Biggest Loser Princess and Tinker Bell 2011 and 2012 -- OLD please see NEW thread

[Worfiedoodles]

This is what happens when I try to post from the crackberry....I spent all of today in a conference, and as soon as Dennis gets home we have to go to Ben's school to see his Improv show. What I was trying to post this morning --- I think if someone wants to make an ornament that is awesome, but I won't be subjecting anyone to my appalling lack of artistic talent!

I have Lisah's address, and I'm happy to send a list to everyone with all the addresses when I get them, if everyone is ok with that.

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

Maria--sent you a pm.

How are you all? Physical therapy was soooooooo painful yesterday. (Are you all sick of hearing me talk about it?) And despite taking ibuprofen, I was very uncomfortable for most of the day. Today is much better, so that's good. We added in some strength stuff for my ankle. One of the things I had to do was stand on the bad foot and throw a heavy ball at a trampoline that was tipped up in the air and have it come back to me and catch it--30 times. Phew, it's harder than you would think. It's crazy how weak that ankle is, but it is starting to feel better. So that's good.

Anyhow, all the ankle stuff engaged my core, glutes, legs which wreaked havoc on my already sore itband. Uggh! Then this morning while pool running it really started to get uncomfortable after only 30 minutes. So I thought about my form for a minute, because I really couldn't figure out what was going on. Pool running is supposed to be rehab for itbs! And I realized I was pool running with my legs out wide. They were landing under me, but hip width apart. Which was stretching my itband over my hip tight and causing it to hurt at my knee. As soon as I fixed my form it started feeling better and I did another 20 minutes! What a relief! I was really starting to get stressed out. It's pretty sore still, but I iced it good, and hopefully it will get better quick, once I remove the stressor!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. Enjoy those runs this weekend. I am so jealous!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Posting quickly before I collapse in bed -- promise to be back tomorrow with replies!

I received pms from Rose and Lisa, so I have three of you!

The 7.5M today went great. I felt good the entire time, and it was nice to be done earlier than usual. Shopping with Benjamin went well, too, and of course I enjoyed my Hallmark time! They had VB 100 handbags in the Fall 2011 patterns for $29, I went ahead and got three for my nieces. Now I just need to pick up 6 things to go in the pockets -- lip balm, hand cream, antibac, tissues, mints, and something else I think of -- I'm open to ideas! I want to get i-tunes gift cards to go in the outside pocket. I may come up with something for the large interior section, but it has to be fairly inexpensive and not something that will melt or spill, since I'm shipping to FL.

I also got a buy 2/get 2 coupon from Yankee Candle today, so I finished up my smom and smil. Well, almost finished. I need lip balm, etc. for them, too. I'm waiting for the Black Friday sale at B&B, so I can get their special bag for $20, which I'm keeping for me!

I also committed to Dennis to go back to following WW. It's the only thing that seems to work for me, and even when I get frustrated and quit, I'm ahead of where I was before. Not sure if I'll go back to meetings, but I am going to go back to online. I just need to be judicious with my fruit and veggies, because unlimited didn't seem to be working well for me...

Ok, now I really have to sleep. Sweet dreams, lovely ladies!

Maria

 

[mikamah]

Good morning Princesses and Tinkerbelles!!

Hope you're all enjoying your weekends. We had a fun day yesterday. I worked the football snack bar in the morning, and michael went to my sisters house. They had said not to bring your kids to the snack bar, so I didn't, but everyone else did, so now I know for next year, he can just come with me. Duh. Their game started off bad, 22-0 in the first half, but the second half the score never changed, and we got a couple of good runs in, and almost a touchdown, they were on the 10 yardline, and so close, and they even let them continue after the clock was out because they were so close. They had fun, and really ended the season on a positive note, and after those first few losses, the coaches really did seem to turn around their attitudes. Of course, I think they push the win a little too much, but they were much better after the last few games losses.
They had a pizza party after and the boys had a blast. They were loud and crazy, and it was a good end to the season. There's a banquet next week, that we go to, but it's really about the 8th graders who are playing their last year, but the whole league goes, so we're going to that. The boys sit together with the coaches apparently, and the parents sit together so I'm sure it will be fun.

Eating wise, after my 3 days off track, I did seem to get it together, and have tracked everything, and am within my points. We are going to friends for the patriots game this afternoon, so I'm sure there will be some challenges there. The dad is a chef, and he said he's making lots of different appetizers. Which I know will be delicious. I'm going to walk/run this morning, and hopefully that will motivate me and I'll keep my control.

on the Ornament exchange,, I'm up for anything. I'm not too creative either, so would rather purchase than create. What are we thinking for a theme? princess, tinkerbell, disney, something from our local area, running, sports, santa. or something silver or gold. I like the idea of a mail by date.

I put our halloween stuff away yesterday and brought out my mom's Santa Claus. He's just beautiful. Just so you know, 7 weeks from today is Christmas.

Maria-Nice deal on the VB bags. It's amazing how now that I have one, how many others I notice out there. I was thinking scarf or gloves to add to the bags, but then I saw the ship to florida part. what about fun socks or holiday socks. I know they're not the usual purse thing. Nice job on the 7.5 miles!

Lisa-I hope when DH comes running with you, he's as good as Rose's Mike. Utilize him, let him carry your water, clif blocks, etc. And kick him to the curb if he aggravates you. Whoo hoo for the new decade!! So excited for you! You are working so hard, and I know you will reach your Tink goal. You can do it!!

Rose-So glad the ankle is starting to feel a little better. Standing on one foot and throwing a ball does not sound like fun, but I can imagine it really does strengthen that ankle. Glad you realized what was aggravating the itb in the pool. You must be getting so in tune with every part of your body now. I am so amazed at your resolve and dedication to get through all this, and how much exercise you are still getting in. I hope you continue to see improvement every single day.

Hello to Nancy, Lindsay, LisaL and Pamela!!

It was nice to have the extra hour this morning. Usually we need to rush out the door for ccd. I'm going to run/walk while he's at ccd, and then make michael go to the grocery store with me. I don't need too much so it shouldn't be too painful for him.

Hope you're all enjoying the weekend!!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

sorry guys, i'm just so incredibly exhausted i can't even function! i've been posting on facebook but that's about all i can handle. thomas has just stopped sleeping. full stop. and apparently it's all my fault. you know, cuz i don't want to sleep or anything.

john just took thomas to soccer and of course complained the whole time about how he has stuff around the house to do instead. i'm going to just in the bath and hope it relaxes me a little and try to nap. it won't happen but i'm going to try.

be back hopefully later to catch up. xoxo.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

This is my favorite time change -- an extra hour of sleep!

What I was trying to post this morning --- I think if someone wants to make an ornament that is awesome, but I won't be subjecting anyone to my appalling lack of artistic talent!

I totally have a lack of artistic talent as well.

How are you all? Physical therapy was soooooooo painful yesterday. (Are you all sick of hearing me talk about it?) And despite taking ibuprofen, I was very uncomfortable for most of the day. Today is much better, so that's good. We added in some strength stuff for my ankle. One of the things I had to do was stand on the bad foot and throw a heavy ball at a trampoline that was tipped up in the air and have it come back to me and catch it--30 times. Phew, it's harder than you would think. It's crazy how weak that ankle is, but it is starting to feel better. So that's good.

Bummer about the physical therepy being so painful, Rose. Don't be afraid to tell her how much it is hurting since she probably remembers your high tolerance for pain. I'm glad that the ankle is getting stronger! It's good that you were thinking about your form and that fixed the problem. I think that we do adjust our bodies in weird ways to compensate for stuff and when it is fixed we are still somewhat twixt up. I don't mind hearing about your PT stuff. I like to hear that you are getting better!

The 7.5M today went great. I felt good the entire time, and it was nice to be done earlier than usual. Shopping with Benjamin went well, too, and of course I enjoyed my Hallmark time! They had VB 100 handbags in the Fall 2011 patterns for $29, I went ahead and got three for my nieces. Now I just need to pick up 6 things to go in the pockets -- lip balm, hand cream, antibac, tissues, mints, and something else I think of -- I'm open to ideas! I want to get i-tunes gift cards to go in the outside pocket. I may come up with something for the large interior section, but it has to be fairly inexpensive and not something that will melt or spill, since I'm shipping to FL.

That sounds like a very nice gift for your nieces. How about some socks or slippers for the inside of the purse? Or a scarf or one of those small fleece throws rolled up? Okay, I just read what Kathy said about this so I have to say great minds think alike!

Glad that you had a good run. Isn't it kind of funny to think 7.5M isn't that big of a deal anymore?

Hope you're all enjoying your weekends. We had a fun day yesterday. I worked the football snack bar in the morning, and michael went to my sisters house. They had said not to bring your kids to the snack bar, so I didn't, but everyone else did, so now I know for next year, he can just come with me. Duh.

Silly you for actually following the rules . . . Grrrr!

Just so you know, 7 weeks from today is Christmas.

Yowza! That doesn't bother me too much for Christmas but it's the proximity to the the Tink that gave my heart a little skip this morning.

We should all be so lucky to have someone like Mike run with us to take care of us and carry our stuff. I will have an opportunity to train my DH for that but for now he's proven to be better at thinking of excuses not to go that even I am! So today I am going out by myself and because I am a wimp and it is in the 20's, I will go to the Kroc Center since it is a short run. Of course now that I am running close to a bathroom all the time so far my runner's tummy has disappeared! Hope it stays that way! I'm pretty sure it is the new medicine and not psychosomatic.

Nancy, I'm so sorry about the no sleep thing. There is absolutely nothing harder for me to deal with than sleep deprivation. Something has to be going on for it to start all of a sudden. Hope it passes as quickly as it came on. His little world (and yours) is going to be rocked big time pretty soon. I'll be sending good thoughts your way. John is probably exhausted and cranky, too. Maybe see if you can get someone to take Thomas for awhile so both of you guys can get some rest.

Lisa, I can't believe how much snow you have had already! I hope it is typical Colorado snow that appears and disappears or that at least it is sunny.

Hello to the rest of our princesses!

Off to do some running and some . Pretty exciting stuff! Have a great day princesses!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hello, hello, hello! How are you all today?

Nancy--I hope Thomas decides to sleep soon. Could it be allergies/ear stuff/sinus stuff? Tom was a good sleeper except when he was having allergy flareups--which was unfortunately too often! I agree with Lisa, you all need a babysitter/Auntie to step in and give you a little break. Hang in there, you are almost done being pregnant.

Kathy--I hope you have a good run. And you too Lisa! It would never even occur to me to run outside if it were in the 20s. That is cold! Good luck with the tracking--both of you. And I'm glad that tummy is cooperating!

Maria--woohoo for 7.5! Good luck with weight watchers. What a good aunt you are! I send everyone giftcards. I have given up trying to figure out what to buy them. And I can't decide on a theme, but I like the idea of something local, or maybe a disney theme. I don't know....

I have probably said this a million times, but I am loving myfitnesspal. They even have gluten free weird food in there already! I eat this one artichoke burger which I have only found at whole foods and it was preloaded! I am underestimating, I think how much grown up drinks I am having--which I really need to stop, but with not running, I am finding it to be my only stress relief right now. Does that mean I have a drinking problem? Anyhow, tracking is helping to keep me somewhat honest.

*****
I am supposed to be cleaning--Mike is doing yard work. This afternoon we are going to look at a few houses. We had the kitchen work up done yesterday. We just can't decide what to do......But I think we need to do something.

My foot is feeling really good today. I'd say only a .5 or maybe a 1 on the pain scale. No workout today, but I have to do my ankle exercises/stretch/ice and roll it on my pink golf ball. Thanks for the positive comments. We do talk about how much it hurts when she is beating me up, but I figure it is for a short period of time and if it means I can get better sooner, then it is worth it. There is still a huge lump of scar tissue in my foot that needs to go, but it is slowly getting smaller and less inflamed. I am really proud of myself for not quitting and for not just staying in bed permanently with the covers over my head. I bought some new Merrell walking around shoes yesterday, not my usual style, but oh well. Mike kept saying, they're cute, and I kept looking at him like he borrowed some of Tom's adhd meds, or something stronger.

Happy Sunday!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey and !

Checking in before my beloved Pats game...I hope they play in a fashion that deserves my devotion

I have Kathy's address now, too.

Rose -- Honestly, I like shopping for the three girls. With not having one, it's given me a chance to buy those cute things I really wanted to get, but certainly couldn't give Benjamin Since I don't have siblings this is my only shot at being an auntie, and I like it. My other SIL doesn't have kids, and she's so cheap, she doesn't get the girls things they really want. The older girls are adopted, and she showed up at their party with a used pogo stick she got at a garage sale for the middle one, and nothing else. She would never buy something brand name for them. Don't get me started, I'm waiting until the holiday season starts in full force to begin the "why Denise is a constant PITA" posts They have one aunt on their other side, but they have a lot of financial constraints. I'm their best chance at "Auntie Spoiling"! I am so glad the scar tissue is decreasing We all know this is not fun for you, but I know you have the moxie to see it through! Did I congratulate you on being a loser? I know how hard you worked for that!

Lisah -- I'm doing today, too. Our social lives are just whirls of excitement, aren't they? It is really nice to think that 7.5M is a break! I can remember when that just would have seemed like too much and too long to be running. The is just around the corner, so I know you are gearing up and staying on track. You are going to be where you want to, because you are keeping those goals at the forefront of your mind. No "eating asleep" for you!

Nancy -- You sound so worn, honey. We worry about you -- so don't worry about posting here (well, if you want to pm me your address, I can make sure everyone else has it ), just try to get as much rest as you can. I'm sure Thomas senses something is just about to happen, and he's trying to process, which of course being 2, he can't understand. I'm sure there's lots of talk about "when the baby comes", which he doesn't really understand. He will eventually get too tired and have to sleep. Because, you know, he's 2. It will happen, I just hope sooner rather than later.

Kathy -- You are doing a great job coaching! Awesome questions. I know you are glad football is finally over. The banquet sounds like a nice event. I hope the grocery shopping went well and you are ready for some football! The trip to the mall was uneventful. I didn't realize Santa was arriving yesterday, but we managed to miss him completely

to Pamela, Lisa and Lindsay!

I decided to go ahead and do 4M this morning, since I wasn't too sore, and that will really help with breaking up next week. The TM repair guy is coming tomorrow. The fan is not working and we're late for our annual checkup. The belt needs to be re-aligned, too. Anyway, this means I can rest tomorrow, run Tues. and Wed., rest Thurs., and take advantage of not working Friday to do my LR then, particularly since it's only 5M (big cutback week). Saturday I can wake up without a care in the world, other than the house opening I have to go to for work.

I'm taking the ham out of my egg breakfasts, so it will be 6 ww pts. I may cut that back further, but it's a start. I need to point the bean burritos Dennis is making for dinner. I'm going to slip back into counting points this week, and then try to get inline with the number I'm actually supposed to have daily. I also have to watch the fruits and veggies, because unlimited fruit is really not my best strategy

I ordered our Thanksgiving pie this morning. We order from a local agency called Community Servings. They deliver meals for people who are critically ill or homebound. They're made in local bakeries, so it's better than I would make and also better than Stop and Shop. We're going with apple this year. It's a good choice because it's not a favorite for either of us. We'll eat it, but we won't eat it in an inappropriate way

Ok, gotta get set up for the big game. Everyone have an awesome afternoon and look forward to a fantastic week!

Maria

 

[liesel]

OK, just a quick post here because I need to do too and I am procrastinating.

LisaH My beginner training schedule has long runs on opposite weeks from you (no long run on Dec 24-just 3 miles ) so today I did 7 for the first time. After reading these posts I can see that you can all knock out this distance in your sleep, but for me it was huge, my last long run was 5 miles 2 weeks ago and this is the first time I've done this distance. I was so proud I stuck through it, especially since it was freezing out (upper 30s low 40s) with crazy gusting wind. All of that (plus the usual altitude) and I still came in at a 14:55 pace, which I know is slow, but its under 16 and I am so proud!!

I should get going, hello to everyone! Rose, I'm glad your PT is going well, Kathy, sounds like a great end to football season, Maria on your long run, Nancy I hope you and Thomas can get some good rest soon, Lindsay Hi I hope you are doing well. Whew. Hello to anyone I missed, I'll try to be on and catch up on the main thread tomorrow!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Lisa--Congratulations on your first 7 miler! Do you feel strong and proud? I hope so!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I am exhausted to say the least but wanted to stop by and say HELLO. Im glad it sounds like everyone is had a great weekend....well except our poor nancy. I have been there done that with babies not sleeping and oh it is so not fun especially adding in being 9 mths pregant. I hope it gets better soon. Nancy.

I am very excited for the ornament exchange and I was thinking that getting something that has meaning from where we live would be fun, that way every time we get it out each year we can remember who gave it to us and why. Just a suggestion. Maria I will PM you my address now. Thanks for organizing this!

Ok well I will have to catch up soon but for now I must sleep. Let me just say friday night I got home after having dinner with friends around 10pm and I had to prepare papers and patient lists for the flu clinic the next day....well I ended up taking all night and never going to sleep...left my house at 5am to go to the office then stayed up all day and finally got home last night and crashed around 930. I am still feeling the effects of that today.. So not fun.

Talk to you all very soon.

 

[liesel]

Lisa--Congratulations on your first 7 miler! Do you feel strong and proud? I hope so!

Yes, I feel strong, proud, and a little sore! I was so proud of sticking with it even though I always have a moment on every long run when I want to quit. Between the wind and TOM, it was definitely a challenge! I'm going to take a nice easy walk today before we get hit with snow AGAIN!

So life has been a little stressful this week. We've always talked about possibly moving back to California (we are thinking northern) in a few years. After our CA trip in October, DH mentioned that we should go back after the CA economy picks back up and there are lots of engineering projects out there. Well it seems that time is sooner than we thought because last Monday he emails me (while I'm volunteering at school!) and says there is a project there starting next year and his boss (who is in CA) thinks he would be good for the position. DH's boss has wanted him to relocate to CA for a while (he is interested in having him be his eventual replacement) and this would be a good opportunity. They haven't won the project yet (50% chance) and we most likely wouldn't know until January, which means going through the holidays with this uncertainty. I'm not really telling people yet since this is so theoretical, but DH told his parents about this possibility and they are so excited, that stresses me out a little, I don't want to get their hopes up. There is also another potential project next year and DH's boss says that anytime we want to move out there, they'd find a place for him.

I'm a little divided on this, I love the area (we both went to college there) but I'm not sure I'm quite ready to leave Colorado just yet. The kids are in such a great school and DH knows that if we moved it would have to be to another great school district. The increase in housing would mean my return to the work force (I want to go back anyway, I just feel a little uncomfortable needing my income to make ends meet instead of having it be extra savings, like for vacations!) and a smaller house. I just need to let it go for now and keep going with my decluttering projects and if we move at the end of the school year, I'll be ready. I really would like to have an answer by the Tink, so I'll have something to tell friends and family there. The kids would love to move to CA, but they are envisioning living by the beach, having a pool, and going to DL every weekend. I'm trying to show them a map of CA (and explain how expensive beach communities are!) and tell them that there would be more beach and DL but not quite as much as they think! It would also be nice to be closer to DH's parents, his parents are in their late 70s and it would be fantastic if they could spend more time with the kids.

Thanks so much for letting me vent guys, even if you don't get through all that. Have a great day!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Now I have Nancy's address! We are looking good, I think that's everyone! (send me a pm if you want in, too, Pamela, but not an issue at all if you don't!) Ok, I've heard a couple of votes for a local-theme to the ornaments, any other last minute ideas? I read that Dec. 16th is predicted to be the busiest day at the post office this year. I was thinking a good deadline for mailing would be Dec. 15th, so hopefully we avoid that date, and there's plenty of time to receive all our goodies, even if they're going from MA to ID -- wow, we do span the country, don't we?!

Once we settle on the mailing date, I will do the drawing exactly one month ahead (Dec. 15 = Nov. 15th) so we all have plenty of time to plan and shop. Not that this should take much time to plan for, but I know how busy we all are!

I am probably the first coach in BL history to post a gain the week she coached. Sigh. Gain seems to be all I can do lately. Hopefully I will see a turnaround this week, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Lisa -- Congrats on the 7M! Yes, that is an awesome accomplishment! And wow, so much to think about with possibly moving...feel free to just post away here. We listen and we'll be supportive no matter how frustrated you are feeling

Lindsay -- Wow, I have just about lost the capacity to pull an allnighter! The closest I came was the Princess last year, When I got up at 3:30am, ran, went to Epcot, went to dinner with Rose and Mike (and Corinna!), went to JellyRolls, and didn't get back in my room until midnight! That was all fun, though, I don't think I'd want to do it for work!

to Rose, Nancy, Lisah, Kathy, and Pamela!

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to do 4M of intervals. I'm feeling tired and less than enthusiastic right now. I woke up at 4:38 this morning, my body does not adjust well to Daylight Savings, even when we're falling back. I am definitely, unless there is a crisis du jour, taking the Spring Daylight Savings day after off!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

my foot hurts today. a lot. the ankle this time--it's purple today. Mike said it's been purple before, but I could never see it. today I can see it and the heel hurts too, but the ankle is worse. I heard a wounded warrior commercial on the radio today, and it really did put things into perspective, but the pain all the time is getting to me a bit. Ok, a lot.

Lisa--moving stress isn't fun, but hopefully it will all work out the way you want it to.

Lindsay--you need a day off! goodness!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Okay, bear with me, I just need to get this out...I saw some photos of me from the Providence Half, and I just want to cry. I cannot believe how big I look, how big I am. It's just heartbreaking. I'm visibly larger than I was at Princess, and I am so upset. So disappointed in myself. So defeated. I have been trying to lose weight for so long, and I clearly just don't get it. I'm starting to think I never will. I should just accept this is the size I am going to be, and buy some muumuus when I get bigger. Okay, I'm not quite ready for a muumuu, but I also don't seem to be able to sustain even the 15 lbs I had lost earlier this year. I wish I wasn't registered for the Princess, with my airfare already set. I wish I could just never run another step again, never leave my house again, and oddly enough, the last thing I want is food right now. Ironic, isn't it? I know I'm supposed to take this feeling and use it whenever I want to eat something that is not nutritious. I know I should just buck and get a clue. People lose this weight all the time. I haven't posted on my team thread in a long while because they all just took off their weight and now they run fast (no offense Rose, you are a great part of that group -- and I don't by any means mean that it was easy, I just mean I am incapable and as a failure, don't really enjoy posting there anymore). I just feel like I don't belong, which again ironically, is how I ended up here in the first place. Not feeling like I belong and eating myself into happiness. Okay, now I am crying. Thanks for letting me just get that out.

Maria

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Following the pity party with a positive post,

Let me be the first to Congratulate Rose, our BL for the week!

You so !

I am so proud of you, you set a goal and you are doing it, even injured!

Maria

 

[mikamah]

Maria- Oh, honey, I can feel your pain in your post, and I hope you feel better this morning, and can look back on all that you have accomplished. You are so not incapable and so not a failure. And I can not see you sitting on your couch in a muumuu eating bonbons. You run half marathons, for crying out loud. You are an amazing mom and wife. It just plain sucks that you can work so hard, and the weight does not come off. I wish I had some magic words and powers to put us all at our goal weights, but we all know dedication and taking it one day at a time is what we need to get there. It's hard to lose the weight and to keep at it when the scale goes the wrong way, but it would be harder not to be working at it, and not to be in shape at all, and to pack on another 40 or 50 pounds. I do know how you feel. I wish I could get back that feeling of power I had when I did the princess. I put the hours in to train, and I did it. But since then, it's been off and on. Up 12 pounds. I was always so motivated by Corinna first and second half pictures, and the change in her physically, and thought that would be me. But it's not. Every single one of us's journeys are our own, individual. Some reach a goal weight quickly and their journey continues to maintain, some take years to reach a goal weight, but maybe make a little progress each year, some are more like a roller coaster, up and down at times, and frustrating as all hell some times, but it is our journey that makes us who we are. Maria, you are one strong woman, and I know that you can do this. We must never give up. We are not muumuu type ladies. Unlss Vera Bradley makes muumuus, I will not ever see you in one. Hang in there, vent away, we are here for you always.

LisaL-Congrats on 7 miles!!! You are going to be just fine for the Tink. Great time too!!Pixiedust to you and the family with all the big decisions you have coming up on the move. Remember it's about you, dh and your kids, and what's most important for you 4.

Rose-COngrats, your are the biggest loser!!! So excited for you. I hope your foot is feeling better today. Hang in there.

LisaH-When Maria wrote that we go from MA to ID, I thought who's in Indiana? Hope you're having a good week, and enjoying being in that new decade. I'm feeling a little back in control. I so want to finish the pjlla plan on track thanksgiving day. Hey, what kind of turtle do you have? Michael wants one bad, so I think I'm going to give in. But a tortoise I think, dry, not wet. I did remember that, right you do have a turtle? If not, it's my dementia setting in.

Lindsay-You are a young whippersnapper, aren't you, pulling an all nighter. I bet it's still catching up with you. How's BBall going?

Nancy-Hang in there honey.

I had michael's teacher conference this morning, and he's doing great, no issues at all. Not that I expected any, but you always worry a little. He's so cute he said "when you tell me mrs fitzgerald told you I was a terrible student, I'll know you're lying." So yeah, he wants a turtle. He's wanted one for about a year, every time we go to the pet store, we look. He was going to get an Ipod touch for b-day/xmas, but he'd rather have a turtle. Just so happens our neighbors had an aquarium with a nice wooden stand on the curb last weekend for free, so we cleaned that up, and we're going to organize our play room, and after Thanksgiving, get a new pet. The store recommended the russian tortoise. I've got to do more research. The wet turtles have high salmonella risk, so I didn't care for that. But of course the pet store man could have just been trying to sell us a 100$ tortoise over a 20$ slider turtle, so we'll see. I'm wondering if it would be easier to just break down and get the dog he's always wanted.

Oh well, I'm off to work now. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Thanks Maria.

I'm sorry you had such a rough time last night. I'm glad you put it out there. Selfishly, it really helps me to hear the good and bad. I don't think we talk enough some times about how HARD it is to make the healthy choices, do the right thing, get out there, do the exercise, eat the right food, etc. FWIW I have wanted to quit posting period because I feel like such a loser for dealing with yet another injury, that I am some how deficient to all these people who just go and go and go. When I started the weight loss thing AGAIN in 2010, I was an empty nester who was overweight and out of shape. And I assumed I would always be that way. I EXPECTED to fail AGAIN. I still do a lot of the time. I see the injury as a failure and the beginning of the slippery slope back to fat me. It's a struggle every single day. I'm not going to pretend it isn't. Some days are much easier than others, but some days are really, really hard.

I had to decide I didn't want to be that person anymore. I still don't know how to define myself, but I didn't want to be huge and miserable. And I still hear the mom voice--you're big, you're big--but I have been beating it down with a stick lately.

I didn't mean to talk so much about me, but the point was to tell you--You can do it Maria. You can. It's not going to be easy. But believe me---It really is worth the work. It really, really, really is. You are strong and smart. You deserve to be healthy and fit. You deserve a body that you feel good about it.

Have you been to the doctor recently? Could there be anything going on that is making it more difficult to get a good start? Just a thought.

Anyhow, I hope you are less sad today. I hate to think of you being so sad. Love you.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

Good thing there is an endless supply of this stuff 'cause it seems like we are needing a lot of it lately!

Maria, bless your heart, girl. You are so worth all the effort. Rose is right, we need to talk more about how hard this is, how boring, how frustrating, how it takes forever, and how some days we just want to throw our arms up in the air and yell "I've had it!" This might be a good week for you to give yourself a break and take it easy until you feel more like yourself again -- I bet your body is trying to tell you something. You'd better not give up, girl, one of the reasons that I keep doing this thing is because you inspire me so. I'm not doing this without you!

Rose, a big congratulations to your for being the BL! Where is your fabulous clippie, girl?

And thank you for saying it would never occur to you to run if it were in the 20's 'cause I was feeling a bit wimpy for not doing it after making a big deal about how I need to run outside (which I do).

Nancy, try and get some rest, even if you can't sleep. Your life is going to get more hectic soon so you've got to get those batteries charged.

Lisa, congratulations on your first 7 mile run! That is so exciting and a double woo hoo for you for doing it in the weather! Your pace is spot on so all you have to do is get up to the distance -- I know that you can do that! You are going to be so ready to rock the Tink!

And a big on the moving stress issue. We moved all the time when we were growing up for the paycheck -- three times in my junior year. It was hard but looking back I realize that it made us more resilient and adaptable.

Lindsay, you wild woman pulling an all nighter! I couldn't even do that when I was younger.

Kathy, my vote is for the dog! We do have a red earred slider turtle. He is a wet turtle but we always wash our hands when we handle him and never had a problem with salmonella. Did you know they live to be about 50 years old? The tortoise -- about 100. Are you up for that? 'Cause it will be your turtle ya know? Boys and dogs are good thing or how about a kitty? I'm thinking Fredward isn't going to like whatever you bring home no matter what.

Here is a little sparkpeople article that I found that might help us all 'cause you know there is a sparkpeople article for everything! http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=188 Love you all bunches and bunches!

Have a great day princesses!

P.S. Neener, neener poof fairy!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

You ladies are so awesome! Thank you so much, I needed to read each and every word you wrote So much truth, about the difficulty, about each journey being different, and about just hangin' in there.

I like Kathy's comment -- we are not muumuu type ladies. No we are not. None of us would really be happy just sitting on the couch watching our hips and waist expand, myself included!

Dennis asked me this morning if it was TOM, since I am not myself. No, I just let those photos throw me for a loop. I was actually fairly happy and ready to keep going with my plan. I wish I would have never opened that e-mail...I think I just had a "No Princess Left Behind" moment, 'cause I read what you guys wrote and I want to be with you, not in a Cheetos fog! I've come to the conclusion I actually need to post more, get my food plans out there, and think things through better. If I had to post every time I ate a mini Twix, far fewer of them would go in my mouth in the afternoon

I'll just add that I did do something positive this morning. I did not wake up feeling particularly motivated, and I slept through my workout window. But I did go to WW Online (haven't been there since July), and put in my breakfast, lunch and snacks for today. I also downloaded a WW recipe for mac and cheese, definitely one of my favorites. DH is making grilled chicken with brown rice and veggies for dinner. I have to get through the scary "First Time" Glee with ds tonight (I am not looking forward to this, who wants to talk about losing virginity with a 13 yr. old boy?! But I feel like I have to, making sure our values get communicated while he's watching this). Maybe I'll celebrate afterwards (yes, celebrating it's over!) with a sugar-free dark chocolate jello pudding. I do happen to have a stock of those in the fridge...

Lisah -- Thanks for the sparkpeople article. You can always find a good one! Thank you for telling me to be gentle with myself. It does not come naturally, and I need to be reminded from time to time that beating myself up is counterproductive.

Rose -- I'm always happy to hear about you and struggling (not that I want you to struggle or be injured! ) -- for me too it is a good reminder that other people aren't snapping their fingers and just being where they want to. It takes hard work and commitment, and it's not easy. I have started over so many times, when Dennis told me I just have to start over, it just seemed pointless. I know it's not in my head, I'm just feeling pretty vulnerable right now. I'm definitely emotional like TOM is about about to appear, who knows, maybe I'm going to start peri-menopause or something? I think a big part of my problem is I have it in my head I should lose a lb every day. Yeah, how unrealistic is that? And then it doesn't happen and I get frustrated...maybe I am weighing too often. I'm just afraid I'm going to miss that one day when my weight gets lower...I know that is weird logic, but it's how my mind has been working. I promise I am less sad today, and I will be even less sad tomorrow. I am going to do something more every day this week to get good results.

Kathy -- I promise you that even if Vera Bradley starts to make muumuus, I will not buy one! I agree with Lisah, I vote to skip the reptile and go right for a kitty or dog. I don't do reptiles or rodents, so I'm a bit biased. I figure if I'm going to go to all the work of having a pet, I want one that will occasionally acknowledge my existence

Ok, I'm going to do some work now. I thought about leaving work early and taking a nap, but there's a webinar I really want to see this afternoon I can read a good Nebo TR over lunch

Maria