Sebastian's STRONG and SVELTE Under the Sea September W.I.S.H. Weight Loss Challenge - All Welcome!

[courtneybeth]

QOTD - September 23​

Woohoo Wednesday! As we head into our final week of September (and First Day of Fall!) what is making you woohoo today? Stand up and cheer!!!

First of all, a big woohoo to all of YOU for all of the amazing weight loss and accomplishments you've had during this month. Your accomplishments and goal meeting makes me want to do better and encourages me every morning to wake up and try my best. Thanks for being that little bubble of positivity and pixie dust that I need in the morning to remind myself of what I am doing and why.


So my two woohoo's for today:

1. I work as a marketing manager for a medium-sized business and I'm leading the charge on our fall media campaign. I love the feeling of helming something important and I get to finally showcase my talents at this job (been here 6 months). They haven't seen me in full project management mode and I can't wait to impress them.
2. I get to go bra shopping (again) tonight - I think I'm down another size or two. This is getting expensive!

(Edit; i guess lists highlight different lines of text? OF COURSE it highlights my bra shopping hahaha. ::facepalm:: )

 

[ANforever1030]

There was something about dropping from the 40s to the 30s that just made our clock fast forward times 3. I hope that you don't experience that - but also that it goes quickly as I know you're excited to be married and head to Disney! Do you and DW2B have much left on your to-do list?? What hotel will you be staying at in Orlando?

Yeah, we've got most things done. We already have the rings, the suits, we meet with our officiant for the second of four meetings tomorrow night. The one thing I wish we had more time for is prepare for the first dance. We're both somewhat nervous about it and we're OK, but not great dancers; and we haven't taken lessons, or really practiced. We have a good idea of what music we want played, but we need to pass it along to the DJ. As for where we'll be staying in Orlando -- we start off the first three nights at Polynesian, followed by two nights at Port Orleans French Quarter, then six nights at Animal Kingdom. At Poly and AK we've rented points and will be staying in the Villas.

Where will you and DH2B be staying? Don't you just wish the wedding could be over already so you can go on the honeymoon?

 

[dsnyfn1022]

My woohoo is that my belt is too big, even on the smallest notch! I can stick my hand in between my belt and my pants. That's a pretty good woohoo considering that I've had a week of being in starvation mode and wanting to eat everything in sight! I'm hoping next week is better.

 

[ANforever1030]

QOTD - September 23​

Woohoo Wednesday! As we head into our final week of September (and First Day of Fall!) what is making you woohoo today? Stand up and cheer!!!

I think my WooHoo is just that I made it through another work week, and I can catch up on some TV viewing over the next couple days. I'm also woohoo-ing that it is now less than six weeks before I will be in WDW again.

 

[DisPup75]

Time to start catching up!

My progress report. I got back to tracking in my ww app because I haven't for a week. I weigh in tomorrow. I have my period so I feel like crap. I know I've gained. I also had a follow up with the doc today and the good news is I'm healthy but the bad is that apparently I'm suffering depression. All the horrible stress I have dealt with over the last few years that has been there like a thorn in my side has caught up and I'm not as strong as I'd like to be. Well I'm strong I just reached my limit. They're trying me on celexa which I'm scared because of all the side effects to ssri meds. I haven't worked out in a week which also tends to being me down. I need it. Without I feel like crap and unaccomplished. My new goal is to get back on the wagon and continue with the weight loss I started with. I saw someine has a 5 lb month goal. That's a good one so I might add that in. Maybe even push for 6. Anyway everyday is a new day and I get to have my anniversary dinner with my DFi Saturday at le cellier. I'm gonna save up all my extras and get as many active points as possible so I can indulge in some poutine and some delicious wine from F&W fest. Dust yourself off and try again.

Getting back to tracking is a great start! I hope you have a wonderful anniversary dinner!!

Obstacles - 1) night shift - working the 11-7 shift 4 nights/wk puts a strain on my points, since I'm awake 18-20 hours each day. Plan - plan ahead and pack lots of fruits and veggies for work break. I also make and take a 2 point Nutriblast veggie/ fruit shake and drink water.
2) my age! Now in my 50s, the weight is coming off slowly. Plan - be realistic with goals, follow my WW plan and increase my activity.

Down 3 lbs so far this month - and working hard for that loss! Not discouraged - determined to just keep swimming and lose 2 more pounds by month's end.

Woohoo on the loss! Working the night shift would destroy me. I get so hungry when I'm awake too long. Great job planning and packing ahead!

QOTD - September 22​

Tuesday Fun Day! Let's reimagine the parks a bit! What ride from the past would you bring back? Alternatively, move some rides around. Want the Matterhorn in Hollywood Studios? Today is your day to make it happen!

The picture says it all! More than anything I would like to being the skyway back to Disneyland.

But since I'm at it....

Disneyland! Disneyland is my favorite park of all but it could use a few tweaks. . In addition to bringing back the skyway, I would return the PeopleMover and scrub Pirates of all traces of Johnny Depp. Add in Boma somewhere and I would never go back to Florida again.

California Adventure - DCA has really grown on me in the post Cars Land era. I miss the Mission Tortilla Factory but I can't say that Ghirardelli is a bad addition. I do think the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground from DHS would be a great addition to Bug Land.

Magic Kingdom - I'm pretty OK with the MK although I would be happy if it had the DL versions of Pirates (minus Mr. Depp) and Space Mountain. I would also like to be able to eat my Dole Whips INSIDE the Tiki Room. And add Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans and the Little Red Wagon corn dogs. And the Indiana Jones ride. And Bengal Barbecue. Hmm. I apparently want to turn the MK into Disneyland. Perhaps I'm not so OK with it after all. LOL.

DHS - I'm looking forward to the rebirth of DHS and so mainly want to withhold judgment now. I miss the early years of the Backlot Tour and the loss of the Animation Academy just makes me sad. I would love to see a recreation of Cars Land but in a lot of ways, I think that belongs in California. The humidity in Florida would ruin the effect.

AK - I didn't like Avatar but I thought it was beautiful. And I think AK needs more to do so I'm looking forward to seeing Pandora. And I would rip out Dinoland in its entirety and replace it with anything.

Epcot - Saved Epcot for last because the park gets worse with every visit. I absolutely LOVED Epcot when I was a teenager. I loved talking to all the CMs. I loved all of the unique merchandise in the shops. I loved Figment. I loved the food. Now the park largely reminds me of an endless Disney gift shop interspersed with food court level cuisine at outrageous table service prices. So I don't know that I would move anything to Epcot but I desperately want to restore it to its former glory.

 

[courtneybeth]

Epcot - Saved Epcot for last because the park gets worse with every visit. I absolutely LOVED Epcot when I was a teenager. I loved talking to all the CMs. I loved all of the unique merchandise in the shops. I loved Figment. I loved the food. Now the park largely reminds me of an endless Disney gift shop interspersed with food court level cuisine at outrageous table service prices. So I don't know that I would move anything to Epcot but I desperately want to restore it to its former glory.

I've only been to EPCOT since 2012 and I'm curious now just how much better it used to be. I think it's pretty darn cool as-is!

(This may be the case for MGM/Hollywood Studios. I saw images and videos from its heyday and it looked so much better then than now!)

 

[JacknSally]

I've only been to EPCOT since 2012 and I'm curious now just how much better it used to be. I think it's pretty darn cool as-is!

(This may be the case for MGM/Hollywood Studios. I saw images and videos from its heyday and it looked so much better then than now!)

MGM WAS so much better!

I agree with @DisPup75 though. EPCOT is just a shell of what it used to be. I wish they'd give some love to both of those parks. I know DHS is on the list, but I'm not really impressed with the ideas they've announced for it. Will I visit and enjoy it? I'm sure I will. But I am not blown-away-itching-to-plan-the-opening-day-trip. EPCOT hasn't announced anything other than Froway, and... well.....

 

[ThistleMae]

I only just started going to Disney World a few years back, so I have nothing to compare it to. I can love it without comparison! I had a slip last night. I was in one of my "so hungry I could die" places. It happens sometimes and I have to have something heavy to satisfy me. I had two grahams with peanut butter and 12 chocolate chips. It could have been worse, I suppose. But I'm okay today...WhooHoo! I had a good gym workout today. I talked with someone who is so happy to be there, he is just full of smiles and happiness and feels blessed that he has the opportunity to work out almost every day! I was riding on his joy for my workout! I'm packing for my cruise tomorrow. I have bought quite a few new things and it does get rather pricey. Some of the things I bought last spring, brand new, hardly worn, do not fit. It kind of bugs me, cause it seems like such a waste of money....but the fact I have to buy more new things is a blessing....so I had to move past that issue. There will always be something to be disappointed about...it just is that way. The key is to always find that wonderful something...cause it's there too. You get to pick what you choose to focus on...isn't that a gift!

 

[DisPup75]

2008 is when I first started too. I have never hit my goal weight, but I have gotten close a few times. I really want this to be the time it works. I have big birthday coming up next month, and I feel like if I am not back on track and at least back to my happy weight (where I was happy with how I looked and felt -despite it not being my ideal weight) by that birthday, it is only going to continue to get harder. I have 6 pounds to lose in 30 days if I am going to make that goal. Chances don't seem great, but I am trying.

The strategy of reminding myself what food is for, fuel or comfort (or some other excuse) is what got me there before. I am counting on it helping again. But yesterday I had a rough day, and last night, instead of going to bed when I was exhausted, I sat on the couch and ate way too much junk, feeding the exhaustion, instead of sleeping which I really needed. Today is a new day though, here is hoping it gets better.

I hope you are feeling better today!

Horizons at EPCOT would be my first choice for a ride. But, if I could have anything at all back, it would be the original "Illuminations" which showcased music from each country. I loved that show, and would love it if my kids could see it!

I'd forgotten all about the original Illuminations. That was really cool!

Happy Tuesday Morning! Just catching up on the weekend posts. You folks are all so inspirational.....so many good tips and practices! I had an issue with meeting my water goal this mos. Ended up at doctors and have a UTI...so I've got a script and am drinking again! (Too painful to drink my water before.) I am headed to the Caribbean this weekend. I am formulating my eating plan this week. I will most likely utilize the plan I have for my Disney Trip in November. Light breakfast...oatmeal with fruit and nuts. Lunch...eat a lighter fare, salads and such. Dinner...choose whatever I want but eat smaller portion. Desserts....whatever I like but stick to two a day. Desserts will be the most challenging, so if I limit to two a day, it's better than two desserts at lunch and dinner and one in afternoon and one at night....all of which I can eat while on vacation. So, while I know I will gain some weight, it won't be terrible. My biggest challenge is eating while on vacation. So I'm taking the middle way approach by cutting back but not cutting out. I don't have the answers yet for vacations but I feel like some progress is better than no progress at all and just blowing it completely and then not being able to get back on track when I get home (another huge challenge). Today I'm visiting a friend in a nursing home who had a hip replacement which fractured her pelvis. She is recovering but very, very slowly. She's been there 6 weeks now. So off to cheer up a friend! Looking forward to this weeks progress reports!

Glad you got an answer about why water was so hard. Hope it gets better quickly! And so sorry to hear about your friend. That sounds very, very painful.

Well I just paid to be in at work program for 12 weeks even though they have buy 12 weeks and get 4 free weeks at my center.. I start either tomorrow or Thursday - depends on what class has enough people signed up.. I will go to meetings and weigh in at my center.. there are a few leaders that I like there.. I hope I can lose this way (Atkins has worked for me in the past but it's not a lifestyle I can stick with) my downfall is always exercise so I NEED to make sure I am better about that this time around..

I'd like to see them bring back the Tapestry of Nations Parade at Epcot..

Hope everyone has a fantastic Tuesday.. Michelle

Also a great parade! I hope your first day in plan is going well!!

Disneyland: I miss the People Mover and the Skyway Buckets. I'd like to bring both back. The People Mover track still sits empty today and it's sort of weird to walk into Tomorrowland with nothing going on up there - plus, there's not that many rides left in Tomorrowland. The Skyway Buckets were cool and allowed you the opportunity to go through the Matterhorn. Yeah!

California Adventure: ElecTRONica in lieu of Mad Tea Party. I'm a big Tron fan so I enjoyed that much more than the Alice in Wonderland Theme.

Magic Kingdom: The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management. I never experienced the original, but to have Iago just blast the original attraction and complain is beautiful. Gilbert Gottfried has the best voice for speaking and I really hope one day that he'll narrate the Candlelight Processional. My husband and I have a long-standing agreement that if he ever does it that we'll fly out to EPCOT just for that day to see it.

EPCOT: Maelstrom. (No more Frozen, Disney!). Bring back the original Figment ride with Dream Finder. And maybe do something with the Wonders of Life pavilion because it sits empty except for special events(?).

Animal Kingdom: We love this park as-is, but wouldn't mind seeing the jungle parade return.

Hollywood Studios: Long standing joke is that this park doesn't exist to us and, therefore, we don't acknowledge its presence. So nothing to see here.

Disneyland Paris: i would love to see smoking areas enforced for Disney Paris - the amount of smokers made it difficult to breathe! They would get off rides and light up a cigarette and puff while walking to the next ride. Our only complaint about it really... a small Disney park but still fun. (And bizarre to walk down Main Street. It's Bizarro-DisneyLand).

Funny that you and I have EXACTLY the same Disneyland wishes! I can't quite support a room of Iago though. I've always thought it would be a good subject for a study. Just about everyone I know who can remember the original Tiki Room just hated the new management. And those who had no experience with the original now miss Iago. Of course 90% of the world just wants to destroy the Tiki Rook but THEY ARE WRONG!!

I look forward to Bizzaro-Disneyland in the next few years!!

 

[DisPup75]

I hope everyone is having a great day today. My workout week starts tomorrow and I'm excited for it. I know exercising can be rough sometimes. It is for me too, but I also have found it depends greatly on my perspective regarding that gym time. When I feel that I "have" to work out or exercise it becomes much harder, lately I've focused on using the words "I get to work out." It is just something small but I know it has helped me a great deal.

If I could have a ride (or attraction) back it would probably be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and The Magic of Disney Animation (particularly the Animation Academy). I want them primarily for DW2B. The first was one of her favorite rides, and the second is because she loves art (her degree is in art) and no one would ever go through it with her so she was never able to experience it. I was excited to experience it with her on our honeymoon, but then extremely disappointed when we found out it was closing.

If I could move any ride I would want to move the Indiana Jones ride at DCA to Hollywood Studios. I am a huge Indiana Jones fan (SO excited about Jock Lindsay's) and I would love that ride. I still haven't been to DL or DCA though so it would be nice if it were in HS.

Interesting mind shift. I like it!

I was so sad when I heard the Animation Academy was closing! One of my favorite things at DHS!! I don't know if they are still doing it but the Art of Animation did similar classes in the lobby the last time we were down. I vaguely think they do them somewhere at DD as well.

I want the old entrance to California Adventure back. I miss that entrance. The new one is so blah.
I also want Roger Rabbit at DHS. I love that ride.
Beyond that ... I like that things keep changing. I do miss some of the old stuff, but I like seeing new stuff.



I will definitely ask about that - I think it could be helpful, but I see it as more of a temporary respite than a long-term solution.

Ooh. Roger Rabbit! Good choice!

Hey all! My "free" time is drawing to a close.... gotta dash in 5 minutes or less! Didn't quite get everything on the list done (neglected one bathroom completely), but the house is picked up, dinner for Friday is made along with a dinner for the men while I'm away. And of course, laundry got moved along and the upstairs got vacuumed..... so overall I did enough I guess!

Off to pick up DS and head to WW! Have a great evening all!.....................P

I hope you had some fun time on your free day too! It is nice to have the house all cleaned up, isn't it?

UGH how I WISH it was something as easy as the ribbon on my bouquet (granted, I've been trying to put my bouquet together for a year now and haven't gotten it finished yet because I can't get it to look like what's in my head... ) ... There's been some SNAFU's with the rings, and Friday we found out that DH2B's ring, which we ordered and paid for 3 weeks ago, and should've received 2 weeks ago, now actually may not even be made, nevermind that it's in their 2015-2016 catalog. We were able to find a ring that's similar, though a different metal, and we found out yesterday that they've ordered it and we should receive it Thursday... but both rings were ordered based off a picture in a book, knowing we could return them and look somewhere else if they weren't right. That was a totally acceptable plan 3 weeks ago, but now it's nerve-wracking! Saturday night's blow up resulted in us spending Sunday reworking the ceremony because some family members didn't feel like they had big enough roles in it... And yesterday we found out that the rules in TN have changed, so the friend who was going to act as officiant is no longer eligible. Now we have to find someone else to marry us so that we end up actually married... The easiest thing to do is to get married legally prior to the wedding date, and then do a fake ceremony on our date, but it's really hard to find someone on a few weeks' notice. We aren't church members so we didn't want to go through a minister, and it was really important to us not to be married by a stranger, but with several officiants and county clerks offices near us refusing to marry anyone at the moment, things are really tricky. We also can't really tell anyone in the family, as we both have very large old-fashioned Southern extended families, so we have to find someone to act as officiant for a fake ceremony on our original wedding date... Have I mentioned that I'm REALLY looking forward to food and wine??

Oh this all just sounds horrible! I know that things will all come together in the end but what a bumpy road to get there!! Does TN allow people who go online to become members of the Internet churches to officiate? I've been to several weddings officiated by people who signed up with the Universal Life Church of Modesto California. I could see where that might be the exact rule change though.

Puppy would LOVE a walk. He loves them. He gets off the walls excited when we just say the word "walk". He loves to explore. I feel so bad when we aren't able to take him! Thankfully it's starting to cool down some, so hopefully we'll be able to fit walks into our schedule again.

It's the perfect fall activity! We have no choice but to walk for miles with our insane creature but I would happily give that up in the heat of summer!

My answer will be infinitely less interesting than @courtneybeth 's answer because I can only discuss Disney World from first hand experience, but I'm stealing her format!

Magic Kingdom - Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Skyway. I can remember riding over Tomorrowland in the Skyway (and the cool Skyway tower station with the waterfall, next to Space Mountain!) and I would love to be able to do it again! OH! And bring back the TTA spiel! "Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow... Your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring." AND the chocolate chip cookie asteroids in Space Mountain! Obviously I have some serious Tomorrowland nostalgia...

EPCOT - ImageWorks! I have the most vivid memories of this as a kid - the rainbow tunnel, the floor hexagons that lit up and played music notes, the GIANT peg table... Oh my word. I would give anything to sneak up there and take a peek at everything again. I wish wish wish they'd put it back in. Nothing could ever possibly say "Imagination" to me more than the ImageWorks.

DHS - Well, first of all, it never would have stopped being MGM. So... that should say it all right there. MGM is my favorite park - I love the 1930's/1940's classic Hollywood era (I was totally born in the wrong decade) and I would definitely have to bring back all the things that made that park amazing... Filming on the soundstages, Monster Sound Show, Superstar Television (especially now that I'm old enough to participate!), the original Backlot Tour with Catastrophe Canyon and the Golden Girls' house, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and the Stars and Motorcars Parade. Sigh.

Animal Kingdom - Eh. I'm not a big AK fan, and I can't really remember anything being taken away from it... I wish they wouldn't associate Avatar with it... I love the concepts of what they're putting in... i just wish Avatar/Pandora/etc. was not even an association.

I would definitely put the Indiana Jones ride in DHS, too. It just makes sense. Plus with the possibility of Chris Pratt playing Indy, I'd definitely be in favor of a Chris Pratt animatronic or three.... And Froway would NOT go in EPCOT. Put them in Magic Kingdom with the other princesses and be done with it.

I think they should only add things and never take away! So much stuff to miss!

 

[DisPup75]

Morning all! I have just a MINUTE to say hello! Working doubles today, but I won't stay too long at the second job because tonight is the season premiere of SURVIVOR..... my favorite show EVER! WOOHOO! I don't watch a ton of TV, but I do love that show! Dinner for tonight was made on Sunday so it just needs to be warmed so I can come home, enjoy my dinner, take a shower, and relax with a light adult beverage (saving some PointsPlus for that!) while I watch! Something to look forward to to get me through the day!

Hope you ALL have something to look forward to to get you through today.... or this week.... or September! ......................P

Woohoo!

Looking forward to hearing everyone's woohoos today!

View attachment 125224

Yay!! Fall!!!

Don't be that impressed.... I spend plenty of my time sitting on my behind watching useless cat videos on the internet! As far as food goes..... I spent many years when my kiddos were younger SCRAMBLING at 5-6 pm trying to figure out what was for dinner when nothing was prepped/defrosted/planned. It gets exhausting and frustrating, especially when you hate to cook.

Fast forward to a time when DD started swimming and we were out of the house from 3-5 nights a week (I took DS with me because he was too little to leave at home and we always stayed out because the Y was too far from home to make it worthwhile to go back). If I didn't have SOMETHING planned or cooking we got home crazy hungry and again, it would be frustrating or I'd end up spending/wasting money on pizza or sandwiches.... and it was always from the local pizza shop or Dunkins because we live in a very rural area and have NOTHING ELSE out here (in fact, I think the Dunkins only opened in about 2008). Too expensive, too fattening, and too unhealthy!!

Then when I rejoined WW and was DETERMINED that it was going to work this time....and I also started working away from home part time, I decided it was time to GET SERIOUS with my meal planning... and it has been a LIFESAVER!! I cannot say enough about it. YES, I still hate cooking and YES, I would love the option of take-out once in a while..... but eating a home is SO MUCH BETTER for my wallet, my health, and my family life! Despite a crazy schedule when DD was in high school and swimming 2-3 x a day (during the high school season) and 1-2 x a day the rest of the year, plus meets nearly every weekend for several months of the year, PLUS Rainbow Girls, PLUS DS's robotics schedule, PLUS I was coaching robotics for the first 3 years and then DH started coaching with me the last two years......and of course the kiddos played soccer and basketball and baseball during all of this as well.......... well anyhow, suffice it to say our family life/schedule was absolutely crazy, but we still managed a family meal together a few times a week.... yup, sitting at a table, with napkins and real silverware...even if was just breakfast!! I"m sure anyone on here with kids can relate!!

Sometimes the meal planning during those years was just how many different kinds of sandwiches I could pack because we would all be eating away from home all day! I learned you can bring food and warm it up in the microwave at the gas station mini-mart and they don't mind! I learned you can ask the guy at the Target snack bar to warm up your son's soup in his microwave and they will do it if you also are buying a milk! I used to DREAM that instead of driving my Honda I would be driving a small RV that had a full kitchen!! I could store/prep/serve meals on the road, from parking lots, at away meets, etc!! In reality, I even occasionally had a meal cook in the crockpot all day.... then go home and grab the entire crockpot, insulate it with some towels and bring it along in the car with a tote bag full of paper bowls and silverware and we would eat on the sidelines while watching one of the kids games/matches/meets!!

Anyhow, I digress. I have tweaked my meal planning system over the years to what it currently is and it works for me. I now usually only plan a week at a time (when life was crazy I planned 6-8 weeks at a time). I use a combined system of using what I've bought on sale (I stock up on sale meats and such when I can), what is fresh from the garden (and from Dad's garden when I can ), what needs to be used up (pantry and freezer overages do occur), and of course, what we are craving!! I also like to try new recipes at least 2-4 x a month and ask the family to rate them. If they are keepers they go in my "Tried and True" binder..... the losers go in the trash. I refuse to keep a recipe that wasn't loved by at least half of the family.

I also cook ahead whenever possible..... double/triple batches are my friend! I LOVE pulling a fully-cooked batch of soup or stew or chili from the freezer at night and then warming it when I get home the next day..... dinner is done in MINUTES!! Or to pull out some stew beef that I browned before I froze it.... toss it into the crockpot with carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, parsnips that I diced the night before, dump in some stock or a bit of tomato juice and hit COOK..... dinner is warm and ready when I get home..... it is almost like having a chef!!

Anyhow..... all of the rambling is really just to tell you that I am NOT superwoman, I am NOT super organized, and I am NOT a great cook..... but the benefits of meal planning outweigh the work involved. Plus I cannot IMAGINE what my men would eat while I was gone if I didn't leave prepared food. DS would probably eat a frozen pizza every night and DH would eat eggs, yogurt, sardines, and peanuts.... every day!! It was nearly as quick to make three egg pies yesterday as it would have been to make one or two.... and now I have dinner for Friday for 3 (with leftovers) and dinner for the men while I"m away! And I only had to run the oven once and clean up once!



Fingers crossed you feel better quickly!!



My woohoo for today>>>>>>> SURVIVOR STARTS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

Plus I am here, at work, with free time and computer access so I can talk to you all and get paid for it!!!

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

I really, really, really loved this post. It is so helpful to read about the evolution of your meal planning habits. This is what I struggle with the most (although I like to cook, I hate to plan and I'm not into cooking after work) and it was just wonderful seeing tips that just might make it easier.

I only just started going to Disney World a few years back, so I have nothing to compare it to. I can love it without comparison! I had a slip last night. I was in one of my "so hungry I could die" places. It happens sometimes and I have to have something heavy to satisfy me. I had two grahams with peanut butter and 12 chocolate chips. It could have been worse, I suppose. But I'm okay today...WhooHoo! I had a good gym workout today. I talked with someone who is so happy to be there, he is just full of smiles and happiness and feels blessed that he has the opportunity to work out almost every day! I was riding on his joy for my workout! I'm packing for my cruise tomorrow. I have bought quite a few new things and it does get rather pricey. Some of the things I bought last spring, brand new, hardly worn, do not fit. It kind of bugs me, cause it seems like such a waste of money....but the fact I have to buy more new things is a blessing....so I had to move past that issue. There will always be something to be disappointed about...it just is that way. The key is to always find that wonderful something...cause it's there too. You get to pick what you choose to focus on...isn't that a gift!

I'm glad you found something to satisfy you! That sounds like a delicious snack and it was way better than letting the hunger get to you and then eating all of the graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. And I hear you on the clothes! It is great when things are too big but clothes do cost money and no one wants to replace nearly new things.

 

[DisPup75]

Almost caught up!

First of all, a big woohoo to all of YOU for all of the amazing weight loss and accomplishments you've had during this month. Your accomplishments and goal meeting makes me want to do better and encourages me every morning to wake up and try my best. Thanks for being that little bubble of positivity and pixie dust that I need in the morning to remind myself of what I am doing and why.


So my two woohoo's for today:

1. I work as a marketing manager for a medium-sized business and I'm leading the charge on our fall media campaign. I love the feeling of helming something important and I get to finally showcase my talents at this job (been here 6 months). They haven't seen me in full project management mode and I can't wait to impress them.
2. I get to go bra shopping (again) tonight - I think I'm down another size or two. This is getting expensive!

(Edit; i guess lists highlight different lines of text? OF COURSE it highlights my bra shopping hahaha. ::facepalm:: )

You go! I am so in awe of your confidence!!! And LOL at the highlighting! That is a victory, though!

My woohoo is that my belt is too big, even on the smallest notch! I can stick my hand in between my belt and my pants. That's a pretty good woohoo considering that I've had a week of being in starvation mode and wanting to eat everything in sight! I'm hoping next week is better.

Woohoo!

I think my WooHoo is just that I made it through another work week, and I can catch up on some TV viewing over the next couple days. I'm also woohoo-ing that it is now less than six weeks before I will be in WDW again.

Yay!!!

I've only been to EPCOT since 2012 and I'm curious now just how much better it used to be. I think it's pretty darn cool as-is!

(This may be the case for MGM/Hollywood Studios. I saw images and videos from its heyday and it looked so much better then than now!)

EPCOT is still beautiful but it used to just be so special. The various stores were filled with items from the countries instead of the same Disney merchandise that was in every park, there were CMs everywhere sharing stories about their homes, and the food seemed better. I was also just a kid from a small town with no restaurants beyond bad Chinese and pizza. The world is a also a lot smaller than it was in the 1980s (and I'm now a city girl with constant access to DC's vibrant restaurant community) so it may just be perception.

And that doesn't even begin to address all of the pavilions that are sitting empty in Future World.

MGM WAS so much better!

I agree with @DisPup75 though. EPCOT is just a shell of what it used to be. I wish they'd give some love to both of those parks. I know DHS is on the list, but I'm not really impressed with the ideas they've announced for it. Will I visit and enjoy it? I'm sure I will. But I am not blown-away-itching-to-plan-the-opening-day-trip. EPCOT hasn't announced anything other than Froway, and... well.....

I have lots of hope for DHS! And even more hope that Epcot will be next.

 

[DisPup75]

QOTD - September 23​

Woohoo Wednesday! As we head into our final week of September (and First Day of Fall!) what is making you woohoo today? Stand up and cheer!!!

I have LOTS of woohoos for the day!!!

1. I went to my second WW meeting yesterday and lost 3.6 POUNDS my first full week on plan!!! I also really love the meeting and the leader! I still have some reservations about the plan itself but I am super happy to have the extra support and structure. I'm also excited to learn what is in store for December! Not too sure about the coaching. I've had calls with three different people so far. The first was just a disaster. The second was OK but I really felt like the person was reading from a script and it just wasn't very helpful. The action plan she wrote was really just following the plan and i had been hoping for a bit more. I liked the third person a lot and am going to try her again - we seemed to click, she got my issues and had helpful suggestions, and I felt like I was getting something out of it. I love my meeting leader so much that I would like to try him as a coach but that feels like it would be stalking. Plus different perspectives are good and talking to more than one person would be rough for me to schedule.

2. I am definitely sick but all of the travel restrictions surrounding the pope's visit mean I didn't have to go work today and I don't have to go in tomorrow either. I did work from home much of the day but it was nice to get some extra rest time without have to call in sick.

3. Summer is over!!!!!

4. DH agreed to a short, focused, secret trip to Disneyland in January or early February so that we can enjoy the 60th Anniversary festivities! Woohoo!!!!!

 

[courtneybeth]

I look forward to Bizzaro-Disneyland in the next few years!!

When you go to Bizarro Disneyland (Paris) get the annual pass (Fantasy-level). We were there for 2 days and it was the same cost as a two-day ticket (or maybe like a $10 more expense?). But you get all of the great discounts PLUS early admission into Disneyland without having to stay on property. We stayed at a good neighbor hotel and took the free bus into the park. It was really stress-free and we got into enjoy the parks and do all of the shopping. Our pass more than made up the difference with all the pins, shirts, and jackets we bought. We actually bought a Disney Paris-themed suitcase (carry-on) to take home with us for all the souvenirs we purchased at Disney Paris and through England and France.

I went to my second WW meeting yesterday and lost 3.6 POUNDS my first full week on plan!!!

YEAH YOU! GREAT JOB. Celebration time

 

[courtneybeth]

4. DH agreed to a short, focused, secret trip to Disneyland in January or early February so that we can enjoy the 60th Anniversary festivities! Woohoo!!!!!

Best news!

Avoid January 14-17 because it's Star Wars Run Disney race weekend. Last week of January and the 1st week of February are fun times to go. You're beating the Valentine's Day crowd and the race crowds too.

We will have to meet up for a cakepop or churro!

 

[JacknSally]

Yeah, we've got most things done. We already have the rings, the suits, we meet with our officiant for the second of four meetings tomorrow night. The one thing I wish we had more time for is prepare for the first dance. We're both somewhat nervous about it and we're OK, but not great dancers; and we haven't taken lessons, or really practiced. We have a good idea of what music we want played, but we need to pass it along to the DJ. As for where we'll be staying in Orlando -- we start off the first three nights at Polynesian, followed by two nights at Port Orleans French Quarter, then six nights at Animal Kingdom. At Poly and AK we've rented points and will be staying in the Villas.

Where will you and DH2B be staying? Don't you just wish the wedding could be over already so you can go on the honeymoon?

Haha, I think the dance is the one thing we're good to go on! We picked our song last year, and we'll totally just "8th grade dance". We aren't dancers at all. I even asked DH2B if we absolutely had to do one, but he wouldn't budge.

SO excited for you guys and your hotel stays! Oh my goodness, what fantastic picks! We looked into POFQ; DH2B and his family are all from New Orleans, so we though it'd be cool. I stayed with my family at POR a few years ago and loved it. And the villas at Poly AND AK! Oh my word. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!!

We'll be spending 5 nights at the Dolphin - lots of Food & Wine and Boardwalk evenings! I can. not. wait. Every time over the last year that someone has asked about wedding plans, I've just told them I didn't know, but I've had the honeymoon planned for a year! I keep reminding DH2B that I'm much more excited about the Disneymoon than the wedding hahaha.

Funny that you and I have EXACTLY the same Disneyland wishes! I can't quite support a room of Iago though. I've always thought it would be a good subject for a study. Just about everyone I know who can remember the original Tiki Room just hated the new management. And those who had no experience with the original now miss Iago. Of course 90% of the world just wants to destroy the Tiki Rook but THEY ARE WRONG!!

Don't hate me buuuuuutttt... I don't like either Tiki Room!

Oh this all just sounds horrible! I know that things will all come together in the end but what a bumpy road to get there!! Does TN allow people who go online to become members of the Internet churches to officiate? I've been to several weddings officiated by people who signed up with the Universal Life Church of Modesto California. I could see where that might be the exact rule change though.

Sigh. Unfortunately, that's the exact rule that changed. Our original plan was to have a friend of mine perform the ceremony... On Monday, we found out that 1) TN has recently stopped allowing online ordinations, in an effort to better control who can/can't get married the sticky thing is, some counties will allow them still, but of course nothing local to me. 2) because she is on a career path to be ordained within the UMC, the online ordination could get her in a ton of trouble with the church, and effectively end her career. Important things to know a year ago when we asked, LOL. We've been tearing up the phone lines this week, so hopefully something will come through soon. This is just a very big, very unanticipated stress very close to the wedding. I took care of stuff like this year ago so that 30 days before I could worry about what color manicure to get

I think they should only add things and never take away! So much stuff to miss!

YES! I agree! Why are we not in charge?!

I have LOTS of woohoos for the day!!!

1. I went to my second WW meeting yesterday and lost 3.6 POUNDS my first full week on plan!!! I also really love the meeting and the leader! I still have some reservations about the plan itself but I am super happy to have the extra support and structure. I'm also excited to learn what is in store for December! Not too sure about the coaching. I've had calls with three different people so far. The first was just a disaster. The second was OK but I really felt like the person was reading from a script and it just wasn't very helpful. The action plan she wrote was really just following the plan and i had been hoping for a bit more. I liked the third person a lot and am going to try her again - we seemed to click, she got my issues and had helpful suggestions, and I felt like I was getting something out of it. I love my meeting leader so much that I would like to try him as a coach but that feels like it would be stalking. Plus different perspectives are good and talking to more than one person would be rough for me to schedule.

2. I am definitely sick but all of the travel restrictions surrounding the pope's visit mean I didn't have to go work today and I don't have to go in tomorrow either. I did work from home much of the day but it was nice to get some extra rest time without have to call in sick.

3. Summer is over!!!!!

4. DH agreed to a short, focused, secret trip to Disneyland in January or early February so that we can enjoy the 60th Anniversary festivities! Woohoo!!!!!

I love your woohoos!!! CONGRATULATIONS on your 3.6lb loss! You guys are making me want to jump on the WW bandwagon... And good for you being able to get some extra rest! I am a firm believer in 3-day weekends, every weekend. I need to be my own boss, I've decided. Some times you just NEED a day off, and that's ok! But sometimes you need that day off to be Tuesday, not Saturday.



I have a woohoo after all! Yesterday was my referral's 90-day, so hopefully we'll be getting the referral bonus for her before the honeymoon. I think we'll be ok without it, but I'll feel a lot better knowing we've got that if we need it. Of course, I won't believe it until that check is actually deposited in my account. We'll find out the 19th!

Also, I spent my work day looking for songs to play at the ceremony and the reception. Gonna charge ahead as if we're still having the wedding on the 24th as planned! DH2B's dad has a friend who plays acoustic guitar at weddings, so he'll be doing our processional/recessional music. I think we've decided on "Rose of my Heart" by Johnny Cash for the wedding party walking in, and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder for the recessional... Not sure what I'll walk in to, though! Help me out here, if you don't mind - we'll have a wide variety of people at our reception, much like we have here! So I'll use you guys if that's ok. I've asked people when they RSVP to give us names of songs they'd like to hear at the reception, but of course I can barely get people to RSVP, much less give me song names.

What are some songs that are guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor at a reception???

 

[JacknSally]

Don't be that impressed.... I spend plenty of my time sitting on my behind watching useless cat videos on the internet! As far as food goes..... I spent many years when my kiddos were younger SCRAMBLING at 5-6 pm trying to figure out what was for dinner when nothing was prepped/defrosted/planned. It gets exhausting and frustrating, especially when you hate to cook.

Fast forward to a time when DD started swimming and we were out of the house from 3-5 nights a week (I took DS with me because he was too little to leave at home and we always stayed out because the Y was too far from home to make it worthwhile to go back). If I didn't have SOMETHING planned or cooking we got home crazy hungry and again, it would be frustrating or I'd end up spending/wasting money on pizza or sandwiches.... and it was always from the local pizza shop or Dunkins because we live in a very rural area and have NOTHING ELSE out here (in fact, I think the Dunkins only opened in about 2008). Too expensive, too fattening, and too unhealthy!!

Then when I rejoined WW and was DETERMINED that it was going to work this time....and I also started working away from home part time, I decided it was time to GET SERIOUS with my meal planning... and it has been a LIFESAVER!! I cannot say enough about it. YES, I still hate cooking and YES, I would love the option of take-out once in a while..... but eating a home is SO MUCH BETTER for my wallet, my health, and my family life! Despite a crazy schedule when DD was in high school and swimming 2-3 x a day (during the high school season) and 1-2 x a day the rest of the year, plus meets nearly every weekend for several months of the year, PLUS Rainbow Girls, PLUS DS's robotics schedule, PLUS I was coaching robotics for the first 3 years and then DH started coaching with me the last two years......and of course the kiddos played soccer and basketball and baseball during all of this as well.......... well anyhow, suffice it to say our family life/schedule was absolutely crazy, but we still managed a family meal together a few times a week.... yup, sitting at a table, with napkins and real silverware...even if was just breakfast!! I"m sure anyone on here with kids can relate!!

Sometimes the meal planning during those years was just how many different kinds of sandwiches I could pack because we would all be eating away from home all day! I learned you can bring food and warm it up in the microwave at the gas station mini-mart and they don't mind! I learned you can ask the guy at the Target snack bar to warm up your son's soup in his microwave and they will do it if you also are buying a milk! I used to DREAM that instead of driving my Honda I would be driving a small RV that had a full kitchen!! I could store/prep/serve meals on the road, from parking lots, at away meets, etc!! In reality, I even occasionally had a meal cook in the crockpot all day.... then go home and grab the entire crockpot, insulate it with some towels and bring it along in the car with a tote bag full of paper bowls and silverware and we would eat on the sidelines while watching one of the kids games/matches/meets!!

Anyhow, I digress. I have tweaked my meal planning system over the years to what it currently is and it works for me. I now usually only plan a week at a time (when life was crazy I planned 6-8 weeks at a time). I use a combined system of using what I've bought on sale (I stock up on sale meats and such when I can), what is fresh from the garden (and from Dad's garden when I can ), what needs to be used up (pantry and freezer overages do occur), and of course, what we are craving!! I also like to try new recipes at least 2-4 x a month and ask the family to rate them. If they are keepers they go in my "Tried and True" binder..... the losers go in the trash. I refuse to keep a recipe that wasn't loved by at least half of the family.

I also cook ahead whenever possible..... double/triple batches are my friend! I LOVE pulling a fully-cooked batch of soup or stew or chili from the freezer at night and then warming it when I get home the next day..... dinner is done in MINUTES!! Or to pull out some stew beef that I browned before I froze it.... toss it into the crockpot with carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, parsnips that I diced the night before, dump in some stock or a bit of tomato juice and hit COOK..... dinner is warm and ready when I get home..... it is almost like having a chef!!

Anyhow..... all of the rambling is really just to tell you that I am NOT superwoman, I am NOT super organized, and I am NOT a great cook..... but the benefits of meal planning outweigh the work involved. Plus I cannot IMAGINE what my men would eat while I was gone if I didn't leave prepared food. DS would probably eat a frozen pizza every night and DH would eat eggs, yogurt, sardines, and peanuts.... every day!! It was nearly as quick to make three egg pies yesterday as it would have been to make one or two.... and now I have dinner for Friday for 3 (with leftovers) and dinner for the men while I"m away! And I only had to run the oven once and clean up once!



Fingers crossed you feel better quickly!!



My woohoo for today>>>>>>> SURVIVOR STARTS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

Plus I am here, at work, with free time and computer access so I can talk to you all and get paid for it!!!

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

THANK YOU for sharing your story! At the risk of sounding cheesy, that was honestly inspirational! I want to be a fly on the wall of your house on meal prep day. I don't even know where to begin with that.

 

[JacknSally]

First of all, a big woohoo to all of YOU for all of the amazing weight loss and accomplishments you've had during this month. Your accomplishments and goal meeting makes me want to do better and encourages me every morning to wake up and try my best. Thanks for being that little bubble of positivity and pixie dust that I need in the morning to remind myself of what I am doing and why.


So my two woohoo's for today:

1. I work as a marketing manager for a medium-sized business and I'm leading the charge on our fall media campaign. I love the feeling of helming something important and I get to finally showcase my talents at this job (been here 6 months). They haven't seen me in full project management mode and I can't wait to impress them.
2. I get to go bra shopping (again) tonight - I think I'm down another size or two. This is getting expensive!

(Edit; i guess lists highlight different lines of text? OF COURSE it highlights my bra shopping hahaha. ::facepalm:: )

I laughed SO HARD at your edit, by the way! I hate bra shopping with a passion, so I do not envy you there, BUT congratulations for needing to get a smaller size! At least it's a good reason that you're buying more, not a bad! And congratulations on your work project - that's so exciting! I know you'll blow them away!

 

[DisPup75]

When you go to Bizarro Disneyland (Paris) get the annual pass (Fantasy-level). We were there for 2 days and it was the same cost as a two-day ticket (or maybe like a $10 more expense?). But you get all of the great discounts PLUS early admission into Disneyland without having to stay on property. We stayed at a good neighbor hotel and took the free bus into the park. It was really stress-free and we got into enjoy the parks and do all of the shopping. Our pass more than made up the difference with all the pins, shirts, and jackets we bought. We actually bought a Disney Paris-themed suitcase (carry-on) to take home with us for all the souvenirs we purchased at Disney Paris and through England and France.

I wouldn't have even thought about that. Great tip! I've been using up most of my mental energy on my Tokyo Disneyland in 2020 trip planning but I'm hoping to get back to Europe before then. Probably not next year since Florida and Hawaii are already scheduled but maybe 2017!

Best news!

Avoid January 14-17 because it's Star Wars Run Disney race weekend. Last week of January and the 1st week of February are fun times to go. You're beating the Valentine's Day crowd and the race crowds too.

We will have to meet up for a cakepop or churro!

Tentative plan is last week in January! I should probably book plane tickets right now before DH comes to his senses and realizes he agreed to spend 12 hours on a plane for a 2 or 3 day trip because I want to see fireworks! Would love to meet up for special Disney treats!

Don't hate me buuuuuutttt... I don't like either Tiki Room!

My husband would say that makes you a sane and rational human being. You are all wrong, however. The Tiki Room is a masterpiece!

I have a woohoo after all! Yesterday was my referral's 90-day, so hopefully we'll be getting the referral bonus for her before the honeymoon. I think we'll be ok without it, but I'll feel a lot better knowing we've got that if we need it. Of course, I won't believe it until that check is actually deposited in my account. We'll find out the 19th!

Woohoo!

Also, I spent my work day looking for songs to play at the ceremony and the reception. Gonna charge ahead as if we're still having the wedding on the 24th as planned! DH2B's dad has a friend who plays acoustic guitar at weddings, so he'll be doing our processional/recessional music. I think we've decided on "Rose of my Heart" by Johnny Cash for the wedding party walking in, and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder for the recessional... Not sure what I'll walk in to, though! Help me out here, if you don't mind - we'll have a wide variety of people at our reception, much like we have here! So I'll use you guys if that's ok. I've asked people when they RSVP to give us names of songs they'd like to hear at the reception, but of course I can barely get people to RSVP, much less give me song names.

I'm a sucker for 80s music. Gets me dancing every time. For weddings I also really like all of the old standards - What a Wonderful World, The Way You Look a Tonight, L-O-V-E, anything Sinatra ever sang. Basically all the stuff my grandparents danced to!

 

[DisPup75]

Sigh. Unfortunately, that's the exact rule that changed. Our original plan was to have a friend of mine perform the ceremony... On Monday, we found out that 1) TN has recently stopped allowing online ordinations, in an effort to better control who can/can't get married the sticky thing is, some counties will allow them still, but of course nothing local to me. 2) because she is on a career path to be ordained within the UMC, the online ordination could get her in a ton of trouble with the church, and effectively end her career. Important things to know a year ago when we asked, LOL. We've been tearing up the phone lines this week, so hopefully something will come through soon. This is just a very big, very unanticipated stress very close to the wedding. I took care of stuff like this year ago so that 30 days before I could worry about what color manicure to get

This is just awful. Almost everything else having to do with a wedding doesn't really matter because in the end you manage to do the most important part - get married. Sending all my good thoughts your way for finding someone quickly.