TEAM DONALD--Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge

[pjlla]

Sure, it's a pretty heavy meal but you could probably lighten it up with some changes. In a 9 x 13 baking dish, spread a layer of refried beans. Top with layer of cooked, seasoned taco meat (ground beef/turkey), can of corn, can of black beans, layer of salsa, green chiles and layer of shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream. I just made it up and do it differently every time. I've googled and seen similar recipes online though.

Sounds so good! If I use fatfree refried beans, and light shredded cheese (and skip the sour cream) it might be doable. I'm also thinking I could add something other than just corn.... maybe spinach... cauliflower, something to bulk it up and lighten it up. I'll keep thinking on it.... DS would love it. It actually sounds almost more like a dip we make sometimes for the holidays.

I just have to comment that the movie was filmed a few hours south of us in Salzburg, Austria. We have been to many of the locations you see in the movie. It is lovely there! I swear I never really paid much attention to the scenery and buildings in the movie before and I'm not even sure I knew where it was filmed. Did you see the show where Oprah had the whole cast on?

DON'T EVEN TELL ME THAT!! I am PEA-GREEN with envy!!! Totally number ONE on my bucket list..... and has been since I was in 4th grade and saw the movie for the first time. Number two has always been to see the pyramids, but unless things were to really settle down in the middle east, it won't be happening for me.

Good attitude with the (temporary) gain

Thanks..... I was really kind of hoping it would all be gone today.... but not even close. I'll just continue to have a good weekend and I will be skipping my usual weekend splurge day and (hopefully) have a good week (my exercise plan is written in ink and posted on the fridge already)... and with any luck the gain will be gone (with a little to spare) by next Friday!

I am also very inconsistent with my efforts and I have just learned to live with it. My weight loss is very slow since I don't always give it 100% but over time I've realized this is what I am comfortable with and this is how it's going to work for me. Before I was always "on program" or "off program" with no in-between. Now, I may have a few cookies and then stop instead of having ZERO cookies or having FIFTY cookies. This time, 2 things have really helped me:

1. I've made a vow to never quit! Will it take me 3 years to lose 50 pounds?
I hope not but if it does, I will still lose the 50 pounds in the end instead of losing and gaining 10 pounds 3 or 4 times

2. I try to focus on healthy habits more than the scale (easier said than done). They say it takes x amount of days to make a habit stick so I hope if I just repeat things over and over they will eventually become second nature.
So far, habits I've incorporated are I have a very healthy and light breakfast every day, I exercise 45 minutes every day and I drink 4 liters of water every day. The rest of the day is a crap shoot, depending on how I feel and what is going on in my life.

I've decided I don't have any rules in my healthy lifestyle; I just do what I think is healthy for me. Before, if I had rules to follow I just felt like I could not do it. Now, I try to just take it one day at a time, slow down and THINK and do the best I can do. Plan, plan, plan ahead as best you can but imagine alternate scenarios in your mind and how you might possibly react if your plan falls through. Give yourself lots of love, praise and encouragement...you deserve it

Shawn

PS Cookie dough is my CRACK too !!!

You have such a GREAT attitude about it! I've been working hard on my attitude with regards to things like the cookies. Why does it have to be all or nothing all the time??? Often when I have a really big splurge day/meal, I have trouble ending it. Why is it that I can splurge on movie popcorn and a few M&M's at the movies.... and then come home and eat three pieces of chocolate (from my secret Lindt stash) instead of just ending it when I walk out of the theater????? Talk about adding injury to insult!!!

But I am making progress on it. I had an "oversplurge" a few weeks ago and instead of trying to starve myself for the next few days to make up for it, I just journaled it and forgot about it (at least, to some degree anyhow). And I think it was healthier in the long run.

Dinner was a big success.... DS even commented on how good the dinner was! Probably due in no small part because I bought a decent brand of bbq sauce this time, instead of cheaping out and buying store brand again! I skipped the applesauce to save a few calories for some dessert later. But I had two vegetables..... roasted asparagus AND a bit of roasted broccoli (I was cutting up a head of broccoli to steam for DS, as he dislikes asparagus, and decided to roast the extras for myself). And I kept my portion of the pork very reasonable. The pork itself is very lean, but the bbq sauce.... NOT SO MUCH!


For the poster who commented on the pork TENDERLOIN.... the difference here is that I use a LOIN.... much larger and CHEAPER! We love the tenderloins, but they are about $10/lb unless they are on sale!! We do have it occasionally and love it... but for the pulled pork I buy the (much) cheaper pork LOIN.... it is about as big around as my upper arm and usually comes in a huge length that I can cut into 4 roasts. Sometimes it is as cheap as $1.29/lb!! It isn't quite as lean as the tenderloin, but still a great deal.

As much as I would like to avoid eating "scavenger" animals, with DS's poultry allergy and DD's refusal to eat anything from the ocean (she is going to be a marine biologist and has issues with overfishing/sustainability), pork has become a frequent visitor to our dinner table. Plus, I figure in this day and age of animal "farming", the pig's feed is probably pretty highly regulated and I don't imagine that they actually do much scavenging in garbage (but don't tell me if I'm wrong!).

Well..... I think I've spent enough time here today, don't you??!! .....P

 

[jbm02]

...just back from Buffalo so this will be a fly-through post!! (is there a sleepy smiles??!)

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Saturday March 12, 2011

Do you have an area of your body that you consider to be a "problem area"?

If yes, do you perform special exercises for your problem area? Does it help? Have you found ways to hide your problem area with clothes?

Shawn

Welll..it USED to be my hips and rear. Now, it's my hips, rear and belly paunch! Pre-40 I seemed to be able to maintain a flat belly. Ha. Those were the days. As for special exercises, I try to do Pilates a few times a week for the belly area and lots of lunges and running for my legs and hips....

Here it is! As promised! I'll add more later when I have time to chit-chat more! Follow this link to our new BL meal planning thread!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40291141#post40291141

.................P

WOOHOO...heading there next!!!

Carrabas was suggested. It is a nice place... very similar to OG. Not sure about their menu selections though.... only been there once. Sorry I don't have any other suggestions. Can't offer a restaurant recommendation but I try to check the menu and nutritional info before heading out to a chain restaurant. I know some don't like chains but for making dinner choices, they make it easier for me. For instance, was SHOCKED at the calorie count in Panera's chipolte chicken sandwich!!



SERIOUSLY??? You can see your yard??? I'm so envious!! Except for the path that DS snowblowed for the oil delivery man a few weeks ago, there isn't an INCH of my yard that isn't covered with at least a full foot of snow!! In fact, we have two Adirondak chairs in the front yard that were totally hidden most of the winter...... and DS just commented yesterday that you could finally actually see part of both chairs! Can "almost" see the walkway to the house. Yay!!! Spring is coming!!!





If you REALLY want some accountability, start a journal here on the WISH boards. Post about your goals (food, exercise, weight loss) and make a committment to be HONEST in your journal about your choices. I did that last year.... not many people read/posted my thread, which was fine with me... but having it OUT THERE, on a public forum, kept me really on track!
Hmmm...probably a really really good idea. Am I brave enough to do this???
lmao:

I might be back later to chat....otherwise TTYtomorrow.............P

I just have to comment that the movie was filmed a few hours south of us in Salzburg, Austria. We have been to many of the locations you see in the movie. It is lovely there! I swear I never really paid much attention to the scenery and buildings in the movie before and I'm not even sure I knew where it was filmed. Did you see the show where Oprah had the whole cast on?

high school play. Enjoy your evening and I will see you here tomorrow.

Shawn

DON'T EVEN TELL ME THAT!! I am PEA-GREEN with envy!!! Totally number ONE on my bucket list..... and has been since I was in 4th grade and saw the movie for the first time. Number two has always been to see the pyramids, but unless things were to really settle down in the middle east, it won't be happening for me.

Well..... I think I've spent enough time here today, don't you??!! .....P

Shawn, did you do The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg? I have pictures of me in the glass summer house, in front of the Von Trapp House, on the fountain...I don't care how corny, it is, LOVED that tour. Yup, I'm a SOM fanatic too. My family is originally from Austria and I gew up watching the show with my grandparents over and over. In fact, for my 10th borthday my grandparents took me to the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont, where I actually met Maria, Agathe (Liesl in the movie) and several other family members.

...and ummm...P, went to Egypt last year for a month long military mission. I could see the pyramids from my hotel room. If I can figure out how to post pictures here, I will try to put some on. Although I was at my heaviest EVER in those pictures so I'm not really thrilled with them...

Huge basketball night here(GO UCONN!!). And I still have to pack so I'd better sign off. Eight hour drive tomorrow so I may be MIA for a short time..
Happy weekend everyone!
Jude

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

SERIOUSLY??? You can see your yard??? I'm so envious!! Except for the path that DS snowblowed for the oil delivery man a few weeks ago, there isn't an INCH of my yard that isn't covered with at least a full foot of snow!! In fact, we have two Adirondak chairs in the front yard that were totally hidden most of the winter...... and DS just commented yesterday that you could finally actually see part of both chairs!

Yes, I can see my yard, even have bitty buds on the forsythia, but I have had horrible rains that have me sweating with the basement.
We do have a bit of snow around the tree lines where the sun doesn't get to it and a small mound where the plow guy had it built up but it's slowly disappearing.
Your time will come!! Hey you can see a bit of the chairs, that's a start!!

I just have to comment that the movie was filmed a few hours south of us in Salzburg, Austria. We have been to many of the locations you see in the movie. It is lovely there! I swear I never really paid much attention to the scenery and buildings in the movie before and I'm not even sure I knew where it was filmed. Did you see the show where Oprah had the whole cast on?

I am coming to visit before y'all leave!!!!!
DH travels to Belgium a lot and I wanted to go soooo bad!

My thoughts exactly! But even when I look back at pictures of me when I was young and thin, I just don't have a defined waist. Like the song says,
"I was born that way" Hope you were able to get out and work in the yard today!

I have a really short waist which probably doesn't help much. I've never had a washboard stomach and don't expect to but man I wish I didn't look 8 months pregnant either!

Ended up skipping yard work and worked on more scrap pages. Every time I headed outside the stupid phone rang.

Huge basketball night here(GO UCONN!!). And I still have to pack so I'd better sign off. Eight hour drive tomorrow so I may be MIA for a short time..
Happy weekend everyone!
Jude

WOOHOO!!! Another Huskies fan!!!!

Travel safely!!!

 

[pjlla]

......... you do The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg? I have pictures of me in the glass summer house, in front of the Von Trapp House, on the fountain...I don't care how corny, it is, LOVED that tour. Yup, I'm a SOM fanatic too. My family is originally from Austria and I gew up watching the show with my grandparents over and over. In fact, for my 10th borthday my grandparents took me to the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont, where I actually met Maria, Agathe (Liesl in the movie) and several other family members.

...and ummm...P, went to Egypt last year for a month long military mission. I could see the pyramids from my hotel room. If I can figure out how to post pictures here, I will try to put some on. Although I was at my heaviest EVER in those pictures so I'm not really thrilled with them...

No WAY!!?? I didn't learn about the lodge in VT until I was older... we didn't go many places growing up and really never talked about "travel" or "adventures". I can't believe you actually met Maria! I've read her biography a few times.

And you've actually seen the pyramids??????? LUCKY!!! My aunt and uncle owned a travel agency for about 25 years and have seen so many amazing things (like the pyramids and the Panama canal). I loved to see their pictures.

Yes, I can see my yard, even have bitty buds on the forsythia, but I have had horrible rains that have me sweating with the basement.
We do have a bit of snow around the tree lines where the sun doesn't get to it and a small mound where the plow guy had it built up but it's slowly disappearing.
Your time will come!! Hey you can see a bit of the chairs, that's a start!!

Sorry about all the rain problems.... and sorry you didn't make it outside. I sat at my scrapping table all evening.... but never got off the WISH boards!! Oh well... maybe tomorrow.



Well friends... we are all losing an hour's sleep tonight, so us East coasters should be heading to bed soon (well, except for you night owls!). I'm too tired to concentrate on my book, but too awake to go to sleep. TTY tomorrow...............P

 

[DisFam95]

Hello Donalds!

ugh I don't feel well I've had the munchies all day - I blame my family and it being the weekend and out of my routine.

I got hit w/ major exhaution and a headache tonight. I chalk it up to impending TOM any day. No way could I drag myself to a workout.

I'm glad I opened up the discussion of our bladder issues on here It's so terrible - darn kids . I blame my 2nd son - he had a HUGE head. Oh well. Yeah I've thought about surgery but it has to get much worse for me too. I work w/ geriatrics and I see the pee that just 'happens' with any mvmt and think 'oh that's me when I get old'

Well I'm going to go and try to sleep off this crud. My goal this week with being hormonal and home w/ the kids for spring break is to not GAIN

Don;t forget to "Spring Forward" tonight in the US!

 

[SettinSail]

Good morning Team Donald!

Dis Fam and Pamela, I am glad you reminded us of the time change in the US today. We usually switch over a week or so later than the US. So, for a short time, we are only 5 hours ahead of the US! That means that the championship tournament game I want to watch today comes on at 6:00 here instead of 7:00. Dis Fam I hope you are feeling better soon

Jude, we did not go on the actual SOM tour. There are just some things my guys won't do We are about 3-4 hours away from Salzburg by car so I AM going to do that tour before we leave here however! I did hear it was corny and you ride on the bus singing the songs but I don't care! Aren't you glad you got to see Egypt? I had 2 friends go there last year and their pictures were awesome.

Buffy, you are here ANYTIME !!!! Goes for any of you !! We love to have visitors!

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

For me, I was always thin as a child and teenager and all through HS. Back when I was growing up, we almost never went out to eat, we ate only at meal times and we had just enough food on the table for our family of 5. We ate a diet heavy in meat and bread. I remember my Mom fixing us kids eggs and sausage and toast every morning for breakfast. When I went away to college and became responsible for feeding myself, I developed some bad eating habits and realized that I could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted! I was still pretty "normal" sized when I graduated college, around 140 lbs but I felt fat. By 26, I was 148 and started WW for the first time. I lost 20 pounds and got my lifetime pin. Then gained all the weight back and started yo-yo dieting for the next 15 years or so, always going back to WW, losing weight and then gaining it back plus more. I was about 20 pounds over normal BMI weight when I got pregnant and gained 53 pounds

I was able to lose about 20 pounds of the pregnancy weight but could never go beyond that. When DS was about 4 years old, I was in a study of the Atkins diet at Duke Univ and lost 30 more pounds, putting me at just 3 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight but that weight came back VERY quickly and eventually my weight drifted back to where it was the day I gave birth A few years ago, I gave up completely on dieting and just decided to make sure I never gained any more weight. For 2-3 years I was very vigillant about weighing myself daily and taking off any weight that showed up right away. It wasn't too hard to maintain this very high weight
Last year on my birthday, I finally decided to try again to lose weight for my health but to follow my own plan, eat less and exercise more. So far, I've lost almost 30 pounds in 13 months and WISH has been a big part of that. I found the WISH boards in September after our cruise in August,
and I learned about C25K from the meet thread for my cruise. 2 things that have really changed my life over the past year. Bad habits still creep up but I don't beat myself up over it, just try to analyze how I can do better next time.

Well, I better get off the computer and get going for the day. Today is a run day and it is overcast and cool. I think I will wait until later in the day to get out there. Make it a great day Donalds!

Shawn

 

[donac]

Good Sunday morning Team Donald

Sorry I missed yesterday. This is a busy weekend. Ds2 came home for college break. He told us he has a lot of work to do while he is home.

The local school that I have been working on costumes for has its last 3 shows this weekend. I wanted to get my hair cut on Friday but when I got to the salon there was group with a little kid who was screaming. I walked out. I went back yesterday morning and got it done. I also went grocery shopping. Then the show last night.

Today I have to do something to do at church this morning, then give communion at a nursing home and then the show this afternoon. After the show we need to sort out costumes. It seems like it is going to be a long day.

I will try to get back on later to make comments on yesterday's posts.

If I don't get back

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[disney1990]

Well, I ate well this week (didn't eat anything I shouldn't have) and I went to the gym, but my weight remained the same. I hate it when I plateau.

Here's hoping next week is better. Congratulations to everybody that lost weight this week (or stayed the same).

Disney1990
Team Donald

 

[TimonTracy]

Hi there fellow Donalds ! I am still hanging in here - most frequently just reading through the boards. My husband and I have been very good with the exception of our week at Disney - even then we did better than we would have and thanks to someone who gave us a trip to weigh the day we got back - that saved us from continuing the downward spiral.

QOTD - Have you always been overweight?

I have always been overweight from Middle School onwards - never this overweight though - I attribute the current condition to baby weight x 2 and just kept eating like I was eating for an army. Oh well.

I think I was most successful when I was more active. Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to attempt the Couch to 5k program with a stretch goal of next year's Princess 1/2 Marathon. It seems kind of ridiculous to imagine my fat self out there walking or jogging down the street. But, I am trying to think of a skinny self that just hasn't been seen yet.

I got a pair of running shoes last week - I'm sure they will be more walking than running for awhile. My treat for this week is something to add to my exercise outfit.

For my husband and I, we are trying to push through. Although I wish we could see big drops on the scale - I know it's a pound or two at a time... I try to keep thinking about how we will feel in 4 weeks, 2 months, 6 months a year. Every decision we make gets us one step closer.

Have a good week, everyone !

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning TEAM DONALD!

QOTD Saturday March 12, 2011 Do you have an area of your body that you consider to be a "problem area"?

When I first read this question I thought "well, I guess she isn't really looking for an answer that says EVERYTHING!" Truthfully, I feel much better about my body that I used to. I don't have anything that I do for any particular area, except maybe for my arms. I'm kind of just hoping for overall improvement these days!

You and disfam are not alone, although, I am surprised sometimes when I'm actually running I'm ok, but right after when I start walking back to my car, I have an issue. Sneezing. Coughing. Those are my times. I wonder if while I run, my abd/pelvic muscles are more tensed, and that keeps me in control. I just know it's not fun, but lots of us are out there. My friend had a bladder suspension, and raves about it. Runs without an issue, but it has to get much worse for me to warrant surgery.

My bladder issues did improve as I lost weight. There is room for more improvement though. My gynecologist acted like I should keep losing weight and see what happens because it sounds like it is a one shot deal and you might need it more as you get older. Something to look forward to!

Well, it does beg the question, "How do you solve a problem like Maria?"

Now really you are the last person that I would think of as a problem!

Thanks for saying something so nice about me! "Nice lawyer" doesn't have to be an oxymoron.

Congratulations on the great WW loss! Points Plus is really working great for you.

Pamela, thanks for starting the planning thread!

LTS, glad that DD is feeling better and that you can all enjoy her birthday.

Regarding the salad from the restaurant that's pure EVIL! It's lots of romaine, shredded mozzarella, red cabbage, grilled chicken, bacon, chopped pecans ... but, what makes it HORRIBLE (horrible in a not-good-for-you way) is the dressing that comes with it: homemade warm and spicy honey mustard with mustard seed. It's a massively HUGE salad. It must have a gazillion calories. Now I've gotta go read about something else to take my mind off it.

I second what pjlla said and say try and make it at home in a smaller and/or healthier version. You might be able to find a lighter version of the dressing. That way you can actually enjoy what you like and have it not take you off plan!

Yeah—had a c-section..that area I just can’t fix it myself—wish I could afford surgery but I can’t so so the best I can. I have a lot of muscle built up under but there’s definite loose skin. I do core exercises and use the abdominal machines at the gym—it’s all I can do.
I'll catch up later--doing a little better, have more ideas anyway thanks to Im's ;-)

I'm so glad that you are doing a little better. We're here for you anytime!

I just want to have success this time. I cannot understand why I grapple with such inconsistency.

Anyway, on a positive note, this time last year I was very sick and headed for surgery within days. Very grateful for health.

It sounds like you've made great progress in a year, Linda. You recovered from your surgery. You did your race in January. You are improving things every day!

This article from sparkpeople about Mastering the Mysteries of Motivation might have something in it to help you with the consistency dilemma. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=630 This is the first part of a a three part series and there are links to the other articles in this one.

For me I have to say that I've learned that doing the same old things does not work; what works today may not always work; it is going to take twice as long and be twice as hard as you thought it should; somedays nothing works except a fresh start the next day; if you never give up, you will always move forward.

Buffy, take it easy on the running until the cough goes away! We can see our yard here, too, it's not necessarily too pretty!

DisFam95 hope that you are feeling better today!

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011 Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

I have not always been overweight. Until I was in my 20's I yo-yo'd a bit but was never really overweight, although I thought I was fat. I gained 50 pounds before I went to law school by having a job I hated and not taking care of myself. I lost it when I was in law school. That was the last time that I was at a normal weight more than 20 years ago just after I graduated from law school. After DH and I graduated from law school we were stuck behind desks and less active. We both got complacent and steadily gained over the years. I weighed 203 when I was married in 1993, 222 for most of my pregnancy in 1999 at age 38, and was 263 at my highest. Today I weigh 214. I have a little mental thing going on here breaking through that 50 pounds lost barrier -- been trying since last month. I will do it. It is just a matter of time! Then on to ONE-derland and 186 -- out of the obese range and then onwards and downwards baby!

dona, enjoy your visit with your DS!

Well, I ate well this week (didn't eat anything I shouldn't have) and I went to the gym, but my weight remained the same. I hate it when I plateau.

Here's hoping next week is better. Congratulations to everybody that lost weight this week (or stayed the same).

Disney1990
Team Donald

Did you already try adding a bit to your calories to see if that will break you out of your plateau?

Hi there fellow Donalds ! I am still hanging in here - most frequently just reading through the boards. My husband and I have been very good with the exception of our week at Disney - even then we did better than we would have and thanks to someone who gave us a trip to weigh the day we got back - that saved us from continuing the downward spiral.

QOTD - Have you always been overweight?

I have always been overweight from Middle School onwards - never this overweight though - I attribute the current condition to baby weight x 2 and just kept eating like I was eating for an army. Oh well.

I think I was most successful when I was more active. Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to attempt the Couch to 5k program with a stretch goal of next year's Princess 1/2 Marathon. It seems kind of ridiculous to imagine my fat self out there walking or jogging down the street. But, I am trying to think of a skinny self that just hasn't been seen yet.

I got a pair of running shoes last week - I'm sure they will be more walking than running for awhile. My treat for this week is something to add to my exercise outfit.

For my husband and I, we are trying to push through. Although I wish we could see big drops on the scale - I know it's a pound or two at a time... I try to keep thinking about how we will feel in 4 weeks, 2 months, 6 months a year. Every decision we make gets us one step closer.

Have a good week, everyone !

It's a good idea to have a spreadsheet, journal or something else where you can track how the trend is and appreciate how far you've come. I wish that I would have started that from the beginning.

I'm off to try and find a spot in the house where I can stream The Tudors on the laptop. Sounds like a nice way to kill time while I do the . Also better go get that crockpot going!

Have a great day DONALDS!

 

[DisFam95]

Ma'am BACK AWAY FROM THE RICE KRISPIE TREATS!!!

Good heavens what is wrong with me?!?!?! I have zero will power today I put on my workout clothes but now DH had to go to work and the kids have gone out to play w/ their best friend. I'm not comfortable being unavailable to them while they are outside. PLus it's to late now anyway sine I have to meet my mom at lunch. Darn time change - I lost my work out hour!!! I'll have to get it in tonight for sure to make up for all my bad snacking - and it;'s only 10:40am!!

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

Shawn

I've always had a bigger frame than most kids my age. I was not fat but definitelt bigger/thicker than my friends and one of my son's is the same way when he was born.

My weight gain started w/ the freshmen 15 ~ cough cough ~ or 20. The freedom to eat and do whatever you wanted and our dorm was RIGHT NEXT TO PIZZA HUT! We had pizza and rum and cokes many nights

I worked it off when my mom signed me up for Jenny Craig and I did well until marriage 16 years ago. That lifestyle of expecting to cook meals etc and giving 'treats' for each other, going out. We got busy w/ jobs and more school so the pounds creeped up slowly.

I've been up and down a few times over the years but I've managed to not let it get too out of control. Skinny on my frame is 145/150. My bones stick out to much in my hips. I've gotten up over 200 at my heaviest after preganancy - I don;t recall how how high tho. This year I slacked of keeping focused and I usually weigh almost daily just to keep a visual on things but had stopped that and in January got up 191 . So got refocused - AGAIN. I'm sure this will be an ongoing thing in my life.

I went back to JC. I like the accountability you get. I do my own thing w/ the plan. I use their breakfast, dinner, and snack and do my own lunches to keep the cost down. I spend about $45/50 a week.

I'm a bad stress eater and snacking off my kids plate.

My DH is the best - he always tells me women are supposed to have some meat on them. Look at all the old illustartions of women from the beginning of any record keeping. Few are skinny!!

Well, I ate well this week (didn't eat anything I shouldn't have) and I went to the gym, but my weight remained the same. I hate it when I plateau.

Here's hoping next week is better. Congratulations to everybody that lost weight this week (or stayed the same).

Disney1990
Team Donald

Good for you are eating well. If you are building muscle that can account for the neutral scale. Are clothes fitting better? You are making healthy choices in your life and you will see the results. It's not all about the scale.

Hi there fellow Donalds ! I am still hanging in here - most frequently just reading through the boards. My husband and I have been very good with the exception of our week at Disney - even then we did better than we would have and thanks to someone who gave us a trip to weigh the day we got back - that saved us from continuing the downward spiral.

QOTD - Have you always been overweight?

I have always been overweight from Middle School onwards - never this overweight though - I attribute the current condition to baby weight x 2 and just kept eating like I was eating for an army. Oh well.

I think I was most successful when I was more active. Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to attempt the Couch to 5k program with a stretch goal of next year's Princess 1/2 Marathon. It seems kind of ridiculous to imagine my fat self out there walking or jogging down the street. But, I am trying to think of a skinny self that just hasn't been seen yet.

I got a pair of running shoes last week - I'm sure they will be more walking than running for awhile. My treat for this week is something to add to my exercise outfit.

For my husband and I, we are trying to push through. Although I wish we could see big drops on the scale - I know it's a pound or two at a time... I try to keep thinking about how we will feel in 4 weeks, 2 months, 6 months a year. Every decision we make gets us one step closer.

Have a good week, everyone !

Bravo for your on getting out there. I never in a million yrs thought I would ever run. I spent a while just walking, then speed walking, then adding bursts of jogging for manybe only 1 minute at a time!!! Then 2 minutes, then 3, then 5. It took a while but now I can run for 30min easy and even have done an hour. You can do it!! Just be patient and consistant!!

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

Good question. Up 'till 10 or so no. Seems I started getting a little chunky then. I always read a lot but was pretty active too, riding my bike and skateboard. I would stay up late reading though and eat doritos lol. As a teen no, until after the worst of the anorexia/bulimia--then I went up to 140 or so until I moved to California with a boyfriend and A. was starving, B. started doing meth. After being married 8-9 years started gaining weight, there's a few major factors that played into it, me struggling with my sons autism (was severely depressed at that point) and something that happened involving emotional issues. (so me) Was at my highest weight about 2 years ago then my back had it's own personal disaster which motivated me to lose 50 pounds. Now I'm struggling to maintain that--struggling to not lose more anyway. I don't ever think I'll ever eat like a normal person. The eating disorder will always be there.

Talked to my daughter for a few last night, she is also very depressed, which is why I have been putting off talking to her--didn't want to pull her down anymore because of myself. I tried to simply offer advice though as I have been dealing with this all my life and we are practically carbon copies I think some of her is affecting me as it always does-- kind of like the E.T. thing, we are very connected--even at such distance-- so she needs to pull herself out of it for me to improve too lol. Thanks again for being very good to me on this board as always.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Buffy, you are here ANYTIME !!!! Goes for any of you !! We love to have visitors!

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

For me, I was always thin as a child and teenager and all through HS. Back when I was growing up, we almost never went out to eat, we ate only at meal times and we had just enough food on the table for our family of 5. We ate a diet heavy in meat and bread. I remember my Mom fixing us kids eggs and sausage and toast every morning for breakfast. When I went away to college and became responsible for feeding myself, I developed some bad eating habits and realized that I could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted! I was still pretty "normal" sized when I graduated college, around 140 lbs but I felt fat. By 26, I was 148 and started WW for the first time. I lost 20 pounds and got my lifetime pin. Then gained all the weight back and started yo-yo dieting for the next 15 years or so, always going back to WW, losing weight and then gaining it back plus more. I was about 20 pounds over normal BMI weight when I got pregnant and gained 53 pounds

Wow, I could have written the same exact thing!!

I was pretty thin all my life, we didn't eat out but once every 2 weeks (payday), now we eat out 3-4 times a week.
There was never money for extras growing up, now there is money for cookies, treats, etc.
I never ate breakfast though, we only had big breakfasts on the weekend.

My weight gain started when I got married. Before that I was either roller skating or country dancing 4 - 6 days a week, keep pretty fit that way.
We got married and moved to Hawaii, where I did nothing while DH was out to sea. Moved to GA worked at Michael's but had constant access to Burger King and vending machines, then had the kids and have stayed home ever since.


And yes, I would love to visit!! DH wants to take an extended vacation to Europe next year!

 

[lovetoscrap]

DD is 11 today! I can't believe how fast the time goes.

I picked up Chick fil a for dinner last night. Their website said I could get a sandwich "protein style"-- wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. They had no idea what I was talking about. They finally got it, but it was a waste of my time (and 15 cents!) because the lettuce was nasty by the time I got home since it was with the hot chicken. Didn't think about that part! I just ate it with a knife and fork. I did splurge and got a Banana Pudding Milkshake because they have been taunting me-- I love banana pudding. I shared it with my girls so I only had 1/3 so it really wasn't too bad diet wise. And it was worth every calorie and fat gram!

They did short me one sandwich in my order which of course I didn't discover until I got home. I called to see if they could just credit it back to my credit card but all they could do was write my name in "a book" and the girl said several times "You will get a FREE sandwich the next time you come in". Um, NO! I am getting the sandwich I already paid for! It is NOT free!

Here is today's QOTD:
QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?
If not, how did you become overweight?

I was a very skinny child and teen. I very clearly remember the first time I wore a miniskirt in high school one of the boy's looked at me and said "You have bird legs!" I never really figured out what that was supposed to mean but I have never seen a bird with fat legs so I guess it was a skinny comment? My stepdad used to say I needed to eat more because I was "skinny as a rail". Really I was just at normal, healthy weight. Interestingly my sister was a chubby child-- really chubby-- and when she hit teen she really slimmed down and has been about a size 2 all her adult life. I remember shopping with her not long after I got married and we both tried some things on. Mine didn't fit because it was too small and I needed a 16 and she came out and said it was too big and she needed a 0. It is a miracle she lived past that day!

For me it was also the college gain. I joined WW in college to lose 20 pounds but that never really happened. I laugh now because I was 135 when I joined WW wanting to lose, and now I would be ecstatic to get down to 135! I was also about that when I got married. Neither DH or I really knew how to cook or eat healthy so we ate whatever, most involving cream sauces or crappy cheap processed food because we were too poor for anything else. For a long time I was around 180 and I tried Jenny Craig (worked there at the time too), WW several times, my own made up plans, Nutri System, Slim Fast and a few other things. I never got past losing about 1/2 of my goal.

The best diets I had were pregnancy! I was 180 both times I got pregnant and both times left the hospital with a beautiful baby and weighing around 160. I was nauseous throughout both of my pregnancies and had to actually force my self to eat for the sake of the baby. But of course the weight came right back on. I wasn't able to breast feed for long with both of them so I didn't even get to lose more weight because of that.

Things continued to creep up and then when my feet started having problems and my activity level decreased it really went up to my highest ever. I think I have gained about 40 in the last few years. Last year I finally was able to get up and get moving again and without even trying, in fact I was eating crap like there was no tomorrow, I dropped 15-20. It really is amazing the difference it makes sitting on the couch 12 hours a day vs. just being able to move around to clean house and cook and walk to the mailbox and in and out of stores etc. I never would have guessed it would have made so much of a difference.

And I am now ONE OUNCE away from One-derland!!

Taking DD15 and a friend to the movie later, running to the store for frosting and a few other things then hanging out with the birthday girl.

Do you have a Macaroni Grill or Carabbas near by? They are a tad spendy but do have other things than just pasta.
Not sure where you are but Old Spagetti Factory also has some great choices

I think we are going to try to go to Spaghetti Factory when we go visit my sister. We don't have one and my sister loves it. We do have Carrabbas but it isn't a whole lot better for low carb.

We are going to stick with Olive Garden since it her choice-- I think she really just wants the breadsticks! I will have the skewers of beef and chicken and sub another veggie for the potatoes and it will be fine. And I will have someone slap my hand if I try to take more than one bread stick! DD is really excited about going there.

Jude, we did not go on the actual SOM tour. There are just some things my guys won't do We are about 3-4 hours away from Salzburg by car so I AM going to do that tour before we leave here however! I did hear it was corny and you ride on the bus singing the songs but I don't care!

My girls and I would LOVE that! The more singing the better!
I have a sudden urge to watch The Sound of Music today. Anyone else?

The local school that I have been working on costumes for has its last 3 shows this weekend. I wanted to get my hair cut on Friday but when I got to the salon there was group with a little kid who was screaming. I walked out. I went back yesterday morning and got it done. I also went grocery shopping. Then the show last night.

Today I have to do something to do at church this morning, then give communion at a nursing home and then the show this afternoon. After the show we need to sort out costumes. It seems like it is going to be a long day.

Have fun!

Well, I ate well this week (didn't eat anything I shouldn't have) and I went to the gym, but my weight remained the same. I hate it when I plateau.

Just keep at it and you will see changes. Try changing things up a little. Do a different exercise machine, add a few more calories, maybe try reducing your carbs and increasing protein. I think our bodies get used to what we are doing so we have to shake it up a little!

Hi there fellow Donalds ! I am still hanging in here - most frequently just reading through the boards. My husband and I have been very good with the exception of our week at Disney - even then we did better than we would have and thanks to someone who gave us a trip to weigh the day we got back - that saved us from continuing the downward spiral.

I got a pair of running shoes last week - I'm sure they will be more walking than running for awhile. My treat for this week is something to add to my exercise outfit.

Great job not getting too far off track.
Non food rewards that help get closer to your goals are great and keep that motivation going.

Ma'am BACK AWAY FROM THE RICE KRISPIE TREATS!!!

I LOVE rice krispie treats! Definitely a weakness I have to keep away from.
I have to make "puppy chow" (chex with chocolate/pb covered with powdered sugar) today for DD to take to school tomorrow. Another thing I can eat until I puke. I am going to bag them up as soon as they cool and put them in her bag to get them out of sight. And I have birthday cake on the counter. Once it gets frosted I will be fine. The smell of them baking yesterday about killed me!


ARGH, this time change is killing me. Gotta run and get DD to her movie.

 

[mikamah]

QOTD Saturday March 12, 2011

Do you have an area of your body that you consider to be a "problem area"?

If yes, do you perform special exercises for your problem area? Does it help? Have you found ways to hide your problem area with clothes?

My abd and waist. Since I've been running, I feel like my legs have gotten in better shape, but my stomach really is out of proportion to the rest of me. I don't do anything about it though, and I guess I hope as I lose more weight, it will come off of there. I never wear a shirt tucked in, and don't like clingy tops. I'm lucky I wear scrubs to work, and outside of work, pretty much jeans with a t-shirt or sweat shirt. Scrubs hide a multitude of sins.

I got up and ran 4M this morning, then went for my WW weigh in. I was down 1.8, which made me quite happy. This is a different number from my BL weigh in, but I consistently weigh differently on different days (and scales), so there you have it.

Whoo hoo!! You are doing so well with ww, and sticking to it. Losing at disney is just amazing too.

:I was thinking last weekend that I need to do some quick and easy smaller books for our last few Disney trips. Definitely not as many photos. I may have to stalk ebay for for some more of those kits! I also want to do a "through the years" album with the photos of my kids with the characters as they have grown, but I think I need to wait a few more years for that one!

I love the little kits. They are called disney mini memory kits, and they come with all you need. Though I started this one from ebay, and it was missing some papers and stickers, even though it said new. Oh well, easy enough to remedy. Glad dd is feeling better and hope you had a nice birthday dinner out.

Here it is! As promised! I'll add more later when I have time to chit-chat more! Follow this link to our new BL meal planning thread!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40291141#post40291141

.................P

Thanks for this, Pamela.

Regarding the salad from the restaurant that's pure EVIL! It's lots of romaine, shredded mozzarella, red cabbage, grilled chicken, bacon, chopped pecans ... but, what makes it HORRIBLE (horrible in a not-good-for-you way) is the dressing that comes with it: homemade warm and spicy honey mustard with mustard seed. It's a massively HUGE salad. It must have a gazillion calories. Now I've gotta go read about something else to take my mind off it.

I know Cape Cod dressing has a delicious ff honey mustard dst. The salad sounds wonderful though.

Yeah—had a c-section..that area I just can’t fix it myself—wish I could afford surgery but I can’t so so the best I can. I have a lot of muscle built up under but there’s definite loose skin. I do core exercises and use the abdominal machines at the gym—it’s all I can do.
I'll catch up later--doing a little better, have more ideas anyway thanks to Im's ;-)

Glad you're feeling a little better.

It's actually nice outside today and above 50º so I'm considering going outside and raking a bit of the yard. It really got away from me last year and the bad thing about the snow melting, is that I can actually see how bad it is again. LOL

Doesn't if feel like spring is really on the way? So excited. But didn't really feel like starting any yard work, not that I ever do. My christmas tree turned up as a snow bank melted.

Made my husband's cookies and while I did not pig out on them, ate too much cookie dough And I am supposed to weigh in Monday!

Not happy at all, but need to move on I guess.

Move on is right, today is a new day, the cookie dough is gone, and can't tempt you any more.

1. I've made a vow to never quit! Will it take me 3 years to lose 50 pounds?
I hope not but if it does, I will still lose the 50 pounds in the end instead of losing and gaining 10 pounds 3 or 4 times

2. I try to focus on healthy habits more than the scale (easier said than done). They say it takes x amount of days to make a habit stick so I hope if I just repeat things over and over they will eventually become second nature.
So far, habits I've incorporated are I have a very healthy and light breakfast every day, I exercise 45 minutes every day and I drink 4 liters of water every day. The rest of the day is a crap shoot, depending on how I feel and what is going on in my life.

I've decided I don't have any rules in my healthy lifestyle; I just do what I think is healthy for me. Before, if I had rules to follow I just felt like I could not do it. Now, I try to just take it one day at a time, slow down and THINK and do the best I can do. Plan, plan, plan ahead as best you can but imagine alternate scenarios in your mind and how you might possibly react if your plan falls through. Give yourself lots of love, praise and encouragement...you deserve it

Shawn

I love you positive attitude, Shawn. I know by never giving up, even if it takes you 3 or more years to lose the 50 pounds, you are not going to backslide and gain it all back, ever again. Your paris trip sounded lovely, and I guess you will need to get back one day to see it in the sun before you leave germany.

...and ummm...P, went to Egypt last year for a month long military mission. I could see the pyramids from my hotel room. If I can figure out how to post pictures here, I will try to put some on. Although I was at my heaviest EVER in those pictures so I'm not really thrilled with them...

Jude

I think it's great you are able to see some amazing parts of the world for the sacrifice you and all the other service people give for us.

Ended up skipping yard work and worked on more scrap pages.

Phew, now the pressure's off to work in the yard.

Well friends... we are all losing an hour's sleep tonight, so us East coasters should be heading to bed soon (well, except for you night owls!). I'm too tired to concentrate on my book, but too awake to go to sleep. TTY tomorrow...............P

Hope you got a good nights sleep. I just hope bedtime isn't too bad tonight.

I'm glad I opened up the discussion of our bladder issues on here It's so terrible - darn kids . I blame my 2nd son - he had a HUGE head. Oh well. Yeah I've thought about surgery but it has to get much worse for me too. I work w/ geriatrics and I see the pee that just 'happens' with any mvmt and think 'oh that's me when I get old'

I think your plan to maintain through school vacation is perfect. It's tough to have the routine all messed up, and with TOM, it's even tougher.

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

I've been up and down my whole life. As a young girl/early teens, was chunky-wore sears pretty plus clothes, my senior year really slimmed down, and was around 135. Couple years into college started gaining, went up and down, and after I graduated nursing school, joined ww for the first time around age 26 at 181. Got down to 145, yo-yo'd for another 10 years. I was 205 when I got pregnant in 01, 240 at delivery, back down to 205 at the 6 week visit. When I turned 40, I had gotten back down to 190, bought my house all on one level, 3 stairs in and sold my condo which was a 2 level loft, on the 3rd floor with no elevator, in the loss of the exercise of lugging a 2 year old and all our stuff up and down those stairs, I put on 40 pounds over the next year. 229 was my all time non pregnant high in 05, and at that weight my mom had a cardiac arrest, and a tough recovery, and that year I vowed to lose this weight, and never give up until it was gone.
I did ww again, lost 20 the first year, another 10 the next year, and plateaued for a while, and gradually had gotten down to 183. I was aiming for my original ww joining weight of 181, but slowly put on another 10, and then my mom got sick, and through that and the few months after she died, I put back on another 20. She died in 6/09, and in 9/09, I was 217 after a summer of eating and drinking my sadness away. The next year, I pretty much maintained, and played with the same few pounds.
This january, I've gradually lost a little more over the past 6 months, and am at 204 right now. I too feel like I can never give up.
So I guess the long and short of it is I've always been a yo-yo dieter, since high school, but for the past 6 years or so, I've stopped the yo-yo from going up and beyond my high weight.

This is a busy weekend. Ds2 came home for college break. He told us he has a lot of work to do while he is home.

enjoy your time with ds. Hope you all get some down time too.

Well, I ate well this week (didn't eat anything I shouldn't have) and I went to the gym, but my weight remained the same. I hate it when I plateau.

Here's hoping next week is better. Congratulations to everybody that lost weight this week (or stayed the same).

Disney1990
Team Donald

Hang in there. Plateaus stink, but don't let them derail you, and you will see a loss soon.

Hi there fellow Donalds ! I am still hanging in here - most frequently just reading through the boards. My husband and I have been very good with the exception of our week at Disney - even then we did better than we would have and thanks to someone who gave us a trip to weigh the day we got back - that saved us from continuing the downward spiral.
I think I was most successful when I was more active. Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to attempt the Couch to 5k program with a stretch goal of next year's Princess 1/2 Marathon. It seems kind of ridiculous to imagine my fat self out there walking or jogging down the street. But, I am trying to think of a skinny self that just hasn't been seen yet.

Glad you're still doing well. Good luck with the c25k program. It's really such a great program, and really do-able. I did it last feb, and ended up with the princess half as my goal to keep going, and I did it. I also felt embarrassed to run in the streets at first, and would go to a park and use the track but as spring came, and more people were out and about, I got used to being seen, and decided that I am doing this to get healthy, and I did get more comfortable as I progressed with the program. Good luck. You can do this!!

Thanks for saying something so nice about me! "Nice lawyer" doesn't have to be an oxymoron.

I totally agree. You are really one of the nicest lawyers I've ever met.

Ma'am BACK AWAY FROM THE RICE KRISPIE TREATS!!!

Good heavens what is wrong with me?!?!?! I have zero will power today I put on my workout clothes but now DH had to go to work and the kids have gone out to play w/ their best friend. I'm not comfortable being unavailable to them while they are outside. PLus it's to late now anyway sine I have to meet my mom at lunch. Darn time change - I lost my work out hour!!! I'll have to get it in tonight for sure to make up for all my bad snacking - and it;'s only 10:40am!!

Why do we do this to ourselves. Hope you had a nice healthy lunch with mom, and got right back on the right track.

Talked to my daughter for a few last night, she is also very depressed, which is why I have been putting off talking to her--didn't want to pull her down anymore because of myself. I tried to simply offer advice though as I have been dealing with this all my life and we are practically carbon copies I think some of her is affecting me as it always does-- kind of like the E.T. thing, we are very connected--even at such distance-- so she needs to pull herself out of it for me to improve too lol. Thanks again for being very good to me on this board as always.

Hugs and good thoughts to you and dd that you are both feeling better soon. Hang in there.

Good afternoon, Donalds!!

I haven't been very productive today. We went to a friends house last night for dinner, and she and my sil are in a bejeweled blitz competition on facebook, so this morning, I felt I should check it out and see what the hype is all about, and man, is it addicting. My sil said that's why she doesn't get over to the dis any more. I guess the good thing is I can't eat while i'm on the computer, but i have so much else I should be doing. Ds has a friend over, so he's entertained, so I think now I will get working on my scrapbook.

I've been in a snacking binge mode. I ate a can of pringles through the day yesterday, and today had a small bag of doritos, and animal crackers. I didn't journal yesterday but today I am and am going to turn it around. I did 3 miles yesterday, and will go out tomorrow since it's my short work day. We are having a pot luck lunch at work for 2 girls who are leaving tomorrow, so I'll be making chicken brocolli ziti for that, and I'll make some for here with a little less cheese and sour cream, and have a good dinner tonight. I plan to make healthy choices tomorrow, and I know someone's bringing chocolate cake for dessert, so I won't have that since I gave up chocolate for lent, so that is good. I think it's a pms thing, and I need to get my period and I'll be all set.

Enjoy the rest of your sunday.

 

[SettinSail]

Good evening Donalds. I've enjoyed reading everyone's weight stories. As many pointed out, it is so easy to put weight on when you aren't paying attention to what you're eating or even if you have slight changes in activity levels. I often have the thought now when I see a slim person that I know they are really working at it. In the past I would have thought, oh they're so LUCKY they are skinny! Probably not! Except over here in Europe it does seem like almost everyone is slim. But there's much more walking over here and not as much food around! I never see anyone on the street with a drink or snack like in the US and if I ever eat something in public I get a lot of stares Such a different culture.

Welll, I hope everyone has had a good weekend so far. I indulged in way too many special extras this weekend and I'm going to have to work hard next week and curb the eating and snacking. My scale was waaay up this morning but I did not let that stop me I really do not want to face the scale tomorrow! I did get out and do my run but I tried the route DH and I walked yesterday and I just felt very panicky and uncomfortable the whole time thinking "When is this going to end !?! This is too far!!!??? I'm dying!! Etc, etc. Wish I could just turn my mind off sometimes

Kathy, your broccoli/ziti sounds yummy, I just googled some recipes to see how to make it. May have to try that sometime. I also had chips and animal crackers today along with other junk. Tomorrow IS a new day Good luck resisting the chocolate cake! I am not going to check out bejeweld blitz - I don't need anymore mindless activites to get addicted to

LTS, Happy Birthday to DD Enjoy the Olive Garden. I am sure with your ordering "skills" you will do just fine. mmmmm, Chick Fil A sounds so good. Luckily for me, banana pudding is a dessert I can resist but most everyone I know loves it. But, frosting, rk treat and puppy chow, for me would be VERY hard to resist That is so interesting about your sister. I think I would have to kill her Between me and my 2 sisters, older sis always overweight, younger sister painfully thin as a child and average size now and then me who gained throughout life. DNA is a mysterious thing.....

Buffy, I hope you guys do make it over to Europe, it is such a wonderful place to visit. I just wish my visit were over, ha ha. And, country line dancing, I have not thought about that in ages. What a fun way to burn calories! I only did it the occasional night out here and there but I remember it was so much fun...

50's Jayne, glad you and your daughter are there for each other. It is amazing when 2 people are that much in sync.

DisFam, I have not had much willpower this weekend either. Atleast we recognize it and are trying to stop Mine will usually come back after a few reckless days and I can get right back on track. Just wish I could do that all the time. I agree with your husband, women aren't supposed to be skinny. I just don't want to be so big that I'm unhealthy anymore The JC sounds like a good idea and pretty reasonable price.

Lisa, thanks for sharing the motivation article. You are so right, we can't continue to do the same old things and expect to get different results. It's good th change things up from time to time. Loved reading your weight loss story, so inspiring !!

TimonTracy, thanks for checking in! It is good to hear from you. You and hubby are so right, those small losses eventually add up to a big number but it can be frustruating waiting for it to add up. Good luck with C25K, you will be amazed that you are able to run so far by the end. I also was reluctant to be seen outside running but I you will quickly get used to it. Just take it one step at a time Way to go getting right back on track after vacation.

Disney1990, a maintain is always a WIN in my book

Dona, I am sure you enjoyed the visit with DS. I look forward to the day when DS doesn't think I'm stupid and embarrassing.....it is coming isn't it

Well, I really should go to bed now since it's a little after midnight. Thank goodness I finished my 1000 piece puzzle so that is not haunting me anymore. That's 3 weeks of my life I'll never get back I'm looking forward to a regular routine this week as DS goes back to school and I get to hear how my friends travels were.

Let's make it a great week!

Shawn

 

[jimmduck]

Hello Donalds

Here I am again for my "Lent promise" drop in.

I am blown away by the kindness and support of this group. I have been on a two year quest to get 120 lbs off and do the Disney half in 2013.

But this last week was very stressful at work and I have been waaaay off the money.

The ideas and support coming from you all have been beyond overwhelming.

Cookie dough is my CRACK....so I can totally understand. Put it behind you. Journal it and forget it. And tell DH he has too make his own cookies from now on!!

I cannot see him baking cookies lol - but the "crack" is indeed behind me. And I have not eaten any of the cookies today - just did not work them into my program.

I'm glad you are able to see the GOOD in your health these days. Good health is such a blessing... which is why we are all trying to make the best of our health, right??

I have had moments of inconsistency over the past few years. Sometimes it lasts longer than other times. Sometimes it take a BAD weigh-in to shake me up and get me back on plan.

If I feel that things are going south, I usually write up a very specific PLAN.... both a food plan and an exercise plan. I post it on the fridge or keep it with my journal and I (try hard) to follow it meticulously! Something about a WRITTEN plan really works for me.... like once it is in ink, it is SERIOUS!! Most of the time a one week plan is enough to get me back on track.... but other times I've written up a two or three week plan to get me back moving in the right direction.

I try to do this too, using the I Phone application My Net diary - which is fabulous, huge data base.

If you REALLY want some accountability, start a journal here on the WISH boards. Post about your goals (food, exercise, weight loss) and make a committment to be HONEST in your journal about your choices. I did that last year.... not many people read/posted my thread, which was fine with me... but having it OUT THERE, on a public forum, kept me really on track!

I would love to do that, how? I have oft thought about setting up a blog about how a former 360 lb woman dreams of being a marathoner, but it never happened.

On January 17th, I began working with one of the JIM trainers who lives in another province, but I think she may be giving up on me. Hope not

This sounds like it would work well, because accountability is important to me.

One last suggestion..... if exercise is a problem, join the monthly exercise thread here on the WISH boards. Goldcupmom usually hosts. Post your exercise goal for the month (minutes, miles, whatever) and then post every few days with how you are doing.... again... a public forum can really be a way to keep motivated!

Hope you can find a way to get reenergized with this journey....

I think I will look up that too, all of these suggestions are fabulous, thanks.
P

I am also very inconsistent with my efforts and I have just learned to live with it. My weight loss is very slow since I don't always give it 100% but over time I've realized this is what I am comfortable with and this is how it's going to work for me. Before I was always "on program" or "off program" with no in-between. Now, I may have a few cookies and then stop instead of having ZERO cookies or having FIFTY cookies. This time, 2 things have really helped me:

1. I've made a vow to never quit! Will it take me 3 years to lose 50 pounds?
I hope not but if it does, I will still lose the 50 pounds in the end instead of losing and gaining 10 pounds 3 or 4 times

2. I try to focus on healthy habits more than the scale (easier said than done). They say it takes x amount of days to make a habit stick so I hope if I just repeat things over and over they will eventually become second nature.
So far, habits I've incorporated are I have a very healthy and light breakfast every day, I exercise 45 minutes every day and I drink 4 liters of water every day. The rest of the day is a crap shoot, depending on how I feel and what is going on in my life.

I've decided I don't have any rules in my healthy lifestyle; I just do what I think is healthy for me. Before, if I had rules to follow I just felt like I could not do it. Now, I try to just take it one day at a time, slow down and THINK and do the best I can do. Plan, plan, plan ahead as best you can but imagine alternate scenarios in your mind and how you might possibly react if your plan falls through. Give yourself lots of love, praise and encouragement...you deserve it

This is exactly what I am trying to do, thanks! Need to take the time and get that exercise in everyday. It is hard, I have a job that could consume me 24/7 if I let it.

Shawn

PS Cookie dough is my CRACK too !!!

I did part of this in 1986 on a 2 week tour. Saw the house, gazebo, a few things.

Also sang Silent Night/Stille Nacht in the church where it was written, which was deeply moving.



It sounds like you've made great progress in a year, Linda. You recovered from your surgery. You did your race in January. You are improving things every day!

This article from sparkpeople about Mastering the Mysteries of Motivation might have something in it to help you with the consistency dilemma. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=630 This is the first part of a a three part series and there are links to the other articles in this one.

For me I have to say that I've learned that doing the same old things does not work; what works today may not always work; it is going to take twice as long and be twice as hard as you thought it should; somedays nothing works except a fresh start the next day; if you never give up, you will always move forward.

Have a great day DONALDS!

The article is fabulous and I am going to keep it close.

Thanks guys, I think you are all amazing.

Linda

 

[jimmduck]

Please read the previous post closely, because, once again, this technodolt screwed up the quotes lol.

Some of my comments are mixed in - sorry.

QOTD

A tough and painful question for me. The short answer is, yes, I have been at least chubby all my life.

If you look at pictures of me at some points in childhood, however, the problem does not look so severe. But, unfortunately, the reaction of some well meaning family members created an individual obsessed with food and created a lot of sneak eating, binging, purging, etc.

I don't binge or purge anymore (I have shared about this before and will not repeat those comments), but the urge gets there sometime when I face the scale.

Not sure what to do in the morning, do I face it? I know it will be waaaay up, and I am not sure I can handle that without going into a downward spiral, even though I went to the gym and have been perfectly OP for today.

I wish I wasn't soo messed up in that area. Getting there day by day.

Sorry I am not contributing to the team total though - especially when I am OP and consistent I know I can do well - made the superstar list one week.

Ooh, the scale. Hate it but necessary part of program.

Anyway, I am so glad I "coached", got in the habit of checking and posting daily and made the Lent committment.

Take care everyone, still very sleepy over the time change. Hate losing the hour.

Someone on my Facebook page made the suggestion that we jump ahead on a Tuesday at 4 p.m. rather than 2 a.m on a Sunday.

Would rather lose work time than sleep time lol.

Have a great evening and "e ya" tomorrow.

Linda

 

[honugirl]

OK Donald peeps, time for me to hopefully get back on board here. School is just killing me. I'm exhausted most of the time because of it. Plus the way my body loses weight isn't like everyone else's. There's no rhyme or reason for why it decides to drop weight, it just does. Sigh. It's very frustrating. Anyway, today's QOTD intrigued me...

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?


No, I was not always over weight, in fact for most of my childhood I was quite small. I hit puberty and all heck broke loose. Truly I think I'd had the pituitary tumor for almost all of my life. I think the hormone changes set off a chain reaction... My body started changing and getting more and sickly throughout middle school and high school. I went to college and started having even more issues. Somehow beat the Cushing's disease into submission for a couple of years until it started raging out of control again until I was able to get a proper diagnosis and finally treatment last year. Now I'm trying to regain my life. It's really hard and frustrating.

 

[pjlla]

Hello Donalds!

ugh I don't feel well I've had the munchies all day - I blame my family and it being the weekend and out of my routine.

I got hit w/ major exhaution and a headache tonight. I chalk it up to impending TOM any day. No way could I drag myself to a workout.

I'm glad I opened up the discussion of our bladder issues on here It's so terrible - darn kids I blame my 2nd son - he had a HUGE head. Oh well. Yeah I've thought about surgery but it has to get much worse for me too. I work w/ geriatrics and I see the pee that just 'happens' with any mvmt and think 'oh that's me when I get old'

Well I'm going to go and try to sleep off this crud. My goal this week with being hormonal and home w/ the kids for spring break is to not GAIN

Don;t forget to "Spring Forward" tonight in the US!

Good morning Team Donald!

Dis Fam and Pamela, I am glad you reminded us of the time change in the US today. We usually switch over a week or so later than the US. So, for a short time, we are only 5 hours ahead of the US! That means that the championship tournament game I want to watch today comes on at 6:00 here instead of 7:00. Dis Fam I hope you are feeling better soon

Jude, we did not go on the actual SOM tour. There are just some things my guys won't do We are about 3-4 hours away from Salzburg by car so I AM going to do that tour before we leave here however! I did hear it was corny and you ride on the bus singing the songs but I don't care! Aren't you glad you got to see Egypt? I had 2 friends go there last year and their pictures were awesome.

Buffy, you are here ANYTIME !!!! Goes for any of you !! We love to have visitors!

Here is today's QOTD:

QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?

If not, how did you become overweight?

For me, I was always thin as a child and teenager and all through HS. Back when I was growing up, we almost never went out to eat, we ate only at meal times and we had just enough food on the table for our family of 5. We ate a diet heavy in meat and bread. I remember my Mom fixing us kids eggs and sausage and toast every morning for breakfast. When I went away to college and became responsible for feeding myself, I developed some bad eating habits and realized that I could eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted! I was still pretty "normal" sized when I graduated college, around 140 lbs but I felt fat. By 26, I was 148 and started WW for the first time. I lost 20 pounds and got my lifetime pin. Then gained all the weight back and started yo-yo dieting for the next 15 years or so, always going back to WW, losing weight and then gaining it back plus more. I was about 20 pounds over normal BMI weight when I got pregnant and gained 53 pounds

I was able to lose about 20 pounds of the pregnancy weight but could never go beyond that. When DS was about 4 years old, I was in a study of the Atkins diet at Duke Univ and lost 30 more pounds, putting me at just 3 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight but that weight came back VERY quickly and eventually my weight drifted back to where it was the day I gave birth. A few years ago, I gave up completely on dieting and just decided to make sure I never gained any more weight. For 2-3 years I was very vigillant about weighing myself daily and taking off any weight that showed up right away. It wasn't too hard to maintain this very high weight
Last year on my birthday, I finally decided to try again to lose weight for my health but to follow my own plan, eat less and exercise more. So far, I've lost almost 30 pounds in 13 months and WISH has been a big part of that. I found the WISH boards in September after our cruise in August,
and I learned about C25K from the meet thread for my cruise. 2 things that have really changed my life over the past year. Bad habits still creep up but I don't beat myself up over it, just try to analyze how I can do better next time.

Well, I better get off the computer and get going for the day. Today is a run day and it is overcast and cool. I think I will wait until later in the day to get out there. Make it a great day Donalds!

Shawn

Good Sunday morning Team Donald

Sorry I missed yesterday. This is a busy weekend. Ds2 came home for college break. He told us he has a lot of work to do while he is home.

The local school that I have been working on costumes for has its last 3 shows this weekend. I wanted to get my hair cut on Friday but when I got to the salon there was group with a little kid who was screaming. I walked out. I went back yesterday morning and got it done. I also went grocery shopping. Then the show last night.

Today I have to do something to do at church this morning, then give communion at a nursing home and then the show this afternoon. After the show we need to sort out costumes. It seems like it is going to be a long day.

I will try to get back on later to make comments on yesterday's posts.

If I don't get back

Have a happy and healthy day.

Good question. Up 'till 10 or so no. Seems I started getting a little chunky then. I always read a lot but was pretty active too, riding my bike and skateboard. I would stay up late reading though and eat doritos lol. As a teen no, until after the worst of the anorexia/bulimia--then I went up to 140 or so until I moved to California with a boyfriend and A. was starving, B. started doing meth. After being married 8-9 years started gaining weight, there's a few major factors that played into it, me struggling with my sons autism (was severely depressed at that point) and something that happened involving emotional issues. (so me) Was at my highest weight about 2 years ago then my back had it's own personal disaster which motivated me to lose 50 pounds. Now I'm struggling to maintain that--struggling to not lose more anyway. I don't ever think I'll ever eat like a normal person. The eating disorder will always be there.

Talked to my daughter for a few last night, she is also very depressed, which is why I have been putting off talking to her--didn't want to pull her down anymore because of myself. I tried to simply offer advice though as I have been dealing with this all my life and we are practically carbon copies I think some of her is affecting me as it always does-- kind of like the E.T. thing, we are very connected--even at such distance-- so she needs to pull herself out of it for me to improve too lol. Thanks again for being very good to me on this board as always.

DD is 11 today! I can't believe how fast the time goes.

I picked up Chick fil a for dinner last night. Their website said I could get a sandwich "protein style"-- wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. They had no idea what I was talking about. They finally got it, but it was a waste of my time (and 15 cents!) because the lettuce was nasty by the time I got home since it was with the hot chicken. Didn't think about that part! I just ate it with a knife and fork. I did splurge and got a Banana Pudding Milkshake because they have been taunting me-- I love banana pudding. I shared it with my girls so I only had 1/3 so it really wasn't too bad diet wise. And it was worth every calorie and fat gram!

They did short me one sandwich in my order which of course I didn't discover until I got home. I called to see if they could just credit it back to my credit card but all they could do was write my name in "a book" and the girl said several times "You will get a FREE sandwich the next time you come in". Um, NO! I am getting the sandwich I already paid for! It is NOT free!

Here is today's QOTD:
QOTD Sunday March 13, 2011
Have you always been overweight?
If not, how did you become overweight?

I was a very skinny child and teen. I very clearly remember the first time I wore a miniskirt in high school one of the boy's looked at me and said "You have bird legs!" I never really figured out what that was supposed to mean but I have never seen a bird with fat legs so I guess it was a skinny comment? My stepdad used to say I needed to eat more because I was "skinny as a rail". Really I was just at normal, healthy weight. Interestingly my sister was a chubby child-- really chubby-- and when she hit teen she really slimmed down and has been about a size 2 all her adult life. I remember shopping with her not long after I got married and we both tried some things on. Mine didn't fit because it was too small and I needed a 16 and she came out and said it was too big and she needed a 0. It is a miracle she lived past that day!

For me it was also the college gain. I joined WW in college to lose 20 pounds but that never really happened. I laugh now because I was 135 when I joined WW wanting to lose, and now I would be ecstatic to get down to 135! I was also about that when I got married. Neither DH or I really knew how to cook or eat healthy so we ate whatever, most involving cream sauces or crappy cheap processed food because we were too poor for anything else. For a long time I was around 180 and I tried Jenny Craig (worked there at the time too), WW several times, my own made up plans, Nutri System, Slim Fast and a few other things. I never got past losing about 1/2 of my goal.

The best diets I had were pregnancy! I was 180 both times I got pregnant and both times left the hospital with a beautiful baby and weighing around 160. I was nauseous throughout both of my pregnancies and had to actually force my self to eat for the sake of the baby. But of course the weight came right back on. I wasn't able to breast feed for long with both of them so I didn't even get to lose more weight because of that.

Things continued to creep up and then when my feet started having problems and my activity level decreased it really went up to my highest ever. I think I have gained about 40 in the last few years. Last year I finally was able to get up and get moving again and without even trying, in fact I was eating crap like there was no tomorrow, I dropped 15-20. It really is amazing the difference it makes sitting on the couch 12 hours a day vs. just being able to move around to clean house and cook and walk to the mailbox and in and out of stores etc. I never would have guessed it would have made so much of a difference.

And I am now ONE OUNCE away from One-derland!!

Taking DD15 and a friend to the movie later, running to the store for frosting and a few other things then hanging out with the birthday girl.




I think we are going to try to go to Spaghetti Factory when we go visit my sister. We don't have one and my sister loves it. We do have Carrabbas but it isn't a whole lot better for low carb.

We are going to stick with Olive Garden since it her choice-- I think she really just wants the breadsticks! I will have the skewers of beef and chicken and sub another veggie for the potatoes and it will be fine. And I will have someone slap my hand if I try to take more than one bread stick! DD is really excited about going there.


My girls and I would LOVE that! The more singing the better!
I have a sudden urge to watch The Sound of Music today. Anyone else?


Have fun!


Just keep at it and you will see changes. Try changing things up a little. Do a different exercise machine, add a few more calories, maybe try reducing your carbs and increasing protein. I think our bodies get used to what we are doing so we have to shake it up a little!


Great job not getting too far off track.
Non food rewards that help get closer to your goals are great and keep that motivation going


I LOVE rice krispie treats! Definitely a weakness I have to keep away from.
I have to make "puppy chow" (chex with chocolate/pb covered with powdered sugar) today for DD to take to school tomorrow. Another thing I can eat until I puke. I am going to bag them up as soon as they cool and put them in her bag to get them out of sight. And I have birthday cake on the counter. Once it gets frosted I will be fine. The smell of them baking yesterday about killed me!


ARGH, this time change is killing me. Gotta run and get DD to her movie.

My abd and waist. Since I've been running, I feel like my legs have gotten in better shape, but my stomach really is out of proportion to the rest of me. I don't do anything about it though, and I guess I hope as I lose more weight, it will come off of there. I never wear a shirt tucked in, and don't like clingy tops. I'm lucky I wear scrubs to work, and outside of work, pretty much jeans with a t-shirt or sweat shirt. Scrubs hide a multitude of sins.

Whoo hoo!! You are doing so well with ww, and sticking to it. Losing at disney is just amazing too.

I love the little kits. They are called disney mini memory kits, and they come with all you need. Though I started this one from ebay, and it was missing some papers and stickers, even though it said new. Oh well, easy enough to remedy. Glad dd is feeling better and hope you had a nice birthday dinner out.

Thanks for this, Pamela.

I know Cape Cod dressing has a delicious ff honey mustard dst. The salad sounds wonderful though.

Glad you're feeling a little better.

Doesn't if feel like spring is really on the way? So excited. But didn't really feel like starting any yard work, not that I ever do. My christmas tree turned up as a snow bank melted.

Move on is right, today is a new day, the cookie dough is gone, and can't tempt you any more.

I love you positive attitude, Shawn. I know by never giving up, even if it takes you 3 or more years to lose the 50 pounds, you are not going to backslide and gain it all back, ever again. Your paris trip sounded lovely, and I guess you will need to get back one day to see it in the sun before you leave germany.

I think it's great you are able to see some amazing parts of the world for the sacrifice you and all the other service people give for us.

Phew, now the pressure's off to work in the yard

Hope you got a good nights sleep. I just hope bedtime isn't too bad tonight.

I think your plan to maintain through school vacation is perfect. It's tough to have the routine all messed up, and with TOM, it's even tougher.

I've been up and down my whole life. As a young girl/early teens, was chunky-wore sears pretty plus clothes, my senior year really slimmed down, and was around 135. Couple years into college started gaining, went up and down, and after I graduated nursing school, joined ww for the first time around age 26 at 181. Got down to 145, yo-yo'd for another 10 years. I was 205 when I got pregnant in 01, 240 at delivery, back down to 205 at the 6 week visit. When I turned 40, I had gotten back down to 190, bought my house all on one level, 3 stairs in and sold my condo which was a 2 level loft, on the 3rd floor with no elevator, in the loss of the exercise of lugging a 2 year old and all our stuff up and down those stairs, I put on 40 pounds over the next year. 229 was my all time non pregnant high in 05, and at that weight my mom had a cardiac arrest, and a tough recovery, and that year I vowed to lose this weight, and never give up until it was gone.
I did ww again, lost 20 the first year, another 10 the next year, and plateaued for a while, and gradually had gotten down to 183. I was aiming for my original ww joining weight of 181, but slowly put on another 10, and then my mom got sick, and through that and the few months after she died, I put back on another 20. She died in 6/09, and in 9/09, I was 217 after a summer of eating and drinking my sadness away. The next year, I pretty much maintained, and played with the same few pounds.
This january, I've gradually lost a little more over the past 6 months, and am at 204 right now. I too feel like I can never give up.
So I guess the long and short of it is I've always been a yo-yo dieter, since high school, but for the past 6 years or so, I've stopped the yo-yo from going up and beyond my high weight.


enjoy your time with ds. Hope you all get some down time too.

Hang in there. Plateaus stink, but don't let them derail you, and you will see a loss soon.

Glad you're still doing well. Good luck with the c25k program. It's really such a great program, and really do-able. I did it last feb, and ended up with the princess half as my goal to keep going, and I did it. I also felt embarrassed to run in the streets at first, and would go to a park and use the track but as spring came, and more people were out and about, I got used to being seen, and decided that I am doing this to get healthy, and I did get more comfortable as I progressed with the program. Good luck. You can do this!!

I totally agree. You are really one of the nicest lawyers I've ever met.

Why do we do this to ourselves. Hope you had a nice healthy lunch with mom, and got right back on the right track.

Hugs and good thoughts to you and dd that you are both feeling better soon. Hang in there.

Good afternoon, Donalds!!

I haven't been very productive today. We went to a friends house last night for dinner, and she and my sil are in a bejeweled blitz competition on facebook, so this morning, I felt I should check it out and see what the hype is all about, and man, is it addicting. My sil said that's why she doesn't get over to the dis any more. I guess the good thing is I can't eat while i'm on the computer, but i have so much else I should be doing. Ds has a friend over, so he's entertained, so I think now I will get working on my scrapbook.

I've been in a snacking binge mode. I ate a can of pringles through the day yesterday, and today had a small bag of doritos, and animal crackers. I didn't journal yesterday but today I am and am going to turn it around. I did 3 miles yesterday, and will go out tomorrow since it's my short work day. We are having a pot luck lunch at work for 2 girls who are leaving tomorrow, so I'll be making chicken brocolli ziti for that, and I'll make some for here with a little less cheese and sour cream, and have a good dinner tonight. I plan to make healthy choices tomorrow, and I know someone's bringing chocolate cake for dessert, so I won't have that since I gave up chocolate for lent, so that is good. I think it's a pms thing, and I need to get my period and I'll be all set.

Enjoy the rest of your sunday.

Good evening Donalds. I've enjoyed reading everyone's weight stories. As many pointed out, it is so easy to put weight on when you aren't paying attention to what you're eating or even if you have slight changes in activity levels. I often have the thought now when I see a slim person that I know they are really working at it. In the past I would have thought, oh they're so LUCKY they are skinny! Probably not! Except over here in Europe it does seem like almost everyone is slim. But there's much more walking over here and not as much food around! I never see anyone on the street with a drink or snack like in the US and if I ever eat something in public I get a lot of stares Such a different culture.

Welll, I hope everyone has had a good weekend so far. I indulged in way too many special extras this weekend and I'm going to have to work hard next week and curb the eating and snacking. My scale was waaay up this morning but I did not let that stop me I really do not want to face the scale tomorrow! I did get out and do my run but I tried the route DH and I walked yesterday and I just felt very panicky and uncomfortable the whole time thinking "When is this going to end !?! This is too far!!!??? I'm dying!! Etc, etc. Wish I could just turn my mind off sometimes

Kathy, your broccoli/ziti sounds yummy, I just googled some recipes to see how to make it. May have to try that sometime. I also had chips and animal crackers today along with other junk. Tomorrow IS a new day Good luck resisting the chocolate cake! I am not going to check out bejeweld blitz - I don't need anymore mindless activites to get addicted to

LTS, Happy Birthday to DD Enjoy the Olive Garden. I am sure with your ordering "skills" you will do just fine. mmmmm, Chick Fil A sounds so good. Luckily for me, banana pudding is a dessert I can resist but most everyone I know loves it. But, frosting, rk treat and puppy chow, for me would be VERY hard to resist That is so interesting about your sister. I think I would have to kill her Between me and my 2 sisters, older sis always overweight, younger sister painfully thin as a child and average size now and then me who gained throughout life. DNA is a mysterious thing.....

Buffy, I hope you guys do make it over to Europe, it is such a wonderful place to visit. I just wish my visit were over, ha ha. And, country line dancing, I have not thought about that in ages. What a fun way to burn calories! I only did it the occasional night out here and there but I remember it was so much fun...

50's Jayne, glad you and your daughter are there for each other. It is amazing when 2 people are that much in sync.

DisFam, I have not had much willpower this weekend either. Atleast we recognize it and are trying to stop Mine will usually come back after a few reckless days and I can get right back on track. Just wish I could do that all the time. I agree with your husband, women aren't supposed to be skinny. I just don't want to be so big that I'm unhealthy anymore The JC sounds like a good idea and pretty reasonable price.

Lisa, thanks for sharing the motivation article. You are so right, we can't continue to do the same old things and expect to get different results. It's good th change things up from time to time. Loved reading your weight loss story, so inspiring !!

TimonTracy, thanks for checking in! It is good to hear from you. You and hubby are so right, those small losses eventually add up to a big number but it can be frustruating waiting for it to add up. Good luck with C25K, you will be amazed that you are able to run so far by the end. I also was reluctant to be seen outside running but I you will quickly get used to it. Just take it one step at a time Way to go getting right back on track after vacation.

Disney1990, a maintain is always a WIN in my book

Dona, I am sure you enjoyed the visit with DS. I look forward to the day when DS doesn't think I'm stupid and embarrassing.....it is coming isn't it

Well, I really should go to bed now since it's a little after midnight. Thank goodness I finished my 1000 piece puzzle so that is not haunting me anymore. That's 3 weeks of my life I'll never get back I'm looking forward to a regular routine this week as DS goes back to school and I get to hear how my friends travels were.

Let's make it a great week!

Shawn

Okay girls.... I give up. I was literally on my LAST SENTENCE of a post that I've been working on for over an hour!! I wrote an entire NOVEL in response to the QOTD..... and one bad keystroke and it is gone!!!!! I'm sure you all understand my total frustration right now!!!!!

It is too late to go back and repost everything. Sorry. Again, I said wonderful, witty, intelligent things!! I solved everyone's problems and practically, single-handedly, found a way to create world peace! But it's all gone now. oh well.

Not sure about tomorrow's work schedule yet. I'll pop on when I can! I'm off to check on the meal planning thread. If you want to know what I made for dinner, come check it out!.........................P