I worked at Target while I was in college, the overnights actually. I worked In the back in hard lines so I would take all those boxes you unload and back stock them. I LOVED how physical it was! I'm glad you had a great day, maybe you can talk to them about doing the truck more often?
I know it's tough when you fee like you've hit a plateau and not knowing what exactly needs to change to get you over it. Sometimes you need to just stop and look at the progress you've made so far. Look at pictures of before you started dieting and exercising to realize how far you've come, and this is just a bump in a very long road.
Yup - that's normally what I do, but our store (and most stores now) no longer have an overnight team, unless it's a special occasion. So, we do all of that during store hours. I don't feel like I get that much of a work out doing my normal job though, I just loved unloading the truck - it was a lot of fun.

I am not sure they will let me? We will see...
This size plateau/gain has been ongoing for almost 2 years now... I so I feel like this is more than just the average plateau. LOL It's more like a dead stop & reverse.

I try hard to remember how far I have come - but it's difficult, because I look at photos of myself at my smallest - this time last year - and it's very painful and sad for me... At that time - I still had another size I wanted to lose, so I've been trying, trying, trying and rather than lose - I gain. Sigh. I just keep fighting the fight - at some point, something has to work for me.

Thanks so much for your kind words.
Hi from beautiful, sunny, warm Florida. We're having above average temps, although it was only in the 60's the first 3 days! We stay in a house and it has the warmest pool we've ever had and a hot tub too. We did Universal with our boys who are adults and we all just loved it. We got annual passes for there too since we're coming back next Feb. We're awaiting my daughter's family today and can't wait to get back to Disney. I just wanted to mention to wait on the crown if you can. I just had one redone after it got decay under the crown. It cost $1200 and I haven't had insurance since I retired. I had never thought I would have to have a crown redone but this is the second one. I had a wisdom tooth filled at least 30 years ago that they wanted to put a crown on and I said no I'd have it pulled. So they filled it and I've never had any problem with it. There was an awful story on the news about a cleaner at Art of Animation mopping the floor in the food court and then using the same mop to clean the tables. I guess it was an independent cleaning company but I seriously felt sick after seeing it.
Awesome!!!! It sounds like you are having a great time with an awesome place to stay. Smart idea to do Universal APs.
Yikes... that's terrible about your crown! If I have a crown done - you are right - I would expect it to last the rest of my life. Hmmm....

I also had a wisdom tooth filled... It was a temporary filling - 3 years ago... I told them, at that time, I was planning to have my wisdom teeth out, so they just put a temp filling in... It's still there with no problems. I just hate having dental work done. Sigh.
Yuck!!! That is disgusting! I do not thing that is the norm... I've never seen anything like that happen at any resort.
I hope you have a great time on the rest of your trip!
What program did you switch to? I'm always looking for something to spice up my workouts.
You look amazing. You are so much healthier now then when you started this lifelong journey. I think i'm back at the weight that my body likes instead of the 20 pounds lighter that I would love to be.
I am trying out Stronglifts 5x5... So many people do it with great success. I've tried it before - um, in 2014... And I didn't like it quite as much as NROLFW, but now Stronglifts has an app, and I really like that concept - so much easier to keep track of. I've decided to give it a try again and see how I like it. If nothing else - just to change up the "ho-hum" factor in my work outs. I did it for the first time yesterday, and I felt like I was able to get a very good lift out of it.
Thanks!

It's so hard sometimes... I feel like I've tried everything and nothing works. I just need to keep trying - something will work eventually.
I'm glad to hear you had a great day at Target yesterday and even got some exercise while working. Good job
Sounds like a good idea to go out to run/walk when the weather is so nice.
Here it's going to rain during the weekend. I'm not looking forward to it because I know winter is not over yet so we will get temperatures below freezing point again and that means we'll get a lot of ice if it doesn't rain so much that all the snow on the roads disappears. But I don't think it will rain that much so the roads get snow and ice free.
The horses at the stable that we use are called school horses and those horses are well trained and horses that don't get easily scared. The stable is very near the airport so the horses are used to the airplanes that starts and lands close by.
I hope you have a great weekend. I'm going to a town not far from Oslo that is called Lillestrøm this weekend. I'm home again on Sunday.
It was awesome! Both the walk and Target - and I never say that about Target. LOL
Hopefully you won't get too much ice.
I figured they were well trained horses... It's still OK to be fearful of them spooking though - it happens. Hopefully a lot less with these horses though.
Thanks - you too - have fun!
This sounds so pretty. What a nice way to decorate! Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
Wow that does sounds exciting/! It's like you were being paid to work out

Glad you were able to enjoy your day at Target!
Wow - that's amazing! Good for you D!
You are an inspiration to many of us, and I know you are to myself. Your drive to never give up even after you've had a misstep is something that many find inspirational, in your Healthy living , and something we can all apply to our daily lives.
Thanks - I haven't decided if I am going to buy them or not... If I go with all big letters, they are on sale this week - and with all of my discounts, I can get the set for $25, which isn't too bad.

I just need to decide soon - or more letters may be missing when I get there.
Yah - that was awesome! I was being paid to work out, I am totally OK with that. And I was literally on an adrenaline rush for hours after - so they clearly got the better bargain of me that day. LOL
Thank you... Part of the reason I never give up - is that I have yet to reach my goal. Had you told me, 4 years ago, that I'd still be working at the same goal, I don't think I would have believed you - and it may have caused me to quit right then and there. I just keep trying over and over again - as i don't feel I have another choice... My health has become such an important aspect in my life - I cannot imagine my life any other way now. Thanks so much for the kind words and the encouragement.
You really are inspirational -- especially because you keep pushing, keep trying, and you don't give up in this journey to a healthier you. That is what is the most inspirational -- that you keep going! Sounds like you got quite a workout at Target yesterday morning!
It's gorgeous outside again today. Yesterday I went outside for an afternoon break at work and did three laps around our outdoor courtyard. It was gorgeous outside. I didn't work up a sweat - can't do that during the middle of the work day, LOL - but it felt great to just get out and move. I'm going to do the same thing this afternoon, and hopefully get a walk in after work tonight before I have to be at youth group at church.
I just got THE MOST EXCITING NEWS -- it looks like I'll be going to WDW in August this year! I'm so excited!! I was trying to convince my sister (she's my best friend, next to my husband) to come up here to visit me in April but the timing is bad for her, and so are finances....and she told me she just worked it out so that she could go to Jamberry convention at WDW in August and asked if I wanted to come with her to help celebrate her 40th birthday! Dumb question -- of course I want to go! So it looks like we'll drive down to WDW on the 10th (6 or so hours from her house) and do Disney Springs that night, then I'll do the parks on the 11th and 12th while she is in workshops and stuff, then she'll be able to join me in the parks on the 13th, and we'll drive back to her house on the 14th. Yippee! I'm so excited! And since we're splitting the room with her team leader, I will be spending less than $175 for the resort (Coronado Springs) for all four nights. I e-mailed my husband and asked if he was ok with it -- it could be my combined birthday/Mother's Day gift, or I could use my private earnings from teaching piano lessons to pay for it so it doesn't come out of the family budget -- and he said to go for it.

The sad part is that neither of my girls will be able to go, and I've never done any solo time in the parks so that should be interesting. I'm really debating spending my two solo park days at Universal since I've never been there. I can't do thrill rides (motion sickness) but I really want to see the HP stuff....so I need to figure that out. I'm already starting to plan! LOL
Thank you so much!

It means so much to me that I have so many people cheering me on. I don't always understand why, but it keeps me pushing for sure.
It sounds like you had a nice break at work - I love that you are able to do that!
Eeeep!!! Congratulations on an upcoming trip! I am very excited for you!!! It sounds like you have a GREAT deal on the room by splitting it so many ways - and how awesome that you get to go 2 days solo. I have never gone "solo" before - Ariana has done it a few times... It's on my bucket list for one day. I think it might be kind of fun... I have split off on my own a few times - and while it's a little lonely - I think if I did a whole trip that way - I'd be more inclined to stop and talk to CMs & other guests... I'd probably make a point of it - actually.

Maybe you could do a scavenger hunt of sorts? Make it a mission to talk to a CM in each land - or something? It might be fun.
I would wait and do HP when your girls are with you... Especially if you have motion sickness... For one person to see all of HP - especially with out doing rides - that could easily be done in one day or less. I found that the shops in both areas had pretty much the same things - so there was a lot of redundancy for that part of it. That's my opinion and observation though... If it's something you really want to do solo - I would.
Can't wait to hear the rest of your plans! It will be a fun trip for sure!
Hi D~

My name is Krissy and I've been lurking on this PTR for quite a while now. I went back and read everything back when it was 90something pages or so haha. I've also gone through and read your trip reports. Any who, I came out of lurkdom because I just wanted to thank you. I've read your struggles with your weight, which I also deal with myself. I wanted to thank you for being an inspiration. I always try for a bit, then get frustrated and give up. You keep pushing on even when you want to give up, and that's just amazing. So when you do want to give up, or get frustrated, remember you've made a difference in at least one life, but also judging by people on here, many more.

That being said, once MA decides if it wants to be 40 or 70 degrees, I'll definitely be out there walking! Running may have to take a backseat for the time being while I get use to everything.
Also super pumped about seeing your Halloween everything (including V's stuff)! I'm going down to Disney Oct 30-Nov 8 so I'm pretty excited about everything Halloween. I always love seeing what outfits you put together along with your bags, another thing you've inspired me to do! I've been thinking about what outfits to put together for my trip, although knowing me I'll change my mind while I'm there! haha
Hi Krissy!!! Welcome!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to introduce yourself, and to cheer me on - that means a lot to me.

It's so hard to keep pushing sometimes when I see no progress, but I am determined to not go backwards - and to enjoy living my life in the process... I just need to find my happy medium - and maybe quit enjoying life
quite so often. LOL But it's hard - as most people know... So, I am just determined to keep trying, for the rest of my life, if that's what it takes. It would be nice though, to reach my goal once. LOL
Great job for getting out there to walk! It sounds like you may have plans to run too? Both are very good for you - and I definitely enjoy both. Best of luck to you on your journey - I hope you'll continue to check in and keep me updated... As much as I inspire all of you - you all inspire me too.
Awesome!!! Are you planning to do
MNSSHP? We've done it twice and we are very much looking forward to doing it again. I may get some time today to work on my Halloween bag... I don't think I will finish it this weekend though - like I had hoped, as I just realized yesterday that I am OUT of black zippers! Can you believe that? LOL Not sure how I overlooked something as important as that? But I will do as much as I can to get it all done, I am looking forward to sharing it here too.
Again - thanks so much for stopping by to introduce yourself - It was super nice meeting you!
Okay D I tried to quote part of your text about your struggles on the healthy front, but I am tech challenged! I just want to say just continuing to try to be better everyday is what makes you fitspirational! Maybe your bored, you could switch up your workout video? I get bored easily and since workout videos are relatively inexpensive I rotate them weekly.
Also I was reading Jillian Michaels Master your Metabolism book, maybe you need blood work done, or to reevaluate your routine to see why you might be plateauing. I don't mean any of this as rude, I am cheering you on

and love what you are doing

. My husband just found out last year that he has hypothyroidism , he never knew! He was exhausted, and couldn't lose weight, so I bugged him until he told the doctor.
If you are working as hard as you have been then there might be a bigger reason it is not showing! For me I used to lose a bit and the plateau! It was so frustrating, finally I kicked my diet pop addiction and now stick to water, black coffee and green tea. It was like magic I knocked down that plateau and have seen consistent results. You can do it, you have the drive obviously! I come her weekly (at least ) and your healthier lifestyle is a big reason I keep coming back! Keep going, you've come so far, do not despair! Much love and respect !
Thanks so much!!!

I do think I am a little bored - but at the same time, I am VERY MUCH a creature of habit - so I enjoy doing things that are the same. Strange, I know. I think, now that I can get outside and run - or walk - it will be VERY helpful to my whole outlook on my life and my health... For the first time in many months - I am excited and feeling like I am making progress in the right direction. This is a very good thing.
That is also something very valid and something I've given a lot of thought to... I am overdue (by a few weeks) for a physical... When I go in to have that done (after all this dental work is finished) - I plan to ask for a full blood panel... It is possible that something else is going on, so I appreciate the suggestion.
I've been working very hard... but I also think that my portions have been way off. I go through spurts where I log and journal everything I eat... but I am very relaxed about portion size still. I've been super committed to watching my portions this week, and I am feeling really good about it, I am hoping that I will start to see results again. I've also committed to weighing myself weekly for the time being - I normally don't weigh for months at a time, because I am a solid believer in the lies of the scale... but for the time being - I think I need it as a tool.
Kicking a diet soda addiction is HUGE!!!! WTG!!! I gave mine up ~um~ 3 years ago (WOW - I didn't realize it had been that long for me!) I am much the same... I only drink water and coffee (mine has agave and real half n' half though - can't do black - I've tried, it's my ONE main thing I allow myself to continue - as clean as possible though).
Thanks for stopping by and thank you for speaking up... It means a lot to me to have so many people cheering me on. As much as you come here for inspiration - I find inspiration in hearing from all of you! I hope you'll continue to check in occasionally and let me know how you are doing.
My suggestion is to log your food. I know its a chore, but I find it helps me stay on track. Also, you may think your portions are correct, but do you weigh them? I find that what I think is a good portion is way too large. My kitchen scale gets a good workout now.
Running will help in the long run. I know that you didn't see much difference last summer, but honestly, keep it up, and sooner or later you will see a difference.
Awww... Tess... I hate logging food. LOL I did log yesterday - because I was curious... My portions were right on track for this week- so I am fairly certain that even though I've been eating really healthy all these months - I've been way off on my portion sizes for a very long time. So, I am eating the same stuff - just less of it... Combining that with my running this week and I really feel like I am headed in the right direction again. We'll see... I've decided to use the scale as a tool for a little while - hopefully I am on the right track again.
No, I didn't see much difference with running last summer... but I think my big issue with that (again) was that I was eating too much... I really thought I was burning more with my running than what I actually was... So, I am hoping to see a bit of a difference this year.
Thanks for the wise words...

And for always cheering me on!

Miss you!
*********************************************************************************************************
Yesterday was just another really awesome day for me! It feels amazing to have so many awesome days in a row!
Again - I didn't procrastinate (much) on doing my heavy lifting. I started a new program, which has a new-ish app... Strong Lifts 5x5... The app is free - but as I found out yesterday, many of the features I wanted to use were part of a $10 add on package. Sigh. Debating on whether I want to purchase it or not... I'll see if it's a program I want to continue first - and if so, I'll likely purchase the add-on. It was a great lift though and so far, I am happy with the excitement of a new program.
I've also been working very hard on *really* watching my portions... Not necessarily logging everything, but being very careful to weigh and measure. I am feeling like this is a big key for me... I've gotten very lazy about portion control over the last several months/year - just because I eat a LOT of veggies... I kind of got to the mind set that veggies are good for a person - and lots of veggies couldn't be bad. But what it comes down to - still - calories in, calories out. So... I've really been conscious about this and working hard at making sure my portions are correct. We'll see how it goes.
I was able to get upstairs to work early... And I was able to finish my custom order applique.

But - I then discovered that I am totally out of black zippers! How does that happen? So, I am kind of at a stand sill until those get here. I will do as much assembly as I can do with out those today... Then I will do the same with my Halloween bag (as BOTH bags need black zippers)... Then I will start on something else... As you all know - I hate to be behind on my schedule.
I quit working a little early and I went out for a run... I only ran a tiny bit further yesterday than I did on Tuesday... I am being very cautious about adding distance this year, and trying to go a bit easier on myself with that. I had a good run though - even if it was a bit colder out than I would prefer (40° & cloudy when I left) - I still enjoyed it and it feels GREAT to be back outside again!
When I got back, I had a really yummy lunch... I think this might be my new favorite "go-to"... I chopped up a boneless skinless chicken thigh (I prefer thighs over breasts) and fried it up in coconut oil... then I added 1 cup of chopped up Normandy Blend veggies + onion and sauteed that in the pan (I added a bit of ghee here, because the coconut oil spray had pretty much dried up)... Put it all on a plate, then added 2 TBSP of freshly grated Parmesan on top. It was super delicious. And because I felt like I was lacking protein yesterday (I was), I also had a Greek yogurt on the side. This meal was super quick to prepare, and I can see it becoming a staple in my lunch rotation. I used to do something like this - but I steamed the veggies instead... I don't like the taste of steamed veggies as much as I like the taste of sauteed... You still get the same nutrition from the veggies... And I still add the same amount of fat either way.
I picked the girls up from school yesterday and we went to Target... I was able to get some GREAT deals on work out clothes. I found a pair of running capris + 3 running tanks all 70% off... As a Target team member - I get an additional 20% off of all C9 + my TM discount of 10% and my Red debit card discount of 5%... Plus Target has a coupon this week for $5 off of a $35 clothing/shoes/accessories purchase - so I threw in a few 70% off items for the girls to hit $35... This is my total purchase yesterday... 2 pairs of running capris, 3 running tank tops, 1 regular tank top, 3 bags of cough drops, make-up remover wipes & a big bottle of apple juice... My total was $28! Pretty awesome! I may have to hit another Target today - just to see if they have any other 70% off running gear... I was taking inventory of my running gear yesterday morning - and I am definitely short on tank tops - since I strip down to those until about 50° - it's nice to have lots of them.
I made dinner last night - the family had corn dogs with mac n' cheese, it was what they requested... And I had the same thing for dinner as I had for lunch - but I added a chopped up sweet potato into the veggie mix.
I went upstairs at 7 last night - I was tired. I do find, with adding running back into my routine - I am much more tired.
Today... The plan is to work out as soon as the girls get on the bus. I am not sure what i am doing today... I know I need to do an extra ab work out - as I have been lacking in that area over the last couple of weeks.
I will work upstairs for a few hours - getting as much done as I can with out black zippers.
Then I will head to town to pick up V... She has an appointment this afternoon.
I'll probably hit Aldi on the way home, so I can stock up on some groceries.
Not sure what's for dinner tonight? I'll figure it out.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!
D~