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

[tigger813]

QOTD: I think once I started with my workouts it then led me to eating healthier. I started getting into stir fry after a DisMeet in Boston. Recently it's been my smoothies that have kept me on track.

Back from the library with Mom and the girls. We got lots of books and audiobooks. Need to start downloading them in a minute. Excited as I really enjoy driving and listening to a book. I'm trying to keep the tv off as much during the day as possible when the girls are home. DD1 is reading right now while eating. I got some of the books for me to listen to as well. There is a series by Margaret Peterson Haddix that I just love and they had the first book on CD at the library and DD1 is interested in it. There are 7 books in the series so we'll see how the first one goes. It can get very intense but fascinating!

Had some leftover pizza for lunch. Only going to drink water and my soda from now until we go out to supper at 6:15. It was raining when we came home from the library and I think that's how the rest of the day will be.

Time to get DD2s lunch out of the oven!

 

[maiziezoe]

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

I am giving serious thought to doing the Princess Half. We are going to be at Disney in December so I am not sure if I can take a trip again so soon (DH is not a Disney fan and cringes when I mention even going to the big D alone). It's still in the back of my mind tho.

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!

DH calls me a lot of sweet things... including Smokin' Hot Mama. lol

I hope your back feels better very soon!!

 

[maiziezoe]

Morning!

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a terrible headache. Thanks kids!

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?

My nutritionist.

 

[N&B'smom]

Recently it's been my smoothies that have kept me on track.

What sort of smoothies? Recipes????

jenanderson - The Mud Run, seriously??? Has anyone checked to see if you have a fever??? The words 'mud' and 'run' shouldn't even be in the same sentence!! I'm pretty sure you are completely insane for signing up but even more sure you'll LOVE the experience. Good for you on that and the other one you've signed up for, you GO girl!!!

So, the other day I took BEFORE pics, today I took measurements. That was very disturbing. I remember my measurements from when I got married and they had to take in the size 2 wedding dress to fit me. Needless to say, I've added quite a few inches to my frame.

I've started a journal where I keep track of my food/water intake. I wrote my measurements down on today's section so the next time I measure I can do a comparison. Sometimes the scale doesn't move but the inches seem to go. We shall see.

QOTD - I think it was looking at myself and feeling like I wasn't even looking at me. I was hidden under there somewhere, under layers of fat. I just don't feel like myself at all and look forward to the day where I can look in the mirror and actually like what I see. Right now, I avoid mirrors as much as possible.

 

[jennz]

Morning!

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a terrible headache. Thanks kids!

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?

My nutritionist.

Girl I hope that strep hasn't found you!! It's just allergies, it's just allergies...

What sort of smoothies? Recipes????

jenanderson - The Mud Run, seriously??? Has anyone checked to see if you have a fever??? The words 'mud' and 'run' shouldn't even be in the same sentence!! I'm pretty sure you are completely insane for signing up but even more sure you'll LOVE the experience. Good for you on that and the other one you've signed up for, you GO girl!!!

So, the other day I took BEFORE pics, today I took measurements. That was very disturbing. I remember my measurements from when I got married and they had to take in the size 2 wedding dress to fit me. Needless to say, I've added quite a few inches to my frame.

I've started a journal where I keep track of my food/water intake. I wrote my measurements down on today's section so the next time I measure I can do a comparison. Sometimes the scale doesn't move but the inches seem to go. We shall see.

QOTD - I think it was looking at myself and feeling like I wasn't even looking at me. I was hidden under there somewhere, under layers of fat. I just don't feel like myself at all and look forward to the day where I can look in the mirror and actually like what I see. Right now, I avoid mirrors as much as possible.

Shelby Great job on the journal and keeping the measurements in there. I know I can focus too much on the scale and miss the inches, which is really what I'm after.

 

[N&B'smom]

By the way, just got a postcard in the mail regarding my follow up at the Onc and my PAP came back fine!!

So, just wanted to share another thing that I'm doing. I've been letting my hair grow and it's driving me crazy!! But I'm not going to get it cut into a new style until after I lose the weight. I will get it trimmed but when I lose the weight then I will feel like I've had a complete makeover!! The fact that my hair is annoying me is a definite motivation!!

 

[tigger813]

Great news, Shelby!

The smoothie is Greek yogurt (sometimes plain and sometimes honey, though right now I'm actually using Dannon light and fit Vanilla yogurt), frozen strawberries and sometimes frozen blueberries, and 1% milk. I put this all in my Magic Bullet! It's quite filling as well. My mom adds peaches to hers as well.

Gotta take Mom back to the doctor's on Monday as her leg is really killing her. She's taking 6 Alleve a day and icing her leg. Her vein on that leg looked strange today so we called the doctor. We'll be calling at 8am.

I got stressed and had a dark chocolate Klondike bar. It was pouring and the rain was coming in the garage and pouring out of the top of the gutters making a mess. DH got totally soaked!

Just finished putting some more audiobooks on the iPod for DD1 and myself (Among the Hidden, The Whipping Boy, Maniac Magee). 3 of my favorite young adult books. DD1 is playing HP on her DSi and we are watching the new Disney Unwrapped that was on a few weeks ago though there was an inaccuracy in it. Not sure when it was filmed but the candy lady in Japan is not allowed to give out her creations anymore for some reason. I soooo want a Mickey bar about now! Now they're showing us Goofy's Candy Co! Now I want a Goofy glacier! This isn't good for me to watch!!!

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday! Can't wait to go out with DH and friends tonight!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Anne--feel better!
Bree--hope your son is doing better.
Shelby--Yea for good news!!

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

I occasionally have a minute here or there where I feel like an athlete. It's very fleeting though.

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.

Kathy--you are so sweet! And I know you're going to be totally ready for the Princess! I floated the idea of going past my sisters, kind of a girls weekend. Still thinking about 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?

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.

QOTD--For me it's been a progression, but it started with becoming a vegetarian last year. Then in January I gave up diet soda, and finally in April caffeine. I think the more I exercise, the better I eat.

Taryn--Roz--too funny. And don't you just love those singing busts in the HM? They are my favorite part of the ride!

jenanderson--can't wait to hear about the mud run. I am too girly. I don't like mud. Yuck. Sounds like you are going to have fun! Hope DH gets up tomorrow. We went to the badlands, wyoming, the snake river, etc. back in the 80s and had a blast. So beautiful out there.

jennz--hope your back feels better soon!

Well we did our long run today. Let me just say, I hope I learned some valuable lessons, that I will remember next time I am thinking I can do everything. We went 9.25 which is the good news. But it was awful. Like a fool I did strength class for an hour yesterday and 2.5 miles on the elliptical. I thought if I took it easy on the legs in strength I would be fine. Then we did go to the stadium for $1 beer. What was I thinking?!!! I had 3 (they are small,so not sure how it equates to a regular beer) and drank a ton on water the rest of the night. We decided to sleep in until 6, which then became 6:30, and we didn't get to the park until 7:10. It was already 71. We should have bagged it when we slept in. The plan was to go 9.6-10, but I was done. My stomach was upset, me legs were shot at about mile 6, it was warming up and I was exhausted. I eeked out the extra 3.25, but it was not pretty.

I don't think I overheated, I was still sweating and talking, not dizzy, etc. My stomach felt yucky, but that was probably from my great choices the night before! I was just completely worn out. I came home got a shower, drank some more water, ate a bagel and took an hour nap. I hadn't had a day off since last Sunday, so I think I just wore myself out. I think with these long runs, I need to force myself to take two days off during the week. Especially since a lot of days I'm doing double workouts--strength and cardio. Anyhow, feeling better, but still tired. I might even have 1/2 a coke, just for a teeny bit of caffeine.

I think I have learned my lesson. Hope everyone has a good evening!

Oh and if anyone shops at Dick's sporting goods, they clearanced a bunch of the moving comfort jog bras. (That's what I wear.) She's not sure if they are getting them back in. I got one for $14.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone!

Shelby-CONGRATULATIONS! That is such wonderful news!

Taryn-The scale said I was up 12.8 pounds this morning. I checked again a bit later and I was up about 2 pounds. I don't know what to think anymore. I am considering purchasing a WW or BL scale and using that instead of the Wii Balance Board. I do think that Thursday's weight is as close to accurate as I'm going to get, so I will be using that weight.

Also, I was thinking about books for your DD. There is a series about a boy named Hank Zipzer. He has a learning disability and I believe the author does too. It's fiction, but Hank frequently learns a way to compensate for having a learning disability. He also explains a bit about how he feels about having one and other things that go along with having one, like accommodations. You may want to read the first 3-4 (they are quick reads) first as I'm not sure what you want your DD to know, but as you mentioned ADHD, I thought this might appeal to her and/or you.

Thanks for all the concerns regarding my health and the numbers I've been seeing on the scale the last few days. The next thing I am going to do is search amazon.com for a good-quality, not too expensive scale.

Have a great day today!

CC

 

[Dahly]

Hi Everyone!

Shelby-CONGRATULATIONS! That is such wonderful news!

Taryn-The scale said I was up 12.8 pounds this morning. I checked again a bit later and I was up about 2 pounds. I don't know what to think anymore. I am considering purchasing a WW or BL scale and using that instead of the Wii Balance Board. I do think that Thursday's weight is as close to accurate as I'm going to get, so I will be using that weight.



Thanks for all the concerns regarding my health and the numbers I've been seeing on the scale the last few days. The next thing I am going to do is search amazon.com for a good-quality, not too expensive scale.

Have a great day today!

CC

I have had similar, but not to the extreme fluctuations you are seeing using my Wii board. I am sure you have checked, but are the feet all on correctly? that was my problem at least twice. Good luck on finding a new scale!

Dahly

 

[pinkle]

By the way, just got a postcard in the mail regarding my follow up at the Onc and my PAP came back fine!!

So, just wanted to share another thing that I'm doing. I've been letting my hair grow and it's driving me crazy!! But I'm not going to get it cut into a new style until after I lose the weight. I will get it trimmed but when I lose the weight then I will feel like I've had a complete makeover!! The fact that my hair is annoying me is a definite motivation!!

Congratualtions Shelby. that's great news
hair............I'm curious what style you are thinking about. I've been a hairstylist for a 'few' years now and love what I do. Please let me know what you decide to do

 

[N&B'smom]

Great news, Shelby!

The smoothie is Greek yogurt (sometimes plain and sometimes honey, though right now I'm actually using Dannon light and fit Vanilla yogurt), frozen strawberries and sometimes frozen blueberries, and 1% milk. I put this all in my Magic Bullet! It's quite filling as well. My mom adds peaches to hers as well.

So do you just have a smoothie as one of your meals?? That would work GREAT for me!!! I must make these!!! THANKS!!

Congratualtions Shelby. that's great news
hair............I'm curious what style you are thinking about. I've been a hairstylist for a 'few' years now and love what I do. Please let me know what you decide to do

I don't know what I'll do. I had the bob with the shorter hair in the back, longer in the front BEFORE Posh had it. Once she got it cut that way, I started seeing my hair EVERYWHERE. I don't know what I will get next. This is the longest my hair has been in a very long time.

We got a new addition to our family. You may remember our dear hamster, Stuart died a few weeks ago. It broke all of our hearts! Well, today my DD6 and I went out and got another one! My DS11 will be VERY surprised when he gets home and sees he has a new roommate. We haven't named him yet but I think it will be Gus after the little guy in Cinderella!!

 

[pinkle]

So do you just have a smoothie as one of your meals?? That would work GREAT for me!!! I must make these!!! THANKS!!



I don't know what I'll do. I had the bob with the shorter hair in the back, longer in the front BEFORE Posh had it. Once she got it cut that way, I started seeing my hair EVERYWHERE. I don't know what I will get next. This is the longest my hair has been in a very long time.





Yes, that was a haircut but it just won't go away!!!! It's really overdone. If your hair is getting longer maybe just some layers and soft waves. body is back!
Everytime I cut my hair short I feel like my body looks bigger!!!!
I've tried smoothies for breakfast and then I was trying oatmeal, now I'm on to 5 almonds and 2 prunes....I think what gets me is the eating just before AND after dinner. It's all about self-control, which has left me at the moment!

 

[flipflopmom]

Morning Everyone!
First, I have to share about the race I signed up for and I am terrified! It is called The Mud Run. 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.
Jen

Jen, you are NUTS! That sounds like torture! I've heard of those. Congrats on getting in another vacation, DH and I were trying to come up with a long weekend for HHI, but it's not panning out too well. I am being nosy, what did you finally set as goal? I know we threw a bunch of numbers around. And I know what you mean, I had kinda gotten complacent as it got closer, I got more compliments, and I liked the way I looked, mostly! Good luck with your training, and congrats on the Princess Half!

I know I can't get there this year, but I am hoping maybe by 2012 we'll have saved up enough for me to fly down.

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

That's a really truthful statement, and one that is very motivating!

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

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!

Hoping your back gets better soon! I shared my theory with some of the people in class, and they all agreed, looks, sounds, acts, talks, JUST LIKE HER! One mouthed Ha Ha Ha during class, and I almost lost it!

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a terrible headache. Thanks kids!

OH NO!!!!!! Hope it's not strep! Get well soon!

So, the other day I took BEFORE pics, today I took measurements. That was very disturbing. I remember my measurements from when I got married and they had to take in the size 2 wedding dress to fit me. Needless to say, I've added quite a few inches to my frame.

I've started a journal where I keep track of my food/water intake. I wrote my measurements down on today's section so the next time I measure I can do a comparison. Sometimes the scale doesn't move but the inches seem to go. We shall see.

You are converting fat to muscle. Same weight, just healthier and takes up less room! And a size 2 - girl!!!

By the way, just got a postcard in the mail regarding my follow up at the Onc and my PAP came back fine!!

Taryn--Roz--too funny. And don't you just love those singing busts in the HM? They are my favorite part of the ride!

I don't think I overheated, I was still sweating and talking, not dizzy, etc. My stomach felt yucky, but that was probably from my great choices the night before! I was just completely worn out. I came home got a shower, drank some more water, ate a bagel and took an hour nap. I hadn't had a day off since last Sunday, so I think I just wore myself out. I think with these long runs, I need to force myself to take two days off during the week. Especially since a lot of days I'm doing double workouts--strength and cardio. Anyhow, feeling better, but still tired. I might even have 1/2 a coke, just for a teeny bit of caffeine.

Wow hun. Sorry you had such a bad run. I can't believe you finished it! Hang in there, hope you are feeling better now! You definitely need a day or two for your body to heal and recover. Thanks for the heads up about the bra, I'd been wanting to try one of those!

Taryn-The scale said I was up 12.8 pounds this morning. I checked again a bit later and I was up about 2 pounds. I don't know what to think anymore. I am considering purchasing a WW or BL scale and using that instead of the Wii Balance Board. I do think that Thursday's weight is as close to accurate as I'm going to get, so I will be using that weight.

Also, I was thinking about books for your DD. There is a series about a boy named Hank Zipzer. He has a learning disability and I believe the author does too. It's fiction, but Hank frequently learns a way to compensate for having a learning disability. He also explains a bit about how he feels about having one and other things that go along with having one, like accommodations. You may want to read the first 3-4 (they are quick reads) first as I'm not sure what you want your DD to know, but as you mentioned ADHD, I thought this might appeal to her and/or you.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll mention it to her, and see if it sounds like something she would want to read! And one time my Wii gave me crazy numbers, and there was a polly pockets under it, so make sure it is level and steady!

We got a new addition to our family. You may remember our dear hamster, Stuart died a few weeks ago. It broke all of our hearts! Well, today my DD6 and I went out and got another one! My DS11 will be VERY surprised when he gets home and sees he has a new roommate. We haven't named him yet but I think it will be Gus after the little guy in Cinderella!!

I love Gus Gus!! Congrats on the new family member! I like hamsters, but I hate the whole nocturnal, making noise while I sleep thing.

Yes, that was a haircut but it just won't go away!!!! It's really overdone. If your hair is getting longer maybe just some layers and soft waves. body is back!
Everytime I cut my hair short I feel like my body looks bigger!!!!
I've tried smoothies for breakfast and then I was trying oatmeal, now I'm on to 5 almonds and 2 prunes....I think what gets me is the eating just before AND after dinner. It's all about self-control, which has left me at the moment!

I think I look bigger with shorter hair, too. My hair is naturally wavy/curly, and I also think my face looks bigger when I leave it natural vs. when I straighten it! And your breakfast? Hon, I think I would vomit. Not being judgemental, good for you, sounds really healthy! But I think I would die. Just had to share!


Well, I am FINALLY Home! Roz was even more Rozish today. I'll never watch Monsters, Inc. the same way. As I walked in the door, DH called and said he was coming to pick me up, he and the girls were at the grocery store, and we were going to his parents to swim and eat dinner. I REALLY wanted a nap after my Roz day, but I walked back out the door. It was fine, I ate 3 ears of corn and a ton of watermelon and cantaloupe, so that should help to cancel out the brownie and 1/2 hamburger steak I ate. I ate a salad, too, with lots of veggies from their garden! It was sooo yummy!

I hope you all had a great day, I am SERIOUSLY considering going to bed, and trying for a run in the am. Supposed to be cooler. Ended up running a few laps around the school during our bathroom breaks today just to wake up and stretch out! Running in flip flops is not easy, but hey, I'm flipflopmom, right?

Nighty night!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

I sometimes have the smoothie for breakfast and then my BL Protein water. Sometime during the morning I also have a fiber plus bar or special K bar. I did have the smoothie for supper one day after having a big lunch.

Had a great time out with our friends. I had some buffalo chicken, a few nachos, and some ribs and enchiladas. I also had two margaritas! I never felt full. We laughed so hard I probably burned off calories that way! They're going to take us out in 4 weeks to celebrate my 40th birthday since they will be away the day of my party! We got home early so I can also get a good night's sleep and hopefully DD2 and I will go to church in the morning. Gotta plan my party tomorrow so I can send out an email to everyone!

Funniest part of the night was when the fire dept showed up and we all cheered them! The fajitas they kept bringing out of the kitchen kept setting off an alarm. They were a bit confused when the alarm in the dining room didn't go off! It made for an exciting evening!

 

[LuvBaloo]

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?)

congratulations on your clippie!
and that computer stuff is scary, but it sounds like you handled it great.

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:
DL (partly because it was the first that I went to, and I love being able to walk to the hotel, and its the original )
MK (where DH proposed )
Epcot
HS
AK

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.

Great list! You have shown a lot of the emotional strength over the last year and a half, and I'm so impressed at how well you have coped

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?

My aunt dying in her 50's without seeing her sons get married and have kids. She very much looked forward to becoming a grandmother eventually and never got the chance. I realized I wanted to be able to keep up with my girls, and enjoy doing things with them, and eventually be able to do things with grandchildren.

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!

Hope your back feels better soon! And I have mixed feelings on Twilight. Enjoyed the books a lot, but they are just light fun for me. When my girls are older I'll let them read them if they want, but there will be some major discussions happening about how unrealistic Bella & Edward are.

By the way, just got a postcard in the mail regarding my follow up at the Onc and my PAP came back fine!!

So, just wanted to share another thing that I'm doing. I've been letting my hair grow and it's driving me crazy!! But I'm not going to get it cut into a new style until after I lose the weight. I will get it trimmed but when I lose the weight then I will feel like I've had a complete makeover!! The fact that my hair is annoying me is a definite motivation!!

Neat idea to save up for a hair makeover to go with the body changes

COW PART TWO:
This challenge has got me to try running, I'm still in the early part of the C25K and am so surprised to be enjoying it. I don't love running, but I love seeing my own improvement. The first time going out and running 1 minute at a time was so hard, and now I'm up to 3min, and its not easy, but its definitely easier.

 

[donac]

Good morning everyone. I am up early this morning. I couldn't sleep so it was better just to get out of bed.

It is supposed to be hot but not as humid today. we did get some rain yesterday but we also got a lawn mowed. Our lawn has grown so little that dh mowed the parts that were sticking up with his weedwacker.

to all those who are sick or who have sick children. It is so hard to be sick when it is summer. It is supposed to be a fun time.

shelby congrats on a good report. I know what a relief that is.

Question of the Day

There have been reports that when we help others we feel better about ourselves. Do you have a favorite charity that you like to help out with?

For many years I have helped to support Project Linus. It gives blankets to children much like Linus had his blanket in Peanuts (The name was approved by Charles Schultz before he died). It is a great way to use my skills to knit or crochet something when I have extra yarn. I have given over 50 blankets to them over the years.

I have been working with my girlfriend making pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer. These pillowcases got to kids with life changing illnesses. My girlfriend who got me involved with this project is an inspiration. She is working so hard on this project all the while dealing with Multiple Scorosis. Her hands shake and she has some trouble walking but for her as long as kids have cancer she can do something to help them.

HAving lunch with some friends and our sons today. The husband of the couple had a stroke last year. We are very nervous about lunch. The husband has been llistening to the nj radio station that loves to bash schooll teachers. He has started yelling at my dh when they have been on the phone a couple of times. The husband has lost so much weight that I think he looks sickly. They picked the restaurant. It is a very high scaled italian restaurant. I know for me that it will count as lunch and dinner but I need to watch the sauces. If they are too heavy it may upset my stomach and that is something I don't want in this heat.

Have a nice day everyone.

 

[flipflopmom]

Hope your back feels better soon! And I have mixed feelings on Twilight. Enjoyed the books a lot, but they are just light fun for me. When my girls are older I'll let them read them if they want, but there will be some major discussions happening about how unrealistic Bella & Edward are.

COW PART TWO:
This challenge has got me to try running, I'm still in the early part of the C25K and am so surprised to be enjoying it. I don't love running, but I love seeing my own improvement. The first time going out and running 1 minute at a time was so hard, and now I'm up to 3min, and its not easy, but its definitely easier.

Shannon-I remember a conversation with a friend of mine whose daughter is late teens. She had just read the Twilight series, and said that no guy would ever compare. Her daughter was turning down fun "social" no committments dates because she was waiting for "HER Edward." In some ways, it's ruined a generation to understand that relationships are hard work, and Edward, mostly, doesn't exist. Maybe if men lived 300+ years, they would be that way. Additionally, once the girl did find a boy she liked and proclaimed him her Edward, she was making wrong choices not to stand up for herself and followed him around like a love sick puppy.

AND - congrats that you are up to the 30 minute runs on C25K. I think that is a great program to get you there, as you can see measurable progress. You are doing great!

It is supposed to be hot but not as humid today. we did get some rain yesterday but we also got a lawn mowed. Our lawn has grown so little that dh mowed the parts that were sticking up with his weedwacker.

For many years I have helped to support Project Linus. It gives blankets to children much like Linus had his blanket in Peanuts (The name was approved by Charles Schultz before he died). It is a great way to use my skills to knit or crochet something when I have extra yarn. I have given over 50 blankets to them over the years.

I have been working with my girlfriend making pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer. These pillowcases got to kids with life changing illnesses. My girlfriend who got me involved with this project is an inspiration. She is working so hard on this project all the while dealing with Multiple Scorosis. Her hands shake and she has some trouble walking but for her as long as kids have cancer she can do something to help them.

He has started yelling at my dh when they have been on the phone a couple of times.

first - on the weed whacker part. Sounds like what we need to do! Secondly, Congrats on your charity work, that is really wonderful!!!! Thirdly, "enjoy" your lunch???? Doesn't sound like a lot of fun! Hope the man can keep his emotions in check!

There have been reports that when we help others we feel better about ourselves. Do you have a favorite charity that you like to help out with?
At our school, we do a community service project each month. We have "dress down Fridays" and the teachers pay to wear jeans, and the money goes for a cause. A lot of times, it is in conjunction with a school-wide project - food drives, care boxes for soldiers, Relay for Life, raising money for Ronald McDonald House, a program that flies families to the hospital where their wounded soldier has been taken, Make a Wish, etc. I love all these projects. We also as a family do an Operation Shoebox every year to send to a needy family, and my Daddy was a Gideon, so we contribute to that as well. I lost a Kindergarten student to cancer 2 years ago, and we just found out that a child that just graduated our school has been diagnosed. Cancer, especially childhood, is probably the one that gets me the most. I HATE to see anyone suffering, especially children.

Hope everyone has a great day today! DH starts 3rd shift, so it begins! Church, lunch @Mom's, the girls and I will stay there, DH will come home to sleep, and we'll come home to go to bed and tell him goodbye! When he gets home in the morning, we'll be heading out the door to gymnastics, so I hope he'll sleep while we are gone so he can see us a bit before he leaves tomorrow night!

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: We donate a lot of things to BB/BS each year. I also participated in a fundraiser last year for a shelter called Hope House. Several vendors and I sold our wares and donated a portion of our sales. It was fun!

DH walked with me this morning. We walked about 2 miles. Now he's making breakfast for him and my dad. Mom is making deviled eggs for later. We're going to have hamburgers and sausages on the grill later. I'm having my BL protein water now and I'll make a smoothie in a few minutes.

Going to go to church with DD2 and then do some errands. Also looking forward to watching the World Cup Finals! Yesterday's game was great!

Later, friends!

 

[jbm02]

Good morning, everyone!
Yesterday was a neighborhood day of parties - a high school graduation party next door and a 5 year old birthday party across the street (whole neighborhood invited to both). I was concerned - - that it would be a disaster food-wise but I think I was okay. Yes, I had a burger and a non-whole wheat/multigran roll but managed to snack on carrots, a few tortilla chips and - WOOHOOOO - totally avoided the cupcake table (which I really didn't want but you know how that goes sometimes....). And the huge plate of chocolate chip cookies I made was given totally to the party so there ano "extras" left in our house ... Plus I started the day off with a 5 mile run and a spin class so all in all, I am pretty happy ...

I am making more of an effort to read through everything on the board, although I don't always have time to post. Thank you so much to everyone who is so encouraging. This session has been especially frustrating to me because I am doing what I did last time to lose weight but my body is steadfastly sticking steady. Which means I need to change up my diet. I know, I know it - I need to work harder on my diet. I'm going to just keep plugging along and trying....

There have been reports that when we help others we feel better about ourselves. Do you have a favorite charity that you like to help out with?

I used to be lot more involved in charities before my National Guard commitments began to take over alot of my free time. Before my Iraq deployment, I was a mentor to young girls placed in a residential facility as a result of juvenile court involvement and was an advisor for a Youth Court program and (juvenile) Fire-starter prevention. Since coming home, most of my volunteer work has been school-centered, except for coordinating a yearly prom gown collection (the girls at the residential facility have their own prom but typically don't have access to gowns. By collecting old prom gowns or bridesmaids dresses and giving them to the girls they have the opportunity to re-design them to be a little more contemporary and make them "their" dresses...) and serving on the Board for our county Sexual Abuse Trauma and Treatment Center (for kids who are not only victims of domestic/sexual traumaua - but also witness it). As the kids get older I'll probably expand a little more but right now I am just so happy to be home with my family every night that I am mindful of any time spend away from them. I know that sounds a little selfish but ...well

Today I am off to Lake George in the Adirondacks to bring my DD10 (who thinks she is DD16!) to sleepover camp for a week. She is so excited. It's an adventure camp, with ropes courses, zip lines and kayaking on the lake. Two of her best friends are going - so I pity the poor counselors once these chatty cathys get together! ... my DH is away at school in Massachusetts til July 22 (obtaining his education administration certificate to become a school principal) so that means it will be just me and DS15 at home together this week....

Have a great day !!!
Jude