Biggest Loser--Fall 2011 Challenge for Losers & Maintainers!!

[my3princes]

I promise to weigh in this week. Last week was so busy and I never even got on the scale. I'm sure it's a good thing though

 

[dvccruiser76]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!

NOTE: This list includes participants who have reported in within the last 3 weeks, once someone misses 3 weigh-ins they are dropped from this report.

How this works: You set your goal for what you want to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.

Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.

Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know.

We have done 3 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 20% complete.


aamomma 60.00
akhaloha 24.00
amoggio816 6.52
baby1disney 2.22
buzz5985 41.20
cclovesdis 29.00
ClassicPooh2 20.00
Desiree 12.00
dis-happy 0.00
DopeyDame 7.69
dvccruiser76 7.69
EDuke98080 25.71
elanorasmom 5.71
JacksLilWench 0.00
jaelless 0.00
jillbur 32.35
jimmduck 10.23
keenercam 28.50
kollerbear 22.00
LoraJ 10.42
lovehoney 11.25
lovetoscrap 13.33
Michele 0.00
MickeyMagic 30.56
mom2aidanNpiper 0.00
mommyof2Pirates 0.00
mvlimmex 16.00
pjstevens 10.42
rafikifan2911 25.00
Redcat52 20.00
RutgersAlum 18.33
Seashell724 30.38
SettinSail 31.61
SunnyB1066 0.00
thunderbird1 22.00
tigger813 22.29
tinkerbellfriend 10.00
trinaweena 13.77
WDWorBUST 10.00
wickey’s friend 30.00
Worfiedoodles 27.00
yanni2 1.00
yulilin3 8.54
Zoesmama03 20.93


I find everybody on the list an inspiration and everybody who participates in this challenge is an inspiration in and of themselves. Whether you post, lurk or just pm your weight and check results on Tuesdays, you have made a commitment to yourself. And that is the biggest inspiration of all!
BY Octoberbride03

 

[dvccruiser76]

Sorry I need to put DS to bed, but I didn't want to miss saying Happy Birthday Nancy!

 

[lisah0711]

Congratulations to all our superstars and especially to our Biggest Loser this week, my fellow Lisabelle, liesel!

Oh and aamomma if you are reading along please share your secret of success being 60% to your goal for the challenge already!

 

[mackeysmom]

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. These past few days, I have fallen so far off the wagon that I can’t even see the wagon any longer.

This week won’t be much easier – my birthday is at the end of the week and I have a few lunches and dinners planned with friends and family (at not so WW-friendly places!)

Oh well – I will continue to walk/run (or do my BL dvd) each day and if I can just maintain over the next week or so, I will be happy.

Off to catch up on missed posts – this thread is moving pretty quickly.

- Laura

 

[buzz5985]

I woke up really early this morning. I have a feeling I know why, but there's nothing I can do about that now. I just have to plan better tonight. I was planning to go to Weight Watchers, but we are down a car, so it looks like I'll have to miss it. I was told that there is an earlier meeting near enough to work, but I don't see that online. The meeting I usually go to ends up getting me home for the day close to when I want to be asleep, so this other meeting would be perfect. Maybe I will try. It's just in the opposite direction of home, so still not ideal.

Anyway, as you can probably guess from my lack of posting, I have not been on plan. Today WILL be a good day. I made some GF bread last night and am looking forward to a well-rounded lunch. I even bought some cheese I can eat and will have some for lunch. I had it yesterday, but not on bread. Good, but not great. I think there's something about deli meat and cheese that screams bread to me. Plus, my body needs a good amount of carbs and I haven't been having enough.

I'm off to make lunch and breakfast. Have a great day everyone!

A great big Thank You CC for my wonderful surpise I received in the mail. Everything in it was so thoughtful. I didn't do as well with my weight loss last week and I attribute it to slacking off on the HH.

Good morning. It is another dark, cold, dreary morning here.

A bit of a fun
QOTD 10/4: What is your dream job/career? Really, no matter how out there it is!

One week from now will be our last day in Disney. We have breakfast scheduled at Cape May Cafe and will then spend a few hours at Downtown Disney before Magical Express picks us up, probably around 4pm.

DQOTD: Do you have any Disney soundtracks or CDs that you listen to? They can be from theme parks or movies.

Dream job would be landscape design at WDW. Or something in photography. Landscape photography??

I do have CD's but barely listen to them.

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Happy Birthday Nancy!!!

It's a beautiful morning here. Bright sunshine, cool weather, clear as a bell, but my mood is cold and dreary.

My DS10 is at sleep-away environmental camp this week. It is the first time he's stayed away from home more than one night. I didn't think I would be so sad. I know he is having a great time - he was so excited to go.

I have another interview this afternoon. Normally I would be super excited because I've been looking for a job for over a year now. Now I'm worried - What if I do get the job? I've been a SAHM for 9 years. How will I manage winter and summer break? I've always spent time with the boys during this time. When I factor in day care for DS2, after school care and summer/winter camps for DS10 and DS7 - there isn't that much left over. We do need the security of having both DH and I having jobs, so I need to go back to work.

Then there is the food. All i want to do is eat. I haven't eaten breakfast this morning because I'm afraid. I don't know if I can stop eating once I start. How do you control the urge to binge when you are emotional?

I work nights - DH days. So one of us has always been home with our DS. It's been tough on DH, but he never complains. Some days after working 12 hours he has to come home take a shower and go running back out the door for school events, scouts, sport practices and games. DH and DS have a very close relationship because of it. We have a very good support system in the community too. If DH is running late he will call someone in scouts or from DS team to give DS a ride. And we return the favor.

Good morning, losers!! Rainy day here, but it seems to be stopping. My yard is flooded, and the water has been pouring over my bulkhead threshold into the basement, stressing me out. I have a sump pump that's working overtime, but I'm very happy the rain is stopping. I was cranky with ds when he was not ready for school, but luckily the bus was late so we weren't fighting when he left.

Need to get back to tracking today. Lost it on sunday, but am starting fresh again.

Happy Birthday Nancy!!

Have a great day everyone!!

I got home from work at 12:30 am. Read for about an hour, woke up around 4:00 am with the horrendous thunder and rain. Never got back to sleep. Story of my life. I had a class today in Beverly and I got stuck in the traffic nightmare this morning on 128. I take a photography class in Beverly. I left Wakefield at 8:45 am and arrived for a 10:00 am class at 11:00 am. Usually takes me less than 30 minutes. When I arrived at the building I found a parking space close to the door and was surprised. When I opened the door of the building and looked down the stairs there was 5 feet of water - that's when I noticed the sign - North Shore Community College - No Classes. Arrrrghhhh. I went home and went back to bed.

Congratulations to all the Losers and Maintainers.

Janis

 

[tigger813]

Heading down in 10 minutes to do the elliptical while watching Biggest Loser! Anyone wanna join me? My goal is to do at least 2 and maybe 3 miles during the show. I gave a massage today and that's been my only exercise. I still have more water to drink today. I ate 2 pieces of crust when Izzie and I went to her book fair. She never eats her crust and I was still a bit hungry. Hoping for a loss this week so I had better get moving!We bought a Lego Harry Potter book for the family and got Ash a Star Wars Clone Wars book. Izzie also bought herself a book that she wanted.

Congrats to all the losers this week especially Liesel! I was happy to see myself in the top 10 again! It's been a while.

Have a great night! Time to lace up the sneaks and kiss the girls good night!

TTFN

 

[tigger813]

Did 2.25 miles in 51 minutes at level 2 tension. Felt great. Feet started really hurting so I stopped. Chugging lots of water and watching the end of Biggest Loser.

I plan on doing 2-3 miles at the track tomorrow night. Not sure if I will have time earlier in the day to workout unless I roll out of bed early. I have several errands and I need to meet with a prospective Herbalife client at work.

Need to make my grocery list for tomorrow. I will have about 3 hours to get all my errands done. Also need to sort through my coupons. Will also be signing the kids up for basketball tomorrow. I will be helping with Izzie's basketball practices to that will be extra workout time for me! Looking forward to that.

Time to get organized!

TTFN

 

[lovehoney]

Don't sweat the interview - the decision comes later. It is a tough decision to go back to work, and the thought of what to do about childcare makes it even tougher. If it is the right job, you make it work. If not, the right one will come along. I hope your interview went well!
Jennifer

Thanks. I feel better now. I dropped DS2 off at MDO this morning and then hit the treadmill for 30 minutes. I felt much better afterwards and went home and had a sensible breakfast.

The interview went fine. I go back next week to interview with the team members.

I was a stay at home for 9 years. Well I also worked part time at a restaurant, but the schedule was totally flexible and I worked nights while hubby was home with the kids. I needed adult interaction. I began looking for a full time job last August and have landed 3 since then The first went out of business, the second lied about the benefit package and my current job which is going well. It was certainly an adjustment and requires a lot of juggling. My dh and kids have been great with it. My kids are a bit older so daycare hasn't been an issue as the older kids watch the younger one, or maybe the younger one watches the older ones? Good luck.

Wow! 3 jobs in one year. You really pointed out that you never know what the future will bring.

I work nights - DH days. So one of us has always been home with our DS. It's been tough on DH, but he never complains. Some days after working 12 hours he has to come home take a shower and go running back out the door for school events, scouts, sport practices and games. DH and DS have a very close relationship because of it. We have a very good support system in the community too. If DH is running late he will call someone in scouts or from DS team to give DS a ride. And we return the favor.
Janis

We have a good support system in our community too. I know people will help if we ask as we would do for them. We also have family close by - my DSIL lives 5 houses away and my MIL only a mile. It is great that your DH and DS are so close. Thanks for letting me know that good things can come out of different work situations.
I think I just had a bad case of the blues this morning but I'm definitely feeling better now.

 

[SettinSail]

Hello Fellow Losers! Just a quick pop-in. I've had to start skimming the posts for the most part to stay caught up. Kollerbear, thanks for the suggestion to visit the Natural History Museum and Central Park. All the times I've been to NYC, I've never been to Central Park, I don't even think I've ever seen it! Tracey, good luck with your parents. That is a tough situation. You can only do what you can do. My family drama with my sister last week was that she gave away some of our possesions to her neighbor while we were gone. She claims she did not know we wanted these things back and they can not be on bad terms with their neighbor because they are so special to them. Hello??? They did many nice things for us while we were gone and now she's trying to turn it around on me that we are ungrateful and petty over a few "things". She says she is "done" with me! Whatever. Nothing like family Pam, the Betty White book was cute. Not too much to it. Not a true biography but her thoughts on a few subjects.

Well, we ended up eating at Cheesecake Factory Sunday night. I ordered an Aisan Salad off their new "Skinnylicious" menu. It was very good but I also had a mojito and a slice of dutch caramel apple strudel cheesecake.
I ate the salad over 2 meals. Monday morning I was up 3 pounds I went right back to light eating and upped the exercise but still up 3 this morning Hoping to turn it around by Friday.

LTS, we are having such a hard time with homework this year. DS had very little homework at his International School for 7th and 8th grade. They advocated no more than 45 mins of homework a WEEK. I suppose we could have been proactive and assigned some homework ourselves. DS is constantly telling us this year he has no homework and we go into his backpack and there it is. It is exhausting keeping on top of him. Hopefully he will soon get with the program.

So I am considering showering at the Y after my workout every day. It will save time and I won't be using my water and electricity at home either I am working up my nerve to do it. Today, I noticed there is a sauna in there. So what would be the order, workout, sauna, then shower I am guessing? How long do you sit in the sauna? Do you just wrap in a towel? There's a steamroom too!

Have a great week everybody!!!!!!!! Keep making good decisions, tracking and getting in your water and exercise!!!!!!!!! Every little bit you do adds up

 

[SettinSail]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I saw a couple posts where I was credited with running a 10K. That was not me! I forgot who it was but she said she trained mostly on the elliptical and I think her whole family ran.

I wish that was me!

 

[bellebookworm9]

LTS, I'm with you! I hate the "punish the class for the misbehavior of a few" thing, too. That makes for a long, miserable evening with that much homework night after night.

Thought you might be interested in this article from sparkpeople.com on motivation.

I hated that too! I remember once in middle school my whole English class got "lunch detention" thanks to a few kids (only time I've ever had a detention in my life) and another time kids were being loud and obnoxious in the cafeteria so for weeks we had to sit in the darkened room and weren't allowed to talk.

Haha I saw a commercial earlier about "Is it hiding at work? With the kids? Has it been kicked deep under your bed with your running shoes?" and I said to my housemates "I bet this is about motivation" and sure enough it was!

after I had to go to the nurse at Typhoon Lagoon, I thought one day I'd like to be a nurse in WDW. Maybe one day, you never know.

I have Country sings the best of disney, and Disney's beach party cds in my car. I always look at the cd's in disney but never end up buying one with the songs from the parks. I guess I could buy some songs from itunes and put them on ds's ipod. He wants an ipod touch so if I get him one for his b-day/christmas, i'll inherit his ipod.

The nurses I encountered at Disney were all awesome! One diagnosed our bug bites (Epcot), another helped me patch up my toe after the wave pool knocked me down (Typhoon Lagoon), several gave me anti-itch gel for the bites, and one at MK let me know where I could go to figure out the "lost people" system.

What is the beach party CD? iTunes has pretty much NO parks songs, but if you'd like some I'd be more than happy to send some to you!

Disney Soundtracks: I have Nemo the Musical

I liked that show, but don't have the soundtrack. I'll occasionally find myself humming "Go with the Flow".

Nancy, good luck with selling your house and buying a new one!

It is a tough decision to go back to work, and the thought of what to do about childcare makes it even tougher. If it is the right job, you make it work. If not, the right one will come along. I hope your interview went well!

I remember when my mom went back to work, I was about 7. My grandma became the after school care for me and my brother, but she and I disagreed on a lot and it wasn't a good experience. As we got older, my mom worked various shifts, including overnights. For awhile, my grandma and Dad would alternate who would come in the morning to get my brother on the bus (I would have done it if mine didn't leave first). Then in my last few years of high school she was working 6-2 or 8-4, but she would *always* stay late. I still resent her a bit for that, and as she came to find out, there was no benefit to devoting the extra time (she was fired not long after that for stupid reasons) and found out the same thing again with her current job. However, she did always try to take a day or two off over breaks to spend time with us.

I listened to them on the way down last month and it made the drive that much more enjoyable. And that much more tolerable on the way back home!

I've got my Disney playlist in place for the flights, but might throw in some other music as well.

This week won’t be much easier – my birthday is at the end of the week.

Since I will not be here, happy early birthday!

*****************
Had another iffy eating day. Was not feeling well all morning so didn't go to class, but I did go and take my sociolinguistics exam. I think I got at least 18/20, possibly 19. It was all definitions straight from the book, and one did not have what I am positive is the correct answer as a choice. So I wrote it in and we'll see what she says.

I did go to my afternoon class but got to leave early because everyone else was taking the test I took last Thursday. I went to the bank to get change for restaurant/bell hop/mousekeeping tips and also to let them know I would be going on vacation and to note it on my card. The very nice women sat down and talked with me for quite awhile, gave me an ATM card should the actual account card get lost, and refunded me the overdraft fee that recently was incurred when a hotel reservation intended for January was made for September and I was charged-the hotel refunded me their portion as well.

I went to WalMart to get earplugs, a poncho, a toothbrush case and a travel kit. I also bought more of those soft sugar cookies. Two housemates and I went to Zumba, and one of them said, "Wow, you were in the zone!" because I know the routines pretty well by now. I've been given the option to bring the Wii back to school with me, but I don't know yet. We only have Wii Sports and Zumba, and we'd have to rearrange the living room since we have no room to use it right now...

 

[bellebookworm9]

QOTD 10/5: What has been your most difficult obstacle to overcome on your journey to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle? How are you trying to change it?

For me, it's the cutting out the sugary food. The exercise piece is falling into place quite nicely (my calves are all muscle!), and I can eat healthy stuff, the problem is that I still eat cookies, cake, etc on top of the healthy stuff. I learned bad habits from a young age so I'm now trying to correct those bad habits. I try not to buy the stuff, but sometimes I just can't resist. And then of course I eat it really fast and then feel guilty. That is a work in progress.

Disney QOTD: Does anyone in your family collect character autographs or photos? What is the best character interaction you've ever witnessed or experienced?

I collect both. I think last time I met nearly all of the regularly available characters, especially in World Showcase and at DHS. Tiana and Naveen were really awesome, telling me how if I didn't have a prince at home I should kiss a frog, but not a toad because they aren't the same! Ariel and Eric were also pretty cool. Goofy was a really good mime, indicating disbelief and sadness over my 19th birthday. And Tigger, Woody, and Buzz were all super flirty-wanting kisses and dances!

 

[mikamah]

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------94!
not reporting in for 1 week-----2
not reporting in for 2 weeks----16
not reporting in for 3 weeks----23
Excused--------------------------2
weigh ins-------------------------51
gains-----------------------------5
maintains------------------------10
losses----------------------------36
new or returning members ----1


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 3!
This week’s group loss = 61.3 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.65 %
Total group weight loss so far 202.2 pounds!

AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 95 participants we had sign up for our start week on Sept 9th)
57% (this includes the Losers, Maintainers and Excused people!). Let's keep sending those weights people!


The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 3 Superstars!!
#10- 1.09% - keenercam
#9- 1.24% - jillbur
#8- 1.29% - tigger813
#7- 1.45% - Crazy4Disney06
#6 - 1.50% - Settinsail
#5- 1.54% - Redcat52
#4- 1.55% - aamomma
#3- 1.65% - EDuke98080
#2- 2.76% - satorifound
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge
Week 3 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.41% - liesel

Whoo hoo!! Congratulations to all our top losers and Number One!!Lise-Liesel!!!

Janis-128 was a nightmare yesterday. It took almost 2 hours for two of my coworkers to get to beverly from N,Reading and Peabody. I would have been so mad to get to the school and then have it cancelled. How frustrating, and driving in that rain is so exhausting. Hope you had a good, well-deserved nap.

Gretchen- I met the Typhoon Lagoon nurse after a wave pool accident too. Bet she sees a lot of us. I think the Beach Party cd is called DIsney's Beach Party, and it's all Beach Boys songs, but different characters introduce the songs. It's not really disney songs, but you get the characters voices, like Goofy will say, "Let's get down to the beach" before one of the songs. My sister gave it to ds before his first trip.

Good morning everyone! Hope all in the northeast are drying out. My basement is almost dry, and the water has receeded in the yard and garage, so all is well here. My check engine light came on, so I need to drop the car at the garage on my way to work, but then it's about a 15 min walk to work, so that will be my exercise today.

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[pjlla]

We made the effort to visit Mickey's and Minnie's houses last May knowing that they would be gone within the year. They were pretty cute.

I think many people had family traditions tied to Toontown and the houses, so this had better be a pretty good upgrade so as not to disappoint us!

Good luck with Lord of the Flies. That was my assigned summer reading between 8th and 9th grade and I HATED it. I think they assign the worst books to read over the summer.

Actually, Lord of the Flies is a re-read for me. I read it a few years ago after I found out that Mark Burnett based the development of "Survivor" on this book. Saw it at the used book sale this summer, so I grabbed it to give it another read. But I agree.... they do seem to assign the WORST and HEAVIEST and DARKEST books for summer reading! DD had a large list to choose from this past summer, but so many of them were really DARK. I steered her towards a little bit lighter story and she is really happy I did!

I still haven't started packing. I should get earplugs before we leave for IllumiNations and HalloWishes; my other option is to bring my iPod (which I'm bringing anyway) and try to line up the soundtracks so the fireworks noise is blocked a bit (I'm very sensitive to loud sounds). We have travel sized bottles at home in the quart bag, but I kind of want to buy a set here to have it all set before I go home. Thoughts?

The small bottles are pretty easy to find at Walmart and Target, but why do you need more than one set??

QOTD 10/4: What is your dream job/career? Really, no matter how out there it is!

Honestly.... I'd love to do Samantha Brown's job on the Travel Channel. The biggest drawback is that she is traveling "alone". Obviously a job associated with Disney somehow. BUt other than that, I guess I don't have a "dream job."

DQOTD: Do you have any Disney soundtracks or CDs that you listen to? They can be from theme parks or movies.

I have a few sets of music CDs.... I have the "Classic Disney" 5 CD set and the 50th anniversary "Official Disneyland Resort album" that I primarily use, other than Dis-radio. Both of the kids have the Tangled soundtrack on their Ipods that I borrow occasionally, and DD had the "Nemo the musical" songs on her Ipod... we sing along in the car sometimes. GREAT question!!

I hope by reading the book, I won't be as confused for the movie. I feel that way about the pirates movies. When #4 comes out, I want to buy them for ds for christmas, and watch all of them again, and figure out who's dead and who's alive.

Glad I'm not the only one who had trouble following all that!

PamelaLooks like the rain is headed your way. Hope it's not too bad for you. Nice work on the scrapbooking. I want to get some scrapping done once football ends. We spend about 8 hours each week total for practice and games, so if I even dedicated 2 hours a week to scrap, I could get so much done.

Yup.... been pouring for it seems like days now! Finally clearing this morning. I was hoping to get some scrapping done last night, but it was not to be.

Good morning, losers!! Rainy day here, but it seems to be stopping. My yard is flooded, and the water has been pouring over my bulkhead threshold into the basement, stressing me out. I have a sump pump that's working overtime, but I'm very happy the rain is stopping. I was cranky with ds when he was not ready for school, but luckily the bus was late so we weren't fighting when he left.

Need to get back to tracking today. Lost it on sunday, but am starting fresh again.

SOrry about the flooding.... heard things were really tough in your area! Prayers for a sunny Wednesday and going forward!

So, Murphy seems to have taken up residence at my place. I last posted about all the items going kaput this last week. Night before last, someone got into my car(I often forget to lock it) and tossed everything but nothing gone. There was only umbrellas and change in there. Today, the riding lawnmower broke. Something with the gas pedal but DH know what part to get. I guess DS gets the week off from yard work until it comes in. Oh, and my cute black rhinestone flipflops came apart! What is going on! I have to laugh!

Glad you can laugh about all of this stuff! Hopefully everything will pass and the remaining fall will be tragedy-free!

I am focusing on the trip. Getting the FE gifts together,makng magnets for door, I try and sorta plan the outfits each of us wears so the photos look a little better than all crazy colors. Now I just need to go preorder the photopass.

Glad I'm not the only nut that plans our outfits to coordinate! It isn't too tough when it is just two of us, but when it is the four of us.... phew! I try to stick with just a "theme color" or color family each day to make it a bit easier. Animal Kingdom usually gets greens, oranges, and tans. We save our colorful Disney t-shirts for the MK.... DHS gets reds and blacks (not sure exactly why).... Epcot usually ends up as a blues/greys day.

My trip with DD this past spring was really easy.... we wore matching outfits every day! It was a bit tougher with DS the year before... he did NOT want to match his Mom, so I just kind of coordinated us.... blues, greys, and on the day I wore purple, he wore white. It definitely makes the scrapbooking easier!

Good Morning!
I am so glad that I am not the only one that does that! My family knows to just ask each morning "What am I wearing today?"

I KNEW another scrapper would totally understand! And it makes the mornings so much easier! I preplan our outfits for each day, depending on where we are/what we are doing.... then each day's outfit (everything, including undies and sox) for each person gets put into a ziptop baggie with a label. In the morning everyone grabs their appropriate bag for the day! SO EASY!


Dream Job? Well I think I have it-- Stay at home Mom. I really don't like working outside the house (heck, I don't like working inside the house some days!) but I have done it and very likely will do it again at some point. I think that I would like to be a Children's Librarian or be able to write Educational Curriculum. I was a teacher but really just didn't enjoy all the crap that goes along with it. I love to plan the lessons. Actually the job I have enjoyed the most was as a Technical Librarian as a Temp for a large company. I was brought in from the temp agency to get things cleaned up and organized-- they basically had a storage room piled with papers and magazines and documents. I really enjoyed that. I ended up pregnant not too long after I started and due to extreme morning sickness that lasted all 9 months I had to leave and never got to finish the job. I really wanted to stay there as it was a temp to hire position.

Disney Soundtracks: I have Wishes, Fantasmic!, Nemo the Musical and a 5 disk set of music from parks and movies and TV shows, as well as various children's music sung by Disney characters, Christmas Music, and several things from the Muppets (which are now disney).

Honestly, that Tech Librarian job sounds right up my alley! Maybe I could get a job organizing and cataloging the Disney archives!!??

Quick hello again.

UGH, I am soooo far gone from this group, I miss you guys!! I will be glad when Cross Country season is over!

Trying my best to stay on plan. Need to get my work outs in, I have not been diligent enough with that.

I still intend to coach this coming week, I'll have to make myself get up early to post. I won't be around much Saturday since DS15 has the biggest meet of the season and it's DS10's birthday. But I will pop in when we get home.

We've missed you too, but we understand! Looking forward to your coaching week!

I think my dream job would be a trave agent or do they have a secret traveler you know, like a secret shopper that just travels and tries out resorts. Hmmmm

No Disney soundtracks here. I usually just listen to the radio



I was a stay at home for 9 years. Well I also worked part time at a restaurant, but the schedule was totally flexible and I worked nights while hubby was home with the kids. I needed adult interaction. I began looking for a full time job last August and have landed 3 since then The first went out of business, the second lied about the benefit package and my current job which is going well. It was certainly an adjustment and requires a lot of juggling. My dh and kids have been great with it. My kids are a bit older so daycare hasn't been an issue as the older kids watch the younger one, or maybe the younger one watches the older ones? Good luck.

You ALWAYS have the best "bling"!!

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

Okay friends.... caught up to here.... moving forward now!................P

 

[pjlla]

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 3 Superstars!!
#10- 1.09% - keenercam
#9- 1.24% - jillbur
#8- 1.29% - tigger813
#7- 1.45% - Crazy4Disney06
#6 - 1.50% - Settinsail
#5- 1.54% - Redcat52
#4- 1.55% - aamomma
#3- 1.65% - EDuke98080
#2- 2.76% - satorifound
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge
Week 3 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 3.41% - liesel

HUGE congratulations to everyone on the list!!!

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. These past few days, I have fallen so far off the wagon that I can’t even see the wagon any longer.

We'll slow down so you can hop in when you catch up!!

This week won’t be much easier – my birthday is at the end of the week and I have a few lunches and dinners planned with friends and family (at not so WW-friendly places!)

Oh well – I will continue to walk/run (or do my BL dvd) each day and if I can just maintain over the next week or so, I will be happy.

Off to catch up on missed posts – this thread is moving pretty quickly.

- Laura

Actually, I thought it was moving pretty slow! Happy early birthday!! Eating out is SO TOUGH sometimes!

I work nights - DH days. So one of us has always been home with our DS. It's been tough on DH, but he never complains. Some days after working 12 hours he has to come home take a shower and go running back out the door for school events, scouts, sport practices and games. DH and DS have a very close relationship because of it. We have a very good support system in the community too. If DH is running late he will call someone in scouts or from DS team to give DS a ride. And we return the favor.

That is so nice. I had to ask another parent for a ride for DS Monday night and once about two weeks ago. I HATE doing it, but I was absolutely desperate. One of them I didn't feel too bad because I have given their child many, many, MANY rides in the past few months. And the other lives really close to us, so it wasn't out of her way.... so I wasn't feeling too badly. I will DEFINITELY repay the favors whenever I can.



I got home from work at 12:30 am. Read for about an hour, woke up around 4:00 am with the horrendous thunder and rain. Never got back to sleep. Story of my life. I had a class today in Beverly and I got stuck in the traffic nightmare this morning on 128. I take a photography class in Beverly. I left Wakefield at 8:45 am and arrived for a 10:00 am class at 11:00 am. Usually takes me less than 30 minutes. When I arrived at the building I found a parking space close to the door and was surprised. When I opened the door of the building and looked down the stairs there was 5 feet of water - that's when I noticed the sign - North Shore Community College - No Classes. Arrrrghhhh. I went home and went back to bed.

Are you KIDDING?? What a big PITA!! I hate 128 with all of my heart and soul. Fortunately, I usually only need to drive it a few times a year....when we head to Beverly and Gloucester for swim meets.

Congratulations to all the Losers and Maintainers.

Janis

Heading down in 10 minutes to do the elliptical while watching Biggest Loser! Anyone wanna join me? My goal is to do at least 2 and maybe 3 miles during the show. ITTFN

I didn't watch it last night (other than the first 15 minutes).... saved it for today's workout, so I will kind of "join you" (about 12 hours later! ).

Pam, the Betty White book was cute. Not too much to it. Not a true biography but her thoughts on a few subjects.

Sounds like a nice light read.... I'll check the library next time I'm there.
Well, we ended up eating at Cheesecake Factory Sunday night. I ordered an Aisan Salad off their new "Skinnylicious" menu. It was very good but I also had a mojito and a slice of dutch caramel apple strudel cheesecake.
I ate the salad over 2 meals. Monday morning I was up 3 pounds I went right back to light eating and upped the exercise but still up 3 this morning Hoping to turn it around by Friday.

So VERY glad that there are NO Cheesecake Factory restaurants anywhere near here!!

LTS, we are having such a hard time with homework this year. DS had very little homework at his International School for 7th and 8th grade. They advocated no more than 45 mins of homework a WEEK. I suppose we could have been proactive and assigned some homework ourselves. DS is constantly telling us this year he has no homework and we go into his backpack and there it is. It is exhausting keeping on top of him. Hopefully he will soon get with the program.

I agree.... it is so exhausting and frustrating! DH checked PowerSchool yesterday and saw that DS had a few missing homework assignments.... makes me want to SCREAM because I ask him every night.... "what do you have for homework?" "did you do you homework?" "do you want me to check your homework?" etc, etc, etc. etc.

We are giving him one quarter to "do it on his own" and if he ends the quarter with stuff missing, next quarter we will be constantly vigilant, checking Powerschool, checking his assignment book, double checking his homework.... he will hate us, but he is bringing it on himself. He is ABSOLUTELY capable for "A" work and he not doing it. Last year we did the same thing.... end of first quarter he was making mostly 80's... a few 90's (mostly in math). DH got on his case, checked Powerschool constantly, kept on him about missing/late assignments, etc.... and LO and BEHOLD...he ended that quarter with HIGH HONORS! He is capable of the work, he just needs to get his act in gear getting it DONE!

So I am considering showering at the Y after my workout every day. It will save time and I won't be using my water and electricity at home either I am working up my nerve to do it. Today, I noticed there is a sauna in there. So what would be the order, workout, sauna, then shower I am guessing? How long do you sit in the sauna? Do you just wrap in a towel? There's a steamroom too!

Have a great week everybody!!!!!!!! Keep making good decisions, tracking and getting in your water and exercise!!!!!!!!! Every little bit you do adds up

Well.... I insisted that DD shower at the Y when she was younger.... and I am so glad I did and she got into the habit. It definitely saves us $$ on the hot water. We are spending enough on Y membership and swim team.... at least we can save a little on the oil bill!

The swim team girls shower in their suits. I've showered in the ladies locker room in a suit too (although I find it a bit of a PITA). But our Y has a "family" locker room with private showers, so I use those.... I can shower in the "buff" without feeling like I'm a bit over-exposed! (Guess I'm a bit overly modest??)

Anyhow... I would say exercise, sauna, shower. I wouldn't stay in the sauna more than 10-15 minutes. I would do it in a swimsuit and/or towel. Most of the old ladies at my Y due it mostly naked.

I remember when my mom went back to work, I was about 7. My grandma became the after school care for me and my brother, but she and I disagreed on a lot and it wasn't a good experience. As we got older, my mom worked various shifts, including overnights. For awhile, my grandma and Dad would alternate who would come in the morning to get my brother on the bus (I would have done it if mine didn't leave first). Then in my last few years of high school she was working 6-2 or 8-4, but she would *always* stay late. I still resent her a bit for that, and as she came to find out, there was no benefit to devoting the extra time (she was fired not long after that for stupid reasons) and found out the same thing again with her current job. However, she did always try to take a day or two off over breaks to spend time with us.

You know that old saying... No one ever said on their death bed, "I wish I spent more time at the office." Sadly, it takes some folks a LONG TIME to realize this.

My Mom worked nights (M-W-F) when we were little (Kindergarten to about middle school). I HATED it and cried every time she left. Plus my Mom is NOT a night owl, so I'm sure it was hard for her. I didn't get along with my Dad so it made my nights difficult.

She started her own business plus worked part time during the day when we were in middle school and high school.... and she was ALWAYS there when we got home. It was SO NICE to be able to talk about the day with her.... my DB and I both remember coming home and flopping on her bed (she worked in her bedroom) and talking about the day. Mom would shut off her typewriter and listen to us for an hour.

I'm SO GLAD that I am able to do the same for my kids. But cut your Mom a bit of slack.... I imagine she thought she was doing the right thing at the time... she was trying to provide for you and your family. And you've learned (the hard way), what NOT to do when you have kids.

Had another iffy eating day. Was not feeling well all morning so didn't go to class, but I did go and take my sociolinguistics exam. I think I got at least 18/20, possibly 19. It was all definitions straight from the book, and one did not have what I am positive is the correct answer as a choice. So I wrote it in and we'll see what she says.

I did go to my afternoon class but got to leave early because everyone else was taking the test I took last Thursday. I went to the bank to get change for restaurant/bell hop/mousekeeping tips and also to let them know I would be going on vacation and to note it on my card. The very nice women sat down and talked with me for quite awhile, gave me an ATM card should the actual account card get lost, and refunded me the overdraft fee that recently was incurred when a hotel reservation intended for January was made for September and I was charged-the hotel refunded me their portion as well.

I went to WalMart to get earplugs, a poncho, a toothbrush case and a travel kit. I also bought more of those soft sugar cookies. Two housemates and I went to Zumba, and one of them said, "Wow, you were in the zone!" because I know the routines pretty well by now. I've been given the option to bring the Wii back to school with me, but I don't know yet. We only have Wii Sports and Zumba, and we'd have to rearrange the living room since we have no room to use it right now...

Sounds like you are ready to go!!

I think I'd leave the Wii at home for now. You have a great schedule worked out for going to the gym. Save the Wii workouts for when you are home.

QOTD 10/5: What has been your most difficult obstacle to overcome on your journey to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle? How are you trying to change it?

EXERCISE.... I hate it! And I go back and forth between being a total POWER HOUSE and working out like a mad woman.... and then a few months of "ho-hum" barely hitting the TM time. If I could just find something I really LOVED to do, I think it would help.

I've got the food part down-pat, for the most part.

Disney QOTD: Does anyone in your family collect character autographs or photos? What is the best character interaction you've ever witnessed or experienced?

DD loves autographs and pictures with the characters (just like her Mom). And like you, we had some GREAT interaction with Tiana and Navene in May... and with Ariel and Eric. Maybe because she was the tallest "kid" in the lines?? We also waited in the sun for TWO HOURS to meet Rapunzel and Flynn!! The CM's and Rapunzel and Flynn were SO sweet with her!


OOOOoooh.... actually, the BEST character interaction I think we've ever had was with Chip and Dale at Goofy's Kitchen in Disneyland. We had arrived for our meal late (longer drive from Vegas then we planned) and actually were mostly done eating.(and the restaurant was closing soon)... and had only met one character. But we KNEW they were there, as we saw them visiting other tables. We told our waitress that we had been kind of "missed" by most of the characters and she must have put them on alert because within the next 30 minutes we had tons of character visits. But Chip and Dale were the best BY FAR! They signed our books AND wrote messages to us on the paper tableclothes.... they made fun of each other (and of us) and basically just interacted for about 15 minutes. Made our first night at DL extra nice!


How stinkin' cute were my kids when they were little???

We were ALL wearing matching outfits (shirts for the guys, sun dresses for DD and I).... obviously they Chip (or Dale??) noticed........

And of course, they made fun of each other!

Good morning everyone! Hope all in the northeast are drying out. My basement is almost dry, and the water has receeded in the yard and garage, so all is well here. My check engine light came on, so I need to drop the car at the garage on my way to work, but then it's about a 15 min walk to work, so that will be my exercise today.

Have a great day everyone!!

Glad things are drying out for you!

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

Happy FINALLY SUNNY Wednesday friends!

Sorry I didn't make it on here yesterday. I was having a super-tired day, which is really unlike me! I had a bit of extra time in the evening, as DS's soccer practice was cancelled and DD got a ride (AGAIN! ) to swim and back (other than me meeting them about 5 miles from here)... but I was so sleepy I couldn't do anything! I sat down to read and could barely hold my stupid eyes open. I had a cup of tea with caffeine at about 5pm and made it until 10pm. Thought maybe I was coming down with something, but seem to be fine today. Guess I just need to get more sleep!

Plan for today is to finish up here, do my circuit training while watching last night's BL episode, hit the shower, make the beds, unload the dishwasher, pack up DD's swim bag, pack up stuff for robotics meeting, eat lunch, head to DD's school to pick up her and a friend (early release for them), drop her friend at home, head to the middle school to coach robotics, drive DD to the Y, and then home again for a few hours before I have to go retrieve her at the Y. Somewhere in there I need to fold two loads of clean laundry and maybe do a bit of picking up and throw a load of towels in the washer to get on the line tomorrow, when it is supposed to be sunny all day.

Eating has been a bit off.... not so much calories as too many carbs and such. Trying to "reel" it back in today. Bought some absolutely WONDERFUL apples yesterday.... looking forward to my afternoon snack!

Time to hit the weights! TTYL..............................P

 

[pjlla]

Oh heavens above! I killed the thread!!! Where is everyone this morning?

Anyhow, for anyone who cares.....

my beds are made, my dishwasher is unloaded, my towel load is washed, robotics stuff is packed, swim bag is packed up, workout is done (not enough, but okay for now), I'm showered and dressed and currently stuffing salad into my mouth as fast as I can. I also applied for DD's passport, ordered her new team suit, picked up her bathroom, paid my credit card bill, paid the last bit of DD's upcoming trip abroad, wiped down the kitchen counters, and washed my bag of apples.

Off to finish shoveling in my lunch and head out the door by 1:10pm at the absolute latest!! Laundry did NOT get folded, but hopefully will before bed tonight! Also did not finish watching BL, but may finish it while I eat my lunch.TTYL..............P

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTDdream job: Well, I kinda have it now. As a substitute at school I can choose the days I work and I have all days off pretty much the same as the kids. The people I work with are fantastic (I only work at 2 schools) and elementary kids are so stinking cute!

I was a SAHM for 11 years and then I starting subbing only 2 days a week. Did that for a little over a year then started working just at the kids' elementary school so they always knew where to find me. Deciding to return to the work force was an agonizing decision but I had to do it for my own sanity! Can't remember who was returning to the work force, but you can do it! Your family will be just fine.

QOTDmusic: We only have a set of CDs with songs from Disney movies. There are 4 or 5 CDs. DS1 made a Disney CD with songs he downloaded from iTunes. It's good and yesterday at work the teacher had a homemade CD she got at a yard sale with amazing Disney tunes! I keep trying to remember to ask for music for Christmas. Maybe this year I will since don't really want anything!

QOTDobsticales: My biggest hurdle this challenge seems to be motivation. You'd think I'd think about senior sports night and walking onto that court a bit more often--especially since it is fast approaching!

QOTDautographs: We don't seek out any characters, just have the pen and paper handy for when we see somebody. I've got boys, after all! Our best experience (and we've had some really good ones) was when DS2 was 6 and he met Capt. Hook. He was very excited and was telling him that his middle name was Peter, therefore Peter Pan was his buddy. Hook took exception to that and the interaction was fantastic! So cute.
----
Have been doing all right (not great, mind you) on the eating front but a bit slacking on exercise. Didn't do anything the last 2 days; I worked and the weather was just yucky. I usually run in the mornings, but today after my walk I was absolutely starving so had some breakfast. I'm going to go for a run before lunch. Think I'll try my long route today. First time in about a month! The scale is finally starting to move again, so I'm figuring I can get it to move more if I move more!

Have a super day!

See, Pamela, the thread is not dead!

 

[jillbur]

QOTD 10/5: What has been your most difficult obstacle to overcome on your journey to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle? How are you trying to change it?

For me, it's the cutting out the sugary food. The exercise piece is falling into place quite nicely (my calves are all muscle!), and I can eat healthy stuff, the problem is that I still eat cookies, cake, etc on top of the healthy stuff. I learned bad habits from a young age so I'm now trying to correct those bad habits. I try not to buy the stuff, but sometimes I just can't resist. And then of course I eat it really fast and then feel guilty. That is a work in progress.

Disney QOTD: Does anyone in your family collect character autographs or photos? What is the best character interaction you've ever witnessed or experienced?

I collect both. I think last time I met nearly all of the regularly available characters, especially in World Showcase and at DHS. Tiana and Naveen were really awesome, telling me how if I didn't have a prince at home I should kiss a frog, but not a toad because they aren't the same! Ariel and Eric were also pretty cool. Goofy was a really good mime, indicating disbelief and sadness over my 19th birthday. And Tigger, Woody, and Buzz were all super flirty-wanting kisses and dances!

I think my hardest obstacle is cooking. I love to cook and try new recipes, however, DH and my 2 DSs don't always feel the same. Sometimes I find myself cooking something they are in the mood for and eating small portions, other times I made myself something completely different. If I could ony afford a personal chef...

My sons did collect every autograph on our first trip in Jan/Feb. We used the designer thread to make our own autograph books and the kids and characters loved them. This was a big help for DS4 (at the time) who could not read the autographs but new the picture it was signed on. So, he proudly went home and showed all relatives who signed each page. They decided next time, we don't need the autographs lol.

The best interaction was my DS4(at the time) with Belle. DS was being shy and she asked what little boys like to do at home. DSs told her they like to play nerf guns. She got so into it! She thought it sounded "dangerous" to which DS4 told her "as long as you don't get hit in the eye." lol. She asked if Beast could come over to our house and play. DS4 was so happy.

The other memorable interaction was with Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana. I have pictures of my boys wrapped up in Princess Tiana's dress they were hugging her so much! And, Prince Naveen was so cool. I have pics of the boys giving him high fives! I can't remember the exact conversation, but the characters were great!

 

[lovetoscrap]

<---- he is peppier than I am today

CONGRATULATIONS to the BL top ten AND to everyone that is here and doing their best!

It is 2:30 and still feels like morning to me. I got up to go to the bathroom a little after 6am and realized that DH hadn't got his shower yet. He has been sleeping in his "man cave" so he doesn't catch my cold, plus my snoring/hacking/coughing was keeping him up. So I went back to bed but of course couldn't sleep worried about if he had set his alarm. By 6:10 I knew he must be oversleeping so I called down to DD15 to go and wake him up. Since my alarm is set for 6:45 to get dd11 up I couln't fall back asleep so I ended up coming downstairs and laying on the couch. She left at 7:10 and I fell back asleep on the couch for over an hour. When I woke up I went upstairs to take a shower but had a raging headache and decided to take some Ibuprofen crawl back into bed. Woke up at 11:30. Way to waste the morning.

So coffee and breakfast at noon means that my whole day is now going to be off. Which is probably okay since I actually thought today was Thursday all of yesterday so really I gained at least half a day, right? My plan today was to clean my floors so I guess I should get started on that pretty soon.

I liked that show, but don't have the soundtrack. I'll occasionally find myself humming "Go with the Flow".




I went to WalMart to get earplugs, a poncho, a toothbrush case and a travel kit. I also bought more of those soft sugar cookies. Two housemates and I went to Zumba, and one of them said, "Wow, you were in the zone!" because I know the routines pretty well by now. I've been given the option to bring the Wii back to school with me, but I don't know yet. We only have Wii Sports and Zumba, and we'd have to rearrange the living room since we have no room to use it right now...

It sounds like you had a very productive day!

The Finding Nemo Soundtrack is available on the disneystore.com site or through Itunes. I ended up just getting it on Itunes although I would like to buy the actual disk at some point. Call me old fashioned but I don't trust this stuff bought on Itunes. Seems like it could disappear from my account anytime they want.

QOTD 10/5: What has been your most difficult obstacle to overcome on your journey to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle? How are you trying to change it?

For me, it's the cutting out the sugary food. The exercise piece is falling into place quite nicely (my calves are all muscle!), and I can eat healthy stuff, the problem is that I still eat cookies, cake, etc on top of the healthy stuff. I learned bad habits from a young age so I'm now trying to correct those bad habits. I try not to buy the stuff, but sometimes I just can't resist. And then of course I eat it really fast and then feel guilty. That is a work in progress.

Disney QOTD: Does anyone in your family collect character autographs or photos? What is the best character interaction you've ever witnessed or experienced?

I think my obstacle is about the same as yours. I sure do love the junk food and the refined white carbs. I also like very few vegetables so that makes it hard to have variety. Exercise is also an issue partly because I hate it with a white hot passion and because my physical condition limits me a lot.

We have had a few extra fun times with the characters. Our first trip we were some of the last ones at the Character breakfast in AK so ALL of the characters came over for photos at once. I had read the DIS for months to prepare for our trip and knew that it was very rare to get a pic with Mickey and friends all together so I was very excited. We were also able to find Belle in her yellow dress and DD was so in awe. Belle is her favorite.

Then last trip we went into the place in DHS where they do the draw the character (brain is still asleep and don't feel like trying to remember the name) and it was FULL of characters! Very short lines because no one knew they were there so we got lots of pics and had pillowcases for them to sign. Aladdin was bored because he didn't have a line so he started to "cause trouble". I dared him to go and stick his tongue out at Jafar who was on the other side of the room and he did. It was fun to watch.

And Stitch is always fun. When we saw him once he put our pen into DD's hood of her sweatshirt during the photo. She turned to get the pen and Stitch just went . He and my dd's played around trying to find it. I hadn't seen what happened to it either so his handler finally whispered to me to look in her hood. She still remembers that.

Oh, I also have a great scrapbook page meeting Chip and Dale our first trip and DD then 3 at the time had pigtales and her band and ribbon were sliding off of one side so one of them pulled it all the way off. She was very upset! They were sort of playing keep away with it? The other one was trying to get it back for her. I had to tell her that it was okay and then she realized it was funny. But I have a great pic with the one holding her hair band and her little sad face

Glad I'm not the only nut that plans our outfits to coordinate! It isn't too tough when it is just two of us, but when it is the four of us.... phew!

I KNEW another scrapper would totally understand! And it makes the mornings so much easier! I preplan our outfits for each day, depending on where we are/what we are doing.... then each day's outfit (everything, including undies and sox) for each person gets put into a ziptop baggie with a label. In the morning everyone grabs their appropriate bag for the day! SO EASY!

YEP!!! I do the ziplock bags too!

Oh heavens above! I killed the thread!!! Where is everyone this morning?

Anyhow, for anyone who cares.....

my beds are made, my dishwasher is unloaded, my towel load is washed, robotics stuff is packed, swim bag is packed up, workout is done (not enough, but okay for now), I'm showered and dressed and currently stuffing salad into my mouth as fast as I can. I also applied for DD's passport, ordered her new team suit, picked up her bathroom, paid my credit card bill, paid the last bit of DD's upcoming trip abroad, wiped down the kitchen counters, and washed my bag of apples.

Off to finish shoveling in my lunch and head out the door by 1:10pm at the absolute latest!! Laundry did NOT get folded, but hopefully will before bed tonight! Also did not finish watching BL, but may finish it while I eat my lunch.TTYL..............P

I will be lucky if I get that much accomplished this entire week!