Biggest Loser 8 Fall Challenge -- for losers and maintainers!

[mikamah]

Okay everyone....I am ashamed. I have gained weight the last 2 weeks. Yes I have been sick and mostly slept but have also gone back to unhealthy choices. The saddest thing? I thought I would see a LOSS this week! I am finally starting to feel better and will be able to exercise this week.

I thought about just quitting the challenge because I'm so embarrassed but decided to post, fess up and refocus. Obviously journaling is an important tool I need to use!! As well as planning my meals.

Congrats to everyone who is losing and everyone who is still hanging in there!! and sahbushka for you dh getting a job!! what a huge relief for you both!!

Jenn, please don't feel ashamed. We all have our days and weeks, but it's so good that you came back here, and can get some support and inspiration. Everyone here is always so supportive and welcoming when we've strayed from our plan. This is a tough year for you, and with the holidays coming up, it is going to be so hard. We need to commit to at least coming here, and trying our best to be as healthy as we can. Even if we gain over the next two months, I know that if we totally give up, we will gain even more than if we keep trying. I have been finding lately, that if I start my day off with some wii fit, and a healthy breakfast, it seems that my frame of mind for the rest of the day is so much better. Some days I cry at the drop of a hat, and other days, I can think of so many happy memories with my mom, and smile and laugh. I know in time those smiling, happy days will outnumber the crying ones. Try to keep coming here, hang in there. We are all here for you.

 

[mikamah]

Congrats to all who have lost this week, and hugs to those who have gained. Hang in there, be persistent and you will reach those goals.

I lost 1.4 this week, and am thrilled. Any thing over a pound is pretty amazing for me. I am down 8.6 since labor day, and am motivated to stay on track this week, and push for another 1.4 to reach 10 pounds before my disney trip next sunday! Just can't let the halloween candy get me. We are going for a bike ride this afternoon with Michael's cub scout troup, and then trick or treating. I am pledging to not eat anything while out, and to come home, and sit and enjoy some candy after. I'm hoping to organize our closets. Been putting it off with our trip coming up, but I think I'll put the summer stuff in the suitcase and pack the rest away for winter.

Lisaviolet- love seeing your pictures. You look fabulous, and you can not go by your weight. 70 pounds down is awesome. I can't believe you weigh 215. Here's a pic of me at 226, when I started my journey 4 years ago.

Now I looked 226.
This is about 185, spring of 07, my low this journey.

And right now, I'm at 206, right in the middle, but heading down again. At 185, I am still officially obese, when I hit 181, I'm just overweight, and that is my first big goal, but honestly I felt really good at 185 and didn't feel obese, and I really do not know what my final goal weight will be. I was into size 14s comfortably.

Mullysisters- love the tractor pic. It is hard to tell in overalls, but you look pretty good to me. We to a farm last night for a corn maze which was so fun, but after the rain this week, it was so muddy and slippery in spots, we were filthy. I have a new respect for farmers- so much work, every day, no matter the weather you have to be out there. Congrats on your farm. I can tell by your posts about it, how much you love and enjoy it.

Thanks Disneychrista for coaching last week, and welcome Pjlla!!

Love friday's qotd, and I know you said besides the dis, but truly my biggest support for my wt loss journey is here on the dis. Everyone here on the challenges have also inspired and supported me so much, I really can't thank you all enough. Lisah0711 has been a wonderful friend to me and given me so much support through this year, on the thread, and through pm's.
I also go to ww meetings, and have for a while, but until this sept hadn't been to the same meeting all the time, but now I"m going on wed mornings most weeks, and if I miss it, I go on saturdays and it's the same leader. I've been sitting with 2 ladies who are also disney fans, and they are in wdw right now for halloween, so it's nice to have some kindred disney fans at the meeting too.
My brother and sis-in law who live 2 hours away are my greatest support. We all are doing a bl challenge til the end of january, and when we are together, we try to motivate and inspire each other to be healthy. My family gatherings, though most of us are overweight, tend to be centered around food and alcohol. I'm really trying to break that routine, and my brother is too. Funny, for Christmas for many years my mom always bought all of us a big bag of lindt chocolate truffles, and every year we'd try to get her to get something else, and we finally succeeded for the girls. The past 2 years she gave the girls bath and body works stuff, but the boys got a hickory farms cheese set. Better than chocolate. We were raised to celebrate with food, and it's hard but we're trying to change to healthier foods to celebrate with.

I've been rambling. I need to go get some breakfast, and then we'll carve some pumpkins. We carved 2 a couple weeks ago, but they collapsed with mold, and so we bought 2 more last night.

Happy Halloween everyone!! Have a great day!!

 

[pjlla]

Thanks- I needed that right now. Thursday night I came down with the dreaded swine flu. It's all over the news around here right now and they said there's nothing else in our area and with my symptoms- I'm sure that's what it is. I also had the regular flu shot more than 2 weeks ago. I'm 41 though and healthy so I'm not worried or anything but I will tell you it is kicking my rear end. I'll pm luvbaloo I just literally do not have the energy to do that right now(weigh in). I had to take the girls to be spayed today and that took everything out of me. It was so hard to see my old rescue buddies at the clinic and not be able to talk to them. I would have just cancelled but they are about 5 months now and have figured out the cat door...I figure while I'm down it's a good time to take care of them too. There was a little girl behind me in line and I fought coughing the whole time (about 1/2 hour) did really well. Now I'm just going to go lay down and watch tv for awhile. I'm out here now because my son is asleep and my husband at work so it's safe. Husband has banished me to the bedroom
I hate that I'm not going to be able to hand out candy this year. We also have only 1/2 a werewolf in the station wagon right now (long story) and only about a quarter of the spider web up! I think I can manage stuffing some jeans with newspapers today and the hands but husbands going to have to attatch his hands to the steering wheel...

And yes I have a fever--can you tell? Lol.

SO very sorry that you are sick... you sound a bit miserable! Don't worry about the Halloween decorations... just take some time to take care of YOURSELF! Rest, hot tea, more rest!! (although honestly, I wouldn't want to hug you right now! So this is an air hug!!)

Since I don't rely on much support outside the DIS one option would be to get back to a gym. For me it would be a gym where people grunt and sweat, not perspire. Otherwise I pull out old Muscle & Fitness type mag's. I figure the workout routine and healthy eating tips don't change to much. I'm also going back to the daily scale checkin. It works for me. I stopped the daily weigh-in the last three weeks and I've fallen into some old habits, hence some weight gains.

Well... at least you KNOW you are falling into some old habits and obviously you know what you need to do to change things. If you are still looking for a gym, how about a "men only" gym or the good old traditional YMCA. My gym is a Y and is there is nothing "pretty" or trendy about it... we work out hard and SWEAT. And there are plenty of big, burly, muscley men there all the time... lifting weights and grunting and back slapping each other!! Actually, they make me chuckle (as I am STRUGGLING to bench press 20 pounds for 10 reps!!).

Hi all, I am still here...plugging along. I had a good loss this last week...I got all but .2 off of all that weight I gained 2 weeks ago. I hope everyone has a great week and don't forget to drink your water!~

Sarah

Glad to see that you are still working here with us. That last .2 will be gone in an instant and you will be right back on track before the holidays.

I go to Saturday WW meetings and love the support there. My leader is amazing. I also do Spark People and have meet a few of them IRL and they are great. I am blessed to have a supportive mom, dad, brother, cousin and best friend. Sometimes I wonder why I am not taking advantage of all the support I have.

I have had a crazy weight loss journey thus far. I have been doing WW (on and off) since I was 15 ( I am now 31). I know it works, I just have to keep working the program!!!!! I love the support here on the Dis Boards. You are all motivating and amazing and I appreciate that. I hope everyone has a Fantastic Friday!!!!

Molly

Glad to meet another "long-term" WW follower. I do miss attending WW meetings. For this particular go-around with WW I decided to just do it on my own. Heaven knows I have followed it enough times and have enough books and literature to fill a shelf! But I really miss having that support of a group of like-minded people coming together and sharing. Plus I had found a GREAT leader... he was honest and funny and really down-to-earth. But I live 30 minutes from the nearest meeting spot and I work sporatic days... plus I am very busy with the kids activities, and I found that I was spending the $$ but rarely making it to the actual meetings. I have been successful this time ON MY OWN, but I do miss the meetings. But I LOVE my Disboard group!!

DIdn't have time for a weigh in this morning so I will do it tomorrow! This day has been crazy!

My go to person is Redwalker. We email, text and chat all the time plus try and meet every few weeks at a mall 1/2 way between our homes to walk for about 90 minutes or should I say SPRINT! We chat about BL and food choices! She keeps me focused!

Love you Redwalker!

You are so fortunate to have a go-to friend along on this journey! I'm envious. But I'm glad your both here to chat with all of us!

This is interesting. I find support in myself for sure. Although it seems I do much better when I am only working part time and have lots of time on my hands. When I am working lots I just don't WANT to work out because I am so tired.

Other than that I have a very fit husband, who never pressures me to be like him but now I want to keep up a bit. My mom and dad are also a huge support. My mom is the one who can really get excited for me and cheer me on.

I used to read fitness mags (Self) that would inspire me but lately I have been reading some blots from beginning up until now that have really helped me say that I can do that too. Also, here on the DIS! Watching the Biggest Loser has also helped me.

It is hard and I have a little voice that really wonders if I can maintain after I hit my goal, which I know I can do. For me it is not about if I can lose but if I'll be able to maintain.

It would be so hard without much support and especially if there is always junk around. I don't know how I could control myself. So, to everyone who doesnt' have as much support as some of us here is some for all of you. Keep it up because you CAN do it!!!!!

This sounds so similar to things I think. There are so many days where it seems so hard to continue to eat properly and get in the exercise (like today!!
) and I truly wonder HOW I will do this for the rest of my life. But I just keep reminding myself that I only have to do it ONE DAY AT A TIME! I'm not going to worry so much about next week or next year... just worry about today for now...(and maybe a bit about tomorrow). It is inspiring that you are able to find the support that you need INSIDE YOURSELF... because ultimately that is where is needs to come from.

Wow. That's so sweet of you Linda. Thank you. I just put the clippie on. I've never put a clippie up and thought it was about time. I too am over 200 - I'll post some pictures - sounds a little pompous but my bones must be made of concrete b/c I don't look my weight. My goal will not be much under 200 - probably 180 something. Anyway I'll show you in pictures. Because in numbers it sounds insane.

My weight loss has been very slow - YEARS. But for me it has been a very emotional change so I needed to take breaks and hold it many times. Also, I'm really concentrating more on the maintain so I eat whatever I like but try to eat consciously (not always easy of course) and concentrate on exercise. I always check myself "can you do this for life Lisa?". If the answer is no - I'll make a change even if that slows the bus down so to speak.

Those pictures are UNBELIEVABLE! If I looked that good at 215 I wouldn't have worried too much about losing weight! You look fabulous in that red trench coat! Are you tall?? You're right... your bones MUST be made of concrete. I was a solid size 18+ at 219 pounds and I had NO waistline.... I would have looked like a red tent in that coat. You must look FABULOUS now that you have lost weight. Share some more recent pictures!

UGH!!!!

Got to DD2s class for her party after dropping off her health form at the nurse and my cell phone rings. It was the nurse asking if I was in the building for the party. I said yes and she said can you come down to the nurse as DD2 got sick outside after watching the costume parade. She's not starting off being 5 very well! We came home she got sick once more. Then I put a movie on for her, made her a bed of beach towels and her pillow with a bucket near by and within in 1 minute before the movie actually had started she was out cold! And is still sleeping.
Gotta stay focused. Drinking my water now and catching up on things. Pray that I won't be up with her all night. Don't know if it's the stomach bug or she had a reaction to the 4 vaccinations she had yesterday. She was supposed to get the flu shot today but that will have to wait until next week! DD1 was glad for the reprieve from the flu shot today!

Happy Halloween everyone!

WOW.... you have really been hit with it lately.... your poor DD! What a lousy way to spend her birthday week. Hopefully this will all be gone in 24 hours and life can return to normal. Sending PD to you and your daughter for a quick re-recovery.

I agree with dreamlinda, 70lb loss is very inspirational.
Thanks for putting up your pictures, I called my sis to come and look. We cannot believe you are over 200 lbs. Its only a number after all.
It has inspired me to post a picture of myself at a very happy time. We had just purchased our farm. I built a paddock for the horses all by myself(with a little help from the dogs) It was a cold June with rain and I wanted a picture for the occasion. I was very,very sad and discouraged to see how big I was. I don't look at myself in the mirror very often (full body) and I always feel I'm "thinner" than I really am. Maybe that's why I have so much difficulty sticking to a program.
Around 180lbs. My goal is about 140 to bring my BMI into the healthy range. Eat healthier not less!

I can relate to the feeling "thinner".... until I saw other people around me (like at WW) who carried similar weight and I realized that I was really just kidding myself. Plus, like you said, pictures really show you the "truth". Of course, overalls are not exactly the most flattering fashion choice! I hope we can inspire you to continue on your healthier journey.

I don't really have a support system. My family is all overweight and very unhealthy, and sabotage me when I am with them. Unintentionally, of course, but they say things like "you can exercise some other time" or "one won't hurt." This is my parents and siblings I mean. DBF, who I live with, is very unhealthy but VERY supportive. He's wonderful like that. And he always tells me how proud he is of me when I make the hard choices.
I don't really have close friends. I have friends, of course, but my day to day life revolves around my job (teaching) and DBF, but I wish I did have some other support; other close friends. Besides the boards of course.

That really sounds a LOT like my situation. DMom is very supportive when she can be, but she lives 2 hours away, so we aren't together much... plus she has her own struggles with weight and health. It is great that despite not being healthy himself, DBF can at least be supportive of you. My family is constantly doing the "unintentional sabotage" thing with me... they don't seem to realize how much willpower it takes to not eat the (fill in the unhealthy, fattening food of choice here)______________________. They beg me to buy ice cream at the grocery store and grumble when I don't. No one EVER says... "where would YOU like to eat tonight?" or "let's skip the pizza tonight so that Mom doesn't have to resist it.".... On my birthday I put my foot down and TOLD THEM that we were eating at the restaurant of MY CHOICE so that I could stay on plan. Maybe I need to have a family meeting to air these feeling!!

Its been a rough week. I started it off swamped with work and school, and then got the flu. I think its just regular flu, but it is frustrating. Went to work for the last 3 days but only for a little bit and then came home. The H1N1 flu has got many people spooked and since I looked as bad as I felt, they told me to go home.

Now I'm jumping back in.

I saw the "avoiding the Halloween candy QOTD", and actually that isn't a huge problem for me. We actually got the kids to go through their left-over Halloween candy from last year a couple weeks ago. Candy gets put away and then forgotten. I'm much worse at not eating chips.

Thanks for coaching last week disneyChrista!
and an early thanks to this week's coach pjlla!

My kids are actually a good support system. At 4 & 7, they quickly adjusted to me saying something's not healthy enough for us to eat. My DH is my best support, he accepts changes to our dining habits, and actually likes the change from white pasta/rice to brown, which he didn't think he would. He has also adjusted to the fact that healthy food is usually more expensive. I am lucky to have a co-worker who is very health conscious and has done WW before, so when I joined WW online, she was full of suggestions of low points snacks that are available in our town. plus my mom who lives about 60miles away has been supportive, and of course my sister and SIL are both happy to see me losing weight.

lisaviolet & mullysisters - thanks for sharing the photos

to everyone who's been sick or has sick family members.

And only one more sleep until Halloween! here's my girls in there costumes last weekend, after we got them put together! And they're loose enough so they can wear a sweater or 2 underneath to stay warm .

Your kids look adorable. Did you make the costumes? Where did you find such great masks? I totally understand the need for finding costumes that they can stay warm in! I think we might get lucky this year and have a fairly warm Trick or Treat night.... now if the rain will stay away!!

Sorry to hear that the flu has hit you. I hope it doesn't kick your butt too badly! It's tough when MOM is out of commission! Here's some PD to send those germs on their way out of town!!

It's funny.... we also have an "out of sight, out of mind" thing with the holiday candy. My rule has had to be that we throw it away when the same holiday comes up again!! Last year's Halloween candy will go out today (if there is any left)... same with Easter, Christmas, etc. They will eat it like crazy for a few days and then I put it up in my cookbook cupboard and they forget about it. (Although I will pull it out when we go to the movies and let them pick a handful to bring along so that I can skip buying the overpriced movie candy!!)

For myself, I will hear the "siren song" of the candy for a few days... until my favorites are gone (usually the pb cups, almond joys, and whoppers) and then I forget about it pretty easily.

It's great that your girls are still young enough that you can really influence their future eating habits. I feel like I am a bit late with my kids... especially DD... but I continue to hope and pray that my healthier example will prevail in the end.

DH GOT A JOB!!!!!! Just had to share the excitement! He has been out of work for 4 months! Plus he will be working regular hours! He has always worked retail sales before this so this will be a great change to our schedules! Also, his new job is near the gym (he's in school a few nights a week to become a personal trainer!) All in all my family is really excited right now! Hope this good continues through to all of you! My dh is my support system (see above parenthases!)

Sarah

This must be such a load off your mind! It is great that he got a job with regular hours. I worked retail for many years (before I was married) and it is TOUGH! Weekends, nights, holidays... ICK. I know that many people have jobs where you just can't avoid these hours, but it certainly doesn't lend to a relaxing home environment. And WOW.. you will have a personal trainer IN THE HOUSE! How exciting (and intimidating!).

Thank you Tiger813! It was super nice to hear. You are such a good friend, and I want to be friends with you for a long long time. It is important to me that you become the person you are meant to be. Healthy, full of energy, confident in yourself. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I will always be here for you. You should know that you are quite the support system for me as well. I have tried to motivate many people to help motivate myself. You are nearly the only one who has actually stuck with it, and seen it through. I am so proud of you. I love talking about healthy choices, and doing things that are fun and physical at the same time, like the night we played laser tag! It is so important to me to have a friend that I can talk about my struggles with, and bounce ideas off of, and for someone to not think I am being a health nut. I just want to be healthy, and you understand that. I am so glad to have you as a workout buddy, even if we don't get to workout together as much as I wish we could.

My other support system is my husband he is my biggest cheerleader. He has cheered me on when I had back trouble that I though I would never recover from. I thought having a foot drop would be the end of me, but he pushed me and made me realize it would only beat me if I let it. I did not! He has given me different ways to think about exercise, and how I am feeling during it that makes it so much better. He said running feels like dancing..and I do feel that same way. It has made running so much more enjoyable because of that assimilation. My kids, almost 6 and 8 girls are another great support. I see my influence on them and the choices they personally want to make for their own bodies. It makes me feel so good when they want to choose healthy snacks over crap. Or go to a real restaurant than to McDonald's. They have learned to make healthy choices because of me, to exercise and do yoga because of me. I can point to that and I can say, they have learned something that they will carry with them their whole lives. Just maybe they won't have the struggle I had starting at 10years old. That would be such a wonderful gift I could give to them. The love of their own bodies and how to properly take care of it.

I am a cheerleader for anyone who wants me to be. I love to see people succeed and over come what being over weight can do to your body, mind, and life. I cheer all of you on, to not underestimate yourselves, push yourself harder, and believe in yourself that even if today was a bad day, tomorrow has the potential to be good. Never Ever Ever Ever give

Thanks for continuing to be a cheerleader for all of us here! We appreciate your continued contributions. Glad to hear you were able to overcome your back issues. Did you end up with surgery??

I did it! I went ahead and bought the BodyBugg (today was the last day of the promotion.) I will let you all know how it works out.

I'm curious about this. Definitely let us know how it works out!

Okay everyone....I am ashamed. I have gained weight the last 2 weeks. Yes I have been sick and mostly slept but have also gone back to unhealthy choices. The saddest thing? I thought I would see a LOSS this week! I am finally starting to feel better and will be able to exercise this week.

I thought about just quitting the challenge because I'm so embarrassed but decided to post, fess up and refocus. Obviously journaling is an important tool I need to use!! As well as planning my meals.

Congrats to everyone who is losing and everyone who is still hanging in there!! and sahbushka for you dh getting a job!! what a huge relief for you both!!

NO SHAME!!!! This is definitely the NO SHAME ZONE!! I am SO glad that you didn't quit! That would have accomplished NOTHING! No one here is judging you (at least, I don't think so). We have all had those weeks of gaining... and gaining AGAIN. But please... NEVER QUIT.

One of my favorite WW leaders used to say....

"If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."

Glad you've jumped back on with us. Now go drink some water and pull out that food journal and get back on track. You CAN do it!!

Well, for the first time during the challenge I have a gain. Not surprised since I ate out all last weekend. No big deal. Just going to watch it this weekend so I can have a BIG loss next week. It's only about a pound so I can deal with that. I did work out a lot this past week so I may have built up some muscle too! I am not discouraged at all just know that I need to watch it on the weekends! Though I will treat myself to an adult drink tonight. I was checking calories of the rum and vodkas that I like so I can count those calories in my numbers for the day. DYK that an ounce of Parrot Bay Rum is 66 calories. I'll mix that with a can of pineapple juice which is 150 calories. It's refreshing!

Going to try and do 3 miles on the elliptical this morning and maybe the Wii Fit today. DD2 woke up fever free and is in an awesome extra cute and sweet mood this morning. I will take her Trick or Treating around 5:30ish while DD1 goes off with another friend to another neighborhood for awhile. Then DD2 can help DH hand out candy while I go out again with DD1.

Happy Halloween to all! Don't let the candy draw you in!

The cocktail sounds yummy! I was never a big drinker (a few beers on the weekends and the occasional glass or two of wine), but I have pretty much given up all drinks except for the occasional holiday or birthday. But I must admit... anything with pineapple juice just sounds delicious.

Glad you DD is better and ready to hit the streets with the other Trick or Treaters!

I have made my plan with the candy (a few days ago) and will NOT overindulge beyond my plan.


Well... after all that, I hope everyone is having a good morning and

Happy Halloween!!

Honestly... I really don't care for the holiday myself. I made my peace with it a few years ago and I deal with it though. But if you enjoy it, I hope you have a great day.

Today's QOTD:

What can you do THIS WEEKEND to help prepare you for the week ahead (food and exercise wise, of course)? Could you do some cooking ahead? Cut up some fresh veggies to have on hand for snacking? Plan some crockpot meals so that you don't end up at the drive-thru after a busy day?? Schedule a walk with a friend or a workout with a trainer??

Well... right now my week is a bit up in the air. My Mom has some free time and was thinking of coming up for a visit for some "girl time"... but I have a bit of a sore throat today and don't want to expose her if I feel worse tomorrow or Monday. Plus I am scheduled to work M thru TH so I would have to call in and let them know I couldn't work. And, of course, the kids activities never stop.... I coach Robotics M-W-F, DD swims M thru Sat, DS starts tennis lessons on Tuesday, DD has a Rainbow Girls Halloween party on Monday night, and I have a teacher conference on Thursday. Maybe this wouldn't be the best week for Mom to visit!!

Anyhow, I will do some freezer/pantry inventory later today and figure out what I could plan ahead. I did pull a piece of pork out earlier this week and will crockpot that for tonight... pulled pork sandwiches will be easy to eat between Trick or Treaters. And I have some chicken ready to bake for tomorrow night. But the week nights are tougher because we sometimes leave the house before 8 am and don't return until 9pm... so dinner is either packed and carried along or bought on the go. I will definitely think about this some more later on today.

I will have to plan which nights I workout at the Y and which days I will workout at home.

Have a great day!...................P

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Wow! Before I post our activity can I just say, we really have some big losers, some lovely contestants, and some brave souls?!

Wacky Weekend Pamperlooza Activities! -- We have two for the weekend, do them as you would like! First, (with apologies to Bill and other fellas) Go paint your nails a fun color! You don't have to take the time to do a full manicure (although that's not a bad idea!), but do something festive for Halloween. Second, daydream for 5 minutes. This may be harder than it sounds. Think about something you want to accomplish in your life, short or long term goal -- not necessarily weight loss. Did you redecorate your bedroom? Finally clean out the garage? Send that last chick off to college? Complete a 5K? Imagine it in full technicolor!

Maria

 

[tigger813]

QOTD:
I'm staying focused this weekend to help me prepare for the coming week! My plan is to reach at least 167 by next Friday! I have some pants I really want to wear now that the weather is cooling off. Mondays are crazy for us. DD1 and I eat before her dance class at 5. I try to keep it somewhat light though I get my workout at 7 at Irish step class. Tuesdays will be easier as we probably won't have soccer practice due to the time change. Wednesdays aren't too bad as we're all home by 5:30 though in a couple of weeks we will be heading to pageant carol practice at 5:30 and having pizza at 6 (I vow to bring a salad each week). Thursdays are easy unless I have to give a massage in the evening. Fridays we take it easy and have something simple. Probably on Tuesday we will be working on the chili for the cookoff DH has at work. I will make the dessert cookoff on Wednesday as it's something I make all the time so it doesn't take me long.
We may try a small pot of chili today or tomorrow to test it.
Time for my yogurt. I did my 3 miles on the elliptical and plan on the Wii Fit and maybe more elliptical later on.

 

[lisah0711]

Happy Halloween to all our BL challenge participants! I hope that you all have a safe, happy and OP Halloween.

lisaviolet, that new clippie looks great on you! Way to celebrate your accomplishments.

dreamlinda, you've lost 25 pounds -- that's a great accomplishment, too. I think you need a clippie, too, to show off your success.

50sjayne, hope that you are feeling better soon. What a bummer to be sick on Halloween. I know how much your family likes to decorate. Really, 1/4 of a werewolf sitting in a car sounds pretty scary to me . . .

Maria, I took a cue from you and pulled a book off our bookcase called Salt, which was a book DH read. Reading is my escape hatch so I read fiction, the trashier the better! The Salt book is actually kind of interesting and I can talk to DH about it. So thanks for expanding my horizons with the challenge yesterday!

Welcome back, BillMt, sounds like you have a good plan to get back on track.

This is interesting. I find support in myself for sure.

That is a good point because ultimately it is going to come down to ourselves, even with support.

It is hard and I have a little voice that really wonders if I can maintain after I hit my goal, which I know I can do. For me it is not about if I can lose but if I'll be able to maintain.

Maintaining will be the real test of all our hard work but don't forget we do have a maintainers portion of our challenge that we added this time around. We don't have anyone on the maintainer team yet, but it will be to help you when you get there. And the maintainers will help the losers who come along in future challeges.

DH GOT A JOB!!!!!!

Yay! And won't it be nice to have your very own personal trainer at home?

Okay everyone....I am ashamed. I have gained weight the last 2 weeks. Yes I have been sick and mostly slept but have also gone back to unhealthy choices. The saddest thing? I thought I would see a LOSS this week! I am finally starting to feel better and will be able to exercise this week.

I thought about just quitting the challenge because I'm so embarrassed but decided to post, fess up and refocus. Obviously journaling is an important tool I need to use!! As well as planning my meals.

Congrats to everyone who is losing and everyone who is still hanging in there!! and sahbushka for you dh getting a job!! what a huge relief for you both!!

, jennz. I am glad that you are feeling better. It takes awhile to get back into the game after you've been sick. You've had a tough year so it makes it even harder. Don't ever be afraid to come back or say you need help getting back on the wagon -- that is what we are all here for. I remember last spring we were pulling people back on the wagon right and left -- it's going to happen but it's what we are here for! We're here to do that for you, too!

I did it! I went ahead and bought the BodyBugg (today was the last day of the promotion.) I will let you all know how it works out.

I'll be interested to hear about your new tool.

Congrats to all who have lost this week, and hugs to those who have gained. Hang in there, be persistent and you will reach those goals.

That is so true!

Packing -- how exciting! Is it time to do the single digit dance with you? Because I'm ready when it is.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Kathy. It is an honor to be your friend. I'm happy to be there for you and know that you would do the same for me.

Todays QOTD:
What kind of support system do you have (outside of the DIS) to help keep you on track with your healthy lifestyle? Maybe you are attending WW meetings or keeping in touch with people on sparkpeople, or exercising with a friend. If you DON'T have a support system, what could you do to help build one?

I have to agree with Kathy, that the DIS, especially this group, really is my biggest support system to keep me on track. DS and DH are to a lesser extent. DS is getting into Biggest Loser with me. The rest of my family are supportive but they are far away. When the weather was nicer my neighbor and I were walking together. I am thinking about a trying a WW meeting and also maybe going to a exercise class. This is an area that needs some work but like seashell724 said, I am my best support, and I am in a much better position to do that than when I started!

Have a great day all!

 

[tigger813]

Wow! Before I post our activity can I just say, we really have some big losers, some lovely contestants, and some brave souls?!

Wacky Weekend Pamperlooza Activities! -- We have two for the weekend, do them as you would like! First, (with apologies to Bill and other fellas) Go paint your nails a fun color! You don't have to take the time to do a full manicure (although that's not a bad idea!), but do something festive for Halloween. Second, daydream for 5 minutes. This may be harder than it sounds. Think about something you want to accomplish in your life, short or long term goal -- not necessarily weight loss. Did you redecorate your bedroom? Finally clean out the garage? Send that last chick off to college? Complete a 5K? Imagine it in full technicolor!

Maria

If I had time today I'd run to the spa I work at and get a real manicure. Instead I'll just paint my nails myself. Maybe I'll even heat up the parafin pot and give my hands a treat today and maybe soak my feet later in the foot spa.
My ultimate goal would be to run and complete a 5K. We already cleaned out the garage a few weeks back so that's accomplished. I also plan on taking some more CE classes in massage to expand my practice. Just gotta find the money to do it!

 

[lisah0711]

Wow! A lot went on while I was typing my last post! Good to see everyone checking in on a busy Saturday.

What can you do THIS WEEKEND to help prepare you for the week ahead (food and exercise wise, of course)? Could you do some cooking ahead? Cut up some fresh veggies to have on hand for snacking? Plan some crockpot meals so that you don't end up at the drive-thru after a busy day?? Schedule a walk with a friend or a workout with a trainer??

I am working on my menu planning for the week right now. I like to go to the store early on Saturday and get my shopping done and then stay home until Monday morning. I'm planning something easy tonight although I don't think we will get many trick or treaters. Tomorrow is a crockpot meal and then I will have to think of what we are having for the rest of the week. That planning and purchasing makes a big difference for me.

Maria, I love Pamperpalooza! I just did my fingernails in clear yesterday so will probably leave them alone but I'll go find some good Halloween toenail polish! And will work on that daydream -- I might be at WDW . . .

For those of you who live in places where the time changes, don't forget to "fall back" tonight. Yay! An extra hour of sleep!

 

[jennz]

You guys....thank you SO MUCH!!! I am glad I made the choice to post and not to quit, that is a positive step! Today is a day that I am in control

 

[ohMom]

Happy halloween fellow losers! And cyber high-fives to our COW winner and top 10 for the week!

it will be tough tonight for me to stay out of the passing out candy bag...i will hold off and keep putting it off for as long as I can and hopefully that will get me all the way through until an empty bowl. we'll have alot of kids come, and its really chilly and windy here today!

DH and I hit the gym this morning, we are dedicated to making Sat morning workouts routine again. this is only week 2...but I love knowing I got a good workout in for the weekend.

sorry i keep falling behind in the chit-chat....last night my computer time was spent in awe of pictures of the Disney Dream, the new ship. WOW!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

LisaViolet: 215, you look much much smaller!!!!

 

[lisaviolet]

Okay everyone....I am ashamed. I have gained weight the last 2 weeks. Yes I have been sick and mostly slept but have also gone back to unhealthy choices. The saddest thing? I thought I would see a LOSS this week! I am finally starting to feel better and will be able to exercise this week.

I thought about just quitting the challenge because I'm so embarrassed but decided to post, fess up and refocus. Obviously journaling is an important tool I need to use!! As well as planning my meals.

Congrats to everyone who is losing and everyone who is still hanging in there!! and sahbushka for you dh getting a job!! what a huge relief for you both!!

Jennifer,



I cried through your post. And I want you to hear something. You have inspired me. I struggle with the scale - despite my 70 -and you have inspired me. Really you have inspired me. I literally feel sick to my stomach if I see a gain. Especially if I don't understand it. I've posted gains on the BL but not yet on this one - by the skin of teetn. . Now I'm letting it go because of your bravery. Seriously. That's how much your courage to post your feelings has affected me. You should be very proud of yourself. Very. All the best to you.

Everyone - thank you on the pictures. I posted them because this is a HUGE breakthrough for me. HUGE. My girls on my other WISH thread worked through some lifelong issues regarding how I will never read small. My goal will read high. I can't change who I was born to be. I won't be a size four/six/eight/ten and I'm not supposed to be. And quite frankly I'm letting it go. Letting it go at 42. It's a friggin' miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was losing weight without any excitement because I was sad about my lack of exciting goal number. Frankly, I didn't even have a goal because it felt sad to me. And that is wrong. And ridiculous. And it's ending.

Pamela - those pictures are me now. I'm nine UP from those pictures - those were in March but I'm wearing the same clothes right now.

I'm just under 5' 10" and wear mostly 14s - some 16s. And when I finish - probably around high 180s /low 190s I'll probably be 14s some 12s. I swear 10 pounds off doesn't even affect my pant size. My body is so strange. But on a postive note - I doubt I'll ever have to worry about osteoporosis.

Huge week for me. I've let the numbers go - because they will never make sense. I will actually agree with people that I don't look my weight. HUGE for me. And I will not feel sick over a gain because of you Jennifer. .

OM G Kathy. Fantastic. What a difference. It's unreal what a certain level of weight can look like, eh? You look great. And so much younger, don't you think? Good for you.

I wish I could be on here more. I struggle because I have a daily thread and not enough time in the day but I do read all the time.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

 

[jennz]

Lisaviolet - thank you so much for the post....I am so touched and awed that I have inspired you. and I think you look great in your pictures! Size 14 at 5' 10" is slim!! :hug

 

[pjlla]

Congrats to all who have lost this week, and hugs to those who have gained. Hang in there, be persistent and you will reach those goals.

I lost 1.4 this week, and am thrilled. Any thing over a pound is pretty amazing for me. I am down 8.6 since labor day, and am motivated to stay on track this week, and push for another 1.4 to reach 10 pounds before my disney trip next sunday! Just can't let the halloween candy get me. We are going for a bike ride this afternoon with Michael's cub scout troup, and then trick or treating. I am pledging to not eat anything while out, and to come home, and sit and enjoy some candy after. I'm hoping to organize our closets. Been putting it off with our trip coming up, but I think I'll put the summer stuff in the suitcase and pack the rest away for winter.

Lisaviolet- love seeing your pictures. You look fabulous, and you can not go by your weight. 70 pounds down is awesome. I can't believe you weigh 215.

And right now, I'm at 206, right in the middle, but heading down again. At 185, I am still officially obese, when I hit 181, I'm just overweight, and that is my first big goal, but honestly I felt really good at 185 and didn't feel obese, and I really do not know what my final goal weight will be. I was into size 14s comfortably.

Thanks Disneychrista for coaching last week, and welcome Pjlla!!

Love friday's qotd, and I know you said besides the dis, but truly my biggest support for my wt loss journey is here on the dis. Everyone here on the challenges have also inspired and supported me so much, I really can't thank you all enough. Lisah0711 has been a wonderful friend to me and given me so much support through this year, on the thread, and through pm's.
I also go to ww meetings, and have for a while, but until this sept hadn't been to the same meeting all the time, but now I"m going on wed mornings most weeks, and if I miss it, I go on saturdays and it's the same leader. I've been sitting with 2 ladies who are also disney fans, and they are in wdw right now for halloween, so it's nice to have some kindred disney fans at the meeting too.
My brother and sis-in law who live 2 hours away are my greatest support. We all are doing a bl challenge til the end of january, and when we are together, we try to motivate and inspire each other to be healthy. My family gatherings, though most of us are overweight, tend to be centered around food and alcohol. I'm really trying to break that routine, and my brother is too. Funny, for Christmas for many years my mom always bought all of us a big bag of lindt chocolate truffles, and every year we'd try to get her to get something else, and we finally succeeded for the girls. The past 2 years she gave the girls bath and body works stuff, but the boys got a hickory farms cheese set. Better than chocolate. We were raised to celebrate with food, and it's hard but we're trying to change to healthier foods to celebrate with.

I've been rambling. I need to go get some breakfast, and then we'll carve some pumpkins. We carved 2 a couple weeks ago, but they collapsed with mold, and so we bought 2 more last night.

Happy Halloween everyone!! Have a great day!!

We must have been posting at the same time this morning. I didn't see your pictures until right now. You look SO MUCH younger in the second picture! That weight makes such a difference. Is that your DS? He is so adorable. I hope that the pumpkin carving went well.

Wow! Before I post our activity can I just say, we really have some big losers, some lovely contestants, and some brave souls?!

Wacky Weekend Pamperlooza Activities! -- We have two for the weekend, do them as you would like! First, (with apologies to Bill and other fellas) Go paint your nails a fun color! You don't have to take the time to do a full manicure (although that's not a bad idea!), but do something festive for Halloween. Second, daydream for 5 minutes. This may be harder than it sounds. Think about something you want to accomplish in your life, short or long term goal -- not necessarily weight loss. Did you redecorate your bedroom? Finally clean out the garage? Send that last chick off to college? Complete a 5K? Imagine it in full technicolor!

Maria

Well... I'll be lucky if the nails get a trim and a file...... I'm not a big one on polish.... but maybe I will take the time to do a microdermabrasion treatment on my face and neck... hopefully that could count as my pampering.

I guess I will daydream about a yet-unplanned Disney trip. (sigh... )

You guys....thank you SO MUCH!!! I am glad I made the choice to post and not to quit, that is a positive step! Today is a day that I am in control

SO glad to hear that. Yes... you ARE in control... today, tomorrow and for the future.

Happy halloween fellow losers! And cyber high-fives to our COW winner and top 10 for the week!

it will be tough tonight for me to stay out of the passing out candy bag...i will hold off and keep putting it off for as long as I can and hopefully that will get me all the way through until an empty bowl. we'll have alot of kids come, and its really chilly and windy here today!

DH and I hit the gym this morning, we are dedicated to making Sat morning workouts routine again. this is only week 2...but I love knowing I got a good workout in for the weekend.

sorry i keep falling behind in the chit-chat....last night my computer time was spent in awe of pictures of the Disney Dream, the new ship. WOW!

Wish I had someone to hit the gym with... I am kind of tired of exercising all alone. Where did you find the pictures of the Disney Dream? I'd love to see them.

Jennifer,



I cried through your post. And I want you to hear something. You have inspired me. I struggle with the scale - despite my 70 -and you have inspired me. Really you have inspired me. I literally feel sick to my stomach if I see a gain. Especially if I don't understand it. I've posted gains on the BL but not yet on this one - by the skin of teetn. . Now I'm letting it go because of your bravery. Seriously. That's how much your courage to post your feelings has affected me. You should be very proud of yourself. Very. All the best to you.

Everyone - thank you on the pictures. I posted them because this is a HUGE breakthrough for me. HUGE. My girls on my other WISH thread worked through some lifelong issues regarding how I will never read small. My goal will read high. I can't change who I was born to be. I won't be a size four/six/eight/ten and I'm not supposed to be. And quite frankly I'm letting it go. Letting it go at 42. It's a friggin' miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was losing weight without any excitement because I was sad about my lack of exciting goal number. Frankly, I didn't even have a goal because it felt sad to me. And that is wrong. And ridiculous. And it's ending.

Pamela - those pictures are me now. I'm nine UP from those pictures - those were in March but I'm wearing the same clothes right now.

I'm just under 5' 10" and wear mostly 14s - some 16s. And when I finish - probably around high 180s /low 190s I'll probably be 14s some 12s. I swear 10 pounds off doesn't even affect my pant size. My body is so strange. But on a postive note - I doubt I'll ever have to worry about osteoporosis.

Huge week for me. I've let the numbers go - because they will never make sense. I will actually agree with people that I don't look my weight. HUGE for me. And I will not feel sick over a gain because of you Jennifer. .

OM G Kathy. Fantastic. What a difference. It's unreal what a certain level of weight can look like, eh? You look great. And so much younger, don't you think? Good for you.

I wish I could be on here more. I struggle because I have a daily thread and not enough time in the day but I do read all the time.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

Your are so nice and tall!! No wonder you can pull off 215 and look smashing. I look pudgy and squat at 215... but I am 5 inches shorter!!

Well... Happy Halloween Evening. Trick or Treating is OVER and there is now LOTS of candy in the house. The kids got a BOATLOAD this year... the houses with lights on were few and far between (maybe because of the rain??), but the houses that we went to were VERY generous. I had my preplanned two pieces (not the two I was originally planning... Milk Duds and Almond Joy). I am still a bit hungry so I am having a hot cup of French Vanilla Cafe (1 pt) and a chocolate Vitatop to finish off the evening. If I count my activity points I think I am still within my points for the day... but if not, I am only a bit over so I am not worrying about it. I moved around a LOT today at DD's swim meet.

I hope you all can find the strength and will power to overcome the seductive music of the candy bowl calling to you!! It does feel empowering to find the strength to just WALK AWAY. I hope I can be as strong tomorrow.

See you all in the morning.......................P

 

[lisaviolet]

Lisaviolet - thank you so much for the post....I am so touched and awed that I have inspired you. and I think you look great in your pictures! Size 14 at 5' 10" is slim!! :hug

And I might be calling on the inspiration momentarily Jenn. As in this week's weigh in. Let's just say I have a chocolate headache and call it a day. A yummy day......

 

[lisaviolet]

I look pudgy and squat at 215... but I am 5 inches shorter!!

And I suspect because you are made tiny! Some people are made to be skinny. Like Heidi Klum. She looks perfect at her weight. Fits her bones.

Did you post the curry chicken and I missed it again? Or no?

 

[tigger813]

Only had 1 pixie stick and box of nerds! Of course, DH and I had some chips and dip and our pineapple juice and coconut rum drink. We each had a lean cuisine for supper so hopefully I'll be ok in the morning weight wise.
Not sure what we'll eat tomorrow. Maybe I'll make General Gau's chicken. It's quick and easy.
I'm tired from trick or treating with DD2. DD1 had a great time and came home around 8:15 and is having a friend sleep over. They are in bed watching tv so it's a quiet night here. DD2 fell asleep really fast as usual. Just started raining here again, did have a few minutes of spitting earlier. We have had really strong winds today here.
DH has to do computer network stuff for work at 2 am that should take him about an hour so I said he would still actually be coming to bed at 2 am.
I'll put Halloween stuff away tomorrow and maybe start putting up my holiday village. I have a lot of pieces so I'll do a little at a time.
I'm rambling so I guess I should check on the big kids downstairs and then go to bed.

 

[pjlla]

Okay folks.... I am on EARLY today. I seem to have a RARE case of insomnia (sort of). I awoke at 4:10 am (of course, my body thinks it is 5:10 am because of changing the clocks) and I CANNOT get back to sleep. After laying there an hour and watching a little TV, I decided not to waste the time and get something done. I actually remembered that I hadn't posted the recipe I promised last week, so I was coming down to do that and I saw your post Lisa!!! So no, you didn't miss it... I was just being slow!!

And I suspect because you are made tiny! Some people are made to be skinny. Like Heidi Klum. She looks perfect at her weight. Fits her bones.

Did you post the curry chicken and I missed it again? Or no?

Okay... here it is. It was given to me by one of the few close friends I have had in my life. Sadly, we have lost touch over the last year or two. And she just lost her Mom to breast cancer a few weeks ago. So please send some prayers and PD to my friend Heidi when you make this recipe!! Here is the original recipe.

Heidi's Curried Chicken

1 medium onion - chopped

1 medium carrot - finely chopped or grated

1 1/2 C apple, washed and diced

1 C finely chopped celery

1/3 C flour

1 TB. curry (more or less)

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 C fat free chicken stock/broth

2 C cooked chicken breast, diced

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large pot or dutch oven with non-stick spray and sautee the onion, carrot, apple, and celery over medium high heat until slightly softened. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Add the chicken and mix well. Allow to continue to simmer for 20 minutes.


Here are the changes I make.

I always add more of the onion, carrot, and celery... sometimes I also add more apple, but that adds more points (if you are doing WW). Any where from half again to double the amount of veggies still works. I usually stick with 1 TB. of curry powder because I am not big on spicy things. I use chicken or turkey breast if I have it available, but I will also use thighs or whatever is handy. Just remember that thigh meat has more points/calories than breast.

This can be simmered on low anywhere from 10 minutes to 40 minutes without any troubles.


The entire original recipe is 10 points... so if you get 10 servings, they are 1 point per serving!! I have always served this over brown rice, but you could use white rice, potato, pasta, a biscuit, or toast. It is a VERY LOOSE soupy casserole, so it is nice to serve it with something a bit starchy. But I eat it solo many times and still really enjoy it!

Even if you are not a veggie person, you really can't differentiate the veggies in this.... especially if you cook it longer and they break down more. I actually like to simmer it on the shorter side so that some of the veggies still have a bit of a bite to them.

Only had 1 pixie stick and box of nerds! Of course, DH and I had some chips and dip and our pineapple juice and coconut rum drink. We each had a lean cuisine for supper so hopefully I'll be ok in the morning weight wise.
Not sure what we'll eat tomorrow. Maybe I'll make General Gau's chicken. It's quick and easy.
I'm tired from trick or treating with DD2. DD1 had a great time and came home around 8:15 and is having a friend sleep over. They are in bed watching tv so it's a quiet night here. DD2 fell asleep really fast as usual. Just started raining here again, did have a few minutes of spitting earlier. We have had really strong winds today here.
DH has to do computer network stuff for work at 2 am that should take him about an hour so I said he would still actually be coming to bed at 2 am.
I'll put Halloween stuff away tomorrow and maybe start putting up my holiday village. I have a lot of pieces so I'll do a little at a time.
I'm rambling so I guess I should check on the big kids downstairs and then go to bed.

You did great with the candy. You made good low-fat choices!

I actually only put out ONE Halloween decoration this year... a small sign by the door. So no big breakdown for me! I still have my "fall" things out, but won't pull them down until 12/1.

Well... I'm still thinking about today's QOTD, so I won't post it yet.

I'm bored. I don't feel like exercising yet. I'm not going back to bed. Emptying the dishwasher is too loud. I suppose I could fold a load of laundry, but there is nothing to watch on tv while I do it. I've got Dis Radio playing low here and I am enjoying it, so I need an excuse to continue to sit here! The guinea pigs are DEFINITELY wondering why someone is up already. They are yawning at me! (Yes, they sit here in the office... strange place for them I suppose, but it works for us.)

Here is another recipe, while I have the time. My DS had to make a recipe using a product from Alaska for a 4th grade project. We made the salmon cakes recipe on the back of the Chicken of the Seas package and he LOVED them (keeping in mind, he is SOOOO picky). I have lightened up the recipe and it is still delicious.

Lucas' Light Salmon cakes

1 6 oz. pouch of salmon

3 egg whites

1/4 C finely diced onion

1/4 C finely diced green pepper

1 Tb. lemon juice

2 Tb. light mayo

1 C plain bread crumbs, divided in half

Combine 1st 6 ingredients and the first half of the bread crumbs. Make 12 patties, coating the patties in the remaining half of bread crumbs. The original recipe called for these to be fried in a skillet. I have been baking my "lighter" version in the oven, but honestly, I cannot remember the time/temp!! I'm going to say 425° for about 15 minutes, but PLEASE check on them frequently.

They do fall apart fairly easily, so don't handle them a great deal. Put the patties directly on a foil covered pan sprayed with non-stick spray. You may want to turn them once while they are cooking, but I don't believe it is vital.

If you make the full 12 patties, they break down to 1.16 pt each. You could try to make a full 14 patties... then they would be 1 pt each (in other words, the entire recipe is 14 points).

I suppose you could make this with tuna also, but I'm not sure how that would change the points.

Well.... I'm off to see if anyone is awake on the scrapbooking board!......P

 

[tigger813]

YES! Weight stayed down! Just gotta keep it up today. Won't be able to do the elliptical until later today but will def. do it and the Wii Fit again!

And the local oldies station started their 24 hour Christmas music this morning. It's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME of the YEAR!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I came down to the dining room this morning, where ds's candy is usually arrayed, and saw nothing...which feels weird. DS decided he's too old to trick or treat, and I certainly didn't have any left after last night (we had ridiculously warm weather), so this is the first time in ten years I haven't had candy to tempt me.

As soon as dh stirs I'm going to start taking down the Halloween decorations and setting out stuff for Thanksgiving.

I've been toying with this idea -- last year we did Elf on a Shelf, even though ds was really too old, and is not interested this year. I'm thinking I could come up with 25 days of Thanksgiving this month -- I'm not sure actually what they would be, but some mix of doing things that are healthy and grateful, taking the focus off of food and on to something more representative of the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims suffered so much that we would never tolerate (as did the Native Americans at their hands, but that's another topic), so I'm wondering if I can try to bring myself and my family more into a spirit of Thanksgiving (and being healthy!).

If anyone has any ideas for activities, etc., I am eager to hear them! DS and I are also going to Universal for Thanksgiving, so I'll probably include some getting ready activities. Since we're not cooking a big meal (dh has already said he's got his Thanksgiving planned, and no, there will not be leftovers by the time we get home on Sunday), I want to feel like we're really appreciating this holiday.

Ok, now I'm the one who's rambling...I have had an atrocious week with no exercise and eating junk, for no good reason. This is my turnaround day. I have 25 days to lose whatever I can and get my act together, and I am going to go hardcore (for me!), and do my best!

Maria