Today's QOTD:
Are you a spiritual person? Do you believe in a "higher being" (God, Allah, or whatever your particular religion believes)? If so, do you think that your beliefs can help with the weight loss/healthy lifestyle journey? (BTW, let's keep this light and fun.... no negatives here, no matter WHAT is said about any particular belief!! okay??)
As most of you know, I am a Christian, so I obviously believe in God. But I have always thought that it wasn't really appropriate to ask God to help with "superficial" requests. But I've learned differently over the past few years that it is okay to ask for help for ANYTHING that is bothering me. Plus it isn't that selfish to want myself to be healthier (and happier) for my kids' sake, and they are a definite reason for this journey. I don't specifically pray for weight loss, but I pray for strength when confronted with temptations, I pray for self-discipline to get the workouts in, that sort of stuff.
And a "fluff" question for fun!
Suppose you are approached by the "What Not To Wear" team and they are asking you to discard your entire wardrobe (in exchange for a new better one, of course). Well... as Disney lovers we ALL have Disney clothes we love (and Stacey and Clinton would NOT understand this). What one piece of Disney-related clothing would you hide so that you could keep it away from the WNTW garbage can??
I own several Disney shirts that I love, but the one I would hide would be my DL 50th anniversary shirt. Love, love, love it! I saw it in a store at DTD and had to make a special detour one day to be sure I got it. I've worn it a lot but it is now waaay too big.... but thankfully, I bought DD the same shirt in a medium and it fits me now, so I can borrow it if need be!
QOTD: Some people think I'm too religious, but that is a whole other debate. I consider myself religious and spiritual. However, I (believe it or not) have never considered putting those beliefs into weight loss.
I may have to try that. Ahh, P, always with her wonderful ideas!
Don't be afraid to ask for a little strength or help if you need it!
Fluff QOTD: Can I just say that there are multiple people, namely my sister and mom, who are dying to nomiate me for What Not to Wear?!?!?! And, quelle horreur,
I do not own a Disney shirt, etc. I did have a Daisy Duck hat, but I haven't seen that in years.
Have a great day everyone! Thanks for coaching P and Kaiti!
Honestly... no Disney clothes?? I'm surprised!
Pamper Week for WISH BL Fall 11 Challenge Weekend of 10/21:
Your 2 mini-challenges are 1) Spend some time outside relaxing in the fresh air. It is supposed to be nice enough throughout North America for the next few days, so I hope that everyone does this. I'm not a medical professional at all, but everything I've read lately says that Vitamin D is so important, and that a good source of it is exposure to the sun.
2) Have a glass of milk. Soy milk, cow's milk, almond milk, calcium-fortified OJ, etc. Let's give our bones the calcium they need.
My DH and I were just having a discussion yesterday about Vitamin D. I take daily supplements (about 2000 IU, well over the USRDA) and when I had my D level checked last spring it was still only barely in the "normal" range.
With winter coming I know I need to be diligent about taking my supplements every day!
I'm hoping to get in a hike or outdoor run/walk this weekend. It should be my last free weekend for many, many weeks, as swim season kicks into gear next week. I might have my milk in the form of almond milk on cereal tomorrow and a greek yogurt for desser tonight!!
Brilliant, as usual CC!!!!
Thank you
Pamela for coaching this week. This would be a good week for me to get back on track, because I know you will be there to kick my butt back in the wagon when I need it.
I"m always up for a good butt-whoopin'!! I'll keep an eye out to be sure you stay in the wagon this week!! 
qotd- I'd say I'm a spiritual person, and defnitely believe God, and believe our spirits move on after we die. I, like CC, have never really turned to God to help me with my weight loss journey, though so much of my weight loss is related to other things that I have turned to God for help with, so in a round about way, maybe I have. Very thought provoking question, Pamela. Thank you.
Hello to everyone else. I hope you all have a good weighin today, and a fun, busy or quiet relaxing weekend, whatever you desire.
Enjoy your weekend and good luck to Michael with the football game.
Nope, don't believe in a higher power at all. Well, maybe Mother Nature. Kind of an odd answer for someone who sends 2 of her kids to Catholic school huh?!?
*Throwing on the Mod hat for a sec. Just a reminder that religious debates are against DISboard policy. Please keep that in mind when responding. Not that I have to worry about this group but don't make me put you in time out!! Stepping off my soap box now.
Thanks for that reminder..... I actually had that in mind when I posted the QOTD this morning (which is why I put that little disclaimer at the end), but I figured we are a pretty easy bunch and I didn't foresee any problems. Sorry I had to make you pull out the Mod. hat!! Hope it is at least stylish! 
Fluff - My Green underground classic Mickey Shirt. It's shredding and I still won't give it up!!
I still have the t-shirt I bought on my honeymoon, nearly 20 years ago. Ratty, faded, great for sleeping in! But I'd let it go if I had to.
Pamela how did the Chiropractor go?
It went well. He is a really nice guy and seems to really know his stuff. The more we talked, the more I realized how I've mistreated my neck/shoulders... and he made me realize that the pain I've been having in my elbow (self-diagnosed as tennis elbow) and the pain in my fingers (self-diagnosed as early osteoarthritis) is possibly all related to my neck/shoulder pain. He is hoping I will get some relief with all of it. He said I was super easy to adjust and should have excellent results. It felt kind of weird... made me giggle when my back was cracking like popcorn... but he definitely pinpointed my neck/jaw pain. I go back twice next week and will probably go once a week after that for a while. It won't be too bad because I am currently taking DD once a week anyhow, so I will just piggy-back our appointments.
Thanks for asking.
No, I don't really believe in a higher power. I mean, occasionally if I hear that something really bad has happened to someone I'll pray that things get better for them, but as for myself, I believe that I am in control of my own choices. And I believe in Evolution over Creation-my science minded self just likes that explanation better.
Most of my Disney clothes and related accessories are probably okay, but the matching mother daughter shirts are probably the ones they would pick to go in the trash because they are just so tacky and touristy! So I guess I'd have to fight to save that.
According to Stacey and Clinton NO Disney clothes are okay! A few years ago there was a Dis-er who was on WNTW (I think her name was Kelly and she was from Philadelphia, but I can't remember her Dis name). Anyhow.... ALL of her Disney stuff had to go... sweatshirts, t-shirts, bags.... it made me cringe!! I LOVE my Disney clothes!
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I had a bit of an emotional/financial crisis last night that ended with me canceling Weight Watchers because I truly can't afford it right now and also lowering my cell phone plan to the lowest possible. I think I will be okay without WW because over the last few months I've learned how and what to eat, and even though I haven't tracked in weeks, I've still lost about 5 pounds.
Awww.... I'm so sorry about this. You CAN do it on your own! You have the tools and the knowledge! Don't let this become an excuse to step away from this journey!! But you need to get back to the basics, including tracking your food. It is a really important link to success.
I lost 90 pounds using WW but without even ONCE stepping foot into a meeting or using the online tools. I took what I learned in the past, my old paperwork and points slider and made it work for me! Sure, it was tough at times, but if I did it I KNOW you can.
WE are your WW meeting.... I'll even volunteer to be your "leader"!! In fact, when I am feeling guilty about spending time here or feeling a bit overwhelmed I remind myself how much time I would need to set aside to actually attend a meeting. The nearest meeting place is 30 minutes away.... plus showering and make-up and such to look decent.... add in a 30 minute meeting, etc and it would easily eat into 2 hours of my day! Spread that out over the week and I AT LEAST can justify 15-20 minutes a day with this group!!
HH sent in? check. WIN sent in? check. Weight sent in? no check. I keep getting vastly different numbers! What's going on? I liked what I saw when I first got up, then I did my walk with my girlfriend and weighed again and I was up 2 pounds!?! So now I'm going to run later and take it after that and see what the scale says. Heck, maybe I'll just average the 3 weights.
Is your scale digital? When did it last have a new battery?
If it still continues to fluctuate, I say take the lowest weight and run with it!!
DS1 got his SAT scores yesterday and was happy with the results, especially the essay. As far as we can tell, they'll get him into college, if he ever figures out what his plan is!
for SAT scores!! DD took the PSATs a few weeks ago (she is a junior)... and we are anxiously awaiting the scores. She did FABULOUSLY last year and are hoping for a jump in the score.
I bought new running shoes yesterday so can't wait to get out today.
OOoooh... jealous! I need new ones but haven't had the time or the money. What kind??
QOTD Yes I do believe in a higher power. I have read about people turning to a higher being for weight loss. I am thinking about giving it a try.
It certainly couldn't hurt!
QOTD2 I would hide my Disney night shirts. I must have about 10 to 15 of them. It is not night without without a Disney nightshirt. I would also love a total makeover.
I don't think Stacey and Clinton need to see your jammies, but they are pretty ruthless with some women about their bras!
I would like some help, but not a total make-over. I would SO cry if they cut my hair short. I am growing it to donate, but I don't want it any shorter than a few inches below my shoulders (which is why it takes me SO long to grow it out to donate... this will be my second time).
What would you like done the most? New wardrobe? Make-up? Hair??
Back from Vegas and just caught up on all the posts - jeez this thread moves quickly.
I won't go into too much detail, but I ate and drank quite a bit. Not to the point of making myself sick (something I've done in the past), but lets just say that I not only came home $2600 richer, I also came home 5.5 pounds heavier.
(To be fair, that was over the course of two weeks - my birthday week and Vegas.)
Heck, I'd deal with 5.5 pounds to gain $2600!! What game did you win in???
Tomorrow I'll be back on track - I have no planned roadblocks or big celebrations between now and Thanksgiving, so I'm just going to focus on the next month. One month at at time ...
- Laura
How about one day at a time??? Or one meal at a time??
Okay.... well, at least I caught up with today!
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Evening friends!
Chiro appointment today went well. Ran lots of errands... Target for necessities, Lowe's to return a rug sample that I've had since JULY! Then all over heck and back trying to find the fabric I need for the remainder of DD's costume! I found NOTHING in the color I need, so I bought a small swatch of something in white (fabric good, color not) and a bottle of purple dye. The swatch is in the dryer now.... we'll see how it goes. Like I've got time to custom dye 5 yards of brocade in addition to sewing the entire stinkin' costume! I must be NUTS!!
QUICK LESSON:
To those of you with every excuse in the book on WHY you CANNOT eat healthy when running around....
I left the house without breakfast this morning (very unusual). Had to wait until after Chiro appointment and by then I was starving. I am so sick and tired of Dunkins I could scream..... not that I eat much there, but I feel like we stop there a LOT for coffees and egg wraps and such.
Anyhow, swung into a McDonald's drive-thru
... I know what you are saying.... "NO! Step away from the McGriddle and hash browns!!" But I ordered a fruit and maple oatmeal (5 points) and a large coffee with skim (essentially 0 points). I've had their oatmeal before and I wasn't disappointed. It is delicious! (Quite a bit sweeter than I would make it on my own, but so tasty!) Admittedly, I rarely spend that many points for breakfast, but since it was late I figured I wouldn't need a mid-morning snack.
Planned to run errands until about 11:30 or so and head home. But since I hadn't found the fabric I wanted to try one more store a few towns away. But at this point I knew I wouldn't make it home before having to pick up the kids.... so lunch out was necessity.
I did have a 100 calorie pack of nuts in the glove box, but I knew that wasn't going to be enough. There was a Subway nearby, but I honestly don't care for their salads and I didn't want all of that bread. I allotted myself just 10 minutes to get lunch, which I THOUGHT meant it would have to be a drive-thru, but instead I headed to the nearest grocery store. Grabbed an apple, some salad bar (greens, cucumber, chick peas, mushrooms, grilled chicken, onion, sunflower seeds, fat-free vinagarette), and a bottle of water.... and was in the car within 10 minutes, even with a potty stop! And spend under $7 for a really healthy, low point lunch.
Heading into this store I didn't even know if they had a salad bar. I figured I'd grab an apple, a piece of cheese from the deli or maybe some turkey, maybe a greek yogurt, and a bottle of water. But I lucked out and they had a nice salad bar.... not huge, but just enough.
It can be done..... even with limited time and no planning.... so NO MORE EXCUSES!!
Next lesson.... eating with even FEWER options!!
I need to go cut onions for tonight's dinner..... spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (DH saw it on Good Eats and requested it). The dressing is made (will warm it before serving), eggs are cooked.... just need to chop the onion. I am SO hungry, I need to eat something NOW.... I will not make it until our 8:15 dinner time! (We are waiting for DD to get home so we can eat all together.)
After cutting the onions I'm hoping to have a few more minutes to play catch-up on here. Tomorrow's QOTD
should be posted VERY early, as I head out at 5am for DD's swim practice....but if I don't get to it I will be back on before noon with it. TTYL...................P
I'm glad I went before the farm got all the national publicity, I bet it's packed there now. 
I called my mom today and asked her to please make me an appointment with my psychiatrist ASAP because I realize I need a med change. She said she knew it too, but was waiting for me to come to that conclusion on my own. Basically, since my major was "Deactivated" just about a year ago my life has crumbled down around me and I'm having a hard time putting it back together. 
to be on WNTW!!! I do have a princess crown that I bought at Disney and wear it occasionally (around the house)
You guys are doing awesome, way to go!!!
He seems to think that would be a bad idea in a dry corn field-- MEN!
But be careful because I think my PF flareup started from using it without shoes. 
Way to go me for forgetting something like that! 
