Biggest Loser Alumni Holiday Edition: past, present and future participants welcome!

[lisah0711]

Good morning losers and maintainers!

Thanks, Jill, for coaching yesterday!

And a special thank you to Gretchen for coaching today with everything else going on. Thinking of you and your Mom and sending loads of your way! Don't forget to take care of you, too.

Shawn, thinking of you and your family and sending lots of positive thoughts and your way, too.

Aloha - I just wanted to say that I am really looking forward to the January challenge. I had joined the Fall challenge, but I did not do well. I'm hoping to be more successful this time around.

Nice to see you! Congrats to DS on his bowl dancing! It some times takes a few rounds before you find out what works for you -- the important thing is that you never give up!

The main thread for the January challenge is up now. Be sure and read it and follow the instructions to sign up:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43544425&postcount=1

Janis is looking for a hostess for one of the team threads and coaches so be sure and let her know if you can help when you sign up!

Jen, hope you missed the food fight at MoA! For about a week DS was really fascinated by the show Mall Cops as we visit there every year.

If you want to know the truth alot of time I'm not really enjoying my running either. But I have to say I really love the way it makes me feel so I press on.

What kind of shoes did you buy?

CC, it will probably take awhile for you to "train" your family about what is and isn't going to work for you. You have the right attitude that it is the thought that counts!

Laura, it's good to take breaks from the internet for sure!

Pamela, sorry about the visits from the poof fairy. It seems to happen to me when it takes some time to do a reply -- I try to remember to copy before posting but it doesn't always work. How is the typing on the iPad?

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO AVOID OVEREATING ANY HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS? DO YOU HAVE A FITNESS PLAN FOR TODAY?

Fluff Question: What is one movie you really want to watch right now? It doesn't have to be in theaters, it can be an old classic that you just don't see much anymore.

We were lucky that it was just the three of us for Christmas so we don't have too many leftovers. I think that what little may be left after today can go.

I already took care of my fitness for today by getting up and going to the indoor track at 5 am this morning. It is hard to go out in the cold but so, so nice to be done now.

I would really like to watch Love Actually some time this week. Have to do it on the portable DVD player since it is R rated and DS is home.

Nancy, I can't believe that Matthew is already one month old!

Kathy, enjoy your movie marathon!

Feeling like it's not going to be too hard to get myself back on the straight and narrow here this week. It's funny how those treats don't feel so much like treats and you start thinking about some vegetables.

Better get back to working as I want to take off on Friday.

Have a great day all!

 

[lisah0711]

So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012. FYI: Its going to be LONG

Love the list! I'm thinking there are quite a few things on that list that you can start doing right now, too.

It's funny that you are all sleeping in today. I went to bed at 9:30 last night as I had to be up at 4:45 today. At 2:11 AM I heard voices. At first I thought I must have been dreaming, but then heard more. I thought maybe one of the boys had had a nightmare. I got up to find the 16 year old and 9 year old still playing video games The 14 year old apparently quit at midnight. Needless to say they slept in today. Of course I never really got back to sleep. I'll be talking to them tonight about video game usage

This is a funny story, Deb. The crazy things that those guys will do. We had a couple of those late nighters but then DS kind of figured it out. Now we are learning about why we don't need to send 100 texts a day so it's always something.

Didn't run yesterday but ran this morning after my usual walk with my girlfriend. I ran it the opposite direction and the gentle slope I usually run down was a giant mountain I had to plod up! But my time was pretty good and I felt strong. Had new running pants (thanks DH for the Christmas present!) and they were great. It was windy but the new jacket I got for 10 bucks yesterday worked terrific. I am so, so happy to have new clothes to run in!

Yay for new warm running clothes! I admire you for getting outside!

This is a great list, and I am with you on almost all of it. But, please, please don't wait until you lose 75 lbs to start loving yourself! I guarantee it will be easier and more meaningful as each pound goes away if you are already loving the wonderful, strong person you are. You are absolutely worthy of loving the you that you are today. She is amazing, she is a survivor, and she deserves to know and feel that she loves herself -- therefore she can do anything!

Maria

So so true, my friend!

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Well I got a mile in on the treadmill. I would of liked to do it outside but its raining cats and dogs here. It was raining so hard at one point I could hear the rain pounding the roof over my typing on the computer and the music going on my tv.

Alan went to open the sliding glass door that leads out to the deck to check on Lizzy and the cats freaked out just by the sound of the rain . Now, I believe everyone is passed out in the living room sleeping. I'm still waiting on my Prilosec to kick in.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Alright so I am a bit late to the party but what else is new. I figured I would catch up with the QOTD's they all seem very intruiging. Thanks Lisa for keeping them all on one post.

QOTD, Saturday, December 17th. Music is a huge stress reliever for me. What is on your current playlist? Do you have a favorite holiday song?Question of the Day.

I dont have a playlist and I dont listen to music when I run but in Zumba we do a dance to sexy and I know it by LMFAO so lately that has been my favorite. I love all the traditional christmas carols and I dont have one favorite.

QOTD, Sunday, December 18th. Do you open presents before or after breakfast?

We open presents at the crack of dawn. This year we were up at 5:55am thanks to my two boys.

QOTD for 12/19/11: We all have great family traditions for holiday time, be it Hannukkah, Kwaanza, or Christmas. But imagine life got REALLY crazy busy and you had to start dropping things from your list. What is the ONE tradition that you could not possibly foresee giving up? Is is making special cookies together as a family? Is it a relaxing cocktail party with friends? Trimming the tree with your kids???

bonus QOTD! For those who celebrate Christmas.... white or colored lights??? Flashing or still???

For those who celebrate Hannukah.....Real candles or electric??

One thing that I will not give up is santa bringing christmas pj's under the tree on christmas eve while we are at church. My parents did this for me until I was out of there house and I will do this for my kids until they are moved out too. I always grew up with colored twinkling lights but my husband likes the white still lights and red bows so that has been our light of choice over the past few years.


Wednesday 12/21 QOTD: with less than 4 days to go before Christmas, what one thing have you been putting off that you need to prioritize and get done today? I'm sure we all have those little things that we've put off thinking we'll get a minute soon, but soon never seems to get here.

The one thing I kept procrastinating on was gifts for my husband. I really didnt know what to get him this year so I kept pushing it off. I finally got it all done though.

Thursday 12/22 Holiday QOTDo you have matchy matchy paper or is it a free for all?

Disney Fluff Question of the day:
If you were to go to Disney during the holidays would you decorate your room?

I got the kids all disney paper this year. But otherwise its just a free for all
I never really thought about decorating a room but I would probably say no.

Friday 12/23 QOTD: Did you ask Santa for anything health or fitness related for Christmas or did you buy anything health or fitness related for someone else that will join you on your weight loss/fitness journey? It so what was it?

Disney Fluff Question of the day:

If you could go or do go to Disney around the holidays, do you take part in the holiday Santa's from Epcot's World Showcase and if so, which one do you enjoy the most and why?


I asked for fitness clothes. Last year was a big fitness item year. I got a nike sports band, new sneakers, winter running gear, etc. So this year I guess everyone thought I had all I need.
I never knew about the santa's from the WS I am guessing it means there are different santas to represent the different countries. I think I would enjoy italy the most.


Saturday, 12/24/11 QOTD: If you woke up today and it was time to open one present, what would you want it to be? Not peace on earth, not a husband that does the dishes, something you can hold in your hands, ride, drive, or see. What tangible present would make you squeal with delight today?

IPAD


Question of the Day Sunday, 12/25/11: Was there any thing special or surprising under the tree?

My parents got us a 40" TV


QOTD 12/26/11 Monday: During this giving season, did you give a gift or receive a gift that was extra special? What was it, and why was it so special to you or the receiver (if you were the giver)? Fluff QOTD: Did you watch the Disney Christmas parade today? Did you have a favorite part?

We gave our parents a photo album of the boys over the years and they thought it was very special. We did not get a chance to watch the parade but I heard it was great.

BBL with replies and personals. Cant wait to catch up with you all. I am very excited for the new BL challenge to start as I am in need of some drastic weight loss.

 

[cclovesdis]

Evening Everyone!

I had a pretty busy day. We spent some time at my sister's and she and I went to the mall. My mom must have really like the one specific wrapping paper for each person idea because she had me get next year's today!

WOW, CC that is really impressive! I got some wierd gifts too. My MIL takes all the tags/plastic/etc off of our gifts so they are "ready to use".
They are also totally useless to return too if you can't use them. I received 4 calendars, in various forms. Can't use any of them. One appears to be an organizational/family chore calendar for Moms of toddlers

Thanks! It drives me nuts when tags aren't on things. I couldn't find a gift bag for a toddler today that had a tag on it. My sister thought I was nuts for digging through the options for so long.

CC - Sounds like you did great with your gifts! I had been doing great at using coupons but this fall kind of let it all slide. Time to get back at it though because we are in need of tons of things like toothbrushes, soap, razors, etc...all that I know I can get for really cheap if I get my coupons organized again.

That's mostly what everyone got, but that's what is needed too, so they were quite appreciated. My sister and BIL got a 4 month supply of razor blades each!

No evictions here! And great job on the savings! I would love to coupon, but have a hard time finding the time! How much time do you spend a week couponing?

Thanks! I honestly do not spend that much time couponing. I use the same coupon book my mom bought probably 30+ years ago and have continued to use her organizing method. I cut out every coupon for a product we use (we aren't really brand specific) and file them. Then, I make a list based on the sales ads for the week. The 2 grocery stores allow you to make the list online and print it out, so those only take a few minutes each. Then, I check for coupons and pull them out of the book and write "C" by the item name on the list. I also shop at CVS a lot. A LOT. I tend to circle items in its ad and then check for coupons and mark a "C" if possible. In the end, I save a good amount at the grocery store and my CVS purchases are often under $1. I usually go to each of the 3 stores once a week for major shopping and can go to all 3 in about 3 hours, but only because it takes 20-25 minutes to get to the furthest store.

I also consider couponing my contribution to the family financially, especially now that I am unemployed. With that in mind, I think it's easier for me to justify my time.

Gretchen: Thank you for being there for your mom and getting her the help that the doctors feel she needs. Please take care of yourself too.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO AVOID OVEREATING ANY HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS? DO YOU HAVE A FITNESS PLAN FOR TODAY?

Fluff Question: What is one movie you really want to watch right now? It doesn't have to be in theaters, it can be an old classic that you just don't see much anymore.

Ok. You got me. I don't have a plan. Most of them are eaten though.

Fluff QOTD: Not really. I am not much of a movie person. I think it's because you have to listen and watch and I've never been much of an auditory person.

Pamela: Glad you had a nice day yesterday!

So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012. FYI: Its going to be LONG

Love your list!

CC, it will probably take awhile for you to "train" your family about what is and isn't going to work for you. You have the right attitude that it is the thought that counts!

Thank you for saying this! It means a lot.

Hi Lindsay!

 

[SettinSail]

Good evening friends! I am sorta watching the BL T'giving special on TV, I didn't see the original and it reminded me of MY very own BL family!
There is NOTHING on TV these days...

DS is upstairs with a friend playing MW3 and DH is still with his family. They spent all day at the hospital and his Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. He is having the kind where they go through the leg, put a stent in the vein and the vein then bypasses the aneurysm and I think the aneurysm just slowly dies. He will have to be monitored with CT scans to make sure it does not pose any problems. I'm so bummed for DH that he basically spent his whole week of vacation having to hang out up there. He will miss the Segway tour Friday morning that was a Christmas gift for the family (Santa brought it to DS) and I will go pick him up Friday which will be a 4 hour drive for me.

We have 3 cats....2 of them we had them declawed when they were really little and the last one we did not. I will say that he is really good about not tearing up things except he likes to sharpen his claws on my dining room chairs. The legs of the chairs had a lot of carvings in them for him to catch his claws on so he has pretty much destroyed those. Other then that, he is great.

Good luck to your FIL with his surgery. I hope that he recovers quickly!
Jen

Thank you Jen, very much. Egads, I forgot about my beautiful dining room furniture; I would hate to think of any of that getting scratched up. I had only been thinking of my leather family room furniture.

Good job getting back into running and a 17 ft tree I have to ask, what kind of tree was it and how much did you pay for it? Most people here use frasier firs which come from the NC mountains and are the MOST beautiful tree there is It smells SO good too.

Evening all! Read everything but too tired to do individual replies. Just want to say to Shawn that I will pray for FIL.

Thanks so much Pamela. You of all people esp know about the power of prayer You have done so well with eating this holiday season. I get so inspired to do better reading your posts.

This night has been awful. I just got back from the hospital where my mom is being held in the psych ward due to extreme depression and expression of suicidal thoughts. She'll be fine, but she has to wait for her psychiatrist to check in in the morning before they decide what to do with her. But I'm your coach for today, so I'm posting the questions now and hoping I'll be able to get back on at some point.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO AVOID OVEREATING ANY HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS? DO YOU HAVE A FITNESS PLAN FOR TODAY?

Fluff Question: What is one movie you really want to watch right now? It doesn't have to be in theaters, it can be an old classic that you just don't see much anymore.

Gretchen, I am so so glad you are there for your Mom but what a bummer for this to happen just as you have your final weeks there before the big move. I hope and pray your Mom gets the appropriate treatment and that you feel good about where she's at when it's time for you to move. Nothing like long distance worrying and I hope you have none of it

I don't have a lot of leftovers left I left my MIL's house before she had a chance to wrap anything up for me. I've eaten everything from my Mom's except about 1/2 cup of potato casserole (YUM!!!) and a little bit of ham. I also have 4 tamales left. A friend always brings us homemade tamales and pico on Cmas eve. I think I'll eat one more of those and then freeze the rest. I froze the rest of the breakfast casserole in individual pieces. I think I'm in good shape on that front I got in a 45 minute workout on my elliptical first thing this morning
MIL gave us each a HUGE bag of peanut butter cups. I've eaten a few but had a talk with myself tonight. I don't even really care for them so I am NOT eating any more

I am itching to watch The Polar Express at some point this week. We usually watch this at some point during the season but missed it this year.

75 Reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012
1. So I can shop for normal size clothes
2. So I don’t feel like Shamu in a bathing suit
3. So I fit more comfortable on rides at Disney World
4. So I can walk a 5K without stopping
5. So I can climb stairs without being winded
6. So I don’t feel embarrassed at family gatherings
7. So I can feel confident
8. So I can feel sexy
9. So I can fit in my size 9 shorts again (I still have them)
10. So I fit comfortably on a plane
11. So my legs don’t rub together when I walk
12. So I don’t feel winded 24/7
13. So I can feel beautiful inside and out
14. So I can get up off the floor easier
15. So I can fit comfortably in a movie theatre seat
16. So I am at a healthy BMI
17. So I don’t have to worry about my body odor after doing simple things
18. So my health issues get easier to deal with
19. So I am not at risk for more health issues
20. So I can get pregnant
21. So I am not afraid to try new things
22. So I can try parasailing
23. So I sleep better
24. So I can do a workout DVD without wanting to stop midway through
25. So I can dress up for Halloween
26. So I can buy a sexy black dress
27. So I can sit comfortably in a restaurant booth
28. So I can enjoy having my picture taken
29. So I can get in and out of my convertible easier
30. So I can buy sexy lingerie
31. So I can start loving myself
32. So I will stop having negative talk go through my head
33. So I enjoy looking at my own reflection
34. So I can enjoy shopping again, any kind
35. So I can sit with my laptop on my lap, my stomach is to big now
36. So I can say I accomplished something I am proud of
37. So I can get professional pictures done and fall in love with them
38. So I can eat to live, not live to eat
39. So I won’t feel like people are judging me
40. So I can fit in a normal bathroom stall
41. So I don’t have to um, stand to wipe
42. So I can sit indian style
43. So I can do a normal push up
44. So I can do a plank
45. So my ring isn’t so tight on my finger
46. So I can start running
47. So I can wear sexy bras
48. So I can wear a necklace without it feeling like a choker collar
49. So shaving my legs is easier
50. So I can inspire my family members to lose weight as well
51. So I can get rid of all my fat clothes
52. So I have more “wiggle” room in my bath tub
53. So I can ride a bike (haven’t rode one since I was a kid)
54. So I will feel happy around family
55. So I can swim without feeling winded
56. So I can start a job and not feel exhausted after a 8 hour shift
57. So I can do household chores and not feel exhausted
58. So I can go to a water park
59. So I can get on and off a bar stool
60. So I can walk Lizzy
61. So I could try rock climbing
62. So I will enjoy s*x again
63. So I won’t feel like a fat cow
64. I’m doing this for me, no one else!
65. I deserve to be happy in my own skin again
66. So I can shout from the roof tops “I’M SKINNY AND HEALTHY AGAIN!”
67. So I won’t be afraid to set new exciting goals and actually accomplish them
68. So, I can run my first Disney 5K
69. So I won’t be afraid to live life
70. So I’ll be more active and stop being a couch potato
71. So I’ll be able to run circles around Alan, LOL
72. So I’ll be able to motivate Alan to lose some weight
73. So I’ll be able to motivate Alan to walk/run a 5K with me
74. So I can enjoy being at the beach
75. BECAUSE I AM WORTH IT!

This is AWESOME! Reminds me I like to make a list of what I look forward to as I go down the scale at each number. Like being under 190, having 35 pounds gone, etc

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes for FIL and for the kitty advice

I got some stuff done around the house today and DS and I went out to do some returns. We actually found a K-Mart tag on a shirt from Grandmaso that went back for an I tunes gift card from there. It rained cats and dogs here today!!! I got a look at the scale and a look at my CC bill today I went ahead and sent a partial payment in even though the whole thing is not due until Jan 17th. We have almost 2 pay periods until the whole bill is due so I will send in another partial payment on Jan 6th and then probably have to "borrow" some from my savings acct and pay it back with each check. If I wait until the bill is due to pay it I'm afraid I won't have the money I have today to pay it It is much better news on the scale. I'm only up about 2.5 lbs which is a miracle after all I've eaten. I'm up 5.4 from my lowest point of the Fall challenge so my first goal is to get back there. I think if I work hard it will take me 2-3 weeks and then I can start losing new pounds!!!

I am so glad my boss told me about The Hunger Games trilogy. I'm almost at the end of book 1 and it is RIVETING! I already have book 2 from the library and need to go ahead and request book 3. DS will read them after me (they are YA) I think I've had it with this BL special and will turn it off and read. I am taping The Kennedy Center Honors show to watch with DH this weekend.

See you all here tomorrow

 

[bellebookworm9]

Kids and I were supposed to have a "Potter-thon" over the holiday break.... I haven't seen the last 3 HP movies yet.... but this is going to be another busy week and I'm not sure if we will have time! Santa did bring the entire 8 movie set to the kids, so they are here whenever we do have the time. Other than that I've been craving The Sound of Music. It was on Christmas Eve, but I only caught bits and pieces. It is truly my #1 all-time favorite movie.

The Sound of Music is probably my favorite movie also. We caught some of it the other night as well.

Great job getting rid of the food and the sugar! I will be taking and putting a lot of the chocolates away (in little snack serving size bags) so that I can take out a small portion when I really want it but so that I don't just sit and eat without thinking about it.

That's a great idea!

So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012. FYI: Its going to be LONG

Another great idea! I should do something like this.

I already took care of my fitness for today by getting up and going to the indoor track at 5 am this morning. It is hard to go out in the cold but so, so nice to be done now.

I would really like to watch Love Actually some time this week. Have to do it on the portable DVD player since it is R rated and DS is home.

Wow, 5am!

I saw Love Actually earlier this year. It was a bit odd in parts, but I liked it.

Alright so I am a bit late to the party but what else is new. I figured I would catch up with the QOTD's they all seem very intruiging. Thanks Lisa for keeping them all on one post.

Better late than never!

I also consider couponing my contribution to the family financially, especially now that I am unemployed. With that in mind, I think it's easier for me to justify my time.

I should start cutting coupons. Normally I don't bother because we never buy stuff that's not on sale anyway.

I am itching to watch The Polar Express at some point this week. We usually watch this at some point during the season but missed it this year.

Great job on talking yourself out of the candy. The Polar Express kind of freaks me out. It's much darker than the book and there are some really weird parts.

**************
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I was just about to come post earlier when Mom called. This was around 6:45 or so, and she said she had finally been admitted to the private facility, that she needed a suitcase of stuff, and that visiting hours ended at 8. So I called Grandma, packed super fast, and then we drove to visit her. It was weird and a little scary. She can only meet with us in the lounge, we aren't allowed to go to her room. She has a roommate who was also admitted today. I got a text earlier saying she was a little scared because they gave her electronic bracelet so she couldn't leave the place.

When Grandma and I got there, she was just being taken up to her floor and room. We were allowed to stay until a little after 9 because she had just come in. Mom said she doesn't know if it's scarier to be there or not be there. For me, it's scarier for her not to be there. I'm worried still, but not as worried as if she were home. Grandma and I are going back tomorrow evening, and I plan to go every night until she's released. We don't know when that will be.

Tomorrow I have to drive out to my brother's group home to return one of his medications that got left here, and I'm probably going to take him out for a bite to eat. Then on Thursday I'm going to visit my best friend in Rochester, since she's home from Philadelphia, and I now have complete control of the car.

To keep myself busy this evening I straightened up the house, did the dishes, washed my sheets, remade my bed, and started packing up a few things for Florida. Now I'm going to take a shower and head to bed.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

They spent all day at the hospital and his Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. He is having the kind where they go through the leg, put a stent in the vein and the vein then bypasses the aneurysm and I think the aneurysm just slowly dies. He will have to be monitored with CT scans to make sure it does not pose any problems. I'm so bummed for DH that he basically spent his whole week of vacation having to hang out up there. He will miss the Segway tour Friday morning that was a Christmas gift for the family (Santa brought it to DS) and I will go pick him up Friday which will be a 4 hour drive for me.

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Its never good for anything like this to happen but the holidays always make things like this a million times harder. Good for you for supporting DH to be there for his family. I hope the surgery goes well.

Mom just called, and she's being admitted.

Sorry to hear about your Mom. It sounds like she is in the right place to get the help she needs and I am glad you were still home to be there for her.

Jill - It is so hard to get back into running. I think I totally overdid it with running this past year and once I finished my marathon in October...I pretty much stopped running. In some ways I question how much I want to really run but I also know that on days that I do run...it feels great when I am done, so I am going to try again.

Hi Jen, Nice to see you back here. I have fallen out of the running scene too. I need to get back into it. I think it is so much harder knowing what I could do and now where I am back at again. I think doing this together will help because I need all the encouragement I can get. Do you have any races planned?

So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012. FYI: Its going to be LONG

This is a great list and all great goals and things each of us probably wish for ourselves. I do agree with Maria that you should still find the love for yourself because that comes from inside. You are and amazing person and have made it through more struggles in your life than most of us will ever have to deal with. Know that you are an amazing women know matter what your body looks like.

Feeling like it's not going to be too hard to get myself back on the straight and narrow here this week. It's funny how those treats don't feel so much like treats and you start thinking about some vegetables.

Isnt that just amazing the way the brain works. I hope you got some of those crunchy carrots or celery to appease those cravings.

Thanks! I honestly do not spend that much time couponing. I use the same coupon book my mom bought probably 30+ years ago and have continued to use her organizing method. I cut out every coupon for a product we use (we aren't really brand specific) and file them. Then, I make a list based on the sales ads for the week. The 2 grocery stores allow you to make the list online and print it out, so those only take a few minutes each. Then, I check for coupons and pull them out of the book and write "C" by the item name on the list. I also shop at CVS a lot. A LOT. I tend to circle items in its ad and then check for coupons and mark a "C" if possible. In the end, I save a good amount at the grocery store and my CVS purchases are often under $1. I usually go to each of the 3 stores once a week for major shopping and can go to all 3 in about 3 hours, but only because it takes 20-25 minutes to get to the furthest store.

I also consider couponing my contribution to the family financially, especially now that I am unemployed. With that in mind, I think it's easier for me to justify my time.

I have recently gotten into cutting coupons and really looking and waiting for deals over the past month. It is absolutely amazing the things you can get for free or under a dollar. Its almost a rush I get now.

**********************************************************
Well the past 2wks have been horrendous with my eating and I have not gotten to the gym either. I have figured out a way to make more excuses for myself and I am determined to change that in 2012.

This week has been a bit rough for my family. On Friday morning my grammy passed away. It was an expected loss, she was 98 and in hospice. Although expected it is never easy and being around the holiday made it much harder too. Tomorrow is the funeral.

I am really hoping to get to zumba tomorrow night since my husband is off from work. I think it will be a good way to release my stress instead of just sitting at home stuffing my face.

ahhh I am so ready to get back on the wagon and shed these pounds. I think I am going to make a list too. I will then check off once I reach the goals I would like to accomplish as I lose the weight. Thanks for the great idea christine.

 

[Tauwillow]

"This night has been awful. I just got back from the hospital where my mom is being held in the psych ward"
Gretchen - I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I have had some experience with psych wards, and have found some programs to be incredibly helpful for getting the patient grounded again. I hope your mom finds exactly what she needs, whatever that may be.

"Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow"
SettinSail - I hope everything goes smoothly!
**********************************************************

Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support and welcome. I just started a new job at the YMCA, and I am in information overload so please excuse me for playing catchup and skimming. (I have to work 9 hours tomorrow to train for a part time job. Are they trying to kill me?)

I haven't worked in over 10 years, and am surprised on how achey my body is when I get home! Its just sucking all my energy at the moment, so I haven't had anything left over to exercise. I hope that will change in a couple of weeks as I readjust to my new routines.

Also, Im training this week and I'm supposed to manage the front desk solo next week. EEEEEEK! Its an understatement to say that I'm really nervous about it.

I have managed to track my calories. I really love the iphone app so that I can track wherever I go.

I really just need to crawl into bed and sleep, so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for tomorrow!

 

[mikamah]

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

Disney fluff qotd, inspired by Rose who is in disney right now. If you were in WDW or DL right now, what would you be doing? I know it's been done several times before, but i just love reading everyone's answers to this question.

Good morning everyone!! I'll be your coach today, and am so happy that I got the day off from work, so on the agenda for today is to catch up with everyone here, upload my christmas pics to facebook, and get to the grocery store. Poko has a vet appt at 9, so I'm off to shower now and then go there, so I'll be back. Have a great day!!

Shawn-sending prayers to fil today. Before I left icu 4 years ago, they had started doing that procedure at our hospital and the patients did so much better and had much easier recoveries and fewer complications than the open conventional method. I hope everything goes smoothly for him.

LIndsay-Thinking of you and your family today.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

During the summer was really easy and I was doing all right up until fall break and Disney. I plan to start exercising again today, to drink at least two bottles of water, and eat one fruit and a vegetable. Starting small.

Disney fluff qotd, inspired by Rose who is in disney right now. If you were in WDW or DL right now, what would you be doing? I know it's been done several times before, but i just love reading everyone's answers to this question.

Well, in all honestly I would probably never go to the parks this time of year. But if I did, I would probably have just done rope drop at Epcot, picked up a Fastpass for Soarin' and am headed to Test Track. Why Epcot? Because it's the only park that doesn't have extra magic hours today!

 

[pjlla]

Gretchen, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she is able to get the help she needs.

Okay, so this month I've not been all that motivated between being out of town, all the food, depression from missing Josh and Maddie, etc. So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012. FYI: Its going to be LONG


75 Reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012
1. So I can shop for normal size clothes
2. So I don’t feel like Shamu in a bathing suit
3. So I fit more comfortable on rides at Disney World
4. So I can walk a 5K without stopping
5. So I can climb stairs without being winded
6. So I don’t feel embarrassed at family gatherings
7. So I can feel confident
8. So I can feel sexy
9. So I can fit in my size 9 shorts again (I still have them)
10. So I fit comfortably on a plane
11. So my legs don’t rub together when I walk
12. So I don’t feel winded 24/7
13. So I can feel beautiful inside and out
14. So I can get up off the floor easier
15. So I can fit comfortably in a movie theatre seat
16. So I am at a healthy BMI
17. So I don’t have to worry about my body odor after doing simple things
18. So my health issues get easier to deal with
19. So I am not at risk for more health issues
20. So I can get pregnant
21. So I am not afraid to try new things
22. So I can try parasailing
23. So I sleep better
24. So I can do a workout DVD without wanting to stop midway through
25. So I can dress up for Halloween
26. So I can buy a sexy black dress
27. So I can sit comfortably in a restaurant booth
28. So I can enjoy having my picture taken
29. So I can get in and out of my convertible easier
30. So I can buy sexy lingerie
31. So I can start loving myself
32. So I will stop having negative talk go through my head
33. So I enjoy looking at my own reflection
34. So I can enjoy shopping again, any kind
35. So I can sit with my laptop on my lap, my stomach is to big now
36. So I can say I accomplished something I am proud of
37. So I can get professional pictures done and fall in love with them
38. So I can eat to live, not live to eat
39. So I won’t feel like people are judging me
40. So I can fit in a normal bathroom stall
41. So I don’t have to um, stand to wipe
42. So I can sit indian style
43. So I can do a normal push up
44. So I can do a plank
45. So my ring isn’t so tight on my finger
46. So I can start running
47. So I can wear sexy bras
48. So I can wear a necklace without it feeling like a choker collar
49. So shaving my legs is easier
50. So I can inspire my family members to lose weight as well
51. So I can get rid of all my fat clothes
52. So I have more “wiggle” room in my bath tub
53. So I can ride a bike (haven’t rode one since I was a kid)
54. So I will feel happy around family
55. So I can swim without feeling winded
56. So I can start a job and not feel exhausted after a 8 hour shift
57. So I can do household chores and not feel exhausted
58. So I can go to a water park
59. So I can get on and off a bar stool
60. So I can walk Lizzy
61. So I could try rock climbing
62. So I will enjoy s*x again
63. So I won’t feel like a fat cow
64. I’m doing this for me, no one else!
65. I deserve to be happy in my own skin again
66. So I can shout from the roof tops “I’M SKINNY AND HEALTHY AGAIN!”
67. So I won’t be afraid to set new exciting goals and actually accomplish them
68. So, I can run my first Disney 5K
69. So I won’t be afraid to live life
70. So I’ll be more active and stop being a couch potato
71. So I’ll be able to run circles around Alan, LOL
72. So I’ll be able to motivate Alan to lose some weight
73. So I’ll be able to motivate Alan to walk/run a 5K with me
74. So I can enjoy being at the beach
75. BECAUSE I AM WORTH IT!

What a great list! Print it and post it on your mirror, on your fridge, on your treadmill....everywhere you can to remind yourself how important this journey is and that you're worth it!

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm sure the fact that you are leaving soon has added to her anxiety. Hopefully they can get her meds leveled out. Keep in mind that it often takes 4-6 weeks for psych meds to take full effect (I know from recent experience)

The leftovers are gone for the most part and what's left is sweet which I've had no desire for in a while. Tummy troubles will do that to you.

Movie...Hmmm...Dirty Dancing or My Cousin Vinny. Something classic and entertaining.



It's funny that you are all sleeping in today. I went to bed at 9:30 last night as I had to be up at 4:45 today. At 2:11 AM I heard voices. At first I thought I must have been dreaming, but then heard more. I thought maybe one of the boys had had a nightmare. I got up to find the 16 year old and 9 year old still playing video games The 14 year old apparently quit at midnight. Needless to say they slept in today. Of course I never really got back to sleep. I'll be talking to them tonight about video game usage



I'm glad that she is letting them admit her. That is the best place for her right now.

Wow! Your kids will need a sleep in for sure!

That is exactly what I have on mine so far!!!

Thanks, Nancy for the tip about books. I did make a bookshelf but it is empty! I have a nook but never use it. I really like the tactile-ness of a real book!

Gretchen glad you were there to help your mom and that she is in a safe place now.

Didn't run yesterday but ran this morning after my usual walk with my girlfriend. I ran it the opposite direction and the gentle slope I usually run down was a giant mountain I had to plod up! But my time was pretty good and I felt strong. Had new running pants (thanks DH for the Christmas present!) and they were great. It was windy but the new jacket I got for 10 bucks yesterday worked terrific. I am so, so happy to have new clothes to run in!

DisneyWedding--love your 75 reasons!

My walking partner lost 70 pounds last year and she is a new person! Drove me a bit crazy sometimes when all we talked about was food and exercise for days on end during the walks! But now that she's sucessfully maintaining we can solve the world's problems again!

DS2 stayed home from practice today because he's not feeling well. DS1 leaves for his game in 3 hours (once he gets out of bed!). Think I'll take a wipe and do a quick sanitize everything he may have touched recently run through the house. The babies (1 & 3) had tummy bugs our last night there. Hope they didn't share with us!

Hope everyone has a great day! Drink your water.

Hopefully no on will end up sick. One girl threw up at swim practice this morning. Hopefully it isn't a bug going around.

Good morning losers and maintainers!

Thanks, Jill, for coaching yesterday!

And a special thank you to Gretchen for coaching today with everything else going on. Thinking of you and your Mom and sending loads of your way! Don't forget to take care of you, too.

Shawn, thinking of you and your family and sending lots of positive thoughts and your way, too.



Nice to see you! Congrats to DS on his bowl dancing! It some times takes a few rounds before you find out what works for you -- the important thing is that you never give up!

The main thread for the January challenge is up now. Be sure and read it and follow the instructions to sign up:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43544425&postcount=1

Janis is looking for a hostess for one of the team threads and coaches so be sure and let her know if you can help when you sign up!

Jen, hope you missed the food fight at MoA! For about a week DS was really fascinated by the show Mall Cops as we visit there every year.

If you want to know the truth alot of time I'm not really enjoying my running either. But I have to say I really love the way it makes me feel so I press on.

What kind of shoes did you buy?

CC, it will probably take awhile for you to "train" your family about what is and isn't going to work for you. You have the right attitude that it is the thought that counts!

Laura, it's good to take breaks from the internet for sure!

Pamela, sorry about the visits from the poof fairy. It seems to happen to me when it takes some time to do a reply -- I try to remember to copy before posting but it doesn't always work. How is the typing on the iPad?



We were lucky that it was just the three of us for Christmas so we don't have too many leftovers. I think that what little may be left after today can go.

I already took care of my fitness for today by getting up and going to the indoor track at 5 am this morning. It is hard to go out in the cold but so, so nice to be done now.

I would really like to watch Love Actually some time this week. Have to do it on the portable DVD player since it is R rated and DS is home.

Nancy, I can't believe that Matthew is already one month old!

Kathy, enjoy your movie marathon!

Feeling like it's not going to be too hard to get myself back on the straight and narrow here this week. It's funny how those treats don't feel so much like treats and you start thinking about some vegetables.

Better get back to working as I want to take off on Friday.

Have a great day all!

I will be sure to go sign up to coach!

Good evening friends! I am sorta watching the BL T'giving special on TV, I didn't see the original and it reminded me of MY very own BL family!
There is NOTHING on TV these days...

DS is upstairs with a friend playing MW3 and DH is still with his family. They spent all day at the hospital and his Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. He is having the kind where they go through the leg, put a stent in the vein and the vein then bypasses the aneurysm and I think the aneurysm just slowly dies. He will have to be monitored with CT scans to make sure it does not pose any problems. I'm so bummed for DH that he basically spent his whole week of vacation having to hang out up there. He will miss the Segway tour Friday morning that was a Christmas gift for the family (Santa brought it to DS) and I will go pick him up Friday which will be a 4 hour drive for me.



Thank you Jen, very much. Egads, I forgot about my beautiful dining room furniture; I would hate to think of any of that getting scratched up. I had only been thinking of my leather family room furniture.

Good job getting back into running and a 17 ft tree I have to ask, what kind of tree was it and how much did you pay for it? Most people here use frasier firs which come from the NC mountains and are the MOST beautiful tree there is . It smells SO good too.



Thanks so much Pamela. You of all people esp know about the power of prayer You have done so well with eating this holiday season. I get so inspired to do better reading your posts.



Gretchen, I am so so glad you are there for your Mom but what a bummer for this to happen just as you have your final weeks there before the big move. I hope and pray your Mom gets the appropriate treatment and that you feel good about where she's at when it's time for you to move. Nothing like long distance worrying and I hope you have none of it.

I don't have a lot of leftovers left. I left my MIL's house before she had a chance to wrap anything up for me. I've eaten everything from my Mom's except about 1/2 cup of potato casserole (YUM!!!) and a little bit of ham. I also have 4 tamales left. A friend always brings us homemade tamales and pico on Cmas eve. I think I'll eat one more of those and then freeze the rest. I froze the rest of the breakfast casserole in individual pieces. I think I'm in good shape on that front I got in a 45 minute workout on my elliptical first thing this morning
MIL gave us each a HUGE bag of peanut butter cups. I've eaten a few but had a talk with myself tonight. I don't even really care for them so I am NOT eating any more.

I am itching to watch The Polar Express at some point this week. We usually watch this at some point during the season but missed it this year.



This is AWESOME! Reminds me I like to make a list of what I look forward to as I go down the scale at each number. Like being under 190, having 35 pounds gone, etc

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes for FIL and for the kitty advice

I got some stuff done around the house today and DS and I went out to do some returns. We actually found a K-Mart tag on a shirt from Grandmaso that went back for an I tunes gift card from there. It rained cats and dogs here today!!! I got a look at the scale and a look at my CC bill today I went ahead and sent a partial payment in even though the whole thing is not due until Jan 17th. We have almost 2 pay periods until the whole bill is due so I will send in another partial payment on Jan 6th and then probably have to "borrow" some from my savings acct and pay it back with each check. If I wait until the bill is due to pay it I'm afraid I won't have the money I have today to pay it It is much better news on the scale. I'm only up about 2.5 lbs which is a miracle after all I've eaten. I'm up 5.4 from my lowest point of the Fall challenge so my first goal is to get back there. I think if I work hard it will take me 2-3 weeks and then I can start losing new pounds!!!

I am so glad my boss told me about The Hunger Games trilogy. I'm almost at the end of book 1 and it is RIVETING! I already have book 2 from the library and need to go ahead and request book 3. DS will read them after me (they are YA) I think I've had it with this BL special and will turn it off and read. I am taping The Kennedy Center Honors show to watch with DH this weekend.

See you all here tomorrow

Glad I can be a bit of help. I will admit that it still amazes me how much my stomach and brain have changed in regards to food and cravings. I never thought I'd see the day I'd be absolutely dying for a salad!

The Sound of Music is probably my favorite movie also. We caught some of it the other night as well.



That's a great idea!



Another great idea! I should do something like this.



Wow, 5am!

I saw Love Actually earlier this year. It was a bit odd in parts, but I liked it.



Better late than never!



I should start cutting coupons. Normally I don't bother because we never buy stuff that's not on sale anyway.



Great job on talking yourself out of the candy. The Polar Express kind of freaks me out. It's much darker than the book and there are some really weird parts.

**************
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers: I was just about to come post earlier when Mom called. This was around 6:45 or so, and she said she had finally been admitted to the private facility, that she needed a suitcase of stuff, and that visiting hours ended at 8. So I called Grandma, packed super fast, and then we drove to visit her. It was weird and a little scary. She can only meet with us in the lounge, we aren't allowed to go to her room. She has a roommate who was also admitted today. I got a text earlier saying she was a little scared because they gave her electronic bracelet so she couldn't leave the place.

When Grandma and I got there, she was just being taken up to her floor and room. We were allowed to stay until a little after 9 because she had just come in. Mom said she doesn't know if it's scarier to be there or not be there. For me, it's scarier for her not to be there. I'm worried still, but not as worried as if she were home. Grandma and I are going back tomorrow evening, and I plan to go every night until she's released. We don't know when that will be.

Tomorrow I have to drive out to my brother's group home to return one of his medications that got left here, and I'm probably going to take him out for a bite to eat. Then on Thursday I'm going to visit my best friend in Rochester, since she's home from Philadelphia, and I now have complete control of the car.

To keep myself busy this evening I straightened up the house, did the dishes, washed my sheets, remade my bed, and started packing up a few things for Florida. Now I'm going to take a shower and head to bed.

Glad you are keeping yourself busy.

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Its never good for anything like this to happen but the holidays always make things like this a million times harder. Good for you for supporting DH to be there for his family. I hope the surgery goes well.



Sorry to hear about your Mom. It sounds like she is in the right place to get the help she needs and I am glad you were still home to be there for her.



Hi Jen, Nice to see you back here. I have fallen out of the running scene too. I need to get back into it. I think it is so much harder knowing what I could do and now where I am back at again. I think doing this together will help because I need all the encouragement I can get. Do you have any races planned?



This is a great list and all great goals and things each of us probably wish for ourselves. I do agree with Maria that you should still find the love for yourself because that comes from inside. You are and amazing person and have made it through more struggles in your life than most of us will ever have to deal with. Know that you are an amazing women know matter what your body looks like.



Isnt that just amazing the way the brain works. I hope you got some of those crunchy carrots or celery to appease those cravings.



I have recently gotten into cutting coupons and really looking and waiting for deals over the past month. It is absolutely amazing the things you can get for free or under a dollar. Its almost a rush I get now.

**********************************************************
Well the past 2wks have been horrendous with my eating and I have not gotten to the gym either. I have figured out a way to make more excuses for myself and I am determined to change that in 2012.

This week has been a bit rough for my family. On Friday morning my grammy passed away. It was an expected loss, she was 98 and in hospice. Although expected it is never easy and being around the holiday made it much harder too. Tomorrow is the funeral.

I am really hoping to get to zumba tomorrow night since my husband is off from work. I think it will be a good way to release my stress instead of just sitting at home stuffing my face.

ahhh I am so ready to get back on the wagon and shed these pounds. I think I am going to make a list too. I will then check off once I reach the goals I would like to accomplish as I lose the weight. Thanks for the great idea christine.

Hope today goes ok. Zumba would be a great stress reliever.

"This night has been awful. I just got back from the hospital where my mom is being held in the psych ward"
Gretchen - I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I have had some experience with psych wards, and have found some programs to be incredibly helpful for getting the patient grounded again. I hope your mom finds exactly what she needs, whatever that may be.

"Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow"
SettinSail - I hope everything goes smoothly!
**********************************************************

Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support and welcome. I just started a new job at the YMCA, and I am in information overload so please excuse me for playing catchup and skimming. (I have to work 9 hours tomorrow to train for a part time job. Are they trying to kill me?)

I haven't worked in over 10 years, and am surprised on how achey my body is when I get home! Its just sucking all my energy at the moment, so I haven't had anything left over to exercise. I hope that will change in a couple of weeks as I readjust to my new routines.

Also, Im training this week and I'm supposed to manage the front desk solo next week. EEEEEEK! Its an understatement to say that I'm really nervous about it.

I have managed to track my calories. I really love the iphone app so that I can track wherever I go.

I really just need to crawl into bed and sleep, so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for tomorrow!

What job are you doing at the Y? Working in such a healthy place should be a great influence!

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

Disney fluff qotd, inspired by Rose who is in disney right now. If you were in WDW or DL right now, what would you be doing? I know it's been done several times before, but i just love reading everyone's answers to this question.

Good morning everyone!! I'll be your coach today, and am so happy that I got the day off from work, so on the agenda for today is to catch up with everyone here, upload my christmas pics to facebook, and get to the grocery store. Poko has a vet appt at 9, so I'm off to shower now and then go there, so I'll be back. Have a great day!!

Shawn-sending prayers to fil today. Before I left icu 4 years ago, they had started doing that procedure at our hospital and the patients did so much better and had much easier recoveries and fewer complications than the open conventional method. I hope everything goes smoothly for him.

LIndsay-Thinking of you and your family today:

QOTD: I'm not sure that I find it any easier at any particular time of year. In fact, I think that the new year a tough time. There are sooooo many newbies at the gym.... Sometimes it is hard to get the machine I want.

If I were at Disney right now maybe I'd be having late breakfast at Crystal Palace!

********

morning friends! Already back from Y and made a healthy breakfast. Need to help the kids finish their projects, get some cleaning done, and get packed up to head to my mom's early tomorrow. I'll try to pop on here tonight before I crash........P

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

Disney fluff qotd, inspired by Rose who is in disney right now. If you were in WDW or DL right now, what would you be doing? I know it's been done several times before, but i just love reading everyone's answers to this question.

QOTD: i'm signing up for a half marathon in may. that means I HAVE to keep going with the healthy eating and exercising. signing up for the princess half was a great motivator last year!

Disney QOTD: let's see...it's just after 9 and i have two small children so that means we've probably been up since 5! so we probably had something to eat either in the villa or at the food court. we're probably just coming off our first ride in fantasyland and heading towards our second (cuz, you know, we hit up rope drop). soon we're probably looking for "second breakfast" which we always seem to eat at disney and maybe another cup of disgusting disney coffee...unless it's hot out and we'll split a diet coke. i'm sure DS2.5 refused to eat any breakfast earlier so he's probably munching on a granola bar. we'll hit up all the fantasyland rides and make our way to the haunted mansion and tom sawyer island. wonder if we can find the paintbrush??

would love to be in disney now!! 142 days

 

[dumbo_buddy]

oh! pamela! i forgot about crystal palace...ok scratch the beginning of my post. instead we would have had the earliest possible CP reservation so we could walk up main street by ourselves


early ADRs for CP are the best!

 

[jenanderson]

So, to motivate myself to get a fresh start in January I came up with a list: 75 reasons to lose 75 pounds in 2012.

I love your list! I agree that you should print it out and put it around your house to remind you about all the reasons why you want to do this. You are totally worth it!

I think I might try to make my own list of reasons why I have to do this again.

It's funny that you are all sleeping in today. I went to bed at 9:30 last night as I had to be up at 4:45 today. At 2:11 AM I heard voices. At first I thought I must have been dreaming, but then heard more. I thought maybe one of the boys had had a nightmare. I got up to find the 16 year old and 9 year old still playing video games The 14 year old apparently quit at midnight. Needless to say they slept in today. Of course I never really got back to sleep. I'll be talking to them tonight about video game usage

How did you make it through the day? You poor thing! Hopefully they will not be making a habit of their middle of the night video game playing!

Didn't run yesterday but ran this morning after my usual walk with my girlfriend. I ran it the opposite direction and the gentle slope I usually run down was a giant mountain I had to plod up! But my time was pretty good and I felt strong. Had new running pants (thanks DH for the Christmas present!) and they were great. It was windy but the new jacket I got for 10 bucks yesterday worked terrific. I am so, so happy to have new clothes to run in!

Great job getting out for a run! I know what you mean about having new clothes to run in - it is such a treat to get new clothes and it always makes me happy to go out running when I have new clothes.

The main thread for the January challenge is up now. Be sure and read it and follow the instructions to sign up:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43544425&postcount=1

Janis is looking for a hostess for one of the team threads and coaches so be sure and let her know if you can help when you sign up!

Jen, hope you missed the food fight at MoA! For about a week DS was really fascinated by the show Mall Cops as we visit there every year.

If you want to know the truth alot of time I'm not really enjoying my running either. But I have to say I really love the way it makes me feel so I press on.

What kind of shoes did you buy?

All signed up for the new challenge and also volunteered to coached.

I did miss the fight at the MoA! Craziness and just generally stupid behavior.

Isn't it so hard to get motivated to run some days? I am hoping that as I keep at it again that I will find the peace that I had been enjoying in my long runs. Even without that, I do feel great at the end so I will keep going just for that. I bought another pair of Asic Kayano shoes. I have been wearing this style for 2 years and they work well so I don't really want to change.

Well I got a mile in on the treadmill. I would of liked to do it outside but its raining cats and dogs here.

Great job getting your mile in on the treadmill! I love to be outside more then running inside but there are days where it just doesn't work out.

They spent all day at the hospital and his Dad's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

Good job getting back into running and a 17 ft tree I have to ask, what kind of tree was it and how much did you pay for it? Most people here use frasier firs which come from the NC mountains and are the MOST beautiful tree there is It smells SO good too.

I will be thinking of you and your family today. I am sure it has been a challenging week but hopefully your DH's dad will be on the road to recovery soon.

Our tree was a fraisier fir....smelled incredible...and it cost us $39! We found this little tree farm up north a ways that sells all their trees for that price - regardless of the size or type of tree!

I was just about to come post earlier when Mom called. This was around 6:45 or so, and she said she had finally been admitted to the private facility, that she needed a suitcase of stuff, and that visiting hours ended at 8. So I called Grandma, packed super fast, and then we drove to visit her. It was weird and a little scary. She can only meet with us in the lounge, we aren't allowed to go to her room. She has a roommate who was also admitted today. I got a text earlier saying she was a little scared because they gave her electronic bracelet so she couldn't leave the place.

I am so glad to read that your mom has been admitted and is now able to get the help that she needs. Big hugs to you as you deal with everything right now.

Hi Jen, Nice to see you back here. I have fallen out of the running scene too. I need to get back into it. I think it is so much harder knowing what I could do and now where I am back at again. I think doing this together will help because I need all the encouragement I can get. Do you have any races planned?

This week has been a bit rough for my family. On Friday morning my grammy passed away. It was an expected loss, she was 98 and in hospice. Although expected it is never easy and being around the holiday made it much harder too. Tomorrow is the funeral.

I totally know what you mean about it being harder to get running when you know where you had been. I keep trying to beat myself up over the fact that I actually ran a marathon but am now struggling with 3 miles again. I have got to accept that I am running and that is the important part. DH and I are registered for the Polar Dash (5K) on January 1st. I think today we are going to sign up for a 1/2 marathon in March. If I keep planning and registering for races...I will know I have to get back out there.

I am sorry about the loss of your grandma. Even when they are older and you expect it...it is never easy.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support and welcome. I just started a new job at the YMCA, and I am in information overload so please excuse me for playing catchup and skimming. (I have to work 9 hours tomorrow to train for a part time job. Are they trying to kill me?)

I have managed to track my calories. I really love the iphone app so that I can track wherever I go.

Good luck with your new job! I bet you will be all adjusted to it in no time and soon be able to be working out like you want to be. Way to go with your tracking as well. I think I should download the app because I have to get back at tracking even though I hate it.

 

[jenanderson]

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

Disney fluff qotd, inspired by Rose who is in disney right now. If you were in WDW or DL right now, what would you be doing? I know it's been done several times before, but i just love reading everyone's answers to this question.

Good Morning! Thanks for coaching today!

QOTD: I know that I have to be careful not to burn out because I think that is what happened last year. I was training so much and so hard. I was running races all the time. I was cutting out so much food that I felt deprived. I just went back and read my weight loss journal from when I started 2 years ago and realized how many times I made mistakes, ate things that were not the best choices, missed workouts and still lost weight because overall I was doing the right things. As I kept going, I became far too obsessed with perfection and that is totally unrealistic. So, I am going to work at being more accepting and not try to expect so much of myself.

Fluff QOTD: If I were in Disney right now, I would be at the Magic Kingdom trying to ride as many rides as possible!

-------------------------------------------

Well, yesterday was not really what I planned for. I did not really get much done around the house. I did not get out for my run. So this means today that I have to get moving. I have already gone in and started a load of laundry. It is probably time to do another load so I will get on that in a moment. I also have to label all the bins with the Christmas decorations that I have packed up and get them back into storage. DH and I are going to go work out at the gym this afternoon while DD goes to a movie. I also have to make something I can bring to share at a get together we are going to tonight. I guess this means I had better get moving now!

Have a happy and healthy day everyone!
Jen

 

[cclovesdis]

Jen: I'm with you. Today is going to be a productive day!

I didn't do much yesterday, but I did job search. I usually do that for a good amount of time every other day. It works better that way, although I have a resume to send in today.

I also need to get to the grocery store. We had hamburgers on Monday and Tuesday night and we are having leftover ham from Christmas Eve dinner tonight. We need some healthier food.

I did go to the library this morning, but I have to go back again to return at least 1 more book. I am also planning a trip to Staples to make some photocopies. I want to try some new things for the new year and today is the last day I have to go there before Jan. 1st.

I mailed ougrad86's HH prize this morning as well. I apologize for taking so long. There is a post office in the mall my sister and I went to yesterday too.

I have got to get my act together. My father was commenting about my memory today. I have noticed it too. I wonder if it has anything to do with eating something (gluten) my body doesn't like. A wise person told me that I should be noticing these types of things, but not make any conclusions until I am back on my GF diet. I am taking her advice to heart.

My bedroom is almost clean. I had laundry-clean and dirty-everywhere. I got a new Vera Bradley purse for Christmas and I haven't found a place to put it yet. I love the size and it will be great for my new year plan, but where to put it? I should really dust too. I think that's the next thing I will do.

I am really just rambling here, so I think I'll go. My next post WILL say that I accomplished something!

Hope everyone is having a great, OP day!

CC

 

[SettinSail]

Lindsay - so sorry to hear about your Grammy. Even when it is expected, it is still tough. I seem to recall you were very close to her and she lived close by and once you jogged over to her house...I hope that it all correct. Will be thinking of you today.

Wed 12/28 qotd- Is there a time of year you find it easier to stick with your weight loss plan? So many people start off the new year eating well and exercising to beat the band and then burn out. Is there something you can do this new year to start off on the right foot and to stay there this time?

I do feel more motivated at this time of year, thinking ahead to warmer weather and wearing less clothes It's not as hard to exercise at this time of year. Where I live it is pretty moderate outside most winter days. In the Summer, it is very hard to exercise outdoors and I just never feel motivated to diet in the Summer I guess this sounds bad but I don't drink as much during the winter either which helps alot with calories and for some reason just don't feel as tempted at this time of year (right after all the gorging of the holidays) Hoping to have great success this time.

Kathy, thanks for the info about your experience with FIL's surgical procedure. That is encouraging. Wow, I didn't know you worked ICU. That sounds tough.

Jen, that is a GREAT deal on a tree! WOW

LisaH, How was your 5 am workout

Tauwillow, Good luck with the new job. My PT job is definitely trying to kill me Is your son still at NCSOA? I was flipping around on Cmas Eve and saw the credits rolling from their Nutcracker production. Was not sure if they did it again this year or if it was a repeat of last year.

Gretchen, hang in there

I was the same weight this morning. Hoping for a loss tomorrow. All of the leftovers are gone except for the ham which I will eat a little at a time and will enjoy but not something I will be pigging out on

FIL's surgery lasted about 2 hours. He is in recovery and will be moved back to his room in about 30 mins and should be able to go home tomorrow. I am encouraging DH to come home tomorrow instead of Friday. He feels like he is abandoning them but I just don't see the need for him to hang around there for another day if he is doing well. MIL can be quite manipulating so I have my antenna out I guess Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes

Well, we are moving slowly here today still in vacation mode. I did a 45 min elliptical workout and made DS and his friend blueberry muffins for breakfast.
We had a visit from some religious group this morning. I was standing there all sweaty in my workout clothes stirring muffin batter and listening I wish DH was here to go to the door. They left me a thick book to read and said they would be back Wish I had not accepted the book but I was just trying to hurry things along and get them gone...

I finished The Hunger Game last night and started on Catching Fire. Excellent series if you have not read them. Hope to do some more shopping today and maybe make a few dishes to take to MIL.

Have a great day all!

 

[liesel]

Sorry I've been MIA for the last few days, I took a break from the computer to enjoy the holidays. I've also been sick (again!) that makes being sick for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. I'm up a couple of pounds that I can't seem to buckle down and shake right now. We were loaded down with leftovers from my parents and I'm struggling between not wanting to waste so much food and wanting to just throw everything out and get back to my normal foods. I also especially need to get back on track because its one month until my first half, the Tink!


QOTD: I'm actually not very fond of January for weight loss. The local rec center is insane, its harder to get on machines and into classes (part of this is weather too) and its harder to find my healthy foods at the grocery store. I actually look forward to March when the gym is more cleared out and I've got my healthy foods all to myself again! I guess I like any time when the weather is nice enough to be outside.


JenA So good to see you again! I was just starting a challenge when you got so busy, but I just wanted to say that you are very inspiring to me! I'd love to hear about your marathon.

Gretchen to you and your mom, I'm glad she is getting what she needs. You are a very strong person to deal with so much.

Sue for you sons staying up so late playing video games!

Shawn I hope your FIL's surgery goes well.

CC and Lindsay Coupon queens! I always wonder how people manage to find such great deals.

Lindsay Thinking of you and your family today.

Christina That's great you made a list to motivate you. I agree with Maria and Lindsay that loving yourself shouldn't have anything to do with your appearance. I know I've become more proud of myself for the things I've accomplished and for sticking with it for so long, and I hope you will feel this way too.

I need to get some things done today so I had better get going. Have a great day everyone!

 

[jenanderson]

Jen: I'm with you. Today is going to be a productive day!

CC - You have a lot on your list today as well. I am trying to stay productive but will be taking breaks. So far I have gotten 3 loads of laundry done, taken 3 totes of Christmas things to the basement and got them back in storage, called about getting the Christmas tree hauled away and done some other cleaning. I still have a ways to go but needed a break!

I do feel more motivated at this time of year, thinking ahead to warmer weather and wearing less clothes

I finished The Hunger Game last night and started on Catching Fire. Excellent series if you have not read them.

Thinking ahead to the thought of summer, shorts, bikinis...it is very motivating!

I love the Hunger Game series. I pretty much only read juvenile fiction and would say that it is one of the best series around!

JenA So good to see you again! I was just starting a challenge when you got so busy, but I just wanted to say that you are very inspiring to me! I'd love to hear about your marathon.

Thanks for the welcome back! I am still overly busy but am learning how to deal with it because living a healthier lifestyle is most important to my overall health and happiness.

As for the marathon...well, you might remember that 2 years ago I started this journey of becoming a runner with the C25K program. To those who remember...I cried many times and really struggled when I got going. That first year I ran a 7K, a 5K, a 1/2 marathon and another 5K and a 10K. This past year I ran way too much for me: a 10K, the Princess 1/2 marathon, a 7K, another 1/2 marathon, a 5K, another 5K, the Twin Cities marathon, and one more 5K. I am not sure what it was that made it too much but it just was. I think I started burning out at the end of August and my marathon was in October. DH and I continued to train through it all but both of us struggled in September and really only did our long runs (it is not good to skip all the short runs). Our goal for the marathon was to finish and to finish under 5 hours, 30 minutes (we are not fast runners...just slow and steady). In the end, we were able to finish in 5 hours. I will say for me, miles 18-26 was HARD! My legs were cramping, my knees hurt horribly and I just was exhausted. We worked through it all and both said we were not swearing off full marathons but we also didn't feel like running for quite some time.

Thinking about the running - there was a long time of running where I loved to get out and run. I craved the run and loved the long run. I felt so strong and so proud of all I had accomplished. I feel like I failed at the marathon. Even though we finished, I feel like we did not train properly (we didn't), that it was not the experience I really wanted it to be and that I should have done better. I think feeling like I had failed and was so injured in the end that I just quit running. In reality...I should have just worked on my injuries and gotten back out there as soon as possible.

So now I am starting over it seems and I am hoping that DH and I can find that love of running again. Right now I know we are running a 5K on New Year's Day, a 1/2 marathon in March, another 1/2 marathon in June and following that up with a full marathon in June. We are working hard at figuring out how to create a good training schedule and losing weight again. It is hard to run when you are carrying extra weight and for me, that means that 20 pounds has got to go. It also means that I have to eat right again to make my body feel strong and deal with the type of running I have to do to do all these races.

Well, that got kind of long but it actually felt good to really put into words all that we have been feeling these past couple of months.

Time to get moving again though and get prepared for 2 hours at the club. My goal is to run at least 3 miles and then walk for about an hour. I will also shower and get ready for the evening while I am there so it is not like I will be working out the whole time.

Have a great afternoon everyone!
Jem