any of these musings, Doreen, but sometimes I think we emotional eaters have to remember that maybe we DON'T have to muster up a certain amount of energy or willpower, we just have to remember what we want.

And that brings up the question: do we really want it? Do we really want to live a life that has clearly defined boundaries of what we can and can't eat to stay healthy and well? Do we want to have guidelines that we aspire to adhere to when it comes to vitamins, water, and exercise? I think we do. . .that's why we're here day after day.::yes:: We're Inspired to Stay Healthy, for the long haul.

Now go drink your water.:p

Talk to you later.
Erin

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Well, I guess we all have been doing some deep thinking. I would like to make some observations that I have had about you. Doe, you are an incredibly strong woman. You have struggled to overcome depression, and you are faithful to your medical regime. That isone of your priorities. You have been struggling lately with vertigo, tummy problems, etc. It is hard to focus on staying OP when your world is literally spinning. Yet, even while that is occurring, you were posting about when you could get back ontrack. You have many committments:family, work, your friends here at wish, etc... You have made yourself a commitment as well, and it is hard to put htat 1st, but you are doing it. Some days you may only be able to make one or two goals, but it is better than what you were doing before you made this committment. You are doing a great job, and I am proud of you. I know that you will succeed because you keep coming back. It is a struggle at times, but you are still in it everyday. Thank you for helping me everyday with your support and your example.
Beth

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

You are one of the most inspirational people I know - and I haven't even really met you...It's not that I don't have inspirational people around me in my life - I do. But you are incredible! Don't ever forget the lives you touch on a daily basis.

The "Struggler" to "Healthy Eater" and "Exerciser" concept. A good one to consider but please don't beat yourself up over it. What is that quote from Harry Potter my mother's always saying...something like "Its our choices in life that define who we are."

What is emotional eating? Comforting ourselves through food? I'm guilty, but I'm trying really hard to make better choices of what foods I choose for comfort. Popcorn has been medicinal. I chose coffee to get my day started. I now choose a LC ice cream instead of the real stuff and find I only need a little bit.

Grazing the kitchen...be prepared for it, 'cause its going to happen. Chocolate is going to win over string cheese so hide the chocolate. I find that the kitchen grazing goes with the time issue...I'm hungry now, so what can I eat? Nothing to do with emotional eating.

Exercise - I had the toughest time getting started and now if I don't get it, I feel terribly physically and emotionally. It has to be a priority.

It's just one day at a time - you get me through my tough ones. We're all here for you too!

-Laurie

:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

I got on the scale this morning and wanted to cry. I know my unhealthy eating is the cause - I have no excuses. I weighed in at 142 - it's painful to even type it. This is what I weighed when I started the WISH challenge almost a year ago. :sad:

So many thoughts and feelings have been going through my mind. Part of me contemplated giving up but I realized very quickly that I just can't do that. I'm not happy with my weight or the condition that my body is in. Erin, you asked the question - do we really want it? I realized that the answer for me is a resounding YES!

I could throw myself a pity party - I admit that I've been doing some of that this morning. But the scale and the fit of my clothes don't lie. I'm not where I want to be. Dwelling on the past will not change my future.

I'm really glad now that I've started the August exercise challenge and have a few good days under my belt. I'm proud of myself for going back to the health club and for being brave enough to have a trainer show me around the weight circuit. The health club and I are going to become best buddies in my quest to get the physical me in shape. I WILL be there 3 times a week to do the weight circuit. I will also continue training for the half marathon - doing my walking and my eliptical trainer.

I feel like the exercise thing is a real positive in my life right now. I'm not so confident about my low-carb eating plan. I've really struggled with my choices lately. I'm afraid to commit to being perfectly low-carb because I'm so focused on the exercise that I'm afraid I'll feel overwhelmed if I add in strict rules about my food too. And yet if I want the scale to move downward......

I started out thinking that I've just wasted a whole year and I'm right back where I started, but that isn't true. I'm wiser now. I know more about myself than I ever have.

Then I came to post the truth of my weigh-in to my journal, feeling ashamed and sad. Thank you to my WISH-friends who have posted here. I have tears in my eyes reading your posts. The kind words and encouragement you left for me truly mattered to me this morning. Throughout this past year I have made some wonderful friends here and I am so grateful that you share your lives and your love with me. :grouphug:

Tracy, your sunshine and enthusiasm brighten many of my days.

Amanda, you are always there with an understanding heart and a word of encouragement. Yes, I truly think we are getting back on track and we will have so much to celebrate in January at WDW.

Erin, you have been more than a friend - I truly think we were meant to be sisters on this journey. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me. Thanks for helping me see that I do really want this healthy living path. It isn't a burden that is imposed upon me but a series of choices that help me.

Beth, your support and encouragement have been so helpful to me. I needed to hear your words this morning. I do keep coming back, regardless of what the "struggle du jour" is. I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. A lot has happened in this past year and more struggles lie ahead, but my commitment to myself will remain.

Laurie, your words have touched me this morning. Your quote from Harry Potter is so appropriate - "It's our choices in life that define who we are." Maybe all my choices in the past haven't been the best, but I've got so many more choices ahead of me - always a fresh start. Your observations about emotional eating and grazing are very insightful - it comes back to choices and I am making better choices than I was a year ago - not perfect, but better.

There are so many others who have helped me and continue to help me along this journey. I'd post all your names but I'm afraid I'd miss someone. Know that each one of you, in your own special way, have helped me and inspired me to keep going, to keep striving, and to stay in the game.

So I'm ready to end the pity party and take on the new day. Let's get on with the choices!! :sunny:

Today:
1. I choose to take my meds & vitamins with breakfast.
2. I choose to drink 60 oz of water at work.
3. I choose to eat in a way that will bless my body.
4. I choose to exercise and stay active.

Thank you, WISH-friends, for helping me through a bump in the road. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

EDIT: 10:30 AM
1. Meds & vitamins taken.
2. 12 oz down - more to follow.
3. B = 2 scrambled eggs, 4 small sausage links

EDIT: 3:40 PM
2. only 32 oz down - too many meetings :p I'll be drinking more tonight to make up for it.
3. L = string cheese (1g) - I just wasn't very hungry. I promise I'll eat a healthy dinner. ::yes::

I'm on track for a really good day as far as my goals and I'm feeling much better! I'm sure it's due to all the wonderful support I've gotten here today. You all are the best!! :grouphug:

EDIT: Thurs. 7:40 AM
1. :D
2. Not enough water - probably only 45 oz.
3. D = ham & green beans (a couple carbs) and an lc ice cream bar (another couple carbs). I had a true low-carb day!!! :D
4. No exercise - just no time, but I needed a rest after my 80 minutes total the day before.

All in all, a very good day in the end!

[toystoryduo]

Doe,
I am sending major :hug: :wizard: :sunny: and prayers your way today. You are an amazing woman. You do so much for the people in your life, including your WISH friends. I have been blessed by your words not only in my journal, but in the journals of others as well. You have supported me and encouraged me and I really appreciate you.:hug:

I think that a lot of us are struggling right now. I know that I have really been thinking about my journey too and I know that I need to make changes, but it is hard.

I know that the numbers on the scale disappointed you this morning, but think about how far you have come. You have overcome so many different things in the past year. You have been making healthier food choices and you are on an exercise program. You are a strong woman, Doe! Hang in there because you CAN do this!!!!! I know you can!!!!:jumping1:

Doe, I want to send extra:hug: :hug: :hug: your way today. Remember, we are all here for you:grouphug: cheering you on to VICTORY!!!!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

God bless you!
Tracy:wave2:

P.S. Sending you a PM.

[septbride2002]

Oh Sweetie!:hug: I'm sorry that you are sad this morning. But you are right in that this is no time to give up! You know what to, you've committed to exercising, those extra pounds will drop off in no time - I know they will. If anything this bad news gives you the incentive you need to get back on the horse and to ride full out!::yes::

We are all struggling but think how much better you will feel when you drop those pounds and you are back to healthy living! You can do it - I know you can!

~Amanda

[wilderness01]

I am sorry that the scale did not cooperate. Sometimes that darn little machine is such a pain.......or really most times it is. The scale is not the only measure of your success in life. You sound like you have such a positive attitude reflecting the last year that you should really be proud of yourself. You have learned some very valuable insights about yourself/others here. We will all get there, some of us will just get there a little slower but that is ok. I have been really struggling with everything lately and my weight is a reflection. I could really get down about it but won't. I know where I have been falling down but can only fix one thing at a time. You sound the same way and I think that is one of the most important things to happen......to recognize what needs to be changed and change it one step at a time. You will get there, so will I, just be patient and recognize all the success you do have in your life. I heard from a trainer once that if you try to change too many behaviors at once you are sure to fail. Slow and steady wins the race that is for sure. Have a good day.

[lulu201]

Dear Doreen,

First of all, WISH-sis, here's a hug. :hug: And another. :hug: and one just for good measurel.:hug: If I could be by your side today, I'd look you square in the eye and say these things, but since I can't, know that they're from a deep, sincere place inside of me.

Doreen, you're a special woman. The light that you bring to me and to all of us on the WISH is something that's widely recognized. You may not know it, but even on your down days, you radiate an inner glow that helps lift us all. Now take a minute and shine some of that on yourself.

It's been quite a year for you. . .take a minute and look at all of the challenges you've faced. You've made strides in dealing with your depression. You've handled significant stress at work while raising two teenagers! :crazy: You've also taken on a major physical task--completing a half marathon! Through it all you've stayed faithful to your quest for healthy living, never giving up, always coming to the boards to acknowledge what's happening in your life and in your quest. You face both your successes and your weaker moments bravely and honestly--you're an example to me; I respect you a great deal.

So now you're going to look forward, past the dumb scale. You know that the number on the scale is not a measure of all that you've accomplished--you are so much more than that! To focus on the number and not see all that you've achieved overall is negating your success. You're not letting yourself do that, and obviously, we WISHers aren't going to let you do that either.:p Nope, your circle of support is going to encourage you to be strong in the healthy choices that you're seeking to make. We're going to stand firmly behind you and help you stand when you fall. We're all going to be here for you on this long, long journey--because that's what it is. A marathon:p of choices and struggles that we can endure together.

Today when I was out walking, I thought again of how this half marathon is a metaphor for the healthy living journey. Sometimes the walk is easy and sometimes the walk is hard, but you know what? We don't stop walking. We keep on going; "keeping on" is the measure of our success. And you're doing it. You know what you want and your desire for a healthy life is clear. Congratulations on choosing this walk, Doreen, and as always, I'm blessed we're on the road together.

I love you, WISH-sis,
Erin

Edit: Just a few more thoughts:p

Did you ever stop to give yourself a pat on the back for making it through that whole scale challenge anyway? Maybe you can look back and decide what you learned. . .maybe you like being without the scale sometimes (like not getting weighed every day), but maybe a month or six weeks without it is too long? Maybe the scale can be a friend?:p

Also, and I know this is COMPLETELY radical--no flames from you lo carbers out there--maybe you want to look into WWs? That way you could keep track of what you eat, but you wouldn't have
"cheated" if you had a higher carb day. Or maybe you want to just build in higher carb days in a plan that's custom designed by you?

Try to think of today, Doreen, as a day full of hope and opportunity--one where you spend some time thinking about a plan that will work just right for YOU!:D

That's all for now (but I may be back later:p ).

[disneygoof]

"Thanks for checking in Doe! Way to wake me up!

I've been a bit off program, but am working hard to at least watch what I'm eating during the week, and not so much on the weekend. I've still got a few pounds to go to get to my ultimate goal, and this is where I ALWAYS stall. At least I'm aware of it this time.

I've joined two of the current challenges. Labor Day, with my five below the doctor's order goal as my challenge goal. I've also jumped on the 1000 minutes bandwagon. I'm working on 45 minutes 5 days a week, which I'm hoping will put exercise more on the forefront of my psyche, more than C2%#&*'n5K has. Three days a week wasn't enough, because I kept saying "I'll skip today and make it up tomorrow instead" and I kept getting too far behind and abandoning the program. I still want to get running eventually, though."

I posted the above in my journal and then wanted to check-in and see how you were feeling...sounds like you're feeling better physically and working on the emotional...well, I'm here to tell ya, bumps in the road are good things. If you trip, don't let yourself fall flat on your face. Take it as an reminder to pay attention to where you are walking. Consciousness is helpful along the way.

Also, I'd recommend you go back and read where you started, if you haven't already. I find it helpful to go back to the beginning to remind myself of what my motivations were when I was enjoying great successes. I checked the beginning of your thread, and you have measurements there from the early days. Maybe you're back at the same weight, but is the weight in the same places? Is it more muscle now than it was fat then? I bet from all the exercise you've made part of your days that if you measured, you'll find you've lost inches.

Finally, I'll add my voice to all the others that sang your praises as an inspiration to all of us.

Have a magical day!

[CheapMom]

Doe- you sound like you need a hug:hug:
I hate to hear you sounding so discouraged. You are going to achieve anything you set your mind to. Sometimes things in life get in the way but just push past it and keep going. You have had a crazy episode with the vertigo and the bedrest. You did what you had to do- you had to rest and eat if you wanted to recover.
Now the scale is being a bugger about the whole thing. You just need to commit (which it sounds like you already have) and keep pluggin' away.
You know I am just getting back on track after a weight loss platteau discouraged me right off plan. I haven't lost anything in 7 weeks (my own fault) Now I am doing well and it is in large part to your advice---
2 words...baby steps.
You are the best!
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[jodistar]

Originally posted by DoeWDW
I got on the scale this morning and wanted to cry. I know my unhealthy eating is the cause - I have no excuses. I weighed in at 142 - it's painful to even type it. This is what I weighed when I started the WISH challenge almost a year ago. :sad:

I'm really glad now that I've started the August exercise challenge and have a few good days under my belt. I'm proud of myself for going back to the health club and for being brave enough to have a trainer show me around the weight circuit. The health club and I are going to become best buddies in my quest to get the physical me in shape. I WILL be there 3 times a week to do the weight circuit. I will also continue training for the half marathon - doing my walking and my eliptical trainer.



Doe,

Don't let that scale get you down. I definetely know what you feel like....at least you have the courage to step on that scale....I don't even do that, I alwasy judge by the way I look in the mirror or the way the clothes fit, not a very healthy thing to do as far as I'm concerned. I don't do a lot of positive self talk and I think that is a lot of the battle- so remember positive self talk (and I will try and remember it too!).

I am so glad for you that you are working with a trainer- they are such great motivators...I love my personal trainer- she knows when to be tough and when to be supportive....I wish you as much luck with yours.

I will be checking on you ;) Good luck! :sunny:

[LAinSEA]

Doe: Here's a great big :hug: ! Don't let the scale get you down - you've had so much to deal with this month.

I was really hoping that when I got back on mine this morning it would register a loss (after all my clothes are fitting a little looser). But alas it was not to be - no gain, but no loss either. I've got to better too - I'm in plateau land big time.

Give yourself a chance to get into your exercise program without cutting too many carbs or calories. You don't want to scare your body into hanging onto every little crumb. Your big goal is the marathon, put that in your sights and go for it.

I didn't know about the exercise challenge - but I'll commit to it for the rest of the month too!

Tomorrow, after all, is another day.

-Laurie:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Thank you to everyone who has posted such encouragement to my journal. WISHers are truly the best!!! Before WISH, I would have let that bump in the road turn into a week or two of bad eating. Looking back on yesterday, I felt awful in the morning but by evening I was feeling so much better because of all the support here! :grouphug:

This morning I'm ready to face the challenges again. I'm CHOOSING to eat healthy and exercise today and I'm doing it with a happy heart and a sunny attitude. I know I've got lots of company on this healthy living road and today I feel like we're not only walking the walk but dancing too! Can you hear the upbeat music and feel the party atmosphere??? I can!! ::yes::

Today:
1. Meds & vitamins with breakfast.
2. 60 oz water at work + more at home.
3. Food - good choices. B = 2 string cheese and some cashews. L = Subway lc wrap or a burger. D?? Another hectic night at home so I'll make the best choices I can.
4. Exercise - do the weight circuit and some cardio at the health club after we visit the chiropractor tonight - heck, they're in the same building so I have no excuse, right?? :p

The scale was down a pound this morning. I'm going to convince myself that it was because I had an on-plan day yesterday and NOT because I got my hair trimmed last evening. :teeth:

Wish I could feel this motivated ALL THE TIME!! :sunny:

EDIT: 9:30 PM
1. :D
2. :D - way more than 60 oz!
3. :D B as planned. L = Subway lc wrap. S = apple w/ peanut butter and a handful of cashews. D = bowl of Total protein cereal and blueberries - all good choices based on what was available!
4. :D 15 minutes on the recumbent bike, 25 minutes for the weight circuit, 20 minutes on this weird machine that's like an eliptical trainer and a stair climber combined, 12 minute brisk walk with the puppy to cool down = 72 minutes total.....WHEW!! I feel GREAT!

[lulu201]

Good sunny morning, Doreen! :sunny: I don't know if it's sunny where you are, but really it doesn't matter. . .you're bringing your own :sunny: this morning. :cool:

It sounds like you have a great day all planned out. Nothing will take you off track, but if you feel yourself getting into a tough spot, think of all of us WISHers steering you back into place.::yes:: Oh, and a prayer can sure help, too!:p

Have a good one, WISH-sis!:hug: ,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Doe you sound so much :sunny: this morning. And I just want to say a huge big fat DITTO to everything Erin said to you yesterday! Listen to the girl Doe - she is wise beyond reason! :)

Lets all walk the healthy living walk today!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Did I hear there was a party!?! I'm here with the low carb margaritas and cabana boy. Let's dance.

Seriously Doe,

You sound very :sunny: today, and I am so happy that you are having a better day. You are a special woman who has touched many hearts on this board. We will be here to listen ans support you, but today lets have fun and have a healthy living party.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

Oh Beth, thanks so much for bringing the low-carb margaritas!! How could I forget those?? :eek:

And the cabana boy...... :earseek: !! Wow!

I've been visiting journals and talking about the WISH party I'm throwing right in the middle of the healthy living road today and I FORGOT to post it on my own journal!! What was I thinking! :teeth: :crazy:

The music is cranked up, we've all got our dancin' shoes on and all our WISH friends are here, having a good time and enjoying this journey!! WOO-HOO!!

:rockband: "Celebrate good times, come on!!" :rockband:

[Desiree]

Did someone say Party!??!?!?! Wooohooo!

Sounds like you've got a great plan laid out for yourself today Doreen! Have a great and healthy day!

[DoeWDW]

I'm trying really hard to get to everyone's journal to invite them to our party, but it takes a while!!

If you stumble across our party and you haven't gotten an invite in your journal, please come and join us!!

[septbride2002]

Whoo hooo!!! I'm Here! I've brought low carb chips and nacho cheese sauce! Oh - I also brought Lapu Lapu's from Ohana's!

~Amanda

[vald1977]

:wave: Hey all,
Heard there was a party goin' on! I'm here with some Fat Free popcorn and a veggie platter to share :D . Hope everyone is having a great time :cool1: !

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Doreen..what more can I say...you are an incredible woman! I have read through your journal...and you are amazing! You are so full of spirit and just so positive. You help so many of us with all your kind words and wisdom!

Thanks for the party invite!! :cool1:

Gail

[CruisingCA2005]

Party over here!!!!!!!

I'll help serve up virtual drinks... All drinks are fat-free, calorie-free, carb-free, guilt-free, and hang-over free!!

<img src="http://www.scentednectar.com/smilies/party-02.gif"> <img src="http://www.powwows.com/gathering/images/smilies/rainbow12.gif">

[wilderness01]

I'll be right over for the party!:Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

WOO-HOO!! Looks like we've got a great crowd of WISHers celebrating all those healthy choices!! You know we all work hard on a daily basis to become the healthy people we want to be!

Let the party continue!! I hope everyone can dance through their days, knowing that their WISH buddies are right there, dancing along side them!

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

It's Friday and I'm ready to continue yesterday's party!! I met all my goals yesterday and I lived in a very healthy way! ::yes:: Now THAT'S something to celebrate!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

The scale said 140 this morning (down a pound) and I'm feeling some of the bloat is gone. My clothes are feeling just a bit looser. Yesterday was a practically perfect day in terms of my pills, water, food and exercise. I'm going to try to do it again today - not forever, but just for today.

Same goals - pills, water, food & exercise.

Bring it on because TODAY I CHOOSE to live in a healthy way!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

EDIT: 9:25 AM
Pills taken, 12 oz water so far, B = 2 scrambled eggs & 3 sausage links - I'm on a roll!! :sunny: My carpool driver has decided we should leave at noon - YIPPEE!!! :flower1: :flower1: :flower1:

EDIT: Sat. 10:50 AM
Pills :D
Water - not enough, only about 30 oz.
Food - S = handful of cashews, L = 1/2 c ice cream (19g), D = Wendy's chicken BLT salad - It was a low-carb day in spite of the ice cream. :D
Exercise - none

All in all, I'm calling it a success! :sunny:

[July]

Hi Doreen,

I am just starting to read the journals. Yours is the 3rd one for me. I haven't started one myself. Not sure if I will. But anyways,
I haven't read the entire thing. But bits & pieces. Plus you were on the "no scale challenge" too. I remember you closed your eyes at the doctors when they weighed you. LOL
I would have had to look or cancel. You have more will power than I do.
Just wanted to say HI! Hope you have a groovy day...

July

:wave2:

[CheapMom]

Hi Doreen- Thanks for stopping by my journal and clueing me in to the celebration. We should celbrate- after all the ups and downs literal and figurative- we all have something important in common-
WE ARE STILL HERE
trying our best.
Let's celebrate each other. I am so thankful for everyone here. I think we are all so cruicial to each other's successes.

Q: Where would I be without my WISH friends?
A: McDonalds
:p

[lulu201]

:teeth: Cheapmom, you started my day with a chuckle!:laughing:
Thanks for that! Here we are partying again today! I love it--all these calorie-free treats are just too good to be true!;)

Doreen, congrats on your successful day yesterday. You did it!:Pinkbounc Today you're feeling good and feeling strong--you can walk the road of this healthy living life one day and one step at a time.

So what are your plans for this beautiful weekend? I'm thinking I'll have to get outside and read and cross-stitch and bicycle. . .I hope you'll find time to do all your favorite things, too.

:hug: to you, dear WISH-sis. Have a great Friday!
Erin

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Doe! It is so nice to ready your bright and :sunny: post this morning!

Last night DH and I were watching the Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World and they were showing scenes from Wishes - I was thinking about you and Todd and how great our last trip was. I have to admitt I teared up a little. That trip was just so magical to me and January seems so very far away!

I'm glad that you are feeling great on the healthy living wagon! I know that we can do this - we can get back on track. I haven't been on track since April so I know that my body is ready for this!

We are having a food day at work today - I decided to not participate - it just isn't worth it.

Have a great day today!

~Amanda

[wilderness01]

Q: Where would I be without my WISH friends?
A: McDonalds

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Thanks for the laugh Cheapmom!

Doe,

You sound so bright and cheerful. Hope you have a great day!:D

Congrats on being down a pound.:Pinkbounc

[Strings]

Hey Doe,

Are we still partying? I am up and raring to go.

You did a phenomenal job today, and I am so proud of you. Keep it up girlfriend. Have a good weekend.
Beth

[lulu201]

:wave2: Hi, ya! Just stopped by to WISH you well on this cool, fall-like Saturday. I hope your day is a good one and that you treat yourself in a healthy way. Do it for you! You deserve it! :D

:hug: ,
Erin

[Desiree]

Doe, you kicked butt yesterday! I'm so glad you had a great day! Keep up the good work this weekend! We've got some beautiful weather down here in Louisiana today! I think I'm going to go and take advantage of it!!! :sunny:

Des

[DoeWDW]

I'm still squarely on the healthy living road and happy about it! :sunny:

Pills have been taken. I need to start on my water. B was 1/2 a PBJ sandwich (19g). I just got back from the health club - 30 minutes on the recumbent bike (weight loss course), 25 minutes on the weight circuit, 30 minutes on the EFX (glute course). I've discovered that the time really flies on the bike and EFX if I read!

I'm on track for a great healthy-living day!! :sunny:

[July]

Wow,

I have a one of those bikes and have never gone over 25 minutes because of being bored:bored:
I will have to try reading. You did a hour & half. That's alot.

You go girl

July:sunny:

[wilderness01]

Good for you on the workout. I just can not get into the bike. I don't know why because I would love to sit and read. It makes the time go by quicker plus when I read on the glider I am always afraid I am going to lose my balance and fall. Wouldn't that be a site.;)

[septbride2002]

I know I told you this morning while we were :chat: but your workout this morning was awesome!

~Amanda

[Princess Michelle]

Doreen, I'm sorry that I missed your party the other day! I thought I would stop by and dance a little (it's the weekend, got get that exercise in somehow!). :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

You are doing so great and are such a wonderful encourager to all of us! ::yes:: :teeth: ::yes::

[CruisingCA2005]

Doreen: You have been doing fabulously at the gym! Keep it up!

[lulu201]

:Pinkbounc Whoa, you're a Jock Athlete princess: , aren't you, Doe-Doe! Weights and bikes and things with letters--cool!:smooth: Enjoy this gorgeous Sunday and keep that song in your heart!:rockband:

Erin

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

I hope you have a blessed Sunday! :sunny:

Take care,
Tracy:wave2:

[Strings]

Hi Super Jock Doe,

You are doing an incredible job at the gym. :cheer2: :worship: :cheer2: :worship: Keep it up, and you'll leave everyone in your dust at the marathon. In just about 150 days. I am really proud of you.
Beth

[ZerasPride]

Good evening Doe!

What a wonderful job you have been doing. I'm catching up with you and see you have become a work out beast! I'm so impressed with your dedication and sunny disposition but you know I always think you bring such wonderful sunshine into each of our lives. Congrats on the pound lost, the lose fitting clothes and the exercise! Thanks too for joining us for the stay off the scale challenge. It was a pleasure to go through the pain of staying off the evil scale with WISHers like you! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Official Weigh & Measure Day results:
Weight: 140
Bust: 39
Chest: 33
Waist: 32
Hips: 39.5
Thighs: 40.5

Not sure how this compares to my start or my last measurements but I'll be doing this every Sunday so I'll post comparisons next week.

1. Meds taken but no vitamin.
2. Water - probably about 45 oz but I'll be drinking more.
3. Food - not so good. I really don't have low-carb food around - I need a store trip! :p
4. Exercise - just walked 5 miles in 1:17. That's race pace so I'm a happy camper! My 16 yr old DS walked with me and we had some good chat time too! ::yes::

It's been a good weekend, full of time to just relax and recharge. ::yes::

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

5 miles at race pace! WOW! that is terrific! Keep up the fantastic work.

-Laurie:sunny:

[jodistar]

Originally posted by DoeWDW
Official Weigh & Measure Day results:
Weight: 140
Bust: 39
Chest: 33
Waist: 32
Hips: 39.5
Thighs: 40.5

Not sure how this compares to my start or my last measurements but I'll be doing this every Sunday so I'll post comparisons next week.

1. Meds taken but no vitamin.
2. Water - probably about 45 oz but I'll be drinking more.
3. Food - not so good. I really don't have low-carb food around - I need a store trip! :p
4. Exercise - just walked 5 miles in 1:17. That's race pace so I'm a happy camper! My 16 yr old DS walked with me and we had some good chat time too! ::yes::

It's been a good weekend, full of time to just relax and recharge. ::yes::

Hi Doe,

Sorry I missed the party the other night. After posting on my own journals, I wasn't able to log back on to the boards (they were really busy last week).

Doe, I really admire you.....I still have yet to measure myself, it's seems not matter how much I lose I am still not happy with myself. I hope that is another that I can change over the next year.

Good luck, with the great goals that you have in place. I will be checking on with you as much as I can this week. Have a great week. :)

Jodi:wave2:

[DoeWDW]

Today's goals - pills, water, low-carb food and a rest day as far as exercise!

I'm feeling pretty good today! I think all this exercising has really boosted my mood. I'm waiting for TOM to arrive but I don't feel as bloated and grumpy as usual.

Today's goals - work, cook up chicken for dinner and make egg custard to have for breakfasts this week. That will be enough.

EDIT: 9 AM
Pills taken, 12 oz water down, B = a couple handfuls of cashews.

I'm a little apprehensive about an 11 AM meeting and I can already hear the EVM calling me. I'm sure I'll feel better once the meeting is over. Every time I get the urge for chocolate, I just tell myself "not right now, maybe later". Hopefully "later" will never get here! :p

EDIT: 12:15 PM
The meeting is over. The brass liked my BMR (Big Monster Report). Of course the reward for good work is......yup, more work! :rolleyes: :p Now I'll be starting on a step by step plan to get us moving in the right direction - another stressful assignment. I need to find a way for this assignment to NOT send me to the EVM. There will always be stresses in my life - I've gotta find a way to not let the "stress du jour" derail my healthy living.

I do think the exercise I've been doing is a big key. I MUST keep going to the health club 3x a week to lift weights and do cardio. I MUST keep walking and training for the half marathon. Exercise must become a number one priority instead of a luxury that I endulge in when I have time.

In fact, I'm headed outside for a stroll even though I have heels on today. I NEED to walk off this stress so I can stay away from the EVM this afternoon. While I'm walking, I'll be doing some positive self-talk.

EDIT: 1:30 PM
No walk - got tied up in a conversation. However, L = 2 pickled eggs and 2 handfuls of red seedless grapes (really yummy!). 36 oz of water down so far.

EDIT: 3:30 PM
48 oz of water so far and I'm still drinking more. I won't have any trouble getting 60 oz in for the day.

I did end up at the EVM - 3 of them, actually! :p I wanted something healthy and sometimes they have relatively low carb trail mix. I visited 3 EVMS in 3 different areas of the building and the lowest carb, lowest glycemic choice available was a pack of peanut M&Ms, so that's what I had. It was a considered choice and not a binge and I only had one pack (28g). Not perfect, but the best that I could do.

EDIT: Tues. AM
The food thing fell apart when I got home. However that does not take away the fact that I made my other goals.

[July]

Doreen,

Good Morning,

I guess what they say about excercise is true. It does help with PMS. Go figure.

You are doing great!

July:) :Pinkbounc :)

[lulu201]

:wave2: Good morning, WISH-sis. I hope you're having a good day--it sounds like you're feeling strong and centered and you've got a good plan in place.

Take care,
Erin

[septbride2002]

Oooh! You have inspired me to get out the tape measure. YIKES! I'll measure myself today and again on Friday since I want Friday to be my official weigh in day.

Have a great day - don't stress about the meeting - and write in your journal often!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I and glad the brass liked the BMR. We told you you would do a great job. As for the next report, you handled BMR by breaking it down into chunks and doing one at a time. You can do it this time. Here' some:wizard: to fight EVM.
Beth

[DoeWDW]

I fell apart food-wise when I got home yesterday, but I met my other 3 goals. I know a part of the reason is because TOM is imminent and I also know that exercise helps ward off my PMS symptoms, so I got up early today and did 18 minutes on the eliptical trainer. I just felt like I needed to get my body pumping out those endorphins and any other hormones that might help me today! :p

Same goals - pills, water, food & exercise. I also got up early enough that I should have time to pack healthy food (didn't pack enough yesterday) and to prepare the chicken for dinner and put it in the fridge, ready for the oven when I get home tonight. That way, there will be no excuses for being too lazy to cook! :p

I'm still in the game! :sunny:

EDIT: 8:45 AM
A warm and heartfelt thank you to all who leave me notes in my journal. I do not always respond individually but know that I cherish your time and your words of support. :grouphug:

Pills taken, 12 oz water down, 2 handfuls of cashews for breakfast but I'm headed to the fridge to grab my 2 pickled eggs.

I'll be starting on my BMR-2 this morning. I'm going to take baby steps. I can do this, I can do this - will be using LOTS of positive self-talk! ::yes::

EDIT: 10:30 AM
24 oz water down. 2 pickled eggs eaten. BMR-2 research well underway. So far, so good! I'm actually looking forward to going to the health club tonight for my workout! :hyper:

EDIT: 2:30 PM
36 oz water down. 2 turkey & cheese rollups on lc tortillas (about 20g) and 10 grapes. I'm fighting the battle with the EVM again. Sure wish TOM would get here & get gone and take these chocolate cravings with him!! :mad:

EDIT: 9:30 PM
Met 3 of my 4 goals - pills, water & exercise. Food went fine during the work day and fell apart at home.

I did 30 minutes on the recombent bike, 25 minutes around the weight circuit and 30 minutes on the EFX at the health club - that's another 85 minutes!!

[KLH 1973]

Doreen keep up the good work your doing really good. Everyone hits a few snags along the way.

Kristin

[lulu201]

Whoa, look at you go!:hyper: On the e-trainer early this a.m., making dinner, packing lunches. . .you're showing a great deal of commitment to your healthy lifestyle, Doreen, especially at TOM when we can be so easily brought down. You've only just begun the day and already you've had lots of success!

I'm glad everyone liked your BMR--no surprise there, though.:p
Kinda sorry that it brings you more work, but you have what it takes to do this, just :moped: motor on through.

I read yesterday about your 5 miler with DS; what a great way to spend time together! DD and I are going to try to do 3 miles today (up and back from Dunkin Donut:p )--I'm looking forward to a chance to walk and talk.

Have a good day, WISH-sis. Just keep walking the walk, one day at a time, and all that you hope for will happen.

:hug: ,
Erin

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doreen,
Wow! Your day is off to a great start! Keep up the great work :bounce: :Pinkbounc !

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Way to go Doe! You're just so motivating! You're on a roll!

Gail

[septbride2002]

You had a good day today! Great job! Your turkey roll ups sound yummy - I may have to make some for myself tomorrow.

~Amanda

[jodistar]

Hi Doreen,

Wow, you are doing great. I know the cravings are something terribly when TOM is on it's way for me. Great job resisting!

Hope the rest of your week goes well.

Jodi :tongue:

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen. It's grey and yukky here. . .here's some :sunny: to get you past the Munchie Monster and some more :sunny: to get your through the day.

Doreen, you did a great job at the healthy club yesterday!:Pinkbounc Having "get up and go" is so hard at TOM but you're pushing through it. Good for you!

Take care, Doreen. Move through the day with baby steps if you have to.

Love,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday went well except for a mini-carb-fest when I got home from work, but at this particular point in my cycle I'm not too worried about it.

Today - pills, water, food, exercise. I've taken my pills with 12 oz of water and some cashews. Lunch will be a PBJ sandwich and an orange - it's what I had at home and it sounded good. Dinner - will worry about that later. Exercise - hmmmm, not sure. If I'm spending 1.5 hrs at the health club 3x a week and one long walk once a week, do I really need to work out the other 3 days??? I'm not sure.

[septbride2002]

The answer to your question is, "Only if you want to!" Keep in mind your body does need the rest periods to help regroup.

~Amanda

[KLH 1973]

Sounds like a good day ahead. Just don't burn yourself out with the working out. Last thing you need is that or to hurt yourself. Enjoy life and take it easy the other 3 days

Kristin

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe:sunny:

It sounds like you have a great day ahead of you today!::yes::

As for exercise... I have struggled with this myself. With two toddlers (or preschoolers) at home, our lives are very busy and I don't always have time to exercise a set amount of times each week. What I am trying to do now is workout one day, rest the next, and so on. On my rest days, if I feel like taking the girls for a walk, I do. If not, I don't. By keeping this schedule, I am working out at least 4 times per week. Any additional exercise is an added bonus. ( By the way, the rest days have really helped me because on those days I can eBay or just spend some extra time with God.:teeth: )

Have a great day!

Tracy:wave2:

[chrismiss56]

Hi Doe

Thanks for posting to my journal!! It makes me feel that much more at home here on the boards.

My physical therapist will tell you that your body does need to rest and you should not exercise every day or make sure you are changing your mode of exercise from light to heavy workouts.

Do take a day off and enjoy a nice leisurely walk around the neighborhood!!

Not if I could only get started exercising!!

Have a Disney Day!!

Linda

[jodistar]

Originally posted by DoeWDW
Yesterday went well except for a mini-carb-fest when I got home from work, but at this particular point in my cycle I'm not too worried about it.

Today - pills, water, food, exercise. I've taken my pills with 12 oz of water and some cashews. Lunch will be a PBJ sandwich and an orange - it's what I had at home and it sounded good. Dinner - will worry about that later. Exercise - hmmmm, not sure. If I'm spending 1.5 hrs at the health club 3x a week and one long walk once a week, do I really need to work out the other 3 days??? I'm not sure.

Doreen, I would go easy for right now. Most resources say exercise every other day. So I would do the exercise 3 times a week and one long walk once a week....but that is just my opinion.

You're muscles need time to recover from the hard work that you have put them through, besides people who workout everyday tend to burn themselves out.

After working out for awhile then you can play around a little bit more with the time spent at the gym. I hope that helps? :confused:

Have a great night!

[wilderness01]

Just checking in to say hi. Hope everything is going well. :D

[DoeWDW]

So nice to see everyone here!! :wave2: Thanks so much for stopping by my journal.

I'm going to go with everyone's advice and plan to hit the health club 3x a week and then take a long walk on one other day. I don't want to burn out. I want to make this a healthy habit that I can do for a long, long time.

I am actually enjoying that slightly achey feeling in my muscles that tells me I've been working out. It isn't pain, but just a certain tightness - hard to put into words.

Yesterday was a carb-fest, plain and simple, but it's in the past. I can eat that way once in a while (usually right before TOM!) but I just don't enjoy the carbs that much anymore. Today will be another tough day for craving carbs but that will be gone tomorrow, now that TOM is here. What a relief!!

Today will be a busy day at work. I've got lots to accomplish but I'm looking forward to it and enjoying the challenge. I'll be doing the usual - pills, water, exercise & food. Yesterday I took my pills and got most of my water down but that was it. Today I'll be doing better. I'm looking forward to working out tonight at the health club. I think I'm starting to see some changes in my body already from lifting weights and doing the intense cardio.

EDIT: 9 AM
Pills have been taken. Almost finished the first 12 oz mug of water. B = blueberry yogurt and a banana. Since I'm craving carbs, I figured I might as well pick healthier carbs than the stuff in the EVM! :p I'm patting myself on the back for making better choices. :sunny:

EDIT: 1 PM
24 oz water down. S = peanut bar, L = 1/2 lb burger w/ secret sauce

This afternoon I've got to stop playing around on the DIS and get some work done! ;)

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning to you, Doreen!:sunny: As I began to write this, the sun peeked out from behind the many clouds--it sounds like you're shining brightly where you are.:D

I think your exercise plan is a good one. We're in this for the long haul and we sure don't want to burn out. I've had to re-evaluate a bit myself today and I think moderation is the key.::yes:: Healthy habits are what we want!:Pinkbounc

I don't know if I'll make it around to say hello tomorrow before I go to G-burg. Have a good weekend if I don't; I'll talk to you Monday.

:hug: ,
Erin

[Strings]

Way to plan Doe!

The blueberries have been so good this year. I'm sending you some:wizard: to help with those carb cravings. Enjoy your workout tonight.
Beth

[septbride2002]

You are looking good Doe! Your exercise plan is very solid and I agree - if you are going to eat carbs at least make them good ones. Of course now you have me craving bannanas. :)

I know you are going to have a great day today!

~Amanda

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Your plan for today looks great! The carb fest is in the past! I agree with you about the exercise burn out. It makes it so much easier to stop. Just wanted to say :wave: and keep up the great work!

Gail

[July]

Hi Doreen,

Just popping in to say hello. Don't know if I will be able to tomorrow, with Charley coming my way. Keep at it girl


July:bounce:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Doe,

How did your workout go? I bet you are seeing changes in your body already. Lifting weights + cardio is a great fat-burning combination.::yes:: That's why I love the FIRM so much! :Pinkbounc

I hope you have a wonderful Friday!:sunny: Take care!

Tracy:wave2:

[Auntmeme]

Hi Doreen:wave2:

Looks like you are back in the game. Glad to see the healthy food choices - I had a brownie the other nite and after debating about it I ate it:( We are never going to loss if evil overtakes us;)

What are you doing for internse aerobic at the gym? I've been walking steadily, slow & steady to get the donald medal:earsgirl: Any chance you can meet next month for a longggg walk?

Have a fabu friday:cheer2:

[DoeWDW]

It was raining cats & dogs last night so I didn't go to the health club. :( I also didn't eat low-carb yesterday. :( On the plus side, I did take my pills and drink all my water. :D :D

Today - pills, water, low-carb food and at least a short walk for exercise. I've taken my pills and had an egg & some sausage for breakfast. The first of my 5 mugs of water is finished and am off for a refill as soon as I post this.

Work is demanding but I'm feeling positive about it. I think it will be a good day! :sunny:

MeMe, I'd love to get together for another walk! I'll send you a PM. I'm thinking we should plan one in September and October and maybe even early November. I'll check my calendar!

When I'm at the health club, I start with 30 minutes on the recumbent bike doing the weight loss program (some serious interval training!). Then I do the weight circuit. I finish with 30 minutes on the EFX which is like an eliptical trainer but it also adjusts the incline like a stepper. I set it on a program that's for my glutes (gotta make sure my caboose isn't sagging! :teeth: ). I am just dripping with sweat and my heartrate is up when I'm on the bike and the EFX machine.

EDIT: 1:20 PM
Lunch was a Subway lc wrap and I've stayed away from the EVM so far today! I've finished my 3rd mug of water - 36 oz, so I have 2 more to drink. I walked for 15 minutes during lunch hour too!

[KLH 1973]

Just wanted to stop by and say howdy. Got caught up on your journal and your doing so so so good. Your excersise makes me tired just reading it. Keep uup the great work.

Kristin

[Strings]

WTG Doe!

You've stayed op and taken the opportunity to exercise. You are doing an incredible job this week. You've also gotten back ontrack after a slip yesterday. Have a great afternoon.
Beth

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

Congrats on your exercise program! Your craving for carbs might be based on your body reacting to all the exercise. I know once I start on higer carb foods, I crave them. It is tough to break away from them.

Keep biting off the load at work a nibble at a time. You can't do it all in one day. Build some time in for review along the way too. I know you can do it!

-Laurie

(Can you send the rain here? We're bone dry!)

[chrismiss56]

Doe -

You are an exercise demon. Keep going and stay strong.

The rest will come along............I know that it can be hard sometimes but keep focused on one day at a time.

You can do it!!

The weekend is here and enjoy.

Hope you can come visit my journal.

Chrismiss56 (Linda)

[DoeWDW]

Official Weigh & Measure Day results:
Weight: 141/140/142
Bust: 39/39/39.5
Chest: 33.5/33/33.5
Waist: 31/32/34
Hips: 39/39.5/40
Thighs: 40.5/40.5/41

For those who don't understand my notations, the first number is today, the second is last week and the first is when I started WISHing, almost a year ago. It looks like my waist is the only area making progress. :rolleyes: However, the only way these stats will change is if I eat healthy and exercise, so no reason to get down about them.

I finished Friday totally on plan as far as food. Yesterday, I forgot breakfast and lunch. Dinner was on plan. I did have a small treat at Hersheypark last night but no binging. Then when we got home (after midnight) I was starving and had nothing low-carb so I ate cold leftover pizza. This was not the best thing I could have done - I need to have some emergency snacks on hand.

I haven't been getting my exercise in either. I haven't been to the health club since Tuesday - am hoping to go today. I think the weight gain from last week is from not eating and drinking enough yesterday, so I'm not worried about it.

Today - help with Sunday School, hit the health club, take DD shopping. Sounds like a long and tiring day and I'd bet I could find an excuse to skip the health club, but I really NEED to go lift weights, even if I don't get the intense cardio in.

EDIT: 12:30 PM
I helped at Sunday School. I went to the health club (30 minutes bike, 25 minutes weight circuit, 35 minutes EFX = 90 minutes total). I've been drinking water and I took my pills. I had a bowl of Total Raisin Bran for breakfast - that's the best choice I could make, given what was in the house.

Now I need to shower and grab some lunch. Then I need to take DD shopping. She starts tennis practice tomorrow and needs new tennis shoes and some workout clothes. At the moment, she's on the phone with a friend and doesn't seem to care about shopping. If she doesn't care, then why should I? Maybe I should stay home, save my money and concentrate on making low carb food for the week. :rolleyes:

[KLH 1973]

Sounds like you have been doing great today. Keep up the great work.

Kristin

[chrismiss56]

Keep Moving.........:jumping1: Best thing you can do........When the carb craving attacks start moving even if it is your fingers on the computer.

Off to take my daughter to college. Will check in with you on Weds and know that you will have had a couple of GREAT:sunny: :sunny: Days!!

Have a Disney Day!!

Linda

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Hey Doe...just checking in with you. Looks like this was a crazy weekend for so many! Glad to see you made it to the health club. You're doing great. Have a great day! Make those healtlhy choices!::yes::

[DoeWDW]

I've taken my pills. I've started on my water. I had a peanut bar (26g) from the EVM for breakfast - best choice I could make. Lunch and dinner will be the same way - quick but I'll make the best choices I can. No exercise today - did 90 minutes at the health club yesterday.

I've got lots of work to do today so I won't be getting around to journals. Know that I'm thinking of all of you and sending out good vibes.

[KLH 1973]

Hope your day goes well and fast. Grats on all the time working out yesterday. I am sending you good vibes as well lol


Kristin

[Auntmeme]

Happy Monday Doe,

Weekend was rainy, huh? hapy to see you got that gym in. You are doing great at the gym, keep it up! Sorry to see your b-fast was from evm, better planning next time right?????? Here's to your lunch & dinner being low-carb:wizard: Have a great day:wave2:

[July]

Hi Doreen

Just popping in to say howdy.

July:bounce:

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe! I hope you have a great day and make good choices! Somedays that is the best that you can do - I'm having one of those days myself! Can you believe only 144 more days till Disney!

~Amanda

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

Sometimes you need to compromise. You made the best choice possible. Good decision. They weren't peanut M&M's. I hope you are getting tons accomplished today. Your workday is almost done.
Have a good one.
Beth

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, WISH-sis. :sunny: Here's a hug :hug: . It sounds like you're a little TOO busy there. Remember to take BMR-2 in baby steps, OK?

I'll stop by on Wednesday. . .in the meantime, do what you can to treat yourself right.

Love,
ERin

[DoeWDW]

Today - the usual goals. So far I've eaten yogurt for breakfast, taken my pills and started on my water.

I've been thinking about my goal weight. I'm not sure I really want to put in the time and effort it would take to get down to 122 pounds. If I had nothing better to do than exercise and spend all day cooking yummy food, maybe I could intensely focus on getting down to that weight but given all the other priorities in my life, I think it's not a realistic goal.

Do I really WANT to be 122 pounds? It would take so much to get there. I'm 40 years old. I am a mature woman. That doesn't have to mean a lumpy, frumpy body but it also doesn't mean that my goal should be to turn back the clock and try to remake the body I had at 20 years old. I know it's POSSIBLE for me to get down to 122 but is that the best use of my time?

I think that I need to set reasonable expectations for myself as far as exercise and healthy eating. If I follow through on them, shouldn't the weight take care of itself? Can I live with the scale saying 140 if I know that I'm eating healthy and exercising? If I never lose another pound, would I be disappointed?

I do think I'm carrying around some extra pounds and I'd like to see the scale around 135 on a regular basis. Maybe that should be my new, more realistic goal. If I eat right and exercise then hopefully that's about the weight my body will be.

I'll be working on BMR-2 today. I've been making steady progress on it so far. I also have to prepare to teach a 2 day class next week - my first time teaching at work and teaching a technical subject, so I'm a little nervous about it.

Baby steps, baby steps...... :sunny:

EDIT: 2:30 PM
Had a protein bar (2g) for a snack. Had a 1/2 lb burger for lunch. 48 oz water down - 1 more mug to go. I'm hoping to get to the health club tonight, if all goes as planned. I'm on track for an on-plan day in which I meet all 4 of my goals. :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Doe! Ya know 122 is a really low weight and it would take a lot of effort to reach that goal and then to maintain it. I think it is a good idea to set a different goal - maybe work to get to 135 and then take a step back and see where you are. Are you happy with yourself here? Can you maintain this without making yourself feel deprived and beating yourself up if the scale tips in the wrong direction? At that point if you decide to try to lose another 5 lbs - then do that and then again take a step back and evaluate where you are.

Weight loss is so much more then losing weight but also learning a lot about yourself. What you are comfortable with, what you feel, what you have accomplished. The number on the scale doesn't matter as much as to how you feel inside!

Love ya princess: Doe and have a great day!

~Amanda

[Auntmeme]

Good tuesday morn to Doe!

Sounds like you have a new focus. I agree completely with your train of thought. We need to be healthy but also happy, do what is best for you, your body wil tell you.

Teaching will be a piece of cake - you know the subject matter and they want to learn so have fun with it!

Keep OP today and stay healthy:wave2:

[KLH 1973]

I read your post and I completely agree with the way your thinking of going. 122 seems a bit low, make 5pound goals and see how you feel. Keep up the super job.

Kristin

[jodistar]

Hi Doe,

Great idea....very realistic. I sometimes go through the same thing. It's all a self acceptance thing for me.

So you will be teaching.....Good luck! I am sure that you will do just fine. ::yes::

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
I really like your new way of thinking about your goal weight. As long as you are maintaining healthy habits and happy with the way you look, what difference does the number on the scale make? After all, it's about being healthy not about a number right?

Wishing you a wonderful night :wave: !

[DoeWDW]

I was on track until I got home yesterday. I never made it to the health club - it was our wedding anniversary (19 years!) and DH wanted to go out to dinner. I had a low-carb meal and one mixed drink (something called a Kiss My Mango! :crazy: ). Then we went home and had cake with the kids for dessert.

I'll be back on track today with my pills, water, food and exercise. I've put 135 in my signature as my goal weight. In reality, I'm going to just try to keep my measurements either the same or going down, and let the weight fall where it may. I'm no longer weighing every day, only once a week on Sundays.

[KLH 1973]

Grats on the 19yrs hope you had a blast. Was the cake good? Good luck on staying on track

Kristin

[KLH 1973]

Doe my dear your are truely evil to tell me to drink that much water LOL. Just teasing you

Kristin

[Auntmeme]

HI Doe-

Congrats on 19 years Happy Anniversary:lovestruc

Kiss my mango :tongue: sounds delicis & cake yummy!

135 sounds doable - the pounds will melt away. Are you hitting the gym today?

[septbride2002]

:flower: Happy Anniversary!:flower:

Congratulations to you and Todd! Sounds like you did okay to me yesterday - the cake was for a special occasion therefore the fat, calories, and carbs don't count! DUH!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

MeMe, I was wavering on the health club goal but after reading other WISHers' journals and seeing their success fueled by consistent exercise, I'll be at the health club tonight, no matter what!! ::yes::

I found a story that I posted in Amanda's journal. I wanted to post it here too, so I don't forget it:

Little Frog -

There once was a tiny bunch of frogs . .. that arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd gathered around the tower to cheer on the contestants The race began. Honestly, noone believed that any of the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as: Oh, way too difficult!!!!

They will never make it to the top!

or Not a chance they will succeed, the tower is much too high.

One by one the frogs started to collapse except for those ones in a fresh tempo that kept climbing higher and higher.

The crowd kept yelling, you will never make it.....it is much too high.

More and more of the frogs dropped off except for one tiny frog kept climbing higher and higher. He wouldn't give up!

At the end everyone had given up except for this one tiny frog, with great effert who reached the top of the tower.

Naturally, at the end all the other frogs wanted to know how he had accomplished this. A contestant asked the tiny frog how he got the strength to succeed and meet the goal. It turned out that the winner was deaf!

The wisdom of this story is Never listen to people whose tendencies are negative or pessimistic because they take your most wonderful wishes and dreams away from you.....the ones in your heart! Always think of the power that words have.

Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore: Always be Positive! And above all, Be deaf to people that tell you that you cannot fulfill your dreams! Always think God and I can do this !

Such an important story for me to remember! I also think that the opposite is true - if you surround yourself with positive, supportive people, it will help you to reach your goals. I love the WISH Journal board for just that reason!! Whenever I feel like giving up or giving in, I often come here and read about the dedication and success of others and it helps me to be strong!

Thanks, WISH buddies!! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[toystoryduo]

Doe,
Happy 19th Anniversary!!!!! Thank you for sharing that story with us.::yes:: My DH and I have been doing a devotional that talks about speaking faith filled words into your life. This story is a great companion to that devotional. I will have to print it out and share it with DH tonight. Thank you for the encouragement!:hug:

Have a great Wednesday!

Tracy:wave:

[CruisingCA2005]

Happy 19th Doe!!

You've been doing great with all the exercise minutes you've been putting in. Keep up the hard work!

I totally agree with you about the re-evaluating your goal weight. We're almost the same height (I'm 5'2") but I've realized that it would be way too hard for me to get down to 120 pounds. I may have been that much in high school but heck - I didn't have a husband and two kids to take care of back then. Do I want to watch DS play basketball or would I rather spend that time in the gym?

Hope you're having a :sunny: day!

[chrismiss56]

:lovestruc HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:) :)

My husband and I will be celebrating 26 years tomorrow!!

Congrats!!

Stay focused and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Remember the weight did not come on in one day or even one month so it will be slow coming off.

That's why we are all here together to work on a healthier lifestyle.

Starting WW online tomorrow - an anniversary present to myself.

Hope you can stop by my journal sometime.

Have a Disney Day:earsgirl: :earsgirl:

Linda

[DoeWDW]

I'm feeling anxious about BMR-2. That usually leads me to binge on carby junk and this time was no exception. :rolleyes: I get myself so anxious that I don't cook, I don't exercise, I don't do much of anything except escape either on the computer or into a good book. Then, by the time I realize I'm hungry, it's too late and/or there's no good low-carb food in the house and my recipe for disaster is complete. At least I'm beginning to recognize the patterns.

I did manage to meet 3 of my 4 goals yesterday. I took the pills, drank the water and got 60 minutes of exercise in at the health club. Food choices were awful, though.

I've got the same goals today and I truly must handle the food thing better if I ever want to lose these extra pounds. That means that I have to eat healthy food at the proper mealtimes, even if my tummy is upset from being anxious and even if I'm really not hungry.

Quote for today:
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Sir Winston Churchill

EDIT: 1:10 PM
I took my pills. I've been drinking - 2 mugs down and more to come. Food, let's see - there was a light & fit yogurt, a pack of crackers, an apple with peanut butter and a cup of soup. That was breakfast, snack and lunch. No exercise necessary today, since I did an hour last night at the health club.

Anxiety level on a scale of 1 to 10 = about a 7. I keep looking at the quote above and remembering that failure is not fatal. All I have to do is my best and it will be good enough. Baby steps will get me through this report.

[KLH 1973]

Doreen great story I just loved it. I know its hard to always make the right choices when it comes to food but at least your tackling all your other goals. Just think how much better you will feel when you get them all down pat. Have a great day.

Kristin

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Doe! Looks like you and I are in the same boat these days. Lets :boat: the wave together! Don't let the BMR get to you - remember to take deep breaths when you are getting anxious and take small breaks.

~Amanda

[chrismiss56]

Keep going - you can do this one step at a time.;) ;)

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Doe...you can do this. You've been getting in that exercise. Just like you told me in my journal...maybe you need to get some new low carby foods in the house so that it will be new when you go to look for something to satisfy your hunger.

Just remember how well you did with the first BMR. It will all work out...and you'll be mad that you stressed about it! You're doing great...and I've told you before...you are such an inspiration to so many. You visit so many journals and just encourage everyone. You need to take some of your own advice! Have a great day!

Gail:)

[jodistar]

I agree with Gail ::yes::

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I so glad I read your journal tonight. My DH has hidden my scale - not that I'm prone to weighing myself every day, usually I approach it once a week or every other - he said that if the number didn't move that my attitude was horrid! And I admit, I've been disappointed by the number...it hasn't moved in months!

Well - there is a bright side. It hasn't gone up either. My goal weight is/was similar to yours and it was what I weighed in high school and when I got married. I was really happy at that time in my life and I think my association with the number on the scale is wanting to have that kind of happiness now too.

So I've decided that I will be happy, follow my dreams no matter how challenging and do my very best to make good health choices along the way. The extra weight will come off when it's darn good and ready to disappear.

-Laurie

(thanks for checking up on me...nose is still above scholastic water, I haven't drown yet.)

[DoeWDW]

:grouphug: Thank you, WISH friends! Your support truly does help me keep going. :grouphug:

I'm so tired! I've been staying up way too late watching the Olympics and haven't gotten to bed until after midnight most nights this week. My usual bedtime is 9:30 :teeth: , so my wagon is draggin'! :crazy: I'm looking forward to catching up on my sleep this weekend.

I didn't do very well with goals yesterday. I did take the pills and drank MOST of my water. It was a rest day for exercise. Food was better but not as low-carb as I need it to be. I'm looking forward to a grocery trip this weekend so I can have the right stuff on hand at home.

My baby (DD) turns 15 today. Hard to believe but so amazing to watch her turning into a wonderful young lady (when she's not pouting or rolling her eyes at me....LOL!). Of course that means dinner out (her choice is Pizza Hut). I plugged the marching band schedule (DD and DS) and the tennis schedule (DD) into my Palm last night - we're going to be very busy with fall activities, not to mention the rigors of high school! School starts on August 30th - only 10 days from now. Where did the summer go?

Today - pills, water, food and a quick walk at lunch for exercise. I can do this. I've already made progress on the BMR-2 this morning. My boss has looked it over and says I'm on the right track so far. Anxiety level (from 1 to 10) is a moderate 5 - better than yesterday.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Not sure about chapter & verse but it sure sounds like a joyous refrain for my day! :sunny:

EDIT: 10 AM
Pills have been taken. Almost 24 oz of water down. B = 1 scrambled egg and 3 small sausage links. :sunny:

EDIT: 1:45 PM
Finishing up 42 oz of water. L = Subway lc wrap. I'm drinking a Coke C2 (18g).

I mentioned that I'd like to try Coke C2 and a coworker brought me one. Frankly, I need the caffeine to get through the afternoon. It tastes pretty good - not as "syrupy" and "sweet" as regular Coke (which is too sweet for my taste), but no nasty aftertaste like I usually get with diet Coke. It looks like a good way for me to get some caffeine when I need it without overloading on carbs. A good find, but one that I'll use only rarely! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Morning Doe! You sound bright and :sunny: this morning.

:bday: to your DD!

I hope you have a great day today and are able to :boat: the wave this morning!

~Amanda

[chrismiss56]

Congrats to you!! You are full of energy and getting alot accomplished!!:jumping1: :jumping1:

Keep going and enjoy the day!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DD!!! My baby is 16 - they grow up so fast.

Have a Disney Day!!:earsgirl:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

Today is Friday! Yippee!:Pinkbounc I hope you have a wonderful day today.

:bday: to your DD! I hope today is a wonderful day for her too.::yes::

I love your joyous refrain for the day!:rockband: Let's sing it together today:

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!
Re-joice! Re-joice! And again I say rejoice!
Re-joice! Re-joice! And again I say rejoice!

Have a blessed day today!

Tracy:wave2:

[lulu201]

:wave2: Good morning, dear WISH-sis! Remember me?:rolleyes:
In reading your many pages of journal that I was behind on, I feel a need to comment on just a few things:

1. Congratulations to you and Todd!:Pinkbounc :bounce Nineteen wonderful years together!

2. Bravo for taking charge and setting your goal weight at a realistic place. If you look back over the last year, I think you'll see that 135 was a happy place for you whenever you were there. You're inspiring me to take a look at my own goal weight again.

3. Please give DD a birthday greeting from me!:bday: Enjoy these last few days of summer together before the ole schedule heats up again.

Dear Doreen, try not to stress over the BMR-2 too much. You have what it takes to successfully complete this project, I know it.
Believe in yourself, kiddo.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend. I'm leaving for the shore tomorrow--I won't be back 'til the 29th. When I get back to your journal it'll be the night before your school starts! Yikes!

Take care and don't forget to stop during the day and feel the :goodvibes I'm sending you!

Love,
Erin

[Princess Michelle]

You're doing great, Doreen! I hope you're having a great weekend! :)

[septbride2002]

Good Morning princess: Doe! I was thinking about you yesterday! I hope you had a great day!

~Amanda

[KLH 1973]

Doe your really doing wonderfully on diet hope you keep up the great job. Have a great weekend.

Kristin

[July]

Hi Doreen,
Trying to get caught up on the journals since vacation. You had a Anniversary while I was gone. Happy Happy Belated Anniversary.
19 years is great to celebrate and something to be proud of.

That drink sounds good too.

:wave:
July
:wave:

[DoeWDW]

Today is my 1 year WISH anniversary - the day I joined the WISH challenge. Thursday will be the 1 year anniversary of my journal - what an amazing journey!

I forgot to weigh in and measure yesterday. I stepped on the scale this morning and was not happy with the 145 staring me in the face. :eek: I've been working on getting healthier over the past year and I'm up 3 POUNDS from when I started????? What's up with that????

I was feeling so bad but I decided that this year must have yielded some good changes and learned lessons. I'm reading through my journal from the beginning. I'm taking notes on foods I've enjoyed and lessons I've learned, along with weights and measurements. I have come a long way!!! Look for a long, reflective post on Thursday! :)

I've been indulging in way too much junk food. However, today is a new day and the start of a new WISH year for me.

Today's goals - meds (already taken), water (2 mugs down, 3 to go), food (apple w/ PB for B), and exercise.

I'm going to put the cheat free bear in my signature. If I put him there, then I HAVE to be on plan today, right??? :p

EDIT: 1:20 PM
Goals - water (4 mugs down, 1 to go), food (1/2 lb sirloin burger, 2 mayo packets, 1/2 Dannon light & fit raspberry yogurt).

I've entered my food into Fitday. I'm finding it easier to make wise choices because my fat/protein/carb percentages are perfect and my total carbs are low for the day. My calories are on track too! I want that cheat free bear in my siggie!!

I'm going to spend the afternoon getting ready for my class. I teach tomorrow and Wednesday. I have 12 students signed up. I'm not feeling too bad at the moment but if I don't prepare well this afternoon, I'll feel anxious this evening and won't sleep well. I intend to face this teaching challenge with my head held high and a joyful smile on my face!

I also took my meds and vitamins on an empty stomach today and they didn't bother me. This will make taking them much easier!!

It's turning out to be a wonderful day! :sunny:

EDIT: 2:45 PM
Goals - water (all 5 mugs done!!), no desire for junk food - YAY!!

After work, I'm headed to watch my DD play her first tennis match. She decided to start playing tennis this summer and is now on the high school team. She's never even WATCHED a match, let alone played one, so she's nervous. Tonight is a scrimmage with another school's team. I'm proud of her for taking up a new sport in 10th grade and told her I'll still be proud even if she misses every single shot!

I have no low-carb food for dinner, so I'm sure there will be a quick store trip this evening or a trip to Wendy's to pick up a salad. Now that I've rediscovered the cheat free bear (we really should give him/her a name!) I'm excited about keeping the clippie in my signature! I get excited about the little things in life, like clip art! :p

I've got the class materials ready for tomorrow. I've had someone show me how to operate the projector, etc. in the training room, our security guru is working to make sure all my students can log into the system. I have my clothes ready for tomorrow. I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'm looking forward to it. From 1 (calm) to 10 (panicked), my anxiety level is really only a 4 - a GREAT improvement for me! ::yes::

EDIT: 8:30 PM
Goals - pills taken, water finished and then some, food (chicken breast, blueberries), no exercise

According to Fitday, I've had 36 carbs - 6 fiber = 30 carbs for the day. I've had 1170 calories. I'm good on carbs, a little high on protein and a little low on fat, but the ratio is pretty good. I have EARNED that cheat free bear today!! I'm very proud of me!!!:Pinkbounc

I spent all my time after work at DD's tennis scrimmage. She played doubles for the first time and they didn't win their match but she was fine with that. The coach said they'll be working on doubles play this week in practice. After that, we made a quick stop at the grocery store, ate dinner and now I'm journalling. Bedtime is on the horizon. No time for exercise - c'est la vie! I did what was most important and I'm fine with that.

What a great day! :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

Happy Anniversary! :jumping1: I think that it is a wonderful idea for you to go back and read through your journal.::yes:: A great way to celebrate one year of WISH!:cheer2:

Have a great day Doe! Today is a brand new day!

Tracy:wave2:

[Strings]

:cheer2: :thewave: :thewave: :thewave: :cheer2:

There is so much to celebrate, 1.) Congrats to you and Todd on your anniversary. That is a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud of your committment to each other. 2.) Congrats to DD. I hope 15 is all she hopes it will be. You have raised a brave young woman, another source of pride. 3.) Congrats on a full year of WISHING. I know that you are not where you had hoped to be, but you are still at it with a renewed commitment to your healthy way of life. I also think you should be proud of yourself that you have remained honest for a full year of journalling. During the tough times, you are still here trying. You have seen many people on these journals start strong, hit a tough spot, and drop out. Look back a few pages, and you will see familiar names. You have stayed, and you continue to try. I am so proud of you, and you continue to be a source of inspiration to me.

I have to be serious for a moment about your frog story. I think many of us are selectively deaf. We hear all the negatives, and you are right, we need to tone them out. I also think that many of us, are currently deaf to the positive voices. We need to lean to listen and trust in those voices. Your boss, husband, and all of us believe that you can handle BMR II. Listen and trust those positive voices, and it will help reduce the anxiety you are feeling. We believe that you are a success Doe. Trust us,

Congrats again,
Beth

[jodistar]

Congratulations on your WISH year! :cheer2:

Wow, you read all of your posts over the past year, that is a great idea! To study your patterns.

I WISH you much success in the next WISH year! :sunny: :wizard:

[Auntmeme]

Congrats on the anniversary - reading your journal will take till thursday:p celebrate the good and learn from the bad! Onward & downward:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Fabulous on the prep for the meeting YOU Will be Fantastic:wave:

[Auntmeme]

Congrats on the anniversary - reading your journal will take till thursday:p celebrate the good and learn from the bad! Onward & downward:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Fabulous on the prep for the meeting YOU Will be Fantastic:wave:

[septbride2002]

Wow 1 year anniversary! Good for you! I can't wait to read your post on Thursday - looking back over the year might be hard but remember it is a journey and not a race. :)

Some suggestions for names for our bear:
Freddy or Freddie
Herbie
Theodore aka Teddy
Koda


Have a great day tomorrow and even though I won't be able to post I will be thinking about you!

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I only have a moment - gotta get ready for training! I'm all dressed up - even wore a skirt! :eek: :p My anxiety level is around a 6 - not too bad!

All of your kind words of encouragement have helped me to have a sense of calm about this whole training thing. Thank you to all my WISH friends! :grouphug:

Goals - pills taken, water (8 oz at home and I have my work mug filled), food (B = apple w/ PB), exercise (walking around the local fair tonight :p ).

I brought Atkins bars in case I need to work through lunch. I'll be on plan during the day. Tonight my family is celebrating DD's and DH's birthdays so the grandparents & other assorted relatives will be at my house. I'm going to pick up subs and go-withs at the store and then everyone can find goodies to eat at the fair. Usually I'd cook but my energies are focused on teaching this week. I'm hoping to be on plan even through the fair goodies - wish me luck!!

I'd really like to change my cheat free bear tonight! The scale was back down to 142 today, so I'm even with my weight last year. I can live with that. I'm not heavier and I know a lot more about me! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

EDIT: 12:15 PM
Everything that could go wrong in class has. :p I'm feeling pretty good, though and doing the best I can. I've solved a couple problems already so the afternoon should go better.

Goals - water (20 oz down), food (L=Atkins protein bar)

I'm still on track for a cheat free day! ::yes::

EDIT: Wed. 7:35 AM
The afternoon session went better, though not without incident.

Goals - water (I had around 50 oz for the day - not bad with training), food (D=small ham sandwich, 5 bites baked beans, 5 bites mac & cheese, 3 bites lemon meringue pie, 3 bites boston creme cake), no exercise - I was exhausted!!

I was a bit over on my carbs but I ate in a healthy way and did not binge in the least, so I'm counting it as a cheat free day.

[KLH 1973]

I am so proud of you. Your doing great, keep those goals in mind tonight when the cake comes out. Keep smiling.

Kristin

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a great job Doe! Keep up the good work! Have a great day today!:Pinkbounc

Tracy:wave:

[chrismiss56]

Doreen -

You are doing GREAT!! Hang in there through tonight's celebrations.

What grade do you teach? Can't remember if we have discussed this before (having a Dory moment). I am substitute teacher and got a call this morning (today is the first day of school). Have a definite assignment for Friday and probably will get a call tomorrow.

Take care and Have a Disney Day!!::MickeyMo

Happy Birthday to all!!

Linda

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

Ok, I reread my previous message. I did not word it as well as I would have hoped. I am blaming sleep deprivation. I hope you didn't take offense. You are doing great. I bet you are a great teacher. You use analogies well, and are very clear on your explanations. Have a great time tonight, and Good Luck with the fair,
Beth

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I hope your afternoon session went much better. I'm sure you are a wonderful teacher: How could you not be, you communicate well and you care!

-Laurie:sunny:

You have so much to celebrate! Enjoy it all.

[nancyj_pa]

Dear Doreen,
Happy WISH anniversary! What a lot of accomplishments you had this past year. May the next year be positive and healthy for you!

NancyJ

[DoeWDW]

I only have a minute - gotta get to class. However I am proud of my cheat free bear sporting the big 2!! I went a bit over on my carbs yesterday but I ate in a healthy way, limited my carbs and did not binge or use food as an emotional crutch.

Goals - vitamin taken but will have to take meds when I get home from work, water (started), food (B=apple w/ PB)

Anxiety level = a moderate 5. :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

EDIT: 11:45 AM
My classroom is empty!! This afternoon will be a help session for anyone who wants to come back, but I think I'll only have 2 people. This morning went much better than yesterday. I have some specific improvements I want to make to the class materials that should make the next class in September go much smoother and be a lot more informative for the students.

Now that it's over, I can say that I actually enjoyed teaching. I'll be looking forward to teaching the same class in September and beyond.

Goals - water (24 oz down so far), food (L will be a half ham sandwich and half a Dannon lite & fit yogurt, S will be an Atkins bar if I need it).

Nothing on the schedule tonight so I'll have time to kick back & relax!

I think today will be another cheat free day for me!! :sunny:

EDIT: Thurs. 7:30 AM
Goals - water (only about 40 ounces), food (had L but no S, D= about 1/2 C leftover baked beans and 3 bites of boston creme cake), no exercise

I just wasn't hungry. I'm still under my carb limit for the day so it's cheat free day 3 for me!!

[jodistar]

Congratulation Doreen on another cheat free day. :thewave:

[Auntmeme]

You go girl on cthe cheat free days:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Glad to hear teaching went well & you held your anxiety at check & already thinking of improvements- yeah:) Good job!

Keep op today! Are you hitting the gym?????

[DoeWDW]

WHERE I WAS:

I started this WISH journal 1 year ago today. I've reread much of my journal. It has been an amazing year. When I started, I listed 3 goals:
1. Lose 10 pounds.
2. Help relieve my depression by eating right & exercising.
3. Boost my self confidence.

I lost those 10 pounds and regained them, but I'm re-evaluating whether I need a weight goal at all. This doesn't really bother me like I thought it would.

Last year I was battling my depression. I was exhausted much of the time. My body's response to stress was to physically shut down - extreme fatigue, which made me curl up under the covers and avoid the world. I felt like this in spite of being on an anti-depressant. The second goal shows my desire to not live that way. I felt that eating right and exercising might help.

The third goal was also in response to my depression. I felt unable to cope with life, with the world and I was so down on myself about it. I felt I was weak and lacking in willpower and or discipline to just pull myself together and handle life like everyone else around me. The funny thing was that some days I could cope and some days I couldn't and I had no idea why and no predictable pattern. Even when I felt decent I lived in fear that the next day would bring the fatigue again and I had no control over it.

What a sad person I was one year ago. I was so very unhappy with myself and my life, and I blamed myself for the awful way I felt.

WHERE I AM:

What a difference a year makes!! I have learned so much over this past year and much of that I have learned because of this journal. By looking at my experiences on a daily basis and by having my WISH buddies, their insight, support and encouragement, I have changed, learned, grown and can truly see such a difference in just one year.

This difference cannot be measured in numbers, as in my weight goal. I'm coming to believe that those numbers are not as important to me at this point in my life and do not define my success or failure.

The true difference is in my emotional health. I no longer feel that extreme fatigue, that feeling that I just cannot get out of bed and face the world. Even when I notice my depression, it is no longer the debilitating feeling of an endless downward spiral that it was last year.

I have come to see patterns in my depression. A large revelation to me was how my monthly cycle affects my mood and other aspects of my body. This revelation alone has made a huge difference in my life, to the point that I now note cycle days on my calendar! :p Knowledge is power! If I know that I'll be a little down on certain days, I can take it in stride, confident that I'll feel better in time. I no longer see my bad days as a personal flaw, a lack of willpower or discipline. It's generally just a hormone swing that I can rise above or ride out.

I am more confident than I was last year, although I still have a way to go on this goal! :p At least when I'm facing a big challenge I don't hide. I do have some fear and I often need to hear from those around me that I'll do just fine. I almost never let that fear paralyze me like it did last year. I can take small steps in facing my challenges and get through them now. I must say that having my special WISH friends has been such a blessing in this area!! Whenever I'm struggling with a challenge, you have all been so supportive about lifting me up and encouraging me through it!! :grouphug: I will be forever grateful for the wonderful people I have met and gotten to know on this board.

I've also learned a wealth of information that helps me in my day-to-day healthy living. I've learned many things about how routines help me to remember the mundane things like taking pills and drinking water - good routines help me stay on track. I've learned which exercise ideas work for me and which are duds. I've learned a lot about food. There are so many little things that I could never list them here, but you can bet I'll be using those tidbits of knowledge to help make this healthy living easier and easier!

WHERE I AM GOING:
It's the start of a new year. I think I should set some new goals!

What do I really want out of life? If I could close my eyes and imagine the perfect life, what would it look like for me? I want to be healthy in all aspects of my life - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I want to fully experience the joy of life. I want to reflect God's infinite love out into the world around me, to all who I come into contact with.

These are things that cannot be measured by numbers on a scale or clothes size. They are internal feelings and external actions - things that cannot be quantified. It's funny that I did not first think of what kind of house I want, what kind of "things" I want around me, leaving my job, etc. I strongly feel that my life is not about "things" and that God has put me where He wants me right now. DH and I still dream of retiring to Orlando and working at Disney in our later years and we're actively planning on making that happen, but that isn't what will determine my happiness.

Part of being healthy for me is eating few refined foods, very little sugar, and few grains. I feel better when I avoid these foods and eat basic meat, veggies and fruits. My family history includes diabetes, heart disease, obesity - all triggered by insulin levels that are too high, so I need to moderate my carbs for my health.

Another part of being healthy is moderate exercise. It fights my depression and boosts my endorphins. It keeps my body strong and flexible and makes me feel great.

Another part of being healthy is maintaining a weight that is not obese, a body that is not overly heavy. However, if I eat healthy and exercise moderately, my body will achieve its ideal weight naturally.

Healthy for me does NOT mean fitting into a clothes size that I used to wear in my 20s. I probably could focus on food and exercise, neglecting other areas of my life, and get down to that elusive size, but it really wouldn't make me that much healthier or improve my quality of life. Therefore I'm throwing away that goal forever! I've taken my weight out of my signature and will not put it back in unless I gain weight and experience health consequences. I will still weigh in weekly and take my measurements and post them in my journal, but only so I can monitor them. They are no longer my goal, just another indicator of how I'm doing with my healthy lifestyle.

My daily goals have been working so I'll keep them! I'll continue to detail my pills, water, food and exercise.

So what do you all think, my WISH friends?? Have I made progress in the past year and am I heading in the right direction?? I feel good about where I am and where I'm headed! I can't wait to see where life leads me, but I'm betting that if the WISH Journal board is still here and I'm still able, I'll still be posting here next year at this time!

Thank you all for walking this walk with me! I owe my success and often my sanity :p to the wonderful people here!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

What a wonderful reflection to read. You have come a long way in just a years time. Your possitive attitude is amazing. I believe that you are making the right choice by not worrying about the numbers on the scale anymore. It's all about how you feel on the inside which reflects the person others see on the outside. And you are beautiful and happy on the inside..so that's what you are portraying for others! I know I've only been WISHing for about 2 months...but everything that I read about you and your posts in other WISH journals shows me what a wonderful person you are. It looks to me like you've made a lot of friends here.

BTW....you sure do have a lot of celebrations in the month of August:)

Take care of yourself and have a wonderful day!

Gail

[Strings]

Doreen,

Wow. You have made huge strides this year. I am so proud of you. You are such an inspiration to many of us on this board. My life is so much better for having you as one of my friends, so thank you.

I hope you have a wonderful one year anniversay today.
:hug:
Beth

[chrismiss56]

Words cannot express hoe much your journal has inspired me:sunny: :sunny:

Thank you and Happy Anniversary!!

Have a Disney Day!!::MickeyMo

[CruisingCA2005]

Doreen:
Congratulations on your WISH anniversary and for all of your accomplishments over the past year.

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: "Sunny day, chasing the clouds away, find my way to where the air is sweet....." :sunny:

I'm feeling sunny today, can you tell?? :p

Yesterday afternoon I started to feel sick, like my vertigo was coming back. I realized that I had forgotten my anti-depressant 2 days in a row. As soon as I got home, I took my pill and started to feel better after a few hours. This morning I have just a little queasy feeling left over but I've already taken today's pill and I'm sure I'll feel better soon.

The same thing happened with the last vertigo episode, so now I know that it was not a random event - a big relief! I've put some extra pills in my purse so I always have some with me, in case I forget to take my meds again.

I ate just a few bites of Atkins bar and a soft pretzel (to settle my stomach) for lunch. I had 2 handfuls of blueberries before bed last night. It was a cheat free day and my bear is proudly holding up a 4 this morning!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Today's goals - pills taken :teeth: , water (6 oz down), food (B=oatmeal w/ raisins & splenda)

I'm leaving work 2 hours early (my carpool wants to leave early). DD has a tennis scrimmage tonight that I'll watch. My only other obligation this weekend is to help during Sunday School. I'll have lots of time to rest and recharge the batteries! ::yes::

EDIT: 8:20 AM
I just calculated that I'll need to exercise 77 - 78 minutes every day to meet my August exercise challenge! :eek: I had no idea that I'd let it slip that much! Well, you can bet I'll be walking at lunchtime!! :teeth:

[wovenwonder]

I just stopped by here on a wim and boy am I glad that I did! I really enjoyed reading your one year reflection Doreen. It sounds to me like you've come a lONG WAY in this past year!:sunny:

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

Let's see how to break down those minuttes some. It won't be a problem on days you go to the gym, you easily do 90 minutes when weights are involved. 20 minutes Pilates in the morning, 20 minute walk at lunch, 30 minutes walking Maya, and 10 minutes stretching. 80 minutes. You can do it by breaking it down. I bet you make your goal. ::yes:: Of course you could do one of you ten mile walks and really chew up those numbers.

I hope you have a great day. It sounds like a perfect weekend. Good Luck to DD tonight. I really am impressed with that girl.::yes:: Great job Mom.
Beth

[CruisingCA2005]

I'm glad you're having a sunny day!

Best WISHes on completing your exercise challenge goal. Don't try to over exert yourself this weekend because the exercise minutes don't have to be high-intensity exercise minutes. Minutes earned from walks around the neighborhood the same as minutes earned from running or kickboxing.

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

You really have come a long way this year! Think of that huge report you put together at work and teaching your class last week and the one to look forward to in September. Your son has his drivers' license and your daughter is taking up a sport she's never played at a competitive level. All that takes strength and your family gets that from you!

I really believe that if you take care of your body that it will take care of you. And you are doing a terrific job at taking care of you! I'm so inspired by your determination and strength. Thanks for sharing your introspection.

-Laurie :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

Your reflections over the past year are so amazing to read! You have come a long way in that year.::yes:: I am so proud of you, Doe!:hug:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tracy:wave:

[CheapMom]

Doreen-
I loved reading your reflections. You have had so much success. Here is to another great year!
Mary:sunny:

[wilderness01]

Hi there. I also liked reading your reflections. Hope you have a wonderful relaxing weekend.:flower1:

[vald1977]

:wave2: Hi Doe,
I hope this post finds you enjoying a relaxing weekend :D . Thanks so much for checking in on me in my journal. It means a lot to me :hug: .

Have a great Sunday :sunny: !

[chrismiss56]

Hi Doreen:wave:

Hope you are having a wonderful relaxing weekend. :sunny: :sunny:

As far as your exercise - remember any exercise you do is better than nothing at all.

Congrats on your accomplishments.

Thanks so much for coming to visit my journal. It means so much.

Have a Disney Day!!

[DoeWDW]

Thank you all for your wonderful words! :grouphug:

I only have a minute - have to dash over to church to help during Sunday School. However, I wanted to pop in and note that I'm still cheat free!! I have made wise choices the past 2 days and my bear is sporting a 6!!! WOW!! :Pinkbounc

Official Weight & Measure Day Results:
Weight = 140
Bust = 39
Chest = 33
Waist = 32
Hips = 40
Thighs = 41 together / 24 for one

I don't have time now to go back and find my last results to compare - I'll be back later to edit this post with those numbers.

[jodistar]

Congratulations on having 6 cheat free days :cheer2: :cheer2:

Great Job!!!!:thewave:

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

Looks like your weekend turned busy afterall. I hope you are relaxing right now::yes:: CONGRATULATIONS on being CHEAT FREE for 6 DAYS!

That is awesome. WTG!
Beth

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, Doreen! :sunny: I'm so happy to be visiting you in your journal! It sounds like you're living a healthy life and are :D because of it. I'm :D , too, just for you!

Are you back to work this morning?

I read your anniversary entry last night. . .you've come a long way, princess: Doe-Doe. I'm so glad that we've been on this journey together, trying to figure out all this stuff! You've discovered so much about yourself and even have a plan for where you want to go. . .and you continue to inspire me and lift me up on that road to good health and well-being. Thank you, Doreen.:hug:

Enjoy your Monday!

Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm tired and feeling ragged around the edges this morning. However I'm at work and am accomplishing what needs doing. I actually cleaned my desk this morning - or at least the most accessible parts of it. :p

I did not eat OP yesterday and will be resetting my bear back to one, since I'm planning to be OP today. I went over my carb limit, which isn't necessarily a big deal to me, but I did it in an unhealthy way, eating just to eat, eating more than I should have. I can't in good conscience call it cheat free so I'll be starting again. ::yes::

Today - pills (forgot my meds again, will take them when I get home), water (drinking), food (B=1/2 C oatmeal), exercise (need to do something!).

I have not been exercising. I've had the time and the opportunity but just have let it slide. The half is coming and I'm confident that I can go the distance, but I really must recommit to my training walks. I'll be tracking my exercise minutes in September, even if there isn't a challenge, as an indicator of how I'm "walking the walk".

The kids started back to school today so the morning routine will need to be reworked. I'm a bit out of sorts due to a late bedtime (had company until 10:30 last night :rolleyes: ) and a different routine this morning. We'll just need to tweak things and find our groove.

If anyone has any special pixie dust that would help keep my eyes open and my mind alert, please send it my way! :p

[lulu201]

All right, WISH-sis, here it is : :wizard: :wizard: A double dose of extra strength, :earseek: eye-opening pixie dust. It should definitely help you open those eyes and be alert today.

DD goes back to school 9/8. :( Neither of us is ready. Sounds like you're all managing the first day well. Good for you!

Erin

[DoeWDW]

One thing that I've learned over the past year is that if I am eating junk food, it's usually because I'm emotionally needy. I've been eating badly for the past two days, so I took a good hard look at what's bothering me. I've got a major meeting on Thursday about BMR II. It isn't ready. I've been putting off the work on it because of my fear and lack of confidence, which makes the deadline loom closer and then I have MORE fear and lack of confidence. I see the pattern, but I don't have to be a slave to it. Today I am getting down to business and will be working on BMR II, taking baby steps and facing my fears.

I took my missed meds last night and then took today's dose first thing this morning. I'll be taking my vitamin with my breakfast - an apple w/ PB. I've had 12 oz of water already.

The cheat free bear stands with a 1 - hopefully by the end of today I will have earned that 1 with good choices and by facing my fears and doing what needs doing in spite of them.

I'm facing the day with a smile in spite of the butterflies in my tummy. :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Doe,

Sending :hug: and prayers for God's peace for you today, sending :wizard: to help you with BMR2, and sending you lots of :sunny: for a wonderful day. :hug:

Take good care of you!

Tracy

Philippians 4:13: Doe, you can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength!::yes::

[CheapMom]

Doe- You are being honest with yorself about your cheating and the reasons behind it- that is a good thing. Try and be strong until your meeting Thursday and then some pressure should be off of you and it will be a little easier. Try not to get too far off course (like I did this summer) because it is so hard to reign yourself back in. At the same time - we all veer here and there- it is to be expected, so don't beat yourself up if ou falter.
Good luck today!
Mary

[KLH 1973]

I second what cheapmom said. Be proud of yourself for seeing the pattern and trying to tackle it. Good luck at work and try to take a deep breath.

Kristin

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, PM coming at you!

[septbride2002]

Hey Girl! I am sending lots of :hug: and :goodvibes your way today. Identifying the problems is the first step - taking control of it is the next. You should be patting yourself on the back for taking the first step instead of just ignorning the signs.

I hope you are able to accomplish all you have set out to accomplish today! Just remember to take deep breaths and to focus on one thing at a time.
~Amanda

[LAinSEA]

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Common Doe! You can do this! They wouldn't have given you the project if they didn't believe in you!

Junk food - maybe let yourself have one small size peanut M&M's each day and only if you've had a short walk at lunch time. I'm not giving you permission to eat junk, but knowing that you are stressed and that is what you are reaching for, you have to control it, instead of letting it control you.

I believe in you too, btw.

-Laurie:sunny:

[Princess Michelle]

Doreen, big :hug: for you sweetie. Best of luck to you on your meeting. I love the verse that Tracy gave you and I wanted to give you this one as well.

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you..." Joshua 1:9

My prayers are with you as you prepare for this meeting on Thursday. :hug:

[Strings]

:hug: Doe,

Ok, you have figured out the pattern, That is a huge first step. The rest can be accomplished with baby steps.

You have what it takes to complete BMRII, but I am sending :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: to help you with any anxiety you may be experiencing about it. I hope you get a great nights sleep.
Beth

[lulu201]

:hug: :hug: :hug: Doreen :hug: :hug: :hug: There you go--you're surrounded today with hugs! Know that as you walk through the challenges that September 1st brings, you're not walking alone. All your WISH friends are pulling for you! Also know that God has not given you a spirit of fear, Doreen, but of POWER! You can tackle that BMR-II and that meeting on Thursday--there's no doubt about it!

Remember, too, Doreen, that there's more to you than work and the BMR--while it's important, it's not all of who you are. Try to take some time today to distance yourself from the BMRII
and to find it's proper place in your life.:flower3: Stop a couple of times during the day to smell a flower or two.

Take care, dear WISH-sis,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Words cannot express how I am feeling. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough to express my gratitude to all of you. Your words of encouragement and support and the Bible verses you've sent are helping me to face my BMR II with a new sense of purpose and power.

I'm not going to get sidetracked today. I've already started working on the BMR II and have made progress this morning, so I want to jump right back into it.

I'll be back later with an update - hopefully a positive one! I didn't bring much $ to work today - can't get anything from the EVM if I don't have $! :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

I can truly feel all of you around me, lifting me up and cheering me on. What a sense of joy and comfort!! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

EDIT: 11:10 AM
All is well so far. I've gotten a lot done on the BMR II this morning, in addition to the usual meetings and helping others. I've taken my pills, been drinking LOTS of water and eaten some pickle / pimento loaf and an Atkins bar.

Forgot to tell everyone the big news. Yesterday was DH's birthday and his present was - a weekend trip to WDW in October! I got wonderful airfare for non-stop flights at our local airport. We booked everything last night. We'll be staying 3 nights at Pop Century at the $55 per night rate - WOW! We're planning on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the MK and a day at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. We'll also be checking out Celebration - who knows, we may move there when we retire. :hyper:

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe:hug:

I want to second what Erin said to you. There is so much more to you than work and this BMR 2. You are a wonderful, loving person who I know has blessed many people with your encouragement and support. I am very blessed to call you my friend.:hug:

Remember... take each thing that comes to you today in baby steps. Take some time for yourself to relax and know that we are all cheering you on to victory!:cheer2: Go Doe! Go Doe!:cheer2:

Ephesians 3:16-19

Have a blessed day,
Tracy:wave2:

[lulu201]

Hey, just stopping by to cheer you on!

:cheer2: Go, Doreen! Go, Doreen! Go, Doreen, go! :cheer2:

princess: Lulu

[Strings]

Hi Doreen,

I hope everything is running smoothly this afternoon. Keeping working though, and it will be done soon.

I think the weekend in WDW is a perfect bday gift. We did MNSSHP lest year, and had a blast. There are some really different, ans tasty food at F&W. You will have a fabulous time. Next question, did you add a new countdown timer? I forgot to look.

Have a good one,
Beth

[Princess Michelle]

I'm so glad that you were able to get some work done! Best wishes to you in your meeting tomorrow. :hug:

Way cool about the weekend at WDW! You guys are gonna have a blast! :teeth:

[A1A1]

Have a great day, Doe........I'll be thinking about you.