March 18, 2004 / 12:48PM PST Good Afternoon everyone. I hope that everyone is having a great day. About a month ago I was going to start the second round of my 14 day challenge, but I never did. I finally feel ready to give it another try. Starting tomorrow I'm beginning my 14 day challenge once again.

For those of you who don't know what my 14 day challenge is. Let me explain. Making the decision to loose weight is rather an easy one, but sticking to that decision is hard for me to do. Instead of just, once again, saying that I'm going to loose weight this time I'm starting off with a warmup period.

Starting tomorrow I'm going to count my points everyday, no banking. Once I make it through the 14 days then I'm going to start working on my first weight loss goal. Before I thought aobut counting the 14 day challenge as my first goal, but since it's just a warmup period I'm not going to.

When I first started my 14 day challenge, I was able to make it through 4 days of my challenge. That was a big deal for me because it truly was the most days that I have ever stayed within my points. This time my goal is to make it all 14 days.

A couple weeks ago I went on an interview, and the women said that she would be calling me back by Friday to let me know about the job. I called her last Wednesday, and left a message. Stating that I was still interested in the job. When Friday came I waited all day for her to call me, but she never did. On Monday morning she did call me back, and thanked me for leaving a message she thought that was really sweet. Penny, said that she still hadn’t talked to the doctor yet about me, but she was going to this week and she was going to call me by Friday. My mom says that it’s a good sign that I might have the job because, Penny keeps contacting me. Today I have another interview for a front office postion at a denist office. Until I know for sure what’s going on with that other job I need to keep on going on interviews.

Have a great day everyone! Katherine

Best of luck on the 14 day challenge! You can do it. I'm on day 10 of my new plan. The first 3 days were really hard. I just kept telling myself "I can do ANYTHING for three days!" You'd be amazed at just how motivating that is!
So, just for you:

Katherine, you can do ANYTHING for 14 days!

Woohoo! :cheer:

Dear Katherine,

:welcome: back my friend ... I have asked about you wondering where you've been and how you've been doing.

I hope you know that I am here for you ..... if you need to talk or just need a friend.

I am glad to see you back .... Take care of yourself. Make it a great day. As always, Monica :hug:

:rose: For you Katherine!

I am so VERY happy to see you back at Diettalk once again. You have been missed my many. As always, you are more than welcome to contact me via e-mail, pm's or through instant messenger any time you want to chat, or discuss anything.

Also, try to come to some of our chats again. I'm sure it can be helpful for you to be in the company of friends that are wishing you well and happy every day.

Take care now and you go for it Katherine. I know that you do have it in you to succeed. At work, or on your weight loss program. We will do it together.

Hugs,
Sandie

its great to see you back posting Katherine..i have missed seeing you around here at DT!
I wish you much success with your 14 day challenge and also in finding a great job...anyone would be lucky to have you as an employee! :)
hugs bell :)

:wave: Hi Katherine,

Welcome home and back to DT. I knew if I kept the light on long enough I would see you again!! How are you doing gf? I do hope you get the job you want. I know it is tough out there.

I also knew that when you were ready to get started on your journey you would be here. Good for you!!!!

You know you have a lot of friends here and we will always support you and try to be as helpful as we all can. Please remember that you may contact me any time you need anything or just to talk. Like Sandie said come on and stop in chat. We would be glad to have you come and chat with us. I have missed you!!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you new job!!

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

March 19, 2004 ~ 8:35PM PST
Hi Everyone! gosh it's so great to hear from all of you again. Words can't even be said to say how much all of your kind words have meant. Last night I was ready to go back on program again today, but this morning when I woke up I found myself eating a snickers ice cream bar and heating up some left over pizza.

I guess I could of could of counted the points the ice cream bar and the pizza, but I figured if I'm going back on program again I need to start off with a good healthy breakfast.

I'm not going to give up on making it through my 14 day challenge. On Monday I'm beginning my 14 day challenge round 2. NO MATTER WHAT!

Penny, from Good Samaritain, never call me today. Well I guess she never had an intension of hiring me. The way I look at it it's their loss not mine, and somebody better will come along. What really make me mad is the fact that she said she was going to be calling me by Friday but never did. I mean if she wasn't going to hire me, she could of at least called me and been upfront with me.

Last night I went on another interview for a front office postion. This time it was at a denists office. The Doctor who interviewed me was really nice. He told me that by next Tuesday he was going to me making a decision and if I have the job he would call me.

The one question I always hate to answer is "What kind of salary were you expecting?" Because I never know how to answer that one. I usually just say that I'm open and then wait for them to give me an answer on what the pay will be. I tried that today, but this time it didn't work. the doctor told me that most people have an idea on how much they want to get paid. I thought about it for a minute and I said $14.00 dollars an hour. Since I'm just starting off in the field, I thought that might be a little too much, but I wanted to start off high so that he can go lower and ask me if that salar would be ok. I didn't want to start off to low and then find out that the starting salary was actually higher then what I wanted. Well I'm really getting confused on what I'm writing LOL anyways. to my surprise when I said $14.00 dollars an hour he actually said that doesn't sound to unreasonable. All I can do now is wait and see whats going to happen.

this Sunday were going to barbaque for my Grandma's birthday. Can you believe it barbarque this time of year. I don't know how the weathers been in the rest of world, but for the last few weeks it's felt more like the middle of summer here instead of the tail end of winter. It's 9:13pm here and I'm sitting in my room with my fan on. I just hope this isn't a taste of whats to come this summer.

Last night when I decied to start writing a journal here again I wanted to come up with a journal title that would reflect my weight loss journey and make the title fun at the same time. After much careful thought and consideration "you take the good you take the bad" was the perfect title. Taking the good moments and the bad moments is what it's all about. Plus the fun part is "The Facts of Life" you know the hit show from the 80's. I guess I came up with that idea when I watched the TVland awards show the other night.

Well I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

now to respond to my friends.
{{{{BADGER}}}} A huge congraulations on being on day 10 of your new plan that's amazin. I know what you mean about the first three days. A couple months ago when I did my first round at the 14 day challenge I actually did really good the first 4 days and I finally felt that this time I was going to stay on program for good, but by the fiifth day i was back to my old eating habits. If I made it through 4 days before then I will do it again. I will complete my 14 day challenge. I will never give up.

{{{{MONICA}}}} it's so great to hear from you again. How's the weather been sown in Southern Cal. Has it been hot like up here for the time of year? Monica thank you so much for being such a great friend and always their for me.

{{{{SANDIE}}}} Hey girl! how's it going? thank you for always been their for me and looking out for me. I agree with you about the chats. On days when I'm feel like giving up chatting with my friends is the best cure. I'm going to sign up for the chat rooms as soon as I finish writing this post.

{{{{BELL}}}} G'day mate! how are things down under. The world that we live in is so amazing. Through the internet I can keep in contact with friends from all over the world. Thanks for the sweet words. I know that I will get a job soon and I will complete my 14 day challenge.

{{{{LIZZIE}}}} Hey girl! how's it going? I've got the light on and I'm heading down the tunnel. Of course the light may get dim at times, and i may end up taking a wrong turn but I always find my way back to the light. I'm crossing my fingers that the denist that I saw yesterday is going to call me on Tuesday and offer me the job. That would be so great and such a relief to everyone in my family. I really felt ready to start my journey again, last night, but being that this is Friday I decided that it's best to start on Monday. The weekends are the hardest for me. since I'm starting again on Monday that will give me 5 days complete before the weekend. and If I can make it through 5 days of my challenge I can make it through 14 days.

Sorry to hear about the Good Samaritan job, but the job at the dentist's sounds like a great possibility! I always hate to get that salary question too. The best advice I've gotten is to give a range when asked that question...you give the lowest amount of money you'd accept as the low point and your dream salary as the high point. Of course, it helps to do a little research into salaries for that particular job in your area. So here's a great tool. The salary wizard! You just enter what job you want and where and it calculates out the high/low/average for your area.

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_newsearch.asp

For you, I put in Administrative Assistant Level I (since you're starting out) and San Jose. The low was $29,948 per year and the high was $37,004. This is the range that people in your area doing this specific job (and they describe the duties for each job so you can choose) get paid. The $14 per hour figure you suggested would put you right at $29,120 per year (52 weeks X 40 hours X 14 dollars per hour). So, like the dentist, I think you were right on target!

Keep giving it your best on the 14 day challenge! We'll still be here when you start up again. :wave:

MARCH 21, 2004 ~ 9:51PM PST
Good Morning Everyone! Theirs nothing like a good infomercial at 1:00 in the morning to really help inspire you. Last night I was lying in bed trying to settle down to fall asleep, but I was having trouble. I’m not sure what’s causing it, but every once in a while I get strong urges to urinate. I keep on getting up to see if I have to go use the restroom, but half the time I don’t even have to go. When I did my grocery shopping and I saw some cranberry pills which are suppose to be good for urinary track infection, or something like that. I’m hoping they will help me because this problem really gets on my nervous. Lucky it doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does it’s really awful for me. Especially at night, when I’m trying to go to sleep.

Well I’m seem to have gotten totally off what I waned to write about. Oh yeah, last night I found an infomercial for Denise Austin’s power zone. I enjoy watching her program on Lifetime cause she gives great advice and seems really sincere in what she’s saying. I mostly like to watch her show for tips on doing weight training. Most of her routines are advanced, but every once in a while she shows modifications on them.

After watching the program for just for 10 minutes I found myself planning out my workout schedule for the next week. Starting tomorrow I’m going to be working out 5 days a week. I’m starting off slow so that I don’t injure myself. Before I thought about just working out 3 days and building up to 5 days, but the more days I take off during the week, the harder it is for me to get back into working out again. I guess that’s why I haven’t worked out in over two in a half months.

To be totally honest I’m a little afraid to workout again tomorrow. Since the last time, back in January, when I was using my WATP tape I had trouble during the beginning of the tape. Let me tell you that really discouraged me, and that’s properly the reason why I haven’t worked out in such a long time. Now it’s time to start to face my fears head on.

GOALS FOR, MARCH 22, DAY 1 OF MY 14 DAY CHALLENGE ROUND # 2
Eat within my daily points
Drink 2 liters of water
WATP 1 mile tape, 3 minutes of it, plus some stretching

Well now onto a different note. Today was my Grandma’s 85th birthday, and believe she won’t let you forget it. This morning when I saw her she said to me “Don’t you have something to say to me today” You know just like a little kid LOL. After a couple minutes of teasing her, I finally gave her hug and kiss and wished her a happy birthday.

We had a barbeque for dinner tonight, with several side dishes, and black frost cake for dinner. Theirs still a couple pieces of cake left, but I’m not worried about. The cake had cherries in it, and I’m not to fond of fruit in cake.

Carlos, Beatrice, Katia, and Roberto also came down for the celebration. We all just had a great time sitting around talking and laughing and enjoying a great day. As a matter of fact Katia was the one who got the cake for today, and I’m so glad that she did because if I had made one I properly would of found myself eating left over cake tomorrow, and even worse eating all the frosting that’s left over.

That’s all for tonight. Take care everyone!

Sounds like your grandma's bday was a nice day for everyone Katherine..
keeping my fingers crossed for the job front...i am frustrated with my job at the moment but hanging in until i find something better.
Here's to an awesome week ahead!
hugs bell :)

March 24, 2004 ~ 12:30PM PST
Once again I find myself following the same pattern. I have a date set to go back on program again, and I really look forward to it, but once that date comes I find myself still off track. On Monday I was suppose to go back on my 14 day warmup challenge to get myself ready to finally stay on track. I started out really good during the day, for breakfast I had a bowl of raisin bran and 1/2 cup of milk. Shorlty after that I was eating left over food from my Grandma's birthday. I had two hotdogs, no buns, soda, and cake. Later on during the day I was separating my cereal and baked chips into individual servings, and half hour later I was eating my chips one serving at a time. I guess I didn’t really need to go through all the work of separating them if I was going to eat them all anyways.

Since I blew my challenge on Monday, I wanted to get started on it yesterday. When I first woke up yesterday morning I wasn’t hungry at all. By 10:00 in the morning I found another serving of chips and ate them.

Needless to say this 14 day challenge just isn’t working out for me. I need to loose weight, but I really have no idea where to start. I sometimes feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions, when it comes to weight lose, and I don’t know which path to follow.

I don’t understand why this is so hard for me. It’s not like it’s rocket science. Millions of people have lost weight over the years. I’m sure just like me they do have had their ups and downs during their journey, but there is a huge difference between them and me. They’ve actually lost weight and have managed to stay on program long enough to see results.

Now here I am facing another day, and just like the day before I'm following the same patterns. When I woke up this morning I was in really good mood and thought that today was going to be my day. I even weighed in this morning, and recorded it on my chart. Marking down that I'm finally on track and this time I'm staying on track. Despite doing all of that, I feel off the track again.

In less then 12 hours I’ll be facing, yet, another day. Should I once again try to get back on track or should I face reality and realize that I’m going to end up getting off track again tomorrow. The answer to this question is rather simple. If I want to loose weight, then I need to get myself on track and stay on track. It sounds simple enough but getting on track isn’t so easy.

I wish I could say that tomorrow I’m going to wake up with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. I wish I could say that tomorrow is going to be my day, and that I’m going to get on track once and for all. I wish I could say all that, but I can’t because in all honesty I don’t know how I’m going to feel when I wake up in the morning. All I can say is that I’m going to face the day, and hope for the best.

~ Katherine

Katherine,

Let me start off by applauding your candor ... I see that as a positive ....

My question is why did you not throw the cake out .... or put it somewhere where it wasn't CALLING TO YOU ....

Another question why do you still have chips and other foods in the house that will tempt you ...

You're on Weight Watchers ... how many points are you allowed? If you're going to have snacks .... make snacks that you can eat and that will fill you up so that you CAN FEED YOUR HUNGER.

Katherine .... you are an intelligent young woman and I know you TRULY DESIRE TO LOSE THE WEIGHT ... I know that at times things happen (boy do I know ) that cause all of us to binge to access in order to either soothe our emotional wounds or ease our boredom.

Your candor shows you know what you are doing is hurting you ... my only suggestion to you is for each day you stay on plan give yourself a non-food reward (lol money is a good reward ... $5 or $10) after one week ... set the money aside ... and start again on the next week taking it one day at a time ....

We all understand and appreciate where you are coming from and speaking for myself I AM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK HERE AT DT ..... I would like to make one more suggestion ... the weekends are usually the hardest for the majority of us (for a variety of reasons) -- to challenge yourself why not start with your new commitment to succeed this coming weekend ... that gives you today, tomorrow and Friday to PLAN ...

You can do this Katherine ... and each one of us has walked in your shoes ... YOU'RE NOT ALONE. As always, Monica

Katherine only you can say when you get up in the morning. Good morning world and today is mine all of it. If I have to take it one minute at a time In 60 min. you will have an hour. In 480 min. you will have 8 hours make that the best 8 hours ever. Sing and dance make it a happy 8 hours. Then take the next 8 hours and do the same. First thing the one day challenge will be over don't look at 14 days but at one day at a time and if one day is to hard take it one hour at a time. sounds not so bad from a yo yo dieter trying to do good. Today is day one and It's know 4:30 and i'm looking forward to my chicken stir fry for supper and so far today i did very good except for the exercise i didn't do as much as i was hoping. so lets go girl we can do this.

I hear you too Katherine. I've been there. And while I feel unbelievably motivated and in control at the moment, I may yet fall again into the same trap you find yourself in. As Monica says, we've all been there.

Monica is always full of great advice. Boblin has given you some good advice too. I'm going to add mine because it's essentially the same, with a slight tweak that seems to be working for me.

I'm not taking this lifestyle change in a 12 week chunk (although officially that's the minimum I've promised myself). I'm not taking it one week or one day at a time. I'm taking it literally one MOMENT at a time. This means every time I find myself faced with a choice, I ask myself again what I REALLY want. I'm facing this thing over and over again, every single dang day. For example: lunchtime, do I want to go over to the cafeteria and get a turkey sandwich on white bread with chips? or do what's good for me and eat my supplement? Standing at the end of the hallway, do I turn right and go to the elevator? or do I turn left and go up the stairs? (I'm not making that up. I literally have to choose left or right in this building! :laugh: )

I repeat my mantra (which I stole from Oprah) so many times a day, it's become like an internal chant. There's just me, this moment, and a choice.

Once you've made the decision to commit, and you've done as Monica advises and made a PLAN on how to follow through, all you have to do is stick with the plan moment by moment. You can do this. And if you make one wrong choice, admit it to yourself (write it down here even) and IMMEDIATELY move on! Do not say "I guess I'll have to start over again next Monday." No! Go ahead and "start over" right then. The very next moment. Give it your all Katherine. We're all behind you!

Your posts move me so much. I really hope that with all the support to be found here at DT we can help you through this rough spot and get you moving toward your goal. Keep your chin up kiddo! :hug:

{{{{HUGS EVERYONE}}} I want to give a special thank you to Monica, Boblin, and Badger your words were so kind and heartfelt. I just had to write in and express my thanks.

Monica – Believe me if I could of I would of tossed the cake out, but I’m not the only person living in the house. My mom prefers to keep left over cake in fridge, and its hard to avoid the fridge when you want a glass of milk. The chips I had were baked chips, only 2 points per serving. I got them last time I did my shopping and had decided to start on program last Monday. I’m allowed 29-34 points per day.

Boblin – you know for so many years I’ve heard that statement “one day at a time” I use to think that in order to succeed with a weight loss program I have to do some kind of a challenge, like the 21 day challenge or my 14 day challenge, in order to feel successful. Well I don’t need to complete a 14 day challenge to be successful, if I take it all in one second, one minute, one hour at a time I will be successful. I just need to take it moment by moment. I love your idea on breaking up the day into 8 hours, and then breaking up those hours into minutes.

Badger – you sound exactly like me. This morning I started off doing really good. At 9:00AM I had a bowl of raisn bran and 1 cup of milk. By 11:30AM I was getting hungry for lunch; however by that time I was already off program for the day, and I’ve been going down hill ever since. If I already have something planned out for lunch and dinner, then I know that it’s going to be a great day and I’m going to stay in my points. Well first thing I need to do is make a plan and stick to it.

Once again thank you to Monica, Boblin, and Badger your words really moved me and had a strong impact. Instead of just saying that I’m going back on the weight watchers plan tomorrow, I need to write down what I hope to achieve out of this journey or mine and how I’m going to achieve it. When a person makes the decision to finally do something about their weight. They don’t just wake up one morning and say ok that it “From now on I’m not going to give in to the temptations of food” I believe that these people have some goal in mind and a plan to achieve that goal. Sometimes they may even have mini plans along the way. I’m not going back on plan again until I come up with a plan. My goal weigh is 130 pounds, I’m 5’1. In order to achieve that goal I need to loose 168 pounds. Having to loose 168 pounds sounds like a lot, and believe me it is. But I’m going to break it down into smaller goals. Each time I reach a mini goal that will only bring me closer to my final goal weight.
Just before writing this post I was looking over some of my old posts through the years. When I first started posting here at DT, in September of 2000 I weighed 220 pounds. In March of 2001 I weighed 278 pounds, and in March of 2004 I weigh 298 pounds. In 3.5 years time I’ve gained 78 pounds. Wow that sure is scary when you think about it.

Take care everyone! Katherine

Katherine,

When I started my weight loss journey on March 19th, 2000 ... I weighed 307 pounds .... my first thought was omg I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO THIS ..... unlike you whereas you still have many more years to achieve your success ... if I didn't lose the weight I wouldn't have many more years to live --

I didn't have mini goals except one ... that goal was to start my exercise regimen when I went below 307 ... and that goal was reached approx 2 weeks after I started my weight loss plan ..

Katherine YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU ... looking at the situation in a realistic way (which often is easier said than done ) you CAN SUCCEED ... and I know I am sounding redundant when I say take it one day at a time .. one step at a time .... but imo that is being realistic. We're here for you JUST LIKE I KNOW YOU ARE HERE FOR ALL OF US. As always, Monica :hug:

March 25, 2004 ~ 2:21PM PST I’ve deiced to stop feeling sorry for myself, and realize that if I want to loose weight I’m the only person who can make it happen. Instead of just trying once again to get back on program, this time I’m working towards different goals.

I don’t know why I never thought of this before. With the weight watchers program it teaches you about portion control and measuring out your food. If you do those two things then you’ll be able to stay within your daily points range. In my opinion the key to the weight watchers program is all about portion control.

In the past I would always take my goals day by day. I would try to stay with my daily points range for 24 hour periods. I’m not going to do that anymore. I’m taking my goals meal by meal. The important thing I need to learn is portion control when it comes to my eating.

When it comes to my counting my points, my goal is to watch my portion control for two meals during the day and build up to 5 meals during the day. tomorrow when I eat my breakfast and my afternoon snack I’m going to measure everything out, so that I can work on portion control. My other meals during the day I’m going to eat healthy, but I’m not going to worry about portion control.

For right now I’m not going to be counting points. I need to learn about portion control Once I’m watching my portions for all 5 meals during the day, then I’m going back on the weight watchers program. My goal date to return to the weight watchers program is May 8, 2004.

Here are my goals for March 26, 2004
WATER – drink 1.5 liters of water
EXERCISE – WATP 1 mile tape walk 3 minutes and then do some stretching
PORTION CONTROL – watch my portions for breakfast and my afternoon snack

Take care! Katherine

Good for you Katherine for taking small steps and changing your way of life. It is the only way we can do this With measuring you will become aware of what is a serving. And you will get to know and also feel that it is enough. I like the idea of breakfast, snack , lunch, snack, supper, snack because anytime you look at the clock you can say I have to wait until two for such and such. Or need to wait until 6 for supper and such. But do take time to plan your meals your snacks and your shopping. Good luck. Together we can.

Hi there girlfriend,

Gosh, I wish there was an easier way for all of us to lose this weight and reach our goals, but no matter how hard all of us want it, the only way to lose weight is to eat less than we burn during the day. On the other hand, we don't have to do everything at once. Just small changes, taken one at a time, will help us to change our entire way of living and eating too.

Making a plan on how you are going to approach and begin the changes that you want to make in your life is always good. But don't think too far ahead Katherine. If you just plan for a day at a time, it's a beginning. And when you complete that one day, then you have succeeded that much more. Building your success one moment at a time or one day at a time. It will eventually all fall into place.

I'm so glad that you have chosen to come back to DT. You have been very much missed. Please, any time that you want or need to talk, you know where to find me. I will always be there for you Katherine. Just knock.

I hope your Friday is a good one. Take care.

Hugs,
Sandie

March 27, 2004,
good morning my friends! This morning I wish I could of woken up to the birds chirping their sweet tunes, but instead I woke up to our cat scratching and meowing at my door. I was to cold to get out of bed, but after ten minutes of hearing him cry, plus my mom and Grandma complaining to the cat I finally got up and gave him so food. After that Smokey went to go lay down for his nap.

I was suppose to go back on program yesterday, but I didn't. Don't worry I'm not going to kick myself over it this time. I just had to rethink how I was going learn to stay on program.

My daily points range is 29 - 34 points, but with the way I eat most of the time I end up eating way more then that. So I thought why do I have to start with 29 - 34 points. Why not start with a range that I'm comfortable with and build down to my correct range.

I can't really explain it, but this time I really feel that I'm going to make it. I know that I'm going to stay on program and finally loose weight. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I came up with the new plan. Maybe its the fact that I've been so inspired by everybody here. Maybe its the fact that Ive been inspired by looking at personal web sites and seeing pictures of people who have lost weight. Well no matter what it was, I'm just glad that I know that this time I'm going to make it.

TOMORROW I'M OFFICIALLY BEGINNING MY JOURNEY

GOALS FOR: MARCH 28, 2004
POINTS - 31 ~ 36
WATER - 1.5 liters
EXERCISE - a day of rest

Take care everybody and remember "SMILES ARE FREE SO GIVE THEM AWAY"

~ Katherine

Hi Katherine,

I sent you a long private message. Did you get it by any chance? Then I sent you n email and I got that back saying you would have to put me on your list in order for me to send you an email. So would you let me know if got the private message.?

Lizzie

[color=blue] March 28, 2004 ~3:43AM pst
Good morning my friends! Well actually it isn't a good morning for me. It's 3:00Am here and I'm up. Not by choice, I'm up because I heard some people laughing and making a lot of noise.

At first I thought it might be coming from next door because i could hear it so clearly. Lucky the laughter didn't last more then a few minutes. Just as I was about to fall asleep again, it started all over again.

I decided that I was going to investigate and see what's going on. I looked out of the draps in the living room and I found out what's going on.

I live in a house, on a commercial street, really close to a freeway. So we do get the traffic, but not at this time of the day. Right across the street their's an apartment complex. Up on the second floor I saw a bunch of men, at least it looked like men I couldn't tell from my house, and I think they were the ones making all the noise.

Then I saw that a young man was over on my side of the street, and he was trying to look for something. I heard him say "I can't find it and look across the street" Then I saw the guys from across the street, starting to throw somethings, but I couldn't tell what.

Now I know that people like to party, have a good time, and make some noise. However in this case their was way to much noise. I live on a really wide street with 3 lanes of traffic on either side of my street, plus an island strip in the middle. If I could hear these men laughing from all the way across the street you know they have to be to loud.

I just realized something, since I started writing this post I haven't heard anything. Maybe they wised up and went back into the apartment and shut the door. Know matter what I'm not going to complain as long as I can get back to sleep.

With my luck the second I turn my computer off and lay down again the noise will start all over again. I think I'll wait a little bit and see what's going to happen.

sweet dreams! Katherine

Dear Friends,
After being rudly awaken this morning, I finally went back to bed at 4:00AM, and slept all the way until 10:00AM.

10:00AM - I woke up and felt really great that my sleep wasn't intruppted anymore. My mom and I drove over to Krispy Kreme's. Ok i know what your thinking. I should of had something healthy like raisin bran or something like that, but on Sundays we usually like to eat out for breakfast.

11:00AM - we arrived back home again just as my brother was getting up. He works the swing shift at Stanford Hospital on the weekends. Eric's bed is finally back down in his room, down in the garage. Since it was pretty cold this winter, my mom allowed him to move his bed into the living room. Since he sleeps so late because of the hours that he works I always feel like I have to walk on egg shells, especially in the morning. Now that he's back down in his room, I can finally use my hand blender again and have smoothies for breakfast if I want to.

12:30PM - I wanted to make myself a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch today, but we don't have any bread. Instead I took down a serving of lean ground beef to have for taco's tonight. since it had been over 2 hours since I had eaten breakfast, I had a little snack. I had string cheese, an organge, and honey wheat pretzles. have you ever tried the honey wheat pretleze by Rold Gold? Their really good, but my favorite is the honey mustrad. Both honey wheat and the honey mustrad have just 2 points.

2:30PM - I wrote my friend, Dani, back in Austia. I was telling her all about the job at Good Samartian. I don't think I've told you the whole story on what's been going on with that job, so I will now. Please forgive me if I repeat some stuf may have already read.

3:30PM - for some reason this afternon I was really sleepy. I slept for aobut an hour. Then at 4:30PM I cooked my dinner.

I finally did hear back from Penny, and she apoligized for nto getting back to me sooner. I was suppose to go into for an interivew and to meet the doctor last Thursday. At 10:00AM on thursday morning Penny called me and said that something had come up and she had to rescedule. Penny told me that she would be calling me later on that today so the we can reschedule. I waited all day for her to call me back, but she never did. I figured she was out of the office for the day to due to what happened.

I called her on Friday mornning, and she told that she still hadn't talked to the doctor yet. And that she was going to talk to hi tomorrow morning and then call me. If she doesn't call me by a certain time, I'm going to call her.

I'm beginning to think that maybe she's giving me the run around. I just wish she would tell me already if i possibly might be a candiate for the job or not. my mom tells me not to worry because until she says either way I need to keep on contacting her.

7:00PM - my mom and i made a quick trip over to Target tonight. She got some cerel, and I got some honey mustrad pretzles.

8:00PM - I emptyed the dishwasher, rinsed off the dirty ones and loaded them into the dishwasher. My mom picked up all the garage and wiped down the counters.

This morning I weighed in and the scale was at 295.5, that makes 3 pounds lost just from 4 days ago.

As you know I've started my journey, again, today. Don't worry I'm going to keep you up dated on my progress and how well I'm doing. When I write in tomorrow I'll tell you how I did today.

HUGS AND KISSES
Katherine

Hello Katherine,

Have I told you lately how much I missed you?? Well sweetie, I'm telling you now............LOL

Good for you on that loss. I sure hope it stays down and keeps going lower. It gets so frustrating at times, but even I have trouble with being patient. I would like nothing better than to go to sleep and wake up at least half way to goal.........now wouldn't that be nice? Ha ha.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the job goes well for you. But even if it does not, that doesn't mean there won't be another oppertunity out there just waiting for you to come along. When a person wants something bad enough and really show they want it, usually it will come to them. Maybe not as quickly as we all would wish most of the time, but eventually. Just hang in there kiddo. I have faith in you.

I'm so glad that you have returned to DT, where you can get some real help, support and encouragement too. No one can do this journey alone my friend. Take care now and keep safe.

Hugs,
Sandie

Dear Friends,
HERE ARE MY RESULTS FOR DAY 1 OF MY JOURNEY
POINTS - I ate a total of 32 points, so 2 of them were banked
WATER - 1.5 liters
EXERCISE - day of rest

TODAY RESULTS WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW!

Well as you can see from my results, yesterday was a kick butt day for me. I'm not to concerned aobut the water and exercising because those I know I can get a handle on. Having to stay within my daily points range that's something I really need to work on. But like a lot of my friends have suggested to me, I need to take it all one meal at a time.

I just finished my dinner, baked salmon with Itlain dressing, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. The broccoli was towards the end fo the bag, so it wasn't to appatizing. The Mashed potatoes were good, but I think next time I'm going to cut the receipe on half they really filled me up. The salmon was really good too, but when I divied it up I divided up the portions into 5 ounces pieces, next time I'm going to just use 4 ounces.

Now to report on some other news. I called Penny today, and she wanted me to come in on Wendesday morning. I'm going to be going through a training session just to see how I would work out in the office and with the other people their. I finally feel that things are starting to turn around for me.

We were having a lot of problems with my sister, and so last December she moved out. She moved up to Suisin city, near Fairfield, to live with her boyfriend.

I think my sister thought that if she moved then her problems would go away. Well she's now learning that your problems can track you down anywhere. My sister has to learn that you can't run away from the problems you have in life. You need to deal with them head on.

Ever since I woke up this morning two things were on my mind. First one is kind of personal and a little embarssing, but what the heck if I can't confide in my friends than who can i confide in. All day yesterday I was consipated. I know the big C word. Today I had the same problem, by the time I ate lunch I was beginning to get a little nevous that I would be stopped up for the rest of my life. Well I'm happy to report that I'm know longer facing the big C. I just made sure to drink plenty of water today and ate a lot of fiber.

Having to workout today was the second thing I had on my mind. All day today I kept on putting it off, but I knew I had to do it. I was going to start off just just 3 minutes, but instead I made it through 1/2 a mile. I'm still having trouble with front kicks on the WATP tapes. I can barely lift my foot off the floor to kick out, and then when I the lower part of my right butt check hurts. I'm that it will go away with time, and with my exercisng that I do.

I haven't figured in my points for dinner yet, so I better go and do that now. Oh and don't worry before I ate dinner tonight I still had 15 points left over, so I think I'm going to be ok.

HUGS AND KISSES! KATHERINE

the baked salmon sounds Divine :)
thats great that you have a training session coming up for the job, good luck with it..cant wait to hear how it goes!
keep drinking that water and the big C will never be seen again!
hugs bell :)

{{{{BELL}}} Thanks for the advice tonight, especially about the big C! I'm going to make sure to drink plenty of water from now on. Today I got in 1 liter, plus 32 more ounces. I'm not sure but I think 32 ounces is equal to 1 liter, but I'm not sure. Tomorrow I'm going to aim for 3 liters of water.

I think I may of made a mistake tonight with my dinner. True it was healthy and good for me, but I use half of my daily points for dinner tonight. Made me feel just a little to full.

take care and have a great day! Katherine

Good job on the water Katherine:up:
i try and get in 2 litres a day- the days i go to the gym arent a problem but the days i dont i really have to push myself to get the water in.
hugs bell :)

march 30, 2004
Dear Friends,
Please don't ask me why I wrote "the beat goes on" I'm just in a really good mood today and for some reason that song just came to my head. I think it was by Sonny and Cher, but I'm not sure.

RESULTS FOR MARCH 29, 2004 ~ DAY 2
POINTS - my range is 29 - 34 points. I ate 34 points yesterday. Points in my bank 2.

WATER - i drank 2 liters

EXERCISE - WATP 1 mile for abs - I walked 1/2 a mile yesterday and then I stretched out.

all in all I think I had a pretty good day yesterday. The only thing I need to work on is eating more points during the day. By the time I finished my afternoon snack yesterday I still had 15 points left. And guess where those 15 points went, I used all of them with my dinner last night. After eating so many points in one meal I kind of got a little tummy ache, but it didn't last too long. The important thing was that i stayed within my range.

Last night my mom and I made a quick trip over to Albertsons. She needed to get some cat food and bread. I stayed in the car because I didn't want to take any chances of getting junk food. I figured out of sight out of mind. well ok maybe the junk food was out sight, but it wasn't out of mind. I'm always thinking about all the foods that I love, and I proberly will for the rest of my life. I just have to learn face each day one day at a time.

Right now I'm trying to decide if I should continue with the winning points program or just the flex program a try. I understand how the flex program works and I like the concept of it. I have all the stuff for the winning points program, and if I can use that for the flex program then I just might give it a try.

HUGS AND KISSES! KATHERINE

Great job Kath! You're staying within the points you've set for yourself and that's a great first goal. And exercising too. Alright! :cheer:

I hope the training session goes well. Be sure to update us after.

Bell's right on the money about the water too. I'm still trying to get in the habit of drinking 6-8 glasses at work (plus 1/2 a liter with dinner and 2 cups of herbal tea in the mornings). It's tough some days. Some folks really like that Crystal Light - it's too acidy for my stomach, but maybe it would help you choke down the H2O? I also watch my fiber to make sure I don't have any intestinal trouble. Some days it's hard to get it all in and still stay at the calorie level I've chosen. So I use these Fiber Choice sugar free chewable tablets. 4g fiber per serving (and 10 cals?). It helps.

I'm very proud of you for sticking with your plan. You can do this! :wave:

Katherine ,

I think you should give yourself A GREAT BIG PAT ON THE BACK . I wish there was a smilie for pats on the back ... there's one for console but SINCE THERE IS NO PAT ON THE BACK I AM AWARDING YOU A :ribbon: because you SHOWED THAT YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH AND ABILITY TO SUCCEED.

In the beginning like everything else in our lives we don't have confidence in our successes .. but the fact that you stayed in the car and recognized the temptation of purchasing junk food ... is DEFINITELY A WONDERFUL START TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL :up: I am thrilled for you .... you're going to do it ...

Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Dear Friends,
all day today I've been thinking about giving the flex points a try. I like the fact that you get 35 extra points to use anytime during the week.

but since I still have the stuff for the winning points program, I figured that the point values of food items have changed.

After doing some calulations I've come up with a plan that incorporated the winning points program with the flex program.

With the flex program I get 31 points per day. 31 * 7 = 217 points per week plus I also get 35 extra points for the week, so that would make a grand total of 217 + 35 = 252 points a week

with the winning points program I get a range of 29 - 34 points per day. the maximum number of points I would get per week would be 34 * 7 - 238

I'm not sure if the calulations are different for the two program, but since the allowed points per week on the flex program is higher I'm guessing they probley are.

Now here's where the two programs come in together. Instead of making my target point 31 points a day, Im going to make it 29 points a day (the lowest end of my range for the winning points program) Then with the other 5 points that I dont use. That's going to count towards my weekly flex points.

I'm doing it this way because I don't have the material for the new program, and this way I can be sure of my weekly points are going to be.

have a great day! Katherine

[color=orange]

MONICA - thank you so much for you post. It was hard staying the car but I did what I had to. Do you have any advice for tomorrow when I actually have to go inside and face the store. [/organge]

Katherine,

The only thing I would suggest is MAKE A LIST of the foods that will ENABLE YOUR SUCCESS and STICK TO THAT LIST .... you know what foods are necessary to attain your goals ....

I know that you can do this Katherine ... you have made such a positive first step .... all it takes is taking that second step ...

Let us know about your progress .. and since you are now working with Lizzie's WW group .... you keep in touch with her and ALSO keep in touch with LaDean .... I know that they want you to SUCCEED as much as you want them to succeed. Make it a great evening. As always, Monica

March 31, 2004 ~ 2004
RESULTS FOR MARCH 30, 2004/ DAY # 3
POINTS – 29 points / 8 flex points / 19 flex points remaining
WATER – 2 liters

Good afternoon everyone, I hope that no matter where you are in the world your having fantasic day. My day started off really early. I woek up at 6:30AM, but my day actually started 5 hours before that. I woke up at 1:30AM, cause nature was calling me. Then when I got back into bed I was so cold that I was shriving and my teeth were clicking together. I had to put my head under the covers, and that helped a bit. However after a couple minutes my face was getting hot from my breathing. Then I had to take my head out of the covers and I would be shriving all over again. During the winter I usually sleep with my comforter, and two blankets. Well a couple weeks ago. I put one of m blankets away because the weather was warming up. I guess I could of gotten it out of my suitcase last night but I was to cold to move once I got into bed.

To make matters even worse, I had a hard time settling down because I was in pain. On my right side in the back, near my hip area that’s where I’m having the pain. Every time I moved last night I felt like my hip was flaring up. The last time this happened was a couple months ago, when I tried working out again. The doctor told me to rest and take it easy. After a few days I was feeling better. I know I need to workout, but its not worth it to me if I’m going to be in pain all the time. When I get down to 270 pounds then I’m going try once again working out.

With my teeth clicking, the shriving, and the pain in my hip I wasn’t sure what time I finally settled down last night because the next time I knew my alarm clock was going off at 6:30AM. I’ve gone with out an alarm clock for so, I forgot how hard it was to get up early in the morning. My mom and I had breakfast together, and she saw that I was in pain, so she gave me something for it.

I left the house at 8:10AM, and arrived at the clinic at 8:55AM. I could of taken the freeway their, but I only drive the freeways when I have to drive them. Anyways when I arrived at the clinic, Penny hadn’t arrived yet. John had me come back in the office, and he was showing me the ropes. I got to see how they schedule patients, how they check patients out, collect any kind of payments. I also got to learn about their filing system, and I filled several patient charts. I also got to some faxing, and I got a chance to interact with the patients by checking them in. I was their for just three hours, and I think I did pretty good.

Penny arrived at 9:30AM and went back to her office. She came out a couple times during the day, but I didn’t really see her to much. Which was really ok with me because I would be working up front with the people that I worked with today. All in all I think I did pretty good. Since I worked with John today, he’s going to be taking to Penny about me. Then Penny will talk to the Doctor. If all goes well I should be getting a call in the next couple of days.

I got back home today at 1:00PM, and I was starving. I hadnt’ eaten anything since 6:30AM. I’m so glad that there is nothing in the house to temp me. For lunch today I had soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I was also going to have an orange, but the soup and sandwich filled me up.

HUGS AND KISSES ~ KATHERINE

{{{{MONICA}}} Thank you so much for the suggestion.I usually always make a list when I got shopping, but sticking to it that's something I need to work on. And I will because the more times I do my shoping during my journey the easier it will be to stay away the pringles chips.

I have to be honest with you. right now I'm trying to stay strong. But it's so hard for me. All I keep thinking aobut is the chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer and the left over pizza from dinner tonight. And believe me it's taken all of my strenghen not to go into the kitchen and just blow what I've worked so hard for the past 4 days. well actually it's only 8:42PM here, so i still have a few yours left on my 4th day.

I thought of just sitting here watching TV, I would come on line here and type. At least this way I keep my hands busy and I can't eat. Oh What's a girl to do? The funny thing is I'm not even hungry. I think i just want the ice cream because it's in the freezer.

I just wish the evening weren't so hard for me. The first 3 days I didn't have any problems in the evening, but now I'm starting to think of food all the time. Like this morning when I brushing my teeth. I was trying to think of what I'm going to get at the store tomorrow. Well the first thing I thought of was pringles chips. Then I said "wait get that nasty thought out of you head"

In three hours and 11 minutes I've completed 4 days of my challenge, and I WILL DO IT!

hey you wanna know something since i started writing I dont really feel like eating anymroe. Isnt' that weired how you can do one thing to help you forget aobut another.

Well I'm going to log off now sweet dreams! Katherine

You've earned those sweet dreams Katherine. Good for you :cheer: ...

You have to do whatever works for you ... and if coming and putting your feelings down in this journal I think it is great. As always, Monica

Katherine,
You have discovered a secret of mine. I knw I spend a lot of time on the computer. I do that so I will not be heading to the refrigerator all the time. I am on the computer almost every evening for the same reason. I am always doing somthing on thecomputer. Right now that is going to be ok. My hubby understands and has no problem. Well actually I didn't ask I told him. Right now I am taking care of me.

Sometimes that is what we have to do. Is there anyway you can not go to the grocery store?

I know this is hard but just keep working on it! You will succeed.
I agree about writing your frustrations in your journal. Good way to air your feelings and get some feedback.

OK you know I am available if you should ever need me.

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

[color=red] April 1, 2004
Good morning my friends,
After venting out my feelings last night, I realized that I'm not strong at all. I gave into my temptations last night. I just wish I i knew what was wrong with me I feel like such a failure. I honestly don't understand, how can food have such a strong power on me. I mean aren't I suppose to be the strong one. It all started when I wrote aobut the left over pizza and the ice cream. Thanks to me their is no left over pizza and ice cream. I'm such a PIG and I have no self control. I may as well stop fighting a loosing battle because I'm never going to win. I'm not looking forward to tonight either because I have to go to store, and with the way I'm feeling right now I know that I'm going to end up getting about $12.00 worth of junk food. Well Ive come to the realization that I'll never loose weight and I''m going to stop fighting a losisng battle. In a way I do feel better about myself. Writing out my feelings does help me, and I just have one more thing to say APRIL FOOLS!

HAHAH I tricked ya didn't I? I really had you going their for a second.
I'm doing great on my journey. And nothing is going to stop me from achieving my goals. Only part of what I wrote was sort of true. I did give in last night, but not to pizza and ice cream. I had 4 oz of grapes = 1 points, and 1 oz of honey mustrad pretzles = 2 points. by the time I finished eating my evening snack I ended up taking in 32 points for the day. My points range is 29-34 points.

HERE ARE MY GOALS FOR TODAY
- stay within my daily points
- drink 3 liters of water
- write out my weigh loss goals and how I'm going to achieve
them
- pick up my room, dust and vacum my room
- make out a grocery list and go grocery shopping

RESULTS FOR DAY 4 OF MY JOURNEY
POINTS - 32 points / 2 points banked / 2 points in bank
WATER - 1 litter, I think.

have a great APRIL FOOLS DAY EVERYONE! KATHERINE

April 1, 2004
Good morning my friends,
After venting out my feelings last night, I realized that I'm not strong at all. I gave into my temptations last night. I just wish I i knew what was wrong with me I feel like such a failure. I honestly don't understand, how can food have such a strong power on me. I mean aren't I suppose to be the strong one. It all started when I wrote aobut the left over pizza and the ice cream. Thanks to me their is no left over pizza and ice cream. I'm such a PIG and I have no self control. I may as well stop fighting a loosing battle because I'm never going to win. I'm not looking forward to tonight either because I have to go to store, and with the way I'm feeling right now I know that I'm going to end up getting about $12.00 worth of junk food. Well Ive come to the realization that I'll never loose weight and I''m going to stop fighting a losisng battle. In a way I do feel better about myself. Writing out my feelings does help me, and I just have one more thing to say APRIL FOOLS!

HAHAH I tricked ya didn't I? I really had you going their for a second.
I'm doing great on my journey. And nothing is going to stop me from achieving my goals. Only part of what I wrote was sort of true. I did give in last night, but not to pizza and ice cream. I had 4 oz of grapes = 1 points, and 1 oz of honey mustrad pretzles = 2 points. by the time I finished eating my evening snack I ended up taking in 32 points for the day. My points range is 29-34 points.

I'm not even worried aobut going to the store today. As a matter of fact I'm glad that I'm going because were running out of food in the house and I'm starting to get bored with what I'm eating. this morning I really wanted to have oatmeal, but the only kind of oatmeal we have is Apple and spice :( well today at the store Im going to get the stuff I need to make maple oatmeal. I use to purchase the packets of oatmeal, but their expernsive, so now I jsut the canaster of quick oats and add stuff to it. This way I know exatly what I'm getting.

HERE ARE MY GOALS FOR TODAY
- stay within my daily points
- drink 3 liters of water
- write out my weigh loss goals and how I'm going to achieve
them
- pick up my room, dust and vacum my room
- make out a grocery list and go grocery shopping

RESULTS FOR DAY 4 OF MY JOURNEY
POINTS - 32 points / 2 points banked / 2 points in bank
WATER - 1 litter, I think.

have a great APRIL FOOLS DAY EVERYONE! KATHERINE

Katherine .... you really had me going :tomato: -- THAT IS NOT A NICE WAY TO TREAT A LITTLE OLD LADY FROM BURBANK ...

LOL and it was a good :laugh: April Fool's joke on this duh me ....

I am so proud of you Katherine .... I am looking forward to hearing about your success ..... because you have already proved you are making those SUCCESSFUL STEPS ....

Make it a great day ... As always, Monica :hug:

I knew it! I knew you were kidding! :rofl:

Hey Katherine,

You scared the dickens out of me. My goodness, I came to say hello and see how well you have been doing, and I read that first paragraph and almost cried. What a ditz I am, eh?

Thank goodness you were only joking. I am so glad you have returned to DT and I have read all of your posts, and you are really doing a wonderul job of taking care of Katherine. I know without any doubt that you are far stronger than you realize. So you keep at it kiddo, just one day at a time, one meal at a time if that's the way it has to be for now. But in the end, it is you who will come out the big winner. This time is for you Katherine. You go girl!!!

Remember girl, you know where I am and how to reach me. So you just call whenever. Glad to be there for you any time.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi Katherine,
i knew you were kidding. you are doing too darn good to give into temptation now! Hope that April Fool's day treated you well and that nobody caught you out!
Have you got anything exciting planned for the weekend? i am working so wont be having much fun, have some fun for me ok?
hugs bell :)

April 2, 2004
RESULTS FOR DAY 5 OF MY JOURNEY
POINTS - 32 / 2 points banked
WATER - 3 liters

RESULTS FOR DAY 6 OF MY JOURNEY
POINTS - 30 / 4 points banked
WATER - 2 liters

I'm so glad that day light saving starts this weekend, and I just thought of some good news. Since were gonnea loose an hour on Sunday, that gives me one less hour to worry about staying within my points.

right now as I'm sitting here typing, I have a bad case of the hiccups. It's the second time today. I'm not sure what caused it, but I can't seem to stop.

My mom came home last night and was to tried to go to the store, so instead were going tomorrow. I did make a quick trip to the store last night just to get me a few things to help me through until tomrrow. I got bell pepers green and red, cumbers, just 2 good ranch dressing, oatmeal, splenda, maple extract, butter buds, cinnamon.

this morning I finally decided to do something about my room. After I answered some posts this morning I turned off my computer, so I woulnd't have any distractions.

Everything that was on my floor I placed it next to where it goes, example everything that goes in my dresser I put inside my dresser. Then I started with my dresser, I completly empied it out, and I got everything organized. I'm really lazy about folding my clothes,, after I wash them. All of my bras, socks, underwear, and my bed sheets were just stuffed inside my drawers. so you can get the picture on how disorganized I am. What's even worse my clothes have been in my drawers like that for weeks. I folded them all up today. Once my dresser was organized then I got my nightstand organized, put all my dirty clothes in my hamper. tomorrow I"m going to finish getting my room organized and then dust and vacum.

I think having to dust and vaum my room wouldnt be bad if my room was organized to begin with. My dresser alone, took me almost an hour to get organized.

Well tomorrow marks the last day of my first week. I have to be honest this week actually wasn't to hard for me. I always new that I was strong, and I think this week I proved it to myself. The only problem is Easter Sunday. I begin my week on Sundays, so I don't have any banked points.

since it's Easter I know I'm going to over eat. It's jsut the way that I am, but I do want to prepare myself. I think what i'm going to do is brorrow points from the rest of the week. This was I'll be ok. I know that it's not the way to count points, but as long as I stay within my points that's the important thing.

I have a few more posts to answer, so I' better get to it.

take care! Katherine

Dear Friends,
Despite having to loose an hour yesterday, I hope that everybody accomplished all of their for the day. Since it's been a few days since my last post, this journal entry is going to be for catching up.

On Friday my mom went to pick Roberto up at the Caltrain station. He came down to spend the weekend with us.

On Saturday I gave myself a free day. I didnt' count points and I didn't care what I ate either. All week long I had done really good counting my points, watching my points, and drinking plenty of water I felt like I needed a little break.

I personally feel that having one day off a week is realy good. It gives you a chance to recharge your batteries. The next time I have a free day I'm not going to be doing it the day before I weigh in.

Speaking of weigh in, on Sunday morning I stepped on the scale. At first I said 294 pounds, so that was a lose. Then I stepped on it again this time it said 296 pounds, so that was a gain. I stepped on it two more times and got two morne readings. Each time the scale register 294 - 298 pounds. So I couldnt' tell if I was loosing, gaining or maintaining.

I dont want to have to put myself through this hassle every week. Instead of just focusing on the weekly pounds on the scale, I'm going accoring to my weight ranges. My current weight range is 290-299 pounds. When I get down to the range of 280-289, then I've completed one weight loss goal. Each new range that I get down to is another vicotry in weight loss for me.

yesterday my mom, Roberoto, and I went to the party store and over to Target. this year were making Easter baskets for everybody. Over at the Party Store we got all the stuff we needed for the baskets, but not the candy. Then we went over to Target and got some candy. We each got to get a small present for our baskets. I got Jessica Simpsons - In this Skin CD the extended version.

When we got home, as we were seperating all of the stuff, we found out that a basket was missing, and some of the wrappings for the baskets was also missing.

After spending ten minutes trying to locate the missing basket in the house my mom and Roberto drove back the store. They had to get a new basket over at Target. Lucky the first basket wasnt' to expensive with to begin with.While they were gone I divided up all the candy.

Just as I was finishing with the candy my mom and Roberto pulled up into the house. It didnt' take us to long to make up the baskets. By the time we finished it was a little bit after 8:00PM, so my mom and I took Roberto home.

Last night on the way up to the city my throat felt kind of funny. This morning when I woke up it was still feeling kind of funny. Kind of scratcy you know just before you a full blown sore throat. I really hope that i'm not getting sick. I had a flu shot last October, and my mom said that if I do get sick the flu shot will help me.

KEEP ON SMILING :)
KATHERINE

Hi Katherine :)
hope that your sore throat clears up and doesnt develop into anything worse.
What is the Jessica Simpson CD like? i think she has a great voice..pity she is such a nitwit....i get a good laugh out of her reality tv show..
Have an awesome week!
hugs bell :)

Hi Bell,
Ah thanks you sweet. My throat hasn't gotten any worse, so hopefull I'll be better in a few days. I'm getting some medicine for it tonight. I haven't had a chance to listen to the CD yet. I put it in my Easter basket, so I won't get it until Sunday. do you celebrate Easter in Austrilia? Have a great week! Katherine

Hi Katherine,

Thank you for the cute card today!! That was a nice surprse and the music was great! Oh wow Easter baskets. Been trying to decide if I should fix them again this year for the family. I always have fun doing so. Rather grandson and I have fun doing the eggs and playing with the dyes.

I suppose i will do them anyway. I like putting a lot of nonfood and noncandy in the basket. Like you I give CD's and things like that. Sometimes Jewelry for my granddaughter but I haven't seen her for weeks and could be months. My grandson comes every weekend.

Hope you throat is better and you feel better too. There is a cold going around and I hope it keeps going from here. My grandson has it but so far no one else. So be careful.

Well good to hear about your family. I always enjoy reading about them. Makes me wish my family was all together again. Only for a few minutes though!!

Ok dear have a great night!!

Love and big hugs,
Lizzie

Day 10 ~ Walk Like An Egyptian

BREAKDOWN OF MY DAY
6:45AM I woke up. Which kind of surprised me because last night I went to bed after midnight. I really wasn’t’ hungry or thirsty at this time, and I didn’t feel like watching TV, so instead I just went on line.

8:30AM I made myself a strawberry banana smoothie and oatmeal for breakfast. Thanks again to Sandie for telling me about the Stonyfield yogurt. I highly recommend it to anyone. The one thing I find to be at fault with this yogurt is that 1 cup is 4 points on the winning points program. All small price to pay for great taste.

12:00PM for lunch today I was going to make grilled cheese, but I got lazy and just had a lean cusine meal, and an orange. The chat this afternoon was really great. I’m really looking forward to them each week. For years I’ve been getting Ragu sauce for my pasta, and the left overs I just put it in the fridge. Well I’m sure you all know that once you open up pasta sauce you have to use it up with in a week otherwise it gets this white form on top. That’s happened to me so many times, and I can’t keep the sauce then. I found out today that I can divide up the sauce into servings and freeze them. This way I’ll always have sauce on hand when I need it, and I won’t have to worry about it going bad.

3:00PM Because our carpets were getting cleaned today. I had to make sure that everything was off of my floor. It didn’t take me to long to pick everything up, but of course now my drawers are messy LOL. I washed my clothes last night, and I still haven’t folded them up. I’m going to fold up my clothes tomorrow. I’m not going to do what I did last night and just leave them in my drawers messy.

6:00PM Because Smokey is an indoor cat and has no claws my mom had to put him in my brothers room while the carpet cleaner was cleaning the rest of the house. My grandma’s room was the first one to get cleaned. Once her room was clean we both went into her room to stay out of the way. When it came time to clean my brothers room, my mom had to put him in her room. Of course that’s easier said then done. My mom and I had to chase Smokie all over the house before we finally got him in my mom’s room.

My throat didn’t’ hurt as much today. Which I’m really glad about, of course now I can hardly speak. I can speak but my voice is really horse. The pain that I was having a few days ago in my right hip is back again. And it’s not just in my hip area my lower back is also sore too. I know that if I go to the doctor he’ll just tell me that it’s because of my weight and that it’s causing pressure on my back. I’m sure that once I get some of my weight off then my back will feel better.

STATS FOR TODAY
Points – 30 points / 4 banked / 4 points in bank
Water – 50.7 ounces

Take care! Katherine

Hi Kath,
yep we celebrate Easter here..my kids are both excited about it all..mainly having mum and dad home for 4 days with them and we have lots of stuff planned to do...i will hide a few eggs around but have bought mainly non food stuff for their easter gifts..i only end up eating the chocolate if its here and i can do without it lol..
Let me know how you like Jessica Simpson's CD after Easter..i saw an interview with her on Dave Letterman last night at work...
hugs bell :)

Tonights entry is going to be a little different. I'm not going to write about day, instead I'm going to write out my weight loss plan. After reading Lizzie's post about having a plan, it got me to thinking. I also needed to come up with a plan. This morning when I woke up, I got started right away writing out my plan. I couldn't wait to share it with all of you

MY GOALS TO LONG TERM SUCCESS IN WEIGHT LOSS

WEIGHT LOSS GOALS
Starting weight ~ 298.5 pounds
Final goal weight ~ 130 pounds
Short term goal ~ to loose 5 pounds a month
Date to loose 5 pounds by ~ the last Sunday of the month

CARDIO GOALS
280 pounds begin exercising
Cardio workouts starting with 1/2 a mile build up to 1 to 3 miles
Miles per week ~ start off with 2 miles and build up to 10 + miles
Days per week ~ start off with 4 and build up to 5

TONING GOALS
265 pounds begin toning exercises
Toning workouts ~ start off with 1 set of 10 reps and build up to 2 sets of
15 reps
Toning session ~ tone small groups 5 times a week example: Monday tone abs, back Tuesday tone shoulders, chest, arms

WATER GOALS
Starting off with 1 cup 6 times a day (breakfast, morning snack, lunch, dinner, evening) for a total of 48 ounces per day
Ending with 2.5 cups 6 times a day (breakfast, morning snack, lunch, dinner, evening) for a total of 120 ounces per day

POINTS GOALS
Stay within my winning points range
Enjoy my well earned banked points, one day a week
Maximum free days per week 1
Free days I don’t count any points or measure food, and my bank goes back down to 0 points

HERE ARE MY RESULTS FOR TODAY
POINTS - 33 eaten / 1 point banked / 5 points total in bank
WATER - 67.6 ounces

take care! katherine

Katherine,

I think your goals are :super: lol and I have already noted your weight loss goal in my notes .... plus I have also noted your commitment for your :water: intake and your :ex: regimen ...

And I know your fellow Support Team Members will be :cheer: you every step of the way. As always, Monica

April 8, 2004
I know that it’s going to be hard, but NO MORE FAST FOOD FOR THIS GIRL! Tonight for dinner I had Wendy’s Homestyle chicken strips, Biggie Fries, and a diet soda. I just went to Calorieking and looked up the calories, fat, and fiber. I found out that the fries and chicken strips were 20 points YIKES!!! The only good thing I can say is that fries had 7 grams of fiber in them, but one thing I don’t need is all of that fat in my body.
And to make matters worse I used Ranch dressing and Light Mayo for dipping my food. Even worse then that, I didn’t’ measure out the ranch or the mayo, so I’m just taking a guess on the points for them.

Before I ate dinner tonight I still had 14 points left for the day, plus my 5 banked points. At first I wasn’t going to figure out my points for dinner tonight instead I was just going to mark down that my total point intake was 34 points, plus my 5 banked points for a total of 39 points. I wanted to honest with myself, so that’s why I figured out my actual points, and the total amount of points I ate today was 46.

In life if don’t make mistakes, we never learn any lessons. After seeing my results from tonight believe me I learned my lesson. Next time I’m craving, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, or McDonalds, etc I’m going to remember this day.

Earlier today I was over at the WW UK site. I found it really interesting and I loved reading some of the posts. I even signed up as a member, so I can get to know some others from other countries who are also on WW. I even went into the chat room and chatted with some people. That was really cool and I enjoyed it a lot. I choose the WW UK site for two reasons, one because I’m half English, and two because they speak English. The weight watchers program that they use is called “Pure” I’m not sure, but I think it’s similar to our “Winning Points”

I think tomorrow I might check out the WW Austrialia site. Of course going to the chat rooms might be a little harder because their’s a 17 hour time difference between California and Austrlia. With the UK it was 8 hours, so just as I’m beginning my day their ending their day.

RESULTS FOR TODAY
POINTS – 46 eaten / -7 points in bank
WATER - 42.25

In ten minutes it will be Friday, so have a good one!

Katherine

Hi Katherine..
i went out for lunch today and had a fattier than usual meal and now i feel nauseous and awful...i will remember the feeling next time i feel like i can eat junk without my body revolting..but we do learn from it all you are right!
i think all your goals look awesome. i will be right here cheering you on!
hugs bell :)

Hi Katherine,

It was great chatting with you of late. Sort of like "old times." LOL

I'm so pleased you are getting everything together, making goals, and really committing yourself to make your life healthier. I know what a daunting journey you will have ahead of you, but I also know that it can be done. It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but it is all well worth the effort every time.

Never let a bad day throw a road block in your plans. Never look back. Take it one step at a time. One step forward always. We all stumble and fall now and then. But that doesn't mean it's the end of the trip. You pick yourself up, gather support and friends around you, and then move forward again.

I am here for you, and I'm sure many others are also.

((((((((( HUGS ))))))))))
Sandie

Hi Katherine,
How is your Friday? I bet you and your family are getting ready for Easter! You know every once in a while we think we eating something with low points and come to find they are not!! But we learn not to do that again!

Just have to be alert to those kind of situations! I always try to also but I mess up at times too. Now to stay on track with Easter in 2 days!

Really Katherine I think you are doing fabulous and you are working at a goal and doing a good job. Remember you didn't gain over night so it will not come off over night. Hang in there sweetie!!

Love and hugs,
lizzie

Hiya girlie! :wave:

I just saw your goal list. I love it! What a motivation tool that is - and weeks from now you'll check back and see just how much progress you've made. Great idea! I am going to write down some of my goals later today - you've inspired me. :D

Last night we went out to dinner. We went to Chili's because it's one of the few places around here where we get decent service. I had a buffalo chicken salad (I told them to use grilled chicken instead of the breaded fried stuff) and I had the salad dressing on the side so I could dip my fork in it (a WW trick). It was fantastic. DH had country fried steak and mashed potatoes. He liked it very much. A couple of months ago, I would have joined him and had something equally bad for me. However, I've come to the realization (finally) that he is thin and exercises alot and can therefore afford to eat crap once in a while whereas I am fat and do not exercise nearly enough so I cannot afford to eat crap ever (although there will come a day when I can splurge a little I'm sure). It was hard to admit that and come to terms with it, but now it doesn't faze me at all. I didn't even think about getting anything but a salad with grilled chicken last night. Didn't feel envious of his dinner. Didn't even taste it. I think it's just a habit we have to get ourselves into. You're doing it sweetie and I'm ever so proud of you! Keep up the great work! :spring:

April 10, 2004
Well tonight I have a journal entry that’s going to be full of good news, bad news, and a little bit of humor. After gripping the other night about going to Wendy’s and saying that I’m never going to eat fast food again, tonight I had McDonalds for dinner. However the good news is, I only have 1 plain cheeseburger and a small diet coke. Instead of having fries, I had red bell pepper strips. And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want the fries, but I figured since I was a cheeseburger, I should balance it out with something healthy.

Yesterday Penny called and left me a message about the job. Dr. Peterson said that wanted to go with somebody who has more experience then I have. I was upset about, but a person can only cry for so long. Then I received an email from Penny because she wasn’t sure if I got the message. Our message machine didn’t have out going message on it. The email was really nice. She told me that I was one of the top 3 candidates. She also said that if Dr. Offices in the building are looking for somebody in the front office, she would fax them my resume. I think that would be great if she that, but I’m not counting on it.

Speaking of finding a job. One of my mom’s friends, believes in all of that physic stuff. She told my mom that this job wasn’t the one for me, and I will be working before the beginning of summer. If that happens, I’m going to become a firm believer in physics LOL.

Now for proberly the best news I’m ever going to share with you, that’s non-weight related. Our cable system is divided up into A channels and B channels. Our digital channels are on the B side. About a week and a half ago, our cable on the B side went out. At first I thought they might just be working on it, so I didn’t worry to much about it. When the B side was still out the next morning, my mom called the cable company. She found out that they were going to upgrade the systems, and we won’t have the B side until the following week. Of course since everybody who has the same cable system had the same problems, Comcast wasn’t going to charge us for that week. This afternoon around 5:00p.m. the cable was back up again :cheers: Ah let me tell you tell hearing the theme song the Brady Bunch today, it was music to my hears.

Yesterday I emailed Easter Cards to my friends. One of the girls that I use babysit for, I send her a special card. Tomorrow is 20th birthday. I still can’t believe that the little girl I us to color with and play games with is going to be hitting the big 20 tomorrow. She’s a junior at Davis University. I’m not sure what she’s majoring in, but if anything I bet it’s in the Art Field. She blows me out of the water when it comes to drawing, painting, and stuff like that. Her middle sister will be turning 17 this year, and the baby of family she’s going to be 15 this year. Ah where did the time go.

Here are my menus from today

BREAKFST – 1/3 cup of maple mix ahead oatmeal, 1 slice of wonder thin bread toasted, ½ TBLE smart balance Light Margarine

LUNCH – Lean Cuisine Swedish Meatballs, 1 small orange, 1 oz reduced fat trisquits

AFTERNOON SNACK – Strawberry Banana Smoothie (1/2 cup of Stonyfield FF French Vanilla yogurt, ½ cup of frozen chopped no sugar added strawberries, ½ medium size banana, ¼ cup of 2% milk, 1 packet of equal) Kudos snickers gronilla bar, Albertsons string cheese

DINNER – 1 plain cheeseburger from McDonalds, 1 small diet coke. 2 oz red bell pepper strips, 1 TBLE of Just 2 good ranch dressing

EVENING SNACK – PopSecert 94% FF snack size popcorn.

RESUTLS FOR TODAY
POINTS – 29 eaten / -1 banked
WATER - 64 ounces

Tomorrow is my weigh in day, so I’ll be writing in a full over view of how did this week.

Well before I go, I almost forgot to write about the funny thing that happened today. My mom and I were shopping for tomorrow, and she showed me a CD. She said “Well this be good for tomorrow” I looked at the CD’s song list, and I didn’t understand a word of it. That’s because the CD my mom picked out was for Passover. I told her “ mom this CD is Hebrew and it’s for Passover.” I got a good chuckle out that one.

HAVE A HAVE EASTER EVERYONE! Katherine

Hi Katherine,

Have a wonderful Easter!!!!!! Glad the cable came back on for you!! Watch out for those Cadbury eggs!

Love and hugs,
lizzie

Have a joyous and happy Easter Katherine. As always, Monica :hug:

Hi Katherine,

I'm having a good day here. I hope you are also.

Sorry about that job falling through. But I hope you will find something soon. Just keep at it kiddo. I'm sure that eventually the right job will come along.

Have a wonderful Easter with your family.

Hugs,
Sandie

April 11, 2004
I hope that everybody had a great Easter Sunday. Today I gave myself a free so I didn’t count points, didn’t measure anything out that I ate, cause I didn’t care ~ LOL. But now I’m back on track again. On the other hand it is only 11:30p.m. here, so do you think it would be ok if I give myself 30 minutes credit LOL.

here’s the highlights of my day
9:00a.m. I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was step on the scale. And I’m happy to report that I lost 1 pound this last week. Since March 28, 2004 I’ve lost a total of 4 pounds. Afterwards I went to go and have some breakfast. For the next coule of hours I just took it easy and relaxed. I mostly was just answering some of the posts that I subscribe to here.

11:00am I took a shower and got ready for day. Then my mom and I had to go to the store. She had to get some more celery. For some reason the celery that she got was really limp and it had ice on it. I checked the temp in the fridge and turned it down a little bit. Hopefully that should help.

1:00p.m baked the cake for tonight. I just made a similar recipe nothing fancy. I was reading Lizzie’s journal earlier about the bunny cake she made today. And I have to admit I’m jealous. Cause I wish I could do stuff like that.

3:00p.m I diced up the onions, sniffle, sniffle, sniffle. Diced up the celery and put them together to make the stuffing later on. Afterwards I made the dressing for the deviled eggs for dinner.

4:30p.m my brother came home from work. I finished making the deviled eggs, cutting up the celery and putting cheese on it. Frosted the cake, and prepared the stuffing. My mom checked the barbaruqe and since the turkey was golden brown on the outside, she assumed that was down. When she caved into a small piece just to make sure, she that the meat was pink inside. Luckyly it wasn’t to bad. I would say about 90% of it was down. For the 10% that wasn’t down she just put that in the oven.

5:30p.m Carlos, Beatrice, and Roberto arrived. The stuffing had to bake for 30 minutes in the oven, so mostly everybody was just doing what they wanted to be doing. I finished up with what I was doing. Beatrice made her Peruvian potato salad.

6:15p.m we finally sat down to dinner. Tonight we had both turkey and ham (complements to Carlos, Beatrice, Roberto, and Katia) I ate some turkey, 2 deviled eggs, 1 roll with a little bit of margarine. Oh my gosh I found the creamisted yummiest margarine. I can’t think of the name right now, but it’s the one with yogurt wipped in to it. I’d go into the kitchen and see what it’s called, but I’m afaid that I might eat some of the left overs, so I’m staying put. I use to get the smart blanace light margarine which was 45 calories and 5 grams of fat per Tablespoons, this new margarine has the same calories and fat grams, but it’s much creamier. Now where was I, oh yes I was telling you what I ate for dinner broccoli, stuffing, and 1 red potato. I didn’t eat to much because I really wasn’t to hungry. I ate during the day, so I wouldn’t over stuff myself tonight with dinner.

After dinner everyone went in the front yard to find the plastic eggs that I hide this year. Two of them had 5.00 dollars inside of them. They found 8 of them pretty easily but the last 4 of them were really tuff. The hardest one to find was the one of them with the money. Roberto kept on asking me “Where did you hide “ and I told “you have to look for it’ After a couple more times I finally gave them a little clue. Five minutes later my brother found the missing egg. I hid it inside the yellow recycle bins.

Once the easter egg hunt was over we got to open up our basket. Carlos, Beatrice, Roberto, and Katia gave me a novelty egg from See’s Candy. It was filled with different kinds of candy. Most of it was marshmellow candy and jellybeans which I don’t really like, so I shared it with everybody.

In my basket I have proberly about 10 pieces of candy and one candy bar. Which I haven’t even touched tonight. I also got the new Jessica Simpson – in this skin CD. I got the expanded version with the bonus track. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it, but I’m going to tomorrow.

All in all I would have to say that today was very successful. Ops I mean yesterday, it’s now 12:24a.m so I’m 100% back on track. Since I don’t know the calories, fat grams, and fiber grams for my candy later on today I’m going to call the 800 number on the labels and get it. The candy bar I got was only 5 points, so I’m might eat half tomorrow and half the next day.

Well I know that you’ve been sitting on pins and needles waiting to read my results for this entire week, so I won’t keep you waiting any longer.

This week I went from 295.5 pounds to 294.5 pounds. This week I drink 270.25 ounces of water. A huge improved from last week I might add. I stayed with in my points 5 days, and during those 5 days I ate a total of 171 points. The maximum number of points I can eat during those 5 days is 170 points. I only went over by 1 points, not including the two other days, and I think that’s really great.

Well I’m falling asleep here, so I’m going to say pleasant dreams to you all!

Keep shinning! katherine

CONGRATULATIONS KATHERINE ON HAVING LOST THAT ONE GLORIOUS POUND OF BLUBBER .... :cheer: and FOR INCREASING YOUR :water: INTAKE FOR THE WEEK .. THAT IS A HUGE STEP FORWARD :up: ...

Don't forget to remind me on Tuesday of your fabulous stats so I can record them and that we can all APPLAUD YOUR TERRIFIC SUCCESS. As always, Monica

Hi Katerine,

Wow, I am so happy for you! :cheer: Congratulations on losing that pound of fat too!!! You did really well last week, and I do hope you are properly proud of yourself!

Now, a new week has begun, and I can only hope that this week will be at least as good, or even better, than the last one.

Take care and stay focused. We are all going to reach new goals this year.

Hugs,
Sandie

What an awesome week you have had Katherine! i am so proud of you for keeping it all together and increasing your water intake! You are learning more every week.i am thrilled for you!
i am holding my breath waiting to hear how you like the Jessica Simpson CD! :)
hugs bell :)

Katherine, i just found your journal. how neat. your doing so good i am so proud of you. glad your easter was a good day also. we can do this together for sure. good luck. LaDean

MONICA Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm sorry that I wasn't in the chat yesterday. I feel asleep and didn't wak eup until 12:15PM, and then I was to lazy to turn my computer on. I'll write in my results in the 100+ board.

SANDIE Thank you for your swee words, but to be honest with you this week hasn't been to good for me. I wrote all about in todays journal entry.

BELL Well you can finally breathe again LOL. I'm listing to the CD now for the second time and I love it. My favorite song is "BE" It's a song about dreaming and making your dreams come true. I also like "FORBITTEN FRUIT" the music to song is really funky. All of the songs really great, but these two are my favorite.

LADEAN Well it's about time you find my journal J/K. Ladean your doing so wonderful. Its because of you I'm inpisred to start working out, thank you for that.

Dear Friends,
I'm sorry for not writing in the past few days, but to be honest I haven't been doing so good. Even since Easter Sunday I can't seem to get myself back on track again. So far I've just been eating a lot of food around the house, but I'm not measuring anything out. After having a bad night last night, and only getting 4 hours sleep, I just wasn't in the mood to brother is today.

When I weighed in last Sunday, my goal was to stay within my points 6 days this week, but after today I only have 3 days left. And I'll be lucky if I stay within my points those days.

I have been drinking water, but not as much as I should. I'm at least trying to do better with my water intake today.

I think we all have days like this, but the trick is not to let them hold you down to long. Instead of focusing on why I'm not getting back on track, as far as my points goes, I've been working out a WATP schedule. I think if I start working out again, that might help me to feel better and even more motivated. Starting tomorrow I'm going to walk 0.25ml with the Express 1 mile tape. Since the tape only lets you know when you walked 0.5 mile to start I have to guess the 0.25mile mark.

yesterday my mom and I went to see Jersey Girl? Have you seen that yet? The little girl who played Gertie is a such a doll. She's got the hugest brown eyes and their just lovely.

As I metioned to you earlier in this letter, last night wasn't good for me at all. Do you remember before when I was telling that something I get those strong urges urinate. Well that was happening all night long, and I kept on getting up to go the restroom but I didn't. Even time I would lay back down again it would start all over again. Finally at 3:00AM i just gave up trying and watched TV for a little bit. I sat up in my bed and that seemed to help my urges a bit; however it was still on my mind.

Around 4:00AM I was starting to get sleepy, so I decied to try once again to fall asleep. After laying down for a few minutes I had to once again use the restroom, and this time I really went. I finally felt that I was going to get some sleep. I was still having the urge to go, but it wasn't to bad and I did fal asleep.

Well since I haven't felt like being online the past day and half, I really have to get busy and update some journals that I subscribe to.

HUGS AND KISES! KATHERINE

Katherine,

You might want to check with your doctor ... I had that when I started my weight loss journey (feeling I needed to urinate .... and it was almost every hour on the hour).. I know that there is medication that CAN AND WILL HELP that condition ....

You know you are 2004% correct WE ALL HAVE DAYS WHERE THE WORLD AND THE DAY IS HORRENDOUS (lol I have had 4 of them so far) .. but as of 4:15 p.m. today :cheer: I AM FREE .... FREE OF WORKMEN WHO DON'T KNOW SHOE FROM SHINOLA (lol my father always used that expression for people who are unable to think ) .... so let it go by ... and pick up your chin and START DOING WHAT YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO ...

I am so pleased for the pound that you lost .... and you were missed on Tuesday but the one great thing is THERE ARE MORE TUESDAYS TO COME. Make it a great evening. As always, Monica :hug:

Hi Katherine,

I'm so very sorry you are having these problems. I haven't been too thrilled since Sunday's dinner myself. Overnight I gained 7 lbs from eating that ham. I know it's water retention, and it's obvious. You should see my ankles. But just the same, it will take me weeks to get rid of what came on overnight.

I know it's discouraging when you feel you don't have control over the eating for a while, but I know you can get your focus back. Please hang in there. This is for yourself, for your own good health, and kiddo, you do deserve to be healthier and happier just like the rest of the world.

I'm here for you Katherine. Just give me a buzz. OK?

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi Katherine.
speaking from my own perspective i find that working out really helps me to get my eating back on track..i figure if i can get my butt out of bed to workout then i dont want to undo all the good work by eating junk...i think doing the WATP will definately help in getting the eating back on track...Its amazing how one day can derail us isnt it!
i have absolute faith in you that you will get back on track... PM me anytime if i can help out :)
Glad that you like the Jessica CD..i was watching Newlyweds last night wondering if you had listened to it yet! i am going to see John Mayer tonight in concert...i am soo excited..had to buy a new outfit of course!
hugs bell :)

Dear Friends,
This morning I woke up to the sounds of Smokie meowing and scratching at my door. I was to cold to get out of bed to check on him, so I kept on telling him to shut up. At 7:00AM my mom had to get up for work, so she took care of the cat.

last night I wrote my friend Dani back. I haven't written her in a while, so the letter was 4 pages long. I wrote her all about the job and what happened with Good Samartian, Easter Sunday, and what's been going on with me and my family.

The skies are filled with grey clouds today, so were proberly in for a storm. A few minutes ago, I heard the sounds of heavens tears. But now as I look outside I see the the tears have dried up and the clouds are starting to shift. so who knows maybe were not in for another storm and that the little bit of rain we just got was all the rain were going to be getting.

Well today marks the end of my 3rd week. The first week I stayed onprogram 6 days, the second week 5 days, this week 0 days. This pattern isn't good at all. I've only stayed on program 52% of the time during these last 21 days.

Last night i went to the store to get something for dinner, and I was tempted to get my usual junk food, but I didn't. I know that this week wasn't the best week for me, but that's stil no excuse to really go off the brand wagon.

Instead I got some chicken breats, and dietcoke. I made the cola chicken last night and freezed the left overs. This way I can cola chicken whenever I want.

tomorrow begins a new week for me, and next week I'm going to have great success. I'll write in tomorrow and let you know what my goals are for the week.

take care! Katherine

Good Morning Katherine,

SUCCESS CAN AND WILL BE ATTAINED ... BELIEVE THAT .. KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE POWER AND ABILITY TO SUCCEED ... MAKE IT A GREAT DAY ... AND HAVE AND MAKE IT A FANTASTIC WEEKEND .. As always, Monica :hug:

Hi Katherine,

CONGRATULATIONS - ANOTHER 1/2 LB. GONE:cheer:

I am so proud of you for not throwing in the towel, and going on a binge. Instead you took stock, took responsibility, faced the reality of it, and moved on and forward!! Good for you lady!! You are learning from your mistakes, and that is why YOU WILL WIN!!

Hugs,
Sandie

stoppin in to say G'day... Hope you are having a great weekend!
hugs bell :)

Ok now matter what your doing right now I want you stop and just sing a song sing a song sing a song sing a sssssoooonnnnnggggg be happy it's going to be a glorious day tomorrow. No matter what the weather is like outside it's not going to break our spirits. Ok that song is over with. Right now I'm listening to some songs that I've downloaded. {singing} something tells me I'm into something good {singing done with}

Well enough of that sillyness. Can you tell that i"m in a good mood today? Today I start 4th week. i know I'm just as shocked as you are. And you know what that means weigh in day.

HERE IS A BREAKDOWN ON MY DAY

8:30AM woke up and I weighed myself right away. After the week I had I was sure that I would of gained, or even maintained. However I lost 1/2 a pound. Seeing that scale went down really motivated me. My goal each month is to loose 5 pounds by the last Sunday of the month. Since this is my last week before my final weigh in for the month, I have to loose at least 1/2 a pound this week. Well that my friends is something that I will do.

9:30AM - 1:30PM my mom and I went out for our usual Sunday breakfast. Afterwards we started driving over to Gene's fine foods. Their adds come in the mail every week and the produce seems pretty reasonable. As we were driving we started talking and before we knew my mom had droven off the main road. We ended up driving through a part of San Jose we've never seen before. It was one of the those areas where they have all the new houses. You know which one's I'm talking about right? The one's where all the houses look exactly the same, so you have to pay attention to street signs. Of course paying attention to street signs was the last thing on our minds we were just enjoying the drive and looking at the houses. Finally we saw somebody jogging and he gave us directions back to the expressway. From their we headed over to Gene's.

Turns out that Gene's was about the same price as Albertons. So we didn't stay their to long. next we drove into Sunnyvale to pick up my Grandma's medication at Longs. Then we headed over to Avenue. For Christmas my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin gave me a gift card. I brought two pairs of pants with it. Our next stop we headed to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. My mom got some stuff their, but I can't remember what she got. I got a tissue caddy, a waste basket, and a holder for my cups that I use for mouthwash. Their a matching set and the color is a light pale beige. My bathroom is a light pale rosey pink. But they didn't have anyhing like that. The color that i picked out looks really good in my bathroom. From their we headed back home again.

1:30pm - NOW..... That's pretty much how my day. The highlight was the drive and my weigh in this morning. This week I'm back on track 100%. I will make my monthly goal next Sunday. I will count my points. I will drink all my water. I will workout.

take care everyone! Katherine

love that positive vibe in your post Katherine :) Good job on losing that 1/2 pound. i know next week will be another successful week and you will meet your monthly goal!
i am so proud of you for sticking with it!
hugs bell :)

You're doing it Kath! Great job. Last week was rough, but you've pulled through it and put it behind you now. You're moving on. I'm very very proud of you! :cheers:

CONGRATULATIONS KATHERINE ON YOUR MARVELOUS SUCCESS :cheer: ... I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow so that you can share your success and stats with the Support Group ... You're moving forward and YOU ARE SHOWING YOU HAVE MADE A COMMITTMENT TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. As always, Monica

Dear Friends,
today I chatted with some friends and I wanted to thank them all again for always being their for me. I use to feel that the holidays are the hardest for me. Because I always felt that the holidays are an excuse to take it easy for the day, and not worry about counting points. I've come to the conculsion that the problem is getting back on track again. It's been 10 days and I'm still not back on track again.

During the chat tonight, Lizzie, said something that really made me think. She said that the holidays shouldn't be an excuse to go off of track. Until tonight I never thought of that before. Monica said that we have holidays all the time, so you can't use them as an excuse to go off track.

And I wanted to give a special thanks to Monica and Lizzie for that insight information. I can't make any promises, but tomorrow I'm going to take it all in one meal at a time.

I'm doing my grocery shopping tomorrow, but this time I'm going to plan out my meals ahead of time.

Oh I almost forgot. I didnt' loose 1/2 a pound this week. I gained 1/2 pound YIKES! This week if I dont make my monthly goal, I'm not going to worry to much about because next month I'm going to kick some serious but.

~ Katherine

Katherine, I am putting in your Journal the USUAL GROCERY ITEMS I purchase at Trader Joes .... the one's both Les and I enjoy .... offhand I know some of the prices ... but thinking about it ... the prices (as I recall when I went to college at San Jose State ) in Northern California tend to be slightly higher than in Southern California ......

FROZEN FOODS (Processed)
Trader Joes Toscano Pizza
Trader Joes Chicken Chow Mein
Trader Joes Asian Chicken Stir Fry
Trader Joes Corn Dogs
Morningstar Farms Better 'n Burgers
Morningstar Farm Chikn Patties
Trader Joes Roasted Garlic Enchiladas
Trader Joes Chicken Pot Pie
Trader Joes Turkey Pot Pie
Tofutti Cheese Blintzes
Trader Joes Potato Medley
Trader Joes Thai Pai


FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
Trader Joes packaged Cauliflower (can be microwaved in bag)
Trader Joes broccoli (can be microwaved in bag)
Trader Joes Edame (shelled)
Trader Joes Mini Peppers (red orange and yellow)
Trader Joes Mini Pearl Tomatoes
Trader Joes Organic Romaine Lettuce
Trader Joes Organic Baby Spinach Leaves
Alfalfa Sprouts
Trader Joes Organic Asparagus
Trader Joes Microwaveable Beets
Trader Joes Black Seedless Grapes
Trader Joes Mineola Tangerines


BREAD PRODUCTS:
Milton's Whole Grain Whole Wheat Bread
Zen Bakery Blueberry Muffin cakes (come six in a package)
Zen Bakery Apple-Cranberry Muffin cakes (6 in a package)
Trader Joes Fat Free English Muffins


MEATS:
Empire Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Trader Joes Butcher Shop Turkey Cutlets
Trader Joes Salmon Fillet
Trader Joes Butcher Shop Lamb Steaks


CHEESE:
Jarlsberg Light Swiss Cheese
Trader Joes Light Cream Cheese

They have terrific soups ... jams and peanut butter . I have tried their yogurts and cottage cheese .. I prefer getting Knudsen, Dannon or Yoplait...

I think that's enough to give you an idea .... look around their selections imo are fantastic. As always, Monica

Monica,
thank you so much for this list. I really appriciate it.

take care! Katherine

Got your PM Kath, would love to catch up with you sometime and chat!
I will come check up on you tomorrow and see how your exercising went!
hugs bell :)

Hi Katherine,

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately, but I've had a lot of things that needed doing before I leave for an extended weekend with my sister tomorrow. Actually, still have a lot to do. This morning Lizette, Dudley, and myself all got in the tub together. First I bathed Lizette, then Dudley, and finally myself. I figure if I'm going to get wet anyway, I might as well make the most of it and kill 3 birds with one shower.........LOL

I'm sorry to hear you've been having some problem sticking with your program. But never give up on yourself Katherine. I believe that losing this weight is something that you really want to do. And I also know that if we want anything bad enough, we have a way of making it happen. You will succeed. Just hang in there and keep trying. Regardless of how often you have to try, you are worth it. I won't give up on you, so you can't either. Together, we will win!!

Hugs,
Sandie

DAY 5 ~ WEEK 4 / welcome back your dreams were your ticket out....

Dear Friends,
I hope that everyone who reads this journal entry is having a super fantasic day. I was just at this one web site, where celerbritys keep journals. I'm sure that most, if not all, of them are fake. And that their are just people pretending to be different celerbritys.

This morning I finally workout again. I took it easy and I didn't push myself to much. Today I walked using WATP high calorie 2 mile tape. I walked 3:30 minutes, and then did a litle bit of stretching. I'm going to workout again on Saturday. I think as long as I keep up wtih my workout schedule then I'll be back to workout again like before. Well ok that was a few years ago, but still I know I can get back their again.

In just a little bit I'm going to be making meatloaf, and freezing it. this way I can have meatloaf whenever I want it. I'm trying a new recipe today, and i really hope it comes out good. In the past I would use Italian bread crumbs, but this time I'm using oatmeal. I'll write in tomorrow and le tyou all know how well it came out.

I'm so nervous aobut my weighin this Sunday. Since I've been off program, for so long, I'm not even counting on loosing any weight. If I'm lucky I'll just maintain and not gain to much.

HUGS AND KISES ~ KATHERINE

Hi Kath,
promised i would be back to check out your workout...hope you didnt have to sleep in your workout clothes????LOL.. it was cool chatting with you yesterday. i will have to make a habit of coming and chatting again..i used to chat here every day in the old days!
hope your meatloaf turns out nice..good thinking planning ahead so you can freeze some and have it handy.
hugs bell :)

Hi Katherine,
Nothing to be nervous about weighing in! You should not be nervous about something you are doing for yourself and the heck what anybody else thinks! This is your goal for you and you are losing for you. This is a journey you chose to take and it is all up to you how fast you get there or how slow.

Besides Katherine tomorrow is another day and each day is a chance for a new start and to learn from the day before so we don't keep making the same mistakes. Anyway that is what I am trying to do.

Anyway I was just walking through the neighborhood and saw the light on and wanted to say :wave:. Try to relax and enjoy this journey. Have a great night!!

Love and hugs,
lizzie

good morning everyone,
It looks like the flu has hit my house. My brother started getting sick last night, and then this morning around 5:00AM my mom started getting sick. Between 5:00AM and 6:30AM my mom got sick 3 times. I told her that she should stay home from work today. My mom thinks that it's out of her system now because the last time she got sick it was just dry heeves. Both my grandma and I haven't gotten sick, and hopefully we wont.

this morning I prepared my meatloaf. I didn't have a loaf pan to put it in. Instead I did something creative. I made six 4 oz, meatloaf balls. I just took it out of the oven, and it looks great. I haven't told you the best part. The recipe that I used to use for meatloaf, a serving was 6 points. The recipe that I used today it was 3 points for serving. Both recipes I divide up into 6 servings. I made this meatloaf with oatmeal, so hopefully it will come out good.

I think I'm finally back on program again. I don't want to say for sure, because I don't have any idea how the rest of this day is going to be. However so far my day has been going great.

Right now I'm pondering over rather to workout in the mornings or evenings. I perfer to take showers at night, so working out in the evening would be ideal for me. However the longer I wait during the day to workout the less likely I am to workout.

I've read somewhere that its a good idea to schedule your workout like Doctor's appointments. Cause if you have a Doctor's appointment your not going to miss it, otherwise you might end up paying a no show fee. If I miss a scheduled workout, it's not like i can be charged for it LOL.

I do have my workouts scheduled for all next week in the afternoon. I'm going to use next week as a test to see how I do.

HUGS AND KISSES ~ KATHERINE

BELL - LOL no i didn't sleep in my workout clothes. I know it was great chatting with you too the other day. I send you a PM message this mor