Hi...I am back...after taking a leave from journals...I decided I needed to get back into it.........both the journal...and losing weight!

What have I learned since being here on DT?...Well...I have tried a variety of plans since gaining this weight 10 years ago...calorie counting...SBD...Weight Watchers...and the "NO Diet" approach!...

Well...I lost weight on all the different plans...for as long as I could stay on them...usually anywhere from 8-10 weeks...then something would always come up to sidetrack me and then I would begin the month or two...or three of eating...and gain it all back!

I have been a giant yo-yo now for 10 years...I want this to stop once and for all!

So here I go again...restricting calories...modifying the amount of carbs (especially in processed foods) that I eat...and eating what I want in moderation!...I will also add back in walking and visits to the health club when I can get there!...

My goal is to take it one day at a time...not to give up...stay within my calorie range and try to get in some activity...basic...but it works!...

mcmarto

Oh...and for those of you who do not know me...I work as a Special Education teacher in a Chicago Public school...

Well...something very sad happened last week...one of our 8th grade students (she had MS...was in a wheelchair)...very friendly...everyone loved her...passed away Wed. night...I guess she had fallen at home...nothing major...they put ice on it...but she never woke up on Thursday morning...


We had a crisis team out on Friday and today we are having a small memorial for her...


mcmarto

Hi, mcmarto, nice to see you posting. Take it a day at a time, but you already knew that. We do have to work on consistency, don't we all. But it sure is what works.

I'm sorry for the death of the little girl. Deaths are always sad events, especially when it is a child in school. My 8th grade granddaughter lost a classmate this winter, a victim of a snowmobile accident. It was traumatic for the whole school.

At any rate, your new journal looks great. Keep posting, and we will keep encouraging you onward and downward.

Yay for the new journal, Mc!

Sorry about the little girl. That's very sad.

Do tell about the DH giving up beer. What brought that on? Is it better for both of you?

My guess is that you can make it to the gym as often as you want to.

Nice to have you back. Smash that yo-yo to pieces this time!

A BIG welcome back Mc,

So glad to have you back with us. I know that if you stay committed and are determined enough, you too can lose the weight and keep it off, and hang in there longer than 8 to 10 weeks if you really want it bad enough.

My sympathies for the loss of your young student. I'm sure that is very upsetting for you and the rest of her classmates, not to mention her family as well.

I promise I will be here for you Mc, any time you need me. You have the address, so just holler, ok? Now you take good care, and I hope you have a great week.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi McMarto Welcome back and good luck. And Lord willing we will make it more than 2 months this time as i have the same yo you problem. Lets go Lets do this.

Hey...I am on lunch...well the kid's lunch...it lasts barely 20 mins...so I have my apple and water...later I will have my actual lunch!...Gotta eat all my meals and snacks to keep the hunger away!

Jo Thrive...Consistancy is the key...and also...planning...I have planned my day...and when I get home...I will plan my next day and so on!...Thanks for stopping by!

Kilogo...Well...since he is such a practicing Catholic...NOT...well...he gave up beer for Lent.........he has dropped that weight in that little amount of time!...I kid you not...his beer belly is gone...he looks good...he is loving it...You guessed right on the gym...their are two close to where I live...one I have never checked out...the other...too crowded...no parking...so...I am going to attempt the one I have not been too tomorrow...eeek!...Glad you stopped by!

Sandie...hey lady!...Thanks...it feels good to be back...since of course I love to talk so much...I mean type!...hahahaha!...Today they had the funeral procession go by and kids in grades 4-8 released some balloons...someone said kind words...it was sad...Thanks for being here for me!

Boblin...Amen to that!...This is for life...this is my life...I don't want to end up sick or get any older wishing...so here I go...Thanks for stopping by!

Ok...I am off...see you all tomorrow..............my computer is currently getting repaired...I should have it back at home by Friday...in the meantime I will try to check in at school when I can!

Back to work!

mcmarto...Just say no to donuts!




:tomato:

Hello, :wave:

I don't think we've ever met but I have noticed and read some of the posts to others here at DT ...

I will read with interest about your successes on your weight loss Journey ...

Make it a great day. Always, Monica

Mcmarto,

I am looking forward to the poetry again, LOL, glad you are back.

Lets hope that hubby descides that he likes his 'new' body so much that he gives up the alcohol. I do remember he didn't always handle it very well, right?!

Anyways, welcome back, we missed you.

Congrats on getting back to it, Mc! We are all glad to see you again!

I'm so sad to hear about that little girl. Life is indeed fragile. Hope you are ok.

Just take it a day at a time, Mc. Be forgiving of yourself. Starting again is always the hardest part, you know. Welcome back!

Yay for the new journal, renewed commitment to weight loss, and DH kicking the bottle! :up:

The plan you've set out for yourself sounds terrific. I know you can do it as long as you stay energized and enthused. Planning each day is great. But here's my suggestion: plan for the time 8-10 weeks from now when your enthusiasm starts to wane. You don't want to yo-yo again. You know your cycle with this -- now that you've identified it, you need to figure out a way to break it! (Smash it into pieces, like Kilo said!) What strategies can you use at that point to get yourself over the hurdle and stay on track? We will help you if you let us know what you need!

I'm really glad you've started a new journal -- I'm sure it will help you. The story about the little girl is so tragic. I hope you and your other students are okay. Take care.

I hope you get your computer back soon! :)

Lisrey :cat:

Hi Mc! Glad to hear that you are getting back on track!

My mom is a paraprofessional in a special ed classroom. She has dealt with many students going through diffucult fights, although non have passed away. It takes quite a person to work in a classroom like yours!

I wish you the best of luck smashing that yo-yo!

Glad to see you back at it MC. I've missed you.
Thank goodness you came to see me in my journal. At least you didn't stop posting all together right?

Anyway, I'm so glad your DH gave up the bottle. Who knows, things may just simmer down a bit now.

I'm so sorry about your student. That's so very sad. How are you doing? I know it's tough on the other kids, but what about you? How are you taking it?
Sorry, I just worry.:o

Glad to see your journaling again

Dar

Happy Tuesday!

Yesterday went well...my dinner got sidetracked...what I had planned to eat...did not happen...I ended up having a veggie omelet and some potatoes...not the best choice...but ok...The worst of it...I wanted cookies...so I made some...I ate about 4...I brought the rest to school and gave them all away to my students as a snack...they loved them!

So...needless to say...I am on day two...wondering "What the hell happened?"...But again...its one day at a time!

Thanks to all of those who stopped by...unfortunatley I do not have enough time to respond to you all...I am on my kids lunch break...2 mins left!

In regards to my DH...he has mentioned trying not to go back to the bottle...but...he is from a long line of alcholic's...so...he is quite addicted...hopefully he can........the longest he has ever gone off the bottle was about 4 1/2 months...so...its a wait and see...he seems a lot more positive...still hates his job...but going cause we are doing a lot better!

We also have to pay off our Mexico trip!...Yahoo!...Playa Del Carmen...June 20 to June 27th!...This should be motivating enough!...Eeek!

In regards to the little girl who died at my school...she was not in my class...she was in the 8th grade class...I did know her but not well...it is sad and the kids seem to be doing better today...yesterday her funeral procession went past the school as the students released balloons!

Ok...I have to go!

mc...mc...mc

Hi Mcmarto

Welcome back to journaling! that's great that your hubby was able to quit drinking for a while. Maybe he will be able to quit permanently. Sometimes I wish mine would quit but then other times not. When he is grumpy I would rather him have a beer to calm down.

Mexico in June sounds like fun. that would be a great motivating factor to lose weight.

Take care.
Renee:D

Mcmarto,

So how are you doing? Sounds like a fun holiday coming up. What a great thing to be able to look forward to and work towards.

Hi Mc,

Can't wait for you to have your computer back, up and running again, and with your DSL hook-up and all!! Party hardy lady. And I wish you well with your weight loss too. I think if I knew I was going on a trip like that in June, I would darn near starve to get the weight down beforehand.

Have a great weekend.
Sandie

Hey...so...it's Friday...good news...I got my computer back yesterday...it is working well...I had to download AOL until Tuesday when my DSL line kicks in!

I have been eating...what I want...not focused...too stressed...my DH has been depressed...grumpy...annoying me...I have these deadlines for my research paper and this weekend is my nephew's shower...I have so many things to do!...

So...what do I have?...A bunch of excuses...........When will I actually get serious and get on track?...By Monday!...See...I am doing it again already...pfft!

Thanks Arfain...Crazy2...and Sandy for stopping by!

I wish my trip to Mexico could be a motivating factor...I had the countdown going at 4 months...nothing...now I think its only 3 months away!!!...AHHHHHHHHHHHH!...I keep telling me I need to get into it so I will feel better about myself when we are there...everyone we are going with is thin...I kid you not!...Oh well!...I will be back into it on Monday!...

Have a great weekend everyone!...

mcmarto

Mc, from your post you obviously know better than to wait until Monday. Don't wait! Be serious NOW and go for what you want! The pounds won't go on their own. Find other things to do besides eat. You CAN do this!

Mexico will be sunny & you want to look lovely...

Lisrey :coach:

I hear you Lisrey...

But...no matter how hard I try...I know I will not be able to control myself this weekend...especially Sunday...lots of catered foods that I have not had in so long!...Eeek!...

I need to sit down and get my plan going...set up my workout schedule...and...definitely start cooking again!...

I know...more excuses...I thought I was ready on Monday...but I was not...

13 weeks and 1 day until Mexico!

mc

Hi Mcmarto :)
sounds to me like you know what you need to do..sitting down and setting a workout schedule and some meal ideas sounds like a great place to start to me!
Your Mexico trip sounds like fun :)
hugs bell :)

Hey Mc, get off your procrastinating rear and get with the program!!

As I know only too well (having lost and gained and lost and gained right along with you these past couple of years, Mcmarto), only YOU can come to the conclusion that it's time to get serious about changing your LIFE. Everyone here supports your decision either way and everyone here is ready to help with tips and guidance and helpful hints. But only you can make the final decision that you MUST change the status quo.

I found that out the very hard way. But I hope I have found that out. It's Day 22 for me. A record. I have no idea how long it will last. But for now, it is still a day at a time. I hope I get a nice long life on which to try it out.

Maybe a good interim strategy would be to not focus on your food intake quite yet, if you aren't ready, but focus instead on exercising. Do it three times a week or something you can manage, maybe???

Thanks Bell...Kilogo...and Chum for stopping by!

Well...I bought these candy bar labels to put the baby's info on...then I went out and bought a box of candy bars...well...guess what?...They don't wrap them in foil and labels anymore!...pfft!

Sooooooo...crafty girl that I am...I had some of those foil sheets...I cut them to size...wrapped them in the foil...then the wrapper...they look great!

Now...hmmm?...What is left to do?...Well I still have to get the mini-frames together...go over to my mom's with the extra table and chairs and decorate!

It is such a nice ... spring like day here today...in the 50's...sunny and breezy!...I love it!

Oh...guess what?...My DH does not know if he wants to go to Mexico anymore...ends up that a lot of his closer friends are not going...the trip itself is a lot of extra money for us that we could spend elsewhere...(maybe towards our possible new place...or our much needed new car!)...so we will make the final decision by Friday!...I want to go...but then when I think of the money...I don't???...Mainly cause my DH is not dependable when it comes to working...he has been at his current job for almost 5 months...this is a big deal...but he complains everyday about the place and about his aches and pains???...Eeek!

Well...have a nice weekend everyone...I will let you know how the shower went late Sunday or Monday!

mcmarto

Sounds like you will be having a fun time Mc. Glad to hear it. We all need to get out, away and socialize now and then. Otherwise we grow stale.......haha

So, how is the teaching going so far this year? Any better than in past years? We have some teachers in the area that are threatening to go on strike, and I have to admit that I agree with them. They have been working for 3 years now WITHOUT a contract. It seems the sticking point is that the teachers refuse to pay for part of their medical insurance, and the school board insists that the county can't afford to carry the full cost any longer. And since even most factories etc are all forcing their employees to carry a portion of it, I feel the teachers need to as well. Oh well, right now I just wish they could come to some agreement because the children don't want to be sitting at home and then going to classes long past the normal close of the year.

You have a great Sunday lady.
Hugs,
Sandie

Hi McMarto

Glad you got your computer back and it is working. Hope the shower went well.

Take care.
Renee:D

Thanks Sandy and Arfain for stopping by!

You look really cute in that pic Sandy!

Well...what a busy Sunday...after heading out to a few stores I had to go to my mom's to finish decorating and make an appetizer...I then had to bring my mom's dog to my place (if not she would bark the entire length of the party)...I picked up the balloons and headed back to my mom's (that was a funny site in itself...me battling 16 balloons on a windy day!....pfft!)...

Most people were there within an hour of the official start time of the party...my brother, SIL, and baby OG showed up about 2:15...everyone had a great time and we all ate well...it was fun...after coming back home to pick up my mom's dog...going back and cleaning up...it wasn't all over for me until close to 9!...I was so tired!

Then...I got home and had some terrible news on my machine...my best friend's dad had passed away Sunday morning........he has been sick (in and out of the hospital) since right before Thanksgiving...he was diabetic and he was suffering from liver failure.......he was going through many test to see if he would qualify for a transplant...he had been home...doing well for weeks...had even seen some specialists...he started feeling weak on Saturday night so they called 911...he went into a code blue Sunday morning and died!...He was only 50 and left behind my friend...and she has two younger half siblings who are only 12 and 15...the saddest part was that he was fighting for custody of the younger two (from his drug addicted ex-wife!)...It's just so sad!...Tomorrow I will head out to the wake and I am taking Wednesday off to attend the funeral...

OH...I found out Friday I was getting a new student...a transfer in from another school (I had not had one all year...boohoo)...Well he showed up today...very sweet kid...hopefully he stays that way...regardless...I have 57 days left (55 if Mexico is on!)...hahahaha!

Ok...have a nice night everyone...

mcmarto

Hi Mcmarto

sounds like the shower was fun.

Sorry to hear about your friends father. That is rough.

It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over. The kids can't wait. This week they have standardized testing. Then they only have 4 days next week, then it spring break. They are so ready.
As so as school is over, I'm heading back to the states for a visit. I'm so excite to go back to visit the land of the big PX - WALMART. Hope you get to go to Mexico. It sounds like it would be fun.

Take care.
rEnee:)

Oh Mcmarto,

What terrible news for your friend. So sad.

I wonder if she can get custody of the kids? Being with their mom cannot be a good thing.

Well, you hang in there, make those plans, be strong, be tough!!! Fight, fight, fight!!! Well, be happy too, lol.

Hi Mc! I have been bad and perversely staying away from DT. I couldn't face my own journal yet, but decided to dip my toe in by looking for yours.

I'm glad that you started a journal again. Although your eating may not have been what you hoped, I think it's definitely a step in the right direction to come here and be accountable (more than I can say for myself the last week).

It sounds like it would be a really great thing if your DH stayed off of the beer...heck I bet it even had a beneficial effect on your finances. It will be kind of sad if you can't go on your Mexico trip...you have a stressful job and I'm sure you could use some time away. I can relate to having a prospective trip fail to motivate, too. My Mexico cruise departs on April 25--our paperwork arrived today. But even if you can't go on the trip, a new car would be fun too.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's father. Take care of yourself!

Arfain...Crazy2...and Lutha...

Thanks for stopping by!...Its been a long week...and...its only Wednesday...

On Monday my new student came in...so I had to set him all up ... then change all my schedules to add him in ... etc...the computers in my classroom stink so I was in and out of my classroom whenever I could find time...

On Tuesday I had to prepare for the sub...too much work...now I know why I never take days off...on my way home I had to go to the computer store to get a longer DSL cord...the one they sent me was too short...ends up the guy sold me the wrong one...I was so mad!...But...I had to get ready for the wake...my DH got home and we left around 6...it took an hour to get to the place...then afterwards...on the way home...I was so tired...I could barely keep my eye's open (too much driving)...

Today...Wednesday...I was up at my normal time (5:30)...only because this is what time my DH has been getting up...I made him some coffee and packed him some snacks...then I got ready to pick up my friends mom...we drove to the church...it took about an hour...we then went to the cemetery...and finally back home...my friends mom (who had been married to the deceased for 6 years) had a break down...it was just so sad...especially to watch her younger half siblings...they had some bag pipes playing Amazing Grace...that was it...their was not a dry eye there...and...it was close to 100 people who went to the cemetery!

Now...I am on my computer...yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy...with my new DSL line...yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy again!

I feel like a giant...sugar glazed donut!

All my clothes have gotten tight...I could barely find anything to wear yesterday ... let alone today!...I want to get back on track and lose some weight...now I am back up...needing to lose a minimum of 70 pounds...waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

But...its my fault...I fed myself all the sugar...junk...and high fat foods!...I swear...I was eating as though food was going out of style...now to get back on plan...a plan...the plan...what plan?

mcmarto

Mcmarto,

You and I need to get together and plan, I have about the same to lose. We can do it but not the way we are going.

Lets get at it.

I went for a very long walk today, held a pretty good pace, but was pretty tired when I got home. Felt good anyways.

Hi McMarto,

I'm very sorry to hear of your friend's loss. It is such a shame about the children too. I hope that someone responsible will be able to care for them now that their Father is no longer around.

Don't feel too bad about the gain either. When we go through stressful times, that seems to happen. I know that you can get rid of it if you sincerely want to. This is one gift that you really should give to yourself. Good health! And only you can do it. Working together, we can all take hope and gather strength.

Take care
Sandie

Hi Mc!

So Lutha is still kicking. That's a good thing. Why do so many of us shun DT when we're not doing as well as we'd like?

I'm sorry about your friend's loss, too. That funeral and cemetary trip must have been so difficult.

Nancy...yes...we need to come up with a plan...I will PM you!

Sandy...it is tough during stressful times...but...I need to learn how to cope better and not be such an emotional eater...I just feel so terrible........like a giant glazed donut!

Kilogo...I spoke to Lutha through e-mail a few days ago!...I used to feel bad too when I was not on track ... coming here and talking about it...but...I realize its ok...it happens!

Well...tomorrow is a professional development day at school...yahoo...no kids!...Next week is ISAT testing so they want to prep us...our principal also told us to dress comfortably and wear gym shoes cause we were all going upstairs for some exercise...???...Hopefully its dodge ball so I can at least get to throw a ball at him!...pfft!

Ok...I am off...not on a plan yet...just eating...I ate a lot of junk today...:(

But I again...it was my choice...it was not forced on me by anyone but myself!

mcmarto

Today was a rather boring day at school...I spent the first hour online because this a.m. when I tried to log onto my DSL it would not connect me!

Then we had a boring meeting...after that we were up in the labs trying to sign onto our Chgo Public schools e-mail addresses...that took another 30 mins...I got back to my class just in time to clean up a little...then it was lunch...when I got back I was busy catching up with another teacher when our old Occupational Therapist stopped by...so then I was gabbing with her...next thing you know...its time to go!

I really got nothing done today...pfft!

I did go after work to Costco...I bought the Dr. Phill book for some inspiration!

I then came home and spent an hour on the phone with the DSL people until they were able to get me back on!...Here I am!

I am hoping for a restful weekend...I have some planning...shopping...and a baby shower to attend!...I need to get together some things for school on Monday (part of my research)...

Talk to you all later!

mcmarto:eyes:

McMarto

You will get back with it you know you did it before So you have some tools to work with. I think down deep we all have those tools we can give great advice to others. But giving advise and putting that advice into practice is two different stories.

Can I join you two I also have 71 lbs. I want to throw to the wind. Darn before Christmas it got to be 54 lbs to go and i blew it. What can I say but i'm only human.

Lets get together and do it this time for no one but ourselves.
Lets go girls We can do this.

Hi Mc,

Don't worry about following any plan or program. Why not just take one day, and on that one day, make up your mind that for that one day you will make good and healthy choices. And not just about food, but everything throughout the day. Healthy choices like moving more, going for a walk, and yes, eating what you already know are healthier choices of food items too.

One day Mc. It's a wonderful way to start. No committment past that one day. If you do it, and feel good, then you can add another day. Otherwise don't! But just one day. Just think about it kiddo.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi, Mc!

I think before you try starting again you really need to ask yourself some questions. You have a lot of social commitments -- another baby shower this weekend?!? -- and many opportunities to eat for a special occasion. If you really want to focus on weight loss, you are going to have to recognize that life is never going to settle down and wait for you to do it. We can always make excuses about this or that getting in the way of our plans (I know this because I did it for 10 years while commuting!). You need to commit to working toward your goal no matter what. Tell yourself "No more yo-yo," and mean it.

I don't mean to be harsh, but I want you to succeed, and this is plainly an obstacle for you. Remember, if you really want to do it, you can! It's all up to you!

Lisrey :hug:

Thanks Boblin...Sandy...and Lisrey!

You words are truly motivating...check out my new journal!

This one...of making excuses...is closed!

mcmarto