Rose, what kind of dog is Chico? By the name I'm guessing a chihuahua. My little one, Mytsie is a 1/2 chihuahua 1/2 Jack Russel Terrier mix... a total ball of energy. She is a true attack dog http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq79VIlLJ_c

Mern, I had narrow angle closure glaucoma, which apparently is the minority and different from the usual kind. It is correctible with surgery; they did laser surgery to poke holes in my iris, allowing fluid to drain. I don't need drops and for the three years since, there has been no regression, so I'm very fortunate.

GREAT job at the restaurant! Eating out is a temptation, but it's great when you can scope the lay of the land beforehand. You should be proud :).

lol, Mike, Mytsie cracks me up!

Rose - so happy that your puppy is having a restorative sleep. Any word on when he may be able to come home, or has the vet not considered that yet?

Mern - nice job with your eating out! Very sensible plan, checking what was on offer before going.

Mike . . . 1000 pushups?! You go!

Cassie - I don't envy your husband one little bit. I've seen spring break on movies (because of course movies are a true and honest depiction of reality) and I can only imagine the number of times he's going to think, 'Bloody kids . . . I was never like this when I was their age . . .' :D We have 'Schoolies Week' at around the start of December every year when all the kids who have just graduated year 12 flock to the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast here in Queensland and, I guess, do all the things done at Spring Break. Sensible people give the coasts a very wide berth, unless they want to be labeled a 'Toolie' . . . :D

Got through the second round of Plyometrics today, and only hit the pause button once. Of course, I do have the face of a beefsteak tomato, now.

I also gained 700g this past week (just under 2lbs). I am hoping that has more to do with muscle gain (I have noticed much definition) and TOTM than my body saying, 'That's it! I've had enough of your binge drinking weekends, missy!' :p A bummer because I was only 0.1lb (yes, zero-point-one) away from my mini goal last week. It is, however, only the first week of gain . . . I shan't panic unless next week shows a gain, too.

Mern: I loved Kojak too! The lollipop, lol, I had almost forgotten! My Dad and I have a special bond too. Most people in my family are very musically inclined -- he and I are the oddball geeks interested in science and math (He has a Masters in Math). I worry about him, as he's obese, heart disease, lung disease, and a damaged colon -- sometimes we say he's stitched together with duct tape, but he's hanging in there. Thank you for all of your kind words, and CONGRATS on the one pound and holding your own at the restaurant! 1 + 1 + 1 etc. = lots of weight!

Rose: You are so sweet, thank you, and I am SO SORRY to read about your Chico. I'm glad the doctors were able to save his eye, but what a trauma! He obviously has a loving home, and I hope that he's out of intensive care as soon as he is able to be healthy (and that he sleeps through the whole thing!). Just one day at a time, good luck, and you're in my thoughts.

behaze: I'm excited for you and your manuscript, and I hope everything is received well!! I'll do what I can to help. And HOLY MOLY that sounds like a huge spider! I think I would have fainted. Actually, BF is the one that caved today. I got home late (as per usual Mondays) and started to wearily put laundry together (I might have played it up a little...) and he came in the room and said "No, I've got tomorrow off work, I'll do all the laundry." What a nice thing to hear! I guess I sort've won! Also, don't worry too much about the gain -- it's probably just TOTM + muscle, like you say :)

I miss my fur babies too :( My pup, Shyla, passed away at the ripe old age of 15 about 4 years ago, and I still miss her sweet little face every day. Due to money concerns it's not really in the cards for us to have an animal right now, but I can't wait for the day when I can have one back in my life. There's nothing quite like a pet!

Had a pretty good day today, but this week shall probably be known as The Week Of Paperwork, as I have not only my manuscript to get through but mounds of other things building up in the background. Ah well. One day at a time, and Monday is always the long day! (I work 8-7 most Mondays, yuck)

Monday Report Card

Fitness, Exercise and Lifestyle Goals:
1) Under 1400 cals every day and log EVERYTHING. M: yes, 1200 on the nose
2) Average 30% daily protein for the week. M: 23% (weekly average 23%)
3) 96 oz. of water EVERY day. M: 104 :eek:
4) No weighing until Friday! M: N/A
5) Work out 5-6 hours, split between weights and hard cardio. M: Day off
6) In bed by 11:30 every night M: Yes, I promise I will! :D
7) Buy a heart rate monitor this weekend. M-F: N/A

Non-Fitness Goals:
1) Finish edits to my scientific manuscript (this manuscript is the culmination to my dissertation, I want it out in the world!) M: No
2) Make efforts on my appearence every day - hair, makeup, clothing. M: Yes
3) Get every scrap of laundry hiding in the closet cleaned. M: No
4) One hour of needlework every day. M: Yes
5) Have an "outside date" this weekend (the weather is SO beautiful). M-F: N/A
6) Buy new makeup. M: No

~Terri

Terri, was it your mom who used the duct tape on your dad? And did she use a Q-tip to fix him, too ;)

behaze, you will be fine with your goal. So close! Props to you on the plyo...that's tough stuff!

"Quinn...I'm soooo sorry. Catch a plane; I'm "single" this week anyway and looking for things to keep busy!"

Cassie,

...or you could catch a plane up here and I'll snow shoe to the airport to meet you! :D (You'll recognize me by the forks in my eyes...) By the time we carry your bags back, we'll have burned about 800 calories! (Actually, we're due for 5-8" of wet heavy snow, wind and ice and I'm quite sure that will close our airport...) Our airport is hilarious! They actually have to clear the runway of deer before planes land! The good thing is that you can wear a down jacket and snow pants and no one knows if you're 105 lbs. or 150 lbs... everyone looks like the Michelin Man! lol

OR... we could meet half way at Mern's house in Ohio for a "Girl's Spring Break Week"! LOL

Mike, your pooch is ADORABLE!!!! So so cute. Love her.

Chico is actually a Schnoodle, part Schnauzer, part Poodle. Here's a picture of him before the mauling of course. He looks quite messed up now but he is totally on the mend! I just got back from visiting him and was thrilled to see the wound closing up and healing.

Almeeker, Mern, Behaze, Terri, thanks so much for your well wishes. Chico and I appreciate it so much. I feel better already.

Oh, yeah, I'm there! But I think we should clue Mern in that we're coming, so she can get the healthy snacks ready. Red wine is healthy!!

Deer? On the runway? What a hoot! Although I do not need the leeway of heavy clothes...I noticed, after a year of this, it is much easier to maintain in spring, summer, and fall than in the winter. Holidays, darker days, comfort, who knows, but it's what I noticed.

ROSE!! I'm so glad you let us know Chico is better. That's awesome news. Bring him to Mern's with you and we'll all have a good time :D!

here's my update for the end of the day. I haven't heard back from that one studio i had an interview with yet. when i asked my compition for that spot today if he heard from them yet he had not. so there is some hope still.

So it also seems like i'll be getting a new Laptop, but it seems like it'll be a new used laptop snice i guess thats what my warintee covers. the company couldn't get all the parts that my lappy needed to be fixed. urg.

also crossed paths with a black cat during my walk today is it a sign?

Fitness Goals:

1. Drink 3 of my blue water bottle a day yes!
2. do my workout 6/7 days Yes!
3. 10,000 steps a day yes (10,017)
4. start cal counting again, limit 1900 no 2,136
5. no fast food yes
6. (forgot to add before) go swimming once a week no

Non-Fitness Goals:

1. finish my current homework do to list finished one thing but it was pose to be done long ago
2. put away clean laundry done about time
3. put away dirty laundry easy once clean laundry is put away
4. clean off floor and vaccum it. picked up a few things still have some things to clean up, and still need to vaccum

Rose, he's a handsome little man! :)

Checking in...

1. Balance calories in and calories out. Yes
2. Drink 2-3 big blue bottles of water daily. Yes
3. Sleep 7 hours nightly (failed miserably at this last week). No 6.5
4. Exercise 5-6 days; 2-3 outside. Weights inside tonight

5. One office organizational task per day. Yes
6. Paint one room of trim IFF no tourney next weekend and/or work doesn't spill over into weekend.

Almeeker, I was wrong! The tea I was talking about was for someone else and not for that reason. The correct one is organic smooth move by Traditional Medicinals. Sorry about it. I'm about to give it a shot, did you want a review on it. ;)

ewww, are you using that tea too?? :0



Monday is my cheat day so I need to keep it to +729cal or less. +679

Fitness & Health
1) 65g net carbs per day (again this week) no, it was my cheat day
2) work out 3 times no
3) 1000 pushups :eek: 166
4) gallon of water a day yes 169oz
5) multi vitamin (daily) yes
6) fish oil (daily) yes
7) -2400 for the week (including my cheat:eek:) +679

Hi everyone, just wanted to say hi and I miss you! The past 2 months have been a little rough as I've been constantly fighting one cold virus after another. I've been so tired, stressed, and depressed. I'm really sad about the Japan disaster.

I've gained about 2 pounds which isn't too bad considering how I've been feeling, not exercising, and overeating. The good news is that I have a job for next year, hooray!

I'm not mentally ready to start tracking fitness goals since I'm overwhelmed w tracking life details right now but I just wanted to say hi to everyone and read about your successes and weeks. My major goal will be to continue to continue to find silver linings in all the clouds!

Today's silver linings: went in for routine physical and my lipid profile is off the charts awesome! Also, my weight is about the same as last August (I lost and then gained) (Cloud = white blood cell count is low, no surprise there!)

have a good week everyone!

Monday Report Card:

Health & Fitness Goals

1. Keep calories to 1,400 M-T-W-T-Sat, 1,650 F-Sun. 1,546 I screwed this up yesterday, by accident, not by lack of willpower. I forgot to log the cottage cheese I ate at breakfast and that I had 1,400 as my goal. By the time I realized it, I was 150 over. Oh well, today is another day.
2. No grain based carbs for the entire week, including corn! Success, I had to slap my hands all day, but I managed it.
3. Exercise 6 hours. 48 min
4. 96 oz water. YES
5. Carbs under 45%. 34%
6. Protein over 40%. 44%

Other Stuff

7. Call SIL and find another race, 5/14/11 is not going to work out. NO
8. Clean 2 rooms (15 min each) + 1 load of laundry. NO
9. Figure out basement shelving layout. No, and DH was cranky about it.
10. Write library proposal. NO
11. Work on church design 2 hours (or more). NO

Yesterday was really odd for me. I've decided to try grain free for the week, and yesterday I didn't have any cravings. That is crazy for me, normally I feel hungry often, and on the cusp of "out of control" at least 3-4 times/day. Yesterday I didn't have that feeling all day long. We'll see how today goes, but I have a sneaking suspicion that grain based carbs are an even bigger problem than I realized.

Monday Report Card:

Fitness/ Diet goals
- up protein intake yes
- go running at least twice this week (at least 6 ks each)
- go swimming once
- drink at least 1.5 litres of water every day!! yes
- try to do a bit of stretching/ yoga 5 days this week

Non-fitness goals
- get spring cleaning done this week
- get some work done on my dissertation (at least do some research five times this week)
- finish at the very least one book

Rose, so glad to hear your handsome little sweetie is on the mend. It's so hard when the ones we love are injured, be they two legged or four. We have a sweet little rabbit, and the other day she was laying sort of weird and for just a second I thought maybe she'd passed, and I gasped and my heart started racing and then she jumped up looking all offended that I had made a noise during her nap.

Mike, your girls are hilarious!!! And yes I would like a review (not too graphic please) of the "Smooth Move" tea (that's the name, seriously?). I'm good for the moment, but who knows how I'll feel by Sunday night after being grain free all week. The worst part is that when I have that issue, I tend to gravitate toward junk food. I don't know about the rest of you, but when I eat junk there is um, a lot more waste then when I eat healthy.

Cassie, so does Mern know we're all coming for a girls weekend? You bring the red wine, and I'll bring the toads. My middle DD makes these lumpy little confections with dark chocolate, pistachios and raisins, she calls them "Toads" (as "turtles" was already taken), and they are to die for. I better put those little yummies in the back of the car, if they are too close I will eat them all on the drive to Ohio.

Quin, I can relate to the deer issue. My brother, his wife and 3 sons live on a dirt road, and nearly every year they hit a deer - each. It's no wonder that auto insurance in Michigan is "no fault". My aunt and uncle have a "Buck Board", it's a picture frame with lots of spots for photos, and it has a nice photo of everyone's "First Buck". My photo is the crunched front corner of my mini-van.

Rose- I’m sorry to hear about Chico, he’s in our thoughts! I honestly believe that animals become part of the family so I'm glad to hear he's on the mend!:)
Quinn- I’m in the same boat but sadly no fireplace to curl up to. We went from beautiful sunny spring weather to 10+ centimeters of snow today. As soon as you said clear the runway all I can think of is the blue collar-Bill Engval joke (On the phone with his wife when the plane he was on stopped after hitting a deer)
Engvall's wife: Oh my God! Were you on the ground?
Engvall: Nope, Santa was making one last run. Here's your sign.
________________________________________

Behaze- I can’t imagine veggies at that price, hopefully it’s a good summer crop and things get back to more normal prices. Congrats on sending out the manuscript and way to go with plyometrics!
Mern- :eek:At least you’re 166 in!

Yesterday was one of those hectic but wonderful days. Found out I’m set to graduate with my second degree by December, got the last big details sorted for the wedding and managed to get in sometime with the dogs at the park. Though sadly the horse I’ve been training has come up lame so that extra exercise I was counting on didn’t happen.

I am thinking I may have to adjust my time line a little when I set my goal weight I chose March 31st not thinking it was final exam time which means less exercise and time. I'm 4 lbs away right now but think to save my sanity giving myself until mid April wouldn't be such a bad idea. Am I just being sucky?

This week's goals:
1) Min 62oz of water each day: Yes
2) Limit to 2 coffees all week: 2 in the first day:eek:
3) Keep a 1000 cal deficite: -8734) Get in 2 runs (min 10Km): No
5) No carb Wednesday and Friday

Random goals:
1) Get 2 essays finished: parts started and small assignments done
2) Print out "before" picture and post it on the fridge: No
3) Put a dent in the laundry pile : Yes!

Ash

Again I am a day late. I am not setting any fitness goals this week because my dad passed away yesterday. I have family coming from all over the state and diet and exercise is the last thing I need to worry about. I wanted to post just to keep in the habit of doing so. I am going to start fresh next Monday when my life begins to settle. I will post my new weight but keep the same long term goals. I am not expecting too much of and increase. I have managed to maintain and hover around the same weight since last week when I basically started living in restaurants.

This week I will focus on remembering all the good times I had with my dad and accepting he is in a better place and no longer suffering.

If i am not around I will see you all next week and good luck on sticking with your goals!

Karen

Kind of lost it a little last night at my daughter's NHS Induction. I won't go into the gory details, but, yes... cake was involved... again! :eek: Cake, ice cream, punch, coffee... all of the usual culprits at such events.

Decided to give myself a "one night pass" for 17 years of busting my butt as a parent. LOL (Actually, 28 years total.) They should have a separate ceremony for the parents of the top 10%. But, for now, I'll take the cake and punch. ;)

When we got home, hubby and I continued our private, parental "pat on the back" celebration with doing a taste test between Naturally More and Smucker's All Natural. Although Naturally More is clearly superior, nutritionally, we both voted for Smucker's for taste. (It took us many tastes to come to our professional opinion... many.)

So...

"Cassie, so does Mern know we're all coming for a girls weekend? You bring the red wine, and I'll bring the toads. My middle DD makes these lumpy little confections with dark chocolate, pistachios and raisins, she calls them "Toads" (as "turtles" was already taken), and they are to die for. I better put those little yummies in the back of the car, if they are too close I will eat them all on the drive to Ohio."

I will supply jars of peanut butter for us all to "taste test". Oh, and maybe cake... yes, definitely cake... :D

Makerbabe, I am so so sorry to hear about your dad. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I lost my dad on March 25th last year and he suffered a lot too so I understand how you feel right now. The next couple of months will be hard and you need to take gentle care of yourself.

Sending cyber hugs...

Report card for Monday
 

Hi Everyone,

I am so relieved about my sweet Chico doing better but now I have a sinus cold. I feel pretty crappy but at this point, I am certain that after this streak of badness I am going to have a superbly joyous Spring and a massive streak of good luck. Maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket. I'm due for a mulit-million dollar win and if I do and I am flying everyone on this thread out to a tropical resort for a week.

Shockingly I sort of have no appetite and I seriously did not eat enough yesterday so I am hoping to do better today.

My goals (trying to keep it simple):

1. Calories between 1200-1600: NO 919
2. Water: 2 litres per day: YES
3. Exercise 5 times this week
4. Take my multivitamin: YES
5. Try to stay sane: I THINK SO

Amy, thank you so much for the well wishes and how cute that you have a pet bunny. Sorry she gave you a scare though.

Mike, when I tell Chico that he's handsome he cocks his head and perks up his ears. Of course I think he is incredibly good looking but I know I am biased. More importantly he is one of the sweetest creatures and could not have deserved this attack any less.

Cassie, I am pretty excited about our weekend at Mern's. I'll have to bring Chico of course so I hope that's okay because he is a boy. I can bring red wine too and I'll make my amazing seafood risotto if Mern doesn't mind me taking over her kitchen.

acameron, thank you so miuch for the kind thoughts. I am so relieved that my fur baby is on the mend. He's 14 and I've had him since he was a tiny puppy so our bond is very close. He really is my sweet little baby. He's the kindest little dog you'll ever meet!

Quinn, I wouldn't worry so much if I were you... you're doing great. You deserved that cake break!

Rubypeanut, welcome back! Sounds like you did not do to much damage at all. 2 pounds is nothing! I now have a sinus cold and am miserable. It's a real bummer to be sick.

Have a great Tuesday, Everyone!

Karen my deepest condolences. At this point family is most important we'll be around after. Take care of yourself sending good cyber-vibes your way this week.

Cassie: LOL! It might have been. My mom IS a whiz with the duct tape, and I'm pretty sure he's holding together because of that...and because he doesn't want to make her mad ;) I'll have to ask him about the Q-tip next time I go home!

Rose: I'm so glad Chico is looking better - he has a precious little face! I hope both of you are able to rest a little bit after the ordeal.

yuna: Keeping my fingers crossed for you on the interview!

rubypeanut: Welcome back, and feel better! Sounds like some great news at the doctor, that's always a relief :)

almeeker: I'm really curious about your no-grain resolution for the week and to see how it comes out, I've often wondered if those grain-based things are more sneaky than other carbs, too.

Quinn: Have your cake and eat it too! Parenting is probably the toughest job in the world!

Karen: Deepest condolences for you and your family about your father. Take care of yourself and surround yourself with loved ones; I can only imagine how difficult it must be. We'll be here if and when you need us.

~Terri

rubypeanut, I hope things start to get better and you find the silver lining.

Karen, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Take care of yourself and family, we’ll be here when you get back.

Rose, I’m glad to hear that Chico is doing better. He sounds like a funny little guy. What is going to happen to the bully that attacked him?

Almeeker, Yes, that’s its name. The taste wasn’t bad, but not like the regular tea taste that I was expecting. It had an after taste that I think was anise. It worked and it was subtle, it wasn’t one of those moments where you’re sweating in your car wondering if you’re going to make it off the bridge and to the next exit. It took about 8-10hrs but I didn’t feel any cramping or anything. Take it before bed and in the morning you’ll be good to go, literally.

Food:
~ stick to my food plan m nope
~ log all food i eat m nope
~ 90 oz of water m nope

Non-Food:
~ cardio 4 times a week m yes, t yes
~ strength 4 times a week m nope
~ yoga 3 times a week not yet
~ journal 3 times this week not yet
~ journal instead of emotional eating not yet
~ put effort into what i wear every day m yes

mern ~ you go girl! you are not the only one worried about the future & wanting to be medication free. with my arthritis it is on my mind too. i'll be 41 in may & i'm also thinking/worried about when i'll have my hip replaced i know it is a matter of when & not if. okay don't make me hurt you with the 'shorts on comment' ~SIGH~ my exercise goals are pretty manageable i walk to work so that takes care of my cardio ;) my routines for my strength training are not very long but very effective for my body. you did awesome at the restaurant. i've often brought stuff to restaurants even chicken...lol...you go girl.

rose ~ omg your poor little guy. i hope he recovers quickly. that is good news about his eye. not something you want to be dealing with at the moment. more snow here today too i'll join you in the screaming. glad to hear your fur baby is healing up. i know you'll be glad to get him home.

rubypeanut ~ good to see you back

behaze ~ i'm sure your little gain is from totm & adding muscle.

well my week didn't get off to the great start i wanted ~sigh.~ yesterday my place was littered with camping gear. even though the camp out was only for one night you need more gear because its winter. however chris said to just leave it & he'd tidy up yesterday....well...he didn't tidy up any of it...lol. so i worked all day went home & then had to pick up camping gear to find chris still in his pj's & not even showered ~sigh~ have to admit i was annoyed. so i didn't make the best choice for supper. for my son & chris i made a nice omelet with veggies & toast. it's actually one of my son's favorite meals...lol. for me i ate cereal & pretzels...lol. i know the cereal isn't that bad however to stick to my food plan i'm not to eat any wheat...lol....oh well it is only one day. more snow over night which made walking to work a pain in the behind.

First time post
 

Hello All!

This is my first time posting on this thread, but I really like the motivation it provides! My weekend was not great, but it could have been worse! So here are my goals for this week:

Fitness/food:

1. Do some form of exercise every day (at least 5 days of Tae Bo) - M(Yes)
2. Keep my calories under control (not really sure what that means, but I'm trying...):rolleyes: - M(Kinda...)
3. Eat more fruits/veggies (other than bananas) - M(Yes)
4. Stay under 1600 Calories for the week - M (NO)
Non-Fitness/Food:

1. Do my best to make it through the work week without getting depressed about the weather (snow/slush/ick!):(
2. Get as much laundry done as possible (the pile just keeps growing!):eek:
3. Reorganize the kids' toys and gain floor space in our living room

Makerbabe, cyber hugs to you, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. We're here if and when you need us. This spot is not specifically about diet and exercise, it's also about support whenever you need it.

Thanks Mike, it's sort of funny that it's called "Smooth Move" and contains anise. Thanks for the review. My local health food store is excellent at finding things that aren't on the beaten path, so I'll be checking there first. Even if they don't have it, they will find it and special order it for me.

Stacey I hear you on the joint replacement, only for me it's knees. All the women in my dad's family have bad knees, and all of the ones over 60 have to carry x-rays of their titanium alloy knee caps for when they go through metal detectors. My kids don't have a prayer, my MIL has artificial knees too and is headed toward hip joint replacement as well.

well ladys some good news ..My sister is going to be having her baby any day now I am so excited this is her first after 4 failed so we are so happy for her...just wonder if it will be a boy or a girl, just hope that she does not have it on my birthday the 28 the baby needs his/her own day and to top that off I have lost another pound this are going good.
Think positive and positive things will happen;)

Karen ~ my heart goes out to you ((hugs))

Rose ~ that is horrible about the sinus cold. you are sure not having a good time of it are you? so glad to hear that your little fur baby is doing better.

Our household was GF for 4 years. Our oldest was allergic to wheat and pretty much anything that could be used in place of wheat, like spelt, oats, barley, etc. And it seemed to me that I lost weight without really giving it any effort, whenever we ran out of snacks or fruit I would drop 2-3 pounds almost instantly. Besides it's either that or cut back my calories by 200-300 to get past this plateau, and I think I've proven to myself that fewer calories is the path of spiraling out-of-control, sucking vortex of disaster for me. And just to give you a quick update, I was up on the scale Monday morning (I drank beer and let myself have extra carbs over the weekend knowing that I was going grain-free on Monday). This morning I was 3 pounds lighter than yesterday even though I was over 1,500 calories, so even after a high calorie weekend and an over budget Monday, I'm now back down to what I weighed on Friday morning. So at the very least, it's a good kick start for the week. I'm considering making every Monday grain-free, maybe Monday+Tuesday for really bad weekends/holidays.

Congratulations Auntie hoda!!! Being an auntie is great fun, I have 5 nephews and 1 niece and I love every last one of them as if they were my own.

1. 64rhoda, Congratulation, Keep up the good work.
2. Having a new baby is always excited. Even if he/she born on your birthday, it's an honor. And you will have double celebration.
I have a birthday the same day with my aunt, and it's always fun. She and I never forget each other birthday. LOL
Mai

Last night I went to a kindergarten orientation meeting and already register for my daughter. She will go to Kindergarten this year. So excited and so worry. I don't know if she can make it. She has never been in any kind of school, and extrembly shy. I hope she doing Ok.
Mai

Mike, I am trying to go on low carb too. But today I am craving for banana, I ate 1 1/2 banana. That throw me of the chart (40g carb, can you belive it):confused: what am I thinking?
mai

rhoda ~ that is so exciting for your sister & your family. i'm sure everything will go fine.

erinmrystrom, welcome! Great goals. Wishing you much success this week.

Rhoda, best wishes on the upcomming addition to your family. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness with your niece or nephew.

April, this is such an active thread. I don't work outside the home and my husband and I are retired, I don't have little ones around every day, and I still find it extremely difficult to keep up with all the posts. We're just glad you're here. Golly, I LOVE Chinese food, but it totally screws up my eating goals as well. Aw, great that you have dogs, too. We enjoy "meeting" each other's pets.

Karen, so sorry you lost your father. He is indeed in a better place. Good for you for forcusing on remembering all the good times. Big hug to ya!

Stacey, wishing you better achievement today than Monday's "nopes." It's not always easy to meet the goals. Good job on the cardio. Walking to work in the snow has to give you a good workout as well. Oh, Lordy, I can't even begin to imagine hip replacement. So sorry that's definitely in your future, but think of what it would have been like many years ago before there even was such a thing possible--yup, wheelchair bound. Sorry for bragging 'bout the shorts weather here. Today is mediocre, tomorrow through the 30th is temps back in the 40s. Boooooo!!!! Great about your strength training being short but effective. Thanks for your kudos about my eating on plan at the restaurant. I love breakfast for dinner, but never did cereal and pretzels. LOL

I've never had a waitstaff person take offense when I tell them or they notice I brought my own salad dressing--or sometimes a low carb, high fiber tortilla to substitute for sandwich bread. Never took my own chicken, though--but I have taken slices of tomato to a franchise Perkins restaurant that refuses to substitute anything, even for dietary restrictions or medical conditions. You just pay full price when you tell them you can't have the potatoes. Might not want to tote stuff to a fine dining restaurant, but for casual it works just fine.

Almeeker, when we are so busy it's difficult to remember to log everything into our food trackers. I did that last week, as did Mike, and we went over in our calories or carbs by that one food we forgot to log. Kudos on your accomplishments Monday and good luck with the grain avoidance. I'm interested in how that turns out as far as cravings go. Wow, more carbs on the weekend made you scale go down on Monday, huh? May be along the path of Mike's Monday cheats? Wish I could do that, but truly, it's great that we're all individuals and can tweak our eating plans to suit our own bodies. Sometimes I'd give my first born for a large, hot yeast roll or a hot bagel, but it looks like I'm stuck with her. LOL Just kidding, she's a great daughter, great mother, great person.

rubypeanut, hang in there, sweetie. I hope you will be finding many more silver linings soon.

Mike, your dogs are so cute! LOL That 1000 pushups is for the week, right? I couldn't even do six, much less 166! Congrats on that! Good job on your cheat day!

Cassie, I'm so glad your glaucoma was correctible! Did you have pain or discomfort after the surgery? Fortunately, my open angle glaucoma is stabilized with drops and I still have minimal central vision loss and great peripheral vision. So I count my blessings. :) Great start on your weekly goals. 6.5 hours sleep is close--glad you got that much.

Cassie and bhaze. Thanks--Cracker Barrel restaurant chain has a good selection of stuff I can eat.

bhaze, congrats on the Plyometrics workout. I saw a video of that online and it looked really hard. Good for you for not panicking--that gain may very well resolve itself shortly.

Terri, wow, your Dad's Math Masters is impressive. My Dad was a railroader, a very talented artist (just for himself and the family), was super-talented on the harmonica and could make the most beautiful, melodius music by just whistling. I hope your Dad will be with you for many years to come. Aw, I'm so sorry for your loss of Shyla. We got our dog from the animal shelter and had him for 14 1/2 years before he passed. They really do become part of your family. Do you have a plan for how to up your protein?

Quinn, where do you live? Canada or northern Michigan? Deer on the runway--forks in your eyes--Michelin Man. LOL Ooh, congrats on your daughter's induction into the NHS. You deserved the cake and peanut butter celebration. Bring both to the Girls Spring Break Week. LOL

Whoever is coming, you'd better get here quick! Our forecast was for spring weather all week. After yesterday's summer weather, today's forecast calls for only 66 degrees and tomorrow 69, followed by temps in the 40s through March 30. But we can drink red wine in any kind of weather--doesn't have to be Girls Spring Break Week. LOL

Rose, Chico is sooooooo cute! So glad he is on the mend. He surely is welcome to Girls Spring Break, but no wine for him--wouldn't be any left anyway--I think Cassie will guzzle it all down. LOL Sorry 'bout your sinus cold and loss of appetite. Yeah, looks like you're due for a joyous spring and some massive good luck.

MollySue, hi. Best wishes this week.

Yunalee, I hope your new used laptop carries you a long way. Good job on your goals Monday. Calories weren't all that bad--your accountability may help on that. :)

acameron, I thought of that Bill Engvall joke, too. LOL Congrats on graduating in December! You surely have a lot on your plate with that and the wedding and stuff. You certainly are not being sucky by pushing your goal weight date into April.

Mai, yes, bananas are way up high on the carb chart. I love them, but haven't had one for a long, long time. Aw, your little girl starting kindergarten. Sometimes they surprise parents and really do well despite their shyness. Making new friends will help her get over that.

Monday's achievements:

Calories 1600, actual 1557
Carbs less fiber limit 25g, actual 21.2
Protein goal 120g, actual a whopping 165. Not deliberate--just worked out that way because of what I had readily available to eat.
Only one piece of sugar free candy
Limit one low carb tortilla or soft taco every other day--none Monday
Omega-3 came from flaxmeal and peanut butter

Water 64 oz. achieved

Exercise not so good--got to just over 1/4 mile aerobic walking DVD and had to force myself to finish 1/2 mile due to feeling a bit lightheaded. I had the same problem one day last week at the park--got to only .36 miles real walking and had to quit due to suddenly feeling very lightheaded. Both days there was high tree pollen. Today I exercised indoors with the windows closed and did fine. :)

mern ~ cereal & pretzles wasn't to bad considering what i could have eaten....lol. i was just done in yesterday after working all day & then having to tidy up & cooking for the other two i just had enough. thinking tomorrow i want to do a beef barley soup for supper. i've been craving it. yeah my cardio is easy to work in as i just walk to work ;) omg i couldn't imagine not having an option of a hip replacement. right now i'm trying to delay the operation by keeping my weight down & being active. i need to do more stretching. any weather is red wine day...lol.