TEAM DONALD--Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge

[donac]

Good Sunday Morning Team Donald.

How is everyone doing this morning?

Is anyone taking my Team Donald Challenge? I have journaled for the last two days. Anyone else?

I hope everyone had a relaxing Saturday. Dh and I went to visit his folks for a while, I spent some time cleaning my sewing space and last night we went to a fundraiser for the local high school theater group. The kids performed in a caberet setting. It was wonderful.

Today is church, grocery shopping and then I have a Pampered Chef party to go to. I plan to buy one of those sprayers that you can put your own oil in and maybe a new can opener.

This week I am starting a crazy semester. I will have a student teacher for 2 classes and then I am mentoring a first year teacher. During my free periods I will not have any time to myself. I think I need to get into school even earlier to get somethings done for myself. I have to think this out. Maybe if I do my ironing the night before I can leave a few minutes earlier. I am already making my tea at home instead of stopping. I also can do some prepacking of my lunch to shave a couple of minutes. I have to get used to this new schedule.

Did you send in your weight, HH points and WIN measurements for the week? Don't forget to put the team name in the title to help the score keepers.

Have a happy and healthy Sunday.

 

[dvccruiser76]

Okay here I go again. Let's hope this morning my computer cooperates

DH & DS have never been so we'll hit all the major tourist attractions. In my mind I've worked out the following schedule so far:

Friday
8:30 arrival at CDG, take Roisey bus to Paris (I've never done this before but it looks easy in the Rick Steves book and it's only 8.50 euros)

10:00 arrive at hotel, check in or just stow luggage

10:30 Eiffel Tower (10 min walk from our hotel) pictures and climb to top

12:00 lunch in Trocadero area

1:30 tour Les invalides (DS really wants to see Napoleon's tomb and the war museum)

3:30 tour Orsay

6:00 back to hotel to check-in/freshen up

7:00 Dinner Rue Cler area

That's as far as I've gotten. I know they want to see the Louvre and Champs E'lysses too and Rick Steves really recommends taking a night time tour to see the lights. I would love to see Versailles but I don't think we'll have time. We leave Sunday at 4:00. I'm happy to hear any suggestions!

That sounds like a good plan. We went to the war museum. It didn't really do much for me, but it was one of my DH's favorite things on the trip. Go figure!

I guess most of my suggestions would revolve around food We had excellent French Toast (funny I know) at Laduree on the Champs. They also have the best macaroons. We had amazing hot chocolate at Angelina near the Louvre. We had it at Laduree too, but we both like Angeina's better. We actually bought some to take home to my uncle who had been there and loved their hot chocolate too. We also had a good crepe at a stand outside of the Chatelet et Les Halls Metro. Odd place I realize, but it was so good. I ordered a banana and nutella crepe and then he asked me if I wanted Grand Marnier on it and I was like seriously? Heck yeah! My DH and I fought over the last bite on our ride back to Disney.

My favorite part of the trip was by far sitting on a bench in the park right behind the Eiffel Tower as they turned on the lights. It was amazing I filmed it on my camera and still love watching it. We stayed in Disney, which was convienent, but when I go back I'd opt to stay in the city preferably in a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Have a wonderful time!

That movie looks really good. I actually thought since I had to decide about taking today off before I knew school was cancelled, that I'd go see it if there was school today. Sounds like you have a nice weekend planned.
We're going to my brother's in western ma saturday afternoon and will come home sunday afternoon weather permitting. My niece had a birthday earlier this month, and this is the first year she had a girls sleepover party, so we didn't go for it, so we'll celebrate her b-day, and do some disney planning for feb. My sil and niece are coming with us but my brother has a second job for an accountant, so he isn't coming this trip.
Enjoy your weekend.

Our babysitter ended up canceling, but that's okay. We took Dylan with us to Burton's and he was fine. We then walked around the mall for a bit, but didn't buy anything.

How was your brother's? How long was the drive?

Happy Birthday

yogamama-- 23-Jan M sorry we are late

HappyMatt-- 29-Jan M
WDWangela-- 31-Jan M

Happy Birthday everyone!

to all our birthdays!

That’s awesome!

Well I'm down again--just a little though--121.4.

Good job

Down 2 pounds for my first week in the BL challenge!

Awesome work

If you have been on a cruise what is your favorite ship? If you haven't would you like to, and which ship do you want to try the most?

My favorite ships are the Magic/Wonder. I’m going on the Dream in May, which my turn out to be my new favorite ship, but I also have the Fantasy, NCL’s Epic, and RCCL’s Allure of the Seas on my to do list.

I haven't been on a cruise yet, unless you count the old scotia prince ferry to Nova Scotia. I'm planning to take a cruise for my 50th in 3 years and am looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions. I know we have some big cruise lovers here. Originally I thought I'd take a disney cruise, but we may do a different cruise, with my brother and family so my niece and ds will be together. We do like casinos and some of the other cruises are less expensive. Of course i'd love to hear comparisons. I know disney is just amazing. Luckily I've got plenty of time to plan.

We’ll definitely have to walk once it’s warmer and I’ll give you my pros and cons on Disney, NCL and RCCL.

Hi guys, I am down another .5 today
Med cruise is the BEST! The most gorgeous blue water and beautiful ports.
Go in Summer, Med is always rough at other times of the year.

Good job

I’ll have to look into a Med cruise now that you suggested it. NCL and RCCL offer Nickelodeon and Dreamworks on their two mega ships, but one of them is during tax season and the other is to the Med and I was hesitant. Maybe when DS gets older and he can keep up when I have him trekking from excursion to excursion.

Lost 3.6 this week.

Sweet

Just popping in briefly since I'm still so sick.

I'm down 1.8 this week.

Good job, hope you’re feeling better today

Down 1 lb this week. Seems like a let down after last week but really that was an anomaly and 1 is way more realistic.

If you have been on a cruise what is your favorite ship? If you haven't would you like to, and which ship do you want to try the most?
I have been on two cruises, the Disney Wonder and the MSC Orchestra. I loved them both. Well, the Disney cruise was actually the cruise from hell because we had terrible weather so it was cold and windy-- no Castaway Cay and we missed our Palo Brunch reservation because of the chaos of trying to dock at CC. The last night was BAD-- there were huge swells, water coming up over the mid decks and when it is that bad no stabilizers can help. DD and I get very motion sick so we were not happy campers. Lots of people were sick, including crew. BUT, we did enjoy the ship and the shows and I would love to go back. When we got off the boat I swore I wouldn't even so much as go on the Jungle Cruise after that but I did change my mind.

A pound is pound and at least it’s going in the right direction

Sorry you had terrible weather for your Disney cruise

I had my Wedding on CC on Nov 12, 2010 and it was wonderful!

Now that’s cool

 

[pjlla]

I had my Wedding on CC on Nov 12, 2010 and it was wonderful! We only had some of our immediate family with us on the cruise, 12 in total, so very intimate. The wedding was at 10 in the a.m., a bit weird but beautiful.

I had to get up extra early to get ready and it was rainy in the morning The wedding coordinator had to come ask me if I still wanted to do it outside or if we should move it to a location on the ship. I had to make a big decision but I am glad I chose to keep it outside. On the way to the beach location it was still misty and damp feeling but when the golf cart I was on finally rounded the last corner the sun magically appeared from the clouds and stayed out for the entire ceremony! We joke that disney had huge fans that blew the clouds away for us!

After the ceremony we took a bunch of pics on the beach and with the characters that we out on the island before heading back to PALO on the ship for a nice champagne and cake reception. After that we wanted to get some pics on deck but it started raining again so we took some pics around the inside of the ship and by the time we were done with that we were able to go back up on deck for some great shots and the sun was shining again! Finally we went back to our cabin and changed to enjoy the rest of our wonderful day at CC!

That sounds JUST BEAUTIFUL! DD (15 1/2 yo) wants a Disney wedding, but I keep telling her unless she starts buying lottery tickets, she isn't going to have the "castle fairytale wedding" that she wants. Maybe this would be a good alternative, since she is definitely a beach girl!

Goodwill?!

Oh I'd have fought for those discs. Richard Dean Anderson is my first true love Even Dh knows he's a stands in till I can get the real thing

Wish I had known....I could have offered them up here at a prize for a BL weekly weigh-in!


Morning friends! I decided to go ahead and bring my laptop along today even though I wasn't sure if there was wi-fi.... but I figured being a college there probably would be and I was right! But I also brought along a few scrapping projects, so I will be off and on all day.

I choose to use extra Flex points last night for a few goodies and ended up using more than I should have.... I had a cookie at about 8pm (4 pts) and then gave in to the call of the Lindt truffle (still have a handful leftover from my Christmas stocking) at about 8:45 pm. This drawn-out PMS is going to kick my butt if it doesn't go away soon!

Like I mentioned, I am at an extended swim meet today.... scheduled to last about 8+ hours. Not sure I will stay until the bitter end.... I might end up stir crazy before then. I packed plenty of nice healthy foods and already journaled them before I left home. I have fruit, veggies, a healthy sandwich, water, and a Fiberone bar for a treat. If I stick with just what I brought I should have no problem staying OP today. That and the fact that I brought NO CASH so I can't indulge at the concession stand even if I want!!

I'll probably get my exercise in today by pacing around the field house/pool building and running some stairs near the concession stand. The stairs lead to the employee fitness room and it is closed on weekends, so the stairs are nice and clear..... can you tell I've been here and been bored before???

Okay.... I'm off to check on the Scrapbooking board before my battery runs out. I'm sitting near an outlet, but so are the other 10,000 parents who brought along their laptops for the day!!

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

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Do you find yourselves eating the same thing day after day? I'm eating a lot of greek yogurt, turkey, fruit, laughing cow swiss wedge, iced tea, water, cottage cheese....getting a bit bored.

I'm doing the same thing. I need to dig up recipes soon, cause I'm getting bored too.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Live from the neighborhood of "Its Always Something" last night's something went from replacing bolts in the toilet tank to a brand new toilet, which we STARTED installing at 9:30pm

And since we are a 1 bathroom house we really HAD to do it that late. And when it was done I just didn't get back to post.

So a little late here's the QOTD:

What was your favorite Cruise ship excursion, or land based day trip?

Mine was the Forts and Junkanoo tour we wound up taking in Nassau when we got diverted from St. Thomas due to Hurricane Omar. Very fun.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning TEAM DONALD!

dona, I'm on your team challenge!

Yunchman, your wedding sounds wonderful!

NCRedding, have you tried setting yourself up for success by just picking one thing to do this week -- like dona's journalling challenge? If you get one success behind you it might motivate you to keep adding on.

Buffy, so sorry you are under the weather today.

An early to RutgersAlum!

Pixieflip, a maintain is a winner in my book!

I guess I missed him on there because I was looking at Bobby Sherman. I watched that show too.

Wasn't that Here Come the Brides? I know 'cause I loved Bobby Sherman, too.

Emily, way to listen to that little nagging voice and workout!

Sue, hearing your story about Paris makes me want to go!

Okay.... I'm off to check on the Scrapbooking board before my battery runs out. I'm sitting near an outlet, but so are the other 10,000 parents who brought along their laptops for the day!!

Guess you are going to have to remind them to take turns! That's what I do in continuing education classes.

Live from the neighborhood of "Its Always Something" last night's something went from replacing bolts in the toilet tank to a brand new toilet, which we STARTED installing at 9:30pm

And since we are a 1 bathroom house we really HAD to do it that late. And when it was done I just didn't get back to post.

So a little late here's the QOTD:

What was your favorite Cruise ship excursion, or land based day trip?

Mine was the Forts and Junkanoo tour we wound up taking in Nassau when we got diverted from St. Thomas due to Hurricane Omar. Very fun.

Maureen, sorry about the "it's always something" thing. That happened to us once, too, in a rental on a Sunday. We had to switch the "beautiful" shell pink 1950's toilet with a white toilet. The landlord never said a peep.

Thought this little email from Sparkpeople might help everyone to keep things in perspective while we make our way through the winter doldrums, the loss of the excitement of our healthy lifestyle, and all the other things we have going on.

The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
- Flora Whittemore, author (I searched to see what she had written but apparently this quote is her most famous work! )

Small steps that lead us to achievement

There are natural consequences that accompany every choice we make in life. Some opportunities inevitably pass us by, but we can take advantage of others. Many people feel powerless, but this is rarely the case--some opportunities just require a little thinking outside the box. Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.

Have a great day DONALDS!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Just dropping in today. All the scrapbookers on here have inspired me to do some clean up in my scrapbook room and maybe find time to do something. Right now I am really out of space in my room because the kids have half of it for their crafting and scrapbooking. I could sure use the rest of the shelves and space for my stuff!

Where can I find a ticker that's easy to update? I had one a while ago but I couldn't figure out how to update it so i had to erase it

You might try TickerFactory. I think you just have to remember a password to get back in and change it. Or you can click on anyone's ticker that you like and it should take you to that website.

I guess I missed him on there because I was looking at Bobby Sherman. I watched that show too.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083476/
Bobby Sherman was in Here Come the Brides

Okay so I couldn't shut up the voice so 30 min of cardio now done...

>>Do you find yourselves eating the same thing day after day?<< Very much so but I found its more comfortable than boring.. Breakfast is yougrt & a handful of dry cereal course flavors of both change daily. My 2 go to snacks are my home snack of wheat thins and string cheese or my work snack of a bag of pretzels (snack size) and a pod of Peanut Butter (the smuckers individual size)

-em

The voices in my head usually are telling me to eat things that I shouldn't.

I am eating a lot of salads. I try to vary the proteins on it-- just had one with leftover roast beef from the other night. But snacks are rough, especially since I am doing very low carb.

What was your favorite Cruise ship excursion, or land based day trip?.

I don't really have much to go on but I loved Key West and would love to go there again. I also absolutely loved the little island of Semana in the DR that we went to. It was absolutely beautiful.

 

[pjlla]

Things are moving slowly here today! I found an outlet to plug into and here I am to say hi! I've been here 5 hours already and DD has swum ONE event! Aaaaaahhh... this day will never end. And I've eaten EVERYTHING I brought except for the Fiberone bar! Maybe I'll sneak a peek into DD's lunch sack .

Getting some scrapping stuff organized, so at least I'm not wasting my time.

Oh well... off to watch another DD's teammate swim her 500 free.... long and boring, but at least it's something to watch!!.................P

 

[Pixieflip]

Pixieflip, a maintain is a winner in my book!

Thanks. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.

 

[tigger813]

OK, Team Donald if you want to win this week keep those weigh ins coming in! You are only behind by 2.3 pounds as of 15 minutes ago!

TTFN

 

[Rose&Mike]

There are natural consequences that accompany every choice we make in life. Some opportunities inevitably pass us by, but we can take advantage of others. Many people feel powerless, but this is rarely the case--some opportunities just require a little thinking outside the box. Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.

Have a great day DONALDS!

Thank you Lisa. Just what I needed today.

 

[pjlla]

Thought this little email from Sparkpeople might help everyone to keep things in perspective while we make our way through the winter doldrums, the loss of the excitement of our healthy lifestyle, and all the other things we have going on.

The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
- Flora Whittemore, author (I searched to see what she had written but apparently this quote is her most famous work! )

Small steps that lead us to achievement

There are natural consequences that accompany every choice we make in life. Some opportunities inevitably pass us by, but we can take advantage of others. Many people feel powerless, but this is rarely the case--some opportunities just require a little thinking outside the box. Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.

Have a great day DONALDS!

That is a GREAT bit of information to really mull over in our minds.

It makes me think about this somewhat long-ish journey I've been on. If someone had told me three years ago I would STILL be struggling to hit my goal three years from now, I might have gotten really frustrated and wanted to give up. But what would that have gained me?? I would be 3 years older and still overweight! And every food/exercise decision (both good and bad) I have made in the last 3 years has gotten me here... and I'm pretty happy here! Sure, I would love to drop another few pounds, but spending the last year in the 130's surely is better than spending the previous many years in the 200's!!

DD still has one more event to swim, but she just swam a GREAT 100 backstroke and dropped 3 seconds! 100 breaststroke to go and we will be done. I've been here for 7 hours.... DD has been here for 9 hours! This is INSANE! I think we'll be "busy" this weekend next year!

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

 

[Octoberbride03]

Lisa:

Maureen, sorry about the "it's always something" thing. That happened to us once, too, in a rental on a Sunday. We had to switch the "beautiful" shell pink 1950's toilet with a white toilet. The landlord never said a peep.

Bet the Landlord knew about the toilet…..

Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.

So very true. Its like finding a new job. On Tues, my next day off, I’m heading out to apply for something new. Should be applying and interviewing all in 1 shot. A small step to take, but a necessary 1. And I hope it’s the 1 I need.

Lovetoscrap: that picture is Beautiful. So gorgeous. I didn’t really have a lot to go on since I only took 1 cruise myself. But I had a great time with it and that’s all that matters.

Pjilla: 9 HOURS?! I remember when I used to swim, waiting for an event was always the hardest part. Really does make for a long journey doesn’t it? But we’re all heading to better places.

Pixieflip: YUP, maintaining is definitely a win.

Tigger813: Weight is coming in tonight. Got so busy yesterday I weighed in this morning.

 

[dvccruiser76]

Sue, hearing your story about Paris makes me want to go!

Have you ever been? It truly is an amazing city

Things are moving slowly here today! I found an outlet to plug into and here I am to say hi! I've been here 5 hours already and DD has swum ONE event! Aaaaaahhh... this day will never end. And I've eaten EVERYTHING I brought except for the Fiberone bar! Maybe I'll sneak a peek into DD's lunch sack .

How's yor DH doing?


DH and I went out today and saw No Strings Attached. I absolutely loved it. I love a good chick flick and this one was awesome. I'd even see it again. So cute

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

 

[DaPanMan]

Sorry, I've been away so long team without checking in. I've been sending my weigh ins in though.

Busy with lots of family stuff, hauling the kids hither and far.

But tomorrow I start week 5 of P90X, never thought I'd get that far, but I am. Losing pounds and inches.

So far so good, hope next month is even better.

Thanks everyone. Even though I haven't been checking in, its nice to know you are here.

 

[charming23]

Thursday QOTD 1/27/11--What are the warning signs for you that you are maybe starting to lose your way on this healthy journey? Is is eating more? Not journaling your food? Skipping workouts? And the more important part of this.... HOW DO YOU GET BACK ON TRACK?

When I start reaching for pop I know I am losing my battle. I used to be very addicted to all kinds of pop and have worked very hard to limit myself. So when I feel like grabbing one after the other I limit myself to one and then drink an extra glass of water that day. It lets me have a small treat without feeling to quilty.

So our Question of the Day for Friday is this:
When life gets in the way how does this impact your BL plan? If you get off track, do you beat yourself up about it and Why?

When life gets in the way I am learning to just readjust my plans and be more flexible. Like since it has been cold and snowy I can't go out walking for too long so I have been hitting the mall to walk or doing workout dvds instead.

If you have been on a cruise what is your favorite ship? If you haven't would you like to, and which ship do you want to try the most?

I would love to take a cruise on the Wonder or the Dream. A Disney cruise seems like the perfect combination for a vacation.

So a little late here's the QOTD:

What was your favorite Cruise ship excursion, or land based day trip?

I have never been on a cruise but a favorite land based day trip is when we head to Columbus a few times a year to go to the zoo. I love the zoo so much and can spend hours watching the manatees.

This week has been super busy. I have been doing better this week with exercise and eating and lost 2.5 lbs.

 

[asktriplets]

Hi Team Donald!

I need to send in my weights and measurements for the week in a bit...

I dropped almost no weight as of Friday for the week, so I thought I'd try to ramp it up a bit. I was considering trying to find Shred or a version of P90x at the library, but I came across the Bikini Bootcamp book, instead.

Has anyone tried it?

It's a 2 week plan, with a mix of yoga (15min), muscle building/toning (about 50 min), and cardio (30-60min) and core-strengthening (15min) every other day, plus a South Beach/Mediterranean/Flat Belly-like diet plan (nothing refined, hardly any carbs). The cardio is just brisk walking, and the exercises are all written out and diagrammed.

Although I've only done the exercises 2 out of the last 3 days, it feels good! The diet part SUCKS, and it amazes me that I spend SO much of my time obsessing over not being "able" to eat carbs (and I'm doing a modified version of it, anyway!!)....I've been thinking about eating almost constantly this weekend...crazy! If this isn't a clear indication to me that I eat as a BEHAVIOR, not because I'm actually hungry, I don't know what is!!!

Hope everyone has a good Monday,

 

[tigger813]

Every weigh in counts!

Only 1 pound separates the two teams!!!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

Alright, just a quick pop in with tomorrow's QOTD and I'll be back tomorrow night with replies for everybody. Gotta work at 6:30am.

So here it is

When you go out to eat do you have any knee jerk habits, such as ordering the same size soda, or always getting desert no matter what? Do you want to change those habits? If you do then post a plan to help you do it.

 

[Zoesmama03]

What a weekend. Saturday was a nice relaxing day. I had a child free night Friday night because dd went to a sleepover with her friend that moved out of our neighborhood. Then we had church this mornign and went back for a chili cook off and the kids had fun checking out the firetrucks for the fire fighters that came to help judge the cook off. My friend's little girl who is same age as dd(7) made(mostly anyway) their vegetarian chili and won 2nd place. It was fun. I skipped my lunch in preparation for the chili.

Saturday was a rough day with food. I went over a few hundred at least. On SP it would have been in range or barely over but with a new set calorie goal it was over. Today I went over a little too. I'll be set to get back at/a little under my calorie goal tomorrow. And ready to workout in morning too. Got to start setting my exercise minute goal for next month.

pjlla,
My brother has all 10 seasons on dvd. I'm waiting for 9-10 because I have not seen all of those yet. I watched most of 9 when it was on but missed most of 10.

Maureen,
Funny that dh is a stand in. Whenever I get to remarrying he'll be a stand in for my true love Zachary Quinto . I went over my celeb crush in the prior challenge. I had a friend I worked with before that was my age and love the heck out of Richard Dean Anderson. Big in the fan club and everything had met him and all that. She was obsessed. Me I think he's good lookin and can be funny but too old for me. I'll leave him for you or the other gals to fight over if you promise to leave me ZQ.

asktriplet,
With Shred you may or may not lose lbs. I have had a rotations sort of on losing. But I was down an inch off hips and another inch off waist. I alternate with longer cardio(typically 45 minutes or so) that I want to work on raising up and I have to get working on weekend workouts. Shred works you cardio wise too though.

tink lover,
I do eat a lot of salad over and over again. But I mix up the toppings and the lettuce type so its not boring. I usually have vinaigrette but occasionally I'll splurge and use ranch.

em,
WTG adding that cardio in anyway.

Dona,
I went like 4 days without journaling my food. It happens to all of us sometimes. I switched from SP to MyFitnessPal which is much quicker for tracking, in my opinion.

Lisah,
That is a great little bit of article or whatever. Thanks!

Tracey,
WOW only 1 pound. Amazing its close.

I'll see if I can catch up the QOTDs a bit. I've missed so many.