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

[pjlla]

Late morning to you all friends! Sorry I didn't get this posted first thing.... wasn't feeling well when I first got up and then had to hustle out to drop the kids and head to Bible study. But here goes.......

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I'll be back later to answer and chat, but gotta head out again to take DS for the second orthodontic opinion....................P

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Sunday's QOTD:

As a general rule, we "dieter's" know how to lose weight..... eat less, eat healthier, move/exercise more. But for some reason we often have difficulty APPLYING that knowledge to our everyday lives. Other than the obvious answer of "I love the taste of __________ (chips, donuts, ice cream, etc)", what is one big stumbling block to you applying your weight-loss knowledge to your every day life??? Not your EXCUSES (too busy, too hungry, etc).... but your BLOCKADE/DETOUR.

I stop thinking. I live in the moment, rather thinking about my long-term goals. I am good at planning and executing in every other area of my life, but for some reason my brain seems to "shut off", and I eat autonomically, like breathing or my heartbeat. I realize I'm not actually doing it unconsciously, but it almost seems that way.

And today's FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a lucky number/color/letter??

I guess 3 is my lucky number. My favorite color is purple, I never thought about a lucky letter

Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??

I have worked hard to conquer most of the clutter in my home, but of course it comes back. It is easier to focus on anything and everything when you are not surrounded by stuff. When the clutter is away, I feel I have the freedom to focus more on myself, and healthy eating and exercise generally follow. Great question!

And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

I got caught up on my FlyLady Holiday Control Journal missions. Every day there is a new task to get you ready for the holidays. Last week was the first week, so I was able to make sure I'm where I should be and I'm ready to get ready!

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

I have not had a baseline. The latest research recommends you get this at 50 if you don't have other indicators -- and I'm just lazy and intimidated. Self-exams are also no longer recommended (according to what I read), so that's another thing I skip.


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I read voraciously. I always have at least one book going, sometimes two or more. And I read a little bit of everything -- plenty of it is mind candy Awesome question, I can't wait to get some ideas for splurges!

Maria

 

[cclovesdis]

I didn't diseappear on purpose. I'm so sorry. I had someplace to be this morning and was "a little" stressed out about it and clearly my mind was on that. So, moving on...

Mini-Challenge for Pamper Day, Wednesday, 10/26: Exercise for 30 minutes.

 

[donac]

Good afternoon everyone.

Dinner is in the oven and on top of the stove so I have 5 minutes to DIS.

Some one asked about a lucky number. For dh and I we prefer prime numbers. My birthday is 5/29, his is 10/31, our official start as a couple date is 4/23 (long story will tell it another time), we got engaged on 11/13 and got married 8/5

QOTD I had my mammogram at 40 and have had one pretty much every year since I turned 45. I go every year. Someone in my department had breast cancer two or three years ago so I am pretty reliable about getting it done

I guess my biggest splurge is my fabric and craft supplies. Life is too short to buy bad fabric. It should feel as nice as it looks.

Congrats to LTS

Have a healthy evening.

 

[pjlla]

[
I got caught up on my FlyLady Holiday Control Journal missions. Every day there is a new task to get you ready for the holidays. Last week was the first week, so I was able to make sure I'm where I should be and I'm ready to get ready!

I looked into FlyLady years ago, but I kind got put off right from the start with the "get completely dressed, including shoes" routine! I never wear shoes in the house unless it is cold out or something like that. And the thought of wasting time "polishing" my sink made me crazy! But I think that most of her stuff is pretty solid and down to earth. But I"m afraid I'd end up with overwhelming GUILT if I didn't follow through with every step!

I read voraciously. I always have at least one book going, sometimes two or more. And I read a little bit of everything -- plenty of it is mind candy Awesome question, I can't wait to get some ideas for splurges!

Maria

I love to read too, but I am notoriously cheap about my reading material.... the primary reason why I am not yet in the market for a Nook or Kindle. I use the library, buy books at yard sales, library sales, the GoodWill and I borrow books. Right now I am finishing the 5th Harry Potter book and have something with a bit more brain substance also going (The Happiness Project). I keep switching back and forth. Right now HP is by the bed and the other book is in the car. This is in addition to any Bible reading I try to fit in and any reading I do for Bible study.

BTW, saw your message to me on the Princess thread..... Don't worry, there are still plenty of good questions out there!

Good afternoon everyone.

Dinner is in the oven and on top of the stove so I have 5 minutes to DIS.

Some one asked about a lucky number. For dh and I we prefer prime numbers. My birthday is 5/29, his is 10/31, our official start as a couple date is 4/23 (long story will tell it another time), we got engaged on 11/13 and got married 8/5


Okay..... as I have mentioned before, I am a mathematical zombie.... no brain for numbers at all and at the moment I couldn't even tell you what a prime number was/is. I had to ask DS to explain. I know I've heard the definition before, but couldn't remember it. People with brains for math really astound me.... and of course, both of my kids are math brainiacs, as is DH.

QOTD I had my mammogram at 40 and have had one pretty much every year since I turned 45. I go every year. Someone in my department had breast cancer two or three years ago so I am pretty reliable about getting it done

Good girl!!

I guess my biggest splurge is my fabric and craft supplies. Life is too short to buy bad fabric. It should feel as nice as it looks.

Congrats to LTS

Have a healthy evening.

Be back in a minute............P

 

[cclovesdis]

I have a few minutes...for the first time in a while. I don't know where my time goes. On Friday night, I feel asleep around 10:30 PM, maybe a little later, and didn't wake up until 3 PM on Saturday. Then, I was asleep by 9 PM on Saturday. My mom woke me up- I was semi-awake- at 6:15 AM on Sunday morning and told me that I needed to go with her and my father to my grandparents. No big deal. I just needed to shower and we could leave. My cousin came over, which was nice. We visited briefly with my father's mother too, but we had a few things to do at my mother's parents' so we spent most of our time there. It's nice that they live within walking distance of each other. That was my weekend.

Yesterday was fairly busy. I went grocery shopping and that took longer than usual. I also went to CVS and to a place to buy fresh apples. Unfortunately, the apples there were really expensive and didn't really meet my needs. I ended up having to go to 2 grocery stores to buy everything I needed though.

Enough venting...

Today was a good day. I have my stress-busting class tomorrow night, which should be good. I should do the rest of my homework for it tonight. I think I'll do that now.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Congrats LTS!

 

[pjlla]

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

I had my first mammogram at age 41.... I was having some alarming symptoms that fortunately turned out to be benign. But I've had one about every 18 months since then. My Mom had BC about 7-8 years ago (lumpectomy and radiation and doing well), so I am considered more "high risk". And sadly, especially for my DD, there is also BC on my husband's side of the family. His sister had a primary tumor about 11 years ago.... she was doing well up until recently (after double mastectomy, chemo, and radiation), but had a tumor found in her humerus earlier this summer. She is okay for now, but it is so scary.

Interesting what Maria said about self-exams being passe. My PCP still asks if I check myself regularly. I don't, but I lie about it sometimes!


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

The only thing that I regularly splurge on is probably scrapbooking supplies and a subscription to a geneology website. I occasionally might splurge on an article of clothing that is full price, but since I am at my goal weight (or within spitting distance, anyhow), I figure I can justify it.

*******

Evening all! I am frustrated with DD's costume construction right now, but I am also kicking myself for the extreme procrastination and I KNOW if I hadn't waited this long, it wouldn't seem like such a big deal!

I definitely felt much better as the day went on today. I also splurged on a small serving of pumpkin raisin bread pudding at Bible study this morning.... and it was worth the calories!!

Well.... I'm honestly sitting here as an excuse to NOT go work on that blasted costume. But I'll hate myself this weekend if I end up spending all-nighters trying to get it done, so I'm moving that way now.

See you all in the morning.....................P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

QOTD. I had a baseline earlier this year. I'm sure some of you remember. I had pain back towards my armpit and even though the DR didn't feel anything he decided to do a mammo and an ultrasound. Nothing there, he said I was good for another 2 years or so.
Self exams - I'm not real consistent. DH can handle that.
Save a life, grab your wife!!! LOL

Fluff - Scrapbooking. I spend loads of money on that and try to get in the girl cave at least once a week.

 

[dvccruiser76]

LTS, great job on the walking!

I have a plan if the worst should happen, but for now I'm choosing to believe that it won't. I checked my "dashboard" several times today and there was no notice of rejection, so I'm taking that as a positive sign that they are not going to reject me based on my interview alone. I will not check it for another two weeks. If my acceptance/pending e-mail shows up within that frame, great! If not, then I'll go check to see if they really don't want me or they just haven't decided yet.

I have a two meetings tomorrow: one with the Dean of the College to discuss the better outcome, and one with my advisor to discuss both outcomes. I have classes picked out if I get stuck here.

Amazingly enough, cost is not too much of an issue with this. Mom said she can help me out with the deposit because she knows how much I want this. I have enough credit with Southwest that my flight would pretty much be covered. If I can get my night at Old Key West switched to whatever the night before my "Arrival" date is, no extra cost there; otherwise, I'll pay $71 for a night at All Star Music. Then I will just need money for taxi rides and food-my expenses during the program shouldn't be more than I spend right now, since it's really only groceries.

********
Going along with the "make small goals" idea, here are my goals for tomorrow:
1)Drink at least 2 glasses of water.
2)Eat at least one fruit and one vegetable.
3)Go to Zumba.

The earliest appointment Mom could get me with my psychiatrist is November 18th. So I booked a train ticket home on the evening of the 17th. One of my housemates is being awesome and taking me to the train station-I've never taken a train, so this will be a new experience!

Great positive outlook I will be crossing my fingers for you.

Good for you for not checking, I don't know that I could help myself there

This morning, I do feel accomplished, the man is here servicing my heat, and I was due to go to town hall to get someone to come over here and see the road beside my house that was redone last month but it's graded to drain toward my house, and I've called several times, and haven't heard back, but they just showed up and are going to take care of it, so i'm very happy about that.

I do remember York steak house, but we never really ate there. I was working up the street at Wendy's then.

I got cancelled from work today my 4 hour shift because I'm working extra on thursday, so I won't lose any pay, but I have a bonus day off. I don't have many days alone without ds, so I'm going to enjoy it, maybe watch a movie later.

Hi Kathy

Glad to hear that they're fixing your road. Hopefully it can be done fairly easy.

I need to google that York's place for the dressing. I wonder if DSis would remember it if she tried it

How was your day off?

We walked to the Y after work and might join, but we're torn. Do you belong or have any insight? DH also wants to check out the one near McDonald's. Boston North Fitness?

Were you in ICU at Beverly? My bosses wife works in that unit I believe, but she's per diem.

Evening all! I am frustrated with DD's costume construction right now, but I am also kicking myself for the extreme procrastination and I KNOW if I hadn't waited this long, it wouldn't seem like such a big deal!

How's the costume going?

Yum on the pumpkin bread pudding. I love it this time of year. My BIL texted me a pic of pumpkin flavored pop tarts that he found at Stop & Shop. He also found Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl bread there, and my brother found Eggo Pumpkin Spice waffles at Target. Tis the season for that stuff

 

[liesel]

QOTD: I am 36 and unfortunately I have had 3 mammograms and 1 biopsy. Everything is checking out OK and they have given me the all clear to not have another one until 40. I have a strong family history and am prone to cysts that have to be monitored.

Fluff QOTD: I love to read too!

Hi to all, I was on vacation in California for Disneyland and a family wedding but I'm back and hope to catch up soon!

 

[jillbur]

Yes, you definitely SHOULD to go a "real" running store and get fitted. I just read about that in an article in Reader's Digest. Let me know what you get!

Jill, what kind of new shoes did you get?

Well, I was very impressed by the knowledge of the people who own/work at the store. After watching me walk at a normal pace, he determined that I needed tons of arch support (which I pretty much already knew). Then he brought out 3 pairs to try on and watched me walk/pretend to jog in them. I narrowed it down to a pair of Saucony Progrid Guide 4. I have to say, it felt like walking on marshmallows (tons of support but soft and cushy too). I can't wait to take them for a run! I am pretty much used to going to chain stores to get shoes, but now that I am running a lot more, I am so glad I went and got some help.

Self exams - I'm not real consistent. DH can handle that.
Save a life, grab your wife!!! LOL

Love it! But not ever telling DH that! He will claim it's exam time all the time

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

P

I am 34 and haven't gotten a mammogram yet. I will just wait until my OBGYN suggests it. I love my OBGYN and she is really on top of things! Honestly, I do self exams once in awhile.

My personal splurge is hmmm...I guess my gym membership. Sad, huh? It's really the only think that I buy that is just for me. Oh, and my vinylmation which I tell DH I am buying for the kids. I think he knows they are more for me. I don't buy them regularly, though. Maybe I should start

I had a pretty productive day and hope it continues all week

Hope everyone else has a good day!

Jill

 

[JacksLilWench]

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I should do self-exams...but I don't The worst part is, my DM is a breast cancer survivor and found HERS doing her self-exams. The doctors at the cancer center told her unless they knew where to look, they wouldn't have found it. There's no history in my family, so it was a little overwhelming. I will now have to start getting mammograms at 35 because of the direct history...but I really should be doing self-exams. I tell you what- I make a promise now to do my self exam this month (well, it will be next month, but) the week before my cycle. Promise!

As for a splurge...I would have to say any type of shoes or accessories. Clothes are difficult for me because of the weight loss, but I can wear a scarf forever! I just went shoe-shopping yesterday actually, and got a little pair of pink ballet flats with rhinestones and a pair of really cute mules/clogs. I can never remember what they are called!

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTD: About 20 years ago I hadn't done a self exam in a couple months and then went to the doc for annual check up and he found a lump the size of a walnut. I was super nervous because he was my first male doctor and I wasn't sure I wanted him examining me. But by the time everything was done and the lump was gone I felt like every male doctor in the county had seen/touched me! The lump was benign, but since then I've gotten one every year, although this year my doc said she didn't think I needed them so often, but their office policy was still yearly. So yes, I do a monthly exam.

Fluff QOTD: One thing I splurge on (about a whopping $5 a month!) is a girl's night out. In fact it's tonight and I need to get "purdied" up and leave in 10 minutes! It's a group of moms that were in a babysitting co op together and then our kids got too old and we realized we missed the adult company! So we grab coffee/dessert once a month.

So today I have totally done nothing. My girlfriend and I started on our walk and about a block into it saw a dead cat by the road. She thought it was her cat! So we turned around, I went home, she called DH, he came home, her whole family was crying and out walks their cat from under the couch! She called me and said, "Now I have somebody's dead cat in a towel in my garage!" DS2 was home sick today. I am getting a wee bit tired of his being sick! Is that mean? I think it's the meds for his acne. Whatever, he feels like he's going to be sick and crawls back into bed with a bucket. Big sigh.

Yikes. Now I only have 5 minutes to get gussied up!

 

[mackeysmom]

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

QOTD - I should have had my first this past year, but lost my health insurance. As soon as I am working again and have coverage, it will be my priority.

Fluff QOTD - My first instinct was to say books - I love to read. But, I also have a "fondness" for Coach bags. Before I lost my job, I would buy at least two a year. Coach routinely sends me coupons - I currently have a $100 off coupon staring at me.

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

Dietwise - I've been totally on track since getting home from Vegas. My food choices have been great, I'm tracking my calories, drinking my water, power walking, etc.

I took a "sneak peak" at the scale this morning, and it looks like I've dropped 3 of the 5.5 pounds that I put on over the last two weeks. My official weigh-in won't be until Friday, but I'll be very happy if that 3 pound loss sticks.

- Laura

 

[trinaweena]

Late morning to you all friends! Sorry I didn't get this posted first thing.... wasn't feeling well when I first got up and then had to hustle out to drop the kids and head to Bible study. But here goes.......

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I'll be back later to answer and chat, but gotta head out again to take DS for the second orthodontic opinion....................P

I was just talking about this with someone yesterday. I'm 25 and i've already had my first mamogram, the day that i had 4 lumps removed, 2 from each breast. I think breast cancer is something that is always on my mind, cancer in general really, because it is prevelant in my family, and im scared that no matter how healthy i am, it wont matter in the long run. my grandfather was the healthiest person i know and he still died from cancer, and i always thought how strange that was when i was little, because he ate oatmeal every morning for breakfast and went for a walk everyday and grew tomatoes so he must be healthy right? Perceptions of a child I guesss.

My lumps were not cancerous but i check myself all the time, because i still have lumps and you never know. its scary to be so young and have problems with that but my family has been very supportive and even though i have huge scars on my ****s they dont tend to bother me, im more proud of them than anythign.

as for my splurge...i guess i "splurge" on a lot of things...clothes, stuff for the dogs, books, electronics...i think clothes is getting better now because one of the reasons i buy so many clothes is because i was gaining weight and i never felt comfortable in my clothes, im a sucker for geeky, ironic graphic tees though, that will never change.
-----------
Thank you to everyone who listened to my rant and gave advice. I felt better after I let that out and ive been feeling better the past few days. Last night i got home at 7 and didn't let myself sit down till i had packed my lunch and tracked my calories for today. it was a good plan. this morning i had a milestone in that i woke up at 7am and went on the trail for a run/walk. i am NOt a morning person so this is a very big deal for me. Also its cold in the morning right now in CT and i do not do well in the cold. But i forced myself and i felt better for it. not only was it the most exercise i had since saturday, i felt great having gotten it out of the way in the morning instead of forcing myself to go to the gym after i got out of work at 8

it also felt really great to run outside, which i enjoy far more than the treadmill. i feel like i can go further, mostly because i dont get bored so im not just looking at how much time is left. the one bad thing is that im still not supposed to be running right now. not running was making me incredibly cranky and my hip still hurt so i did it, and yeah my hip hurt real bad today. i will take tomorrow off and then see where we are the day after. i may go see an orthopedic doctor, mostly because my doctor is crap anyways.

i did take it easy on the run though, i had to guestimate that i went about 3 miles total because my phone didnt track it as usual, and i would run a little then walk then run then walk. i wasnt making myself do anything specific, just what felt good. i have another 5k on november 6 and i want to be ready

eating wise i did ok, i came home at 8 and was still hungry so i made some skinless chicken breast with lemon and garlic and pepper and some quinoa and had some butternut squash my gma brought over. it was yummmy but i feel like i probably went over on calories, but at least it was nothing bad for me. i did have a few caramels today at work because my boss was driving me nuts and i stress ate. still better than i have been

and now even after waking up early ive run out of hours in the day. have to go finish my reading for class tomorrow and its already 11:05pm!!! Also i havent planned any meals for tomorrow..will have to make good choices. will try to wake up early again and go for a walk, not a run. maybe take the dogs so they dont drive me buts when i get home from work at 9pm!

 

[mikamah]

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

I had my baseline at 35, and then at 40 started every year to year and a half. It's nice to be able to schedule it and not need a referral anymore, I think most insurances in MA are that way, but i'm not sure. I do not do self exams regularly. Once in a while.

[And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I'd say my computer time, and my wednesday nights with Criminal Minds. Thinking further, I'd say my Dansko clogs for work and play. I just got a new pair to wear with jeans, a marble patent black/blue color.

Save a life, grab your wife!!! LOL

Another good use for a husband.

We walked to the Y after work and might join, but we're torn. Do you belong or have any insight? DH also wants to check out the one near McDonald's. Boston North Fitness?

Were you in ICU at Beverly? My bosses wife works in that unit I believe, but she's per diem.

What a small world. I sent you a pm about your boss and wife. Love them!!!
Michael did some classes at the Danvers Y, and does their summer camp, and for the location, and convenience, it's a nice place. The beverly Sterling Y has a lot more classes and activities, gymnastics which ds has done so he's a member there. I'm not a member anywhere. Last winter i did a weeks free pass at the North Fitness place to use the treadmill for my princess training when it snowed, and it's beautiful, and it has a womans only gym, which was nice. I'm sure they will give you a free pass so you both could check it out for a week. I'd think the Y would do that as well. I think convenience is key, to be close to home will make it that much easier to go there.

Pamela-One day down on track. we can do this!! I have a 4 day weekend off veterans day, so I want to save my off days for then.

CC-Thanks for the pamper week. I'll remember that tonight after work and get some wii fit in. How are things going with the job hunt? Hope you're doing ok.

Hello to everyone else. Did a run/walk yesterday but not as long as I wanted because nature called, so I did some wii fit boxing after. Had a nice day off, but it does go by fast. Tracked every bite yesterday, and have my paper in pocket to do the same at work today. That is key for me.

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I'm having my baseline mammogram on Halloween!

I'll post more later!!!!

TTFN

 

[lovetoscrap]

Sunday's QOTD:

As a general rule, we "dieter's" know how to lose weight..... eat less, eat healthier, move/exercise more. But for some reason we often have difficulty APPLYING that knowledge to our everyday lives. Other than the obvious answer of "I love the taste of __________ (chips, donuts, ice cream, etc)", what is one big stumbling block to you applying your weight-loss knowledge to your every day life??? Not your EXCUSES (too busy, too hungry, etc).... but your BLOCKADE/DETOUR.

I think my biggest blockade is my willingness to give in so easily to the excuses! Not any one excuse but I can come up with a list of justifications a mile long as to why I am/can/should eat something not on plan. But I have been really working on that.

Late morning to you all friends! Sorry I didn't get this posted first thing.... wasn't feeling well when I first got up and then had to hustle out to drop the kids and head to Bible study. But here goes.......

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??


And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.


I'll be back later to answer and chat, but gotta head out again to take DS for the second orthodontic opinion....................P

Great timing! As it happens yesterday was my annual poke, prod and scrape which ends with orders for the annual squish and squeeze. I need to call and get an appt. I am at yearly now (I am almost 42) and I have found a very nice place here to get them done. There isn't a history of breast cancer in the side of the family I know about but I still feel better knowing I am being checked. Unfortunately I don't really know anything about my medical history on my biological father's side of the family so there is a lot of unknown. I do know my grandmother on that side was pretty much a hypochondriac so anything I have heard has to be taken with a grain of salt. The interesting thing is that DH also has no information from that side of his family. And actually I don't have much info from my mother's side either because they are of the "we don't discuss personal things" mentality.

To piggy back on that question though I am going to ask the women: HAVE YOU HAD YOUR ANNUAL GYN visit??? Cervical Cancer is also something we need to be proactive about having checked out. I HATE, HATE, HATE going but the worst part is usually only about 5 minutes long and I can suffer for 5 mins once a year. And MEN-- have you had your important exams? (not really sure what men are supposed to get checked when!)

Off my soapbox and on to the fluff:
Not sure that I really have any splurge. I enjoy quiet time on the computer and watching trashy TV when the kids are at school (I consider that a guilty pleasure more than a splurge!). We have started these monthly crops so that is something I am setting aside time for, and I like to go out to lunch with girlfriends when I can.

I got caught up on my FlyLady Holiday Control Journal missions. Every day there is a new task to get you ready for the holidays. Last week was the first week, so I was able to make sure I'm where I should be and I'm ready to get ready!

I am behind on my emails and my missions. I need to go through them today and get caught up.

Yum on the pumpkin bread pudding. I love it this time of year. My BIL texted me a pic of pumpkin flavored pop tarts that he found at Stop & Shop. He also found Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl bread there, and my brother found Eggo Pumpkin Spice waffles at Target. Tis the season for that stuff

IHOP has pumpkin pancakes. YUM!!!

I should do self-exams...but I don't I tell you what- I make a promise now to do my self exam this month (well, it will be next month, but) the week before my cycle. Promise!

My doctor told me yesterday to do it the week AFTER your cycle. Your hormones are lower so that is better (not sure why?).

Dietwise - I've been totally on track since getting home from Vegas. My food choices have been great, I'm tracking my calories, drinking my water, power walking, etc.

I took a "sneak peak" at the scale this morning, and it looks like I've dropped 3 of the 5.5 pounds that I put on over the last two weeks. My official weigh-in won't be until Friday, but I'll be very happy if that 3 pound loss sticks.

- Laura

 

[lovetoscrap]

I never got back here yesterday. I intended to do it after dinner but I burned my hand on the pan and ended up wrapping my hand up to help with the pain so I couldn't type! It is feeling better today.

Thank you all so much for your congrats on BL this week. I feel kind of because I am not totally sure it wasn't sort of a cheat. My IBS flared up so bad last week that I lost nearly 5 pounds in just a week. But I have been feeling better for a few days and the weight has stayed off so hopefully I can kick things into gear and keep it going down. I suspect I may have a little rebound of a pound or two as my body normalizes again, I am still a little off.

I didn't get my walk in yesterday. I was in a really crabby mood and frankly the family wanted to hide from me! Part of it was because of all the clutter! I felt like I spent the entire afternoon and evening tripping over stuff, knocking stuff over, looking for things and dropping things. I was also frustrated because I was trying to do something on a scrapbooking layout that wasn't working. Instead of putting it away for another time I kept trying and trying and got more and more frustrated. Then burned myself making dinner. By the time dinner was over I wanted to eat anything and everything. I wanted a candy bar so bad! I had been to the drug store earlier and resisted the urge to buy one but darn it, by that evening I wanted a box of them! I made myself a cup of diet hot chocolate instead. Sat down to watch TV with DH and he walked in with a cup of coffee and a stack of OREOS! If looks could kill. . . . In his defense they haven't been a problem for me to say to no to and he didn't know I was having cravings last night. He quickly hid them from me and ate them quietly when I wasn't looking.

So today I need to get cleaning. My inlaws come on Friday and I have to make a pan of cornbread for a teacher lunch tomorrow. I probably won't have time to go on a formal walk today but we are going to a College fair tonight and I am going to be walking for about 2 hours there so I figure that will work. I am mostly just trying to be on my feet for longer periods of time, not for the sake of exercise but to try to strengthen my feet. Tomorrow night we are going to a Trunk or Treat at the high school so hopefully I can get some walking time in there too.

Oh, at my dr appt yesterday she looked at my chart and got a very concerned look on her face. She said something to the effect of Oh my, you have lost a lot of weight since your last visit, is everything okay? I had to convince her that it was all very intentional and being done in a healthy way.

Have to run and start cleaning bathrooms. Everyone have a great day!

 

[SettinSail]

Good morning losers!

I'm not caught up on the thread but I wanted to pop in and say I TOOK THE DAY OFF WORK TODAY

So far I have taken DS to the ortho, gone to the bank, Starbucks (THANKS TRACEY FOR GIFTCARD!!!) and grocery store and have a beef stew cooking in the crock. It takes a lot of prep work to get that in, with all the veg to cut up. I just ate a yummy gala apple, sliced and dipped in caramel sauce. I really need to quit buying that at the store. It was BOGO one week and I tried some and now I am hooked! It is 130 cals for 2 tbls so it is quite a splurge.

I also made my appt for my annual physical for Jan 27. That means I have almost exactly 3 months to take off more weight. I would love to be down 20more pounds from last year but I have some work to do to get there by Jan.

For the QOTD yesterday, I get a mammogram annually but do not do a monthly self-check (Bad, I know). I just have very lumpy breasts anyway and when I do it I will feel things that are there today, gone tomorrow. I have a lot of calcifications and have had to go back for 2nd mammograms that are more intensive and have had ultrasounds, etc. Very frustruating. You are supposed to check them AFTER your cycle. I know the week before and during all my little lumps and bumps are incredibly swollen. The human body is so amazing.

to Deb & Rose. I hope things get better for both of you

I am going to hit the Mall and see what I can find for work clothes for cooler weather. With our temps here, I have been able to get by with my crop pants but I think they will soon begin to look out of season. I don't like to spend alot on clothes since I am always SURE I am just about to lose alot of weight

Have a great day all