Good morning, losers! Good morning maintainers! Good morning and to the rest of us

Congratulations to the top 10 this week--I hope to be on that list again this week.
I think it's interesting that there are still 32 of us here and active--and I counted the number of us on that 'goal' list that Shannon posts after the weekly results and that list has 30 on it... coincidence? I think not

I am especially impressed with those that are in the negatives on that list who are still here and reporting and working hard or at least being here and reporting to remind them of goals.
I was really busy yesterday and only had time to read the QOTD and so I had the day to think about it off and on--and I am proud of myself with sticking to this challenge and change in life--there have been at least 4 times during this year so far that normally would have knocked me off and kept me off for awhile... but each time, with LOTS of support and help, I've come back and gotten back on track and continue to work toward the goal. There are days when it's a minute by minute choice - and I am learning my body's patterns of weight gain so that I don't allow those monthly extra pounds to derail me - and even though there are days when I do choose to partake in the chips or chocolate more than I 'should' I have been buying better choices and planning ahead and weighing out or measuring so that I get to indulge but not over-indulge or mindlessly indulge (which, I think is my biggest problem). Huge progress for me--and I am proud of that.
On a side note--if there are any of you who are 'cheeto-heads' like me - I tried the baked cheetos last week and LOVE them!!! Actually bought another bag of them yesterday when I was running errands (an hour 15 min away) at
WalMart. And in the past a bag would have lasted me a day at best (an hour normally) and I've had a bag open in the cupboard for almost a week now--just eating 1 svg at a time (OK--2 days I had another serving later too... but it worked with my calories so I was OK--but drank lots more water to help flush out any ill effects from it). So I guess that's another proud thing--an open bag of chips that lasted a week... and I'm guessing that there are some of you who really understand how HUGE that is
Have a great day!! Hope it's full of peace, happy thoughts and lots of good healthy choices
Liz
I can totally relate to the bag of chips thing. I LOVED sweet potato chips and try to not even have them around... but I bought a bag a few weeks ago and managed to make it last almost 2 weeks after it was opened! Nice job with the food control. And your right.... there is a definite correlation between weight loss and continuing to be active here with us!
I am so jealous that you are going to a scrapbooking convention. I really need to get to my scrapbooks. I am so far behind because I lost the love for doing it. I used to love spending hours creating my amazing books, but now I think of it as a chore, not something I love. How do I get out of my scrapbooking funk?
I agree with what a few others have said.... find a project that gets you excited. The heck with "catching up" or anything like that. Try a new technique, take a class, attend a crop with friends... anything that might spark some new excitement. This CKC convention has been a yearly event just 40 minutes from my home for about 5 years now... and this is the FIRST TIME I have ever attended. It usually falls a bit later in May and runs into my wedding anniversary weekend, and it never seemed right to abandon DH with the kids on that particular weekend

! But this year the timing was better and I am LOVING IT! I met about 10 new Dis friends yesterday and had a great time... sure, I didn't get a ton of scrapping done, but I had FUN!
Thanks! I was so excited to see my name on there too!!!
I was just thinking about you yesterday - we are going to Scotland to see my relatives w/my dad this July and so now I have a shorter term weight loss goal, to be comfortable on that cramped Continental flight! I was thinking hmmm - 12 weeks, 25 pounds or better yet 36 pounds or wow 48! I was like yea right - but wait Ann lost 4.7 that week...hmmmmm.
For scrapbooking I'd say pull out your favorite vacation or book and just do that, then it'll be fun again. Or get in a swap on the boards so you get some fun disney stuff, or buy a cricut! Of course I haven't scrapped with mine but I sure have played with it.
First of all... from the perspective of a "wanna-be world traveler", I am so envious of your trip to Scotland (I am Scotch on my Dad's side). And you will DEFINITELY be more comfortable on the flight with some weight off... but I think asking for more than 20 pounds in 12 weeks is a bit much. Aim for the 20 and if you lose more consider it a bonus!!
Pjlla-- hah--why do you think I just left a note? He wouldn't have let me gone...Oh and I remember now-- we had row 7 for Bowie in Portland and the kids were further back. I got lucky from constantly checking ticketmaster. So it was only fair for daughter to be able to get closer lol. We ended up with row 4 in Seattle! Very lucky. I kept that note on the fridge for a long time lol.
Yup... I understand. It's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission!! That's my motto!
Jen, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
I have decided to set up a card table in my crafting room and just start doing scrapbooks again. I can't get them done if I don't start DOING!
Find the time and make the space and it will happen! Come join us on the scrapping board (in the creative community)!!
I have to share a personal victory I just had.
Last week I ran a 5k in 48 minutes... today I ran it in 36.41. I'm pretty pleased with myself.
SUPER time!!
Ann - there's a thread on the scrapbook forum where you commit and post your completed pages, maybe that will inspire you. I did it January and got 30 pages done! Did February and got ZERO.

Haven't shown my face there since!
Did my walk and exercise today. I've been a c25k dropout and haven't started back, I'm not sure that I WANT to run...maybe 20 pounds might change my mind though.
Don't feel like you MUST be a runner. I started running back in January and was initially very excited to be able to run... but I don't love it and it started making me feel like a failure when I would back out of a planned run. I was afraid it might make me start skipping the workouts all together, so I took the pressure off myself and told myself "You don't HAVE to be a runner!". I run about once a week now... sometimes 4 miles, sometimes less. No pressure to run every day or even three times a week (which was my original schedule). I didn't love it, I was dreading the run days, so WHY RUN?? There is plenty of other good exercise out there. Find something else you like or love and DO IT!
pjlla: Good luck with weigh-in this week!
Thanks... it wasn't as bad as I originally thought. I was actually down just a bit, which makes three weeks in a row of weight loss... something that hasn't happened for me a long time.
At the same time as this challenge I was enrolled in a local 12 week Biggest Loser contest. We had our finale a couple weeks ago. I was the biggest women's loser AND the biggest overall loser percentage-wise! YEAH ME! I won a $500 fashion make-over from our mall. I work for the schools, so I can't wait to go shopping at the end of July after I've done some more bodywork and before the start of next school year.
In other news, I've been slacking off here. After a plateau, I'm losing weight again, but I haven't been connecting and posting on here regularly. I really need that. The pounds are dropping but I'm just feeling BLAH. So, my goal for May and the final few weeks of our DIS challenge is to post on this thread DAILY. Even if it's just to say "here." And I'm committing to picking up COW again starting tomorrow. That daily focus really helps. Let the countdown begin!
Congratulations on being the BL in your contest and on winning such a great prize! Enjoy your special make-over day... post us some before/after pix!!
Glad you are committing to kick things into gear again and sticking with us... it definitely does help. Let's ALL committ to finishing up this challenge STRONG!!!
Just wanted to say hello and let you know I've been thinking of you all and hope you're having a good week. It's been a busy, crazy fun week for us with first communion on saturday i've done a ton of housework and yard work, and feel really good about that, and I'm going to finish everything tomorrow hopefully have some time tomorrow night to catch up on everything.
I was going to catch up this morning, but free dining came out for Dvisa for aug-oct2, so I had to work the numbers, and I booked our trip for aug with the kids stay and play free which was a better deal, so I'm on a disney high right now!! Those poor people I work with are going to suffer today.
Just saying HI! Glad you got a "Disney Deal"! Just "6 sleeps" left for DS and myself! I am getting really excited!!
Back from the doctor. My dh told me when I walked out I had such a look of relief on my face. I have atrial premature complex, which if you're going to have an irregular heart beat, it sounds like it's the one to have. He said it is happening frequently, but if I'm not having any noticeable palpitations, there's no reason to treat it. If I start having symptoms there's medicine I can take. He said it is happening quite frequently, and asked me about caffeine/stimulant use. I have almost no caffeine, and take almost no medicine. So he told me to stay off the caffeine, avoid decongestants and otherwise keep doing what I'm doing. I told him I thought I was doing everything right and felt healthy and then this happened. He said you are healthy and you're doing everything you need to be doing.

That made me feel good. I do need to work on managing the stress/anxiety because that could be another cause. Tomorrow I go for an echocardiogram just to make sure my heart looks good. He said he has no reason to believe anything will show up, but wants to rule things out.
DH and I are going for a run tonight. I can't wait! Then tomorrow after my appointment I'm going to strength class and then maybe a little bit on the elliptical. I've already put some new songs on my ipod.
Thanks again for all the good wishes. I'm not even worried about the echocardiogram tomorrow.
Have a great day!


HOW WONDERFUL! You got some good news there. I'll bet your run felt TERRIFIC! It's like a new lease on life and I'm sure you will make the best of it!
OK I got it! Came to me in the shower.
Quotd : What is/was your favorite piece of clothing? It could be anything from a prom dress to a ragged old tshirt.
I've missed a few QOTD, but I don't have time to catch up now... but I'll answer this one. My current favorite article of clothing is probably my size 3 jeans from Fashion Bug. Sure, it is totally vanity sizing, but I LOVE the number anyhow!!

They are soft and a bit stretchy and comfy and TOTALLY NOT "Mom" jeans!! Second favorite would be a mid-thigh khaki skirt (with built in shorts underneath)... dressy enough for a party, but super comfortable and I think it makes my legs look pretty good.
Right now, my favourite is the dress I bought for my cruise in March. Its my favourite colour, has some good "spin factor:
Holy crap... can I just say you are totally adorable!? And I love the royal blue... I've always liked "spinny dresses" (as I called them when I was a kid).
It also helped that I made his favorite rosemary potatoes for dinner.
Awwww Mom... you are the BEST!
Back from shopping! I LOVED IT for the first time in years! I had to buy smalls and size 8s!!!!!! I wanted to cry I was so excited! I bought a pair of denim capris, a pair of cotton drawstring capris, 3 pair of drawstring shorts and 2 tops! One of the tops is the prettiest color green I've ever seen! I can't wait to wear it! All that came to $75 so I was psyched!
Off to celebrate with something special for lunch! Giving a massage at 2 and then picking up DD2 and waiting for DD1 to get off the bus and then we are off to the park for a while with some friends!
Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY everyone! Going to be 80 here tomorrow so I needed the shorts.
It is amazing after years of being overweight that shopping can actually be a pleasure!! I can feel your excitement!
Right now my favorite piece of clothing is a dress I'm saving for my birthday in June. I'm sure I could get into it now, but I haven't tried it on because I really want it to look good, and I believe by then I will have lost enough that it will be smashing!
Well,
Jen, for me the key is in the question -- I have to actually plan!

If I leave it up to whatever happens, it's not pretty! If I have a plan, even if I deviate somewhat, I will mostly stick with it. This weekend I'm planning on surviving my FIL and his wife, and then collapsing -- but that probably wasn't the type of plan you meant!

Honestly, I've had a not so great last half of the week. I haven't felt well and haven't managed to do more than squats for 3 days. I'm not even sure I'm going to do my 8M tomorrow, since my house needs help inside and out before they arrive. My dh (who informed me yesterday they would be coming down for lunch Sunday), also informed me this morning he plans to work outside all day Saturday, and then he'll devote the morning to inside on Sunday. I have been through this before -- it means absolutely nothing I want to get done which I need his help with will happen Sunday, as he will realize he has to go to the grocery store, go get the paper, go put gas in the car -- you name it, there will be some reason he can't do the things I ask. Ok, so aside from all this -- workouts are doubtful, so that means I have to focus on food -- which will definitely be takeout as we scramble around getting ready for our company. I wish I could lie to you and tell you I'm just going to eat salads and fruit. My dh's family is a major trigger for me (it makes me crazy because they treat ds like a lower form of life than his cousins, and generally make zero effort on his part). But since they did agree to show up Sunday (these are the same people who cancelled the night before for Easter, so you never know), I am going to make my home and myself as welcoming as possible. DS is 12 now, maybe they were waiting for him to get older to find him interesting....

I wish I was one of those people who can't eat when they're stressed. But I'm not. Honestly, I'm going to just get through this weekend and start fresh on Monday. I'm going to do the best I can, but that might not be very good.
Maria
Just a

to help you get through your tough weekend.
Down 2lbs this week (to 204lbs) and its killing me!! I just want to be in the 100s again already!! Not feeling well today at all, I think I really need this cheat day...
It WILL happen... patience... a few good weeks and you will hit "one-derland" for sure.
Ugh. I'm having one of those days. I have a terrible sinus headache and it won't go away. Grrrr.
I am only down .4 for the week which I find totally frustrating. I was having a great week, down over 2 pounds, and then this morning, I stepped on the scale and it all my hard work from the week was gone... like a flash... all of it but a measly .4 pounds. I could cry... wait, I did cry. I cried and yelled at my hubby and sulked in the corner and pouted and swore that I was done with this dieting and working out stuff and I was done with it all and I didn't care. That's when I suddenly felt it.... a cramp... darn TOM. Sure enough, the Reds came to town to play ball 3 days early. Mentally, I wasn't quite prepared for them to take the playing field.
Ahhhhhhhh.... it makes me so mad. I ran 3.1 miles 3 days this week AND took that super duper hard Spin class and I have nothing to show for it.
I must go cry now. Thanks for listening.
It was not in vain... that loss will show up after "Aunt Flo" heads out of town. Don't give up!! Don't eat into the aggravation and frustration. It was NOT all for nothing. Even if you never lose another pound (which you will!!), that exercise helped make you a healthier, stronger person.
Overcoming inertia is the hardest part - once I start that first step it 's pretty easy to finish.
Love this sentence! It is so ME! I really have to drag myself to get ready to exercise... but once I am moving I am just fine!
This was my day to volunteer at DS' elementary school. They had a fire drill while I was there. There was a substitute in one of the 4th grade classes. When the fire alarm went off the kids left the room and lined up where they were supposed to outside but she just stayed at her desk!

Umm, even if you don't know what is going on, don't you think that you should follow your students if all the kids leave your classroom?!? Especially when sirens are blaring and strobe lights are flashing?

The janitor, who has to be sure everyone is out, chased her out. Thank goodness it was only a drill. The principal said its needs to addressed at the district level, too, because you just can't be too careful with our kids!
Have a great day everyone!
At our school they aren't great about teaching subs much, but even just plain common sense should tell you to GET OUT OF THE BUILDING! The adult in the situation (para, sub, teacher, whoever) is supposed to LEAD the children to safety... if you let them lead, they could lead you into a dangerous situation (assuming it was a real fire). I always felt like I should be in the back to make sure everyone got out, but the leading is important to. I would DEFINITELY ask the principal or superintendant to have a training time with ALL subs to be sure this situation didn't repeat itself!!
Warning: This gets long and maybe a bit "preachy" but I still am going to post it!
It was a pretty good day for me. I was able to say good-bye to pound 167 like I wanted to....now I do not want to see that weight again!

I lost 2.5 pounds this week and know that it helped to be really focused again this week. I was able to bike to work 3 days and got my all my running in as well. I just shared these statistics on another thread but I thought I would share them here too:
Monthly Summary -
Running: 48 miles
Biking: 34 miles
Walking: 2 miles
Total = 84 miles for the month of April
It has been 4 months since I started this journey with you all. The first day I stepped on the scale I cried and was totally ashamed. I started at 198 pounds and I have gone up and down over and over and I have wondered if I should just give up at least once a week. I now weigh 163.5 pounds, that is a total loss of 34.5 pounds. I started in size 14 jeans that were way to tight for me and today I wore my DD's American Eagle skinny jeans in a size 8. The first day I exercised I cried and could not even jog for 60 seconds. I now can run 6 miles straight and am training for a 1/2 marathon in June. It is still a struggle every day not to give up or give in or skip a work out and I don't know when it will get easier for me. I just know that I have to keep going even when it is hard.
No matter where you are at, please know that EVERYONE here inspires me every day to keep going. I learn from you, I feel supported by you, I laugh with you, I feel bad when you struggle and I know that I would never have reached this point without this thread.
THANKS EVERYONE!
Not preachy at all... totally INSPIRATIONAL!!! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Well... Now that I have replied to everything I have run out of time to "chat"!! I need to run and pick up DD from early swim practice! Just saying hi anyhow. I am LOVING the scrapping convention and have really enjoyed meeting fellow Dis'ers!!! I had a tiny loss on the scale this week (.02), but I am satisfied with that!!
Gotta run! I'll be back tomorrow! Happy Saturday everyone!..............P