First week of summer turned out to be a crazy, hectic week. Changed my workout time which cut into my Disboards time. It always takes a week or two to adjust. But it's sunny finally and that is a good thing!
Sorry you had to cut into DIS time!!
Pamela, enjoy your clean house!
It doesn't last long enough though!
I've experimented with pretty much everything over the years, weird fad, diets, starving, you name it.

Now I calorie count and have my exercise down. It is something that constantly needs to be modified and adjusted. What works today may or may not work tomorrow. The important this is to work on it each and every day, never give up, and you will make progress.
Yup.... it is a constant work in progress!
I'm down a couple more pounds now so I am where I was at the end of the last challenge. Almost into new territory!
Have a great day all!
That is great!!!!
I haven't been posting much but I am reading along. This week has been pretty crazy for me. I just started looking for a job so I've been to several interviews and have a bunch more lined up. On Wednesday I had this awful pain in my right shoulder so I missed running. Tomorrow is our 5K and I am very excited! I have lost every week so I am happy for that as well!
Best of luck for the 5K and the job possibilities!! WOOhoo on the consistent weight loss!
My newest thing to try is a diabetic diet. I know people keep telling me "Oh watch your carbs and sugar intake". Okay, well no offense to those individuals but that's not really helping me. I already know that I need to watch those certain areas. So, I changed my Sparkpeople nutritional tracker over from normal to the diabetic one and selected for them to make my meal plans. I've tweaked a few meals to my liking and will print the grocery list off on Sunday. Then we'll go shopping for everything.
Good for you for trying something new!
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Alan's appointment went well yesterday. I also sat down last night and finished planning out our dining reservations for my birthday trip in November. We're staying the 25th - 30th in a BLT Magic Kingdom view studio. Our ADRs are as followed:
Nov 25th: Sci Fi (Dinner)
Nov 26th: MY BIRTHDAY O'hanas (DINNER)
Nov 27th:
MVMCP (No ADR)
Nov 28th: Rainforest Cafe DTD (Dinner)
Nov 29th: O'hanas (breakfast) 1st time!
Sounds wonderful!!
Nothing much going on today. We're going to spend the weekend relaxing and cleaning. I put a call into my RE's office a little while ago to get lab results. I'm hoping they'll call before the end of business hours. Alan's leaving here in a few to pick up all of my meds from CVS. That's going to be a fun bill to pay.

My annual physical is scheduled for 1st week in July and I got the referral for the hematologist. I'm going to make that phone call Monday morning. I can't believe its already Friday. It feels like this week just flew by. It seems like just yesterday we were coming home from Daytona Beach.
Everyone have a great weekend! I think I'm going to change clothes in a bit and go do some swimming.
Enjoy your swim!
Good Friday afternoon.
We just got back from seeing Brave. It was a beautiful movie. We really enjoyed it. If you go see it stay for the very end. And I do mean the very end.
DANG!! DOUBLE DANG! We always, always, always stay until the end of Disney movies..... but had to rush out yesterday to make it to swim and baseball on time! Can you PM me and tell me what I missed?? I'm not sure I'll get to see it again in the theaters.
QOTD I know that I need to exercise to lose any serious weight. I am getting back into it. The last couple of days have been pretty hot but I have ridden my inside bike. I have been pretty on track for most of the week. I took this morning off since I worked out at yoga last night. It is supposed to cool down tonight (it is getting pretty dark out there right now) so maybe a walk tomorrow morning.
Have a happy and healthy day .
We've had crazy hot weather since Wednesday here as well. DD always wishes we had a spin bike. She despises the treadmill. Is your bike a spin bike or recumbent or what??
Oh geez, I've probably tried everything. Shakes, starvation, weight watchers, running, weight lifting, work out tapes.
All of it works to a point but I get bored easily so I'm constantly having to change things up.
How about cabbage soup? I tried that one in the heat of the summer! What was I thinking??? (oh yeah.... I was thinking that I was tired of being fat!)
Right now what is working is just monitoring what I eat. I'm finding that yes I can have a chocolate bar or an ice cream bar once in a while, and while I'm not dropping 5 pounds a week, I am losing something. But moderation is the key!!! I don't eat ice cream and sweets every day, which was the habit.
I'm also finding that even if I do want something sweet after a meal I can make a better choice. Graham crackers are just sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth but not near as caloric as a hershey bar.
I had thought about doing a meal plan that our chiropractor's office offers but after doing my research, I found that it might be ok for some but it's not enough for someone attempting to train for a race.
I'm learning!!
AMEN! I think that you MUST find a way to work in an occasional treat or the deprivation will get the best of you!
Quote of the day
you don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great
Love this one!
That's what I'm thinking

Despite being egged on daily by DBF...he is forever finding places on CraigsList we could rent and jobs he can apply for!
Maybe you could make a deal that you don't even start looking until you've saved $XXX amount of money (my thinking is that "X" would be at least 3 months living expenses.... rent, grocery, car, gas, utilities).
I have experimented with just about everything...I used to be a member at Curves, I would count calories, I would only eat salads, all kinds of stuff. But finally, WW is doing the trick! I think the big sticking points are that nothing is off-limits (I like a cupcake every now and then!) and it's so supportive and flexible. I love it!
I agree! I love it too! DH is determined to stick with his Atkins diet.... but I can't believe he isn't at least a bit envious when I can enjoy a piece of birthday cake or a serving of popcorn, or a mango and not be OFF PLAN! Atkins is FAR TOO "all or nothing" for me!! That said, I am a bit envious of HIM when I am hungry and munching on carrot sticks and he is enjoying a big serving of cheese and nuts (that he hasn't had to weigh or measure!).
Thanks Lisa! I would love to pack all my stuff up right now and leave. but it's so far out of my comfort zone, so I'm just making the planning steps to do it. I can't wait though!
When you can be more COMFORTABLE with it, then you will know it is the right move. Every new situation and adventure comes with SOME level of discomfort..... but you will know it when you are really ready.
I will apologize in advance to our one Guy on the BL.
This is a TMI question for the girls.
In your weight loss journey have you found that your TOM cravings and moodiness have gone down? TOM showed up last night and I had no idea it was coming. Well, in hindsight I did eat more sweets than I had been in the past few weeks. But there was no cramps, little moodiness, and other than the regular kid fights, I didn't go bat crap crazy on them either. I really hope this is a sign of things to come because I typically hate being a girl every month and while I'd rather not have it at all, it's not as bad as it has been in the past.
Well.... I did notice the same changes as I progressed into my WW journey.....but that said, I am older than you and my "change" started during this time as well, so I attributed it more to age than dietary changes.
I too was capable of being a bit "bat crap crazy"..... sometimes I realized it, but sometimes I didn't. But that feeling definitely is much more rare now. I'm sure that DH and the kids are grateful for that!!
I've been a Sparkpeople member since 2006 but didn't actively start using it on a daily basis until this past October. We moved to FL mid September last year. I started getting serious on October 23rd of last year. Since October til now I've lost 23 pounds! I recommend it to everyone not only because its
FREE but because it has so much to offer.
Great job with the 23 pounds!
Well, the RE's office called Alan while he was picking my meds up at CVS. The following is going to be TMI so if you don't want to read scroll ahead..
**********TMI*******
His lil swimmer count came back around 8,000. They said typically anything at 3,000 and above is good. The doctor wanted them to check to make sure he had no cancer cells and/or bacteria as well. He had cancer in 2008. The nurse basically told him "Your swimmer count is high, no signs of cancer, and your ready to become a baby making factory." She told him they hadn't recieved my lab results yet but when they do she'd call me either Monday or Tuesday. She also told me not to take Provera yet.
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Well, I'm going to have to get on the treadmill and get my cardio in. I wanted to swim but its storming. GRRRR... I love living somewhere that it actually rains now but sometimes it can put a real damper on my plans.

We're having burgers on our inside griddle with steak fries. I still need to print off the grocery list for this weekend. We'll probably shop tomorrow for all of that. Then Sunday go to Sam's Club and get some things I've been saying for the past month that I want.
Everyone have a great weekend!
Glad to hear that at least 50% of your "factory" is up and running well!

Keep us up-to-date on how you are feeling!
Been the longest week ever! I haven't weighed in in about 2 weeks though today I was at a low! Just haven't had time!
On Monday, my dad had an episode while shopping and we spent 3 1/2 hours in the ER in NH. I thought he was having a stroke but he may have narcolepsy so that will need to be checked when they get back to NC! This morning as I was getting ready for work he fell and landed on his back and has been really sore all day. They are at a wedding tonight and then they are driving to VT to see my brother for a few days and then going to NY for most of the time we are gone.
I've given about 10 massages this week so the 2nd thing we do upon boarding the ship is to try and schedule a massage for me! The first thing I need to do is find the bar!!!!
We have the girls' recital tomorrow from 11-3ish and then we will bring the girls home to clean them up and wait for the SUV to pick us up for the airport. Our pick up time is 6 for a 8:55 flight on Jet Blue. We will be staying at the Hyatt at the airport and then
FL Tours will pick us up at 10 am to get to the port for a 12pm boarding time on the DREAM!!!!!
Tonight we need to go through all of our paper work and make sure our suitcases are the right weight and we have all that we need. Otherwise we just buy what we need after the cruise!
DH is kind of in limbo with his job but has some things ready to go after we get back. I was so worried we were going to have to cancel the trip but things seem to be getting better and at least we have health insurance and he will get his vacay pay! Been the worst 2 weeks of our lives around here! I need the massage more than ever and he could use one as well!
Time to give Izzie her shower so she is ready for the morning. We are having a big breakfast of pancakes, bacon and hash browns as we won't really be able to have lunch during the recital. The kids will have some cheese sticks and water during the show. We will have something quick before heading to the airport. Hopefully we will get time to get something while waiting for our flight!
Gotta run! I'll try to post after the cruise! I don't sleep much at Disney so I'm up early every morning!
TTFN
Oh my gosh! Enjoy your trip and try not worry about what is going on at home!
Dropping in to say HI! to my BL peeps.
I went kind of MIA at the end of the last challenge because of work and some major stomach issues I began to have.
When I last showed up here I was still subbing for a school secretary and loving the job. Well I got the chance to interview for a full time position at another school.

While I am not sure that I am really ready to go back to work full time this is an opportunity I couldn't pass up. There are only 4 of these particular Secretary jobs in the school system and who knows when this chance will come again. I am definitely in a very unique place to have a good chance to get the job since I have several people at the 2 schools I subbed in that put in a good word for me

. I haven't heard back from them--they said they would make a decision at the end of the week and then I have to wait for HR.
Stomach issues (IBS) got really bad after I joined WW online. I was so miserable last week that I decided it was time to go back to plain chicken and rice to give my insides a chance to rest and to do an elimination diet and see if I can figure out what is going on. I figured that Gluten may be the reason for my problems but I also cut out dairy and most other things-- just eating plain, white and bland foods (All GFCF). So far I have had a great week digestively and have lost 3 pounds.
BUT last night while researching something about GF I came across a mention of something called FODMAP. I started looking into it and it describes all of my symptoms exactly.
When I started WW I was eating a lot of the foods on the list of things to avoid so that would explain why things got so much worse. And the worse I felt the more of the stuff on the list I ate hoping to feel better. I think I will start a WISH Journal to help me journal what is going on and what I find out. I cancelled my WW membership because I won't be able to focus on points for the next 2 months or so as I eliminate a whole lot of stuff and then slowly add things back in specific amounts.
Other than that we are having a great summer. My girls are on Swim Team but my 12 year old hurt her knee the last week of school and that isn't getting better so she is sitting out of swimming for a week. She goes to camp the week after next and I am not sure what we will do if she is still in so much pain.
I hope everyone here is doing great and you are all the biggest bunch of losers ever!
Been missing you! Wondering if things got crazy with life or what. Glad to see you're still here!
If the job is meant to be, it will happen, right???
Hope the tummy issues can be resolved.
Hardly slept last night. My mom called at 10 to say that Dad had a bad night and wasn't feeling well. He also hardly ate anything at the wedding. I was so afraid to go to sleep as I had a horrible fear of being awakened in the middle of the night by the phone and my mom crying! She said they may not go to my brother's today. It will depend on how Dad is feeling today. I didn't get to sleep until probably 1ish and then was awake again around 4. I know this may sound selfish but I have a fear of my vacation having to be canceled and with the stress of the past three weeks we really need this vacation. I'm just hoping Dad is feeling better this morning and go to VT.
I've washed up the dishes, swept the kitchen floor, charged my Kindle and browsed the web for awhile. My stomach is in absolute knots. I am a nervous person in general and always worry about major plans having to be canceled.
Sorry for the whine! I'm just stressed beyond words and don't know what to do to feel better except put it in words! Pray for my Dad and Mom that they can have a nice visit with my brother and their friends!
TTFN
Fingers crossed and prayers going up that your folks are able to stay healthy while you are gone.
Oh Tracey, I'm so hoping things go smoothly for you all today! I selfishly don't want your vacation to be canceled, either!!
We've just arrived at "our" Rt. 192 Cracker Barrel for first-morning breakfast! I'm feeling really good after driving all night. From here we head to the Swan - and I'll be checking to see if the spa can squish me in for a massage today!
XO
Liz
WOOHOO! You will have a great trip! ENJOY!!
Well, not much going on here. The boys are at a scout sleepover right now. I need to pick them up before 10. DS6 has his last tball game at 12:30. Nothing else planned as DH works midnight all weekend (7p-7a). A drive-in about 25 minutes away in OH is showing Brave with The Avengers this week, so we may try to go on Tuesday night.
We leave for NC in 1 week. We have to drive straight there because DH works Friday night, so we are making the 12 hour trip in one drive. He gets off at 7 so I hope to be on the road by 7:30. I told him to sleep & I would drive until we hit Fredericksburg, VA. I can't stand driving on 95 between DC and Richmond. I am hoping to break the drive up on the way home. I am looking for things to do, but not sure yet. DH thinks we should stop in Williamsburg, but I just don't know. I'd like to stop in DC, spend the night Sat, and do things in the city on Sunday. I don't know if things are open on Sundays so I am going to look into that. And, I have no idea where to stay (preferrably near a metro stop). Any advice??
I'm going to get some breakfast and get ready to get my boys. Have a great Saturday!
Jill
I think most of the Smithsonian is open on Sundays. That alone could take days to see! If you are looking to stay overnight on the cheap, stay right outside the city in Alexandria and take the Metro in.... most hotels in the area offer shuttles to the Metro stations. Or splurge and stay right near the Mall and walk to the attractions! That would be cool!
Enjoy your trip, no matter what you decide to do!
LTS--I am sorry about your tummy issues.

That was interesting about the FODMAP. What you might find is that if you have a gluten issue, that your body just can't handle much of anything right now. So while you might be having issues with lots of stuff right now, it could be a result of gluten. I could not handle a lot of food when I was eating gluten--popcorn (even air popped), broccoli, really any high fiber vegetables. I could basically count on rice and beans to not bother my stomach and that was about it. I am guessing that when you were doing SB, you were eating very little gluten, but probably still eating fruits? I think an elimination diet is a great idea and I hope you can figure out what is bothering you. Please pm me if you have any questions that you think I might be able to answer.
Hey stranger! How have you been?
QOTD Saturday: As you enter the park you happen upon future world. Here we learn all about imagination and innovation. Most of us had already talked about our "one little spark of inspiration" so let's talk about these lesser known fellas. The jamminators are true innovators, using their cleaning supplies (which is all they have) to make awesome music. In what ways have you become an innovator on this journey? What health challenges do you face daily that you must come up with creative solutions to? Do you walk during your lunch break? Do you try and stand up most of the day, or perhaps use household items as weights if you are staying at a friends house?
I've certainly been innovative with creating my own "diet" plans in the past (including a Survivor-inspired diet..... think lots of brown rice and big wooden bowls!
). Now I stick pretty closely with WW, but have tweaked it along the way to include fractions of points and a WW/South Beach hybrid (which worked nicely, if I may say so myself!).
I've become creative about getting in activity whenever/where ever I can. I do high knees, kickbacks, and squats while watching the playground at recess and while timing meets at the pool. I dance with the kids when I sub for Music class, and I take them for long walks around the school building when I sub for gym!
I take the stairs multiple times during the day when I am home..... like if I am waiting for something to cook.... I might see how many times I can do the stairs before my toast is done.
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QOTD: My job requires me to stand most of the time, but on slow days I have plenty of opportunities to sit. If I have some things to take downstairs, I take them in smaller loads which requires me to walk up and down more. In high school our teacher use to walk around the school, up and down the stairs, for the entire lunch period to get in her exercise.
Have a wonderful day, I work again so not sure if I'll be on today.
We went to see Brave last night and I really loved it. I understand why people would say they were dissapointed or that it was short or the plot was weak, but Merida was absolutely gorgeous and I thought it was a nice story. La Luna short was absolutely adorable.
I agree with you about the plot. I kept telling DD that I was waiting for something MORE..... not sure what though.... and YES Merida was adorable! The short was really cute! I missed the first minute of it, since we arrived a bit late.
Okay friends! I've posted for today and done replies, plus got my much-promised-but-very-tardy recipe posted! I'm going to post this, see if anyone else has popped on while I typed, and then go take a walk and a shower! TTYL................P