WISH Away The Pounds~ Marvelous May 2014 Challenge! *All Welcome!*

[donac]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

 

[rebeccam31]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

Hi! I'm Rebecca from Pennsylvania. My goal for the month is to maintain my weight or possibly drop a pound or two. I'm pretty much at my goal weight, so I just need to remain here. Additionally, I want to increase my stamina for running. I'm doing the Jingle Jungle 5K at Animal Kingdom in November, and I do not want to embarrass myself.

 

[Connie96]

Question of the Day Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

Hi. I'm Connie. I previously participated in the BLs here on WISH but, that was way back in 2010-11. I'm 40 years old. Married for 17 years to Gary and we have one daughter, Erin, who will be 7 in a couple of weeks. I recently changed my career path (less stress and fewer late nights) but still work for the same company I've been with for 19 years. We recently completed construction of a new home so my exercise for this month will likely involve unpacking boxes and planting shrubs. My weight loss goal for this month is, I think, 7 pounds. I've got about 40-50 that I could stand to lose. I think that since I'm just "starting" again, that I might be able to achieve 7 over the 4 weeks. (I settled on 7 because I'm pretty sure I can hit 6 but, of course, I'd rather lose 8.) Thanks for hostessing, Miss Dona!

 

[jillbur]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

Hello! I am Jill, 37 years old, married with 2 boys (one turns 11 Saturday and the other turns 8 on the 23rd). I am a special education teacher at an alternative education program. I've been hanging with these threads for a couple years not but took a little time off due to hectic schedules the last month or so. So, I am back with a schedule that is a little less hectic. I started getting back to a regular workout routine last week and now I need to tackle my bad eating habits. My scale broke so I have no clue how much I've gained in the last 2 months. But, I bought a fancy, shiny new scale today and will face the facts tomorrow morning! I am hoping to lose 4-5 pounds and stick to my training schedule for a 1/2 marathon I am walking with my sister in June.

I am also hoping to sign up for a 1/2 in the fall that I will run/walk in hopes that I will be at the Princess 1/2 in 2015

Hi! I'm Rebecca from Pennsylvania. My goal for the month is to maintain my weight or possibly drop a pound or two. I'm pretty much at my goal weight, so I just need to remain here. Additionally, I want to increase my stamina for running. I'm doing the Jingle Jungle 5K at Animal Kingdom in November, and I do not want to embarrass myself.

Where are you in PA? I am in western PA right on the Ohio border near Youngstown, OH.

 

[rebeccam31]

Where are you in PA? I am in western PA right on the Ohio border near Youngstown, OH.[/QUOTE]

So very near where I went to college (Grove City)! I live in Somerset, PA which is a little more than an hour southeast of Pittsburgh.

 

[donac]

Hi my name is Dona. I have been doing these challenges for a few years now.

I am 58 turning 59 at the end of May. I have married to my college sweetheart for almost 36 years. We have 2 sons, 29 and almost 24. They are both out of the house but the younger one will be moving home for a month in July before he moves to Villanova to start his PhD in August. My dh retired last June but I am planning onteaching another year before I do. I teach AP caculus and have been teaching in the same building for 37 years.

This last 2 months have been a roller coaster of emotions. My dad broke his hip, the ds found out about Villanova. My dad died on his 89th birthday and it was the same day I was named Teacher of theYear for my school. I know that the next 2 weeks will be tough. This Saturday is the party my mother planned for her 60th anniversary. The deposit was made so we are going to celebrate their life together. The 8th is their actual anniversary and then there is Mothers Day after that. I know that by coming here I will be getting a lot of support.

My goal is to get my eating under control and to get back into exercise.

Have a happy and healthy day.

I do need some volunteers to coach so just pm me.

 

[QVCshopper]

Hi! I'd like to join in... be lurking for a while. I am also doing the Exercise thread. PJLLA, I'll PM my goal.

My name is Tara, I am 37. I have been married nearly 16 years to my college sweetheart. We have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a fish. I work part-time at night but am mostly a SAHM. I want to get to the weight I was before I had my kiddos--which means losing somewhere between 15-20 lbs. I've already lost 10 doing the Exercise thread since March 1.

PS-I'm in PA, too... the southeastern side near Valley Forge, King of Prussia mall, etc.

 

[donac]

QVCShopper my son will be in that area for the next 4 years getting his PhD at Villanova. He just got approval for his apartment out there. I don't remember what town but I will be asking you about it.

 

[pjlla]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

Morning all! I am Pamela, coming up on a big birthday that ends in "0" real soon and I restarted this healthier life on 01/02/2008 and haven't looked back. I lost nearly 90 pounds and have been able to maintain it until recently, when I had some unexpected gains..... I think partially due to menopause settling in for good and partially because my exercise routine fell off the map. But I am DETERMINED to get back to the low end of my maintenance goal in time for my birthday!

After a year or two of this journey being about THIN, I really starting working more on HEALTHY and as such have really changed my eating while still working on staying at a good weight. Some days/weeks/months are harder than others, but I have NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING that it is SOOOOO worth it! Being at my goal weight (actually 10 pounds below my original goal) is a DREAM and I wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY grateful for that and for my overall good health!

I honestly cannot tell you how many of these WISH challenges I have participated in over the years, but I have been consistently on the WISH boards for at least 5 years.

I have two children..... DD is nearly 19 and away at college and I miss her like mad! DS is 16 and still willing to give his old Mom a hug and a kiss, so I appreciate that! He is involved in robotics (7th year now) and it is time to me to get more involved in it as well.

Married to my sweet DH for almost 22 years now! Hard to believe that it has been that long. He also struggles to maintain a healthy weight, but lost about 90 pounds also (due to part to an accident in 2010 that required that his jaw be wired shut for 8 weeks.... but he worked hard after that to keep going in the right direction).

DH follows the Atkins approach, I follow Weight Watchers and I now work for the company as a Leader, DD (future marine biologist) will not eat ANYTHING that comes from the sea (and as a family we have decided to follow suit) and DS has multiple food allergies, so meal times at our house can be interesting and complicated and even though I really don't enjoy cooking, I do enjoy the challenge of finding HEALTHY delicious meals that we can all enjoy!

Hi! I'd like to join in... be lurking for a while. I am also doing the Exercise thread. PJLLA, I'll PM my goal.

I see I have a few message in my PM box. I will forward them to Dona who is the hostess and the "keeper of the spread sheet" for this month! Thanks!

My name is Tara, I am 37. I have been married nearly 16 years to my college sweetheart. We have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a fish. I work part-time at night but am mostly a SAHM. I want to get to the weight I was before I had my kiddos--which means losing somewhere between 15-20 lbs. I've already lost 10 doing the Exercise thread since March 1.

PS-I'm in PA, too... the southeastern side near Valley Forge, King of Prussia mall, etc.

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

Well, good morning all! Today I tried something new in my green smoothie.... PB2 powder! I had a peanut butter smoothie that was healthy and not crazy calorie-loaded! How wonderful!! Hopefully the PB powder will help keep me feeling fuller.

I'm working 1st grade today and I am already here, since DS needed to be to school early for a class. I know that this class can be VERY challenging, so prayers for my patience are appreciated!!

I'll be up front and tell you that today's weigh in was a BITTER disappointment, but I am chalking it up to a few different factors and I believe that tomorrow's number will be MUCH IMPROVED. I am so tired of doubting the accuracy of my scale..... I'm ready to spend money on something new and much more reliable. I got my weight, put on my make-up, emptied my bladder and then got back on the scale.... and it said I had gained .2 in just those few minutes. That is crazy! I know that I tend to UNDEReat on Thursdays in preparation for Friday weigh-in and that always comes back to bite me in the butt. So I'll be having a do-over tomorrow and hopefully the number will be more in keeping with what I expect.

Off to get my coffee refilled and read today's plans! TTYL.................P


ETA: I decided to settle on a double change of "Plank-a-day for May" and, in honor of Rose and her exercise committments, I'm aiming for "Mile-a-day-May"!! Did both yesterday.... just 30 more days to go!

 

[Rose&Mike]

So nice to see so many folks jumping in for May.

Connie--great to see you!

I'm in! April was a weight disaster for me. Time to get it back in gear!

XO
Liz

Did not have a great April either, so right there with you.

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I am Rose, 46, married, Mom to a 22yo finishing up his 2nd of 4 semesters of grad school before he starts law school in fall of 2015. I work part time for a non-profit. Lost a ton (50 pounds) in 2010/11. Got sick. Gave up gluten. Gained a bunch back. Still down about 25 overall, so that's good. I would like to lose ~20 pounds this year. I have already gone through menopause, so that adds to the challenge.

I don't know if I am actually going to set a goal for this month, since that seems to not be working too well for me this year.

I am going to think about it for another day or so.

****
I had a little aha moment yesterday that I think is relevant.

Wednesday we had some issues that completely derailed my plans to get organized for a successful May. My plan was to meal plan every single day, drink my water every day, mile a day, plank a day, meditate every day. So after getting very little sleep Wednesday, May 1st just did not go according to plan. Actually the only thing I managed to get in was my mile and even that didn't go well. So when I was getting ready to go out last night (we went to a pre-Derby concert) I thought, well blew it again. My perfect month ruined before I even started.

The aha moment--why, after all these years of struggling with this weight...gaining, losing, gaining, losing....am I still striving for perfect????

I think trying to achieve this idea of perfect is what is keeping me from being successful. I have a goal in my mind, but in the back of my head I still think that won't be good enough. I am constantly having 'well you blew it again' thoughts. I think this need for perfection is holding me back because it makes it easy to quit. I need to remind myself daily of the whole 'you wouldn't throw out the whole set because you broke one dish.'

I have been really successful at many things. I have gone a mile every day since Jan 1, 2013. It's a goal I love and don't want to end. But just because May 1st did not start off the way I wanted does not mean I get to throw in the towel for the whole month.

We do not need to be perfect. We cannot be perfect. We just need to plan, try, readjust the plan, and keep trying. We need to be honest with ourselves about what works and doesn't work. But most of all we just need to keep trying.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Connie96]

If you want to take part, on April 1st or 2nd, you will PM PJLLA (Pamela) (hostess for April) your starting weight AND your goal for the month. Then every Friday for April you will PM PJLLA your updated weight and percentage toward goal.

Dona, the first post in this thread still references April and PJLLA as hostess. A quick edit might alleviate confusion and misplaced weigh-ins.

Thanks again for stepping in to manage this month's challenge.

Coaching Schedule for May:
May 2 to May 8:
May 9 to May 15:
May 16 to May 22:
May 23 to May 20:

Do we really not have any coaches? (I think PJLLA volunteered for 5/9-15 in the thread.) I will consider throwing in for maybe the last week but I'm gonna sit back and see how it's done first... considering I haven't even been on the WISH board in a long while.

Officially signing up for May! Thanks so much for hostessing. I need to get back on track quickly. I have been pretty successful for a bit but this week was both my birthday and my DD's, so I have slipped a little.

Hello there! Birthday's are like that, aren't they? My daughter's bday is in a couple weeks and I'm guess there will probably be "slippage" in our house around that time.

Hi everyone
I am signing in for May. April was a challenge in that I was on holiday for 3 weeks. To take the positives though, I mainly maintained apart from 3 ounces. Now I am back at work I have lost a bit more, so have to be happy with that.

I am most of the way through a diet and nutrition course and this has helped to put things in perspective. This is something I feel good about and feel it is an achievement.

Good luck to a mad May for everyone! I am excited to learn how well we are all going to do

Jules

Hi Jules. Sounds like you did great over your vacation. I went on vacation last August and have been gaining weight ever since...

I struggled with April. Still lost but I'm resetting for May and joining in!

Hi there!

I'm in! April was a weight disaster for me, with a couple of trips and a ton of work stress. Time to get it back in gear!

XO
Liz

Hi, Liz! No time like the present, right?

Hi Gang - Michelle here.. Wife to Hubs of 5.5 yrs, Mom to DD 20.5 and DS 17.5 and Honey age 3.5 .. I work full time...
I am "in it to win it" for May. I am setting a goal of 1 lbs per week using Thursday as my WI in day.. I started Atkins again on 4/21 and as of today I am down 7.5lbs..

My Whoo Hoo Wed - since I missed yesterday's check in is ........ I am fairly certain we are going to Disney THIS YEAR!!! With the rumor of free dining (which was the stipulation from the Hubs) coming out next week for non Disney visa holders I can book us a trip arriving late 9/30 and coming home fairly early on 10/5.. this will be Hubs first Food and Wine and MNSSHP. I am soo excited.. I have a little more then 21 weeks to help myself be healthier before we go... I need to change my ticker!!!

Hi, Michelle. Woohoo for a Disney trip!! And, if you're like me, there is nothing quite like an upcoming Disney trip (and all the requisite photographs on said trip) to get me in gear on the fitness front... You'll probably out-do us all over the next few months.

I have a goal actually it's a few along the way to the 60 I need to lose

7/5 my BFF's littlest sister gets married (I'd like to be down 25 by then)
7/13 we camping a posh resort Point Sebago (right here in Maine) so I'd like to look good in my bathing suit... (hold at the 25 lost)
7/16 is my next Dr appt.. need better A1C
8/8 we have reservations at Stonewall Kitchen to see guest chef Edward Lee from Top Chef Texas! (would like to be down 30)
9/30 - 10/5 Hubs said YES to a quick Disney trip (long as the Free Dining rumor is true.. booking opens 5/7!!) (would like to be down 35)
10/10 is my 45th Bday (hold at the 35)
11/27 is Thanksgiving (maybe down to 40)
12/22 I start my Christmas vacation and don't come back till 1/5/15 (maybe down to 50 but holding at 40 is ok too)
of course then we are into next year and i'll just keep on keeping on! Haaa well that was long winded!

Looks like some well-thought out milestones there.

Good morning all! I am at work and don't have much time, but wanted to start off May by saying HI to all of my friends!! I am SO READY to recommitt to a healthier life starting NOW!! I am also coming up with my own 30 day challenge to start off the month right! Something short that I have NO EXCUSE not to complete EVERY SINGLE DAY this month! I'm thinking of a plank-a-day and a wall-sit-a-day.... one minute of each without fail. HOnestly, if I can't committ to TWO MINUTES every day, then clearly I need to give mymotivation some more thought!

I like your 2 minute commitment, Pam! I got a 7-minute workout app on my iphone. I did one. On Jan 1. Got sore. Quit. And, here we are in May. What the heck? SEVEN MINUTES. Yeah, my motivation could definitely use a big kick in the rear.

Hi I'm Molli, I'm a SAHM of two beautiful girls, one is out of the home now at age almost 22 and youngest is a junior in HS. I'm goal-oriented to lose the weight that I gained with my struggle with Cushing's diease/hypercortisolism. I'm down 30 lbs with 25 more to go.

Hi Molli. How exciting to be looking forward to a Vegas trip! We haven't been in a couple years now but we were just talking last night that we need to get back out there soon. So much fun!

Hey I'm back. Managed to maintain the last month and I think I'll do the same this month. Event though I maintained the weight- my pants aren't fitting as well and I need to work on muscle this month. The farms are open so I'll be visiting them and the weather's improved so I can ride my bike to work more. I feel so much more comfortable riding my bike now after taking that bicycle safety class! Daughter is about 5 1/2 months along now and just did a 2 hour ultrasound that reassured her everything's good-- and we are going to have a girl! They will be moving in to their own apt. soon. Making progress on cleaning--I've got 2 rooms done now that both have the feliway plug ins in and will only require touch ups. I am so thrilled I got a huge new chest of drawers in the spare bedroom that I can't wait to fill. I'll need to reorganize and switch the winter and summer clothes. Can't wait to attack the living room with my new Co2 cleaner as seen on My Cat from Hell.
My co worker is in Disneyland today. I feel a little bad since Indie, small world and pirates are all down--jeez. I just hope some of what I told him stuck and they do ok. He said he was going to take my notes with them. I actually had a dream last night in which I forgot to tell him to use a back pack lol. (I did forget that)
Well off to go work out and have an awesome day off work. Cya

Hi Jayne. Sounds like you've got a lot going on. Congrats on the grandbaby!

Hi! I'm Rebecca from Pennsylvania. My goal for the month is to maintain my weight or possibly drop a pound or two. I'm pretty much at my goal weight, so I just need to remain here. Additionally, I want to increase my stamina for running. I'm doing the Jingle Jungle 5K at Animal Kingdom in November, and I do not want to embarrass myself.

Hello, Rebecca. Congrats on getting to your goal weight!!! And I love to run; I haven't in months but I hope to start again soon. And I would so love to do a Disney race someday. I have no idea how I'd pull it off financially but, oh what fun! So excited for you!

Hello! I am Jill, 37 years old, married with 2 boys (one turns 11 Saturday and the other turns 8 on the 23rd). I am a special education teacher at an alternative education program. I've been hanging with these threads for a couple years not but took a little time off due to hectic schedules the last month or so. So, I am back with a schedule that is a little less hectic. I started getting back to a regular workout routine last week and now I need to tackle my bad eating habits. My scale broke so I have no clue how much I've gained in the last 2 months. But, I bought a fancy, shiny new scale today and will face the facts tomorrow morning! I am hoping to lose 4-5 pounds and stick to my training schedule for a 1/2 marathon I am walking with my sister in June.

I am also hoping to sign up for a 1/2 in the fall that I will run/walk in hopes that I will be at the Princess 1/2 in 2015

Hi there, Jill. Another Disney runner/walker! I'm gonna have to start saving my pennies. Y'all are making me jealous! I'm glad to hear your schedule has settled back down a bit. I've trying to work my way back to "normal" for a month or so now. I might even be getting close...

Hi my name is Dona. I have been doing these challenges for a few years now.

I am 58 turning 59 at the end of May. I have married to my college sweetheart for almost 36 years. We have 2 sons, 29 and almost 24.

This last 2 months have been a roller coaster of emotions. My dad broke his hip, the ds found out about Villanova. My dad died on his 89th birthday and it was the same day I was named Teacher of theYear for my school. I know that the next 2 weeks will be tough. This Saturday is the party my mother planned for her 60th anniversary. The deposit was made so we are going to celebrate their life together. The 8th is their actual anniversary and then there is Mothers Day after that. I know that by coming here I will be getting a lot of support.

Hi Dona! It does seem that you have had a couple of rough months. I will certainly be keeping you and, especially your mom, in my prayers.

My name is Tara, I am 37. I have been married nearly 16 years to my college sweetheart. We have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a fish. I work part-time at night but am mostly a SAHM. I want to get to the weight I was before I had my kiddos--which means losing somewhere between 15-20 lbs. I've already lost 10 doing the Exercise thread since March 1.

Hello Tara. Sounds like you're progressing nicely on the Exercise thread. Congratulations on your success! ...Maybe I should check out that thread too. I can use all the help I can get!

Morning all! I am Pamela, coming up on a big birthday that ends in "0" real soon and I restarted this healthier life on 01/02/2008 and haven't looked back. I lost nearly 90 pounds and have been able to maintain it until recently, when I had some unexpected gains..... I think partially due to menopause settling in for good and partially because my exercise routine fell off the map. But I am DETERMINED to get back to the low end of my maintenance goal in time for my birthday!

After a year or two of this journey being about THIN, I really starting working more on HEALTHY and as such have really changed my eating while still working on staying at a good weight. Some days/weeks/months are harder than others, but I have NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING that it is SOOOOO worth it! Being at my goal weight (actually 10 pounds below my original goal) is a DREAM and I wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY grateful for that and for my overall good health!

Congratulations to you, Pam, in all your success up to this point! I know that must feel amazing. And, I wish you lots of success in meeting your big bday goal!!

(Sorry for your disappointing weigh-in this morning! I'm sure you're right and tomorrow will bring a happier result.)

Connie--great to see you!

Hi there, Rose! Good to see you too.

The aha moment--why, after all these years of struggling with this weight...gaining, losing, gaining, losing....am I still striving for perfect????

I think trying to achieve this idea of perfect is what is keeping me from being successful. I have a goal in my mind, but in the back of my head I still think that won't be good enough. I am constantly having 'well you blew it again' thoughts. I think this need for perfection is holding me back because it makes it easy to quit. I need to remind myself daily of the whole 'you wouldn't throw out the whole set because you broke one dish.'

I have been really successful at many things. I have gone a mile every day since Jan 1, 2013. It's a goal I love and don't want to end. But just because May 1st did not start off the way I wanted does not mean I get to throw in the towel for the whole month.

We do not need to be perfect. We cannot be perfect. We just need to plan, try, readjust the plan, and keep trying. We need to be honest with ourselves about what works and doesn't work. But most of all we just need to keep trying.

Thanks for letting me share.

This same concept was just pointed out to me recently as it applies to other areas of my life. I have always been so "all or nothing". I am a perfectionist. And, if I know that I can't do something as perfectly as I would want to, my tendency is to just not do it. Always doing your best in any given situation is a great way to live. Waiting for a perfect situation to begin doing anything is just procrastination and NOT a way to live. It's actually a good way to miss living. I totally get what you're talking about, Rose. It won't be easy to change my basic reaction to the responsibilities before me (including my fitness journey) but, with practice, habits can change.

Have a great Friday, ladies!

 

[pjlla]

****
I had a little aha moment yesterday that I think is relevant.

Wednesday we had some issues that completely derailed my plans to get organized for a successful May. My plan was to meal plan every single day, drink my water every day, mile a day, plank a day, meditate every day. So after getting very little sleep Wednesday, May 1st just did not go according to plan. Actually the only thing I managed to get in was my mile and even that didn't go well. So when I was getting ready to go out last night (we went to a pre-Derby concert) I thought, well blew it again. My perfect month ruined before I even started.

The aha moment--why, after all these years of struggling with this weight...gaining, losing, gaining, losing....am I still striving for perfect????

I think trying to achieve this idea of perfect is what is keeping me from being successful. I have a goal in my mind, but in the back of my head I still think that won't be good enough. I am constantly having 'well you blew it again' thoughts. I think this need for perfection is holding me back because it makes it easy to quit. I need to remind myself daily of the whole 'you wouldn't throw out the whole set because you broke one dish.'

I have been really successful at many things. I have gone a mile every day since Jan 1, 2013. It's a goal I love and don't want to end. But just because May 1st did not start off the way I wanted does not mean I get to throw in the towel for the whole month.

We do not need to be perfect. We cannot be perfect. We just need to plan, try, readjust the plan, and keep trying. We need to be honest with ourselves about what works and doesn't work. But most of all we just need to keep trying.

Thanks for letting me share.

SUCH an "a-ha" moment!! Think about what you would say to a friend (instead of to yourself). Would you tell them that they were a failure? Would you tell them that they "blew it" for May??? Would you convince them that they had to be PERFECT? Of COURSE NOT!! So why do we always talk to ourselves that way?

As you friend I want you to be happy with "good enough" for the month of May!! If you struggle for a meal, a day, or even a week..... start fresh ASAP! You have been a HUGE inspiration for me regarding the exercise (notice that I am doing a mile a day for May, a la Rose!!) and that in itself is a WIN!! Sure, plan your meals, plan your water, plan your exercise..... but when life throws a wrench in your plans, give yourself an hour or a day to regroup and start again!! Look at 5 or 6 am every day as a do-over, a fresh start, a reset button!! EVERY DAY is the possibility of giving yourself another chance.

Now go hug Jessie, smile in the mirror at yourself, and have an AMAZING MAY!!

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

Phew.... the worst part of the day is over.... MATH! I was not created to teach fractions to first graders!!

They are at recess and then have lunch.... I have lunch duty with them and will eat with them in order to get my lunch as late as possible (technically it is my lunch time now).

The sun was shining beautifully about 20 minutes ago, but now it has clouded over and they are predicting showers for this afternoon, so I'm not sure about today's planned 2 mile run/1 mile walk.... it may end up being on the TM, which actually gives me neck pain I've discovered. It may be time to buy a new TM.

I've done nearly 2 weeks of green smoothies for breakfast and I think I am ready to go back to real food for breakfast.... they just do NOT keep me full. I was absolutely famished by 10 am, ate my small snack (cheese)at 10:30, and now I am starving again and can't wait until lunch in a few minutes!

I am considering doing another juice fast (2 or 3 days), but that would mean that I have to head to the market tonight in order to have the produce on hand... and April's grocery spending was waaaaay over budget (probably in part due to two juice fasts I did), so I'm not sure I want to spend the money.

Off to my lunch duty! TTYL.................P

 

[jillbur]

Where are you in PA? I am in western PA right on the Ohio border near Youngstown, OH.

So very near where I went to college (Grove City)! I live in Somerset, PA which is a little more than an hour southeast of Pittsburgh.[/QUOTE]

Cool! I am very close to Grove City, in Sharon

Hi! I'd like to join in... be lurking for a while. I am also doing the Exercise thread. PJLLA, I'll PM my goal.

My name is Tara, I am 37. I have been married nearly 16 years to my college sweetheart. We have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a fish. I work part-time at night but am mostly a SAHM. I want to get to the weight I was before I had my kiddos--which means losing somewhere between 15-20 lbs. I've already lost 10 doing the Exercise thread since March 1.

PS-I'm in PA, too... the southeastern side near Valley Forge, King of Prussia mall, etc.

Yay! Another PA peep


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

Hey guys! I only have a quick 5 minutes before I have to go teach my high school boys class. World History test anyone?

I made a grocery list during my lunch break and am shopping right after school. Now that the weather is better, I am excited to get back to eating more fruits and veggies. The fruit and veggie selection this winter was pretty sorry in my area. Some things I just don't eat, some didn't look good, and lots were way too much money. Plus, I try to shop local, so buying fruits from Mexico and South America bothers me. So, I am planning to stock up today and get this weight that I gained the last 2 month off!

DS11 (well, 11 tomorrow) has soccer tonight from 6-7:30 so I'm not sure what I'll do about exercise today. I would love to walk while he's at practice, but I doubt DS7 will want to walk lol. Maybe I'll bring DS7's soccer ball and practice with him.

Hopefully the rain will hold off tomorrow because I have a 7 mile walk planned with my sister. We have a great time walking and mostly talking

Anyhow, I better run. Have a great Friday!

Jill

 

[pjlla]

Okay friends.... gotta share how PROUD of myself I am. Just getting unofficially back into running and today completed a half mile warm up walk and 2 mile run in 30 minutes... I estimated my warm up at about 7 minutes, so that puts my run at 11.5 minutes each mile (although I KNOW my return mile is faster, as it is more downhill). Not really going for speed/time, but nice to know that I haven't fallen TOO far away from the 10.5 - 11 minute miles I was doing a few summers ago!

So today's mile (plus) is done.... just gotta get the plank done before I have dinner!

Making a homemade pizza for DS and I'll give DH some leftovers. Not sure what I will have, as I forgot to defrost dinner (where is the dope slap smilie when you need it!?).... but I'm sure I'll find something! TTYL............P

 

[TheRose227]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

Hi Everyone! I'm Erin! I work in television which makes my life ever changing but I love it! I live with my DBF who is also on his life style change journey. We're going to his brother's wedding so I'm working on being in my fancy dress.

I had my last fitting today and it had to be taken in more! The number on the scale hasn't been going down but there has been a difference!

My goals for this month are to keep going down (or at least keep building muscle) so I can get some new outfits for our Disney trip in May!

Okay friends.... gotta share how PROUD of myself I am. Just getting unofficially back into running and today completed a half mile warm up walk and 2 mile run in 30 minutes... I estimated my warm up at about 7 minutes, so that puts my run at 11.5 minutes each mile (although I KNOW my return mile is faster, as it is more downhill). Not really going for speed/time, but nice to know that I haven't fallen TOO far away from the 10.5 - 11 minute miles I was doing a few summers ago!

So today's mile (plus) is done.... just gotta get the plank done before I have dinner!

Making a homemade pizza for DS and I'll give DH some leftovers. Not sure what I will have, as I forgot to defrost dinner (where is the dope slap smilie when you need it!?).... but I'm sure I'll find something! TTYL............P

Congrats on getting back to running! You're at a good time...I stepped away from it and I'm not sure I even want to get back to running! cardio, yes, but running...ehhhhh


*****
I've been at my parents' the past few days. My brother was in his senior pageant and super cute! He didn't win but we celebrated him! I've been much better when going out to eat. I think it's important to keep doing those things even if it might not be the best right now so I keep learning how to live my life. when I reach my goal I'll still go out, so I better learn now rather than undo everything later!

 

[50sjayne]

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

Hey, I'm Susan, 46 lost a bunch of weight thanks to the boards and a back injury about 5 years ago have gained about half back. I've really gotten into weight lifting in the last year and eat pretty healthy but I eat too much still and drink at night. (moderately) I'm actually pretty happy where I am right now but want to really work on my weights this month and if I manage to lose a little too I'd be ecstatic. I have too many cats that I completely adore and am really looking forward to being a gramma in Sept.

I made an important discovery today--I tried southwest egg beaters. I did mix eggs in with it but I used to whole little box and my veggie omelet thingy turned out sooo good! This is a remarkable discovery for me....

 

[donac]

Good Saturday morning everyone.

It is finally a beautiful day but it is supposed to be raining again tonight or tomorrow. I hope it is tomorrow. My fil wants us to come and mow his lawn because it isn't green but has little purple flowers. We have been putting off mowing his lawn for a week or so now but with going out today I would like to be home tomorrow.

Question of the Day

Does spring inspire you to get out and do yard work?

We have a great day and if that is all we had to do I would be happy. BUT a few years ago my sil can't mow her lawn and fil asked dh to do it. The a couple of years ago fil asked dh to do his. Before ds2 left for college he would go and help but once he left for college I got recruited. So during the summer we do 3 lawns every week or 2. It takes a lot of time because they are a distance away but we do it.

It is going to be a bittersweet day today. It is the party to celebrate my parents 60th anniversary. My mother had put down the deposit and they wouldn't return it so we are going on a lunch cruise around Manhattan to celebrate.

Dh and I had fun last night. We went to see Shrek the Musical at a local community theater. I had worked on a some costumes so I got 2 free tickets. We had great seats and loved the show. It was even more fun since we knew the actor playing Shrek.

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

I'm back from my travels this week and catching up -- nice to see all the chatting!

Officially signing up for May! Thanks so much for hostessing. I need to get back on track quickly. I have been pretty successful for a bit but this week was both my birthday and my DD's, so I have slipped a little.

Looking forward to an awesome month with everyone!

Hope that you enjoyed those birthday celebrations!

I'm in for may! with a vaca this month, I'm not aiming too high, but if I hold steady and lost a few when I get back then I will enter a new decade! one I haven't seen for 3 years!!! so that is my goal

for a new decade on the horizon! I know you will have a great time at Vegas, Molli!

Hello! I am back for May! I've missed all the chit chat here on the WISH threads and need to get back into the groove. Thanks for hosting and can't wait to get started.

So happy to see you back, Jill! Looking forward to hearing about all the fun things that you and those boys are up to.

Wow! It has been since... Summer 2011... that I've participated in WISH BL. I think I'll throw in for May.

I'll just go on and confess - I am 40 years old and in the worst shape of my life. I've got lots of nifty excuses but the simple truth is that I have gained forty pounds since the end of last summer. Yes, 40. FOUR. ZERO. Yuck. So, here I am. A prodigal daughter, returning to my WISH friends to give it another go.

Looking forward to reconnecting with some of you ladies and getting to know a few new friends.

Very cool new format, btw.

Oh! Just in case you couldn't guess from my oh-so-cryptic screen name, I'm Connie.

CONNIE! I was so happy to see that you are back with us! So sorry about the summertime gain but that is in the past and it sounds like you are ready to make some serious progress. Can't wait to catch up with you!

I'm here to reserve my seat here for May! I've made some much needed progress in the right direction in April and I need to keep going! BBL to chat!..........P

Hi Pamela! Always nice to see you and thanks again so much for hosting April.

Hi everyone
I am signing in for May. April was a challenge in that I was on holiday for 3 weeks. To take the positives though, I mainly maintained apart from 3 ounces. Now I am back at work I have lost a bit more, so have to be happy with that.

I am most of the way through a diet and nutrition course and this has helped to put things in perspective. This is something I feel good about and feel it is an achievement.

Good luck to a mad May for everyone! I am excited to learn how well we are all going to do

Jules

Hi Jules! A maintain is always a win in my book especially during busy times. And isn't it nice to have practical coursework that you can put to use in real life?

I struggled with April. Still lost but I'm resetting for May and joining in!

Hang in there! Lots of support here for the good and not so good times.

I'm in! April was a weight disaster for me, with a couple of trips and a ton of work stress. Time to get it back in gear!

XO
Liz

Hi Liz! You had the double whammy last month but I know that you will be right back on track for May. I think your whole family had a wonderful vacation last month.

Hi Gang - Michelle here.. Wife to Hubs of 5.5 yrs, Mom to DD 20.5 and DS 17.5 and Honey age 3.5 .. I work full time.. we are currently down to just one Truck (due to an accident in Nov with a buck that totaled my car) and now that my life has calmed down a bit and I got the slap on my wrist from the Dr I was expecting I am "in it to win it" for May. I am setting a goal of 1 lbs per week using Thursday as my WI in day.. I started Atkins again on 4/21 and as of today I am down 7.5lbs..

Oh yeah we just got a second car.. from my In Laws.. Father in law got a 2007 Mini Cooper and they only wanted to give him $125 for his 2001 Dodge Neon so he said Um NO.. so we offered to buy it for $1000 (it has 188K miles runs good though he used it daily for work) but he nah just pay me the $40 monthly in and run it till it dies! so grateful.. so this will save us in gas because we've only had the truck which is 80ish to fill every week !! and we do not have to take out a loan.. so our truck is paid off next month and we have a free and clear second car for the time being.. YIPPEE..

My Whoo Hoo Wed - since I missed yesterday's check in is ........ I am fairly certain we are going to Disney THIS YEAR!!! With the rumor of free dining (which was the stipulation from the Hubs) coming out next week for non Disney visa holders I can book us a trip arriving late 9/30 and coming home fairly early on 10/5.. this will be Hubs first Food and Wine and MNSSHP. I am soo excited.. I have a little more then 21 weeks to help myself be healthier before we go... I need to change my ticker!!!

Thanks so much Dona for hostessing us this month! Michelle

Wow Michelle! What a great start for your "in it to win it" month. I know getting the car situation resolved -- what a blessing -- and having a trip to look forward too certainly helps. :

I have a goal actually it's a few along the way to the 60 I need to lose

7/5 my BFF's littlest sister gets married (I'd like to be down 25 by then)
7/13 we camping a posh resort Point Sebago (right here in Maine) so I'd like to look good in my bathing suit... (hold at the 25 lost)
7/16 is my next Dr appt.. need better A1C
8/8 we have reservations at Stonewall Kitchen to see guest chef Edward Lee from Top Chef Texas! (would like to be down 30)
9/30 - 10/5 Hubs said YES to a quick Disney trip (long as the Free Dining rumor is true.. booking opens 5/7!!) (would like to be down 35)
10/10 is my 45th Bday (hold at the 35)
11/27 is Thanksgiving (maybe down to 40)
12/22 I start my Christmas vacation and don't come back till 1/5/15 (maybe down to 50 but holding at 40 is ok too)
of course then we are into next year and i'll just keep on keeping on! Haaa well that was long winded!

I really love how you've done these goals and made them public. I need to do something like this, too. Thanks for the inspiration!

Good morning all! I am at work and don't have much time, but wanted to start off May by saying HI to all of my friends!! I am SO READY to recommitt to a healthier life starting NOW!! I am also coming up with my own 30 day challenge to start off the month right! Something short that I have NO EXCUSE not to complete EVERY SINGLE DAY this month! I'm thinking of a plank-a-day and a wall-sit-a-day.... one minute of each without fail. HOnestly, if I can't committ to TWO MINUTES every day, then clearly I need to give mymotivation some more thought!

Any ideas? I KNOW I should have thought about this for the past few days, but I didn't... oh well.

Anyhoooo.... students will be in here in about 3 minutes, so I don't have much time to chat, but I may have time to come back when they are at library later.

Who else is ready to make a strong recommittment to their health with me this month??? Watch out 130.... I'm coming back again!!...................P

I'm ready to recommit with you, Pamela! I'm still deciding what I am going to do -- I'm thinking Simple Start on WW or Hungry Girl diet (which is points friendly). I'll let you know when I decide.

I'm catching up a page or so at a time here so I don't run afoul of the smilie police.

 

[lisah0711]

hehehe...I've gotta pass pam six days in vegas and all bets are off. well not completely, since I've been eating much better and watching my portions more two things have happened, my stomach has shrunk so I can't eat as much and when I "cheat" and eat some junk then I have the biggest bellyache! I'll be wearing my fitbit there, but not logging on MFP...I'm ready for a break. but when I return I will re-commit for 13 days...how about that? and I'm definitely committed until May 10

I didn't intro -- Hi I'm Molli, I'm a SAHM of two beautiful girls, one is out of the home now at age almost 22 and youngest is a junior in HS. I'm goal-oriented to lose the weight that I gained with my struggle with Cushing's diease/hypercortisolism. I'm down 30 lbs with 25 more to go.

and I WISH'ers

You're going to have a blast, Molli! And it is very true that even cheats aren't so bad as you make some progress in the healthy living lifestyle.

I WISH'ers too!

Hey I'm back. Managed to maintain the last month and I think I'll do the same this month. Event though I maintained the weight- my pants aren't fitting as well and I need to work on muscle this month. The farms are open so I'll be visiting them and the weather's improved so I can ride my bike to work more. I feel so much more comfortable riding my bike now after taking that bicycle safety class! Daughter is about 5 1/2 months along now and just did a 2 hour ultrasound that reassured her everything's good-- and we are going to have a girl! They will be moving in to their own apt. soon. Making progress on cleaning--I've got 2 rooms done now that both have the feliway plug ins in and will only require touch ups. I am so thrilled I got a huge new chest of drawers in the spare bedroom that I can't wait to fill. I'll need to reorganize and switch the winter and summer clothes. Can't wait to attack the living room with my new Co2 cleaner as seen on My Cat from Hell.
My co worker is in Disneyland today. I feel a little bad since Indie, small world and pirates are all down--jeez. I just hope some of what I told him stuck and they do ok. He said he was going to take my notes with them. I actually had a dream last night in which I forgot to tell him to use a back pack lol. (I did forget that)
Well off to go work out and have an awesome day off work. Cya

Nice to see you, Susan! I know you are excited for your DD and soon to be DGD. You are a good friend to have stress dreams about helping with other people have fun at DL!

Good afternoon everyone.

For the first Question of the day for the month of May Let us go with the traditional

Question of the Day

Introduce yourself and talk about your goals for the month.

I will be back after yoga.

I am Lisa and a veteran of many of these challenge. I've been doing the BL, and now WATP, challenges since 2009. I'm 53, married and have a sometimes cranky teen son. I will reach my goal weight sometime in 2014. It's taken me longer than I thought it would to get there but each and every challenge, year after year, I end up weighing less than I started. Thanks to several WISHers who inspired me I started running when I was 49. I ran my fifth half marathon in May 2013. I've made lifelong friends and been to WISH meets at both Disneyland and DisneyWorld. I've done things that I never dreamed possible because of these challenges and WISH who gave me the courage to start.

My goal for this challenge is five pounds a month which doesn't sound like much but would keep me right on track.

Thanks for hostessing this month, Dona!

Hi! I'm Rebecca from Pennsylvania. My goal for the month is to maintain my weight or possibly drop a pound or two. I'm pretty much at my goal weight, so I just need to remain here. Additionally, I want to increase my stamina for running. I'm doing the Jingle Jungle 5K at Animal Kingdom in November, and I do not want to embarrass myself.

Rebecca! Maintaining has a whole different set of challenges but I'm confident that you will do great and I know you'll enjoy the 5K at WDW.

Hi. I'm Connie. I previously participated in the BLs here on WISH but, that was way back in 2010-11. I'm 40 years old. Married for 17 years to Gary and we have one daughter, Erin, who will be 7 in a couple of weeks. I recently changed my career path (less stress and fewer late nights) but still work for the same company I've been with for 19 years. We recently completed construction of a new home so my exercise for this month will likely involve unpacking boxes and planting shrubs. My weight loss goal for this month is, I think, 7 pounds. I've got about 40-50 that I could stand to lose. I think that since I'm just "starting" again, that I might be able to achieve 7 over the 4 weeks. (I settled on 7 because I'm pretty sure I can hit 6 but, of course, I'd rather lose 8.) Thanks for hostessing, Miss Dona!

Good job setting realistic goals, Connie! It's great to set yourself up for success. Nice to have a new and less streeful career path for sure.

I'm off to my running group this morning and will finish replies later. For anyone who was wondering how my race went on Sunday -- it was fabulous! It was in the 40's and pouring rain -- got a PR and took 5:33 from my time last year for this 5 mile race.

 

[lisah0711]

Well, you guys are making it easy for me to finish getting caught up today. Hope I didn't manage to kill the thread already.

Hello! I am Jill, 37 years old, married with 2 boys (one turns 11 Saturday and the other turns 8 on the 23rd). I am a special education teacher at an alternative education program. I've been hanging with these threads for a couple years not but took a little time off due to hectic schedules the last month or so. So, I am back with a schedule that is a little less hectic. I started getting back to a regular workout routine last week and now I need to tackle my bad eating habits. My scale broke so I have no clue how much I've gained in the last 2 months. But, I bought a fancy, shiny new scale today and will face the facts tomorrow morning! I am hoping to lose 4-5 pounds and stick to my training schedule for a 1/2 marathon I am walking with my sister in June.

I am also hoping to sign up for a 1/2 in the fall that I will run/walk in hopes that I will be at the Princess 1/2 in 2015

Jill, hope the numbers on the scale were kind to you. Way to go on getting into the workout routine again. I know you will get the food to work for you. Three 1/2 marathons coming up soon! Woot!

Hi my name is Dona. I have been doing these challenges for a few years now.

I am 58 turning 59 at the end of May. I have married to my college sweetheart for almost 36 years. We have 2 sons, 29 and almost 24. They are both out of the house but the younger one will be moving home for a month in July before he moves to Villanova to start his PhD in August. My dh retired last June but I am planning onteaching another year before I do. I teach AP caculus and have been teaching in the same building for 37 years.

This last 2 months have been a roller coaster of emotions. My dad broke his hip, the ds found out about Villanova. My dad died on his 89th birthday and it was the same day I was named Teacher of theYear for my school. I know that the next 2 weeks will be tough. This Saturday is the party my mother planned for her 60th anniversary. The deposit was made so we are going to celebrate their life together. The 8th is their actual anniversary and then there is Mothers Day after that. I know that by coming here I will be getting a lot of support.

My goal is to get my eating under control and to get back into exercise.

Have a happy and healthy day.

I do need some volunteers to coach so just pm me.

Sent you a PM about coaching, Dona.

You really have been riding the rollercoaster this year my friend. So many ups and downs and big and exciting life changes along with bittersweet farewells. I hope the party was a good time to remember your dad's life and see friends and remember a great life.

Hi! I'd like to join in... be lurking for a while. I am also doing the Exercise thread. PJLLA, I'll PM my goal.

My name is Tara, I am 37. I have been married nearly 16 years to my college sweetheart. We have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a fish. I work part-time at night but am mostly a SAHM. I want to get to the weight I was before I had my kiddos--which means losing somewhere between 15-20 lbs. I've already lost 10 doing the Exercise thread since March 1.

PS-I'm in PA, too... the southeastern side near Valley Forge, King of Prussia mall, etc.

Tara! Congrats on your great loss this year already! I have faith you can kick the rest of that weight to the curb by the time summer is over. Good luck!

Morning all! I am Pamela, coming up on a big birthday that ends in "0" real soon and I restarted this healthier life on 01/02/2008 and haven't looked back. I lost nearly 90 pounds and have been able to maintain it until recently, when I had some unexpected gains..... I think partially due to menopause settling in for good and partially because my exercise routine fell off the map. But I am DETERMINED to get back to the low end of my maintenance goal in time for my birthday!

After a year or two of this journey being about THIN, I really starting working more on HEALTHY and as such have really changed my eating while still working on staying at a good weight. Some days/weeks/months are harder than others, but I have NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING that it is SOOOOO worth it! Being at my goal weight (actually 10 pounds below my original goal) is a DREAM and I wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY grateful for that and for my overall good health!

I honestly cannot tell you how many of these WISH challenges I have participated in over the years, but I have been consistently on the WISH boards for at least 5 years.

I have two children..... DD is nearly 19 and away at college and I miss her like mad! DS is 16 and still willing to give his old Mom a hug and a kiss, so I appreciate that! He is involved in robotics (7th year now) and it is time to me to get more involved in it as well.

Married to my sweet DH for almost 22 years now! Hard to believe that it has been that long. He also struggles to maintain a healthy weight, but lost about 90 pounds also (due to part to an accident in 2010 that required that his jaw be wired shut for 8 weeks.... but he worked hard after that to keep going in the right direction).

DH follows the Atkins approach, I follow Weight Watchers and I now work for the company as a Leader, DD (future marine biologist) will not eat ANYTHING that comes from the sea (and as a family we have decided to follow suit) and DS has multiple food allergies, so meal times at our house can be interesting and complicated and even though I really don't enjoy cooking, I do enjoy the challenge of finding HEALTHY delicious meals that we can all enjoy!

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

Well, good morning all! Today I tried something new in my green smoothie.... PB2 powder! I had a peanut butter smoothie that was healthy and not crazy calorie-loaded! How wonderful!! Hopefully the PB powder will help keep me feeling fuller.

I'm working 1st grade today and I am already here, since DS needed to be to school early for a class. I know that this class can be VERY challenging, so prayers for my patience are appreciated!!

I'll be up front and tell you that today's weigh in was a BITTER disappointment, but I am chalking it up to a few different factors and I believe that tomorrow's number will be MUCH IMPROVED. I am so tired of doubting the accuracy of my scale..... I'm ready to spend money on something new and much more reliable. I got my weight, put on my make-up, emptied my bladder and then got back on the scale.... and it said I had gained .2 in just those few minutes. That is crazy! I know that I tend to UNDEReat on Thursdays in preparation for Friday weigh-in and that always comes back to bite me in the butt. So I'll be having a do-over tomorrow and hopefully the number will be more in keeping with what I expect.

Off to get my coffee refilled and read today's plans! TTYL.................P

ETA: I decided to settle on a double change of "Plank-a-day for May" and, in honor of Rose and her exercise committments, I'm aiming for "Mile-a-day-May"!! Did both yesterday.... just 30 more days to go!

Pamela, you are a wonderful example of someone who got rid of the weight and has been successful at keeping it off for YEARS! You are so inspiring! And busy. It may be time for a new scale. I think I need to get one myself. This one is from when we were first married in 1993.

So nice to see so many folks jumping in for May.

Connie--great to see you!

Did not have a great April either, so right there with you.

I am Rose, 46, married, Mom to a 22yo finishing up his 2nd of 4 semesters of grad school before he starts law school in fall of 2015. I work part time for a non-profit. Lost a ton (50 pounds) in 2010/11. Got sick. Gave up gluten. Gained a bunch back. Still down about 25 overall, so that's good. I would like to lose ~20 pounds this year. I have already gone through menopause, so that adds to the challenge.

I don't know if I am actually going to set a goal for this month, since that seems to not be working too well for me this year.

I am going to think about it for another day or so.
****
I had a little aha moment yesterday that I think is relevant.

Wednesday we had some issues that completely derailed my plans to get organized for a successful May. My plan was to meal plan every single day, drink my water every day, mile a day, plank a day, meditate every day. So after getting very little sleep Wednesday, May 1st just did not go according to plan. Actually the only thing I managed to get in was my mile and even that didn't go well. So when I was getting ready to go out last night (we went to a pre-Derby concert) I thought, well blew it again. My perfect month ruined before I even started.

The aha moment--why, after all these years of struggling with this weight...gaining, losing, gaining, losing....am I still striving for perfect????

I think trying to achieve this idea of perfect is what is keeping me from being successful. I have a goal in my mind, but in the back of my head I still think that won't be good enough. I am constantly having 'well you blew it again' thoughts. I think this need for perfection is holding me back because it makes it easy to quit. I need to remind myself daily of the whole 'you wouldn't throw out the whole set because you broke one dish.'

I have been really successful at many things. I have gone a mile every day since Jan 1, 2013. It's a goal I love and don't want to end. But just because May 1st did not start off the way I wanted does not mean I get to throw in the towel for the whole month.

We do not need to be perfect. We cannot be perfect. We just need to plan, try, readjust the plan, and keep trying. We need to be honest with ourselves about what works and doesn't work. But most of all we just need to keep trying.

Thanks for letting me share.

Hi Rose! You have been successful in spite of the many challenges life has thrown your way so you should be proud of all you have accomplished.

Your point about the problem of perfection is an excellent one!

And as you know, our mantra for these challenges has always been NEVER GIVE UP!

Dona, the first post in this thread still references April and PJLLA as hostess. A quick edit might alleviate confusion and misplaced weigh-ins.

Thanks again for stepping in to manage this month's challenge.

Do we really not have any coaches? (I think PJLLA volunteered for 5/9-15 in the thread.) I will consider throwing in for maybe the last week but I'm gonna sit back and see how it's done first... considering I haven't even been on the WISH board in a long while.

You would make a great coach, Connie. We even have a stickie with sample questions so coaches don't have to reinvent the wheel.

This same concept was just pointed out to me recently as it applies to other areas of my life. I have always been so "all or nothing". I am a perfectionist. And, if I know that I can't do something as perfectly as I would want to, my tendency is to just not do it. Always doing your best in any given situation is a great way to live. Waiting for a perfect situation to begin doing anything is just procrastination and NOT a way to live. It's actually a good way to miss living. I totally get what you're talking about, Rose. It won't be easy to change my basic reaction to the responsibilities before me (including my fitness journey) but, with practice, habits can change.

Have a great Friday, ladies!

I love this statement, Connie!

BRB in trouble with the smilie police.