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

[Disneywedding2010]

The maze was really confusing! We cheated at the end!

Actually my bad cholesterol was down 18 points, not 12!

Just got back from taking Brian to the airport in Manchester, NH! Got lost coming back. Watching CSI and going to try to clear some stuff off the TIVO. Girls are watching something downstairs. I need to take a nap at some point today. I was asleep by 9 last night and then woke up at 2:30. I read for awhile and then went back to sleep for about 30 minutes.

Brian was hoping to go to Epcot to F&W but that's probably not happening as it's pouring down there. He only has today to be at Epcot.

TTFN

It has rained here so much in the last 36 hours that we have 3 feet of rain water in our unfinished pool

 

[AUdisneyDad]

QOTD: To go along with the Healthy Habit challenge of keeping your mind sharp, What was the last book you read?
DQOTD: What is your favorite World Showcase country? Why?

I have read two books lately: Heaven is for Real and A Salty Piece of Land (Buffett). I thought both were wonderful. I have to wait until my professional test is over before I dive off into another book. So the first week in November I'll decide what to read next.

My favorite WS country is the United Kingdom. I enjoy the fish and chips along with the bands that play there.

QOTD 10/2: In my townhouse, we've instituted Sunday Dinner. We rotate weeks and each person makes a meal of their choosing. Sometimes we invite friends, and it's a chance for us all to be together and discuss our week and bond while enjoying a great (and usually healthy meal). Do you do something like this with your friends and/or family?
DQOTD 10/2: What is your favorite night time spectacular? It can be from any park and/or any special event.

We rotate every third Saturday with our next door neighbors. We all get together and spend a few hours together with the kids playing and the grill going.

My favorite night time spectacular is Wishes. I proposed to DW during wishes on the Tomorrowland bridge. So it has a special place in our hearts.

QOTD: On busy days like today, how do you go about keeping your eating and exercise on track? What are some ways you could incorporate healthy strategies in, if you don't already?

What are you most and/or least excited for that is coming with the new Fantasyland Expansion?

If I know I have a busy day coming I'll wake up early and get my workouts/run in. I pack several snacks (banana, apple, grapes, yogurt, etc.) for the day and do my best to eat those.

QOTD 10/4: What is your dream job/career? Really, no matter how out there it is!
DQOTD: Do you have any Disney soundtracks or CDs that you listen to? They can be from theme parks or movies.

My dream job would be to become an Imagineer. I think it would be awesome to contribute to families memories at WDW and DL by developing rides, shows and of course a little Disney Magic!

We have several Disney soundtracks, but the two we listen to the most is Tarzan (DW favorite) and The Little Mermaid (DD3).

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?

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

The biggest obstacle I had was getting DW on board with trying to become healthier and losing weight. It was bad for a while because I was having to cook two meals at night, one for myself and one for DW & DD. But once DW decided it was time it has made life a lot easier.

We collect autographs and photos! Our best charater interaction happened when DD3 was about 6 m.o. We were at Very Merry and visited the princess area in Toon Town. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Aurora, and Prince Phillip were there. We were the only people in line and they spent at least 20 minutes with us. We have pictures with all four of them and with both princesses and princes. It was an awesome time.

QOTD 10/6: What is something positive you've done this week in regards to your weight loss journey?
Disney QOTD 10/6: Do you use Photopass? What are your favorite shots you've had done?

I finally broke the 290 lb mark and can fit into size 42 jeans again. It felt great!!

QOTD Friday 10/7/11 – How do you prepare yourself to eat right and not over indulge in the sweet stuff but still feel a part of the celebration? Because we all know how hard it is to resist an offer of cake from a kid!

I try to snack on the healthier options so when its time to partake in the sweets I'm not as tempted. However this does not always work.

QOTD 10/8/11 How would plan your meals for yourself and your family when you have an all day outing such as a race, day at the beach, etc where the food options available would be burgers, dogs, and more burgers?

If possible we pack a cooler with chicken salad sandwiches, grilled chicken salads, fruit, veggies and plenty of water.

I think I finally caught up. Sorry for the long post we had internet problems this week. At&t apparently disconnected our phone and internet this week instead of our neighbors (they moved) and it took them 4 days to get it turned back on. Needless to say we were not happy campers. I hope everyone has a great week.

Tim

 

[Eeyore98]

Alan had fallen asleep on the couch and woke up on and off most of the early morning. He said it started around 4am here and was downpour most of the day. It let up here and there a few times but only for about 10 minutes at a time. My friends are like "OMG! How can you stand the rain?" PFFT! I freaking love it!! It hardly ever rains in TX during this time of year. This will definately be something I can get used too.

I'm so jealous! We just moved to TX at the beginning of this summer and I can't believe how little it rains! I know we're in a drought, but seriously, it has rained a collective total of about 20 minutes in the whole 5 months I've been here.

So my birthday was Thursday, but I’ve been celebrating with food every day for the past five days. Rather than focus on what I did wrong, I decided to compare things to what I would have eaten last year without any focus on health or good choices.

....

I am a little disappointed in myself though. When I started this fall challenge, my mini-goal was to be below 200 by my birthday/Vegas. It was a do-able goal – would have been attainable if I did what I was supposed to do. But, I am now still about 10 pounds away from that goal. When I get back from Vegas, I have to “reset” and get right back on track.

I think the comparison to last year is a good way to look at it! It's much easier to stick with the smaller changes. You might not hit your goals as quickly, but much better to stay slow and steady than risk burning yourself out.

DH is off tomorrow as well, and I usually don't exercise when he is here, since with me flailing about the room can get a little crowded! DS will hang out in his room, but DH likes the family room, and I hate people watching me when I work out

I can't stand people watching when I work out, either! My DH was just given the ability to work from home on Mondays and tomorrow is the first one! Eeek! I'm going to have to revamp my schedule.

 

[Eeyore98]

Okay, I lasted a whole day and a half of being really good about my food choices before I bombed last night's dinner. I think I'm going to have to take a slower approach if I want this to stick. So, for now I'm not going to worry about calorie limits, but just slowly add in better choices.

Also, I need to get over my reluctance to exercise on days my DH is home. I tried to get him to go for a walk today with me, but he said it was against the spirit of a "lazy Sunday". So, instead of going on my own, I sat on my butt at the computer. Tomorrow, I *will* go walk with the dog around the neighborhood while he is working from home!

I really want to focus on the exercise this time, because while my clothes are getting tighter, my weight on the scale is actually the exact same as the last time I started trying to lose weight. So that means since quitting my job to move with DH, and starting school instead of taking another retail job, I must have lost muscle and gained fat! Makes sense because I'm no longer being on my feet all day helping people, packing/unpacking shipments, and all that kinda stuff. But still...BOO. Going to have to get more active!

QOTD - Tell us about your loud and proud moment for the week. Hmm...not sure. Oh! One of my professors just told me that she always looks forward to getting my homework each week because I "always bring such a unique perspective". That could be taken a couple different ways, now that I think about it. But I'm going to assume it was meant as a compliment.

 

[akhaloha]

This last week has been so stressful, and even though I was on track with my food choices, I didn't exercise. I ended up gaining .8 pounds. Last week I didn't lose any weight so it was frustrating! This weekend I made poor food choices and feel bloated and awful. I tend to get discouraged easily when the weight doesn't fall off quickly.

Today I dusted off my Bodybugg. I haven't worn it since April 2010. It originally helped me lose about 20 pounds. It really makes me feel accountable to get my calorie burn and steps in for each day. I'm the queen of excuses when it comes to exercise. I know that it's the key to weight loss, but it's soooo hard to be motivated. Anyway, I started the Couch to 5k program today, so I actually exercised!

Hopefully I will see better results for this Friday's weigh in!

 

[karliebug]

This has been a tough week. I am finally going back to work today after being flat on my back for a week. I had an MRI done on Friday but won't get the results until I see Dr. again this Thursday. I missed my WW meeting this week and unfortunately have been comforting myself with food. I have some new meds. for my back and now i can at least move so lets hope this week is better.

 

[my3princes]

Good Morning. Day off for me. I was planning for a quiet day home alone, just darting out for a dentist appointment. Unfortunately Nick has a tummy bug and is getting cold sores so I'm sure something bigger is brewing. I'm very thankful that I'm home to keep an eye on him. Sometimes things do work out.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Looks like lots of folks in our group could use a bit of extra this week! Hang in there everyone!

Hi, everyone!

Well, I signed up for this challenge back before it first started, but then I guess life got so crazy I completely forgot! Things are calmer now, and I'm going to give this another shot. Weighed myself yesterday and just PM'd that scary number to Sue.

Eeyore98! It's never to late to rejoin a BL challenge!

Yup, it has been raining for FOURTEEN HOURS. No break, and it's either gusting wind or torrential downpour. We went to Epcot from 9-12 this morning and then were soaked through despite ponchos (I was literally wringing water out of my sweatshirt sleeves) and headed back around 3:30 and made it to about 7:30. We wanted to see IllumiNations (didn't get to see it last night either) but we were soaked through again. However, Epcot wasn't as crowded as predicted; we got on Soarin' in under 20 minutes around 9:30am. We did make it to a a few food booths.

Bummer about the rain, Gretchen. Hope things clear up soon. Looks like you are making the best of it.

QOTD: Sunday 10/9/11
Steve Jobs - When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Steve Jobs the last few days and the words he shared at the Stanford University commencement address in 2005.

So today I don’t have a QOTD, I have a Statement of the Day. Don’t let the noise of others drown out your voice. Don’t let others belittle you about your weight, your choices, your failures, and your accomplishments. You speak loud and proud today and every day.
Tell us about your loud and proud moment for the week.

Love this, Buffy!

My loud and proud moment is that yesterday for the fifth time this year I stood at the starting line of a race. Something that I never in a million years would have thought I would do. Heck, I didn't even like to run when I was a kid.

So my birthday was Thursday, but I’ve been celebrating with food every day for the past five days. Rather than focus on what I did wrong, I decided to compare things to what I would have eaten last year without any focus on health or good choices.

Way to celebrate the positive, Laura! Have fun in Vegas and we will all be right here to help you get back on track when you return.

I keep thinking about a quote I heard the first week of the challenge - sorry, do not remember who put it out there originally: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". Although I won't reach skinny, I am aiming for healthy - that will feel and look good for me!

And you had a loud and proud moment -- you are down 9 pounds since you started WW!

I think I finally caught up. Sorry for the long post we had internet problems this week. At&t apparently disconnected our phone and internet this week instead of our neighbors (they moved) and it took them 4 days to get it turned back on. Needless to say we were not happy campers. I hope everyone has a great week.

Tim

Wow! Life without internet -- tough! Glad it's fixed and it looks like you and DW had a great week with HH!

This last week has been so stressful, and even though I was on track with my food choices, I didn't exercise. I ended up gaining .8 pounds. Last week I didn't lose any weight so it was frustrating! This weekend I made poor food choices and feel bloated and awful. I tend to get discouraged easily when the weight doesn't fall off quickly.

Baby steps, baby steps! It takes awhile for this healhty lifestyle thing to become a way of life. Give it time.

This has been a tough week. I am finally going back to work today after being flat on my back for a week. I had an MRI done on Friday but won't get the results until I see Dr. again this Thursday. I missed my WW meeting this week and unfortunately have been comforting myself with food. I have some new meds. for my back and now i can at least move so lets hope this week is better.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed on the MRI results for you!

Good Morning. Day off for me. I was planning for a quiet day home alone, just darting out for a dentist appointment. Unfortunately Nick has a tummy bug and is getting cold sores so I'm sure something bigger is brewing. I'm very thankful that I'm home to keep an eye on him. Sometimes things do work out.

Sorry to hear that Nick is under the weather. Hope he is feeling better soon!

It's a new week, a new day and another chance to be on plan! :

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

QOTD: Monday 10/10/11
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. I’m sure most of us remember this rhyme from elementary school.

Columbus Reaches a New World
With only the Atlantic Ocean, he thought, lying between Europe and the riches of the East Indies, Columbus met with King John II of Portugal and tried to persuade him to back his "Enterprise of the Indies," as he called his plan. He was rebuffed and went to Spain, where he was also rejected at least twice by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. However, after the Spanish conquest of the Moorish kingdom of Granada in January 1492, the Spanish monarchs, flush with victory, agreed to support his voyage.
Columbus confirms the notion that perseverance and persistence can triumph over obstacles and that tenacity and strength of purpose can lead to something noteworthy in the annuls of history.
Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Sorry the QOTD was late. I actually slept for 5 hours straight!! That has been hard to come by lately.
I think I'm getting a sinus infection though, so I'm dragging again today and have a migraine yet again. It's been well over a week now, I've just about reached my limit!

I hope everyone has a great day!!!

 

[Disneywedding2010]

Afternoon everyone!

Plans for the day consist of going to Sam's Club and getting some meat. I'm hoping Alan the ribs in the crockpot if not we're giong to be winging dinner again tonight. I NEED to get those ribs cooked up and ASAP. I also need to finish making my meal plan for the week. I started it last night but didn't get it finished. We were busy trying to get some bigger issues figured out. I also plan to get on the treadmill later tonight and do as much as I can without it wearing me out.

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

As many of you know we moved to FL about a month ago. Well, we still have a house in TX that we were trying to get on the market. Well, the housing market right now in TX sucks. The realtor wanted me to list my house at LESS then what I paid for it (even after all the upgrades I did!) I was adament in there was no way that was going to happen.

Her recommendation was to lease it out. We live in a 2 story, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage type home. She said we could easily get $1500 a month for rent on it. So after discussing the pros and cons we've decided to rent it out. It'll put some money in my pocket and it gives the market time to get back to a better place. I'm excited and am hoping this all works out for the best.

 

[glss1/2fll]

Howdy. Had an ok weekend. Saturday we went to DH's 25th college reunion. I got up early so I could run. We left our house at 11:30 to get there so DS1 could take an official tour of the campus at 1. That was 1.25 hours of walking. After the tour we went to the football game where we stood the entire time gabbing with folks. Then there was about an hour break before "dinner." DS drove home (we'd taken separate cars) and DH and I hung out in the car me reading my book and he reading DS's info packet. Then we went in--after trying to fix the glove box which decided to remain open. It was not a sit down dinner like DH thought. It was stand around eating hors d'oeuvres for 3 hours! Our legs were so tired!

Sunday we had to be up early to have DS2 at church. Went to church and I came home and took a nap! A few hours later DH crashed! We are definitely getting old! We sat around the rest of the day except taking the dog for a walk--gotta get those 15 minutes of exercise in for HH!

This morning I've done my 3 mile walk with my girlfriend in the rain. ugh Came home and ate oatmeal and was going to go run but in addition to the rain it was windy. I hate that. So I headed out to the Y where I decided to run just one mile on the treadmill. Did it in 11 minutes, my fastest ever!

Now I need to eat lunch or something and head off to sub for the afternoon!

My proud moment was saying no to cupcakes at the reunion, but I did eat a lot of nuts. Still trying to figure out how exactly I'm rewriting my history!

Have a great afternoon/evening!

 

[dvccruiser76]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenge – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 1 Congratulatons Rose&Mike!

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------76!
not reporting in for 1 week-----13
not reporting in for 2 weeks----7
not reporting in for 3 weeks----11
Excused--------------------------3
weigh ins-------------------------42
gains-----------------------------10
maintains------------------------10
losses----------------------------22
new or returning members ----1


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 4!
This week’s group loss = 30.1 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.34 %
Total group weight loss so far 231.4 pounds!

AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 95 participants we had sign up for our start week on Sept 9th)
49% (this includes the Losers, Maintainers and Excused people!). Let's keep sending those weights people!


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 4?

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 4 Superstars!!
#10- 0.74% - buzz5985
#9- 0.84% - ougrad86
#8- 0.87% - pjstevens
#7- 1.03% - AUdisneyDad
#6 - 1.09% - yulilin3
#5- 1.22% - ClassicPooh2
#4- 1.27% - dis-happy
#3- 1.59% - lovehoney
#2- 1.68% - lisah0711
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge
Week 4 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 1.99% - satorifound

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations satorifound !!!

What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by


Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[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 4 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 27% complete.


aamomma 60.00
akhaloha 16.00
amoggio816 19.13
baby1disney 2.22
buzz5985 50.00
cclovesdis 42.00
ClassicPooh2 30.00
Desiree 10.00
dis-happy 9.09
DopeyDame 7.69
dvccruiser76 7.69
EDuke98080 28.57
elanorasmom 5.71
JacksLilWench 0.00
jaelless 0.00
jillbur 30.88
jimmduck 10.23
keenercam 35.00
kollerbear 27.00
LoraJ 10.42
lovehoney 32.50
lovetoscrap 13.33
Michele 0.00
MickeyMagic 27.78
mommyof2Pirates 0.00
mvlimmex 22.67
pjstevens 16.67
rafikifan2911 35.00
Redcat52 13.33
RutgersAlum 18.33
Seashell724 11.39
SettinSail 31.61
thunderbird1 21.00
tigger813 28.31
tinkerbellfriend 10.00
trinaweena 13.77
WDWorBUST 10.00
wickey’s friend 30.00
Worfiedoodles 27.00
yanni2 1.00
yulilin3 13.57
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

 

[JacksLilWench]

QOTD: Monday 10/10/11
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. I’m sure most of us remember this rhyme from elementary school.

Columbus Reaches a New World
With only the Atlantic Ocean, he thought, lying between Europe and the riches of the East Indies, Columbus met with King John II of Portugal and tried to persuade him to back his "Enterprise of the Indies," as he called his plan. He was rebuffed and went to Spain, where he was also rejected at least twice by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. However, after the Spanish conquest of the Moorish kingdom of Granada in January 1492, the Spanish monarchs, flush with victory, agreed to support his voyage.
Columbus confirms the notion that perseverance and persistence can triumph over obstacles and that tenacity and strength of purpose can lead to something noteworthy in the annuls of history.
Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

My story will no longer include the phrases "diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer", at least not as long as I can help it. And if I keep this up, it never will. I have fallen off the wagon from this challenge, but I always say it's not about how far you fall, but how high you bounce after. And I am getting bouncy!! I have so much more confidence now, and I don't know what I was thinking sitting at home on so many nights telling myself I wasn't "enough" to go out with friends and make new ones. I mean, I did karaoke a couple months ago! I never would have done that at my starting weight!

 

[cclovesdis]

Evening Everyone!

I spent some of today with a friend who works at a school and had the day off today. That and job searching kept me busy.

I have been really sick to my stomach, unfortunately. I do not know why either. I am trying so hard to make sure that what I eat is gluten free. I know the allergiest said wheat, but with needing to avoid rice and oats, gf products were available. I tried rye only bread, but didn't like the taste of it-too bitter. I am wondering if I am missing something and eating gluten unknowingly. I read every label before I buy it and have checked everything we already had in the house before eating it. I can't figure it out though. Perhaps it is something else?

I am hoping to spend some time relaxing tomorrow. My sister is coming over as well. I will definitely be job searching too.

Have a great week everyone!

 

[dvccruiser76]

Disney QOTD 10/6: Do you use Photopass? What are your favorite shots you've had done?

I have 2.

That is the first. It was taken the morning of our first full day at Disney last May, before our 8:05am ADR at Crystal Palace.

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Love those pics. Quick photopass question. Has anyone purchased Christmas cards through them? We're going Dec 1-8 in 2012 and I was thinking of buying our cards through them if they come out nice, but I wasn't sure how fast they arrive or if they're too pricey

Sue, I completely understand. It is 8:10 AM and I am home because yesterday I lost my job. Over 10% of us were laid off. I am miserable, but doing better. I am going to run a few errands today to catch up on some things that have been put on the back burner, but otherwise, it's job searching. I have a get-together scheduled with a friend tonight that had been planned, so I'll keep that as well.

Oh no, so sorry to hear about your job. It sounds like it's happening a lot lately. Have you had any luck with the job search yet? It's still probably too fresh in your mind. Hope you get a lot of back burner stuff out of the way so you can de-stress and regroup

YIKES! It was great that all of you were willing to give up so much so that they didn't need to make a personnel cut.... and nice that another girl found another job so quickly. But what a shame that he still needs to make so many cuts. But it will be worth it if you all can hold onto your jobs I suppose.

Yeah, it just stinks b/c we seemed to be growing and moving in the right directions and now we all feel like we're going backward

********************
DS and I are SUPPOSED to be going away this weekend for our Mother/Son time, but with DH traveling and all of the kids sports and such, it has been hard to confirm this for sure. I'm going to check into it today and make a decision by tonight. DH is going to the Patriot's game on Sunday, so this will mean leaving DD home alone for the entire day.... sure she is 16, but I still worry about her. And we were going to leave Friday night, but DS doesn't want to miss his soccer game Saturday morning. So if we do go away it will be Saturday afternoon until MOnday afternoon probably.

Did you end up going away?

Okay.... here are a few photopass pix....

This is one of my favorite from my most recent trip this past May with DD

This is my favorite from my trip last year with DS

And, despite my size, this is my favorite from our last family trip in 2008.....

And YES, that smallest child with the shaggy blonde hair is my SON! He has been toying with various lengths of "rock star" hair since about 3rd grade! I don't mind it but it drives my DH nuts!

You look great

Happy Birthday, Laura! (mackeysmom)

Happy belated birthday Laura

I am not sure if this pic will come up but it is a fav from photopass- we use it most trips
Sorry for the size-I can't seem to get it resized on photobucket

I love it! That's the shot I hope to get when we go in 2 years.

Very stressful day here. I'm not sure if I mentioned that Nick is being treated for depression. We thought that he was doing okay, but read some poetry that he wrote and I can honestly say that I am as worried about him as I was when Hunter was diagnosed with his brain tumor. We spent the day talking to the school counselor, his pediatrician and trying to get him an appointment for counseling. Can you believe that there is an 8 - 10 week wait for the office that I used to work in. For now we have a safety plan and he swears that he's not depressed or worse at the moment. Why can't life be more simple?

Oh no, so sorry to hear about Nick How old is he?

Hi all! We are down here now. Flight left on time and we arrived half an hour early! Magical Express line was for Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk and Port Orleans Riverside-no one for YC, so drop off order was PORS, BW, BC. It took about an hour from the time we got on the bus to the time we got to the hotel. We were greeted with a big “Welcome Home” the instant we stepped off the bus. I did online check in, but our room was not ready (at 10am), no big deal. We left our bags with Bell Services and went to Marketplace. Looked around for a bit and bought two refillable mugs.

We knew we wanted Beaches & Cream for lunch so at around 10:30 we walked over there (got a little lost on the way, but a nice CM by the pool redirected us). Since we were ready and waiting promptly at 11, we were the ones to open the restaurant for the day! Lots of clapping and cheers! The food was delicious and the service outstanding-thanks Dolores!

After lunch I wanted to go swimming, so we went to get our suits from Bell Services and pick up the noodles. Of course, immediately after we leave the luggage room it starts pouring. It stopped, I changed, thunder comes in. Pool closes. We waited for about 25 minutes, then headed to check out the villas building. Mom took a nap in the Breezeway. Beautiful room! I waited a bit then went back to the pool. It was open, so I explored several different areas, went down the slide, and then relaxed in a lounge chair on the beach for a while. Clearly got some exercise! When I came back around 2:15, I had a text from Mom that we were in villa 321 (a studio).

We are on the third floor (obviously) and overlook the walkway between the Solarium and the BCV entrance. The room is very nice, spacious, and less gaudy than online pictures make it look. My favorite aspect so far is that the couch is one unit and the blankets and pillows are stored in the couch! Our suitcase from ME was waiting and after a call to Bell Services, our other luggage arrived not long after. I’m currently sitting on the balcony uploading pics. We have dinner at Cape May Café at 5:30, then plan to explore the Boardwalk and the Yacht Club.

Photos for today so far are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150328769203736.342667.608588735&type=1

Hope you're having a wonderful time

I really want to thank everyone for all the positivity here. This is my 1st challenge and I'm new to the w.i.s.h. I already feel so much support. And, I don't even know you guys!! I read other parts of the dis and people can become so rude and nasty. W.I.S.H. has to be the most positive part if the dis. Thanks! And, I feel so motivated by total stangers! I love it! I know I don't have a ton of weight to lose, but I do want to lose at least 15 more pounds (which seems like it's the hardest to come off). If I mention to people that I am trying to get heathier and lose a few pounds, they just say things like "oh you don't have to lose any weight." Luckily, I have found support from you and also my wonderful DH. And, I am so inspired by all the success here. So, thanks again! You guys rock!

You're welcome! You are doing great in the challenge Also, I hear you about the DIS, sometimes on the DCL thread I have to stop reading and come back here.

Yesterday, I wrapped Christmas gifts. I've had gifts in trying to stay hidden since late June, so why not start wrapping? Everything I had already bought is wrapped and I took inventory as I was wrapping it. I've been doing well with using coupons and the cost has been nothing (literally) yet! I am hoping to continue on that path. I not trying to be cheap ; I like to spend my (mother's) money on things other than soap...which my mother decided years ago was a Christmas gift.

Christmas wrapping is a great way to spend your time. It always puts me in a good mood. Well maybe for the first 5-10 gifts then forget it

WOOHOO!!!! Got my blood test results today! Cholesterol is down 15 points from last year and my bad cholesterol is also down by 12 points! So excited!

Yahoo

I'm having family drama to deal with and long story shut I'm going back to shutting them out. I tried to make meNds but apparently because i'm noT living life the way they want and Alan is in my life (whom none of them like) I guess there is no chance for reconcilation. Okay, whatever. I'm not going to dwell over it.

I tried explaining to my mom why I was acting the way I was in the very beginning (hellooooo its called GRIEVING) and she was just being rude and cold about it. "Well you shut us all out. We tried to help. You wouldn't even leave your room, take phone calls, or talk to anyone, etc etc" Again its called GRIEVING and everyone does it in their own way. I wasn't given a "GRIEVING 101" book after my husband and daughter died. I did what I had to do for me and to hell with everyone else.

So literally after being up all night and stewing over it a few days ago I finally decided I just don't give a crap anymore. I tried to reach out, they made me feel like crap for feeling the way I did in the very beginning so I give up. I'm going to continue to live life for me and no one else. If they don't like it well then that's their issue, not mine.

Sorry to hear about your family drama, but hopefully your b-day trip to MVMCP will put you in good spirits



A big group hug to everyone needing it tonight

Let's have a great OP week

 

[trinaweena]

I've been studying statistics since thursday now and my brain hurts! The exam is tomorrow at 9am, and I plan on going in at 7:30am to get some extra studying done and speak to my teacher about some things that are confusing me. I feel like I could do more right now but at the same time I feel like there is nothing more my brain can learn cause at this point its just jumbles. I don't know how harrd this test is going to be and this stuff gets really confusing and we haven't had much time to learn it so im a bit overwhelmed. At this point i just want it to be over with.

I also left a 2 page writing assignment in my other class to the last minute and i know that wasnt a good idea. Its not even a hard assignment i just kept putting it off and putting it off and now its due on wednesday.

i'm stressing myself out but i did it to myself, at least partly so i cant complain too much. I just have to take it one day at a time and hope that after wednesday i won't stress so much.

im trying to stay on plan this week, but i did not get to the gym tonight and wont get there tomorrow due to homework. I was pretty on plan today untill my brother brought home a pizza...i had been thinking about pizza all day since there is a box in the fridge at work so that did not help!

This weekend is new york comic con in new york city so it will be a fun but exhausting weekend. breakfast is usually dunkin donuts at the train station and lunch is usually mcdonalds next to the con but im going to try to at least bring some healthy snacks with me in my back pack so i dont eat too much fast food. we have to walk 13 blocks from the train station to the con as well, plus walking around the con all day...im not too worried about gaining, just about being exhausted.

we are having issues with my neighbors who decided to get another dog (they dont take care of the one theyve had for 12 years) or the person staying with them got a dog, but they tie it outside for 45 minutes a couple times a day and it does nothing but bark. i also cant tell if its friendly or not and i dont feel comfortable letting my little dogs out when its outside tied up with just a rope. the first time i saw it they left it tied to an open car door! being a dog trainer, irresponsible dog ownership annoys the bejesus out of me!

well guess i should go back to studying! and also bed!

 

[buzz5985]

Evening Everyone!

I spent some of today with a friend who works at a school and had the day off today. That and job searching kept me busy.

I have been really sick to my stomach, unfortunately. I do not know why either. I am trying so hard to make sure that what I eat is gluten free. I know the allergiest said wheat, but with needing to avoid rice and oats, gf products were available. I tried rye only bread, but didn't like the taste of it-too bitter. I am wondering if I am missing something and eating gluten unknowingly. I read every label before I buy it and have checked everything we already had in the house before eating it. I can't figure it out though. Perhaps it is something else?

I am hoping to spend some time relaxing tomorrow. My sister is coming over as well. I will definitely be job searching too.

Have a great week everyone!

Have you tried making your own breads?? It's fairly easy, but time consuming. I know King Arthur's Flour carries many gluten free flours now. I also saw Bob's Red Mill has some gluten free mixes. They can be a little pricey - but at least you know what you are getting.

Janis

 

[my3princes]

Good Morning. Short week this week (thankfully). I wasn't feeling well when I went to bed last night and I'm not sure that I'm feeling better this morning. Throat and ears hurt a little and tummy is off. Nick had similar complaints yesterday. One things for sure, I will be working everyday. With all that is going on I don't want to use my sick time on myself, never know when I will need it for one of the boys. Speaking of that we have the intake appt for Nick this afternoon. Hopefully things can get moving quickly after today.

Have a great day.