WISH Away the Pounds -- Delightful December Challenge -- Everyone Welcome!

[pjlla]

QOTD for Friday, December 13, 2013:

Holiday meals and goodies are upon us. Do you have a plan in place to help keep the food and goodies from TAKING OVER during the next two weeks? Do you plan to make any special "lighter" treats to help you stay OP? Or do you plan to throw caution to the wind, eat, drink, and be merry, and pay the piper on the scale in January?


BONUS QOTD:

So today is Friday the 13th! (12-13-13.... cool!)
Are you superstitious? Do you have any particular superstitions that just really bother you?

 

[PlutoBaby]

QOTD for Friday, December 13, 2013:

Holiday meals and goodies are upon us. Do you have a plan in place to help keep the food and goodies from TAKING OVER during the next two weeks? Do you plan to make any special "lighter" treats to help you stay OP? Or do you plan to throw caution to the wind, eat, drink, and be merry, and pay the piper on the scale in January?

I think just being AWARE of what I'm eating will be enough to keep me on track. That and the fact I have another Half in 29 days will keep this chick in line!

BONUS QOTD:

So today is Friday the 13th! (12-13-13.... cool!)
Are you superstitious? Do you have any particular superstitions that just really bother you?

Nothing in particular, but I'm not about to tempt fate! Staying away from black cats and cracks in the sidewalk for sure....

 

[HippieChickadee]

153 even! 3.1 pounds to go for my goal!!!!!!!

 

[lisah0711]

QOTD for Thursday, December 12, 2013:

Other than weight-loss related, are you making any New Year's Resolutions? Have you made these same resolutions before? What is going to be DIFFERENT this time? Share your resolutions if you would like!

I am not keen on year long resolutions. I much prefer breaking things into smaller, doable items. I'm sure I could use some improvement time management.

I KNOW that eating those things is not good for me, but it takes so much effort to not eat them and at the moment I feel far too tired and exhausted to come up with the effort.

ITA that when you are tired and exhausted it makes it very difficult to make the right decision. Could you have a little snack and maybe a warm decaffinated drink at the end of the day before you go home to take the edge off before you walk in the door? As I recall your commute is a bit longer now. Maybe something you could do on your commute to hit the "reset" button and help you shift gears?

I've got the "food thing" under control (for the most part), but it is the exercise aspect that I struggle with.... wish we could help each other out more! Any suggestions to help with the exercise excuses??

Maybe something here from Pinterest via sparkpeople about busting exercise excuses will resonate with you. http://www.pinterest.com/sparkpeople/excuse-busters/
I still think that you are so active in your every day life that you are probably doing better than you think you are -- Mr. ActiveLink would tell you.

BTW I just started my 3rd ActiveLink challenge and my activity level increased 60% this year!

For my weight loss related resolution- at least 1 10K every month (12 total)

For my non weight loss resolution- Habitat for Humanity. I'm looking at 3 weeks in July (Vietnam). Just something I want to do for me, for other people and step outside my comfort zone for a change.

Love your resolutions! Going to Vietnam would be wonderful!

Mine is going to be to be better with my time management. I spend to much time just doing nothing (mainly killing time with the internet) and I really need to try to spend more quality time: reading a book, taking a hot bath etc. with my spare time. And if I do that, I am sure I will be more rested and therefore more efficient with the rest of the things I need to do!

Sounds like a very fun resolution taking care of yourself!

For one: I'm am going to FINALLY get my blog up and running!! I'm sick of logging in and seeing "Under construction. Check back soon!" So I guess you could say the non-weight loss resolution is to start writing more.

And if I make any more volunteer commitments, I think the DH will handcuff me to my house!

Ooo, can't wait to start reading your blog!

Hello everyone

So sorry I have been MIA for so long...not good.

So sorry for the tough times at work. Just keep and know we are here to vent to anytime it is needed.

Hey guys, checking in from Disney on Ice tonight whoop whoop

I've been without internet at work & have had a busy week at home in the afternoons. So, I haven't been able to check in too much. Hopefully, I'll catch up between soccer games & cookie baking on Saturday.

Have a great night! Jill

Whoop! Hope you had a blast!

Hippie, I think when you tell your parents you should emphasize that you are not doing that on your own, but through an organisation which has experience and has done that successfully in the past! I volunteer for an organisation that organises a year abroad for high school students and often hear that the argument which convinces parents to let their kid go is that our organisation has been involved in these exchanges sinde the 1950s and has lots of experience.

This is an excellent point!

QOTD for Friday, December 13, 2013:

Holiday meals and goodies are upon us. Do you have a plan in place to help keep the food and goodies from TAKING OVER during the next two weeks? Do you plan to make any special "lighter" treats to help you stay OP? Or do you plan to throw caution to the wind, eat, drink, and be merry, and pay the piper on the scale in January?

BONUS QOTD:

So today is Friday the 13th! (12-13-13.... cool!)
Are you superstitious? Do you have any particular superstitions that just really bother you?

We are going to keep to our regular meals until 12/23 when my mom arrives and plan to be done after 12/26 when she leaves again. I hope by keeping things short and sweet that the damage can be kept to a minimum. I'm still trying to undo the damage from Thanksgiving and can't afford any more!

Bonus QOTD I am not really superstitious but I do think that people are weirder during a full moon.

I was a samer but I am happy not to be a gainer so I will take it. Need to work a little harder this week.

Happy Friday all!

 

[myweegirls]

Hi everyone!

A quick check-in - I've been MIA this week! I got over bronchitis and sang all the Messiah performances last weekend. We had great attendance, even with the lousy weather on Sunday! I will hopefully have a recording link I can post soon...

DH and I are leaving early tomorrow for the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic tour. SO excited. I've been running around like a crazy person this week getting ready - I'm ready for a vacation, but I don't know what we were thinking, traveling the week before Christmas! There's so much to do! Work is bananas, but I think it's mostly under control. I have wrapped the presents so that if any curious kids find their way back into my office while we're gone, they'll only find wrapped things (except stocking stuffers, which we don't wrap...). And we're just about all packed. So here we go!

I'm down this week despite not having run...I did get two stationary bike sessions in, so that's good. I'm going to do short treadmill running on this trip to stay in the zone while we're away, and then I come home to my last Dopey rehearsal. And Christmas. Whee!

Happy weekend, everyone!
XO
Liz

 

[bigsis1970]

QOTD for Thursday, December 12, 2013:


Other than weight-loss related, are you making any New Year's Resolutions? Have you made these same resolutions before? What is going to be DIFFERENT this time? Share your resolutions if you would like!

Well I am going back on my atkins plan starting in Jan and Hubs and I are joining the gym at work - we work the same hours ride together and will now work out together!
Non - weight related, I am going to try a new recipe every other week.. and I am going to try and get to bed at a decent hour 9 - 9:30ish most nights..

QOTD for Friday, December 13, 2013:

Holiday meals and goodies are upon us. Do you have a plan in place to help keep the food and goodies from TAKING OVER during the next two weeks? Do you plan to make any special "lighter" treats to help you stay OP? Or do you plan to throw caution to the wind, eat, drink, and be merry, and pay the piper on the scale in January?


BONUS QOTD:

So today is Friday the 13th! (12-13-13.... cool!)
Are you superstitious? Do you have any particular superstitions that just really bother you?

For me I am going to eat drink and be merry (within reason) I will be keeping with a plan - I am working all next week then off till 1/2/14.. so next week piece of cake, normal eating plan that I've been doing but then I am off the week of Christmas (but not Hubs) so I'll sleep in and have late breakfast and normal dinner at home - maybe a snack in the afternoon but I am making alot of goodies as I always do, bringing most of them to parties we attended and giving them as gifts but I always leave a few at home for us to enjoy. I will also be having "NY appitizer night" again this year where Hubs and I order all our fave Apps from our fave dining establishments and we feast on thost till the ball drops - plus there will be some "beverages" involved..

as for the weigh in today - I have maintained so it's all go for me.. Hope everyone else is happy with their results.. Happy Friday.. see you all Monday..

 

[pjlla]

Nothing in particular, but I'm not about to tempt fate! Staying away from black cats and cracks in the sidewalk for sure....

Can't even SEE the sidewalk cracks around here, thanks to the snow! I'll just be sure to not open my umbrella inside tonight!

153 even! 3.1 pounds to go for my goal!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!

I am not keen on year long resolutions. I much prefer breaking things into smaller, doable items. I'm sure I could use some improvement time management.

I'm not big on NY resolutions myself. I think in some ways, for some folks, it kind of sets you up for failure. But some people really like the "clean slate" of a new year to get a fresh start.

ITA that when you are tired and exhausted it makes it very difficult to make the right decision. Could you have a little snack and maybe a warm decaffinated drink at the end of the day before you go home to take the edge off before you walk in the door? As I recall your commute is a bit longer now. Maybe something you could do on your commute to hit the "reset" button and help you shift gears?

As usual, great suggestions!

Maybe something here from Pinterest via sparkpeople about busting exercise excuses will resonate with you. http://www.pinterest.com/sparkpeople/excuse-busters/
I still think that you are so active in your every day life that you are probably doing better than you think you are -- Mr. ActiveLink would tell you.

BTW I just started my 3rd ActiveLink challenge and my activity level increased 60% this year!

Actually, putting my AL to good use was the ONE NY resolution I was planning on making! You read my mind! and you are definitely my AL inspiration!!


We are going to keep to our regular meals until 12/23 when my mom arrives and plan to be done after 12/26 when she leaves again. I hope by keeping things short and sweet that the damage can be kept to a minimum. I'm still trying to undo the damage from Thanksgiving and can't afford any more!

I have a similar plan..... but it will be SO HARD to not splurge next week when DD is home and we are baking and shopping, etc!! My usual holiday plan is that I stay OP right up until Christmas Eve dinner.... then I enjoy my treats! Christmas day I usually make a "lighter" choice for breakfast and lunch (like an egg white and veggie quiche for me when the others are having regular quiche and bacon) but still enjoy a few desserts and maybe a breakfast pastry and mimosa!

Bonus QOTD I am not really superstitious but I do think that people are weirder during a full moon.

I agree! When I worked in an ER we always had the craziest days when there was a full moon! And here at school, I swear the kids are off the wall on full moon days!

I was a samer but I am happy not to be a gainer so I will take it. Need to work a little harder this week.

Happy Friday all!

We need to be "nose to the grindstone" buddies this week! One more "official" weigh-in before Christmas and it MUST be a good one or I will end the year above my maintenance goal! I have to weigh-in for work next week, so that will keep me on track, at least for the next few days!

Hi everyone!

A quick check-in - I've been MIA this week! I got over bronchitis and sang all the Messiah performances last weekend. We had great attendance, even with the lousy weather on Sunday! I will hopefully have a recording link I can post soon...

I would LOVE LOVE to see/hear it!!!

DH and I are leaving early tomorrow for the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic tour. SO excited. I've been running around like a crazy person this week getting ready - I'm ready for a vacation, but I don't know what we were thinking, traveling the week before Christmas! There's so much to do! Work is bananas, but I think it's mostly under control. I have wrapped the presents so that if any curious kids find their way back into my office while we're gone, they'll only find wrapped things (except stocking stuffers, which we don't wrap...). And we're just about all packed. So here we go!

I'm down this week despite not having run...I did get two stationary bike sessions in, so that's good. I'm going to do short treadmill running on this trip to stay in the zone while we're away, and then I come home to my last Dopey rehearsal. And Christmas. Whee!

Happy weekend, everyone!
XO
Liz

WOWZA!! Have a wonderful MAGICAL holiday time trip!!! And nice job having a plan to keep up with the training. We shall miss you!!

Well I am going back on my atkins plan starting in Jan and Hubs and I are joining the gym at work - we work the same hours ride together and will now work out together!
Non - weight related, I am going to try a new recipe every other week.. and I am going to try and get to bed at a decent hour 9 - 9:30ish most nights..

Sounds like a solid plan!! If you try any good Atkins recipes, let me know!!


For me I am going to eat drink and be merry (within reason) I will be keeping with a plan - I am working all next week then off till 1/2/14.. so next week piece of cake, normal eating plan that I've been doing but then I am off the week of Christmas (but not Hubs) so I'll sleep in and have late breakfast and normal dinner at home - maybe a snack in the afternoon but I am making alot of goodies as I always do, bringing most of them to parties we attended and giving them as gifts but I always leave a few at home for us to enjoy. I will also be having "NY appitizer night" again this year where Hubs and I order all our fave Apps from our fave dining establishments and we feast on thost till the ball drops - plus there will be some "beverages" involved..

as for the weigh in today - I have maintained so it's all go for me.. Hope everyone else is happy with their results.. Happy Friday.. see you all Monday..

Love the NYE apps idea! We usually do something similar at my Mom's house, but we make them ourselves.

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

I am realizing that I haven't answered my own QOTD! This keyboard here at school STINKS, so I'll do it when I get home! TTYL......................P

 

[pjlla]

Finish the following statement with an ACTIVITY:

I have always wanted to try SURFING !!



Finish the following statement with a FOOD:

I have always wanted to taste authentic Indian food!!

QOTD for Thursday, December 12, 2013:

Other than weight-loss related, are you making any New Year's Resolutions? Have you made these same resolutions before? What is going to be DIFFERENT this time? Share your resolutions if you would like!

I was a "dyed in the wool" NY resolution maker for years.... and it was always the same one.... to LOSE WEIGHT!! Now that I am successfully rolling along on my life-long weight-loss journey, I have STOPPED making resolutions, per say. But I always think about what positive changes I can/should make in my life.... like being more patient, being more organized, etc.

This year my "non-resolution" resolution ( ) will be to pick up the pace with my activity/exercise and really USE my ActiveLink! It is a fabulous resource, I am LUCKY that I got it for free from my company, and I am foolish if I don't utilize it!!

QOTD for Friday, December 13, 2013:

Holiday meals and goodies are upon us. Do you have a plan in place to help keep the food and goodies from TAKING OVER during the next two weeks? Do you plan to make any special "lighter" treats to help you stay OP? Or do you plan to throw caution to the wind, eat, drink, and be merry, and pay the piper on the scale in January?


I always try very hard to stay strictly OP.... right up until Christmas Eve dinner. Then all bets are off for the next 24 hours! That being said, I usually make myself some "lighter" sides to go with Christmas Eve dinner, a "lighter/leaner" Christmas morning main dish (usually an egg white and veggie quiche to go along with the egg/cheese/potato casserole I make for the rest), lighter Christmas morning pastry (I'm not a huge cinnamon roll fan and that is what I always make for the family.... so some sort of healthier but yummy muffin for myself), etc. For our M-Y-O pizza on Christmas day.... I stick with a thin whole wheat crust for myself, lowfat/fat free cheese, lots of veggies. Still super enjoyable, but not so much guilt! And then I am free to indulge in some "liquid goodies" (Christmas morning mimosa!!), and some desserts! Then the morning of 12/26 I try to hop right back on plan!

Later in the Christmas week we usually spend a few days at my Mom's house having a belated Christmas with my brother and his family, plus my cousins.... so that often involves at least one or two more "out-of-my-control" meal that I have to be careful with... I often offer to make a light soup or a salad.

No matter what, I try to watch the portions, pick only the foods that are REALLLY appealing, keep an eye on the liquid calories, skip the mindless eating (chip bowl anyone??), and ALWAYS have a plan to get RIGHT BACK on my WW eating plan the very next morning. I try VERY HARD not to let the "leftovers" linger and call to me for days after the actual holidays.


BONUS QOTD:

So today is Friday the 13th! (12-13-13.... cool!)
Are you superstitious? Do you have any particular superstitions that just really bother you?

Nothing in particular, but I remember my Grandmother being superstitious about opening umbrellas indoors and broken mirrors!

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

Evening all! Decided to invite my DH out on a "date night" while DS and his girlfriend are dancing the night away at the Snowflake semi-formal tonight. Honestly, I could count on ONE HAND the number of date nights we have had in the past 18 years! Pathetic, I know. Honestly, I LIVED for my kids for the past 18 years... but they are growing up and it is time for DH and I to actually get re-acquainted!

I will stay OP, no matter where we go.... can't afford go to nuts with the holiday fast approaching! And we will probably hit a few stores for some shopping while we are out, since we aren't picking up the kids until 10pm.

Time to iron DS's new shirt... he outgrew the one I bought last year, so I had to invest in a new one. He needs to stop growing.

Off to check out the restaurant menu online and pick my dinner!........P

 

[pjlla]

Good Saturday morning all! I see things have been really quiet here! I presume you are all in the midst of some mad holiday preparations!

My dinner last night with DH was very nice. We ended up only having enough time for dinner, but that was okay. I can hit the mall this week with DD to finish my shopping. I stayed OP except for the croutons! I LOVE the salad bar croutons at Ruby Tuesday!! I had the salad bar with two turkey minis (like sliders) and a side of grilled zucchini. I eat the turkey minis without the bun and without the mayo and they are still tasty! THis is my "go to" order there and I'm always happy with it. I can really fill up on the salad bar... love the peas and edamame and sliced zucchini!

DS and his girlfriend (Katie, btw), had a nice time at the dance. She looked STUNNING. She is absolutely a beautiful girl. DS looked pretty good too! I'll post a picture later if that is okay with him.

I would have been on here 30+ minutes ago, but I was about to post and saw an ad on the page for a Tractor Supply coupon for bird seed.... so I stoppped to print it for my Dad and then got a FB message that a woman needs a photo of something I'm selling... so I stopped to grab a quick picture and decided I might as well take a picture of the other two things I'm listing today.... and well, you know how that goes! Just a minute turns into 30 minutes!

I'm hoping to hit the grocery store before the winter storm blows in tonight. I don't need food for us for now, but I wanted to get our Christmas morning casserole made and into the freezer while I have plenty of fresh organic eggs on hand.... but I'm pretty sure I won't have all of the ingredients I need. I would rather NOT be in the store with all of the "pre-storm" crazies, but I may have no choice.

We are picking up DD tomorrow night and the heading into Providence RI to see the "Mythbusters: Behind the Myths" live show! I didn't mention this sooner because it is a Christmas gift for the kids and we hadn't told them yet (and DD is a frequent lurker here).... but I had to tell them yesterday because it changed the day I was picking up DD. I was going to pick her up today, since she finished her last final yesterday, but since this show is only about 20-30 minutes from her school, it doesn't make any sense now to do that. So she will stay today, finish writing her final paper (due Monday), finish her RA application for next year (also due Monday) and get herself packed up and we will grab her tomorrow afternoon. I plan that we will head out as soon as the roads are clear! Hopefully around lunch time! The show isn't until 7pm, but DMIL doesn't live far from there so we could visit her for a time.

Okay....so I'm rambling here! Up for today.... wrapping, cooking, cleaning and TM time! It is FAAAARRR too cold to head out to exercise here. Current outdoor temp here at nearly 9 am is 8 degrees! Brrrr! I'm guessing we probably hit zero during the night.

Off to post the QOTD!!..................P

 

[pjlla]

QOTD for Saturday, December 14, 2013:

Accomplishment I am MOST PROUD of for 2013: _________________________. (Does not have to be weight-loss related.)


BONUS QOTD:

The most USEFUL holiday/birthday gift I ever received was ________________.

The most EXTRAVAGANT holiday/birthday gift I ever received was __________.

 

[pjlla]

WOW! It's been a solid 24 hours since anyone else has been here! Hope you are all busy with holiday fun!! .....................P

 

[lisah0711]

I'm here. I read this morning but I'm on the phone now and I'm not a phone posting pro like some of you.

 

[pjlla]

I'm here. I read this morning but I'm on the phone now and I'm not a phone posting pro like some of you.

Well, I feel a LITTLE less lonely now!

I got a lot done today.... the majority of my wrapping is done (but I have discovered I have OVER bought for DD and waaaay UNDER bought for DS!!). Laundry is caught up and I spent some time sorting through my most recent WW delivery.

Dinner was tasty but not too exciting, but I'll have some while I watch a Christmas movie tonight (hoping to bribe one of the guys to watch it with me!).

See you all in the SNOWY morning!...................P

 

[jillbur]

Hello

I feel so bad that I barely have time to check in around here. Not having internet at work this week really put me behind. I am still trying to read along and I am still PMing my weigh ins. Just know that I am thinking of everyone and I will check in when I can. Have a great night.

Jill

 

[lisah0711]

For me I am going to eat drink and be merry (within reason) I will be keeping with a plan - I am working all next week then off till 1/2/14.. so next week piece of cake, normal eating plan that I've been doing but then I am off the week of Christmas (but not Hubs) so I'll sleep in and have late breakfast and normal dinner at home - maybe a snack in the afternoon but I am making alot of goodies as I always do, bringing most of them to parties we attended and giving them as gifts but I always leave a few at home for us to enjoy. I will also be having "NY appitizer night" again this year where Hubs and I order all our fave Apps from our fave dining establishments and we feast on thost till the ball drops - plus there will be some "beverages" involved..

as for the weigh in today - I have maintained so it's all go for me.. Hope everyone else is happy with their results.. Happy Friday.. see you all Monday..

Sounds like some fun celebrations in your future. Enjoy your time off!


Accomplishment I am MOST PROUD of for 2013: For my weight loss related accomplishment, I'm hoping this happens before the end of the year. Non-weight loss related? That I broke my three race did not finish streak to finish my fifth half marathon in May. (Does not have to be weight-loss related.)

The most USEFUL holiday/birthday gift I ever received was a wedding gift -- a cutting board for bread that we have used just about every day for the last 20 years. It looks like this except ours has a bread knife with it, too.

The most EXTRAVAGANT holiday/birthday gift I ever received was a 12 night Mediterranean cruise on the Magic this summer. Actually that was a present for all of us that took up quite a few holiday gifts.

Well, I feel a LITTLE less lonely now!

I got a lot done today.... the majority of my wrapping is done (but I have discovered I have OVER bought for DD and waaaay UNDER bought for DS!!). Laundry is caught up and I spent some time sorting through my most recent WW delivery.

Dinner was tasty but not too exciting, but I'll have some while I watch a Christmas movie tonight (hoping to bribe one of the guys to watch it with me!).

See you all in the SNOWY morning!...................P

Cash is the great equalizer, Pamela! And I've never met a teen boy yet who didn't think that was a fabulous gift.

Hello

I feel so bad that I barely have time to check in around here. Not having internet at work this week really put me behind. I am still trying to read along and I am still PMing my weigh ins. Just know that I am thinking of everyone and I will check in when I can. Have a great night.

Jill

Some weeks are like that. Hang in there! Thanks for checking in when you can.

Hope everyone is safe from the big snow storm. After having temps close to zero for days in a row we now get a week of 30's and rain so warmer weather may be heading your way soon. Crazy winter weather!

Happy Sunday!

 

[pjlla]

Hello

I feel so bad that I barely have time to check in around here. Not having internet at work this week really put me behind. I am still trying to read along and I am still PMing my weigh ins. Just know that I am thinking of everyone and I will check in when I can. Have a great night.

Jill

Don't be sorry! We understand... well... Lisa and I understand, since we seem to be the only ones left to keep the home fires burning!! JK!!


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

Happy SNOWY Sunday all!! We received about 12-14 inches of the lovely (??) fluffy white stuff! DH is out snowblowing now while I sit here, snuggly warm with my coffee!

As soon as we think the roads are clear, we will head out to RI to pick up DD. Not sure what we will do with the extra time between picking her up and the show in Providence at 7pm. We will need to have dinner and find parking, so that will easily eat up 1-2 hours. There is a big mall/galleria in Providence... if isn't TOO crazy, maybe we will check it out.

Having some very solid OP days here and I am really happy about that. I know once DD is here and gets into her holiday baking mode, it will be much harder to stay on plan! But I need ONE MORE good weigh-in before Christmas! I will weigh-in this Friday (and hopefully show a loss of at least a pound!), and then again on Tuesday morning (Christmas Eve), just to get a true "before and after" holiday weight. DD and I plan to get in some workouts whenever/where ever we can while she is home. I know she will inspire me to get moving! The only problem is that NEITHER of us has a gym membership now. We are going to check into a temporary/trial membership at DH's gym. But I have plenty of workout equipment here if it comes to that.

I won't post a new QOTD, since yesterday's is still sitting there untouched!!

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

 

[lisah0711]

Don't be sorry! We understand... well... Lisa and I understand, since we seem to be the only ones left to keep the home fires burning!! JK!!


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

Happy SNOWY Sunday all!! We received about 12-14 inches of the lovely (??) fluffy white stuff! DH is out snowblowing now while I sit here, snuggly warm with my coffee!

As soon as we think the roads are clear, we will head out to RI to pick up DD. Not sure what we will do with the extra time between picking her up and the show in Providence at 7pm. We will need to have dinner and find parking, so that will easily eat up 1-2 hours. There is a big mall/galleria in Providence... if isn't TOO crazy, maybe we will check it out.

Having some very solid OP days here and I am really happy about that. I know once DD is here and gets into her holiday baking mode, it will be much harder to stay on plan! But I need ONE MORE good weigh-in before Christmas! I will weigh-in this Friday (and hopefully show a loss of at least a pound!), and then again on Tuesday morning (Christmas Eve), just to get a true "before and after" holiday weight. DD and I plan to get in some workouts whenever/where ever we can while she is home. I know she will inspire me to get moving! The only problem is that NEITHER of us has a gym membership now. We are going to check into a temporary/trial membership at DH's gym. But I have plenty of workout equipment here if it comes to that.

I won't post a new QOTD, since yesterday's is still sitting there untouched!!

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

Pamela, safe travels today and I know that you will be so happy to see your DD. Your Mythbusters outing sounds like a ton of fun! I'm sure they put on a great show. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Safe travels and enjoy!

 

[pjlla]

Accomplishment I am MOST PROUD of for 2013: For my weight loss related accomplishment, I'm hoping this happens before the end of the year. Non-weight loss related? That I broke my three race did not finish streak to finish my fifth half marathon in May. (Does not have to be weight-loss related.)

That is REALLY something to be proud of!!

The most USEFUL holiday/birthday gift I ever received was a wedding gift -- a cutting board for bread that we have used just about every day for the last 20 years. It looks like this except ours has a bread knife with it, too.

Who would have guessed??


The most EXTRAVAGANT holiday/birthday gift I ever received was a 12 night Mediterranean cruise on the Magic this summer. Actually that was a present for all of us that took up quite a few holiday gifts.

Lucky lady!!

Cash is the great equalizer, Pamela! And I've never met a teen boy yet who didn't think that was a fabulous gift.

You are right about that! Anyhow, I pulled out his original gift list that I had sort of "poo-pooed" because it was all COMPUTER stuff and ordered two things from the list, plus I bought a gift certificate for an "experience" that he has wanted to do for a while (indoor skydiving). That certainly took up another good chunk of the budget for him, so I will say I am nearly caught up!

Hope everyone is safe from the big snow storm. After having temps close to zero for days in a row we now get a week of 30's and rain so warmer weather may be heading your way soon. Crazy winter weather!

Happy Sunday!

Actually, they are saying it is going to get even colder around here. Last night highs were 0 - 15 and tonights highs are 0 to MINUS 15!!

Pamela, safe travels today and I know that you will be so happy to see your DD. Your Mythbusters outing sounds like a ton of fun! I'm sure they put on a great show. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Safe travels and enjoy!

Just found out that it is an audience participation show! Getting kind of excited about it! I think it will be a fun family night!!

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

Off to be productive!......................P

 

[Eliza32]

I'm here!!!!

Have been eating all sorts of naughty goodies this week, but the scales still say 162 (I jumped on 3 times to make sure!!) so my food and drink habits have not made a difference....yet!!! I've developed a Jim Beam Red Stag habit...but only one per evening!! (A measure that is, not a bottle!!)

My helping out at the homless project 2 evenings ago was a very humbling eperience. All of the peole that came to see us for hot drinks, food and clothing were so friendly and polite. It really made me grateful for what I've got. Listening to some of the circumstances of why these peole are on the streets made me realise that it really could happen to any one of us.

Soooooo, NY resolutions....I don't really do them as it's just something to break, but this year I am really committing to carry on the running for as long as my body will let me. I have tentatively agreed to do the Great North Run (UK Half Marathon) in 2015......plenty of time to train!!! I have already identified 3 10K races to complete next year though. One in March, one in July and one in October. Got to add to my t-shirt collection. Did good in the 5K yesterday....not a PB, but my 3rd best time, which after a late night in the freezing cold didn't seem so bad!

My accomplishment for 2013....well I guess it has to be my 78lb weight loss!!! I felt fantastic going out in a size 16 dress last night to OH's Work 'do' when last year I was a size 26 (UK sizes).....lots of his colleagues, both male and female gave me really positive comments, so I guess I finally have to accept the difference!!! I can see the number on the scales, but still sometimes have a hard time seeing it when I look in the mirror.

OH has been to IKEA today with a friend who has just bought their first home.....I really enjoyed the day to myself......finished off the little bits of shopping I needed for presents, did a bit of cooking (made some 3-2-1 soup....more of that later!) and generally chilled out. I logged onto my work email account to prepare for tomorrow and got some really good news....I have been trying to get our company registered with a national accredditation scheme for Health & Safety and it has been a hard slog........well at 21:15 last night the assessor sent me an email to say we've passed.......no small personal victory for me as I've done all of the work myself for it.

Anyway, enough of me waffling on!! I'll leave you with my 3-2-1 soup recipe......it sounds odd, but tastes lovely and is really cheap to make (well, at least it is in the UK!!)

Take 3 cans of tomatoes, 2 cans of baked beans and 1 can of carrots. Heat it all up in a pan then blitz with a stick blender. Add 5 pickled onions (do you guys have those??), 3 tbsp of red wine vinegar and a large handful of fresh basil. Blitz again and serve. This makes 6 generous portions and freezes really well for lunches or a quick dinner. I can get all 6 cans in Lidl for under £2 ($3ish)..someone else I know hs used balsamic vinegar intead of the red wine vinegar, but I've not tried that myself yet.

Will try to check in a bit more now the pressure is off a bit at work.

Take care everyone.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone!

This thread has become really slow, but I am so grateful that it is still around. The weekend has been much better than last week and I feel like I am starting to get out of that mood of not being able to eat healthy. Thanks to all the support I got last week!

Pam, you mentioned how groups are far more important when you are struggling than when everything is fine, but that those are the times when people start to disappear. I used to be that way, I guess it has to do with the feeling that you are a failure while everyone else is able to tackle their demons while oneself is struggling. And then there is a certain amount of jealousy over other's successes even if those are well earned. It's just easier to disappear. That's why I really love hosting when I know that a time is going to be difficult for me as I can't just disappear. And it also helps that by now, I feel like I belong to this group and know that people won't judge me if I have a horrible month.

The weekend continued the busy theme. I managed to finish a photo book with scanned slides for my father. That was quite a huge project! I hope he will like the end result!

And congratulations to this weeks losers and maintainers!! I have just updated the first page. I hope the next week will be a successful one for all of us!!