New You 2/06

Yeah, New You hasn't been around since Hope moved to the Big City and got a life beyond TNH, but I'll join you!

I'm cutting out caffeine too. Will be caffeine-free as of this coming Thursday. And I went to yoga today.

Those are my New Me things of the day.

Checking in .....because she needs to.

Yes indeedy, I've got a new and very busy life but it does not seem to peel the pounds off. I'm with you guys.

I've been giving a great deal of thought lately to getting more active. Busy and active are not quite the same for me. Busy tends to be chaotic but not exactly focussed.

I recall back before my move that I vowed to begin a walking and pilates routine once I was settled. Well...that did not happen, and I got myself busy with a number of other things that did not involve walking at all.

Right now:
-I hate my hair
-I despise my wardrobe
-My body feels OOLLLLD!!!...and creaky
-I'm toting about 50lbs more than I should
-I don't sleep right
-I drink waaaay to much coffee
-I smoke
-I sit around and think about exercising
-I spend even more time thinking up ways to exorcise that don't involve exorcising(or sweating)

Before I go on, is that how you spell exorcise? It doesnt look right lol .

I can't say for sure how often I'll get to posting on here, but I sure do need to make the effort.

Is there any danger that this thread and the Making Changes thread will start to read the same??
-

since we're trying to take charge of just about everything, rather than going with the flow or letting other people dictate our lives for us. If more exercise is where you most need to take charge of your life then probably New You would be a better place for some of it. I think New You leans more towards physical stuff whereas taking charge is more all-encompassing. But those are just broad boundaries and there will be overlap as long as the same people are posting on both sides.

if you'll excuse me... I feel a sudden urge to drink more water!

Kerri.

You got it right the first time Hope - exercise!

Great to see you again by the way.

This takes a lot of guts, but I'm posting my current size at 5'10" and a whopping 22 in the clothes. Oh, my. I posted this in Flybabies, too. So exercise and healthier habbits have to be in my newly forming Fly routines. First goal is to make it to an 18 in the clothes. Comfortably and NOT with button-popping effort.

It's so cool to "see" you guys again!!!!!

Hey, I also wrote that one of my posts will be up on Mommybloggers.com today. Yeah! I think it will be up at 12 noon CST. Please check it out and leave a comment, thank you!

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

I don't have a lot of weight to loose, but it won't go away. In fact, it gets a little worse each week. Next week I'm going to keep a food diary. Don't worry, I won't bore you guys with the details every day! But I need a bit of motivation to properly work out what's going wrong and then make a change. Ugg. I though I was doing OK as well. But the scales say 'no'!!

See you on Monday

Zillah

I am 5'6 and weigh 163. I am in a 12. My closet is full of 8's and 10's.

I need to cut out DR. PEPPER! I know that. Do I do it? No. It is not just the caffeine, it's the empty calories, about 500 extra a day!

I also need to get moving, ON A REGULAR BASIS. I go good for a bit and then it is hit and miss!

I was 132 pre 2 babies. I want to be 140 and live comfortably!

Jana

I won't preach to anyone. I love coffee and soda. But last week I spent a day in the ER. Doc says something neurological is going on. Whether it's MS or just migraines, she HEAVILY suggested I cut out the coffee, sodas, etc. And some other considerations. Can't hurt, eh? That's my personal reason for cutting it out, anyway...

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

I'm here!

For the record I'm 5'2" and 11 days ago I weighed 160...wearing a 12/14 depending on the brand. Right now I'm at 155...aiming for <148 before Spring Break! My long-term goal is somewhere between 130 and 135. According to the ideal weight tables around, I should be aiming for 125-128...but I know that if I get that thin my age will really show in my face. (My meager bustline will totally disappear too! )

I'm using the Weight Watcher's Points plan for eating but doing an absolutely LOUSY job at getting any exercise, so that's a goal, too.

Thursday's are the start of each new week for me (more flex-points for the week-end) so we'll see how I manage to hang-in through Valentine's Day...I've forbid DH from beinging candy into the house, but we are going out for dinner...

Thanks for getting us started, Karin! I've glad to see you "back!"

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

I'm weighing tomorrow, but last month I weighed 235. I'm 5'5". Even so, though, that's about 40 pounds I've lost from my top weight. I'm in pants that I couldn't even pull up over my hips let alone zip up, and I don't even have to lie down to get them zipped.

I need to exercise more. My fibro is really bothering me.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

Okay, I'm feeling the support, now! For all of us. We know it's not really about the size or the actual weight numbers. It's about how we feel and our overall health. But to be honest, for me it IS a little about the size. I really, really, REALLY want to look good again in nicer clothes, and there isn't a whole lot to choose from in my current size. My belly is so bulbous now that I had problems reaching down to lace my boots last night. Well, on the positive side I didn't chill as easily as the others, with my "added insulation". But I have to make changes. I know it won't be easy, either, so thank you for jumping in here with me!!!!!

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

I made it through the week-end in really good shape, eating-wise...I even "saved" a few points on Saturday for a glass or two of wine with dinner...and then didn't even open the bottle. (I had driving duty with DD15.5 and beau at 10:00 pm.)

I'm dusting and decluttering like a mad-woman in DD10:95's room today and am counting that as "activity." It includes many trips up-and-down the stairs, moving boxes to the basement and climbing on-and-off the chair to dust the tops of bookshelves/hutch/mirror etc.

I need to be completely done and showered by 3:00 pm so I'm getting back to it in short order!

Be well, friends!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

INSTEAD OF Dr. Pepper.

Hey, it's a start!

Jana

I recently read in a magazine that it's possible to cut out substantial calories each day by only drinking water. They showed an example of someone who cut out one glass of milk, one glass of juice, and one soda and saved 650 calories!

So it's a big deal you switched to water at lunch-you go girl!

I am 5'10" and weigh 180 pounds. My high is 210, and my goal is 165. The last time I did the half marathon I got down to 172, and that is my lowest since freshman year in college mumblemumble years ago. (OK, it was in the 80's)

Right now I'm in a size 12 pants if they are talls, but due to my very ample bosom, I need a 16 in dresses or shirts. Stupid knockers. Now I don't nurse anymore, I want to get a reduction, but when my SIL got one they made her wait to lose weight and see if that helped first. So I'll wait and see too, although when I was in high school and weighed 125 pounds I still had a 34D chest. (Thanks Grandma)

I have the exercise pretty much under control right now, thanks to having a training goal and running partners.

I have been using the My Food Diary website since last August and I have lost 12 pounds since then.

My big goal this week is to increase my fiber by eating more veggies. This will be a trick since DH did the grocery shopping and only bought broccoli. I see a store trip in my future!

Keep on plugging!
-Jo

Jo, I'm 5'10", and 165 would be my ultimate, realistic goal, too. I'm at a much bigger weight now, but will get there in small steps.

I've been focusing on paperwork today, eating horrible. Just plain yucky. No need to continue that, though. Going to juice some carrots for the boys right now. Believe it or not, they drink it if I juice Granny Smiths with them. Yum!!!!!

I was at the Baltimore Flyfest when Flylady and Leanne talked very HONESTLY about how much weight they had gained. That was freeing for me. I figure if they goof up and can change their habits back, I can, too!

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

For my foot, that is. There's something wrong with it that feels like a very mild stress fracture but, according to the X-rays (and the lack of severity) is not. So I got this appointment.

Food.... Well, I've been fine today on portion sizes, but an overly-high percentage of today's food has involved chocolate in one form or another.

Hi all .

I've been rather busy the last couple of weeks. Time got away from me before I realized I should get on here and post. I've not been slagging though.

I'm glad you brought up the portion control thing Becky, I really need to work on that one again. As of today I'm back to the luncheon sized plate to eat my meals. It's such a mindless way to control portions, and I'm usually quite satisfied with the amount of food on that plate.

We're also working on eating more veggies around this house. This is a big one for us. I don't mind the veggies at all, but DH is a veggaphobic. I'm doing my best to make them more interesting. I think I'll pick up some V8 juice to supplement my daily intake since 3/4 cup = 1 serving.

I drink alot of water already so no need to work too hard on that.

Exercise(or lack of) is what sets me back....way back. I just find it soooo boring. Our community centre is offering a "strippercise" class that I thought would be fun, but the chances of me dragging myself out to do it are slim. What I did do after my first post here was drag my big exercise ball upstairs.....

Start small right? I use the ball as a chair at my puter desk, which immediately improves my posture. It also makes me move abit more as I wiggle around on it alot. After a couple of days I noticed my butt and thighs were protesting abit. I've also figured out how to work my stomach muscles while sitting here. I can do a version of situps that is easier than the old floor crunches. I'm doing about 30 a day right now and want to work up to 50 by the end of the month.

Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll roll the ball out to the livingroom and try the workout that's on tv every morning.

My other nasty behavior to work on? Snacking late at night. Once again I've slipped back into taking munchies to bed with me. My favorite activity, to lie in bed and read and munch. BAD, bad, and more bad!

Time I jumped into the tub and prettied myself up to take in a matinee today. I'm off to see Brokeback Mountain.

Later all....keep up the good fight.

Oh, no....you said "good fight!" My bad!

Lost the food battle yesterday...too much of too much...although I only are one piece of the DDS' chocolate...

Dessert was also good, I made meringue shells using splenda and served strawberries and blackberries swetened with splenda and lite cool whip.

I ate too much meat (steak on the grill...yum!) and too much bread.

I'm doing good today...as long as I don't pig out this evening with DH gone!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

DH cooked last night and it was really, really yummy! I ate way too much and had more wine than I intended to as well. I even had a slice of chocolate cake (I don't like chocolate) because DH bought it as a surprise.

This morning I really, really, really wanted to hit that snooze button, but I was good and got my a$$ out of bed and was on the treadmill 45 minutes later. I managed to walk 2 miles and run 3, which is huge for me. I was so happy with myself! I downlaoded some military running cadences on itunes, and for some reason they really inspire me! I kinda feel like rocky or something.

Anyhoo,

I am glad I managed to keep my routine established of exercise despite the strong temptation to just bag it.

There. Progress in one area anyway.

I'm still nursing (baby is 6.5 mos old) which is great, since I only made it 8 weeks with #1. However, it seems like the lbs. just stick! I'm 5'4" and at 177--yuck. When I'm at 160 I wear an 8-10 (dr. says I'm dense--physically, not mentally!! ), so I'd love to get at least back to 160. BUT, I have to go really slow while nursing. Has anyone read the book Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman? It helped me a bit.

Well, after a naughty pastry/wine/big supper/snacks day yesterday, today I had two slices of cake. Oh dear. I think that the 2lbs that had gone when I stepped on the scales on Tuesday may magically reappear again

I think portion control is a big thing for me as well. The trouble is, things taste good and I want to eat more! I'm going to try and work on that one this week. And avoiding that cake

Zillah

nursing far out weighs weight lose! Take your time.

I am going to go bake to Jo's food diary website an start that again. It helped me and I need to get back on track!

Jana

I feel like I've hit new lows in my home, trying to get organized. And new highs on the scale, unfortunately. I'm trying to remotivate myself. It's going to be a struggle to stay focused today, but I'm trying.

On that note, I did work out already this morning. I'm going to get a huge glass of water, take a shower, and find a notebook I can use as a food journal. I have to get serious.

I am humbled by the ammount of things I've flubbed up in the past six months or so, this needs to change.

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

When I first got to this page this morning, I wasn't signed in. And I didn't see all of your posts. Now that I've signed in, posted, and finally see YOUR posts, I am really motivated, too! Hope, SO GOOD to "see" you again, my Imaginary Friend!

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

So-- I gave up caffeine in most forms. Which means I have been drinking way too much hot chocolate (negligible amount of caffeine) and eating too much sugar in order to get some kind of buzz going. By Monday I hope to feel human again. And I think the lack of coffee will help me in the long run, because then I won't be going into coffee shops and get tempted by pastries.

According to my trusty digital scale, yesterday's weigh-in showed a 1/2 pound weightloss for last week. Its rather depressing at first glance...but I have to remember that it brings my total to 5.5 pounds in 2 weeks...which is good.

Still, I'm an "instant gratification" kind of girl and keeping a positive attitude is tough.

Yesterday was o-kay food wise, I ate a big lunch (which didn't agree with me later) and wasn't hungry at all the rest of the day. I did get a cute new pair of shoes to wear with the suit I bought for intervies/spring! Shoe shopping is always a treat...even when I know I need to buy heels of a sensible height (the new ones are 2.5 inch ) to eventually wear to work!

Today is a major houskeeping day: I'm behind on laundry and the entire house needs a "company" cleaning because we're having guests for dinner tomorrow! My intention is to include as many trips up-and-down the stairs as possible and to "break a sweat" while scrubbing floors.

I do need to finish my meal planning (and calculate "points") for tomorrow so I can enjoy the dinner, too!

Becky, few things frighten me more than having to give up caffeine...I LOVE coffee. I don't use cream or sugar so I guess that's something, but still, I'm sure you've handled the switch better than I ever could!

Karin! Well done on the work-out. Don't be too hard on yourself about past "flub-ups;" it's always a good time to "begin" again...heaven knows I'm losing the same 30 pounds I've lost at least a dozen times before...and I certainly don't have your family/lifestyle to handle!(I'm thinking three little boys, military DH, the kiddos' hearnig challenges) You're amazing!

Have a great Friday, friends!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

HI Guys -

I think I may join you. I signed up for my food diary today and am liking it so far. Some surprises in there though! LIke how many calories certain things have - of course all my favs.

Anyway, I am 5'6" and as of this am weighed 157.5. I would like to get down to 130 by mid May, which is when our vacation is. I was 112 when I got married in 1987! Depressing.

Andrea

We could share clothes!

I am signing up on Monday for Food Diary! I loved it the last time I did it!

Jana

Yesterday was super busy with a school ski trip I chaperoned, picking up DS15.5 when his bus got back from the mountian, a driver's-ed meeting, choir rehearsal, and having to get paychecks out for today. I also wasn't really very hungry because I was carsick from riding on the school bus. My exercise was skiing (and walking up the mountain on skis to help kids that had fallen).

Today I went to the "big city" for a haircut, shopping, and lots of errands for the business. So far today I have had a smoothie and a salad. I'm starving though, and have nothing planned for dinner, so it may be Chinese take-out.

Tomorrow is a walk 5 miles day and Sunday is my long run for the week.

I feel kinda fat today. Bloated I guess. I did not drink near enough water yesterday or today.

So, that's the update here.
Bye,
-Jo

It's about time I got my act together. I want to lose about 60 lbs. I have problems with my knee which is probably arthritis (waiting for xray results right now). Losing weight has to help that, I would think. Then last night I had the most awful attack of something or other, which from my medical book looks like it might be an ulcer or gallstones. Very bloated upper abdomen, nausea and chest pains. Not the first time I have had that either, though not for a few years. Each time it has happened in the middle of the night, following a fatty meal.

So...I want to lose weight and improve my diet. I need to up the exercise too. Groan.

Hi all-

Jana, I was thinking the same thing! We have very similar goals - we can do it!!

Honey, gosh, I hope that ulcer thing goes away!!

Jo, you are doing great with your exercise. I did nothing today, even though I had a "wind day". That tells me that my excuse of not having enough time is just that, an excuse!! I just don't enjoy it but need to figure out a way to make it happen.

I am liking food diary, though I now need to go input my Louisiana Salmon which I had out tonite. I may feel differently about it after that.
Andrea

OK, looks like I'm chatting with myself! C'mono guys!

Down a pound this am after a not so great weekend, so that's good.

Having breakfast now:
Morningstar garden burger (love those)
sauteed red pepper
1 scrambled egg
green tea

I did my Denise Austin this am.
Andrea

Oh dear, that sounds rather defeatist. I'm going to try to be good around DMIL's birthday dinner party, dinner with friends and a trip to my grandmother's. None of these are low-calorie events!

However, those two pounds were still off on Friday, so it's not all bad. I'm curious to see if they're there again tomorrow

Now, must go ice a cake!

Zillah

Very hard Zillah, I know!

FYI - do you guys know that the Starbucks chocolate and cream cheese muffin has 450 calories??!! NO, I did not order one but had a bite of DD's today. Delish, but definitely not worth the calories.

I am holding my own today, but haven't had dinner yet -
Andrea

Well, I'm feeling pretty good about having navigated a perilous week-end of food rather successfully! Dinner Saturday night (here) with our pastor and his wife went beautifully...I ate too much, but counted points faithfully; Sunday I was able to do a bit of "damage control;" and yesterday I chose a Thai-style lettuce wrap appetizer as my lunch entree at The Cheesecake Factory and though I did eat cheesecake...I chose the original made with splenda. (Delicious!) My girlfriend and I did quite a bit of walking after lunch so hopefully that helped, too.

Anyway, I'm up a half a pound...but considering the week-end's food-focused events (and since I'm expecting Aunt Flo,) I'm not too upset!

I'm going to do some upper body strength-training exercises in just a bit...I have a twinge in my left knee that has me wary of putting too much stress on it today...

Be well, friends!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

And I am gradually cutting sugar back to my usual amount. I haven't weighed myself lately but I made an appointment for physical therapy for my foot that was somehow hurt. I suppose I ought to start soaking it as I was told, too.

You are all doing so well at this, and I feel like a leech reading along without much to offer.

I need to give myself a good talking to. I am out of control! So......I'm off to the tub for a soak and some reflection and with any luck I'll emerge with a sense of direction. Keep your fingers crossed.

My FIL is about to go into surgery for lung cancer in just under 12hrs. It doesn't matter how old you are or how long you've smoked, don't ever think you have got away with it. He's 75. If we hadn't sent him for a general health screening a few weeks back this would never have been caught early enough - he would never complain - and everybody would be a lot less optimistic.

Please don't let it be you the next time Hope.

Kerri.

Jana

Hi! I've been a bit killer busy, really tore the place apart this past weekend. Big time organizing.

THEN was hit with the tummy bug. YUCK! I lost five pounds this past week, but I wonder how much of that is from not being able to hold food down.

Okay, Food Diary. I remember posts about that before. I forgot if there's an online version. If so, could someone redirect me? I'm trying to keep a written log. It's been a big help keeping me accountable.

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

Yes karin - it is myfooddiary.com. It is a bit of a pain to keep up with, but I like it.

Hope you are feeling better!

www.myfooddiary.com

Love it!

Jana

I didn't love inputting my 10 Snyder's Nibblers (pretzels). 10 calories each! Ouch! Gotta get rid of that bag...

Just sit down and finish it off. You can count that as decluttering, taking a much needed rest AND getting rid of temptation! Really, you are doing yourself a favor in many ways!

You see how I can justify anything!!!!!

Jana

I've been thinking hard about what exactly needs to happen in order for me to be healthier, more fit, and trimmer. I'm a little tired of feeling sluggish.

My BIL was just recenty diagnosed with heart disease, which has me taking a good look at my own bad habits. Being in the 50+ group now I should take my health more seriously than I do. BIL is on a much stricter diet right now, and I think I'll check out some heart smart dieting on the net to see if I can come up with a sensible eating plan. Truth is, I probably know what I need to do.

Cut fat from my diet and get a ton more exercise. I could also quit smoking but human nature being what it is I'll most likely leave that for last.

We travel to Italy in Sept with BIL and SIL, so we could be a good support for one another. I'd like to lose 20-30 pounds before we go too. I'd best get busy.

I don't have a scale anymore so I have to guage progress by the fit of my clothing. That's OK with me, the scale freaks me out me anyway. Karin, when I was looking at the pictures you e-mailed recently (the awards) I noticed that you and I are built much the same. We could be sisters .

And now....I'll have some breakfast *without* butter.

it just occurred to me Hope that there probably isn't much point working on weight issues before quitting smoking because you'll likely put on more weight when you quit. Why not quit first, then you can deal with all the weight at once. It'd be too depressing the other way round I reckon.

getting rid of bathroom scales is probably the best first step towards making your life happier!

Kerri.

THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD DIARY LINK!!!!! I am absolutely going to use it.

Jana, I LOVE your "decluttering" attitude! Made me crack up.

Hope, when I read your weight loss goals, I was shocked that ours are similar. It's very hard, isn't it, to stay motivated sometimes. Is the trip to Italy helping with motivation? Swim season is a key factor for mine.

Kerri, I don't like my scale, either. But I'm using it right now. I did get depressed about the weight for a while and just didn't get on the scale, almost gave up. Recent health concerns have re-motivated me. I did loose five pounds this week when the tummy bug hit me hard, but haven't had the courage to step on the scale to see if I've gained it back or not.

Okay, coffee is out for me. Can't tell you how much more energy I've had, too. Even through a week of the sickies here. Very strange, and I miss my coffee. Still haven't gone to the health food store to check out alternatives. Now, on with my day. Health goals today: journal food, drink lotsa water, workout at least once on the Total Gym. Hmmm... not too serious but a start.

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

or they go without coffee - I've found most of them don't complain too much!

Karin, maybe you could use Hope's method for tracking weight changes. She usually picks a pair of what she calls 'goalpants' - something you've had in your closet that's just a bit too tight. Nothing too far off though or you'll get instantly depressed!! I've found that people get obsessive about weighing themselves if they have scales and it's just going to make you miserable. Being healthy and fit is a wonderful goal, but life is for Living, not just staying alive longer.

I've stayed away since this has been largely weightloss oriented. I think I'll do what my mum did and suddenly whack the weight on in another 10-15yrs, and age rapidly. For now I ought to be trying to ease up on my bad habits. At least if I put on the weight from the large bags of sweets or other junk I consume some days I might have the immediate incentive to stop at one or two. I will regret it one day I know.

but I am trying a bit harder with my medication, and I'm tryingto menu plan to fit more veg into my life. Actually it's all pretty pathetic so I've been reading along here to try and get a bit more motivated to behave a teensy bit better.

Kerri.

Kerri, I'm going to do that, use a pair of my smaller pants as a goal. THANK YOU!!!!!!

That said, I'm going to paste in this post something I just put in the Flybaby forum:

I wanted to share something with you guys. I've been on and off this forum a lot over the last four and a half years. But you don't know what it really means that I can come back here to such a wonderful group of gals (I know a guy or two may post, too) that I feel totally at home with. Because of DH's job and our constant moving, I'm finding it very hard to make friends. I'm in a place now where I don't have a lot in common with others. I have to constantly adjust to new locations, new people with different characters,
add to that helping the boys fit it. I'm just tired of it. Some places are more open and friendly than others. I've been feeling like I just don't fit in anywhere and Bam! I've hooked back up with you guys.

This place (TNH forums) just "fits", you guys are amazing and motivating. It feels so good to be able to come here and just feel comfortable. I remember years ago feeling lonely because it's so hard to make friends again and again. Some of you reminded me to get out and keep trying to make friends. I have done that over the years, and have made a few very close friends. But my "Imaginary Friends" have always stayed in my heart, in a very special place. Even the entire time I wasn't posting. When I finally popped back in, you have no clue how excited I was to see so many "long-timers" still here!!!!!

I've met some neat gals in my new place, they are absolutely wonderful. But I'm not sure they're the best fit for me. I'm hanging in there, giving it a real go, but I'm going to try to make some other new friends here, too.

I wanted to post my feeling this morning, just to remind you how special you all are to me. And I mean that from the very bottom of my heart. I'm going to post this message on A New You, too, because of the good gals in both of these groups.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU all for being such a neat part of my life!!!!!

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

actually people have been saying that about us for years and it wasn't meant to be a compliment!!

but seriously Karin - I know what you mean. Whatever friends we make and wherever we go this place has stayed constant for several years now, and whilst many come and go there are always quite a few of us that know there's nowhere quite like it. It doesn't stop us having 'real' friendships in the outside world, but it gives us the strength to go out and look for new friends whilst knowing we can come back here and tell everyone all about it!

remember - the goal pants idea was actually Hope's. I just wasn't sure whether you'd heard about it before, and I'm happy to wean anyone off a bad relationship with a set of bathroom scales!

Kerri.

Just a reminder....

I've exercised more in the past week and eaten less sugar and fewer sweets in general, as well as more vegetables. And in that week, I've gained four pounds according to the scale today. I think, though, it's because I had a fair amount of salt yesterday and AF is here. I'll see if it's better in a couple of days, who knows.

I have also been good about taking meds. My goal for the next week is to keep a food diary.

now that you've reminded me!

I think in your case Becky I would try not to worry too much about what the scale says (anti-scale evangelist strikes again!) and concentrate on whether you feel better for how you've treated yourself in the week. I was thinking yesterday that the goal pants idea would be hopeless (or is that Hope-less??) for me because sometimes I'm a size 10, yet later in the same day I can barely fit a size 14 because I'm so bloated. I can't say whether my weight fluctuates too because I don't even own scales (HA!), but I'm sure it does. I'm very sure that unless you've made changes in your lifestyle over a longer period of time, many of us won't really notice the change, certainly not day to day and within any given month.

better get that water or I'll forget again (but I just ate dinner so I'm stuffed!).

Kerri.

I was thinking about starting a new thread this morning....but since March 1st is just 2 days away I decided to wait!

I'm well on track with my eating right now and the scales have dropped a bit since Thursday, too! I'm showing -7 pounds! Since Aunt Flo arrived on Friday, (and with a vengence, I might add, ) that's good! I do have to confess that I'm a "scale" addict. I step on every morning. I know that's too often and that I should try to weigh-in only once a week...but the lure is irresistable. On the other hand...I don't "freak" about every daily fluctuation and I only document my weight on Thursday mornings. I do think I'll join you all in finding a pair of "goal" pants...actually, I think my first goal will be a "goal suit," as I have a really great suit that I can wear for Easter that hasn't fit me since our first year here (2002). Five more pounds should get me nicely into that suit....which leaves me more 4 weeks before vacation...and then 2 weeks after vacation to "re-lose" what I'll gain at DSIL's!

I'm totally in awe of you friends who are kicking the caffiene habit. DH and I are going to step-down to "lite" coffee with our next purchase. I buy Fair Trade coffee through our church (which we sell at no profit to the church) so I'm going to buy a bag of regular and a bag of decaf and mix them together.

Karin! I feel alot like you about my TNH friends! This is such a place of comfort and support...I can't imagine not having you all in my life!

"Bob" just came out from under her blanket...you know, I think I'd make a great lizard: sleep half the day...wait for my family to bring me yummy bits of food...sprawl on my belly on a warm rock under a heat lamp...Yep...I'd make a fine lizard!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

Day-after-tomorrow we can start a brand-new month!

I did great with my "points" over the week-end...even while baking for a bake sale at church! If I can keep my fingers out of DD-has-a-birthday-tomorrow's cupcake batter this evening I'll have plenty of room to enjoy dinner out...including dessert!

I'm thinking about the upcoming month, already. I don't know about the rest of you, but I think, for me at least, March will be a time for "consistancy." The weather is unpredictable, my schedule will be hectic and I have several "other things" that will need quite a bit of attention next month...what if we each pick a healthy habit and just focus on being consistant with it for several weeks?

It may be getting exercise on a routine; it may be getting on a consistant schedule with medications (Kerri! ); it may be meal planning for better nutrition...whatever. Rather than expecting "big" changes...what do you say we make ONE aspect of our New Me lives a priority and work at it until it becomes a habit?

Let me know what you think!

Blessings,
Lenora
"...if woman's work is never done, why bother about how much of it [isn't] getting done at any given moment?"
~ Claire Fraser in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

today's excuse is I'm seriously struggling to swallow (closed up throat) - I'm even having to suck my Doritos!!!

Kerri.

ps. but other than that it's a great idea for me.

Yeah, Lenora! Sounds like your doing well with staying on track of goals.

Kerri, I hate to admit I loved the weight loss I had w/being sick last week. Found those pounds back, though.

This weekend I didn't do so well. Today is a new day, and I'm trying to stay on track. Been drinking more water, need to stay away from fatty, salty foods, though. They call for me late in tne night...

--Karin
www.chaotichome.blogspot.com
www.bionicboys.blogspot.com

Yeah! I found a coffee alternative I actually like. I bought it at Whole Foods, but you can read about it at www.teechino.com. I might order it online, may be cheaper in the long run. We're drinking the mocha flavor now, even DH likes it.

I've been drinking a lot of water, too. Finally bought new filters for the refridgerator. I bought the ones that get out a lot more things from the water, too. Might not matter to some, but the taste of the unfiltered water here kind of grosses me out. Makes me wonder what's in it. I like to drink my water with a little lemon juice in it, a bit of a fresher taste.

Been working out on the Total Gym, too. Not for long lengths of time, just making sure I get on it and make it part of my routine. I'd rather be walking outside on my 4 mile loop, listening to my mp3 player, but it's darn cold out there and I have a strong aversion to the cold.

That's it for me as a check in. I haven't been doing good on listing my foods in my food diary, but will keep trying to do this. I think that would be key to my eating healthier.

--Karin

Sunds like you're doing great Karin! Gotta check out your link.

I was down 3 pounds this am from when I started! Gave me a much-needed boost of confidence and motivation! Now if I can hold on to that feeling.

Andrea