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

[Rose&Mike]

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!

CC--why do you avoid rice? I missed that. I still don't eat oats--cross contamination issues, but I am thinking about venturing out and trying some gf oat products.

As for missing things that have gluten in them. It's easy to do. I started eating rice cakes that had no gluten in the ingredients. And I loved them. And I ate a lot of them. Well I started feeling off. I googled it and found out that this particular company does not work to avoid cross contamination and will not guarantee that anything is gf--and these were rice cakes! Same with an ice cream I was eating. The best thing to do if you are eating anything regularly that is processed is to google it and either contact the manufacturer or see if anyone online indicates they have contacted the manufacturer recently. (There is a lot of old info on the internet that is no longer relevant). There is a major brand of chocolate that I won't touch because of cross contamination. I don't check online for every single thing (for instance last night we had a soup that didn't list any gluten ingredients and I just crossed my fingers that it was safe) but if I eat it regularly I do.

I have found that the longer I am off gluten, the more sensitive I am when I accidentally (or sometimes on purpose ) consume gluten. As for gf bread--most of it is not that great. But I have found that toasting it usually really helps. I toast mine on the George Foreman. Last night we had grilled cheese made on the George Foreman with olive oil instead of butter. Yum!

Hope this helps!

Deb--hang in there.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Congratulations to all our superstars and a big, BL woo hoo for our biggest loser, satorifound! I was happy to see my name on the list this week, too.

CC, I'm glad that Rose gave you some tips. I remember that she's had a few run ins with cross contamination. It's a tough thing to avoid gluten for sure!

Sue, thanks for being our weightkeeper!

Trina, good luck on the exam!

Deb, sending good thoughts and to you!

Buffy, I don't think that I am really rewriting history, yet, as I am still losing weight that was lost once this year already. Going to have to avoid that as my re-write!

Have a great day all!

 

[mikamah]

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!



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

Congratulations to all the top losers, especially Satorifound, #1!!! You are all so inspiring!!

Just a quick hello, and a big hug to anyone in need today. Wishing all of you a happy, peaceful day.

 

[AUdisneyDad]

QOTD: Monday 10/10/11
Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

This challenge has showed me that I do still have perseverance, tenacity and strength. I had lost my way a bit before this challenge started. From the end of February to the beginning of September when I decided to join the challenge. We lost our son in February during his delivery, when this happened I turned to food for comfort. I had lost 42 lbs in about 4.5 months before this happened but gained 50 lbs back afterwards. I found myself going to the store buying a bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream and finishing both within a hour. This all stopped when I joined this challenge and began reading other "Losers" stories and realized that we all have hardships in life but its how you persevere and grow from them that makes you the person you should be. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took the first step to becoming a better person, husband, father and friend.

Sorry about being long winded. I hope you all have a great day!

Tim

 

[pjlla]

Happy Sunny Tuesday everyone!

Sorry I've been MIA. DS and I DID end up taking our weekend away, so I haven't been online since last Thursday or Friday. It was kind of crazy getting ready to go away, since DH was just flying back on Friday, the kids didn't have school and they both had appointments. We had dinner together as a family Friday night and watched this week's Survivor, then DD and got up early Sat. for swim practice, caught up with the guys for DS's soccer game, and then after we got home and DS got showered up, he and I headed out for our time away!

Poor DD had to spend the entire day alone on Sunday because DH had tickets to the Pat's game.... we've NEVER left either of the kids alone for that long, but she did really well. I half expected to hear from her every 30 minutes, but in fact, I don't think she called but once all day! I did check on her every few hours, but tried to keep it to a minimum. She was really busy with homework.

DS and I did the two "5 Wits" activities at Patriot's Place on Saturday afternoon, wandered around that mall area, had dinner out, and then Saturday we drove south and did a round of mini-golf and toured Battleship Cove and then hit a Dave and Buster's (our first experience with them and we weren't very impressed) for dinner. Then yesterday we took our first Segway tour! That was really neat!

It wasn't as great as last year's Mother/Son trip to Disney, but hey, can't do that every year! He really enjoyed the Segway tour and despite not really wanting to see the ships, I think he enjoyed Battleship Cove and he may have even learned a little bit! I'll share pictures later.

I don't really have time to catch up right now. I need to hit the TM (eating this weekend was kind of ...), hit the shower, and pick up DS at school at 12:30 for his orthodontist evaluation. Curious to see what they have to say. He REALLY doesn't want to go. Hope he doesn't give me a hard time. Then after we get back it is time to get ready for soccer and swim.

DD is usually really good about making sure I don't come home to any messes, but she was really busy with homework this weekend and I'm afraid I came home to some cleaning. But I did most of it quickly last night and again this morning. Just a few dishes and some picking up mostly, and of course, laundry needs to be started. They are predicting some rain starting tomorrow, so if I want to hang a load on the line, I had better get on it now!

I will try hard to catch up with you all tonight and/or tomorrow morning! TTYL..........................P

 

[lovehoney]

Happy Sunny Tuesday everyone!

Sorry I've been MIA. DS and I DID end up taking our weekend away, so I haven't been online since last Thursday or Friday. It was kind of crazy getting ready to go away, since DH was just flying back on Friday, the kids didn't have school and they both had appointments. We had dinner together as a family Friday night and watched this week's Survivor, then DD and got up early Sat. for swim practice, caught up with the guys for DS's soccer game, and then after we got home and DS got showered up, he and I headed out for our time away!

Poor DD had to spend the entire day alone on Sunday because DH had tickets to the Pat's game.... we've NEVER left either of the kids alone for that long, but she did really well. I half expected to hear from her every 30 minutes, but in fact, I don't think she called but once all day! I did check on her every few hours, but tried to keep it to a minimum. She was really busy with homework.

DS and I did the two "5 Wits" activities at Patriot's Place on Saturday afternoon, wandered around that mall area, had dinner out, and then Saturday we drove south and did a round of mini-golf and toured Battleship Cove and then hit a Dave and Buster's (our first experience with them and we weren't very impressed) for dinner. Then yesterday we took our first Segway tour! That was really neat!

It wasn't as great as last year's Mother/Son trip to Disney, but hey, can't do that every year! He really enjoyed the Segway tour and despite not really wanting to see the ships, I think he enjoyed Battleship Cove and he may have even learned a little bit! I'll share pictures later.

I don't really have time to catch up right now. I need to hit the TM (eating this weekend was kind of ...), hit the shower, and pick up DS at school at 12:30 for his orthodontist evaluation. Curious to see what they have to say. He REALLY doesn't want to go. Hope he doesn't give me a hard time. Then after we get back it is time to get ready for soccer and swim.

DD is usually really good about making sure I don't come home to any messes, but she was really busy with homework this weekend and I'm afraid I came home to some cleaning. But I did most of it quickly last night and again this morning. Just a few dishes and some picking up mostly, and of course, laundry needs to be started. They are predicting some rain starting tomorrow, so if I want to hang a load on the line, I had better get on it now!

I will try hard to catch up with you all tonight and/or tomorrow morning! TTYL..........................P

Sounds like a great weekend - but busy. The segway tour sounds fun! I am sure that is a mother/son activity he won't forget. Good luck with DS at the orthodontist.

I did not have a very good weekend food wise. I'm not sure how I can gain 5 lbs every weekend.

My DS2 pushed my head down while playing and my lower back wrenched this weekend. I've been having to nurse that along with a hurt toe. I am trying to think of aerobic exercises that won't bother either of these areas. I might try the elliptical at the gym.

Good new is I have 2 interviews this week. Wish me luck!

Have a great week everyone!!

 

[pjlla]

I hope you can fit in your trip with your DS. I'm sure he is looking forward to it.

We did manage to fit it in!

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 5: 101 Dalmations

This is a Disney classic. I have memories of watching 101 Dalmations with my neighbor at age 7 or 8. While there isn't much that is cuter than 101 dogs who band together and succeed, this is a movie with a villian. We all have a villian in our life, and, I know for me, that my villian(s) hold me back in terms of weight loss. This week we're going to work on conquering our own Cruella de Villes.[COLOR]

So, in to help us prepare for "battle:"

For All 7 Days:

What dog isn't (or wasn't) on the move?!?!? Take their lead and 1. Your “Habit” is to exercise for at least 15 minutes. I WISH I could tell you the exact number of studies that have shown how exercise helps one's mood, but I can tell you it helps mine!

Those 101 Dalamations are pretty smart.They are also willing to try something new/different. 2. This week, your “Habit” is to try something new or different. Here are some ideas.
- Go lower carb and/or higher protein for a day.
- Drink an extra 2 8 oz. glasses of water.
- Add an extra serving of veggies. (You may want to consider subbing a fruit serving for a veggie serving.)
- Split 2 meals in half and eat one mid-morning and the other during your usual lunch time.

3. Eat at least 2 servings of protein per day. (Consider your weight loss approch in determining how much a serving is.) Protein is so essential in a dog's diet and it is in ours too!

Each one of us has a way to relax. 4. Spend a few minutes each day doing something just that. Again, if you think it counts, it counts!

Mini-Challenges:

1. We're 5 weeks into the challenge and as you can tell, I'm big on plans. Plan your exercise for the rest of October.

2. In the spirit of 101 adorable Dalamations and the power of pet therapy, do one activity involving an animal this week. Many of us have pets, but you could also:
- Visit a park and jump in on a game of Frisbee with a neighbor's dog.
- Visit a zoo.
- Go to the aquarium.
- Walk around a pet shop.
- Visit your local animal protection services (aka the "pound") and offer to pet the animals for an hour.

Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread. I check my e-mail almost as soon as I get home from work and throughout the weekend.

Hope everyone has a great week!

As usual, a GREAT HH week!!

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?

Prayers coming to your family.

Hello, everyone. Sorry to have been MIA on this thread but I just couldn't get motivated. I re-joined weight watchers last week and am down a couple of pounds. My back went out on Monday so I have been in bed all week with ice and a heating pad.......eating, of course. Hoping to heal up by the weekend and also hoping to post here more often. I don't really have a support system at home so your posts and encouragement will mean so much to me.

Glad you are back with us!

HELLO!!!!!! Said in my best Mrs. Doubtfire voice! LOL

Sorry I'm late, oldest is a little under the weather and a battle ensued to get him to go to school. No school = no race tomorrow so he's not happy with me but he's on his way to school! Anyway......

I am Buffy, AKA, BAMB and I will be your coach for the week. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the WISH wagon. Sorry I’ve been MIA but I am a Cross Country mom which means my Falls are filled with pasta dinners, trail runs, practice and races.
Please look for my QOTD either late at night the night before or first thing in the morning. I am soooo not a morning person so this will be a bit of a challenge on my part. I will attempt to check back throughout the day and respond to as many people as I can, but with a jam packed 4-day weekend coming up I can’t make very many promises.


QOTD: Friday 10/7/11
Tis’ the season for birthdays. Did you know that more babies are born in the months of August, September and October then any other month? Well, I have 2 of them in October, one of which celebrates his birthday on Saturday. We all know what that means, special dinners and cake!

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!

Honestly.... I'm not big on cake, so it isn't that hard to skip, although I always eat a piece of DS and DD's cakes. I don't have any trouble saying "no" to kids! Guess I'm just a meanie!

Clean Up The Clutter

Daily:
Dishes
make your bed
process mail
New – process and toss or file receipts. Keep them separate from your cash and take out of your wallet/purse daily.

This is one area where I really struggle, but after reading that article.... wowza!

I actually keep starting a "system" that never quite makes it through the year.... but maybe next year!?

In January I put (or intend to put) 12 manila envelopes in the car... labeled Jan/year, Feb/year, etc. As I shop and then return to the car, I put the receipts in the appropriate envelope. When that month ends, that envelope goes into the house where it gets stored with the tax documents. Then, if I need a receipt a few weeks/months later, I know where to look.

The problem with this system has been getting the envelopes into the car and keeping them there! I start the year with Jan and Feb in the car, and intend to add the rest as the year goes along, but then I forget... and forget, and forget! This coming January I need to put all 12 in the car (maybe in the glove box) at once, so no excuses! Maybe if I used regular business size envelopes instead of big manila envelopes they would fit in glove box.

TODAY I will make envelopes for the rest of October, November, and December and put them in the car! I can at least END the year right!


weekly:
Sheets and towels
Dust
New – vacuum – vacuum everything including mattresses and curtains. An unvacuumed mattress can cause aggravated allergy symptoms to allergy suffers. DS10 suffers from seasonal allergies and I have found that vacuuming his mattress weekly really helps to keep pollen and dust down in his room.

Seasonally: New
Now that fall is settling in its time to get those chimneys and furnaces serviced and inspected. Also this is a good time to have you dryer vents and dryers taken apart and cleaned.

This is another area where I really fail. I vacuume the house plenty, but not the mattresses. And I should be extra careful with DS, as he is the most allergic in the family. Fortunately he is in an evening shower habit, so that helps keep the bed a little cleaner.

No chimney, but I KNOW I should clean out the dryer vent. What "gift" did I get for my troubles when I did this last year??? A sting from a wasp! Guess I'll look before I blindly stick my hand in the vent this year!

Good morning losers and maintainers!

Congrats to all our HH participants and winners!



Sorry about the strained muscle! Have you tried Bio-Freeze? It is a gel and "cools" the sore area down. It was a life saver during my last half marathon when I had a bad calf cramp.

DD's chiropractor uses this on her shoulders and it really helps.


Pamela, hope you can relax a bit this week-end.

We did, thanks!!

I had a 4 pound "whoosh" on Saturday that I managed to hang onto all week so I am a happy camper. That's ten pounds this challenge! Summer gain is almost gone!

A little cleaning, a little running and maybe a little nap since DS doesn't have school today for teacher work day. Have a great day all!

WOOHOO on the whoosh!

Kathy, I AM a weenie!! But, how do you not turn your heat on until November It must be freezing "up there". I let it get to 62 degress inside the house and then I caved. I can't be too uncomfortable


Umm... when I turn my heat ON it is to heat the house UP to 62!!!!!

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

Sounds like you are off to a good start!

Then...then we went to friendlys for dinner. I just found out they were going out of business! I grew up with friendlys so i got chicken fingers one last time.

They're not all closing.... just a few. So you can get your chicken fingers another day!!

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!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jill

We do have a GREAT group here, don't we!!??

Thank you to all getting me motivated to get back on weight watchers and in a healthier frame of mind. I have been reading along but am new to the challenge and just figuring out how things work . So far I am down 3 pounds and really appreciate the positivity.

Erika

Glad to have you here with us Erika!!

Saturday 10/8/11

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?

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! If at all possible I would pack my food for the day.... fruit, raw veggies, yogurts, sandwiches, nuts, water, etc. If that wasn't possible, I would try to find another food venue.... Subway, a grocery store, even a McDonald's salad or Wendy's small chili. If that wasn't available, I would make the best choice I could.... small burger or small dog (not both)... no cheese, lettuce, tomato, bit of ketchup/mustard... and maybe only half of the roll... and water, water, more water! Honestly, I HATE the thought of eating mass-produced burgers (fast-food and the bulk frozen types from places like Costco just make me.... ). I might just ask for a bun with some lettuce and tomato and pickles! I don't like white bread rolls either, but when you are desperate, you're desperate!

I try to NEVER get caught with NO options.... I carry 100 calorie packs of nuts in the car and often grab and apple and/or light cheese snack when I am heading out.

Good morning/afternoon everyone!

We woke up to a couple of inches of snow and no power, its too early for this! I postponed my long run til tomorrow, but it might rain in the morning and I want to wait until the sidewalks are dry. Rain plus slush and ice is no fun! I can get away with postponing it until Monday and shifting next week's schedule, but I really hope I don't have to.


Um.... HOLY MOLEY! Don't say that "s" word yet!!
Thanks for all the BL well wishes this week, I had a big vacation gain and was able to get rid of all of it in less than a week and then some! I'm glad its gone, although I'm sure half of it was water weight from not sleeping on an all night flight and eating salty food. Have a good weekend everyone, I have to trek out to my parents today. Let's keep our momentum going!

Excellent job kicking the vacation gain to the curb!!

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!

Back from the MegaMaze we went to today! It was hot, fun and frustrating all in one! We split some fried dough before starting and then probably walked 3-4 miles in the next few hours. Then we came home and ate a bunch of Fritos and salsa con queso! My right shoulder and neck have been killing me today. I must have slept funny last night. I'm enjoying a white Russian right now.

Time for some Alleve!

TTFN

Glad you enjoyed the corn maze. I thought about throwing that into the mix for DS and I this weekend, but he really doesn't like it when I try to disguise exercise as a fun activity!!

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd give an update now that vacation is over and we've been in the house a little over a week.

The house is slowly coming together. We have everything unpacked and now just comes the part of trying to get everything else stored where we want it. We had the carpenter come out from DR Horton and put our attic staircase in. Alan finally got everything situated in the attic and the garage cleared enough to where we can get both cars in.

Most of the rooms are situated the way we want them minus picking up a little here and there. We had to put a gate up to keep the cats out of the front room of the house. We have the pool table in there and one of the times that Alan came back to the house during our trip they were ON the pool table. So, hopefully the gat being up will put a stop to that.

The pool is slowly coming along and i'll be glad when its done. We are dealing also with our realtor in TX who is trying to get that house on the market. There are a few things that need to be done but I'm refusing to have the carpets cleaned again. I've already paid out the wazoo to have it done once. I'm not having it done again irregardless of what the woman says! Heck, the carpets were filthy when we moved into that house in 09.

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.

It's raining cats and dogs here today so our plans of hitting up Epcot for Food and Wine festival went out the window. The forecast looks like it will clear up next weekend so we are going to shoot for doing it then. I have dinner reseravations at one of the restuarants in Italy Sunday afternoon. I'm also waiting for 180 days to hit for around Alan's birthday (April 30th). He's already told me he wants to go play a round of golf on one of the courses at Disney. Well, for dinner I'm going to try to get Le Cellier reservations. Its one of his favorite restuarants.

My 28th birthday is in 49 days. My best friend will be here the day before. We are planning to spend the weekend at BLT and hit up MVMCP that weekend. My first birthday celebration at Disney!!

Glad you are taking care of yourself.... that is what you need to do! HOpefully others will understand eventually.

Wow.... you've been through so much for someone so very young. Hope your birthday celebration is fabulous!

Cam Thanks for posting. You really struck a chord with me. I have been saying for months that I think depression is secondary to ADD or ADHD. He's the only one of our boys that hasn't been diagnosed so I suspect that it exists within him. I know that my other 2 have struggled socially when not on meds as they were impulsive and annoying. Nick doesn't have a large group of friends and I suspect that is why. The depression seems to revolve around feeling alone, isolated or "unimportant". The pediatrician had his teachers do an assessment, but they've only know him for a few weeks, only see him for a few hours per week and really can only compare him to others. Not a great diagnosis system.

I've done some reading recently on the parental link to medical care for kids and how much MORE the pediatricians/doctors ought to be listening to what the parents say! We are the ones that spend so much time with our kids.... we KNOW when something isn't right! Why don't they always HEAR us??
Why do the teachers need to assess him? Why aren't you doing an assessment??

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.

Oh my.... I guess riding the Segway without any trouble would be my moment! Anyone who has ridden them knows that it isn't that hard, but after watching the instructional video I was a bit freaked out! But I did just great (for an old lady )! It was really fun!!

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.

Prayers for good news from the MRI.

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?

I am definitely "goal oriented" so when I have a plan in place, I stick with it! I guess that means I have perserverance! And I can be a little stubborn... AKA I have TENACITY!

And I am super strong, even when things are crazy!! My history will be the story of the fat, middle-aged lady who lost 90 pounds and turned her health and life around! My kids will spend the rest of the lives with a cool, healthy, fit Mom... and their kids will have a fun grandma who can run around with them!!

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

Another great week for you Big Losers!!!! Congrats!

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.

Well, it figures. As soon as you said "short week" I realized it was TUESDAY and I missed Bible study!! I even thought of it Sunday, but forgot this morning. I am so mad at myself!!

This challenge has showed me that I do still have perseverance, tenacity and strength. I had lost my way a bit before this challenge started. From the end of February to the beginning of September when I decided to join the challenge. We lost our son in February during his delivery, when this happened I turned to food for comfort. I had lost 42 lbs in about 4.5 months before this happened but gained 50 lbs back afterwards. I found myself going to the store buying a bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream and finishing both within a hour. This all stopped when I joined this challenge and began reading other "Losers" stories and realized that we all have hardships in life but its how you persevere and grow from them that makes you the person you should be. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took the first step to becoming a better person, husband, father and friend.

Sorry about being long winded. I hope you all have a great day!

Tim

You've been through a lot, but you have come out on the other side stronger and healthier! WTG!

***********

Okay, so I said I would catch up tonight, but I got lazy and wanted to sit a few more minutes, so I caught up now! Now I MUST get moving! TTYL...............P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

My story will no longer include the phrases "diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer"

Same here!! Mom has diabetes and as much as I love her, I don't want to be like her!!

The exam is tomorrow at 9am

Sending you well wishes Trina!!!!

Buffy, I don't think that I am really rewriting history, yet, as I am still losing weight that was lost once this year already. Going to have to avoid that as my re-write!

You are just working on your manuscript right now. Changes happen before the final book is published. Hang in there Lisa, we'll find our way together!!

This challenge has showed me that I do still have perseverance, tenacity and strength. I had lost my way a bit before this challenge started. From the end of February to the beginning of September when I decided to join the challenge. We lost our son in February during his delivery, when this happened I turned to food for comfort. I had lost 42 lbs in about 4.5 months before this happened but gained 50 lbs back afterwards. I found myself going to the store buying a bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream and finishing both within a hour. This all stopped when I joined this challenge and began reading other "Losers" stories and realized that we all have hardships in life but its how you persevere and grow from them that makes you the person you should be. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took the first step to becoming a better person, husband, father and friend.

Sorry about being long winded. I hope you all have a great day!

Tim

I'm sorry for the loss of your son Tim. I can't even imagine how hard that was on you and your wife. I think the best thing you can do to honor your son's memory is to live a full life. I too believe that with Hardship comes strength and perseverance.

I have a good quote for you:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! If at all possible I would pack my food for the day.... fruit, raw veggies, yogurts, sandwiches, nuts, water, etc. If that wasn't possible, I would try to find another food venue.... Subway, a grocery store, even a McDonald's salad or Wendy's small chili. If that wasn't available, I would make the best choice I could.... small burger or small dog (not both)... no cheese, lettuce, tomato, bit of ketchup/mustard... and maybe only half of the roll... and water, water, more water! Honestly, I HATE the thought of eating mass-produced burgers (fast-food and the bulk frozen types from places like Costco just make me.... ). I might just ask for a bun with some lettuce and tomato and pickles! I don't like white bread rolls either, but when you are desperate, you're desperate!

I am definitely "goal oriented" so when I have a plan in place, I stick with it! I guess that means I have perserverance! And I can be a little stubborn... AKA I have TENACITY!

And I am super strong, even when things are crazy!! My history will be the story of the fat, middle-aged lady who lost 90 pounds and turned her health and life around! My kids will spend the rest of the lives with a cool, healthy, fit Mom... and their kids will have a fun grandma who can run around with them!!

I skipped the McDonalds as that was the only option. I yelled at Coach because that's what he ate. LOL, I can yell at him though because we've been friends for 25 years. And the asst coach was my math and homeroom teacher in my Freshman year.
We went to eat at The Counter, which is burgers but I got lettuce, tomato, beef, and a multigrain bun. I skipped the fries and the onion strings. I did eat fried pickle chips though. Oh and I couldn't finish my burger either.

I love your strength and tenacity, Pamela. You are my window to look at on the other side. Especially seeing your pictures that you posted earlier. I know the skinny Pamela, to which I never would have guessed by looking at you in May that you ever had a weight issue.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

So I've been thinking ahead to the next phase of this challenge. Soon the weather (for most of us) will be turning colder which means our exercise resources will need tweaking. I'm hoping to find some other options besides the dreadmill. I'd really like to try snow shoeing because I've heard it's a great workout.
DS15 will be doing indoor track starting in November so I was thinking about getting a membership to a local rec center that has an indoor track. Granted it's not to far removed from the treadmill but the change in scenery would be nice.

QOTD Tuesday 10/11/11
What are your Fall and Winter season exercise go-tos?

 

[jillbur]

This challenge has showed me that I do still have perseverance, tenacity and strength. I had lost my way a bit before this challenge started. From the end of February to the beginning of September when I decided to join the challenge. We lost our son in February during his delivery, when this happened I turned to food for comfort. I had lost 42 lbs in about 4.5 months before this happened but gained 50 lbs back afterwards. I found myself going to the store buying a bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream and finishing both within a hour. This all stopped when I joined this challenge and began reading other "Losers" stories and realized that we all have hardships in life but its how you persevere and grow from them that makes you the person you should be. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took the first step to becoming a better person, husband, father and friend.

Sorry about being long winded. I hope you all have a great day!

Tim

Wow Tim! I can't even begin to imagine everything you've been through. I'm so sorry for your loss, but congrats on taking that 1st step! This is my 1st challenge and already feel so much support from complete strangers. I hope you do too!


Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

I'm not really sure about this one. But, I am trying to set a good example for my two boys who are 5 and 8. I want them to grow up healthy and love exercise. Since this challenge started, my 8 year old has done two 5ks with me and my 5 year old is signing up for our next one on Thanksgiving. I also want to do the Princess half in 2013. DH is graduating in Jan 2013, though, and would like to relocate. He told me to relax before I have the whole trip planned before the end of 2011 I love planning trips-especially Disney (and I know I'm not the only one)! When I told my DH that I really want to do the Princess half, my DS8 thought it looked like so much fun, he wants to do the Royal 5k. So, my 8 year old is hooked on running and Disney, now to work on that 5 year old... So, I hope I am rewriting history for them and setting good examples that they can pass on to their children some day.

It's another beautiful day in western PA. My whole family (DH included ) is going for a run/walk after work/school by our lake. We have to soak up what may be the last of this weather! Then we will probably have a picnic for dinner. I love fall and the changing colors of the trees in PA.

I hope everyone enjoys your Tuesday!

Jill

 

[jillbur]

QOTD Tuesday 10/11/11
What are your Fall and Winter season exercise go-tos?

I usually keep outdoors as long as I can in the fall and winter. But, unfortunately, I stick with the ellipical and dvds when it's too cold to go out. I am starting back at a gym for a circuit training class that I absolutely love and haven't done in a few years due to schedules. I can only go one day a week for now, then hopefully I will be able to go more after fall sports are over. I would like to say that I have some great winter exercise, but I absolutely cannot stand being cold! I swear am not meant to live in PA in winter! I don't even like playing outside with my boys in the snow or sled riding! Maybe someone on here will have some ideas of activities I can try, but it's going to take a lot of convincing to get me out in that cold! Great, I am freezing just thinking about it

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sorry I have been MIA. Friday and Saturday were jam packed with family fun then Sunday PMS hit like a semi truck. Sunday I was feeling like a total *not very nice woman* and yesterday I was emotional and weepy. I really hate that. And yes, I basically ate everything I could get my hands on for 2 days-- the carbier and junkier the better. UGH. I also forgot to send my weight in.

Back to feeling human again today so back on the wagon. Can't stick around and chat though. The house is a disaster so I need to get things cleaned up and figure out dinner and a grocery list.

 

[JacksLilWench]

So I've been thinking ahead to the next phase of this challenge. Soon the weather (for most of us) will be turning colder which means our exercise resources will need tweaking. I'm hoping to find some other options besides the dreadmill. I'd really like to try snow shoeing because I've heard it's a great workout.
DS15 will be doing indoor track starting in November so I was thinking about getting a membership to a local rec center that has an indoor track. Granted it's not to far removed from the treadmill but the change in scenery would be nice.

QOTD Tuesday 10/11/11
What are your Fall and Winter season exercise go-tos?

I like to start using Pilates and Yoga DVD's around this time of year, while walking as much as possible with my walking buddy still. I feel like if I do the both of them together, it helps to combat all the special goodies everyone seems to bring in for fall (donuts, candy, pastries, etc.)

It kills me this week, I tell ya. The hospital where has just started a vertical expansion project (yay!), and the construction crew has been drilling into the core of the building, right next to the OR for weeks now (boo!). But Monday morning, they treated the OR staff to a catered breakfast...from Panera. There were four trays of bagels and muffins and danishes with tubs of cream cheeses and all kinds of bad stuff. Then this morning, one of the sales reps brought in Dunkin Donuts *facepalm* Needless to say, I've been eating nothing but salads and grilled chicken, hoping it will counteract all the bad stuff I just couldn't resist!

 

[cclovesdis]

2 posts coming...2 too many smilies

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

We have been making bread using the Bob’s Red Mill mix. It is good, but not spectacular. I find that it does make for some excellent French toast and that it freezes well, so it does have its positives. I’ve been using the Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose GF flour for pancakes and that’s those have been nice to have. I use lots of egg substitute so that it has both the carbs and the protein I need. I also use milk instead of water so I get some calcium too. Thanks for info on King Arthur Flour and the support!

CC--why do you avoid rice? I missed that. I still don't eat oats--cross contamination issues, but I am thinking about venturing out and trying some gf oat products.

As for missing things that have gluten in them. It's easy to do. I started eating rice cakes that had no gluten in the ingredients. And I loved them. And I ate a lot of them. Well I started feeling off. I googled it and found out that this particular company does not work to avoid cross contamination and will not guarantee that anything is gf--and these were rice cakes! Same with an ice cream I was eating. The best thing to do if you are eating anything regularly that is processed is to google it and either contact the manufacturer or see if anyone online indicates they have contacted the manufacturer recently. (There is a lot of old info on the internet that is no longer relevant). There is a major brand of chocolate that I won't touch because of cross contamination. I don't check online for every single thing (for instance last night we had a soup that didn't list any gluten ingredients and I just crossed my fingers that it was safe) but if I eat it regularly I do.

I have found that the longer I am off gluten, the more sensitive I am when I accidentally (or sometimes on purpose ) consume gluten. As for gf bread--most of it is not that great. But I have found that toasting it usually really helps. I toast mine on the George Foreman. Last night we had grilled cheese made on the George Foreman with olive oil instead of butter. Yum!

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much! You are right about GF bread -warming it up helps! I have been checking, but I will take your suggestion and go online. Thanks for mentioning to be on the lookout for outdated info. I told someone who was GF (wrong diagnosis) that but forgot about it. (Why is it that we are so willing to help others but when it comes to ourselves…? )

I woke up not feeling well, but no runs to the bathroom since then, so here’s hoping. Dinner was safe. (I think. ) About rice…I was allergy tested and am allergic to wheat, rice, oats, cashews, hazelnuts, and oysters. To avoid wheat and rice, most of my options are GF. I was feeling so much better that I went GF and felt even better. I had the blood test for Celiac and it was negative, but I never did believe the results. Thanks again!

CC, I'm glad that Rose gave you some tips. I remember that she's had a few run ins with cross contamination. It's a tough thing to avoid gluten for sure!

Our Rose is amazing! Thanks for the support and hope you had a great day too!

Congratulations to all the top losers, especially Satorifound, #1!!! You are all so inspiring!!

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

 

[cclovesdis]

This challenge has showed me that I do still have perseverance, tenacity and strength. I had lost my way a bit before this challenge started. From the end of February to the beginning of September when I decided to join the challenge. We lost our son in February during his delivery, when this happened I turned to food for comfort. I had lost 42 lbs in about 4.5 months before this happened but gained 50 lbs back afterwards. I found myself going to the store buying a bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream and finishing both within a hour. This all stopped when I joined this challenge and began reading other "Losers" stories and realized that we all have hardships in life but its how you persevere and grow from them that makes you the person you should be. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took the first step to becoming a better person, husband, father and friend.

Sorry about being long winded. I hope you all have a great day!

Tim

You are an inspiration! I am very sorry for your loss.

P: Glad that you and DS had your weekend! Sounds like it was a great trip! I WISH I felt confident enough in myself to tackle a Segway tour!

I remember coming home one day declaring that “I hate the orthodontist.” My parents chose to ride that one out and it ended it working out fine. No braces weren’t my favorite experience, but I wasn’t the only 7th grader with them, and I now have a perfect smile. Just don’t tell him that my sister needed them twice and at 25 is still an orthodontic patient or that I went from 9 to 25 and she started around the same age too.

My DS2 pushed my head down while playing and my lower back wrenched this weekend. I've been having to nurse that along with a hurt toe. I am trying to think of aerobic exercises that won't bother either of these areas. I might try the elliptical at the gym.

Good new is I have 2 interviews this week. Wish me luck!

Have a great week everyone!!

Hope your back is feeling better and good luck for your interviews!

Hope you have a great week too!

As usual, a GREAT HH week!!

I've done some reading recently on the parental link to medical care for kids and how much MORE the pediatricians/doctors ought to be listening to what the parents say! We are the ones that spend so much time with our kids.... we KNOW when something isn't right! Why don't they always HEAR us??

Thanks P! And, I totally understand the other part I quoted. I can’t tell all of you enough how much all of your support when I switched doctors meant. My previous doctor wasn’t listening to me at all and I was just getting sicker and sicker. Deb, if anyone knows their son, it’s you! I hope today went well! Thank you, P, for saying this!

We went to eat at The Counter, which is burgers but I got lettuce, tomato, beef, and a multigrain bun. I skipped the fries and the onion strings. I did eat fried pickle chips though. Oh and I couldn't finish my burger either.

Ok, if you ate at the Counter, you were about 25 minutes from where I live. I’m not sure where “Bink and Ya Miss it CT” is (which, I love btw ), but I’m guessing close enough that I am more than willing to now definitely offer my assistance with the book fair. That is, if I’m not gainfully employed by whenever it is. Hope your meal there was as wonderful as mine was back when it first opened!

QOTD Tuesday 10/11/11
What are your Fall and Winter season exercise go-tos?

I think for the first time ever, I have a one-word answer. Wii

Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

I'm not really sure about this one. But, I am trying to set a good example for my two boys who are 5 and 8. I want them to grow up healthy and love exercise. Since this challenge started, my 8 year old has done two 5ks with me and my 5 year old is signing up for our next one on Thanksgiving. I also want to do the Princess half in 2013. DH is graduating in Jan 2013, though, and would like to relocate. He told me to relax before I have the whole trip planned before the end of 2011 I love planning trips-especially Disney (and I know I'm not the only one)! When I told my DH that I really want to do the Princess half, my DS8 thought it looked like so much fun, he wants to do the Royal 5k. So, my 8 year old is hooked on running and Disney, now to work on that 5 year old... So, I hope I am rewriting history for them and setting good examples that they can pass on to their children some day.

This is wonderful! It’s an amazing what an impact we can have on others!

Hi LTS! WTG on jumping back in and kicking PM to the curb!

I like to start using Pilates and Yoga DVD's around this time of year, while walking as much as possible with my walking buddy still. I feel like if I do the both of them together, it helps to combat all the special goodies everyone seems to bring in for fall (donuts, candy, pastries, etc.)

It kills me this week, I tell ya. The hospital where has just started a vertical expansion project (yay!), and the construction crew has been drilling into the core of the building, right next to the OR for weeks now (boo!). But Monday morning, they treated the OR staff to a catered breakfast...from Panera. There were four trays of bagels and muffins and danishes with tubs of cream cheeses and all kinds of bad stuff. Then this morning, one of the sales reps brought in Dunkin Donuts *facepalm* Needless to say, I've been eating nothing but salads and grilled chicken, hoping it will counteract all the bad stuff I just couldn't resist!

I have a vague memory of someone repeatedly saying that they would never have lost weight if it wasn’t for having one cheat day a week. I also try to have a higher calorie day once in a while.

 

[cclovesdis]

Healthy Habits Week 4 Results

Congratulations to our participants! Our participants were:

4HOLIDAYS
aamomma
AUdisneyDad
AUdisneyDad's DW
bellebookworm9
buzz5985
cclovesdis
ClassicPooh2
glass1/2fll
lisah0711
mikamah
ougrad86

And, EVERYONE earned 7/7 for at least one of the 4 Habits!

Congratulations to AUdisneyDad and his DW for earning all 30 points!

Congratulations to aamomma and ougrad86 for earning 28 points!

Congratulations to this week prize winner: lisah0711! Please PM me your address and I will mail out your prize as soon as possible.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your support regarding my recent job loss. It was so heart-warming to open up PMs that said that you earned 20+ points and offered support at the same time. I am very lucky to have found the WISH BL Challenges!

 

[cclovesdis]

I am feeling better, and no problems since I ate dinner. I am hoping tomorrow is an even better. My sister spent some of the day hanging out with me, but left earlier than expected when I needed a name due to a headache. I am hoping that if I sleep well tonight, I'll avoid having a headache tomorrow.

I spent some time job searching today. I am staying optimistic. Nothing new to report though.

I'm already ready for bed, so I am going to go watch some TV and then shower. Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

 

[pjlla]

I'm sorry for the loss of your son Tim. I can't even imagine how hard that was on you and your wife. I think the best thing you can do to honor your son's memory is to live a full life. I too believe that with Hardship comes strength and perseverance.

Amen!!!

I have a good quote for you:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have

Another great quote from you! This is SO true! It was never more true for me than when DH was hospitalized after his accident last fall.... and in looking back, when DD was born 4 weeks early and when DS was diagnosed in the nursery as a new born as having a heart defect.

I skipped the McDonalds as that was the only option. I yelled at Coach because that's what he ate. LOL, I can yell at him though because we've been friends for 25 years. And the asst coach was my math and homeroom teacher in my Freshman year.
We went to eat at The Counter, which is burgers but I got lettuce, tomato, beef, and a multigrain bun. I skipped the fries and the onion strings. I did eat fried pickle chips though. Oh and I couldn't finish my burger either.

I love your strength and tenacity, Pamela. You are my window to look at on the other side. Especially seeing your pictures that you posted earlier. I know the skinny Pamela, to which I never would have guessed by looking at you in May that you ever had a weight issue.

Awww... you are so sweet. You can do it and you WILL do it!!

So I've been thinking ahead to the next phase of this challenge. Soon the weather (for most of us) will be turning colder which means our exercise resources will need tweaking. I'm hoping to find some other options besides the dreadmill. I'd really like to try snow shoeing because I've heard it's a great workout.
DS15 will be doing indoor track starting in November so I was thinking about getting a membership to a local rec center that has an indoor track. Granted it's not to far removed from the treadmill but the change in scenery would be nice.

QOTD Tuesday 10/11/11
What are your Fall and Winter season exercise go-tos?

Great QOTD. Since I am at the Y a LOT with DD, it is easy for me to use the fitness room there... treadmill, bikes, treadclimber, free weights. Plus I occasionally do classes like Spin and Step.

At home I can always pull out the WATP or BL DVDs, or use the TM.

Wow Tim! I can't even begin to imagine everything you've been through. I'm so sorry for your loss, but congrats on taking that 1st step! This is my 1st challenge and already feel so much support from complete strangers. I hope you do too!


Tell me about your perseverance, tenacity and strength in this challenge. How have they helped you in rewriting your story for the history books?

I'm not really sure about this one. But, I am trying to set a good example for my two boys who are 5 and 8. I want them to grow up healthy and love exercise. Since this challenge started, my 8 year old has done two 5ks with me and my 5 year old is signing up for our next one on Thanksgiving. I also want to do the Princess half in 2013. DH is graduating in Jan 2013, though, and would like to relocate. He told me to relax before I have the whole trip planned before the end of 2011 I love planning trips-especially Disney (and I know I'm not the only one)! When I told my DH that I really want to do the Princess half, my DS8 thought it looked like so much fun, he wants to do the Royal 5k. So, my 8 year old is hooked on running and Disney, now to work on that 5 year old... So, I hope I am rewriting history for them and setting good examples that they can pass on to their children some day.

It's another beautiful day in western PA. My whole family (DH included ) is going for a run/walk after work/school by our lake. We have to soak up what may be the last of this weather! Then we will probably have a picnic for dinner. I love fall and the changing colors of the trees in PA.

I hope everyone enjoys your Tuesday!

Jill

So great that you are leading by example for your kids! I read an article recently about the percentage of parents who expect their kids to eat properly (fruits, veggies, etc), but they aren't eating that way themselves. Well... what do they expect??? LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Sure, easier said than done, but it definitely works!

You are rewarding your body/health right now and are rewarding your children with a healthy lifestyle and healthy future!

BTW, where in PA are you? My brother and Sil live in Morgantown, near Lancaster.

Sorry I have been MIA. Friday and Saturday were jam packed with family fun then Sunday PMS hit like a semi truck. Sunday I was feeling like a total *not very nice woman* and yesterday I was emotional and weepy. I really hate that. And yes, I basically ate everything I could get my hands on for 2 days-- the carbier and junkier the better. UGH. I also forgot to send my weight in.

Back to feeling human again today so back on the wagon. Can't stick around and chat though. The house is a disaster so I need to get things cleaned up and figure out dinner and a grocery list.

Sorry things hit you so hard this weekend. As lousy as this whole perimenopausal thing is, at least I have an end to PMS on its way I suppose!

*********

Evening friends! Got the bad $$ news from the orthodontist. The price is a $1200 increase from what we paid for DD's braces a few years ago. Here I was thinking that DS's teeth weren't as bad and it might cost less..... silly me!! They are ready to start with him next week, because he has already lost all of his baby teeth, including molars, but DH and I need to decide how we are going to pay for this.... all up front gets us a 5% discount, which is what we did for DD... but we had a few months to think/prepare for it. I guess we'll figure this out by Friday so we can confirm or cancel his appointment for impressions and spacers next Tuesday!

DS is still absolutely against the idea of braces, but we are being "mean" parents and not giving him a choice!

Hungry right now, but nearly out of points for the day. Just 2 left.... will have a cup of my hot drink (1 pt) and maybe half a piece of low carb pita with ?? while I watch tonight's BL.

Not much else to share here. I was going to spend an hour on Ancestry, so I had better get moving!.......................P

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

QOTD Fall/Winter go to for ex....
I guess I am opposite most, for me it will be outside walking, yard work. Today was 90 , again. I am going out for the mile loop with the pup now as it is finally getting dark and it's low 80s. Love it though, my blood has thinned. I need a jacket and capris below 75.
TM is still broken. I am awaitig a part that will hopefully fix it. I feel more sluggish without it. I just don't hav the same work out with just a dvd . I am not really up to ant heavy duty ones yet either.
I am finally pulling out the rest of the clothes, toiletries,etc,for our upcoming trip. I just got the FE I ordered for the cruise-it is so cute! Tomor=w is final laundry, clothes in the bags,and texh day-charge the cameras, download any video and pics fom cards, find all chargers,extensions...We have 1 entire bag just for the tech stuff!
I am nervous about what will happen to my numbers after this trip. I don't know if I will have the sme aount of self control there as I do when I am at home. I can't think of a better reason, than a trip to WDW, to put a lb or back on.