In Search of my Body...Not The One I Ate.. #4 "Inspiring Others... 1 Tiara at a Time"

[3DisneyKids]

Not going to quote all of the awesome things others have said today. Other than...WORD. Really. I believe it and I live it.

any news from Amy????


I woke up at 4:30 this morning (no, Lisa/PR...I didn't GET up ) I thought about Amy & all the racers, meeting at the Epcot parking lot...the literal "wall" of port-a-potties...the excitement....

I went back to sleep.

I woke up at 6:15 (again, Lisa/PR...NO!) thought of everyone just starting out on their journeys...still dark there...the amazing site of all the clothes on the side of the road that people "shed" and drop....then, 20 minutes/half hour later as you circle around that same spot again....they are magically ALL GONE. Picked up, packed up...headed for charity...

and I went back to sleep!

When I *finally* got up at almost 8:00am....I thought..she's gotta be gettin' close. Sent her good thoughts...little "you can DO this" vibes....

And now...I just wanna know.

AMY!!! How did it go????

Nancy--this is exactly what I did! Woke up at 4:30 on the dot. Thought of the runners. And again at 6. (Got out of bed at 7:30, though. )

Ended up having 5 kids here last night...sleep-over city.

 

[3DisneyKids]

(and no need for you tell me how much "I rock" cause if I don't believe it myself, you telling me isn't going to change my mind, kwim?)

I understand what you are saying here and I hear you. I do. But honey, you SO sit at the popular table! My wish for you, for this year, is that you can see yourself how we see you. Cause, babe, you are the whole package. Word.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Cause, babe, you are the whole package.

AND the bag of chips..

 

[DisneyGalUK]

I think you're pretty awesome, too. Jeans or no jeans - you can rock it anytime. You know why? Look at how easy it is for you to fit in, to become someone people want to talk to, to know. That's more than a good personality, that's a special quality that draws people to you. You absolutely have that. And your husband oozing confidence says a lot about his pick of a spouse - someone equally as awesome.

I think I love you.

Seriously, I love this thread, I love the fact that everyone talks to me, I love the fact that you aren't all cooey and say what I want to hear. If Im doing something wrong, saying the wrong thing I know you guys will reign me back in. But, you also make me feel good about myself, and that is priceless.

You've also made me see that I CAN do this, I CAN get healthier and damn it I CAN rock those jeans!

Update from Amy...

She finished

Amy - we are SOOOOO proud of you.

Fantastic!

So, Ive just got off the phone with my MIL. DH's brother and his fiancee have set a wedding date (April 15th). They are getting married in Cyprus.
Not only does this mean I have to find a fantastic wedding outfit, I also may be seen in public in a bikini
Is Cyprus ready for that?

Little bit of background - Me and DH do not get on with BIL's fiancee. Not from lack of trying, she just doesn't like us! The reason being is that DH's best friend used to be her (and there is really no better way to describe this) Booty Call. It ended badly, and they don't speak. Now fast forward two years and she is with BIL - she knows that we know about booty call and doesn't like it. We have never mentioned it to BIL, or any of the family - to us its a non-issue. Who she may have slept with in the past is really no concern to us - we aren't weirdos!
We've invited her for drinks, dinner, I asked her to come on my Hen Night, invited her on girls nights out - you name it, I tried it. She didn't come on any and eventually I stopped asking. Only so much rejection you can take!

Fast forward to our Wedding Day. After the ceremony we went outside for photographs, she initially refused to be in any. Eventually she got on the family photograph and didn't look very happy.
She then told me that my dress was nice, but I would have been better with sleeves instead of straps as my top half looked odd in spaghetti straps

MIL loves her, shes the good daughter in law
Me and MIL, not so much - im a rebel, I know my own mind. I will not be told what to do in my own home, and I will not have my life run for me by someone else. I run my own life. Don't get me wrong, on her day MIL is fabulous. Shes funny, generous, a pleasure to be around. On a bad day she is cutting and can be quite insensitive. We get on with it.

Now reading that you may think Im babbling, or ranting, or Im a weirdo. You would be right on all three counts!
I just needed to get it off my chest, it made sense to me even if it didn't to anyone else!

ETA: - I don't normally vent, or rant - im very easy going usually. My mum says im so laid back im practically horizontal. Sometimes it just has to come out, or my eyeballs would explode!

 

[HockeyKat]

And no Maine bashing. I was born and bred here. I live and breathe it. I love the seasons and the lifestyle and well, everything. And I do sleep, probably too much..... I live as my MIL says "pack everything into every minute that you possibly can" otherwise known as using your time to the fullest extent. Unfortunately, sometimes I over-extend...

You know I'm kidding right?

And how could me going wow the people in Maine live in utopia and never get hangover and bake their own bread and run 10 miles a day be construed as bashing? More like, holy crap, I live in my junk-food eating deep-fried life where hangovers suck and I can barely walk to the mailbox.... maybe if I lived in Maine my life would be better...

there IS an E StacEy it's all good though, i'll forgive ya. I'm sorry about the BIL I love your self-confidence post.....

With my name spelled Kathryn (and the 16 variations I always get instead), I am really sensitive to name spelling...

Well, that and people think it is acceptable to shorten to things like Katie even when I introduce myself as Kathryn.

I think you're pretty awesome, too. Jeans or no jeans - you can rock it anytime. You know why? Look at how easy it is for you to fit in, to become someone people want to talk to, to know. That's more than a good personality, that's a special quality that draws people to you. You absolutely have that. And your husband oozing confidence says a lot about his pick of a spouse - someone equally as awesome.

Totally agree.

I understand what you are saying here and I hear you. I do. But honey, you SO sit at the popular table! My wish for you, for this year, is that you can see yourself how we see you. Cause, babe, you are the whole package. Word.

And WORD on this one too.

Although, Lyz, I am SO with you here. I never feel like I belong at the popular table either.


Liz, I loved your post. Your mom is awesome. Because, I wish my mom had done the same thing. My best friend in 6th grade did the exact same thing, but I never got over it. And I just wait for people to decide I am not worth it so I don't bother to connect deeply with people since they will leave anyway.

 

[Dizneydawn]

ETA: - I don't normally vent, or rant - im very easy going usually. My mum says im so laid back im practically horizontal. Now we know why your husband picked you! It's not all that sexy voice and long goddess legs...it's the horizontal mambo...taking notes...taking notes...

Although, Lyz, I am SO with you here. I never feel like I belong at the popular table either.


Liz, I loved your post. Your mom is awesome. Because, I wish my mom had done the same thing. My best friend in 6th grade did the exact same thing, but I never got over it. And I just wait for people to decide I am not worth it so I don't bother to connect deeply with people since they will leave anyway.

Holy crud...did this happen to everyone in the 6th grade? It explains so much doesn't it...arms length to everyone ...in fact...again...always kept men at bay to get close...I think I choose Chad because he was not capable of being close...I could expect what I got...not a suprise ya know...
Kat - you are funny and bright and amazing...most people are probably afraid you will be the one to head out the door...

 

[adsrtw]

Alrighty ladies, marathon post here! Hope you are ready!

I was both floored and thrilled to be asked to be in my cousin's wedding last night. Yeah, cousin is deceptive word. Doesn't sound like we should be that close right?? Please allow me to shed some light onto our bond. First of all, Stevie (yep, I am one of the few allowed to call him that still) and I are both only kids. He's 6 years younger than me, so that already gives me permission to be the older sister type. On top of this, we both lived through our parents' nasty divorces which brought both my mom and his mom back to our grandparents home. Thank God it's a huge house. I admit it, we fought like cats and dogs on occassion.

Fast forward several years to the time I left Brad the first time (yeah, he cheated on me and told me he would never marry me, but yet I took him back). Well, I was broke and had no extra money for a sitter. My mom and aunt both worked 2nd shift and I worked 7a-4p at the time. This left about 2 1/2 hours each day without a sitter for Ryan. Guess who changed his school and work schedule to help his cousin out? My Lord, Ryan learned so much during those days. Eventually, Brad's control over me took over and I went back to him. This caused a huge riff and I broke contact with my mother for 6 months. Stevie had my back even though he knew that I was miserable and in a very bad situation.

Fast forward a few more years ~ about a year after I left Brad for the final time, I hurt my back terribly. Brad was running around chasing a dream but not making a dime. He was 6 hours away and couldn't help at all. Who am I kidding ~ he wouldn't help because it wasn't about him then. Easter Sunday 2005, I was getting my 9 mo old daughter Taylor out of her car seat and searing pain shot across my back and numbed my left leg. Managing to get in the house without dropping her was a miracle itself. I once again was in a desperate situation where I couldn't physically take care of my kids.

Mom and Aunt Susie were still on 2nd shift, working very long shifts and I was in a wheel chair only when I had to move. Once again Stevie stepped in to take care of my kids AND me. I was on strong pain meds that didn't take much of the pain away. I know I was a raging maniac. I'm in tears now just remembering the pain. There were many many times during those few days that he would sit in a rocker next to the sofa with my daughter in one arm and me squeezing his other arm. The boy had my ice packs timed perfectly so that the pain meds kicked in before I needed a new one (OCD?). It was about 3 weeks before I could do much of anything, but 8 weeks total before I could pick Taylor up on my own. I don't know of many other 23 year olds who would put their social life on hold for their family.

Do I even need to talk about all of the emotional backage that he helped me get through? He was a rock for me when I thought I was going insane.

Stevie is in the National Guard and has had 2 tours to Iraq. I thought the first one was going to kill me. It was a very long 18 months. In fact, he went over there on an emotional low. His girlfriend broke up with him about a month before deployment. I wanted to rip every blonde hair out of her head.

When he returned, he helped out at a local bar and met the girl of his dreams. He's very shy and doesn't like his mom and my mom to be in his business. I knew about their relationship for 4 months before they did! I want to think that he knew she was it from the start. Once again, he was called for another tour. I knew this would be the biggest test (they were already engaged). OMG, they both passed with flying colors. I hate to admit it, but I was planning what I would say to her if I found out she did him wrong. But she never did, God I really like her.

A few months ago, she told me who she has for bridesmaids and other attendants in her wedding. I wasn't one of them, but didn't think anything of it. From the moment Brad proposed to me, I was consumed by having an awesome wedding, so hearing her plans is quite painful for me. But I numb myself and muddle through it. Here's the interesting part, stupid me didn't even realize that she listed an extra guy. Didn't even click until we talked last night (ok they pretty much leaped through the door to tell me). The extra guy is a very close friend of Mandi's and he is going to be standing on her side. When they tell me this, I am thinking that it is a very cool and unique idea. Then, my cousin comes over with a cheesy grin on his face (knew he was up to something) and asks me if I would stand on his side for him. He was terrified that I would say no. You could see the relief on his face when I said yes. Such an honor for me. This is only one small way for me to repay him for all of the amazing things he has done for me.

Mandi picked out a few dresses, but she couldn't invite me along last weekend since I didn't know yet. She thought I would like this dress and wouldn't let her other attendants pick it. All I am going to say is I love it!!! It's beautiful. So now, I am a woman on a mission. I must look my best for this September wedding. Black dress, silver shoes. Classy!

Now this leads into a huge problem I have. I have no clue what kind of goal I want. I started this just wanting to be healthy. I have no idea what a good weight for me should be. I would love to know how each of you came up with your goal. Please, please share. I'm at a loss.

Kudos to Amy! Keep it up.

 

[adsrtw]

I think I love you.

Seriously, I love this thread, I love the fact that everyone talks to me, I love the fact that you aren't all cooey and say what I want to hear. If Im doing something wrong, saying the wrong thing I know you guys will reign me back in. But, you also make me feel good about myself, and that is priceless.

You've also made me see that I CAN do this, I CAN get healthier and damn it I CAN rock those jeans!




Fantastic!

So, Ive just got off the phone with my MIL. DH's brother and his fiancee have set a wedding date (April 15th). They are getting married in Cyprus.
Not only does this mean I have to find a fantastic wedding outfit, I also may be seen in public in a bikini
Is Cyprus ready for that?

Little bit of background - Me and DH do not get on with BIL's fiancee. Not from lack of trying, she just doesn't like us! The reason being is that DH's best friend used to be her (and there is really no better way to describe this) Booty Call. It ended badly, and they don't speak. Now fast forward two years and she is with BIL - she knows that we know about booty call and doesn't like it. We have never mentioned it to BIL, or any of the family - to us its a non-issue. Who she may have slept with in the past is really no concern to us - we aren't weirdos!
We've invited her for drinks, dinner, I asked her to come on my Hen Night, invited her on girls nights out - you name it, I tried it. She didn't come on any and eventually I stopped asking. Only so much rejection you can take!

Fast forward to our Wedding Day. After the ceremony we went outside for photographs, she initially refused to be in any. Eventually she got on the family photograph and didn't look very happy.
She then told me that my dress was nice, but I would have been better with sleeves instead of straps as my top half looked odd in spaghetti straps

MIL loves her, shes the good daughter in law
Me and MIL, not so much - im a rebel, I know my own mind. I will not be told what to do in my own home, and I will not have my life run for me by someone else. I run my own life. Don't get me wrong, on her day MIL is fabulous. Shes funny, generous, a pleasure to be around. On a bad day she is cutting and can be quite insensitive. We get on with it.

Now reading that you may think Im babbling, or ranting, or Im a weirdo. You would be right on all three counts!
I just needed to get it off my chest, it made sense to me even if it didn't to anyone else!

ETA: - I don't normally vent, or rant - im very easy going usually. My mum says im so laid back im practically horizontal. Sometimes it just has to come out, or my eyeballs would explode!

I am cancelling my flight to help with your handyman issues and I am booking a flight to Cypress to help with your In Law issues.

Holy crud...did this happen to everyone in the 6th grade? It explains so much doesn't it...arms length to everyone ...in fact...again...always kept men at bay to get close...I think I choose Chad because he was not capable of being close...I could expect what I got...not a suprise ya know...
Kat - you are funny and bright and amazing...most people are probably afraid you will be the one to head out the door...

I went through it too, except it was 7th grade.

 

[goofyfan-12]

WTH? Last post was 11pm? Where are all of you???

Paula, you are excused. Erika, you, too. And you Aimee, and Amy. And Kat and Lyz and Dawn. But the rest of you have some explaining to do!


I am just back from seeing a movie with a friend. Twilight, of course. Anyhoo, I was on my way back thinking about a friend and a conversation I had with her about men. Now, don't skip this. This is my deep stuff coming out. It all ties in.

So we were talking about this particular guy and how he was attracted to another woman, and why that woman was no good for him. Basically, he couldn't handle her. She was out of his league. And yes, she is gorgeous but that's not why. She's also talented, but that's not why. She's also intelligent, and funny and fun and warm and everything wonderful. She's out of his league, I explained, because she and I share something in common. We think we're the sh$t.

Do either of us think we are the world's best friend, the mother of the year, the perfect wife or daughter or employee? No. We don't. We know we have faults and failings. But no matter how fat or ugly or stupid or silly or embarrassed we feel for the MOMENT, we still think we are the sh$t.

We simply put, have self confidence. We honestly think that you could add up our faults and failings minus our good traits and it doesn't matter. We are still completely worth your time. Are you going to find anyone more fun to be with than she or I? Nope, and that's because we like ourselves. No matter what I think about my thighs, I truly like myself. I think you can't do better than me for a friend, wife, daughter or mother. Now, could I BE a better friend, wife, daughter, or mother? For sure. Plenty of people write better than me, look better than me, love better than me.

But I'm who you want to be with. I'm the woman you want to date, the girlfriend you want to see, the family member you want to come to Christmas. And that's because I like myself, so I can let that other stuff go.

Again, I have PLENTY of faults and failings. I have moments, days, weeks, of self-doubt. I have things I am ashamed of, bad habits, emotions I don't know how to deal with. I have all of that and more. I have every single negative thing every other woman on the planet has.

But still, I can confidently say, "He's lucky to have me." "You can't do better than me, baby," I joke to Nick. My friends and I like this song by Liz Phair and the lyric is "You're lucky to even know me" and we joke about that being my line. We sing it to each other and then we believe it about ourselves.

I truly believe I am lucky to have EVERY friend in my life, that I am the blessed one, that they are the best friends in the world. I believe my husband is a prince among men. I believe my daughter is beautiful and amazing. But, I also believe that about myself. While we as people can easily believe greatness in others, we rarely feel the same way about ourselves.

So why is she out of his league? Because she believes this about herself, and he doesn't. This won't stop her from loving him, but it will stop their relationship from working.


What Lyz said is spot-on. Melissa, Dawn I get it. I have been there. I am OFTEN there. All the freaking time! But I just believe that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how thin or pretty or smart or rich or nice I am. I rock. I rock because of who I am, not what I am. I am the person you want to be with, to be in your life. And no amount of skinny can top that.

So please, know that you rock too. That all that other stuff doesn't matter, truly. If you are in love with you, you will feel like you are worth every good thing. You will be the star of the room, because that's your birthright. It's all of our birthrights. And it doesn't mean we don't have to work on our sh$t, because we do. I do, you do.

You can be the heaviest, the poorest, the least educated, and you can make everyone feel like they want to know you better. Like they got a treat being with you. It's not about anything else than what you think of yourself.

So if you made it through this, thanks. If not, no worries. And if you do anything this year, please do this. Read it, believe it, live it. We're lucky to even know YOU.

xoxo

Now this leads into a huge problem I have. I have no clue what kind of goal I want. I started this just wanting to be healthy. I have no idea what a good weight for me should be. I would love to know how each of you came up with your goal. Please, please share. I'm at a loss.

What wonderful news!!!Best wishes to your cousin and his new fiance' for a happy and long lasting marriage...

I am not sure what you are looking to do goal wise, but for me I am focusing on changing the bad habits I once had for new healthier ones. While I have a number in my head of how much weight I would like to lose, I am focusing on establishing the lifestyle changes so that I can maintain this new me.

Hope this helps,
Paula

 

[3DisneyKids]

Oh, Erika. You're going to scare off the lurkers! Being snarky to your adorable, beloved friend - imagine what you could do to defenseless lambs!

Ok, so I made my snarky (though meant to be funny) comment BEFORE I read your post. I just jumped online because I had really ONE minute to see what was going on the thread and saw this huge long post from you. Didn't read it. Just made a comment. Awesome post. Sorry to snark a good thing.

AIMEE--Wonderful news about the cousin! Love that story, but really, I loved getting YOUR back story. We are all about the details here. We let it all hang out, kwim?

LYZ--you saved me today. Thanks.

 

[SeptemberGirl]

I think I love you.

Seriously, I love this thread, I love the fact that everyone talks to me, I love the fact that you aren't all cooey and say what I want to hear. If Im doing something wrong, saying the wrong thing I know you guys will reign me back in. But, you also make me feel good about myself, and that is priceless.

You've also made me see that I CAN do this, I CAN get healthier and damn it I CAN rock those jeans!

We will be behind you every step of the way!!!

So, Ive just got off the phone with my MIL. DH's brother and his fiancee have set a wedding date (April 15th). They are getting married in Cyprus.
Not only does this mean I have to find a fantastic wedding outfit, I also may be seen in public in a bikini
Is Cyprus ready for that?

Little bit of background - Me and DH do not get on with BIL's fiancee. Not from lack of trying, she just doesn't like us! The reason being is that DH's best friend used to be her (and there is really no better way to describe this) Booty Call. It ended badly, and they don't speak. Now fast forward two years and she is with BIL - she knows that we know about booty call and doesn't like it. We have never mentioned it to BIL, or any of the family - to us its a non-issue. Who she may have slept with in the past is really no concern to us - we aren't weirdos!
We've invited her for drinks, dinner, I asked her to come on my Hen Night, invited her on girls nights out - you name it, I tried it. She didn't come on any and eventually I stopped asking. Only so much rejection you can take!

Fast forward to our Wedding Day. After the ceremony we went outside for photographs, she initially refused to be in any. Eventually she got on the family photograph and didn't look very happy.
She then told me that my dress was nice, but I would have been better with sleeves instead of straps as my top half looked odd in spaghetti straps

MIL loves her, shes the good daughter in law
Me and MIL, not so much - im a rebel, I know my own mind. I will not be told what to do in my own home, and I will not have my life run for me by someone else. I run my own life. Don't get me wrong, on her day MIL is fabulous. Shes funny, generous, a pleasure to be around. On a bad day she is cutting and can be quite insensitive. We get on with it.

Now reading that you may think Im babbling, or ranting, or Im a weirdo. You would be right on all three counts!
I just needed to get it off my chest, it made sense to me even if it didn't to anyone else!

ETA: - I don't normally vent, or rant - im very easy going usually. My mum says im so laid back im practically horizontal. Sometimes it just has to come out, or my eyeballs would explode!

First off, rant away. That is what we are here for!

Also, I have found that eventually people appreciate candor and personalty. I've got it, too. I bet in 10 years your MIL is loving you, and your SIL has come around.

As for Cyprus, this is what I love about the UK. Weddings in Cyprus! We never get that here. We get weddings on Long Island. Not the same.

You will be rock star ready. How fun. It will be fun. Maybe being a bride will mellow out your future SIL. Love and light and all that.

You know I'm kidding right?

And how could me going wow the people in Maine live in utopia and never get hangover and bake their own bread and run 10 miles a day be construed as bashing? More like, holy crap, I live in my junk-food eating deep-fried life where hangovers suck and I can barely walk to the mailbox.... maybe if I lived in Maine my life would be better...

I agree with you, Kat. Like, do I ever say anything but how perfect Maine is? No kidding, I really do love Maine. I dream about a second home there. I know the state motto!

And if there are no hangovers in Maine, then I might be able to brave the cold!

Although, Lyz, I am SO with you here. I never feel like I belong at the popular table either.

Oh, Kat. You and I both know you're cooler than the average Kat.

Liz, I loved your post. Your mom is awesome. Because, I wish my mom had done the same thing. My best friend in 6th grade did the exact same thing, but I never got over it. And I just wait for people to decide I am not worth it so I don't bother to connect deeply with people since they will leave anyway.

YES! Don't we all spend time thinking this? Well, it's not true, girlfriend. And I wish everyone's mom did this. I will have to remember that when Em is that age.

Ok, so I made my snarky (though meant to be funny) comment BEFORE I read your post. I just jumped online because I had really ONE minute to see what was going on the thread and saw this huge long post from you. Didn't read it. Just made a comment. Awesome post. Sorry to snark a good thing.

Yeah, yeah. I've heard that before. No appreciation for my major sharing!


Aimee, what an amazing cousin you have. And what an honor to be in his wedding. I am excited for you. Let's talk goals. Give us some info and we can discuss! Whee! Happy things!

Back from a day with Jodi, the pregnant one. She's so funny. Hormonal, food cravings, gets so tired. She CRIED through Bride Wars. The movie is funny! I mean, I cried at one part, but to cry at the whole thing is so hormones. She came out with major red eyes. We also test drove cars - new car for the baby! Fun, fun.

Nancy, I am so trying not to eat like her! It's going to be a challenge. Thankfully, I am tracking.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Now this leads into a huge problem I have. I have no clue what kind of goal I want. I started this just wanting to be healthy. I have no idea what a good weight for me should be. I would love to know how each of you came up with your goal. Please, please share. I'm at a loss.

Thank you for sharing Amiee...

When it comes to goals...I am all about "attainable". I honestly don't focus on pounds lost - but what I can do to "get there". Control what I can...as in food intake, excersie...and let the pounds fall where they may, kwim? Probably not making much sense right now...just woke up from a little alcohol-induced nap

But the most important thing, IMO...is that the goal needs to be right for you. YOUR choice. Something YOU want. That's the best way to achieve success.

Nancy, I am so trying not to eat like her! It's going to be a challenge. Thankfully, I am tracking.

Yeah - you are allowed to laugh with her, and cry with her...but just not EAT with her....well...unless she's eating a salad



Need to update my food/exercise for the challenge.

Forgot to do it last night, so first yesterday:

Food 28 points (plus 3 glasses of wine )
Exercise: 60 minutes....15 min elliptical, 45 min upper body strength


Today:

Food: 27 points (plus 2 glasses of wine )
Exercise 60 minutes...all cardio....45 minutes bike, 15 min elliptical

My exercise total for the challenge is now 480/1500

I'm finally *almost* able to walk like a human again, instead of waddling like a duck My legs have been KILLING me from that workout on Thursday.

Oh - and I've noticed a pattern (perhaps some of you who are paying attention have noticed it as well) I'm drinking too much....and not accounting for it in my points. And when I say "glasses" of wine? Yeah. It's a pretty big glass. Definitely not a proper "serving".

So...addendum to my challenge goals. No alcohol on "school nights" ie Sun-Thurs....and switch to a smaller (ie NORMAL) glass.

 

[HockeyKat]

Thanks Liz.

Aimee, how exciting!!


Okay, today I managed to hit the gym and shop for healthy foods amongst all the chaise lounge laziness of a typical Sat for me.

I made veggie lasagna, too, and Lyz, here's the recipe:

1 large eggplant, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1/4 cup egg beaters
Grated Parmesan
Italian seasoning
salt & fresh ground pepper
1 box lasagna noodles (mine was 6 servings, 210 cals each. If you have more, add calories accordingly)
3 wee cans tomato sauce (or one jar that equals approx. 150 cals)
Veggies: I used 4-5 mushrooms, 1/2 a white onion, a few stalks broccoli, one zucchini, and a bit of frozen spinach, but you could use whatever you have on hand.


Directions
Chop up the veggies
Boil the noodles as directed
Dip each slice of eggplant into the egg beater and either broil on both sides (4-5 min per side) or pan fry with a bit of cooking spray

Spray lasagna pan with cooking spray and put a bit of sauce on the bottom (enough to cover)
Layer as follows:
Noodles
Add some sauce
Glop 1/4 of the cottage cheese around
Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan
Add half the chopped veggies
Sprinkle with seasonings and tomato sauce and 1/8 mozzarella
Layer the eggplant like the noodles
Add some sauce
Glop 1/4 of the cottage cheese around
Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan

Repeat all of the above

Layer of noodles
Add sauce, 1/4 mozzarella, sprinkle with parmesan

Bake at 425 for 45-60 min.

Total for the recipe, 1900 calories. I see it as 12 servings, 160 cals per serving.


I used oven-ready noodles this time and I would NOT recommend it. Not enough sauce for it, I don't think, as the noodles stayed a bit hard in places.


Okay, food for today:
B: coffee
L: veggie omelet (100), 1 diced potato + some onion pan-fried with cooking spray (100), 2 special k redberries waffles w/ 0 cal syrup (160)
D: 2 servings veggie lasagna (320)
S: 1 bag ff popcorn (200), 1 8 oz glass wine (150)

Total for the day, 1030 (unless I have another half-glass, which would bring it to 1100). Exercise, 30 min on the cross-trainer. Water, 80 oz.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Ok, lots here. How did I get here? Hmm. I was a shy kid. I didn't feel like I fit in. I had good close friends, but then in 6th grade my best friend and I (this is Jackie, btw) stopped being friends. (Yes, that's right, we were friends since 1983 with one break, the school year of 1985-1986). Now this was TRAGIC to me. I got my period, I had all these hormones, my best friend EVER had moved on past me to be friends with more popular girls. I was utterly alone. Not a friend to call my own, except for my cousin and pen-pals. But in school? After school? No one.
Liz! This is so sad to me. Thinking of you alone.
Pathetic. And depressed.

But it was 1986, and there was a new service being offered at my peditrician's. There was a child psychologist on staff, with her own little office in the big practice's office. My mom took me to see her, because I was depressed.

I can never thank my mom enough for her foresight to do what was needed. It was an unusual move, for that day and age and even this one. I mean, I was unhappy, but not troubled. But she didn't know what to do, so she found a resource, and she broke a taboo (against therapy, and weakness and labeling) to do the right thing by her kid. And man, did she ever do the right thing by me.

And yes, it doesn't matter what others say, but it doesn't hurt. Told every day you don't measure up, and you'll believe it. We all ave been told that and we all do believe that. Told every day you are a gift to this world, and why wouldn't you believe that, too?

Liz - I love your mom for doing that for you. Thanks for sharing.

I am going to start practicing these things. Oh and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the star idea. This could work for me and my girls in many ways.

I think I love you.

Seriously, I love this thread,

Kelly. We understand. Many times, we've been shocked at the support group created here. It is an awesome thing.

So, Ive just got off the phone with my MIL. DH's brother and his fiancee have set a wedding date (April 15th). They are getting married in Cyprus.
Not only does this mean I have to find a fantastic wedding outfit, I also may be seen in public in a bikini
Is Cyprus ready for that?

You are 15lbs up right? You can do it. And don't screw around. (like I do) Get that weight off so you can start toning. Cyprus. Very exotic.

Loved the mil and future sil background. Very interesting.

(I guess I'd be considered the favorite daughter in law. I wonder what my sil thinks of me? It can't be helped. I am easy going, a people pleaser oh and I have provided 2 grand children. She is moody.)

You know I'm kidding right?

And how could me going wow the people in Maine live in utopia and never get hangover and bake their own bread and run 10 miles a day be construed as bashing? More like, holy crap, I live in my junk-food eating deep-fried life where hangovers suck and I can barely walk to the mailbox.... maybe if I lived in Maine my life would be better...

Kat! Deep-fried life, .

Although, Lyz, I am SO with you here. I never feel like I belong at the popular table either.

Liz, I loved your post. Your mom is awesome. Because, I wish my mom had done the same thing. My best friend in 6th grade did the exact same thing, but I never got over it. And I just wait for people to decide I am not worth it so I don't bother to connect deeply with people since they will leave anyway.

Kat! I hate this. Since you've been here a year, are you still waiting on us, or do you realize it's solid?

Alrighty ladies, marathon post here! Hope you are ready!

Now this leads into a huge problem I have. I have no clue what kind of goal I want. I started this just wanting to be healthy. I have no idea what a good weight for me should be. I would love to know how each of you came up with your goal. Please, please share. I'm at a loss.

Amiee - for starters, thanks for sharing all that. I loved it. Very candid you were. Second, I love your cousin. For helping you. For being your rock when you needed it. For finding the "right" girl and for still thinking of you. What a treasure. And his girl - she accepts you too. She really could have driven a rock right there, but she didn't. She sounds wonderful.

Second, as to your goal. I don't remember what your weight is or where you want to be? September is a long time away and I think healthy is the best plan, but if you want to be a certain something, I would assume it's possible. If you want it...

LYZ--you saved me today. Thanks.

Thought of you all day.

Back from a day with Jodi, the pregnant one. She's so funny. Hormonal, food cravings, gets so tired. She CRIED through Bride Wars. The movie is funny! I mean, I cried at one part, but to cry at the whole thing is so hormones. She came out with major red eyes. We also test drove cars - new car for the baby! Fun, fun.

Nancy, I am so trying not to eat like her! It's going to be a challenge. Thankfully, I am tracking.

Liz - ah, sounds awesome!!!! So happy for Jodi.

Oh - and I've noticed a pattern (perhaps some of you who are paying attention have noticed it as well) I'm drinking too much....and not accounting for it in my points. And when I say "glasses" of wine? Yeah. It's a pretty big glass. Definitely not a proper "serving".

So...addendum to my challenge goals. No alcohol on "school nights" ie Sun-Thurs....and switch to a smaller (ie NORMAL) glass.

Nancy - I did notice. But figured you knew what you were doing. Now I will be on alert. No booze - Sunday thru Thursday. (EriKa is paying attention to my non exercising. I think I'm giving her a ulcer.)

My day was a normal Saturday. Nothing to report. Will check in tomorrow.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Kat - that sounds delicious. I will be trying that for sure. Thanks for the recipe. What could I substitute the cottege cheese with? (I don't drink fresh milk, I'm sure as heck not going to eat curdled milk. just sayin'.) Ricotta? Is it necessary? I don't use either when I make normal lasagana.

 

[HockeyKat]

You could use ricotta, but it is generally more caloric (hence the cottage cheese).

Or, you could just use 2/3 cup more mozzarella which equals the same calories.

I am not really a ricotta/cottage cheese fan but it worked okay in this.

 

[princessrunner]

Okay, so I was totally joking about the Maine bashing thing. Sorry everyone did not get it. I really don't care what you bash or don't bash, if you are snarky or not snarky. Sorry you all took that wrong.

 

[DisneyGalUK]

I am cancelling my flight to help with your handyman issues and I am booking a flight to Cypress to help with your In Law issues.

That would be great! I'll hold you to that!

Now this leads into a huge problem I have. I have no clue what kind of goal I want. I started this just wanting to be healthy. I have no idea what a good weight for me should be. I would love to know how each of you came up with your goal. Please, please share. I'm at a loss.

Congratulations to your Cousin and his fiancee!
When I reached my target weight the first time it was 10% of my body weight. Depending on how much you have to lose that is always a pretty good place to start.

First off, rant away. That is what we are here for!



Also, I have found that eventually people appreciate candor and personalty. I've got it, too. I bet in 10 years your MIL is loving you, and your SIL has come around.

As for Cyprus, this is what I love about the UK. Weddings in Cyprus! We never get that here. We get weddings on Long Island. Not the same.

You will be rock star ready. How fun. It will be fun. Maybe being a bride will mellow out your future SIL. Love and light and all that.

Cyprus seems to be a really popular place for UK Weddings, its fun! Plus, its a holiday as well!

I hope time mellows out the in-laws. On her day MIL is great. Time will tell, im sure I'll win her round eventually, Im here to stay!

You are 15lbs up right? You can do it. And don't screw around. (like I do) Get that weight off so you can start toning. Cyprus. Very exotic.

I started hardcore exercise yesterday, one hour on the cross trainer during CSI New York. If I continue my plan of couch to cross trainer CSI training I will rock this weeks exercise. Ive got myself down for 3 x 30 mins, but I will have done 4 x 1 hour!

Loved the mil and future sil background. Very interesting.

(I guess I'd be considered the favorite daughter in law. I wonder what my sil thinks of me? It can't be helped. I am easy going, a people pleaser oh and I have provided 2 grand children. She is moody.)

Maybe grand children are the problem! BIL and SIL want to start trying immediately after the wedding, me and DH want to travel the world first and what will be will be. We are not actively thinking of children at the moment! MIL is desperate for grandkids, I mean DESPERATE! maybe I should buy her a puppy!

Although, Lyz, I am SO with you here. I never feel like I belong at the popular table either.

Kat. You are a rock star. If anyone deserves to sit at the popular table its you. You invited me over here, made me feel welcome and you love Flack. I don't know what you could possibly do to make yourself appear any more awesome to me!

Dawn - Horizontal mambo. That made me laugh so hard I swear I thought i'd given myself a hernia!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

(I guess I'd be considered the favorite daughter in law. I wonder what my sil thinks of me? It can't be helped. I am easy going, a people pleaser oh and I have provided 2 grand children. She is moody.)

well, I can totally see why you'd be the favorite (ok. So where is LisaV?? She'd be adding..."of course, you cutie )

Kat! I hate this. Since you've been here a year, are you still waiting on us, or do you realize it's solid?

Wake up call for Kat. Hello...no one is going anywhere (even if you WISH we would )


Nancy - I did notice. But figured you knew what you were doing. Now I will be on alert. No booze - Sunday thru Thursday. (EriKa is paying attention to my non exercising. I think I'm giving her a ulcer.)

Well. If I were accounting for my wine in my "points" that would be a bit of a different story. I'm not. It's been "in addition" to my food. Which is clearly NOT going to get me the results I desire

Reminds me of a quick story. Years ago, when Slimfast first came out....my father had a secretary. She did the Slimfast diet for MONTHS and didn't lose weight. She mentioned it to him, saying "I just don't understand why I'm not losing weight. I have a Slimfast every day WITH my lunch"

DUH. OK. So. Here's ME. Doing practically the same danged thing.

Now that Amy has completed her 1/2 marathon, I hereby nominate HER for DD (designated drinker) for a while

Okay, so I was totally joking about the Maine bashing thing.

I *still* say that there must be something about the air there...because you and Erika have got to be 2 of the most productive people on the planet

I didn't make bread yesterday....but I did make peanut butter/oatmeal cookies

We are not actively thinking of children at the moment! MIL is desperate for grandkids, I mean DESPERATE! maybe I should buy her a puppy!

funny.


Question...is Prince Harry causing as much hoopla over there as our news folks would like us to believe?

 

[DisneyGalUK]

Question...is Prince Harry causing as much hoopla over there as our news folks would like us to believe?

Yep indeedy, front page news.
I feel for Princes Harry and William, I really do. What he said was not good but the video was made in 2006. Why now I wonder?