WISH Away the Pounds *~*Fabulous February Challenge*~* Everyone Welcome <3

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Hi everyone! I'm very excited to be joining for the first time.

and good luck hitting your first goal of ONEderland soon!

It's wonderful to see you over here. I'm joining for the first time, too. I need some serious accountability. Best of luck reaching your goals.

I'm not quite comfortable with talking about my weight yet, because it's reached a point where I am utterly embarrassed by that number, but I'll say that my goal this month is to lose 8 pounds.

Nice to meet everyone.

You never need to share your number if you don't feel comfortable here so no worries. But you can't beat this place for accountability and support.

Hi everyone! Back in for February. I had a good January, so you'd think those last 3.6 pounds to get back to WW goal weight wouldn't seem so intimidating, and yet they are. Why are the last few always the hardest??

I got out for a 7-mile run today. It was re-entry by fire - I'd barely run since Dopey in January. I needed the rest after that challenge, but I'd have started back sooner if not for the nasty cold that knocked me out for a week. Today was a rare day here lately - 50 degrees and sunny! We get that again tomorrow before another storm tomorrow night, and colder temps on Monday. I'm so ready for this winter to be over. That groundhog and I are going to have a serious chat tomorrow morning...

Those last few are some of the hardest especially when you are training for another race but I have faith that you can do it! I think someone needs to have another talk with that groundhog.

Pamela, glad that you are feeling better!

willonlyflytodisney, glad to hear that your apartment is staying warm.

Make healthy food choices, and if you splurge jump right back on track tomorrow.

Excellent reminder, Rose!

Hi joining in this month! Wanting a way to monitor my weight loss in my last month pre-op.

Yeah this girly is having bariatric surgery the 24th of February.

and good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Last month I started really strong and had two good fist weeks, which is longer than I have been able to do in the past. I allowed the stress of my job to get to me and then ended up falling off of the wagon, but I am roud of what I did accomplish .I have cooked more than I did in a long time, have not eaten out as much, and have stayed mostly vegetarian (falling off within the last week or so).

Sorry for all the work issues. Here's to a better February!

If you still need a coach I can do it a Mon - Friday? just let me know when.. I just don't have a computer at home so it'shard to do it on my phone that I just wait till Monday to get back on here.

Nice to see you, Michelle!

It looks like we do still need coaches. I can start my coaching gig a day early -- tomorrow -- and that will get us through the week-end. If you could do Monday through Friday next week then that would give Amanda some more time to fill out the rest of the schedule for the month. Please be brave and consider taking a coaching slot folks!

I would like to join please. I did so well over the summer and lost 40 pounds. I am sure I have gained it all back. I will PM my weight tomorrow once I know what it is, I am afraid to see.

I have a lot to lose and I know what to do but for some reason I lose motivation. I also struggle with time. I work full time, have 3 kids, plus husband and dog. I am afraid if I don't make the time to exercise and make it a priority for me to get healthy, time won't matter because I won't be around for my family.

How does everyone balance family, job, and finding time to exercise?

I do really well with drinking water, because that is all I drink. I need to watch my portion control and I need to exercise!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and hopefully will be inspired to do what I NEED to do!

Sorry that you are having to reclaim some lost ground but you know you can do it and I'm sure you have some ideas on how to keep it off again. It is tough when we all know WHAT to do but have problems with the execution. You can't take care of everyone else if you don't take care of yourself first. You can do it!

Well a new month. Set my goal pretty low for the month but knowing how much I struggled just to lose 2 pounds last month it seems right. I'm actually down 6 pounds since I started a week before January so doing pretty good over all. My scale's been behaving much better with new batteries also.

Yay for a great start to your year, Susan!

Hi Everyone

I am trying to get back on track this month. I am so sick of winter I am done with living in a cold climate.
Anyone else eat more in winter?
I am exercising 5 days a week but need to up the endurance.

Good luck everyone with eating healthy and exercising this week.

Winter is definately tough -- I just feel like I want to hibernate. But summer is coming! Good luck to you, too!

Jill, so glad that you had a great time at the Elton John concert!

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

I am a big fan of air popped popcorn. It's even a power food on WW. I like to add a little lemon pepper on mine for more flavor.

 

[pjlla]

Let's see...I used to feel guilty working out when I could be cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning, helping with homework, or playing with the kids. Then I realized that working out made me such a better mom! I have more energy and more patience for any arguing (sons are 10 & 7). I work full time and work out right after work. Luckily, DH works midnight 12 hour shifts Fri, Sat, and Sun nights so he is here to get the kids from school and get them started on homework. When I get home from the gym, DH and I make dinner then rush off to whatever activity the kids have that night, if they have anything. On the weekends, I get up first thing and workout.

How old are your kids? Mine are old enough now to leave while DH is home sleeping on the weekends, so I can go to the gym or out for a walk/run while they veg out. Soccer is starting back up, though, so I have to rearrange my weekend schedule next month.

I lack motivation some days, but I try to remember that I've never felt terrible after a workout. I've never finished a workout and thought, "well, that was a waste of time." I always feel great and it keeps me going. Sticking to a routine helps a lot, too. I would look at your schedule and try to schedule in any time you can find. Take a 10 minute walk, do sit ups, push ups, and lunges while watching tv, etc. If you can squeeze in smaller times instead of a full hour, it's better than nothing


All well said!!!

I agree with Pamela (pjlla). I don't necessarily eat more, but I crave warm carbs. I want breads, pizza, and pastas instead of a cold salad. Tracking calories helps me stay on track. I'll look at something that I think looks so yummy and look at the calories. Sometimes it's worth it and sometimes it's not. Today I really wanted a pepperoni roll. It's carby and warm and yummy...but 440 calories was not worth it at all!

Glad you checked the calorie count first!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome to all the new friends and hello to all the old ones

Pamela~I hope you're feeling better!

Yup, better today and I slept well last night! THanks for asking.

ELTON JOHN ROCKS! He put on the best concert ever. He came out at 8 and played until 10:38, no intermission. And, he sounded great. Some people don't sound as good live, but he was amazing. Our seats were pretty good for last minute and behind & to the side of the stage. A black curtain blocked the very back of the stage, but we had a perfect view of the band and Elton. He also turned and waved to us a ton I have to say that before we got the last minute released tickets, I would never think of paying $100 or more for a ticket to see anyone. But, after that concert, I would pay it in a heartbeat to see him again.

Wow! Sounds like a terrific show!

I thought February would be a bit more normal with school and the weather, but I'm not so sure now. January was terrible with the polar vortex stuff and the cancellations and 2 hour delays. My students were bonkers and we really just need to get back to a routine. But, now we have another winter storm coming tomorrow evening. I am hoping we don't get 8 inches of snow so we can actually have a full week of school days this week (no delays, no cancellations). It would be the first since Christmas (oops...winter) break. I actually don't mind a couple inches of snow...just not 8!

DS10 just got back from his drum lesson, so I am off to get the kids ready for bed and get organized for tomorrow. Have a good evening.

Jill

We finally had a full week last week and of course, now this week, it looks like a snow day tomorrow... and that will put us officially OVER the 3 storm days we have built into the calendar. So now we are up to June 18 (if we DO, in fact have a snow day tomorrow) as the last day. Not too bad, but I hope that this is the last of it.

Stay warm, stay safe, and find something fun to do if you get stuck at home!

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

Celery and Laughing Cow cheese, apples, grapefruit (although I eat them in a strange way and it makes them kind of messy and slow to eat),apples, WW cheese sticks, apples, baby carrots, apples, homemade fruit cups, apples, hummus/guacamole/cottage cheese in 100 calorie cups (although I don't splurge on these very often.... too much plastic for the environment), apples, plain shredded wheat cereal (kind of bland, but nice and crunchy).... and oh, did I mention....apples! I eat apples pretty much year round. As long as they are crunchy, I'm happy.

Thank you! I'm blessed to live in such a beautiful place. Everywhere I look is postcard perfect.

Thank you for the well wishes. It's tough going, but we're hoping for the best. It's so hard to see him so sick on chemo days.

Bit more about my Journey ...

I'm doing paleo/primal, plus dairy. I'll give up my cake and potatoes, but you'll have to pry the cheese out of my cold, dead hands. DH and I have been doing it on and off for the last couple years, and I've seen some very good results. My problem in the past, though, is that we ate way too many paleo desserts. Aside form being a pain in the butt to make, they tend to be pretty carb heavy. They're much healthier than twinkies and stuff like that, but carbs and I don't get along if I don't want to hit a weightloss wall. I swear, I've lost and gained back the same 20 pounds so many times that I am beginning to doubt I can lose any weight past that point. Frustration at the scale not moving lead to us ditching the lifestyle for "comfort" foods.

So here I am, determined that this WILL be the time I get back to my pre-life-issues weight. I told DH that if he wants sweets, he better get them and eat them at work, because they'll be a rarity here for a few months. And so far, it is working very well. I love the whole foods lifestyle so much. I am looking forward to growing much of what we'll eat, starting this year. Garden, chickens for eggs and meat, turkey, rabbits for meat, and a couple cows for milk and meat. Like I said, I'm wallowing in my dream. I used to haul a lot of meat back in my trucking days, and the horrors there are enough to make anyone go vegan. I couldn't eat meat for a couple years, and I can still smell that slaughterhouse smell when I think of it. Add to it the growing amount of uncertainty in our food supply in general, and I am so relieved to be getting off that wagon.

With your husband going through chemo, giving up the sugar and carbs is really important. Sugar feeds tumors and when you are trying to KILL tumors, you might as well starve them as well as poison them! So good job kicking the dessert habit. Natural sweets (dates, apples, bananas, figs) in moderation will help if you want a treat!

I'm jealous that you get to know where your meat is coming from, how it has been treated, and what it has eaten. Good for you!!

Winters are obviously rough out here, so I bought a treadmill so I can walk indoors without freezing to death. They're calling for temps with windchill of -45 tomorrow. But I'll be toasty and comfortable when I exercise. It's slow going, half because of the weight and half because of service related deteriorating health, but I am committed.

Which brings me around to a public service I do at every chance I get.

If anyone knows someone who was stationed at Ft. McClellan, Alabama ... Please start sending them web search articles found by searching for things like "Ft. McClellan toxic veterans".
Here's a couple good ones to start with:
http://www.chicagonow.com/uncommon-sense/2013/08/toxic-vets-ft-mcclellan-08072013/
http://lawenforcementtoday.com/tag/fort-mcclellan-alabama/

We were unknowingly exposed to a whole host of nasty stuff, from Monsanto's PCBs, to ionizing radiation. I am an agent orange veteran, and I have never set foot on Vietnam. The VA continues to fight our begging for presumptive status, and to date neither they nor the government we faithfully served have notified a single veteran of their exposure. So we must do it ourselves. If you know someone, please tell them.

/off soap box


Feel free to climb on that soap box any time you want, as far as I am concerned! Monstanto = EVIL in this house. I'll check out your links later when I have a minute.


I'd seriously kill for an apple right now. My favorite are the organic Opals. <3 But, too many carbs for me. I did can a bunch of them a couple months ago, so they'll be waiting for me as an occasional treat.

Favorite snack items around here are babybel cheese (the crack of cheeses), the bold flavored diamond almonds, mixed olives and beef jerky. Not real creative, but it's quick.

G
Pamela, glad that you are feeling better!

THANKS!

It looks like we do still need coaches. I can start my coaching gig a day early -- tomorrow -- and that will get us through the week-end. If you could do Monday through Friday next week then that would give Amanda some more time to fill out the rest of the schedule for the month. Please be brave and consider taking a coaching slot folks!

I volunteer to come in to coach after you are done Lisa....what day are you scheduled to finish up??

I am a big fan of air popped popcorn. It's even a power food on WW. I like to add a little lemon pepper on mine for more flavor.

Do love me some popcorn too!! But I love it a bit too much and have had to put it on the "no" list, at least for Mon-Fri for now! Lisa, are you trying Simple Start??
***********************

Morning all! Bright and sunny here today, but the snow is due to start sometime during the night and we are in the 8" - 12" belt, so I'm going out on a limb here and saying there will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow...

Today is my WW meeting, so I have to prep for that today.... and I've ended up running around like a crazy nut the last few Tuesdays, so I am prepping NOW, so that if things get in my way later I'm not late!

DH is heading off to a wake in MA later and I will be leaving for WW before 4pm, so no family dinner tonight.... so tonight's dinner (already made) will be saved for tomorrow night and tomorrow night's (still in the freezer) will be taken off the menu and saved for another day. DS can have a frozen pizza when he gets home, before Robotics, and I will just have a sandwich when I get home from my meeting. There.... dinner is done!

Time to move the laundry along! TTYL......................P

 

[willonlyflytodisney]

Good morning, all! Happy Tuesday!

Today was a rough start for me - my heat must have gone off at some point in the night, as I woke up freezing. I proceeded to cover myself in blankets, and then of course woke up a couple hours of later sweating, because the heat came back on. Oy. How many more days until spring?!

But, I powered through my BIG GIRL pushups as I've taken to calling them now, and I succeeded! Even more exciting, I inspired my friend to join WW yesterday. At first I felt weird - weight loss has always been something very personal to me, not really something I wanted to share because I have a tendency to be competitive. Since I'm usually the one who doesn't get results, I end up spending more time being jealous of other people, rather than happy about my success. So, I try to avoid telling people how I'm losing weight, or telling people that I am at all!

But, then I realized that she joined because she was inspired by me - I was the one that she was jealous of! It was a very strange feeling to have! For once, I got to be the one to explain a program to someone, to tell them what worked or didn't work for me when I started and it felt awesome.

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Fondue and World Nutella Day. Obviously not the healthiest of holidays! But, a little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone, so maybe I'll drizzle a bit on some popcorn for an extra kick!

I would like to join please. I did so well over the summer and lost 40 pounds. I am sure I have gained it all back. I will PM my weight tomorrow once I know what it is, I am afraid to see.

How does everyone balance family, job, and finding time to exercise?

I don't think anyone knows the perfect equation, and even if people seem like they've got it figured out, they usually have just as many slip ups as the rest of us. I think it's all about making time for you. For me, I didn't have that time. So, I decided to get up earlier than I normally do to work out. Suddenly, I found all of these things I was doing at night that were fun, and relaxing, but could be replaced. So, that meant leaving early from that dinner party, calling my mother on my lunch break instead of at night, or going to bed early instead of watching my favorite show that airs at 10pm, but I've yet to find a day where it didn't feel worth it.

Most importantly, you have to find the balance that works for YOU!

Well a new month. Set my goal pretty low for the month but knowing how much I struggled just to lose 2 pounds last month it seems right. I'm actually down 6 pounds since I started a week before January so doing pretty good over all. My scale's been behaving much better with new batteries also.

WTG! 6 pounds! That's awesome!

Anyone else eat more in winter?

YUP. Without a doubt. In the summer, it's too hot to eat a lot at one time. In the winter, its hard NOT to! It also doesn't help that most of the big meal holidays fall in winter as well. Whenever I go to the kitchen because I'm hungry for food, even though I know I'm already full, I make a cup of tea. If that doesn't work, I chew a stick of sugar free gum - that usually helps any MUNCH cravings.

ELTON JOHN ROCKS! He put on the best concert ever. He came out at 8 and played until 10:38, no intermission. And, he sounded great.

Sounds AWESOME!!! How lucky that you got to see him live!!!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!
And I just started receiving Graze boxes, which I have delivered to work to keep around for snacks much better than anything I might find in the vending machine!

What are Graze boxes? They sound yummy!

I'm a very routine person - I love trying new things, but I have absolutely no problem eating the same thing every day for a long period of time. To give you an idea, I've been eating Cheerios with skim milk and cut up banana for breakfast every day... for about 11 years! Now, I will change it up every once in awhile, but it doesn't bother me.

So, snack wise, I love my greek yogurt from light and fit as a morning snack - peach or strawberry taste the best to me. And in the afternoon, I have 6 wheat thins with laughing cow light cheese! Yum! If I'm headed out, I'll take string cheese or Trader Joe's mini brie bites, and of course, what I'm eating right now with my lunch - APPLES! I love Macintosh apples SO much. When I was on my road trip this summer, I got a car air freshener from Yankee candle that smelled like Macintosh Apples, and it was HEAVENLY!

I also like grapes, and grape tomatoes as go-to snacks that I can put in ziplock bags, and popcorners kettle chips.

Favorite snack items around here are babybel cheese (the crack of cheeses), the bold flavored diamond almonds, mixed olives and beef jerky. Not real creative, but it's quick.

It totally is the crack of cheeses! And, you preach whenever you want to! That's definitely a cause worthy of it!

It looks like we do still need coaches. I can start my coaching gig a day early -- tomorrow -- and that will get us through the week-end. If you could do Monday through Friday next week then that would give Amanda some more time to fill out the rest of the schedule for the month. Please be brave and consider taking a coaching slot folks!

I volunteer to come in to coach after you are done Lisa....what day are you scheduled to finish up??

If Lisa takes the 5-9, and bigsis1970 takes the 10-14, then Pam if you take the 15-19, I can do the 20-24! Then we'd just need one more for those final 4 days.

Does that work for everyone?

 

[bigsis1970]

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

For me... I love love love honeycrisp apples! Also, I know I have bragged about these before, but I love Sonoma Carb Cutting Tortillas from Trader Joes (60 cals, 7 gs fiber and 5gs protein). I like to sprinkle some shredded cheese and garlic powder on it, toast it up, and serve with a bit of salsa for a quick yummy snack! And I just started receiving Graze boxes, which I have delivered to work to keep around for snacks much better than anything I might find in the vending machine!

Well I like to have nuts around - almonds and reg good old salted ones in the shell.. I also keep around some sugar free chocolate (whitmans or russell stovers) your tortilla snack sounds YUM

Pam let me know how the Zuppa comes out when you make it.. it was delish last night.. and the leftovers will be too! I have had both vanilla and chocolate Bryers low carb ice cream and they are SOOO good.. you are exactly right about it being a nice sweet treat and worth every point/carb!

had to leave work this morning to bring the Hubs home sick.. seems he has caught what DS had last week.. so with the snow coming tonight I'll be stuck home well I'll choose to stay home vs. driving the truck which is our only vechile at the moment so i'll see you all Thursday .. everyone be careful if you have to be out and about in the bad weather.. Michelle

 

[bigsis1970]

Coaching Schedule

We will have coaches for this challenge. Coaches post the Question of the Day (QOTD), do replies, and generally keep our conversation moving. Coaching is a lot of fun and coaches often enjoy what we call "the coaching effect" and have a great loss the weeks that they coach. It is a lot of fun!

Here is the coaching schedule for February. The coaching time offive days seems to be working... giving us a little more variety and making it easier on our coaches who do so much for us.

These challenges are "run" by volunteers and it takes everyone participating to make a successful challenge.

2/01 - 2/05
2/06 - 2/10 lisah0711 (Lisa)
2/11 - 2/15
2/16 - 2/20
2/26 - 2/28

Thanks to all who have volunteered to coach!

I can take 11 -14 , I don't have a home computer so weekends would be out for me (or I can go 10-14 if Lisa wants to give me Mon, it doesn't matter) Just let me know so I can be thinking about my questions!

 

[lisah0711]

If Lisa takes the 5-9, and bigsis1970 takes the 10-14, then Pam if you take the 15-19, I can do the 20-24! Then we'd just need one more for those final 4 days.

Does that work for everyone?

That works for me! Thanks for jumping and volunteering to coach later this month. We almost have the month covered.

Hopefully that will work for Michelle and Pamela also.

Michelle, sorry your DH is sick now too. that everyone keeps their germs to themselves at your house.

 

[Deffenm]

Thank you all for the advise and support. My DH coaches soccer so he works in the eveings from 6-10 and then on the weekends. My kids are 10, 13, 14. I don't feel comfortable leaving them all home alone. I can leave my 14 and 10 year old home for about an hour and would be ok but DS13 has behavior disorders and can't be left alone. You all inspired me last night though so I went home, changed my clothes, and told DH I was taking the dog for a walk (25 degrees - brrr...). I asked him to start dinner and help DS14 with his homework. You know what? DH started dinner and DS waited until I got back to finish his homework, and I was able to get in a 45 min walk. I realized that I need to SPEAK UP and ask for help. I always try to be the supermom/wife and do everything, but I am not going to be able to and take care of myself. Tonight DH has soccer practice and so I will make dinner, help DS14 with homework and after the kids finish eating I will walk on the treadmill. I will just have to take it one day at time.

My favorite snack: popcorn, gala apples, cheese, trail mix

 

[pjlla]

Good morning, all! Happy Tuesday!

Today was a rough start for me - my heat must have gone off at some point in the night, as I woke up freezing. I proceeded to cover myself in blankets, and then of course woke up a couple hours of later sweating, because the heat came back on. Oy. How many more days until spring?!

OH MY!!


But, I powered through my BIG GIRL pushups as I've taken to calling them now, and I succeeded! Even more exciting, I inspired my friend to join WW yesterday. At first I felt weird - weight loss has always been something very personal to me, not really something I wanted to share because I have a tendency to be competitive. Since I'm usually the one who doesn't get results, I end up spending more time being jealous of other people, rather than happy about my success. So, I try to avoid telling people how I'm losing weight, or telling people that I am at all!

But, then I realized that she joined because she was inspired by me - I was the one that she was jealous of! It was a very strange feeling to have! For once, I got to be the one to explain a program to someone, to tell them what worked or didn't work for me when I started and it felt awesome.

Glad you realized that you are AWESOME!!

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Fondue and World Nutella Day. Obviously not the healthiest of holidays! But, a little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone, so maybe I'll drizzle a bit on some popcorn for an extra kick!

DD has already informed me about World Nutella day and she has been holding off opening the TWO jars she has at school (too much temptation).... but I think tomorrow will be it! Maybe she could share it with the girls in her suite.



I don't think anyone knows the perfect equation, and even if people seem like they've got it figured out, they usually have just as many slip ups as the rest of us. I think it's all about making time for you. For me, I didn't have that time. So, I decided to get up earlier than I normally do to work out. Suddenly, I found all of these things I was doing at night that were fun, and relaxing, but could be replaced. So, that meant leaving early from that dinner party, calling my mother on my lunch break instead of at night, or going to bed early instead of watching my favorite show that airs at 10pm, but I've yet to find a day where it didn't feel worth it.

SO WELL SAID!!!!!!!!!!

Most importantly, you have to find the balance that works for YOU!

If Lisa takes the 5-9, and bigsis1970 takes the 10-14, then Pam if you take the 15-19, I can do the 20-24! Then we'd just need one more for those final 4 days.

Does that work for everyone?

Works for me!

Well I like to have nuts around - almonds and reg good old salted ones in the shell.. I also keep around some sugar free chocolate (whitmans or russell stovers) your tortilla snack sounds YUM

Pam let me know how the Zuppa comes out when you make it.. it was delish last night.. and the leftovers will be too!

Will do.

I have had both vanilla and chocolate Bryers low carb ice cream and they are SOOO good.. you are exactly right about it being a nice sweet treat and worth every point/carb!

Wish I had some right now!



had to leave work this morning to bring the Hubs home sick.. seems he has caught what DS had last week.. so with the snow coming tonight I'll be stuck home well I'll choose to stay home vs. driving the truck which is our only vechile at the moment so i'll see you all Thursday .. everyone be careful if you have to be out and about in the bad weather.. Michelle

Stay warm and stay safe!!

Thank you all for the advise and support. My DH coaches soccer so he works in the eveings from 6-10 and then on the weekends. My kids are 10, 13, 14. I don't feel comfortable leaving them all home alone. I can leave my 14 and 10 year old home for about an hour and would be ok but DS13 has behavior disorders and can't be left alone. You all inspired me last night though so I went home, changed my clothes, and told DH I was taking the dog for a walk (25 degrees - brrr...). I asked him to start dinner and help DS14 with his homework. You know what? DH started dinner and DS waited until I got back to finish his homework, and I was able to get in a 45 min walk. I realized that I need to SPEAK UP and ask for help. I always try to be the supermom/wife and do everything, but I am not going to be able to and take care of myself. Tonight DH has soccer practice and so I will make dinner, help DS14 with homework and after the kids finish eating I will walk on the treadmill. I will just have to take it one day at time.

Yup... that is all you can do sometimes! But it works!

My favorite snack: popcorn, gala apples, cheese, trail mix

Lots of apple lovers here!

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

Showered and outfit picked and ironed for work tonight. Next up I'll head out to stop at the P.O. and pick up DS. Then home for a quick change and heading out to my meeting. Looking forward to the Biggest Loser Finale tonight!! .....................P

 

[araes2102]

A BIG to everyone who has stepped up to coach! I slotted Michelle in for 2/11-2/15 since she doesn't have a home computer (you can always post the QOTD for 2/15 on the day before, or if you can't... I can take care of it because I will be home! And Pamela, I slotted you in for 2/16- 2/20. I also slotted willonlyflytodisney in for 2/21-2/25. So we almost have the month covered! Please let me know if there need to be any changes or I got something wrong!

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

Okay, today I am back on track. Breakfast was a blueberry/hemp snack square. Lunch was an avocado Vera Cruz salad (kale, arugula, grape tomatoes, frozen corn, chopped red pepper, avocado, and Bolthouse Farms avocado/cilantro dressing.) I am gettign ready to go out and shovel snow before my husband comes home. Unfortunately, they had a network server go down and he had to go on site . They've asked us not to travel if at all possible today, but thankfully his car has good traction control.

In other news... I am officially shaving my head for the fourth time through St. Baldricks Foundation! I want to lose 10-15 lbs beforehand so I won't cringe when I get to the after pictures. My participant website is: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/jessitroester

I can't wait. I am a Wish Granter with Make A Wish and have personally known several childhood cancer survivors, including my best friend. I teach a girl who has survived multiple cancers and is heartbreaking what her family has gone through. So this organization is very near and dear to my heart.

Here is my "before" picture:

 

[50sjayne]

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

For me... I love love love honeycrisp apples! Also, I know I have bragged about these before, but I love Sonoma Carb Cutting Tortillas from Trader Joes (60 cals, 7 gs fiber and 5gs protein). I like to sprinkle some shredded cheese and garlic powder on it, toast it up, and serve with a bit of salsa for a quick yummy snack! And I just started receiving Graze boxes, which I have delivered to work to keep around for snacks much better than anything I might find in the vending machine!

My favorite apples are honeycrisp and pink ladies. I have been enjoying pineapple cottage cheese with chips. I know the chips aren't good but they are made at my store in trans fat free oil and they are really fresh and good. I make ceviche at the store too and I love that--it's shrimp, fake crab, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, jalapenos, fresh squeezed lime, cilantro and clamato juice-- all chopped up tiny, it's soo good. Like that also with the chips. The store also makes fresh guacamole now and it's super good and lasts longer than any other guac I've bought. I also like that new popcorn that's all healthy--with a piece of fat free cheese melted on it and those pea chip things.

Thank you all for the advise and support. My DH coaches soccer so he works in the eveings from 6-10 and then on the weekends. My kids are 10, 13, 14. I don't feel comfortable leaving them all home alone. I can leave my 14 and 10 year old home for about an hour and would be ok but DS13 has behavior disorders and can't be left alone. You all inspired me last night though so I went home, changed my clothes, and told DH I was taking the dog for a walk (25 degrees - brrr...). I asked him to start dinner and help DS14 with his homework. You know what? DH started dinner and DS waited until I got back to finish his homework, and I was able to get in a 45 min walk. I realized that I need to SPEAK UP and ask for help. I always try to be the supermom/wife and do everything, but I am not going to be able to and take care of myself. Tonight DH has soccer practice and so I will make dinner, help DS14 with homework and after the kids finish eating I will walk on the treadmill. I will just have to take it one day at time.

My favorite snack: popcorn, gala apples, cheese, trail mix

Hey-- that's how you do it!

I'm down another pound this week and hanging on to it still so I'm pre-rewarding myself to Captain Phillips tonight--I'll watch it before Biggest loser. This rewarding myself for progress instead of just results seems to be working pretty well. Dieting is so much about deprivation why not pad the time with extra self indulgence as long as you are doing well. I need to get up and start getting ready to go work out but right now I have a very cute girl kitty who has decided as of only recently she wants to live with us, sitting with me and soaking my blanket nursing it lol. I'll check the schedule for coaching spots, I just haven't wanted to commit as of yet, I'm so up and down with my time.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Just warning all you east coasters, it is nasty here, so I am sure it is coming your way. Sleet, freezing rain, snow. Icky, icky stuff. We are already 7" above normal for snow this year, which might not sound like much, but for us it is. More snow coming on Sunday. Boo!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

Almonds, apples, kale chips, popcorn (if I avoid the butter and just pop with a tiny bit of coconut oil), grapes. And sometimes I just have hot tea. Love chai and constant comment.

****
Hope everyone is having a good night. We have been home bodies this winter, but of course when the weather is awful I have this huge desire to go out and have a drink.

I have been googling natural remedies for lowering your blood pressure. My doctor isn't too concerned, but mine has been creeping up slowly. She said to check it when I am out and see a machine. I have been checking it at the grocery store and it was really high twice now, but Mike's was as well, so I am thinking it is a bad machine. Trying to not stress because stress will not help. Since this a relatively new thing, I am ok with working to see if I can get it down with weight loss and some other things, and if that doesn't work, then it's back to the doctor. I need to find another place to check it at.

 

[StarGirl11]

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going! QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items! For me... I love love love honeycrisp apples! Also, I know I have bragged about these before, but I love Sonoma Carb Cutting Tortillas from Trader Joes (60 cals, 7 gs fiber and 5gs protein). I like to sprinkle some shredded cheese and garlic powder on it, toast it up, and serve with a bit of salsa for a quick yummy snack! And I just started receiving Graze boxes, which I have delivered to work to keep around for snacks much better than anything I might find in the vending machine!

Since I am getting ready to start liquids I've got in the habit of grabbing a protein drink when I get hungry. Works well since they are high in protein and the ones I own are low in calorie. I'm jealous though of you having Trader Joes. We are still waiting for them to open one up here. For such a health conscious state they are still missing it.

I second the weather warning though. It's rediculously cold where I am. Had to push myself out the door for a 20 minute run today. Normally would probably have skipped it but I missed last week's training being bogged down with the flu. Just for an idea. Here's the current weather:

We've had some pretty cold weather this year. I am really glad I'm spending March in California because I can't imagine what that's going to be like here (normally March here is the worst month weather wise).

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

QOTD: I really like seaweed snacks. They are high in vitamins and very filling. Kale chips are another favorite of mine. I try not to snack too much because I find once I start I can't stop.

Stargirl: Good job with your run. I absolutely suck when it comes to working out in cold weather. It takes a lot of willpower to do it!

Stay safe everybody. We have already had 10" of snow and may get a couple of more before the night is over. They have called off school for us again tomorrow, and many are wondering if we will be in school on Thursday.

 

[Kachina]

It looks like we do still need coaches. I can start my coaching gig a day early -- tomorrow -- and that will get us through the week-end. If you could do Monday through Friday next week then that would give Amanda some more time to fill out the rest of the schedule for the month. Please be brave and consider taking a coaching slot folks!

I'm just floundering around this month, but once I get a chance to check out how the coaching gig words, I'd probably be happy to volunteer in future months.

Today was a rough start for me - my heat must have gone off at some point in the night, as I woke up freezing.

So, snack wise, I love my greek yogurt from light and fit as a morning snack - peach or strawberry taste the best to me. And in the afternoon, I have 6 wheat thins with laughing cow light cheese! Yum! If I'm headed out, I'll take string cheese or Trader Joe's mini brie bites, and of course, what I'm eating right now with my lunch - APPLES! I love Macintosh apples SO much. When I was on my road trip this summer, I got a car air freshener from Yankee candle that smelled like Macintosh Apples, and it was HEAVENLY!

Eep about the heat going out!

I feel totally at home with all these other apple and cheese lovers.

had to leave work this morning to bring the Hubs home sick.. seems he has caught what DS had last week.. so with the snow coming tonight I'll be stuck home well I'll choose to stay home vs. driving the truck which is our only vechile at the moment so i'll see you all Thursday .. everyone be careful if you have to be out and about in the bad weather.. Michelle

Sending some well wishes your way. A sick husband is usually about the most pathetic creature in the world.

Thank you all for the advise and support. My DH coaches soccer so he works in the eveings from 6-10 and then on the weekends. My kids are 10, 13, 14. I don't feel comfortable leaving them all home alone. I can leave my 14 and 10 year old home for about an hour and would be ok but DS13 has behavior disorders and can't be left alone. You all inspired me last night though so I went home, changed my clothes, and told DH I was taking the dog for a walk (25 degrees - brrr...). I asked him to start dinner and help DS14 with his homework. You know what? DH started dinner and DS waited until I got back to finish his homework, and I was able to get in a 45 min walk. I realized that I need to SPEAK UP and ask for help. I always try to be the supermom/wife and do everything, but I am not going to be able to and take care of myself. Tonight DH has soccer practice and so I will make dinner, help DS14 with homework and after the kids finish eating I will walk on the treadmill. I will just have to take it one day at time.

My favorite snack: popcorn, gala apples, cheese, trail mix

Good on you!

Another apple and cheese lover.

In other news... I am officially shaving my head for the fourth time through St. Baldricks Foundation! I want to lose 10-15 lbs beforehand so I won't cringe when I get to the after pictures. My participant website is: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/jessitroester

I can't wait. I am a Wish Granter with Make A Wish and have personally known several childhood cancer survivors, including my best friend. I teach a girl who has survived multiple cancers and is heartbreaking what her family has gone through. So this organization is very near and dear to my heart.

Here is my "before" picture:

That's an amazing organization. You're incredibly brave for shaving your head. So much inspiration around here!

I second the weather warning though. It's rediculously cold where I am. Had to push myself out the door for a 20 minute run today. Normally would probably have skipped it but I missed last week's training being bogged down with the flu. Just for an idea. Here's the current weather:

We've had some pretty cold weather this year. I am really glad I'm spending March in California because I can't imagine what that's going to be like here (normally March here is the worst month weather wise).

We've been a good bit colder than normal as well. I'm burning through twice the amount of propane we used last year to heat the house. And of course there's a shortage this year ... It's -10 outside right now. I've been incredibly worried about all of my animals and am always running around like a madwoman before these cold spells making sure everyone has plenty of warm bedding and busting up frozen water a couple times a day. I'm not quite tired of winter yet because I know what kind of farm workload spring brings, but I'm getting there.

~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~

Had a decent day today. Other than it being so cold. Went to the DMV to get new licenses. It made me feel good comparing the picture on my old one to the picture on my new one. I'm about 30 pounds lighter now and I see a real difference. I'm also smiling in the new one, because I feel so good lately. I remember when the old one was taken, we'd just gotten here and my hip had been hurting so bad for the few days' drive to get here, that I could barely walk. I got more gray hair now, but I can deal with that.

Wishing everyone a warm night, and a beautiful tomorrow.

 

[Castillo Mom]

It's wonderful to see you over here. I'm joining for the first time, too. I need some serious accountability. Best of luck reaching your goals.

I'm not quite comfortable with talking about my weight yet, because it's reached a point where I am utterly embarrassed by that number, but I'll say that my goal this month is to lose 8 pounds.

Hi Kachina, it's nice to see you too! I'm right there with you on the accountability front. W.I.S.H. is a great way of helping with that. There are so many nice people here and reading about other's experiences is really motivating.

Don't worry about posting your weight. I don't know why but for some reason I'm at a stage in my life where I'm being brutally honest about myself. Oh no, maybe I'm getting old!

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to all our newcomers and so great to see people from the January thread!

This weekend has been FILLED with opportunities for bad food choices haha But, I do feel a change in myself. Yesterday, I didn't get to eat dinner before the show, so when all went out to dinner, I split stuffed mushrooms and a pear and walnut salad with my friend. It felt so great to enjoy a meal with everyone else, while not having to worry about regretting it tomorrow. Today, I'm going to a super bowl party where they are doing make your own tacos. So, I'm bringing my own whole wheat tortillas and light cheese. I'll be coming early so I don't feel like that weirdo who brings her own food to a party, but I'm comfortable doing it because I'll be able to relax and eat.

Thanks for the welcome!

So how did you do on Superbowl Sunday? I should've brought my own food to the party we went to. Well technically I did bring food, chili, caramelized onion and bacon dip and homemade cornbread. Only thing is I'm not at a point yet where I should be eating beans or cornbread and I didn't bring anything with me that's on the "allowed" list.

Wanted to share--yesterday I thumb tacked my favorite size 4 jeans to the wall in our room as inspiration to stay on track. I feel motivated every time I see them.

That's a great idea! I recently bought a really cute Disney t-shirt that's too small for a cruise we have planned in October but I put it away. Maybe I need to take it out and hang it on my bedroom door as inspiration.

I would like to join please. I did so well over the summer and lost 40 pounds. I am sure I have gained it all back. I will PM my weight tomorrow once I know what it is, I am afraid to see.

I have a lot to lose and I know what to do but for some reason I lose motivation. I also struggle with time. I work full time, have 3 kids, plus husband and dog. I am afraid if I don't make the time to exercise and make it a priority for me to get healthy, time won't matter because I won't be around for my family.

How does everyone balance family, job, and finding time to exercise?

I do really well with drinking water, because that is all I drink. I need to watch my portion control and I need to exercise!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and hopefully will be inspired to do what I NEED to do!

Hi there! I can really relate to what you said. I lost about 70 pounds and gained some of it back. I've struggled with weight all of my life and probably always will. We can't let guilt get in the way of moving forward, we've just gotta pick ourselves back up and keep trying.

Balancing work, family and exercise is really difficult for me too. I'm a supervisor and case coordinator at a medical facility so my job is high stress. I have three young adult sons who all live at home so family time is extremely important to me. I find that when I'm really stressed and exhausted I don't eat well due to lack of planning my meals out, I just eat what's there. Then I gain weight which causes more fatigue so I just get in this vicious cycle.

But I'm back on track right now because I realize that if I completely give up because quality of life is important and I want to be around to enjoy my family as long as possible.

Hi Everyone

I am trying to get back on track this month. I am so sick of winter I am done with living in a cold climate.
Anyone else eat more in winter?
I am exercising 5 days a week but need to up the endurance.

Good luck everyone with eating healthy and exercising this week.

Yes! It's so much more pleasant to cook in the winter. I love to cook and bake so that means I'm tempted to eat more.

Sorry I haven't been here to fill in the open coaching slot, but you guys are so awesome to keep the chatter going!

QOTD 2/4 - Seeing as how we just made it through one of the biggest snacking days of the year... Tell me some of your favorite HEALTHY, quick, easy, and go-to snack items!

For me... I love love love honeycrisp apples! Also, I know I have bragged about these before, but I love Sonoma Carb Cutting Tortillas from Trader Joes (60 cals, 7 gs fiber and 5gs protein). I like to sprinkle some shredded cheese and garlic powder on it, toast it up, and serve with a bit of salsa for a quick yummy snack! And I just started receiving Graze boxes, which I have delivered to work to keep around for snacks much better than anything I might find in the vending machine!

Thanks for the tip on the Trader Joe's LC tortillas, didn't know they had those. I'm not quite ready to add those into my diet yet but will be by March. Thanks again!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone! I am finally back into the WATP mode! Habe a great OP day yesterday. Today started mixed, but I am determined to make it a good day! My weight is scary now, really really need to get my act together in order to fit in my "cruise wardrobe" (i.e. all the lovely summer dresses I got last year thinking I want to cruise again! ) before my upcoming cruise!

So I signed up with quite a challenging goal for me, but I decided that I need to try to challenge myself more.

I saw quite a few new names, so I think I should post an introduction. My name is Magdalene, I am German and live in Germany. I found the DIS a long time ago when I was planning my first trip to WDW. It took me a long time to venture out of the travel planning sub forums here, but in late 2012 I became part of the Biggest Loser Challenge since it was called then and now just love the monthly WATP challenges as they provide a new motivation every month!

I have been overweight since I was a child in the 70s, a time when nearly no kids were overweight. Looking at pictures of me then I realise that by today standards I would not stick out at all, but would be considered normal... How times change. My weight stuck with me all through my teenage years and then once I started college when I finally approached a weight that would get me into the "obese" category, my three college friends who all were wearing a size 0 were wonderful in encouraging me to lose weight and helped me a lot! I lost a lot, got down to a BMI of 22 and thought I was still too heavy as I was not as skinny as my friends. Then I finished university and then slowly the pounds kept coming back. Sometimes quicker, then slower. I am a stress eater and everytime things happen which stress me out I can see it on the scale. I was successful in losing weight at some point by signing up for WW online. And then put on weight again. And then lost again. This last year I was so happy because I finally managed to get below a certain number that I had not gotten below since my college years. And then this winter happened and everything weight wise went wrong. No idea why. At least I am still lighter than last year at this time. So this is something at least! But I am very determined that 2014 is going to be the year when I finally make it to my goal - which is the weight I managed to go down to in my college years! It can't be that difficult!!!

A BIG to everyone who has stepped up to coach! I slotted Michelle in for 2/11-2/15 since she doesn't have a home computer (you can always post the QOTD for 2/15 on the day before, or if you can't... I can take care of it because I will be home! And Pamela, I slotted you in for 2/16- 2/20. I also slotted willonlyflytodisney in for 2/21-2/25. So we almost have the month covered! Please let me know if there need to be any changes or I got something wrong!

I could take on the last few days of the month. And I also want to sign on for hosting June!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

I'm Lisa and I will be your coach for the next few days.

Do you wanna build a snowman?
Come on lets go and play
I never see you anymore
Come out the door . . .

For most of us it has been a long winter and it is still going full bore. It's hard to keep your motivation and success when you just want to hibernate and eat comfort food.

But thanks to my friends at sparkpeople.com here are a few ideas about how you can keep winter from derailing your efforts.

Here are five secrets to achieve winter health and energy all season long.

Do everything in your power to avoid getting sick. There is nothing that will sap your energy more than being ill.
Boost your immune system to keep your defenses high by getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water, which will help keep nasal passages hydrated. Eat nourishing, vitamin packed foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, and lean protein. Keep up your exercise program.

Maintain and shake up your exercise routine. Exercise has been shown to prevent depression and lift the moods of those feeling down. It also helps keep your immune system working efficiently. Maintaining your exercise routine will offset some of the extra calories from seasonal treats and celebrations as well.

Enjoy a variety of winter foods. Although summer offers a bounty of fresh fruit and veggies at affordable prices (think melons, berries and tomatoes), many produce items ripen in winter. From hearty root vegetables to bright, sweet citrus fruits, winter produce offers a surprising range of flavors.

Think light and bright. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health has found that exposure to bright light in the early morning can be a powerful, fast and effective treatment for seasonal depression. There's no reason to think it wouldn't help those of us who experience the winter blahs!

Find your inner child and invite him/her out to play.

With a shift in your mindset, winter does not have to be a time of lethargy, illness or unhappiness. Let it be the season to partake in seasonal pleasures that you get to enjoy, rather than a season that you have to endure.

Here is the link to the entire article if you are interested http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1683

QOTD Wednesday, February 5, 2014: What is your secret to staying on plan in winter? It could be one of the items listed or something else.

BBL with replies and my own answer.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Welcome back Magdalene!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to coach!

QOTD Wednesday, February 5, 2014: What is your secret to staying on plan in winter? It could be one of the items listed or something else.

BBL with replies and my own answer.

Great questions!

Do everything in your power to avoid getting sick.
I have been really lucky with the not getting sick. Before I gave up gluten--caught every sniffle, sneeze, etc. Since going gluten, nothing. Might be a coincidence, but no matter what, I will take it. I do get a flu shot every year. I am a compulsive hand washer, and always wipe off the carts at the stores, the exercise machines before I use them, etc. And I really like vegetables, so that helps.

Maintain and shake up your exercise routine.
I did this in January and it has worked wonders for my motivation. Before, had to drag myself to the Y. Now I am starting to see positive results again, so I am looking forward to it. I added in a new cardio machine and started doing the strength machine circuit this month. I am running AFTER I do everything else (so running slightly fatigued) and hoping this translates to some really good runs when I return to long runs in the spring.

Enjoy a variety of winter foods.
We got out of the habit of roasting vegetables and root vegetables are awesome roasted, so time to add that back into our routine.

Think light and bright.
The sun is pretty much nonexistent lately, but I do feel immensely better when I take Vitamin D.

Honestly, just knowing January is over has helped immensely. I know Spring is just around the corner, and even when we are getting more snow, it is not lasting long.

I do wish we could send some of our weather to the Sierra Nevadas where they could use the snow.

And I know 3 short weeks from today I will be on my way to SC to see my son and the ocean, so something great to look forward to! In March we are planning a weekend in Gatlinburg. In April back to SC. And in May headed to FL. Lots to look forward to.

 

[lisah0711]

You all inspired me last night though so I went home, changed my clothes, and told DH I was taking the dog for a walk (25 degrees - brrr...). I asked him to start dinner and help DS14 with his homework. You know what? DH started dinner and DS waited until I got back to finish his homework, and I was able to get in a 45 min walk.

for taking the time for yourself!

Showered and outfit picked and ironed for work tonight. Next up I'll head out to stop at the P.O. and pick up DS. Then home for a quick change and heading out to my meeting. Looking forward to the Biggest Loser Finale tonight!! .....................P

Hope your meeting went well, Pamela!

I kind of miss the monthly routines at WW. I am still doing Points Plus. That is easiest for me right now but I may try Simply Filling when I get back from the Princess -- it is very popular in my meeting, especially with the folks who are at lifetime.

FOAM, you are brave for shaving your head for a good cause!

I'm down another pound this week and hanging on to it still so I'm pre-rewarding myself to Captain Phillips tonight--I'll watch it before Biggest loser. This rewarding myself for progress instead of just results seems to be working pretty well. Dieting is so much about deprivation why not pad the time with extra self indulgence as long as you are doing well.

Congrats on another pound gone!

We've had some pretty cold weather this year. I am really glad I'm spending March in California because I can't imagine what that's going to be like here (normally March here is the worst month weather wise).

Being in CA for March will make February easier to take for sure!

I'm just floundering around this month, but once I get a chance to check out how the coaching gig words, I'd probably be happy to volunteer in future months.

Thanks for keeping it is mind for future challenges!

But I'm back on track right now because I realize that if I completely give up because quality of life is important and I want to be around to enjoy my family as long as possible.

for being back on track!

I could take on the last few days of the month. And I also want to sign on for hosting June!

Glad you are back in WATP mode, Magdalene! I know you are going to make your goal this year for sure!

Thanks for volunteering to coach and host a month -- we need to fill out that monthly schedule, too. It takes a village to run these challenges.

QOTD Wednesday, February 5, 2014: What is your secret to staying on plan in winter? It could be one of the items listed or something else.

My secret for staying on plan in winter is my local community center where I can do all my exercising in the comfort of a nice warm building.

Even though I have lived in a cold climate for 25 years I'm still a California girl at heart.

Honestly, just knowing January is over has helped immensely. I know Spring is just around the corner, and even when we are getting more snow, it is not lasting long.

It does help to know that we are that much closer to spring.

It is -1 here this morning. Thank goodness I will be at WDW in two short weeks.