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

[tigger813]

Yeah, another decent night's sleep! DH's pager went off right as I was dozing off but didn't effect me and then it went off again at 6 and I was getting up at 6:15 anyways.

QOTD: Well, my job is physical activity so I sometimes count that as part of my exercise! I'll soon be getting exercise each week at soccer practice with DH and DD1. Hoped to start tonight but the fields in town are still closed due to all the rain we've had! I do want to try and get on the Wii Fit for awhile today and maybe do the 2 mile workout after taking D1 to the bus stop.

Busy, busy day today: work, Easter/grocery shopping, volunteer in DD1s science class, pick up DD2, drop off dance registration for the Fall, and then try and catch up on dishes and laundry from the storm. It's supposed to be nice and WARM through Sunday so I should be able to get caught up! Also looking forward to opening windows and doors to air the house out!

Enjoy your day everyone! Time for me to get MOVING!

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks for coaching this week, princessbride6205! I know it was a busy week for you. You had some great questions and answers!

Thanks, i just copied-pasted and didn't check it!! funny thing is...my degree is in technology!

Good thing that you knew what you were doing because I see my instructions were not terribly clear.

Hope your test went well yesterday and you and taking it easy today!

Thanks for this, Lisa! Between working late, taking time for me/exercise, and realizing that DD is not getting quality care at her daycare - I've definitely been feeling a lot of mommy guilt lately.

Mommy guilt --it's the pits. I'm glad that you take the time you need for you.

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

My inner toddler has been whining "I don't wanna!" pretty much all week long. I think she needs a time out and a little rest to refocus.

I know I've told this before, but this reminded me of one time michael was about 3-4, and was a horrid little brat all day, and I was a screaming lunatic all day, so at the end of the day we were getting ready for bed, and I think I'm going to talk to him now, so we can change the behavior and have better days, so I asked him how he felt to day was, and I can still see his little face saying, " it was a great day mommy.", and when I lose it now, I think back to that, and he isn't going to remember those bad mommy moments that wrack us with guilt, but all the wonderful, loving moments.

I always love this story about Michael, Kathy.

Too funny about the lindt Easter Bunny -- I bet it was tasty, though!

donac, you haven't had chocolate for 6 weeks! You are one strong person!

Today I got a Jacob Black message and it was wonderful:
"Jacob and the pack are howling over your success. Keep it up and run with the wolves."

I think that you have hit on your perfect motivator! I read that she is releasing another book this summer -- a little mini-book about a character from Eclipse.

I just feel like I am going crazy without her, and I am not motivated to move. I know for my health, I must, I have to. I will try again tonight, at least a mile. I know I have to really get moving next week, not for any other reason but to keep body healthy. Maybe when the sun comes out, and the rain stops I will feel a little better. I am awaiting her ashes to come home. When she is finally home, I will feel less incomplete. Thank you for your kind words.

just had to add...I am cracking myself up. I'm making dd's lunch for tomorrow - APRIL FOOL'S! - and I took an empty bag of cheez-its, which she hates, and put oreos in it and glued it shut. Then I glued her sandwich bag and pretzel bags shut. I don't know why I'm getting so much amusement out of this! She'll never expect it for me, she knows I'm not fond of April's fool jokes b/c they can get pretty mean or are often at other people's expense. But for these...

You are such a funny mom, jenn!

I woke up DS this morning telling him there was a moose in the front yard -- I got the old flush the toilet while mom is in the shower trick for my troubles.

OK, I need some help and advice from some of you who are consistently doing well. I'm a guy, so losing weight shouldn't be that hard, even if I am 37 now!

I have lost about 10 lbs since starting this challenge, which is no small thing, but I should have lost twice that, maybe. I tried doing low carb, and found it to be too restrictive, and caved a couple of times.

So my question is, what eating plan are you doing? What is something that works for you, and how exactly are you doing?

I think LuvBaloo is correct about the journaling. You might also want to check out www.sparkpeople.com It is free and you can track what you eat and your activity there, too. I think it is very easy to eat more than what you burn running so that might make a difference for you.

Just wanted to say hi...I haven't been on in forever but I am plugging away! Hope you all are doing well and I will try to be on more often!

SarahMay

Hi SarahMay! I can see you are plugging away by your changing clippie. Keep up the good work!

I did well throughout the first part of the day and didn't eat junk, but 5 hit, I was exhausted from not sleeping well and didn't have dinner planned and I caved and ordered a pizza. I should just kick myself. Why can't I do this? I have never not been fat and I can't even imagine what it would be like to be reasonably thin. I keep reading things about weight loss and it always says something like "remember what it felt like to be thin" or " Won't if feel great to get back into your skinny jeans?' I have no skinny jeans and never had. Will I ever? Sometimes I feel like the answer is a big fat loud NO!

Sorry to complain so much. Today was a frustrating disapointing day and I am aggravated at myself. Thanks for letting me vent.

I hope you all had a great day. The weather here is beautiful and I hope all that have rain, that it will soon dry up! Stinkin rain!

Sorry that you had a tough day. Of course you will have skinny jeans someday. It is just going to take longer than you want and be more work to get there. Every time you take some small step to your goal, you are making progress. The only time that you will truly fail is if you give up for good. You can do this!

jessi, hope things improve for you soon.

Thursday QOTD: People who are more active just in their daily lives can burn hundreds of more calories than their sedentary counterparts. What can you do to increase your non-exercise activity

Getting my house cleaned up would probably be a good place to start with more activity -- that mopping burns some serious calories, you know. I will be interested to hear everyone's answers because I know this is an area of my life that needs improvement.

 

[pjlla]

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

My inner toddler is always craving carbs... especially things like sweet potato chips. But I save those for my weekends and splurge days. As long as I know I can have them later, I can resist them for today. Exercise is another issue.... it is tough some days to get my behind moving. But a quick glance in the mirror and NOT seeing my previously huge belly and behind is motivation enough!

My inner toddler needs a spanking! She is a HUGE Brat!!!!

I did well throughout the first part of the day and didn't eat junk, but 5 hit, I was exhausted from not sleeping well and didn't have dinner planned and I caved and ordered a pizza. I should just kick myself. Why can't I do this? I have never not been fat and I can't even imagine what it would be like to be reasonably thin. I keep reading things about weight loss and it always says something like "remember what it felt like to be thin" or " Won't if feel great to get back into your skinny jeans?' I have no skinny jeans and never had. Will I ever? Sometimes I feel like the answer is a big fat loud NO!

Sorry to complain so much. Today was a frustrating disapointing day and I am aggravated at myself. Thanks for letting me vent.

I hope you all had a great day. The weather here is beautiful and I hope all that have rain, that it will soon dry up! Stinkin rain!

I hear you about the "never been skinny" thing. I was really slim for about 1 week in my adult life (up until now). That was the week I got married. I had worked for two years to make sure I wasn't a fat bride and I looked GREAT. But as soon as the incentive of being thin for my wedding was gone, I packed on the "honeymoon 50"! Plus I am now thinner than I was then, so I have NEVER been this slim before, so I agree.... I had NO skinny jeans to get into!! But let me assure you, now that I have lost the weight, it feels AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! It is SO worth WHATEVER you have go give up to get there. (As I need to keep reminding myself this weekend when confronted with Easter candy and such!!)

pjilla- Love the idea of sharing recipes! Maybe we should make a Biggest Loser recipe thread for the recipe idea we share on this thread. That way they'd all be in one spot. Our family also loves the garden burgers and salmon burgers for a quick and easy meal! Very low calorie, too, especially when you put them on one of the Earthgrain 100 calories thin buns. I'd love to hear your recipes for the low fat/light cheese sauce for the potatoes.



Have any of you seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, a new reality tv show about the nutrition in school lunches? For those with kids (wither in public, private, or home school) the program is a must see. Even without having kids, what he has to say about nutrition is really interesting. The first show was on a week or so ago and I Tivo'd it and finally watched it. It was great! Here's an article from the NY Times about the program and school lunches: NY Times article "A TV Show and Congress Tackle School Lunches.

I LOVE the idea of starting a BL recipe thread!

I was SO mad at myself for forgetting to TIVO it. I've been meaning to look for it online. I'll be looking for it again this week.

Thursday QOTD: People who are more active just in their daily lives can burn hundreds of more calories than their sedentary counterparts. What can you do to increase your non-exercise activity?

Well... I did mention yesterday that I had done kickbacks and high knee lifts during my recess duty yesterday. (I'm a substitute teacher.) Today I did them again during my kindergarten recess time.

Now that the weather is better I don't mind parking at the far end of the lot when I go shopping. And I always take the stairs instead of the elevator if at all possible. When I subbed for the gym teacher earlier this year, I took every class for a brisk walk to do laps around the school before we did other things. Every class did 3 laps around the entire building. By the end of the day I had walked for over an hour!

I don't always save a "trip upstairs" for later when I have more stuff to puta way..... I make a trip with what I have now and figure I'll get more exercise when I have go make the trip again later with something else.


I'll be back later!..................P

 

[Worfiedoodles]

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

My inner toddler wants to eat and live like my inner teenager -- Cheetos, Mountain Dew and all the chocolate and licorice I can find...She also wants to lay on the couch and read a book or watch tv, never approaching a treadmill. I have a total shutdown on her. She can only come out on vacation, and then in limited ways -- Diet Mountain Dew, chocolate from a special shop, workouts 2 or 3 times a week.

Thursday QOTD: People who are more active just in their daily lives can burn hundreds of more calories than their sedentary counterparts. What can you do to increase your non-exercise activity

Now instead of sending ds to the basement for drinks (we keep everything liquid in our basement fridge), I go myself. I also use the "do it now" principle -- whenever I see something that needs to go to a different room or floor at home, I try to just take it then, rather than saving it up.

Maria

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

Yep I believe I have lisah0711
And I believe your right about the book. I remember reading something about a book coming out about Bree, one of the new born vampires from a big battle in Eclipse

 

[tigger813]

Yeah, weight is starting to come off from my two weeks of doing NOTHING! I did 2 miles this morning and hope to get in a few more later. Time to clean the kitchen and have a big glass of water! Didn't get my Easter shopping done as I ended up staying at work for awhile. Did get the girls registered for dancing in the fall. I will just get my shopping done tomorrow afternoon although the girls will be with me. They know that I will be giving them each a DVD in their baskets. I will pick those up tomorrow and they can have them on Sunday.

Time to get going on the kitchen! I think I can run the dishwasher again!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Oops. Meant to start this in a new thread on the WISH Board. That's what I get for doing this on my iPhone!

Have any of you seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, a new reality tv show about the nutrition in school lunches? For those with kids (whether in public, private, or home school) the program is a must see. Even without having kids, what he has to say about nutrition is really interesting. The first show was on a week or so ago and I Tivo'd it and finally watched it. I thought it had a lot to say about how the USDA's somewhat unethical policies dictate the nutritional content of school lunches.

Here are a couple of links:

This one is from Jamie Oliver's website and is about the show.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

Here's a review of the show from the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/arts/television/26oliver.html

and a overview of the show and how the govt. is looking at changes from the Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/dining/31lunch.html?src=mv

 

[tigger813]

Getting a jump on my coaching week! Had to check on the archive for questions that were already asked.

Hi all! It's Tigger813! Coaching for the second time this challenge! I had so much fun last time! And I'm hoping this will help keep me on track this week! I'm finally getting back into working out after having a few bad weeks. I did enjoy those weeks though! LOL!

QOTD FRIDAY APRIL 2: With Easter and Passover upon us, what is your favorite holiday treat? This treat can be from any holiday not just Easter and Passover!

My favorite treat would have to be Peppermint stick ice cream pie with chocolate syrup on it! We make it every Christmas at least once or while we can get the ice cream!

Just did 32 minutes on the Wii Fit Plus. I did the Bump (math), the biking in which I did 6.3 miles according to them. It took me 20 minutes as I forgot where one of the flags was. Then I did the rhythm parade and the obstacle course. Then I finished with the Table Tilt Plus and only got through 2 levels. I forgot how hard it was! Drinking lots of water the rest of the night. We had turkey gorditas with Mexican cheese and then I had a skinny cow mint cone!
I may try and do a WATP workout now that the kids are done with the Wii. They are off to bed in an hour! On second thought, DD2 and I are going to go outside and pick up some of the million branches that are lying all over the yard! Maybe I'll do WATP later!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

oops, it only took me 20 pages til it donned on me that I wasn't getting updates. Geesh where is my brain???

I have completely fallen off the wagon and have been left in the dust. I have no desire to do squat and now our basement is flooded so my sole purpose in life is to vacuum. I wonder how many calories are burned vacuuming up water????
We have been eating terribly because the kitchen is a hot mess of hoses and cords and tools etc......today was the first time we ate a home meal but it was beef tips and egg noodles, not exactly healthy.

sorry, ignore the rantings of the crazy lady stuck in the dungeons. LOL

 

[tigger813]

oops, it only took me 20 pages til it donned on me that I wasn't getting updates. Geesh where is my brain???

I have completely fallen off the wagon and have been left in the dust. I have no desire to do squat and now our basement is flooded so my sole purpose in life is to vacuum. I wonder how many calories are burned vacuuming up water????
We have been eating terribly because the kitchen is a hot mess of hoses and cords and tools etc......today was the first time we ate a home meal but it was beef tips and egg noodles, not exactly healthy.

sorry, ignore the rantings of the crazy lady stuck in the dungeons. LOL

Living in MA I understand your pain! We didn't have it that bad but I know a lot who did have it bad! Our little town has even been on the news and the road that is closed may be closed for 2 weeks! It's fun going through to road blocks to go to dance class! But most of the cops have been nice about it and tell us to have fun!

We have all fallen off the wagon once (or twice or even three times or even more). You can get back but give yourself a break. This weather has been very stressful! I've been off plan for the better part of the last 2 weeks and now I'm getting back OP!

Good luck with the clean up! You'll be in my prayers!!!!!

 

[Nicole786]

Hey guys, first time here so im just wondering if this will be starting again after May 14th? I love the show and would love to get in on this!

 

[tigger813]

Hey guys, first time here so im just wondering if this will be starting again after May 14th? I love the show and would love to get in on this!

Welcome aboard!!!!! I would say, yes, it will start again! Not sure when it will be starting though! But join us for the rest of this challenge and meet all of the wonderful Disney fanatics on here!

I will be your coach this week! So, everyday for the next week I will post a question of the day and be available for any questions that you may have. I have already posted my Question of the Day (QOTD) for Friday. Tomorrow, send a PM to LuvBaloo with your beginning weight! You can also tell her your goal weight if you have one. The results for each week are posted on Tues night or Wednesday morning. There is also a Challenge of the Week (COW) that you can choose to do or not to do. At the end of the week, send lisah0711 your score.

Check the first page of this thread for all the details as they are explained nicely there. Post back here if you have any more questions! We're always here to help!

Once again, welcome! You will love the time you spend here! This is a truly magical place! One of my favorite parts of the day is when I can read and learn from all the wonderful people who gather here!

 

[my3princes]

QOTD Wednesday: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

My inner toddler wants to relax, have fun and play. Unfortunately the adult in me thinks I can take on a dozen projects at one time and do them all well. This results in stress (You have no idea what the last 2 weeks have been like). I keep thinking that after I get this done or after next weekends Carnival that the stress will disappearn and I'll find the time to nuture that inner child. So I guess I'm a bit bass ackwards on this one

OK, I need some help and advice from some of you who are consistently doing well. I'm a guy, so losing weight shouldn't be that hard, even if I am 37 now!

I have lost about 10 lbs since starting this challenge, which is no small thing, but I should have lost twice that, maybe. I tried doing low carb, and found it to be too restrictive, and caved a couple of times.

So my question is, what eating plan are you doing? What is something that works for you, and how exactly are you doing?

The exercise part I got; I exercise every day for at least 45 minutes, and I've added in the Men's Health Spartacus Workout (you can google if you want, or I can post a link) 3x a week and run 4x a week. Sometimes I take a day off to rest. I am seriously thinking about doing the Insanity dvd workout, which is sort of like p90x but without weights, and essentially giving up running for two months. I really want to be below 200 lbs, and I would rather have that than continue to run all the time, as much as it pains me to say it.

So, can you all help me? I guess my problem is getting on a plan and sticking to it 100%, absolutely no cheating.

You can answer here, or PM me, or whatever!

I'll post for my dh as he never posts even though he may be lurking He is doing WW along with P90X. He has been stuck at the same weight for the last month. He's hoping that fat is changing to muscle rather than the thought that nothing is happening. Like you his goal is to be below 200 lbs. I really think that he is working on those last 10 lbs and that is why it is taking longer. His advice is to continue exercising and eat as close as you can to on plan. Hopefully you'll both see a scale move soon

I gained this past week, was making soem pretty bad food choices. I have been so stressed out at work, I'm crying as I type this. I am at my wit's end. I don't know what to do anymore.

It seems like when we finally make progress with one kid, another one steps up to take their place as troublemaker du jour. Yesterday I discovered one of my kids stealing from the room- twice. I think I know where my keys have gone that went missing before break. Unfortunately, I doubt I will ever be able to get them back.

This is the kid who was screaming at me on the bus "you dirty *****, you dirty *****." He keeps escalating and nothing I try seems to work. I talked with our social worker yesterday about some strategies. My process coordinator had talked about taking him into recovery to help him cool down before he escalates, but then the recovery room person thought we were using it too much. The social worker told me that he is going to blow at whoever is in authority and to have someone else redirect him. Great, when I have that person there. I basically can't send him to the safe seat or get on to him, or he will blow.

He openly mocks me in class all day. He keeps saying things like, "You're so mean to kids, you should be in jail." Or telling other adults that I'm calling him stupid and fat or saying that I think that. Which I don't. Today another kid was acting up in the bathroom and he was laughing and saying, "that's my boy." He then started saying over and over, "I don't have to listen to you shorty." Then just kept repeating the shorty part over and over. I know I shouldn't let myself get upset by a kid in 2nd grade, but that has always been a sensitive issue for me. I did everything I could not to let it show. Any other kid would have been in the safe seat, but I was alone with the group and knew if I pressed the issue, he would flip out and I would have nobody to take the rest of the kids. He doesn't stop talking for more than two seconds at a time (not an exaggeration.) And most of the time it is back talk. I won't let him bully the other students, so he takes it all out on me.

It didn't help that today I didn't get a break. One of my paras (the one who stays with the class) went home sick today, which is fine. But we weren't able to get a sub. So I had to eat lunch with them and go with them to specials. The only break I got was when I asked my PC to watch them for 5 minutes so I could run to the restroom.

I'm at the end of my rope. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I hate it so much. I try so hard, do everything I can think of, don't sleep at night trying to come up with new strategies, better lesson plans. And I might as well be talking to a wall, at least the wall wouldn't talk back. I know the kids don't understand how much time and effort I put in for them, or how much of my own money I have spent on special things for the room. And really, in the end they shouldn't care about any of that, I'm just doing my job. But it sucks to try so hard all the time and know that they hate you. I'm starting to wonder why I ever thought I could do this job.

So then I get stressed and eat things I shouldn't and don't work out because I am so exhausted by the end of the day. I need to find a better way to destress. That's always been my fall back, go to a restaurant with my book. I need to come up with something else that isn't going to wreck my diet.

First of all my hat is off to you. Teaching is a difficult job in and of itself, then add in special needs I am a sub at our elementary school and I am often given the most difficult classes (today was h e double hockey sticks) I also work one on one with special needs kids. Our school system is obviously different than yours. All of our Special Needs kids are assigned a mainstream classroom which they spend some time in each day. They also have a personal aid that stays with them most of the day. There is never a time when one teacher is with more than one student for the very reasons you are detailing. Maybe that child needs a personal aid (para) That would be so helpful. I don't have any answers, but can give you a hug

That story about Michael had me tearing up just a little.



Thursday QOTD: People who are more active just in their daily lives can burn hundreds of more calories than their sedentary counterparts. What can you do to increase your non-exercise activity
I try to get up from my desk often. Sometimes to refill my water, go to the copier, etc. but sometimes just to get up and stretch a little. After reading an article today on this subject, I stood up and sat down 10 times (one of the tips recommended). I take the stairs. Yesterday I parked in a further parking garage from work, so I had to walk an extra 4 minutes each way. Maybe it's good for my weight loss that my brain has been scattered at work - I'm constantly going back and forth when I remember just one more thing I have to grab for a project. If no one else is in the elevator, I'll do stretches or glute squeezes. I try to visit my co-workers to ask a question, rather than calling.

I could give up sleeping or computer time. Seriously, I'm up and moving most of the day. Housework has me on my feet as does waitressing, bartending and substitute teacher. I also run a lacrosse program and am working on a couple of huge fundraising projects in my spare time. I really don't lack movement, but it isn't exercise per se, it is my norm.

QOTD FRIDAY APRIL 2: With Easter and Passover upon us, what is your favorite holiday treat? This treat can be from any holiday not just Easter and Passover!

My favorite treat would have to be Peppermint stick ice cream pie with chocolate syrup on it! We make it every Christmas at least once or while we can get the ice cream!

Just did 32 minutes on the Wii Fit Plus. I did the Bump (math), the biking in which I did 6.3 miles according to them. It took me 20 minutes as I forgot where one of the flags was. Then I did the rhythm parade and the obstacle course. Then I finished with the Table Tilt Plus and only got through 2 levels. I forgot how hard it was! Drinking lots of water the rest of the night. We had turkey gorditas with Mexican cheese and then I had a skinny cow mint cone!
I may try and do a WATP workout now that the kids are done with the Wii. They are off to bed in an hour! On second thought, DD2 and I are going to go outside and pick up some of the million branches that are lying all over the yard! Maybe I'll do WATP later!

I love sweets, cake, cookies, cookie dough, pies...it doesn't matter, forget the main course and give me the desserts.

 

[Nicole786]

Welcome aboard!!!!! I would say, yes, it will start again! Not sure when it will be starting though! But join us for the rest of this challenge and meet all of the wonderful Disney fanatics on here!

I will be your coach this week! So, everyday for the next week I will post a question of the day and be available for any questions that you may have. I have already posted my Question of the Day (QOTD) for Friday. Tomorrow, send a PM to LuvBaloo with your beginning weight! You can also tell her your goal weight if you have one. The results for each week are posted on Tues night or Wednesday morning. There is also a Challenge of the Week (COW) that you can choose to do or not to do. At the end of the week, send lisah0711 your score.

Check the first page of this thread for all the details as they are explained nicely there. Post back here if you have any more questions! We're always here to help!

Once again, welcome! You will love the time you spend here! This is a truly magical place! One of my favorite parts of the day is when I can read and learn from all the wonderful people who gather here!

Thanks! I didn't realize I could join in the middle! I will start tomorrow

 

[lovedvc]

HI everyone,

I really wanted to thank you all for sending me hugs, god knows I can use it. I don't think my eyes have ever looked so bad or salty. Xena was my walking buddy. She was the one who was with me almost every step of the way from when I was 182lbs down to 123lbs. She walked with me everyday with a puppy smile on her face, and sometimes pushed me when I wanted to stop, but she would look at me as if to say "one more mile?" I know many of you have a furry friend, and I hope you take them with you this week for a walk with you. It was always a special time I had with just the two of us, without the house or the family to distract me from her. She was a 12 years old yellow lab. I know we had her up to the very last second we could have her with us. We believe it was a brain tumor that took her from us. Her body was in exceptional shape for a lab in general and a 12year old dog. She never looked old. I know it was due to all the exercise we did together.

I have had a very bad time these past days, with exercise especially. Last night was the first time I exercised since last Wednesday. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill. I know that Xena would not want me to quit. Walking was her favorite thing to do with me. It is painful to go through my daily routine without her. I would put my kindergartner on the bus and go straight to our walk. I miss her, but I know this journey she helped me with can not end with her passing. She is with me every step of the way in my heart. I know our family will one day welcome a new furry friend in to our home. As much as the thought of someone new joining our family is so strange, I know that when the time is right and everyone here is ready for that, it will be a wonderful thing. Xena was one amazing dog and she has set the bar very high. So many people I know got dogs because of meeting her. She was with us when we bought our first house, she was with us when our babies were born, she helped us raise them, she let the girls use her as something to balance on when they were learning to walk. She was there when my oldest was attacked by another dog, and helped her get over a fear of dogs, I am certain she would have had if not for Xena, and helped us all heal as a family due to that horrible experience. She helped me get healthy, so that I will have more time with my family. Although her passing is extremely painful, it will bring us to love a new furry family member. There are so many wonderful blessing this dog has given to us, and her memory will continue to live on in our hearts.

Thank you so much again for all your kind and supportive words and hugs! I don't think I will weigh in this week, I am going to continue on working on getting myself back on my exercise schedule. I will weigh in next Friday. Thank you all again. I feel blessed to have found this group of all of you.

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our beloved dog, Nugget last year. This poem was sent to me after she passed. Although it brings tears to my eyes everytime I read it it also brings a smile to my face because I know my beautiful girl is healthy again. I hope it helps you.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

 

[corinnak]

Oh man, I think I am actually an endurance wimp. This week of trying to get the scenery all painted is really taking it out of me! I had been doing more work on the spinner that was closer to the sink earlier in the week - now I am working on the farther away one and basically doubling my steps every time I need to get paint or wash a brush etc. So I guess that answers that QOTD before I even got to it. This is just a temporary gig, but walking that extra distance has left me feeling more tired than usual!

I think I'll just go right to the QOTD

3/31 Wednesday QOTD: Today's question was inspired by the Going Skiing blog, which talks about our "inner toddlers." You know the part of yourself that doesn't want to go to the gym, tantrums for candy, etc. What unhealthy things does your inner toddler want to do? How can you parent your inner toddler to choose healthy foods and exercise?

I've been thinking about this a lot since I read about these inner toddlers. It's the same idea as the rider/elephant/path analogy in the "Switch" book, but they're talking parents/toddlers instead of rider/elephant.

This week has been a wild one with my schedule all extra packed with painting and stuff - and of course there are snacks in the rehearsal space at all times. My "toddler" has blasted through almost all of the weekly points already, and frankly, I gave myself some extra points already this week due to my anticipated increased standing/walking. So I've been doing a kind of a sorry job of reining in the toddler in the food department.

BUT I did go and get my lunch at Panera the other day and there were two older women getting lunch ahead of me and the younger of the two was telling the older one she should get a bakery item since they were 99 cents with the purchase of a meal. Yes, I had a big lunch. But I did not by a 99 cent bakery item. I also decided that yes, we can have snacks, but a bag of cut up apples is a far saner thing to munch on than a bag of trail mix. So even when I feel off the rails, I'm not completely off.

As for working out, I have been thinking about this too. You see, I have a good friend who works out regularly and has done it consistently far longer than I have. BUT she hates what she is doing! She constantly posts to facebook about not wanting to do the treadmill or how much she's dreading lifting weights. And I just want to shake her and say "Go find something more FUN then, for goodness sake!!" She's not interested - she'd rather complain and then do the workouts she's always done and is sick of.

I actually like working out - it can be challenging, but it can also be fun. I love to run outdoors, and when I run indoors, I listen to the right music and just daydream the time away. I love spin class and bodypump, and when the schedule becomes such that I don't make it, well, it is disappointing to miss out. I have gotten tired of running the same loop or doing the same DVD's and THAT is when the toddler tends to come out and say "I don't wanna." Just like with my kids, if there's too much fuss coming from my inner toddler, I look at the situation and see if it is a sign that something needs to change.


4/1 Thursday QOTD: People who are more active just in their daily lives can burn hundreds of more calories than their sedentary counterparts. What can you do to increase your non-exercise activity

Well, there's walking farther to and from the paint sink, for as long as that lasts. I have to admit, I don't do a whole lot of extra non-exercise activity. I will say that I no longer worry much about parking close to stores - just park in the first spot I find, even if it's at the back of the lot. This may have as much to do with the warmer, snow-free weather than anything, though.

4/2 Friday QOTD: With Easter and Passover upon us, what is your favorite holiday treat? This treat can be from any holiday not just Easter and Passover!

Oh, I try not to think about the holiday treats too much! My favorite, though, is either the homemade cranberry port (or bourbon) relish or the fabulous mushroom gravy that I make for Thanksgiving or Christmas, depending on which I end up cooking for.

 

[princessbride6205]

Just did 32 minutes on the Wii Fit Plus. I did the Bump (math), the biking in which I did 6.3 miles according to them. It took me 20 minutes as I forgot where one of the flags was. Then I did the rhythm parade and the obstacle course. Then I finished with the Table Tilt Plus and only got through 2 levels. I forgot how hard it was! Drinking lots of water the rest of the night. We had turkey gorditas with Mexican cheese and then I had a skinny cow mint cone!
I may try and do a WATP workout now that the kids are done with the Wii. They are off to bed in an hour! On second thought, DD2 and I are going to go outside and pick up some of the million branches that are lying all over the yard! Maybe I'll do WATP later!

I did Wii Fit Plus tonight too! I like Rhythm Parade and obstacle course - but I've only played them a few times each so far. I tried advance rhythm parade and could not find the beat I was supposed to be marching and baton twirling to! DH makes fun of how bad I am at the table tilt games, too!

oops, it only took me 20 pages til it donned on me that I wasn't getting updates. Geesh where is my brain???

I have completely fallen off the wagon and have been left in the dust. I have no desire to do squat and now our basement is flooded so my sole purpose in life is to vacuum. I wonder how many calories are burned vacuuming up water????
We have been eating terribly because the kitchen is a hot mess of hoses and cords and tools etc......today was the first time we ate a home meal but it was beef tips and egg noodles, not exactly healthy.

sorry, ignore the rantings of the crazy lady stuck in the dungeons. LOL

Having a completely flooded basement is definitely something that can stress you to falling off the wagon. And of course vacuuming burns calories! Something that helps me when I really fall off the healthy train or have life circumstances that prevent me from working out or eating well: This is just a detour. You can get back to you weight loss plan. [Okay, I had an actual quote along those lines at some point, but now I can't find it.]

QOTD FRIDAY APRIL 2: With Easter and Passover upon us, what is your favorite holiday treat? This treat can be from any holiday not just Easter and Passover!
My fave Easter treats are Cadbury Mini Eggs - they are like my crack!
My favorite December treat is Christmas Tree Bread - we only eat it once a year. It's a sweet bread with icing on it, shaped like a Christmas tree.

 

[sahbushka]

I jogged 35 our of 45 minutes today on the treadmill...would have been longer if my daughter hadn't needed a diaper change. Hmmph.

SarahMay

 

[flipflopmom]

Terrible headache this morning. Must be from being out in the sun all day yesterday with my kiddos. I felt slightly dehydrated when we left the park, too. My appt. with the oral surgeon is this am, so it could be anxiety. I am kind of freaking out! It's just a consult, don't know why I am stressing so badly!

Friday QOTD: I can't really think of one. Cheese balls maybe? We only have those on holidays. Maybe a European holiday, aka vacation, is frozen lemonade at WDW when it's HOT!

I AM NO LONGER OBESE! I finally am in the overweight range according to wii fit! I am down 2 pounds from last Friday, but down 5 from Monday after my Sunday "eat everything in sight binge!" Going to run this morning after my appt, and then we're taking the girls to the zoo tomorrow, so I'll get that exercise in!

 

[donac]

Better week this week. We had 6 people doing the COW 11. Congrats to all those who are using this as a tool.

With 22 out of 28 points
HappySmyly

With 23 out of 28 points
mikamah

With 24 out of 28 points
donac
princessbride6205

With 26 out of 28 points
Jenanderson
lisah0711


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)
2 servings of calcium each day (It can be a supplement if you can't drink milk)(1 point for each day)
Do something for someone else (1 point for each day)
Eat three servings of fruits and/or veggies 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 of calcium
XX days doing something for someone else
XX days of three fruits and/or veggies each day



This challlenge runs from Friday April 2, 2010 through Thursday April 8, 2010. On Friday April 9, 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.

Don't forget to send me COW 12 points.