From ZERO to HERO - The October 2015 W.I.S.H. Challenge

[JacknSally]

Do you have pictures of wall-to-wall creeps?? I want to see what that translates to in costume!

This is exactly what I was coming to ask! Also to say - please tell me you went with someone dressed as "hot and cold running chills"!!

 

[courtneybeth]

You can TOTALLY knock 6lbs out of the park this month!! I wish you the best of luck with your candy goal... No trick-or-treating at MNSSHP, I'm guessing? You've got thi

Candy goal will be so hard but I have to remember something: I am in this position because I ate too much candy and once you start you cannot stop! I'm definitely trick-or-treating at Mickey's Halloween Party in two weeks, but I'll be doing it for my office. I have a quilt wall-hanging that I made that looks like trick-or-treat bags that needs candy refills. There's my source!

 

[SureAsLiz]

Do you have pictures of wall-to-wall creeps?? I want to see what that translates to in costume!

This is exactly what I was coming to ask! Also to say - please tell me you went with someone dressed as "hot and cold running chills"!!

Here's the costume that actually made it to the party. With the obnoxious heat during the day and then the torrential downpour at night, I had to shed a few pieces.



(the skirt is covered in little eyes if it's hard to tell)

The full outfit also also had a purple scarf, black tights, boots, and some make up. But the skirt and HM MagicBand were all that made it.

 

[Trith]

1 - WHAT was your motivation for getting started on this journey, or joining the thread this month?
2 - HOW will you, as a participant, try to keep yourself motivated this month? Visually, with pictures or a "pounds to go" jar or a graph? Audibly, with an "Eye of the Tiger" type get-up-and-get-moving theme music? Which, by the way, if that's what you'll do, PLEASE tell me what song you pick! Tangibly, with rewards along the way?
3 - HOW can we as a group, and I as a host, help keep you motivated throughout the month? Thought provoking questions? Daily PM's? Buddy systems? Sending little happies in the mail or electronically when you hit 100%

1. It was time to drag myself out of my slump! Also, I have a couple of vacations coming up! Disney in a month and a bit, and it really is so much nicer walking around when my thighs aren't rubbing together. Then Mexico for new years, where I would like to be comfortable wandering around in a bikini.

2. Can we link/embed youtube videos here? I have a few goofy songs that are motivating me right now. In the end, though, motivation is fleeting and everything comes down to having the discipline to continue on every day. I'm trying to make things a bit easier on myself than last time (less strict on macros, a few more calories) to try to make it stick better. The gym is just something that I need to do whether I like it or not. I just have to drag myself over there. Once I'm there, I'll enjoy myself and be fine. And I don't think I've ever regretted a work out, but I've certainly regretted not doing a work out, you know?

3. Come to my house, grab me by the ear and drag me to the gym every couple of days, k?

****

I've been reading through the whole but there's just so many people to respond to! All I can say is keep it up, everyone- you're all champs.

Have had a good day of eating, planning to go over to the gym soon. Weigh in tomorrow!

 

[CruisingKate]

1 - WHAT was your motivation for getting started on this journey, or joining the thread this month?
2 - HOW will you, as a participant, try to keep yourself motivated this month? Visually, with pictures or a "pounds to go" jar or a graph? Audibly, with an "Eye of the Tiger" type get-up-and-get-moving theme music? Which, by the way, if that's what you'll do, PLEASE tell me what song you pick! Tangibly, with rewards along the way?
3 - HOW can we as a group, and I as a host, help keep you motivated throughout the month? Thought provoking questions? Daily PM's? Buddy systems? Sending little happies in the mail or electronically when you hit 100%?

Jumping in! My goal is a 5 pound loss.

Joined this thread last month and it really kept me motivated, although I didn't actually participate as much as I would have liked in the discussions. My motivation for joining -- several years ago I made Lifetime at WW. I rejoined WW last month - 30 pounds over my goal wt. Eeekk! I've found in this month that the weight is coming off so much slower, now that I am in my 50s. My long term motivation is for my health. Short term is a class reunion next month and a Disney trip in December.

I have WW meetings/accountability to keep me motivated. I also have 2 pairs of jeans that are tight - fitting into them comfortably will motivate me.

Just facilitating/leading this thread this month, especially with the wedding this month, is a huge help -- THANKS, JacknSally !!

 

[dsnyfn1022]

Love it! That's so creative!

 

[JacknSally]

Good night/good morning, everyone!!

Since tomorrow is shaping up to be a full day around my house, I am going to go ahead and put up the Question of the Weekend for October 3 & 4... There won't be another question posted on Sunday - this one will cover the whole weekend. BUT that doesn't mean that conversation can't go on!

This one has a little bit of selfishness behind it, I admit, but it's still a fun one to think about! I am sitting here trying to come up with a list of things to make sure I pack for Disney, and I KNOW I am forgetting important things!! Not sure if @ANforever1030 is also having this problem, but since I'm not the only one in our thread that is going to Disney in the near future, let's talk about packing!



QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?



Don't forget to report your progress this weekend, if you haven't already!!


I hope everyone has an amazing Saturday! I will definitely be checking in as often as I can. Looking forward to another day of awesome chatter!
​

 

[ilovevacation]

QOTD for October 1, 2015

It sounds pretty simple, I'll admit. Tell us all about your GOAL for October, and your PLAN to get you there. But I want everyone to go a step further - we did this somewhat inadvertently in the September thread, and I think it was actually really good for everyone! What obstacles do you need to overcome this month to stay on track? Are you your own worst enemy? Does your willpower and determination leave something to be desired? OR, is it your calendar that's got it in for you? Take a look at what you've got planned this month - vacations, weddings, birthdays, reunions, work projects, finals, marathons, yard sales, whatever. It doesn't matter what it is. Happy, sad, exciting, stressful. Take a look at that activity or event or occasion and anticipate HOW it might affect your goal or your plan this month. If you become aware of it now - really, truly aware - rather than let it sneak up on you, it will be SO much easier to jump that hurdle!

​

Hello friends! I can't believe I haven't been in in a few days.
1. Goal- My goal is an average of 10k steps per day
2. Obstacles - working long days, I am usually gone for 15h of the days, so at times it is hard to find time to exercise especially as the weather gets worse. Plus, I have to overcome lack of will power. As you can see I already making excuses for the weather. Also, when I do insanity my tracker doesn't give me many steps, so i struggle with knowing that I put my hour of drenching sweat in and gel like I didn't have anything to show for it.

 

[ilovevacation]

Your THREE PART QOTD for Friday, October 2, 2015

1 - WHAT was your motivation for getting started on this journey, or joining the thread this month?
2 - HOW will you, as a participant, try to keep yourself motivated this month? Visually, with pictures or a "pounds to go" jar or a graph? Audibly, with an "Eye of the Tiger" type get-up-and-get-moving theme music? Which, by the way, if that's what you'll do, PLEASE tell me what song you pick! Tangibly, with rewards along the way?
3 - HOW can we as a group, and I as a host, help keep you motivated throughout the month? Thought provoking questions? Daily PM's? Buddy systems? Sending little happies in the mail or electronically ​

1. My motivation for getting started this month is the desire to be the healthiest me. I want to feel comfortable in my clothes.
2.I plan to keep myself motivated by monitoring my steps on my jawbone daily.
3. I would love if anyone else had a jawbone if we could link up and hold each other accountable. Let me know!

 

[ilovevacation]

QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?

​

I don't think I pack anything out of the norm. I am a bit of a control freak, so I have a packing list on my phone that I update whenever I think of something else to add. When we are there and I find that I bring things that never leave our suitcase I remove from the list. For example, I always bring snacks, but way too many and I bring most of the them home. I also always bring pepto bismol, I don eat a lot of fried so my stomach always hurt from vacation eating.

 

[ilovevacation]

As for my progress I have gotten 9k steps the last 2 days, so my goal is 12k today. I don't plan on weighing in since for me it's about how I feel and not obtaining a certain goal regarding by weight. I find that I always fail when I pick a random # to achieve, because I allow myself too many liberties once I hit that #. Plus, I dint own a scale

 

[pjlla]

Girl, you said it! I think that's what the majority of us have trouble with... Not figuring out a plan that works, but actually DOING the plan we come up with! I can't tell you how many "diets" I've said didn't work for me, when the truth of it is that I only really stuck to it for a day or two. Just remember - be sure to indulge yourself (without being too harsh on yourself) every once in a while. Cheese and bread are wonderful, in moderation! If you "just say no", especially to something you love, eventually you'll break and before you know it you've emoji'ed a pizza every night for the last two weeks. Or maybe that's just me! Haha.

This is a GREAT statement (especially about the emoji pizza....)!!

I am a big proponent of "baby steps", so GOOD FOR YOU, focusing on the food this month and not worrying about exercise. Seriously. I know you need them both together, and I know that some people can just wake up one morning and start all this and before you know it they've got a fridge full of mason jar salads and a closet full of running clothes. But that is so not me! Too many changes all at once and I go crazy. Good for you, setting yourself up to succeed!

You are SO RIGHT! We cannot compare ourselves to that crazy person you mentioned (that I underlined and italiceds) who seems to get all of their sh*t together in one day! Baby steps, mini goals, whatever it takes to get MOVING in the right direction!

That's SO frustrating about your cousin, though it sounds like it worked out in the end. If it makes you feel any better, she will never, ever be able to find a keychain with her name on it.

BWAHAHAHA!!


YES! I will forever be in your debt. Haha. I'm excited that the cooler months are coming, so at the very least we can try out some soups... Half of my crock pot got misplaced in the move, though, and we have yet to locate it... It's the really important part, that the ceramic sits into, and provides all the heat, and has the "high/low/warm" dial... Really hoping it didn't get left in a cabinet at the last house on accident!

Give me a chance to see what I've already got on the computer and what I only have in long-hand form and I'll share some on the WISH recipe thread and post a link here!


WOO! Made it all the way through, up to today's QOTD, which I will be back in a little while to answer for myself and pick up where I left off with responses. At some point today, I need to actually get a little work done while I'm at work.

Hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC FRIDAY!!

Hope your Friday was FANTASTIC and that your Saturday and Sunday are SUPER!!

1. It was time to drag myself out of my slump! Also, I have a couple of vacations coming up! Disney in a month and a bit, and it really is so much nicer walking around when my thighs aren't rubbing together. Then Mexico for new years, where I would like to be comfortable wandering around in a bikini.

Ooohhh.... a bikini! WOWZA!

2. Can we link/embed youtube videos here? I have a few goofy songs that are motivating me right now. In the end, though, motivation is fleeting and everything comes down to having the discipline to continue on every day. I'm trying to make things a bit easier on myself than last time (less strict on macros, a few more calories) to try to make it stick better. The gym is just something that I need to do whether I like it or not. I just have to drag myself over there. Once I'm there, I'll enjoy myself and be fine. And I don't think I've ever regretted a work out, but I've certainly regretted not doing a work out, you know?

I don't know the answer to this, but I'd love to see a goofy song video!

3. Come to my house, grab me by the ear and drag me to the gym every couple of days, k?

Only if they can stop and snag me along the way!!!

****

I've been reading through the whole but there's just so many people to respond to! All I can say is keep it up, everyone- you're all champs.

Have had a good day of eating, planning to go over to the gym soon. Weigh in tomorrow!

Don't worry too much about keeping up..... just do the best you can and don't be intimidated by all of the chatter!

Jumping in! My goal is a 5 pound loss.

Joined this thread last month and it really kept me motivated, although I didn't actually participate as much as I would have liked in the discussions. My motivation for joining -- several years ago I made Lifetime at WW. I rejoined WW last month - 30 pounds over my goal wt. Eeekk! I've found in this month that the weight is coming off so much slower, now that I am in my 50s. My long term motivation is for my health. Short term is a class reunion next month and a Disney trip in December.

I have WW meetings/accountability to keep me motivated. I also have 2 pairs of jeans that are tight - fitting into them comfortably will motivate me.

Just facilitating/leading this thread this month, especially with the wedding this month, is a huge help -- THANKS, JacknSally !!

Welcome back to the chatter and welcome back to WW! Yes, weight loss after 50 STINKS!

Good night/good morning, everyone!!

Since tomorrow is shaping up to be a full day around my house, I am going to go ahead and put up the Question of the Weekend for October 3 & 4... There won't be another question posted on Sunday - this one will cover the whole weekend. BUT that doesn't mean that conversation can't go on!

This one has a little bit of selfishness behind it, I admit, but it's still a fun one to think about! I am sitting here trying to come up with a list of things to make sure I pack for Disney, and I KNOW I am forgetting important things!! Not sure if @ANforever1030 is also having this problem, but since I'm not the only one in our thread that is going to Disney in the near future, let's talk about packing!


QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?



Don't forget to report your progress this weekend, if you haven't already!!


I hope everyone has an amazing Saturday! I will definitely be checking in as often as I can. Looking forward to another day of awesome chatter!
​

ME too, ME too! I'm packing for BERMUDA! Don't need exactly the same things as for WDW or DL, but I can't wait to see what folks bring along! BTW, I LOVE that image!!

Such a FUN QOTD! Love it!! I am a CHRONIC "be prepared for ANYTHING" type of packer, so my list is so long! I think the thing that I pack that many folks don't, is a TON of OTC meds for nearly ANY issue that could crop up. To me, nothing would make a wreck of a vacation faster than having something that at home would be easily treated, but is a PITA to have on vacation. This could involved paying for a taxi to a local 24 hour pharmacy at all hours of the night, missing a park day, or even a trip to Urgent Care or the ER! So I pack myself (and my kiddos, especially when they go abroad) a medicine cabinet of "JUST IN CASE" stuff!

The list usually includes:

Pepto-Bismal (chewables are easier and take up less space)
Imodium
laxative
Benefiber
Gas-X (can you tell I've had "traveler's belly" a time or two?)

daytime cold/cough/flu medicine

nighttime cold/cough/flu medicine

cough drops/throat lozenges

nasal spray (both saline and decongestant)

band-aids/blister band-aids/gauze pads

moleskin

anti-itch cream

rash cream/hydrocortizone cream

prescription itch/rash cream (DS has skin issues)

antibiotic ointment

splinter kit (tweezers, needle, alcohol prep)

Vaseline (don't like to use petroleum products, but this is so useful for so many issues!)

Butt Paste (aka A&D ointment or diaper rash cream.... also useful for many issues!)

Tylenol

Advil

Swimmer's ear medicine

Benadryl (especially for DS with his allergies)

eye drops (for allergy eyes especially)

cold sore medicine (Abreva)

Bonine (or Dramamine)


PHEW! Does that sound like enough??! Honestly, I reduce everything down to the smallest packaging possible, use chewables over liquids whenever possible and I can get all of this into about a 2 gallon ziptop bag. I don't pack days and days of dosages..... just enough for 48-72 hours because by then I figure you could find a pharmacy without too much trouble.

DD has been able to help out fellow travelers on a number of occasions.... after they made fun of her for overpacking! Ahhhh....KARMA!

Oh another note..... when DD and I travel to Disney, she makes up a playlist for the car (I rent a car.... I am too OCD to wait for Disney buses!) and we listen to it every morning on our way to the parks, between parks, etc..... and those songs are now some of my favorite memories of our trips! She made me a video montage from our 2013 trip using those songs and..... oh my heart!! We start out each day with the Beatles "Here comes the sun"..... and what a WONDERFUL way to head to Magic Kingdom as the sun is rising on a beautiful day in Florida!

More specific to Disney.....

disposable ponchos.... $1 each at my local discount store and SO WORTH IT! I am DONE packing oversized raincoats or trying to dry out and fold expensive Mickey Mouse ponchos! I am a VERY "green" person and I rarely throw away plastic.... but sometimes it is worth the "carbon footprint" hit! I try to be extra careful at home to make up for it. In fact, I am packing those ponchos for Bermuda. Not sure what our weather will be, but Mom and I will carry a poncho around in our beach bags every day!

TWO pairs of comfortable shoes/sneakers...... this is a Disney novice item, I know, but it bears repeating.

Healthy YUMMY snacks.... no sense in packing snacks that don't have any appeal.... especially when they are going up against Mickey bars! If your healthy packs are NOT tasty, you will skip them every time and come home with a suitcase full of crushed granola bars!

Back-up batteries for EVERYTHING..... my phone and camera batteries NEVER make it through a full day at WDW!

CHAPSTICK and SUNSCREEN! Never leave home without them!

Okay..... is that long enough!!?? ................................P

 

[pjlla]

Okay..... GOOD MORNING! I've answer the QOTW and I have just a few minutes left of my allotted computer time to chat! I was supposed to drive DS to SAT testing this morning, but DH offered to get up and go, so I told myself I could fritter away the time I would have otherwise spent driving, on the computer. But I've got about 2 minutes left!

Haven't posted my GOAL for October yet, so here goes......

Since I will be traveling this month, I am aiming for an overall loss of just ONE (1) pound this month! What I am REALLY hoping for is to lose a pound or more in the next 11 days and then have a minimal gain on the trip and then take it off when I get home, BEFORE October ends! My starting weight for the month was last Friday's weight (I nearly always weigh-in on Fridays, so that is usually my "official" number) and I am down .4 from that number as of today. So I guess I am 40% of the way to my goal for the month!! Wow! That feels good!

Okay..... today we are heading south to celebrate my DMIL's 93rd birthday. I am the one who planned the party, so I pretty much know what will be there for food. I was contemplating in my head whether this should be a splurge day or not. This would have pretty much meant "will I have a slice of pizza or stick with chicken and veggies and will I have some cake??" I wanted it to be a CONSCIOUS CHOICE ahead of time, rather than an impulse when faced with the food. I was weighing my choices when I decided to put this week's line on the graph I am currently using to chart my weight loss (yup, I'm a visual person). I have been SO DELIGHTED to see a steady downward trend on my graph and I decided that I didn't want to risk that trend by indulging (and possibly over-indulging) on cake and pizza. I definitely COULD eat the pizza and cake, since I rarely even hit my daily PPV target, and almost NEVER use my extra weekly 49 PointsPlus.... but I am just DAYS away from this vacation and I will have plenty of time to indulge there! And the food will be far more interesting (I HOPE) than a Costco pizza and sheet cake! So my plan for today's party goes like this.....

eat a healthy breakfast (check!)

eat a mid-morning snack of fruit

eat a light but healthy lunch on the car ride (so as not to hit Costco STARVING)

eat a healthy portion of chicken, veggies, salad.... don't worry about portion sizes!

bring along a small HEALTHY OP treat to eat when others are having cake

bring along a few teabags and have a nice cup of green tea with that treat.

decide NOW that my eating day will END when we leave DMIL's house..... no late night snacking when I get home!

Okay! Now that I've laid it all out, it sounds GOOD!!! I can do this!

TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE! No wi-fi at DMIL's, so this will probably be it for me for today! TTY tomorrow!..................P

 

[dsnyfn1022]

I lost 1 pound this week which is 18% to goal. So far I've worked out 3 days but I'm going to get up and go this morning which will be day 4 for the week. I almost didn't go last night but I talked myself into it

As for the QOTW I dont pack anything too out of the ordinary but the months that I go can be pretty variable weather wise (I went in October one year when there was an unexpected cold snap in the middle of our trip that brought nighttime temps down to like 45 degrees which made MNSSHP a little brisk). So I usually pack for different weather scenarios. Meaning I'll wear a light jacket and jeans to the airport (it's cooler in KC when I leave) and maybe pack another pair of jeans and then capris/shorts. Last October when I went the week before Columbus Day it was like 90 degrees or more all week. Needless to say I didn't wear the jeans I packed!

 

[DisPup75]

Hi! I'm going to start my catching up by responding to the QOTDs, QOTW, and check-ins and then will be back later for some chatting. THERE IS SO MUCH GREAT STUFF HERE!! I'm really enjoying reading along!

The end of the week is officially here! What are your plans for the weekend? Anyone doing anything fun? Anyone doing anything boring?

I was going to clean my house but then I logged on here.... So many posts that it might take the whole weekend to catch up!

Seriously, I've got a boring weekend planned! The house and the dog are both desperately in need of baths. The cat is too but she is off the hook because it is so cold. Seriously, what happened to the nice fall weather? It is still pouring down rain and I'd be surprised if it is 40 degrees out there. May just need to turn on the heat.

I've got a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove and am trying to think up two more make ahead meals. My WW coach's action plan for the week included cooking 3 make ahead meals over the weekend so I'm better prepared for next week. I like the plan. I just haven't a clue what I want to cook.

Your THREE PART QOTD for Friday, October 2, 2015

1 - WHAT was your motivation for getting started on this journey, or joining the thread this month?
2 - HOW will you, as a participant, try to keep yourself motivated this month? Visually, with pictures or a "pounds to go" jar or a graph? Audibly, with an "Eye of the Tiger" type get-up-and-get-moving theme music? Which, by the way, if that's what you'll do, PLEASE tell me what song you pick! Tangibly, with rewards along the way?
3 - HOW can we as a group, and I as a host, help keep you motivated throughout the month? Thought provoking questions? Daily PM's? Buddy systems? Sending little happies in the mail or electronically when you hit 100%?

1. I've been trying to put my finger on the answer to this question. Joining this thread again was easy - it is the greatest tool in my toolbox. But as far as my decision to finally do something about my weight back in June.... That is more complicated. I was just so unhappy. I was flirting with my highest weight ever back in May and I was so embarrassed. I flaked out on two weddings back home because I didn't want to face people I hadn't seen in a while. I'm horrified to admit this but I was becoming increasingly convinced my husband was no longer attracted to me (although the reality of that is far more complicated). Partially because of weight, partially because I just wasn't taking care of myself. My entire body was aching and my trick knee was starting to buckle regularly. And the exhaustion. The soul crushing exhaustion. I'm tall enough that my highest weight wasn't all that far into obesity on the BMI charts but I've got a teeny tiny frame that isn't meant to carry nearly this much weight. Physical pain is something of a wake up call.

I've had so much stress in my life in the past 5-10 years - my father died, my mother is is ill, 3 of my grandparents died, my husband had something of breakdown and has suffered frequent bouts of severe depression ever since. Plus the crazy never-ending work. Food was my comfort and sometimes my only source of joy. Joy quickly followed by self loathing. I really, really needed to do something for myself. And to take care of myself instead of everyone else.

So I suppose my motivation is myself. I'm lost somewhere in this mess I've become. And I want to be free.

2. I do have a few visual indicators. One of my favorites is a paper clip chain in my office - a little clip for every pound plus a big clip for every fine. Clips to go live in a bowl next to the chain. It helps me avoid the office buffet of snacks. I also have a series of dresses that are each slightly smaller than the next. I try them on about once a week. One of them has joined the regular rotation and another is only about a week or away if I keep it together. The last one can be zipped again!!

I've also promised myself an item or two of clothing for every 10 pounds. And pedicures will resume if I ever go to the gym.

I love my music but I don't have a theme song quite yet. I should adopt one though!

3. All of the smiling faces here are motivation enough from the group for me!

Don't forget that it's Friday, so it's time to weigh in! I know we're only on day 2, but just to get everyone familiar with the process - since we have LOTS of new faces this month!!! - let's go ahead and do a check in this weekend! 100% no pressure on anyone.

I started at 203.4 and weighed in at 201.8 this morning (goodbye birthday dinner and the accompanying water weight)! That puts me down 1.6 or 32% of my 5 pound goal!! And a mere .6 pounds from just plain overweight!

QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?

I actually take a lot less than I used to pack. Traveling light makes me happy and I've accepted that if I absolutely need something, I can buy it there.

Essentials are my cameras, lenses, and extra memory cards & batteries, lots of sunblock, and several pairs of good walking sandals (I alternate between keens and 2 pairs of tevas). Oh! And my tiara.

Road trip necessities! My iPad is loaded with things to keep me entertained on both planes and in the car (DH does 99.9% of driving so I can play). For road trips, I have lots of up tempo play lists (heavily punk and 80s pop influenced plus some classic rock for DH) and usually download a few books on tape. I also subscribe to a magazine app so have lots of magazines downloaded plus a few books. I like the lines app on road trips to WDW so I can annoy DH with updated wait times for random attractions. Absolute needs are a car charger for the devices, homemade cookies and Chex mix, cheese, grapes, and carrot sticks. And lots of water and lip balm (I get dehydrated in the car).

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

I started at 235.0 and weighed in this morning at 232.2 so I am down 2.8 pounds or 23.3% of my twelve pound goal.

As for packing, we also drive so the bed of my truck is usually packed to the gills with a stroller, a couple of coolers, 4 suitcases, groceries and anything else we can think of that we might need.

 

[contempgal]

QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?

I will be making my first trip to WDW with my DD next month. I've been several times before but I know packing for a toddler is a totally different ballgame. I've already been brainstorming and taking notes on my phone as to what I need to take. I know that will include as bandaids, childrens motrin and Tylenol, packs of tissues, ponchos, hair ties, sunscreen, childrens culturelle, vitamins, oils (I'm a Doterra woman), lip balm (my addiction), hand sanitizer, DD's allergy meds, Wen for DD's unruly hair, It's a 10 (love that stuff), makeup, lotion, women's essentials ;-) and I know I'm forgetting so much more. I will be shipping snacks as DD is a picky eater. She loves Quaker breakfast shakes, which I can't find anywhere anymore, but will take some of my stockpile. I'll also probably ship pretzels, Cheetos, horizon milk, slim jims and nuts.

And...my check-in #1, my goal is to lose 10 pounds and I'm currently down 1.8 pounds. Yippee.

 

[courtneybeth]

Weigh-in Results - Week 1

Pounds lost: 2 of 5
Goal Progress: 40%



Wow - what an excellent way to start a month! If I can lose another 2 pounds I'll make the jump from Obese to Overweight on the BMI scale. (I'm at 166 and 5'2". I think BMI wants me at 130 and I was going to see how 150 looked first before I continued). I suspect that with a 2 pound loss this week that next week will be a bit slower with maybe .5 or just a pound. But let's see how it goes.

 

[Trith]

Good night/good morning, everyone!!

Since tomorrow is shaping up to be a full day around my house, I am going to go ahead and put up the Question of the Weekend for October 3 & 4... There won't be another question posted on Sunday - this one will cover the whole weekend. BUT that doesn't mean that conversation can't go on!

This one has a little bit of selfishness behind it, I admit, but it's still a fun one to think about! I am sitting here trying to come up with a list of things to make sure I pack for Disney, and I KNOW I am forgetting important things!! Not sure if @ANforever1030 is also having this problem, but since I'm not the only one in our thread that is going to Disney in the near future, let's talk about packing!

View attachment 126987

QOTW for October 3 & 4, 2015
What are your essential must-pack items for a trip to Disney World and/or Disneyland? Do you take along anything that most people probably wouldn't think to take?
We are driving, too, so feel free to include any helpful roadtrip necessities! Must-play music? Life-changing iPhone apps (like GasBuddy!)? Snacks?



Don't forget to report your progress this weekend, if you haven't already!!


I hope everyone has an amazing Saturday! I will definitely be checking in as often as I can. Looking forward to another day of awesome chatter!
​

BUG SPRAY. SO MUCH BUG SPRAY. I don't know what it is about my blood chemistry and the little biters in Florida but they LOVE my ankles. I've had trips there where I've gotten so many bites that my ankles swell to a size where I can't wear my runners. I don't care to repeat that so I drench my feet in bug spray at night now.

Lots of Advil as well, 'cause we can't have no foot pain slowing us down.

For packing itself, I've fallen in love with the app PackPoint (Android, not sure if there's an iPhone version). You input where you're going, how long and activities and it generates a packing list for you. From there you can add anything it missed, remove anything you don't need and change amounts. Then, as you're packing you just check things off the list. Checked off items gets greyed out at the bottom of the list, so it's easy to reverse it when you're packing things up to go home.

Hello friends! I can't believe I haven't been in in a few days.
1. Goal- My goal is an average of 10k steps per day
2. Obstacles - working long days, I am usually gone for 15h of the days, so at times it is hard to find time to exercise especially as the weather gets worse. Plus, I have to overcome lack of will power. As you can see I already making excuses for the weather. Also, when I do insanity my tracker doesn't give me many steps, so i struggle with knowing that I put my hour of drenching sweat in and gel like I didn't have anything to show for it.

I know it would be a bit pricey, but what about a heart rate monitor for insanity? It's a bit more accurate for workouts.

ME too, ME too! I'm packing for BERMUDA! Don't need exactly the same things as for WDW or DL, but I can't wait to see what folks bring along! BTW, I LOVE that image!!

Such a FUN QOTD! Love it!! I am a CHRONIC "be prepared for ANYTHING" type of packer, so my list is so long! I think the thing that I pack that many folks don't, is a TON of OTC meds for nearly ANY issue that could crop up. To me, nothing would make a wreck of a vacation faster than having something that at home would be easily treated, but is a PITA to have on vacation. This could involved paying for a taxi to a local 24 hour pharmacy at all hours of the night, missing a park day, or even a trip to Urgent Care or the ER! So I pack myself (and my kiddos, especially when they go abroad) a medicine cabinet of "JUST IN CASE" stuff!

The list usually includes:

Pepto-Bismal (chewables are easier and take up less space)
Imodium
laxative
Benefiber
Gas-X (can you tell I've had "traveler's belly" a time or two?)

daytime cold/cough/flu medicine

nighttime cold/cough/flu medicine

cough drops/throat lozenges

nasal spray (both saline and decongestant)

band-aids/blister band-aids/gauze pads

moleskin

anti-itch cream

rash cream/hydrocortizone cream

prescription itch/rash cream (DS has skin issues)

antibiotic ointment

splinter kit (tweezers, needle, alcohol prep)

Vaseline (don't like to use petroleum products, but this is so useful for so many issues!)

Butt Paste (aka A&D ointment or diaper rash cream.... also useful for many issues!)

Tylenol

Advil

Swimmer's ear medicine

Benadryl (especially for DS with his allergies)

eye drops (for allergy eyes especially)

cold sore medicine (Abreva)

Bonine (or Dramamine)


PHEW! Does that sound like enough??! Honestly, I reduce everything down to the smallest packaging possible, use chewables over liquids whenever possible and I can get all of this into about a 2 gallon ziptop bag. I don't pack days and days of dosages..... just enough for 48-72 hours because by then I figure you could find a pharmacy without too much trouble.

DD has been able to help out fellow travelers on a number of occasions.... after they made fun of her for overpacking! Ahhhh....KARMA!

Oh another note..... when DD and I travel to Disney, she makes up a playlist for the car (I rent a car.... I am too OCD to wait for Disney buses!) and we listen to it every morning on our way to the parks, between parks, etc..... and those songs are now some of my favorite memories of our trips! She made me a video montage from our 2013 trip using those songs and..... oh my heart!! We start out each day with the Beatles "Here comes the sun"..... and what a WONDERFUL way to head to Magic Kingdom as the sun is rising on a beautiful day in Florida!

More specific to Disney.....

disposable ponchos.... $1 each at my local discount store and SO WORTH IT! I am DONE packing oversized raincoats or trying to dry out and fold expensive Mickey Mouse ponchos! I am a VERY "green" person and I rarely throw away plastic.... but sometimes it is worth the "carbon footprint" hit! I try to be extra careful at home to make up for it. In fact, I am packing those ponchos for Bermuda. Not sure what our weather will be, but Mom and I will carry a poncho around in our beach bags every day!

TWO pairs of comfortable shoes/sneakers...... this is a Disney novice item, I know, but it bears repeating.

Healthy YUMMY snacks.... no sense in packing snacks that don't have any appeal.... especially when they are going up against Mickey bars! If your healthy packs are NOT tasty, you will skip them every time and come home with a suitcase full of crushed granola bars!

Back-up batteries for EVERYTHING..... my phone and camera batteries NEVER make it through a full day at WDW!

CHAPSTICK and SUNSCREEN! Never leave home without them!

Okay..... is that long enough!!?? ................................P

I think you would be my favourite person ever to travel with. I always get made fun of for the small pharmacy I drag along with me on vacation.

Hi! I'm going to start my catching up by responding to the QOTDs, QOTW, and check-ins and then will be back later for some chatting. THERE IS SO MUCH GREAT STUFF HERE!! I'm really enjoying reading along!

I was going to clean my house but then I logged on here.... So many posts that it might take the whole weekend to catch up!

Seriously, I've got a boring weekend planned! The house and the dog are both desperately in need of baths. The cat is too but she is off the hook because it is so cold. Seriously, what happened to the nice fall weather? It is still pouring down rain and I'd be surprised if it is 40 degrees out there. May just need to turn on the heat.

I've got a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove and am trying to think up two more make ahead meals. My WW coach's action plan for the week included cooking 3 make ahead meals over the weekend so I'm better prepared for next week. I like the plan. I just haven't a clue what I want to cook.



1. I've been trying to put my finger on the answer to this question. Joining this thread again was easy - it is the greatest tool in my toolbox. But as far as my decision to finally do something about my weight back in June.... That is more complicated. I was just so unhappy. I was flirting with my highest weight ever back in May and I was so embarrassed. I flaked out on two weddings back home because I didn't want to face people I hadn't seen in a while. I'm horrified to admit this but I was becoming increasingly convinced my husband was no longer attracted to me (although the reality of that is far more complicated). Partially because of weight, partially because I just wasn't taking care of myself. My entire body was aching and my trick knee was starting to buckle regularly. And the exhaustion. The soul crushing exhaustion. I'm tall enough that my highest weight wasn't all that far into obesity on the BMI charts but I've got a teeny tiny frame that isn't meant to carry nearly this much weight. Physical pain is something of a wake up call.

I've had so much stress in my life in the past 5-10 years - my father died, my mother is is ill, 3 of my grandparents died, my husband had something of breakdown and has suffered frequent bouts of severe depression ever since. Plus the crazy never-ending work. Food was my comfort and sometimes my only source of joy. Joy quickly followed by self loathing. I really, really needed to do something for myself. And to take care of myself instead of everyone else.

So I suppose my motivation is myself. I'm lost somewhere in this mess I've become. And I want to be free.

2. I do have a few visual indicators. One of my favorites is a paper clip chain in my office - a little clip for every pound plus a big clip for every fine. Clips to go live in a bowl next to the chain. It helps me avoid the office buffet of snacks. I also have a series of dresses that are each slightly smaller than the next. I try them on about once a week. One of them has joined the regular rotation and another is only about a week or away if I keep it together. The last one can be zipped again!!

I've also promised myself an item or two of clothing for every 10 pounds. And pedicures will resume if I ever go to the gym.

I love my music but I don't have a theme song quite yet. I should adopt one though!

3. All of the smiling faces here are motivation enough from the group for me!



I started at 203.4 and weighed in at 201.8 this morning (goodbye birthday dinner and the accompanying water weight)! That puts me down 1.6 or 32% of my 5 pound goal!! And a mere .6 pounds from just plain overweight!



I actually take a lot less than I used to pack. Traveling light makes me happy and I've accepted that if I absolutely need something, I can buy it there.

Essentials are my cameras, lenses, and extra memory cards & batteries, lots of sunblock, and several pairs of good walking sandals (I alternate between keens and 2 pairs of tevas). Oh! And my tiara.

Road trip necessities! My iPad is loaded with things to keep me entertained on both planes and in the car (DH does 99.9% of driving so I can play). For road trips, I have lots of up tempo play lists (heavily punk and 80s pop influenced plus some classic rock for DH) and usually download a few books on tape. I also subscribe to a magazine app so have lots of magazines downloaded plus a few books. I like the lines app on road trips to WDW so I can annoy DH with updated wait times for random attractions. Absolute needs are a car charger for the devices, homemade cookies and Chex mix, cheese, grapes, and carrot sticks. And lots of water and lip balm (I get dehydrated in the car).

A paperclip chain is a great idea! And congrats on your loss!

*****

Congrats to everyone for their successful losses this week! It's amazing to see some of the numbers out there!

2.8lb loss today puts me at 70%. Mind that I was totally dehydrated when I weighed-in, which may have skewed the numbers a wee bit.

So, tonight is party night. I'm not planning to overly restrictive, but bf and I went shopping for food this morning and there are a loooot of temptations in the house right now. I probably should have aimed to buy more food I'm not keen on, but as I'm going to make make guac and apple crisp (Disclaimer: this is not party food. However, bf bought a huge bag of green apples last week. I'm allergic to them raw, and he hasn't touched them. Into the pot they go!), hopefully I can focus more on those and not munch on the two thousand Halloween sized chocolate bars we bought.

Hoping to pop over to the gym for some cardio (bleh!) later, depends on how quickly I can get the house cleaned up.

 

[belle032]

Just popping in on this rainy and cold Saturday! I can't believe how busy this thread is, I feel like I'm constantly needing to catch up. It's great! It's also amazing and inspiring to see everyone's progress during week 1. I've been nervous to start this P90x3 program on Monday, but now I'm really ready to dive in and feel like I'm working toward something.

Question for everyone. Do ya'll have any recommendations for a meal replacement shake, protein powder, or something similar? I know about Shakeology but I don't know if I can justify the cost. It seems a little ridiculous! But I thought having a shake in the morning after a workout and even be able to take one to work would be easy and filling. Just interested if anyone has any recommendations or ideas!