Good Morning all!!

Yup, I said "Good" morning. So far today, it's been relatively "rain" free. **knock on wood** I've had a few minor snafus but nothing I haven't laughed off. I wound up getting a full 8 hours of sleep last night, which means one thing. Yup, I overslept this morning! Oh well, it happens. I think my body has already gone into Vacation Mode. I just keep telling myself that it's only a week away.....

I'll check back in later.

Hope everyone has a great day

Health / Fitness
1. 100oz water daily M: Yes, T: Yes, W: Yes,
2. Limit one diet soda daily M: Yes, T: Yes, W: Yes,
3. No salt added to plate M: Yes, T: Yes, W: Yes,
4. Walk on lunch unless raining or working through it M: 35 min - 1-3/4miles, T: 40min - 2miles, W: Snowing like a blizzard,
5. Exercise 3 times during Weds-Sun W: 1hr 10min,
6. 500 calorie daily deficit (3500 for the week) M: -1156, T: -1591, W: -1296, Week's Deficit -4043

Life Goals...
1. Take things one day at a time M: so far so good, T: had a good day, W: doing what I can,

Yesterday started out awesome. I got in a great workout! I added 3 new exercises to try & combat this gut. They must be working because I am sore today on both sides from my ribs to my waistline (belly button). I don't get sore from working out often so this is new use to muscles that aren't used to it. I left today as a rest from exercise day so I will do it again tomorrow.

Yesterday did not go very well in regards to my son. He was very irritated most of the day. He is still refusing to talk to the psychiatrist. Until he does that, it's hard to help him. I even encouraged him to pick a favorite staff member to talk to because they will report it all in his chart for the doctor to read. He wants a release date and they won't give him one. I am glad because when that date comes & goes because he isn't ready he would be even angrier. The really odd thing is that we had such a good visit on Tuesday night and then Wednesday it was right back to all this. He even tried to run when they were delivering their meals to the unit. Each unit is a separate building. The doctor called me personally again this morning. He basically said that he still can't get into him. If he asks questions then my son just shuts down and says it is none of his business. He knows that he has to talk if he wants out. I have explained that I cannot bring him home in the condition he is. It sucks to tell him that but he has to know it. They are starting a new med to help with his agitation and psych behaviors.

Sorry I can't reply to everyone today but it seems like we could all use a group hug http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/grouphugg.gif

Fit4luv I am going to use your win the battle today quote to motivate me today, it is pouring out so I thought I would skip my hike but I will get no exercise if I do not go out and do it so my battle will be a little soggy this morning.:)

Mern I do not think I can really count my walk with Kaya as exercise yet it’s truly not very long and because she is still leash training we stop to practice sit and stay and every new noise stops her in her tracks so not a lot of calorie burn.

Quinn Keeping you and mom in my prayers. Great advice on talking to love ones, I sure miss my grandparents.:(

Terri Awesome exercise day for you, kudos on going for a walk to clear your head.

Amy That’s horrible and funny at the same time but I kind of like all 4 of her legs. Awesome dd story you should be proud you are actually setting a good healthy example for your kids.

Mea I agree this part of dieting is fun and that helps with the not so fun moments.

Tori Glad to hear your day is good so far.

April Hugs to you. Great job on the new exercise’s I am always surprised how many muscles I have that I do not exercise regularly and how much I can feel them when I do. I hope you have a good day.

I am going to hike my partner has not called to cancel either so I have no reason not to go. I need to go play with the puppy she needs to burn off some energy before I leave so she will sleep in her kennel while I am out. I hope you all have a great afternoon.:)

Oh my, it's been a hungry day! One of the DISadvantages of working in grocery, there's always food at your disposal. Granted, I could visit the produce department, but the granola bars were calling me :o

I guess days of practically not eating and making poor choices has caught up with me. Not sure if I should go with the pot pie tonight or not......

Tori Don't know if you have heard or seen this. A group of military wives got together and formed a choir, a songwriter took some of the letters they had written to their me and put some of the words into a song which they recorded and sold with the proceeds going to Army causes.
If this link works and you watch it, get out the tissues.Military Wives Official Video - YouTube

Quinn Hope your Mum improves soon, thinking of you and your family.

BF has had some good news on his diabetes, they are thinking of taking him off insulin and trying just meds and diet. It'll be a few weeks til we know how it goes but i have everything crossed.

Tori Sorry I just realised what you meant by "rain free" and now I'm sending you that video link. Apologies.

Chocolate is not a coping skill. Chocolate is not a coping skill. Chocolate is not a coping skill.

Hello my ladies. My day has been hectic. I finally wrote my first policy for the week and started having a system issue before I could finish it. After an hour on the phone with tech support I was FINALLY able to Git Er Done.:D

I hope everyone is doing well. I would lie and say that I've ready everones posts, but I just haven't had the time. I did see that Amy is also eyeing down Tori's vending machine. :)

Gotta run, I'll try to check back in on my favorite bunch of hens later. :D

Tori, I guess you can't blame it on the rain this time. :D

How are you guys seeing the numbers on the vending machine? Are my eyes worse than I thought, or is my monitor crappy?

MIKE: my rescheduled mammo is tomorrow morning :).

We aren't seeing them but we can count. ;) Rows start with A and work down, then the individual slots are the numbers. So if you want something on the 4th row down, 3rd slot. It would be D3. Good luck tomorrow, hope you have great results!

I feel better now :).

You skids on should still feel bad. Being that you've raised your kids on kids on Coke and pretzels, you should know those things. ;)

#1: I don't understand that post.
#2: I done raised my kid good. I was the one raised on Coke and pretzels, reference my summer posts detailing the pantry at the House of Schizophrenic Food!

I was just feeling old and blind :eek:.

Geez woman, don't you know not to post links to vids like that? I was holding it together today ;) Awesome that the proceeds go toward military causes!! And the "rain" I was referring to was the kind life throws at you (when it rains it pours). Still no rain, of either kind, today. I really hope your BF can come off the insulin. One of my aunts got to cmoe off and she's controlling it strictly through diet now, which is awesome. Keeping my fingers crossed for him.

Standard vending organization.....pretty sad that I learned that by high school!!:eek:

So I'm not the only one who couldn't figure out the mushmouth speak of his last post either. WHEW!!!!

My office is a pretty fit, trim, and/or healthy bunch. (Maybe something about working for the Forest Service most of us are outdoorsy types.) A while back we hired a new administrative assistance. She is very sweet, helpful, and generous, and quite over weight. I've seen her eat breakfast and lunch many times and have yet to see anything green aside from the pathetic lettuce leaf on her 1/4lb burgers. Yesterday and today I watch her eat a whole box of Girl Scout cookies (that's 1 per day :eek:). I know she is unhappy with herself, thus life in general - we have all been there (else we wouldn't be here), but I don't know what to do to help. I certainly don't want to stroll into her office announcing that she's fat and need to shape up:eek: and I'm here to help.

We aren't buddies or anything and don't usually talk about much other than work stuff, and I don't really know what we might have in common. But I just feel like I'm watching an accident about to happen that could be prevented. :(

Any ideas???

Hmmmm that's a tough one. I was that girl. And honestly hearing others talk about how many calories were in stuff or "bragging" about their losses just irritated the heck out of me. Once my switch got flipped though, I am probably the annoying one now. I really don't have any advice Pam.

Wednesday Check In

Health/Fitness
1--calories 1300 or less--992, 1152, 1063
2--work out 3 times--day off, N, N (again)
3--walk at least 3 times--day off, 2.5, it had been on the agenda but got cancelled due to ER trips
4--lose 3 lbs--starting weight 209.0, Tuesday still at 209--at least it's not a gain, Wednesday 209.4???????????


Off to make some pot pie....I'm so going over my limits today.....

Yes, that's what I am afraid of (not that you are the annoying one ;)). I suppose my best option is to lead by example.

About the only thing I brag about is the occassional race result, and even then it is with a select few.

That 209.4 is just your emotional weight - give it a day or 2 (not going overboard too much on the pot pies :rolleyes:) and it'll drop back down. {speaking from experience here}

Wednesday Check In
 

Hi everyone,

It's been a pretty busy day today, but I've managed to do ok with food intake. I did have to go to my client's today, who happens to be a french bistro, that I absolutely love. The owner/chef always offers me lunch when I go, but I said no I had to hurry back. It was difficult, smelled so good in there. I did go to the Trader Joe's which is nearby and picked up some really yummy stuff, including packaged pomegranate seeds which are back in season and are awesome. So much easier than working with the whole messy fruit, and they are sooo good for you. I'm starting to get frustrated with not losing, 5 or so years ago I would have lost a considerable amount with the amount of calories I am eating and the level of exercise, but it's just not happening this time. Some have suggested I have my thyroid function checked, have any of you had an issue with this, and is there a way to improve thyroid function without taking hormones? Anyway, here are my stats for Wed.

1200-1400 cals M-1279 T-1299,1324
80 oz water M-64 oz T-80 oz W- 80 oz
Treadmill T-Th-Sat T-Yes
5000 steps on non TM days 3479, 3547
8000 steps on TM days 4985
Weights and Floor Exercises at least 3 times. No, No,Yes,
Post here every day Yes, YesYes

Kay- Sorry you have been having a rough week, there is nothing wrong with taking some “me” time though and taking a break from it all. I do understand about feeling guilty, I have this problem too, always thinking I shouldn’t be taking a break there is always something I should be doing. Good job getting in your exercise though, that will go along way towards helping you come out of your funk. Hope today is a better day!

Quinn- So sorry to hear about your Mom, I hope she is on the road to recovery now. I know it has been a rough week for you, and I’m glad to see you’re back to logging food so you can feel more in control. Everything will even out and you will get back on track, I’m praying for your Mom and you.

Cassie- Hope your day is great! Step away from the chocolate!

Joanna- Glad your day was better than terrible, hope today is even better!

Terri- I love the mid day walk idea, I’m going to give it a try when the day get too intense around here!

Mea- Glad your day went better! It really does help to have the support and encouragement doesn’t it?

Tori- Glad you’re doing well today, I’m glad you have vacation to look forward to, that helps. There will always be “rainy” days, but you will get through them. Thinking of your pot pie is making me hungry too!

Darlene- Enjoy your hike, how is the weather there? We have had an extremely mild winter here, really strange for Ohio weather!

Lizzie- Great news for your BF, it is wonderful when you can control without insulin, I’ll cross a few things for him too! :)

April- I’m sorry yesterday didn’t go as well as the day before, it will take time and you certainly don’t want him to come home before he’s ready. Hopefully his wanting to come home will motivate him to cooperate and talk to them. Praying for all of you.

Mike- Congrats on the policy :)

Mern- Glad you’re doing well, my DH would not do well not watching TV, I come home from work and he’s on the computer in the office with the TV in there on, meanwhile the big TV is on the family room! Worse than the kids… Hope you can get some exercise in soon.

Pam- That is a tough one, and many of us have been “that girl” in one way or another. Maybe the best way to encourage her by your own healthy example.

I was lazy and in a hurry and copy and pasted kids on Coke and pretzels from your "about me". It put it in the wrong spot and I thought I deleted it, don't know where the extra s came from though.

Thanks. Don't get frustrated, keep pushing along. Think of it like this... I bet most everything was easier 5 years ago. Why would weight loss be any different?:)

Thanks Mike, it's tough getting old! :)

Yes it is, yes it is, yes it is....

Um, I'm a fat chick, we can id snack food at 1,000 yards and smell a frozen pizza at a full mile.

Good luck tomorrow, hopefully they won't have to reschedule you again and have to try and squeeze you in another day. Hahaha, get it "squeeze" you in... Sorry I'm a bit sleep and carb deprived, makes me loopy.

Do you walk at lunch? Maybe you could invite her or let her know that it would really help you commit to it, if you had a walking partner... Start there and then if it works at all, get her to sign up for a race or go biking with you.

I've got to be honest, as a fat chick it's hard to watch other people be "perfect" all the time, working out, eating right, blah blah blah, so it might take showing her one of your own personal weaknesses to get the conversation started.

ME ME ME ME ME! Having been both hyper and hypo I've become pretty much an expert at all things thyroid related. It's definitely not going to hurt to have your levels checked. I mean, why not? It's just routine blood work. And even if there is something wrong with it, it's no need to panic! I don't know about alternatives to taking hormones, but I'm sure any doctor would know. Most normal physicians will refer you to an endocrinologist if there is something wrong, and then it would be up to you go over treatment. Usually the meds are only given after a treatment been chosen and performed. I am taking Synthroid (and will for the remainder of my days) and it's really not that bad. It's one pill first thing in the morning (or at night, depends on the doctor). It's become the VERY first thing I do when I wake up. Seriously, I roll over, grab the pill bottle and pop one in my mouth. All before I get out of bed! It's no worse that taking The Pill.....it becomes habit.

Things to know if you do have it checked:
1-know your numbers.....normal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels run anywhere from 0.3 to 3.0
2-even if your TSH levels come back fine, and you still think there may be something up, ask your doctor to run your T3 and T4 levels. Even with "normal" TSH if either of these are off it'll make you all Whacky Thyroid'd
3-everyone's normal is different. My normal is the on the lower end of the scale. Your's could be on the upper end of the scale.

Hope this helps a little!

Lizzie That is great news about your bf.

Cassie Oh my friend I am sorry you have so much stress :( reach for the dark chocolate over 80% if you are going to reach at all. I wondered how they could see the numbers also I seen the gold twix wrapper though. I am happy to hear about your mammo appointment.

Mike How are you doing on getting your policy’s for your bonus? Thanks for the vending machine info I had no idea I am obviously vending machine ignorant.:eek:

Pam Maybe invite her for a walk at lunch something simple like that is an outreached hand for friendship so it probably won’t be perceived as anything more then you being a nice person then who knows what opportunities may come from that. Just so you know I love chocolate girl guide cookies and will be thinking about them all night the only good news about this weakness is I do not like the vanilla ones so I could only ever eat half a box.:rolleyes:

April hows your day going?

Tori Enjoy your pot pie.

Julie Great job on skipping the French food I bet it’s awesome but very high in calories. It’s been a mild winter here also we are lucky we don’t get the cold or snow like so much of Canada does but boy does it rain. I chuckled Tori once said she skipped her walk because animals were walking down the street 2 by 2 looking for the ark and that’s how I felt half way through the hike today it actually made me chuckle out loud and I had to share her weather description with my walking partner and we got a good laugh, I was glad I did it after I got home and dried off.

Amy Lol squeeze her in.

I am going to go eat left over stir fry from yesterday before I head out to church our alpha group is serving beef stroganoff and I am sure it will be calorie laden so I will just have the salad. I am still very hungry this has been an odd week for me I just can't seem to get satisfied then to make it worse at costco today they had tons of samples and they were all crap food, I didn't have any but I felt like food was mocking me:mad: I hope this passes soon. Have a good night everyone.

Thursday Check-in

Health & Fitness:

1. Calories 1,400 week days, 1,600 weekends. 1,357, 1,699, 2,026, 1,484
2. 100 oz water. Y,Y,Y,Y
3. 7 hours exercise. 50 min, 0 min, 72 min, 0 min (total 2:02)
4. Calorie deficit 5,000. -774, -427, -351, -793 (total -2,545)
5. Protein 25% or higher. 27%, 27%, 31%, 34%
6. Log & report everyday. Y,Y,Y,Y
7. Last Monday 165.8. Post weight: 164, 162.2, 162.2, 162.6

Other stuff:

1. Finish 1 rabbit cage, cut pieces for 3 more. N,N,N. I put wire on 3 sides!
2. Finish my little part of the taxes. N,N,N,N
3. Housework 45 min daily +1 load of laundry. YY,YY,YY,YY
4. Write calendar for G.S. N, DONE
5. Distribute 4-H calendar. N,N,N,N
6. Cut out pieces for Betsy Ross costume. N,N,N, Worked on it for an hour.
7. Write and send out Valentines. N,N,N,N
8. Write down the most wonderful thing that happened. DH came home, he's been out of town since Monday.

Well I got up early, but didn't work out, I cleaned house instead. The neighbor man had to get a test at the hospital this morning, so his son came over at 6:30am, and I took him up to school with my girls. The neighbor lady is an immaculate housekeeper, our living room was a complete disaster zone, and the part of me that is self conscience about these things, hauled the rest of me out of bed to remedy the situation before she dropped him off.

I did better today with calories and such, and even made progress on the rabbit cage and the Betsy Ross costume. Yeah! I used to be one of those people that would blast straight through any project, it would consume my life for whatever time it took to complete, but the process would be a straight flat highway. Having children changed that, they interrupt everything, I've had to learn that I can't barrel my way through a big job anymore, I have to nibble at it over the course of several days/weeks whatev. I struggle with this, but it really is the only way to get things done as a mom.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I hate to even say this, but just based on your pedometer numbers it seems like you could be in need of more movement. A slow day for me is easily 7,500, and double that on a cardio workout day. Granted I have short legs and plain old fashioned have to take more steps than others, but I think if you work yourself up slowly to an average of 10K steps/day the scale will start moving in the right direction for you, thyroid issues or otherwise.

Not great :( ... I just hung up from our nightly phone call. He insisted on arguing over why he has to be there. I tried unsuccessfully at least 4 times to talk about anything else but he wasn't having it. We ended the call with me telling him that I love him and him saying that if I did, I would tell the dr to let him come home. :(

Aww sweetie, I'm so sorry!! Big hugs to you!!!!

Thanks Amy, I know that is a lot of my problem, I'll keep working on it!

Lalalalalalala I can't hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, I will get squeezed in tomorrow AM, but in my case it is more like a pinch. Hope it's not freezing in there.

April, I hope you have a better conversation tomorrow. My guess is that he's pulling out all of his tricks hoping to get you to cave. You're doing a great job staying strong and not taking it too personally.

Darlene, good plan on the stir fry. An ounce of prevention is, well, worth a pound, period!

Lizzie, that would be great if he could come off the insulin. As you've no doubt seen here, diet changes can go a long way toward changing the numbers.

Mike, pimpin' policy-writing!

Julie, bit by bit, you'll figure it out. It's always a learning process :).

Tori, how was the pot pie? That's one of my fave winter meals. I have a recipe that's very light, with the exception of the crust.

Darlene, thanks for asking. I'm actually going to check the numbers tomorrow. I'll report back then. :)

ohmygoodness it was HEAVENLY!!! Luckily my recipe was pretty light too. It's going to work with me tomorrow too. I'm pretty stoked about it!

Checking in before I forget.....
Health/Fitness
1--calories 1300 or less--992, 1152, 1063, 970
2--work out 3 times--day off, N, N (again), ugh I suck at this
3--walk at least 3 times--day off, 2.5, it had been on the agenda but got cancelled due to ER trips, it was cold
4--lose 3 lbs--starting weight 209.0, Tuesday still at 209--at least it's not a gain, Wednesday 209.4???????????, Thursday 208.4 HELLZ YEAH!!!



The pot pie was sooooo good!! It was just what the doctor ordered on a cold CN'less night! Speaking of CN.....guess who got an email today???? It was actually sent to me by his brother. He had written it up prior to leaving and sent it to his brother with instructions to send it to me after he had been gone a few days. So technically I still haven't heard from him, but it made me smile. Still smilin' actually. Ear to ear. Good Lord, I'm a goner........

April, I sympathize with what you are going through. I really do. I haven't dealt with what you are dealing with, but I've worked in the mental health field. I've worked on an adolescent treatment unit. It is such a tough thing all around to cope with . . . for kids and the family. I also know from dealing with my own son's issues that it is terrible as a mother to feel the urge to protect and yet that complete lack knowing how best to do that in this situation. (((((hugs))))))

I am feeling a bit better as we get to the later half of the week. I've even been chipping away at my reading assignment for the statistics class. Midway through Chapter 2, I'm feeling okay with it. We'll see how I feel at the end of Chapter 3.

Checking in, I did a practice session with kettlebells tonight. I need to get a lighter bell for windmills. I was okay on the right side, but my left side was a different story. Swings are getting easier though, so I might move up to a heavier bell there. Should have done dead lifts, but didn't.

My meals were okay today - Thank you leftovers, but I ate too much chocolate. Apparently chocolate is a coping skill.

D'aw :D! What a thoughtful thing to do!

Kay, glad you dipped that toe into statistics. Maybe it will end up being much easier than you thought.

Mike, fingers crossed your numbers add up so you can hit your bonus totals!

Slippage on mah goals:

1. Keep calories at 1300. 1259, 1299 lol, 1286, 1392
2. Follow my pie chart / fiber guidelines. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
3. 2 sports bottles of water. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
4. Take all vitamins and supplements. Yes, All except fish oil, Yes, No
5. Sleep 7 hours, at least. Not last night, Yes, Nope, Nope
6. Exercise 6 times. One, Two
7. Check into FD 3 times daily and log everything. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes

8. Get info and order new faucets for MBR. Emailed company with pics to see what replacements will fit.
9. Change doc appts. Done
10. Card for pediatrician.

Chocolate was not employed as a coping skill; however, that stupid organic cinnamon cereal is a siren song. And it was BOGO and coupon fodder a few weeks ago so I still have 7 boxes in the pantry!

Hugs, everybody; see you tomorrow!