In search of my body...not the one I ate! Part Deux... We sit at the popular table!

[Dizneydawn]

Okay...so i am a slow learner...I know..I know..guilt that is not mine kick to the curb...

Liz - I agree with the blogging - but you all are friends...so I think I will private message anything private...and EriKa...you are right...I need to let Dan be responsible to his girls...and how he is going to handle her...

I need to be okay with what I write...and know if she wants to twist things...it is her pain not mine...and that goes through many other areas of my life...get rid of guilt..stop feeling bad for others feelings...stop being responsible for what others choose to do...

I need EriKa boot camp...how much an hour?

BTW..easy way to drop pounds.. I laughed out loud...long time coming for a chuckle like that!!!

Thanks guys!!

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

See, this is a great argument against exercise! If I was picking the center of the universe, I would totally pick someone who liked to hang out and never stressed about eating chocolate. Who's with me?

Liz - I saw that too. But of course I did. I literally am sick to my stomach to see someone I know, see me. Why do I think I'm that "important" that it would matter? I gotta be less self aware and more big picture aware.

Talk about a fast way to drop 400 pounds!

Garden Grill. We love the Garden Grill. It would be a cold day in $*&# if we didn't eat there. (And the Plaza, but I digress.)

LTT - I have avoided it, because I've heard the blase reports and truly, we have that very meal, the third week in November. I guess, I've been hiding it from my husband. When he found out what they serve, well let's suffice it to say, we are going to give it a shot next trip. (Oh the power of the trip planner. )

 

[believen]

I only have a few sec's, thanks for all the travel info. Y'all are a wealth of knowledge on pretty much everything- from pineapple juice to character dining.
I'll be back later, but wanted to say, we love LTT! Meat and Carbs! What more could you want? Chip and Dale were hysterical and we will never forget which one is which, thanks to the loud family next to us! The conversation repeated itself over and over and over- Chip's nose looks like a chocolate chip, Dale's teeth are...... We were 4 adults and enjoyed this meal. But we are much more meat and potatoes than veggies or exotic.
I've researched some of the places. I'll be back with questions, I'm sure.
Vicki

 

[HockeyKat]

Y'all have been busy here today!!

Dawn and others, what would you think about me setting us up somewhere more private? Let me know...

Erika, you are a machine.

And I liked LTT too. We ate there last trip.

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Well, I love the idea, Kat. AND I think Dawn should be blogging, no matter what we do here. And I am glad some others like LTT, too! We really go in for those traditional meals. The characters don't hurt, either.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Can you believe *I* went to the gym for 2 hours??? You know, two hours at the gym takes like 3, because you have to get there and back and also saying hi - so I left at 9am and got home at 12pm. But, yes, I exercised for 2 hours. And what did you do, run 7 miles and do 45 mins of core? Because I know you, Erika, and you with your three kids, 3 jobs, and myriad of social responsibilities STILL kicked my a$$ on exercise today!

Sad, but true.

Ok, since you asked....

I did 2 hours at the gym today, but I rode my bike both ways, so that makes it 2:40 of working out. And I have tennis for an hour and a half tonight. So by the end of the day I will be at 4:10 for the day. But I am a freak, don't forget...

Ok, I have to claim bad supportive friend here. This was a crappy post and I am truly sorry. I totally should have supported your victory and not tooted my own horn here.

Two hours at the gym is amazing! In fact, it is my absolute max. I am never there for more than 2 hours...and only 2 full hours once in a while. And you just banged it out! Plus, you did an hour of cardio and an hour of weights! You have totally crossed over! It is a huge commitment that you worked that hard and I am proud of you!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Kat--??? on the editing?

 

[3DisneyKids]

Dawn, have you thought about blogging? i know you like to write. You could write it all out there, and she'd have to be super sneaky to find your blog. As long as you don't use your real name, or a name you use on the DIS, she can't google you and find it. Also, if you needed to, you could make some entries private and give passwords to your friends. Then you could just post the basic stuff on here and not have to worry about invasion of privacy. Just a thought.

DAWN--I think Liz came up with a home run of an idea for you! Seriously, on so many levels! First, you love to write, so this would be a great creative outlet for that. Secondly, you have so much going on in your life right now...between Tupperware getting off the ground, Trey and college, 2 other kids who need you, an new relationship and an old one, financial stuff, and weight loss to boot...yes, a blog is perfect for you! The fact that it would be private is just the icing on the cake.

I am sure Liz can help you set it up. It's easy peasy.

Y'all have been busy here today!!

Dawn and others, what would you think about me setting us up somewhere more private? Let me know...

Erika, you are a machine.

And I liked LTT too. We ate there last trip.

Not sure about the whole off Dis thing. I think it is a great idea, don't get me wrong. BUT...I already have so many online commitments and places where I have to check in and touch base, etc. Adding one more might be a bit much for me. Of course, you all are my priority, so if it was for us, then I would do it.

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Ok, I have to claim bad supportive friend here. This was a crappy post and I am truly sorry. I totally should have supported your victory and not tooted my own horn here.

Two hours at the gym is amazing! In fact, it is my absolute max. I am never there for more than 2 hours...and only 2 full hours once in a while. And you just banged it out! Plus, you did an hour of cardio and an hour of weights! You have totally crossed over! It is a huge commitment that you worked that hard and I am proud of you!

Well, thank you and that was very sweet. But no worries! I mean, Erika, I sit on the couch at night and eat ice cream sandwiches. No lie. All I do is track my food. I am not active, I do not work three jobs, I do not have 3 kids, or any activities for this one kid I've got. I do not have tennis or hockey like Kat or a life like Nancy or Steph or Jodi or anyone! Really. I am practically a bon-bon eating housewife. Yes, I work but from home, and I do have a fairly clean house, and I do try to write every night but mostly it's not that busy. So I should be able to fit in exercise, but I abhor the idea of it. Although, I like it when I do it. I'm just never going to be you or Kat, and that's okay. I'm going to be me, and that's good enough. So you will always kick my butt, but I can live with it!

 

[goofyfan-12]

Hi Everyone...

Well, I only gained 1/4 pound this week so I am taking that as a victory... Aside from the number on the scale, I spoke with my consultant and came to the conclusion that I had let taking care of me fall to the back burner for the past few months because of the whole job thing that was going on. We agreed that I need to do more things to keep taking care of me on the forefront and that would help to get me back on track towards losing more weight. She had me do a little writing exercise to force me to think about why I was trying to lose weight. The time spent trying to answer her questions really helped me to stop, breathe and block out the crap that I had been focusing on at the expense of my weight related goals.

So, for the next week, I am going to try and carve out some time every day to stop and think about why I am doing this. I need to get back to basics and understand why I want to lose the weight. I had started a blog months ago to work through my thoughts and recently, I had stopped writing. I guess I need to start writing again. I was successful in so many aspects of my life when I was writing my thoughts down. It brought a bit of clarity to my muddled mind.

So that is my goal for the week. Stop, think, breathe and write about why I am doing what I am doing.

I am putting me first again....

Goof

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Paula, it sounds like a fabulous night. I love the idea of so many of us writing it out! I'd love to read your blog if you want to share.

Good for you on putting yourself first!

 

[HockeyKat]

I think that blogging is probably the way to go for Dawn.

Oh, I edited heavily because I know that DIS frowns on website pimping. Not that I even have anything to pimp, but I didn't want to step on any toes.

And, I understand on the too many commitments... I am not sure I can live up to the commitment either!!

Liz, I am no superwoman like Erika. I work, I exercise, I play hockey sometimes because it is more interesting than the darn dirty elliptical or arc trainer. I have no social life or kids to have to shlep around....

Paula, I am glad that you had a good evening and a good step forward in your efforts.

I am tired... hockey kicked my butt.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I am NOT Lucky!

If I was blogging, this would be the title of today’s blog. Prologue: this rant is not directed at you all in any way. But I think some of you may feel the same way from time to time. It is hard work to do what we do and often time we do not get the credit we deserve.

I am sick to death of people telling me that I am “so lucky” because I get to work from home (and thus still have my career and raise my children as opposed to having to go the day care route…not that I am bashing day care, but you see what I am saying.). It is the ultimate having your cake and eating it too. I get to have my career and the money that comes with it. And I get to act like a stay-at-home-mom and volunteer in my kids’ school and all of that.

But let me tell you…this has nothing to do with luck! It took 9 years of college, FULL TIME, to get a Ph.D. Yes, that is how long it takes. There is NO luck in that. Just hard work and perseverance. And I did it knowing that it would be a great way to have a family and a career. It is called advanced planning and hard work. Not luck.

I can't tell you how much it ticks me off when people whine and say, "I wish I could work out. I just don't have the time...."

I had someone tell me today that I am “so lucky” to be able to find the time to work out. Um, I didn’t FIND it. I wasn’t just walking along when, magically, 10 extra hours per week fell from the sky and into my life! I MADE the time. I have given up a lot in order to be “so lucky” to work out. I have given up sleep…and a lot of it. I sleep maybe 5 hours per night these days. I gave up basically all tv—even the news. I gave up all committee work I was doing for my church. I gave up some of the volunteer time in my kids’ classes. I used to chaperone every field trip. Now I won’t do the ones that interfere with my workout. And most importantly, I gave up a huge part of my career.

This is election season…and the most exciting one of our time. This should be my busy season. I should be researching and analyzing like crazy. And I am, quite simply, blowing. it. off. I could be working around the clock, doing high profile media interviews and appearances. But no. I dropped off the face of the earth as far as my PR people are concerned. And skipping this election season could have long term ramifications on my career. Since I am saying no to everything this time around, the offers may not even come next time. There might be no “next time” for me. But this is a risk I am willing to take for the sake of getting healthy and in shape.

It is about priorities. Not luck. And I choose me.

Rant over. I now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[MaMabearJo]

Hi guys,

Dumb question here but what is blogging? Can I join? and no I am not blonde.

Ok, House is done we had open house on sunday, went well, two couples have been through twice. I hope someone makes an offer. I went to soccer sunday and tonight, needed to spend sometime with my girl.

Please pray or cross fingers the house sells fast. Thanks.

Now I was just reading the people mag. to unwind and there was a artical on Mario Lopez, (save the bell or dancing with the stars) Well, I found out I will be washing my hands and shoes after riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney. He said that is the most unusual place he ever had sex, Now I don't remember riding this ride, but are ther other people around you? Can they see you? And did he wipe the seat off?

Just thought I would share

Miss you all,

and Dawn and Dan, just try to live your life the the fullest. Dan you are a great father and you know it. Dawn you are a great mother. Don't let someone else tell you different. Love ya.....

 

[HockeyKat]

Erika, you rock. Totally and completely.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Whoo doggies! EriKa's on Fire tonight!

E - In theory, I understand what you are saying. But in practice, I can't. I simply don't put in the effort and hard work that you have. I can't imagine how you possibly get thru your day. I've often wondered if you take some kind of energy suppliment. (By the way, if you do, help a sista out.) So, I can feel your need to vent.

One question. Is it worth it? (This question is in no way, sarcastic or underhanded. You've given up a TON to be healthier. Has it made your life better?)

 

[MaMabearJo]

I am NOT Lucky!

If I was blogging, this would be the title of today’s blog. Prologue: this rant is not directed at you all in any way. But I think some of you may feel the same way from time to time. It is hard work to do what we do and often time we do not get the credit we deserve.

I am sick to death of people telling me that I am “so lucky” because I get to work from home (and thus still have my career and raise my children as opposed to having to go the day care route…not that I am bashing day care, but you see what I am saying.). It is the ultimate having your cake and eating it too. I get to have my career and the money that comes with it. And I get to act like a stay-at-home-mom and volunteer in my kids’ school and all of that
But let me tell you…this has nothing to do with luck! It took 9 years of college, FULL TIME, to get a Ph.D. Yes, that is how long it takes. There is NO luck in that. Just hard work and perseverance. And I did it knowing that it would be a great way to have a family and a career. It is called advanced planning and hard work. Not luck.

I can't tell you how much it ticks me off when people whine and say, "I wish I could work out. I just don't have the time...."

I had someone tell me today that I am “so lucky” to be able to find the time to work out. Um, I didn’t FIND it. I wasn’t just walking along when, magically, 10 extra hours per week fell from the sky and into my life! I MADE the time. I have given up a lot in order to be “so lucky” to work out. I have given up sleep…and a lot of it. I sleep maybe 5 hours per night these days. I gave up basically all tv—even the news. I gave up all committee work I was doing for my church. I gave up some of the volunteer time in my kids’ classes. I used to chaperone every field trip. Now I won’t do the ones that interfere with my workout. And most importantly, I gave up a huge part of my career.

This is election season…and the most exciting one of our time. This should be my busy season. I should be researching and analyzing like crazy. And I am, quite simply, blowing. it. off. I could be working around the clock, doing high profile media interviews and appearances. But no. I dropped off the face of the earth as far as my PR people are concerned. And skipping this election season could have long term ramifications on my career. Since I am saying no to everything this time around, the offers may not even come next time. There might be no “next time” for me. But this is a risk I am willing to take for the sake of getting healthy and in shape.

It is about priorities. Not luck. And I choose me.

Rant over. I now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

I get what you are saying, I work from home and have been since 1990, I may not have that many years in school or degrees you have, but all in all, I still have a very good business that we started in 1990, and we work very hard at it. I know what you mean when people say how lucky or rough it much be to stay home. I still do my work and take care of my kids, husband, housework, running to sports, ect. I just wish they did not have to make it sound so easy....

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Hi guys,

Dumb question here but what is blogging? Can I join? and no I am not blonde. Jodi - you are simply a breath of fresh air.

Regarding blogging...it's a form of expression for millions of people. They get a space of the web and start writing what they want. And others can read it. Sometimes its private and you can only read if you've been given the password. There is a blog right here on the DIS boards. Look up, right above Dining. BLOG, click and you can read about our own DISNEY DIS experts.

Ok, House is done we had open house on sunday, went well, two couples have been through twice. I hope someone makes an offer. I went to soccer sunday and tonight, needed to spend sometime with my girl.

Please pray or cross fingers the house sells fast. Thanks.

Now I was just reading the people mag. to unwind and there was a artical on Mario Lopez, (save the bell or dancing with the stars) Well, I found out I will be washing my hands and shoes after riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney. He said that is the most unusual place he ever had sex, Now I don't remember riding this ride, but are ther other people around you? Can they see you? And did he wipe the seat off?

Ok, but did you see those PICS?

Steph - awfully quiet today. Been busy?

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Erika, as a girlfriend once said to me, the real question is what brought this on?

 

[3DisneyKids]

Whoo doggies! EriKa's on Fire tonight!

E - In theory, I understand what you are saying. But in practice, I can't. I simply don't put in the effort and hard work that you have. I can't imagine how you possibly get thru your day. I've often wondered if you take some kind of energy suppliment. (By the way, if you do, help a sista out.) So, I can feel your need to vent.

One question. Is it worth it? (This question is in no way, sarcastic or underhanded. You've given up a TON to be healthier. Has it made your life better?)

These are some good questions.

First, no, I don't do any energy supplements. The first thing I did when I started this journey was to give up caffeine. I used to drink a couple of diet cokes per day. I gave those up before I started on my eating or exercise. At the end of the day, caffeine is a drug and I am done putting crap in my body (well, ok, there is chocolate...but let's remain in reality shall we? I mean, I am not giving up chocolate!).

Is it worth it? So far, yes! I feel better about myself. I feel better about my marriage (and Jeff is happier as well), and I know I am doing the right thing for my kids and being a healthy role model.

Another big thing for me is that I got a huge part of my self-identity back. I was always "Erika the jock" or the "Fat Police," etc. I was known for my dedication and interest in fitness. And to lose a huge piece of myself was very unsettling.

Are there some things that annoy me about it? Sure. My house and desk have taken a huge hit....always chaotic. I feel like I am last-minute with everything (we posted about this last week). So, I completely HATE feeling out of control that way and disorganized, etc. Hate it. And so now that is my next goal.

Ok...and here is the big thing about whether or not this is worth it. I have never mentioned this here before...not because I do not want to and not because I don't trust you guys or anything like that. I simply can't touch it emotionally. This will be the only time I mention it. If I dwell on this, my life will crumble and I will cease to function. Seriously.

Sure, I am doing the for all the reasons that we all are. And I would likely do it even if weren't for this other reason. But this other reason gives me all the motivation I will ever need.

I am doing this for Kelly. As you know, she has only one kidney. She might lose it. If she does, she will need a new one or she can't live. And, God willing, she will get one of mine. And so I want to be as healthy as possible for her. I want my organs to be in great shape...not fatty and worn out. I feel like my kidney is really hers...and I am just taking care of it until she needs it. So, as any of you would...as any mom would...I am trying to take as good care of it as I can.

Please don't comment on this. I know you all support me and will pray for us, etc. I know you care. You don't need to say it. I can't take it. Really. I have ZERO strength where this is concerned. It is probably not mentally healthy for me, but I just don't dwell on it. Like I said, I cannot emotionally touch this right now. If I think of the reality of it, I will not be able to function. And that is not an option.