QOTD: I first see my loss in my neck. I have recently been able to see my collar bone and I am starting to be able to feel my hip bone. I would really like to see my thighs and waist get smaller...I know they are, but I don't SEE it yet.
I'm sure you will see it soon -- you are on a roll!
I'm back from my 3 day/2 nt trip to NJ. I ate like it was my job. On the plus side, I got in 2.5 workouts: a mini strength training session, the elliptical and an outdoor run.
Tuesday QOTD: Where on your body do you first see weight loss? Is there a part you are just waiting to see (or have just seen) emerge?
When I lost the first 10 pounds last summer, I was so excited to see my waist again. My waist continues to be a point I look at to measure progress.
I have seen my chest shrink, but I'm not sure how much is tied to weight loss, as I had a pregnancy and 14-months of breastfeeding right before I started my weight loss journey last year. And thank goodness I've shrunk - I was up to a 36H in the first few months after DD was born.
It's funny though, as the fat as been shed, but my shoulders are still the same size, I'm reminded that I have the upper body of a linebacker/Olympic swimmer. My mom insists my giant shoulders are slimming (this from a woman who believed the same about shoulder pads).
As I build in my strength training and continue running, I hope to see some muscle definition emerge. I used to have nicely toned and muscular legs (not bodybuilder size or anything, just defined). It'd be nice to see some of that again.
Monday QOTD: Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's Off to Lose Weight We Go! If you were one of the seven dwarfs, which one would you be today -- Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Doc, Sneezy, Bashful or Dopey?
I'm most often a combination of Sneezy, Bashful and Sleepy. Sneezy because I have moderate to severe allergies year-round. Bashful because I'm a pretty shy person (not among friends). Sleepy because I have about 2.5 years to catch up on! I've managed an 8-hour night's sleep probably twice since DD was born!
Great job getting the workouts in, Nicole, they definitely help balance out the eating! It sounds like you definitely deserve some full nights of sleep.
Back from DL! I love going to DL and LOSING weight! WOO HOO!!!!! However, now I am so totally sick...so no gym time for me, can't breathe, but hopefully, can't eat much either

!!!!
Tuesday QOTD: Where on your body do you first see weight loss? Is there a part you are just waiting to see (or have just seen) emerge? I usually can tell I am losing weight first by my face...the extra chins seem to disappear first! My favorite thing is when the rolls around the sides and back start to shrink...that makes me a very happy girl!!!
I'm glad you had a wonderful trip, and I hope you feel better soon, it sounds like you'll be looking quite svelte!
I decided to quit smoking today. I woke up this morning and thought "Hmmm.... I think I will stop smoking". So, I did. I put what was left of my last pack into the kitty litter garbage (no way I was going to get it out of there if I was jonesing for one) and put the kitty litter garbage at the curb and watched the garbage man take it away. I started smoking when I was 16 (I'm almost 42). I quit cold turkey with all of my pregnancies. 4 years ago I quit and didn't pick it up for over 3 years... then last May I started again.
Tuesday QOTD: Where on your body do you first see weight loss? Is there a part you are just waiting to see (or have just seen) emerge?
According to my hubby the first place I lose is my hips and rear. I think the last place I lose is my chin area. I've started doing chin exercises at night while I watch TV.
Congratulations on your resolve! I know it will help your overall health -- and I hope the chin exercise help, too!
I think it would be great for you to walk the Luck of the iWish 5K if your back is up to it! I did the Valentine's Day 5K and it was fun to think of all of us there running/walking . The Luck of the iWish will be my last virtual race before I enter the "real world" of racing. I have signed up for a 7K in March and a 5K in April. This is from a gal who about died on day 1 of the C25K program. I am now in week 7 of the program and am doing great!
Well, I am feeling a bit better this afternoon so I did an easy 2 mile walk on the treadmill. I am now going to go to WW for my weigh in and then take it easy the rest of the day. The plan is to go back to work tomorrow and hopefully the cold will just continue to get better.
I'm all for virtual racing -- it's great to do an event when it is convenient for you! I'm glad you're feeling better, I hope work is not too strenuous!
okay, time to answer a couple QOTD:
Dwarves - I'm definitely Sleepy! Too many late nights trying to see all the Olympics on TV in the evening after getting things done in the daytime. I let my girls stay up last night to watch the Ice Dancing. All of us stood up and sang along with our anthem

Wasn't it cool to see North America take Gold & Silver! The US & Canadian teams looked so happy. I did find it funny that they have the same coaches. The woman coach swaps from the US jacket to the Canada jacket in between the 2 numbers. I think it'll be great to see how they both do in the next competition.
WHERE TO SEE THE LOSS: notice it usually in the waistband of my pants first. And count me in for the poochy belly group. I'd like to have a flat lower stomache one day, but I don't really think it will happen.
We could definitely have a subthread called, "The Poochy Belly Group"! It is very fun to hear your national anthem!
QOTD - I definately loose weight in my stomach first. Then my face and backside. LOL. I guess that is a good course to follow.
I got a job today. I dont know if I am happy or a little sad. I was bored staying home since my son is in school but I hate to give up my free time. I hope they really do keep my hours at a per diem level like they said they would. The pay down here is terrible. It is half of my old job but what can you do. I am excited to meet new people and have some adult convo though.
Congratulations on your new position! I'm sure you will enjoy spending time with adults, and hopefully your pay scale will improve over time. I think the way you lose sounds good.
QOTD: I tend to lose all over. I would still like to shrink my tummy, arms and thighs, but otherwise I'm not too bad. Unlike many others I do not loose in the breast area when dieting

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just the norm for me.
All over sounds like a very good way to lose! Less frustrating all around.
Tuesday QOTD: Where on your body do you first see weight loss? Is there a part you are just waiting to see (or have just seen) emerge?
pfffft. my ****s.

Of course part of it may be that I 100% weaned my last kid after 10+ years of solid breastfeeding (I'm one of those freaks who believes in extending breastfeeding - don't worry...they're well-weaned by the time they start school!). But that combined with losing 20+ pounds...poor, sad, little deflated balloons.

I need to go bra shopping now because they're way too loose. OK, now I'm depressed and need to go find a cookie. Besides ****s, I'd say hips/waist/butt - it's not an Olympic event trying to fasten up my pants anymore.
You made me laugh out loud! I'm glad it's no longer an Olympic event to get dressed! And yes, you should go buy a new, supportive bra -- you ahve clearly earned it!
We got our new business cards and flyers so hopefully business will pick up soon!
I hope things pick up -- as it warms up and people want to leave their homes, hopefully you will see much more new business.
Only my second day at work and came home with the lovely stomach virus. I hope it is gone by 1 pm tomorrow I have to be at work then. Doesn't look good to call in sick to a doctor's office on the 3rd day.
QOTD: 1st place I lose is my fingers, wrist and chest area by the collar bone.
If I could pick a name for an eighth dwarf my choice for myself would be CRAPPY. That's how I feel.
Oh my, I am so sorry you feel that way! I really hope today is better.
I have stayed TOTALLY on plan all day! Time for some more WATER and some green tea!
Great job staying on plan!
QOTD - I lost mainly in the stomach first. I didn't have a belly till '08 when I gained my breakup weight. And now, it's just about gone! I've also lost some in the back and some off my butt, but my butt is still large and I still have saddlebags.
I love that phrase "break up weight" -- I'm sorry you gained it, but I know you are extra glad to see it go!
OH man, today was the day from Hades. We had a snow day yesterday, so of course the kids were wound up. We had spring pictures and in the spring we do class pictures. This meant we had to do our class, invidividual pictures, and then my kids went with their grade level rooms. We were supposed to have an assembly yesterday that got pushed back to today, so of course that caused problems.
The real issue though was having to evacuate our classroom after sewer gas escaped up the line when they were working on our sink. The place they sent us was a storage room with lots of toys and stuff. Ugh. All in all, my kdis were not nearly as bad as they could have been, but it meant that nothing got done like I wanted it too and it was just very frustrating.
Oh my, you did have quite a day -- I really hope today was better. How is the not eating out for Lent going? Are you enjoying the meals you pre-made?
Yep, weird, I know. But the wedding ring had to be retired for awhile -- amazing! I am hoping for some temperature over 70 in Arizona!
Tomorrow will be a test of my weightloss progress. Last time I flew on US Air in the front row, I had to have a seatbelt extender -- it was very, very embarrassing.

The only time it's ever happened. I have a seat in the same row tomorrow. I'll live if I need an extender but I am really hoping that I won't. I had no problem on my Florida flights and that was a couple of years ago -- yet it nags me.
On a good note today I had a new client who told me that he has had at least ten people in the last five years tell him that I am an excellent attorney. That made me feel very nice because so often I only hear about the people who don't like me.
So on that happy note I will head off the Arizona and keep in touch when I can. Have a great evening all!
I'm sure it was a happy note, and you did not need the extender -- you have made great progress! And it is so great to be appreciated for the work you do, what a great comment!
Just had to let everyone know...I had my weekly weigh in at my ww meeting tonight and had a huge loss...4.6....which brought me to 198.6 lbs!!!!! I am in WONDERLAND!!!! So excited...I am off to
Disneyland on Thursday so I doubt it will stay in the 100's but I am so excited to see it!
Congratulations on the fabulous weigh in! Onderland is incredible, and you are going to do great on your trip!
Wednesday QOTD: What Disney Resort Hotel best expresses your personality, and why?
You would think I would have had an answer for my own question...I'm going to say The Boardwalk -- because I like to be in the middle of the action, but I also like to have a quiet place to retreat.
I am seeing lots of good progress toward our goals, too, as well as our group goal. Will we have to set our group goal higher again? I hope so!
I practice law with my DH so I have a lot of freedom that most attorneys don't have. I've been doing it for 18 years now so I am pretty committed but I am looking for my so called "encore career." DH says practicing law is like playing golf -- a lot of time you are just hitting the ball time after time, some good shots, some bad, plodding to the next hole. But every once in awhile you get that perfect shot that sails right where you want it. And its memory is enough to get you to keep playing. If you enjoy what you are doing now I would stick with it -- lots of folks have law degrees but don't practice.
I hope we need a higher group goal, we are doing so well! 18 years in any profession is a laudable accomplishment, Congratulations!
It's been 2 months, and I still have a hard time keeping up with the thread!! That's success!!!! Weigh to go everyone!!!
Now to catch up on the qotds
monday-love the dwarf question. On monday I would have been Busy or Crazy if there was one, but today I'd say I'm Happy. It's my 4 hour day at work, and after school we're going to pick up the house a bit, and just chill out. I only hope Michael is Happy and not Grumpy after school, or that will change me to grumpy too.
tues- I notice my weight loss in my neck and legs first, and then the chest. I used to have a waist, but it doesn't come back like it used to. I've heard other perimenopausal women say that the belly fat gets worse with the hormones, and I think I'm headed in that direction.
wed- fun question about the hotel. I'd say Pop century would fit my personality. I'm fun loving, laid back, easy to get along with. Love a good game of pac man too.
I think if there had been a Busy, we'd all select that one! Great idea! I remember pac man!
Well... I stayed at the Contemporary in 1974 (yup, I'm old!), at the Carribbean Beach Resort in 1992 (honeymoon), and Pop Century in 2008 (family trip). Other than that we have stayed off-site, so I don't have a lot of first-hand knowledge of the resorts.
I will say that I am most like.... All-Star Movies. I am famously cheap/frugal, but I still like to have fun (value resort but still nice theming). I have parts of my personality that "bigger than life" (giant icons), but I think that I am easy to be around for the most part (easy to maneuver around the resort). I love family time and relaxing (family suites, pools, game room), I love to watch movies, but most of all I love everything DISNEY!!
Wish I could say that I was regal and classy like Grand Floridian or something like that, but that just isn't really me.
Well fellow New Englanders.... are you getting this mess out your windows like I am??? I haven't watched the news this week so I didn't know it was coming!! DD has three friends over from last night and I have NO idea when they will be able to head home! Fortunately, I stocked up on some basic groceries yesterday, so at least they won't starve if they end up having to stay the entire day (and maybe overnight again??? ).
It would appear that we have at least 12" of snow already and it is still coming down at a good clip! I don't particularly mind the snow today, because at least it doesn't cause a school snow day (we are on winter break) and I don't really have to go anywhere (I imagine that DD's swim practice will end up being cancelled tonight). We still have electricity and heat and water, we have plenty of food in the house and we are all here safely, so all is good I suppose.
I'm having a GREAT week, food-wise, after my huge disaster last Sunday. Too bad it took a terrible fall from the wagon like that to spur me on to have a great week. I haven't DARED to take a peek at the scales, but hopefully I will break even?? That might be too much to ask, but I did have an unexpected gain of 1 lb last week, which might have been an ovulation bloating fluke, so maybe that disappeared and a real 1lb. appeared in its place and I will break even. Like my funky math skills??
I think one of the things that makes life interesting is that we all have different personalities! I'm waiting for someone to say they are most like the Contemporary -- a happenin' guy or gal! Sorry for your snow storm. I'm further south in NE, and we are getting way too much rain. I'd rather have snow, but it's not to be. I'm glad you are all set up, though. It's hard to feel too bad when you are shoveling a path to your hot tub! It sounds magical to sit in the hot tub and watch the snow fall!
We have a snow day today

The boys are so excited as we haven't had much snow at all this year. I think we have about a foot now, but it is really heavy wet snow. This storm is supposed to end tonight with another right on its heals. I don't mind these late storms as the temps will be in the 40s by the weekend and it will all melt away.
Enjoy your snow day! I hope the boys have a wonderful time.
Did 3 miles this morning and weighed myself and I'm at a new LOW!!!!! Hoping to change my clippie to 45 tomorrow or Friday.
Congratulations on the new low!
Probably POR. That resort has both the bayou rooms and the mansion rooms. I feel like I have a bit of both in me...a little rustic and a little polished depending on what kind of situation I am going into.
Ah, a woman of complexity -- sounds great!
QOTD: Which WDW resort...
I guess I will say Fort Wilderness. I'm very independent and unique, like each of the sites. I like to be a part of the whole "magical vacation", but I like to have my own things and not have to rely on eating out every night. I love the entertainment options and since I'm a down to earth kinda gal I love the campfire sing a long and driving around in the golf carts. It's like roughin it on crack

Ok, you made me sputter tea on my keyboard! Sounds like you are unique, and in a good way.
Saturday QOTD: What is your favorite Olympic sport? Is there an Olympian who has inspired you past or present? (And no, I don't mean Zeus or Poseidon!)
The luge I always wanted to try it
Sunday QOTD: What will you do today to ensure you will feel less stressed about the coming week?
Stay on task.... take it one day at a time....get off the sofa and walk
Monday QOTD: If you were one of the seven dwarfs, which one would you be today -- Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Doc, Sneezy, Bashful or Dopey?
Monday I would of been a cross between Sleepy and Grumpy Today I'm trying to be Happy
Tuesday QOTD: Where on your body do you first see weight loss? Is there a part you are just waiting to see (or have just seen) emerge?
I wish the first place I lost weight was my backside but of course it's not.
Need to just keep walking
Wednesday QOTD: What Disney Resort Hotel best expresses your personality, and why?
Most of the time (when I'm not focusing on myself) I'm positive, happy, upbeat, and sunny so the Beach Club comes to mind.
Ah, a Beach Clubber -- sounds lovely, what a great way to be!
Huge congrats to all of the losers and maintainers this week!! Way to go

!!! And congrats to everyone who is still here--2 months into this and we are still half here--even if you've had gains--if you're still here--wahoo!!!

and biggest congrats to carys

glad you have joined us this week
QOTDs -
Where do I see weight loss first? I really don't know - I'm pretty fat everywhere (except my calves) and I think I'm losing it everywhere--though not really noticeable. In fact--I've lost 26 pounds and I only have 1 friend who makes any comments--and that's cause she is trying to lose too (so I think it's more encouraging than anything else from her). But - being as big as I was and am (started at 297.5) - 26 pounds doesn't really change my overall look. And knowing that I've got another 99 to go before I'm in the healthy BMI range--I am guessing it will be another 30-40 lbs before others really start to notice any change. But I notice and I try hard to not minimize any progress in the right direction
Which WDW resort is me? Well - I love movies and music and frugality--so the All Star Movies is my favorite and AS Music is my 2nd choice. I also LOVE animals and it's a dream of mine to someday stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. During our trip there Sept 2008 my mom and I went over there for an evening of exploring and I just loved it--watching the animals at night, the pool area - even liked their 'food court'. But then the frugality kicks in and I just can't see doing that on our salary--but Disney dreams are the best dreams
First of all -- you said it all -- what a great group with phenomenal losses!
Disney dreams are the best! You are doing great -- some of us have more to lose than others, but we are all moving at our own pace, and moving forward. You are making progress, even if you think it's harder for others to see, it is happening! I bet if you had blood tests done, you would find you have improved your cholesterol and blood pressure -- you are getting healthier, which is more important than the current number on the scale!
TOUGH question. We've stayed at Disneyland hotel, Caribean and POR, and AllStar Music.
Out of those, I'm definitely most like POR: a little class, a little rustic, mostly quiet with a bit of crazy
It is interesting -- a little alligator bayou and a little mansion -- somewhere in between there is an awesome place!
such a good question of the day!
part of me says beach club b/c i love fun, and the beach, and being cheery/bright colors, and part of me says the Grand floridian, which is my favorite resort, b/c I love relaxing, and slowing down to a slower pace of life, like back during that time, I love to think of relaxing and having tea lol! I love the grandness of it, the pampered feeling, and all the white clean looking colors!
Another great mix -- it all sounds good!
QOTD: This is a tough one! I think probably Animal Kingdom Lodge! We stayed there in April and despite our room choice being a bit messed up it was the most relaxed atmosphere. I love animals so looking out the hall windows onto the Savannah was just amazing and relaxing.
I suspected we might get at least one animal lover! Does this mean you're a little wild?!
Thanks to EVERYONE for the congratulations. Yesterday was pretty easy until after dinner. It's such a habit for me to go out and have a smoke before I start the dishes. I wasn't a big smoker, only 4 a day (with my first cup of coffee, after lunch, after dinner and before bed) but I was so used to the habit. Instead of smoking after lunch, I went out for a three mile walk and after dinner I ate a small tootsie roll and looked at the pricing for cruises.
What a great new habit -- walking and a tootsie roll sounds great to me, and I'm always up for planning another vacation!
Wednesday QOTD: What Disney Resort Hotel best expresses your personality, and why?
I'm going to say the Grand Floridian... mostly because I was born in Florida and even though I haven't lived there in a long time, I feel like my heart is always there and I am a Floridian.
Oh, and I LOVE the restaurants there and the breakfast at 1900 Park Fare with Mary Poppins, who I love!
Ah, a native Floridian! How can you go wrong with Mary Poppins?!
Just saw a Target commercial, it said "find your little number" then showed a little bikini. I know they were talking about the little "price" number, but it made me think of the little "weight" number I want to find.
I guess losing weight can really be all consuming at times. That's okay though, at least I know that my head is in the game and I am thinking positively.
It's much better to be thinking about what you are doing, then mindlessly eating...trust me. That doesn't end up with a good result.
I know it's not the same, but when I was 18 for about a year I was a meth addict. I quit when I got pregnant (was trying to when I got pregnant) and with one last lost weekend after she was born never did it again. It took probably 10 years to not want it.
I think addiction to cigarettes and meth are about the same as far as craving goes but the fact that cigarettes are legal makes it harder to quit I think....
How brave of you to share that

I know you are in a much better place now, and looking forward to enjoying life to the fullest at your new weight, without addiction holding you back
I spent 90 minutes snowblowing and shoveling. It was so deep that the snowblower couldn't do it in one pass.... so I would make a pass and then finish it with the shovel... plus I shoveled the path to the hot tub. I was sweaty and wet and snowy and icky. I feel like I have completed my workout for the day!
That would have been my cue to jump in the hot tub! I hope you got to spend some time there, you certainly earned it!
Maria
