I would like to join here. This seems like the perfect place for me. I try and see the positives in life and love any kind of motivation. I have Simple Abundance though I had lent it to someone. Got to remember to who??? I will go to the FlyLady site and check it out. Good thing I washed my dishes tonight. I don't like doing dishes or making my bed. I wonder if it is because it is the one thing my mom made sure I did every day <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> Right now I'm going to get some sleep as I'm finally tired. One thing I'm really focusing on changing is my sleep habits and try to get this insomnia under a bit of control.

I figure right now is a good time to join to help keep me away from holiday overeating. Not doing to bad so far but hoping that posting daily in a journal and reading others will help.

Pastel, great to have you in journals. If you are wanting to join in with the Simple Abundance crew all you need to do is go back to that thread and instead of clicking new topic, click reply and your post will go on to that thread. <br />I private messaged you , welcoming you here but i realize you may not know how to access it. Go to "my profile" you will be able to access any private messages from there.<br />Lindasue

Hi Pastel,<br />Welcome to the journals!! Just wanted to stop by and say hello. Oh you mentioned insomnia. Is that a life long problem or a recent one. The reason I ask is because mine is life long and maybe you have an answer or new treatment that works for you and wouldn't mind sharing!!

You will find a lot of supportive people here that have been where you are and are willing to help in any way we can. So once again WELCOME!!

Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B

My day started out well. I walked 1.4 K not far but enough since I have just started back exercising since my surgery. I was doing well drinking my water. Now the problem comes in regards to the food, Ahhhh. I did well till tonight. My husband has a friend who works at a bakery and previously he brought us loaves of bread which was fine. This time he brought all sorts of goodies which I manged to give away all except the butter tarts which no one wanted. I love them, I ate 5 of them. I had to put the rest in the garbage. I really need to put a stop to this overeating. I think it is sick to say, "I love food."

LindaSue thanks for the welcoming message, I replied to it and posted under the other area.

LizzieB I have had insomnia for about 3 years. I "m sorry but I don't have any good answers. I private e-mailed you what was suggested to me. There have been some nights I have told my husband to hit me on the head with a sledge hammer <img src="graemlins/crazy.gif" border="0" alt="[crazy]" />

[ 12-30-2001: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

Hang in there pastel. I know you can do it! Just know we are all here rootin for ya!<br />God Bless <br />Jason

Sunday was a good day, what more can one ask for.

Hi Jason, thanks for stopping by and for the encouragement.

My biggest problem overeating was under control for at least today. For that I am extremely grateful

Walked 2.8 K. Drank 64 oz. of water

Started with the FlyLady stuff which is posted under that area. Felt proud of what I accomplished today. I like the idea of 5- 15 min. to do things as I'm recovering from surgery. It is a good way to get back into a routine.

Tonight will be a quiet night as I'm going to my daughter's house and looking after my grandson while they go out.

Have a good New Year's Eve everyone.

[ 12-31-2001: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

Pastel,<br /> I noticed that we both were on line about 20 minutes a part this morning. Guess we know who wasn't sleeping!! It took some will power to toss away goodies from the bakery. Good for you!!

Have you thought about coming to chat in the evenings? I think you will enjoy talking with some of the neat folks on here I know I do. Get some ideas for recipes and ideas on exercise. I have learned a great deal since I have been coming here to DT and the journals.

Hang in there and try to get some rest. Don't forget to take care of you and give yourself a reward for staying on program. I bought myself some perfume that I love and everytime I start feeling ugly or just down in the dumps I spray a little of my cologne on and I immediately feel better. Much better than putting food in my mouth!!

You have a wonderful day!!<br />Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Hi Pastel, tks for stopping by my journal! It's hard resisting food! I'm still learning to resist temptation! Hope you are having a great New Year celebration and may you achieve your goal soon! Learning to eat right is the most important thing to do right now!

I always wanted to do a journal <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Walked Monday and Tuesday for 3 K.

Water only about 32 oz. Need to up that a lot'

Food Monday did okay until late evening. Looking after my grandson at his house. My husband brought over pizza near midnight. I ate to much and it sat like a lump in my stomach all night. A good reminder to me not to eat so late at night.

Food Tuesday did excellent.

Did My Flylady stuff and really like doing just 5-15 min of things at a time. I did'nt think that work for me because normally I would want to finish everything at once and not stop in the middle of it. I find having a break of 15 min then tackling another task is working out great.

LIZZIE I think most nights I'm here to late for chat. I signed up for it though. I can reward myself today because today was a great one. I'm going to have a bath and have one of those bubbly bomb things for the bath. They smell so nice. I'm going to hopefully try and get to bed earlier, like maybe 2 am instead of between 4-6 am.

CHINADOLL thanks for stopping by. Yes I need to smarten up and keep my eating in line. Good luck to you this year.

hi pastel, <br />just stopping in to say hello. u are doing great.<br />and u will be successsful. i know this because u could throw those butter tarts out. i have NEVER been able to throw any of my trigger snacks away. so i know u will do this. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <br />have a wonderful wednesday!

hugs <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

vickie <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Thanks for visiting me Babycakes. It is very hard to throw out food but sometimes I need to do it to stop my overeating.

Right now I'm so motivated and positive feeling. Staying on track and feeling great. I'm going to make it to goal this year.

Had a good time with my two daughter's yesterday. We took pictures with my husband's new digital camera and then practised printing them out. We have some good ones. Also a few cute ones of my grandson. He is hard to capture on camera because he is always on the move.

Wish I had time to ready everyones journal.

The past 2 days have been good.

Wed. Walked 3 K and Thursday body ball for 20 min

Water is on the low side the last few days.

Food. Went shopping for lots of veggies today. Going to make up some veggie stew for supper. <br /> <br />Busy doing the 27 Fling Boggie and my house is starting to see the light of day <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Have a wonderful day everyone, I intend too,

[ 01-04-2002: Message edited by: pastel ]

[ 01-04-2002: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

You're so right...I should try doing at least a 10-min exercise...like jumping rope, sit ups (hmmm...I should do that after this), taebo... alright... I'm so glad you stopped by to suggest this...I'm going to do some sit ups while watching Friends (I love that sitcom)! Tks Pastel!!! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

I love Friends too. It was on last night here, a repeat but it is a funny one.

Hi Pastel,<br />You sound so good!! Good for you staying on program. I know about tossing out trigger foods. Before Christmas I had to throw away a pecan pie. There was no way I wasn't going to eat it. So as soon as I got the nerve I grabbed it and tossed it in the trash. Funny thing was no one in the family noticed it was gone.

I keep trying to go to bed early but don't make it until way past 2 or 3 in the morning. Then like this morning I was wide awake at 5:00. Couldn't go back to sleep so I laid in bed and watched a movie. That way I didn't wake anyone. They all sleep so hard I doubt if I could wake them.lol

Have a super day and keep up the good work. I know you can do this we both can and will do this.!!One day at a time!! Hang in there!!<br />Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ 01-04-2002: Message edited by: Lizzie B ]</p>

Hi Pastel...sounds like you are on the right track! Good for you for throwing away trigger foods! This is something I am learning to do finally!

Look forward to sharing your journey with you! Thanks for visiting my exercise journal earlier! It was a real boost! I am keeping 2 journals here..one for exercise and another for weight tracking. I am finding it really helps.

Glad you have joined us Pastel...will be seeing you soon!

By the way pastel...we are both in BC, and I find that I am also on too late to chat quite often...maybe we could arrange to meet in chat someday?

Hi Pastels...looks like you are off to a great start! Good job. I look forward to checking in on you-lots of motivation here!<br /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Hi Pastel, how was the veggie stew? How did you make it?

Good morning Pastel, thanks for stopping by my journal. Don't you just love having one you can call your own? How's it going for you today? Your exercise program is great! How do you like the body ball? Do you use it at home or in a class setting? I'll stop with the questions now...too early in the morning for all of them! LOL Have a fab day! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

Hey Pastel,<br /> Just dropping by to see how you're doing.<br />And to say Hi.<br /> Hang in there and have a wonderful day.

Later,Rivergal

I'm sticking my tongue out at myself <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> I have run into problems this weekend. The only thing I did right was my exercise. I felt totally overwhelmed this weekend. Glad it is over with.<br />Now to get totally back on track. One Step at a Time <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

LIZZIE I would probably of eaten that pecan pie lol. Good for you for throwing it out. We need a night owl chat time :lol

CARI Where do I find your other journal? Yes hopefully we will be on here the same time someday and chat. Lots of time I don't get here till real late. Need Lizzie to join us too as she is a night owl too.

OTTO thanks for stopping by.

CHINA not much goes into my stew. A bit of beef, potatoes, a bag of veggies, a bay leaf and some salt.

BAD KITTY I tried the exercise ball once in a 10 week to Fitness class where you did a different exercise each week. They have a clas on it early in the morning at the Rec Centre but I would never make it there by then <img src="graemlins/crazy.gif" border="0" alt="[crazy]" /> My husband bought me one for Christmas and it came with a video but not a very good video. But between that video and what I learned from the class I do okay with it.

RIVERGAL nice of you to visit me. Have a wonderful day.

Today I will do much better-Right? RIGHT I'm going to make it a super fantastic day

[ 01-08-2002: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

4 good things for Tuesday.

<br />Cari taught me how to do percentage for my weight--thanks Cari. Going to put it here in my journal so I don't forget.

Take weight lost so far and divide it by the total I want to lose, then x by 100. 21 divided by 61 then x 100 = 34.4 %

What I am most thrilled about is I jogged a bit today. It looks like my surgery has been a success. I said once things were better inside me that I would start jogging. I want to be able to do my walking and do spurts of jogging between. This is my first baby step in that direction.

Water 80 oz.

Food--I did great. We had my grandson over for awhile tonight and I didn't eat Quinn's leftovers <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I'm going to hop into the bath in a bit--goodnight.

[ 01-09-2002: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

Good Morning Pastel!<br />You & I share a common goal...I want to be able to jog as well. I have never been able to run since I was a kid but when we hit spring i want to be in shape enough to run a bit, even if it's only for a minute or two at a time.<br />We'll get there!!!!! Keep up the great work & thanks for the info on the exercise ball. have a great day! <img src="graemlins/star.gif" border="0" alt="[star]" />

Pastel! Wow!!! You are doing great...34.4% of your weight loss goal achieved! That deserves a party doesn't it...or at the very least a big cheer!

You are well on your way...and I was glad to help! I find looking at the percentages so motivating! You have lost over 1/3 of the weight you want to lose!

Pastel,<br /> Good job on the jogging! You ask how much water<br />I drank. I drink 1/2 gal. a day now. After you <br />get used to drinking water, you get thirsty for <br />it when you don't get enough. Or I do anyway.<br /> You have a great Friday and keep up the good<br />work. I'm proud of you.

Later,Rivergal

BK, CARI, RIVERGAL <br />thanks for stopping by and for the support. It is so nice to come to my journal and someone has responded.

BK slowly but surely we will be joggers <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

CARI thanks for the encourgaging cheer. Yes, I do find the percentage motivating--thanks for the idea.

RIVERGAL good going <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> with your water drinking. The exercise makes me thirsty so I'm gradually getting in more water

Well how am I doing??? I do well for a bit then seem to sabotage myself in the area of FOOD AHHHHHHhhhh.

I did a lot of walking/jogging more than I usually do. Felt it the next day--ouch <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> Went for massage therapy which helped. Took it easier the next day with just walking. I did a strength and stretch class which ended up being more challenging than I thought it would be. It was so great being in the water even though I had to put on a swimsuit.

So my goals for today are to drink lots of water, walk/jog

Most Important of all staple my mouth shut <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

It is a brand new day and only I control my destiny.

Ouch Pastel.....no staples, use duct tape! Hurts less! Have a great weekend! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Wow, you're doing great with your exercises! Wish I can say the same for myself! Keep up the good work!

Hi Pastel,<br /> Wow you have been doing great since I was here last. Good going on the exercise!! The massage must have been heavenly <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> .

I been thinking that I would start jogging again in the spring. I use to jog 2 miles everyday a few years ago and all that exercise helped me recover quickly from surgery!! Would love to do it again but have to be in better shape.

Speaking of surgery I hope you are recovering nicely and all is healing!! Don't over due and hurt yourself but then I am sure you won't.

Well just keep hanging in there and I am sure you won't need duct tape!! You are going to do great. After all you are a winner!! we are winners!!! We will do this one step at a time!!

Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B

BK, China, Lizzie thanks for visiting me here and for the encouragement.

I had an excellent day. In all 3 areas, yes even in the food department I did well today. Now do it everyday Pastel

Was going to walk/jog but it was real yucky out there today so I dug out one of my Richard Simmons tapes.

I have an exercise journal as well as a weight loss journal. Maybe I don't need all 3 of them?? Maybe I do to keep me on track more.

I lost 2 lbs last week even with my so-so days and I'm happy with that. I love these days when I feel I have control over what goes in my mouth. I wish this would last. I know I should make it last or is that an unrelistic expectation? Maybe it is the reaching for perfection in this area that has led to failure in the past. I know when I mess up, I need to quickly forgive myself and get back on plan, instead of getting negative over it.

I'm feeling so positive today, I will make my goal. I need to keep repeating this.I will make it to my goal this year

Bk you always make me laugh. Thanks for being here at diet talk.

Chinadoll you always encourage me--thanks.

Lizzie Yes we are winners. We will keep thinking this way. I had my last visit with my surgeon and I have the okay to up my exercise. Now if my body could take all I want to do lol.

Doesn't it feel good when you know you did your exercises and ate wisely??? I did before ... hoping to get back on track again next week!

My living room is by the front door too! But I'm not as gutsy as you to do my step exercises there. Maybe I'll do them at the kitchen/dining area where there's a step! How many/long do you do? Do you alternate the steps??

I have been sick with the flu for 3 days so no exercise, but at least I'm not overeating. Tonight I'm feeling hungry but know better than to eat to much. The bathroom has been my favorite room. Need I say more <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> Hopefully by tomorrow I will be back to my old self.

Chinadoll I lead off with the right foot, for 10 times then the left foot 10 times. I do it as long as the sponsers last which can be up to 5 min here. I do it during 3 or 4 sponsor breaks. I just use the bottom step.

Pastel, Get well quick!! Don't forget to drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Here's some flowers for ya to cheer you up.. <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Get well soon! Just eat wisely and you'll do fine without the exercise! You need to rest, rest and rest! Here's a get-well flower from me too <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Thanks for the flowers BK and Chinadoll

The good news is I'm down 2 lbs. Going to try and do the balance ball later today.

211/186/150

[ 01-16-2002: Message edited by: pastel ]</p>

That's a fantastic idea to put money (intended for junk food) into a piggy bank! I wish I thought of that earlier!

That's great news that you've lost 2 lbs! I'm so happy for you! Looks like it's going to be a great day for you!

Gosh Pastel, I'm sorry you've been sick, but am glad to hear you're doing better. Saw you had a 2 lb. loss this week. That's great! Proof that's there's nothing to it, but to do it, right?<br />DDDD= Diet Success!!!!!!!!<br />Jode

Thanks Chindoll and Jode

My intentions were good but I bombed and had chocolate and pop tonight <img src="mad.gif" border="0"> After being sick I wanted chocolate and ofcourse I had to have a pop so to wash it down. I went to the store and got them. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

Well it is done and over with and I'm moving on.

CHOCOLATE WON'T RULE MY LIFE

Hi Pastel! Sometimes when we crave something it's a good idea to go & get it & have it over with before we eat 100 different things, trying to avoid what we really want, only to end up eating that one thing anyway. Does that make sense? LOL<br />I'm off to conquer the world <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Pastel! Declutter...thats the answer..not chocolate. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> I've done the same thing too. I'm glad you are feeling better and am doubly glad that you have moved on and are ready to start a fresh new day.

Thanks for visiting.<br />Love Lindasue

BK yes I know what you mean. Sometimes I try and avoid chocolate and end up eating everything else. Sometimes a bit of chocolate helps but mmost times it leads to a big binge. A real problem for me <img src="graemlins/sigh.gif" border="0" alt="[sigh]" /> Once I even tried to make myself sick of chocolate by eating nothing but chocolate. After 3 days I was still eating it so that didn't work <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> I need CAA

Lindasue De-clutter instead of chocolate. De-clutter instead of chocolate <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Would drinking diet soda help? Is it bad 'cos I've been drinking quite a bit recently ... trying to stop and drink water instead.

Pastel...lol... Hey how about strawberries or bananas dipped in a bit of that Hershey's Special Dark Syrup. That is low fat. Now as long as you don't do what my son did, you'll be OK. We had 1/2 bottle of it in the refrigerator and he unscrewed the cap, filled the rest with milk (pretty good for a 4 yr old) screwed the cap on and shook it up. squirted it into his mouth. This happened in about a 4 minute time span.... Now there's a chocolate fix for ya!!

<img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> Lindasue <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

I had an excellent day, everyday should be this easy. I was looking in the fridge for something for supper. Found one steak, cut off between 2-3 oz for me and the rest for hubby. When it was defrosted it looked kinda freezer burnt. Not to bad though but wondered if I should throw it out. I decided to try and revive it. I cut it in strips and put it on foil with a bit of barbecue sauce and put sliced potatoes and carrots on top. Baked it in the oven and was pleased because there was just enough to fill me but not enough to overeat.

Water 64 oz.

Exercise Fast walking inside the mall 2 laps which is 3 K Doing this while husband watched me lol. He gave me the thumbs up sign as I walked by him.

Chinadoll I drink mostly water. Decided to get off pop over a year ago but sometimes I have one. The caffeine in pop and chocolate give me migraines.

Lindasue I would probably do what your son did <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> Or I wouldn't stop at just a bit on fruit but eat the whole bottle of it <img src="redface.gif" border="0"> <img src="redface.gif" border="0">

Pastel,<br />Sounds like things have been popping over there!! Sure am glad you are feeling better. That bug that is going around is pretty nasty.

Oh my gosh I love chocolate too but it gives me the worse migraines so I try to stay away from it. I did give up 7 UP and now I am working on coffee. At least I should only drink decaf. That is my next project to quit coffee all together.

Sounds like you are back on track now that you feel better. Stay healthy and eat right!! Remember we are in this together!! We are winners.<br />Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B