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

[SettinSail]

Tracey - glad you are feeling better

CC - what pattern of VB bag did you get? If you mentioned it already, sorry I missed it!

Nancy- what about all those BF calories you are burning like crazy
Sometimes when I just feel so out of control, it helps me to write everything down or losely total it up in my head and then I feel back in control again. As long as I keep acknowledging it, I find myself getting back on track. I ease back into things and am not a cold turkey person

I downloaded that series last summer and transferred it to CD's and we listened to it on our drive to Florida. The Hunger Games was on DS 9th grade summer reading list. We listened to the 2nd book on the way home. We are currently on the 3rd book and DS told me the other day we needed to go on a long ride to finish it. There may be a trip to the Tilton NH Outlet Mall in my future!!!
Janis

I am deep into the second book now and just can't seem to break free from these books. I really wanted to get some things done around the house this week! Well, I have 5 days left until I go back to work so there is some hope yet.

Good morning friends! I took the morning off from the elliptical today even though the scale was I think I may have overdone it with the sodium yesterday. Tonight is my Dad's birthday party. I heard about a great gift to get him on the Budget Board. It is from Amazon - it is a journal titled "Tell us your stories Grandpa" where he writes in the answers to questions in the book and then gives it to the grandchildren as a keepsake. Uh, did I ever order it ---NO OOPS! I plan to give him some lotto tickets and tell him his gift has not arrived yet and get it for him later. It would have been neater to present it to him with the whole family there though. DH wants me to go pick him up today He called me last night and I thought about making some meals to take to MIL but I would either have to cook late last night or early this morning and just didn't feel up to it. Once again, good intentions but never acted on them

Yesterday, DS friend stayed all day and DS and I didn't get to the Mall until after 6:30 last night. I was hoping for lots of big sales but everything was very picked over. DS really needs some new clothes but I think he's not real sure what his "image" is. He would love to wear skinny jeans but they do not fit him right he's chunky. He always wants to buy Tshirts that already look like they are worn out and cost $20-$30 each. DH and I are tired of him wearing the same thing to school every day and looking like a homeless person! We did manage to pick up 2 nice shirts, one from Hollister that was 1/2 off (collared long sleeve shirt with no writing on it) and a shirt from AE that was FULL PRICE and short sleeves. UGH, I miss the days when I picked out all his clothes and knew exactly what size would fit him. I think he really wants to just blend in right now and not stand out in any way but not wear EXACTLY what everyone else has on. Not easy to shop for to say the least

I am on Team Donald for the Spring Challenge. The May 18th ending seems so far away that anything is possible. I will have the same goal I did for the Fall challenge since I never made it anywhere close to goal. It's sad to see friends on the other team but I know we wll reunite later on. Thank you Janis for being our coach

I'll try to get back on later for the QOTD but I have a 4 hour round trip to bring DH home and then I am responsible for bringing the pizza to the party tonight so may not have time.

Have a happy and healthy day as Dona would say

 

[SettinSail]

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

I have a few things I am hoping to implement. I am thinking about eating a separate meal from the family at night. I know there are pros and cons to this. May start with 1-2 nights a week and see how it goes. We can quickly grill any type of meat on the GF so my meal would be grilled chicken or fish and steamed broccoli. I heard they eat this alot on BL. I also hope to implement one "super light" day a week, like Pamela. I am putting up a large sign taped to my closet door beside the scale. It will have one whole number on it which will be the next number down on the scale. IE, if I currently weigh 196, the number on the card will be 195. When I have reached that goal, I will put up another poster with the next number down on it and so on. I did so good losing when I first started, just focusing on losing one pound at a time. I think I have lost sight of that. I'm not good at tracking but I would like to also check out Sparkpeople and see what I can do with the info there. Good luck to all of us as we embark on the new challenge

LisaH, at your desk at 5:30AM WOW Hope it is something with a super payoff

 

[jenanderson]

Hope everyone's Christmas was better than ours. 4 out of the 6 of us in the house came down with the stomach bug.

I hope you are all feeling better now! This happened to my family a couple of years ago and while it was actually nice in some ways to just be at home with the family...it was a bummer of a way to spend the holidays.

I am proud to say that I've finished almost all of my to-do list.

I found out that we have dinner for tomorrow night and it is healthy so I got out of going to the grocery store until Friday. We're having a roasted turkey breast tomorrow night. My father is roasting some veggies for dinner tonight. We'll have a salad as well. It will only be the ham that isn't the best choice.

CC - Great job getting so much done yesterday! I have decided that today I will make a list and try and stick to it. Yesterday I also accomplished a bunch but I have so much left to do that I think a list will help me stay focused.

Sounds like you have some decent meals plan. I am impressed with everyone who actually is eating healthy over the holidays. I have been trying here and there but it is a struggle.

It's so good to see you again, Jen, and I love your running plan for the new year. It's good to look back on all you have accomplished, and know that you will be able to do it again. It sounds like chipper jen is back!!!

Totally not chipper Jen!

When I get back from Daytona Beach I'm going to sit down and make out a menu for the month of January, grocery list, and somewhat tenative exercise schedule. Then I'm going to set goals for the month (i.e. miles walked, exercise minutes, etc). I did this in November and did really well. I set goals for December but with traveling and holidays I didn't do wll at all.

Well I woke up really late today and didn't eat breakfast. I got a mile completed outside. I was in shorts in a t-shirt and when I started it was 68, when I was done 62! Yeah, my 2nd mile will be done inside on the treadmill, BRRR...

Great job on getting your workout done and have fun on your trip! I think it is great that you do such a wonderful job planning things out and setting goals for yourself - I am sure you are more successful as a result of it.

I also have to laugh about your weather comment...our rule is that we run outside as long as it is above -10°! Guess it is all dependent on where you are from and what the weather is like. I could really use living in some warmer place!

For the new year, I am creating a new plan. I am putting my health first and that means my physical and emotional health. I will be using a self-designed fitness plan that requires me to go to the gym. Going to the gym itself is helpful emotionally so I have that part incorporated too. I bought myself a new journal that I intend to use daily. I will be using myfitnesspal as well.

My stomach is still saying no gym, but tomorrow is the last day I have to eat gluten, so back to the gym very soon!

I like that you went out and bought yourself a new journal to help you keep your health first. Just yesterday I pulled out a journal that Jude (jbm02) had given me and I recorded my running from this past week. I plan on trying to use it to keep track of things...I think. I really like an electronic journal as well and might go that route instead. Hard to say what is going to work best but I need to get back to journaling.

I am so glad to read that today will be your last day that you have to eat gluten. Here is to feeling better and being back at the gym!

Whoa! That's a lot of races! I am happy to do a 5k every month or so lol. I guess I better step it up! Good luck with all your races!

Well, I finally made it back to the gym today after a week's break. It felt so good to go back. Being off schedule has thrown me way off! I've done some shopping this week and a lot of cleaning and organizing. I feel like I am getting things accomplished before we all go back to school/work again Tuesday

Jill - Great job getting back to the gym! Isn't it nice when you go back and it just feels right again. I just wanted to tell you with your racing - stick to what you like. I think that was my problem. I was running races because I felt I had to do it. If you want to step it up.....go for it! If you feel good about what you are at....leave it! I think my race schedule will be busy this year but I am picking races I want to do and not ones that I am not interested in.

I do much better starting at the new year and focusing on upcoming vacations I booked our Aulani stay just this morning and I am totally motivated to get into bathing suit shape before our trip.

I would love to go to Aulani! You will have to post all about it so that I can pretend I have experience it!

What the weight loss really gave me was two things--One, it taught me that I am worth it...worth the effort, worth the time, worth being loved. And two, it taught me that I CAN do it. I can. I am not a failure. I might mess up sometimes, lots of times. But quitting is not an option, and neither is failure. And really the only failure is quitting.

JenAnderson--nice to see you.

Hello Rose - I love what you wrote about what weight loss has given you. It is so true. The 2nd part is especially important...messing up does not make us a failure. I think that is the hardest realization at times.

Thanks for the warm welcome back!

JenAnderson- Welcome Back! I have missed you!!!! It's so nice to see your posts again! How are things?

Well it seems like we are all better!

Another warm welcome! Thanks...it is good to be back. Things were really crazy in my life for some time and I think I expected perfection from everything I did (which added to the craziness). I am now learning to embrace how messy life is with a teenage daughter, a busy pre-teen boy, a husband who is busy with his job, another change in jobs for me, trying to live a healthy life and just life in general. I have been finding ways to become more organized, finding ways to let some things go a little bit and learning that I don't have to be working towards perfection. So...it is good. I am glad to be back on the WISH boards and see so many of you still here and going strong!

Went to visit Mom again tonight. She seems better today, and she was in her own clothes as opposed to the gowns and bootie socks they gave her yesterday, so that helped too. Going back again tomorrow; they estimate she'll be there for 6-7 days. She's made a few friends, so that's good too.

Glad to read that your mom seems to be better!

I feel I need to ease back in to the lesser amounts, healthier foods.

I have really enjoyed doing nothing the last couple days. We have relaxed,watche movies, read books, visited...

I need to start easing back into things as well. I see the days ticking by and realize that it is almost time to get back to the normal work days and know that I have to start making a few changes now so that it doesn't seem as drastic on January 3rd when I am back at work and going full-out on the path to being healthier again.

Enjoy your time off!

I just posted the Team Donald and Team Mickey threads for anyone that wants their clippies!!!! The threads are "under construction"

Thanks Janis!

 

[jenanderson]

Morning all! I've been continuing my death spiral towards obesity need this new challenge to start. Sure I could start now but that would require discipline and motivation.

The good news is that there are only a couple of days until our new challenge officially starts. I doubt any of us can do that much damage in just a couple more days. Try to give yourself a break right now and begin making plans that will keep you motivated during the challenge...that is what I am doing. While I am not officially making changes this week, I am doing planning and set up of things so that when we do officially start our challenge - I will be ready and not have excuses to keep putting it off.

The Tinker Bell Half looming was a great motivator for me this Fall. I need to keep on doing what I have been doing for all of January. Luckily I have a 10K in March and another half in May to keep me moving forward.

Since I will be at DL next, I will say if I was at Disneyland right now I would be sleeping and hoping that there is a Magic Morning so I can get into see the new Star Tours first thing.

Jen, a New Year's Day run sounds cold. Good luck!

Lisa - I actually registered for the Tinker Bell Half...but can't go. There was a group of us who registered together but one by one they dropped out until I was left alone and then I decided that I couldn't make it work going on my own. You will have to post all kinds of great information about it when you come back!

I am actually looking forward to the weather on New Year's Day this year. When we did the race last year - it was -18°! I felt numb most of the race. This year we should be close to 30°. I might not even wear a coat!

I am your coach for today. I know I can hear you all cheering from your living rooms.

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

This is me cheering for you coaching!

QOTD: For me it is going to have to be about the food. My plan is to really work on some healthy menus and making sure I have good food choices in the house. There is still a lot of junk food to get rid of and I plan to be sure that by Sunday night...it is all gone or it is put into small serving size containers with the WW points clearly marked so I know what I am doing.

Fluff QOTD: If I could only do one park it would also be the MK. I love that park. Just going into it for the first time each trip makes me tear up. Then there is Wishes at the end of the night and I could never get tired of that show.

took the morning off from the elliptical today even though the scale was I think I may have overdone it with the sodium yesterday.

DS really needs some new clothes but I think he's not real sure what his "image" is. Not easy to shop for to say the least

I am on Team Donald for the Spring Challenge. The May 18th ending seems so far away that anything is possible. I will have the same goal I did for the Fall challenge since I never made it anywhere close to goal. It's sad to see friends on the other team but I know we wll reunite later on. Thank you Janis for being our coach

Sometimes it is good to take a break from exercising. I know that today I could use a workout but it is my scheduled day off because we did longer miles yesterday...so I will not work out. I will get busy around the house again but that is it!

How old is your DS? It can be so hard to help them figure out what they want to wear. I have almost the opposite problem with my DS(11). He knows exactly what he wants to wear...Abercrombie and Hollister! I miss the days when his clothing did not cost me so much money!

Looks like you and I will be on Team Donald together! This will be the first challenge I have done where the team is split for some time so I am interested to see how it works.

II am putting up a large sign taped to my closet door beside the scale. It will have one whole number on it which will be the next number down on the scale. IE, if I currently weigh 196, the number on the card will be 195. When I have reached that goal, I will put up another poster with the next number down on it and so on. I did so good losing when I first started, just focusing on losing one pound at a time. I think I have lost sight of that.

I really like this idea. I struggle with wanting to lose it all - all at once. It is a great idea to focus on that idea of one pound at a time. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[jenanderson]

Alright - I am all caught up with responding. It is so relaxing to get up before everyone else in the house...read through the thread and then take time to respond. Now I hear the shower upstairs running which lets me know DH is up and will soon invade my quiet time!

I am planning on making a pot of coffee, changing the laundry, and then sitting down to make some lists. I need to make a list of things I want to accomplish today before doing anything else. Today I need more laundry done, the last of the gifts put away, more vacuuming, and some other house work. I also want to work on grading some student projects and other school work. DH and I also need to do some errands and pick up food for our anniversary dinner. We were going to go out, but I decided I would rather cook one of my favorite meals and have him pick up the desserts that we wanted from the restaurant. It will save us a huge amount of money to do it this way.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles and then walked 1.25 more. So today I get the day off from a workout. In doing the laundry, I know I will be running up and down the stairs several times and that is going to be enough for the day.

I will probably check in later! Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays still!
Jen

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

My plan is already in action. We gutted the pantry and I pitched a lot of processed stuff that snuck back into the house. We are also trying to get caught up in housework, I swear we are one step away from an episode of Hoarders. If we can get that caught up then I can have time to work out every day.
I've been officially 2 months soda free. We did no fast food for a month too, then had KFC last week, ugh never again!!! I felt like absolute crap for days after. January is no eating out at all month. So I really need to plan my meals.
Mom and I are working on our gardens already. I am taking back my part of the field (neighbor hays it) an we are building raised beds.
Now I just need a list of things to grow.

Fluff - I'd have to choose Magic Kingdom because there is something there for everyone to ride. DD can't do most of the stuff at the other parks because she's still to little.

 

[donac]

Good Thursday morning everyone.

Dh is out at Home Depot and ds2 is out to Target so it is quiet in the house.

I have been reading but haven't been replying this week..

I have done very little this week. I have been working on a pair o f socks for a friend's birthday.

Tonight we are going out with some friends. I am nervous about this. We haven't seen or heard from this couple in a number of months. He had a stroke a year and a half ago and he really hasn't recovered. He can get around but it is mostly in a wheelchair. He also is very opinionated since he had the stroke. He is very much for the governor in new jersey who feel that teachers make too much money. He will go on and on about what a rackect our profession is. We have worked hard to get where we are and we still work very hard to be the best teachers that we could be. So we sit on edge everytime we have seen them. I want to be there for the wife since I have known her since high school and she has no brothers or sisters but it is a very difficult situation. We will get through it.

Monday I have to be up early to get ds2 to his school so he can leave for Gambia. I am glad that I have the day off. Dh has school that day.

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

I have been working on the plan.. Dh said it is time to throw somethings out. Gee didn't I tell him not to buy too much this year but he wouldn't listen. If I can get the junk out of the house I should be better. I also need to get back into a daily exercise plan. That is what I am thinking about the most.

I would go to MK It reminds me of watching Wonderful World of Disney where I first saw the Haunted Mansion and Pirates.

Have a happy and healthy day(again, thanks Setting Sail)

 

[cclovesdis]

Hello Again,

I have way too much energy today. I woke up without the alarm nagging me and haven’t stopped going since then. It actually worked out well because my dad needed to drive my car and it was a mess. I tackled it in about 30 minutes. It looks so much better. I consolidated bags and relocated things. It no longer looks like I live out of it.

Well I am sure you've been more productive than me. Oh well, it's school vacation, and I deserve to relax too, right? What vera bradly did you get? They are so pretty. I got my first one earlier in the fall, and just love it.

Absolutely relax! I need to do that too!

I got Java Blue. I have a mini hipster and a duffle in that pattern already so I wanted to add to it. You have to order this pattern online. We have a VB store about 30 minutes from us, but they no longer sale the pattern in stores. I wanted a good collection for traveling. I like consistency.

Great idea to set goals, Kristina.

Thanks for the congrats on my productive day Kathy!

We don't have a CVS around here. I think the closest is 20 minutes away. And the only store that doubles coupons here is Giant Eagle, which I hate going to since everything is so expensive there. Maybe I'll try to start using coupons for some things like body wash and deodorant. Any little bit helps!

Our grocery stores have strict coupon policies. I do best at CVS. Part of the reason why I did so well is that when I worked, I passed 3 of them on my way home. I’ve heard that cosmetics and healthy & beauty are where the most coupons are.

Hope you had a great day today!

Ironically, the time I do best is the month or two before a big race -- no matter what time of year it actually is. I think I am purely motivated by fear! I guess I could schedule a ton of races -- that's actually not a bad idea. I'm thinking I'm going to do three halfs next year, Feb., August and September -- and then the Donald in January. I need to find something late Spring to keep me honest ;

Good luck!

I do much better starting at the new year and focusing on upcoming vacations I booked our Aulani stay just this morning and I am totally motivated to get into bathing suit shape before our trip.

for booking!

This is a really great list. Here's what I have learned over the past two years. Losing weight makes some things much better and much easier. But, and this is a big but, you still have to make the decision that you are worthy of being happy and healthy and loved. Being thin doesn't make all the stuff that I struggle with go away--I still had the same crappy childhood, with the same craptastically awful parents, etc. What the weight loss really gave me was two things--One, it taught me that I am worth it...worth the effort, worth the time, worth being loved. And two, it taught me that I CAN do it. I can. I am not a failure. I might mess up sometimes, lots of times. But quitting is not an option, and neither is failure. And really the only failure is quitting.

Love this!

Tracey: Glad to hear that everyone is feeling so much better!

Gretchen: for mom and please continue to take care of yourself.

I am signed up for BL 2012. I found that to be such a help. I can't wait for it to start.

Glad you are joining in!

 

[cclovesdis]

Morning all! I've been continuing my death spiral towards obesity need this new challenge to start. Sure I could start now but that would require discipline and motivation.

Love what Jen said to you!

Good luck with the job search. I can imagine it is not easy with the economy. I hope you find the job you are looking for very soon. My goal for today is to be half as productive as you were yesterday.

Sounds like you had a great day yesterday! I plan to take some time to relax today. Replying to all of you is the last thing I have to do today.

CC, glad that you had a productive day! And you know we have an expert at GF at WDW right here on this thread.

Thanks!

Is there a knocks head smiley? I cannot wait to be back to GF!

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

1. I have typed up a fitness plan and will print it out sometime today or tomorrow. (I don’t have a printer connected to my laptop. Strange glitch.) I also plan to visit the grocery store, ideally with my father who is all about getting healthy and my GF diet, and buy lots of healthy and safe food.

2. Magic Kingdom! I never get tired of there.

CC - what pattern of VB bag did you get? If you mentioned it already, sorry I missed it!

Nope. I just responded to Kathy now. It’s Java Blue. I love that pattern. I’m actually not very interested in any of the patterns now. I like the pink and white one, but pink is in this year. Java Blue should be in for a long time.

Safe driving and enjoy the party tonight!

I have a few things I am hoping to implement. I am thinking about eating a separate meal from the family at night. I know there are pros and cons to this. May start with 1-2 nights a week and see how it goes. We can quickly grill any type of meat on the GF so my meal would be grilled chicken or fish and steamed broccoli. I heard they eat this alot on BL. I also hope to implement one "super light" day a week, like Pamela. I am putting up a large sign taped to my closet door beside the scale. It will have one whole number on it which will be the next number down on the scale. IE, if I currently weigh 196, the number on the card will be 195. When I have reached that goal, I will put up another poster with the next number down on it and so on. I did so good losing when I first started, just focusing on losing one pound at a time. I think I have lost sight of that. I'm not good at tracking but I would like to also check out Sparkpeople and see what I can do with the info there. Good luck to all of us as we embark on the new challenge

Love these ideas!

CC - Great job getting so much done yesterday! I have decided that today I will make a list and try and stick to it. Yesterday I also accomplished a bunch but I have so much left to do that I think a list will help me stay focused.

Thanks! Writing a list really helps me prioritize. I need to see things in print to visualize. I am really not an auditory person.

I like that you went out and bought yourself a new journal to help you keep your health first. Just yesterday I pulled out a journal that Jude (jbm02) had given me and I recorded my running from this past week. I plan on trying to use it to keep track of things...I think. I really like an electronic journal as well and might go that route instead. Hard to say what is going to work best but I need to get back to journaling.

I am so glad to read that today will be your last day that you have to eat gluten. Here is to feeling better and being back at the gym!

Thanks! Hope you find a journal that meets your needs! Cannot wait to stop eating gluten and looking forward to feel so much better!

The good news is that there are only a couple of days until our new challenge officially starts. I doubt any of us can do that much damage in just a couple more days. Try to give yourself a break right now and begin making plans that will keep you motivated during the challenge...that is what I am doing. While I am not officially making changes this week, I am doing planning and set up of things so that when we do officially start our challenge - I will be ready and not have excuses to keep putting it off.

Love this, especially the bolded part!

Hope you have a great day!

Mom and I are working on our gardens already. I am taking back my part of the field (neighbor hays it) an we are building raised beds.
Now I just need a list of things to grow.

I saw potting soil yesterday and just rolled my eyes. However, now that you mention it, it is the time to start. We’ve grown some great plants from seeds and we have plenty of sunlight in our house. Thanks!

Hope tonight goes well Dona!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Yesterday, DS friend stayed all day and DS and I didn't get to the Mall until after 6:30 last night. I was hoping for lots of big sales but everything was very picked over. DS really needs some new clothes but I think he's not real sure what his "image" is. He would love to wear skinny jeans but they do not fit him right he's chunky. He always wants to buy Tshirts that already look like they are worn out and cost $20-$30 each. DH and I are tired of him wearing the same thing to school every day and looking like a homeless person! We did manage to pick up 2 nice shirts, one from Hollister that was 1/2 off (collared long sleeve shirt with no writing on it) and a shirt from AE that was FULL PRICE and short sleeves. UGH, I miss the days when I picked out all his clothes and knew exactly what size would fit him. I think he really wants to just blend in right now and not stand out in any way but not wear EXACTLY what everyone else has on. Not easy to shop for to say the least

wow I am really not ready for these days. What a challenge to buy clothing. Ryan is getting a bit picker with what he wears. Apparently right now long sleeves are not cool. I can barely get the kid to wear a jacket. Last night he refused to put it on and it was freezing out. I demanded he wear it and be happy about it because there are kids in this world freezing right now wishing they had money for a jacket. This still works at the age of 7.

I'm not good at tracking but I would like to also check out Sparkpeople and see what I can do with the info there. Good luck to all of us as we embark on the new challenge

Shawn if you have a smart phone Myfitnesspal has an awesome app that is easy to use and super easy to track your calories.

Looks like you and I will be on Team Donald together! This will be the first challenge I have done where the team is split for some time so I am interested to see how it works.

Im on team donald too. I have to say I didnt really enjoy the seperate teams all that much last year because it was hard to keep up with both and there were some dear friends on the other team that I didnt get to keep up with. I am hoping this year it works out better. I agree though that seperating the threads is needed so the thread is not so huge and overwhelming.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles and then walked 1.25 more. So today I get the day off from a workout. In doing the laundry, I know I will be running up and down the stairs several times and that is going to be enough for the day.

Wow 5 miles is great Jen. I hope you got everything done you wanted to today.

I've been officially 2 months soda free. We did no fast food for a month too, then had KFC last week, ugh never again!!! I felt like absolute crap for days after. January is no eating out at all month.

Wow congrats to you on getting off of soda and fast food. They are so addicting. Isnt it amazing how horrible it makes you feel to eat it and yet its so hard not to just give in and gobble it all down.

Tonight we are going out with some friends. l)

Wow that is quite a guy. Hopefully he keeps his opinons to himself. Maybe next time you can just get together with your friend while he stays home. I know that is horrible but she has got to understand that what he says is plain rude and hurtful to you and dh. Teachers I feel are so underpaid along with our service men and cops, firefighters, and paramedics. Our world is just so backwards.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Yesterday, DS friend stayed all day and DS and I didn't get to the Mall until after 6:30 last night. I was hoping for lots of big sales but everything was very picked over. DS really needs some new clothes but I think he's not real sure what his "image" is. He would love to wear skinny jeans but they do not fit him right he's chunky. He always wants to buy Tshirts that already look like they are worn out and cost $20-$30 each. DH and I are tired of him wearing the same thing to school every day and looking like a homeless person! We did manage to pick up 2 nice shirts, one from Hollister that was 1/2 off (collared long sleeve shirt with no writing on it) and a shirt from AE that was FULL PRICE and short sleeves. UGH, I miss the days when I picked out all his clothes and knew exactly what size would fit him. I think he really wants to just blend in right now and not stand out in any way but not wear EXACTLY what everyone else has on. Not easy to shop for to say the least

Hey Shawn! I think focusing on one number at a time is a great idea. If you are thinking about tracking, I found myfitnesspal to be a little easier than sparkpeople--though I do love the sparkpeople articles.

As for the clothes/kid issues, I feel your pain. I wish I had before and after pictures of Tom to show you.

In ms/hs we decided the clothes/hair battles were ones we were going to for the most part ignore--as long as he didn't wear anything offensive and I refused to buy jeans that already had big holes in them.

Anyhow, his hair was so long the girls liked to braid it. A couple of times people thought he was a girl.

And he sagged his pants....

Someone said something to us in Target one time about the saggy pants and I turned around and said--the kid is a 4.0 student/National Merit Scholar. If the worst thing he does is sag his pants, I have it pretty easy. The person shut up.

And he liked to buy his shoes big--11 or 12. He wears a 9.5.

It made absolutely no sense to me, but I let it go.

Now I have Mr. Clean Cut who irons everything and keeps his hair buzzed. And never leaves home without a belt. Go figure. We got through those years with no piercings or tattoos. So I'm happy.

Anyhow, hang in there. It will get better. He will figure out what his "style" is.

I'll have to see if I can find some before and after pics for you.

 

[buzz5985]

I do much better starting at the new year and focusing on upcoming vacations I booked our Aulani stay just this morning and I am totally motivated to get into bathing suit shape before our trip.


If we were at WDW we'd be watching Fantasmic, our favorite night time spectacular.

Ohhh, Aulani - my dream vacation. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Im on the same spiral too Nancy. Sure we could start right this minute but something about starting at the beginning of a new challenge and new year is so much more appealing.



One of the only down falls of time off is less money. I hope you enjoyed your extra bit of time at home with Michael and Poko.



Yes busy is good. We complain alot when we dont get a breather but we would be worse off if the offices were not busy. I hope you can take some time tomorrow afternoon to enjoy the rest of 2011.

**********************************************************

Ok I was really mad. I came on and tried to go back to my post I took hours on last night replying to you all and realized I have been attacked by the poof fairy.

Anyway................I am your coach for today. I know I can hear you all cheering from your living rooms.

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

1. I plan to use my fitness pal and cut out fast food. I took time last night to make mini goals with non food rewards for myself. I also will stick to zumba at the gym and getting my running plan going. My goal is to do our local half marathon on 4/29/12.

2. I would do Magic Kingdom. Its my kids favorite park and has so many of the classic rides we just cant miss. Plus I love wishes too.

I plan on following through on my exercise plans. No coffee for me until I have been on the Treadmill. I like the rewards idea's too. I will have to come up with a few low cost ones - new nail polish or eye shadow. Then a big one for say 25 pounds - new bead for my bracelet.

Alright - I am all caught up with responding. It is so relaxing to get up before everyone else in the house...read through the thread and then take time to respond. Now I hear the shower upstairs running which lets me know DH is up and will soon invade my quiet time!

I am planning on making a pot of coffee, changing the laundry, and then sitting down to make some lists. I need to make a list of things I want to accomplish today before doing anything else. Today I need more laundry done, the last of the gifts put away, more vacuuming, and some other house work. I also want to work on grading some student projects and other school work. DH and I also need to do some errands and pick up food for our anniversary dinner. We were going to go out, but I decided I would rather cook one of my favorite meals and have him pick up the desserts that we wanted from the restaurant. It will save us a huge amount of money to do it this way.

Yesterday I ran 5 miles and then walked 1.25 more. So today I get the day off from a workout. In doing the laundry, I know I will be running up and down the stairs several times and that is going to be enough for the day.

I will probably check in later! Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays still!
Jen

We did that for our anniversary last year too. We went to our favorite butcher and bought some nice NY sirloins, made twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus. Took out the good china.

Hey Shawn! I think focusing on one number at a time is a great idea. If you are thinking about tracking, I found myfitnesspal to be a little easier than sparkpeople--though I do love the sparkpeople articles.

As for the clothes/kid issues, I feel your pain. I wish I had before and after pictures of Tom to show you.

In ms/hs we decided the clothes/hair battles were ones we were going to for the most part ignore--as long as he didn't wear anything offensive and I refused to buy jeans that already had big holes in them.

Anyhow, his hair was so long the girls liked to braid it. A couple of times people thought he was a girl.

And he sagged his pants....

Someone said something to us in Target one time about the saggy pants and I turned around and said--the kid is a 4.0 student/National Merit Scholar. If the worst thing he does is sag his pants, I have it pretty easy. The person shut up.

And he liked to buy his shoes big--11 or 12. He wears a 9.5.

It made absolutely no sense to me, but I let it go.

Now I have Mr. Clean Cut who irons everything and keeps his hair buzzed. And never leaves home without a belt. Go figure. We got through those years with no piercings or tattoos. So I'm happy.

Anyhow, hang in there. It will get better. He will figure out what his "style" is.

I'll have to see if I can find some before and after pics for you.

That's too funny. My DS 15 was trying to grow his hair a little longer - DH hated it. I didn't mind - it's his head. But it was quickly cut off after his first wrestling match and somebody got ahold of a hunk and pulled.

Janis

 

[my3princes]

When is your trip??? How exciting!!

July 28 - Aug 18

oooh, aulani!! I bet you all are so excited.

Have a great day!!

We are totally excited. Looked through the Aulani site again last night

Good morning all!


Deb, how exciting booking Aulani! Did you have any trouble getting the dates you wanted?

I did get the nights we wanted. I called at exactly 9 AM on our 7 month window and got the last 2 bedroom and 4th to last studio We are treating my parents and my brother and his family. We're staying at Aulani our first 4 nights then moving to a hotel in the Waikiki area for 3 nights before taking a 7 night Hawaiian NCL cruise. Our family will fly out on the day we disembark. We are staying on Oahu 2 more nights and hope to get Aulani for those nights, but it's too soon to book. We will then fly from Oahu to LA and drive to DL for 5 nights. We're hoping to get the Grand Californian, but DVC says those villas are harder to book than Aulani. We've been planning this for a few years and have banked points plus we are going over our use year so we really have 4 years worth of points that we can use. We're thinking it will take just over 3 years worth. What was shocking to me was when I was browsing the Aulani site last night I played with booking on the hotel side. For similar accommodations for the same 4 nights for the 11 of us it would cost $10000 I can't imagine 4 nights hotel room costing that much money, I don't think I'd even shell that out if I won Powerball

We also plan to renew our vows, but we aren't sure which Island we will do it on. Aulani prices us out as does NCL. We really just want a Justice of the Peace on a beach. Our 20th Anniversary is July 25th, just before we leave on our incredible trip.

I started quoting each person, but you were all so thoughtful that my quote was getting too long Thank you all.

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

We plan to start eating right on the first of the year. I've signed up for Weight Watchers through work though they aren't sure when it will be up and running, I KNOW that I have to start exercising and since I want to look fit in my Hawaii pictures I am motivated. I have also bought a dress for our vow renewal and I want to look fabulous in it.


I guess If I had to pick one park for my next trip it would be DL. It's the original park, I've never been there and I'm looking forward to experiencing it.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

In ms/hs we decided the clothes/hair battles were ones we were going to for the most part ignore--as long as he didn't wear anything offensive and I refused to buy jeans that already had big holes in them.

Anyhow, his hair was so long the girls liked to braid it. A couple of times people thought he was a girl.

And he sagged his pants....

Someone said something to us in Target one time about the saggy pants and I turned around and said--the kid is a 4.0 student/National Merit Scholar. If the worst thing he does is sag his pants, I have it pretty easy. The person shut up.

And he liked to buy his shoes big--11 or 12. He wears a 9.5.

It made absolutely no sense to me, but I let it go.

Now I have Mr. Clean Cut who irons everything and keeps his hair buzzed. And never leaves home without a belt. Go figure. We got through those years with no piercings or tattoos. So I'm happy.

Anyhow, hang in there. It will get better. He will figure out what his "style" is.

I'll have to see if I can find some before and after pics for you.

Rose I was just hysterical even thinking about the whole style thing tom went through. Especially the shoes one. I cant understand that either. Oh my I am so not looking forward to these years but I can tell you my dh is going to have an even harder time with them. I would love to see some before and after pics. Oh my I needed that giggle...thanks for sharing.

July 28 - Aug 18



We are totally excited. Looked through the Aulani site again last night

Oh wow that trip sounds so amazing. No better motivation than the trip of your lifetime to get yourself fit. Sounds great!

**********************************************************
My kids were just miserable when I picked them up from my parents after work tonight. I think the holiday week is finally catching up to them. They are now upstairs sound asleep. I even skipped showers tonight because I just had no energy to fight that battle. They are staying with my parents tomorrow while mike and I are at work so I guess its not the worse thing in the world. Maybe my mom will get them in the bathtub there.

Mike went out with some friends tonight for wings so I have some peace and quiet. So after I catch up with you all I probably will just go up and lay down and watch some tv.

I have some horrible reflux going on today. The sure tail sign that I have definitely been eating horribly and way to much food. I am really looking forward to Jan 1.

Well it was fun being the coach today!!!!! I hope you all have a great day tomorrow. TGIF and the start of a long weekend for me. Tomorrow at 5pm cant come soon enough.

 

[pjlla]

Evening friends! I'm here at my mom's typing on my IPad so I won't try to do replies. Hope everyone is well. I see we have new threads for the new 2012 challenge....how exciting!

Had an indulgence (or two) already here at my mom's and tummy isn't happy, so I will need to be more careful over the next few days!

Busy weekend here, so I probably won't be on here much. But I'll try to at least pop on once a day! TTYL..........P

 

[bellebookworm9]

Todays QOTD:

What do you plan to do to start off 2012 on a healthy note?

Fluff QOTD: If you could only go to one disney park on your next trip which one would you choose and why?

Well, I found a group on Facebook last night for people doing the college program who want to get healthy, and I referred them over here. My roommate said she is planning to bring her Wii, so I will bring Zumba with.

Epcot would be my park of choice. It's got Soarin' and IllumiNations, plus all the World Showcase acts.

***************
Our Jeep has been making funny noises when turning corners, and Mom said I needed to put power steering fluid in. I had no idea how to do that, so she told me to call my uncle (a mechanic). He told me how to do it, so I went out this morning and pulled out the owner's manual. I found the hood latch inside the car, but then spent literally 25 minutes trying to release the safety catch under the hood. Ridiculous and now I have a bruise on my hand that's a bit swollen. And then the fluid reservoir wasn't even where my uncle said it was-it was completely on the other side. If I hadn't had the owner's manual with a diagram, I would have put the power steering fluid in the break fluid area. So that was my big adventure for the day.

Then I drove out to Rochester to see my best friend. Her parents made an awesome lunch: lasagna, fresh tossed salad, and homemade garlic bread. They also had a platter of holiday cookies and fudge, which I probably ate a few too many of, but I was full, not stuffed. We played The Game of Life: Pirates of the Caribbean (a terrible game) and then Life from 1960. It was hysterical. My friend also wants to come visit me in Florida, so I have to price out some stuff for her.

After I left her house, I drove back and went straight to visit Mom. Grandma arrived a bit later. Mom is doing much better and she may be able to come home this weekend. She has received a doctor's order for a two week medical leave from work and her counselor is encouraging her to extend it and collect disability after she has talked to her regular psychiatrist. Work is the whole reason Mom is in this situation right now-a lot of psychological abuse that has been going on for a year. Her counselor advised her to extend the leave before she quits, which she plans to do because she can't stand the thought of going back.

As Grandma and I were leaving, the doorman security guy asked if I was her daughter. She said no, I was her granddaughter and he couldn't believe it. Last night he didn't believe that Grandma was 85. I was trying to decide if I should be offended that I look old enough to be her daughter!

 

[donac]

I have to comment on the long hair on boys thing. Both my sons have long hair. Ds1's is down below his shoulders and ds2's ina right at his shoulder right now. He needed to get it longer so he can tie it back when he goes to Gambia next week. His hair has been chin length for most of the last year and a half.

As long as the hair is neat and clean and NOT in their eyes it is not a battle to fight over. There will be enough problems along the way. Let the hair go. My sil even uses my sons as an example for her son. Her son's hair was in his eyes and she told him that it had to be like Kevin and Sean's because you never see their hair in their eyes. My nephew now has his hair cut so that it is not in his eyes.

 

[my3princes]

Well, I found a group on Facebook last night for people doing the college program who want to get healthy, and I referred them over here. My roommate said she is planning to bring her Wii, so I will bring Zumba with.

Epcot would be my park of choice. It's got Soarin' and IllumiNations, plus all the World Showcase acts.

***************
Our Jeep has been making funny noises when turning corners, and Mom said I needed to put power steering fluid in. I had no idea how to do that, so she told me to call my uncle (a mechanic). He told me how to do it, so I went out this morning and pulled out the owner's manual. I found the hood latch inside the car, but then spent literally 25 minutes trying to release the safety catch under the hood. Ridiculous and now I have a bruise on my hand that's a bit swollen. And then the fluid reservoir wasn't even where my uncle said it was-it was completely on the other side. If I hadn't had the owner's manual with a diagram, I would have put the power steering fluid in the break fluid area. So that was my big adventure for the day.

Then I drove out to Rochester to see my best friend. Her parents made an awesome lunch: lasagna, fresh tossed salad, and homemade garlic bread. They also had a platter of holiday cookies and fudge, which I probably ate a few too many of, but I was full, not stuffed. We played The Game of Life: Pirates of the Caribbean (a terrible game) and then Life from 1960. It was hysterical. My friend also wants to come visit me in Florida, so I have to price out some stuff for her.

After I left her house, I drove back and went straight to visit Mom. Grandma arrived a bit later. Mom is doing much better and she may be able to come home this weekend. She has received a doctor's order for a two week medical leave from work and her counselor is encouraging her to extend it and collect disability after she has talked to her regular psychiatrist. Work is the whole reason Mom is in this situation right now-a lot of psychological abuse that has been going on for a year. Her counselor advised her to extend the leave before she quits, which she plans to do because she can't stand the thought of going back.

As Grandma and I were leaving, the doorman security guy asked if I was her daughter. She said no, I was her granddaughter and he couldn't believe it. Last night he didn't believe that Grandma was 85. I was trying to decide if I should be offended that I look old enough to be her daughter!

Gretchen if your Mom and get the approval from her doctor for disability I would highly encourage her to do so. I absolutely HATE my job and have 2 coworkers that are b otches. The boss knows it, but obviously has no intention of doing anything about them. They share an office and have been worse than usual the last 2 weeks. My boss, the Chief of the Business office refers to them as 14 year old bullies that haven't grown up. I am totally looking for a new job now rather than waiting until May. I'm sure they are a huge reason for the anxiety that I've been fighting for months. Give your Mom a big hug for me and tell her to hang in there. I totally understand. I'd be happy to comisserate with her if she ever needs to talk.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Ok Lindsay, these pictures are for you.

And fwiw--he thanks us occasionally for being strict about some things and easy going about others--like the huge shoes.

I am sticking one of me from 2005 (I was probably at my heaviest then.) I wasn't going to, but my eating hasn't been great, and looking at these old pictures has made me remember where I don't want to be again, ever.

So the first pic is me and DS in 2005. (Hopefully it will size correctly and not just put a huge picture of huge me on the post!) This was 8th grade I think when DS had his hair pretty long. I think he cut it sometime in 9th grade. Check out that sweatshirt--he wore XL then. Now he wears smalls and mediums cause he doesn't like to look sloppy.

Then there's one of DS--he wore those jeans until the holes got that big.

The last one is of me and DS from our trip last week.

 

[my3princes]

I have to comment on the long hair on boys thing. Both my sons have long hair. Ds1's is down below his shoulders and ds2's ina right at his shoulder right now. He needed to get it longer so he can tie it back when he goes to Gambia next week. His hair has been chin length for most of the last year and a half.

As long as the hair is neat and clean and NOT in their eyes it is not a battle to fight over. There will be enough problems along the way. Let the hair go. My sil even uses my sons as an example for her son. Her son's hair was in his eyes and she told him that it had to be like Kevin and Sean's because you never see their hair in their eyes. My nephew now has his hair cut so that it is not in his eyes.

My boys have short hair. DH and I both agree that it is a battle worth fighting, even though DH had a mullet in High School. Since the boys have been aware of our "rule" since birth they don't fight us on it. Long Hair on boys is not the norm around here. Many have the shaggy look with bangs in their faces, but It seems to be a fad over the last couple of years

Their pants must stay around their waists too, No boxers hanging out. I guess it's a cultural thing maybe based on areas where we live?



Rose you look so different and much younger. Your son looks much better with short hair.