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

[Disneywedding2010]

Thanksgiving memories:
We always watched the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade while my mom cooked. I remember my mom would make a lot of the items the night before Thanksgiving so she wasn't so swamped the morning of. My dad always watched the football game.

-------

I'm still really sore from yesterday. I took some Aleeve when I got up. The fence people are here to get the fence up around our pool. Our final inspection for the pool was completed and everything will be done as of this afternoon. I didn't feel like cooking myself breakfast so I asked Alan to do it for me. He kindly obliged.

Nothing really planned today. I got a few Christmas presents yesterday for Alan and my mom. I'm going to finish the rest of it on Black Friday (from the comfort of my home, ). Although Alan may have to go out to Wal-Mart and get a Wii for my mom.

I need to take chicken out for tomorrow night's dinner. We're having chicken noodle soup in the crockpot. Tonight we're having cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, and brocolli with cheese sauce. Yes, chicken two nights in a row but forgot to take the stuff out last night for tonight. So everything is getting switched around this week on my meal plan.

I stepped on the scale this morning to get a preview of where I'm at. Last Friday I was at 219 but didn't send in my weight til Monday. Well by then I had dropped another pound. So, from last Friday - this Friday, I've dropped 2 pounds (hopefully). 3 more pounds to go until my goal! . I don't see myself losing 3 pounds by Thanksgiving so I bumped my challenge back a week. 10 pounds by December 2nd.

 

[glss1/2fll]

Never marry a jock. It is so depressing! Yesterday I went for a quick 1.5 mile run (it was 41 degrees out! brr) and was ecstatic that I shaved 20 seconds off my time. DH came home from work and decided that he would run my route since he didn't have time to do his usual bicycle ride in the garage. He ran it 5 minutes faster than I did!

 

[Octoberbride03]

Hello my BL friends

A little late but I am in for the rest of the challenge. Been awhile since i have visited but I need this so i am back.

Just coming as a maintainer since there is only 1 month left and really that is all I hope to do for the moment since Christmas is in full swing at Target.

I am back into working out though actively looking for a new 1. Seriously thinking about a Kathy Smith video and maybe trying kettlebells.

If anybody has tried her workouts please let me know which 1 and if its good to start with. I have been off the workout wagon for awhile but am getting back on and for now using my 10 minute solution on the ball. Its like coming home

Will pm weight in the morning

 

[lovetoscrap]

I am collapsed on the couch trying to get my energy back up to go frost cupcakes for tomorrow. As usual I have really bit off more than I should have. Oh well, your first baby only turns 16 once!

I found the perfect (I hope) present for her. I have plan gold chain necklace that I wear all the time including shower and sleeping. The only time it comes off is for surgery or if I am dressing up and it just doesn't go with whatever other accessories I am wearing. I got it from my mother when I was in high school. It wasn't really a sentimental thing-- she had one that I kept borrowing from her and not giving back so she bought me my own! But my girls think it is really intriguing that I never ever take it off and that it came from my mother. Sooooooooooo. . . I got her a gold chain similar to mine. It doesn't exactly match because they don't ones like mine any more but it is the same idea. And the best part is that now I know what we will get DD11 for her 16th birthday! Maybe I can start a mother daughter tradition to be handed down.

The surprise party is still on and will be at my house on Sunday! I have bought almost everything for it. Her friend is baking cakes for everyone to decorate and I asked her to come over early to help set up and finish some decorations. Since it is "her" party I do want her to be the one in charge of it. I am just going to sit back and let them do everything. And if you believe that I have a bridge to sell you! I am a total control freak and it is going to be very difficult but I am going to try to stay out of their way.

As much as it pains me I think I need to change my goal for this challenge from loser to maintainer. I am just not able to stay on program enough to lose and haven't felt up to going to the gym. As long as I can stay where I am I can start fresh at the beginning of the year and maybe lose 25 again for the Winter Challenge. Heck, if I lose 25 next year and 25 the next and maintain in between then I will be at my goal before I am 45. That seems pretty doable.

I start as your coach tomorrow. I will be posting a QOTD and will try to keep up as much as possible but it is going to be a crazy weekend and DH has informed me that he took the whole week off next week so I am not sure what we will be doing.

Dinner ready, have to run!

 

[pjlla]

Thanksgiving memories:
We always watched the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade while my mom cooked. I remember my mom would make a lot of the items the night before Thanksgiving so she wasn't so swamped the morning of. My dad always watched the football game.

We always watched that when we were kids too. My kids have watched it some, but aren't that into it. Maybe because we are always hustling around in the morning trying to get out of the house!
-------

I'm still really sore from yesterday. I took some Aleeve when I got up. The fence people are here to get the fence up around our pool. Our final inspection for the pool was completed and everything will be done as of this afternoon. I didn't feel like cooking myself breakfast so I asked Alan to do it for me. He kindly obliged.

Nothing really planned today. I got a few Christmas presents yesterday for Alan and my mom. I'm going to finish the rest of it on Black Friday (from the comfort of my home, ). Although Alan may have to go out to Wal-Mart and get a Wii for my mom.

I need to take chicken out for tomorrow night's dinner. We're having chicken noodle soup in the crockpot. Tonight we're having cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, and brocolli with cheese sauce. Yes, chicken two nights in a row but forgot to take the stuff out last night for tonight. So everything is getting switched around this week on my meal plan.

I stepped on the scale this morning to get a preview of where I'm at. Last Friday I was at 219 but didn't send in my weight til Monday. Well by then I had dropped another pound. So, from last Friday - this Friday, I've dropped 2 pounds (hopefully). 3 more pounds to go until my goal! . I don't see myself losing 3 pounds by Thanksgiving so I bumped my challenge back a week. 10 pounds by December 2nd.

Great job with the weight loss!! Keep on it!

Never marry a jock. It is so depressing! Yesterday I went for a quick 1.5 mile run (it was 41 degrees out! brr) and was ecstatic that I shaved 20 seconds off my time. DH came home from work and decided that he would run my route since he didn't have time to do his usual bicycle ride in the garage. He ran it 5 minutes faster than I did!

DO NOT compare yourself to DH or ANYONE ELSE! You did a great job and should feel super about it! You got out there, in the cold weather, when I'm SURE you probably had something else you could be doing. You should be proud.

Hello my BL friends

A little late but I am in for the rest of the challenge. Been awhile since i have visited but I need this so i am back.

Just coming as a maintainer since there is only 1 month left and really that is all I hope to do for the moment since Christmas is in full swing at Target.

I am back into working out though actively looking for a new 1. Seriously thinking about a Kathy Smith video and maybe trying kettlebells.

If anybody has tried her workouts please let me know which 1 and if its good to start with. I have been off the workout wagon for awhile but am getting back on and for now using my 10 minute solution on the ball. Its like coming home

Will pm weight in the morning

SO GLAD you came back to join us!!

I am collapsed on the couch trying to get my energy back up to go frost cupcakes for tomorrow. As usual I have really bit off more than I should have. Oh well, your first baby only turns 16 once!

I found the perfect (I hope) present for her. I have plan gold chain necklace that I wear all the time including shower and sleeping. The only time it comes off is for surgery or if I am dressing up and it just doesn't go with whatever other accessories I am wearing. I got it from my mother when I was in high school. It wasn't really a sentimental thing-- she had one that I kept borrowing from her and not giving back so she bought me my own! But my girls think it is really intriguing that I never ever take it off and that it came from my mother. Sooooooooooo. . . I got her a gold chain similar to mine. It doesn't exactly match because they don't ones like mine any more but it is the same idea. And the best part is that now I know what we will get DD11 for her 16th birthday! Maybe I can start a mother daughter tradition to be handed down.

The surprise party is still on and will be at my house on Sunday! I have bought almost everything for it. Her friend is baking cakes for everyone to decorate and I asked her to come over early to help set up and finish some decorations. Since it is "her" party I do want her to be the one in charge of it. I am just going to sit back and let them do everything. And if you believe that I have a bridge to sell you! I am a total control freak and it is going to be very difficult but I am going to try to stay out of their way.

As much as it pains me I think I need to change my goal for this challenge from loser to maintainer. I am just not able to stay on program enough to lose and haven't felt up to going to the gym. As long as I can stay where I am I can start fresh at the beginning of the year and maybe lose 25 again for the Winter Challenge. Heck, if I lose 25 next year and 25 the next and maintain in between then I will be at my goal before I am 45. That seems pretty doable.

I start as your coach tomorrow. I will be posting a QOTD and will try to keep up as much as possible but it is going to be a crazy weekend and DH has informed me that he took the whole week off next week so I am not sure what we will be doing.

Dinner ready, have to run!

What a super idea with the necklace!! That is a great idea!! Enjoy the party!

Not a bad idea, to try to stay in maintenance mode if you are struggling with weight-loss mode. Maintaining (especially through the holidays) is a great idea.

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

Evening friends! This is my SECOND attempt at this post, since my desktop computer mysteriously shutdown mid-post a few minutes ago. So now I'm on my laptop.

Anyhow, I didn't have much to say. DH had an appointment in town tonight, so he was able to take DD to the Y and then run out for a few groceries, so i have a free evening! Sadly, I'm too tired to scrapbook right now.

I won't repeat my silly ramblings from earlier. Just not that interesting, even to me!!

Not sure when I will have a chance to pop on tomorrow. Probably between running DD to the Y at 5 am and driving her to the dentist at 11:45 am.... somewhere in there!!

Good luck on the scale tomorrow!....................P

 

[glss1/2fll]

Thanks CC for my great HH prize!!

 

[tigger813]

Evening all,

What a crazy day, in a good way, it has been!

Problem solved at school! Parents are coming for Christmas! Booked their flights with a lot of stress! Got a call from work about giving 2 massages a week at a couples home starting this Sunday! Very excited about that!

Just made my parents' anniversary shirts. Will let them dry tonight and then mail them at noon when I come home. Will also mail the rest of my Mom's birthday present.

Tomorrow is going to be totally crazy. After taking Ash to school I will then visit the Wellness Center with Izzie and then go back to school for a kids event and then take Izzie to school. I then have to run to work to get ready for a 9:30 client. I will clean up after that and run home to get stuff ready for my night time events. I then have to go back to work for a 3pm client. Then I'll come home and figure what to have for supper and then pick up Ash and then bring her home to get ready for her Kids Night Out at the middle school. I'll have to be back to the middle school by 6 to set up.

Saturday I will be selling books at a nursing home all day. Sunday is church and then my new afternoon clients!

I'm exhausted and I think I may try and head to bed early again tonight! So glad today is over despite the fact that it has been quite an amazing day!

TTFN

 

[my3princes]

Hi all. Time has really gotten away from me. I think I'll actually have time to catch up a bit tomorrow. I need to be prepared to at the end of next week.

Deb

 

[donac]

Good Friday morning

Physical went well. All my numbers were right where they are supposed to be except for two things. My bp was a little high but when I take it here it is fine. Last time I went I took my bp machine and they matched up so she trusts me that it is staying fine. Also my weight. It was the same as it was 6 months ago. I was also in the room with a scale that doesn't match up to mine at home. The one in the other room better matches mine at home. Oh well It wasn't up from then so I can't complain too much.

I got a call when I was home yesterday that my mil was in the hospital. She fell two weeks ago and yesterday morning she woke up and her arm was hurting. They took her to ER and they found a bloodclot in her arm and they took her right into OR. I was worried since she has had a lot of lung probems but I got a call later that she was out of surgery. She will be in the hospital until Sunday. We are going to see her tonight.

Thanks for letting me coach this week. Good luck LTS. I know you do great.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[cclovesdis]

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

My name is CC (like see-see), which is short for Christina. No one has time to say 3 syllables so, it’s been shortened to my initials.

This is my 3rd time coaching Healthy Habits (HH) and I absolutely love it! I started a new job right after Thanksgiving and HH have been so important to me. I would like to give a shout out to donac and jenanderson who showed me the ropes coaching previous challenges.

For the WISH Biggest Loser Fall 2011 Challenge, I am revamping Healthy Habits. Each week will have a theme, and each theme will be a Disney movie. I will be using various components of the movie to determine each week’s daily habits and the 2 mini-challenges.

Every week you will have 4 “Habits” to do each day. There will also be 2 Mini-Challenges. These will be something like “Exercise for 45 minutes simultaneously once during the week.” The “Habits” will be things that are essential for good “Health.” One might be “Drink 6 8 oz. glasses of water per day.” I will be very clear about which 4 are for all 7 days and which 2 are the Mini-Challenges.

The Healthy Habits “week” is the same as for weigh-ins. A new “week” begins on Friday and ends on Thursday. At the end of each week, total your points and PM (private message) me them. Please list your total points in the subject of your PM. In the body of your PM, please separate each “Habit” and mini-challenge. Here is an example.
Habit #1: 5/7 days
Habit #2: 4/7 days
Habit #3: 7/7 days
Habit #4: 1/7 days
Mini-Challenge #1: Completed
Mini-Challenge #2: Not Completed

This will allow me to recognize participants who earned 7/7 for 1 or more “Habits.” It also gives me feedback for future weeks.

Please PM me your points by Tuesday at 5 PM Eastern Time. I will post the results as soon as possible after that. Everyone who participates will be entered into the “hat” for a chance at the weekly prize. I have bought many of the prizes already and I think they are great!

It is optional to participate, but I know I do so much better when I participate.

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 10: Tangled

I happened to watch this movie over the weekend and it reminded me of Thangiving. When the Lost Princess was reuninted with her parent, the town celebrated for days. Rapunzel spent 18 years doing simple things and giving thanks for what she had. However, I'm going to guess that Rapunzel gave thanks for not having to live with her "mother" anymore. And, of course, a family usually gives thanks when a couple ties the knot. In the spirit of Thanksgivng,...

For 18 years, Rapunzel's only exercise was what she could do in he house. 1. Your “Habit” is to exercise for at least 20 minutes. Hint: Don't be afraid to count housework, like cleaning or putting away groceries. I spend at least 10 minutes after a "regular" trip to the grocery store bringing bags into the house, bending over to empty them, and then putting everything away. That entails bending over to reach shelves in the fridge and walking back and forth from the kitchen to the laundry room, where we have an extra pantry.

Let's keep this week's Habits simple. 2. This week, your “Habit” is to drink a total of 64 oz. of water each day.

3. Eat 2 servings of protein everyday. The power of protein seems to be endless.

Rapunzel spent plenty of time relaxing, mainly by reading. 4. Each day, spend some time relaxing. Again, if you think it counts, it counts!

Mini-Challenges:

1. Do something involving nature.

2. Have fun celebrating Thanksgiving!

Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread. I check my e-mail frequently.

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[cclovesdis]

Thanks everyone for the nonstop support with my mom. Shawn, unfortunately on my unemployment salary, it doesn't look like I can move out, but that doesn't mean I haven't forgotten about my desire. Last night was a good night and this morning went well.

Kathy: We can do this! I am committing to the pjlla plan. I know it's late, but my goal is to be 100% on plan through Wednesday. Most of what my father cooks for Thanksgiving, I can't eat anyway. I'll probably stick to turkey breast (no full turkey this year), sweet potatoes, and carrots. I'll probably suggest that he makes me broccoli too. It is very difficult. You have to put the bag in the microwave, push the #5, wait for it to finish cooking, open the bag, and pour it into a bowl. We all eat GF cornbread, so I could always make some of that. That would be my splurge.

I am off to weigh-in.

 

[my3princes]

I'm back. I'm just jumping in here instead of trying to catch up. If anything big happened could someone PM me. Anxiety issues have been a huge problem for me of late. Nick is doing great and seems to have come out of his depression. We did get him a therapist and had a med eval with a psychiatrist. They are trying a new med so fingers crossed that it works. Chris' thumb is much better. It looks nasty, but the wound healed well with no infection and he has most of his mobility back. He is hoping to be able to return to his job on Monday. Hunter had another ear infection which was really bad. We have a follow up today with ENT to see if we can figure out why he is having them. I'm praying that it isn't another tumor. 2 years ago today is when he had the seizure that brought his tumor to light. Today is also Chris' birthday. Yesterday was Colby's Birthday. Nick started his first job yesterday. As you can see from the limited amount that I just posted, life is stressful. I'm working with my doctor to find the right med to help me with my anxiety. In the meantime I haven't gained weight, maybe even lost a pound or two. I'm sending my weigh in now.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Good Morning! I am your coach for this week. I have some QOTD that I hope we can have fun with. I apologize if I am repeating any questions that have already been asked this challenge. If I do please send me a PM ASAP and I will post a new one-- I have more questions than I have days!

This morning I am off and running. Have to be at the high school in about an hour and I need to get breakfast, make a snack to take, load the car with DD15's birthday treats, pack my bag with everything I need for today and run by Subway and pick her up a birthday lunch. Good thing she loves Subway because lunch is at 10:20am and nowhere else is serving lunch at that time!

So on that note I want to talk about bags. Guys this isn't specifically purses so don't feel like you can't join in.

QOTD: What sort of bag(s) do you carry on a regular basis? Do you have different bags for different days? This may include a purse, briefcase, lunch bag, man purse, gym bag, diaper bag, grocery bag, or whatever you use to keep up with your must have items.

And part 2 is: What are your must have items in your bag?

I will be back to answer later this afternoon or evening. I have to go and pack my bag now! Everyone have a great Healthy and Happy Friday!

 

[pjlla]

Evening all,

What a crazy day, in a good way, it has been!

Problem solved at school! Parents are coming for Christmas! Booked their flights with a lot of stress! Got a call from work about giving 2 massages a week at a couples home starting this Sunday! Very excited about that!

Just made my parents' anniversary shirts. Will let them dry tonight and then mail them at noon when I come home. Will also mail the rest of my Mom's birthday present.

Tomorrow is going to be totally crazy. After taking Ash to school I will then visit the Wellness Center with Izzie and then go back to school for a kids event and then take Izzie to school. I then have to run to work to get ready for a 9:30 client. I will clean up after that and run home to get stuff ready for my night time events. I then have to go back to work for a 3pm client. Then I'll come home and figure what to have for supper and then pick up Ash and then bring her home to get ready for her Kids Night Out at the middle school. I'll have to be back to the middle school by 6 to set up.

Saturday I will be selling books at a nursing home all day. Sunday is church and then my new afternoon clients!

I'm exhausted and I think I may try and head to bed early again tonight! So glad today is over despite the fact that it has been quite an amazing day!

TTFN

Busy weekend! Glad to hear that everything is working out.

Hi all. Time has really gotten away from me. I think I'll actually have time to catch up a bit tomorrow. I need to be prepared to at the end of next week.

Deb

Prepared to WHAT at the end of the week? Anyhow, been thinking of you a lot. This weekend is the 1 year anniversary of DH's accident. Hope your family is well and that Chris' thumb is healing properly. How are the boys? I will continue to try to remember to pray for you all and the boys in particular.

Good Friday morning

Physical went well. All my numbers were right where they are supposed to be except for two things. My bp was a little high but when I take it here it is fine. Last time I went I took my bp machine and they matched up so she trusts me that it is staying fine. Also my weight. It was the same as it was 6 months ago. I was also in the room with a scale that doesn't match up to mine at home. The one in the other room better matches mine at home. Oh well It wasn't up from then so I can't complain too much.

I got a call when I was home yesterday that my mil was in the hospital. She fell two weeks ago and yesterday morning she woke up and her arm was hurting. They took her to ER and they found a bloodclot in her arm and they took her right into OR. I was worried since she has had a lot of lung probems but I got a call later that she was out of surgery. She will be in the hospital until Sunday. We are going to see her tonight.

Thanks for letting me coach this week. Good luck LTS. I know you do great.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Glad your numbers were good. DH always has a higher BP at the doctor's office than anywhere else. Guess it is a bit of that "white coat syndrome."

Sorry to hear about your MIL. Glad they found the bloodclot as quickly as they did and it didn't travel anywhere. Will this change your T.giving plans??

Welcome to Healthy Habits!

Welcome to Healthy Habits Week 10: Tangled

I happened to watch this movie over the weekend and it reminded me of Thangiving. When the Lost Princess was reuninted with her parent, the town celebrated for days. Rapunzel spent 18 years doing simple things and giving thanks for what she had. However, I'm going to guess that Rapunzel gave thanks for not having to live with her "mother" anymore. And, of course, a family usually gives thanks when a couple ties the knot. In the spirit of Thanksgivng,...

For 18 years, Rapunzel's only exercise was what she could do in he house. 1. Your “Habit” is to exercise for at least 20 minutes. Hint: Don't be afraid to count housework, like cleaning or putting away groceries. I spend at least 10 minutes after a "regular" trip to the grocery store bringing bags into the house, bending over to empty them, and then putting everything away. That entails bending over to reach shelves in the fridge and walking back and forth from the kitchen to the laundry room, where we have an extra pantry.

Let's keep this week's Habits simple. 2. This week, your “Habit” is to drink a total of 64 oz. of water each day.

3. Eat 2 servings of protein everyday. The power of protein seems to be endless.

Rapunzel spent plenty of time relaxing, mainly by reading. 4. Each day, spend some time relaxing. Again, if you think it counts, it counts!

Mini-Challenges:

1. Do something involving nature.

2. Have fun celebrating Thanksgiving!

Please, please feel free to ask any questions. You are welcome to PM me or post on the thread. I check my e-mail frequently.

Hope everyone has a great week!

HEY.....you forgot to mention all of the exercise she got brushing her hair!! DD will be SO EXCITED to see this week's HH! This is definitely our current favorite Disney movie! DD is trying to talk me into making myself a Mother Gothel costume for next year! Thanks so much for doing this CC!

Thanks everyone for the nonstop support with my mom. Shawn, unfortunately on my unemployment salary, it doesn't look like I can move out, but that doesn't mean I haven't forgotten about my desire. Last night was a good night and this morning went well.

Kathy: We can do this! I am committing to the pjlla plan. I know it's late, but my goal is to be 100% on plan through Wednesday. Most of what my father cooks for Thanksgiving, I can't eat anyway. I'll probably stick to turkey breast (no full turkey this year), sweet potatoes, and carrots. I'll probably suggest that he makes me broccoli too. It is very difficult. You have to put the bag in the microwave, push the #5, wait for it to finish cooking, open the bag, and pour it into a bowl. We all eat GF cornbread, so I could always make some of that. That would be my splurge.

I am off to weigh-in.

I'm so PROUD of your for committing to be full OP through Wednesday. That is going to get your holiday season off to an EXCELLENT start!

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

Morning my friends! Happy Friday to you all!

I have just a few hours before I need to be out of the house again to pick up DD for her dentist appointment. Then I need to get home and get some cleaning done and get ready for our "JUST SAY NO TO LADDERS" celebration that we are having on Sunday!

For those of you who don't know or don't remember, one year ago this coming Sunday my DH had a very bad accident, falling from our ladder while cleaning the gutters. He was med-flighted to a big medical center about 90+ minutes north of here with bleeding in his brain, a compound fracture to both bones in his right arm, and having broken every bone in his face plus some skull fractures. He spent 9 days (if my memory serves me right) in the ICU, 2-3 more days a regular room, and about 2+ weeks in a rehab center before coming home right before Christmas. He had surgery to repair the arm and surgery to repair the face. By the grace of God, the brain bleeding turned out to be minimal and now, a year later, he has made a nearly full recovery (although he still doesn't have regular strength in his right arm).

Anyhow, we are celebrating on Sunday (just us and my parents, nothing big) with a "JUST SAY NO TO LADDERS" day! We will attend church together and have a nice meal here at home, give a few gifts, and talk about how lucky we are, plus thank my parents AGAIN for moving into our house for 3 weeks and making sure that the kids were taken care of, etc. We will send out some repeat thank you notes to people who made a big difference in our lives during that time (One of them being a friend I made right here on a previous BL challenge!).

I will spend some time today making some ladder-related decorations for the house and creating DH a "JUST SAY NO TO LADDERS" t-shirt! I was contemplating making a cake, but with the holidays around the corner and DH and I both trying to be "good" up until then, I might skip it. Or make it a tiny cake with just 6 servings .

Anyhow. Kids are off to their schools/practices/meetings already, my breakfast is eaten (scrambled eggwhites with roasted red peppers on a bed of sauteed spinach and goat cheese). I will make the beds before hitting the TM and then showering. I've got a load of jeans that needs to go on the clothesline and I need to put another load in the washer. If it gets done before I leave I can get the second load on the line too. Need to do that while the sun is shining! I need to leave the house about 10:50, so I guess I need to get hustling!

Tomorrow is a swim meet (home meet with just one other team, so shouldn't be more than a few hours), so I won't be around much tomorrow. Plus we were contemplating an extra robotics practice here, but not sure how many kids are available, so I don't know if that will be a "go" or not. And DS might have a friend sleep over tomorrow, so I need to pick up DS's room!

I'd LOVE to have some scrapping time today, but I don't see that happening. I PROMISED myself that I would finish my 2010 Mother/Son WDW weekend book before this year ends! Then I need to concentrate my time on working on DD's high school years so that I am NOT scrambling at the end of her senior year!!

TTYL...........................P

 

[mikamah]

Good friday morning everyone!! Hope you all had a good visit with the scale today. I'm down a little, and plan to stay on track through wednesday, and do next weeks weighin thanksgiving morning, and hope to reach my goal for the pjlla challenge. I'm 2 pounds away, but I know if I stay within my points, I can lose that. Especially since Tom will be gone by then.

Maureen_nice to see you again. I haven't seen the Kathy Smith workouts, but maybe I'll pull my leslie sansone's out again. It's been a while.

CC- We can do this. I'm with you, totally on track through wednesday. Thinking on thanksgiving, most of those challenges are not gluten free. How about a gluten free cornbread stuffing for you as a treat? I'm sure there are some good recipes out there, if you like stuffing.

Pamela- I am half swedish, my mom was 100% swedish. Her dad came over from sweden as Iver Friedolph Swenson, and americanized to Frank Swanson. My brother's middle name is Iver which he hated growing up, but loves it now. Hope you enjoyed your rare free evening, and got some rest.

Kristina-Your little angel is beautiful.

Dona-Thank you for coaching last week.

LTS-I love the necklace idea, something she will always treasure. Good luck at the party tonight, when you feel the need to take over for the girls organizing, come on here and dis. Thanks for coaching this week.

Listening to some of you talk about your plans to maintain through the holiday weeks has me thinking. I definitely want to maintain through thanksgiving weekend, which for me means most likely gain a few over the weekend, but get right back on track and lose them by the following friday. I liked the pjlla plan, and think I would like to start the sunday after thanksgiving to friday 2/23 with another one, to stay on track 80% of the time. There's 4 weeks between the holidays. If anyone would like to join me?

Gotta run. Have a great friday!!

 

[pjlla]

I'm back. I'm just jumping in here instead of trying to catch up. If anything big happened could someone PM me. Anxiety issues have been a huge problem for me of late. Nick is doing great and seems to have come out of his depression. We did get him a therapist and had a med eval with a psychiatrist. They are trying a new med so fingers crossed that it works. Chris' thumb is much better. It looks nasty, but the wound healed well with no infection and he has most of his mobility back. He is hoping to be able to return to his job on Monday. Hunter had another ear infection which was really bad. We have a follow up today with ENT to see if we can figure out why he is having them. I'm praying that it isn't another tumor. 2 years ago today is when he had the seizure that brought his tumor to light. Today is also Chris' birthday. Yesterday was Colby's Birthday. Nick started his first job yesterday. As you can see from the limited amount that I just posted, life is stressful. I'm working with my doctor to find the right med to help me with my anxiety. In the meantime I haven't gained weight, maybe even lost a pound or two. I'm sending my weigh in now.

Deb..... I'm so GLAD to see you back on here. I was pretty worried about you. I am excited to hear that Nick is definitely feeling better. That must be a big load off your mind. And WOOHOO on Chris' thumb. Did he have disability insurance?

Prayers for Hunter, of course. Hopefully it is just nothing more than an ear infection.

Happy Birthday to Chris and Colby! Hope they are celebrating!

Where is Nick working?

Good Morning! I am your coach for this week. I have some QOTD that I hope we can have fun with. I apologize if I am repeating any questions that have already been asked this challenge. If I do please send me a PM ASAP and I will post a new one-- I have more questions than I have days!


Glad you are coaching this week! It will keep you here with us a bit more!

This morning I am off and running. Have to be at the high school in about an hour and I need to get breakfast, make a snack to take, load the car with DD15's birthday treats, pack my bag with everything I need for today and run by Subway and pick her up a birthday lunch. Good thing she loves Subway because lunch is at 10:20am and nowhere else is serving lunch at that time!

Happy Birthday to your DD! Sweet Sixteen!! Enjoy your Subway treat!

So on that note I want to talk about bags. Guys this isn't specifically purses so don't feel like you can't join in.

QOTD: What sort of bag(s) do you carry on a regular basis? Do you have different bags for different days? This may include a purse, briefcase, lunch bag, man purse, gym bag, diaper bag, grocery bag, or whatever you use to keep up with your must have items.

And part 2 is: What are your must have items in your bag?

I will be back to answer later this afternoon or evening. I have to go and pack my bag now! Everyone have a great Healthy and Happy Friday!

Oh my GOSH, I LOVE bags! I'm definitely NOT a purse/pocketbook/handbag kind of girl, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE totebags!!

For work.... I was complaining a few years ago about my tote bag for work so my Mom made me a "custom" bag for Christmas. It hasn't worked exactly as planned, but I do love it. It has a big pocket on each end for a water bottle, four inside pockets for "stuff", a ring to snap my keys on (although it fell off and I haven't replaced it), and a big open part in the middle for my lunch bag and change of shoes. It is black and white quilted fabric, so it goes with nearly everything. I get a lot of compliments on it too. I have been asked if it is a Vera Bradley or a Thirty-One.... I just tell them that it is a "Linda Simpson Original"!

I love it, but it isn't quite large enough. If she were to ask I would request ANOTHER custom bag for Christmas. Still with water bottle pockets and inside pockets and the keyring, but a bit larger for the lunch bag and shoes. She also made me a smaller matching across the body purse to go along with it.

For lunch.....just a pretty standard/cheap insulated lunch sack, bright pink. It usually contains a spare fork/knife and a salt shaker, plus a few tea bags and Splenda packets.

For the gym..... I just have a fairly inexpensive Reebok brand bag I bought on sale at Target a few years ago. It also has a pocket on each end, but neither is large enough for my gym water bottle, so I keep my ear buds in one. It has a nice zipper pocket on the front where I keep "emergency" supplies (lady stuff, spare comb, few emergency dollars) and the inside is big enough for workout gear plus sneakers, 2 towels, make-up case, book. Nothing fancy, but it's pink and it works for me.

For traveling........ well, a few years ago I bought a really neat bag, kind of like a briefcase. I loved it because it had tons of pockets and such, but after one trip I realized it didn't hold nearly enough and it was too stiff and bulky. One year for Mother/Daughter weekend I bought DD and I matching quilted carry-on bags (pink, of course).... Vera Bradley knock-offs, to match our matching pink wheeled suitcases. We have been using those for our trips for a few years now and they work great, but DD's is getting a bit trashed. I"ve resewn the lining twice. But they are GREAT because they have a big zipper outside pocket and a zipper inside pocket, plus a few other pockets, they hold plenty of stuff, and they are easy to identify in the overhead compartment of a plane because of the color, plus they also fit under an airplane seat. And I found us pocketbooks that match these carry-on pieces as well!


For swim meets and other events..... depends on the event. I have a few to choose from. For robotics meets/meetings I tend to carry an LL Bean boat tote. I have several, mostly the same size. For swim meets I will carry either a Disney tote bag or my New England Aquarium bag.... usually loaded with snacks and water bottles and a good book!

For every other day...... I have a nice black purse that DD bought me from Disney a few years ago for Christmas. It is solid black with my name and Mickey embroidered on it in pink. I don't tend to carry it around with me because I get shoulder/neck pain too easily from carrying a bag on my shoulder. But I keep it in the car at all times.

Stuff I MUST have with me..... lip balm is the ONE THING I kind of can't live without. It is in every bag, every pocket, etc. Other things I carry in my bags are........nail file, Wisps (disposable toothbrushes), hand cream, emergency "lady" supplies, 100 calorie packs of nuts, pen/paper, nail clippers, brush or comb, spare car key, WW points slider.

Of course, that isn't all I have in my bag! Currently my purse contains....... two disposable underwater cameras that were used during our 2008 trip to Discovery Cove, (I came across them in a drawer recently and realized that they were never developed!), a list of ALL Fiestaware colors and the years they were available (in case I come across something in a resale shop or consignment shop), a small pouch containing lip balm, sun screen, hand sanitizer, and mascara, a small pouch containing pens and pencils, two small packets of tissues, a Weight Watchers Points slider, nail polish remover (must be from DD, as I rarely wear nail polish), granola bars, a black leather credit card case containing my rarely used credit cards (Home Depot and such), plus most of my more rarely used store rewards cards. I think that is it!!

See, I told you I love tote bags! Apparently I love talking about them too!!.....................P

 

[pjlla]

Good friday morning everyone!! Hope you all had a good visit with the scale today. I'm down a little, and plan to stay on track through wednesday, and do next weeks weighin thanksgiving morning, and hope to reach my goal for the pjlla challenge. I'm 2 pounds away, but I know if I stay within my points, I can lose that. Especially since Tom will be gone by then.

WOOHOO on being down! Hopefully those 2 pounds will hit the curb before next Thursday!!

Pamela- I am half swedish, my mom was 100% swedish. Her dad came over from sweden as Iver Friedolph Swenson, and americanized to Frank Swanson. My brother's middle name is Iver which he hated growing up, but loves it now. Hope you enjoyed your rare free evening, and got some rest.

That's neat! I recently got an email through Ancestry.com from a distant cousin of DH's. She was excited to see the research I had already done on DH's side of the family (the Swedish part) and she was able to share some pictures of DH's parents and grandparents that we had never seen!

The whole idea of the Swede's constantly changing their names is driving me a bit nutty! And then those that changed their names when they came to America..... Add to that the folks that named their newly born children after previously DECEASED children.....

DS has a Swedish middle name that he is okay with and it is exciting to find that it is actually a family name!

Evening was a bit TOO relaxing. I dozed off sitting on my bed, laptop on my lap, watching an old episode of BL, season 4, about 7pm!! I made myself get up and get moving cause that felt too lazy. I managed to get a load of laundry folded because giving in and climbing in bed to "watch tv" (with my eyes closed apparently! ). Kids wanted to watch this week's episode of GLEE when DD got home, but after 10 minutes of trying to stay awake, I gave up and told the kids to get to bed!

Listening to some of you talk about your plans to maintain through the holiday weeks has me thinking. I definitely want to maintain through thanksgiving weekend, which for me means most likely gain a few over the weekend, but get right back on track and lose them by the following friday. I liked the pjlla plan, and think I would like to start the sunday after thanksgiving to friday 2/23 with another one, to stay on track 80% of the time. There's 4 weeks between the holidays. If anyone would like to join me?

Gotta run. Have a great friday!!

DId you mean Friday 12/23?? I think I'm in.... but I'm going to start Saturday, 11/26. That will be 28 days until Christmas eve. My math skills are pretty bad, but I think that would allow for 5.6 days OFF (rounded up to 6 days) to allow for holiday parties and such. I think I am going to aim for 90% days OP.... that will give me one day for my Bible Study holiday party, and two other days to play with before Christmas.

I need to make up an exercise schedule to really COMMITT to it before this season swings into high gear!

Okay.... I've spent enough time here with you all! Gotta fly!............P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

QOTD: What sort of bag(s) do you carry on a regular basis? Do you have different bags for different days? This may include a purse, briefcase, lunch bag, man purse, gym bag, diaper bag, grocery bag, or whatever you use to keep up with your must have items.

And part 2 is: What are your must have items in your bag?

I hate bags!!! I wish I could just carry a wallet in my pocket like guys do. LOL
But for my Anniversary DH bought me 2 Louie Vuitton purses, the Speedy 25 and the Brea. I usually use the Brea for a camera bag because it will hold both of my digital cameras.
For totes I use my Creative Memories Daisy Chain Tote bag. I usually use it for hauling scrap supplies back and forth to school. But I also take it to sports events because it's easy to sling over a shoulder and carries plenty of water bottles.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

beep and wave!!!

LOL I feel like I'm not here anymore but I do try to keep up with the reading.
Life is just crazy busy here at Blink Manor.

We had our Thanksgiving feast yesterday at school, we served 300 people in 2 hours. It was crazy!! Hopefully there will be a write up in the paper today.
Then rounded up kids, dropped them off to mom and headed to the HS for Parent teacher conferences. DS15 is doing well but could be doing better. Love all of his teachers again this year. It's so nice to see people be passionate about teaching and really making a difference in the kids lives.
Sunday we are driving to New Jersey to have a memorial service for my Grandma, she passed away Tuesday. So we will be back on Tuesday and then jump right into Thanksgiving and my Birthday.
When does this challenge end and can someone enlighten me on Pamela's stay on track plan/challenge.
I am doing so well on the no soda thing and I'm definitely seeing and feeling the difference but I really need to step it up a notch. The fast food ban is coming up quick!! LOL

OK gotta jet. I have mice to catch, a kitchen to clean and disinfect and laundry to do all before 11:30. Kids have 1/2 days today!

 

[bellebookworm9]

QOTD: What sort of bag(s) do you carry on a regular basis? Do you have different bags for different days? This may include a purse, briefcase, lunch bag, man purse, gym bag, diaper bag, grocery bag, or whatever you use to keep up with your must have items.

And part 2 is: What are your must have items in your bag?

I have several. The main one is a tote bag (I guess) that my roommate's mom made for me last year. It's purple on the outside and has a navy blue with printed Mickeys lining. That's the one I use at school when I'm going to class.

My purple cross body Dooney & Bourke is my purse for outings/grocery shopping. It fits my keys, wallet, phone, and iPod.

The white sketch wristlet D&B is my around campus bag. It fits tissues, phone, ipod and chapstick.