TEAM DONALD--Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge

[jimmduck]

There is some talk about what people are doing for Lent.

Catholic or Protestant, it is intended, I think to be a time when we step back, try to focus on something other than ourselves by either giving up something we like to do (some give up tv, certain foods or snacks, one of my Facebook friends gave up Farmville - perhaps even Facebook) and some actually do something rather than giving up - go to mass daily, help someone else, etc.

I think I am going to read this thread and write something every day - even if it is just popping in to say hello.

Having the discipline to do that this week has been great - you guys are fabulous.

Stress is lessening a bit.

Trial prep is pretty much finished in terms of filing deadlines and my out of town trial cancelled.

So I can pop in tomorrow morning

Hey I'm #9 this week, sweet!

Cake was a success. I had about 1/2 of what everyone else had and only ate half of that! The frosting, while the less sweet of the 2 choices, was way to sweet for me!! So it was probably a 1 1/2 inch by 1 inch slice that I actually ate.
QUOTE]

Awesome!

YEEEEEEHAAAAAWW!

Honestly I saw my name at the end and almost fell off the chair! I have to thank all of you so much for the words of encouragement and the support all around. I have been overweight my entire life and for once I am determined to be healthy.

Thank you Donalds for being my cheerleaders and I wish you all a happy and healthy week

Congrats! Me too - to all of it.

Been very busy trying to get things caught up after the weekend. I need to go back and read how everyone is doing but probably won't have time for personal responses.

Had a dr appt that I was pretty upset and nervous about this morning (surgery follow up and things didn't heal like we hoped they would). I had to delay the appt several times due to scheduling problems with the dr and myself and I just wanted to get it over with today. As I was sitting in the waiting room playing with DD's Ipod I hear a familiar voice say "move over". My husband took off of work without telling me, to meet me there and hold my hand. It was so wonderful to have him there. (end result I may have to have another procedure but have to wait at least a year) I am very lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring support person.

:

Same with me lovestoscrap - I have not had enough time to give as many personal responses as I would like. Sorry....

As for the health issues, how lovely that your husband was there to support you.
I can relate. This time last year, I was very sick and I had surgery March 17 of last year. I had a CT scan end of January and see the surgeon again April 21st.

My guess is that I will need hernia surgery again, but, I hope, on my terms this year.

Like after my training season...

Yes, folks, I am going to Iceland August 18th to do a 10k August 20th!

Going with Team Diabetes. We do a lot of charity walking - Arthritis Society, Cancer, etc.

Training hasn't been so hot this week due to work, but going to sneak in a walk with Bob and the Losers before watching Survivor tonite.

I can totally sympathize with the stress of being an attorney in today's world. There are so many things going on and it is so easy to put yourself at the bottom of the list instead of at the top where you belong.

My DH and I have been practicing together for almost 20 years. We have finally learned that we must put ourselves and our family first. Yes, our clients are depending on us and it is important to do a good job but the truth of the matter is that if something hapened to us our clients would miss us for awhile but soon they would move on. But our families will miss us forever. I'm not going to lying on my deathbed wishing that I had billed a few more hours. I'm going to wish I had spent more time with my family and done more for myself. You can't take care of all these responsibilities if you don't take care of yourself first.

Sorry that you can't get your 30 minute walk in today. How about 20 minutes or even 10 minutes? Are you getting the right kind of fuel in your body so you don't burn yourself out and make bad choices in desperation? Can you take a five minute break and concentrate on your breathing to try and release some stress?

I can't say that you will be able to do the right thing for you and make good choices every single day but if you can do that more often than not, you will find it so much easier to deal with everything else.

I found a little article on sparkpeople.com ('cause I know you guys have been missing my little spark posts ) that might be helpful.

Turning "Someday" into Today
Weighing Some Tough Options-- By Mike Kramer, Staff Writer

It’s time for some cold, hard facts:
You’re not going to be able to read every book that you want
You’ll never have time to watch all of your favorite shows
The house will never be clean enough
There will always be another errand to run
The grass will continue to grow
Everything you buy will need to be dusted, repaired, maintained or disposed of in some way
This is not a critique of any lack of organizational skills on your part, or a reason to give up altogether. Rather, it’s a statement of freedom.

When you know that life will still be waiting for you tomorrow—no matter what—it gives you the freedom to make today count as much as possible. "Someday" is right now. Anytime. And that can be exciting, if you let it.

If we ever hope to reach our biggest goals (especially weight loss goals), we have to start making some tough choices. We have to start giving ourselves permission to ignore one thing—or several things—for the sake of something more important. What can be more deserving of our time?

Obviously, there are some realities of living that require attention. We need to work, eat, sleep and care for our families. Beyond that, though, everything is optional. The choices are completely yours. If you feel you don’t have time to pursue your healthy lifestyle goals, you can do something about it by making those tough decisions.

It’s difficult to accept this idea. We’ve grown up in a world not used to saying "no" or doing without. By now, we’re used to being pulled in 43 different directions. We’re uncomfortable with the idea that we may just have to let something slide. The trouble is, we get so caught up in trying to do everything that we retreat inside ourselves. We get tunnel vision on the next task and lose sight of other people and what’s important. In a pursuit of happiness, that’s a futile strategy. The only way you can be in two places at once is if your name is Dolly and you’re a cloned sheep.

I come before you today to give you permission to start letting go.

Someone smarter than me once said, "You can have everything. You just can’t have everything right now!" To reach your goals and live the life you want, it takes priorities and patience—the ability to choose between two competing wishes, and the willingness to set one aside for now and wait.

You can build the path that you want to walk on, and decide which steps to take. It’s important to you—to your health, your goals and your family—that you take some time to exercise and plan healthy meals. You should treat it that way and give yourself permission to take that time without feeling guilty. The irony is that by being healthy and taking time from your schedule, you’ll be able to take care of more of that "other" stuff in the long run.

Besides, is anything on your to-do list really more important than your health? When it comes down to it, those choices may not be so tough after all.

Here is the link to the article http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=388

Climbing off my soap box now!

Lisa - what can I say - Wow! thanks for that. I did sneak in a little walk, but I struggle with putting myself first. This career, as you well know, can consume you 24/7. But I am learning and I am better.

Training hasn't been so hot this week - gotta get cracking. First race is May 22nd




Linda

 

[jimmduck]

I think I started this coaching week by apologizing if I sound too much like a rooky - because I am.

I have never done this before and have never followed the thread except intermittently.

But since I have decided to read and post every day for Lent (and to stop watching mindless tv and to watch tv shows instead), can you guys tell me just a smidgen about yourselves?

Is that ok?

That way I will know all about you all.

Sorry for the repetitve questions.

Take care

Linda

 

[lovetoscrap]

One thing I would really like to concentrate on is meal planning. I "think" of it on Sundays but then just end up going to the grocery store without a real plan in mind. And with a busy family schedule, we only sit down to eat dinner as a family about 3 - 4 days a week so if I don't have something planned, I don't always get the healthiest meal on the table with just quick thinking. I'd appreciate any recommendations. I'm also going to check the recipe board...

I find that having meals planned is the best way to stay on track and if I have to fly by the seat of my pants that is when it all falls apart. I wonder if we could get any interest in a thread sharing meal plans so we can all get new ideas?

Had my first meal at a restaurant since starting this and im very pleased. Went to applebees and i got one of the 550 calorie or less meals. I got the dijon chicken. I didnt even eat the potatoes that came with it

Great job! Eating out can be tricky but with careful choices it is very doable. Remember you can always request changes to things to have a sauce left off or substitute a healthy side for one not on your program.

I found out this weekend that Cracker Barrel has a Low Carb menu, but unfortunately it really isn't low fat. I loved the green beans and lima beans but they tasted so good from the ham and butter they were cooked in! Low carb but really not healthy choices.

I ended up making a pizza for the family tonight (DD had a craving).... but it was pretty lousy. . . . but it was so lousy I shouldn't have bothered to even eat it after the first piece.

I hate that. I do really try to decide if something I have having is really worth the fat and calories. Sometimes you have to eat it just because it is food and you need the fuel but sometimes I take a bite or two and decide it just isn't worth it and either go without or find something different.

Last time we had cake in the house I had a chocolate Vitamuffin.... warmed up with a small drizzle of caramel over it. It hit the spot and I really didn't miss the cake. That said.... I'm not a huge cake fan and I really don't like frosting at all, so maybe that made it easy for me.

Sounds yummy. I don't like frosting either. Where in the grocery store do I find Vitamuffins? I don't know where to even look for them? I saw a huge box of them frozen at Costco but didn't want to buy that many until I tried them. Are they always frozen?

And just like that I'm OFF the workout wagon

As for the race to Onederland, unless a miracle occurs(NOT likely) I'm withdrawing.

I'm just not myself right now, and I don't know how to get back to where I was.

So since I am off I am observing the Church rules on Fasting. 2 small meals and 1 main with no snacks.

Sounds like you may need to just focus on the nutrition component right now. The trainer I saw said that weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. So take a break if you need to and plan some really healthy, nutrition packed meals for Lent and work on drinking your water.

You still have your walks and I think the idea of looking on sparkpeople for some exercises is a great one. Pick one body part you want to focus on this week and look up a few exercises and do them. Then next week add in another body part. There is no need for some fancy exercise video, as long as you are moving you are working towards your goals, including reaching Onederland. It doesn't have to be during this challenge or during this month or this year, but you just have to keep moving forward. Just keep swimming!

I did not partake, but I stared at it like it were Brad Pitt handing me his room key.:

I am having a dilemma regarding weigh ins this week. Our numbers are down considerably this week and several have asked to be exempt which is perfectly acceptable.

Instead of a winning team, I will just recognize the top 10 on each team and recognize the top person for each team.

That is a great decision and really keeps the focus on the fact that this is a friendly competition. (but in the back of my mind I will just assume we won!)

Hey I'm #9 this week, sweet!

Cake was a success. I had about 1/2 of what everyone else had and only ate half of that! The frosting, while the less sweet of the 2 choices, was way to sweet for me!! So it was probably a 1 1/2 inch by 1 inch slice that I actually ate.

Way to Go! Congratulations on #9!

YEEEEEEHAAAAAWW!

Honestly I saw my name at the end and almost fell off the chair! I have to thank all of you so much for the words of encouragement and the support all around. I have been overweight my entire life and for once I am determined to be healthy.

Thank you Donalds for being my cheerleaders and I wish you all a happy and healthy week

CONGRATULATIONS!

% to goal results for week ending March 5
lovetoscrap 64.00

It is so cool to see it past 50%. Of course that is just my percent to my minigoal I set for this challenge. I still have a long way to go but I am taking it in small, easier to achieve increments. I should have DH do the calculations on where I am to my ultimate goal though.


More in a bit. . .

 

[tigger813]

It is so cool to see it past 50%. Of course that is just my percent to my minigoal I set for this challenge. I still have a long way to go but I am taking it in small, easier to achieve increments. I should have DH do the calculations on where I am to my ultimate goal though.

But just think how it will look when you go past your mini goal for this challenge and are at over 100%! I'm looking forward to being over 50% this week! Only about 6 pounds to goal! It's exciting and scary at the same time! I want to be able to maintain unlike when the last one ended and I gained back over 10 pounds! I have the means to do it now I just have to stick to it!

Have a great night and keep up the good work!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

can you guys tell me just a smidgen about yourselves?

Is that ok?

That way I will know all about you all.

Ok a little about me. Probably more then you will ever want to know!

Name:Buffy (not my given name, that is a well guarded secret)
aliases:
BernardandMissBianca
BAMB
Mom
Mama if they want something LOL
Frank if I want to change my name and join the witness protection program when I'm having a craptastic day.


age, ahem......37.
Never at home Mom of 4 precious little angels where is that snarky smilie???
Married single parent - DH is gone 45-50 weeks a year.
Been Married for 18 years this April.

Uh........ I like to scrapbook. I like to DIS. I'm the VP of our PTO but I am hanging up my hat this year after 10 years of service.

Um....... What else?????
I didn't go to college.
I am a force to be reckoned with.
I am a tad sarcastic at times.
I'm not a morning person.
I'm the "cool mom" at school, and my kids don't mind!!
I love to travel. We have been known to take a 2 1/2 hour trek to the Cape just to eat lunch.
I wish I had the self confidence to homeschool
I am turning into a runner.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I enjoyed looking at the recipes for roasted chicken. I love to roast it but DH really dislikes it that way. Same with the Rotisserie chicken from the store so that is a pain sometimes. Roasting in the crock pot sounds like such an easy way to make dinner on a busy day.

That was SUPER thoughtful of DH to show up to hold your hand!! Sorry if all of the news from the docs wasn't what you were hoping for. Keep us informed (if you want to, of course) so we can support you with prayers, good wishes, and of course, pixie dust!P

Thanks. It isn't anything earth shattering or life threatening, just some nasal surgery that didn't do all we had hoped it would (I knew that was a possibility) so it affects how I sleep mostly. The recovery from the surgery is really awful so I really don't want to do it again unless it really becomes a problem. And he said I have to be at least one year out from the first procedure before he can do another one so I just wait and just see what happens in the future. I won't do surgery again unless it is really affecting my quality of life. I appreciate the care and concern.

I went to her about my dizzy spells and nose numbness and elevated heart rate that I was having every once in a while.

She decided to run a blood panel and test iron, thyroid, electrolytes and stuff like that. If that comes back with nothing then she's going to send me to a cardiologist to get a 24 hour halter monitor.

that they find something in the blood work that is easy to deal with and you can get this under control easily. It is good that you are getting it checked out.

crud crud crud crud crud

Girl scout cookies came in today. I hid the 2 boxes for DH. Please keep the Do-si-dos away from me!!!!

I bought these before I started my WISH journey. Now I WISH I could send them back.

(sorry the WISH comment made me laugh!) I actually picked up 5 boxes for myself. I really want to be able to have what I enjoy without being a pig. I think I will package them in bags with 2 cookies each to pull out when I want a treat.

Lovetoscrap – I’m sorry your computer crashed. That is the worst! It’s amazing how much of our lives are on our computers.

Fortunately we back things up often and we actually knew it was probably going to crash so we had done a complete transfer of everything we could so it wasn't too bad. And I have a techie husband that can fix a lot of things so it wasn't too bad. But I am always reminded of this (there is prayer/poem too but I can't find it right now) :

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I have this pic on my fridge!!!


Poem:

The true friends who we meet online
Are a very special kind
They pierce your shields and see within
The corners of your mind.

They’re always there when you‘re in need
With their power to discern,
They feel your pain….
They offer hope and genuine concern.

We bare our souls, expose our hearts
And show our inner fears
And then before you know it
The keyboard’s stained with tears

And if we could see them through that screen
Then on one could deny
That to be a TRUE online friend
They too must cry.

~author unknown~

 

[lovetoscrap]

I think I started this coaching week by apologizing if I sound too much like a rooky - because I am.


But since I have decided to read and post every day for Lent (and to stop watching mindless tv and to watch tv shows instead), can you guys tell me just a smidgen about yourselves?

This Rookie is going to be doing it in a week so don't feel bad! I am just amazed I have stuck around for this long!

I am LTS. I love to Scrap but really I mostly love to collect scrapbooking stuff and look at it because that is usually what I end up doing!

SAHM to 2 girls ages 11 (this Sunday) and 15 and the most wonderful DH in the world (as I said yesterday) I also substitute teach occasionally but this has been a slow year.

I am on the board for my pool and the swim team which I both love and hate. I was the VP for the middle school PTA the last 2 years but quit and will go back next year in a much less prominent/stressful role if they need me.

I spend most of my time on the DISboards and watching stupid television. I have been overweight most of my adult life but it became drastic when I developed foot problems a few years ago and spent a whole lot of time not able to walk. Doing better now and fighting to get this weight off.


Buffy, that isn't the poem I was thinking of. It was more of a prayer asking that God look over my computer because my friends live in it. I like the one you posted too. I can use it for some of my layouts with DIS friends that I have met.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Buffy, that isn't the poem I was thinking of. It was more of a prayer asking that God look over my computer because my friends live in it. I like the one you posted too. I can use it for some of my layouts with DIS friends that I have met.

Sorry, I can't find the other one you were looking for.

KatDisney sent me the other one a long time ago. She doesn't post here anymore though.

BTW PM returned x 2!

 

[donac]

Good Thursday morning Team Donald. I can't believe we have made it to Thursday. We are supposed to have heavy rains again today. I know we will have problems in the basement again because it was only a couple of days ago we had heavy rains. Those in the northeast try to stay dry, it is supposed to be pretty wet for the next couple of days.

Ds2 comes home for spring break tomorrow I can't wait to see him. Ds1 is not working next week (he works at a local community college and it is also their spring break). Made his last tuition payment for this year and only 6 more to go before he graduates next year

A little about myself

I am a 55 (soon to 56 ) yr old mother of 2 boys 25 and 20. I have been married to my dh for almost 33 years.

I have been a math teacher in the same building for 34 years and the senior member of the building. I am teaching Advanced Placement Calculus and having fun doing it.

I love to read, quilt, knit and do a lot of different handy work.

I work with the local high school ( not the one I teach at but the one my sons went to) on their annual spring musical.

I have been hooked Disney since I was young but I got dh hooked when on our honeymoon to California our first stop was DL. We have never been back but have about 15 trips to DW under our belts.

LTS what kind of problems does your dh have with roasted chicken? Is it too dry, if it is then try the crock pot. It comes out really moist.

sparks19 good luck at the dr's. I hope you get an answer today.

Kathy nice job on the run

Buffy come on tell us your real name. We will keep it a secret.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[Dreamer24]

Good luck BernardMissBianca! Girl scout cookies are so tough to resist! I made sure not to buy any this year because I can’t resist.

A little about me:
My name is Dani
I am 28
For my “regular” job, I am a statistician
For my “fun” job, I coach figure skating
I love Disney and got married there about 2 years ago
In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and family including my nephews and niece

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning TEAM DONALD!

Sounds like quite a few of us are battling bugs this week -- and I'm not just talking about spring fever! I'm glad that we have the time change this week-end even though "spring ahead" is not my favorite switch.

We have always observed Lent (growing up), but it was never a "meatless" time for us at all. It was always about reflection and sacrifice and preparing for Easter. Growing up, I was envious of my Catholic friends who got eat yummy stuff like pizza for dinner instead of meatloaf!!

Ah, the grass is always greener somewhere else!

LTS, so nice of your DH to come and join you at your appointment yesterday! Hope that you can get your organized photos back where they belong! Poached chicken is very tasty and can be cooked quickly if you didn't have time to do the crock pot thing.

sparks19, for good results from the doctor.

Thanks Lisa. This is a great article, and a good reminder that we can't do it all, and our health is so very important. I was thinking in disney world, I don't think you quoted from sparkpeople at all.

Well, I guess we'd better go back so I can rectify that error!

Hi Dreamer24!

I think I started this coaching week by apologizing if I sound too much like a rooky - because I am.

I have never done this before and have never followed the thread except intermittently.

But since I have decided to read and post every day for Lent (and to stop watching mindless tv and to watch tv shows instead), can you guys tell me just a smidgen about yourselves?

Is that ok?

That way I will know all about you all.

Sorry for the repetitve questions.

Take care

Linda

Thanks for coaching this week, Linda! You've done a great job!

I am 50 and live in beautiful Coeur d'Alene Idaho. I am a real estate attorney and have a Mom and Pop practice with my DH. We have one DS who is 11 going on 17 and keeps us on our toes. We also have a dog, a cat and a turtle. We will have been married 18 years this year, too.

I've had a life-long love affair with Disney growing up in Anaheim and working at DL when I was in college for a couple of years -- if you ever need someone to sew the name on your Mickey Mouse ears, I'm your gal!
And I love my DVC.

I've been on the WISH boards for a couple of years. Since that time I've lost 49 pounds, started running (something I never thought I would do), and made some wonderful friends! Some of whom I was fortunate enough to meet IRL!

Buffy, is not your real name?!? Intriguing!

Dona, enjoy your visit with DS! Are you on spring break next week too?

Have a great day DONALDS!

 

[pjlla]

**I only have 5 minutes left to reply before my students head in.... so if I jump off abruptly, please understand!

DS and I got back from our run at noon. We did it from 9 -10. First he took me on the trails in the park that the Cross Country team uses and I did ok, I don't really feel comfortable running on uneven ground, I was worried I would twist something.
So we did 1.71 miles according to my new GPS app, in about 36:31. Not happy about that time!! I've been pushing a 38 minute 2 mile run/walk.
I opted to branch off and run on the paved path around the lake and he finished his 5K in the woods. I got one lap around the lake before we caught back up, then we did another lap and a half to start and finish my C25K, I didn't feel right skipping it. I did week 4 - day 2. I felt much better doing that and finished feeling good. I was slow, I know slower then on the treadmill because DS was walking slightly fast when I ran, but he stuck with me which was nice.

I don't know the length around the lake but I'm guessing it's a little over 1/2 a mile. So I know I did walk/run the full 3 miles (or more) in about an hour. Unfortunately the GPS app (RunKeeper) does not run if I have another app running. I need to figure out how to either get the 2 to gel, get the GPS on C25K, or figure out how to add the C25K intervals on the GPS.

I'm so proud of you for getting out there for such a great run/walk. I was running an outside trail pretty regularly last summer, so I understand the fear of twisting an ankle. After a while I just found the "safe" areas to step and avoided most of the rocks and roots and was able to run without too much anxiety. That said, I really miss those hot steamy morning runs! I actually can't WAIT for that time again!

Ugh busy couple of days. Haven't had a chance to really pop in here but I just wanted to let you know what the doctor said

I went to her about my dizzy spells and nose numbness and elevated heart rate that I was having every once in a while.

She decided to run a blood panel and test iron, thyroid, electrolytes and stuff like that. If that comes back with nothing then she's going to send me to a cardiologist to get a 24 hour halter monitor. I hope I don't have to do that because I don't have insurance (Thank you very much US immigration) and it's going to cost quite a bit for that.

The doc said we should probably have results tomorrow

prayers for easy answers. Keep us informed.

It is the Kashi Go Lean Honey and Cinnamon Oatmeal. They are "instant" packs but you don't add hot water, you have to cook it in with the water in the microwave. It isn't for everyone but I really like it for breakfast. It is high in protein and really fills me up. http://www.kashi.com/products/golean_hot_cereal_hearty_honey_cinnamon


And yes, it is the Creative Memories software. I had to restore all my stuff previously and had not problems but it was a Shadow Copy off of DH's computer and his computer has since lost everything. The backups were stored in an external hard drive and for some reason they won't transfer back. It will be a pain to organize again but as long as my photos are all safe (which they are) I am okay.

I agree... PITA, but at least your photos are safe.

I'll keep an eye out for that oatmeal next time I'm out and about.

Home from work, and heading to ds's gymnastics shortly. He also wants to go to the library, so we'll do that after gymnastics. I did get out for 4 mile run/walk this morning, and I wanted to quit early, but I pushed. My vacation weight is coming off nicely, down 2.4 so far this week, so I know if I keep moving I have a good chance of losing it all this week. I hope to run/walk with a friend tomorrow before work, depending on the rain we're expecting.

on getting off the vacation weight!!! Wouldn't it be great if it was all gone by next week??? You CAN do it!!

crud crud crud crud crud

Girl scout cookies came in today. I hid the 2 boxes for DH. Please keep the Do-si-dos away from me!!!!

I bought these before I started my WISH journey. Now I WISH I could send them back.

You know what. I'm just going to toss the do-si-dos. Just not worth it. No one else eats them but me anyway. consider my money a donation straight to Girl Scouts.

ETA: Ok, it's destiny, karma, something. I go to toss out the box and on the side it has the Girl Scout sayings and it said Courage, Confidence, Character. I buried those bad boys in the bottom of the trash can!!

I am SO impressed with this decision!!! I am waaaaay too cheap to throw away perfectly good food (most of the time anyhow). I just avoided the whole thing by not buying ANY this year. God was sending you an encouraging message with that saying!

There is some talk about what people are doing for Lent.

Catholic or Protestant, it is intended, I think to be a time when we step back, try to focus on something other than ourselves by either giving up something we like to do (some give up tv, certain foods or snacks, one of my Facebook friends gave up Farmville - perhaps even Facebook) and some actually do something rather than giving up - go to mass daily, help someone else, etc.

I think I am going to read this thread and write something every day - even if it is just popping in to say hello.

Having the discipline to do that this week has been great - you guys are fabulous.

Yes, folks, I am going to Iceland August 18th to do a 10k August 20th!

We will welcome your input every day.... even if it is just a quick "hello"!

THat is so cool about running in ICELAND!! Be sure to take your camera so you can share photos with us!

I think I started this coaching week by apologizing if I sound too much like a rooky - because I am.

I have never done this before and have never followed the thread except intermittently.

But since I have decided to read and post every day for Lent (and to stop watching mindless tv and to watch tv shows instead), can you guys tell me just a smidgen about yourselves?

Is that ok?

That way I will know all about you all.

Sorry for the repetitve questions.

Take care

Linda

Quick answer......

Mid-40 Mom to 15 y/o DD and 13 y/o DS.... married to DH for almost 19 years. My family is my true joy in life. I love my entire extended family and I am lucky that I married into a fabulous family.

Work part-time as substitute teacher for the past 6+ years. Don't love it, but love the flexibility.

Spare time.... love scrapbooking! I think about it, dream about, try to figure out how to do it anywhere/any place I have time! I also love reading, but don't have much time for it any more.

Re-started this "healthier" journey on 01/02/2008 for the umptheeth time.... but stuck with it this time and lost nearly 70 pounds (but down a total of nearly 90 from my all-time high). Not sure why it clicked this time, but I'm sure glad it did.

I love to be neat and organized, but I don't love cleaning. Makes life a conundrum! I love to make lists and plans!

I am a bit bossy and am known for my brutal honesty at times. That said, I think I am usually kind. But if you ask my opinion, know that you are going to get it.

I exercise because I know it is important for a healthy life and to maintain a healthy weight. That said, I don't love to exercise. I run when the weather suits, but I don't love it. I'm hoping that someday I find an activity/sport that I LOVE.

I am a morning person. I'd rather do something at 5 am than at 9 pm. By 10 pm I am usually useless.

I'm a wanna-be world traveler who doesn't even own a passport!!

I have learned SO MUCH about myself and how to live a healthier lifestyle while on this journey.... yet I know I have so much yet to learn. And you all are helping me with that!

I find that having meals planned is the best way to stay on track and if I have to fly by the seat of my pants that is when it all falls apart. I wonder if we could get any interest in a thread sharing meal plans so we can all get new ideas?


Sounds yummy. I don't like frosting either. Where in the grocery store do I find Vitamuffins? I don't know where to even look for them? I saw a huge box of them frozen at Costco but didn't want to buy that many until I tried them. Are they always frozen?

First off.... I'd LOVE to have a meal plan thread!! I'll start it later if you would like.... or you can... whatever you want!

Second... I buy the Vitamuffins in the "Harvest Market" section of my regular grocery store.... kind of the all-natural/health food area... in the freezer. Yup, they always come frozen. Probably to avoid using preservatives.

My favorite flavors... corn (tastes like a regular corn muffin to me), cran-bran (very yummy with the craisins), chocolate (not overly chocolatey, but takes care of the craving). I'd love to try more flavors, but this is mostly what my local store carries.

Ok a little about me. Probably more then you will ever want to know!

Name:Buffy (not my given name, that is a well guarded secret)
aliases:
BernardandMissBianca
BAMB
Mom
Mama if they want something LOL
Frank if I want to change my name and join the witness protection program when I'm having a craptastic day.


age, ahem......37.
Never at home Mom of 4 precious little angels where is that snarky smilie???
Married single parent - DH is gone 45-50 weeks a year.
Been Married for 18 years this April.

Uh........ I like to scrapbook. I like to DIS. I'm the VP of our PTO but I am hanging up my hat this year after 10 years of service.

Um....... What else?????
I didn't go to college.
I am a force to be reckoned with.
I am a tad sarcastic at times.
I'm not a morning person.
I'm the "cool mom" at school, and my kids don't mind!!
I love to travel. We have been known to take a 2 1/2 hour trek to the Cape just to eat lunch.
I wish I had the self confidence to homeschool
I am turning into a runner.

I think you could be my new best friend.... except for the whole "not a morning person" thing!!

I

I can't tell you how much I love this!!! As I've told you all before, I have very few "real life" friends. THis is SO TRUE for me!! Can't wait to stick it on my fridge!!

I've been on the WISH boards for a couple of years. Since that time I've lost 49 pounds, started running (something I never thought I would do), and made some wonderful friends! Some of whom I was fortunate enough to meet IRL!

Nearly 50 pounds!!! Time to celebrate when you hit that mark!!!

Okay folks. I answered everything, but now it's time to get back to the students!! TTYL..............P

 

[mikamah]

Good morning donalds!!

Linda- You're doing a great job coaching, and I love your lenten plan to pop in here every day. I find I stay on track much better if I keep in touch here. I'm sure Iceland will be an amazing trip. Hope you will have some extra days that you're not doing the walk to see the area.

I'm Kathy, 47 yo single mom to one ds age 9. He's pretty much my life right now, and is so much fun. I'm an endoscopy nurse, and fell in love with disney when I took ds for his 5th b-day. I found Wish after that trip, and have done many biggest loser challenges, some I've lost, other's I've gained, with other stuff going on in life. I started running last feb with the c25k, and settled into run/walk intervals, with the goal of the princess half in mind. The idea of a half in disney truly is what kept me running through the heat of last summer, and the cold of this winter. I had never run before, but last winter was having a tough time with some depressiong, and the running helped get that under control too. I'm feeling much more focused on getting healthy than I have in a long time, and think I actually have a good chance of making my goal for this challenge.

Buffy- I figured your dh was named Bernard, and you were really Bianca. I loved your poem and the picture about computer friends. This is the first place I've really chatted with people online, and everyone here is so friendly and supportive, and I have made some real, true friends, and got to meet some of them in real life last week. And may i say you are amazing to throw away girl scout cookies.

LTS-I love that one of your hobbies is collecting scrapping materials. I have so many too, but since most of my disney ones aren't princess-ey, I do think I must buy some more for this past trip.

Pamela- It's actually nice to hear that you don't know what made this time different for you with your weight loss success. It helps keep me from getting discouraged, and thinking I've lost it before and gained it back, what is going to make it different this time. Hope your students behave today.

LIsa- I'm looking forward to that 50 pound celebration too. 50 pounds gone in your 50th year!! You are doing so well!! I'd love to go back to wdw anytime. Maybe I'll pick up a few lottery tickets today.

Dani- I am so impressed with your resolve and not buying the girl scout cookies. I don't know why I can't resist them. I did bring ours to disney, and that way I only ate 1/4th of the boxes.

Dona- How nice you'll have both ds's home for break. Hope you'll get to spend lots of time with them.

Off to work now. I did take a walk this morning with a friend, so that was nice. I definitely stay on track better if I've gotten a little exercise in.

Have a great day.

 

[lovetoscrap]

THE ORGANIZED PHOTO FILES ARE RECOVERED! As it turns out it had to do with the screwy way that DH has all of our computers linked in a network and how my computer was communicating with the external hard drive. Yeah, I don't understand it either but right as we were going to bed last night he said "let me try one more thing" and all the sudden it was working! I let it run all night and this morning they are all in their nicely organized categories and sort boxes and files and whatever else. I just have to import everything from last year to now and work on them. I am so happy I don't have to do it all over.

LTS what kind of problems does your dh have with roasted chicken? Is it too dry, if it is then try the crock pot. It comes out really moist.

He doesn't like chicken to begin with-- mostly just tolerates it. He just doesn't like the flavor and texture that roasted chicken has. I make it very moist but that doesn't help. The only way I can roast it that he likes involves covering it with bacon and making a heavy gravy with the juices served with real (lots of butter and cream) mashed potatoes. NOT healthy and really it ends up tasting like bacon and the gravy. He is being more receptive now so I may try one in the crock pot and see what he says. If I have some sort of a "sauce" he can put over it that helps.

mikimah: I am pretty sure that I own just about every Disney Scrapbooking item that exists and has existed over the last 5 years! I have to buy every new paper and sticker that I find. Fortunately I find a lot of it on clearance or at a discount but I really don't want to think about the value of it all.


My inlaws are supposed to be coming this weekend to celebrate DD's birthday but DD has cold so I am not sure if we should postpone or not. I was going to keep her home today because she was miserable last night but she was up early and felt well enough to run around and play with the cats and all so I figure she is well enough to go to school. It is so hard because I know she is spreading germs but she has been for the last few days and they had state testing so the school would have thrown a fit if I kept her home with out the required fever or puking. I am sure she caught this from someone else there spreading germs. If it were up to me I would keep her home the entire time she is germy but the school really just wants us to send them anyway. I am hoping none of the rest of us get it (especially me!) But I don't want my inlaws to get sick so I am going to let them decide what they want to do.

pijla: Go ahead and start the thread. It will probably get more responses if you are the OP since people here know you. I would love to see what others are planning and it may be a good way for some people to feel accountable to doing their planning. I am still looking for a large metal sign or sheet that is in that craft project I showed you (to magnet your plan to). I haven't found anything cheap yet!

Everyone have a great day! I have to go try to watch American Idol on my laptop today since I can't get FOX right now. Stupid contract dispute with Dish network.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I'm so proud of you for getting out there for such a great run/walk. I was running an outside trail pretty regularly last summer, so I understand the fear of twisting an ankle. After a while I just found the "safe" areas to step and avoided most of the rocks and roots and was able to run without too much anxiety. That said, I really miss those hot steamy morning runs! I actually can't WAIT for that time again!


I am SO impressed with this decision!!! I am waaaaay too cheap to throw away perfectly good food (most of the time anyhow). I just avoided the whole thing by not buying ANY this year. God was sending you an encouraging message with that saying!

I think you could be my new best friend.... except for the whole "not a morning person" thing!!

The trail was bad, I need to email Coach and tell him trees are down that will require a chainsaw to remove. The team always cleans the path one summer day but I think it's going to need to be done sooner rather then later.
We do have the rail trail in the next town over so I might try that. I hope to be more confident by summer to run in the woods only because the path around the pond/lake is mostly in the sun.

I tend to chuck lots of food, I know that's bad, but the kids and DH get on kicks where they want something, eat it once and it goes bad. I would have donated it somewhere but I know the boxes don't stay fresh long and mom can't have them because of her diabetes and milk/chocolate allergies.
I did stash DH's boxes high in the cabinet and in the back of the freezer but I'll make him take those back to DC when he comes home.

Buffy- I figured your dh was named Bernard, and you were really Bianca. I loved your poem and the picture about computer friends. This is the first place I've really chatted with people online, and everyone here is so friendly and supportive, and I have made some real, true friends, and got to meet some of them in real life last week. And may i say you are amazing to throw away girl scout cookies.

Nope!! Just my favorite characters and Disney movie.

I have gone by Buffy since I was born, DBro couldn't say given name and it was a family name so there are several of us. I don't even answer to my given name, I don't think it's me. LOL

THE ORGANIZED PHOTO FILES ARE RECOVERED! As it turns out it had to do with the screwy way that DH has all of our computers linked in a network and how my computer was communicating with the external hard drive. Yeah, I don't understand it either but right as we were going to bed last night he said "let me try one more thing" and all the sudden it was working! I let it run all night and this morning they are all in their nicely organized categories and sort boxes and files and whatever else. I just have to import everything from last year to now and work on them. I am so happy I don't have to do it all over.

Glad you recovered them!!!

I accidentally deleted my entire iPhoto album once, 30,000 + pics gone!! DH thankfully is a computer guy and hooked his Mac to my Mac for 3 days and recovered over 90% of my photos. HE ROCKS!!!
I now have an external hard drive and Time Machine to back up my computer.

 

[sparks19]

Thank you Everyone

the Doc called this morning and all the bloodwork came back completely normal... which is good but that means I dont have an answer lol. So she wants to do the halter monitor thing. she gave me a referral to a cardiologist

But I don't know she said my heart sounded good and I haven't had any weird feelings in my chest and I know I've felt palpitations before every once in a great while but I'm not feeling anything in my chest. She also thinks that maybe they could be just mild panic attacks. she said all those things are a symptom of hyperventilating and panic attacks... with my period I can see how I would be more likely to have a mild panic attack.

I don't know. we will just have to wait and see I guess but I really appreciate all the support.

Also... If you count the one pound increase I had I have lost 3 pounds. So that is very encouraging

So how are all of you. I feel like I haven't had a chance to pop in here much the last few days. I hope you are all doing well

 

[Missoutandabout]

Quack? QUACK! I've been given over to the Donalds -- go easy on me, guys!

Hello to all. Hope to be kicking butt along with all of you.

By the way, I *adore* the "I love my computer because all my friends live in it" image. That is me, to a "T" -- having moved all over the place, it's completely true.

 

[lovetoscrap]

the Doc called this morning and all the bloodwork came back completely normal... which is good but that means I dont have an answer lol.

She also thinks that maybe they could be just mild panic attacks. she said all those things are a symptom of hyperventilating and panic attacks... with my period I can see how I would be more likely to have a mild panic attack.

Also... If you count the one pound increase I had I have lost 3 pounds. So that is very encouraging

on the loss! See, now isn't that easy? Just keep on program and get your water and exercise in along with plenty of rest and healthy eating.

Very happy to hear that they blood work is fine-- but unhappy that didn't give you any answers. Panic attacks stink. Are you keeping a food journal? Add to that all of your symptoms whenever you feel them. That can help you and your doctor see if there are any patterns and may help you figure things out.

Quack? QUACK! I've been given over to the Donalds -- go easy on me, guys!

Hello to all. Hope to be kicking butt along with all of you.
:

another Beacher! Jump in and post as often as you can. I am really finding that posting and reading here is keeping me accountable and on program. And I am loving all the people I am getting to know.

 

[sparks19]

on the loss! See, now isn't that easy? Just keep on program and get your water and exercise in along with plenty of rest and healthy eating.

Very happy to hear that they blood work is fine-- but unhappy that didn't give you any answers. Panic attacks stink. Are you keeping a food journal? Add to that all of your symptoms whenever you feel them. That can help you and your doctor see if there are any patterns and may help you figure things out.


another Beacher! Jump in and post as often as you can. I am really finding that posting and reading here is keeping me accountable and on program. And I am loving all the people I am getting to know.

Thank you

yes I am still keeping my food journal so if it does continue to happen maybe we can pinpoint a trend. But so far it hasn't happened in a couple of days so YAAAAAY let's hope it was just a fluky thing. thanks for the suggestion. i wouldn't have thought to show it to my doctor