Team Donald – Biggest Loser “No Excuses” 2012 Challenge

[donaldandpirates]

Hello ladies, my name is Wakisha and I'm on team Donald, woohoo!!!

Welcome, Wakisha!!!

OH MY GOD. I got here (Old Key West) around noon. My room wasn't ready, so I went to lunch at Olivia's. While I'm eating I get my "your room is ready text". They told me at the desk that I was in building 11 on the second floor...but when I open the door they upgraded me to a 1BR villa. Pics to come on Facebook!

AWESOME!!! It's always great to get a lot of pixie dust! Enjoy the upgrade.

We have been on a steel cut oats kick in my house. I cook up a large batch in the crock pot (8 cups water, 2 cups steel cut oats, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinamon, 1/2 cup either honey or maple syrup. Cook on low until water is absorbed. 6-8 hours depending on the crock pot). Add some fruit and nuts - very filling. Weekends it's usually eggs and canadian bacon for me regular bacon for DH and DS.

Janis

I just bought some steel cut oats for the first time from the bulk section of Whole Foods. I'm looking forward to trying them in the crock pot, so thanks for sharing this recipe!

Just wanted to update that we have Hagrid home with us tonight and will enjoy our time with him. The vet said that he did well with the treatment today so we are hoping tomorrow goes as well. Then there will be the testing. We are trying not to think about that right and will just enjoy that he his home tonight. You guys are great with all the support!

I have much posting to do so I will be on again soon!

VERY happy to hear Hagrid is home right now!!!

Public Service Announcement. If you haven't been to the dermatologist lately PLEASE consider it. We found out today that the mole that Colby had removed had atypical cells. Thankfully they removed it with a good margin so he doesn't have to have anything done now, but he will need yearly skin checks for the rest of his life. Colby is 9 and the area where the mole was removed was on the side of his foot where he has never had a sunburn, it was under his ankle. You just never know. The rest of us will be scheduling appointments tomorrow for the near future. A 20 minute visit could just save you life down the road.

Since we are all starting to care for our bodies, now is the perfect time to start from the skin and work inwards

How scary! Thanks for the reminder that we should be taking care of our whole bodies and not just looking at numbers on a scale.

Hello from your newest Team Donald member!!

The date is set for 10-11-12! We are getting married on Cocoa Beach and having a DISNEYMOON!!! (our children will be honeymooning with us too. lol) So the wedding and Disneymoon are my focus and motivation for this!!!

WELCOME!! We had our Disneymoon at POR (Dixie Landings at the time) and would love to have a second one. Disney is the best place on earth for a honeymoon!!!

 

[jillbur]

I have always been a bacon lover, and while lean, center-cut bacon is pretty points friendly - having just one or two slices leaves me wanting more. I have come to really enjoy the Boar's Head ham, and when I crisp it up - yummy.

- Laura

I am a bacon lover, too. We tried turkey bacon and it's ok. It's not the real deal, but it makes due. Have you tried turkey bacon?

Hi Donalds!

I am very behind schedule today. I didn't wake up until just before 12 Noon. I have sniffled a few times today, so I think I may be feeling the start of a cold.

I hope you're not getting sick. A cold hit me last Wednesday and really wiped me out until Sunday. I'm still blowing my nose today. Take care!

On Sundays I have some homemade granola.
It has rolled oats, rolled quinoa, coconut chips, a variety of nuts, currants, sultanas, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and a little maple syrup. YUM.
A little goes a long way as it is very filling.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

This granola sounds so yummy, although, I do not know what sultanas are. I guess I better google it! If you have a chance, I would love for you to share the recipe

Don't be too jealous... it was loooong overdue. When we built this house many, many moons ago, we put in cheap builder grade carpet, figuring in a few years it would all be replaced with hardwood. Well... you know how that goes. A few years go by and suddenly there are the kids.... so you wait a bit more... and suddenly there is no money! Or every time there is a bit of extra you spend it on something else (like a trip to Disney ). Well... 17 years later that builders grade carpet was now covered (and I mean covered) in stains, top to bottom, side to side.... coffee, chocolate milk, pb&j, pizza sauce (yes, we tend to eat in the living room and office at odd times.... we like having family night carpet picnics.... bad habits). No amount of Stanley Steemer was going to help. And it was to the point where I was quite embarrassed about it.

With DD heading to college in less than 2 years ($$ out the door!), I opted to just buy carpeting again, rather than invest in hardwood. Maybe someday we will end up with the hardwood. And we didn't do the whole house. We did the downstairs (office, living room, dining room), stairs, and upstairs hall. We skipped the bedrooms, even though ours is pretty worn. I can live a few more years with it. When we do hardwood we want to do the entire house, including bedrooms and kitchen (but not bathrooms).

Next on the home improvement list is sheet vinyl for DD's bathroom. I could live with the stains and discoloration, but I noticed it was starting to lift along the edge of the tub. I've laid ceramic tile myself before, but I don't really want that for in there.

I hear you on the braces. Our DS got his on in October. Thankfully it is going to cost us about $2K less than our DD"s braces did!

Isn't it funny how life gets in the way of things? We had so many plans when we bought our house 9 years ago. About 4 have gotten done lol. Although, the next two weeks DH is off of school, so he is finally putting up the crown molding I've been waiting 5 years for

I am so nervous about DS getting braces. He's only 8 and he doesn't want to give up his love of Starbursts, but I told him he had to. He is getting "phase 1" and I'm hoping he never needs "phase 2." By that time DS5 will be old enough and probably will be in "phase 1." These kids will be lucky if we can afford to help them with college at all after braces lol.

Public Service Announcement. If you haven't been to the dermatologist lately PLEASE consider it. We found out today that the mole that Colby had removed had atypical cells. Thankfully they removed it with a good margin so he doesn't have to have anything done now, but he will need yearly skin checks for the rest of his life. Colby is 9 and the area where the mole was removed was on the side of his foot where he has never had a sunburn, it was under his ankle. You just never know. The rest of us will be scheduling appointments tomorrow for the near future. A 20 minute visit could just save you life down the road.

Since we are all starting to care for our bodies, now is the perfect time to start from the skin and work inwards

Wow, how scary! Glad Colby's ok. I really need DH to get to a dermatologist. He has a lot of sunburns when he was younger. I worry about him! Thanks for the reminder!

Small victory today but I still wanted to share it!

Had to go run errands today so in getting dressed I decided to try on one of my old shirts, a size Medium t-shirt that I haven't worn in 2 years because it showed all my flab...

Well...

IT FIT! I'M SO HAPPY!!

All that water and exercise and fruit is paying off! Still not sure if I've lost anymore weight this week, (I try to just weigh myself on Fridays for the weigh-in so that I don't get as discouraged if I haven't lost anything) but even if I just maintain my weigh this week, I'll be happy cause I can definitely see a difference in myself already.

Off to go eat some of DM's roast on wheat bread!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

SIDE NOTE: I'm just curious to know how everyone's doing with flossing for HH this week. I've been doing it every night since Friday faithfully, (I think I've flossed more this week than the past five years) but I'll admit it, I really hate flossing...

It's so exciting when you can fit into clothes again. Good job!

I actually floss daily anyhow, but have you tried those flossers/picks? They are so much easier than just using floss. I love them even though it probably costs more than just using floss. I've seen them at the dollar store. Just make sure you get the ones with wax. They're much easier to use and you don't have to have your fingers in your mouth.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, I really felt like I needed a workout break today, but my competitive edge told me I had to get my point for HH, so I did the eliptical for 22 minutes. I didn't go all out, but needed those 20 minutes!

After, I made dinner (waffles and turkey bacon since DH has clinicals tonight for school and wasn't here~he hates breakfast for dinner). Then DSs and I watched the lastest Spy Kids movie. It was so nice to sit, relax, and laugh with my boys. It was a really cute movie, but seeing Jessica Alba in a leather suit made me a tad mad! Her waist is smaller than one of my thighs, I swear! I guess I shouldn't compare myself to others, but really? If I put on a leather suit, I'd look like Shamu

Now I'm relaxing and watching the BL. I enjoy the show, but wish it wasn't 2 hours. They repeat themselves too much. I'm sure they could shorten it. I guess I better just DVR it & fast forward the commercials. It'll probably only be an hour then

I have got to focus tomorrow at work. I have an IEP due in a week and I haven't even started it. I guess I better start since this is the first year I've had this student and don't really know where to start. I am about done with special education. There's so much paperwork and monitoring that I don't feel like I am teaching as effectively as I could and should be. But, until I find a wonderful job with those cute little ones (kindergarten or 1st grade), I guess I'll just keep writing my IEPs, behavior plans, and progress reports.

Well, now that my post turned into a vent I'm off to, well, do nothing

Jill

 

[my3princes]

duplicate

 

[Kitchensinkguy]

Hi,my name is chris. I'm 41 and this is my 3rd or 4th blc. My goal is to finally get under 200lb.s About a year and a 1/2 ago I did P90x and got to 203 (11% body fat) and was happy with my success. Since then my weight has crept back up to 237lb.s I'm happily married to my3princes and have 3 fine young boys. I hope to reach my goal before our trip to Hawaii.

 

[my3princes]

Alright - I had just done replies to everyone here and for some reason it all disappeared on me! I should go back and try to redo it but tonight I am shot so I will just do my post and then head to bed.

It was a very hard night in my house. We took our kitty (really 12 year old cat) to the vet. Hagrid is giant kitty who is so loving and wonderful...but he has not been himself for a couple of weeks. He has been pacing around, hissing at our other cats at times and then went to the bathroom in our living room the other night. We finally knew he needed to see the vet. After a long series of tests, the vet told us that the numbers who his kidneys are having problems. He is at the vet tonight and will get IV fluids all day tomorrow. Tomorrow night he will come home until Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning he will go back for more IV fluids. Wednesday afternoon they will test again and if there are no changes, we will have to put him down. We are all sad but my DS is totally devastated. Hagrid sleeps with him every night and follows him everywhere. It was a very sad night with many tears. Even if Hagrid responds to the IV treatment, the vet could not tell us how long he will make it after that.

My DS cried for almost 2 hours and finally got to bed. I am now going to bed but will be back tomorrow.

On a positive note - I am proud of all of us for the great first week of being here for one another!

Night everyone!
Jen

Our male cat started with kidney issues when he was 2. We bought the special foods to treat it while he had a couple of episodes that had us back at the vet, he lived to be 16 and died of a brain tumor (which is sadly ironic as he was the cat of my son that had the brain tumor ) Keep your spirits up, this may just be hiccup in a long life.

Jen, I am so very sorry to hear about your kitty! I work in the pet industry, and my store has a vet and animal adoptions so I hear these kinds of things all the time and its always so hard. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Today was not an uneventful day. They moved up my colonoscopy and endoscopy to wednesday (was supposed to be in feb) because my stomachs been bothering me so much. Well that means i needed tomorrow and wed off. I fel really awkward telling my boss i would need the day off, the day before because well, i work in retail, they need someone to cover me. But he was ok with it and figured it out so that i could have the days off.

Now i'm all nervous. This ain't my first rodeo, I've had a colonoscopy before, and i just remember the prep being AWFUL. I'm just so nervous about it. I'm taking the miralax with gatorade which ive heard doesn't taste too bad but im really worried about getting nauseas and im just so terrified about being nauseous. I'm thinking of calling the doctor and seeing if i can take an anti nausea medicine before hand but they will probably say no. So I'm very nervous about that, and i'm also very nervous and the day of, because i'm terrified of needles and the thought of the IV is freaking me out. I know this is just my anxiety getting to me but its freaking me out.

Any words of wisdom or anything to help calm me down would be greatly appreciated!

Good luck with the prep. We will be going through that this weekend, as colon health is apparently directly related to urinary health and we're working on improving some issues. I think the prep may actually have a few more steps

Good morning friends! Sorry I didn't make it back here yesterday to finish up my read/replies. The carpeting installation was yesterday and it turned into a CRAZY day! The installers showed up and I was still mid-packing and I was NOT a happy camper. We ended up just SHOVELING everything into the kitchen and downstairs bathroom.

Then the installers just put all of the furniture that they could into the kitchen. I was under the impression that they would move it to the lawn and/or garage. But of course, once the kitchen was full, there was no way into the room to get food or drinks! And DH and I hadn't had lunch yet. I was able to quickly grab a bowl of quinoa and veggies from the fridge to microwave for me and loaded a plate with hummus and carrots and cheese for DH. Then mid-afternoon I was able to "scale" the mountain of stuff and grab a couple of apples from the fruit basket. But that was it.

While they were installing downstairs I cleaned DD's bathroom and started picking up DS's room. DH was working at home and was on a conference call in our bedroom (he set up shop at my scrapping table.... ) so he didn't even want me in the room! The only other choices were the kids' rooms or the upstairs bathrooms. I suppose I could have filled the tub and had a nice relaxing bath!

By that time it was time to run around grabbing kids and running errands to the library and such.

Anyhow, by the time the installers left, we put SOME of the furniture back (enough so that we could access part of the kitchen and use the kitchen door to the garage), then it was time to drive DD to Rainbow Girls and try to figure out what we were going to eat for dinner. There was NO WAY I could access the stove/oven or pantry yet, so I got DD a sandwich at Dunkin's on the way to Rainbow and grabbed salads for DH and myself from our local pizza shop on the way back.

I was crazy cranky lady from all of the stress (I can't STAND messes.... they make me NUTS) and DH hates ANY kind of projects around the house, so it was not a fun place to be last night.

Anyhow, the new carpet is beautiful and soft and squishy! The majority of the furniture is back in place. The new entertainment center that I bought in July that has been sitting in my dining room waiting for the new carpet is now in its proper place and looks great!

Most of what I need to do today is just putting away boxes of "stuff" and cleaning out clutter. It will be another crazy busy day, but I'm sure I will feel SO accomplished when it is done.

No workout yesterday, but I"m sure I burned the calories moving boxes and cleaning! Heck, I made 8 trips up and down my stairs just to put back the dining room chairs.... and countless other trips up and down the basement stairs.... plus lots of bending and lifting and carrying. I barely stopped moving from 4:30 am yesterday morning until 9:30 last night (other than driving).... I was exhausted!

Off to try to catch up just a bit!..........................P

Post some pictures please.

Hello from your newest Team Donald member!!

I posted my intro in the Main BL thread but here it is again!

Here's a little about me:

I am a 27 year old SAHM to 2 little monkeys. DD - 3 and DS - 1 1/2. My weight problem started AFTER my DD was born. I had 2 very difficult pregnancies. I had hyperemesis gravidarum with both. For those of who don't know what that is...it is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Unlike most women, the sickness doesn't end with the first trimester. I start vomiting at about 6 weeks along and go all the way until the baby is born. NOT FUN! With my daughter I was hospitalized 11 times! With my son they knew I couldn't be in the hospital that much with a little one at home so they inserted a PIC line and I was hooked up to IV fluids at home.

Well I lost 20 lbs when I was pregnant with my daughter. When I gave birth to her I felt great! I was 20 lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight. However, that changed really fast. Within a year of giving birth I had gained almost 80 lbs! My whole body chemistry changed and my body didn't know how to handle food anymore, since I didn't keep much down during my pregnancy. I NEVER had a weight problem until then. So it's been about 2.5 years and this person that I see in the mirror every day IS NOT ME!! She needs TO GO!!! Well I am done having kids (can't handle anymore pregnancies like that) so it is time to find my real body again! AND 8 years and 2 beautiful kids later my fiance and I are finally getting married!!! The date is set for 10-11-12! We are getting married on Cocoa Beach and having a DISNEYMOON!!! (our children will be honeymooning with us too. lol) So the wedding and Disneymoon are my focus and motivation for this!!!

I am looking forward to getting to know you all during this battle/journey! I have read all 9 pages on this thread and will do the same when I am assigned a team!!! Good Luck to you all!!!!

Oh, My diet started January 1st and as of the 7th, I have lost a little over 3 pounds! My goal is to lose about 70-75 lbs. So I hope to keep this going past this challenge to get there!!!

I had the same thing 3 times and ended up having to be induced early with all 3. Nick was 10 days early, Hunter was 5 weeks early and Colby was 3 1/2 weeks early. I literally threw up from the moment of conception through delivery. I did however gain plenty of weight during my pregnancies because I constantly ate, trying to replenish.

 

[jenanderson]

luvpoohandcompany - Your homemade granola sounds so yummy! You should share how you make it! So sweet that you get treats from your mom and I like that you plan for it so you can enjoy it.

Pamela - I think it is great that you made the top 10 list this week! I bet it will happen for you again though because you work so hard at this. Thanks for sharing so much about your breakfast choices-it was interesting to read about how it has changed.

How did all your organizing go today? Did you get everything put back the way you wanted?

Kaiti - Great job on your "new to you" elliptical! Your exercise plan for today sounds good. You are doing a great job getting your exercise in each day!

Hi Lisa! Glad you stopped in! It was so amazing to me how much the two teams lost together...we are all so amazing!

Ashley - I laughed so hard at the thought of your dancing making your cat mentally disturbed!

Melissa - Thanks for the hugs. We were so surprised that our kitty got this sick at age 12. I hope your live a healthy life for many more years!

Your cereal mixture sounds good!

donaldandpirates - I haven't tried Chobani yogurt yet. I struggle with straight water as well and end up having a lot of flavor packets to mix into the water.

Karen - Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Hagrid is home with us for tonight. Thanks for the great pancake recipe...I might have to try them.

Good job getting your spin class done! I am amazed that you burn that many calories. I know that my gym class has a spin class and I might have to check it out!

Good luck at your job interview!!!

Jenn - So glad that you got your new school and that you love it! I used to always drink a slim fast for breakfast because it is fast and easy. They are not bad.

Bicki - Thanks for stopping by to say hello!

Kristy - Thanks for sharing the story about the diabetic man buying insulin. You are so right in reminding us that now is the time to take better care of ourselves.

Trina - We will be thinking of you tomorrow. I know you are nervous and there is nothing I can say to change that but I hope you can try to relax a bit tonight and that it will all be over soon for you.

4HOLIDAYS - I am with you on the organization. I am struggling but trying to get back to my Fly Lady habits! Good luck with it!

Welcome to Team Donald Wakisha! It is never too late to join and we are happy to have you. You are going to earn that trip to WDW before you know it!

Hi Maria - Thanks for stopping by and checking in with us! I hope you have a wonderful week too!

Carol - Sorry you didn't get as much sleep last night. I hate when I wake up like that. I am glad that you are feeling better today - we all have days where we feel sorry for ourselves and it is totally understandable. I am sending you wishes for a happy day tomorrow as well!

Gretchen - I am so happy you checked in with our team as well. WOW! That is a great upgrade! I requested to be your friend at FB. I am so excited to follow your college program journey!

Lindsay - Thanks for the hugs about our kitty. He is home tonight and we are enjoying the family time.

I am so inspired to try Zumba! Do you take a class once a week or more? Keep it up!

Renee - Loved the story about DS and the snow! We have hardly seen any in MN this year (and I am not complaining about that). Glad to see you tried breakfast today! Did it help?

Laura - Thanks for sharing all your breakfast ideas! I know I have to get better at eating breakfast and I am going to make note of the ones on your list. Tonight at my WW meeting someone suggested the southwestern egg beaters with a wedge of laughing cow (they spray a cup, put in the egg beaters and then the laughing cow cheese and microwave it).

happysummer - I would love to have time to have a smoothie for breakfast. It just seems like a lot of work when I make them.

CC - I hope you are not getting the start of a cold! Take care of yourself! Good luck with your shopping. Groceries are so expensive but the couponing does help. I am getting several papers worth of coupons again and you will have to let me know if you have any specific needs...I am always willing to send some out to you.

Evening Dona - I know what you mean about leaving and coming back to pages of typing. We are obviously a chatty team!

Janis - Thanks for the directions on cooking the steel cut oats. I know I could probably look it up but it was great that you posted it here. Does that amount last you a few days? What serving size do you get?

Quasar - Your homemade granola sounds yummy! What a great way to start your day!

Rose - Sorry to take your question! What to share any for tomorrow?

Deb - Thanks for your Public Service Announcement! I am so glad that you got Colby checked out and taken care of. I used to tan all the time when I was younger and burn so easily. Constant skin checks are important.

Michelle - I hope that you got some good breakfast ideas today. My goal is to try to add just one breakfast this week instead of just grabbing something to go. There is nothing wrong with what you are having though as long as it is filling you up.

Ashley - WOO HOO on fitting in the t-shirt!!! We love to hear about that non scale victories. Just so you know...this is a BIG victory!

Since you asked - I also hate flossing but am working hard at it this week.

Trina - Glad you are done with the drinking part! Sorry about the grandma part!

Shannon (Jujubee727) - Welcome to Team Donald! The body you want to see will be back before you know it with all the support and motivation you can find on this board! 70 pounds may sound like a lot but just keep dealing with one pound at a time and soon you will be there!

Ruthie - I am sorry that you had a rough 24 hours. The day sounded challenging to say the least...I will be hoping for a better day for you!

How exciting that your brother is coming home to see the family! Will you get to spend some time with him?

 

[jenanderson]

Then DSs and I watched the lastest Spy Kids movie. It was so nice to sit, relax, and laugh with my boys. It was a really cute movie, but seeing Jessica Alba in a leather suit made me a tad mad! Her waist is smaller than one of my thighs, I swear! I guess I shouldn't compare myself to others, but really? If I put on a leather suit, I'd look like Shamu

This cracked me up...I feel the same way!

I have got to focus tomorrow at work. I have an IEP due in a week and I haven't even started it. I guess I better start since this is the first year I've had this student and don't really know where to start. I am about done with special education. There's so much paperwork and monitoring that I don't feel like I am teaching as effectively as I could and should be. But, until I find a wonderful job with those cute little ones (kindergarten or 1st grade), I guess I'll just keep writing my IEPs, behavior plans, and progress reports.

Jill - Even as a classroom teacher I am frustrated with all the paperwork I have to do. I am constantly going through data as well and writing reports about how I am adjusting my teaching to meet the specific needs of the students and filling out reports when I monitor all the students....it just goes on and on. I would love it if I could just teach and enjoy the children being children.

Hi,my name is chris. I'm 41 and this is my 3rd or 4th blc. My goal is to finally get under 200lb.s About a year and a 1/2 ago I did P90x and got to 203 (11% body fat) and was happy with my success. Since then my weight has crept back up to 237lb.s I'm happily married to my3princes and have 3 fine young boys. I hope to reach my goal before our trip to Hawaii.

Welcome Chris! It is great to have you be on our team! I am so excited to hear about your trip to Hawaii - we would love to go there one day!

Our male cat started with kidney issues when he was 2. We bought the special foods to treat it while he had a couple of episodes that had us back at the vet, he lived to be 16 and died of a brain tumor (which is sadly ironic as he was the cat of my son that had the brain tumor ) Keep your spirits up, this may just be hiccup in a long life.

Deb - Thank you for sharing this. This has been a really hard couple of days and it is so nice to hear about another cat who survived their kidney issues. We will be hoping for the best.

 

[donaldandpirates]

I have got to focus tomorrow at work. I have an IEP due in a week and I haven't even started it. I guess I better start since this is the first year I've had this student and don't really know where to start. I am about done with special education. There's so much paperwork and monitoring that I don't feel like I am teaching as effectively as I could and should be. But, until I find a wonderful job with those cute little ones (kindergarten or 1st grade), I guess I'll just keep writing my IEPs, behavior plans, and progress reports.

Well, now that my post turned into a vent I'm off to, well, do nothing

Jill

As the parent of a special needs kid with an IEP, I just wanted to say a big thank you for the time you and other teachers put in to all the paperwork! I know state and district regulations and endless paperwork can sometimes be insane, but what you do does make a difference for our kids. So THANK YOU!!!

 

[jenanderson]

As the parent of a special needs kid with an IEP, I just wanted to say a big thank you for the time you and other teachers put in to all the paperwork! I know state and district regulations and endless paperwork can sometimes be insane, but what you do does make a difference for our kids. So THANK YOU!!!

My son is also a special needs kid (has a 504 plan though because it is primarily medical issues). I also totally appreciate all that all the teachers are so careful with all the paperwork. As a teacher, it is insane but as a parent, I am totally grateful!

 

[mackeysmom]

I am a bacon lover, too. We tried turkey bacon and it's ok. It's not the real deal, but it makes due. Have you tried turkey bacon?

I haven't gotten up the nerve to try turkey bacon yet. I'll have to give it a shot one of these days.

I recently discovered turkey pastrami and found that it makes a good substitute for the real thing. Sometimes at night when I don't feel like cooking "real food", I heat up a knish and slice it open in half - I then put some turkey pastrami on it and melt some reduced fat swiss cheese on it. Add a little mustard and I feel like I am eating a real deli treat.

- Laura

 

[Mary•Poppins]

Tuesday's QOTD: Share what you eat for breakfast. Feel free to share your on the go ideas, quick breakfasts or what you have when you have time to make something better.

I am not good with breakfast. This is mostly due to the fact that I don't get up on time (keep hitting the snooze) and when I finally get up, I have just enough time to get my act together and hit the road for work. However, I have been working on this. Lately I have been eating a yogurt and piece of fruit in the morning along with my large cup of coffee from Brugger's with cream and sugar. I have noticed that if I eat in the morning ... and drink all my water during the day, I don't snack at night ... and this is what works against me on my weight loss journey.

And ... today was the first day I just couldn't find time to exercise. Just a really busy day. I just finished icing cupcakes for my son's "in school" birthday treat. This bothers me because I am the type of person who says ... "Oh well, you broke the cycle. Now it is OK if you miss tomorrow ... then the next day ... etc." I need to wrap my mind around the fact that it is OK to miss a day, but I need to get back on the horse the next day!

Good luck with your day tomorrow Team Donald!

 

[trinaweena]

I thought I would share this video for those of us who look at celebrities and get jealous! I always try to remember this, because its so true! Everything is photoshopped these days!

http://vimeo.com/34813864

 

[donac]

Good Wednesday morning everyone.

I was very busy yesterday. I must have made at least 10 trips to the office at school yesterday. I think a couple of the administrators were getting tired of seeing me. I think they are ready for the inservice today. I am so sorry that I am going to miss. I have to do something else at the other high school. I have heard that some people are going to call in sick so that they don't have to do what we want them to do.

Welcome to the new BL loser challengers. We have gotten to be a chatty bunch.

Rememberthemagic Good luck on the interview. Is it a really good district? What county is it in so I can play guessing games.

trinaweena good luck with the procedure this morning. I hope it goes well. My dh meets with his gastro on Thursday to talk about his next one. He had polyps last time and this time his internest wants to check out his stomach since he has low iron levels.

Jen enjoy your time with your pet.

Mary•Poppins I didn't feel like exercising yesterday too. I am planning to get some this afternoon when I come home a wake for a friend's husband.

mackeysmom I have tried turkey bacon twice and I hate it. It never gets crispy enough. I NEVER make bacon unless I am camping. I HATE cooking it. My ds's love it and will order it everytime we go out for breakfast. My sister had Easter brunch and they stopped there before my mother's house just so they could have bacon.

jillbur I know how hard it is to write an IEP. I don't have many because of who I teach but I have had my share over the years.

Hello to everyone else that I didn't have time to talk to.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[jenanderson]

Good Morning Team Donald!

Happy Wednesday to everyone! I need to start with a couple of messages...

Trina - We will all be thinking of you today!

Fran...since you were worried about missing a day and the fact that you broke the cycle...this is your reminder that TODAY you CAN get back on the horse! I look forward to hearing what you did today to exercise!

This week I have been using articles on the internet to inspire me for our QOTD. Last night I read an interesting article about how to be healthier in a minute or less! Their point was that it only takes 60 seconds to prolong your life.

Some of their ideas included:
• Add cinnamon to your coffee grinds before you brew because it is shown to reduce blood pressure and lower stress.
• Exercise your ears so that when you age you will be able to hear better. To do this you should listen to music at a moderate level and try to pick out single instruments and listen to just that instrument. It will help you perceive details in everyday sounds and help your long term hearing.
• Compliment your spouse because it can instantly improve a marriage (and your health) to tell your spouse what you admire and respect about him or her. An unhappy marriage increases your chances of getting sick and shortens your lifespan by 4 years!

Wednesday's QOTD: What is something you can do in 60 seconds today to prolong your life?

 

[jenanderson]

Wednesday's QOTD: What is something you can do in 60 seconds today to prolong your life?

Today I am going to do the following:

1. I will park at the far end of the parking lot at school. It will probably only take me an extra minute to walk in but the extra exercise and fresh air will be good for me.

2. I am going to stand by the doors to where students come into my part of the school and greet my students this morning. Wishing them a good morning will be good for them and for me. (I teach in a middle school and we generally do not stand out and greet the kids each day).

3. I am going to take time to put on some soothing music during my prep time today. I feel a bit stressed and taking time to start some music may help me have a bit more of a relaxing prep time.

Can't wait to hear all your ideas today!

 

[jillbur]

As the parent of a special needs kid with an IEP, I just wanted to say a big thank you for the time you and other teachers put in to all the paperwork! I know state and district regulations and endless paperwork can sometimes be insane, but what you do does make a difference for our kids. So THANK YOU!!!

Jill - Even as a classroom teacher I am frustrated with all the paperwork I have to do. I am constantly going through data as well and writing reports about how I am adjusting my teaching to meet the specific needs of the students and filling out reports when I monitor all the students....it just goes on and on. I would love it if I could just teach and enjoy the children being children.

My son is also a special needs kid (has a 504 plan though because it is primarily medical issues). I also totally appreciate all that all the teachers are so careful with all the paperwork. As a teacher, it is insane but as a parent, I am totally grateful!

Thanks for the encouragement. I really don't mind the paperwork as far as it being beneficial to the students, however, I mind that it takes away from my time with the students. And thanks for the "THANK YOU." I'm lucky if a parent even shows up for a meeting let alone thanks me! It means a lot and you just started my day off with a smile

I haven't gotten up the nerve to try turkey bacon yet. I'll have to give it a shot one of these days.

I recently discovered turkey pastrami and found that it makes a good substitute for the real thing. Sometimes at night when I don't feel like cooking "real food", I heat up a knish and slice it open in half - I then put some turkey pastrami on it and melt some reduced fat swiss cheese on it. Add a little mustard and I feel like I am eating a real deli treat.

- Laura

Oooh...that sounds yummy!

I thought I would share this video for those of us who look at celebrities and get jealous! I always try to remember this, because its so true! Everything is photoshopped these days!

http://vimeo.com/34813864

I'll have to check this out later! Thanks!

Good Morning Team Donald!


Wednesday's QOTD: What is something you can do in 60 seconds today to prolong your life?

1. Move around the room more while I'm teaching.
2. Track my food on My Fitness Pal
3. Add some healthy spices to dinner tonight
4. Hug my kids
5. Laugh


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Off to work on my IEP and such! Hope everyone has a good day and I'll check back later (when I need a mental break ).


Jill

 

[pjlla]

Morning friends!! Just popping on quickly to say that I am a work today and probably will NOT have time to check in with you all until much later. I was going to pop on earlier, but got reading this weeks All Ears Newsletter and lost track of time! It gave me a nice "Disney" start to the day. I have just a few minutes left here, so I may try to just catch up on the last 24 hours.

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

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

One of my fondest memories of Ireland was your bacon!!!! So different from ours. And I wonder why I have to lose??


I used to have what we call a "Fry" then in an effort to be healthier I used the grill instead of frying pan! Now I'm down to a slice of back bacon and a slice of toast and I think thats the healthiest I can make it My kids love your bacon so much more than ours though
Janis

Public Service Announcement. If you haven't been to the dermatologist lately PLEASE consider it. We found out today that the mole that Colby had removed had atypical cells. Thankfully they removed it with a good margin so he doesn't have to have anything done now, but he will need yearly skin checks for the rest of his life. Colby is 9 and the area where the mole was removed was on the side of his foot where he has never had a sunburn, it was under his ankle. You just never know. The rest of us will be scheduling appointments tomorrow for the near future. A 20 minute visit could just save you life down the road.
Glad you got this checked in time

Hello from your newest Team Donald member!!

!

Hi,my name is chris. I'm 41 and this is my 3rd or 4th blc..

welcome to you both

 

[ougrad86]

I really enjoy the snow and am totally going to miss it when we move. We're from Oregon, so I've really enjoyed having all 4 seasons living here.
The positive is that we will see if we're actually able to stand the heat and humidity, since we want to eventually get to Florida when DH retires or sooner if the Navy will let us.

I hear you. I love the snow, totally miss it from where I grew up in Wisconsin - they are supposed to have a good storm starting tonight.

We were in the AF and moved around some. Nebraska, Oklahoma, Germany and then Northern VA - DH got out early because he really wanted to stay in this area with the opportunities. I would like to retire in FL, but this time here in VA taught me I cannot handle the humidity. I guess we will keep on taking the trip!

Public Service Announcement. If you haven't been to the dermatologist lately PLEASE consider it. We found out today that the mole that Colby had removed had atypical cells. Thankfully they removed it with a good margin so he doesn't have to have anything done now, but he will need yearly skin checks for the rest of his life. Colby is 9 and the area where the mole was removed was on the side of his foot where he has never had a sunburn, it was under his ankle. You just never know. The rest of us will be scheduling appointments tomorrow for the near future. A 20 minute visit could just save you life down the road.
Since we are all starting to care for our bodies, now is the perfect time to start from the skin and work inwards

I need to do that. Took DS to the dermotologist for two moles on his back that worried me, but he looked him over and said he was fine. I get a quick look see at my yearly physical, but she is not a dermatolgist.

Small victory today but I still wanted to share it!
Had to go run errands today so in getting dressed I decided to try on one of my old shirts, a size Medium t-shirt that I haven't worn in 2 years because it showed all my flab...
Well...
IT FIT! I'M SO HAPPY!!
All that water and exercise and fruit is paying off! Still not sure if I've lost anymore weight this week, (I try to just weigh myself on Fridays for the weigh-in so that I don't get as discouraged if I haven't lost anything) but even if I just maintain my weigh this week, I'll be happy cause I can definitely see a difference in myself already.
Off to go eat some of DM's roast on wheat bread!
SIDE NOTE: I'm just curious to know how everyone's doing with flossing for HH this week. I've been doing it every night since Friday faithfully, (I think I've flossed more this week than the past five years) but I'll admit it, I really hate flossing...

Yeh for the fit! I love it when I can fit into old things that I haven't been able to wear for awhile!

Flossing is sometimes really good for me, othertimes I tend to let it go. This week I am keeping up with it, and just got a notice from the dentist for my check up, so I will probably be good with it until then.

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

Couple of others I may get back on. I read through and see previous comments and realize I missed it the first time and want to say something on it!

Need to fly to take DS to his dentist appt. We got up early and were there at 7:30! Door locked. Check the card - it was actually for 9!!! Do not know why I got 7:30 in my head! So came home (luckily only 5 min away) and got to relax with the DIS. But he will be tired tonight, he got about an hour earlier than normal.

Carol

 

[pjlla]

DEB....Are you serious?? Holy Moley!! You have had ENOUGH of this kind of stuff! Glad you were able to catch is so early. Thanks for the PSA.... great reminder to everyone to stay on top of stuff like that.... especially important for us fair-haired blue-eyed ones!.........P