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

[Rose&Mike]

Mike's on a conference call and DS is going out with friends. I am avoiding doing anything productive. The dog, of course has been whining the entire time Mike has been upstairs on the call.

Jude--I love Sin Wagon! Great song! So do your mirror images involve seeing yourself as bigger or smaller. Last fall I saw myself as smaller than what I was. I hate looking at the pictures from last fall and winter. Now, I am stuck on bigger. I consistently take clothes into the dressing room that are too big. I loved reading about the Toby Keith concert. Thanks for sharing.

Taryn--I downloaded Hey Ya for tomorrow. I was playing it and DS said I just downloaded that song last week. Too funny.

Last week I added Lady Marmalade, Closer to Fine and Twilight Zone (golden earring) to my run playlist.

Ok, I think Mike is done. Nope, false alarm, he just needed his phone charger! These conference calls are getting old. He said he's giving the one tomorrow night to someone who works for him.

I never answered the QOTD about best friends. I had two BFs in college. One I still talk to occasionally, and when we do talk, it's like no time has passed. The other one I lost touch with several years ago. It makes me sad still. We moved here when DS was 3, and had a hard time fitting in at first. Even though it's a real city, it has a small town feeling. When people ask where you went to school, they don't care about college, they mean high school. So I know lots of people, and very rarely go places where we don't see someone we know, but I would not say I have a BF other than Mike. That makes me a little sad, too. I keep thinking it's a deficiency in my personality. The other thing that factors into it, is when DS was between 3 and 6 we had two failed adoptions, and a miscarriage. It was rough, and I think when you spend a lot of time being sad, it turns people off. We were also dealing with DSs genetic disorder/health issues. Anyhow, I think after that whole experiece I became a little more reserved than I was before. We had "friends" and relatives who told us we needed to get over the whole thing so I started holding back a little. Anyhow, that's where I'm at.

Guess I need to find something to do. Contemplating a beer and finding a book to read. Have a nice evening.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

First day back to work today after having the summer off. I lost a lot of weight lost school year, but I was still wearing baggy clothes. I lost more over the summer, went clothes shopping (size 16 to size 8!), got a haircut (was long and scraggly), put in my contacts instead of glasses, and even put on a little make-up. I'm feeling like a celebrity with all the compliments!

Wow amazing accomplishments!!! Celebrate how far you have come

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm disappointed to report that the South Beach Diet is not going to work for me. I'm just too lethargic without carbs. I lost some weight and hopefully, I'll be able to maintain the loss. Counting points should help. I will focus on eating as few carbs as possible and choosing the healthiest ones. I will probably continue to have a large salad with no-sugar added deli meat in it. Today's lunch was very filling. I have to put it in my points tracker still, but I'm pretty sure it was 7 points. I may stick to having that for lunch and a South Beach Diet-friendly breakfast, maybe with an apple or banana. I just won't be so strict with dinner. Plus, my parents were already suspicious of me not eating pasta last night with them, so it's probably for the best. My mom seems to be in a good and supportive mood today and we are going to try the C25K outside again tonight.

Thanks for all the good wishes! Yesterday was a really good day eating wise and I was very proud of myself. I also need to be able to walk around at work and not feel sick, so I know that I am making the right decision regarding how I will lose weight.

Hope everyone had a great day!

CC

Hey CC hang in there. WW is such a good program. Stick to the points and you will see the changes. Be patient. 1-2lbs per week is a healthy loss.

I'm with you! I have also gone from a 16 to an 8, depending on the pants. I can now buy small or medium tops. I went from a 42c to a 38B bra size though I may still need a C cup. I am stuck in the 150s and went crazy over the weekend. I got in 6 1/2 miles this morning and hope to do more tonight. I need to get drinking my water and CL. I still see my stomach rolls from 2 pregnancies though they are smaller. I would also love to have my 20 year old body back but I'm coming to terms with why it's so hard to lost the last 10-15! I just want to say I've lost 50 pounds! I'll get there maybe after the kids go back to school but as long as I can maintain to a point I'll be happy for the summer! All I know is I do feel better than I did 10 years ago when I reached 30! Of course I had just had my first child and wasn't sleeping well.

I'm so grateful to all of you for your support and just plain "awesomeness"!

Enjoy the rest of your Monday!

Wow I would say I would be ecstatic to feel that good when I turn 40. I think 40 is the new 30 right? I think so far 30 is my worst year health wise yet. I was at my heaviest and so not active. I am now 31 and 1/2 and things are looking up.

Thanks for sharing. I think we all need to make a list of how far we've come and hang it up for when we're wishing for those 20 year old bodies. And really, I don't want the 20 year old body permanently, maybe just for an hour or two so I can appreciate it! I am in the best phyiscal shape of my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Not so bad for a 40something.

I agree with Tracey--you all are awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey with me.

You are all awesome and have made such great accomplishments. It is so inspiring

So, Sophie was still....bubbly this morning. So we didn't go to gymnastics, didn't want to clean THAT up in the car! Good thing, she had potty problems a few more times this morning. I spent the day researching foods. (Can you tell?) I think I am going to order a yogurt starter and make my own yogurt. I would like to switch the family over to more organic foods, but the cost can be prohibitive. Trying to find out which things are most important, I try to get my produce organic if it's available in the store. I could so be a . Trying to find out the most cost effective ways to clean up my family's foods. I REALLY think there is a link to the junk in processed and other foods that is leading to so much out there.

Okay, off my soapbox!

Tomorrow is my first day back to work. I am not at all excited, I need a summer do over! But, it's a necessity. I'll probably be back later tonight!
Taryn

Id love to be more organic but with a full time job and 2 kids there is just not enough time in the day. If you figure out some tricks let me know. I agree that processed food and fast food is a huge factor in many health issues. I cant believe you are back to work tomorrow. I remember you just getting done telling us your off for the summer. Gosh where does the time go

As for my favorite concert: 18 May 2005: Toby Keith in Tikrit, Iraq. It was my first half day off in about 10 months. He performed with one other member of his band in front of about 50 soldiers at FOB Danger (don't even get me started on the genius who named our forward operating base!! yup, I had to write home and tell my DH that I was living in "Danger" 24/7!!!) I was in the second row - although the last row was only about 2 more rows back!! LOL. He and his band buddy Scotty then spent a lot of time talking and taking pictures with the soldiers. While many entertainers travelled to Iraq, very few were willing to travel to the forward operating bases for those of us out there. His recognition for those of us in the forward bases - and determination to reach out to us - meant so much.

That concert sounds great! Thank you for fighting for our country At least it seems like you have got to see some great places over seas.

I never answered the QOTD about best friends. I had two BFs in college. One I still talk to occasionally, and when we do talk, it's like no time has passed. The other one I lost touch with several years ago. It makes me sad still. We moved here when DS was 3, and had a hard time fitting in at first. Even though it's a real city, it has a small town feeling. When people ask where you went to school, they don't care about college, they mean high school. So I know lots of people, and very rarely go places where we don't see someone we know, but I would not say I have a BF other than Mike. That makes me a little sad, too. I keep thinking it's a deficiency in my personality. The other thing that factors into it, is when DS was between 3 and 6 we had two failed adoptions, and a miscarriage. It was rough, and I think when you spend a lot of time being sad, it turns people off. We were also dealing with DSs genetic disorder/health issues. Anyhow, I think after that whole experiece I became a little more reserved than I was before. We had "friends" and relatives who told us we needed to get over the whole thing so I started holding back a little. Anyhow, that's where I'm at.

Guess I need to find something to do. Contemplating a beer and finding a book to read. Have a nice evening.

sending hugs for you and all you had to go through. At least you and your dh are best friends. Alot of marriages fail during such times of stress. It is wonderful that you still have him to confide in. You have all of us too. We always will listen whether you are happy or sad.


QOTD-8/1
I have seen tim mcgraw 4 times one with his wife faith hill. All were amazing but my favorite was the last one I went to. I was 6th row center stage. I waved to him through a bunch of songs and during one of them he waved back. I thought I was going to faint. Everyone around me was like oh my god he waved at you. We were all screaming. I actually crack up now thinking about it. It was a blast.

I am back on track. Had a great day of eating. I am down .2lbs from last mon. Some wound frown but I smile. After all I ate this week it could have been worse. Running 4X last week Im sure has helped. I did a 5.8mile run last night. Now today I cant extend my left leg right when Im walking. I think I strained the ligament that connects my hamstring to my calf. I am going to rest it for a few nights and hopefully it will feel better. Its not extremely painful just tight and sore.

Have a great evening! Thanks for staying on me this weekend. I feel like I am back in control.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Evening everybody.

I have 1 more day of work before getting 2 days off. I am soooo ready for them. Work has been nuts and tiring lately. I promise to make up for my one shot posts starting tomorrow night.

Connie: I would love to see Charlie Daniels. I am a huge fiddle fan but I've never had the opportunity to see him. And I think you managed your splurges very well. Sometimes after a workout I am really jonesing for something specific. And my rule of thumb is that if I have it in the house then i go for it. I just try keeping the portions in check. And I think you did a great job of that before and after your post run meal.

Taryn: You mentioned a bikini to fit into as did a few others. So this brings up a question as I haven't worn 1 since i was about 7 or 8. Am i the only one here who doesn't care if I never fit into a bikini I will admit to loving 2 piece suits. just makes it that much easier to get on and off especially in a hurry. But a bikini i could do without.

And as for the 7hrs without posts happening when you step away, I say that's what happens when i take over coaching for the week

Tracey: Great job on the walking I take issue with the "Happy Monday" though. It was all I could do to get out of bed this morning. I expect tomorrow won't be much better.

Kathy: He got me started on country concerts too. I hadn't even listened to him much before being talked into going. I still have flashbacks to Wachovia center whenever I hear Unanswered Prayers. And I would absolutely love to see him in Vegas, though i doubt that'll happen.

Jen: I think you are on the right track with your running and how you're using your Garmin. I think its tough because we always keep on ourselves about how improve what we're doing whether its me using my resistance band for exercise or you running. And its not always easy to keep from obsessing about little missteps that we make.

And your problem with the cabin is becoming my problem at my parents' house. Its so easy to go to the beach and hit our favorite restaurant and order a nice big breakfast like always, and yet twice now my body has told me i shouldn't be doing that anymore, as breakfast wound up filling me all the way to bedtime I'm going up again in a few weeks, and i have got to sit down with myself and talk myself out ordering that way again.

Good luck with the schooling

CC: I'm sorry SBD didn't work out for you. I hope sticking with WW will help you make the choices you need. I'm guilty of too many carbs myself. Its something we're trying to break out of here, but it goes in fits and starts so to speak.

Thanks for sharing. I think we all need to make a list of how far we've come and hang it up for when we're wishing for those 20 year old bodies. And really, I don't want the 20 year old body permanently, maybe just for an hour or two so I can appreciate it! I am in the best phyiscal shape of my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Not so bad for a 40something.

Sounds like a good plan to me Rose. Although I'm really not wishing for my 20yo old body at all, making a list and hanging it up/posting it here can really be an eye opener. So everybody who'd like to make a list and post it here fire away. Or alternately, post it somewhere you'll see it all the time and use it to congratulate yourself on your new you

OK I need to get to bed so on to out QOTD for tomorrow

Since it seems that a few of us are needing changes in our weightloss journeys. So how do you know when its time for a change? And how do you know which change you need to go farther down the road to your goal?

I'll answer this 1 tomorrow after work, because if i answer now I may well be here till midnight and I'd hoped to be off by 10:30

Everybody have a great Tuesday

 

[Zoesmama03]

Exhausted so just a quick Hi. Did 7 hours of walking this morning through Old Navy, Target, Office Max and Walmart to get dinner and the ONE sole school supply left on the list. Glad that is done minus her polos we have to get from the school with logos. I could actually find uniform shorts it was amazing. I was gonna break down and buy Old Navy pants for $10/pair but returned them when I found shorts at Target for $10. Old Navy only had one pair of uniform shorts and they were a 6 but snug. I hope they have pants for sell in a few months when it started getting cold enough for pants. For a hot state it was tougher than I expected. At least she has a blue skirt that is too big and a tan one(getting snug) left from Kinder that still fits and looks practically new so she has 3-4 days worth which will be fine for now. Only got money for 2 shirts though, so gonna see if her dad can spare another shirt or two worth. Its all I get from him, when I email and ask for help.

 

[Connie96]

Trying to find out which things are most important, I try to get my produce organic if it's available in the store. I could so be a .

To save money on produce, you can buy the "dirty dozen" organic (or grow them yourself, of course) and just stick to traditionally grown for other produce. Check out http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php

 

[50sjayne]

Hey! Just was feeling guilty about board abandonment but it seems everyone is doing really well, looking back a few pages so I won't let guilt keep me away. Besides I'm back to my actual maintaining weight and I don't want to gain so tada! I'm officially dropped from the challenge but I'd like to check in until the next starts.
It's just been kinda nuts for me, we went to Disney. For us it's a big deal, last year was our first in 10 years and this year will be our last for a few years, till 2012 anyway. (So I have to maintain 'till then ugh) Then when I got back the day after I was back to work I took on a Mama kitty and 2 of her kittens. This was a challenge even for me...My boss's mom was sick before I left for my trip, then when I got back my boss got an ear infection that kept her home for a week. Then her mom got worse and died. Sooo--I've been working A lot. During all this one of the kittens got really sick and I ended up taking him to the emergency room. After testing they couldn't figure it out and sent him home with clavamox which he responded very well to and he's ok. Now little brother is sick too. At least I still have a lot of antibiotic- they gave me enough for both I think--but I'm very worried about him as he was the runt. Mom just got spayed too although she seems good and healing well. My days off the last few weeks were fun but hectic--a trip to the coast with my stepdad because my mom's visiting her family in Illinos. He's on vacation too lol and I didn't want him hiking a mountain alone with a new knee lol. Then my husband's boss surprised him with a concert in Portland last week so we did that. This week my daughter's visiting from Albuquerque (sp?).
At least the kitten's doing ok although I wish they could have figured out what was wrong-- I guess this stuff will just have to work through their system...Figaro is 100% now anyway. Noticed myself eating a lot worrying about them and stopped it...
'M doing everything in my power to help Wally--the clamavox, tuna juice, pedialite mixed with good canned food, forcing liquid when I feel he is dehydrated. I'm sure he's getting tired of me pinching his skin poor thing. I've also intermittently been giving him and his very well brother echinacea and goldenseal tincture. I bought a feliway refill, and have been putting the bach's rescue remedy on his ears. You see-- he looks exactly like my old cat Bob that I accidentally ran over last July. Bob was old and had cancer and he was sleeping under my wheel. That was the second worst thing that ever happened to me. The first was watching my daughter struggle with her asthma one night after they (doctors) couldn't figure out she had asthma. Sidenote--That night she was actually talking about Bobby in her sleep. He was a young kitty then.
I'm asking for your thought support I guess--here is a recent pic of Wally. It's really hurting me that he's sick...I picked this one because he is surrounded in white and red-- healing colors.

[/IMG]

 

[flipflopmom]

While many entertainers travelled to Iraq, very few were willing to travel to the forward operating bases for those of us out there. His recognition for those of us in the forward bases - and determination to reach out to us - meant so much.

That's awesome. I'm not a big Toby Keith fan, but that raised him a bit in my eyes!!! I am always humbled when you speak of your service! You've had an adventurous life! What exactly is a tempo run? I've read about in Runner's World. Is it where you basically try to stay at the fastest pace you can maintain for 3 miles?

Taryn--I downloaded Hey Ya for tomorrow. I was playing it and DS said I just downloaded that song last week. Too funny.

The other thing that factors into it, is when DS was between 3 and 6 we had two failed adoptions, and a miscarriage. It was rough, and I think when you spend a lot of time being sad, it turns people off.

Glad I suggested it to you! I like the tempo. And to you on what you and Mike went through. We spend 2 years trying to get pregnant with Anna Kat, and were on the last dose of fertility meds when I did. At that time, a lot of my friends, including my bff, got pregnant. I was majorly depressed and jealous, she got angry, and honestly, we haven't been quite the same since then!

After all I ate this week it could have been worse. Running 4X last week Im sure has helped. I did a 5.8mile run last night. Now today I cant extend my left leg right when Im walking. I think I strained the ligament that connects my hamstring to my calf. I am going to rest it for a few nights and hopefully it will feel better. Its not extremely painful just tight and sore.

Ice it. Lots. and definitely rest it! Hope it's better soon, and glad you are back in a happy place!

Taryn: You mentioned a bikini to fit into as did a few others. So this brings up a question as I haven't worn 1 since i was about 7 or 8. Am i the only one here who doesn't care if I never fit into a bikini I will admit to loving 2 piece suits. just makes it that much easier to get on and off especially in a hurry. But a bikini i could do without. And as for the 7hrs without posts happening when you step away, I say that's what happens when i take over coaching for the week

Since it seems that a few of us are needing changes in our weightloss journeys. So how do you know when its time for a change? And how do you know which change you need to go farther down the road to your goal?

You are doing great!!!! Just a busy Saturday! As for the bikini - I've never worn one. Too big even in high school. So I think it's just repression!

QOTD: As I am nearing goal - not that close, but a lot closer than ever, my body has adjusted to the regime I've given it. I'm am VERY slowly losing, gaining crazy amounts in one day, then losing it. I'm try to up my running mileage, changing up my diet a bit. More calories burned, better calories in. I think when our bodies stop responding, we need to change it up just a bit.

Exhausted so just a quick Hi.

Ugh. Sometimes shopping is painful!

To save money on produce, you can buy the "dirty dozen" organic (or grow them yourself, of course) and just stick to traditionally grown for other produce. Check out http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php

Thanks Connie- I actually read that list last night. We have a small garden, and I try to buy local as much as possible. Unfortunately, our local grocery doesn't have a large selection of organic in the dirty dozen, and I would have to travel an hour to a health foods store for the rest. Thinking about joining a CSA or something next year.

Hey! Just was feeling guilty about board abandonment but it seems everyone is doing really well, looking back a few pages so I won't let guilt keep me away.

WOW! You've had a lot going on! Thanks for checking in! Hope the kitties get better!

Well, heigh-heigh ho. Wonder what the day will bring! They are doing construction in all our schools, and we were implicity told not to come into the building until today. Then we were told to wear comfy clothes to help move things into rooms. The superintendent had the headline in the local paper that "SCHOOLS WILL OPEN ON TIME".. Several of my friends won't be allowed in their rooms until Monday at least, and school starts Wed??? I have a feeling it's going to be a disaster!

Off to shower and get ready. YAY ME.

Have a great day everyone!!!!!!!
Taryn

 

[donac]

Good morning everyone.

Just a short note. I want to get some things done before I head to class.

The professor wasn;t as amusing as Roz. I wish. At least I could have laughed. He was so unprepared it wasn't funny. It seemed to me he just winged it. He handed us some paper with some problems on it and told us "Try these" and he did that a could of times. The good thing is we got out early.

Thanks for all the PD for ds. The next big hurdle for him is an interview next Monday. Please keep it coming.

He caled me yesterday from DW. He taped the Electric Light Parade on Sunday night for me. He said there are 2 dark places. One where it was starting and one where he wanted to surprise me with the float that was coming. I told him it had to be Elliot (from Pete's dragon). I was right.

He loved the restaurant in Canada. We have never eaten there but I was able to get him a reservation last March.

My plan of attack for the day is to get some work done on a workshop that I will be giving in Nov. We are in a brand new building so they are expecting us to have our laptops on our desks. Each desk has a built in outlet for 2 laptops and the building is wifi.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[tigger813]

Maureen- Hope your Tuesday is better! I didn't get up for a workout this morning. I just wanted to sleep so I did!

Taryn- Good luck! When I got my first teaching job I got hired on Thursday but couldn't get in my classroom until Monday and school started in Tuesday! They were putting carpeting in the room. I also had meetings and had to find daycare for DD1 who was 3 months old. A friend of mine who is a teacher helped me get my room together. I got hired on my birthday so we went out to dinner at a mall that had a teacher's store in it and I spent about $250 that night! Somehow it all came together but it was insane! I was a wreck but as things go I survived!

Slept in this morning! Just wanted to sleep! I'm giving a massage this morning and then I have to drive to Salem, NH to pick up our taxes as we are refinancing again and we forgot to pick them up. Girls are going to DD1s BFF's house while I work and then I will pick up DD2 to go with me. I also have to return a shirt DD1 got yesterday and hopefully get a bigger size!

Time to get moving as we have to leave in just over an hour! Have a nice day!

 

[mikamah]

Just a quick hello this morning again. I did get out of work a little early yesterday, and was tempted to catch up here, but went for a 3 mile run/walk instead, and was very glad I did. It definintely helped keep me on track the rest of the day. We have my nieces sweet 16 b-day tonight which will be pizza and cake. Plan to drink lots of water, and have only one piece of pizza and sliver of cake, and then if it's hot I'll get in the pool and away from the food.

50sjayne-hugs and pixie dust to you and your little kitties. You are such a good person to take all those needy little fellas in and nurse them back to health. Glad to hear you are still maintaining. Great job.

Carmiedog-congrats on the new size!!

Taryn- hugs to you going back to work. I can't believe school starts so early for you. I hope this week goes smoothly and your classroom is all ready next week. Good luck.

Lindsay- Nice job staying on track this week. And again thank you for the tips on Mapmyrun. I've been using it so easily, and the distance is a little higher than when I've driven my car, so that means my speeds are a little faster, closer to 14 min miles, which makes me very happy.

JenA- Thanks for the encouragement on the cow. I definitely am more aware when I have written it down on my little postit and see it every time I sit at my desk. Good luck to your kiddos heading back to school.

Dona- hang in there with that class. Sounds very long, painful and boring, but I know you'll be happy to have friday off. Glad you ds loved le cellier. We got a ressie for sept, and i can't wait.

Rose-hugs to you and all you went through when ds was little. I hope you are enjoying your visit with ds.

Kudos to all who are hanging in there. Make every day matter.

Jennz and Lisah- hope you're enjoying your vacations. I'm thinking you'll both be back soon.

Off to work now! Have a great day!!

 

[jenanderson]

I have a history of not doing the COW, but I've been doing it this Challenge and enjoying it. I do think it's helpful, and of course it's fun to have prizes! I think both Dona and Jen have done a great job with it, and I really appreciate all the hard work you have both put into it!

I've never thought about this! I guess my dream outfit would be an amazing dress which would make me look well, amazing! My favorite color is purple, so I would want it to be in shades of purple from lilac to eggplant, with a sweetheart neckline, nipped in waist, and flowing skirt. Probably starting with lilac at the shoulders and ending in the eggplant, and made from silk or chiffon, just a light, floating dress that would make me look and feel like a princess!

Maria - I am so glad that you are doing the challenge of the week this time around. I enjoy doing it and think it is a great way to develop some really healthy habits. I plan on making a few more changes to it for our next session...so stay tuned!

Your dream dress sounds beautiful and I bet you would make an amazing princess!

...did workout 1 of the C25K in the evening. I ran around the lake near my parents’ house and it was amazing! I was a little nervous to start but I ended up really enjoying it, no pain, no crying, I was pretty impressed with myself! I’m going to do workout 2 this evening between work and picking DS up. Since I only have about 6 weeks before my race and I wasn’t dying during the first one, I’m going to do the first two workouts of each week then go to the next week until I get to weeks eight and nine of the program. The plan is to run every other day and do Shred on the no run days, NMTZ on the off weekend day, and try to squeeze in Punch Out when I can if I’m not too beat.

Bree - YOU GO GIRL! I am so happy that you did day 1 of the C25K with ease. I think it would have been so much easier for me if I had already been doing some form of exercise BEFORE I started - so hopefully with how in shape you already are it will continue to be a nice program for you!

QOTD 8/1 : What is the best show or concert you've been to?

So You Think You Can Dance tour - all of them! Fun. Energetic. Amazing.

My family would LOVE to go see the So You Think You Can Dance tour - it is one of our favorite shows!

BTW...I bet you look so great with all the changes you have made and I am glad you are getting the compliments you deserve.

amen! Although I haven't done COW this time around, it was SO helpful the last challenge in helping me develop good habits. Even if I sent in embarrassingly low scores, it kept me MINDFUL. Same thing for weigh-ins. Even if you have weeks with gains, even if you don't lose the entire challenge, it keeps you conscious of where you're at.

I think being accountable is really helpful. There is no such thing as an embarrassingly low score...if you try and have any points, you have done great! I get really excited when I see someone send in a couple points and talk about what they tried - at least I know we are giving people something healthy and new to try out!

I so understand that. On one hand, I've gone from a 16 to an 8. Logically, I know I look fantastic compared to before. Not perfect, but pretty darn good. Emotionally, though, I still see my fat thighs and stomach rolls from 3 pregnancies. I'm having trouble coming to terms with the reality that I won't ever have my 20 year old body back (even though I'm getting close on the scale, it just don't look the same!).

I have also gone from a 16 to an 8 (and even sometimes a 6). I do wear a bikini now (even in front of other people ). I also wear shorts...something I haven't done probably about 5 years! I also know that I look great but no where near perfect yet. Reading your post (and a few others), I realized that I am still seeking my 20 year old body! You are right about it though...I might have to come to terms that it is not going to happen. At age 20 I was only 115 pounds and wore a size 2 or 4. If I stop and think about it I know that it is not going to happen but for some reason when I look in the mirror, that is what I am looking for. I must work on this a little.

Well, I'm disappointed to report that the South Beach Diet is not going to work for me.

CC - The important thing is that you find something that WILL work for you. It is good to try out the different plans out there as there are so many of them. I think that you are smart to recognize that South Beach is not a plan you can live with and move on.

I just want to say I've lost 50 pounds! I'll get there maybe after the kids go back to school but as long as I can maintain to a point I'll be happy for the summer! All I know is I do feel better than I did 10 years ago when I reached 30! Of course I had just had my first child and wasn't sleeping well.

Tracey - You have come a long ways and I bet you feel so great now! I am beginning to realize that much of the success of losing the weight is in how I feel when I try to do things - I can do so much more now and have so much more confidence. Way to go with losing 50 pounds! INCREDIBLE!

Thanks for sharing. I think we all need to make a list of how far we've come and hang it up for when we're wishing for those 20 year old bodies. And really, I don't want the 20 year old body permanently, maybe just for an hour or two so I can appreciate it! I am in the best phyiscal shape of my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Not so bad for a 40something.

Rose - You said it so well! I know that I am in as good of shape as I was when I was younger...and if I keep it up, I am sure it will improve past that. Thank you for reminding me that being 40 and where I am at is a good thing!

 

[jenanderson]

Any other suggestions? I like stuff that will really keep me walking and fast!

A new must have for me is Hush Hush (I Will Survive) by the Pussycat Dolls

I think I am going to order a yogurt starter and make my own yogurt. I would like to switch the family over to more organic foods, but the cost can be prohibitive. Trying to find out which things are most important, I try to get my produce organic if it's available in the store. I could so be a . Trying to find out the most cost effective ways to clean up my family's foods. I REALLY think there is a link to the junk in processed and other foods that is leading to so much out there.

I think it is so much healthier to eat the more organic but I am with some others...it just seems like it would take so much more money or time. I need to do some more research on this as well because I would like to eat less processed food.

The other thing that factors into it, is when DS was between 3 and 6 we had two failed adoptions, and a miscarriage. It was rough, and I think when you spend a lot of time being sad, it turns people off. We were also dealing with DSs genetic disorder/health issues. Anyhow, I think after that whole experiece I became a little more reserved than I was before. We had "friends" and relatives who told us we needed to get over the whole thing so I started holding back a little. Anyhow, that's where I'm at.

Hugs to you Rose. DH and I have the same thing - tons of issues with having the kids and then DS has many health issues that we still deal with. It is not easy for others to understand what you go through with all of that and it is not easy to forget what people say (I heard the whole "get over it" MANY times). I lost so many friends during the worse of what we were going through. I am much more cautious about making friends and I am so much more reserved about things. It is hard. I am so glad that you and your DH remain to be best friends...I feel that DH is mine.

I did a 5.8mile run last night. Now today I cant extend my left leg right when Im walking. I think I strained the ligament that connects my hamstring to my calf. I am going to rest it for a few nights and hopefully it will feel better. Its not extremely painful just tight and sore.

Great job on the run! Sounds like you might need to listen to your body and rest that leg for a day or so. As long as it doesn't hurt and is just tight, you might want to stretch it out a bit to see if that helps.

I'm asking for your thought support I guess--here is a recent pic of Wally. It's really hurting me that he's sick...I picked this one because he is surrounded in white and red-- healing colors.

Your kitty is so cute! I hope that he heals quickly!

Well, heigh-heigh ho. Wonder what the day will bring! They are doing construction in all our schools, and we were implicity told not to come into the building until today. Then we were told to wear comfy clothes to help move things into rooms. The superintendent had the headline in the local paper that "SCHOOLS WILL OPEN ON TIME".. Several of my friends won't be allowed in their rooms until Monday at least, and school starts Wed??? I have a feeling it's going to be a disaster!

Oh my! School starting already! Good luck and enjoy your 1st day back today!!!

He caled me yesterday from DW. He taped the Electric Light Parade on Sunday night for me. He said there are 2 dark places. One where it was starting and one where he wanted to surprise me with the float that was coming. I told him it had to be Elliot (from Pete's dragon). I was right.

I would LOVE to see that parade! I LOVE Elliot!

Just a quick hello this morning again. I did get out of work a little early yesterday, and was tempted to catch up here, but went for a 3 mile run/walk instead, and was very glad I did.

Kathy - Nice job getting your walk/run in!

Alright folks...time to go to tutor! I will be back in a bit!
Jen

 

[tigger813]

Home with the girls. We stopped at KFC for lunch and Shaw's to pick out my birthday cake. It's got Mickey and Minnie on it with surfboards since I'm doing a Hawaiian theme! Only one I really liked! It had to have Mickey on it! For lunch I had a mashed potato bowl without corn and a biscuit. I also had some extra popcorn chicken. On my second bottle of CL lemonade. I'll have water next. Gotta go back to work again later for a 6pm client. May have another client on Wednesday night or Thursday night as well. It would be great to have 5 clients this week. I have one scheduled for next week so far but I'm only working on Wednesday and Thursday anyways.

I really could use a nap but I also really need to get in a workout since I skipped this morning. Planning on eating lightly for supper. I prefer my big meal at lunch and do so when I can. I think I'll go down at 2:45 and get in either a 3 or 4 mile workout depending on how I feel. I always feel better after I work out so I plan on doing it today. I also promised the kids we'd play some games this afternoon. Maybe I'll just head down now.

Tomorrow I will walk with my neighbor and then do the BL Last Chance workout. I'm going to try and do that 2-3 times a week starting tomorrow. I'm also going to do either a 3, 4, or 5 mile WATP workout each day. Maybe I can also squeeze in some EA Sports Active a few times a week.

Time to get off my butt and go workout! I want my 45 pound clippie back!

 

[Connie96]

Okay. All set for a 5K race on Saturday. The check is written and the envelope will be dropped in the mail on my way home today.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I am back on track. Had a great day of eating. I am down .2lbs from last mon. Some wound frown but I smile. After all I ate this week it could have been worse. Running 4X last week Im sure has helped. I did a 5.8mile run last night. Now today I cant extend my left leg right when Im walking. I think I strained the ligament that connects my hamstring to my calf. I am going to rest it for a few nights and hopefully it will feel better. Its not extremely painful just tight and sore.

Have a great evening! Thanks for staying on me this weekend. I feel like I am back in control.

Congrats on the run. Be careful with that leg. I heard once if you need to take advil you shouldn't run on it, that you should wait until you are off pain meds for at least 24 hours. I have had an overuse injury before and it stinks. An extra day off is worth it in the long run. Hope you feel better.

50sjayne--welcome back! Hope the kitty is doing well today!

Taryn--hope you had a good first day!

Just a quick hello this morning again. I did get out of work a little early yesterday, and was tempted to catch up here, but went for a 3 mile run/walk instead, and was very glad I did. It definintely helped keep me on track the rest of the day. We have my nieces sweet 16 b-day tonight which will be pizza and cake. Plan to drink lots of water, and have only one piece of pizza and sliver of cake, and then if it's hot I'll get in the pool and away from the food.

Off to work now! Have a great day!!

Kathy--good job with running and that sounds like a great plan for tonight!

Hugs to you Rose. DH and I have the same thing - tons of issues with having the kids and then DS has many health issues that we still deal with. It is not easy for others to understand what you go through with all of that and it is not easy to forget what people say (I heard the whole "get over it" MANY times). I lost so many friends during the worse of what we were going through. I am much more cautious about making friends and I am so much more reserved about things. It is hard. I am so glad that you and your DH remain to be best friends...I feel that DH is mine.

Thanks (and thanks everyone else who commented) and thanks for sharing. We lost a lot of friends too, and we have several of Mike's relatives that we only speak to on a limited basis now. I consider myself very fortunate, though, because I have a great kid who is very healthy. Can't ask for anything else. I hope things improve for your DS. It is so hard to deal with chronic issues. Our DS will have to live with his genetic disorder for his entire life, but it's manageable.

Okay. All set for a 5K race on Saturday. The check is written and the envelope will be dropped in the mail on my way home today.

Too exciting! Can't wait to hear about it.

Tracey--are you getting excited about your birthday coming up? Your cake sounds great!

Hope everyone is having a good day. I am feeling a little stressed today, not sure why, but hoping I am good with the food tonight. Mike and I are supposed to run today, but it's in the upper 90s so we might just go run on the treadmills at the Y. I really want to go to the park, but it might not be smart. I liked reading the comments about the 20 something bodies. I must say, I hated turning 40, but I love being in my 40s. Took about a year to get used to it, but now I am perfectly happy to say my age.

Hope everyone has a good evening.

 

[LuvBaloo]

I'm excited to post that I've a new job!

At the end of the month, I'll be leaving my current job (after 14.5 years) to move to a new town and new job. The new town is 120km away (75miles), and is where my DH works and where the majority of our relatives live. It'll be a crazy few weeks getting the house packed and ready to sell but it will be worth it.

I just found out last Thursday, and got so busy getting started on fixing things in the house, I never got on the computer to post that I was heading out of town for an annual family camping trip. It was my parents, aunt, sister & her DH +kids all together for a 3 days weekend. It was fun, and I have to share my kayaking story.

DH & I were off kayaking, and got hot, so we pulled the kayak's up to shore in an inlet and were standing in the water cooling off. We could see a dark spot moving way out in the water, and I said it must be a duck. After a bit, DH noticed it was coming straight towards us and asked if I was sure it was a duck. I said, it looks odd, but what else could it be. When it was about 80 feet away, DH says "get in your boat NOW, its not a duck, its a bear". What an adrenaline rush realizing a bear is swimming straight towards you. All we could see was the head sticking out of the water. As soon as we made a bunch of noise turnign the kayaks around, the bear switched directions and moved towards the shore on the opposite side of the inlet. As we were paddling away, we saw the bear climb out of the water and head into the woods. It turned out to be a relatively small black bear, but it was still freaky.

Off to get caught up on all I've missed. No reminder post this week, as I haven't opened any weigh-ins yet, but the results will come out tonight.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I'm excited to post that I've a new job!

At the end of the month, I'll be leaving my current job (after 14.5 years) to move to a new town and new job. The new town is 120km away (75miles), and is where my DH works and where the majority of our relatives live. It'll be a crazy few weeks getting the house packed and ready to sell but it will be worth it.

I just found out last Thursday, and got so busy getting started on fixing things in the house, I never got on the computer to post that I was heading out of town for an annual family camping trip. It was my parents, aunt, sister & her DH +kids all together for a 3 days weekend. It was fun, and I have to share my kayaking story.

DH & I were off kayaking, and got hot, so we pulled the kayak's up to shore in an inlet and were standing in the water cooling off. We could see a dark spot moving way out in the water, and I said it must be a duck. After a bit, DH noticed it was coming straight towards us and asked if I was sure it was a duck. I said, it looks odd, but what else could it be. When it was about 80 feet away, DH says "get in your boat NOW, its not a duck, its a bear". What an adrenaline rush realizing a bear is swimming straight towards you. All we could see was the head sticking out of the water. As soon as we made a bunch of noise turnign the kayaks around, the bear switched directions and moved towards the shore on the opposite side of the inlet. As we were paddling away, we saw the bear climb out of the water and head into the woods. It turned out to be a relatively small black bear, but it was still freaky.

Off to get caught up on all I've missed. No reminder post this week, as I haven't opened any weigh-ins yet, but the results will come out tonight.

Im so happy for you. It sounds like you really wanted this and to be closer to family and your dh's work sounds perfect. Im sure its a little scary too but you will do great. Great Job.

Oh my I cant believe that bear story. Thats insane! I would have freaked out. Who would have ever thought you would see that swimming near you in a lake. I was anticipating you were going to say a huge snapping turtle or something like that. Glad you made it out of there ok.


Thanks for all the concern for my leg. It feels 95% better today. I think I just overworked it and it was a little sore/tight. I have not had to take any pain meds since its really not painful. My dh has stuff going on tonight and tomorrow night at work so I wont have the opportunity to run until thursday. I think that should give me enough time to recuperate. My eating has been stable although I did use 10 of my flex points today. I really am hoping for a big loss this week to motivate me.

 

[donac]

Shannon Congrats on the new job. BOth of you being close to the same town and close to relatives should make life a little less stressful. But first you have to survive the stress of moving. Good luck

 

[tigger813]

Congrats Shannon! That's such good news to hear! So thrilled for you!

I haven't reached 50 pounds but I'm hoping to get there before December 1! Well, hopefully by the end of August! With going away this weekend and my birthday the next it will be hard to lose but I will keep pushing on until I get there. Going to heat up my workouts with BL Last Chance workout and hopefully the elliptical again! Lots of water and giving 2 massages today should help me as well!

I am getting excited about my birthday! My client tonight asked how I felt about turning 40! I don't have any regrets and am proud of what I have accomplished and where I am in my life!

We're watching Unwrapped before the kids go to bed. Canceled the playdate tomorrow as both kids were so whiny! We will go do some errands and I may have a client tomorrow night or Thursday night. Walking in the morning with my neighbor and then I'll do some other workouts!

Enjoy the rest of your night!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congrats Shannon!!!! I am so excited for you. And the bear story, wow, I would have been freaking!

mommyof2pirates--glad the leg is feeling better!

We did our run. We ran about 2 and ran/walked the last 2, 6 total with warm up and cool down. It was a balmy 96 when we started and cooled off to 92 at the end. I actually ran in my jog bra because it was so awful. So glad to have the heart rate monitor, because it really made us slow down and be careful. If it's this hot next week, we're going to run the first mile and run/walk the rest. This heat is just crazy! Mike is getting take out pizza--thin crust--for dinner. Since I don't eat meat anymore, I don't feel as guilty about pizza because my part will have onions, tomatoes, and cheese.

Talk to you all tomorrow!