70 replies to this topic

[emerald_green]

Looks like I am in charge of starting the new thread this month!

This thread is for anyone who wants/needs help with workout support, accountability or help. We have an awesome group of friends here, but would love to have some more join us.

Take care,
Angela

[emerald_green]

Wow, its already 2 days into the month! What is everyone up to?

I had my weigh-in this morning. Not good. I was up 2.2, which is quite a downer after having good losses the last 3 weeks. What can I say? I haven't done anything exersize related since Friday. I've eaten off plan quite a bit the last 2 days. I didn't drink nearly enough water. My digestive system is rather slow right now (probably due to the previous 3 excuses).

I'd love to turn that all right around, but with my grand opening tea party coming on Friday & Saturday, I just wont have time to exersize before Sunday. At least I should be OK food wise and that should help quite a lot.

Its terribly cold here right now. I think last night was supposed to be only 23 F. BRR!!! I want Spring! I doubt that groundhog got it right, though. It sure doesn't feel like Spring is in the air, does it? And Spring just means rain rain rain and more rain in the Pacific NW. So I guess I only want Spring to come because it means its that much closer to Summer.

Take care,
Angela

[walk2lose]

Hi Angela,

I'm here, I've been doing more shoveling. Trying to roof rake, my new ab workout. Seriously! Poor Donna, I'm guessing that's what she's doing too. I think she really got clobbered. I think Jen and Vickie probably got lots of snow and ice too. Plus you show off, I would be so happy to warm up to 23, our high today was 20. We got about 16" of snow and then got some sleet, which knocked it back some. I'm worried about the amount of snow on my roof. I have a text into a friend about hiring guys to shovel my roof. Scary stuff, roofs and buildings are collapsing right and left in New England. The NW part of the country is soundeing better and better.

I need to get some running in tonight, I'm suppose to do a race Sun. I thinking it will be a Sunday morning call, more snow on Sat in to Sun. Since I ended up not making it to work today, not sure about Sun. Plus they've mentioned it could be icy. This month may have to be a virtual race, the snow piles are taller than me, seriously.

Sorry about your gain, you'll knock it back, I have faith in you. I'm thinking more and more it's just this bad winter weather that makes us want to eat more. Sort of a survival mechanism, goes with the need to rush to the grocery store too. I've also been eating more stuff than I should, all healthy, I think that's how I justify it. But eating too much is too much healthy or crap. I also tell myself how good I've been shoveling. That's when it's good and I hate that I wear my bugg. In my mind I must be burning soooo many calories shoveling, nope not any where close to what I want it to be. So I have a clear case of Winter stinks and I'm using that fact to justify all kinds of @**&. Okay I am going to run today for 30 min. Bed early I have to be up at 4:00 to go to a convention. I'm taking as much of my JC food as I can with me, chicken salad kit and chocolate caramel bar... Very long day leave at 5:00am get home at 7:00 pm and do it again on Fri. The good news is it's a trade show for the landscaping/garden center industry so it will be summer inside when I get there, YAY!

Okay I need to get dinner going for my DH, I hope everyone is safe and warm. take care!
Nancy

[emerald_green]

Nancy - I say we all ditch this horrid weather and meet up in Hawaii! It must be the place to be. I know of at least 3 couples who are currently there for and entire MONTH!!! Unfortunately while you are away the roof might just colapse from all the snow. And you'll probably end up with mud slides when it all starts melting. What a mess!

Everyone else - Check in! We miss you!

Nothing much to report from me... just trying to hang in there and not dive head first into the pantry due to stress. Tea parties are supposed to be relaxing, right? So why am I stressed out? UGH! I'm sure after I've done a few I'll be far more relaxed about it. Especially since very few of them will involve cleaning up my own house in the future.

Take care,
Angela

[Mrs. Kite Lady]

c...c....c.....cold here. I'd love a heat wave of 23 deg.--we'd get out the Coppertone. We are at 0 with the overnight low of -10. The wind chill is wicked and being outside is not fit for man nor beast. We also got dumped on with snow Tuesday night. My DH had to pick up my daughter from her work--they had to stay overnight where my DH works (in the employee lounge) because the hotel across the street was full. At least they were warm, safe and dry. They came home as soon as the roads were cleared--around 10am. Shoveled my driveway and sidewalk for my workout.

Not too worried about the snow on the roof right now as we had lots of high winds--a lot blew off. Drifting snow has been a problem for travel--blocking roads and making icy conditions worse (like polishing glass). Our Governor called a state of emergency which closed my office yesterday. It was nice to have a day off, but don't get paid for it either. (I work as a temp for the state Dept of Workforce Development--I process unemployment claims)

WI on Tues. sucked. I gained 2.6 lbs. With the weather getting bad, I tabled discussion for next week, bought my foods and hit the road to get home before the worst of the storm. I am working really hard this week to stay on track. I plan on discussing more about MOMO with my JCC. I seem to be having a hard time with it and can't afford to buy a full week's worth of JC foods. I also have been fighting carb cravings--I think a lot to do with winter blahs. We've had lots of "grey" days with no sun, which doesn't help. However today is very sunny (very cold, but sunny) so I intend to get outside a little bit--hoping it will help.

Well, lunchtime is over. Gotta get back to work.

Have a great Thursday!
Donna

[jeseth]

I have climbed out of the snow in Northern Illinois. UPS was even closed yesterday!! I do not know of one business that was oped yesterday. Crazy here. I have been doing some extra eating, this snow day staying home kinda stuff messes with my eating!

I was able to work out Monday night and I was smart to think ahead and did my toning class Monday night for fear that I would be snowed in. I judged that correctly. Tuesday I was able to be home by 2. Our road was already drifting. You could really tell that things were picking up later that night. We were lucking though, our house is on the north side of the road with woods behind us. So the drifting wasn't to bad, had it been coming any other direction other than north, we would have been worse off. Our road is still not completely opened, but we were able to get out. Our neighbors down the road, not so lucky. They are all snowbound today. About 5 houses. Oh-we live in country which always seems to be a mess anyway. So wednesday we just stayed home (of course) hubby snow plowed the drive and I cleaned our bedroom. Fresh sheets, washed curtains, dusted etc!!

I am going to try to make it to the gym tonight. I will have to do some checking around and make sure the roads I take are open. It is amazing that some of the main roads are still not open or one lane.
I had a great time keeping up with people yesterday on facebook and saw a lot of pictures! Chicago got it much worse than us, what a mess!!

Donna-glad you family was safe. A road about 20 miles from us had cars still there and called in the road cross to set up shelters. People used their snowmobiles to reach people but some were there all night!

Angela-Hawii sounds wonderful. My brother and his wife are in Cancun right now, They are suppose to fly back on Saturday. I am on cat duty for him while he is away. So he has been calling and checking on them and the weather!

Nancy we got about 13-14 inches Tuesday night into Wednesday. Chicago got around 20.

[walk2lose]

Angela, I'm so ready to go anywhere that is warmer and snow free. It occurred to me that it will be like running the snow maze in the Shining when I do this race on Sun. That or like being a rat in a maze. The tea party will be so much fun relax and enjoy it. Parties are always so much more fun when you don't have to clean. If it's at night light lots of candles and people won't notice the house isn't perfect. Plus it will make it seem warmer.

Donna, glad your family had a warm safe place to stay and that you all are alright. Sorry about your gain. I've been doing the same sort of thing, eating healthy but still eating too much. I think it's the weather too, survival mode with all therse storms. I have actually been checking out the lamps for SAD, I think it's just such a change for my body to not be getting lots of sun. I hope you warm up soon.

Vickie, I saw the news footage of Chicago, what a mess glad your okay. Hope you can make it safely to the gym tonight. That is true dedication.

I got lots of walking in today at an industry trade show, plus I got to see lots of plants for spring. YAY!!!! I ran into my old employer who acted like I was invisible, make me feel like I'm suddenly Amish. It's funny but I've used the same hair color for at least two years and people are just now noticing. Had tea/cooffee with old coworkers on Tues, they raved at how much more I had lost. Only 7#, I think 2 things, one there heads are just really catching up with my weight loss or 2, they thought I'd be gaining it all back. It's been amusing to see how they are reacting to my weight loss since I left the company. All positive just since they don't see me all the time, they notice more too.

Marg, Jen and Pattylynne I hope all is well.
Nancy

[Pattylynne]

Hi Everyone!

Angela thank you for starting the thread this month. I hope the tea party venture goes well for you.

As for me I have been around this week but didn't want to post. I have had a case of the major grumps this week and I think it may be do to lack of sleep or just too much work.

Anyway made it to both my consult on Monday night and gym Tuesday night. Yes my weight was up at the weigh in and I totally understand why. At this stage of the game it is a real mind battle with myself. Fortunately I did not meet with my regular consultant and met with the Center Director instead. I just didn't want to face my consultant with another failure on my part. But at least I went to the weigh in to stop the slide and have been doing better this week. I think I am getting the rythm of the MM band and the results are interesting. The only time I register vigourous activity is with my trainer and it's just a nanosecond. However I am definitely a walker as I am averaging between 11000 and 13000 steps daily. I know what I need to do to really finish this weight loss trip and that is to increase the intensity of my activity level so I need to figure out how to incorporate more structured physical activity.

Nancy, your interactions at the Trade Show sound interesting especially the reactions from your former co-workers. Aren't you glad to be away from these people? I hope the snow lets up soon for all of us.

Donna, I'm so glad that you daughter & husband were able to ride out the storm some place warm and dry. These winter storms can be so treacherous and its best to hunker down in safety rather than tempt fate on the roads. I agree with you it has been really cold.

Vickie, I'm glad that you came through the storm safely. Good for you for thinking ahead and getting the workout in.

Thanks again everyone for being here and sharing your stories. You all really do light up my life and give me a new perspective. So here is to picking myself up and giving this day my best knowing that my grumpiness will leave. Take care and lets have a great Friday & weekend.

[walk2lose]

Pattylynne,

Sorry to hear your having a tough week. I think you're right that it's probably all your work and stress not to mention the time of year. Congrats on going to your workout and facing the music. Pretty soon it will start to be nicer outside, that should make you feel better.

My race has been postponed for this Sun. They plan to have it next Sun. I'm releived, I just wasn't up for it since we are expecting snow and sleet Sat pm into Sun am. Other races planned for this Sun have been postponed for the end of Mar. We have three storms predicted for this week, one big one, so I have my doubts whether the race will go off next week either.

I did get a good dose of spring this week at my trade show so that helped. Can't wait for spring! I know know my weight will probably be up this week but I'm too pooped to care tonight. Need to get to bed WI at 7:00am Sat.

Night all!
Nancy

[mkopp]

Angela -- good luck with the tea party -- and think you also got a clean house out of it. Hope the sun comes out soon for you.

Nancy -- glad you had a dose of Spring at your trade show. Our weather is not too bad -- but will have to work on de-icing the front steps later -- weather will be in the upper 30's tomorrow so that should help.

Vicky -- glad you had a productive snow day -- and way to go on getting to the gym.

Donna -- sorry about the gain -- but as you said a lot can be attributed to the grey weather. Glad your DH and Daughter were able to wait out the storm.

Pattylyne -- WTG on getting to your weigh in and work outs -- sounds like you are getting good feedback from your MM band. I also need to up the intensity of my workouts -- either by doing intervals with the dog -- or by using our gym and use the treadmill or eliptical.

Jen - hope you are doing well.

As for me scale is doing well. I got a pedometer last week and that is encouraging me to try and get in a bit more walking. Actually walked home from work one day (it is about 30 minutes and a mile and half) -- the walk time is a bit longer since you have to account for red lights.).

Foodwise -- doing alright did have a few nights of some extra snacking -- but in general working on getting in more fruits and veggies and making sure to have 2 dairy servings a day. The next focus is to work on incorporating more whole grains -- filled out a nutrition profile through our health insurance website and the 2 big factors that needed improvement was more whole grains and less fats.

Well got to head out soon and take DH to the dentist.

Happy weekend all!

Marg
maintaining

[emerald_green]

Well, folks, so far my tea biz is not making much money. I only had 4 people show last night (including my parents), and am expecting only 2-3 today. Its been kinda fun, though, and I'm getting a chance to use the dining room and the good china which we never use. Its also been fun to try all the different teas and foods that are available, like the cucmuber dill dip and the lemon dessert creme. The gals showing up today are all high school chums so it should be nice. At least this weekend is good practice. And yeah, getting the house cleaned up IS a bonus!

Next weekend I have a friend hostessing a party, and she already has 10 RSVP's (and is worried she'll have even more since her condo is tiny). One gal said she wouldn't be able to come, but once she saw the catalog filled with all the wonderful sounding teas and thinking she'd like to try them out decided that she could come after all!

As for staying on plan... well, it could be tons worse. At least most of the bloating from earlier in the week has gone. And tomorrow it'll be back to JC & exersize as per usual.

Marg - Thanks for your kind thoughts! Getting a pedometer was a great idea!

Nancy - I hope you all start to thaw out soon! I'm starting to wonder if we aren't entering another ice age?

Pattylynne - You are too sweet! I hope you can get those head games figured out, and dump those grumps!

Vicky - UPS closed? Isn't that against their code or something?

Donna - OK, you win! You people have far worse winter weather than us wimpy folks in the pacific NW. *bows down* We're not worthy! I'm glad you and your family are safe, and hopefully warm tucked inside what I hope is a very cozy house with good insulation and strong roof!

Take care,
Angela

[walk2lose]

Morning Ladies!

Marg, that is too funny on the ice age. A woman called a talk radio show in Boston and said isn't this how the dinosaurs became extinct. Too funny! We are certainly giving the global warming theory a run for it's money. I eat the vita tops and Vita brownies to get extra fiber, they are so good, I almost don't want you too know about them. You can order their mixes/food online or find them in the frozen food section. Low calories and high fiber. I like the corn and chocolate muffin tops and muffins and have heard the pumpkin are really good.

Angela, I promise I'm ordering, just have my schedule all kooky lately. Sounds like it was a nice group for a test run which is always good. It will grow don't worry you have a nice product line.

Ok this is a new one, a thunder freezing rain storm, see I told you. Not sure how but no ice on the wires or trees but the side walks, streets and driveways are like glass. My race wasn't postponed but there is no way I can safely get there. I was up 2# at my WI but I seem to have lost it, I think it was water weight for eating pistachios and my system was all mixed up with my schedule. Plus my JCC said I gained an inch in my bust but if I did it's hiding really really well. I'm thinking she didn't get the measuring tape on me just right there.
Today I'll be chipping ice, I alsready got some ice melt down to let it start helping me. We're expecting snow Mon night but just a little bit. I'm going out to have some fun on Mon with a friend, can't wait.

Oh and for Donna, have a great time at your Super bowl parties, Go Packers!!!! All of NE is rooting for them.
Take care everyone.
Nancy

[emerald_green]

Nancy - A thunder freezing rain storm, eh? And none on the trees? It does sound a bit odd. Be super careful with all that ice!

I had such a blast with the party yesterday! I hadn't seen these gals in several years, and we had such a great time that the party ran over by an hour. One gal booked a party, and another said she'd book off of that one. I may not be earning a ton of money, but I am meeting my main objective which is to get out of the house more, meet people, and make friends.

I hope that party doesn't get postponed. Her father is very very ill right now and only expected to live for another 2-3 weeks. Very sad.

Take care,
Angela

[walk2lose]

Congrats Donna!!!! YAY the Packers won, WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! Hope you had a great time watching and celebrating.

Angela, glad your having fun doing the tea parties. Sounds like a good cure for cabin fever. Oh I think we didn't have ice on the trees because of the wind.

Today, I had a great time. I got out and went to 2 garden centers with my friends. Lots of fun and it was so nice to get in a greenhouse and smell the soil and the plants. Smelled like spring. Plus it was just good to get out and laugh with the girls. Sometimes there is nothing like plant therapy. I plan to do more on Tues, Thurs and Fri.

Great news we are only getting 2" of snow this week. The big storm is not coming here, thank goodness. Malls and schools, all kinds of places have closed due to snow on the roofs, 150 roof/building collapses so far in MA. I'll be running in place tonight. Yesterday I chopped the ice out of my driveway and sidewalks. Good strength building exercise. Not so great for my back, but I did pretty well. I have still been eating to much. I have been researching chronobiology, it's interesting, about why your body does certain things at certain times of the year. Apparently I'm doing what my body thinks it should be doing. Trying to stay warm and get as many calories as possible. Time to get dinner.
I hope everyone is staying nice and warm.
Nancy

[emerald_green]

It was a great game!

Nancy - *Only* 2" of snow? Here that would be considered a major winter event and probably shut down multiple freeways and all the schools. Anything above 1/2" freaks people out.

I really need to get my hiney in gear and DO something exersize related. Soon. I seem to be in JC funk land at the moment. Somebody slap some sense into me!

Take care,
Angela

[Pattylynne]

Good Morning Everyone!

Hi Angela, here is my electronic slap given with gentleness more of a reminder that the winter will pass. I've determined that my own funkiness comes from mental & physical exhaustion. I could go into all the reasons but I'm am not going to waste my energy on the negative.

Came across a great quote from yesterday's calendar; "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman

If my historical memory is right Ms. Tubman was part of the movement in the 1800's to abolish slavery and it is a credit to those fearless Americans that they were able to rid this country of such a horrible practice. I was moved on Sunday night watching the Super Bowl pregame show of those atheletes that were giving back to the community. It gave me pause and reminded me that I too can be part of the solution.

Ok that being said I have had a really rough time the past few days with work. I had to work on Saturday and canceled my workout without the personal trainer. Then yesterday had to work late and again canceled the workout session. On the bright side I think I am over the hump and will be back with the trainer on Thursday. Now according to the BM band I have been active with my steps and I am somewhat on track with the food. So hopefully at tonights weighin at the JC center I will see a drop in weight. If I don't I am not going to get discouraged but I am going to continue making those positive choices.

Nancy, congrats on the smaller snow accumulation and your plant therapy idea sounds awesome. What a way to remind ourselves that Spring will come again. You are right too about our bodies doing what is natural during this time of year. It sounds like the weather is giving you a workout. Be careful out there and stay warm and hydrated.

Well I have to "run" now and bang out these last few journal entries for January. Take care everyone and keep on moving that body!!

[Mrs. Kite Lady]

Hi Ladies--

Sorry I haven't had a lot of time to post. Everyone seems to have a hold of my time and when I do have some time for me, I'm drained. I have been reading the thread and have been drawing strength from it.

Yay! The Lombardi Trophy is coming home--where it originated and where it belongs. We can now officially say "Brett who?".

Nancy--you haven't had a "thunder snowstorm"? We have had them around here sometimes when the conditions are right. They are rare. Drives the dog nuts.

Angela--you are doing great with your resolution to mix with more people with your tea parties. Hope they succeed and you make a little cash too.

Pattylynne--thanks for your inspirational thoughts. I will keep them in mind--I need to be the solution to my weight loss.

Still battling the carb cravings, but they are not as bad. I made some comfort food--lasagna. I modified the recipe to make it lower in fat. I froze it in individual portions. Since I made it, my cravings have lessened. Maybe that's what I needed, something of "mine" again.

This coming week will be a challenge food wise. There is a potluck at work tomorrow and I have a luncheon with my son on Friday. I'm not going to partake of the potluck, but the luncheon is in honor of my son winning a scholarship from the Daughters of the American Revolution. I'll make the best choices I can.

Lunch hour is over and I gotta get back to work

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Donna

[jeseth]

Sorry it has been a while!

I am taking the time in this post to post things to help me stay on track or that helps me keep focused, so here it goes.......

#1-enter food in daily on my MM site-don't let it build up and try to remember what I ate 3 days ago!!
#2-Write on this thread daily to keep up on my fitness accountability. Or at least just "check" in.
#3-Not eating things that I can not write down on a food journal or is too difficult to find calorie value of (like I did this past weekend)
#4-Plan, Plan and Plan then stick to the PLAN!!
#5-Don't get cocky in my thinking, "just because I am on a weight lose trend does not mean I can eat off plan"

Okay-that should do it!!

Yesterday & today-Eating was good.
Last nights workout was my cardio class!! Tonight is my toning class!!


Ang-hope the party goes well with the friends. It seems that things like this take time until you can get a good client base.

Donna-hope things go well with the potluck. Those are always hard aren't they. I do know some people that NEVER eat at them. Good rule of thumb I guess, I am just not one of them.

Nancy-stay warm!!

Marg- are you liking the perometer?

Patty-I know what you mean about not registering as vigourous. Mine is the same why. I need to do some studing up on METS. I think if my memory serves me correctly, the MET # has to register at an 8 to be "vigourous", but I really have no idea what that really means! But I still really love mine!!

Gotta run ladies! Have a great Tuesday!


Vickie

[emerald_green]

I went for a walk today, yay me! Now to follow that up with several more days of exersize AND perhaps work harder to stay on-plan food wise. I truly am my own worst enemy, when I really ought to be my greatest supporter.

Vickie - Sounds like you have an excellent plan!

Donna - Mmm... carbs! Oops, I mean DANG THOSE CARBS!!! I'd say they are evil, but only excessive amounts of the sugary ones really are. I'm sorry that everyone is taking all your time and I hope you can manage to get a little time to yourself very soon. We all deserve that!

Pattylynne - Thanks for the much needed slap, it helped! I think Harriet Tubman was part of the underground railroad, helping the slaves to escape to the north.

Take care,
Angela

[emerald_green]

Down 3 pounds this week and into the 180's! YEAH, BABY! Woo HOOOOOOOO!!!! ROCK AND ROLL!!!!

I'm just a little happy about this

Take Care,
Angela