This (DISNEY)land Was Made For You and Me - July 2016 Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Challenge

[SarahDisney]

I love Pooh! It may not be the greatest technical innovation ever, but it's just a cute little ride that you can ride over and over again (at DL at least ... the lines at MK are just too darn long sometimes).

I don't have the energy to answer today's QOTD. Long story short ... I realized this morning that I don't know why I'm doing this. I'm not particularly happy with where I am in my weight-loss journey, but if I have to, I can learn to live with it, so I really need to decide if losing 20 lbs is worth the stress and aggravation it can sometimes cost me.

Oh, and this week's progress report is a nice 0%. But that's a story for a different time.

 

[Oneanne]

July 15th - Winnie the Pooh

The best ride with a 5 minute wait!

Winnie the Pooh replaced the Country Bear Jamboree in 2003 when Disneyland execs realized that Disneyland
was the only Disney park without some sort of Pooh attraction. It's located in the back corner of the park
next to Splash Mountain and is the greatest ride ever for two reasons:
1 - it's always a walk-on (aka: the infamous 5 minute wait)
2- it exits into the Pooh Corner bake shop so you can get a treat!

When compared to the other Pooh attractions it appears to have about 1% of the budget that Tokyo
has for its Pooh Attraction. (Side note: watch the YouTube video for the Tokyo version because it is AMAZING!)
But it is quaint. And adorable in its own way.

But don't worry Country Bear Jamboree Fans -- part of the ride still lives on as you look behind you.

Question of the Day - July 15th
Winnie the Pooh loves honey and tends to over eat his fair share, going as far once to get stuck
in Rabbit's door. Suffice to say, we don't want to follow in his footsteps and become wall decor.
(Hopefully you all have seen the original cartoons to get the reference? )

Let's talk portion control and your tips/tricks to manage your portions.
Do you pre-count items or weigh food? Do you log food and count calories?
Let's talk about how your eating habits have changed as a result of your lifestyle change!

Bonus question: Which Pooh attractions have you ridden? Which is your favorite?
(@Lady Marie - please make us jealous with your tales of Tokyo Disney!)

​

When I was actually on program I was measuring, weighing and logging. None of that has been happening of late. But I will, I will, I will get back on track.

 

[4Mickeys]

Let's talk portion control and your tips/tricks to manage your portions.
Do you pre-count items or weigh food? Do you log food and count calories?

I have started weighing food more where possible, entering food into MFP. I do feel I am feeling a shift in my attitude towards food (I am nowhere near perfect yet and never expect to be) - I think I have said before I am snacking less overall - when I arrived home after work yesterday I was feeling peckish and in my mind I was thinking ooohhh there are some chocolate chip cookies in the pantry - but then I just kept thinking about the number I would see on MFP if I had it - so I had a banana instead (which isn't a favourite fruit - but I have been having them more lately).

Which Pooh attractions have you ridden?

I have only ridden the DL Pooh ride - it was cute - we only rode it the once.

At Cedar Point a couple weeks ago my wife and son went on a similar ride while I stayed back with my daughter and they got soaked. I mean, like jump in a pool with your clothes on soaked. My son didn't care, but my wife was not happy. I felt bad... dry, but bad.

There is a ride similar to that in the small water park area at LEGOLAND California that is a boat ride with a plunge - there is even a fort/bridge area where people can shoot water at you! We didn't care though as it was hot hot hot when we were there. At LEGOLAND they had these power dryers you could stand in - but from memory I think there was a cost for them!

don't have the energy to answer today's QOTD. Long story short ... I realized this morning that I don't know why I'm doing this. I'm not particularly happy with where I am in my weight-loss journey, but if I have to, I can learn to live with it, so I really need to decide if losing 20 lbs is worth the stress and aggravation it can sometimes cost me.

Sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment - I remember Courtney a little while ago saying she was going to 'wear' her weight for a little while to see if she was happy there - maybe you could think about that as an option and it would give you a little break if you are feeling pressured to lose. Then you could keep focusing on your other healthy life goals that you have been lately like time for yourself etc.

The other day at work I decided that every time I went to the restroom I was going to do a lap of the school - it is a 5 minute circuit. One of my work friends came for a random non/restroom lap yesterday just to get us out of the office for little bit. So yesterday I got 20 minutes walking in just from doing that - that I would not usually get. The tricky part is next week I am about to start visiting other schools and the days are different then so it might be harder - but whenever I am at my base that is my new plan.

It is a very rainy cold Saturday here today - so housework this morning and I am hoping it eases up enough for a walk this afternoon.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

July 15th - Winnie the Pooh

The best ride with a 5 minute wait!

Winnie the Pooh replaced the Country Bear Jamboree in 2003 when Disneyland execs realized that Disneyland
was the only Disney park without some sort of Pooh attraction. It's located in the back corner of the park
next to Splash Mountain and is the greatest ride ever for two reasons:
1 - it's always a walk-on (aka: the infamous 5 minute wait)
2- it exits into the Pooh Corner bake shop so you can get a treat!

When compared to the other Pooh attractions it appears to have about 1% of the budget that Tokyo
has for its Pooh Attraction. (Side note: watch the YouTube video for the Tokyo version because it is AMAZING!)
But it is quaint. And adorable in its own way.

But don't worry Country Bear Jamboree Fans -- part of the ride still lives on as you look behind you.

Question of the Day - July 15th
Winnie the Pooh loves honey and tends to over eat his fair share, going as far once to get stuck
in Rabbit's door. Suffice to say, we don't want to follow in his footsteps and become wall decor.
(Hopefully you all have seen the original cartoons to get the reference? )

Let's talk portion control and your tips/tricks to manage your portions.
Do you pre-count items or weigh food? Do you log food and count calories?
Let's talk about how your eating habits have changed as a result of your lifestyle change!

Bonus question: Which Pooh attractions have you ridden? Which is your favorite?
(@Lady Marie - please make us jealous with your tales of Tokyo Disney!)

​

Another one that I have done at WDW but not DL. I am surprised that it doesn't have a wait like at WDW. I just booked fastpasses for it because the line is always crazy.

As for portion control, I know this is a big downfall for me. I like to buy things that are already prepacked in smaller portions so I am not tempted. Also, I have been trying to only eat half of my meals when eating out but I have started a bad habit of giving it to DH to finish. It makes me feel good that it is not going to waste but I know that is going to make him unhealthy. I really need to get over this guilt of wasting food. Since watching my portions I can see the weight starting to come off slowly. That helps to keep me motivated to keep it up!

Good Luck and stay cool @courtneybeth! I will be doing a local 5k tomorrow morning, this race last year was my first 5k so I am excited to see how much I have improved!!

 

[courtneybeth]

July 16 - Fantasmic!

Imagination... dream a fantastic dream

Well folks, we've completed the left side of the park. Congratulations on making it through half the month and half the park!
As we take a stroll towards Frontierland, we're going to pause for a minute at the Rivers of America and watch... FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic! originally premiered at Disneyland in 1992 along the Rivers of America. It is a little different from its Hollywood Studios
counterpart in that it is a wee bit shorter in duration and you literally sit around the Rivers of America instead of in an auditorium.

In Fantasmic, you follow Mickey's dream as he eventually becomes Sorcerer Mickey and - watch video clips with water and music.

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

 

[4Mickeys]

What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

Well I don't have an exercise goal as such like many of you with your running goals. I guess I would like to feel like me again. I certainly don't look like the me I know when I look in the mirror or see a photo of myself. Now I know I'm never going to get back to my pre-baby teenage/early 20s me body. I want to be able to feel good when I go shopping and not come home depressed about the size or look of the clothes on me. I want to feel healthier and energetic. I want to engage in activity more readily and automatically than I do now. I want to have some self-confidence again rather than trying to disappear. Overall I want to age as healthily as I can so I can be around as long as possible for kids and grandkids (in the distant future lol) - hmmmm I just had a thought it is our dream to come back to DL/USA in a few years after DS15 finishes high school (the twins will probably want to do that same when they finish high school as well) - I would love to have thinner DL photos, not have legs that swell from being overweight/unhealthy if it is hot again when we are there and end up at a Doctors/Hospital again for an ultrasound - thank goodness for travel insurance (although I am thinking with the timing it might be in winter), not be so worried on the plane about a DVT (I know I will likely worry about this anyway it is one the things that triggers my anxiety) but am hoping if I feel healthier overall that will help. Wow so I just think I found a goal that is hopefully about 2 and a half years away that will also act as a FANTASMIC reward lol

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?

I have seen Fantasmic twice both times at DL - I love it and the kids did too - this last time though the Mark Twain was down so at the end all the Characters were on the island instead. We did it before the new fastpass seating system - I researched and we did the second show - arrived just before the end of the first one and then when people moved out we dashed into a prime spot at the front. When that music started and I was surrounded by my kids sitting there watching Mickey at the start - I got all emotional and teary - even though we had been there for several days already it was like a full realisation that I had done it and we were really there.

 

[pjlla]

July 15th - Winnie the Pooh

Question of the Day - July 15th

Let's talk portion control and your tips/tricks to manage your portions.
Do you pre-count items or weigh food? Do you log food and count calories?
Let's talk about how your eating habits have changed as a result of your lifestyle change!

Bonus question: Which Pooh attractions have you ridden? Which is your favorite?
(@Lady Marie - please make us jealous with your tales of Tokyo Disney!)
​

​

Yup.... my food scale and measuring spoons/cups still get used daily. I weigh/measure most of my proteins (yogurt, meats, cheese, beans) as well as anything really calorie dense (salad dressing, condiments, oils, nuts, peanut butter). Most of the time if I eat something "snacky" it is a preportioned item (WW snack chips, Skinny Cow ice cream treat, Yasso bar, etc). I don't worry about measuring fruits or vegetables because they are all "0" on Weight Watchers. I do keep a food log/journal/tracker (whatever you care to call it) EVERY DAY (except for the occasional vacation) where I count my WW SmartPoints (similar to counting calories). I do NOT plan on stopping either of these habits. These are two habits that got me to my goal weight and have KEPT me there for 8 years.... so why would I stop now!!?? It is a small inconvenience for a big reward!

When I first started this particular WW journey (like many of the journeys before) it was all about trying to find ways to eat the same/similar stuff but with less calories ..... light pizza, light beer, light cheesecake, light potato chips. I LIVED for the next splurge day or excuse to go off the rails. But I have slowly evolved into being more interested in eating HEALTHY..... sure treats still happen.... but I spend much less time craving them and dreaming about them. I've learned to DELAY that gratification for something really worthwhile (to me) and while I do NOT miss or ever remember that ________________________ I had to pass up this week (fill in the blank with whatever tempting treat I was confronted with this week), I definitely remember that great feeling of stepping on the scale to see I've achieved another weight loss/weight maintenance goal!!

BONUS: Hmmmm.... I probably haven't ridden the Pooh ride at WDW since 2004.... and I don't recall riding it at DL in 2005. Guess we just aren't big fans...................P

 

[pjlla]

July 16 - Fantasmic!

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

My end goal..... to stay HEALTHY and ACTIVE as long as possible. I'm certainly not getting any younger and as I see many friends and acquaintances with various aches, pains, illnesses, and complaints, I KNOW that I do not want to get to that point any time soon!! While I could do more to stay healthy (take more vitamins and supplements, do more weight training, have more medical screenings), I eat well and stay active and busy. I wear sunscreen (most of the time), drink very moderately, don't smoke, wear my seatbelt, pray, eat organic and healthy (most of the time), keep my mind and body active.... so I know I'm heading in the right direction.

BONUS: YUP..... I saw it in DL in 2005 and I last saw it in WDW in 2010 (DS is a big fan, but DD is not). I would say that I "really really" like it but not love it. While the story line is the same in both, you sit SO MUCH closer in DL.... plus there is no stadium so you have to stake out a spot on the (hot) pavement (at least you did in 2005). It was much less comfortable to watch for that reason. With only three evenings to spend in DL for our upcoming trip and three evening events we want to see (WOC, PTN parade, and fireworks), I do not foresee the chance to see it in September.

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

Hey friends.....Phew! Busy week here... glad it is wrapping up.

For those who feel compelled, I would appreciate prayers and PD for my DMIL. She was in a car accident yesterday (someone cut her off on her way to the yarn store) and is in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit with a broken sternum (probably from the airbag... she is very short and sits too close to the steering wheel) plus lots of bad contusions from the seatbelt. She is nearly 94 years old and up until this moment she has lived alone, cared for herself fully, and still drove. While I think she will recover from this, I pray that it isn't the beginning of the end of her being able to be independent. Four of her seven children (including my DH) as well as my DD (her school is only 30 minutes from the hospital) were able to be there at the hospital last night.... I'm sure that helped her a lot. DH stayed over down there and will return to the hospital this morning. Praying she had a comfortable night and was able to rest.

Happy to report a loss this week..... my goal for July (since I don't think I ever said it here) was 2 pounds. I had a slight bump up last week (which I wasn't too concerned about) and that increase is gone along with another full pound! So I am at 50% of my July goal!

Time to do laundry... plus DS is having a party with some friends here later to play with his new HTC Vive (virtual reality headset), so cleaning and a bit of grocery shopping needs to happen! BBL to chat..............P


ETA: My countdown banner at the bottom seems to have stopped working. It is stuck at 2 months and 1 day... that's weird. I'm at 53 days today. oh well.

 

[4Mickeys]

With only three evenings to spend in DL for our upcoming trip and three evening events we want to see (WOC, PTN parade, and fireworks), I do not foresee the chance to see it in September

Fantasmic went dark at the start of this year anyway for the Star Wars construction - so you can happily see the other things you were planning without feeling like you are missing Fantasmic this time around.

For those who feel compelled, I would appreciate prayers and PD for my DMIL. She was in a car accident yesterday (someone cut her off on her way to the yarn store)

Oh no - that sounds awful - injuries like that for the elderly are just plain scary - sending prayers and PD to your family - I hope all goes well and she recovers to her usual self.

 

[mamattorney]

July 16 - Fantasmic!

Imagination... dream a fantastic dream

Well folks, we've completed the left side of the park. Congratulations on making it through half the month and half the park!
As we take a stroll towards Frontierland, we're going to pause for a minute at the Rivers of America and watch... FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic! originally premiered at Disneyland in 1992 along the Rivers of America. It is a little different from its Hollywood Studios
counterpart in that it is a wee bit shorter in duration and you literally sit around the Rivers of America instead of in an auditorium.

In Fantasmic, you follow Mickey's dream as he eventually becomes Sorcerer Mickey and - watch video clips with water and music.

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

Sorry I've been MIA for a couple days. I haven't been on my computer much for some reason. I like this question a lot, probably because I don't have an answer. Part of me is a little afraid of the "end" because I've never reached the end before. The first time I ever really dieted was about a year after I got married when I had gained some newlywed pounds (I was probably technically overweight at my wedding - or very close to it. I've never been truly thin). I was happy with my progress, but then I got pregnant and everything went out the window. I have spent the last 14 years being dissatisfied with my weight and never reaching any substantial goal.

Now, I've been making great progress for the past year. Unbelievable progress really. I have a few things in my closet from "back in the day" and while they don't fit properly - they all zip. It's strange to think that in 20-30ish pounds, I'll be as thin as I was when I got married.

I do have an overriding feeling of "then what"? I feel I've gotten good at losing weight, but it's going to be another whole thing when I need to just stay at a weight. I think I will have to have a new goal. Maybe a fitness goal - something to work towards. If I don't have that, I fear going backwards.

So, I guess the short answer is, I'm still figuring things out.

 

[Oneanne]

July 16 - Fantasmic!

Imagination... dream a fantastic dream

Well folks, we've completed the left side of the park. Congratulations on making it through half the month and half the park!
As we take a stroll towards Frontierland, we're going to pause for a minute at the Rivers of America and watch... FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic! originally premiered at Disneyland in 1992 along the Rivers of America. It is a little different from its Hollywood Studios
counterpart in that it is a wee bit shorter in duration and you literally sit around the Rivers of America instead of in an auditorium.

In Fantasmic, you follow Mickey's dream as he eventually becomes Sorcerer Mickey and - watch video clips with water and music.

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

My end goal... Optimal health. I want a minimum of 20 more years of healthy active life. I also want to be a size where I can wear fun fashions.

I've seen Fanstamic once at WDW. I have to say I didn't love it. I thought it was a crazy hodpoge of left over Disney stuff. I may not have been seated in an optimal viewing area because the sound and visuals seemed disjointed to me. I've heard the DL version is better, so I would check it out if/when I go there.

 

[Oneanne]

My end goal..... to stay HEALTHY and ACTIVE as long as possible. I'm certainly not getting any younger and as I see many friends and acquaintances with various aches, pains, illnesses, and complaints, I KNOW that I do not want to get to that point any time soon!! While I could do more to stay healthy (take more vitamins and supplements, do more weight training, have more medical screenings), I eat well and stay active and busy. I wear sunscreen (most of the time), drink very moderately, don't smoke, wear my seatbelt, pray, eat organic and healthy (most of the time), keep my mind and body active.... so I know I'm heading in the right direction.

BONUS: YUP..... I saw it in DL in 2005 and I last saw it in WDW in 2010 (DS is a big fan, but DD is not). I would say that I "really really" like it but not love it. While the story line is the same in both, you sit SO MUCH closer in DL.... plus there is no stadium so you have to stake out a spot on the (hot) pavement (at least you did in 2005). It was much less comfortable to watch for that reason. With only three evenings to spend in DL for our upcoming trip and three evening events we want to see (WOC, PTN parade, and fireworks), I do not foresee the chance to see it in September.

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

Hey friends.....Phew! Busy week here... glad it is wrapping up.

For those who feel compelled, I would appreciate prayers and PD for my DMIL. She was in a car accident yesterday (someone cut her off on her way to the yarn store) and is in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit with a broken sternum (probably from the airbag... she is very short and sits too close to the steering wheel) plus lots of bad contusions from the seatbelt. She is nearly 94 years old and up until this moment she has lived alone, cared for herself fully, and still drove. While I think she will recover from this, I pray that it isn't the beginning of the end of her being able to be independent. Four of her seven children (including my DH) as well as my DD (her school is only 30 minutes from the hospital) were able to be there at the hospital last night.... I'm sure that helped her a lot. DH stayed over down there and will return to the hospital this morning. Praying she had a comfortable night and was able to rest.

Happy to report a loss this week..... my goal for July (since I don't think I ever said it here) was 2 pounds. I had a slight bump up last week (which I wasn't too concerned about) and that increase is gone along with another full pound! So I am at 50% of my July goal!

Time to do laundry... plus DS is having a party with some friends here later to play with his new HTC Vive (virtual reality headset), so cleaning and a bit of grocery shopping needs to happen! BBL to chat..............P


ETA: My countdown banner at the bottom seems to have stopped working. It is stuck at 2 months and 1 day... that's weird. I'm at 53 days today. oh well.

Prayers on their way. Hope she has a fast and smooth recovery.

 

[ski_mom]

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?

My dreams / ambitions...good question. As far as my lifestyle change is that as I get older, I just want to be able to wear cute, comfortable clothes and not always feel like the "fat one" in the room. I know it's terrible to say, but I often feel that way.

I'm still not sure of my end goal. So far, I've lost 30 pounds since I started in February. The last month has basically been a wash and I have to get back on track. We left on vacation exactly one month ago today and I"m exactly the same weight I was when we left. Overall, I'm happy with that since we were gone 2 weeks with my family, my sisters family and my mom and one week of that was a cruise (ie unlimited food) and the other time I didn't track or count calories. I definitely noticed a change in my eating habits though and I know that helped in not gaining on vacation which I had always done in the past.

Anyway, I've never really put this in writing, but I'm 45, about 5'8" and when I started in the middle of February, I weighed 273.5. I'm currently at 243.5. I really think I'd be thrilled if I lost 100 pounds from my starting point and ended up around 170-175. The smallest I've been in my adult life was about 145 and I really don't think I'd ever get down to that weight again and not really sure I'd want to. At that weight for my build, I was skinny. I just want to be fit and comfortable. But, the thought of losing 100 pounds seems very un-achievable at this point, even though we have some very inspirational people in our group who have done just that , but I just don't know that I can do it. At this point, I'm just focusing on losing and we'll see where that takes me. My initial goal is to get under 200 and then we'll go from there.


I have only seen Fantasmic at DW. We were at DL one time, but weren't able to fit it in.

BTW, I'm absolutely loving our trip around the park. If I ever get to come back, I'm definitely referring to this thread before we go! So much fun!!

 

[pjlla]

Sorry I've been MIA for a couple days. I haven't been on my computer much for some reason. I like this question a lot, probably because I don't have an answer. Part of me is a little afraid of the "end" because I've never reached the end before. The first time I ever really dieted was about a year after I got married when I had gained some newlywed pounds (I was probably technically overweight at my wedding - or very close to it. I've never been truly thin). I was happy with my progress, but then I got pregnant and everything went out the window. I have spent the last 14 years being dissatisfied with my weight and never reaching any substantial goal.

Now, I've been making great progress for the past year. Unbelievable progress really. I have a few things in my closet from "back in the day" and while they don't fit properly - they all zip. It's strange to think that in 20-30ish pounds, I'll be as thin as I was when I got married.

I do have an overriding feeling of "then what"? I feel I've gotten good at losing weight, but it's going to be another whole thing when I need to just stay at a weight. I think I will have to have a new goal. Maybe a fitness goal - something to work towards. If I don't have that, I fear going backwards.

So, I guess the short answer is, I'm still figuring things out.

It's a GREAT thing that you are thinking about the"end game". It will be here before you know it.... goal day! And you need to be mentally ready for it....and for the years that follow. And FWIW, you goal can be to STAY at goal.... because that isn't quite as easy as we'd like think! I honestly rarely think of myself as a "maintainer" because it is really a constant battle to stay within the range of my "happy" weight. Vacations happen, holiday treats happen, splurges happen, those "how-did-that-happen?" pounds happen..... and so I really just spend my time trying to lose whatever I gained during the last "happen" time. I"m not trying to be negative or depressing....just realistic.

My end goal... Optimal health. I want a minimum of 20 more years of healthy active life. I also want to be a size where I can wear fun fashions.

I've seen Fanstamic once at WDW. I have to say I didn't love it. I thought it was a crazy hodpoge of left over Disney stuff. I may not have been seated in an optimal viewing area because the sound and visuals seemed disjointed to me. I've heard the DL version is better, so I would check it out if/when I go there.

OPTIMAL HEALTH....perfect!! Love that idea....not perfection, but OPTIMAL for that stage of life.

I agree with Fantasmic feeling like a hodgepodge of sorts.....maybe that is why I only LIKE it and not love it.

Prayers on their way. Hope she has a fast and smooth recovery.

Thank you! She was moved from the TICU to a regular care floor early this a.m. and was able to sit up and read the newspaper. Haven't heard much from DH since this morning, but I think DD had a nice visit.

My dreams / ambitions...good question. As far as my lifestyle change is that as I get older, I just want to be able to wear cute, comfortable clothes and not always feel like the "fat one" in the room. I know it's terrible to say, but I often feel that way.

I'm still not sure of my end goal. So far, I've lost 30 pounds since I started in February. The last month has basically been a wash and I have to get back on track. We left on vacation exactly one month ago today and I"m exactly the same weight I was when we left. Overall, I'm happy with that since we were gone 2 weeks with my family, my sisters family and my mom and one week of that was a cruise (ie unlimited food) and the other time I didn't track or count calories. I definitely noticed a change in my eating habits though and I know that helped in not gaining on vacation which I had always done in the past.

Anyway, I've never really put this in writing, but I'm 45, about 5'8" and when I started in the middle of February, I weighed 273.5. I'm currently at 243.5. I really think I'd be thrilled if I lost 100 pounds from my starting point and ended up around 170-175. The smallest I've been in my adult life was about 145 and I really don't think I'd ever get down to that weight again and not really sure I'd want to. At that weight for my build, I was skinny. I just want to be fit and comfortable. But, the thought of losing 100 pounds seems very un-achievable at this point, even though we have some very inspirational people in our group who have done just that , but I just don't know that I can do it. At this point, I'm just focusing on losing and we'll see where that takes me. My initial goal is to get under 200 and then we'll go from there.


I have only seen Fantasmic at DW. We were at DL one time, but weren't able to fit it in.

BTW, I'm absolutely loving our trip around the park. If I ever get to come back, I'm definitely referring to this thread before we go! So much fun!!

Honestly....to weigh EXACTLY the same as you did a month ago when that month included a cruise....that sounds like a NSV to me!! And 100 pounds is VERY achievable.....but take it at your own pace..... this is a marathon, not a sprint, right?

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

Hey friends! I'm sitting here with the scent of freshly baked pizza wafting towards me..... time to figure out what I will eat while DS and his friends enjoy pizza, homemade brownies with salted caramel, and other goodies!

I picked 6 nice cucumbers today (and there will be several to pick tomorrow) but I cannot imagine we will eat them quickly enough, so I'm going to google a recipe for sugar-free bread and butter refrigerator pickles (if there is such a recipe) to see what I can come up with. I LOVE homemade bread-and-butter pickles.... my folks often make them. But they are LOADED with sugar so I'm hoping to find a recipe that uses stevia. Also picked 3 large zucchini and a yellow crooked neck squash (plus we haven't eaten everything that was picked yesterday). I have two meals planned for the week that include squash plus we all like it, so no troubles there! Wish it froze better.

I did buckets of laundry today, but now I need to get my bed remade with the fresh sheets..... want to do it before dinner, so I'll dash for now! TTYL.............P

ETA: Found the PERFECT recipe for sugar-free pickles..... but wouldn't you know it, I used the very last of my white vinegar in the laundry today. Guess these will wait tomorrow's shopping trip!

 

[donac]

July 16 - Fantasmic!

Imagination... dream a fantastic dream

Well folks, we've completed the left side of the park. Congratulations on making it through half the month and half the park!
As we take a stroll towards Frontierland, we're going to pause for a minute at the Rivers of America and watch... FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic! originally premiered at Disneyland in 1992 along the Rivers of America. It is a little different from its Hollywood Studios
counterpart in that it is a wee bit shorter in duration and you literally sit around the Rivers of America instead of in an auditorium.

In Fantasmic, you follow Mickey's dream as he eventually becomes Sorcerer Mickey and - watch video clips with water and music.

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

I am still trying to figure out this journey especially since I am no longer going to work 5 days a week. My goal is to lose some weight to keep me healthy but not to lose so much weight that people think I am sick.

I have only seen it once here at DW. For a while it used to be that you would have to sit in the theater for over an hour in order to see the show. I saw it when I went with a friend and we were camping with 4 kids. We needed to keep them busy all day so sitting for a show was a great way to fill in some time. I knew that dh would not like the wait so we never went as a couple. When we went in Oct I was sick one day so dh was with our fiends (the wife is the one I saw it with). She talked him into going to see the show and he loved it. I am looking forward to adding it to our list of things to do in DL.

Pamela I hope that your mother in law is doing well. That is such a tough thing when they get older. We have been there. You are in my thoughts.

On a less thing could you please send some PD to my dog. We have had our dog for 2 years. We are his 3rd owners and he was referred as a "psycho dog". He is part poodle and is very high energy but he has been a good fit for dh and I. He has been in pain the last couple of days and they think he has a herniated disc in his back. He is on steroids and 2 pin meds to keep him calm so it can heal. Please send pd that it heals completely. I know not as bad as what Pamela is going through but he has been there during the last two years which has been hard on dh and I.

I spent the last 2 days looking at photos. I want to give ds1 a thumb drive with pictures of his life. It has been a lot of fun looking at old pictures. I even found a picture of a full power ranger suit that I made for him. I still have a couple more boxes to go through and then to scan them all in. I have already scanned 200 in. I also found the picture of all of us riding Splash Mountain. I will post it in the next couple of days.

Have a happy and healthy evening.

 

[courtneybeth]

July 17 - Disneyland Celebrates its 61st Anniversary

Woah - she's another year older!

Today marks the 61st birthday of Disneyland - can you believe she's another year older?
Last year marked the launch of the Diamond Celebration which will continue until Labor Day weekend.
Did anyone get to participate in the activities? One such activity was the Paint the Night parade!

Paint the Night is the next phase of the Electrical Parade - featuring LED lights and HD screens and costumed characters.
It's a wonder to behold and participate in with the color changing ear hats and paint brush / wands.
And if you're a fan of Wreck it Ralph, the song "When Can I See You Again" is the soundtrack.

You'll see floats featuring Monster's INC, Little Mermaid, Belle, Toy Story, and other Disney creative from the last 20 years.


July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think? ​

 

[courtneybeth]

All, i've been in Chicago with limited access to reading replies and seeing progress reports. I'll respond to posts when I get home tomorrow evening.

For now, I'm heading to bed because we have a very early wake up call for the half.

5K went well - PR'd at 39:08!

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

My dream for the end of this journey is to be able to walk into any store and fit into whatever I want. It is so depressing to walk through a mall and know you can't shop at most of the stores. I know that my happiest is more than what size I am but I feel like it would be one less thing to bring me down.

I have not seen Fantasmic at DL, the only time I have been to the DL park (in 2006) we used that time to ride Pirates a couple times with no wait! Love it here at WDW but I only like to do it every once in a while so it stays special.

 

[pjlla]

Pamela I hope that your mother in law is doing well. That is such a tough thing when they get older. We have been there. You are in my thoughts.

On a less thing could you please send some PD to my dog. We have had our dog for 2 years. We are his 3rd owners and he was referred as a "psycho dog". He is part poodle and is very high energy but he has been a good fit for dh and I. He has been in pain the last couple of days and they think he has a herniated disc in his back. He is on steroids and 2 pin meds to keep him calm so it can heal. Please send pd that it heals completely. I know not as bad as what Pamela is going through but he has been there during the last two years which has been hard on dh and I.

I spent the last 2 days looking at photos. I want to give ds1 a thumb drive with pictures of his life. It has been a lot of fun looking at old pictures. I even found a picture of a full power ranger suit that I made for him. I still have a couple more boxes to go through and then to scan them all in. I have already scanned 200 in. I also found the picture of all of us riding Splash Mountain. I will post it in the next couple of days.

Have a happy and healthy evening.

Thanks for the well wishes for MIL. Sorry about your pooch..... hope that the Vet can find something to ease his pain. Pets become SUCH a part of our lives!

I can SO relate to your trip down memory lane for DS! I am planning to make a memories slide show for DS before he leaves for school. I intended to do it for his graduation party, but time got away from me (even though I've been thinking about it for over a year!).

July 17 - Disneyland Celebrates its 61st Anniversary

July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think? ​

Oh my....... I could take WAAAYYY too much time answering this question. My first Disney-related memories are of watching the "Wonderful World of Disney" on television on Sunday evenings (it was on right after the Lawrence Welk show!).... most often with my parents, grandparents, and double cousins (sisters married brothers, hence I have two "double first cousins"). As much as my grandparents were NOT "worldly" or "traveling" kind of people, obviously something about Disney sparked an interest (most likely in my grandfather, as he was a self-educated man with an interest in technology and creative things). I remember hearing a story or two about his visit(s) to WDW when it first opened and seeing leftover ticket books in their kitchen drawer (WHY, oh WHY didn't I save them!!???). I had my first trip to WDW with my brother, parents, and grandparents in 1974 (also my first time on a plane, first time in a hotel, first time out of New England) and I have VERY VIVID memories of not sleeping the night before.....laying there in my bed continually checking my bright green Disney characters alarm clock! To say I was excited was an extreme understatement!

From my best memories, we spent two days at the Magic Kingdom..... my most specific memories (that I know aren't specifically related to pictures I've seen) are thinking how SHORT Mickey Mouse was and how very DISAPPOINTED I was that there wasn't really anything to see or do in Cinderella Castle!

Because it was such an EVENT (we weren't rich, we didn't travel much) that trip made a HUGE impact on me! I didn't get back there until 1983 (with my family again.... one day at MK and one day at the new EPCOT Center) and then after that on my honeymoon in 1992.... so obviously I was on a 9 year schedule! It wasn't until my kids were here that I made a real effort to make it a more regular part of our lives. DH is lukewarm about Disney, but DD and I tried-and-true full-on fans and DS loves it as well (although he is happy to visit other places like Universal).

We were lucky enough to be at Disneyland the week of the actual 50th anniversary! We actually left California on this day 11 years ago! I was sad that we couldn't extend our trip just ONE day and be there for the actual "day" but after seeing the news footage of the crowds, it was just as well..... too many people!! The decorations were spectacular.... absolutely beautiful. And we were lucky enough to get chosen to participate in a few special things, like the grand re-opening of Space Mountain (we saw Neil Armstrong speak) to make the trip extra special.
DD and I will be there shortly after Labor Day weekend this year and are keeping our fingers crossed that we get to see at least a FEW of the 60th anniversary decorations and celebrations (including Paint The Night), even though the celebration officially ends one week before we arrive.

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

Morning all! I was going to go work at school for a few hours this morning because I won't be able to work every day this week, but it was raining when I got up (I was going to weed) and I decided that I could stay busy with a few billable hours for my WW job right here and earn the same money without having to drive anywhere.

Also spent/wasted several hours this morning on Pinterest ....... gosh I love that place!! Just wish I could find the time and motivation to actually DO all of the things I pin!!! Anyone else a Pinterest addict???

Planning to do a thorough cleaning/detailing of my car today to get her ready for my road trip to Michigan at the end of this week. The rain has stopped, so I am going to clean the upholstery now that I have enough sun to dry it quickly. Did a mountain of laundry yesterday so I won't have to do much today. Menus are planned for the week and meat is out of the freezer for defrosting. DH stopped for a few grocery basics yesterday, so I may not shop until Wednesday. The pickles can wait.

Fitbit is being glitchy.....I'm going to try a reset (it worked in the past) and hoping that will fix it. If not I plan to ask for a replacement.... but I won't have it in time for my trip.

Breakfast needs to happen since I've been up for 3 hours! TTYL..........................P

 

[donac]

July 17 - Disneyland Celebrates its 61st Anniversary

Woah - she's another year older!

Today marks the 61st birthday of Disneyland - can you believe she's another year older?
Last year marked the launch of the Diamond Celebration which will continue until Labor Day weekend.
Did anyone get to participate in the activities? One such activity was the Paint the Night parade!

Paint the Night is the next phase of the Electrical Parade - featuring LED lights and HD screens and costumed characters.
It's a wonder to behold and participate in with the color changing ear hats and paint brush / wands.
And if you're a fan of Wreck it Ralph, the song "When Can I See You Again" is the soundtrack.

You'll see floats featuring Monster's INC, Little Mermaid, Belle, Toy Story, and other Disney creative from the last 20 years.


July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think? ​

I am with Pamela on this one. I have watched Wonderful World of Color every Sunday night right before Ed Sullivan(where I got my love of musical theater since he always had on a scene from the latest Broadway show.) It was the first place I saw Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Dh and I went to DL on our honeymoon and have traveled to DW many times since. Some of our best vacations revolve around DW.

I have not seen Paint the Night. I hope it is there when we go in 2 years. It looks beautiful.

Off to go grocery shopping. Dh is off to look for something

Have a happy and healthy day.