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

[Connie96]

Saturday QOTD: When you eat throughout the day, do you try to combine protein and carbs (or carbs and dairy, etc.) at specific meals and snacks, do you try to eat well-rounded as the day goes by but eat what you want when you want it, or do you just eat what you want when you want it and see what happens?

After reading "Master Your Metabolism" a few months ago, I did start paying more attention to the make up of each meal and snack. I think it does help to balance each meal rather than over the day. I don't always do it that way, but I think I do feel better when I do.

After spending all day yesterday in the sun, walking all over Six Flags and eating junk food, I swear, I feel hungover this morning. I think a nap will be on my agenda for this afternoon.

Have a great Saturday, yall.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Okay, I have to ask, what is an Alabama slammer shooter, Lindsay?

Alabama Slammer is a mixed drink. The shooter is a shot but in a glass that looks like a test tube.

 

[lisah0711]

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Have a great time, Deb!

After reading "Master Your Metabolism" a few months ago, I did start paying more attention to the make up of each meal and snack. I think it does help to balance each meal rather than over the day. I don't always do it that way, but I think I do feel better when I do.

After spending all day yesterday in the sun, walking all over Six Flags and eating junk food, I swear, I feel hungover this morning. I think a nap will be on my agenda for this afternoon.

Have a great Saturday, yall.

I think we all need a few more naps!

Alabama Slammer is a mixed drink. The shooter is a shot but in a glass that looks like a test tube.

Thanks -- sounds interesting!

 

[Zoesmama03]

MNSSHP was awesome we loved it last sept. My kids took buzz lightyear and woody costumes but ended up not wearing them because it was 95 degrees everyday. The original plan was for me to be jessie and my dh to be sid. I couldnt come up with ideas on how to make the costumes without spending a ton of money. I would love to see your pics if your willing to share.




I had a rough couple of days. Unable to run due to thunderstorms or plans getting in the way. Not to mention the heat and humidity is worse than ever. I have had some issues with eating more than the points I have left too. I am PMS'ing and feel the need to eat. I also feel extremely fluid filled and bloated. I was so busy at work today I forgot to weigh in so I will do that on monday. We went to a picnic tonight and I would have to say I could have done worse especially with how I am feeling. I ate a few pasta salad bites, a few olives, a tbsp size of taco salad, a couple of bites of tortilla chips with a cheddar cheese dip, and one alabama slammer shooter. Can you tell Im craving salt. We sat outside and basically just sweated sitting there. It was horrible. The dew point is in the 70's today it is gross. Tomorrow the weather channel just says HOT in red and black lettering. We have the kids run in the morning and then I am staying in the A/C for the remainder of the day.

Ok I realized I am writing a short novel so I will stop now. Have a great night!

Cute story of dwarfs. I'm weird and prefer humid if its gonna be hot. Dry seems nice until you try to cool off in shade and its an oven too.

I had a 2 pound loss this week -- my best loss yet for this challenge! I got more exercise this week than I did that past couple weeks, so I'm sure that had a lot to do with it. (Thanks to Jen for adding it in the COW - it does help!)

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Good. Night.

How fun. DD got the free kids ticket off her cereal and wants to go. She loves rides too. Way to go on the 2 lbs.

Zoesmama - AMAZING loss! Great job!




I just can't get rid of this water retention. TOM decided he loved me so much, he wanted to stay around for 8 days this time. My rings have yet to get as loose as they were pre-WDW, even though I'm a smidge lower. My face looks a bit puffier,too. Wonder if the heat has anything to do with it. Or all the sitting doing school work? Whatever the reason, I am done with it. I don't usually do this, but my mom has some OTC diuretics, she battles ankle swelling. I think I'm gonna take one tomorrow, and see if that helps. I've eaten every diuretic food, drinking a gallon of water/iced tea, cardio, it's just not going anywhere.

My 3 lbs may be a gift of losing some water retention but I'm already on a daily water pill of 12.5 mg a combo with my bp med. I still swell in my feet so not sure if that is the answer but guess its may be worth a try.

I'm up! Was going to do a run/walk but it's raining out a bit. ALso very foggy. Maybe I'll just go back to bed for a bit. I have to work at 9 and then go to Staples and the liquor store to return some cans and bottles.

Not good last night. DH and I had two drinks and then we got in bed and ate a bag of chips, my favorite honey bbq! It was a small bag! I had trouble staying awake too! I'll have to watch the end of Eureka again later today.

Mom wants to watch movies today which I'm all for. I should be home by noon. Weather is iffy all day so that works for me. Probably make our spicy chicken dip to have at some time today. It's easy and everyone loves it. I don't think Dad will be able to eat it but he can have more butternut squash soup and Coffee Ensure. At least he has foods he likes.

Enjoy your Saturday. I'll check back in again later.

Have fun with movie night. I started watching Erueka but for some reason stopped. I should watch those instead of re watching ER and Grey's Anatomy. DD loves it because there is another Zoe.

Stay cool everyone. Maybe I will drive up to my mom's house to swim in her pool.

Have a great day everyone.

A swim sounds good. I was just thinking that I'd lay off heavy cardio and have a fun swim day with dd. She will be surprised and so happy. Just hope the pool is open.

That sounds like a fun day connie! Great job on the weight loss too




QOTD- lately I have not been paying attention to the actual food Im eating just how many pts they are. I think it has to do with the fact that life has been a little busy lately. I have not been planning out meals or really doing a big grocery store run. I really need to get back into it.

I will shortly be off to the kids run races. Then my MIL and FIL are coming over for lunch. Nothing else really planned for the day except to stay in the A/C. I really wished we had a pool right about now.

Enjoy your saturday everyone!!!!

I'm getting into menu planning to try to keep the budget low so I can afford to eat all the fresh fruit and veggies we love. I always find I end up swapping days but I guess the key point is you buy only groceries you need this way and if planned right should all be healthy right?

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Jealous here. Have a great cruise.

After reading "Master Your Metabolism" a few months ago, I did start paying more attention to the make up of each meal and snack. I think it does help to balance each meal rather than over the day. I don't always do it that way, but I think I do feel better when I do.

After spending all day yesterday in the sun, walking all over Six Flags and eating junk food, I swear, I feel hungover this morning. I think a nap will be on my agenda for this afternoon.

Have a great Saturday, yall.

I just requested it at my library. The smaller branches have it but I have to get in line for my turn.

lisa,
That bag charging is getting crazy. When my best friends and her family flew down to Florida last year when I was living there she sent me a box and that was cheaper than the bag being checked.

 

[tigger813]

Have fun with movie night. I started watching Erueka but for some reason stopped. I should watch those instead of re watching ER and Grey's Anatomy. DD loves it because there is another Zoe.

It just started last week and they show repeats all the time. It's an interesting story line right now. The Zoe character is away at college so unsure if she'll be in the show at all this season.

DH is a big SciFi geek! We watch a lot of shows like that such as Dr. Who, which we are watching right now. The girls really love it too! Eureka is intense and funny at the same time.

Enjoying an afternoon cocktail of coconut rum and pineapple juice. We're going to have watermelon margaritas tonight with spicy chicken dip for supper! Time to recline on the couch and have cuddle time with my girls and hubby!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Mommyof2Pirates--loved your take on the dwarves. I'll see if I have any pictures I can live with posting of us in the costumes. I really don't like how I looked last year. I will tell you a couple of things I did--I bought cheap straw hats and painted them with high gloss craft paint so they would look like plastic. I also bought some trim at the fabric store for the bands and threaded lacing throught the rims. For Woody's shirt we took a yellow t-shirt and drew the red lined pattern on it. I found some cow print fabric and made a vest for DH, and whatever those things are that Jessie wheres on her pants. I wore a white shirt and made a collar to pin on it and some cuffs. Pretty simple. I used coupons for all the fabric and it ended up being much cheaper than buying a costume and I thought we looked pretty good! I also painted a wooden star and painted buttons which we glued backings to and pinned on. I felt like we got more attention because our costumes were "handmade".

Connie--sounds like a good day and a good week!

Taryn--thanks for the hug. Chi running by Danny Dreyer. Mike swears by it. He used to have to ice his knee after every run. Now, I think his feet bother him a little bit and he isn't having any knee problems. It's probably time for him to get new shoes. I usually lose the excess weight from tom about a week after it starts. Hang in there. Every day is a new chance.

Maria--sounds like the sleepover went well.

QOTD--I try to have protein at every meal as well as after strength training. I also try to have a "healthy" fat at lunch and dinner. I also try to make sure I am getting foods with potassium and magnesium in them each day. I think since becoming a vegetarian, I have had to make the decision to think a little bit more about my choices to make sure I am getting enough protein.

Lisa--hope your day at work went fast!

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Yea for not gaining!!!! Have a great cruise!

Enjoying an afternoon cocktail of coconut rum and pineapple juice. We're going to have watermelon margaritas tonight with spicy chicken dip for supper! Time to recline on the couch and have cuddle time with my girls and hubby!

Those drinks sound yummy, Tracey!

Good afternoon! Today is my DS's 19th birthday. I am missing him a bit today, but he will be here on Wednesday for 2.5 weeks.

Today I hit a milestone, I FINALLY weigh less than Mike. Yes, I just said I finally weigh less than my 6'3" husband. FWIW, I have a bigger wrist than him. Yes, he is small framed and I am large framed. He also does not have any girl parts and he is very thin, which I am grateful for, because he fights high cholesterol/ high bp, and as long as he stays within 5-10 pounds of his current weight, he is able to stay off medication. Mike was more excited than I was this morning, I think because it was 5:30, I was still exhausted and I didn't want to get up. He said, I thought you'd be so happy to finally be below me, and I said I will be, in a few hours.

We did our long run today, and I must say it was a miserable experience. At one point I was crying and just wanted to sit on the side of the road and wait for him to come get me. It was 76 at 6:15 when we started and 86 at 9:15 when we finished. Who knows what the humidity was. We ran about 8.5 miles and I just hit the wall. We ended up walk/running the next few and finished the run part at 11.2 miles. With the walking and running at the end we went 13.6. We both drank a bottle of water and shared a bottle of gatorade and were both still down 2 pounds each when we got home. It is time for the heat to break. I'm not complaining, but enough already. Mike has been outside doing yard work, I on the other hand have been inside doing nothing! I think he's crazy, but he likes the heat.

I think we have decided to pass on this house. I'm going to send the agent a gift card because she has been so patient. It's not the right house--though in our heads we tried hard to make it be, and I'm not even sure it's the right time. Now Mike is looking into a running cruise with all the money we will save from not moving. Not sure how I feel about that.

Hope everyone is having a great, not too hot day!

Oh, and he did almost get us lost again, but I figured it out after .1 this time. Thank goodness!

 

[flipflopmom]

QOTD- lately I have not been paying attention to the actual food Im eating just how many pts they are. I think it has to do with the fact that life has been a little busy lately. I have not been planning out meals or really doing a big grocery store run. I really need to get back into it.

I need to plan meals before I head to the store, too!

I'm loving all your quotes, Taryn.
In yoga class they say "honor your body." You honored your body by giving it the rest it needed.

Thanks! Sometimes I feel like I only punish my body. It's not it's fault I put junk in it for 30+ years!

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Have fun!

After reading "Master Your Metabolism" a few months ago, I did start paying more attention to the make up of each meal and snack.

Sounds like an interesting book. Worth a read?

I'm getting into menu planning to try to keep the budget low so I can afford to eat all the fresh fruit and veggies we love. I always find I end up swapping days but I guess the key point is you buy only groceries you need this way and if planned right should all be healthy right?

Right there with ya'Wish healthy foods weren't so expensive, but like I told DH, it's cheaper than huge medical bills!

Enjoying an afternoon cocktail of coconut rum and pineapple juice. We're going to have watermelon margaritas tonight with spicy chicken dip for supper!

Sounds sooooo yummy!


Well, I AM DONE!!! Everything submitted, last class done!!! DH just called, and wants me to join him and the girls at MIL's pool. Really want a nap more than anything! I guess I'll be good and go! So far, so good on food. Hope I can keep it that way!

Happy Saturday!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

oh, i better not forget to email my weigh in tonight! i have been really bad today. i hope to get in a walk tomorrow and then kicking it into high gear all week! hoping i can shed the extra 8 pounds i've gained quickly and painlessly!

dh ordered my parents and our girls' park tickets today. we have the GAD certificates so we will get our upon our arrival on dec 1! only 129 days to go!

i need to send out my evite for my 40th b'day tonight! i tried earlier and the site froze!

going to take a walk with my mom now!

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone!

I have been reading, but every time I try to reply, my message goes "poof." It just happened, so I am going to reply to the QOTD and call it a night with Dis.

QOTD: It's funny that you asked that question because in the last few days I have been adding more protein to my diet so that I have a serving at all 3 meals. I love my oatmeal in the morning, but I think I'm going to start alternating oatmeal with an egg white sandwich. Now, I just need to buy egg whites. I've been using a whole egg, but would rather just use the whites.

Have a great night everyone!

CC

 

[pjlla]

Good Morning, BL Contestants! My name is Maria and I will be your coach this week! I am an "experienced" coach, so some of you will definitely recognize a few questions -- but I have some new ones to keep it fresh, too! A little about me, I've celebrated my 40th birthday a few times, I've been happily married for 17 years, I have one ds12, and I work full-time as a grants professional at a large non-profit homeless services agency. I am totally psyched to be coaching this week! Coaching usually equals losing for me, so let's get to it!
Maria

And we are SO happy to have you as our coach!

Today was the "100s" class at our AM boot camp class: 100 jumping jacks, 100 mountain climbers, 100 squat thrusts, 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 sec sprints. Then we did a few sets of suicides. It's a great class but I was a puddle afterwards!!

That sounds.... TERRIBLE but effective! Do you do them in sets or what? I'd love to incorporate something like that in my home workouts for the remainder of the summer.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
Taryn

LOVE this! It could apply to many aspects of our life... but it definitely fits with that mental game we play with ourselves about the scale results.

Saturday QOTD: When you eat throughout the day, do you try to combine protein and carbs (or carbs and dairy, etc.) at specific meals and snacks, do you try to eat well-rounded as the day goes by but eat what you want when you want it, or do you just eat what you want when you want it and see what happens?

Maria

I've tried hard for about the past year or so to be eating what I consider "well rounded" meals... protein, veggies and maybe some complex carbs (sweet potato, brown rice, whole wheat pasta) and some lowfat dairy. I don't usually have much protein for snacks however.

You know what... you can find all kinds of health/diet books that talk about what you should and should be eating together. I believe that "Zone" diet that was popular a few years ago was big on food combining. And DH is currently reading "The pH Miracle" (all about how your body needs to stay at a certain alkalinity and most of us are way too acid) and that talks a LOT about combining (and not combining) certain food categories.

I try to stick with the basics of what I consider "normal" healthy eating and I try to review my food journal every few days to be sure I am getting enough of the essentials (4-5 veggie servings, 2-3 fruit servings, low fat dairy for the calcium, lean protein). If I see I have been lacking somewhere (usually dairy or fruit) I try to bump it up a bit and incorporate some new "normals" into my day.

GREAT question!

Lots going on with you -- I think you have to look at the big picture -- you have been the BL two weeks in a row, and that's a lot to deal with both mentally and physically. You might not exactly have the best week after two great losses and with TOM, I'm just sayin'... Your body might be a bit confused and not quite know what to do this week. We have obscure facts we make ds memorize every summer. Last summer it was who wrote the VA constitution? Who wrote the MA constitution? Who wrote the U.S. Constitution? Bonus points for anyone who just knows all three without looking it up!


The kids are already up and eating everything they can find in the kitchen. We'll make them some eggs in a bit. I'm giong to finish my eye treatments and then think about getting dressed. Worf would also like to be fed, apparently ds is so busy feeding himself and his guests, he hasn't noticed the cat wandering the house and meowing

Maria

I think I know the answer to your questions (at least two of them), but I am not brave enough to risk looking stupid here. I am going to Google it and I promise to be honest and let you know if I was right.

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Hope you are having fun!

Hi Everyone!

QOTD: It's funny that you asked that question because in the last few days I have been adding more protein to my diet so that I have a serving at all 3 meals. I love my oatmeal in the morning, but I think I'm going to start alternating oatmeal with an egg white sandwich. Now, I just need to buy egg whites. I've been using a whole egg, but would rather just use the whites.

Have a great night everyone!

CC

FWIW, after some trial and error I have discovered I would rather eat real egg whites and toss the yolks than eat Egg Beaters. But I haven't yet tried those "Simply Whites" that they sell. Let me know if they are any good.

Friday QOTD: Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's off to lose weight we go! Which dwarf are you feeling like today -- Happy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Doc, Bashful, Grumpy, or Dopey?

Today.... a bit Dopey. I have a case of the "dropsies" and I have dropped an entire bowl of fruit salad and almost dropped a bowl of cauliflower (lost about half of it). I had to look at a package 3 times to remember how long to cook something.

But also Happy. I skipped my run this morning due to a bit of knee pain, foggy weather (poor excuse in my book), and sheer laziness! But I pulled through and hit the treadmill at about 2pm for a full hour of speed intervals! I am very proud of myself... it was hot too! Even with the AC on in my bedroom, I was DRIPPING when I was done... but a quick dip in the very cool pool took care of that! I am primarily an AM exerciser, so I was proud that I had the motivation, even on a hot day, to pull through for an afternoon workout.


Happy Saturday all! First of all, you probably won't hear from me tomorrow. It is DH's birthday and we have a full day planned. And we are planning a CHOCOLATE themed day!! It will be hard, but I can get through it without going hog-wild I hope!

Breakfast is chocolate brioche (homemade by DD), chocolate-covered strawberries (also homemade by DD), cocoa, and coffee.

Lunch will be out at a local buffet place... it is one of those "mixed" buffet places with plenty for everyone to choose from... Italian, Chinese, American, salads, fruit, etc, etc. I've eaten there before and I know I can be reasonably good.

Movie in the afternoon.... mmmmm popcorn!! Hardest part of the day to resist.

I am not planning a formal "dinner" because after lunch buffet and movie popcorn, we probably won't be too hungry.

Birthday cake is a chocolate dump cake made with chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and chopped-up candy bars (in this case Peppermint patties, 3 Musketeer, peanut butter cups, and Carmel bars)!! I made this for DH MANY, MANY years ago (about 1987) and he loved it and I had forgotten about it until now. But I am making a very small one this time.... just enough for us each to have a serving tomorrow and maybe one serving leftover for DH for Monday. I WILL NOT have that leftover sitting and calling my name all week!!

Gotta run and put his gift basket together! Lots and lots of chocolates plus a gift card for Sunglasses Hut (his favorites recently broke).


See you all on Monday!.............P

 

[mikamah]

Happy saturday all. I'm back to sleepy, and didn't do my compresses last night, but am going to do them right after I post and hit the sack. My yard sale was sooooo much more successful than I ever thought it would be. I had a ton of stuff in the basement, but by the time people started coming 50 min before start time, I didn't even have it all out yet, so I continued to set up and people shopped. It was the joke that it was the dollar store because when people asked I mostly said a dollar. We made 190 dollars!! I was thrilled. I would have been happy to be near 100. It was a busy day, and a lot of work and now it's all packed up on the porch waiting for big brother/big sister to pick up. My basement hasn't looked this empty in the 6 years I've been here. I still have many bags and boxes of mostly clothes to sort out, and will do that over the fall, and want to organize and buy shelving to go around the basement for all the junk, and eventually have a little play area in the center, which has always stayed dry, even the mothers day we got 12 inches of rain. I had baked cookies to sell with lemonade, so did have a few today, and we got pizza after the sale with some friends who came and sold some stuff too. The michael and his friend played while I cleand up and we went to his friends house for a swim. And tonight we saw Despicable me, and I ate more of his popcorn than I planned. So a very busy day, but good day. Tomorrow should be a relaxing day. We may go to Lexington and ride the bike trail they have there. I've never been to it, but have heard it's nice.

Maria- Glad you all survived the sleepover. I bet your son will crash early tonight.

Lindsay- laughed out loud at the bipolar dwarf image. Hang in there. The heat has been brutal. It might cool off here for a couple days, so hopefully it will in PA too.

Taryn- Whoo hoo!! No more Roz!!! Hang in there girlfriend. Hope you had a nice, relaxing swim with the kiddos.

Pamela- Your husbands chocolate birthday sounds fabulous. I love the dump cake idea, it's like a trifle we make, but have only made it with heath bars, not so many different candy bars. Yummy. You are so smart to make just enough to not over do it. Another reason you are so successful.

Rose-Happy birthday to your son, and to you on the day you became a mom. You do have lots going on, and are doing so well not giving in to those emotoins and eating through them. Sorry the house did not work out, but it sounds like you're good with it. A running cruise? What is that exactly?
A huge congratulations on your run today, though it was not fun, you did more than a half marathon, even though you walked at the end, but that is proof you can do it, and will rock the wine and dine!! The heat is not easy, and you are doing so well with the running. Awesome!!!

Zoesmama- Congrats on your great loss this week!!!

Lisa-Hugs on your gain, but like taryn said, sounds like some fluid on board. Hope work was quick and painless and you're relaxing at home by now. Just 2 more days til vacation!!! Whoo hoo!!

I know I"m forgetting people, but I am ready for my cool eye compresses now.

Sweet dreams to all.

 

[jbm02]

And we are SO happy to have you as our coach!



That sounds.... TERRIBLE but effective! Do you do them in sets or what? I'd love to incorporate something like that in my home workouts for the remainder of the summer.

See you all on Monday!.............P

Pam, it's kind of terrible when I'm doing it but a great feeling when it's done!! We do it in segments of 20: 20 jumping jacks, 20 mountain climbers, 20 squat thrusts (the hardest one for me) 20 push ups, 20 (full) sit ups and a 100 second sprint. Five times through. Then we did 2 sets of short suicides (half the parking lot) and 2 sets of long ones (full parking lot).

I am back up .5 I may spend the entire session losing and gaining back the same .5!! But if I figure out a way to break this plateau and start consistently losing again (next session?? I hope!!) it will be worth it!! But it's frustrating right now.

..off for my morning run. It's already pretty humid here today so I think I am going to just stay at the Y. Have a great day everyone!
Jude

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD: 7/25 It's Christmas in July! What are you looking forward to for Christmas/Winter Holidays 2010?

I'm looking forward to seeing my dad again, and feeling the strongest I ever have going into a holiday season. I will be at my lowest weight in years (heck, I already am but expect to me so much lower by December), and I will be so used to 10M runs, the one I do on Christmas Eve will be easy (yep, I've already moved my LR that week because I know I'm not going to get up and run 10M on Christmas Day!)

I overate yesterday and I feel blah. I wish I could stay home tomorrow, I just feel like I need a day to recover and I'm not going to get it with the scary in-laws coming. I'm going to apologize right now -- I'm going to get to the replies from yesterday and today as I can, but it will probably be tomorrow before I catch up. I know there are some awesome posters who will be chatting with everyone, you won't even miss me!

Hang in there everyone, we can make it through the weekend!

Maria

 

[flipflopmom]

Chi running by Danny Dreyer. Mike swears by it.
Good afternoon! Today is my DS's 19th birthday. I am missing him a bit today, but he will be here on Wednesday for 2.5 weeks.

Today I hit a milestone, I FINALLY weigh less than Mike. Yes, I just said I finally weigh less than my 6'3" husband. We did our long run today, and I must say it was a miserable experience. At one point I was crying and just wanted to sit on the side of the road and wait for him to come get me.

Thanks, I need to check that out. I just run. You know? Don't know anything about mechanics. If I want to amp up my mileage, I need to know. Congrats on weighing less than Mike! That is really something to be proud of, and I'm sure it was a huge milestone. And sorry about the run. Be proud you finished, glad it's over, and know that cooler days will eventually be on the way! Glad you came to a decision on the house, and I hope you have peace about it all. Happy late BD to DS!

Saturday QOTD: When you eat throughout the day, do you try to combine protein and carbs (or carbs and dairy, etc.) at specific meals and snacks, do you try to eat well-rounded as the day goes by but eat what you want when you want it, or do you just eat what you want when you want it and see what happens?

Timely question. I have been thinking about food combinations for weight loss, etc. I came across an article on how important it is to have protein with every meal. I need to start thinking about it. Honestly, I have been trying just make sure I get in 4 fruits and veggies, a little dairy, easy on the carbs, and 1200 calories. That's about it.

I have been reading, but every time I try to reply, my message goes "poof." It just happened, so I am going to reply to the QOTD and call it a night with Dis.

Wondered where you had been, hon! Thanks for stopping in! I was getting worried!

I believe that "Zone" diet that was popular a few years ago was big on food combining. And DH is currently reading "The pH Miracle" (all about how your body needs to stay at a certain alkalinity and most of us are way too acid) and that talks a LOT about combining (and not combining) certain food categories.

Happy Birthday to DH! I love the chocolate themed day! I know you will have a wonderful day, and I love that your kids were involved! Those reads sound interesting! AND GREAT JOB ON THE HOT WORKOUT GIRL!

We made 190 dollars!! I was thrilled. I would have been happy to be near 100. Hang in there girlfriend. Hope you had a nice, relaxing swim with the kiddos.

That'll buy a lot of Dole Whips! no, wait, make that fruit cups!

Well, about that swim.......

So after I posted, I felt really, really tired. Called DH, told him I was going to rest for 15 minutes then come on. Crawled into the recliner, and felt really, really dizzy and hot. Slept for 45 min. until dog barked at something. Got up, and really thought I was going to pass out. Sweating, lightheaded. STUPIDLY, I got into the car, drove to MIL and FIL's house, thinking the whole time about pulling over because I was so light headed. They had cooked burgers, they were very thin, I ate one pattie, some cantaloupe and lettuce and onions. Started to feel a bit better. Drank 2 glasses of water. Then, like Dopey, I ate 2 brownies. They were very small, maybe1.5 inches square? They were so good, I ate 1 more and drank some milk. Went to their couch, still feeling odd. Kids were taking a break from the pool playing with Nana, so I konked out again. Slept on the couch from 7ish until 10:15. They woke me up, they'd been back in the pool, had watermelon, all kinds of stuff. I came home, piddled for an hour, went to sleep at midnight and got up at 6:30.

I was so scared over the way I was feeling. A couple of possibilities: I had taken 2 doses of Midol over the course of the day to help with water weight, even though TOM was pretty much finally gone. Maybe my body doesn't like diuretics? I had only had about 500 calories, mostly watermelon, up to this point of the day? Temp was 99 at 6pm yesterday, heat index of 106. I wasn't outside that much, but we had to go outside to get to a bathroom during class (construction in the school and waxing floors), took the dog out, so in and out a lot? Also, running on 4-5 hours sleep for the last 3 weeks. I wonder if all that just combined.

I feel much better this morning, not at all Dopey, so maybe the crash was what I needed. I am worried, because the first of August is **** for me, getting my room ready, starting school with a new batch of kiddos, etc. Hopefully a schedule and packed meals will help me plan good food combos, I just worry about adequate rest and stress levels. I need to remember that my goal should be health, not a fast track to looking like the girl on the Runner's World cover.

During the hour I was piddling, I looked up effects of not sleeping, sleep and weight loss, etc. I was scared over how much I have needed sleep this weekend. Found this interesting article, thought I would share.

http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2009/02/lose-weight-while-you-sleep


Another hot day. Temps around 100, heat index 110. Most of the week is supposed to be blazing! Trying to figure out the least amount of clothes to wear without being indecent! Here's one alternative:
"Heat, ma'am! it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones." ~Sydney Smith, Lady Holland's Memoir


Sorry for the novel. I needed to put all this out there, because it holds me accountable. And as a reminder to everyone to take care of yourselves!

Have a good one!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: We're going to WDW from Dec. 1-9 in celebration of my 40th b'day in 4 weeks! I will be in the best shape of my life and plan on enjoying every minute of the trip. We're still waiting on our waitlist for BCV or BWV which will be the best gift of all!

Time to shower and get ready for church and get DD1 up to shower too! Going to be another hot one here today! AC will be cranking again later!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD- lately I have not been paying attention to the actual food Im eating just how many pts they are. I think it has to do with the fact that life has been a little busy lately. I have not been planning out meals or really doing a big grocery store run. I really need to get back into it.

Some days, it's all I can do to count the points, but life is a lot easier with planning meals and one big grocery trip a week, at least for us. It does take time to plan, though. I hope your life settles down soon so you can do the planning and enjoy it!

I'm not sure what happened with my weight this week. My stomach and hips are smaller (just by pants fit) so it might be an inches for pounds thing or it could be stress not letting my body let the weight go. I am just so mentally and physically tired I almost feel like I just can't worry about my health now, which is pretty stupid now that I just typed it out. I think I will download some meditation podcasts for my trip. Maybe I am just cranky because I have to go to work today.

I have been trying to add more protein to what I am eating. I think it helps you to feel full longer and your body does need it. I never, ever have any problems getting all of my starch exchanges. I try to eat well-rounded and hit all the exchanges -- last week's COW helped with that one.

Maria, I am glad that you survived the sleepover!

I hope you enjoy the packing, I actually find that fun, because the next step is leaving! I think you are just very ready for a vacation, and you are exhausted from getting ready to go and trying to get all the work wrapped up. You have a lot on your mind, and you are tired. I do know the "I don't have time to worry about my health feeling", I get it once a year with a big crunch at work -- just ride it out and it will pass, do what you can when you can, and eventually you will be able to get back to what you want to do. I am like you -- I have to make a conscious effort to eat enough protein, the rest comes far too easily The sleepover finally ended and we were all sort of whipped. We watched Tivo and ate junk the rest of the night. Yep, that's about 6 hours of nothing good can come from this...now I just have to get the house ready for the "out" laws, my 10M is not going to happen this week. I should be really eager to do 4 when I get up tomorrow...

We're waiting to board the ship. I am pleased to report that I didn't gain while at disney. My hopes for the cruise is more realistic

Fantastic job getting through Disney without a gain! I hope your cruise is incredible, I can't wait to hear all about it!

After reading "Master Your Metabolism" a few months ago, I did start paying more attention to the make up of each meal and snack. I think it does help to balance each meal rather than over the day. I don't always do it that way, but I think I do feel better when I do.

Yep, I read the same book and that's what got me started with the protein awareness!

I'm getting into menu planning to try to keep the budget low so I can afford to eat all the fresh fruit and veggies we love. I always find I end up swapping days but I guess the key point is you buy only groceries you need this way and if planned right should all be healthy right?

Yes, if you only buy what you intend to eat, I don't think it matters which day of the week you eat it!

It just started last week and they show repeats all the time. It's an interesting story line right now. The Zoe character is away at college so unsure if she'll be in the show at all this season.

DH is a big SciFi geek! We watch a lot of shows like that such as Dr. Who, which we are watching right now. The girls really love it too! Eureka is intense and funny at the same time.

We're catching up on our Tivo'd Eureka, we should get to Friday's episode this afternoon. At least, I hope so. I am psyched they added James Callis to the cast, I loved him in BSG! Guess I'm a big sci fi geek, too!

QOTD--I try to have protein at every meal as well as after strength training. I also try to have a "healthy" fat at lunch and dinner. I also try to make sure I am getting foods with potassium and magnesium in them each day. I think since becoming a vegetarian, I have had to make the decision to think a little bit more about my choices to make sure I am getting enough protein.

Good afternoon! Today is my DS's 19th birthday. I am missing him a bit today, but he will be here on Wednesday for 2.5 weeks.

Today I hit a milestone, I FINALLY weigh less than Mike. Yes, I just said I finally weigh less than my 6'3" husband.

It sounds like your meals are extremely well-rounded and you put a lot of thought into your nutrition! Happy Belated Birthday to ds, I know it was hard to have it without him I am still working on weighing less than my dh. I will be out of my mind with joy on that day Sounds like this was not the house for you. I'm sure you will think about it and decide if you want to look again. I only have one thought about how you are feeling during the long runs -- are you sure you are getting enough energy while you are running? And by that I mean are you using enough Gu or Bloks or whatever it is you use to fuel as you go? It makes a tremendous difference to me in how I feel if I eat too few bloks -- and my husband uses a lot more than I do -- another trick he uses, he has a Gu before he starts. That might help you start with a burst you can just keep going...just a thought

Well, I AM DONE!!! Everything submitted, last class done!!!

Congratulations! When I was in grad school between years, I took a class in the Civil War. We had to watch the Ken Burns documentary and then write papers on it. This is my least favorite period in American history, and it was the only thing dragging my summer down. I am so glad you are finished, and now you can relax for a minute and be happy you did it!

i hope to get in a walk tomorrow and then kicking it into high gear all week! hoping i can shed the extra 8 pounds i've gained quickly and painlessly!

dh ordered my parents and our girls' park tickets today.

I hope you are able to walk and if you find a way to shed 8 lbs quickly and painlessly -- we will all listen with rapt attention! Sounds great! You have a fantastic attitude -- and those park tickets are just going to make you even more motivated!

QOTD: It's funny that you asked that question because in the last few days I have been adding more protein to my diet so that I have a serving at all 3 meals. I love my oatmeal in the morning, but I think I'm going to start alternating oatmeal with an egg white sandwich. Now, I just need to buy egg whites. I've been using a whole egg, but would rather just use the whites.

Is the protein helping you feel more full? It also helps with building muscle, so tons of benefits!

And we are SO happy to have you as our coach!

I've tried hard for about the past year or so to be eating what I consider "well rounded" meals... protein, veggies and maybe some complex carbs (sweet potato, brown rice, whole wheat pasta) and some lowfat dairy. I don't usually have much protein for snacks however.

You know what... you can find all kinds of health/diet books that talk about what you should and should be eating together. I believe that "Zone" diet that was popular a few years ago was big on food combining. And DH is currently reading "The pH Miracle" (all about how your body needs to stay at a certain alkalinity and most of us are way too acid) and that talks a LOT about combining (and not combining) certain food categories.

I try to stick with the basics of what I consider "normal" healthy eating and I try to review my food journal every few days to be sure I am getting enough of the essentials (4-5 veggie servings, 2-3 fruit servings, low fat dairy for the calcium, lean protein). If I see I have been lacking somewhere (usually dairy or fruit) I try to bump it up a bit and incorporate some new "normals" into my day.

GREAT question!

I think I know the answer to your questions (at least two of them), but I am not brave enough to risk looking stupid here. I am going to Google it and I promise to be honest and let you know if I was right.

Friday QOTD: Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's off to lose weight we go! Which dwarf are you feeling like today -- Happy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Doc, Bashful, Grumpy, or Dopey?

Today.... a bit Dopey. I have a case of the "dropsies" and I have dropped an entire bowl of fruit salad and almost dropped a bowl of cauliflower (lost about half of it). I had to look at a package 3 times to remember how long to cook something.

But also Happy. I skipped my run this morning due to a bit of knee pain, foggy weather (poor excuse in my book), and sheer laziness! But I pulled through and hit the treadmill at about 2pm for a full hour of speed intervals! I am very proud of myself... it was hot too! Even with the AC on in my bedroom, I was DRIPPING when I was done... but a quick dip in the very cool pool took care of that! I am primarily an AM exerciser, so I was proud that I had the motivation, even on a hot day, to pull through for an afternoon workout.

Chocolate-themed day? What a lucky spouse you have! Glad to be coaching, after today it will be much easier when I'm done dealing with dh's pesky relatives. I threw out the other Constitution questions just to see what people would say. They are related...but I know it's a bit obscure if you don't study Revolutionary History. I don't think you need to worry about looking stupid, it's not like every school child is taught all three! Great job with the speed intervals! Afternoon workouts are a major accomplishment for me as well, I know how hard it is when you are not used to it!

My yard sale was sooooo much more successful than I ever thought it would be. So a very busy day, but good day. Tomorrow should be a relaxing day. We may go to Lexington and ride the bike trail they have there. I've never been to it, but have heard it's nice.

Wow! You had such a positive day! And now you can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather with a bike ride...Have a wonderful time!

I am back up .5 I may spend the entire session losing and gaining back the same .5!! But if I figure out a way to break this plateau and start consistently losing again (next session?? I hope!!) it will be worth it!! But it's frustrating right now.

I have had BL's like that (heck, I'm losing and gaining the same weight this one, too...), but you will have a breakthrough. You might want to shake up your calories -- more some days fewer others -- and your exercise, and see what happens. Sometimes that will cause a "jolt".

Ok, dh is taking over the computer to do church finances. He's the Finance Secretary and every weekend he's writing paychecks and paying their bills...

Maria

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Mommyof2Pirates--loved your take on the dwarves. I'll see if I have any pictures I can live with posting of us in the costumes. I really don't like how I looked last year. I will tell you a couple of things I did--I bought cheap straw hats and painted them with high gloss craft paint so they would look like plastic. I also bought some trim at the fabric store for the bands and threaded lacing throught the rims. For Woody's shirt we took a yellow t-shirt and drew the red lined pattern on it. I found some cow print fabric and made a vest for DH, and whatever those things are that Jessie wheres on her pants. I wore a white shirt and made a collar to pin on it and some cuffs. Pretty simple. I used coupons for all the fabric and it ended up being much cheaper than buying a costume and I thought we looked pretty good! I also painted a wooden star and painted buttons which we glued backings to and pinned on. I felt like we got more attention because our costumes were "handmade".
Wow rose that sounds great. I would have never thought of some of those ideas. If you dont want to share the pic dont worry about it I understand. Thanks for giving me the details

Today I hit a milestone, I FINALLY weigh less than Mike. Yes, I just said I finally weigh less than my 6'3" husband. FWIW, I have a bigger wrist than him. Yes, he is small framed and I am large framed. He also does not have any girl parts and he is very thin, which I am grateful for, because he fights high cholesterol/ high bp, and as long as he stays within 5-10 pounds of his current weight, he is able to stay off medication. Mike was more excited than I was this morning, I think because it was 5:30, I was still exhausted and I didn't want to get up. He said, I thought you'd be so happy to finally be below me, and I said I will be, in a few hours.

Great Job, Thats exciting

We did our long run today, and I must say it was a miserable experience. At one point I was crying and just wanted to sit on the side of the road and wait for him to come get me. It was 76 at 6:15 when we started and 86 at 9:15 when we finished. Who knows what the humidity was. We ran about 8.5 miles and I just hit the wall. We ended up walk/running the next few and finished the run part at 11.2 miles. With the walking and running at the end we went 13.6. We both drank a bottle of water and shared a bottle of gatorade and were both still down 2 pounds each when we got home. It is time for the heat to break. I'm not complaining, but enough already. Mike has been outside doing yard work, I on the other hand have been inside doing nothing! I think he's crazy, but he likes the heat.

Sorry the run felt so horrible, at least you finished and its done. Great job on not quiting.

I think we have decided to pass on this house. I'm going to send the agent a gift card because she has been so patient. It's not the right house--though in our heads we tried hard to make it be, and I'm not even sure it's the right time. Now Mike is looking into a running cruise with all the money we will save from not moving. Not sure how I feel about that.

I always say that if you have to convince yourself that its the right thing to do its probably not. Good job taking your time with the decision and really doing whats right for you guys. I never heard of a running cruise before. Sounds interesting although I think if I ever do a cruise I would choose the relaxing one.

Well, I AM DONE!!! Everything submitted, last class done!!! DH just called, and wants me to join him and the girls at MIL's pool. Really want a nap more than anything! I guess I'll be good and go! So far, so good on food. Hope I can keep it that way!

For the class being done and you can enjoy one more week before heading back to school.

Happy saturday all. I'm back to sleepy, and didn't do my compresses last night, but am going to do them right after I post and hit the sack. My yard sale was sooooo much more successful than I ever thought it would be. I had a ton of stuff in the basement, but by the time people started coming 50 min before start time, I didn't even have it all out yet, so I continued to set up and people shopped. It was the joke that it was the dollar store because when people asked I mostly said a dollar. We made 190 dollars!! I was thrilled. I would have been happy to be near 100. It was a busy day, and a lot of work and now it's all packed up on the porch waiting for big brother/big sister to pick up. My basement hasn't looked this empty in the 6 years I've been here. I still have many bags and boxes of mostly clothes to sort out, and will do that over the fall, and want to organize and buy shelving to go around the basement for all the junk, and eventually have a little play area in the center, which has always stayed dry, even the mothers day we got 12 inches of rain. I had baked cookies to sell with lemonade, so did have a few today, and we got pizza after the sale with some friends who came and sold some stuff too. The michael and his friend played while I cleand up and we went to his friends house for a swim. And tonight we saw Despicable me, and I ate more of his popcorn than I planned. So a very busy day, but good day. Tomorrow should be a relaxing day. We may go to Lexington and ride the bike trail they have there. I've never been to it, but have heard it's nice.

Wow awesome job at the yard sale. We had one in the spring and kept laughing because everyone would ask the price and we would say a dollar, a dollar, etc. We said we should post a big sign...everything $1. We just wanted to get rid of stuff. Hope you have a great ride to day if thats what you decide to do.

So after I posted, I felt really, really tired. Called DH, told him I was going to rest for 15 minutes then come on. Crawled into the recliner, and felt really, really dizzy and hot. Slept for 45 min. until dog barked at something. Got up, and really thought I was going to pass out. Sweating, lightheaded. STUPIDLY, I got into the car, drove to MIL and FIL's house, thinking the whole time about pulling over because I was so light headed. They had cooked burgers, they were very thin, I ate one pattie, some cantaloupe and lettuce and onions. Started to feel a bit better. Drank 2 glasses of water. Then, like Dopey, I ate 2 brownies. They were very small, maybe1.5 inches square? They were so good, I ate 1 more and drank some milk. Went to their couch, still feeling odd. Kids were taking a break from the pool playing with Nana, so I konked out again. Slept on the couch from 7ish until 10:15. They woke me up, they'd been back in the pool, had watermelon, all kinds of stuff. I came home, piddled for an hour, went to sleep at midnight and got up at 6:30.

I was so scared over the way I was feeling. A couple of possibilities: I had taken 2 doses of Midol over the course of the day to help with water weight, even though TOM was pretty much finally gone. Maybe my body doesn't like diuretics? I had only had about 500 calories, mostly watermelon, up to this point of the day? Temp was 99 at 6pm yesterday, heat index of 106. I wasn't outside that much, but we had to go outside to get to a bathroom during class (construction in the school and waxing floors), took the dog out, so in and out a lot? Also, running on 4-5 hours sleep for the last 3 weeks. I wonder if all that just combined.

I feel much better this morning, not at all Dopey, so maybe the crash was what I needed. I am worried, because the first of August is **** for me, getting my room ready, starting school with a new batch of kiddos, etc. Hopefully a schedule and packed meals will help me plan good food combos, I just worry about adequate rest and stress levels. I need to remember that my goal should be health, not a fast track to looking like the girl on the Runner's World cover.

Taryn is sounds like you could have been getting hypoglycemic too. Make sure with those low calories you are eating that you have small snacks in between meals. If you go to long with out eating your sugar may be dropping which makes you dizzy, shaky, lightheaded, nauseous, etc.
Just a suggestion. Glad your feeling better today.


QOTD- I look forward to watching my kids the most. They just have such a great time during the holiday season. We have so many traditions and its great now doing them with my own family. We also like in the city of bethlehem so its a big christmas city during the holiday. Lots of fun stuff to do.

Yesterday my in laws cancelled on us so after the kids race we went swimming at my cousins pool. We swam for 3 hours straight. It was a great way to exercise without dying in this heat. Then we went with my parents to a place called rascals. Its a resturant and play center. They have all kinds of games and ball pits, bumper cars, rock climbing wall. We had a great time. The kids loved it. We had dinner there too which I have to admit I did not do a great job with the choices.

Today we are off to a friends bday party. I am hoping to be able to control my eating but with PMS here its been tough. Either way tomorrows a new day.

Have a great sunday!!!!!

 

[pjlla]

My yard sale was sooooo much more successful than I ever thought it would be. We made 190 dollars!!


Pamela- Your husbands chocolate birthday sounds fabulous. I love the dump cake idea, it's like a trifle we make, but have only made it with heath bars, not so many different candy bars. Yummy. You are so smart to make just enough to not over do it. Another reason you are so successful.

I know I"m forgetting people, but I am ready for my cool eye compresses now.

Sweet dreams to all.

Glad you had yard sale success. I wish we lived in a better yardsale area, but we are so far out in the boondocks that people won't drive that far.

Thanks for your kind words. I hope he enjoys his chocolate day! Last year is was a pizza themed day. Anyhow, I plan on skipping the chocolate brioche for breakfast. I already had scrambled egg whites with broccoli and about a half liter of water. I will have one of my homemade "breakfast cookies" and my morning hot drink with the family when they are having the chocolate brioche and such (although I do plan to have one chocolate covered strawberry!).

The lunch buffet will be a bit challenging, but do-able.... just need to skip the fried stuff and things like crab rangoon and pizza and stick to the stir fries (they do them up fresh for you), and salads.

Movie popcorn will be my biggest splurge of the day. I think I will bring along a small paper lunch sack, fill it half way, and when it is gone, I am done. Otherwise my hand just keeps going back to the bucket (and back and back and back)....

I am taking the day off from exercise (planned), but hopefully will get in a walk at the mall or something like that.

Pam, it's kind of terrible when I'm doing it but a great feeling when it's done!! We do it in segments of 20: 20 jumping jacks, 20 mountain climbers, 20 squat thrusts (the hardest one for me) 20 push ups, 20 (full) sit ups and a 100 second sprint. Five times through. Then we did 2 sets of short suicides (half the parking lot) and 2 sets of long ones (full parking lot).

I am back up .5 I may spend the entire session losing and gaining back the same .5!! But if I figure out a way to break this plateau and start consistently losing again (next session?? I hope!!) it will be worth it!! But it's frustrating right now.

..off for my morning run. It's already pretty humid here today so I think I am going to just stay at the Y. Have a great day everyone!
Jude

Don't forget you are building lots of muscle with those intense workouts, so that might be a reason for lack of weight loss on the scale.

The sets of 20 are exactly what I was thinking. I am going to write up a plan for a workout like this for my vacation in a few weeks. It will be a lot easier than taking along my handweights and such, like I did last year. I will alternate between run days (Sun, Tues, Thurs) and boot camp type workout (Mon, Wed, Fri). Saturday I will skip, because it will be "pack up and move out" day. Anyhow, that way I can plan some great workouts without having to bring along a lot of "stuff".... just shorts, t-shirts, and my running shoes!

Thanks for the inspiration.

QOTD: 7/25 It's Christmas in July! What are you looking forward to for Christmas/Winter Holidays 2010?

I'm looking forward to seeing my dad again, and feeling the strongest I ever have going into a holiday season. I will be at my lowest weight in years (heck, I already am but expect to me so much lower by December), and I will be so used to 10M runs, the one I do on Christmas Eve will be easy (yep, I've already moved my LR that week because I know I'm not going to get up and run 10M on Christmas Day!)

Maria

You are already planning your exercise for December??? WOW... I am barely able to process what I am doing this week and next!

Anyhow, to answer the QOTD..... I plan to be FIRMLY at my goal weight at Christmas time and that will be my inspiration to not gain the usual 5 pounds of holiday eating weight!! Other than that I just look forward to the usual Christmas stuff.... time with family, a bit of time off from the "routine"... things like that.


Well... DD has the brioche underway in the kitchen and it sounds like DS has already begun a Lego building project. We will bring DH breakfast in bed about 9 am.

The day is getting warmer and more humid quickly... already everything I touch feels damp and sticky.... ICK. Time to shut the windows and turn on the AC .... I can't even IMAGINE what this month's electric bill is going to look like... I am truly thinking we are heading for a record high bill for us Wish we could afford to go solar.

I hope everyone has a super summer Sunday! Enjoy the sun, enjoy your activities for the day, whatever you have planned. Eat well and healthy. See you all tomorrow..................P

 

[donac]

Good SUnday morning everyone. I had a long post done this morning and my internet cut off on me.

Been to church and I am off to do some errands. Going to a farm market nearby, then Bath and Body works for their soap sale and then home. it is supposed to be cooler (low 90's vs high 90's) so maybe I can get somethings done today.

Pampering

Everyone seems to be running around. We need to take time to breath. Today sit for 5 minutes. Slowly breath in and slowly breath out. Try to make in the same length as out. Concentrate and slowly say "Breath in Breath out"

Have a great day everyone.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Hope that everyone gets to enjoy a nice, relaxing Sunday!

Rose, glad to hear that you decided to give up on the house thing. We've had more real estate deals go south on us that I can count -- one thing that we have learned is that it always works out for the best. If you aren't excited now at the beginning, when you are supposed to be really excited, you sure wouldn't be excited once you were in there and dealing with all the day to day stuff. It will all work out for you and Mike one way or another!

Well, I AM DONE!!! Everything submitted, last class done!!! DH just called, and wants me to join him and the girls at MIL's pool. Really want a nap more than anything! I guess I'll be good and go! So far, so good on food. Hope I can keep it that way!

Woo! Hoo! No more class!

I have been reading, but every time I try to reply, my message goes "poof." It just happened, so I am going to reply to the QOTD and call it a night with Dis.

I think the Dis logs you out faster than it used to so while you are answering long quotes you get logged out. I've been copying my mega reply before submitting and then I can just paste if it gets "lost."

pjlla, enjoy your birthday celebrations for your DH!

mikamah, glad that your yard sale was a huge success!

I am back up .5 I may spend the entire session losing and gaining back the same .5!! But if I figure out a way to break this plateau and start consistently losing again (next session?? I hope!!) it will be worth it!! But it's frustrating right now.

Maybe I don't want to know the answer to this, but what is a suicide?

Jude, I spent one whole challenge being a maintainer last spring. But every year I end it smaller than when I started. After years and years of gaining, I feel that is an accomplishment!

QOTD: 7/25 It's Christmas in July! What are you looking forward to for Christmas/Winter Holidays 2010?

Yay! Christmas in July! I am looking forward to having our Christmas tree up with all of our ornaments. We didn't put up a tree last year since we were gone at Christmas. It will be nice to just have a quiet Christmas at home.

And for those of you who want to add to that Christmas in July feeling, subsonicradio turned on the Disney Christmas music station for the month of July in case you want to hear some Disney Christmas music.

Enjoy your day, Maria! I am so impressed that you already have your training planned out through the end of the year.

Taryn, love your quote about the heat!

Today is packing day. I decided to just wash what we need and leave the rest of the laundry for when we get back. Maybe the laundry fairies will come and take care of it while we are gone.

Everything else is going to wait until we return. I have a little bit to do at work tomorrow and then I am going to take my little family and park their behinds on the beach until everyone is rested and ready for a new school year.

Have a great day all!