Between the BLs (Biggest Loser) Summer Challenge 2010 Part 1

[princessbride6205]

Question of the Day
Put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite:

Magic Kingdom/Epcot - TIE
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Dead last: water parks LOL

We spend a lot of our time at Epcot, and during Food & Wine it takes the top favorite slot. The rest of the time, it's a tie. You can't beat the magic of the MK - Main Street, Jungle Cruise and fireworks are personal faves.

COW Part 2: Accomplishment
I finally feel great about maintaining. Even with 2 family parties and multiple dinners out this past week, I maintained. One of my recent trips to LA (complete with dining out every meal and wine every evening), I actually lost a pound. Portion control and exercise have been key. To keep a little of the excitement in maintaining, I've shifted my goals. While I'm not trying to lose weight anymore, I am trying to tone more. So I'm still working on a goal of "improving" my body somewhat. I also focus on exercise. Some of my success is due to it being summer - I have a much easier time exercising and feeling positive in nice weather.

 

[flipflopmom]

We sit down and really explain why we are upset, plus we give her a chance to talk...but she can only talk if she is not disrespectful. If the situation gets to the point where it is not a totally respectful and calm discussion, we stop. After many sessions like this, we are finally to the point where conflicts actually go smoothly and I feel like we are getting to the point where DD feels like talking with us works for her as well. It is not always perfect but it does help. Good Luck!

Unfortuntely the "discussion" is not respectful until AFTERWARDS when everyone has calmed down. She is so impulsive, so she screams instantly. Part of the ADHD out of control. Once she is calm, she is remorseful, understanding, and respectful. Yelling does nothing in our house but escalate everyone.

Question of the Day

MK- it is WDW to me!
AK - FOTLK and EE, the safari, we love it!
Epcot - this will probably move up later, once the girls are older!
DHS - and only for RNRC and VOTLM

And then, I just sit here and look at my plan as though it'll make the time go by faster and it'll help the end of the week, end of the month, end of the year get here faster and I'll miraculously be at my planned goal for that date. It's a sickness, really.

Although, I still struggle with not considering myself to be a "real" runner.

I did an excel sheet this am with my goal weight broken down into weeks. Thinking about posting that lofty goal sheet on my fridge, cabinets, etc. for motivation! And I know what you mean about being a runner. The heat and vacation have kinda zapped me a bit, but I hope since next week we're back on grad school/gymnastics schedule, and I HOPE it will cool down, I can get back to it. I think the first time I ran 6 miles, I felt like a runner. Briefly.

Taryn do you want some suggestions on books for your dd? If so, what does she like? Action, fantasy? DD's all time favorite is the Maximum Ride series. And congrats on your 50 pounds!!!

She is into girlie, social,current, totally without a lot of literary punch books. She's into the Candy Apple books, and had a great time reading the Mother Daughter book club. Don't know how I raised a kid that avoids reading, I love it! It broke my heart when she didn't enjoy the Little House series and Beverly Cleary books I couldn't wait to share with her. She wants to see the new Beezus and Ramona Selena Gomez movie, but I am going to tell her she has to read the book first. She wants to read Twilight, a lot of her friends have, but she's only almost 11. Not real sure about that. She always wants to read the Kingdom Keepers series, but it's not in our library. Worth buying?

But, I will be keeping the rest of the weekend in check, so even if I do have a gain by Monday morning, it should be minimal and easily reversible.

It's a lot easier to be good at work. I am fighting the snack urge since I am home for the summer!

You did all the right things with your daughter. Especially sharing scary internet stories with her. Taking away her currency (the things she loves... iPod, tv, anything she loves) is what I do with all of my kids when they misbehave. Be strong and always stand your ground. That's what I do and so far, the tween and teen years have been pretty painless. It's tough and it is only going to get tougher.

That statement means so much. It's tricky ground to tread. We haven't set a return date for her yet, I think it will be attitude based, but at least a week!
Thanks for the advice, and for sharing, sorry if I was being too intrusive!

Cow Part 2: What am I proud of?: Well, of course losing 50 pounds. Running for the first time in years. Weighing less than I did when I graduated high school. Feeling like I have the knowledge and ability to create change. Making wonderful new friends! , Eliminating soft drinks and most sugar from my diet.

I did eat again. It's 11:31, and my morning munchies have resulted in 657 calories consumed. That's okay, because I am stuffed, and I chose healthy foods! Class tonight from 4-9, so I might have an apple or a salad right before I go.

Have a great day!
Taryn

 

[jennz]

for you and for your DD. <--- and an extra one just 'cuz.

 

[Connie96]

It broke my heart when she didn't enjoy the Little House series and Beverly Cleary books I couldn't wait to share with her.

My DD is 3yo. We inherited a bunch of books from my sister's girls (10yo and 8yo) several months ago and there were three Beverly Cleary books in there. I remember that I read The Mouse and the Motorcycle when I was a kid and I remember really liking it, but I couldn't actually remember the story, so I was just dying to read it to her. But, she couldn't grasp the concept of chapters at that point. (I used to read chapter books to her before she was old enough to have an opinion about it, though. ) But then, her daddy got a motorcycle. So, all of a sudden, the book's title had her attention. We read one or two chapters a day for about 10 days. I loved it all over again.

DD is in the habit of taking a book from me after I finish it and "reading" it herself by repeating the parts she remembers. She tried that with TMatM, but I guess there was just too much to remember because, after flipping thru several pages and starting to speak, but not saying anything, she just gave it back to me and said "I can't remember that one". (More pictures probably would have helped her remember better.)

I'm looking forward to more chapter books - especially ones that I haven't ever read or haven't read recently. I always enjoy story time even more that way.

 

[jennz]

Unfortuntely the "discussion" is not respectful until AFTERWARDS when everyone has calmed down. She is so impulsive, so she screams instantly. Part of the ADHD out of control. Once she is calm, she is remorseful, understanding, and respectful. Yelling does nothing in our house but escalate everyone.

Question of the Day

MK- it is WDW to me!
AK - FOTLK and EE, the safari, we love it!
Epcot - this will probably move up later, once the girls are older!
DHS - and only for RNRC and VOTLM




I did an excel sheet this am with my goal weight broken down into weeks. Thinking about posting that lofty goal sheet on my fridge, cabinets, etc. for motivation! And I know what you mean about being a runner. The heat and vacation have kinda zapped me a bit, but I hope since next week we're back on grad school/gymnastics schedule, and I HOPE it will cool down, I can get back to it. I think the first time I ran 6 miles, I felt like a runner. Briefly.



She is into girlie, social,current, totally without a lot of literary punch books. She's into the Candy Apple books, and had a great time reading the Mother Daughter book club. Don't know how I raised a kid that avoids reading, I love it! It broke my heart when she didn't enjoy the Little House series and Beverly Cleary books I couldn't wait to share with her. She wants to see the new Beezus and Ramona Selena Gomez movie, but I am going to tell her she has to read the book first. She wants to read Twilight, a lot of her friends have, but she's only almost 11. Not real sure about that. She always wants to read the Kingdom Keepers series, but it's not in our library. Worth buying?



It's a lot easier to be good at work. I am fighting the snack urge since I am home for the summer!



That statement means so much. It's tricky ground to tread. We haven't set a return date for her yet, I think it will be attitude based, but at least a week!
Thanks for the advice, and for sharing, sorry if I was being too intrusive!

Cow Part 2: What am I proud of?: Well, of course losing 50 pounds. Running for the first time in years. Weighing less than I did when I graduated high school. Feeling like I have the knowledge and ability to create change. Making wonderful new friends! , Eliminating soft drinks and most sugar from my diet.

I did eat again. It's 11:31, and my morning munchies have resulted in 657 calories consumed. That's okay, because I am stuffed, and I chose healthy foods! Class tonight from 4-9, so I might have an apple or a salad right before I go.

Have a great day!
Taryn

okay girlie books...dd just read Phillipa Fisher pretty quick, something about fairies. DD thinks your dd might like that one. The Tail of Emily Windsnap is another one. Kingdom Keepers...you can always get them used through Amazon. DD is a little freaked out by the Small World dolls turning evil but she likes the story. She hasn't read the 2nd or 3rd ones yet. An excellent one is Running Out of Time...it's more action/adventure but she might like it - it seems like all the kids do. Twilight...I've read the series and loved it and hated it at the same time...I think the message is horrible - you can't live without a man (your true love). I know that's not the main message but that's what struck me. I told dd about it and what I thought, and that she would probably like it even if she wants to slap Bella and she has no desire to read it. So for what it's worth...

 

[Rose&Mike]

It's been fun coaching this week. I hope you all have amazing weigh ins tomorrow

Thanks for coaching!

You didn't sound preachy at all, hon! In fact, I need the reminder that I can't be and do everything. I do feel guilty about it often! Hope I wasn't too preachy about the heat, DH had just been telling me about all the people at work passing out, one narrowly missing hitting her head on a machine, and I was in preachy mode myself! I listened to some of the songs, slighty hyped up? It sounds like instead of smoking pot, they took speed. WHEW! Especially Sweet Home Alabama!



Morning all! I get a 50 lb clippie, down 4 this week! I am one pound from where I was on the last day of school, I've lost 7 of the WDW lbs. I have to average 2.5 loss a week to meet my goal for my birthday, so I am on track! If I sneak in an extra .5 somewhere in there, I'll end this challenge in the normal BMI category. (Anyone else do crazy numbers stuff like this?)

More drama in our house. DD's mouth has gotten out of control, sassy stuff. We've been on her so hard, and last night she really lost control. It was a nasty night. We took away her ipod touch, and I started looking through it. She's done some internet things we don't like, like getting a Twitter acct to keep up with Justin Biber, talking to people she doesn't know, and then befriending them. SHE EVEN SENT ONE A PICTURE! We really lost it. I found some internet scary stories to share with her today. I've preached this so much, but she just didn't get it. "Mom, I know she's a girl. She talks like one." She blew up over us looking through her messages "that's my private life" Uh. honey. You don't have a private life. Not anymore. Ipod is gone for a while, internet use will be restricted to the computer in the den and monitored, and her tv is gone. How am I going to make it through the teen years???????? Any BTDT advice?


Taryn!

That's a good way to describe it. I feel hyped up listening to it. I'll let you know how it works out with running tomorrow.

We were considered the mean parents when DS was growing up, despite the fact that he and his friends were at our house EVERY weekend. We were pretty strict and had high expectations for behavior. Since he has gone to college, DS has thanked us multiple times. I don't think we were too strict, but DSs job was to go to school, get good grades and have an activity to be involved in (he was in band). We expected him to be respectful, and we wanted to know where he was going and what he was doing. DS did not have a computer in his room until right before he went to college. I feel like we built a solid foundation for him. He did lose the computer a couple of times for looking at "things boys like to look at" and not erasing the browser history. Mike said--c'mon this is your mom's home. At least be smart enough to erase the history, or get a magazine for your room. Hang in there--I really think you did the right thing. Oh, and DS was a drama king. We always eventually ended up having a calm discussion, but he ususally had to throw a fit first.

Morning Everyone!

Taryn-thank you, thank you, thank you! I am not a mother, but I can tell you that I did a few things my parents would have not been happy with. Actually, it's a good thing they found out about 1 of them when I was in college. Part of it is growing up, but you are so right. DD1 does not get that much privacy yet. When I was her age, we didn't have Twitter, etc. I don't even think I had an e-mail address yet. Things are so different now. I couldn't imagine being a mom to a tween right now.

Now, for some more positive. Taryn started the morning off and congrats to you! I am going to add to her. I woke up this morning 7+ pounds lighter than yesterday. I am down 16.5 pounds for the week. I thought it was outrageous, too. I checked the Wii again and got a similar result the second time. My goal last week was not to be the biggest gainer followed by the biggest loser so I asked to be excused. I have a feeling I didn't achieve my goal. I am still down almost 10 pounds from my last reported weigh-in 2 weeks ago. As bizarre as this may sound, I think I wasn't eating enough salt. It's as if my body actually needs it to lose.

I actually need to go. I had hoped to write more, but I must eat breakfast and head off to work.

Have a great day everyone!

Wow, CC! What a loss!

Good morning everyone. Sorry I am late I slept a little later than I had planned to.

I am your coach for this week. Thank you my3princes for coaching last week.

My name is Dona. Yes one "n" because I am a twin and my sister's name is Dena. I am anAdvanced Placement Calculus teacher. I have been teaching for 33 years. I am married to my college sweetheart for 32 years. He is one of my best friends. We can talk about almost anything and since he also teaches we can bounce ideas off of each other. He teaches 7th grade math so we have different ends of the spectrum in terms of students. We have two sons ds1 is 25 and ds2 is 20. Ds1 still lives with us ever since he graduated college 2 years ago. He just got an official big boy job" in April. He doesn't like it because of the commute. When we told him he could get an apartment. His response was "I'd miss you guys" Ds2 is at college. He loves it and is even living on campus this summer to work in the engineering department.

Question of the Day

This question comes from my husband. Several years ago we were in Epcot waiting for the boat to go to the far side of World Showcase. His question was put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite

For me it was

MK
Epcot
DS
AK

HAve a nice day everyone.

Thanks for coaching Dona!
MK
DHS/Epcot tied
AK

Part 2 of the COW this week is to share at least one thing you have accomplished on this journey. It could be the number on the scale, maybe it is the inches you have lost, how about sharing something you never thought you would be able to do or maybe it has to do with an improvement in your health. Feel free to share more then one thing...like I said, this week is all about positive feelings for what we are doing!

Great Job with week 6 of the COW!

Thanks for sending your information...I hope you are enjoying the COW and enjoying a healthier you!

Keep up the great work!
Jen

I am now a "runner". Though I still feel like a poser sometimes. But I'm running races, planning other workouts around running, and even planning whether or not to have a beer at the ballpark around running, so I guess that makes me at least a little bit a runner. I feel amazingly fit and really strong from strength class--I have never, in my life, had muscles like this. I am a normal BMI! I eat much healthier. I really look at food as fuel now, except for my occasional ff/onion ring splurge. Since the heart thing this spring, I really appreciate being healthy a lot more, and I never want to jeopardize my health with my poor choices again.

Good question! Thanks!

Woohoo! I won a prize!!!!!

Bad week for me! I'm up 3.8 Just got to work harder and not drink so much. I think some of it us muscle as I've been doing some extra work. Oh well, life goes on! One of these days I'll reach 50 pounds! I've still got 5 weeks until my birthday! 10 pounds is 5 weeks is doable especially if I step things up!!!!

Gotta go make my mom an egg!

Be back on later today!

You can do it Tracey!!!

Hi Rose! Thanks...had lots of fun at the MOA! I ended up getting a bunch of new clothes which was great. It was so fun to shop at some of the "trendy" stores and I ended up with 3 pair of jeans from Abercrombie and 2 sundresses from Gilly Hicks!

As for your vitamins...have you tried a different brand? I know that I used to have some problems but I switched the brand (now just the cheap generic ones from Sam's Club) and I am fine. Just a thought.

Sounds like a fun trip! Yesterday I went clothes shopping--didn't end up buying anything--that was my not fun trip to Kohl's (rude employees)-- but I'm going to venture out again today. It seems to be any vitamin. I might try the chewables.

The date nights sound fun! We did not do enough of that. Luckily, we still liked each other when DS went to college.

Oh, heavens yes! Excel is my friend. Or my enemy if you consider how much of my time it eats up when I'm "planning". And then, I just sit here and look at my plan as though it'll make the time go by faster and it'll help the end of the week, end of the month, end of the year get here faster and I'll miraculously be at my planned goal for that date. It's a sickness, really.



Well, I did a 10K and ran the whole way. That is something that never even entered my mind before this year and to have started running again this year and to have stuck with it for 21 weeks now... That is one heck of a serious accomplishment for me because the longest I ever stuck with it before was about 12 weeks. And, I'm looking at attempting my first half-marathon this November. With the exception of a few months here and there over my life, I do believe I could hold the title for least athletic person on the planet - it feels so good to have left that person behind.

Although, I still struggle with not considering myself to be a "real" runner. Like, the hard-core runners are still crazy, and I'm still, I don't know, "just visiting", I guess? Maybe that's my next goal - to change my mind about how "real" my running is to me. I wonder if that could come with losing the next 10 pounds - like, maybe, seeing a more athletic body in the mirror will push me over the hump? (Maybe being able to buy "medium" running clothes instead of "large" would make it more real??)

Anyway, I guess I'm just working thru the mind games now. I am deeply proud of my running accomplishments. Thanks for asking!

I love excel. I have my workout log, a graph for this month, a graph for the whole year, a running log to calculate times, a page for the exercise challenge I'm hosting this month. I use it for planning our disney trips. I use it at work. DH wrote me a macro for something I do at work. If I can put it on excel, I will!

I identified with your thoughts about running. I really do feel like a poser sometimes. It didn't help it when that running store this spring sold me 2year old shoes. And, I am in mediums, so you can't be too far behind!

QOTD-
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Studios
Animal Kingdom

COW Part 2-This challenge has made me get more exercise, I get out almost every day in the morning (except the day it was 86 degrees at 6am!), but I did do the WII fit that day. I feel a lot better and it is so much easier getting up hills. My dh and I are planning to join the Y so I can use it in the winter when it is dark when I start my day and dark when my work day is ended.

I love the Y!

Funny story... this morning I was weighing in and my 3 year old daughter was watching... after I weighed in I said, "Whooo, down 1.8 pounds, Piper!" and she said, "that's why daddy calls you smokin' hot!" I lol'd!

Too cute!

Good afternoon! I am down .6 this week. It's hard not to be frustrated when I see all these big losses, but I think that's just what's happening as I get closer to goal. Congrats to everyone who is seeing the scale move. I did the elliptical today for 2.5 miles and strength class. I probably shouldn't be doing strength before our long run tomorrow, but I cut back on the weights I used for legs, so we'll see how it goes. $1 beer night is tonight at the stadium, which is kind of a big social thing with some of our friends. I just need to be good and only have 1 or 2. We are planning on getting up tomorrow at 5:30 to go 9.5 miles. We're adding a half mile each week from now on. This weekend we will need to make a decision about running the 1/2 in Sept before the Dis meet.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

 

[my3princes]

Question of the Day

This question comes from my husband. Several years ago we were in Epcot waiting for the boat to go to the far side of World Showcase. His question was put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite

For me it was

MK
Epcot
DS
AK

HAve a nice day everyone.

For me it is:
MK
AK
DS
Epcot

I really love them all and must do them all each trip, but you made me pick an order



I am in organizational/cleaning/packing mode today. I've loaded all the addresses into the GPS so that is ready to roll, now I'm cleaning my way through rooms, packing as I go. I hope to have my house spotless and all but last minute essentials packed by the end of the weekend. Working the last few nights (and tonight) has really put a damper on my progress

 

[jenanderson]

Well, I did a 10K and ran the whole way. That is something that never even entered my mind before this year and to have started running again this year and to have stuck with it for 21 weeks now... That is one heck of a serious accomplishment for me because the longest I ever stuck with it before was about 12 weeks. And, I'm looking at attempting my first half-marathon this November. With the exception of a few months here and there over my life, I do believe I could hold the title for least athletic person on the planet - it feels so good to have left that person behind.

Although, I still struggle with not considering myself to be a "real" runner. Like, the hard-core runners are still crazy, and I'm still, I don't know, "just visiting", I guess? Maybe that's my next goal - to change my mind about how "real" my running is to me. I wonder if that could come with losing the next 10 pounds - like, maybe, seeing a more athletic body in the mirror will push me over the hump? (Maybe being able to buy "medium" running clothes instead of "large" would make it more real??)

Anyway, I guess I'm just working thru the mind games now. I am deeply proud of my running accomplishments. Thanks for asking!

YOU ARE A RUNNER! You should be so proud of all of this. It is hard to get past the point where you think you out running to the fact that you say you are a runner. Just start saying it all the time and remind yourself of how hard you work to get out and run all the time. WAY TO GO! Thanks for sharing!

COW Part 2-This challenge has made me get more exercise, I get out almost every day in the morning (except the day it was 86 degrees at 6am!), but I did do the WII fit that day. I feel a lot better and it is so much easier getting up hills. My dh and I are planning to join the Y so I can use it in the winter when it is dark when I start my day and dark when my work day is ended.

Sherry - YEAH! Way to go with all the exercising! I am so glad that you are feeling positive about this important change in your life! It is great that you are already planning ahead to the winter months...that means you have really developed a great habit! Thanks for sharing!

Funny story... this morning I was weighing in and my 3 year old daughter was watching... after I weighed in I said, "Whooo, down 1.8 pounds, Piper!" and she said, "that's why daddy calls you smokin' hot!" I lol'd!

PART TWO
We are often looking at what we have left to do in our weight loss journey or how much more we want to accomplish. It is really hard to sometimes stop and appreciate how far we have come or how we have accomplished something we never thought we would be able to do. This week is all about being positive! As a special prize for our COW this week, I have some GREAT Nike bags to add to our regular prizes (donated by RENThead09 - Thanks!). Lets keep it going with some extra motivation this week!

I learned something in the past 3 weeks while my step-daughter was here. When she isn't here, we eat ultra-healthy. Lots of fish, hardly anything processed, lots of fruits and veggies, we only eat out once a week and we make healthy choices... however, my step-daughter doesn't eat like that. She eats TONS of processed foods... her favorite foods are hot dogs and chicken nuggets. She hates fish (we eat fish 2 or 3 nights a week).. to keep the peace in my house while my step-daughter was here (again... I feel like I work overtime keeping the peace), we ate a lot of things she likes to eat. I tried to keep our meals somewhat healthful, but it was difficult. I'm not a short order cook and refuse to make a healthy meal for my family and make something unhealthy and overly processed that she will eat... or make something she will eat and something healthy for myself. Not going to happen. Too many dishes to pre-wash before sticking them in the dishwasher (my least favorite household chore).

Back to the thing I learned... I learned to eat properly... I made good choices when the choices were sometimes not so good. I watched my portions. I made sure I ate well during the day and had smaller portions of the bad stuff at dinner time. I must have done something right, I was down 1.8 for the week.

I LOVE your DD! How cute! And how fabulous that your hubby calls you smokin' hot! LOVE IT!

Thanks for sharing for the COW as well. I forget about how positive it is to be eating better. I really think it is a huge and IMPORTANT part of the journey. Eating properly will make us all so much healthier! KEEP IT UP!

COW Part 2: Accomplishment
I finally feel great about maintaining. Even with 2 family parties and multiple dinners out this past week, I maintained. One of my recent trips to LA (complete with dining out every meal and wine every evening), I actually lost a pound. Portion control and exercise have been key. To keep a little of the excitement in maintaining, I've shifted my goals. While I'm not trying to lose weight anymore, I am trying to tone more. So I'm still working on a goal of "improving" my body somewhat. I also focus on exercise. Some of my success is due to it being summer - I have a much easier time exercising and feeling positive in nice weather.

WOW! Great job on maintaining...even with all the special things. I think you have really learned how to live a healthy life long term! I love that you have shifted your focus to new goals of a healthy body...I will have to remember that as I often wonder what will be my goal once I reach my weight goal. Thanks for sharing!

She is into girlie, social,current, totally without a lot of literary punch books. She's into the Candy Apple books, and had a great time reading the Mother Daughter book club. Don't know how I raised a kid that avoids reading, I love it! It broke my heart when she didn't enjoy the Little House series and Beverly Cleary books I couldn't wait to share with her. She wants to see the new Beezus and Ramona Selena Gomez movie, but I am going to tell her she has to read the book first. She wants to read Twilight, a lot of her friends have, but she's only almost 11. Not real sure about that. She always wants to read the Kingdom Keepers series, but it's not in our library. Worth buying?

Cow Part 2: What am I proud of?: Well, of course losing 50 pounds. Running for the first time in years. Weighing less than I did when I graduated high school. Feeling like I have the knowledge and ability to create change. Making wonderful new friends! , Eliminating soft drinks and most sugar from my diet.

If you are looking for book suggestions for DD, let me know and I can send you a PM. My specialty is children's literature and it is almost the only thing I read. I would hold off on Twilight and I have only read the first Kingdom Keepers but it is worth buying.

WOW! I LOVE all the POSITIVE things you shared that you now see in your life because of all your hard work! It is amazing how hard you have worked and I hope you take time to remember all that you CAN DO now and how FAR you have come! WAY TO GO! Thanks for sharing!

I am now a "runner". Though I still feel like a poser sometimes. But I'm running races, planning other workouts around running, and even planning whether or not to have a beer at the ballpark around running, so I guess that makes me at least a little bit a runner. I feel amazingly fit and really strong from strength class--I have never, in my life, had muscles like this. I am a normal BMI! I eat much healthier. I really look at food as fuel now, except for my occasional ff/onion ring splurge. Since the heart thing this spring, I really appreciate being healthy a lot more, and I never want to jeopardize my health with my poor choices again.

Rose - What a GREAT list of positive things! I love it! Sounds like many of us need to just accept that WE ARE RUNNERS! I love when I get to tell people that I am a runner - makes me feel so strong. I forget about remembering the normal BMI...that is GREAT! I remember how great it felt the day I fell into that range and how proud I was of myself. WAY TO GO! Thanks for sharing!

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

Congrats to all those who had a loss this past week. I have decided to use yesterday's weigh-in as my BL weigh-in. I am still down a lot for one week, about 9 pounds, but this weight makes much more sense. I have decided that it is too impossible to lose 16.5 pounds in a week. I know I lost a lot, but that just doesn't sound right at all. I haven't stopped thinking about how illogical it sounds all day even though I weighed myself twice.

I did want to share that I made a few changes this week that I think led to my good loss. In no particular order....
1. I drank a lot more water each day. Like 9-10 instead of 6-7
2. Mid-week, I forgot to add the oil to my oatmeal creation and found that I was just as satisfied and stayed full just as long as with it. So, I purposely skipped the oil for the rest of the week.
3. I upped my salt intake. I honestly think this helped as strange as it sounds. I probably wasn't getting in enough of salt.
4. I increased my exercise- A LOT. I was doing about 30-40 minutes a day. Most days this week I did at least 45. One day I did about 2 hours.

So anyway, I am excited about yesterday's weigh-in and am happy with that weight. I am hoping that next week will be successful as well, but just not that successful. I have to lose the weight safely.

Thanks for letting me process all of this "out loud." Have a great weekend!

CC

 

[brinalyn530]

Have to check in really quick. DS has bronchitis . I took off work today to get him to the doctors and I'm trying to check in with work stuff and check in here, but my home computer stinks and runs super slow with two windows open, so I'm going to reply to a couple things real quick and then get back to work.

Thanks to our awesome coaches, my3princes and Dona!

CC – Wow! Great job!

QOTD - put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite
Epcot and MK are a tie, really.
HS
AK

Taryn –Congrats on your clippie! Sorry to hear about your issues with DD. Unfortunately I don’t have any advice for you on this one either. But good luck!

Twilight...I've read the series and loved it and hated it at the same time...I think the message is horrible - you can't live without a man (your true love). I know that's not the main message but that's what struck me. I told dd about it and what I thought, and that she would probably like it even if she wants to slap Bella and she has no desire to read it. So for what it's worth...

I felt exactly the same way about the Twilight series. I enjoyed reading it but was annoyed the whole time !

Sorry if I missed anyone or anything. Have a great weekend everyone!

Bree

 

[tigger813]

COW Part 2: I am most proud of all the time I have put it to this journey. I love that I am wearing size 8s which I never thought I'd fit into again! I am proud of all the compliments that I receive from clients and friends! I had a client compliment me today and it just felt tremendous! Of course I will feel even prouder when I reach 50 pounds in the next few weeks as I know that I will do it eventually! I am also proud to be turning 40 in 5 weeks! I feel better than I have in my entire adult life!

As you can tell, I'm feeling much better tonight! My Friday night splurge is helping tremendously! We had some wonderful and different pizzas tonight! Looking forward to Mexican food and drinks tomorrow night with good friends!

Mom wants to walk in the morning but I'm not getting up too early! DD1 and maybe Mom and I will walk to the library at some point tomorrow afternoon to pass in our reading logs and get some more audiobooks!

Have a great night! We are watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang right now! It's a special movie for DH and me! We watched it exactly one year to the day before we got married with our best man and his wife and he mentioned it in his speech! I need to get this on DVD soon!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Question of the Day

This question comes from my husband. Several years ago we were in Epcot waiting for the boat to go to the far side of World Showcase. His question was put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite

EP
MK
AK
HS

I did my 10M this morning, but it wasn't pretty...too warm even before 6AM. I really struggled with the last half mile. I'm glad I finished, but I would be equally glad if I don't need to do it in the heat again. Keep in mind I was on my TM, I had water and clif bloks, and 2 fans on me. I would not have tried it under other conditions, and I knew if I really had to bag it, I would. Plus, I also slowed down...Corinna is absolutely right -- be mindful of running in the heat and keep yourself hydrated. If you start to feel funny, that means stop!

And yes, if you run -- You are a Runner! It is that simple. Here's an even scarier concept -- you are also an athlete! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that one

Everyone have a fabulous weekend!

Maria

 

[mikamah]

My3princes- THank you for coaching last week, and have a great week getting ready for your trip!!! How exciting!!

Dona- Welcome as this weeks coach!! I have always found that the weeks I coach I am definitely more motivated to stay on track. Thanks for coaching this week.

Congrats to all who have lost this week, and hugs to all who need them.

Question of the Day

This question comes from my husband. Several years ago we were in Epcot waiting for the boat to go to the far side of World Showcase. His question was put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite.

MK
DHS
EPCOT
AK

Here are the top numbers for the COW

25 points
jbm02



26 points
connie96
keenercam
sherry
tigger813


27 points
Wofriedoodles


A big congratulations to everyone on the list and thanks to everyone who sent in their numbers!

New to the COW….PRIZES!
Now, I printed out all the names of those who participated and drew one name from Part 1 (reporting your points) and one name from Part 2 (chatting about your new exercise). If your name is selected as the winner for one of our prizes, please send me a PM with your address information so I can send your prize!

PART 1 WINNER = jbm02
PART 2 WINNER = tigger813

Congrats to all the cow participants, and the prize winnners!! You're going to love your prizes!

Thank you Jen, for keeping up the cow this challenge. It is going to keep me focused this time!!

Last night was an emotional one...dd (12) and I talked for 1 1/2 hours about "stuff" - puberty, school, friends, being afraid that when she grows up she won't be our "baby" anymore...a great but exhausting talk! Then she wanted to go to bed (avoidance anyone? ) but I made her cuddle and watch Chicken Little with me, which was our original plan. DD told me that talking to me always helps her feel better - I felt fantastic after she said that! She told me that again today.

How sweet. You are an awesome mom!! So nice that dd knows that and can appreciate you.

Funny story... this morning I was weighing in and my 3 year old daughter was watching... after I weighed in I said, "Whooo, down 1.8 pounds, Piper!" and she said, "that's why daddy calls you smokin' hot!" I lol'd!

So cute, you smokin' hot mama.

COW part 2- I am proud of the fact that I started running in february, and though I'm walking and running in intervals, I have kept it up, and am motivated to get out there and do it every week. It's mid july, and it was 80 degrees and humid, but I went out for a walk/run. I am not making excuses. I actually believe I will be able to do the princess next year. I have set that as a goal, and am working toward it. I am also proud that I made it from september through the end of june and the one year anniversary of losing my mom and pretty much maintained my weight. It was an emotional year for me, and after a really low period, I started the c25k in february, and the exercise helped me so much. It gave me a focus, and the motivation not to eat through my emotions, but to feel them and deal with them. I think the running has given me strength, physically and emotionally.

Taryn- hugs to your and your dd. I wish we could keep them little forever some days. The real world is so scary, and though michael's only 8, he does seem to think he knows everything already. Hang in there.

cc- wow!! that is some impressive numbers. It sounds like with your sodium being low, you may have been really fluid overloaded. Congrats on the loss.

bree- hope ds is feeling better soon.

Rose and Connie- You are both RUNNERS!!! I am so inspired by you and so many here who have taken up running. Jen, corinna, taryn, maria! It is so nice to know that you were once where I am now, and with dedication and determination, I too can be a runner like you all are one day.

Lisa- we are gong to rock that Princess2011!! Heck, we won't have a worry of being swept by then.

Have a nice evening all.

 

[jenanderson]

I did my 10M this morning, but it wasn't pretty...too warm even before 6AM. I really struggled with the last half mile. I'm glad I finished, but I would be equally glad if I don't need to do it in the heat again. Keep in mind I was on my TM, I had water and clif bloks, and 2 fans on me. I would not have tried it under other conditions, and I knew if I really had to bag it, I would. Plus, I also slowed down...Corinna is absolutely right -- be mindful of running in the heat and keep yourself hydrated. If you start to feel funny, that means stop!

And yes, if you run -- You are a Runner! It is that simple. Here's an even scarier concept -- you are also an athlete! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that one

Everyone have a fabulous weekend!

Maria

Great job with your run Maria! I think we all need to keep in mind our conditions and say it over and over again. I ran 5 miles outside this morning and even though I did not want to, I had to stop and drink SEVERAL times and I slowed down a bit and I walked the 2 biggest hills because I was just way too hot! Tomorrow is a long run day and I am going to try to get up earlier.

Oh my...I have been able to say I AM A RUNNER. I do not know if I can comprehend I am an athlete! I might have to think about that one a bit more. You are right though and I should be more confident about the whole thing.

Congrats to all the cow participants, and the prize winnners!! You're going to love your prizes!

Thank you Jen, for keeping up the cow this challenge. It is going to keep me focused this time!!

COW part 2- I am proud of the fact that I started running in february, and though I'm walking and running in intervals, I have kept it up, and am motivated to get out there and do it every week. It's mid july, and it was 80 degrees and humid, but I went out for a walk/run. I am not making excuses. I actually believe I will be able to do the princess next year. I have set that as a goal, and am working toward it. I am also proud that I made it from september through the end of june and the one year anniversary of losing my mom and pretty much maintained my weight. It was an emotional year for me, and after a really low period, I started the c25k in february, and the exercise helped me so much. It gave me a focus, and the motivation not to eat through my emotions, but to feel them and deal with them. I think the running has given me strength, physically and emotionally.

You will TOTALLY ROCK the Princess! You can do it. I am so proud of all you have accomplished with your walking and running. I will can't wait to have a picture taken with you before the race starts! You have so much to feel positive about...thanks for sharing!

Also...you are so sweet about the COW prizes. I am thrilled you liked yours and get excited each time I send out a package.

 

[donac]

Good morning everyone. I am up early so that we can go and mow a lawn early while it is still kinda cool. It is still up in the air since the rain is coming we have not had any rain in 3 almost 4 weeks. Our lawn is brown and it would be nice to see it green.

Question of the Day

What is the one thing that has helped you to eat healthier? Was it an inspiration such as WW or did something happen to make you eat healthier?

For me I think it was taking up yoga. It does something to your brain. Since I have been taking yoga I want to eat healthier. Since I have been eating healthier I have had a lot less stomach problems. I have not had to buy Tums in months.


HAve a nice day everyone. Will check in later.

 

[tigger813]

EP
MK
AK
HS

I did my 10M this morning, but it wasn't pretty...too warm even before 6AM. I really struggled with the last half mile. I'm glad I finished, but I would be equally glad if I don't need to do it in the heat again. Keep in mind I was on my TM, I had water and clif bloks, and 2 fans on me. I would not have tried it under other conditions, and I knew if I really had to bag it, I would. Plus, I also slowed down...Corinna is absolutely right -- be mindful of running in the heat and keep yourself hydrated. If you start to feel funny, that means stop!

And yes, if you run -- You are a Runner! It is that simple. Here's an even scarier concept -- you are also an athlete! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that one

Everyone have a fabulous weekend!

Maria

It's 75 here and my mom and I are headed out on our morning walk. I need to sleep in at least once a week! Slept until 6:45 which is late for me.

Enjoy your day! I'll be back later. Also going to walk to the library later with the girls. Walking is becoming my new hobby! Also saves on gas!

 

[flipflopmom]

Congrats to all those who had a loss this past week. I have decided to use yesterday's weigh-in as my BL weigh-in. I am still down a lot for one week, about 9 pounds, but this weight makes much more sense. I have decided that it is too impossible to lose 16.5 pounds in a week. I know I lost a lot, but that just doesn't sound right at all. I haven't stopped thinking about how illogical it sounds all day even though I weighed myself twice.

-40 minutes a day. Most days this week I did at least 45. One day I did about 2 hours.
CC

That's a serious increase in exercise-you were blasting some calories! It will be interesting to see what your scale does today! I understand how that huge number would throw you for a loop!

Have to check in really quick. DS has bronchitis . I took off work today to get him to the doctors and I'm trying to check in with work stuff and check in here, but my home computer stinks and runs super slow with two windows open, so I'm going to reply to a couple things real quick and then get back to work.
Bree

Sp, I know about your no internet on the weekend ruling, so you won't even read this, but hope DS is better soon!

COW Part 2: I am most proud of all the time I have put it to this journey. I love that I am wearing size 8s which I never thought I'd fit into again! I am proud of all the compliments that I receive from clients and friends! I had a client compliment me today and it just felt tremendous! Of course I will feel even prouder when I reach 50 pounds in the next few weeks as I know that I will do it eventually! I am also proud to be turning 40 in 5 weeks! I feel better than I have in my entire adult life!

As you can tell, I'm feeling much better tonight! My Friday night splurge is helping tremendously! We had some wonderful and different pizzas tonight! Looking forward to Mexican food and drinks tomorrow night with good friends!

Have a great night! We are watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang right now! It's a special movie for DH and me! We watched it exactly one year to the day before we got married with our best man and his wife and he mentioned it in his speech! I need to get this on DVD soon!

You are such an inspiration on always moving! And what a great list of positives!

I did my 10M this morning, but it wasn't pretty...too warm even before 6AM. I really struggled with the last half mile. I'm glad I finished, but I would be equally glad if I don't need to do it in the heat again. Keep in mind I was on my TM, I had water and clif bloks, and 2 fans on me. I would not have tried it under other conditions, and I knew if I really had to bag it, I would. Plus, I also slowed down...Corinna is absolutely right -- be mindful of running in the heat and keep yourself hydrated. If you start to feel funny, that means stop!

And yes, if you run -- You are a Runner! It is that simple. Here's an even scarier concept -- you are also an athlete! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that one

Wow, that's a scary kinda thought there, Maria! Glad you took it slow, even indoors. It is waayyy too hot in my house to even think about exercising too much, even with the A/C upstairs. I'm breaking it into 10 minute bursts throughout the day! Doesn't sound too much like an athlete to me.

COW part 2- I am proud of the fact that I started running in february, and though I'm walking and running in intervals, I have kept it up, and am motivated to get out there and do it every week. It's mid july, and it was 80 degrees and humid, but I went out for a walk/run. I am not making excuses. I actually believe I will be able to do the princess next year. I have set that as a goal, and am working toward it. I am also proud that I made it from september through the end of june and the one year anniversary of losing my mom and pretty much maintained my weight. It was an emotional year for me, and after a really low period, I started the c25k in february, and the exercise helped me so much. It gave me a focus, and the motivation not to eat through my emotions, but to feel them and deal with them. I think the running has given me strength, physically and emotionally.

Rose and Connie- You are both RUNNERS!!! I am so inspired by you and so many here who have taken up running. Jen, corinna, taryn, maria! It is so nice to know that you were once where I am now, and with dedication and determination, I too can be a runner like you all are one day.

Um.... You've done an official 5K. I haven't been able to work one in my schedule. So, you are more of a runner than I am. Neeener neener neeener. YOU ARE A RUNNER! I've put it on hold the last 2 weeks with this heat wave, I honestly think I would "fall out" as DH puts it!

Good morning everyone. I am up early so that we can go and mow a lawn early while it is still kinda cool. It is still up in the air since the rain is coming we have not had any rain in 3 almost 4 weeks. Our lawn is brown and it would be nice to see it green.

Question of the Day

What is the one thing that has helped you to eat healthier? Was it an inspiration such as WW or did something happen to make you eat healthier?

Be careful out there! We finally got some rain night before last, but it just upped the humidity! It's miserable! It's only supposed to be in the upper 80's today here, vs. the 99-100 we've had the last 2 weeks. Hopefully it will cool down enough I might could go for a run this afternoon.

I guess my MAIN ONE would be keeping track of my calories on sparkpeople. Knowing how much the unhealthy stuff is, and watching that number shoot up when I enter something bad, is a BIG motivator. Plus, I feel all tingly and good when I see things that I know are good for my family!

Well, class last night. #1. My professor is Roz from Monsters, Inc. Seriously. The look, the voice, the attitude. It can be entertaining. She, unfortunately, wanted to take a dinner break, which we didn't do in our last weekend class on Friday nights. Which meant we didn't leave until 8. YUK! There are these busts in the high school library where we are meeting, MLK, George Washington, Einstein. At one point, I swear they were singing Grim Grinning Ghosts. It was so funny, I had totally zoned, and suddenly I was back in Haunted Mansion. Yeah, I was really focused!

Got up at 5 to run this am, since it's supposed to be cooler. I hadn't been downstairs to get ready for 2 minutes before DD2 starting crying and wanted me to lie down with her. She was saying something about Halloween? Who knows? I ended up falling back asleep, and didn't wake up until 7. Barely enough time for my coffee and Dis before getting ready for class. Hope it's cool enough and I have a bit of energy this evening. Don't know what DH and the girls will do today.

Have a great good choices day today everyone. DON'T OVER DO IT, remember how you'll feel Monday on the scale. Hope I can follow my own advice here, being in class all day will help!
Taryn

 

[jenanderson]

Morning Everyone! I am sitting here a little bit bummed this morning. DH is my running partner and he is NOT getting up. Well, now it is starting to get to be too late for us to go out for a long run. I am probably going to end up skipping running today and run tomorrow. I swear if he does not get up early tomorrow, I will go without him. It really is fine though because I ran 3 miles on Thursday, 5 miles on Friday and I really could use a day of something else.

Since I am up...you will all be my captive audience! Seriously, I keep thinking of all these little things I am going to share with you guys and then I respond to others and don't share, so here we go!

First, I have to share about the race I signed up for and I am terrified! It is called The Mud Run. The race is a 10K with a military obstacle course covered in mud! What was I thinking? Not only that, it is a team event so 4 other people are going to be depending on me to complete the obstacles. I should not be upset about not running today, I should be using it as a day to lift weights because I MUST start lifting weights. The race is on September 11th so I have a bit of time but I really need to create a training schedule for myself. SCARY!

Also, I did not share....I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon! I had been planning it all along but it was so exciting when the registration opened up this week and I could actual register and it feels so much more real. Jude (jbm02) and I have already reserved our hotel rooms and I am ready to let the planning begin!

We are planning another short notice vacation! On Wednesday night, DH and I went out for a walk and were talking how we never take the kids camping any more now that we have our lake place. We decided that we had one week where it would work with everyone's summer schedule to go and so we will be driving to the Badlands and the Black Hills in South Dakota. Last night the whole family sat down with a white board and planned it all out. We will be leaving on Wednesday, July 21st and come home a week later. We have DH's parents pop up tent trailer for sleeping in and we will be seeing historical sites as well as doing tons of hiking. The kids are REALLY excited and I know it will be a trip where it is easy to be healthy. We are planning only a meal or two of eating out and the rest will be simple and healthy meals made at our campsite. Our agenda includes 3 days where the only plan is to be out hiking the whole day so I know we will also be getting plenty of exercise.

Knowing I am going to be gone a week DOES impact the COW just a bit. I already thought it out though and will be sure it runs as smoothly as possible.

Plans for today...cleaning out the pop up tent trailer (it has not been used in several years), painting in DD's room, painting in DS's room, swimming at SIL's house tonight and I guess I should find time to lift weights!

Almost forgot...Question of the Day: What is the one thing that has helped you to eat healthier? Was it an inspiration such as WW or did something happen to make you eat healthier?
I think for me, it is seeing the number on the scale go down. I have come to realize that I am still a total food person...and I don't mean healthy food but I am motivated to avoid much of what I love and pick healthy foods when I see my weight go down. This is a bit troublesome for me because I am not that far from reaching goal and I wonder if I will still be as motivated. I am learning to try and find healthier substitutes for things I love because I know that eating healthy has to be the new normal in my life and that it is going to be for a lifetime.

Have a great day everyone!
Jen

 

[my3princes]

Question of the Day

What is the one thing that has helped you to eat healthier? Was it an inspiration such as WW or did something happen to make you eat healthier?

One day I looked in the mirror and realized that I was a terribly obese woman that could barely keep up with her 3 kids. That was all I needed. Dh and I started Atkins that day and once we got down to a reasonable weight (I lost 50 lbs in 4 months) we switched to Weight Watchers to make sure we didn't gain any back

 

[jennz]

Have to check in really quick. DS has bronchitis . I took off work today to get him to the doctors and I'm trying to check in with work stuff and check in here, but my home computer stinks and runs super slow with two windows open, so I'm going to reply to a couple things real quick and then get back to work.

Thanks to our awesome coaches, my3princes and Dona!

CC – Wow! Great job!

QOTD - put the parks in order of favorite. From favorite to least favorite
Epcot and MK are a tie, really.
HS
AK

Taryn –Congrats on your clippie! Sorry to hear about your issues with DD. Unfortunately I don’t have any advice for you on this one either. But good luck!


I felt exactly the same way about the Twilight series. I enjoyed reading it but was annoyed the whole time !

Sorry if I missed anyone or anything. Have a great weekend everyone!

Bree

Bronchitis...poor guy!! You'll have some tough nights. I'm glad you felt like that about Twilight...I was thinking I was being an uber-feminist or something. We've always tried to teach dd you create your own happiness, don't depend on anyone else for it blah blah and now here's this series!

How sweet. You are an awesome mom!! So nice that dd knows that and can appreciate you.

Lisa- we are gong to rock that Princess2011!! Heck, we won't have a worry of being swept by then.

Have a nice evening all.

Thanks! You know how it is with kids...problems problems then an honest out of the blue sweet thing like that and you know you're doing a good job

And yes you WILL rock the Princess!

Good morning everyone. I am up early so that we can go and mow a lawn early while it is still kinda cool. It is still up in the air since the rain is coming we have not had any rain in 3 almost 4 weeks. Our lawn is brown and it would be nice to see it green.

Question of the Day

What is the one thing that has helped you to eat healthier? Was it an inspiration such as WW or did something happen to make you eat healthier?

For me I think it was taking up yoga. It does something to your brain. Since I have been taking yoga I want to eat healthier. Since I have been eating healthier I have had a lot less stomach problems. I have not had to buy Tums in months.


HAve a nice day everyone. Will check in later.

I really like your experience with yoga - I have this yoga conditioning for weight loss dvd staring at me while I work...I think I'll actually use it.

Well, class last night. #1. My professor is Roz from Monsters, Inc. Seriously. The look, the voice, the attitude. It can be entertaining. She, unfortunately, wanted to take a dinner break, which we didn't do in our last weekend class on Friday nights. Which meant we didn't leave until 8. YUK! There are these busts in the high school library where we are meeting, MLK, George Washington, Einstein. At one point, I swear they were singing Grim Grinning Ghosts. It was so funny, I had totally zoned, and suddenly I was back in Haunted Mansion. Yeah, I was really focused!

Have a great good choices day today everyone. DON'T OVER DO IT, remember how you'll feel Monday on the scale. Hope I can follow my own advice here, being in class all day will help!
Taryn

Roz: "paperwork..." I would be giggling to myself!

First, I have to share about the race I signed up for and I am terrified! It is called The Mud Run. The race is a 10K with a military obstacle course covered in mud! What was I thinking? Not only that, it is a team event so 4 other people are going to be depending on me to complete the obstacles. I should not be upset about not running today, I should be using it as a day to lift weights because I MUST start lifting weights. The race is on September 11th so I have a bit of time but I really need to create a training schedule for myself. SCARY!

Also, I did not share....I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon! I had been planning it all along but it was so exciting when the registration opened up this week and I could actual register and it feels so much more real. Jude (jbm02) and I have already reserved our hotel rooms and I am ready to let the planning begin!

We are planning another short notice vacation! On Wednesday night, DH and I went out for a walk and were talking how we never take the kids camping any more now that we have our lake place. We decided that we had one week where it would work with everyone's summer schedule to go and so we will be driving to the Badlands and the Black Hills in South Dakota. Last night the whole family sat down with a white board and planned it all out. We will be leaving on Wednesday, July 21st and come home a week later. We have DH's parents pop up tent trailer for sleeping in and we will be seeing historical sites as well as doing tons of hiking. The kids are REALLY excited and I know it will be a trip where it is easy to be healthy. We are planning only a meal or two of eating out and the rest will be simple and healthy meals made at our campsite. Our agenda includes 3 days where the only plan is to be out hiking the whole day so I know we will also be getting plenty of exercise.

Jen

okay I have to yes scary but very cool on the race, cool on the Princess!! I want to do this...and cool on the camping!! We have never camped but DH is dying to get dd out...my big thing is restrooms, that's why I haven't gone.

One day I looked in the mirror and realized that I was a terribly obese woman that could barely keep up with her 3 kids. That was all I needed. Dh and I started Atkins that day and once we got down to a reasonable weight (I lost 50 lbs in 4 months) we switched to Weight Watchers to make sure we didn't gain any back

Thank you for posting this! I needed to read this today....very motivational. Congrats to you on your huge accomplishment!!

Ann you smokin' hot mama!!! I missed your post but keep reading quotes about it. Does your dh call you that or only say that your kiddos?

I have hurt my back again...this time serving my kid. She was sick on the couch and I was squatting down to put some food on the table in front of her and ouch! Now it's moved down to my tailbone and it's killing me sitting here. That was Thursday, hoping it gets better soon!