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

[my3princes]

All this hurricane talk and I've been ignoring it. Weather in New England changes daily, so I didn't want to get worried, but since it's almost the weekend maybe I should see what we're in for.



Nice work on the A- Which zoo did you go to? On the ride home we kept seeing signs for Beardsley Zoo???



I have great legs It sounds so funny saying it, but I have my mothers chicken legs. I can get my fingers to touch around my thigh, and I'm 5'9", so even if I put on 10 pounds I can usually wear a different top and not many people would notice the weight gain



I forgot about my VS coupon and I'm headed to the mall tomorrow. You also reminded me of what I was forgetting; my Vera Bradley coupon.



So here goes...

Dylan was evaluated by Early Intervention on June 29th. At the appt. they said he was behind in expressive language. You should hear from someone soon, if not in 2 weeks, feel free to give us a call. Called in 2 weeks, got no reply. A co-worker said it took a month for them to start services for her daughter. So I wait. Called at about the 5/6 week mark and leave a message. Got a call week 7 aplogizing that they had lost some messages, and didn't know I had called blah blah. Said they are short staffed but were doing assignments Aug. 12th. Then said I should hear either the end of that week or during the next week. If I didn't she suggested letting the director know that I was unhappy.

So last Sun. sent a not so nice email to the director about how disappointed I was, it's been 2 months, no help for my family, etc. They email back Tues. saying I will get a call Wed.

In the meantime, I asked my son's school for a rec. and one of the parents there does private therapy. So I email her Mon and get a reply Mon. She accepts BCBS and Harvard, but we have Aetna so it would be $110 per session But she's really nice and said to check with my ins. to see if they cover out of pocket, but they say no.

They said most insurance co.s don't cover speech therapy anyway, however, mine will for in network @ $20 per visit limit 30/year. So I ask for list of providers within 10 miles and there is only 1, but they are in my town

So, I called there yesterday and they booked an evaluation for us for this am.

In the meantime the mom from Dylan's school said if EI was to call to request a speech therapist if they assign someone.

They called yesterday too and assigned me a developmental specialist. When I asked if she is a licensed speech therapist they say no. When I say I'm frustrated that it's been 2 months and I'd prefer a speech therapist they say it's not age appropriate for Dylan and that their program recommends a DS instead.

So I'm torn at this point. Maybe we'll try both????

DS had his eval, they were great, but are not open on Friday's (my day off) but they do have evening appt. which will work if I leave early; which I will.

Dylan loved them and didn't want to leave.

EI called today and wants to start coming out tomorrow.

I guess I need to find out what their payment policy is. If they want their $ up front I'm hesitant as I don't know if they will provide what he really needs or not.

The woman today said Dylan has trouble getting his words out. She did something called "prompting"? Where she touches Dylan's mouth so he knows where the sound should come from? Does that make sense?

If we have them both come to see what works best how will we know which one is the one getting him to speak more? Will I even know?

It's just so aggrevating with EI. I kind of feel like telling them tha we're going elsewhere but now that I complained they are doing something about it



Congrats to our losers and maintainers and to Satorifound! Great job



Hi Cam, can't wait for you to be around more during the fall. I always have to double take when I read your emails about having a son in college. From your pictures below, I can't believe it. You look too young to have a son in college.



Now that's funny I've never been, but I know what you're talking about. They have really good red velvet cupcakes Funny you mentioned them, because we were in Paramus, NJ last weekend and drove by a Stew Leonard's Wines store and I was like...hmmm... wonder if it's the same company. No food, just booze.

2 of my boys were speech delayed. We tried going through the early intervention program with both, but they weren't significantly delayed at age 3. Hunter started speech therapy in Kindergarten with the school's speech therapist. Colby was finally caught when I had a second early intervention assessment at age 4. It took several months for them to finally assign him a therapist. He only met with her a few times before starting with the school therapist the summer before kindergarten. The EEE program in Vermont is free. She worked with him using games and flavored sponges on a stick that she used to touch the part of his mouth that needed to make the sound. The school therapist also taught them how to move their mouth and tongue to make the sounds. both of my kids took a full 2 years in therapy before they met the standards. Both have sense been diagnosed with either ADD or ADHD (just a thought)

 

[lisah0711]

Good evening all!

Thanks for all the nice words about coaching this week! I do appreciate them as I usually coach at the beginning of the challenge so coaching at the end was different but very, very fun.

I'm doing an extra day of coaching tomorrow. Sorry this will be a quick post for the QOTD for tomorrow and I will be back then for replies.

First, to all of you who might be in the path of Hurricane Irene -- stay safe! And try and keep us posted about how you are doing because we will wonder and worry about you!

Second, a little reminder about what happens since we are at the end of our challenge. Our official ending date is tomorrow, Friday, August 26th. I will be coaching that day and will have one final QOTD. You will need to be sure that you send your final weigh in to Donac, send your HH points to CC, and send your last WIN! measurements to Connie96. The sooner they have our numbers, the sooner they can post the final results. There will be a regular weekly result for weight as well as an overall result posting for weight. We will continue to hang out and chat over the week-end and may or may not have a QOTD or a coach. Once the results come out there is time to congratulate and thank everyone and then we will move to the new thread. Our new hostess is vacationing but the new thread will be started shortly. The Fall Challenge officially starts September 9th.

We hope that you will all join us and get in on that new school year, new you feeling!

And, now the QOTD for Friday, August 26, 2011. Have you ever heard of the game of expressing yourself in just five words? It can be about any topic. For our purposes today I am going to ask you to express how you feel about this challenge in just five words. It can be about the challenge, about what you did or didn't do, what you might do better, or even how you feel about Disney. It just needs to be said in FIVE words.

The first thing that comes to mind for our group is Every participant an integral part.

The second is more for myself and is I will never give up!

Have a great evening all. Be safe and I will be back tomorrow with replies.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

And, now the QOTD for Friday, August 26, 2011. Have you ever heard of the game of expressing yourself in just five words? It can be about any topic. For our purposes today I am going to ask you to express how you feel about this challenge in just five words. It can be about the challenge, about what you did or didn't do, what you might do better, or even how you feel about Disney. It just needs to be said in FIVE words.


Group: My peeps are my rock!!!

Me for this challenge: I needed to try harder.

Me for the next challenge: I will be put first!

 

[my3princes]

QOTD today: I like my eyes. I have hazel eyes which look amazing with purple eye liner, light shadow and mascara. They stand out and bring out my personality.



QOTD Friday: Tomorrow is MY fresh start

 

[pjlla]

LOL Oh goodness I just reread what I wrote. One big run on sentence!!
Yes, I am looking at mainstreaming my diet. Revamping the whole shebang! I also need to start taking my flaxseed oil, my Vitamin D, and start reusing the coconut oil on my skin. Those 3 things really went a long way in getting me back to a decent place.

DS's naturopathic doctor has prescribed increased vitamin D for him (he is seeing her for rashes/skin issues)... he is also taking fish oil. She might have recommended the coconut oil, except he is allergic to coconut.

Glad you are taking a more holistic approach to all of this. I think it will work well if you stick with it.


Uh you better turn on the news girlfriend! The eye of the storm is headed right up my road. We are packing the RV, moving everything out the basement and heading for parts unknown, AKA Dayton Ohio. DD is totally flipping out so we decided it was in our best interest to get the heck out of Dodge.
Hopefully DH can get home tomorrow. The kids and I are going to gather all of our valuables and gas up the vehicles. DH is going to haul the Mini's to a friends house in Northern CT, we need to swing by the Storage unit and raise the 3 pieces we plan on keeping up off the floor, then we are coming back here to clear the yard of projectiles.
Then we hope to roll out Friday night or Saturday morning.

East Coasters, stay safe!!! I'll try to keep y'all posted when we get down the road a bit.

Yikes! You are making me feel like a total slacker. My Mom was asking me a few questions today about how to keep your fridge/freezer cold without power, etc. I totally thought she was just thinking ahead to winter storms. Then she happened to ask me how I was stocked for batteries. I totally didn't get that she was "hinting" that I should be ready for Irene!! I'm just so out of it!

so, east coasters.... how seriously are we taking this hurricane irene stuff? i feel like every time there's a big scare for a hurricane it winds up being a little bit of rain and then it's done. of course, the one time i don't even think about it my house will fall apart. is it a slow news day or should i really be freaking out a little?

what are you doing to prepare? supposedly it's going to hit on sunday. we are right on the water...BUT we're up on a bluff so flooding isn't really a huge threat.

today show just told me to get this ready:
3 day supply of water and food
flashlights, batteries, portable radio
store docs in ziplock bags
bring in anything or tie down stuff that can fly around
designate emergency contact who lives nowhere near the area

i mean, i have to go food shopping anyway to perhaps i'll pick up some extra water bottles and some non-perishable food while i'm out...

Again, I'm obviously thinking I need to take this more seriously! Time to give it some thought. I'm hitting the Y for a class in the morning, so DD and I can hit the grocery store in the morning for some emergency supplies. I'll try to remember to bring a few empty gas cans to fill for the generator too. My gas grill tank is pretty full.

I'll fill my washing machine with water to use for flushing. We don't usually go to the trouble of hooking up the generator unless we have been/will probably be without power for at least 12 hours. But of course, flushing during those 12 hours is kind of important!

Because of our distance from a store, we've always kept a fairly well stocked freezer/pantry. My biggest issue would be fresh fruits and veggies.

If this storm does look like it will be hitting us on Sunday, I will probably skip the proposed trip to Costco..... don't feel like driving an hour south in pouring rain.

Good Thursday morning everyone.

I have been up since 6 and have been shaking my head since then. Last month my principal was told he was going back into the classroom because of something that happened. The board appointed an interim principal and then started looking for a new principal. The guy they appointed for interim went through the interview process and was recommended to be the new principal. The board last night refused to vote him in as principal and after that the interim superintendent resigned. Do you think there is any chance we are going to get a contract any time soon?

Congrats to the losers from last week especially satorifound.

I am worried about the hurricane. Ds2 is coming home tomorrow but may be turning around on Sat to miss the weather. We have been in this area for 33 years and seen a lot of storms. Flooding is a big problem. We have been pretty lucky but with all the rain we have had this month it could be a big problem. I hope it heads out to sea.

Off to get somethings done.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Craziness at work... especially this early in the school year! Hope you get a good visit with DS before he has to head out.

I was up way too late last night and looked on here to find something to read. There are way too many threads/discussions to chose from. It was a bit overwhelming. So can you guys suggest other areas on here that would be good to follow?

Also wondered what is most a person has lost in one of these challenges?

I feel like you've hit us at a bad time. Our summer BL challenge is just winding down. But you could stick with us while we chat about "stuff" until the next challenge starts up this fall.

Presuming you want to talk about healthy eating, exercise and/or weight loss?? Stick around here on the WISH board. Feel free to post your own threads/questions if you feel the need.

Hi, everyone. I have missed you all.

I am sorry I have pretty much dropped out of this challenge the past couple of weeks. I have been feeling overwhelmed and anxious about work and about sending DS off to college, and I have resorted to night-time eating when I finally get away from the office after many 12-14 hour days and working 9 days in a row.

I have definitely had an "entitlement attitude" about food and vast quantities of it. UGH! This means that on top of the stress, I wake up nearly every morning feeling sick because of what I ate the night before. I had a weight watchers leader tell us that it takes 3 hours for food to digest and that your body does not digest food while you are asleep, which means that food just kind of ferments in your stomach over night. I have NO IDEA if this is true but it sure feels like it in the mornings. Feeling that way and having to find something comfortable to wear to work does not make for a happy start to my day. : While I am glad I gave away every piece of clothing in the 5 sizes I've dropped, I have been pretty unhappy about the slim pickins' in my wardrobe due to my lack of discipline.

A few huge work commitments have resolved in the past 24 hours which makes me feel like I can get back on track now, but I know there is always the potential for another "crisis" on the not-too-distant horizon, and what I really have to do is learn how to keep control during those times rather than having to recover from all the negative effects of bad eating once I am past those times.

Well, I got up early this morning and made hard-boiled eggs and a huge bowl of salad and packed good stuff for breakfast and lunch today. I also packed fruit and will eat that instead of the light popcorn I seem to fixate on every afternoon - I am definitelly a carb addict and I find that when I am out of control that is what I am eating. I went grocery shopping last night, too, and bought lots of good ingredients to make and freeze soups and chilis to have good stuff available.

I am determined to start the next challenge at least where I started the summer challenge if not less. I have to really get on the ball for the next couple weeks and can probably make that happen.

That is a start to the "physical". Now I have to work on the sad state of affairs that are my "mental" and "spiritual" well-being right now. Yesterday, I sort of spur of the moment booked a weekend away at WDW for a couple weeks from now. We'll get Andrew situated on campus, enjoy Labor Day weekend with some friends, and then I'll take a weekend to regroup and re-charge. I am optimistic that it will help.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Glad you've made your way back with us. Sorry that you have been struggling. Enjoy your time away for Labor Day and at Disney and hopefully you will be feeling regenerated and re-energized and ready for a fresh start!

Much better, thanks. Last night I was up again all night and was doing some research on Zyrtek. Apparently one major withdrawal from it is massive itching and hives. ERGH!! It's the thing I'm taking it for. So, this morning I didn't take any zyrtek, instead I took a cool shower and slathered on the coconut oil. While the hives that I had are still there, they do not itch and I don't have any new ones. The only thing that itches is my scalp which if I had washed my hair today after putting coconut oil in it, I would have been fine but I didn't have time (forgot that DD had kindergarten orientation). My scalp thankfully doesn't bother me to much.
So, I am going the holistic route to cure myself. I'm tired of putting toxins in my body that have side effects that are worse then the illness.

Yeah for holistics!!

Shawn I need you!!!!!!!!!!!!

DH just got a potential job offer in Stuttgart!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do I want to live there? Is it cold? Does it snow a lot??? Do they like Americans?? Can I find a house for 6 people?? Do they speak English???
Do I homeschool my kids? Should I put them in a German school or an American school? I'm leaning towards homeschool because it would free up time for us to travel.
It's for the Army, any info about the base there?

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously?? That is SO COOL!!!! Can't wait to hear more as you find out more about this possibility!



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

Evening friends! I was just ready to put my head on my pillow, but I realized I had not come on to say hi!

Sorry I didn't do more direct responses, but it's getting late!

Another FULL DAY of back to school shopping with DD today.... I'm so DONE with it! But we got more bought today, so I think we are pretty well set. And I managed to get myself a few cute pieces from the clearance rack!

FIngers crossed for a decent weigh-in tomorrow. I've done a few spin classes this week, a few other workouts, and been RELIGIOUS about my food (weighing, measuring, counting, journaling) and careful about my carbs.... plus I'm at a decent place in my cycle. I'll be honest and say that if I don't see at least a 1.5 drop tomorrow I will be absolutely gob-smacked (and annoyed and disgusted). But I WON'T give up! TTYL...........................P

 

[bellebookworm9]

They called yesterday too and assigned me a developmental specialist. When I asked if she is a licensed speech therapist they say no. When I say I'm frustrated that it's been 2 months and I'd prefer a speech therapist they say it's not age appropriate for Dylan and that their program recommends a DS instead.

The woman today said Dylan has trouble getting his words out. She did something called "prompting"? Where she touches Dylan's mouth so he knows where the sound should come from? Does that make sense?

If we have them both come to see what works best how will we know which one is the one getting him to speak more? Will I even know?

I'm not sure about the "licensed" speech therapist part. In NY at least, unless you teach in schools, there is no license requirement. Many therapists are certified by ASHA (American Speech, Language & Hearing Association), but I found out that not everyone is when I had to do my observation hours and needed someone certified.

It is also strange that they say a speech pathologist is not appropriate for his age. My brother had an actual therapist from a very young age. I do know that speech is not covered by most insurance companies (neither are hearing aids, for that matter) but EI is free, at least in New York. I would pick one or the other, because they may not do the same things therapy wise, which could lead to him just getting confused. Since you worked so hard to get the EI, I would try that first. Since it is free, it can't hurt, and if it doesn't seem to be working than try a private clinic. I would also recommend looking to see if any area colleges have clinics (normally free or low cost) that have student clinicians who are supervised by certified ones.

Yup, we learned about prompting in one of my classes last semester. There are a lot of different techniques within that category, but if it makes you feel better, the type that you describe means that he knows where the sounds come from and just needs some help getting them to work properly.

Your place is so cute! And I didn't realize you had a German last name. I tried to translate it, I don't know if the first part means anything but the last part means home. I guess you already know that

Thanks, I'm pretty proud of my decorating skills! Yes, my whole name is very German. I'm told it translates to "happy home". It's funny, because the German is actually from my mom's side-my dad was adopted, and as far as we know, he's mostly Irish.

 

[mackeysmom]

And, now the QOTD for Friday, August 26, 2011. Have you ever heard of the game of expressing yourself in just five words? It can be about any topic. For our purposes today I am going to ask you to express how you feel about this challenge in just five words. It can be about the challenge, about what you did or didn't do, what you might do better, or even how you feel about Disney. It just needs to be said in FIVE words.


Me (this challenge) - Didn't fall completely off wagon.

Runner-up: Pistachio nuts are the enemy

Me (next challenge) - Fifty two days until Vegas!

Group - So much support, thank you.

- Laura (who ate waaay too many "emergency hurricane pistachio nuts" today!

 

[jaelless]

bellebookworm9 thanks for the tip what is the Y&BC thread? Congrats on th weight loss, that is great.

SettinSail thank you as well for thread tips to look at and congrats also on the weight loss. I hope I do as well.

QOTD
Mickey Mouse is the Man
and
I will succeed despite me

 

[pjlla]

MOrning friends! Just a quick moment to say Hi before I head to step class with DD at the Y.

The scale was down nearly 2 pounds today, so I am feeling RELIEVED! I am now just 3 pounds above my maintenance zone. Will work for another 2 pound loss this coming week and then I can kind of "catch my breath".

I double checked the Hurricane path last night after I logged off with you all. Seems like it is definitely going to cover ALL of NH, so I suppose there is no avoiding it at this point. But honestly, I'm SURE it will end up being nothing more than a very windy rain storm. That said, I will take some steps to be prepared in case of power outages and such.

HEre is my list, in case if helps any of you.... or in case I am forgetting something vital!

Cash
gasoline (for cars and generator)
batteries (for flashlights and radios)
cat food
bottled water
ice (I'll put some extra bagged ice in the freezer.)
people food for at least 3-4 days

Around the house............

pick up loose stuff in yard/garden/deck/pool area
double check that screens are secure
lock shed door
keep cat inside

Anything else???

I've gotta get a load on the clothesline while the weather is still good! I'll ttyl...................P

 

[Worfiedoodles]

How Positive is Your Body Image?Which leads me to the QOTD Wednesday, August 24, 2011: How is your body image today? You can take the quiz and share the answer or just tell us how you feel about your body image.

I got "You Love Your Body". I'm not sure that's really true, but it is true that I am satisfied with my body and I don't have unrealistic expectations.

When DS and I went to Quebec a few years ago, I didn't DARE bring anything (food-wise) across the border. I was just too concerned about being stopped or it being confiscated (I"m cheap and it would have made me CRAZY to lose lots of expensive groceries!). It certainly would have made it MUCH easier, but I didn't want to risk it.

As it was, we were barely given even a glance, even with a car FULL Of camping gear, etc. I could have had a cooler full of live bugs and they wouldn't have noticed!

I would bring along food for the road trip itself, but be prepared to dump whatever you have left when you hit the border. If they ask about it, come clean (as I'm sure you would), but if they don't ask, oh well.

I'm guessing sealed packs of nuts and cheeses might be okay. Maybe even sealed containers of hummus. But I don't think I would risk bringing produce.

You should be able to find whatever you want fairly easily once you get there. DS and I were in a fairly rural area with one small grocery, but we had no trouble buying what we wanted.

I think this is excellent advice. This is my first lower carb trip of any length, and I think that's why I was freaking out. I know Canada isn't in the middle of nowhere, I just instinctively think I should bring what I need

Which leads me to the QOTD for Thursday, August 25, 2011: Say something nice about your body.

My body can do things I only dreamed possible. I can give birth, I can run a half marathon, I am not weak --even though I believed that I was physically deficient for a very long time. I may not be able to do a pushup, but I am strong mentally and physically.

I have definitely had an "entitlement attitude" about food and vast quantities of it.

Cam -- So much going on in your life right now. With all the change, it's easy to turn to food to just make some of the stress go away. The problem, as you know, is that it doesn't really go away, it's just suppressed. We've all been where you are (well, I certainly have ), and you have a great attitude right now. Pick yourself up, get excited about your Mickey trip, and focus on the future.

And, now the QOTD for Friday, August 26, 2011. Have you ever heard of the game of expressing yourself in just five words? It can be about any topic. For our purposes today I am going to ask you to express how you feel about this challenge in just five words. It can be about the challenge, about what you did or didn't do, what you might do better, or even how you feel about Disney. It just needs to be said in FIVE words.

You know I'm the queen of verbose, but I'll try to be concise

Challenge: Supportive friends make this fun!

Peformance: Consistency needed throughout the Challenge.

Disney: Entertainment keeps me coming back!

HEre is my list, in case if helps any of you.... or in case I am forgetting something vital!

Cash
gasoline (for cars and generator)
batteries (for flashlights and radios)
cat food
bottled water
ice (I'll put some extra bagged ice in the freezer.)
people food for at least 3-4 days

Around the house............

pick up loose stuff in yard/garden/deck/pool area
double check that screens are secure
lock shed door
keep cat inside

Great list, Pamela! We also have candles for more long-term lighting, flashlights are harsh for hours on end, and we told ds to be sure he has downloaded entertainment to his ipod, because electricity may or may not be available. One more thing to entertain him is a good move for us!

I am staying home today and getting ready for our trip. We're going to leave later on Monday, assuming the storm keeps moving. I need to do , pack, straighten up a bit, and watch some Tivo, since we may not be able to do it Sunday

I've kind of lost my focus on health here at the end. I'm still eating lower carb, but the exercise hasn't happened this week. I had a very sore neck and it's just now starting to feel normal. I think subconsciously I didn't want to make it any worse...

Maria

 

[lisah0711]

Quick good morning post.

First, a big BL thank you to Rose, Dona, CC and Connie96 for all they have done for us this challenge keeping track of us and keeping us organized!

A big BL thank you, too, to all our coaches who kept the conversation moving.

And last, but not least, thanks to all the participants. There would not be a BL challenge without each and every one of you!

Please be sure and PM those numbers to dona, CC and Connie today and stay tuned for the results. Who will be the biggest loser?

 

[my3princes]

Good morning. I slept in the morning and am now planning to do some power cleaning. I'm taking the kids and some of their friends to my parents pool this afternoon as it looks like this may be our last sunny day for a while. This afternoon/evening I need to get some outside things done in prep for the storm on sunday. We may also go to a cruise night tonight.

One of our local radio stations has been doing a back to school contest this week for kids under 14. Each day that asked a super easy question and the winner won a backpack of school supplies and were entered into today's drawing for a limo ride to school on the first day. Hunter qualified on Tuesday, my nephew qualified on Wednesday and Colby and my niece qualified today The backpacks are cheesy, but there was some decent school supplies in there My niece was then picked for the limo ride to school. Since we are neighbors that means all 4 kiddos will get to ride to school in style Tuesday Hunter was a little bummed that he didn't win it himself, but is still excited to ride in a limo Now we need to hope that the school has power and a roof on Tuesday after the storm blows through.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Pamela, don't forget car chargers for your phones.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congratulations everyone! You made it to the end of the challenge! No matter where you are at weight wise, you are still here, and that should be celebrated!

Thank you Lisa for coaching this week!

I know things have been a little crazy with Connie, but go ahead and send your WIN measurements in.

I want to say thank you to Connie, and CC and Dona for all they did this summer. And thank you to our coaches! We couldn't have done it without you.

Janis (buzz5985) is going to be our next hostess. She has been on vacation, but should be popping back in soon. Please join me in welcoming her. Lisa and I will both be around to help out with things as well.

Dvccruiser76 (Sue) will be our new weight keeper. The first weigh in is not until September 9th.

We will still have QOTDs on THIS THREAD for most days until the new challenge starts. I will be coaching this week and Shawn will have the week starting next Friday. Thank you Shawn for coaching over the holiday weekend.

*******
This has been a tough summer for me. Mentally I have really struggled. I am up a couple of pounds and soooooo many times I just wanted to throw in the towel, but I thought of you all and how hard everyone is working. I may not have posted a lot but I really appreciate all your support.

I have learned a lot this summer. Stress is part of life--and we've had a little bit of stress this year at our house, but stress is NOT an excuse to QUIT! I may not be doing as well as I would like, but I am continuing to work on my healthy habits. I am really proud of myself for sticking it out and not just throwing in the towel and going on a continuous chip and dip binge.

So tomorrow I will be back with the QOTD, but I want you all to think about the positive things you have accomplished this summer.

Have a good Friday!

 

[satorifound]

I can't figure which parts I am supposed to measure for the WIN challenge... Anyone?

 

[lisah0711]

I can't figure which parts I am supposed to measure for the WIN challenge... Anyone?

Arm
bust
waist
hips
thigh

Congrats again on being the BL this week!

 

[pjlla]

Pamela, don't forget car chargers for your phones.

GOt them! We have use them daily because DD is constantly falling asleep with her phone in her hand at night and forgetting to plug it in to charge, so we need to charge as we drive to _____________ (fill in the blank with school, church or swim)

They are a great idea for everyone all the time though..... too bad they are so darn expensive!

Good morning. I slept in the morning and am now planning to do some power cleaning. I'm taking the kids and some of their friends to my parents pool this afternoon as it looks like this may be our last sunny day for a while. This afternoon/evening I need to get some outside things done in prep for the storm on sunday. We may also go to a cruise night tonight.

One of our local radio stations has been doing a back to school contest this week for kids under 14. Each day that asked a super easy question and the winner won a backpack of school supplies and were entered into today's drawing for a limo ride to school on the first day. Hunter qualified on Tuesday, my nephew qualified on Wednesday and Colby and my niece qualified today The backpacks are cheesy, but there was some decent school supplies in there My niece was then picked for the limo ride to school. Since we are neighbors that means all 4 kiddos will get to ride to school in style Tuesday Hunter was a little bummed that he didn't win it himself, but is still excited to ride in a limo Now we need to hope that the school has power and a roof on Tuesday after the storm blows through.

According to DD this is "so cool!" and she is jealous!

Congratulations everyone! You made it to the end of the challenge! No matter where you are at weight wise, you are still here, and that should be celebrated!

Thank you Lisa for coaching this week!

I know things have been a little crazy with Connie, but go ahead and send your WIN measurements in.

I want to say thank you to Connie, and CC and Dona for all they did this summer. And thank you to our coaches! We couldn't have done it without you.

Janis (buzz5985) is going to be our next hostess. She has been on vacation, but should be popping back in soon. Please join me in welcoming her. Lisa and I will both be around to help out with things as well.

Dvccruiser76 (Sue) will be our new weight keeper. The first weigh in is not until September 9th.

We will still have QOTDs on THIS THREAD for most days until the new challenge starts. I will be coaching this week and Shawn will have the week starting next Friday. Thank you Shawn for coaching over the holiday weekend.

*******
This has been a tough summer for me. Mentally I have really struggled. I am up a couple of pounds and soooooo many times I just wanted to throw in the towel, but I thought of you all and how hard everyone is working. I may not have posted a lot but I really appreciate all your support.

I have learned a lot this summer. Stress is part of life--and we've had a little bit of stress this year at our house, but stress is NOT an excuse to QUIT! I may not be doing as well as I would like, but I am continuing to work on my healthy habits. I am really proud of myself for sticking it out and not just throwing in the towel and going on a continuous chip and dip binge.

So tomorrow I will be back with the QOTD, but I want you all to think about the positive things you have accomplished this summer.

Have a good Friday!

Rose.... sorry you have been struggling SO MUCH this summer. But I am proud of you that you are continuing to learn how to live this healthier lifestyle and you haven't given up! You are a CONSTANT inspiration to me with your meat-free/wheat-free lifestyle and all of the continued running. I do occasionally check out the Princess thread and I've been following your journal when you post too, so I know it has been a really tough few months for you lately.

***********

Okay ladies..... things have been really quiet here today. I guess all us East Coasters are battening down the hatches for the storm! And everyone else is busy enjoying the end of the summer I suppose.

I will admit to doing some storm prep today (bought some batteries, extra cat food) and I will probably go put the lawn furniture away when I'm done chatting here. Wish I could take a chainsaw to the big trees near the house, but I guess I'll just pray and stay out of that corner of the house!

I forgot to take the gas cans with me this morning, so I'll have to fill those tomorrow. NBD.

I will say a prayer for ALL of you along the East Coast, of course, and as others have said, check in when you can to let us know you are safe!

Well.... I was the confused uncoordinated old lady in the Step Fusion class this morning at the YMCA! For someone who danced for years and years and was a cheerleader, etc, I was REMARKABLY uncoordinated and stupid looking..... but that said, I did really work up a good sweat, got my heart rate up, and the hour went by very quickly.... so despite feeling like a stupid fool, I may try it again!

Grilled marinated chicken, sliced tomatoes, and roasted cauliflower for dinner tonight. I'm splurging on a sweet potato too! Yeah for carbs!!

DD is in the kitchen making tie-dyed cupcakes for the swim team BBQ tomorrow, so I'm trying to stay out of the way (and away from the yummy batter). I guess I could go fold laundry or something!

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

 

[satorifound]

Arm
bust
waist
hips
thigh

Congrats again on being the BL this week!

Oooh, thank you. I didn't even realize I was. LOL I get lost in this thread...

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

FYI, change in plans we are aiming for Buffalo. 2 hours closer from Ohio but further from the action.
Trying to roll out early in the AM, just have to get 1 mini to storage and the trailer.

Stay safe y'all!!

 

[pjlla]

Catching up on the QOTD............

And, now the QOTD for Friday, August 26, 2011. Have you ever heard of the game of expressing yourself in just five words? It can be about any topic. For our purposes today I am going to ask you to express how you feel about this challenge in just five words. It can be about the challenge, about what you did or didn't do, what you might do better, or even how you feel about Disney. It just needs to be said in FIVE words.

How I feel about this challenge......"Not great, won't give up."

What I could do better......."Need to get more exercise."

Disney....."I will miss you, Mickey!" (cause chances are my next visit won't be for about 10 years!)

Other.........."I LOVE my WISH friends!"

FYI, change in plans we are aiming for Buffalo. 2 hours closer from Ohio but further from the action.
Trying to roll out early in the AM, just have to get 1 mini to storage and the trailer.

Stay safe y'all!!

You stay safe too!

What was really astonishing is that it quoted a newspaper article that surveyed overweight women. "A quarter said they'd rather be severely depressed than obese. About 15 percent said they'd rather be blind. A full 49 percent said they'd trade five years of their life not to be obese."

SO scary that people think this way!! Obesity is a TREATABLE disease.... without medication or hospitalization! But severe depression, blindness, premature death?????? HOLY COW!!

It is telling of how DESPERATE people feel about being overweight.


But this fate does not have to be ours. One of the solutions is to end the negative self talk and "retrain" your brain into a more positive outlook -- easier said than done, I know.

Which leads me to the QOTD for Thursday, August 25, 2011: Say something nice about your body.

I've got good legs! I was blessed to not inherit my Mom's varicose veins and I don't have "cankles" (to quote Hannah Montana ). Even at 200+ pounds, I've always had decent legs, at least from mid-thigh down! And even during the DEBACLE of my attempt at Step class this morning, I noticed in the mirror that my legs were looking particularly sculpted! And even though I really don't like to wear sandals, I have pretty decent feet.... no overly long second toe, no hammer toes, no nail fungus, no bunions!


There we go....I'm all caught up! Good night!...............P