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

[pjlla]

Happy rainy Wednesday morning friends!! I am at work, but I remembered to bring my laptop and I have some free time during the day, so I am hoping to be able to do some catching up!!

OMG..... I just heard the funniest thing! The little boy across the room just finished doing the pledge of allegiance ...."with liberty and Justin's frog."

I'm gonna grab my cold water bottle from the teacher's room fridge and spend the next 30 minutes trying to catch up here. Then I will be able to jump on sporatically between student visits (I am a reading specialist today! ).......P

 

[Dreamer24]

Jenn, I definitely belong in a slacker’s thread these days!
Tigger, congratulations on 50 lbs! That’s incredible!
Flipflopmom, I feel exactly the same way. Go out to eat seems to be the answer to everything! It’s a cycle I need to learn to break!

Have a great Wednesday everyone. With each choice you make today, remember that weigh in day is just 2 days away!

 

[pjlla]

Finished giving my massage and just waiting for my boss to return so I can head out to get The Christmas Carol and a few other things.

It's a dreary day here!

QOTD:My pick me up is Christmas music or Disney music. I had those blahs last night and ended up eating chips and dip. I also am loving listening to the podcasts! They are definitely a pick me up!

Burgers for supper tonight on potato rolls. I'll also put some pickles and chipotle mayo on mine. Not sure if I'll get in another workout but as long as I'm drinking my water and green tea that's good.

Getting up at 5am to workout is catching up to me! I fell asleep a little after 9 last night on the couch. I was also really cold last night. DH thought I was crazy. I ended up sleeping in my heavy Grumpy sweatshirt last night.

Maybe I'll take a little nap today, yeah, right, like that's going to happen! DD2 has dancing tonight and I should really get to the dump tonight or maybe wait until Thursday afternoon when it's not dark.

I'm starting to get that overwhelmed feeling that I always get before a trip. Luckily I have 2 weeks to get things set for that trip. We need to make our grocery list for Publix and I need to make sure DH has enough shorts. Of course, trying to buy shorts in NE in mid November is a challenge.

I had my LUNA protein bar for lunch and I'll have some more water in the car on the way to shopping. Hoping I can also finish listening to last week's podcasts since I see that the new ones are being recorded as we speak!

TTFN

I totally understand that overwhelmed feeling. I always have that when I am preparing for a big trip. Make lists and follow them and you will feel better.... I promise. In fact, I usually sleep with a paper and pencil next to the bed the last few nights before a big trip/event. That way, if/when I wake up during the night with a thought, I can write it down and go right back to sleep.... no worrying about whether or not I will remember the thought in the morning!

Pamela! Congratulations on the Lego victory - not easy stuff, by any means! My DS's season is just warming up and we have a meet coming up in December.

Also congrats on the swimming triumph!

And finally the biggest Congratulations of all for avoiding the pizza and bake sale with your pre-brought foods! Good planning, girl!!

It was a great weekend for the whole family. I ended up eating well again on Sunday. I packed all of my foods for the day at DD's swim meet and I resisted the concession stand totally. Plus I made a healthy dinner at home that night, even though it was late and I was tired. I made a good decision for both my health and my wallet!

Like Maria, I am psyched for the new WW plan, too, though I have this theory that it is going to be harder as a vegetarian if points go up on things like beans and lentils. Time alone will tell. Apparently some people on the community have preview materials and can start talking about their experience (though not details) on Nov. 22. Only a week!

In the meantime, I am trying to incorporate some of the things they've been mentioning about it in the press - more whole foods, more fruits and vegetables (while fruit isn't free yet, I am trying to think of it as something that I can have when I want it - if I blow my 35 flex points on fruit this week, there are worse things!) and more protein/less refined carbohydrate. I used to do more along these lines, but at some point (over the summer, ahem) I got out of the mindset a little bit more.

I am still trying to shake lose the last few "summer" pounds - and yeah, it is November!!! - and I realized that I am a little grudging about giving up the "treats" I had added back in under maintenance. It is hard to lose the last few pounds because there is less excess to trim, but honestly, I know what I have to do, I just have to do it.

ALSO - at book club on Sunday, I had two dark chocolate mini-peanut-butter-cups from Trader Joe's. I gave myself an allowance of 2 points to use on something "junky" and I stuck to it. I had been sneaking a lot of little treats that add up over the past few weeks, and I think if I give myself a daily allowance for treats, I might be able to stop the extra munching.

Yeah, this is all stuff I knew back when....but it is so easy to forget!

I know what you mean about the summer weight. I STILL have a few pounds left of the 5-ish I gained over the summer (mostly in just one week ). But I will keep plugging along.

I am really looking forward to hearing about the new WW program. I will have to get my info from the folks here and chit-chat on the WW message boards, since I haven't been an "official" WW member since about 2004.

Hi, everyone! I am sorry I haven't been around. I had the distinct displeasure of a migraine from Saturday morning through last night. I've been reading, though. I've been feeling really overwhelmed with life in general. There just seem to be so many aspects of my life that are in transition and over which I have no control: DS's college application process is energy-consuming; DD's apartment mate got a fantastic job in DC and is moving out their apartment 3 months into a one-year lease; work pressure is insane; my knee is an utter disaster and I've nothing more than walk as little as possible since the 9 miles I did on 11/7, etc. etc.

I am so sorry for missing so many people. I have a HUGE hearing tomorrow and I should be buried in paper, reading and preparing. I just had to check in here. Hopefully, sometime soon I will get my head and body back in this game. I am horrified at the prospect of stepping on the scale and seeing that I've lost probably a month's progress due to slacking.

Hugs, all!

Life is kicking you hard right now... huh? And you can't even count on those exercise endorphins to help. I hope your hearing goes well today.

I am going to talk to you here like I would want someone to talk to me if I were feeling like you seem to be...

DON'T give up! You need to get on the scale, face the music, and give yourself a FRESH START. No matter where you are, it is not as bad as it could be if you just throw in the towel. Get a handle on it now while it is do-able.

Plan a week's worth of healthy meals (or at last, dinners). Shop for that week and post the menu on the fridge for all to see. Pull out your food journal, turn to a fresh page, get a new fancy pen and put it right on the counter, ready to use!

Tomorrow is a new day and you can make a fresh start. Trust me, you will feel better about EVERYTHING in your life if you get your food/eating back in control.

Sorry that the knee is not cooperating.... but find a way to do SOMETHING.... bicep curls, overhead presses, SOMETHING. Again... it will make you feel better and in control.

Hope this helps.

We decided to have Amy's bowls for dinner because again, even though I planned dinner, just wasn't in the cooking mood. So I asked Mike to get me one of those tiny bags of Lays--the ones that cost like 30 cents when he got the Amy's. Remember chips are my achilles heel. I do not have them very often. He brought home a whole big bag of Lays! I almost had a panic attack. I made him take them back (we live a mile from the grocery store). I just couldn't have them in the house, or in his car, or anywhere for that matter. Not very rational, I know. Anyhow, really enjoyed my Amy's and my tiny bag of chips and a beer!

Hope everyone has a great evening. I am off tomorrow! Woohoo! Hoping to sleep past 5:00am.

BIG round of applause in your decision to have Mike return the chips!!

Reminds me.... today is my "engagement anniversary" and my sweet DH thought he was being so nice and planned a little dinner picnic for us... but honestly, I'm not sure what he was thinking! THere is NO WAY I am going to eat cheese and crackers and summer sausage and wine etc. I told him I would sit and talk and eat some fruit, but I'm not indulging like that on a Wednesday. But if he wanted to save it for Saturday then maybe we could have a nice dinner together. I hope I didn't hurt his feelings.... after all, how many husband's actually remember engagement anniversaries!! I told him I really appreciate it, but I didn't really have the time or the calories to do this on a Wednesday. Hope he understood and we can reschedule this for Saturday. I think he really just wanted to impress me by remembering the day! (20 years ago, btw!)

Today's QOTD is a bit introspective.....

QOTD Wednesday, Nov. 17th..Think back through your weight loss journey, what have you learned about yourself along the way?

For me, I've learned that I like healthy food, and I am just as satisfied with snacking on carrots as chips. I've learned that unless I take control of a situation, it controls me. I've learned that school lunches pack on pounds, unsweetened tea tastes just as good as sweet now, and that food is not an experience. The experience is the time together preparing and eating a meal, and food is fuel. I am just as fueled from a quick meal prepped and shared at home as a quick meal eaten from a drive through, and the experience is so much better. I've learned that what I do RIGHT NOW not only impacts me 20 years from now, but my girls, too. And finally, depravation only works for a while. If I am craving something, it's best to have a taste or two and get it out of my system, than deny that, obsess over it, and turn it into something bigger than it really is. I mean, c'mon Taryn, it's food, not a million dollars. It won't change my life for the better or worse just to eat a bite of chocolate or 2 or 3 potato chips. Get it over with and MOVE ON!

I've also learned that the most caring, supportive, amazing human beings on earth hang out on the DIS BL thread, and I am so very, very, very lucky to have found you all.

HAVE A WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, AMAZING, MAGICAL DAY!
Taryn

I love your answer! You have said very much what I would, so I am not going to repeat. It is HARD to start changing life patterns of celebrating by eating (and overeating)! But by making smart decisions about our lives now, we are helping our children change that pattern! Holidays like t.giving and other family celebrations are supposed to be about the time together... not how much you can eat!! You have such a great insight about all of this Taryn!

I have been catching up on housework and laundry and I watched the BL show this morning. It was a good show. I made a taco salad from our leftovers last night for lunch. It was so good! A bed of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion cut into thin rings, 3/4 cup leftover taco meat, 2 tbls shredded cheddar cheese and for dressing 3/4 cup salsa mixed with 1 tbls sour cream. For dinner we are having chicken stir fry over rice.

I have discovered that if I don't ever quit, I can continue on my weight loss journey and not have to start all over again. I can mess up, I can take a break, I can have a gain, I can have a blowout, I just have to keep focusing on forward progress, no matter how slow. I have also discovered that exercise gets easier the more you do it and that I can do some things I did not think were possible.

Shawn

Yum.... taco salad!!

I LOVE what you said (the bolded part)! We ALL need to use that as part of our healthy living MANTRA!! I'll try to remember to print this and add it to my inspiration book!

Okay.... caught up on one page.... just 20 or 30 left ..............P

 

[mikamah]

He brought home a whole big bag of Lays! I almost had a panic attack. I made him take them back (we live a mile from the grocery store).

And that is one big reason you are at goal and maintaining. That is awesome, and I'd guess after 2 trips to the store, it won't happen again.

Good things are happening with Pampered Chef, and I am thrilled. I'll share more in a few days, once I've had time to process it all. For now, I'll say that it could be life changing, and I think I'll be able to buy the girls a few Christmas presents. Not a ton, but there will be something under the tree!

Taryn

So happy to hear this. I'd love the website too, though I'm a little embarrassed to say here that I need an ice cream scoop. Hope you slept better last night.

QOTD Wednesday, Nov. 17th..Think back through your weight loss journey, what have you learned about yourself along the way?

I have learned that patience is key, and I don't have to handle my emotions with food all the time, exercise makes me feel better, physically and more importantly emotionally, I can actually run, and there is a bra that makes that possible, though my life will have highs and lows, I am strong and will be able to ride the waves, and make it through the lows. I have also learned that you can make some true friendships and get inspiration and support from people you have never met in person.

First day of Princess training in my new shoes. It will be a treadmill run as it is cold, raining and blowing about 30 mph. I'm sure I should be a trouper and run outside but I just don't want to do that to my new shoes!

How was your run, Princess??!!??

DD and I are in the middle of our HP marathon to get ready for Friday. It turns out the timing of the movie might be a good thing, it's the same as the first middle school dance and dd wasn't sure about going - so when I told her she can't b/c we have HP she sounded relieved. And so it begins.... She was funny though, after that I told her I don't think I went to many dances in school and she said "Well what's the point? You can dance at home AND video tape it!"

That is so cute. She has a very valid point. Have fun with the HP marathon.

IYesterday's conference turned out to be really good, I'm glad I went. I also have a new pair of running shoes (Asics Nimbus 12), so I should be nice and comfy come January for the WDW Half.

That is so cool you're doing the wdw half and the princess half!!

IIts a rainy cloudy day here today too. I am down to the bare minimum of food at home and was excited that today we were scheduled to have a drug rep lunch brought in. Unfortunately they called this morning and cancelled on us. Apparently they had a death in the family. Understandable but the entire office was counting on a meal and most of us did not bring lunch and dont have money to buy anything. Its sad we are all in a decent paying profession and no one ever has money. It really is hard right now for so many people. Gas is up to almost 3$ a gallon. Thats really what had us falling short this pay. So not sure what I am going to eat today but I guess it will help in getting the lb off that I put on over the weekend.

Hope you found something to eat.

I'm starting to get that overwhelmed feeling that I always get before a trip. Luckily I have 2 weeks to get things set for that trip. We need to make our grocery list for Publix and I need to make sure

Ah but think of that amazing feeling when you get on the plane in 2 weeks.

I have gained some insight into my son from reading the book recommended here for disorganized boys. Now I know when he is saying "I don't know" or "I don't care" its really a code that he is not going to come out and say anything or make any decision and that way he can't be wrong later. I've identified him (via the book) as a "Scattered Charmer"

This is very interesting. My son hate to be wrong. Sounds like a good book. What's the name of it?
We had tacos monday and yesterday I made a salad just like yours. I threw black beans, corn, salsa, cheese and leftover meat in it, and it was so good. I was so excited for it, partly because I threw it all together monday night, so I didn't have to think about making lunch yesterday. It's the little things in life.

"with liberty and Justin's frog."

So funny. Hope you have a nice day with plenty of free dis-ing time.

CC-Hang in there. Hope today is a better day for you.

Joanne-God bless you son for serving his country, and a big hug to you and your family. I hope you have a wonderful day with him.

hugs to all who are feeling overwhelmed. Such a busy time of year, and it's hard to take some time for yourselves, but you deserve it.

It's raining and I don't go in to work til 10, so I had some time to catch up. It's supposed to clear up this afternoon, so I'll go to the park and run after school. I need to get the food under control. I've been good at home, but there was ice cream cake at work and then cookies and candy at an inservice, and before I even thought about it, I was shovelling them in my mouth. Stupid. I know what to do. I need to start journalling again. So stop talking about it, and just do it. I am committing to myself to track my food from now til next wednesday. 8 measly day. I can do that. No excuses. Thanks for listening guys.

Hope you all have a happy day.

 

[LuvBaloo]

Sorry folks. I got caught in birthday stuff here and forgot yesterday was Tuesday. Too busy dealing with my sister birthday yesterday, and getting ready for my daughters birthday today. Here are most of the results, and I'll post the rest late tonight. Hope everybody is doing great!
Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 2
(congrats Rose&Mike, 50sjayne & flipflopmom!)

LOSERS:
THE MISSING SECTION WILL COME LATER
Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of the week? This time I’ve done a TOP 11 LIST which is everybody over 0.6% loss! That criteria may change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)

The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge Week 10 Superstars!!
#11- 0.61% - cclovesdis
#10- 0.67% - mikamah
#9- 0.69% - Dreamer24
#8- 0.79% - tggrrstarr
#7- 0.94% - my3princes
#6- 1.02% - dvccruiser76
#5- 1.06% - MacG
#4- 1.19% - tigger813
#3- 1.38% - KristiMc
#2- 1.41% - disneymom2one
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Summer Challenge
Week 10 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.08% - carmiedog

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations carmiedog !!!
What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Just a quick check in.

I did get something to eat yesterday. The dr I work for bought us all lunch. The only issue was everyone choose chinese. I got chicken and broccoli with the sauce on the side and noodles. I felt stuffed and gross after eating it. I didnt eat much for dinner last night because I was still full.

I forgot that I have enough points on my subway card for a free 6 inch so I will use that today for lunch.

My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He gets so worked up about his job and can not handle the stress of people coming down on him. Its not the job itself its just how he is talked to and blamed for everything. He made an appt for the doctor tomorrow so hopefully that helps him to talk to someone and maybe get some meds to try for the time being. He is looking for other opportunities so hopefully something turns up.

The whole situation along with the worries of money and the stress of my own job, and making sure my kids are happy are starting to take a toll on me as well. I am getting the feeling of everything falling out of my control and I hate it. I feel tearful often and sad. I wish things would get better. I know they will but I hope it happens quickly. I hate feeling like this. I am usually such an upbeat positive person.

Gosh I am starting to feel that instead of this being a board to talk about weight loss it is now my mental health outlet. I know you all dont mind listening and it honestly helps so much. You all are amazing. Thank you.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congrats to all the Losers and maintainers, esp Carmiedog!!!

He is in Alabama going to OTS.(Officer Training School) The way the Airforce does their leave he would have to take 9 days leave in order to stay for Thanksgiving. His leave would start Saturday and not stop until he gets back even if some of those days are week ends and holidays. So I understand why he needs to go back. Part of it is the girlfriend, she is going in December and he wants to save the few days he has. He has only been in since May so he has 10 days. We are going to to Turkey Friday night and then go to see Harry Potter.

Have an amazing visit!

CC--I don't know what's been going on, other than studying, but I'm guessing something. Just hang in there. I'm thinking about you. Hope you get some exercise in.

Good things are happening with Pampered Chef, and I am thrilled. I'll share more in a few days, once I've had time to process it all. For now, I'll say that it could be life changing, and I think I'll be able to buy the girls a few Christmas presents. Not a ton, but there will be something under the tree!

Taryn

Glad it is going so well!

I promise that I've read along, I'm just too exhausted to post much.


QOTD: I either think about our trip to Cancun last year or remember how fortunate we are to have Hunter after the scare last year and that puts everything into perspective.

Hi Deb. Hope everything is going great on the new job!

QOTD Wednesday, Nov. 17th..Think back through your weight loss journey, what have you learned about yourself along the way?

For me, I've learned that I like healthy food, and I am just as satisfied with snacking on carrots as chips. I've learned that unless I take control of a situation, it controls me. I've learned that school lunches pack on pounds, unsweetened tea tastes just as good as sweet now, and that food is not an experience. The experience is the time together preparing and eating a meal, and food is fuel. I am just as fueled from a quick meal prepped and shared at home as a quick meal eaten from a drive through, and the experience is so much better. I've learned that what I do RIGHT NOW not only impacts me 20 years from now, but my girls, too. And finally, depravation only works for a while. If I am craving something, it's best to have a taste or two and get it out of my system, than deny that, obsess over it, and turn it into something bigger than it really is. I mean, c'mon Taryn, it's food, not a million dollars. It won't change my life for the better or worse just to eat a bite of chocolate or 2 or 3 potato chips. Get it over with and MOVE ON!

I've also learned that the most caring, supportive, amazing human beings on earth hang out on the DIS BL thread, and I am so very, very, very lucky to have found you all.

HAVE A WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, AMAZING, MAGICAL DAY!
Taryn

Great answer Taryn. I totally agree with the bolded part.

QOTD: I've learned that exercise is not a punishment!

I loved this. I actually feel like I'm being punished if I don't get to exercise. And I know Mike feels punished if I don't exercise--I'm a little more high strung on the days I don't go to the Y.

I have discovered that if I don't ever quit, I can continue on my weight loss journey and not have to start all over again. I can mess up, I can take a break, I can have a gain, I can have a blowout, I just have to keep focusing on forward progress, no matter how slow. I have also discovered that exercise gets easier the more you do it and that I can do some things I did not think were possible.

Have a great day!
Shawn

Great answer!

OMG..... I just heard the funniest thing! The little boy across the room just finished doing the pledge of allegiance ...."with liberty and Justin's frog."

This made me smile. I have a DS story--can you tell I've been missing him. Anyhow, remember the song Linger? He and his friends used to sing the one line--it's a free ride, on your own teddy bear. It was so cute!

That was sweet of your DH to remember, but I totally get the--you want me to eat what????. You should have told him you were having a meat free day. The you could have nibbled on the cheese, had a sip of wine and he'd have been none the wiser! I think some guys just don't get what a struggle this is sometimes. Maybe it's because men tend to take it off a lot faster than women, I don't know. I have no idea what day we got engaged. I know it was in the summer. I'm sure Mike has no idea either. So I don't have to worry about any impromptu surprises!

Kathy--Should we be watching for your daily report on whether you journaled? You can do it, I know you can!!! And I agree with you about a good jog bra--priceless in my opinion!

Just a quick check in.

My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He gets so worked up about his job and can not handle the stress of people coming down on him. Its not the job itself its just how he is talked to and blamed for everything. He made an appt for the doctor tomorrow so hopefully that helps him to talk to someone and maybe get some meds to try for the time being. He is looking for other opportunities so hopefully something turns up.

The whole situation along with the worries of money and the stress of my own job, and making sure my kids are happy are starting to take a toll on me as well. I am getting the feeling of everything falling out of my control and I hate it. I feel tearful often and sad. I wish things would get better. I know they will but I hope it happens quickly. I hate feeling like this. I am usually such an upbeat positive person.

Gosh I am starting to feel that instead of this being a board to talk about weight loss it is now my mental health outlet. I know you all dont mind listening and it honestly helps so much. You all are amazing. Thank you.

Lindsay--Is your DH sleeping poorly? Has he been sleeping poorly for a while? The reason I ask, is about 6 years ago Mike almost ended up in the hospital. He was the design manager on what was tagged "the most difficult new product launch ever at the time". He went weeks on just a few hours a night. He was waking up at 3 or 4 everyday and going into work because he was so stressed he couldn't sleep. They wanted to put him on anti-depressants, stick in the hospital, etc. He just needed to sleep. A week on ambien and he was able to think rationally again. Sleeping doesn't make your problems go away, just helps you to deal with them. I hope your DH is able to figure out something that works for him. And I'm sure you are getting stressed out too. Keep getting your exercise and eat as healthy as you can to make up for the added stress. And please vent anytime you need to.

Ok, I'm going to repond to the QOTD on the next reply.

 

[pjlla]

Hi P! Congrats on all the robotics stuff and congrats to DD on her 200 IM.

I made carmelized onion, apple and goat cheese pizza for dinner. It was very tasty!

Hope everyone has a great evening!

Thanks for the congrats to my kids! It was certainly a proud parent weekend!

That sounds like the pizza I tried to duplicate recently.... I originaly had it at California Pizza Kitchen down at Foxwoods Casino. It was pear and gorgonzola and walnut.... I tried to make my version on whole wheat crust with goat cheese and carmelized pears and onions and skipped the nuts. It was good but not nearly the same. Next time I am going to try to use a bit of REAL gorgonzola and a few nuts... the goat cheese was good, but it wasn't the same. But the carmelized pears and onions were unbelievably good! I feel like I am doing something wrong with the goat cheese. It doesn't melt and spread like regular cheese... so I ended up with warm lumps of goat cheese around the pizza... next time should I warm the cheese and spread it on smoothly???

pjilla congrats on the robotics prizes.

I know what everyone means about songs in church. Songs have powerful effect on people. I know that a certain song brings tears to my eyes because it is my mom's favorite. She is still with us but I know that it is on her list of things to do for her later in her life.

THanks!

I know exactly what you all mean about the songs in church. Often I find that if I am feeling less than enthusiastic about church, or when we have been trying to find a new church or make a decision about a church, my favorite hymn will end up on the schedule for that Sunday and I KNOW it is a sign!

QOTD: Tuesday, Nov.16th What do you do for an instant mood enhancer, that's not food/exercise related, when you've got the blahs?

Organizing, cleaning, scrapping. All of those things make me feel better!

Taryn--DS is driving with friends who live in the area. It's making me a little nervous, but will save us a ton of money. It's 500 miles, 7-8 hours. They are leaving Tuesday after class--so not until 5pm. When he flies it usually takes about the same amount of time, between layovers, etc.

News on the job front--Mike is going to temporarily (4 months) fill the position they posted. And then in 4 months both he and his boss (and his boss' boss) can see how they feel about things. Gives everyone, including Mike, and out if they decide it's not the best position for him. Mike is excited. I am not sure how I feel. But he's happy, so that's all that matters. They are announcing it in such a way that if any of the parties decide to go a differenct direction, no one looks bad. So that's good, I guess.

Have a great day everyone!

I'll say a prayer for DS's safe travels. DD is finally at the age where some friends have cars/licenses. She's only been in a car with one girl twice, but I was very nervous both times... but I just keep reminding myself it is another step toward adulthood.

Glad there is some good news for Mike on the job-front. The four months will get you through the holidays with hopefully less stress and some time to reflect. Maybe by the time this assignment is up, things will look better!!

Its a rainy cloudy day here today too. I am down to the bare minimum of food at home and was excited that today we were scheduled to have a drug rep lunch brought in. Unfortunately they called this morning and cancelled on us. Apparently they had a death in the family. Understandable but the entire office was counting on a meal and most of us did not bring lunch and dont have money to buy anything. Its sad we are all in a decent paying profession and no one ever has money. It really is hard right now for so many people. Gas is up to almost 3$ a gallon. Thats really what had us falling short this pay. So not sure what I am going to eat today but I guess it will help in getting the lb off that I put on over the weekend.

Have a great day everyone.

I feel your pain about the lunch and the gas prices. During this time of year, with double swim practices for DD, swim meets and robotics meets on the weekends, work, etc, etc I am filling my tank about every 3 -4 days. It is CRAZY! In fact... I filled from very empty on Saturday night and filled again last night from very empty!! That was just 72 hours.... 14 gallons gone! No wonder I feel like I live in my car!!

I hope you were all able to find an affordable lunch alternative.

Okay.... two pages down!!................P

 

[Rose&Mike]

Uggh! I started this big long emotional post about what I have learned and DS called and when I went to post it--gone!

DS was on the fence about whether to drive home or fly at Christmas and said he wants to drive because he doesn't want to deal with TSA anymore than he has to. We're flying to Disney at Christmas. DS flys a lot, so I get it. He told me twice this summer when he flew he's been pulled out for extra screening and that he's been feeling profiled lately. When he flew back from Orlando in October he got pulled out to have his hands swiped and for a body scan along with the Irish kid in front of him. (They weren't doing body scans on everyone yet.) He said, I'm sorry, but no one else got pulled out but me--the foreignish looking kid and the college kid from Ireland--and they were in line one after the other. He said he got an extra look in August too. Mike used to get profiled every time he flew in the 90s. We called it "flying while khaki." (Mike's Mom was from India). DS is a pretty rational kid, but I kind of wondered how he was going to react to the patdowns, etc. He assures he will keep his teenage opinions to himself when we fly in December.

So for the QOTD:
What have I learned about myself through my weight loss journey?
I had a great reply, but it's gone. I'll give you the cliff notes:
I have learned to trust the process, and this has helped me in all aspects of my life. I don't like to think of it as having patience, but just learning to wait for things. I think growing up in a constant state of fight or flight, I did not learn how to just enjoy the journey. We were always just constantly worried about everything.

Thanks for the positive comments about the chips. Wasn't sure if I was over reacting. But I am trying to listen to the little voice in my head. I hate it that I still have to avoid things, but I think this is just the way it is now. I used to think of weight loss as something you do until you are done. Not anymore. Now I think of healthy eating and exercise as something I do period. I can't look at it anymore as a journey with an end, but have to look at it as an unending, but fun and exciting journey.

 

[corinnak]

Thanks Corinna. I think I was having a double dose of pms on Saturday. I was a mess. I just could not imagine running the race without Mike. I have never gone more than 5 miles by myself--I get it that I'm the one that is running, but he's a pretty good running partner. I think with all the stomach stuff I've been dealing with, I just got overwhelmed about the whole thing. I know it will all work out. And we will probably have a really nice time. And if not, I will have lots of new WISH friends to visit with!

As for the bolded part--I get that. When I first switched to maintain, I was really still just losing, but slower. The past couple weeks I have felt much more like a maintainer. I don't see my weight going down anymore without a concerted effort. And I think it would be a big shift to make that effort. I don't eat a lot of treats, but I am not nearly as compulsive about my choices as I was when I was losing.

Rose - I am glad you are feeling better now about the Princess! Sorry for my untimliness, but when I saw your post, I couldn't let it go without a comment.

It's so interesting how maintaining goes. And also how it's just as hard to lose the last 5 pounds as it was the last time I did it!

If I am craving something, it's best to have a taste or two and get it out of my system, than deny that, obsess over it, and turn it into something bigger than it really is. I mean, c'mon Taryn, it's food, not a million dollars. It won't change my life for the better or worse just to eat a bite of chocolate or 2 or 3 potato chips. Get it over with and MOVE ON!

All right, I LOVE this. The bolded part is such a wise insight - even though when you say it, it's really obvious, in that moment when we want the bite of chocolate, that is not what traditionally pops into my head. I love the way it takes the power right away from the food.

QOTD: I've learned that exercise is not a punishment! I've learned that I can control myself during the weekend. I've learned that fruits are great in smoothies. Greek yogurt is yummy and filling! The main thing I have learned about myself is that I should and will make time for myself each day. Other things can wait. Everything will get done and putting too much stress on myself makes for an unhappy and unhealthy Mommy!

Very true. I always used to think of exercise as a punishment or something I "should" do or needed to do to make up for some awful thing I'd eaten. How much more enjoyable is it when we think of it as a gift, something that we are lucky to be able to do!

OMG..... I just heard the funniest thing! The little boy across the room just finished doing the pledge of allegiance ...."with liberty and Justin's frog."

Pamela - one of my son's is named Justin, so this made me smile 1. because it is cute and 2. because it is Justin's frog!!! Now, we have a turtle, not a frog, but even so....Justin is going to love this. At least the kid didn't think it was "Liver-tee" like I did when I was in elementary school!

Jenn, I definitely belong in a slacker’s thread these days!

We all have our slacker days, weeks, months. Lately I am thinking a lot about the Tortoise and the Hare as a metaphor for how individuals move through a challenge. We can go too fast and burn ourselves out, stopping short of the finish, or we can go slowly and deliberately. I think probably sometimes the tortoise even stopped for a little rest before he was ready to keep going. It's OK to pause on the way as long as you don't turn around and head back toward the start!


And now for a QOTD retrospective:

11/10 Wednesday QOTD: What is your favorite Disney-inspired quote?

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney

11/11 Thursday QOTD: Share your favorite lines from a song that speak TO you or ABOUT you.

I don't know that they say much about me, but there are two songs by The Rolling Stones that speak TO me sometimes, like at a buffet :

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometimes, you might find
You get what you need.

11/12 Friday QOTD: If you were presented with a blank check, that had to be used on you or your household, no holds barred, what would you do with it?

All that practical stuff, PLUS: Hire a tutor for the kids and go on a cruise around the world???

11/13 Saturday QOTD: Is there something in your past that affected your weight/health NOW that you would like to do-over?

If I could go back and do it over, I would not gain so darned much weight with my first pregnancy. I have an overwhelming number of stretch marks. I didn't get any from my 2nd child because I just reused my old ones. I also would go back and get myself some help for depression after my second son was born, especially after my grandmother died so soon afterward. Those post partum hormones plus all that grief was more than I should have tried to bear on my own.

11/14 Sunday QOTD: What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Do you have any special traditions?

We have been so lucky, we have spent the past few TG's at WDW. Once with friends, twice on our own. It was a lot of fun. We are staying home this year and I am looking forward to making our traditional vegetarian thanksgiving dinner once again.

Cheddar Vegetable Pot Pie
Cranberry Port Relish,
Mushroom gravy
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
pumpkin pie
etc.
etc.

We also have a few other traditions: When we weren't out of town, we always went to our friends' house and made and decorated roll-out cookies. We have also gotten together with those same friends for a "Friends Thanksgiving." This year, I think I am going to do all the cooking before and on T-Day and bring extras to their house for another feast. This is my kids' favorite Thanksgiving tradition, apparently! I just wish it weren't all revolving around FOOD. It is the doing things with friends that makes it special, though.

11/15 Monday QOTD: Mondays are hard! What is one thing you have to look forward to this week?

Oh, I am late answering this one!!! I am looking forward to a less frantic pace this week. The Book Festival at the kids' school is over, so that is a lot less to do. I am also looking forward to seeing the play "The Skin of Our Teeth" at the high school - it is the same show in which I met DH in the fall of 1988. And of course we are looking forward to Harry Potter!!! Not sure when we'll get to see it, though.

11/16 Tuesday QOTD: What do you do for an instant mood enhancer, that's not food/exercise related, when you've got the blahs?



rifftrax shorts

There are samples for all the shorts - SO funny. Laughter is the best cure for the blahs.

11/17 Wednesday QOTD: Think back through your weight loss journey, what have you learned about yourself along the way?

So many things. I've learned to recognize the "danger" signs - it's not good when I'm eating cereal out of the box or chocolate chips out of the bag. Not a good sign at all.

I have learned that it is at least 80% food and probably no more than 20% exercise.

And strangely, I do enjoy a good workout - I never would have guessed it!



In other news: My hair color has settled down a good bit at last - I think it's the perfect degree of plumminess now - It mostly looks like I have brown hair, unless you look closely and then, yes, it is still purple!

 

[corinnak]

Ugh! I keep forgetting to mention this, but a few pages back someone mentioned being cold this fall/winter....

I just have to chime in and say that I've experienced the same thing. It's nice in some ways not to have that extra layer of insulation, but this is the time of year I miss it more. My cures:

Wool socks. A small collection of jackets, hoodies and sweaters. I just know I am going to need more than one layer every day.

Corn Bags - they have these for sale at some massage places and chiropractors in the area. It's a bag full of feed corn or sometimes rice that you can microwave and it gets nice and warm. Great for hands, feet and general coldness, the foot of the bed, the car, etc.

Hot Tea - My new favorite is The Republic of Tea Coconut Cocoa tea. Mmmm. It warms you up from the inside, and is nice to hold in your hands, too.

Soup - Similar to tea, it just makes me warm and satisfied.

Scarves - wearing a scarf is fashionable and adds just a little more warmth.

Vests - same idea as scarves. I have a couple of fleece vests that are nice for a little added warmth under a jacket.

Hats - cover up that head chimney and you'll feel warmer - how much of our heat do we lose through the top of our heads? I don't know, but I think it's a lot.

Stay warm!!

 

[pjlla]

My weight once again has gone up over the weekend. I just cant get it together for more than a week at a time. Princess training starts next week so I am hoping to regiment myself again and stop the roller coaster.

My mom and I had some shopping therapy yesterday. She had a bunch of coupons so she treated me yet again. God I love my mommy!!!!!!

I got a new wool jacket for work. Its a green color with black buttons. I am not a color person and always go for black and grey but it looks really nice and stylish. I also got 1 pair of grey pants, a black short sleeved top, a purple argyle sweater w/ a cami underneath, and a button down blouse that is while with silver sparkly tiny pin stripes.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

Sounds like you will be looking all spiffy!! Remember, when you look good you feel good... so new clothes are often needed for good mental health!!

My hip was giving me much less trouble last Friday than it had been since my last run on Tuesday evening, and Saturday morning, it was still tender, but not hurting. So... it was on! In an effort to be kinder to my hip, I decided to use a 3 minute run/1 minute walk interval (instead of my usual 4/1). This seemed to be fine for the first 1/2 mile. And then... we entered Cameron Park and the next four miles were hill after hill after hill. The turn around point was near a cliff formation called "Lover's Leap" if that helps draw the picture for you. But it wasn't just up there and back down. The road went UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN and UP, etc., followed by DOWN and UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN, etc. My hip injury and my calves were SCREAMING at me. After I got to the turn around, I chose to ignore my timer and just walk the ups and jog the downs. This seemed to work okay except that the downs were steep enough that the impact was jarring my hip pretty hard too. I was about halfway thru the race and about 3/4 way thru the hilly part when I really started wondering if I would have to walk the rest or even quit. But, I kept going just trying to take it easy and get done. Finally I finished the hills and the last couple miles of the race were flat along the river and the pain subsided. It still hurt, but was nothing like it had been on the hills. I got right back into my 3/1 intervals and I was able to run/walk SO much better with SO much less pain. There was one more slope back up to the finish line, but I gritted my teeth, powered thru it and finished at 1:08:51.

A note about run/walk intervals... I know it seems counter intuitive, but THIS race is verifiable proof that you can finish in the same time or better WITH walk breaks. This is my 2nd 10K race. On my first (back in July of this year), I was in good health with no injuries, running (jogging) for the entire distance on a fairly flat course and I finished in 1:08:38. For THIS race... The course was exceptionally hilly and I was running injured (and fighting a sinus infection), with frequent walk breaks and I finished only 13 SECONDS slower. Had the course been the same and if I hadn't been in pain the whole time, I am quite certain that I would have totally blown out my old PR. But, with all things considered, I am satisfied with my time. (On the other hand, to be within only 13 seconds of my PR, it is a little annoying that I didn't beat it.)

Okay, I know that's enough of a book from me, but... I'm not done yet!

My niece ran her first 5K. She's 9 and she ran the course completely on her own. It was a pretty leisurely run for her and she finished in 36:20.03 and took 3rd place for girls 10 and under. My older niece had to play a soccer tournament that day, so she couldn't race with us, but I am really anxious for them to run one together. They are quite competitive with each other and I am pretty certain they could take first and second as they challenge each other for bragging rights.

And, finally, my DD... she walked the 1 mile course with my mom. Mom said that she (Mom) was actually walking pretty fast and DD was kind of "trotting" to keep up with her most of the time. They finished the 1 mile in 17:09.03. They weren't really doing "finisher medals" for all the kids, but somehow I think my mom "suggested" that DD should have a medal and, sure enough, they gave her one. (After all, she is only 3 years old and she walked the whole mile without being carried or riding in a stroller or wagon.) My only problem at this point is that she'll always want a medal and I'll never again be able to take her to a race without paying her entrance fee.

So... post race... as soon as I finished running, my hip went nuts. I hurt SO bad. I stretched and stretched, but apparently couldn't hit the right spot. We waited around for results and walked thru the zoo with the kids, but I was limping the whole way. Getting in and out of the car was torture. I even went so far as to do the "ice bath" thing when I got home. I had never done this before and I guess I didn't get it quite cold enough or something because it didn't seem to help much. Sunday was pretty lazy because it hurt to move. I'm feeling a bit better today, but frequently still get a pretty good twinge. I am not planning to run again until Saturday. I'm a little nervous about running the half after having not run all week. Do y'all have any suggestions for "training" for a run that don't include running?

Am I being stupid here? Too stubborn? I'm hoping that the flat course that I'll be running on Saturday will be easier on my hip that the hills I train on or the monster hills I raced on last weekend. But, I also know that I'll be hobbling again when I'm done. After this race, I do have every intention of seeing an orthopaedist and trying to find out for sure what is going wrong and how to fix it. I also intend to take some time to heal, although I HOPE to start training again mid-December for a marathon-relay at the end of January.

I do apologize for the book. If you muddled thru the whole thing, you're a champ and I thank you.

Y'all enjoy what's left of your Monday!

Oh my gosh... that sounds really tough! I KNOW I couldn't run all that!! Sorry you are feeling stiff and sore. I know that others have chimed in with some good advise, so I'll just way WTG on finishing the run!!

Good evening all!

Busy day today. I had to go to Macy's and buy some new jeans because the ones that I have were uncomfortably large. My watches are spinning on my arms, too, so I am hoping for some good numbers on Friday.

I think it's pjlla who mentioned last year she has to wear a hoodie all the time in winter -- I think that's a good thing!

pjlla, Wow! You have a lot going on!

WOOHOO on the new jeans! Were you able to find some you liked?

I'm having trouble with watches too. I wear cheap watches from Walmart. When one dies, I just buy another. But this time around I really had trouble finding one that wasn't HUGE. I tried two different styles from Target and had to return both. I finally ended up with the exact same kind that just died from Walmart. It is still a bit big, but I just push it up my arm a bit. I really like the elastic-y bands rather than something I need to buckle, so it looks like I'll need to put up with this for now.... until someone in my life gets the hint that SOMEDAY I would like to own a nice quality everyday watch.... something REALLY nice that I could own the rest of my life... like a Rolex or Philip Patek. Oh well... I can dream, right??

Okay... 3 pages caught up on and now it is lunch time! Homemade split pea soup and a pear... warm and comforting and yummy! Be back later............P

 

[Rose&Mike]

Rose - I am glad you are feeling better now about the Princess! Sorry for my untimliness, but when I saw your post, I couldn't let it go without a comment.

Oh no, it wasn't an untimely reply at all. I'm sorry if I sounded like that. I loved your reply and knowing that it was going to be fine no matter what. I must admit, I am a little nervous that I am going to have trouble with the 13 miles by myself. I'm sure I will finish, but it's still a little scary. The other two 1/2s we've run this is what the last mile has been like: Me--I can't do it, Mike--yes you can, Me--I can't do it, I'm too tired, Mike--you should be tired you just ran 12 miles, Me--I can't do it, Mike--if you'd stop talking you'd have more energy to finish. Maybe I'll tape him and put him on my ipod to listen to for the last mile.

I'm the cold one. I am freezing! I think Taryn said she was cold too. The problem is I prefer to wear as little clothing as possible. And so I'm feeling strangled in all these piled on clothes! Thanks for the suggestions! I do like scarves, so maybe I will try that.

And Corinna--did you ever have an issue with hair falling out? I still feel like I'm shedding a lot. Not sure if it's a vegetarian thing, a weight loss thing, or just an age thing. I see my doctor in March I think, so I can always ask her what she thinks.
Ok, I'm going to go walk around the mall to get my steps in for the day. I think I might skip the Y today. Yesterday's run was tiring. We'll see how the steps go at the mall.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

 

[corinnak]

Oh no, it wasn't an untimely reply at all. I'm sorry if I sounded like that. I loved your reply and knowing that it was going to be fine no matter what. I must admit, I am a little nervous that I am going to have trouble with the 13 miles by myself. I'm sure I will finish, but it's still a little scary. The other two 1/2s we've run this is what the last mile has been like: Me--I can't do it, Mike--yes you can, Me--I can't do it, I'm too tired, Mike--you should be tired you just ran 12 miles, Me--I can't do it, Mike--if you'd stop talking you'd have more energy to finish. Maybe I'll tape him and put him on my ipod to listen to for the last mile.

I'm the cold one. I am freezing! I think Taryn said she was cold too. The problem is I prefer to wear as little clothing as possible. And so I'm feeling strangled in all these piled on clothes! Thanks for the suggestions! I do like scarves, so maybe I will try that.

And Corinna--did you ever have an issue with hair falling out? I still feel like I'm shedding a lot. Not sure if it's a vegetarian thing, a weight loss thing, or just an age thing. I see my doctor in March I think, so I can always ask her what she thinks.
Ok, I'm going to go walk around the mall to get my steps in for the day. I think I might skip the Y today. Yesterday's run was tiring. We'll see how the steps go at the mall.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Rose - I was afraid I was just overreacting to a problem that had already been resolved.

As for the last mile of the half....don't forget - the last mile is in EPCOT!!!! It is going to be amazing. Are you going to stop for pictures on the way or just push through? That can make a difference to how you feel at the end as well. Those pauses for photos in a Disney Race often leave me feeling GREAT at the finish.

I'm glad the coldness talk found the right reader! I know what you mean about not wanting a lot of clothes - it doesn't bother me but I live with kids who would rather be cold than wear extra. I am actually amazed by how much a difference the smartwool socks make to my comfort level - they aren't itchy like wool often is. And if my feet are warm, the rest of me is usually OK.

Oh, the other thing is that I think the first two cold weeks of the year are the toughest - it takes about that long to acclimate to the wintery weather.

And the hair falling out - I never had anything too severe, but for a while while I was losing, it did seem like I ended up with quite a bit every time I washed my hair. It seems like it is less now. I think that that is often thought to be an oil thing, if you're not getting quite enough. It depends on how much you're losing, too, of course. Doesn't hurt to mention it to your physician!

 

[pjlla]

Okay.... I've read back about 10 pages, but it feels like a waste of time to do lots of replies to that stuff... it is kind of old news.

I'm feeling sufficiently caught up now and can hopefully fit in some time daily over the next week or so to stay caught up.

BTW, I must comment.... I rarely post anywhere on the DIS other than the WISH board, the Scrapping board, and occasionally the Budget board.... but I had a few general questions so I threw them out on the Community Board... and NOW I remember why I NEVER go there any more! I mean, honestly, I was asking a question about looking for some freezer-friendly T.giving recipes to help out a friend in need this year (recently afflicted and diagnosied with RA and she is younger than me and really struggling getting daily stuff done). Anyhow, can you believe people actually got argumentative with me and told me that I WASN'T being helpful by offering to help cook part of her T.giving meal??? HUH???? I think that should be called the ARGUERS board... because they all seem to like to create arguments!!! From now on I'll stick to my friendly WISH board!!...................P

 

[pjlla]

Well, my friends, I am going to call it a night for coaching. I am going to try to get to bed earlier than I have been. But first I have to clean my very messy kitchen. I made a huge vat of chicken apple corn chowder for the marching band's family tailgate tomorrow night. And I had such a great time making it. Andrew helped - he loves to do food prep -- and we had the best time talking for about 90 minutes.

Tomorrow night may be his last performance in his high school marching band career. The football season culminates with a game against the archrival school. At half-time, they do a senior recognition ceremony for the band and I know I'll be a sobbing mess. My BF /Andrew's Godmother will be driving 2 hours to come to the performance.

After the game, the drumlines march to the center of the field performing cadences the whole way. They face off at center field and do a drum-off, a la "DRUMLINE". Andrew is the captain of his drumline and they didn't have an instructor, leaving Andrew to the responsibility of running practices, writing cadences, creating visuals, etc. He is taking the drum-off so seriously, and the entire line has acknowledged his leadership with gratitude and typical teenage male backslapping. I'm really proud of him.

He is so outrageously excited about all the events tomorrow night and I am excited that Jenn is coming too to surprise him. And yet, I also know that we'll all be so sad at the end of the night. Being a drummer has been such a huge part of his high school career and it feels like the end of a very significant chapter in his life.

(His HS football team will go to state semi-finals at the very least and the band will go too, but it may happen while we are away for Thanksgiving. I hope they make it to state championships so Andrew can be there for that.)

In any event, it was a wonderful evening for me. I selfishly soaked up that time with him. Okay, off to clean the kitchen. Hugs, all!

As I'm tearing up reading this, I am imagining what it will be like in a few years when DD swims her last event with her club swim team. At that point she will have been with them for 8 years! So I am absolutely able to relate to your emotions!

To answer the music QOTD. I have many songs that speak to me. On a light note, my favourite happy song is "the Bare Necessities".
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life

And on a more emotional note: In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
Everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light
And the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me
Gives me strength when I'm weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
Is had enough
It's givin' more when you feel like givin' up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am
And what we'll be
And though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone
I hope you'll see
How happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

Have a great Friday everybody!

I used the chorus of this song as the journaling on a scrapbook page in a book I did for one of my SIL's 50th b.day scrapbooks.... it was all photos of her with her DD over the course of about 20 years (she has been a single Mom for her DD's entire life). It made for a GREAT page... it is such a great song. Thanks for sharing it.......P

 

[tigger813]

Just finished mile 5 for the day!

Megamind is one movie that I highly recommend for everyone! It was soooo funny and just awesome!

We had pizza for lunch. We stopped at a place called Sal's Pizza. They have the biggest slices of pizza you have ever seen. They then cut it on half so it's easier to eat. I had a sausage slice! Very good and filling! That's the only bad things I've had today besides the mint M&Ms I snacked on earlier today. I had a protein shake for breakfast and lunch with strawberries and blueberries in them. I'm still chugging down my water. I'll probably have a couple glasses at class tonight too. I read the article this afternoon and starred some parts I found interesting.

As of this morning I was down 2.2 for the week! I'll see if I can make it 5 by Friday. Tomorrow I will have my big meal at lunch time and snacks in the morning and at night. I have a vendor event tomorrow night so I will also bring some Special K bars with me to snack on.

I made a list of things that I need to pack for Disney while I was at dancing with DD2. Also added a few more things to our shopping list for when we get there.

I really think that if I continue like I have been that I could reach 140 by my trip. Only going to eat out on Sunday this weekend. We're going to see HP on Saturday morning. We're going to have pancakes and bacon for a late breakfast/early lunch before the movie. I'll probably make myself a small bag of popcorn to take with me. I have a book show Saturday night so that will be another strange day of eating.

Gotta make DD1 a shake before changing and heading to class. It's awful windy here tonight!

TTFN

 

[lisah0711]

Congratulations to all our superstars and especially our biggest loser this week, carmiedog!

Hmmm, I wonder what it is about switching to maintainer that makes people have a great week? Maybe taking the pressure off yourself a bit? No to diminish anyone's accomplishments -- I just find it interesting.

jennz, arrrgh! How is the HP marathon?

Maria, congrats on the new shoes! I think it is always good to try something new.

Tracey, great loss so far this week!

Hi Dreamer24!

Corinna, thanks for the keeping warm tips!

keenercam, .

Rose, talk about willpower sending the chips back!

Sitting in the sun or a trip to the beach!!!!

It's cold and dark outside here -- that sounds great!

Deb, hope that you can get some rest.

Shawn, for your "Scattered Charmer!" Some days I think my DS is just scattered!

Be back in a few to finish.

 

[dvccruiser76]

That is such a great picture!

Here's our itinerary:
Disney Itinerary for December 1-9, 2010

After dinner tour resorts on Monorail for decorations and drinks

9AM Universal Studios Islands of Adventure & Wizarding World of Harry Potter

5:30PM Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Osborne Lights

Yay for trips to Disney Touring the resorts on the monrail for decorations and drinks sounds like a cool idea. I was actually looking at the DHS holiday drink menu pictures on the food porn thread earlier today. The Winter Wonerland drink one looks tasty

I'll be interested in hearing how you like WWOHP. I'm going to re-watch movie 6 tonight or tomorrow. I re-watched 5 on Sunday, and have to read half of book 7 next week before we go see the movie.

Love the Osborne Lights

Thusday is also the Anniversary of Hunter's Grand Mal seizure and we are so blessed that he hasn't had another one and it looks like he never will .

Amen to that

 

[dvccruiser76]

News on the job front--Mike is going to temporarily (4 months) fill the position they posted. And then in 4 months both he and his boss (and his boss' boss) can see how they feel about things. Gives everyone, including Mike, and out if they decide it's not the best position for him. Mike is excited. I am not sure how I feel. But he's happy, so that's all that matters. They are announcing it in such a way that if any of the parties decide to go a differenct direction, no one looks bad. So that's good, I guess.

Glad to hear that your DH is feeling better about things and that they're trying a new plan for the next 4 months. Hopefully it'll all work out.

DD1 made my day this morning! She gave me a hug and then said "Mom, you're so skinny!" Then she did her hug test and is reaching even farther around me than before! I wanted to cry!

That's too cute

Hi, everyone! I am sorry I haven't been around. I had the distinct displeasure of a migraine from Saturday morning through last night. I've been reading, though. I've been feeling really overwhelmed with life in general. There just seem to be so many aspects of my life that are in transition and over which I have no control: DS's college application process is energy-consuming; DD's apartment mate got a fantastic job in DC and is moving out their apartment 3 months into a one-year lease; work pressure is insane; my knee is an utter disaster and I've nothing more than walk as little as possible since the 9 miles I did on 11/7, etc. etc.

On a happy note, I see that Connie finished her 10k

Congrats Connie

Going to see Megamind with the family at lunchtime tomorrow. DH took tomorrow off. We were going to go see the Enchanted Village but will do that another day as it's too much driving and DD2 doesn't want to miss dancing and DH is on call.

How was Megamind? We changed our plans and are going to go to the Enchanted Village on Saturday the 4th when it opens before it gets too crowded

BTW, I got little nips of the mint Bailey's and peppermint mocha Kahlua to try and they were yummy. I also made that candy cane martini that someone posted, except I substituted vanilla vodka for the vanilla rum and it was tasty. Though I actually enjoyed the combo of vanilla vodka, godiva white chocolate liquer and the peppermint mocha Kahlua better. Going to bring some to a holiday party.

Today was an overall miserable day. I was too upset to study. But, I actually think a break from studying was a good idea. I am planning to study for a good 4 hours tomorrow morning and then relax at least until after dinner. If I study for 5 hours in total, I'll be very happy. I slept in this morning-that was another good choice. I'm hoping to wake up when the alarm goes off tomorrow and possibly exercise before breakfast. I need some exercise for the emotional benefit more than the weight loss benefit. Eating is remaining under control through all of this and I am down since Friday, so really, right now, exercising is necessary for me emotionally.

Sorry about the vent.

Don't feel sorry Just feel better.