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

[my3princes]

Quick update to let you know that my vein procedure/surgery is now TOMORROW and Friday!! Got a call last Friday that Dr. is going scuba diving again when I am scheduled - same thing happened when it was originally scheduled for Aug.

Went today to get my left leg(better one) marked for tomorrow. LOTS of places they are fixing. Kinda scary!

I'm declining valium and hoping to tough it out with just the numbing of the areas. We'll see. Procedure and the walking for 40 min will take about 3 hours.
This leg gets injections and laser(from the inside).

Friday they are doing my bad leg - injections, laser and also removing one BIG vein. I want it done but a bit apprehensive.

Prayers welcomed. I'll be on later tomorrow - hopefully - to update.

Thanks!

Weight is slowly coming back down. I won't weigh in on Friday due to early morning procedure, and Saturday, I will have bandages on both legs, so won't until next week. Gotta get back on track & moving!

Good Luck. Please let me know how it turns out. I need both of my legs done too.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I will quickly try to catch up on replies sorry Ive been missing for a few days.

Jeanette- Congratulations your pictures are so beautiful it looks like you got that wonderful memory captured for a lifetime. Im glad your mom is starting to come around. Have a wonderful time planning the wedding.

Dona- My aunt recently got my uncles bday cake from the cake boss when they were doing a job in hoboken. It was delicious. Wow I never had such a good cake before. I only had a few bites. I hope your MRI results turn out ok.

Kathy- 27 degrees. You have me beat. I think my lowest was sunday with was around 30. Im sure the windchill was lower. You gave me a good idea though. Im going to start paying more attn. to the exact temps and write it on my calendar/planner. I hope you had a good time at the tree lighting ceremony tonight. Oh and as far as pants go. I bought 1 pair. They are champion brand from target. they were fitted pants with a flare leg. they are snug fitting but I love running in them. I wear them every time I run. I hope they hold out for awhile since I wash them 3 times a week. I hope you find a good pair because I shivered picturing you running outside in capri's.

Shawn- Glad the snow finally stopped. I hope you have a productive day tomorrow. Dont worry you will be home before you know it. When you read this it will already be 8 days away.

Tggrrstarr- I saw one of the doctors from our group using his IPAD at a meeting recently and I so want one too.

Nicole- Great job at the holiday party. If you can conquer that you conquer anything. Good job!

Connie- Thanks for posting and doing the WIN for us. I guess one good part is the less people who submit the better chance we have at getting in the top 5. I really appreciate you doing it because it has shown me that the scale is not the only way to measure. I have lost a good amt of inches this challenge but not that many lbs.

Tracey- I hope you are enjoying your trip even in the cold weather. Just think it is still warmer than at home. Have fun!

Taryn- sorry about the pup. At least you were able to find meds a bit cheaper. Its always something isnt it. Sorry to also hear about your TA's wife. How horrible. Im glad your school is donating to him. That is so much more meaniful. Good job on loosing the 4lbs. Wow I loved reading your list. You have come so far and I have learned so much from you. You Rock!!!!

Cam- So glad to hear from you. The last I remembered you reading was that you just got earth shattering news. I was starting to get worried. Im sorry the vacation wasnt what it could have been. Having an important job really sucks sometimes. Sorry you couldnt get that relax time in. I hope things slow down for you soon.

Julie- Good luck with your procedure tomorrow. Prayers are out there for you.

Rose- I was cracking up at your comment about your legs. If it makes you feel any better....at my last eye appt the dr told me I most likely will need bifocals in the next 2-3 years. She said she is starting to see people need them earlier and earlier due to so much computer usage. I also got a haircut this weekend from my cousin who is a hair stylist. She mentioned that she noticed alot more grey hair than before. That and my hair is so much thinner. I am approaching 32. I thought maybe hearing that might may you feel better. You are a hot mama even if you do have permanent hair color and double lenses. Nobody else knows but you! Rock the new outfit and shoes and be proud of yourself.

QOTD-Tuesday
My favorite holiday treat is Kielbasa. I know that sounds funny but typically I dont have much of a sweet tooth. We always have kielbasa cooked at xmas and easter. I look forward to it every year since I usually dont let myself eat that any other time. This year I will only have a few pieces and that will be my treat.

QOTD-Wed. 3 things to be successful.
Im glad you asked this question. I have been struggling lately with my eating. I really need to think about what worked for me and get back to that place. My princess trip is only 78 days away and i really want to loose another 20lbs.

1. Plan meals out ahead of time.
2. Water, Water, and more Water
3. Running consistently


As I said I am really strugling with my eating. I feel totally out of control and back into old habits of stuffing myself. Its been TOM this week so I am blaming that but I cant keep letting it get the best of me. I have gained 3.5lbs from the lowest weight I got down to. I feel like its not quickly bouncing back off either.

Heres the issues at hand:

1. With xmas shopping/donations/kids holiday stuff money is really tight. I am barely getting enough food to last us so its slim pickins. So when I went to my nanas on sunday I ate everything because I was so excited to have good food to eat. We also had a drug rep lunch brought in and I did the same thing. I think its the feeling of being deprived and then binging. Not sure how to fix this other than to be more observant of why I am eating the wrong stuff.

2. Dh is having BP issues still. He went to the dr for a recheck on tuesday and his bp was still high. He is also having physical anxiety symptoms. waking at night in a sweat, fingers feeling numb, tightness in chest. She made him immediately stop working for the rest of the week to give him a break. Luckily his work is being supportive and he told them it was BP related and didnt say anything about anxiety or stress. He is worried that they will see that as he is too overwhelmed with the job. So I have been worried about him.

3. Ryan has been getting into trouble at his after school program. Fri there was a note sent home saying he has been joking about private parts and had shaken his bottom at another child. I asked him what he was saying and he said him and the other boys joke about their nuts. I couldnt help but to laugh. I mean hes a 6 year old boy....grown men joke about their nuts all the time. Im really just making light of it but we are taking it seriously. Yesterday he got another note saying that the past few days they noticed wet toilet paper getting stuck on the ceiling and walls in the bathroom. They checked the bathroom after each child and apparently after ryan used it their was wet toilet paper on the ceiling. I dont know what is going on with him. He seems bored at the program so I dont know if that is it. He doesnt do these things at home so Im not sure even what to do other than to tell him this is wrong and not to do it. He is doing well in kindergarten its just this after school "daycare" that he is having the issues. Still it stressess me out.

Thanks for listening once again to my venting. Im now off to bed so I can do it all again tomorrow.

 

[my3princes]

I spoke with Pamela tonight. She is doing well. I could hear a happiness in her voice. Her husband came home yesterday and they are adjusting to their new "routine". She has been super busy running back and forth and trying to get the house ready. I told her we have all been thinking of her. She apologized for not stopping by, but I assured her we totally understood.

 

[tggrrstarr]

Hi everyone!

I know you ladies are all pros at this calorie intake stuff, but honestly I don't have much of a clue.
She told me I probably wasn't getting ENOUGH calories during the week to keep up with my new found metabolism, that I should add a fruit or vegetable as a snack during the day and that I absolutely needed to eat right after running whether I wanted to or not.

Nicole

Its a learning process, I feel like I am still figuring it out. The only reason why I knew how many calories to eat a day is because of the ipod app that I use to track my calories. Even still I sometimes wonder if I am doing it right.
I had no idea about the eating after running thing. Good to know.

Well today was very interesting. I still have to go back and redo all of my replies from earlier, but first things first. I had a day off today so I took my DH to work so I could run errands this morning. I AM SO SICK OF SNOW!!!!
Holy snow storm today, it never stopped!

I made my way to the Dr Office for bloodwork for my cholesterol. It was a little high last year and he wanted to retest to see if my improved diet has changed anything.

Then I went grocery shopping, bought more Tea at Teavana and WENT TO THE GYM! I finally dragged myself there. I don't know why I hate going there so much but I have to get over it. Especially if this snow keeps piling up. I did day 1 of C25k and did 8 of the 9 runs. Afterwards I spent 15 minutes on the recumbant bike (dr's suggestion for my knee) then made sure I did my stretching for my knee. I was home by noon, and parked on the street since the snow was still falling.

After some tv and a mini nap, I went outside just after 4 to brush off the car to go pick up my husband. I gave myself an extra 20 minutes. So totally not enough, the car was covered and the street wasn't even ploughed! It took me over 45 min to get to his work and then an hour to get home! Then we couldn't get in the driveway, so we spent over an hour shoveling the driveway. With one shovel! We kept switching off. I think I got my exercise for the next few days, lol!
The funny thing is, after we were done, I told my DH that I was glad we had done the work because I had that feeling of accomplishment I get after a good workout. He just looked at me in that "are you crazy" kind of way!

I made chicken with tomatoes, black beans and cubed hash brown potatoes for dinner. So yummy, but even after all that work I wasn't that hungry. The dog got my leftovers!

Oh yeah, Boo is back to normal! We made it through her first heat! And never again. We will be going to the vet as soon as I have the extra cash. Its so nice to have my normal kitten back.

 

[tigger813]

One last post from FREEZING Orlando before we head home tomorrow.

My size 8 jeans still feel loose so I think I'll be ok. Did our final shopping run to DTD tonight! I'm exhausted. We've done most of our packing and have one last load of laundry in the dryer. Have to leave SSR around 1:30. I'll put up some photos after we get back. We have about 150 photopass photos that I get to play with when we get back. Had a great sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. Eaten there the last two nights!

I'll definitely post my photo with Tigger from breakfast this morning! I just have to learn how to post photos.

Been a great trip overall. DH and I have been compiling details for a trip report that we will work on together and then post. Two headaches the whole trip. Yesterday it was like I had a non stop brain freeze headache due to it being so cold!

I need to brush my teeth and check the laundry and then go to sleep. I can hardly keep my eyes open!

TTFN

 

[disneymom2one]

QUOTD:

My keys
1) Exercise - I walk at least an hour every day - sometimes two.
2) I finally "got" how I could cook one meal for the three of us. It took awhile but we have a routine now. If I make pasta, they get the pasta and sauce and I just take the sauce and put it over Romaine lettuce - no pasta for me. The sauce is super healthy and I can have some of it. I also keep healthier snacks around for them and fill out their plates with that - pretzels for example.
3) Weighing every day - still debating whether or not to bring the scale on vacation. Probably will honestly.

The one thing I don't do (and haven't done in months) is journal. I worry about that sometimes.

 

[flipflopmom]

Okay, I'll admit that I have no idea what Sun Drop is. But now, of course, I am curious. I found out that the only way to get a Registered Dietician degree (which is what I really want) is to go to school at the university 90 miles away for a year One of the nice things about going back to school at age 50 is that you can do what you want -- so I am finishing the two online classes that I have and will re-evaluate my options after the Princess. nothing says "happy holidays" like suing someone!

Bolded part had me! As for the Sun Drop - children here are weaned on it. Literally. One of the saddest things I've ever seen was a mom with a 5 month old at a parent conference with Sun Drop in the baby's bottle! As Shawn said, similar to Mountain Dew, but with a totally different taste, IMHO. Sweeter, has citrus in it. YUM! I had a VERY hard time breaking that addiction. I saw about 5 facebook posts yesterday from friends' kids in college thanking their parents for the exam care packages with Sun Drop in them! It's not available everywhere!

So sorry that the way to get the degree is sooo...inconvenient to say the least. You are right, it's very tough to go back to school once you have a full time job and family. I'm sure that after the princess you can take some time to decide what's best for YOU! Good luck with that decision!

"food is fuel". Wow! You are an awesome Mom I'm not sure how I would have even begun to handle this situation. I've got a little while before I have to deal with these types of issues, but hopefully by then it'll come to me

FAR from an awesome mom. But my girls got their 12 hugs yesterday. AK was craving them like crack, so maybe we are on the right track with the positive attention! It's sooo tough. You just do the best you can. The bolded part, how could I forget that??? That's one of my mantras. Food is fuel, put the wrong kind in, engine stops running. Don't need fuel? Why stop at the station? Someone once said on here that if hunger isn't the problem, then food isn't the solution. That's another good one!

I hadn't realized how long it has been since I posted here. If no one minds a novella, I'll tell you about our Hilton Head trip and it sort of explains the funk I've been in the past couple of weeks. Another factor was that our villa was on the top level of our building even though I requested the lower level due to my knee, so much of the time I felt like a hostage. The one time I walked to the beach house (about 1.5 miles), walking on the sand was brutal with a weak knee. When all was said and done, I figured out that I was outside for a little more than 3 daylight hours the 4 full days we were there. Between my knee, being on the upper floor, and being buried in a big case and lots of other work, I am sad even now about how I was in one of my favorite places but might almost have been at home.

Cam, I am so, so sorry that the trip did not prove to be the getaway you needed! That would totally put me in a funk, too. I told Brad that I can't wait to get there, I've looked forward to our trip since the beginning of school, so there are definitely expectations of what I want to take away from our trip to HHI. I can only imagine. I'm also sorry that work has you so overloaded right now. I am very hopeful that it calms down enough for you to enjoy your holidays!!!!!!!!!! Also proud of you for getting to WW and doing what you can!

So, I ended up taking a day off from exercise. Eating wise I did OK. We'll see what the scale says tomorrow!I can't remember exactly but it is supposed to be good mixed with something, is it Bourbon or Gin ?? Tayrn, have you ever heard of Cheerwine? you are really Southern if you know what that is. I AM a country music girl and love Zac Brown band and Chicken Fried...we all belt out the words to that song but maybe I should be thinking more about some of these lyrics:

Good luck on the scale this am! I can only imagine how very excited you are to be coming home! Wish Raleigh was a bit closer (I think it's like 2.5 hours), otherwise I would pop in to say hello! And, um, I've heard Sun Drop is pretty good with bourbon. As for Cheerwine - HELLO??? The maddest I have EVER been at one of my brothers was when I caught him giving Sophie a sip of cheerwine at age 1.5! I was nursing, making her own organic baby food, totally zealous about her healthy eating!! He's a knucklehead! But it is sooo good. For the rest of you, Cheerwine is kind of like Cherry Dr. Pepper!

The MRI went well. I have the films and the reports should be at the dr's office tomorrow. I will call tomorrow to get an appointment and see where it takes me. I do want a second opinion on this one. I also want to find a dr in my plan. TH eone I have now is not in network but has said he will take what my insurance will pay but I would feel better if I am in network.

Thanks for the update! Hoping you get some answers!

Taryn--thanks for the hug info. That was pretty interesting, and makes sense. When I was really avoiding any kind of personal contact--during the height of my ptsd problems--the more I avoided contact the more I wanted to avoid contact. I can't read and I have dyed hair, but my legs look great!

That totally makes sense. When I am in my funks, I don't want to leave home, don't want any contact with the outside world, and the longer it goes on, the stronger the compulsion to hermit is. I have had glasses/contacts since 3rd grade, and highlighted hair since college. Don't let it get you down. Think about how many people your age would do ANYTHING to look like you, except for work for it. You've worked for it, earned it, show it girl! Thanks for coaching this week! Great questions!

Awesome day today! Got my 35 minute run in at lunch, had lunch at my desk and then went to a company holiday reception and managed to avoid all the food! It was an awesome test of my will power, but I will admit it did get extremely difficult and I'm glad we went back to work when we did. But I looked into it when we got home, started tracking my calories, and realized that I was missing almost 600 calories a day! So at her suggestion, I now eat right after running and I have a 3pm banana and it seems to be working! Oh and I'm REALLY trying to focus on the positives lately even though I've only lost 14 lbs...so when I walked past the mirror in our restroom, I almost didn't recognize myself! My hips are so much slimmer now!

That's awesome! Running or exercising before a meal/get together is always a great motivator for me. I always think - all that I went through (not necessarily the workout, but the effort involved in child care, etc) to workout, why undo all that with food! How great that even though you've "only lost 14 pounds" you can see big differences! Don't discredit yourself!!!!! You are rocking girl!

Quick update to let you know that my vein procedure/surgery is now TOMORROW and Friday!!:

Sending prayers your way! You are one tough lady, I would have begged for drugs!

With xmas shopping/donations/kids holiday stuff money is really tight. I am barely getting enough food to last us so its slim pickins. I think its the feeling of being deprived and then binging.
Dh is having BP issues still. She made him immediately stop working for the rest of the week to give him a break. Ryan has been getting into trouble at his after school program. Still it stressess me out.

Understand about the slim picking at home. Dh went to the grocery store last night, and the kids wanted to eat it all last night! What worked for me at Mom's was to ask to bring some leftovers home for lunches. That way, I knew I would have them later, and didn't feel the need to overindulge there. Hopefully a few days off work will help your DH. Try hugging, lots of quality time at home, that lowers my bp pretty well. As for Ryan - are these the same kids he's in class with? Is he trying to impress older kids? Just a thought. Sorry you are so stressed - I told someone the other night that whoever said it was the most wonderful time of the year didn't have to pay for it. I've just tried to take it one day at a time, and lose myself in the magic of my girls' excitement. We've been DVR'ing Christmas movies, and watching one every night. That helps, just snuggling on the couch together!

I spoke with Pamela tonight. She is doing well. I could hear a happiness in her voice. Her husband came home yesterday and they are adjusting to their new "routine". She has been super busy running back and forth and trying to get the house ready. I told her we have all been thinking of her.

Thanks for checking on her Deb! If you talk again, send our love. SO glad that he got to come home!!!!!!

Then I went grocery shopping, bought more Tea at Teavana and WENT TO THE GYM! I finally dragged myself there. I don't know why I hate going there so much but I have to get over it. Especially if this snow keeps piling up. So totally not enough, the car was covered and the street wasn't even ploughed! It took me over 45 min to get to his work and then an hour to get home!

Welcome to winter! I know you have to feel so good about yourself for getting in exercise, as well you should ! Glad Boo has calmed down!

One last post from FREEZING Orlando before we head home tomorrow.

Have a safe trip! Can't wait to read the TR!
BRB

 

[flipflopmom]

Morning from frigid SWVA! It's 16, wind chill of 11. Improvement from yesterday, it was 11 and windchill of 2 below! It's been so cold this week. We are going back to school today on a 2 hour delay. Not sure how much melting they think has happened since it hasn't been above 25 all week, but we are using "snow routes" which means the buses won't go on any side roads, and the kids have to get to a main road to be picked up. In this wind chill, and 2 hours late, I'm not expecting high attendance today.

Spent hours yesterday trimming Beamer. He's losing his puppy coat, and was looking really shaggy, very much like a mutt. It was a labor intensive process of combing, trimming, combing again, but paid off. He looks sooo much better. Good news? Didn't find any more ticks! Still dragging his hiney, hoping that dewormer gets here quickly! I was actually quite proud, since I checked with the groomer and it would have been $40 to do what I did. DH was pretty impressed with the results!

Tummy is not happy this am. Coffee was a tad too strong.

Noticed yesterday that Dh looked like he was losing weight. Mentioned it, and he said "I know, my pants are loose, don't know why, unless it's being broke". Yes, honey, that's it. No junk food, no eating out, portion control, etc. So it has it's advantages! I've been packing his lunches every day for months, leftovers, sandwiches, etc. Caught flack when friends found out that I crank the car for him in the am while he's getting dressed so it will be warm.

Well, it's off to work I go. Don't have to be there until 10, but I have to have Sophie at preschool at 9. Told mom I would take her, so I've got to get ready. Going to weigh, and then hop in the shower! Just realized it's not Friday. Oh well, still going to weigh.

Have a wonderful day! WHAT YOU DO TODAY WILL IMPACT WHAT YOU SEE TOMORROW FOR WEIGH IN! CHOOSE WISELY! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO GET CLOSER TO GOALS!

Taryn

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Thank you, Rose, for being our coach this week! And a big BL welcome to our coach for our final week starting tomorrow, CC! We really could not do a challenge without our wonderful coaches!

Please PM those weigh in numbers to LuvBaloo tomorrow. There is no WIN! reporting this week but Connie96 will record your info even after the results are posted.

Lindsay, I got a real chuckle out of Ryan's antics. I'm sorry to tell you that it won't get any better -- I just had a conversation this week that as far as I can tell middle school boys sit around talking about their balls every day at lunch. I'm guessing that at the after school program they are not able to keep the younger kids separated from the older kids as much as they do in school -- that is probably where the toilet paper idea came from. It may never have occurred to Ryan not to do something a big kid said said was "fun." Sometimes I think there is a bit of overreaction on the part of school folks for things, too. Can't they just say knock it off and leave it at that if it's minor and never happened before? Our family rule is that you can talk with your buds any way that you want as long as younger kids don't overhear you, you don't talk that way at home and you don't get in trouble. I know it is stressful but you have to admit a good source of comic relief -- I think one of the hardest things about being a parent is not laughing at inappropriate times!

Hope that your DS gets to feeling less stressed soon. Would your insurance covery biofeedback for the BP? That would help with the other stress issues, too.

78 days until the Princess! That sounds so soon when you put it that way! I've been thinking of it in terms of months. Actually my training is coming along and I may get to do my 5 miles outside this week-end. That would be a treat!

I spoke with Pamela tonight. She is doing well. I could hear a happiness in her voice. Her husband came home yesterday and they are adjusting to their new "routine". She has been super busy running back and forth and trying to get the house ready. I told her we have all been thinking of her. She apologized for not stopping by, but I assured her we totally understood.

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that Pamela and her DH are doing better and glad that you are okay, too. I just love your sparkly clippie.

tggrrstarr, all that snow shoveling burns a lot of calories! for good bloodwork results and I'm glad Boo is feeling better now.

Tracey, sorry that it has been so darn cold but it sounds like you've had a great time. Safe travels home!

MB, you are a trouper taking the scale with you on vacation!

I'm going to work very hard the next seven days and see if I can get myself into that new decade. That would set me up for some good numbers before the Princess. I know what I need to do. It is just a matter of putting my good intentions into action!

Have a great day!

 

[lisah0711]

Bolded part had me! As for the Sun Drop - children here are weaned on it. Literally. One of the saddest things I've ever seen was a mom with a 5 month old at a parent conference with Sun Drop in the baby's bottle! As Shawn said, similar to Mountain Dew, but with a totally different taste, IMHO. Sweeter, has citrus in it. YUM! I had a VERY hard time breaking that addiction. I saw about 5 facebook posts yesterday from friends' kids in college thanking their parents for the exam care packages with Sun Drop in them! It's not available everywhere!

We are really careful this time of year how we time things because although the clients think it's a good idea to chase people down hard during the holidays, the judges don't always agree.

Thanks for the Sun Drop info. I'll have to see if there is any in Florida when I am there in February.

I wonder if Beamer is worn out because you all have been home due to being snowed in -- he probably needs to catch up on his puppy rest!

I brush the snow off DH's car in the morning because he is nice enough to let me park my car in the garage -- our DH's appreciate it when we do things for them. Don't know why your friend gave you flak?

You have a great day, too, Taryn and be careful driving around in that ice!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Ran at the Y before work, so I need to jump in the shower and get going. Just wanted to post the QOTD quick.

Julie--good luck today!

QOTD for Thursday---
I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Personally I think it's a recipe for failure. Having said that, do you have any goals for the upcoming year?
1 I would like to run 3 half marathons. One in Feb., one in the spring and one in the fall.
2. I would like to take swim lessons. I have been saying this for a while now, and I still haven't done it. I can swim a little, but I'm not very good at it.
3. I would like to do 10 real pushups in a row. I can do bunches of knee pushups. But only about 5 real pushups.
4. I would like to see the 130s. Don't necessarily think maintaining there is reasonable, but I would like to see them.
5 I would like to add more whole grains to my diet.

Have a great day! I definitely plan on doing replies after work!

 

[tggrrstarr]

This is one of those mornings that my calories don't seem to make any sense! After all that calorie burn yesterday I did not lose anything! I think I might not have eaten enough calories. I was really low even for a non exercise day, I just wasn't that hungry all day. I even splurged at the end on a WW ice cream bar. I should have eaten at least 1250 but I was only at about 900. This is where I start to get frustrated, I didn't lose anything early in the week due to no exercise and TOM, and then when I try to remedy that with a great workout, I still don't lose.

I feel like my efforts are slowing down and I just want to keep going at the same momentum I've been going at. But this winter is becoming an excuse not to exercise way too often. My calories and journaling are almost always on track, I just can't get up the drive to do a workout. Something as simple as turning on the xbox and playing my BL game. Maybe I need to start up P90x again. It at least kept me doing something every day.

Look on the bright side, I am not gaining weight, I am just doing a great job of maintaining this week!

 

[mikamah]

Good morning everyone. I want to quote and post, but don't have time with this laptop mouse, so I'll try to remember what I wanted to say as i read. We went to the Hospice tree lighting last night and it really is a beautiful ceremony. It's held outside a bank and a gentleman from the bank does the introduction and as he was talking about hospice and how they helped him and his family this year when his dad passed you could hear his voice cracking, and that was it. They end it with a beautiful prayer and someone sang Let there be peace on earth, and they have a reception in the bank but we didn't go in this year. I made a crockpot of chicken corn chowder, so my sisters, bil and niece and nephew came over here for supper. My sister had lost her atm card, and my bil was freaking out over it, so we had a few good laughs on his account. After I put michael to bed, I watched the Christmas Shoes, and had a good cleansing cry. OMG, what a tear jerker. I almost woke michael up when I went in to kiss and hug him goodnight after that movie. I feel good today. I am definitely in a better place this year than I was last year, enjoying the memories more.

Well, on to weight loss. I"m not losing. I've lost 3 pounds this challenge, and I'd like to maintain that through the holidays, maybe lose a couple by next week, but have the leeway to put them back on over Christmas. I'm focusing on the exercise and the princess training plan.

QOTD wed- 1. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP, AND WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP, DON'T.
2. move more, exercise, take the stairs, park far away, play with my kid at the park.
3. When I've backslided, no matter how far, I can start fresh.

QOTD thurs- My new years goals for this year 2011-
1. Do the princess half marathon. Wow, it still feels weird to say that. Never in my life have I ever thought I'd want to run a race, and 8 months after starting the c25k I am still surprised that I have kept up with it.
2. I am going to lose these 9 pounds and get into One-derland before the princess. I'm not going to try, I am going to do it.


LIsa-Love the suing someone during the holidays quote. So funny. 78 days doesn't sound very long, does it. We can do it!! On the boy and body parts talk, I guess it's good to know they are boys and they will never out grow it, and it is normal, but it does stress me out sometimes too. In school they are so strict about things, and not that its ok to be talking about privates, etc, but they are kids and curious. I try to stress to michael that he can talk to me about anything and hope he makes good decisions.

Tarynso sorry about the ta at work. You and your coworkers are so sweet to band together to help him and his family out. It's so sad, but it does make you count your blessings. I can't believe the weather you've been having. I am feeling very lucky here in new england.

Lindsayhugs to you on ryan getting in trouble with after school care. It's so hard to see them not do the right thing, and it's a learning process. They are boys, and boys will be boys, and they just have to learn when they can be inappropriate and when they can't. I hope they after school care are supportive and helpful with him. Hang in there. Thanks for the pant advice from target. I definitely need to get out and invest in some better clothes, but I did find an old pair of cotton lined nylon pants that I wore yesterday with an old white ski turtleneck and that worked pretty well for a short run, but for a longer run I would have gotten too hot.

Rose- Love your qotds this week, and you have been a fabulous coach. My hair is gray and I've been wearing readers for about 5 years now, since I was 42. I hate that I need them now, but it is what it is. I have a presription for progressives, but haven't invested yet. Taryn is right, you have worked hard and you deserve to celebrate your body. I love your siggie pictures, btw. thanks for coaching this week.

Dona-good luck today. a second opinion is always a good idea especially if surgery may be involved.

Julie-thinking of you today and sending prayers for a successful surgery today and tomorrow. And my I bow down to you for even thinking about doing it without sedation. Hope all goes well.

Cam- sorry your vacation wasn't all you had hoped. Hope things settle down for you soon and you can enjoy the holidays.

Deb-Thanks for keeping us posted on Pamela. We so totally understand and I'm so happy her dh is home, and she sounds happy.

PamelaGlad all is going well for your dh and he is home.

Hello to everyone else. My time is up. Have a great day!!

 

[pjlla]

I spoke with Pamela tonight. She is doing well. I could hear a happiness in her voice. Her husband came home yesterday and they are adjusting to their new "routine". She has been super busy running back and forth and trying to get the house ready. I told her we have all been thinking of her. She apologized for not stopping by, but I assured her we totally understood.

Deb.... Thanks so much for keeping the folks here up to date!

Happy Holidays Ladies!!

Yup, DH came home from the rehab hospital on Tuesday. He was there for just one week... and it was amazing how far he came in a week. He is still weak and a bit shaky, but getting around on his own. In fact, I am going to leave him alone for a bit of time today to go pick up some prescriptions and such. I'm sure he will be fine.

He is LOVING the new LazyBoy my parents bought him. What a super early Christmas gift.

His wounds are healing.... hair is starting to grow over the big head incision... that will be out of sight before too long. Face is still tender (to be expected) but looks great. He is doing great drinking and talking with the jaw wired shut. Not consuming enough calories yet though. I think all of the liquids are getting boring. Arm will probably be the slowest to heal... two more weeks until they take off the hardware and then into a regular cast for a few more weeks. Then hopefully cast off and splint on and into therapy for that. He has visions of being able to work after the first of the year, but I'm thinking more realistically maybe the first of Feb.

We are trying to settle into some sort of routine... but between VNA visits, therapy visits, and friend/co-worker visits, things were nuts here yesterday!

I'm very sorry I haven't been able to be on and keep you all update and read about your ups and downs, but I am sure that you all understand. I had visions that when he was home I would have scads of time to just sit around the house and such.... but that hasn't been the case so far! Maybe in a few more days??

I'll try to catch up and chat later today or tomorrow.................P

 

[keenercam]

Good morning, everyone. I had every intention of multi-quoting and catching up with everyone, but my email inbox has exploded and my secretary is on vacation, so I'll comment quick on a couple things I remember.

Julie - Thinking of you today and keeping you in my prayers for your procedures today and tomorrow.

Kathy - Glad the tree lighting was heart-warming.

Dona - I hope you get a good report at the dr. today.

Pamela - What a wonderful update. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. Please be sure to take good care of yourself.

Taryn - I think it is totally sweet that you do that for Brad. It's those little things that show our loved ones that we love them, regardless of what kind of flack our friends give us. And those loving touches are free except for the time they take, but it is the time that is more valuable, if that makes sense.

Sending hugs to everyone who is having a rough time this time of year, whether because we miss loved ones, are dealing with financial difficulties or are dealing with family drama.

As for me, my first week on the new WW plan was a success and I lost 3.6. I really needed to see progress and that started my day off right. I thought I'd blown it because we had our firm party last night at the Melting Pot and seriously indulged, but it may still show up on the scale tomorrow. I'd saved most of my daily points and still had 47 of my weekly points left. Hopefully, I'll be able to do really well for this last week of our challenge.

 

[mizzoutiger76]

Quick update to let you know that my vein procedure/surgery is now TOMORROW and Friday!!:

Good luck and I will definitely send prayers your way

I am barely getting enough food to last us so its slim pickins.

I asked him what he was saying and he said him and the other boys joke about their nuts.

We're in the exact same place right now too There are a lot meals of hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soups around this time of year.

OMG! Is that what I have to look forward to? Seriously, that might be a little to much for me I would think that I'd hand that off to DH and let him handle, but I'm afraid he'd almost encourage it by saying something like "we talk about that all the time just not in front of girls"

I did day 1 of C25k and did 8 of the 9 runs.

Good job! I always have to exercise during lunch, by 2pm I just no longer have the desire, the drive, or the energy to get in a workout ESPECIALLY in the winter and I feel your pain I normally have to push through my resistance to going to the gym by just telling myself that once I get my exercise over with, I'm done for the day, so might as well head over to the gym and quit whining That's my mental pep-talk.

You're doing a great job!

One last post from FREEZING Orlando before we head home tomorrow.

Have a great trip home!

Caught flack when friends found out that I crank the car for him in the am while he's getting dressed so it will be warm.

I probably would have been one of those friends to give you flack, but it would have been pure teasing on my part My friends were calling my DH spoiled the last time we saw them But it's all good natured fun, I hope it's the same for you, I'd hate to think they were actually trying to be mean .

I feel good today. I am definitely in a better place this year than I was last year, enjoying the memories more.

I glad you are feeling good today

Sending hugs to everyone who is having a rough time this time of year, whether because we miss loved ones, are dealing with financial difficulties or are dealing with family drama.

As for me, my first week on the new WW plan was a success and I lost 3.6.

Me too

WAY TO GO! Keep it up!

Pjilla - I am very glad to hear that DH is home. Your family is still in my prayers!

Not much going on over here today just a carbon-copy of Tuesday Working on water, eating tuna for lunch, and Zumba tonight! I don't have a clue what is for dinner but there is still time to figure it out.

Goals for the upcoming year:
1. keep up with my running
2. run a couple of 5ks throughout the year
3. maybe getting up to a half marathon

Have a great day!

Nicole

 

[Cupcaker]

Good morning everyone. Just the same stuff, busy with school and work. So many christmas parties. I cant believe how fast time is flying. I made an appointment to go see a Disney venue this sunday with DF, mom, and MIL! Im so excited. I hope I can convince my mom about my venue once she sees how great it is. So far the logistics of it isnt convincing her...events can only be held during the week, at night, and its price. Besides my DF, people have said maybe I should consider another venue. But if its my dream location and we're not asking anyone to pay for it, then why should I change it to accomadate others? In my eyes, if they really care for us and want to celebrate the night with us, then they will stay and take the day off the next day or something. Am I being bridezilla?

Tracey- I love Earl of Sandwich. That’s awesome that your pants are feeling still feeling loose. Cant wait to hear all about your trip.

Kathy- That’s a great idea of running with a turtleneck. Glad you had a good time at the tree lighting ceremony. Hope your sister found her ATM card.

Taryn- thanks for the info about hugs. That was really interesting. I have to turn up the hug count. About the wedding, I wish I could do just immediate family and those we have constant contact with. If I get my dream wedding, it may turn out that many people wont go anyway. We’ll see. Good job on the dog med research. My motto is if you can find it for cheaper, why pay full price. So sorry about the TA. It sounds like all of you are being wonderful and taking care of him and his family. They will really appreciate it. Congratulations on getting back to your original weight!

Lisa- Im proud of you for going back to school. I know its not easy, especially with all the other responsibilities you have. Hang in there! I know you can reach your weight goal before Princess!

Nicole- 14 lbs is a lot! Congratulations. I also find that adding vegetables boosts my metabolism and really helps with my weight loss.

Cam- Welcome back. Im sorry you didn’t get the vacation you wanted. Hopefully in the future you get many great vacations at Hilton Head. Congrats on the weight loss! The new WW plan seems like its working for many.

Rose-“I can't read and I have dyed hair, but my legs look great!” Love that!

Julie- PD for your surgeries.

Lindsay- Is there anyway you can take leftovers just so that you don’t have to feel you have to eat everything there and then.

Kelli- I would definitely call shoveling show exercise. Glad you were able to get to the gym. Sounds like you had a productive day yesterday. Im sure that eventually the pounds will come off, your body might be holding them for some reason or it can be muscle from all the exercise youre doing

Pamela- Im happy DH is home and recovering so fast. January 1 does sound really early to return to work but that just shows how determined he is to heal and that definitely will help.

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm home. Just had lunch. Procedure took just over 1 hour. Had one vein that ran from groin to near ankle done with laser and then lots of tiny injections on others. Really felt nothing worse than drawing blood type of prick. Only problem was that due to nerves my BP was 173/98 when I went in. During procedure was 156-164/87-93. As soon as the Dr. said 'all done' it dropped to 132/84. Gee, I wonder if I have white coat??????

When it was time for me to go out and walk for 40 min. They had to CALL DH. He waited til they took me back & went to casino. I feel the love....lol! typical!

Not looking forward to tomorrow which is today, + removing the nasty one from behind my knee.

Wearing 2 compression stockings + pre-wrap, tape, a few small bandages and then an ace bandage at the top is a PAIN, but that is just for 2 days, then just 1 stocking for 3 weeks. All in all, not bad.

But still not looking forward to tomorrow at all......

 

[50sjayne]

Taryn--thanks for the hug info. That was pretty interesting, and makes sense. When I was really avoiding any kind of personal contact--during the height of my ptsd problems--the more I avoided contact the more I wanted to avoid contact. Does that make sense? Anyhow, now I have an even better reason to want more hugs.

The good news is, I found a pair of brown shoes that I wanted on clearance for $7.00 to wear with a pair of brown tights and a short brown skirt that I've had forever. And if I do say so myself--I look pretty good in it. I can't read and I have dyed hair, but my legs look great!

Ok, I will try to check back in later, but feel like I need some quality time tonight with my DH. Have a great evening!

And I am loving reading everyone's answer to the QOTD!

I don't touch people in general, hugging is really hard for me. I'm really really affectionate physically with the cats, (poor Penney) and my kids when they were little but people no. Unless it was romantic interest of course--then it was sort of opening the floodgates.
You look great--I don't know what the big deal is about grey hair anyway-- I like it. People go grey really young anyway.

Oh yeah, Boo is back to normal! We made it through her first heat! And never again. We will be going to the vet as soon as I have the extra cash. Its so nice to have my normal kitten back.

Check into any low cost spay and neuters around your area. also a tip-- they don't need pain meds in addition-- it's completely unnecessary. I know this from volunteering at a spay and neuter place. Also--good job on keeping her in--it's not the easiest thing-- especially when they are driving you nuts. My daughters father let my girl out when she was in heat on accident, (sure) she was just a kitten too but I enjoyed her kittens. The girl came in after one night with no desire to go outside for a long time and had 3 extremely different looking gorgeous kittens lol. This was 22 years ago--I remember it well though lol, she was extremely vocal. We transported her and her kittens on a 4-5 hour drive and she yowled the whole time lol.

Deb.... Thanks so much for keeping the folks here up to date!

Happy Holidays Ladies!!

Yup, DH came home from the rehab hospital on Tuesday. He was there for just one week... and it was amazing how far he came in a week. He is still weak and a bit shaky, but getting around on his own. In fact, I am going to leave him alone for a bit of time today to go pick up some prescriptions and such. I'm sure he will be fine.

He is LOVING the new LazyBoy my parents bought him. What a super early Christmas gift.

His wounds are healing.... hair is starting to grow over the big head incision... that will be out of sight before too long. Face is still tender (to be expected) but looks great. He is doing great drinking and talking with the jaw wired shut. Not consuming enough calories yet though. I think all of the liquids are getting boring. Arm will probably be the slowest to heal... two more weeks until they take off the hardware and then into a regular cast for a few more weeks. Then hopefully cast off and splint on and into therapy for that. He has visions of being able to work after the first of the year, but I'm thinking more realistically maybe the first of Feb.

We are trying to settle into some sort of routine... but between VNA visits, therapy visits, and friend/co-worker visits, things were nuts here yesterday!

I'm very sorry I haven't been able to be on and keep you all update and read about your ups and downs, but I am sure that you all understand. I had visions that when he was home I would have scads of time to just sit around the house and such.... but that hasn't been the case so far! Maybe in a few more days??

I'll try to catch up and chat later today or tomorrow.................P

We appreciate the updates-- that's a lot right there. Everyone understands that this is just how it is with you-- you have a focal point right now and you are where you are supposed to be. I'm just glad everything is going well as they can.

QOTD for Tuesday--What is your favorite holiday treat? How can you enjoy it without going overboard or do you just plan to avoid it completely this year?

Mincemeat pie. If my Mom offers to get one I’ll have it. The problem with it is I’m the only one who likes it lol so I end up eating all of it. I like it for breakfast though, with a glass of milk healthy right? Lol. Think Bill Cosby chocolate cake for breakfast.

Cupcaker:

I have been staying OP since thanksgiving. I think tomorrow will show me reaching my BL goal of 127. I am still in disbelief of my weight. I didnt think it was possible, but thankfully Ive proven myself wrong

You look really good. It’s kind of funny to see that big, tough looking guy so enamoured… cute.

LisaH—thanks for the article on emotional eating, think they nailed it.

I'm still doing good-- kind of a one track mind, I'm just not interested in much of anything I ususally am this time of year I guess but it's ok. Husband understands (well-- it's why I finally married someone...) and I'm going to start taking walks with my kid again since his walking class is done with at the college (he needed a one credit class) We talk on those walks. Had some good talks with my daughter lately, and work will be busy from here till christmas. Been sickish the last week-- just a yucky cold, am sitting here trying to muster some courage to exercise. My stepper is in the kitchen now temporarily due to christmas tree displacement so all I have to exercise to is music-- which is fine but it's a lot in itself. I'm used to switching between the stepper and treadmill and with the treadmill in the living room-- it's just not going to happen. Thought about going to the pool but in a crushing moment realized my swimming trunks would be too big lol. I've had to go buy new pants for work as my 12's are just not working anymore, I tried on 8's and they fit the other day...the fun part is I found some at goodwill for $2.50 that I love because they were a little stained on the cuff and the same day I found an "I survived the TOT" tshirt that is really pretty.
Think my eating has stabilized for the time. I don't plan on gaining any for awhile but I think I can manage not to lose anymore.

 

[lisah0711]

QOTD for Thursday---
I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Personally I think it's a recipe for failure. Having said that, do you have any goals for the upcoming year?

ITA with you, Rose. I think it is hard for us to remember how important it is to set ourselves up for success not failure.

But I do think goals are important because WISHing doesn't always cut it.

Some of my goals for 2011 are:
1. Get to ONE-derland once and for all.
2. Complete the Princess Half.
3. Build back my bank reserves from the hit they've taken this past year.

This is one of those mornings that my calories don't seem to make any sense! After all that calorie burn yesterday I did not lose anything! I think I might not have eaten enough calories. I was really low even for a non exercise day, I just wasn't that hungry all day. I even splurged at the end on a WW ice cream bar. I should have eaten at least 1250 but I was only at about 900. This is where I start to get frustrated, I didn't lose anything early in the week due to no exercise and TOM, and then when I try to remedy that with a great workout, I still don't lose.

I know it's frustrating when things don't work out the way you are expecting. I think that you are on to something with the caloric intake and it may take a few days for your body to show the exercise effects. Don't give up!

QOTD thurs- My new years goals for this year 2011-
1. Do the princess half marathon. Wow, it still feels weird to say that. Never in my life have I ever thought I'd want to run a race, and 8 months after starting the c25k I am still surprised that I have kept up with it.
2. I am going to lose these 9 pounds and get into One-derland before the princess. I'm not going to try, I am going to do it.

Love this!

In fact, I am going to leave him alone for a bit of time today to go pick up some prescriptions and such. I'm sure he will be fine.

Pamela, I'm so happy that your DH is home and continues to be on the mend. Really it is a miracle that he was able to get home as quickly as he has -- I'm sure it's that great nursing! He was probably happy to have some time to himself for a change today. Too bad about the eating thing -- he would probably kill for something crunchy.

As for me, my first week on the new WW plan was a success and I lost 3.6. I really needed to see progress and that started my day off right. I thought I'd blown it because we had our firm party last night at the Melting Pot and seriously indulged, but it may still show up on the scale tomorrow. I'd saved most of my daily points and still had 47 of my weekly points left. Hopefully, I'll be able to do really well for this last week of our challenge.

Woo! Hoo! on the great loss, Cam. for the exploding email and secretary being on vacation.

OMG! Is that what I have to look forward to? Seriously, that might be a little to much for me I would think that I'd hand that off to DH and let him handle, but I'm afraid he'd almost encourage it by saying something like "we talk about that all the time just not in front of girls"

Sounds like something that my DH would tell my DS. Sometimes it is just better not to know their manly secrets!

Good morning everyone. Just the same stuff, busy with school and work. So many christmas parties. I cant believe how fast time is flying. I made an appointment to go see a Disney venue this sunday with DF, mom, and MIL! Im so excited. I hope I can convince my mom about my venue once she sees how great it is. So far the logistics of it isnt convincing her...events can only be held during the week, at night, and its price. Besides my DF, people have said maybe I should consider another venue. But if its my dream location and we're not asking anyone to pay for it, then why should I change it to accomadate others? In my eyes, if they really care for us and want to celebrate the night with us, then they will stay and take the day off the next day or something. Am I being bridezilla?

Nope you don't sound like bridezilla to me, Jeanette. This is the tough part where you are dealing with everyone's expectations, yours, DF, your family's, his family's and it takes a bit to work through all of it. I'm sure that it will be a wonderful day that you will always remember no matter what you decide to do.

Julie, so glad that everything went well today. Prayers and that tomorrow goes even better!

I started the BL alumni thread. I am hoping to do a coach of the day rotation so if you are interested in coaching a day or two please let me know.

Also, if you know some BL alumni that need to make an appearance please PM them and ask them to join us. I think it would be fun to see how many BL folks we can get to come out of hiding!