Biggest Loser Fall Challenge!

Hey everyone!!! My name is Janis, I live a little north of Boston with my DH of 27 years Joe and my almost 16 yo DS Connor. We have a little furbaby that is 2 1/2 named Patches.

I have been missing for about a month now. My life became so busy, then we had vacation, etc. To give you an idea - the week before vacation started - my sister was on vacation. That week my DF 80 was rushed to the hospital 3 times. Long story short - low blood pressure - he was taken off his high blood pressure medication.

Now the dog, when I came home from work one night the dog was holding his paw up and it was shaking. He only weight 10 pounds so we figured he hurt it. The next day when he was sleeping his whole left side was shaking, and he was falling over. Bring him to the Vet - he says it's neurological. So off to the Neurologist. Now normally, I wouldn't rush the dog to the doctor, but remember I am leaving for vacation and my GF is watching the dog. I can't leave her a sick dog. I did research online and find prednizone usually cures this shaking. The Neuro Vet tells me she needs to do a MRI and a spinal tap on the dog. I say, can't you just give him some drugs and work our way up. Well she looked absolutely horrified and tells me that she would never give a dog drugs without knowing whats wrong. So 5 days before my vacation, I am pulling out my credit card and paying $3500 for an MRI and spinal tap. To have both come out nonconlusive, we need to do more tests on the spinal tap. Another $450. But I get 2 anitbiotics and guess what?? Prednisone. He was on the Prednisone for 1 day and was much better. Little shakey white dog syndrome. Yes you read that right. So the dog is OK and friend agreed to care for him with all his medications.

Meanwhile, DH car needed work, and he had it done and I was a little mad feeling it could have waited until we were home. Now it's Friday. My DF has a doctors appointment at 10:45 am. I have to pick my sister up from her cruise at 9:00 am in boston. I drive get my father, drop him at my house, race to Boston to get Lisa, get to the dr on time. Drop Lisa off, she takes my father back to the Assisted Living community. Drop the dog off at friends, go pick up DS friend that is coming. Pack the car, hit the sack at 9 PM.

I should mention I worked 40 hours during this week too. LOL So we get up Saturday morning at 3:30 am for our trip to HH, BWV and THV. Drive down the driveway at 4:00 am. Everyone wants to stop at Dunkin Donuts, so before I get on the highway I stop. It was a misty morning. A delivery truck parked in front of my car. So when I pulled out, I cut the wheel sharp to the right. I hear this awful noise of metal against I don't know what. I look left thinking the delivery truck was backing into me - but in reality I was driving the passenger side of my car down a cement abutment around a light pole. I crushed the 2 doors and the rear panel. DH gets out, pulls the wheel well out from the wheel, I drive home. DH comes out with a crow bar. I tell him, move everything to your car (thank goodness he fixed it) and we were on our way. Will the dark cloud ever leave from above my head???

We arrived at HH, had our wonderful marsh view. Had a great time, ate in our villa much of the time, but for my birthday we went to One Hot Mama's. It was the best BBQ I have ever had. We left HH on Thursday for our other home, BWV. My neice and her 7 yo son joined us. We had a great time. Ate in the Villa a lot - but we did visit Ohana''s, LeCellier for lunch (nice to go back, with No Free Dining it was a nice enjoyable meal, no screaming/crying children being ignored by parents), and we ate at 50's Prime Time for the first time. It was great. We moved on Tuesday to the THV. When my Neice that was with us, was 9 yo we brought her to WDW and we stayed one night in the old Treehouses. We had golf carts that we rode everywhere, you went to dinner - you parked out front and plugged it in. So 25 years later, my neice got to experience the new villas. The new villas are beautiful - but no golf carts, etc. My neice left on ME on friday morning and we drove to Sanford to get the Autotrain. What a wonderful experience it was. We had 2 sleeper cars, the boys in one, DH and I in the other. We boarded at 2:30, went to our rooms, then went to the club car for wine, cheese, vegies, etc. We played cards until about 4 pm. At 7 we ate dinner, watched a movie at 9, went back to the room at 10 and the steward had set the beds up. Woke up at 7:30 am, breakfast at 8, arrived in Lorton VA at 8:30 am. Our car came off about 9:00 am. We were home by 8:00 pm.

So I am back, work is nuts, before I went on vacation I had worked on my resume to apply for 2 jobs. Just find out, both jobs are being held, since there is going to be downsizing. Dad is still having issues - now it's high blood pressure - back on the blood pressure medication. Sighhhh. Can't win.

So, I am back reading, I will try to post more than I have.

I love fish but my hubby doesn't much.... So don't make it much however my son does and we bought some pre seasoned on steaks and tilapia today while shopping :)
Have been eating my way thru the day again :( feel crummy, the blisters are pealing on the bottom of my feet which is exposing fresh raw skin so walking is even more painful today...exercising is impossible...even simple yoga as it put so much pressure on my feet..... I can feel the lbs taking hold!!!

Really need to get out of this rut.....

Have you tried moleskin?? You can cut it to size.

First off, JacksLilWench, feel better soon!! :flower3:

I love fish! Really I prefer it over red meat now. I don't have any fancy way of making it; just salt, pepper, a little butter and Worcestershire on tilapia and baked for 20-30 minutes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I had a pretty awesome weekend. DM went shopping at Goodwill yesterday and found me the cutest little brown skirt with flowers on it for $3.50!! It's a little big on my waist but it fits ok for now and DM said that she'll take it in once I lose some more weight.

Plus... I got a new hair cut! I was actually planning on letting it grow out but on of my friends offered to cut it for me and I figured 'It's a new me; why not get a new hair style?'

me.jpg


I'm thinking about getting it a little shorter, but I wanted to see how I liked this first. You can cut more off but you can't put it back on. ;)

Cheated a little bit this evening at Olive Garden with DM for some Portobello mushroom ravioli, so getting back on track tomorrow. DCousin who is starting to learn how to drive came over for a while and we let her drive a bit...while barely getting over 10 mph... Really brought me back to when I was learning to drive. :rolleyes: Cleaned the kitchen, got a load of laundry in the dryer that I REALLY don't feel like folding... It never ends. ;)

That haircut looks GREAT!!! I love it. It frames you face beautifully.

Janis
 
It was a great day for me to come back - Fish. I enjoy fish, DH enjoys fish, DS will eat some, not all. This week we bought lobsters for Saturday night dinner, we had swordfish on the grill tonight and I cooked scallops for tomorrow. I normally don't buy this much fish in one week because of the cost - but all of this was on sale, and was wild caught fish. Below is the recipe I used for the scallops.

* Exported for MasterCook 4 by Living Cookbook *

Gingery Scallops and Vegetables

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time:
Categories :


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tsp canola oil
1 pound sea scallops
1 Tbs ginger root, fresh, minced
2 clove garlic -- minced
2 cups bean sprouts
1 cup snow peas pods, fresh, sliced diagonally
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup carrot, shredded
2 Tbs coconut milk
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 Tbs soy sauce

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Swirl in 1 teaspoon
of the oil, then add the scallops. Cook, turning once, until golden brown
on the outside and just opaque in the center, about 1 minute on each side.
Transfer the scallops to a plate, cover and keep warm.

2. Return the skillet to the heat. Swirl in the remaining 1 teaspoon of
oil, then add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about
30 seconds. Add the bean sprouts, snow peas, bell pepper, and carrots; cook
until the vegetables are tender-crisp, 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in the coconut
milk, sugar, and soy sauce, cook until the sugar dissolves, 30 seconds.
Return the scallops to the pan and toss to combine. Serve at once with
brown basmati rice.

Nutrition (calculated from recipe ingredients)
----------------------------------------------
Calories: 185
Calories From Fat: 43
Total Fat: 4.9g
Cholesterol: 37.4mg
Sodium: 498.4mg
Potassium: 594.1mg
Carbohydrates: 13.7g
Fiber: 1.9g
Sugar: 7.5g
Protein: 21.6g


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I have this other recipe that I suggest to people that don't like/not sure if they like fish. I use haddock or cod.

* Exported for MasterCook 4 by Living Cookbook *

Easy Baked Fish Fillets

Recipe By : Cooking Light
OCTOBER 1999
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time:
Categories :


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 lbs grouper or other white fish fillets
Cooking spray
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
1 Tbs light mayonnaise
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 1/2 Tbs butter or stick margarine, melted
2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Place fish in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Combine lime juice, mayonnaise, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl,
and spread over fish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs; drizzle with butter. Bake
at 425° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Sprinkle with parsley.

3. Notes: Haddock or cod would make good substitutes for the grouper. Adjust
the baking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

Nutrition (calculated from recipe ingredients)
----------------------------------------------
Calories: 255
Calories From Fat: 68
Total Fat: 7.6g
Cholesterol: 98.9mg
Sodium: 279.1mg
Potassium: 575.1mg
Carbohydrates: 10.6g
Fiber: <1g
Sugar: 1.1g
Protein: 34.1g

Comments: Looking for a simple fish dinner? Try this easy recipe for baked
fish fillets. You can use any firm white fish: cod, haddock, or grouper work
well.

Recipe Source: Cooking Light
OCTOBER 1999


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In my reading past posts, I noticed that there was a yearning for muffins. I have a Jillian Michaels recipe from the Body Revolution program that is excellent. When you look at the ingredients, you are going to be unsure. But it comes together, into a wonderful, filling muffin. I have two more, but I haven't put them into the Living Cookbook program yet, but when I do I will post.

If anyone has a Trader Joe's near you - they have their own brand of lite coconut milk and is a lot cheaper than a traditional grocer, only .99 at my TJ, but a can at my grocery store is 3.99. I also used raisons in this recipe.

* Exported for MasterCook 4 by Living Cookbook *

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time:
Categories :


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
15 ounces canned pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup coconut milk, lite
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cranberries
2 Tbs pumpkin seeds

1. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat the oven to
425 F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or line it with
paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, maple syrup, olive oil,
coconut milk, and vanilla until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda,
cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the
pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the cranberries.

4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. If desired, sprinkle a
few pepitas on top of each muffin. Place the tin in the oven and reduce the
oven temperature to 375 F. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center
of a muffin comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand in the muffin tin
for 5 minutes, and then unmold the muffins onto a cooling rack. Serve warm.
(for longer storage, let cool completely and store in a airtight container
at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition (calculated from recipe ingredients)
----------------------------------------------
Calories: 232
Calories From Fat: 91
Total Fat: 10.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 417.7mg
Potassium: 113.1mg
Carbohydrates: 30.4g
Fiber: 4.1g
Sugar: 9.7g
Protein: 4.2g


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Another site I have been frequenting is skinnytaste.com. I have made the the chicken enchillada stuffed zucchinis, the lasagna rolls, and the chicken sausage stuffed zucchinis. The last one I used hot turkey sausage in place of the sweet italian chicken sausage and it was wonderful.

Janis
 
Good morning I too have been missing like Janis.

First off let me introduce myself. I am Dona and have been on many challenges. My weigh has been my biggest problem since I started having kids. Most of the females in my family, even my twin sister, are heavy. I lost 30 pound several years ago and was very happy but I still couldn't get off my cholestrol medication and I ended up with an irregular heatbeat that can be regulated with the same medication I use for my high blood pressure. I got very discouraged after this and put the 30 pounds back on. I would like to take this year to take them off and some more if I can.

I have been married for 34 years to my college sweetheart. We both teach math. I teach AP Calculus and he teaches 7th grade math. He is planning to retire at the end of this school year.

We have two sons 27 and 22. The 27 year old still lives at home and lost out on a full time job last month but has 2 part time jobs and is doing an on line Master's program and is looking to move out with his gf of 8 years sometime soon:cool1::cool1:. The 22 year old went to college and fell in love with everything there (including his gf)and comes home about once a month. He graduated this past May and started grad school immediately besides being a teaching assistant that is paying for his schooling and living expenses.

I left on vacation on Aug 16, then came back to a week before I went back to school. I started school the day after Labor Day and went into 4 days of inserve. Yes you read that right 4 days.

Classes finally started on Sept 10th and I spent the last week trying to figure out how to teach an 80 minute class every other day rather than the old way of 48 minutes every day.

This has been the most stressful start to the school year I have ever had and that is why I have not been on the boards much. I want to do this challenge but I don't know how this is going to fit in with all the work I have been doing getting ready for classes. It has been so stressful that I have had a migrane since Thursday.

Which leads us to today's QOTD from JacksLilWench


China!

One of the biggest aspects in Chinese culture is peace, tranquility, and balance. The yin and the yang. The Chinese are believers in feng shui, the idea that the objects in your life and home can be balanced to create positive energy. I'm not sure I entirely buy into the belief, but balance and peace are very important to me and my journey to wellness and goal.

QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage? Maybe you wake up 15 minutes before everyone else and get centered for the day. It may be that you find your tranquility by sleeping those extra 15 minutes

I am planning on starting my morning with a yoga routine to help ease into my day ( I already take a class once a week on Thursday night)and I have been working on adding a meditation to my morning routine. I am only at 2 minutes of meditation but I will adding time over the next couple of weeks.

I am coaching next week and I will be telling about my trip to DW last month along with the question of the day.

Have a happy and healthy day.
 


QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage?

I hope that peace and tranquility comes with the journey. I've had a rough couple of months. I've found that taking the 30 min for myself to just put the music and app on and go do my walk/run intervals has centered me. It gives me time alone with my thoughts. No kids, no hubby etc. It's me time. I'm looking to improve my coping techniques and not turn to food.
 
Hi WISHERS! Merry Monday morning to everyone! Hope this turns out to be the week I finally land a great job. Much as I love the freedom of not working, this is getting a little old at this point!

Catching up on old questions....I hate fish and seafood of all types! Grew up on Long Island and we had to eat it all the time and I just can't stand it! I will catch it, clean it, and cook it for you but I am not eating it! lol

Peace and Tranquility....I think that is like trying to catch water in a net. You can't seek it out, you have to just let it happen. It's like most people who try yoga or meditation....it is amazing how hard you have to work at relaxing! I think peace and tranquility comes from doing what you love and making the time for just that be it reading, gardening, or going for a run. The P&T I feel when I get to that incredible place of exhaustion and then just push through to the runner's high is just unreal! I feel like that when I go out for the day to do photography or when I get lost in a great book. For some it is found in their daily prayers. Is it part of this journey? It should be part of our lives but I think its important to not make it one more item on our "to do" list. Let it just happen and also realize that it really happens more in our day to day lives than we realize.

I was awful this weekend with a houseload of company and a list of related events to attend throughout the weekend. Dinners out, cocktails like a fiend, and then the dreaded bagels....one of my guests always brings Long Island bagels when he comes up and I resisted until yesterday morning when I was feeling a bit quesy from the cocktails the night before. OMG I had forgotten how great a perfectly toasted bagel with butter tastes! DH will be taking all of the leftover ones to work with him as I simply can't have them in the house. lol Our weather here is beautiful again so I'm going to go hit one of the parks and get in a good walk/run and then hit the markets for some healthy eats! Have good one!
 
qotd When I'm feeling stressed I try to do the breathing exercises taught to me many moons ago at antenatal classes. You know the ones -basically deep breathing as a way of coping with contractions. Personally I find them more useful now (etinox did a much better job for me during labour:rotfl2:)! They really do help me stay calm once I remember to actually do them though I have also been known to go outside and dig in the garden if I'm feeling angry about something and that works too;)
 


Good Sunday Morning everyone! Sorry I'm late with replies and posting the QOTD. I caught a bug last week and it is really starting to wear me down :( Now I think it's taking away my voice! :sad: I may have to call it the Ursula germ, lol. Thankfully I can still type! So onto the QOTD!

Today we're on to...
DSC00932.jpg

Norway! A big part of Norway's cuisine is fish- being an "island", it makes sense! I love fish of all kinds- salmon, tilapia, trout, etc. Plus it's so healthy for you, and can be really easy to prepare, which leads to my question...

What is your favorite way to prepare your fish? Do you even like fish? Do you have a recipe you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it!

I'll be back later tonight with replies and maybe even my own recipe!

Aww hope your feeling better... I do like the mild tasting fish and I like shrimp (not scollops, clams or lobster) being from Maine people find that odd.. I like to put mine in a small pan sprayed with pam drizzled with a bit of butter and some lemon juice and breadcrumbs (or ritz cracker crumbs) but I mostly buy frozen filets - Sea Cuisine I think it is has a great tortilla crusted one and this week I am going to try the Thank Goodness Lemon Pepper Pacific Cod next. Oh and I love the Gorton's grilled or scampi frozen shrimp in the bag

So technically, I'm posting this early. But I have to be up way early to be at work early (gotta make that extra spending money for my trip in just 11 Days!!!!) so I'm gonna cheat just a smidge and post the QOTD already ;)

Today, our journey takes us to...
china.jpg

China!

One of the biggest aspects in Chinese culture is peace, tranquility, and balance. The yin and the yang. The Chinese are believers in feng shui, the idea that the objects in your life and home can be balanced to create positive energy. I'm not sure I entirely buy into the belief, but balance and peace are very important to me and my journey to wellness and goal.

QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage? Maybe you wake up 15 minutes before everyone else and get centered for the day. It may be that you find your tranquility by sleeping those extra 15 minutes ;)

I'll be back after work tomorrow with your replies. I can't wait to hear all about where you find your balance!

Well I am a Libra and believe that balance and harmony rule my world.. I don't do anything special, the right time just finds me sometimes that means I get a few quiet mins to thumb thru a catalog or read a few chapters on my kindle or a scrapbooking day with some friends i've not seen in a long while..
 
Hey everyone!!! My name is Janis, I live a little north of Boston with my DH of 27 years Joe and my almost 16 yo DS Connor. We have a little furbaby that is 2 1/2 named Patches.

I have been missing for about a month now. My life became so busy, then we had vacation, etc. To give you an idea - the week before vacation started - my sister was on vacation. That week my DF 80 was rushed to the hospital 3 times. Long story short - low blood pressure - he was taken off his high blood pressure medication.

Now the dog, when I came home from work one night the dog was holding his paw up and it was shaking. He only weight 10 pounds so we figured he hurt it. The next day when he was sleeping his whole left side was shaking, and he was falling over. Bring him to the Vet - he says it's neurological. So off to the Neurologist. Now normally, I wouldn't rush the dog to the doctor, but remember I am leaving for vacation and my GF is watching the dog. I can't leave her a sick dog. I did research online and find prednizone usually cures this shaking. The Neuro Vet tells me she needs to do a MRI and a spinal tap on the dog. I say, can't you just give him some drugs and work our way up. Well she looked absolutely horrified and tells me that she would never give a dog drugs without knowing whats wrong. So 5 days before my vacation, I am pulling out my credit card and paying $3500 for an MRI and spinal tap. To have both come out nonconlusive, we need to do more tests on the spinal tap. Another $450. But I get 2 anitbiotics and guess what?? Prednisone. He was on the Prednisone for 1 day and was much better. Little shakey white dog syndrome. Yes you read that right. So the dog is OK and friend agreed to care for him with all his medications.

Meanwhile, DH car needed work, and he had it done and I was a little mad feeling it could have waited until we were home. Now it's Friday. My DF has a doctors appointment at 10:45 am. I have to pick my sister up from her cruise at 9:00 am in boston. I drive get my father, drop him at my house, race to Boston to get Lisa, get to the dr on time. Drop Lisa off, she takes my father back to the Assisted Living community. Drop the dog off at friends, go pick up DS friend that is coming. Pack the car, hit the sack at 9 PM.

I should mention I worked 40 hours during this week too. LOL So we get up Saturday morning at 3:30 am for our trip to HH, BWV and THV. Drive down the driveway at 4:00 am. Everyone wants to stop at Dunkin Donuts, so before I get on the highway I stop. It was a misty morning. A delivery truck parked in front of my car. So when I pulled out, I cut the wheel sharp to the right. I hear this awful noise of metal against I don't know what. I look left thinking the delivery truck was backing into me - but in reality I was driving the passenger side of my car down a cement abutment around a light pole. I crushed the 2 doors and the rear panel. DH gets out, pulls the wheel well out from the wheel, I drive home. DH comes out with a crow bar. I tell him, move everything to your car (thank goodness he fixed it) and we were on our way. Will the dark cloud ever leave from above my head???

We arrived at HH, had our wonderful marsh view. Had a great time, ate in our villa much of the time, but for my birthday we went to One Hot Mama's. It was the best BBQ I have ever had. We left HH on Thursday for our other home, BWV. My neice and her 7 yo son joined us. We had a great time. Ate in the Villa a lot - but we did visit Ohana''s, LeCellier for lunch (nice to go back, with No Free Dining it was a nice enjoyable meal, no screaming/crying children being ignored by parents), and we ate at 50's Prime Time for the first time. It was great. We moved on Tuesday to the THV. When my Neice that was with us, was 9 yo we brought her to WDW and we stayed one night in the old Treehouses. We had golf carts that we rode everywhere, you went to dinner - you parked out front and plugged it in. So 25 years later, my neice got to experience the new villas. The new villas are beautiful - but no golf carts, etc. My neice left on ME on friday morning and we drove to Sanford to get the Autotrain. What a wonderful experience it was. We had 2 sleeper cars, the boys in one, DH and I in the other. We boarded at 2:30, went to our rooms, then went to the club car for wine, cheese, vegies, etc. We played cards until about 4 pm. At 7 we ate dinner, watched a movie at 9, went back to the room at 10 and the steward had set the beds up. Woke up at 7:30 am, breakfast at 8, arrived in Lorton VA at 8:30 am. Our car came off about 9:00 am. We were home by 8:00 pm.

So I am back, work is nuts, before I went on vacation I had worked on my resume to apply for 2 jobs. Just find out, both jobs are being held, since there is going to be downsizing. Dad is still having issues - now it's high blood pressure - back on the blood pressure medication. Sighhhh. Can't win.

So, I am back reading, I will try to post more than I have.

I popped on to catch up and only made it to your post before I have to get ready to leave work. I have to tell you, I am exhausted just reading about all you've been through! But, I'm glad you had a nice vacation :)

Jill
 
Today was very hard for me, about two weeks ago, I bent down to pick a cup off the floor, and this crazy back spams left me unable to move or bend. I was on the floor for the whole day and flat on my back for like five days. I called my md and got an appointment for oct. 16( that's a long time) I have suffer from a pinched sciatic nerve. I did go to the ER but all they did was give me Tylenol 3, ( I am breast feeding so they can give me anything really stronger. Anyway when I get up in the morning it's the worst lower back pain. I can relax it a little and I get up and walk it normally feels better. But today during the walk it was so intense I had to cut it short. I hope and pray it gets better, it usually goes away on its own. But this time it's taking forever.

JacksLilWench said:
QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage?

I do believe you have to heal from the inside out. I think this is why I never have really kept the weight off. I love to give myself ten minutes in the morning and meditate. It also helps relieve stress. My teacher once told me... You can't change your environment, but you can change yourself. If you know your going into work and it's a hostile environment just be positive tell yourself no matter what happens I am gonna be happy and stay calm. Most people start off negative even in the car, oh no I am going into this place again, it's gonna be horrible, this lady is gonna be rude, there is so much work to do etc. you make yourself negative before you even get to a place. Change yourself...be positive!
 
Peace and Tranquility......Don't I wish!!!
Not realy good at this. Don't have much "ME" time though I know that I need to carve some time out so I can be more relaxed.

When I do get the chance...I nice glass of wine and hot bath always tends to help me relax. I used to play the piano to chill out but don't do it often now since we have an open floor plan and it would disturb everyone in the house.

Today has been a little better at least on the OP front. So many things on my plate at home and work that seem to be spiraling out of control so staying OP is even more difficult as I am such a stress eater!!! Just want to curl up and hide away....I know things will work out in the way they were meant to but it is just difficult to go through the process..:sad2:

ON A FUN NOTE:
The popcorn buckets at Disneyland were sooooooooooooooooo cute!!! I got one that is a coffin that has Jack Skeleton on it and then another that is a Mickey Ghost!! and I love the mug I got as well!! I so love halloween and being in the part was so much fun...even if it was only for a few hours. Was neat to see the transformation of the park as the week went on. When we arrived on Monday there was only the large pumpkins at the entrance and by weeknds end they were everywhere!!
Can't wait to go back again with the family to enjoy the season and see it at night!!
 
QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage? Maybe you wake up 15 minutes before everyone else and get centered for the day. It may be that you find your tranquility by sleeping those extra 15 minutes ;)

I think it is really important to get in touch with "you." Back in the day (12 years ago :rolleyes2) I meditated every day. Ah to be young and have time :rotfl:. Maybe 10 years ago I was really into yoga. Since then, not so much and as bellaally said, keeping the weight off means finding a way to heal from the inside. This QOTD really has me thinking. I am going to add a little yoga/meditation to my schedule a few days a week. I think i have a DVD collecting dust somewhere to get me back into it.
 
I pin a LOT of recipes on Pinterest. Last week, I resolved to pin a little less and cook a little more. Some were no so good (radish salad was awful) Some weren't so healthy (those went to my son in a care package....no temptations in this house!) Some were DELICIOUS!! Here are 3 healthy recipes I've tried over the last couple of days that have been a huge success


Low Carb Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza Crust - DH wasn't as thrilled as me, but he can eat wheat. I think it's a great substitute for "real pizza" It ain't Pizza Hut, but it's really good...and filling!
http://velocity.t-nation.com/free_o...lding_velocity_recipe/flourless_pizza_finally

Low Carb, Gluten Free Jalapeno Cheddar Cauli-muffins - made these today DELICIOUS! DH showed his appreciation by promptly eating 6 of them.
http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/09/jalapeno-cheddar-cauliflower-muffins.html

Oven roasted Cabbage - This was so good, I've made it twice in a week. In fact, the next time i make haluski, I'll be preparing the cabbage this way.
http://www.laaloosh.com/2012/08/17/oven-roasted-cabbage-wedge-recipe/
 
bellaally said:
Today was very hard for me, about two weeks ago, I bent down to pick a cup off the floor, and this crazy back spams left me unable to move or bend. I was on the floor for the whole day and flat on my back for like five days. I called my md and got an appointment for oct. 16( that's a long time) I have suffer from a pinched sciatic nerve. I did go to the ER but all they did was give me Tylenol 3, ( I am breast feeding so they can give me anything really stronger. Anyway when I get up in the morning it's the worst lower back pain. I can relax it a little and I get up and walk it normally feels better. But today during the walk it was so intense I had to cut it short. I hope and pray it gets better, it usually goes away on its own. But this time it's taking forever.
!

Could it be your gallbladder? I know that sounds odd but my SIL was having what she thought was back problems but it was gallstones!
 
:wave2:

Finally getting a chance to stop back in for a quick hello. This job (school secretary) is kicking my rear! I thought with essentially working for 3 months at the end of the school year I had an idea of what I was getting into but this job is a lot more demanding than what I was doing. I am seriously having 2nd thoughts about taking it. I won't quit and do hope I will be there for a long time but I am understanding how easy it can be to get burned out. Hopefully it will continue to get easier for me as I get used to it and stop feeling so "in over my head". My coworkers are great (I am the baby of the group at age 42!) and very supportive and have really been helpful. The selfish part of me is wishing though that I was still a SAHM and could still focus on myself and my weight loss full time. Have had some scheduling conflicts with my kids that have also caused me to have to call in some favors from friends and that was stressful.

The first 2 weeks I did end up losing about 5 pounds but they found me again. :sad2: I need to stop stress eating and just grabbing junk because I am too tired to think about what to eat. I take healthy stuff to work and do fine there-- greek yogurt for breakfast, some soup and leftovers for lunch, cheese stick and fruit sometimes in the afternoon. Then I come home and grab whatever junk I can get my hands on. :headache: I am too tired to chew so usually it is something full of carb and/or sugar.

I have my water bottle next to me but the more of it I drink the more I have run to the bathroom and I have let the others know if I have to leave my desk. I hate having to announce to the whole office that I have to go potty every I need to go so going even more frequently would get me very strange looks. :upsidedow

Going to see if I get time to read back some and see how everyone is doing.
 
Good Sunday Morning everyone! Sorry I'm late with replies and posting the QOTD. I caught a bug last week and it is really starting to wear me down :( Now I think it's taking away my voice! :sad: I may have to call it the Ursula germ, lol. Thankfully I can still type! So onto the QOTD!

Today we're on to...
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Norway! A big part of Norway's cuisine is fish- being an "island", it makes sense! I love fish of all kinds- salmon, tilapia, trout, etc. Plus it's so healthy for you, and can be really easy to prepare, which leads to my question...

What is your favorite way to prepare your fish? Do you even like fish? Do you have a recipe you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it!

I'll be back later tonight with replies and maybe even my own recipe!

I love fish! It is one of my most favorite things to eat. I never cook it cuz I am so afraid of undercooking/overcooking it, however sushi is one of my favorite ways to have fish, go figure. I have been reading all the recipes today and it is making me feel a little braver about trying to cook it. :scratchin
 
So technically, I'm posting this early. But I have to be up way early to be at work early (gotta make that extra spending money for my trip in just 11 Days!!!!) so I'm gonna cheat just a smidge and post the QOTD already ;)

Today, our journey takes us to...
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China!

One of the biggest aspects in Chinese culture is peace, tranquility, and balance. The yin and the yang. The Chinese are believers in feng shui, the idea that the objects in your life and home can be balanced to create positive energy. I'm not sure I entirely buy into the belief, but balance and peace are very important to me and my journey to wellness and goal.

QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage? Maybe you wake up 15 minutes before everyone else and get centered for the day. It may be that you find your tranquility by sleeping those extra 15 minutes ;)

I'll be back after work tomorrow with your replies. I can't wait to hear all about where you find your balance!

This is something that I really need to work on, especially with my anxiety. I have gotten a lot better, but when something happens I immediatly feel an anxiety attack coming on and have to remind myself to calm down cuz getting anxious is not going to solve anything. After a long day of work I like to sit down and watch tv and work on my cross stitch. It helps me relaxe after a long day.
 
Originally Posted by JacksLilWench
QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage?


I've never thought about this before. At one point, I tried yoga, but it didn't really do anything for me. I don't really try to center myself, or anything like that. But maybe I need to do so. I tend to scrapbook or read when I need some "me" time, but I never try to get in touch within myself.
 
QOTD Monday 9/17: Do you believe that peace and tranquility are a big part of your journey? Do you have a way to get ahold of that peace and use it to your advantage? Maybe you wake up 15 minutes before everyone else and get centered for the day. It may be that you find your tranquility by sleeping those extra 15 minutes ;)

I believe that it is but I've never tried it myself. Although I do enjoy the extra sleep when I can. ;)

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Rainy day today so DM and I handled chores around the house. Dishes are cleaned up and everyone relaxing while I'm watching 'Lois and Clark: the New Adventures of Superman.' :lovestruc

Starting to consider dressing up as Lois Lane instead of Cinderella when I get to meet Dean Cain in December... :scratchin
 

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