Biggest Loser 10 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers :)

[my3princes]

Thanks for all the well wishes. We were all feeling better today. Maybe not 100%, but definitely an improvement

 

[liesel]

Ok, heres my book...

This year, i decided to actually send invites to friends and family to our party. I even invited my college friends who live down in San Diego (2hr drive from me). We had lots of people come and even my friends from so far away. The houses people made were amazing. They have gotten so much better at it over the years. My DF and I made a village of houses a couple of days ago because we are always too busy to make one during the party. He had everyone put their houses on one big table so they could be "judged". He announced the contest so that everyone could gather around. So they did and he started talking about all the houses. He then started talking about our gingerbread house and how we made it together and thats why it was special. Then he said, and whats even more special is what is underneath this house. He picked up the house and there was a ring. Everyone was so shocked as was I. The tears started coming, the cameras flashing. He talked about who knows what, I cant remember . The only thing I remember was promising to always have gingerbread house parties and so on. He then got on his knee and asked me to marry him. I could barely squeek out "of course" we kissed, then all the hugs from everyone came after. I was shaking for two hours straight in shock. My grandmother then came out of the house (because she didnt know this was about to happen). That made me cry even harder as we were hugging. She was sooo happy for me and Im just crying here right now happy that she was there.

Today we are going to the store to get the ring resized because it is too big. I am really hating having to depart from it for two weeks. But like a friend said, I will have it for the rest of my life. I cant stop staring at it

What I found out later from DF is that he had asked my parents their permission right before the party. They were the only ones that knew. No one else did. He said my dad was all for it, my mom just stood quiet.

This kind of goes into my mom issues. She is not into things like this...babies, marraige, etc. I have always thought it was me particually she didnt want it for, but Im beginning to think she doesnt like it for people in general, if that makes sense. She didnt cry like everyone else or anything. She called me today and didnt even say anything the engagement until I brought it up. I asked her I was going to look into a venue and if she would want to go. She said "sure." I dont know how to proceed with this. I want her to be all excited and involved. The only things she gets excited and involved with are the other aspects of my life: school, when I bought my house, my job, and saving money. Im going to try my hardest to not let it bring me down, but IRL I dont have many close female relationships that can help me with planning a wedding. So with all this happiness also comes this sadness. I guess time will tell to see if she changes her tune.

I will be back soon to post some pics!!!

Congratulations!!! What a beautiful story!

I'm sorry about your mom's reaction. I know it can be hard when family can't share in your happiness. Its their loss if they don't want to participate in this exciting time. I know this is pretty minor in comparision, but my DH's childhood best friend was not at all happy when we got engaged. He and his GF had been together for 5 years and he didn't want to propose. His made it about him and his inability to commit instead of being happy for us. We decided not to have him in the wedding party because we wanted the people in the wedding party (and helping with the wedding) to be people who were truly supportive of us as a couple.

As for female friends, there are many here who have planned or been in weddings and I'm sure everyone here has loads of advice and great ideas. Feel free to share anytime!

 

[50sjayne]

I am feeling better this morning. I haven't had much to eat yet though. Lots of water, so that is good. I am going to go a few days without having any milk and see if that helps at all. I did okay yesterday and then had a rough evening. No vomitting, but lots of cramping. I was up and down until close to midnight and then slept for a much-needed long time.

Thanks for all your concern!

I will hopefully be back later for replies. I do have to tutor today, but otherwise, my only other plan is church.

Mini-Challenge for Sundary, 12/5: Prepare everything you need for tomorrow before you go to bed tonight.

Have a great day everyone!

Thanks for that (mini challenge) I need to start doing that on days I work early anyway. Tried that last night but forgot to put water in the coffee pot...hopefully tomorrow will go better. Glad you got some rest.

its all been so busy since friday morning. sorry i havent had time to do replies. the party went great. we had some of the most creative, beautiful gingerbread houses made. One other little thing that happened at the party... BF proposed I was crying the whole entire time. We had a lot of friends and family around. I have class in ten minutes, but I'll be back on later tonight for more details.

I'm really happy for you.

QOTD I have a few. Holiday Inn and White Christmas. White Christmas brings me back to child hood. When that movie came on the neighbors would come over (because we had a color tv) and it would be a party. I also love Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. I know I am dating myself.

My husband and kids love the Magoo christmas.

Strangely I'm ok today. I mean-- I'm sick, and a little cloudy but things are good. I know, mystical... but trust me. Seems honesty, love and a little bravery on my part (yay-- go me!) have calmed the waters somewhat. I've transitioned from 9 inch nails to Berlin anyway, and am reasonable happy. I'm taking it day to day. I am still amazed at how truly great the people I work with every day are. As a store steward sometimes I think I watch people more closely than I used to-I wasn't the best choice to do this because I am not very brave, but I'm going to try to do better. It also helps that my "problem" also happens to be one of the smartest, kindest people I know.

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning,

I slept well enough that I feel rested, but still know that I woke up a few times during the night. Looking forward to the day.

I have to tutor tonight, but my goal is to reply before bed tonight.

Mini-Challenge for Monday, 12/6: Drink 8 oz of water more than you usuall drink.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[donac]

Cupcaker Congrats on the engagement. My mother was the same way with my wedding. Just always ask her opinion even if she doesn't answer. Eventually she will. Remember you have your df to help you plan your wedding. This way the wedding will really be yours. Good luck.

Long day with Math Team today. I have a student conference this morning and then have to plan out the week.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[flipflopmom]

Congratulations Jeanette! I am so very happy for you and your DF!

Probably a good thing since I threw up around 10 last night.

Any ideas as to what is causing this? I know you mentioned milk - we only drink skim milk, and anything made w/ whole milk makes me ill. Glad to read later you caught up on your rest and were feeling a bit better!

But they're your heathens! Hope that you can do some relaxing this week-end, Taryn. Yesterday's long run on the TM was a stinker. Next week I will try the walking track or maybe we will have a thaw for my long run. I don't mind the shorter runs on the TM.

Exactly! That was what I meant, hope it didn't come across as I hate my children! Sorry you had a bad run, trying to figure all this winter exercise stuff out is tough. Remember when we were all lamenting the heat?

I am very happy to say that I ran 9 MILES!!!! on the dreadmill today

Great Job!!! That should make you feel a bit better about the whole winter training prospect!

I'm thankful for:
1) The good health of my family and friends
2)That God let us keep Hunter with us and that he is thriving
3)Our wonderful cozy house
4)That we have jobs
5)That we can afford a few of the nicer things in life

That's a pretty impressive list there! And what really matters!

Hi everyone. Haven't been on too much. Sorry but this knee has me down. I have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. I am not in a very good mood. My knee had me up at 2:30 this morning. Dh did want to go to a local Christmas event but changed it to go see the movie Tangled. It was such a fun movie to go see. we had a blast.

Dona - so sorry your knee is bothering you so much. Hopefully after tomorrow you'll have some answers! I wanted to take the girl to Tangled, but that money's just not in the budget right now. Our 3-D movies are $10!

Actually Im not much of a country music lover...just tim mcgraw. Im more of a hip hop/pop kinda girl. Just to clarify. Ryan and nick also sing trains song. Instead of Hey soul sister.....they say "Hey Ho Sister". I find myself singing the same thing now too.
Thanks for the support. This is a hard time of year to focus and I find since we are financially strapped I skimp on the better foods at the grocery store so we have enough food to last until next pay. Unfortunately the healthier stuff tends to be more expensive 5.I wanted to let everyone know that I took all your great advice and emailed ryans teacher about the conference. She said in the beginning she was a little worried since he seemed to struggle a bit but since has seen a light bulb go on in him and he is doing so well.

I know what you mean about the food - the budget stretches MUCH farther without a lot of healthy stuff, it's so frustrating. I saw a report on the news about it, it was talking about how the obesity problem is rampant amongst lower income people because of the cost. Not that I consider us lower income. But the same principle applies. Love the Hey Ho Sister! Sophie's newest? I'm getting "somethin" for Christmas, Mommy and Daddy aren't mad. AK's friends have started getting into country music a bit (hey, I am in the south), I just don't do well with most of it. Anyway, I asked one of my good friends to help us out and tell me some stuff I might could handle listening to, she also happens to be AK's Language Arts Teacher. Well, she was so sweet and made her a CD, I loaded it into her ipod without listening to it. I mean, this friend's a devout Christian and teacher. Shouldn't be anything questionable, right? There's some song called rain that goes "Rain makes Corn, Corn makes Whiskey, Whiskey makes my baby feel a little frisky". Well, apparently, she and Sophie had been listening to it, and Sophie performed it for my MOM who thinks all music not sung by the Gaither Family is bad. I could have died! I said where did you hear that? From Anna Kathryn. Mom - "why do you let her listen to that?" "I didn't - HER ENGLISH TEACHER DID!" They changed it to something about soda, and it still cracks me up!

Glad no smackdown is needed! I see often that boys, especially, take a little while to warm up to learning and school, I bet that's what happened. And did you notice we have the same favorite movie? We quoted it all weekend - at the parade "Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down". Clark - did you bring the saw? It's good, it's good. Did you check the tree for squirrels? We even sang Joy to the World and did tongue drumrolls before we turned on the lights on the family Christmas tree! LOVE THAT MOVIE!!!

Well I went and looked around some today and found a really nice black, long wool coat for $41.99 at Ross that had been reduced from $60.

Good for you!! You'll greatly appreciate that each and every time you put in on, and sounds like you got a great deal!

He did have a little meltdown when he smudged too much paint on his t-shirt, but luckily he got over it quickly, and I held my tongue which helped prevent him from escalating. They kids painted christmas t-shirts, and they all made christmas trees and they came out really cute.

Ak cried at each and every one of her birthday parties until she was about 10. We sang "it's my party and I'll cry if I want to" for years. Something about not being able to process all the emotion. Sounds like cute projects - GOOD FOR YOU! I'm going to have to google paper jams.

The good news is--my house is really, really clean and organized. The players looked like they were in tears, and there looked like just a little bit of excessive celebration going on with the other team. Mine was the "girls" and the belly! The girls are finally going down, and I guess the belly has gone down, since I am in a much smaller pants size, but it still feels huge to me! Thanks for reminding me to not give her my power. I need to be reminded sometimes.: And the waking up at 4am--I hear you. That is now my daily rise and shine time.

A clean house does wonders for my soul. Seriously. Wonders. I know that Auburn was celebrating more b/c of going to Nat'l Championships that for beating SC, but I've ALWAYS hated the shots of the losers, even if we were the ones that beat them. At the end of the day, these are 20ish year old kids, that have TREMENDOUS responsibility hanging on their shoulders - the colleges depend on them so much to have good seasons to keep ticket sales up and donations up, huge fan bases of people like us that have rooms in their homes decorated in college memorabilia, etc, but they are still just KIDS. As for rise and shine - even if I don't set my alarm I'm up at 4. EVERY DAY. I don't do much, usually check in here, but once I'm awake, I'm awake. It's usually around 5 before my brain and body wake up! I am trying to compensate by going to be no later than 10:30, but usually end up with a nap somewhere along the way....

I have found as long as I get on it quick, I am able to get back to maintain pretty quickly.:

I'm trying. Dh said to me the other day when I was talking about it- "you've stopped running, you're not drinking as much water." Me - "Do I look like I've put on weight?" "Well, a little" HELLO 4 pounds???? Yes, I can see it, too, but he was supposed to lie! He said "you said you'd gained, right?" backpedaling. HA! Hope the chafing got better, that's rough. Worse when you run on treadmill?

I am going to try to do a quick post today. Not going to do multi-qouting, I can get sucked into being on here for an hour or two easily My rear has been the most affected, it is great! But, waist and thighs I don't feel like I am seeing enough reduction in. And I would love to lose my "matronly bosom", it's slowly getting better but not there yet. Patience, patience I guess. CONGRATS on the Hokie victory!!! Sounds like the tree farm was fun but cold and snowy. We got snow back home too but not as much as you did there.

IF it helps at all, DH is not happy now with my matronly bosom at all, it was one of the last to go, and then it LEFT!! HAHA! Waist and thighs were also among the last to go! I remember DH mentioning a month ago - "HEY! I can see the TV through your legs!" That was a great moment! Keep plugging away, it will come! I have been sitting here on and off for an hour, so I completely understand! Love your grocery store experience, sounds a lot like ours! Add 2 kids in the mix, though. YIKES! It snowed in Raleigh? WOW!
Hope you get some great shopping in over Christmas! How long will you be "home"? Winter does present a lot of weight loss challenges. I was thinking this am that starting in JAn. was good as far the holiday eating season was over, but wondered how I started c25K in the snow? I guess close to 70 pounds really did insulate me, because I honestly cannot handle it now!

. It made me so homesick for WDW so I am glad I am less than 90 days away from being there -- but then I also started to feel sad 'cause DH and DS won't be there with me.

Love DH's attitude on this! Isn't it funny how amongst those of us that "get it" being homesick really is....homesick? I was looking at WDW pictures the other day and got all excited again, of course, July is a long time away! How long are you staying for the Princess?

I'm going to say The Grinch with Jim Carrey. I love that movie, no matter how many times I see it, it's still fresh and funny. We decorated the tree in the afternoon, then dh and I went grocery shopping. I loaded up on fruit -- clementines, apples, bananas, even a pineapple!

We watched that a couple of times this weekend, too! Great movie, once AK got over being scared of the Grinch a few years ago! Sounds like a great shopping day! Your fruit makes me think of another funny Sophie story. Mom was reading her a Christmas book that I loved as a child, at the end it talked about the bear getting everything he had dreamed of from Santa, and there was an orange peeking out of the stocking. She said "I'm sure he didn't dream about getting an orange for Christmas, Granny". LOL!

Being others' role model (this may sound egotistical, but being appreciated is a basic need)

I understand that need completely!

By then my long sessions on the elliptical were 90 minutes. I found the elliptical to be a really good substitute for running and when I finally started running again in April found the transition to be pretty easy--though I did start out with short runs. You know, I have never seen the NL CV movie. I might have to get that from Netflix. My stomach was a little yucky today, but that could be the bud light and taco soup from last night. I think we nipped the malware in the bud, so that's good. I must say, that I am very motivated to keep the house clean this time.

I am thinking of checking into the free gym at the community college 1 mile from my house to see if they have an elliptical, I might have to try that out. The impact was really starting to bother my previously shattered ankle, and the cold weather makes that sooo much worse. That might be a good alternative for a while. YOU HAVE TO GET Christmas Vacation!!! Isn't it odd how our tummies just can't handle the junk anymore? I keep telling Brad that if we/I could just get the whole house CLEAN then maintaining it would be a lot simpler. I think I'm going to have to do a massive toy extraction soon, because they are taking over! I am barely keeping up with keeping the house "picked up", which is a whole different thing in my book than clean.

I haven't posted in a long, long time (after winning the summer challenge). It's just been a crazy semester. Our teen has Asperger's and it's been a very, very difficult transition to high school. I weighed 238 (down somewhat from a high of about 260) then and today I weigh 176. I still have a lot to go but I'm extremely gratified to have lost 62 pounds (about 80 overall).WDW for a couple of days, the auto train up to Virginia, DC, Williamsburg, and then a couple of days at Hilton Head. We leave in 11 days. Having DVC makes it all the better.

So sorry your daugher is having a difficult time. I know that transitions are tough for kids with Asperger's anyway, and then to have the whole social aspect of teen life thrown in, I'm sure it's tough. She's very, very lucky to have you supporting her! YOU ARE DOING GREAT GREAT GREAT with your weight loss! Glad you checked in! If you have time to reply, when will you be at HHI? Are you staying DVC? We'll be there Dec. 30-Jan.2!

Ceremony was nice this morning. I have just been relaxing this afternoon. I have to put the brownies in the oven for my math team and then I am going to sit and quilt some.

Congrats to DS! I am glad you had the time to relax!!!

What do you mean, only a couple of years left!:All I hear about middle school makes me want to freeze time right here. It's such a tough time and so hard to let your kids go and make decisions on their own, and learn from them. Tomorrow is a teacher workshop so there's no school, so I took the day off and we're going to go to the museum of science with some friends.

Middle school age is sooooo hormonal, and an increase in responsibility. After AK had such an emotional, dramatic, over the top reaction to being cold in the parade, DH asked me if I had "supplies" on hand for her, b/c TOM would be starting soon! He said - she's just like you mid-month. LOL! BE GLAD YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY WITH THAT!!!! HAve a great day at the museum!

He then started talking about our gingerbread house and how we made it together and thats why it was special. Then he said, and whats even more special is what is underneath this house. He picked up the house and there was a ring. Everyone was so shocked as was I. The tears started coming, the cameras flashing. He talked about who knows what, I cant remember He then got on his knee and asked me to marry him. I could barely squeek out "of course" we kissed, then all the hugs from everyone came after. I was shaking for two hours straight in shock. What I found out later from DF is that he had asked my parents their permission right before the party. They were the only ones that knew. No one else did. I want her to be all excited and involved. The only things she gets excited and involved with are the other aspects of my life: school, when I bought my house, my job, and saving money.

Such a special story. I got all excited for you, as you could see from the beginning of this novel.. Have you ever asked her about it? This is going to be a wonderful process for you, if you guys are at all close and you feel comfortable, dialogue would be very helpful. Tell her your feelings, what you are picking up from her, and why she is feeling like this. My mom told me after we got engaged that it felt like someone was cutting off her right arm, but only after I asked. Once I understood her feelings, we were able to move forward.

Well, I'm actually sitting at the kitchen table on my new laptop!!!!!! Thanks to the lovely gent I spoke with at verizon tech support to figure out my router, and HP for the ease of set up. Pretty much I just turned the computer on and filled in a few blanks and I was up and running.

YAY!!

Mine is still a disaster and I feel like all I do is clean. I got another run in today. 40 minutes outside in the blustering cold. Where is the smiley all wrapped up in winter clothes shivering???? It actually felt good by the end.:

Know what you mean. Kinda had a bit of a fit about that this weekend... LOL! Good for you! I just can't handle the freezing cold. Of course, we've been having wind chills around 5 lately......

Thanks for all the well wishes. We were all feeling better today. Maybe not 100%, but definitely an improvement

YAY!!!!

Seems honesty, love and a little bravery on my part (yay-- go me!) have calmed the waters somewhat. I've transitioned from 9 inch nails to Berlin anyway, and am reasonable happy. I'm taking it day to day.

Glad you have been brave, and are feeling reasonably happy. One day at a time..


BRB~!

 

[flipflopmom]

WHEW! I'm verbal this am. What's new? That's why I didn't feel up to replies this weekend, no time.

I'm pleased to report that I have the time this am because NO SCHOOL b/c OF SNOW! STill have to go to a big dedication of the new addition to our school tonight at 6:30 that you would think Obama was attending, the fuss they've made over it. Hoping to get some more housework done, and maybe even some movie time with the girls.

As for AK - she was telling her friends crazy stuff like she had been to the dr. for her back, gotten shots, and couldn't do stuff for 6 weeks, a boy was over and watching a movie. DH and I talked about how it all boils down to insecurity and a need for attention. We're making a HUGE effort to give her more positive attention and love, and see if that helps. Her ADHD makes that hard sometimes, but she's ours, and we've got to put our impatience aside and try really hard, or the results could be disastrous if this escalates!

We decorated the tree last night, it was a mixed bag. Our ornaments ALL have memories attached, either of who gave them to us or where they came from. The girls get special ones each year with a memory from the year, and an ornament with their picture, also. They'll get them when they have their own trees as adults! I didn't do a picture last year, just ear hat ones from WDW. Sophie was really upset that there were more pics of AK than her, so we're going to try to be creative and do one from last year, and see if I ever even printed any of the ones from this year.

Daddy gave me a collection of wooden ornaments that he said reminded him of ornaments from when he was little. I had already gotten a bit emotional when I hung the dated one they gave me a week before we got married as my last Christmas at home, but when I opened that box I just LOST IT!!! Wonder how long it will be before stuff like that stops happening?

Pleased to report that I have lost 1 of those 4 pounds this weekend. Now I'm only 1 pound out of maintenance range, hopefully some dedication will have it gone by Friday! There is no try. Love it! Thanks Maria!

Ornaments, housework, l, maybe a bit of a workout DVD if I can find one. I lent my neice all my Jillian after my nephew was born, and she hasn't returned them yet.

I had already taken Wed. off, so that will be dedicated to wrapping presents, maybe some toy removal since the girls won't be here, deep cleaning, addressing Christmas cards, etc. Today will be more decluttering!

Have a great Monday everyone!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Up at 4, but fell, back asleep until 6:45, so I'm going to save replies until tonight. They are calling for snow from Knoxville north next Monday when DS is supposed to drive home, so I'm getting a little stressed, but it's still a week out so it could change. Trying not to think about it too much. It will be very busy at work today, so I'm going to try to get in a little early so I can get organized before everyone else shows up. I'm doing strength after work, but might not make it early enough to get on the elliptical. We'll see how today goes. I am only .6 over maintain weight this morning--which is pretty good for the end of a weekend.

Here's the QOTD:

Monday, December 6 QOTD:It's pretty common to use food as a way to deal with stress. (I know I do.) Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

Feel free to answer any or all of the parts.

I will be back with replies this evening! Hope everyone has a wonderful on plan day!

Taryn--enjoy your snow day.

 

[SettinSail]

Happy Monday everyone! We are down to 12 days left in our challenge! Keep on rockin' it or just keep on swimming, whichever the case may be

Here in Southern Germany we are getting so much snow it is now just beyond ridiculous. Snowed all night last night and ever since I got up at 6:30 this morning. Did the elliptical for 30 minutes this morning and went to my 3 hour German class that I have every Monday. It was a little better today. Our teacher announced that next Monday is her last class with us as she got another job teaching at a High School (called Gymnasium here). When I got back home there was an email from son's school that very cryptically said students could go home after lunch if they would have a problem getting home later in the day with this weather. I just deleted it since DS rides the train to/from school most days and he would have no problem. But then of course he calls me just now to ask if he can leave school. Only 2 remaining classes for the day are Art & Spanish so I said OK. 5 minutes later he calls again to ask if he can go downtown on the train with some other kids! I gave him a little lecture first but then said he could go, what a slack Mom I am! But, if we were having weather like this back home, schools would be closed for a month! I just decided to give him a little break today. He does have a pet sitting job after school today and for the next 2 weeks so I reminded him about that. Our friends have already gone home to HAWAII for the Christmas break, they will have 5 WEEKS there! So jealous!
Hope you are warm & happy wherever you are today!

My orthotics are hard too. I cannot run in them. I have some different inserts that I use in my running shoes that I got with my shoes. I'm still experimenting to see what works best for me as I increase my distance. You are a trouper to get out there and run in the horrible weather you've been having, Shawn!

Oh no, not me! I had my last run last Tuesday and decided I can't go back out there. My plan is to use the elliptical until we go home on the 18th and then I can run there for 3 weeks. When we get back here Jan 7th, I will TRY
to get back out there but not making any promises! I would have to use the yaktraks or something to have any traction and not kill myself
My orthotics bother me a lot when I run but I didn't think I should run without them in I didn't think it was even an option. It's funny they bother my left foot which does not have PF but does have a MAJOR bunion! My feet are really messed up! I feel pretty certain it is a direct result of carrying all this extra weight for so many years. Maybe I should (gently) experiment with some other inserts and see how it goes. When we first moved to Europe, I did not have good shoes and I could hardly walk at all. I have come a loooong way since then.

I told him girls are tougher than boys.

OF COURSE !!!

By then my long sessions on the elliptical were 90 minutes.

Oh my, I can not imagine being on there that long
Maybe I can work up to it. Thanks for the info. It encourages me to know that I hopefully can still get the same intensity of workout even though unable to run outside. I don't have an incline on mine, I don't think

Have you ever read--why the french don't diet? I am not a measurer either, but I am a firm believer in portion control. Just a different way of looking at it. I don't buy into every thing the books says, but a lot of it makes sense to me.

I've heard of that but never read it. From what I know about it, it is sort of my philosophy. I eat anything I want to and as much as I want. Of course I know that if I indulge in one area, I have to cut back in another or exercise to compensate, etc. I don't go overboard compared to what I used to eat and I am losing weight very slowly, 23.5 pounds in 9 months. But it is a comfortable pace for me. I can not be deprived !!! I don't like anyone else telling me what to eat either!!! Such a I am !I do try VERY hard to eat only natural foods and no processed.

This was DS's favorite holiday book as a child. We had traditions about reading it, etc. The pictures are so gorgeous. We have never seen the movie, just because we loved the book so much we hate to mess with the memories. I've heard the movie is great!

We watched Polar Express last night and I made DS wear his bell around his neck. He made it when he was little and it's just a small jingle bell tied with red yarn. He kept ringing his bell and saying he could hear it just fine
He was saying this because today is Saint Nicholas Day in Germany. If you leave your boot or shoe outside, Saint Nicholas will fill it. (shhh! DS is getting an Axe set, Kit Kat Santa, gum and red bull energy shot) I think you're actually supposed to leave your shoes out on the night before the 6th oops!
Love that movie and the book is beautiful too.

I also sometimes play mental games. Like I can't look at the display until a song is over. Or if I'm tired I have to countdown from 60 until I can turn it down.

I am doing all these games too while on the elliptical

just a few minutes a day makes it so much easier in the long run. Hoping to apply that to other stuff like vacuuming and picking up. I am burned out on going on vacation and leaving a messy house behind.

I can vouch for that - it is so much easier to maintain a house that's already clean and just do your little routines every day. I've told you all before that I have A LOT of time on my hands (sorry! it's not as great as it sounds!) so my house is always clean from top to bottom and I just have to do my daily chores. The cleaning part is easy while the picking up and putting everything away is much tougher, esp when it's not "my" stuff We also only have about half of our possessions with us and this apt is smaller than my house was so that makes it easier. We are all so much less stressed in a clean and clutter -free environment. It is so worth the hard work

Good luck to DS!!!

I haven't posted in a long, long time (after winning the summer challenge). It's just been a crazy semester. Our teen has Asperger's and it's been a very, very difficult transition to high school. It's taken so much out of me to see her struggle (not academically but socially). My husband and I also teach college math and he was exceptionally busy this semester. It's just been a very crazy and stressful time for the three of us.

The good news is that I have continued to lose throughout the challenge. I began my new journey almost exactly seven months ago. I weighed 238 (down somewhat from a high of about 260) then and today I weigh 176. I still have a lot to go but I'm extremely gratified to have lost 62 pounds (about 80 overall).

Anyway, I just wanted to check in for a moment. I still read your posts every day and wish I could have contributed more. You all inspire me.

Here's my list of five things I'm thankful for.
1) My daughter and my husband. They are the absolute center of my world and my everything. My daughter is the bravest person I know. She lost oxygen at birth and has struggled mightily (and probably always will) but she's so determined to make a life for herself. My husband is a fantastic father to her and also routinely walks five miles with me at 3:30 am because that's literally sometimes the only time we have all day.
2) My sister - we've become best friends since losing our parents a few years ago.
3) My job - I love it and am grateful to have it.
4) Losing weight. Fitting into regular size clothes. Being able to walk for five or more miles a day when I couldn't even make it around the block seven months ago.
5) Our big trip - WDW for a couple of days, the auto train up to Virginia, DC, Williamsburg, and then a couple of days at Hilton Head. We leave in 11 days. Having DVC makes it all the better.

I remember you Wow, that's so inspiring to hear of your success. It gives me hope that I can do it too! It may take me seven years though My hat is off to your DD. I hate to see kids struggle socially and it is so tough for girls. She's lucky to have such great support at home.
Have fun on your trip(s?) That can't all be one trip, can it?

If you have any questions about a segway tour just ask. We did it a couple years ago. My family was the entire tour. My family, ds's gf, and my sister's family. Dh dropped out of the tour before we got out in Epcot because he felt uncomfortable on the segway.

We had the earliest tour. I have a picture of my dh, sons and gf in front of SE and there is no one around. No one thought to get me in the picture but it is fun to see the family with no one around.

Ceremony was nice this morning. I have just been relaxing this afternoon. I have to put the brownies in the oven for my math team and then I am going to sit and quilt some.

Have a nice evening everyone.

My family wants to do a Segway tour so badly. They have them in all kinds of cool places now but almost all have min age of 14. Only 4 more months and DS will be old enough. I am so jealous of your son and all his accomplishments and honors. I continue to pray that my DS will turn out to be "something". I am grateful that he is healthy and happy but I would love to see him apply himself to something and excel.

What do you mean, only a couple of years left! All I hear about middle school makes me want to freeze time right here. It's such a tough time and so hard to let your kids go and make decisions on their own, and learn from them.

I don't think I know of one child who has entered middle school, and not struggled with their schedule and assignments and grades. My niece truly struggled all 3 years, and once she hit 9th grade it was like she was a different girl and has been doing very well. Hugs to you and ds. Hang in there.

Since this challenge started in sept, I increased my run/walk length to a max of 7 miles and registered for a half marathon! I could not have done either of those without the inspiration and support of you ladies here.

Sorry, I should not have scared you like that
Your sweet Michael may stay the same as he is now...or get even better. I can't get a kiss or hug out of my DS unless I sneak up on him, he is just too cool for school and does not give a hoot about academics or even anything extra-curricular right now. Actually, he was the same great kid thoughout 6th grade, it was not until we moved here in 7th grade that things started really changing. I try to cut him some slack since he has been such a trooper to go through all of this with us. I hope he "comes back" to himself one day

Aw,
Well, I'm actually sitting at the kitchen table on my new laptop!!!!!! Thanks to the lovely gent I spoke with at verizon tech support to figure out my router, and HP for the ease of set up. Pretty much I just turned the computer on and filled in a few blanks and I was up and running. I've got 60 days free norton security, so I don't have to think about that til later. I'll let the battery charge and tomorrow night I should be posting while we watch tv!!! The little things in life can really make you day.

Thanks for all the well wishes. We were all feeling better today. Maybe not 100%, but definitely an improvement

I've ALWAYS hated the shots of the losers, even if we were the ones that beat them. At the end of the day, these are 20ish year old kids, that have TREMENDOUS responsibility hanging on their shoulders - the colleges depend on them so much to have good seasons to keep ticket sales up and donations up, huge fan bases of people like us that have rooms in their homes decorated in college memorabilia, etc, but they are still just KIDS.

I totally agree. It's so much worse in basketball too where there are fewer players and no helmets or other equipment to "hide" behind. Also, at my alma mater (UNC) fans LEAVE if we are losing bad. Has been that way for years. What the heck is that about ??????? Talk about support for the team....

YIKES! It snowed in Raleigh? WOW!
Hope you get some great shopping in over Christmas! How long will you be "home"? Winter does present a lot of weight loss challenges.

Yes, they got a little over the weekend-up to 2 inches in some places. It's unusual for them to get it before January. I think it's gone now. We will be home just shy of 3 weeks, Dec 18 - Jan 6. I am going to shop 'til I drop!!!

I am thinking of checking into the free gym at the community college

GREAT idea!!!

Middle school age is sooooo hormonal, and an increase in responsibility. After AK had such an emotional, dramatic, over the top reaction to being cold in the parade, DH asked me if I had "supplies" on hand for her, b/c TOM would be starting soon! He said - she's just like you mid-month. LOL! BE GLAD YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY WITH THAT!!!!

For you both! The girls do have it tough these days. I look at those little cliques and think I would never make it if I was in MS today. For boys, not so much of that going on and the girls just LOVE the boys and that makes them popular with the guys, it's funny.

I'm pleased to report that I have the time this am because NO SCHOOL b/c OF SNOW! STill have to go to a big dedication of the new addition to our school tonight at 6:30 that you would think Obama was attending, the fuss they've made over it. Hoping to get some more housework done, and maybe even some movie time with the girls.

As for AK - she was telling her friends crazy stuff like she had been to the dr. for her back, gotten shots, and couldn't do stuff for 6 weeks, a boy was over and watching a movie. DH and I talked about how it all boils down to insecurity and a need for attention. We're making a HUGE effort to give her more positive attention and love, and see if that helps. Her ADHD makes that hard sometimes, but she's ours, and we've got to put our impatience aside and try really hard, or the results could be disastrous if this escalates!

Pleased to report that I have lost 1 of those 4 pounds this weekend. Now I'm only 1 pound out of maintenance range, hopefully some dedication will have it gone by Friday! There is no try. Love it! Thanks Maria!

Ornaments, housework, l, maybe a bit of a workout DVD if I can find one. I lent my neice all my Jillian after my nephew was born, and she hasn't returned them yet.

I had already taken Wed. off, so that will be dedicated to wrapping presents, maybe some toy removal since the girls won't be here, deep cleaning, addressing Christmas cards, etc. Today will be more decluttering!

Have a great Monday everyone!

for a snow day and good job getting one of those 4 pounds off ALREADY!!! It just so happens that Obama is in NC today or tonight at Forsyth County Community College so maybe he is stopping by on his way back to DC, ya never know!

We've had some issues with lying too, with DS lying to us. But if I question him just slightly he admits it right away. Trying to stay calm about this and teach about the consequences over and over. DH is a yeller though and he can get scary.

I was about the country song. Reminds me of when DS was in 5th grade and it was towards the end of the year and he came home telling me they played "American Idol" in class and he won. He sang "I wanna be a rock star" by Nickleback.....just google the lyrics to that if you don't know it
Yes, he knew every word but didn't quite understand what it meant.

Well, I've been on here well over 2 hours so it was a nice way to spend a quiet snowy wintery day but I need to get up and do something! now.

Have a great day!

Shawn

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

What I find extremely helpful on the TM for long distances is to literally have a mental list of things I'm working through. Work, Christmas activities, etc. After awhile the running becomes rote, so I use the time to figure out logistics, tasks, appropriate responses to inappropriate people, etc. It's also key to have some great music on my ipod! Lately I'm really enjoying music from "Glee".

Thanks for the tips, Maria! I think it will get easier as time goes on. I did update my iPhone yesterday -- I have one playlist I was using for my shorter runs and added more songs. I can always load up a movie for a long run.

CC, glad that you are feeling better! I'm really enjoying yesterday's challenge this morning! And it is amazing that you are having such a mild winter so far!

Rose, glad you got the malware under control quickly!

Jeanette, congratulations on your engagement! That is such a sweet story about how your DF proposed. I hope that your Mom will get a little more excited as time goes on but don't let that influence your reaction to things. I'm sure you will be a beautiful bride.

tgrrstarr, enjoy your Monday off!

QOTD I have a few. Holiday Inn and White Christmas. White Christmas brings me back to child hood. When that movie came on the neighbors would come over (because we had a color tv) and it would be a party. I also love Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. I know I am dating myself.

I remember Mr. Magoo, too, dona! Hope you get some good news and relief for your knee this week.

That sounds like something Mike would say. He would probably say--I'm sure you'll force yourself to have a good time by yourself. I'm glad you brought up the inserts/ orthotics stuff earlier. I have only been wearing them occasionally and I'm having less issues. I think my new shoes have a stiffer heal box and the inserts aren't as needed. Distance definitely makes different things twinge!

You are right, Rose, better shoes and longer distances make a difference. Just when I get one thing to stop hurting -- another pops up!

I am looking forward to my solo trip. It will be fun to see all of you and have a totally relaxing time -- well, except for that running 13.1 miles part!

I haven't posted in a long, long time (after winning the summer challenge). It's just been a crazy semester. Our teen has Asperger's and it's been a very, very difficult transition to high school. It's taken so much out of me to see her struggle (not academically but socially). My husband and I also teach college math and he was exceptionally busy this semester. It's just been a very crazy and stressful time for the three of us.

The good news is that I have continued to lose throughout the challenge. I began my new journey almost exactly seven months ago. I weighed 238 (down somewhat from a high of about 260) then and today I weigh 176. I still have a lot to go but I'm extremely gratified to have lost 62 pounds (about 80 overall).

Anyway, I just wanted to check in for a moment. I still read your posts every day and wish I could have contributed more. You all inspire me.

Nice to see you, MB! Glad to hear that you continue to lose even during your crazy, busy times. You inspire us!

BRB with the rest of the replies.

 

[lisah0711]

I can so envision you clucking around the house. Maybe I'll try clucking the next time I feel like screaming at the kid and see if that brings the stress level down.
Sorry the treadmill is not very fun. I did my run/walk with my brother, and just to let you know, I will not be much of a talker during the princess. I'm so glad we'll have so much time before the race starts to chat that we can just worry about breathing during the race. I should probably start thinking about a fanny pack or something to carry my camera/cell phone etc. Have you thought about that yet?

That hen with one chick thing is something I can do very well!

Oh good! Because I was worrying about the talking thing too since working out with my friend. Well, have plenty of time to talk at the Expo and before and after the race. I'm thinking a spibelt for the race. My cell phone camera is just okay but that way I only have to carry one thing. I think we will do fine. Glad that you are enjoying your new laptop!

Not sure which day you are arriving at WDW but its exactly 81 days for me. I too feel a bit sad and excited at the same time. I hate the fact that I am going without my boys but I also know that it will be a great experience and reward for the hard work I have put in.

I also have been looking for throw away stuff. I am thinking in jan I will probably fine some cheaper things at walmart on clearance. I just wish I could have a crystal ball to see what the weather is going to be like so I can decide on an outfit for the race. Im not sure what to wear. Pants/shorts, short sleeves,long sleeves, tank top??????

Actually our boys will probably enjoy themselves and their Mom free times! My guys claim they move a trash can to the middle of the living room floor and move it out before I come home among other things.

I arrive on the 23rd -- Wednesday -- and will be at Animal Kingdom Jambo for five nights. It is a long full day of travel to get there from where I am. I have my plane tickets and everything now except my park tickets. I'm planning on wearing capris and my WISH shirt with tshirt sleeves for the race. I think if we are prepared for anything that we will be fine. I'm really looking forward to it.

Thanks for all the well wishes. We were all feeling better today. Maybe not 100%, but definitely an improvement

Glad that you are all feeling better, Deb!

Congratulations!!! What a beautiful story!

I'm sorry about your mom's reaction. I know it can be hard when family can't share in your happiness. Its their loss if they don't want to participate in this exciting time. I know this is pretty minor in comparision, but my DH's childhood best friend was not at all happy when we got engaged. He and his GF had been together for 5 years and he didn't want to propose. His made it about him and his inability to commit instead of being happy for us. We decided not to have him in the wedding party because we wanted the people in the wedding party (and helping with the wedding) to be people who were truly supportive of us as a couple.

As for female friends, there are many here who have planned or been in weddings and I'm sure everyone here has loads of advice and great ideas. Feel free to share anytime!

You did exactly what you should have, Lisa, remembered that it is all about you! So did DH's friend ever marry the GF? Or did he marry someone else -- inquiring minds want to know!

Strangely I'm ok today. I mean-- I'm sick, and a little cloudy but things are good. I know, mystical... but trust me. Seems honesty, love and a little bravery on my part (yay-- go me!) have calmed the waters somewhat. I've transitioned from 9 inch nails to Berlin anyway, and am reasonable happy. I'm taking it day to day. I am still amazed at how truly great the people I work with every day are. As a store steward sometimes I think I watch people more closely than I used to-I wasn't the best choice to do this because I am not very brave, but I'm going to try to do better. It also helps that my "problem" also happens to be one of the smartest, kindest people I know.

I'm glad that you are feeling happier, Susan!

Exactly! That was what I meant, hope it didn't come across as I hate my children! Sorry you had a bad run, trying to figure all this winter exercise stuff out is tough. Remember when we were all lamenting the heat?

It came across as a loving comment, Taryn, that's why I had the in there. I know that you are such a good wife and mother. I'm so happy for you that you got your snow day -- enjoy!

Monday, December 6 QOTD:It's pretty common to use food as a way to deal with stress. (I know I do.) Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

A good short term strategy for stress is breathing -- just taking some deep breaths for a few minutes. That does help your body calm down a bit. Exercise is good to help reduce the longer term stress. With our quiet holiday this year I don't have too much holiday stress but I did have a tiff with my sister last night so have a bit of family stress. Sisters always know what button to push.

Time to get DS up and ready for school. Have a great day all!

 

[SettinSail]

Ok, heres my book...

CONGRATULAIONS!!!

Pictures, please

Shawn


Oh and sorry about your Mom. If you don't feel like you are getting the support, excitement, feedback you need, I would just turn to a friend, aunt or whoever can meet your needs. And, I want to hear about EVERY detail along the way
Could your Mom's reaction have anything to do with $ ?

My Mom did not participate in a lot of the planning of my wedding, she was just not into that kind of thing. My maid of honor and her Mom helped me pick out my dress, select music and lots of other things. Looking back, I don't remember it being any big disappointment or anything but everyone is different and I was a little older than you are...

Best Wishes

 

[liesel]

I arrive on the 23rd -- Wednesday -- and will be at Animal Kingdom Jambo for five nights. It is a long full day of travel to get there from where I am. I have my plane tickets and everything now except my park tickets. I'm planning on wearing capris and my WISH shirt with tshirt sleeves for the race. I think if we are prepared for anything that we will be fine. I'm really looking forward to it.



You did exactly what you should have, Lisa, remembered that it is all about you! So did DH's friend ever marry the GF? Or did he marry someone else -- inquiring minds want to know!

Yes, he proposed in grand fashion a few months later. He threw a big suprise party for her and proposed. He was very upset with us that we were unable to come. We were living in norcal and they were in socal. We had just been there 3 weeks previously and couldn't take the time off. He said that this was important to him. Very clueless guy. Yes, they are married. DH was in their wedding.

Have fun staying at AK! I love that resort, I've only toured the grounds when eating at Boma lovestruc), but I would love to stay there someday. Or just onsite in general, for that matter.

 

[mizzoutiger76]

I gave him wii let's dance more as a joke.

Oh I want that game too!

He picked up the house and there was a ring.

This kind of goes into my mom issues. She is not into things like this...babies, marraige, etc.

That's so awesome! Congratulations!

My story....my wedding was awful and wonderful at the same time. We had major problems with his side of the family that really hurt me. So the first two years of our marriage I've had horrible hatred for them, I couldn't even be in the same room with any of them...obviously this caused problems in my marriage too. Finally I went to see a counselor about 5 months ago b/c I couldn't bear to have all that hatred inside me any more. Long story short, I was facing post traumatic stress from a major life event and I learned after all was said and done, that most of the events that took place where probably not about me at all, their actions were issues that THEY had with themselves.

I hope that helps you some

I know what you mean about the food - the budget stretches MUCH farther without a lot of healthy stuff, it's so frustrating.

Urgh! We have this problem too!

Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

I really like to read. I escape into another world and gets my mind off of other things.

Had a pretty good weekend, got lots of stuff done including decorating the tree and the yard. Went grocery shopping and stocked up on some fruits and vegetables. Did pretty good food wise all weekend and am down 1 pound

Went to run at lunch and got in 35 minutes I'm getting closer to my goal every day. I'll probably hold at 35 minutes until Friday to give my legs a chance to get used to it.

I'm slacking on my water today, but I still have plenty of time to get it all in.

Other than that, not much going on today.

Nicole

 

[Worfiedoodles]

its all been so busy since friday morning. sorry i havent had time to do replies. the party went great. we had some of the most creative, beautiful gingerbread houses made. One other little thing that happened at the party... BF proposed I was crying the whole entire time. We had a lot of friends and family around. I have class in ten minutes, but I'll be back on later tonight for more details.

Wow, what great news! You made me smile today! Congratulations!

I can't believe you are doing both!

This is a transition year for me. My dh has decided he doesn't want to do Disney races anymore, so this January will be our last WDW marathon weekend. I'm going to start doing Princess by myself instead. I think it's going to be a lot of fun!

That's a great plan for the treadmill, Maria. I also sometimes play mental games. Like I can't look at the display until a song is over. Or if I'm tired I have to countdown from 60 until I can turn it down. A lot of times I am fine after 60 and it was just a moment of sluggishness. I do a lot of counting and math in my head. And I don't really like math (sorry Dona) but I found it to be a great distraction. And I loved the Grinch movie!

I'm doing math, too! And like you, it's not my favorite -- I play mind games to get to certain percentages (or calculate what percentage I'm at), and I try hard not to see three sixes in a row -- it doesn't mean anything, it's just another thing to keep me occupied. I hope Tom aces his interview. I'm interviewing a graduate candidate from MIT for an internship next semester. I find it a challenge to come up with enough meaningful work that we can have the intern do that will also be interesting, but it's well worth it. It's great to get that enthusiasm and interest -- and sometimes they have great ideas -- I like to share what I've learned, and also get a fresh perspective.

Today we are going to the store to get the ring resized because it is too big. I am really hating having to depart from it for two weeks. But like a friend said, I will have it for the rest of my life. I cant stop staring at it

What I found out later from DF is that he had asked my parents their permission right before the party. They were the only ones that knew. No one else did. He said my dad was all for it, my mom just stood quiet.

This kind of goes into my mom issues. She is not into things like this...babies, marraige, etc. I have always thought it was me particually she didnt want it for, but Im beginning to think she doesnt like it for people in general, if that makes sense. She didnt cry like everyone else or anything. She called me today and didnt even say anything the engagement until I brought it up. I asked her I was going to look into a venue and if she would want to go. She said "sure." I dont know how to proceed with this. I want her to be all excited and involved. The only things she gets excited and involved with are the other aspects of my life: school, when I bought my house, my job, and saving money. Im going to try my hardest to not let it bring me down, but IRL I dont have many close female relationships that can help me with planning a wedding. So with all this happiness also comes this sadness. I guess time will tell to see if she changes her tune.

I will be back soon to post some pics!!!

The weeks my ring was being resized seemed endless -- I just wanted to wear it! It's coming back, I promise! I'm sorry your mom didn't have the reaction you were expecting. Sometimes it's hard to see your child stepping into a new phase of life, particularly when it involves adding another member to the family...it may take her awhile to process. And not every woman looks forward to all the wedding planning. I have a SIL who eloped because it just wasn't her thing. Your mom may just want to show up and be happy for you, but find the endless minutiae of a wedding tedious at best. Hopefully she's just overwhelmed and she'll generate some excitement. Sometimes it takes awhiel to fully process even happy news.

I also have been looking for throw away stuff. I am thinking in jan I will probably fine some cheaper things at walmart on clearance. I just wish I could have a crystal ball to see what the weather is going to be like so I can decide on an outfit for the race. Im not sure what to wear. Pants/shorts, short sleeves,long sleeves, tank top??????

This is my 4th one, and I've worn three completely different race outfits so far -- so my best advice is to keep a close eye on the weather, and pack for anything! The first year was so warm, we didn't need warm-up clothes at all. The second year was kind of chilly, and it was helpful to have them. Last year was downright cold, and I ran in pants, which I never do. I bring one of everything, so no matter what Mother Nature sends I am good to go!

Your fruit makes me think of another funny Sophie story. Mom was reading her a Christmas book that I loved as a child, at the end it talked about the bear getting everything he had dreamed of from Santa, and there was an orange peeking out of the stocking. She said "I'm sure he didn't dream about getting an orange for Christmas, Granny". LOL!

That's so cute! The irony is, my mom grew up in rural Missouri during the Depression -- and one of the things they really looked forward to was an orange in their stocking! It was very "Little House on the Prairie", there were 12 kids and she was the oldest. They only received one present each, and the stocking was a big deal. I bet she might have dreamed about that orange!

Monday, December 6 QOTD:It's pretty common to use food as a way to deal with stress. (I know I do.) Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

Wow, food and exercise (unfortunately and fortunately) are where I usually go. I also love to read, make lists of things to do -- or plot out something so I can break it into manageable parts, my dh is my best strategy for holiday and family issues (helpful, since he's rarely the cause!). I vent to him and we commiserate.

I was about the country song. Reminds me of when DS was in 5th grade and it was towards the end of the year and he came home telling me they played "American Idol" in class and he won. He sang "I wanna be a rock star" by Nickleback.....just google the lyrics to that if you don't know it
Yes, he knew every word but didn't quite understand what it meant.

DS wanted that on his i-pod, and so I downloaded the "clean" version -- but even that was questionable...

Thanks for the tips, Maria! I think it will get easier as time goes on. I did update my iPhone yesterday -- I have one playlist I was using for my shorter runs and added more songs. I can always load up a movie for a long run.

Ok, now I envy you. I cannot watch while I run -- tv or movies, it doesn't matter. I can listen, but once I have to engage the optic sensors, the feet just don't move properly

It's been a good day so far. I got up and ran 3M, and I had one of those treasured bananas for breakfast! Lunch was chicken noodle soup and a bunch of veggies (ok, I did have a jello sugar-free pudding), and now I have apples, grapes and a 100 cal cheese pack for my snack. I'm having scallops and grilled veggies for dinner, followed by pineapple for dessert. It's just a yummy day!

Just had another little surprise -- I go back to work Jan. 18th after the WDW Half, and now I have to go to NYC on the 20th for a training. I haven't been there since I was pregnant with ds12, so this should be fun!

Maria

 

[tggrrstarr]

QOTD for Saturday--2 parts:
Name 5 things you are thankful for. Only 2 of which can be family and friends.

Name 1 thing since this challenge began, that you are proud of. Even the new people can come up with something for this, and if you can't I will help you!

1. My husband. He is the most thoughtful, perfect man.
2. My upcoming (and 5th) trip to wdw- especially that my parents and brother are able to come! (their first trip)
3. My job. I have been with this company for 5 years, and though I get tired of retail sometimes, this company is sooo good to its employees.
4. My weight loss! 45 lbs in 4 1/2 months, I never thought I would be strong enough to make these changes.
5. My pets. Sometimes you just need a furry one to make your day better.

Since this challenge began, I am proud that I have tried and actually want to continue running. I never thought I would see that happen to me!

QOTD for Sunday:
What is your favorite holiday movie?

I used to love The Santa Claus Movie. I haven't seen it in a few years, so that might have to change. Oh, I almost forgot, I love Olive, the Other Reindeer!

He then got on his knee and asked me to marry him. !

Congratulations!!! That is such a wonderful story and will be such an awesome memory!

Well, I'm actually sitting at the kitchen table on my new laptop!!!!!!

I am so jealous! My laptop is old and cranky. Have fun!!

Monday, December 6 QOTD:It's pretty common to use food as a way to deal with stress. (I know I do.) Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

For me, my stress goes straight to my shoulders, then up my neck, then straight into a tension headache. So a dose of advil or advil pm, and if I am lucky, a neck massage from my DH!

Boo is getting a little better, but I think we have a couple more days of this, unfortunately. Luckily, our house is a duplex, so all of our doors are what we refer to as "airlocks", so no chance of escape. Right now she's doing the kitten thing of sucking on my coat and kneading the couch. At least she's not caterwalling anymore. (for now, I mean!) I bought the Rescue Remedy but I'm not sure yet how its working. I guess it will be good for the dog too, she has been chewing on her paw lately, nervous habit.

I have a new addiction. And, its a zero calorie addiction! Teavana! I have spent almost $40 on tea the last two weeks! And most of the tea I've gotten is diet tea! Oolong especially. Almond Biscotti, Tiramisu, Toasted nut Brulee, Matevana and Skinny Chai! And there is like 4 more kinds I want to go back and buy! I can't wait to check out the tea at the new Spice and Tea Exchange at DTD.

So my day off has turned into a snow day. Its not supposed to stop until tomorrow night. Ick! I can't wait for Florida!

 

[disneymom2one]

I can't do the multi-quote thing (but have made it a goal to learn over break) but thanks everyone for the welcome back. I've been here the whole time but I just was quiet for so long that it felt strange to pop back in.

As to the trip we're taking, it is one big, long trip. WDW - auto train- DC - Williamsburg (starting the drive back home) - and then Hilton Head for a couple of nights. Up until a month ago, we were going to skip WDW completely but the trip never felt right. We've been almost every Christmas for the last 12 at WDW so stopping for a couple of nights will be wonderful. At this point in our Disney lives, that's all we need and we'll be back spring break for a week. We'll be gone 12 days total which is pretty typical for our Christmas vacation.

Today's QUOTD: I don't cope with stress well at all. My friend food and I are were good buddies for a long time and it's been extremely challenging to find another outlet. I walk miles a day and that helps somewhat.

 

[Rose&Mike]

The good news is that I have continued to lose throughout the challenge. I began my new journey almost exactly seven months ago. I weighed 238 (down somewhat from a high of about 260) then and today I weigh 176. I still have a lot to go but I'm extremely gratified to have lost 62 pounds (about 80 overall).

Here's my list of five things I'm thankful for.
1) My daughter and my husband. They are the absolute center of my world and my everything. My daughter is the bravest person I know. She lost oxygen at birth and has struggled mightily (and probably always will) but she's so determined to make a life for herself. My husband is a fantastic father to her and also routinely walks five miles with me at 3:30 am because that's literally sometimes the only time we have all day.
2) My sister - we've become best friends since losing our parents a few years ago.
3) My job - I love it and am grateful to have it.
4) Losing weight. Fitting into regular size clothes. Being able to walk for five or more miles a day when I couldn't even make it around the block seven months ago.
5) Our big trip - WDW for a couple of days, the auto train up to Virginia, DC, Williamsburg, and then a couple of days at Hilton Head. We leave in 11 days. Having DVC makes it all the better.

Welcome back! I'm sorry the high school transition has been hard. Congratulations on such a great loss!! Thati's wonderful! What an inspiration that you stuck with it through a tough fall! Your trip sounds great. We don't live on the east coast, but I've always thought the auto train sounded like fun. And your list is great!

If you have any questions about a segway tour just ask. We did it a couple years ago. My family was the entire tour. My family, ds's gf, and my sister's family. Dh dropped out of the tour before we got out in Epcot because he felt uncomfortable on the segway.

We had the earliest tour. I have a picture of my dh, sons and gf in front of SE and there is no one around. No one thought to get me in the picture but it is fun to see the family with no one around.

If you do book a tour you may not want to the earliest tour unless you have a car. There is no transport to Epcot early. My sister and her family were staying at the BW and could not get in early in the International Gateway so they had to drive over to the front entrance of Epcot.

Ceremony was nice this morning. I have just been relaxing this afternoon. I have to put the brownies in the oven for my math team and then I am going to sit and quilt some.

Have a nice evening everyone.

Thanks for the info Dona. There is some new nature inspired segway tour. You don't do as much segway, but you get to do some behind the scenes stuff including riding soarin with an imagineer. Anyhow, thought it would be a good compromise--since I am a little scared of the segways, but willing to try it, and DS likes info tours but really wants to do the segway. Mike is happy with whatever. We're still thinking about it. There's spots still. I'm kind of watching the weather. If it's freezing I don't know if I want to spend the money. Hope the knee is hanging in there.

I tried my sister eliptical a couple times, and it is one great workout. I know you're using some of the same muscles as running, but it's much lower impact on your joints, so I would think it would be good for cross traiing.
It's a wonderful life. I have to watch it every year. I remember one Christmas day before i had michael I was supposed to work 11am-7pm, but got out at 3, but instead of going to the family gathering, I came home to my quiet, peaceful condo, made a cup of tea, and watched that movie.

What do you mean, only a couple of years left! All I hear about middle school makes me want to freeze time right here. It's such a tough time and so hard to let your kids go and make decisions on their own, and learn from them.

1. my family, especially ds michael.
2.my friends, locally and here on the dis.
3. my job and the flexibility it affords and the benefit of having weekends and holidays off.
4. my house
5. my health

Since this challenge started in sept, I increased my run/walk length to a max of 7 miles and registered for a half marathon! I could not have done either of those without the inspiration and support of you ladies here.

.

Kathy--great list. And you are doing great with the exercise! The argument for not using the elliptical for crosstraining is that you are using a lot of the same muscles. I have found that if I don't set the incline or resistance too high that it works great with no big issues. I love It's a Wonderful Life! And we only had one bad year in MS--7th grade. Otherwise it really wasn't too bad.

Jeanette--loved your engagement story! What a memory! As for your Mom, no real advice. Just remember it is your day. I would invite her to help with stuff and include her, but remember it's her issue, not yours. I know it's hard. I hope things improve.

Well, I'm actually sitting at the kitchen table on my new laptop!!!!!! Thanks to the lovely gent I spoke with at verizon tech support to figure out my router, and HP for the ease of set up. Pretty much I just turned the computer on and filled in a few blanks and I was up and running. I've got 60 days free norton security, so I don't have to think about that til later. I'll let the battery charge and tomorrow night I should be posting while we watch tv!!! The little things in life can really make you day.

Woohoo! Very exciting! I love wireless!!!

I got another run in today. 40 minutes outside in the blustering cold. Where is the smiley all wrapped up in winter clothes shivering???? It actually felt good by the end. I think I might be getting use to it. I wont be able to fit in my next run until friday morning so I will have to find something to do one or two nights this week to keep active. Overall my eating was not horrible today but I picked alot at things. I think I was just bored.

Well I am off to prepare my stuff for tomorrow. Thanks to CC hopefully I will get out of the house on time.

Congrats on the run Lindsay. I am personally ready for 90 degree days again. The highes today were in the 20s here. Uggh! Hope you come up with an alternative workout for later in the week.

Susan--hope you are feeling better!

Dona--hope math team went well and you had a good day.

I know that Auburn was celebrating more b/c of going to Nat'l Championships that for beating SC, but I've ALWAYS hated the shots of the losers, even if we were the ones that beat them. At the end of the day, these are 20ish year old kids, that have TREMENDOUS responsibility hanging on their shoulders - the colleges depend on them so much to have good seasons to keep ticket sales up and donations up, huge fan bases of people like us that have rooms in their homes decorated in college memorabilia, etc, but they are still just KIDS.

Hope the chafing got better, that's rough. Worse when you run on treadmill?


I am thinking of checking into the free gym at the community college 1 mile from my house to see if they have an elliptical, I might have to try that out. The impact was really starting to bother my previously shattered ankle, and the cold weather makes that sooo much worse.

I thought Auburn was obnoxious--did you see the cam juice with the reporter. All I can think is that my kid is that age and I know how emotional he would be. I blame the coaches for allowing the kids to behave like that before the game was over. You would never see Joe Paterno's team behaving like that. Anyhow, it's a whatever at this point. The chafing is still bad. Next spring I am getting a running skirt with shorts instead of panties. I don't know why it was so bad Saturday, but I have scabs all over the inside of my legs. I think you can get an amazing workout on the elliptical. I don't know how it would be on your ankle. Most of my weight goes in my heels. And you can get "elliptical knee." I will get sore on the outside of my knees occasionally, but only if I do it multiple days in a row.

Shawn--how many days until you can escape all that snow? Oh my goodness! Hang in there.

I am looking forward to my solo trip. It will be fun to see all of you and have a totally relaxing time -- well, except for that running 13.1 miles part!

.

There is that one small detail.....

A good short term strategy for stress is breathing -- just taking some deep breaths for a few minutes. That does help your body calm down a bit. Exercise is good to help reduce the longer term stress. With our quiet holiday this year I don't have too much holiday stress but I did have a tiff with my sister last night so have a bit of family stress. Sisters always know what button to push.

Time to get DS up and ready for school. Have a great day all!

I agree--sisters definitely know what buttons to push! Thanks for the reminder about breathing as a stress reliever.

Did pretty good food wise all weekend and am down 1 pound

Went to run at lunch and got in 35 minutes I'm getting closer to my goal every day. I'll probably hold at 35 minutes until Friday to give my legs a chance to get used to it.

I'm slacking on my water today, but I still have plenty of time to get it all in.

Other than that, not much going on today.

Nicole

Great job on the run and congrats for being down a pound!

I'm doing math, too! And like you, it's not my favorite -- I play mind games to get to certain percentages (or calculate what percentage I'm at), and I try hard not to see three sixes in a row -- it doesn't mean anything, it's just another thing to keep me occupied. Wow, food and exercise (unfortunately and fortunately) are where I usually go. I also love to read, make lists of things to do -- or plot out something so I can break it into manageable parts, my dh is my best strategy for holiday and family issues (helpful, since he's rarely the cause!). I vent to him and we commiserate.

Maria

Very cool about New York and glad you are enjoying all that fruit on the new WW plan! I do percentages too. I can tell I'm pushing it too hard when I can't calculate or have trouble counting backwards! It's amazing how distracting numbers can be!

1. My husband. He is the most thoughtful, perfect man.
2. My upcoming (and 5th) trip to wdw- especially that my parents and brother are able to come! (their first trip)
3. My job. I have been with this company for 5 years, and though I get tired of retail sometimes, this company is sooo good to its employees.
4. My weight loss! 45 lbs in 4 1/2 months, I never thought I would be strong enough to make these changes.
5. My pets. Sometimes you just need a furry one to make your day better.

Since this challenge began, I am proud that I have tried and actually want to continue running. I never thought I would see that happen to me!

Great list and great job on the running!

Today's QUOTD: I don't cope with stress well at all. My friend food and I are were good buddies for a long time and it's been extremely challenging to find another outlet. I walk miles a day and that helps somewhat.

I've found it really challenging as well to not use food to deal with stress.

 

[cclovesdis]

Hi Everyone,

I am so ready for bed, but it's too important to me to reply to all of you.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

Rose: Hope DS rocked his interview today!

MB: for your loss! That's amazing!

on DD. 9th grade was not my best year. It did get better and 10th through 12th were much, much better.

Enjoy your trip!

Dona: on your knee. for tomorrow.

Jeanette: I LOVE how DF proposed! Congratulations!

for mom issues.

Since this challenge started in sept, I increased my run/walk length to a max of 7 miles and registered for a half marathon! I could not have done either of those without the inspiration and support of you ladies here.

7 miles!

Well, I'm actually sitting at the kitchen table on my new laptop!!!!!!

Glad you are feeling a bit better. Definitely stay away from milk or any milk products for the next 3-4 days. Once your stomach/intestine is irritated dairy products do not sit well and even if you feel better it can trigger it to all start up again.

Thank you! I often forget about the part I bolded.

 

[cclovesdis]

Thanks for all the well wishes. We were all feeling better today. Maybe not 100%, but definitely an improvement

Glad you are all feeling better, at least somewhat! Here's to an even better day tomorrow!

50sjayne: Hope you are feeling better.

Any ideas as to what is causing this? I know you mentioned milk - we only drink skim milk, and anything made w/ whole milk makes me ill. Glad to read later you caught up on your rest and were feeling a bit better!

Well, I am lactose intolerant. But, I had very, very quick med check today. Nothing new to report there, but since I had a fever on Friday night, it's possible that it wasn't just milk. And of course, there's always that infamous word...S-T-R-E-S-S.

on AK. Hope she is still TOM-free for a while as well.

And Sophie, !!!!

Hope you had a great snow day!

Monday, December 6 QOTD:It's pretty common to use food as a way to deal with stress. (I know I do.) Other than exercise--what strategies do you use to deal with stress? What works for short term immediate stress and do you have a plan in place to deal with long term stress? What about holdiay stressors and family issues?

Thank you for this QOTD! I am not going to answer it on the thread, because, well, it's way too TMI, but it's just what I needed.

Shawn: Is it still snowing? Hopefully you'll be able to get out at least a little.

Nice to see you, MB! Glad to hear that you continue to lose even during your crazy, busy times. You inspire us!

ITA!

Yes, he proposed in grand fashion a few months later. He threw a big suprise party for her and proposed.

Wow! That must have been quite the moment!

Sorry you had to put up with some immaturity about not being at the party.

I really like to read. I escape into another world and gets my mind off of other things.

I had forgotten about reading. I can spend hours doing that!

Maria: Enjoy your trip to WDW and NYC!

4. My weight loss! 45 lbs in 4 1/2 months

Wow!