Biggest Loser 9 Spring challenge -- Part 2! HERE WE ARE! :)

[jbm02]

Hi everyone. It's been a crazy few days here between track meets, track practices, basketball practice, piano class, and coaches who have extended practices without notice to parents. Yikes!! I haven't been home before 8PM any night this week. This is why I HAVE to work out in the morning. Otherwise I'd never be able to fit it in. Sigh.

Favorite non-Disney vacation: In 1985-1986, I attended the Universite de Fribourg in Switzerland for a Junior Year Abroad. While I was there, my grandfather came to visit me and we spent a week in Austria and Switzerland. Not only did we visit some amazing sights (Salzburg, Munich, Geneva, Neuschwanstein and other, lesser known but just as beautiful cities) but even better, we had an amazing time together. Laughing when we got lost driving Austria. Having the best cup of hot chocolate ever in Schildhorn. Wandering the farmers market in Fribourg and talking about our family history. I really treasure that time we had together.

Non-Disney thing to do: We always go to Daytona beach as our "rejuvenation" time. Considering our "type A" approach to the parks, we always need it!!

Have to run to work now. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[mikamah]

Congrats to all the loosers! I made the list for the first time and finally lost after maintaining for 6 weeks. Gives me the motivation to keep going!

Whoo hoo!!! It must feel great to see your name up there. Keep up the good work!

And with that, send some my way tomorrow. It's our big field trip. 65 5 year olds to Chuck E. Cheese's and the Children's Museum. They are a handfull, so I pray everyone behaves, stays safe, we lose the drama, and don't lose the kids! I've never seen a group this young with sooooooooo much drama! Got my run in at 6:40 this morning, but I was running behind and only did a 30 minute run. No super records, but I ran today. That's what counts!

Sending all the good wishes I can. Sounds like an incredible day for the little ones. Good luck!!

Where did this week go? Tomorrow is my last day of coaching It's been fun to come up with questions and even more fun to read the responses.

The week does fly by when you're coaching. You did an awesome job, and had some fun questions. Thank you. Oh, and I am insanely jealous of your 3 week vacations. I spread my vacation time out through the year, and 7 nights is the longest we've been to wdw.

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

taking the boat over from MK to the hoop de doo revue. We've done it twice, once just michael and I, and the second time with my brother and family, and both nights were so much fun. I think taking our time after the revue and playing on the playground, doing the shaky leg chairs, and taking the relaxing boat ride back were my favorite parts. Of course, I'm nicely relaxed from a few glasses of sangria. I remember when it was michael and I we were just being so silly and giddy on the boat ride back.

My DS woke up and needed the bathroom, so of course woke me up as well...and now I can't get back to sleep. So many thoughts racing around in my head.

We found out yesterday that my sons' school is closing. This Friday. It is a small private school, and we had known there were financial issues this year and that next year was in question, but we had not known that the end of THIS school year was potentially not going to happen. They are underwater with their mortgage, and enrollment is down. The good news is the kids have had enough instructional hours to meet the state requirements for finishing the school year. The bad news is....everything else.

We're scrambling to figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the year. I know many families are struggling right now to figure out what to do next week. The kids are in shock and are just starting the grieving process. This was their home and their world for the past 6 years. My younger son does not remember a time when his brother did not go here and has attended 3 years - it's half of each of their lives and now without any warning, it's ending and there's nothing more to be done. We just have to move on.

We are going to be OK - it's traumatic, but entirely survivable. I am more concerned for the teachers, who are finishing the week without pay and now begin unemployment and job-seeking - they are an incredible group and any school would be lucky to have them, but my heart breaks for them right now, too.

I know it's not at all weight related, but it is weighing on me right now for sure.

I'm so sorry to hear that, and how hard and frustrating that you had such short notice. Kids are so resililient, and you are right, you will all be ok, and maybe the challenge will even make you all a little stronger, but it's still such a difficult adjustment. Hang in there.

I'm going to skip my c25k today because I had a little stomach thing yesterday, and am better, but not totally 100% yet. I haven't missed a day yet, so I'm going to try and get out tomorrow morning and saturday to make my 3 days this week. Michael has his school talent show tonight so that should be fun. He said he had a dream last night that I forgot the video camera and went home to get it, and when I got back I missed the whole show. I promised I wouldn't forget.

Have a great day.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning everyone!

Got a little behind due to a visit from the stomach bug but am getting caught up again.

A BIG congratulations to all our superstars and especially to maiziezoe, our Biggest Loser! It is so fun to see some different names up there.

And a BIG, BIG thank you to my3princes for being our coach this week!

Wednesday's QOTD: Looking back at past vacations, what was your favorite Non Disney vacation?

My favorite non-Disney vacation is our annual trek to the family lake cottage at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. It's been in DH's family for 117 years and we go for a week every year.

Glad to see you found us, Tasha.

jenanderson, I think you have a great plan to get yourself back on track!

I hope you ALL can take a moment to consider how far you have come on your personal weight loss/healthy lifestyle journey. Spend some time concentrating on how well you are doing... get pumped up about your successes. I know that I never take the time to do that and I NEED to, or I will get burned out concentrating on what I am NOT accomplishing. Just my thoughts for the day!!

You are so right, pjlla!

Who IS this person I've become? Oh yeah...I actually wished for this. My WISH journal was called "I Just Want To Be Athletic, Is That So Wrong??" It wasn't a direct path, it took quite a while, and it wasn't easy, but holy moley, I think my WISH came true.

And the credit all goes to you! You are the one who did it and make your WISH come true!

Congrats to all the loosers! I made the list for the first time and finally lost after maintaining for 6 weeks. Gives me the motivation to keep going!

Congrats on making the list!

flipflopmom, hope the field trip was a success!

Where did this week go? Tomorrow is my last day of coaching It's been fun to come up with questions and even more fun to read the responses.

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

I love to ride the boats from the hotels to the parks, especially from Wilderness Lodge to MK or from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.

corinnak, on the school stress issue. Thank goodness they have enough hours for the year. I hope that someday you can all look back and say, well it was hard at the time, but it all turned out for the best.

 

[my3princes]

My DS woke up and needed the bathroom, so of course woke me up as well...and now I can't get back to sleep. So many thoughts racing around in my head.

We found out yesterday that my sons' school is closing. This Friday. It is a small private school, and we had known there were financial issues this year and that next year was in question, but we had not known that the end of THIS school year was potentially not going to happen. They are underwater with their mortgage, and enrollment is down. The good news is the kids have had enough instructional hours to meet the state requirements for finishing the school year. The bad news is....everything else.

We're scrambling to figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the year. I know many families are struggling right now to figure out what to do next week. The kids are in shock and are just starting the grieving process. This was their home and their world for the past 6 years. My younger son does not remember a time when his brother did not go here and has attended 3 years - it's half of each of their lives and now without any warning, it's ending and there's nothing more to be done. We just have to move on.

We are going to be OK - it's traumatic, but entirely survivable. I am more concerned for the teachers, who are finishing the week without pay and now begin unemployment and job-seeking - they are an incredible group and any school would be lucky to have them, but my heart breaks for them right now, too.

I know it's not at all weight related, but it is weighing on me right now for sure.

Wow, that is huge. I can't believe that they didn't give more warning

 

[pjlla]

As for me, I had a pretty fun Spin class this morning - I can not believe that this is me - the instructor says "Next we're going to do a series of climbs" and I'm like 'Woo!" Seriously, 3 years ago, I had a hard time even getting mustering the gumption to change to walk on the treadmill. Who IS this person I've become? Oh yeah...I actually wished for this. My WISH journal was called "I Just Want To Be Athletic, Is That So Wrong??" It wasn't a direct path, it took quite a while, and it wasn't easy, but holy moley, I think my WISH came true.

I am so impressed by your continuing motivation with your exercise. Just wanted to let you know that.

I knew I'd missed a bunch of posts--sorry about Xena. I'm glad you are getting another though, it's the best thing really.

Quotd- vacation other than Disney.

Think my favorite is really the time we went up to Seattle. It was our first experience with a priceline hotel which was a marriot that was very nice. We went to the Cinerama and one of the Spiderman movies was playing, also did a Beatles laser show, Pike Place, Seattle Center. Everywhere we went my husband got really excited to see the space needle--we still joke about it. "There's the space needle!" We also had dinner at a really nice restaurant on my husband's boss's tab on the water somewhere.

DD and I did that with the Arch in St. Louis.... it seemed like everywhere we went we could look up and see it! It was very exciting to us "world traveler wannabes"!

We found out yesterday that my sons' school is closing. This Friday. It is a small private school, and we had known there were financial issues this year and that next year was in question, but we had not known that the end of THIS school year was potentially not going to happen. They are underwater with their mortgage, and enrollment is down. The good news is the kids have had enough instructional hours to meet the state requirements for finishing the school year. The bad news is....everything else.

We're scrambling to figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the year. I know many families are struggling right now to figure out what to do next week. The kids are in shock and are just starting the grieving process. This was their home and their world for the past 6 years. My younger son does not remember a time when his brother did not go here and has attended 3 years - it's half of each of their lives and now without any warning, it's ending and there's nothing more to be done. We just have to move on.

We are going to be OK - it's traumatic, but entirely survivable. I am more concerned for the teachers, who are finishing the week without pay and now begin unemployment and job-seeking - they are an incredible group and any school would be lucky to have them, but my heart breaks for them right now, too.

I know it's not at all weight related, but it is weighing on me right now for sure.

I am SO happy that they have their education hours in already. We had a small private school around here close unexpectedly (24 hours notice to the parents) in JANUARY.... needless to say the kids were NOT done with school yet and the parents had to scramble to find alternative arrangements.

It will be difficult, but things will workout. Nice of you to have concern for the teachers, considering what this is putting you through.


Afternoon all! I just have a minute to hop on and say hi. Was the DIS down earlier today? I couldn't get logged on here at school when I had free period. I figured someone was on to my DIS habit and had blocked the site here on the school's system!

I TOTALLY missed my workout yesterday. First missed workout in FOREVER, so I'm not overly concerned about it... the day just got away from me. I had errands that I needed to run while DD was at swim and I didn't fit it in before and I was just too tired by the time we were done with dinner and all for the night.... no WAY was I alert enough to exercise at 9 pm! I am NOT a night owl.

The scale numbers during my sneak peeks earlier this week (sunday and wednesday) were dismal, so I am not sure how tomorrow's weigh-in will go. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.

I've planned my dinner menus all the way through my trip in May. Hopefully that will make the next few busy weeks a bit easier.

Talk to you all later.............P

 

[tigger813]

Ended up keeping DD1 home. I think it's her allergies though she is lying on the floor of the living room now possibly sleeping. She went to work with me and read and watched a movie. She just has no energy. Not sure if she'll go to soccer practice.

It's beautiful here today! It's supposed to be lousy the next several so we should try to enjoy it.

Hope to get another few miles in...been pretty good today, I did have some garlic bread and one Swiss cake roll but only had a lean pocket for lunch...
leftover meatloaf for supper.

Time for some more water before I go get DD2 at preschool.

 

[LuvBaloo]

Corinna - that's too bad about the kids school. Its awful that they give such little notice!

Silly to be so excited about 40 minutes of exercise but I am!

That line in your post really stuck out to me. It is NOT silly to be excited about 40 minutes of exercise! Its a change, its an accomplishment, its great to be excited about it

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

non-park Disney activity - Definitely Disney Cruise!
But that's probably not what you were after.
I also really enjoy SeaWorld, we've done both California and Florida.
DH & I did Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach back in 1997 when we drove to Florida. When the girls are a little older, I'd like to take them to the Space Center.
Funny story about Daytona Beach. It was Sept and we had driven down to go to WDW and we had planned on spending a day in Atlanta on the way down. We were sleeping in the car some nights and just getting hotels every couple of nights (the joys of being young and cheap!) Anyhow we stopped at a rest area just before Atlanta, but they weren't allowing cars to park over night, so we ended up driving through Atlanta to the other side. Well, then we didn't want to bother driving back into Atlanta the next morning, and decided to go check out Daytona which was not in the original plan. So we got a cheap hotel right on the beach with a balcony. We'd had a bad sleep the previous night, and DH was looking forward to sleeping in since we had no plans and it was a free day. I woke up early just as the sun was half-way up. I peeked out the window to see this beautiful sunrise, and promptly threw the curtains wide open and loudly said LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE! DH was not happy and has not let me forget waking him up. He still mentions it anytime we're sleeping somewhere different. But he laughs about it.


I'm happy that SPRING has shown up now. It was sunny and WARM after work yesterday (19C/66F). I picked up my girls from daycare and we went straight to the River Walk trail and went for an hour walk. I let them have Quizno's afterward for a treat, and fixed myself something at home, as the only Quizno's sub I like is ridiculously high in calories/points.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

Ooh! I have a few minutes, so I'm going to be specific! My visits to WDW always include a trip to DTD . I love to arrive, particularly on the boat from POR, and just stand there for a minute and take it all in. Happy sigh. Then I am a woman on a mission (if I'm really lucky, I'm by myself and I can take as long as I want). My first stop is usually the Christmas store, where I pick up a new Belle ornament, and see if there's anything else we can't live without . Then I head into Once Upon a Toy for Star Wars stuff for ds. Sometimes I'll come across something we've never seen before. We're particularly fond of the Disney characters as Star Wars characters figures . Just for grins, I stop into the $10 and below. You never know what might be on sale!

By this time I need nourishment to continue. A quick stop at the Earl of Sandwich for The Caprese - sliced fresh mozzarella, roma tomatos, fresh basil and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette, and I'm refreshed and ready! Next I have to go into Tren-D, and pick up something! I've found great bracelets, cute bags, and I love just looking at all the stuff the cool girls are wearing!

Whew, that was hard work. I think I need another something sweet to perk me up. Time for The Ghirardelli World Famous - Hot Fudge Sundae - Two scoops of vanilla ice cream overflowing with freshly homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and a cherry!

What is that I spy? Could it be Eden, Mecca, the Promised Land? Yes! It is the World of Disney Store! Spit on me, Stitch! Gotta grab a basket, 'cause I know I need what they have! I always get a pair of earrings, a snowglobe, and check out the ladies' section. And I have been known to wander through the stuffed characters and enter the Princess area. I'm loyal to Belle, but I'm also on the lookout for something cute with Tiana. I made it to the exit -- now I have to wander through the Lego store just to check out the displays. I may need a soft pretzel and lemonade about now...I think I'll sit and watch the boats and birds on the water. Bright sunshine streaming down, a soft breeze -- it is a great big beautiful tomorrow!

Now that I'm rested up, I need to hit my last stop before venturing back on the boat. Can you guess? Goofy's Candy Company is calling my name! Not only am I getting a carrot cake cookie, I'll also have 3 made-to-order pretzel sticks -- dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in peanuts, and drizzed with caramel. I'm taking these back to the resort, they might make it until tomorrow night Then I gather all my goodies, and head back to the boat. It's a lovely, pleasant time to relax and think about the great time I just had, and all my new lovelies!

Well, now it's easy to see why I gain weight on vacation... I do try to focus on special treats I don't get at home, but I may even have to scale those back. Good thing I don't get to Orlando more than once or twice a year!

Maria

 

[lisah0711]

I'm going to skip my c25k today because I had a little stomach thing yesterday, and am better, but not totally 100% yet. I haven't missed a day yet, so I'm going to try and get out tomorrow morning and saturday to make my 3 days this week. Michael has his school talent show tonight so that should be fun. He said he had a dream last night that I forgot the video camera and went home to get it, and when I got back I missed the whole show. I promised I wouldn't forget. Have a great day.

Hope that you are feeling better soon, Kathy! I'm sure that Michael will wow them at the talent show tonight and you will have it all recorded. I'm sending you an extra because I know you will be thinking of your Mom.

I've planned my dinner menus all the way through my trip in May. Hopefully that will make the next few busy weeks a bit easier.

I'm impressed that you have all your menus planned until you leave!

tigger813, hope that your DD feels better soon!

I'm happy that SPRING has shown up now. It was sunny and WARM after work yesterday (19C/66F). I picked up my girls from daycare and we went straight to the River Walk trail and went for an hour walk. I let them have Quizno's afterward for a treat, and fixed myself something at home, as the only Quizno's sub I like is ridiculously high in calories/points.

Yep, Quizno's pretty much lost its charm when I heard about the 40 point sandwich!

Ooh! I have a few minutes, so I'm going to be specific! My visits to WDW always include a trip to DTD . I love to arrive, particularly on the boat from POR, and just stand there for a minute and take it all in. Happy sigh. Then I am a woman on a mission (if I'm really lucky, I'm by myself and I can take as long as I want). My first stop is usually the Christmas store, where I pick up a new Belle ornament, and see if there's anything else we can't live without . Then I head into Once Upon a Toy for Star Wars stuff for ds. Sometimes I'll come across something we've never seen before. We're particularly fond of the Disney characters as Star Wars characters figures . Just for grins, I stop into the $10 and below. You never know what might be on sale!

By this time I need nourishment to continue. A quick stop at the Earl of Sandwich for The Caprese - sliced fresh mozzarella, roma tomatos, fresh basil and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette, and I'm refreshed and ready! Next I have to go into Tren-D, and pick up something! I've found great bracelets, cute bags, and I love just looking at all the stuff the cool girls are wearing!

Whew, that was hard work. I think I need another something sweet to perk me up. Time for The Ghirardelli World Famous - Hot Fudge Sundae - Two scoops of vanilla ice cream overflowing with freshly homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and a cherry!

What is that I spy? Could it be Eden, Mecca, the Promised Land? Yes! It is the World of Disney Store! Spit on me, Stitch! Gotta grab a basket, 'cause I know I need what they have! I always get a pair of earrings, a snowglobe, and check out the ladies' section. And I have been known to wander through the stuffed characters and enter the Princess area. I'm loyal to Belle, but I'm also on the lookout for something cute with Tiana. I made it to the exit -- now I have to wander through the Lego store just to check out the displays. I may need a soft pretzel and lemonade about now...I think I'll sit and watch the boats and birds on the water. Bright sunshine streaming down, a soft breeze -- it is a great big beautiful tomorrow!

Now that I'm rested up, I need to hit my last stop before venturing back on the boat. Can you guess? Goofy's Candy Company is calling my name! Not only am I getting a carrot cake cookie, I'll also have 3 made-to-order pretzel sticks -- dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in peanuts, and drizzed with caramel. I'm taking these back to the resort, they might make it until tomorrow night Then I gather all my goodies, and head back to the boat. It's a lovely, pleasant time to relax and think about the great time I just had, and all my new lovelies!

Well, now it's easy to see why I gain weight on vacation... I do try to focus on special treats I don't get at home, but I may even have to scale those back. Good thing I don't get to Orlando more than once or twice a year!

Maria

Yum! I'd like to hang out with you at DTD sometime, Maria! And I'm always on the lookout for another pair of cute Disney earrings.

 

[flipflopmom]

In true teacher fashion, No Child Was Left Behind today, on the trip anyway. The kids had to be there early, and one parent forgot. He showed up at regular time, and they actually had a staff member make the 1.5 hr. drive to bring him to us! Anyway, they did okay, had a GREAT time! No drama, thank goodness, but I am beat. I'll quote and comment later, right now, Imma Be taking a nap while my little one is!

 

[tigger813]

We all survived soccer practice and fixing us all cups of green tea! It was quite chilly. DD1 survived though took lots of breaks. Hoping she's up for school tomorrow. She has a project due and her homework for the week. Just gota finish her Kingdom Keepers poster.

I walked one lap of the track and then did most of the practice with the girls so I got a bit more exercise in. Don't think I'll do any more tonight but will get up and do 2 workouts before my weigh in.

Good night all! Time for tea!

 

[cclovesdis]

QOTD: I love to resort hop. We always stay at a Value Resort. We're one of those "we're only there to sleep" types so a bed is a bed. But, I like to dream so visiting other resorts is a lot of fun. My sister and I fell in love with the Beach Club and SAB. I also love Wilderness Lodge. She likes the Poly.

Well, it's be a rough week. I made good choices at dinner, so I'm back on track. My WW week begins tomorrow and it will be a good week. I've decided to go ahead and try to lose weight even after my fitting. I'll pay for more alterations if I end up needing them. I will return to exercising. The month is half over and I've only totaled 120 exercise minutes. My goal is 900! Oops. Better get on that.

 

[donac]

Good evening. Iam going to post the COW in a few minutes but I wanted to get some thoughts down before I do that.

Kathy feel better

Corinne The school closing is going to be very tough on the boys. I am sorry that you have to go through this.

flipflopmom congrats on making through the field trip.


QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

We love to go to Trail's End for either lunch or dinner. We did this on our last day last year. we had a late lunch and then rode the boat to the MK to catch a bus to the hotel.

Long day today. Got to school early to grade papers and to write up a quiz. Met with someone over lunch to talk about a class I am teaching next year and which students belonged there and which did not.

After school dh and I went to his sister's house to take a small tree that was leaning down. Didn't have a great dinnner but the rest of my day was great. Made it home in time to go to yoga. Now I need to take my meds and some tylenol to ease the pain from yoga and tree moving

I will post the COW in a few minutes. I am staying up to watch last week's Project Runway. I never make it to the regular show. I just watch it the next week.

HAve a great evening everyone.

 

[maiziezoe]

Corrina - I am so sorry your family is going to have to go through such a change.

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

When I was younger I would have said Kennedy Space Center. My mom used to work there and we would get to see stuff that the regular public doesn't get to see. But it gets a little old after a while.

I LOVE the Disney Cruise... but I am not sure if that counts.

When we go to Disney, we always spend a few days in either Cocoa Beach or Melbourne (My family is in Melbourne). We always get a hotel right on the beach and do a lot of beach activities. I was born in Florida and my mom took me to the beach for the first time when I was 6 days old. I am a beach baby!

Jennz.... I've been thinking about you all day!

 

[princessbride6205]

We found out yesterday that my sons' school is closing. This Friday. It is a small private school, and we had known there were financial issues this year and that next year was in question, but we had not known that the end of THIS school year was potentially not going to happen. They are underwater with their mortgage, and enrollment is down. The good news is the kids have had enough instructional hours to meet the state requirements for finishing the school year. The bad news is....everything else.

We're scrambling to figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the year. I know many families are struggling right now to figure out what to do next week. The kids are in shock and are just starting the grieving process. This was their home and their world for the past 6 years. My younger son does not remember a time when his brother did not go here and has attended 3 years - it's half of each of their lives and now without any warning, it's ending and there's nothing more to be done. We just have to move on.

We are going to be OK - it's traumatic, but entirely survivable. I am more concerned for the teachers, who are finishing the week without pay and now begin unemployment and job-seeking - they are an incredible group and any school would be lucky to have them, but my heart breaks for them right now, too.

I know it's not at all weight related, but it is weighing on me right now for sure.

I can't believe that the closing would be so sudden. I'm so sorry for your boys, the other families, and the teachers. I'm at a loss for any other words.

Ooh! I have a few minutes, so I'm going to be specific! My visits to WDW always include a trip to DTD . I love to arrive, particularly on the boat from POR, and just stand there for a minute and take it all in. Happy sigh. Then I am a woman on a mission (if I'm really lucky, I'm by myself and I can take as long as I want). My first stop is usually the Christmas store, where I pick up a new Belle ornament, and see if there's anything else we can't live without . Then I head into Once Upon a Toy for Star Wars stuff for ds. Sometimes I'll come across something we've never seen before. We're particularly fond of the Disney characters as Star Wars characters figures . Just for grins, I stop into the $10 and below. You never know what might be on sale!

By this time I need nourishment to continue. A quick stop at the Earl of Sandwich for The Caprese - sliced fresh mozzarella, roma tomatos, fresh basil and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette, and I'm refreshed and ready! Next I have to go into Tren-D, and pick up something! I've found great bracelets, cute bags, and I love just looking at all the stuff the cool girls are wearing!

Whew, that was hard work. I think I need another something sweet to perk me up. Time for The Ghirardelli World Famous - Hot Fudge Sundae - Two scoops of vanilla ice cream overflowing with freshly homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and a cherry!

What is that I spy? Could it be Eden, Mecca, the Promised Land? Yes! It is the World of Disney Store! Spit on me, Stitch! Gotta grab a basket, 'cause I know I need what they have! I always get a pair of earrings, a snowglobe, and check out the ladies' section. And I have been known to wander through the stuffed characters and enter the Princess area. I'm loyal to Belle, but I'm also on the lookout for something cute with Tiana. I made it to the exit -- now I have to wander through the Lego store just to check out the displays. I may need a soft pretzel and lemonade about now...I think I'll sit and watch the boats and birds on the water. Bright sunshine streaming down, a soft breeze -- it is a great big beautiful tomorrow!

Now that I'm rested up, I need to hit my last stop before venturing back on the boat. Can you guess? Goofy's Candy Company is calling my name! Not only am I getting a carrot cake cookie, I'll also have 3 made-to-order pretzel sticks -- dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in peanuts, and drizzed with caramel. I'm taking these back to the resort, they might make it until tomorrow night Then I gather all my goodies, and head back to the boat. It's a lovely, pleasant time to relax and think about the great time I just had, and all my new lovelies!

Well, now it's easy to see why I gain weight on vacation... I do try to focus on special treats I don't get at home, but I may even have to scale those back. Good thing I don't get to Orlando more than once or twice a year!

Maria

That sounds like the perfect visit to DTD! I'll join you!

QOTD Wed: Best non-Disney vacation?
This one is tough. It's a tie between the first family vacation DH joined and the first vacation we took with DD. The former was 2003 Christmas trip with my folks, sister, cousin and DBF (now DH). We stayed at a cool condo in Vail. Mom and I were not skiers so we enjoyed snowshoeing, massages, shopping, dining and the hot tub. [Of course tacked on to this trip was 4 days including NYE at DL, so there is a Disney component.] The 2008 South Beach Wine & Food Fest is the other best. Another family trip including my folks, sister, DH, and DD (7 mos). We stayed at the amazing Ritz Carlton, attended some cool/yummy events, enjoyed our break from MN winter lying on the beach, and DH and I had a good amount of time "off" with the grandparents watching DD.

QOTD Thurs: Best non-park?
We're DTD fans as well. The Art of Disney store has been dangerous for us in the past! A special experience was eating at Victoria & Albert's. DH and I had a really great meal.

Today was interesting - in a good way. I got to spend more time with DD than a usual workday and got in a lot of exercise. Yesterday I was upset and feeling like a bad parent for throwing DD into a new full time daycare. She is slow-to-warm-up anyway and the change made her freak out. It wasn't just crying when I dropped her off, it was a number of times throughout the day. Things are really busy with my work, DH is out of town on business, so the child psychologist recommended "only leave your child for 30 minutes the first day and then half day the next few days" was not feasible. Of course this brought back up my feelings that I don't want to be working full time, but my job won't allow part time, flex time, work from home, anything. *sigh*
So this morning I wake up to a phone message that our daycare is closed (provider's step-daughter taken to hospital). I was supposed to be driving around a new employee to various appointments around town and then the airport to fly out to the city she'll be working in. It was too late to get in touch with someone else to drive her to the first appt, so DD came with me. That was a visit to our costume shop, which DD LOVED (most people know us there). I called work to get someone to cover, but didn't hear back for nearly 2 hours that someone was avail. So on to the 2nd appointment. This one was to be 2 hours long, so DD and I went to a little cafe for a snack and got out her coloring books. The weather had improved, so we went for a 30 minute walk thru a nice residential neighborhood. Took the employee to her 3rd appointment with my coworker arriving to finish the chauffeuring. It was now 12:45 and the sun was shining.
For her good behavior, Addie and I walked to a nearby playground. Back to our house for small lunch and her nap. Then the 10 minute walk each way to our neighborhood playground. I love having an active day where it barely feels like I exercised. I didn't have to carve out a time or go to a gym - it was just built into my day, and with DD to boot.
So that whole long story short, it was nice to be forced into taking most of the day off work.

 

[corinnak]

Please forgive me for not doing individual thanks - I am just not feeling equipped tonight, but I do want to say that your support, thoughts and shared experiences have helped me a great deal. Especially Pamela's mention of the school that closed down with 24 hours notice - that gave me some perspective that we have at least had more time than that to get our brains around this.

My kids are coping well and I think we're going to be OK. We're going to start them in another school as soon as things are in order with the new school, and there are going to be some positive changes for our family because of this change in plans. I feel a little disloyal appreciating those positives, but better that there be good things than that this just be one big load of bad.

It's not a very Biggest Loser-like thing to do, but my kids have been talking about an end-of year-all-school ice cream party for months now that was mentioned at the end of the Pennies for Patients service project. So help me, I stepped right up this afternoon and volunteered to throw a giant all-school ice cream party tomorrow afternoon. I don't want the last thing the kids remember from this fantastic little school to be sadness and gloom. I will not go crazy, I assure you.

A miracle has occurred and we learned today that most of the yearbook has been paid for, so our kids will get their yearbooks after all in a few weeks, thanks to one kind staff member who is taking delivery at her home.

As for me, I have learned that I eat from stress, but apparently grief and shock lead me to NOT want to eat. I think I knew this. I am doing my best to get my points in - this morning I was precariously close to what I have said my lower limit would be, weight-wise.


And now for something completely different:

QOTD for Thursday: Since most people mentioned that Disney vacations were their favorites I've decided to add a twist. What was your favorite non park Disney activity while on vacation?

If times were different, my hands-down answer would 100% be:

Adventurer's Club!!!

But here is a fact: The Adventurer's Club is not half as fun now as it was when it was actually open.

I asked my DH this and he said "Can I say...Boma?" And I said "Sure!" And then I told him that I really enjoyed the last morning we were at AKV in November and we were packed up and ready but had a little more time so we walked to the savannah overlook and spent about an hour talking to the guides about the animals, Africa, their homes and...of all things...what would happen if people did various things to try to get in the savannah with the animals. My younger son had a strong interest in the security measures in place. We also always enjoy Jellyrolls now that it is smoke-free!

Sorry this is not the most coherent thing I've ever written!

 

[donac]

Welcome back to the COW No more pampering TIme to push for the last part of the challenge.
Results from COW 11 and COW 12

COW 11
With 20/28 points
HappySmyly

With 22/28 points
Luvbaloo

With 25/28 points
donac
princessbride6205

With 26/28 points
lisah0711

COW 12

With 23/28 points
Luvbaloo

With 24/28 points
donac
lisah0711

With 25/28 points
HappySmyly
jenanderson



Congrats to all those who have been participating




Welcome to COW 13

You do not have to participate but it is there to help you build good habits. Each week we will have two to four habit suggestions for you to do. At the end of the week you report your points to me.

It has been said that if you do something for 30 days it will become a habit. We will start off easy with two habits that have been known to help weight loss. As the weeks go by we will add to these habits. We will never have more than 4 habits to work on each week since that seems to be the number that most people could do without a problem.

COW 12

Do 30 minutes of exercise every day (1 point for each day)
Floss your teeth once a day (1 point for each day.)(I know you hate this one but an article I just read says flossing helps memory)
Eat 4 veggies or fruit each day (1 point for each day)
Journal your food (1 point for each day)



When you send me your points please post your total in your RE and then in the main part of the pm list your points as follows:

XX days of exercising for 30 minutes per day
XX days flossing
XX days eating veggies or fruit
XX days journaling.




This challlenge runs from Friday April 16, 2010 through Thursday April 22, 2010. On Friday April 23, 2010 pm me your points for the week. The COW results will be posted the same day the weekly totals are posted.

HAve fun with the COW. Give it try this week

 

[flipflopmom]

Corinna, I can't imagine the devastation your family is going through right now. Schools are a HUGE part of a child's routine, but I am glad that you are beginning to see some positive effects from the change. And way to go on the ice cream party. I think that is a wonderful thing for you to do, calories and all.

Today is remembrance day for the families and students and teachers involved in the shootings at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Deadliest school rampage ever, sends chills every time I think of it...

I have been thinking a lot lately about a comment pjilla made a week or so ago, about how easy it would be to become anorexic, or she can see how it happens, anyway. I've been having some really negative thoughts lately, it's almost as if the more weight I lose, the bigger I seem to myself? I am little worried about these thoughts, and trying to figure out why I am having them. Some days I catch myself thinking "I wonder how few calories I could eat today?" Of course, dinner usually takes care of that, but it still worries me a bit. Anyone else ever experience something like this?

Good weigh in this morning - down 4 pounds, so I get my 35 pound clippie. While all of it wasn't since I joined BL, I am still getting that clippie!!!! It has all been since Jan. 18.

Along the same lines as my previous thoughts, I am beginning to wonder about my goal. 2 months ago, I did the happy weight calculator and said "no way I'll ever get to that." Well, I am less than 30 away from it, so now I am finding myself wondering if I can go lower. My "happy weight" was 156, and now I have set my goal to 150. I know that's still a big number, but I am framed like a linebacker. I am now thinking what will I look like at 155? 150? 145? I just don't know...


I am really stressing right now, so I am hoping not to go overboard with stress eating. In the next 6 days, I have 2 papers to finish, 3 more trips to gymnastics, 2 days of lesson plans to complete, a house to get clean, grocery store run for "soft foods" after the teeth pull, ice packs to make, childcare arrangements for my kids, finish my end of six weeks assessments, get grades in the system, prescriptions refilled, hopefully 10 miles to run, calls to make...

Gotta get busy! Have a great Friday!

 

[tigger813]

Gonna suck it up and accept a 2 pound gain for the week, mainly because I'm not feeling up to a workout this morning. I plan on getting work in all weekend and back on target next week. It's vacation week so I will be home mostly. We're going to the movies on Monday and plan on bringing my own popcorn though the rest of the family can have the other popcorn. I just can't eat the movie popcorn anymore. We'll also eat lunch out that day so I will have to watch my calories and put in extra time.

Saying goodbye to my 45 clippie for now. I will get it back in the not so distant future!

Rainy here today, hopefully soccer games will get canceled tomorrow and then we have company coming in the afternoon!

 

[jenanderson]

Today was interesting - in a good way. I got to spend more time with DD than a usual workday and got in a lot of exercise. Yesterday I was upset and feeling like a bad parent for throwing DD into a new full time daycare. She is slow-to-warm-up anyway and the change made her freak out. It wasn't just crying when I dropped her off, it was a number of times throughout the day. Things are really busy with my work, DH is out of town on business, so the child psychologist recommended "only leave your child for 30 minutes the first day and then half day the next few days" was not feasible. Of course this brought back up my feelings that I don't want to be working full time, but my job won't allow part time, flex time, work from home, anything. *sigh*
So this morning I wake up to a phone message that our daycare is closed (provider's step-daughter taken to hospital). I was supposed to be driving around a new employee to various appointments around town and then the airport to fly out to the city she'll be working in. It was too late to get in touch with someone else to drive her to the first appt, so DD came with me. That was a visit to our costume shop, which DD LOVED (most people know us there). I called work to get someone to cover, but didn't hear back for nearly 2 hours that someone was avail. So on to the 2nd appointment. This one was to be 2 hours long, so DD and I went to a little cafe for a snack and got out her coloring books. The weather had improved, so we went for a 30 minute walk thru a nice residential neighborhood. Took the employee to her 3rd appointment with my coworker arriving to finish the chauffeuring. It was now 12:45 and the sun was shining.
For her good behavior, Addie and I walked to a nearby playground. Back to our house for small lunch and her nap. Then the 10 minute walk each way to our neighborhood playground. I love having an active day where it barely feels like I exercised. I didn't have to carve out a time or go to a gym - it was just built into my day, and with DD to boot.
So that whole long story short, it was nice to be forced into taking most of the day off work.

This sounds like it turned into a really nice day with DD. It is amazing how some of those forced days off end up turning out great!

It's not a very Biggest Loser-like thing to do, but my kids have been talking about an end-of year-all-school ice cream party for months now that was mentioned at the end of the Pennies for Patients service project. So help me, I stepped right up this afternoon and volunteered to throw a giant all-school ice cream party tomorrow afternoon. I don't want the last thing the kids remember from this fantastic little school to be sadness and gloom. I will not go crazy, I assure you.

I was so sad to read about the school closing. As a teacher, I could not imagine how stressful this must be for everyone at the school. As a parent, I would feel so sad that my kids had to go through losing their school before the year was done. I think your ice cream party idea is wonderful! It is so thoughtful of you to volunteer to do something to bring cheer to the kids. I hope that everyone has a wonderful time and can reflect on their time at the school and remember the happy times.

Also wanted to let you and princessbride6205 know that I have decided what I am wearing on Saturday. I will be in a plain white running shirt (long sleeve), a black running skirt and knee highs (they are white with black, gray and pink stripes). I will be with DH who is 6'4"...no clue what he will be wearing. I would love to meet you guys! We are planning on running and trying to keep a pace of 10:15 or 10:30 minute/miles.

Good weigh in this morning - down 4 pounds, so I get my 35 pound clippie. While all of it wasn't since I joined BL, I am still getting that clippie!!!! It has all been since Jan. 18.

Along the same lines as my previous thoughts, I am beginning to wonder about my goal. 2 months ago, I did the happy weight calculator and said "no way I'll ever get to that." Well, I am less than 30 away from it, so now I am finding myself wondering if I can go lower. My "happy weight" was 156, and now I have set my goal to 150. I know that's still a big number, but I am framed like a linebacker. I am now thinking what will I look like at 155? 150? 145? I just don't know...

Great job on your weight loss! Love the 35 pound clippie! I am stuck at my weight right now so I am proud of you for doing so well.

As for your concern about your thoughts about weight loss....I think many of us go through the thoughts like you are. On weeks where I do great, I step on the scale all the time to see that I am still losing, I play with how long it will take me to reach different goal weights, etc. One thing I have done to help with what I tend to call "irrational thoughts" is to write down in my food journal what my goal weight is and what my weight range will be that will make me happy. Believe me I have tons of "irrational thoughts" each day (like I am going to just not eat today because I gained weight, I am going to give up today because I ate too much, etc, etc).