Biggest Loser "Sizzlin' Hot" Summer Challenge

[pjlla]

Managing to hit a few updates!! Everyone is doing a great job especially for the mid sizzle time when we may start to fizzle and not sizzle so much..way to keep it HOT!



Sissy! I AM with you! I think I can so be in size 8/10 by January!! Just about 45 more pounds for me to realize that! South Pacific sounds lovely too! And, again, I am with you! My back has been threatening to go out for the past two days since I moved heavy limbs from the storm that hit us last week...today, I bent to pick up laundry and felt a Twaaaaang and an immediate sharp pinch and then very precarious walking to get to my bed. It's not a muscle spasm but just my back goes out, last time was over 8 years ago, so hoping this does not happen! I took 2 Aleve and a nap and hoped I would feel better (had knees propped up on pillows) but as soon as I tried to twist my body off the bed, PAIN! UGH! I found the dusty back brace and have it on to stabilize it....going to try to do my last 3 miles for the day hoping it will increase blood supply back there and help the healing...ugh! Do no need to have back issues now...hope you are feeling better!!!



JacksLilWench! 145 is my 'dream' number, just hoping once I get to 150 I can keep plugging like pjlla did!! Oooh! I forgot about the Suite, it was added after our last trip, that would be amazing! You will get there!! To both!!



P!! So much to respond to! Wow!! You are in massive dream zone the 130's!! So excited for you! How much did you lose? I hope this time next year I can be there to encourage those like me who are still trying to get to goal!!

I am the same way with house cleaning, had a massive plan to CLEAN all closets out....well, I bent down to pick up laundry and zap went my back..no doing anything for a few days besides walking....and 4 miles is AWESOME!! I really can't do more than 3 miles at a time, I just hit a point of blaahs at that time, so I split mine up throughout my day. Once I'm on the treadmill I never stop early, it's just making the trek up there..so proud of you, I've often wondered how many miles a week I need to put in to maintain and eating around 2000 calories a day. Right now I'm doing 30 miles a week and losing anywhere from 1-4 pounds a week (the 4s are very far and few between)...would like to stick to around 20 miles a week for maintaining.



trinaweena! Hope you got your run in! Stick to your guns and you will have a good loss! It is amazing how 5 pounds can really show, sometimes it seems it shows more when you gain it than when you lose it, but everything shrinks!! Here's to a great losing week for you!!!



6ofus2!! Congrats on the losses this past week!! AWESOME!! 153 looks like such a great number! I know you will see it on that scale!! You look great in the swimsuit picture, keep that summer goal in your mind! Just imagine how amazing it will be to be in maintain land!

With my back going out, I needed some good news, I realized that if I weigh in at 196 this week (was 199.6 last week) I will NO LONGER be OBESE!!! (by BMI standards) I will officially be OVERWEIGHT!!!! And then only 32 pounds to being in NORMAL weight range for my height!! I am sooo excited!! Off to see if my back will let me walk my last three miles today...if I'm moving I'm good, it's just getting up and down that seems to mess it up again

Ooh.. Sorry about the back. Take care of it! No big hills or rough terrain for your walk.

Fingers crossed for hitting that new category this week.

From my highest "recorded" weight of 219 iin about 2002/2003, I am down 86 pounds (as of last week's weight). After years of struggling with my weight I lost 40 pounds in 2003, but sadly put 20 back on over the next few years. Restarted this journey on 1/2/2008 at exactly 200 lbs, with an initial goal of just not returning to Disney fatter than I had been on our previous trip and managed that...then kept going, dropping my goal weight along the way. Hit that elusive 129 the day I left for Disney (again ) last year and haven't seen it since! it was HARD to get to and would have been tough to maintain...although I'll admit I still think about trying to get back there. But I am content in the low 130's.

Life is good here at goal weight. It has been worth every minute of hated exercise and every bite of food I've NOT eaten. I don't regret a single food sacrifice I've made.

*************
Well here I am to surprise you all. Took my walk, ate my salad from the grocery store salad bar and now I'm nibbling my fruit and appreciating McDonalds wifi! The men will eat pizza tonight (DH'sbirthday treat to himself) while DD and I are out. They will leave some for DD, but none for me and with a full belly from the salad I won't even be tempted to beg DD for hers!

I bought a mini chocolate b.day cake for DH.....it should be just enough for three generous slices. I will enjoy a cup of green tea and a serving of nuts or a
flaxseed muffin at cake time. I've had a great week and do NOT plan on blowing it this late in the game! Plus with vacation next week I have plenty of treats to look forward to.

Hey....I finally tried out the rail trail I've been talking about. It was a nice trail, although the ground it a bit soft in a few places and messed with my footing. That said, it is a bit secluded and I should bring along company if I want to do the whole length some time.

Woohoo...just 35 minutes til pick up time for DD...then home to sing happy birthday and take a shower! ..........P

 

[LovingDisney2012]

To all of you that commented on my post thank you!!! Thanks for the motivation and the kind comments about my mom!!! I have been trying to get up extra early in the mornings this week to just have sometime alone (no noise in the house at 3:30 am lol), that has helped me to destress. I took mom to the doctor today for post op x-rays. Everything is healing like it should! They may take the cast off in two weeks, but it will still be between 5 and 7 more weeks before they let her put any weight on her ankle. It helps me a lot to be able to uload here!!! I would not dare say anything around my mom, she feels like she is such a burden on the family right now. She is the type to always want to do things for others, but feels terrible if anyone has to do anything for her. So, venting here allows me to recharge before my next task, I do not want her to pick up on my stress. So, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!!!!!!!!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Pamela, I never did get that run in. I did not have a good nights sleep last night, add to that DS10 coming in at 3 am with leg pain, and getting up with DS16 at 5. I was in no mood to run. I came home and fell back asleep until 7:30 when DS texted me they were done.
But I did work up a good sweat cleaning the bathroom today so I'm counting that as cross training.

I was just reading your post about being 219 pounds. If you had never told anyone, I never would have guessed it by looking at you. You are trim and fit and look fabulous!!


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

I had another good day today. I did splurge a bit for lunch, we had polska kielbasa with black beans and rice, which I haven't made in probably 7-8 years. It was soooo worth having a smaller dinner. I'm really paying attention to how much I eat lately. I'm noticing that while I'm hungry (like belly rumbling hungry) when meal time comes along, I don't feel the need to pig out at lightening speed. I'm paying attention to my brain and my stomach, not my eyes and my plate.
I do still miss my sweets after dinner but it's just not worth going over my calories for the day. I rather use them on something substantial.
DS11 and I were talking about that at dinner. I'm like is 200 calories for a hershey bar worth 45 additional minutes on the treadmill? DS said yes, I said sometimes. Today it was not.
I also didn't eat back my calories today, well I ate back 1. That is a current goal of mine, I don't want to eat back all my calories every day. While I'm sure I would lose some weight if I did, I feel like in my mind that would be like treading water.

I don't want to jinx myself but I feel like I'm getting a bit of a handle on this lifestyle change!!
And I'm holding off on calling the nutritionist at this point. I want to take the entire month of August to log everything (Sometimes I'm bad about not logging if I go off plan), then I want to print that info and take that to the nutritionist. I figure seeing her would be easier to do after the kids go back to school.

OK, I'm going to do a quick check of the rest of my threads and head upstairs. I want to get through more of Kindgom Keepers 2. Rereading so I can start book 5.

 

[kollerbear]

Here's what I throw in the blender for two 16-ounce kale smoothies...

Thank you!! I am definitely going to try this sometime really soon. I might have to start the kale in our food processor, but I really love this idea--kale, carrot, banana, and frozen fruit sound awesome together. I'll let you know how it goes when I try it out, maybe this weekend!

QOTD: if you are losing weight, what is the number you envision on the scale or the size pants you see yourself in? If you are maintaining, what is the size you landed at? And lastly, at your envisioned size, where would you like to be if you could pop yourself there instantaneously?

For some reason my goal is to reach 136. I have no idea why that specific number, but I think that was a weight I remember being the year before I started college. My highest recorded weight was 183, and so I'm about half-way there. It's been a lot slower than I anticipated, but I feel like losing the weight slowly has helped me incorporate a lot of the changes I need to make into my daily life. But I'm also kind of ready to power through the fall and just get the last 25 pounds or so DONE WITH!

I would transport 136-pound me into a magically free vacation at the Polynesian, in a bathing suit, on a hammock or playing beach volleyball (because my weight loss has also made me magically good at beach volleyball). I imagine many of you would join me for that under these magical circumstances...

I got confirmation from the school this morning! I have full G.I. Bill benefits so classes are paid for, I get $1,000 a year for books and supplies and I get a living stipend while in class. I am starting as a junior so I will be graduating spring 2014. And that as-yet-to-be-determined South Pacific island is going to be my graduation gift to myself.

Now the really bad news is I have a muscle spasm in my back. I went to urgent care yesterday and they gave me pain killers and a muscle relaxer. I hate taking this stuff but thankfully it is not making me drowsy or anything.

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear about your back, but what GREAT news about starting school! Congratulations!

Got some stuff done around the house yesterday, so I definitely felt a bit better. I have NEVER been this far behind in regards to packing for vacation, but it will get done. I just CANNOT wrap my mind around packing when the house is a mess... so step one is always to get the house cleaned! Plus it is nice to come home to a clean house!

It's always SO nice to come home to a clean place! I hope it all comes together for you! It also sounds like you really formulated a great plan for yourself even though you were celebrating your husband's birthday. I'm glad you saved those splurges for vacation, I hope you enjoy them!

Okay.... I gotta admit. I try to NEVER, EVER eat foods that I don't enjoy the taste of, no matter HOW healthy they are. Life is too short and I get precious few calories to use every day. Can you find something else that might fill that same spot that you would ENJOY???

GOOD POINT. I haven't gotten a big container of this stuff yet, and I'm not sure if I will or not. Honestly I do have a really tough time getting my calcium and iron where it needs to be each day (I'm avoiding pill supplements at the moment because of another medical issue I'm troubleshooting) and I like getting a nice dose of protein from a non-soy, non-gluten source. That having been said, it does feel like a waste of calories. I've got to think it over and try the chocolate. I could also cut the portion in half, and it would still go a long way towards filling those gaps without being such a calorie sinkhole.

My back has been threatening to go out for the past two days since I moved heavy limbs from the storm that hit us last week...today, I bent to pick up laundry and felt a Twaaaaang and an immediate sharp pinch and then very precarious walking to get to my bed. It's not a muscle spasm but just my back goes out, last time was over 8 years ago, so hoping this does not happen! I took 2 Aleve and a nap and hoped I would feel better (had knees propped up on pillows) but as soon as I tried to twist my body off the bed, PAIN! UGH! I found the dusty back brace and have it on to stabilize it....going to try to do my last 3 miles for the day hoping it will increase blood supply back there and help the healing...ugh! Do no need to have back issues now...hope you are feeling better!!!

With my back going out, I needed some good news, I realized that if I weigh in at 196 this week (was 199.6 last week) I will NO LONGER be OBESE!!! (by BMI standards) I will officially be OVERWEIGHT!!!! And then only 32 pounds to being in NORMAL weight range for my height!! I am sooo excited!! Off to see if my back will let me walk my last three miles today...if I'm moving I'm good, it's just getting up and down that seems to mess it up again

Oh no! I hope your back heals quickly, I'm so sorry that sounds terrible. But what a great realization to make about your numbers! Whether it's this week, the next, or whatever, it's RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!

From my highest "recorded" weight of 219 iin about 2002/2003, I am down 86 pounds (as of last week's weight). After years of struggling with my weight I lost 40 pounds in 2003, but sadly put 20 back on over the next few years. Restarted this journey on 1/2/2008 at exactly 200 lbs, with an initial goal of just not returning to Disney fatter than I had been on our previous trip and managed that...then kept going, dropping my goal weight along the way. Hit that elusive 129 the day I left for Disney (again ) last year and haven't seen it since! it was HARD to get to and would have been tough to maintain...although I'll admit I still think about trying to get back there. But I am content in the low 130's.

Life is good here at goal weight. It has been worth every minute of hated exercise and every bite of food I've NOT eaten. I don't regret a single food sacrifice I've made.

My gosh! That is incredible!

I have been trying to get up extra early in the mornings this week to just have sometime alone (no noise in the house at 3:30 am lol), that has helped me to destress. I took mom to the doctor today for post op x-rays. Everything is healing like it should! They may take the cast off in two weeks, but it will still be between 5 and 7 more weeks before they let her put any weight on her ankle. It helps me a lot to be able to uload here!!! I would not dare say anything around my mom, she feels like she is such a burden on the family right now. She is the type to always want to do things for others, but feels terrible if anyone has to do anything for her. So, venting here allows me to recharge before my next task, I do not want her to pick up on my stress. So, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!!!!!!!!

THREE THIRTY AM? Oh goodness. I hope the relaxation time is satisfying and wonderful, even if it is in the middle of the night... I'm glad that the news was good about your mom's ankle. It's tough to take care of someone who isn't used to being taken care of! You're being so thoughtful to spare her feelings and vent away from her. I hope each day gets easier and easier!

But I did work up a good sweat cleaning the bathroom today so I'm counting that as cross training.

Fabulous! I did this two weeks ago-- it was the first deep-cleaning of the shower grout in a VERY long time... I was sore for two days all over!! Cross training indeed!!

I don't want to jinx myself but I feel like I'm getting a bit of a handle on this lifestyle change!!
And I'm holding off on calling the nutritionist at this point. I want to take the entire month of August to log everything (Sometimes I'm bad about not logging if I go off plan), then I want to print that info and take that to the nutritionist. I figure seeing her would be easier to do after the kids go back to school.

That's great!! That's a good idea to hold off on going to the nutritionist until your new school-year routine is underway, too. That way you can really focus on finishing out the summer as on-plan as possible and implementing any future changes right away without all the other new things getting off the ground.



Well, I had an off-plan evening. My best friend got married and I was in her wedding in early June, and she just got back from her honeymoon which had led directly into an extended work trip in Istanbul. It was so exciting to see her and to talk about the wedding since I hadn't seen her since that weekend. Her wedding was a big motivating factor for my weight loss--I was in a double-Spanxed size 10P in J Crew. (Everyone said I looked great, but I could honestly barely move. Holy Breath-holding Batman!)

Anyway, we made very last-minute plans to see each other for a drink after work, which turned into a couple beers and a plate of pasta for me. It wasn't a terrible splurge, but between that and a couple of other questionable choices while I was in Ithaca at another wedding this weekend, I am pretty sure this will not be a losing week. I'll just finish off tomorrow on plan and what will be will be.

On the bright side, next week Matt starts his new job (working at the same organization I work at now) and because he'll be working 2 hours later than I will be every evening I get to be back completely in control over dinner. I've got the first 10 days of dinners already planned starting with next Sunday, grocery lists written, prep tasks planned out in Excel, and recipe nutrition entered and waiting in MFP. I am ready and raring to go!!

Oh yeah, and then we're going away for 10 days for ANOTHER friend's wedding in Detroit (I'm a bridesmaid in that one--chose a DIFFERENT dress style this time that does NOT turn me blue in size 10P) followed by ANOTHER friend's wedding in Buffalo the next weekend. Rather than take little flights, we're just driving in between and vacationing in the Midwest this year. Gotta love your mid-20s!



Quick question-- does anyone have advice for making overnight refrigerator oatmeal? I've heard that a no-cook oatmeal is possible by soaking overnight in milk, but I was wondering if anyone has tried it and had any success?

 

[lmhall2000]

Give yourself a big High Five!!

You have made it another week!! Tomorrow is weigh day, regardless of number, make a point to send your weight in...these ladies are giving it their all this last challenge so let's make sure they have lots of numbers to work with!! The least we can do

It has been a joy getting to know more of you this past week, thanks for letting me come in and give these QOTD! For this one, it's all about fun!!

QOTD: You might have to think on this one! What is the funniest scene in a movie/TV show that had you cracking up?

I think mine was with Indiana Jones, the first one when the guy was swinging those swords around and Indiana just looks at him and pulls his gun out and shoots...did not expect that...I like the scenes that are the most unexpected My second would be the episode with Lucille Ball when she's eating all the candy and stuffing it in her clothes b/c she can't do the assembly quick enough Classic physical comedy!

Everyone have a GREAT Thursday!!!

 

[6ofus2]

QOTD: You might have to think on this one! What is the funniest scene in a movie/TV show that had you cracking up?

Thank you for hosting this week!
I can't think of a movie/tv funny scene, but lately the ecards I've been seeing on pinterest have make me literally laugh out loud!

 

[pjlla]

To all of you that commented on my post thank you!!! Thanks for the motivation and the kind comments about my mom!!! I have been trying to get up extra early in the mornings this week to just have sometime alone (no noise in the house at 3:30 am lol), that has helped me to destress. I took mom to the doctor today for post op x-rays. Everything is healing like it should! They may take the cast off in two weeks, but it will still be between 5 and 7 more weeks before they let her put any weight on her ankle. It helps me a lot to be able to uload here!!! I would not dare say anything around my mom, she feels like she is such a burden on the family right now. She is the type to always want to do things for others, but feels terrible if anyone has to do anything for her. So, venting here
allows me to recharge before my next task, I do not want her to pick up on my stress. So, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!!!!!!!!

Glad we could all be there for you! I think I can speak for the collective group when I say FEEL FREE to vent here!

Pamela, I never did get that run in. I did not have a good nights sleep last night, add to that DS10 coming in at 3 am with leg pain, and getting up with DS16 at 5. I was in no mood to run. I came home and fell back asleep until 7:30 when DS texted me they were done.
But I did work up a good sweat cleaning the bathroom today so I'm counting that as cross training.

Bathroom cleaning TOTALLY counts! Lts of bending, squatting, scrubbing, lifting, etc. I cleaned two of my three yesterday and it was and Hot and sweaty work....and that was WITHOUT scrubbing the tubs and showers. I just did the half bath downstairs and the sinks/counter and toilet and floor in my bathroom. Skipped DD's bathroom.

Hope DS's leg is okay.

I was just reading your post about being 219 pounds. If you had never told anyone, I never would have guessed it by looking at you. You are trim and fit and look fabulous!!

Thanks!

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

I had another good day today. I did splurge a bit for lunch, we had polska kielbasa with black beans and rice, which I haven't made in probably 7-8 years. It was soooo worth having a smaller dinner. I'm really paying attention to how much I eat lately. I'm noticing that while I'm hungry (like belly rumbling hungry) when meal time comes along, I don't feel the need to pig out at lightening speed. I'm paying attention to my brain and my stomach, not my eyes and my plate.

That is a big step. I find that when I am really hungry, I almost need to eat MORE slowly.... otherwise I am done eating before I hardly have registered that the food is in front of me!

I try to eat my meals in "parts" if I can (easier when I am eating alone at home). I will eat my salad and/or veggie....then move along to the protein and then the fruit or "dessert". I don't put it all in front of me at once. It forces me to get up and move and THINK about the next portion.

I do still miss my sweets after dinner but it's just not worth going over my calories for the day. I rather use them on something substantial.
DS11 and I were talking about that at dinner. I'm like is 200 calories for a hershey bar worth 45 additional minutes on the treadmill? DS said yes, I said sometimes. Today it was not.
I also didn't eat back my calories today, well I ate back 1. That is a current goal of mine, I don't want to eat back all my calories every day. While I'm sure I would lose some weight if I did, I feel like in my mind that would be like treading water.

I miss my sweets often as well, but I've found several satisfactory substitutes that I try to keep around. Fruit is of course the first line of defense. But sometimes that doesn't cut it. Vitamuffins are a tasty treat (although if you are trying to avoid carbs in the evening, this doesn't cut it). Sometimes I will have a small low carb pita pocket, toasted, with a bit of natural pb or almond butter (or Nutella if I am feeling particularly naughty and don't mind the sugar at that time of the night).

If I am truly desperate I might resort to sugar-free, fat-free Jello pudding. I try to only have it once in a great while, as it is a bit of a Frankenfood, but sometimes it just hits the spot! But it requires me to really think about whether or not I want it, since I have to make it and wait, unlike if I have a Skinny Cow or WW ice cream treat in the freezer (also an occasional Frankenfood splurge). Usually if I am willing to make it and wait, that means I really want it! The biggest problem is portion control. And I often end up tossing out about half of the batch, since it doesn't keep in the fridge well and I'd rather the kids didn't eat it (too much artificial sweetener). Someday I'll get smart, portion out the packet, and only make a HALF batch! BTW, did you know you can't make instant pudding with almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk. It doesn't firm up (or it doesn't "PUD" as I put it ).


I don't want to jinx myself but I feel like I'm getting a bit of a handle on this lifestyle change!!

You are!!


And I'm holding off on calling the nutritionist at this point. I want to take the entire month of August to log everything (Sometimes I'm bad about not logging if I go off plan), then I want to print that info and take that to the nutritionist. I figure seeing her would be easier to do after the kids go back to school.

Good idea. It will be great to go see her with accurate food logs already done!

OK, I'm going to do a quick check of the rest of my threads and head upstairs. I want to get through more of Kindgom Keepers 2. Rereading so I can start book 5.

DS and I never made it past book 1 in that series. Is it worth looking for to continue reading the series??

For some reason my goal is to reach 136. I have no idea why that specific number, but I think that was a weight I remember being the year before I started college. My highest recorded weight was 183, and so I'm about half-way there. It's been a lot slower than I anticipated, but I feel like losing the weight slowly has helped me incorporate a lot of the changes I need to make into my daily life. But I'm also kind of ready to power through the fall and just get the last 25 pounds or so DONE WITH!

I would transport 136-pound me into a magically free vacation at the Polynesian, in a bathing suit, on a hammock or playing beach volleyball (because my weight loss has also made me magically good at beach volleyball). I imagine many of you would join me for that under these magical circumstances...

Can't WAIT to be there with you!!


It's always SO nice to come home to a clean place! I hope it all comes together for you! It also sounds like you really formulated a great plan for yourself even though you were celebrating your husband's birthday. I'm glad you saved those splurges for vacation, I hope you enjoy them!

If I can keep the family from creating too many messes in the next few days, I am on track for leaving a clean house behind.... that said, I haven't packed hardly a single thing yet!



GOOD POINT. I haven't gotten a big container of this stuff yet, and I'm not sure if I will or not. Honestly I do have a really tough time getting my calcium and iron where it needs to be each day (I'm avoiding pill supplements at the moment because of another medical issue I'm troubleshooting) and I like getting a nice dose of protein from a non-soy, non-gluten source. That having been said, it does feel like a waste of calories. I've got to think it over and try the chocolate. I could also cut the portion in half, and it would still go a long way towards filling those gaps without being such a calorie sinkhole.

I did some thinking and I don't want you to think that I only eat "YUMMY" foods (sweets, carbs, etc). I've just learned to really love lots of healthy stuff. If that shake is something that you really feel you NEED to stay healthy, then don't let me sway you. But if you can find something you ENJOY that does the same thing, then it is a win-win.

Years ago I tried the SlimFast plan. I didn't love the shakes, but I figured I could get through it. But when I read the label and saw that each shake was 200 calories and (lots of questionable stuff), I realized I could be EATING something I really enjoyed for those same 200 calories, plus I would get that satiety you get from eating SOLID FOOD (as opposed to just drinking). I dropped the shakes that day and never looked back. Maybe some nut protein (almond butter, sunflower butter) on fruit might be an equivalent to your shakes?

Well, I had an off-plan evening. My best friend got married and I was in her wedding in early June, and she just got back from her honeymoon which had led directly into an extended work trip in Istanbul. It was so exciting to see her and to talk about the wedding since I hadn't seen her since that weekend. Her wedding was a big motivating factor for my weight loss--I was in a double-Spanxed size 10P in J Crew. (Everyone said I looked great, but I could honestly barely move. Holy Breath-holding Batman!)

Anyway, we made very last-minute plans to see each other for a drink after work, which turned into a couple beers and a plate of pasta for me. It wasn't a terrible splurge, but between that and a couple of other questionable choices while I was in Ithaca at another wedding this weekend, I am pretty sure this will not be a losing week. I'll just finish off tomorrow on plan and what will be will be.

On the bright side, next week Matt starts his new job (working at the same organization I work at now) and because he'll be working 2 hours later than I will be every evening I get to be back completely in control over dinner. I've got the first 10 days of dinners already planned starting with next Sunday, grocery lists written, prep tasks planned out in Excel, and recipe nutrition entered and waiting in MFP. I am ready and raring to go!!

Oh yeah, and then we're going away for 10 days for ANOTHER friend's wedding in Detroit (I'm a bridesmaid in that one--chose a DIFFERENT dress style this time that does NOT turn me blue in size 10P) followed by ANOTHER friend's wedding in Buffalo the next weekend. Rather than take little flights, we're just driving in between and vacationing in the Midwest this year. Gotta love your mid-20s!


Just keep in mind.... those years of constant weddings every weekend.... are usually followed by constant baby showers the next year or so! Enjoy your traveling vacation!


Quick question-- does anyone have advice for making overnight refrigerator oatmeal? I've heard that a no-cook oatmeal is possible by soaking overnight in milk, but I was wondering if anyone has tried it and had any success?

I have something I pinned on Pinterest that is an overnight oatmeal "shake" type thing. I haven't tried it yet because I wasn't sure how I would feel about cold oatmeal. But I'll look it up if you are interested. I also posted an overnight crockpot steel cut oats recipe here last week if you are interested in HOT oatmeal.

Give yourself a big High Five!!

You have made it another week!! Tomorrow is weigh day, regardless of number, make a point to send your weight in...these ladies are giving it their all this last challenge so let's make sure they have lots of numbers to work with!! The least we can do

It has been a joy getting to know more of you this past week, thanks for letting me come in and give these QOTD! For this one, it's all about fun!!

QOTD: You might have to think on this one! What is the funniest scene in a movie/TV show that had you cracking up?

The first thing that came to mind is that diner scene from "When Harry Met Sally" when she is faking the "big O". (Can I say that here??) I love all those Meg Ryan chick-flicks..... Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, etc.

The DH has gotten me into watching Big Bang Theory lately. Not really my type of show and it is kind of inappropriate at times (especially since DH lets DS watch with him ), but it is LOL funny at times! Especially since I live with two nerdy, math-geek, Star-Wars-lovin' men!

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

SOrry to be on so late today friends! DH kindly took DD to 6:30 swim practice this morning on his way to Maine, so I was able to go back to bed for a bit (I got up at 5 to be sure DD was up and rolling), but I didn't go back to sleep.

DS and I picked her up at the pool at 8:30 am and then quickly drove to the nearest McD to use their wi-fi to watch one of her swim buddies swim at Y Nats (they have a live feed online). While there DD got an oatmeal and DS got some hotcakes, and I got an egg mcmuffin without cheese and just ate the egg and ham (not my first choice) plus decaf with skim..... not exactly the breakfast of champions for any of us, but it made do. We were going to hit Subway for breakfast but our local Subway no longer has wi-fi. If I had realized how crazy it was going to be, I would have packed breakfast for us all from home. I was really hoping for a bit of "sit-down-and-enjoy-breakfast-with-my-kids" time!

From there we DASHED to Driver's Ed, as DD was scheduled to do a 2 hour highway driving lesson from 10-12. Well... we arrived at 9:50 (need to be prompt) and we sat there waiting until nearly 10:30 at which point DD texted the driving instructor. He didn't come right out and say it, but I think he forgot to add DD to the schedule and he was out with another student and said he wouldn't return until 11 am. We ran a quick errand to Lowe's and then returned to the driving school.... at which point we learned that one of the driving instructors has been temporarily reassigned somewhere else and DD's two hour drive today was only going to be one hour. So I didn't even have time to do all of my errands!! Plus we wasted nearly 40 minutes sitting there waiting for him! I am SUPER frustrated with that driving school right now.

Picked up DD, quick stop for peaches at The Fresh Market, dropped off library books (and grabbed just a few more for vacation), dropped off a book from the middle school that DS discovered in his backpack after school ended, and stopped at the P.O. to drop off a Netflix movie and arrange to have the mail held while we are gone.

No laundry today as I am nearly caught up AND it is raining off and on.

Up next.... packing sheets and towels for vacation, plus gathering the scrap supplies I need to take along for the two projects I plan on working on while away. I LOVE scrapping during my vacation time!

Feeling really bloated today and VERY frustrated about that. I was feeling really flat-bellied about two days ago and LOVING that feeling! What happened?

Flying off to pack.................P

 

[ougrad86]

Finally a chance to check in since vacation. Just buzzed through the over 10 pages since I last checked in.

Do want to thank Sue, Janis and CC for all the work they have done on these threads! It is truly a lot of work, and I really appreciate what they have done!

Not going to try to catch up. Haven't weighed myself since I got back, but have not been OP for two days, just tired and trying to catch up.

Had an awesome time at Busch Gardens. It was hot, but so much fun. Got to ride the new Verbolten several times, although it had a bad habit of breaking down constantly. Also tried out Lochness. Was considering Alpengiest, but it broke down the first day we were there, and the people had to climb down those nasty little stairs on the side of the first slope . Noooo...don't think so. I am just getting back into the big coasters, do not want to get stuck on that.

We switched days at the water park, so went on the hottest day. So glad we were there that day. The humidity was pretty bad, just standing in the shade you start sweating! But definitely got all my exercise in - I think we circled the park 3 times one day! Hit some water rides to cool off, and only ate two meals a day and then a couple of snacks - not OP, but I must have walked or sweated if off! But these last two days have not been good, back OP tomorrow.

Only bad thing is both knees are hurting pretty badly, need to rest them right now. Lots of ibuprofin. Did some wash today, but it was hot so did not want to heat up the house too much, and took it easy on the knees, not climbing up and down those stairs. But wanted to get those clothes cleaned up, since they have been sweaty unwashed since being worn for the trip, did not want them to get too ripe!

DS had his first set of teeth pulled today, the two bicuspids on his right side. He is doing fine, had a little bit of pain this morning, but seems to have eased up. I stayed home just in case, since this is his first time with something like this. It is hot, but he wants tomato soup tonight, so it is on the oven. Have the next set pulled next week, then the braces go back in and they start moving his teeth around...such fun . He is chomping at the bit to start cross country, may be able to get some running in this weekend before the next set is pulled. Already contacted his coach and he is fine with him missing try outs since he was his track and field coach last spring, so he is on the team. Be interesting to see what we need to do for XC! And school starts again in another month.

Well, need to get his soup on (a little late today), a big salad for me since it is so hot out. DH is still at work, gave him a heads up about some big storms heading this way so he can get out and get home before they hit...assuming they hang together going over the mountains...sometimes that breaks them up, but this might hang together.

Will weigh in tomorrow, see what it says! I looked at my PM's today, realized that I had completely forgotten to send in my weight and HH on Friday, thought I had! So missed a week there . I have it written down in my spreadsheet, just never got the message out.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Carol

 

[cclovesdis]

Healthy Habits Week 9: Animal Kingdom Part 2

Let's finish our visit to the Animal Kingdom.

Mini-Challenge #1: It's Tough to be a Bug! And it's tough to lose weight. Write a list of what has been going well and what you would like to change.

Mini-Challenge #2: Primeval Whirl: Continue to tackle the laundry mountain. Leave your laundry area with no more than 3 loads of laundry left to do.

Mini-Challenge #3: Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: Earn 1 point for sticking to your exercise plan.

Mini-Challenge #4: Wildlife Express Train: You are chuggin' along nicely! It's time to write your exercise plan for August.

Mini-Challenge #5: The Oasis Exhibits: Discover the beauty of water and drink it too! Earn 1 point for drinking a total of 64 oz. of water on 5/7 days.

I've kept you busy the last few weeks so it's time for a low-key week! Have a great one!

 

[pjlla]

Finally a chance to check in since vacation. Just buzzed through the over 10 pages since I last checked in.

Do want to thank Sue, Janis and CC for all the work they have done on these threads! It is truly a lot of work, and I really appreciate what they have done!

Not going to try to catch up. Haven't weighed myself since I got back, but have not been OP for two days, just tired and trying to catch up.

Had an awesome time at Busch Gardens. It was hot, but so much fun. Got to ride the new Verbolten several times, although it had a bad habit of breaking down constantly. Also tried out Lochness. Was considering Alpengiest, but it broke down the first day we were there, and the people had to climb down those nasty little stairs on the side of the first slope . Noooo...don't think so. I am just getting back into the big coasters, do not want to get stuck on that.

We switched days at the water park, so went on the hottest day. So glad we were there that day. The humidity was pretty bad, just standing in the shade you start sweating! But definitely got all my exercise in - I think we circled the park 3 times one day! Hit some water rides to cool off, and only ate two meals a day and then a couple of snacks - not OP, but I must have walked or sweated if off! But these last two days have not been good, back OP tomorrow.

Only bad thing is both knees are hurting pretty badly, need to rest them right now. Lots of ibuprofin. Did some wash today, but it was hot so did not want to heat up the house too much, and took it easy on the knees, not climbing up and down those stairs. But wanted to get those clothes cleaned up, since they have been sweaty unwashed since being worn for the trip, did not want them to get too ripe!

DS had his first set of teeth pulled today, the two bicuspids on his right side. He is doing fine, had a little bit of pain this morning, but seems to have eased up. I stayed home just in case, since this is his first time with something like this. It is hot, but he wants tomato soup tonight, so it is on the oven. Have the next set pulled next week, then the braces go back in and they start moving his teeth around...such fun . He is chomping at the bit to start cross country, may be able to get some running in this weekend before the next set is pulled. Already contacted his coach and he is fine with him missing try outs since he was his track and field coach last spring, so he is on the team. Be interesting to see what we need to do for XC! And school starts again in another month.

Well, need to get his soup on (a little late today), a big salad for me since it is so hot out. DH is still at work, gave him a heads up about some big storms heading this way so he can get out and get home before they hit...assuming they hang together going over the mountains...sometimes that breaks them up, but this might hang together.

Will weigh in tomorrow, see what it says! I looked at my PM's today, realized that I had completely forgotten to send in my weight and HH on Friday, thought I had! So missed a week there . I have it written down in my spreadsheet, just never got the message out.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Carol

Fun vacation by the sound of it! Was this BG Virginia or FL?

Glad DS did okay with his extractions. Hopefully the next set will go as well.

Have you ever considered using a clothes line? Perfect for this time of year. None of that "battle of the appliances" where the a/c and the dryer are at constant odds. Just a thought. Sundried clothes smell good too!

Stay safe in the storms!

***********

Evening friends! Good news is that DH is returning from ME just in time to pick up DD at swim. Bad news is that it seems like I got nothing done with my "extra" 2 hours. Filled the gas tank (again!), talked with Mom, made dinner, packed up a few vacation items, worked on the packing list, did some dishes, ate...that's it.

Tomorrow is another day, right? But I will get at least 2 more things done before I crash tonight, I promise! And I am DONE eating for the night, other than a cup of decaf green tea.

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

 

[myweegirls]

Hi! Just a quick drive-by...it's been so busy! I've barely been keeping up with reading, but I am keeping up with maintaining. I've been running the Galloway training program for the ToT 10-miler, and that's going really well so far. I went 7.2 miles last weekend - I *never* thought I'd be able to do that! And it definitely made me feel so confident about doing the whole race.

Sue, CC, and Janis - let me add my thanks to everyone else's! This is only my second BL challenge, but you guys have been absolutely inspirational and motivational. I have so appreciated having you three at the helm of the challenge! I completely get why you're stepping back - I know I couldn't squish another thing in (especially once school starts in the fall), and I don't know how you do it!

DDs have been at Camp Grandma this week! DH and I have had to work anyway, but it's been really nice to have our evenings free for going out, doing whatever - it's been so nice. But I miss the girls a lot now, and I can't wait to get down there tomorrow night and hug them!

DDs also start at our neighborhood school in just over a month (new for our whole family!), and I spent a bunch of time tonight getting orientations and back to school nights and everything on the calendar...and signing up for the online lunch money account...and realizing what my to-do list still looks like. Now I'm just all antsy to find out about classroom assignments! We walk from here, so at least I don't have to worry about bus schedules, too. Now to finish collecting the supplies...

And oh yeah - I'll be 40 next Wednesday!

I hope everyone has a beautiful Friday and a great weekend!
XO
Liz

 

[Mary•Poppins]

With my back going out, I needed some good news, I realized that if I weigh in at 196 this week (was 199.6 last week) I will NO LONGER be OBESE!!! (by BMI standards) I will officially be OVERWEIGHT!!!! And then only 32 pounds to being in NORMAL weight range for my height!! I am sooo excited!! Off to see if my back will let me walk my last three miles today...if I'm moving I'm good, it's just getting up and down that seems to mess it up again

I am so sorry to hear about your back. I also have back problems and it is terrible when it is acting up. A big CONGRATS on your new weight category! That is fantastic. Keep up the good work!

To all of you that commented on my post thank you!!! Thanks for the motivation and the kind comments about my mom!!! I have been trying to get up extra early in the mornings this week to just have sometime alone (no noise in the house at 3:30 am lol), that has helped me to destress. I took mom to the doctor today for post op x-rays. Everything is healing like it should! They may take the cast off in two weeks, but it will still be between 5 and 7 more weeks before they let her put any weight on her ankle. It helps me a lot to be able to uload here!!! I would not dare say anything around my mom, she feels like she is such a burden on the family right now. She is the type to always want to do things for others, but feels terrible if anyone has to do anything for her. So, venting here allows me to recharge before my next task, I do not want her to pick up on my stress. So, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!!!!!!!!

I agree with Pam, vent anytime. You sound a bit better. Glad you are wrapping yourself around the situation, and glad you mom is healing.

Give yourself a big High Five!!

You have made it another week!! Tomorrow is weigh day, regardless of number, make a point to send your weight in...these ladies are giving it their all this last challenge so let's make sure they have lots of numbers to work with!! The least we can do

It has been a joy getting to know more of you this past week, thanks for letting me come in and give these QOTD! For this one, it's all about fun!!

QOTD: You might have to think on this one! What is the funniest scene in a movie/TV show that had you cracking up?

I think mine was with Indiana Jones, the first one when the guy was swinging those swords around and Indiana just looks at him and pulls his gun out and shoots...did not expect that...I like the scenes that are the most unexpected My second would be the episode with Lucille Ball when she's eating all the candy and stuffing it in her clothes b/c she can't do the assembly quick enough Classic physical comedy!

Everyone have a GREAT Thursday!!!

It is funny you mention the Indiana Jones scene ... I love that one too. I saw an interview one time and Harrison Ford said that he wasn't feeling well the day of that shooting. It was suppose to be a long fight scene and he told Steven Spielberg, "Can't we just shoot them?" ... and he agreed. Funny!

I can't think of a scene off the top of my head, but my favorite movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I still think that movie is really funny!

Hi! Just a quick drive-by...it's been so busy! I've barely been keeping up with reading, but I am keeping up with maintaining. I've been running the Galloway training program for the ToT 10-miler, and that's going really well so far. I went 7.2 miles last weekend - I *never* thought I'd be able to do that! And it definitely made me feel so confident about doing the whole race.

Nice job!

Sue, CC, and Janis - let me add my thanks to everyone else's! This is only my second BL challenge, but you guys have been absolutely inspirational and motivational. I have so appreciated having you three at the helm of the challenge! I completely get why you're stepping back - I know I couldn't squish another thing in (especially once school starts in the fall), and I don't know how you do it!

DDs have been at Camp Grandma this week! DH and I have had to work anyway, but it's been really nice to have our evenings free for going out, doing whatever - it's been so nice. But I miss the girls a lot now, and I can't wait to get down there tomorrow night and hug them!

DDs also start at our neighborhood school in just over a month (new for our whole family!), and I spent a bunch of time tonight getting orientations and back to school nights and everything on the calendar...and signing up for the online lunch money account...and realizing what my to-do list still looks like. Now I'm just all antsy to find out about classroom assignments! We walk from here, so at least I don't have to worry about bus schedules, too. Now to finish collecting the supplies...

And oh yeah - I'll be 40 next Wednesday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... a little early! I know I will forget by next Wednesday! I have really like my 40s ... hope you have a beautiful day!

I hope everyone has a beautiful Friday and a great weekend!
XO
Liz

 

[trinaweena]

Headed to the Cape tomorrow till monday. Wish we could stay longer but i have class (2 weeks left!) just finisehd, packing...I am the worst packer, I have SO MUCH STUFF and im only there for a few days haha. oh well at least im prepared for everything!

Going to try to workout on vacation, and hopefully eat well. Dont know if I'll be able to check in, but have a good weekend if i dont talk to ya'll.

Exhausted now, time for bed

 

[LovingDisney2012]

Thanks, you all are awesome!!!
Kollerbear, 3:30 is rough it is an hour earlier than what I am used to. It's worth it right now though. I just grab a cup of coffee, listen to the silence, and then read the boards once I feel like I have decompressed. By the time I have finished that I have time to do a few chores around the house before my kids wake up. So, as I type, I look like this . Just noticed that you live in NYC, we will be there on vacation next year. Do you know where the Park Central hotel is? If so, is it convenient to most of the major attractions in the city?

Thank you!! I am definitely going to try this sometime really soon. I might have to start the kale in our food processor, but I really love this idea--kale, carrot, banana, and frozen fruit sound awesome together. I'll let you know how it goes when I try it out, maybe this weekend!




For some reason my goal is to reach 136. I have no idea why that specific number, but I think that was a weight I remember being the year before I started college. My highest recorded weight was 183, and so I'm about half-way there. It's been a lot slower than I anticipated, but I feel like losing the weight slowly has helped me incorporate a lot of the changes I need to make into my daily life. But I'm also kind of ready to power through the fall and just get the last 25 pounds or so DONE WITH!

I would transport 136-pound me into a magically free vacation at the Polynesian, in a bathing suit, on a hammock or playing beach volleyball (because my weight loss has also made me magically good at beach volleyball). I imagine many of you would join me for that under these magical circumstances...



Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear about your back, but what GREAT news about starting school! Congratulations!



It's always SO nice to come home to a clean place! I hope it all comes together for you! It also sounds like you really formulated a great plan for yourself even though you were celebrating your husband's birthday. I'm glad you saved those splurges for vacation, I hope you enjoy them!



GOOD POINT. I haven't gotten a big container of this stuff yet, and I'm not sure if I will or not. Honestly I do have a really tough time getting my calcium and iron where it needs to be each day (I'm avoiding pill supplements at the moment because of another medical issue I'm troubleshooting) and I like getting a nice dose of protein from a non-soy, non-gluten source. That having been said, it does feel like a waste of calories. I've got to think it over and try the chocolate. I could also cut the portion in half, and it would still go a long way towards filling those gaps without being such a calorie sinkhole.




Oh no! I hope your back heals quickly, I'm so sorry that sounds terrible. But what a great realization to make about your numbers! Whether it's this week, the next, or whatever, it's RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!



My gosh! That is incredible!



THREE THIRTY AM? Oh goodness. I hope the relaxation time is satisfying and wonderful, even if it is in the middle of the night... I'm glad that the news was good about your mom's ankle. It's tough to take care of someone who isn't used to being taken care of! You're being so thoughtful to spare her feelings and vent away from her. I hope each day gets easier and easier!



Fabulous! I did this two weeks ago-- it was the first deep-cleaning of the shower grout in a VERY long time... I was sore for two days all over!! Cross training indeed!!



That's great!! That's a good idea to hold off on going to the nutritionist until your new school-year routine is underway, too. That way you can really focus on finishing out the summer as on-plan as possible and implementing any future changes right away without all the other new things getting off the ground.



Well, I had an off-plan evening. My best friend got married and I was in her wedding in early June, and she just got back from her honeymoon which had led directly into an extended work trip in Istanbul. It was so exciting to see her and to talk about the wedding since I hadn't seen her since that weekend. Her wedding was a big motivating factor for my weight loss--I was in a double-Spanxed size 10P in J Crew. (Everyone said I looked great, but I could honestly barely move. Holy Breath-holding Batman!)

Anyway, we made very last-minute plans to see each other for a drink after work, which turned into a couple beers and a plate of pasta for me. It wasn't a terrible splurge, but between that and a couple of other questionable choices while I was in Ithaca at another wedding this weekend, I am pretty sure this will not be a losing week. I'll just finish off tomorrow on plan and what will be will be.

On the bright side, next week Matt starts his new job (working at the same organization I work at now) and because he'll be working 2 hours later than I will be every evening I get to be back completely in control over dinner. I've got the first 10 days of dinners already planned starting with next Sunday, grocery lists written, prep tasks planned out in Excel, and recipe nutrition entered and waiting in MFP. I am ready and raring to go!!

Oh yeah, and then we're going away for 10 days for ANOTHER friend's wedding in Detroit (I'm a bridesmaid in that one--chose a DIFFERENT dress style this time that does NOT turn me blue in size 10P) followed by ANOTHER friend's wedding in Buffalo the next weekend. Rather than take little flights, we're just driving in between and vacationing in the Midwest this year. Gotta love your mid-20s!



Quick question-- does anyone have advice for making overnight refrigerator oatmeal? I've heard that a no-cook oatmeal is possible by soaking overnight in milk, but I was wondering if anyone has tried it and had any success?

Glad we could all be there for you! I think I can speak for the collective group when I say FEEL FREE to vent here!



DS and I never made it past book 1 in that series. Is it worth looking for to continue reading the series??



I have something I pinned on Pinterest that is an overnight oatmeal "shake" type thing. I haven't tried it yet because I wasn't sure how I would feel about cold oatmeal. But I'll look it up if you are interested. I also posted an overnight crockpot steel cut oats recipe here last week if you are interested in HOT oatmeal.



The first thing that came to mind is that diner scene from "When Harry Met Sally" when she is faking the "big O". (Can I say that here??) I love all those Meg Ryan chick-flicks..... Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, etc.

The DH has gotten me into watching Big Bang Theory lately. Not really my type of show and it is kind of inappropriate at times (especially since DH lets DS watch with him ), but it is LOL funny at times! Especially since I live with two nerdy, math-geek, Star-Wars-lovin' men!

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

SOrry to be on so late today friends! DH kindly took DD to 6:30 swim practice this morning on his way to Maine, so I was able to go back to bed for a bit (I got up at 5 to be sure DD was up and rolling), but I didn't go back to sleep.

DS and I picked her up at the pool at 8:30 am and then quickly drove to the nearest McD to use their wi-fi to watch one of her swim buddies swim at Y Nats (they have a live feed online). While there DD got an oatmeal and DS got some hotcakes, and I got an egg mcmuffin without cheese and just ate the egg and ham (not my first choice) plus decaf with skim..... not exactly the breakfast of champions for any of us, but it made do. We were going to hit Subway for breakfast but our local Subway no longer has wi-fi. If I had realized how crazy it was going to be, I would have packed breakfast for us all from home. I was really hoping for a bit of "sit-down-and-enjoy-breakfast-with-my-kids" time!

From there we DASHED to Driver's Ed, as DD was scheduled to do a 2 hour highway driving lesson from 10-12. Well... we arrived at 9:50 (need to be prompt) and we sat there waiting until nearly 10:30 at which point DD texted the driving instructor. He didn't come right out and say it, but I think he forgot to add DD to the schedule and he was out with another student and said he wouldn't return until 11 am. We ran a quick errand to Lowe's and then returned to the driving school.... at which point we learned that one of the driving instructors has been temporarily reassigned somewhere else and DD's two hour drive today was only going to be one hour. So I didn't even have time to do all of my errands!! Plus we wasted nearly 40 minutes sitting there waiting for him! I am SUPER frustrated with that driving school right now.

Picked up DD, quick stop for peaches at The Fresh Market, dropped off library books (and grabbed just a few more for vacation), dropped off a book from the middle school that DS discovered in his backpack after school ended, and stopped at the P.O. to drop off a Netflix movie and arrange to have the mail held while we are gone.

No laundry today as I am nearly caught up AND it is raining off and on.

Up next.... packing sheets and towels for vacation, plus gathering the scrap supplies I need to take along for the two projects I plan on working on while away. I LOVE scrapping during my vacation time!

Feeling really bloated today and VERY frustrated about that. I was feeling really flat-bellied about two days ago and LOVING that feeling! What happened?

Flying off to pack.................P

I am so sorry to hear about your back. I also have back problems and it is terrible when it is acting up. A big CONGRATS on your new weight category! That is fantastic. Keep up the good work!



I agree with Pam, vent anytime. You sound a bit better. Glad you are wrapping yourself around the situation, and glad you mom is healing.



It is funny you mention the Indiana Jones scene ... I love that one too. I saw an interview one time and Harrison Ford said that he wasn't feeling well the day of that shooting. It was suppose to be a long fight scene and he told Steven Spielberg, "Can't we just shoot them?" ... and he agreed. Funny!

I can't think of a scene off the top of my head, but my favorite movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I still think that movie is really funny!

 

[leeandstacismom]

Hello all you losers I have the honor of being your coach for this week. I hope I can provide a few QOTD that keep you engaged. My first QOTD is:

You meet a new person and you want them to get an idea of who you are, but you cannot tell them in words. Instead you give them a box with 5 things inside for them to look at/listen to/taste/whatever. What would you put in the box?

 

[pjlla]

Healthy Habits Week 9: Animal Kingdom Part 2

Let's finish our visit to the Animal Kingdom.

Mini-Challenge #1: It's Tough to be a Bug! And it's tough to lose weight. Write a list of what has been going well and what you would like to change.

Mini-Challenge #2: Primeval Whirl: Continue to tackle the laundry mountain. Leave your laundry area with no more than 3 loads of laundry left to do.

Mini-Challenge #3: Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: Earn 1 point for sticking to your exercise plan.

Mini-Challenge #4: Wildlife Express Train: You are chuggin' along nicely! It's time to write your exercise plan for August.

Mini-Challenge #5: The Oasis Exhibits: Discover the beauty of water and drink it too! Earn 1 point for drinking a total of 64 oz. of water on 5/7 days.

I've kept you busy the last few weeks so it's time for a low-key week! Have a great one!

Thanks again CC for a great challenge! I'm always "climbing" laundry mountain but I never seem to get to the summit! Just threw a load in the washer a few minutes ago, but no hanging stuff out today in the rain. oh well.

Hi! Just a quick drive-by...it's been so busy! I've barely been keeping up with reading, but I am keeping up with maintaining. I've been running the Galloway training program for the ToT 10-miler, and that's going really well so far. I went 7.2 miles last weekend - I *never* thought I'd be able to do that! And it definitely made me feel so confident about doing the whole race.

Great job on the mileage! That is impressive!

Sue, CC, and Janis - let me add my thanks to everyone else's! This is only my second BL challenge, but you guys have been absolutely inspirational and motivational. I have so appreciated having you three at the helm of the challenge! I completely get why you're stepping back - I know I couldn't squish another thing in (especially once school starts in the fall), and I don't know how you do it!

DDs have been at Camp Grandma this week! DH and I have had to work anyway, but it's been really nice to have our evenings free for going out, doing whatever - it's been so nice. But I miss the girls a lot now, and I can't wait to get down there tomorrow night and hug them!

My kids used to do "Grammy Camp" with my mom every summer. I know that DS would still be up for it, but DD would just be bored (and she is far too busy!). Enjoy it while it lasts! And give your babies an extra squeeze when you see them!

DDs also start at our neighborhood school in just over a month (new for our whole family!), and I spent a bunch of time tonight getting orientations and back to school nights and everything on the calendar...and signing up for the online lunch money account...and realizing what my to-do list still looks like. Now I'm just all antsy to find out about classroom assignments! We walk from here, so at least I don't have to worry about bus schedules, too. Now to finish collecting the supplies...

Is this K or 1st grade???

And oh yeah - I'll be 40 next Wednesday!

I hope everyone has a beautiful Friday and a great weekend!
XO
Liz

Happy early birthday to a YOUNG lady!!

Headed to the Cape tomorrow till monday. Wish we could stay longer but i have class (2 weeks left!) just finisehd, packing...I am the worst packer, I have SO MUCH STUFF and im only there for a few days haha. oh well at least im prepared for everything!

Where on the Cape are you heading?

Going to try to workout on vacation, and hopefully eat well. Dont know if I'll be able to check in, but have a good weekend if i dont talk to ya'll.

Exhausted now, time for bed

Relax and ENJOY your weekend! Fingers crossed that the weather is PERFECT!!

Hello all you losers I have the honor of being your coach for this week. I hope I can provide a few QOTD that keep you engaged. My first QOTD is:

You meet a new person and you want them to get an idea of who you are, but you cannot tell them in words. Instead you give them a box with 5 things inside for them to look at/listen to/taste/whatever. What would you put in the box?

Oh my gosh! Great question! I am going to ASSUME that I can use something with words on it, and photos.

First of all... a family picture from Disney. It would tell a LOT about me... it would show my family AND my love of Disney.

Next up.... a scrapbook.... any scrapbook, but preferably a family one. It would show that I was a scrapper/crafter.

Third.....an organic salad. It would (hopefully) convey that I was interested in health and healthy eating.

Fourth...... a scale. Yes, as much as I hate to admit, so much of my life has been dictated by the scale.... both loving AND hating what it tells me. While I don't like having a weight issue, it is definitely a part of who I am.

Fifth.... a bible. Yes, I am a Christian.


Gosh, I am BORING!

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

Happy Friday friends! DD went to an extra swim practice again this morning, so we were up and out bright and early in the rain this morning. Tempting to just ditch the exercise, but I told myself to do 2 laps (2 miles) and then I could quit. I did 3 laps and contemplated a 4th, but it was raining harder by then and I was carrying my phone and didn't want it to get wet. Just pleased with myself for doing the 3.

Scale was disappointing today. I had a GREAT week.... my eating was RIGHT ON TRACK. I did a really "clean eating" 2 day cleanse on Sunday and Monday (mostly greens and lean turkey/chicken), then kept up the low carb for the remainder of the week. I was right on point with my calories (well, below on Sun, Mon, and Tues), and while I wasn't exactly a powerhouse, I did exercise most days. I had a cup or two of decaf green tea every day. So to see that I dropped just .1 lb.... sad.

My analysis of the situation was too much Splenda (definitely had more than usual), a few diet Cokes (not proud of it, since I KNOW it is HORRIFIC for me), probably too FEW calories Sun-Tues, and not enough healthy fats all week. Plus possibly not enough fiber, as I didn't have any of the higher fiber carbs that I often eat, plus no beans all week.... and I definitely did NOT get enough sleep this week. I was probably averaging 5-6 hours per night most nights this week. I really need about 8 hours. And too much coffee!

Onward and upward. Will stay RIGHT OP today and tomorrow and maybe take another sneek peek at the scale tomorrow or Sunday before we depart for vacation and hopefully see an improved number. It is still an okay number just not what I was really hoping for. One pound.... one measly pound I wanted to lose.

SO MUCH to do today and I have to leave the house at 3pm to take DD for another driving hour and then off to the Y for practice tonight.... so I will be gone from 3pm until 9pm and I have NOTHING productive to do in all that time! Frustrating! Wish I could bring housework along with me! I'll work on my packing list and make sure that it has everything, maybe swing by the car wash (does it make any sense to wash a car in the rain??), maybe vacuumthe car if it isn't raining too hard, and check out Pinterest on my Ipad using the oh-so-lovely free wi-fi available at McDonald's!

Time to make beds and pull out the suitcases! TTYL.....................P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Hello all you losers I have the honor of being your coach for this week. I hope I can provide a few QOTD that keep you engaged. My first QOTD is:

You meet a new person and you want them to get an idea of who you are, but you cannot tell them in words. Instead you give them a box with 5 things inside for them to look at/listen to/taste/whatever. What would you put in the box?

Taxi cab hat, starbucks gift card, Pics of my kids, Mouse Ears, camera.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

WOOSH!!!!!!

4 pound weight loss this week!!!!! I didn't weigh in last week because it was still the same as the week before. But this week I was really really focused on food.

Now to run with it!!!

16 pounds gone since January!!!

 

[Bethislucy]

Hello everyone. Time to get back on track I didn't do so well on vacation and the scale shows that. We are talking about doing a 5k in Nov. which means I've got a lot of work to do to get ready for it. I would love to at least jog the whole thing but where I'm at right now I know that won't happen. We've downloaded the couch to 5k program and we are starting it Monday. I've planned out our meals for the next 2 weeks (we get paid bi-weekly) and made my shopping list hoping this will help me stay on track. I hope you all have a great weekend.

 

[leeandstacismom]

Oh my gosh! Great question! I am going to ASSUME that I can use something with words on it, and photos.

First of all... a family picture from Disney. It would tell a LOT about me... it would show my family AND my love of Disney.

Next up.... a scrapbook.... any scrapbook, but preferably a family one. It would show that I was a scrapper/crafter.

Third.....an organic salad. It would (hopefully) convey that I was interested in health and healthy eating.

Fourth...... a scale. Yes, as much as I hate to admit, so much of my life has been dictated by the scale.... both loving AND hating what it tells me. While I don't like having a weight issue, it is definitely a part of who I am.

Fifth.... a bible. Yes, I am a Christian.

I love all your choices. I am all for family and disney items. I didn't know you could scrapbook. I always wanted to do that, but not creative enough. The salad a great idea, now I wonder what veggies will be in salad. Best item I think is bible. That is awesome. I am a Christian too. Finally the scale, unusual, but logical item in conveying weightloss.

Send the rain here, I love rain. Fabulous job on the 3 laps. and yeah the sleep deprivation will definitely hinder weight loss. Cells need time to recover to work properly. Good luck with getting everything done today.