Yup, I started a new journal because this is a new year! Makes sense, right? Here are my goals for January..right out in the open for all of you to see. Ready?? I sure am!<br /><center>1) Lose 6 pounds by January 28th</center><br /><center>2) Weigh in on MONDAYS only! No peeking!</center><br /><center>3) Exercise 5x a week for a minimum of 20 minutes. It can be broken up into smaller sessions but must total 20 minutes each day.</center>

Now, here's the kicker. If I fail to meet any of these goals the consequence will be that I have to go one week without any coffee! <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> Yes, you read that right...no coffee for a week if I don't make my goals for the month of January. Someone said they were surprised I didn't pick going smoke free as a consquence but believe me, I could go without cigarettes alot faster than without my java! The thought scares me so much I gotta go have a cup right now! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Whoa. You are serious arent you <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> I've never seen you without a coffeecup and I don't think it will happen any time soon <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

You can do it BK.<br />Love Lindasue

Good for you BK! Having a set of goals to work for with a consequence attached can really make a difference....on the flipside though...what will your non-food reward be when you do (and we know you will) meet your goals?

Rewarding youself is just as important as the consequences!

Rooting for BK!

I have my eye on a Tony The Tiger mug that I think will be my reward at the end of the month. I'll need it to hold all the coffee that I will be drinking because there is NO WAY I'm gonna fail at my goals & have to give up my Java! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Coffee is the thing I can't give up either! Even after I went for a bone density test & it wasn't good. But hey no one can be perfect!<br />I'd like to lose five pounds before Jan. 20th when I have to go to Toronto. Let's see who gets there first. I mean with the weight goal, not to Toronto!<br />Pat

Hi there BK! You know I have never had a cup of coffee in my life, or tea for that matter. So I can't really relate to what life would be like for you with no coffee but good luck anyway! hehehe

It's great to see you are setting yourself a list of goals for 2002 and I'm sure you'll achieve them too.

Are you still at weight watchers?

Love Jo

Hi Pat & Jo! Thanks for stopping by. <br />I had my sneakers all laced up when i saw that Pat wanted to race but then I see she added "not to Toronto"...oh well, I was looking forward to a vacation!<br />Jo-yes, I'm still doing WW & really love it. I've recruited my mother & sister in it too!<br />Yesterday was a really great day. Hubby & I took a walk thru the snow in the park, no dogs, just us. Today I am in a lot of pain from that walk but I still enjoyed it. We will take the dogs over there today & let them run around & be crazy in the snow but for exercise I am going to ride my bike. It was such a relief yesterday not to be faced with so much food like I was over the holidays. I am going to see these goals thru for January & get over the holiday blues & weight gain! <img src="graemlins/star.gif" border="0" alt="[star]" />

Hi Bad Kitty,

Yea!!!! I'm so glad that you decided to start up a journal again. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I certainly hope that you will reach all your goals this month also. One, because I always support you and your goals. Two, I'm a bit worried about the terror that a coffee-free Bad Kitty will cause. <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Have a great day,<br />Christine

Some heavy duty goals there. Good luck.

Not a coffee or tea drinker. I was a pepsi drinker for years but have managed to give it up because of the terrible migraine headaches.

HI BK,<br />Now that is some serious goal!! Good for you!!I gave up cigarettes about 8 years ago and coffee about 4 years and 7 up about 3 weeks ago. All I have left is food!! lol

I think it is super to have a specific goal and a consequence to go with it. Takes a lot of initiative. You will do this I know you will because you are a winner!!

That tiger mug sounds just perfect for a nice reward!! I bought myself a Dale Earnhardt soup mug as a reward for starting a new diet and staying on it for a month. We all need to be rewarded for our excellent goal achievement!!

You go girl!!<br />Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B

Trefoil- thanks for the visit....I put the coffee on for you but you were already gone so I drank it! LOL You're right...a coffee-free Kitty would be hell on wheels! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> <br />Hi Pastel-I set heavy duty goals because they will bring about heavy duty results. I'm too close to my goal to fall off the rails now.<br />Lizzie! My upbeat friend! Good idea on the reward for starting out! That's the way to keep your enthusiasm up.<br />I am relaxing today because I'm not feeling good. Somewhere along the line I picked up something like the flu...yuck! I'll leave now so i don't pass it on to anyone else! LOL

BK, you are doing phenomenal! I am so excited to see the results that you are having...you have come so far!

Sorry you are not feeling well...hope it passes soon!<br /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" /> <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Take care, and we will see you soon I hope!

Hey BadKitty...what a threat, to give up coffee? I had my last cup on May 3, 2001 if I remember correctly, and I paid big time with headaches, etc. I haven't had a cup since then because I know I would never go through the withdrawal thing again. My big treat now is a decaf latte with soya milk...the middle aged coffee lover's treat. It tastes great when you haven't had coffee for awhile.

I wish you continuing success with your diet for 2002.

Hi BK-new journal for new year and new committment-sounds <img src="cool.gif" border="0"> I like your goals...YOU WILL DO IT! <br />What's this, there's no coffee in Toronto?<br />(joke)<br /> <img src="graemlins/rose.gif" border="0" alt="[rose]" />

Hey there BK!

Glad to hear you are still loving ww! Do you find the point system a good eating plan? I have been thinking about doing ww for awhile. I'm doing fine on my own plan but it would be nice to have a set plan and everything measured out for me as it is in a sense with the points scale.

Well, have a lovely day and I'll speak to you next time!<br />Love Jo

Feeling much much better today. This will tell ya how sick I was...I didn't even want any coffee (in the evening that is). Probably because I was alone & just didn't have the energy to get up & make it!<br />Cari-you're like my cheerleader! I love when you visit!<br />Artsy-I never drank coffee until about 8 years ago so I guess that I am making up for lost time. I'll never give it up, especially with all the fab flavors they have now.<br />Otto-thanks for dropping in & pumping me up. You got my day off to a good start.<br />Jo-WW is a GREAT eating plan because it allows you to eat what you want but teaches portion control & moderation. To me those are the 2 things that I need to learn for the rest of my life. After hitting goal I need to still be watching portions. I guess that right now I'm "in training" for when I hit goal! LOL<br />I have alot of work to catch up on today, since I was off my feet yesterday. I look at it as burning more calories. I also have 20 minutes to do on my bike. I don't mind riding it as long as I can watch a cooking show while pedaling! <br />Has anyone tried "Special K with Red Berries"? Right now it's my favorite cereal. Time for a java reboot...have a great day everyone & thank you for all your support! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Yesterday was such a great day for me. I stayed Op once again & that just keeps building on itself from day to day. Tomorrow is weigh in & I am looking forward to it but I have to keep telling myself not to look for huge numbers. 1 to 2 pounds a week is a good loss & I need to stop looking for 4 & 5 pound losses. <br />Hubby starts day shift today & for me that is the best thing that could have happened. Finally, normal hours & a normal life! I think that I was so excited I ended up waking up at 2am. I'm having a bit of pain in my hips & legs...well, let's be honest, alot of pain, but as the day goes on it will lessen some. I'm not letting that stop me today! <img src="graemlins/star.gif" border="0" alt="[star]" />

What a great way to start the week! I lost 9 pounds this week! Yeah, I know, alot of that was water weight...there's no way I'd lose 9 pounds of fat but don't burst my bubble just yet! The scale still says that there is 9 pounds less of me than there was last week! I am 2 pounds away from finally getting under 200. That is a biggie for me! Now my determination to succeed is only that much stronger! 190's here I come! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

BK, Told you it would come off....and look at all that worrying you did. I'm so very happy for you <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <br />Lindasue

Thanks Linda! I took to heart what you said about my weight gain & knew you were right. I am getting closer & closer to seeing that goal line & I'm so excited to know tat this is really going to happen! Only 21 More pounds!!!! <img src="graemlins/star.gif" border="0" alt="[star]" />

Wowee! That's incredible and we didn't even have to run to Toronto! Oh dear; that means you won the bet; i don't weigh in till Thursday, but I've never lost that much in my life! Thrilled for you anyway, even if we didn't get to go anywhere.<br />pat

Thanks Pat...I know that there was alot of water weight lost but I'd like to think maybe a bit of it was real honest to goodness fat! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> It doesn't matter...I'm just glad to be getting close to saying good bye to the 200's forever!

Without a doubt there was some real fat in there BK!!!!!! 9 pounds thats sure to be enough to keep you motivated my friend...<br /> i couldnt go without my coffee either...i did the decaf thing for a while but nothing beats the real thing. i alternate now....when i am really moody i must have the real deal lol...<br /> i am proud of how well you are doing Miss Moderator!<br /> hugs bell <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Oh Bell, thank you so much. I guess I have it in my mind that ALL of it was water but geez, I should give myself a little credit huh? Thanks for all the hugs. You're such a sweetie! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

BK,<br /> Wow I am so happy for you !!!9 pounds yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaa that is so terrific and I so am proud of you. You bet there is real weight loss in there. It is not all water!!!That should make your day it sure made mine!!! I have never lost 9 pounds in one week and that was being sick all week!! I think some strutting is in order!!! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> .

Wow I feel so happy for you!! I better settle down or my family is going to start wondering what the heck I am doing in here with all the noise I am making. You go girl!!

Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B

Lizzie, thanks for popping in & creating a ruckus! I am still flabbergasted by the loss but I won't question it anymore. time to work on losing 2 pounds to get out of these blasted 200's that I have been in since I was 11 years old. Last night there was a program on the Discovery Channel about obesity & when I saw some of the little kids that were already struggling with their weight I wanted to cry. I know what they are going thru. I was a fat kid who couldn't do much of anything & didn't want to do much of anything other than watch tv & snack. They now have programs for these kids to go to to get them started on the road to exercise & healthy eating. I think that's great because then maybe they'll have a chance f growing into adults who have the proper BMI & aren't sneered at by the rest of the world <img src="mad.gif" border="0"> Wow! Angry already this morning...not a good way to begin the day. <br />Time to get this beautiful day going & work on getting closer to being healthy & strong. WHat a great day it's going to be! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

BK, you are doing so great! I just know that the 200's are about to go! Very inspiring!

BK...I don't blame you for getting angry...it is awful how some kids end up growing up with no idea how to eat properly and exercise! And the way heavy people are treated is scandalous! I am so glad that i have a circle of friends who see me for me...not my weight...but I know that there are many people who do not!

Now it is time to not let those rotten people influence our day, but to relegate them to the ignore pile....they just don't merit the mental energy!

Have a great OP day BK!

BK,<br /> Way to go girl!! 9 pounds is awesome!!!<br />It ain't all water either there's some fat gone.<br />You keep up the good work and pat yourself on the<br />back cause you deserve it. My weigh-in is Thursday<br />and I've stuck with it and been good. So I'm looking for a good weigh-in. Going out for my<br />birthday dinner Wed.(bd is Fri.)Hope I don't overdo. Will have to pedal a few more miles that<br />night.<br />Anyway, you go girl.

Later,Rivergal

Yahoo, congratulations on losing 9 lbs. Way to go

Cari, Rivergal & Pastel, thanks so much for stopping by & posting. It's always nice to have company!<br />Yesterday I had a really good day. It seems like now that I am back being OP it snowballs from one day to the next & then, before I know it, the week is gone. I've noticed that I am definetely tired at 3pm, to the point where I can't keep my eyes open so I fight to stay busy & awake. Last night I fell right to sleep & slept thru the entire night. I haven't done that in a long time but then again I haven't been this active & productive in a long time either!<br />Time to get the day going...it's going to be a wild weather day here in NY but hey, we live in the snowbelt...what can you expect? I won't complain...at least not until March! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Hey there BK,<br /> Just dropping by to see how you're doing.<br />Hang in there we all have them tired days.<br />Sounds like your body needed some rest. When you<br />exercise you do need to look after that body.<br />Listen to me, It's 12:16am and I should be in the<br />bed.<br /> Don't live in the snowbelt.But we did get some<br />snow last week. It was great. We like to get<br />snow some down here in the south. I know you get<br />your fill of it but think how pretty it is falling.<br /> Well, off to bed.<br />Have a great Friday,<br />Rivergal

Rivergal-thanks for stopping by. I think you're right, my body has needed some rest, because I have been sleeping alot these past 2 days.<br />Yesterday was a rollercoaster. We found out that hubby needs surgery on his left arm. In the future he will also need to have his left hand operated on & his right arm. THat means we will not be moving to North Carolina for a while. We need the insurance that his job provides & to have him quit there, move away & find work somewhere else with the same insurance plan would be tough. Also, if there are any complications a new carrier could hollar "pre-existing condition" & not cover him.<br />By the time I went to bed last night I had a blinding headache, even after relaxing in the tub for a while. nothing helped it but sleep. I stumbled a bit on my program, my own fault of course, but am not going to worry about it because overall I have had a great week.<br />Hubby is off today & we have errands to run, then I am relaxing for the rest of the day. Sounds good to me! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

I had a pretty good day yesterday & was given a real shot n the arm by the WW chat last night. It's such a help to me to do these chats. Today I'm dragging butt a little, very sore & tired for some reason. I'm so tired of having Fibromyalgia & feeling like crap most of the time when I wake up. The worst part is that I didn't hurt as much when I was fatter. My hips never gave me so much trouble! Does this mean I should gain the weight back? NO! Not a chance. It just means I'll be skinny & walk funny..hey, no problem! <img src="graemlins/sigh.gif" border="0" alt="[sigh]" />

Hi BK

I'v heard that stress makes fibro worse. Sounds like a stressful time with all that hubby has to go through. You hang in there, your doing great. Today is a new day <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks pastel..you're right, stress does make it worse. I guess that my body is telling me to take a break from worrying!

Good Morning BK,

I was just reading your response in my journal. We are going to be joggers <img src="cool.gif" border="0"> I can't even run a minute yet but hey it's a start. Thanks for the encouragement.

Hi BK, <br />I heard your body yelling last night and it sounded like,"Bk, I love you but give me some rest and relaxation." I am sure that was you. That is why your body hurts need R&R. Slow down girl!!

NO putting the weight back on is not an option!!! Look how far you have come and only 20 more to go. I would be dancing up a storm that is as soon as you get some rest!!

I want you to know how grateful I am to you for the 24 hour challenge. Man did you give me some motivation or what!! Every night I say to myself thank you BK for another day of success. Look at all of us that have been motivated by you and inspired to make these life long changes.

I am so sorry to hear that your hubby has to go through so much but I applaud your decision to stay put and get things taken care of before moving on. Hopefully he will have no problem and recover quickly.

Well hope things go better for you today!! just hang in there and things are going to be better. I mean after we are winners!!! We will do this!!<br />Love and hugs,<br />Lizzie B

Lizzie, what did I ever do without you? You are such a fab cheerleader! And I'm so grateful for your words & "gentle" ( <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" /> ) proddings for getting rest. I tried yesterday but I feel so lazy when I'm not up doing something all the time. Yesterday I'd do a little, rest a little, do a little, rest a little...I think that tomorrow I'm going to have to break down & call my Dr. I hate to because it's probably nothing but I feel so weird..like sometimes everything is sliding sideways! It can't be from eating the wrong foods that's for sure! I hope that today, once I wake up, I'll be feeling great again & rarin' to go. <img src="graemlins/sigh.gif" border="0" alt="[sigh]" />

Here it is 6:30 in the morning & I am already celebrating one of the biggest milestones in my life. I lost 2 pounds this week so I have made it...I now weigh 199! No more 200's which I have been since 6th grade! 19 more pounds to goal! I feel like everything is right with the world today but most of all I am feeling a bit astonished. Last year I never set out to lose weight. Oh sure, I always wanted to, who doesn't? But my sister & I had found these diet pills that were a "sure bet" & I figured "what the hell" so I gave them a try. I lost 15 pounds in about 2 weeks (can you say UNHEALTHY?) but then, when I started feeling like a space case, I stopped them & promptly gained the weight back. It was at this time that I found DT & met all kinds of new friends. One of them kept gently trying to steer me into eating more healthy & somehow WW was mentioned. I decided to go & that was it! My journey began & I found that I could do this without going thru the usual stuff that I used to when dieting. The OP breakfast followed by the daily binge. It clicked, it worked & now I am so happy & feel so empowered....I can do this..I now know I can really truly get to my goal. It's gonna happen! What a fabulous start to the week! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

CONGRATULATIONS, BAD KITTY!!!!!

You have good reason to be up celebrating! I'm so happy for you, girl!

You are "gettin' it all together" in more ways than one, and it's so much fun to see it happen.

Hugs, angel!<br />Lynn

Thank you so much Lynn! It's people like you that have helped me along on this road & I couldn't have done it without you! <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

I'm still riding high from yesterday & still in awe over the fact that I no longer weigh in the 200's. This has really spurred me on even further to get to my goal. I have never gotten within 30 pounds of goal before & now it's only 19 pounds away. It feels so good to have hit this one...now onto my next mini goal of 196. <img src="graemlins/heart.gif" border="0" alt="[heart]" />

Oh BK,

I'm so proud of you and happy for you. You must be so proud and thrilled.!!! I am, so you must be <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Doesn't it feel great to be under 200.I know it was a major accomplishment for me. You are doing so wonderful.

Only 19 more to go, that is getting so close to your goal and I know you will make it.

Join me in doing the happy dance. Yahoo!!!!!! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Thanks so much Pastel! I am still doing the happy dance over this accomplishment. I can't even imagine what I'll be like when I hit goal. I'll be a mad woman, running around, showing my before & after pictures to everyone I meet! LOL

I could have slept in this morning but now that my body is used to getting up early I just can't stay in bed once my eyes open up. I start thinking of that first cup of coffee & that's the end of it! You might be surprised too hear that I don't even have my first cigarette until after I've been up for an hour or two. The coffee is just more important. I have been cutting back a little on it lately...no, not for health reasons. I could care less what people say & their horror stories about coffee. Everyone has something in their life that doesn't agree with the entire world. Mine is coffee & cigarettes. Believe me when I say that a couple of years ago I was doing things much worse than these two vices! I often miss my drinking & drug days, but the minute I think about drinking I see WW points swimming in front of may face & it steers me away from the beer, wine, or champagne. And the drugs? Well, I'm 40 now..it's time to grow up. About once a month I go out & while hubby bowls I sit at the bar, catching up with friends. When I first started going there only one or two people talked to me....now guys are trying to buy me drinks. One of these nights they're going to catch me in a PO'd mood & I'll say to them "what's the matter? when I was fatter I wasn't worth your $2.50 for a drink? Shove it!" Yup, I have a problem with people who won't talk to you when you weigh a bit too much but once you are in an "acceptable" range they suddenly love you. I don't need people like that in my life. When they offer to buy me a drink I can see the bartender tense up because he's heard me rake a couple of them over the coals before but now I just point to hubby & say "go ask him..if he says yes then you can buy me one". They never ask him & me & the girl that I hang out with laugh like hell. <br />Why am I ranting so early in the morning & with such an attitude? I don't know...maybe because I can? Maybe because I'm in one of those "I don't give a damn what you think about me & my life" moods. They don't happen very often because alot of the time I am trying to do the right thing & make everyone happy but as I lose weight I gain more of a sense of my own person. Will everybody like what the end result is? AH HA! That is the $100,000 question! But hopefully, by then, I won't give a damn what people think all the time & not just part of the time! <img src="graemlins/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="[laugh]" />

Well BK your sure full of spunk today. ((HUGS))<br />or as my grandma would say full of vim and vigor.

Carry on and conquer the world <img src="smile.gif" border="0">